Butshehadbetterbecareful，\"saidthedoctor。\"Iwillhavenotreasoninmyhouse。\"
\"Isuspectshewillbecareful；forsheisatbottomverymuchafraidofyou。\"
\"Theyarebothafraidofme，harmlessasIam，\"thedoctoranswered。
\"AnditisonthatthatIbuild-onthesalutaryterrorIinspire。\"
CHAPTER14。
HEWROTEhisfranklettertoMrs。Montgomery，whopunctuallyansweredit，mentioninganhouratwhichhemightpresenthimselfintheSecondAvenue。Shelivedinaneatlittlehouseofredbrick，whichhadbeenfreshlypainted，withtheedgesofthebricksverysharplymarkedoutinwhite。Ithasnowdisappeared，withitscompanions，tomakeroomforarowofstructuresmoremajestic。
Thereweregreenshuttersuponthewindows，withoutslats，butpiercedwithlittleholes，arrangedingroups；andbeforethehousewasadiminutive\"yard，\"ornamentedwithabushofmysteriouscharacter，andsurroundedbyalowwoodenpaling，paintedinthesamegreenastheshutters。Theplacelookedlikeamagnifiedbaby-house，andmighthavebeentakendownfromashelfinatoyshop。DoctorSloper，whenhewenttocall，saidtohimself，asheglancedattheobjectsIhaveenumerated，thatMrs。Montgomerywasevidentlyathriftyandself-respectinglittleperson-themodestproportionsofherdwellingseemedtoindicatethatshewasofsmallstature-whotookavirtuoussatisfactioninkeepingherselftidy，andhadresolvedthat，sinceshemightnotbesplendid，shewouldatleastbeimmaculate。Shereceivedhiminalittleparlor，whichwaspreciselytheparlorhehadexpected：asmallunspeckledbower，ornamentedwithadesultoryfoliageoftissuepaper，andwithclustersofglassdrops，amidstwhich-tocarryouttheanalogy-thetemperatureoftheleafyseasonwasmaintainedbymeansofacast-ironstove，emittingadryblueflame，andsmellingstronglyofvarnish。Thewallswereembellishedwithengravingsswathedinpinkgauze，andthetablesornamentedwithvolumesofextractsfromthepoets，usuallyboundinblackclothstampedwithfloriddesignsinjaundicedgilt。Thedoctorhadtimetotakecognizanceofthesedetails；forMrs。
Montgomery，whoseconducthepronouncedunderthecircumstancesinexcusable，kepthimwaitingsometenminutesbeforesheappeared。Atlast，however，sherustledin，smoothingdownastiffpoplindress，withalittlefrightenedflushinagracefullyroundedcheek。
Shewasasmall，plump，fairwoman，withabright，cleareye，andanextraordinaryairofneatnessandbriskness。Butthesequalitieswereevidentlycombinedwithanunaffectedhumility，andthedoctorgaveherhisesteemassoonashehadlookedather。Abravelittleperson，withlivelyperceptions，andyetadisbeliefinherowntalentforsocial，asdistinguishedfrompractical，affairs-thiswashisrapidmentalresumeofMrs。Montgomery；who，ashesaw，wasflatteredbywhatsheregardedasthehonorofhisvisit。Mrs。
Montgomery，inherlittleredhouseintheSecondAvenue，wasapersonforwhomDr。Sloperwasoneofthegreatmen-oneofthefinegentlemenofNewYork；andwhileshefixedheragitatedeyesuponhim，whilesheclaspedhermittenedhandstogetherinherglossypoplinlap，shehadtheappearanceofsayingtoherselfthathequiteansweredherideaofwhatadistinguishedguestwouldnaturallybe。
Sheapologizedforbeinglate；butheinterruptedher。
\"Itdoesn\'tmatter，\"hesaid，\"forwhileIsathereIhadtimetothinkoverwhatIwishtosaytoyou，andtomakeupmymindhowtobegin。\"
\"Oh，dobegin！\"murmuredMrs。Montgomery。
\"Itisnotsoeasy，\"saidthedoctor，smiling。\"YouwillhavegatheredfrommyletterthatIwishtoaskyouafewquestions，andyoumaynotfinditverycomfortabletoanswerthem。\"
\"Yes；IhavethoughtwhatIshouldsay。Itisnotveryeasy。\"
\"Butyoumustunderstandmysituation-mystateofmind。Yourbrotherwishestomarrymydaughter，andIwishtofindoutwhatsortofayoungmanheis。Agoodwaytodososeemedtobetocomeandaskyou，whichIhaveproceededtodo。\"
Mrs。Montgomeryevidentlytookthesituationveryseriously；shewasinastateofextrememoralconcentration。Shekeptherprettyeyes，whichwereilluminedbyasortofbrilliantmodesty，attachedtohisowncountenance，andevidentlypaidthemostearnestattentiontoeachofhiswords。Herexpressionindicatedthatshethoughthisideaofcomingtoseeheraverysuperiorconception，butthatshewasreallyafraidtohaveopinionsonstrangesubjects。
\"Iamextremelygladtoseeyou，\"shesaid，inatonewhichseemedtoadmit，atthesametime，thatthishadnothingtodowiththequestion。
Thedoctortookadvantageofthisadmission。\"Ididn\'tcometoseeyouforyourpleasure；Icametomakeyousaydisagreeablethings-andyoucan\'tlikethat。Whatsortofagentlemanisyourbrother？\"
Mrs。Montgomery\'silluminatedgazegrewvague，andbegantowander。Shesmiledalittle，andforsometimemadenoanswer，sothatthedoctoratlastbecameimpatient。Andheranswer，whenitcame，wasnotsatisfactory。\"Itisdifficulttotalkaboutone\'sbrother。\"
\"Notwhenoneisfondofhim，andwhenonehasplentyofgoodtosay。\"
\"Yes，eventhen，whenagooddealdependsonit，\"saidMrs。
Montgomery。
\"Nothingdependsonitforyou。\"
