'Letmethink，ma'am，'saidthedoctor；'letmethink。'
　　Mr。Losbernethrusthishandsintohispockets，andtookseveralturnsupanddowntheroom；oftenstopping，andbalancinghimselfonhistoes，andfrowningfrightfully。Aftervariousexclamationsof'I'vegotitnow'and'no，Ihaven't，'andasmanyrenewalsofthewalkingandfrowning，heatlengthmadeadeadhalt，andspokeasfollows:
　　'IthinkifyougivemeafullandunlimitedcommissiontobullyGiles，andthatlittleboy，Brittles，Icanmanageit。Gilesisafaithfulfellowandanoldservant，Iknow；butyoucanmakeituptohiminathousandways，andrewardhimforbeingsuchagoodshotbesides。Youdon'tobjecttothat?'
　　'Unlessthereissomeotherwayofpreservingthechild，'repliedMrs。Maylie。
　　'Thereisnoother，'saidthedoctor。'Noother，takemywordforit。'
　　'Thenmyauntinvestsyouwithfullpower，'saidRose，smilingthroughhertears；'butpraydon'tbeharderuponthepoorfellowsthanisindispensablynecessary。'
　　'Youseemtothink，'retortedthedoctor，'thateverybodyisdisposedtobehard-heartedto-day，exceptyourself，MissRose。
　　Ionlyhope，forthesakeoftherisingmalesexgenerally，thatyoumaybefoundinasvulnerableandsoft-heartedamoodbythefirsteligibleyoungfellowwhoappealstoyourcompassion；andI
　　wishIwereayoungfellow，thatImightavailmyself，onthespot，ofsuchafavourableopportunityfordoingso，asthepresent。'
　　'YouareasgreataboyaspoorBrittleshimself，'returnedRose，blushing。
　　'Well，'saidthedoctor，laughingheartily，'thatisnoverydifficultmatter。Buttoreturntothisboy。Thegreatpointofouragreementisyettocome。Hewillwakeinanhourorso，I
　　daresay；andalthoughIhavetoldthatthick-headedconstable-fellowdownstairsthathemusn'tbemovedorspokento，onperilofhislife，Ithinkwemayconversewithhimwithoutdanger。NowImakethisstipulation——thatIshallexaminehiminyourpresence，andthat，if，fromwhathesays，wejudge，andI
　　canshowtothesatisfactionofyourcoolreason，thatheisarealandthoroughbadonewhichismorethanpossible，heshallbelefttohisfate，withoutanyfartherinterferenceonmypart，atallevents。'
　　'Ohno，aunt！'entreatedRose。
　　'Ohyes，aunt！'saidthedoctor。'Isisabargain?；
　　'Hecannotbehardenedinvice，'saidRose；'Itisimpossible。'
　　'Verygood，'retortedthedoctor；'thensomuchthemorereasonforaccedingtomyproposition。'
　　Finallythetreatywasenteredinto；andthepartiesthereuntosatdowntowait，withsomeimpatience，untilOlivershouldawake。
　　ThepatienceofthetwoladieswasdestinedtoundergoalongertrialthanMr。Losbernehadledthemtoexpect；forhourafterhourpassedon，andstillOliverslumberedheavily。Itwasevening，indeed，beforethekind-hearteddoctorbroughtthemtheintelligence，thathewasatlengthsufficientlyrestoredtobespokento。Theboywasveryill，hesaid，andweakfromthelossofblood；buthismindwassotroubledwithanxietytodisclosesomething，thathedeemeditbettertogivehimtheopportunity，thantoinsistuponhisremainingquietuntilnextmorning:
　　whichheshouldotherwisehavedone。
　　Theconferencewasalongone。Olivertoldthemallhissimplehistory，andwasoftencompelledtostop，bypainandwantofstrength。Itwasasolemnthing，tohear，inthedarkenedroom，thefeeblevoiceofthesickchildrecountingawearycatalogueofevilsandcalamitieswhichhardmenhadbroughtuponhim。Oh！
　　ifwhenweoppressandgrindourfellow-creatures，webestowedbutonethoughtonthedarkevidencesofhumanerror，which，likedenseandheavyclouds，arerising，slowlyitistrue，butnotlesssurely，toHeaven，topourtheirafter-vengeanceonourheads；ifweheardbutoneinstant，inimagination，thedeeptestimonyofdeadmen'svoices，whichnopowercanstifle，andnoprideshutout；wherewouldbetheinjuryandinjustice，thesuffering，misery，cruelty，andwrong，thateachday'slifebringswithit！
　　Oliver'spillowwassmoothedbygentlehandsthatnight；andlovelinessandvirtuewatchedhimasheslept。Hefeltcalmandhappy，andcouldhavediedwithoutamurmur。
　　Themomentousinterviewwasnosoonerconcluded，andOlivercomposedtorestagain，thanthedoctor，afterwipinghiseyes，andcondemningthemforbeingweakallatonce，betookhimselfdownstairstoopenuponMr。Giles。Andfindingnobodyabouttheparlours，itoccurredtohim，thathecouldperhapsoriginatetheproceedingswithbettereffectinthekitchen；sointothekitchenhewent。
　　Therewereassembled，inthatlowerhouseofthedomesticparliament，thewomen-servants，Mr。Brittles，Mr。Giles，thetinkerwhohadreceivedaspecialinvitationtoregalehimselffortheremainderoftheday，inconsiderationofhisservices，andtheconstable。Thelattergentlemanhadalargestaff，alargehead，largefeatures，andlargehalf-boots；andhelookedasifhehadbeentakingaproportionateallowanceofale——asindeedhehad。
　　Theadventuresofthepreviousnightwerestillunderdiscussion；
　　forMr。Gileswasexpatiatinguponhispresenceofmind，whenthedoctorentered；Mr。Brittles，withamugofaleinhishand，wascorroboratingeverything，beforehissuperiorsaidit。
　　'Sitstill！'saidthedoctor，wavinghishand。
　　'Thankyou，sir，saidMr。Giles。'Misseswishedsomealetobegivenout，sir；andasIfeltnowaysinclinedformyownlittleroom，sir，andwasdisposedforcompany，Iamtakingmineamong'emhere。'
　　Brittlesheadedalowmurmur，bywhichtheladiesandgentlemengenerallywereunderstoodtoexpressthegratificationtheyderivedfromMr。Giles'scondescension。Mr。Gileslookedroundwithapatronisingair，asmuchastosaythatsolongastheybehavedproperly，hewouldneverdesertthem。
　　'Howisthepatientto-night，sir?'askedGiles。
　　'So-so'；returnedthedoctor。'Iamafraidyouhavegotyourselfintoascrapethere，Mr。Giles。'
　　'Ihopeyoudon'tmeantosay，sir，'saidMr。Giles，trembling，'thathe'sgoingtodie。IfIthoughtit，Ishouldneverbehappyagain。Iwouldn'tcutaboyoff:no，notevenBrittleshere；notforalltheplateinthecounty，sir。'
　　'That'snotthepoint，'saidthedoctor，mysteriously。'Mr。
　　Giles，areyouaProtestant?'
