"IthinkConradhadnobusinessthere，oryou，either，Basil，"saidhiswife。
　　"Oh，Idon'tdefendmyself，"saidMarch。"Iwasthereinthecauseofliterarycuriosityandofconjugaldisobedience。ButConrad——yes，hehadsomebusinessthere:itwashisbusinesstosufferthereforthesinsofothers。Isabel，wecan'tthrowasidethatolddoctrineoftheAtonementyet。ThelifeofChrist，itwasn'tonlyinhealingthesickandgoingabouttodogood；itwassufferingforthesinsofothers。That'sasgreatamysteryasthemysteryofdeath。Whyshouldtherebesuchaprincipleintheworld?Butit'sbeenfelt，andmoreorlessdumbly，blindlyrecognizedeversinceCalvary。Ifwelovemankind，pitythem，weevenwishtosufferforthem。That'swhathascreatedthereligiousordersinalltimes——thebrotherhoodsandsisterhoodsthatbelongtoourdayasmuchastothemediaevalpast。That'swhatisdrivingagirllikeMargaretVance，whohaseverythingthattheworldcanofferheryoungbeauty，ontotheworkofaSisterofCharityamongthepoorandthedying。"
　　"Yes，yes!"criedMrs。March。"How——howdidshelookthere，Basil?"Shehadherfemininemisgivings；shewasnotsurebutthegirlwassomethingofaposeuse，andenjoyedthepicturesqueness，aswellasthepain；andshewishedtobeconvincedthatitwasnotso。
　　"Well，"shesaid，whenMarchhadtoldagainthelittletherewastotell，"IsupposeitmustbeagreattrialtoawomanlikeMrs。Horntohaveherniecegoingthatway。"
　　"ThewayofChrist?"askedMarch，withasmile。
　　"Oh，Christcameintotheworldtoteachushowtoliverightlyinit，too。Ifwewerealltospendourtimeinhospitals，itwouldberatherdismalforthehomes。Butperhapsyoudon'tthinkthehomesareworthminding?"shesuggested，withacertainnoteinhervoicethatheknew。
　　Hegotupandkissedher。"Ithinkthegimcrackeriesare。"Hetookthehathehadsetdownontheparlortableoncomingin，andstartedtoputitinthehall，andthatmadehernoticeit。
　　"You'vebeengettinganewhat!"
　　"Yes，"hehesitated；"theoldonehadgot——wasdecidedlyshabby。"
　　"Well，that'sright。Idon'tlikeyoutowearthemtoolong。Didyouleavetheoldonetobepressed?"
　　"Well，thehatterseemedtothinkitwashardlyworthpressing，"saidMarch。Hedecidedthatforthepresenthiswife'snerveshadquitealltheycouldbear。
　　XII。
　　Itwasinamannergrotesque，buttoMarchitwasallthemorenaturalforthatreason，thatDryfoosshouldhaveLindau'sfuneralfromhishouse。Heknewtheoldmantobedarklygroping，throughthepaymentofthesevainhonorstothedead，forsomeatonementtohisson，andheimaginedhimfindinginthemsuchcomfortascomesfromdoingallonecan，evenwhenallisuseless。
　　NooneknewwhatLindau'sreligionwas，andindefaulttheyhadhadtheAnglicanburialservicereadoverhim；itseemssooftentherefugeofthehomelessdead。Mrs。Dryfooscamedownfortheceremony。SheunderstoodthatitwasforCoonrod'ssakethathisfatherwishedthefuneraltobethere；andsheconfidedtoMrs。MarchthatshebelievedCoonrodwouldhavebeenpleased。"Coonrodwasamemberofthe'PiscopalChurch；andfawther'sdoin'thewholethingforCoonrodasmuchasforanybody。HethoughttheworldofCoonrod，fawtherdid。Mela，shekindofthoughtitwouldlookqueertohavetwofuneralsfromthesamehouse，hand-runnin'，asyoumightcallit，andoneof'emnorelation，either；
　　butwhenshesawhowfawtherwasbentonit，shegivein。Seemsasifshewastryin'tomakeuptofawtherforCoonrodasmuchasshecould。
　　Melaalwayswasagoodchild，butnobodycanevercomeuptoCoonrod。"
　　Marchfeltallthegrotesqueness，thehopelessabsurdityofDryfoos'sendeavoratatonementinthesevainobsequiestothemanforwhomhebelievedhissontohavedied；buttheefforthaditsmagnanimity，itspathos，andtherewasapoetrythatappealedtohiminthereconciliationthroughdeathofmen，ofideas，ofconditions，thatcouldonlyhavegonewarringoninlife。Hethought，asthepriestwentonwiththesolemnliturgy，howalltheworldmustcometogetherinthatpeacewhich，struggleandstriveaswemay，shallclaimusatlast。HelookedatDryfoos，andwonderedwhetherhewouldconsidertheseritesasufficienttribute，orwhethertherewasenoughinhimtomakehimrealizetheirfutility，exceptasameresignofhiswishtoretrievethepast。Hethoughthowwenevercanatoneforthewrongwedo；theheartwehavegrievedandwoundedcannotkindlewithpityforuswhenonceitisstilled；andyetwecanputourevilfromuswithpenitence，andsomehow，somewhere，theorderoflovingkindness，whichourpassionorourwilfulnesshasdisturbed，willberestored。
　　Dryfoos，throughFulkerson，hadaskedallthemoreintimatecontributorsof'EveryOtherWeek'tocome。Beatonwasabsent，butFulkersonhadbroughtMissWoodburn，withherfather，andMrs。LeightonandAlma，tofillup，ashesaid。Melawasmuchpresent，andwasofficialwiththearrangementoftheflowersandthewelcomeoftheguests。SheimpartedthisimpersonalitytoherreceptionofKendricks，whomFulkersonmetintheouterhallwithhisparty，andwhomhepresentedinwhispertothemall。Kendrickssmiledunderhisbreath，asitwere，andwasthenmutelyandseriouslypolitetotheLeightons。Almabroughtalittlebunchofflowers，whichwerelostinthosewhichDryfooshadorderedtobeunsparinglyprovided。
　　ItwasakindofsatisfactiontoMelatohaveMissVancecome，andreassuringastohowitwouldlooktohavethefuneralthere；MissVancewouldcertainlynothavecomeunlessithadbeenallright；shehadcome，andhadsentsomeEasterlilies。
　　"Ain'tChristinecomingdown?"FulkersonaskedMela。
　　"No，sheain'tabitwell，andsheain'tbeen，eversinceCoonroddied。
　　Idon'tknow，what'sgotoverher，"saidMela。Sheadded，"Well，I
　　should'a'thoughtMr。Beatonwould'a'madeoutto'a'come!"
