ThelittlegirlcameoutfrombehindtheChristmastree，herstocking，nowbuthalffilled，inherhand。"HereIam，"shesaid。"Don'tyouwanttogivemeaChristmashug，CaptainCephas？Youandme'stheonlyonesthathasn'thadany。"
　　TheChristmasdinnerwasastrulyandperfectlyasailor-
　　cookedmealaseverwasservedonboardashiporoffit。
　　CaptainCephashadsaidthat，andwhenhehadsospokentherewasnoneedoffurtherwords。
　　Itwasnearlydarkthatafternoon，andtheywereallsittingaroundthekitchenfire，thethreeseafaringmensmoking，andMrs。Trimmergreatlyenjoyingit。Therecouldbenoobjectiontothesmelloftobaccointhishousesolongasitsfuturemistressenjoyedit。ThelittlegirlsatonthefloornursingaChineseidolwhichhadbeenoneofherpresents。
　　"Afterall，"saidCaptainEli，meditatively，"thiswholebusinesscomeoutofmysleepin'withmybestearup。FerifI'dsleptwithmyhard-o'-hearin'earup——"Mrs。Trimmerputonefingeronhislips。"Allright，"saidCaptainEli，"Iwon'tsaynomore。Butitwouldhavebeendifferent。"
　　Evennow，severalyearsafterthatChristmas，whenthereisnoMrs。Trimmer，andthelittlegirl，whohasbeenregularlyadoptedbyCaptainEliandhiswife，isstudyinggeography，andknowsmoreaboutlatitudeandlongitudethanherteacheratschool，CaptainElihasstillaslightsuperstitiousdreadofsleepingwithhisbestearuppermost。
　　"Ofcourseit'sthemostall-firednonsense，"hesaystohimselfoverandoveragain。Nevertheless，hefeelssaferwhenitishis"hard-o'-hearin'ear"thatisnotuponthepillow。
　　LOVEBEFOREBREAKFAST
　　IwasstillayoungmanwhenIcameintothepossessionofanexcellentestate。Thisconsistedofalargecountryhouse，surroundedbylawns，groves，andgardens，andsituatednotfarfromtheflourishinglittletownofBoynton。Beinganorphanwithnobrothersorsisters，Isetuphereabachelor'shall，inwhich，fortwoyears，Ilivedwithgreatsatisfactionandcomfort，improvingmygroundsandfurnishingmyhouse。WhenI
　　hadmadealltheimprovementswhichwerereallyneeded，andfeelingthatInowhadamostdelightfulhometocomebackto，I
　　thoughtitwouldbeanexcellentthingtotakeatriptoEurope，givemymindaruninfreshfields，andpickupalotofbric-a-
　　bracandideasfortheadornmentandadvantageofmyhouseandmind。
　　Itwasthecustomoftheresidentsinmyneighborhoodwhoownedhousesandtravelledinthesummertolettheirhousesduringtheirabsence，andmybusinessagentandmyselfagreedthatthiswouldbeanexcellentthingformetodo。Ifthehousewerelettoasuitablefamilyitwouldyieldmeaconsiderableincome，andtheplacewouldnotpresentonmyreturnthatairofretrogressionanddesolationwhichImightexpectifitwereleftunoccupiedandinchargeofacaretaker。
　　MyagentassuredmethatIwouldhavenotroublewhateverinlettingmyplace，foritofferedmanyadvantagesandIexpectedbutareasonablerent。Idesiredtoleaveeverythingjustasitstood，house，furniture，books，horses，cows，andpoultry，takingwithmeonlymyclothesandpersonalrequisites，andIdesiredtenantswhowouldcomeinbringingonlytheirclothesandpersonalrequisites，whichtheycouldquietlytakeawaywiththemwhentheirleaseshouldexpireandIshouldreturnhome。
　　Inspite，however，oftheassurancesoftheagent，itwasnoteasytoletmyplace。Thehousewastoolargeforsomepeople，toosmallforothers，andwhilesomeapplicantshadmorehorsesthanIhadstallsinmystable，othersdidnotwanteventhehorsesIwouldleave。Ihadengagedmysteamerpassage，andthedayformydeparturedrewnear，andyetnosuitabletenantshadpresentedthemselves。Ihadalmostcometotheconclusionthatthewholematterwouldhavetobeleftinthehandsofmyagent，forIhadnointentionwhateverofgivingupmyprojectedtravels，whenearlyoneafternoonsomepeoplecametolookatthehouse。FortunatelyIwasathome，andIgavemyselfthepleasureofpersonallyconductingthemaboutthepremises。Itwasapleasure，becauseassoonasIcomprehendedthefactthattheseapplicantsdesiredtorentmyhouseIwishedthemtohaveit。
　　Thefamilyconsistedofanelderlygentlemanandhiswife，withadaughteroftwentyorthereabout。Thiswasafamilythatsuitedmeexactly。Threeinnumber，nochildren，peopleofintelligenceandposition，fondofthecountry，andanxiousforjustsuchaplaceasIofferedthem——whatcouldbebetter？
　　ThemoreIwalkedaboutandtalkedwiththesegoodpeopleandshowedthemmypossessions，themoreIdesiredthattheyoungladyshouldtakemyhouse。Ofcourseherparentswereincludedinthiswish，butitwasforherearsthatallmyremarkswereintended，althoughsometimesaddressedtotheothers，andshewasthetenantIlaboredtoobtain。Isay"labored"advisedly，becauseIrackedmybraintothinkofinducementswhichmightbringthemtoaspeedyandfavorabledecision。
　　Apartfromtheobviousadvantagesofthearrangement，itwouldbeapositivedelighttomeduringmysummerwanderingsinEuropetothinkthatthatbeautifulgirlwouldbestrollingthroughmygrounds，enjoyingmyflowers，andsittingwithherbookintheshadynooksIhadmadesopleasant，lyinginmyhammocks，spendinghereveninghoursinmystudy，readingmybooks，writingatmydesk，andperhapsmusinginmyeasy-chair。
　　Beforetheseapplicantsappearedithadsometimespainedmetoimaginestrangersinmyhome；butnosuchthoughtcrossedmymindinregardtothisyounglady，who，ifcharminginthehouseandonthelawn，grewpositivelyentrancingwhenshesawmyJerseycowsandmytwohorses，regardingthemwithanadmirationwhichevensurpassedmyown。
　　LongbeforewehadcompletedthetourofinspectionIhadmadeupmymindthatthisyoungladyshouldcometoliveinmyhouse。Ifobstaclesshouldshowthemselvestheyshouldberemoved。Iwouldteardown，Iwouldbuild，Iwouldpaperandpaint，Iwouldputinallsortsofelectricbells，Iwouldreducetherentuntilitsuitedtheirnotionsexactly，Iwouldhavemyhorses'tailsbangedifshelikedthatkindoftailsbetterthanlongones——Iwoulddoanythingtomakethemdefinitelydecidetotaketheplacebeforetheyleftme。Itrembledtothinkofhergoingelsewhereandgivingotherhouseholdersachancetotempther。Shehadlookedatagoodmanycountryhouses，butitwasquiteplainthatnoneofthemhadpleasedhersowellasmine。
　　Ilefttheminmylibrarytotalkthematteroverbythemselves，andinlessthantenminutestheyoungladyherselfcameoutonthelawntotellmethatherfatherandmotherhaddecidedtotaketheplaceandwouldliketospeakwithme。
　　"Iamsoglad，"shesaidaswewentin。"IamsureIshallenjoyeveryhourofourstayhere。Itissodifferentfromanythingwehaveyetseen。"
　　WheneverythinghadbeensettledIwantedtotakethemagainovertheplaceandpointoutalotofthingsIhadomitted。I
　　particularlywantedtoshowthemsomelovelywalksinthewoods。
　　Buttherewasnotime，fortheyhadtocatchatrain。
　　HernamewasVincent——CoraVincent，asIdiscoveredfromhermother'sremarks。
　　AssoonastheydepartedIhadmymaresaddledandrodeintotowntoseemyagent。Iwentintohisofficeexultant。
　　"I'veletmyhouse，"Isaid，"andIwantyoutomakeouttheleaseandhaveeverythingfixedandsettledassoonaspossible。
　　Thisistheaddressofmytenants。"
　　Theagentaskedmeagoodmanyquestions，beingparticularlyanxioustoknowwhatrenthadbeenagreedupon。
