Inhisshamefacedandconstrainedway，Mr。TheEnglishmanaskednoquestionofanyone，butwatchedfromhisfrontwindowsandwatchedfromhisbackwindows，andlingeredaboutthePlace，andpeepedinattheBarber’sshop，anddidallthisandmuchmorewithawhistlingandtune-hummingpretenceofnotmissinganything，untiloneafternoonwhenMonsieurMutuel’spatchofsunlightwasinshadow，andwhen，accordingtoallruleandprecedent，hehadnorightwhatevertobringhisredribbonoutofdoors，beholdherehewas，advancingwithhiscapalreadyinhishandtwelvepacesoff！
Mr。TheEnglishmanhadgotasfarintohisusualobjurgationas，\"Whatbu-si-\"whenhecheckedhimself。
\"Ah，itissad，itissad！Helas，itisunhappy，itissad！\"ThusoldMonsieurMutuel，shakinghisgrayhead。
\"Whatbusin-atleast，Iwouldsay，whatdoyoumean，MonsieurMutuel？\"
\"OurCorporal。Helas，ourdearCorporal！\"
\"Whathashappenedtohim？\"
\"Youhavenotheard？\"
\"No。\"
\"Atthefire。Buthewassobrave，soready。Ah，toobrave，tooready！\"
\"MaytheDevilcarryyouaway！\"theEnglishmanbrokeinimpatiently；
\"Ibegyourpardon，——Imeanme，——IamnotaccustomedtospeakFrench，——goon，willyou？\"
\"Andafallingbeam——\"
\"GoodGod！\"exclaimedtheEnglishman。\"Itwasaprivatesoldierwhowaskilled？\"
\"No。ACorporal，thesameCorporal，ourdearCorporal。Belovedbyallhiscomrades。Thefuneralceremonywastouching，——penetrating。
MonsieurTheEnglishman，youreyesfillwithtears。\"
\"Whatbu-si-\"
\"MonsieurTheEnglishman，Ihonourthoseemotions。Isaluteyouwithprofoundrespect。Iwillnotobtrudemyselfuponyournobleheart。\"
MonsieurMutuel，——agentlemanineverythreadofhiscloudylinen，underwhosewrinkledhandeverygraininthequarterofanounceofpoorsnuffinhispoorlittletinboxbecameagentleman’sproperty，——MonsieurMutuelpassedon，withhiscapinhishand。
\"Ilittlethought，\"saidtheEnglishman，afterwalkingforseveralminutes，andmorethanonceblowinghisnose，\"whenIwaslookingroundthatcemetery——I’llgothere！\"
Straighthewentthere，andwhenhecamewithinthegatehepaused，consideringwhetherheshouldaskatthelodgeforsomedirectiontothegrave。Buthewaslessthaneverinamoodforaskingquestions，andhethought，\"Ishallseesomethingonittoknowitby。\"
InsearchoftheCorporal’sgravehewentsoftlyon，upthiswalkanddownthat，peeringin，amongthecrossesandheartsandcolumnsandobelisksandtombstones，forarecentlydisturbedspot。Ittroubledhimnowtothinkhowmanydeadtherewereinthecemetery，——
hehadnotthoughtthematenthpartsonumerousbefore，——andafterhehadwalkedandsoughtforsometime，hesaidtohimself，ashestruckdownanewvistaoftombs，\"ImightsupposethateveryonewasdeadbutI。\"
Noteveryone。Alivechildwaslyingonthegroundasleep。TrulyhehadfoundsomethingontheCorporal’sgravetoknowitby，andthesomethingwasBebelle。
Withsuchalovingwillhadthedeadsoldier’scomradesworkedathisresting-place，thatitwasalreadyaneatgarden。OnthegreenturfofthegardenBebellelaysleeping，withhercheektouchingit。
Aplain，unpaintedlittlewoodenCrosswasplantedintheturf，andhershortarmembracedthislittleCross，asithadmanyatimeembracedtheCorporal’sneck。Theyhadputatinyflag（theflagofFrance）athishead，andalaurelgarland。
Mr。TheEnglishmantookoffhishat，andstoodforawhilesilent。
Then，coveringhisheadagain，hebentdownononeknee，andsoftlyrousedthechild。
\"Bebelle！Mylittleone！\"
Openinghereyes，onwhichthetearswerestillwet，Bebellewasatfirstfrightened；butseeingwhoitwas，shesufferedhimtotakeherinhisarms，lookingsteadfastlyathim。
\"Youmustnotliehere，mylittleone。Youmustcomewithme。\"
\"No，no。Ican’tleaveTheophile。IwantthegooddearTheophile。\"
\"Wewillgoandseekhim，Bebelle。WewillgoandlookforhiminEngland。Wewillgoandlookforhimatmydaughter’s，Bebelle。\"
\"Shallwefindhimthere？\"
\"Weshallfindthebestpartofhimthere。Comewithme，poorforlornlittleone。Heavenismywitness，\"saidtheEnglishman，inalowvoice，as，beforeherose，hetouchedtheturfabovethegentleCorporal’sbreast，\"thatIthankfullyacceptthistrust！\"
Itwasalongwayforthechildtohavecomeunaided。Shewassoonasleepagain，withherembracetransferredtotheEnglishman’sneck。
Helookedatherwornshoes，andhergalledfeet，andhertiredface，andbelievedthatshehadcomethereeveryday。
HewasleavingthegravewiththeslumberingBebelleinhisarms，whenhestopped，lookedwistfullydownatit，andlookedwistfullyattheothergravesaround。\"Itistheinnocentcustomofthepeople，\"saidMr。TheEnglishman，withhesitation。\"IthinkI
shouldliketodoit。Noonesees。\"
CarefulnottowakeBebelleashewent，herepairedtothelodgewheresuchlittletokensofremembranceweresold，andboughttwowreaths。One，blueandwhiteandglisteningsilver，\"Tomyfriend；\"
oneofasobererredandblackandyellow，\"Tomyfriend。\"Withthesehewentbacktothegrave，andsodownononekneeagain。
Touchingthechild’slipswiththebrighterwreath，heguidedherhandtohangitontheCross；thenhunghisownwreaththere。Afterall，thewreathswerenotfaroutofkeepingwiththelittlegarden。
Tomyfriend。Tomyfriend。
Mr。TheEnglishmantookitveryillwhenhelookedroundastreetcornerintotheGreatPlace，carryingBebelleinhisarms，thatoldMutuelshouldbethereairinghisredribbon。HetookaworldofpainstododgetheworthyMutuel，anddevotedasurprisingamountoftimeandtroubletoskulkingintohisownlodginglikeamanpursuedbyJustice。Safelyarrivedthereatlast，hemadeBebelle’stoiletwithasaccuratearemembranceashecouldbringtobearuponthatworkofthewayinwhichhehadoftenseenthepoorCorporalmakeit，andhavinggivenhertoeatanddrink，laidherdownonhisownbed。Thenheslippedoutintothebarber’sshop，andafterabriefinterviewwiththebarber’swife，andabriefrecoursetohispurseandcard-case，camebackagainwiththewholeofBebelle’spersonalpropertyinsuchaverylittlebundlethatitwasquitelostunderhisarm。