　　'Yes，sir，Ihopeso，'falteredMr。Giles，whohadturnedverypale。
　　'AndwhatareYOU，boy?'saidthedoctor，turningsharplyuponBrittles。
　　'Lordblessme，sir！'repliedBrittles，startingviolently；'I'mthesameasMr。Giles，sir。'
　　'Thentellmethis，'saidthedoctor，'bothofyou，bothofyou！
　　Areyougoingtotakeuponyourselvestoswear，thatthatboyupstairsistheboythatwasputthroughthelittlewindowlastnight?Outwithit！Come！Wearepreparedforyou！'
　　Thedoctor，whowasuniversallyconsideredoneofthebest-temperedcreaturesonearth，madethisdemandinsuchadreadfultoneofanger，thatGilesandBrittles，whowereconsiderablymuddledbyaleandexcitement，staredateachotherinastateofstupefaction。
　　'Payattentiontothereply，constable，willyou?'saidthedoctor，shakinghisforefingerwithgreatsolemnityofmanner，andtappingthebridgeofhisnosewithit，tobespeaktheexerciseofthatworthy'sutmostacuteness。'Somethingmaycomeofthisbeforelong。'
　　Theconstablelookedaswiseashecould，andtookuphisstaffofoffice:whichhadbeenreclingindolentlyinthechimney-corner。
　　'It'sasimplequestionofidentity，youwillobserve，'saidthedoctor。
　　'That'swhatitis，sir，'repliedtheconstable，coughingwithgreatviolence；forhehadfinishedhisaleinahurry，andsomeofithadgonethewrongway。
　　'Here'sthehousebrokeninto，'saidthedoctor，'andacoupleofmencatchonemoment'sglimpseofaboy，inthemidstofgunpowdersmoke，andinallthedistractionofalarmanddarkness。Here'saboycomestothatverysamehouse，nextmorning，andbecausehehappenstohavehisarmtiedup，thesemenlayviolenthandsuponhim——bydoingwhich，theyplacehislifeingreatdanger——andswearheisthethief。Now，thequestionis，whetherthesemenarejustifiedbythefact；ifnot，inwhatsituationdotheyplacethemselves?'
　　Theconstablenoddedprofoundly。Hesaid，ifthatwasn'tlaw，hewouldbegladtoknowwhatwas。
　　'Iaskyouagain，'thunderedthedoctor，'areyou，onyoursolemnoaths，abletoidentifythatboy?'
　　BrittleslookeddoubtfullyatMr。Giles；Mr。GileslookeddoubtfullyatBrittles；theconstableputhishandbehindhisear，tocatchthereply；thetwowomenandthetinkerleanedforwardtolisten；thedoctorglancedkeenlyround；whenaringwasheardatthegate，andatthesamemoment，thesoundofwheels。
　　'It'stherunners！'criedBrittles，toallappearancemuchrelieved。
　　'Thewhat?'exclaimedthedoctor，aghastinhisturn。
　　'TheBowStreetofficers，sir，'repliedBrittles，takingupacandle；'meandMr。Gilessentfor'emthismorning。'
　　'What?'criedthedoctor。
　　'Yes，'repliedBrittles；'Isentamessageupbythecoachman，andIonlywondertheyweren'therebefore，sir。'
　　'Youdid，didyou?Thenconfoundyour——slowcoachesdownhere；
　　that'sall，'saidthedoctor，walkingaway。
　　CHAPTERXXXI
　　INVOLVESACRITICALPOSITION
　　'Who'sthat?'inquiredBrittles，openingthedooralittleway，withthechainup，andpeepingout，shadingthecandlewithhishand。
　　'Openthedoor，'repliedamanoutside；'it'stheofficersfromBowStreet，aswassenttoto-day。'
　　Muchcomfortedbythisassurance，Brittlesopenedthedoortoitsfullwidth，andconfrontedaportlymaninagreat-coat；whowalkedin，withoutsayinganythingmore，andwipedhisshoesonthemat，ascoollyasifhelivedthere。
　　'Justsendsomebodyouttorelievemymate，willyou，youngman?'
　　saidtheofficer；'he'sinthegig，a-mindingtheprad。Haveyougotacoach'ushere，thatyoucouldputitupin，forfiveortenminutes?'
　　Brittlesreplyingintheaffirmative，andpointingoutthebuilding，theportlymansteppedbacktothegarden-gate，andhelpedhiscompaniontoputupthegig:whileBrittleslightedthem，inastateofgreatadmiration。Thisdone，theyreturnedtothehouse，and，beingshownintoaparlour，tookofftheirgreat-coatsandhats，andshowedlikewhattheywere。
　　Themanwhohadknockedatthedoor，wasastoutpersonageofmiddleheight，agedaboutfifty:withshinyblackhair，croppedprettyclose；half-whiskers，aroundface，andsharpeyes。Theotherwasared-headed，bonyman，intop-boots；witharatherill-favouredcountenance，andaturned-upsinister-lookingnose。
　　'TellyourgovernorthatBlathersandDuffishere，willyou?'
　　saidthestouterman，smoothingdownhishair，andlayingapairofhandcuffsonthetable。'Oh！Good-evening，master。CanI
　　haveawordortwowithyouinprivate，ifyouplease?'
　　ThiswasaddressedtoMr。Losberne，whonowmadehisappearance；
　　thatgentleman，motioningBrittlestoretire，broughtinthetwoladies，andshutthedoor。
　　'Thisistheladyofthehouse，'saidMr。Losberne，motioningtowardsMrs。Maylie。
　　Mr。Blathersmadeabow。Beingdesiredtositdown，heputhishatonthefloor，andtakingachair，motionedtoDufftodothesame。Thelattergentleman，whodidnotappearquitesomuchaccustomedtogoodsociety，orquitesomuchathiseaseinit——oneofthetwo——seatedhimself，afterundergoingseveralmuscularaffectionsofthelimbs，andtheheadofhisstickintohismouth，withsomeembarrassment。
　　'Now，withregardtothishererobbery，master，'saidBlathers。
　　'Whatarethecircumstances?'
　　Mr。Losberne，whoappeareddesirousofgainingtime，recountedthematgreatlength，andwithmuchcircumlocution。Messrs。
　　BlathersandDufflookedveryknowingmeanwhile，andoccasionallyexchangedanod。
　　'Ican'tsay，forcertain，tillIseethework，ofcourse，'saidBlathers；'butmyopinionatonceis，——Idon'tmindcommittingmyselftothatextent，——thatthiswasn'tdonebyayokel；eh，Duff?'
　　'Certainlynot，'repliedDuff。
　　'And，translatingthewordyokelforthebenefitoftheladies，I
　　apprehendyourmeaningtobe，thatthisattemptwasnotmadebyacountryman?'saidMr。Losberne，withasmile。
　　'That'sit，master，'repliedBlathers。'Thisisallabouttherobbery，isit?'
　　'All，'repliedthedoctor。
　　'Now，whatisthis，aboutthishereboythattheservantsarea-talkingon?'saidBlathers。
　　'Nothingatall，'repliedthedoctor。'Oneofthefrightenedservantschosetotakeitintohishead，thathehadsomethingtodowiththisattempttobreakintothehouse；butit'snonsense:
　　sheerabsurdity。'
　　'Weryeasydisposedof，ifitis，'remarkedDuff。
　　'Whathesaysisquitecorrect，'observedBlathers，noddinghisheadinaconfirmatoryway，andplayingcarelesslywiththehandcuffs，asiftheywereapairofcastanets。'Whoistheboy?
　　Whataccountdoeshegiveofhimself?Wheredidhecomefrom?
　　Hedidn'tdropoutoftheclouds，didhe，master?'
　　'Ofcoursenot，'repliedthedoctor，withanervousglanceatthetwoladies。'Iknowhiswholehistory:butwecantalkaboutthatpresently。Youwouldlike，first，toseetheplacewherethethievesmadetheirattempt，Isuppose?'
