Withthefirsttouchhiseyesclosed，amightygroanwaswrenchedfromhim，andhelaysenseless。TheAngelgaveDuncanonepanic-
　　strickenlook。Thenshesetherlipsandgatheredherforcesagain。
　　"Iguessthat'sagoodthing，"shesaid。"Maybehewon'tfeelhowwearehurtinghim。Ohboys，areyoubeingquickandgentle？"
　　ShesteppedtothesideofthecotandbathedFreckles'face。
　　Takinghishandinhers，shegavethewordtostart。Shetoldthementoaskeveryable-bodiedmantheymettojointhemsothattheycouldchangecarriersoftenandmakegoodtime。
　　TheBirdWomaninsistedupontakingtheAngelintothecarriageandfollowingthecot，butsherefusedtoleaveFreckles，andsuggestedthattheBirdWomandriveahead，packthemsomeclothing，andbeatthestationreadytoaccompanythemtoChicago。AllthewaytheAngelwalkedbesidethecot，shadingFreckles'facewithabranch，andholdinghishand。Ateverypausetochangecarriersshemoistenedhisfaceandlipsandwatchedeachbreathwithheart-breakinganxiety。
　　Shescarcelyknewwhenherfatherjoinedthem，andtakingthebranchfromher，slippedanarmaroundherwaistandalmostcarriedher。
　　Tothecitystreetsandtheswarmofcurious，staringfacesshepaidnomoreattentionthanshehadtothetreesoftheLimberlost。
　　WhenthetraincameandthegangplacedFrecklesaboard，bigDuncanmadeaplacefortheAngelbesidethecot。
　　Withthebestphysiciantobefound，andwiththeBirdWomanandMcLeaninattendance，thefour-hours'runtoChicagobegan。TheAngelconstantlywatchedoverFreckles；bathedhisface，strokedhishand，andgentlyfannedhim。Notforaninstantwouldsheyieldherplace，orallowanyoneelsetodoanythingforhim。TheBirdWomanandMcLeanregardedherinamazement。Thereseemedtobenoendtoherresourcesandcourage。TheonlytimeshespokewastoaskMcLeanifheweresurethespecialwouldbereadyonthePittsburghroad。Herepliedthatitwasmadeupandwaiting。
　　Atfiveo'clockFreckleslaystretchedontheoperating-tableofLakeViewHospital，whilethreeofthegreatestsurgeonsinChicagobentoverhim。Attheircommand，McLeanpickeduptheunwillingAngelandcarriedhertothenursestobebathed，haveherbruisesattended，andtobeputtobed。
　　Inaplacewhereitisdifficulttosurprisepeople，theywereastonishedwomenastheyremovedtheAngel'sdaintystainedandtornclothing，drewoffhosemuck-bakedtoherlimbs，soakedthedriedloamfromhersilkenhair，andwashedthebeautifulscratched，bruised，dirt-coveredbody。TheAngelfellfastasleeplongbeforetheyhadfinished，andlaydeeplyunconscious，whilethefightforFreckles'lifewasbeingwaged。
　　ThreedayslatershewasthesameAngelasofold，exceptthatFreckleswasconstantlyinherthoughts。Theanxietyandresponsibilitythatshefeltforhisconditionhadbredinheratouchofwomanlinessandauthoritythatwasnew。ThatmorningshearoseearlyandhoverednearFreckles'door。Shehadbeenallowedtoremainwithhimconstantly，forthenursesandsurgeonshadlearned，withhisreturningconsciousness，thatforheralonewouldtheactive，highlystrung，pain-rackedsuffererbequietandobeyorders。Whenshewasdroppingfromlossofsleep，thethreatthatshewouldfallillhadtobeusedtosendhertobed。ThenbytellingFrecklesthattheAngelwasasleepandtheywouldwakenherthemomenthemoved，theywereabletocontrolhimforashorttime。
　　ThesurgeonwaswithFreckles。TheAngelhadbeentoldthatthewordhebroughtthatmorningwouldbefinal，soshecurledinawindowseat，droppedthecurtainsbehindher，andindireanxiety，waitedtheopeningofthedoor。
　　Justasitunclosed，McLeancamehurryingdownthehallandtothesurgeon，butwithoneglanceathisfacehesteppedbackindismay；
　　whiletheAngel，whohadarisen，sanktotheseatagain，toodazedtocomeforward。Themenfacedeachother。TheAngel，withpartedlipsandfrightenedeyes，bentforwardintenseanxiety。
　　"I——Ithoughthewasdoingnicely？"falteredMcLean。
　　"Heboretheoperationwell，"repliedthesurgeon，"andhiswoundsarenotnecessarilyfatal。Itoldyouthatyesterday，butIdidnottellyouthatsomethingelseprobablywouldkillhim；anditwill。
　　Heneednotdiefromtheaccident，buthewillnotlivethedayout。"
　　"Butwhy？Whatisit？"askedMcLeanhurriedly。"Wealldearlylovetheboy。Wehavemillionsamongustodoanythingthatmoneycanaccomplish。Whymusthedie，ifthosebrokenbonesarenotthecause？"
　　"ThatiswhatIamgoingtogiveyoutheopportunitytotellme，"
　　repliedthesurgeon。"Heneednotdiefromtheaccident，yetheisdyingasfastashissplendidphysicalconditionwillpermit，anditisbecausehesoevidentlyprefersdeathtolife。Ifhewerefullofhopeandambitiontolive，myworkwouldbeeasy。Ifallofyoulovehimasyouproveyoudo，andthereisunlimitedmeanstogivehimanythinghewants，whyshouldhedesiredeath？"
　　"Ishedying？"demandedMcLean。
　　"Heis，"saidthesurgeon。"Hewillnotlivethisdayout，unlesssomestrongreactionsetsinatonce。Heissolow，thatpreferringdeathtolife，naturecannotovercomehisinertia。Ifheistolive，hemustbemadetodesirelife。Nowheundoubtedlywishesfordeath，andthatitcomequickly。"