AsitwasirreconcilablewithhiswholecourseandcharacterthatheshouldcarryBebelleoffinstate，orreceiveanycomplimentsorcongratulationsonthatfeat，hedevotedthenextdaytogettinghistwoportmanteausoutofthehousebyartfulnessandstealth，andtocomportinghimselfineveryparticularasifheweregoingtorunaway，——except，indeed，thathepaidhisfewdebtsinthetown，andpreparedalettertoleaveforMadameBouclet，enclosingasufficientsumofmoneyinlieuofnotice。Arailwaytrainwouldcomethroughatmidnight，andbythattrainhewouldtakeawayBebelletolookforTheophileinEnglandandathisforgivendaughter’s。
Atmidnight，onamoonlightnight，Mr。TheEnglishmancamecreepingforthlikeaharmlessassassin，withBebelleonhisbreastinsteadofadagger。QuiettheGreatPlace，andquietthenever-stirringstreets；closedthecafes；huddledtogethermotionlesstheirbilliard-balls；drowsytheguardorsentinelondutyhereandthere；
lulledforthetime，bysleep，eventheinsatiateappetiteoftheOfficeofTown-dues。
Mr。TheEnglishmanleftthePlacebehind，andleftthestreetsbehind，andleftthecivilian-inhabitedtownbehind，anddescendeddownamongthemilitaryworksofVauban，hemmingallin。Astheshadowofthefirstheavyarchandposternfelluponhimandwasleftbehind，astheshadowofthesecondheavyarchandposternfelluponhimandwasleftbehind，ashishollowtrampoverthefirstdrawbridgewassucceededbyagentlersound，ashishollowtrampovertheseconddrawbridgewassucceededbyagentlersound，asheovercamethestagnantditchesonebyone，andpassedoutwheretheflowingwaterswereandwherethemoonlight，sothedarkshadesandthehollowsoundsandtheunwholesomelylockedcurrentsofhissoulwerevanquishedandsetfree。Seetoit，Vaubansofyourownhearts，whogirdtheminwithtriplewallsandditches，andwithboltandchainandbarandliftedbridge，——razethosefortifications，andlaythemlevelwiththeall-absorbingdust，beforethenightcomethwhennohandcanwork！
Allwentprosperously，andhegotintoanemptycarriageinthetrain，wherehecouldlayBebelleontheseatoveragainsthim，asonacouch，andcoverherfromheadtofootwithhismantle。Hehadjustdrawnhimselfupfromperfectingthisarrangement，andhadjustleanedbackinhisownseatcontemplatingitwithgreatsatisfaction，whenhebecameawareofacuriousappearanceattheopencarriagewindow，——aghostlylittletinboxfloatingupinthemoon-light，andhoveringthere。
Heleanedforward，andputouthishead。Downamongtherailsandwheelsandashes，MonsieurMutuel，redribbonandall！
\"Excuseme，MonsieurTheEnglishman，\"saidMonsieurMutuel，holdinguphisboxatarm’slength，thecarriagebeingsohighandhesolow；\"butIshallreverencethelittleboxforever，ifyoursogeneroushandwilltakeapinchfromitatparting。\"
Mr。TheEnglishmanreachedoutofthewindowbeforecomplying，and——
withoutaskingtheoldfellowwhatbusinessitwasofhis——shookhandsandsaid，\"Adieu！Godblessyou！\"
\"And，Mr。TheEnglishman，GodblessYOU！\"criedMadameBouclet，whowasalsothereamongtherailsandwheelsandashes。\"AndGodwillblessyouinthehappinessoftheprotectedchildnowwithyou。AndGodwillblessyouinyourownchildathome。AndGodwillblessyouinyourownremembrances。Andthisfromme！\"
Hehadbarelytimetocatchabouquetfromherhand，whenthetrainwasflyingthroughthenight。Roundthepaperthatenfoldeditwasbravelywritten（doubtlessbythenephewwhoheldthepenofanAngel），\"Homagetothefriendofthefriendless。\"
\"Notbadpeople，Bebelle！\"saidMr。TheEnglishman，softlydrawingthemantlealittlefromhersleepingface，thathemightkissit，\"thoughtheyareso——\"
Too\"sentimental\"himselfatthemomenttobeabletogetoutthatword，headdednothingbutasob，andtravelledforsomemiles，throughthemoonlight，withhishandbeforehiseyes。
CHAPTERIII——HISBROWN-PAPERPARCEL
Myworksarewellknown。IamayoungmanintheArtline。Youhaveseenmyworksmanyatime，thoughit’sfiftythousandtooneifyouhaveseenme。Yousayyoudon’twanttoseeme？Yousayyourinterestisinmyworks，andnotinme？Don’tbetoosureaboutthat。Stopabit。
Letushaveitdowninblackandwhiteatthefirstgooff，sothattheremaybenounpleasantnessorwranglingafterwards。Andthisislookedoverbyafriendofmine，aticketwriter，thatisuptoliterature。IamayoungmanintheArtline——intheFine-Artline。
Youhaveseenmyworksoverandoveragain，andyouhavebeencuriousaboutme，andyouthinkyouhaveseenme。Now，asasaferule，youneverhaveseenme，andyouneverdoseeme，andyouneverwillseeme。Ithinkthat’splainlyput——andit’swhatknocksmeover。
Ifthere’sablightedpubliccharactergoing，Iamtheparty。
Ithasbeenremarkedbyacertain（oranuncertain，）philosopher，thattheworldknowsnothingofitsgreatestmen。Hemighthaveputitplainerifhehadthrownhiseyeinmydirection。Hemighthaveputit，thatwhiletheworldknowssomethingofthemthatapparentlygoinandwin，itknowsnothingofthemthatreallygoinanddon’twin。Thereitisagaininanotherform——andthat’swhatknocksmeover。
Notthatit’sonlymyselfthatsuffersfrominjustice，butthatIammorealivetomyowninjuriesthantoanyotherman’s。Being，asI