　　'Certainly，'rejoinedMr。Blathers。'Wehadbetterinspectthepremisesfirst，andexaminetheservantsafterwards。That'stheusualwayofdoingbusiness。'
　　Lightswerethenprocured；andMessrs。BlathersandDuff，attendedbythenativeconstable，Brittles，Giles，andeverybodyelseinshort，wentintothelittleroomattheendofthepassageandlookedoutatthewindow；andafterwardswentroundbywayofthelawn，andlookedinatthewindow；andafterthat，hadacandlehandedouttoinspecttheshutterwith；andafterthat，alanterntotracethefootstepswith；andafterthat，apitchforktopokethebusheswith。Thisdone，amidstthebreathlessinterestofallbeholders，theycameinagain；andMr。
　　GilesandBrittleswereputthroughamelodramaticrepresentationoftheirshareinthepreviousnight'sadventures:whichtheyperformedsomesixtimesover:contradictioneachother，innotmorethanoneimportantrespect，thefirsttime，andinnotmorethanadozenthelast。Thisconsummationbeingarrivedat，BlathersandDuffclearedtheroom，andheldalongcounciltogether，comparedwithwhich，forsecrecyandsolemnity，aconsultationofgreatdoctorsontheknottiestpointinmedicine，wouldbemerechild'splay。
　　Meanwhile，thedoctorwalkedupanddownthenextroominaveryuneasystate；andMrs。MaylieandRoselookedon，withanxiousfaces。
　　'Uponmyword，'hesaid，makingahalt，afteragreatnumberofveryrapidturns，'Ihardlyknowwhattodo。'
　　'Surely，'saidRose，'thepoorchild'sstory，faithfullyrepeatedtothesemen，willbesufficienttoexoneratehim。'
　　'Idoubtit，mydearyounglady，'saidthedoctor，shakinghishead。'Idon'tthinkitwouldexoneratehim，eitherwiththem，orwithlegalfunctionariesofahighergrade。Whatishe，afterall，theywouldsay?Arunaway。Judgedbymereworldlyconsiderationsandprobabilities，hisstoryisaverydoubtfulone。'
　　'Youbelieveit，surely?'interruptedRose。
　　'_I_believeit，strangeasitis；andperhapsImaybeanoldfoolfordoingso，'rejoinedthedoctor；'butIdon'tthinkitisexactlythetaleforapracticalpolice-officer，nevertheless。'
　　'Whynot?'demandedRose。
　　'Because，myprettycross-examiner，'repliedthedoctor:
　　'because，viewedwiththeireyes，therearemanyuglypointsaboutit；hecanonlyprovethepartsthatlookill，andnoneofthosethatlookwell。Confoundthefellows，theyWILLhavethewayandthewherefore，andwilltakenothingforgranted。Onhisownshowing，yousee，hehasbeenthecompanionofthievesforsometimepast；hehasbeencarriedtoapolice-officer，onachargeofpickingagentleman'spocket；hehasbeentakenaway，forcibly，fromthatgentleman'shouse，toaplacewhichhecannotdescribeorpointout，andofthesituationofwhichhehasnottheremotestidea。HeisbroughtdowntoChertsey，bymenwhoseemtohavetakenaviolentfancytohim，whetherhewillorno；
　　andisputthroughawindowtorobahouse；andthen，justattheverymomentwhenheisgoingtoalarmtheinmates，andsodotheverythingthatwouldsethimalltorights，thererushesintotheway，ablunderingdogofahalf-bredbutler，andshootshim！
　　Asifonpurposetopreventhisdoinganygoodforhimself！
　　Don'tyouseeallthis?'
　　'Iseeit，ofcourse，'repliedRose，smilingatthedoctor'simpetuosity；'butstillIdonotseeanythinginit，tocriminatethepoorchild。'
　　'No，'repliedthedoctor；'ofcoursenot！Blessthebrighteyesofyoursex！Theyneversee，whetherforgoodorbad，morethanonesideofanyquestion；andthatis，always，theonewhichfirstpresentsitselftothem。'
　　Havinggivenventtothisresultofexperience，thedoctorputhishandsintohispockets，andwalkedupanddowntheroomwithevengreaterrapiditythanbefore。
　　'ThemoreIthinkofit，'saidthedoctor，'themoreIseethatitwilloccasionendlesstroubleanddifficultyifweputthesemeninpossessionoftheboy'srealstory。Iamcertainitwillnotbebelieved；andeveniftheycandonothingtohimintheend，stillthedraggingitforward，andgivingpublicitytoallthedoubtsthatwillbecastuponit，mustinterfere，materially，withyourbenevolentplanofrescuinghimfrommisery。'
　　'Oh！whatistobedone?'criedRose。'Dear，dear！whyddidtheysendforthesepeople?'
　　'Why，indeed！'exclaimedMrs。Maylie。'Iwouldnothavehadthemhere，fortheworld。'
　　'AllIknowis，'saidMr。Losberne，atlast:sittingdownwithakindofdesperatecalmness，'thatwemusttryandcarryitoffwithaboldface。Theobjectisagoodone，andthatmustbeourexcuse。Theboyhasstrongsymptomsoffeveruponhim，andisinnoconditiontobetalkedtoanymore；that'sonecomfort。Wemustmakethebestofit；andifbadbethebest，itisnofaultofours。Comein！'
　　'Well，master，'saidBlathers，enteringtheroomfollowedbyhiscolleague，andmakingthedoorfast，beforehesaidanymore。
　　'Thiswarn'taput-upthing。'
　　'Andwhatthedevil'saput-upthing?'demandedthedoctor，impatiently。
　　'Wecallitaput-uprobbery，ladies，'saidBlathers，turningtothem，asifhepitiedtheirignorance，buthadacontemptforthedoctor's，'whentheservantsisinit。'
　　'Nobodysuspectedthem，inthiscase，'saidMrs。Maylie。
　　'Werylikelynot，ma'am，'repliedBlathers；'buttheymighthavebeeninit，forallthat。'
　　'Morelikelyonthatweryaccount，'saidDuff。
　　'Wefinditwasatownhand，'saidBlathers，continuinghisreport；'forthestyleofworkisfirst-rate。'
　　'Weryprettyindeeditis，'remarkedDuff，inanundertone。
　　'Therewastwoof'eminit，'continuedBlathers；'andtheyhadaboywith'em；that'splainfromthesizeofthewindow。That'salltobesaidatpresent。We'llseethisladthatyou'vegotupstairsatonce，ifyouplease。'
　　'Perhapstheywilltakesomethingtodrinkfirst，Mrs。Maylie?'
　　saidthedoctor:hisfacebrightening，asifsomenewthoughthadoccurredtohim。
　　'Oh！tobesure！'exclaimedRose，eagerly。'Youshallhaveitimmediately，ifyouwill。'
　　'Why，thankyou，miss！'saidBlathers，drawinghiscoat-sleeveacrosshismouth；'it'sdrywork，thissortofduty。Anythinkthat'shandy，miss；don'tputyourselfoutoftheway，onouraccounts。'
　　'Whatshallitbe?'askedthedoctor，followingtheyoungladytothesideboard。
　　'Alittledropofspirits，master，ifit'sallthesame，'repliedBlathers。'It'sacoldridefromLondon，ma'am；andIalwaysfindthatspiritscomeshomewarmertothefeelings。'
　　ThisinterestingcommunicationwasaddressedtoMrs。Maylie，whoreceiveditverygraciously。Whileitwasbeingconveyedtoher，thedoctorslippedoutoftheroom。
　　'Ah！'saidMr。Blathers:notholdinghiswine-glassbythestem，butgraspingthebottombetweenthethumbandforefingerofhislefthand:andplacingitinfrontofhischest；'Ihaveseenagoodmanypiecesofbusinesslikethis，inmytime，ladies。'
　　'ThatcrackdowninthebacklaneatEdmonton，Blathers，'saidMr。Duff，assistinghiscolleague'smemory。
　　'Thatwassomethinginthisway，warn'tit?'rejoinedMr。
　　Blathers；'thatwasdonebyConkeyChickweed，thatwas。'
　　'Youalwaysgavethattohim'repliedDuff。'ItwastheFamilyPet，Itellyou。Conkeyhadn'tanymoretodowithitthanI
　　had。'
　　'Getout！'retortedMr。Blathers；'Iknowbetter。DoyoumindthattimewhenConkeywasrobbedofhismoney，though?Whatastartthatwas！Betterthananynovel-book_I_eversee！'
　　'Whatwasthat?'inquiredRose:anxioustoencourageanysymptomsofgood-humourintheunwelcomevisitors。
