"Thensupposeyouimitateme，andtellmewhyyoucametomeetme?"
　　Thisquestioncamefromherwithsuddencelerity，likelightningoutofacloud，andshebenthereyesonhimwiththatprodigiouskeennessshecouldthrowintothosesteelgrayorbs，whenhermindputonitsfullpowerofobservation。
　　Severnecoloredalittle，andhesitated。
　　"Comenow，"saidthiskeenwitch，"don'twaittomakeupareason。Tellthetruthforonce——quick!——quick!——whydid_you_cometomeet_me?"_
　　"Ididn'tcometobebullied，"repliedsuppleSeverne，affectingsullenness。
　　"Youdidn't!"criedtheother，actingvastsurprise。"Thenwhat_did_youcomefor?"
　　"Idon'tknow；andIwishIhadn'tcome。"
　　"ThatIbelieve。"Rhodashotthisinlikeanarrow。
　　"But，"continuedSeverne，"ifIhadn't，nobodywould；foritisVizard'sjusticingday，andtheladiesaretootakenupwithalordtocomeandmeetsuchvulgartriflesasgeniusandlearningandsci——"
　　"Come，come!"saidRhoda，contemptuously；"youcareaslittleaboutscienceandlearningandgeniusasIpossessthem。Youwon'ttellme?
　　Well，Ishallfindyouout。"Then，afterapause，"Whoisthislord?"
　　"LordUxmoor。"
　　"Whatkindofalordishe?"
　　"Averybushylord。"
　　"Bushy?——oh，beardedlikethepard!Nowtellme，"saidshe，"ishecuttingyououtwithMissVizard?"
　　"Youshalljudgeforyourself。Pleasesparemeonthatonetopic——ifyoueversparedanybodyinyourlife。"
　　"Oh，dearme!"saidRhoda，coolly。"I'mnotsoverycruel。I'monlyalittlevindictiveandcat-like。Ifpeopleoffendme，Iliketoplaywiththemabit，andamusemyself，andthenkillthem——killthem——killthem；
　　thatisall。"
　　Thisprettylittlerevelationofcharacterwasaccompaniedwithacruelsmilethatshowedalongrowofdazzlingwhiteteeth。Theyseemedcapableofkillinganythingfromaliaruptoahickory-nut。
　　Severnelookedatherandgaveashudder。"ThenHeavenforbidyoushouldeverbemyenemy!"saidhe，sadly，"forIamunhappyenoughalready。"
　　Havingdeliveredthisdisarmingspeech，hecollapsed，andseemedtobeoverpoweredwithdespondency。MissGaleshowednosignsofmelting。Sheleanedbackandeyedhimwithsteadyandcomposedcuriosity，asazoologiststudyinganewspecimenandallitslittlemovements。
　　TheydroveuptotheHalldoor，andMissGalewasconductedtothedrawing-room，whereshefoundLordUxmoorandthetwoyoungladies。Zoeshookhandswithher。Fannyputalimppawintohers，whichmadeitselfequallylimpdirectly，soFanny'sdroppedout。LordUxmoorwaspresentedtoher，athisownrequest。Soonafterthisluncheonwasannounced。
　　Vizardjoinedthem，welcomedRhodagenially，andtoldthepartyhehadorderedthebreak，andUxmoorwoulddrivethemtothefarmroundbyHillstokeandtheCommon。"Andso，"saidhe，"byshowingMissGaleourmostpicturesquespotatonce，wemayperhapsblindhertothehorrorsofhersituation——foratime。"
　　Thebreakwasdrivenroundinduecourse，withUxmoor'steamharnessedtoit。Itwasfollowedbyadog-cartcrammedwithgrooms，UxmoorianandVizardian。Thebreakwaspaddedandcushioned，andheldeightorninepeopleverycomfortably……Itwas，indeed，asortofpicnicvan，usedonlyinveryfineweather。Itrolledonbeautifulsprings。ItspresentcontentswereMissGaleandherluggageandtwohampersfullofgoodthingsforher；Vizard，Severne，andMissDover。ZoesatontheboxbesideLordUxmoor。Theydrovethroughthevillage，andMr。SevernewassoobligingastopointoutitsbeautiestoMissGale。Shetooklittlenoticeofhiscomments，exceptbyastiffnodeverynowandthen，buteyedeachhouseandpremiseswithgreatkeenness。
　　Atlastshestoppedhisfluencybyinquiringwhetherhehadbeenintothemall；andwhenhesaidhehadnot，shetookadvantageofthatadmissiontoinformhimthatintwodays'timesheshouldbeabletotellhimagreatdealmorethanhewaslikelytotellher，uponhismethodofinspectingvillages。
　　"Thatisright，"saidVizard；"snubhim:hegetssnubbedtoolittlehere。
　　Howdarehepeppersciencewithhissmall-talk?Butitisourfault——weadmirehisvolubility。"
　　"Oh，"saidFanny，withaglanceofdefianceatMissGale，"ifwearetotalknothingbutscience，it_will_beawearyworld。"
　　Afterthevillagetherewasalong，gradualascentofaboutamile，andthentheyenteredanewcountry。Itwasaseriesofwoodsandclearings，somegrass，somearable。Hugeoaks，flungtheirarmsoveraroadlinedoneithersidebyshortturf，close-croppedbythegypsies'cattle。Somebandorotherofthemwasalwaysencampedbytheroad-side，andnevertwobandsatonce。Andbetweenthesegianttrees，notoneofwhichwaseverfelled，yousawhereandthereaglade，greenasanemerald；orayellowstubble，glowinginthesun。Afteraboutamileofthis，stillmounting，butgradually，theyemergeduponaspacioustable-land——along，broad，open，grassplateau，studdedwithcottages。InthislakeofgrassUxmoordrewupatawordfromZoe，toshowMissGalethescene。Thecottageswerewhiteassnow，andthatchedasatIslip；butinsteadofvegetable-gardenstheyallhadorchards。Thetreeswereappleandcherry:
　　ofthelatternotlessthanathousandinthatsmallhamlet。Itwasliterallyalawn，aquarterofamilelongandabouttwohundredyardsbroad，borderedwithwhitecottagesandorchards。Thecherries，redandblack，gleamedlikecountlesseyesamongthecoolleaves。Therewasalittlechurchonthelawnthatlookedlikeapigeon-house。Acowortwograzedpeacefully。Pigs，bigandlittle，crossedthelawn，gruntingandsqueakingsatisfaction，anddivedintotheadjacentwoodsafteracorns，andhereandthereatrufflethevillagersknewnotthevalueof。Therewasapondortwointhelawn；onehadawoodenplankfixedonuprights，thatwentinsomeway。Awomanwasoutontheboard，bare-armed，dippingherbucketinforwater。Inanotherpondanoldknowinghorsestoodgravelycoolinghisheelsuptothefetlocks。These，withshirts，maleandfemale，dryingonaline，andwhiteheadedchildrenrollinginthedust，andadonkeybrayinghisheartoutforreasonsknownonlytohimself，ifknownatall，weretheprincipaldetailsofthesylvanhamlet；butonageneralsurveythereweregrandbeauties。Thevillageanditsturflayinthesemicircularsweepofanunbrokenforest；butatthesidesoftheleafybasingladeshadbeencutfordrawingtimber，stackingbark，etc。，andwhatMiltoncallssohappily"thecheckeredshade"wasseeninallitsbeauty；forthehotsunstruggledinateveryaperture，andsplashedtheleavesandthepathwithfieryflashesandstreaks，andtopazbrooches，allintensifiedinfireandbeautybythecooladjacentshadows。
　　Lookingback，theviewwasquiteopeninmostplaces。Thewoodedlanesandstripstheyhadpassedwerelittlemoreinsovastapanoramathantheblackstripesonabackgammonboard。Thesitewassohighthattheeyesweptoverall，andrestedonabroadvalleybeyond，withapatchworkpatternofvariegatedfieldsandthecurlingsteamofenginesflyingacrossallEngland；thensweptbyavastinclineuptoahorizonoffaintgreenhills，thefamouspasturesoftheUnitedKingdom。Sothatitwasadeepbasinoffoliageinfront；butyouhadonlytoturnyourbody，andtherewasaforty-mileview，withallthesweetvarietiesofcolorthatgemourfieldsandmeadows，astheybaskintheafternoonsunofthatgoldentimewhensummermeltsintoautumn，andmellowswithoutachill。
　　"Oh，"criedMissGale，"don'tanybodyspeak，please!Itistoobeautiful!"