　　"Heavens！"heexclaimed，whenImentionedthesum，"thatiseversomuchlessthanItoldyouyoucouldget。IamincommunicationnowwithapartywhomIknowwouldpayyouconsiderablymorethanthesepeople。Haveyoudefinitelysettledwiththem？Perhapsitisnottoolatetowithdraw。"
　　"Withdraw！"Icried。"Never！TheyaretheonlytenantsI
　　want。Iwasdeterminedtogetthem，andIthinkImusthaveloweredtherentfourorfivetimesinthecourseoftheafternoon。ItookabigsliceoutofitbeforeImentionedthesumatall。Yousee，"saidI，veryimpressively，"theseVincentsexactlysuitme。"AndthenIwentontostatefullytheadvantagesofthearrangement，omitting，however，anyreferencestomyvisionsofMissVincentswinginginmyhammocksormusinginmystudy-chair。
　　ItwasnowMay15，andmysteamerwouldsailonthetwenty-
　　first。TheinterveningdaysIemployed，notinpreparingformytravels，butinmakingeverypossiblearrangementforthecomfortandconvenienceofmyincomingtenants。TheVincentsdidnotwishtotakepossessionuntilJune1，andIwassorrytheyhadnotappliedbeforeIhadengagedmypassage，forinthatcaseI
　　wouldhaveselectedalaterdate。AverygoodsteamersailedonJune3，anditwouldhavesuitedmejustaswell。
　　HappeningtobeinNewYorkoneday，IwenttotheVincents'
　　cityresidencetoconsultwiththeminregardtosomeawningswhichIproposedputtingupatthebackofthehouse。Ifoundnooneathomebuttheoldgentleman，anditmadenodifferencetohimwhethertheawningswereblackandbrownorredandyellow。IcordiallyinvitedhimtocomeoutbeforeIleft，andbringhisfamily，thattheymightlookabouttheplacetoseeiftherewasanythingtheywouldliketohavedonewhichhadnotalreadybeenattendedto。Itwassomuchbetter，Itoldhim，totalkoverthesematterspersonallywiththeownerthanwithanagentinhisabsence。Agentswereoftenveryunwillingtomakechanges。Mr。Vincentwasaveryquietandexceedinglypleasantelderlygentleman，andthankedmeverymuchformyinvitation，butsaidhedidnotseehowhecouldfindthetimetogetouttomyhousebeforeIsailed。Ididnotliketosaythatitwasnotatallnecessaryforhimtoneglecthisaffairsinordertoaccompanyhisfamilytomyplace，butIassuredhimthatifanyofthemwishedtogooutatanytimebeforetheytookpossessiontheymustfeelatperfectlibertytodoso。
　　Imentionedthismattertomyagent，suggestingthatifhehappenedtobeinNewYorkhemightcallontheVincentsandrepeatmyinvitation。Itwasnotlikelythattheoldgentlemanwouldremembertomentionittohiswifeanddaughter，anditwasreallyimportantthateverythingshouldbemadesatisfactorybeforeIleft。
　　"Itseemstome，"hesaid，smilingalittlegrimly，"thattheVincentshadbetterbekeptawayfromyourhouseuntilyouhavegone。Ifyoudoanythingmoretoityoumayfindoutthatitwouldhavebeenmoreprofitabletohaveshutitupwhileyouareaway。"
　　Hedidcall，however，partlybecauseIwishedhimtoandpartlybecausehewascurioustoseethepeopleIwassoanxioustoinstallinmyhome，andtowhomhewastobemylegalrepresentative。HereportedthenextdaythathehadfoundnooneathomebutMissVincent，andthatshehadsaidthatsheandhermotherwouldbeverygladtocomeoutthenextweekandgoovertheplacebeforetheytookpossession。
　　"Nextweek！"Iexclaimed。"Ishallbegonethen！"
　　"ButIshallbehere，"saidMr。Barker，"andI'llshowthemaboutandtaketheirsuggestions。"
　　Thisdidnotsuitmeatall。ItannoyedmeverymuchtothinkofBarkershowingMissVincentaboutmyplace。Hewasagood-lookingyoungmanandnotatallbackwardinhismanners。
　　"Afterall，"saidI，"Isupposethateverythingthatoughttobedonehasbeendone。Ihopeyoutoldherthat。"
　　"Ofcoursenot，"saidhe。"Thatwouldhavebeenrunningdeadagainstyourorders。Besides，it'smybusinesstoshowpeopleaboutplaces。Idon'tmindit。"
　　Thisgavemeanunpleasantanduneasyfeeling。IwonderedifMr。BarkerweretheagentIoughttohave，andifamiddle-agedmanwithafamilyandmoreexperiencemightnotbebetterabletomanagemyaffairs。
　　"Barker，"saidI，alittlelater，"therewillbenouseofyourgoingeverymonthtotheVincentstocollecttheirrent。I
　　shallwritetoMr。Vincenttopayashepleases。Hecansendacheckmonthlyorattheendoftheseason，asitmaybeconvenient。Heisperfectlyresponsible，andIwouldmuchprefertohavethemoneyinalumpwhenIcomeback。"
　　Barkergrinned。"Allright，"saidhe，"butthat'snotthewaytodobusiness，youknow。"
　　Imayhavebeenmistaken，butIfanciedthatIsawinmyagent'sfaceanexpressionwhichindicatedthatheintendedtocallonthefirstdayofeachmonth，onthepretextoftellingVincentthatitwasnotnecessarytopaytherentatanyparticulartime，andthathealsoproposedtomakemanyotherinterveningvisitstoinquireifrepairswereneeded。Thismighthavebeenagooddealtogetoutofhisexpression，butIthinkI
　　couldhavegotmoreifIhadthoughtlonger。
　　OnthedaybeforethatonwhichIwastosail，mymindwasinsuchadisturbedconditionthatIcouldnotattendtomypackingoranythingelse。ItalmostenragedmetothinkthatIwasdeliberatelyleavingthecountrytendaysbeforemytenantswouldcometomyhouse。TherewasnoreasonwhyIshoulddothis。
　　ThereweremanyreasonswhyIshouldnot。TherewasBarker。I
　　wasnowoftheopinionthathewouldpersonallysuperintendtheremovaloftheVincentsandtheirestablishmenttomyhome。I
　　rememberedthattheonlysuggestionhehadmadeabouttheimprovementoftheplacehadbeentheconstructionofatennis-
　　court。Iknewthathewasachampionplayer。Confoundit！WhatadreadfulmistakeIhadmadeinselectingsuchamanformyhouse-agent。Withmymind'seyeIcouldalreadyseeMissVincentandBarkerselectingaspotfortennisandplanningthearrangementsofthecourt。
　　ItookthefirsttraintoNewYorkandwentdirectlytothesteamboatoffice。Itisastonishinghowmanyobstaclescanberemovedfromaman'spathifhewillmakeuphismindtogivethemagoodkick。Ifoundthatmysteamerwascrowded。Theapplicationsforpassageexceededtheaccommodations，andtheagentwasdelightedtotransfermetothesteamerthatsailedonJune3。Iwenthomeexultant。Barkerdroveoverintheeveningtotakehislastinstructions，andablanklookcameoverhisfacewhenItoldhimthatbusinesshaddelayedmydeparture，andthatIshouldnotsailthenextday。IfIhadtoldhimthatpartofthatbusinesswasthelayingoutofatennis-courthemighthavelookedblanker。
　　OfcoursethedateofmydeparturedidnotconcerntheVincents，providedthehousewasvacatedbyJune1，andIdidnotinformthemofthechangeinmyplans，butwhenthemotheranddaughtercameoutthenextweektheyweremuchsurprisedtofindmewaitingtoreceivetheminsteadofBarker。Ihopethattheywerealsopleased，andIamsurethattheyhadeveryreasontobeso。Mrs。Vincent，havingdiscoveredthatIwasamostcomplacentlandlord，accommodatedherselfeasilytomydispositionandmadeanumberofminorrequirements，allofwhichIgrantedwithouttheslightesthesitation。Iwasdelightedatlasttoputherintothechargeofmyhousekeeper，andwhenthetwohadbetakenthemselvestothebedroomsIinvitedMissVincenttocomeoutwithmetoselectaspotforatennis-court。Theinvitationwasacceptedwithalacrity，fortennis，shedeclared，wasapassionwithher。
