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Project Gutenberg's The Rise of Silas Lapham, by William Dean Hoells

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Title( The Rise of Silas Lapham

)uthor( William Dean Hoells

Release Date( *une +, --. /0!oo" 12+34

Language( 0nglish

5haracter set enco#ing( 6S7..+82

999 ST)RT 7: TH6S PR7*05T G;T0<!0RG 0!77= TH0 R6S0 7: S6L)S L)PH)> 999

Pro#uce# by *ohn Hamm% HT>L $ersion by )l Haines

THE RISE OF SILAS LAPHAM

by

William Dean Howells

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I CHAPTER II CHAPTER III CHAPTER IV CHAPTER V

CHAPTER VI CHAPTER VII CHAPTER VIII CHAPTER IX CHAPTER X

CHAPTER XI CHAPTER XII CHAPTER XIII CHAPTER XIV CHAPTER XV

CHAPTER XVI CHAPTER XVII CHAPTER XVIII CHAPTER XIX CHAPTER XX

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/154/154-h/154-h.htm#chap01














































CHAPTER XXI CHAPTER XXII CHAPTER XXIII CHAPTER XXIV CHAPTER XXV

CHAPTER XXVI CHAPTER XXVII

I.

WHEN Bartley Hubbard went to interview Silas La!a" #or t!e $Solid %en o# Boston$ series&w!i'! !e undertoo( to #inis! u in T!e Events& a#ter !e rela'ed t!eir ori)inal ro*e'tor on t!at

newsaer& La!a" re'eived !i" in !is rivate o##i'e by revious aoint"ent+

$Wal( ri)!t in,$ !e 'alled out to t!e *ournalist& w!o" !e 'au)!t si)!t o# t!rou)! t!e door o# t!e

'ountin)-roo"+

He did not rise #ro" t!e des( at w!i'! !e was writin)& but !e )ave Bartley !is le#t !and #or

wel'o"e& and !e rolled !is lar)e !ead in t!e dire'tion o# a va'ant '!air+ $Sit down, I.ll be wit!

you in *ust !al# a "inute+$

$Ta(e your ti"e&$ said Bartley& wit! t!e ease !e instantly #elt+ $I." in no !urry+$ He too( a note- boo( #ro" !is o'(et& laid it on !is (nee& and be)an to s!aren a en'il+

$T!ere,$ La!a" ounded wit! !is )reat !airy #ist on t!e enveloe !e !ad been addressin)+

$Willia",$ !e 'alled out& and !e !anded t!e letter to a boy w!o 'a"e to )et it+ $I want t!at to )o

ri)!t away+ Well& sir&$ !e 'ontinued& w!eelin) round in !is leat!er-'us!ioned swivel-'!air& and

#a'in) Bartley& seated so near t!at t!eir (nees al"ost tou'!ed& $so you want "y li#e& deat!& andC!ristian su##erin)s& do you& youn) "an/$

$T!at.s w!at I." a#ter&$ said Bartley+ $0our "oney or your li#e+$

$I )uess you wouldn.t want "y li#e wit!out t!e "oney&$ said La!a"& as i# !e were willin) to

rolon) t!ese "o"ents o# rearation+

$Ta(e .e" bot!&$ Bartley su))ested+ $1on.t want your "oney wit!out your li#e& i# you 'o"e tot!at+ But you.re *ust one "illion ti"es "ore interestin) to t!e ubli' t!an i# you !adn.t a dollar2

and you (now t!at as well as I do& %r+ La!a"+ T!ere.s no use beatin) about t!e bus!+$

$No&$ said La!a"& so"ew!at absently+ He ut out !is !u)e #oot and us!ed t!e )round-)lass

door s!ut between !is little den and t!e boo(-(eeers& in t!eir lar)er den outside+

$In ersonal aearan'e&$ wrote Bartley in t!e s(et'! #or w!i'! !e now studied !is sub*e't& w!ile

!e waited atiently #or !i" to 'ontinue& $Silas La!a" is a #ine tye o# t!e su''ess#ul A"eri'an+

He !as a s3uare& bold '!in& only artially 'on'ealed by t!e s!ort reddis!-)rey beard& )rowin) tot!e ed)es o# !is #ir"ly 'losin) lis+ His nose is s!ort and strai)!t2 !is #ore!ead )ood& but broad

rat!er t!an !i)!2 !is eyes blue& and wit! a li)!t in t!e" t!at is (indly or s!ar a''ordin) to !is

"ood+ He is o# "ediu" !ei)!t& and #ills an avera)e ar"-'!air wit! a solid bul(& w!i'! on t!e day

















o# our interview was unretentiously 'lad in a business suit o# blue ser)e+ His !ead droos

so"ew!at #ro" a s!ort ne'(& w!i'! does not trouble itsel# to rise #ar #ro" a air o# "assive

s!oulders+$

$I don.t (now as I (now *ust w!ere you want "e to be)in&$ said La!a"+

$%i)!t be)in wit! your birt!2 t!at.s w!ere "ost o# us be)in&$ relied Bartley+

A )lea" o# !u"orous are'iation s!ot into La!a".s blue eyes+

$I didn.t (now w!et!er you wanted "e to )o 3uite so #ar ba'( as t!at&$ !e said+ $But t!ere.s no

dis)ra'e in !avin) been born& and I was born in t!e State o# Ver"ont& retty well u under t!eCanada line--so well u& in #a't& t!at I 'a"e very near bein) an adotive 'iti4en2 #or I was bound

to be an A"eri'an o# S5%E sort& #ro" t!e word 6o, T!at was about--well& let "e see,--retty

near si7ty years a)o8 t!is is .9:& and t!at was .;<+ Well& say I." #i#ty-#ive years old2 and I.ve

LIVE1 .e"& too2 not an !our o# waste ti"e about %E& anyw!eres, I was born on a #ar"& and----$

$Wor(ed in t!e #ields su""ers and went to s'!ool winters8 re)ulation t!in)/$ Bartley 'ut in+

$Re)ulation t!in)&$ said La!a"& a''etin) t!is irreverent version o# !is !istory so"ew!at dryly+

$Parents oor& o# 'ourse&$ su))ested t!e *ournalist+ $Any bare#oot business/ Early derivations o#

any (ind& t!at would en'oura)e t!e yout!#ul reader to )o and do li(ewise/ 5r!an "ysel#& you

(now&$ said Bartley& wit! a s"ile o# 'yni'al )ood-'o"radery+

La!a" loo(ed at !i" silently& and t!en said wit! 3uiet sel#-rese't& $I )uess i# you see t!ese

t!in)s as a *o(e& "y li#e won.t interest you+$

$5! yes& it will&$ returned Bartley& unabas!ed+ $0ou.ll see2 it.ll 'o"e out all ri)!t+$ And in #a't it

did so& in t!e interview w!i'! Bartley rinted+

$%r+ La!a"&$ !e wrote& $assed raidly over t!e story o# !is early li#e& its overty and its

!ards!is& sweetened& !owever& by t!e re'olle'tions o# a devoted "ot!er& and a #at!er w!o& i#

so"ew!at !er in#erior in edu'ation& was no less a"bitious #or t!e advan'e"ent o# !is '!ildren+

T!ey were 3uiet& unretentious eole& reli)ious& a#ter t!e #as!ion o# t!at ti"e& and o# sterlin)"orality& and t!ey tau)!t t!eir '!ildren t!e si"le virtues o# t!e 5ld Testa"ent and Poor

Ri'!ard.s Al"ana'+$

Bartley 'ould not deny !i"sel# t!is )ibe2 but !e trusted to La!a".s unliterary !abit o# "ind #or!is se'urity in "a(in) it& and "ost ot!er eole would 'onsider it sin'ere reorter.s r!etori'+

$0ou (now&$ !e e7lained to La!a"& $t!at we !ave to loo( at all t!ese #a'ts as "aterial& and we

)et t!e !abit o# 'lassi#yin) t!e"+ So"eti"es a leadin) 3uestion will draw out a w!ole line o#

#a'ts t!at a "an !i"sel# would never t!in( o#+$ He went on to ut several 3ueries& and it was#ro" La!a".s answers t!at !e )eneralised t!e !istory o# !is '!ild!ood+ $%r+ La!a"& alt!ou)!

!e did not dwell on !is boyis! trials and stru))les& so(e o# t!e" wit! dee #eelin) and an



abidin) sense o# t!eir reality+$ T!is was w!at !e added in t!e interview& and by t!e ti"e !e !ad

)ot La!a" ast t!e eriod w!ere risen A"eri'ans are all at!eti'ally ali(e in t!eir narrow

'ir'u"stan'es& t!eir su##erin)s& and t!eir asirations& !e !ad be)uiled !i" into #or)et#ulness o#t!e '!e'( !e !ad re'eived& and !ad !i" tal(in) a)ain in er#e't en*oy"ent o# !is autobio)ra!y+

$0es& sir&$ said La!a"& in a strain w!i'! Bartley was 'are#ul not to interrut a)ain& $a "an never sees all t!at !is "ot!er !as been to !i" till it.s too late to let !er (now t!at !e sees it+ W!y& "y

"ot!er--$ !e stoed+ $It )ives "e a lu" in t!e t!roat&$ !e said aolo)eti'ally& wit! an atte"tat a lau)!+ T!en !e went on8 $S!e was a little #rail t!in)& not bi))er t!an a )ood-si4ed

inter"ediate s'!ool-)irl2 but s!e did t!e w!ole wor( o# a #a"ily o# boys& and boarded t!e !ired

"en besides+ S!e 'oo(ed& swet& was!ed& ironed& "ade and "ended #ro" dayli)!t till dar(--and#ro" dar( till dayli)!t& I was )oin) to say2 #or I don.t (now !ow s!e )ot any ti"e #or slee+ But I

suose s!e did+ S!e )ot ti"e to )o to '!ur'!& and to tea'! us to read t!e Bible& and to

"isunderstand it in t!e old way+ S!e was 6551+ But it ain.t !er on !er (nees in '!ur'! t!at'o"es ba'( to "e so "u'! li(e t!e si)!t o# an an)el as !er on !er (nees be#ore "e at ni)!t&

was!in) "y oor& dirty little #eet& t!at I.d run bare in all day& and "a(in) "e de'ent #or bed+

T!ere were si7 o# us boys2 it see"s to "e we were all o# a si4e2 and s!e was *ust so 'are#ul wit!all o# us+ I 'an #eel !er !ands on "y #eet yet,$ Bartley loo(ed at La!a".s No+ =< boots& and

so#tly w!istled t!rou)! !is teet!+ $We were at'!ed all over2 but we wa.n.t ra))ed+ I don.t (now

!ow s!e )ot t!rou)! it+ S!e didn.t see" to t!in( it was anyt!in)2 and I )uess it was no "ore t!an

"y #at!er e7e'ted o# !er+ HE wor(ed li(e a !orse in doors and out--u at dayli)!t& #eedin) t!esto'(& and )roanin) round all day wit! !is r!eu"atis"& but not stoin)+$

Bartley !id a yawn over !is note-boo(& and robably& i# !e 'ould !ave so(en !is "ind& !e would

!ave su))ested to La!a" t!at !e was not t!ere #or t!e urose o# interviewin) !is an'estry+ But

Bartley !ad learned to ra'tise a atien'e wit! !is vi'ti"s w!i'! !e did not always #eel& and to#ei)n an interest in t!eir di)ressions till !e 'ould brin) t!e" u wit! a round turn+

$I tell you&$ said La!a"& *abbin) t!e oint o# !is en(ni#e into t!e writin)-ad on t!e des(

be#ore !i"& $w!en I !ear wo"en 'o"lainin) nowadays t!at t!eir lives are stunted and e"ty& Iwant to tell .e" about "y %5THER.S li#e+ I 'ould aint it out #or .e"+$

Bartley saw !is oortunity at t!e word aint& and 'ut in+ $And you say& %r+ La!a"& t!at you

dis'overed t!is "ineral aint on t!e old #ar" yoursel#/$

La!a" a'3uies'ed in t!e return to business+ $I didn.t dis'over it&$ !e said s'ruulously+ $%y

#at!er #ound it one day& in a !ole "ade by a tree blowin) down+ T!ere it was& lyin) loose in t!e it& and sti'(in) to t!e roots t!at !ad ulled u a bi)& 'a(e o# dirt wit! .e"+ I don.t (now w!at

)ive !i" t!e idea t!at t!ere was "oney in it& but !e did t!in( so #ro" t!e start+ I )uess& i# t!ey.d

!ad t!e word in t!ose days& t!ey.d 'onsidered !i" retty "u'! o# a 'ran( about it+ He was tryin)as lon) as !e lived to )et t!at aint introdu'ed2 but !e 'ouldn.t "a(e it )o+ T!e 'ountry was so

oor t!ey 'ouldn.t aint t!eir !ouses wit! anyt!in)2 and #at!er !adn.t any #a'ilities+ It )ot to be a

(ind o# *o(e wit! us2 and I )uess t!at aint-"ine did as "u'! as any one t!in) to "a(e us boys'lear out as soon as we )ot old enou)!+ All "y brot!ers went West& and too( u land2 but I !un)

on to New En)land and I !un) on to t!e old #ar"& not be'ause t!e aint-"ine was on it& but

be'ause t!e old !ouse was--and t!e )raves+ Well&$ said La!a"& as i# unwillin) to )ive !i"sel#



too "u'! 'redit& $t!ere wouldn.t been any "ar(et #or it& anyway+ 0ou 'an )o t!rou)! t!at art o#

t!e State and buy "ore #ar"s t!an you 'an s!a(e a sti'( at #or less "oney t!an it 'ost to build

t!e barns on .e"+ 5# 'ourse& it.s turned out a )ood t!in)+ I (ee t!e old !ouse u in )ood s!ae&and we send a "ont! or so t!ere every su""er+ %. wi#e (ind o# li(es it& and t!e )irls+ Pretty

la'e2 si)!tly all round it+ I.ve )ot a #or'e o# "en at wor( t!ere t!e w!ole ti"e& and I.ve )ot a

"an and !is wi#e in t!e !ouse+ Had a #a"ily "eetin) t!ere last year2 t!e w!ole 'onne'tion #ro"out West+ T!ere,$ La!a" rose #ro" !is seat and too( down a lar)e wared& un#ra"ed

!oto)ra! #ro" t!e to o# !is des(& assin) !is !and over it& and t!en blowin) vi)orously uon

it& to 'lear it o# t!e dust+ $T!ere we are& ALL o# us+$

$I don.t need to loo( twi'e at 05>&$ said Bartley& uttin) !is #in)er on one o# t!e !eads+

$Well& t!at.s Bill&$ said La!a"& wit! a )rati#ied lau)!+ $He.s about as brainy as any o# us& I

)uess+ He.s one o# t!eir leadin) lawyers& out 1ubu3ue way2 been *ud)e o# t!e Co""on Pleas

on'e or twi'e+ T!at.s !is son--*ust )raduated at 0ale--alon)side o# "y youn)est )irl+ 6ood-

loo(in) '!a& ain.t !e/$

$SHE.S a )ood-loo(in) '!a&$ said Bartley& wit! ro"t irreveren'e+ He !astened to add& at t!e

#rown w!i'! )at!ered between La!a".s eyes& $W!at a beauti#ul 'reature s!e is, W!at a lovely&

re#ined& sensitive #a'e, And s!e loo(s 6551& too+$

$S!e is )ood&$ said t!e #at!er& relentin)+

$And& a#ter all& t!at.s about t!e best t!in) in a wo"an&$ said t!e otential rerobate+ $I# "y wi#ewasn.t )ood enou)! to (ee bot! o# us strai)!t& I don.t (now w!at would be'o"e o# "e+$ $%y

ot!er dau)!ter&$ said La!a"& indi'atin) a )irl wit! eyes t!at s!owed lar)e& and a #a'e o#

sin)ular )ravity+ $%is. La!a"&$ !e 'ontinued& tou'!in) !is wi#e.s e##i)y wit! !is little #in)er+

$%y brot!er Willard and !is #a"ily--#ar" at ?an(a(ee+ Ha4ard La!a" and !is wi#e--Batist rea'!er in ?ansas+ @i" and !is t!ree )irls--"illin) business at %inneaolis+ Ben and !is

#a"ily--ra'tisin) "edi'ine in ort Wayne+$

T!e #i)ures were 'lustered in an irre)ular )rou in #ront o# an old #ar"-!ouse& w!ose ori)inalu)liness !ad been s"artened u wit! a 'oat o# La!a".s own aint& and !ei)!tened wit! an

in'on)ruous ia44a+ T!e !oto)ra!er !ad not been able to 'on'eal t!e #a't t!at t!ey were all

de'ent& !onest-loo(in)& sensible eole& wit! a very #air s!are o# beauty a"on) t!e youn) )irls2so"e o# t!ese were e7tre"ely retty& in #a't+ He !ad ut t!e" into aw(ward and 'onstrained

attitudes& o# 'ourse2 and t!ey all loo(ed as i# t!ey !ad t!e instru"ent o# torture w!i'!

!oto)ra!ers 'all a !ead-rest under t!eir o''iuts+ Here and t!ere an elderly lady.s #a'e was a

"ere blur2 and so"e o# t!e youn)er '!ildren !ad twit'!ed t!e"selves into waverin) s!adows&and "i)!t !ave assed #or sirit-!oto)ra!s o# t!eir own little )!osts+ It was t!e standard

#a"ily-)rou !oto)ra!& in w!i'! "ost A"eri'ans !ave #i)ured at so"e ti"e or ot!er2 and

La!a" e7!ibited a *ust satis#a'tion in it+ $I resu"e&$ !e "used aloud& as !e ut it ba'( on too# !is des(& $t!at we s!a.n.t soon )et to)et!er a)ain& all o# us+$

$And you say&$ su))ested Bartley& $t!at you stayed ri)!t alon) on t!e old la'e& w!en t!e rest

'leared out West/$



$No o-o-o&$ said La!a"& wit! a lon)& loud drawl2 $I 'leared out West too& #irst o##+ Went to

Te7as+ Te7as was all t!e 'ry in t!ose days+ But I )ot enou)! o# t!e Lone Star in about t!ree

"ont!s& and I 'o"e ba'( wit! t!e idea t!at Ver"ont was )ood enou)! #or "e+$

$atted 'al# business/$ 3ueried Bartley& wit! !is en'il oised above !is note-boo(+

$I resu"e t!ey were )lad to see "e&$ said La!a"& wit! di)nity+ $%ot!er&$ !e added )ently&

$died t!at winter& and I stayed on wit! #at!er+ I buried !i" in t!e srin)2 and t!en I 'a"e down to

a little la'e 'alled Lu"berville& and i'(ed u w!at *obs I 'ould )et+ I wor(ed round at t!e saw-"ills& and I was ostler a w!ile at t!e !otel--I always 1I1 li(e a )ood !orse+ Well& I WA.N.T

e7a'tly a 'olle)e )raduate& and I went to s'!ool odd ti"es+ I )ot to drivin) t!e sta)e a#ter w!ile&

and by and by I B5>6HT t!e sta)e and run t!e business "ysel#+ T!en I !ired t!e tavern-stand&and--well to "a(e a lon) story s!ort& t!en I )ot "arried+ 0es&$ said La!a"& wit! ride& $I

"arried t!e s'!ool-tea'!er+ We did retty well wit! t!e !otel& and "y wi#e s!e was always at "e

to aint u+ Well& I ut it o##& and P>T it o##& as a "an will& till one day I )ive in& and says I&

.Well& let.s aint u+ W!y& Pert&.--".wi#e.s na"e.s Persis&--.I.ve )ot a w!ole aint-"ine out on t!e

#ar"+ Let.s )o out and loo( at it+. So we drove out+ I.d let t!e la'e #or seventy-#ive dollars a yearto a s!i#.less (ind o# a ?anu'( t!at !ad 'o"e down t!at way2 and I.d !ated to see t!e !ouse wit!

!i" in it2 but we drove out one Saturday a#ternoon& and we brou)!t ba'( about a bus!el o# t!estu## in t!e bu))y-seat& and I tried it 'rude& and I tried it burnt2 and I li(ed it+ %.wi#e s!e li(ed it

too+ T!ere wa.n.t any ainter by trade in t!e villa)e& and I "i7ed it "ysel#+ Well& sir& t!at tavern.s

)ot t!at 'oat o# aint on it yet& and it !ain.t ever !ad any ot!er& and I don.t (now.s it ever will+Well& you (now& I #elt as i# it was a (ind o# !aru"s'aru" e7eri"ent& all t!e w!ile2 and I

resu"e I s!ouldn.t !ave tried it but I (ind o# li(ed to do it be'ause #at!er.d always set so "u'!

store by !is aint-"ine+ And w!en I.d )ot t!e #irst 'oat on&$--La!a" 'alled it C>T&--$I resu"e

I "ust !ave set as "u'! as !al# an !our2 loo(in) at it and t!in(in) !ow !e would !ave en*oyed it+I.ve !ad "y s!are o# lu'( in t!is world& and I ain.t a-)oin) to 'o"lain on "y 5WN a''ount& but

I.ve noti'ed t!at "ost t!in)s )et alon) too late #or "ost eole+ It "ade "e #eel bad& and it too(all t!e ride out "y su''ess wit! t!e aint& t!in(in) o# #at!er+ See"ed to "e I "i)!t .a ta(en"ore interest in it w!en !e was by to see2 but we.ve )ot to live and learn+ Well& I 'alled "y wi#e

out&--I.d tried it on t!e ba'( o# t!e !ouse& you (now&--and s!e le#t !er dis!es&--I 'an re"e"ber

s!e 'a"e out wit! !er sleeves rolled u and set down alon)side o# "e on t!e trestle&--and says I&.W!at do you t!in(& Persis/. And says s!e& .Well& you !ain.t )ot a aint-"ine& Silas La!a"2

you.ve )ot a 65L1-"ine+. S!e always was *ust so ent!usiasti' about t!in)s+ Well& it was *ust

a#ter two or t!ree boats !ad burnt u out West& and a lot o# lives lost& and t!ere was a )reat 'ryabout non-in#la""able aint& and I )uess t!at was w!at was in !er "ind+ .Well& I )uess it ain.t

any )old-"ine& Persis&. says I2 .but I )uess it IS a aint-"ine+ I." )oin) to !ave it analysed& and i#

it turns out w!at I t!in( it is& I." )oin) to wor( it+ And i# #at!er !adn.t !ad su'! a lon) na"e& I

s!ould 'all it t!e Ne!e"ia! La!a" %ineral Paint+ But& any rate& every barrel o# it& and every(e)& and every bottle& and every a'(a)e& bi) or little& !as )ot to !ave t!e initials and #i)ures

N+L+#+ =:& S+L+t+ =::& on it+ at!er #ound it in =:& and I tried it in =::+.$

$.S+T+--=D<--X+. business&$ said Bartley+

$0es&$ said La!a"& $but I !adn.t !eard o# Plantation Bitters t!en& and I !adn.t seen any o# t!e#ellow.s labels+ I set to wor( and I )ot a "an down #ro" Boston2 and I 'arried !i" out to t!e



#ar"& and !e analysed it--"ade a re)ular @ob o# it+ Well& sir& we built a (iln& and we (et a lot o#

t!at aint-ore red-!ot #or #orty-ei)!t !ours2 (et t!e ?anu'( and !is #a"ily u& #irin)+ T!e

resen'e o# iron in t!e ore s!owed wit! t!e "a)net #ro" t!e start2 and w!en !e 'a"e to test it& !e#ound out t!at it 'ontained about seventy-#ive er 'ent+ o# t!e ero7ide o# iron+$

La!a" ronoun'ed t!e s'ienti#i' !rases wit! a sort o# reverent satis#a'tion& as i# awed t!rou)!!is ride by a little lin)erin) un'ertainty as to w!at ero7ide was+ He a''ented it as i# it were

urr-o7-E0E12 and Bartley !ad to )et !i" to sell it+

$Well& and w!at t!en/$ !e as(ed& w!en !e !ad "ade a note o# t!e er'enta)e+

$W!at t!en/$ e'!oed La!a"+ $Well& t!en& t!e #ellow set down and told "e& .0ou.ve )ot a aint

!ere&. says !e& .t!at.s )oin) to drive every ot!er "ineral aint out o# t!e "ar(et+ W!y. says !e&

.it.ll drive .e" ri)!t into t!e Ba'( Bay,. 5# 'ourse& I didn.t (now w!at t!e Ba'( Bay was t!en& butI be)un to oen "y eyes2 t!ou)!t I.d !ad .e" oen be#ore& but I )uess I !adn.t+ Says !e& .T!at

aint !as )ot !ydrauli' 'e"ent in it& and it 'an stand #ire and water and a'ids2. !e na"ed over a

lot o# t!in)s+ Says !e& .It.ll "i7 easily wit! linseed oil& w!et!er you want to use it boiled or raw2and it ain.t a-)oin) to 'ra'( nor #ade any2 and it ain.t a-)oin) to s'ale+ W!en you.ve )ot your

arran)e"ents #or burnin) it roerly& you.re )oin) to !ave a aint t!at will stand li(e t!e

everlastin) !ills& in every 'li"ate under t!e sun+. T!en !e went into a lot o# arti'ulars& and I

be)un to t!in( !e was drawin) a lon)-bow& and "eant to "a(e !is bill a''ordin)ly+ So I (et retty 'ool2 but t!e #ellow.s bill didn.t a"ount to anyt!in) !ardly--said I "i)!t ay !i" a#ter I )ot

)oin)2 youn) '!a& and retty easy2 but every word !e said was )osel+ Well& I ain.t a-)oin) to

bra) u "y aint2 I don.t suose you 'a"e !ere to !ear "e blow+$

$5! yes& I did&$ said Bartley+ $T!at.s w!at I want+ Tell all t!ere is to tell& and I 'an boil it down

a#terward+ A "an 'an.t "a(e a )reater "ista(e wit! a reorter t!an to !old ba'( anyt!in) out o#

"odesty+ It "ay be t!e very t!in) we want to (now+ W!at we want is t!e w!ole trut!2 and "ore2we.ve )ot so "u'! "odesty o# our own t!at we 'an te"er al"ost any state"ent+$

La!a" loo(ed as i# !e did not 3uite li(e t!is tone& and !e resu"ed a little "ore 3uietly+ $5!&

t!ere isn.t really very "u'! "ore to say about t!e aint itsel#+ But you 'an use it #or al"ost

anyt!in) w!ere a aint is wanted& inside or out+ It.ll revent de'ay& and it.ll sto it& a#ter it.s

be)un& in tin or iron+ 0ou 'an aint t!e inside o# a 'istern or a bat!-tub wit! it& and water won.t!urt it2 and you 'an aint a stea"-boiler wit! it& and !eat won.t+ 0ou 'an 'over a bri'( wall wit!

it& or a railroad 'ar& or t!e de'( o# a stea"boat& and you 'an.t do a better t!in) #or eit!er+$

$Never tried it on t!e !u"an 'ons'ien'e& I suose&$ su))ested Bartley+

$No& sir&$ relied La!a" )ravely+ $I )uess you want to (ee t!at as #ree #ro" aint as you 'an& i# you want "u'! use o# it+ I never 'ared to try any o# it on "ine+$ La!a" suddenly li#ted !is bul(

u out o# !is swivel-'!air& and led t!e way out into t!e wareroo" beyond t!e o##i'e artitions&

w!ere rows and ran(s o# 'as(s& barrels& and (e)s stret'!ed di"ly ba'( to t!e rear o# t!e buildin)&and di##used an !onest& 'lean& w!oleso"e s"ell o# oil and aint+ T!ey were labelled and branded

as 'ontainin) ea'! so "any ounds o# La!a".s %ineral Paint& and ea'! bore t!e "ysti' devi'es&

N+L+#+ =:--S+L+t+ =::+ $T!ere,$ said La!a"& (i'(in) one o# t!e lar)est 'as(s wit! t!e toe o#



!is boot& $t!at.s about our bi))est a'(a)e2 and !ere&$ !e added& layin) !is !and a##e'tionately on

t!e !ead o# a very s"all (e)& as i# it were t!e !ead o# a '!ild& w!i'! it rese"bled in si4e& $t!is is

t!e s"allest+ We used to ut t!e aint on t!e "ar(et dry& but now we )rind every oun'e o# it inoil--very best 3uality o# linseed oil--and warrant it+ We #ind it )ives "ore satis#a'tion+ Now&

'o"e ba'( to t!e o##i'e& and I.ll s!ow you our #an'y brands+$

It was very 'ool and leasant in t!at di" wareroo"& wit! t!e ra#ters s!owin) over!ead in a

'loudy erse'tive& and dar(enin) away into t!e eretual twili)!t at t!e rear o# t!e buildin)2and Bartley !ad #ound an a)reeable seat on t!e !ead o# a !al#-barrel o# t!e aint& w!i'! !e was

relu'tant to leave+ But !e rose and #ollowed t!e vi)orous lead o# La!a" ba'( to t!e o##i'e&

w!ere t!e sun o# a lon) su""er a#ternoon was *ust be)innin) to )lare in at t!e window+ 5ns!elves oosite La!a".s des( were tin 'ans o# various si4es& arran)ed in taerin) 'ylinders&

and s!owin)& in a attern di"inis!in) toward t!e to& t!e sa"e label borne by t!e 'as(s and

barrels in t!e wareroo"+ La!a" "erely waved !is !and toward t!ese2 but w!en Bartley& a#ter a'o"re!ensive )lan'e at t!e"& )ave !is w!ole attention to a row o# 'lean& s"oot! *ars& w!ere

di##erent tints o# t!e aint s!owed t!rou)! #lawless )lass& La!a" s"iled& and waited in leased

e7e'tation+

$Hello,$ said Bartley+ $T!at.s retty,$

$0es&$ assented La!a"& $it is rat!er ni'e+ It.s our latest t!in)& and we #ind it ta(es wit!'usto"ers #irst-rate+ Loo( !ere,$ !e said& ta(in) down one o# t!e *ars& and ointin) to t!e #irst

line o# t!e label+

Bartley read& $THE PERSIS BRAN1&$ and t!en !e loo(ed at La!a" and s"iled+

$A#ter HER& o# 'ourse&$ said La!a"+ $6ot it u and ut t!e #irst o# it on t!e "ar(et !er last

birt!day+ S!e was leased+$

$I s!ould t!in( s!e "i)!t !ave been&$ said Bartley& w!ile !e "ade a note o# t!e aearan'e o# t!e

*ars+

$I don.t (now about your "entionin) it in your interview&$ said La!a" dubiously+

$T!at.s )oin) into t!e interview& %r+ La!a"& i# not!in) else does+ 6ot a wi#e "ysel#& and I(now *ust !ow you #eel+$ It was in t!e dawn o# Bartley.s roserity on t!e Boston Events& be#ore

!is troubles wit! %ar'ia !ad seriously be)un+

$Is t!at so/$ said La!a"& re'o)nisin) wit! a s"ile anot!er o# t!e vast "a*ority o# "arriedA"eri'ans2 a #ew underrate t!eir wives& but t!e rest t!in( t!e" suernal in intelli)en'e and'aability+ $Well&$ !e added& $we "ust see about t!at+ W!ere.d you say you lived/$

$We don.t live2 we board+ %rs+ Nas!& = Canary Pla'e+$

$Well& we.ve all )ot to 'o""en'e t!at way&$ su))ested La!a" 'onsolin)ly+



$0es2 but we.ve about )ot to t!e end o# our strin)+ I e7e't to be under a roo# o# "y own on

Clover Street be#ore lon)+ I suose&$ said Bartley& returnin) to business& $t!at you didn.t let t!e

)rass )row under your #eet "u'! a#ter you #ound out w!at was in your aint-"ine/$

$No& sir&$ answered La!a"& wit!drawin) !is eyes #ro" a lon) stare at Bartley& in w!i'! !e !ad

been seein) !i"sel# a youn) "an a)ain& in t!e #irst days o# !is "arried li#e+ $I went ri)!t ba'( toLu"berville and sold out everyt!in)& and ut all I 'ould ra(e and s'rae to)et!er into aint+ And

%is. La!a" was wit! "e every ti"e+ No !an) ba'( about HER+ I tell you s!e was aW5%AN,$

Bartley lau)!ed+ $T!at.s t!e sort "ost o# us "arry+$

$No& we don.t&$ said La!a"+ $%ost o# us "arry silly little )irls )rown u to L55? li(e

wo"en+$

$Well& I )uess t!at.s about so&$ assented Bartley& as i# uon se'ond t!ou)!t+

$I# it !adn.t been #or !er&$ resu"ed La!a"& $t!e aint wouldn.t !ave 'o"e to anyt!in)+ I used to

tell !er it wa.n.t t!e seventy-#ive er 'ent+ o# urr-o7-eyed o# iron in t!e 5RE t!at "ade t!at aint

)o2 it was t!e seventy-#ive er 'ent+ o# urr-o7-eyed o# iron in HER+$

$6ood,$ 'ried Bartley+ $I.ll tell %ar'ia t!at+$

$In less.n si7 "ont!s t!ere wa.n.t a board-#en'e& nor a brid)e-)irder& nor a dead wall& nor a barn&nor a #a'e o# ro'( in t!at w!ole re)ion t!at didn.t !ave .La!a".s %ineral Paint--Se'i"en. on it

in t!e t!ree 'olours we be)un by "a(in)+$ Bartley !ad ta(en !is seat on t!e window-sill& and

La!a"& standin) be#ore !i"& now ut u !is !u)e #oot 'lose to Bartley.s t!i)!2 neit!er o# t!e"

"inded t!at+

$I.ve !eard a )ood deal o# tal( about t!at S+T+--=D<--X+ "an& and t!e stove-bla'(in) "an& and

t!e (idney-'ure "an& be'ause t!ey advertised in t!at way2 and I.ve read arti'les about it in t!e

aers2 but I don.t see w!ere t!e *o(e 'o"es in& e7a'tly+ So lon) as t!e eole t!at own t!e barnsand #en'es don.t ob*e't& I don.t see w!at t!e ubli' !as )ot to do wit! it+ And I never saw

anyt!in) so very sa'red about a bi) ro'(& alon) a river or in a asture& t!at it wouldn.t do to ut

"ineral aint on it in t!ree 'olours+ I wis! so"e o# t!e eole t!at tal( about t!e lands'ae& andWRITE about it& !ad to bu.st one o# t!e" ro'(s 5>T o# t!e lands'ae wit! owder& or di) a !ole

to bury it in& as we used to !ave to do u on t!e #ar"2 I )uess t!ey.d sin) a little di##erent tune

about t!e ro#anation o# s'enery+ T!ere ain.t any "an en*oys a si)!tly bit o# nature--a s"oot!

ie'e o# interval wit! !al# a do4en )ood-si4ed wine-)lass el"s in it--"ore t!an I do+ But I ain.t a-)oin) to stand u #or every bi) u)ly ro'( I 'o"e a'ross& as i# we were all a set o# du"n 1ruids+ I

say t!e lands'ae was "ade #or "an& and not "an #or t!e lands'ae+$

$0es&$ said Bartley 'arelessly2 $it was "ade #or t!e stove-olis! "an and t!e (idney-'ure "an+$



$It was "ade #or any "an t!at (nows !ow to use it&$ La!a" returned& insensible to Bartley.s

irony+ $Let .e" )o and live wit! nature in t!e WINTER& u t!ere alon) t!e Canada line& and I

)uess t!ey.ll )et enou)! o# !er #or one w!ile+ Well--w!ere was I/$

$1e'oratin) t!e lands'ae&$ said Bartley+

$0es& sir2 I started ri)!t t!ere at Lu"berville& and it )ive t!e la'e a start too+ 0ou won.t #ind it on

t!e "a now2 and you won.t #ind it in t!e )a4etteer+ I )ive a retty )ood lu" o# "oney to build

a town-!all& about #ive years ba'(& and t!e #irst "eetin) t!ey !eld in it t!ey voted to '!an)e t!ena"e&--Lu"berville WA.N.T a na"e&--and it.s La!a" now+$

$Isn.t it so"ew!ere u in t!at re)ion t!at t!ey )et t!e old Brandon red/$ as(ed Bartley+

$We.re about ninety "iles #ro" Brandon+ T!e Brandon.s a )ood aint&$ said La!a"

'ons'ientiously+ $Li(e to s!ow you round u at our la'e so"e odd ti"e& i# you )et o##+$

$T!an(s+ I s!ould li(e it #irst-rate+ W5R?S t!ere/$

$0es2 wor(s t!ere+ Well& sir& *ust about t!e ti"e I )ot started& t!e war bro(e out2 and it (no'(ed"y aint !i)!er t!an a (ite+ T!e t!in) droed er#e'tly dead+ I resu"e t!at i# I.d !ad any sort

o# in#luen'e& I "i)!t !ave )ot it into 6overn"ent !ands& #or )un-'arria)es and ar"y wa)ons& and

"ay be on board 6overn"ent vessels+ But I !adn.t& and we !ad to #a'e t!e "usi'+ I was about bro(en-!earted& but ".wi#e s!e loo(ed at it anot!er way+ .I )uess it.s a roviden'e&. says s!e+

.Silas& I )uess you.ve )ot a 'ountry t!at.s wort! #i)!tin) #or+ Any rate& you better )o out and )ive

it a '!an'e+. Well& sir& I went+ I (new s!e "eant business+ It "i)!t (ill !er to !ave "e )o& but itwould (ill !er sure i# I stayed+ S!e was one o# t!at (ind+ I went+ Her last words was& .I.ll loo(

a#ter t!e aint& Si+. We !adn.t but *ust one little )irl t!en&--boy.d died&--and %is. La!a".s "ot!er

was livin. wit! us2 and I (new i# ti"es 1I1 anyways 'o"e u a)ain& ".wi#e.d (now *ust w!at todo+ So I went+ I )ot t!rou)!2 and you 'an 'all "e Colonel& i# you want to+ eel t!ere,$ La!a"too( Bartley.s t!u"b and #ore#in)er and ut t!e" on a bun'! in !is le)& *ust above t!e (nee+

$Anyt!in) !ard/$

$Ball/$

La!a" nodded+ $6ettysbur)+ T!at.s "y t!er"o"eter+ I# it wa.n.t #or t!at& I s!ouldn.t (nowenou)! to 'o"e in w!en it rains+$

Bartley lau)!ed at a *o(e w!i'! betrayed so"e eviden'es o# wear+ $And w!en you 'a"e ba'(&

you too( !old o# t!e aint and rus!ed it+$

$I too( !old o# t!e aint and rus!ed it--all I 'ould&$ said La!a"& wit! less satis#a'tion t!an !e!ad !it!erto s!own in !is autobio)ra!y+ $But I #ound t!at I !ad )ot ba'( to anot!er world+ T!e

day o# s"all t!in)s was ast& and I don.t suose it will ever 'o"e a)ain in t!is 'ountry+ %y wi#e

was at "e all t!e ti"e to ta(e a artner--so"ebody wit! 'aital2 but I 'ouldn.t see" to bear t!e

idea+ T!at aint was li(e "y own blood to "e+ To !ave anybody else 'on'erned in it was li(e--well& I don.t (now w!at+ I saw it was t!e t!in) to do2 but I tried to #i)!t it o##& and I tried to *o(e it



o##+ I used to say& .W!y didn.t you ta(e a artner yoursel#& Persis& w!ile I was away/. And s!e.d

say& .Well& i# you !adn.t 'o"e ba'(& I s!ould& Si+. Always 1I1 li(e a *o(e about as well as any

wo"an I ever saw+ Well& I !ad to 'o"e to it+ I too( a artner+$ La!a" droed t!e bold blueeyes wit! w!i'! !e !ad been till now starin) into Bartley.s #a'e& and t!e reorter (new t!at !ere

was a la'e #or asteris(s in !is interview& i# interviews were #ait!#ul+ $He !ad "oney enou)!&$

'ontinued La!a"& wit! a suressed si)!2 $but !e didn.t (now anyt!in) about aint+ We !un)on to)et!er #or a year or two+ And t!en we 3uit+$

$And !e !ad t!e e7erien'e&$ su))ested Bartley& wit! 'o"anionable ease+

$I !ad so"e o# t!e e7erien'e too&$ said La!a"& wit! a s'owl2 and Bartley divined& t!rou)! t!e

#ree"asonry o# all w!o !ave sore la'es in t!eir "e"ories& t!at t!is was a oint w!i'! !e "ustnot tou'! a)ain+

$And sin'e t!at& I suose& you.ve layed it alone+$

$I.ve layed it alone+$

$0ou "ust s!i so"e o# t!is aint o# yours to #orei)n 'ountries& Colonel/$ su))ested Bartley&

uttin) on a ro#essional air+

$We s!i it to all arts o# t!e world+ It )oes to Sout! A"eri'a& lots o# it+ It )oes to Australia& andit )oes to India& and it )oes to C!ina& and it )oes to t!e Cae o# 6ood Hoe+ It.ll stand any

'li"ate+ 5# 'ourse& we don.t e7ort t!ese #an'y brands "u'!+ T!ey.re #or !o"e use+ But we.re

introdu'in) t!e" elsew!ere+ Here+$ La!a" ulled oen a drawer& and s!owed Bartley a lot o#labels in di##erent lan)ua)es--Sanis!& ren'!& 6er"an& and Italian+ $We e7e't to do a )ood

business in all t!ose 'ountries+ We.ve )ot our a)en'ies in Cadi4 now& and in Paris& and in

Ha"bur)& and in Le)!orn+ It.s a t!in) t!at.s bound to "a(e its way+ 0es& sir+ W!erever a "an !as)ot a s!i& or a brid)e& or a lo'(& or a !ouse& or a 'ar& or a #en'e& or a i)-en anyw!ere in 6od.suniverse to aint& t!at.s t!e aint #or !i"& and !e.s bound to #ind it out sooner or later+ 0ou ass a

ton o# t!at aint dry t!rou)! a blast-#urna'e& and you.ll )et a 3uarter o# a ton o# i)-iron+ I believe

in "y aint+ I believe it.s a blessin) to t!e world+ W!en #ol(s 'o"e in& and (ind o# s"ell round&and as( "e w!at I "i7 it wit!& I always say& .Well& in t!e #irst la'e& I "i7 it wit! AITH& and

a#ter t!at I )rind it u wit! t!e best 3uality o# boiled linseed oil t!at "oney will buy+.$

La!a" too( out !is wat'! and loo(ed at it& and Bartley er'eived t!at !is audien'e was drawin)

to a 'lose+ $. you ever want to run down and ta(e a loo( at our wor(s& ass you over t!e road&$--!e 'alled it R>1--$and it s!a.n.t 'ost you a 'ent+$ $Well& "ay be I s!all& so"eti"e&$ said Bartley+

$6ood a#ternoon& Colonel+$

$6ood a#ternoon+ 5r--!old on, %y !orse down t!ere yet& Willia"/$ !e 'alled to t!e youn) "an

in t!e 'ountin)-roo" w!o !ad ta(en !is letter at t!e be)innin) o# t!e interview+ $5!, All ri)!t,$!e added& in resonse to so"et!in) t!e youn) "an said+



$Can.t I set you down so"ew!ere& %r+ Hubbard/ I.ve )ot "y !orse at t!e door& and I 'an dro

you on "y way !o"e+ I." )oin) to ta(e %is. La!a" to loo( at a !ouse I." drivin) iles #or&

down on t!e New Land+$

$1on.t 'are i# I do&$ said Bartley+

La!a" ut on a straw !at& )at!ered u so"e aers lyin) on !is des(& ulled down its rollin)

'over& turned t!e (ey in it& and )ave t!e aers to an e7tre"ely !andso"e youn) wo"an at one

o# t!e des(s in t!e outer o##i'e+ S!e was stylis!ly dressed& as Bartley saw& and !er s"oot!& yellow!air was s'ultures3uely waved over a low& w!ite #ore!ead+ $Here&$ said La!a"& wit! t!e sa"e

ro"t )ru## (indness t!at !e !ad used in addressin) t!e youn) "an& $I want you s!ould ut

t!ese in s!ae& and )ive "e a tye-writer 'oy to-"orrow+$

$W!at an un'o""only retty )irl,$ said Bartley& as t!ey des'ended t!e rou)! stairway and #oundt!eir way out to t!e street& ast t!e dan)lin) roe o# a blo'( and ta'(le wanderin) u into t!e

'avernous dar(ness over!ead+

$S!e does !er wor(&$ said La!a" s!ortly+

Bartley "ounted to t!e le#t side o# t!e oen bu))y standin) at t!e 'urb-stone& and La!a"&)at!erin) u t!e !it'!in)-wei)!t& slid it under t!e bu))y-seat and "ounted beside !i"+

$No '!an'e to seed a !orse !ere& o# 'ourse&$ said La!a"& w!ile t!e !orse wit! a sirited

)entleness i'(ed !er way& wit! a !i)!& lon) a'tion& over t!e ave"ent o# t!e street+ T!e streets

were all narrow& and "ost o# t!e" 'roo(ed& in t!at 3uarter o# t!e town2 but at t!e end o# one t!esars o# a vessel en'illed t!e"selves deli'ately a)ainst t!e 'ool blue o# t!e a#ternoon s(y+ T!e

air was #ull o# a s"ell leasantly 'o"ounded o# oa(u"& o# leat!er& and o# oil+ It was not t!e

busy season& and t!ey "et only two or t!ree tru'(s !eavily stra))lin) toward t!e w!ar# wit! t!eir lon) strin) tea"s2 but t!e 'obble-stones o# t!e ave"ent were worn wit! t!e dint o# onderousw!eels& and dis'oloured wit! iron-rust #ro" t!e"2 !ere and t!ere& in wanderin) strea(s over its

sur#a'e& was t!e )rey stain o# t!e salt water wit! w!i'! t!e street !ad been srin(led+

A#ter an interval o# so"e "inutes& w!i'! bot! "en sent in loo(in) round t!e das!-board #ro"oosite sides to wat'! t!e stride o# t!e !orse& Bartley said& wit! a li)!t si)!& $I !ad a 'olt on'e

down in %aine t!at steed *ust li(e t!at "are+$

$Well,$ said La!a"& sy"at!eti'ally re'o)nisin) t!e bond t!at t!is #a't 'reated between t!e"+

$Well& now& I tell you w!at you do+ 0ou let "e 'o"e #or you ."ost any a#ternoon& now& and ta(e

you out over t!e %illda"& and seed t!is "are a little+ I.d li(e to s!ow you w!at t!is "are 'ando+ 0es& I would+$

$All ri)!t&$ answered Bartley2 $I.ll let you (now "y #irst day o##+$

$6ood&$ 'ried La!a"+

$?entu'(y/$ 3ueried Bartley+



$No& sir+ I don.t ride be!ind anyt!in) but Ver"ont2 never did+ Tou'! o# %or)an& o# 'ourse2 but

you 'an.t !ave "u'! %or)an in a !orse i# you want seed+ Ha"bletonian "ostly+ W!ere.d you

say you wanted to )et out/$

$I )uess you "ay ut "e down at t!e Events 5##i'e& *ust round t!e 'orner !ere+ I.ve )ot to write

u t!is interview w!ile it.s #res!+$

$All ri)!t&$ said La!a"& i"ersonally assentin) to Bartley.s use o# !i" as "aterial+

He !ad not "u'! to 'o"lain o# in Bartley.s treat"ent& unless it was t!e strain o# e7trava)ant

'o"li"ent w!i'! it involved+ But t!e #lattery was "ainly #or t!e aint& w!ose virtues La!a"did not believe 'ould be overstated& and !i"sel# and !is !istory !ad been treated wit! as "u'!

rese't as Bartley was 'aable o# s!owin) any one+ He "ade a very i'tures3ue t!in) o# t!e

dis'overy o# t!e aint-"ine+ $1ee in t!e !eart o# t!e vir)in #orests o# Ver"ont& #ar u toward t!eline o# t!e Canadian snows& on a desolate "ountain-side& w!ere an autu"nal stor" !ad done its

wild wor(& and t!e )reat trees& strewn !it!er and t!it!er& bore witness to its violen'e& Ne!e"ia!

La!a" dis'overed& *ust #orty years a)o& t!e "ineral w!i'! t!e al'!e"y o# !is son.s enterriseand ener)y !as trans"uted into solid in)ots o# t!e "ost re'ious o# "etals+ T!e 'olossal #ortune

o# Colonel Silas La!a" lay at t!e botto" o# a !ole w!i'! an urooted tree !ad du) #or !i"& and

w!i'! #or "any years re"ained a aint-"ine o# no "ore are'iable value t!an a soa-"ine+$

Here Bartley !ad not been able to #ore)o anot!er )rin2 but !e 'o"ensated #or it by t!e !i)!reveren'e wit! w!i'! !e so(e o# Colonel La!a".s re'ord durin) t!e war o# t!e rebellion& and

o# t!e "otives w!i'! i"elled !i" to turn aside #ro" an enterrise in w!i'! !is w!ole !eart was

en)a)ed& and ta(e art in t!e stru))le+ $T!e Colonel bears e"bedded in t!e "us'le o# !is ri)!tle) a little "e"ento o# t!e eriod in t!e s!ae o# a "inie-ball& w!i'! !e *o'ularly re#erred to as

!is t!er"o"eter& and w!i'! relieves !i" #ro" t!e ne'essity o# readin) .T!e Probabilities. in !is

"ornin) aer+ T!is saves !i" *ust so "u'! ti"e2 and #or a "an w!o& as !e said& !as not a"o"ent o# waste ti"e on !i" anyw!ere& #ive "inutes a day are so"et!in) in t!e 'ourse o# ayear+ Si"le& 'lear& bold& and strai)!t#orward in "ind and a'tion& Colonel Silas La!a"& wit! a

ro"t 'o"re!ensiveness and a never-#ailin) business sa)a'ity& is& in t!e best sense o# t!at

"u'!-abused ter"& one o# nature.s noble"en& to t!e last in'! o# !is #ive eleven and a !al#+ Hisli#e a##ords an e7a"le o# sin)le-"inded ali'ation and unwaverin) erseveran'e w!i'! our

youn) business "en would do well to e"ulate+ T!ere is not!in) s!owy or "eretri'ious about t!e

"an+ He believes in "ineral aint& and !e uts !is !eart and soul into it+ He "a(es it a reli)ion2t!ou)! we would not i"ly t!at it IS !is reli)ion+ Colonel La!a" is a re)ular attendant at t!e

Rev+ 1r+ Lan)wort!y.s '!ur'!+ He subs'ribes liberally to t!e Asso'iated C!arities& and no )ood

ob*e't or wort!y ubli' enterrise #ails to re'eive !is suort+ He is not now a'tively in oliti's&

and !is aint is not artisan2 but it is an oen se'ret t!at !e is& and always !as been& a staun'!Reubli'an+ Wit!out violatin) t!e san'tities o# rivate li#e& we 'annot sea( #ully o# various

details w!i'! 'a"e out in t!e #ree and une"barrassed interview w!i'! Colonel La!a" a''orded

our reresentative+ But we "ay say t!at t!e su''ess o# w!i'! !e is *ustly roud !e is also roudto attribute in )reat "easure to t!e sy"at!y and ener)y o# !is wi#e--one o# t!ose wo"en w!o&

in w!atever wal( o# li#e& see" born to !onour t!e na"e o# A"eri'an Wo"an& and to redee" it

#ro" t!e national reroa'! o# 1aisy %illeris"+ 5# Colonel La!a".s #a"ily& we will si"ly addt!at it 'onsists o# two youn) lady dau)!ters+



$T!e sub*e't o# t!is very inade3uate s(et'! is buildin) a !ouse on t!e water side o# Bea'on

Street& a#ter desi)ns by one o# our leadin) ar'!ite'tural #ir"s& w!i'!& w!en 'o"lete& will be one

o# t!e #inest orna"ents o# t!at e7'lusive avenue+ It will& we believe& be ready #or t!e o''uan'yo# t!e #a"ily so"eti"e in t!e srin)+$

W!en Bartley !ad #inis!ed !is arti'le& w!i'! !e did wit! a )ood deal o# inward derision& !e went!o"e to %ar'ia& still s"ilin) over t!e t!ou)!t o# La!a"& w!ose burly si"li'ity !ad e'uliarly

a"used !i"+ $He re)ularly turned !i"sel# inside out to "e&$ !e said& as !e sat des'ribin) !isinterview to %ar'ia+

$T!en I (now you 'ould "a(e so"et!in) ni'e out o# it&$ said !is wi#e2 $and t!at will lease %r+

Wit!erby+$

$5! yes& I.ve done retty well2 but I 'ouldn.t let "ysel# loose on !i" t!e way I wanted to+Con#ound t!e li"itations o# de'en'y& anyway, I s!ould li(e to !ave told *ust w!at Colonel

La!a" t!ou)!t o# lands'ae advertisin) in Colonel La!a".s own words+ I.ll tell you one t!in)&

%ars!8 !e !ad a )irl t!ere at one o# t!e des(s t!at you wouldn.t let %E !ave wit!in )uns!ot o#%0 o##i'e+ Pretty/ It ain.t any na"e #or it,$ %ar'ia.s eyes be)an to bla4e& and Bartley bro(e out

into a lau)!& in w!i'! !e arrested !i"sel# at si)!t o# a #or"idable ar'el in t!e 'orner o# t!e

roo"+

$Hello, W!at.s t!at/$

$W!y& I don.t (now w!at it is&$ relied %ar'ia tre"ulously+ $A "an brou)!t it *ust be#ore you'a"e in& and I didn.t li(e to oen it+$

$T!in( it was so"e (ind o# in#ernal "a'!ine/$ as(ed Bartley& )ettin) down on !is (nees to

e7a"ine t!e a'(a)e+ $%RS+ B+ Hubbard& !ei)!/$ He 'ut t!e !eavy !e" strin) wit! !is en(ni#e+ $We "ust loo( into t!is t!in)+ I s!ould li(e to (now w!o.s sendin) a'(a)es to %rs+Hubbard in "y absen'e+$ He un#olded t!e wrain)s o# aer& )rowin) so#ter and #iner inward&

and resently ulled out a !andso"e s3uare )lass *ar& t!rou)! w!i'! a 'ri"son "ass s!owed

ri'!ly+ $T!e Persis Brand,$ !e yelled+ $I (new it,$

$5!& w!at is it& Bartley/$ 3uavered %ar'ia+ T!en& 'oura)eously drawin) a little nearer8 $Is it

so"e (ind o# *a"/$ s!e i"lored+ $@a"/ No,$ roared Bartley+ $It.s PAINT, It.s "ineral aint--

La!a".s aint,$

$Paint/$ e'!oed %ar'ia& as s!e stood over !i" w!ile !e stried t!eir wrain)s #ro" t!e *ars

w!i'! s!owed t!e dar( blue& dar( )reen& li)!t brown& dar( brown& and bla'(& wit! t!e dar('ri"son& #or"in) t!e )a"ut o# 'olour o# t!e La!a" aint+ $1on.t TELL "e it.s aint t!at I 'an

use& Bartley,$

$Well& I s!ouldn.t advise you to use "u'! o# it--all at on'e&$ relied !er !usband+ $But it.s aintt!at you 'an use in "oderation+$



%ar'ia 'ast !er ar"s round !is ne'( and (issed !i"+ $5 Bartley& I t!in( I." t!e !aiest )irl in

t!e world, I was *ust wonderin) w!at I s!ould do+ T!ere are la'es in t!at Clover Street !ouse

t!at need tou'!in) u so dread#ully+ I s!all be very 'are#ul+ 0ou needn.t be a#raid I s!all overdo+But& t!is *ust saves "y li#e+ 1id you B>0 it& Bartley/ 0ou (now we 'ouldn.t a##ord it& and you

ou)!tn.t to !ave done it, And w!at does t!e Persis Brand "ean/$

$Buy it/$ 'ried Bartley+ $No, T!e old #ool.s sent it to you as a resent+ 0ou.d better wait #or t!e

#a'ts be#ore you it'! into "e #or e7trava)an'e& %ar'ia+ Persis is t!e na"e o# !is wi#e2 and !ena"ed it a#ter !er be'ause it.s !is #inest brand+ 0ou.ll see it in "y interview+ Put it on t!e "ar(et

!er last birt!day #or a surrise to !er+$

$W!at old #ool/$ #altered %ar'ia+

$W!y& La!a"--t!e "ineral aint "an+$

$5!& w!at a )ood "an,$ si)!ed %ar'ia #ro" t!e botto" o# !er soul+ $Bartley, you W5N.T "a(e

#un o# !i" as you do o# so"e o# t!ose eole/ WILL you/$

$Not!in) t!at HE.LL ever #ind out&$ said Bartley& )ettin) u and brus!in) o## t!e 'aret-lint #ro"

!is (nees+

II.

ATER droin) Bartley Hubbard at t!e Events buildin)& La!a" drove on down Was!in)ton

Street to Nan(een S3uare at t!e Sout! End& w!ere !e !ad lived ever sin'e t!e "ista(en"ove"ent o# so'iety in t!at dire'tion 'eased+ He !ad not built& but !ad bou)!t very '!ea o# a

terri#ied )entle"an o# )ood e7tra'tion w!o dis'overed too late t!at t!e Sout! End was not t!et!in)& and w!o in t!e ea)erness o# !is #li)!t to t!e Ba'( Bay t!rew in !is 'arets and s!ades #or

al"ost not!in)+ %rs+ La!a" was even better satis#ied wit! t!eir bar)ain t!an t!e Colonel

!i"sel#& and t!ey !ad lived in Nan(een S3uare #or twelve years+ T!ey !ad seen t!e salin)s lanted in t!e retty oval round w!i'! t!e !ouses were built #louris! u into sturdy youn) trees&

and t!eir two little )irls in t!e sa"e eriod !ad )rown into youn) ladies2 t!e Colonel.s tou)!

#ra"e !ad e7anded into t!e bul( w!i'! Bartley.s interview indi'ated2 and %rs+ La!a"& w!ile

(eein) a "ore yout!#ul outline& s!owed t!e s!ar rint o# t!e 'row.s-#oot at t!e 'orners o# !er"ot!erly eyes& and 'ertain sli)!t 'reases in !er w!oleso"e '!ee(s+ T!e #a't t!at t!ey lived in an

un#as!ionable nei)!bour!ood was so"et!in) t!at t!ey !ad never been "ade to #eel to t!eir ersonal disadvanta)e& and t!ey !ad !ardly (nown it till t!e su""er be#ore t!is story oens&w!en %rs+ La!a" and !er dau)!ter Irene !ad "et so"e ot!er Bostonians #ar #ro" Boston& w!o

"ade it "e"orable+ T!ey were eole w!o" '!an'e !ad brou)!t #or t!e ti"e under a sin)ular

obli)ation to t!e La!a" ladies& and t!ey were )rate#ully re'o)nisant o# it+ T!ey !ad ventured--a"ot!er and two dau)!ters--as #ar as a rat!er wild little Canadian waterin)-la'e on t!e St+

Lawren'e& below uebe'& and !ad arrived so"e days be#ore t!eir son and brot!er was e7e'ted

to *oin t!e"+ Two o# t!eir trun(s !ad )one astray& and on t!e ni)!t o# t!eir arrival t!e "ot!er was



ta(en violently ill+ %rs+ La!a" 'a"e to t!eir !el& wit! !er s(ill as nurse& and wit! t!e

abundan'e o# !er own and !er dau)!ter.s wardrobe& and a ro#use& sin)le-!earted (indness+

W!en a do'tor 'ould be )ot at& !e said t!at but #or %rs+ La!a".s ti"ely 'are& t!e lady would!ardly !ave lived+ He was a very e##usive little ren'!"an& and #an'ied !e was sayin) so"et!in)

very leasant to everybody+

A 'ertain inti"a'y inevitably #ollowed& and w!en t!e son 'a"e !e was even "ore )rate#ul t!an

t!e ot!ers+ %rs+ La!a" 'ould not 3uite understand w!y !e s!ould be as attentive to !er as toIrene2 but s!e 'o"ared !i" wit! ot!er youn) "en about t!e la'e& and t!ou)!t !i" ni'er t!an

any o# t!e"+ S!e !ad not t!e "eans o# a wider 'o"arison2 #or in Boston& wit! all !er !usband.s

roserity& t!ey !ad not !ad a so'ial li#e+ T!eir #irst years t!ere were )iven to 'are#ul )ettin) onLa!a".s art& and 'are#ul savin) on !is wi#e.s+ Suddenly t!e "oney be)an to 'o"e so

abundantly t!at s!e need not save2 and t!en t!ey did not (now w!at to do wit! it+ A 'ertain

a"ount 'ould be sent on !orses& and La!a" sent it2 !is wi#e sent on ri'! and rat!er u)ly'lot!es and a lu7ury o# !ouse!old aoint"ents+ La!a" !ad not yet rea'!ed t!e i'ture-buyin)

sta)e o# t!e ri'! "an.s develo"ent& but t!ey de'orated t!eir !ouse wit! t!e 'ostliest and "ost

abo"inable #res'oes2 t!ey went uon *ourneys& and lavis!ed uon 'ars and !otels2 t!ey )ave wit! bot! !ands to t!eir '!ur'! and to all t!e '!arities it brou)!t t!e" a'3uainted wit!2 but t!ey did

not (now !ow to send on so'iety+ > to a 'ertain eriod %rs+ La!a" !ad t!e ladies o# !er

nei)!bour!ood in to tea& as !er "ot!er !ad done in t!e 'ountry in !er youn)er days+ La!a".s

idea o# !ositality was still to brin) a !eavy-buyin) 'usto"er !o"e to ot-lu'(2 neit!er o# t!e"i"a)ined dinners+

T!eir two )irls !ad )one to t!e ubli' s'!ools& w!ere t!ey !ad not )ot on as #ast as so"e o# t!e

ot!er )irls2 so t!at t!ey were a year be!ind in )raduatin) #ro" t!e )ra""ar-s'!ool& w!ere

La!a" t!ou)!t t!at t!ey !ad )ot edu'ation enou)!+ His wi#e was o# a di##erent "ind2 s!e would!ave li(ed t!e" to )o to so"e rivate s'!ool #or t!eir #inis!in)+ But Irene did not 'are #or study2

s!e re#erred !ouse-(eein)& and bot! t!e sisters were a#raid o# bein) snubbed by t!e ot!er )irls&w!o were o# a di##erent sort #ro" t!e )irls o# t!e )ra""ar-s'!ool2 t!ese were "ostly #ro" t!e ar(s and s3uares& li(e t!e"selves+ It ended in t!eir )oin) art o# a year+ But t!e elder !ad an odd

taste o# !er own #or readin)& and s!e too( so"e rivate lessons& and read boo(s out o# t!e

'ir'ulatin) library2 t!e w!ole #a"ily were a"a4ed at t!e nu"ber s!e read& and rat!er roud o# it+

T!ey were not )irls w!o e"broidered or abandoned t!e"selves to needle-wor(+ Irene sent !erabundant leisure in s!oin) #or !ersel# and !er "ot!er& o# w!o" bot! dau)!ters "ade a (ind o#

idol& buyin) !er 'as and la'es out o# t!eir in-"oney& and )ettin) !er dresses #ar beyond !er

'aa'ity to wear+ Irene dressed !ersel# very stylis!ly& and sent !ours on !er toilet every day+ Her sister !ad a si"ler taste& and& i# s!e !ad done alto)et!er as s!e li(ed& "i)!t even !ave sli)!ted

dress+ T!ey all t!ree too( lon) nas every day& and sat !ours to)et!er "inutely dis'ussin) w!at

t!ey saw out o# t!e window+ In !er sel#-)uided sear'! #or sel#-i"rove"ent& t!e elder sister wentto "any '!ur'! le'tures on a vast variety o# se'ular sub*e'ts& and usually 'a"e !o"e wit! a

'o"i' a''ount o# t!e"& and t!at "ade "ore "atter o# tal( #or t!e w!ole #a"ily+ S!e 'ould "a(e

#un o# nearly everyt!in)2 Irene 'o"lained t!at s!e s'ared away t!e youn) "en w!o" t!ey )ot

a'3uainted wit! at t!e dan'in)-s'!ool so'iables+ T!ey were& er!as& not t!e wisest youn) "en+



T!e )irls !ad learned to dan'e at Paanti.s2 but t!ey !ad not belon)ed to t!e rivate 'lasses+ T!ey

did not even (now o# t!e"& and a )reat )ul# divided t!e" #ro" t!ose w!o did+ T!eir #at!er did

not li(e 'o"any& e7'et su'! as 'a"e in#or"ally in t!eir way2 and t!eir "ot!er !ad re"ainedtoo rusti' to (now !ow to attra't it in t!e so!isti'ated 'ity #as!ion+ None o# t!e" !ad )rased

t!e idea o# Euroean travel2 but t!ey !ad )one about to "ountain and sea-side resorts& t!e "ot!er

and t!e two )irls& w!ere t!ey witnessed t!e se'ta'le w!i'! su'! resorts resent t!rou)!out NewEn)land& o# "ultitudes o# )irls& lovely& a''o"lis!ed& e73uisitely dressed& !u"bly )lad o# t!e

resen'e o# any sort o# youn) "an2 but t!e La!a"s !ad no s(ill or 'oura)e to "a(e t!e"selves

noti'ed& #ar less 'ourted by t!e solitary invalid& or 'ler)y"an& or artist+ T!ey lur(ed !ellesslyabout in t!e !otel arlours& loo(in) on and not (nowin) !ow to ut t!e"selves #orward+ Per!as

t!ey did not 'are a )reat deal to do so+ T!ey !ad not a 'on'eit o# t!e"selves& but a sort o# 'ontent

in t!eir own ways t!at one "ay noti'e in 'ertain #a"ilies+ T!e very stren)t! o# t!eir "utual

a##e'tion was a barrier to worldly (nowled)e2 t!ey dressed #or one anot!er2 t!ey e3uied t!eir!ouse #or t!eir own satis#a'tion2 t!ey lived ri'!ly to t!e"selves& not be'ause t!ey were sel#is!&

but be'ause t!ey did not (now !ow to do ot!erwise+ T!e elder dau)!ter did not 'are #or so'iety&

aarently+ T!e youn)er& w!o was but t!ree years youn)er& was not yet 3uite old enou)! to be

a"bitious o# it+ Wit! all !er wonder#ul beauty& s!e !ad an inno'en'e al"ost ve)etable+ W!en !er beauty& w!i'! in its i""aturity was 'rude and !ars!& suddenly riened& s!e bloo"ed and )lowed

wit! t!e un'ons'iousness o# a #lower2 s!e not "erely did not #eel !ersel# ad"ired& but !ardly(new !ersel# dis'overed+ I# s!e dressed well& er!as too well& it was be'ause s!e !ad t!e

instin't o# dress2 but till s!e "et t!is youn) "an w!o was so ni'e to !er at Baie St+ Paul& s!e !ad

s'ar'ely lived a deta'!ed& individual li#e& so w!olly !ad s!e deended on !er "ot!er and !ersister #or !er oinions& al"ost !er sensations+ S!e too( a''ount o# everyt!in) !e did and said&

onderin) it& and tryin) to "a(e out e7a'tly w!at !e "eant& to t!e in#le'tion o# a syllable& t!e

sli)!test "ove"ent or )esture+ In t!is way s!e be)an #or t!e #irst ti"e to #or" ideas w!i'! s!e

!ad not derived #ro" !er #a"ily& and t!ey were none t!e less !er own be'ause t!ey were o#ten"ista(en+

So"e o# t!e t!in)s t!at !e artly said& artly loo(ed& s!e reorted to !er "ot!er& and t!ey tal(ed

t!e" over& as t!ey did everyt!in) relatin) to t!ese new a'3uaintan'es& and wrou)!t t!e" into t!e

novel oint o# view w!i'! t!ey were a'3uirin)+ W!en %rs+ La!a" returned !o"e& s!esub"itted all t!e a''u"ulated #a'ts o# t!e 'ase& and all !er own 'on*e'tures& to !er !usband& and

'anvassed t!e" anew+

At #irst !e was disosed to re)ard t!e w!ole a##air as o# s"all i"ortan'e& and s!e !ad to insist alittle beyond !er own 'onvi'tions in order to 'ountera't !is indi##eren'e+

$Well& I 'an tell you&$ s!e said& $t!at i# you t!in( t!ey were not t!e ni'est eole you ever saw&

you.re "i)!tily "ista(en+ T!ey !ad about t!e best "anners2 and t!ey !ad been everyw!ere& and

(new everyt!in)+ I de'lare it "ade "e #eel as i# we !ad always lived in t!e ba'(woods+ I don.t(now but t!e "ot!er and t!e dau)!ters would !ave let you #eel so a little& i# t!ey.d s!owed out

all t!ey t!ou)!t2 but t!ey never did2 and t!e son--well& I 'an.t e7ress it& Silas, But t!at youn)

"an !ad about er#e't ways+$

$See" stru'( u on Irene/$ as(ed t!e Colonel+



$How 'an I tell/ He see"ed *ust about as "u'! stru'( u on "e+ Anyway& !e aid "e as "u'!

attention as !e did !er+ Per!as it.s "ore t!e way& now& to noti'e t!e "ot!er t!an it used to be+$

La!a" ventured no 'on*e'ture& but as(ed& as !e !ad as(ed already& w!o t!e eole were+

%rs+ La!a" reeated t!eir na"e+ La!a" nodded !is !ead+ $1o you (now t!e"/ W!at business is !e in/$

$I )uess !e ain.t in anyt!in)&$ said La!a"+

$T!ey were very ni'e&$ said %rs+ La!a" i"artially+

$Well& t!ey.d ou)!t to be&$ returned t!e Colonel+ $Never done anyt!in) else+$

$T!ey didn.t see" stu'( u&$ ur)ed !is wi#e+

$T!ey.d no need to--wit! you+ I 'ould buy !i" and sell !i"& twi'e over+$

T!is answer satis#ied %rs+ La!a" rat!er wit! t!e #a't t!an wit! !er !usband+ $Well& I )uess Iwouldn.t bra)& Silas&$ s!e said+

In t!e winter t!e ladies o# t!is #a"ily& w!o returned to town very late& 'a"e to 'all on %rs+

La!a"+ T!ey were a)ain very olite+ But t!e "ot!er let dro& in aolo)y #or t!eir 'allin) al"ostat ni)!t#all& t!at t!e 'oa'!"an !ad not (nown t!e way e7a'tly+

$Nearly all our #riends are on t!e New Land or on t!e Hill+$

T!ere was a barb in t!is t!at ran(led a#ter t!e ladies !ad )one2 and on 'o"arin) notes wit! !erdau)!ter& %rs+ La!a" #ound t!at a barb !ad been le#t to ran(le in !er "ind also+

$T!ey said t!ey !ad never been in t!is art o# t!e town be#ore+$

>on a stri't sear'! o# !er "e"ory& Irene 'ould not reort t!at t!e #a't !ad been stated wit!anyt!in) li(e insinuation& but it was t!at w!i'! )ave it a "ore enetratin) e##e't+

$5!& well& o# 'ourse&$ said La!a"& to w!o" t!ese #a'ts were re#erred+ $T!ose sort o# eole

!aven.t )ot "u'! business u our way& and t!ey don.t 'o"e+ It.s a #air t!in) all round+ We don.t

trouble t!e Hill or t!e New Land "u'!+$

$We (now w!ere t!ey are&$ su))ested !is wi#e t!ou)!t#ully+

$0es&$ assented t!e Colonel+ $I (now w!ere t!ey are+ I.ve )ot a lot o# land over on t!e Ba'( Bay+$

$0ou !ave/$ ea)erly de"anded !is wi#e+

$Want "e to build on it/$ !e as(ed in rely& wit! a 3ui44i'al s"ile+



$I )uess we 'an )et alon) !ere #or a w!ile+$

T!is was at ni)!t+ In t!e "ornin) %rs+ La!a" said--

$I suose we ou)!t to do t!e best we 'an #or t!e '!ildren& in every way+$

$I suosed we always !ad&$ relied !er !usband+

$0es& we !ave& a''ordin) to our li)!t+$

$Have you )ot so"e new li)!t/$

$I don.t (now as it.s li)!t+ But i# t!e )irls are )oin) to (ee on livin) in Boston and "arry !ere& I

resu"e we ou)!t to try to )et t!e" into so'iety& so"e way2 or ou)!t to do so"et!in)+$

$Well& w!o.s ever done "ore #or t!eir '!ildren t!an we !ave/$ de"anded La!a"& wit! a an) at

t!e t!ou)!t t!at !e 'ould ossibly !ave been out-done+ $1on.t t!ey !ave everyt!in) t!ey want/1on.t t!ey dress *ust as you say/ 1on.t you )o everyw!ere wit! .e"/ Is t!ere ever anyt!in) )oin)

on t!at.s wort! w!ile t!at t!ey don.t see it or !ear it/ I don.t (now w!at you "ean+ W!y don.t you

)et t!e" into so'iety/ T!ere.s "oney enou)!,$

$T!ere.s )ot to be so"et!in) besides "oney& I )uess&$ said %rs+ La!a"& wit! a !oeless si)!+ $I resu"e we didn.t )o to wor( *ust t!e ri)!t way about t!eir s'!oolin)+ We ou)!t to !ave )ot

t!e" into so"e s'!ool w!ere t!ey.d !ave )ot a'3uainted wit! 'ity )irls--)irls w!o 'ould !el

t!e" alon)+$

$Nearly everybody at %iss S"illie.s was #ro" so"e w!ere else+$

$Well& it.s retty late to t!in( about t!at now&$ )ru"bled La!a"+

$And we.ve always )one our own way& and not loo(ed out #or t!e #uture+ We ou)!t to !ave )one

out "ore& and !ad eole 'o"e to t!e !ouse+ Nobody 'o"es+$

$Well& is t!at "y #ault/ I )uess nobody ever "a(es eole wel'o"er+$

$We ou)!t to !ave invited 'o"any "ore+$

$W!y don.t you do it now/ I# it.s #or t!e )irls& I don.t 'are i# you !ave t!e !ouse #ull all t!e

w!ile+$

%rs+ La!a" was #or'ed to a 'on#ession #ull o# !u"iliation+ $I don.t (now w!o to as(+$

$Well& you 'an.t e7e't "e to tell you+$

$No2 we.re bot! 'ountry eole& and we.ve (et our 'ountry ways& and we don.t& eit!er o# us&

(now w!at to do+ 0ou.ve !ad to wor( so !ard& and your lu'( was so lon) 'o"in)& and t!en it



$I don.t want you s!ould be)in at all+ W!at do you "ean& Silas/$ S!e rested a)ainst t!e side o#

!is des(+

$Well& I don.t (now as I "ean anyt!in)+ But s!ouldn.t you li(e to build/ Everybody builds& atleast on'e in a li#eti"e+$

$W!ere is your lot/ T!ey say it.s un!ealt!y& over t!ere+$

> to a 'ertain oint in t!eir roserity %rs+ La!a" !ad (et stri't a''ount o# all !er !usband.s

a##airs2 but as t!ey e7anded& and 'eased to be o# t!e retail nature wit! w!i'! wo"en

su''ess#ully )rale& t!e inti"ate (nowled)e o# t!e" "ade !er nervous+ T!ere was a eriod inw!i'! s!e #elt t!at t!ey were bein) ruined& but t!e 'ras! !ad not 'o"e2 and& sin'e !is )reat

su''ess& s!e !ad abandoned !ersel# to a blind 'on#iden'e in !er !usband.s *ud)"ent& w!i'! s!e

!ad !it!erto #elt needed !er revision+ He 'a"e and went& day by day& un3uestioned+ He bou)!tand sold and )ot )ain+ S!e (new t!at !e would tell !er i# ever t!in)s went wron)& and !e (new

t!at s!e would as( !i" w!enever s!e was an7ious+

$It ain.t un!ealt!y w!ere I.ve bou)!t&$ said La!a"& rat!er en*oyin) !er insinuation+ $I loo(ed

a#ter t!at w!en I was tradin)2 and I )uess it.s about as !ealt!y on t!e Ba'( Bay as it is !ere&anyway+ I )ot t!at lot #or you& Pert2 I t!ou)!t you.d want to build on t!e Ba'( Bay so"e day+$

$Ps!aw,$ said %rs+ La!a"& deely leased inwardly& but not )oin) to s!ow it& as s!e would

!ave said+ $I )uess you want to build t!ere yoursel#+$ S!e insensibly )ot a little nearer to !er

!usband+ T!ey li(ed to tal( to ea'! ot!er in t!at blunt way2 it is t!e New En)land way o#e7ressin) er#e't 'on#iden'e and tenderness+

$Well& I )uess I do&$ said La!a"& not insistin) uon t!e unsel#is! view o# t!e "atter+ $I always

did li(e t!e water side o# Bea'on+ T!ere ain.t a si)!tlier la'e in t!e world #or a !ouse+ And so"eday t!ere.s bound to be a drive-way all alon) be!ind t!e" !ouses& between t!e" and t!e water&and t!en a lot t!ere is )oin) to be wort! t!e )old t!at will 'over it--C5IN+ I.ve !ad o##ers #or t!at

lot& Pert& twi'e over w!at I )ive #or it+ 0es& I !ave+ 1on.t you want to ride over t!ere so"e

a#ternoon wit! "e and see it/$ $I." satis#ied w!ere we be& Si&$ said %rs+ La!a"& re'urrin) tot!e arlan'e o# !er yout! in !er at!os at !er !usband.s (indness+ S!e si)!ed an7iously& #or s!e

#elt t!e trouble a wo"an (nows in view o# any )reat '!an)e+ T!ey !ad o#ten tal(ed o# alterin)

over t!e !ouse in w!i'! t!ey lived& but t!ey !ad never 'o"e to it2 and t!ey !ad o#ten tal(ed o# buildin)& but it !ad always been a !ouse in t!e 'ountry t!at t!ey !ad t!ou)!t o#+ $I wis! you !ad

sold t!at lot+$

$I !ain.t&$ said t!e 'olonel brie#ly+

$I don.t (now as I #eel "u'! li(e '!an)in) our way o# livin)+$

$6uess we 'ould live t!ere retty "u'! as we live !ere+ T!ere.s all (inds o# eole on Bea'onStreet2 you "ustn.t t!in( t!ey.re all bi)-bu)s+ I (now one arty t!at lives in a !ouse !e built to

sell& and !is wi#e don.t (ee any )irl+ 0ou 'an !ave *ust as "u'! style t!ere as you want& or *ust



as little+ I )uess we live as well as "ost o# .e" now& and set as )ood a table+ And i# you 'o"e to

style& I don.t (now as anybody !as )ot "ore o# a ri)!t to ut it on t!an w!at we !ave+$

$Well& I don.t want to build on Bea'on Street& Si&$ said %rs+ La!a" )ently+

$@ust as you lease& Persis+ I ain.t in any !urry to leave+$

%rs+ La!a" stood #lain) t!e '!e3ue w!i'! s!e !eld in !er ri)!t !and a)ainst t!e ed)e o# !er

le#t+

T!e Colonel still sat loo(in) u at !er #a'e& and wat'!in) t!e e##e't o# t!e oison o# a"bition

w!i'! !e !ad art#ully instilled into !er "ind+

S!e si)!ed a)ain--a yieldin) si)!+ $W!at are you )oin) to do t!is a#ternoon/$

$I." )oin) to ta(e a turn on t!e Bri)!ton road&$ said t!e Colonel+

$I don.t believe but w!at I s!ould li(e to )o alon)&$ said !is wi#e+

$All ri)!t+ 0ou !ain.t ever rode be!ind t!at "are yet& Pert& and I want you s!ould see "e let !er

out on'e+ T!ey say t!e snow.s all a'(ed down already& and t!e )oin) is A =+$

At #our o.'lo'( in t!e a#ternoon& wit! a 'old& red winter sunset be#ore t!e"& t!e Colonel and !iswi#e were drivin) slowly down Bea'on Street in t!e li)!t& !i)!-seated 'utter& w!ere& as !e said&

t!ey were a retty ti)!t #it+ He was !oldin) t!e "are in till t!e ti"e 'a"e to seed !er& and t!e

"are was srin)ily *oltin) over t!e snow& loo(in) intelli)ently #ro" side to side& and 'o'(in) t!is

ear and t!at& w!ile #ro" !er nostrils& !er !ead tossin) easily& s!e blew 3ui'(& irre)ular w!i##s o#

stea"+

$6ay& ain.t s!e/$ roudly su))ested t!e Colonel+

$S!e IS )ay&$ assented !is wi#e+

T!ey "et swi#tly das!in) slei)!s& and let t!e" ass on eit!er !and& down t!e beauti#ul avenue

narrowin) wit! an ad"irably even s(y-line in t!e erse'tive+ T!ey were not in a !urry+ T!e"are *oun'ed easily alon)& and t!ey tal(ed o# t!e di##erent !ouses on eit!er side o# t!e way+ T!ey

!ad a 'rude taste in ar'!ite'ture& and t!ey ad"ired t!e worst+ T!ere were wo"en.s #a'es at "any

o# t!e !andso"e windows& and on'e in a w!ile a youn) "an on t!e ave"ent 'au)!t !is !at

suddenly #ro" !is !ead& and bowed in resonse to so"e salutation #ro" wit!in+

$I don.t t!in( our )irls would loo( very bad be!ind one o# t!ose bi) anes&$ said t!e Colonel+

$No&$ said !is wi#e drea"ily+

$W!ere.s t!e 05>N6 "an/ 1id !e 'o"e wit! t!e"/$



$No2 !e was to send t!e winter wit! a #riend o# !is t!at !as a ran'! in Te7as+ I )uess !e.s )ot to

do so"et!in)+$

$0es2 )entle"anin) as a ro#ession !as )ot to lay out in a )eneration or two+$

Neit!er o# t!e" so(e o# t!e lot& t!ou)! La!a" (new er#e'tly well w!at !is wi#e !ad 'o"ewit! !i" #or& and s!e was aware t!at !e (new it+ T!e ti"e 'a"e w!en !e brou)!t t!e "are down

to a wal(& and t!en slowed u al"ost to a sto& w!ile t!ey bot! turned t!eir !eads to t!e ri)!t and

loo(ed at t!e va'ant lot& t!rou)! w!i'! s!owed t!e #ro4en stret'! o# t!e Ba'( Bay& a se'tion o#t!e Lon) Brid)e& and t!e roo#s and s"o(e-sta'(s o# C!arlestown+

$0es& it.s si)!tly&$ said %rs+ La!a"& li#tin) !er !and #ro" t!e reins& on w!i'! s!e !ad

un'ons'iously laid it+

La!a" said not!in)& but !e let t!e "are out a little+

T!e slei)!s and 'utters were t!i'(enin) round t!e"+ 5n t!e %illda" it be'a"e di##i'ult torestri't t!e "are to t!e lon)& slow trot into w!i'! !e let !er brea(+ T!e beauti#ul lands'ae

widened to ri)!t and le#t o# t!e"& wit! t!e sunset redder and redder& over t!e low& irre)ular !ills

be#ore t!e"+ T!ey 'rossed t!e %illda" into Lon)wood2 and !ere& #ro" t!e 'rest o# t!e #irstuland& stret'!ed two endless lines& in w!i'! t!ousands o# 'utters went and 'a"e+ So"e o# t!e

drivers were already seedin) t!eir !orses& and t!ese s!ot to and #ro on inner lines& between t!e

slowly "ovin) ve!i'les on eit!er side o# t!e road+ Here and t!ere a burly "ounted oli'e"an&

bul)in) over t!e o""el o# !is %.Clellan saddle& *olted by& silently )esturin) and dire'tin) t!e'ourse& and (eein) it all under t!e eye o# t!e law+ It was w!at Bartley Hubbard 'alled $a

'arnival o# #as!ion and )aiety on t!e Bri)!ton road&$ in !is a''ount o# it+ But "ost o# t!e eole

in t!ose ele)ant slei)!s and 'utters !ad so little t!e air o# t!e )reat world t!at one (nowin) it at

all "ust !ave wondered w!ere t!ey and t!eir "oney 'a"e #ro"2 and t!e )aiety o# t!e "en& atleast& was e7ressed& li(e t!at o# Colonel La!a"& in a )ri" al"ost #ier'e& alertness2 t!e wo"en

wore an air o# 'oura)eous are!ension+ At a 'ertain oint t!e Colonel said& $I." )oin) to let !erout& Pert&$ and !e li#ted and t!en droed t!e reins li)!tly on t!e "are.s ba'(+

S!e understood t!e si)nal& and& as an ad"irer said& $s!e laid down to !er wor(+$ Not!in) in t!e

i""utable iron o# La!a".s #a'e betrayed !is sense o# triu"! as t!e "are le#t everyt!in)

be!ind !er on t!e road+ %rs+ La!a"& i# s!e #elt #ear& was too busy !oldin) !er #lyin) wrasabout !er& and s!ieldin) !er #a'e #ro" t!e s'ud o# i'e #lun) #ro" t!e "are.s !eels& to betray it2

e7'et #or t!e rus! o# !er #eet& t!e "are was as silent as t!e eole be!ind !er2 t!e "us'les o# !er

ba'( and t!i)!s wor(ed "ore and "ore swi#tly& li(e so"e "e'!anis" resondin) to an alien

#or'e& and s!e s!ot to t!e end o# t!e 'ourse& )ra4in) a !undred en'ountered and rival sled)es in!er assa)e& but un"olested by t!e oli'e"en& w!o robably saw t!at t!e "are and t!e Colonel

(new w!at t!ey were about& and& at any rate& were not t!e sort o# "en to inter#ere wit! trottin)

li(e t!at+ At t!e end o# t!e !eat La!a" drew !er in& and turned o## on a side street intoBroo(line+

$Tell you w!at& Pert&$ !e said& as i# t!ey !ad been 3uietly *o))in) alon)& wit! ti"e #or

uninterruted t!ou)!t sin'e !e last so(e& $I.ve about "ade u "y "ind to build on t!at lot+$



$All ri)!t& Silas&$ said %rs+ La!a"2 $I suose you (now w!at you.re about+ 1on.t build on it

#or "e& t!at.s all+$

W!en s!e stood in t!e !all at !o"e& ta(in) o## !er t!in)s& s!e said to t!e )irls& w!o were !elin)!er& $So"e day your #at!er will )et (illed wit! t!at "are+$

$1id !e seed !er/$ as(ed Peneloe& t!e elder+

S!e was na"ed a#ter !er )rand"ot!er& w!o !ad in !er turn in!erited #ro" anot!er an'estress t!e

na"e o# t!e Ho"eri' "atron w!ose e'uliar "erits won !er a la'e even a"on) t!e Puritan

ait!s& Hoes& Te"eran'es& and Pruden'es+ Peneloe was t!e )irl w!ose odd serious #a'e !adstru'( Bartley Hubbard in t!e !oto)ra! o# t!e #a"ily )rou La!a" s!owed !i" on t!e day o#

t!e interview+ Her lar)e eyes& li(e !er !air& were brown2 t!ey !ad t!e e'uliar loo( o# near-

si)!ted eyes w!i'! is 'alled "oonin)2 !er 'o"le7ion was o# a dar( allor+

Her "ot!er did not rely to a 3uestion w!i'! "i)!t be 'onsidered already answered+ $He says

!e.s )oin) to build on t!at lot o# !is&$ s!e ne7t re"ar(ed& unwindin) t!e lon) veil w!i'! s!e !adtied round !er ne'( to !old !er bonnet on+ S!e ut !er !at and 'loa( on t!e !all table& to be

'arried ustairs later& and t!ey all went in to tea8 'rea"ed oysters& birds& !ot bis'uit& two (inds o#'a(e& and dis!es o# stewed and 'anned #ruit and !oney+ T!e wo"en dined alone at one& and t!e

Colonel at t!e sa"e !our down-town+ But !e li(ed a )ood !ot "eal w!en !e )ot !o"e in t!e

evenin)+ T!e !ouse #lared wit! )as2 and t!e Colonel& be#ore !e sat down& went about s!uttin) t!ere)isters& t!rou)! w!i'! a weldin) !eat 'a"e volu"in) u #ro" t!e #urna'e+

$I.ll be t!e deat! o# t!at dar(ey 0ET&$ !e said& $i# !e don.t sto "a(in) on su'! a #ire+ T!e only

way to )et any 'o"#ort out o# your #urna'e is to ta(e 'are o# it yoursel#+$

$Well&$ answered !is wi#e #ro" be!ind t!e teaot& as !e sat down at table wit! t!is t!reat& $t!ere.snot!in) to revent you& Si+ And you 'an s!ovel t!e snow too& i# you want to--till you )et over toBea'on Street& anyway+$

$I )uess I 'an (ee "y own sidewal( on Bea'on Street 'lean& i# I ta(e t!e notion+$

$I s!ould li(e to see you at it&$ retorted !is wi#e+

$Well& you (ee a s!ar loo(out& and "ay be you will+$

T!eir taunts were really e7ressions o# a##e'tionate ride in ea'! ot!er+ T!ey li(ed to !ave it&

)ive and ta(e& t!at way& as t!ey would !ave said& ri)!t alon)+

$A "an 'an be a "an on Bea'on Street as well as anyw!ere& I )uess+$

$Well& I.ll do t!e was!& as I used to in Lu"berville&$ said %rs+ La!a"+ $I resu"e you.ll let "e

!ave set tubs& Si+ 0ou (now I ain.t so youn) any "ore+$ S!e assed Irene a 'u o# 5olon) tea&--none o# t!e" !ad a su##i'iently 'ultivated alate #or Sou-'!on)&--and t!e )irl !anded it to !er

#at!er+ $Paa&$ s!e as(ed& $you don.t really "ean t!at you.re )oin) to build over t!ere/$



$1on.t I/ 0ou wait and see&$ said t!e Colonel& stirrin) !is tea+

$I don.t believe you do&$ ursued t!e )irl+

$Is t!at so/ I resu"e you.d !ate to !ave "e+ 0our "ot!er does+$ He said 155S& o# 'ourse+

Peneloe too( t!e word+ $I )o in #or it+ I don.t see any use in not en*oyin) "oney& i# you.ve )ot itto en*oy+ T!at.s w!at it.s #or& I suose2 t!ou)! you "i)!tn.t always t!in( so+$ S!e !ad a slow&

3uaint way o# tal(in)& t!at see"ed a leasant ersonal "odi#i'ation o# so"e an'estral 0an(ee

drawl& and !er voi'e was low and 'o4y& and so #ar #ro" bein) nasal t!at it was a little !oarse+

$I )uess t!e ayes !as it& Pen&$ said !er #at!er+ $How would it do to let Irene and your "ot!er sti'( in t!e old la'e !ere& and us )o into t!e new !ouse/$ At ti"es t!e Colonel.s )ra""ar #ailed !i"+

T!e "atter droed& and t!e La!a"s lived on as be#ore& wit! *o(in) re'urren'es to t!e !ouse on

t!e water side o# Bea'on+ T!e Colonel see"ed less in earnest t!an any o# t!e" about it2 but t!at

was !is way& !is )irls said2 you never 'ould tell w!en !e really "eant a t!in)+

III.

