TOMYWIFE
IsawrainfallingandtherainbowdrawnOnLammermuir。HearkeningIheardagainInmyprecipitouscitybeatenbellsWinnowthekeenseawind。Andhereafar，Intentonmyownraceandplace，Iwrote。
Takethouthewriting：thineitis。ForwhoBurnishedthesword，blewonthedrowsycoal，Heldstillthetargethigher，charyofpraiseAndprodigalofcounsel-whobutthou？
Sonow，intheend，ifthistheleastbegood，Ifanydeedbedone，ifanyfireBurnintheimperfectpage，thepraisebethine。
INTRODUCTORY
INthewildendofamoorlandparish，faroutofthesightofanyhouse，therestandsacairnamongtheheather，andalittlebyeastofit，inthegoingdownofthebrae-side，amonumentwithsomeverseshalfdefaced。ItwasherethatClaverhouseshotwithhisownhandthePrayingWeaverofBalweary，andthechiselofOldMortalityhasclinkedonthatlonelygravestone。Publicanddomestichistoryhavethusmarkedwithabloodyfingerthishollowamongthehills;andsincetheCameroniangavehislifethere，twohundredyearsago，inagloriousfolly，andwithoutcomprehensionorregret，thesilenceofthemosshasbeenbrokenonceagainbythereportoffirearmsandthecryofthedying。
TheDeil’sHagswastheoldname。ButtheplaceisnowcalledFrancie’sCairn。ForawhileitwastoldthatFranciewalked。AggicHoggmethiminthegloamingbythecairnside，andhespoketoher，withchatteringteeth，sothathiswordswerelost。HepursuedRobTodd（ifanyonecouldhavebelievedRobbie）forthespaceofhalfamilewithpitifulentreaties。Buttheageisoneofincredulity;thesesuperstitiousdecorationsspeedilyfelloff;andthefactsofthestoryitself，likethebonesofagiantburiedthereandhalfdugup，survived，nakedandimperfect，inthememoryofthescatteredneighbours。Tothisday，ofwinternights，whenthesleetisonthewindowandthecattlearequietinthebyre，therewillbetoldagain，amidthesilenceoftheyoungandtheadditionsandcorrectionsoftheold，thetaleoftheJustice-Clerkandofhisson，youngHermiston，thatvanishedfrommen’sknowledge;ofthetwoKirstiesandtheFourBlackBrothersoftheCauldstaneslap;andofFrankInnes，\"theyoungfooladvocate，\"thatcameintothesemoorlandpartstofindhisdestiny。
CHAPTERI-LIFEANDDEATHOFMRS。WEIR
THELordJustice-Clerkwasastrangerinthatpartofthecountry;buthisladywifewasknowntherefromachild，asherracehadbeenbeforeher。Theold\"ridingRutherfordsofHermiston，\"ofwhomshewasthelastdescendant，hadbeenfamousmenofyore，illneighbours，illsubjects，andillhusbandstotheirwivesthoughnottheirproperties。
Talesofthemwererifefortwentymilesabout;andtheirnamewasevenprintedinthepageofourScotshistories，notalwaystotheircredit。
OnebitthedustatFlodden;onewashangedathispeeldoorbyJamestheFifth;anotherfelldeadinacarousewithTomDalyell;whileafourth（andthatwasJean’sownfather）diedpresidingataHell-FireClub，ofwhichhewasthefounder。ThereweremanyheadsshakeninCrossmichaelatthatjudgment;themoresoasthemanhadavillainousreputationamonghighandlow，andbothwiththegodlyandtheworldly。
Atthatveryhourofhisdemise，hehadtengoingpleasbeforetheSession，eightofthemoppressive。Andthesamedoomextendedeventohisagents;hisgrieve，thathadbeenhisrighthandinmanyaleft-handbusiness，beingcastfromhishorseonenightanddrownedinapeat-hagontheKye-skairs;andhisverydoer（althoughlawyershavelongspoons）
survivinghimnotlong，anddyingonasuddeninabloodyflux。
Inallthesegenerations，whileamaleRutherfordwasinthesaddlewithhislads，orbrawlinginachange-house，therewouldbealwaysawhite-
facedwifeimmuredathomeintheoldpeelorthelatermansion-house。
Itseemedthissuccessionofmartyrsbidedlong，buttooktheirvengeanceintheend，andthatwasinthepersonofthelastdescendant，Jean。SheborethenameoftheRutherfords，butshewasthedaughteroftheirtremblingwives。Atthefirstshewasnotwhollywithoutcharm。
Neighboursrecalledinher，asachild，astrainofelfinwilfulness，gentlelittlemutinies，sadlittlegaieties，evenamorninggleamofbeautythatwasnottobefulfilled。Shewitheredinthegrowing，and（whetheritwasthesinsofhersiresorthesorrowsofhermothers）
cametohermaturitydepressed，and，asitwere，defaced;nobloodoflifeinher，nograsporgaiety;pious，anxious，tender，tearful，andincompetent。
Itwasawondertomanythatshehadmarried-seemingsowhollyofthestuffthatmakesoldmaids。ButchancecastherinthepathofAdamWeir，thenthenewLord-Advocate，arecognised，risenman，theconquerorofmanyobstacles，andthuslateinthedaybeginningtothinkuponawife。Hewasonewholookedrathertoobediencethanbeauty，yetitwouldseemhewasstruckwithheratthefirstlook。\"Wha’sshe？\"hesaid，turningtohishost;and，whenhehadbeentold，\"Ay，\"sayshe，\"shelooksmenseful。Shemindsme-\";andthen，afterapause（whichsomehavebeendaringenoughtosetdowntosentimentalrecollections），\"Isshereleegious？\"heasked，andwasshortlyafter，athisownrequest，presented。Theacquaintance，whichitseemsprofanetocallacourtship，waspursuedwithMr。Weir’saccustomedindustry，andwaslongalegend，orratherasourceoflegends，intheParliamentHouse。Hewasdescribedcoming，rosywithmuchport，intothedrawing-room，walkingdirectuptothelady，andassailingherwithpleasantries，towhichtheembarrassedfaironeresponded，inwhatseemedakindofagony，\"Eh，Mr。Weir！\"or\"O，Mr。Weir！\"or\"Keepme，Mr。Weir！\"Ontheveryeveoftheirengagement，itwasrelatedthatonehaddrawnneartothetendercouple，andhadoverheardtheladycryout，withthetonesofonewhotalkedforthesakeoftalking，\"Keepme，Mr。Weir，andwhatbecameofhim？\"andtheprofoundaccentsofthesuitorreply，\"Haangit，mem，haangit。\"Themotivesuponeithersideweremuchdebated。Mr。
Weirmusthavesupposedhisbridetobesomehowsuitable;perhapshebelongedtothatclassofmenwhothinkaweakheadtheornamentofwomen-anopinioninvariablypunishedinthislife。Herdescentandherestatewerebeyondquestion。HerwayfaringancestorsandherlitigiousfatherhaddonewellbyJean。Therewasreadymoneyandtherewerebroadacres，readytofallwhollytothehusband，tolenddignitytohisdescendants，andtohimselfatitle，whenheshouldbecalledupontheBench。OnthesideofJean，therewasperhapssomefascinationofcuriosityastothisunknownmaleanimalthatapproachedherwiththeroughnessofaploughmanandtheAPLOMBofanadvocate。Beingsotrenchantlyopposedtoallsheknew，loved，orunderstood，hemaywellhaveseemedtohertheextreme，ifscarcelytheideal，ofhissex。Andbesides，hewasanillmantorefuse。Alittleoverfortyattheperiodofhismarriage，helookedalreadyolder，andtotheforceofmanhoodaddedthesenatorialdignityofyears;itwas，perhaps，withanunreverendawe，buthewasawful。TheBench，theBar，andthemostexperiencedandreluctantwitness，bowedtohisauthority-andwhynotJeannieRutherford？
Theheresyaboutfoolishwomenisalwayspunished，Ihavesaid，andLordHermistonbegantopaythepenaltyatonce。HishouseinGeorgeSquarewaswretchedlyill-guided;nothinganswerabletotheexpenseofmaintenancebutthecellar，whichwashisownprivatecare。Whenthingswentwrongatdinner，astheycontinuallydid，mylordwouldlookupthetableathiswife：\"Ithinkthesebrothwouldbebettertosweeminthantosup。\"Orelsetothebutler：\"Here，M’Killop，awa’wi’thisRaadicalgigot-tak’ittotheFrench，man，andbringmesomepuddocks！ItseemsratherasorekindofabusinessthatIshouldbealldayinCourthaangingRaadicals，andgetnawthingtomydenner。\"Ofcoursethiswasbutamannerofspeaking，andhehadneverhangedamanforbeingaRadicalinhislife;thelaw，ofwhichhewasthefaithfulminister，directingotherwise。Andofcoursethesegrowlswereinthenatureofpleasantry，butitwasofareconditesort;andutteredastheywereinhisresoundingvoice，andcommentedonbythatexpressionwhichtheycalledintheParliamentHouse\"Hermiston’shangingface\"-theystruckmeredismayintothewife。Shesatbeforehimspeechlessandfluttering;ateachdish，asatafreshordeal，hereyehoveredtowardmylord’scountenanceandfellagain;ifhebutateinsilence，unspeakablereliefwasherportion;iftherewerecomplaint，theworldwasdarkened。Shewouldseekoutthecook，whowasalwaysherSISTERIN