　　Theselectionofthattennis-courttooknearlyanhour，fortherewereseveralgoodplacesforoneanditwashardtomakeaselection；besides，IcouldnotlosetheopportunityoftakingMissVincentintothewoodsandshowingherthewalksIhadmadeandtherusticseatsIhadplacedinpleasantnooks。Ofcourseshewouldhavediscoveredthese，butitwasagreatdealbetterforhertoknowallaboutthembeforeshecame。AtlastMrs。Vincentsentamaidtotellherdaughterthatitwastimetogoforthetrain，andthecourthadnotbeendefinitelyplanned。
　　ThenextdayIwenttoMissVincent'shousewithaplanofthegrounds，andsheandItalkeditoveruntilthematterwassettled。Itwasnecessarytobepromptaboutthis，Iexplained，astherewouldbeagreatdealoflevellingandrollingtobedone。
　　Ialsohadatalkwiththeoldgentlemanaboutbooks。TherewereseverallargeboxesofmybooksinNewYorkwhichIhadneversentouttomycountryhouse。ManyoftheseIthoughtmightbeinterestingtohim，andIofferedtohavethemtakenoutandleftathisdisposal。Whenheheardthetitlesofsomeofthebooksinthecollectionhewasmuchinterested，butinsistedthatbeforehemadeuseofthemtheyshouldbecatalogued，asweretherestofmyeffects。Ihesitatedamoment，wonderingifIcouldinduceBarkertocometoNewYorkandcataloguefourbigboxesofbooks，when，tomysurprise，MissVincentincidentallyremarkedthatiftheywereinanyplacewhereshecouldgetatthemshewouldbepleasedtohelpcataloguethem；thatsortofthingwasagreatpleasuretoher。InstantlyIproposedthatI
　　shouldsendthebookstotheVincenthouse，thattheyshouldtherebetakenoutsothatMr。Vincentcouldselectthosehemightcaretoreadduringthesummer，thatIwouldmakealistofthese，andifVincentwouldassistmeIwouldbegratefulforthekindness，andthosethatwerenotdesiredcouldbereturnedtothestorehouse。
　　Whatagrandideawasthis！IhadbeeninternallygroaningbecauseIcouldthinkofnopossiblepretence，forfurtherinterviewswithMissVincent，andherewassomethingbetterthanIcouldhaveimagined。Herfatherdeclaredthathecouldnotputmetosomuchtrouble，butIwouldlistentononeofhiswords，andthenextmorningmybookswerespreadoverhislibraryfloor。
　　Theselectionandcataloguingofthevolumesdesiredoccupiedthemorningsofthreedays。Theoldgentleman'spartwassoondone，butthereweremanythingsinthebookswhichwerefarmoreinterestingtomethantheirtitles，andtowhichIdesiredtodrawMissVincent'sattention。Allthisgreatlyprotractedourlabors。Shewasnotonlyabeautifulgirl，butherintelligenceandintellectualgraspwerewonderful。Icouldnothelptellingherwhatagreatpleasureitwouldbetometothink，whilewanderinginforeignlands，thatsuchanappreciativefamilywouldbeenjoyingmybooksandmyplace。
　　"Youaresofondofyourhouseandeverythingyouhave，"saidshe，"thatweshallalmostfeelasifweweredeprivingyouofyourrights。ButIsupposethatItalianlakesandtheAlpswillmakeyouforgetforatimeevenyourbeautifulhome。"
　　"Notifyouareinit，"Ilongedtosay，butIrestrainedmyself。IdidnotbelievethatitwaspossibleformetobemoreinlovewiththisgirlthanIwasatthatmoment，but，ofcourse，itwouldbetherankeststupiditytotellherso。ToherIwassimplyherfather'slandlord。
　　Iwenttothathousethenextdaytoseethattheboxeswereproperlyrepacked，andIactuallywentthenextdaytoseeiftherightboxeshadgoneintothecountry，andtheothersbacktothestorehouse。ThefirstdayIsawonlythefather。Theseconddayitwasthemotherwhoassuredmethateverythinghadbeenproperlyattendedto。IbegantofeelthatifIdidnotwishadecidedrebuffIwouldbetternotmakeanymorepretencesofbusinessattheVincenthouse。
　　Therewereaffairsofmyownwhichshouldhavebeenattendedto，andIoughttohavegonehomeandattendedtothem，butI
　　couldnotbeartodoso。TherewasnoreasontosupposeshewouldgoouttherebeforethefirstofJune。
　　Thinkingoverthemattermanytimes，IcametotheconclusionthatifIcouldseeheroncemoreIwouldbesatisfied。ThenI
　　wouldgoaway，andcarryherimagewithmeintoeveryart-
　　gallery，overeveryglacier，andundereverylovelyskythatI
　　shouldenjoyabroad，hopingallthetimethat，takingmyplace，asitwere，inmyhome，andmakingmypossessions，inameasure，herown，shewouldindirectlybecomesowellacquaintedwithmethatwhenIreturnedImightspeaktoherwithoutshockingher。
　　Toobtainthisfinalinterviewtherewasbutoneway。IhadleftmyhouseonSaturday，theVincentswouldcomeonthefollowingMonday，andIwouldsailonWednesday。IwouldgoonTuesdaytoinquireiftheyfoundeverythingtotheirsatisfaction。Thiswouldbeaveryproperattentionfromalandlordabouttoleavethecountry。
　　WhenIreachedBoyntonIdeterminedtowalktomyhouse，forIdidnotwishtoencumbermyselfwithahiredvehicle。I
　　mightbeaskedtostaytoluncheon。AverystrangefeelingcameovermeasIenteredmygrounds。Theywerenotmine。Forthetimebeingtheybelongedtosomebodyelse。IwasmerelyavisitororatrespasseriftheVincentsthoughtpropersotoconsiderme。IftheydidnotlikepeopletowalkonthegrassI
　　hadnorighttodoit。
　　Noneofmyservantshadbeenleftontheplace，andthemaidwhocametothedoorinformedmethatMr。VincenthadgonetoNewYorkthatmorning，andthatMrs。Vincentandherdaughterwereoutdriving。Iventuredtoaskifshethoughttheywouldsoonreturn，andsheansweredthatshedidnotthinktheywould，astheyhadgonetoRockLake，which，fromthewaytheytalkedaboutit，mustbealongwayoff。
　　RockLake！WhenIhaddrivenovertherewithmyfriends，wehadtakenluncheonattheinnandreturnedintheafternoon。AndwhatdidtheyknowofRockLake？Whohadtoldthemofit？ThatofficiousBarker，ofcourse。
　　"Willyouleaveamessage，sir？"saidthemaid，who，ofcourse，didnotknowme。
　　"No，"saidI，andasIstillstoodgazingatthepiazzafloor，sheremarkedthatifIwishedtocallagainshewouldgooutandspeaktothecoachmanandaskhimifanythinghadbeensaidtohimaboutthetimeoftheparty'sreturn。
　　Worseandworse！Theircoachmanhadnotdriventhem！Someonewhoknewthecountryhadbeentheircompanion。Theywerenotacquaintedintheneighborhood，andtherecouldnotbeashadowofadoubtthatitwasthatobtrusiveBarkerwhohadindecentlythrusthimselfuponthemontheverynextdayaftertheirarrival，andhadthussnatchedfrommethislastinterviewuponwhichIhadcountedsoearnestly。
　　Ihadnorighttoaskanymorequestions。Ileftnomessagenoranyname，andIhadnoexcuseforsayingIwouldcallagain。
　　IgotbacktomyhotelwithouthavingmetanyonewhomI
　　knew，andthatnightIreceivedanotefromBarker，statingthathehadfullyintendedcomingtothesteamertoseemeoff，butthatanengagementwouldpreventhim。Hesent，however，hisbestgoodwishesformysafepassage，andassuredmethathewouldkeepmefullyinformedofthestateofmyaffairsonthisside。
　　"Engagement！"Iexclaimed。"Ishegoingtodrivewithheragainto-morrow？"
　　Mysteamersailedattwoo'clockthenextday，andafteranearlybreakfastIwenttothecompany'sofficetoseeifIcoulddisposeofmyticket。Ithadbecomeimpossible，Itoldtheagent，formetoleaveAmericaatpresent。Hesaiditwasaverylatehourtosellmyticket，butthathewoulddowhathecould，andifanapplicantturneduphewouldgivehimmyroomandrefundthemoney。Hewantedmetochangetoanotherdate，butI
　　declinedtodothis。IwasnotabletosaywhenIshouldsail。