　　Theyrespectedanenthusiasmsorareinthisyounglady，andlethercontemplatethesceneatherease。
　　"Ireckon，"saidshe，dogmatically，andnoddingthatwiselittlehead，"thatthisisOldEngland——theEnglandmyancestorsleftinsearchofliberty，andthat'saplantthatranksbeforecherry-trees，Iratherthink。No，Icouldn'thavegone；I'dhavestayedandkilledahundredtyrants。ButIwouldn'thavechoppedtheirheadsoff"toVizard，veryconfidentially；"I'dhavepoisoned'em。"
　　"Don't，MissGale!"saidFanny；"youmakemybloodruncold。"
　　AsitwasquiteindifferenttoMissGalewhethershemadeMissDover'sbloodruncoldornot，shepaidnoattention，butproceededwithherreflections。"Theonlythingthatspoilsitisthesmokeofthoseengines，remindingonethatintwohoursyouorI，orthatpastoraloldhermitthereinasmock-frock，andapipe——andoh，whatbadtobacco!——canbewrenchedoutofthisparadise，andshriekedandrattledoffandflungintothatwildernessofbrickcalledLondon，wheretheheartsareashardasthepavement——exceptthosethathavestrayedtherefromBarfordshire。"
　　Thewitchchangedfaceandtoneandeverythinglikelightning，andthrewthislastinwithasuddengraceandsweetnessthatcontrastedstrangelywithherusualsharpness。
　　Zoeheard，andturnedroundtolookdownonherwithasmileassweetashoney。"Ihardlythinkthatisadrawback，"saidshe，amicably。"Doesnotbeingabletoleaveaplacemakeitsweeter?forthenwearefreeinit，youknow。ButImustownthere_is_adrawback——theboys'faces，MissGale，they_are_sopasty。"
　　"Indeed!"saysRhoda，prickingupherears。
　　"Formnofalsehopesofanepidemic。Thisisnotaninfirmaryinawood，MissGale，"saidVizard。"Mysisterisagreatcolorist，andpitchesherexpectationstoohigh。Idaresaytheirfacesarenotmorepastythanusual；butthisisashowplace，andlookslikeagarden；soZoewantstheboystobepoppiesandpansies，andthegirlsrosesandlilies。
　　Which——they——are——not。"
　　"AllIknowis，"saidZoe，resolutely，"thatinIslipthechildren'sfacesarerosy，butheretheyarepasty——dreadfullypasty。"
　　"Well，youhavegotaboxofcolors。Wewillcomeupsomedayandtintalltheputty-facedboys。"ItwastoMissDoverthecompanyowedthissuggestion。
　　"No，"saidRhoda。"Theirfacesaremybusiness；I'llsoonfixthem。Shedidn'tsayputty-faced；shesaidpasty。"
　　"Gratefultoyouforthedistinction，MissGale，"saidZoe。
　　MissGaleproceededtoinsistthatboysarenotpasty-facedwithoutacause，anditistobesoughtlowerdown。"Ah!"criedshe，suddenly，"isthatacherrythatIseebeforeme?No，amillion。Theystealthemandeatthembythethousand，andthat'swhy。Tellthetruth，now，everybody——theyeatthestones。"
　　MissVizardsaidshedidnotknow，butthoughtthemcapable。
　　"Childrenknownothing，"saidVizard。"Pleaseaddressallfuturescientificinquiriestoan'oldinhabitant。'MissGale，thecountryaboundsincuriosities；but，amongthosecuriosities，evenScience，withhersearchingeye，hasneveryetdiscoveredanunswallowedcherrystoneinHillstokevillage。"
　　"What!notonthetrees?"
　　"Sheistoomuchforme。Driveon，coachman，anddrownherrepliesintheclatterofhoofs。RoundbytheStag，Zoe。IamuneasytillIhavelockedFairScienceup。Iownitisameanwayofgettingridofatroublesomedisputant。"
　　"NowIthinkitisquitefair，"saidFanny。"Sheshutsyouup，andsoyoulockherup。"
　　"'Tiswell，"saidVizard，dolefully。"NowIamNo。3——Iwhousedtoretortandkeepgirlsintheirplaces——withdifficulty。HereisNedSeverne，too，reducedtosilence。Why，where'syourtongue?MissGale，youwouldhardlybelieveit，thisisourchatterbox。Wehavebeendaysanddays，andcouldnotgetinawordedgewiseforhim。Butnowallhecandoistogazeonyouwithcaninedevotion，anddevourthehoney——I
　　begpardon，thelime-juice——ofyourlips。Iwarnyouofonething，though；thereissuchathingasathreateningsilence。Heisevidentlybookingeverywordyouutter；andhewilldeliveritallforhisownbehindyourbacksomefineday。"
　　Withthissortofbanterandsmalltalk，notworthdelugingthereaderdeadwith，theypassedawaythetimetilltheyreachedthefarm。
　　"Youstayhere，"saidVizard——"allbutZoe。TomandGeorge，getthethingsout。"Thegroomshadalreadyjumpedoutofthedog-cart，andtwowereatthehorses'heads。Thestep-ladderwasplacedforZoe，andVizardaskedhertogoinandseetheroomswereallright，whilehetookMissGaletothestables。Hedidso，andshowedheraspiritedGallowayandasteadyoldhorse，andtoldhershecouldrideoneanddrivetheotheralloverthecountry。
　　Shethankedhim，butsaidherattentionwouldbeoccupiedbythetwovillagesfirst，andsheshouldmakehimareportinforty-eighthours。
　　"Asyouplease，"saidhe。"Youareterriblyinearnest。"
　　"WhatshouldIbeworthifIwasnot?'