　　"Beaton'speculiar，"saidFulkerson。"Ifhethinksyouwanthimhetakesapleasureinnotlettingyouhavehim。"
　　"Well，goodnessknows，Idon'twanthim，"saidthegirl。
　　Christinekeptherroom，andforthemostpartkeptherbed；butthereseemednothingdefinitelythematterwithher，andshewouldnotletthemcalladoctor。Hermothersaidshereckonedshewasbeginningtofeelthespringweather，thatalwaysperfectlypulledabodydowninNewYork；
　　andMelasaidifbeingascrossastwostickswasanysignofspring-
　　fever，Christinehaditbad。Shewasfaithfullykindtoher，andsubmittedtoallherhumors，butsherecompensedherselfbythefreestcriticismofChristinewhennotinactualattendanceonher。ChristinewouldnotsufferMrs。Mandeltoapproachher，andshehadwithherfatherasullensubmissionwhichwasnotresignation。Forher，apparently，Conradhadnotdied，orhaddiedinvain。
　　"Pshaw!"saidMela，onemorningwhenshecametobreakfast，"IreckonifwewastosendupanoldcardofMr。Beaton'sshe'drattledown-stairsfastenough。Ifshe'ssick，she'slove-sick。Itmakesmesicktoseeher。"
　　MelawastalkingtoMrs。Mandel，butherfatherlookedupfromhisplateandlistened。Melawenton:"Idon'tknowwhat'smadethefellowquitcomun'。Buthewasanaggravatun'thing，andnomoredependablethanwater。It'sjustlikeAir。Fulkersonsaid，ifhethinksyouwanthimhe'lltakeapleasureinnotlettun'youhavehim。Ireckonthat'swhat'sthematterwithChristine。Ibelieveinmyheartthegirl'lldieifshedon'tgithim。"
　　Melawentontoeatherbreakfastwithherowngoodappetite。Shenowalwayscamedowntokeepherfathercompany，asshesaid，andshedidherbesttocheerandcomforthim。Atleastshekeptthetalkgoing，andshehaditnearlyalltoherself，forMrs。Mandelwasnowmerelystayingonprovisionally，and，intheabsenceofanyregretsorexcusesfromChristine，waslookingruefullyforwardtothemomentwhenshemustleaveeventhisungentlehomeforthechancesoftheruderworldoutside。
　　Theoldmansaidnothingattable，but，whenMelawentuptoseeifshecoulddoanythingforChristine，heaskedMrs。MandelagainaboutallthefactsofherlastinterviewwithBeaton。
　　Shegavethemasfullyasshecouldrememberthem，andtheoldmanmadenocommentonthem。Buthewentoutdirectlyafter，andatthe'EveryOtherWeek'officeheclimbedthestairstoFulkerson'sroomandaskedforBeaton'saddress。NooneyethadtakenchargeofConrad'swork，andFulkersonwasrunningthethinghimself，ashesaid，tillhecouldtalkwithDryfoosaboutit。Theoldmanwouldnotlookintotheemptyroomwherehehadlastseenhissonalive；heturnedhisfaceawayandhurriedbythedoor。
　　XIII。
　　ThecourseofpubliceventscarriedBeaton'sprivateaffairsbeyondthereachofhissimplefirstintentiontorenouncehisconnectionwith'EveryOtherWeek。'Infact，thiswasnotperhapssosimpleasitseemed，andlongbeforeitcouldbeputineffectitappearedstillsimplertodonothingaboutthematter——toremainpassiveandleavetheinitiativetoDryfoos，tomaintainthedignityofunconsciousnessandletrecognitionofanychangeinthesituationcomefromthosewhohadcausedthechange。Afterall，itwasratherabsurdtoproposemakingapurelypersonalquestionthepivotonwhichhisrelationswith'EveryOtherWeek'turned。HetookahintfromMarch'spositionanddecidedthathedidnotknowDryfoosintheserelations；heknewonlyFulkerson，whohadcertainlyhadnothingtodowithMrs。Mandel'saskinghisintentions。
　　AshereflecteduponthishebecamelesseagertolookFulkersonupandmakethemagazineapartnerofhisownsufferings。ThiswasthesoberermoodtowhichBeatontrustedthatnightevenbeforeheslept，andheawokefullyconfirmedinit。Asheexaminedtheoffencedonehiminthecoldlightofday，heperceivedthatithadnotcomeeitherfromMrs。
　　Mandel，whowasvisiblythefalteringandunwillinginstrumentofit，orfromChristine，whowasaltogetherignorantofit，butfromDryfoos，whomhecouldnothurtbygivinguphisplace。HecouldonlypunishFulkersonbythat，andFulkersonwasinnocent。JusticeandinterestalikedictatedthepassivecoursetowhichBeatoninclined；andhereflectedthathemightsafelyleavethepunishmentofDryfoostoChristine，whowouldfindoutwhathadhappened，andwouldbeabletotakecareofherselfinanyencounteroftemperswithherfather。
　　Beatondidnotgototheofficeduringtheweekthatfolloweduponthisconclusion；buttheywereusedtheretothesesuddenabsencesofhis，and，ashisworkforthetimewasintrain，nothingwasmadeofhisstayingaway，exceptthesarcasticcommentwhichthethoughtofhimwasapttoexciteintheliterarydepartment。HenolongercamesomuchtotheLeightons，andFulkersonwasinnostateofmindtomissanyonethereexceptMissWoodburn，whomhenevermissed。Beatonwasleft，then，unmolestedlyawaitingthecourseofdestiny，whenhereadinthemorningpaper，overhiscoffeeatMaroni's，thedeeplyscare-headedstoryofConrad'sdeathandtheclubbingofLindau。Heprobablycaredaslittleforeitherofthemasanymanthateversawthem；buthefeltashock，ifnotapang，atConrad'sfate，sooutofkeepingwithhislifeandcharacter。Hedidnotknowwhattodo；andhedidnothing。Hewasnotaskedtothefuneral，buthehadnotexpectedthat，and，whenFulkersonbroughthimnoticethatLindauwasalsotobeburiedfromDryfoos'shouse，itwaswithouthisusualsullenvindictivenessthathekeptaway。
　　Inhissort，andasmuchasamancouldwhowasnecessarilysomuchtakenupwithhimself，hewassorryforConrad'sfather；Beatonhadapeculiartendernessforhisownfather，andheimaginedhowhisfatherwouldfeelifitwerehewhohadbeenkilledinConrad'splace，asitmightverywellhavebeen；hesympathizedwithhimselfinviewofthepossibility；