THELORD。\"O，mydear，thisisthemostdreidfulthingthatmylordcanneverbecontentedinhisownhouse！\"shewouldbegin;andweepandpraywiththecook;andthenthecookwouldpraywithMrs。Weir;andthenextday’smealwouldneverbeapennythebetter-andthenextcook（whenshecame）wouldbeworse，ifanything，butjustaspious。ItwasoftenwonderedthatLordHermistonboreitashedid;indeed，hewasastoicaloldvoluptuary，contentedwithsoundwineandplentyofit。Butthereweremomentswhenheoverflowed。Perhapshalfadozentimesinthehistoryofhismarriedlife-\"Here！tak’itawa’，andbringmeapiecebreadandkebbuck！\"hehadexclaimed，withanappallingexplosionofhisvoiceandraregestures。Nonethoughttodisputeortomakeexcuses;
theservicewasarrested;Mrs。Weirsatattheheadofthetablewhimperingwithoutdisguise;andhislordshipoppositemunchedhisbreadandcheeseinostentatiousdisregard。Onceonly，Mrs。Weirhadventuredtoappeal。Hewaspassingherchaironhiswayintothestudy。
\"O，Edom！\"shewailed，inavoicetragicwithtears，andreachingouttohimbothhands，inoneofwhichsheheldasoppingpocket-handkerchief。
Hepausedandlookeduponherwithafaceofwrath，intowhichtherestole，ashelooked，atwinkleofhumour。
\"Noansense！\"hesaid。\"Youandyournoansense！WhatdoIwantwithaChristianfaim’ly？IwantChristianbroth！Getmealassthatcanplain-boilapotato，ifshewasawhureoffthestreets。\"Andwiththesewords，whichechoedinhertenderearslikeblasphemy，hehadpassedontohisstudyandshutthedoorbehindhim。
SuchwasthehousewiferyinGeorgeSquare。ItwasbetteratHermiston，whereKirstieElliott，thesisterofaneighbouringbonnet-laird，andaneighteenthcousinofthelady’s，borethechargeofall，andkeptatrimhouseandagoodcountrytable。Kirstiewasawomaninathousand，clean，capable，notable;onceamoorlandHelen，andstillcomelyasabloodhorseandhealthyasthehillwind。Highinfleshandvoiceandcolour，sheranthehousewithherwholeintemperatesoul，inabustle，notwithoutbuffets。Scarcemorepiousthandecencyinthosedaysrequired，shewasthecauseofmanyananxiousthoughtandmanyatearfulprayertoMrs。Weir。HousekeeperandmistressrenewedthepartsofMarthaandMary;andthoughwithaprickingconscience，MaryreposedonMartha’sstrengthasonarock。EvenLordHermistonheldKirstieinaparticularregard。Therewerefewwithwhomheunbentsogladly，fewwhomhefavouredwithsomanypleasantries。\"Kirstieandmemaunhaveourjoke，\"hewoulddeclareinhighgood-humour，ashebutteredKirstie’sscones，andshewaitedattable。Amanwhohadnoneedeitherofloveorofpopularity，akeenreaderofmenandofevents，therewasperhapsonlyonetruthforwhichhewasquiteunprepared：hewouldhavebeenquiteunpreparedtolearnthatKirstiehatedhim。Hethoughtmaidandmasterwerewellmatched;hard，bandy，healthy，broadScotsfolk，withoutahairofnonsensetothepairofthem。Andthefactwasthatshemadeagoddessandanonlychildoftheeffeteandtearfullady;andevenasshewaitedattableherhandswouldsometimesitchformylord’sears。
Thus，atleast，whenthefamilywereatHermiston，notonlymylord，butMrs。Weirtoo，enjoyedaholiday。Freefromthedreadfullooking-forofthemiscarrieddinner，shewouldmindherseam，readherpietybooks，andtakeherwalk（whichwasmylord’sorders），sometimesbyherself，sometimeswithArchie，theonlychildofthatscarcenaturalunion。Thechildwashernextbondtolife。Herfrostedsentimentbloomedagain，shebreatheddeepoflife，sheletlooseherheart，inthatsociety。
Themiracleofhermotherhoodwasevernewtoher。Thesightofthelittlemanatherskirtintoxicatedherwiththesenseofpower，andfrozeherwiththeconsciousnessofherresponsibility。Shelookedforward，and，seeinghiminfancygrowupandplayhisdiversepartontheworld’stheatre，caughtinherbreathandlifteduphercouragewithalivelyeffort。Itwasonlywiththechildthatsheforgotherselfandwasatmomentsnatural;yetitwasonlywiththechildthatshehadconceivedandmanagedtopursueaschemeofconduct。Archiewastobeagreatmanandagood;aministerifpossible，asaintforcertain。Shetriedtoengagehisminduponherfavouritebooks，Rutherford’sLETTERS，ScougallsGRACEABOUNDING，andthelike。Itwasacommonpracticeofhers（andstrangetoremembernow）thatshewouldcarrythechildtotheDeil’sHags，sitwithhimonthePrayingWeaver’sstone，andtalkoftheCovenanterstilltheirtearsrandown。Herviewofhistorywaswhollyartless，adesigninsnowandink;upontheoneside，tenderinnocentswithpsalmsupontheirlips;upontheother，thepersecutors，booted，bloody-minded，flushedwithwine：asufferingChrist，aragingBeelzebub。PERSECUTORwasawordthatknockeduponthewoman’sheart;
itwasherhighestthoughtofwickedness，andthemarkofitwasonherhouse。Hergreat-great-grandfatherhaddrawntheswordagainsttheLord’sanointedonthefieldofRullionGreen，andbreathedhislast（traditionsaid）inthearmsofthedetestableDalyell。Norcouldsheblindherselftothis，thathadtheylivedinthoseolddays，HermistonhimselfwouldhavebeennumberedalongsideofBloodyMacKenzieandthepoliticLauderdaleandRothes，inthebandofGod’simmediateenemies。
Thesenseofthismovedhertothemorefervour;shehadavoiceforthatnameofPERSECUTORthatthrilledinthechild’smarrow;andwhenonedaythemobhootedandhissedthemallinmylord’stravellingcarriage，andcried，\"Downwiththepersecutor！downwithHangingHermiston！\"andmammacoveredhereyesandwept，andpapaletdowntheglassandlookedoutupontherabblewithhisdrollformidableface，bitterandsmiling，astheysaidhesometimeslookedwhenhegavesentence，Archiewasforthemomenttoomuchamazedtobealarmed，buthehadscarcegothismotherbyherselfbeforehisshrillvoicewasraiseddemandinganexplanation：whyhadtheycalledpapaapersecutor？
\"Keepme，myprecious！\"sheexclaimed。\"Keepme，mydear！thisispoleetical。Yemustneveraskmeanythingpoleetical，Erchie。Yourfaitherisagreatman，mydear，andit’snoformeoryoutobejudginghim。Itwouldbetellingusall，ifwebehavedourselvesinourseveralstationsthewayyourfaitherdoesinhishighoffice;andletmehearnomoreofanysuchdisrespectfulandundutifulquestions！Nothatyoumeanttobeundutiful，mylamb;yourmotherkensthat-shekensitwell，dearie！\"Andsoslidofftosafertopics，andleftonthemindofthechildanobscurebutineradicablesenseofsomethingwrong。
Mrs。Weir’sphilosophyoflifewassummedinoneexpression-
tenderness。Inherviewoftheuniverse，whichwasalllightedupwithaglowoutofthedoorsofhell，goodpeoplemustwalkthereinakindofecstasyoftenderness。Thebeastsandplantshadnosouls;theywereherebutforaday，andlettheirdaypassgently！Andasfortheimmortalmen，onwhatblack，downwardpathweremanyofthemwending，andtowhatahorrorofanimmortality！\"Arenottwosparrows，\"
\"Whosoevershallsmitethee，\"\"GodsendethHisrain，\"\"Judgenot，thatyebenotjudged\"-thesetextsmadeherbodyofdivinity;sheputthemoninthemorningwithherclothesandlaydowntosleepwiththematnight;theyhauntedherlikeafavouriteair，theyclungaboutherlikeafavouriteperfume。Theirministerwasamarrowyexpounderofthelaw，andmylordsatunderhimwithrelish;butMrs。Weirrespectedhimfromfaroff;heardhim（likethecannonofabeleagueredcity）usefullyboomingoutsideonthedogmaticramparts;andmeanwhile，withinandoutofshot，dweltinherprivategardenwhichshewateredwithgratefultears。Itseemsstrangetosayofthiscolourlessandineffectualwoman，butshewasatrueenthusiast，andmighthavemadethesunshineandthegloryofacloister。PerhapsnonebutArchieknewshecouldbeeloquent;perhapsnonebuthehadseenher-hercolourraised，herhandsclaspedorquivering-glowwithgentleardour。ThereisacornerofthepolicyofHermiston，whereyoucomesuddenlyinviewofthesummitofBlackFell，sometimeslikethemeregrasstopofahill，sometimes（andthisisherownexpression）likeapreciousjewelintheheavens。Onsuchdays，uponthesuddenviewofit，herhandwouldtightenonthechild’sfingers，hervoiceriselikeasong。\"ITOTHE
HILLS！\"shewouldrepeat。\"AndO，Erchie，arenaetheselikethehillsofNaphtali？\"andhertearswouldflow。