　　"Well，comeandseeyourshell；andyoumusttellmeifwehaveforgottenanythingessentialtoyourcomfort。"
　　Shefollowedhim，andheledhertoawingofthefarmhousecomparativelynew，andquitesuperiortotherest。Hereweretwogoodsunnyrooms，withwindowslookingsouthandwest，andtheywerebothpaperedwithawhitewateredpattern，andaprettyFrenchborderofflowersattheupperpart，tolookgayandcheerful。
　　Zoewasinthebedroom，arrangingthingswithaprettyairofhospitality。Itwascheerilyfittedup，andafireofbeechlogsblazing。
　　"Howgoodyouare!"saidRhoda，lookingwistfullyather。ButZoecheckedallcommentsbyaskinghertolookatthesitting-roomandseeifitwoulddo。RhodawouldratherhavestayedwithZoe；butshecomplied，andfoundanotherbright，cheerfulroom，andVizardstandinginthemiddleofit。Therewasanotherbeechfireblazing，thoughitwashotweather。Herewasaroundtable，withalargepotfullofflowers，geraniumsandmuskflowersoutside，withthesungildingtheirgreenleavesmostamiably，andeverythingunpretending，butbrightandcomfortable；wellpaddedsofa，luxuriousarmchair，stand-upreadingdesk，andaverylargeknee-holetable；afinemirrorfromtheceilingtothedado；abook-casewithchoicebooks，andonapembroketablenearthewallwereseveralperiodicals。Rhoda，afteracursorysurveyoftheroom，flewtothebooks。"Oh!"saidshe，"whatgoodbooks!allstandardworks；andseveralonmedicine；and，Ideclare，thelastnumbersofthe_Lancet_andthe_MedicalGazette，_andtheverybestFrenchandGermanperiodicals!Oh，whathaveIdone?andwhatcanIeverdo?"
　　"What!Are_you_goingtogushliketherest——andaboutnothing?"saidVizard。"ThenI'moff。Comealong，Zoe；"andhehurriedhissisteraway。
　　Shecameattheword；butassoonastheywereoutofthehouse，askedhimwhatwasthematter。
　　"Ithoughtshewasgoingtogush。ButIdaresayitwasafalsealarm。"
　　"Andwhyshouldn'tshegush，whenyouhavebeensokind?"
　　"Pooh——nonsense!Ihavenotbeenkindtoher，anddon'tmeantobekindtoher，ortoanywoman；besides，shemustnotbeallowedtogush；sheistheparishvirago——importedfromvastdistancesassuch——andforhertoplaythewomanwouldbeanabominablebreachoffaith。Wehavegotourgusher，likewiseourflirt；anditwasunderstoodfromthefirstthatthiswastobeanew_dramatispersona_——wasnottobearepetitionofyouor_la_Dover，but——ahem——thethirdGrace，avirago:solidifiedvinegar。"
　　RhodaGalefeltveryhappy。Shewasyoung，healthy，ambitious，andsanguine。Shedivinedthat，somehow，herturningpointhadcome；andwhenshecontrastedherconditionamonthago，andthehardnessoftheworld，withthecomfortandkindnessthatnowsurroundedher，andthemagnanimitywhichfled，nottobethankedforthem，shefeltforonceinawayhumbleaswellasgrateful，andsaidtoherself，"ItisnottomyselfnoranymeritofmineIowesuchachangeasallthisis。"Whatsomecallreligion，andotherssuperstition，overpoweredher，andshekneeleddownandheldcommunionwiththatgreatSpiritwhich，asshebelieved，pervadesthematerialuniverse，andprobablyarisesfromit，asharmonyfromthewellstrungharp。Theoryoftheday，orPlatoredivivus——whichisit?
　　"Ogreatcreativeelement，andstreamoftendenciesintheuniverse，wherebyallthingsstruggletowardperfection，deigntobetherecipientofthatgratitudewhichfillsme，andcannotbesilent；andsincegratitudeisrightinall，andmostofallinmeatthismoment，forgivemeif，intheweaknessofmyintellect，Ifallintotheolderrorofaddressingyouasanindividual。Itisbuttheweaknessoftheheart；wearepersons，andsowecryoutforapersonalGodtobegratefulto。Prayreceiveitso——if，indeed，thesewordsofminehaveanyaccesstoyourinfinitelysuperiornature。Andifitistruethatyouinfluencethemindofman，andarebyanyactofpositivevolitionthecauseofthesebenefitsInowprofitby，thenprayinfluencemymindinturn，andmakemeamoreworthyrecipientofallthesefavors；aboveall，inspiremetokeepfaithfullytomyownsphere，whichisonearth；tobegoodandkindandtoleranttomyfellowcreatures，perverseastheyaresometimes，andnotcontentmyselfwithsayinggoodwordstoyou，towhoseinformationI
　　canaddnothing，noryettoyourhappiness，byanywordsofmine。Letnohollowsentimentofreligionkeepmelongpratingonmyknees，whenlifeissoshort，and"jumpingsuddenlyup"mydutiescanonlybedischargedafoot。"
　　Refreshedbythisaspiration，thelikeofwhichIhavenotyethearddeliveredinchurches——buttherisinggenerationwillperhapsbemorefortunateinthatrespect——shewentintothekitchen，orderedtea，breadandbutter，andoneeggfordinneratseveno'clock，andwalkedinstantlybacktoHillstoketoinspectthevillage，accordingtoherideasofinspection。
　　Nextmorningdowncomesthebailiff'sheadmaninhislightcart，andanoteisdeliveredtoVizardatthebreakfasttable。Hereadsittohimself，thenproclaimssilence，andreadsitaloud:
　　"DEARSIR——Aswecrossedyourhalltoluncheon，therewasthedoorofasmallroomhalfopen，andIsawalargemahoganycasestandingonamarbletablewithoneleg，butthreeclawsgilt。Isaw'Micro'printedonthecase。SoIhopeitisamicroscope，andafineone。Toenableyoutofindit，ifyoudon'tknow，theroomhadcrimsoncurtains，andispaperedingreenflock。Thatistheworstofallthepoisonouspapers，becausethetextureisloose，andthepoisonousstuffeasilydetached，andalwaysflyingabouttheroom。Ihopeyoudonotsitinit，norMissVizard，becausesittinginthatroomiscourtingdeath。Pleaselendmethemicroscope，ifitisone，andI'llsoonshowyouwhytheboysareputtyfaced。Ihaveinspectedthem，andfindMissDover'sepithetmoreexactthanMissVizard's，whichissingular。Iwilltakegreatcareofit。