havementioned，intheFine-Artline，andnotthePhilanthropicline，Iopenlyadmitit。Astocompanyininjury，Ihavecompanyenough。WhoareyoupassingeverydayatyourCompetitiveExcruciations？Thefortunatecandidateswhoseheadsandliversyouhaveturnedupsidedownforlife？Notyou。YouarereallypassingtheCrammersandCoaches。Ifyourprincipleisright，whydon’tyouturnoutto-morrowmorningwiththekeysofyourcitiesonvelvetcushions，yourmusiciansplaying，andyourflagsflying，andreadaddressestotheCrammersandCoachesonyourbendedknees，beseechingthemtocomeoutandgovernyou？Then，again，astoyourpublicbusinessofallsorts，yourFinancialstatementsandyourBudgets；thePublicknowsmuch，truly，abouttherealdoersofallthat！YourNoblesandRightHonourablesarefirst-ratemen？Yes，andsoisagooseafirst-ratebird。ButI’lltellyouthisaboutthegoose；——you’llfindhisnaturalflavourdisappointing，withoutstuffing。
PerhapsIamsouredbynotbeingpopular？ButsupposeIAMpopular。
Supposemyworksneverfailtoattract。Supposethat，whethertheyareexhibitedbynaturallightorbyartificial，theyinvariablydrawthepublic。ThennodoubttheyarepreservedinsomeCollection？No，theyarenot；theyarenotpreservedinanyCollection。Copyright？No，noryetcopyright。Anyhowtheymustbesomewhere？Wrongagain，fortheyareoftennowhere。
Saysyou，\"Atallevents，youareinamoodystateofmind，myfriend。\"Myansweris，Ihavedescribedmyselfasapubliccharacterwithablightuponhim——whichfullyaccountsforthecurdlingofthemilkinTHATcocoa-nut。
ThosethatareacquaintedwithLondonareawareofalocalityontheSurreysideoftheriverThames，calledtheObelisk，or，moregenerally，theObstacle。ThosethatarenotacquaintedwithLondonwillalsobeawareofit，nowthatIhavenamedit。Mylodgingisnotfarfromthatlocality。Iamayoungmanofthateasydisposition，thatIlieabedtillit’sabsolutelynecessarytogetupandearnsomething，andthenIlieabedagaintillIhavespentit。
ItwasonanoccasionwhenIhadhadtoturntowithaviewtovictuals，thatIfoundmyselfwalkingalongtheWaterlooRoad，oneeveningafterdark，accompaniedbyanacquaintanceandfellow-lodgerinthegas-fittingwayoflife。Heisverygoodcompany，havingworkedatthetheatres，and，indeed，hehasatheatricalturnhimself，andwishestobebroughtoutinthecharacterofOthello；
butwhetheronaccountofhisregularworkalwaysblackinghisfaceandhandsmoreorless，Icannotsay。
\"Tom，\"hesays，\"whatamysteryhangsoveryou！\"
\"Yes，Mr。Click\"——therestofthehousegenerallygivehimhisname，asbeingfirst，front，carpetedallover，hisownfurniture，andifnotmahogany，anout-and-outimitation——\"yes，Mr。Click，amysterydoeshangoverme。\"
\"Makesyoulow，yousee，don’tit？\"sayshe，eyeingmesideways。
\"Why，yes，Mr。Click，therearecircumstancesconnectedwithitthathave，\"Iyieldedtoasigh，\"aloweringeffect。\"
\"Givesyouatouchofthemisanthropetoo，don’tit？\"sayshe。
\"Well，I’lltellyouwhat。IfIwasyou，I’dshakeitof。\"
\"IfIwasyou，Iwould，Mr。Click；but，ifyouwasme，youwouldn’t。\"
\"Ah！\"sayshe，\"there’ssomethinginthat。\"
Whenwehadwalkedalittlefurther，hetookitupagainbytouchingmeonthechest。
\"Yousee，Tom，itseemstomeasif，inthewordsofthepoetwhowrotethedomesticdramaofTheStranger，youhadasilentsorrowthere。\"
\"Ihave，Mr。Click。\"
\"Ihope，Tom，\"loweringhisvoiceinafriendlyway，\"itisn’tcoining，orsmashing？\"
\"No，Mr。Click。Don’tbeuneasy。\"
\"Noryetforg-\"Mr。Clickcheckedhimself，andadded，\"counterfeitinganything，forinstance？\"
\"No，Mr。Click。IamlawfullyintheArtline——Fine-Artline——butI
cansaynomore。\"
\"Ah！Underaspeciesofstar？Akindofmalignantspell？Asortofagloomydestiny？Acankerwormpeggingawayatyourvitalsinsecret，aswellasImakeitout？\"saidMr。Click，eyeingmewithsomeadmiration。
ItoldMr。Clickthatwasaboutit，ifwecametoparticulars；andI
thoughtheappearedratherproudofme。
Ourconversationhadbroughtustoacrowdofpeople，thegreaterpartstrugglingforafrontplacefromwhichtoseesomethingonthepavement，whichprovedtobevariousdesignsexecutedincolouredchalksonthepavementstones，lightedbytwocandlesstuckinmudsconces。Thesubjectsconsistedofafinefreshsalmon’sheadandshoulders，supposedtohavebeenrecentlysenthomefromthefishmonger’s；amoonlightnightatsea（inacircle）；deadgame；
scroll-work；theheadofahoaryhermitengagedindevoutcontemplation；theheadofapointersmokingapipe；andacherubim，hisfleshcreasedasininfancy，goingonahorizontalerrandagainstthewind。Allthesesubjectsappearedtometobeexquisitelydone。
Onhiskneesononesideofthisgallery，ashabbypersonofmodestappearancewhoshivereddreadfully（thoughitwasn’tatallcold），wasengagedinblowingthechalk-dustoffthemoon，toningtheoutlineofthebackofthehermit’sheadwithabitofleather，andfatteningthedown-strokeofaletterortwointhewriting。Ihaveforgottentomentionthatwritingformedapartofthecomposition，andthatitalso——asitappearedtome——wasexquisitelydone。Itranasfollows，infineroundcharacters：\"AnhonestmanisthenoblestworkofGod。1234567890。Poundss。d。Employmentinanofficeishumblyrequested。HonourtheQueen。Hungerisa0
987654321sharpthorn。Chipchop，cherrychop，folderolderido。Astronomyandmathematics。Idothistosupportmyfamily。\"
Murmursofadmirationattheexceedingbeautyofthisperformancewentaboutamongthecrowd。Theartist，havingfinishedhistouching（andhavingspoiltthoseplaces），tookhisseatonthepavement，withhiskneescrouchedupverynighhischin；andhalfpencebegantorattlein。
\"Apitytoseeamanofthattalentbroughtsolow；ain’tit？\"saidoneofthecrowdtome。
\"Whathemighthavedoneinthecoach-painting，orhouse-
decorating！\"saidanotherman，whotookupthefirstspeakerbecauseIdidnot。
\"Why，hewrites——alone——liketheLordChancellor！\"saidanotherman。
\"Better，\"saidanother。\"Iknowhiswriting。Hecouldn’tsupporthisfamilythisway。\"
Then，awomannoticedthenaturalfluffinessofthehermit’shair，andanotherwoman，herfriend，mentionedofthesalmon’sgillsthatyoucouldalmostseehimgasp。Then，anelderlycountrygentlemansteppedforwardandaskedthemodestmanhowheexecutedhiswork？