　　Inowhadnoplanofaction。AllIknewwasthatIcouldnotleaveAmericawithoutfindingoutsomethingdefiniteaboutthisBarkerbusiness。Thatistosay，ifitshouldbemadeknowntomethatinsteadofattendingtomybusiness，sendingacarpentertomakerepairs，ifsuchwerenecessary，orgoingpersonallytotheplumbertomakesurethatthaterraticpersonagewouldgivehisattentiontoanypipesinregardtowhichMr。Vincentmighthavewritten，Barkershouldmingleinsociablerelationswithmytenants，anddriveorplaytenniswiththeyoungladyofthehouse，thenwouldIimmediatelyhavedonewithhim。IwouldwithdrawmybusinessfromhishandsandplaceitinthoseofoldMr。Poindexter。Morethanthat，itmightbemydutytowarnMissVincent'sparentsagainstBarker。Ididnotdoubtthathewasaverygoodhouseandland-agent，butinselectinghimassuchI
　　hadnoideaofintroducinghimtotheVincentsinasocialway。
　　Infact，themoreIthoughtaboutitthemoreIbecameconvincedthatifeverImentionedBarkertomytenantsitwouldbetowarnthemagainsthim。Fromcertainpointsofviewhewasactuallyadangerousman。
　　This，however，IwouldnotdountilIfoundmyagentwasreallyculpable。TodiscoverwhatBarkerhaddone，whathewasdoing，andwhatheintendedtodo，wasnowmyonlybusinessinlife。UntilIhadsatisfiedmyselfonthesepointsIcouldnotthinkofstartingoutuponmytravels。
　　NowthatIhaddeterminedIwouldnotstartforEuropeuntilIhadsatisfiedmyselfthatMr。Barkerwascontentinghimselfwithattendingtomybusiness，andnotendeavoringtoforcehimselfintosocialrelationswithmytenants，Iwasanxiousthatthepostponementofmyjourneyshouldbeunknowntomyfriendsandacquaintances，andIwas，therefore，verygladtoseeinanewspaper，publishedontheafternoonofthedayofmyintendeddeparture，mynameamongthelistofpassengerswhohadsailedupontheMnemonic。ForthefirsttimeIcommendedthesuper-enterpriseofareporterwhogavemoreattentiontothetimelinessofhisnewsthantoitsaccuracy。
　　IwasstoppingataNewYorkhotel，butIdidnotwishtostaythere。UntilIfeltmyselfreadytostartonmytravelstheneighborhoodofBoyntonwouldsuitmebetterthananywhereelse。
　　Ididnotwishtogotothetownitself，forBarkerlivedthere，andIknewmanyofthetownspeople；buttherewerefarmhousesnotfarawaywhereImightspendaweek。Afterconsideringthematter，Ithoughtofsomethingthatmightsuitme。Aboutthreemilesfrommyhouse，onanunfrequentedroad，wasamillwhichstoodattheendofanextensivesheetofwater，inrealityamill-pond，butcommonlycalledalake。Themiller，anoldman，hadrecentlydied，andhishousenearbywasoccupiedbyanewcomerwhomIhadneverseen。IfIcouldgetaccommodationsthereitwouldsuitmeexactly。IleftthetraintwostationsbelowBoyntonandwalkedovertothemill。
　　Thecountry-folkinmyneighborhoodarealwayspleasedtotakesummerboardersiftheycangetthem，andthemillerandhiswifeweregladtogivemearoom，notimaginingthatIwastheownerofagoodhousenotfaraway。Theplacesuitedmyrequirementsverywell。Itwasnearher，andImightlivehereforatimeunnoticed，butwhatIwasgoingtodowithmyopportunityIdidnotknow。SeveraltimestheconvictionforceditselfuponmethatIshouldgetupatonceandgotoEuropebythefirststeamer，andsoshowmyselfthatIwasamanofsense。
　　Thisconvictionwasbanishedonthesecondafternoonofmystayatthemill。Iwassittingunderatreeintheorchardnearthehouse，thinkingandsmokingmypipe，whenalongtheroadwhichranbythesideofthelakecameMr。VincentonmyblackhorseGeneralandhisdaughteronmymareSappho。InstinctivelyIpulledmystrawhatovermyeyes，butthisprecautionwasnotnecessary。Theywerelookingatthebeautifullake，withitshillsandoverhangingtrees，andsawmenot！
　　WhentheverytipofSappho'stailhadmeltedintothefoliageoftheroad，Iarosetomyfeetandtookadeepbreathofthehappyair。Ihadseenher，anditwaswithherfathershewasriding。
　　IdonotbelieveIsleptaminutethatnightthroughthinkingofher，andfeelinggladthatIwasnearher，andthatshehadbeenridingwithherfather。
　　Whentheearlydawnbegantobreakanideabrighterthanthedawnbrokeuponme：Iwouldgetupandgonearertoher。Itisamazinghowmuchwelosebynotgettingupearlyonthelongsummerdays。HowbeautifulthemorningmightbeonthisearthI
　　neverknewuntilIfoundmyselfwanderingbytheedgeofmywoodsandovermylawnwiththetendergray-blueskyabovemeandallthefreshnessofthegrassandflowersandtreesaboutme，thebirdssingingamongthebranches，andshesleepingsweetlysomewherewithinthathousewithitssoftlydefinedlightsandshadows。HowIwishedIknewwhatroomsheoccupied！
　　Thebeautiesandjoysofthathourwerelosttoeverypersonontheplace，whowereall，nodoubt，intheirsoundestsleep。I
　　didnotevenseeadog。Quietlyandstealthilysteppingfrombushtohedge，Iwentaroundthehouse，andasIdrewnearthebarnIfanciedIcouldhearfromalittleroomadjoiningitthesnoresofthecoachman。Thelazyrascalwouldprobablynotawakenfortwoorthreehoursyet，butIwouldrannorisks，andinhalfanhourIhadspedaway。
　　NowIknewexactlywhyIwasstayingatthehouseofthemiller。IwasdoingsoinorderthatImightgoearlyinthemorningstomyownhome，inwhichthegirlIlovedlaydreaming，andthatfortherestofthedayandmuchofthenightImightthinkofher。
　　"WhatplaceinEurope，"Isaidtomyself，"couldbesobeautiful，socharming，andsohelpfultoreflectionasthissequesteredlake，thesenobletrees，thesestretchesofundulatingmeadow？"
　　EvenifIshouldcaretogoabroad，amonthortwolaterwouldanswerallmypurposes。WhyhadIeverthoughtofspendingfivemonthsaway？
　　Therewasaprettystreamwhichranfromthelakeandwendeditswaythroughagreenandshadedvalley，andhere，witharod，Iwanderedandfishedandthought。Themillerhadboats，andinoneoftheseIrowedfarupthelakewhereitnarrowedintoacreek，andbetweenthehighhillswhichshutmeoutfromtheworldIwouldfloatandthink。
　　Everymorning，soonafterbreakofday，Iwenttomyhomeandwanderedaboutmygrounds。IfitrainedIdidnotmindthat。I
　　likeasummerrain。
　　DaybydayIgrewbolder。Nobodyinthathouseholdthoughtofgettingupuntilseveno'clock。Fortwohours，atleast，I
　　couldrambleundisturbedthroughmygrounds，andmuchasIhadonceenjoyedthesegrounds，theyneveraffordedmethepleasuretheygavemenow。InthesehappymorningsIfeltallthelifeandspiritsofaboy。Iwentintomylittlefieldandstrokedthesleeksidesofmycowsastheynibbledthedewygrass。IevenpeepedthroughthebarredwindowofSappho'sboxandfedher，asIhadbeenusedtodoing，withbunchesofclover。
　　Isawthattheyoungchickenswereflourishing。Iwentintothegardenandnotedthegrowthofthevegetables，feelinggladthatshewouldhavesomanyfinestrawberriesandtenderpeas。
　　Ihadnottheslightestdoubtthatshewasfondofflowers，andforhersakenow，asIusedtodoformyownsake，Ivisitedtheflowerbedsandborders。Notfarfromthehousetherewasaclusterofold-fashionedpinkswhichIwassurewerenotdoingverywell。Theyhadbeentheretoolong，perhaps，andtheylookedstuntedandweak。Inthemiller'sgardenIhadnoticedgreatbedsofthesepinks，andIaskedhiswifeifImighthavesome，andshe，consideringthemasmerewildflowers，saidI
　　mighthaveasmanyasIliked。ShemighthavethoughtIwantedsimplytheblossoms，butthenextmorningIwentovertomyhousewithabasketfilledwithgreatmattedmassesoftheplantstakenupwiththerootsandplentyofeartharoundthem，andaftertwentyminutes'workinmyownbedofpinks，Ihadtakenoutalltheoldplantsandfilledtheirplaceswithfresh，luxuriantmassesofbudsandleavesandblossoms。Howgladshewouldbewhenshesawthefreshlifethathadcometothatflower-bed！