　　Yoursrespectfully，"RHODAGALE。"
　　VizardorderedaservanttodeliverthemicroscopetoMissGale'smessengerwithhiscompliments。Fannywonderedwhatshewantedwithit。
　　"Nottoinspectourlittlecharacters，itistobehoped，"saidVizard。
　　"Whynotpayheravisit，youladies?thenshewilltellyou，perhaps。"
　　TheladiesinstantlyworethatblandlookofinertbutrockyresistanceI
　　havealreadynotedasacharacteristicof"ourgirls。"Vizardsaw，andsaid，"Tryandpersuadethem，Uxmoor。"
　　"IcanonlyofferMissVizardmyescort，"saidLordUxmoor。
　　"AndIofferbothladiesmine，"saidNedSeverne，ratherloudandwithalittlesneer，tomarkhissuperiorbreeding。Thegentlemanwassoextremelypoliteingeneralthattherewasnomistakinghishostileintentionsnow。Theinevitablewarhadbegun，andthefirstshotwasfired。Ofcoursethewonderwasithadnotcomelongbefore；andperhapsIoughttohavedrawnmoreattentiontothedelicacyandtactofZoeVizard，whichhadaverteditforatime。Tobesure，shehadbeenaidedbythesizeofthehouseanditshabits。Theladieshadtheirownsittingrooms；FannykeptclosetoZoebyspecialorders；andnobodycouldgetachance_te'te-'a-te'te_withZoeunlessshechose。Bythismeans，hernativedignityandwatchfultact，byherfrankcourtesytoUxmoor，andbythemanylittlequietwaysshetooktoshowSevernehersentimentsremainedunchanged，shehadmanagedtokeepthepeace，andavertthatopencompetitionforherfavorwhichwouldhavetickledthevanityofaFannyDover，butshockedtherefinedmodestyofaZoeVizard。
　　Butnaturewillhaveherwaysoonorlate，anditisthenatureofmalestofightforthefemale。
　　AtSeverne'sshotUxmoordrewupalittlehaughtily，butdidnotfeelsureanythingwasintended。Hewaslittleaccustomedtorubs。Zoe，ontheotherhand，turnedalittlepale——justalittle，forshewassorry，butnotsurprised；sosheprovedequaltotheoccasion。Shesmiledandmadelightofit。"Ofcourseweare_all_going，"saidshe。
　　"Exceptone，"saidVizard，dryly。
　　"Thatistoobad，"saidFanny。"Herehedrivesusalltovisithisblue-stocking，buthetakesgoodcarenottogohimself。"
　　"Perhapshepreferstovisitheralone，"suggestedSeverne。Zoelookedalarmed。
　　"Thatis_so，"_saidVizard。"Observe，Iamlearningherveryphrases。
　　Whenyoucomeback，tellmeeverywordshesays；prayletnothingbelostthatfallsfrommyvirago。"
　　Thepartystartedafterluncheon；andSeverne，truetohisnewpolicy，whippedtoZoe'ssidebeforeUxmoor，andengagedheratonceinconversation。
　　Uxmoorbithislip，andfelltoFanny。Fannysawatoncewhatwasgoingon，andmadeherselfveryagreeabletoUxmoor。Hewaspoliteandalittlegratified，butcastuneasyglancesattheotherpair。
　　MeantimeSevernewasimprovinghisopportunity。"SorrytodisturbLordUxmoor'smonopoly，"saidhe，sarcastically，"butIcouldnotbearitanylonger。"
　　"Idonotobjecttothechange，"saidZoe，smilingmaternallyonhim；
　　"butyouwillbegoodenoughtoimitatemeinonething——youwillalwaysbepolitetoLordUxmoor。"
　　"Hemakesitratherhard。"
　　"Itisonlyforatime；andwemustlearntobecapableofself-denial。I
　　assureyouIhaveexercisedquiteasmuchasIaskofyou。Edward，heisagentlemanofgreatworth，universallyrespected，andmybrotherhasaparticularwishtobefriendswithhim。Sopraybepatient；beconsiderate。Havealittlefaithinonewho——"
　　Shedidnotendthesentence。
　　"Well，Iwill，"saidhe。"Butpleasethinkofmealittle。Iambeginningtofeelquitethrustaside，anddegradedinmyowneyesforputtingupwithit。"
　　"Forshame，totalkso，"saidZoe；butthetearscameintohereyes。
　　Themasterofartssaw，andsaidnomore。Hehadtheartofnotoverdoing:heleftthearrowtorankle。Hewalkedbyhersideinasilenceforeversolong。Then，suddenly，asifbyamightyeffortofunselfishlove，wentoffintodelightfuldiscourse。Hecooedandwooedandflatteredandfascinated；andbythetimetheyreachedthefarmhaddrivenUxmooroutofherhead。
　　MissGalewasout。Thefarmer'swifesaidshehadgoneintothetown——meaningHillstoke——whichwas，strictlyspeaking，ahamletortributaryvillage。Hillstokechurchwasonlytwelveyearsold，andthetithesoftheplacewenttotheparsonofIslip。
　　WhenZoeturnedtogo，Uxmoorseizedtheopportunity，anddrewupbesideher，likeasoldierfallingintotheranks。Zoefelthot；butasSevernetooknoopennotice，shecouldnothelpsmilingatthebehaviorofthefellows；andUxmoorgothischance。
　　SeverneturnedtoFannywithawickedsneer。"Verywell，mylord，"saidhe；"butIhaveputaspokeinyourwheel。"
　　"AsifIdidnotsee，youclevercreature!"saidFanny，admiringly。
　　"Ah，MissDover，Ineedtobeascleverasyou!SeewhatIhaveagainstme:arichlord，withthebushiestbeard。"
　　"Neveryoumind，"saidFanny。"Goodwineneedsnobush，ha!ha!Youarelovely，andhaveawheedlingtongue，andyouweretherefirst。Begood，now——andyoucanflirtwithmetofillupthetime。Ihatenotbeingflirtedatall。Itisstagnation。"
　　"Yes，butitisnotsoeasytoflirtwithyoujustalittle。Youaresocharming。"Thereuponheproceededtoflatterher，andwonderhowhehadescapedapassionateattachmenttosobrilliantacreature。"Whatsavedme，"saidhe，oracularly，"is，thatInevercouldlovetwoatonce；andZoeseizedmyloveatsight。Sheleftmenothingtolayatyourfeetbutmyadmiration，thetenderestfriendshipmancanfeelforwoman，andmylifelonggratitudeforfightingmybattle。Oh，MissDover，Imustbequiteseriousamoment。Whatotherladybutyouwouldbesogenerousastobefriendapoormanwithanotherlady，whenthere'swealthandtitleontheotherside?"