T5WAR1 t!e end o# t!e winter t!ere 'a"e a newsaer& addressed to %iss Irene La!a"2 it roved to be a Te7as newsaer& wit! a 'o"li"entary a''ount o# t!e ran'! o# t!e Hon+ Lorin)

6+ Stanton& w!i'! t!e reresentative o# t!e *ournal !ad visited+

$It "ust be !is #riend&$ said %rs+ La!a"& to w!o" !er dau)!ter brou)!t t!e aer2 $t!e one !e.sstayin) wit!+$

T!e )irl did not say anyt!in)& but s!e 'arried t!e aer to !er roo"& w!ere s!e s'anned every

line o# it #or anot!er na"e+ S!e did not #ind it& but s!e 'ut t!e noti'e out and stu'( it into t!e side

o# !er "irror& w!ere s!e 'ould read it every "ornin) w!en s!e brus!ed !er !air& and t!e lastt!in) at ni)!t w!en s!e loo(ed at !ersel# in t!e )lass *ust be#ore turnin) o## t!e )as+ Her sister

o#ten read it aloud& standin) be!ind !er and renderin) it wit! elo'utionary e##e'ts+

$T!e #irst ti"e I ever !eard o# a love-letter in t!e #or" o# a u## to a 'attle-ran'!+ But er!as

t!at.s t!e style on t!e Hill+$

%rs+ La!a" told !er !usband o# t!e arrival o# t!e aer& treatin) t!e #a't wit! an i"ortan'et!at !e re#used to see in it+

$How do you (now t!e #ellow sent it& anyway/$ !e de"anded+

$5!& I (now !e did+$



$I don.t see w!y !e 'ouldn.t write to .Rene& i# !e really "eant anyt!in)+$

$Well& I )uess t!at wouldn.t be t!eir way&$ said %rs+ La!a"2 s!e did not at all (now w!at t!eir

way would be+

W!en t!e srin) oened Colonel La!a" s!owed t!at !e !ad been in earnest about buildin) ont!e New Land+ His idea o# a !ouse was a brown-stone #ront& #our stories !i)!& and a ren'! roo#

wit! an air-'!a"ber above+ Inside& t!ere was to be a re'etion-roo" on t!e street and a dinin)-

roo" ba'(+ T!e arlours were to be on t!e se'ond #loor& and #inis!ed in bla'( walnut or arty-'oloured aint+ T!e '!a"bers were to be on t!e t!ree #loors above& #ront and rear& wit! side-

roo"s over t!e #ront door+ Bla'( walnut was to be used everyw!ere e7'et in t!e atti'& w!i'!

was to be ainted and )rained to loo( li(e bla'( walnut+ T!e w!ole was to be very !i)!-studded&and t!ere were to be !andso"e 'orni'es and elaborate 'entre-ie'es t!rou)!out& e7'et& a)ain& in

t!e atti'+

T!ese ideas !e !ad #or"ed #ro" t!e inse'tion o# "any new buildin)s w!i'! !e !ad seen )oin)

u& and w!i'! !e !ad a assion #or loo(in) into+ He was 'on#ir"ed in !is ideas by a "aster builder w!o !ad ut u a )reat "any !ouses on t!e Ba'( Bay as a se'ulation& and w!o told !i"

t!at i# !e wanted to !ave a !ouse in t!e style& t!at was t!e way to !ave it+

T!e be)innin)s o# t!e ro'ess by w!i'! La!a" es'aed #ro" t!e "aster builder and ended in

t!e !ands o# an ar'!ite't are so obs'ure t!at it would be al"ost i"ossible to tra'e t!e"+ But itall !aened& and La!a" ro"tly develoed !is ideas o# bla'( walnut #inis!& !i)! studdin)&

and 'orni'es+ T!e ar'!ite't was able to 'on'eal t!e s!udder w!i'! t!ey "ust !ave sent t!rou)!

!i"+ He was s(il#ul& as nearly all ar'!ite'ts are& in layin) uon t!at si"le instru"ent %an+ He be)an to tou'! Colonel La!a".s stos+

$5!& 'ertainly& !ave t!e arlours !i)!-studded+ But you.ve seen so"e o# t!ose retty old-#as!ioned 'ountry-!ouses& !aven.t you& w!ere t!e entran'e-story is very low-studded/$ $0es&$

La!a" assented+

$Well& don.t you t!in( so"et!in) o# t!at (ind would !ave a very ni'e e##e't/ Have t!e entran'e-story low-studded& and your arlours on t!e ne7t #loor as !i)! as you lease+ Put your little

re'etion-roo" !ere beside t!e door& and )et t!e w!ole widt! o# your !ouse #ronta)e #or a s3uare

!all& and an easy low-tread stair'ase runnin) u t!ree sides o# it+ I." sure %rs+ La!a" would#ind it "u'! leasanter+$ T!e ar'!ite't 'au)!t toward !i" a s'ra o# aer lyin) on t!e table at

w!i'! t!ey were sittin) and s(et'!ed !is idea+ $T!en !ave your dinin)-roo" be!ind t!e !all&

loo(in) on t!e water+$

He )lan'ed at %rs+ La!a"& w!o said& $5# 'ourse&$ and t!e ar'!ite't went on--

$T!at )ets you rid o# one o# t!ose lon)& strai)!t& u)ly stair'ases&$--until t!at "o"ent La!a" !adt!ou)!t a lon)& strai)!t stair'ase t!e '!ie# orna"ent o# a !ouse&--$and )ives you an e##e't o#

a"litude and sa'e+$

$T!at.s so,$ said %rs+ La!a"+ Her !usband "erely "ade a noise in !is t!roat+



$T!en& were you t!in(in) o# !avin) your arlours to)et!er& 'onne'ted by #oldin) doors/$ as(ed

t!e ar'!ite't de#erentially+

$0es& o# 'ourse&$ said La!a"+ $T!ey.re always so& ain.t t!ey/$

$Well& nearly&$ said t!e ar'!ite't+ $I was wonderin) !ow would it do to "a(e one lar)e s3uareroo" at t!e #ront& ta(in) t!e w!ole breadt! o# t!e !ouse& and& wit! t!is !all-sa'e between& !ave

a "usi'-roo" ba'( #or t!e youn) ladies/$

La!a" loo(ed !ellessly at !is wi#e& w!ose 3ui'(er are!ension !ad #ollowed t!e ar'!ite't.s

en'il wit! instant sy"at!y+ $irst-rate,$ s!e 'ried+

T!e Colonel )ave way+ $I )uess t!at would do+ It.ll be (ind o# odd& won.t it/$

$Well& I don.t (now&$ said t!e ar'!ite't+ $Not so odd& I !oe& as t!e ot!er t!in) will be a #ew years

#ro" now+$ He went on to lan t!e rest o# t!e !ouse& and !e s!owed !i"sel# su'! a "aster in

re)ard to all t!e ra'ti'al details t!at %rs+ La!a" be)an to #eel a "ot!erly a##e'tion #or t!eyoun) "an& and !er !usband 'ould not deny in !is !eart t!at t!e #ellow see"ed to understand !is

business+ He stoed wal(in) about t!e roo"& as !e !ad be)un to do w!en t!e ar'!ite't and %rs+

La!a" entered into t!e arti'ulars o# 'losets& draina)e& (it'!en arran)e"ents& and all t!at& and'a"e ba'( to t!e table+ $I resu"e&$ !e said& $you.ll !ave t!e drawin)-roo" #inis!ed in bla'(

walnut/$

$Well& yes&$ relied t!e ar'!ite't& $i# you li(e+ But so"e less e7ensive wood 'an be "ade *ust as

e##e'tive wit! aint+ 5# 'ourse you 'an aint bla'( walnut too+$

$Paint it/$ )ased t!e Colonel+

$0es&$ said t!e ar'!ite't 3uietly+ $W!ite& or a little o## w!ite+$

La!a" droed t!e lan !e !ad i'(ed u #ro" t!e table+ His wi#e "ade a little "ove toward

!i" o# 'onsolation or suort+

$5# 'ourse&$ resu"ed t!e ar'!ite't& $I (now t!ere !as been a )reat 'ra4e #or bla'( walnut+ But it.s

an u)ly wood2 and #or a drawin)-roo" t!ere is really not!in) li(e w!ite aint+ We s!ould want tointrodu'e a little )old !ere and t!ere+ Per!as we "i)!t run a ainted #rie4e round under t!e

'orni'e--)arlands o# roses on a )old )round2 it would tell wonder#ully in a w!ite roo"+$

T!e Colonel returned less 'oura)eously to t!e '!ar)e+ $I resu"e you.ll want Eastla(e "antel-s!elves and tiles/$ He "eant t!is #or a sar'asti' t!rust at a revailin) #oible o# t!e ro#ession+

$Well& no&$ )ently answered t!e ar'!ite't+ $I was t!in(in) er!as a w!ite "arble '!i"ney-ie'e&

treated in t!e re#ined E"ire style& would be t!e t!in) #or t!at roo"+$

$W!ite "arble,$ e7'lai"ed t!e Colonel+ $I t!ou)!t t!at !ad )one out lon) a)o+$



$Really beauti#ul t!in)s 'an.t )o out+ T!ey "ay disaear #or a little w!ile& but t!ey "ust 'o"e

ba'(+ It.s only t!e u)ly t!in)s t!at stay out a#ter t!ey.ve !ad t!eir day+$

La!a" 'ould only venture very "odestly& $Hard-wood #loors/$

$In t!e "usi'-roo"& o# 'ourse&$ 'onsented t!e ar'!ite't+

$And in t!e drawin)-roo"/$

$Caret+ So"e sort o# "o3uette& I s!ould say+ But I s!ould re#er to 'onsult %rs+ La!a".s taste

in t!at "atter+$

$And in t!e ot!er roo"s/$

$5!& 'arets& o# 'ourse+$

$And w!at about t!e stairs/$

$Caret+ And I s!ould !ave t!e rail and banisters w!ite--banisters turned or twisted+$

T!e Colonel said under !is breat!& $Well& I." du"ned,$ but !e )ave no utteran'e to !is

astonis!"ent in t!e ar'!ite't.s resen'e+ W!en !e went at last&--t!e session did not end till eleven

o.'lo'(&--La!a" said& $Well& Pert& I )uess t!at #ellow.s #i#ty years be!ind& or ten years a!ead+ Iwonder w!at t!e 5n)eer style is/$

$I don.t (now+ I !ated to as(+ But !e see"ed to understand w!at !e was tal(in) about+ I de'lare&

!e (nows w!at a wo"an wants in a !ouse better t!an s!e does !ersel#+$

$And a "an.s si"ly now!ere in 'o"arison&$ said La!a"+ But !e rese'ted a #ellow w!o

'ould beat !i" at every oint& and !ave a reason ready& as t!is ar'!ite't !ad2 and w!en !ere'overed #ro" t!e da4e into w!i'! t!e 'o"lete u!eaval o# all !is re'on'eived notions !ad

le#t !i"& !e was in a #it state to swear by t!e ar'!ite't+ It see"ed to !i" t!at !e !ad dis'overed

t!e #ellow Fas !e always 'alled !i"G and owned !i" now& and t!e #ellow did not!in) to disturbt!is i"ression+ He entered into t!at brie# but intense inti"a'y wit! t!e La!a"s w!i'! t!e

sy"at!eti' ar'!ite't !olds wit! !is 'lients+ He was rivy to all t!eir di##eren'es o# oinion and

all t!eir disutes about t!e !ouse+ He (new *ust w!ere to insist uon !is own ideas& and w!ere toyield+ He was really buildin) several ot!er !ouses& but !e )ave t!e La!a"s t!e i"ression t!at

!e was doin) none but t!eirs+

T!e wor( was not be)un till t!e #rost was t!orou)!ly out o# t!e )round& w!i'! t!at year was not

be#ore t!e end o# Aril+ Even t!en it did not ro'eed very raidly+ La!a" said t!ey "i)!t aswell ta(e t!eir ti"e to it2 i# t!ey )ot t!e walls u and t!e t!in) 'losed in be#ore t!e snow #lew&

t!ey 'ould be wor(in) at it all winter+ It was #ound ne'essary to di) #or t!e (it'!en2 at t!at oint

t!e ori)inal salt-"ars! lay near t!e sur#a'e& and be#ore t!ey be)an to ut in t!e iles #or t!e#oundation t!ey !ad to u"+ T!e nei)!bour!ood s"elt li(e t!e !old o# a s!i a#ter a t!ree years.

voya)e+ Peole w!o !ad 'ast t!eir #ortunes wit! t!e New Land went by ro#essin) not to noti'e



it2 eole w!o still $!un) on to t!e Hill$ ut t!eir !and(er'!ie#s to t!eir noses& and told ea'!

ot!er t!e old terrible stories o# t!e "aterial used in #illin) u t!e Ba'( Bay+

Not!in) )ave La!a" so "u'! satis#a'tion in t!e w!ole 'onstru'tion o# !is !ouse as t!e ile-drivin)+ W!en t!is be)an& early in t!e su""er& !e too( %rs+ La!a" every day in !is bu))y and

drove round to loo( at it2 stoin) t!e "are in #ront o# t!e lot& and wat'!in) t!e oeration wit!even (eener interest t!an t!e little loa#in) Iris! boys w!o suerintended it in #or'e+ It leased !i"

to !ear t!e ortable en)ine '!u'(le out a !undred t!in w!i##s o# stea" in 'arryin) t!e bi) ironwei)!t to t!e to o# t!e #ra"ewor( above t!e ile& t!en see" to !esitate& and 'ou)! on'e or twi'e

in ressin) t!e wei)!t a)ainst t!e deta'!in) aaratus+ T!ere was a "o"ent in w!i'! t!e wei)!t

!ad t!e e##e't o# oisin) be#ore it #ell2 t!en it droed wit! a "i)!ty w!a'( on t!e iron-bound!ead o# t!e ile& and drove it a #oot into t!e eart!+

$By )ra'ious,$ !e would say& $t!ere ain.t anyt!in) li(e t!at in THIS world #or B>SINESS&

Persis,$

%rs+ La!a" su##ered !i" to en*oy t!e si)!t twenty or t!irty ti"es be#ore s!e said& $Well& nowdrive on& Si+$

By t!e ti"e t!e #oundation was in and t!e bri'( walls !ad be)un to )o u& t!ere were so #ew

eole le#t in t!e nei)!bour!ood t!at s!e "i)!t indul)e wit! i"unity !er !usband.s assion #or

!avin) !er 'la"ber over t!e #loor-ti"bers and t!e s(eleton stair-'ases wit! !i"+ %any o# t!e!ouse!olders !ad boarded u t!eir #ront doors be#ore t!e buds !ad be)un to swell and t!e

assessor to aear in early %ay2 ot!ers !ad #ollowed soon2 and %rs+ La!a" was as sa#e #ro"

re"ar( as i# s!e !ad been in t!e det! o# t!e 'ountry+ 5rdinarily s!e and !er )irls le#t town earlyin @uly& )oin) to one o# t!e !otels at Nantas(et& w!ere it was 'onvenient #or t!e Colonel to )et to

and #ro" !is business by t!e boat+ But t!is su""er t!ey were all lin)erin) a #ew wee(s later&

under t!e novel #as'ination o# t!e new !ouse& as t!ey 'alled it& as i# t!ere were no ot!er in t!eworld+

La!a" drove t!ere wit! !is wi#e a#ter !e !ad set Bartley Hubbard down at t!e Events o##i'e&

but on t!is day so"et!in) !aened t!at inter#ered wit! t!e solid leasure t!ey usually too( in

)oin) over t!e !ouse+ As t!e Colonel turned #ro" 'astin) an'!or at t!e "are.s !ead wit! t!e

!it'!in)-wei)!t& a#ter !elin) !is wi#e to ali)!t& !e en'ountered a "an to w!o" !e 'ould not!el sea(in)& t!ou)! t!e "an see"ed to s!are !is !esitation i# not !is relu'tan'e at t!e

ne'essity+ He was a tallis!& t!in "an& wit! a dust-'oloured #a'e& and a dead& 'leri'al air& w!i'!

so"e!ow su))ested at on'e #eebleness and tena'ity+

%rs+ La!a" !eld out !er !and to !i"+

$W!y& %r+ Ro)ers,$ s!e e7'lai"ed2 and t!en& turnin) toward !er !usband& see"ed to re#er t!e

two "en to ea'! ot!er+ T!ey s!oo( !ands& but La!a" did not sea(+ $I didn.t (now you were in

Boston&$ ursued %rs+ La!a"+ $Is %rs+ Ro)ers wit! you/$

$No&$ said %r+ Ro)ers& wit! a voi'e w!i'! !ad t!e #lat& su''in't sound o# two ie'es o# wood'laed to)et!er+ $%rs+ Ro)ers is still in C!i'a)o+$



A little silen'e #ollowed& and t!en %rs La!a" said--

$I resu"e you are 3uite settled out t!ere+$

$No2 we !ave le#t C!i'a)o+ %rs+ Ro)ers !as "erely re"ained to #inis! u a little a'(in)+$

$5!& indeed, Are you 'o"in) ba'( to Boston/$

$I 'annot say as yet+ We so"eti"es t!in( o# so doin)+$

La!a" turned away and loo(ed u at t!e buildin)+ His wi#e ulled a little at !er )love& as i#e"barrassed& or even ained+ S!e tried to "a(e a diversion+

$We are buildin) a !ouse&$ s!e said& wit! a "eanin)less lau)!+

$5!& indeed&$ said %r+ Ro)ers& loo(in) u at it+

T!en no one so(e a)ain& and s!e said !ellessly--

$I# you 'o"e to Boston& I !oe I s!all see %rs+ Ro)ers+$

$S!e will be !ay to !ave you 'all&$ said %r Ro)ers+

He tou'!ed !is !at-bri"& and "ade a bow #orward rat!er t!an in %rs+ La!a".s dire'tion+

S!e "ounted t!e lan(in) t!at led into t!e s!elter o# t!e bare bri'( walls& and !er !usband

slowly #ollowed+ W!en s!e turned !er #a'e toward !i" !er '!ee(s were burnin)& and tears t!at

loo(ed !ot stood in !er eyes+

$0ou le#t it all to "e,$ s!e 'ried+ $W!y 'ouldn.t you sea( a word/$

$I !adn.t anyt!in) to say to !i"&$ relied La!a" sullenly+

T!ey stood a w!ile& wit!out loo(in) at t!e wor( w!i'! t!ey !ad 'o"e to en*oy& and wit!out

sea(in) to ea'! ot!er+

$I suose we "i)!t as well )o on&$ said %rs+ La!a" at last& as t!ey returned to t!e bu))y+ T!e

Colonel drove re'(lessly toward t!e %illda"+ His wi#e (et !er veil down and !er #a'e turned

#ro" !i"+ A#ter a ti"e s!e ut !er !and(er'!ie# u under !er veil and wied !er eyes& and !e set!is teet! and s3uared !is *aw+

$I don.t see !ow !e always "ana)es to aear *ust at t!e "o"ent w!en !e see"s to !ave )one#airly out o# our lives& and bli)!t everyt!in)&$ s!e w!i"ered+

$I suosed !e was dead&$ said La!a"+



$5!& don.t SA0 su'! a t!in), It sounds as i# you wis!ed it+$

$W!y do you "ind it/ W!at do you let !i" bli)!t everyt!in) #or/$

$I 'an.t !el it& and I don.t believe I ever s!all+ I don.t (now as !is bein) dead would !el it any+ I

'an.t ever see !i" wit!out #eelin) *ust as I did at #irst+$

$I tell you&$ said La!a"& $it was a er#e'tly s3uare t!in)+ And I wis!& on'e #or all& you would

3uit bot!erin) about it+ %y 'ons'ien'e is easy as #ar as !e is 'on'erned& and it always was+$

$And I 'an.t loo( at !i" wit!out #eelin) as i# you.d ruined !i"& Silas+$

$1on.t loo( at !i"& t!en&$ said !er !usband& wit! a s'owl+ $I want you s!ould re'olle't in t!e #irst

la'e& Persis& t!at I never wanted a artner+$

$I# !e !adn.t ut !is "oney in w!en !e did& you.d .a. bro(en down+$

$Well& !e )ot !is "oney out a)ain& and "ore& too&$ said t!e Colonel& wit! a sul(y weariness+

$He didn.t want to ta(e it out+$

$I )ave !i" !is '!oi'e8 buy out or )o out+$

$0ou (now !e 'ouldn.t buy out t!en+ It was no '!oi'e at all+$

$It was a business '!an'e+$

$No2 you !ad better #a'e t!e trut!& Silas+ It was no '!an'e at all+ 0ou 'rowded !i" out+ A "ant!at !ad saved you, No& you !ad )ot )reedy& Silas+ 0ou !ad "ade your aint your )od& and you

'ouldn.t bear to let anybody else s!are in its blessin)s+$

$I tell you !e was a dra) and a bra(e on "e #ro" t!e word )o+ 0ou say !e saved "e+ Well& i# I

!adn.t )ot !i" out !e.d .a. ruined "e sooner or later+ So it.s an even t!in)& as #ar #ort! as t!at)oes+$

$No& it ain.t an even t!in)& and you (now it& Silas+ 5!& i# I 'ould only )et you on'e to

a'(nowled)e t!at you did wron) about it& t!en I s!ould !ave so"e !oe+ I don.t say you "eant

wron) e7a'tly& but you too( an advanta)e+ 0es& you too( an advanta)e, 0ou !ad !i" w!ere !e

'ouldn.t !el !i"sel#& and t!en you wouldn.t s!ow !i" any "er'y+$

$I." si'( o# t!is&$ said La!a"+ $I# you.ll .tend to t!e !ouse& I.ll "ana)e "y business wit!out

your !el+$

$0ou were very )lad o# "y !el on'e+$

$Well& I." tired o# it now+ 1on.t "eddle+$



$I WILL "eddle+ W!en I see you !ardenin) yoursel# in a wron) t!in)& it.s ti"e #or "e to "eddle&

as you 'all it& and I will+ I 'an.t ever )et you to own u t!e least bit about Ro)ers& and I #eel as i#

it was !urtin) you all t!e w!ile+$

$W!at do you want I s!ould own u about a t!in) #or w!en I don.t #eel wron)/ I tell you Ro)ers

!ain.t )ot anyt!in) to 'o"lain o#& and t!at.s w!at I told you #ro" t!e start+ It.s a t!in) t!at.s doneevery day+ I was loaded u wit! a artner t!at didn.t (now anyt!in)& and 'ouldn.t do anyt!in)&

and I unloaded2 t!at.s all+$

$0ou unloaded *ust at t!e ti"e w!en you (new t!at your aint was )oin) to be wort! about twi'e

w!at it ever !ad been2 and you wanted all t!e advanta)e #or yoursel#+$

$I !ad a ri)!t to it+ I "ade t!e su''ess+$

$0es& you "ade it wit! Ro)ers.s "oney2 and w!en you.d "ade it you too( !is s!are o# it+ I )uess

you t!ou)!t o# t!at w!en you saw !i"& and t!at.s w!y you 'ouldn.t loo( !i" in t!e #a'e+$

At t!ese words La!a" lost !is te"er+

$I )uess you don.t want to ride wit! "e any "ore to-day&$ !e said& turnin) t!e "are abrutly

round+

$I." as ready to )o ba'( as w!at you are&$ relied !is wi#e+ $And don.t you as( "e to )o to t!at

!ouse wit! you any "ore+ 0ou 'an sell it& #or all "e+ I s!a.n.t live in it+ T!ere.s blood on it+$

IV.

THE sil(en te7ture o# t!e "arria)e tie bears a daily strain o# wron) and insult to w!i'! no ot!er

!u"an relation 'an be sub*e'ted wit!out lesion2 and so"eti"es t!e stren)t! t!at (nits so'iety

to)et!er "i)!t aear to t!e eye o# #alterin) #ait! t!e 'urse o# t!ose i""ediately bound by it+Two eole by no "eans re'(less o# ea'! ot!er.s ri)!ts and #eelin)s& but even tender o# t!e" #or

t!e "ost art& "ay tear at ea'! ot!er.s !eart-strin)s in t!is sa'red bond wit! er#e't i"unity2

t!ou)! i# t!ey were any ot!er two t!ey would not sea( or loo( at ea'! ot!er a)ain a#ter t!e

outra)es t!ey e7'!an)e+ It is 'ertainly a 'urious se'ta'le& and doubtless it ou)!t to 'onvin'e anobserver o# t!e divinity o# t!e institution+ I# t!e !usband and wi#e are blunt& outso(en eole

li(e t!e La!a"s& t!ey do not wei)! t!eir words2 i# t!ey are "ore re#ined& t!ey wei)! t!e" very'are#ully& and (now a''urately *ust !ow #ar t!ey will 'arry& and in w!at "ost sensitive sot t!ey"ay be lanted wit! "ost e##e't+

La!a" was roud o# !is wi#e& and w!en !e "arried !er it !ad been a rise in li#e #or !i"+ or a

w!ile !e stood in awe o# !is )ood #ortune& but t!is 'ould not last& and !e si"ly re"ained

sure"ely satis#ied wit! it+ T!e )irl w!o !ad tau)!t s'!ool wit! a 'lear !ead and a stron) !andwas not a#raid o# wor(2 s!e en'oura)ed and !eled !i" #ro" t!e #irst& and bore !er #ull s!are o#



t!e 'o""on burden+ S!e !ad !ealt!& and s!e did not worry !is li#e out wit! eevis! 'o"laints

and va)aries2 s!e !ad sense and rin'ile& and in t!eir si"le lot s!e did w!at was wise and

ri)!t+ T!eir "arria)e was !allowed by an early sorrow8 t!ey lost t!eir boy& and it was years be#ore t!ey 'ould loo( ea'! ot!er in t!e #a'e and sea( o# !i"+ No one )ave u "ore t!an t!ey

w!en t!ey )ave u ea'! ot!er and La!a" went to t!e war+ W!en !e 'a"e ba'( and be)an to

wor(& !er 4eal and 'oura)e #or"ed t!e srin) o# !is enterrise+ In t!at a##air o# t!e artners!is!e !ad tried to be !is 'ons'ien'e& but er!as s!e would !ave de#ended !i" i# !e !ad a''used

!i"sel#2 it was one o# t!ose t!in)s in t!is li#e w!i'! see" destined to await *usti'e& or at least

*ud)"ent& in t!e ne7t+ As !e said& La!a" !ad dealt #airly by !is artner in "oney2 !e !ad letRo)ers ta(e "ore "oney out o# t!e business t!an !e ut into it2 !e !ad& as !e said& si"ly #or'ed

out o# it a ti"id and ine##i'ient arti'iant in advanta)es w!i'! !e !ad 'reated+ But La!a" !ad

not 'reated t!e" all+ He !ad been deendent at one ti"e on !is artner.s 'aital+ It was a "o"ent

o# terrible trial+ Hay is t!e "an #or ever a#ter w!o 'an '!oose t!e ideal& t!e unsel#is! art insu'! an e7i)en'y, La!a" 'ould not rise to it+ He did w!at !e 'ould "aintain to be er#e'tly #air+

T!e wron)& i# any& see"ed to be 'ondoned to !i"& e7'et w!en #ro" ti"e to ti"e !is wi#e

brou)!t it u+ T!en all t!e 3uestion stun) and burned anew& and !ad to be reasoned out and ut

away on'e "ore+ It see"ed to !ave an ine7tin)uis!able vitality+ It slet& but it did not die+

His 'ourse did not s!a(e %rs+ La!a".s #ait! in !i"+ It astonis!ed !er at #irst& and it always

)rieved !er t!at !e 'ould not see t!at !e was a'tin) solely in !is own interest+ But s!e #ound

e7'uses #or !i"& w!i'! at ti"es s!e "ade reroa'!es+ S!e va)uely er'eived t!at !is aint wasso"et!in) "ore t!an business to !i"2 it was a senti"ent& al"ost a assion+ He 'ould not s!are its

"ana)e"ent and its ro#it wit! anot!er wit!out a "easure o# sel#-sa'ri#i'e #ar beyond t!at w!i'!

!e "ust "a(e wit! so"et!in) less ersonal to !i"+ It was t!e oetry o# t!at nature& ot!erwise sointensely rosai'2 and s!e understood t!is& and #or t!e "ost art #orbore+ S!e (new !i" )ood and

true and bla"eless in all !is li#e& e7'et #or t!is wron)& i# it were a wron)2 and it was only w!en

!er nerves tin)led intolerably wit! so"e '!an'e renewal o# t!e ain s!e !ad su##ered& t!at s!e

s!ared !er an)uis! wit! !i" in true wi#ely #as!ion+

Wit! t!ose two t!ere was never anyt!in) li(e an e7li'it re'on'iliation+ T!ey si"ly i)nored a

3uarrel2 and %rs+ La!a" !ad only to say a #ew days a#ter at brea(#ast& $I )uess t!e )irls would

li(e to )o round wit! you t!is a#ternoon& and loo( at t!e new !ouse&$ in order to "a(e !er!usband )ru"ble out as !e loo(ed down into !is 'o##ee-'u+ $I )uess we better all )o& !adn.t

we/$

$Well& I.ll see&$ s!e said+

T!ere was not really a )reat deal to loo( at w!en La!a" arrived on t!e )round in !is #our-

seated bea'!-wa)on+ But t!e walls were u& and t!e studdin) !ad already )iven s(eleton s!ae tot!e interior+ T!e #loors were rou)!ly boarded over& and t!e stairways were in la'e& wit!

rovisional treads rudely laid+ T!ey !ad not be)un to lat! and laster yet& but t!e 'lean& #res!

s"ell o# t!e "ortar in t!e walls "in)lin) wit! t!e un)ent #ra)ran'e o# t!e ine s!avin)sneutralised t!e Venetian odour t!at drew in over t!e water+ It was leasantly s!ady t!ere& t!ou)!

#or t!e "atter o# t!at t!e !eat o# t!e "ornin) !ad all been was!ed out o# t!e at"os!ere by a tide

o# east wind settin) in at noon& and t!e t!rillin)& deli'ious 'ool o# a Boston su""er a#ternoon bat!ed every nerve+



T!e youn) "an too( o## !is !at a)ain& s!owin) !is s!aely !ead& wit! a line o# w!oleso"e

sunburn 'easin) w!ere t!e re'ently and 'losely 'lied !air be)an+ He was dressed in a #ine

su""er '!e'(& wit! a blue w!ite-dotted ne'(er'!ie#& and !e !ad a w!ite !at& in w!i'! !e loo(edvery well w!en !e ut it ba'( on !is !ead+ His w!ole dress see"ed very #res! and new& and in

#a't !e !ad 'ast aside !is Te7an !abili"ents only t!e day be#ore+

$How do you do& sir/$ said t!e Colonel& stein) to t!e window& and rea'!in) out o# it t!e !and

w!i'! t!e youn) "an advan'ed to ta(e+ $Won.t you 'o"e in/ We.re at !o"e !ere+ House I." buildin)+$

$5!& indeed/$ returned t!e youn) "an2 and !e 'a"e ro"tly u t!e stes& and t!rou)! its ribs

into t!e re'etion-roo"+

$Have a trestle/$ as(ed t!e Colonel& w!ile t!e )irls e7'!an)ed little s!o'(s o# terror anda"use"ent at t!e eyes+

$T!an( you&$ said t!e youn) "an si"ly& and sat down+

$%rs+ La!a" is ustairs interviewin) t!e 'arenter& but s!e.ll be down in a "inute+$

$I !oe s!e.s 3uite well&$ said Corey+ $I suosed--I was a#raid s!e "i)!t be out o# town+$

$Well& we are o## to Nantas(et ne7t wee(+ T!e !ouse (et us in town retty late+$

$It "ust be very e7'itin)& buildin) a !ouse&$ said Corey to t!e elder sister+

$0es& it is&$ s!e assented& loyally re#usin) in Irene.s interest t!e oortunity o# sayin) anyt!in)

"ore+

Corey turned to t!e latter+ $I suose you.ve all !eled to lan it/$

$5! no2 t!e ar'!ite't and "a""a did t!at+$

$But t!ey allowed t!e rest o# us to a)ree& w!en we were )ood&$ said Peneloe+

Corey loo(ed at !er& and saw t!at s!e was s!orter t!an !er sister& and !ad a dar( 'o"le7ion+

$It.s very e7'itin)&$ said Irene+

$Co"e u&$ said t!e Colonel& risin)& $and loo( round i# you.d li(e to+$

$I s!ould li(e to& very "u'!&$ said t!e youn) "an+ He !eled t!e youn) ladies over 'revasses o#

'arentry and alon) narrow at!s o# lan(in)& on w!i'! t!ey !ad "ade t!eir way unassisted

be#ore+ T!e elder sister le#t t!e youn)er to ro#it solely by t!ese o##i'es as "u'! as ossible+ S!ewal(ed between t!e" and !er #at!er& w!o went be#ore& le'turin) on ea'! aart"ent& and ta(in)

t!e 'redit o# t!e w!ole a##air "ore and "ore as !e tal(ed on+



$T!ere,$ !e said& $we.re )oin) to t!row out a bay-window !ere& so as )et t!e water all t!e way u

and down+ T!is is "y )irls. roo"&$ !e added& loo(in) roudly at t!e" bot!+

It see"ed terribly inti"ate+ Irene blus!ed deely and turned !er !ead away+

But t!e youn) "an too( it all& aarently& as si"ly as t!eir #at!er+ $W!at a lovely loo(out,$ !esaid+ T!e Ba'( Bay sread its )lassy s!eet be#ore t!e"& e"ty but #or a #ew s"all boats and a

lar)e s'!ooner& wit! !er sails 'lose-#urled and driin) li(e snow #ro" !er sars& w!i'! a tu)

was raidly towin) toward Ca"brid)e+ T!e 'arentry o# t!at 'ity& e"ban(ed and e"bowered in#olia)e& s!ared t!e i'tures3ueness o# C!arlestown in t!e distan'e+

$0es&$ said La!a"& $I )o in #or usin) t!e best roo"s in your !ouse yoursel#+ I# eole 'o"e to

stay wit! you& t!ey 'an ut u wit! t!e se'ond best+ T!ou)! we don.t intend to !ave any se'ond

best+ T!ere ain.t )oin) to be an unleasant roo" in t!e w!ole !ouse& #ro" to to botto"+$

$5!& I wis! aa wouldn.t bra) so,$ breat!ed Irene to !er sister& w!ere t!ey stood& a little aart&

loo(in) away to)et!er+

T!e Colonel went on+ $No& sir&$ !e swelled out& $I !ave )one in #or "a(in) a re)ular *ob o# it+

I.ve )ot t!e best ar'!ite't in Boston& and I." buildin) a !ouse to suit "ysel#+ And i# "oney 'ando it& )uess I." )oin) to be suited+$

$It see"s very deli)!t#ul&$ said Corey& $and very ori)inal+$

$0es& sir+ T!at #ellow !adn.t tal(ed #ive "inutes be#ore I saw t!at !e (new w!at !e was about

every ti"e+$

$I wis! "a""a would 'o"e,$ breat!ed Irene a)ain+ $I s!all 'ertainly )o t!rou)! t!e #loor i# aa says anyt!in) "ore+$

$T!ey are "a(in) a )reat "any very retty !ouses nowadays&$ said t!e youn) "an+ $It.s very

di##erent #ro" t!e old-#as!ioned buildin)+$

$Well&$ said t!e Colonel& wit! a lar)e toleration o# tone and a dee breat! t!at e7anded !is

a"le '!est& $we send "ore on our !ouses nowadays+ I started out to build a #orty-t!ousand-dollar !ouse+ Well& sir, t!at #ellow !as )ot "e in #or "ore t!an si7ty t!ousand already& and I

doubt i# I )et out o# it "u'! under a !undred+ 0ou 'an.t !ave a ni'e !ouse #or not!in)+ It.s *ust

li(e orderin) a i'ture o# a ainter+ 0ou ay !i" enou)!& and !e 'an a##ord to aint you a #irst-

'lass i'ture2 and i# you don.t& !e 'an.t+ T!at.s all t!ere is o# it+ W!y& t!ey tell "e t!at A+ T+Stewart )ave one o# t!ose ren'! #ellows si7ty t!ousand dollars #or a little seven-by-nine i'ture

t!e ot!er day+ 0es& sir& )ive an ar'!ite't "oney enou)!& and !e.ll )ive you a ni'e !ouse everyti"e+$

$I.ve !eard t!at t!ey.re s!ar at )ettin) "oney to realise t!eir ideas&$ assented t!e youn) "an&

wit! a lau)!+



$Well& I s!ould say so,$ e7'lai"ed t!e Colonel+ $T!ey 'o"e to you wit! an i"rove"ent t!at

you 'an.t resist+ It !as )ood loo(s and 'o""on-sense and everyt!in) in its #avour& and it.s li(e

t!rowin) "oney away to re#use+ And t!ey always "ana)e to )et you w!en your wi#e is around&and t!en you.re !elless+$

T!e Colonel !i"sel# set t!e e7a"le o# lau)!in) at t!is *o(e& and t!e youn) "an *oined !i" lessobstreerously+ T!e )irls turned& and !e said& $I don.t t!in( I ever saw t!is view to better

advanta)e+ It.s surrisin) !ow well t!e %e"orial Hall and t!e Ca"brid)e sires wor( u& overt!ere+ And t!e sunsets "ust be "a)ni#i'ent+$

La!a" did not wait #or t!e" to rely+

$0es& sir& it.s about t!e si)!tliest view I (now o#+ I always did li(e t!e water side o# Bea'on+ Lon)

be#ore I owned roerty !ere& or ever e7e'ted to& ".wi#e and I used to ride down t!is way& andsto t!e bu))y to )et t!is view over t!e water+ W!en eole tal( to "e about t!e Hill& I 'an

understand .e"+ It.s snu)& and it.s old-#as!ioned& and it.s w!ere t!ey.ve always lived+ But w!en

t!ey tal( about Co""onwealt! Avenue& I don.t (now w!at t!ey "ean+ It don.t !old a 'andle tot!e water side o# Bea'on+ 0ou.ve )ot *ust as "u'! wind over t!ere& and you.ve )ot *ust as "u'!

dust& and all t!e view you.ve )ot is t!e view a'ross t!e street+ No& sir, w!en you 'o"e to t!e

Ba'( Bay at all& )ive "e t!e water side o# Bea'on+$

$5!& I t!in( you.re 3uite ri)!t&$ said t!e youn) "an+ $T!e view !ere is everyt!in)+$

Irene loo(ed $I wonder w!at aa is )oin) to say ne7t,$ at !er sister& w!en t!eir "ot!er.s voi'ewas !eard over!ead& aroa'!in) t!e oenin) in t!e #loor w!ere t!e stairs were to be2 and s!e

resently aeared& wit! one substantial #oot a lon) way a!ead+ S!e was #ollowed by t!e

'arenter& wit! !is rule sti'(in) out o# !is overalls o'(et& and s!e was still tal(in) to !i" about

so"e "easure"ents t!ey !ad been ta(in)& w!en t!ey rea'!ed t!e botto"& so t!at Irene !ad tosay& $%a""a& %r+ Corey&$ be#ore %rs+ La!a" was aware o# !i"+

He 'a"e #orward wit! as "u'! )ra'e and seed as t!e un'ertain #ootin) would allow& and %rs+

La!a" )ave !i" a stout s3uee4e o# !er 'o"#ortable !and+

$W!y& %r+ Corey, W!en did you )et ba'(/$

$0esterday+ It !ardly see"s as i# I HA1 )ot ba'(+ I didn.t e7e't to #ind you in a new !ouse+$

$Well& you are our #irst 'aller+ I resu"e you won.t e7e't I s!ould "a(e e7'uses #or t!e state

you #ind it in+ Has t!e Colonel been doin) t!e !onours/$

$5! yes+ And I.ve seen "ore o# your !ouse t!an I ever s!all a)ain& I suose+$

$Well& I !oe not&$ said La!a"+ $T!ere.ll be several '!an'es to see us in t!e old one yet& be#orewe leave+$



He robably t!ou)!t t!is a neat& o##-!and way o# "a(in) t!e invitation& #or !e loo(ed at !is

wo"an-(ind as i# !e "i)!t e7e't t!eir ad"iration+

$5! yes& indeed,$ said !is wi#e+ $We s!all be very )lad to see %r+ Corey& any ti"e+$

$T!an( you2 I s!all be )lad to 'o"e+$

He and t!e Colonel went be#ore& and !eled t!e ladies down t!e di##i'ult des'ent+ Irene see"ed

less sure-#ooted t!an t!e ot!ers2 s!e 'lun) to t!e youn) "an.s !and an i"er'etible "o"ent

lon)er t!an need be& or else !e detained !er+ He #ound oortunity o# sayin)& $It.s so leasant

seein) you a)ain&$ addin)& $all o# you+$

$T!an( you&$ said t!e )irl+ $T!ey "ust all be )lad to !ave you at !o"e a)ain+$

Corey lau)!ed+

$Well& I suose t!ey would be& i# t!ey were at !o"e to !ave "e+ But t!e #a't is& t!ere.s nobodyin t!e !ouse but "y #at!er and "ysel#& and I." only on "y way to Bar Harbour+$

$5!, Are t!ey t!ere/$

$0es2 it see"s to be t!e only la'e w!ere "y "ot!er 'an )et *ust t!e 'o"bination o# sea and"ountain air t!at s!e wants+$

$We )o to Nantas(et--it.s 'onvenient #or aa2 and I don.t believe we s!all )o anyw!ere else t!is

su""er& "a""a.s so ta(en u wit! buildin)+ We do not!in) but tal( !ouse2 and Pen says we eat

and slee !ouse+ S!e says it would be a sort o# relie# to )o and live in tents #or a w!ile+$

$S!e see"s to !ave a )ood deal o# !u"our&$ t!e youn) "an ventured& uon t!e slender eviden'e+

T!e ot!ers !ad )one to t!e ba'( o# t!e !ouse a "o"ent& to loo( at so"e su))ested '!an)e+ Irene

and Corey were le#t standin) in t!e doorway+ A lovely li)!t o# !ainess layed over !er #a'e

and et!erealised its deli'ious beauty+ S!e !ad so"e ado to (ee !ersel# #ro" s"ilin) outri)!t&and t!e e##ort deeened t!e di"les in !er '!ee(s2 s!e tre"bled a little& and t!e endants s!oo(

in t!e tis o# !er retty ears+

T!e ot!ers 'a"e ba'( dire'tly& and t!ey all des'ended t!e #ront stes to)et!er+ T!e Colonel was

about to renew !is invitation& but !e 'au)!t !is wi#e.s eye& and& wit!out bein) able to interret its

warnin) e7a'tly& was able to arrest !i"sel#& and went about )at!erin) u t!e !it'!in)-wei)!t&w!ile t!e youn) "an !anded t!e ladies into t!e !aeton+ T!en !e li#ted !is !at& and t!e ladies all

bowed& and t!e La!a"s drove o##& Irene.s blue ribbons #lutterin) ba'(ward #ro" !er !at& as i#t!ey were !er 'lin)in) t!ou)!ts+

$So t!at.s youn) Corey& is it/$ said t!e Colonel& lettin) t!e stately stein)& tall 'oue !orse

"a(e !is way !o"eward at will wit! t!e bea'!-wa)on+ $Well& !e ain.t a bad-loo(in) #ellow& and

!e.s )ot a )ood& #air and s3uare& !onest eye+ But I don.t see !ow a #ellow li(e t!at& t!at.s !ad



every advanta)e in t!is world& 'an !an) round !o"e and let !is #at!er suort !i"+ See"s to "e&

i# I !ad !is !ealt! and !is edu'ation& I s!ould want to stri(e out and do so"et!in) #or "ysel#+$

T!e )irls on t!e ba'( seat !ad !old o# ea'! ot!er.s !ands& and t!ey e7'!an)ed ele'tri'al ressuresat t!e di##erent oints t!eir #at!er "ade+

$I resu"e&$ said %rs+ La!a"& $t!at !e was down in Te7as loo(in) a#ter so"et!in)+$

$He.s 'o"e ba'( wit!out #indin) it& I )uess+$

$Well& i# !is #at!er !as t!e "oney to suort !i"& and don.t 'o"lain o# t!e burden& I don.t see

w!y WE s!ould+$

$5!& I (now it.s none o# "y business& but I don.t li(e t!e rin'ile+ I li(e to see a "an ACT li(e a"an+ I don.t li(e to see !i" ta(en 'are o# li(e a youn) lady+ Now& I suose t!at #ellow belon)s

to two or t!ree 'lubs& and !an)s around .e" all day& loo(in. out t!e window&--I.ve seen .e"&--

instead o# tryin. to !unt u so"et!in) to do #or an !onest livin.+$

$I# I was a youn) "an&$ Peneloe stru'( in& $I would belon) to twenty 'lubs& i# I 'ould #ind t!e"and I would !an) around t!e" all& and loo( out t!e window till I droed+$

$5!& you would& would you/$ de"anded !er #at!er& deli)!ted wit! !er de#ian'e& and twistin) !is

#at !ead around over !is s!oulder to loo( at !er+ $Well& you wouldn.t do it on "y "oney& i# you

were a son o# %INE& youn) lady+$

$5!& you wait and see&$ retorted t!e )irl+

T!is "ade t!e" all lau)!+ But t!e Colonel re'urred seriously to t!e sub*e't t!at ni)!t& as !e waswindin) u !is wat'! rearatory to uttin) it under !is illow+

$I 'ould "a(e a "an o# t!at #ellow& i# I !ad !i" in t!e business wit! "e+ T!ere.s stu## in !i"+ ButI so(e u t!e way I did be'ause I didn.t '!oose Irene s!ould t!in( I would stand any (ind o# a

loa#er .round--I don.t 'are w!o !e is& or !ow well edu'ated or brou)!t u+ And I )uess& #ro" t!e

way Pen so(e u& t!at .Rene saw w!at I was drivin) at+$

T!e )irl& aarently& was less an7ious about !er #at!er.s ideas and rin'iles t!an about t!ei"ression w!i'! !e !ad "ade uon t!e youn) "an+ S!e !ad tal(ed it over and over wit! !er

sister be#ore t!ey went to bed& and s!e as(ed in desair& as s!e stood loo(in) at Peneloe

brus!in) out !er !air be#ore t!e )lass--

$1o you suose !e.ll t!in( aa always tal(s in t!at bra))in) way/$

$He.ll be ri)!t i# !e does&$ answered !er sister+ $It.s t!e way #at!er always does tal(+ 0ou nevernoti'ed it so "u'!& t!at.s all+ And I )uess i# !e 'an.t "a(e allowan'e #or #at!er.s bra))in)& !e.ll

be a little too )ood+ I en*oyed !earin) t!e Colonel )o on+$



$I (now you did&$ returned Irene in distress+ T!en s!e si)!ed+ $1idn.t you t!in( !e loo(ed very

ni'e/$

$W!o/ T!e Colonel/$ Peneloe !ad 'au)!t u t!e !abit o# 'allin) !er #at!er so #ro" !er "ot!er&and s!e used !is title in all !er *o'ose and erverse "oods+

$0ou (now very well I don.t "ean aa&$ outed Irene+ $5!, %r+ Corey, W!y didn.t you say %r+

Corey i# you "eant %r+ Corey/ I# I "eant %r+ Corey& I s!ould say %r+ Corey+ It isn.t swearin),

Corey& Corey& Co----$

Her sister 'laed !er !and over !er "out! $Will you H>SH& you wret'!ed t!in)/$ s!ew!i"ered+ $T!e w!ole !ouse 'an !ear you+$

$5! yes& t!ey 'an !ear "e all over t!e s3uare+ Well& I t!in( !e loo(ed well enou)! #or a lain

yout!& w!o !adn.t ta(en !is !air out o# 'url-aers #or so"e ti"e+$

$It WAS 'lied retty 'lose&$ Irene ad"itted2 and t!ey bot! lau)!ed at t!e drab e##e't o# %r+Corey.s s(ull& as t!ey re"e"bered it+ $1id you li(e !is nose/$ as(ed Irene ti"orously+

$A!& now you.re C5%IN6 to so"et!in)&$ said Peneloe+ $I don.t (now w!et!er& i# I !ad so

"u'! o# a nose& I s!ould want it all Ro"an+$

$I don.t see !ow you 'an e7e't to !ave a nose art one (ind and art anot!er&$ ar)ued Irene+

$5!& I do+ Loo( at "ine,$ S!e turned aside !er #a'e& so as to )et a t!ree-3uarters view o# !er nosein t!e )lass& and 'rossin) !er !ands& wit! t!e brus! in one o# t!e"& be#ore !er& re)arded it

*udi'ially+ $Now& "y nose started 6re'ian& but '!an)ed its "ind be#ore it )ot over t!e brid)e& and

'on'luded to be snub t!e rest o# t!e way+$

$0ou.ve )ot a very retty nose& Pen&$ said Irene& *oinin) in t!e 'onte"lation o# its re#le7 in t!e)lass+

$1on.t say t!at in !oes o# )ettin) "e to 'o"li"ent HIS& %rs+$--s!e stoed& and t!en added

deliberately--$C+,$

Irene also !ad !er !air-brus! in !er !and& and now s!e sran) at !er sister and beat !er veryso#tly on t!e s!oulder wit! t!e #lat o# it+ $0ou "ean t!in),$ s!e 'ried& between !er s!ut teet!&

blus!in) !otly+

$Well& 1+& t!en&$ said Peneloe+ $0ou.ve not!in) to say a)ainst 1+/ T!ou)! I t!in( C+ is *ust as

ni'e an initial+$

$5!,$ 'ried t!e youn)er& #or all e7ression o# unsea(able t!in)s+

$I t!in( !e !as very )ood eyes&$ ad"itted Peneloe+



$5!& !e HAS, And didn.t you li(e t!e way !is sa'('oat set/ So 'lose to !i"& and yet #ree--(ind

o# eelin) away at t!e laels/$

$0es& I s!ould say !e was a youn) "an o# )reat *ud)"ent+ He (nows !ow to '!oose !is tailor+$

Irene sat down on t!e ed)e o# a '!air+ $It was so ni'e o# you& Pen& to 'o"e in& t!at way& about'lubs+$

$5!& I didn.t "ean anyt!in) by it e7'et oosition&$ said Peneloe+ $I 'ouldn.t !ave #at!er

swellin) on so& wit!out sayin) so"et!in)+$

$How !e did swell,$ si)!ed Irene+ $Wasn.t it a relie# to !ave "a""a 'o"e down& even i# s!e didsee" to be all sto'(in) at #irst/$

T!e )irls bro(e into a wild )i))le& and !id t!eir #a'es in ea'! ot!er.s ne'(s+ $I t!ou)!t I

SH5>L1 die&$ said Irene+

$.It.s *ust li(e orderin) a aintin)&.$ said Peneloe& re'allin) !er #at!er.s tal(& wit! an e##e't o#

drea"y absent-"indedness+ $.0ou )ive t!e ainter "oney enou)!& and !e 'an a##ord to aint youa #irst-'lass i'ture+ 6ive an ar'!ite't "oney enou)!& and !e.ll )ive you a #irst-'lass !ouse& every

ti"e+.$

$5!& wasn.t it aw#ul,$ "oaned !er sister+ $No one would ever !ave suosed t!at !e !ad #ou)!t

t!e very idea o# an ar'!ite't #or wee(s& be#ore !e )ave in+$

Peneloe went on+ $.I always did li(e t!e water side o# Bea'on&--lon) be#ore I owned roerty

t!ere+ W!en you 'o"e to t!e Ba'( Bay at all& )ive "e t!e water side o# Bea'on+.$

$5w-w-w-w,$ s!rie(ed Irene+ $15 sto,$

T!e door o# t!eir "ot!er.s '!a"ber oened below& and t!e voi'e o# t!e real Colonel 'alled&$W!at are you doin) u t!ere& )irls/ W!y don.t you )o to bed/$

T!is e7torted nervous s!rie(s #ro" bot! o# t!e"+ T!e Colonel !eard a sound o# s'urryin) #eet&

w!is(in) draery& and sla""in) doors+ T!en !e !eard one o# t!e doors oened a)ain& and

Peneloe said& $I was only reeatin) so"et!in) you said w!en you tal(ed to %r+ Corey+$

$Very well& now&$ answered t!e Colonel+ $0ou ostone t!e rest o# it till to-"orrow at brea(#ast&

and see t!at you.re u in ti"e to let %E !ear it+$

V.



AT t!e sa"e "o"ent youn) Corey let !i"sel# in at !is own door wit! !is lat'!-(ey& and went to

t!e library& w!ere !e #ound !is #at!er turnin) t!e last leaves o# a story in t!e Revue des 1eu7

%ondes+ He was a w!ite-"ousta'!ed old )entle"an& w!o !ad never been able to abandon !is in'e-ne4 #or t!e suerior 'o"#ort o# se'ta'les& even in t!e riva'y o# !is own library+ He

(no'(ed t!e )lasses o## as !is son 'a"e in and loo(ed u at !i" wit! la4y #ondness& rubbin) t!e

two red "ar(s t!at t!ey always leave on t!e side o# t!e nose+

$To"&$ !e said& $w!ere did you )et su'! )ood 'lot!es/$

$I stoed over a day in New 0or(&$ relied t!e son& #indin) !i"sel# a '!air+ $I." )lad you li(e

t!e"+$

$0es& I always do li(e your 'lot!es& To"&$ returned t!e #at!er t!ou)!t#ully& swin)in) !is )lasses&

$But I don.t see !ow you 'an a##ord .e"& I 'an.t+$

$Well& sir&$ said t!e son& w!o droed t!e $sir$ into !is see'! wit! !is #at!er& now and t!en& in

an old-#as!ioned way t!at was rat!er '!ar"in)& $you see& I !ave an indul)ent arent+$

$S"o(e/$ su))ested t!e #at!er& us!in) toward !is son a bo7 o# 'i)arettes& #ro" w!i'! !e !ad

ta(en one+

$No& t!an( you&$ said t!e son+ $I.ve droed t!at+$

$A!& is t!at so/$ T!e #at!er be)an to #eel about on t!e table #or "at'!es& in t!e urblind #as!iono# elderly "en+ His son rose& li)!ted one& and !anded it to !i"+ $Well&--o!& t!an( you& To",--I

believe so"e statisti'ians rove t!at i# you will )ive u s"o(in) you 'an dress very well on t!e

"oney your toba''o 'osts& even i# you !aven.t )ot an indul)ent arent+ But I." too old to try+

T!ou)!& I 'on#ess& I s!ould rat!er li(e t!e 'lot!es+ W!o" did you #ind at t!e 'lub/$

$T!ere were a lot o# #ellows t!ere&$ said youn) Corey& wat'!in) t!e a''o"lis!ed #u"i)ation o#

!is #at!er in an absent way+

$It.s astonis!in) w!at a !ardy breed t!e youn) 'lub-"en are&$ observed !is #at!er+ $All su""ert!rou)!& in weat!er t!at sends t!e sturdiest #e"ale #lyin) to t!e sea-s!ore& you #ind t!e 'lubs

#illed wit! youn) "en& w!o don.t see" to "ind t!e !eat in t!e least+$

$Boston isn.t a bad la'e& at t!e worst& in su""er&$ said t!e son& de'linin) to ta(e u t!e "atter

in its ironi'al s!ae+

$I dare say it isn.t& 'o"ared wit! Te7as&$ returned t!e #at!er& s"o(in) tran3uilly on+ $But I don.tsuose you #ind "any o# your #riends in town outside o# t!e 'lub+$

$No2 you.re re3uested to rin) at t!e rear door& all t!e way down Bea'on Street and u

Co""onwealt! Avenue+ It.s rat!er a blan( re'etion #or t!e returnin) rodi)al+$



$A!& t!e rodi)al "ust ta(e !is '!an'e i# !e 'o"es ba'( out o# season+ But I." )lad to !ave you

ba'(& To"& even as it is& and I !oe you.re not )oin) to !urry away+ 0ou "ust )ive your ener)ies

a rest+$

$I." sure you never !ad to reroa'! "e wit! abnor"al a'tivity&$ su))ested t!e son& ta(in) !is

#at!er.s *o(es in )ood art+

$No& I don.t (now t!at I !ave&$ ad"itted t!e elder+ $0ou.ve always s!own a #air de)ree o#

"oderation& a#ter all+ W!at do you t!in( o# ta(in) u ne7t/ I "ean a#ter you !ave e"bra'ed your "ot!er and sisters at %ount 1esert+ Real estate/ It see"s to "e t!at it is about ti"e #or you to

oen out as a real-estate bro(er+ 5r did you ever t!in( o# "atri"ony/$

$Well& not *ust in t!at way& sir&$ said t!e youn) "an+ $I s!ouldn.t 3uite li(e to re)ard it as a 'areer&

you (now+$

$No& no+ I understand t!at+ And I 3uite a)ree wit! you+ But you (now I.ve always 'ontended t!at

t!e a##e'tions 'ould be "ade to 'o"bine leasure and ro#it+ I wouldn.t !ave a "an "arry #or"oney&--t!at would be rat!er bad&--but I don.t see w!y& w!en it 'o"es to #allin) in love& a "an

s!ouldn.t #all in love wit! a ri'! )irl as easily as a oor one+ So"e o# t!e ri'! )irls are very ni'e&and I s!ould say t!at t!e '!an'es o# a 3uiet li#e wit! t!e" were rat!er )reater+ T!ey.ve always

!ad everyt!in)& and t!ey wouldn.t be so a"bitious and uneasy+ 1on.t you t!in( so/$

$It would deend&$ said t!e son& $uon w!et!er a )irl.s eole !ad been ri'! lon) enou)! to !ave

)iven !er osition be#ore s!e "arried+ I# t!ey !adn.t& I don.t see !ow s!e would be any bettert!an a oor )irl in t!at rese't+$

$0es& t!ere.s sense in t!at+ But t!e suddenly ri'! are on a level wit! any o# us nowadays+ %oney

buys osition at on'e+ I don.t say t!at it isn.t all ri)!t+ T!e world )enerally (nows w!at it.s about&and (nows !ow to drive a bar)ain+ I dare say it "a(es t!e new ri'! ay too "u'!+ But t!ere.s nodoubt but "oney is to t!e #ore now+ It is t!e ro"an'e& t!e oetry o# our a)e+ It.s t!e t!in) t!at

'!ie#ly stri(es t!e i"a)ination+ T!e En)lis!"en w!o 'o"e !ere are "ore 'urious about t!e )reat

new "illionaires t!an about any one else& and t!ey rese't t!e" "ore+ It.s all very well+ I don.t'o"lain o# it+$

$And you would li(e a ri'! dau)!ter-in-law& 3uite re)ardless& t!en/$

$5!& not 3uite so bad as t!at& To"&$ said !is #at!er+ $A little yout!& a little beauty& a little )ood

sense and retty be!aviour--one "ustn.t ob*e't to t!ose t!in)s2 and t!ey )o *ust as o#ten wit!

"oney as wit!out it+ And I suose I s!ould li(e !er eole to be rat!er )ra""ati'al+$

$It see"s to "e t!at you.re e7a'tin)& sir&$ said t!e son+ $How 'an you e7e't eole w!o !ave

been stri'tly devoted to business to be )ra""ati'al/ Isn.t t!at rat!er too "u'!/$

$Per!as it is+ Per!as you.re ri)!t+ But I understood your "ot!er to say t!at t!ose bene#a'tors o#

!ers& w!o" you "et last su""er& were very assably )ra""ati'al+$



$T!e #at!er isn.t+$

T!e elder& w!o !ad been s"o(in) wit! !is ro#ile toward !is son& now turned !is #a'e #ull uon

!i"+ $I didn.t (now you !ad seen !i"/$

$I !adn.t until to-day&$ said youn) Corey& wit! a little !ei)!tenin) o# !is 'olour+ $But I waswal(in) down street t!is a#ternoon& and !aened to loo( round at a new !ouse so"e one was

uttin) u& and I saw t!e w!ole #a"ily in t!e window+ It aears t!at %r+ La!a" is buildin) t!e

!ouse+$

T!e elder Corey (no'(ed t!e as! o# !is 'i)arette into t!e !older at !is elbow+ $I a" "ore and"ore 'onvin'ed& t!e lon)er I (now you& To"& t!at we are des'ended #ro" 6iles Corey+ T!e )i#t

o# !oldin) one.s ton)ue see"s to !ave s(ied "e& but you !ave it in #ull #or'e+ I 'an.t say *ust

!ow you would be!ave under eine #orte et dure& but under ordinary ressure you are 'ertainlyable to (ee your own 'ounsel+ W!y didn.t you "ention t!is en'ounter at dinner/ 0ou weren.t

as(ed to lead to an a''usation o# wit'!'ra#t+$

$No& not e7a'tly&$ said t!e youn) "an+ $But I didn.t 3uite see "y way to sea(in) o# it+ We !ad a

)ood "any ot!er t!in)s be#ore us+$

$0es& t!at.s true+ I suose you wouldn.t !ave "entioned it now i# I !adn.t led u to it& would

you/$

$I don.t (now& sir+ It was rat!er on "y "ind to do so+ Per!as it was I w!o led u to it+$

His #at!er lau)!ed+ $Per!as you did& To"2 er!as you did+ 0our "ot!er would !ave (nown

you were leadin) u to so"et!in)& but I.ll 'on#ess t!at I didn.t+ W!at is it/$

$Not!in) very de#inite+ But do you (now t!at in site o# !is synta7 I rat!er li(ed !i"/$

T!e #at!er loo(ed (eenly at t!e son2 but unless t!e boy.s #ull 'on#iden'e was o##ered& Corey was

not t!e "an to as( it+ $Well/$ was all t!at !e said+

$I suose t!at in a new 'ountry one )ets to loo(in) at eole a little out o# our tradition2 and I

dare say t!at i# I !adn.t assed a winter in Te7as I "i)!t !ave #ound Colonel La!a" rat!er too"u'!+$

$0ou "ean t!at t!ere are worse t!in)s in Te7as/$

$Not t!at e7a'tly+ I "ean t!at I saw it wouldn.t be 3uite #air to test !i" by our standards+$

$T!is 'o"es o# t!e error w!i'! I !ave o#ten dere'ated&$ said t!e elder Corey+ $In #a't I a"

always sayin) t!at t!e Bostonian ou)!t never to leave Boston+ T!en !e (nows--and t!en only--t!at t!ere 'an BE no standard but ours+ But we are 'onstantly )oin) away& and 'o"in) ba'( wit!

our 'onvi'tions s!a(en to t!eir #oundations+ 5ne "an )oes to En)land& and returns wit! t!e

'on'etion o# a )rander so'ial li#e2 anot!er 'o"es !o"e #ro" 6er"any wit! t!e notion o# a "ore



$5!& one 'ould "a(e out a 'ase+ I suose you (now w!at you are about& To"+ But re"e"ber

t!at we are Esse7 County eole& and t!at in savour we are *ust a little beyond t!e salt o# t!e

eart!+ I will tell you lainly t!at I don.t li(e t!e notion o# a "an w!o !as rivalled t!e !ues o#nature in !er wildest !aunts wit! t!e tints o# !is "ineral aint2 but I don.t say t!ere are not worse

"en+ He isn.t to "y taste& t!ou)! !e "i)!t be ever so "u'! to "y 'ons'ien'e+$

$I suose&$ said t!e son& $t!at t!ere is not!in) really to be as!a"ed o# in "ineral aint+ Peole

)o into all sorts o# t!in)s+$

His #at!er too( !is 'i)arette #ro" !is "out! and on'e "ore loo(ed !is son #ull in t!e #a'e+ $5!&

is THAT it/$

$It !as 'rossed "y "ind&$ ad"itted t!e son+ $I "ust do so"et!in)+ I.ve wasted ti"e and "oney

enou)!+ I.ve seen "u'! youn)er "en all t!rou)! t!e West and Sout!-west ta(in) 'are o#t!e"selves+ I don.t t!in( I was arti'ularly #it #or anyt!in) out t!ere& but I a" as!a"ed to 'o"e

ba'( and live uon you& sir+$

His #at!er s!oo( !is !ead wit! an ironi'al si)!+ $A!& we s!all never !ave a real aristo'ra'y w!ile

t!is lebeian relu'tan'e to live uon a arent or a wi#e 'ontinues t!e ani"atin) sirit o# ouryout!+ It stri(es at t!e root o# t!e w!ole #eudal syste"+ I really t!in( you owe "e an aolo)y&

To"+ I suosed you wis!ed to "arry t!e )irl.s "oney& and !ere you are& basely see(in) to )o

into business wit! !er #at!er+$

0oun) Corey lau)!ed a)ain li(e a son w!o er'eives t!at !is #at!er is a little anti3uated& but(ees a #ilial #ait! in !is wit+ $I don.t (now t!at it.s 3uite so bad as t!at2 but t!e t!in) !ad

'ertainly 'rossed "y "ind+ I don.t (now !ow it.s to be aroa'!ed& and I don.t (now t!at it.s at

all ossible+ But I 'on#ess t!at I .too( to. Colonel La!a" #ro" t!e "o"ent I saw !i"+ He

loo(ed as i# !e ."eant business&. and I "ean business too+$

T!e #at!er s"o(ed t!ou)!t#ully+ $5# 'ourse eole do )o into all sorts o# t!in)s& as you say& and I

don.t (now t!at one t!in) is "ore i)noble t!an anot!er& i# it.s de'ent and lar)e enou)!+ In "y

ti"e you would !ave )one into t!e C!ina trade or t!e India trade--t!ou)! I didn.t2 and a littlelater 'otton would !ave been your "ani#est destiny--t!ou)! it wasn.t "ine2 but now a "an "ay

do al"ost anyt!in)+ T!e real-estate business is retty #ull+ 0es& i# you !ave a dee inward

vo'ation #or it& I don.t see w!y "ineral aint s!ouldn.t do+ I #an'y it.s easy enou)! aroa'!in)t!e "atter+ We will invite Paa La!a" to dinner& and tal( it over wit! !i"+$

$5!& I don.t t!in( t!at would be e7a'tly t!e way& sir&$ said t!e son& s"ilin) at !is #at!er.s

atri'ian unworldliness+

$No/ W!y not/$

$I." a#raid it would be a bad start+ I don.t t!in( it would stri(e !i" as business-li(e+$

$I don.t see w!y !e s!ould be un'tilious& i# we.re not+$



$A!& we "i)!t say t!at i# !e were "a(in) t!e advan'es+$

$Well& er!as you are ri)!t& To"+ W!at is your idea/$

$I !aven.t a very 'lear one+ It see"s to "e I ou)!t to )et so"e business #riend o# ours& w!ose

*ud)"ent !e would rese't& to sea( a )ood word #or "e+$

$6ive you a '!ara'ter/$

$0es+ And o# 'ourse I "ust )o to Colonel La!a"+ %y notion would be to in3uire retty

t!orou)!ly about !i"& and t!en& i# I li(ed t!e loo( o# t!in)s& to )o ri)!t down to Reubli' Street

and let !i" see w!at !e 'ould do wit! "e& i# anyt!in)+$

$T!at sounds tre"endously ra'ti'al to "e& To"& t!ou)! it "ay be *ust t!e wron) way+ W!en areyou )oin) down to %ount 1esert/$

$To-"orrow& I t!in(& sir&$ said t!e youn) "an+ $I s!all turn it over in "y "ind w!ile I." o##+$

T!e #at!er rose& s!owin) so"et!in) "ore t!an !is son.s !ei)!t& wit! a very sli)!t stoo& w!i'!

t!e son.s #i)ure !ad not+ $Well&$ !e said& w!i"si'ally& $I ad"ire your sirit& and I don.t deny t!atit is *usti#ied by ne'essity+ It.s a 'onsolation to t!in( t!at w!ile I.ve been sendin) and en*oyin)& I

!ave been rearin) t!e noblest #uture #or you--a #uture o# industry and sel#-relian'e+ 0ou never

'ould draw& but t!is s'!e"e o# )oin) into t!e "ineral-aint business s!ows t!at you !ave

in!erited so"et!in) o# "y #eelin) #or 'olour+$

T!e son lau)!ed on'e "ore& and waitin) till !is #at!er was well on !is way ustairs& turned out

t!e )as and t!en !urried a#ter !i" and re'eded !i" into !is '!a"ber+ He )lan'ed over it to see

t!at everyt!in) was t!ere& to !is #at!er.s !and+ T!en !e said& $6ood ni)!t& sir&$ and t!e elderresonded& $6ood ni)!t& "y son&$ and t!e son went to !is own roo"+

5ver t!e "antel in t!e elder Corey.s roo" !un) a ortrait w!i'! !e !ad ainted o# !is own #at!er&

and now !e stood a "o"ent and loo(ed at t!is as i# stru'( by so"et!in) novel in it+ T!e

rese"blan'e between !is son and t!e old India "er'!ant& w!o !ad #ollowed t!e trade #ro" Sale"to Boston w!en t!e lar)er 'ity drew it away #ro" t!e s"aller& "ust !ave been w!at stru'( !i"+

6rand#at!er and )randson !ad bot! t!e Ro"an nose w!i'! aears to !ave #louris!ed '!ie#ly at

t!e #or"ative eriod o# t!e reubli'& and w!i'! o''urs "ore rarely in t!e des'endants o# t!e

'ons'rit #at!ers& t!ou)! it still '!ara'terises t!e ro#iles o# a )ood "any Boston ladies+Bro"#ield Corey !ad not in!erited it& and !e !ad "ade !is strai)!t nose !is de#en'e w!en t!e old

"er'!ant a''used !i" o# a want o# ener)y+ He said& $W!at 'ould a "an do w!ose unnatural#at!er !ad le#t !is own nose away #ro" !i"/$ T!is a"used but did not satis#y t!e "er'!ant+$0ou "ust do so"et!in)&$ !e said2 $and it.s #or you to '!oose+ I# you don.t li(e t!e India trade& )o

into so"et!in) else+ 5r& ta(e u law or "edi'ine+ No Corey yet ever roosed to do not!in)+$

$A!& t!en& it.s 3uite ti"e one o# us "ade a be)innin)&$ ur)ed t!e "an w!o was t!en youn)& andw!o was now old& loo(in) into t!e so"ew!at #ier'e eyes o# !is #at!er.s ortrait+ He !ad in!erited

as little o# t!e #ier'eness as o# t!e nose& and t!ere was not!in) redatory in !is son eit!er& t!ou)!



t!e a3uiline bea( !ad 'o"e down to !i" in su'! #or'e+ Bro"#ield Corey li(ed !is son To" #or

t!e )entleness w!i'! te"ered !is ener)y+

$Well let us 'o"ro"ise&$ !e see"ed to be sayin) to !is #at!er.s ortrait+ $I will travel+$ $Travel/How lon)/$ t!e (een eyes de"anded+ $5!& inde#initely+ I won.t be !ard wit! you& #at!er+$ He

'ould see t!e eyes so#ten& and t!e s"ile o# yieldin) 'o"e over !is #at!er.s #a'e2 t!e "er'!ant'ould not resist a son w!o was so "u'! li(e !is dead "ot!er+ T!ere was so"e va)ue

understandin) between t!e" t!at Bro"#ield Corey was to 'o"e ba'( and )o into business a#ter ati"e& but !e never did so+ He travelled about over Euroe& and travelled !andso"ely& #re3uentin)

)ood so'iety everyw!ere& and )ettin) !i"sel# resented at several 'ourts& at a eriod w!en it was

a distin'tion to do so+ He !ad always s(et'!ed& and wit! !is #at!er.s leave !e #i7ed !i"sel# atRo"e& w!ere !e re"ained studyin) art and roundin) t!e bein) in!erited #ro" !is 0an(ee

ro)enitors& till t!ere was very little le#t o# t!e an'estral an)ularities+ A#ter ten years !e 'a"e

!o"e and ainted t!at ortrait o# !is #at!er+ It was very )ood& i# a little a"ateuris!& and !e "i)!t!ave "ade !i"sel# a na"e as a ainter o# ortraits i# !e !ad not !ad so "u'! "oney+ But !e !ad

lenty o# "oney& t!ou)! by t!is ti"e !e was "arried and be)innin) to !ave a #a"ily+ It was

absurd #or !i" to aint ortraits #or ay& and ridi'ulous to aint t!e" #or not!in)2 so !e did not aint t!e" at all+ He 'ontinued a dilettante& never 3uite abandonin) !is art& but wor(in) at it

#it#ully& and tal(in) "ore about it t!an wor(in) at it+ He !ad !is t!eory o# Titian.s "et!od2 and

now and t!en a Bostonian insisted uon buyin) a i'ture o# !i"+ A#ter a w!ile !e !un) it "ore

and "ore in'onsi'uously& and said aolo)eti'ally& $5! yes, t!at.s one o# Bro"#ield Corey.st!in)s+ It !as ni'e 3ualities& but it.s a"ateuris!+$

In ro'ess o# ti"e t!e "oney see"ed less abundant+ T!ere were s!rin(a)es o# one (ind and

anot!er& and livin) !ad )rown "u'! "ore e7ensive and lu7urious+ or "any years !e tal(ed

about )oin) ba'( to Ro"e& but !e never went& and !is '!ildren )rew u in t!e usual way+ Be#ore!e (new it !is son !ad !i" out to !is 'lass-day sread at Harvard& and t!en !e !ad !is son on !is

!ands+ T!e son "ade various unsu''ess#ul rovisions #or !i"sel#& and still 'ontinued uon !is#at!er.s !ands& to t!eir 'o""on dissatis#a'tion& t!ou)! it was '!ie#ly t!e youn)er w!o reined+He !ad t!e Ro"an nose and t!e ener)y wit!out t!e oortunity& and at one o# t!e reversions !is

#at!er said to !i"& $0ou ou)!t not to !ave t!at nose& To"2 t!en you would do very well+ 0ou

would )o and travel& as I did+$

LAPHA% and !is wi#e 'ontinued tal(in) a#ter !e !ad 3uelled t!e disturban'e in !is dau)!ters.

roo" over!ead2 and t!eir tal( was not alto)et!er o# t!e new !ouse+

$I tell you&$ !e said& $i# I !ad t!at #ellow in t!e business wit! "e I would "a(e a "an o# !i"+$

$Well& Silas La!a"&$ returned !is wi#e& $I do believe you.ve )ot "ineral aint on t!e brain+ 1o

you suose a #ellow li(e youn) Corey& brou)!t u t!e way !e.s been& would tou'! "ineral aintwit! a ten-#oot ole/$

$W!y not/$ !au)!tily as(ed t!e Colonel+



He so(e u ro"tly and bris(ly in t!e outer o##i'e& and 'aused t!e retty )irl to loo( away

#ro" !er 'oyin) at !i"+ $Is %r+ La!a" in/$ !e as(ed2 and a#ter t!at "o"ent #or re#le'tion

w!i'! an array o# boo(-(eeers so addressed li(es to )ive t!e in3uirer& a !ead was li#ted #ro" aled)er and nodded toward t!e inner o##i'e+

La!a" !ad re'o)nised t!e voi'e& and !e was standin)& in 'onsiderable erle7ity& to re'eiveCorey& w!en t!e youn) "an oened !is ainted )lass door+ It was a !ot a#ternoon& and La!a"

was in !is s!irt sleeves+ S'ar'ely a tra'e o# t!e boast#ul !ositality wit! w!i'! !e !ad wel'o"edCorey to !is !ouse a #ew days be#ore lin)ered in !is resent address+ He loo(ed at t!e youn)

"an.s #a'e& as i# !e e7e'ted !i" to desat'! w!atever uni"a)inable a##air !e !ad 'o"e uon+

$Won.t you sit down/ How are you/ 0ou.ll e7'use "e&$ !e added& in brie# allusion to t!e s!irt-sleeves+ $I." about roasted+$

Corey lau)!ed+ $I wis! you.d let "e ta(e o## %0 'oat+$

$W!y& TA?E it o##,$ 'ried t!e Colonel& wit! instant leasure+ T!ere is so"et!in) in !u"annature w!i'! 'auses t!e "an in !is s!irt-sleeves to wis! all ot!er "en to aear in t!e sa"e

des!abille+

$I will& i# you as( "e a#ter I.ve tal(ed wit! you two "inutes&$ said t!e youn) #ellow&

'o"anionably ullin) u t!e '!air o##ered !i" toward t!e des( w!ere La!a" !ad a)ain seated

!i"sel#+ $But er!as you !aven.t )ot two "inutes to )ive "e/$

$5! yes& I !ave&$ said t!e Colonel+ $I was *ust )oin) to (no'( o##+ I 'an )ive you twenty& and t!enI s!all !ave #i#teen "inutes to 'at'! t!e boat+$

$All ri)!t&$ said Corey+ $I want you to ta(e "e into t!e "ineral aint business+$

T!e Colonel sat du"b+ He twisted !is t!i'( ne'(& and loo(ed round at t!e door to see i# it was

s!ut+ He would not !ave li(ed to !ave any o# t!ose #ellows outside !ear !i"& but t!ere is no

sayin) w!at su" o# "oney !e would not !ave )iven i# !is wi#e !ad been t!ere to !ear w!atCorey !ad *ust said+

$I suose&$ 'ontinued t!e youn) "an& $I 'ould !ave )ot several eole w!ose na"es you (now

to ba'( "y industry and sobriety& and say a word #or "y business 'aa'ity+ But I t!ou)!t I

wouldn.t trouble anybody #or 'erti#i'ates till I #ound w!et!er t!ere was a '!an'e& or t!e )!ost o#one& o# your wantin) "e+ So I 'a"e strai)!t to you+$

La!a" )at!ered !i"sel# to)et!er as well as !e 'ould+ He !ad not yet #or)iven Corey #or %rs+

La!a".s insinuation t!at !e would #eel !i"sel# too )ood #or t!e "ineral aint business2 andt!ou)! !e was disersed by t!at astoundin) s!ot at #irst& !e was not )oin) to let any one even

!yot!eti'ally desise !is aint wit! i"unity+ $How do you t!in( I a" )oin) to ta(e you on/$

T!ey too( on !ands at t!e wor(s2 and La!a" ut it as i# Corey were a !and 'o"in) to !i" #or

e"loy"ent+ W!et!er !e satis#ied !i"sel# by t!is or not& !e reddened a little a#ter !e !ad said it+



$Never "ind t!e boat, I 'an ta(e t!e ne7t one+ Loo( !ere,$ T!e Colonel ulled oen a drawer& as

Corey sat down a)ain& and too( out a !oto)ra! o# t!e lo'ality o# t!e "ine+ $Here.s w!ere we

)et it+ T!is !oto)ra! don.t !al# do t!e la'e *usti'e&$ !e said& as i# t!e i"er#e't art !ad sli)!tedt!e #eatures o# a beloved #a'e+ $It.s one o# t!e si)!tliest la'es in t!e 'ountry& and !ere.s t!e very

sot $--!e 'overed it wit! !is !u)e #ore#in)er--$w!ere "y #at!er #ound t!at aint& "ore t!an

#orty--years--a)o+ 0es& sir,$

He went on& and told t!e story in unsarin) detail& w!ile !is '!an'e #or t!e boat assedun!eeded& and t!e 'ler(s in t!e outer o##i'e !un) u t!eir linen o##i'e 'oats and ut on t!eir

seersu'(er or #lannel street 'oats+ T!e youn) lady went too& and nobody was le#t but t!e orter&

w!o "ade #ro" ti"e to ti"e a noisy de"onstration o# #astenin) a distant blind& or uttin)so"et!in) in la'e+ At last t!e Colonel roused !i"sel# #ro" t!e autobio)ra!i'al deli)!t o# t!e

!istory o# !is aint+ $Well& sir& t!at.s t!e story+$

$It.s an interestin) story&$ said Corey& wit! a lon) breat!& as t!ey rose to)et!er& and La!a" ut

on !is 'oat+

$T!at.s w!at it is&$ said t!e Colonel+ $Well,$ !e added& $I don.t see but w!at we.ve )ot to !ave

anot!er tal( about t!is t!in)+ It.s a surrise to "e& and I don.t see e7a'tly !ow you.re )oin) to

"a(e it ay+$

$I." willin) to ta(e t!e '!an'es&$ answered Corey+ $As I said& I believe in it+ I s!ould try Sout!A"eri'a #irst+ I s!ould try C!ili+$

$Loo( !ere,$ said La!a"& wit! !is wat'! in !is !and+ $I li(e to )et t!in)s over+ We.ve *ust )ot

ti"e #or t!e si7 o.'lo'( boat+ W!y don.t you 'o"e down wit! "e to Nantas(et/ I 'an )ive you a

bed as well as not+ And t!en we 'an #inis! u+$

T!e i"atien'e o# yout! in Corey resonded to t!e i"atien'e o# te"era"ent in !is elder+$W!y& I don.t see w!y I s!ouldn.t&$ !e allowed !i"sel# to say+ $I 'on#ess I s!ould li(e to !ave it

#inis!ed u "ysel#& i# it 'ould be #inis!ed u in t!e ri)!t way+$

$Well& we.ll see+ 1ennis,$ La!a" 'alled to t!e re"ote orter& and t!e "an 'a"e+ $Want to sendany word !o"e/$ !e as(ed Corey+

$No2 "y #at!er and I )o and 'o"e as we li(e& wit!out (eein) a''ount o# ea'! ot!er+ I# I don.t

'o"e !o"e& !e (nows t!at I." not t!ere+ T!at.s all+$

$Well& t!at.s 'onvenient+ 0ou.ll #ind you 'an.t do t!at w!en you.re "arried+ Never "ind& 1ennis&$said t!e Colonel+

He !ad ti"e to buy two newsaers on t!e w!ar# be#ore !e *u"ed on board t!e stea"-boat wit!

Corey+ $@ust "ade it&$ !e said2 $and t!at.s w!at I li(e to do+ I 'an.t stand it to be aboard "u'!

"ore t!an a "inute be#ore s!e s!oves out+$ He )ave one o# t!e newsaers to Corey as !e so(e&

and set !i" t!e e7a"le o# 'at'!in) u a 'a"-stool on t!eir way to t!at oint on t!e boat w!i'!!is e7erien'e !ad tau)!t !i" was t!e best+ He oened !is aer at on'e and be)an to run over



T!e )reater art o# t!e 'rowd on board--and& o# 'ourse& t!e boat was 'rowded--loo(ed as i# t!ey

"i)!t not only be easily but sa#ely (nown+ T!ere was little style and no distin'tion a"on) t!e"2

t!ey were eole w!o were )oin) down to t!e bea'! #or t!e #un or t!e relie# o# it& and were ableto a##ord it+ In #a'e t!ey were 'o""onla'e& wit! not!in) but t!e A"eri'an oetry o# vivid

urose to li)!t t!e" u& w!ere t!ey did not w!olly la'( #ire+ But t!ey were nearly all s!rewd

and #riendly-loo(in)& wit! an aarent readiness #or t!e !u"orous inti"a'y native to us all+ T!ewo"en were dandi#ied in dress& a''ordin) to t!eir "eans and taste& and t!e "en di##ered #ro"

ea'! ot!er in de)rees o# indi##eren'e to it+ To a straw-!atted oulation& su'! as ours is in

su""er& no sort o# ersonal di)nity is ossible+ We !ave not even t!e ower over observersw!i'! 'o"es #ro" t!e #antasti'ality o# an En)lis!"an w!en !e dis'ards t!e 'onventional dress+

In our straw !ats and our ser)e or #lannel sa'(s we are no "ore i"osin) t!an a 'rowd o# boys+

$So"e day&$ said La!a"& risin) as t!e boat drew near t!e w!ar# o# t!e #inal landin)& $t!ere.s

)oin) to be an aw#ul a''ident on t!ese boats+ @ust loo( at t!at *a"+$

He "eant t!e eole t!i'(ly a'(ed on t!e ier& and under stron) restraint o# lo'(s and )ates& to

revent t!e" #ro" rus!in) on board t!e boat and ossessin) !er #or t!e return tri be#ore s!e !adlanded !er Nantas(et assen)ers+

$5verload .e" every ti"e&$ !e 'ontinued& wit! a sort o# dry& i"ersonal 'on'ern at t!e i"endin)

'ala"ity& as i# it 'ould not ossibly in'lude !i"+ $T!ey ta(e about twi'e as "any as t!ey ou)!t to'arry& and about ten ti"es as "any as t!ey 'ould save i# anyt!in) !aened+ 0es& sir& it.s bound to

'o"e+ Hello, T!ere.s "y )irl,$ He too( out !is #olded newsaer and waved it toward a )rou o#

!aetons and barou'!es drawn u on t!e ier a little aart #ro" t!e a'( o# eole& and a lady inone o# t!e" answered wit! a #louris! o# !er arasol+

W!en !e !ad "ade !is way wit! !is )uest t!rou)! t!e 'rowd& s!e be)an to sea( to !er #at!er

be#ore s!e noti'ed Corey+ $Well& Colonel& you.ve i"roved your last '!an'e+ We.ve been 'o"in)to every boat sin'e #our o.'lo'(&--or @erry !as&--and I told "ot!er t!at I would 'o"e "ysel# on'e&and see i# I 'ouldn.t #et'! you2 and i# I #ailed& you 'ould wal( ne7t ti"e+ 0ou.re )ettin) er#e'tly

soiled+$

T!e Colonel en*oyed lettin) !er s'old !i" to t!e end be#ore !e said& wit! a twin(le o# ride in !is

)uest and satis#a'tion in !er robably bein) able to !old !er own a)ainst any dis'o"#iture& $I.ve brou)!t %r+ Corey down #or t!e ni)!t wit! "e& and I was s!owin) !i" t!in)s all t!e way& and it

too( ti"e+$

T!e youn) #ellow was at t!e side o# t!e oen bea'!-wa)on& "a(in) a 3ui'( bow& and Peneloe

La!a" was 'o4ily drawlin)& $5!& !ow do you do& %r+ Corey/$ be#ore t!e Colonel !ad #inis!ed!is e7lanation+

$6et ri)!t in t!ere& alon)side o# %iss La!a"& %r+ Corey&$ !e said& ullin) !i"sel# u into t!e

la'e beside t!e driver+ $No& no&$ !e !ad added 3ui'(ly& at so"e si)ns o# olite rotest in t!eyoun) "an& $I don.t )ive u t!e best la'e to anybody+ @erry& suose you let "e !ave !old o# t!e

leat!ers a "inute+$



T!is was !is way o# ta(in) t!e reins #ro" t!e driver2 and in !al# t!e ti"e !e se'i#ied& !e !ad

s(il#ully turned t!e ve!i'le on t!e ier& a"on) t!e 'roo(ed lines and )rous o# #oot-assen)ers&

and was sinnin) u t!e road toward t!e stret'! o# verandaed !otels and restaurants in t!e sandalon) t!e s!ore+ $Pretty )ay down !ere&$ !e said& indi'atin) all t!is wit! a turn o# !is w!i& as !e

le#t it be!ind !i"+ $But I.ve )ot about si'( o# !otels2 and t!is su""er I "ade u "y "ind t!at I.d

ta(e a 'otta)e+ Well& Pen& !ow are t!e #ol(s/$ He loo(ed !al#-way round #or !er answer& and wit!t!e eye t!us brou)!t to bear uon !er !e was able to )ive !er a win( o# sure"e 'ontent+ T!e

Colonel& wit! no sort o# ulterior desi)n& and not!in) but !is triu"! over %rs+ La!a" de#initely

in !is "ind& was #eelin)& as !e would !ave said& about ri)!t+

T!e )irl s"iled a dau)!ter.s a"use"ent at !er #at!er.s boyis!ness+ $I don.t t!in( t!ere.s "u'!