　　"Thenhemustdie，"saidMcLean。
　　Hisbroadshouldersshookconvulsively。Hisstronghandsopenedandclosedmechanically。
　　"Doesthatmeanthatyouknowwhathedesiresandcannot，orwillnot，supplyit？"
　　McLeangroanedinmisery。
　　"Itmeans，"hesaiddesperately，"thatIknowwhathewants，butitisasfarremovedfrommypowertohelphimasitwouldbetogivehimastar。Thethingforwhichhewilldie，hecanneverhave。"
　　"Thenyoumustpreparefortheendveryshortly"saidthesurgeon，turningabruptlyaway。
　　McLeancaughthisarmroughly。
　　"Youlookhere！"hecriedindesperation。"YousaythatasifI
　　coulddosomethingifIwould。Itellyoutheboyisdeartomepastexpression。Iwoulddoanything——spendanysum。Youhavenoticedandrepeatedlycommentedontheyounggirlwithme。Itisthatchildthathewants！Heworshipshertoadoration，andknowinghecanneverbeanythingtoher，heprefersdeathtolife。InGod'sname，whatcanIdoaboutit？"
　　"Barringthatmissinghand，Ineverexaminedafinerman，"saidthesurgeon，"andsheseemedperfectlydevotedtohim；whycannothehaveher？"
　　"Why？"echoedMcLean。"Why？Well，formanyreasons！Itoldyouhewasmyson。Youprobablyknewthathewasnot。AlittleoverayearagoIneverhadseenhim。Hejoinedoneofmylumbergangsfromtheroad。Heisastray，leftatoneofyourhomesforthefriendlesshereinChicago。Whenhegrewupthesuperintendentboundhimtoabrutalman。Heranawayandlandedinoneofmylumbercamps。Hehasnonameorknowledgeoflegalbirth。TheAngel——wehavetalkedofher。Youseewhatsheis，physicallyandmentally。ShehasancestorsreachingbacktoPlymouthRock，andacrosstheseaforgenerationsbeforethat。Sheisanidolized，pettedonlychild，andthereisgreatwealth。Lifeholdseverythingforher，nothingforhim。
　　Heseesitmoreplainlythananyoneelsecould。Thereisnothingfortheboybutdeath，ifitistheAngelthatisrequiredtosavehim。"
　　TheAngelstoodbetweenthem。
　　"Well，Ijustguessnot！"shecried。"IfFreckleswantsme，allhehastodoistosayso，andhecanhaveme！"
　　Theamazedmensteppedback，staringather。
　　"Thathewillneversay，"saidMcLeanatlast，"andyoudon'tunderstand，Angel。Idon'tknowhowyoucamehere。Iwouldn'thavehadyouhearthatfortheworld，butsinceyouhave，deargirl，youmustbetoldthatitisn'tyourfriendshiporyourkindnessFreckleswants；itisyourlove。"
　　TheAngellookedstraightintothegreatsurgeon'seyeswithherclear，steadyorbsofblue，andthenintoMcLean'swithunwaveringfrankness。
　　"Well，Idolovehim，"shesaidsimply。
　　McLean'sarmsdroppedhelplessly。
　　"Youdon'tunderstand，"hereiteratedpatiently。"Itisn'ttheloveofafriend，oracomrade，orasister，thatFreckleswantsfromyou；itistheloveofasweetheart。Andiftosavethelifehehasofferedforyou，youarethinkingofbeinggenerousandimpulsiveenoughtosacrificeyourfuture——intheabsenceofyourfather，itwillbecomemyplainduty，astheprotectorinwhosehandshehasplacedyou，topreventsuchrashness。Theverywordsyouspeak，andthemannerinwhichyousaythem，provethatyouareamerechild，andhavenotdreamedwhatloveis。"
　　ThentheAngelgrewsplendid。Arosyflushsweptthepalloroffearfromherface。Herbigeyeswidenedanddilatedwithintenselights。
　　Sheseemedtoleaptotheheightandthedignityofsuperbwomanhoodbeforetheirwonderinggaze。
　　"Ineverhavehadtodreamoflove，"shesaidproudly。"Ineverhaveknownanythingelse，inallmylife，buttoloveeveryoneandtohaveeveryoneloveme。AndthereneverhasbeenanyonesodearasFreckles。Ifyouwillremember，wehavebeenthroughagooddealtogether。IdoloveFreckles，justasIsayIdo。Idon'tknowanythingabouttheloveofsweethearts，butIlovehimwithalltheloveinmyheart，andIthinkthatwillsatisfyhim。"
　　"Surelyitshould！"mutteredthemanofknivesandlancets。
　　McLeanreachedtotakeholdoftheAngel，butshesawthemovementandswiftlysteppedback。
　　"Asformyfather，"shecontinued，"heatoncetoldmewhathelearnedfromyouaboutFreckles。I'veknownallyouknowforseveralweeks。Thatknowledgedidn'tchangeyourloveforhimaparticle。IthinktheBirdWomanlovedhimmore。Whyshouldyoutwohaveallthefineperceptionsthereare？Can'tIseehowbrave，trustworthy，andsplendidheis？Can'tIseehowhissoulvibrateswithhismusic，hisloveofbeautifulthingsandthepangsoflonelinessandhearthunger？Mustyoutwolovehimwithallthelovethereis，andIgivehimnone？Myfatherisneverunreasonable。
　　Hewon'texpectmenottoloveFreckles，ornottotellhimso，ifthetellingwillsavehim。"
　　ShedartedpastMcLeanintoFreckles'room，closedthedoor，andturnedthekey。
　　CHAPTERXVIII
　　WhereinFrecklesrefusesLoveWithoutKnowledgeofHonorableBirth，andtheAngelGoesinQuestofitFreckleslayonaflatpillow，hisbodyimmovableinaplastercast，hismaimedarm，asalways，hidden。HisgreedygazefastenedatonceontheAngel'sface。Shecrossedtohimwithlightstepandbentoverhimwithinfinitetenderness。Herheartachedatthechangeinhisappearance。Heseemedsoweak，hearthungry，soutterlyhopeless，soalone。Shecouldseethatthenighthadbeenonelongterror。