Andthemodestmantooksomescrapsofbrownpaperwithcoloursin’emoutofhispockets，andshowedthem。Thenafair-complexioneddonkey，withsandyhairandspectacles，askedifthehermitwasaportrait？Towhichthemodestman，castingasorrowfulglanceuponit，repliedthatitwas，toacertainextent，arecollectionofhisfather。Thiscausedaboytoyelpout，\"IsthePinterasmokingthepipeyourmother？\"whowasimmediatelyshovedoutofviewbyasympatheticcarpenterwithhisbasketoftoolsathisback。
Ateveryfreshquestionorremarkthecrowdleanedforwardmoreeagerly，anddroppedthehalfpencemorefreely，andthemodestmangatheredthemupmoremeekly。Atlast，anotherelderlygentlemancametothefront，andgavetheartisthiscard，tocometohisofficeto-morrow，andgetsomecopyingtodo。Thecardwasaccompaniedbysixpence，andtheartistwasprofoundlygrateful，and，beforeheputthecardinhishat，readitseveraltimesbythelightofhiscandlestofixtheaddresswellinhismind，incaseheshouldloseit。Thecrowdwasdeeplyinterestedbythislastincident，andamaninthesecondrowwithagruffvoicegrowledtotheartist，\"You’vegotachanceinlifenow，ain’tyou？\"Theartistanswered（sniffinginaverylow-spiritedway，however），\"I’mthankfultohopeso。\"Uponwhichtherewasageneralchorusof\"Youareallright，\"andthehalfpenceslackenedverydecidedly。
Ifeltmyselfpulledawaybythearm，andMr。ClickandIstoodaloneatthecornerofthenextcrossing。
\"Why，Tom，\"saidMr。Click，\"whatahorridexpressionoffaceyou’vegot！\"
\"HaveI？\"saysI。
\"Haveyou？\"saysMr。Click。\"Why，youlookedasifyouwouldhavehisblood。\"
\"Whoseblood？\"
\"Theartist’s。\"
\"Theartist’s？\"Irepeated。AndIlaughed，frantically，wildly，gloomily，incoherently，disagreeably。IamsensiblethatIdid。I
knowIdid。
Mr。Clickstaredatmeinascaredsortofaway，butsaidnothinguntilwehadwalkedastreet’slength。Hethenstoppedshort，andsaid，withexcitementonthepartofhisforefinger：
\"Thomas，Ifinditnecessarytobeplainwithyou。Idon’tliketheenviousman。Ihaveidentifiedthecankerwormthat’speggingawayatYOURvitals，andit’senvy，Thomas。\"
\"Isit？\"saysI。
\"Yes，itis，\"saysbe。\"Thomas，bewareofenvy。Itisthegreen-
eyedmonsterwhichneverdidandneverwillimproveeachshininghour，butquitethereverse。Idreadtheenviousman，Thomas。I
confessthatIamafraidoftheenviousman，whenheissoenviousasyouare。Whilstyoucontemplatedtheworksofagiftedrival，andwhilstyouheardthatrival’spraises，andespeciallywhilstyoumethishumbleglanceasheputthatcardaway，yourcountenancewassomalevolentastobeterrific。Thomas，IhaveheardoftheenvyofthemthatfollowstheFine-Artline，butIneverbelieveditcouldbewhatyoursis。Iwishyouwell，butItakemyleaveofyou。Andifyoushouldevergotintotroublethroughknifeing——orsay，garotting——abrotherartist，asIbelieveyouwill，don’tcallmetocharacter，Thomas，orIshallbeforcedtoinjureyourcase。\"
Mr。Clickpartedfrommewiththosewords，andwebrokeoffouracquaintance。
Ibecameenamoured。HernamewasHenrietta。Contendingwithmyeasydisposition，Ifrequentlygotuptogoafterher。ShealsodweltintheneighbourhoodoftheObstacle，andIdidfondlyhopethatnootherwouldinterposeinthewayofourunion。
TosaythatHenriettawasvolatileisbuttosaythatshewaswoman。
Tosaythatshewasinthebonnet-trimmingisfeeblytoexpressthetastewhichreignedpredominantinherown。
Sheconsentedtowalkwithme。Letmedoherthejusticetosaythatshedidsoupontrial。\"Iamnot，\"saidHenrietta，\"asyetpreparedtoregardyou，Thomas，inanyotherlightthanasafriend；
butasafriendIamwillingtowalkwithyou，ontheunderstandingthatsoftersentimentsmayflow。\"
Wewalked。
UndertheinfluenceofHenrietta’sbeguilements，Inowgotoutofbeddaily。Ipursuedmycallingwithanindustrybeforeunknown，anditcannotfailtohavebeenobservedatthatperiod，bythosemostfamiliarwiththestreetsofLondon，thattherewasalargersupply。Buthold！Thetimeisnotyetcome！
OneeveninginOctoberIwaswalkingwithHenrietta，enjoyingthecoolbreezeswaftedoverVauxhallBridge。Afterseveralslowturns，Henriettagapedfrequently（soinseparablefromwomanistheloveofexcitement），andsaid，\"Let’sgohomebyGrosvenorPlace，Piccadilly，andWaterloo\"——localities，Imaystatefortheinformationofthestrangerandtheforeigner，wellknowninLondon，andthelastaBridge。
\"No。NotbyPiccadilly，Henrietta，\"saidI。
\"AndwhynotPiccadilly，forgoodness’sake？\"saidHenrietta。
CouldItellher？CouldIconfesstothegloomypresentimentthatovershadowedme？CouldImakemyselfintelligibletoher？No。
\"Idon’tlikePiccadilly，Henrietta。\"
\"ButIdo，\"saidshe。\"It’sdarknow，andthelongrowsoflampsinPiccadillyafterdarkarebeautiful。IWILLgotoPiccadilly！\"
Ofcoursewewent。Itwasapleasantnight，andtherewerenumbersofpeopleinthestreets。Itwasabrisknight，butnottoocold，andnotdamp。Letmedarklyobserve，itwasthebestofallnights——
FORTHEPURPOSE。
AswepassedthegardenwalloftheRoyalPalace，goingupGrosvenorPlace，Henriettamurmured：
\"IwishIwasaQueen！\"
\"Whyso，Henrietta？\"
\"IwouldmakeYOUSomething，\"saidshe，andcrossedhertwohandsonmyarm，andturnedawayherhead。
Judgingfromthisthatthesoftersentimentsalludedtoabovehadbeguntoflow，Iadaptedmyconducttothatbelief。ThushappilywepassedonintothedetestedthoroughfareofPiccadilly。Ontherightofthatthoroughfareisarowoftrees，therailingoftheGreenPark，andafinebroadeligiblepieceofpavement。
\"Ohmy！\"criedHenriettapresently。\"There’sbeenanaccident！\"
Ilookedtotheleft，andsaid，\"Where，Henrietta？\"
\"Notthere，stupid！\"saidshe。\"OverbytheParkrailings。Wherethecrowdis。Ohno，it’snotanaccident，it’ssomethingelsetolookat！What’sthemlights？\"