'!an)e sin'e "ornin)+ 1id Irene !ave a !eada'!e w!en you le#t/$

$No&$ said t!e Colonel+

$Well& t!en& t!ere.s t!at to reort+$

$Ps!aw,$ said t!e Colonel wit! ve7ation in !is tone+

$I." sorry %iss Irene isn.t well&$ said Corey olitely+

$I t!in( s!e "ust !ave )ot it #ro" wal(in) too lon) on t!e bea'!+ T!e air is so 'ool !ere t!at you#or)et !ow !ot t!e sun is+$

$0es& t!at.s true&$ assented Corey+

$A )ood ni)!t.s rest will "a(e it all ri)!t&$ su))ested t!e Colonel& wit!out loo(in) round+ $But

you )irls !ave )ot to loo( out+$

$I# you.re #ond o# wal(in)&$ said Corey& $I suose you #ind t!e bea'! a te"tation+$

$5!& it isn.t so "u'! t!at&$ returned t!e )irl+ $0ou (ee wal(in) on and on be'ause it.s so s"oot!

and strai)!t be#ore you+ We.ve been !ere so o#ten t!at we (now it all by !eart--*ust !ow it loo(s

at !i)! tide& and !ow it loo(s at low tide& and !ow it loo(s a#ter a stor"+ We.re as well a'3uaintedwit! t!e 'rabs and stranded *elly-#is! as we are wit! t!e '!ildren di))in) in t!e sand and t!e

eole sittin) under u"brellas+ I t!in( t!ey.re always t!e sa"e& all o# t!e"+$

T!e Colonel le#t t!e tal( to t!e youn) eole+ W!en !e so(e ne7t it was to say& $Well& !ere we

are,$ and !e turned #ro" t!e !i)!way and drove u in #ront o# a brown 'otta)e wit! a ver"ilionroo#& and a )rou o# )eraniu"s 'lut'!in) t!e ro'( t!at 'roed u in t!e loo #or"ed by t!e road+

It was treeless and bare all round& and t!e o'ean& unne'essarily vast& weltered away a little "ore

t!an a stone.s-'ast #ro" t!e 'otta)e+ A !ositable s"ell o# suer #illed t!e air& and %rs+ La!a"was on t!e veranda& wit! t!at de"and in !er eyes #or !er belated !usband.s e7'uses& w!i'! s!e

was obli)ed to '!e'( on !er ton)ue at si)!t o# Corey+



$So I told !i" !e !ad better 'o"e down and tal( it over&$ 'ontinued t!e Colonel& in well-a##e'ted

si"li'ity+ $I (new !e wouldn.t tou'! it wit! a ten-#oot ole+$

$6o on,$ t!reatened %rs+ La!a"+

$Ri)!t t!in) to do& wa.n.t it/$

A ta was !eard at t!e door& and %rs+ La!a" answered it+ A "aid announ'ed suer+ $Very

well&$ s!e said& $'o"e to tea now+ But I.ll "a(e you ay #or t!is& Silas+$

Peneloe !ad )one to !er sister.s roo" as soon as s!e entered t!e !ouse+

$Is your !ead any better& .Rene/$ s!e as(ed+

$0es& a little&$ 'a"e a voi'e #ro" t!e illows+ $But I s!all not 'o"e to tea+ I don.t want anyt!in)+I# I (ee still& I s!all be all ri)!t by "ornin)+$

$Well& I." sorry&$ said t!e elder sister+ $He.s 'o"e down wit! #at!er+$

$He !asn.t, W!o/$ 'ried Irene& startin) u in si"ultaneous denial and de"and+

$5!& well& i# you say !e !asn.t& w!at.s t!e use o# "y tellin) you w!o/$

$5!& !ow 'an you treat "e so,$ "oaned t!e su##erer+ $W!at do you "ean& Pen/$

$I )uess I.d better not tell you&$ said Peneloe& wat'!in) !er li(e a 'at layin) wit! a "ouse+ $I#you.re not 'o"in) to tea& it would *ust e7'ite you #or not!in)+$

T!e "ouse "oaned and writ!ed uon t!e bed+

$5!& I wouldn.t treat 05> so,$

T!e 'at seated !ersel# a'ross t!e roo"& and as(ed 3uietly--

$Well& w!at 'ould you do i# it WAS %r+ Corey/ 0ou 'ouldn.t 'o"e to tea& you say+ But HE.LL

e7'use you+ I.ve told !i" you !ad a !eada'!e+ W!y& o# 'ourse you 'an.t 'o"e, It would be too

bare#a'ed But you needn.t be troubled& Irene2 I.ll do "y best to "a(e t!e ti"e ass leasantly #or!i"+$ Here t!e 'at )ave a low titter& and t!e "ouse )irded itsel# u wit! a "o"entary 'oura)e

and sel#-rese't+

$I s!ould t!in( you would be as!a"ed to 'o"e !ere and tease "e so+$



$I don.t see w!y you s!ouldn.t believe "e&$ ar)ued Peneloe+ $W!y s!ouldn.t !e 'o"e down

wit! #at!er& i# #at!er as(ed !i"/ and !e.d be sure to i# !e t!ou)!t o# it+ I don.t see any .ints about

t!at #ro) t!at.s any better t!an any ot!er #ro)+$

T!e sense o# !er sister.s !ellessness was too "u'! #or t!e tease2 s!e bro(e down in a #it o#

s"ot!ered lau)!ter& w!i'! 'onvin'ed !er vi'ti" t!at it was not!in) but an ill-ti"ed *o(e+

$Well& Pen& I wouldn.t use you so&$ s!e w!i"ered+

Peneloe t!rew !ersel# on t!e bed beside !er+

$5!& oor Irene, He IS !ere+ It.s a sole"n #a't+$ And s!e 'aressed and soot!ed !er sister& w!iles!e '!o(ed wit! lau)!ter+ $0ou "ust )et u and 'o"e out+ I don.t (now w!at brou)!t !i" !ere&

but !ere !e is+$

$It.s too late now&$ said Irene desolately+ T!en s!e added& wit! a wilder desair8 $W!at a #ool I

was to ta(e t!at wal(,$

$Well&$ 'oa7ed !er sister& $'o"e out and )et so"e tea+ T!e tea will do you )ood+$

$No& no2 I 'an.t 'o"e+ But send "e a 'u !ere+$

$0es& and t!en er!as you 'an see !i" later in t!e evenin)+$

$I s!all not see !i" at all+$

An !our a#ter Peneloe 'a"e ba'( to !er sister.s roo" and #ound !er be#ore !er )lass+ $0ou

"i)!t as well !ave (et still& and been well by "ornin)& .Rene&$ s!e said+ $As soon as we weredone #at!er said& .Well& %r+ Corey and I !ave )ot to tal( over a little "atter o# business& and we.ll

e7'use you& ladies+. He loo(ed at "ot!er in a way t!at I )uess was retty !ard to bear+ .Rene& you

ou)!t to !ave !eard t!e Colonel swellin) at suer+ It would !ave "ade you #eel t!at all !e saidt!e ot!er day was not!in)+$

%rs+ La!a" suddenly oened t!e door+

$Now& see !ere& Pen&$ s!e said& as s!e 'losed it be!ind !er& $I.ve !ad *ust as "u'! as I 'an stand

#ro" your #at!er& and i# you don.t tell "e t!is instant w!at it all "eans----$

S!e le#t t!e 'onse3uen'es to i"a)ination& and Peneloe relied wit! !er "o'( soberness--

$Well& t!e Colonel does see" to be on !is !i)! !orse& "a.a"+ But you "ustn.t as( "e w!at !is business wit! %r+ Corey is& #or I don.t (now+ All t!at I (now is t!at I "et t!e" at t!e landin)& and

t!at t!ey 'onversed all t!e way down--on literary toi's+$

$Nonsense, W!at do you t!in( it is/$



$Well& i# you want "y 'andid oinion& I t!in( t!is tal( about business is not!in) but a blind+ It

see"s a ity Irene s!ouldn.t !ave been u to re'eive !i"&$ s!e added+

Irene 'ast a "ute loo( o# i"lorin) at !er "ot!er& w!o was too "u'! reo''uied to a##ord !ert!e rote'tion it as(ed+

$0our #at!er said !e wanted to )o into t!e business wit! !i"+$

Irene.s loo( '!an)ed to a stare o# astonis!"ent and "ysti#i'ation& but Peneloe reserved !er

i"erturbability+

$Well& it.s a lu'rative business& I believe+$

$Well& I don.t believe a word o# it,$ 'ried %rs+ La!a"+ $And so I told your #at!er+$

$1id it see" to 'onvin'e !i"/$ in3uired Peneloe+

Her "ot!er did not rely+ $I (now one t!in)&$ s!e said+ $He.s )ot to tell "e every word& or t!ere.ll

be no slee #or !i" THIS ni)!t+$

$Well& "a.a"&$ said Peneloe& brea(in) down in one o# !er 3ueer lau)!s& $I s!ouldn.t be a bit

surrised i# you were ri)!t+$

$6o on and dress& Irene&$ ordered !er "ot!er& $and t!en you and Pen 'o"e out into t!e arlour+

T!ey 'an !ave *ust two !ours #or business& and t!en we "ust all be t!ere to re'eive !i"+ 0ou

!aven.t )ot !eada'!e enou)! to !urt you+$

$5!& it.s all )one now&$ said t!e )irl+

At t!e end o# t!e li"it s!e !ad )iven t!e Colonel& %rs+ La!a" loo(ed into t!e dinin)-roo"&w!i'! s!e #ound blue wit! !is s"o(e+

$I t!in( you )entle"en will #ind t!e arlour leasanter now& and we 'an )ive it u to you+$

$5! no& you needn.t&$ said !er !usband+ $We.ve )ot about t!rou)!+$ Corey was already standin)&

and La!a" rose too+ $I )uess we 'an *oin t!e ladies now+ We 'an leave t!at little oint till to-"orrow+$

Bot! o# t!e youn) ladies were in t!e arlour w!en Corey entered wit! t!eir #at!er& and bot! were#ran(ly indi##erent to t!e #ew boo(s and t!e "any newsaers s'attered about on t!e table w!ere

t!e lar)e la" was la'ed+ But a#ter Corey !ad )reeted Irene !e )lan'ed at t!e novel under !iseye& and said& in t!e deart! t!at so"eti"es be#alls eole at su'! ti"es8 $I see you.re readin)

%iddle"ar'!+ 1o you li(e 6eor)e Eliot/$

$W!o/$ as(ed t!e )irl+



Peneloe interosed+ $I don.t believe Irene.s read it yet+ I.ve *ust )ot it out o# t!e library2 I !eard

so "u'! tal( about it+ I wis! s!e would let you #ind out a little about t!e eole #or yoursel#&$ s!e

added+ But !ere !er #at!er stru'( in--

$I 'an.t )et t!e ti"e #or boo(s+ It.s as "u'! as I 'an do to (ee u wit! t!e newsaers2 and w!en

ni)!t 'o"es& I." tired& and I.d rat!er )o out to t!e t!eatre& or a le'ture& i# t!ey.ve )ot a )oodstereoti'on to )ive you views o# t!e la'es+ But I )uess we all li(e a lay better t!an ."ost

anyt!in) else+ I want so"et!in) t!at.ll "a(e "e lau)!+ I don.t believe in tra)edy+ I t!in( t!ere.senou)! o# t!at in real li#e wit!out uttin) it on t!e sta)e+ Seen .@os!ua W!it'o"b./$

T!e w!ole #a"ily *oined in t!e dis'ussion& and it aeared t!at t!ey all !ad t!eir oinions o# t!e

lays and a'tors+ %rs+ La!a" brou)!t t!e tal( ba'( to literature+ $I )uess Peneloe does "ost o# our readin)+$

$Now& "ot!er& you.re not )oin) to ut it all on "e,$ said t!e )irl& in 'o"i' rotest+

Her "ot!er lau)!ed& and t!en added& wit! a si)!8 $I used to li(e to )et !old o# a )ood boo( w!enI was a )irl2 but we weren.t allowed to read "any novels in t!ose days+ %y "ot!er 'alled t!e"

all LIES+ And I )uess s!e wasn.t so very #ar wron) about so"e o# t!e"+$

$T!ey.re 'ertainly #i'tions&$ said Corey& s"ilin)+

$Well& we do buy a )ood "any boo(s& #irst and last&$ said t!e Colonel& w!o robably !ad in "ind

t!e 'ostly volu"es w!i'! t!ey resented to one anot!er on birt!days and !olidays+ $But I )et

about all t!e readin) I want in t!e newsaers+ And w!en t!e )irls want a novel& I tell .e" to )etit out o# t!e library+ T!at.s w!at t!e library.s #or+ P!ew,$ !e anted& blowin) away t!e w!ole

unro#itable sub*e't+ $How 'lose you wo"en-#ol(s li(e to (ee a roo", 0ou )o down to t!e sea-

side or u to t!e "ountains #or a '!an)e o# air& and t!en you 'or( yourselves into a roo" so ti)!tyou don.t !ave any air at all+ Here, 0ou )irls )et on your bonnets& and )o and s!ow %r+ Corey t!eview o# t!e !otels #ro" t!e ro'(s+$

Corey said t!at !e s!ould be deli)!ted+ T!e )irls e7'!an)ed loo(s wit! ea'! ot!er& and t!en wit!

t!eir "ot!er+ Irene 'urved !er retty '!in in 'o""ent uon !er #at!er.s in'orri)ibility& andPeneloe "ade a droll "out!& but t!e Colonel re"ained serenely 'ontent wit! !is #inesse+ $I )ot

.e" out o# t!e way&$ !e said& as soon as t!ey were )one& and be#ore !is wi#e !ad ti"e to #all uon

!i"& $be'ause I.ve )ot t!rou)! "y tal( wit! !i"& and now I want to tal( wit! 05>+ It.s *ust as I

said& Persis2 !e wants to )o into t!e business wit! "e+$

$It.s lu'(y #or you&$ said !is wi#e& "eanin) t!at now !e would not be "ade to su##er #oratte"tin) to !oa7 !er+ But s!e was too intensely interested to ursue t!at "atter #urt!er+ $W!at

in t!e world do you suose !e "eans by it/$

$Well& I s!ould *ud)e by !is tal( t!at !e !ad been tryin) a )ood "any di##erent t!in)s sin'e !ele#t 'olle)e& and !e !ain.t #ound *ust t!e t!in) !e li(es--or t!e t!in) t!at li(es !i"+ It ain.t so easy+

And now !e.s )ot an idea t!at !e 'an ta(e !old o# t!e aint and us! it in ot!er 'ountries--us! it

in %e7i'o and us! it in Sout! A"eri'a+ He.s a slendid Sanis! s'!olar&$--t!is was La!a".s



version o# Corey.s "odest 'lai" to a s"atterin) o# t!e lan)ua)e&--$and !e.s been a"on) t!e

natives enou)! to (now t!eir ways+ And !e believes in t!e aint&$ added t!e Colonel+

$I )uess !e believes in so"et!in) else besides t!e aint&$ said %rs+ La!a"+

$W!at do you "ean/$

$Well& Silas La!a"& i# you 'an.t see N5W t!at !e.s a#ter Irene& I don.t (now w!at ever CAN

oen your eyes+ T!at.s all+$

T!e Colonel retended to )ive t!e idea silent 'onsideration& as i# it !ad not o''urred to !i"

be#ore+ $Well& t!en& all I.ve )ot to say is& t!at !e.s )oin) a )ood way round+ I don.t say you.rewron)& but i# it.s Irene& I don.t see w!y !e s!ould want to )o o## to Sout! A"eri'a to )et !er+ And

t!at.s w!at !e rooses to do+ I )uess t!ere.s so"e aint about it too& Persis+ He says !e believes

in it&$--t!e Colonel devoutly lowered !is voi'e&--$and !e.s willin) to ta(e t!e a)en'y on !is own

a''ount down t!ere& and run it #or a 'o""ission on w!at !e 'an sell+$

$5# 'ourse, He isn.t )oin) to ta(e !old o# it any way so as to #eel be!olden to you+ He.s )ot too

"u'! ride #or t!at+$

$He ain.t )oin) to ta(e !old o# it at all& i# !e don.t "ean aint in t!e #irst la'e and Irene

a#terward+ I don.t ob*e't to !i"& as I (now& eit!er way& but t!e two t!in)s won.t "i72 and I don.t roose !e s!all ull t!e wool over "y eyes--or anybody else+ But& as #ar as !eard #ro"& u to

date& !e "eans aint #irst& last& and all t!e ti"e+ At any rate& I." )oin) to ta(e !i" on t!at basis+

He.s )ot so"e retty )ood ideas about it& and !e.s been stirred u by t!is tal(& *ust now& about)ettin) our "anu#a'tures into t!e #orei)n "ar(ets+ T!ere.s an oversto'( in everyt!in)& and we.ve

)ot to )et rid o# it& or we.ve )ot to s!ut down till t!e !o"e de"and be)ins a)ain+ We.ve !ad two

or t!ree su'! #lurries be#ore now& and t!ey didn.t a"ount to "u'!+ T!ey say we 'an.t e7tend our'o""er'e under t!e !i)! tari## syste" we.ve )ot now& be'ause t!ere ain.t any sort o# re'iro'ityon our side&--we want to !ave t!e ot!er #ellows s!ow all t!e re'iro'ity&--and t!e En)lis! !ave

)ot t!e advanta)e o# us every ti"e+ I don.t (now w!et!er it.s so or not2 but I don.t see w!y it

s!ould aly to "y aint+ Anyway& !e wants to try it& and I.ve about "ade u "y "ind to let !i"+5# 'ourse I ain.t )oin) to let !i" ta(e all t!e ris(+ I believe in t!e aint T55& and I s!all ay !is

e7enses anyway+$

$So you want anot!er artner a#ter all/$ %rs+ La!a" 'ould not #orbear sayin)+

$0es& i# t!at.s your idea o# a artner+ It isn.t "ine&$ returned !er !usband dryly+

$Well& i# you.ve "ade u your "ind& Si& I suose you.re ready #or advi'e&$ said %rs+ La!a"+

T!e Colonel en*oyed t!is+ $0es& I a"+ W!at !ave you )ot to say a)ainst it/$

$I don.t (now as I.ve )ot anyt!in)+ I." satis#ied i# you are+$

$Well/$



$W!en is !e )oin) to start #or Sout! A"eri'a/$

$I s!all ta(e !i" into t!e o##i'e a w!ile+ He.ll )et o## so"e ti"e in t!e winter+ But !e.s )ot to

(now t!e business #irst+$

$5!& indeed, Are you )oin) to ta(e !i" to board in t!e #a"ily/$

$W!at are you a#ter& Persis/$

$5!& not!in), I resu"e !e will #eel #ree to visit in t!e #a"ily& even i# !e don.t board wit! us+$

$I resu"e !e will+$

$And i# !e don.t use !is rivile)es& do you t!in( !e.ll be a #it erson to "ana)e your aint in

Sout! A"eri'a/$

T!e Colonel reddened 'ons'iously+ $I." not ta(in) !i" on t!at basis+$

$5! yes& you are, 0ou "ay retend you ain.t to yoursel#& but you "ustn.t retend so to "e+Be'ause I (now you+$

T!e Colonel lau)!ed+ $Ps!aw,$ !e said+

%rs+ La!a" 'ontinued8 $I don.t see any !ar" in !oin) t!at !e.ll ta(e a #an'y to !er+ But i# you

really t!in( it won.t do to "i7 t!e two t!in)s& I advise you not to ta(e %r+ Corey into t!e business+ It will do all very well i# !e 15ES ta(e a #an'y to !er2 but i# !e don.t& you (now !ow

you.ll #eel about it+ And I (now you well enou)!& Silas& to (now t!at you 'an.t do !i" *usti'e i#

t!at !aens+ And I don.t t!in( it.s ri)!t you s!ould ta(e t!is ste unless you.re retty sure+ I 'ansee t!at you.ve set your !eart on t!is t!in)+$

$I !aven.t set "y !eart on it at all&$ rotested La!a"+

$And i# you 'an.t brin) it about& you.re )oin) to #eel un!ay over it&$ ursued !is wi#e&

re)ardless o# !is rotest+

$5!& very well&$ !e said+ $I# you (now "ore about w!at.s in "y "ind t!an I do& t!ere.s no usear)uin)& as I 'an see+$

He )ot u& to 'arry o## !is 'ons'iousness& and sauntered out o# t!e door on to !is ia44a+ He'ould see t!e youn) eole down on t!e ro'(s& and !is !eart swelled in !is breast+ He !ad always

said t!at !e did not 'are w!at a "an.s #a"ily was& but t!e resen'e o# youn) Corey as anali'ant to !i" #or e"loy"ent& as !is )uest& as t!e ossible suitor o# !is dau)!ter& was one o#

t!e sweetest #lavours t!at !e !ad yet tasted in !is su''ess+ He (new w!o t!e Coreys were very

well& and& in !is si"le& brutal way& !e !ad lon) !ated t!eir na"e as a sy"bol o# slendourw!i'!& unless !e s!ould live to see at least t!ree )enerations o# !is des'endants )ilded wit!

"ineral aint& !e 'ould not !oe to realise in !is own+ He was a'3uainted in a business way wit!



%rs+ Corey s"iled wanly+ T!irty years be#ore& s!e !ad "arried t!e ri'! youn) ainter in Ro"e&

w!o said so "u'! better t!in)s t!an !e ainted--'!ar"in) t!in)s& *ust t!e t!in)s to lease t!e

#an'y o# a )irl w!o was disosed to ta(e li#e a little too seriously and ra'ti'ally+ S!e saw !i" ina di##erent li)!t w!en s!e )ot !i" !o"e to Boston2 but !e !ad (et on sayin) t!e '!ar"in)

t!in)s& and !e !ad not done "u'! else+ In #a't& !e !ad #ul#illed t!e ro"ise o# !is yout!+ It was a

)ood trait in !i" t!at !e was not a'tively but only assively e7trava)ant+ He was not adventurouswit! !is "oney2 !is tastes were as si"le as an Italian.s2 !e !ad no e7ensive !abits+ In t!e

ro'ess o# ti"e !e !ad )rown to lead a "ore and "ore se'luded li#e+ It was !ard to )et !i" out

anyw!ere& even to dinner+ His atien'e wit! t!eir narrowin) 'ir'u"stan'es !ad a at!os w!i'!s!e #elt t!e "ore t!e "ore s!e 'a"e into '!ar)e o# t!eir *oint li#e+ At ti"es it see"ed too bad t!at

t!e '!ildren and t!eir edu'ation and leasures s!ould 'ost so "u'!+ S!e (new& besides& t!at i# it

!ad not been #or t!e" s!e would !ave )one ba'( to Ro"e wit! !i"& and lived rin'ely t!ere #or

less t!an it too( to live rese'tably in Boston+

$To" !asn.t 'onsulted "e&$ 'ontinued !is #at!er& $but !e !as 'onsulted ot!er eole+ And !e !as

arrived at t!e 'on'lusion t!at "ineral aint is a )ood t!in) to )o into+ He !as #ound out all about

it& and about its #ounder or inventor+ It.s 3uite i"ressive to !ear !i" tal(+ And i# !e "ust doso"et!in) #or !i"sel#& I don.t see w!y !is e)otis" s!ouldn.t as well ta(e t!at #or" as anot!er+

Co"bined wit! t!e aint rin'ess& it isn.t so a)reeable2 but t!at.s only a re"ote ossibility& #or

w!i'! your rin'ial )round is your "ot!erly soli'itude+ But even i# it were robable and

i""inent& w!at 'ould you do/ T!e '!ie# 'onsolation t!at we A"eri'an arents !ave in t!ese"atters is t!at we 'an do not!in)+ I# we were Euroeans& even En)lis!& we s!ould ta(e so"e

'o)nisan'e o# our '!ildren.s love a##airs& and in so"e "easure tea'! t!eir youn) a##e'tions !ow

to s!oot+ But it is our 'usto" to i)nore t!e" until t!ey !ave s!ot& and t!en t!ey i)nore us+ We arealto)et!er too deli'ate to arran)e t!e "arria)es o# our '!ildren2 and w!en t!ey !ave arran)ed

t!e" we don.t li(e to say anyt!in)& #or #ear we s!ould only "a(e bad worse+ T!e ri)!t way is #or

us to s'!ool ourselves to indi##eren'e+ T!at is w!at t!e youn) eole !ave to do elsew!ere& and

t!at is t!e only lo)i'al result o# our osition !ere+ It is absurd #or us to !ave any #eelin) aboutw!at we don.t inter#ere wit!+$

$5!& eole do inter#ere wit! t!eir '!ildren.s "arria)es very o#ten&$ said %rs+ Corey+

$0es& but only in a !al#-!earted way& so as not to "a(e it disa)reeable #or t!e"selves i# t!e

"arria)es )o on in site o# t!e"& as t!ey.re retty at to do+ Now& "y idea is t!at I ou)!t to 'utTo" o## wit! a s!illin)+ T!at would be very si"le& and it would be e'ono"i'al+ But you would

never 'onsent& and To" wouldn.t "ind it+$

$I t!in( our w!ole 'ondu't in re)ard to su'! t!in)s is wron)&$ said %rs+ Corey+

$5!& very li(ely+ But our w!ole 'ivilisation is based uon it+ And w!o is )oin) to "a(e a be)innin)/ To w!i'! #at!er in our a'3uaintan'e s!all I )o and roose an allian'e #or To" wit!

!is dau)!ter/ I s!ould #eel li(e an ass+ And will you )o to so"e "ot!er& and as( !er sons in

"arria)e #or our dau)!ters/ 0ou would #eel li(e a )oose+ No2 t!e only "otto #or us is& Hands o##alto)et!er+$

$I s!all 'ertainly sea( to To" w!en t!e ti"e 'o"es&$ said %rs+ Corey+



$And I s!all as( leave to be absent #ro" your dis'o"#iture& "y dear&$ answered !er !usband+

T!e son returned t!at a#ternoon& and 'on#essed !is surrise at #indin) !is "ot!er in Boston+ He

was so #ran( t!at s!e !ad not 3uite t!e 'oura)e to 'on#ess in turn w!y s!e !ad 'o"e& but tru"edu an e7'use+

$Well& "ot!er&$ !e said ro"tly& $I !ave "ade an en)a)e"ent wit! %r+ La!a"+$

$Have you& To"/$ s!e as(ed #aintly+

$0es+ or t!e resent I a" )oin) to !ave '!ar)e o# !is #orei)n 'orresonden'e& and i# I see "y

way to t!e advanta)e I e7e't to #ind in it& I a" )oin) out to "ana)e t!at side o# !is business inSout! A"eri'a and %e7i'o+ He.s be!aved very !andso"ely about it+ He says t!at i# it aears #or

our 'o""on interest& !e s!all ay "e a salary as well as a 'o""ission+ I.ve tal(ed wit! >n'le

@i"& and !e t!in(s it.s a )ood oenin)+$

$0our >n'le @i" does/$ 3ueried %rs+ Corey in a"a4e+

$0es2 I 'onsulted !i" t!e w!ole way t!rou)!& and I.ve a'ted on !is advi'e+$

T!is see"ed an in'o"re!ensible trea'!ery on !er brot!er.s art+

$0es2 I t!ou)!t you would li(e to !ave "e+ And besides& I 'ouldn.t ossibly !ave )one to any one

so well #itted to advise "e+$

His "ot!er said not!in)+ In #a't& t!e "ineral aint business& !owever ain#ul its interest& was& #or

t!e "o"ent& suerseded by a "ore oi)nant an7iety+ S!e be)an to #eel !er way 'autiously

toward t!is+

$Have you been tal(in) about your business wit! %r+ La!a" all ni)!t/$

$Well& retty "u'!&$ said !er son& wit! a )uiltless lau)!+ $I went to see !i" yesterday a#ternoon&

a#ter I !ad )one over t!e w!ole )round wit! >n'le @i"& and %r+ La!a" as(ed "e to )o downwit! !i" and #inis! u+$

$1own/$ reeated %rs+ Corey+ $0es& to Nantas(et+ He !as a 'otta)e down t!ere+$

$At Nantas(et/$ %rs+ Corey (nitted !er brows a little+ $W!at in t!e world 'an a 'otta)e at

Nantas(et be li(e/$

$5!& very "u'! li(e a .'otta)e. anyw!ere+ It !as t!e usual allowan'e o# red roo# and veranda+T!ere are t!e re)ulation ro'(s by t!e sea2 and t!e bi) !otels on t!e bea'! about a "ile o##& #larin)

away wit! ele'tri' li)!ts and ro"an-'andles at ni)!t+ We didn.t !ave t!e" at Na!ant+$

$No&$ said !is "ot!er+ $Is %rs+ La!a" well/ And !er dau)!ter/$



$0es& I t!in( so&$ said t!e youn) "an+ $T!e youn) ladies wal(ed "e down to t!e ro'(s in t!e

usual way a#ter dinner& and t!en I 'a"e ba'( and tal(ed aint wit! %r+ La!a" till "idni)!t+ We

didn.t settle anyt!in) till t!is "ornin) 'o"in) u on t!e boat+$

$W!at sort o# eole do t!ey see" to be at !o"e/$

$W!at sort/ Well& I don.t (now t!at I noti'ed+$ %rs+ Corey er"itted !ersel# t!e #irst art o# a

si)! o# relie#2 and !er son lau)!ed& but aarently not at !er+ $T!ey.re *ust readin) %iddle"ar'!+

T!ey say t!ere.s so "u'! tal( about it+ 5!& I suose t!ey.re very )ood eole+ T!ey see"ed to be on very )ood ter"s wit! ea'! ot!er+$

$I suose it.s t!e lain sister w!o.s readin) %iddle"ar'!+$

$Plain/ Is s!e lain/$ as(ed t!e youn) "an& as i# sear'!in) !is 'ons'iousness+ $0es& it.s t!e older

one w!o does t!e readin)& aarently+ But I don.t believe t!at even s!e overdoes it+ T!ey li(e to

tal( better+ T!ey re"inded "e o# Sout!ern eole in t!at+$ T!e youn) "an s"iled& as i# a"used

by so"e o# !is i"ressions o# t!e La!a" #a"ily+ $T!e livin)& as t!e 'ountry eole 'all it& istre"endously )ood+ T!e Colonel--!e.s a 'olonel--tal(ed o# t!e 'o##ee as !is wi#e.s 'o##ee& as i#

s!e !ad ersonally "ade it in t!e (it'!en& t!ou)! I believe it was "erely insired by !er+ Andt!ere was everyt!in) in t!e !ouse t!at "oney 'ould buy+ But "oney !as its li"itations+$

T!is was a #a't w!i'! %rs+ Corey was be)innin) to realise "ore and "ore unleasantly in !er

own li#e2 but it see"ed to brin) !er a 'ertain 'o"#ort in its ali'ation to t!e La!a"s+ $0es&

t!ere is a oint w!ere taste !as to be)in&$ s!e said+

$T!ey see"ed to want to aolo)ise to "e #or not !avin) "ore boo(s&$ said Corey+ $I don.t (now

w!y t!ey s!ould+ T!e Colonel said t!ey bou)!t a )ood "any boo(s& #irst and last2 but aarently

t!ey don.t ta(e t!e" to t!e sea-side+$

$I dare say t!ey NEVER buy a NEW boo(+ I.ve "et so"e o# t!ese "oneyed eole lately& andt!ey lavis! on every 'on'eivable lu7ury& and t!en borrow boo(s& and )et t!e" in t!e '!ea aer

editions+$

$I #an'y t!at.s t!e way wit! t!e La!a" #a"ily&$ said t!e youn) "an& s"ilin)ly+ $But t!ey are

very )ood eole+ T!e ot!er dau)!ter is !u"orous+$

$Hu"orous/$ %rs+ Corey (nitted !er brows in so"e erle7ity+ $1o you "ean li(e %rs+ Sayre/$s!e as(ed& na"in) t!e lady w!ose na"e "ust 'o"e into every Boston "ind w!en !u"our is

"entioned+

$5! no2 not!in) li(e t!at+ S!e never says anyt!in) t!at you 'an re"e"ber2 not!in) in #las!es orriles2 not!in) t!e least literary+ But it.s a sort o# droll way o# loo(in) at t!in)s2 or a droll

"ediu" t!rou)! w!i'! t!in)s resent t!e"selves+ I don.t (now+ S!e tells w!at s!e.s seen& and

"i"i's a little+$

$5!&$ said %rs+ Corey 'oldly+ A#ter a "o"ent s!e as(ed8 $And is %iss Irene as retty as ever/$



$S!e.s a wonder#ul 'o"le7ion&$ said t!e son unsatis#a'torily+ $I s!all want to be by w!en #at!er

and Colonel La!a" "eet&$ !e added& wit! a s"ile+

$A!& yes& your #at!er,$ said t!e "ot!er& in t!at way in w!i'! a wi#e at on'e 'o"assionates and'ensures !er !usband to t!eir '!ildren+

$1o you t!in( it.s really )oin) to be a trial to !i"/$ as(ed t!e youn) "an 3ui'(ly+

$No& no& I 'an.t say it is+ But I 'on#ess I wis! it was so"e ot!er business& To"+$

$Well& "ot!er& I don.t see w!y+ T!e rin'ial t!in) loo(ed at now is t!e a"ount o# "oney2 and

w!ile I would rat!er starve t!an tou'! a dollar t!at was dirty wit! any sort o# dis!onesty----$

$5# 'ourse you would& "y son,$ interosed !is "ot!er roudly+

$I s!ouldn.t at all "ind its !avin) a little "ineral aint on it+ I.ll use "y in#luen'e wit! Colonel

La!a"--i# I ever !ave any--to !ave !is aint s'raed o## t!e lands'ae+$

$I suose you won.t be)in till t!e autu"n+$

$5! yes& I s!all&$ said t!e son& lau)!in) at !is "ot!er.s si"le i)noran'e o# business+ $I s!all

be)in to-"orrow "ornin)+$

$To-"orrow "ornin),$

$0es+ I.ve !ad "y des( aointed already& and I s!all be down t!ere at nine in t!e "ornin) to

ta(e ossession+$

$To"&$ 'ried !is "ot!er& $w!y do you t!in( %r+ La!a" !as ta(en you into business so readily/

I.ve always !eard t!at it was so !ard #or youn) "en to )et in+$

$And do you t!in( I #ound it easy wit! !i"/ We !ad about twelve !ours. solid tal(+$

$And you don.t suose it was any sort o#--ersonal 'onsideration/$

$W!y& I don.t (now e7a'tly w!at you "ean& "ot!er+ I suose !e li(es "e+$

%rs+ Corey 'ould not say *ust w!at s!e "eant+ S!e answered& ine##e'tually enou)!--

$0es+ 0ou wouldn.t li(e it to be a #avour& would you/$

$I t!in( !e.s a "an w!o "ay be trusted to loo( a#ter !is own interest+ But I don.t "ind !is be)innin) by li(in) "e+ It.ll be "y own #ault i# I don.t "a(e "ysel# essential to !i"+$

$0es&$ said %rs+ Corey+



$Per!as t!at !as saved "e so"e su##erin)+ But you !ave at least t!e 'onsolation o# two an7ieties

at on'e+ I always #ind t!at a )reat advanta)e+ 0ou 'an lay one o## a)ainst t!e ot!er+$

%rs+ Corey drew a lon) breat! as i# s!e did not e7erien'e t!e su))ested 'onsolation2 and s!earran)ed to 3uit& t!e #ollowin) a#ternoon& t!e s'ene o# !er de#eat& w!i'! s!e !ad not !ad t!e

'oura)e to "a(e a battle#ield+ Her son went down to see !er o## on t!e boat& a#ter sendin) !is#irst day at !is des( in La!a".s o##i'e+ He was in a )ay !u"our& and s!e dearted in a re#le'ted

)lea" o# !is )ood sirits+ He told !er all about it& as !e sat tal(in) wit! !er at t!e stern o# t!e boat& lin)erin) till t!e last "o"ent& and t!en stein) as!ore& wit! as little waste o# ti"e as

La!a" !i"sel#& on t!e )an)-lan( w!i'! t!e de'(-!ands !ad laid !old o#+ He tou'!ed !is !at to

!er #ro" t!e w!ar# to reassure !er o# !is es'ae #ro" bein) 'arried away wit! !er& and t!e ne7t"o"ent !is s"ilin) #a'e !id itsel# in t!e 'rowd+

He wal(ed on s"ilin) u t!e lon) w!ar#& en'u"bered wit! tru'(s and !a'(s and iles o# #rei)!t&

and& ta(in) !is way t!rou)! t!e deserted business streets beyond t!is bustle& "ade a oint o#

assin) t!e door o# La!a".s ware!ouse& on t!e *a"bs o# w!i'! !is na"e and aint were lettered

in bla'( on a s3uare )round o# w!ite+ T!e door was still oen& and Corey loitered a "o"ent be#ore it& te"ted to )o ustairs and #et'! away so"e #orei)n letters w!i'! !e !ad le#t on !is

des(& and w!i'! !e t!ou)!t !e "i)!t #inis! u at !o"e+ He was in love wit! !is wor(& and !e #eltt!e ent!usias" #or it w!i'! not!in) but t!e wor( we 'an do well insires in us+ He believed t!at

!e !ad #ound !is la'e in t!e world& a#ter a )ood deal o# loo(in)& and !e !ad t!e relie#& t!e

reose& o# #ittin) into it+ Every little in'ident o# t!e "o"entous& unevent#ul day was a leasure in!is "ind& #ro" !is sittin) down at !is des(& to w!i'! La!a".s boy brou)!t !i" t!e #orei)n

letters& till !is risin) #ro" it an !our a)o+ La!a" !ad been in view wit!in !is own o##i'e& but !e

!ad )iven Corey no #or"al re'etion& and !ad& in #a't& not so(en to !i" till toward t!e end o#

t!e #orenoon& w!en !e suddenly 'a"e out o# !is den wit! so"e "ore letters in !is !and& and a#ter a brie# $How d.ye do/$ !ad so(en a #ew words about t!e"& and le#t t!e" wit! !i"+ He was in

!is s!irt-sleeves a)ain& and !is san)uine erson see"ed to radiate t!e !eat wit! w!i'! !esu##ered+ He did not )o out to lun'!& but !ad it brou)!t to !i" in !is o##i'e& w!ere Corey saw !i"eatin) it be#ore !e le#t !is own des( to )o out and er'! on a swin)in) seat be#ore t!e lon)

'ounter o# a down-town restaurant+ He observed t!at all t!e ot!ers lun'!ed at twelve& and !e

resolved to anti'iate !is usual !our+ W!en !e returned& t!e retty )irl w!o !ad been 'li'(in)away at a tye-writer all t!e "ornin) was neatly uttin) out o# si)!t t!e eviden'es o# ie #ro"

t!e table w!ere !er "a'!ine stood& and was rearin) to )o on wit! !er 'oyin)+ In !is o##i'e

La!a" lay aslee in !is ar"-'!air& wit! a newsaer over !is #a'e+

Now& w!ile Corey lin)ered at t!e entran'e to t!e stairway& t!ese two 'a"e down t!e stairsto)et!er& and !e !eard La!a" sayin)& $Well& t!en& you better )et a divor'e+$

He loo(ed red and e7'ited& and t!e )irl.s #a'e& w!i'! s!e veiled at si)!t o# Corey& s!owed tra'es

o# tears+ S!e slied round !i" into t!e street+

But La!a" stoed& and said& wit! t!e s!ow o# no #eelin) but surrise8 $Hello& Corey, 1id youwant to )o u/$

$0es2 t!ere were so"e letters I !adn.t 3uite )ot t!rou)! wit!+$



$0ou.ll #ind 1ennis u t!ere+ But I )uess you better let t!e" )o till to-"orrow+ I always "a(e it a

rule to sto wor( w!en I." done+$

$Per!as you.re ri)!t&$ said Corey& yieldin)+

$Co"e alon) down as #ar as t!e boat wit! "e+ T!ere.s a little "atter I want to tal( over wit!you+$

It was a business "atter& and related to Corey.s roosed 'onne'tion wit! t!e !ouse+

T!e ne7t day t!e !ead boo(-(eeer& w!o lun'!ed at t!e lon) 'ounter o# t!e sa"e restaurant wit!

Corey& be)an to tal( wit! !i" about La!a"+ Wal(er !ad not aarently )ot !is la'e byseniority2 t!ou)! wit! !is #ore!ead& bald #ar u toward t!e 'rown& and !is round s"oot! #a'e&

one "i)!t !ave ta(en !i" #or a lu" elder& i# !e !ad not loo(ed e3ually li(e a robust in#ant+

T!e t!i'( drabbis! yellow "ousta'!e was w!at arrested de'ision in eit!er dire'tion& and t!e

ro"t vi)our o# all !is "ove"ents was t!at o# a youn) "an o# t!irty& w!i'! was really Wal(er.s

a)e+ He (new& o# 'ourse& w!o Corey was& and !e !ad waited #or a "an w!o "i)!t loo( down on!i" so'ially to "a(e t!e overtures toward so"et!in) "ore t!an business a'3uaintan'e2 but& t!ese

"ade& !e was readily resonsive& and drew #reely on !is !iloso!y o# La!a" and !is a##airs+

$I t!in( about t!e only di##eren'e between eole in t!is world is t!at so"e (now w!at t!ey

want& and so"e don.t+ Well& now&$ said Wal(er& beatin) t!e botto" o# !is salt-bo7 to "a(e t!e

salt 'o"e out& $t!e old "an (nows w!at !e wants every ti"e+ And )enerally !e )ets it+ 0es& sir&

!e )enerally )ets it+ He (nows w!at !e.s about& but I.ll be blessed i# t!e rest o# us do !al# t!eti"e+ Anyway& we don.t till !e.s ready to let us+ 0ou ta(e "y osition in "ost business !ouses+ It.s

'on#idential+ T!e !ead boo(-(eeer (nows ri)!t alon) retty "u'! everyt!in) t!e !ouse !as )ot

in !and+ I.ll )ive you "y word I don.t+ He "ay oen u to you a little "ore in your deart"ent&

but& as #ar as t!e rest o# us )o& !e don.t oen u any "ore t!an an oyster on a !ot bri'(+ T!ey say!e !ad a artner on'e2 I )uess !e.s dead+ I wouldn.t li(e to be t!e old "an.s artner+ Well& you see&

t!is aint o# !is is li(e !is !eart.s blood+ Better not try to *o(e !i" about it+ I.ve seen eole 'o"ein o''asionally and try it+ T!ey didn.t )et "u'! #un out o# it+$

W!ile !e tal(ed& Wal(er was lu'(in) u "orsels #ro" !is late& tearin) o## ie'es o# ren'!

bread #ro" t!e lon) loa#& and #eedin) t!e" into !is "out! in an i"ersonal way& as i# !e were

#irin) u an en)ine+

$I suose !e t!in(s&$ su))ested Corey& $t!at i# !e doesn.t tell& nobody else will+$

Wal(er too( a drau)!t o# beer #ro" !is )lass& and wied t!e #oa" #ro" !is "ousta'!e+

$5!& but !e 'arries it too #ar, It.s a wea(ness wit! !i"+ He.s *ust so about everyt!in)+ Loo( at t!e

way !e (ees it u about t!at tye-writer )irl o# !is+ 0ou.d t!in( s!e was so"e rin'ess travellin)

in'o)nito+ T!ere isn.t one o# us (nows w!o s!e is& or w!ere s!e 'a"e #ro"& or w!o s!e belon)sto+ He brou)!t !er and !er "a'!ine into t!e o##i'e one "ornin)& and set .e" down at a table& and

t!at.s all t!ere is about it& as #ar as we.re 'on'erned+ It.s retty !ard on t!e )irl& #or I )uess s!e.d



li(e to tal(2 and to any one t!at didn.t (now t!e old "an----$ Wal(er bro(e o## and drained !is

)lass o# w!at was le#t in it+

Corey t!ou)!t o# t!e words !e !ad over!eard #ro" La!a" to t!e )irl+ But !e said& $S!e see"sto be (et retty busy+$

$5! yes&$ said Wal(er2 $t!ere ain.t "u'! loa#in) round t!e la'e& in any o# t!e deart"ents& #ro"

t!e old "an.s down+ T!at.s *ust w!at I say+ He.s )ot to wor( *ust twi'e as !ard& i# !e wants to

(ee everyt!in) in !is own "ind+ But !e ain.t a#raid o# wor(+ T!at.s one )ood t!in) about !i"+And %iss 1ewey !as to (ee ste wit! t!e rest o# us+ But s!e don.t loo( li(e one t!at would ta(e

to it naturally+ Su'! a retty )irl as t!at )enerally t!in(s s!e does enou)! w!en s!e loo(s !er

rettiest+$

$S!e.s a retty )irl&$ said Corey& non-'o""ittally+ $But I suose a )reat "any retty )irls !aveto earn t!eir livin)+$

$1on.t any o# .e" li(e to do it&$ returned t!e boo(-(eeer+ $T!ey t!in( it.s a !ards!i& and I don.t bla"e .e"+ T!ey !ave )ot a ri)!t to )et "arried& and t!ey ou)!t to !ave t!e '!an'e+ And %iss

1ewey.s s"art& too+ S!e.s as bri)!t as a bis'uit+ I )uess s!e.s !ad trouble+ I s!ouldn.t be "u'!"ore t!an !al# surrised i# %iss 1ewey wasn.t %iss 1ewey& or !adn.t always been+ 0es& sir&$

'ontinued t!e boo(-(eeer& w!o rolon)ed t!e tal( as t!ey wal(ed ba'( to La!a".s ware!ouse

to)et!er& $I don.t (now e7a'tly w!at it is&--it isn.t any one t!in) in arti'ular&--but I s!ould sayt!at )irl !ad been "arried+ I wouldn.t sea( so #reely to any o# t!e rest& %r+ Corey&--I want you to

understand t!at&--and it isn.t any o# "y business& anyway2 but t!at.s "y oinion+$

Corey "ade no rely& as !e wal(ed beside t!e boo(-(eeer& w!o 'ontinued--

$It.s 'urious w!at a di##eren'e "arria)e "a(es in eole+ Now& I (now t!at I don.t loo( any "oreli(e a ba'!elor o# "y a)e t!an I do li(e t!e "an in t!e "oon& and yet I 'ouldn.t say w!ere t!edi##eren'e 'a"e in& to save "e+ And it.s *ust so wit! a wo"an+ T!e "inute you 'at'! si)!t o# !er

#a'e& t!ere.s so"et!in) in it t!at tells you w!et!er s!e.s "arried or not+ W!at do you suose it

is/$

$I." sure I don.t (now&$ said Corey& willin) to lau)! away t!e toi'+ $And #ro" w!at I read

o''asionally o# so"e eole w!o )o about reeatin) t!eir !ainess& I s!ouldn.t say t!at t!e

intan)ible eviden'es were always un"ista(able+$

$5!& o# 'ourse&$ ad"itted Wal(er& easily surrenderin) !is osition+ $All si)ns #ail in dry weat!er+

Hello, W!at.s t!at/$ He 'au)!t Corey by t!e ar"& and t!ey bot! stoed+

At a 'orner& !al# a blo'( a!ead o# t!e"& t!e su""er noon solitude o# t!e la'e was bro(en by a

bit o# dra"a+ A "an and wo"an issued #ro" t!e interse'tin) street& and at t!e "o"ent o# 'o"in)

into si)!t t!e "an& w!o loo(ed li(e a sailor& 'au)!t t!e wo"an by t!e ar"& as i# to detain !er+ A brie# stru))le ensued& t!e wo"an tryin) to #ree !ersel#& and t!e "an !al# 'oa7in)& !al# s'oldin)+

T!e se'tators 'ould now see t!at !e was drun(2 but be#ore t!ey 'ould de'ide w!et!er it was a

'ase #or t!eir inter#eren'e or not& t!e wo"an suddenly set bot! !ands a)ainst t!e "an.s breast



and )ave !i" a 3ui'( us!+ He lost !is #ootin) and tu"bled into a !ea in t!e )utter+ T!e wo"an

#altered an instant& as i# to see w!et!er !e was seriously !urt& and t!en turned and ran+

W!en Corey and t!e boo(-(eeer re-entered t!e o##i'e& %iss 1ewey !ad #inis!ed !er lun'!& andwas uttin) a s!eet o# aer into !er tye-writer+ S!e loo(ed u at t!e" wit! !er eyes o#

tur3uoise blue& under !er low w!ite #ore!ead& wit! t!e !air neatly riled over it& and t!en be)anto beat t!e (eys o# !er "a'!ine+

IX.

LAPHA% !ad t!e ride w!i'! 'o"es o# sel#-"a(in)& and !e would not oenly lower !is 'rest tot!e youn) #ellow !e !ad ta(en into !is business+ He was )oin) to be obviously "aster in !is own

la'e to every one2 and durin) t!e !ours o# business !e did not!in) to distin)uis! Corey #ro" t!e

!al#-do4en ot!er 'ler(s and boo(-(eeers in t!e outer o##i'e& but !e was not silent about t!e #a'tt!at Bro"#ield Corey.s son !ad ta(en a #an'y to 'o"e to !i"+ $1id you noti'e t!at #ellow at t!e

des( #a'in) "y tye-writer )irl/ Well& sir& t!at.s t!e son o# Bro"#ield Corey--old P!illis Corey.s

)randson+ And I.ll say t!is #or !i"& t!at t!ere isn.t a "an in t!e o##i'e t!at loo(s a#ter !is wor(

better+ T!ere isn.t anyt!in) !e.s too )ood #or+ He.s ri)!t !ere at nine every "ornin)& be#ore t!e'lo'( )ets in t!e word+ I )uess it.s !is )rand#at!er 'o"in) out in !i"+ He.s )ot '!ar)e o# t!e

#orei)n 'orresonden'e+ We.re us!in) t!e aint everyw!ere+$ He #lattered !i"sel# t!at !e did

not lu) t!e "atter in+ He !ad been warned a)ainst t!at by !is wi#e& but !e !ad t!e ri)!t to doCorey *usti'e& and !is bra) too( t!e #or" o# illustration+ $Tal( about trainin) #or business--I tell

you it.s all in t!e "an !i"sel#, I used to believe in w!at old Hora'e 6reeley said about 'olle)e

)raduates bein) t!e oorest (ind o# !orned 'attle2 but I.ve '!an)ed "y "ind a little+ 0ou ta(e t!at

#ellow Corey+ He.s been t!rou)! Harvard& and !e.s !ad about every advanta)e t!at a #ellow 'ould!ave+ Been everyw!ere& and tal(s !al# a do4en lan)ua)es li(e En)lis!+ I suose !e.s )ot "oney

enou)! to live wit!out li#tin) a !and& any "ore t!an !is #at!er does2 son o# Bro"#ield Corey& you(now+ But t!e t!in) was in !i"+ He.s a natural-born business "an2 and I.ve !ad "any a #ellow

wit! "e t!at !ad 'o"e u out o# t!e street& and wor(ed !ard all !is li#e& wit!out ever losin) !is

ori)inal oosition to t!e t!in)+ But Corey li(es it+ I believe t!e #ellow would li(e to sti'( at t!at

des( o# !is ni)!t and day+ I don.t (now w!ere !e )ot it+ I )uess it "ust be !is )rand#at!er& oldP!illis Corey2 it o#ten s(is a )eneration& you (now+ But w!at I say is& a t!in) !as )ot to be born

in a "an2 and i# it ain.t born in !i"& all t!e rivations in t!e world won.t ut it t!ere& and i# it is&

all t!e 'olle)e trainin) won.t ta(e it out+$

So"eti"es La!a" advan'ed t!ese ideas at !is own table& to a )uest w!o" !e !ad brou)!t to Nantas(et #or t!e ni)!t+ T!en !e su##ered e7osure and ridi'ule at t!e !ands o# !is wi#e& w!en

oortunity o##ered+ S!e would not let !i" brin) Corey down to Nantas(et at all+

$No& indeed,$ s!e said+ $I a" not )oin) to !ave t!e" t!in( we.re runnin) a#ter !i"+ I# !e wantsto see Irene& !e 'an #ind out ways o# doin) it #or !i"sel#+$

$W!o wants !i" to see Irene/$ retorted t!e Colonel an)rily+



T!e youn) "an de'ided t!e oint wit! aarently suer#luous deli'a'y+ $6ibbon& I t!in(+$

$T!ere used to be so "any o# t!e"&$ said Irene )aily+ $I used to )et t!e" "i7ed u wit! ea'!

ot!er& and I 'ouldn.t tell t!e" #ro" t!e oets+ S!ould you want to !ave oetry/$

$0es2 I suose so"e edition o# t!e En)lis! oets+$

$We don.t any o# us li(e oetry+ 1o you li(e it/$

$I." a#raid I don.t very "u'!&$ Corey owned+ $But& o# 'ourse& t!ere was a ti"e w!en Tennyson

was a )reat deal "ore to "e t!an !e is now+$

$We !ad so"et!in) about !i" at s'!ool too+ I t!in( I re"e"ber t!e na"e+ I t!in( we ou)!t to

!ave ALL t!e A"eri'an oets+$

$Well& not all+ ive or si7 o# t!e best8 you want Lon)#ellow and Bryant and W!ittier and Hol"es

and E"erson and Lowell+$

T!e )irl listened attentively& as i# "a(in) "ental note o# t!e na"es+

$And S!a(eseare&$ s!e added+ $1on.t you li(e S!a(eseare.s lays/$

$5! yes& very "u'!+$

$I used to be er#e'tly 'ra4y about !is lays+ 1on.t you t!in( .Ha"let. is slendid/ We !ad everso "u'! about S!a(eseare+ Weren.t you er#e'tly astonis!ed w!en you #ound out !ow "any

ot!er lays o# !is t!ere were/ I always t!ou)!t t!ere was not!in) but .Ha"let. and .Ro"eo and

@uliet. and .%a'bet!. and .Ri'!ard III+. and .?in) Lear&. and t!at one t!at Robeson and Crane!ave--o! yes, .Co"edy o# Errors+.$

$T!ose are t!e ones t!ey usually lay&$ said Corey+

$I resu"e we s!all !ave to !ave S'ott.s wor(s&$ said Irene& returnin) to t!e 3uestion o# boo(s+

$5! yes+$

$5ne o# t!e )irls used to t!in( !e was 6REAT+ S!e was always tal(in) about S'ott+$ Irene "ade

a retty little a"iably 'onte"tuous "out!+ $He isn.t A"eri'an& t!ou)!/$ s!e su))ested+

$No&$ said Corey2 $!e.s S'ot'!& I believe+$

Irene assed !er )love over !er #ore!ead+ $I always )et !i" "i7ed u wit! Cooer+ Well& aa

!as )ot to )et t!e"+ I# we !ave a library& we !ave )ot to !ave boo(s in it+ Pen says it.s er#e'tly

ridi'ulous !avin) one+ But aa t!in(s w!atever t!e ar'!ite't says is ri)!t+ He #ou)!t !i" !ardenou)! at #irst+ I don.t see !ow any one 'an (ee t!e oets and t!e !istorians and novelists



searate in t!eir "ind+ 5# 'ourse aa will buy t!e" i# we say so+ But I don.t see !ow I." ever

)oin) to tell !i" w!i'! ones+$ T!e *oyous li)!t #aded out o# !er #a'e and le#t it ensive+

$W!y& i# you li(e&$ said t!e youn) "an& ta(in) out !is en'il& $I.ll ut down t!e na"es we.ve been tal(in) about+$

He 'laed !i"sel# on !is breast o'(ets to dete't so"e lur(in) s'ra o# aer+

$Will you/$ s!e 'ried deli)!tedly+ $Here, ta(e one o# "y 'ards&$ and s!e ulled out !er 'ard-

'ase+ $T!e 'arenter writes on a t!ree-'ornered blo'( and uts it into !is o'(et& and it.s so

un'o"#ortable !e 'an.t !el re"e"berin) it+ Pen says s!e.s )oin) to adot t!e t!ree-'ornered- blo'( lan wit! aa+$

$T!an( you&$ said Corey+ $I believe I.ll use your 'ard+$ He 'rossed over to !er& and a#ter a

"o"ent sat down on t!e trestle beside !er+ S!e loo(ed over t!e 'ard as !e wrote+ $T!ose are t!e

ones we "entioned& but er!as I.d better add a #ew ot!ers+$

$5!& t!an( you&$ s!e said& w!en !e !ad written t!e 'ard #ull on bot! sides+ $He !as )ot to )et

t!e" in t!e ni'est bindin)& too+ I s!all tell !i" about t!eir !elin) to #urnis! t!e roo"& and t!en

!e 'an.t ob*e't+$ S!e re"ained wit! t!e 'ard& loo(in) at it rat!er wist#ully+

Per!as Corey divined !er trouble o# "ind+ $I# !e will ta(e t!at to any boo(seller& and tell !i"w!at bindin)s !e wants& !e will #ill t!e order #or !i"+$

$5!& t!an( you very "u'!&$ s!e said& and ut t!e 'ard ba'( into !er 'ard-'ase wit! )reat

aarent relie#+ T!en s!e turned !er lovely #a'e toward t!e youn) "an& bea"in) wit! t!e triu"!

a wo"an #eels in any bit o# su''ess#ul "anoeuvrin)& and be)an to tal( wit! re'overed )aiety o#

ot!er t!in)s& as i#& !avin) )ot rid o# a "atter annoyin) out o# all roortion to its i"ortan'e& s!ewas now )oin) to inde"ni#y !ersel#+

Corey did not return to !is own trestle+ S!e #ound anot!er s!avin) wit!in rea'! o# !er arasol&

and be)an o(in) t!at wit! it& and tryin) to #ollow it t!rou)! its #olds+ Corey wat'!ed !er aw!ile+

$0ou see" to !ave a )reat assion #or layin) wit! s!avin)s&$ !e said+ $Is it a new one/$

$New w!at/$

$Passion+$

$I don.t (now&$ s!e said& droin) !er eyelids& and (eein) on wit! !er e##ort+ S!e loo(ed s!ylyaslant at !i"+ $Per!as you don.t arove o# layin) wit! s!avin)s/$

$5! yes& I do+ I ad"ire it very "u'!+ But it see"s rat!er di##i'ult+ I.ve a )reat a"bition to ut "y

#oot on t!e s!avin).s tail and !old it #or you+$



$Well&$ said t!e )irl+

$T!an( you&$ said t!e youn) "an+ He did so& and now s!e ran !er arasol oint easily t!rou)! it+

T!ey loo(ed at ea'! ot!er and lau)!ed+ $T!at was wonder#ul+ Would you li(e to try anot!er/$ !eas(ed+

$No& I t!an( you&$ s!e relied+ $I t!in( one will do+$

T!ey bot! lau)!ed a)ain& #or w!atever reason or no reason& and t!en t!e youn) )irl be'a"e

sober+ To a )irl everyt!in) a youn) "an does is o# si)ni#i'an'e2 and i# !e !olds a s!avin) down

wit! !is #oot w!ile s!e o(es t!rou)! it wit! !er arasol& s!e "ust as( !ersel# w!at !e "eans byit+

$T!ey see" to be !avin) rat!er a lon) interview wit! t!e 'arenter to-day&$ said Irene& loo(in)

va)uely toward t!e 'eilin)+ S!e turned wit! olite 'ere"ony to Corey+ $I." a#raid you.re lettin)

t!e" (ee you+ 0ou "ustn.t+$

$5! no+ 0ou.re lettin) "e stay&$ !e returned+

S!e bridled and bit !er li #or leasure+ $I resu"e t!ey will be down be#ore a )reat w!ile+ 1on.t

you li(e t!e s"ell o# t!e wood and t!e "ortar/ It.s so #res!+$

$0es& it.s deli'ious+$ He bent #orward and i'(ed u #ro" t!e #loor t!e s!avin) wit! w!i'! t!ey

!ad been layin)& and ut it to !is nose+ $It.s li(e a #lower+ %ay I o##er it to you/$ !e as(ed& as i#it !ad been one+

$5!& t!an( you& t!an( you,$ S!e too( it #ro" !i" and ut it into !er belt& and t!en t!ey bot!

lau)!ed on'e "ore+

Stes were !eard des'endin)+ W!en t!e elder eole rea'!ed t!e #loor w!ere t!ey were sittin)&Corey rose and resently too( !is leave+

$W!at "a(es you so sole"n& .Rene/$ as(ed %rs+ La!a"+

$Sole"n/$ e'!oed t!e )irl+ $I." not a BIT sole"n+ W!at CAN you "ean/$

Corey dined at !o"e t!at evenin)& and as !e sat loo(in) a'ross t!e table at !is #at!er& !e said& $I

wonder w!at t!e avera)e literature o# non-'ultivated eole is+$

$A!&$ said t!e elder& $I suse't t!e avera)e is retty low even wit! 'ultivated eole+ 0ou don.t

read a )reat "any boo(s yoursel#& To"+$

$No& I don.t&$ t!e youn) "an 'on#essed+ $I read "ore boo(s w!en I was wit! Stanton& last winter&

t!an I !ad sin'e I was a boy+ But I read t!e" be'ause I "ust--t!ere was not!in) else to do+ Itwasn.t be'ause I was #ond o# readin)+ Still I t!in( I read wit! so"e sense o# literature and t!e

di##eren'e between aut!ors+ I don.t suose t!at eole )enerally do t!at2 I !ave "et eole w!o



!ad read boo(s wit!out troublin) t!e"selves to #ind out even t!e aut!or.s na"e& "u'! less tryin)

to de'ide uon !is 3uality+ I suose t!at.s t!e way t!e vast "a*ority o# eole read+$

$0es+ I# aut!ors were not al"ost ne'essarily re'luses& and i)norant o# t!e i)noran'e about t!e"& Idon.t see !ow t!ey 'ould endure it+ 5# 'ourse t!ey are #ated to be overw!el"ed by oblivion at

last& oor #ellows2 but to see it welterin) all round t!e" w!ile t!ey are in t!e very a't o#a'!ievin) i""ortality "ust be tre"endously dis'oura)in)+ I don.t suose t!at we w!o !ave t!e

!abit o# readin)& and at least a noddin) a'3uaintan'e wit! literature& 'an i"a)ine t!e bestialdar(ness o# t!e )reat "ass o# eole--even eole w!ose !ouses are ri'! and w!ose linen is

urle and #ine+ But o''asionally we )et )li"ses o# it+ I suose you #ound t!e latest

ubli'ations lyin) all about in La!a" 'otta)e w!en you were down t!ere/$

0oun) Corey lau)!ed+ $It wasn.t e7a'tly 'u"bered wit! t!e"+$

$No/$

$To tell t!e trut!& I don.t suose t!ey ever buy boo(s+ T!e youn) ladies )et novels t!at t!ey !ear tal(ed o# out o# t!e 'ir'ulatin) library+$

$Had t!ey (nowled)e enou)! to be as!a"ed o# t!eir i)noran'e/$

$0es& in 'ertain ways--to a 'ertain de)ree+$

$It.s a 'urious t!in)& t!is t!in) we 'all 'ivilisation&$ said t!e elder "usin)ly+ $We t!in( it is ana##air o# eo'!s and o# nations+ It.s really an a##air o# individuals+ 5ne brot!er will be 'ivilised

and t!e ot!er a barbarian+ I.ve o''asionally "et youn) )irls w!o were so brutally& insolently&

wil#ully indi##erent to t!e arts w!i'! "a(e 'ivilisation t!at t!ey ou)!t to !ave been 'lot!ed in t!e

s(ins o# wild beasts and )one about bare#oot wit! 'lubs over t!eir s!oulders+ 0et t!ey were o# olite ori)in& and t!eir arents were at least rese't#ul o# t!e t!in)s t!at t!ese youn) ani"als

desised+$

$I don.t t!in( t!at is e7a'tly t!e 'ase wit! t!e La!a" #a"ily&$ said t!e son& s"ilin)+ $T!e #at!erand "ot!er rat!er aolo)ised about not )ettin) ti"e to read& and t!e youn) ladies by no "eans

s'orned it+$

$T!ey are 3uite advan'ed,$

$T!ey are )oin) to !ave a library in t!eir Bea'on Street !ouse+$

$5!& oor t!in)s, How are t!ey ever )oin) to )et t!e boo(s to)et!er/$

$Well& sir&$ said t!e son& 'olourin) a little& $I !ave been indire'tly alied to #or !el+$

$0ou& To",$ His #at!er droed ba'( in !is '!air and lau)!ed+

$I re'o""ended t!e standard aut!ors&$ said t!e son+



$5!& I never suosed your PR>1ENCE would be at #ault& To",$

$But seriously&$ said t!e youn) "an& )enerously s"ilin) in sy"at!y wit! !is #at!er.s en*oy"ent&

$t!ey.re not unintelli)ent eole+ T!ey are very 3ui'(& and t!ey are s!rewd and sensible+$

$I !ave no doubt t!at so"e o# t!e Siou7 are so+ But t!at is not sayin) t!at t!ey are 'ivilised+ All'ivilisation 'o"es t!rou)! literature now& ese'ially in our 'ountry+ A 6ree( )ot !is 'ivilisation

by tal(in) and loo(in)& and in so"e "easure a Parisian "ay still do it+ But we& w!o live re"ote

#ro" !istory and "onu"ents& we "ust read or we "ust barbarise+ 5n'e we were so#tened& i# not olis!ed& by reli)ion2 but I suse't t!at t!e ulit 'ounts #or "u'! less now in 'ivilisin)+$

$T!ey.re enor"ous devourers o# newsaers& and t!eatre-)oers2 and t!ey )o a )reat deal to

le'tures+ T!e Colonel re#ers t!e" wit! t!e stereoti'on+$

$T!ey "i)!t )et a so"et!in) in t!at way&$ said t!e elder t!ou)!t#ully+ $0es& I suose one "ust

ta(e t!ose t!in)s into a''ount--ese'ially t!e newsaers and t!e le'tures+ I doubt i# t!e t!eatre

is a #a'tor in 'ivilisation a"on) us+ I dare say it doesn.t derave a )reat deal& but #ro" w!at I.veseen o# it I s!ould say t!at it was intelle'tually de)radin)+ Per!as t!ey "i)!t )et so"e sort o#

li#t #ro" it2 I don.t (now+ To",$ !e added& a#ter a "o"ent.s re#le'tion+ $I really t!in( I ou)!t tosee t!is atron o# yours+ 1on.t you t!in( it would be rat!er de'ent in "e to "a(e !is

a'3uaintan'e/$

$Well& i# you !ave t!e #an'y& sir&$ said t!e youn) "an+ $But t!ere.s no sort o# obli)ation+ Colonel

La!a" would be t!e last "an in t!e world to want to )ive our relation any sort o# so'ial'!ara'ter+ T!e "eetin) will 'o"e about in t!e natural 'ourse o# t!in)s+$

$A!& I didn.t intend to roose anyt!in) i""ediate&$ said t!e #at!er+ $5ne 'an.t do anyt!in) in

t!e su""er& and I s!ould re#er your "ot!er.s suerintenden'e+ Still& I 'an.t rid "ysel# o# t!eidea o# a dinner+ It aears to "e t!at t!ere ou)!t to be a dinner+$

$5!& ray don.t #eel t!at t!ere.s any ne'essity+$

$Well&$ said t!e elder& wit! easy resi)nation& $t!ere.s at least no !urry+$

$T!ere is one t!in) I don.t li(e&$ said La!a"& in t!e 'ourse o# one o# t!ose tal(s w!i'! 'a"e u

between !is wi#e and !i"sel# 'on'ernin) Corey& $or at least I don.t understand it2 and t!at.s t!e

way !is #at!er be!aves+ I don.t want to #or'e "ysel# on any "an2 but it see"s to "e retty 3ueert!e way !e !olds o##+ I s!ould t!in( !e would ta(e enou)! interest in !is son to want to (now

so"et!in) about !is business+ W!at is !e a#raid o#/$ de"anded La!a" an)rily+ $1oes !e t!in(I." )oin) to *u" at a '!an'e to )et in wit! !i"& i# !e )ives "e one/ He.s "i)!tily "ista(en i#

!e does+ I don.t want to (now !i"+$



$0ou wret'!, I will 6IVE it to you, No& at a roer distan'e+ And !ere was t!is s!avin) on t!e

#loor& t!at I.d been o(in) wit! "y arasol----$

$To !ide your e"barrass"ent+$

$Ps!aw, I wasn.t a bit e"barrassed+ I was *ust as "u'! at "y ease, And t!en !e as(ed "e to let!i" !old t!e s!avin) down wit! !is #oot& w!ile I went on wit! "y o(in)+ And I said yes !e

"i)!t----$

$W!at a bold )irl, 0ou said !e "i)!t !old a s!avin) down #or you/$

$And t!en--and t!en----$ 'ontinued Irene& li#tin) !er eyes absently& and losin) !ersel# in t!e beati#i' re'olle'tion& $and t!en----5! yes, T!en I as(ed !i" i# !e didn.t li(e t!e s"ell o# ine

s!avin)s+ And t!en !e i'(ed it u& and said it s"elt li(e a #lower+ And t!en !e as(ed i# !e "i)!t

o##er it to "e--*ust #or a *o(e& you (now+ And I too( it& and stu'( it in "y belt+ And we !ad su'! a

lau)!, We )ot into a re)ular )ale+ And 5 Pen& w!at do you suose !e "eant by it/$ S!e

suddenly 'au)!t !ersel# to !er sister.s breast& and !id !er burnin) #a'e on !er s!oulder+

$Well& t!ere used to be a boo( about t!e lan)ua)e o# #lowers+ But I never (new "u'! about t!e

lan)ua)e o# s!avin)s& and I 'an.t say e7a'tly----$

$5!& don.t--15N.T& Pen,$ and !ere Irene )ave over lau)!in)& and be)an to sob in !er sister.sar"s+

$W!y& .Rene,$ 'ried t!e elder )irl+

$0ou ?N5W !e didn.t "ean anyt!in)+ He doesn.t 'are a bit about "e+ He !ates "e, He desises

"e, 5!& w!at s!all I do/$

A trouble assed over t!e #a'e o# t!e sister as s!e silently 'o"#orted t!e '!ild in !er ar"s2 t!ent!e drollin) li)!t 'a"e ba'( into !er eyes+ $Well& .Rene& 05> !aven.t )ot to do AN0t!in)+ T!at.s

one advanta)e )irls !ave )ot--i# it IS an advanta)e+ I." not always sure+$

Irene.s tears turned to lau)!in) a)ain+ W!en s!e li#ted !er !ead it was to loo( into t!e "irror

'on#rontin) t!e"& w!ere !er beauty s!owed all t!e "ore brilliant #or t!e s!ower t!at !ad assedover it+ S!e see"ed to )at!er 'oura)e #ro" t!e si)!t+

$It "ust be aw#ul to !ave to 15&$ s!e said& s"ilin) into !er own #a'e+ $I don.t see !ow t!ey ever

'an+$

$So"e o# .e" 'an.t--ese'ially w!en t!ere.s su'! a tearin) beauty around+$

$5!& s!aw& Pen, you (now t!at isn.t so+ 0ou.ve )ot a real retty "out!& Pen&$ s!e addedt!ou)!t#ully& surveyin) t!e #eature in t!e )lass& and t!en outin) !er own lis #or t!e sa(e o# t!at

e##e't on t!e"+



$It.s a use#ul "out!&$ Peneloe ad"itted2 $I don.t believe I 'ould )et alon) wit!out it now& I.ve

!ad it so lon)+$

$It.s )ot su'! a #unny e7ression--*ust t!e "ate o# t!e loo( in your eyes2 as i# you were *ust )oin)to say so"et!in) ridi'ulous+ He said& t!e very #irst ti"e !e saw you& t!at !e (new you were

!u"orous+$

$Is it ossible/ It "ust be so& i# t!e 6rand %o)ul said it+ W!y didn.t you tell "e so be#ore& and

not let "e (ee on )oin) round *ust li(e a 'o""on erson/$

Irene lau)!ed as i# s!e li(ed to !ave !er sister ta(e !is raises in t!at way rat!er t!an anot!er+

$I.ve )ot su'! a sti##& ri" (ind o# "out!&$ s!e said& drawin) it down& and t!en loo(in) an7iously

at it+

$I !oe you didn.t ut on t!at e7ression w!en !e o##ered you t!e s!avin)+ I# you did& I don.t

believe !e.ll ever )ive you anot!er slinter+$

T!e severe "out! bro(e into a lovely lau)!& and t!en ressed itsel# in a (iss a)ainst Peneloe.s'!ee(+

$T!ere, Be done& you silly t!in), I." not )oin) to !ave you a''etin) %E be#ore I.ve o##ered

"ysel#& AN0WA0+$ S!e #reed !ersel# #ro" !er sister.s e"bra'e& and ran #ro" !er round t!e

roo"+

Irene ursued !er& in t!e need o# !idin) !er #a'e a)ainst !er s!oulder a)ain+ $5 Pen, 5 Pen,$ s!e

'ried+

T!e ne7t day& at t!e #irst "o"ent o# #indin) !ersel# alone wit! !er eldest dau)!ter& %rs+ La!a"as(ed& as i# (nowin) t!at Peneloe "ust !ave already "ade it sub*e't o# in3uiry8 $W!at was

Irene doin) wit! t!at s!avin) in !er belt yesterday/$

$5!& *ust so"e nonsense o# !ers wit! %r+ Corey+ He )ave it to !er at t!e new !ouse+$ Peneloe

did not '!oose to loo( u and "eet !er "ot!er.s )rave )lan'e+

$W!at do you t!in( !e "eant by it/$

Peneloe reeated Irene.s a''ount o# t!e a##air& and !er "ot!er listened wit!out see"in) to

derive "u'! en'oura)e"ent #ro" it+

$He doesn.t see" li(e one to #lirt wit! !er&$ s!e said at last+ T!en& a#ter a t!ou)!t#ul ause8 $Irene

is as )ood a )irl as ever breat!ed& and s!e.s a er#e't beauty+ But I s!ould !ate t!e day w!en adau)!ter o# "ine was "arried #or !er beauty+$



$0ou.re sa#e as #ar as I." 'on'erned& "ot!er+$

%rs+ La!a" s"iled rue#ully+ $S!e isn.t really e3ual to !i"& Pen+ I "isdoubted t!at #ro" t!e #irst&

and it.s been borne in uon "e "ore and "ore ever sin'e+ S!e !asn.t "ind enou)!+$ $I didn.t(now t!at a "an #ell in love wit! a )irl.s intelle't&$ said Peneloe 3uietly+

$5! no+ He !asn.t #allen in love wit! Irene at all+ I# !e !ad& it wouldn.t "atter about t!e intelle't+$

Peneloe let t!e sel#-'ontradi'tion ass+

$Per!as !e !as& a#ter all+$

$No&$ said %rs+ La!a"+ $S!e leases !i" w!en !e sees !er+ But !e doesn.t try to see !er+$

$He !as no '!an'e+ 0ou won.t let #at!er brin) !i" !ere+$

$He would #ind e7'uses to 'o"e wit!out bein) brou)!t& i# !e wis!ed to 'o"e&$ said t!e "ot!er+$But s!e isn.t in !is "ind enou)! to "a(e !i"+ He )oes away and doesn.t t!in( anyt!in) "ore

about !er+ S!e.s a '!ild+ S!e.s a )ood '!ild& and I s!all always say it2 but s!e.s not!in) but a

'!ild+ No& s!e.s )ot to #or)et !i"+$

$Per!as t!at won.t be so easy+$

$No& I resu"e not+ And now your #at!er !as )ot t!e notion in !is !ead& and !e will "ove !eaven

and eart! to brin) it to ass+ I 'an see t!at !e.s always t!in(in) about it+$

$T!e Colonel !as a will o# !is own&$ observed t!e )irl& ro'(in) to and #ro w!ere s!e sat loo(in)

at !er "ot!er+

$I wis! we !ad never "et t!e",$ 'ried %rs+ La!a"+ $I wis! we !ad never t!ou)!t o# buildin), Iwis! !e !ad (et away #ro" your #at!er.s business,$

$Well& it.s too late now& "ot!er&$ said t!e )irl+ $Per!as it isn.t so bad as you t!in(+$

$Well& we "ust stand it& anyway&$ said %rs+ La!a"& wit! t!e )ri" anti3ue 0an(ee sub"ission+

$5! yes& we.ve )ot to stand it&$ said Peneloe& wit! t!e 3uaint "odern A"eri'an #atalis"+

X.

IT was late @une& al"ost @uly& w!en Corey too( u !is li#e in Boston a)ain& w!ere t!e su""erslis away so easily+ I# you )o out o# town early& it see"s a very lon) su""er w!en you 'o"e

ba'( in 5'tober2 but i# you stay& it asses swi#tly& and& seen #ores!ortened in its #li)!t& see"s



and w!i'!& w!en t!ey !ad dwelt uon t!e"& "ade !i" see" !ardly wort! t!e 'lose in3uiry t!ey

!ad )iven !i"+

W!ile t!e su""er wore away !e 'a"e and went "et!odi'ally about !is business& as i# it !ad been t!e business o# !is li#e& s!arin) !is #at!er.s ba'!elor liberty and solitude& and e7e'tin) wit!

e3ual atien'e t!e return o# !is "ot!er and sisters in t!e autu"n+ 5n'e or twi'e !e #ound ti"e torun down to %t+ 1esert and see t!e"2 and t!en !e !eard !ow t!e P!iladel!ia and New 0or(

eole were )ettin) in everyw!ere& and was )iven reason to re)ret t!e !ouse at Na!ant w!i'! !e!ad ur)ed to be sold+ He 'a"e ba'( and alied !i"sel# to !is des( wit! a devotion t!at was

e7e"lary rat!er t!an ne'essary2 #or La!a" "ade no di##i'ulty about t!e brie# absen'es w!i'!

!e as(ed& and set no ter" to t!e arenti'es!i t!at Corey was servin) in t!e o##i'e be#ore settin)o## uon t!at "ission to Sout! A"eri'a in t!e early winter& #or w!i'! no date !ad yet been #i7ed+

T!e su""er was a dull season #or t!e aint as well as #or everyt!in) else+ Till t!in)s s!ould

bris( u& as La!a" said& in t!e #all& !e was lettin) t!e new !ouse ta(e a )reat deal o# !is ti"e+

AEst!eti' ideas !ad never been intelli)ibly resented to !i" be#ore& and !e #ound a deli)!t in

are!endin) t!e" t!at was very )rate#ul to !is i"a)inative ar'!ite't+ At t!e be)innin)& t!ear'!ite't !ad #oreboded a series o# "orti#yin) de#eats and disastrous vi'tories in !is en'ounters

wit! !is 'lient2 but !e !ad never !ad a 'lient w!o 'ould be "ore reasonably led on #ro" oneoutlay to anot!er+ It aeared t!at La!a" re3uired but to understand or #eel t!e beauti#ul e##e't

intended& and !e was ready to ay #or it+ His bull-!eaded ride was 'on'erned in a t!in) w!i'!

t!e ar'!ite't "ade !i" see& and t!en !e believed t!at !e !ad seen it !i"sel#& er!as 'on'eivedit+ In so"e "easure t!e ar'!ite't see"ed to s!are !is delusion& and #reely said t!at La!a" was

very su))estive+ To)et!er t!ey blo'(ed out windows !ere& and bri'(ed t!e" u t!ere2 t!ey

'!an)ed doors and assa)es2 ulled down 'orni'es and rela'ed t!e" wit! ot!ers o# di##erent

desi)n2 e7eri"ented wit! 'ostly devi'es o# de'oration& and went to e7trava)ant len)t!s innovelties o# #inis!+ %rs+ La!a"& be)innin) wit! a wo"an.s adventurousness in t!e un(nown

re)ion& too( #ri)!t at t!e re'(less outlay at last& and re#used to let !er !usband ass a 'ertainli"it+ He tried to "a(e !er believe t!at a #ar-seein) e'ono"y di'tated t!e e7ense2 and t!at i# !e ut t!e "oney into t!e !ouse& !e 'ould )et it out any ti"e by sellin) it+ S!e would not be

ersuaded+

$I don.t want you s!ould sell it+ And you.ve ut "ore "oney into it now t!an you.ll ever )et out

a)ain& unless you 'an #ind as bi) a )oose to buy it& and t!at isn.t li(ely+ No& sir, 0ou *ust sto at a!undred t!ousand& and don.t you let !i" )et you a 'ent beyond+ W!y& you.re er#e'tly bewit'!ed

wit! t!at #ellow, 0ou.ve lost your !ead& Silas La!a"& and i# you don.t loo( out you.ll lose your

"oney too+$

T!e Colonel lau)!ed2 !e li(ed !er to tal( t!at way& and ro"ised !e would !old u a w!ile+

$But t!ere.s no 'all to #eel an7ious& Pert+ It.s only a 3uestion w!at to do wit! t!e "oney+ I 'an

reinvest it2 but I never !ad so "u'! o# it to send be#ore+$

$Send it& t!en&$ said !is wi#e2 $don.t t!row it away, And !ow 'a"e you to !ave so "u'! "ore

"oney t!an you (now w!at to do wit!& Silas La!a"/$ s!e added+



$I )uess you wouldn.t want to *o(e on t!at sub*e't& Si&$ s!e said& a little !oarsely& $and you

wouldn.t )rin about it unless you !ad so"e )ood news+ I don.t (now w!at t!e "ira'le is& but i#

you 'ould tell 3ui'(----$

S!e stoed li(e one w!o 'an say no "ore+

$I will& Persis&$ said !er !usband& and wit! t!at awed tone in w!i'! !e rarely so(e o# anyt!in)

but t!e virtues o# !is aint+ $He 'a"e to borrow "oney o# "e& and I lent !i" it+ T!at.s t!e s!ort

o# it+ T!e lon)----$

$6o on&$ said !is wi#e& wit! )entle atien'e+

$Well& Pert& I was never so "u'! astonis!ed in "y li#e as I was to see t!at "an 'o"e into "y

o##i'e+ 0ou "i)!t !ave (no'(ed "e down wit!--I don.t (now w!at+$

$I don.t wonder+ 6o on,$

$And !e was as "u'! e"barrassed as I was+ T!ere we stood& )ain) at ea'! ot!er& and I !adn.t

!ardly sense enou)! to as( !i" to ta(e a '!air+ I don.t (now *ust !ow we )ot at it+ And I don.tre"e"ber *ust !ow it was t!at !e said !e 'a"e to 'o"e to "e+ But !e !ad )ot !old o# a atent

ri)!t t!at !e wanted to )o into on a lar)e s'ale& and t!ere !e was wantin) "e to suly !i" t!e

#unds+$

$6o on,$ said %rs+ La!a"& wit! !er voi'e #urt!er in !er t!roat+

$I never #elt t!e way you did about Ro)ers& but I (now !ow you always did #eel& and I )uess I

surrised !i" wit! "y answer+ He !ad brou)!t alon) a lot o# sto'( as se'urity----$

$0ou didn.t ta(e it& Silas,$ !is wi#e #las!ed out+

$0es& I did& t!ou)!&$ said La!a"+ $0ou wait+ We settled our business& and t!en we went into t!eold t!in)& #ro" t!e very start+ And we tal(ed it all over+ And w!en we )ot t!rou)! we s!oo(

!ands+ Well& I don.t (now w!en it.s done "e so "u'! )ood to s!a(e !ands wit! anybody+$

$And you told !i"--you owned u to !i" t!at you were in t!e wron)& Silas/$

$No& I didn.t&$ returned t!e Colonel ro"tly2 $#or I wasn.t+ And be#ore we )ot t!rou)!& I )uess

!e saw it t!e sa"e as I did+$

$5!& no "atter, so you !ad t!e '!an'e to s!ow !ow you #elt+$

$But I never #elt t!at way&$ ersisted t!e Colonel+ $I.ve lent !i" t!e "oney& and I.ve (et !is

sto'(s+ And !e )ot w!at !e wanted out o# "e+$

$6ive !i" ba'( !is sto'(s,$



!ad a'ted toward Ro)ers !ad wea(ened !i"& and le#t !i" less able to over'o"e any te"tation

t!at "i)!t beset !i"2 and t!at was one reason w!y s!e 'ould never be easy about it+ Now s!e

s!ould never #ear #or !i" a)ain+

T!is ti"e !e did not e7li'itly deny !er #or)ivin) i"ea'!"ent+ $Well& it.s all ast and )one now&

anyway2 and I don.t want you s!ould t!in( anyt!in) "ore about it+$

He was "an enou)! to ta(e advanta)e o# t!e !i)! #avour in w!i'! !e stood w!en !e went u to

town& and to abuse it by brin)in) Corey down to suer+ His wi#e 'ould not !el 'ondonin) t!esin o# disobedien'e in !i" at su'! a ti"e+ Peneloe said t!at between t!e ad"iration s!e #elt #or

t!e Colonel.s boldness and !er "ot!er.s #orbearan'e& s!e was !ardly in a state to entertain

'o"any t!at evenin)2 but s!e did w!at s!e 'ould+

Irene li(ed bein) tal(ed to better t!an tal(in)& and w!en !er sister was by s!e was always& ta'itlyor e7li'itly& re#errin) to !er #or 'on#ir"ation o# w!at s!e said+ S!e was 'ontent to sit and loo(

retty as s!e loo(ed at t!e youn) "an and listened to !er sister.s drollin)+ S!e lau)!ed and (et

)lan'in) at Corey to "a(e sure t!at !e was understandin) !er+ W!en t!ey went out on t!everanda to see t!e "oon on t!e water& Peneloe led t!e way and Irene #ollowed+

T!ey did not loo( at t!e "oonli)!t lon)+ T!e youn) "an er'!ed on t!e rail o# t!e veranda& and

Irene too( one o# t!e red-ainted ro'(in)-'!airs w!ere s!e 'ould 'onveniently loo( at !i" and at

!er sister& w!o sat leanin) #orward la4ily and runnin) on& as t!e !rase is+ T!at low& 'roonin)note o# !ers was deli'ious2 !er #a'e& )li"sed now and t!en in t!e "oonli)!t as s!e turned it or

li#ted it a little& !ad a #as'ination w!i'! (et !is eye+ Her tal( was very unliterary& and its e##e't

see"ed !ardly 'ons'ious+ S!e was #ar #ro" ei)ra" in !er #unnin)+ S!e told o# t!is tri#le andt!at2 s!e s(et'!ed t!e '!ara'ters and loo(s o# eole w!o !ad interested !er& and not!in) see"ed

to !ave es'aed !er noti'e2 s!e "i"i'(ed a little& but not "u'!2 s!e su))ested& and t!en t!e

a##air reresented itsel# as i# wit!out !er a)en'y+ S!e did not lau)!2 w!en Corey stoed s!e"ade a so#t 'lu'( in !er t!roat& as i# s!e li(ed !is bein) a"used& and went on a)ain+

T!e Colonel& le#t alone wit! !is wi#e #or t!e #irst ti"e sin'e !e !ad 'o"e #ro" town& "ade !aste

to ta(e t!e word+ $Well& Pert& I.ve arran)ed t!e w!ole t!in) wit! Ro)ers& and I !oe you.ll be

satis#ied to (now t!at !e owes "e twenty t!ousand dollars& and t!at I.ve )ot se'urity #ro" !i" to

t!e a"ount o# a #ourt! o# t!at& i# I was to #or'e !is sto'(s to a sale+$

$How 'a"e !e to 'o"e down wit! you/$ as(ed %rs+ La!a"+

$W!o/ Ro)ers/$

$%r+ Corey+$

$Corey/ 5!,$ said La!a"& a##e'tin) not to !ave t!ou)!t s!e 'ould "ean Corey+ $He roosed

it+$

$Li(ely,$ *eered !is wi#e& but wit! er#e't a"iability+



$It.s so&$ rotested t!e Colonel+ $We )ot tal(in) about a "atter *ust be#ore I le#t& and !e wal(ed

down to t!e boat wit! "e2 and t!en !e said i# I didn.t "ind !e )uessed !e.d 'o"e alon) down and

)o ba'( on t!e return boat+ 5# 'ourse I 'ouldn.t let !i" do t!at+$

$It.s well #or you you 'ouldn.t+$

$And I 'ouldn.t do less t!an brin) !i" !ere to tea+$

$5!& 'ertainly not+$

$But !e ain.t )oin) to stay t!e ni)!t--unless&$ #altered La!a"& $you want !i" to+$

$5!& o# 'ourse& I want !i" to, I )uess !e.ll stay& robably+$

$Well& you (now !ow 'rowded t!at last boat always is& and !e 'an.t )et any ot!er now+$

%rs+ La!a" lau)!ed at t!e si"le wile+ $I !oe you.ll be *ust as well satis#ied& Si& i# it turns out!e doesn.t want Irene a#ter all+$

$Ps!aw& Persis, W!at are you always brin)in) t!at u #or/$ leaded t!e Colonel+ T!en !e #ell

silent& and resently !is rude& stron) #a'e was 'louded wit! an un'ons'ious #rown+

$T!ere,$ 'ried !is wi#e& startlin) !i" #ro" !is abstra'tion+ $I see !ow you.d #eel2 and I !oe t!atyou.ll re"e"ber w!o you.ve )ot to bla"e+$

$I.ll ris( it&$ said La!a"& wit! t!e 'on#iden'e o# a "an used to su''ess+

ro" t!e veranda t!e sound o# Peneloe.s la4y tone 'a"e t!rou)! t!e 'losed windows& wit! *oyous lau)!ter #ro" Irene and eals #ro" Corey+

$Listen to t!at,$ said !er #at!er wit!in& swellin) u wit! ine7ressible satis#a'tion+ $T!at )irl 'antal( #or twenty& ri)!t strai)!t alon)+ S!e.s better t!an a 'ir'us any day+ I wonder w!at s!e.s u to

now+$

$5!& s!e.s robably )ettin) o## so"e o# t!ose yarns o# !ers& or tellin) about so"e eole+ S!e

'an.t ste out o# t!e !ouse wit!out 'o"in) ba'( wit! "ore t!in)s to tal( about t!an "ost #ol(swould brin) ba'( #ro" @aan+ T!ere ain.t a ridi'ulous erson s!e.s ever seen but w!at s!e.s )ot

so"et!in) #ro" t!e" to "a(e you lau)! at2 and I don.t believe we.ve ever !ad anybody in t!e

!ouse sin'e t!e )irl 'ould tal( t!at s!e !ain.t )ot so"e sayin) #ro"& or so"e tri'( t!at.ll aint .e"out so.t you 'an see .e" and !ear .e"+ So"eti"es I want to sto !er2 but w!en s!e )ets into one

o# !er )ales t!ere ain.t any standin) u a)ainst !er+ I )uess it.s lu'(y #or Irene t!at s!e.s )ot Pen

t!ere to !el entertain !er 'o"any+ I 'an.t ever #eel down w!ere Pen is+$

$T!at.s so&$ said t!e Colonel+ $And I )uess s!e.s )ot about as "u'! 'ulture as any o# t!e"+ 1on.tyou/$



$5! no--no& sir&$ said t!e son& instantly relievin) !is brows #ro" t!e strain uon t!e"& and

bea"in) a)ain+ $But I was t!in(in) w!et!er you were not er!as ri)!t in your i"ression t!at it

"i)!t be well #or you to "a(e Colonel La!a".s a'3uaintan'e be#ore a )reat w!ile+$

$Has !e been su))estin) it in any way/$ as(ed Bro"#ield Corey& layin) aside !is boo( and

ta(in) !is lean (nee between !is 'lased !ands+

$5!& not at all,$ t!e youn) "an !astened to rely+ $I was "erely t!in(in) w!et!er it "i)!t not

be)in to see" intentional& your not doin) it+$

$Well& To"& you (now I !ave been leavin) it alto)et!er to you----$

$5!& I understand& o# 'ourse& and I didn.t "ean to ur)e anyt!in) o# t!e (ind----$

$0ou are so very "u'! "ore o# a Bostonian t!an I a"& you (now& t!at I.ve been waitin) your

"otion in entire 'on#iden'e t!at you would (now *ust w!at to do& and w!en to do it+ I# I !ad been

le#t 3uite to "y own lawless i"ulses& I t!in( I s!ould !ave 'alled uon your adrone at on'e+ Itsee"s to "e t!at "y #at!er would !ave #ound so"e way o# s!owin) t!at !e e7e'ted as "u'! as

t!at #ro" eole la'ed in t!e relation to !i" t!at we !old to Colonel La!a"+$

$1o you t!in( so/$ as(ed t!e youn) "an+

$0es+ But you (now I don.t retend to be an aut!ority in su'! "atters+ As #ar as t!ey )o& I a"

always in t!e !ands o# your "ot!er and you '!ildren+$

$I." very sorry& sir+ I !ad no idea I was over-rulin) your *ud)"ent+ I only wanted to sare you a

#or"ality t!at didn.t see" 3uite a ne'essity yet+ I." very sorry&$ !e said a)ain& and t!is ti"e wit!