　　'Itwasarobbery，miss，thathardlyanybodywouldhavebeendownupon，'saidBlathers。'ThishereConkeyChickweed——'
　　'ConkeymeansNosey，ma'am，'interposedDuff。
　　'Ofcoursetheladyknowsthat，don'tshe?'demandedMr。
　　Blathers。'Alwaysinterrupting，youare，partner！ThishereConkeyChickweed，miss，keptapublic-houseoverBattlebridgeway，andhehadacellar，whereagoodmanyyounglordswenttoseecock-fighting，andbadger-drawing，andthat；andaweryintellecturalmannerthesportswasconductedin，forI'veseen'emoff'en。Hewarn'toneofthefamily，atthattime；andonenighthewasrobbedofthreehundredandtwenty-sevenguineasinacanvasbag，thatwasstoleoutofhisbedrrominthedeadofnight，byatallmanwithablackpatchoverhiseye，whohadconcealedhimselfunderthebed，andaftercommittingtherobbery，jumpedslapoutofwindow:whichwasonlyastoryhigh。
　　Hewasweryquickaboutit。ButConkeywasquick，too；forhefiredablunderbussarterhim，androusedtheneighbourhood。Theysetupahue-and-cry，directly，andwhentheycametolookabout'em，foundthatConkeyhadhittherobber；fortherewastracesofblood，allthewaytosomepalingsagooddistanceoff；andtheretheylost'em。However，hehadmadeoffwiththeblunt；
　　and，consequently，thenameofMr。Chickweed，licensedwitler，appearedintheGazetteamongtheotherbankrupts；andallmannerofbenefitsandsubscriptions，andIdon'tknowwhatall，wasgotupforthepoorman，whowasinawerylowstateofmindabouthisloss，andwentupanddownthestreets，forthreeorfourdays，apullinghishairoffinsuchadesperatemannerthatmanypeoplewasafraidhemightbegoingtomakeawaywithhimself。
　　Onedayhecameuptotheoffice，allinahurry，andhadaprivateinterviewwiththemagistrate，who，afteradealoftalk，ringsthebell，andordersJemSpyersinJemwasaactiveofficer，andtellshimtogoandassistMr。Chickweedinapprehendingthemanasrobbedhishouse。“Iseehim，Spyers，“
　　saidChickweed，“passmyhouseyesterdaymorning，““Whydidn'tyouup，andcollarhim！“saysSpyers。“Iwassostruckallofaheap，thatyoumighthavefracturedmyskullwithatoothpick，“
　　saysthepoorman；“butwe'resuretohavehim；forbetweentenandeleveno'clockatnighthepassedagain。”Spyersnosoonerheardthis，thanheputsomecleanlinenandacomb，inhispocket，incaseheshouldhavetostopadayortwo；andawayhegoes，andsetshimselfdownatoneofthepublic-housewindowsbehindthelittleredcurtain，withhishaton，allreadytoboltout，atamoment'snotice。Hewassmokinghispipehere，lateatnight，whenallofasuddenChickweedroarsout，“Hereheis！
　　Stopthief！Murder！“JemSpyersdashesout；andthereheseesChickweed，a-tearingdownthestreetfullcry。AwaygoesSpyers；
　　ongoesChickweed；roundturnsthepeople；everybodyroarsout，“Thieves！“andChickweedhimselfkeepsonshouting，allthetime，likemad。Spyerslosessightofhimaminuteasheturnsacorner；shootsround；seesalittlecrowd；divesin；“Whichistheman?““D——me！“saysChickweed，“I'velosthimagain！“Itwasaremarkableoccurrence，buthewarn'ttobeseennowhere，sotheywentbacktothepublic-house。Nextmorning，Spyerstookhisoldplace，andlookedout，frombehindthecurtain，foratallmanwithablackpatchoverhiseye，tillhisowntwoeyesachedagain。Atlast，hecouldn'thelpshutting'em，toease'emaminute；andtheverymomenthedidso，hehearsChickweeda-roaringout，“Hereheis！“Offhestartsoncemore，withChickweedhalf-waydownthestreetaheadofhim；andaftertwiceaslongarunastheyesterday'sone，theman'slostagain！Thiswasdone，onceortwicemore，tillone-halftheneighboursgaveoutthatMr。Chickweedhadbeenrobbedbythedevil，whowasplayingtrickswithhimarterwards；andtheotherhalf，thatpoorMr。Chickweedhadgonemadwithgrief。'
　　'WhatdidJemSpyerssay?'inquiredthedoctor；whohadreturnedtotheroomshortlyafterthecommencementofthestory。
　　'JemSpyers，'resumedtheofficer，'foralongtimesaidnothingatall，andlistenedtoeverythingwithoutseemingto，whichshowedheunderstoodhisbusiness。But，onemorning，hewalkedintothebar，andtakingouthissnuffbox，says“Chickweed，I'vefoundoutwhodonethishererobbery。”“Haveyou?“saidChickweed。“Oh，mydearSpyers，onlyletmehavewengeance，andIshalldiecontented！Oh，mydearSpyers，whereisthevillain！““Come！“saidSpyers，offeringhimapinchofsnuff，“noneofthatgammon！Youdidityourself。”Sohehad；andagoodbitofmoneyhehadmadebyit，too；andnobodywouldneverhavefounditout，ifhehadn'tbeensopreciousanxioustokeepupappearances！'saidMr。Blathers，puttingdownhiswine-glass，andclinkingthehandcuffstogether。
　　'Verycurious，indeed，'observedthedoctor。'Now，ifyouplease，youcanwalkupstairs。'
　　'IfYOUplease，sir，'returnedMr。Blathers。CloselyfollowingMr。Losberne，thetwoofficersascendedtoOliver'sbedroom；Mr。
　　Gilesprecedingtheparty，withalightedcandle。
　　Oliverhadbeendozing；butlookedworse，andwasmorefeverishthanhehadappearedyet。Beingassistedbythedoctor，hemanagedtositupinbedforaminuteorso；andlookedatthestrangerswithoutatallunderstandingwhatwasgoingforward——infact，withoutseemingtorecollectwherehewas，orwhathadbeenpassing。
　　'This，'saidMr。Losberne，speakingsoftly，butwithgreatvehemencenotwithstanding，'thisisthelad，who，beingaccidentlywoundedbyaspring-guninsomeboyishtrespassonMr。
　　What-d'ye-call-him'sgrounds，atthebackhere，comestothehouseforassistancethismorning，andisimmediatelylaidholdofandmaltreated，bythatingeniousgentlemanwiththecandleinhishand:whohasplacedhislifeinconsiderabledanger，asI
　　canprofessionallycertify。'
　　Messrs。BlathersandDufflookedatMr。Giles，ashewasthusrecommendedtotheirnotice。ThebewilderedbutlergazedfromthemtowardsOliver，andfromOlivertowardsMr。Losberne，withamostludicrousmixtureoffearandperplexity。
　　'Youdon'tmeantodenythat，Isuppose?'saidthedoctor，layingOlivergentlydownagain。
　　'Itwasalldoneforthe——forthebest，sir，'answeredGiles。'I
　　amsureIthoughtitwastheboy，orIwouldn'thavemeddledwithhim。Iamnotofaninhumandisposition，sir。'
　　'Thoughtitwaswhatboy?'inquiredtheseniorofficer。
　　'Thehousebreaker'sboy，sir！'repliedGiles。'They——theycertainlyhadaboy。'
　　'Well?Doyouthinksonow?'inquiredBlathers。
　　'Thinkwhat，now?'repliedGiles，lookingvacantlyathisquestioner。
　　'Thinkit'sthesameboy，Stupid-head?'rejoinedBlathers，impatiently。
　　'Idon'tknow；Ireallydon'tknow，'saidGiles，witharuefulcountenance。'Icouldn'tsweartohim。'
　　'Whatdoyouthink?'askedMr。Blathers。
　　'Idon'tknowwhattothink，'repliedpoorGiles。'Idon'tthinkitistheboy；indeed，I'malmostcertainthatitisn't。Youknowitcan'tbe。'
　　'Hasthismanbeena-drinking，sir?'inquiredBlathers，turningtothedoctor。
　　'Whatapreciousmuddle-headedchapyouare！'saidDuff，addressingMr。Giles，withsupremecontempt。
　　Mr。Losbernehadbeenfeelingthepatient'spulseduringthisshortdialogue；buthenowrosefromthechairbythebedside，andremarked，thatiftheofficershadanydoubtsuponthesubject，theywouldperhapsliketostepintothenextroom，andhaveBrittlesbeforethem。