　　ForthefirsttimeshetriedputtingherselfinFreckles'place。
　　Whatwoulditmeantohavenoparents，nohome，noname？Noname！
　　Thatwastheworstofall。Thatwastobelost——indeed——utterlyandhopelesslylost。TheAngelliftedherhandstoherdazedheadandreeled，asshetriedtofacethatproposition。Shedroppedonherkneesbesidethebed，slippedherarmunderthepillow，andleaningoverFreckles，setherlipsonhisforehead。Hesmiledfaintly，buthiswistfulfaceappearedworseforit。IthurttheAngeltotheheart。
　　"DearFreckles，"shesaid，"thereisastoryinyoureyesthismorning，tellme？"
　　Frecklesdrewalong，waveringbreath。
　　"Angel，"hebegged，"begenerous！Bethinkingofmealittle。
　　I'msohomesickandwornout，dearAngel，begivingmebackmepromise。
　　Letmego？"
　　"WhyFreckles！"falteredtheAngel。"Youdon'tknowwhatyouareasking。`Letyougo！'Icannot！Iloveyoubetterthananyone，Freckles。IthinkyouaretheveryfinestpersonIeverknew。
　　Ihaveourlivesallplanned。Iwantyoutobeeducatedandlearnallthereistoknowaboutsinging，justassoonasyouarewellenough。
　　BythetimeyouhavecompletedyoureducationIwillhavefinishedcollege，andthenIwant，"shechokedasecond，"Iwantyoutobemyrealknight，Freckles，andcometomeandtellmethatyou——likeme——alittle。Ihavebeencountingonyouformysweetheartfromtheveryfirst，Freckles。Ican'tgiveyouup，unlessyoudon'tlikeme。Butyoudolikeme——justalittle——don'tyou，Freckles？"
　　Freckleslaywhiterthanthecoverlet，hisstaringeyesontheceilingandhisbreathwheezingbetweendrylips。TheAngelawaitedhisanswerasecond，andwhennonecame，shedroppedhercrimsoningfacebesidehimonthepillowandwhisperedinhisear:
　　"Freckles，I——I'mtryingtomakelovetoyou。Oh，can'tyouhelpmeonlyalittlebit？It'sawfulhardallalone！Idon'tknowhow，whenIreallymeanit，butFreckles，Iloveyou。Imusthaveyou，andnowIguess——IguessmaybeI'dbetterkissyounext。"
　　Sheliftedhershamedfaceandbravelylaidherfeverish，quiveringlipsonhis。Herbreath，likeclover-bloom，wasinhisnostrils，andherhairtouchedhisface。Thenshelookedintohiseyeswithreproach。
　　"Freckles，"shepanted，"Freckles！Ididn'tthinkitwasinyoutobemean！"
　　"Mean，Angel！Meantoyou？"gaspedFreckles。
　　"Yes，"saidtheAngel。"Downrightmean。WhenIkissyou，ifyouhadanymercyatallyou'dkissback，justalittlebit。"
　　Freckles'sinewyfistknottedintothecoverlet。Hischinpointedceilingwardwhilehisheadrockedonthepillow。
　　"Oh，Jesus！"burstfromhiminagony。"Youain'ttheonlyonethatwascrucified！"
　　TheAngelcaughtFreckles'handandcarriedittoherbreast。
　　"Freckles！"shewailedinterror，"Freckles！Itisamistake？Isitthatyoudon'twantme？"
　　Freckles'headrolledoninwordlesssuffering。
　　"Waitabit，Angel？"hepantedatlast。"Begivingmealittletime！"
　　TheAngelarosewithcontrolledfeatures。Shebathedhisface，straightenedhishair，andheldwatertohislips。Itseemedalongtimebeforehereachedtowardher。Instantlyshekneltagain，carriedhishandtoherbreast，andleanedhercheekuponit。
　　"Tellme，Freckles，"shewhisperedsoftly。
　　"IfIcan，"saidFrecklesinagony。"It'sjustthis。Angelsarefromabove。Outcastsarefrombelow。You'veasoundbodyandyou'rebeautifulestofall。Youhaveeverythingthatloving，carefulraisingandmoneycangiveyou。IhavesomuchlessthannothingthatIdon'tsupposeIhadanyrighttobeborn。It'sasurething——nobodywantedmeafterward，soofcourse，theydidn'tbefore。Someofthemshouldhavebeentellingyoulongago。"
　　"Ifthat'sallyouhavetosay，Freckles，I'veknownthatquiteawhile，"saidtheAngelstoutly。"Mr。McLeantoldmyfather，andhetoldme。Thatonlymakesmeloveyoumore，topayforallyou'vemissed。"
　　"ThenI'mwonderingatyou，"saidFrecklesinavoiceofawe。
　　"Can'tyouseethatifyouwerewillingandyourfatherwouldcomeandofferyoutome，Icouldn'tbetouchingthesolesofyourfeet，inlove——me，whosepeoplebrawledoverme，cutoffmehand，andthrowedmeawaytofreezeandtodie！Me，whohasnonamejustasmuchbecauseI'venoRIGHTtoany，asbecauseIdon'tknowit。
　　WhenIwaslittle，IplannedtofindmefatherandmotherwhenI
　　grewup。NowIknowmemotherdesertedme，andmefatherwasmaybeathiefandsurelyaliar。Thepityformesufferingandthewatchingovermehavegonetoyourhead，dearAngel，andit'smemustbethinkingforyou。Ifyoucouldbeforgettingmelosthand，whereI
　　wasraised，andthatIhadnonametogiveyou，andifyouwouldbetakingmeasIam，somedaypeoplesuchasminemustbe，mightcomeuponyou。Iusedtoprayiverynightandmorningandmanytimesthedaytoseememother。NowIonlypraytodiequicklyandneverriskthesightofher。'Tain'tnowayspossible，Angel！It'sawildnessofyourdearhead。Oh，doformercysake，kissmeoncemoreandbelettingmego！"