Uponanimpressionablechildtheeffectofthiscontinualandprettyaccompanimenttolifewasdeep。Thewoman’squietismandpietypassedontohisdifferentnatureundiminished;butwhereasinheritwasanativesentiment，inhimitwasonlyanimplanteddogma。Natureandthechild’spugnacityattimesrevolted。AcadfromthePotterrowoncestruckhiminthemouth;hestruckback，thepairfoughtitoutinthebackstablelanetowardstheMeadows，andArchiereturnedwithaconsiderabledeclineinthenumberofhisfrontteeth，andunregeneratelyboastingofthelossesofthefoe。ItwasasoredayforMrs。Weir;sheweptandprayedovertheinfantbackslideruntilmylordwasduefromCourt，andshemustresumethatairoftremulouscomposurewithwhichshealwaysgreetedhim。Thejudgewasthatdayinanobservantmood，andremarkedupontheabsentteeth。
\"IamafraidErchiewillhavebeenfechtingwithsomeoftheyblagyardlads，\"saidMrs。Weir。
Mylord’svoicerangoutasitdidseldomintheprivacyofhisownhouse。\"I’llhavenormofthat，sir！\"hecried。\"Doyouhearme？-
nonnofthat！Nosonofmineshallbespelderingintheglaurwithanydirtyraibble。\"
Theanxiousmotherwasgratefulforsomuchsupport;shehadevenfearedthecontrary。Andthatnightwhensheputthechildtobed-\"Now，mydear，yesee！\"shesaid，\"Itoldyouwhatyourfaitherwouldthinkofit，ifheheardyehadfallenintothisdreidfulsin;andletyouandmepraytoGodthatyemaybekeepitfromtheliketemptationorstrengthenedtoresistit！\"
Thewomanlyfalsityofthiswasthrownaway。Iceandironcannotbewelded;andthepointsofviewoftheJustice-ClerkandMrs。Weirwerenotlessunassimilable。Thecharacterandpositionofhisfatherhadlongbeenastumbling-blocktoArchie，andwitheveryyearofhisagethedifficultygrewmoreinstant。Themanwasmostlysilent;whenhespokeatall，itwastospeakofthethingsoftheworld，alwaysinaworldlyspirit，ofteninlanguagethatthechildhadbeenschooledtothinkcoarse，andsometimeswithwordsthatheknewtobesinsinthemselves。Tendernesswasthefirstduty，andmylordwasinvariablyharsh。Godwaslove;thenameofmylord（toallwhoknewhim）wasfear。Intheworld，asschematisedforArchiebyhismother，theplacewasmarkedforsuchacreature。Thereweresomewhomitwasgoodtopityandwell（thoughverylikelyuseless）toprayfor;theywerenamedreprobates，goats，God’senemies，brandsfortheburning;andArchietalliedeverymarkofidentification，anddrewtheinevitableprivateinferencethattheLordJustice-Clerkwasthechiefofsinners。
Themother’shonestywasscarcecomplete。Therewasoneinfluenceshefearedforthechildandstillsecretlycombated;thatwasmylord’s;
andhalfunconsciously，halfinawilfulblindness，shecontinuedtoundermineherhusbandwithhisson。AslongasArchieremainedsilent，shedidsoruthlessly，withasingleeyetoheavenandthechild’ssalvation;butthedaycamewhenArchiespoke。Itwas1801，andArchiewasseven，andbeyondhisyearsforcuriosityandlogic，whenhebroughtthecaseupopenly。Ifjudgingweresinfulandforbidden，howcamepapatobeajudge？tohavethatsinforatrade？tobearthenameofitforadistinction？
\"Ican’tseeit，\"saidthelittleRabbi，andwaggedhishead。
Mrs。Weiraboundedincommonplacereplies。
\"No，Icannaeseeit，\"reiteratedArchie。\"AndI’lltellyouwhat，mamma，Idon’tthinkyouandme’sjustifeedinstayingwithhim。\"
Thewomanawoketoremorse，shesawherselfdisloyaltoherman，hersovereignandbread-winner，inwhom（withwhatshehadofworldliness）
shetookacertainsubduedpride。Sheexpatiatedinreplyonmylord’shonourandgreatness;hisusefulservicesinthisworldofsorrowandwrong，andtheplaceinwhichhestood，farabovewherebabesandinnocentscouldhopetoseeorcriticise。Butshehadbuildedtoowell-Archiehadhisanswerspat：Werenotbabesandinnocentsthetypeofthekingdomofheaven？Werenothonourandgreatnessthebadgesoftheworld？Andatanyrate，howaboutthemobthathadonceseethedaboutthecarriage？
\"It’sallveryfine，\"heconcluded，\"butinmyopinionpapahasnorighttobeit。Anditseemsthat’snottheworstyetofit。Itseemshe’scalled\"TheHangingjudge\"-itseemshe’scrooool。I’lltellyouwhatitis，mamma，there’satex’borneinuponme：Itwerebetterforthatmanifamilestonewerebounduponhisbackandhimflungintothedeepestmostpairtsofthesea。\"
\"O，mylamb，yemustneversaythelikeofthat！\"shecried。\"Ye’retohonourfaitherandmother，dear，thatyourdaysmaybelongintheland。
It’sAtheiststhatcryoutagainsthim-FrenchAtheists，Erchie！YewouldneversurelyevenyourselfdowntobesayingthesamethingasFrenchAtheists？Itwouldbreakmyhearttothinkthatofyou。AndO，Erchie，hereare’naYOUsettinguptoJUDGE？AndhaveyenoforgotGod’splaincommand-theFirstwithPromise，dear？Mindyouuponthebeamandthemote！\"
Havingthuscarriedthewarintotheenemy’scamp，theterrifiedladybreathedagain。Andnodoubtitiseasythustocircumventachildwithcatchwords，butitmaybequestionedhowfaritiseffectual。Aninstinctinhisbreastdetectsthequibble，andavoicecondemnsit。Hewillinstantlysubmit，privatelyholdthesameopinion。Foreveninthissimpleandantiquerelationofthemotherandthechild，hypocrisiesaremultiplied。
WhentheCourtrosethatyearandthefamilyreturnedtoHermiston，itwasacommonremarkinallthecountrythattheladywassorefailed。
Sheseemedtolooseandseizeagainhertouchwithlife，nowsittinginertinasortofdurablebewilderment，anonwakingtofeverishandweakactivity。Shedawdledaboutthelassesattheirwork，lookingstupidlyon;shefelltorummaginginoldcabinetsandpresses，anddesistedwhenhalfthrough;shewouldbeginremarkswithanairofanimationanddropthemwithoutastruggle。Hercommonappearancewasofonewhohasforgottensomethingandistryingtoremember;andwhensheoverhauled，oneafteranother，theworthlessandtouchingmementoesofheryouth，shemighthavebeenseekingthecluetothatlostthought。
Duringthisperiod，shegavemanygiftstotheneighboursandhouselasses，givingthemwithamannerofregretthatembarrassedtherecipients。
Thelastnightofallshewasbusyonsomefemalework，andtoileduponitwithsomanifestandpainfuladevotionthatmylord（whowasnotoftencurious）inquiredastoitsnature。
Sheblushedtotheeyes。\"O，Edom，it’sforyou！\"shesaid。\"It’sslippers。I-Ihaenevermadeyeany。\"
\"Yedaftauldwife！\"returnedhislordship。\"AbonnyfigureIwouldbe，palmeringaboutinbauchles！\"
Thenextday，atthehourofherwalk，Kirstieinterfered。Kirstietookthisdecayofhermistressveryhard;boreheragrudge，quarrelledwithandraileduponher，theanxietyofagenuinelovewearingthedisguiseoftemper。Thisdayofalldayssheinsisteddisrespectfully，withrusticfury，thatMrs。Weirshouldstayathome。But，\"No，no，\"shesaid，\"it’smylord’sorders，\"andsetforthasusual。Archiewasvisibleintheacrebog，engageduponsomechildishenterprise，theinstrumentofwhichwasmire;andshestoodandlookedathimawhilelikeoneabouttocall;thenthoughtotherwise，sighed，andshookherhead，andproceededonherroundsalone。Thehouselasseswereattheburnsidewashing，andsawherpasswithherloose，weary，dowdygait。
\"She’saterriblefecklesswife，themistress！\"saidtheone。
\"Tut，\"saidtheother，\"thewumman’sseeck。\"
\"Weel，Icannaseenaedifferinher，\"returnedthefirst。\"A
fushionlessquean，afecklesscarline。\"
Thepoorcreaturethusdiscussedrambledawhileinthegroundswithoutapurpose。Tidesinhermindebbedandflowed，andcarriedhertoandfrolikeseaweed。Shetriedapath，paused，returned，andtriedanother;questing，forgettingherquest;thespiritofchoiceextinctinherbosom，ordevoidofsequency。Onasudden，itappearedasthoughshehadremembered，orhadformedaresolution，wheeledabout，returnedwithhurriedsteps，andappearedinthedining-room，whereKirstiewasatthecleaning，likeonechargedwithanimportanterrand。
\"Kirstie！\"shebegan，andpaused;andthenwithconviction，\"Mr。Weirisnaspeerituallyminded，buthehasbeenagoodmantome。\"
Itwasperhapsthefirsttimesinceherhusband’selevationthatshehadforgottenthehandletohisname，ofwhichthetender，inconsistentwomanwasnotalittleproud。AndwhenKirstielookedupatthespeaker’sface，shewasawareofachange。