　　Actinguponthissuggestion，theyadjournedtoaneighbouringapartment，whereMr。Brittles，beingcalledin，involvedhimselfandhisrespectedsuperiorinsuchawonderfulmazeoffreshcontradictionsandimpossibilities，astendedtothrownoparticularlightonanything，butthefactofhisownstrongmystification；except，indeed，hisdeclarationsthatheshouldn'tknowtherealboy，ifhewereputbeforehimthatinstant；thathehadonlytakenOlivertobehe，becauseMr。Gileshadsaidhewas；andthatMr。Gileshad，fiveminutespreviously，admittedinthekitchen，thathebegaintobeverymuchafraidhehadbeenalittletoohasty。
　　Amongotheringenioussurmises，thequestionwasthenraised，whetherMr。Gileshadreallyhitanybody；anduponexaminationofthefellowpistoltothatwhichhehadfired，itturnedouttohavenomoredestructiveloadingthangunpowderandbrownpaper:
　　adiscoverywhichmadeaconsiderableimpressiononeverybodybutthedoctor，whohaddrawntheballabouttenminutesbefore。
　　Uponnoone，however，diditmakeagreaterimpressionthanonMr。Gileshimself；who，afterlabouring，forsomehours，underthefearofhavingmortallywoundedafellow-creature，eagerlycaughtatthisnewidea，andfavouredittotheutmost。Finally，theofficers，withouttroublingthemselvesverymuchaboutOliver，lefttheChertseyconstableinthehouse，andtookuptheirrestforthatnightinthetown；promisingtoreturnthenextmorning。
　　Withthenextmorning，therecamearumour，thattwomenandaboywereinthecageatKingston，whohadbeenapprehendedovernightundersuspiciouscircumstances；andtoKingstonMessrs。
　　BlathersandDuffjourneyedaccordingly。Thesuspiciouscircumstances，however，resolvingthemselves，oninvestigation，intotheonefact，thattheyhadbeendiscoveredsleepingunderahaystack；which，althoughagreatcrime，isonlypunishablebyimprisonment，andis，inthemercifuleyeoftheEnglishlaw，anditscomprehensiveloveofalltheKing'ssubjects，heldtobenosatisfactoryproof，intheabsenceofallotherevidence，thatthesleeper，orsleepers，havecommittedburglaryaccompaniedwithviolence，andhavethereforerenderedthemselvesliabletothepunishmentofdeath；Messrs。BlathersandDuffcamebackagain，aswiseastheywent。
　　Inshort，aftersomemoreexamination，andagreatdealmoreconversation，aneighbouringmagistratewasreadilyinducedtotakethejointbailofMrs。MaylieandMr。LosberneforOliver'sappearanceifheshouldeverbecalledupon；andBlathersandDuff，beingrewardedwithacoupleofguineas，returnedtotownwithdividedopinionsonthesubjectoftheirexpedition:thelattergentlemanonamatureconsiderationofallthecircumstances，incliningtothebeliefthattheburglariousattempthadoriginatedwiththeFamilyPet；andtheformerbeingequallydisposedtoconcedethefullmeritofittothegreatMr。
　　ConkeyChickweed。
　　Meanwhile，OlivergraduallythroveandprosperedundertheunitedcareofMrs。Maylie，Rose，andthekind-heartedMr。Losberne。Ifferventprayers，gushingfromheartsoverchargedwithgratitude，beheardinheaven——andiftheybenot，whatprayersare！——theblessingswhichtheorphanchildcalleddownuponthem，sunkintotheirsouls，diffusingpeaceandhappiness。
　　CHAPTERXXXII
　　OFTHEHAPPYLIFEOLIVERBEGANTOLEADWITHHISKINDFRIENDS
　　Oliver'sailingswereneitherslightnorfew。Inadditiontothepainanddelayattendantonabrokenlimb，hisexposuretothewetandcoldhadbroughtonfeverandague:whichhungabouthimformanyweeks，andreducedhimsadly。But，atlength，hebegan，byslowdegrees，togetbetter，andtobeabletosaysometimes，inafewtearfulwords，howdeeplyhefeltthegoodnessofthetwosweetladies，andhowardentlyhehopedthatwhenhegrewstrongandwellagain，hecoulddosomethingtoshowhisgratitude；onlysomething，whichwouldletthemseetheloveanddutywithwhichhisbreastwasfull；something，howeverslight，whichwouldprovetothemthattheirgentlekindnesshadnotbeencastaway；butthatthepoorboywhomtheircharityhadrescuedfrommisery，ordeath，waseagertoservethemwithhiswholeheartandsoul。
　　'Poorfellow！'saidRose，whenOliverhadbeenonedayfeeblyendeavouringtoutterthewordsofthankfulnessthatrosetohispalelips；'youshallhavemanyopportunitiesofservingus，ifyouwill。Wearegoingintothecountry，andmyauntintendsthatyoushallaccompanyus。Thequietplace，thepureair，andallthepleasureandbeautiesofspring，willrestoreyouinafewdays。Wewillemployyouinahundredways，whenyoucanbearthetrouble。'
　　'Thetrouble！'criedOliver。'Oh！dearlady，ifIcouldbutworkforyou；ifIcouldonlygiveyoupleasurebywateringyourflowers，orwatchingyourbirds，orrunningupanddownthewholedaylong，tomakeyouhappy；whatwouldIgivetodoit！'
　　'Youshallgivenothingatall，'saidMissMaylie，smiling；'for，asItoldyoubefore，weshallemployyouinahundredways；andifyouonlytakehalfthetroubletopleaseus，thatyoupromisenow，youwillmakemeveryhappyindeed。'
　　'Happy，ma'am！'criedOliver；'howkindofyoutosayso！'
　　'YouwillmakemehappierthanIcantellyou，'repliedtheyounglady。'Tothinkthatmydeargoodauntshouldhavebeenthemeansofrescuinganyonefromsuchsadmiseryasyouhavedescribedtous，wouldbeanunspeakablepleasuretome；buttoknowthattheobjectofhergoodnessandcompassionwassincerelygratefulandattached，inconsequence，woulddelightme，morethanyoucanwellimagine。Doyouunderstandme?'sheinquired，watchingOliver'sthoughtfulface。
　　'Ohyes，ma'am，yes！'repliedOlivereagerly；'butIwasthinkingthatIamungratefulnow。'
　　'Towhom?'inquiredtheyounglady。
　　'Tothekindgentleman，andthedearoldnurse，whotooksomuchcareofmebefore，'rejoinedOliver。'IftheyknewhowhappyI
　　am，theywouldbepleased，Iamsure。'
　　'Iamsuretheywould，'rejoinedOliver'sbenefactress；'andMr。
　　Losbernehasalreadybeenkindenoughtopromisethatwhenyouarewellenoughtobearthejourney，hewillcarryyoutoseethem。'
　　'Hashe，ma'am?'criedOliver，hisfacebrighteningwithpleasure。'Idon'tknowwhatIshalldoforjoywhenIseetheirkindfacesonceagain！'
　　InashorttimeOliverwassufficientlyrecoveredtoundergothefatigueofthisexpedition。OnemorningheandMr。Losbernesetout，accordingly，inalittlecarriagewhichbelongedtoMrs。
　　Maylie。WhentheycametoChertseyBridge，Oliverturnedverypale，andutteredaloudexclamation。
　　'What'sthematterwiththeboy?'criedthedoctor，asusual，allinabustle。'Doyouseeanything——hearanything——feelanything——eh?'
　　'That，sir，'criedOliver，pointingoutofthecarriagewindow。
　　'Thathouse！'
　　'Yes；well，whatofit?Stopcoachman。Pulluphere，'criedthedoctor。'Whatofthehouse，myman；eh?'
　　'Thethieves——thehousetheytookmeto！'whisperedOliver。
　　'Thedevilitis！'criedthedoctor。'Hallo，there！letmeout！'
　　But，beforethecoachmancoulddismountfromhisbox，hehadtumbledoutofthecoach，bysomemeansorother；and，runningdowntothedesertedtenement，begankickingatthedoorlikeamadman。
　　'Halloa?'saidalittleuglyhump-backedman:openingthedoorsosuddenly，thatthedoctor，fromtheveryimpetusofhislastkick，nearlyfellforwardintothepassage。'What'sthematterhere?'