　　Fannyblushedandsoftened，butturneditoff。"There——noheroics，please，"saidshe。"Youareadearlittlefellow；anddon'tgoandbejealous，forheshan'thaveher。Hewouldneveraskmetohishouse，youknow。NowIthinkyouwouldperhaps——whoknows?Tellme，fascinatingmonster，areyougoingtobeungrateful?"
　　"Nottoyou。Myhomewouldalwaysbeyours；andyouknowit。"Andhecaughtherhandandkisseditinanungovernabletransport，thestringsofwhichbepulledhimself。Hetookcaretobequickaboutit，though，andnotletZoeorUxmoorsee，whowerewalkingonbeforeandbehavingsedately。
　　InHillstokelived，onapensionfromVizard，oldMrs。Greenaway，rheumaticaboutthelowerjoints，soshewentoncrutches；butshewentfast，beingvigorous，andsodidhertongue。AtHillstokeshewasDameGreenaway，beingarelicofthatgenerationwhichappliedtheworddametoeverywife，highandlow；butatIslipshewas"Sally，"becauseshehadstartedunderthattitle，fifty-fiveyearsago，ashouse-maidatVizardCourt；and，bythetenacityoforaltradition，retainediteversince，inspiteoftwohusbandsshehadweddedandburiedwithequalcomposure。
　　Herfeetwerestillspringy，herarmsstrongasiron，andhercrutchesactive。Atsightofourpartyshecameoutwithamazingwoodenstrides，agogforgossip，andmetthematthegate。Shemanagedtoindicateacourtesy，andsaid，"Goodday，miss；yoursarvant，allthecompany。Lord，howniceyoubedressed，allonye，to——be——sure!Well，miss，haveyeheerdthenews?"
　　"No，Sally。Whatisit?"
　　"What!haantyeheerdabouttheyoung'omanatthefarm?"
　　"Ohyes；wecametoseeher。"
　　"No，didyenow?Well，shewasherenothalfanhouragone。Bythesametoaken，Ididputheraquestion，andsheansweredmethenandthere。"
　　"AndmayIaskwhatthequestionwas?"
　　"Andwelcome，miss。Isaid，saysI，'Young'oman，wherebeyoucomefrom?'sosaysshe，'Old'oman，Ibecomefromforinparts。''Ithoughtasmuch，'saysI。'Andwhatbe'ecome_for?'_'Tosojournhere，'saysshe，whichshemeanttobideatime。'Andwhatdo'ecounttodowhilsthereyoube?'saysI。Saysshe，'AsmuchgoodaseverIcando，andaslittleharm。''Thatisnoanswer，'saysI。Shesaiditwoulddoforthepresent；'andgooddaytoyou，ma'am，'saysshe。'Yoursarvant，miss，'
　　saysI；andshewasofflikeaflash。ButIcalledmygrandsonBill，andItoldhimhemustfollowher，gowhereshewould，andletusknowwhatshewasuptodowninIslip。ThenIwentroundtheneighbors，andonetoldmeonetale，andanotheranother。Butitallcomestoone——wehavegottenABUSYBODY；that'sthenameIgivesher。Shedon'tgiveintothat，yeknow；sheisaLatiner，andspeaksaccording。ShegaveMasterGilesherowndescription。Saysshe，'I'msuspector-generalofthisheredistrick。'SothenGileshewasskearedabit——hehavegotanacreoflandofhisown，youknow——andheupandaskedherdidshecomeunderthetaxes，orwassheafreshimposition；'forweareburdenedenougha'ready，nooffensetoyou，miss，'saysJoshGiles。'Don'tyoubeskeared，oldman，'saysshe，'Ishan'tcost_you_none；yourbetterspaysforI。'SosaysGiles，'Oh，ifyoufallsonsquire，Idon'tvallythat；
　　squire'sbackisbroadenoughtobeartheload，butI'mapoorman。'
　　That'showa'goeson，yeknow。Povertyisalwaysinhismouth，buttheoldchaphavegotahatfulofmoneyhidawayinthethatchorsome're，onlyhehaan'tagotthehearttospendit。"
　　"Tellusmoreabouttheyounglady，"askedUxmoor。
　　"Whatyounglady?Oh，_her。_Sheisnotayounglady——leastwayssheisnotdressedlikeone，butlikeaplain，decentbody。Shewasallofapiece——blueserge!Blessyourheart，thepeddlersbringitroundhereatelevenpencehalf-pennytheyard，andagoodbreadthtoo；andplainboots，notheeledlikeyour'n，miss，noryour'n，ma'am；andafelthatlikeaboy。You'dsaytheparishhaddressedherfortenshillings，andgotapotofbeerouton't。"
　　"Well，nevermindthat，"saidZoe；"Imusttellyousheisaveryworthyyounglady，andmybrotherhasarespectforher。Dress?Why，Sally，youknowitisnotthewisestthatspendmostondress。Youmighttelluswhatshe_does。"_
　　DameGreenawaysnatchedthewordoutofhermouth。"Well，then，miss，whatshehavedone，shehavesuspectedeverything。Shehavesuspectedtheponds；shehavesuspectedthehouses；shehavesuspectedthefolk；shemustknowwhattheyeatanddrinkandwearnexttheirveryskin，andwhattheydoliedownon。Shehavebeenattheveryboysandforebade'emtoswallowthecherrystones，poorthings；butoldMrs。Nash——whichherboyslivesoncherriesatthistimeo'year，andtobesuretheyareagodsendtokeepthechildrenhereaboutfromstarving——well，DameNashtoldhertheAlmightyknewbest；hehadput'emtogetheronthetree，sowhynotintheboys'insides；andthatwascommonsensetomymind。Butla!shewouldn'theedit。Shesaid，'Thenyou'deatthepeachstonesbythatrule，andthefishbonesandall。'Saysshe，quiteresolutelike，'I
　　forbid'emtoswallowthestones；'andsaysshe，'Yemawntgainsayme，noneonye，forIbethenewdoctor。'Sothenitallcomeout。Sheisn'tsuspector-general；sheisawenchturneddoctor，whichitisagainstreason。Shan'tdoctor_me_forone；butthatthereoldGiles，hesaysheisagreeable，ifsobeshewooldoctorhimcheap——cussedoldfool!——asifanydoctoringwascheapthatkillsabodyanddoan'tcure'em。Dearheart，Iforgottotellyeabouttheponds。Well，youknowtherebenowellshere。Wemakesourteaoutoftheponds，andcapitalgoodteatodrink，farbeforewellwater，forImindthatonedayabouttwentyyearsagonesomeinterferingbodydidcartabarrelupfromIslip；andifwewantswaterwithoutentea，why，wecangetplentyon't，andnonetoomuchmaltandhops，at'TheBlackHorse。'Sothishereyoung'omanshesuspectsthepoorpondsandcastsahevil-eyeonthem，andsheborrowstwomugsofGiles，andcarriesthewaterhometosuspectitcloser。Thatisallshehavedoneatpresent，but，yesee，shehaan'tbeenheresoverylong。Youmarkmywords，miss，thatyoung'omanwillturnHillstokevillagetopsy-turvyorevershegoesbacktoLondontown。"