\"Imeanfor-for-\"andshehesitated。
\"Foryourbrotherhimself。Isee。\"
\"ImeanforMissSloper，\"saidMrs。Montgomery。
Thedoctorlikedthis；ithadtheaccentofsincerity。\"Exactly；
that\'sthepoint。Ifmypoorgirlshouldmarryyourbrother，everything-asregardsherhappiness-woulddependonhisbeingagoodfellow。Sheisthebestcreatureintheworld，andshecouldneverdohimagrainofinjury。He，ontheotherhand，ifheshouldnotbeallthatwedesire，mightmakeherverymiserable。ThatiswhyI
wantyoutothrowsomelightuponhischaracter，youknow。Ofcourse，youarenotboundtodoit。Mydaughter，whomyouhaveneverseen，isnothingtoyou；andI，possibly，amonlyanindiscreetandimpertinentoldman。Itisperfectlyopentoyoutotellmethatmyvisitisinverybadtaste，andthatIhadbettergoaboutmybusiness。ButIdon\'tthinkyouwilldothis；becauseIthinkweshallinterestyou-mypoorgirlandI。IamsurethatifyouweretoseeCatherineshewouldinterestyouverymuch。Idon\'tmeanbecausesheisinterestingintheusualsenseoftheword，butbecauseyouwouldfeelsorryforher。Sheissosoft，sosimpleminded，shewouldbesuchaneasyvictim！Abadhusbandwouldhaveremarkablefacilitiesformakinghermiserable；forshewouldhaveneithertheintelligencenortheresolutiontogetthebetterofhim，andyetshewouldhaveanexaggeratedpowerofsuffering。Isee，\"addedthedoctor，withhismostinsinuating，hismostprofessionallaugh，\"youarealreadyinterested。\"
\"Ihavebeeninterestedfromthemomenthetoldmehewasengaged，\"saidMrs。Montgomery。
\"Ah，hesaysthat-hecallsitanengagement？\"
\"Oh，hehastoldmeyoudidn\'tlikeit。\"
\"DidhetellyouthatIdon\'tlikehim？\"
\"Yes，hetoldmethattoo。IsaidIcouldn\'thelpit，\"addedMrs。
Montgomery。
\"Ofcourseyoucan\'t。ButwhatyoucandoistotellmeIamright-togivemeanattestation，asitwere。\"Andthedoctoraccompaniedthisremarkwithanotherprofessionalsmile。
Mrs。Montgomery，however，smilednotatall；itwasobviousthatshecouldnottakethehumorousviewofhisappeal。\"Thatisagooddealtoask，\"shesaid，atlast。
\"Therecanbenodoubtofthat；andImust，inconscience，remindyouoftheadvantagesayoungmanmarryingmydaughterwouldenjoy。
Shehasanincomeoftenthousanddollarsinherownright，leftherbyhermother；ifshemarriesahusbandIapprove，shewillcomeintoalmosttwiceasmuchmoreatmydeath。\"
Mrs。Montgomerylistenedingreatearnestnesstothissplendidfinancialstatement；shehadneverheardthousandsofdollarssofamiliarlytalkedabout。Sheflushedalittlewithexcitement。\"Yourdaughterwillbeimmenselyrich，\"shesaid，softly。
\"Precisely-that\'sthebotherofit。\"
\"AndifMorrisshouldmarryher，he-he-\"Andshehesitated，timidly。
\"Hewouldbemasterofallthatmoney？Bynomeans。Hewouldbemasterofthetenthousandayearthatshehasfromhermother；butIshouldleaveeverypennyofmyownfortune，earnedinthelaboriousexerciseofmyprofession，tomynephewsandnieces。\"
Mrs。Montgomerydroppedhereyesatthis，andsatforsometimegazingatthestrawmattingwhichcoveredherfloor。
\"Isupposeitseemstoyou，\"saidthedoctor，laughing，\"thatinsodoingIshouldplayyourbrotheraveryshabbytrick。\"
\"Notatall。Thatistoomuchmoneytogetpossessionofsoeasilybymarrying。Idon\'tthinkitwouldberight。\"
\"It\'srighttogetallonecan。Butinthiscaseyourbrotherwouldn\'tbeable。IfCatherinemarrieswithoutmyconsent，shedoesn\'tgetapennyfrommyownpocket。\"
\"Isthatcertain？\"askedMrs。Montgomery，lookingup。
\"AscertainasthatIsithere。\"
\"Evenifsheshouldpineaway？\"
\"Evenifsheshouldpinetoashadow，whichisn\'tprobable。\"
\"DoesMorrisknowthis？\"
\"Ishallbemosthappytoinformhim，\"thedoctorexclaimed。
Mrs。Montgomeryresumedhermeditations；andhervisitor，whowaspreparedtogivetimetotheaffair，askedhimselfwhether，inspiteofherlittleconscientiousair，shewasnotplayingintoherbrother\'shands。Atthesametimehewashalfashamedoftheordealtowhichhehadsubjectedher，andwastouchedbythegentlenesswithwhichsheboreit。\"Ifshewereahumbug，\"hesaid，\"shewouldgetangry，unlessshebeverydeepindeed。Itisnotprobablethatsheisasdeepasthat。\"
\"WhatmakesyoudislikeMorrissomuch？\"shepresentlyasked，emergingfromherreflections。
\"Idon\'tdislikehimintheleastasafriend，asacompanion。Heseemstomeacharmingfellow，andIshouldthinkhewouldbeexcellentcompany。Idislikehimexclusivelyasason-in-law。Iftheonlyofficeofason-in-lawweretodineatthepaternaltable，I
shouldsetahighvalueuponyourbrother：Hedinescapitally。Butthatisasmallpartofhisfunction，which，ingeneral，istobeaprotectorandcaretakerofmychild，whoissingularlyill-adaptedtotakecareofherself。Itistherethathedoesn\'tsatisfyme。I
confessIhavenothingbutmyimpressiontogoby；butIaminthehabitoftrustingmyimpression。Ofcourseyouareatlibertytocontradictitflat。Hestrikesmeasselfishandshallow。\"
Mrs。Montgomery\'seyesexpandedalittle，andthedoctorfanciedhesawthelightofadmirationinthem。\"Iwonderyouhavediscoveredheisselfish，\"sheexclaimed。