"ore 'o"re!ensive re)ret+ $I s!ouldn.t li(e to !ave see"ed re"iss wit! a "an w!o !as been so'onsiderate o# "e+ T!ey are all very )ood-natured+$

$I dare say&$ said Bro"#ield Corey& wit! t!e satis#a'tion w!i'! no elder 'an !el #eelin) in

disablin) t!e *ud)"ent o# a youn)er "an& $t!at it won.t be too late i# I )o down to your o##i'e

wit! you to-"orrow+$

$No& no+ I didn.t i"a)ine your doin) it at on'e& sir+$

$A!& but not!in) 'an revent "e #ro" doin) a t!in) w!en on'e I ta(e t!e bit in "y teet!&$ said

t!e #at!er& wit! t!e leasure w!i'! "en o# wea( will so"eti"es ta(e in re'o)nisin) t!eir

wea(ness+ $How does t!eir new !ouse )et on/$

$I believe t!ey e7e't to be in it be#ore New 0ear+$

$Will t!ey be a )reat addition to so'iety/$ as(ed Bro"#ield Corey& wit! uni"ea'!ableseriousness+

$I don.t 3uite (now w!at you "ean&$ returned t!e son& a little uneasily+



$A!& I see t!at you do& To"+$

$No one 'an !el #eelin) t!at t!ey are all eole o# )ood sense and--ri)!t ideas+$

$5!& t!at won.t do+ I# so'iety too( in all t!e eole o# ri)!t ideas and )ood sense& it would

e7and beyond t!e 'allin) 'aa'ity o# its "ost a'tive "e"bers+ Even your "ot!er.s so'ial'ons'ientiousness 'ould not 'o"ass it+ So'iety is a very di##erent sort o# t!in) #ro" )ood sense

and ri)!t ideas+ It is based uon t!e"& o# 'ourse& but t!e airy& )ra'e#ul& winnin) suerstru'ture

w!i'! we all (now de"ands di##erent 3ualities+ Have your #riends )ot t!ese 3ualities&--w!i'!"ay be #elt& but not de#ined/$

T!e son lau)!ed+ $To tell you t!e trut!& sir& I don.t t!in( t!ey !ave t!e "ost ele"ental ideas o#

so'iety& as we understand it+ I don.t believe %rs+ La!a" ever )ave a dinner+$

$And wit! all t!at "oney,$ si)!ed t!e #at!er+

$I don.t believe t!ey !ave t!e !abit o# wine at table+ I suse't t!at w!en t!ey don.t drin( tea and'o##ee wit! t!eir dinner& t!ey drin( i'e-water+$

$Horrible,$ said Bro"#ield Corey+

$It aears to "e t!at t!is de#ines t!e"+$

$5! yes+ T!ere are eole w!o )ive dinners& and w!o are not 'o)nos'ible+ But eole w!o !ave

never yet )iven a dinner& !ow is so'iety to assi"ilate t!e"/$

$It di)ests a )reat "any eole&$ su))ested t!e youn) "an+

$0es2 but t!ey !ave always brou)!t so"e sort o# sau'e i3uante wit! t!e"+ Now& as I understand

you& t!ese #riends o# yours !ave no su'! sau'e+$

$5!& I don.t (now about t!at,$ 'ried t!e son+

$5!& rude& native #lavours& I dare say+ But t!at isn.t w!at I "ean+ Well& t!en& t!ey "ust send+

T!ere is no ot!er way #or t!e" to win t!eir way to )eneral re)ard+ We "ust !ave t!e Colonelele'ted to t!e Ten 5.'lo'( Club& and !e "ust ut !i"sel# down in t!e list o# t!ose willin) to

entertain+ Any one 'an "ana)e a lar)e suer+ 0es& I see a )lea" o# !oe #or !i" in t!at

dire'tion+$

In t!e "ornin) Bro"#ield Corey as(ed !is son w!et!er !e s!ould #ind La!a" at !is la'e as

early as eleven+

$I t!in( you "i)!t #ind !i" even earlier+ I.ve never been t!ere be#ore !i"+ I doubt i# t!e orter is

t!ere "u'! sooner+$

$Well& suose I )o wit! you& t!en/$



$I.ll run t!e" over&$ said Corey& ta(in) t!e" to !is des(+

His #at!er "ade an o##er to rise+

$1on.t )o&$ said La!a"& )esturin) !i" down a)ain+ $I *ust wanted to )et !i" away a "inute+ I

don.t 'are to say it to !is #a'e&--I don.t li(e t!e rin'ile&--but sin'e you as( "e about it& I.d *ustas lie# say t!at I.ve never !ad any youn) "an ta(e !old !ere e3ual to your son+ I don.t (now as

you 'are+$

$0ou "a(e "e very !ay&$ said Bro"#ield Corey+ $Very !ay indeed+ I.ve always !ad t!e idea

t!at t!ere was so"et!in) in "y son& i# !e 'ould only #ind t!e way to wor( it out+ And !e see"s to!ave )one into your business #or t!e love o# it+$

$He went to wor( in t!e ri)!t way& sir, He told "e about it+ He loo(ed into it+ And t!at aint is a

t!in) t!at will bear loo(in) into+$

$5! yes+ 0ou "i)!t t!in( !e !ad invented it& i# you !eard !i" 'elebratin) it+$

$Is t!at so/$ de"anded La!a"& leased t!rou)! and t!rou)!+ $Well& t!ere ain.t any ot!er way+0ou.ve )ot to believe in a t!in) be#ore you 'an ut any !eart in it+ W!y& I !ad a artner in t!is

t!in) on'e& alon) ba'( *ust a#ter t!e war& and !e used to be always wantin) to tin(er wit!

so"et!in) else+ .W!y&. says I& .you.ve )ot t!e best t!in) in 6od.s universe now+ W!y ain.t yousatis#ied/. I !ad to )et rid o# !i" at last+ I stu'( to "y aint& and t!at #ellow.s dri#ted round retty

"u'! all over t!e w!ole 'ountry& w!ittlin) !is 'aital down all t!e w!ile& till !ere t!e ot!er day I

!ad to lend !i" so"e "oney to start !i" new+ No& sir& you.ve )ot to believe in a t!in)+ And I believe in your son+ And I don.t "ind tellin) you t!at& so #ar as !e.s )one& !e.s a su''ess+$

$T!at.s very (ind o# you+$

$No (indness about it+ As I was sayin) t!e ot!er day to a #riend o# "ine& I.ve !ad "any a #ellow

ri)!t out o# t!e street t!at !ad to wor( !ard all !is li#e& and didn.t be)in to ta(e !old li(e t!is son

o# yours+$

La!a" e7anded wit! ro#ound sel#-satis#a'tion+ As !e robably 'on'eived it& !e !ad

su''eeded in raisin)& in a er#e'tly 'asual way& t!e sure"e e7'ellen'e o# !is aint& and !is own

sa)a'ity and benevolen'e2 and !ere !e was sittin) #a'e to #a'e wit! Bro"#ield Corey& raisin) !is

son to !i"& and re'eivin) !is )rate#ul a'(nowled)"ents as i# !e were t!e #at!er o# so"e o##i'e- boy w!o" La!a" !ad )iven a la'e !al# but o# '!arity+

$0es& sir& w!en your son roosed to ta(e !old !ere& I didn.t !ave "u'! #ait! in !is ideas& t!at.s

t!e trut!+ But I !ad #ait! in !i"& and I saw t!at !e "eant business #ro" t!e start+ I 'ould see itwas born in !i"+ Any one 'ould+$

$I." a#raid !e didn.t in!erit it dire'tly #ro" "e&$ said Bro"#ield Corey2 $but it.s in t!e blood& on

bot! sides+$ $Well& sir& we 'an.t !el t!ose t!in)s&$ said La!a" 'o"assionately+ $So"e o# us

!ave )ot it& and so"e o# us !aven.t+ T!e idea is to "a(e t!e "ost o# w!at we HAVE )ot+$



$5! yes2 t!at is t!e idea+ By all "eans+$

$And you 'an.t ever tell w!at.s in you till you try+ W!y& w!en I started t!is t!in)& I didn.t "ore

t!an !al# understand "y own stren)t!+ I wouldn.t !ave said& loo(in) ba'(& t!at I 'ould !ave stoodt!e wear and tear o# w!at I.ve been t!rou)!+ But I develoed as I went alon)+ It.s *ust li(e

e7er'isin) your "us'les in a )y"nasiu"+ 0ou 'an li#t twi'e or t!ree ti"es as "u'! a#ter you.ve been in trainin) a "ont! as you 'ould be#ore+ And I 'an see t!at it.s )oin) to be *ust so wit! your

son+ His )oin) t!rou)! 'olle)e won.t !urt !i"&--!e.ll soon slou)! all t!at o##&--and !is brin)in)u won.t2 don.t be an7ious about it+ I noti'ed in t!e ar"y t!at so"e o# t!e #ellows t!at !ad t!e

"ost )o-a!ead were #ellows t!at !adn.t ever !ad "u'! "ore to do t!an )irls be#ore t!e war bro(e

out+ 0our son will )et alon)+$

$T!an( you&$ said Bro"#ield Corey& and s"iled--w!et!er be'ause !is sirit was sa#e in t!e

!u"ility !e so"eti"es boasted& or be'ause it was trily ar"ed in ride a)ainst anyt!in) t!e

Colonel.s (indness 'ould do+

$He.ll )et alon)+ He.s a )ood business "an& and !e.s a #ine #ellow+ %>ST you )o/$ as(edLa!a"& as Bro"#ield Corey now rose "ore resolutely+ $Well& )lad to see you+ It was natural you

s!ould want to 'o"e and see w!at !e was about& and I." )lad you did+ I s!ould !ave #elt *ust so

about it+ Here is so"e o# our stu##&$ !e said& ointin) out t!e various a'(a)es in !is o##i'e&

in'ludin) t!e Persis Brand+

$A!& t!at.s very ni'e& very ni'e indeed&$ said !is visitor+ $T!at 'olour t!rou)! t!e *ar--very ri'!--

deli'ious+ Is Persis Brand a na"e/$

La!a" blus!ed+

$Well& Persis is+ I don.t (now as you saw an interview t!at #ellow ublis!ed in t!e Events a w!ile ba'(/$

$W!at is t!e Events/$

$Well& it.s t!at new aer Wit!erby.s started+$

$No&$ said Bro"#ield Corey& $I !aven.t seen it+ I read T!e 1aily&$ !e e7lained2 by w!i'! !e

"eant T!e 1aily Advertiser& t!e only daily t!ere is in t!e old-#as!ioned Bostonian sense+

$He ut a lot o# stu## in "y "out! t!at I never said&$ resu"ed La!a"2 $but t!at.s neit!er !ere

nor t!ere& so lon) as you !aven.t seen it+ Here.s t!e deart"ent your son.s in&$ and !e s!owed !i"t!e #orei)n labels+ T!en !e too( !i" out into t!e ware!ouse to see t!e lar)e a'(a)es+ At t!e

!ead o# t!e stairs& w!ere !is )uest stoed to nod to !is son and say $6ood-bye& To"&$ La!a"insisted uon )oin) down to t!e lower door wit! !i" $Well& 'all a)ain&$ !e said in !ositable

dis"issal+ $I s!all always be )lad to see you+ T!ere ain.t a )reat deal doin) at t!is season+$

Bro"#ield Corey t!an(ed !i"& and let !is !and re"ain er#or'e in La!a".s lin)erin) )ras+ $I#

you ever li(e to ride a#ter a )ood !orse----$ t!e Colonel be)an+



$5!& no& no& no2 t!an( you, T!e better t!e !orse& t!e "ore I s!ould be s'ared+ To" !as told "e o#

your drivin),$

$Ha& !a& !a,$ lau)!ed t!e Colonel+ $Well, every one to !is taste+ Well& )ood "ornin)& sir,$ and !esu##ered !i" to )o+

$W!o is t!e old "an blowin) to t!is "ornin)/$ as(ed Wal(er& t!e boo(-(eeer& "a(in) an errand

to Corey.s des(+

$%y #at!er+$

$5!, T!at your #at!er/ I t!ou)!t !e "ust be one o# your Italian 'orresondents t!at you.d beens!owin) round& or Sanis!+$

In #a't& as Bro"#ield Corey #ound !is way at !is leisurely a'e u t!rou)! t!e streets on w!i'!

t!e roserity o# !is native 'ity was #ounded& !ardly any #i)ure 'ould !ave loo(ed "ore alien to

its li#e+ He )lan'ed u and down t!e #a'ades and t!rou)! t!e 'roo(ed vistas li(e a stran)er& andt!e swart!y #ruiterer o# w!o" !e bou)!t an ale& aarently #or t!e leasure o# !oldin) it in !is

!and& was not surrised t!at t!e ur'!ase s!ould be transa'ted in !is own ton)ue+

La!a" wal(ed ba'( t!rou)! t!e outer o##i'e to !is own roo" wit!out loo(in) at Corey& and

durin) t!e day !e so(e to !i" only o# business "atters+ T!at "ust !ave been !is way o# lettin)Corey see t!at !e was not over'o"e by t!e !onour o# !is #at!er.s visit+ But !e resented !i"sel#

at Nantas(et wit! t!e event so er'etibly on !is "ind t!at !is wi#e as(ed8 $Well& Silas& !as

Ro)ers been borrowin) any "ore "oney o# you/ I don.t want you s!ould let t!at t!in) )o too #ar+0ou.ve done enou)!+$

$0ou needn.t be a#raid+ I.ve seen t!e last o# Ro)ers #or one w!ile+$ He !esitated& to )ive t!e #a'tan e##e't o# no i"ortan'e+ $Corey.s #at!er 'alled t!is "ornin)+$

$1id !e/$ said %rs+ La!a"& willin) to !u"our !is #eint o# indi##eren'e+ $1id HE want to

borrow so"e "oney too/$ $Not as I understood+$ La!a" was s"o(in) at )reat ease& and !iswi#e !ad so"e 'ro'!etin) on t!e ot!er side o# t!e la" #ro" !i"+

T!e )irls were on t!e ia44a loo(in) at t!e "oon on t!e water a)ain+ $T!ere.s no "an in it to-

ni)!t&$ Peneloe said& and Irene lau)!ed #orlornly+

$W!at 1I1 !e want& t!en/$ as(ed %rs+ La!a"+

$5!& I don.t (now+ See"ed to be *ust a #riendly 'all+ Said !e ou)!t to !ave 'o"e be#ore+$

%rs+ La!a" was silent a w!ile+ T!en s!e said8 $Well& I !oe you.re satis#ied now+$

La!a" re*e'ted t!e sy"at!y too oenly o##ered+ $I don.t (now about bein) satis#ied+ I wa.n.t in

any !urry to see !i"+$



His wi#e er"itted !i" t!is reten'e also+ $W!at sort o# a erson is !e& anyway/$

$Well& not "u'! li(e !is son+ T!ere.s no sort o# business about !i"+ I don.t (now *ust !ow you.d

des'ribe !i"+ He.s tall2 and !e.s )ot w!ite !air and a "ousta'!e2 and !is #in)ers are very lon) andli"ber+ I 'ouldn.t !el noti'in) t!e" as !e sat t!ere wit! !is !ands on t!e to o# !is 'ane+ 1idn.t

see" to be dressed very "u'!& and a'ted *ust li(e anybody+ 1idn.t tal( "u'!+ 6uess I did "ost o# t!e tal(in)+ Said !e was )lad I see"ed to be )ettin) alon) so well wit! !is son+ He as(ed a#ter

you and Irene2 and !e said !e 'ouldn.t #eel *ust li(e a stran)er+ Said you !ad been very (ind to !iswi#e+ 5# 'ourse I turned it o##+ 0es&$ said La!a" t!ou)!t#ully& wit! !is !ands restin) on !is

(nees& and !is 'i)ar between t!e #in)ers o# !is le#t !and& $I )uess !e "eant to do t!e ri)!t t!in)&

every way+ 1on.t (now as I ever saw a "u'! leasanter "an+ 1unno but w!at !e.s about t!e leasantest "an I ever did see+$ He was not lettin) !is wi#e see in !is averted #a'e t!e stru))le

t!at revealed itsel# t!ere--t!e stru))le o# stalwart a'!ieve"ent not to #eel #lattered at t!e noti'e o#

sterile ele)an'e& not to be snea(in)ly )lad o# its a"iability& but to stand u and loo( at it wit!eyes on t!e sa"e level+ 6od& w!o "ade us so "u'! li(e !i"sel#& but out o# t!e dust& alone (nows

w!en t!at stru))le will end+ T!e ti"e !ad been w!en La!a" 'ould not !ave i"a)ined any

worldly slendour w!i'! !is dollars 'ould not buy i# !e '!ose to send t!e" #or it2 but !is wi#e.s!al# dis'overies& ta(in) #or" a)ain in !is i)noran'e o# t!e world& #illed !i" wit! !elless

"is)ivin)+ A 'loudy vision o# so"et!in) unur'!asable& w!ere !e !ad suosed t!ere was

not!in)& !ad 'owed !i" in site o# t!e burly resistan'e o# !is ride+

$I don.t see w!y !e s!ouldn.t be leasant&$ said %rs+ La!a"+ $He.s never done anyt!in) else+$

La!a" loo(ed u 'ons'iously& wit! an uneasy lau)!+ $Ps!aw& Persis, you never #or)etanyt!in)/$

$5!& I.ve )ot "ore t!an t!at to re"e"ber+ I suose you as(ed !i" to ride a#ter t!e "are/$

$Well&$ said La!a"& reddenin) )uiltily& $!e said !e was a#raid o# a )ood !orse+$

$T!en& o# 'ourse& you !adn.t as(ed !i"+$ %rs+ La!a" 'ro'!eted in silen'e& and !er !usband

leaned ba'( in !is '!air and s"o(ed+

At last !e said& $I." )oin) to us! t!at !ouse #orward+ T!ey.re loa#in) on it+ T!ere.s no reason

w!y we s!ouldn.t be in it by T!an(s)ivin)+ I don.t believe in "ovin) in t!e dead o# winter+$

$We 'an wait till srin)+ We.re very 'o"#ortable in t!e old la'e&$ answered !is wi#e+ T!en s!e

bro(e out on !i"8 $W!at are you in su'! a !urry to )et into t!at !ouse #or/ 1o you want to invite

t!e Coreys to a !ouse-war"in)/$

La!a" loo(ed at !er wit!out sea(in)+

$1on.t you suose I 'an see t!rou)! you I de'lare& Silas La!a"& i# I didn.t (now di##erent& I

s!ould say you were about t!e bi))est #ool, 1on.t you (now AN0t!in)/ 1on.t you (now t!at it

wouldn.t do to as( t!ose eole to our !ouse be#ore t!ey.ve as(ed us to t!eirs/ T!ey.d lau)! inour #a'es,$



$I don.t believe t!ey.d lau)! in our #a'es+ W!at.s t!e di##eren'e between our as(in) t!e" and

t!eir as(in) us/$ de"anded t!e Colonel sul(ily+

$5!& well, I# you don t see,$

$Well& I 15N.T see+ But I don.t want to as( t!e" to t!e !ouse+ I suose& i# I want to& I 'an invite!i" down to a #is! dinner at Ta#t.s+$

%rs+ La!a" #ell ba'( in !er '!air& and let !er wor( dro in !er la wit! t!at $T'((,$ in w!i'!

!er se7 (nows !ow to e7ress utter 'onte"t and desair+

$W!at.s t!e "atter/$

$Well& i# you 15 su'! a t!in)& Silas& I.ll never sea( to you a)ain, It.s no >SE, It.s N5 use, I didt!in(& a#ter you.d be!aved so well about Ro)ers& I "i)!t trust you a little+ But I see I 'an.t+ I

resu"e as lon) as you live you.ll !ave to be nosed about li(e a er#e't--I don.t (now w!at,$

$W!at are you "a(in) su'! a #uss about/$ de"anded La!a"& terribly 'rest#allen& but tryin) to

lu'( u a sirit+ $I !aven.t done anyt!in) yet+ I 'an.t as( your advi'e about anyt!in) any "orewit!out !avin) you #ly out+ Con#ound it, I s!all do as I lease a#ter t!is+$

But as i# !e 'ould not endure t!at 'onte"tuous at"os!ere& !e )ot u& and !is wi#e !eard !i" in

t!e dinin)-roo" ourin) !i"sel# out a )lass o# i'e-water& and t!en !eard !i" "ount t!e stairs to

t!eir roo"& and sla" its door a#ter !i"+

$1o you (now w!at your #at!er.s wantin) to do now/$ %rs+ La!a" as(ed !er eldest dau)!ter&

w!o loun)ed into t!e arlour a "o"ent wit! !er wra strin)in) #ro" !er ar"& w!ile t!e youn)er

went strai)!t to bed+ $He wants to invite %r+ Corey.s #at!er to a #is! dinner at Ta#t.s,$

Peneloe was yawnin) wit! !er !and on !er "out!2 s!e stoed& and& wit! a lau)! o# a"usede7e'tan'e& san( into a '!air& !er s!oulders s!ru))ed #orward+

$W!y, w!at in t!e world !as ut t!e Colonel u to t!at/$

$Put !i" u to it, T!ere.s t!at #ellow& w!o ou)!t !ave 'o"e to see !i" lon) a)o& dros into !is

o##i'e t!is "ornin)& and tal(s #ive "inutes wit! !i"& and your #at!er is #lattered out o# !is #ivesenses+ He.s 'ra4y to )et in wit! t!ose eole& and I s!all !ave a er#e't battle to (ee !i" wit!in

bounds+$

$Well& Persis& "a.a"& you 'an.t say but w!at you be)an it&$ said Peneloe+

$5! yes& I be)an it&$ 'on#essed %rs+ La!a"+ $Pen&$ s!e bro(e out& $w!at do you suose !e

"eans by it/$

$W!o/ %r+ Corey.s #at!er/ W!at does t!e Colonel t!in(/$



$5!& t!e Colonel,$ 'ried %rs+ La!a"+ S!e added tre"ulously8 $Per!as !e IS ri)!t+ He 1I1

see" to ta(e a #an'y to !er last su""er& and now i# !e.s 'alled in t!at way + + +$ S!e le#t !er

dau)!ter to distribute t!e ronouns ari)!t& and resu"ed8 $5# 'ourse& I s!ould !ave said on'e t!att!ere wasn.t any 3uestion about it+ I s!ould !ave said so last year2 and I don.t (now w!at it is

(ees "e #ro" sayin) so now+ I suose I (now a little "ore about t!in)s t!an I did2 and your

#at!er.s bein) so bent on it sets "e all in a twitter+ He t!in(s !is "oney 'an do everyt!in)+ Well& Idon.t say but w!at it 'an& a )ood "any+ And .Rene is as )ood a '!ild as ever t!ere was2 and I

don.t see but w!at s!e.s retty-aearin) enou)! to suit any one+ S!e.s retty-be!aved& too2 and

s!e IS t!e "ost 'aable )irl+ I resu"e youn) "en don.t 'are very "u'! #or su'! t!in)snowadays2 but t!ere ain.t a )reat "any )irls 'an )o ri)!t into t!e (it'!en& and "a(e su'! a

'ustard as s!e did yesterday+ And loo( at t!e way s!e does& t!rou)! t!e w!ole !ouse, S!e 'an.t

see" to )o into a roo" wit!out t!e t!in)s #ly ri)!t into t!eir la'es+ And i# s!e !ad to do it to-

"orrow& s!e 'ould "a(e all !er own dresses a )reat deal better t!an t!e" we ay to do it+ I don.tsay but w!at !e.s about as ni'e a #ellow as ever steed+ But t!ere, I." as!a"ed o# )oin) on so+$

$Well& "ot!er&$ said t!e )irl a#ter a ause& in w!i'! s!e loo(ed as i# a little weary o# t!e sub*e't&

$w!y do you worry about it/ I# it.s to be it.ll be& and i# it isn.t----$

$0es& t!at.s w!at I tell your #at!er+ But w!en it 'o"es to "ysel#& I see !ow !ard it is #or !i" torest 3uiet+ I." a#raid we s!all all do so"et!in) we.ll reent o# a#terwards+$

$Well& "a.a"&$ said Peneloe& $I don.t intend to do anyt!in) wron)2 but i# I do& I ro"ise not to

be sorry #or it+ I.ll )o t!at #ar+ And I t!in( I wouldn.t be sorry #or it be#ore!and& i# I were in your

la'e& "ot!er+ Let t!e Colonel )o on, He li(es to "anoeuvre& and !e isn.t )oin) to !urt any one+T!e Corey #a"ily 'an ta(e 'are o# t!e"selves& I )uess+$

S!e lau)!ed in !er t!roat& drawin) down t!e 'orners o# !er "out!& and en*oyin) t!e resolution

wit! w!i'! !er "ot!er tried to #lin) o## t!e burden o# !er an7ieties+ $Pen, I believe you.re ri)!t+0ou always do see t!in)s in su'! a li)!t, T!ere, I don.t 'are i# !e brin)s !i" down every day+$

$Well& "a.a"&$ said Pen& $I don.t believe .Rene would& eit!er+ S!e.s *ust so indi##erent,$

T!e Colonel slet badly t!at ni)!t& and in t!e "ornin) %rs+ La!a" 'a"e to brea(#ast wit!out

!i"+

$0our #at!er ain.t well&$ s!e reorted+ $He.s !ad one o# !is turns+$

$I s!ould !ave t!ou)!t !e !ad two or t!ree o# t!e"&$ said Peneloe& $by t!e sta"in) round I

!eard+ Isn.t !e 'o"in) to brea(#ast/$

$Not *ust yet&$ said !er "ot!er+ $He.s aslee& and !e.ll be all ri)!t i# !e )ets !is na out+ I don.t

want you )irls s!ould "a(e any )reat noise+$ $5!& we.ll be 3uiet enou)!&$ returned Peneloe+

$Well& I." )lad t!e Colonel isn.t so*erin)+ At #irst I t!ou)!t !e "i)!t be so*erin)+$ S!e bro(e intoa lau)!& and& stru))lin) indolently wit! it& loo(ed at !er sister+ $0ou don.t t!in( it.ll be ne'essary

#or anybody to 'o"e down #ro" t!e o##i'e and ta(e orders #ro" !i" w!ile !e.s laid u& do you&

"ot!er/$ s!e in3uired+



$Pen,$ 'ried Irene+

$He.ll be well enou)! to )o u on t!e ten o.'lo'( boat&$ said t!e "ot!er s!arly+

$I t!in( aa wor(s too !ard all t!rou)! t!e su""er+ W!y don.t you "a(e !i" ta(e a rest&

"a""a/$ as(ed Irene+

$5!& ta(e a rest, T!e "an slaves !arder every year+ It used to be so t!at !e.d ta(e a little ti"e o##

now and t!en2 but I de'lare& !e !ardly ever see"s to breat!e now away #ro" !is o##i'e+ And t!is

year !e says !e doesn.t intend to )o down to La!a"& e7'et to see a#ter t!e wor(s #or a #ew

days+ I don.t (now w!at to do wit! t!e "an any "ore, See"s as i# t!e "ore "oney !e )ot& t!e"ore !e wanted to )et+ It s'ares "e to t!in( w!at would !aen to !i" i# !e lost it+ I (now one

t!in)&$ 'on'luded %rs+ La!a"+ $He s!all not )o ba'( to t!e o##i'e to-day+$

$T!en !e won.t )o u on t!e ten o.'lo'( boat&$ Pen re"inded !er+

$No& !e won.t+ 0ou 'an *ust drive over to t!e !otel as soon as you.re t!rou)!& )irls& and tele)ra!t!at !e.s not well& and won.t be at t!e o##i'e till to-"orrow+ I." not )oin) to !ave t!e" send

anybody down !ere to bot!er !i"+$

$T!at.s a blow&$ said Pen+ $I didn.t (now but t!ey "i)!t send----$ s!e loo(ed de"urely at !er

sister--$1ennis,$

$%a""a,$ 'ried Irene+

$Well& I de'lare& t!ere.s no livin) wit! t!is #a"ily any "ore&$ said Peneloe+

$T!ere& Pen& be done,$ 'o""anded !er "ot!er+ But er!as s!e did not intend to #orbid !erteasin)+ It )ave a leasant sort o# reality to t!e a##air t!at was in !er "ind& and "ade w!at s!e

wis!ed aear not only ossible but robable+

La!a" )ot u and loun)ed about& #rettin) and rebellin) as ea'! boat dearted wit!out !i"&

t!rou)! t!e day2 be#ore ni)!t !e be'a"e very 'ross& in site o# t!e e##orts o# t!e #a"ily to soot!e

!i"& and )ru"bled t!at !e !ad been (et #ro" )oin) u to town+ $I "i)!t as well !ave )one as

not&$ !e reeated& till !is wi#e lost !er atien'e+

$Well& you s!all )o to-"orrow& Silas& i# you !ave to be 'arried to t!e boat+$

$I de'lare&$ said Peneloe& $t!e Colonel don.t et wort! a 'ent+$

T!e si7 o.'lo'( boat brou)!t Corey+ T!e )irls were sittin) on t!e ia44a& and Irene saw !i" #irst+

$5 Pen,$ s!e w!isered& wit! !er !eart in !er #a'e2 and Peneloe !ad no ti"e #or "o'(ery be#ore

!e was at t!e stes+



$I !oe Colonel La!a" isn.t ill&$ !e said& and t!ey 'ould !ear t!eir "ot!er en)a)ed in a "oral

'ontest wit! t!eir #at!er indoors+

$6o and ut on your 'oat, I say you s!all, It don.t "atter H5W !e sees you at t!e o##i'e& s!irt-sleeves or not+ 0ou.re in a )entle"an.s !ouse now--or you ou)!t to be--and you s!an.t see

'o"any in your dressin)-)own+$

Peneloe !urried in to subdue !er "ot!er.s an)er+

$5!& !e.s very "u'! better& t!an( you,$ said Irene& sea(in) u loudly to drown t!e noise o# t!e

'ontroversy+

$I." )lad o# t!at&$ said Corey& and w!en s!e led !i" indoors t!e van3uis!ed Colonel "et !is

visitor in a double-breasted #ro'(-'oat& w!i'! !e was still buttonin) u+ He 'ould not ersuade

!i"sel# at on'e t!at Corey !ad not 'o"e uon so"e ur)ent business "atter& and w!en !e was

'lear t!at !e !ad 'o"e out o# 'ivility& surrise "in)led wit! !is )rati#i'ation t!at !e s!ould be t!e

ob*e't o# soli'itude to t!e youn) "an+ In La!a".s 'ir'le o# a'3uaintan'e t!ey 'o"lained w!ent!ey were si'(& but t!ey "ade no wo"anis! in3uiries a#ter one anot!er.s !ealt!& and 'ertainly

aid no visits o# sy"at!y till "atters were serious+ He would !ave enlar)ed uon t!e arti'ularso# !is indisosition i# !e !ad been allowed to do so2 and a#ter tea& w!i'! Corey too( wit! t!e"&

!e would !ave re"ained to entertain !i" i# !is wi#e !ad not sent !i" to bed+ S!e #ollowed !i" to

see t!at !e too( so"e "edi'ine s!e !ad res'ribed #or !i"& but s!e went #irst to Peneloe.s roo"&w!ere s!e #ound t!e )irl wit! a boo( in !er !and& w!i'! s!e was not readin)+

$0ou better )o down&$ said t!e "ot!er+ $I.ve )ot to )o to your #at!er& and Irene is all alone wit!

%r+ Corey2 and I (now s!e.ll be on ins and needles wit!out you.re t!ere to !el "a(e it )o o##+$

$S!e.d better try to )et alon) wit!out "e& "ot!er&$ said Peneloe soberly+ $I 'an.t always be wit!t!e"+$

$Well&$ relied %rs+ La!a"& $t!en I "ust+ T!ere.ll be a er#e't ua(er "eetin) down t!ere+$

$5!& I )uess .Rene will #ind so"et!in) to say i# you leave !er to !ersel#+ 5r i# s!e don.t& HE

"ust+ It.ll be all ri)!t #or you to )o down w!en you )et ready2 but I s!an.t )o till toward t!e last+

I# !e.s 'o"in) !ere to see Irene--and I don.t believe !e.s 'o"e on #at!er.s a''ount--!e wants tosee !er and not "e+ I# s!e 'an.t interest !i" alone& er!as !e.d as well #ind it out now as any

ti"e+ At any rate& I )uess you.d better "a(e t!e e7eri"ent+ 0ou.ll (now w!et!er it.s a su''ess i#

!e 'o"es a)ain+$

$Well&$ said t!e "ot!er& $"ay be you.re ri)!t+ I.ll )o down dire'tly+ It does see" as i# !e did"ean so"et!in)& a#ter all+$

%rs+ La!a" did not !asten to return to !er )uest+ In !er own )irl!ood it was suosed t!at i# a

youn) "an see"ed to be 'o"in) to see a )irl& it was only 'o""on-sense to suose t!at !e

wis!ed to see !er alone2 and !er li#e in town !ad le#t %rs+ La!a".s si"le traditions in t!isrese't un'!an)ed+ S!e did wit! !er dau)!ter as !er "ot!er would !ave done wit! !er+



$5!& I A%& Pen+ W!en do you suose !e.ll 'o"e a)ain/$ Irene us!ed so"e o# Peneloe.s

t!in)s aside on t!e dressin)-'ase& to rest !er elbow and tal( at ease+ Peneloe 'a"e u and ut

t!e" ba'(+

$Well& not to-ni)!t&$ s!e said2 $and i# t!at.s w!at you.re sittin) u #or----$

Irene 'au)!t !er round t!e ne'( a)ain& and ran out o# t!e roo"+

T!e Colonel was a'(ed o## on t!e ei)!t o.'lo'( boat t!e ne7t "ornin)2 but !is re'overy did not

revent Corey #ro" reeatin) !is visit in a wee(+ T!is ti"e Irene 'a"e radiantly u to Peneloe.s

roo"& w!ere s!e !ad a)ain wit!drawn !ersel#+ $0ou "ust 'o"e down& Pen&$ s!e said+ $He.sas(ed i# you.re not well& and "a""a says you.ve )ot to 'o"e+$

A#ter t!at Peneloe !eled Irene t!rou)! wit! !er 'alls& and tal(ed t!e" over wit! !er #ar into

t!e ni)!t a#ter Corey was )one+ But w!en t!e i"atient 'uriosity o# !er "ot!er ressed !er #or

so"e oinion o# t!e a##air& s!e said& $0ou (now as "u'! as I do& "ot!er+$

$1on.t !e ever say anyt!in) to you about !er--raise !er u& any/$

$He.s never "entioned Irene to "e+$

$He !asn.t to "e& eit!er&$ said %rs+ La!a"& wit! a si)! o# trouble+ $T!en w!at "a(es !i" (ee

'o"in)/$

$I 'an.t tell you+ 5ne t!in)& !e says t!ere isn.t a !ouse oen in Boston w!ere !e.s a'3uainted+Wait till so"e o# !is #riends )et ba'(& and t!en i# !e (ees 'o"in)& it.ll be ti"e to in3uire+$

$Well,$ said t!e "ot!er2 but as t!e wee(s assed s!e was less and less able to attribute Corey.svisits to !is loneliness in town& and turned to !er !usband #or 'o"#ort+

$Silas& I don.t (now as we ou)!t to let youn) Corey (ee 'o"in) so+ I don.t 3uite li(e it& wit! all!is #a"ily away+$

$He.s o# a)e&$ said t!e Colonel+ $He 'an )o w!ere !e leases+ It don.t "atter w!et!er !is #a"ily.s

!ere or not+$

$0es& but i# t!ey don.t want !e s!ould 'o"e/ S!ould you #eel *ust ri)!t about lettin) !i"/$

$How.re you )oin) to sto !i"/ I swear& Persis& I don.t (now w!at.s )ot over you, W!at is it/0ou didn.t use to be so+ But to !ear you tal(& you.d t!in( t!ose Coreys were too )ood #or t!is

world& and we wa.n.t #it #or .e" to wal( on+$

$I." not )oin) to !ave .e" say we too( an advanta)e o# t!eir bein) away and tolled !i" on+$

$I s!ould li(e to HEAR .e" say it,$ 'ried La!a"+ $5r anybody,$



In t!e absen'e o# t!ese t!ey were #itted to ta(e t!e "ore vivid interest in t!eir brot!er.s a##airs&

w!i'! t!ey 'ould see wei)!ed uon t!eir "ot!er.s "ind a#ter t!e #irst !ours o# )reetin)+

$5!& it see"s to !ave been )oin) on& and your #at!er !as never written a word about it&$ s!e said&s!a(in) !er !ead+

$W!at )ood would it !ave done/$ as(ed Nanny& w!o was little and #air& wit! rin)s o# li)!t !air

t!at #illed a bonnet-#ront very rettily2 s!e loo(ed best in a bonnet+ $It would only !ave worried

you+ He 'ould not !ave stoed To"2 you 'ouldn.t& w!en you 'a"e !o"e to do it+$

$I dare say aa didn.t (now "u'! about it&$ su))ested Lily+ S!e was a tall& lean& dar( )irl& w!oloo(ed as i# s!e were not 3uite war" enou)!& and w!o" you always asso'iated wit! wras o#

di##erent aest!eti' e##e't a#ter you !ad on'e seen !er+

It is a serious "atter always to t!e wo"en o# !is #a"ily w!en a youn) "an )ives t!e" 'ause to

suse't t!at !e is interested in so"e ot!er wo"an+ A son-in-law or brot!er-in-law does not enter

t!e #a"ily2 !e need not be 'aressed or "ade anyt!in) o#2 but t!e son.s or brot!er.s wi#e !as a'lai" uon !is "ot!er and sisters w!i'! t!ey 'annot deny+ So"e 'onvention o# t!eir se7 obli)es

t!e" to s!ow !er a##e'tion& to li(e or to see" to li(e !er& to ta(e !er to t!eir inti"a'y& !oweverodious s!e "ay be to t!e"+ Wit! t!e Coreys it was so"et!in) "ore t!an an a##air o# senti"ent+

T!ey were by no "eans oor& and t!ey were not deendent "oney-wise uon To" Corey2 but t!e

"ot!er !ad 'o"e& wit!out (nowin) it& to rely uon !is sense& !is advi'e in everyt!in)& and t!esisters& seein) !i" !it!erto so indi##erent to )irls& !ad insensibly )rown to re)ard !i" as

alto)et!er t!eir own till !e s!ould be released& not by !is "arria)e& but by t!eirs& an event w!i'!

!ad not aroa'!ed wit! t!e lase o# ti"e+ So"e (inds o# )irls--t!ey believed t!at t!ey 'ouldreadily !ave '!osen a (ind--"i)!t !ave ta(en !i" wit!out ta(in) !i" #ro" t!e"2 but t!is

)enerosity 'ould not be !oed #or in su'! a )irl as %iss La!a"+

$Per!as&$ ur)ed t!eir "ot!er& $it would not be so bad+ S!e see"ed an a##e'tionate little t!in)

wit! !er "ot!er& wit!out a )reat deal o# '!ara'ter t!ou)! s!e was so 'aable about so"e t!in)s+$

$5!& s!e.ll be an a##e'tionate little t!in) wit! To" too& you "ay be sure&$ said Nanny+ $And t!at'!ara'terless 'aability be'o"es t!e "ost in tense narrow-"indedness+ S!e.ll t!in( we were

a)ainst !er #ro" t!e be)innin)+$

$S!e !as no 'ause #or t!at&$ Lily interosed& $and we s!all not )ive !er any+$

$0es& we s!all&$ retorted Nanny+ $We 'an.t !el it2 and i# we 'an.t& !er own i)noran'e would be

'ause enou)!+$

$I 'an.t #eel t!at s!e.s alto)et!er i)norant&$ said %rs+ Corey *ustly+

$5# 'ourse s!e 'an read and write&$ ad"itted Nanny+

$I 'an.t i"a)ine w!at !e #inds to tal( about wit! !er&$ said Lily+



$5!& THAT.S very si"le&$ returned !er sister+

$T!ey tal( about t!e"selves& wit! o''asional re#eren'es to ea'! ot!er+ I !ave !eard eole .)oin)

on. on t!e !otel ia44as+ S!e.s e"broiderin)& or (nittin)& or tattin)& or so"et!in) o# t!at (ind2 and!e says s!e see"s 3uite devoted to needlewor(& and s!e says& yes& s!e !as a er#e't assion #or it&

and everybody lau)!s at !er #or it2 but s!e 'an.t !el it& s!e always was so #ro" a '!ild& andsuoses s!e always s!all be&--wit! re"ote and "inute arti'ulars+ And s!e ends by sayin) t!at

er!as !e does not li(e eole to tat& or (nit& or e"broider& or w!atever+ And !e says& o!& yes& !edoes2 w!at 'ould "a(e !er t!in( su'! a t!in)/ but #or !is art !e li(es boatin) rat!er better& or i#

you.re in t!e woods 'a"in)+ T!en s!e lets !i" ta(e u one 'orner o# !er wor(& and er!as

tou'! !er #in)ers2 and t!at en'oura)es !i" to say t!at !e suoses not!in) 'ould indu'e !er todro !er wor( lon) enou)! to )o down on t!e ro'(s& or out a"on) t!e !u'(leberry bus!es2 and

s!e uts !er !ead on one side& and says s!e doesn.t (now really+ And t!en t!ey )o& and !e lies at

!er #eet on t!e ro'(s& or i'(s !u'(leberries and dros t!e" in !er la& and t!ey )o on tal(in)about t!e"selves& and 'o"arin) notes to see !ow t!ey di##er #ro" ea'! ot!er+ And----$

$T!at will do& Nanny&$ said !er "ot!er+

Lily s"iled autu"nally+ $5!& dis)ustin),$

$1is)ustin)/ Not at all,$ rotested !er sister+ $It.s very a"usin) w!en you see it& and w!en you

do it----$

$It.s always a "ystery w!at eole see in ea'! ot!er&$ observed %rs+ Corey severely+

$0es&$ Nanny ad"itted& $but I don.t (now t!at t!ere is "u'! 'o"#ort #or us in t!e ali'ation+$

$No& t!ere isn.t&$ said !er "ot!er+

$T!e "ost t!at we 'an do is to !oe #or t!e best till we (now t!e worst+ 5# 'ourse we s!all "a(e

t!e best o# t!e worst w!en it 'o"es+$

$0es& and er!as it would not be so very bad+ I was sayin) to your #at!er w!en I was !ere in@uly t!at t!ose t!in)s 'an always be "ana)ed+ 0ou "ust #a'e t!e" as i# t!ey were not!in) out o#

t!e way& and try not to )ive any 'ause #or bitterness a"on) ourselves+$

$T!at.s true+ But I don.t believe in too "u'! resi)nation be#ore!and+ It a"ounts to 'on'ession&$

said Nanny+

$5# 'ourse we s!ould oose it in all roer ways&$ returned !er "ot!er+

Lily !ad 'eased to dis'uss t!e "atter+ In virtue o# !er artisti' te"era"ent& s!e was e7e'ted not

to be very ra'ti'al+ It was !er "ot!er and !er sister w!o "ana)ed& sub"ittin) to t!e advi'e and

'onsent o# Corey w!at t!ey intended to do+

$0our #at!er wrote "e t!at !e !ad 'alled on Colonel La!a" at !is la'e o# business&$ said %rs+

Corey& sei4in) !er #irst '!an'e o# aroa'!in) t!e sub*e't wit! !er son+



$0es&$ said Corey+ $A dinner was #at!er.s idea& but !e 'a"e down to a 'all& at "y su))estion+$

$5!&$ said %rs+ Corey& in a tone o# relie#& as i# t!e state"ent t!rew a new li)!t on t!e #a't t!at

Corey !ad su))ested t!e visit+ $He said so little about it in !is letter t!at I didn.t (now *ust !ow it'a"e about+$

$I t!ou)!t it was ri)!t t!ey s!ould "eet&$ e7lained t!e son& $and so did #at!er+ I was )lad t!at I

su))ested it& a#terward2 it was e7tre"ely )rati#yin) to Colonel La!a"+$

$5!& it was 3uite ri)!t in every way+ I suose you !ave seen so"et!in) o# t!e #a"ily durin) t!e

su""er+$

$0es& a )ood deal+ I.ve been down at Nantas(et rat!er o#ten+$

%rs+ Corey let !er eyes droo+ T!en s!e as(ed8 $Are t!ey well/$

$0es& e7'et La!a" !i"sel#& now and t!en+ I went down on'e or twi'e to see !i"+ He !asn.t)iven !i"sel# any va'ation t!is su""er2 !e !as su'! a assion #or !is business t!at I #an'y !e

#inds it !ard bein) away #ro" it at any ti"e& and !e.s "ade !is new !ouse an e7'use #or stayin)+$

$5! yes& !is !ouse, Is it to be so"et!in) #ine/$

$0es2 it.s a beauti#ul !ouse+ Sey"our is doin) it+$

$T!en& o# 'ourse& it will be very !andso"e+ I suose t!e youn) ladies are very "u'! ta(en u

wit! it2 and %rs+ La!a"+$

$%rs+ La!a"& yes+ I don.t t!in( t!e youn) ladies 'are so "u'! about it+$

$It "ust be #or t!e"+ Aren.t t!ey a"bitious/$ as(ed %rs+ Corey& deli'ately #eelin) !er way+

Her son t!ou)!t a w!ile+ T!en !e answered wit! a s"ile--

$No& I don.t really t!in( t!ey are+ T!ey are una"bitious& I s!ould say+$ %rs+ Corey er"itted

!ersel# a lon) breat!+ But !er son added& $It.s t!e arents w!o are a"bitious #or t!e"&$ and !er

resiration be'a"e s!orter a)ain+

$0es&$ s!e said+

$T!ey.re very si"le& ni'e )irls&$ ursued Corey+ $I t!in( you.ll li(e t!e elder& w!en you 'o"e to

(now !er+$

W!en you 'o"e to (now !er+ T!e words i"lied an e7e'tation t!at t!e two #a"ilies were to be

better a'3uainted+

$T!en s!e is "ore intelle'tual t!an !er sister/$ %rs+ Corey ventured+



$Intelle'tual/$ reeated !er son+ $No2 t!at isn.t t!e word& 3uite+ T!ou)! s!e 'ertainly !as "ore

"ind+$

$T!e youn)er see"ed very sensible+$

$5!& sensible& yes+ And as ra'ti'al as s!e.s retty+ S!e 'an do all sorts o# t!in)s& and li(es to bedoin) t!e"+ 1on.t you t!in( s!e.s an e7traordinary beauty/$

$0es--yes& s!e is&$ said %rs+ Corey& at so"e 'ost+

$S!e.s )ood& too&$ said Corey& $and er#e'tly inno'ent and transarent+ I t!in( you will li(e !er

t!e better t!e "ore you (now !er+$

$I t!ou)!t !er very ni'e #ro" t!e be)innin)&$ said t!e "ot!er !eroi'ally2 and t!en nature asserteditsel# in !er+ $But I s!ould be a#raid t!at s!e "i)!t er!as be a little bit tireso"e at last2 !er

ran)e o# ideas see"ed so e7tre"ely li"ited+$

$0es& t!at.s w!at I was a#raid o#+ But& as a "atter o# #a't& s!e isn.t+ S!e interests you by !er very

li"itations+ 0ou 'an see t!e wor(in) o# !er "ind& li(e t!at o# a '!ild+ S!e isn.t at all 'ons'iouseven o# !er beauty+$

$I don.t believe youn) "en 'an tell w!et!er )irls are 'ons'ious or not&$ said %rs+ Corey+ $But I

a" not sayin) t!e %iss La!a"s are not----$ Her son sat "usin)& wit! an inattentive s"ile on !is

#a'e+ $W!at is it/$

$5!, not!in)+ I was t!in(in) o# %iss La!a" and so"et!in) s!e was sayin)+ S!e.s very droll&

you (now+$

$T!e elder sister/ 0es& you told "e t!at+ Can you see t!e wor(in)s o# !er "ind too/$

$No2 s!e.s everyt!in) t!at.s une7e'ted+$ Corey #ell into anot!er reverie& and s"iled a)ain2 but !edid not o##er to e7lain w!at a"used !i"& and !is "ot!er would not as(+

$I don.t (now w!at to "a(e o# !is ad"irin) t!e )irl so #ran(ly&$ s!e said a#terward to !er

!usband+ $T!at 'ouldn.t 'o"e naturally till a#ter !e !ad so(en to !er& and I #eel sure t!at !e

!asn.t yet+$

$0ou wo"en !aven.t risen yet--it.s an eviden'e o# t!e ba'(wardness o# your se7--to a 'on'etion

o# t!e Bis"ar'( idea in dilo"a'y+ I# a "an raises one wo"an& you still t!in( !e.s in love wit!anot!er+ 1o you "ean t!at be'ause To" didn.t raise t!e elder sister so "u'!& !e HAS so(en to

HER/$

%rs+ Corey re#used t!e 'onse3uen'e& sayin) t!at it did not #ollow+ $Besides& !e did raise !er+$

$0ou ou)!t to be )lad t!at "atters are in su'! )ood s!ae& t!en+ At any rate& you 'an do

absolutely not!in)+$



$5!, I (now it&$ si)!ed %rs+ Corey+ $I wis! To" would be a little oener wit! "e+$

$He.s as oen as it.s in t!e nature o# an A"eri'an-born son to be wit! !is arents+ I dare say i#

you.d as(ed !i" lu"ly w!at !e "eant in re)ard to t!e youn) lady& !e would !ave told you--i#!e (new+$

$W!y& don.t you t!in( !e does (now& Bro"#ield/$

$I." not at all sure !e does+ 0ou wo"en t!in( t!at be'ause a youn) "an dan)les a#ter a )irl& or

)irls& !e.s atta'!ed to t!e"+ It doesn.t at all #ollow+ He dan)les be'ause !e "ust& and doesn.t

(now w!at to do wit! !is ti"e& and be'ause t!ey see" to li(e it+ I dare say t!at To" !as dan)leda )ood deal in t!is instan'e be'ause t!ere was nobody else in town+$

$1o you really t!in( so/$

$I t!row out t!e su))estion+ And it stri(es "e t!at a youn) lady 'ouldn.t do better t!an stay in or

near Boston durin) t!e su""er+ %ost o# t!e youn) "en are !ere& (et by business t!rou)! t!ewee(& wit! evenin)s available only on t!e sot& or a #ew "iles o##+ W!at was t!e roortion o#

t!e se7es at t!e seas!ore and t!e "ountains/$

$5!& twenty )irls at least #or even an e7'use o# a "an+ It.s s!a"e#ul+$

$0ou see& I a" ri)!t in one art o# "y t!eory+ W!y s!ouldn.t I be ri)!t in t!e rest/$

$I wis! you were+ And yet I 'an.t say t!at I do+ T!ose t!in)s are very serious wit! )irls+ Is!ouldn.t li(e To" to !ave been )oin) to see t!ose eole i# !e "eant not!in) by it+$

$And you wouldn.t li(e it i# !e did+ 0ou are di##i'ult& "y dear+$ Her !usband ulled an oennewsaer toward !i" #ro" t!e table+

$I #eel t!at it wouldn.t be at all li(e !i" to do so&$ said %rs+ Corey& )oin) on to entan)le !ersel#in !er words& as wo"en o#ten do w!en t!eir ideas are er#e'tly 'lear+ $1on.t )o to readin)&

lease& Bro"#ield, I a" really worried about t!is "atter I "ust (now !ow "u'! it "eans+ I 'an.t

let it )o on so+ I don.t see !ow you 'an rest easy wit!out (nowin)+$

$I don.t in t!e least (now w!at.s )oin) to be'o"e o# "e w!en I die2 and yet I slee well&$ reliedBro"#ield Corey& uttin) !is newsaer aside+

$A!, but t!is is a very di##erent t!in)+$

$So "u'! "ore serious/ Well& w!at 'an you do/ We !ad t!is out w!en you were !ere in t!e

su""er& and you a)reed wit! "e t!en t!at we 'ould do not!in)+ T!e situation !asn.t '!an)ed at

all+$

$0es& it !as2 it !as 'ontinued t!e sa"e&$ said %rs+ Corey& a)ain e7ressin) t!e #a't by a

'ontradi'tion in ter"s+ $I t!in( I "ust as( To" outri)!t+$



$No2 I will )o alone t!is ti"e&$ relied t!e "ot!er wit! di)nity+

Her 'oue now #ound its way to Nan(een S3uare wit!out di##i'ulty& and s!e sent u a 'ard&

w!i'! %rs+ La!a" re'eived in t!e resen'e o# !er dau)!ter Peneloe+

$I resu"e I.ve )ot to see !er&$ s!e )ased+

$Well& don.t loo( so )uilty& "ot!er&$ *o(ed t!e )irl2 $you !aven.t been doin) anyt!in) so VER0

wron)+$

$It see"s as i# I HA1+ I don.t (now w!at.s 'o"e over "e+ I wasn.t a#raid o# t!e wo"an be#ore&

but now I don.t see" to #eel as i# I 'ould loo( !er in t!e #a'e+ He.s been 'o"in) !ere o# !is owna''ord& and I #ou)!t a)ainst !is 'o"in) lon) enou)!& )oodness (nows+ I didn.t want !i" to

'o"e+ And as #ar #ort! as t!at )oes& we.re as rese'table as t!ey are2 and your #at!er.s )ot twi'e

t!eir "oney& any day+ We.ve no need to )o be))in) #or t!eir #avour+ I )uess t!ey were )lad

enou)! to )et !i" in wit! your #at!er+$

$0es& t!ose are all )ood oints& "ot!er&$ said t!e )irl2 $and i# you (ee sayin) t!e" over& and

'ount a !undred every ti"e be#ore you sea(& I )uess you.ll worry t!rou)!+$

%rs+ La!a" !ad been #ussin) distra'tedly wit! !er !air and ribbons& in rearation #or !er

en'ounter wit! %rs+ Corey+ S!e now drew in a lon) 3uiverin) breat!& stared at !er dau)!terwit!out seein) !er& and !urried downstairs+ It was true t!at w!en s!e "et %rs+ Corey be#ore s!e

!ad not been awed by !er2 but sin'e t!en s!e !ad learned at least !er own i)noran'e o# t!e world&

and s!e !ad tal(ed over t!e t!in)s s!e !ad "is'on'eived and t!e t!in)s s!e !ad s!rewdly)uessed so "u'! t!at s!e 'ould not "eet !er on t!e #or"er #ootin) o# e3uality+ In site o# as

brave a sirit and as )ood a 'ons'ien'e as wo"an need !ave& %rs+ La!a" 'rin)ed inwardly& and

tre"ulously wondered w!at !er visitor !ad 'o"e #or+ S!e turned #ro" ale to red& and was !ardly'o!erent in !er )reetin)s2 s!e did not (now !ow t!ey )ot to w!ere %rs+ Corey was sayin)e7a'tly t!e ri)!t t!in)s about !er son.s interest and satis#a'tion in !is new business& and (eein)

!er eyes #i7ed on %rs+ La!a".s& readin) !er uneasiness t!ere& and "a(in) !er #eel& in site o#

!er indi)nant inno'en'e& t!at s!e !ad ta(en a base advanta)e o# !er in !er absen'e to )et !er sonaway #ro" !er and "arry !i" to Irene+ T!en& resently& w!ile t!is was ain#ully revolvin) itsel#

in %rs+ La!a".s "ind& s!e was aware o# %rs+ Corey.s as(in) i# s!e was not to !ave t!e leasure

o# seein) %iss Irene+

$No2 s!e.s out& *ust now&$ said %rs+ La!a"+ $I don.t (now *ust w!en s!e.ll be in+ S!e went to )eta boo(+$ And !ere s!e turned red a)ain& (nowin) t!at Irene !ad )one to )et t!e boo( be'ause it

was one t!at Corey !ad so(en o#+

$5!, I." sorry&$ said %rs+ Corey+ $I !ad !oed to see !er+ And your ot!er dau)!ter& w!o" I never

"et/$

$Peneloe/$ as(ed %rs+ La!a"& eased a little+ $S!e is at !o"e+ I will )o and 'all !er+$ T!e

La!a"s !ad not yet t!ou)!t o# sendin) t!eir suer#luity on servants w!o 'ould be run) #or2

t!ey (et two )irls and a "an to loo( a#ter t!e #urna'e& as t!ey !ad #or t!e last ten years+ I# %rs+



La!a" !ad run) in t!e arlour& !er se'ond )irl would !ave )one to t!e street door to see w!o

was t!ere+ S!e went ustairs #or Peneloe !ersel#& and t!e )irl& a#ter so"e rebellious derision&

returned wit! !er+

%rs+ Corey too( a''ount o# !er& as Peneloe wit!drew to t!e ot!er side o# t!e roo" a#ter t!eir

introdu'tion& and sat down& indolently sub"issive on t!e sur#a'e to t!e tests to be alied& and#ollowin) %rs+ Corey.s lead o# t!e 'onversation in !er odd drawl+

$0ou youn) ladies will be )lad to be )ettin) into your new !ouse&$ s!e said olitely+

$I don.t (now&$ said Peneloe+ $We.re so used to t!is one+$

%rs+ Corey loo(ed a little ba##led& but s!e said sy"at!eti'ally& $5# 'ourse& you will be sorry to

leave your old !o"e+$

%rs+ La!a" 'ould not !el uttin) in on be!al# o# !er dau)!ters8 $I )uess i# it was le#t to t!e

)irls to say& we s!ouldn.t leave it at all+$

$5!& indeed,$ said %rs+ Corey2 $are t!ey so "u'! atta'!ed/ But I 'an 3uite understand it+ %y'!ildren would be !eart-bro(en too i# we were to leave t!e old la'e+$ S!e turned to Peneloe+

$But you "ust t!in( o# t!e lovely new !ouse& and t!e beauti#ul osition+$

$0es& I suose we s!all )et used to t!e" too&$ said Peneloe& in resonse to t!is dida'ti'

'onsolation+

$5!& I 'ould even i"a)ine your )ettin) very #ond o# t!e"&$ ursued %rs+ Corey atronisin)ly+

$%y son !as told "e o# t!e lovely outloo( you.re to !ave over t!e water+ He t!in(s you !ave

su'! a beauti#ul !ouse+ I believe !e !ad t!e leasure o# "eetin) you all t!ere w!en !e #irst 'a"e!o"e+$

$0es& I t!in( !e was our #irst visitor+$

$He is a )reat ad"irer o# your !ouse&$ said %rs+ Corey& (eein) !er eyes very s!arly& !owever

olitely& on Peneloe.s #a'e& as i# to surrise t!ere t!e se'ret o# any ot!er )reat ad"iration o# !er

son.s t!at "i)!t !ellessly s!ow itsel#+

$0es&$ said t!e )irl& $!e.s been t!ere several ti"es wit! #at!er2 and !e wouldn.t be allowed to

overloo( any o# its )ood oints+$

Her "ot!er too( a little "ore 'oura)e #ro" !er dau)!ter.s tran3uillity+

$T!e )irls "a(e su'! #un o# t!eir #at!er.s e7'ite"ent about !is buildin)& and t!e way !e tal(s it

into everybody+$

$5!& indeed,$ said %rs+ Corey& wit! 'ivil "isunderstandin) and in3uiry+



Peneloe #lus!ed& and !er "ot!er went on8 $I tell !i" !e.s "ore o# a '!ild about it t!an any o#

t!e"+$

$0oun) eole are very !iloso!i'al nowadays&$ re"ar(ed %rs+ Corey+

$0es& indeed&$ said %rs+ La!a"+ $I tell t!e" t!ey.ve always !ad everyt!in)& so t!at not!in).s asurrise to t!e"+ It was di##erent wit! us in our youn) days+$

$0es&$ said %rs+ Corey& wit!out assentin)+

$I "ean t!e Colonel and "ysel#&$ e7lained %rs+ La!a"+

$5! yes--yes,$ said %rs+ Corey+

$I." sure&$ t!e #or"er went on& rat!er !ellessly& $we !ad to wor( !ard enou)! #or everyt!in) we)ot+ And so we are'iated it+$

$So "any t!in)s were not done #or youn) eole t!en&$ said %rs+ Corey& not re'o)nisin) t!e

early-!ards!is standoint o# %rs+ La!a"+ $But I don.t (now t!at t!ey are always t!e better #or

it now&$ s!e added va)uely& but wit! t!e satis#a'tion we all #eel in utterin) a *ust 'o""onla'e+

$It.s rat!er !ard livin) u to blessin)s t!at you.ve always !ad&$ said Peneloe+

$0es&$ relied %rs+ Corey distra'tedly& and 'o"in) ba'( to !er slowly #ro" t!e virtuous distan'e

to w!i'! s!e !ad absented !ersel#+ S!e loo(ed at t!e )irl sear'!in)ly a)ain& as i# to deter"ine

w!et!er t!is were a tou'! o# t!e drollin) !er son !ad so(en o#+ But s!e only added8 $0ou will

en*oy t!e sunsets on t!e Ba'( Bay so "u'!+$ $Well& not unless t!ey.re new ones&$ said Peneloe+

$I don.t believe I 'ould ro"ise to en*oy any sunsets t!at I was used to& a )reat deal+$

%rs+ Corey loo(ed at !er wit! "is)ivin)& !ardenin) into disli(e+ $No&$ s!e breat!ed va)uely+

$%y son so(e o# t!e #ine e##e't o# t!e li)!ts about t!e !otel #ro" your 'otta)e at Nantas(et&$ s!esaid to %rs+ La!a"+

$0es& t!ey.re slendid,$ e7'lai"ed t!at lady+ $I )uess t!e )irls went down every ni)!t wit! !i" to

see t!e" #ro" t!e ro'(s+$

$0es&$ said %rs+ Corey& a little dryly2 and s!e er"itted !ersel# to add8 $He so(e o# t!ose ro'(s+

I suose bot! you youn) ladies send a )reat deal o# your ti"e on t!e" w!en you.re t!ere+ At

Na!ant "y '!ildren were 'onstantly on t!e"+$

$Irene li(es t!e ro'(s&$ said Peneloe+ $I don.t 'are "u'! about t!e"&--ese'ially at ni)!t+$

$5!& indeed, I suose you #ind it 3uite as well loo(in) at t!e li)!ts 'o"#ortably #ro" t!e

veranda+$

$No2 you 'an.t see t!e" #ro" t!e !ouse+$



$5!&$ said %rs+ Corey+ A#ter a er'etible ause& s!e turned to %rs+ La!a"+ $I don.t (now w!at

"y son would !ave done #or a breat! o# sea air t!is su""er& i# you !ad not allowed !i" to 'o"e

to Nantas(et+ He wasn.t willin) to leave !is business lon) enou)! to )o anyw!ere else+$

$0es& !e.s a born business "an&$ resonded %rs+ La!a" ent!usiasti'ally+ $I# it.s born in you& it.s

bound to 'o"e out+ T!at.s w!at t!e Colonel is always sayin) about %r+ Corey+ He says it.s bornin !i" to be a business "an& and !e 'an.t !el it+$ S!e re'urred to Corey )ladly be'ause s!e #elt

t!at s!e !ad not said enou)! o# !i" w!en !is "ot!er #irst so(e o# !is 'onne'tion wit! t!e business+ $I don.t believe&$ s!e went on e7'itedly& $t!at Colonel La!a" !as ever !ad anybody

wit! !i" t!at !e t!ou)!t "ore o#+$

$0ou !ave all been very (ind to "y son&$ said %rs+ Corey in a'(nowled)"ent& and sti##ly bowin) a little& $and we #eel )reatly indebted to you+ Very "u'! so+$ At t!ese )rate#ul

e7ressions %rs+ La!a" reddened on'e "ore& and "ur"ured t!at it !ad been very leasant to

t!e"& s!e was sure+ S!e )lan'ed at !er dau)!ter #or suort& but Peneloe was loo(in) at %rs+

Corey& w!o doubtless saw !er #ro" t!e 'orner o# !er eyes& t!ou)! s!e went on sea(in) to !er

"ot!er+

$I was sorry to !ear #ro" !i" t!at %r+--Colonel/--La!a" !ad not been 3uite well t!is su""er+

I !oe !e.s better now/$

$5! yes& indeed&$ relied %rs+ La!a"2 $!e.s all ri)!t now+ He.s !ardly ever been si'(& and !edon.t (now !ow to ta(e 'are o# !i"sel#+ T!at.s all+ We don.t any o# us2 we.re all so well+$

$Healt! is a )reat blessin)&$ si)!ed %rs+ Corey+

$0es& so it is+ How is your oldest dau)!ter/$ in3uired %rs+ La!a"+ $Is s!e as deli'ate as ever/$

$S!e see"s to be rat!er better sin'e we returned+$ And now %rs+ Corey& as i# #or'ed to t!e oint&

said bun)lin)ly t!at t!e youn) ladies !ad wis!ed to 'o"e wit! !er& but !ad been detained+ S!e based !er state"ent uon Nanny.s sar'asti' de"and2 and& er!as seein) it tole a little& s!e

rose !astily& to )et away #ro" its #all+ $But we s!all !oe #or so"e--so"e ot!er o''asion&$ s!e

said va)uely& and s!e ut on a artin) s"ile& and s!oo( !ands wit! %rs+ La!a" and Peneloe&and t!en& a#ter so"e lin)erin) 'o""onla'es& )ot !ersel# out o# t!e !ouse+

Peneloe and !er "ot!er were still loo(in) at ea'! ot!er& and tryin) to )rale wit! t!e e##e't or

urort o# t!e visit& w!en Irene burst in uon t!e" #ro" t!e outside+

$5 "a""a, wasn.t t!at %rs+ Corey.s 'arria)e *ust drove away/$

Peneloe answered wit! !er lau)!+ $0es, 0ou.ve *ust "issed t!e "ost deli)!t#ul 'all& .Rene+ Soeasy and leasant every way+ Not a bit sti##, %rs+ Corey was so #riendly, S!e didn.t "a(e one

#eel at all as i# s!e.d bou)!t "e& and t!ou)!t s!e.d )iven too "u'!2 and "ot!er !eld u !er !ead

as i# s!e were all wool and a yard wide& and s!e would *ust li(e to !ave anybody deny it+$



In a #ew tou'!es o# "i"i'ry s!e das!ed o## a s(et'! o# t!e s'ene8 !er "ot!er.s treidation& and

%rs+ Corey.s well-bred reose and olite s'rutiny o# t!e" bot!+ S!e ended by s!owin) !ow s!e

!ersel# !ad sat !uddled u in a dar( 'orner& "ute wit! #ear+

$I# s!e 'a"e to "a(e us say and do t!e wron) t!in)& s!e "ust !ave )one away !ay2 and it.s a

ity you weren.t !ere to !el& Irene+ I don.t (now t!at I ai"ed to "a(e a bad i"ression& but I)uess I su''eeded--even beyond "y deserts+$ S!e lau)!ed2 t!en suddenly s!e #las!ed out in

#ier'e earnest+ $I# I "issed doin) anyt!in) t!at 'ould "a(e "e as !ate#ul to !er as s!e "ade!ersel# to "e----$ S!e '!e'(ed !ersel#& and be)an to lau)!+ Her lau)! bro(e& and t!e tears started

into !er eyes2 s!e ran out o# t!e roo"& and u t!e stairs+

$W!at--w!at does it "ean/$ as(ed Irene in a da4e+

%rs+ La!a" was still in t!e '!illy toror to w!i'! %rs+ Corey.s 'all !ad redu'ed !er+ Peneloe.sve!e"en'e did not rouse !er+ S!e only s!oo( !er !ead absently& and said& $I don.t (now+$

$W!y s!ould Pen 'are w!at i"ression s!e "ade/ I didn.t suose it would "a(e any di##eren'eto !er w!et!er %rs+ Corey li(ed !er or not+$

$I didn.t& eit!er+ But I 'ould see t!at s!e was *ust as nervous as s!e 'ould be& every "inute o# t!eti"e+ I )uess s!e didn.t li(e %rs+ Corey any too well #ro" t!e start& and s!e 'ouldn.t see" to a't

li(e !ersel#+$

$Tell "e about it& "a""a&$ said Irene& droin) into a '!air+

%rs+ Corey des'ribed t!e interview to !er !usband on !er return !o"e+ $Well& and w!at are yourin#eren'es/$ !e as(ed+

$T!ey were e7tre"ely e"barrassed and e7'ited--t!at is& t!e "ot!er+ I don.t wis! to do !er

in*usti'e& but s!e 'ertainly be!aved 'ons'iously+$

$0ou "ade !er #eel so& I dare say& Anna+ I 'an i"a)ine !ow terrible you "ust !ave been in t!e

'!ara'ter o# an a''usin) sirit& too lady-li(e to say anyt!in)+ W!at did you !int/$

$I !inted not!in)&$ said %rs+ Corey& des'endin) to t!e wea(ness o# de#endin) !ersel#+ $But I saw

3uite enou)! to 'onvin'e "e t!at t!e )irl is in love wit! To"& and t!e "ot!er (nows it+$

$T!at was very unsatis#a'tory+ I suosed you went to #ind out w!et!er To" was in love wit! t!e

)irl+ Was s!e as retty as ever/$

$I didn.t see !er2 s!e was not at !o"e2 I saw !er sister+$

$I don.t (now t!at I #ollow you 3uite& Anna+ But no "atter+ W!at was t!e sister li(e/$



$A t!orou)!ly disa)reeable youn) wo"an+$

$W!at did s!e do/$

$Not!in)+ S!e.s #ar too sly #or t!at+ But t!at was t!e i"ression+$

$T!en you didn.t #ind !er so a"usin) as To" does/$

$I #ound !er ert+ T!ere.s no ot!er word #or it+ S!e says t!in)s to u44le you and ut you out+$

$A!& t!at was worse t!an ert& Anna2 t!at was 'ri"inal+ Well& let us t!an( !eaven t!e youn)erone is so retty+$

%rs+ Corey did not rely dire'tly+ $Bro"#ield&$ s!e said& a#ter a "o"ent o# troubled silen'e& $I

!ave been t!in(in) over your lan& and I don.t see w!y it isn.t t!e ri)!t t!in)+$

$W!at is "y lan/$ in3uired Bro"#ield Corey+

$A dinner+$

Her !usband be)an to lau)!+ $A!& you overdid t!e a''usin)-sirit business& and t!is is

rearation+$ But %rs+ Corey !urried on& wit! 'o"bined di)nity and an7iety--

$We 'an.t i)nore To".s inti"a'y wit! t!e"--it a"ounts to t!at2 it will robably 'ontinue even i#

it.s "erely a #an'y& and we "ust see" to (now it2 w!atever 'o"es o# it& we 'an.t disown it+ T!eyare very si"le& un#as!ionable eole& and unworldly2 but I 'an.t say t!at t!ey are o##ensive&

unless--unless&$ s!e added& in roitiation o# !er !usband.s s"ile& $unless t!e #at!er--!ow did

you #ind t!e #at!er/$ s!e i"lored+

$He will be very entertainin)&$ said Corey& $i# you start !i" on !is aint+ W!at was t!edisa)reeable dau)!ter li(e/ S!all you !ave !er/$

$S!e.s little and dar(+ We "ust !ave t!e" all&$ %rs+ Corey si)!ed+ $T!en you don.t t!in( a dinner

would do/$

$5! yes& I do+ As you say& we 'an.t disown To".s relation to t!e"& w!atever it is+ We !ad "u'! better re'o)nise it& and "a(e t!e best o# t!e inevitable+ I t!in( a La!a" dinner would be

deli)!t#ul+$ He loo(ed at !er wit! deli'ate irony in !is voi'e and s"ile& and s!e #et'!ed anot!er

si)!& so dee and sore now t!at !e lau)!ed outri)!t+ $Per!as&$ !e su))ested& $it would be t!e best way o# 'urin) To" o# !is #an'y& i# !e !as one+ He !as been seein) !er wit! t!e dan)erous

advanta)es w!i'! a "ot!er (nows !ow to )ive !er dau)!ter in t!e #a"ily 'ir'le& and wit! no

"eans o# 'o"arin) !er wit! ot!er )irls+ 0ou "ust invite several ot!er very retty )irls+$

$1o you really t!in( so& Bro"#ield/$ as(ed %rs+ Corey& ta(in) 'oura)e a little+ $T!at "i)!t do&$But !er sirits visibly san( a)ain+ $I don.t (now any ot!er )irl !al# so retty+$



$Well& t!en& better bred+$

$S!e is very lady-li(e& very "odest& and leasin)+$

$Well& "ore 'ultivated+$

$To" doesn.t )et on wit! su'! eole+$

$5!& you wis! !i" to "arry !er& I see+$

$No& no+$

$T!en you.d better )ive t!e dinner to brin) t!e" to)et!er& to ro"ote t!e a##air+$

$0ou (now I don.t want to do t!at& Bro"#ield+ But I #eel t!at we "ust do so"et!in)+ I# we don.t&

it !as a 'landestine aearan'e+ It isn.t *ust to t!e"+ A dinner won.t leave us in any worse

osition& and "ay leave us in a better+ 0es&$ said %rs+ Corey& a#ter anot!er t!ou)!t#ul interval&$we "ust !ave t!e"--!ave t!e" all+ It 'ould be very si"le+$

$A!& you 'an.t )ive a dinner under a bus!el& i# I ta(e your "eanin)& "y dear+ I# we do t!is at all&

we "ustn.t do it as i# we were as!a"ed o# it+ We "ust as( eole to "eet t!e"+$

$0es&$ si)!ed %rs+ Corey+ $T!ere are not "any eole in town yet&$ s!e added& wit! relie# t!at'aused !er !usband anot!er s"ile+ $T!ere really see"s a sort o# #atality about it&$ s!e 'on'luded

reli)iously+

$T!en you !ad better not stru))le a)ainst it+ 6o and re'on'ile Lily and Nanny to it as soon as

ossible+$

%rs+ Corey blan'!ed a little+ $But don.t you t!in( it will be t!e best t!in)& Bro"#ield/$

$I do indeed& "y dear+ T!e only t!in) t!at s!a(es "y #ait! in t!e s'!e"e is t!e #a't t!at I #irst

su))ested it+ But i# you !ave adoted it& it "ust be all ri)!t& Anna+ I 'an.t say t!at I e7e'ted it+$

$No&$ said !is wi#e& $it wouldn.t do+$

XIII.

HAVIN6 distin'tly )iven u t!e ro*e't o# as(in) t!e La!a"s to dinner& %rs+ Corey was able to

'arry it out wit! t!e 'oura)e o# sinners w!o !ave sa'ri#i'ed to virtue by #ran(ly a'(nowled)in)its sueriority to t!eir intended trans)ression+ S!e did not 3uestion but t!e La!a"s would 'o"e2

and s!e only doubted as to t!e eole w!o" s!e s!ould invite to "eet t!e"+ S!e oened t!e

"atter wit! so"e treidation to !er dau)!ters& but neit!er o# t!e" oosed !er2 t!ey rat!er



loo(ed at t!e s'!e"e #ro" !er own oint o# view& and a)reed wit! !er t!at not!in) !ad really yet

been done to wie out t!e obli)ation to t!e La!a"s !ellessly 'ontra'ted t!e su""er be#ore&

and stren)t!ened by t!at ill-advised ali'ation to %rs+ La!a" #or '!arity+ Not only t!e rin'ial o# t!eir debt o# )ratitude re"ained& but t!e a''ruin) interest+ T!ey said& W!at !ar"

'ould )ivin) t!e dinner ossibly do t!e"/ T!ey "i)!t as( any or all o# t!eir a'3uaintan'e

wit!out disadvanta)e to t!e"selves2 but it would be er#e'tly easy to )ive t!e dinner *ust t!e'!ara'ter t!ey '!ose& and still #latter t!e i)noran'e o# t!e La!a"s+ T!e trouble would be wit!

To"& i# !e were really interested in t!e )irl2 but !e 'ould not say anyt!in) i# t!ey "ade it a

#a"ily dinner2 !e 'ould not #eel anyt!in)+ T!ey !ad ea'! turned in !er own "ind& as it aeared#ro" a 'o"arison o# ideas& to one o# t!e "ost 'o"re!ensive o# t!ose 'ousins!is w!i'! #or"

t!e ad"iration and terror o# t!e adventurer in Boston so'iety+ He #inds !i"sel# !e""ed in and

le#t out at every turn by ra"i#i'ations t!at #orbid !i" all !oe o# sa#e ersonality in !is

'o""ents on eole2 !e is never less se'ure t!an w!en !e !ears so"e )iven Bostoniandenoun'in) or ridi'ulin) anot!er+ I# !e will be advised& !e will )uard !i"sel# #ro" 'on'urrin) in

t!ese 'riti'is"s& !owever *ust t!ey aear& #or t!e robability is t!at t!eir ob*e't is a 'ousin o# not

"ore t!an one re"ove #ro" t!e 'ensor+ W!en t!e alien !ears a )rou o# Boston ladies 'allin)

one anot!er& and sea(in) o# all t!eir )entle"en #riends& by t!e #a"iliar abbreviations o# t!eirC!ristian na"es& !e "ust #eel (eenly t!e e7ile to w!i'! !e was born2 but !e is t!en& at least& in

'o"aratively little dan)er2 w!ile t!ese latent and ta'it 'ousins!is oen it#alls at every stearound !i"& in a so'iety w!ere %iddlese7es !ave "arried Esse7es and rodu'ed Su##ol(s #or two

!undred and #i#ty years+

T!ese 'onditions& !owever& so erilous to t!e #orei)ner& are a sour'e o# stren)t! and se'urity to

t!ose native to t!e"+ An un'ertain a'3uaintan'e "ay be so e##e'tually involved in t!e "es!es o#su'! a 'ousins!i& as never to be !eard o# outside o# it and tre"endous stories are told o# eole

w!o !ave sent a w!ole winter in Boston& in a w!irl o# )aiety& and w!o& t!e ori)inal )uests o# t!e

Su##ol(s& dis'over uon re#le'tion t!at t!ey !ave "et no one but Esse7es and %iddlese7es+

%rs+ Corey.s brot!er @a"es 'a"e #irst into !er "ind& and s!e t!ou)!t wit! un'o""on tolerationo# t!e easy-)oin)& un'riti'al& )ood-nature o# !is wi#e+ @a"es Bellin)!a" !ad been t!e adviser o#

!er son t!rou)!out& and "i)!t be said to !ave a'tively ro"oted !is 'onne'tion wit! La!a"+

S!e t!ou)!t ne7t o# t!e widow o# !er 'ousin& Henry Bellin)!a"& w!o !ad let !er dau)!ter "arryt!at Western stea"boat "an& and was #ond o# !er son-in-law2 s!e "i)!t be e7e'ted at least to

endure t!e aint-(in) and !is #a"ily+ T!e dau)!ters insisted so stron)ly uon %rs+ Bellin)!a".s

son C!arles& t!at %rs+ Corey ut !i" down--i# !e were in town2 !e "i)!t be in Central A"eri'a2!e )ot on wit! all sorts o# eole+ It see"ed to !er t!at s!e "i)!t sto at t!is8 #our La!a"s& #ive

Coreys& and #our Bellin)!a"s were enou)!+

$T!at "a(es t!irteen&$ said Nanny+ $0ou 'an !ave %r+ and %rs+ Sewell+$

$0es& t!at is a )ood idea&$ assented %rs+ Corey+ $He is our "inister& and it is very roer+$

$I don.t see w!y you don.t !ave Robert C!ase+ It is a ity !e s!ouldn.t see !er--#or t!e 'olour+$



$I don.t 3uite li(e t!e idea o# t!at&$ said %rs+ Corey2 $but we 'an !ave !i" too& i# it won.t "a(e

too "any+$ T!e ainter !ad "arried into a oorer bran'! o# t!e Coreys& and !is wi#e was dead+

$Is t!ere any one else/$

$T!ere is %iss ?in)sbury+$

$We !ave !ad !er so "u'!+ S!e will be)in to t!in( we are usin) !er+$

$S!e won.t "ind2 s!e.s so )ood-natured+$

$Well& t!en&$ t!e "ot!er su""ed u& $t!ere are #our La!a"s& #ive Coreys& #our Bellin)!a"s&

one C!ase& and one ?in)sbury--#i#teen+ 5!, and two Sewells+ Seventeen+ Ten ladies and seven)entle"en+ It doesn.t balan'e very well& and it.s too lar)e+$

$Per!as so"e o# t!e ladies won.t 'o"e&$ su))ested Lily+

$5!& t!e ladies always 'o"e&$ said Nanny+

T!eir "ot!er re#le'ted+ $Well& I will as( t!e"+ T!e ladies will re#use in ti"e to let us i'( u

so"e )entle"en so"ew!ere2 so"e "ore artists+ W!y, we "ust !ave %r+ Sey"our& t!e ar'!ite't2!e.s a ba'!elor& and !e.s buildin) t!eir !ouse& To" says+$

Her voi'e #ell a little w!en s!e "entioned !er son.s na"e& and s!e told !i" o# !er lan& w!en !e

'a"e !o"e in t!e evenin)& wit! evident "is)ivin)+

$W!at are you doin) it #or& "ot!er/$ !e as(ed& loo(in) at !er wit! !is !onest eyes+

S!e droed !er own in a little 'on#usion+ $I won.t do it at all& "y dear&$ s!e said& $i# you don.tarove+ But I t!ou)!t--0ou (now we !ave never "ade any roer a'(nowled)"ent o# t!eir

(indness to us at Baie St+ Paul+ T!en in t!e winter& I." as!a"ed to say& I )ot "oney #ro" !er #or

a '!arity I was interested in2 and I !ate t!e idea o# "erely >SIN6 eole in t!at way+ And nowyour !avin) been at t!eir !ouse t!is su""er--we 'an.t see" to disarove o# t!at2 and your

business relations to !i"----$

$0es& I see&$ said Corey+ $1o you t!in( it a"ounts to a dinner/$

$W!y& I don.t (now&$ returned !is "ot!er+ $We s!all !ave !ardly any one out o# our #a"ily

'onne'tion+$

$Well&$ Corey assented& $it "i)!t do+ I suose w!at you wis! is to )ive t!e" a leasure+$

$W!y& 'ertainly+ 1on.t you t!in( t!ey.d li(e to 'o"e/$

$5!& t!ey.d li(e to 'o"e2 but w!et!er it would be a leasure a#ter t!ey were !ere is anot!er t!in)+

I s!ould !ave said t!at i# you wanted to !ave t!e"& t!ey would en*oy better bein) si"ly as(ed

to "eet our own i""ediate #a"ily+$



$T!at.s w!at I t!ou)!t o# in t!e #irst la'e& but your #at!er see"ed to t!in( it i"lied a so'ial

distrust o# t!e"2 and we 'ouldn.t a##ord to !ave t!at aearan'e& even to ourselves+$

$Per!as !e was ri)!t+$

$And besides& it "i)!t see" a little si)ni#i'ant+$

Corey see"ed inattentive to t!is 'onsideration+ $W!o" did you t!in( o# as(in)/$ His "ot!er

reeated t!e na"es+ $0es& t!at would do&$ !e said& wit! a va)ue dissatis#a'tion+

$I won.t !ave it at all& i# you don.t wis!& To"+$

$5! yes& !ave it2 er!as you ou)!t+ 0es& I dare say it.s ri)!t+ W!at did you "ean by a #a"ily

dinner see"in) si)ni#i'ant/$

His "ot!er !esitated+ W!en it 'a"e to t!at& s!e did not li(e to re'o)nise in !is resen'e t!e

an7ieties t!at !ad troubled !er+ But $I don.t (now&$ s!e said& sin'e s!e "ust+ $I s!ouldn.t want to)ive t!at youn) )irl& or !er "ot!er& t!e idea t!at we wis!ed to "a(e "ore o# t!e a'3uaintan'e

t!an--t!an you did& To"+$

He loo(ed at !er absent-"indedly& as i# !e did not ta(e !er "eanin)+ But !e said& $5! yes& o#

'ourse&$ and %rs+ Corey& in t!e un'ertainty in w!i'! s!e see"ed destined to re"ain 'on'ernin)

t!is a##air& went o## and wrote !er invitation to %rs+ La!a"+ Later in t!e evenin)& w!en t!ey

a)ain #ound t!e"selves alone& !er son said& $I don.t t!in( I understood you& "ot!er& in re)ard tot!e La!a"s+ I t!in( I do now+ I 'ertainly don.t wis! you to "a(e "ore o# t!e a'3uaintan'e t!an

I !ave done+ It wouldn.t be ri)!t2 it "i)!t be very un#ortunate+ 1on.t )ive t!e dinner,$

$It.s too late now& "y son&$ said %rs+ Corey+ $I sent "y note to %rs+ La!a" an !our a)o+$ Her'oura)e rose at t!e trouble w!i'! s!owed in Corey.s #a'e+ $But don.t be annoyed by it& To"+ It

isn.t a #a"ily dinner& you (now& and everyt!in) 'an be "ana)ed wit!out e"barrass"ent+ I# we

ta(e u t!e a##air at t!is oint& you will see" to !ave been "erely a'tin) #or us2 and t!ey 'an.t

ossibly understand anyt!in) "ore+$

$Well& well, Let it )o, I dare say it.s all ri)!t At any rate& it 'an.t be !eled now+$

$I don.t wis! to !el it& To"&$ said %rs+ Corey& wit! a '!eer#ullness w!i'! t!e t!ou)!t o# t!e

La!a"s !ad never brou)!t !er be#ore+ $I a" sure it is 3uite #it and roer& and we 'an "a(e

t!e" !ave a very leasant ti"e+ T!ey are )ood& ino##ensive eole& and we owe it to ourselves

not to be a#raid to s!ow t!at we !ave #elt t!eir (indness to us& and !is are'iation o# you+$

$Well&$ 'onsented Corey+ T!e trouble t!at !is "ot!er !ad suddenly 'ast o## was in !is tone2 but

s!e was not sorry+ It was 3uite ti"e t!at !e s!ould t!in( seriously o# !is attitude toward t!ese

eole i# !e !ad not t!ou)!t o# it be#ore& but& a''ordin) to !is #at!er.s t!eory& !ad been "erelydan)lin)+



It was a view o# !er son.s '!ara'ter t!at 'ould !ardly !ave leased !er in di##erent 'ir'u"stan'es&

yet it was now un3uestionably a 'onsolation i# not w!olly a leasure+ I# s!e 'onsidered t!e

La!a"s at all& it was wit! t!e resi)nation w!i'! we #eel at t!e evils o# ot!ers& even w!en t!ey!ave not brou)!t t!e" on t!e"selves+

%rs+ La!a"& #or !er art& !ad sent t!e !ours between %rs+ Corey.s visit and !er !usband.s'o"in) !o"e #ro" business in rea'!in) t!e sa"e 'on'lusion wit! re)ard to Corey2 and !er

sirits were at t!e lowest w!en t!ey sat down to suer+ Irene was down'ast wit! !er2 Peneloewas urosely )ay2 and t!e Colonel was be)innin)& a#ter !is #irst late o# t!e boiled !a"&--

w!i'!& bristlin) wit! 'loves& rounded its bul( on a wide latter be#ore !i"&--to ta(e note o# t!e

surroundin) "ood& w!en t!e door-bell *in)led ere"torily& and t!e )irl le#t waitin) on t!e tableto )o and answer it+ S!e returned at on'e wit! a note #or %rs+ La!a"& w!i'! s!e read& and t!en&

a#ter a !elless survey o# !er #a"ily& read a)ain+

$W!y& w!at IS it& "a""a/$ as(ed Irene& w!ile t!e Colonel& w!o !ad ta(en u !is 'arvin)-(ni#e

#or anot!er atta'( on t!e !a"& !eld it drawn !al# a'ross it+

$W!y& I don.t (now w!at it does "ean&$ answered %rs+ La!a" tre"ulously& and s!e let t!e )irl

ta(e t!e note #ro" !er+

Irene ran it over& and t!en turned to t!e na"e at t!e end wit! a *oy#ul 'ry and a #lus! t!at burned

to t!e to o# !er #ore!ead+ T!en s!e be)an to read it on'e "ore+

T!e Colonel droed !is (ni#e and #rowned i"atiently& and %rs+ La!a" said& $0ou read it outloud& i# you (now w!at to "a(e o# it& Irene+$ But Irene& wit! a nervous s'rea" o# rotest& !anded

it to !er #at!er& w!o er#or"ed t!e o##i'e+

$1EAR %RS+ LAPHA%8

$Will you and 6eneral La!a"----$

$I didn.t (now I was a )eneral&$ )ru"bled La!a"+ $I )uess I s!all !ave to be loo(in) u "y ba'( ay+ W!o is it writes t!is& anyway/$ !e as(ed& turnin) t!e letter over #or t!e si)nature+

$5!& never "ind+ Read it t!rou)!,$ 'ried !is wi#e& wit! a (indlin) )lan'e o# triu"! at Peneloe&

and !e resu"ed--

$--and your dau)!ters )ive us t!e leasure o# your 'o"any at dinner on T!ursday& t!e ;t!& at

!al#-ast si7+

$0ours sin'erely&

$ANNA B+ C5RE0+$



T!e brie# invitation !ad been sread over two a)es& and t!e Colonel !ad di##i'ulties wit! t!e

si)nature w!i'! !e did not instantly sur"ount+ W!en !e !ad "ade out t!e na"e and ronoun'ed

it& !e loo(ed a'ross at !is wi#e #or an e7lanation+

$I don.t (now w!at it all "eans&$ s!e said& s!a(in) !er !ead and sea(in) wit! a leased #lutter+

$S!e was !ere t!is a#ternoon& and I s!ould !ave said s!e !ad 'o"e to see !ow bad s!e 'ould"a(e us #eel+ I de'lare I never #elt so ut down in "y li#e by anybody+$

$W!y& w!at did s!e do/ W!at did s!e say/$ La!a" was ready& in !is dense ride& to resent anya##ront to !is blood& but doubt#ul& wit! t!e eviden'e o# t!is invitation to t!e 'ontrary& i# any

a##ront !ad been o##ered+ %rs+ La!a" tried to tell !i"& but t!ere was really not!in) tan)ible2

and w!en s!e 'a"e to ut it into words& s!e 'ould not "a(e out a 'ase+ Her !usband listened to!er e7'ited atte"t& and t!en !e said& wit! *udi'ial sueriority& $I )uess nobody.s been tryin) to

"a(e you #eel bad& Persis+ W!at would s!e )o ri)!t !o"e and invite you to dinner #or& i# s!e.d

a'ted t!e way you say/$

In t!is view it did see" i"robable& and %rs+ La!a" was s!a(en+ S!e 'ould only say&$Peneloe #elt *ust t!e way I did about it+$

La!a" loo(ed at t!e )irl& w!o said& $5!& I 'an.t rove it, I be)in to t!in( it never !aened+ I

)uess it didn.t+$

$Hu"!,$ said !er #at!er& and !e sat #rownin) t!ou)!t#ully a w!ile--i)norin) !er "o'(in) irony&

or '!oosin) to ta(e !er seriously+ $0ou 'an.t really ut your #in)er on anyt!in)&$ !e said to !iswi#e& $and it ain.t li(ely t!ere is anyt!in)+ Anyway& s!e.s done t!e roer t!in) by you now+$

%rs+ La!a" #altered between !er lin)erin) resent"ent and t!e aeals o# !er #lattered vanity+

S!e loo(ed #ro" Peneloe.s i"assive #a'e to t!e ea)er eyes o# Irene+ $Well--*ust as you say&Silas+ I don.t (now as s!e WAS so very bad+ I )uess "ay be s!e was e"barrassed so"e----$

$T!at.s w!at I told you& "a""a& #ro" t!e start&$ interruted Irene+ $1idn.t I tell you s!e didn.t

"ean anyt!in) by it/ It.s *ust t!e way s!e a'ted at Baie St+ Paul& w!en s!e )ot well enou)! to

realise w!at you.d done #or !er,$

Peneloe bro(e into a lau)!+ $Is t!at !er way o# s!owin) !er )ratitude/ I." sorry I didn.tunderstand t!at be#ore+$

Irene "ade no e##ort to rely+ S!e "erely loo(ed #ro" !er "ot!er to !er #at!er wit! a )rieved

#a'e #or t!eir rote'tion& and La!a" said& $W!en we.ve done suer& you answer !er& Persis+Say we.ll 'o"e+$

$Wit! one e7'etion&$ said Peneloe+

$W!at do you "ean/$ de"anded !er #at!er& wit! a "out! #ull o# !a"+ $5!& not!in) o#

i"ortan'e+ %erely t!at I." not )oin)+$



a)ain& and Corey did not& so !e let it ass+ It worried !i" to see all t!e rearation t!at !is wi#e

and Irene were "a(in)& and !e tried to lau)! at t!e" #or it2 and it worried !i" to #ind t!at

Peneloe was "a(in) no rearation at all #or !ersel#& but only !elin) t!e ot!ers+ He as(ed !erw!at s!ould s!e do i# s!e '!an)ed !er "ind at t!e last "o"ent and 'on'luded to )o& and s!e said

s!e )uessed s!e s!ould not '!an)e !er "ind& but i# s!e did& s!e would )o to W!ite.s wit! !i"

and )et !i" to '!oose !er an i"orted dress& !e see"ed to li(e t!e" so "u'!+ He was too roudto "ention t!e sub*e't a)ain to !er+

inally& all t!at dress-"a(in) in t!e !ouse be)an to s'are !i" wit! va)ue are!ensions in re)ard

to !is own dress+ As soon as !e !ad deter"ined to )o& an ideal o# t!e #i)ure in w!i'! !e s!ould

)o resented itsel# to !is "ind+ He s!ould not wear any dress-'oat& be'ause& #or one t!in)& !e'onsidered t!at a "an loo(ed li(e a #ool in a dress-'oat& and& #or anot!er t!in)& !e !ad none--!ad

none on rin'ile+ He would )o in a #ro'(-'oat and bla'( antaloons& and er!as a w!ite

waist'oat& but a bla'( 'ravat anyway+ But as soon as !e develoed t!is ideal to !is #a"ily& w!i'!!e did in o"ous disdain o# t!eir an7ieties about t!eir own dress& t!ey said !e s!ould not )o so+

Irene re"inded !i" t!at !e was t!e only erson wit!out a dress-'oat at a 'ors reunion dinner

w!i'! !e !ad ta(en !er to so"e years be#ore& and s!e re"e"bered #eelin) aw#ully about it at t!eti"e+ %rs+ La!a"& w!o would er!as !ave a)reed o# !ersel#& s!oo( !er !ead wit! "is)ivin)+

$I don.t see but w!at you.ll !ave to )et you one& Si&$ s!e said+ $I don.t believe t!ey ever )o

wit!out .e" to a rivate !ouse+$

He !eld out oenly& but on !is way !o"e t!e ne7t day& in a sudden ani'& !e 'ast an'!or be#ore!is tailor.s door and )ot "easured #or a dress-'oat+ A#ter t!at !e be)an to be a##li'ted about !is

waist-'oat& 'on'ernin) w!i'! !e !ad !it!erto been airily indi##erent+ He tried to )et oinion out

o# !is #a"ily& but t!ey were not so 'lear about it as t!ey were about t!e #ro'(+ It ended in t!eir

buyin) a boo( o# eti3uette& w!i'! settled t!e 3uestion adversely to a w!ite waist'oat+ T!e aut!or&!owever& a#ter bein) very e7li'it in tellin) t!e" not to eat wit! t!eir (nives& and above all not to

i'( t!eir teet! wit! t!eir #or(s&--a t!in) w!i'! !e said no lady or )entle"an ever did&--was still#ar #ro" de'ided as to t!e (ind o# 'ravat Colonel La!a" ou)!t to wear8 s!a(en on ot!er oints&La!a" !ad be)un to waver also 'on'ernin) t!e bla'( 'ravat+ As to t!e 3uestion o# )loves #or

t!e Colonel& w!i'! suddenly #las!ed uon !i" one evenin)& it aeared never to !ave entered t!e

t!ou)!ts o# t!e eti3uette "an& as La!a" 'alled !i"+ 5t!er aut!ors on t!e sa"e sub*e't weree3ually silent& and Irene 'ould only re"e"ber !avin) !eard& in so"e va)ue sort o# way& t!at

)entle"en did not wear )loves so "u'! any "ore+

1ros o# ersiration )at!ered on La!a".s #ore!ead in t!e an7iety o# t!e debate2 !e )roaned&

and !e swore a little in t!e 'o"ro"ise ro#anity w!i'! !e used+

$I de'lare&$ said Peneloe& w!ere s!e sat urblindly sewin) on a bit o# dress #or Irene& $t!eColonel.s 'lot!es are as "u'! trouble as anybody.s+ W!y don.t you )o to @ordan %ars!.s and

order one o# t!e i"orted dresses #or yoursel#& #at!er/$ T!at )ave t!e" all t!e relie# o# a lau)!

over it& t!e Colonel *oinin) in iteously+

He !ad an aw#ul lon)in) to #ind out #ro" Corey !ow !e ou)!t to )o+ He #or"ulated and reeated

over to !i"sel# an aarently 'areless 3uestion& su'! as& $5!& by t!e way& Corey& w!ere do you

)et your )loves/$ T!is would naturally lead to so"e tal( on t!e sub*e't& w!i'! would& i# roerly



"ana)ed& 'lear u t!e w!ole trouble+ But La!a" #ound t!at !e would rat!er die t!an as( t!is

3uestion& or any 3uestion t!at would brin) u t!e dinner a)ain+ Corey did not re'ur to it& and

La!a" avoided t!e "atter wit! ositive #ier'eness+ He s!unned tal(in) wit! Corey at all& andsu##ered in )ri" silen'e+

5ne ni)!t& be#ore t!ey #ell aslee& !is wi#e said to !i"& $I was readin) in one o# t!ose boo(s to-day& and I don.t believe but w!at we.ve "ade a "ista(e i# Pen !olds out t!at s!e won.t )o+$

$W!y/$ de"anded La!a"& in t!e dis"ay w!i'! beset !i" at every #res! re'urren'e to t!esub*e't+

$T!e boo( says t!at it.s very i"olite not to answer a dinner invitation ro"tly+ Well& we.ve

done t!at all ri)!t&--at #irst I didn.t (now but w!at we !ad been a little too 3ui'(& "ay be&--but

t!en it says i# you.re not )oin)& t!at it.s t!e !ei)!t o# rudeness not to let t!e" (now at on'e& sot!at t!ey 'an #ill your la'e at t!e table+$

T!e Colonel was silent #or a w!ile+ $Well& I." du"ned&$ !e said #inally& $i# t!ere see"s to be anyend to t!is t!in)+ I# it was to do over a)ain& I.d say no #or all o# us+$

$I.ve wis!ed a !undred ti"es t!ey !adn.t as(ed us2 but it.s too late to t!in( about t!at now+ T!e3uestion is& w!at are we )oin) to do about Peneloe/$

$5!& I )uess s!e.ll )o& at t!e last "o"ent+$

$S!e says s!e won.t+ S!e too( a re*udi'e a)ainst %rs+ Corey t!at day& and s!e 'an.t see" to )et

over it+$

$Well& t!en& !adn.t you better write in t!e "ornin)& as soon as you.re u& t!at s!e ain.t 'o"in)/$

%rs+ La!a" si)!ed !ellessly+ $I s!ouldn.t (now !ow to )et it in+ It.s so late now2 I don.t see!ow I 'ould !ave t!e #a'e+$

$Well& t!en& s!e.s )ot to )o& t!at.s all+$

$S!e.s set s!e won.t+$

$And I." set s!e s!all&$ said La!a" wit! t!e loud obstina'y o# a "an w!ose wo"en always

!ave t!eir way+

%rs+ La!a" was not suorted by t!e sturdiness o# !is ro'la"ation+

But s!e did not (now !ow to do w!at s!e (new s!e ou)!t to do about Peneloe& and s!e let

"atters dri#t+ A#ter all& t!e '!ild !ad a ri)!t to stay at !o"e i# s!e did not wis! to )o+ T!at was

w!at %rs+ La!a" #elt& and w!at s!e said to !er !usband ne7t "ornin)& biddin) !i" letPeneloe alone& unless s!e '!ose !ersel# to )o+ S!e said it was too late now to do anyt!in)& and

s!e "ust "a(e t!e best e7'use s!e 'ould w!en s!e saw %rs+ Corey+ S!e be)an to wis! t!at Irene



and !er #at!er would )o and e7'use !er too+ S!e 'ould not !el sayin) t!is& and t!en s!e and

La!a" !ad so"e unleasant words+

$Loo( !ere,$ !e 'ried+ $W!o wanted to )o in #or t!ese eole in t!e #irst la'e/ 1idn.t you 'o"e!o"e #ull o# .e" last year& and want "e to sell out !ere and "ove so"ew!eres else be'ause it

didn.t see" to suit .e"/ And now you want to ut it all on "e, I ain.t )oin) to stand it+$

$Hus!,$ said !is wi#e+ $1o you want to raise t!e !ouse/ I didn.t ut it on you& as you say+ 0ou

too( it on yoursel#+ Ever sin'e t!at #ellow !aened to 'o"e into t!e new !ouse t!at day& you.ve been er#e'tly 'ra4y to )et in wit! t!e"+ And now you.re so a#raid you s!all do so"et!in) wron)

be#ore .e"& you don.t !ardly dare to say your li#e.s your own+ I de'lare& i# you ester "e any

"ore about t!ose )loves& Silas La!a"& I won.t )o+$

$1o you suose I want to )o on "y own a''ount/$ !e de"anded #uriously+

$No&$ s!e ad"itted+ $5# 'ourse I don.t+ I (now very well t!at you.re doin) it #or Irene2 but& #or

)oodness )ra'ious. sa(e& don.t worry our lives out& and "a(e yoursel# a er#e't lau)!in)-sto'( be#ore t!e '!ildren+$

Wit! t!is "odi#ied 'on'ession #ro" !er& t!e 3uarrel 'losed in sullen silen'e on La!a".s art+T!e ni)!t be#ore t!e dinner 'a"e& and t!e 3uestion o# !is )loves was still unsettled& and in a #air

way to re"ain so+ He !ad bou)!t a air& so as to be on t!e sa#e side& ersirin) in 'o"any wit!

t!e youn) lady w!o sold t!e"& and w!o !eled !i" try t!e" on at t!e s!o2 !is nails were still

#ull o# t!e owder w!i'! s!e !ad lenti#ully eered into t!e" in order to over'o"e t!eresistan'e o# !is blunt #in)ers+ But !e was un'ertain w!et!er !e s!ould wear t!e"+ T!ey !ad

#ound a boo( at last t!at said t!e ladies re"oved t!eir )loves on sittin) down at table& but it said

not!in) about )entle"en.s )loves+ He le#t !is wi#e w!ere s!e stood !al# !oo(-and-eyed at !er

)lass in !er new dress& and went down to !is own den beyond t!e arlour+ Be#ore !e s!ut !isdoor !e 'au)!t a )li"se o# Irene trailin) u and down be#ore t!e lon) "irror in HER new dress&

#ollowed by t!e sea"stress on !er (nees2 t!e wo"an !ad !er "out! #ull o# ins& and #ro" ti"e toti"e s!e "ade Irene sto till s!e 'ould ut one o# t!e ins into !er train2 Peneloe sat in a 'orner

'riti'isin) and 'ounsellin)+ It "ade La!a" si'(& and !e desised !i"sel# and all !is brood #or

t!e trouble t!ey were ta(in)+ But anot!er )lan'e )ave !i" a si)!t o# t!e youn) )irl.s #a'e in t!e

"irror& beauti#ul and radiant wit! !ainess& and !is !eart "elted a)ain wit! aternal tendernessand ride+ It was )oin) to be a )reat leasure to Irene& and La!a" #elt t!at s!e was bound to 'ut

out anyt!in) t!ere+ He was ve7ed wit! Peneloe t!at s!e was not )oin) too2 !e would !ave li(ed

to !ave t!ose eole !ear !er tal(+ He !eld !is door a little oen& and listened to t!e t!in)s s!ewas $)ettin) o##$ t!ere to Irene+ He s!owed t!at !e #elt really !urt and disaointed about

Peneloe& and t!e )irl.s "ot!er "ade !er 'onsole !i" t!e ne7t evenin) be#ore t!ey all drove

away wit!out !er+ $0ou try to loo( on t!e bri)!t side o# it& #at!er+ I )uess you.ll see t!at it.s best Ididn.t )o w!en you )et t!ere+ Irene needn.t oen !er lis& and t!ey 'an all see !ow retty s!e is2

but t!ey wouldn.t (now !ow s"art I was unless I tal(ed& and "aybe t!en t!ey wouldn.t+$

T!is t!rust at !er #at!er.s si"le vanity in !er "ade !i" lau)!2 and t!en t!ey drove away& and

Peneloe s!ut t!e door& and went ustairs wit! !er lis #ir"ly s!uttin) in a sob+



XIV.