Shereferredtotwolightstwinklinglowamongstthelegsoftheassemblage：twocandlesonthepavement。
\"Oh，docomealong！\"criedHenrietta，skippingacrosstheroadwithme。Ihungback，butinvain。\"Dolet’slook！\"
Again，designsuponthepavement。Centrecompartment，MountVesuviusgoingit（inacircle），supportedbyfourovalcompartments，severallyrepresentingashipinheavyweather，ashoulderofmuttonattendedbytwocucumbers，agoldenharvestwithdistantcottageofproprietor，andaknifeandforkafternature；
abovethecentrecompartmentabunchofgrapes，andoverthewholearainbow。Thewhole，asitappearedtome，exquisitelydone。
Thepersoninattendanceontheseworksofartwasinallrespects，shabbinessexcepted，unliketheformerpersonage。Hiswholeappearanceandmannerdenotedbriskness。Thoughthreadbare，heexpressedtothecrowdthatpovertyhadnotsubduedhisspirit，ortingedwithanysenseofshamethishonestefforttoturnhistalentstosomeaccount。Thewritingwhichformedapartofhiscompositionwasconceivedinasimilarlycheerfultone。Itbreathedthefollowingsentiments：\"Thewriterispoor，butnotdespondent。
ToaBritish1234567890PublichePoundsS。d。appeals。
HonourtoourbraveArmy！Andalso0987654321toourgallantNavy。BRITONSSTRIKEtheABCDEFGwriterincommonchalkswouldbegratefulforanysuitableemploymentHOME！HURRAH！\"
Thewholeofthiswritingappearedtometobeexquisitelydone。
Butthisman，inonerespectlikethelast，thoughseeminglyhardatitwithagreatshowofbrownpaperandrubbers，wasonlyreallyfatteningthedown-strokeofaletterhereandthere，orblowingtheloosechalkofftherainbow，ortoningtheoutsideedgeoftheshoulderofmutton。Thoughhedidthiswiththegreatestconfidence，hedidit（asitstruckme）insoignorantamanner，andsospoilteverythinghetouched，thatwhenhebeganuponthepurplesmokefromthechimneyofthedistantcottageoftheproprietorofthegoldenharvest（whichsmokewasbeautifullysoft），Ifoundmyselfsayingaloud，withoutconsideringofit：
\"Letthatalone，willyou？\"
\"Halloa！\"saidthemannextmeinthecrowd，jerkingmeroughlyfromhimwithhiselbow，\"whydidn’tyousendatelegram？Ifwehadknownyouwascoming，we’dhaveprovidedsomethingbetterforyou。
Youunderstandtheman’sworkbetterthanhedoeshimself，don’tyou？Haveyoumadeyourwill？You’retooclevertolivelong。\"
\"Don’tbeharduponthegentleman，sir，\"saidthepersoninattendanceontheworksofart，withatwinkleinhiseyeashelookedatme；\"hemaychancetobeanartisthimself。Ifso，sir，hewillhaveafellow-feelingwithme，sir，whenI\"——headaptedhisactiontohiswordsashewenton，andgaveasmartslapofhishandsbetweeneachtouch，workinghimselfallthetimeaboutandaboutthecomposition——\"whenIlightenthebloomofmygrapes——shadeofftheorangeinmyrainbow——dottheiofmyBritons——throwayellowlightintomycow-cum-BER——insinuateanothermorseloffatintomyshoulderofmutton——dartanotherzigzagflashoflightningatmyshipindistress！\"
Heseemedtodothissoneatly，andwassonimbleaboutit，thatthehalfpencecameflyingin。
\"Thanks，generouspublic，thanks！\"saidtheprofessor。\"Youwillstimulatemetofurtherexertions。MynamewillbefoundinthelistofBritishPaintersyet。Ishalldobetterthanthis，withencouragement。Ishallindeed。\"
\"Younevercandobetterthanthatbunchofgrapes，\"saidHenrietta。
\"Oh，Thomas，themgrapes！\"
\"NotbetterthanTHAT，lady？IhopeforthetimewhenIshallpaintanythingbutyourownbrighteyesandlipsequaltolife。\"
\"（Thomas，didyouever？）Butitmusttakealongtime，sir，\"saidHenrietta，blushing，\"topaintequaltothat。\"
\"Iwasprenticedtoit，miss，\"saidtheyoungman，smartlytouchingupthecomposition——\"prenticedtoitinthecavesofSpainandPortingale，eversolongandtwoyearover。\"
Therewasalaughfromthecrowd；andanewmanwhohadworkedhimselfinnextme，said，\"He’sasmartchap，too；ain’the？\"
\"Andwhataeye！\"exclaimedHenriettasoftly。
\"Ah！Heneedhaveaeye，\"saidtheman。
\"Ah！Hejustneed，\"wasmurmuredamongthecrowd。
\"Hecouldn’tcomethat’ereburningmountainwithoutaeye，\"saidtheman。Hehadgothimselfacceptedasanauthority，somehow，andeverybodylookedathisfingerasitpointedoutVesuvius。\"Tocomethateffectinageneralilluminationwouldrequireaeye；buttocomeitwithtwodips——why，it’senoughtoblindhim！\"
Thatimpostor，pretendingnottohaveheardwhatwassaid，nowwinkedtoanyextentwithbotheyesatonce，asifthestrainuponhissightwastoomuch，andthrewbackhislonghair——itwasverylong——asiftocoolhisfeveredbrow。Iwaswatchinghimdoingit，whenHenriettasuddenlywhispered，\"Oh，Thomas，howhorridyoulook！\"andpulledmeoutbythearm。
RememberingMr。Click’swords，IwasconfusedwhenIretorted，\"Whatdoyoumeanbyhorrid？\"
\"Ohgracious！Why，youlooked，\"saidHenrietta，\"asifyouwouldhavehisblood。\"
Iwasgoingtoanswer，\"SoIwould，fortwopence——fromhisnose，\"
whenIcheckedmyselfandremainedsilent。
Wereturnedhomeinsilence。Everystepoftheway，thesoftersentimentsthathadflowed，ebbedtwentymileanhour。Adaptingmyconducttotheebbing，asIhaddonetotheflowing，Iletmyarmdroplimp，soasshecouldscarcelykeepholdofit，andIwishedhersuchacoldgood-nightatparting，thatIkeepwithintheboundsoftruthwhenIcharacteriseitasaRasper。
InthecourseofthenextdayIreceivedthefollowingdocument：
\"HenriettainformsThomasthatmyeyesareopentoyou。Imusteverwishyouwell，butwalkingandusisseparatedbyanunfarmableabyss。Onesomalignanttosuperiority——Ohthatlookathim！——canneverneverconductHENRIETTA
P。S。——Tothealtar。\"
Yieldingtotheeasinessofmydisposition，Iwenttobedforaweek，afterreceivingthisletter。Duringthewholeofsuchtime，Londonwasbereftoftheusualfruitsofmylabour。WhenIresumedit，IfoundthatHenriettawasmarriedtotheartistofPiccadilly。