　　WithlightfootstepsIwentaway，notfeelingtheweightofthebasketfilledwiththeoldplantsandroots。
　　Thesummergrewandstrengthened，andthesunroseearlier，butasthathadnoeffectupontherisingofthepresentinhabitantsofmyplace，itgavememoretimeformymorningpursuits。GraduallyIconstitutedmyselftheregularflower-
　　gardenerofthepremises。Howdelightfultheworkwas，andhowfoolishIthoughtIhadbeennevertothinkofdoingthisthingformyself！butnodoubtitwasbecauseIwasdoingitforherthatIfounditsopleasant。
　　OnceagainIhadseenMissVincent。Itwasintheafternoon，andIhadrowedmyselftotheupperpartofthelake，where，withthehighhillsandthetreesoneachsideofme，IfeltasifI
　　werealoneintheworld。Floating，idlyalong，withmythoughtsaboutthreemilesaway，Iheardthesoundofoars，andlookingoutontheopenpartofthelake，Isawaboatapproaching。Themillerwasrowing，andinthesternsatanelderlygentlemanandayounglady。Iknewtheminaninstant：theywereMr。andMissVincent。
　　WithafewvigorousstrokesIshotmyselfintotheshadows，androwedupthestreamintothenarrowstretchesamongthelily-
　　pads，underabridge，andaroundalittlewoodedpoint，whereI
　　rantheboatashoreandspranguponthegrassybank。AlthoughI
　　didnotbelievethemillerwouldbringthemasfarasthis，I
　　wentuptoahigherspotandwatchedforhalfanhour；butIdidnotseethemagain。HowrelievedIwas！Itwouldhavebeenterriblyembarrassinghadtheydiscoveredme。AndhowdisappointedIwasthatthemillerturnedbacksosoon！
　　Inowextendedthesupervisionofmygrounds。Iwalkedthroughthewoods，andsawhowbeautifultheywereintheearlydawn。Ithrewasidethefallentwigsandcutawayencroachingsaplings，whichwerebeginningtoencumberthepathsIhadmade，andifIfoundaboughwhichhungtoolowIcutitoff。
　　Therewasagreatbeech-tree，betweenwhichandadogwoodIhadtheyearbeforesuspendedahammock。Inpassingthis，onemorning，IwasamazedtoseeahammockswingingfromthehooksI
　　hadputinthetwotrees。ThiswasaretreatwhichIhadsupposednooneelsewouldfancyoreventhinkof！Inthehammockwasafan——acommonJapanesefan。ForfifteenminutesI
　　stoodlookingatthathammock，everynervea-tingle。ThenI
　　glancedaround。Thespothadbeenalmostunfrequentedsincelastsummer。Littlebushes，weeds，andvineshadsprunguphereandtherebetweenthetwotrees。Thereweredeadtwigsandlimbslyingabout，andtheshortpathtothemainwalkwasmuchovergrown。
　　Ilookedatmywatch。Itwasaquartertosix。Ihadyetagoodhourforwork，andwithnothingbutmypocket-knifeandmyhandsIbegantoclearawaythespaceaboutthathammock。WhenI
　　leftit，itlookedasitusedtolookwhenitwasmypleasuretoliethereandswingandreadandreflect。
　　Toapproachthisspotitwasnotnecessarytogothroughmygrounds，formybitofwoodsadjoinedaconsiderablestretchofforest-land，andinmymorningwalksfromthemillIoftenusedapaththroughthesewoods。ThenextmorningwhenItookthispathIwaslatebecauseIhadunfortunatelyoversleptmyself。WhenI
　　reachedthehammockitwantedfifteenminutestoseveno'clock。
　　Itwastoolateformetodoanything，butIwasgladtobeabletostaythereevenforafewminutes，tobreathethatair，tostandonthatground，totouchthathammock。Ididmorethanthat。Whyshouldn'tI？Igotintoit。ItwasabetteronethanthatIhadhungthere。Itwasdelightfullycomfortable。Atthismoment，gentlyswinginginthatwoodlandsolitude，withthesweetodorsofthemorningallaboutme，IfeltmyselfnearertoherthanIhadeverbeenbefore。
　　ButIknewImustnotrevelinthisplacetoolong。IwasonthepointofrisingtoleavewhenIheardapproachingfootsteps。
　　Mybreathstopped。WasIatlasttobediscovered？Thiswaswhatcameofmyrecklesssecurity。Butperhapstheperson，someworkmanmostlikely，wouldpasswithoutnoticingme。Toremainquietseemedthebestcourse，andIlaymotionless。
　　Butthepersonapproachingturnedintothelittlepathway。
　　Thefootstepscamenearer。Isprangfromthehammock。BeforemewasMissVincent！
　　WhatwasmyaspectIknownot，butIhavenodoubtIturnedfieryred。Shestoppedsuddenly，butshedidnotturnred。
　　"Oh，Mr。Ripley，"sheexclaimed，"goodmorning！Youmustexcuseme。Ididnotknow——"
　　Thatsheshouldhavehadsufficientself-possessiontosaygoodmorningamazedme。Herwholeappearance，infact，amazedme。Thereseemedtobesomethingwantinginhermanner。I
　　endeavoredtogetmyselfintocondition。
　　"Youmustbesurprised，"Isaid，"toseemehere。YousupposedIwasinEurope，but——"
　　AsIspokeImadeacoupleofstepstowardher，butsuddenlystopped。Oneofmycoatbuttonshadcaughtinthemeshesofthehammock。Itwasconfoundedlyawkward。Itriedtoloosenthebutton，butitwasbadlyentangled。ThenIdesperatelypulledatittotearitoff。
　　"Oh，don'tdothat，"shesaid。"Letmeunfastenitforyou。"
　　Andtakingthethreadsofthehammockinoneofherlittlehandsandthebuttonintheother，shequicklyseparatedthem。"I
　　shouldthinkbuttonswouldbeveryinconvenientthings——atleast，inhammocks，"shesaidsmiling。"Yousee，girlsdon'thaveanysuchtrouble。"
　　Icouldnotunderstandhermanner。Sheseemedtotakemybeingthereasamatterofcourse。
　　"Imustbegathousandpardonsforthis——thistrespass，"I
　　said。
　　"Trespass！"saidshe，withasmile。"Peopledon'ttrespassontheirownland——"
　　"Butitisnotmyland，"saidI。"Itisyourfather'sforthetimebeing。Ihavenorightherewhatever。Idonotknowhowtoexplain，butyoumustthinkitverystrangetofindmeherewhenyousupposedIhadstartedforEurope。"
　　"Oh！IknewyouhadnotstartedforEurope，"saidshe，"becauseIhaveseenyouworkinginthegrounds——"
　　"Seenme！"Iinterrupted。"Isitpossible？"
　　"Oh，yes，"saidshe。"Idon'tknowhowlongyouhadbeencomingwhenIfirstsawyou，butwhenIfoundthatfreshbedofpinksalltransplantedfromsomewhere，andjustaslovelyastheycouldbe，insteadoftheoldones，Ispoketotheman；buthedidnotknowanythingaboutit，andsaidhehadnothadtimetodoanythingtotheflowers，whereasIhadbeengivinghimcreditforeversomuchweedingandcleaningup。ThenIsupposedthatMr。
　　Barker，whoisjustaskindandattentiveashecanbe，haddoneit；butIcouldhardlybelievehewasthesortofmantocomeearlyinthemorningandworkoutofdoors，"——"Oh，howI
　　wishhehadcome！"Ithought。"IfIhadcaughthimhereworkingamongtheflowers！"，——"andwhenhecamethatafternoontoplaytennisIfoundthathehadbeenawayfortwodays，andcouldnothaveplantedthepinks。SoIsimplygotupearlyonemorningandlookedout，andthereIsawyou，withyourcoatoff，workingjustashardaseveryoucould。"
　　Isteppedback，mymindforamomentaperfectblank。
　　"Whatcouldyouhavethoughtofme？"Iexclaimedpresently。