THE Coreys were one o# t!e #ew old #a"ilies w!o lin)ered in Bellin)!a" Pla'e& t!e !andso"e&3uiet old street w!i'! t!e sy"at!eti' observer "ust )rieve to see abandoned to boardin)-

!ouses+ T!e dwellin)s are stately and tall& and t!e w!ole la'e wears an air o# aristo'rati'se'lusion& w!i'! %rs+ Corey.s #at!er "i)!t well !ave t!ou)!t assured w!en !e le#t !er !is !ouse

t!ere at !is deat!+ It is one o# two evidently desi)ned by t!e sa"e ar'!ite't w!o built so"e

!ouses in a '!ara'teristi' taste on Bea'on Street oosite t!e Co""on+ It !as a wooden orti'o&wit! slender #luted 'olu"ns& w!i'! !ave always been ainted w!ite& and w!i'!& wit! t!e deli'ate

"ouldin)s o# t!e 'orni'e& #or" t!e sole and su##i'ient de'oration o# t!e street #ront2 not!in)

'ould be si"ler& and not!in) 'ould be better+ Wit!in& t!e ar'!ite't !as a)ain indul)ed !is re#eren'e #or t!e 'lassi'2 t!e roo# o# t!e vestibule& wide and low& rests on "arble 'olu"ns& sli"

and #luted li(e t!e wooden 'olu"ns wit!out& and an a"le stair'ase 'li"bs in a )ra'e#ul& easy

'urve #ro" t!e tesselated ave"ent+ So"e 'arved Venetian s'ri)ni stret'!ed alon) t!e wall2 a ru)lay at t!e #oot o# t!e stairs2 but ot!erwise t!e si"le ade3ua'y o# t!e ar'!ite'tural intention !ad

been rese'ted& and t!e la'e loo(ed bare to t!e eyes o# t!e La!a"s w!en t!ey entered+ T!e

Coreys !ad on'e (et a "an& but w!en youn) Corey be)an !is retren'!"ents t!e "an !ad

yielded to t!e neat "aid w!o s!owed t!e Colonel into t!e re'etion-roo" and as(ed t!e ladies towal( u two #li)!ts+

He !ad !is '!ar)es #ro" Irene not to enter t!e drawin)-roo" wit!out !er "ot!er& and !e sent

#ive "inutes in )ettin) on !is )loves& #or !e !ad deserately resolved to wear t!e" at last+ W!en

!e !ad t!e" on& and let !is lar)e #ists !an) down on eit!er side& t!ey loo(ed& in t!e sa##ron tintw!i'! t!e s!o-)irl said !is )loves s!ould be o#& li(e 'anvased !a"s+ He ersired wit! doubt as

!e 'li"bed t!e stairs& and w!ile !e waited on t!e landin) #or %rs+ La!a" and Irene to 'o"edown #ro" above be#ore )oin) into t!e drawin)-roo"& !e stood starin) at !is !ands& now oenand now s!ut& and breat!in) !ard+ He !eard 3uiet tal(in) beyond t!e ortiere wit!in& and

resently To" Corey 'a"e out+

$A!& Colonel La!a", Very )lad to see you+$

La!a" s!oo( !ands wit! !i" and )ased& $Waitin) #or %is. La!a"&$ to a''ount #or !is resen'e+ He !ad not been able to button !is ri)!t )love& and !e now be)an& wit! as "u'!

indi##eren'e as !e 'ould assu"e& to ull t!e" bot! o##& #or !e saw t!at Corey wore none+ By t!e

ti"e !e !ad stu##ed t!e" into t!e o'(et o# !is 'oat-s(irt !is wi#e and dau)!ter des'ended+

Corey wel'o"ed t!e" very 'ordially too& but loo(ed a little "ysti#ied+ %rs+ La!a" (new t!at!e was silently in3uirin) #or Peneloe& and s!e did not (now w!et!er s!e ou)!t to e7'use !er to

!i" #irst or not+ S!e said not!in)& and a#ter a )lan'e toward t!e re)ions w!ere Peneloe "i)!t

'on*e'turably be lin)erin)& !e !eld aside t!e ortiere #or t!e La!a"s to ass& and entered t!eroo" wit! t!e"+



%rs+ La!a" !ad de'ided a)ainst low-ne'(s on !er own resonsibility& and !ad entren'!ed

!ersel# in t!e sa#ety o# a bla'( sil(& in w!i'! s!e loo(ed very !andso"e+ Irene wore a dress o#

one o# t!ose s!ades w!i'! only a wo"an or an artist 'an de'ide to be )reen or blue& and w!i'! toot!er eyes loo(s bot! or neit!er& a''ordin) to t!eir de)rees o# i)noran'e+ I# it was "ore li(e a

ball dress t!an a dinner dress& t!at "i)!t be e7'used to t!e e73uisite e##e't+ S!e trailed& a deli'ate

slendour& a'ross t!e 'aret in !er "ot!er.s so"bre wa(e& and t!e 'ons'iousness o# su''ess brou)!t a vivid s"ile to !er #a'e+ La!a"& allid wit! an7iety lest !e s!ould so"e!ow dis)ra'e

!i"sel#& )ivin) t!an(s to 6od t!at !e s!ould !ave been sared t!e s!a"e o# wearin) )loves

w!ere no one else did& but at t!e sa"e ti"e desairin) t!at Corey s!ould !ave seen !i" in t!e"&!ad an unwonted ase't o# al"ost at!eti' re#ine"ent+

%rs+ Corey e7'!an)ed a 3ui'( )lan'e o# surrise and relie# wit! !er !usband as s!e started

a'ross t!e roo" to "eet !er )uests& and in !er )ratitude to t!e" #or bein) so irreroa'!able& s!e

t!rew into !er "anner a war"t! t!at eole did not always #ind t!ere+ $6eneral La!a"/$ s!esaid& s!a(in) !ands in 3ui'( su''ession wit! %rs+ La!a" and Irene& and now addressin) !ersel#

to !i"+

$No& "a.a"& only Colonel&$ said t!e !onest "an& but t!e lady did not !ear !i"+ S!e was

introdu'in) !er !usband to La!a".s wi#e and dau)!ter& and Bro"#ield Corey was alreadys!a(in) !is !and and sayin) !e was very )lad to see !i" a)ain& w!ile !e (et !is artisti' eye on

Irene& and aarently 'ould not ta(e it o##+ Lily Corey )ave t!e La!a" ladies a )reetin) w!i'!

was !ysi'ally rat!er t!an so'ially 'old& and Nanny stood !oldin) Irene.s !and in bot! o# !ers a"o"ent& and ta(in) in !er beauty and !er style wit! a )enerous ad"iration w!i'! s!e 'ould

a##ord& #or s!e was !ersel# #aultlessly dressed in t!e 3uiet taste o# !er 'ity& and loo(in) very

retty+ T!e interval was lon) enou)! to let every "an resent 'on#ide !is sense o# Irene.s beauty

to every ot!er2 and t!en& as t!e arty was s"all& %rs+ Corey "ade everybody a'3uainted+ W!enLa!a" !ad not 3uite understood& !e !eld t!e erson.s !and& and& leanin) urbanely #orward&

in3uired& $W!at na"e/$ He did t!at be'ause a )reat "an to w!o" !e !ad been resented on t!e lat#or" at a ubli' "eetin) !ad done so to !i"& and !e (new it "ust be ri)!t+

A little lull ensued uon t!e introdu'tions& and %rs+ Corey said 3uietly to %rs+ La!a"& $Can I

send any one to be o# use to %iss La!a"/$ as i# Peneloe "ust be in t!e dressin)-roo"+

%rs+ La!a" turned #ire-red& and t!e )ra'e#ul #or"s in w!i'! s!e !ad been intendin) to e7'use

!er dau)!ter.s absen'e went out o# !er !ead+ $S!e isn.t ustairs&$ s!e said& at !er bluntest& as'ountry eole are w!en e"barrassed+ $S!e didn.t #eel *ust li(e 'o"in) to-ni)!t+ I don.t (now as

s!e.s #eelin) very well+$

%rs+ Corey e"itted a very s"all $5,$--very s"all& very 'old&--w!i'! be)an to )row lar)er and

!otter and to burn into %rs+ La!a".s soul be#ore %rs+ Corey 'ould add& $I." very sorry+ It.snot!in) serious& I !oe/$

Robert C!ase& t!e ainter& !ad not 'o"e& and %rs+ @a"es Bellin)!a" was not t!ere& so t!at t!e

table really balan'ed better wit!out Peneloe2 but %rs+ La!a" 'ould not (now t!is& and did not

deserve to (now it+ %rs+ Corey )lan'ed round t!e roo"& as i# to ta(e a''ount o# !er )uests& andsaid to !er !usband& $I t!in( we are all !ere& t!en&$ and !e 'a"e #orward and )ave !is ar" to



%rs+ La!a"+ S!e er'eived t!en t!at in t!eir deter"ination not to be t!e #irst to 'o"e t!ey !ad

been t!e last& and "ust !ave (et t!e ot!ers waitin) #or t!e"+

La!a" !ad never seen eole )o down to dinner ar"-in-ar" be#ore& but !e (new t!at !is wi#ewas distin)uis!ed in bein) ta(en out by t!e !ost& and !e waited in *ealous i"atien'e to see i#

To" Corey would o##er !is ar" to Irene+ He )ave it to t!at bi) )irl t!ey 'alled %iss ?in)sbury&and t!e !andso"e old #ellow w!o" %rs+ Corey !ad introdu'ed as !er 'ousin too( Irene out+

La!a" was startled #ro" t!e "is)ivin) in w!i'! t!is le#t !i" by %rs+ Corey.s assin) !er !andt!rou)! !is ar"& and !e "ade a sudden "ove"ent #orward& but #elt !i"sel# )ently restrained+

T!ey went out t!e last o# all2 !e did not (now w!y& but !e sub"itted& and w!en t!ey sat down !e

saw t!at Irene& alt!ou)! s!e !ad 'o"e in wit! t!at %r+ Bellin)!a"& was seated beside youn)Corey& a#ter all+

He #et'!ed a lon) si)! o# relie# w!en !e san( into !is '!air and #elt !i"sel# sa#e #ro" error i# !e

(et a s!ar loo(out and did only w!at t!e ot!ers did+ Bellin)!a" !ad 'ertain !abits w!i'! !e

er"itted !i"sel#& and one o# t!ese was tu'(in) t!e 'orner o# !is na(in into !is 'ollar2 !e

'on#essed !i"sel# an un'ertain s!ot wit! a soon& and de#ended !is ra'ti'e on t!e )round o#neatness and 'o""on-sense+ La!a" ut !is na(in into !is 'ollar too& and t!en& seein) t!at no

one but Bellin)!a" did it& be'a"e alar"ed and too( it out a)ain slyly+ He never !ad wine on !istable at !o"e& and on rin'ile !e was a ro!ibitionist2 but now !e did not (now *ust w!at to do

about t!e )lasses at t!e ri)!t o# !is late+ He !ad a notion to turn t!e" all down& as !e !ad read

o# a well-(nown oliti'ian.s doin) at a ubli' dinner& to s!ow t!at !e did not ta(e wine2 but& a#tertwiddlin) wit! one o# t!e" a "o"ent& !e let t!e" be& #or it see"ed to !i" t!at would be a little

too 'onsi'uous& and !e #elt t!at every one was loo(in)+ He let t!e servant #ill t!e" all& and !e

dran( out o# ea'!& not to aear odd+ Later& !e observed t!at t!e youn) ladies were not ta(in)

wine& and !e was )lad to see t!at Irene !ad re#used it& and t!at %rs+ La!a" was lettin) it standuntasted+ He did not (now but !e ou)!t to de'line so"e o# t!e dis!es& or at least leave "ost o#

so"e on !is late& but !e was not able to de'ide2 !e too( everyt!in) and ate everyt!in)+

He noti'ed t!at %rs+ Corey see"ed to ta(e no "ore trouble about t!e dinner t!an anybody& and%r+ Corey rat!er less2 !e was tal(in) busily to %rs+ La!a"& and La!a" 'au)!t a word !ere

and t!ere t!at 'onvin'ed !i" s!e was !oldin) !er own+ He was )ettin) on #a"ously !i"sel# wit!

%rs+ Corey& w!o !ad be)un wit! !i" about !is new !ouse2 !e was tellin) !er all about it& and

)ivin) !er !is ideas+ T!eir 'onversation naturally in'luded !is ar'!ite't a'ross t!e table2 La!a"!ad been deli)!ted and se'retly surrised to #ind t!e #ellow t!ere2 and at so"et!in) Sey"our

said t!e tal( sread suddenly& and t!e retty !ouse !e was buildin) #or Colonel La!a" be'a"e

t!e )eneral t!e"e+ 0oun) Corey testi#ied to its loveliness& and t!e ar'!ite't said lau)!in)ly t!at i# !e !ad been able to "a(e a ni'e t!in) o# it& !e owed it to t!e ra'ti'al sy"at!y o# !is 'lient+

$Pra'ti'al sy"at!y is )ood&$ said Bro"#ield Corey2 and& slantin) !is !ead 'on#identially to %rs+

La!a"& !e added& $1oes !e bleed your !usband& %rs+ La!a"/ He.s a terrible #ellow #or

aroriations,$

%rs+ La!a" lau)!ed& reddenin) 'ons'iously& and said s!e )uessed t!e Colonel (new !ow to

ta(e 'are o# !i"sel#+ T!is stru'( La!a"& t!en drainin) !is )lass o# sauterne& as wonder#ully

dis'reet in !is wi#e+ Bro"#ield Corey leaned ba'( in !is '!air a "o"ent+ $Well& a#ter all& you



'an.t say& wit! all your "odern #uss about it& t!at you do "u'! better now t!an t!e old #ellows

w!o built su'! !ouses as t!is+$

$A!&$ said t!e ar'!ite't& $nobody 'an do better t!an well+ 0our !ouse is in er#e't taste2 you(now I.ve always ad"ired it2 and I don.t t!in( it.s at all t!e worse #or bein) old-#as!ioned+ W!at

we.ve done is lar)ely to )o ba'( o# t!e !ideous style t!at ra)ed a#ter t!ey #or)ot !ow to "a(e t!issort o# !ouse+ But I t!in( we "ay 'lai" a better #eelin) #or stru'ture+ We use better "aterial& and

"ore wisely2 and by and by we s!all wor( out so"et!in) "ore '!ara'teristi' and ori)inal+$

$Wit! your '!o'olates and olives& and your 'lutter o# bri'-a-bra'/$

$All t!at.s bad& o# 'ourse& but I don.t "ean t!at+ I don.t wis! to "a(e you envious o# Colonel

La!a"& and "odesty revents "y sayin)& t!at !is !ouse is rettier&--t!ou)! I "ay !ave "y

'onvi'tions&--but it.s better built+ All t!e new !ouses are better built+ Now& your !ouse----$

$%rs+ Corey.s !ouse&$ interruted t!e !ost& wit! a burles3ue !aste in dis'lai"in) resonsibility

#or it t!at "ade t!e" all lau)!+ $%y an'estral !alls are in Sale"& and I." told you 'ouldn.t drivea nail into t!eir ti"bers2 in #a't& I don.t (now t!at you would want to do it+$

$I s!ould 'onsider it a se'ies o# sa'rile)e&$ answered Sey"our& $and I s!all be #ar #ro" ressin)t!e oint I was )oin) to "a(e a)ainst a !ouse o# %rs+ Corey.s+$

T!is won Sey"our t!e easy lau)!& and La!a" silently wondered t!at t!e #ellow never )ot o##

any o# t!ose t!in)s to !i"+

$Well&$ said Corey& $you ar'!ite'ts and t!e "usi'ians are t!e true and only artisti' 'reators+ All

t!e rest o# us& s'ultors& ainters& novelists& and tailors& deal wit! #or"s t!at we !ave be#ore us2

we try to i"itate& we try to reresent+ But you two sorts o# artists 'reate #or"+ I# you reresent&you #ail+ So"e!ow or ot!er you do evolve t!e 'a"el out o# your inner 'ons'iousness+$

$I will not deny t!e so#t i"ea'!"ent&$ said t!e ar'!ite't& wit! a "odest air+

$I dare say+ And you.ll own t!at it.s very !andso"e o# "e to say t!is& a#ter your un*usti#iableatta'( on %rs+ Corey.s roerty+$

Bro"#ield Corey addressed !i"sel# a)ain to %rs+ La!a"& and t!e tal( subdivided itsel# as

be#ore+ It lased so entirely away #ro" t!e sub*e't *ust in !and& t!at La!a" was le#t wit! rat!er

a )ood idea& as !e t!ou)!t it& to eris! in !is "ind& #or want o# a '!an'e to e7ress it+ T!e only

t!in) li(e a re'urren'e to w!at t!ey !ad been sayin) was Bro"#ield Corey.s warnin) %rs+La!a"& in so"e 'onne'tion t!at La!a" lost& a)ainst %iss ?in)sbury+ $S!e.s worse&$ !e was

sayin)& $w!en it 'o"es to aroriations t!an Sey"our !i"sel#+ 1eend uon it& %rs+ La!a"&s!e will )ive you no ea'e o# your "ind& now s!e.s "et you& #ro" t!is out+ Her tender "er'ies

are 'ruel2 and I leave you to suly t!e 'ontent #ro" your own s'ritural (nowled)e+ Beware o#

!er& and all !er wor(s+ S!e 'alls t!e" wor(s o# '!arity2 but !eaven (nows w!et!er t!ey are+ It

don.t stand to reason t!at s!e )ives t!e oor ALL t!e "oney s!e )ets out o# eole+ I !ave "y



own belie#$--!e )ave it in a w!iser #or t!e w!ole table to !ear--$t!at s!e sends it #or

'!a"a)ne and 'i)ars+$

La!a" did not (now about t!at (ind o# tal(in)2 but %iss ?in)sbury see"ed to en*oy t!e #un as"u'! as anybody& and !e lau)!ed wit! t!e rest+

$0ou s!all be as(ed to t!e very ne7t debau'! o# t!e 'o""ittee& %r+ Corey2 t!en you won.t dare

e7ose us&$ said %iss ?in)sbury+

$I wonder you !aven.t been down uon Corey to )o to t!e C!ardon Street !o"e and tal( wit!

your indi)ent Italians in t!eir native ton)ue&$ said C!arles Bellin)!a"+ $I saw in t!e Trans'ritt!e ot!er ni)!t t!at you wanted so"e one #or t!e wor(+$

$We did t!in( o# %r+ Corey&$ relied %iss ?in)sbury2 $but we re#le'ted t!at !e robably

wouldn.t tal( wit! t!e" at all2 !e would "a(e t!e" (ee still to be s(et'!ed& and #or)et all about

t!eir wants+$

>on t!e t!eory t!at t!is was a #air return #or Corey.s leasantry& t!e ot!ers lau)!ed a)ain+

$T!ere is one '!arity&$ said Corey& retendin) sueriority to %iss ?in)sbury.s oint& $t!at is so

di##i'ult& I wonder it !asn.t o''urred to a lady o# your 'oura)eous invention+$

$0es/$ said %iss ?in)sbury+ $W!at is t!at/$

$T!e o''uation& by deservin) oor o# neat !abits& o# all t!e beauti#ul& airy& w!oleso"e !ousest!at stand e"ty t!e w!ole su""er lon)& w!ile t!eir owners are away in t!eir lowly 'ots beside

t!e sea+$

$0es& t!at is terrible&$ relied %iss ?in)sbury& wit! 3ui'( earnestness& w!ile !er eyes )rew

"oist+ $I !ave o#ten t!ou)!t o# our )reat& 'ool !ouses standin) useless !ere& and t!e t!ousands o# oor 'reatures sti#lin) in t!eir !oles and dens& and t!e little '!ildren dyin) #or w!oleso"e s!elter+

How 'ruelly sel#is! we are,$

$T!at is a very 'o"#ortable senti"ent& %iss ?in)sbury&$ said Corey& $and "ust "a(e you #eel

al"ost as i# you !ad t!rown oen No+ = to t!e w!ole Nort! End+ But I a" serious about t!is"atter+ I send "y su""ers in town& and I o''uy "y own !ouse& so t!at I 'an sea( i"artially

and intelli)ently2 and I tell you t!at in so"e o# "y wal(s on t!e Hill and down on t!e Ba'( Bay&

not!in) but t!e surveillan'e o# t!e lo'al oli'e"an revents "y o##erin) ersonal violen'e to

t!ose lon) rows o# 'lose-s!uttered& !andso"e& brutally insensible !ouses+ I# I were a oor "an&wit! a si'( '!ild inin) in so"e )arret or 'ellar at t!e Nort! End& I s!ould brea( into one o#

t!e"& and 'a" out on t!e )rand iano+$

$Surely& Bro"#ield&$ said !is wi#e& $you don.t 'onsider w!at !avo' su'! eole would "a(e wit!t!e #urniture o# a ni'e !ouse,$

$T!at is true&$ answered Corey& wit! "ee( 'onvi'tion+ $I never t!ou)!t o# t!at+$



I." not surrised you too( it #or !er+ T!e ot!ers$--s!e re#erred to t!e ot!er ortraits "ore or less

dar(lin) on t!e walls--$are "y eole2 "ostly Coleys+$

T!ese na"es& un(nown to La!a"& went to !is !ead li(e t!e wine !e was drin(in)2 t!ey see"edto 'arry li)!t #or t!e "o"ent& but a #il" o# deeer dar(ness #ollowed+ He !eard C!arles

Bellin)!a" tellin) #unny stories to Irene and tryin) to a"use t!e )irl2 s!e was lau)!in)& andsee"ed very !ay+ ro" ti"e to ti"e Bellin)!a" too( art in t!e )eneral tal( between t!e !ost

and @a"es Bellin)!a" and %iss ?in)sbury and t!at "inister& %r+ Sewell+ T!ey tal(ed o# eole"ostly2 it astonis!ed La!a" to !ear wit! w!at #reedo" t!ey tal(ed+ T!ey dis'ussed t!ese

ersons unsarin)ly2 @a"es Bellin)!a" so(e o# a "an (nown to La!a" #or !is business

su''ess and )reat wealt! as not a )entle"an2 !is 'ousin C!arles said !e was surrised t!at t!e#ellow !ad (et #ro" bein) )overnor so lon)+

W!en t!e latter turned #ro" Irene to "a(e one o# t!ese e7'ursions into t!e )eneral tal(& youn)

Corey tal(ed to !er2 and La!a" 'au)!t so"e words #ro" w!i'! it see"ed t!at t!ey were

sea(in) o# Peneloe+ It ve7ed !i" to t!in( s!e !ad not 'o"e2 s!e 'ould !ave tal(ed as well as

any o# t!e"2 s!e was *ust as bri)!t2 and La!a" was aware t!at Irene was not as bri)!t& t!ou)!w!en !e loo(ed at !er #a'e& triu"!ant in its youn) beauty and #ondness& !e said to !i"sel# t!at

it did not "a(e any di##eren'e+ He #elt t!at !e was not !oldin) u !is end o# t!e line& !owever+W!en so"e one so(e to !i" !e 'ould only su""on a #ew words o# rely& t!at see"ed to lead to

not!in)2 t!in)s o#ten 'a"e into !is "ind aroriate to w!at t!ey were sayin)& but be#ore !e

'ould )et t!e" out t!ey were o## on so"et!in) else2 t!ey *u"ed about so& !e 'ould not (ee u2 but !e #elt& all t!e sa"e& t!at !e was not doin) !i"sel# *usti'e+

At one ti"e t!e tal( ran o## uon a sub*e't t!at La!a" !ad never !eard tal(ed o# be#ore2 but

a)ain !e was ve7ed t!at Peneloe was not t!ere& to !ave !er say2 !e believed t!at !er say would

!ave been wort! !earin)+

%iss ?in)sbury leaned #orward and as(ed C!arles Bellin)!a" i# !e !ad read Tears& Idle Tears&t!e novel t!at was "a(in) su'! a sensation2 and w!en !e said no& s!e said s!e wondered at !i"+

$It.s er#e'tly !eart-brea(in)& as you.ll i"a)ine #ro" t!e na"e2 but t!ere.s su'! a dear old-

#as!ioned !ero and !eroine in it& w!o (ee dyin) #or ea'! ot!er all t!e way t!rou)!& and "a(in)t!e "ost wildly satis#a'tory and unne'essary sa'ri#i'es #or ea'! ot!er+ 0ou #eel as i# you.d done

t!e" yoursel#+$

$A!& t!at.s t!e se'ret o# its su''ess&$ said Bro"#ield Corey+ $It #latters t!e reader by aintin) t!e

'!ara'ters 'olossal& but wit! !is li" and stoo& so t!at !e #eels !i"sel# o# t!eir suernatural roortions+ 0ou.ve read it& Nanny/$

$0es&$ said !is dau)!ter+ $It ou)!t to !ave been 'alled Slo& Silly Slo+$

$5!& not 3uite SL5P& Nanny&$ leaded %iss ?in)sbury+

$It.s astonis!in)&$ said C!arles Bellin)!a"& $!ow we do li(e t!e boo(s t!at )o #or our !eart-

strin)s+ And I really suose t!at you 'an.t ut a "ore oular t!in) t!an sel#-sa'ri#i'e into anovel+ We do li(e to see eole su##erin) subli"ely+$



$I !ave (nown so"e "ost esti"able eole w!o !ad "arried a se'ond ti"e&$ said t!e "inister&

and t!en !e !ad t!e alause wit! !i"+ La!a" wanted to "a(e so"e oen re'o)nition o# !is

)ood sense& but 'ould not+

$I suose t!e assion itsel# !as been a )ood deal '!an)ed&$ said Bro"#ield Corey& $sin'e t!e

oets be)an to idealise it in t!e days o# '!ivalry+$

$0es2 and it ou)!t to be '!an)ed a)ain&$ said %r+ Sewell+

$W!at, Ba'(/$

$I don.t say t!at+ But it ou)!t to be re'o)nised as so"et!in) natural and "ortal& and divine!onours& w!i'! belon) to ri)!teousness alone& ou)!t not to be aid it+$

$5!& you as( too "u'!& arson&$ lau)!ed !is !ost& and t!e tal( wandered away to so"et!in) else+

It was not an elaborate dinner2 but La!a" was used to !avin) everyt!in) on t!e table at on'e&and t!is su''ession o# dis!es bewildered !i"2 !e was a#raid er!as !e was eatin) too "u'!+ He

now no lon)er "ade any reten'e o# not drin(in) !is wine& #or !e was t!irsty& and t!ere was no"ore water& and !e !ated to as( #or any+ T!e i'e-'rea" 'a"e& and t!en t!e #ruit+ Suddenly %rs+

Corey rose& and said a'ross t!e table to !er !usband& $I suose you will want your 'o##ee !ere+$

And !e relied& $0es2 we.ll *oin you at tea+$

T!e ladies all rose& and t!e )entle"en )ot u wit! t!e"+ La!a" started to #ollow %rs+ Corey& but t!e ot!er "en "erely stood in t!eir la'es& e7'et youn) Corey& w!o ran and oened t!e door

#or !is "ot!er+ La!a" t!ou)!t wit! s!a"e t!at it was !e w!o ou)!t to !ave done t!at2 but no

one see"ed to noti'e& and !e sat down a)ain )ladly& a#ter (i'(in) out one o# !is le)s w!i'! !ad

)one to slee+

T!ey brou)!t in 'i)ars wit! 'o##ee& and Bro"#ield Corey advised La!a" to ta(e one t!at !e

'!ose #or !i"+ La!a" 'on#essed t!at !e li(ed a )ood 'i)ar about as well as anybody& and Corey

said8 $T!ese are new+ I !ad an En)lis!"an !ere t!e ot!er day w!o was s"o(in) old 'i)ars in t!esuerstition t!at toba''o i"roved wit! a)e& li(e wine+$

$A!&$ said La!a"& $anybody w!o !ad ever lived o## a toba''o 'ountry 'ould tell !i" better t!an

t!at+$ Wit! t!e #u"in) 'i)ar between !is lis !e #elt "ore at !o"e t!an !e !ad be#ore+ He turned

sidewise in !is '!air and& restin) one ar" on t!e ba'(& intertwined t!e #in)ers o# bot! !ands& ands"o(ed at lar)e ease+ @a"es Bellin)!a" 'a"e and sat down by !i"+ $Colonel La!a"& weren.t

you wit! t!e Dt! Ver"ont w!en t!ey '!ar)ed a'ross t!e river in #ront o# Pi'(ensbur)& and t!erebel battery oened #ire on t!e" in t!e water/$

La!a" slowly s!ut !is eyes and slowly droed !is !ead #or assent& lettin) out a w!ite volu"e

o# s"o(e #ro" t!e 'orner o# !is "out!+

$I t!ou)!t so&$ said Bellin)!a"+ $I was wit! t!e :t! %assa'!usetts& and I s!a.n.t #or)et t!at

slau)!ter+ We were all new to it still+ Per!as t!at.s w!y it "ade su'! an i"ression+$



$I don.t (now&$ su))ested C!arles Bellin)!a"+ $Was t!ere anyt!in) "u'! "ore i"ressive

a#terward/ I read o# it out in %issouri& w!ere I was stationed at t!e ti"e& and I re'olle't t!e tal(

o# so"e old ar"y "en about it+ T!ey said t!at deat!-rate 'ouldn.t be beaten+ I don.t (now t!at itever was+$

$About one in #ive o# us )ot out sa#e&$ said La!a"& brea(in) !is 'i)ar-as! o## on t!e ed)e o# a late+ @a"es Bellin)!a" rea'!ed !i" a bottle o# Aollinaris+ He dran( a )lass& and t!en went on

s"o(in)+

T!ey all waited& as i# e7e'tin) !i" to sea(& and t!en Corey said8 $How in'redible t!ose t!in)s

see" already, 0ou )entle"en ?N5W t!at t!ey !aened2 but are you still able to believe it/$

$A!& nobody EELS t!at anyt!in) !aened&$ said C!arles Bellin)!a"+ $T!e ast o# one.s

e7erien'e doesn.t di##er a )reat deal #ro" t!e ast o# one.s (nowled)e+ It isn.t "u'! "ore robable2 it.s really a )reat deal less vivid t!an so"e s'enes in a novel t!at one read w!en a boy+$

$I." not sure o# t!at&$ said @a"es Bellin)!a"+

$Well& @a"es& neit!er a" I&$ 'onsented !is 'ousin& !elin) !i"sel# #ro" La!a".s Aollinaris

bottle+ $T!ere would be very little tal(in) at dinner i# one only said t!e t!in)s t!at one was sureo#+$

T!e ot!ers lau)!ed& and Bro"#ield Corey re"ar(ed t!ou)!t#ully& $W!at astonis!es t!e 'raven

'ivilian in all t!ese t!in)s is t!e abundan'e--t!e suerabundan'e--o# !erois"+ T!e 'owards were

t!e e7'etion2 t!e "en t!at were ready to die& t!e rule+$

$T!e woods were #ull o# t!e"&$ said La!a"& wit!out ta(in) !is 'i)ar #ro" !is "out!+

$T!at.s a ni'e little tou'! in S'!ool&$ interosed C!arles Bellin)!a"& $w!ere t!e )irl says to t!e

#ellow w!o was at In(er"an& .I s!ould t!in( you would be so roud o# it&. and !e re#le'ts a w!ile&

and says& .Well& t!e #a't is& you (now& t!ere were so "any o# us+.$

$0es& I re"e"ber t!at&$ said @a"es Bellin)!a"& s"ilin) #or leasure in it+ $But I don.t see w!yyou 'lai" t!e 'redit o# bein) a 'raven 'ivilian& Bro"#ield&$ !e added& wit! a #riendly )lan'e at

!is brot!er-in-law& and wit! t!e willin)ness Boston "en o#ten s!ow to turn one anot!er.s )ood

oints to t!e li)!t in 'o"any2 bred so inti"ately to)et!er at s'!ool and 'olle)e and in so'iety&

t!ey all (now t!ese oints+ $A "an w!o was out wit! 6aribaldi in .J&$ 'ontinued @a"esBellin)!a"+

$5!& a little a"ateur red-s!irtin)&$ Corey interruted in dere'ation+ $But even i# you '!oose to

disute "y 'lai"& w!at !as be'o"e o# all t!e !erois"/ To"& !ow "any 'lub "en do you (noww!o would t!in( it sweet and #ittin) to die #or t!eir 'ountry/$

$I 'an.t t!in( o# a )reat "any at t!e "o"ent& sir&$ relied t!e son& wit! t!e "odesty o# !is

)eneration+



$And I 'ouldn.t in .D=&$ said !is un'le+ $Nevert!eless t!ey were t!ere+$

$T!en your t!eory is t!at it.s t!e o''asion t!at is wantin)&$ said Bro"#ield Corey+ $But w!y

s!ouldn.t 'ivil servi'e re#or"& and t!e resu"tion o# se'ie ay"ent& and a tari## #or revenueonly& insire !eroes/ T!ey are all )ood 'auses+$

$It.s t!e o''asion t!at.s wantin)&$ said @a"es Bellin)!a"& i)norin) t!e ersi#la)e+ $And I." very

)lad o# it+$

$So a" I&$ said La!a"& wit! a det! o# #eelin) t!at e7ressed itsel# in site o# t!e !a4e in w!i'!

!is brain see"ed to #loat+ T!ere was a )reat deal o# t!e tal( t!at !e 'ould not #ollow2 it was too3ui'( #or !i"2 but !ere was so"et!in) !e was 'lear o#+ $I don.t want to see any "ore "en (illed

in "y ti"e+$ So"et!in) serious& so"et!in) so"bre "ust lur( be!ind t!ese words& and t!ey

waited #or La!a" to say "ore2 but t!e !a4e 'losed round !i" a)ain& and !e re"ained silent&drin(in) Aollinaris+

$We non-'o"batants were notoriously relu'tant to )ive u #i)!tin)&$ said %r+ Sewell& t!e"inister2 $but I in'line to t!in( Colonel La!a" and %r+ Bellin)!a" "ay be ri)!t+ I dare say we

s!all !ave t!e !erois" a)ain i# we !ave t!e o''asion+ Till it 'o"es& we "ust 'ontent ourselveswit! t!e every-day )enerosities and sa'ri#i'es+ T!ey "a(e u in 3uantity w!at t!ey la'( in

3uality& er!as+$ $T!ey.re not so i'tures3ue&$ said Bro"#ield Corey+ $0ou 'an aint a "an

dyin) #or !is 'ountry& but you 'an.t e7ress on 'anvas a "an #ul#illin) t!e duties o# a )ood'iti4en+$

$Per!as t!e novelists will )et at !i" by and by&$ su))ested C!arles Bellin)!a"+ $I# I were one

o# t!ese #ellows& I s!ouldn.t roose to "ysel# anyt!in) s!ort o# t!at+$

$W!at/ t!e 'o""onla'e/$ as(ed !is 'ousin+

$Co""onla'e/ T!e 'o""onla'e is *ust t!at li)!t& i"alable& aerial essen'e w!i'! t!ey.venever )ot into t!eir 'on#ounded boo(s yet+ T!e novelist w!o 'ould interret t!e 'o""on #eelin)s

o# 'o""onla'e eole would !ave t!e answer to .t!e riddle o# t!e ain#ul eart!. on !is ton)ue+$

$5!& not so bad as t!at& I !oe&$ said t!e !ost2 and La!a" loo(ed #ro" one to t!e ot!er& tryin)

to "a(e out w!at t!ey were at+ He !ad never been so u a tree be#ore+

$I suose it isn.t well #or us to see !u"an nature at w!ite !eat !abitually&$ 'ontinued Bro"#ieldCorey& a#ter a w!ile+ $It would "a(e us vain o# our se'ies+ %any a oor #ellow in t!at war and

in "any anot!er !as )one into battle si"ly and urely #or !is 'ountry.s sa(e& not (nowin)w!et!er& i# !e laid down !is li#e& !e s!ould ever #ind it a)ain& or w!et!er& i# !e too( it u!erea#ter& !e s!ould ta(e it u in !eaven or !ell+ Co"e& arson,$ !e said& turnin) to t!e "inister&

$w!at !as ever been 'on'eived o# o"nioten'e& o# o"nis'ien'e& so subli"e& so divine as t!at/$

$Not!in)&$ answered t!e "inister 3uietly+ $6od !as never been i"a)ined at all+ But i# you

suose su'! a "an as t!at was Aut!orised& I t!in( it will !el you to i"a)ine w!at 6od "ust be+$



$T!ere.s sense in t!at&$ said La!a"+ He too( !is 'i)ar out o# !is "out!& and ulled !is '!air a

little toward t!e table& on w!i'! !e la'ed !is onderous #ore-ar"s+ $I want to tell you about a

#ellow I !ad in "y own 'o"any w!en we #irst went out+ We were all rivates to be)in wit!2a#ter a w!ile t!ey ele'ted "e 'atain--I.d !ad t!e tavern stand& and "ost o# .e" (new "e+ But

@i" %illon never )ot to be anyt!in) "ore t!an 'ororal2 'ororal w!en !e was (illed+$ T!e

ot!ers arrested t!e"selves in various attitudes o# attention& and re"ained listenin) to La!a"wit! an interest t!at ro#oundly #lattered !i"+ Now& at last& !e #elt t!at !e was !oldin) u !is end

o# t!e roe+ $I 'an.t say !e went into t!e t!in) #ro" t!e !i)!est "otives& alto)et!er2 our "otives

are always retty badly "i7ed& and w!en t!ere.s su'! a !urra!-boys as t!ere was t!en& you 'an.ttell w!i'! is w!i'!+ I suose @i" %illon.s wi#e was enou)! to a''ount #or !is )oin)& !ersel#+

S!e was a retty bad assort"ent&$ said La!a"& lowerin) !is voi'e and )lan'in) round at t!e

door to "a(e sure t!at it was s!ut& $and s!e used to lead @i" 5NE (ind o# li#e+ Well& sir&$

'ontinued La!a"& synt!etisin) !is auditors in t!at #or" o# address& $t!at #ellow used to saveevery 'ent o# !is ay and send it to t!at wo"an+ >sed to )et "e to do it #or !i"+ I tried to sto

!i"+ .W!y& @i"&. said I& .you (now w!at s!e.ll do wit! it+. .T!at.s so& Ca&. says !e& .but I don.t

(now w!at s!e.ll do wit!out it+. And it did (ee !er strai)!t--strai)!t as a strin)--as lon) as @i"

lasted+ See"ed as i# t!ere was so"et!in) "ysterious about it+ T!ey !ad a little )irl&--about as oldas "y oldest )irl&--and @i" used to tal( to "e about !er+ 6uess !e done it as "u'! #or !er as #or

t!e "ot!er2 and !e said to "e be#ore t!e last a'tion we went into& .I s!ould li(e to turn tail andrun& Ca+ I ain.t 'o"in. out o. t!is one+ But I don.t suose it would do+. .Well& not #or you& @i"&.

said I+ .I want to live&. !e says2 and !e bust out 'ryin) ri)!t t!ere in "y tent+ .I want to live #or

oor %olly and Kerrilla.--t!at.s w!at t!ey 'alled t!e little one2 I dunno w!ere t!ey )ot t!e na"e+.I ain.t ever !ad !al# a '!an'e2 and now s!e.s doin) better& and I believe we s!ould )et alon) a#ter

t!is+. He set t!ere 'ryin. li(e a baby+ But !e wa.n.t no baby w!en !e went into a'tion+ I !ated to

loo( at !i" a#ter it was over& not so "u'! be'ause !e.d )ot a ball t!at was "eant #or "e by a

s!ars!ooter--!e saw t!e devil ta(in. ai"& and !e *u"ed to warn "e--as be'ause !e didn.t loo(li(e @i"2 !e loo(ed li(e--#un2 all deserate and sava)e+ I )uess !e died !ard+$

T!e story "ade its i"ression& and La!a" saw it+ $Now I say&$ !e resu"ed& as i# !e #elt t!at !e

was )oin) to do !i"sel# *usti'e& and say so"et!in) to !ei)!ten t!e e##e't !is story !ad rodu'ed+

At t!e sa"e ti"e !e was aware o# a 'ertain want o# 'learness+ He !ad t!e idea& but it #loatedva)ue& elusive& in !is brain+ He loo(ed about as i# #or so"et!in) to re'iitate it in tan)ible

s!ae+

$Aollinaris/$ as(ed C!arles Bellin)!a"& !andin) t!e bottle #ro" t!e ot!er side+ He !ad drawn!is '!air 'loser t!an t!e rest to La!a".s& and was listenin) wit! )reat interest+ W!en %rs+ Corey

as(ed !i" to "eet La!a"& !e a''eted )ladly+ $0ou (now I )o in #or t!at sort o# t!in)& Anna+

Sin'e Leslie.s a##air we.re rat!er bound to do it+ And I t!in( we "eet t!ese ra'ti'al #ellows too

little+ T!ere.s always so"et!in) ori)inal about t!e"+$ He "i)!t naturally !ave believed t!at t!ereward o# !is #ait! was 'o"in)+

$T!an(s& I will ta(e so"e o# t!is wine&$ said La!a"& ourin) !i"sel# a )lass o# %adeira #ro" a

bla'( and dusty bottle 'aressed by a label bearin) t!e date o# t!e vinta)e+ He tossed o## t!e wine&

un'ons'ious o# its re'iousness& and waited #or t!e result+ T!at 'loudiness in !is braindisaeared be#ore it& but a "ere blan( re"ained+ He not only 'ould not re"e"ber w!at !e was

)oin) to say& but !e 'ould not re'all w!at t!ey !ad been tal(in) about+ T!ey waited& loo(in) at



!i"& and !e stared at t!e" in return+ A#ter a w!ile !e !eard t!e !ost sayin)& $S!all we *oin t!e

ladies/$

La!a" went& tryin) to t!in( w!at !ad !aened+ It see"ed to !i" a lon) ti"e sin'e !e !addrun( t!at wine+

%iss Corey )ave !i" a 'u o# tea& w!ere !e stood aloo# #ro" !is wi#e& w!o was tal(in) wit!

%iss ?in)sbury and %rs+ Sewell2 Irene was wit! %iss Nanny Corey+ He 'ould not !ear w!at

t!ey were tal(in) about2 but i# Peneloe !ad 'o"e& !e (new t!at s!e would !ave done t!e" all'redit+ He "eant to let !er (now !ow !e #elt about !er be!aviour w!en !e )ot !o"e+ It was a

s!a"e #or !er to "iss su'! a '!an'e+ Irene was loo(in) beauti#ul& as retty as all t!e rest o# t!e"

ut to)et!er& but s!e was not tal(in)& and La!a" er'eived t!at at a dinner-arty you ou)!t total(+ He was !i"sel# 'ons'ious o# !avin)& tal(ed very well+ He now wore an air o# )reat di)nity&

and& in 'onversin) wit! t!e ot!er )entle"en& !e used a )rave and wei)!ty deliberation+ So"e o#

t!e" wanted !i" to )o into t!e library+ T!ere !e )ave !is ideas o# boo(s+ He said !e !ad not

"u'! ti"e #or anyt!in) but t!e aers2 but !e was )oin) to !ave a 'o"lete library in !is new

la'e+ He "ade an elaborate a'(nowled)"ent to Bro"#ield Corey o# !is son.s (indness insu))estin) boo(s #or !is library2 !e said t!at !e !ad ordered t!e" all& and t!at !e "eant to !ave

i'tures+ He as(ed %r+ Corey w!o was about t!e best A"eri'an ainter )oin) now+ $I don.t set uto be a *ud)e o# i'tures& but I (now w!at I li(e&$ !e said+ He lost t!e reserve w!i'! !e !ad

"aintained earlier& and be)an to boast+ He !i"sel# introdu'ed t!e sub*e't o# !is aint& in a natural

transition #ro" i'tures2 !e said %r+ Corey "ust ta(e a run u to La!a" wit! !i" so"e day&and see t!e Wor(s2 t!ey would interest !i"& and !e would drive !i" round t!e 'ountry2 !e (et

"ost o# !is !orses u t!ere& and !e 'ould s!ow %r+ Corey so"e o# t!e #inest @ersey )rades in t!e

'ountry+ He told about !is brot!er Willia"& t!e *ud)e at 1ubu3ue2 and a #ar" !e !ad out t!ere

t!at aid #or itsel# every year in w!eat+ As !e 'ast o## all #ear& !is voi'e rose& and !e !a""ered!is ar"-'!air wit! t!e t!i'( o# !is !and #or e"!asis+ %r+ Corey see"ed i"ressed2 !e sat

er#e'tly 3uiet& listenin)& and La!a" saw t!e ot!er )entle"en sto in t!eir tal( every now andt!en to listen+ A#ter t!is roo# o# !is ability to interest t!e"& !e would !ave li(ed to !ave %rs+La!a" su))est a)ain t!at !e was une3ual to t!eir so'iety& or to t!e so'iety o# anybody else+ He

surrised !i"sel# by !is ease a"on) "en w!ose na"es !ad !it!erto overawed !i"+ He )ot to

'allin) Bro"#ield Corey by !is surna"e alone+ He did not understand w!y youn) Corey see"edso reo''uied& and !e too( o''asion to tell t!e 'o"any !ow !e !ad said to !is wi#e t!e #irst

ti"e !e saw t!at #ellow t!at !e 'ould "a(e a "an o# !i" i# !e !ad !i" in t!e business2 and !e

)uessed !e was not "ista(en+ He be)an to tell stories o# t!e di##erent youn) "en !e !ad !ad in!is e"loy+ At last !e !ad t!e tal( alto)et!er to !i"sel#2 no one else tal(ed& and !e tal(ed

un'easin)ly+ It was a )reat ti"e2 it was a triu"!+

He was in t!is su''ess#ul "ood w!en word 'a"e to !i" t!at %rs+ La!a" was )oin)2 To"

Corey see"ed to !ave brou)!t it& but !e was not sure+ Anyway& !e was not )oin) to !urry+ He"ade 'ordial invitations to ea'! o# t!e )entle"en to dro in and see !i" at !is o##i'e& and would

not be satis#ied till !e !ad e7a'ted a ro"ise #ro" ea'!+ He told C!arles Bellin)!a" t!at !e li(ed

!i"& and assured @a"es Bellin)!a" t!at it !ad always been !is a"bition to (now !i"& and t!at i#

any one !ad said w!en !e #irst 'a"e to Boston t!at in less t!an ten years !e s!ould be!obnobbin) wit! @i" Bellin)!a"& !e s!ould !ave told t!at erson !e lied+ He would !ave told

anybody !e lied t!at !ad told !i" ten years a)o t!at a son o# Bro"#ield Corey would !ave 'o"e



and as(ed !i" to ta(e !i" into t!e business+ Ten years a)o !e& Silas La!a"& !ad 'o"e to

Boston a little worse o## t!an not!in) at all& #or !e was in debt #or !al# t!e "oney t!at !e !ad

bou)!t out !is artner wit!& and !ere !e was now wort! a "illion& and "eetin) you )entle"enli(e one o# you+ And every 'ent o# t!at was !onest "oney&--no se'ulation&--every 'oer o# it

#or value re'eived+ And !ere& only t!e ot!er day& !is old artner& w!o !ad been )oin) to t!e do)s

ever sin'e !e went out o# t!e business& 'a"e and borrowed twenty t!ousand dollars o# !i",La!a" lent it be'ause !is wi#e wanted !i" to8 s!e !ad always #elt bad about t!e #ellow.s !avin)

to )o out o# t!e business+

He too( leave o# %r+ Sewell wit! atronisin) a##e'tion& and bade !i" 'o"e to !i" i# !e ever )ot

into a ti)!t la'e wit! !is aris! wor(2 !e would let !i" !ave all t!e "oney !e wanted2 !e !ad"ore "oney t!an !e (new w!at to do wit!+ $W!y& w!en your wi#e sent to "ine last #all&$ !e said&

turnin) to %r+ Corey& $I drew "y '!e3ue #or #ive !undred dollars& but "y wi#e wouldn.t ta(e

"ore t!an one !undred2 said s!e wasn.t )oin) to s!ow o## be#ore %rs+ Corey+ I 'all t!at a retty)ood *o(e on %rs+ Corey+ I "ust tell !er !ow %rs+ La!a" done !er out o# a 'ool #our !undred

dollars+$

He started toward t!e door o# t!e drawin)-roo" to ta(e leave o# t!e ladies2 but To" Corey was at

!is elbow& sayin)& $I t!in( %rs+ La!a" is waitin) #or you below& sir&$ and in obeyin) t!edire'tion Corey )ave !i" toward anot!er door !e #or)ot all about !is urose& and 'a"e away

wit!out sayin) )ood-ni)!t to !is !ostess+

%rs+ La!a" !ad not (nown !ow soon s!e ou)!t to )o& and !ad no idea t!at in !er 3uality o#

'!ie# )uest s!e was (eein) t!e ot!ers+ S!e stayed till eleven o.'lo'(& and was a little #ri)!tenedw!en s!e #ound w!at ti"e it was2 but %rs+ Corey& wit!out ressin) !er to stay lon)er& !ad said it

was not at all late+ S!e and Irene !ad !ad a er#e't ti"e+ Everybody !ad been very olite& on t!e

way !o"e t!ey 'elebrated t!e a"iability o# bot! t!e %iss Coreys and o# %iss ?in)sbury+ %rs+

La!a" t!ou)!t t!at %rs+ Bellin)!a" was about t!e leasantest erson s!e ever saw2 s!e !adtold !er all about !er "arried dau)!ter w!o !ad "arried an inventor and )one to live in 5"a!a--

a %rs+ Bla(e+

$I# it.s t!at 'ar-w!eel Bla(e&$ said La!a" roudly& $I (now all about !i"+ I.ve sold !i" tons o#t!e aint+$

$Poo!& aa, How you do s"ell o# s"o(in),$ 'ried Irene+

$Pretty stron)& e!/$ lau)!ed La!a"& lettin) down a window o# t!e 'arria)e+ His !eart was

t!robbin) wildly in t!e 'lose air& and !e was )lad o# t!e rus! o# 'old t!at 'a"e in& t!ou)! it

stoed !is ton)ue& and !e listened "ore and "ore drowsily to t!e re*oi'in)s t!at !is wi#e anddau)!ter e7'!an)ed+ He "eant to !ave t!e" wa(e Peneloe u and tell !er w!at s!e !ad lost2

but w!en !e rea'!ed !o"e !e was too sleey to su))est it+ He #ell aslee as soon as !is !ead

tou'!ed t!e illow& #ull o# sure"e triu"!+

But in t!e "ornin) !is s(ull was sore wit! t!e un'ons'ious& ni)!t-lon) a'!e2 and !e rose 'ross

and ta'iturn+ T!ey !ad a silent brea(#ast+ In t!e 'old )rey li)!t o# t!e "ornin) t!e )lories o# t!e

ni)!t be#ore s!owed oorer+ Here and t!ere a ain#ul doubt obtruded itsel# and "arred t!e" wit!



its aw(ward s!adow+ Peneloe sent down word t!at s!e was not well& and was not 'o"in) to

brea(#ast& and La!a" was )lad to )o to !is o##i'e wit!out seein) !er+

He was severe and silent all day wit! !is 'ler(s& and ere"tory wit! 'usto"ers+ 5# Corey !ewas slyly observant& and as t!e day wore away !e )rew "ore restively 'ons'ious+ He sent out

word by !is o##i'e-boy t!at !e would li(e to see %r+ Corey #or a #ew "inutes a#ter 'losin)+ T!etye-writer )irl !ad lin)ered too& as i# s!e wis!ed to sea( wit! !i"& and Corey stood in

abeyan'e as s!e went toward La!a".s door+

$Can.t see you to-ni)!t& Kerrilla&$ !e said blu##ly& but not un(indly+ $Per!as I.ll 'all at t!e !ouse&

i# it.s i"ortant+$

$It is&$ said t!e )irl& wit! a soiled air o# insisten'e+

$Well&$ said La!a"& and& noddin) to Corey to enter& !e 'losed t!e door uon !er+ T!en !e

turned to t!e youn)& "an and de"anded8 $Was I drun( last ni)!t/$

XV.

LAPHA%.S strenuous #a'e was bro(en u wit! t!e e"otions t!at !ad #or'ed !i" to t!is

3uestion8 s!a"e& #ear o# t!e t!in)s t!at "ust !ave been t!ou)!t o# !i"& "i7ed wit! a #aint !oe

t!at !e "i)!t be "ista(en& w!i'! died out at t!e s!o'(ed and ityin) loo( in Corey.s eyes+

$Was I drun(/$ !e reeated+ $I as( you& be'ause I was never tou'!ed by drin( in "y li#e be#ore&

and I don.t (now+$ He stood wit! !is !u)e !ands tre"blin) on t!e ba'( o# !is '!air& and !is drylis aart& as !e stared at Corey+

$T!at is w!at every one understood& Colonel La!a"&$ said t!e youn) "an+ $Every one saw !ow

it was+ 1on.t----$

$1id t!ey tal( it over a#ter I le#t/$ as(ed La!a" vul)arly+

$E7'use "e&$ said Corey& blus!in)& $"y #at!er doesn.t tal( !is )uests over wit! one anot!er+$ He

added& wit! yout!#ul suer#luity& $0ou were a"on) )entle"en+$

$I was t!e only one t!at wasn.t a )entle"an t!ere,$ la"ented La!a"+ $I dis)ra'ed you, Idis)ra'ed "y #a"ily, I "orti#ied your #at!er be#ore !is #riends,$ His !ead droed+ $I s!owedt!at I wasn.t #it to )o wit! you+ I." not #it #or any de'ent la'e+ W!at did I say/ W!at did I do/$

!e as(ed& suddenly li#tin) !is !ead and 'on#rontin) Corey+ $5ut wit! it, I# you 'ould bear to see

it and !ear it& I !ad ou)!t to bear to (now it,$

$T!ere was not!in)--really not!in)&$ said Corey+ $Beyond t!e #a't t!at you were not 3uite

yoursel#& t!ere was not!in) w!atever+ %y #at!er 1I1 sea( o# it to "e&$ !e 'on#essed& $w!en we



were alone+ He said t!at !e was a#raid we !ad not been t!ou)!t#ul o# you& i# you were in t!e

!abit o# ta(in) only water2 I told !i" I !ad not seen wine at your table+ T!e ot!ers said not!in)

about you+$

$A!& but w!at did t!ey t!in(/$

$Probably w!at we did8 t!at it was urely a "is#ortune--an a''ident+$

$I wasn.t #it to be t!ere&$ ersisted La!a"+ $1o you want to leave/$ !e as(ed& wit! sava)e

abrutness+

$Leave/$ #altered t!e youn) "an+

$0es2 3uit t!e business/ Cut t!e w!ole 'onne'tion/$

$I !aven.t t!e re"otest idea o# it,$ 'ried Corey in a"a4e"ent+ $W!y in t!e world s!ould I/$

$Be'ause you.re a )entle"an& and I." not& and it ain.t ri)!t I s!ould be over you+ I# you want to)o& I (now so"e arties t!at would be )lad to )et you+ I will )ive you u i# you want to )o be#ore

anyt!in) worse !aens& and I s!an.t bla"e you+ I 'an !el you to so"et!in) better t!an I 'ano##er you !ere& and I will+$

$T!ere.s no 3uestion o# "y )oin)& unless you wis! it&$ said Corey+ $I# you do----$

$Will you tell your #at!er&$ interruted La!a"& $t!at I !ad a notion all t!e ti"e t!at I was a'tin)

t!e drun(en bla'()uard& and t!at I.ve su##ered #or it all day/ Will you tell !i" I don.t want !i" tonoti'e "e i# we ever "eet& and t!at I (now I." not #it to asso'iate wit! )entle"en in anyt!in) but

a business way& i# I a" t!at/$

$Certainly I s!all do not!in) o# t!e (ind&$ retorted Corey+ $I 'an.t listen to you any lon)er+ W!at

you say is s!o'(in) to "e--s!o'(in) in a way you 'an.t t!in(+$

$W!y& "an,$ e7'lai"ed La!a"& wit! astonis!"ent2 $i# I 'an stand it& 05> 'an,$

$No&$ said Corey& wit! a si'( loo(& $t!at doesn.t #ollow+ 0ou "ay denoun'e yoursel#& i# you will2

but I !ave "y reasons #or re#usin) to !ear you--"y reasons w!y I CAN.T !ear you+ I# you say

anot!er word I "ust )o away+$

$I don.t understand you&$ #altered La!a"& in bewilder"ent& w!i'! absorbed even !is s!a"e+

$0ou e7a))erate t!e e##e't o# w!at !as !aened&$ said t!e youn) "an+ $It.s enou)!& "ore t!an

enou)!& #or you to !ave "entioned t!e "atter to "e& and I t!in( it.s unbe'o"in) in "e to !ear

you+$

He "ade a "ove"ent toward t!e door& but La!a" stoed !i" wit! t!e tra)i' !u"ility o# !isaeal+ $1on.t )o yet, I 'an.t let you+ I.ve dis)usted you&--I see t!at2 but I didn.t "ean to+ I--I ta(e

it ba'(+$



!ad so "u'!+ 5#ten !e 'ould not "a(e it aear ri)!t t!at !e s!ould "erely lease !i"sel# in

w!at '!ie#ly 'on'erned !i"sel#+ He er'eived !ow #ar aart in all t!eir e7erien'es and ideals

t!e La!a" )irls and !is sisters were2 !ow di##erent %rs+ La!a" was #ro" !is "ot!er2 !ow)rotes3uely unli(e were !is #at!er and La!a"2 and t!e disarity !ad not always a"used !i"+

He !ad o#ten ta(en it very seriously& and so"eti"es !e said t!at !e "ust #ore)o t!e !oe onw!i'! !is !eart was set+ T!ere !ad been "any ti"es in t!e ast "ont!s w!en !e !ad said t!at !e

"ust )o no #urt!er& and as o#ten as !e !ad ta(en t!is stand !e !ad yielded it& uon t!is or t!ate7'use& w!i'! !e was aware o# tru"in) u+ It was art o# t!e 'o"li'ation t!at !e s!ould be

un'ons'ious o# t!e in*ury !e "i)!t be doin) to so"e one besides !is #a"ily and !i"sel#2 t!is was

t!e de#e't o# !is di##iden'e2 and it !ad 'o"e to !i" in a an) #or t!e #irst ti"e w!en !is "ot!ersaid t!at s!e would not !ave t!e La!a"s t!in( s!e wis!ed to "a(e "ore o# t!e a'3uaintan'e

t!an !e did2 and t!en it !ad 'o"e too late+ Sin'e t!at !e !ad su##ered 3uite as "u'! #ro" t!e #ear

t!at it "i)!t not be as t!at it "i)!t be so2 and now& in t!e "ood& ro"anti' and e7alted& in w!i'!!e #ound !i"sel# 'on'ernin) La!a"& !e was as #ar as "i)!t be #ro" vain 'on#iden'e+ He ended

t!e 3uestion in !is own "ind by a##ir"in) to !i"sel# t!at !e was t!ere& #irst o# all& to see La!a"

and )ive !i" an ulti"ate roo# o# !is own er#e't #ait! and unabated rese't& and to o##er !i"w!at rearation t!is involved #or t!at want o# sy"at!y--o# !u"anity--w!i'! !e !ad s!own+

XVI.

THE Nova S'otia se'ond-)irl w!o answered Corey.s rin) said t!at La!a" !ad not 'o"e !o"e

yet+

$5!&$ said t!e youn) "an& !esitatin) on t!e outer ste+

$I )uess you better 'o"e in&$ said t!e )irl& $I.ll )o and see w!en t!ey.re e7e'tin) !i"+$

Corey was in t!e "ood to be swayed by any '!an'e+ He obeyed t!e su))estion o# t!e se'ond-)irl.s atronisin) #riendliness& and let !er s!ut !i" into t!e drawin)-roo"& w!ile s!e went

ustairs to announ'e !i" to Peneloe+ $1id you tell !i" #at!er wasn.t at !o"e/$

$0es+ He see"ed so (ind o# disaointed& I told !i" to 'o"e in& and I.d see w!en !e W5>L1 be

in&$ said t!e )irl& wit! t!e !u"an interest w!i'! so"eti"es rela'es in t!e A"eri'an do"esti't!e servile de#eren'e o# ot!er 'ountries+

A )lea" o# a"use"ent assed over Peneloe.s #a'e& as s!e )lan'ed at !ersel# in t!e )lass+ $Well&$

s!e 'ried #inally& droin) #ro" !er s!oulders t!e li)!t s!awl in w!i'! s!e !ad been !uddled

over a boo( w!en Corey ran)& $I will )o down+$

$All ri)!t&$ said t!e )irl& and Peneloe be)an !astily to a"end t!e disarray o# !er !air& w!i'! s!e

tu"bled into a "ass on t!e to o# !er little !ead& settin) o## t!e ale dar( o# !er 'o"le7ion wit!

a #las! o# 'ri"son ribbon at !er t!roat+ S!e "oved a'ross t!e 'aret on'e or twi'e wit! t!e 3uaint



)ra'e t!at belon)ed to !er s"all #i)ure& "ade a dissatis#ied )ri"a'e at it in t!e )lass& 'au)!t a

!and(er'!ie# out o# a drawer and slid it into !er o'(et& and t!en des'ended to Corey+

T!e La!a" drawin)-roo" in Nan(een S3uare was in t!e arti-'oloured aint w!i'! t!e Colonel!ad !oed to reeat in !is new !ouse8 t!e tri" o# t!e doors and windows was in li)!t )reen and

t!e anels in sal"on2 t!e walls were a lain tint o# ren'! )rey aer& divided by )ilt "ouldin)sinto broad anels wit! a wide strie o# red velvet aer runnin) u t!e 'orners2 t!e '!andelier

was o# "assive i"itation bron4e2 t!e "irror over t!e "antel rested on a #rin)ed "antel-'over o#)reen res& and !eavy 'urtains o# t!at stu## !un) #ro" )ilt la"bre3uin #ra"es at t!e window2 t!e

'aret was o# a s"all attern in 'rude )reen& w!i'!& at t!e ti"e %rs+ La!a" bou)!t it& 'overed

!al# t!e new #loors in Boston+ In t!e anelled sa'es on t!e walls were so"e stone-'olouredlands'aes& reresentin) t!e "ountains and 'anyons o# t!e West& w!i'! t!e Colonel and !is wi#e

!ad visited on one o# t!e early o##i'ial railroad e7'ursions+ In #ront o# t!e lon) windows loo(in)

into t!e S3uare were statues& (neelin) #i)ures w!i'! turned t!eir ba'(s uon t!e 'o"anywit!in-doors& and reresented alle)ories o# ait! and Prayer to eole wit!out+ A w!ite "arble

)rou o# several #i)ures& e7ressin) an Italian 'on'etion o# Lin'oln reein) t!e Slaves&--a Latin

ne)ro and !is wi#e&--wit! our Ea)le #lain) !is win)s in aroval& at Lin'oln.s #eet& o''uiedone 'orner& and balan'ed t!e w!at-not o# an earlier eriod in anot!er+ T!ese !antas"s added

t!eir '!ill to t!at i"arted by t!e tone o# t!e walls& t!e lands'aes& and t!e 'arets& and

'ontributed to t!e violen'e o# t!e 'ontrast w!en t!e '!andelier was li)!ted u #ull )lare& and t!e

!eat o# t!e w!ole #urna'e welled u #ro" t!e re)isters into t!e 3uiverin) at"os!ere on one o#t!e rare o''asions w!en t!e La!a"s invited 'o"any+

Corey !ad not been in t!is roo" be#ore2 t!e #a"ily !ad always re'eived !i" in w!at t!ey 'alled

t!e sittin)-roo"+ Peneloe loo(ed into t!is #irst& and t!en s!e loo(ed into t!e arlour& wit! a

s"ile t!at bro(e into a lau)! as s!e dis'overed !i" standin) under t!e sin)le burner w!i'! t!ese'ond-)irl !ad li)!ted #or !i" in t!e '!andelier+

$I don.t understand !ow you 'a"e to be ut in t!ere&$ s!e said& as s!e led t!e way to t!e 'o4ier

la'e& $unless it was be'ause Ali'e t!ou)!t you were only !ere on robation& anyway+ at!er!asn.t )ot !o"e yet& but I." e7e'tin) !i" every "o"ent2 I don.t (now w!at.s (eein) !i"+ 1id

t!e )irl tell you t!at "ot!er and Irene were out/$

$No& s!e didn.t say+ It.s very )ood o# you to see "e+$ S!e !ad not seen t!e e7altation w!i'! !e

!ad been #eelin)& !e er'eived wit! !al# a si)!2 it "ust all be uon t!is lower level2 er!as itwas best so+ $T!ere was so"et!in) I wis!ed to say to your #at!er----I !oe&$ !e bro(e o##& $you.re

better to-ni)!t+$

$5! yes& t!an( you&$ said Peneloe& re"e"berin) t!at s!e !ad not been well enou)! to )o to

dinner t!e ni)!t be#ore+

$We all "issed you very "u'!+$

$5!& t!an( you, I." a#raid you wouldn.t !ave "issed "e i# I !ad been t!ere+$

$5! yes& we s!ould&$ said Corey& $I assure you+$



T!ey loo(ed at ea'! ot!er+

$I really t!in( I believed I was sayin) so"et!in)&$ said t!e )irl+

$And so did I&$ relied t!e youn) "an+ T!ey lau)!ed rat!er wildly& and t!en t!ey bot! be'a"e

rat!er )rave+

He too( t!e '!air s!e )ave !i"& and loo(ed a'ross at !er& w!ere s!e sat on t!e ot!er side o# t!e

!eart!& in a '!air lower t!an !is& wit! !er !ands droed in !er la& and t!e ba'( o# !er !ead on

!er s!oulders as s!e loo(ed u at !i"+ T!e so#t-'oal #ire in t!e )rate urred and #li'(ered2 t!e

dro-li)!t 'ast a "ellow radian'e on !er #a'e+ S!e let !er eyes #all& and t!en li#ted t!e" #or anirrelevant )lan'e at t!e 'lo'( on t!e "antel+

$%ot!er and Irene !ave )one to t!e Sanis! Students. 'on'ert+$

$5!& !ave t!ey/$ as(ed Corey2 and !e ut !is !at& w!i'! !e !ad been !oldin) in !is !and& on t!e

#loor beside !is '!air+

S!e loo(ed down at it #or no reason& and t!en loo(ed u at !is #a'e #or no ot!er& and turned alittle red+ Corey turned a little red !i"sel#+ S!e w!o !ad always been so easy wit! !i" now

be'a"e a little 'onstrained+

$1o you (now !ow war" it is out-o#-doors/$ !e as(ed+

$No& is it war"/ I !aven.t been out all day+$

$It.s li(e a su""er ni)!t+$

S!e turned !er #a'e towards t!e #ire& and t!en started abrutly+ $Per!as it.s too war" #or you

!ere/$

$5! no& it.s very 'o"#ortable+$

$I suose it.s t!e 'old o# t!e last #ew days t!at.s still in t!e !ouse+ I was readin) wit! a s!awl on

w!en you 'a"e+$

$I interruted you+$

$5! no+ I !ad #inis!ed t!e boo(+ I was *ust loo(in) over it a)ain+$

$1o you li(e to read boo(s over/$

$0es2 boo(s t!at I li(e at all+$

$T!at was it/$ as(ed Corey+



T!e )irl !esitated+ $It !as rat!er a senti"ental na"e+ 1id you ever read it/--Tears& Idle Tears+$

$5! yes2 t!ey were tal(in) o# t!at last ni)!t2 it.s a #a"ous boo( wit! ladies+ T!ey brea( t!eir

!earts over it+ 1id it "a(e you 'ry/$

$5!& it.s retty easy to 'ry over a boo(&$ said Peneloe& lau)!in)2 $and t!at one is very natural tillyou 'o"e to t!e "ain oint+ T!en t!e naturalness o# all t!e rest "a(es t!at see" natural too2 but

I )uess it.s rat!er #or'ed+$

$Her )ivin) !i" u to t!e ot!er one/$

$0es2 si"ly be'ause s!e !aened to (now t!at t!e ot!er one !ad 'ared #or !i" #irst+ W!ys!ould s!e !ave done it/ W!at ri)!t !ad s!e/$

$I don.t (now+ I suose t!at t!e sel#-sa'ri#i'e----$

$But it WASN.T sel#-sa'ri#i'e--or not sel#-sa'ri#i'e alone+ S!e was sa'ri#i'in) !i" too2 and #orso"e one w!o 'ouldn.t are'iate !i" !al# as "u'! as s!e 'ould+ I." rovo(ed wit! "ysel#

w!en I t!in( !ow I 'ried over t!at boo(--#or I did 'ry+ It.s silly--it.s wi'(ed #or any one to dow!at t!at )irl did+ W!y 'an.t t!ey let eole !ave a '!an'e to be!ave reasonably in stories/$

$Per!as t!ey 'ouldn.t "a(e it so attra'tive&$ su))ested Corey& wit! a s"ile+

$It would be novel& at any rate&$ said t!e )irl+ $But so it would in real li#e& I suose&$ s!e added+

$I don.t (now+ W!y s!ouldn.t eole in love be!ave sensibly/$

$T!at.s a very serious 3uestion&$ said Peneloe )ravely+ $I 'ouldn.t answer it&$ and s!e le#t !i"t!e e"barrass"ent o# suortin) an in3uiry w!i'! s!e !ad 'ertainly insti)ated !ersel#+ S!e

see"ed to !ave #inally re'overed !er own ease in doin) t!is+ $1o you ad"ire our autu"nal

dislay& %r+ Corey/$

$0our dislay/$

$T!e trees in t!e S3uare+ WE t!in( it.s 3uite e3ual to an oenin) at @ordan %ars!.s+$

$A!& I." a#raid you wouldn.t let "e be serious even about your "ales+$

$5! yes& I s!ould--i# you li(e to be serious+$

$1on.t you/$

$Well not about serious "atters+ T!at.s t!e reason t!at boo( "ade "e 'ry+$

$0ou "a(e #un o# everyt!in)+ %iss Irene was tellin) "e last ni)!t about you+$



$T!en it.s no use #or "e to deny it so soon+ I "ust )ive Irene a tal(in) to+$

$I !oe you won.t #orbid !er to tal( about you,$

S!e !ad ta(en u a #an #ro" t!e table& and !eld it& now between !er #a'e and t!e #ire& and now

between !er #a'e and !i"+ Her little visa)e& wit! t!at ar'!& la4y loo( in it& toed by its "ass o#dus(y !air& and dwindlin) #ro" t!e #ull '!ee(s to t!e s"all '!in& !ad a @aanese e##e't in t!e

subdued li)!t& and it !ad t!e '!ar" w!i'! 'o"es to any wo"an wit! !ainess+ It would be !ard

to say !ow "u'! o# t!is s!e er'eived t!at !e #elt+ T!ey tal(ed about ot!er t!in)s a w!ile& andt!en s!e 'a"e ba'( to w!at !e !ad said+ S!e )lan'ed at !i" obli3uely round !er #an& and stoed

"ovin) it+ $1oes Irene tal( about "e/$ s!e as(ed+ $I t!in( so--yes+ Per!as it.s only I w!o tal(

about you+ 0ou "ust bla"e "e i# it.s wron)&$ !e returned+

$5!& I didn.t say it was wron)&$ s!e relied+ $But I !oe i# you said anyt!in) very bad o# "eyou.ll let "e (now w!at it was& so t!at I 'an re#or"----$

$No& don.t '!an)e& lease,$ 'ried t!e youn) "an+

Peneloe 'au)!t !er breat!& but went on resolutely&--$or rebu(e you #or sea(in) evil o#

di)nities+$ S!e loo(ed down at t!e #an& now #lat in !er la& and tried to )overn !er !ead& but ittre"bled& and s!e re"ained loo(in) down+ A)ain t!ey let t!e tal( stray& and t!en it was !e w!o

brou)!t it ba'( to t!e"selves& as i# it !ad not le#t t!e"+

$I !ave to tal( 5 you&$ said Corey& $be'ause I )et to tal( T5 you so seldo"+$

$0ou "ean t!at I do all t!e tal(in) w!en we.re--to)et!er/$ S!e )lan'ed sidewise at !i"2 but s!e

reddened a#ter sea(in) t!e last word+

$We.re so seldo" to)et!er&$ !e ursued+

$I don.t (now w!at you "ean----$

$So"eti"es I.ve t!ou)!t--I.ve been a#raid t!at you avoided "e+$

$Avoided you/$

$0es, Tried not to be alone wit! "e+$

S!e "i)!t !ave told !i" t!at t!ere was no reason w!y s!e s!ould be alone wit! !i"& and t!at itwas very stran)e !e s!ould "a(e t!is 'o"laint o# !er+ But s!e did not+ S!e (et loo(in) down

at t!e #an& and t!en s!e li#ted !er burnin) #a'e and loo(ed at t!e 'lo'( a)ain+ $%ot!er and Irene

will be sorry to "iss you&$ s!e )ased+

He instantly rose and 'a"e towards !er+ S!e rose too& and "e'!ani'ally ut out !er !and+ Hetoo( it as i# to say )ood-ni)!t+ $I didn.t "ean to send you away&$ s!e besou)!t !i"+



$5!& I." not )oin)&$ !e answered si"ly+ $I wanted to say--to say t!at it.s I w!o "a(e !er tal(

about you+ To say I----T!ere is so"et!in) I want to say to you2 I.ve said it so o#ten to "ysel# t!at

I #eel as i# you "ust (now it+$ S!e stood 3uite still& lettin) !i" (ee !er !and& and 3uestionin)!is #a'e wit! a bewildered )a4e+ $0ou %>ST (now--s!e "ust !ave told you--s!e "ust !ave

)uessed----$ Peneloe turned w!ite& but outwardly 3uelled t!e ani' t!at sent t!e blood to !er

!eart+ $I--I didn.t e7e't--I !oed to !ave seen your #at!er--but I "ust sea( now& w!atever----Ilove you,$

S!e #reed !er !and #ro" bot! o# t!ose !e !ad 'losed uon it& and went ba'( #ro" !i" a'ross t!e

roo" wit! a sinuous srin)+ $%E,$ W!atever otential 'o"li'ity !ad lur(ed in !er !eart& !is

words brou)!t !er only i""easurable dis"ay+

He 'a"e towards !er a)ain+ $0es& you+ W!o else/$

S!e #ended !i" o## wit! an i"lorin) )esture+ $I t!ou)!t--I--it was----$

S!e s!ut !er lis ti)!t& and stood loo(in) at !i" w!ere !e re"ained in silent a"a4e+ T!en !erwords 'a"e a)ain& s!udderin)ly+ $5!& w!at !ave you done/$

$>on "y soul&$ !e said& wit! a va)ue s"ile& $I don.t (now+ I !oe no !ar"/$

$5!& don.t lau)!,$ s!e 'ried& lau)!in) !ysteri'ally !ersel#+ $>nless you want "e to t!in( you t!e)reatest wret'! in t!e world,$

$I/$ !e resonded+ $or !eaven.s sa(e tell "e w!at you "ean,$

$0ou (now I 'an.t tell you+ Can you say--'an you ut your !and on your !eart and say t!at--you--

say you never "eant--t!at you "eant "e--all alon)/$

$0es,--yes, W!o else/ I 'a"e !ere to see your #at!er& and to tell !i" t!at I wis!ed to tell yout!is--to as( !i"----But w!at does it "atter/ 0ou "ust !ave (nown it--you "ust !ave seen--and

it.s #or you to answer "e+ I.ve been abrut& I (now& and I.ve startled you2 but i# you love "e& you

'an #or)ive t!at to "y lovin) you so lon) be#ore I so(e+$

S!e )a4ed at !i" wit! arted lis+

$5!& "er'y, W!at s!all I do/ I# it.s true--w!at you say--you "ust )o,$ s!e said+ $And you "ust

never 'o"e any "ore+ 1o you ro"ise t!at/$

$Certainly not&$ said t!e youn) "an+ $W!y s!ould I ro"ise su'! a t!in)--so abo"inably

wron)/ I 'ould obey i# you didn.t love "e----$

$5!& I don.t, Indeed I don.t, Now will you obey+$

$No+ I don.t believe you+$ $5!,$



He ossessed !i"sel# o# !er !and a)ain+

$%y love--"y dearest, W!at is t!is trouble& t!at you 'an.t tell it/ It 'an.t be anyt!in) about

yoursel#+ I# it is anyt!in) about any one else& it wouldn.t "a(e t!e least di##eren'e in t!e world&no "atter w!at it was+ I would be only too )lad to s!ow by any a't or deed I 'ould t!at not!in)

'ould '!an)e "e towards you+$

$5!& you don.t understand,$

$No& I don.t+ 0ou "ust tell "e+$

$I will never do t!at+$

$T!en I will stay !ere till your "ot!er 'o"es& and as( !er w!at it is+$

$As( HER/$

$0es, 1o you t!in( I will )ive you u till I (now w!y I "ust/$

$0ou #or'e "e to it, Will you )o i# I tell you& and never let any !u"an 'reature (now w!at you

!ave said to "e/$

$Not unless you )ive "e leave+$

$T!at will be never+ Well& t!en----$ S!e stoed& and "ade two or t!ree ine##e'tual e##orts to be)in a)ain+ $No& no, I 'an.t+ 0ou "ust )o,$

$I will not )o,$

$0ou said you--loved "e+ I# you do& you will )o+$

He droed t!e !ands !e !ad stret'!ed towards !er& and s!e !id !er #a'e in !er own+

$T!ere,$ s!e said& turnin) it suddenly uon !i"+ $Sit down t!ere+ And will you ro"ise "e--onyour !onour--not to sea(--not to try to ersuade "e--not to--tou'! "e/ 0ou won.t tou'! "e/$

$I will obey you& Peneloe+$

$As i# you were never to see "e a)ain/ As i# I were dyin)/$

$I will do w!at you say+ But I s!all see you a)ain2 and don.t tal( o# dyin)+ T!is is t!e be)innin)

o# li#e----$

$No+ It.s t!e end&$ said t!e )irl& resu"in) at last so"et!in) o# t!e !oarse drawl w!i'! t!e tu"ulto# !er #eelin) !ad bro(en into t!ose !al#-arti'ulate aeals+ S!e sat down too& and li#ted !er #a'e

towards !i"+ $It.s t!e end o# li#e #or "e& be'ause I (now now t!at I "ust !ave been layin) #alse



#ro" t!e be)innin)+ 0ou don.t (now w!at I "ean& and I 'an never tell you+ It isn.t "y se'ret--it.s

so"e one else.s+ 0ou--you "ust never 'o"e !ere a)ain+ I 'an.t tell you w!y& and you "ust never

try to (now+ 1o you ro"ise/$

$0ou 'an #orbid "e+ I "ust do w!at you say+$

$I do #orbid you& t!en+ And you s!all not t!in( I a" 'ruel----$

$How 'ould I t!in( t!at/$

$5!& !ow !ard you "a(e it,$

Corey lau)!ed #or very desair+ $Can I "a(e it easier by disobeyin) you/$

$I (now I a" tal(in) 'ra4ily+ But I." not 'ra4y+$

$No& no&$ !e said& wit! so"e wild notion o# 'o"#ortin) !er2 $but try to tell "e t!is trouble, T!ereis not!in) under !eaven--no 'ala"ity& no sorrow--t!at I wouldn.t )ladly s!are wit! you& or ta(e

all uon "ysel# i# I 'ould,$

$I (now, But t!is you 'an.t+ 5!& "y----$

$1earest, Wait, T!in(, Let "e as( your "ot!er--your #at!er----$

S!e )ave a 'ry+

$No, I# you do t!at& you will "a(e "e !ate you, Will you----$

T!e rattlin) o# a lat'!-(ey was !eard in t!e outer door+

$Pro"ise,$ 'ried Peneloe+

$5!& I ro"ise,$

$6ood-bye,$ S!e suddenly #lun) !er ar"s round !is ne'(& and& ressin) !er '!ee( ti)!t a)ainst

!is& #las!ed out o# t!e roo" by one door as !er #at!er entered it by anot!er+

Corey turned to !i" in a da4e+ $I--I 'alled to sea( wit! you--about a "atter----But it.s so late

now+ I.ll--I.ll see you to-"orrow+$

$No ti"e li(e t!e resent&$ said La!a"& wit! a #ier'eness t!at did not see" re#erable to Corey+

He !ad !is !at still on& and !e )lared at t!e youn) "an out o# !is blue eyes wit! a #ire t!atso"et!in) else "ust !ave (indled t!ere+

$I really 'an.t now&$ said Corey wea(ly+ $It will do 3uite as well to-"orrow+ 6ood ni)!t& sir+$



$6ood ni)!t&$ answered La!a" abrutly& #ollowin) !i" to t!e door& and s!uttin) it a#ter !i"+ $I

t!in( t!e devil "ust !ave )ot into retty "u'! everybody to-ni)!t&$ !e "uttered& 'o"in) ba'( to

t!e roo"& w!ere !e ut down !is !at+ T!en !e went to t!e (it'!en-stairs and 'alled down& $Hello&Ali'e, I want so"et!in) to eat,$

XVII.