　　'Matter！'exclaimedtheother，collaringhim，withoutamoment'sreflection。'Agooddeal。Robberyisthematter。'
　　'There'llbeMurderthematter，too，'repliedthehump-backedman，coolly，'ifyoudon'ttakeyourhandsoff。Doyouhearme?'
　　'Ihearyou，'saidthedoctor，givinghiscaptiveaheartyshake。
　　'Where's——confoundthefellow，what'shisrascallyname——Sikes；
　　that'sit。Where'sSikes，youthief?'
　　Thehump-backedmanstared，asifinexcessofamazementandindignation；then，twistinghimself，dexterously，fromthedoctor'sgrasp，growledforthavolleyofhorridoaths，andretiredintothehouse。Beforehecouldshutthedoor，however，thedoctorhadpassedintotheparlour，withoutawordofparley。
　　Helookedanxiouslyround；notanarticleoffurniture；notavestigeofanything，animateorinanimate；noteventhepositionofthecupboards；answeredOliver'sdescription！
　　'Now！'saidthehump-backedman，whohadwatchedhimkeenly，'whatdoyoumeanbycomingintomyhouse，inthisviolentway?
　　Doyouwanttorobme，ortomurderme?Whichisit?'
　　'Didyoueverknowamancomeouttodoeither，inachariotandapair，youridiculousoldvampire?'saidtheirritabledoctor。
　　'Whatdoyouwant，then?'demandedthehunchback。'Willyoutakeyourselfoff，beforeIdoyouamischief?Curseyou！'
　　'AssoonasIthinkproper，'saidMr。Losberne，lookingintotheotherparlour；which，likethefirst，borenoresemblancewhatevertoOliver'saccountofit。'Ishallfindyouout，someday，myfriend。'
　　'Willyou?'sneeredtheill-favouredcripple。'Ifyoueverwantme，I'mhere。Ihaven'tlivedheremadandallalone，forfive-and-twentyyears，tobescaredbyyou。Youshallpayforthis；youshallpayforthis。'Andsosaying，themis-shapenlittledemonsetupayell，anddancedupontheground，asifwildwithrage。
　　'Stupidenough，this，'mutteredthedoctortohimself；'theboymusthavemadeamistake。Here！Putthatinyourpocket，andshutyourselfupagain。'Withthesewordsheflungthehunchbackapieceofmoney，andreturnedtothecarriage。
　　Themanfollowedtothechariotdoor，utteringthewildestimprecationsandcursesalltheway；butasMr。Losberneturnedtospeaktothedriver，helookedintothecarriage，andeyedOliverforaninstantwithaglancesosharpandfierceandatthesametimesofuriousandvindictive，that，wakingorsleeping，hecouldnotforgetitformonthsafterwards。Hecontinuedtoutterthemostfearfulimprecations，untilthedriverhadresumedhisseat；andwhentheywereoncemoreontheirway，theycouldseehimsomedistancebehind:beatinghisfeetupontheground，andtearinghishair，intransportsofrealorpretendedrage。
　　'Iamanass！'saidthedoctor，afteralongsilence。'Didyouknowthatbefore，Oliver?'
　　'No，sir。'
　　'Thendon'tforgetitanothertime。'
　　'Anass，'saidthedoctoragain，afterafurthersilenceofsomeminutes。'Evenifithadbeentherightplace，andtherightfellowshadbeenthere，whatcouldIhavedone，single-handed?
　　AndifIhadhadassistance，IseenogoodthatIshouldhavedone，exceptleadingtomyownexposure，andanunavoidablestatementofthemannerinwhichIhavehushedupthisbusiness。
　　Thatwouldhaveservedmeright，though。Iamalwaysinvolvingmyselfinsomescrapeorother，byactingonimpulse。Itmighthavedonemegood。'
　　Now，thefactwasthattheexcellentdoctorhadneveracteduponanythingbutimpulseallthroughhislife，andifwasnobadcomplimenttothenatureoftheimpulseswhichgovernedhim，thatsofarfrombeinginvolvedinanypeculiartroublesormisfortunes，hehadthewarmestrespectandesteemofallwhoknewhim。Ifthetruthmustbetold，hewasalittleoutoftemper，foraminuteortwo，atbeingdisappointedinprocuringcorroborativeevidenceofOliver'sstoryontheveryfirstoccasiononwhichhehadachanceofobtainingany。Hesooncameroundagain，however；andfindingthatOliver'srepliestohisquestions，werestillasstraightforwardandconsistent，andstilldeliveredwithasmuchapparentsincerityandtruth，astheyhadeverbeen，hemadeuphismindtoattachfullcredencetothem，fromthattimeforth。
　　AsOliverknewthenameofthestreetinwhichMr。Brownlowresided，theywereenabledtodrivestraightthither。Whenthecoachturnedintoit，hisheartbeatsoviolently，thathecouldscarcelydrawhisbreath。
　　'Now，myboy，whichhouseisit?'inquiredMr。Losberne。
　　'That！That！'repliedOliver，pointingeagerlyoutofthewindow。'Thewhitehouse。Oh！makehaste！Praymakehaste！I
　　feelasifIshoulddie:itmakesmetrembleso。'
　　'Come，come！'saidthegooddoctor，pattinghimontheshoulder。
　　'Youwillseethemdirectly，andtheywillbeoverjoyedtofindyousafeandwell。'
　　'Oh！Ihopeso！'criedOliver。'Theyweresogoodtome；sovery，verygoodtome。'
　　Thecoachrolledon。Itstopped。No；thatwasthewronghouse；
　　thenextdoor。Itwentonafewpaces，andstoppedagain。
　　Oliverlookedupatthewindows，withtearsofhappyexpectationcoursingdownhisface。
　　Alas！thewhitehousewasempty，andtherewasabillinthewindow。'ToLet。'
　　'Knockatthenextdoor，'criedMr。Losberne，takingOliver'sarminhis。'WhathasbecomeofMr。Brownlow，whousedtoliveintheadjoininghouse，doyouknow?'