\"Doyouthinkhehidesitsowell？\"
\"Verywellindeed，\"saidMrs。Montgomery。\"AndIthinkweareallratherselfish，\"sheadded，quickly。
\"Ithinksotoo；butIhaveseenpeoplehideitbetterthanhe。
YouseeIamhelpedbyahabitIhaveofdividingpeopleintoclasses，intotypes。Imayeasilybemistakenaboutyourbrotherasanindividual，buthistypeiswrittenonhiswholeperson。\"
\"Heisverygood-looking，\"saidMrs。Montgomery。
Thedoctoreyedheramoment。\"Youwomenareallthesame！Butthetypetowhichyourbrotherbelongswasmadetobetheruinofyou，andyouweremadetobeitshandmaidsandvictims。Thesignofthetypeinquestionisthedetermination-sometimesterribleinitsquietintensity-toacceptnothingoflifebutitspleasures，andtosecurethesepleasureschieflybytheaidofyourcomplaisantsex。
Youngmenofthisclassneverdoanythingforthemselvesthattheycangetotherpeopletodoforthem，anditistheinfatuation，thedevotion，thesuperstitionofothersthatkeepsthemgoing。Theseothers，inninety-ninecasesoutofahundred，arewomen。Whatouryoungfriendschieflyinsistuponisthatsomeoneelseshallsufferforthem；andwomendothatsortofthing，asyoumustknow，wonderfullywell。\"Thedoctorpausedamoment，andthenheadded，abruptly，\"Youhavesufferedimmenselyforyourbrother！\"
Thisexclamationwasabrupt，asIsay，butitwasalsoperfectlycalculated。ThedoctorhadbeenratherdisappointedatnotfindinghiscompactandcomfortablelittlehostesssurroundedinamorevisibledegreebytheravagesofMorrisTownsend\'simmorality；buthehadsaidtohimselfthatthiswasnotbecausetheyoungmanhadsparedher，butbecauseshehadcontrivedtoplasterupherwounds。Theywereachingtherebehindthevarnishedstove，thefestoonedengravings，beneathherownneatlittlepoplinbosom；andifhecouldonlytouchthetenderspot，shewouldmakeamovementthatwouldbetrayher。ThewordsIhavejustquotedwereanattempttoputhisfingersuddenlyupontheplace，andtheyhadsomeofthesuccessthathelookedfor。
ThetearssprungforamomenttoMrs。Montgomery\'seyes，andsheindulgedinaproudlittlejerkofthehead。
\"Idon\'tknowhowyouhavefoundthatout！\"sheexclaimed。
\"Byaphilosophictrick-bywhattheycallinduction。Youknowyouhavealwaysyouroptionofcontradictingme。Butkindlyanswermeaquestion：Don\'tyougiveyourbrothermoney？Ithinkyououghttoanswerthat。\"
\"Yes，Ihavegivenhimmoney，\"saidMrs。Montgomery。
\"Andyouhavenothadmuchtogivehim？\"
Shewassilentamoment。\"Ifyouaskmeforaconfessionofpoverty，thatiseasilymade。Iamverypoor。\"
\"Onewouldneversupposeitfromyour-yourcharminghouse，\"saidthedoctor。\"Ilearnedfrommysisterthatyourincomewasmoderate，andyourfamilynumerous。\"
\"Ihavefivechildren，\"Mrs。Montgomeryobserved，\"butIamhappytosayIcanbringthemupdecently。\"
\"Ofcourseyoucan-accomplishedanddevotedasyouare。Butyourbrotherhascountedthemover，Isuppose？\"
\"Countedthemover？\"
\"Heknowstherearefive，Imean。Hetellsmeitishethatbringsthemup。\"
Mrs。Montgomerystaredamoment，andthenquickly-\"Ohyes；heteachesthem-Spanish。\"
Thedoctorlaughedout。\"Thatmusttakeagreatdealoffyourhands！
Yourbrotheralsoknows，ofcourse，thatyouhaveverylittlemoney？\"
\"Ihaveoftentoldhimso，\"Mrs。Montgomeryexclaimed，moreunreservedlythanshehadyetspoken。Shewasapparentlytakingsomecomfortinthedoctor\'sclairvoyance。
\"Whichmeansthatyouhaveoftenoccasionto，andthatheoftenspongesonyou。Excusethecrudityofmylanguage；Isimplyexpressafact。Idon\'taskyouhowmuchofyourmoneyhehashad，itisnoneofmybusiness。IhaveascertainedwhatIsuspected-whatI
wished。\"Andthedoctorgotup，gentlysmoothinghishat。\"Yourbrotherlivesonyou，\"hesaid，ashestoodthere。
Mrs。Montgomeryquicklyrosefromherchair，followinghervisitor\'smovementswithalookoffascination。Butthen，withacertaininconsequence，\"Ihavenevercomplainedofhim，\"shesaid。
\"Youneedn\'tprotest-youhavenotbetrayedhim。ButIadviseyounottogivehimanymoremoney。\"
\"Don\'tyouseeitisinmyinterestthatheshouldmarryarichperson？\"sheasked。\"If，asyousay，helivesonme，Icanonlywishtogetridofhim；andtoputobstaclesinthewayofhismarryingistoincreasemyowndifficulties。\"
\"Iwishverymuchyouwouldcometomewithyourdifficulties，\"saidthedoctor。\"Certainly，ifIthrowhimbackonyourhands，theleastI
candoistohelpyoutobeartheburden。Ifyouwillallowmetosayso，then，Ishalltakethelibertyofplacinginyourhands，forthepresent，acertainfundforyourbrother\'ssupport。\"
Mrs。Montgomerystared；sheevidentlythoughthewasjesting；butshepresentlysawthathewasnot，andthecomplicationofherfeelingsbecamepainful。\"ItseemstomethatIoughttobeverymuchoffendedwithyou，\"shemurmured。
\"BecauseIhaveofferedyoumoney？That\'sasuperstition，\"saidthedoctor。\"Youmustletmecomeandseeyouagain，andwewilltalkaboutthesethings。Isupposethatsomeofyourchildrenaregirls？\"