　　andforoncetheyweremistakenwhothoughthimindifferentandmerelybrutalinhisfailuretoappearatLindau'sobsequies。
　　Hewouldreallyhavegoneifhehadknownhowtoreconcilehispresenceinthathousewiththetermsofhiseffectivebanishmentfromit；andhewasratherforgivinglyfindinghimselfwrongedinthesituation，whenDryfoosknockedatthestudiodoorthemorningafterLindau'sfuneral。
　　Beatonroaredout，"Comein!"ashealwaysdidtoaknockifhehadnotamodel；ifhehadamodelhesetthedoorslightlyajar，andwithhispaletteonhisthumbfrownedathisvisitorandtoldhimhecouldnotcomein。Dryfoosfumbledaboutfortheknobinthedimpassagewayoutside，andBeaton，whohadexperienceofpeople'sdifficultieswithit，suddenlyjerkedthedooropen。Thetwomenstoodconfronted，andatfirstsightofeachothertheirquiescentdislikerevived。Eachwouldhavebeenwillingtoturnawayfromtheother，butthatwasnotpossible。
　　Beatonsnortedsomesortofinarticulatesalutation，whichDryfoosdidnottrytoreturn；heaskedifhecouldseehimaloneforaminuteortwo，andBeatonbadehimcomein，andsweptsomepaint-blotchedragsfromthechairwhichhetoldhimtotake。Henoticed，astheoldmansanktremulouslyintoit，thathismovementwaslikethatofhisownfather，andalsothathelookedverymuchlikeChristine。Dryfoosfoldedhishandstremulouslyonthetopofhishorn-handledstick，andhewasratherfinelyhaggard，withthedarkhollowsroundhisblackeyesandthefallofthemusclesoneithersideofhischin。Hehadforgottentotakehissoft，wide-brimmedhatoff；andBeatonfeltadesiretosketchhimjustashesat。
　　Dryfoossuddenlypulledhimselftogetherfromthedrearyabsenceintowhichhefellatfirst。"Youngman，"hebegan，"maybeI'vecomehereonafool'serrand，"andBeatonratherfanciedthatbeginning。
　　Butitembarrassedhimalittle，andhesaid，withashyglanceaside，"I
　　don'tknowwhatyoumean。"
　　"Ireckon，"Dryfoosanswered，quietly，"yougotyournotion，though。
　　Isetthatwomanontospeaktoyouthewayshedone。Butiftherewasanythingwronginthewayshespoke，orifyoudidn'tfeellikeshehadanyrighttoquestionyouupasifwesuspectedyouofanythingmean，I
　　wantyoutosayso。"
　　Beatonsaidnothing，andtheoldmanwenton。
　　"Iain'tverywellupinthewaysoftheworld，andIdon'tpretendtobe。AllIwantistobefairandsquarewitheverybody。I'vemademistakes，though，inmytime——"Hestopped，andBeatonwasnotproofagainstthemiseryofhisface，whichwastwistedaswithsomestrongphysicalache。"Idon'tknowasIwanttomakeanymore，ifIcanhelpit。Idon'tknowbutwhatyouhadarighttokeeponcomin'，andifyouhadIwantyoutosayso。Don'tyoubeafraidbutwhatI'lltakeitintherightway。Idon'twanttotakeadvantageofanybody，andIdon'taskyoutosayanymorethanthat。"
　　Beatondidnotfindthehumiliationofthemanwhohadhumiliatedhimsosweetashecouldhavefancieditmightbe。Heknewhowithadcomeabout，andthatitwasaneffectofloveforhischild；itdidnotmatterbywhatungraciousmeansshehadbroughthimtoknowthathelovedherbetterthanhisownwill，thathiswishforherhappinesswasstrongerthanhispride；itwasenoughthathewasnowsomehowbroughttogiveproofofit。BeatoncouldnotbeawareofallthatdarkcoilofcircumstancethroughwhichDryfoos'spresentactionevolveditself；
　　theworstofthiswasburiedinthesecretoftheoldman'sheart，awormofperpetualtorment。Whatwasapparenttoanotherwasthathewasbrokenbythesorrowthathadfallenuponhim，anditwasthisthatBeatonrespectedandpitiedinhisimpulsetobefrankandkindinhisanswer。
　　"No，IhadnorighttokeepcomingtoyourhouseinthewayIdid，unless——unlessImeantmorethanIeversaid。"Beatonadded:"Idon'tsaythatwhatyoudidwasusual——inthiscountry，atanyrate；butI
　　can'tsayyouwerewrong。Sinceyouspeaktomeaboutthematter，it'sonlyfairtomyselftosaythatagooddealgoesoninlifewithoutmuchthinkingofconsequences。That'sthewayIexcusemyself。"
　　"AndyousayMrs。Mandeldoneright?"askedDryfoos，asifhewishedsimplytobeassuredofapointofetiquette。
　　"Yes，shedidright。I'venothingtocomplainof。"
　　"That'sallIwantedtoknow，"saidDryfoos；butapparentlyhehadnotfinished，andhedidnotgo，thoughthesilencethatBeatonnowkeptgavehimachancetodoso。Hebeganaseriesofquestionswhichhadnorelationtothematterinhand，thoughtheywerestrictlypersonaltoBeaton。"Whatcountrymanareyou?"heasked，afteramoment。
　　"Whatcountryman?"Beatonfrownedbackathim。
　　"Yes，areyouanAmericanbybirth?"
　　"Yes；IwasborninSyracuse。"
　　"Protestant?"
　　"MyfatherisaScotchSeceder。"
　　"Whatbusinessisyourfatherin?"
　　Beatonfalteredandblushed；thenheanswered:
　　"He'sinthemonumentbusiness，ashecallsit。He'satombstonecutter。"Nowthathewaslaunched，Beatonsawnoreasonfornotdeclaring，"Myfather'salwaysbeenapoorman，andworkedwithhisownhandsforhisliving。"HehadtooslightesteemsociallyforDryfoostoconcealafactfromhimthathemighthavewishedtoblinkwithothers。
　　"Well，that'sright，"saidDryfoos。"Iusedtofarmitmyself。I'vegotagoodpileofmoneytogether，now。Atfirstitdidn'tcomeeasy；butnowit'sgotstarteditpoursinandpoursin；itseemsliketherewasnoendtoit。I'vegotwellontothreemillion；butitcouldn'tkeepmefromlosin'myson。Itcan'tbuymebackaminuteofhislife；notallthemoneyintheworldcandoit!"