　　Theservantdidnotknow；butwouldgoandinquire。Shepresentlyreturned，andsaid，thatMr。Brownlowhadsoldoffhisgoods，andgonetotheWestIndies，sixweeksbefore。Oliverclaspedhishands，andsankfeeblybackward。
　　'Hashishousekeepergonetoo?'inquiredMr。Losberne，afteramoment'spause。
　　'Yes，sir'；repliedtheservant。'Theoldgentleman，thehousekeeper，andagentlemanwhowasafriendofMr。Brownlow's，allwenttogether。
　　'Thenturntowardshomeagain，'saidMr。Losbernetothedriver；
　　'anddon'tstoptobaitthehorses，tillyougetoutofthisconfoundedLondon！'
　　'Thebook-stallkeeper，sir?'saidOliver。'Iknowthewaythere。Seehim，pray，sir！Doseehim！'
　　'Mypoorboy，thisisdisappointmentenoughforoneday，'saidthedoctor。'Quiteenoughforbothofus。Ifwegotothebook-stallkeeper's，weshallcertainlyfindthatheisdead，orhassethishouseonfire，orrunaway。No；homeagainstraight！'Andinobediencetothedoctor'simpulse，hometheywent。
　　ThisbitterdisappointmentcausedOlivermuchsorrowandgrief，eveninthemidstofhishappiness；forhehadpleasedhimself，manytimesduringhisillness，withthinkingofallthatMr。
　　BrownlowandMrs。Bedwinwouldsaytohim:andwhatdelightitwouldbetotellthemhowmanylongdaysandnightshehadpassedinreflectingonwhattheyhaddoneforhim，andinbewailinghiscruelseparationfromthem。Thehopeofeventuallyclearinghimselfwiththem，too，andexplaininghowhehadbeenforcedaway，hadbuoyedhimup，andsustainedhim，undermanyofhisrecenttrials；andnow，theideathattheyshouldhavegonesofar，andcarriedwiththemthebeliefthatthewasanimpostorandarobber——abeliefwhichmightremainuncontradictedtohisdyingday——wasalmostmorethanhecouldbear。
　　Thecircumstanceoccasionednoalteration，however，inthebehaviourofhisbenefactors。Afteranotherfortnight，whenthefinewarmweatherhadfairlybegun，andeverytreeandflowerwasputtingforthitsyoungleavesandrichblossoms，theymadepreparationsforquittingthehouseatChertsey，forsomemonths。
　　Sendingtheplate，whichhadsoexcitedFagin'scupidity，tothebanker's；andleavingGilesandanotherservantincareofthehouse，theydepartedtoacottageatsomedistanceinthecountry，andtookOliverwiththem。
　　Whocandescribethepleasureanddelight，thepeaceofmindandsofttranquillity，thesicklyboyfeltinthebalmyair，andamongthegreenhillsandrichwoods，ofaninlandvillage！Whocantellhowscenesofpeaceandquietudesinkintothemindsofpain-worndwellersincloseandnoisyplaces，andcarrytheirownfreshness，deepintotheirjadedhearts！Menwhohavelivedincrowded，pent-upstreets，throughlivesoftoil，andwhohaveneverwishedforchange；men，towhomcustomhasindeedbeensecondnature，andwhohavecomealmosttoloveeachbrickandstonethatformedthenarrowboundariesoftheirdailywalks；
　　eventhey，withthehandofdeathuponthem，havebeenknowntoyearnatlastforoneshortglimpseofNature'sface；and，carriedfarfromthescenesoftheiroldpainsandpleasures，haveseemedtopassatonceintoanewstateofbeing。Crawlingforth，fromdaytoday，tosomegreensunnyspot，theyhavehadsuchmemorieswakenedupwithinthembythesightofthesky，andhillandplain，andglisteningwater，thataforetasteofheavenitselfhassoothedtheirquickdecline，andtheyhavesunkintotheirtombs，aspeacefullyasthesunwhosesettingtheywatchedfromtheirlonelychamberwindowbutafewhoursbefore，fadedfromtheirdimandfeeblesight！Thememorieswhichpeacefulcountryscenescallup，arenotofthisworld，norofitsthoughtsandhopes。Theirgentleinfluencemayteachushowtoweavefreshgarlandsforthegravesofthoseweloved:maypurifyourthoughts，andbeardownbeforeitoldenmityandhatred；butbeneathallthis，therelingers，intheleastreflectivemind，avagueandhalf-formedconsciousnessofhavingheldsuchfeelingslongbefore，insomeremoteanddistanttime，whichcallsupsolemnthoughtsofdistanttimestocome，andbendsdownprideandworldlinessbeneathit。
　　Itwasalovelyspottowhichtheyrepaired。Oliver，whosedayshadbeenspentamongsqualidcrowds，andinthemidstofnoiseandbrawling，seemedtoenteronanewexistencethere。Theroseandhoneysuckleclungtothecottagewalls；theivycreptroundthetrunksofthetrees；andthegarden-flowersperfumedtheairwithdeliciousodours。Hardby，wasalittlechurchyard；notcrowdedwithtallunsightlygravestones，butfullofhumblemounds，coveredwithfreshturfandmoss:beneathwhich，theoldpeopleofthevillagelayatrest。Oliveroftenwanderedhere；
　　and，thinkingofthewretchedgraveinwhichhismotherlay，wouldsometimessithimdownandsobunseen；but，whenheraisedhiseyestothedeepskyoverhead，hewouldceasetothinkofheraslyingintheground，andwouldweepforher，sadly，butwithoutpain。
　　Itwasahappytime。Thedayswerepeacefulandserene；thenightsbroughtwiththemneitherfearnorcare；nolanguishinginawretchedprison，orassociatingwithwretchedmen；nothingbutpleasantandhappythoughts。Everymorninghewenttoawhite-headedoldgentleman，wholivednearthelittlechurch:
　　whotaughthimtoreadbetter，andtowrite:andwhospokesokindly，andtooksuchpains，thatOlivercouldnevertryenoughtopleasehim。Then，hewouldwalkwithMrs。MaylieandRose，andhearthemtalkofbooks；orperhapssitnearthem，insomeshadyplace，andlistenwhilsttheyoungladyread:whichhecouldhavedone，untilitgrewtoodarktoseetheletters。
　　Then，hehadhisownlessonforthenextdaytoprepare；andatthis，hewouldworkhard，inalittleroomwhichlookedintothegarden，tilleveningcameslowlyon，whentheladieswouldwalkoutagain，andhewiththem:listeningwithsuchpleasuretoalltheysaid:andsohappyiftheywantedaflowerthathecouldclimbtoreach，orhadforgottenanythinghecouldruntofetch:
　　thathecouldneverbequickenoughtaboutit。Whenitbecamequitedark，andtheyreturnedhome，theyoungladywouldsitdowntothepiano，andplaysomepleasantair，orsing，inalowandgentlevoice，someoldsongwhichitpleasedheraunttohear。
　　Therewouldbenocandleslightedatsuchtimesasthese；andOliverwouldsitbyoneofthewindows，listeningtothesweetmusic，inaperfectrapture。
　　AndwhenSundaycame，howdifferentlythedaywasspent，fromanywayinwhichhehadeverspentityet！andhowhappilytoo；likealltheotherdaysinthatmosthappytime！Therewasthelittlechurch，inthemorning，withthegreenleavesflutteringatthewindows:thebirdssingingwithout:andthesweet-smellingairstealinginatthelowporch，andfillingthehomelybuildingwithitsfragrance。Thepoorpeopleweresoneatandclean，andkneltsoreverentlyinprayer，thatitseemedapleasure，notatediousduty，theirassemblingtheretogether；andthoughthesingingmightberude，itwasreal，andsoundedmoremusicaltoOliver'searsatleastthananyhehadeverheardinchurchbefore。Then，therewerethewalksasusual，andmanycallsatthecleanhousesofthelabouringmen；andatnight，OliverreadachapterortwofromtheBible，whichhehadbeenstudyingalltheweek，andintheperformanceofwhichdutyhefeltmoreproudandpleased，thanifhehadbeentheclergymanhimself。
　　Inthemorning，Oliverwouldbea-footbysixo'clock，roamingthefields，andplunderingthehedges，farandwide，fornosegaysofwildflowers，withwhichhewouldreturnladen，home；andwhichittookgreatcareandconsiderationtoarrange，tothebestadvantage，fortheembellishmentofthebreakfast-table。
　　Therewasfreshgroundsel，too，forMissMaylie'sbirds，withwhichOliver，whohadbeenstudyingthesubjectundertheabletuitionofthevillageclerk，woulddecoratethecages，inthemostapprovedtaste。Whenthebirdsweremadeallspruceandsmartfortheday，therewasusuallysomelittlecommissionofcharitytoexecuteinthevillage；or，failingthat，therewasrarecricket-playing，sometimes，onthegreen；or，failingthat，therewasalwayssomethingtodointhegarden，orabouttheplants，towhichOliverwhohadstudiedthissciencealso，underthesamemaster，whowasagardenerbytrade，appliedhimselfwithheartygood-will，untilMissRosemadeherappearance:whentherewereathousandcommendationstobebestowedonallhehaddone。
　　Sothreemonthsglidedaway；threemonthswhich，inthelifeofthemostblessedandfavouredofmortals，mighthavebeenunmingledhappiness，andwhich，inOliver'sweretruefelicity。
　　Withthepurestandmostamiablegenerousityononeside；andthetruest，warmest，soul-feltgratitudeontheother；itisnowonderthat，bytheendofthatshorttime，OliverTwisthadbecomecompletelydomesticatedwiththeoldladyandherniece，andthattheferventattachmentofhisyoungandsensitiveheart，wasrepaidbytheirpridein，andattachmentto，himself。
　　CHAPTERXXXIII
　　WHEREINTHEHAPPINESSOFOLIVERANDHISFRIENDS，EXPERIENCESA
　　SUDDENCHECK
　　Springflewswiftlyby，andsummercame。Ifthevillagehadbeenbeautifulatfirstitwasnowinthefullglowandluxurianceofitsrichness。Thegreattrees，whichhadlookedshrunkenandbareintheearliermonths，hadnowburstintostronglifeandhealth；andstretchingforththeirgreenarmsoverthethirstyground，convertedopenandnakedspotsintochoicenooks，wherewasadeepandpleasantshadefromwhichtolookuponthewideprospect，steepedinsunshine，whichlaystretchedbeyond。Theearthhaddonnedhermantleofbrightestgreen；andshedherrichestperfumesabroad。Itwastheprimeandvigouroftheyear；allthingsweregladandflourishing。
　　Still，thesamequietlifewentonatthelittlecottage，andthesamecheerfulserenityprevailedamongitsinmates。Oliverhadlongsincegrownstoutandhealthy；buthealthorsicknessmadenodifferenceinhiswarmfeelingsofagreatmanypeople。Hewasstillthesamegentle，attached，affectionatecreaturethathehadbeenwhenpainandsufferinghadwastedhisstrength，andwhenhewasdependentforeveryslightattention，andcomfortonthosewhotendedhim。
　　Onebeautifulnight，whentheyhadtakenalongerwalkthanwascustomarywiththem:forthedayhadbeenunusuallywarm，andtherewasabrilliantmoon，andalightwindhadsprungup，whichwasunusuallyrefreshing。Rosehadbeeninhighspirits，too，andtheyhadwalkedon，inmerryconversation，untiltheyhadfarexceededtheirordinarybounds。Mrs。Mayliebeingfatigued，theyreturnedmoreslowlyhome。Theyoungladymerelythrowingoffhersimplebonnet，satdowntothepianoasusual。Afterrunningabstractedlyoverthekeysforafewminutes，shefellintoalowandverysolemnair；andassheplayedit，theyheardasoundasifshewereweeping。
　　'Rose，mydear！'saidtheelderlady。
　　Rosemadenoreply，butplayedalittlequicker，asthoughthewordshadrousedherfromsomepainfulthoughts。
　　'Rose，mylove！'criedMrs。Maylie，risinghastily，andbendingoverher。'Whatisthis?Intears！Mydearchild，whatdistressesyou?'