\"Ihavetwolittlegirls，\"saidMrs。Montgomery。
\"Well，whentheygrowup，andbegintothinkoftakinghusbands，youwillseehowanxiousyouwillbeaboutthemoralcharacterofthesehusbands。Thenyouwillunderstandthisvisitofmine。\"
\"Ah，youarenottobelievethatMorris\'smoralcharacterisbad。\"
Thedoctorlookedatheralittle，withfoldedarms。\"ThereissomethingIshouldgreatlylike，asamoralsatisfaction。Ishouldliketohearyousay，\'Heisabominablyselfish。\'\"
Thewordscameoutwiththegravedistinctnessofhisvoice，andtheyseemedforaninstanttocreate，topoorMrs。Montgomery\'stroubledvision，amaterialimage。Shegazedatitaninstant，andthensheturnedaway。\"Youdistressme，sir！\"sheexclaimed。\"Heis，afterall，mybrother；andhistalents，histalents-\"Ontheselastwordshervoicequavered，andbeforeheknewitshehadburstintotears。
\"Histalentsarefirst-rate，\"saidthedoctor。\"Wemustfindtheproperfieldforthem。\"Andheassuredhermostrespectfullyofhisregretathavingsogreatlydiscomposedher。\"It\'sallformypoorCatherine，\"hewenton。\"Youmustknowher，andyouwillsee。\"
Mrs。Montgomerybrushedawayhertears，andblushedathavingshedthem。\"Ishouldliketoknowyourdaughter，\"sheanswered；andthen，inaninstant，\"Don\'tlethermarryhim！\"
DoctorSloperwentawaywiththewordsgentlyhumminginhisears：
\"Don\'tlethermarryhim！\"Theygavehimthemoralsatisfactionofwhichhehadjustspoken，andtheirvaluewasthegreaterthattheyhadevidentlycostapangtopoorlittleMrs。Montgomery\'sfamilypride。
CHAPTER15。
HEHADBEENPUZZLEDbythewaythatCatherinecarriedherself；herattitudeatthissentimentalcrisisseemedtohimunnaturallypassive。
Shehadnotspokentohimagainafterthatsceneinthelibrary，thedaybeforehisinterviewwithMorris；andaweekhadelapsedwithoutmakinganychangeinhermanner。Therewasnothinginitthatappealedforpity，andhewasevenalittledisappointedathernotgivinghimanopportunitytomakeupforhisharshnessbysomemanifestationofliberalitywhichshouldoperateasacompensation。HethoughtalittleofofferingtotakeherforatourinEurope；buthewasdeterminedtodothisonlyincasesheshouldseemmutelytoreproachhim。Hehadanideathatshewoulddisplayatalentformutereproaches，andhewassurprisedatnotfindinghimselfexposedtothesesilentbatteries。Shesaidnothing，eithertacitlyorexplicitly，andasshewasneververytalkative，therewasnownoespecialeloquenceinherreserve。AndpoorCatherinewasnotsulky-astyleofbehaviorforwhichshehadtoolittlehistrionictalent-
shewassimplyverypatient。Ofcourseshewasthinkingoverhersituation，andshewasapparentlydoingsoinadeliberateandunimpassionedmanner，withaviewofmakingthebestofit。
\"ShewilldoasIhavebiddenher，\"saidthedoctor；andhemadethefurtherreflectionthathisdaughterwasnotawomanofagreatspirit。
Iknownotwhetherhehadhopedforalittlemoreresistanceforthesakeofalittlemoreentertainment；buthesaidtohimself，ashehadsaidbefore，thatthoughitmighthaveitsmomentaryalarms，paternitywas，afterall，notanexcitingvocation。
Catherinemeanwhilehadmadeadiscoveryofaverydifferentsort；
ithadbecomevividtoherthattherewasagreatexcitementintryingtobeagooddaughter。Shehadanentirelynewfeeling，whichmaybedescribedasastateofexpectantsuspenseaboutherownactions。
Shewatchedherselfasshewouldhavewatchedanotherperson，andwonderedwhatshewoulddo。Itwasasifthisotherperson，whowasbothherselfandnotherself，hadsuddenlysprungintobeing，inspiringherwithanaturalcuriosityastotheperformanceofuntestedfunctions。
\"IamgladIhavesuchagooddaughter，\"saidherfather，kissingher，afterthelapseofseveraldays。
\"Iamtryingtobegood，\"sheanswered，turningaway，withaconsciencenotaltogetherclear。
\"Ifthereisanythingyouwouldliketosaytome，youknowyoumustnothesitate。Youneedn\'tfeelobligedtobesoquiet。Ishouldn\'tcarethatMr。Townsendshouldbeafrequenttopicofconversation，butwheneveryouhaveanythingparticulartosayabouthimIshallbeverygladtohearit。\"
\"Thankyou，\"saidCatherine，\"Ihavenothingparticularatpresent。\"
HeneveraskedherwhethershehadseenMorrisagain，becausehewassurethatifthishadbeenthecaseshewouldtellhim。Shehad，infact，notseenhim；shehadonlywrittenhimalongletter。Theletter，atleast，waslongforher；and，itmaybeadded，thatitwaslongforMorris；itconsistedoffivepages，inaremarkablyneatandhandsomehand。Catherine\'shandwritingwasbeautiful，andshewasevenalittleproudofit：Shewasextremelyfondofcopying，andpossessedvolumesofextractswhichtestifiedtothisaccomplishment；volumeswhichshehadexhibitedonedaytoherlover，whentheblissoffeelingthatshewasimportantinhiseyeswasexceptionallykeen。ShetoldMorris，inwriting，thatherfatherhadexpressedthewishthatsheshouldnotseehimagain，andthatshebeggedhewouldnotcometothehouseuntilsheshouldhave\"madeuphermind。