DidIsaytotheartist？Whatfellwordswerethose，expressiveofwhatagallinghollowness，ofwhatabittermockery！I——I——I——amtheartist。IwastherealartistofPiccadilly，IwastherealartistoftheWaterlooRoad，Iamtheonlyartistofallthosepavement-subjectswhichdailyandnightlyarouseyouradmiration。I
do’em，andIlet’emout。Themanyoubeholdwiththepapersofchalksandtherubbers，touchingupthedown-strokesofthewritingandshadingoffthesalmon，themanyougivethecreditto，themanyougivethemoneyto，hires——yes！andIlivetotellit！——hiresthoseworksofartofme，andbringsnothingto’embutthecandles。
Suchisgeniusinacommercialcountry。Iamnotuptotheshivering，Iamnotuptotheliveliness，Iamnotuptothewanting-employment-in-an-officemove；Iamonlyuptooriginatingandexecutingthework。Inconsequenceofwhichyouneverseeme；
youthinkyouseemewhenyouseesomebodyelse，andthatsomebodyelseisamereCommercialcharacter。TheoneseenbyselfandMr。
ClickintheWaterlooRoadcanonlywriteasingleword，andthatI
taughthim，andit’sMULTIPLICATION——whichyoumayseehimexecuteupsidedown，becausehecan’tdoitthenaturalway。TheoneseenbyselfandHenriettabytheGreenParkrailingscanjustsmearintoexistencethetwoendsofarainbow，withhiscuffandarubber——ifveryhardputuponmakingashow——buthecouldnomorecomethearchoftherainbow，tosavehislife，thanhecouldcomethemoon-light，fish，volcano，shipwreck，mutton，hermit，oranyofmymostcelebratedeffects。
ToconcludeasIbegan：ifthere’sablightedpubliccharactergoing，Iamtheparty。Andoftenasyouhaveseen，dosee，andwillsee，myWorks，it’sfiftythousandtooneifyou’lleverseeme，unless，whenthecandlesareburntdownandtheCommercialcharacterisgone，youshouldhappentonoticeaneglectedyoungmanperseveringlyrubbingoutthelasttracesofthepictures，sothatnobodycanrenewthesame。That’sme。
CHAPTERIV——HISWONDERFULEND
Itwillhavebeen，erenow，perceivedthatIsoldtheforegoingwritings。Fromthefactoftheirbeingprintedinthesepages，theinferencewill，erenow，havebeendrawnbythereader（mayIadd，thegentlereader？）thatIsoldthemtoOnewhoneveryet——{2}
Havingpartedwiththewritingsonmostsatisfactoryterms，——for，inopeningnegotiationswiththepresentJournal，wasInotplacingmyselfinthehandsofOneofwhomitmaybesaid，inthewordsofAnother，{2，}——resumedmyusualfunctions。ButItoosoondiscoveredthatpeaceofmindhadfledfromabrowwhich，uptothattime，Timehadmerelytookthehairoff，leavinganunruffledexpansewithin。
Itweresuperfluoustoveilit，——thebrowtowhichIalludeismyown。
Yes，overthatbrowuneasinessgatheredlikethesablewingofthefabledbird，as——asnodoubtwillbeeasilyidentifiedbyallright-
mindedindividuals。Ifnot，Iamunable，onthespurofthemoment，toenterintoparticularsofhim。Thereflectionthatthewritingsmustnowinevitablygetintoprint，andthatHemightyetliveandmeetwiththem，satliketheHagofNightuponmyjadedform。Theelasticityofmyspiritsdeparted。FruitlesswastheBottle，whetherWineorMedicine。Ihadrecoursetoboth，andtheeffectofbothuponmysystemwaswitheringlylowering。
Inthisstateofdepression，intowhichIsubsidedwhenIfirstbegantorevolvewhatcouldIeversayifHe——theunknown——wastoappearintheCoffee-roomanddemandreparation，IoneforenooninthislastNovemberreceivedaturnthatappearedtobegivenmebythefingerofFateandConscience，handinhand。IwasaloneintheCoffee-room，andhadjustpokedthefireintoablaze，andwasstandingwithmybacktoit，tryingwhetherheatwouldpenetratewithsoothinginfluencetotheVoicewithin，whenayoungmaninacap，ofanintelligentcountenance，thoughrequiringhishaircut，stoodbeforeme。
\"Mr。Christopher，theHeadWaiter？\"
\"Thesame。\"
Theyoungmanshookhishairoutofhisvision，——whichitimpeded，——
toapacketfromhisbreast，andhandingitovertome，said，withhiseye（ordidIdream？）fixedwithalambentmeaningonme，\"THE
PROOFS。\"
AlthoughIsmeltmycoat-tailssingeingatthefire，Ihadnotthepowertowithdrawthem。Theyoungmanputthepacketinmyfalteringgrasp，andrepeated，——letmedohimthejusticetoadd，withcivility：
\"THEPROOFS。A。Y。R。\"
Withthosewordshedeparted。
A。Y。R。？AndYouRemember。Wasthathismeaning？AtYourRisk。
WerethelettersshortforTHATreminder？AnticipateYourRetribution。DidtheystandforTHATwarning？Out-daciousYouthRepent？Butno；forthat，aOwashappilywanting，andthevowelherewasaA。
Iopenedthepacket，andfoundthatitscontentsweretheforegoingwritingsprintedjustasthereader（mayIaddthediscerningreader？）perusesthem。Invainwasthereassuringwhisper，——A。Y。R。，AlltheYearRound，——itcouldnotcanceltheProofs。Tooappropriatename。TheProofsofmyhavingsoldtheWritings。
Mywretchednessdailyincreased。IhadnotthoughtoftheriskI
ran，andthedefyingpublicityIputmyheadinto，untilallwasdone，andallwasinprint。Giveupthemoneytobeoffthebargainandpreventthepublication，Icouldnot。Myfamilywasdownintheworld，Christmaswascomingon，abrotherinthehospitalandasisterintherheumaticscouldnotbeentirelyneglected。AnditwasnotonlyinsinthefamilythathadtoldontheresourcesofoneunaidedWaitering；outswerenotwanting。Abrotheroutofasituation，andanotherbrotheroutofmoneytomeetanacceptance，andanotherbrotheroutofhismind，andanotherbrotheroutatNewYork（notthesame，thoughitmightappearso），hadreallyandtrulybroughtmetoastandtillIcouldturnmyselfround。Igotworseandworseinmymeditations，constantlyreflecting\"TheProofs，\"andreflectingthatwhenChristmasdrewnearer，andtheProofswerepublished，therecouldbenosafetyfromhourtohourbutthatHemightconfrontmeintheCoffee-room，andinthefaceofdayandhiscountrydemandhisrights。