　　"Really，atfirstIdidnotknowwhattothink，"saidshe。"OfcourseIdidnotknowwhathaddetainedyouinthiscountry，butIrememberedthatIhadheardthatyouwereaveryparticularpersonaboutyourflowersandshrubsandgrounds，andthatmostlikelyyouthoughttheywouldbebettertakencareofifyoukeptaneyeonthem，andthatwhenyoufoundtherewassomuchtodoyoujustwenttoworkanddidit。Ididnotspeakofthistoanybody，becauseifyoudidnotwishittobeknownthatyouweretakingcareofthegroundsitwasnotmybusinesstotellpeopleaboutit。Butyesterday，whenIfoundthisplacewhereIhadhungmyhammocksobeautifullyclearedupandmadesoniceandcleanandpleasantineveryway，IthoughtImustcomedowntotellyouhowmuchobligedIam，andalsothatyououghtnottotakesomuchtroubleforus。Ifyouthinkthegroundsneedmoreattention，Iwillpersuademyfathertohireanotherman，nowandthen，toworkabouttheplace。Really，Mr。Ripley，yououghtnottohaveto——"
　　Iwashumbled，abashed。Shehadseenmeatmymorningdevotions，andthiswasthewaysheinterpretedthem。Sheconsideredmeanovernicefellowwhowassodesperatelyafraidhisplacewouldbeinjuredthathecamesneakingaroundeverymorningtoseeifanydamagehadbeendoneandtoputthingstorights。
　　Shestoodforamomentasifexpectingmetospeak，brushedabuzzingflyfromhersleeve，andthen，lookingatmewithagentlesmile，sheturnedalittleasifshewereabouttoleave。
　　Icouldnotlethergowithouttellinghersomething。Herpresentopinionofmemustnotrestinhermindanotherminute。
　　Andyet，whatstorycouldIdevise？How，indeed，couldIdeviseanythingwithwhichtodeceiveagirlwhospokeandlookedatmeasthisgirldid？Icouldnotdoit。Imustrushawayspeechlessandneverseeheragain，orImusttellherall。I
　　camealittlenearertoher。
　　"MissVincent，"saidI，"youdonotunderstandatallwhyI
　　amhere——whyIhavebeenheresomuch——whyIdidnotgotoEurope。Thetruthis，Icouldnotleave。Idonotwishtobeaway；Iwanttocomehereandliveherealways——"
　　"Oh，dear！"sheinterrupted，"ofcourseitisnaturalthatyoushouldnotwanttotearyourselfawayfromyourlovelyhome。
　　Itwouldbeveryhardforustogoawaynow，especiallyforfatherandme，forwehavegrowntolovethisplacesomuch。Butifyouwantustoleave，Idaresay——"
　　"Iwantyoutoleave！"Iexclaimed。"Never！WhenIsaythatIwanttoliveheremyself，thatmyheartwillnotletmegoanywhereelse，ImeanthatIwantyoutoliveheretoo——you，yourmotherandfather——thatIwant——"
　　"Oh，thatwouldbeperfectlysplendid！"shesaid。"Ihaveeversooftenthoughtthatitwasashamethatyoushouldbedeprivedofthepleasuresyousomuchenjoy，whichIseeyoucanfindhereandnowhereelse。Now，IhaveaplanwhichIthinkwillworksplendidly。Weareaverysmallfamily。Whyshouldn'tyoucomehereandlivewithus？Thereisplentyofroom，andI
　　knowfatherandmotherwouldbeveryglad，andyoucanpayyourboard，ifthatwouldpleaseyoubetter。Youcanhavetheroomatthetopofthetowerforyourstudyandyoursmokingden，andtheroomunderitcanbeyourbedroom，soyoucanbejustasindependentasyoupleaseoftherestofus，andyoucanbelivingonyourownplacewithoutinterferingwithusintheleast。Infact，itwouldbeeversonice，especiallyasIaminthehabitofgoingawaytothesea-shorewithmyaunteverysummerforsixweeks，andIwasthinkinghowlonelyitwouldbethisyearforfatherandmothertostayhereallbythemselves。"
　　Thetowerandtheroomunderit！Forme！Whatacontemptiblylittle-mindedandinsignificantpersonshemustthinkme。ThewordswithwhichIstrovetotellherthatIwishedtolivehereaslord，withherasmyqueen，wouldnotcome。ShelookedatmeforamomentasIstoodonthebrinkofsayingsomethingbutnotsayingit，andthensheturnedsuddenlytowardthehammock。
　　"DidyouseeanythingofafanIlefthere？"shesaid。"I
　　knowIleftithere，butwhenIcameyesterdayitwasgone。
　　Perhapsyoumayhavenoticeditsomewhere——"
　　Now，themorningbefore，Ihadtakenthatfanhomewithme。
　　Itwasanawkwardthingtocarry，butIhadconcealeditundermycoat。Itwasacontemptibletrick，butthefanhadherinitialsonit，andasitwastheonlythingbelongingtoherofwhichI
　　couldpossessmyself，thetemptationhadbeentoogreattoresist。Asshestoodwaitingformyanswertherewasalightinhereyewhichilluminatedmyperceptions。
　　"Didyouseemetakethatfan？"Iasked。
　　"Idid，"saidshe。
　　"Thenyouknow，"Iexclaimed，steppingnearertoher，"whyitisIdidnotleavethiscountryasIintended，whyitwasimpossibleformetotearmyselfawayfromthishouse，whyitisthatIhavebeenhereeverymorning，hoveringaroundanddoingthethingsIhavebeendoing？"
　　Shelookedupatme，andwithhereyesshesaid，"HowcouldI
　　helpknowing？"Shemighthaveintendedtosaysomethingwithherlips，butItookmyanswerfromhereyes，andwiththequickimpulseofaloverIstoppedherspeech。
　　"Youhavestrangeways，"shesaidpresently，blushingandgentlypressingbackmyarm。"Ihaven'ttoldyouathing。"
　　"Letustelleachothereverythingnow，"Icried，andweseatedourselvesinthehammock。
　　Itwasaquarterofanhourlaterandwewerestillsittingtogetherinthehammock。
　　"Youmaythink，"saidshe，"that，knowingwhatIdid，itwasveryqueerformetocomeouttoyouthismorning，butI
　　couldnothelpit。Youweregettingdreadfullycareless，andwerestayingsolateanddoingthingswhichpeoplewouldhavebeenboundtonotice，especiallyasfatherisalwaystalkingaboutourenjoyingthefreshhoursofthemorning，thatIfeltI
　　couldnotletyougoonanylonger。AndwhenitcametothatfanbusinessIsawplainlythatyoumusteitherimmediatelystartforEuropeor——"
　　"Orwhat？"Iinterrupted。
　　"Orgotomyfatherandregularlyengageyourselfasa——"
　　Idonotknowwhethershewasgoingtosay"gardener"ornot，butitdidnotmatter。Istoppedher。
　　Itwasperhapstwentyminuteslater，andwewerestandingtogetherattheedgeofthewoods。Shewantedmetocometothehousetotakebreakfastwiththem。
　　"Oh，Icouldnotdothat！"Isaid。"Theywouldbesosurprised。IshouldhavesomuchtoexplainbeforeIcouldevenbegintostatemycase。"
　　"Well，then，explain，"saidshe。"Youwillfindfatheronthefrontpiazza。Heisalwaystherebeforebreakfast，andthereisplentyoftime。Afterallthathasbeensaidhere，Icannotgotobreakfastandlookcommonplacewhileyourunaway。"
　　"Butsupposeyourfatherobjects？"saidI。
　　"Well，thenyouwillhavetogobackandtakebreakfastwithyourmiller，"saidshe。
　　IneversawafamilysolittleaffectedbysurprisesasthoseVincents。WhenIappearedonthefrontpiazzatheoldgentlemandidnotjump。Heshookhandswithmeandaskedmetositdown，andwhenItoldhimeverythinghedidnotevenejaculate，butsimplyfoldedhishandstogetherandlookedoutovertherailing。
　　"ItseemedstrangetoMrs。Vincentandmyself，"hesaid，"whenwefirstnoticedyourextraordinaryattachmentforourdaughter，but，afterall，itwasnaturalenough。"
　　"Noticedit！"Iexclaimed。"Whendidyoudothat？"
　　"Verysoon，"hesaid。"WhenyouandCorawerecataloguingthebooksatmyhouseintownInoticeditandspoketoMrs。
　　Vincent，butshesaiditwasnothingnewtoher，foritwasplainenoughonthedaywhenwefirstmetyouherethatyouwerelettingthehousetoCora，andthatshehadnotspokenofittomebecauseshewasafraidImightthinkitwrongtoacceptthefavorableandunusualarrangementsyouweremakingwithusifI