\"Morrisrepliedwithapassionateepistle，inwhichheaskedtowhat，inheaven\'sname，shewishedtomakeuphermind。Hadnothermindbeenmadeuptwoweeksbefore，andcoulditbepossiblethatsheentertainedtheideaofthrowinghimoff？Didshemeantobreakdownattheverybeginningoftheirordeal，afterallthepromisesoffidelityshehadbothgivenandextracted？Andhegaveanaccountofhisowninterviewwithherfather-anaccountnotidenticalatallpointswiththatofferedinthesepages。\"Hewasterriblyviolent，\"Morriswrote，\"butyouknowmyself-control。IhaveneedofitallwhenIrememberthatIhaveitinmypowertobreakinuponyourcruelcaptivity。\"Catherinesenthim，inanswertothis，anoteofthreelines。\"Iamingreattrouble；donotdoubtofmyaffection，butletmewaitalittleandthink。\"Theideaofastrugglewithherfather，ofsettingupherwillagainsthisown，washeavyonhersoul，anditkeptherquiet，asagreatphysicalweightkeepsusmotionless。Itneverenteredintohermindtothrowherloveroff；butfromthefirstshetriedtoassureherselfthattherewouldbeapeacefulwayoutoftheirdifficulty。Theassurancewasvague，foritcontainednoelementofpositiveconvictionthatherfatherwouldchangehismind。Sheonlyhadanideathatifsheshouldbeverygood，thesituationwouldinsomemysteriousmannerimprove。Tobegoodshemustbepatient，outwardlysubmissive，abstainfromjudgingherfathertooharshly，andfromcommittinganyactofopendefiance。Hewasperhapsright，afterall，tothinkashedid；bywhichCatherinemeantnotintheleastthathisjudgmentofMorris\'smotivesinseekingtomarryherwasperhapsajustone，butthatitwasprobablynaturalandproperthatconscientiousparentsshouldbesuspiciousandevenunjust。TherewereprobablypeopleintheworldasbadasherfathersupposedMorristobe，andifthereweretheslightestchanceofMorrisbeingoneofthesesinisterpersons，thedoctorwasrightintakingitintoaccount。Ofcoursehecouldnotknowwhatsheknew-howthepurestloveandtruthwereseatedintheyoungman\'seyes；butheaven，initstime，mightappointawayofbringinghimtosuchknowledge。Catherineexpectedagooddealofheaven，andreferredtotheskiestheinitiative，astheFrenchsay，indealingwithherdilemma。Shecouldnotimagineherselfimpartinganykindofknowledgetoherfather；therewassomethingsuperioreveninhisinjustice，andabsoluteinhismistakes。Butshecouldatleastbegood，andifshewereonlygoodenough，heavenwouldinventsomewayofreconcilingallthings-thedignityofherfather\'serrorsandthesweetnessofherownconfidence，thestrictperformanceofherfilialduties，andtheenjoymentofMorrisTownsend\'saffection。
PoorCatherinewouldhavebeengladtoregardMrs。Pennimanasanilluminatingagent，apartwhichthisladyherself，indeed，wasbutimperfectlypreparedtoplay。Mrs。Pennimantooktoomuchsatisfactioninthesentimentalshadowsofthislittledramatohave，forthemoment，anygreatinterestindissipatingthem。Shewishedtheplottothicken，andtheadvicethatshegaveherniecetended，inherownimagination，toproducethisresult。Itwasratherincoherentcounsel，andfromonedaytoanotheritcontradicteditself；butitwaspervadedbyanearnestdesirethatCatherineshoulddosomethingstriking。\"Youmustact，mydear；inyoursituationthegreatthingistoact，\"saidMrs。Penniman，whofoundherniecealtogetherbeneathheropportunities。Mrs。Penniman\'srealhopewasthatthegirlwouldmakeasecretmarriage，atwhichsheshouldofficiateasbrideswomanorduenna。Shehadavisionofthisceremonybeingperformedinsomesubterraneanchapel-subterraneanchapelsinNewYorkwerenotfrequent，butMrs。Penniman\'simaginationwasnotchilledbytrifles-andoftheguiltycouple-shelikedtothinkofpoorCatherineandhersuitorastheguiltycouple-beingshuffledawayinafast-whirlingvehicletosomeobscurelodginginthesuburbs，whereshewouldpaythem（inathickveil）clandestinevisits；wheretheywouldendureaperiodofromanticprivation；andwhenultimately，aftersheshouldhavebeentheirearthlyprovidence，theirintercessor，theiradvocate，andtheirmediumofcommunicationwiththeworld，theywouldbereconciledtoherbrotherinanartistictableau，inwhichsheherselfshouldbesomehowthecentralfigure。
ShehesitatedasyettorecommendthiscoursetoCatherine，butsheattemptedtodrawanattractivepictureofittoMorrisTownsend。
Shewasindailycommunicationwiththeyoungman，whomshekeptinformedbylettersofthestateofaffairsinWashingtonSquare。Ashehadbeenbanished，asshesaid，fromthehouse，shenolongersawhim；butsheendedbywritingtohimthatshelongedforaninterview。