　　"Nonsense，Sally，"saidZoe；"howcananybodydothatwhilemybrotherandIarealive?"ShethenslippedhalfacrownintoSally'shand，andledthewaytoIslip。
　　OntheroadherconversationwithOxmoortookaturnsuggestiveofthisinterview。Iforgetwhichbeganit；buttheydifferedalittleinopinion，UxmooradmiringMissGale'szealandactivity，andZoefearingthatshewouldprovearashreformer，perhapsarecklessinnovator。
　　"Andreally，"saidshe，"whydisturbthings?for，gowhereIwill，IseenosuchParadiseasthesetwovillages。"
　　"Theyareindeedlovely，"saidUxmoor；"butmyownvillageisverypretty。YetonnearerinspectionIhavefoundsomanydefects，especiallyintheinternalarrangementsofthecottages，thatIamalwaysgladtohearofaneweyehavingcometobearonanyvillage。"
　　"Iknowyouareverygood，"saidZoe，"andwishallthepoorpeopleaboutyoutobeashealthyandashappyaspossible。"
　　"Ireallydo，"said，warmly。"Ioftenthinkofthestrangeinequalityinthelotofmen。Livinginthecountry，IseearoundmehundredsofmenwhoarebynatureasworthyasIam，orthereabouts。Yettheymusttoilandlabor，andindeedfight，forbarefoodandclothing，alltheirlives，andworseoffatthecloseoftheirlonglabor。Thatiswhatgrievesmetotheheart。AllthistimeIrevelinplentyandluxuries——notforgettingtheluxuryofluxuries，thedelightofgivingtothosewhoneedanddeserve。WhathaveIdoneforallthis?Ihavebeenbornoftherightparents。Mymerit，then，istheaccidentofanaccident。ButhavingdonenothingmeritoriousbeforeIwasborn，surelyIoughttobeginafterward。Ithinkamanborntowealthoughttodoubthismoraltitletoit，andoughttosettoworktoproveit——oughttosethimselftorepairtheinjusticeoffortunebywhichheprofits。Yes，suchamanshouldbeasortofhumansunshine，anddiffuseblessingsallroundhim。Thepoormanthatencountershimoughttoblesstheaccident。Butthere，Iamnoteloquent。YouknowhowmuchmoreImeanthanIcansay。"
　　"IndeedIdo，"saidZoe，"andIhonoryou。"
　　"Ah，MissVizard，"saidUxmoor，"thatismorethanIcaneverdeserve。"
　　"Youarepraisingmeatyourownexpense，"saidZoe。"Well，then，"saidshe，sweetly，"pleaseacceptmysympathy。Itissoraretofindagentlemanofyouragethinkingsolittleofhimselfandsomuchofpoorpeople。YetthatisaDivinecommand。Butsomehowweforgetourreligionoutofchurch——mostofus。IamsureIdo，forone。"
　　Thisconversationbroughtthemtothevillage，andtheretheymetVizard，andZoerepeatedoldSally'sdiscoursetohimwordforword。Heshookhisheadsolemnly，andsaidhesharedhermisgivings。"WehavecaughtaTartar。"
　　OnarrivingatVizardCourt，theyfoundMissGalehadcalledandlefttwocards。
　　OpenrivalryhavingnowcommencedbetweenUxmoorandSeverne，hislordshipwasadroitenoughtocontrivethatthedragshouldbeinrequestnextday。
　　ThenSevernegotFannytoconveyanotetoZoe，imploringhertoopenherbedroomwindowandsaygood-nighttohimthelast。"For，"saidhe，"I
　　havenocoachandfour，andIamveryunhappy。"
　　ThisandhisstayingsullenlyathomespoiledZoe'sride，andshewascooltoUxmoor，andspoiledhisdrive。
　　AtnightZoepeepedthroughthecurtainandsawSevernestandinginthemoonlight。Shedrankhiminforsometimeinsilence，thensoftlyopenedherwindowandlookedout。Hetookastepnearer。
　　Shesaid，verysoftlyandtenderly，"Youareverynaughty，andveryfoolish。Gotobed_di-_rectly。"Andsheclosedherwindowwithavaliantslam；thensatdownandsighed。
　　Samegamenextday。Uxmoordriving，Zoewonderfullypolite，butchill，becausehewasseparatingherandSeverne。Atnight，Severneonthewetgrass，andZoeremonstratingseverely，butnotsincerely，andclosingthewindowperemptorilyshewouldhavelikedtokeepopenhalfthenight。
　　Ithasoftenbeenremarkedthatgreatthingsariseoutofsmallthings，andsometimes，wheninfullmotion，dependonsmallthings。Historyoffersbrilliantexamplesuponitslargestage。Fictionhasimitatedhistoryin_unverred'eau_andothercompositions。Totheseexamples，realorfeigned，Iamnowabouttoaddone；andthecuriousreadermay，ifhethinksitworthwhile，notethevariousramificationsathomeandabroadofaseeminglytrivialincident。
　　Theywereallseatedatluncheon，whenaservantcameinwithasalver，andsaid，"Agentlemantoseeyou，sir。"Hepresentedhissalverwithacarduponit。Severneclutchedthecard，andjumpedup，reddening。
　　"Showhiminhere，"saidthehospitableVizard。
　　"No，no，"criedSeverne，rathernervously；"itismylawyeronalittleprivatebusiness。"
　　Vizardtoldtheservanttoshowthevisitorintothelibrary，andtakeintheMadeiraandsomebiscuits。
　　"Itisaboutalease，"saidNedSeverne，andwentoutratherhurriedly。
　　"La!"saidFanny，"whatacuriousname——Poikilus。AndwhatdoesS。I。
　　mean，Iwonder?"
　　"Thisisenigmaticaldiscourse，"saidVizard，dryly。"Pleaseexplain。"
　　"Why，thecardhadPoikilusonit。"
　　"Youareveryinquisitive，"saidZoe，coloring。
　　"Nomorethanmyneighbors。Butthemanputhissalverrightbetweenournoses，andhowcouldIhelpseeingPoikilusinlargeletters，andS。I。
　　inlittleonesupinthecorner?"