　　suspectedthereasonforthem。Wetalkedoverthematter，but，ofcourse，wecoulddonothing，becausetherewasnothingtodo，andMrs。VincentwasquitesureyouwouldwritetousfromEurope。ButwhenmymanAmbrosetoldmehehadseensomeoneworkingabouttheplaceintheveryearlymorning，andthat，asitwasagentleman，hesupposeditmustbethelandlord，fornobodyelsewouldbedoingsuchthings，Mrs。VincentandIlookedoutofthewindowthenextday，andwhenwefounditwasindeedyouwhowerecominghereeveryday，wefeltthatthematterwasseriousandwereagooddealtroubled。Wefound，however，thatyouwereconductingaffairsinaveryhonorableway，——thatyouwerenotendeavoringtoseeCora，andthatyoudidnottrytohaveanysecretcorrespondencewithher，——andaswehadnorighttopreventyoufromcomingonyourgrounds，weconcludedtoremainquietuntilyoushouldtakesomestepwhichwewouldbeauthorizedtonotice。Later，whenMr。BarkercameandtoldmethatyouhadnotgonetoEurope，andwerelivingwithamillernotfarfromhere——"
　　"Barker！"Icried。"Thescoundrel！"
　　"Youaremistaken，sir，"saidMr。Vincent。"Hespokewiththegreatestkindnessofyou，andsaidthatasitwasevidentyouhadyourownreasonsforwishingtostayintheneighborhood，anddidnotwishthefacttobeknown，hehadspokenofittonoonebutme，andhewouldnothavedonethishadhenotthoughtitwouldpreventembarrassmentincaseweshouldmeet。"
　　WouldthateverlastingBarkereverceasemeddlinginmyaffairs？
　　"Doyousuppose，"Iasked，"thatheimaginedthereasonformystayinghere？"
　　"Idonotknow，"saidtheoldgentleman，"butafterthequestionsIputtohimIhavenodoubthesuspectedit。Imademanyinquiriesofhimregardingyou，yourfamily，habits，anddisposition，forthiswasaveryvitalmattertome，sir，andI
　　amhappytoinformyouthathesaidnothingofyouthatwasnotgood，soIurgedhimtokeepthemattertohimself。I
　　determined，however，thatifyoucontinuedyourmorningvisitsI
　　shouldtakeanearlyopportunityofaccostingyouandaskinganexplanation。"
　　"Andyounevermentionedanythingofthistoyourdaughter？"
　　saidI。
　　"Oh，no，"heanswered。"Wecarefullykepteverythingfromher。"
　　"But，mydearsir，"saidI，rising，"youhavegivenmenoanswer。
　　Youhavenottoldmewhetherornotyouwillacceptmeasason-in-law。"
　　Hesmiled。"Truly，"hesaid，"Ihavenotansweredyou；butthefactis，Mrs。VincentandIhaveconsideredthemattersolong，andhavingcometotheconclusionthatifyoumadeanhonorableandstraightforwardproposition，andifCorawerewillingtoacceptyou，wecouldseenoreasontoobjectto——"
　　AtthismomentthefrontdooropenedandCoraappeared。
　　"Areyougoingtostaytobreakfast？"sheasked。"Because，ifyouare，itisready。"
　　Istayedtobreakfast。
　　Iamnowlivinginmyownhouse，notinthetwotowerrooms，butinthewholemansion，ofwhichmyformertenant，Cora，isnowmistresssupreme。Mr。andMrs。Vincentexpecttospendthenextsummerhereandtakecareofthehousewhilewearetravelling。
　　Mr。Barker，anexcellentfellowandamostthoroughbusinessman，stillmanagesmyaffairs，andthereisnothingontheplacethatflourishessovigorouslyasthebedofpinkswhichIgotfromthemiller'swife。
　　Bytheway，whenIwentbacktomylodgingonthateventfulday，themiller'swifemetmeatthedoor。
　　"Ikeptyourbreakfastwaitin'foryouforagoodwhile，"
　　saidshe，"butasyoudidn'tcome，Isupposedyouweretakin'
　　breakfastinyourownhouse，andIcleareditaway。"
　　"DoyouknowwhoIam？"Iexclaimed。
　　"Oh，yes，sir，"shesaid。"Wedidnotatfirst，butwheneverybodybegantotalkaboutitwecouldn'thelpknowin'it。"
　　"Everybody！"Igasped。"AndmayIaskwhatyouandeverybodysaidaboutme？"
　　"Ithinkitwasthegeneralopinion，sir，"saidshe，"thatyouweresuspiciousofthemtenantsofyours，andnobodywonderedatit，forwhencitypeoplegetsintothecountryandonotherpeople'sproperty，there'snotrustin'themoutofyoursightforaminute。"
　　Icouldnotletthegoodwomanholdthisopinionofmytenants，andIbrieflytoldherthetruth。Shelookedatmewithmoistadmirationinhereyes。
　　"Iamgladtohearthat，sir，"saidshe。"Ilikeitverymuch。ButifIwasyouIwouldn'tbeinahurrytotellmyhusbandandthepeopleintheneighborhoodaboutit。Theymightbealittledisappointedatfirst，fortheyhadamightyhighopinionofyouwhentheythoughtthatyouwaslayin'lowheretokeepaneyeonthemtenantsofyours。"
　　THESTAYINGPOWEROF
　　SIRROHAN
　　DuringthewinterinwhichIreachedmytwentyfifthyearIlivedwithmymother'sbrother，Dr。AlfredMorris，inWarburton，asmallcountrytown，andIwastherebeginningthepracticeofmedicine。Ihadbeengraduatedinthespring，andmyuncleearnestlyadvisedmetocometohimandactashisassistant，whichadvice，consideringthefactthathewasanelderlyman，andthatImighthopetosucceedhiminhisexcellentpractice，wasconsideredgoodadvicebymyselfandmyfamily。
　　AtthistimeIpractisedverylittle，butlearnedagreatdeal，forasIoftenaccompaniedmyuncleonhisprofessionalvisits，Icouldnothavetakenabetterpostgraduatecourse。
　　IhadaninvitationtospendtheChristmasofthatyearwiththeCollingwoods，whohadopenedtheircountryhouse，abouttwelvemilesfromWarburton，fortheentertainmentofaholidayhouseparty。Ihadgladlyacceptedtheinvitation，andonthedaybeforeChristmasIwenttotheliverystableinthevillagetohireahorseandsleighforthetrip。AtthestableImetUncleBeamish，whohadalsocometohireaconveyance。
　　"UncleBeamish，"ashewasgenerallycalledinthevillage，althoughIamsurehehadnonephewsorniecesintheplace，wasanelderlymanwhohadretiredfromsomebusiness，Iknownotwhat，andwasapparentlyquiteabletoliveuponwhateverincomehehad。Hewasagoodman，ratherilliterate，butveryshrewd。
　　Generousingoodworks，Idonotthinkhewasfondofgivingawaymoney，buthisserviceswereatthecallofallwhoneededthem。
　　IlikedUncleBeamishverymuch，forhewasnotonlyagoodstory-teller，buthewaswillingtolistentomystories，andwhenIfoundhewantedtohireahorseandsleightogotothehouseofhismarriedsister，withwhomheintendedtospendChristmas，andthathissisterlivedonUpperHillturnpike，onwhichroadtheCollingwoodhousewassituated，Iproposedthatweshouldhireasleightogether。
　　"Thatwillsuitme，"saidUncleBeamish。"Therecouldn'thavebeenabetterfitifIhadbeenmeasuredforit。Lessthanhalfamileafteryouturnintotheturnpike，youpassmysister'shouse。ThenyoucandropmeandgoontotheCollingwoods'，whichIshouldsayisn'tmorethanthreemilesfurther。"
　　Thearrangementwasmade，ahorseandsleighordered，andearlyintheafternoonwestartedfromWarburton。
　　Thesleighingwasgood，butthesamecouldnotbesaidofthehorse。Hewasabigroan，powerfulandsteady，butentirelytoodeliberateinaction。UncleBeamish，however，wasquitesatisfiedwithhim。
　　"Whatyouwantwhenyouaregoin'totakeajourneywithahorse，"saidhe，"isstayin'power。Yourfasttrotterisallverywellforamileortwo，butifIhavegottogointothecountryinwinter，givemeahorselikethis。"
　　Ididnotagreewithhim，butwejoggedalongquitepleasantlyuntiltheafternoongrewprematurelydarkanditbegantosnow。
　　"Now，"saidI，givingtheroanauselesscut，"whatweoughttohaveisafasthorse，sothatwemaygettherebeforethereisastorm。"
　　"No，doctor，you'rewrong，"saidUncleBeamish。"Whatwewantisastronghorsethatwilltakeustherewhetheritstormsornot，andwehavegothim。Andwhocaresforalittlesnowthatwon'thurtnobody？"
　　Ididnotcareforsnow，andweturnedupourcollarsandwentasmerrilyaspeoplecangotothemusicofslowlyjinglingsleigh-bells。