Thisinterviewcouldtakeplaceonlyonneutralground，andshebethoughtherselfgreatlybeforeselectingaplaceofmeeting。ShehadaninclinationforGreenwoodCemetery，butshegaveitupastoodistant；shecouldnotabsentherselfforsolong，asshesaid，withoutexcitingsuspicion。ThenshethoughtoftheBattery，butthatwasrathercoldandwindy，besidesone\'sbeingexposedtointrusionfromtheIrishimmigrantswhoatthispointalight，withlargeappetites，intheNewWorld；andatlastshefixeduponanoystersaloonintheSeventhAvenue，keptbyaNegro-anestablishmentofwhichsheknewnothingsavethatshehadnoticeditinpassing。ShemadeanappointmentwithMorrisTownsendtomeethimthere，andshewenttothetrystatdusk，envelopedinanimpenetrableveil。Hekeptherwaitingforhalfanhour-hehadalmostthewholewidthofthecitytotraverse-butshelikedtowait，itseemed，tointensifythesituation。Sheorderedacupoftea，whichprovedexcessivelybad，andthisgaveherasensethatshewassufferinginaromanticcause。WhenMorrisatlastarrived，theysattogetherforhalfanhourintheduskiestcornerofthebackshop；anditishardlytoomuchtosaythatthiswasthehappiesthalfhourthatMrs。Pennimanhadknownforyears。Thesituationwasreallythrilling，anditscarcelyseemedtoherafalsenotewhenhercompanionaskedforanoysterstew，andproceededtoconsumeitbeforehereyes。Morris，indeed，neededallthesatisfactionthatstewedoysterscouldgivehim，foritmaybeintimatedtothereaderthatheregardedMrs。Pennimaninthelightofafifthwheeltohiscoach。Hewasinastateofirritationnaturaltoagentlemanoffinepartswhohadbeensnubbedinabenevolentattempttoconferadistinctionuponayoungwomanofinferiorcharacteristics，andtheinsinuatingsympathyofthissomewhatdesiccatedmatronappearedtoofferhimnopracticalrelief。Hethoughtherahumbug，andhejudgedofhumbugswithagooddealofconfidence。Hehadlistenedandmadehimselfagreeabletoheratfirst，inordertogetafootinginWashingtonSquare；andatpresentheneededallhisself-commandtobedecentlycivil。Itwouldhavegratifiedhimtotellherthatshewasafantasticoldwoman，andthathewouldliketoputherintoanomnibusandsendherhome。Weknow，however，thatMorrispossessedthevirtueofself-control，andhehadmoreovertheconstanthabitofseekingtobeagreeable；sothat，althoughMrs。Penniman\'sdemeanoronlyexasperatedhisalreadyunquietnerves，helistenedtoherwithasomberdeferenceinwhichshefoundmuchtoadmire。
CHAPTER16。
THEYHADOfCourseimmediatelyspokenofCatherine。\"Didshesendamessage，or-oranything？\"Morrisasked。Heappearedtothinkthatshemighthavesenthimatrinketoralockofherhair。
Mrs。Pennimanwasslightlyembarrassed，forshehadnottoldhernieceofherintendedexpedition。\"Notexactlyamessage，\"shesaid。
\"Ididn\'taskherforone，becauseIwasafraidto-toexciteher。\"
\"Iamafraidsheisnotveryexcitable。\"AndMorrisgaveasmileofsomebitterness。
\"Sheisbetterthanthat-sheissteadfast，sheistrue。\"
\"Doyouthinkshewillholdfast，then？\"
\"Tothedeath！\"
\"Oh，Ihopeitwon\'tcometothat，\"saidMorris。
\"Wemustbepreparedfortheworst，andthatiswhatIwishtospeaktoyouabout。\"
\"Whatdoyoucalltheworst？\"
\"Well，\"saidMrs。Penniman，\"mybrother\'shard，intellectualnature。\"
\"Oh，thedevil！\"
\"Heisimpervioustopity，\"Mrs。Pennimanadded，bywayofexplanation。
\"Doyoumeanthathewon\'tcomeround？\"
\"Hewillneverbevanquishedbyargument。Ihavestudiedhim。Hewillbevanquishedonlybytheaccomplishedfact。\"
\"Theaccomplishedfact？\"
\"Hewillcomeroundafterward，\"saidMrs。Penniman，withextremesignificance。\"Hecaresfornothingbutfacts-hemustbemetbyfacts。\"
\"Well，\"rejoinedMorris，\"itisafactthatIwishtomarryhisdaughter。Imethimwiththattheotherday，buthewasnotatallvanquished。\"
Mrs。Pennimanwassilentalittle，andhersmilebeneaththeshadowofhercapaciousbonnet，ontheedgeofwhichherblackveilwasarrangedcurtainwise，fixeditselfuponMorris\'sfacewithastillmoretenderbrilliancy。\"MarryCatherinefirst，andmeethimafterward！\"sheexclaimed。
\"Doyourecommendthat？\"askedtheyoungman，frowningheavily。
Shewasalittlefrightened，butshewentonwithconsiderableboldness。\"ThatisthewayIseeit：aprivatemarriage-aprivatemarriage。\"Sherepeatedthephrasebecauseshelikedit。
\"DoyoumeanthatIshouldcarryCatherineoff？Whatdotheycallit-elopewithher？\"
\"Itisnotacrimewhenyouaredriventoit，\"saidMrs。Penniman。
\"Myhusband，asIhavetoldyou，wasadistinguishedclergyman-oneofthemosteloquentmenofhisday。Heoncemarriedayoungcouplethathadfledfromthehouseoftheyounglady\'sfather；hewassointerestedintheirstory。Hehadnohesitation，andeverythingcameoutbeautifully。Thefatherwasafterwardreconciled，andthoughteverythingoftheyoungman。Mr。Pennimanmarriedthemintheevening，aboutseveno\'clock。Thechurchwassodarkyoucouldscarcelysee，andMr。Pennimanwasintenselyagitated-hewassosympathetic。I
don\'tbelievehecouldhavedoneitagain。\"
\"Unfortunately，CatherineandIhavenotMr。Pennimantomarryus，\"saidMorris。
\"No，butyouhaveme！\"rejoinedMrs。Penniman，expressively。\"I
can\'tperformtheceremony，butIcanhelpyou；Icanwatch！\"
\"Thewoman\'sanidiot！\"thoughtMorris，buthewasobligedtosaysomethingdifferent。Itwasnot，however，materiallymorecivil。
\"WasitinordertotellmethisthatyourequestedIwouldmeetyouhere？\"