$WHAT.s t!e reason t!e )irls never )et down to brea(#ast any "ore/$ as(ed La!a"& w!en !e

"et !is wi#e at t!e table in t!e "ornin)+ He !ad been u an !our and a !al#& and !e so(e wit!t!e severity o# a !un)ry "an+ $It see"s to "e t!ey don.t a"ount to AN0t!in)+ Here I a"& at "y

ti"e o# li#e& u t!e #irst one in t!e !ouse+ I rin) t!e bell #or t!e 'oo( at 3uarter-ast si7 every

"ornin)& and t!e brea(#ast is on t!e table at !al#-ast seven ri)!t alon)& li(e 'lo'(wor(& but I

never see anybody but you till I )o to t!e o##i'e+$

$5! yes& you do& Si&$ said !is wi#e soot!in)ly+ $T!e )irls are nearly always down+ But t!ey.re

youn)& and it tires t!e" "ore t!an it does us to )et u early+$

$T!ey 'an rest a#terwards+ T!ey don.t do anyt!in) a#ter t!ey ARE u&$ )ru"bled La!a"+

$Well& t!at.s your #ault& ain.t it/ 0ou ou)!tn.t to !ave "ade so "u'! "oney& and t!en t!ey.d !ave

!ad to wor(+$ S!e lau)!ed at La!a".s Sartan "ood& and went on to e7'use t!e youn) eole+$Irene.s been u two ni)!ts !and runnin)& and Peneloe says s!e ain.t well+ W!at "a(es you so

'ross about t!e )irls/ Been doin) so"et!in) you.re as!a"ed o#/$

$I.ll tell you w!en I.ve been doin) anyt!in) to be as!a"ed o#&$ )rowled La!a"+

$5! no& you won.t,$ said !is wi#e *ollily+ $0ou.ll only be !ard on t!e rest o# us+ Co"e now& Si2w!at is it/$

La!a" #rowned into !is 'o##ee wit! sul(y di)nity& and said& wit!out loo(in) u& $I wonder w!at

t!at #ellow wanted !ere last ni)!t/$ $W!at #ellow/$

$Corey+ I #ound !i" !ere w!en I 'a"e !o"e& and !e said !e wanted to see "e2 but !e wouldn.t

sto+$

$W!ere was !e/$

$In t!e sittin)-roo"+$

$Was Pen t!ere/$

$I didn.t see !er+$



%rs+ La!a" aused& wit! !er !and on t!e 'rea"-*u)+ $W!y& w!at in t!e land did !e want/ 1id

!e say !e wanted you/$

$T!at.s w!at !e said+$

$And t!en !e wouldn.t stay/$

$Well& t!en& I.ll tell you *ust w!at it is& Silas La!a"+ He 'a"e !ere$--s!e loo(ed about t!e roo"

and lowered !er voi'e--$to see you about Irene& and t!en !e !adn.t t!e 'oura)e+$

$I )uess !e.s )ot 'oura)e enou)! to do retty "u'! w!at !e wants to&$ said La!a" )lu"ly+ $All

I (now is& !e was !ere+ 0ou better as( Pen about it& i# s!e ever )ets down+$

$I )uess I s!an.t wait #or !er&$ said %rs+ La!a"2 and& as !er !usband 'losed t!e #ront door a#ter!i"& s!e oened t!at o# !er dau)!ter.s roo" and entered abrutly+

T!e )irl sat at t!e window& #ully dressed& and as i# s!e !ad been sittin) t!ere a lon) ti"e+ Wit!outrisin)& s!e turned !er #a'e towards !er "ot!er+ It "erely s!owed bla'( a)ainst t!e li)!t& and

revealed not!in) till !er "ot!er 'a"e 'lose to !er wit! su''essive 3uestions+ $W!y& !ow lon)!ave you been u& Pen/ W!y don.t you 'o"e to your brea(#ast/ 1id you see %r+ Corey w!en !e

'alled last ni)!t/ W!y& w!at.s t!e "atter wit! you/ W!at !ave you been 'ryin) about/$

$Have I been 'ryin)/$

$0es, 0our '!ee(s are all wet,$

$I t!ou)!t t!ey were on #ire+ Well& I.ll tell you w!at.s !aened+$ S!e rose& and t!en #ell ba'( in

!er '!air+ $Lo'( t!e door,$ s!e ordered& and !er "ot!er "e'!ani'ally obeyed+ $I don.t want Irenein !ere+ T!ere.s not!in) t!e "atter+ 5nly& %r+ Corey o##ered !i"sel# to "e last ni)!t+$

Her "ot!er re"ained loo(in) at !er& !elless& not so "u'! wit! a"a4e& er!as& as dis"ay+ $5!&I." not a )!ost, I wis! I was, 0ou !ad better sit down& "ot!er+ 0ou !ave )ot to (now all about

it+$

%rs+ La!a" droed nervelessly into t!e '!air at t!e ot!er window& and w!ile t!e )irl went

slowly but brie#ly on& tou'!in) only t!e vital oints o# t!e story& and brea(in) at ti"es into a bitter drollery& s!e sat as i# wit!out t!e ower to sea( or stir+

$Well& t!at.s all& "ot!er+ I s!ould say I !ad drea"t& it& i# I !ad slet any last ni)!t2 but I )uess itreally !aened+$

T!e "ot!er )lan'ed round at t!e bed& and said& )lad to o''uy !ersel# delayin)ly wit! t!e "inor

'are8 $W!y& you !ave been sittin) u all ni)!t, 0ou will (ill yoursel#+$

$I don.t (now about (illin) "ysel#& but I.ve been sittin) u all ni)!t&$ answered t!e )irl+ T!en&

seein) t!at !er "ot!er re"ained blan(ly silent a)ain& s!e de"anded& $W!y don.t you bla"e "e&



$W!y& you !aven.t done anyt!in)& Pen&$ said !er "ot!er soot!in)ly+

$I wanted to, 0es& I "ust !ave done so"et!in)+ How 'ould I !el it/ I did 'are #or !i" #ro" t!e

#irst& and I "ust !ave tried to "a(e !i" li(e "e+ 1o you t!in( I did/ No& no, 0ou "ustn.t tellIrene, Not-- not--yet, %ot!er, 0es, I did try to )et !i" #ro" !er,$ s!e 'ried& li#tin) !er !ead& and

suddenly loo(in) !er "ot!er in t!e #a'e wit! t!ose lar)e di" eyes o# !ers+ $W!at do you t!in(/Even last ni)!t, It was t!e #irst ti"e I ever !ad !i" all to "ysel#& #or "ysel#& and I (now now

t!at I tried to "a(e !i" t!in( t!at I was retty and--#unny+ And I didn.t try to "a(e !i" t!in( o#!er+ I (new t!at I leased !i"& and I tried to lease !i" "ore+ Per!as I 'ould !ave (et !i"

#ro" sayin) t!at !e 'ared #or "e2 but w!en I saw !e did--I "ust !ave seen it--I 'ouldn.t+ I !ad

never !ad !i" to "ysel#& and #or "ysel# be#ore+ I needn.t !ave seen !i" at all& but I wanted tosee !i"2 and w!en I was sittin) t!ere alone wit! !i"& !ow do I (now w!at I did to let !i" #eel

t!at I 'ared #or !i"/ Now& will you tell Irene/ I never t!ou)!t !e did 'are #or "e& and never

e7e'ted !i" to+ But I li(ed !i"+ 0es--I did li(e !i", Tell !er t!at, 5r else I will+$

$I# it was to tell !er !e was dead&$ be)an %rs+ La!a" absently+

$How easy it would be,$ 'ried t!e )irl in sel#-"o'(ery+ $But !e.s worse t!an dead to !er2 and so

a" I+ I.ve turned it over a "illion ways& "ot!er2 I.ve loo(ed at it in every li)!t you 'an ut it in&

and I 'an.t "a(e anyt!in) but "isery out o# it+ 0ou 'an see t!e "isery at t!e #irst )lan'e& and you

'an.t see "ore or less i# you send your li#e loo(in) at it+$ S!e lau)!ed a)ain& as i# t!e!oelessness o# t!e t!in) a"used !er+ T!en s!e #lew to t!e e7tre"e o# sel#-assertion+ $Well& I

HAVE a ri)!t to !i"& and !e !as a ri)!t to "e+ I# !e.s never done anyt!in) to "a(e !er t!in( !e

'ared #or !er&--and I (now !e !asn.t2 it.s all been our doin)& t!en !e.s #ree and I." #ree+ We 'an.t"a(e !er !ay w!atever we do2 and w!y s!ouldn.t I----No& t!at won.t do, I rea'!ed t!at oint

be#ore,$ S!e bro(e a)ain into !er deserate lau)!+ $0ou "ay try now& "ot!er,$

$I.d best sea( to your #at!er #irst----$

Peneloe s"iled a little "ore #orlornly t!an s!e !ad lau)!ed+

$Well& yes2 t!e Colonel will !ave to (now+ It isn.t a trouble t!at I 'an (ee to "ysel# e7a'tly+ Itsee"s to belon) to too "any ot!er eole+$

Her "ot!er too( a 'ra4y en'oura)e"ent #ro" !er return to !er old way o# sayin) t!in)s+

$Per!as !e 'an t!in( o# so"et!in)+$

$5!& I don.t doubt but t!e Colonel will (now *ust w!at to do,$

$0ou "ustn.t be too down-!earted about it+ It--it.ll all 'o"e ri)!t----$

$0ou tell Irene t!at& "ot!er+$

%rs+ La!a" !ad ut !er !and on t!e door-(ey2 s!e droed it& and loo(ed at t!e )irl wit! a sort

o# besee'!in) aeal #or t!e 'o"#ort s!e 'ould not i"a)ine !ersel#+ $1on.t loo( at "e& "ot!er&$



said Peneloe& s!a(in) !er !ead+ $0ou (now t!at i# Irene were to die wit!out (nowin) it& it

wouldn.t 'o"e ri)!t #or "e+$

$Pen,$

$I.ve read o# 'ases w!ere a )irl )ives u t!e "an t!at loves !er so as to "a(e so"e ot!er )irl!ay t!at t!e "an doesn.t love+ T!at "i)!t be done+$

$0our #at!er would t!in( you were a #ool&$ said %rs+ La!a"& #indin) a sort o# re#u)e in !er

stron) dis)ust #or t!e seudo !erois"+ $No, I# t!ere.s to be any )ivin) u& let it be by t!e one t!at

s!an.t "a(e anybody but !ersel# su##er+ T!ere.s trouble and sorrow enou)! in t!e world& wit!out%A?IN6 it on urose,$

S!e unlo'(ed t!e door& but Peneloe slied round and set !ersel# a)ainst it+ $Irene s!all not )ive

u,$

$I will see your #at!er about it&$ said t!e "ot!er+ $Let "e out now----$

$1on.t let Irene 'o"e !ere,$

$No+ I will tell !er t!at you !aven.t slet+ 6o to bed now& and try to )et so"e rest+ S!e isn.t u

!ersel# yet+ 0ou "ust !ave so"e brea(#ast+$

$No2 let "e slee i# I 'an+ I 'an )et so"et!in) w!en I wa(e u+ I.ll 'o"e down i# I 'an.t slee+

Li#e !as )ot to )o on+ It does w!en t!ere.s a deat! in t!e !ouse& and t!is is only a little worse+$

$1on.t you tal( nonsense,$ 'ried %rs+ La!a"& wit! an)ry aut!ority+

$Well& a little better& t!en&$ said Peneloe& wit! "ee( 'on'ession+

%rs+ La!a" atte"ted to say so"et!in)& and 'ould not+ S!e went out and oened Irene.s door+

T!e )irl li#ted !er !ead drowsily #ro" !er illow $1on.t disturb your sister w!en you )et u&

Irene+ S!e !asn.t slet well----$

$PLEASE don.t tal(, I." al"ost 1EA1 wit! slee,$ returned Irene+ $1o )o& "a""a, I s!an.tdisturb !er+$ S!e turned !er #a'e down in t!e illow& and ulled t!e 'overin) u over !er ears+

T!e "ot!er slowly 'losed t!e door and went downstairs& #eelin) bewildered and ba##led al"ost

beyond t!e ower to "ove+ T!e ti"e !ad been w!en s!e would !ave tried to #ind out w!y t!is *ud)"ent !ad been sent uon !er+ But now s!e 'ould not #eel t!at t!e inno'ent su##erin) o# ot!ers

was in#li'ted #or !er #ault2 s!e s!ran( instin'tively #ro" t!at 'ruel and e)otisti' "isinterretation

o# t!e "ystery o# ain and loss+ S!e saw !er two '!ildren& e3ually i# di##erently dear to !er&

destined to trouble t!at not!in) 'ould avert& and s!e 'ould not bla"e eit!er o# t!e"2 s!e 'ouldnot bla"e t!e "eans o# t!is "isery to t!e"2 !e was as inno'ent as t!ey& and t!ou)! !er !eart was

sore a)ainst !i" in t!is #irst "o"ent& s!e 'ould still be *ust to !i" in it+ S!e was a wo"an w!o

!ad been used to see( t!e li)!t by strivin)2 s!e !ad !it!erto literally wor(ed to it+ But it is t!e



'urse o# roserity t!at it ta(es wor( away #ro" us& and s!uts t!at door to !oe and !ealt! o#

sirit+ In t!is !ouse& w!ere everyt!in) !ad 'o"e to be done #or !er& s!e !ad no tas(s to interose

between !er and !er desair+ S!e sat down in !er own roo" and let !er !ands #all in !er la&--t!e!ands t!at !ad on'e been so !el#ul and busy&--and tried to t!in( it all out+ S!e !ad never !eard

o# t!e #ate t!at was on'e suosed to aoint t!e sorrows o# "en irrese'tive o# t!eir

bla"elessness or bla"e& be#ore t!e ti"e w!en it 'a"e to be believed t!at sorrows were enalties2 but in !er si"le way s!e re'o)nised so"et!in) li(e t!at "yt!i' ower w!en s!e rose #ro" !er

stru))le wit! t!e roble"& and said aloud to !ersel#& $Well& t!e wit'! is in it+$ Turn w!i'! way

s!e would& s!e saw no es'ae #ro" t!e "isery to 'o"e--t!e "isery w!i'! !ad 'o"e already toPeneloe and !ersel#& and t!at "ust 'o"e to Irene and !er #at!er+ S!e started w!en s!e de#initely

t!ou)!t o# !er !usband& and t!ou)!t wit! w!at violen'e it would wor( in every #ibre o# !is rude

stren)t!+ S!e #eared t!at& and s!e #eared so"et!in) worse--t!e e##e't w!i'! !is ride and

a"bition "i)!t see( to )ive it2 and it was wit! terror o# t!is& as well as t!e natural trust wit!w!i'! a wo"an "ust turn to !er !usband in any an7iety at last& t!at s!e #elt s!e 'ould not wait

#or evenin) to ta(e 'ounsel wit! !i"+ W!en s!e 'onsidered !ow wron)ly !e "i)!t ta(e it all& it

see"ed as i# it were already (nown to !i"& and s!e was i"atient to revent !is error+

S!e sent out #or a "essen)er& w!o" s!e desat'!ed wit! a note to !is la'e o# business8 $Silas& I

s!ould li(e to ride wit! you t!is a#ternoon+ Can.t you 'o"e !o"e early/ Persis+$ And s!e was at

dinner wit! Irene& evadin) !er 3uestions about Peneloe& w!en answer 'a"e t!at !e would be at

t!e !ouse wit! t!e bu))y at !al#-ast two+ It is easy to ut o## a )irl w!o !as but one t!in) in !er!ead2 but t!ou)! %rs+ La!a" 'ould es'ae wit!out tellin) anyt!in) o# Peneloe& s!e 'ould not

es'ae seein) !ow w!olly Irene was en)rossed wit! !oes now turned so vain and i"ossible+

S!e was still tal(in) o# t!at dinner& o# not!in) but t!at dinner& and be))in) #or #lattery o# !ersel#and raise o# !i"& w!i'! !er "ot!er !ad till now been so ready to )ive+

$See"s to "e you don.t ta(e very "u'! interest& "a""a,$ s!e said& lau)!in) and blus!in) at

one oint+

$0es&--yes& I do&$ rotested %rs+ La!a"& and t!en t!e )irl rattled on+

$I )uess I s!all )et one o# t!ose ins t!at Nanny Corey !ad in !er !air+ I t!in( it would be'o"e"e& don.t you/$ $0es2 but Irene--I don.t li(e to !ave you )o on so& till--unless !e.s said so"et!in)

to s!ow--0ou ou)!tn.t to )ive yoursel# u to t!in(in)----$ But at t!is t!e )irl turned so w!ite& and

loo(ed su'! reroa'! at !er& t!at s!e added #ranti'ally8 $0es& )et t!e in+ It is *ust t!e t!in) #oryou, But don.t disturb Peneloe+ Let !er alone till I )et ba'(+ I." )oin) out to ride wit! your

#at!er+ He.ll be !ere in !al# an !our+ Are you t!rou)!/ Rin)& t!en+ 6et yoursel# t!at #an you saw

t!e ot!er day+ 0our #at!er won.t say anyt!in)2 !e li(es to !ave you loo( well+ I 'ould see !is eyes

on you !al# t!e ti"e t!e ot!er ni)!t+$

$I s!ould !ave li(ed to !ave Pen )o wit! "e&$ said Irene& restored to !er nor"al state o# inno'ent

sel#is!ness by t!ese #latteries+ $1on.t you suose s!e.ll be u in ti"e/ W!at.s t!e "atter wit!

!er t!at s!e didn.t slee/$

$I don.t (now+ Better let !er alone+$



$Well&$ sub"itted Irene+

XVIII.

%RS+ LAPHA% went away to ut on !er bonnet and 'loa(& and s!e was waitin) at t!e window

w!en !er !usband drove u+ S!e oened t!e door and ran down t!e stes+ $1on.t )et out2 I 'an!el "ysel# in&$ and s!e 'la"bered to !is side& w!ile !e (et t!e #id)etin) "are still wit! voi'e

and tou'!+

$W!ere do you want I s!ould )o/$ !e as(ed& turnin) t!e bu))y+

$5!& I don.t 'are+ 5ut Broo(line way& I )uess+ I wis! you !adn.t brou)!t t!is #ool o# a !orse&$ s!e

)ave way etulantly+ $I wanted to !ave a tal(+$

$W!en I 'an.t drive t!is "are and tal( too& I.ll sell out alto)et!er&$ said La!a"+ $S!e.ll be 3uiet

enou)! w!en s!e.s !ad !er sin+$

$Well&$ said !is wi#e2 and w!ile t!ey were "a(in) t!eir way a'ross t!e 'ity to t!e %illda" s!e

answered 'ertain 3uestions !e as(ed about so"e oints in t!e new !ouse+

$I s!ould !ave li(ed to !ave you sto t!ere&$ !e be)an2 but s!e answered so 3ui'(ly& $Not to-day&$ t!at !e )ave it u and turned !is !orse.s !ead westward w!en t!ey stru'( Bea'on Street+

He let t!e "are out& and !e did not ull !er in till !e le#t t!e Bri)!ton road and stru'( o## under

t!e low bou)!s t!at "et above one o# t!e 3uiet streets o# Broo(line& w!ere t!e stone 'otta)es&wit! !ere and t!ere a at'! o# deter"ined ivy on t!eir nort!ern walls& did w!at t!ey 'ould to loo(

En)lis! a"id t!e )lare o# t!e autu"nal #olia)e+ T!e s"oot! eart!en tra'( under t!e "are.s !oo#s

was s'attered wit! #la(es o# t!e red and yellow )old t!at "ade t!e air lu"inous around t!e"& and

t!e erse'tive was )ay wit! innu"erable tints and tones+

$Pretty si)!tly&$ said La!a"& wit! a lon) si)n& lettin) t!e reins lie loose in !is vi)ilant !and& to

w!i'! !e see"ed to rele)ate t!e w!ole '!ar)e o# t!e "are+ $I want to tal( wit! you about Ro)ers&

Persis+ He.s been )ettin) in deeer and deeer wit! "e2 and last ni)!t !e estered "e !al# to

deat! to )o in wit! !i" in one o# !is s'!e"es+ I ain.t )oin) to bla"e anybody& but I !ain.t )otvery "u'! 'on#iden'e in Ro)ers+ And I told !i" so last ni)!t+$

$5!& don.t tal( to "e about Ro)ers,$ !is wi#e bro(e in+ $T!ere.s so"et!in) a )ood deal "ore

i"ortant t!an Ro)ers in t!e world& and "ore i"ortant t!an your business+ It see"s as i# you'ouldn.t t!in( o# anyt!in) else--t!at and t!e new !ouse+ 1id you suose I wanted to ride so as to

tal( Ro)ers wit! you/$ s!e de"anded& yieldin) to t!e ne'essity a wi#e #eels o# "a(in) !er

!usband ay #or !er su##erin)& even i# !e !as not in#li'ted it+ $I de'lare----$

$Well& !old on& now,$ said La!a"+ $W!at 15 you want to tal( about/ I." listenin)+$



His wi#e be)an& $W!y& it.s *ust t!is& Silas La!a",$ and t!en s!e bro(e o## to say& $Well& you

"ay wait& now--startin) "e wron)& w!en it.s !ard enou)! anyway+$

La!a" silently turned !is w!i over and over in !is !and and waited+

$1id you suose&$ s!e as(ed at last& $t!at t!at youn) Corey !ad been 'o"in) to see Irene/$

$I don.t (now w!at I suosed&$ relied La!a" sullenly+ $0ou always said so+$ He loo(ed

s!arly at !er under !is lowerin) brows+

$Well& !e !asn.t&$ said %rs+ La!a"2 and s!e relied to t!e #rown t!at bla'(ened on !er

!usband.s #a'e+ $And I 'an tell you w!at& i# you ta(e it in t!at way I s!an.t sea( anot!er word+$

$W!o.s ta(in. it w!at way/$ retorted La!a" sava)ely+ $W!at are you drivin. at/$

$I want you s!ould ro"ise t!at you.ll !ear "e out 3uietly+$

$I.ll !ear you out i# you.ll )ive "e a '!an'e+ I !aven.t said a word yet+$

$Well& I." not )oin) to !ave you #lyin) into #orty #uries& and loo(in) li(e a er#e't t!under-'loud

at t!e very start+ I.ve !ad to bear it& and you.ve )ot to bear it too+$

$Well& let "e !ave a '!an'e at it& t!en+$

$It.s not!in) to bla"e anybody about& as I 'an see& and t!e only 3uestion is& w!at.s t!e best t!in)to do about it+ T!ere.s only one t!in) we 'an do2 #or i# !e don.t 'are #or t!e '!ild& nobody wants

to "a(e !i"+ I# !e !asn.t been 'o"in) to see !er& !e !asn.t& and t!at.s all t!ere is to it+$

$No& it ain.t,$ e7'lai"ed La!a"+

$T!ere,$ rotested !is wi#e+

$I# !e !asn.t been 'o"in) to see !er& w!at HAS !e been 'o"in) #or/$

$He.s been 'o"in) to see Pen,$ 'ried t!e wi#e+ $N5W are you satis#ied/$ Her tone i"lied t!at

!e !ad brou)!t it all uon t!e"2 but at t!e si)!t o# t!e swi#t assions wor(in) in !is #a'e to a

er#e't 'o"re!ension o# t!e w!ole trouble& s!e #ell to tre"blin)& and !er bro(en voi'e lost all

t!e surious indi)nation s!e !ad ut into it+ $5 Silas, w!at are we )oin) to do about it/ I." a#raid

it.ll (ill Irene+$

La!a" ulled o## t!e loose drivin)-)love #ro" !is ri)!t !and wit! t!e #in)ers o# !is le#t& in

w!i'! t!e reins lay+ He assed it over !is #ore!ead& and t!en #li'(ed #ro" it t!e "oisture it !ad

)at!ered t!ere+ He 'au)!t !is breat! on'e or twi'e& li(e a "an w!o "editates a stru))le wit!suerior #or'e and t!en re"ains assive in its )ras+



His wi#e #elt t!e need o# 'o"#ortin) !i"& as s!e !ad #elt t!e need o# a##li'tin) !i"+ $I don.t say

but w!at it 'an be "ade to 'o"e out all ri)!t in t!e end+ All I say is& I don.t see "y way 'lear

yet+$

$W!at "a(es you t!in( !e li(es Pen/$ !e as(ed 3uietly+

$He told !er so last ni)!t& and s!e told "e t!is "ornin)+ Was !e at t!e o##i'e to-day/$

$0es& !e was t!ere+ I !aven.t been t!ere "u'! "ysel#+ He didn.t say anyt!in) to "e+ 1oes Irene

(now/$

$No2 I le#t !er )ettin) ready to )o out s!oin)+ S!e wants to )et a in li(e t!e one Nanny Corey!ad on+$ $5 "y Lord,$ )roaned La!a"+

$It.s been Pen #ro" t!e start& I )uess& or al"ost #ro" t!e start+ I don.t say but w!at !e was

attra'ted so"e by Irene at t!e very #irst2 but I )uess it.s been Pen ever sin'e !e saw !er2 and

we.ve ta(en u wit! a notion& and blinded ourselves wit! it+ Ti"e and a)ain I.ve !ad "y doubtsw!et!er !e 'ared #or Irene any2 but I de'lare to )oodness& w!en !e (et 'o"in)& I never !ardly

t!ou)!t o# Pen& and I 'ouldn.t !el believin) at last !e 1I1 'are #or Irene+ 1id it ever stri(e you

!e "i)!t be a#ter Pen/$

$No+ I too( w!at you said+ I suosed you (new+$

$1o you bla"e "e& Silas/$ s!e as(ed ti"idly+

$No+ W!at.s t!e use o# bla"in)/ We don.t eit!er o# us want anyt!in) but t!e '!ildren.s )ood+

W!at.s it all o# it #or& i# it ain.t #or t!at/ T!at.s w!at we.ve bot! slaved #or all our lives+$

$0es& I (now+ Plenty o# eole L5SE t!eir '!ildren&$ s!e su))ested+

$0es& but t!at don.t 'o"#ort "e any+ I never was one to #eel )ood be'ause anot!er "an #elt bad+How would you !ave li(ed it i# so"e one !ad ta(en 'o"#ort be'ause !is boy lived w!en ours

died/ No& I 'an.t do it+ And t!is is worse t!an deat!& so"eways+ T!at 'o"es and it )oes2 but t!is

loo(s as i# it was one o# t!ose t!in)s t!at !ad 'o"e to stay+ T!e way I loo( at it& t!ere ain.t any

!oe #or anybody+ Suose we don.t want Pen to !ave !i"2 will t!at !el Irene any& i# !e don.twant !er/ Suose we don.t want to let !i" !ave eit!er2 does t!at !el eit!er,$

$0ou tal(&$ e7'lai"ed %rs+ La!a"& $as i# our say was )oin) to settle it+ 1o you suose t!at

Peneloe La!a" is a )irl to ta(e u wit! a #ellow t!at !er sister is in love wit!& and t!at s!ealways t!ou)!t was in love wit! !er sister& and )o o## and be !ay wit! !i"/ 1on.t you believe but w!at it would 'o"e ba'( to !er& as lon) as s!e breat!ed t!e breat! o# li#e& !ow s!e.d teased

!er about !i"& as I.ve !eard Pen tease Irene& and !eled to "a(e !er t!in( !e was in love wit!

!er& by s!owin) t!at s!e t!ou)!t so !ersel#/ It.s ridi'ulous,$



La!a" see"ed 3uite beaten down by t!is ar)u"ent+ His !u)e !ead !un) #orward over !is

breast2 t!e reins lay loose in !is "oveless !and2 t!e "are too( !er own way+ At last !e li#ted !is

#a'e and s!ut !is !eavy *aws+

$Well/$ 3uavered !is wi#e+

$Well&$ !e answered& $i# !e wants !er& and s!e wants !i"& I don.t see w!at t!at.s )ot to do wit!

it+$ He loo(ed strai)!t #orward& and not at !is wi#e+

S!e laid !er !ands on t!e reins+ $Now& you sto ri)!t !ere& Silas La!a", I# I t!ou)!t t!at--i# I

really believed you 'ould be willin) to brea( t!at oor '!ild.s !eart& and let Pen dis)ra'e !ersel# by "arryin) a "an t!at !ad as )ood as (illed !er sister& *ust be'ause you wanted Bro"#ield

Corey.s son #or a son-in-law----$

La!a" turned !is #a'e now& and )ave !er a loo(+ $0ou !ad better N5T believe t!at& Persis, 6et

u,$ !e 'alled to t!e "are& wit!out )lan'in) at !er& and s!e sran) #orward+ $I see you.ve )ot ast

bein) any use to yoursel# on t!is sub*e't+$

$Hello,$ s!outed a voi'e in #ront o# !i"+ $W!ere t!e devil you )oin. to/$

$1o you want to ?ILL so"ebody,$ s!rie(ed !is wi#e+

T!ere was a li)!t 'ras!& and t!e "are re'oiled !er len)t!& and searated t!eir w!eels #ro" t!ose

o# t!e oen bu))y in #ront w!i'! La!a" !ad driven into+ He "ade !is e7'uses to t!e o''uant2and t!e a''ident relieved t!e tension o# t!eir #eelin)s& and le#t t!e" #ar #ro" t!e oint o# "utual

in*ury w!i'! t!ey !ad rea'!ed in t!eir 'o""on trouble and t!eir unsel#is! will #or t!eir

'!ildren.s )ood+

It was La!a" w!o resu"ed t!e tal(+ $I." a#raid we 'an.t eit!er o# us see t!is t!in) in t!e ri)!t

li)!t+ We.re too near to it+ I wis! to t!e Lord t!ere was so"ebody to tal( to about it+$

$0es&$ said !is wi#e2 $but t!ere ain.t anybody+$

$Well& I dunno&$ su))ested La!a"& a#ter a "o"ent2 $w!y not tal( to t!e "inister o# your

'!ur'!/ %ay be !e 'ould see so"e way out o# it+$

%rs+ La!a" s!oo( !er !ead !oelessly+ $It wouldn.t do+ I.ve never ta(en u "y 'onne'tion wit!

t!e '!ur'!& and I don.t #eel as i# I.d )ot any 'lai" on !i"+$

$I# !e.s anyt!in) o# a "an& or anyt!in) o# a rea'!er& you HAVE )ot a 'lai" on !i"&$ ur)ed

La!a"2 and !e soiled !is ar)u"ent by addin)& $I.ve 'ontributed enou)! %5NE0 to !is'!ur'!+$

$5!& t!at.s not!in)&$ said %rs+ La!a"+ $I ain.t well enou)! a'3uainted wit! 1r+ Lan)wort!y& or

else I." T55 well+ No2 i# I was to as( any one& I s!ould want to as( a total stran)er+ But w!at.s



La!a"2 now !e turned to !is wi#e+ $I# so"e one !ad 'o"e to you& %rs+ La!a"& in *ust t!is

erle7ity& w!at would you !ave t!ou)!t/$

$I don.t (now as I understand you&$ #altered %rs+ La!a"+

Sewell reeated !is words& and added& $I "ean& w!at do you t!in( so"e one else ou)!t to do inyour la'e/$

$Was t!ere ever any oor 'reatures in su'! a strait be#ore/$ s!e as(ed& wit! at!eti' in'redulity+

$T!ere.s no new trouble under t!e sun&$ said t!e "inister+

$5!& i# it was any one else& I s!ould say--I s!ould say--W!y& o# 'ourse, I s!ould say t!at t!eir

duty was to let----$ S!e aused+

$5ne su##er instead o# t!ree& i# none is to bla"e/$ su))ested Sewell+ $T!at.s sense& and t!at.s

*usti'e+ It.s t!e e'ono"y o# ain w!i'! naturally su))ests itsel#& and w!i'! would insist uonitsel#& i# we were not all erverted by traditions w!i'! are t!e #i)"ent o# t!e s!allowest

senti"entality+ Tell "e& %rs+ La!a"& didn.t t!is 'o"e into your "ind w!en you #irst learned!ow "atters stood/$

$W!y& yes& it #las!ed a'ross "e+ But I didn.t t!in( it 'ould be ri)!t+$

$And !ow was it wit! you& %r+ La!a"/$

$W!y& t!at.s w!at I t!ou)!t& o# 'ourse+ But I didn.t see "y way----$

$No&$ 'ried t!e "inister& $we are all blinded& we are all wea(ened by a #alse ideal o# sel#-sa'ri#i'e+ It wras us round wit! its "es!es& and we 'an.t #i)!t our way out o# it+ %rs+ La!a"&

w!at "ade you #eel t!at it "i)!t be better #or t!ree to su##er t!an one/$

$W!y& s!e did !ersel#+ I (now s!e would die sooner t!an ta(e !i" away #ro" !er+$

$I suosed so,$ 'ried t!e "inister bitterly+ $And yet s!e is a sensible )irl& your dau)!ter/$

$S!e !as "ore 'o""on-sense----$

$5# 'ourse, But in su'! a 'ase we so"e!ow t!in( it "ust be wron) to use our 'o""on-sense+ I

don.t (now w!ere t!is #alse ideal 'o"es #ro"& unless it 'o"es #ro" t!e novels t!at be#ool anddebau'! al"ost every intelli)en'e in so"e de)ree+ It 'ertainly doesn.t 'o"e #ro" C!ristianity&

w!i'! instantly reudiates it w!en 'on#ronted wit! it+ 0our dau)!ter believes& in site o# !er'o""on-sense& t!at s!e ou)!t to "a(e !ersel# and t!e "an w!o loves !er un!ay& in order to

assure t!e li#e-lon) wret'!edness o# !er sister& w!o" !e doesn.t love& si"ly be'ause !er sister

saw !i" and #an'ied !i" #irst, And I." sorry to say t!at ninety-nine youn) eole out o# a!undred--o!& nine !undred and ninety-nine out o# a t!ousand,--would 'onsider t!at noble and

beauti#ul and !eroi'2 w!ereas you (now at t!e botto" o# your !earts t!at it would be #oolis! and



'ruel and revoltin)+ 0ou (now w!at "arria)e is, And w!at it "ust be wit!out love on bot!

sides+$

T!e "inister !ad )rown 3uite !eated and red in t!e #a'e+

$I lose all atien'e,$ !e went on ve!e"ently+ $T!is oor '!ild o# yours !as so"e!ow been brou)!t to believe t!at it will (ill !er sister i# !er sister does not !ave w!at does not belon) to

!er& and w!at it is not in t!e ower o# all t!e world& or any soul in t!e world& to )ive !er+ Her

sister will su##er--yes& (eenly,--in !eart and in ride2 but s!e will not die+ 0ou will su##er too& inyour tenderness #or !er2 but you "ust do your duty+ 0ou "ust !el !er to )ive u+ 0ou would be

)uilty i# you did less+ ?ee 'learly in "ind t!at you are doin) ri)!t& and t!e only ossible )ood+

And 6od be wit! you,$

XIX.

$HE tal(ed sense& Persis&$ said La!a" )ently& as !e "ounted to !is wi#e.s side in t!e bu))y anddrove slowly !o"eward t!rou)! t!e dus(+

$0es& !e tal(ed sense&$ s!e ad"itted+ But s!e added bitterly& $I )uess& i# !e !ad it to 15, 5!& !e.s

ri)!t& and it.s )ot to be done+ T!ere ain.t any ot!er way #or it+ It.s sense2 and& yes& it.s *usti'e+$

T!ey wal(ed to t!eir door a#ter t!ey le#t t!e !orse at t!e livery stable around t!e 'orner& w!ereLa!a" (et it+ $I want you s!ould send Irene u to our roo" as soon as we )et in& Silas+$

$W!y& ain.t you )oin) to !ave any suer #irst/$ #altered La!a" wit! !is lat'!-(ey in t!e lo'(+

$No+ I 'an.t lose a "inute+ I# I do& I s!an.t do it at all+$

$Loo( !ere& Persis&$ said !er !usband tenderly& $let "e do t!is t!in)+$

$5!& 05>,$ said !is wi#e& wit! a wo"an.s 'o"assionate s'orn #or a "an.s !ellessness in su'!a 'ase+ $Send !er ri)!t u+ And I s!all #eel----$ S!e stoed to sare !i"+

T!en s!e oened t!e door& and ran u to !er roo" wit!out waitin) to sea( to Irene& w!o !ad

'o"e into t!e !all at t!e sound o# !er #at!er.s (ey in t!e door+

$I )uess your "ot!er wants to see you ustairs&$ said La!a"& loo(in) away+

Her "ot!er turned round and #a'ed t!e )irl.s wonderin) loo( as Irene entered t!e '!a"ber& so'lose uon !er t!at s!e !ad not yet !ad ti"e to lay o## !er bonnet2 s!e stood wit! !er wras still

on !er ar"+

$Irene,$ s!e said !ars!ly& $t!ere is so"et!in) you !ave )ot to bear+ It.s a "ista(e we.ve all "ade+

He don.t 'are anyt!in) #or you+ He never did+ He told Pen so last ni)!t+ He 'ares #or !er+$



T!e senten'es !ad #allen li(e blows+ But t!e )irl !ad ta(en t!e" wit!out #lin'!in)+ S!e stood u

i""ovable& but t!e deli'ate rose-li)!t o# !er 'o"le7ion went out and le#t !er 'olourless+ S!e

did not o##er to sea(+

$W!y don.t you say so"et!in)/$ 'ried !er "ot!er+ $1o you want to (ill "e& Irene/$

$W!y s!ould I want to !urt you& "a""a/$ t!e )irl relied steadily& but in an alien voi'e+

$T!ere.s not!in) to say+ I want to see Pen a "inute+$

S!e turned and le#t t!e roo"+ As s!e "ounted t!e stairs t!at led to !er own and !er sister.s roo"s

on t!e #loor above& !er "ot!er !ellessly #ollowed+ Irene went #irst to !er own roo" at t!e #ronto# t!e !ouse& and t!en 'a"e out leavin) t!e door oen and t!e )as #larin) be!ind !er+ T!e "ot!er

'ould see t!at s!e !ad tu"bled "any t!in)s out o# t!e drawers o# !er bureau uon t!e "arble

to+

S!e assed !er "ot!er& w!ere s!e stood in t!e entry+ $0ou 'an 'o"e too& i# you want to&

"a""a&$ s!e said+

S!e oened Peneloe.s door wit!out (no'(in)& and went in+ Peneloe sat at t!e window& as in t!e

"ornin)+ Irene did not )o to !er2 but s!e went and laid a )old !air-in on !er bureau& and said&wit!out loo(in) at !er& $T!ere.s a in t!at I )ot to-day& be'ause it was li(e !is sister.s+ It won.t

be'o"e a dar( erson so well& but you 'an !ave it+$

S!e stu'( a s'ra o# aer in t!e side o# Peneloe.s "irror+ $T!ere.s t!at a''ount o# %r+ Stanton.s

ran'!+ 0ou.ll want to read it& I resu"e+$

S!e laid a wit!ered boutonniere on t!e bureau beside t!e in+ $T!ere.s !is button-!ole bou3uet+

He le#t it by !is late& and I stole it+$

S!e !ad a ine-s!avin) #antasti'ally tied u wit! a (not o# ribbon& in !er !and+ S!e !eld it a

"o"ent2 t!en& loo(in) deliberately at Peneloe& s!e went u to !er& and droed it in !er la

wit!out a word+ S!e turned& and& advan'in) a #ew stes& tottered and see"ed about to #all+

Her "ot!er sran) #orward wit! an i"lorin) 'ry& $5 .Rene& .Rene& .Rene,$

Irene re'overed !ersel# be#ore !er "ot!er 'ould rea'! !er+ $1on.t tou'! "e&$ s!e said i'ily+

$%a""a& I." )oin) to ut on "y t!in)s+ I want aa to wal( wit! "e+ I." '!o(in) !ere+$

$I--I 'an.t let you )o out& Irene& '!ild&$ be)an !er "ot!er+

$0ou.ve )ot to&$ relied t!e )irl+ $Tell aa ta !urry !is suer+$

$5 oor soul, He doesn.t want any suer+ HE (nows it too+$

$I don.t want to tal( about t!at+ Tell !i" to )et ready+$



S!e le#t t!e" on'e "ore+

%rs+ La!a" turned a !aless )lan'e uon Peneloe+

$6o and tell !i"& "ot!er&$ said t!e )irl+ $I would& i# I 'ould+ I# s!e 'an wal(& let !er+ It.s t!e only

t!in) #or !er+$ S!e sat still2 s!e did not even brus! to t!e #loor t!e #antasti' t!in) t!at lay in !erla& and t!at sent u #aintly t!e odour o# t!e sa'!et owder wit! w!i'! Irene li(ed to er#u"e !er

bo7es+

La!a" went out wit! t!e un!ay '!ild& and be)an to tal( wit! !er& 'ra4ily& in'o!erently&

enou)!+

S!e "er'i#ully stoed !i"+ $1on.t tal(& aa+ I don.t want any one s!ould tal( wit! "e+$

He obeyed& and t!ey wal(ed silently on and on+ In t!eir ai"less 'ourse t!ey rea'!ed t!e new

!ouse on t!e water side o# Bea'on& and s!e "ade !i" sto& and stood loo(in) u at it+ T!e

s'a##oldin) w!i'! !ad so lon) de#a'ed t!e #ront was )one& and in t!e li)!t o# t!e )as-la" be#oreit all t!e ar'!ite'tural beauty o# t!e #a'ade was su))ested& and "u'! o# t!e #inely #elt detail was

revealed+ Sey"our !ad retty nearly satis#ied !i"sel# in t!at ri'! #a'ade2 'ertainly La!a" !ad

not stinted !i" o# t!e "eans+

$Well&$ said t!e )irl& $I s!all never live in it&$ and s!e be)an to wal( on+

La!a".s sore !eart went down& as !e lu"bered !eavily a#ter !er+ $5! yes& you will& Irene+ 0ou.ll!ave lots o# )ood ti"es t!ere yet+$

$No&$ s!e answered& and said not!in) "ore about it+ T!ey !ad not tal(ed o# t!eir trouble at all&

and t!ey did not sea( o# it now+ La!a" understood t!at s!e was tryin) to wal( !ersel# weary&and !e was )lad to !old !is ea'e and let !er !ave !er way+ S!e !alted !i" on'e "ore be#ore t!e

red and yellow li)!ts o# an aot!e'ary.s window+

$Isn.t t!ere so"et!in) t!ey )ive you to "a(e you slee/$ s!e as(ed va)uely+ $I.ve )ot to slee to-

ni)!t,$

La!a" tre"bled+ $I )uess you don.t want anyt!in)& Irene+$

$0es& I do, 6et "e so"et!in),$ s!e retorted wil#ully+ $I# you don.t& I s!all die+ I %>ST slee+$

T!ey went in& and La!a" as(ed #or so"et!in) to "a(e a nervous erson slee+ Irene stood orin) over t!e s!ow-'ase #ull o# brus!es and trin(ets& w!ile t!e aot!e'ary ut u t!e bro"ide&

w!i'! !e )uessed would be about t!e best t!in)+ S!e did not s!ow any e"otion2 !er #a'e wasli(e a stone& w!ile !er #at!er.s e7ressed t!e an)uis! o# !is sy"at!y+ He loo(ed as i# !e !ad not

slet #or a wee(2 !is #at eyelids drooed over !is )lassy eyes& and !is '!ee(s and t!roat !un)

#la''id+ He started as t!e aot!e'ary.s 'at stole s"oot!ly u and rubbed itsel# a)ainst !is le)2 andit was to !i" t!at t!e "an said& $0ou want to ta(e a table-soon#ul o# t!at& as lon) as you.re



s!e were busy about "any t!in)s2 but t!ey did not dare to loo( in uon !er& even a#ter all t!e

noises !ad 'eased& and t!ey (new s!e !ad )one to bed+

$0es2 it.s a t!in) s!e.s )ot to #i)!t out by !ersel#&$ said %rs La!a"+

$I )uess s!e.ll )et alon)&$ said La!a"+ $But I don.t want you s!ould "is*ud)e Pen eit!er+ S!e.sall ri)!t too+ S!e ain.t to bla"e+$

$0es& I (now+ But I 'an.t wor( round to it all at on'e+ I s!an.t "is*ud)e !er& but you 'an.t e7e't

"e to )et over it ri)!t away+$

$%a""a&$ said Irene& w!en s!e was !urryin) t!eir dearture t!e ne7t "ornin)& $w!at did s!e tell!i" w!en !e as(ed !er/$

$Tell !i"/$ e'!oed t!e "ot!er2 and a#ter a w!ile s!e added& $S!e didn.t tell !i" anyt!in)+$

$1id s!e say anyt!in)& about "e/$

$S!e said !e "ustn.t 'o"e !ere any "ore+$

Irene turned and went into !er sister.s roo"+ $6ood-bye& Pen&$ s!e said& (issin) !er wit! an e##e't

o# not seein) or tou'!in) !er+ $I want you s!ould tell !i" all about it+ I# !e.s !al# a "an& !e won.t)ive u till !e (nows w!y you won.t !ave !i"2 and !e !as a ri)!t to (now+$

$It wouldn.t "a(e any di##eren'e+ I 'ouldn.t !ave !i" a#ter----$

$T!at.s #or you to say+ But i# you don.t tell !i" about "e& I will+$

$.Rene,$ $0es, 0ou needn.t say I 'ared #or !i"+ But you 'an say t!at you all t!ou)!t !e--'ared

#or--"e+$

$5 Irene----$

$1on.t,$ Irene es'aed #ro" t!e ar"s t!at tried to 'ast t!e"selves about !er+ $0ou are all ri)!t&

Pen+ 0ou !aven.t done anyt!in)+ 0ou.ve !eled "e all you 'ould+ But I 'an.t--yet+$

S!e went out o# t!e roo" and su""oned %rs+ La!a" wit! a s!ar $Now& "a""a,$ and went

on uttin) t!e last t!in)s into !er trun(s+

T!e Colonel went to t!e station wit! t!e"& and ut t!e" on t!e train+ He )ot t!e" a little

'o"art"ent to t!e"selves in t!e Pull"an 'ar2 and as !e stood leanin) wit! !is li#ted !ands

a)ainst t!e sides o# t!e doorway& !e tried to say so"et!in) 'onsolin) and !oe#ul8 $I )uess you.ll

!ave an easy ride& Irene+ I don.t believe it.ll be dusty& any& a#ter t!e rain last ni)!t+$

$1on.t you stay till t!e train starts& aa&$ returned t!e )irl& in ri)id re*e'tion o# !is #utilities+ $6et

o##& now+$



$Well& i# you want I s!ould&$ !e said& )lad to be able to lease !er in anyt!in)+ He re"ained on

t!e lat#or" till t!e 'ars started+ He saw Irene bustlin) about in t!e 'o"art"ent& "a(in) !er

"ot!er 'o"#ortable #or t!e *ourney2 but %rs+ La!a" did not li#t !er !ead+ T!e train "oved o##&and !e went !eavily ba'( to !is business+

ro" ti"e to ti"e durin) t!e day& w!en !e 'au)!t a )li"se o# !i"& Corey tried to "a(e out#ro" !is #a'e w!et!er !e (new w!at !ad ta(en la'e between !i" and Peneloe+ W!en Ro)ers

'a"e in about ti"e o# 'losin)& and s!ut !i"sel# u wit! La!a" in !is roo"& t!e youn) "anre"ained till t!e two 'a"e out to)et!er and arted in t!eir salutationless #as!ion+

La!a" s!owed no surrise at seein) Corey still t!ere& and "erely answered& $Well,$ w!en t!e

youn) "an said t!at !e wis!ed to sea( wit! !i"& and led t!e way ba'( to !is roo"+

Corey s!ut t!e door be!ind t!e"+ $I only wis! to sea( to you in 'ase you (now o# t!e "atteralready2 #or ot!erwise I." bound by a ro"ise+$

$I )uess I (now w!at you "ean+ It.s about Peneloe+$

$0es& it.s about %iss La!a"+ I a" )reatly atta'!ed to !er--you.ll e7'use "y sayin) it2 I 'ouldn.t

e7'use "ysel# i# I were not+$

$Per#e'tly e7'usable&$ said La!a"+ $It.s all ri)!t+$

$5!& I." )lad to !ear you say t!at,$ 'ried t!e youn) #ellow *oy#ully+ $I want you to believe t!att!is isn.t a new t!in) or an un'onsidered t!in) wit! "e--t!ou)! it see"ed so une7e'ted to !er+$

La!a" #et'!ed a dee si)!+ $It.s all ri)!t as #ar as I." 'on'erned--or !er "ot!er+ We.ve bot!

li(ed you #irst-rate+$

$0es/$

$But t!ere see"s to be so"et!in) in Peneloe.s "ind--I don.t (now--$ T!e Colonel 'ons'iously

droed !is eyes+

$S!e re#erred to so"et!in)--I 'ouldn.t "a(e out w!at--but I !oed--I !oed--t!at wit! your leave

I "i)!t over'o"e it--t!e barrier--w!atever it was+ %iss La!a"--Peneloe--)ave "e t!e !oe--t!at I was--wasn.t--indi##erent to !er----$

$0es& I )uess t!at.s so&$ said La!a"+ He suddenly li#ted !is !ead& and 'on#ronted t!e youn)#ellow.s !onest #a'e wit! !is own #a'e& so di##erent in its !onesty+ $Sure you never "ade u to

any one else at t!e sa"e ti"e/$

$NEVER, W!o 'ould i"a)ine su'! a t!in)/ I# t!at.s all& I 'an easily+$

$I don.t say t!at.s all& nor t!at t!at.s it+ I don.t want you s!ould )o uon t!at idea+ I *ust t!ou)!t&

"ay be--you !adn.t t!ou)!t o# it+$



$No& I 'ertainly !adn.t t!ou)!t o# it, Su'! a t!in) would !ave been so i"ossible to "e t!at I

'ouldn.t !ave t!ou)!t o# it2 and it.s so s!o'(in) to "e now t!at I don.t (now w!at to say to it+$

$Well& don.t ta(e it too "u'! to !eart&$ said La!a"& alar"ed at t!e #eelin) !e !ad e7'ited2 $Idon.t say s!e t!ou)!t so+ I was tryin) to )uess--tryin) to----$

$I# t!ere is anyt!in) I 'an say or do to 'onvin'e you----$

$5!& it ain.t ne'essary to say anyt!in)+ I." all ri)!t+$

$But %iss La!a", I "ay see !er a)ain/ I "ay try to 'onvin'e !er t!at----$

He stoed in distress& and La!a" a#terwards told !is wi#e t!at !e (et seein) t!e #a'e o# Irene

as it loo(ed w!en !e arted wit! !er in t!e 'ar2 and w!enever !e was )oin) to say yes& !e 'ouldnot oen !is lis+ At t!e sa"e ti"e !e 'ould not !el #eelin) t!at Peneloe !ad a ri)!t to w!at

was !er own& and Sewell.s words 'a"e ba'( to !i"+ Besides& t!ey !ad already ut Irene to t!e

worst su##erin)+ La!a" 'o"ro"ised& as !e i"a)ined+ $0ou 'an 'o"e round to-ni)!t and see%E& i# you want to&$ !e said2 and !e bore )ri"ly t!e )ratitude t!at t!e youn) "an oured out

uon !i"+

Peneloe 'a"e down to suer and too( !er "ot!er.s la'e at t!e !ead o# t!e table+

La!a" sat silent in !er resen'e as lon) as !e 'ould bear it+ T!en !e as(ed& $How do you #eel

to-ni)!t& Pen/$

$5!& li(e a t!ie#&$ said t!e )irl+ $A t!ie# t!at !asn.t been arrested yet+$

La!a" waited a w!ile be#ore !e said& $Well& now& your "ot!er and I want you s!ould !old uon t!at a w!ile+$

$It isn.t #or you to say+ It.s so"et!in) I 'an.t !old u on+$

$0es& I )uess you 'an+ I# I (now w!at.s !aened& t!en w!at.s !aened is a t!in) t!at nobody isto bla"e #or+ And we want you s!ould "a(e t!e best o# it and not t!e worst+ Hei)!/ It ain.t )oin)

to !el Irene any #or you to !urt yoursel#--or anybody else2 and I don.t want you s!ould ta(e u

wit! any su'! 'ra4y notion+ As #ar as !eard #ro"& you !aven.t stolen anyt!in)& and w!ateveryou.ve )ot belon)s to you+$

$Has !e been sea(in) to you& #at!er/$

$0our "ot!er.s been sea(in) to "e+$

$Has HE been sea(in) to you/$

$T!at.s neit!er !ere nor t!ere+$



He 'a"e toward !er& and t!en stood #alterin)+ A #aint s"ile 3uivered over !er #a'e at t!e

se'ta'le o# !is sub*e'tion+ $Sit down& %r+ Corey&$ s!e said+ $T!ere.s no reason w!y we s!ouldn.t

tal( it over 3uietly2 #or I (now you will t!in( I." ri)!t+$

$I." sure o# t!at&$ !e answered !oe#ully+ $W!en I saw t!at your #at!er (new o# it to-day& I as(ed

!i" to let "e see you a)ain+ I." a#raid t!at I bro(e "y ro"ise to you--te'!ni'ally----$

$It !ad to be bro(en+$ He too( "ore 'oura)e at !er words+ $But I.ve only 'o"e to do w!atever

you say& and not to be an--annoyan'e to you----$

$0es& you !ave to (now2 but I 'ouldn.t tell you be#ore+ Now t!ey all t!in( I s!ould+$

A tre"or o# an7iety assed over t!e youn) "an.s #a'e& on w!i'! s!e (et !er eyes steadily #i7ed+

$We suosed it--it was--Irene----$

He re"ained blan( a "o"ent& and t!en !e said wit! a s"ile o# relie#& o# dere'ation& o# rotest&o# a"a4e"ent& o# 'o"assion--

$5H, Never, Never #or an instant, How 'ould you t!in( su'! a t!in)/ It was i"ossible, I nevert!ou)!t o# !er+ But I see--I see, I 'an e7lain--no& t!ere.s not!in) to e7lain, I !ave never

(nowin)ly done or said a t!in) #ro" #irst to last to "a(e you t!in( t!at+ I see !ow terrible it is,$

!e said2 but !e still s"iled& as i# !e 'ould not ta(e it seriously+ $I ad"ired !er beauty--w!o 'ould

!el doin) t!at/--and I t!ou)!t !er very )ood and sensible+ W!y& last winter in Te7as& I toldStanton about our "eetin) in Canada& and we a)reed--I only tell you to s!ow you !ow #ar I

always was #ro" w!at you t!ou)!t--t!at !e "ust 'o"e Nort! and try to see !er& and--and--o#

'ourse& it all sounds very silly,--and !e sent !er a newsaer wit! an a''ount o# !is ran'! in

it----$

$S!e t!ou)!t it 'a"e #ro" you+$

$5!& )ood !eavens, He didn.t tell "e till a#ter !e.d done it+ But !e did it #or a art o# our #oolis!

*o(e+ And w!en I "et your sister a)ain& I only ad"ired !er as be#ore+ I 'an see& now& !ow I "ust!ave see"ed to be see(in) !er out2 but it was to tal( o# you wit! !er--I never tal(ed o# anyt!in)

else i# I 'ould !el it& e7'et w!en I '!an)ed t!e sub*e't be'ause I was as!a"ed to be always

tal(in) o# you+ I see !ow distressin) it is #or all o# you+ But tell "e t!at you believe "e,$

$0es& I "ust+ It.s all been our "ista(e----$

$It !as indeed, But t!ere.s no "ista(e about "y lovin) you& Peneloe&$ !e said2 and t!e old-#as!ioned na"e& at w!i'! s!e !ad o#ten "o'(ed& was sweet to !er #ro" !is lis+

$T!at only "a(es it worse,$ s!e answered+

$5! no,$ !e )ently rotested+ $It "a(es it better+ It "a(es it ri)!t+ How is it worse/ How is it

wron)/$



$Can.t you see/ 0ou "ust understand all now, 1on.t you see t!at i# s!e believed so too& and i#

s!e----$ S!e 'ould not )o on+

$1id s!e--did your sister--t!in( t!at too/$ )ased Corey+

$S!e used to tal( wit! "e about you2 and w!en you say you 'are #or "e now& it "a(es "e #eelli(e t!e vilest !yo'rite in t!e world+ T!at day you )ave !er t!e list o# boo(s& and s!e 'a"e down

to Nantas(et& and went on about you& I !eled !er to #latter !ersel#--o!, I don.t see !ow s!e 'an

#or)ive "e+ But s!e (nows I 'an never #or)ive "ysel#, T!at.s t!e reason s!e 'an do it+ I 'an seenow&$ s!e went on& $!ow I "ust !ave been tryin) to )et you #ro" !er+ I 'an.t endure it, T!e only

way is #or "e never to see you or sea( to you a)ain,$ S!e lau)!ed #orlornly+ $T!at would be

retty !ard on you& i# you 'ared+$

$I do 'are--all t!e world,$

$Well& t!en& it would i# you were )oin) to (ee on 'arin)+ 0ou won.t lon)& i# you sto 'o"in)

now+$

$Is t!is all& t!en/ Is it t!e end/$

$It.s--w!atever it is+ I 'an.t )et over t!e t!ou)!t o# !er+ 5n'e I t!ou)!t I 'ould& but now I see t!at

I 'an.t+ It see"s to )row worse+ So"eti"es I #eel as i# it would drive "e 'ra4y+$

He sat loo(in) at !er wit! la'(lustre eyes+ T!e li)!t suddenly 'a"e ba'( into t!e"+ $1o yout!in( I 'ould love you i# you !ad been #alse to !er/ I (now you !ave been true to !er& and truer

still to yoursel#+ I never tried to see !er& e7'et wit! t!e !oe o# seein) you too+ I suosed s!e

"ust (now t!at I was in love wit! you+ ro" t!e #irst ti"e I saw you t!ere t!at a#ternoon& you

#illed "y #an'y+ 1o you t!in( I was #lirtin) wit! t!e '!ild& or--no& you don.t t!in( t!at, We !avenot done wron)+ We !ave not !ar"ed any one (nowin)ly+ We !ave a ri)!t to ea'! ot!er----$

$No, no, you "ust never sea( to "e o# t!is a)ain+ I# you do& I s!all (now t!at you desise "e+$

$But !ow will t!at !el !er/ I don.t love HER+$

$1on.t say t!at to "e, I !ave said t!at to "ysel# too "u'!+$

$I# you #orbid "e to love you& it won.t "a(e "e love !er&$ !e ersisted+

S!e was about to sea(& but s!e 'au)!t !er breat! wit!out doin) so& and "erely stared at !i"+ $I"ust do w!at you say&$ !e 'ontinued+ $But w!at )ood will it do !er/ 0ou 'an.t "a(e !er !ay

by "a(in) yoursel# un!ay+$

$1o you as( "e to ro#it by a wron)/$

$Not #or t!e world+ But t!ere is no wron),$



surely 'o"e ri)!t& and& w!atever !aens& you !ave done no wron)+ Try to (ee t!at in "ind+ I

a" so !ay& in site o# all,$

He tried to ta(e !er !and& but s!e ut it be!ind !er+ $No& no, I 'an.t let you--yet,$

XX.

ATER a wee( %rs+ La!a" returned& leavin) Irene alone at t!e old !o"estead in Ver"ont+$S!e.s 'o"#ortable t!ere--as 'o"#ortable as s!e 'an be anyw!eres& I )uess&$ s!e said to !er

!usband as t!ey drove to)et!er #ro" t!e station& w!ere !e !ad "et !er in obedien'e to !er

tele)ra!i' su""ons+ $S!e (ees !ersel# busy !elin) about t!e !ouse2 and s!e )oes rounda"on)st t!e !ands in t!eir !ouses+ T!ere.s si'(ness& and you (now !ow !el#ul s!e is w!ere

t!ere.s si'(ness+ S!e don.t 'o"lain any+ I don.t (now as I.ve !eard a word out o# !er "out! sin'e

we le#t !o"e2 but I." a#raid it.ll wear on !er& Silas+$

$0ou don.t loo( over and above well yoursel#& Persis&$ said !er !usband (indly+

$5!& don.t tal( about "e+ W!at I want to (now is w!et!er you 'an.t )et t!e ti"e to run o## wit!

!er so"ew!ere+ I wrote to you about 1ubu3ue+ S!e.ll wor( !ersel# down& I." a#raid2 and THEN I

don.t (now as s!e.ll be over it+ But i# s!e 'ould )o o##& and be a"used--see new eole----$

$I 'ould %A?E t!e ti"e&$ said La!a"& $i# I !ad to+ But& as it !aens& I.ve )ot to )o out Weston business&--I.ll tell you about it&--and I.ll ta(e Irene alon)+$

$6ood,$ said !is wi#e+ $T!at.s about t!e best t!in) I.ve !eard yet+ W!ere you )oin)/$

$5ut 1ubu3ue way+$

$Anyt!in) t!e "atter wit! Bill.s #ol(s/$

$No+ It.s business+$

$How.s Pen/$

$I )uess s!e ain.t "u'! better t!an Irene+$

$He been about any/$

$0es+ But I 'an.t see as it !els "atters "u'!+$

$T'!(,$ %rs+ La!a" #ell ba'( a)ainst t!e 'arria)e 'us!ions+ $I de'lare& to see !er willin) to ta(e

t!e "an t!at we all t!ou)!t wanted !er sister, I 'an.t "a(e it see" ri)!t+$



$It.s ri)!t&$ said La!a" stoutly2 $but I )uess s!e ain.t willin)2 I wis! s!e was+ But t!ere don.t

see" to be any way out o# t!e t!in)& anyw!ere+ It.s a er#e't snarl+ But I don.t want you s!ould

be anyways !a.s! wit! Pen+$

%rs+ La!a" answered not!in)2 but w!en s!e "et Peneloe s!e )ave t!e )irl.s wan #a'e a s!ar

loo(& and be)an to w!i"er on !er ne'(+

Peneloe.s tears were all sent+ $Well& "ot!er&$ s!e said& $you 'o"e ba'( al"ost as '!eer#ul as

you went away+ I needn.t as( i# .Rene.s in )ood sirits+ We all see" to be over#lowin) wit! t!e"+I suose t!is is one way o# 'on)ratulatin) "e+ %rs+ Corey !asn.t been round to do it yet+$

$Are you--are you en)a)ed to !i"& Pen/$ )ased !er "ot!er+

$@ud)in) by "y #eelin)s& I s!ould say not+ I #eel as i# it was a last will and testa"ent+ But you.d

better as( !i" w!en !e 'o"es+$

$I 'an.t bear to loo( at !i"+$

$I )uess !e.s used to t!at+ He don.t see" to e7e't to be loo(ed at+ Well, we.re all *ust w!ere westarted+ I wonder !ow lon) it will (ee u+$

%rs+ La!a" reorted to !er !usband w!en !e 'a"e !o"e at ni)!t--!e !ad le#t !is business to

)o and "eet !er& and t!en& a#ter a desolate dinner at t!e !ouse& !ad returned to t!e o##i'e a)ain--

t!at Peneloe was #ully as bad as Irene+ $And s!e don.t (now !ow to wor( it o##+ Irene (eesdoin)2 but Pen *ust sits in !er roo" and "oes+ S!e don.t even read+ I went u t!is a#ternoon to

s'old !er about t!e state t!e !ouse was in--you 'an see t!at Irene.s away by t!e er#e't "ess2 but

w!en I saw !er t!rou)! t!e 'ra'( o# t!e door I !adn.t t!e !eart+ S!e sat t!ere wit! !er !ands in

!er la& *ust starin)+ And& "y )oodness, s!e @>%PE1 so w!en s!e saw "e2 and t!en s!e #ell ba'(& and be)an to lau)!& and said s!e& .I t!ou)!t it was "y )!ost& "ot!er,. I #elt as i# I s!ould

)ive way+$

La!a" listened *adedly& and answered #ar #ro" t!e oint+ $I )uess I.ve )ot to start out t!ere retty soon& Persis+$

$How soon/$

$Well& to-"orrow "ornin)+$

%rs+ La!a" sat silent+ T!en& $All ri)!t&$ s!e said+ $I.ll )et you ready+$

$I s!all run u to La!a" #or Irene& and t!en I.ll us! on t!rou)! Canada+ I 'an )et t!ere about as3ui'(+$

$Is it anyt!in) you 'an tell "e about& Silas/$



bot! a)reed #ro" t!e be)innin) t!at you were not to be !a"ered by our #eelin)+ Still--it is a

surrise+ It "ust be+$

$I (now it+ I 'an understand your #eelin)+ But I." sure t!at it.s one t!at will last only w!ile youdon.t (now !er well+$

$5!& I." sure o# t!at& To"+ I." sure t!at we s!all all be #ond o# !er&--#or your sa(e at #irst& even--

and I !oe s!e.ll li(e us+$

$I a" 3uite 'ertain o# t!at&$ said Corey& wit! t!at 'on#iden'e w!i'! e7erien'e does not always

'on#ir" in su'! 'ases+ $And your ta(in) it as you do li#ts a tre"endous load o## "e+$

But !e si)!ed so !eavily& and loo(ed so troubled& t!at !is "ot!er said& $Well& now& you "ustn.t

t!in( o# t!at any "ore+ We wis! w!at is #or your !ainess& "y son& and we will )ladly re'on'ile

ourselves to anyt!in) t!at "i)!t !ave been disa)reeable+ I suose we needn.t sea( o# t!e

#a"ily+ We "ust bot! t!in( ali(e about t!e"+ T!ey !ave t!eir--drawba'(s& but t!ey are

t!orou)!ly )ood eole& and I satis#ied "ysel# t!e ot!er ni)!t t!at t!ey were not to be dreaded+$S!e rose& and ut !er ar" round !is ne'(+ $And I wis! you *oy& To", I# s!e.s !al# as )ood as you

are& you will bot! be very !ay+$ S!e was )oin) to (iss !i"& but so"et!in) in !is loo(s stoed!er--an absen'e& a trouble& w!i'! bro(e out in !is words+

$I "ust tell you& "ot!er, T!ere.s been a 'o"li'ation--a "ista(e--t!at.s a bli)!t on "e yet& and

t!at it so"eti"es see"s as i# we 'ouldn.t es'ae #ro"+ I wonder i# you 'an !el us, T!ey all

t!ou)!t I "eant--t!e ot!er sister+$

$5 To", But !ow C5>L1 t!ey/$

$I don.t (now+ It see"ed so )larin)ly lain--I was as!a"ed o# "a(in) it so outri)!t #ro" t!e be)innin)+ But t!ey did+ Even s!e did& !ersel#,$

$But w!ere 'ould t!ey !ave t!ou)!t your eyes were--your taste/ It wouldn.t be surrisin) i# any

one were ta(en wit! t!at wonder#ul beauty2 and I." sure s!e.s )ood too+ But I." astonis!ed att!e", To t!in( you 'ould re#er t!at little& bla'(& odd 'reature& wit! !er *o(in) and----$

$%5THER,$ 'ried t!e youn) "an& turnin) a )!astly #a'e o# warnin) uon !er+

$W!at do you "ean& To"/$

$1id you--did--did you t!in( so too--t!at it was IRENE I "eant/$

$W!y& o# 'ourse,$

He stared at !er !oelessly+

$5 "y son,$ s!e said& #or all 'o""ent on t!e situation+



$Well& t!en& you "ust loo( at it in t!e best li)!t you 'an+ T!ere is no bla"e anyw!ere& and t!e

"orti#i'ation and ain is so"et!in) t!at "ust be lived down+ T!at.s all+ And don.t let w!at I said

)rieve you& To"+ 0ou (now I s'ar'ely (new !er& and I--I s!all be sure to li(e any one you li(e&a#ter all+$

$0es& I (now&$ said t!e youn) "an drearily+ $Will you tell #at!er/$

$I# you wis!+$

$He "ust (now+ And I 'ouldn.t stand any "ore o# t!is& *ust yet--any "ore "ista(e+$

$I will tell !i"&$ said %rs+ Corey2 and it was naturally t!e ne7t t!in) #or a wo"an w!o dwelt so"u'! on de'en'ies to roose8 $We "ust )o to 'all on !er--your sisters and I+ T!ey !ave never

seen !er even2 and s!e "ustn.t be allowed to t!in( we.re indi##erent to !er& ese'ially under t!e

'ir'u"stan'es+$

$5! no, 1on.t )o--not yet&$ 'ried Corey& wit! an instin'tive er'etion t!at not!in) 'ould beworse #or !i"+ $We "ust wait--we "ust be atient+ I." a#raid it would be ain#ul to !er now+$

He turned away wit!out sea(in) #urt!er2 and !is "ot!er.s eyes #ollowed !i" wist#ully to t!e

door+ T!ere were so"e 3uestions t!at s!e would !ave li(ed to as( !i"2 but s!e !ad to 'ontent

!ersel# wit! tryin) to answer t!e" w!en !er !usband ut t!e" to !er+

T!ere was t!is 'o"#ort #or !er always in Bro"#ield Corey& t!at !e never was "u'! surrised atanyt!in)& !owever s!o'(in) or ain#ul+ His standoint in re)ard to "ost "atters was t!at o# t!e

sy"at!eti' !u"orist w!o would be )lad to !ave t!e vi'ti" o# 'ir'u"stan'e lau)! wit! !i"& but

was not too "u'! ve7ed w!en t!e vi'ti" 'ould not+ He lau)!ed now w!en !is wi#e& wit! 'are#ul

rearation& )ot t!e #a'ts o# !is son.s redi'a"ent #ully under !is eye+

$Really& Bro"#ield&$ s!e said& $I don.t see !ow you 'an lau)!+ 1o you see any way out o# it/$

$It see"s to "e t!at t!e way !as been #ound already+ To" !as told !is love to t!e ri)!t one& and

t!e wron) one (nows it+ Ti"e will do t!e rest+$

$I# I !ad so low an oinion o# t!e" all as t!at& it would "a(e "e very un!ay+ It.s s!o'(in) tot!in( o# it+$

$It is uon t!e t!eory o# ladies and all youn) eole&$ said !er !usband& wit! a s!ru)& #eelin) !is

way to t!e "at'!es on t!e "antel& and t!en droin) t!e" wit! a si)n& as i# re'olle'tin) t!at !e"ust not s"o(e t!ere+ $I.ve no doubt To" #eels !i"sel# an aw#ul sinner+ But aarently !e.sresi)ned to !is sin2 !e isn.t )oin) to )ive !er u+$

$I." )lad to say& #or t!e sa(e o# !u"an nature& t!at SHE isn.t resi)ned--little as I li(e !er&$ 'ried

%rs+ Corey+



Her !usband s!ru))ed a)ain+ $5!& t!ere "ustn.t be any inde'ent !aste+ S!e will instin'tively

observe t!e rorieties+ But 'o"e& now& Anna, you "ustn.t retend to "e !ere& in t!e san'tuary

o# !o"e& t!at ra'ti'ally t!e !u"an a##e'tions don.t re'on'ile t!e"selves to any situation t!at t!e!u"an senti"ents 'onde"n+ Suose t!e wron) sister !ad died8 would t!e ri)!t one !ave !ad

any s'rule in "arryin) To"& a#ter t!ey !ad bot! .waited a roer ti"e&. as t!e !rase is/$

$Bro"#ield& you.re s!o'(in),$

$Not "ore s!o'(in) t!an reality+ 0ou "ay re)ard t!is as a se'ond "arria)e+$ He loo(ed at !erwit! twin(lin) eyes& #ull o# t!e triu"! t!e se'tator o# !is se'ies #eels in si)nal e7!ibitions o#

!u"an nature+ $1eend uon it& t!e ri)!t sister will be re'on'iled2 t!e wron) one will be

'onsoled2 and all will )o "erry as a "arria)e bell--a se'ond "arria)e bell+ W!y& it.s 3uite li(e aro"an'e,$ Here !e lau)!ed outri)!t a)ain+

$Well&$ si)!ed t!e wi#e& $I 'ould al"ost wis! t!e ri)!t one& as you 'all !er& would re*e't To"& I

disli(e !er so "u'!+$

$A!& now you.re tal(in) business& Anna&$ said !er !usband& wit! !is !ands sread be!ind t!e

ba'( !e turned 'o"#ortably to t!e #ire+ $T!e w!ole La!a" tribe is distaste#ul to "e+ As I don.t!aen to !ave seen our dau)!ter-in-law ele't& I !ave still t!e !oe--w!i'! you.re disosed to

#orbid "e--t!at s!e "ay not be 3uite so una''etable as t!e ot!ers+$

$1o you really #eel so& Bro"#ield/$ an7iously in3uired !is wi#e+

$0es--I t!in( I do2$ and !e sat down& and stret'!ed out !is lon) le)s toward t!e #ire+

$But it.s very in'onsistent o# you to oose t!e "atter now& w!en you.ve s!own so "u'!

indi##eren'e u to t!is ti"e+ 0ou.ve told "e& all alon)& t!at it was o# no use to oose it+$

$So I !ave+ I was 'onvin'ed o# t!at at t!e be)innin)& or "y reason was+ 0ou (now very well t!at

I a" e3ual to any trial& any sa'ri#i'e& day a#ter to-"orrow2 but w!en it 'o"es to-day it.s anot!er

t!in)+ As lon) as t!is 'risis de'ently (et its distan'e& I 'ould loo( at it wit! an i"artial eye2 butnow t!at it see"s at !and& I #ind t!at& w!ile "y reason is still a'3uies'ent& "y nerves are

disosed to--e7'use t!e !rase--(i'(+ I as( "ysel#& w!at !ave I done not!in) #or& all "y li#e& and

lived as a )entle"an s!ould& uon t!e earnin)s o# so"ebody else& in t!e ossession o# every olite taste and #eelin) t!at adorns leisure& i# I." to 'o"e to t!is at last/ And I #ind no

satis#a'tory answer+ I say to "ysel# t!at I "i)!t as well !ave yielded to t!e ressure all round "e&

and )one to wor(& as To" !as+$

%rs+ Corey loo(ed at !i" #orlornly& divinin) t!e 'ore o# real reu)nan'e t!at e7isted in !is sel#-satire+

$I assure you& "y dear&$ !e 'ontinued& $t!at t!e re'olle'tion o# w!at I su##ered #ro" t!e La!a"s

at t!at dinner o# yours is an an)uis! still+ It wasn.t t!eir be!aviour&--t!ey be!aved well enou)!--

or ill enou)!2 but t!eir 'onversation was terrible+ %rs+ La!a".s ran)e was stri'tly do"esti'2 andw!en t!e Colonel )ot "e in t!e library& !e oured "ineral aint all over "e& till I 'ould !ave



been sa#ely warranted not to 'ra'( or s'ale in any 'li"ate+ I suose we s!all !ave to see a )ood

deal o# t!e"+ T!ey will robably 'o"e !ere every Sunday ni)!t to tea+ It.s a erse'tive wit!out

a vanis!in)-oint+$

$It "ay not be so bad& a#ter all&$ said !is wi#e2 and s!e su))ested #or !is 'onsolation t!at !e (new

very little about t!e La!a"s yet+

He assented to t!e #a't+ $I (now very little about t!e"& and about "y ot!er #ellow-bein)s+ I dare

say t!at I s!ould li(e t!e La!a"s better i# I (new t!e" better+ But in any 'ase& I resi)n "ysel#+And we "ust (ee in view t!e #a't t!at t!is is "ainly To".s a##air& and i# !is a##e'tions !ave

re)ulated it to !is satis#a'tion& we "ust be 'ontent+$

$5! yes&$ si)!ed %rs+ Corey+ $And er!as it won.t turn out so badly+ It.s a )reat 'o"#ort to

(now t!at you #eel *ust as I do about it+$

$I do&$ said !er !usband& $and "ore too+$

It was s!e and !er dau)!ters w!o would be '!ie#ly annoyed by t!e La!a" 'onne'tion2 s!e

(new t!at+ But s!e !ad to be)in to bear t!e burden by !elin) !er !usband to bear !is li)!t s!are

o# it+ To see !i" so deressed dis"ayed !er& and s!e "i)!t well !ave reroa'!ed !i" "ores!arly t!an s!e did #or s!owin) so "u'! indi##eren'e& w!en s!e was so an7ious& at #irst+ But

t!at would not !ave served any )ood end now+ S!e even answered !i" atiently w!en !e as(ed

!er& $W!at did you say to To" w!en !e told you it was t!e ot!er one/$

$W!at 'ould I say/ I 'ould do not!in)& but try to ta(e ba'( w!at I !ad said a)ainst !er+$

$0es& you !ad 3uite enou)! to do& I suose+ It.s an aw(ward business+ I# it !ad been t!e retty

one& !er beauty would !ave been our e7'use+ But t!e lain one--w!at do you suose attra'ted!i" in !er/$

%rs+ Corey si)!ed at t!e #utility o# t!e 3uestion+ $Per!as I did !er in*usti'e+ I only saw !er a

#ew "o"ents+ Per!as I )ot a #alse i"ression+ I don.t t!in( s!e.s la'(in) in sense& and t!at.s a)reat t!in)+ S!e.ll be 3ui'( to see t!at we don.t "ean un(indness& and 'an.t& by anyt!in) we say

or do& w!en s!e.s To".s wi#e+$ S!e ronoun'ed t!e distaste#ul word wit! 'oura)e& and went on8

$T!e retty one "i)!t not !ave been able to see t!at+ S!e "i)!t !ave )ot it into !er !ead t!at wewere loo(in) down on !er2 and t!ose insiid eole are terribly stubborn+ We 'an 'o"e to so"e

understandin) wit! t!is one2 I." sure o# t!at+$ S!e ended by de'larin) t!at it was now t!eir duty

to !el To" out o# !is terrible redi'a"ent+

$5!& even t!e La!a" 'loud !as a silver linin)&$ said Corey+ $In #a't& it see"s really to !ave allturned out #or t!e best& Anna2 t!ou)! it.s rat!er 'urious to #ind you t!e '!a"ion o# t!e La!a"

side& at last+ Con#ess& now& t!at t!e ri)!t )irl !as se'retly been your '!oi'e all alon)& and t!at

w!ile you sy"at!ise wit! t!e wron) one& you re*oi'e in t!e tena'ity wit! w!i'! t!e ri)!t one is'lin)in) to !er own,$ He added wit! #inal seriousness& $It.s *ust t!at s!e s!ould& and& so #ar as I

understand t!e 'ase& I rese't !er #or it+$



$5! yes&$ si)!ed %rs+ Corey+ $It.s natural& and it.s ri)!t+$ But s!e added& $I suose t!ey.re )lad

o# !i" on any ter"s+$

$T!at is w!at I !ave been tau)!t to believe&$ said !er !usband+ $W!en s!all we see our dau)!ter-in-law ele't/ I #ind "ysel# rat!er i"atient to !ave t!at art o# it over+$

%rs+ Corey !esitated+ $To" t!in(s we !ad better not 'all& *ust yet+$

$S!e !as told !i" o# your terrible be!aviour w!en you 'alled be#ore/$

$No& Bro"#ield, S!e 'ouldn.t be so vul)ar as t!at/$

$But anyt!in) s!ort o# it/$

XXI.

LAPHA% was )one a #ortni)!t+ He was in a sullen !u"our w!en !e 'a"e ba'(& and (et!i"sel# s!ut 'lose wit!in !is own den at t!e o##i'e t!e #irst day+ He entered it in t!e "ornin)

wit!out a word to !is 'ler(s as !e assed t!rou)! t!e outer roo"& and !e "ade no si)n

t!rou)!out t!e #orenoon& e7'et to stri(e sava)ely on !is des(-bell #ro" ti"e to ti"e& and send

out to Wal(er #or so"e boo( o# a''ounts or a letter-#ile+ His boy 'on#identially reorted toWal(er t!at t!e old "an see"ed to !ave )ot a lot o# aers round2 and at lun'! t!e boo(-(eeer

said to Corey& at t!e little table w!i'! t!ey !ad ta(en in a 'orner to)et!er& in de#ault o# seats at

t!e 'ounter& $Well& sir& I )uess t!ere.s a 'old wave 'o"in)+$

Corey loo(ed u inno'ently& and said& $I !aven.t read t!e weat!er reort+$

$0es& sir&$ Wal(er 'ontinued& $it.s 'o"in)+ Areas o# rain alon) t!e w!ole 'oast& and in'reased

ressure in t!e re)ion o# t!e rivate o##i'e+ Stor"-si)nals u at t!e old "an.s door now+$

Corey er'eived t!at !e was sea(in) #i)uratively& and t!at !is "eteorolo)y was entirely

ersonal to La!a"+ $W!at do you "ean/$ !e as(ed& wit!out vivid interest in t!e alle)ory& !is"ind bein) #ull o# !is own tra)i-'o"edy+

$W!y& *ust t!is8 I )uess t!e old "an.s ta(in. in sail+ And I )uess !e.s )ot to+ As I told you t!e #irst

ti"e we tal(ed about !i"& t!ere don.t any one (now one-3uarter as "u'! about t!e old "an.s business as t!e old "an does !i"sel#2 and I ain.t betrayin) any 'on#iden'e w!en I say t!at I)uess t!at old artner o# !is !as )ot retty dee into !is boo(s+ I )uess !e.s over !ead and ears in

.e"& and t!e old "an.s )one in a#ter !i"& and !e.s )ot a drownin. "an.s )ri round !is ne'(+

T!ere see"s to be a (ind o# a lull--(ind o# a dead 'al"& I 'all it--in t!e aint "ar(et *ust now2and t!en a)ain a ten-!undred-t!ousand-dollar "an don.t build a !undred-t!ousand-dollar !ouse

wit!out #eelin) t!e drain& unless t!ere.s a re)ular boo"+ And *ust now t!ere ain.t any boo" at all+

5!& I don.t say but w!at t!e old "an.s )ot an'!ors to windward2 )uess !e HAS2 but i# !e.s 65IN.



'!ie#ly was a bland and bene#i'ent 'aution+ Here& you "ust !ave said to yoursel#& is a "an o#

*ust& sober& and rudent views& #i7ed uroses& and t!e )ood 'iti4ens!i t!at avoids debt and

!a4ard o# every (ind+

$W!at do you want/$ as(ed La!a"& w!eelin) round in !is swivel-'!air as Ro)ers entered !is

roo"& and us!in) t!e door s!ut wit! !is #oot& wit!out risin)+

Ro)ers too( t!e '!air t!at was not o##ered !i"& and sat wit! !is !at-bri" on !is (nees& and its

'rown ointed towards La!a"+ $I want to (now w!at you are )oin) to do&$ !e answered wit!su##i'ient sel#-ossession+

$I.ll tell you& #irst& w!at I.ve done&$ said La!a"+ $I.ve been to 1ubu3ue& and I.ve #ound out all

about t!at "illin) roerty you turned in on "e+ 1id you (now t!at t!e 6+ L+ P+ !ad leased t!e

P+ 0+ X+/$

$I so"e suse'ted t!at it "i)!t+$

$1id you (now it w!en you turned t!e roerty in on "e/ 1id you (now t!at t!e 6+ L+ P+

wanted to buy t!e "ills/$

$I resu"ed t!e road would )ive a #air ri'e #or t!e"&$ said Ro)ers& win(in) !is eyes in outward

e7ression o# inwardly blin(in) t!e oint+

$0ou lie&$ said La!a"& as 3uietly as i# 'orre'tin) !i" in a sli)!t error2 and Ro)ers too( t!e wordwit! e3ual san) #roid+ $0ou (new t!e road wouldn.t )ive a #air ri'e #or t!e "ills+ 0ou (new it

would )ive w!at it '!ose& and t!at I 'ouldn.t !el "ysel#& w!en you let "e ta(e t!e"+ 0ou.re a

t!ie#& %ilton ?+ Ro)ers& and you stole "oney I lent you+$ Ro)ers sat listenin)& as i# rese't#ully

'onsiderin) t!e state"ents+ $0ou (new !ow I #elt about t!at old "atter--or "y wi#e did2 and t!atI wanted to "a(e it u to you& i# you #elt anyway badly used+ And you too( advanta)e o# it+

0ou.ve )ot "oney out o# "e& in t!e #irst la'e& on se'urities t!at wa.n.t wort! t!irty-#ive 'ents ont!e dollar& and you.ve let "e in #or t!is t!in)& and t!at t!in)& and you.ve bled "e every ti"e+ And

all I.ve )ot to s!ow #or it is a "illin) roerty on a line o# road t!at 'an s3uee4e "e& w!enever it

wants to& as dry as it leases+ And you want to (now w!at I." )oin) to do/ I." )oin) to s3uee4e05>+ I." )oin) to sell t!ese 'ollaterals o# yours&$--!e tou'!ed a bundle o# aers a"on) ot!ers

t!at littered !is des(&--$and I." )oin) to let t!e "ills )o #or w!at t!ey.ll #et'!+ I ain.t )oin) to

#i)!t t!e 6+ L+ P+$

La!a" w!eeled about in !is '!air and turned !is burly ba'( on !is visitor& w!o sat w!olly

un"oved+

$T!ere are so"e arties&$ !e be)an& wit! a dry tran3uillity i)norin) La!a".s words& as i# t!ey

!ad been an outburst a)ainst so"e t!ird erson& w!o robably "erited t!e"& but in w!o" !e was

so little interested t!at !e !ad been obli)ed to use atien'e in listenin) to !is'onde"nation&--$t!ere are so"e En)lis! arties w!o !ave been "a(in) in3uiries in re)ard to

t!ose "ills+$



$I )uess you.re lyin)& Ro)ers&$ said La!a"& wit!out loo(in) round+

$Well& all t!at I !ave to as( is t!at you will not a't !astily+$

$I see you don.t t!in( I." in earnest,$ 'ried La!a"& #a'in) #ier'ely about+ $0ou t!in( I."

#oolin)& do you/$ He stru'( !is bell& and $Willia"&$ !e ordered t!e boy w!o answered it& andw!o stood waitin) w!ile !e das!ed o## a note to t!e bro(ers and en'losed it wit! t!e bundle o#

se'urities in a lar)e enveloe& $ta(e t!ese down to 6allo Paddo'(.s& in State Street& ri)!t

away+ Now )o,$ !e said to Ro)ers& w!en t!e boy !ad 'losed t!e door a#ter !i"2 and !e turnedon'e "ore to !is des(+

Ro)ers rose #ro" !is '!air& and stood wit! !is !at in !is !and+ He was not "erely disassionate

in !is attitude and e7ression& !e was i"artial+ He wore t!e air o# a "an w!o was ready to

return to business w!enever t!e wayward "ood o# !is interlo'utor er"itted+ $T!en Iunderstand&$ !e said& $t!at you will ta(e no a'tion in re)ard to t!e "ills till I !ave seen t!e arties

I sea( o#+$

La!a" #a'ed about on'e "ore& and sat loo(in) u into t!e visa)e o# Ro)ers in silen'e+ $I

wonder w!at you.re u to&$ !e said at last2 $I s!ould li(e to (now+$ But as Ro)ers "ade no si)no# )rati#yin) !is 'uriosity& and treated t!is last re"ar( o# La!a".s as o# t!e irrelevan'e o# all t!e

rest& !e said& #rownin)& $0ou brin) "e a arty t!at will )ive "e enou)! #or t!ose "ills to 'lear

"e o# you& and I.ll tal( to you+ But don.t you 'o"e !ere wit! any "an o# straw+ And I.ll )ive you *ust twenty-#our !ours to rove yoursel# a swindler a)ain+$

5n'e "ore La!a" turned !is ba'(& and Ro)ers& a#ter loo(in) t!ou)!t#ully into !is !at a

"o"ent& 'leared !is t!roat& and 3uietly wit!drew& "aintainin) to t!e last !is unre*udi'ed

de"eanour+

La!a" was not a)ain !eard #ro"& as Wal(er !rased it& durin) t!e a#ternoon& e7'et w!en t!elast "ail was ta(en in to !i"2 t!en t!e sound o# rendin) enveloes& "i7ed wit! t!at o# w!at

see"ed suressed swearin)& enetrated to t!e outer o##i'e+ So"ew!at earlier t!an t!e usual !our

#or 'losin)& !e aeared t!ere wit! !is !at on and !is over'oat buttoned about !i"+ He said brie#ly to !is boy& $Willia"& I s!an.t be ba'( a)ain t!is a#ternoon&$ and t!en went to %iss 1ewey

and le#t a nu"ber o# letters on !er table to be 'oied& and went out+ Not!in) !ad been said& but a

sense o# trouble subtly di##used itsel# t!rou)! t!ose w!o saw !i" )o out+

T!at evenin) as !e sat down wit! !is wi#e alone at tea& !e as(ed& $Ain.t Pen 'o"in) to suer/$

$No& s!e ain.t&$ said !is wi#e+ $I don.t (now as I li(e t!e way s!e.s )oin) on& any too well+ I."a#raid& i# s!e (ees on& s!e.ll be down si'(+ S!e.s )ot deeer #eelin)s t!an Irene+$

La!a" said not!in)& but !avin) !eled !i"sel# to t!e abundan'e o# !is table in !is usual

#as!ion& !e sat and loo(ed at !is late wit! an indi##eren'e t!at did not es'ae t!e noti'e o# !iswi#e+ $W!at.s t!e "atter wit! 05>/$ s!e as(ed+

$Not!in)+ I !aven.t )ot any aetite+$



$W!at.s t!e "atter/$ s!e ersisted+

$Trouble.s t!e "atter2 bad lu'( and lots o# it.s t!e "atter&$ said La!a"+ $I !aven.t ever !id

anyt!in) #ro" you& Persis& well you as(ed "e& and it.s too late to be)in now+ I." in a #i7+ I.ll tellyou w!at (ind o# a #i7& i# you t!in( it.ll do you any )ood2 but I )uess you.ll be satis#ied to (now

t!at it.s a #i7+$

$How "u'! o# a one/$ s!e as(ed wit! a loo( o# )rave& steady 'oura)e in !er eyes+

$Well& I don.t (now as I 'an tell& *ust yet&$ said La!a"& avoidin) t!is loo(+ $T!in)s !ave been

dull all t!e #all& but I t!ou)!t t!ey.d bris( u 'o"e winter+ T!ey !aven.t+ T!ere !ave been a lot o##ailures& and so"e o# .e" owed "e& and so"e o# .e" !ad "e on t!eir aer2 and----$ La!a"

stoed+

$And w!at/$ ro"ted !is wi#e+

He !esitated be#ore !e added& $And t!en--Ro)ers+$

$I." to bla"e #or t!at&$ said %rs+ La!a"+ $I #or'ed you to it+$

$No2 I was as willin) to )o into it as w!at you were&$ answered La!a"+ $I don.t want to bla"e

anybody+$

%rs+ La!a" !ad a wo"an.s assion #or #i7in) resonsibility2 s!e 'ould not !el sayin)& as soon

as a'3uitted& $I warned you a)ainst !i"& Silas+ I told you not to let !i" )et in any deeer wit!you+$

$5! yes+ I !ad to !el !i" to try to )et "y "oney ba'(+ I "i)!t as well oured water into asieve+ And now--$ La!a" stoed+

$1on.t be a#raid to sea( out to "e& Silas La!a"+ I# it 'o"es to t!e worst& I want to (now it--I.ve )ot to (now it+ W!at did I ever 'are #or t!e "oney/ I.ve !ad a !ay !o"e wit! you ever

sin'e we were "arried& and I )uess I s!all !ave as lon) as you live& w!et!er we )o on to t!e

Ba'( Bay& or )o ba'( to t!e old !ouse at La!a"+ I (now w!o.s to bla"e& and I bla"e "ysel#+ It

was "y #or'in) Ro)ers on to you+$ S!e 'a"e ba'( to t!is wit! !er !elless lon)in)& inbred in allPuritan souls& to !ave so"e one se'i#i'ally su##er #or t!e evil in t!e world& even i# it "ust be

!ersel#+

$It !asn.t 'o"e to t!e worst yet& Persis&$ said !er !usband+ $But I s!all !ave to !old u on t!enew !ouse a little w!ile& till I 'an see w!ere I a"+$

$I s!ouldn.t 'are i# we !ad to sell it&$ 'ried !is wi#e& in assionate sel#-'onde"nation+ $I s!ould

be 6LA1 i# we !ad to& as #ar as I." 'on'erned+$

$I s!ouldn.t&$ said La!a"+



laid be#ore !er #ully& as !e used to do w!en !e #irst started in business+ T!at brou)!t t!e old ti"es

ba'(& and !e said8 $I# t!is !ad !aened t!en& I s!ouldn.t !ave 'ared "u'!+ I was youn) t!en& and

I wasn.t a#raid o# anyt!in)+ But I noti'ed t!at a#ter I assed #i#ty I be)an to )et s'ared easier+ Idon.t believe I 'ould i'( u& now& #ro" a re)ular (no'(-down+$

$Ps!aw, 05> s'ared& Silas La!a"/$ 'ried !is wi#e roudly+ $I s!ould li(e to see t!e t!in) t!atever s'ared you2 or t!e (no'(down t!at 05> 'ouldn.t i'( u #ro",$

$Is t!at so& Persis/$ !e as(ed& wit! t!e *oy !er 'oura)e )ave !i"+

In t!e "iddle o# t!e ni)!t s!e 'alled to !i"& in a voi'e w!i'! t!e dar(ness rendered still "oredeely troubled8 $Are you awa(e& Silas/$

$0es2 I." awa(e+$

$I.ve been t!in(in) about t!ose En)lis! arties& Si----$

$So.ve I+$

$And I 'an.t "a(e it out but w!at you.d be *ust as bad as Ro)ers& every bit and )rain& i# you wereto let t!e" !ave t!e "ills----$

$And not tell .e" w!at t!e '!an'es were wit! t!e 6+ L+ P+/ I t!ou)!t o# t!at& and you needn.t

be a#raid+$

S!e be)an to bewail !ersel#& and to sob 'onvulsively8 $5 Silas, 5 Silas,$ Heaven (nows in w!at

"easure t!e assion o# !er soul was "ired wit! ride in !er !usband.s !onesty& relie# #ro" an

are!ended stru))le& and ity #or !i"+

$Hus!& !us!& Persis,$ !e besou)!t !er+ $0ou.ll wa(e Pen i# you (ee on t!at way+ 1on.t 'ry any

"ore, 0ou "ustn.t+$

$5!& let "e 'ry& Silas, It.ll !el "e+ I s!all be all ri)!t in a "inute+ 1on.t you "ind+$ S!e sobbed!ersel# 3uiet+ $It does see" too !ard&$ s!e said& w!en s!e 'ould sea( a)ain& $t!at you !ave to

)ive u t!is '!an'e w!en Providen'e !ad #airly raised it u #or you+$

$I )uess it wa.n.t Providen'e raised it u&$ said La!a"+ $Any rate& it.s )ot to )o+ %ost li(ely

Ro)ers was lyin.& and t!ere ain.t any su'! arties2 but i# t!ere were& t!ey 'ouldn.t !ave t!e "ills

#ro" "e wit!out t!e w!ole story+ 1on.t you be troubled& Persis+ I." )oin) to ull t!rou)! allri)!t+$ $5!& I ain.t a#raid+ I don.t suose but w!at t!ere.s lenty would !el you& i# t!ey (new

you needed it& Si+$

$T!ey would i# t!ey (new I 1I1N.T need it&$ said La!a" sardoni'ally+

$1id you tell Bill !ow you stood/$



$No& I 'ouldn.t bear to+ I.ve been t!e ri'! one so lon)& t!at I 'ouldn.t brin) "ysel# to own u t!at

I was in dan)er+$

$0es+$

$Besides& it didn.t loo( so u)ly till to-day+ But I )uess we s!an.t let u)ly loo(s s'are us+$

$No+$

XXII.