　　HegrievedthisoutasiftohimselfratherthantoBeaton，who，scarcelyventuredtosay，"Iknow——Iamverysorry——"
　　"Howdidyoucome，"Dryfoosinterrupted，"totakeuppaintin'?"
　　"Well，Idon'tknow，"saidBeaton，alittlescornfully。"Youdon't。
　　takeathingofthatkindup，Ifancy。Ialwayswantedtopaint。"
　　"Fathertrytostopyou?"
　　"No。Itwouldn'thavebeenofanyuse。Why——"
　　"Myson，hewantedtobeapreacher，andIdidstophimorIthoughtI
　　did。ButIreckonhewasapreacher，allthesame，everyminuteofhislife。Asyousay，itain'tanyusetotrytostopathinglikethat。
　　Ireckonifachildhasgotanyparticularbent，itwasgiventoit；
　　andit'sgoin'againstthegrain，it'sgoin'againstthelaw，totrytobenditsomeotherway。There'slotsofgoodbusinessmen，Mr。Beaton，twentyof'emtoeverygoodpreacher?"
　　"Iimaginemorethantwenty，"saidBeaton，amusedandtouchedthroughhiscuriosityastowhattheoldmanwasdrivingatbythequaintsimplicityofhisspeculations。
　　"Fatherevercometothecity?"
　　"No；heneverhasthetime；andmymother'saninvalid。"
　　"Oh!Brothersandsisters?"
　　"Yes；we'realargefamily。"
　　"Ilosttwolittlefellers——twins，"saidDryfoos，sadly。"Butwehain'teverhadbutjustthefive。Evertakeportraits?"
　　"Yes，"saidBeaton，meetingthiszigzaginthequeriesasseriouslyastherest。"Idon'tthinkIamgoodatit。"
　　Dryfoosgottohisfeet。"Iwishyou'dpaintalikenessofmyson。
　　You'veseenhimplentyoftimes。Wewon'tfightabouttheprice，don'tyoubeafraidofthat。"
　　Beatonwasastonished，andinamistakenwayhewasdisgusted。HesawthatDryfooswastryingtoundoMrs。Mandel'sworkpractically，andgethimtocomeagaintohishouse；thathenowconceivedoftheoffencegivenhimascondoned，andwishedtorestoretheformersituation。HeknewthathewasattemptingthisforChristine'ssake，buthewasnotthemantoimaginethatDryfooswastryingnotonlytotoleratehim，buttolikehim；and，infact，Dryfooswasnotwhollyconscioushimselfofthisend。WhattheybothunderstoodwasthatDryfooswasendeavoringtogetatBeatonthroughConrad'smemory；butwithonethiswasitsdedicationtoapurposeofselfsacrifice，andwiththeotheravulgarandshamelessuseofit。
　　"Icouldn'tdoit，"saidBeaton。"Icouldn'tthinkofattemptingit。"
　　"Whynot?"Dryfoospersisted。"Wegotsomephotographsofhim；hedidn'tliketositverywell；buthismothergothimto；andyouknowhowhelooked。"
　　"Icouldn'tdoit——Icouldn't。Ican'tevenconsiderit。I'mverysorry。Iwould，ifitwerepossible。Butitisn'tpossible。"
　　"Ireckonifyouseethephotographsonce"
　　"Itisn'tthat，Mr。Dryfoos。ButI'mnotinthewayofthatkindofthinganymore。"
　　"I'dgiveanypriceyou'veamindtoname——"
　　"Oh，itisn'tthemoney!"criedBeaton，beginningtolosecontrolofhimself。
　　Theoldmandidnotnoticehim。Hesatwithhisheadfallenforward，andhischinrestingonhisfoldedhands。Thinkingoftheportrait，hesawConrad'sfacebeforehim，reproachful，astonished，butallgentleasitlookedwhenConradcaughthishandthatdayafterhestruckhim；heheardhimsay，"Father!"andthesweatgatheredonhisforehead。"Oh，myGod!"
　　hegroaned。"No；thereain'tanythingIcandonow。"
　　BeatondidnotknowwhetherDryfooswasspeakingtohimornot。Hestartedtowardhim。"Areyouill?"
　　"No，thereain'tanythingthematter，"saidtheoldman。"ButIguessI'lllaydownonyoursetteeaminute。"HetotteredwithBeaton'shelptotheaestheticcouchcoveredwithatiger-skin，onwhichBeatonhadoncethoughtofpaintingaCleopatra；buthecouldnevergettherightmodel。Astheoldmanstretchedhimselfoutonit，paleandsuffering，hedidnotlookmuchlikeaCleopatra，butBeatonwasstruckwithhiseffectiveness，andthelikenessbetweenhimandhisdaughter；shewouldmakeaverygoodCleopatrainsomeways。Allthetime，whilethesethoughtspassedthroughhismind，hewasafraidDryfooswoulddie。
　　Theoldmanfetchedhisbreathingasps，whichpresentlysmoothedandlengthenedintohisnormalbreathing。Beatongothimaglassofwine，andaftertastingithesatup。
　　"You'vegottoexcuseme，"hesaid，gettingbacktohischaracteristicgrimnesswithsurprisingsuddenness，whenoncehebegantorecoverhimself。"I'vebeenthroughagooddeallately；andsometimesitketchesmeroundtheheartlikeapain。"
　　Inhislifeofselfishimmunityfromgrief，Beatoncouldnotunderstandthisexperiencethatpoignantsorrowbrings；hesaidtohimselfthatDryfooswasgoingthewayofanginapectoris；ashebeganshufflingoffthetiger-skinhesaid:"Hadyoubettergetup?Wouldn'tyoulikemetocalladoctor?"