Mrs。Pennimanhadbeenconsciousofacertainvaguenessinhererrand，andofnotbeingabletoofferhimanyverytangiblerewardforhislongwalk。\"IthoughtperhapsyouwouldliketoseeonewhoissoneartoCatherine，\"sheobserved，withconsiderablemajesty，\"andalso，\"sheadded，\"thatyouwouldvalueanopportunityofsendinghersomething。\"
Morrisextendedhisemptyhandswithamelancholysmile。\"Iamgreatlyobligedtoyou，butIhavenothingtosend。\"
\"Haven\'tyouaword？\"askedhiscompanion，withhersuggestivesmilecomingback。
Morrisfrownedagain。
\"Tellhertoholdfast，\"hesaid，rathercurtly。
\"Thatisagoodword-anobleword：Itwillmakeherhappyformanydays。Sheisverytouching，verybrave，\"Mrs。Pennimanwenton，arranginghermantleandpreparingtodepart。Whileshewassoengagedshehadaninspiration；shefoundthephrasethatshecouldboldlyofferasavindicationofthestepshehadtaken。\"IfyoumarryCatherineatallrisks，\"shesaid，\"youwillgivemybrotheraproofofyourbeingwhathepretendstodoubt。\"
\"Whathepretendstodoubt？\"
\"Don\'tyouknowwhatthatis？\"Mrs。Pennimanasked，almostplayfully。
\"Itdoesnotconcernmetoknow，\"saidMorris，grandly。
\"Ofcourseitmakesyouangry。\"
\"Idespiseit，\"Morrisdeclared。
\"Ah，youknowwhatitis，then？\"saidMrs。Penniman，shakingherfingerathim。\"Hepretendsthatyoulike-youlikethemoney。\"
Morrishesitatedamoment；andthen，asifhespokeadvisedly，\"Idolikethemoney！\"
\"Ah，butnot-butnotashemeansit。Youdon\'tlikeitmorethanCatherine？\"
Heleanedhiselbowsonthetableandburiedhisheadinhishands。\"Youtortureme！\"hemurmured。And，indeed，thiswasalmosttheeffectofthepoorlady\'stooimportunateinterestinhissituation。
Butsheinsistedinmakingherpoint。\"Ifyoumarryherinspiteofhim，hewilltakeforgrantedthatyouexpectnothingofhim，andarepreparedtodowithoutit；andsohewillseethatyouaredisinterested。\"
Morrisraisedhisheadalittle，followingthisargument。\"AndwhatshallIgainbythat？\"
\"Why，thathewillseethathehasbeenwronginthinkingthatyouwishedtogethismoney。\"
\"AndseeingthatIwishhewouldgotothedeucewithit，hewillleaveittoahospital。Isthatwhatyoumean？\"askedMorris。
\"No，Idon\'tmeanthat，thoughthatwouldbeverygrand，\"Mrs。
Pennimanquicklyadded。\"Imeanthat，havingdoneyousuchaninjustice，hewillthinkithisduty，attheend，tomakesomeamends。\"
Morrisshookhishead，thoughitmustbeconfessedhewasalittlestruckwiththisidea。\"Doyouthinkheissosentimental？\"
\"Heisnotsentimental，\"saidMrs。Penniman，\"but，tobeperfectlyfairtohim，Ithinkhehas，inhisownnarrowway，acertainsenseofduty。\"
TherepassedthroughMorrisTownsend\'smindarapidwonderastowhathemight，evenunderaremotecontingency，beindebtedtofromtheactionofthisprincipleinDoctorSloper\'sbreast，andtheinquiryexhausteditselfinhissenseoftheludicrous。\"Yourbrotherhasnodutiestome，\"hesaidpresently，\"andInonetohim。\"
\"Ah，buthehasdutiestoCatherine。\"
\"Yes；butyousee，onthatprincipleCatherinehasdutiestohimaswell。\"
Mrs。Pennimangotupwithamelancholysigh，asifshethoughthimveryunimaginative。\"Shehasalwaysperformedthemfaithfully；andnowdoyouthinkshehasnodutiestoyou？\"Mrs。Pennimanalways，eveninconversation，italicizedherpersonalpronouns。
\"Itwouldsoundharshtosayso。Iamsogratefulforherlove，\"
Morrisadded。
\"Iwilltellheryousaidthat。Andnow，rememberthatifyouneedmeIamthere。\"AndMrs。Penniman，whocouldthinkofnothingmoretosay，noddedvaguelyinthedirectionofWashingtonSquare。
Morrislookedsomemomentsatthesandedflooroftheshop；heseemedtobedisposedtolingeramoment。Atlast，lookingupwithacertainabruptness，\"Itisyourbeliefthatifshemarriesmehewillcutheroff？\"heasked。
Mrs。Pennimanstaredalittle，andsmiled。\"Why，IhaveexplainedtoyouwhatIthinkwouldhappen-thatintheenditwouldbethebestthingtodo。\"
\"Youmeanthat，whatevershedoes，inthelongrunshewillgetthemoney？\"
\"Itdoesn\'tdependuponher，butuponyou。Venturetoappearasdisinterestedasyouare，\"saidMrs。Penniman，ingeniously。Morrisdroppedhiseyesonthesandedflooragain，ponderingthis，andshepursued：\"Mr。PennimanandIhadnothing，andwewereveryhappy。
Catherine，moreover，hashermother\'sfortune，which，atthetimemysister-in-lawmarried，wasconsideredaveryhandsomeone。\"
\"Oh，don\'tspeakofthat！\"saidMorris；andindeeditwasquitesuperfluous，forhehadcontemplatedthefactinallitslights。
\"Austinmarriedawifewithmoney-whyshouldn\'tyou？\"
\"Ah，butyourbrotherwasadoctor，\"Morrisobjected。
\"Well，allyoungmencan\'tbedoctors。\"
\"Ishouldthinkitanextremelyloathsomeprofession，\"saidMorris，withanairofintellectualindependence；then，inamoment，hewentonratherinconsequently，\"DoyousupposethereisawillalreadymadeinCatherine\'sfavor？\"
\"Isupposesoevendoctorsmustdie；andperhapsalittleinmine，\"Mrs。Pennimanfranklyadded。
\"Andyoubelievehewouldcertainlychangeit-asregardsCatherine？\"