　　"Notforaminute！"criedtheAngel。"Notforaminute，ifthoseareallthereasonsyouhave。It'syouwhoarewildinyourhead，butIcanunderstandjusthowithappened。BeingshutinthatHomemostofyourlife，andseeingchildreneverydaywhoseparentsdidneglectanddesertthem，makesyousureyoursdidthesame；andyettherearesomanyotherthingsthatcouldhavehappenedsomuchmoreeasilythanthat。Therearethousandsofyoungcoupleswhocometothiscountryandstartafamilywithnoneoftheirrelativeshere。Chicagoisabig，wickedcity，andgrownpeoplecoulddisappearinmanyways，andwhowouldthereeverbetofindtowhomtheirlittlechildrenbelonged？Theminutemyfathertoldmehowyoufelt，Ibegantostudythisthingover，andI'vemadeupmymindyouaredeadwrong。ImeanttoaskmyfatherortheBirdWomantotalktoyoubeforeyouwentawaytoschool，butasmattersarerightnowIguessI'lljustdoitmyself。It'sallsoplaintome。Oh，ifIcouldonlymakeyousee！"
　　Sheburiedherfaceinthepillowandpresentlyliftedit，transfigured。
　　"NowIhaveit！"shecried。"Oh，dearheart！Icanmakeitsoplain！Freckles，canyouimagineyouseetheoldLimberlosttrail？
　　Wellwhenwefollowedit，youknowtherewereplaceswhereugly，pricklythistlesovergrewthepath，andyouwentaheadwithyourclubandbentthembacktokeepthemfromstingingthroughmyclothing。
　　Otherplacestherewerebigshiningpoolswherelovely，snow-whiteliliesgrew，andyouwadedinandgatheredthemforme。Ohdearheart，don'tyousee？It'sthis！Everywherethewindcarriedthatthistledown，otherthistlessprangupandgrewprickles；
　　andwhereverthoselilyseedssanktothemire，thepurewhiteofotherliliesbloomed。But，Freckles，therewasneveraplaceanywhereintheLimberlost，orinthewholeworld，wherethethistledownfloatedandsprangupandblossomedintowhitelilies！
　　Thistlesgrowfromthistles，andliliesfromotherlilies。
　　DearFreckles，thinkhard！Youmustseeit！Youarealily，straightthrough。Younever，nevercouldhavedriftedfromthethistle-patch。
　　"WheredidyoufindthecouragetogointotheLimberlostandfaceitsterrors？Youinheriteditfromthebloodofabravefather，dearheart。Wheredidyougettheplucktoholdforoverayearajobthatfewmenwouldhavetakenatall？Yougotitfromapluckymother，youbravestofboys。Youattackedsingle-handedamanalmosttwiceyoursize，andfoughtasademon，merelyatthesuggestionthatyoubedeceptiveanddishonest。Couldyourmotheroryourfatherhavebeenuntruthful？Hereyouare，sohungryandstarvedthatyouaredyingforlove。Wheredidyougetallthatcapacityforloving？Youdidn'tinherititfromhardened，heartlesspeople，whowoulddisfigureyouandpurposelyleaveyoutodie，that'sonesurething。Youoncetoldmeofsavingyourbigbullfrogfromarattlesnake。Youknewyouriskedahorribledeathwhenyoudidit。Yetyouwillspendmiserableyearstorturingyourselfwiththeideathatyourownmothermighthavecutoffthathand。Shameonyou，Freckles！Yourmotherwouldhavedonethis——"
　　TheAngeldeliberatelyturnedbackthecover，slippedupthesleeve，andlaidherlipsonthescars。
　　"Freckles！Wakeup！"shecried，almostshakinghim。"Cometoyoursenses！Beathinking，reasoningman！Youhavebroodedtoomuch，andbeenallyourlifetoomuchalone。It'sallasplainasplaincanbetome。Youmustseeit！Likebreedslikeinthisworld！
　　Youmustbesomesortofareproductionofyourparents，andIamnotafraidtovouchforthem，notforaminute！
　　"Andthen，too，ifmoreproofisneeded，hereitis:Mr。McLeansaysthatyouneveroncehavefailedintactandcourtesy。Hesaysthatyouarethemostperfectgentlemanheeverknew，andhehastraveledtheworldover。Howdoesithappen，Freckles？NooneatthatHometaughtyou。Hundredsofmencouldn'tbetaught，eveninaschoolofetiquette；soitmustbeinstinctivewithyou。Ifitis，why，thatmeansthatitisborninyou，andadirectinheritancefromaraceofmenthathavebeengentlemenforages，andcouldn'tbeanythingelse。
　　"Thenthere'syoursinging。Idon'tbelievethereeverwasamortalwithasweetervoicethanyours，andwhilethatdoesn'tproveanything，thereisapointthatdoes。Thelittletrainingyouhadfromthatchoirmasterwon'taccountforthewonderfulaccentandeasewithwhichyousing。Somewhereinyourclosebloodisamarvelouslytrainedvocalist；weeveryoneofusbelievethat，Freckles。
　　"Whydoesmyfatherrefertoyouconstantlyasbeingoffineperceptionsandhonor？Becauseyouare，Freckles。WhydoestheBirdWomanleaveherpreciousworkandcomeheretohelplookafteryou？
　　Ineverheardofherlosinganytimeoveranyoneelse。It'sbecauseshelovesyou。AndwhydoesMr。McLeanturnallofhisvaluablebusinessovertohiredmenandwatchyoupersonally？Andwhyishehuntingexcuseseverydaytospendmoneyonyou？MyfathersaysMcLeanisfullScotch-closewithadollar。Heisahard-headedbusinessman，Freckles，andheisdoingitbecausehefindsyouworthyofit。Worthyofallweallcandoandmorethanweknowhowtodo，dearheart！Freckles，areyoulisteningtome？Oh！won'tyouseeit？Won'tyoubelieveit？"
　　"Oh，Angel！"chatteredthebewilderedFreckles，"areyoutrulymaningit？Coulditbe？"
　　"Ofcourseitcould，"flashedtheAngel，"becauseitjustis！"
　　"Butyoucan'tproveit，"wailedFreckles。"Itain'tgivingmeaname，ormehonor！"
　　"Freckles，"saidtheAngelsternly，"youareunreasonable！Why，I
　　didproveeverywordIsaid！Everythingprovesit！Youlookhere！