　　"I'mallright，youngman。"Dryfoostookhishatandstickfromhim，buthemadeforthedoorsouncertainlythatBeatonputhishandunderhiselbowandhelpedhimout，anddownthestairs，tohiscoupe。
　　"Hadn'tyoubetterletmedrivehomewithyou?"heasked。
　　"What?"saidDryfoos，suspiciously。
　　Beatonrepeatedhisquestion。
　　"IguessI'mabletogohomealone，"saidDryfoos，inasurlytone，andheputhisheadoutofthewindowandcalledup"Home!"tothedriver，whoimmediatelystartedoffandleftBeatonstandingbesidethecurbstone。
　　XIV。
　　BeatonwastedtherestofthedayintheemotionsandspeculationswhichDryfoos'scallinspired。Itwasnotthattheycontinuouslyoccupiedhim，buttheybrokeupthetrainofotherthoughts，andspoiledhimforwork；
　　averylittlespoiledBeatonforwork；herequiredjusttherightmoodforwork。HecomprehendedperfectlywellthatDryfooshadmadehimthatextraordinaryembassybecausehewishedhimtorenewhisvisits，andheeasilyimaginedthemeansthathadbroughthimtothispass。Fromwhatheknewofthatgirlhedidnotenvyherfatherhismeetingwithherwhenhemusttellherhismissionhadfailed。Buthaditfailed?WhenBeatoncametoaskhimselfthisquestion，hecouldonlyperceivethatheandDryfooshadfailedtofindanygroundofsympathy，andhadpartedinthesamedislikewithwhichtheyhadmet。Butastoanyotherfailure，itwascertainlytacit，anditstillrestedwithhimtogiveiteffect。
　　HecouldgobacktoDryfoos'shouse，asfreelyasbefore，anditwasclearthathewasverymuchdesiredtocomeback。Butifhewentbackitwasalsoclearthathemustgobackwithintentionsmoreexplicitthanbefore，andnowhehadtoaskhimselfjusthowmuchorhowlittlehehadmeantbygoingthere。HislikingforChristinehadcertainlynotincreased，butthecharm，ontheotherhand，ofholdingaleopardessinleashhadnotyetpalleduponhim。Inhislifeofinconstancies，itwasapleasuretorestuponsomethingfixed，andthemanwhohadnocontroloverhimselflikedlogicallyenoughtofeelhiscontrolofsomeoneelse。
　　Thefactcannototherwisebeputinterms，andtheattractionwhichChristineDryfooshadforhim，apartfromthis，escapesfromallterms，asanythingpurelyandmerelypassionalmust。Hehadseenfromthefirstthatshewasacat，andsofarasyouthforecastssuchthings，hefeltthatshewouldbeashrew。Buthehadaperversesenseofherbeauty，andheknewasortoflifeinwhichherpowertomolesthimwithhertempercouldbereducedtothesmallestproportions，andevenbrokentopieces。Thentheconsciousnessofhermoneyentered。Itwasevidentthattheoldmanhadmentionedhismillionsinthewayofahinttohimofwhathemightreasonablyexpectifhewouldturnandbehisson-in-
　　law。Beatondidnotputittohimselfinthosewords；andinfacthiscogitationswerenotinwordsatall。Itwastheplayofcognitions，ofsensations，formlesslytendingtotheeffectwhichcanonlybeveryclumsilyinterpretedinlanguage。Butwhenhegottothispointinthem，BeatonrosetomagnanimityandinaflashofdramaticreveriedisposedofapartofDryfoos'srichesinplacinghisfatherandmother，andhisbrothersandsisters，beyondallpecuniaryanxietyforever。Hehadnoshame，noscrupleinthis，forhehadbeenapensioneruponotherseversinceaSyracusanamateuroftheartshaddetectedhistalentandgivenhimthemoneytogoandstudyabroad。Beatonhadalwaysconsideredthemoneyaloan，toberepaidoutofhisfuturesuccess；buthenowneverdreamtofrepayingit；asthemanwasrich，hehadevenacontemptforthenotionofrepayinghim；butthisdidnotpreventhimfromfeelingverykeenlythehardshipsheputhisfathertoinborrowingmoneyfromhim，thoughheneverrepaidhisfather，either。InthisreveriehesawhimselfsacrificedinmarriagewithChristineDryfoos，inakindofadmiringself-pity，andhewasmeltedbythespectacleofthedignitywithwhichhesufferedallthelifelongtrialsensuingfromhisunselfishness。ThefancythatAlmaLeightoncamebitterlytoregrethim，contributedtosootheandflatterhim，andhewasnotsurethatMargaret。
　　Vancedidnotsufferalikelossinhim。
　　Therehadbeentimeswhen，ashebelieved，thatbeautifulgirl'shighthoughtshadtendedtowardhim；therehadbeenlooks，gestures，evenwords，thathadthiseffecttohim，orthatseemedtohavehadit；andBeatonsawthathemighteasilyconstrueMrs。Horn'sconfidentialappealtohimtogetMargaretinterestedinartagainassomethingbynomeansnecessarilyoffensive，eventhoughithadbeenmadetohimastoamasterofillusion。IfMrs。Hornhadtochoosebetweenhimandthelifeofgoodworkstowhichherniecewasvisiblyabandoningherself，Beatoncouldnotdoubtwhichshewouldchoose；theonlyquestionwashowrealthedangerofalifeofgoodworkswas。
　　Ashethoughtofthesetwogirls，onesocharmingandtheothersodivine，itbecameindefinitelydifficulttorenouncethemforChristineDryfoos，withhersultrytemperandherearthboundideals。LifehadbeensoflatteringtoBeatonhithertothathecouldnotbelievethembothfinallyindifferent；andiftheywerenotindifferent，perhapshedidnotwisheitherofthemtobeverydefinite。Whathereallylongedforwastheirsympathy；foramanwhoisabletowalkroundquiteruthlesslyonthefeelingsofothersoftenhasverytenderfeelingsofhisown，easilylacerated，andeagerlyresponsivetothecaressesofcompassion。InthisframeBeatondeterminedtogothatafternoon，thoughitwasnotMrs。
　　Horn'sday，andcalluponherinthehopeofpossiblyseeingMissVancealone。Ashecontinuedinit，hetookthisforasignandactuallywent。
　　Itdidnotfalloutatonceashewished，buthegotMrs。Horntotalkingagainaboutherniece，andMrs。HornagainregrettedthatnothingcouldbedonebythefineartstoreclaimMargaretfromgoodworks。
　　"Issheathome?Willyouletmeseeher?"askedBeacon，withsomethingofthescientificinterestofaphysicianinquiringforapatientwhosesymptomshavebeenrehearsedtohim。Hehadnotaskedforherbefore。
　　"Yes，certainly，"saidMrs。Horn，andshewentherselftocallMargaret，andshedidnotreturnwithher。Thegirlenteredwiththegentlegracepeculiartoher；andBeaton，bentashewasonhisownconsolation，couldnothelpbeingstruckwiththespiritualexaltationofherlook。
　　Atsightofher，thevaguehopehehadneverquiterelinquished，thattheymightbesomethingmorethanaestheticfriends，diedinhisheart。
　　Sheworeblack，assheoftendid；butinspiteofitsfashionherdressreceivedanun-likeeffectfromthepensiveabsenceofherface。
　　"Decidedly，"thoughtBeaton，"sheisfargoneingoodworks。"
　　Butherose，allthesame，tomeetherontheoldlevel，andhebeganatoncetotalktoherofthesubjecthehadbeendiscussingwithheraunt。
　　Hesaidfranklythattheybothfeltshehadunjustifiablyturnedherbackuponpossibilitieswhichsheoughtnottoneglect。
　　"Youknowverywell，"sheanswered，"thatIcouldn'tdoanythinginthatwayworththetimeIshouldwasteonit。Don'ttalkofit，please。
　　Isupposemyaunthasbeenaskingyoutosaythis，butit'snouse。
　　I'msorryit'snouse，shewishesitsomuch；butI'mnotsorryotherwise。Youcanfindthepleasureatleastofdoinggoodworkinit；
　　butIcouldn'tfindanythinginitbutabarrenamusement。Mr。Wetmoreisright；forme，it'slikeenjoyinganopera，oraball。"
　　"That'soneofWetmore'sphrases。He'dsacrificeanythingtothem。"
　　Sheputasidethewholesubjectwithalook。"YouwerenotatMr。
　　Dryfoos'stheotherday。Haveyouseenthem，anyofthem，lately?"