\"Godsake，what’sthemaitterwi’ye，mem？\"criedthehousekeeper，startingfromtherug。
\"Idonotken，\"answeredhermistress，shakingherhead。\"Butheisnotspeerituallyminded，mydear。\"
\"Here，sitdownwithye！Godsake，whatailsthewife？\"criedKirstie，andhelpedandforcedherintomylord’sownchairbythecheekofthehearth。
\"Keepme，what’sthis？\"shegasped。\"Kirstie，what’sthis？I’mfrich’ened。\"
Theywereherlastwords。
Itwastheloweringnightfallwhenmylordreturned。Hehadthesunsetinhisback，allcloudsandglory;andbeforehim，bythewayside，spiedKirstieElliottwaiting。Shewasdissolvedintears，andaddressedhiminthehigh，falsenoteofbarbarousmourning，suchasstilllingersmodifiedamongScotsheather。
\"TheLordpeetyye，Hermiston！theLordprepareye！\"shekeenedout。
\"Wearyuponme，thatIshouldhavetotellit！\"
Hereinedinhishorseandlookeduponherwiththehangingface。
\"HastheFrenchlandit？\"criedhe。
\"Man，man，\"shesaid，\"isthata’yecanthinkof？TheLordprepareye：
theLordcomfortandsupportye！\"
\"Isonybodydeid？\"saidhislordship。\"It’snoErchie？\"
\"Bethankit，no！\"exclaimedthewoman，startledintoamorenaturaltone。
\"Na，na，it’snosaebadasthat。It’sthemistress，mylord;shejustfairflittitbeforemye’en。Shejustgi’edasabandwasbywi’it。
Eh，mybonnyMissJeannie，thatImindsaeweel！\"Andforthagainuponthatpouringtideoflamentationinwhichwomenofherclassexcelandover-abound。
LordHermistonsatinthesaddlebeholdingher。Thenheseemedtorecovercommanduponhimself。
\"Well，it’ssomethingofthesuddenest，\"saidhe。\"Butshewasadwaiblybodyfromthefirst。\"
AndherodehomeataprecipitateamblewithKirstieathishorse’sheels。
Dressedasshewasforherlastwalk，theyhadlaidthedeadladyonherbed。Shewasneverinterestinginlife;indeathshewasnotimpressive;andasherhusbandstoodbeforeher，withhishandscrossedbehindhispowerfulback，thatwhichhelookeduponwastheveryimageoftheinsignificant。
\"Herandmewerenevercutoutforoneanother，\"heremarkedatlast。
\"Itwasadaft-likemarriage。\"Andthen，withamostunusualgentlenessoftone，\"Puirbitch，\"saidhe，\"puirbitch！\"Thensuddenly：\"Where’sErchie？\"
Kirstiehaddecoyedhimtoherroomandgivenhim\"ajeely-piece。\"
\"Yehavesomekindofgumption，too，\"observedthejudge，andconsideredhishousekeepergrimly。\"Whenall’ssaid，\"headded，\"Imichthavedonewaur-ImichthavebeenmarrietuponaskirtingJezebellikeyou！\"
\"There’snaebodythinkingofyou，Hermiston！\"criedtheoffendedwoman。
\"Wethinkofherthat’soutofhersorrows。AndcouldSHEhavedonewaur？Tellmethat，Hermiston-tellmethatbeforeherclay-cauldcorp！\"
\"Weel，there’ssomeofthemgeyan’illtoplease，\"observedhislordship。
CHAPTERII-FATHERANDSON
MYLordJustice-Clerkwasknowntomany;themanAdamWeirperhapstonone。Hehadnothingtoexplainortoconceal;hesufficedwhollyandsilentlytohimself;andthatpartofournaturewhichgoesout（toooftenwithfalsecoin）toacquiregloryorlove，seemedinhimtobeomitted。Hedidnottrytobeloved，hedidnotcaretobe;itisprobabletheverythoughtofitwasastrangertohismind。Hewasanadmiredlawyer，ahighlyunpopularjudge;andhelookeddownuponthosewhowerehisinferiorsineitherdistinction，whowerelawyersoflessgrasporjudgesnotsomuchdetested。Inalltherestofhisdaysanddoings，notonetraceofvanityappeared;andhewentonthroughlifewithamechanicalmovement，asoftheunconscious;thatwasalmostaugust。
Hesawlittleofhisson。Inthechildishmaladieswithwhichtheboywastroubled，hewouldmakedailyinquiriesanddailypayhimavisit，enteringthesick-roomwithafacetiousandappallingcountenance，lettingoffafewperfunctoryjests，andgoingagainswiftly，tothepatient’srelief。Once，acourtholidayfallingopportunely，mylordhadhiscarriage，anddrovethechildhimselftoHermiston，thecustomaryplaceofconvalescence。Itisconceivablehehadbeenmorethanusuallyanxious，forthatjourneyalwaysremainedinArchie’smemoryasathingapart，hisfatherhavingrelatedtohimfrombeginningtoend，andwithmuchdetail，threeauthenticmurdercases。ArchiewenttheusualroundofotherEdinburghboys，thehighschoolandthecollege;andHermistonlookedon，orratherlookedaway，withscarceanaffectationofinterestinhisprogress。Daily，indeed，uponasignalafterdinner，hewasbroughtin，givennutsandaglassofport，regardedsardonically，sarcasticallyquestioned。\"Well，sir，andwhathaveyoudonnwithyourbookto-day？\"mylordmightbegin，andsethimposersinlawLatin。ToachildjuststumblingintoCorderius，PapinianandPaulprovedquiteinvincible。Butpapahadmemoryofnoother。Hewasnotharshtothelittlescholar，havingavastfundofpatiencelearneduponthebench，andwasatnopainswhethertoconcealortoexpresshisdisappointment。\"Well，yehavealongjauntbeforeyeyet！\"
hemightobserve，yawning，andfallbackonhisownthoughts（aslikeasnot）untilthetimecameforseparation，andmylordwouldtakethedecanterandtheglass，andbeofftothebackchamberlookingontheMeadows，wherehetoiledonhiscasestillthehoursweresmall。Therewasno\"fullerman\"onthebench;hismemorywasmarvellous，thoughwhollylegal;ifhehadto\"advise\"extempore，nonediditbetter;yettherewasnonewhomoreearnestlyprepared。Ashethuswatchedinthenight，orsatattableandforgotthepresenceofhisson，nodoubtbuthetasteddeeplyofreconditepleasures。Tobewhollydevotedtosomeintellectualexerciseistohavesucceededinlife;andperhapsonlyinlawandthehighermathematicsmaythisdevotionbemaintained，sufficetoitselfwithoutreaction，andfindcontinualrewardswithoutexcitement。Thisatmosphereofhisfather’ssterlingindustrywasthebestofArchie’seducation。Assuredlyitdidnotattracthim;assuredlyitratherrebuttedanddepressed。Yetitwasstillpresent，unobservedlikethetickingofaclock，anaridideal，atastelessstimulantintheboy’slife。
ButHermistonwasnotallofonepiece。Hewas，besides，amightytoper;hecouldsitatwineuntilthedaydawned，andpassdirectlyfromthetabletothebenchwithasteadyhandandaclearhead。Beyondthethirdbottle，heshowedtheplebeianinalargerprint;thelow，grossaccent，thelow，foulmirth，grewbroaderandcommoner;hebecamelessformidable，andinfinitelymoredisgusting。Now，theboyhadinheritedfromJeanRutherfordashiveringdelicacy，unequallymatedwithpotentialviolence。Intheplaying-fields，andamongsthisowncompanions，herepaidacoarseexpressionwithablow;athisfather’stable（whenthetimecameforhimtojointheserevels）heturnedpaleandsickenedinsilence。Ofalltheguestswhomhethereencountered，hehadtolerationforonlyone：DavidKeithCarnegie，LordGlenalmond。
LordGlenalmondwastallandemaciated，withlongfeaturesandlongdelicatehands。HewasoftencomparedwiththestatueofForbesofCullodenintheParliamentHouse;andhisblueeye，atmorethansixty，preservedsomeofthefireofyouth。Hisexquisitedisparitywithanyofhisfellow-guests，hisappearanceasofanartistandanaristocratstrandedinrudecompany，rivetedtheboy’sattention;andascuriosityandinterestarethethingsintheworldthatarethemostimmediatelyandcertainlyrewarded，LordGlenalmondwasattractedbytheboy。
\"Andsothisisyourson，Hermiston？\"heasked，layinghishandonArchie’sshoulder。\"He’sgettingabiglad。\"
\"Hout！\"saidthegraciousfather，\"justhismotheroveragain-daurnasaybootoagoose！\"
Butthestrangerretainedtheboy，talkedtohim，drewhimout，foundinhimatasteforletters，andafine，ardent，modest，youthfulsoul;andencouragedhimtobeavisitoronSundayeveningsinhisbare，cold，lonelydining-room，wherehesatandreadintheisolationofabachelorgrownoldinrefinement。Thebeautifulgentlenessandgraceoftheoldjudge，andthedelicacyofhisperson，thoughts，andlanguage，spoketoArchie’sheartinitsowntongue。Heconceivedtheambitiontobesuchanother;and，whenthedaycameforhimtochooseaprofession，itwasinemulationofLordGlenalmond，notofLordHermiston，thathechosetheBar。Hermistonlookedonatthisfriendshipwithsomesecretpride，butopenlywiththeintoleranceofscorn。Hescarcelostanopportunitytoputthemdownwitharoughjape;and，tosaytruth，itwasnotdifficult，fortheywereneitherofthemquick。Hehadawordofcontemptforthewholecrowdofpoets，painters，fiddlers，andtheiradmirers，thebastardraceofamateurs，whichwascontinuallyonhislips。\"SignorFeedle-eerie！\"hewouldsay。\"O，forGoad’ssake，nomoreoftheSignor！\"