　　IfyouknewforsurethatIcouldgiveyouanameandyourhonor，andprovetoyouthatyourmotherdidloveyou，why，then，wouldyoujustgotobreathinglikeperpetualmotionandhangonfordearlifeandgetwell？"
　　AbrightlightshoneinFreckles'eyes。
　　"IfIknewthat，Angel，"hesaidsolemnly，"youcouldn'tbekillingmeifyoufelledthebiggesttreeintheLimberlostsmashonme！"
　　"Thenyougorighttowork，"saidtheAngel，"andbeforenightI'llproveonethingtoyou:Icanshowyoueasilyenoughhowmuchyourmotherlovedyou。Thatwillbethefirststep，andthentheremainderwillallcome。IfmyfatherandMr。McLeanaresoanxioustospendsomemoney，I'llgivethemachance。Idon'tseewhywehaven'tcomprehendedhowyoufeltandsohavebeenatworkweeksago。
　　We'vebeenawfullyselfish。We'veallbeensocomfortable，weneverstoppedtothinkwhatotherpeopleweresufferingbeforeoureyes。
　　Noneofushasunderstood。I'llhirethefinestdetectiveinChicago，andwe'llgotoworktogether。Thisisnothingcomparedwiththingspeopledofindout。We'llgoatit，beakandclaw，andwe'llshowyouathingortwo。"
　　Frecklescaughthersleeve。
　　"Memother，Angel！Memother！"hemarveledhoarsely。"Didyousayyoucouldbefindingouttodayifmemotherlovedme？How？Oh，Angel！
　　Nothingmatters，IFONLYMEMOTHERDIDN'TDOIT！"
　　"Thenyouresteasy，"saidtheAngel，withlargeconfidence。
　　"Yourmotherdidn'tdoit！Mothersofsonssuchasyoudon'tdothingslikethat。I'llgotoworkatonceandproveittoyou。ThefirstthingtodoistogotothatHomewhereyouwereandgettheclothesyouworethenightyouwereleftthere。Iknowthattheyarerequiredtosavethosethingscarefully。Wecanfindoutalmostallthereistoknowaboutyourmotherfromthem。Didyoueverseethem？"
　　"Yis，"hereplied。
　　"Freckles！Weretheywhite？"shecried。
　　"Maybetheywereonce。They'reallyellowwithlaying，andbrownwithblood-stainsnow"saidFreckles，theoldnoteofbitternesscreepingin。"Youcan'tbetellinganythingatallbythem，Angel！"
　　"Well，butIjustcan！"saidtheAngelpositively。"Icanseefromthequalitywhatkindofgoodsyourmothercouldaffordtobuy。
　　Icanseefromthecutwhethershehadgoodtaste。Icanseefromthecareshetookinmakingthemhowmuchshelovedandwantedyou。"
　　"Buthow？Angel，tellmehow！"imploredFreckleswithtremblingeagerness。
　　"Why，easilyenough，"saidtheAngel。"Ithoughtyou'dunderstand。
　　Peoplethatcanaffordanythingatall，alwaysbuywhiteforlittlenewbabies——linenandlace，andtheveryfinestthingstobehad。
　　There'sayoungwomanlivingnearuswhocutupherweddingclothestohavefinethingsforherbaby。Motherswholoveandwanttheirbabiesdon'tbuylittlerough，ready-madethings，andtheydon'trunupwhattheymakeonanoldsewingmachine。Theymakefineseams，andtucks，andputonlaceandtrimmingbyhand。Theysitandstitch，andstitch——little，evenstitches，everyonejustascareful。
　　Theireyesshineandtheirfacesglow。Whentheyhavetoquittodosomethingelse，theylooksorry，andfolduptheirworksoparticularly。Thereisn'tmuchworthknowingaboutyourmotherthatthoselittleclotheswon'ttell。Icanseeherputtingthelittlestitchesintothemandsmilingwithshiningeyesoveryourcoming。Freckles，I'llwageryouadollarthoselittleclothesofyoursarejustalivewiththedearest，tinyhandmadestitches。"
　　AnewlightdawnedinFreckles'eyes。Atingeofwarmcolorsweptintohisface。Renewedstrengthwasnoticeableinhisgripofherhands。
　　"OhAngel！Willyougonow？Willyoubehurrying？"hecried。
　　"Rightaway，"saidtheAngel。"Iwon'tstopforathing，andI'llhurrywithallmymight。"
　　Shesmoothedhispillow，straightenedthecover，gavehimonesteadylookintheeyes，andwentquietlyfromtheroom。
　　Outsidethedoor，McLeanandthesurgeonanxiouslyawaitedher。
　　McLeancaughthershoulders。
　　"Angel，whathaveyoudone？"hedemanded。
　　TheAngelsmileddefianceintohiseyes。
　　"`WhathaveIdone？'"sherepeated。"I'vetriedtosaveFreckles。"
　　"Whatwillyourfathersay？"groanedMcLean。
　　"Itstrikesme，"saidtheAngel，"thatwhatFrecklessaidwouldbetothepoint。"
　　"Freckles！"exclaimedMcLean。"Whatcouldhesay？"
　　"Heseemedtobeabletosayseveralthings，"answeredtheAngelsweetly。"Ifancytheonethatconcernsyoumostatpresentwas，thatifmyfathershouldoffermetohimhewouldnothaveme。"
　　"AndnooneknowswhybetterthanIdo，"criedMcLean。"Everydayhemustastonishmewithsomenewfineness。"
　　Heturnedtothesurgeon。"Savehim！"hecommanded。"Savehim！"
　　heimplored。"Heistoofinetobesacrificed。"
　　"Hissalvationlieshere，"saidthesurgeon，strokingtheAngel'ssunshinyhair，"andIcanreadinthefaceofherthatsheknowshowsheisgoingtoworkitout。Don'ttroublefortheboy。
　　Shewillsavehim！"
　　TheAngellaughinglyspeddownthehall，andintothestreet，justasshewas。
　　"Ihavecome，"shesaidtothematronoftheHome，"toaskifyouwillallowmetoexamine，or，betteryet，totakewithme，thelittleclothesthataboyyoucalledFreckles，dischargedlastfall，worethenighthewaslefthere。"
　　Thewomanlookedatheringreaterastonishmentthantheoccasiondemanded。