Theimpressiveandunlooked-forcatastrophetowardswhichIdimlypointedthereader（shallIadd，thehighlyintellectualreader？）inmyfirstremarksnowrapidlyapproaches。
ItwasNovemberstill，butthelastechoesoftheGuyFoxeshadlongceasedtoreverberate。Wewasslack，——severaljointsunderouraveragemark，andwine，ofcourse，proportionate。Soslackhadwebecomeatlast，thatBedsNos。26，27，28，and31，havingtooktheirsixo’clockdinners，anddozedovertheirrespectivepints，haddroveawayintheirrespectiveHansomsfortheirrespectiveNightMail-trainsandleftusempty。
IhadtooktheeveningpapertoNo。6table，——whichiswarmandmosttobepreferred，——and，lostintheall-absorbingtopicsoftheday，haddroppedintoaslumber。Iwasrecalledtoconsciousnessbythewell-knownintimation，\"Waiter！\"andreplying，\"Sir！\"foundagentlemanstandingatNo。4table。Thereader（shallIadd，theobservantreader？）willpleasetonoticethelocalityofthegentleman，——ATNO。4TABLE。
Hehadoneofthenewfangleduncollapsablebagsinhishand（whichI
amagainst，forIdon’tseewhyyoushouldn’tcollapse，whileyouareaboutit，asyourfatherscollapsedbeforeyou），andhesaid：
\"Iwanttodine，waiter。Ishallsleephereto-night。\"
\"Verygood，sir。Whatwillyoutakefordinner，sir？\"
\"Soup，bitofcodfish，oystersauce，andthejoint。\"
\"Thankyou，sir。\"
Irangthechambermaid’sbell；andMrs。Pratchettmarchedin，accordingtocustom，demurelycarryingalightedflatcandlebeforeher，asifshewasoneofalongpublicprocession，alltheothermembersofwhichwasinvisible。
Inthemeanwhilethegentlemanhadgoneuptothemantelpiece，rightinfrontofthefire，andhadlaidhisforeheadagainstthemantelpiece（whichitisalowone，andbroughthimintotheattitudeofleap-frog），andhadheavedatremenjoussigh。Hishairwaslongandlightish；andwhenhelaidhisforeheadagainstthemantelpiece，hishairallfellinadustyflufftogetheroverhiseyes；andwhenhenowturnedroundandlifteduphisheadagain，itallfellinadustyflufftogetheroverhisears。Thisgivehimawildappearance，similartoablastedheath。
\"O！Thechambermaid。Ah！\"Hewasturningsomethinginhismind。
\"Tobesure。Yes。Iwon’tgoup-stairsnow，ifyouwilltakemybag。Itwillbeenoughforthepresenttoknowmynumber。——Canyougiveme24B？\"
（OConscience，whataAdderartthou！）
Mrs。Pratchettallottedhimtheroom，andtookhisbagtoit。Hethenwentbackbeforethefire，andfellabitinghisnails。
\"Waiter！\"bitingbetweenthewords，\"giveme，\"bite，\"penandpaper；
andinfiveminutes，\"bite，\"letmehave，ifyouplease，\"bite，\"a\"，bite，\"Messenger。\"
Unmindfulofhiswaningsoup，hewroteandsentoffsixnotesbeforehetouchedhisdinner。ThreewereCity；threeWest-End。TheCitylettersweretoCornhill，Ludgate-hill，andFarringdonStreet。TheWest-EndlettersweretoGreatMarlboroughStreet，NewBurlingtonStreet，andPiccadilly。Everybodywassystematicallydeniedateveryoneofthesixplaces，andtherewasnotavestigeofanyanswer。Ourlightporterwhisperedtome，whenhecamebackwiththatreport，\"AllBooksellers。\"
Butbeforethenhehadclearedoffhisdinner，andhisbottleofwine。Henow——marktheconcurrencewiththedocumentformerlygiveninfull！——knockedaplateofbiscuitsoffthetablewithhisagitatedelber（butwithoutbreakage），anddemandedboilingbrandy-
and-water。
NowfullyconvincedthatitwasHimself，Iperspiredwiththeutmostfreedom。Whenhebecameflushedwiththeheatedstimulantreferredto，heagaindemandedpenandpaper，andpassedthesucceedingtwohoursinproducingamanuscriptwhichheputinthefirewhencompleted。Hethenwentuptobed，attendedbyMrs。Pratchett。
Mrs。Pratchett（whowasawareofmyemotions）toldme，oncomingdown，thatshehadnoticedhiseyerollingintoeverycornerofthepassagesandstaircase，asifinsearchofhisLuggage，andthat，lookingbackassheshutthedoorof24B，sheperceivedhimwithhiscoatalreadythrownoffimmersinghimselfbodilyunderthebedstead，likeachimley-sweepbeforetheapplicationofmachinery。
Thenextday——Iforbearthehorrorsofthatnight——wasaveryfoggydayinourpartofLondon，insomuchthatitwasnecessarytolighttheCoffee-roomgas。Wewasstillalone，andnofeverishwordsofminecandojusticetothefitfulnessofhisappearanceashesatatNo。4table，increasedbytherebeingsomethingwrongwiththemeter。
Havingagainorderedhisdinner，hewentout，andwasoutforthebestpartoftwohours。Inquiringonhisreturnwhetheranyoftheanswershadarrived，andreceivinganunqualifiednegative，hisinstantcallwasformulligatawny，thecayennepepper，andorangebrandy。
Feelingthatthemortalstrugglewasnowathand，IalsofeltthatI
mustbeequaltohim，andwiththatviewresolvedthatwhateverhetookIwouldtake。Behindmypartition，butkeepingmyeyeonhimoverthecurtain，IthereforeoperatedonMulligatawny，CayennePepper，andOrangeBrandy。Andatalaterperiodoftheday，whenheagainsaid，\"OrangeBrandy，\"Isaidsotoo，inalowertone，toGeorge，mySecondLieutenant（myFirstwasabsentonleave），whoactsbetweenmeandthebar。
ThroughoutthatawfuldayhewalkedabouttheCoffee-roomcontinually。Oftenhecamecloseuptomypartition，andthenhiseyerolledwithin，tooevidentlyinsearchofanysignsofhisLuggage。Half-pastsixcame，andIlaidhiscloth。HeorderedabottleofoldBrown。IlikewiseorderedabottleofoldBrown。Hedrankhis。Idrankmine（asnearlyasmydutieswouldpermit）glassforglassagainsthis。Hetoppedwithcoffeeandasmallglass。I
toppedwithcoffeeandasmallglass。Hedozed。Idozed。Atlast，\"Waiter！\"——andheorderedhisbill。Themomentwasnowathandwhenwetwomustbelockedinthedeadlygrapple。