\"Youandmyfatheraregreatfriends，areyounot？\"askedArchieonce。
\"ThereisnomanthatImorerespect，Archie，\"repliedLordGlenalmond。
\"Heistwothingsofprice。Heisagreatlawyer，andheisuprightastheday。\"
\"Youandhearesodifferent，\"saidtheboy，hiseyesdwellingonthoseofhisoldfriend，likealover’sonhismistress’s。
\"Indeedso，\"repliedthejudge;\"verydifferent。AndsoIfearareyouandhe。YetIwouldlikeitveryillifmyyoungfriendweretomisjudgehisfather。HehasalltheRomanvirtues：CatoandBrutusweresuch;Ithinkason’sheartmightwellbeproudofsuchanancestryofone。\"
\"AndIwouldsoonerhewereaplaidedherd，\"criedArchie，withsuddenbitterness。
\"Andthatisneitherverywise，norIbelieveentirelytrue，\"returnedGlenalmond。\"Beforeyouaredoneyouwillfindsomeoftheseexpressionsriseonyoulikearemorse。Theyaremerelyliteraryanddecorative;theydonotaptlyexpressyourthought，norisyourthoughtclearlyapprehended，andnodoubtyourfather（ifhewerehere）wouldsay，\"SignorFeedle-eerie！\"
Withtheinfinitelydelicatesenseofyouth，Archieavoidedthesubjectfromthathour。Itwasperhapsapity。Hadhebuttalked-talkedfreely-lethimselfgushoutinwords（thewayyouthlovestodoandshould），theremighthavebeennotaletowriteupontheWeirsofHermiston。Buttheshadowofathreatofridiculesufficed;intheslighttartnessofthesewordshereadaprohibition;anditislikelythatGlenalmondmeantitso。
Besidestheveteran，theboywaswithoutconfidantorfriend。Seriousandeager，hecamethroughschoolandcollege，andmovedamongacrowdoftheindifferent，intheseclusionofhisshyness。Hegrewuphandsome，withanopen，speakingcountenance，withgraceful，youthfulways;hewasclever，hetookprizes，heshoneintheSpeculativeSociety。Itshouldseemhemustbecomethecentreofacrowdoffriends;butsomethingthatwasinpartthedelicacyofhismother，inparttheausterityofhisfather，heldhimalooffromall。Itisafact，andastrangeone，thatamonghiscontemporariesHermiston’ssonwasthoughttobeachipoftheoldblock。\"You’reafriendofArchieWeir’s？\"saidonetoFrankInnes;andInnesreplied，withhisusualflippancyandmorethanhisusualinsight：\"IknowWeir。butInevermetArchie。\"NoonehadmetArchie，amaladymostincidenttoonlysons。
Heflewhisprivatesignal，andnoneheededit;itseemedhewasabroadinaworldfromwhichtheveryhopeofintimacywasbanished;andhelookedroundabouthimontheconcourseofhisfellow-students，andforwardtothetrivialdaysandacquaintancesthatweretocome，withouthopeorinterest。
Astimewenton，thetoughandrougholdsinnerfelthimselfdrawntothesonofhisloinsandsolecontinuatorofhisnewfamily，withsoftnessesofsentimentthathecouldhardlycreditandwaswhollyimpotenttoexpress。Withaface，voice，andmannertrainedthroughfortyyearstoterrifyandrepel，Rhadamanthusmaybegreat，buthewillscarcebeengaging。ItisafactthathetriedtopropitiateArchie，butafactthatcannotbetoolightlytaken;theattemptwassounconspicuouslymade，thefailuresostoicallysupported。Sympathyisnotduetothesesteadfastironnatures。Ifhefailedtogainhisson’sfriendship，orevenhisson’stoleration，onhewentupthegreat，barestaircaseofhisduty，uncheeredandundepressed。TheremighthavebeenmorepleasureinhisrelationswithArchie，somuchhemayhaverecognisedatmoments;butpleasurewasaby-productofthesingularchemistryoflife，whichonlyfoolsexpected。
AnideaofArchie’sattitude，sinceweareallgrownupandhaveforgottenthedaysofouryouth，itismoredifficulttoconvey。Hemadenoattemptwhatsoevertounderstandthemanwithwhomhedinedandbreakfasted。Parsimonyofpain，glutofpleasure，thesearethetwoalternatingendsofyouth;andArchiewasoftheparsimonious。Thewindblewcoldoutofacertainquarter-heturnedhisbackuponit;stayedaslittleaswaspossibleinhisfather’spresence;andwhenthere，avertedhiseyesasmuchaswasdecentfromhisfather’sface。Thelampshoneformanyhundreddaysuponthesetwoattable-mylord，ruddy，gloomy，andunreverent;Archiewithapotentialbrightnessthatwasalwaysdimmedandveiledinthatsociety;andtherewerenot，perhaps，inChristendomtwomenmoreradicallystrangers。Thefather，withagrandsimplicity，eitherspokeofwhatinterestedhimself，ormaintainedanunaffectedsilence。Thesonturnedinhisheadforsometopicthatshouldbequitesafe，thatwouldsparehimfreshevidenceseitherofmylord’sinherentgrossnessoroftheinnocenceofhisinhumanity;
treadinggingerlythewaysofintercourse，likealadygatheringupherskirtsinaby-path。Ifhemadeamistake，andmylordbegantoaboundinmatterofoffence，Archiedrewhimselfup，hisbrowgrewdark，hisshareofthetalkexpired;butmylordwouldfaithfullyandcheerfullycontinuetopourouttheworstofhimselfbeforehissilentandoffendedson。
\"Well，it’sapoorhertthatneverrejoices！\"hewouldsay，attheconclusionofsuchanightmareinterview。\"ButImustgettomyplew-
stilts。\"Andhewouldsecludehimselfasusualinhisbackroom，andArchiegoforthintothenightandthecityquiveringwithanimosityandscorn。
CHAPTERIII-INTHEMATTEROFTHEHANGINGOFDUNCANJOPP
ITchancedintheyear1813thatArchiestrayedonedayintotheJusticiaryCourt。Themacermaderoomforthesonofthepresidingjudge。Inthedock，thecentreofmen’seyes，therestoodawhey-
coloured，misbegottencaitiff，DuncanJopp，ontrialforhislife。Hisstory，asitwasrakedoutbeforehiminthatpublicscene，wasoneofdisgraceandviceandcowardice，theverynakednessofcrime;andthecreatureheardanditseemedattimesasthoughheunderstood-asifattimesheforgotthehorroroftheplacehestoodin，andrememberedtheshameofwhathadbroughthimthere。Hekepthisheadbowedandhishandsclutchedupontherail;hishairdroppedinhiseyesandattimesheflungitback;andnowheglancedabouttheaudienceinasuddenfellnessofterror，andnowlookedinthefaceofhisjudgeandgulped。
Therewaspinnedabouthisthroatapieceofdingyflannel;andthisitwasperhapsthatturnedthescaleinArchie’smindbetweendisgustandpity。Thecreaturestoodinavanishingpoint;yetalittlewhile，andhewasstillaman，andhadeyesandapprehension;yetalittlelonger，andwithalastsordidpieceofpageantry，hewouldceasetobe。Andhere，inthemeantime，withatraitofhumannaturethatcaughtatthebeholder’sbreath，hewastendingasorethroat。
Overagainsthim，myLordHermistonoccupiedthebenchintheredrobesofcriminaljurisdiction，hisfaceframedinthewhitewig。Honestallthrough，hedidnotaffectthevirtueofimpartiality;thiswasnocaseforrefinement;therewasamantobehanged，hewouldhavesaid，andhewashanginghim。Norwasitpossibletoseehislordship，andacquithimofgustointhetask。Itwasplainhegloriedintheexerciseofhistrainedfaculties，intheclearsightwhichpiercedatonceintothejointoffact，intherude，unvarnishedgibeswithwhichhedemolishedeveryfigmentofdefence。Hetookhiseaseandjested，unbendinginthatsolemnplacewithsomeofthefreedomofthetavern;andtheragofmanwiththeflannelroundhisneckwashuntedgallowswardwithjeers。
Duncanhadamistress，scarcelessforlornandgreatlyolderthanhimself，whocameup，whimperingandcurtseying，toaddtheweightofherbetrayal。Mylordgavehertheoathinhismostroaringvoice，andaddedanintolerantwarning。
\"Mindwhatyesaynow，Janet，\"saidhe。\"Ihaveane’euponye，I’milltojestwith。\"
Presently，aftershewastremblinglyembarkedonherstory，\"Andwhatmadeyedothis，yeauldrunt？\"theCourtinterposed。\"Doyemeantotellmeyewasthepanel’smistress？\"
\"Ifyouplease，maloard，\"whinedthefemale。
\"Godsake！yemadeabonnycouple，\"observedhislordship;andtherewassomethingsoformidableandferociousinhisscornthatnoteventhegalleriesthoughttolaugh。
Thesummingupcontainedsomejewels。