　　"Ihaven'tbeenthereforsometime，no，"saidBeaton，evasively。
　　Buthethoughtifhewastogetontoanything，hehadbetterbecandid。
　　"Mr。Dryfooswasatmystudiothismorning。He'sgotaqueernotion。
　　Hewantsmetopainthisson'sportrait。"
　　Shestarted。"Andwillyou——"
　　"No，Icouldn'tdosuchathing。Itisn'tinmyway。Itoldhimso。
　　Hissonhadabeautifulfaceanantiqueprofile；asortofearlyChristiantype；butI'mtoomuchofapaganforthatsortofthing。"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Yes，"Beatoncontinued，notquitelikingherassentafterhehadinvitedit。Hehadhisprideinbeingapagan，aGreek，butitfailedhiminherpresence，now；andhewishedthatshehadprotestedhewasnone。"Hewasasingularcreature；akindofsurvival；anexileinourtimeandplace。
　　Idon'tknow:wedon'tquiteexpectasainttoberustic；butwithallhisgoodnessConradDryfooswasacountryperson。Ifhewerenotdyingforacauseyoucouldimaginehimmilking。"Beatonintendedacontemptthatcamefromthebitternessofhavinghimselfoncemilkedthefamilycow。
　　HiscontemptdidnotreachMissVance。"Hediedforacause，"shesaid。
　　"Theholiest。"
　　"Oflabor?"
　　"Ofpeace。Hewastheretopersuadethestrikerstobequietandgohome。"
　　"Ihaven'tbeenquitesure，"saidBeaton。"Butinanycasehehadnobusinessthere。Thepolicewereonhandtodothepersuading。"
　　"Ican'tletyoutalkso!"criedthegirl。"It'sshocking!Oh，Iknowit'sthewaypeopletalk，andtheworstisthatinthesightoftheworldit'stherightway。Buttheblessingonthepeacemakersisnotforthepolicemenwiththeirclubs。"
　　Beatonsawthatshewasnervous；hemadehisreflectionthatshewasaltogethertoofargoneingoodworksforthefineartstoreachher；
　　hebegantothinkhowhecouldturnherprimitiveChristianitytotheaccountofhismodernheathenism。Hehadnodeeperdesignthantogetflatteredbackintohisownfavorfarenoughtofindcourageforsomesortofdecisivestep。InhishearthewastryingtowillwhetherheshouldorshouldnotgobacktoDryfoos'shouse。Itcouldnotbefromthecapricethathadformerlytakenhim；itmustbefromadefinitepurpose；againherealizedthis。"Ofcourse；youareright，"hesaid。
　　"IwishIcouldhaveansweredthatoldmandifferently。Ifancyhewasboundupinhisson，thoughhequarrelledwithhim，andcrossedhim。ButIcouldn'tdoit；itwasn'tpossible。"Hesaidtohimselfthatifshesaid"No，"now，hewouldberuledbyheragreementwithhim；andifshedisagreedwithhim，hewouldberuledstillbythechance，andwouldgonomoretotheDryfooses'。Hefoundhimselfembarrassedtothepointofblushingwhenshesaidnothing，andlefthim，asitwere，onhisownhands。"Ishouldliketohavegivenhimthatcomfort；Ifancyhehasn'tmuchcomfortinlife；butthereseemsnocomfortinme。"
　　Hedroppedhisheadinafitattitudeforcompassion；butshepourednopityuponit。
　　"Thereisnocomfortforusinourselves，"shesaid。"It'shardtogetoutside；butthere'sonlydespairwithin。Whenwethinkwehavedonesomethingforothers，bysomegreateffort，wefindit'sallforourownvanity。"
　　"Yes，"saidBeaton。"IfIcouldpaintpicturesforrighteousness'sake，IshouldhavebeengladtodoConradDryfoosforhisfather。Ifeltsorryforhim。Didtherestseemverymuchbrokenup?Yousawthemall?"
　　"Notall。MissDryfooswasill，hersistersaid。It'shardtotellhowmuchpeoplesuffer。Hismotherseemedbewildered。Theyoungersisterisasimplecreature；shelookslikehim；Ithinkshemusthavesomethingofhisspirit。"
　　"Notmuchspiritofanykind，Iimagine，"saidBeaton。"Butshe'samiablymaterial。DidtheysayMissDryfooswasseriouslyill?"