THE "ornin) ost"an brou)!t %rs+ La!a" a letter #ro" Irene& w!i'! was '!ie#ly si)ni#i'ant

be'ause it "ade no re#eren'e w!atever to t!e writer or !er state o# "ind+ It )ave t!e news o# !er

un'le.s #a"ily2 it told o# t!eir (indness to !er2 !er 'ousin Will was )oin) to ta(e !er and !issisters i'e-boatin) on t!e river& w!en it #ro4e+

By t!e ti"e t!is letter 'a"e& La!a" !ad )one to !is business& and t!e "ot!er 'arried it to

Peneloe to tal( over+ $W!at do you "a(e out o# it/$ s!e as(ed2 and wit!out waitin) to be

answered s!e said& $I don.t (now as I believe in 'ousins "arryin)& a )reat deal2 but i# Irene andWill were to #i7 it u between .e"----$ S!e loo(ed va)uely at Peneloe+

$It wouldn.t "a(e any di##eren'e as #ar as I was 'on'erned&$ relied t!e )irl listlessly+

%rs+ La!a" lost !er atien'e+

$Well& t!en& I.ll tell you w!at& Peneloe,$ s!e e7'lai"ed+ $Per!as it.ll "a(e a di##eren'e to you

i# you (now t!at your #at!er.s in REAL trouble+ He.s !arassed to deat!& and !e was awa(e !al#t!e ni)!t& tal(in) about it+ T!at abo"inable Ro)ers !as )ot a lot o# "oney away #ro" !i"2 and

!e.s lost by ot!ers t!at !e.s !eled&$--%rs+ La!a" ut it in t!is way be'ause s!e !ad no ti"e to

be e7li'it&--$and I want you s!ould 'o"e out o# your roo" now& and try to be o# so"e !el and'o"#ort to !i" w!en !e 'o"es !o"e to-ni)!t+ I )uess Irene wouldn.t "oe round "u'!& i# s!e

was !ere&$ s!e 'ould not !el addin)+

T!e )irl li#ted !ersel# on !er elbow+ $W!at.s t!at you say about #at!er/$ s!e de"anded ea)erly+

$Is !e in trouble/ Is !e )oin) to lose !is "oney/ S!all we !ave to stay in t!is !ouse/$

$We "ay be very 6LA1 to stay in t!is !ouse&$ said %rs+ La!a"& !al# an)ry wit! !ersel# #or!avin) )iven 'ause #or t!e )irl.s 'on*e'tures& and !al# wit! t!e !abit o# roserity in !er '!ild&

w!i'! 'ould 'on'eive no better o# w!at adversity was+ $And I want you s!ould )et u and s!ow

t!at you.ve )ot so"e #eelin) #or so"ebody in t!e world besides yoursel#+$

$5!& I.ll )et >P,$ said t!e )irl ro"tly& al"ost '!eer#ully+



$I don.t say it.s as bad now as it loo(ed a little w!ile a)o&$ said !er "ot!er& 'ons'ientiously

!ed)in) a little #ro" t!e state"ent w!i'! s!e !ad based rat!er uon !er #eelin)s t!an !er #a'ts+

$0our #at!er t!in(s !e.ll ull t!rou)! all ri)!t& and I don.t (now but w!at !e will+ But I want yous!ould see i# you 'an.t do so"et!in) to '!eer !i" u and (ee !i" #ro" )ettin) so er#e'tly

down-!earted as !e see"s to )et& under t!e load !e.s )ot to 'arry+ And sto t!in(in) about

yoursel# a w!ile& and be!ave yoursel# li(e a sensible )irl+$

$0es& yes&$ said t!e )irl2 $I will+ 0ou needn.t be troubled about "e any "ore+$

Be#ore s!e le#t !er roo" s!e wrote a note& and w!en s!e 'a"e down s!e was dressed to )o out-

o#-doors and ost it !ersel#+ T!e note was to Corey8--

$1o not 'o"e to see "e any "ore till you !ear #ro" "e+ I !ave a reason w!i'! I 'annot )ive you

now2 and you "ust not as( w!at it is+$

All day s!e went about in a buoyant deseration& and s!e 'a"e down to "eet !er #at!er at

suer+

$Well& Persis&$ !e said s'orn#ully& as !e sat down& $we "i)!t as well saved our )ood resolutions

till t!ey were wanted+ I )uess t!ose En)lis! arties !ave )one ba'( on Ro)ers+$

$1o you "ean !e didn.t 'o"e/$

$He !adn.t 'o"e u to !al#-ast #ive&$ said La!a"+

$T'!(,$ uttered !is wi#e+ $But I )uess I s!all ull t!rou)! wit!out %r+ Ro)ers&$ 'ontinued

La!a"+ $A #ir" t!at I didn.t t!in( C5>L1 weat!er it is still a#loat& and so #ar #ort! as t!e

dan)er )oes o# bein) dra))ed under wit! it& I." all ri)!t+$ Peneloe 'a"e in+ $Hello& Pen,$ 'ried!er #at!er+ $It ain.t o#ten I "eet 05> nowadays+$ He ut u !is !and as s!e assed !is '!air& and

ulled !er down and (issed !er+

$No&$ s!e said2 $but I t!ou)!t I.d 'o"e down to-ni)!t and '!eer you u a little+ I s!all not tal(2

t!e si)!t o# "e will be enou)!+$

Her #at!er lau)!ed out+ $%ot!er been tellin) you/ Well& I WAS retty blue last ni)!t2 but I )uessI was "ore s'ared t!an !urt+ How.d you li(e to )o to t!e t!eatre to-ni)!t/ Sellers at t!e Par(+

Hei)!/$

$Well& I don.t (now+ 1on.t you t!in( t!ey 'ould )et alon) wit!out "e t!ere/$

$No2 'ouldn.t wor( it at all&$ 'ried t!e Colonel+ $Let.s all )o+ >nless&$ !e added in3uirin)ly&$t!ere.s so"ebody 'o"in) !ere/$

$T!ere.s nobody 'o"in)&$ said Peneloe+

$6ood, T!en we.ll )o+ %ot!er& don.t you be late now+$



$5!& I s!an.t (ee you waitin)&$ said %rs+ La!a"+ S!e !ad t!ou)!t o# tellin) w!at a '!eer#ul

letter s!e !ad )ot #ro" Irene2 but uon t!e w!ole it see"ed better not to sea( o# Irene at all *ust

t!en+ A#ter t!ey returned #ro" t!e t!eatre& w!ere t!e Colonel roared t!rou)! t!e 'o"edy& wit!'ontinual re#eren'e o# !is leasure to Peneloe& to "a(e sure t!at s!e was en*oyin) it too& !is

wi#e said& as i# t!e w!ole a##air !ad been #or t!e )irl.s distra'tion rat!er t!an !is& $I don.t believe

but w!at it.s )oin) to 'o"e out all ri)!t about t!e '!ildren2$ and t!en s!e told !i" o# t!e letter&and t!e !oes s!e !ad #ounded uon it+

$Well& er!as you.re ri)!t& Persis&$ !e 'onsented+

$I !aven.t seen Pen so "u'! li(e !ersel# sin'e it !aened+ I de'lare& w!en I see t!e way s!e

'a"e out to-ni)!t& *ust to lease you& I don.t (now as I want you s!ould )et over all your troublesri)!t away+$

$I )uess t!ere.ll be enou)! to (ee Pen )oin) #or a w!ile yet&$ said t!e Colonel& windin) u !is

wat'!+

But #or a ti"e t!ere was a relie#& w!i'! Wal(er noted& in t!e at"os!ere at t!e o##i'e& and t!en

'a"e anot!er 'old wave& sli)!ter t!an t!e #irst& but distin'tly #elt t!ere& and su''eeded by anot!er relie#+ It was li(e t!e winter w!i'! was wearin) on to t!e end o# t!e year& wit! alternations o#

#ree4in) weat!er& and "ild days stret'!in) to wee(s& in w!i'! t!e snow and i'e w!olly

disaeared+ It was none t!e less winter& and none t!e less !arassin) #or t!ese #lu'tuations& andLa!a" s!owed in !is #a'e and te"er t!e e##e't o# li(e #lu'tuations in !is a##airs+ He )rew t!in

and old& and bot! at !o"e and at !is o##i'e !e was iras'ible to t!e oint o# o##en'e+ In t!ese days

Peneloe s!ared wit! !er "ot!er t!e burden o# t!eir troubled !o"e& and united wit! !er insuortin) t!e silen'e or t!e etulan'e o# t!e )loo"y& se'ret "an w!o rela'ed t!e resen'e o#

*olly roserity t!ere+ La!a" !ad now 'eased to tal( o# !is troubles& and sava)ely resented !is

wi#e.s inter#eren'e+ $0ou "ind your own business& Persis&$ !e said one day& $i# you.ve )ot any2$and a#ter t!at s!e le#t !i" "ainly to Peneloe& w!o did not t!in( o# as(in) !i" 3uestions+

$It.s retty !ard on you& Pen&$ s!e said+

$T!at "a(es it easier #or "e&$ returned t!e )irl& w!o did not ot!erwise re#er to !er own trouble+

In !er !eart s!e !ad wondered a little at t!e absolute obedien'e o# Corey& w!o !ad "ade no si)n

sin'e re'eivin) !er note+ S!e would !ave li(ed to as( !er #at!er i# Corey was si'(2 s!e would

!ave li(ed !i" to as( !er w!y Corey did not 'o"e any "ore+ Her "ot!er went on--

$I don.t believe your #at!er (nows WHERE !e stands+ He wor(s away at t!ose aers !e brin)s!o"e !ere at ni)!t& as i# !e didn.t !al# (now w!at !e was about+ He always did !ave t!at 'lose

strea( in !i"& and I don.t suose but w!at !e.s been )oin) into t!in)s !e don.t want anybody

else to (now about& and !e.s (et t!ese a''ounts o# !is own+$

So"eti"es !e )ave Peneloe #i)ures to wor( at& w!i'! !e would not sub"it to !is wi#e.s ni"bler

arit!"eti'+ T!en s!e went to bed and le#t t!e" sittin) u till "idni)!t& stru))lin) wit! roble"s

in w!i'! t!ey were bot! wea(+ But s!e 'ould see t!at t!e )irl was a 'o"#ort to !er #at!er& and



He and Corey !ad little to do wit! ea'! ot!er+ He did not (now !ow Peneloe !ad arran)ed it

wit! Corey2 !is wi#e said s!e (new no "ore t!an !e did& and !e did not li(e to as( t!e )irl

!ersel#& ese'ially as Corey no lon)er 'a"e to t!e !ouse+ He saw t!at s!e was '!eer#uller t!ans!e !ad been& and !el#uller wit! !i" and !er "ot!er+ Now and t!en La!a" oened !is

troubled soul to !er a little& lettin) !is t!ou)!t brea( into see'! wit!out rea"ble or 'on'lusion+

5n'e !e said--

$Pen& I resu"e you (now I." in trouble+$

$We all see" to be t!ere&$ said t!e )irl+

$0es& but t!ere.s a di##eren'e between bein) t!ere by your own #ault and bein) t!ere by

so"ebody else.s+$

$I don.t 'all it !is #ault&$ s!e said+

$I 'all it "ine&$ said t!e Colonel+

T!e )irl lau)!ed+ Her t!ou)!t was o# !er own 'are& and !er #at!er.s w!olly o# !is+ S!e "ust 'o"eto !is )round+ $W!at !ave you been doin) wron)/$

$I don.t (now as you.d 'all it wron)+ It.s w!at eole do all t!e ti"e+ But I wis! I.d let sto'(s

alone+ It.s w!at I always ro"ised your "ot!er I would do+ But t!ere.s no use 'ryin. over silt

"il(2 or watered sto'(& eit!er+$

$I don.t t!in( t!ere.s "u'! use 'ryin) about anyt!in)+ I# it 'ould !ave been 'ried strai)!t& it

would !ave been all ri)!t #ro" t!e start&$ said t!e )irl& )oin) ba'( to !er own a##air2 and i#

La!a" !ad not been so deely en)rossed in !is& !e "i)!t !ave seen !ow little s!e 'ared #or allt!at "oney 'ould do or undo+ He did not observe !er enou)! to see !ow variable !er "oods were

in t!ose days& and !ow o#ten s!e san( #ro" so"e wild )aiety into ab*e't "elan'!oly2 !ow at

ti"es s!e was #ier'ely de#iant o# not!in) at all& and at ot!ers ine7li'ably !u"ble and atient+

But no doubt none o# t!ese si)ns !ad assed unnoti'ed by !is wi#e& to w!o" La!a" said oneday& w!en !e 'a"e !o"e& $Persis& w!at.s t!e reason Pen don.t "arry Corey/$

$0ou (now as well as I do& Silas&$ said %rs+ La!a"& wit! an in3uirin) loo( at !i" #or w!at lay

be!ind !is words+

$Well& I t!in( it.s all to"#oolery& t!e way s!e.s )oin) on+ T!ere ain.t any r!y"e nor reason to it+$

He stoed& and !is wi#e waited+ $I# s!e said t!e word& I 'ould !ave so"e !el #ro" t!e"+$ He!un) !is !ead& and would not "eet !is wi#e.s eye+

$I )uess you.re in a retty bad way& Si&$ s!e said ityin)ly& $or you wouldn.t !ave 'o"e to t!at+$

$I." in a !ole&$ said La!a"& $and I don.t (now w!ere to turn+ 0ou won.t let "e do anyt!in)about t!ose "ills----$



$0es& I.ll let you&$ said !is wi#e sadly+

He )ave a "iserable 'ry+ $0ou (now I 'an.t do anyt!in)& i# you do+ 5 "y Lord,$

S!e !ad not seen !i" so low as t!at be#ore+ S!e did not (now w!at to say+ S!e was #ri)!tened&

and 'ould only as(& $Has it 'o"e to t!e worst/$

$T!e new !ouse !as )ot to )o&$ !e answered evasively+

S!e did not say anyt!in)+ S!e (new t!at t!e wor( on t!e !ouse !ad been stoed sin'e t!e

be)innin) o# t!e year+ La!a" !ad told t!e ar'!ite't t!at !e re#erred to leave it un#inis!ed till

t!e srin)& as t!ere was no rose't o# t!eir bein) able to )et into it t!at winter2 and t!e ar'!ite't!ad a)reed wit! !i" t!at it would not !urt it to stand+ Her !eart was !eavy #or !i"& t!ou)! s!e

'ould not say so+ T!ey sat to)et!er at t!e table& w!ere s!e !ad 'o"e to be wit! !i" at !is belated

"eal+ S!e saw t!at !e did not eat& and s!e waited #or !i" to sea( a)ain& wit!out ur)in) !i" to

ta(e anyt!in)+ T!ey were ast t!at+

$And I.ve sent orders to s!ut down at t!e Wor(s&$ !e added+

$S!ut down at t!e Wor(s,$ s!e e'!oed wit! dis"ay+ S!e 'ould not ta(e it in+ T!e #ire at t!e

Wor(s !ad never been out be#ore sin'e it was #irst (indled+ S!e (new !ow !e !ad rided !i"sel#

uon t!at2 !ow !e !ad bra))ed o# it to every listener& and !ad always lu))ed t!e #a't in as t!e laste7ression o# !is sense o# su''ess+ $5 Silas,$

$W!at.s t!e use/$ !e retorted+ $I saw it was 'o"in) a "ont! a)o+ T!ere are so"e #ellows out in

West Vir)inia t!at !ave been runnin) t!e aint as !ard as t!ey 'ould+ T!ey 'ouldn.t do "u'!2

t!ey used to ut it on t!e "ar(et raw+ But lately t!ey )ot to ba(in) it& and now t!ey.ve stru'( a

vein o# natural )as ri)!t by t!eir wor(s& and t!ey ay ten 'ents #or #uel& w!ere I ay a dollar& andt!ey "a(e as )ood a aint+ Anybody 'an see w!ere it.s )oin) to end+ Besides& t!e "ar(et.s over-

sto'(ed+ It.s )lutted+ T!ere wa.n.t anyt!in) to do but to s!ut 15WN& and I.ve SH>T down+$

$I don.t (now w!at.s )oin) to be'o"e o# t!e !ands in t!e "iddle o# t!e winter& t!is way&$ said%rs+ La!a"& layin) !old o# one de#inite t!ou)!t w!i'! s!e 'ould )ras in t!e tur"oil o# ruin

t!at w!irled be#ore !er eyes+

$I don.t 'are w!at be'o"es o# t!e !ands&$ 'ried La!a"+ $T!ey.ve s!ared "y lu'(2 now let .e"

s!are t!e ot!er t!in)+ And i# you.re so very sorry #or t!e !ands& I wis! you.d (ee a little o# your ity #or %E+ 1on.t you (now w!at s!uttin) down t!e Wor(s "eans/$

$0es& indeed I do& Silas&$ said !is wi#e tenderly+

$Well& t!en,$ He rose& leavin) !is suer untasted& and went into t!e sittin)-roo"& w!ere s!e

resently #ound !i"& wit! t!at everlastin) 'on#usion o# aers be#ore !i" on t!e des(+ T!at "ade!er t!in( o# t!e aer in !er wor(-bas(et& and s!e de'ided not to "a(e t!e 'areworn& distra'ted

"an as( !er #or it& a#ter all+ S!e brou)!t it to !i"+



He )lan'ed blan(ly at it and t!en 'au)!t it #ro" !er& turnin) red and loo(in) #oolis!+ $W!ere.d

you )et t!at/$

$0ou droed it on t!e #loor t!e ot!er ni)!t& and I i'(ed it u+ W!o is .W"+ %+./$

$.W"+ %+.,$ !e reeated& loo(in) 'on#usedly at !er& and t!en at t!e aer+ $5!&--it.s not!in)+$ Hetore t!e aer into s"all ie'es& and went and droed t!e" into t!e #ire+ W!en %rs+ La!a"

'a"e into t!e roo" in t!e "ornin)& be#ore !e was down& s!e #ound a s'ra o# t!e aer& w!i'!

"ust !ave #luttered to t!e !eart!2 and )lan'in) at it s!e saw t!at t!e words were $%rs+ %+$ S!ewondered w!at dealin)s wit! a wo"an !er !usband 'ould !ave& and s!e re"e"bered t!e

'on#usion !e !ad s!own about t!e aer& and w!i'! s!e !ad t!ou)!t was be'ause s!e !ad

surrised one o# !is business se'rets+ S!e was still t!in(in) o# it w!en !e 'a"e down to brea(#ast& !eavy-eyed& tre"ulous& wit! dee sea"s and wrin(les in !is #a'e+

A#ter a silen'e w!i'! !e did not see" in'lined to brea(& $Silas&$ s!e as(ed& $w!o is .%rs+ %+./$

He stared at !er+ $I don.t (now w!at you.re tal(in) about+$

$1on.t you/$ s!e returned "o'(in)ly+ $W!en you do& you tell "e+ 1o you want any "ore

'o##ee/$

$No+$

$Well& t!en& you 'an rin) #or Ali'e w!en you.ve #inis!ed+ I.ve )ot so"e t!in)s to attend to+$ S!erose abrutly& and le#t t!e roo"+ La!a" loo(ed a#ter !er in a dull way& and t!en went on wit!

!is brea(#ast+ W!ile !e still sat at !is 'o##ee& s!e #lun) into t!e roo" a)ain& and das!ed so"e

aers down beside !is late+ $Here are so"e "ore t!in)s o# yours& and I.ll t!an( you to lo'(

t!e" u in your des( and not litter "y roo" wit! t!e"& i# you lease+$ Now !e saw t!at s!e wasan)ry& and it "ust be wit! !i"+ It enra)ed !i" t!at in su'! a ti"e o# trouble s!e s!ould #ly out at

!i" in t!at way+ He le#t t!e !ouse wit!out tryin) to sea( to !er+ T!at day Corey 'a"e *ust be#ore 'losin)& and& (no'(in) at La!a".s door& as(ed i# !e 'ould sea( wit! !i" a #ew

"o"ents+

$0es&$ said La!a"& w!eelin) round in !is swivel-'!air and (i'(in) anot!er towards Corey+ $Sit

down+ I want to tal( to you+ I.d ou)!t to tell you you.re wastin) your ti"e !ere+ I so(e t!e ot!erday about your la'in. yoursel# better& and I 'an !el you to do it& yet+ T!ere ain.t )oin) to be t!e

out-'o"e #or t!e aint in t!e #orei)n "ar(ets t!at we e7e'ted& and I )uess you better )ive it u+$

$I don.t wis! to )ive it u&$ said t!e youn) #ellow& settin) !is lis+ $I.ve as "u'! #ait! in it asever2 and I want to roose now w!at I !inted at in t!e #irst la'e+ I want to ut so"e "oney intot!e business+$

$So"e "oney,$ La!a" leaned towards !i"& and #rowned as i# !e !ad not 3uite understood&

w!ile !e 'lut'!ed t!e ar"s o# !is '!air+



$I W5N.T 'lear out,$ said t!e wo"an& be)innin) to w!i"er+

$Corey,$ said La!a"& in t!e ere"tory voi'e o# a "aster&--!e !ad see"ed so indi##erent to

Corey.s resen'e t!at t!e youn) "an t!ou)!t !e "ust !ave #or)otten !e was t!ere&--$Is 1ennisanyw!ere round/$

$0issor&$ said 1ennis& answerin) #or !i"sel# #ro" t!e !ead o# t!e stairs& and aearin) in t!e

ware-roo"+

La!a" so(e to t!e wo"an a)ain+ $1o you want I s!ould 'all a !a'(& or do you want I s!ould

'all an o##i'er/$

T!e wo"an be)an to 'ry into an end o# !er s!awl+ $I don.t (now w!at we.re )oin. to do+$

$0ou.re )oin) to 'lear out&$ said La!a"+ $Call a !a'(& 1ennis+ I# you ever 'o"e !ere a)ain& I.ll

!ave you arrested+ %ind t!at, Kerrilla& I s!all want you early to-"orrow "ornin)+$

$0es& sir&$ said t!e )irl "ee(ly2 s!e and !er "ot!er s!ran( out a#ter t!e orter+

La!a" s!ut !is door wit!out a word+

At lun'! t!e ne7t day Wal(er "ade !i"sel# a"ends #or Corey.s reti'en'e by tal(in) a )reat deal+He tal(ed about La!a"& w!o see"ed to !ave& "ore t!an ever sin'e !is aarent di##i'ulties

be)an& t!e #as'ination o# an eni)"a #or !is boo(-(eeer& and !e ended by as(in)& $1id you see

t!at little 'ir'us last ni)!t/$

$W!at little 'ir'us/$ as(ed Corey in !is turn+

$T!ose two wo"en and t!e old "an+ 1ennis told "e about it+ I told !i" i# !e li(ed !is la'e !e.d

better (ee !is "out! s!ut+$

$T!at was very )ood advi'e&$ said Corey+

$5!& all ri)!t& i# you don.t want to tal(+ 1on.t (now as I s!ould in your la'e&$ returned Wal(er&

in t!e easy se'urity !e !ad lon) #elt t!at Corey !ad no intention o# uttin) on airs wit! !i"+ $ButI.ll tell you w!at8 t!e old "an 'an.t e7e't it o# everybody+ I# !e (ees t!is t!in) u "u'! lon)er&

it.s )oin) to be tal(ed about+ 0ou 'an.t !ave a wo"an wal(in) into your la'e o# business& and

tryin) to bulldo4e you be#ore your orter& wit!out settin) your orter to t!in(in)+ And t!e last

t!in) you want a orter to do is to t!in(2 #or w!en a orter t!in(s& !e t!in(s wron)+$

$I don.t see w!y even a orter 'ouldn.t t!in( ri)!t about t!at a##air&$ relied Corey+ $I don.t (now

w!o t!e wo"an was& t!ou)! I believe s!e was %iss 1ewey.s "ot!er2 but I 'ouldn.t see t!at

Colonel La!a" s!owed anyt!in) but a natural resent"ent o# !er 'o"in) to !i" in t!at way+ Is!ould !ave said s!e was so"e rat!er wort!less erson w!o" !e.d been be#riendin)& and t!at s!e

!ad resu"ed uon !is (indness+$



$Is t!at so/ W!at do you t!in( o# !is never lettin) %iss 1ewey.s na"e )o on t!e boo(s/$

$T!at it.s anot!er roo# it.s a sort o# '!arity o# !is+ T!at.s t!e only way to loo( at it+$

$5!& I.% all ri)!t+$ Wal(er li)!ted a 'i)ar and be)an to s"o(e& wit! !is eyes 'losed to a #ine

strai)!t line+ $It won.t do #or a boo(-(eeer to t!in( wron)& any "ore t!an a orter& I suose+But I )uess you and I don.t t!in( very di##erent about t!is t!in)+$

$Not i# you t!in( as I do&$ relied Corey steadily2 $and I (now you would do t!at i# you !ad seen

t!e .'ir'us. yoursel#+ A "an doesn.t treat eole w!o !ave a dis)ra'e#ul !old uon !i" as !e

treated t!e"+$

$It deends uon w!o !e is&$ said Wal(er& ta(in) !is 'i)ar #ro" !is "out!+ $I never said t!e old

"an was a#raid o# anyt!in)+$

$And '!ara'ter&$ 'ontinued Corey& disdainin) to tou'! t!e "atter #urt!er& e7'et in )eneralities&

$"ust )o #or so"et!in)+ I# it.s to be t!e rey o# "ere a''ident and aearan'e& t!en it )oes #ornot!in)+$

$A''idents will !aen in t!e best re)ulated #a"ilies&$ said Wal(er& wit! vul)ar& )ood-!u"oured

obtuseness t!at #illed Corey wit! indi)nation+ Not!in)& er!as& re"oved !is "atter-o#-#a't

nature #urt!er #ro" t!e 'o""onla'e t!an a 'ertain )enerosity o# instin't& w!i'! I s!ould not beready to say was always in#allible+

T!at evenin) it was %iss 1ewey.s turn to wait #or see'! wit! La!a" a#ter t!e ot!ers were

)one+ He oened !is door at !er (no'(& and stood loo(in) at !er wit! a worried air+ $Well& w!at

do you want& Kerrilla/$ !e as(ed& wit! a sort o# rou)! (indness+

$I want to (now w!at I." )oin) to do about Hen+ He.s ba'( a)ain2 and !e and "ot!er !ave "ade

it u& and t!ey bot! )ot to drin(in) last ni)!t a#ter I went !o"e& and 'arried on so t!at t!e

nei)!bours 'a"e in+$

La!a" assed !is !and over !is red and !eated #a'e+ $I don.t (now w!at I." )oin) to do+ 0ou.retwi'e t!e trouble t!at "y own #a"ily is& now+ But I (now w!at I.d do& "i)!ty 3ui'(& i# it wasn.t

#or you& Kerrilla&$ !e went on relentin)ly+ $I.d s!ut your "ot!er u so"ew!eres& and i# I 'ould

)et t!at #ellow o## #or a t!ree years. voya)e----$

$I de'lare&$ said %iss 1ewey& be)innin) to w!i"er& $it see"s as i# !e 'a"e ba'( *ust so o#ten to

site "e+ He.s never )one "ore t!an a year at t!e #urt!est& and you 'an.t "a(e it out !abitualdrun(enness& eit!er& w!en it.s *ust srees+ I." at "y wit.s end+$

$5!& well& you "ustn.t 'ry around !ere&$ said La!a" soot!in)ly+

$I (now it&$ said %iss 1ewey+ $I# I 'ould )et rid o# Hen& I 'ould "ana)e well enou)! wit!"ot!er+ %r+ We""el would "arry "e i# I 'ould )et t!e divor'e+ He.s said so over and over

a)ain+$



$I don.t (now as I li(e t!at very well&$ said La!a"& #rownin)+ $I don.t (now as I want you

s!ould )et "arried in any !urry a)ain+ I don.t (now as I li(e your )oin) wit! anybody else *ust

yet+$

$5!& you needn.t be a#raid but w!at it.ll be all ri)!t+ It.ll be t!e best t!in) all round& i# I 'an "arry

!i"+$

$Well,$ said La!a" i"atiently2 $I 'an.t t!in( about it now+ I suose t!ey.ve 'leaned

everyt!in) out a)ain/$

$0es& t!ey !ave&$ said Kerrilla2 $t!ere isn.t a 'ent le#t+$

$0ou.re a retty e7ensive lot&$ said La!a"+ $Well& !ere,$ He too( out !is o'(et-boo( and

)ave !er a note+ $I.ll be round to-ni)!t and see w!at 'an be done+$

He s!ut !i"sel# into !is roo" a)ain& and Kerrilla dried !er tears& ut t!e note into !er boso"& and

went !er way+

La!a" (et t!e orter nearly an !our later+ It was t!en si7 o.'lo'(& t!e !our at w!i'! t!eLa!a"s usually !ad tea2 but all 'usto" !ad been bro(en u wit! !i" durin) t!e ast "ont!s&

and !e did not )o !o"e now+ He deter"ined& er!as in t!e e7tre"ity in w!i'! a "an #inds relie#

in 'o"batin) one 'are wit! anot!er& to (ee !is ro"ise to %iss 1ewey& and at t!e "o"ent w!en!e "i)!t ot!erwise !ave been sittin) down at !is own table !e was 'li"bin) t!e stairs to !er

lod)in) in t!e old-#as!ioned dwellin) w!i'! !ad been ortioned o## into #lats+ It was in a re)ion

o# deots& and o# t!e '!ea !otels& and $ladies. and )ents.$ dinin)-roo"s& and restaurants wit! bars& w!i'! abound near deots2 and La!a" #ollowed to %iss 1ewey.s door a waiter #ro" one

o# t!ese& w!o bore on a salver be#ore !i" a suer 'overed wit! a na(in+ Kerrilla !ad ad"itted

t!e"& and at !er )reetin) a youn) #ellow in t!e s!abby s!ore-suit o# a sailor& buttonin)i"er#e'tly over t!e nauti'al blue #lannel o# !is s!irt& )ot u #ro" w!ere !e !ad been sittin)& onone side o# t!e stove& and stood in#ir"ly on !is #eet& in to(en o# re'eivin) t!e visitor+ T!e wo"an

w!o sat on t!e ot!er side did not rise& but be)an a s!rill& de#iant aolo)y+

$Well& I don.t suose but w!at you.ll t!in( we.re livin. on t!e #at o. t!e land& ri)!t strai)!t alon)&all t!e w!ile+ But it.s *ust li(e t!is+ W!en t!at '!ild 'a"e in #ro" !er wor(& s!e didn.t see" to

!ave t!e sirit to )o to 'oo(in. anyt!in)& and I !ad su'! a bad ni)!t last ni)!t I was #eelin. all

bro(e u& and s.d I& w!at.s t!e use& anyway/ By t!e ti"e t!e but'!er.s !eaved in a lot o. bone& and

"ade you ay #or t!e suet !e 'uts away& it 'o"es to t!e sa"e t!in)& and w!y not 6IT it #ro" t!erest.rant #irst o##& and save t!e 'ost o. your #ire/ s.d I+$

$W!at !ave you )ot t!ere under your aron/ A bottle/$ de"anded La!a"& w!o stood wit! !is

!at on and !is !ands in !is o'(ets& indi##erent ali(e to t!e ine##e'tive re'etion o# t!e sailor and

t!e '!air Kerrilla !ad set !i"+

$Well& yes& it.s a bottle&$ said t!e wo"an& wit! an assu"tion o# virtuous #ran(ness+ $It.s w!is(y2

I )ot to !ave so"et!in) to rub "y r!eu"atis" wit!+$



$Hu"!,$ )ru"bled La!a"+ $0ou.ve been rubbin) HIS r!eu"atis" too& I see+$

He twisted !is !ead in t!e dire'tion o# t!e sailor& now so#tly and r!yt!"i'ally wavin) to and #ro

on !is #eet+

$He !ain.t !ad a dro to-day in THIS !ouse,$ 'ried t!e wo"an+

$W!at are you doin) around !ere/$ said La!a"& turnin) #ier'ely uon !i"+ $0ou.ve )ot no

business as!ore+ W!ere.s your s!i/ 1o you t!in( I." )oin) to let you 'o"e !ere and eat your

wi#e out o# !ouse and !o"e& and t!en )ive "oney to (ee t!e 'on'ern )oin)/$

$@ust t!e very words I said w!en !e #irst s!owed !is #a'e !ere& yist.day+ 1idn.t I& K.rilla/$ said t!ewo"an& ea)erly *oinin) in t!e rebu(e o# !er late boon 'o"anion+ $0ou )ot no business !ere&

Hen& s.d I+ 0ou 'an.t 'o"e !ere to live on "e and K.rilla& s.d I+ 0ou want to )o ba'( to your s!i&

s.d I+ T!at.s w!at I said+$

T!e sailor "u"bled& wit! a s"ile o# tisy a"iability #or La!a"& so"et!in) about t!e 'rew bein) dis'!ar)ed+

$0es&$ t!e wo"an bro(e in& $t!at.s always t!e way wit! t!ese 'oasters+ W!y don.t you )o o## on

so"e t!e" lon) v.y.)es/ s.d I+ It.s retty !ard w!en %r+ We""el stands ready to "arry K.rilla

and rovide a 'o"#ortable !o"e #or us bot!--I !ain.t )ot a )reat "any years "ore to live& and ISH5>L1 li(e to )et so"e satis#a'tion out o# .e"& and not be be!olden and deendent all "y

days&--to !ave Hen& !ere& blo'(in. t!e way+ I tell !i" t!ere.d be "ore "oney #or !i" in t!e end2

but !e 'an.t see" to "a(e u !is "ind to it+$

$Well& now& loo( !ere&$ said La!a"+ $I don.t 'are anyt!in) about all t!at+ It.s your own business&

and I." not )oin) to "eddle wit! it+ But it.s "y business w!o lives o## "e2 and so I tell you allt!ree& I." willin) to ta(e 'are o# Kerrilla& and I." willin) to ta(e 'are o# !er "ot!er----$

$I )uess i# it !adn.t been #or t!at '!ild.s #at!er&$ t!e "ot!er interolated& $you wouldn.t been !ere

to tell t!e tale& Colonel La!a"+$

$I (now all about t!at&$ said La!a"+ $But I.ll tell you w!at& %r+ 1ewey& I." not )oin) to suort

05>+$

$I don.t see w!at Hen.s done&$ said t!e old wo"an i"artially+

$He !asn.t done anyt!in)& and I." )oin) to sto it+ He.s )ot to )et a s!i& and !e.s )ot to )et outo# t!is+ And Kerrilla needn.t 'o"e ba'( to wor( till !e does+ I." done wit! you all+$

$Well& I vow&$ said t!e "ot!er& $i# I ever !eard anyt!in) li(e it, 1idn.t t!at '!ild.s #at!er lay

down !is li#e #or you/ Hain.t you said it yoursel# a !undred ti"es/ And don.t s!e wor( #or !er

"oney& and slave #or it "ornin.& noon& and ni)!t/ 0ou tal( as i# we was be!olden to you #or t!every bread in our "out!s+ I )uess i# it !adn.t been #or @i"& you wouldn.t been !ere 'rowin. over

us+$



$0ou "ind w!at I say+ I "ean business t!is ti"e&$ said La!a"& turnin) to t!e door+

T!e wo"an rose and #ollowed !i"& wit! !er bottle in !er !and+ $Say& Colonel, w!at s!ould you

advise K.rilla to do about %r+ We""el/ I tell !er t!ere ain.t any use )oin. to t!e trouble to )it adivor'e wit!out s!e.s sure about !i"+ 1on.t you t!in( we.d ou)!t to )it !i" to si)n a aer& or

so"et!in)& t!at !e.ll "arry !er i# s!e )its it/ I don.t li(e to !ave t!in)s )oin) at loose ends t!eway t!ey are+ It ain.t sense+ It ain.t ri)!t+$

La!a" "ade no answer to t!e "ot!er an7ious #or !er '!ild.s #uture& and 'on'erned #or t!e"oral 3uestions involved+ He went out and down t!e stairs& and on t!e ave"ent at t!e lower

door !e al"ost stru'( a)ainst Ro)ers& w!o !ad a ba) in !is !and& and see"ed to be !urryin)

towards one o# t!e deots+ He !alted a little& as i# to sea( to La!a"2 but La!a" turned !is ba'( abrutly uon !i"& and too( t!e ot!er dire'tion+

T!e days were )oin) by in a "onotony o# adversity to !i"& #ro" w!i'! !e 'ould no lon)er

es'ae& even at !o"e+ He atte"ted on'e or twi'e to tal( o# !is troubles to !is wi#e& but s!e

reulsed !i" s!arly2 s!e see"ed to desise and !ate !i"2 but !e set !i"sel# do))edly to "a(e a'on#ession to !er& and !e stoed !er one ni)!t& as s!e 'a"e into t!e roo" w!ere !e sat--!astily

uon so"e errand t!at was to ta(e !er dire'tly away a)ain+

$Persis& t!ere.s so"et!in) I.ve )ot to tell you+$

S!e stood still& as i# #i7ed a)ainst !er will& to listen+

$I )uess you (now so"et!in) about it already& and I )uess it set you a)ainst "e+$

$5!& I )uess not& Colonel La!a"+ 0ou )o your way& and I )o "ine+ T!at.s all+$

S!e waited #or !i" to sea(& listenin) wit! a 'old& !ard s"ile on !er #a'e+

$I don.t say it to "a(e #avour wit! you& be'ause I don.t want you to sare "e& and I don.t as(

you2 but I )ot into it t!rou)! %ilton ?+ Ro)ers+$

$5!,$ said %rs+ La!a" 'onte"tuously+

$I always #elt t!e way I said about it--t!at it wa.n.t any better t!an )a"blin)& and I say so now+It.s li(e bettin) on t!e turn o# a 'ard2 and I )ive you "y word o# !onour& Persis& t!at I never was

in it at all till t!at s'oundrel be)an to load "e u wit! t!ose wild-'at se'urities o# !is+ T!en it

see"ed to "e as i# I ou)!t to try to do so"et!in) to )et so"ew!ere even+ I (now it.s no e7'use2 but wat'!in) t!e "ar(et to see w!at t!e in#ernal t!in)s were wort! #ro" day to day& and seein) it)o u& and seein) it )o down& was too "u'! #or "e2 and& to "a(e a lon) story s!ort& I be)an to

buy and sell on a "ar)in--*ust w!at I told you I never would do+ I see"ed to "a(e so"et!in)--I

did "a(e so"et!in)2 and I.d !ave stoed& I do believe& i# I 'ould !ave rea'!ed t!e #i)ure I.d setin "y own "ind to start wit!2 but I 'ouldn.t #et'! it+ I be)an to lose& and t!en I be)an to t!row

)ood "oney a#ter bad& *ust as I always did wit! everyt!in) t!at Ro)ers ever 'a"e wit!in a "ile



o#+ Well& w!at.s t!e use/ I lost t!e "oney t!at would !ave 'arried "e out o# t!is& and I s!ouldn.t

!ave !ad to s!ut down t!e Wor(s& or sell t!e !ouse& or----$

La!a" stoed+ His wi#e& w!o at #irst !ad listened wit! "ysti#i'ation& and t!en dawnin)in'redulity& '!an)in) into a loo( o# relie# t!at was al"ost triu"!& lased a)ain into severity+

$Silas La!a"& i# you was to die t!e ne7t "inute& is t!is w!at you started to tell "e/$

$W!y& o# 'ourse it is+ W!at did you suose I started to tell you/$

$And--loo( "e in t!e eyes,--you !aven.t )ot anyt!in) else on your "ind now/$

$No, T!ere.s trouble enou)!& t!e Lord (nows2 but t!ere.s not!in) else to tell you+ I suose Pen)ave you a !int about it+ I droed so"et!in) to !er+ I.ve been #eelin) bad about it& Persis& a )ood

w!ile& but I !ain.t !ad t!e !eart to sea( o# it+ I 'an.t e7e't you to say you li(e it+ I.ve been a

#ool& I.ll allow& and I.ve been so"et!in) worse& i# you '!oose to say so2 but t!at.s all+ I !aven.t

!urt anybody but "ysel#--and you and t!e '!ildren+$

%rs+ La!a" rose and said& wit! !er #a'e #ro" !i"& as s!e turned towards t!e door& $It.s all ri)!t&

Silas+ I s!an.t ever brin) it u a)ainst you+$

S!e #led out o# t!e roo"& but all t!at evenin) s!e was very sweet wit! !i"& and see"ed to wis!

in all ta'it ways to atone #or !er ast un(indness+

S!e "ade !i" tal( o# !is business& and !e told !er o# Corey.s o##er& and w!at !e !ad done aboutit+ S!e did not see" to 'are #or !is art in it& !owever2 at w!i'! La!a" was silently

disaointed a little& #or !e would !ave li(ed !er to raise !i"+

$He did it on a''ount o# Pen,$

$Well& !e didn.t insist uon it& anyway&$ said La!a"& w!o "ust !ave obs'urely e7e'ted t!atCorey would re'o)nise !is own "a)nani"ity by reeatin) !is o##er+ I# t!e doubt t!at #ollows a

sel#-devoted a'tion--t!e 3uestion w!et!er it was not a#ter all a needless #olly--is "i7ed& as it was

in La!a".s 'ase& wit! t!e va)ue belie# t!at we "i)!t !ave done ourselves a )ood turn wit!out)reat ris( o# !urtin) any one else by bein) a little less unsel#is!& it be'o"es a re)ret t!at is !ard

to bear+ Sin'e Corey so(e to !i"& so"e t!in)s !ad !aened t!at )ave La!a" !oe a)ain+

$I." )oin) to tell !er about it&$ said !is wi#e& and s!e s!owed !ersel# i"atient to "a(e u #or t!e

ti"e s!e !ad lost+ $W!y didn.t you tell "e be#ore& Silas/$

$I didn.t (now we were on sea(in) ter"s be#ore&$ said La!a" sadly+

$0es& t!at.s true&$ s!e ad"itted& wit! a 'ons'ious #lus!+ $I !oe !e won.t t!in( Pen.s (nown about

it all t!is w!ile+$



XXIV.

THAT evenin) @a"es Bellin)!a" 'a"e to see Corey a#ter dinner& and went to #ind !i" in !isown roo"+

$I.ve 'o"e at t!e instan'e o# Colonel La!a"&$ said t!e un'le+ $He was at "y o##i'e to-day& and I!ad a lon) tal( wit! !i"+ 1id you (now t!at !e was in di##i'ulties/$

$I #an'ied t!at !e was in so"e sort o# trouble+ And I !ad t!e boo(-(eeer.s 'on*e'tures--!edoesn.t really (now "u'! about it+$

$Well& !e t!in(s it ti"e--on all a''ounts--t!at you s!ould (now !ow !e stands& and w!y !e

de'lined t!at roosition o# yours+ I "ust say !e !as be!aved very well--li(e a )entle"an+$

$I." not surrised+$

$I a"+ It.s !ard to be!ave li(e a )entle"an w!ere your interest is vitally 'on'erned+ And La!a"doesn.t stri(e "e as a "an w!o.s in t!e !abit o# a'tin) #ro" t!e best in !i" always+$

$1o any o# us/$ as(ed Corey+

$Not all o# us& at any rate&$ said Bellin)!a"+ $It "ust !ave 'ost !i" so"et!in) to say no to you&

#or !e.s *ust in t!at state w!en !e believes t!at t!is or t!at '!an'e& !owever s"all& would save

!i"+$

Corey was silent+ $Is !e really in su'! a bad way/$

$It.s !ard to tell *ust w!ere !e stands+ I suse't t!at a !oe#ul te"era"ent and #ondness #orround nu"bers !ave always 'aused !i" to set !is #i)ures beyond !is a'tual wort!+ I don.t say

t!at !e.s been dis!onest about it& but !e.s !ad a loose way o# esti"atin) !is assets2 !e.s re'(oned!is wealt! on t!e basis o# !is 'aital& and so"e o# !is 'aital is borrowed+ He.s lost !eavily by

so"e o# t!e re'ent #ailures& and t!ere.s been a terrible s!rin(a)e in !is values+ I don.t "ean

"erely in t!e sto'( o# aint on !and& but in a (ind o# 'o"etition w!i'! !as be'o"e veryt!reatenin)+ 0ou (now about t!at West Vir)inian aint/$

Corey nodded+

$Well& !e tells "e t!at t!ey.ve stru'( a vein o# natural )as out t!ere w!i'! will enable t!e" to

"a(e as )ood a aint as !is own at a 'ost o# "anu#a'turin) so low t!at t!ey 'an undersell !i"everyw!ere+ I# t!is roves to be t!e 'ase& it will not only drive !is aint out o# t!e "ar(et& butwill redu'e t!e value o# !is Wor(s--t!e w!ole lant--at La!a" to a "erely no"inal #i)ure+$

$I see&$ said Corey de*e'tedly+ $I.ve understood t!at !e !ad ut a )reat deal o# "oney into !is

Wor(s+$



$0es& and !e esti"ated !is "ine t!ere at a !i)! #i)ure+ 5# 'ourse it will be wort! little or not!in)

i# t!e West Vir)inia aint drives !is out+ T!en& besides& La!a" !as been into several t!in)s

outside o# !is own business& and& li(e a )ood "any ot!er "en w!o try outside t!in)s& !e.s (eta''ount o# t!e" !i"sel#2 and !e.s all "i7ed u about t!e"+ He.s as(ed "e to loo( into !is a##airs

wit! !i"& and I.ve ro"ised to do so+ W!et!er !e 'an be tided over !is di##i'ulties re"ains to be

seen+ I." a#raid it will ta(e a )ood deal o# "oney to do it--a )reat deal "ore t!an !e t!in(s& atleast+ He believes 'o"aratively little would do it+ I t!in( di##erently+ I t!in( t!at anyt!in) less

t!an a )reat deal would be t!rown away on !i"+ I# it were "erely a 3uestion o# a 'ertain su"--

even a lar)e su"--to (ee !i" )oin)& it "i)!t be "ana)ed2 but it.s "u'! "ore 'o"li'ated+ And&as I say& it "ust !ave been a trial to !i" to re#use your o##er+$

T!is did not see" to be t!e way in w!i'! Bellin)!a" !ad "eant to 'on'lude+ But !e said no

"ore2 and Corey "ade !i" no resonse+

He re"ained onderin) t!e 'ase& now !oe#ully& now doubt#ully& and wonderin)& w!atever !is

"ood was& w!et!er Peneloe (new anyt!in) o# t!e #a't wit! w!i'! !er "ot!er went nearly at t!e

sa"e "o"ent to a'3uaint !er+

$5# 'ourse& !e.s done it on your a''ount&$ %rs+ La!a" 'ould not !el sayin)+

$T!en !e was very silly+ 1oes !e t!in( I would let !i" )ive #at!er "oney/ And i# #at!er lost it

#or !i"& does !e suose it would "a(e it any easier #or "e/ I t!in( #at!er a'ted twi'e as well+ Itwas very silly+$

In reeatin) t!e 'ensure& !er loo( was not so severe as !er tone2 s!e even s"iled a little& and !er

"ot!er reorted to !er #at!er t!at s!e a'ted "ore li(e !ersel# t!an s!e !ad yet sin'e Corey.s o##er+

$I t!in(& i# !e was to reeat !is o##er& s!e would !ave !i" now&$ said %rs+ La!a"+

$Well& I.ll let !er (now i# !e does&$ said t!e Colonel+

$I )uess !e won.t do it to you,$ s!e 'ried+

$W!o else will !e do it to/$ !e de"anded+

T!ey er'eived t!at t!ey !ad ea'! been tal(in) o# a di##erent o##er+

A#ter La!a" went to !is business in t!e "ornin) t!e ost"an brou)!t anot!er letter #ro" Irene&

w!i'! was #ull o# leasant t!in)s t!at were !aenin) to !er2 t!ere was a )reat deal about !er'ousin Will& as s!e 'alled !i"+ At t!e end s!e !ad written& $Tell Pen I don.t want s!e s!ould be#oolis!+$ $T!ere,$ said %rs+ La!a"+ $I )uess it.s )oin) to 'o"e out ri)!t& all round2$ and it

see"ed as i# even t!e Colonel.s di##i'ulties were ast+ $W!en your #at!er )ets t!rou)! t!is& Pen&$

s!e as(ed i"ulsively& $w!at s!all you do/$

$W!at !ave you been tellin) Irene about "e/$



$Not!in) "u'!+ W!at s!ould you do/$

$It would be a )ood deal easier to say w!at I s!ould do i# #at!er didn.t&$ said t!e )irl+

$I (now you t!in( it was ni'e in !i" to "a(e your #at!er t!at o##er&$ ur)ed t!e "ot!er+

$It was ni'e& yes2 but it was silly&$ said t!e )irl+ $%ost ni'e t!in)s are silly& I suose&$ s!e added+

S!e went to !er roo" and wrote a letter+ It was very lon)& and very 'are#ully written2 and w!ens!e read it over& s!e tore it into s"all ie'es+ S!e wrote anot!er one& s!ort and !urried& and tore

t!at u too+ T!en s!e went ba'( to !er "ot!er& in t!e #a"ily roo"& and as(ed to see Irene.s letter&

and read it over to !ersel#+ $0es& s!e see"s to be !avin) a )ood ti"e&$ s!e si)!ed+ $%ot!er& doyou t!in( I ou)!t to let %r+ Corey (now t!at I (now about it/$

$Well& I s!ould t!in( it would be a leasure to !i"&$ said %rs+ La!a" *udi'ially+

$I." not so sure o# t!at t!e way I s!ould !ave to tell !i"+ I s!ould be)in by )ivin) !i" as'oldin)+ 5# 'ourse& !e "eant well by it& but 'an.t you see t!at it wasn.t very #latterin), How did

!e e7e't it would '!an)e "e/$

$I don.t believe !e ever t!ou)!t o# t!at+$

$1on.t you/ W!y/$

$Be'ause you 'an see t!at !e isn.t one o# t!at (ind+ He "i)!t want to lease you wit!out wantin)

to '!an)e you by w!at !e did+$

$0es+ He "ust !ave (nown t!at not!in) would '!an)e "e&--at least& not!in) t!at !e 'ould do+ It!ou)!t o# t!at+ I s!ouldn.t li(e !i" to #eel t!at I 'ouldn.t are'iate it& even i# I did t!in( it was

silly+ S!ould you write to !i"/$

$I don.t see w!y not+$

$It would be too ointed+ No& I s!all *ust let it )o+ I wis! !e !adn.t done it+$

$Well& !e !as done it+$ $And I.ve tried to write to !i" about it--two letters8 one so !u"ble and)rate#ul t!at it 'ouldn.t stand u on its ed)e& and t!e ot!er so ert and #liant+ %ot!er& I wis!

you 'ould !ave seen t!ose two letters, I wis! I !ad (et t!e" to loo( at i# I ever )ot to t!in(in) I

!ad any sense a)ain+ T!ey would ta(e t!e 'on'eit out o# "e+$

$W!at.s t!e reason !e don.t 'o"e !ere any "ore/$

$1oesn.t !e 'o"e/$ as(ed Peneloe in turn& as i# it were so"et!in) s!e !ad not noti'ed arti'ularly+

$0ou.d ou)!t to (now+$



$0es+$ S!e sat silent a w!ile+ $I# !e doesn.t 'o"e& I suose it.s be'ause !e.s o##ended at

so"et!in) I did+$

$W!at did you do/$

$Not!in)+ I--wrote to !i"--a little w!ile a)o+ I suose it was very blunt& but I didn.t believe !ewould be an)ry at it+ But t!is--t!is t!at !e.s done s!ows !e was an)ry& and t!at !e wasn.t *ust

sei4in) t!e #irst '!an'e to )et out o# it+$

$W!at !ave you done& Pen/$ de"anded !er "ot!er s!arly+

$5!& I don.t (now+ All t!e "is'!ie# in t!e world& I suose+ I.ll tell you+ W!en you #irst told "et!at #at!er was in trouble wit! !is business& I wrote to !i" not to 'o"e any "ore till I let !i"+ I

said I 'ouldn.t tell !i" w!y& and !e !asn.t been !ere sin'e+ I." sure I don.t (now w!at it "eans+$

Her "ot!er loo(ed at !er wit! an)ry severity+ $Well& Peneloe La!a", or a sensible '!ild& you

ARE t!e )reatest )oose I ever saw+ 1id you t!in( !e would 'o"e !ere and SEE i# you wouldn.tlet !i" 'o"e/$

$He "i)!t !ave written&$ ur)ed t!e )irl+

Her "ot!er "ade t!at desairin) $T'!(,$ wit! !er ton)ue& and #ell ba'( in !er '!air+ $I s!ould

!ave 1ESPISE1 !i" i# !e !ad written+ He.s a'ted *ust e7a'tly ri)!t& and you--you.ve a'ted--I

don.t (now H5W you.ve a'ted+ I." as!a"ed o# you+ A )irl t!at 'ould be so sensible #or !er sister&and always say and do *ust t!e ri)!t t!in)& and t!en w!en it 'o"es to !ersel# to be su'! a

1IS6>STIN6 si"leton,$

$I t!ou)!t I ou)!t to brea( wit! !i" at on'e& and not let !i" suose t!at t!ere was any !oe #or!i" or "e i# #at!er was oor+ It was "y one '!an'e& in t!is w!ole business& to do anyt!in)

!eroi'& and I *u"ed at it+ 0ou "ustn.t t!in(& be'ause I 'an lau)! at it now& t!at I wasn.t in

earnest& "ot!er, I WAS--dead, But t!e Colonel !as )one to ruin so )radually& t!at !e.s soilt

everyt!in)+ I e7e'ted t!at !e would be ban(rut t!e ne7t day& and t!at t!en HE wouldunderstand w!at I "eant+ But to !ave it dra) alon) #or a #ortni)!t see"s to ta(e all t!e !erois"

out o# it& and leave it as #lat,$ S!e loo(ed at !er "ot!er wit! a s"ile t!at s!one t!rou)! !er tears&

and a at!os t!at 3uivered round !er *estin) lis+ $It.s easy enou)! to be sensible #or ot!er eole+ But w!en it 'o"es to "ysel#& t!ere I a", Ese'ially& w!en I want to do w!at I ou)!tn.t so

"u'! t!at it see"s as i# doin) w!at I didn.t want to do %>ST be doin) w!at I ou)!t, But it.s

been a )reat su''ess one way& "ot!er+ It.s !eled "e to (ee u be#ore t!e Colonel+ I# it !adn.t

been #or %r+ Corey.s stayin) away& and "y #eelin) so indi)nant wit! !i" #or !avin) been badlytreated by "e& I s!ouldn.t !ave been wort! anyt!in) at all+$

T!e tears started down !er '!ee(s& but !er "ot!er said& $Well& now& )o alon)& and write to !i"+ It

don.t "atter w!at you say& "u'!2 and don.t be so very arti'ular+$

Her t!ird atte"t at a letter leased !er s'ar'ely better t!an t!e rest& but s!e sent it& t!ou)! itsee"ed so blunt and aw(ward+ S!e wrote8--



1EAR RIEN1&--I e7e'ted w!en I sent you t!at note& t!at you would understand& al"ost t!e

ne7t day& w!y I 'ould not see you any "ore+ 0ou "ust (now now& and you "ust not t!in( t!at i#anyt!in) !aened to "y #at!er& I s!ould wis! you to !el !i"+ But t!at is no reason w!y I

s!ould not t!an( you& and I do t!an( you& #or o##erin)+ It was li(e you& I will say t!at+

0ours sin'erely& PENEL5PE LAPHA%+

S!e osted !er letter& and !e sent !is rely in t!e evenin)& by !and8--

1EAREST&--W!at I did was not!in)& till you raised it+ Everyt!in) I !ave and a" is yours+

Won.t you send a line by t!e bearer& to say t!at I "ay 'o"e to see you/ I (now !ow you #eel2 butI a" sure t!at I 'an "a(e you t!in( di##erently+ 0ou "ust 'onsider t!at I loved you wit!out a

t!ou)!t o# your #at!er.s 'ir'u"stan'es& and always s!all+

T+ C+

T!e )enerous words were blurred to !er eyes by t!e tears t!at sran) into t!e"+ But s!e 'ould

only write in answer8--

$Please do not 'o"e2 I !ave "ade u "y "ind+ As lon) as t!is trouble is !an)in) over us& I'annot see you+ And i# #at!er is un#ortunate& all is over between us+$

S!e brou)!t !is letter to !er "ot!er& and told !er w!at s!e !ad written in rely+ Her "ot!er was

t!ou)!t#ul a w!ile be#ore s!e said& wit! a si)!& $Well& I !oe you.ve be)un as you 'an 'arry out&Pen+$

$5!& I s!all not !ave to 'arry out at all+ I s!all not !ave to do anyt!in)+ T!at.s one 'o"#ort--t!eonly 'o"#ort+$ S!e went away to !er own roo"& and w!en %rs+ La!a" told !er !usband o# t!e

a##air& !e was silent at #irst& as s!e !ad been+ T!en !e said& $I don.t (now as I s!ould !ave wanted!er to done di##erently2 I don.t (now as s!e 'ould+ I# I ever 'o"e ri)!t a)ain& s!e won.t !ave

anyt!in) to #eel "ee'!in) about2 and i# I don.t& I don.t want s!e s!ould be be!olden to anybody+

And I )uess t!at.s t!e way s!e #eels+$



T!e Coreys in t!eir turn sat in *ud)"ent on t!e #a't w!i'! t!eir son #elt bound to brin) to t!eir

(nowled)e+

$S!e !as be!aved very well&$ said %rs+ Corey& to w!o" !er son !ad so(en+

$%y dear&$ said !er !usband& wit! !is lau)!& $s!e !as be!aved T55 well+ I# s!e !ad studied t!ew!ole situation wit! t!e "ost art#ul eye to its "astery& s!e 'ould not ossibly !ave be!aved

better+$

T!e ro'ess o# La!a".s #inan'ial disinte)ration was li(e t!e 'ourse o# so"e '!roni' disorder&

w!i'! !as #astened itsel# uon t!e 'onstitution& but advan'es wit! 'ontinual relie#s& wit! aarenta"elioration& and at ti"es see"s not to advan'e at all& w!en it )ives !oe o# #inal re'overy not

only to t!e su##erer& but to t!e eye o# s'ien'e itsel#+ T!ere were "o"ents w!en @a"es

Bellin)!a"& seein) La!a" ass t!is 'risis and t!at& be)an to #an'y t!at !e "i)!t ull t!rou)!alto)et!er2 and at t!ese "o"ents& w!en !is adviser 'ould not oose anyt!in) but e7erien'e

and robability to t!e eviden'e o# t!e #a't& La!a" was buoyant wit! 'oura)e& and i"arted !is

!oe#ulness to !is !ouse!old+ 5ur t!eory o# disaster& o# sorrow& o# a##li'tion& borrowed #ro" t!e oets and novelists& is t!at it is in'essant2 but every assa)e in our own lives and in t!e lives o#

ot!ers& so #ar as we !ave witnessed t!e"& tea'!es us t!at t!is is #alse+ T!e !ouse o# "ournin) is

de'orously dar(ened to t!e world& but wit!in itsel# it is also t!e !ouse o# lau)!in)+ Bursts o#

)aiety& as !eart#elt as its )rie#& relieve t!e )loo"& and t!e stri'(en survivors !ave t!eir *eststo)et!er& in w!i'! t!e t!ou)!t o# t!e dead is tenderly involved& and a #ond sense& not 'ra4ier t!an

"any ot!ers& o# sy"at!y and en*oy"ent beyond t!e silen'e& *usti#ies t!e sunnier "ood be#ore

sorrow rus!es ba'(& delorin) and desairin)& and "a(in) it all u a)ain wit! t!e 'onventional#itness o# t!in)s+ La!a".s adversity !ad t!is 3uality in 'o""on wit! bereave"ent+ It was not

always li(e t!e adversity we #i)ure in alle)ory2 it !ad its "o"ents o# bein) li(e roserity& and i#

uon t!e w!ole it was 'ontinual& it was not in'essant+ So"eti"es t!ere was a wee( o# reeated

reverses& w!en !e !ad to (ee !is teet! set and to !old on !ard to all !is !oe#ulness2 and t!endays 'a"e o# ne)ative result or sli)!t su''ess& w!en !e was #ull o# !is *o(es at t!e tea-table& and

wanted to )o to t!e t!eatre& or to do so"et!in) to '!eer Peneloe u+ In so"e "ira'ulous way& by so"e enor"ous stro(e o# su''ess w!i'! s!ould e'lise t!e bri)!test o# !is ast roserity& !e

e7e'ted to do w!at would re'on'ile all di##i'ulties& not only in !is own a##airs& but in !ers too+

$0ou.ll see&$ !e said to !is wi#e2 $it.s )oin) to 'o"e out all ri)!t+ Irene.ll #i7 it u wit! Bill.s boy&

and t!en s!e.ll be o## Pen.s "ind2 and i# t!in)s )o on as t!ey.ve been )oin) #or t!e last two days&I." )oin) to be in a osition to do t!e #avours "ysel#& and Pen 'an #eel t!at SHE.S "a(in. a

sa'ri#i'e& and t!en I )uess "ay be s!e.ll do it+ I# t!in)s turn out as I e7e't now& and ti"es ever

do )et any better )enerally& I 'an s!ow Corey t!at I are'iate !is o##er+ I 'an o##er !i" t!e artners!i "ysel# t!en+$

Even in t!e ot!er "oods& w!i'! 'a"e w!en everyt!in) !ad been )oin) wron)& and t!ere see"ed

no way out o# t!e net& t!ere were oints o# 'onsolation to La!a" and !is wi#e+ T!ey re*oi'ed

t!at Irene was sa#e beyond t!e ran)e o# t!eir an7ieties& and t!ey !ad a roud satis#a'tion t!att!ere !ad been no en)a)e"ent between Corey and Peneloe& and t!at it was s!e w!o !ad

#orbidden it+ In t!e 'loseness o# interest and sy"at!y in w!i'! t!eir troubles !ad reunited t!e"&

t!ey 'on#essed to ea'! ot!er t!at not!in) would !ave been "ore )allin) to t!eir ride t!an t!eidea t!at La!a" s!ould not !ave been able to do everyt!in) #or !is dau)!ter t!at t!e Coreys



"i)!t !ave e7e'ted+ W!atever !aened now& t!e Coreys 'ould not !ave it to say t!at t!e

La!a"s !ad tried to brin) any su'! t!in) about+

Bellin)!a" !ad lately su))ested an assi)n"ent to La!a"& as t!e best way out o# !is di##i'ulties+It was evident t!at !e !ad not t!e "oney to "eet !is liabilities at resent& and t!at !e 'ould not

raise it wit!out ruinous sa'ri#i'es& t!at "i)!t still end in ruin a#ter all+ I# !e "ade t!e assi)n"ent&Bellin)!a" ar)ued& !e 'ould )ain ti"e and "a(e ter"s2 t!e state o# t!in)s )enerally would

robably i"rove& sin'e it 'ould not be worse& and t!e "ar(et& w!i'! !e !ad )lutted wit! !is aint& "i)!t re'over and !e 'ould start a)ain+ La!a" !ad not a)reed wit! !i"+ W!en !is

reverses #irst be)an it !ad see"ed easy #or !i" to )ive u everyt!in)& to let t!e eole !e owed

ta(e all& so only t!ey would let !i" )o out wit! 'lean !ands2 and !e !ad dra"atised t!is #eelin)in !is tal( wit! !is wi#e& w!en t!ey so(e to)et!er o# t!e "ills on t!e 6+ L+ P+ But ever sin'e

t!en it !ad been )rowin) !arder& and !e 'ould not 'onsent even to see" to do it now in t!e

roosed assi)n"ent+ He !ad not #ound ot!er "en so very liberal or #ait!#ul wit! !i"2 a )ood"any o# t!e" aeared to !ave 'o"bined to !unt !i" down2 a sense o# en"ity towards all !is

'reditors asserted itsel# in !i"2 !e as(ed !i"sel# w!y t!ey s!ould not su##er a little too+ Above

all& !e s!ran( #ro" t!e ubli'ity o# t!e assi)n"ent+ It was oen 'on#ession t!at !e !ad been a#ool in so"e way2 !e 'ould not bear to !ave !is #a"ily--!is brot!er t!e *ud)e& ese'ially& to

w!o" !e !ad always aeared t!e soul o# business wisdo"--t!in( !i" i"rudent or stuid+ He

would "a(e any sa'ri#i'e be#ore it 'a"e to t!at+ He deter"ined in artin) wit! Bellin)!a" to

"a(e t!e sa'ri#i'e w!i'! !e !ad o#tenest in !is "ind& be'ause it was t!e !ardest& and to sell !isnew !ouse+ T!at would 'ause t!e least 'o""ent+ %ost eole would si"ly t!in( t!at !e !ad )ot

a slendid o##er& and wit! !is usual lu'( !ad "ade a very )ood t!in) o# it2 ot!ers w!o (new a

little "ore about !i" would say t!at !e was !aulin) in !is !orns& but t!ey 'ould not bla"e !i"2 a)reat "any ot!er "en were doin) t!e sa"e in t!ose !ard ti"es--t!e s!rewdest and sa#est "en8 it

"i)!t even !ave a )ood e##e't+ He went strai)!t #ro" Bellin)!a".s o##i'e to t!e real-estate

bro(er in w!ose !ands !e "eant to ut !is !ouse& #or !e was not t!e sort o# "an to s!illy-s!ally

w!en !e !ad on'e "ade u !is "ind+ But !e #ound it !ard to )et !is voi'e u out o# !is t!roat&w!en !e said !e )uessed !e would )et t!e bro(er to sell t!at new !ouse o# !is on t!e water side

o# Bea'on+ T!e bro(er answered '!eer#ully& yes2 !e suosed Colonel La!a" (new it was a

retty dull ti"e in real estate/ and La!a" said yes& !e (new t!at& but !e s!ould not sell at asa'ri#i'e& and !e did not 'are to !ave t!e bro(er na"e !i" or des'ribe t!e !ouse de#initely unless

arties "eant business+ A)ain t!e bro(er said yes2 and !e added& as a *o(e La!a" would

are'iate& t!at !e !ad !al# a do4en !ouses on t!e water side o# Bea'on& on t!e sa"e ter"s2 t!atnobody wanted to be na"ed or to !ave !is roerty des'ribed+

It did& in #a't& 'o"#ort La!a" a little to #ind !i"sel# in t!e sa"e boat wit! so "any ot!ers2 !e

s"iled )ri"ly& and said in !is turn& yes& !e )uessed t!at was about t!e si4e o# it wit! a )ood "any

eole+ But !e !ad not t!e !eart to tell !is wi#e w!at !e !ad done& and !e sat ta'iturn t!at w!oleevenin)& wit!out even )oin) over !is a''ounts& and went early to bed& w!ere !e lay tossin) !al#

t!e ni)!t be#ore !e #ell aslee+ He slet at last only uon t!e ro"ise !e "ade !i"sel# t!at !e

would wit!draw t!e !ouse #ro" t!e bro(er.s !ands2 but !e went !eavily to !is own business int!e "ornin) wit!out doin) so+ T!ere was no su'! rus!& any!ow& !e re#le'ted bitterly2 t!ere would

be ti"e to do t!at a "ont! later& robably+



It stru'( !i" wit! a sort o# dis"ay w!en a boy 'a"e wit! a note #ro" a bro(er& sayin) t!at a

arty w!o !ad been over t!e !ouse in t!e #all !ad 'o"e to !i" to (now w!et!er it 'ould be

bou)!t& and was willin) to ay t!e 'ost o# t!e !ouse u to t!e ti"e !e !ad seen it+ La!a" too(re#u)e in tryin) to t!in( w!o t!e arty 'ould be2 !e 'on'luded t!at it "ust !ave been so"ebody

w!o !ad )one over it wit! t!e ar'!ite't& and !e did not li(e t!at2 but !e was aware t!at t!is was

not an answer to t!e bro(er& and !e wrote t!at !e would )ive !i" an answer in t!e "ornin)+

Now t!at it !ad 'o"e to t!e oint& it did not see" to !i" t!at !e 'ould art wit! t!e !ouse+ So"u'! o# !is !oe #or !i"sel# and !is '!ildren !ad )one into it t!at t!e t!ou)!t o# sellin) it "ade

!i" tre"ulous and si'(+ He 'ould not (ee about !is wor( steadily& and wit! !is nerves s!a(en

by want o# slee& and t!e s!o'( o# t!is sudden and une7e'ted 3uestion& !e le#t !is o##i'e early&and went over to loo( at t!e !ouse and try to brin) !i"sel# to so"e 'on'lusion !ere+ T!e lon)

ro'ession o# la"s on t!e beauti#ul street was #larin) in t!e 'lear red o# t!e sunset towards

w!i'! it "ar'!ed& and La!a"& wit! a lu" in !is t!roat& stoed in #ront o# !is !ouse andloo(ed at t!eir "ultitude+ T!ey were not "erely a art o# t!e lands'ae2 t!ey were a art o# !is

ride and )lory& !is su''ess& !is triu"!ant li#e.s wor( w!i'! was #adin) into #ailure in !is

!elless !ands+ He )round !is teet! to (ee down t!at lu"& but t!e "oisture in !is eyes blurredt!e la"s& and t!e (een ale 'ri"son a)ainst w!i'! it "ade t!e" #li'(er+ He turned and loo(ed

u& as !e !ad so o#ten done& at t!e window-sa'es& neatly )la4ed #or t!e winter wit! w!ite linen&

and re'alled t!e ni)!t w!en !e !ad stoed wit! Irene be#ore t!e !ouse& and s!e !ad said t!at s!e

s!ould never live t!ere& and !e !ad tried to 'oa7 !er into 'oura)e about it+ T!ere was no su'!#a'ade as t!at on t!e w!ole street& to !is t!in(in)+ T!rou)! !is lon) tal(s wit! t!e ar'!ite't& !e

!ad 'o"e to #eel al"ost as inti"ately and #ondly as t!e ar'!ite't !i"sel# t!e satis#yin) si"li'ity

o# t!e w!ole desi)n and t!e deli'a'y o# its detail+ It aealed to !i" as an e73uisite bit o#!ar"ony aeals to t!e unlearned ear& and !e re'o)nised t!e di##eren'e between t!is #ine wor(

and t!e obstreerous retentiousness o# t!e "any overloaded !ouse-#ronts w!i'! Sey"our !ad

"ade !i" noti'e #or !is instru'tion elsew!ere on t!e Ba'( Bay+ Now& in t!e det!s o# !is )loo"&

!e tried to t!in( w!at Italian 'ity it was w!ere Sey"our said !e !ad #irst )ot t!e notion o#treatin) bri'(-wor( in t!at way+

He unlo'(ed t!e te"orary door wit! t!e (ey !e always 'arried& so t!at !e 'ould let !i"sel# in

and out w!enever !e li(ed& and entered t!e !ouse& di" and very 'old wit! t!e a''u"ulated#ri)idity o# t!e w!ole winter in it& and loo(in) as i# t!e arrest o# wor( uon it !ad ta(en la'e a

t!ousand years be#ore+ It s"elt o# t!e unainted woods and t!e 'lean& !ard sur#a'es o# t!e laster&

w!ere t!e e7eri"ents in de'oration !ad le#t it untou'!ed2 and "in)led wit! t!ese odours wast!at o# so"e ran( i)"ents and "etalli' 'o"ositions w!i'! Sey"our !ad used in tryin) to

realise a 'ertain darin) novelty o# #inis!& w!i'! !ad not roved su''ess#ul+ Above all& La!a"

dete'ted t!e e'uliar odour o# !is own aint& wit! w!i'! t!e ar'!ite't !ad been )reatly interested

one day& w!en La!a" s!owed it to !i" at t!e o##i'e+ He !ad as(ed La!a" to let !i" try t!ePersis Brand in realisin) a little idea !e !ad #or t!e #inis! o# %rs+ La!a".s roo"+ I# it su''eeded

t!ey 'ould tell !er w!at it was& #or a surrise+

La!a" )lan'ed at t!e bay-window in t!e re'etion-roo"& w!ere !e sat wit! !is )irls on t!e

trestles w!en Corey #irst 'a"e by2 and t!en !e e7lored t!e w!ole !ouse to t!e atti'& in t!e li)!t#aintly ad"itted t!rou)! t!e linen sas!es+ T!e #loors were strewn wit! s!avin)s and '!is w!i'!

t!e 'arenters !ad le#t& and in t!e "usi'-roo" t!ese !ad been blown into lon) irre)ular windrows



by t!e drau)!ts t!rou)! a wide rent in t!e linen sas!+ La!a" tried to in it u& but #ailed& and

stood loo(in) out o# it over t!e water+ T!e i'e !ad le#t t!e river& and t!e low tide lay s"oot! and

red in t!e li)!t o# t!e sunset+ T!e Ca"brid)e #lats s!owed t!e sad& sodden yellow o# "eadowsstried bare a#ter a lon) slee under snow2 t!e !ills& t!e na(ed trees& t!e sires and roo#s !ad a

bla'( outline& as i# t!ey were ob*e'ts in a lands'ae o# t!e ren'! s'!ool+

T!e w!i" sei4ed La!a" to test t!e '!i"ney in t!e "usi'-roo"2 it !ad been tried in t!e dinin)-

roo" below& and in !is )irls. #irela'es above& but !ere t!e !eart! was still 'lean+ He )at!eredso"e s!avin)s and blo'(s to)et!er& and (indled t!e"& and as t!e #la"e "ounted )aily #ro"

t!e"& !e ulled u a nail-(e) w!i'! !e #ound t!ere and sat down to wat'! it+ Not!in) 'ould !ave

been better2 t!e '!i"ney was a er#e't su''ess2 and as La!a" )lan'ed out o# t!e torn linen sas!!e said to !i"sel# t!at t!at arty& w!oever !e was& w!o !ad o##ered to buy !is !ouse "i)!t )o to

t!e devil2 !e would never sell it as lon) as !e !ad a dollar+ He said t!at !e s!ould ull t!rou)!

yet2 and it suddenly 'a"e into !is "ind t!at& i# !e 'ould raise t!e "oney to buy out t!ose WestVir)inia #ellows& !e s!ould be all ri)!t& and would !ave t!e w!ole )a"e in !is own !and+ He

slaed !i"sel# on t!e t!i)!& and wondered t!at !e !ad never t!ou)!t o# t!at be#ore2 and t!en&

li)!tin) a 'i)ar wit! a slinter #ro" t!e #ire& !e sat down a)ain to wor( t!e s'!e"e out in !isown "ind+ He did not !ear t!e #eet !eavily sta"in) u t!e stairs& and 'o"in) towards t!e roo"

w!ere !e sat2 and t!e oli'e"an to w!o" t!e #eet belon)ed !ad to 'all out to !i"& s"o(in) at !is

'!i"ney-'orner& wit! !is ba'( turned to t!e door& $Hello, w!at are you doin) !ere/$

$W!at.s t!at to you/$ retorted La!a"& w!eelin) !al# round on !is nail-(e)+

$I.ll s!ow you&$ said t!e o##i'er& advan'in) uon !i"& and t!en stoin) s!ort as !e re'o)nised!i"+ $W!y& Colonel La!a", I t!ou)!t it was so"e tra" )ot in !ere,$

$Have a 'i)ar/$ said La!a" !ositably+ $Sorry t!ere ain.t anot!er nail-(e)+$

T!e o##i'er too( t!e 'i)ar+ $I.ll s"o(e it outside+ I.ve *ust 'o"e on& and I 'an.t sto+ Tryin. your

'!i"ney/$

$0es& I t!ou)!t I.d see !ow it would draw& in !ere+ It see"s to )o #irst-rate+$

T!e oli'e"an loo(ed about !i" wit! an eye o# inse'tion+ $0ou want to )et t!at linen window&

t!ere& "ended u+$

$0es& I.ll sea( to t!e builder about t!at+ It 'an )o #or one ni)!t+$

T!e oli'e"an went to t!e window and #ailed to in t!e linen to)et!er w!ere La!a" !ad #ailed be#ore+ $I 'an.t #i7 it+$ He loo(ed round on'e "ore& and sayin)& $Well& )ood ni)!t&$ went out anddown t!e stairs+

La!a" re"ained by t!e #ire till !e !ad s"o(ed !is 'i)ar2 t!en !e rose and sta"ed uon t!e

e"bers t!at still burned wit! !is !eavy boots& and went !o"e+ He was very '!eer#ul at suer+

He told !is wi#e t!at !e )uessed !e !ad a sure t!in) o# it now& and in anot!er twenty-#our !ours!e s!ould tell !er *ust !ow+ He "ade Peneloe )o to t!e t!eatre wit! !i"& and w!en t!ey 'a"e



out& a#ter t!e lay& t!e ni)!t was so #ine t!at !e said t!ey "ust wal( round by t!e new !ouse and

ta(e a loo( at it in t!e starli)!t+ He said !e !ad been t!ere be#ore !e 'a"e !o"e& and tried

Sey"our.s '!i"ney in t!e "usi'-roo"& and it wor(ed li(e a '!ar"+

As t!ey drew near Bea'on Street t!ey were aware o# unwonted stir and tu"ult& and resently t!e

still air trans"itted a tur"oil o# sound& t!rou)! w!i'! a ower#ul and in'essant t!robbin) "adeitsel# #elt+ T!e s(y !ad reddened above t!e"& and turnin) t!e 'orner at t!e Publi' 6arden& t!ey

saw a bla'( "ass o# eole obstru'tin) t!e erse'tive o# t!e bri)!tly-li)!ted street& and out o#t!is "ass a !al#-do4en en)ines& w!ose stron) !eart-beats !ad already rea'!ed t!e"& sent u

volu"es o# #ire-tin)ed s"o(e and stea" #ro" t!eir #unnels+ Ladders were lanted a)ainst t!e

#a'ade o# a buildin)& #ro" t!e roo# o# w!i'! a "ass o# #la"e burnt s"oot!ly uward& e7'etw!ere !ere and t!ere it see"ed to ull 'onte"tuously away #ro" t!e !eavy strea"s o# water

w!i'! t!e #ire"en& 'lin)in) li(e )reat beetles to t!eir ladders& oured in uon it+

La!a" !ad no need to wal( down t!rou)! t!e 'rowd& )a4in) and )ossiin)& wit! s!outs and

'ries and !ysteri'al lau)!ter& be#ore t!e burnin) !ouse& to "a(e sure t!at it was !is+

$I )uess I done it& Pen&$ was all !e said+

A"on) t!e eole w!o were loo(in) at it were a arty w!o see"ed to !ave run out #ro" dinner

in so"e nei)!bourin) !ouse2 t!e ladies were #antasti'ally wraed u& as i# t!ey !ad #lun) on t!e

#irst t!in)s t!ey 'ould sei4e+

$Isn.t it er#e'tly "a)ni#i'ent,$ 'ried a retty )irl+ $I wouldn.t !ave "issed it on any a''ount+T!an( you so "u'!& %r+ Sy"in)ton& #or brin)in) us out,$

$A!& I t!ou)!t you.d li(e it&$ said t!is %r+ Sy"in)ton& w!o "ust !ave been t!e !ost2 $and you

'an en*oy it wit!out t!e least 'o"un'tion& %iss 1elano& #or I !aen to (now t!at t!e !ouse belon)s to a "an w!o 'ould a##ord to burn one u #or you on'e a year+$

$5!& do you t!in( !e would& i# I 'a"e a)ain/$

$I !aven.t t!e least doubt o# it+ We don.t do t!in)s by !alves in Boston+$

$He ou)!t to !ave !ad a 'oat o# !is non'o"bustible aint on it&$ said anot!er )entle"an o# t!e

arty+

Peneloe ulled !er #at!er away toward t!e #irst 'arria)e s!e 'ould rea'! o# a nu"ber t!at !ad

driven u+ $Here& #at!er, )et into t!is+$

$No& no2 I 'ouldn.t ride&$ !e answered !eavily& and !e wal(ed !o"e in silen'e+ He )reeted !is

wi#e wit!& $Well& Persis& our !ouse is )one, And I )uess I set it on #ire "ysel#2$ and w!ile !e

ru""a)ed a"on) t!e aers in !is des(& still wit! !is 'oat and !at on& !is wi#e )ot t!e #a'ts ass!e 'ould #ro" Peneloe+ S!e did not reroa'! !i"+ Here was a 'ase in w!i'! !is sel#-reroa'!

"ust be su##i'iently s!ar wit!out any ed)e #ro" !er+ Besides& !er "ind was #ull o# a terrible

t!ou)!t+



$5 Silas&$ s!e #altered& $t!ey.ll t!in( you set it on #ire to )et t!e insuran'e,$

La!a" was starin) at a aer w!i'! !e !eld in !is !and+ $I !ad a builder.s ris( on it& but it

e7ired last wee(+ It.s a dead loss+$

$5!& t!an( t!e "er'i#ul Lord,$ 'ried !is wi#e+

$%er'i#ul,$ said La!a"+ $Well& it.s a 3ueer way o# s!owin) it+$

He went to bed& and #ell into t!e dee slee w!i'! so"eti"es #ollows a )reat "oral s!o'(+ It was

er!as rat!er a toror t!an a slee+

XXV.