Swiftasthearrowfromthebow，Ihadformedmyresolution；inotherwords，Ihadhammereditoutbetweennineandnine。Itwas，thatIwouldbethefirsttoopenupthesubjectwithafullacknowledgment，andwouldofferanygradualsettlementwithinmypower。Hepaidhisbill（doingwhatwasrightbyattendance）withhiseyerollingabouthimtothelastforanytokensofhisLuggage。
Oneonlytimeourgazethenmet，withthelustrousfixedness（I
believeIamcorrectinimputingthatcharactertoit？）ofthewell-
knownBasilisk。Thedecisivemomenthadarrived。
Withatolerablesteadyhand，thoughwithhumility，IlaidTheProofsbeforehim。
\"GraciousHeavens！\"hecriesout，leapingup，andcatchingholdofhishair。\"What’sthis？Print！\"
\"Sir，\"Ireplied，inacalmingvoice，andbendingforward，\"Ihumblyacknowledgetobeingtheunfortunatecauseofit。ButIhope，sir，thatwhenyouhaveheardthecircumstancesexplained，andtheinnocenceofmyintentions——\"
Tomyamazement，Iwasstoppedshortbyhiscatchingmeinbothhisarms，andpressingmetohisbreast-bone；whereImustconfesstomyface（andparticular，nose）havingundergonesometemporaryvexationfromhiswearinghiscoatbuttonedhighup，andhisbuttonsbeinguncommonhard。
\"Ha，ha，ha！\"hecries，releasingmewithawildlaugh，andgraspingmyhand。\"Whatisyourname，myBenefactor？\"
\"Myname，sir\"（Iwascrumpled，andpuzzledtomakehimout），\"isChristopher；andIhope，sir，that，assuch，whenyou’veheardmyex-\"
\"Inprint！\"heexclaimsagain，dashingtheproofsoverandoverasifhewasbathinginthem。——\"Inprint！！OChristopher！
Philanthropist！Nothingcanrecompenseyou，——butwhatsumofmoneywouldbeacceptabletoyou？\"
Ihaddrawnastepbackfromhim，orIshouldhavesufferedfromhisbuttonsagain。
\"Sir，Iassureyou，Ihavebeenalreadywellpaid，and——\"
\"No，no，Christopher！Don’ttalklikethat！Whatsumofmoneywouldbeacceptabletoyou，Christopher？Wouldyoufindtwentypoundsacceptable，Christopher？\"
Howevergreatmysurprise，Inaturallyfoundwordstosay，\"Sir，I
amnotawarethatthemanwaseveryetbornwithoutmorethantheaverageamountofwateronthebrainaswouldnotfindtwentypoundsacceptable。But——extremelyobligedtoyou，sir，I’msure；\"forhehadtumbleditoutofhispurseandcrammeditinmyhandintwobank-notes；\"butIcouldwishtoknow，sir，ifnotintruding，howI
havemeritedthisliberality？\"
\"Knowthen，myChristopher，\"hesays，\"thatfromboyhood’shourI
haveunremittinglyandunavailinglyendeavouredtogetintoprint。
Know，Christopher，thatalltheBooksellersalive——andseveraldead——
haverefusedtoputmeintoprint。Know，Christopher，thatIhavewrittenunprintedReams。Buttheyshallbereadtoyou，myfriendandbrother。Yousometimeshaveaholiday？\"
SeeingthegreatdangerIwasin，Ihadthepresenceofmindtoanswer，\"Never！\"Tomakeitmorefinal，Iadded，\"Never！Notfromthecradletothegrave。\"
\"Well，\"sayshe，thinkingnomoreaboutthat，andchucklingathisproofsagain。\"ButIaminprint！Thefirstflightofambitionemanatingfrommyfather’slowlycotisrealisedatlength！Thegoldenbow\"——hewasgettingon，——\"struckbythemagichand，hasemittedacompleteandperfectsound！Whendidthishappen，myChristopher？\"
\"Whichhappen，sir？\"
\"This，\"hehelditoutatarmslengthtoadmireit，——\"thisPer-
rint。\"
WhenIhadgivenhimmydetailedaccountofit，hegraspedmebythehandagain，andsaid：
\"DearChristopher，itshouldbegratifyingtoyoutoknowthatyouareaninstrumentinthehandsofDestiny。BecauseyouARE。\"
ApassingSomethingofamelancholycastputitintomyheadtoshakeit，andtosay，\"Perhapsweallare。\"
\"Idon’tmeanthat，\"heanswered；\"Idon’ttakethatwiderange；I
confinemyselftothespecialcase。Observemewell，myChristopher！Hopelessofgettingrid，throughanyeffortofmyown，ofanyofthemanuscriptsamongmyLuggage，——allofwhich，sendthemwhereIwould，werealwayscomingbacktome，——itisnowsomesevenyearssinceIleftthatLuggagehere，onthedesperatechance，eitherthatthetoo，toofaithfulmanuscriptswouldcomebacktomenomore，orthatsomeonelessaccursedthanImightgivethemtotheworld。Youfollowme，myChristopher？\"
\"Prettywell，sir。\"Ifollowedhimsofarastojudgethathehadaweakhead，andthattheOrange，theBoiling，andOldBrowncombinedwasbeginningtotell。（TheOldBrown，beingheady，isbestadaptedtoseasonedcases。）
\"Yearselapsed，andthosecompositionsslumberedindust。Atlength，Destiny，choosingheragentfromallmankind，sentYouhere，Christopher，andlo！theCasketwasburstasunder，andtheGiantwasfree！\"
Hemadehayofhishairafterhesaidthis，andhestooda-tiptoe。
\"But，\"heremindedhimselfinastateofexcitement，\"wemustsitupallnight，myChristopher。ImustcorrecttheseProofsforthepress。Fillalltheinkstands，andbringmeseveralnewpens。\"
HesmearedhimselfandhesmearedtheProofs，thenightthrough，tothatdegreethatwhenSolgavehimwarningtodepart（inafour-
wheeler），fewcouldhavesaidwhichwasthem，andwhichwashim，andwhichwasblots。Hislastinstructionswas，thatIshouldinstantlyrunandtakehiscorrectionstotheofficeofthepresentJournal。
Ididso。Theymostlikelywillnotappearinprint，forInoticedamessagebeingbroughtroundfromBeaufordPrintingHouse，whileI
wasathrowingthisconcludingstatementonpaper，thattheoleresourcesofthatestablishmentwasunabletomakeoutwhattheymeant。Uponwhichacertaingentlemanincompany，asIwillnotmoreparticularlyname，——butofwhomitwillbesufficienttoremark，standingonthebroadbasisofawave-girtisle，thatwhetherweregardhiminthelightof，——{3}laughed，andputthecorrectionsinthefire。
Footnotes：
{1}Itsnameandaddressatlength，withotherfullparticulars，alleditoriallystruckout。
{2}Theremainderofthiscomplimentarysentenceeditoriallystruckout。
{3}Theremainderofthiscomplimentaryparenthesiseditoriallystruckout。