　　"No。Isupposedshemightbeprostratedbyherbrother'sdeath。"
　　"Doessheseemthatkindofpersontoyou，MissVance?"askedBeaton。
　　"Idon'tknow。Ihaven'ttriedtoseesomuchofthemasImight，thepastwinter。IwasnotsureaboutherwhenImether；I'veneverseenmuchofpeople，exceptinmyownset，andthe——verypoor。IhavebeenafraidIdidn'tunderstandher。Shemayhaveakindofpridethatwouldnotletherdoherselfjustice。"
　　Beatonfelttheunconsciousdislikeintheendeavorofpraise。"Thensheseemstoyoulikeapersonwhoselife——itstrials，itschances——wouldmakemoreofthansheisnow?"
　　"Ididn'tsaythat。Ican'tjudgeofheratall；butwherewedon'tknow，don'tyouthinkweoughttoimaginethebest?"
　　"Ohyes，"saidBeaton。"Ididn'tknowbutwhatIoncesaidofthemmighthaveprejudicedyouagainstthem。Ihaveaccusedmyselfofit。"Healwaystookatoneofconscientiousness，ofself-censure，intalkingwithMissVance；hecouldnothelpit。
　　"Ohno。AndIneverallowedmyselftoformanyjudgmentofher。Sheisverypretty，don'tyouthink，inakindofway?"
　　"Very。"
　　"Shehasabeautifulbrunettecoloring:thatflourywhiteandthedelicatepinkinit。Hereyesarebeautiful。"
　　"She'sgraceful，too，"saidBeaton。"I'vetriedherincolor；butI
　　didn'tmakeitout。"
　　"I'vewonderedsometimes，"saidMissVance，"whetherthatelusivequalityyoufindinsomepeopleyoutrytopaintdoesn'tcharacterizethemallthrough。MissDryfoosmightbeeversomuchfinerandbetterthanwewouldfindoutinthesocietywaythatseemstheonlyway。"
　　"Perhaps，"saidBeaton，gloomily；andhewentawayprofoundlydiscouragedbythislastanalysisofChristine'scharacter。TheangelicimperviousnessofMissVancetopropertiesofwhichhisownwickednesswassokeenlyawareinChristinemighthavemadehimlaugh，ifithadnotbeensuchaseriousaffairwithhim。Asitwas，hesmiledtothinkhowverydifferentlyAlmaLeightonwouldhavejudgedherfromMissVance'spremises。HelikedthatclearvisionofAlma'sevenwhenitpiercedhisowndisguises。Yes，thatwasthelighthehadletdieout，anditmighthaveshoneuponhispaththroughlife。Beatonneverfeltsopoignantlythedisadvantageofhavingonanygivenoccasionbeenwantingtohisownintereststhroughhisself-loveasinthis。Hehadnoonetoblamebuthimselfforwhathadhappened，butheblamedAlmaforwhatmighthappeninthefuturebecausesheshutoutthewayofretrievalandreturn。Whenbethoughtoftheattitudeshehadtakentowardhim，itseemedincredible，andhewasalwayslongingtogiveherafinalchancetoreverseherfinaljudgment。Itappearedtohimthatthetimehadcomeforthisnow，ifever。
　　XV。
　　Whilewearestillyoungwefeelakindofpride，asortoffiercepleasure，inanyimportantexperience，suchaswehavereadoforheardofinthelivesofothers，nomatterhowpainful。Itwasthispride，thispleasure，whichBeatonnowfeltinrealizingthatthetoilsoffatewereabouthim，thatbetweenhimandafutureofwhichChristineDryfoosmustbethegeniustherewasnothingbutthewill，themood，thefancyofagirlwhohadnotgivenhimthehopethateithercouldeveragainbeinhisfavor。Hehadnothingtotrustto，infact，buthisknowledgethathehadoncehadthemall；shedidnotdenythat；butneitherdidsheconcealthathehadflungawayhispoweroverthem，andshehadtoldhimthattheynevercouldbehisagain。Amanknowsthathecanloveandwhollyceasetolove，notoncemerely，butseveraltimes；herecognizesthefactinregardtohimself，boththeoreticallyandpractically；butinregardtowomenhecherishesthesuperstitionoftheromancesthatloveisonceforall，andforever。ItwasbecauseBeatonwouldnotbelievethatAlmaLeighton，beingawoman，couldputhimoutofherheartaftersufferinghimtostealintoit，thathenowhopedanythingfromher，andshehadbeensoexplicitwhentheylastspokeofthataffairthathedidnothopemuch。Hesaidtohimselfthathewasgoingtocasthimselfonhermercy，totakewhateverchanceoflife，love，andworktherewasinherhavingthesmallestpityonhim。Ifshewouldhavenone，thentherewasbutonethinghecoulddo:marryChristineandgoabroad。HedidnotseehowhecouldbringthisalternativetobearuponAlma；evenifsheknewwhathewoulddoincaseofafinalrejection，hehadgroundsforfearingshewouldnotcare；buthebroughtittobearuponhimself，anditnervedhimtoadesperatecourage。Hecouldhardlywaitforeveningtocome，beforehewenttoseeher；whenitcame，itseemedtohavecometoosoon。Hehadwroughthimselfthoroughlyintotheconvictionthathewasinearnest，andthateverythingdependeduponheranswertohim，butitwasnottillhefoundhimselfinherpresence，andalonewithher，thatherealizedthetruthofhisconviction。Thentheinfluencesofhergrace，hergayety，herarchbeauty，aboveall，hergoodsense，penetratedhissoullikeasubtleintoxication，andhesaidtohimselfthathewasright；hecouldnotlivewithouther；theseattributesofherswerewhatheneededtowinhim，tocheerhim，tocharmhim，toguidehim。Helongedsotopleaseher，toingratiatehimselfwithher，thatheattemptedtobelightlikeherinhistalk，butlapsedintoabysmalabsencesandgloomyrecessesofintrospection。
　　"Whatareyoulaughingat?"heasked，suddenlystartingfromoneofthese。
　　"Whatyouarethinkingof。"
　　"It'snothingtolaughat。DoyouknowwhatI'mthinkingof?"
　　"Don'ttell，ifit'sdreadful。"
　　"Oh，Idaresayyouwouldn'tthinkit'sdreadful，"hesaid，withbitterness。"It'ssimplythecaseofamanwhohasmadeafoolofhimselfandseesnohelpofretrievalinhimself。"
　　"Cananyoneelsehelpamanunmakeafoolofhimself?"sheasked，withasmile。
　　"Yes。Inacaselikethis。"
　　"Dearme!Thisisveryinteresting。"
　　Shedidnotaskhimwhatthecasewas，buthewaslaunchednow，andhepressedon。"Iamthemanwhohasmadeafoolofhimself——"
　　"Oh!"