\"Thesetwopeetiablecreaturesseemtohavemadeupthegither，it’snotforustoexplainwhy。\"-\"Thepanel，who（whateverelsehemaybe）
appearstobeequallyillset-outinmindandboady。\"-\"Neitherthepanelnoryettheoldwifeappearstohavehadsomuchcommonsenseaseventotellaliewhenitwasnecessary。\"Andinthecourseofsentencing，mylordhadthisOBITERDICTUM：\"Ihavebeenthemeans，underGod，ofhaangingagreatnumber，butneverjustsuchadisjaskitrascalasyourself。\"Thewordswerestronginthemselves;thelightandheatanddetonationoftheirdelivery，andthesavagepleasureofthespeakerinhistask，madethemtingleintheears。
Whenallwasover，Archiecameforthagainintoachangedworld。Hadtherebeentheleastredeeminggreatnessinthecrime，anyobscurity，anydubiety，perhapshemighthaveunderstood。Buttheculpritstood，withhissorethroat，inthesweatofhismortalagony，withoutdefenceorexcuse：athingtocoverupwithblushes：abeingsomuchsunkbeneaththezonesofsympathythatpitymightseemharmless。Andthejudgehadpursuedhimwithamonstrous，relishinggaiety，horribletobeconceived，atraitfornightmares。Itisonethingtospearatiger，anothertocrushatoad;thereareaestheticsevenoftheslaughter-
house;andtheloathsomenessofDuncanJoppenvelopedandinfectedtheimageofhisjudge。
ArchiepassedbyhisfriendsintheHighStreetwithincoherentwordsandgestures。HesawHolyroodinadream，remembranceofitsromanceawokeinhimandfaded;hehadavisionoftheoldradiantstories，ofQueenMaryandPrinceCharlie，ofthehoodedstag，ofthesplendourandcrime，thevelvetandbrightironofthepast;anddismissedthemwithacryofpain。HelayandmoanedintheHunter’sBog，andtheheavensweredarkabovehimandthegrassofthefieldanoffence。\"Thisismyfather，\"hesaid。\"Idrawmylifefromhim;thefleshuponmybonesishis，thebreadIamfedwithisthewagesofthesehorrors。\"Herecalledhismother，andgroundhisforeheadintheearth。Hethoughtofflight，andwherewashetofleeto？ofotherlives，butwasthereanylifeworthlivinginthisdenofsavageandjeeringanimals？
Theintervalbeforetheexecutionwaslikeaviolentdream。Hemethisfather;hewouldnotlookathim，hecouldnotspeaktohim。Itseemedtherewasnolivingcreaturebutmusthavebeenswifttorecognisethatimminentanimosity;butthehideoftheJustice-Clerkremainedimpenetrable。Hadmylordbeentalkative，thetrucecouldneverhavesubsisted;buthewasbyfortuneinoneofhishumoursofsoursilence;
andundertheverygunsofhisbroadside，Archienursedtheenthusiasmofrebellion。Itseemedtohim，fromthetopofhisnineteenyears’
experience，asifheweremarkedatbirthtobetheperpetratorofsomesignalaction，tosetbackfallenMercy，tooverthrowtheusurpingdevilthatsat，hornedandhoofed，onherthrone。SeductiveJacobinfigments，whichhehadoftenrefutedattheSpeculative，swamupinhismindandstartledhimaswithvoices：andheseemedtohimselftowalkaccompaniedbyanalmosttangiblepresenceofnewbeliefsandduties。
Onthenamedmorninghewasattheplaceofexecution。Hesawthefleeringrabble，theflinchingwretchproduced。Helookedonforawhileatacertainparodyofdevotion，whichseemedtostripthewretchofhislastclaimtomanhood。Thenfollowedthebrutalinstantofextinction，andthepaltrydanglingoftheremainslikeabrokenjumping-jack。Hehadbeenpreparedforsomethingterrible，notforthistragicmeanness。Hestoodamomentsilent，andthen-\"IdenouncethisGod-defyingmurder，\"heshouted;andhisfather，ifhemusthavedisclaimedthesentiment，mighthaveownedthestentorianvoicewithwhichitwasuttered。
FrankInnesdraggedhimfromthespot。Thetwohandsomeladsfollowedthesamecourseofstudyandrecreation，andfeltacertainmutualattraction，foundedmainlyongoodlooks。Ithadnevergonedeep;Frankwasbynatureathin，jeeringcreature，nottrulysusceptiblewhetheroffeelingorinspiringfriendship;andtherelationbetweenthepairwasaltogetherontheoutside，athingofcommonknowledgeandthepleasantriesthatspringfromacommonacquaintance。ThemorecredittoFrankthathewasappalledbyArchie’soutburst，andatleastconceivedthedesignofkeepinghiminsight，and，ifpossible，inhand，fortheday。ButArchie，whohadjustdefied-wasitGodorSatan？-wouldnotlistentothewordofacollegecompanion。
\"Iwillnotgowithyou，\"hesaid。\"Idonotdesireyourcompany，sir;
Iwouldbealone。\"
\"Here，Weir，man，don’tbeabsurd，\"saidInnes，keepingatightholduponhissleeve。\"IwillnotletyougountilIknowwhatyoumeantodowithyourself;it’snousebrandishingthatstaff。\"ForindeedatthatmomentArchiehadmadeasudden-perhapsawarlike-movement。
\"Thishasbeenthemostinsaneaffair;youknowithas。YouknowverywellthatI’mplayingthegoodSamaritan。AllIwishistokeepyouquiet。\"
\"Ifquietnessiswhatyouwish，Mr。Innes，\"saidArchie，\"andyouwillpromisetoleavemeentirelytomyself，Iwilltellyousomuch，thatI
amgoingtowalkinthecountryandadmirethebeautiesofnature。\"
\"Honourbright？\"askedFrank。
\"Iamnotinthehabitoflying，Mr。Innes，\"retortedArchie。\"Ihavethehonourofwishingyougood-day。\"
\"Youwon’tforgettheSpec。？\"askedInnes。
\"TheSpec。？\"saidArchie。\"Ono，Iwon’tforgettheSpec。\"
Andtheoneyoungmancarriedhistorturedspiritforthofthecityandallthedaylong，byoneroadandanother，inanendlesspilgrimageofmisery;whiletheotherhastenedsmilinglytospreadthenewsofWeir’saccessofinsanity，andtodrumupforthatnightafullattendanceattheSpeculative，wherefurthereccentricdevelopmentsmightcertainlybelookedfor。IdoubtifInneshadtheleastbeliefinhisprediction;I
thinkitflowedratherfromawishtomakethestoryasgoodandthescandalasgreataspossible;notfromanyill-willtoArchie-fromthemerepleasureofbeholdinginterestedfaces。Butforallthathiswordswereprophetic。ArchiedidnotforgettheSpec。;heputinanappearancethereattheduetime，and，beforetheeveningwasover，haddealtamemorableshocktohiscompanions。Itchancedhewasthepresidentofthenight。HesatinthesameroomwheretheSocietystillmeets-onlytheportraitswerenotthere：themenwhoafterwardssatforthemwerethenbutbeginningtheircareer。Thesamelustreofmanytaperssheditslightoverthemeeting;thesamechair，perhaps，supportedhimthatsomanyofushavesatinsince。Attimesheseemedtoforgetthebusinessoftheevening，butevenintheseperiodshesatwithagreatairofenergyanddetermination。Attimeshemeddledbitterly，andlaunchedwithdefiancethosefineswhicharethepreciousandrarelyusedartilleryofthepresident。Helittlethought，ashedidso，howheresembledhisfather，buthisfriendsremarkeduponit，chuckling。Sofar，inhishighplaceabovehisfellow-students，heseemedsetbeyondthepossibilityofanyscandal;buthismindwasmadeup-hewasdeterminedtofulfilthesphereofhisoffence。HesignedtoInnes（whomhehadjustfined，andwhojustimpeachedhisruling）tosucceedhiminthechair，steppeddownfromtheplatform，andtookhisplacebythechimney-piece，theshineofmanywaxtapersfromaboveilluminatinghispaleface，theglowofthegreatredfirerelievingfrombehindhisslimfigure。Hehadtopropose，asanamendmenttothenextsubjectinthecase-book，\"WhethercapitalpunishmentbeconsistentwithGod’swillorman’spolicy？\"
Abreathofembarrassment，ofsomethinglikealarm，passedroundtheroom，sodaringdidthesewordsappearuponthelipsofHermiston’sonlyson。Buttheamendmentwasnotseconded;thepreviousquestionwaspromptlymovedandunanimouslyvoted，andthemomentaryscandalsmuggledby。Innestriumphedinthefulfilmentofhisprophecy。HeandArchiewerenowbecometheheroesofthenight;butwhereaseveryonecrowdedaboutInnes，whenthemeetingbrokeup，butoneofallhiscompanionscametospeaktoArchie。
\"Weir，man！Thatwasanextraordinaryraidofyours！\"observedthiscourageousmember，takinghimconfidentiallybythearmastheywentout。
\"Idon’tthinkitaraid，\"saidArchiegrimly。\"Morelikeawar。I
sawthatpoorbrutehangedthismorning，andmygorgerisesatityet。\"
\"Hut-tut，\"returnedhiscompanion，and，droppinghisarmlikesomethinghot，hesoughtthelesstensesocietyofothers。