　　"Well，I'dbegladtoletyouseethem，"shesaidatlast，"butthefactiswehaven'tthem。Idohopewehaven'tmadesomemistake。
　　Iwasthoroughlyconvinced，andsowasthesuperintendent。Welethispeopletakethosethingsawayyesterday。Whoareyou，andwhatdoyouwantwiththem？"
　　TheAngelstooddazedandspeechless，staringatthematron。
　　"Therecouldn'thavebeenamistake，"continuedthematron，seeingtheAngel'sdistress。"FreckleswasherewhenItookcharge，tenyearsago。Thesepeoplehaditallprovedthathebelongedtothem。
　　TheyhadhimtracedtowhereheranawayinIllinoislastfall，andtheretheycompletelylosttrackofhim。I'msorryyouseemsodisappointed，butitisallright。Themanishisuncle，andasliketheboyashepossiblycouldbe。Heisalmostkilledtogobackwithouthim。IfyouknowwhereFrecklesis，they'dgivebigmoneytofindout。"
　　TheAngellaidahandalongeachcheektosteadyherchatteringteeth。
　　"Whoarethey？"shestammered。"Wherearetheygoing？"
　　"TheyareIrishfolks，miss，"saidthematron。"TheyhavebeeninChicagoandoverthecountryforthepastthreemonths，huntinghimeverywhere。Theyhavegivenup，andarestartinghometoday。They——"
　　"Didtheyleaveanaddress？WherecouldIfindthem？"interruptedtheAngel。
　　"Theyleftacard，andInoticethemorningpaperhastheman'spictureandisfullofthem。They'veadvertisedagreatdealinthecitypapers。It'sawonderyouhaven'tseensomething。"
　　"Trainsdon'trunright。WenevergetChicagopapers，"saidtheAngel。"Pleasegivemethatcardquickly。Theymayescapeme。
　　Isimplymustcatchthem！"
　　Thematronhurriedtothesecretaryandcamebackwithacard。
　　"Theiraddressesarethere，"shesaid。"BothinChicagoandattheirhome。Theymadethemfullandplain，andIwastocableatonceifIgottheleastclueofhimatanytime。Ifthey'veleftthecity，youcanstoptheminNewYork。You'resuretocatchthembeforetheysail——ifyouhurry。"
　　ThematroncaughtupapaperandthrustitintotheAngel'shandassherantothestreet。
　　TheAngelglancedatthecard。TheChicagoaddresswasSuiteEleven，Auditorium。Shelaidherhandonherdriver'ssleeveandlookedintohiseyes。
　　"Thereisafast-drivinglimit？"sheasked。
　　"Yes，miss。"
　　"Willyoucrowditallyoucanwithoutdangerofarrest？Iwillpaywell。Imustcatchsomepeople！"
　　Thenshesmiledathim。Thehospital，anOrphans'Home，andtheAuditoriumseemedaqueercombinationtothatdriver，buttheAngelwasalwaysandeverywheretheAngel，andhermethodswerestrictlyherown。
　　"Iwilltakeyouthereasquicklyasanymancouldwithateam，"hesaidpromptly。
　　TheAngelclungtothecardandpaper，andasbestshecouldinthelurching，swayingcab，readtheaddressesover。
　　"O'More，SuiteEleven，Auditorium。"
　　"`O'More，'"sherepeated。"SeemstofitFrecklestoadot。Wonderifthatcouldbehisname？`SuiteEleven'meansthatyouareprettywellfixed。SuitesintheAuditoriumcomehigh。"
　　Thensheturnedthecardandreadonitsreverse，LordMaxwellO'More，M。P。，KillvanyPlace，CountyClare，Ireland。
　　TheAngelsatontheedgeoftheseat，bracingherfeetagainsttheoneopposite，asthecabpitchedandswungaroundcornersandpastvehicles。Shemechanicallyfingeredthepasteboardandstaredstraightahead。Thenshedrewadeepbreathandreadthecardagain。
　　"ALord-man！"shegroaneddespairingly。"ALord-man！Betmyhoecake'sscorched！HereI'vegoneandpledgedmywordtoFrecklesI'dfindhimsomedecentrelatives，thathecouldbeproudof，andnowthereisn'tachanceoutofadozenthathe'llhavetobeashamedofthemafterall。It'stoomean！"
　　Thetearsofvexationrolleddownthetired，nerve-rackedAngel'scheeks。
　　"Thisisn'tgoingtodo，"shesaid，resolutelywipinghereyeswiththepalmofherhandandgulpingdownthenervousspasminherthroat。
　　"ImustreadthispaperbeforeImeetLordO'More。"
　　Sheblinkedbackthetearsandspreadingthepaperonherknee，read:
　　"Afterthreemonths'fruitlesssearch，LordO'Moregivesupthequestofhislostnephew，andleavesChicagotodayforhishomeinIreland。"
　　Shereadon，andrealizedeveryword。Thelikenesssettledanydoubt。
　　ItwasFrecklesoveragain，onlyolderandwelldressed。
　　"Well，ImustcatchyouifIcan，"mutteredtheAngel。"ButwhenI
　　do，ifyouareagentlemaninnameonly，youshan'thaveFreckles；
　　that'sflat。You'renothisfatherandheistwenty。Anyway，ifthelawwillgivehimtoyouforoneyear，youcan'tspoilhim，becausenobodycould，and，"sheadded，brightening，"he'llprobablydoyoualotofgood。FrecklesandIbothmuststudyyearsyet，andyoushouldbesomethingthatwillsavehim。Iguessitwillcomeoutallright。Atleast，Idon'tbelieveyoucantakehimawayifIsayno。"
　　"Thankyou；andwait，nomatterhowlong，"shesaidtoherdriver。
　　Catchingupthepaper，shehurriedtothedeskandlaiddownLordO'More'scard。
　　"Hasmyunclestartedyet？"sheaskedsweetly。
　　Thesurprisedclerksteppedbackonabellboy，andcovertlykickedhimforbeingintheway。
　　"Hislordshipisinhisroom，"hesaid，withalowbow。
　　"Allright，"saidtheAngel，pickingupthecard。"Ithoughthemighthavestarted。I'llseehim。"
　　TheclerkshovedthebellboytowardtheAngel。