　　"Andyoucanhelpmeoutifyouwill。Alma，IwishyoucouldseemeasI
　　reallyam。"
　　"Doyou，Mr。Beacon?PerhapsIdo。"
　　"No；youdon't。Youformulatedmeinacertainway，andyouwon'tallowforthechangethattakesplaceineveryone。Youhavechanged；whyshouldn'tI?"
　　"Hasthistodowithyourhavingmadeafoolofyourself?"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Oh!ThenIdon'tseehowyouhavechanged。"
　　Shelaughed，andhetoo，ruefully。"You'recruel。NotbutwhatI
　　deserveyourmockery。Butthechangewasnotfromthecapacityofmakingafoolofmyself。IsupposeIshallalwaysdothatmoreorless——unlessyouhelpme。Alma!Whycan'tyouhavealittlecompassion?YouknowthatImustalwaysloveyou。"
　　"Nothingmakesmedoubtthatlikeyoursayingit，Mr。Beaton。Butnowyou'vebrokenyourword——"
　　"Youaretoblameforthat。YouknewIcouldn'tkeepit!"
　　"Yes，I'mtoblame。Iwaswrongtoletyoucome——afterthat。AndsoI
　　forgiveyouforspeakingtomeinthatwayagain。Butit'sperfectlyimpossibleandperfectlyuselessformetohearyouanymoreonthatsubject；andso-good-bye!"
　　Sherose，andheperforcewithher。"Anddoyoumeanit?"heasked。
　　"Forever?"
　　"Forever。ThisistrulythelasttimeIwilleverseeyouifIcanhelpit。Oh，Ifeelsorryenoughforyou!"shesaid，withaglanceathisface。"Idobelieveyouareinearnest。Butit'stoolatenow。Don'tletustalkaboutitanymore!Butweshall，ifwemeet，andso，——"
　　"Andsogood-bye!Well，I'venothingmoretosay，andImightaswellsaythat。Ithinkyou'vebeenverygoodtome。Itseemstomeasifyouhadbeen——shallIsayit?——tryingtogivemeachance。Isthatso?"
　　Shedroppedhereyesanddidnotanswer。
　　"Youfounditwasnouse!Well，Ithankyoufortrying。It'scurioustothinkthatIoncehadyourtrust，yourregard，andnowIhaven'tit。Youdon'tmindmyrememberingthatIhad?It'llbesomelittleconsolation，andIbelieveitwillbesomehelp。IknowIcan'tretrievethepastnow。Itistoolate。Itseemstoopreposterous——perfectlylurid——thatI
　　couldhavebeengoingtotellyouwhatatangleI'dgotmyselfin，andtoaskyoutohelpuntangleme。Imustchokeintheinfernalcoil，butI'dliketohavethesweetnessofyourpityinit——whateveritis。"
　　Sheputoutherhand。"Whateveritis，Idopityyou；Isaidthat。"
　　"Thankyou。"Hekissedthebandshegavehimandwent。
　　Hehadgoneonsomesuchtermsbefore；wasitnowforthelasttime?Shebelieveditwas。Shefeltinherselfasatiety，afatigue，inwhichhisgoodlooks，hisinventedairsandposes，hisrealtrouble，wereallalikerepulsive。Shedidnotacquitherselfofthewrongofhavinglethimthinkshemightyethavelikedhimassheoncedid；butshehadbeenhonestlywillingtoseewhethershecould。IthadmystifiedhertofindthatwhentheyfirstmetinNewYork，aftertheirsummerinSt。Barnaby，shecarednothingforhim；shehadexpectedtopunishhimforhisneglect，andthenfancyhimasbefore，butshedidnot。Moreandmoreshesawhimselfishandmean，weak-willed，narrow-minded，andhard-
　　hearted；andaimless，withallhistalent。Sheadmiredhistalentinproportionasshelearnedmoreofartists，andperceivedhowuncommonitwas；butshesaidtoherselfthatifsheweregoingtodevoteherselftoart，shewoulddoitatfirst-hand。ShewasperfectlysereneandhappyinherfinalrejectionofBeaton；hehadwornoutnotonlyherfancy，buthersympathy，too。
　　ThiswaswhathermotherwouldnotbelievewhenAlmareportedtheinterviewtoher；shewouldnotbelieveitwasthelasttimetheyshouldmeet；deathitselfcanhardlyconvinceusthatitisthelasttimeofanything，ofeverythingbetweenourselvesandthedead。"Well，Alma，"
　　shesaid，"Ihopeyou'llneverregretwhatyou'vedone。"
　　"YoumaybesureIshallnotregretit。IfeverI'mlow-spiritedaboutanything，I'llthinkofgivingMr。Beatonhisfreedom，andthatwillcheermeup。"
　　"Anddon'tyouexpecttogetmarried?Doyouintendtobeanoldmaid?"
　　demandedhermother，inthebondsofthesuperstitionwomenhavesolongbeenundertotheeffectthateverywomanmustwishtogetmarried，iffornootherpurposethantoavoidbeinganoldmaid。
　　"Well，mamma，"saidAlma，"Iintendbeingayoungoneforafewyearsyet；andthenI'llsee。IfImeettherightperson，allwellandgood；
　　ifnot，not。ButIshallpickandchoose，asamandoes；Iwon'tmerelybepickedandchosen。"
　　"Youcan'thelpyourself；youmaybeverygladifyouarepickedandchosen。"
　　"Whatnonsense，mamma!Agirlcangetanymanshewants，ifshegoesabout。ittherightway。Andwhenmy'fatedfairyprince'comesalong，Ishalljustsimplymakefuriouslovetohimandgrabhim。Ofcourse，Ishallmakeadecentpretenceoftalkinginmysleep。Ibelieveit'sdonethatwaymorethanhalfthetime。Thefatedfairyprincewouldn'tseetheprincessinninecasesoutoftenifshedidn'tsaysomething；
　　hewouldgomooningalongafterthemaidsofhonor。"
　　Mrs。Leightontriedtolookunspeakablehorror；butshebrokedownandlaughed。"Well，youareastrangegirl，Alma。"
　　"Idon'tknowaboutthat。ButonethingIdoknow，mamma，andthatisthatPrinceBeatonisn'ttheF。F。P。forme。Howstrangeyouare，mamma!Don'tyouthinkitwouldbeperfectlydisgustingtoacceptapersonyoudidn'tcarefor，andlethimgoonandloveyouandmarryyou?