\"Yes；andthenchangeitbackagain。\"
\"Ah，butonecan\'tdependonthat，\"saidMorris。
\"Doyouwanttodependonit？\"Mrs。Pennimanasked。
Morrisblushedalittle。\"Well，IamcertainlyafraidofbeingthecauseofaninjurytoCatherine。\"
\"Ah，youmustnotbeafraid。Beafraidofnothing，andeverythingwillgowell。\"
AndthenMrs。Pennimanpaidforhercupoftea，andMorrispaidforhisoysterstew，andtheywentouttogetherintothedimlylightedwildernessoftheSeventhAvenue。Theduskhadclosedincompletely，andthestreetlampswereseparatedbywideintervalsofapavementinwhichcavitiesandfissuresplayedadisproportionatepart。Anomnibus，emblazonedwithstrangepictures，wenttumblingoverthedislocatedcobblestones。
\"Howwillyougohome？\"Morrisasked，followingthisvehiclewithaninterestedeye。Mrs。Pennimanhadtakenhisarm。
Shehesitatedamoment。\"Ithinkthismannerwouldbepleasant，\"shesaid；andshecontinuedtolethimfeelthevalueofhissupport。
Sohewalkedwithherthroughthedeviouswaysofthewestsideofthetown，andthroughthebustleofgatheringnightfallinpopulousstreets，tothequietprecinctofWashingtonSquare。TheylingeredamomentatthefootofDoctorSloper\'swhitemarblesteps，abovewhichaspotlesswhitedoor，adornedwithaglitteringsilverplate，seemedtofigureforMorristheclosedportalofhappiness；andthenMrs。Penniman\'scompanionrestedamelancholyeyeuponalightedwindowintheupperpartofthehouse。
\"Thatismyroom-mydearlittleroom！\"Mrs。Pennimanremarked。
Morrisstarted。\"ThenIneedn\'tcomewalkingroundtheSquaretogazeatit。\"
\"That\'sasyouplease。ButCatherine\'sisbehind；twonoblewindowsonthesecondfloor。Ithinkyoucanseethemfromtheotherstreet。\"
\"Idon\'twanttoseethem，ma\'am。\"AndMorristurnedhisbacktothehouse。
\"Iwilltellheryouhavebeenhere，atanyrate，\"saidMrs。
Penniman，pointingtothespotwheretheystood，\"andIwillgiveheryourmessage-thatsheistoholdfast。\"
\"Ohyes；ofcourse。YouknowIwriteherallthat。\"
\"Itseemstosaymorewhenitisspoken。Andremember，ifyouneedme，thatIamhere，\"andMrs。Pennimanglancedatthethirdfloor。
Onthistheyseparated，andMorris，lefttohimself，stoodlookingatthehouseamoment；afterwhichheturnedaway，andtookagloomywalkroundtheSquare，ontheoppositeside，closetothewoodenfence。Thenhecameback，andpausedforaminuteinfrontofDoctorSloper\'sdwelling。Hiseyestraveledoverit；theyevenrestedontheruddywindowsofMrs。Penniman\'sapartment。Hethoughtitadevilishcomfortablehouse。
CHAPTER17。
MRS。PENNIMANtoldCatherinethatevening-thetwoladiesweresittinginthebackparlor-thatshehadhadaninterviewwithMorrisTownsend；andonreceivingthisnewsthegirlstartedwithasenseofpain。Shefeltangryforthemoment；itwasalmostthefirsttimeshehadeverfeltangry。Itseemedtoherthatherauntwasmeddlesome；andfromthiscameavagueapprehensionthatshewouldspoilsomething。
\"Idon\'tseewhyyoushouldhaveseenhim。Idon\'tthinkitwasright，\"Catherinesaid。
\"Iwassosorryforhim-itseemedtomesomeoneoughttoseehim。\"
\"NoonebutI，\"saidCatherine，whofeltasifsheweremakingthemostpresumptuousspeechofherlife，andyetatthesametimehadaninstinctthatshewasrightindoingso。
\"Butyouwouldn\'t，mydear，\"AuntLaviniarejoined，\"andIdidn\'tknowwhatmighthavebecomeofhim。\"
\"Ihavenotseenhimbecausemyfatherhasforbiddenit，\"
Catherinesaid，verysimply。
Therewasasimplicityinthis，indeed，whichfairlyvexedMrs。
Penniman。\"Ifyourfatherforbadeyoutogotosleep，Isupposeyouwouldkeepawake！\"shecommented。
Catherinelookedather。\"Idon\'tunderstandyou。Youseemtomeverystrange。\"
\"Well，mydear，youwillunderstandmesomeday！\"AndMrs。
Penniman，whowasreadingtheeveningpaper，whichsheperuseddailyfromthefirstlinetothelast，resumedheroccupation。Shewrappedherselfinsilence；shewasdeterminedCatherineshouldaskherforanaccountofherinterviewwithMorris。ButCatherinewassilentforsolongthatshealmostlostpatience；andshewasonthepointofremarkingtoherthatshewasveryheartless，whenthegirlatlastspoke。
\"Whatdidhesay？\"sheasked。
\"Hesaidheisreadytomarryyouanyday，inspiteofeverything。\"
Catherinemadenoanswertothis，andMrs。Pennimanalmostlostpatienceagain；owingtowhichsheatlastvolunteeredtheinformationthatMorrislookedveryhandsome，butterriblyhaggard。
\"Didheseemsad？\"askedherniece。
\"Hewasdarkundertheeyes，\"saidMrs。Penniman。\"SodifferentfromwhenIfirstsawhim；thoughIamnotsurethatifIhadseenhiminthisconditionthefirsttime，Ishouldnothavebeenevenmorestruckwithhim。Thereissomethingbrilliantinhisverymisery。\"
Thiswas，toCatherine\'ssense，avividpicture，andthoughshedisapproved，shefeltherselfgazingatit。\"Wheredidyouseehim？\"
sheasked，presently。
\"In-intheBowery；ataconfectioner\'s，\"saidMrs。Penniman，whohadageneralideathatsheoughttodissemblealittle。
\"Whereaboutsistheplace？\"Catherineinquired，afteranotherpause。