Archiefoundhimselfalone。Thelastofthefaithful-orwasitonlytheboldestofthecurious？-hadfled。Hewatchedtheblackhuddleofhisfellow-studentsdrawoffdownandupthestreet，inwhisperingorboisterousgangs。Andtheisolationofthemomentweigheduponhimlikeanomenandanemblemofhisdestinyinlife。Bredupinunbrokenfearhimself，amongtremblingservants，andinahousewhich（attheleastruffleinthemaster’svoice）shudderedintosilence，hesawhimselfonthebrinkoftheredvalleyofwar，andmeasuredthedangerandlengthofitwithawe。Hemadeadetourintheglimmerandshadowofthestreets，cameintothebackstablelane，andwatchedforalongwhilethelightburnsteadyintheJudge’sroom。Thelongerhegazeduponthatilluminatedwindow-blind，themoreblankbecamethepictureofthemanwhosatbehindit，endlesslyturningoversheetsofprocess，pausingtosipaglassofport，orrisingandpassingheavilyabouthisbook-
linedwallstoverifysomereference。Hecouldnotcombinethebrutaljudgeandtheindustrious，dispassionatestudent;theconnectinglinkescapedhim;fromsuchadualnature，itwasimpossibleheshouldpredictbehaviour;andheaskedhimselfifhehaddonewelltoplungeintoabusinessofwhichtheendcouldnotbeforeseen？andpresentlyafter，withasickeningdeclineofconfidence，ifhehaddoneloyallytostrikehisfather？Forhehadstruckhim-defiedhimtwiceoverandbeforeacloudofwitnesses-struckhimapublicbuffetbeforecrowds。
Whohadcalledhimtojudgehisfatherintheseprecariousandhighquestions？Theofficewasusurped。Itmighthavebecomeastranger;inason-therewasnoblinkingit-inason，itwasdisloyal。Andnow，betweenthesetwonaturessoantipathetic，sohatefultoeachother，therewasdependinganunpardonableaffront：andtheprovidenceofGodalonemightforeseethemannerinwhichitwouldberesentedbyLordHermiston。
Thesemisgivingstorturedhimallnightandarosewithhiminthewinter’smorning;theyfollowedhimfromclasstoclass，theymadehimshrinkinglysensitivetoeveryshadeofmannerinhiscompanions，theysoundedinhisearsthroughthecurrentvoiceoftheprofessor;andhebroughtthemhomewithhimatnightunabatedandindeedincreased。ThecauseofthisincreaselayinachanceencounterwiththecelebratedDr。
Gregory。Archiestoodlookingvaguelyinthelightedwindowofabookshop，tryingtonervehimselffortheapproachingordeal。Mylordandhehadmetandpartedinthemorningastheyhadnowdoneforlong，withscarcelytheordinarycivilitiesoflife;anditwasplaintothesonthatnothinghadyetreachedthefather’sears。Indeed，whenherecalledtheawfulcountenanceofmylord，atimidhopesprangupinhimthatperhapstherewouldbefoundnooneboldenoughtocarrytales。Ifthiswereso，heaskedhimself，wouldhebeginagain？andhefoundnoanswer。Itwasatthismomentthatahandwaslaiduponhisarm，andavoicesaidinhisear，\"MydearMr。Archie，youhadbettercomeandseeme。\"
Hestarted，turnedround，andfoundhimselffacetofacewithDr。
Gregory。\"AndwhyshouldIcometoseeyou？\"heasked，withthedefianceofthemiserable。
\"Becauseyouarelookingexceedinglyill，\"saidthedoctor，\"andyouveryevidentlywantlookingafter，myyoungfriend。Goodfolkarescarce，youknow;anditisnoteveryonethatwouldbequitesomuchmissedasyourself。ItisnoteveryonethatHermistonwouldmiss。\"
Andwithanodandasmile，thedoctorpassedon。
Amomentafter，Archiewasinpursuit，andhadinturn，butmoreroughly，seizedhimbythearm。
\"Whatdoyoumean？whatdidyoumeanbysayingthat？WhatmakesyouthinkthatHermis-myfatherwouldhavemissedme？\"
Thedoctorturnedaboutandlookedhimalloverwithaclinicaleye。A
farmorestupidmanthanDr。Gregorymighthaveguessedthetruth;butninety-nineoutofahundred，eveniftheyhadbeenequallyinclinedtokindness，wouldhaveblunderedbysometouchofcharitableexaggeration。
Thedoctorwasbetterinspired。Heknewthefatherwell;inthatwhitefaceofintelligenceandsuffering，hedivinedsomethingoftheson;andhetold，withoutapologyoradornment，theplaintruth。
\"Whenyouhadthemeasles，Mr。Archibald，youhadthemgeyandill;andIthoughtyouweregoingtoslipbetweenmyfingers，\"hesaid。\"Well，yourfatherwasanxious。HowdidIknowit？saysyou。SimplybecauseI
amatrainedobserver。ThesignthatIsawhimmake，tenthousandwouldhavemissed;andperhaps-PERHAPS，Isay，becausehe’sahardmantojudgeof-butperhapshenevermadeanother。Astrangethingtoconsider！Itwasthis。OnedayIcametohim：`Hermiston，’saidI，`there’sachange。’Heneversaidaword，justgloweredatme（ifye’llpardonthephrase）likeawildbeast。`Achangeforthebetter，’saidI。AndIdistinctlyheardhimtakehisbreath。\"
Thedoctorleftnoopportunityforanti-climax;noddinghiscockedhat（apieceofantiquitytowhichheclung）andrepeating\"Distinctly\"withraisedeye-brows，hetookhisdeparture，andleftArchiespeechlessinthestreet。
Theanecdotemightbecalledinfinitelylittle，andyetitsmeaningforArchiewasimmense。\"Ididnotknowtheoldmanhadsomuchbloodinhim。\"Hehadneverdreamedthissireofhis，thisaboriginalantique，thisadamantineAdam，hadevensomuchofaheartastobemovedintheleastdegreeforanother-andthatotherhimself，whohadinsultedhim！
Withthegenerosityofyouth，Archiewasinstantlyunderarmsupontheotherside：hadinstantlycreatedanewimageofLordHermiston，thatofamanwhowasallironwithoutandallsensibilitywithin。Themindofthevilejester，thetonguethathadpursuedDuncanJoppwithunmanlyinsults，theunbelovedcountenancethathehadknownandfearedforsolong，wereallforgotten;andhehastenedhome，impatienttoconfesshismisdeeds，impatienttothrowhimselfonthemercyofthisimaginarycharacter。
Hewasnottobelongwithoutarudeawakening。Itwasinthegloamingwhenhedrewnearthedoor-stepofthelightedhouse，andwasawareofthefigureofhisfatherapproachingfromtheoppositeside。Littledaylightlingered;butonthedoorbeingopened，thestrongyellowshineofthelampgushedoutuponthelandingandshonefullonArchie，ashestood，intheold-fashionedobservanceofrespect，toyieldprecedence。
Thejudgecamewithouthaste，steppingstatelyandfirm;hischinraised，hisface（asheenteredthelamplight）stronglyillumined，hismouthsethard。Therewasneverawinkofchangeinhisexpression;
withoutlookingtotherightorleft，hemountedthestair，passedclosetoArchie，andenteredthehouse。Instinctively，theboy，uponhisfirstcoming，hadmadeamovementtomeethim;instinctivelyherecoiledagainsttherailing，astheoldmansweptbyhiminapompofindignation。Wordswereneedless;heknewall-perhapsmorethanall-
andthehourofjudgmentwasathand。
Itispossiblethat，inthissuddenrevulsionofhope，andbeforethesesymptomsofimpendingdanger，Archiemighthavefled。Butnoteventhatwaslefttohim。Mylord，afterhanginguphiscloakandhat，turnedroundinthelightedentry，andmadehimanimperativeandsilentgesturewithhisthumb，andwiththestrangeinstinctofobedience，Archiefollowedhimintothehouse。
Alldinner-timetherereignedovertheJudge’stableapalpablesilence，andassoonasthesolidsweredespatchedherosetohisfeet。
\"M’Killup，tak’thewineintomyroom，\"saidhe;andthentohisson：
\"Archie，youandmehastohaveatalk。\"
ItwasatthissickeningmomentthatArchie’scourage，forthefirstandlasttime，entirelydesertedhim。\"Ihaveanappointment，\"saidhe。
\"It’llhavetobebroken，then，\"saidHermiston，andledthewayintohisstudy。
Thelampwasshaded，thefiretrimmedtoanicety，thetablecovereddeepwithorderlydocuments，thebacksoflawbooksmadeaframeuponallsidesthatwasonlybrokenbythewindowandthedoors。
ForamomentHermistonwarmedhishandsatthefire，presentinghisbacktoArchie;thensuddenlydisclosedonhimtheterrorsoftheHangingFace。
\"What’sthisIhearofye？\"heasked。
TherewasnoanswerpossibletoArchie。
\"I’llhavetotellye，then，\"pursuedHermiston。\"Itseemsye’vebeenskirtingagainstthefatherthatbegotye，andoneofhisMaijesty’sJudgesinthisland;andthatinthepublicstreet，andwhileanorderoftheCourtwasbeingexecutit。Forbyewhich，itwouldappearthatye’vebeenairingyouropeenionsinaCoallegeDebatin’Society\";hepausedamoment：andthen，withextraordinarybitterness，added：\"Yedamnedeediot。\"