LAPHA% awo(e 'on#used& and in a (ind o# re"oteness #ro" t!e loss o# t!e ni)!t be#ore&

t!rou)! w!i'! it loo"ed "istily+ But be#ore !e li#ted !is !ead #ro" t!e illow& it )at!eredsubstan'e and wei)!t a)ainst w!i'! it needed all !is will to bear u and live+ In t!at "o"ent !e

wis!ed t!at !e !ad not wa(ened& t!at !e "i)!t never !ave wa(ened2 but !e rose& and #a'ed t!e

day and its 'ares+

T!e "ornin) aers brou)!t t!e reort o# t!e #ire& and t!e 'on*e'tured loss+ T!e reortersso"e!ow !ad #ound out t!e #a't t!at t!e loss #ell entirely uon La!a"2 t!ey li)!ted u t!e

!a'(neyed '!ara'ter o# t!eir state"ents wit! t!e i'tures3ue interest 5 t!e 'oin'iden'e t!at t!e

oli'y !ad e7ired only t!e wee( be#ore2 !eaven (nows !ow t!ey (new it+ T!ey said t!at not!in)

re"ained o# t!e buildin) but t!e walls2 and La!a"& on !is way to business& wal(ed u ast t!es"o(e-stained s!ell+ T!e windows loo(ed li(e t!e eye-so'(ets o# a s(ull down uon t!e

bla'(ened and tra"led snow o# t!e street2 t!e ave"ent was a s!eet o# i'e& and t!e water #ro"t!e en)ines !ad #ro4en& li(e strea"s o# tears& down t!e #a'e o# t!e !ouse& and !un) in i'y ta)s

#ro" t!e window-sills and 'oin)s+

He )at!ered !i"sel# u as well as !e 'ould& and went on to !is o##i'e+ T!e '!an'e o# retrieval

t!at !ad #las!ed uon !i"& as !e sat s"o(in) by t!at ruined !eart! t!e evenin) be#ore& stood !i"in su'! stead now as a sole !oe "ay2 and !e said to !i"sel# t!at& !avin) resolved not to sell !is

!ouse& !e was no "ore 'riled by its loss t!an !e would !ave been by lettin) !is "oney lie idle

in it2 w!at !e "i)!t !ave raised by "ort)a)e on it 'ould be "ade u in so"e ot!er way2 and i#

t!ey would sell !e 'ould still buy out t!e w!ole business o# t!at West Vir)inia 'o"any& "ines& lant& sto'( on !and& )ood-will& and everyt!in)& and unite it wit! !is own+ He went early in t!e

a#ternoon to see Bellin)!a"& w!ose e7ressions o# 'ondolen'e #or !is loss !e 'ut s!ort wit! as

"u'! oliteness as !e (new !ow to t!row into !is i"atien'e+ Bellin)!a" see"ed at #irst a littleda44led wit! t!e slendid 'oura)e o# !is s'!e"e2 it was 'ertainly #ine in its way2 but t!en !e

be)an to !ave !is "is)ivin)s+



$I !aen to (now t!at t!ey !aven.t )ot "u'! "oney be!ind t!e"&$ ur)ed La!a"+ $T!ey.ll

*u" at an o##er+$

Bellin)!a" s!oo( !is !ead+ $I# t!ey 'an s!ow ro#it on t!e old "anu#a'ture& and rove t!ey 'an"a(e t!eir aint still '!eaer and better !erea#ter& t!ey 'an !ave all t!e "oney t!ey want+ And it

will be very di##i'ult #or you to raise it i# you.re t!reatened by t!e"+ Wit! t!at 'o"etition& you(now w!at your lant at La!a" would be wort!& and w!at t!e s!rin(a)e on your "anu#a'tured

sto'( would be+ Better sell out to t!e"&$ !e 'on'luded& $i# t!ey will buy+$

$T!ere ain.t "oney enou)! in t!is 'ountry to buy out "y aint&$ said La!a"& buttonin) u !is

'oat in a 3uiver o# resent"ent+ $6ood a#ternoon& sir+$ %en are but )rown-u boys a#ter all+

Bellin)!a" wat'!ed t!is erversely roud and obstinate '!ild #lin) etulantly out o# !is door&and #elt a sy"at!y #or !i" w!i'! was as truly (ind as it was !elless+

But La!a" was be)innin) to see t!rou)! Bellin)!a"& as !e believed+ Bellin)!a" was& in !is

way& art o# t!at 'onsira'y by w!i'! La!a".s 'reditors were tryin) to drive !i" to t!e wall+

%ore t!an ever now !e was )lad t!at !e !ad not!in) to do wit! t!at 'old-!earted& sel#-'on'eitedra'e& and t!at t!e #avours so #ar were all #ro" !is side+ He was "ore t!an ever deter"ined to

s!ow t!e"& every one o# t!e"& !i)! and low& t!at !e and !is '!ildren 'ould )et alon) wit!out

t!e"& and roser and triu"! wit!out t!e"+ He said to !i"sel# t!at i# Peneloe were en)a)ed to

Corey t!at very "inute& !e would "a(e !er brea( wit! !i"+

He (new w!at !e s!ould do now& and !e was )oin) to do it wit!out loss o# ti"e+ He was )oin)

on to New 0or( to see t!ose West Vir)inia eole2 t!ey !ad t!eir rin'ial o##i'e t!ere& and !e

intended to )et at t!eir ideas& and t!en !e intended to "a(e t!e" an o##er+ He "ana)ed t!is business better t!an 'ould ossibly !ave been e7e'ted o# a "an in !is i"assioned "ood+ But

w!en it 'a"e really to business& !is ra'ti'al instin'ts& alert and wary& 'a"e to !is aid a)ainst t!e

assions t!at lay in wait to betray a#ter t!ey 'eased to do"inate !i"+ He #ound t!e WestVir)inians #ull o# 4eal and !oe& but in ten "inutes !e (new t!at t!ey !ad not yet tested t!eirstren)t! in t!e "oney "ar(et& and !ad not as'ertained !ow "u'! or !ow little 'aital t!ey 'ould

'o""and+ La!a" !i"sel#& i# !e !ad !ad so "u'!& would not !ave !esitated to ut a "illion

dollars into t!eir business+ He saw& as t!ey did not see& t!at t!ey !ad t!e )a"e in t!eir own!ands& and t!at i# t!ey 'ould raise t!e "oney to e7tend t!eir business& t!ey 'ould ruin !i"+ It was

only a 3uestion o# ti"e& and !e was on t!e )round #irst+ He #ran(ly roosed a union o# t!eir

interests+ He ad"itted t!at t!ey !ad a )ood t!in)& and t!at !e s!ould !ave to #i)!t t!e" !ard2 but!e "eant to #i)!t t!e" to t!e deat! unless t!ey 'ould 'o"e to so"e sort o# ter"s+ Now& t!e

3uestion was w!et!er t!ey !ad better )o on and "a(e a !eavy loss #or bot! sides by 'o"etition&

or w!et!er t!ey !ad better #or" a artners!i to run bot! aints and 'o""and t!e w!ole "ar(et+

La!a" "ade t!e" t!ree roositions& ea'! o# w!i'! was #air and oen8 to sell out to t!e"alto)et!er2 to buy t!e" out alto)et!er2 to *oin #a'ilities and #or'es wit! t!e"& and )o on in an

invulnerable allian'e+ Let t!e" na"e a #i)ure at w!i'! t!ey would buy& a #i)ure at w!i'! t!ey

would sell& a #i)ure at w!i'! t!ey would 'o"bine&--or& in ot!er words& t!e a"ount o# 'aital t!eyneeded+

T!ey tal(ed all day& )oin) out to lun'! to)et!er at t!e Astor House& and sittin) wit! t!eir (nees

a)ainst t!e 'ounter on a row o# stools be#ore it #or #i#teen "inutes o# re#le'tion and de)lutition&



wit! t!eir !ats on& and t!en returnin) to t!e base"ent #ro" w!i'! t!ey e"er)ed+ T!e West

Vir)inia 'o"any.s na"e was lettered in )ilt on t!e wide low window& and its aint& in t!e #or"

o# ore& burnt& and "i7ed& #or"ed a dislay on t!e window s!el# La!a" e7a"ined it and raisedit2 #ro" ti"e to ti"e t!ey all re'urred to it to)et!er2 t!ey sent out #or so"e o# La!a".s aint and

'o"ared it& t!e West Vir)inians ad"ittin) its #or"er sueriority+ T!ey were youn) #ellows& and

'ountry ersons& li(e La!a"& by ori)in& and t!ey loo(ed out wit! t!e sa"e a"used& undaunted rovin'ial eyes at t!e "yriad "etroolitan le)s assin) on t!e ave"ent above t!e level o# t!eir

window+ He )ot on well wit! t!e"+ At last& t!ey said w!at t!ey would do+ T!ey said it was

nonsense to tal( o# buyin) La!a" out& #or t!ey !ad not t!e "oney2 and as #or sellin) out& t!eywould not do it& #or t!ey (new t!ey !ad a bi) t!in)+ But t!ey would as soon use !is 'aital to

develo it as anybody else.s& and i# !e 'ould ut in a 'ertain su" #or t!is urose& t!ey would )o

in wit! !i"+ He s!ould run t!e wor(s at La!a" and "ana)e t!e business in Boston& and t!ey

would run t!e wor(s at ?anaw!a alls and "ana)e t!e business in New 0or(+ T!e two brot!erswit! w!o" La!a" tal(ed na"ed t!eir #i)ure& sub*e't to t!e aroval o# anot!er brot!er at

?anaw!a alls& to w!o" t!ey would write& and w!o would tele)ra! !is answer& so t!at La!a"

'ould !ave it inside o# t!ree days+ But t!ey #elt er#e'tly sure t!at !e would arove2 and

La!a" started ba'( on t!e eleven o.'lo'( train wit! an elation t!at )radually le#t !i" as !e drewnear Boston& w!ere t!e di##i'ulties o# raisin) t!is su" were to be over 'o"e+ It see"ed to !i"&

t!en& t!at t!ose #ellows !ad ut it u on !i" retty stee& but !e owned to !i"sel# t!at t!ey !ad asure t!in)& and t!at t!ey were ri)!t in believin) t!ey 'ould raise t!e sa"e su" elsew!ere2 it

would ta(e all 5 it& !e ad"itted& to "a(e t!eir aint ay on t!e s'ale t!ey !ad t!e ri)!t to

e7e't+ At t!eir a)e& !e would not !ave done di##erently2 but w!en !e e"er)ed& old& sore& andslee-bro(en& #ro" t!e sleein)-'ar in t!e Albany deot at Boston& !e wis!ed wit! a at!eti'

sel#-ity t!at t!ey (new !ow a "an #elt at !is a)e+ A year a)o& si7 "ont!s a)o& !e would !ave

lau)!ed at t!e notion t!at it would be !ard to raise t!e "oney+ But !e t!ou)!t rue#ully o# t!at

i""ense sto'( o# aint on !and& w!i'! was now a dru) in t!e "ar(et& o# !is losses by Ro)ersand by t!e #ailures o# ot!er "en& o# t!e #ire t!at !ad li'(ed u so "any t!ousands in a #ew !ours2

!e t!ou)!t wit! bitterness o# t!e tens o# t!ousands t!at !e !ad )a"bled away in sto'(s& and o#

t!e 'o""issions t!at t!e bro(ers !ad o'(eted w!et!er !e won or lost2 and !e 'ould not t!in( o#any se'urities on w!i'! !e 'ould borrow& e7'et !is !ouse in Nan(een S3uare& or t!e "ine and

wor(s at La!a"+ He set !is teet! in !elless ra)e w!en !e t!ou)!t o# t!at roerty out on t!e 6+

L+ P+& t!at ou)!t to be wort! so "u'!& and was wort! so little i# t!e Road '!ose to say so+

He did not )o !o"e& but sent "ost o# t!e day s!inin) round& as !e would !ave e7ressed it& andtryin) to see i# !e 'ould raise t!e "oney+ But !e #ound t!at eole o# w!o" !e !oed to )et it

were in t!e 'onsira'y w!i'! !ad been #or"ed to drive !i" to t!e wall+ So"e!ow& t!ere see"ed

a sense o# !is e"barrass"ents abroad+ Nobody wanted to lend "oney on t!e lant at La!a"wit!out ta(in) ti"e to loo( into t!e state o# t!e business2 but La!a" !ad no ti"e to )ive& and !e

(new t!at t!e state o# t!e business would not bear loo(in) into+ He 'ould raise #i#teen t!ousand

on !is Nan(een S3uare !ouse& and anot!er #i#teen on !is Bea'on Street lot& and t!is was all t!at a"an w!o was wort! a "illion by ri)!ts 'ould do, He said a "illion& and !e said it in de#ian'e o#

Bellin)!a"& w!o !ad sub*e'ted !is #i)ures to an analysis w!i'! wounded La!a" "ore t!an !e

'!ose to s!ow at t!e ti"e& #or it roved t!at !e was not so ri'! and not so wise as !e !ad see"ed+

His !urt vanity #orbade !i" to )o to Bellin)!a" now #or !el or advi'e2 and i# !e 'ould !ave brou)!t !i"sel# to as( !is brot!ers #or "oney& it would !ave been useless2 t!ey were si"ly

well-to-do Western eole& but not 'aitalists on t!e s'ale !e re3uired+



La!a" stood in t!e isolation to w!i'! adversity so o#ten see"s to brin) "en+ W!en its test was

alied& ra'ti'ally or t!eoreti'ally& to all t!ose w!o !ad see"ed !is #riends& t!ere was none w!o

bore it2 and !e t!ou)!t wit! bitter sel#-'onte"t o# t!e eole w!o" !e !ad be#riended in t!eirti"e o# need+ He said to !i"sel# t!at !e !ad been a #ool #or t!at2 and !e s'orned !i"sel# #or

'ertain a'ts o# s'ruulosity by w!i'! !e !ad lost "oney in t!e ast+ Seein) t!e "oral #or'es all

arrayed a)ainst !i"& La!a" said t!at !e would li(e to !ave t!e '!an'e o##ered !i" to )et evenwit! t!e" a)ain2 !e t!ou)!t !e s!ould (now !ow to loo( out #or !i"sel#+ As !e understood it& !e

!ad several days to turn about in& and !e did not let one day.s #ailure dis!earten !i"+ T!e

"ornin) a#ter !is return !e !ad& in #a't& a )lea" o# lu'( t!at )ave !i" t!e )reatesten'oura)e"ent #or t!e "o"ent+ A "an 'a"e in to in3uire about one o# Ro)ers.s wild-'at atents&

as La!a" 'alled t!e"& and ended by buyin) it+ He )ot it& o# 'ourse& #or less t!an La!a" too( it

#or& but La!a" was )lad to be rid o# it #or so"et!in)& w!en !e !ad t!ou)!t it wort! not!in)2

and w!en t!e transa'tion was 'losed& !e as(ed t!e ur'!aser rat!er ea)erly i# !e (new w!ereRo)ers was2 it was La!a".s se'ret belie# t!at Ro)ers !ad #ound t!ere was "oney in t!e t!in)&

and !ad sent t!e "an to buy it+ But it aeared t!at t!is was a "ista(e2 t!e "an !ad not 'o"e

#ro" Ro)ers& but !ad !eard o# t!e atent in anot!er way2 and La!a" was astonis!ed in t!e

a#ternoon& w!en !is boy 'a"e to tell !i" t!at Ro)ers was in t!e outer o##i'e& and wis!ed to sea( wit! !i"+

$All ri)!t&$ said La!a"& and !e 'ould not 'o""and at on'e t!e severity #or t!e re'etion o#

Ro)ers w!i'! !e would !ave li(ed to use+ He #ound !i"sel#& in #a't& so "u'! rela7ed towards!i" by t!e "ornin).s tou'! o# roserity t!at !e as(ed !i" to sit down& )ru##ly& o# 'ourse& but

distin'tly2 and w!en Ro)ers said in !is li#eless way& and wit! t!e e##e't o# (eein) !is

aoint"ent o# a "ont! be#ore& $T!ose En)lis! arties are in town& and would li(e to tal( wit!you in re#eren'e to t!e "ills&$ La!a" did not turn !i" out-o#-doors+

He sat loo(in) at !i"& and tryin) to "a(e out w!at Ro)ers was a#ter2 #or !e did not believe t!at

t!e En)lis! arties& i# t!ey e7isted& !ad any notion o# buyin) !is "ills+

$W!at i# t!ey are not #or sale/$ !e as(ed+ $0ou (now t!at I.ve been e7e'tin) an o##er #ro" t!e6+ L+ P+$

$I.ve (et wat'! o# t!at+ T!ey !aven.t "ade you any o##er&$ said Ro)ers 3uietly+

$And did you t!in(&$ de"anded La!a"& #irin) u& $t!at I would turn t!e" in on so"ebody else

as you turned t!e" in on "e& w!en t!e '!an'es are t!at t!ey won.t be wort! ten 'ents on t!e

dollar si7 "ont!s #ro" now/$

$I didn.t (now w!at you would do&$ said Ro)ers non-'o""ittally+ $I.ve 'o"e !ere to tell you t!att!ese arties stand ready to ta(e t!e "ills o## your !ands at a #air valuation--at t!e value I ut

uon t!e" w!en I turned t!e" in+$

$I don.t believe you,$ 'ried La!a" brutally& but a wild redatory !oe "ade !is !eart lea sot!at it see"ed to turn over in !is breast+ $I don.t believe t!ere are any su'! arties to be)in wit!2

and in t!e ne7t la'e& I don.t believe t!ey would buy at any su'! #i)ure2 unless--unless you.ve

lied to t!e"& as you.ve lied to "e+ 1id you tell t!e" about t!e 6+ L+ P+/$



Ro)ers loo(ed 'o"assionately at !i"& but !e answered& wit! unvaried dryness& $I did not t!in(

t!at ne'essary+$

La!a" !ad e7e'ted t!is answer& and !e !ad e7e'ted or intended to brea( out in #uriousdenun'iation o# Ro)ers w!en !e )ot it2 but !e only #ound !i"sel# sayin)& in a sort o# ba##led

)as& $I wonder w!at your )a"e is,$

Ro)ers did not rely 'ate)ori'ally& but !e answered& wit! !is i"artial 'al"& and as i# La!a"

!ad said not!in) to indi'ate t!at !e di##ered at all wit! !i" as to disosin) o# t!e roerty in t!eway !e !ad su))ested8 $I# we s!ould su''eed in sellin)& I s!ould be able to reay you your loans&

and s!ould !ave a little 'aital #or a s'!e"e t!at I t!in( o# )oin) into+$

$And do you t!in( t!at I a" )oin) to steal t!ese "en.s "oney to !el you lunder so"ebody in a

new s'!e"e/$ answered La!a"+ T!e sneer was on be!al# o# virtue& but it was still a sneer+

$I suose t!e "oney would be use#ul to you too& *ust now+$

$W!y/$

$Be'ause I (now t!at you !ave been tryin) to borrow+$

At t!is roo# o# wi'(ed o"nis'ien'e in Ro)ers& t!e 3uestion w!et!er !e !ad better not re)ard t!e

a##air as a #atality& and yield to !is destiny& #las!ed uon La!a"2 but !e answered& $I s!all want

"oney a )reat deal worse t!an I.ve ever wanted it yet& be#ore I )o into su'! ras'ally businesswit! you+ 1on.t you (now t!at we "i)!t as well (no'( t!ese arties down on t!e street& and ta(e

t!e "oney out o# t!eir o'(ets/$

$T!ey !ave 'o"e on&$ answered Ro)ers& $#ro" Portland to see you+ I e7e'ted t!e" so"e wee(sa)o& but t!ey disaointed "e+ T!ey arrived on t!e Cir'assian last ni)!t2 t!ey e7e'ted to !ave

)ot in #ive days a)o& but t!e assa)e was very stor"y+$

$W!ere are t!ey/$ as(ed La!a"& wit! !elless irrelevan'e& and #eelin) !i"sel# so"e!ow

dri#ted #ro" !is "oorin)s by Ro)ers.s s!iin) intelli)en'e+

$T!ey are at 0oun).s+ I told t!e" we would 'all uon t!e" a#ter dinner t!is evenin)2 t!ey dinelate+$

$5!& you did& did you/$ as(ed La!a"& tryin) to dro anot!er an'!or #or a #res! 'lut'! on !is

underlyin) rin'iles+ $Well& now& you )o and tell t!e" t!at I said I wouldn.t 'o"e+$

$T!eir stay is li"ited&$ re"ar(ed Ro)ers+ $I "entioned t!is evenin) be'ause t!ey were not'ertain t!ey 'ould re"ain over anot!er ni)!t+ But i# to-"orrow would suit you better----$

$Tell .e" I s!an.t 'o"e at all&$ roared La!a"& as "u'! in terror as de#ian'e& #or !e #elt !is

an'!or dra))in)+ $Tell .e" I s!an.t 'o"e at all, 1o you understand t!at/$



$I don.t see w!y you s!ould sti'(le as to t!e "atter o# )oin) to t!e"&$ said Ro)ers2 $but i# you

t!in( it will be better to !ave t!e" aroa'! you& I suose I 'an brin) t!e" to you+$

$No& you 'an.t, I s!an.t let you, I s!an.t see t!e", I s!an.t !ave anyt!in) to do wit! t!e"+ N5Wdo you understand/$

$I in#erred #ro" our last interview&$ ersisted Ro)ers& un"oved by all t!is violent de"onstration

o# La!a".s& $t!at you wis!ed to "eet t!ese arties+ 0ou told "e t!at you would )ive "e ti"e to

rodu'e t!e"2 and I !ave ro"ised t!e" t!at you would "eet t!e"2 I !ave 'o""itted "ysel#+$

It was true t!at La!a" !ad de#ied Ro)ers to brin) on !is "en& and !ad i"lied !is willin)nessto ne)otiate wit! t!e"+ T!at was be#ore !e !ad tal(ed t!e "atter over wit! !is wi#e& and

er'eived !is "oral resonsibility in it2 even s!e !ad not seen t!is at on'e+ He 'ould not enter

into t!is e7lanation wit! Ro)ers2 !e 'ould only say& $I said I.d )ive you twenty-#our !ours to rove yoursel# a liar& and you did it+ I didn.t say twenty-#our days+$

$I don.t see t!e di##eren'e&$ returned Ro)ers+ $T!e arties are !ere now& and t!at roves t!at Iwas a'tin) in )ood #ait! at t!e ti"e+ T!ere !as been no '!an)e in t!e osture o# a##airs+ 0ou don.t

(now now any "ore t!an you (new t!en t!at t!e 6+ L+ P+ is )oin) to want t!e roerty+ I#t!ere.s any di##eren'e& it.s in #avour o# t!e Road.s !avin) '!an)ed its "ind+$

T!ere was so"e sense in t!is& and La!a" #elt it--#elt it only too ea)erly& as !e re'o)nised t!e

ne7t instant+

Ro)ers went on 3uietly8 $0ou.re not obli)ed to sell to t!ese arties w!en you "eet t!e"2 butyou.ve allowed "e to 'o""it "ysel# to t!e" by t!e ro"ise t!at you would tal( wit! t!e"+$

$.Twan.t a ro"ise&$ said La!a"+

$It was t!e sa"e t!in)2 t!ey !ave 'o"e out #ro" En)land on "y )uaranty t!at t!ere was su'!

and su'! an oenin) #or t!eir 'aital2 and now w!at a" I to say to t!e"/ It la'es "e in a

ridi'ulous osition+$ Ro)ers ur)ed !is )rievan'e 'al"ly& al"ost i"ersonally& "a(in) !is aealto La!a".s sense o# *usti'e+ $I CAN.T )o ba'( to t!ose arties and tell t!e" you won.t see t!e"+

It.s no answer to "a(e+ T!ey.ve )ot a ri)!t to (now w!y you won.t see t!e"+$

$Very well& t!en,$ 'ried La!a"2 $I.ll 'o"e and TELL t!e" w!y+ W!o s!all I as( #or/ W!en

s!all I be t!ere/$

$At ei)!t o.'lo'(& lease&$ said Ro)ers& risin)& wit!out aarent alar" at !is t!reat& i# it was at!reat+ $And as( #or "e2 I.ve ta(en a roo" at t!e !otel #or t!e resent+$

$I won.t (ee you #ive "inutes w!en I )et t!ere&$ said La!a"2 but !e did not 'o"e away till ten

o.'lo'(+

It aeared to !i" as i# t!e very devil was in it+ T!e En)lis!"en treated !is downri)!t re#usal to

sell as a ie'e o# blu##& and tal(ed on as t!ou)! it were "erely t!e oenin) o# t!e ne)otiation+



W!en !e be'a"e lain wit! t!e" in !is an)er& and told t!e" w!y !e would not sell& t!ey see"ed

to !ave been reared #or t!is as a stro(e o# business& and were ready to "eet it+

$Has t!is #ellow&$ !e de"anded& twistin) !is !ead in t!e dire'tion o# Ro)ers& but disdainin) tonoti'e !i" ot!erwise& $been tellin) you t!at it.s art o# "y )a"e to say t!is/ Well& sir& I 'an tell

you& on "y side& t!at t!ere isn.t a slierier ras'al un!un) in A"eri'a t!an %ilton ?+ Ro)ers,$

T!e En)lis!"en treated t!is as a ie'e o# )enuine A"eri'an !u"our& and returned to t!e '!ar)e

wit! unabated 'oura)e+ T!ey owned now& t!at a erson interested wit! t!e" !ad been out to loo( at t!e roerty& and t!at t!ey were satis#ied wit! t!e aearan'e o# t!in)s+ T!ey develoed

#urt!er t!e #a't t!at t!ey were not a'tin) solely& or even rin'ially& in t!eir own be!al#& but were

t!e a)ents o# eole in En)land w!o !ad ro*e'ted t!e 'olonisation o# a sort o# 'o""unity ont!e sot& so"ew!at a#ter t!e lan o# ot!er En)lis! drea"ers& and t!at t!ey were satis#ied& #ro" a

'are#ul inse'tion& t!at t!e resour'es and #a'ilities were t!ose best 'al'ulated to develo t!e

ener)y and enterrise o# t!e roosed 'o""unity+ T!ey were reared to "eet %r+ La!a"--

Colonel& t!ey be))ed !is ardon& at t!e instan'e o# Ro)ers--at any reasonable #i)ure& and were

3uite willin) to assu"e t!e ris(s !e !ad ointed out+ So"et!in) in t!e eyes o# t!ese "en&so"et!in) t!at lur(ed at an in#inite det! below t!eir see'!& and was not really in t!eir eyes

w!en La!a" loo(ed a)ain& !ad #las!ed t!rou)! !i" a sense o# trea'!ery in t!e"+ He !adt!ou)!t t!e" t!e dues o# Ro)ers2 but in t!at brie# instant !e !ad seen t!e"--or t!ou)!t !e !ad

seen t!e"--!is a''o"li'es& ready to betray t!e interests o# w!i'! t!ey went on to sea( wit! a

'ertain 'o"#ortable *o'osity& and a 'ertain in'redulous sli)!t o# !is s!ow o# inte)rity+ It was adeeer )a"e t!an La!a" was used to& and !e sat loo(in) wit! a sort o# ad"iration #ro" one

En)lis!"an to t!e ot!er& and t!en to Ro)ers& w!o "aintained an e7terior o# "odest neutrality&

and w!ose air said& $I !ave brou)!t you )entle"en to)et!er as t!e #riend o# all arties& and I now

leave you to settle it a"on) yourselves+ I as( not!in)& and e7e't not!in)& e7'et t!e s"all su"w!i'! s!all a''rue to "e a#ter t!e dis'!ar)e o# "y obli)ations to Colonel La!a"+$

W!ile Ro)ers.s resen'e e7ressed t!is& one o# t!e En)lis!"en was sayin)& $And i# you !ave any

s'rule in allowin. us to assu"e t!is ris(& Colonel La!a"& er!as you 'an 'onsole yoursel#wit! t!e #a't t!at t!e loss& i# t!ere is to be any& will #all uon eole w!o are able to bear it--uon

an asso'iation o# ri'! and '!aritable eole+ But we.re 3uite satis#ied t!ere will be no loss&$ !e

added savin)ly+ $All you !ave to do is to na"e your ri'e& and we will do our best to "eet it+$

T!ere was not!in) in t!e En)lis!"an.s so!istry very s!o'(in) to La!a"+ It addressed itsel# in!i" to t!at easy-)oin)& not evilly intentioned& otential i""orality w!i'! re)ards 'o""on

roerty as 'o""on rey& and )ives us t!e "ost 'orrut "uni'ial )overn"ents under t!e sun--

w!i'! "a(es t!e oorest voter& w!en !e !as tri'(ed into la'e& as uns'ruulous in re)ard to

ot!ers. "oney as an !ereditary rin'e+ La!a" "et t!e En)lis!"an.s eye& and wit! di##i'ulty(et !i"sel# #ro" win(in)+ T!en !e loo(ed away& and tried to #ind out w!ere !e stood& or w!at

!e wanted to do+ He 'ould !ardly tell+ He !ad e7e'ted to 'o"e into t!at roo" and un"as(

Ro)ers& and !ave it over+ But !e !ad un"as(ed Ro)ers wit!out any e##e't w!atever& and t!e lay!ad only be)un+ He !ad a w!i"si'al and sar'asti' sense o# its bein) very di##erent #ro" t!e lays

at t!e t!eatre+ He 'ould not )et u and )o away in silent 'onte"t2 !e 'ould not tell t!e

En)lis!"en t!at !e believed t!e" a air o# s'oundrels and s!ould !ave not!in) to do wit! t!e"2



!e 'ould no lon)er treat t!e" as inno'ent dues+ He re"ained ba##led and erle7ed& and t!e one

w!o !ad not so(en !it!erto re"ar(ed--

$5# 'ourse we s!an.t .a))le about a #ew ound& "ore or less+ I# Colonel La!a".s #i)ure s!ould be a little lar)er t!an ours& I.ve no doubt .e.ll not be too .ard uon us in t!e end+$

La!a" are'iated all t!e intent o# t!is subtle su))estion& and understood as lainly as i# it !ad

been said in so "any words& t!at i# t!ey aid !i" a lar)er ri'e& it was to be e7e'ted t!at a

'ertain ortion o# t!e ur'!ase-"oney was to return to t!eir own !ands+ Still !e 'ould not "ove2and it see"ed to !i" t!at !e 'ould not sea(+

$Rin) t!at bell& %r+ Ro)ers&$ said t!e En)lis!"an w!o !ad last so(en& )lan'in) at t!e

annun'iator button in t!e wall near Ro)ers.s !ead& $and .ave u so"et!in) .o#& 'an.t you/ I s!ould

li(e T5 wet "e w.istle& as you say .ere& and Colonel La!a" see"s to #ind it rat!er dry wor(+$

La!a" *u"ed to !is #eet& and buttoned !is over'oat about !i"+ He re"e"bered wit! terror t!e

dinner at Corey.s w!ere !e !ad dis)ra'ed and betrayed !i"sel#& and i# !e went into t!is t!in) atall& !e was )oin) into it sober+ $I 'an.t sto&$ !e said& $I "ust be )oin)+$

$But you !aven.t )iven us an answer yet& %r+ La!a"&$ said t!e #irst En)lis!"an wit! asu''ess#ul s!ow o# di)ni#ied surrise+

$T!e only answer I 'an )ive you now is& N5&$ said La!a"+ $I# you want anot!er& you "ust let

"e !ave ti"e to t!in( it over+$

$But .ow "u'! ti"e/$ said t!e ot!er En)lis!"an+ $We.re ressed #or ti"e ourselves& and we

!oed #or an answer--.oed #or a !answer&$ !e 'orre'ted !i"sel#& $at on'e+ T!at was our

understandin. wit! %r+ Ro)ers+$

$I 'an.t let you (now till "ornin)& anyway&$ said La!a"& and !e went out& as !is 'usto" o#ten

was& wit!out any artin) salutation+ He t!ou)!t Ro)ers "i)!t try to detain !i"2 but Ro)ers !ad

re"ained seated w!en t!e ot!ers )ot to t!eir #eet& and aid no attention to !is dearture+

He wal(ed out into t!e ni)!t air& every ulse t!robbin) wit! t!e stron) te"tation+ He (new very

well t!ose "en would wait& and )ladly wait& till t!e "ornin)& and t!at t!e w!ole a##air was in !is

!ands+ It "ade !i" )roan in sirit to t!in( t!at it was+ I# !e !ad !oed t!at so"e '!an'e "i)!t

ta(e t!e de'ision #ro" !i"& t!ere was no su'! '!an'e& in t!e resent or #uture& t!at !e 'ould see+It was #or !i" alone to 'o""it t!is ras'ality--i# it was a ras'ality--or not+

He wal(ed all t!e way !o"e& lettin) one 'ar a#ter anot!er ass !i" on t!e street& now so e"ty

o# ot!er assin)& and it was al"ost eleven o.'lo'( w!en !e rea'!ed !o"e+ A 'arria)e stood be#ore !is !ouse& and w!en !e let !i"sel# in wit! !is (ey& !e !eard tal(in) in t!e #a"ily-roo"+ It

'a"e into !is !ead t!at Irene !ad )ot ba'( une7e'tedly& and t!at t!e si)!t o# !er was so"e!ow

)oin) to "a(e it !arder #or !i"2 t!en !e t!ou)!t it "i)!t be Corey& 'o"e uon so"e deserate

rete7t to see Peneloe2 but w!en !e oened t!e door !e saw& wit! a 'ertain absen'e o# surrise&t!at it was Ro)ers+ He was standin) wit! !is ba'( to t!e #irela'e& tal(in) to %rs+ La!a"& and



!e !ad been s!eddin) tears2 dry tears t!ey see"ed& and t!ey !ad le#t a sort o# sandy& )listenin)

tra'e on !is '!ee(s+ Aarently !e was not as!a"ed o# t!e"& #or t!e e7ression wit! w!i'! !e

"et La!a" was t!at o# a "an "a(in) a deserate aeal in !is own 'ause& w!i'! was identi'alwit! t!at o# !u"anity& i# not t!at o# *usti'e+

$I so"e e7e'ted&$ be)an Ro)ers& $to #ind you !ere----$

$No& you didn.t&$ interruted La!a"2 $you wanted to 'o"e !ere and "a(e a oor "out! to %rs+

La!a" be#ore I )ot !o"e+$

$I (new t!at %rs+ La!a" would (now w!at was )oin) on&$ said Ro)ers "ore 'andidly& but not"ore virtuously& #or t!at !e 'ould not& $and I wis!ed !er to understand a oint t!at I !adn.t ut to

you at t!e !otel& and t!at I want you s!ould 'onsider+ And I want you s!ould 'onsider "e a little

in t!is business too2 you.re not t!e only one t!at.s 'on'erned& I tell you& and I.ve been tellin) %rs+La!a" t!at it.s "y one '!an'e2 t!at i# you don.t "eet "e on it& "y wi#e and '!ildren will be

redu'ed to be))ary+$

$So will "ine&$ said La!a"& $or t!e ne7t t!in) to it+$

$Well& t!en& I want you to )ive "e t!is '!an'e to )et on "y #eet a)ain+ 0ou.ve no ri)!t to derive"e o# it2 it.s un'!ristian+ In our dealin)s wit! ea'! ot!er we s!ould be )uided by t!e 6olden

Rule& as I was sayin) to %rs+ La!a" be#ore you 'a"e in+ I told !er t!at i# I (new "ysel#& I

s!ould in your la'e 'onsider t!e 'ir'u"stan'es o# a "an in "ine& w!o !ad !onourably

endeavoured to dis'!ar)e !is obli)ations to "e& and !ad atiently borne "y undeservedsusi'ions+ I s!ould 'onsider t!at "an.s #a"ily& I told %rs+ La!a"+$

$1id you tell !er t!at i# I went in wit! you and t!ose #ellows& I s!ould be robbin) t!e eole w!o

trusted t!e"/$

$I don.t see w!at you.ve )ot to do wit! t!e eole t!at sent t!e" !ere+ T!ey are ri'! eole& and'ould bear it i# it 'a"e to t!e worst+ But t!ere.s no li(eli!ood& now& t!at it will 'o"e to t!e worst2

you 'an see yoursel# t!at t!e Road !as '!an)ed its "ind about buyin)+ And !ere a" I wit!out a

'ent in t!e world2 and "y wi#e is an invalid+ S!e needs 'o"#orts& s!e needs little lu7uries& ands!e !asn.t even t!e ne'essaries2 and you want to sa'ri#i'e !er to a "ere idea, 0ou don.t (now in

t!e #irst la'e t!at t!e Road will ever want to buy2 and i# it does& t!e robability is t!at wit! a

'olony li(e t!at lanted on its line& it would "a(e very di##erent ter"s #ro" w!at it would wit!

you or "e+ T!ese a)ents are not a#raid& and t!eir rin'ials are ri'! eole2 and i# t!ere was anyloss& it would be divided u a"on)st t!e" so t!at t!ey wouldn.t any o# t!e" #eel it+$

La!a" stole a troubled )lan'e at !is wi#e& and saw t!at t!ere was no !el in !er+ W!et!er s!e

was daunted and 'on#used in !er own 'ons'ien'e by t!e out'o"e& so evil and disastrous& o# t!e

rearation to Ro)ers w!i'! s!e !ad #or'ed !er !usband to "a(e& or w!et!er !er er'etions !ad been blunted and dar(ened by t!e aeals w!i'! Ro)ers !ad now used& it would be di##i'ult to

say+ Probably t!ere was a "i7ture o# bot! 'auses in t!e e##e't w!i'! !er !usband #elt in !er& and

#ro" w!i'! !e turned& )irdin) !i"sel# anew& to Ro)ers+



$I !ave no wis! to re'ur to t!e ast&$ 'ontinued Ro)ers& wit! )rowin) sueriority+ $0ou !ave

s!own a roer sirit in re)ard to t!at& and you !ave done w!at you 'ould to wie it out+$

$I s!ould t!in( I !ad&$ said La!a"+ $I.ve used u about a !undred and #i#ty t!ousand dollarstryin)+$

$So"e o# "y enterrises&$ Ro)ers ad"itted& $!ave been un#ortunate& see"in)ly2 but I !ave !oes

t!at t!ey will yet turn out well--in ti"e+ I 'an.t understand w!y you s!ould be so "ind#ul o#

ot!ers now& w!en you s!owed so little re)ard #or "e t!en+ I !ad 'o"e to your aid at a ti"e w!enyou needed !el& and w!en you )ot on your #eet you (i'(ed "e out o# t!e business+ I don.t

'o"lain& but t!at is t!e #a't2 and I !ad to be)in a)ain& a#ter I !ad suosed "ysel# settled in li#e&

and establis! "ysel# elsew!ere+$

La!a" )lan'ed a)ain at !is wi#e2 !er !ead !ad #allen2 !e 'ould see t!at s!e was so rooted in !erold re"orse #or t!at 3uestionable a't o# !is& a"ly and "ore t!an #ully atoned #or sin'e& t!at s!e

was !elless& now in t!e 'ru'ial "o"ent& w!en !e !ad t!e ut"ost need o# !er insi)!t+ He !ad

'ounted uon !er2 !e er'eived now t!at w!en !e !ad t!ou)!t it was #or !i" alone to de'ide& !e!ad 'ounted uon !er *ust sirit to stay !is own in its stru))le to be *ust+ He !ad not #or)otten

!ow s!e !eld out a)ainst !i" only a little w!ile a)o& w!en !e as(ed !er w!et!er !e "i)!t not

ri)!t#ully sell in so"e su'! 'ontin)en'y as t!is2 and it was not now t!at s!e said or even loo(ed

anyt!in) in #avour o# Ro)ers& but t!at s!e was silent a)ainst !i"& w!i'! dis"ayed La!a"+ Heswallowed t!e lu" t!at rose in !is t!roat& t!e sel#-ity& t!e ity #or !er& t!e desair& and said

)ently& $I )uess you better )o to bed& Persis+ It.s retty late+$

S!e turned towards t!e door& w!en Ro)ers said& wit! t!e obvious intention o# detainin) !ert!rou)! !er 'uriosity--

$But I let t!at ass+ And I don.t as( now t!at you s!ould sell to t!ese "en+$

%rs+ La!a" aused& irresolute+

$W!at are you "a(in) t!is bot!er #or& t!en/$ de"anded La!a"+ $W!at 15 you want/$

$W!at I.ve been tellin) your wi#e !ere+ I want you s!ould sell to "e+ I don.t say w!at I." )oin)

to do wit! t!e roerty& and you will not !ave an iota o# resonsibility& w!atever !aens+$

La!a" was sta))ered& and !e saw !is wi#e.s #a'e li)!t u wit! ea)er 3uestion+

$I want t!at roerty&$ 'ontinued Ro)ers& $and I.ve )ot t!e "oney to buy it+ W!at will you ta(e#or it/ I# it.s t!e ri'e you.re standin) out #or----$

$Persis&$ said La!a"& $)o to bed&$ and !e )ave !er a loo( t!at "eant obedien'e #or !er+ S!e

went out o# t!e door& and le#t !i" wit! !is te"ter+



$I# you t!in( I." )oin) to !el you w!i t!e devil round t!e stu"& you.re "ista(en in your "an&

%ilton Ro)ers&$ said La!a"& li)!tin) a 'i)ar+ $As soon as I sold to you& you would sell to t!at

ot!er air o# ras'als+ I s"elt .e" out in !al# a "inute+$

$T!ey are C!ristian )entle"en&$ said Ro)ers+ $But I don.t urose de#endin) t!e"2 and I don.t

urose tellin) you w!at I s!all or s!all not do wit! t!e roerty w!en it is in "y !ands a)ain+T!e 3uestion is& Will you sell& and& i# so& w!at is your #i)ure/ 0ou !ave )ot not!in) w!atever to

do wit! it a#ter you.ve sold+$

It was er#e'tly true+ Any lawyer would !ave told !i" t!e sa"e+ He 'ould not !el ad"irin)

Ro)ers #or !is in)enuity& and every sel#is! interest o# !is nature *oined wit! "any obvious duties

to ur)e !i" to 'onsent+ He did not see w!y !e s!ould re#use+ T!ere was no lon)er a reason+ Hewas standin) out alone #or not!in)& any one else would say+ He s"o(ed on as i# Ro)ers were not

t!ere& and Ro)ers re"ained be#ore t!e #ire as atient as t!e 'lo'( ti'(in) be!ind !is !ead on t!e

"antel& and s!owin) t!e )lea" o# its endulu" beyond !is #a'e on eit!er side+ But at last !e

said& $Well/$

$Well&$ answered La!a"& $you 'an.t e7e't "e to )ive you an answer to-ni)!t& any "ore t!an

be#ore+ 0ou (now t!at w!at you.ve said now !asn.t '!an)ed t!e t!in) a bit+ I wis! it !ad+ T!e

Lord (nows& I want to be rid o# t!e roerty #ast enou)!+$ $T!en w!y don.t you sell to "e/ Can.t

you see t!at you will not be resonsible #or w!at !aens a#ter you !ave sold/$

$No& I 'an.t see t!at2 but i# I 'an by "ornin)& I.ll sell+$

$W!y do you e7e't to (now any better by "ornin)/ 0ou.re wastin) ti"e #or not!in),$ 'ried

Ro)ers& in !is disaoint"ent+ $W!y are you so arti'ular/ W!en you drove "e out o# t!e

business you were not so very arti'ular+$

La!a" win'ed+ It was 'ertainly ridi'ulous #or "an w!o !ad on'e so sel#is!ly 'onsulted !is owninterests to be sti'(lin) now about t!e ri)!ts o# ot!ers+

$I )uess not!in).s )oin) to !aen overni)!t&$ !e answered sullenly+ $Anyway& I s!an.t say w!at

I s!all do till "ornin)+$

$W!at ti"e 'an I see you in t!e "ornin)/$

$Hal#-ast nine+$

Ro)ers buttoned !is 'oat& and went out o# t!e roo" wit!out anot!er word+ La!a" #ollowed !i"to 'lose t!e street-door a#ter !i"+

His wi#e 'alled down to !i" #ro" above as !e aroa'!ed t!e roo" a)ain& $Well/$

$I.ve told !i" I.d let !i" (now in t!e "ornin)+$

$Want I s!ould 'o"e down and tal( wit! you/$



$No&$ answered La!a"& in t!e roud bitterness w!i'! !is isolation brou)!t& $you 'ouldn.t do

any )ood+$ He went in and s!ut t!e door& and by and by !is wi#e !eard !i" be)in wal(in) u and

down2 and t!en t!e rest o# t!e ni)!t s!e lay awa(e and listened to !i" wal(in) u and down+ Butw!en t!e #irst li)!t w!itened t!e window& t!e words o# t!e S'riture 'a"e into !er "ind8 $And

t!ere wrestled a "an wit! !i" until t!e brea(in) o# t!e day++++ And !e said& Let "e )o& #or t!e day

brea(et!+ And !e said& I will not let t!ee )o& e7'et t!ou bless "e+$

S!e 'ould not as( !i" anyt!in) w!en t!ey "et& but !e raised !is dull eyes a#ter t!e #irst silen'e&and said& $I don.t (now w!at I." )oin) to say to Ro)ers+$

S!e 'ould not sea(2 s!e did not (now w!at to say& and s!e saw !er !usband w!en s!e #ollowed

!i" wit! !er eyes #ro" t!e window& dra) !eavily down toward t!e 'orner& w!ere !e was to ta(e&t!e !orse-'ar+

He arrived rat!er later t!an usual at !is o##i'e& and !e #ound !is letters already on !is table+ T!ere

was one& lon) and o##i'ial-loo(in)& wit! a rinted letter-!eadin) on t!e outside& and La!a" !ad

no need to oen it in order to (now t!at it was t!e o##er o# t!e 6reat La'ustrine Polar Railroad#or !is "ills+ But !e went "e'!ani'ally t!rou)! t!e veri#i'ation o# !is ro!eti' #ear& w!i'! was

also !is sole !oe& and t!en sat loo(in) blan(ly at it+

Ro)ers 'a"e ro"tly at t!e aointed ti"e& and La!a" !anded !i" t!e letter+ He "ust !ave

ta(en it all in at a )lan'e& and seen t!e i"ossibility o# ne)otiatin) any #urt!er now& even wit!vi'ti"s so liant and willin) as t!ose En)lis!"en+

$0ou.ve ruined "e,$ Ro)ers bro(e out+ $I !aven.t a 'ent le#t in t!e world, 6od !el "y oor

wi#e,$

He went out& and La!a" re"ained starin) at t!e door w!i'! 'losed uon !i"+ T!is was !isreward #or standin) #ir" #or ri)!t and *usti'e to !is own destru'tion8 to #eel li(e a t!ie# and a"urderer+

XXVI.

LATER in t!e #orenoon 'a"e t!e desat'! #ro" t!e West Vir)inians in New 0or(& sayin) t!eir

brot!er assented to t!eir a)ree"ent2 and it now re"ained #or La!a" to #ul#il !is art o# it+ He

was ludi'rously #ar #ro" able to do t!is2 and unless !e 'ould )et so"e e7tension o# ti"e #ro"t!e"& !e "ust lose t!is '!an'e& !is only '!an'e& to retrieve !i"sel#+ He sent t!e ti"e in a

deserate endeavour to raise t!e "oney& but !e !ad not raised t!e !al# o# it w!en t!e ban(s

'losed+ Wit! s!a"e in !is !eart !e went to Bellin)!a"& #ro" w!o" !e !ad arted so !au)!tily&and laid !is lan be#ore !i"+ He 'ould not brin) !i"sel# to as( Bellin)!a".s !el& but !e told

!i" w!at !e roosed to do+ Bellin)!a" ointed out t!at t!e w!ole t!in) was an e7eri"ent& and

t!at t!e ri'e as(ed was enor"ous& unless a )reat su''ess were "orally 'ertain+ He advised



delay& !e advised ruden'e2 !e insisted t!at La!a" ou)!t at least to )o out to ?anaw!a alls&

and see t!e "ines and wor(s be#ore !e ut any su'! su" into t!e develo"ent o# t!e enterrise+

$T!at.s all well enou)!&$ 'ried La!a"2 $but i# I don.t 'lin'! t!is o##er wit!in twenty-#our !ours&t!ey.ll wit!draw it& and )o into t!e "ar(et2 and t!en w!ere a" I/$

$6o on and see t!e" a)ain&$ said Bellin)!a"+ $T!ey 'an.t be so ere"tory as t!at wit! you+

T!ey "ust )ive you ti"e to loo( at w!at t!ey want to sell+ I# it turns out w!at you !oe& t!en--I.ll

see w!at 'an be done+ But loo( into it t!orou)!ly+$

$Well,$ 'ried La!a"& !ellessly sub"ittin)+ He too( out !is wat'!& and saw t!at !e !ad #orty"inutes to 'at'! t!e #our o.'lo'( train+ He !urried ba'( to !is o##i'e& and ut to)et!er so"e

aers rearatory to )oin)& and desat'!ed a note by !is boy to %rs+ La!a" sayin) t!at !e

was startin) #or New 0or(& and did not (now *ust w!en !e s!ould )et ba'(+

T!e early srin) day was raw and 'old+ As !e went out t!rou)! t!e o##i'e !e saw t!e 'ler(s at

wor( wit! t!eir street-'oats and !ats on2 %iss 1ewey !ad !er *a'(et dra))ed u on !ers!oulders& and loo(ed arti'ularly 'o"#ortless as s!e oerated !er "a'!ine wit! !er red #in)ers+

$W!at.s u/$ as(ed La!a"& stoin) a "o"ent+

$See"s to be so"et!in) t!e "atter wit! t!e stea"&$ s!e answered& wit! t!e air o# un"erited

wron) !abitual wit! so "any retty wo"en w!o !ave to wor( #or a livin)+

$Well& ta(e your writer into "y roo"+ T!ere.s a #ire in t!e stove t!ere&$ said La!a"& assin) out+

Hal# an !our later !is wi#e 'a"e into t!e outer o##i'e+ S!e !ad assed t!e day in a assion o# sel#-

reroa'!& )radually "ountin) #ro" t!e "ental nu"bness in w!i'! !e !ad le#t !er& and now s!e

'ould wait no lon)er to tell !i" t!at s!e saw !ow s!e !ad #orsa(en !i" in !is !our o# trial andle#t !i" to bear it alone+ S!e wondered at !ersel# in s!a"e and dis"ay2 s!e wondered t!at s!e

'ould !ave been so 'on#used as to t!e real oint by t!at old wret'! o# a Ro)ers& t!at s!e 'ould!ave let !i" !oodwin( !er so& even #or a "o"ent+ It astounded !er t!at su'! a t!in) s!ould !ave

!aened& #or i# t!ere was any virtue uon w!i'! t!is )ood wo"an rided !ersel#& in w!i'! s!e

t!ou)!t !ersel# suerior to !er !usband& it was !er instant and stead#ast er'etion o# ri)!t andwron)& and t!e ability to '!oose t!e ri)!t to !er own !urt+ But s!e !ad now to 'on#ess& as ea'! o#

us !as !ad li(ewise to 'on#ess in !is own 'ase& t!at t!e very virtue on w!i'! s!e !ad rided

!ersel# was t!e t!in) t!at !ad layed !er #alse2 t!at s!e !ad (et !er "ind so lon) uon t!at old

wron) w!i'! s!e believed !er !usband !ad done t!is "an t!at s!e 'ould not deta'! it& but 'lun)to t!e t!ou)!t o# rearation #or it w!en s!e ou)!t to !ave seen t!at !e was roosin) a ie'e o#

ro)uery as t!e "eans+ T!e su##erin) w!i'! La!a" "ust in#li't on !i" i# !e de'ided a)ainst !i"!ad been "ore to !er are!ension t!an t!e !ar" !e "i)!t do i# !e de'ided #or !i"+ But now s!eowned !er li"itations to !ersel#& and above everyt!in) in t!e world s!e wis!ed t!e "an w!o"

!er 'ons'ien'e !ad roused and driven on w!it!er !er intelli)en'e !ad not #ollowed& to do ri)!t& to

do w!at !e #elt to be ri)!t& and not!in) else+ S!e ad"ired and revered !i" #or )oin) beyond !er&and s!e wis!ed to tell !i" t!at s!e did not (now w!at !e !ad deter"ined to do about Ro)ers& but

t!at s!e (new it was ri)!t& and would )ladly abide t!e 'onse3uen'es wit! !i"& w!atever t!ey

were+



S!e !ad not been near !is la'e o# business #or nearly a year& and !er !eart s"ote !er tenderly as

s!e loo(ed about !er t!ere& and t!ou)!t o# t!e early days w!en s!e (new as "u'! about t!e aint

as !e did2 s!e wis!ed t!at t!ose days were ba'( a)ain+ S!e saw Corey at !is des(& and s!e 'ouldnot bear to sea( to !i"2 s!e droed !er veil t!at s!e need not re'o)nise !i"& and us!ed on to

La!a".s roo"& and oenin) t!e door wit!out (no'(in)& s!ut it be!ind !er+

T!en s!e be'a"e aware wit! intolerable disaoint"ent t!at !er !usband was not t!ere+ Instead&

a very retty )irl sat at !is des(& oeratin) a tyewriter+ S!e see"ed 3uite at !o"e& and s!e aid%rs+ La!a" t!e s'ant attention w!i'! su'! youn) wo"en o#ten bestow uon eole not

ersonally interestin) to t!e"+ It ve7ed t!e wi#e t!at any one else s!ould see" to be !elin) !er

!usband about business t!at s!e !ad on'e been so inti"ate wit!2 and s!e did not at all li(e t!e)irl.s indi##eren'e to !er resen'e+ Her !at and sa'( !un) on a nail in one 'orner& and La!a".s

o##i'e 'oat& loo(in) intensely li(e !i" to !is wi#e.s #a"iliar eye& !un) on a nail in t!e ot!er

'orner2 and %rs+ La!a" li(ed even less t!an t!e )irl.s )ood loo(s t!is do"esti'ation o# !er)ar"ents in !er !usband.s o##i'e+ S!e be)an to as( !ersel# e7'itedly w!y !e s!ould be away #ro"

!is o##i'e w!en s!e !aened to 'o"e2 and s!e !ad not t!e stren)t! at t!e "o"ent to reason

!ersel# out o# !er unreasonableness+

$W!en will Colonel La!a" be in& do you suose/$ s!e s!arly as(ed o# t!e )irl+

$I 'ouldn.t say e7a'tly&$ relied t!e )irl& wit!out loo(in) round+

$Has !e been out lon)/$

$I don.t (now as I noti'ed&$ said t!e )irl& loo(in) u at t!e 'lo'(& wit!out loo(in) at %rs+

La!a"+ S!e went on wor(in) !er "a'!ine+

$Well& I 'an.t wait any lon)er&$ said t!e wi#e abrutly+ $W!en Colonel La!a" 'o"es in& you lease tell !i" %rs+ La!a" wants to see !i"+$

T!e )irl started to !er #eet and turned toward %rs+ La!a" wit! a red and startled #a'e& w!i'!

s!e did not li#t to 'on#ront !er+ $0es--yes--I will&$ s!e #altered+

T!e wi#e went !o"e wit! a sense o# de#eat "i7ed wit! an irritation about t!is )irl w!i'! s!e

'ould not 3uell or a''ount #or+ S!e #ound !er !usband.s "essa)e& and it see"ed intolerable t!at!e s!ould !ave )one to New 0or( wit!out seein) !er2 s!e as(ed !ersel# in vain w!at t!e

"ysterious business 'ould be t!at too( !i" away so suddenly+ S!e said to !ersel# t!at !e was

ne)le'tin) !er2 !e was leavin) !er out a little too "u'!2 and in de"andin) o# !ersel# w!y !e !ad

never "entioned t!at )irl t!ere in !is o##i'e& s!e #or)ot !ow "u'! s!e !ad le#t !ersel# out o# !is business li#e+ T!at was anot!er 'urse o# t!eir roserity+ Well& s!e was )lad t!e roserity was

)oin)2 it !ad never been !ainess+ A#ter t!is s!e was )oin) to (now everyt!in) as s!e used+

S!e tried to dis"iss t!e w!ole "atter till La!a" returned2 and i# t!ere !ad been anyt!in) #or !er to do in t!at "iserable !ouse& as s!e 'alled it in !er t!ou)!t& s!e "i)!t !ave su''eeded+ But

a)ain t!e 'urse was on !er2 t!ere was not!in) to do2 and t!e loo(s o# t!at )irl (et 'o"in) ba'(

to !er va'an'y& !er diso''uation+ S!e tried to "a(e !ersel# so"et!in) to do& but t!at beauty&



w!i'! s!e !ad not li(ed& #ollowed !er a"id t!e wor( o# over!aulin) t!e su""er 'lot!in)& w!i'!

Irene !ad seen to uttin) away in t!e #all+ W!o was t!e t!in)& anyway/ It was very stran)e& !er

bein) t!ere2 w!y did s!e *u" u in t!at #ri)!tened way w!en %rs+ La!a" !ad na"ed !ersel#/

A#ter dar(& t!at evenin)& w!en t!e 3uestion !ad worn away its oi)nan'y #ro" "ere iteration& a

note #or %rs+ La!a" was le#t at t!e door by a "essen)er w!o said t!ere was no answer+ $A note#or "e/$ s!e said& starin) at t!e un(nown& and so"e!ow arti#i'ial-loo(in)& !andwritin) o# t!e

suers'rition+ T!en s!e oened it and read8 $As( your !usband about !is lady 'oyin)-'ler(+ Ariend and Well-wis!er&$ w!o si)ned t!e note& )ave no ot!er na"e+

%rs+ La!a" sat !elless wit! it in !er !and+ Her brain reeled2 s!e tried to #i)!t t!e "adness o##2

but be#ore La!a" 'a"e ba'( t!e se'ond "ornin)& it !ad be'o"e& wit! lessenin) intervals o#sanity and release& a de"onia'al ossession+ S!e assed t!e ni)!t wit!out slee& wit!out rest& in

t!e #ren4y o# t!e 'ruellest o# t!e assions& w!i'! 'overs wit! s!a"e t!e un!ay soul it

ossesses& and "urderously lusts #or t!e "isery o# its ob*e't+ I# s!e !ad (nown w!ere to #ind !er

!usband in New 0or(& s!e would !ave #ollowed !i"2 s!e waited !is return in an e'stasy o#

i"atien'e+ In t!e "ornin) !e 'a"e ba'(& loo(in) sent and !a))ard+ S!e saw !i" drive u tot!e door& and s!e ran to let !i" in !ersel#+

$W!o is t!at )irl you.ve )ot in your o##i'e& Silas La!a"/$ s!e de"anded& w!en !er !usband

entered+

$6irl in "y o##i'e/$

$0es, W!o is s!e/ W!at is s!e doin) t!ere/$

$W!y& w!at !ave you !eard about !er/$

$Never you "ind w!at I.ve !eard+ W!o is s!e/ IS IT %RS+ %+ THAT 05> 6AVE THAT

%5NE0 T5/ I want to (now w!o s!e is, I want to (now w!at a rese'table "an& wit! )rown-u)irls o# !is own& is doin) wit! su'! a loo(in) t!in) as t!at in !is o##i'e/ I want to (now !ow lon)

s!e.s been t!ere/ I want to (now w!at s!e.s t!ere at all #or/$

He !ad "e'!ani'ally us!ed !er be#ore !i" into t!e lon)& dar(ened arlour& and !e s!ut !i"sel#

in t!ere wit! !er now& to (ee t!e !ouse!old #ro" !earin) !er li#ted voi'e+ or a w!ile !e stood bewildered& and 'ould not !ave answered i# !e would& and t!en !e would not+ He "erely as(ed&

$Have I ever a''used you o# anyt!in) wron)& Persis/$

$0ou no need to,$ s!e answered #uriously& la'in) !ersel# a)ainst t!e 'losed door+

$1id you ever (now "e to do anyt!in) out o# t!e way/$

$T!at isn.t w!at I as(ed you+$

$Well& I )uess you "ay #ind out about t!at )irl yoursel#+ 6et away #ro" t!e door+$



$I won.t )et away #ro" t!e door+$

S!e #elt !ersel# set li)!tly aside& and !er !usband oened t!e door and went out+ $I WILL #ind

out about !er&$ s!e s'rea"ed a#ter !i"+ $I.ll #ind out& and I.ll dis)ra'e you+ I.ll tea'! you !ow totreat "e----$

T!e air bla'(ened round !er8 s!e reeled to t!e so#a and t!en s!e #ound !ersel# wa(in) #ro" a

#aint+ S!e did not (now !ow lon) s!e !ad lain t!ere& s!e did not 'are+ In a "o"ent !er "adness

'a"e w!irlin) ba'( uon !er+ S!e rus!ed u to !is roo"2 it was e"ty2 t!e 'loset-doors stooda*ar and t!e drawers were oen2 !e "ust !ave a'(ed a ba) !astily and #led+ S!e went out and

wandered 'ra4ily u and down till s!e #ound a !a'(+ S!e )ave t!e driver !er !usband.s business

address& and told !i" to drive t!ere as #ast as !e 'ould2 and t!ree ti"es s!e lowered t!e windowto ut !er !ead out and as( !i" i# !e 'ould not !urry+ A t!ousand t!in)s t!ron)ed into !er "ind

to suort !er in !er evil will+ S!e re"e"bered !ow )lad and roud t!at "an !ad been to "arry

!er& and !ow everybody said s!e was "arryin) beneat! !er w!en s!e too( !i"+ S!e re"e"bered

!ow )ood s!e !ad always been to !i"& !ow er#e'tly devoted& slavin) early and late to advan'e

!i"& and loo(in) out #or !is interests in all t!in)s& and sarin) !ersel# in not!in)+ I# it !ad not been #or !er& !e "i)!t !ave been drivin) sta)e yet2 and sin'e t!eir troubles !ad be)un& t!e

troubles w!i'! !is own #olly and i"ruden'e !ad brou)!t on t!e"& !er 'ondu't !ad been t!at o#a true and #ait!#ul wi#e+ Was HE t!e sort o# "an to be allowed to lay !er #alse wit! i"unity/

S!e set !er teet! and drew !er breat! s!arly t!rou)! t!e" w!en s!e t!ou)!t !ow willin)ly s!e

!ad let !i" be#ool !er& and delude !er about t!at "e"orandu" o# ay"ents to %rs+ %+& be'auses!e loved !i" so "u'!& and itied !i" #or !is 'ares and an7ieties+ S!e re'alled !is 'on#usion& !is

)uilty loo(s+

S!e lun)ed out o# t!e 'arria)e so !astily w!en s!e rea'!ed t!e o##i'e t!at s!e did not t!in( o#

ayin) t!e driver2 and !e !ad to 'all a#ter !er w!en s!e !ad )ot !al#-way u t!e stairs+ T!en s!e

went strai)!t to La!a".s roo"& wit! outra)e in !er !eart+ T!ere was a)ain no one t!ere but t!attye-writer )irl2 s!e *u"ed to !er #eet in a #ri)!t& as %rs+ La!a" das!ed t!e door to be!ind !er

and #lun) u !er veil+

T!e two wo"en 'on#ronted ea'! ot!er+

$W!y& t!e )ood land,$ 'ried %rs+ La!a"& $ain.t you Kerrilla %illon/$

$I--I." "arried&$ #altered t!e )irl $%y na"e.s 1ewey& now+$

$0ou.re @i" %illon.s dau)!ter& anyway+ How lon) !ave you been !ere/$

$I !aven.t been !ere re)ularly2 I.ve been !ere o## and on ever sin'e last %ay+$

$W!ere.s your "ot!er/$

$S!e.s !ere--in Boston+$



%rs+ La!a" (et !er eyes on t!e )irl& but s!e droed& tre"blin)& into !er !usband.s '!air& and

a sort o# a"a4e and 'uriosity were in !er voi'e instead o# t!e #ury s!e !ad "eant to ut t!ere+

$T!e Colonel&$ 'ontinued Kerrilla& $!e.s been !elin) us& and !e.s )ot "e a tye-writer& so t!at I'an !el "ysel# a little+ %ot!er.s doin) retty well now2 and w!en Hen isn.t around we 'an )et

alon)+$

$T!at your !usband/$

$I never wanted to "arry !i"2 but !e ro"ised to try to )et so"et!in) to do on s!ore2 and

"ot!er was all #or it& be'ause !e !ad a little roerty t!en& and I t!ou)!t "ay be I.d better+ Butit.s turned out *ust as I said and i# !e don.t stay away lon) enou)! t!is ti"e to let "e )et t!e

divor'e&--!e.s a)reed to it& ti"e and a)ain&--I don.t (now w!at we.re )oin) to do+$ Kerrilla.s voi'e

#ell& and t!e trouble w!i'! s!e 'ould (ee out o# !er #a'e usually& w!en s!e was 'o"#ortablywar"ed and #ed and rettily dressed& 'louded it in t!e resen'e o# a sy"at!eti' listener+ $I saw

it was you& w!en you 'a"e in t!e ot!er day&$ s!e went on2 $but you didn.t see" to (now "e+ I

suose t!e Colonel.s told you t!at t!ere.s a )entle"an )oin) to "arry "e--%r+ We""el.s !isna"e--as soon as I )et t!e divor'e2 but so"eti"es I." 'o"letely dis'oura)ed2 it don.t see" as i#

I ever 'ould )et it+$

%rs+ La!a" would not let !er (now t!at s!e was i)norant o# t!e #a't attributed to !er

(nowled)e+ S!e re"ained listenin) to Kerrilla& and ie'in) out t!e w!ole !istory o# !er resen'et!ere #ro" t!e #a'ts o# t!e ast& and t!e traits o# !er !usband.s '!ara'ter+ 5ne o# t!e t!in)s s!e

!ad always !ad to #i)!t !i" about was t!at idea o# !is t!at !e was bound to ta(e 'are o# @i"

%illon.s wort!less wi#e and !er '!ild be'ause %illon !ad )ot t!e bullet t!at was "eant #or !i"+It was a er#e't suerstition o# !is2 s!e 'ould not beat it out o# !i"2 but s!e !ad "ade !i"

ro"ise t!e last ti"e !e !ad done anyt!in) #or t!at wo"an t!at it s!ould BE t!e last ti"e+ He

!ad t!en )ot !er a little !ouse in one o# t!e #is!in) orts& w!ere s!e 'ould ta(e t!e sailors to board and was! #or& and earn an !onest livin) i# s!e would (ee strai)!t+ T!at was #ive or si7years a)o& and %rs+ La!a" !ad !eard not!in) o# %rs+ %illon sin'e2 s!e !ad !eard 3uite enou)!

o# !er be#ore2 and !ad (nown !er idle and baddis! ever sin'e s!e was t!e worst little )irl at

s'!ool in Lu"berville& and all t!rou)! !er s!a"e#ul )irl!ood& and t!e "arried days w!i'! s!e!ad "ade so "iserable to t!e oor #ellow w!o !ad )iven !er !is de'ent na"e and a '!an'e to

be!ave !ersel#+ %rs+ La!a" !ad no "er'y on %oll %illon& and s!e !ad 3uarrelled o#ten enou)!

wit! !er !usband #or be#riendin) !er+ As #or t!e '!ild& i# t!e "ot!er would ut Kerrilla out wit!so"e rese'table #a"ily& t!at would be 5NE t!in)2 but as lon) as s!e (et Kerrilla wit! !er& s!e

was a)ainst lettin) !er !usband do anyt!in) #or eit!er o# t!e"+ He !ad done ten ti"es as "u'!

#or t!e" now as !e !ad any need to& and s!e !ad "ade !i" )ive !er !is sole"n word t!at !e

would do no "ore+ S!e saw now t!at s!e was wron) to "a(e !i" )ive it& and t!at !e "ust !ave bro(en it a)ain and a)ain #or t!e reason t!at !e !ad )iven w!en s!e on'e s'olded !i" #or

t!rowin) away !is "oney on t!at !ussy--

$W!en I t!in( o# @i" %illon& I.ve )ot to2 t!at.s all+$

S!e re'alled now t!at w!enever s!e !ad brou)!t u t!e sub*e't o# %rs+ %illon and !er dau)!ter&!e !ad see"ed s!y o# it& and !ad droed it wit! so"e )uess t!at t!ey were )ettin) alon) now+



S!e wondered t!at s!e !ad not t!ou)!t at on'e o# %rs+ %illon w!en s!e saw t!at "e"orandu"

about %rs+ %+2 but t!e wo"an !ad assed so entirely out o# !er li#e& t!at s!e !ad never drea"t o#

!er in 'onne'tion wit! it+ Her !usband !ad de'eived !er& yet !er !eart was no lon)er !ot a)ainst!i"& but rat!er tenderly )rate#ul t!at !is de'eit was in t!is sort& and not in t!at ot!er+ All 'ruel

and s!a"e#ul doubt o# !i" went out o# it+ S!e loo(ed at t!is beauti#ul )irl& w!o !ad blosso"ed

out o# !er (nowled)e sin'e s!e saw !er last& and s!e (new t!at s!e was only a blosso"ed weed&o# t!e sa"e wort!less root as !er "ot!er& and saved& i# saved& #ro" t!e sa"e evil destiny& by t!e

)ood o# !er #at!er in !er2 but so #ar as t!e )irl and !er "ot!er were 'on'erned& %rs+ La!a"

(new t!at !er !usband was to bla"e #or not!in) but !is wil#ul& wron)-!eaded& (ind-!eartedness&w!i'! !er own e7a'tions !ad turned into de'eit+ S!e re"ained a w!ile& 3uestionin) t!e )irl

3uietly about !ersel# and !er "ot!er& and t!en& wit! a better "ind towards Kerrilla& at least& t!an

s!e !ad ever !ad be#ore& s!e rose u and went out+ T!ere "ust !ave been so"e outer !int o# t!e

e7!austion in w!i'! t!e subsiden'e o# !er e7'ite"ent !ad le#t !er wit!in& #or be#ore s!e !adrea'!ed t!e !ead o# t!e stairs& Corey 'a"e towards !er+

$Can I be o# any use to you& %rs+ La!a"/ T!e Colonel was !ere *ust be#ore you 'a"e in& on !is

way to t!e train+$

$0es&--yes+ I didn.t (now--I t!ou)!t er!as I 'ould 'at'! !i" !ere+ But it don.t "atter+ I wis!you would let so"e one )o wit! "e to )et a 'arria)e&$ s!e be))ed #eebly+

$I.ll )o wit! you "ysel#&$ said t!e youn) #ellow& i)norin) t!e stran)eness in !er "anner+ He

o##ered !er !is ar" in t!e twili)!t o# t!e stair'ase& and s!e was )lad to ut !er tre"blin) !and

t!rou)! it& and (ee it t!ere till !e !eled !er into a !a'( w!i'! !e #ound #or !er+ He )ave t!edriver !er dire'tion& and stood loo(in) a little an7iously at !er+

$I t!an( you2 I a" all ri)!t now&$ s!e said& and !e bade t!e "an drive on+

W!en s!e rea'!ed !o"e s!e went to bed& sent wit! t!e tu"ult o# !er e"otions and si'( wit!

s!a"e and sel#-reroa'!+ S!e understood now& as 'learly as i# !e !ad told !er in as "any words&t!at i# !e !ad be#riended t!ose wort!less *ades--t!e %illons '!ara'terised t!e"selves so& even to

%rs+ La!a".s re"orse--se'retly and in de#ian'e o# !er& it was be'ause !e dreaded !er bla"e&

w!i'! was so s!ar and bitter& #or w!at !e 'ould not !el doin)+ It 'onsoled !er t!at !e !ad

de#ied !er& de'eived !er2 w!en !e 'a"e ba'( s!e s!ould tell !i" t!at2 and t!en it #las!ed uon!er t!at s!e did not (now w!ere !e was )one& or w!et!er !e would ever 'o"e a)ain+ I# !e never

'a"e& it would be no "ore t!an s!e deserved2 but s!e sent #or Peneloe& and tried to )ive !ersel#

!oes o# es'ae #ro" t!is *ust enalty+

La!a" !ad not told !is dau)!ter w!ere !e was )oin)2 s!e !ad !eard !i" a'(in) !is ba)& and!ad o##ered to !el !i"2 but !e !ad said !e 'ould do it best& and !ad )one o##& as !e usually did&

wit!out ta(in) leave o# any one+

$W!at were you tal(in) about so loud& down in t!e arlour&$ s!e as(ed !er "ot!er& $*ust be#ore!e 'a"e u+ Is t!ere any new trouble/$

$No2 it was not!in)+$



$I 'ouldn.t tell+ 5n'e I t!ou)!t you were lau)!in)+$ S!e went about& 'losin) t!e 'urtains on

a''ount o# !er "ot!er.s !eada'!e& and doin) aw(wardly and i"er#e'tly t!e t!in)s t!at Irene

would !ave done so s(il#ully #or !er 'o"#ort+

T!e day wore away to ni)!t#all& and t!en %rs+ La!a" said s!e %>ST (now+ Peneloe said

t!ere was no one to as(2 t!e 'ler(s would all be )one !o"e& and !er "ot!er said yes& t!ere was%r+ Corey2 t!ey 'ould send and as( !i"2 !e would (now+

T!e )irl !esitated+ $Very well&$ s!e said& t!en& s'ar'ely above a w!iser& and s!e resentlylau)!ed !us(ily+ $%r+ Corey see"s #ated to 'o"e in& so"ew!ere+ I )uess it.s a Providen'e&

"ot!er+$

S!e sent o## a note& in3uirin) w!et!er !e 'ould tell !er *ust w!ere !er #at!er !ad e7e'ted to be

t!at ni)!t2 and t!e answer 'a"e 3ui'(ly ba'( t!at Corey did not (now& but would loo( u t!e boo(-(eeer and in3uire+ T!is o##i'e brou)!t !i" in erson& an !our later& to tell Peneloe t!at

t!e Colonel was to be at La!a" t!at ni)!t and ne7t day+

$He 'a"e in #ro" New 0or(& in a )reat !urry& and rus!ed o## as soon as !e 'ould a'( !is ba)&$

Peneloe e7lained& $and we !adn.t a '!an'e to as( !i" w!ere !e was to be to-ni)!t+ And "ot!er wasn.t very well& and----$

$I t!ou)!t s!e wasn.t loo(in) well w!en s!e was at t!e o##i'e to-day+ And so I t!ou)!t I would

'o"e rat!er t!an send&$ Corey e7lained in !is turn+

$5!& t!an( you,$

$I# t!ere is anyt!in) I 'an do--tele)ra! Colonel La!a"& or anyt!in)/$

$5! no& t!an( you2 "ot!er.s better now+ S!e "erely wanted to be sure w!ere !e was+$

He did not o##er to )o& uon t!is 'on'lusion o# !is business& but !oed !e was not (eein) !er

#ro" !er "ot!er+ S!e t!an(ed !i" on'e a)ain& and said no& t!at !er "ot!er was "u'! better

sin'e s!e !ad !ad a 'u o# tea2 and t!en t!ey loo(ed at ea'! ot!er& and wit!out any aarente7'!an)e o# intelli)en'e !e re"ained& and at eleven o.'lo'( !e was still t!ere+ He was !onest in

sayin) !e did not (now it was so late2 but !e "ade no reten'e o# bein) sorry& and s!e too( t!e

bla"e to !ersel#+

$I ou)!tn.t to !ave let you stay&$ s!e said+ $But wit! #at!er )one& and all t!at trouble !an)in) over

us----$

S!e was allowin) !i" to !old !er !and a "o"ent at t!e door& to w!i'! s!e !ad #ollowed !i"+

$I." so )lad you 'ould let "e,$ !e said& $and I want to as( you now w!en I "ay 'o"e a)ain+ But

i# you need "e& you.ll----$



A s!ar ull at t!e door-bell outside "ade t!e" start asunder& and at a si)n #ro" Peneloe& w!o

(new t!at t!e "aids were abed by t!is ti"e& !e oened it+

$W!y& Irene,$ s!rie(ed t!e )irl+

Irene entered wit! t!e !a'("an& w!o !ad driven !er un!eard to t!e door& #ollowin) wit! !ers"all ba)s& and (issed !er sister wit! resolute 'o"osure+ $T!at.s all&$ s!e said to t!e !a'("an+

$I )ave "y '!e'(s to t!e e7ress"an&$ s!e e7lained to Peneloe+

Corey stood !elless+ Irene turned uon !i"& and )ave !i" !er !and+ $How do you do& %r+

Corey/$ s!e said& wit! a 'oura)e t!at sent a t!rill o# ad"irin) )ratitude t!rou)! !i"+ $W!ere.s"a""a& Pen/ Paa )one to bed/$

Peneloe #altered out so"e rely e"bodyin) t!e #a'ts& and Irene ran u t!e stairs to !er "ot!er.s

roo"+ %rs+ La!a" started u in bed at !er aarition+

$Irene La!a"+$

$>n'le Willia" t!ou)!t !e ou)!t to tell "e t!e trouble aa was in2 and did you t!in( I was)oin) to stay o## t!ere *un(etin)& w!ile you were )oin) t!rou)! all t!is at !o"e& and Pen a'tin)

so silly& too/ 0ou ou)!t to !ave been as!a"ed to let "e stay so lon), I started *ust as soon as I

'ould a'(+ 1id you )et "y desat'!/ I tele)ra!ed #ro" Srin)#ield+ But it don.t "atter& now+Here I a"+ And I don.t t!in( I need !ave !urried on Pen.s a''ount&$ s!e added& wit! an a''ent

ro!eti' o# t!e sort o# old "aid s!e would be'o"e& i# s!e !aened not to "arry+

$1id you see !i"/$ as(ed !er "ot!er+ $It.s t!e #irst ti"e !e.s been !ere sin'e s!e told !i" !e

"ustn.t 'o"e+$

$I )uess it isn.t t!e last ti"e& by t!e loo(s&$ said Irene& and be#ore s!e too( o## !er bonnet s!e

be)an to undo so"e o# Peneloe.s "ista(en arran)e"ents o# t!e roo"+

At brea(#ast& w!ere Corey and !is "ot!er "et t!e ne7t "ornin) be#ore !is #at!er and sisters

'a"e down& !e told !er& wit! e"barrass"ent w!i'! told "u'! "ore& t!at !e wis!ed now t!at s!ewould )o and 'all uon t!e La!a"s+

%rs+ Corey turned a little ale& but s!ut !er lis ti)!t and "ourned in silen'e w!atever !oes s!e

!ad lately er"itted !ersel#+ S!e answered wit! Ro"an #ortitude8 $5# 'ourse& i# t!ere.s anyt!in)

between you and %iss La!a"& your #a"ily ou)!t to re'o)nise it+$

$0es&$ said Corey+

$0ou were relu'tant to !ave "e 'all at #irst& but now i# t!e a##air is )oin) on----$

$It is, I !oe--yes& it is,$



$Was it very ert/$ !e 3ueried+ $T!e '!ild !ad to answer so"et!in)+$

$I would "u'! rat!er s!e !ad answered not!in)& under t!e 'ir'u"stan'es&$ said %rs+ Corey+

$However,$ s!e added !oelessly+ $5!& s!e.s a "erry little )ri)& you 'an see t!at& and t!ere.s no!ar" in !er+ I 'an understand a little w!y a #or"al #ellow li(e To" s!ould be ta(en wit! !er+ S!e

!asn.t t!e least reveren'e& I suose& and *o(ed wit! t!e youn) "an #ro" t!e be)innin)+ 0ou"ust re"e"ber& Anna& t!at t!ere was a ti"e w!en you li(ed "y *o(in)+$

$It was a very di##erent t!in),$

$But t!at drawin)-roo"&$ ursued Corey2 $really& I don.t see !ow To" stands t!at+ Anna& aterrible t!ou)!t o''urs to "e, an'y To" bein) "arried in #ront o# t!at )rou& wit! a #loral

!orse-s!oe in tuberoses 'o"in) down on eit!er side o# it,$

$Bro"#ield,$ 'ried !is wi#e& $you are un"er'i#ul+$

$No& no& "y dear&$ !e ar)ued2 $"erely i"a)inative+ And I 'an even i"a)ine t!at little t!in)#indin) To" *ust t!e least bit slow& at ti"es& i# it were not #or !is )oodness+ To" is so (ind t!at

I." 'onvin'ed !e so"eti"es #eels your *o(e in !is !eart w!en !is !ead isn.t 3uite 'lear about it+

Well& we will not desond& "y dear+$

$0our #at!er see"ed a'tually to li(e !er&$ %rs+ Corey reorted to !er dau)!ters& very "u'!s!a(en in !er own re*udi'es by t!e #a't+ I# t!e )irl were not so o##ensive to !is #astidiousness&

t!ere "i)!t be so"e !oe t!at s!e was not so o##ensive as %rs+ Corey !ad t!ou)!t+ $I wonder

!ow s!e will stri(e 05>&$ s!e 'on'luded& loo(in) #ro" one dau)!ter to anot!er& as i# tryin) tode'ide w!i'! o# t!e" would li(e Peneloe least+

Irene.s return and t!e visit o# t!e Coreys #or"ed a distra'tion #or t!e La!a"s in w!i'! t!eiri"endin) troubles see"ed to !an) #urt!er aloo#2 but it was only one o# t!ose relie#s w!i'! "ar(

t!e 'ourse o# adversity& and it was not one o# t!e '!eer#ul relie#s+ At any ot!er ti"e& eit!erin'ident would !ave been an an7iety and 'are #or %rs+ La!a" w!i'! s!e would !ave #ound

!ard to bear2 but now s!e al"ost wel'o"ed t!e"+ At t!e end o# t!ree days La!a" returned& and

!is wi#e "et !i" as i# not!in) unusual !ad "ar(ed t!eir artin)2 s!e reserved !er atone"ent #ora #itter ti"e2 !e would (now now #ro" t!e way s!e a'ted t!at s!e #elt all ri)!t towards !i"+ He

too( very little note o# !er "anner& but "et !is #a"ily wit! an austere 3uiet t!at u44led !er& and

a sort o# ensive di)nity t!at re#ined !is rudeness to an e##e't t!at so"eti"es 'o"es to su'!

natures a#ter lon) si'(ness& w!en t!e ani"al stren)t! !as been ta7ed and lowered+ He sat silentwit! !er at t!e table a#ter t!eir )irls !ad le#t t!e" alone& and seein) t!at !e did not "ean to

sea(& s!e be)an to e7lain w!y Irene !ad 'o"e !o"e& and to raise !er+

$0es& s!e done ri)!t&$ said La!a"+ $It was ti"e #or !er to 'o"e&$ !e added )ently+

T!en !e was silent a)ain& and !is wi#e told !i" o# Corey.s !avin) been t!ere& and o# !is #at!er.sand "ot!er.s 'allin)+ $I )uess Pen.s 'on'luded to "a(e it u&$ s!e said+



$I didn.t suose you.d li(e it& Persis&$ !e answered+ $I did intend to tell you at #irst& but t!en I

ut--I ut it o##+ I t!ou)!t you.d 'o"e round so"e day& and #ind it out #or yoursel#+$

$I." unis!ed&$ said !is wi#e& $#or not ta(in) enou)! interest in your business to even 'o"e nearit+ I# we.re brou)!t ba'( to t!e day o# s"all t!in)s& I )uess it.s a lesson #or "e& Silas+$

$5!& I don.t (now about t!e lesson&$ !e said wearily+

T!at ni)!t s!e s!owed !i" t!e anony"ous s'rawl w!i'! !ad (indled !er #ury a)ainst !i"+ He

turned it listlessly over in !is !and+ $I )uess I (now w!o it.s #ro"&$ !e said& )ivin) it ba'( to !er&

$and I )uess you do too& Persis+$

$But !ow--!ow 'ould !e----$

$%ebbe !e believed it&$ said La!a"& wit! atien'e t!at 'ut !er "ore (eenly t!an any reroa'!+

$05> did+$

Per!as be'ause t!e ro'ess o# !is ruin !ad been so )radual& er!as be'ause t!e e7'ite"ent o#

re'edin) events !ad e7!austed t!eir 'aa'ity #or e"otion& t!e a'tual 'onsu""ation o# !is ban(rut'y brou)!t a relie#& a reose to La!a" and !is #a"ily& rat!er t!an a #res! sensation o#

'ala"ity+ In t!e s!adow o# !is disaster t!ey returned to so"et!in) li(e t!eir old& united li#e2 t!ey

were at least all to)et!er a)ain2 and it will be intelli)ible to t!ose w!o" li#e !as blessed wit!vi'issitude& t!at La!a" s!ould 'o"e !o"e t!e evenin) a#ter !e !ad )iven u everyt!in)& to !is

'reditors& and s!ould sit down to !is suer so '!eer#ul t!at Peneloe 'ould *o(e !i" in t!e old

way& and tell !i" t!at s!e t!ou)!t #ro" !is loo(s t!ey !ad 'on'luded to ay !i" a !undred 'entson every dollar !e owed t!e"+

As @a"es Bellin)!a" !ad ta(en so "u'! interest in !is troubles #ro" t!e #irst& La!a" t!ou)!t!e ou)!t to tell !i"& be#ore ta(in) t!e #inal ste& *ust !ow t!in)s stood wit! !i"& and w!at !o

"eant to do+ Bellin)!a" "ade so"e #utile in3uiries about !is ne)otiations wit! t!e WestVir)inians& and La!a" told !i" t!ey !ad 'o"e to not!in)+ He so(e o# t!e New 0or( "an& and

t!e '!an'e t!at !e "i)!t !ave sold out !al# !is business to !i"+ $But& o# 'ourse& I !ad to let !i"

(now !ow it was about t!ose #ellows+$

$5# 'ourse&$ said Bellin)!a"& not seein) till a#terwards t!e #ull si)ni#i'an'e o# La!a".s a'tion+

La!a" said not!in) about Ro)ers and t!e En)lis!"en+ He believed t!at !e !ad a'ted ri)!t int!at "atter& and !e was satis#ied2 but !e did not 'are to !ave Bellin)!a"& or anybody& er!as&

t!in( !e !ad been a #ool+

All t!ose w!o were 'on'erned in !is a##airs said !e be!aved well& and even "ore t!an well& w!enit 'a"e to t!e worst+ T!e ruden'e& t!e )ood sense& w!i'! !e !ad s!own in t!e #irst years o# !is

su''ess& and o# w!i'! !is )reat roserity see"ed to !ave bere#t !i"& 'a"e ba'(& and t!ese

3ualities& used in !is own be!al#& 'o""ended !i" as "u'! to !is 'reditors as t!e an7iety !e

s!owed t!at no one s!ould su##er by !i"2 t!is even "ade so"e o# t!e" doubt#ul o# !is sin'erity+T!ey )ave !i" ti"e& and t!ere would !ave been no trouble in !is resu"in) on t!e old basis& i#



t!e )round !ad not been 'ut #ro" under !i" by t!e 'o"etition o# t!e West Vir)inia 'o"any+

He saw !i"sel# t!at it was useless to try to )o on in t!e old way& and !e re#erred to )o ba'( and

be)in t!e world anew w!ere !e !ad #irst be)un it& in t!e !ills at La!a"+ He ut t!e !ouse at Nan(een S3uare& wit! everyt!in) else !e !ad& into t!e ay"ent o# !is debts& and %rs+ La!a"

#ound it easier to leave it #or t!e old #ar"stead in Ver"ont t!an it would !ave been to )o #ro"

t!at !o"e o# "any years to t!e new !ouse on t!e water side o# Bea'on+ T!is t!in) and t!at ise"bittered to us& so t!at we "ay be willin) to relin3uis! it2 t!e world& li#e itsel#& is e"bittered to

"ost o# us& so t!at we are )lad to !ave done wit! t!e" at last2 and t!is !o"e was !aunted wit!

su'! "e"ories to ea'! o# t!ose w!o abandoned it t!at to )o was less e7ile t!an es'ae+ %rs+La!a" 'ould not loo( into Irene.s roo" wit!out seein) t!e )irl t!ere be#ore !er )lass& tearin)

t!e oor little (ee-sa(es o# !er !aless #an'y #ro" t!eir !idin)-la'es to ta(e t!e" and #lin)

t!e" in assionate renun'iation uon !er sister2 s!e 'ould not 'o"e into t!e sittin)-roo"& w!ere

!er little ones !ad )rown u& wit!out startin) at t!e t!ou)!t o# !er !usband sittin) so "any wearyni)!ts at !is des( t!ere& tryin) to #i)!t !is way ba'( to !oe out o# t!e ruin into w!i'! !e was

sliin)+ W!en s!e re"e"bered t!at ni)!t w!en Ro)ers 'a"e& s!e !ated t!e la'e+ Irene

a''eted !er release #ro" t!e !ouse ea)erly& and was )lad to )o be#ore and reare #or t!e #a"ily

at La!a"+ Peneloe was always as!a"ed o# !er en)a)e"ent t!ere2 it "ust see" betterso"ew!ere else and s!e was )lad to )o too+ No one but La!a" in #a't& #elt t!e an) o# artin)

in all its (eenness+ W!atever re)ret t!e ot!ers !ad was so#tened to t!e" by t!e li(eness o# t!eir#littin) to "any o# t!ose re"ovals #or t!e su""er w!i'! t!ey "ade in t!e late srin) w!en t!ey

le#t Nan(een S3uare2 t!ey were )oin) dire'tly into t!e 'ountry instead o# to t!e seaside #irst2 but

La!a"& w!o usually re"ained in town lon) a#ter t!ey !ad )one& (new all t!e di##eren'e+ or !isnerves t!ere was no "e'!ani'al sense o# 'o"in) ba'(2 t!is was as "u'! t!e end o# !is roud&

roserous li#e as deat! itsel# 'ould !ave been+ He was returnin) to be)in li#e anew& but !e (new

as well as !e (new t!at !e s!ould not #ind !is vanis!ed yout! in !is native !ills& t!at it 'ould

never a)ain be t!e triu"! t!at it !ad been+ T!at was i"ossible& not only in !is sti##ened andwea(ened #or'es& but in t!e very nature o# t!in)s+ He was )oin) ba'(& by )ra'e o# t!e "an w!o"

!e owed "oney& to "a(e w!at !e 'ould out o# t!e one '!an'e w!i'! !is su''ess#ul rivals !ad le#t

!i"+

In one !ase !is aint !ad !eld its own a)ainst bad ti"es and ruinous 'o"etition& and it waswit! t!e !oe o# doin) still "ore wit! t!e Persis Brand t!at !e now set !i"sel# to wor(+ T!e

West Vir)inia eole 'on#essed t!at t!ey 'ould not rodu'e t!ose #ine )rades& and t!ey willin)ly

le#t t!e #ield to !i"+ A stran)e& not i)noble #riendliness e7isted between La!a" and t!e t!ree brot!ers2 t!ey !ad used !i" #airly2 it was t!eir #a'ilities t!at !ad 'on3uered !i"& not t!eir ill-will2

and !e re'o)nised in t!e" wit!out en"ity t!e ne'essity to w!i'! !e !ad yielded+ I# !e su''eeded

in !is e##orts to develo !is aint in t!is dire'tion& it "ust be #or a lon) ti"e on a s"all s'ale'o"ared wit! !is #or"er business& w!i'! it 'ould never e3ual& and !e brou)!t to t!e" t!e

#la))in) ener)ies o# an elderly "an+ He was "ore bro(en t!an !e (new by !is #ailure2 it did not

(ill& as it o#ten does& but it wea(ened t!e srin) on'e so stron) and elasti'+ He lased "ore and"ore into a'3uies'en'e wit! !is '!an)ed 'ondition& and t!at bra))in) note o# !is was rarely

sounded+ He wor(ed #ait!#ully enou)! in !is enterrise& but so"eti"es !e #ailed to sei4e

o''asions t!at in !is youn)er days !e would !ave turned to )olden a''ount+ His wi#e saw in !i"

a daunted loo( t!at "ade !er !eart a'!e #or !i"+



$I don.t t!in( t!at.s a very )ood reason&$ !e answered seriously& but s"ilin) still+ $1o you believe

"e w!en I tell you t!at I love you/$

$W!y& I suose I "ust&$ s!e said& droin) !er eyes+

$T!en w!y s!ouldn.t I t!in( all t!e "ore o# you on a''ount o# your #at!er.s loss/ 0ou didn.tsuose I 'ared #or you be'ause !e was roserous/$

T!ere was a s!ade o# reroa'!& ever so deli'ate and )entle& in !is s"ilin) 3uestion& w!i'! s!e

#elt+

$No& I 'ouldn.t t!in( su'! a t!in) o# you+ I--I don.t (now w!at I "eant+ I "eant t!at----$ S!e'ould not )o on and say t!at s!e !ad #elt !ersel# "ore wort!y o# !i" be'ause o# !er #at!er.s

"oney2 it would not !ave been true2 yet t!ere was no ot!er e7lanation+ S!e stoed& and 'ast a

!elless )lan'e at !i"+

He 'a"e to !er aid+ $I understand w!y you s!ouldn.t wis! "e to su##er by your #at!er.s"is#ortunes+$

$0es& t!at was it2 and t!ere is too )reat a di##eren'e every way+ We ou)!t to loo( at t!at a)ain+

0ou "ustn.t retend t!at you don.t (now it& #or t!at wouldn.t be true+ 0our "ot!er will never li(e

"e& and er!as--er!as I s!all not li(e !er+$

$Well&$ said Corey& a little daunted& $you won.t !ave to "arry "y #a"ily+$

$A!& t!at isn.t t!e oint,$

$I (now it&$ !e ad"itted+ $I won.t retend t!at I don.t see w!at you "ean2 but I." sure t!at all t!edi##eren'es would disaear w!en you 'a"e to (now "y #a"ily better+ I." not a#raid but you

and "y "ot!er will li(e ea'! ot!er--s!e 'an.t !el it,$ !e e7'lai"ed& less *udi'ially t!an !e !ad!it!erto so(en& and !e went on to ur)e so"e oints o# doubt#ul tenability+ $We !ave our ways&

and you !ave yours2 and w!ile I don.t say but w!at you and "y "ot!er and sisters would be a

little stran)e to)et!er at #irst& it would soon wear o##& on bot! sides+ T!ere 'an.t be anyt!in)!oelessly di##erent in you all& and i# t!ere were it wouldn.t be any di##eren'e to "e+$

$1o you t!in( it would be leasant to !ave you on "y side a)ainst your "ot!er/$

$T!ere won.t be any sides+ Tell "e *ust w!at it is you.re a#raid o#+$

$A#raid/$

$T!in(in) o#& t!en+$

$I don.t (now+ It isn.t anyt!in) t!ey say or do&$ s!e e7lained& wit! !er eyes intent on !is+ $It.sw!at t!ey are+ I 'ouldn.t be natural wit! t!e"& and i# I 'an.t be natural wit! eole& I."

disa)reeable+$



$5!& but you "ust not,$ 'ried Sewell+ $T!at is wron)& 'ruelly wron)+ I." sure t!at.s out o# your

novel-readin)& "y dear& and not out o# your !eart+ Co"e, It )rieves "e to !ear you say su'! a

t!in) as t!at+$

$5!& I dare say t!is retty t!in) !as )ot over it--!ow "u'! '!ara'ter s!e !as )ot,--and I suose

s!e.ll see so"ebody else+$

Sewell !ad to 'ontent !i"sel# wit! t!is artial 'on'ession+ As a "atter o# #a't& unless it was t!e

youn) West Vir)inian w!o !ad 'o"e on to arran)e t!e ur'!ase o# t!e Wor(s& Irene !ad not yetseen any one& and w!et!er t!ere was ever anyt!in) between t!e" is a #a't t!at would need a

searate in3uiry+ It is 'ertain t!at at t!e end o# #ive years a#ter t!e disaoint"ent w!i'! s!e "et

so bravely& s!e was still un"arried+ But s!e was even t!en still very youn)& and !er li#e atLa!a" !ad been varied by visits to t!e West+ It !ad also been varied by an invitation& "ade wit!

t!e olitest resolution by %rs+ Corey& to visit in Boston& w!i'! t!e )irl was e3ual to re#usin) in

t!e sa"e sirit+

Sewell was intensely interested in t!e "oral se'ta'le w!i'! La!a" resented under !is'!an)ed 'onditions+ T!e Colonel& w!o was "ore t!e Colonel in t!ose !ills t!an !e 'ould ever

!ave been on t!e Ba'( Bay& (et !i" and %rs+ Sewell over ni)!t at !is !ouse2 and !e s!owed t!e

"inister "inutely round t!e Wor(s and drove !i" all over !is #ar"+ or t!is e7edition !e

e"loyed a lively 'olt w!i'! !ad not yet 'o"e o# a)e& and an oen bu))y lon) ast its ri"e&and was no "ore as!a"ed o# !is turnout t!an o# t!e #inest !e !ad ever driven on t!e %illda"+ He

was rat!er s!abby and slovenly in dress& and !e !ad #allen un(e"t& a#ter t!e 'ountry #as!ion& as

to !is !air and beard and boots+ T!e !ouse was lain& and was #urnis!ed wit! t!e si"ler"oveables out o# t!e !ouse in Nan(een S3uare+ T!ere were 'ertainly all t!e ne'essaries& but no

lu7uries unless t!e statues o# Prayer and ait! "i)!t be so 'onsidered+ T!e La!a"s now burned

(erosene& o# 'ourse& and t!ey !ad no #urna'e in t!e winter2 t!ese were t!e only !ards!is t!e

Colonel 'o"lained o#2 but !e said t!at as soon as t!e 'o"any )ot to ayin) dividends a)ain&--!e was evidently roud o# t!e outlays t!at #or t!e resent revented t!is&--!e s!ould ut in stea"

!eat and na!t!a-)as+ He so(e #reely o# !is #ailure& and wit! a 'on#iden'e t!at see"ed insired by !is #or"er trust in Sewell& w!o"& indeed& !e treated li(e an inti"ate #riend& rat!er t!an an

a'3uaintan'e o# two or t!ree "eetin)s+ He went ba'( to !is #irst 'onne'tion wit! Ro)ers& and !e

ut be#ore Sewell !yot!eti'ally !is own 'on'lusions in re)ard to t!e "atter+

$So"eti"es&$ !e said& $I )et to t!in(in) it all over& and it see"s to "e I done wron) aboutRo)ers in t!e #irst la'e2 t!at t!e w!ole trouble 'a"e #ro" t!at+ It was *ust li(e startin) a row o#

bri'(s+ I tried to 'at'! u and sto .e" #ro" )oin)& but t!ey all tu"bled& one a#ter anot!er+ It

wa.n.t in t!e nature o# t!in)s t!at t!ey 'ould be stoed till t!e last bri'( went+ I don.t tal( "u'!

wit! "y wi#e& any "ore about it2 but I s!ould li(e to (now !ow it stri(es you+$

$We 'an tra'e t!e oeration o# evil in t!e !ysi'al world&$ relied t!e "inister& $but I." "ore and

"ore u44led about it in t!e "oral world+ T!ere its 'ourse is o#ten so very obs'ure2 and o#ten it

see"s to involve& so #ar as we 'an see& no enalty w!atever+ And in your own 'ase& as Iunderstand& you don.t ad"it--you don.t #eel sure--t!at you ever a'tually did wron) t!is "an----$

$Well& no2 I don.t+ T!at is to say----$



He did not 'ontinue& and a#ter a w!ile Sewell said& wit! t!at subtle (indness o# !is& $I s!ould be

in'lined to t!in(--not!in) 'an be t!rown 3uite away2 and it 'an.t be t!at our sins only wea(en

us--t!at your #ear o# !avin) ossibly be!aved sel#is!ly toward t!is "an (et you on your )uard&and stren)t!ened you w!en you were brou)!t #a'e to #a'e wit! a )reater$--!e was )oin) to say

te"tation& but !e saved La!a".s ride& and said--$e"er)en'y+$

$1o you t!in( so/$

$I t!in( t!at t!ere "ay be trut! in w!at I su))est+$

$Well& I don.t (now w!at it was&$ said La!a"2 $all I (now is t!at w!en it 'a"e to t!e oint&alt!ou)! I 'ould see t!at I.d )ot to )o under unless I did it--t!at I 'ouldn.t sell out to t!ose

En)lis!"en& and I 'ouldn.t let t!at "an ut !is "oney into "y business wit!out I told !i" *ust

!ow t!in)s stood+$

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