　　"ShowherladyshiptotheelevatorandLordO'More'ssuite，"hesaid，bowingdouble。
　　"Aw，thanks，"saidtheAngelwithaslightnod，assheturnedaway。
　　"I'mnotsure，"shemutteredtoherselfastheelevatorspedupward，"whetherit'stheIrishortheEnglishwhosay:
　　`Aw，thanks，'butit'sprobableheisn'teither；andanyway，Ijusthadtodosomethingtocounteractthat`Allright。'
　　Howstupidofme！"
　　Atthebellboy'stap，thedoorswungopenandtheliveriedservantthrustacardtraybeforetheAngel。Theopeningofthedoorcreatedacurrentthatswayedacurtainaside，andinanadjoiningroom，lounginginabigchair，withapaperinhishand，satamanwhowas，beyondquestion，ofFreckles'bloodandrace。
　　WithperfectcontroltheAngeldroppedLordO'More'scardinthetray，steppedpasthisservant，andstoodbeforehislordship。
　　"Goodmorning，"shesaidwithtensepoliteness。
　　LordO'Moresaidnothing。Hecarelesslyglancedheroverwithamusedcuriosity，untilhercolorbegantodeepenandherbloodtorunhotly。
　　"Well，mydear，"hesaidatlast，"howcanIserveyou？"
　　InstantlytheAngelbecameindignant。Shehadbeensoshieldedinthemidstofalmostentirefreedom，owingtothecircumstancesofherlife，thatthewordsandthelookappearedtoherasalmostinsulting。Sheliftedherheadwithaproudgesture。
　　"Iamnotyour`dear，'"shesaidwithslowdistinctness。"Thereisn'tathingintheworldyoucandoforme。IcameheretoseeifIcoulddosomething——averygreatsomething——foryou；butifI
　　don'tlikeyou，Iwon'tdoit！"
　　ThenLordO'Moredidstare。Suddenlyhebrokeintoaringinglaugh。
　　Withoutachangeofattitudeorexpression，theAngelstoodlookingsteadilyathim。
　　Therewasasilkenrustle，thenabeautifulwomanwithcheeksofsatinypink，darkhair，andeyesofpureIrishblue，movedtoLordO'More'sside，andcatchinghisarm，shookhimimpatiently。
　　"Terence！Haveyoulostyoursenses？"shecried。"Didn'tyouunderstandwhatthechildsaid？Lookatherface！Seewhatshehas！"
　　LordO'Moreopenedhiseyeswidelyandsatup。HedidlookattheAngel'sfaceintently，andsuddenlyfounditsogoodthatitwasdifficulttofollowthenextinjunction。Hearoseinstantly。
　　"Ibegyourpardon，"hesaid。"Thefactis，IamleavingChicagosorelydisappointed。Itmakesmebitterandreckless。Ithoughtyouonemoreofthosequeer，uselesspeoplewhohavethrustthemselvesonmeconstantly，andIwascareless。Forgiveme，andtellmewhyyoucame。"
　　"IwillifIlikeyou，"saidtheAngelstoutly，"andifIdon't，Iwon't！"
　　"ButIbeganallwrong，andnowIdon'tknowhowtomakeyoulikeme，"saidhislordship，withsincerepenitenceinhistone。
　　TheAngelfoundherselfyieldingtohisvoice。Hespokeinasoft，mellow，smoothlyflowingIrishtone，andalthoughhisspeechwasperfectlycorrect，itwassorounded，andaccented，andthesentencessoturned，thatitwasFrecklesoveragain。Still，itwasamatteroftheverygreatestimportance，andshemustbesure；soshelookedintothebeautifulwoman'sface。
　　"Areyouhiswife？"sheasked。
　　"Yes，"saidthewoman，"Iamhiswife。"
　　"Well，"saidtheAngeljudicially，"theBirdWomansaysnooneinthewholeworldknowsallaman'sbignessesandallhislittlenessesashiswifedoes。Whatyouthinkofhimshoulddoforme。Doyoulikehim？"
　　Thequestionwassoearnestlyaskedthatitmetwithequalearnestness。
　　ThedarkheadmovedcaressinglyagainstLordO'More'ssleeve。
　　"Betterthananyoneinthewholeworld，"saidLadyO'Morepromptly。
　　TheAngelmusedasecond，andthenherlegaltingecametotheforeagain。
　　"Yes，buthaveyouanyoneyoucouldlikebetter，ifhewasn'tallright？"shepersisted。
　　"Ihavethreeofhissons，twolittledaughters，afather，mother，andseveralbrothersandsisters，"camethequickreply。
　　"Andyoulikehimbest？"persistedtheAngelwithfinality。
　　"IlovehimsomuchthatIwouldgiveupeveryoneofthemwithdryeyesifbysodoingIcouldsavehim，"criedLordO'More'swife。
　　"Oh！"criedtheAngel。"Oh，my！"
　　SheliftedhercleareyestoLordO'More'sandshookherhead。
　　"Shenever，nevercoulddothat！"shesaid。"Butit'samightybigthingtoyourcreditthatsheTHINKSshecould。IguessI'lltellyouwhyIcame。"
　　Shelaiddownthepaper，andtouchedtheportrait。
　　"Whenyouwereonlyaboy，didpeoplecallyouFreckles？"sheasked。
　　"DozensofgoodfellowsalloverIrelandandtheContinentaredoingittoday，"answeredLordO'More。
　　TheAngel'sfaceworehermostbeautifulsmile。
　　"Iwassureofit，"shesaidwinningly。"That'swhatwecallhim，andheissolikeyou，Idoubtifanyoneofthosethreeboysofyoursaremoreso。Butit'sbeentwentyyears。Seemstomeyou'vebeenalongtimecoming！"
　　LordO'MorecaughttheAngel'swristsandhiswifeslippedherarmsaroundher。
　　"Steady，mygirl！"saidtheman'svoicehoarsely。"Don'tmakemethinkyou'vebroughtwordoftheboyatthislasthour，unlessyouknowsurely。"
　　"It'sallright，"saidtheAngel。"Wehavehim，andthere'snochanceofamistake。IfIhadn'tgonetothatHomeforhislittleclothes，andheardofyouandbeenhuntingyou，andhadmetyouonthestreet，oranywhere，Iwouldhavestoppedyouandaskedyouwhoyouwere，justbecauseyouaresolikehim。It'sallright。IcantellyouwhereFrecklesis；butwhetheryoudeservetoknow——that'sanothermatter！"