\"Ihadmeanttotellyou，\"stammeredArchie。\"Iseeyouarewellinformed。\"
\"Muckleobleegedtoye，\"saidhislordship，andtookhisusualseat。
\"AndsoyoudisapproveofCaapitalPunishment？\"headded。
\"Iamsorry，sir，Ido，\"saidArchie。
\"Iamsorry，too，\"saidhislordship。\"Andnow，ifyouplease，weshallapproachthisbusinesswithalittlemoreparteecularity。IhearthatatthehangingofDuncanJopp-and，man！yehadafineclientthere-
inthemiddleofalltheriff-raffoftheceety，yethoughtfittocryout，`Thisisadamnedmurder，andmygorgerisesatthemanthathaangithim。’\"
\"No，sir，thesewerenotmywords，\"criedArchie。
\"Whatwereyerwords，then？\"askedtheJudge。
\"IbelieveIsaid，`Idenounceitasamurder！’\"saidtheson。\"Ibegyourpardon-aGod-defyingmurder。Ihavenowishtoconcealthetruth，\"headded，andlookedhisfatherforamomentintheface。
\"God，itwouldonlyneedthatofitnext！\"criedHermiston。\"Therewasnothingaboutyourgorgerising，then？\"
\"Thatwasafterwards，mylord，asIwasleavingtheSpeculative。IsaidIhadbeentoseethemiserablecreaturehanged，andmygorgeroseatit。\"
\"Didye，though？\"saidHermiston。\"AndIsupposeyeknewwhohaangithim？\"
\"Iwaspresentatthetrial，Ioughttotellyouthat，Ioughttoexplain。Iaskyourpardonbeforehandforanyexpressionthatmayseemundutiful。ThepositioninwhichIstandiswretched，\"saidtheunhappyhero，nowfairlyfacetofacewiththebusinesshehadchosen。\"Ihavebeenreadingsomeofyourcases。IwaspresentwhileJoppwastried。
Itwasahideousbusiness。Father，itwasahideousthing！Granthewasvile，whyshouldyouhunthimwithavilenessequaltohisown？Itwasdonewithglee-thatistheword-youdiditwithglee;andI
lookedon，Godhelpme！withhorror。\"
\"You’reayounggentlemanthatdoesnaapproveofCaapitalPunishment，\"
saidHermiston。\"Weel，I’manauldmanthatdoes。IwasgladtogetJopphaangit，andwhatforwouldIpretendIwasna？You’reallforhonesty，itseems;youcouldn’tevensteikyourmouthonthepublicstreet。WhatforshouldIsteikminesuponthebench，theKing’sofficer，bearingthesword，adreidtoevil-doers，asIwasfromthebeginning，andasIwillbetotheend！Mairthanenoughofit！
Heedious！Inevergavetwathoughtstoheediousness，Ihavenocalltobebonny。I’mamanthatgetsthroughwithmyday’sbusiness，andletthatsuffice。\"
Theringofsarcasmhaddiedoutofhisvoiceashewenton;theplainwordsbecameinvestedwithsomeofthedignityoftheJustice-seat。
\"Itwouldbetellingyouifyoucouldsayasmuch，\"thespeakerresumed。
\"Butyecannot。Ye’vebeenreadingsomeofmycases，yesay。Butitwasnotforthelawinthem，itwastospyoutyourfaither’snakedness，afineemploymentinason。You’resplairging;you’rerunningatlairgeinlifelikeawildnowt。It’simpossibleyoushouldthinkanylongerofcomingtotheBar。You’renotfitforit;nosplairgeris。Andanotherthing：sonofminesornosonofmines，youhaveflungfylementinpublicononeoftheSenatorsoftheCoallegeofJustice，andIwouldmakeitmybusinesstoseethatyewereneveradmittedthereyourself。
Thereisakindofadecencytobeobservit。Thencomesthenextofit-whatamItodowithyenext？Ye’llhavetofindsomekindofatrade，forI’llneversupportyeinidleset。Whatdoyefancyye’llbefitfor？Thepulpit？Na，theycouldnevergetdiveenityintothatbloackhead。HimthatthelawofmanwhammlesisnolikelytodomucklebetterbythelawofGod。Whatwouldyemakeofhell？Wouldnayourgorgeriseatthat？Na，there’snoroomforsplairgersunderthefowerquartersofJohnCalvin。Whatelseisthere？Speakup。Haveyegotnothingofyourown？\"
\"Father，letmegotothePeninsula，\"saidArchie。\"That’sallI’mfitfor-tofight。\"
\"All？quo’he！\"returnedtheJudge。\"Anditwouldbeenoughtoo，ifI
thoughtit。ButI’llnevertrustyesoneartheFrench，youthat’ssoFrenchi-feed。\"
\"Youdomeinjusticethere，sir，\"saidArchie。\"Iamloyal;Iwillnotboast;butanyinterestImayhaveeverfeltintheFrench-\"
\"Haveyebeensoloyaltome？\"interruptedhisfather。
Therecamenoreply。
\"Ithinknot，\"continuedHermiston。\"AndIwouldsendnomantobeaservanttotheKing，Godblesshim！thathasprovedsuchashauchlingsontohisownfaither。YoucansplairgehereonEdinburghstreet，andwhere’sthehairm？Itdoesnaplaybuffonme！Andifthereweretwentythousandeediotslikeyourself，sorrowaDuncanJoppwouldhangthefewer。Butthere’snosplairgingpossibleinacamp;andifyeweretogotoit，youwouldfindoutforyourselfwhetherLordWell’n’tonapprovesofcaapitalpunishmentornot。Youasodger！\"hecried，withasuddenburstofscorn。\"Yeauldwife，thesodgerswouldbrayatyelikecuddies！\"
Asatthedrawingofacurtain，Archiewasawareofsomeillogicalityinhisposition，andstoodabashed。Hehadastrongimpression，besides，oftheessentialvalouroftheoldgentlemanbeforehim，howconveyeditwouldbehardtosay。
\"Well，haveyenootherproposeetion？\"saidmylordagain。
\"Youhavetakenthissocalmly，sir，thatIcannotbutstandashamed，\"
beganArchie。
\"I’mnearervoamiting，though，thanyouwouldfancy，\"saidmylord。
ThebloodrosetoArchie’sbrow。
\"Ibegyourpardon，Ishouldhavesaidthatyouhadacceptedmyaffront……Iadmititwasanaffront;Ididnotthinktoapologise，butIdo，Iaskyourpardon;itwillnotbesoagain，Ipassyoumywordofhonour……IshouldhavesaidthatIadmiredyourmagnanimitywith-
this-offender，\"Archieconcludedwithagulp。
\"Ihavenootherson，yesee，\"saidHermiston。\"AbonnyoneIhavegotten！ButImustjustdothebestIcanwi’him，andwhatamItodo？
Ifyehadbeenyounger，Iwouldhavewheepityeforthisrideeculousexhibeetion。Thewayitis，Ihavejusttogrinandbear。Butonethingistobeclearlyunderstood。Asafaither，Imustgrinandbearit;butifIhadbeentheLordAdvocateinsteadoftheLordJustice-
Clerk，sonornoson，Mr。ErchibaldWeirwouldhavebeeninajylethenight。\"
Archiewasnowdominated。LordHermistonwascoarseandcruel;andyetthesonwasawareofabloomlessnobility，anungraciousabnegationoftheman’sselfintheman’soffice。Ateveryword，thissenseofthegreatnessofLordHermiston’sspiritstruckmorehome;andalongwithitthatofhisownimpotence，whohadstruck-andperhapsbaselystruck-
athisownfather，andnotreachedsofarastohaveevennettledhim。
\"Iplacemyselfinyourhandswithoutreserve，\"hesaid。
\"That’sthefirstsensiblewordI’vehadofyethenight，\"saidHermiston。\"Icantellye，thatwouldhavebeentheendofit，theonewayortheother;butit’sbetteryeshouldcomethereyourself，thanwhatIwouldhavehadtohirstleye。Weel，bymywayofit-andmywayisthebest-there’sjusttheonethingit’spossiblethatyemightbewithdecency，andthat’salaird。Ye’llbeoutofhairm’swayattheleastofit。Ifyehavetorowt，yecanrowtamangthekye;andthemaistfeckofthecaapitalpunishmeiitye’reliketocomeacross’llbeguddlingtrouts。Now，I’mfornoidlelairdies;everymanhastowork，ifit’sonlyatpeddlingballants;towork，ortobewheeped，ortobehaangit。IfIsetyedownatHermistonI’llhavetoseeyouworkthatplacethewayithasneverbeenworkityet;yemustkenaboutthesheeplikeaherd;yemustbemygrievethere，andI’llseethatIgainbyye。
Isthatunderstood？\"
\"Iwilldomybest，\"saidArchie。
\"Well，then，I’llsendKirstiewordthemorn，andyecangoyourselfthedayafter，\"saidHermiston。\"Andjusttrytobelessofaneediot！\"heconcludedwithafreezingsmile，andturnedimmediatelytothepapersonhisdesk。
CHAPTERIV-OPINIONSOFTHEBENCH
LATEthesamenight，afteradisorderedwalk，ArchiewasadmittedintoLordGlenalmond’sdining-room，wherehesatwithabookuponhisknee，besidethreefrugalcoalsoffire。Inhisrobesuponthebench，Glenalmondhadacertainairofburliness：pluckedofthese，itwasamay-poleofamanthatroseunsteadilyfromhischairtogivehisvisitorwelcome。Archiehadsufferedmuchinthelastdays，hehadsufferedagainthatevening;hisfacewaswhiteanddrawn，hiseyeswildanddark。ButLordGlenalmondgreetedhimwithouttheleastmarkofsurpriseorcuriosity。
\"Comein，comein，\"saidhe。\"Comeinandtakeaseat。Carstairs\"（tohisservant），\"makeupthefire，andthenyoucanbringabitofsupper，\"andagaintoArchie，withaverytrivialaccent：\"Iwashalfexpectingyou，\"headded。