　　SaidVizard，"Thefemaleeyeisnaturallyswift。Shecouldn'thelpseeingallthatin_halfaminuteoftime；_forNedSevernesnatchedupthecardwithvastexpedition。"
　　"Isawthattoo，"saidFanny，defiantly。
　　Uxmoorputinhisword。"Poikilus!Thatisanameoneseesinthepapers。"
　　"Ofcourseyoudo。Heisoneofthehumbugsoftheday。Pretendstofindthingsout；advertisesmysteriousdisappearances；offersamagnificentreward——withperfectsafety，becausehehasinventedthelostgirl'sfeaturesanddress，andherdisappearanceintothebargain；andIholdwiththeschoolmenthatshewhodoesnotexistcannotdisappear。
　　Poikilus，apuffingdetective。S。I。，SecretInquiry。_I_spellEnquirywithanE——butPoikilusisamanoftheday。WhatthedeucecanNedSevernewantofhim?IsupposeIoughtnottoobject。IhaveestablishedafemaledetectiveatHillstoke。SoNedsetsoneupatIslip。Ishallmakemyownsecretarrangements。IfPoikilussettleshere，hewillbedrawnthroughthehorse-pondbysmall-mindedrusticsonceaweek。"
　　Whilehewasgoingonlikethis，Zoefeltuncomfortable，andalmostirritatedbyhisvolubility，anditwasarelieftoherwhenSevernereturned。Hehadconfidedamostdelicatecasetothedetective，givenhimwritteninstructions，andstipulatedforhisleavingthehousewithoutawordtoanyone，and，indeed，seenhimoff——allinsevenminutes。Yethereturnedtoourpartycoolasacucumber，tothrowdustineverybody'seyes。
　　"Imustapologizeforthisintrusion，"hesaidtoVizard；"butmylawyerwantedtoconsultmeabouttheleaseofoneofmyfarms，and，findinghimselfintheneighborhood，hecalledinsteadofwriting。"
　　"Yourlawyer，eh?"saidVizard，slyly。"Whatisyourlawyer'sname?"
　　"Jackson，"saidNed，withoutamoment'shesitation。
　　Fannygiggledinherowndespite。
　　Insteadofstoppinghere，Severnemustgoon；itwashisunluckyday。
　　"Notquiteagentleman，youknow，orIwouldhaveinflictedhissocietyonyou。"
　　"Notquite——eh?"saidHarrington，sodrylythatFannyDoverburstintoafitofuncontrollablelaughter。
　　ButZoeturnedhotandcoldtoseehimblunderingthus，andtellinglieuponlie。
　　Severnesawtherewassomethingwrong，andburiedhisnoseinpigeonpie。
　　Hedevoureditwithanexcellentappetite，whileeveryeyerestedonhim；
　　Zoe'swithshameandmisery，Uxmoor'swithopencontempt，Vizard'swithgoodhumoredsatire。
　　ThesituationbecameintolerabletoZoeVizard。Indignantanddeeplyshockedherself，shestillcouldnotbeartoseehimthebuttofothers'
　　ridiculeandcontempt。Sherosehaughtilyandmarchedtothedoor。Heraisedhisheadforamomentasshewentout。Sheturned，andtheireyesmet。Shegavehimsuchaglanceofpityanddisdainassuspendedthemeatuponhisfork，andfrozehimintocomprehendingthatsomethingveryseriousindeedhadhappened。
　　HeresolvedtolearnfromFannywhatitwas，andactaccordingly。ButZoe'smaidcameinandwhisperedFanny。Shewentout，andneitheroftheyoungladieswasseentilldinner-time。ItwasconveyedtoUxmoorthattherewouldbenoexcursionofanykindthisafternoon；andthereforehetookhishat，andwentofftopayavisit。HecalledonRhodaGale。Shewasathome。Heintendedmerelytoofferherhisrespects，andtosidewithhergenerallyagainstthesefoolishrustics；butshewaspleasedwithhimforcoming，andmadeherselfsoagreeablethathespentthewholeafternooncomparingnoteswithheruponvillagelife，andtheameliorationitwascapableof。Eachcouldgivetheothervaluableideas；
　　andhesaidhehopedshewouldvisithispartofthecountryerelong；
　　shewouldfindmanydefects，butalsoagreatdesiretoamendthem。
　　Thisflatteredher，naturally；andshebegantotakeaninterestinhim。
　　Thatinterestsoontooktheformofcuriosity。ShemustknowwhetherhewasseriouslycourtingZoeVizardornot。Thenaturalreserveofawell-bredmanwithstoodthisatfirst；butthatarmorcouldnotresistfortwomortalhourssuchadaughterofEveasthis，withherinsidiousquestions，herartfulstatements，hercat-likeretreatsandcat-likereturns。Shelearned——thoughhedidnotseehowfarhehadcommittedhimself——thatheadmiredZoeVizardandwouldmarryherto-morrowifshewouldhavehim；hishesitationtoaskher，becausehehadarival，whosepowerhecouldnotexactlymeasure；butaformidableandpermittedrival。
　　Theypartedalmostfriends；andRhodasettledquietlyinhermindheshouldhaveZoeVizard，sincehewassofondofher。
　　HereagainitwasSeverne'sunluckyday，andUxmoor'slucky。Tocarrythissamedaytoaclose，SevernetriedmorethanoncetogetnearZoeandaskifhehadoffendedher，andinwhat。Butnoopportunityoccurred。
　　Sothenhesatandgazedather，andlookedunhappy。Shesaw，andwasnotunmoved，butwouldnotdomorethanglanceathim。Heresignedhimselftowaittillnight。
　　Nightcame。Hewentonthegrass。TherewasalightinZoe'sroom。Itwaseleveno'clock。Hewaited，shivering，tilltwelve。Thenthelightwasputout；butnowindowopened。Therewasamoon；andherwindowsglaredblackonhim，darkandbrightastheeyesshenowavertedfromhim。Hewasindisgrace。
　　ThepresentincidentIhaverecordeddidnotendhere；andImustnowfollowPoikilusonhismissiontoHomburg；andifthereaderhasasenseofjustice，methinkshewillnotcomplainofthejourney，forseehowlongIhaveneglectedthenoblestfigureinthisstory，andthemosttobepitied。Todesertherlongerwouldbetoounjust，andderangeentirelythebalanceofthiscomplicatedstory。
　　CHAPTERXVIII。
　　ACRUELmentalstroke，likeaheavyblowuponthebody，sometimesbenumbsandsickensatfirst，butdoesnottorture；yetthatistofollow。