　　Thesnowbegantofallrapidly，and，whatwasworse，thewindblewdirectlyinourfaces，sothatsometimesmyeyesweresoplasteredupwithsnowflakesthatIcouldscarcelyseehowtodrive。Ineverknewsnowtofallwithsuchviolence。Theroadwayinfrontofus，asfarasIcouldseeit，wassoononeunbrokenstretchofwhitefromfencetofence。
　　"Thisisthebigstormoftheseason，"saidUncleBeamish，"anditisagoodthingwestartedintime，forifthewindkeepsblowin'，thisroadwillbeprettyhardtotravelinacoupleofhours。"
　　InabouthalfanhourthewindlulledalittleandIcouldgetabetterviewofoursurroundings，althoughIcouldnotseeveryfarthroughtheswiftlydescendingsnow。
　　"Iwasthinkin'，"saidUncleBeamish，"thatitmightbeagoodidee，whenwegettoCrocker'splace，tostopalittle，andletyouwarmyourfingersandnose。Crocker'sisruthermorethanhalf-waytothepike。"
　　"Oh，Idonotwanttostopanywhere，"Irepliedquickly。"I
　　amallright。"
　　Nothingwassaidforsometime，andthenUncleBeamishremarked：
　　"Idon'twanttostopanymorethanyoudo，butitdoesseemstrangethatweain'tpassedCrocker'syit。Wecouldhardlymisshishouse，itissoclosetotheroad。Thishorseisslow，butI
　　tellyouonething，doctor，he'simprovin'。Heisgoin'betterthanhedid。That'sthewaywiththiskind。Ittakesthemagoodwhiletogetwarmedup，buttheykeepongettin'fresherinsteadoftireder。"
　　Thebigroanwasgoingbetter，butstillwedidnotreachCrocker's，whichdisappointedUncleBeamish，whowantedtobeassuredthatthegreaterpartofhisjourneywasover。
　　"Wemusthavepassedit，"hesaid，"whenthesnowwassoblindin'。"
　　IdidnotwishtodiscouragehimbysayingthatIdidnotthinkwehadyetreachedCrocker's，butIbelievedIhadamuchbetterappreciationofourhorse'sslownessthanhehad。
　　Againthewindbegantoblowinourfaces，andthesnowfellfaster，buttheviolenceofthestormseemedtoencourageourhorse，forhispacewasnowgreatlyincreased。
　　"That'sthesortofbeasttohave，"exclaimedUncleBeamish，splutteringasthesnowblewinhismouth。"Heisgettin'hisspiritsupjustwhentheyaremostwanted。WemusthavepassedCrocker'sagoodwhileago，anditcan'tbelongbeforewegettothepike。Andit'stimewewasthere，forit'sdarkenin'。"
　　Onandonwewent，butstillwedidnotreachthepike。
　　Wehadlostagreatdealoftimeduringthefirstpartofthejourney，andalthoughthehorsewastravellingsomuchbetternow，hispacewasbelowtheaverageofgoodroadsters。
　　"Whenwegettothepike，"saidUncleBeamish，"youcan'tmissit，forthisroaddoesn'tcrossit。Allyou'vegottodoistoturntotheleft，andintenminutesyouwillseethelightsinmysister'shouse。AndI'lltellyou，doctor，ifyouwouldliketostopthereforthenight，she'dbemightygladtohaveyou。"
　　"Muchobliged，"repliedI，"butIshallgoon。It'snotlateyet，andIcanreachtheCollingwoods'ingoodtime。"
　　Wenowdroveoninsilence，ourhorseactuallyarchinghisneckashethumpedthroughthesnow。Driftshadbeguntoformacrosstheroad，butthroughthesehebravelyplunged。
　　"Stayin'poweriswhatwewant，doctor！"exclaimedUncleBeamish。"Wherewouldyourfasttrotterbeindriftslikethese，I'dliketoknow？Wegottherighthorsewhenwegotthisone，butIwishwehadbeengoin'thisfastallthetime。"
　　Itgrewdarkeranddarker，butatlastwesaw，notfarinfrontofus，alight。
　　"Thatbeatsme，"saidUncleBeamish。"Idon'tremembernootherhousesoneartheroad。Itcan'tbeweain'tpassedCrocker'syit！Ifweain'tgotnofurtherthanthat，I'minfavorofstoppin'。I'mnotafraidofasnow-storm，butIain'tafoolnuther，andifwehaven'tgotfurtherthanCrocker'sitwillbefoolhardytotrytopushonthroughthedarkandthesebigdrifts，whichwillbegettin'bigger。"
　　Ididnotgiveitupsoeasily。Igreatlywishedto`
　　reachmydestinationthatnight。Buttherewerethreewillsintheparty，andoneofthembelongedtothehorse。BeforeIhadanyideaofsuchathing，theanimalmadeasuddenturn，——toosuddenforsafety，——passedthroughawidegateway，andafterafewrapidboundswhich，tomysurprise，Icouldnotrestrain，hestoppedsuddenly。
　　"Hello！"exclaimedUncleBeamish，peeringforward，"here'sabarndoor。"Andheimmediatelybegantothrowoffthefarrobethatcoveredourknees。
　　"Whatareyougoingtodo？"Iasked。
　　"I'mgoin'toopenthebarndoorandletthehorsegoin，"
　　saidhe。"Heseemstowantto。Idon'tknowwhetherthisisCrocker'sbarnornot。Itdon'tlooklikeit，butImaybemistaken。Anyway，wewillletthehorsein，andthengotothehouse。Thisain'tnonighttobetravellin'anyfurther，doctor，andthatisthelongandtheshortofit。Ifthepeoplehereain'tCrockers，IguesstheyareChristians！"
　　Ihadnotmuchtimetoconsiderthesituation，forwhilehehadbeenspeaking，UncleBeamishhadwadedthroughthesnow，andfindingthebarndoorunfastened，hadslidittooneside。
　　Instantlythehorseenteredthedarkbarn，fortunatelyfindingnothinginhisway。
　　"Now，"saidUncleBeamish，"ifwecangetsomethin'totiehimwith，sothathedon'tdonomischief，wecanleavehimhereandgouptothehouse。"Icarriedapocketlantern，andquicklylightedit。"ByGeorge！"saidUncleBeamish，asIheldupthelantern，"thisain'tmuchofabarn——it'snomorethanawagon-
　　house。Itain'tCrocker's——butnomatter；we'llgouptothehouse。Hereisahitchin'-rope。"
　　Wefastenedthehorse，threwarobeoverhim，shutthebarndoorbehindus，andslowlymadeourwaytothebackofthehouse，inwhichtherewasalightedwindow。Mountingalittleportico，wereachedadoor，andwereabouttoknockwhenitwasopenedforus。Awoman，plainlyaservant，stoodinakitchen，lightandwarm。
　　"Comerightin，"shesaid。"Iheardyourbells。Didyouputyourhorseinthebarn？"
　　"Yes，"saidUncleBeamish，"andnowwewouldliketosee——"
　　"Allright，"interruptedthewoman，movingtowardaninnerdoor。"Justwaithereforaminute。I'mgoinguptotellher。"
　　"Idon'tknowthisplace，"saidUncleBeamish，aswestoodbythekitchenstove，"butIexpectitbelongstoawidowwoman。"
　　"Whatmakesyouthinkthat？"Iasked。
　　"'Causeshesaidshewasgoin'totellHER。Iftherehadbeenamaninthehouse，shewouldhavegonetotellHIM。"
　　Inafewmomentsthewomanreturned。
　　"Shesaysyouaretotakeoffyourwetthingsandthengointothesitting-room。She'llbedowninaminute。"
　　IlookedatUncleBeamish，thinkingitwashisrighttomakeexplanations，but，givingmealittlewink，hebegantotakeoffhisovercoat。ItwasplaintoperceivethatUncleBeamishdesiredtoassumethataplaceofrefugewouldbeofferedus。
　　"It'sanawfulbadnight，"hesaidtothewoman，ashesatdowntotakeoffhisarcticovershoes。
　　"It'sallthat，"saidshe。"Youmayhangyourcoatsoverthemchairs。Itwon'tmatteriftheydodriponthisbarefloor。
　　Now，then，comerightintothesitting-room。"
　　Inspiteofmydisappointment，Iwasgladtobeinawarmhouse，andhopedwemightbeabletostaythere。Icouldhearthestormbeatingfuriouslyagainstthewindow-panesbehindthedrawnshades。Therewasastoveinthesitting-room，andalargelamp。
　　"Sitdown，"saidthewoman。"Shewillbehereinaminute。"
　　"Itstrikesme，"saidUncleBeamish，whenwewereleftalone，"thatsomebodyisexpectedinthishouse，mostlikelytospendChristmas，andthatwearemistookforthem，whoevertheyare。"
　　"Ihavethesameidea，"Ireplied，"andwemustexplainassoonaspossible。"
　　"Ofcoursewewilldothat，"saidhe，"butIcantellyouonething：whoeverisexpectedain'tcomin'，forhecan'tgethere。