　　LordO'Moredidnothearher。Hedroppedinhischair，andcoveringhisface，burstintothoseterriblesobsthatshakeandrendastrongman。LadyO'Morehoveredoverhim，weeping。
　　"Umph！LooksprettyfairforFreckles，"mutteredtheAngel。
　　"Lotsofthingscanbeexplained；nowperhapstheycanexplainthis。"
　　TheydidexplainsosatisfactorilythatinafewminutestheAngelwasonherfeet，hurryingLordandLadyO'Moretoreachthehospital。
　　"YousaidFreckles'oldnurseknewhismother'spictureinstantly，"
　　saidtheAngel。"Iwantthatpictureandthebundleoflittleclothes。"
　　LadyO'Moregavethemintoherhands。
　　Thelikenesswasalargeminiature，paintedonivory，withaframeofbeatengold。Surroundedbymassesofdarkhairwasadelicatelycutface。IntheupperpartofittherewasnotraceofFreckles，butthelipscurvinginasmilewerehisveryown。TheAngelgazedatitsteadily。ThenwithaquiveringbreathshelaidtheportraitasideandreachedbothhandstoLordO'More。
　　"ThatwillsaveFreckles'lifeandinsurehishappiness，"shesaidpositively。"Thankyou，ohthankyouforcoming！"
　　Sheopenedthebundleofyellowandbrownlinenandgaveonlyaglanceatthetextureandwork。Thenshegatheredthelittleclothesandthepicturetoherheartandledthewaytothecab。
　　UsheringLordandLadyO'Moreintothereceptionroom，shesaidtoMcLean，"Pleasegocallupmyfatherandaskhimtocomeonthefirsttrain。"
　　Sheclosedthedoorafterhim。
　　"TheseareFreckles'people，"shesaidtotheBirdWoman。"Youcanfindoutabouteachother；I'mgoingtohim。"
　　CHAPTERXIX
　　WhereinFrecklesFindsHisBirthrightandtheAngelLosesHerHeartThenurselefttheroomquietly，astheAngelentered，carryingthebundleandpicture。Whentheywerealone，sheturnedtoFrecklesandsawthatthecrisiswasindeedathand。
　　Thatshehadgoodwordtogivehimwashissalvation，fordespitetheheavyplasterjacketthatheldhisbodyimmovable，hisheadwasliftedfromthepillow。Botharmsreachedforher。Hislipsandcheeksflamed，whilehiseyesflashedwithexcitement。
　　"Angel，"hepanted。"OhAngel！Didyoufindthem？Aretheywhite？
　　Arethelittlestitchesthere？OHANGEL！DIDMEMOTHERLOVEME？"
　　Thewordsseemedtoleapfromhisburninglips。TheAngeldroppedthebundleonthebedandlaidthepicturefacedownacrosshisknees。
　　Shegentlypushedhisheadtothepillowandcaughthisarmsinafirmgrasp。
　　"Yes，dearheart，"shesaidwithfullestassurance。"Nolittleclotheswereeverwhiter。Ineverinallmylifesawsuchdainty，fine，littlestitches；andasforlovingyou，noboy'smothereverlovedhimmore！"
　　AnervoustremblingseizedFreckles。
　　"Sure？Areyousure？"heurgedwithclickingteeth。
　　"Iknow，"saidtheAngelfirmly。"AndFreckles，whileyourestandbeglad，Iwanttotellyouastory。Whenyoufeelstrongerwewilllookattheclothestogether。Theyarehere。Theyareallright。
　　ButwhileIwasattheHomegettingthem，Iheardofsomepeoplethatwerehuntingalostboy。Iwenttoseethem，andwhattheytoldmewasallsoexactlylikewhatmighthavehappenedtoyouthatImusttellyou。Thenyou'llunderstandthatthingscouldbeverydifferentfromwhatyoualwayshavetorturedyourselfwiththinking。
　　Areyoustrongenoughtolisten？MayItellyou？"
　　"Maybe'twasn'tmemother！Maybesomeoneelsemadethoselittlestitches！"
　　"Now，goosie，don'tyoubeginthat，"saidtheAngel，"becauseI
　　knowthatitwas！"
　　"Know！"criedFreckles，hisheadspringingfromthepillow。"Know！
　　Howcanyouknow？"
　　TheAngelgentlysoothedhimback。
　　"Why，becausenobodyelsewouldeversitanddoitthewayitisdone。That'showIknow，"shesaidemphatically。"NowyoulistenwhileItellyouaboutthislostboyandhispeople，whohavehuntedformonthsandcan'tfindhim。"
　　Freckleslayquietlyunderhertouch，buthedidnothearawordthatshewassayinguntilhisrovingeyesrestedonherface；heimmediatelynoticedaremarkablething。Forthefirsttimeshewastalkingtohimandavoidinghiseyes。ThatwasnotliketheAngelatall。Itwasthedelightofhearingherspeakthatshelookedonesquarelyinthefaceandwithperfectfrankness。Therewerenosideglancesanddown-droopingeyeswhentheAngeltalked；shewasbusinessstraightthrough。InstantlyFreckles'wanderingthoughtsfastenedonherwords。
　　"——andhewasasour，grumpy，oldman，"shewassaying。"Healwayshadbeenspoiled，becausehewasanonlyson，sohehadatitle，andabigestate。Hewouldhavejusthisway，nomatterabouthissweetlittlewife，orhisboys，oranyone。Sowhenhiseldersonfellinlovewithabeautifulgirlhavingatitle，theverygirlofalltheworldhisfatherwantedhimto，andaddedabigadjoiningestatetohis，why，thatpleasedhimmightily。
　　"Thenhewentandorderedhisyoungersontomarryapokykindofagirl，thatnooneliked，toaddanotherbigestateontheotherside，andthatwasdifferent。Thatwasalltheworlddifferent，becausetheeldersonhadbeeninloveallhislifewiththegirlhemarried，and，oh，Freckles，it'snowonder，forIsawher！
　　She'sabeautyandshehasthesweetestway。