　　ItwassowithInaKlosking。ThedayshejustmissedEdwardSeverne，andheseemedtomeltawayfromherverygraspintothewideworldagain，shecoulddragherselftothetheaterandsingangelically，withadullandachingheart。Butnextdayherheartenteredonsharpersuffering。Shewasirritated，exasperated；chainedtothetheater，toHomburg，yetwildtofollowSevernetoEnglandwithoutdelay。ShetoldAshmeadshemustandwouldgo。Heopposeditstoutly，andgavegoodreasons。Shecouldnotbreakfaithwiththemanagement。Englandwasalargeplace。Theyhad，asyet，noclewbutaname。Bywaiting，theclewwouldcome。ThesurecoursewastogivepublicityinEnglandtoherwinnings，andsodrawSevernetoher。Butforonceshewastooexcitedtolistentoreason。Shewastempest-tossed。"Iwillgo——Iwillgo，"sherepeated，asshewalkedtheroomwildly，andflungherarmsaloftwithrecklessabandon，andyetwithaterriblemajesty，aninstinctivegrace，andallthepoetryofagreatsoulwrongedanddrivenwild。
　　SheoverpoweredAshmeadanddrovehimtothedirector。Hewentmostunwillingly；butoncethere，wastruetoher，andbeggedofftheengagementeagerly。Thedirectorrefusedthisplump。ThenAshmead，stilltruetohiscommission，offeredhimmostreluctantlyaconsiderablesumdowntoannulthecontract，andbackedthiswithaquiethintthatshewouldcertainlyfallillifrefused。Thedirectorknewbyexperiencewhatthismeant，andhoweasilytheseladiescancommandthehumanbodytodeath'sdoor_prorenata，_andhowreadilyadoctor'scertificatecanbehadtosayorswearthatthegreatcreaturecannotsingoractwithoutperiltolife，thoughreallyboththeseartsaregrandmedicines，andfarlesslikelytoinjurethe_bonafide_sickthanarethecertifyingdoctor'sdraughtsanddrugs。Thedirectorknewallthis；buthewasfuriousatthedisappointmentthreatenedhim。"No，"saidhe；"thisisalwaystheway；apoordevilofamanagerisnevertohaveasuccess。Itistreacherous，itisungrateful:I'llclose。Youtellherifsheisdeterminedtocutallourthroatsandkickherowngoodfortunedown，shecan；but，by——，I'llmakehersmartforit!Mind，now；sheclosesthetheaterandpaystheexpenses，ifsheplaysmefalse。"
　　"Butifsheisill?"
　　"Letherdieandbe——，andthenI'llbelieveher。SheisthehealthiestwomaninGermany。I'llgoandtakestepstohaveherarrestedifsheofferstoleavethetown。"
　　Ashmeadreportedthemanager'sthreats，andtheKloskingreceivedthemasalionessthebarkingofacur。Shedrewherselfswiftlyup，andhergreateyegleamedimperialdisdainatallhismenacesbutone。
　　"Hewillnotreallyclosethetheater，"saidshe，loftily；butuneasinesslurkedinhermanner。
　　"Hewill，"saidAshmead。"Heisdesperate:andyouknowit_is_hardtogoonlosingandlosing，andthenthemomentluckturnstobedoneoutofit，inspiteofawrittenbargain。I'vebeenamanagermyself。"
　　"Somanypoorpeople!"saidIna，withasigh；andherdefiantheadsunkalittle。
　　"Oh，bother_them!"_saidAshmead，craftily。"Let'emstarve。"
　　"Godforbid!"saidIna。Thenshesighedagain，andherqueenlyheadsunklower。Thenshefalteredout，"Ihavethewilltobreakfaithandruinpoorpeople，butIhavenotthecourage。"
　　Thenatearortwobegantotrickle，carryingwiththemalltheegotisticalresolutionInaKloskingpossessedatthattime。Perhapsweshallseeherharden:nothingstandsstill。
　　Thistimethepoorconquered。
　　ButeverynowandthenformanydaystherewerereturnsoftormentandagitationandwilddesiretoescapetoEngland。
　　Ashmeadmadeheadagainstthesewithhissimplearts。Foronething，heshowedheradozenparagraphsinMS。hewassendingtoasmanyEnglishweeklypapers，describingherheavygainsatthetable。"Withthesestones，"saidhe，"Ikilltwobirds:extendyourfame，andenticeyouridolbacktoyou。"Hereagrowl，whichIsuspectwasaninarticulatecurse。Joseph，fi!
　　ThepenofJosephonsuchoccasionswaslikehispredecessor'scoat，polychromatic。TheKloskingreadhim，andwondered。"Alas!"saidshe，"withwhatversatileskilldoyoudescantonasinglecircumstancenotverycreditable。"
　　"Creditable!"saidAshmead；"itwasverynaughty，butitisverynice。"
　　Andthecreatureactuallywinked，forgetting，ofcourse，whomhewaswinkingat，andwastinghisvulgarityonthedesertair；fortheKlosking'seyemightjustmanagetoblink——atthemeridiansun，orsoforth；butitneverwinkedonceinallitslife。
　　Oneoftheparagraphsranthus，withaheadinginsmallcapitals:
　　"APRIMADONNAATTHEGAMBLINGTABLE。
　　"MademoiselleKlosking，thegreatcontralto，whosesuccesshasbeenalreadyrecordedinallthejournals，strolled，ononeofheroffnights，intotheKursaalatHomburg，andsatdownto_trenteetquarante。_Hermelodiousvoicewassoonheardbettingheavily，withthemostengagingsweetnessofmanner；anddoublingseventimesuponthered，shebrokethebank，andretiredwithacharmingcourtesyandeightthousandpoundsingoldandnotes。"
　　Anotherdealtwiththematterthus:
　　"ROUGEETNOIR。
　　"ThelatestcoupatHomburghasbeenmadebyacantatricewhosepraisesallGermanyarenowringing。MademoiselleKlosking，successorandrivalofAlboni，wenttotheKursaal，_pourpasserletemps；_andshepasseditsowellthatinhalfanhourthebankwasbroken，andtherewasapileofnotesandgoldbeforeLaKloskingamountingtotenthousandpoundsandmore。Theladywavedtheseovertoheragent，Mr。JosephAshmead，withahandwhich，_parparenthe'se，_isbelievedtobethewhitestinEurope，andretiredgracefully。"
　　Onperusingthis，LaKloskingheld_two_whitehandsuptoheaveninamazementattheskillandgoodtastewhichhaddraggedthisfeatureintotheincident。
　　"ADRAMATICSITUATION。
　　"Acircumstancehaslatelyoccurredherewhichwillinfalliblybeseizedonbythenovelistsinsearchofanincident。MademoiselleKlosking，thenewcontralto，whosetriumphantprogressthroughEuropewillprobablybethenexteventinmusic，walkedintotheKursaaltheothernight，brokethebank，andwalkedoutagainwithtwelvethousandpounds，andthatcharmingcomposurewhichissaidtodistinguishherinprivatelife。