　　'Nothing，aunt；nothing，'repliedtheyounglady。'Idon'tknowwhatitis；Ican'tdescribeit；butIfeel——'
　　'Notill，mylove?'interposedMrs。Maylie。
　　'No，no！Oh，notill！'repliedRose:shudderingasthoughsomedeadlychillnesswerepassingoverher，whileshespoke；'Ishallbebetterpresently。Closethewindow，pray！'
　　Oliverhastenedtocomplywithherrequest。Theyounglady，makinganefforttorecoverhercheerfulness，strovetoplaysomeliveliertune；butherfingersdroppedpowerlessoverthekeys。
　　Coveringherfacewithherhands，shesankuponasofa，andgaveventtothetearswhichshewasnowunabletorepress。
　　'Mychild！'saidtheelderlylady，foldingherarmsabouther，'I
　　neversawyousobefore。'
　　'IwouldnotalarmyouifIcouldavoidit，'rejoinedRose；'butindeedIhavetriedveryhard，andcannothelpthis。IfearIAM
　　ill，aunt。'
　　Shewas，indeed；for，whencandleswerebrought，theysawthatintheveryshorttimewhichhadelapsedsincetheirreturnhome，thehueofhercountenancehadchangedtoamarblewhiteness。
　　Itsexpressionhadlostnothingofitsbeauty；butitwaschanged；andtherewasananxioushaggardlookaboutthegentleface，whichithadneverwornbefore。Anotherminute，anditwassuffusedwithacrimsonflush:andaheavywildnesscameoverthesoftblueeye。Againthisdisappeared，liketheshadowthrownbyapassingcloud；andshewasoncemoredeadlypale。
　　Oliver，whowatchedtheoldladyanxiously，observedthatshewasalarmedbytheseappearances；andsointruth，washe；butseeingthatsheaffectedtomakelightofthem，heendeavouredtodothesame，andtheysofarsucceeded，thatwhenRosewaspersuadedbyheraunttoretireforthenight，shewasinbetterspirits；andappearedeveninbetterhealth:assuringthemthatshefeltcertainsheshouldriseinthemorning，quitewell。
　　'Ihope，'saidOliver，whenMrs。Mayliereturned，'thatnothingisthematter?Shedon'tlookwellto-night，but——'
　　Theoldladymotionedtohimnottospeak；andsittingherselfdowninadarkcorneroftheroom，remainedsilentforsometime。
　　Atlength，shesaid，inatremblingvoice:
　　'Ihopenot，Oliver。Ihavebeenveryhappywithherforsomeyears:toohappy，perhaps。ItmaybetimethatIshouldmeetwithsomemisfortune；butIhopeitisnotthis。'
　　'What?'inquiredOliver。
　　'Theheavyblow，'saidtheoldlady，'oflosingthedeargirlwhohassolongbeenmycomfortandhappiness。'
　　'Oh！Godforbid！'exclaimedOliver，hastily。
　　'Amentothat，mychild！'saidtheoldlady，wringingherhands。
　　'Surelythereisnodangerofanythingsodreadful?'saidOliver。
　　'Twohoursago，shewasquitewell。'
　　'Sheisveryillnow，'rejoinedMrs。Maylies；'andwillbeworse，Iamsure。Mydear，dearRose！Oh，whatshallIdowithouther！'
　　Shegavewaytosuchgreatgrief，thatOliver，suppressinghisownemotion，venturedtoremonstratewithher；andtobeg，earnestly，that，forthesakeofthedearyoungladyherself，shewouldbemorecalm。
　　'Andconsider，ma'am，'saidOliver，asthetearsforcedthemselvesintohiseyes，despiteofhiseffortstothecontrary。
　　'Oh！considerhowyoungandgoodsheis，andwhatpleasureandcomfortshegivestoallabouther。Iamsure——certain——quitecertain——that，foryoursake，whoaresogoodyourself；andforherown；andforthesakeofallshemakessohappy；shewillnotdie。Heavenwillneverletherdiesoyoung。'
　　'Hush！'saidMrs。Maylie，layingherhandonOliver'shead。'Youthinklikeachild，poorboy。Butyouteachmemyduty，notwithstanding。Ihadforgottenitforamoment，Oliver，butI
　　hopeImaybepardoned，forIamold，andhaveseenenoughofillnessanddeathtoknowtheagonyofseparationfromtheobjectsofourlove。Ihaveseenenough，too，toknowthatitisnotalwaystheyoungestandbestwhoaresparedtothosethatlovethem；butthisshouldgiveuscomfortinoursorrow；forHeavenisjust；andsuchthingsteachus，impressively，thatthereisabrighterworldthanthis；andthatthepassagetoitisspeedy。God'swillbedone！Iloveher；andHeknowhowwell！'
　　OliverwassurprisedtoseethatasMrs。Mayliesaidthesewords，shecheckedherlamentationsasthoughbyoneeffort；anddrawingherselfupasshespoke，becamecomposedandfirm。Hewasstillmoreastonishedtofindthatthisfirmnesslasted；andthat，underallthecareandwatchingwhichensued，Mrs。Mayliewaseveryreadyandcollected:performingallthedutieswhichhaddevolveduponher，steadily，and，toallexternalappearances，evencheerfully。Buthewasyoung，anddidnotknowwhatstrongmindsarecapableof，undertryingcircumstances。Howshouldhe，whentheirpossessorssoseldomknowthemselves?
　　Ananxiousnightensued。Whenmorningcame，Mrs。Maylie'spredictionswerebuttoowellverified。Rosewasinthefirststageofahighanddangerousfever。
　　'Wemustbeactive，Oliver，andnotgivewaytouselessgrief，'
　　saidMrs。Maylie，layingherfingeronherlip，asshelookedsteadilyintohisface；'thislettermustbesent，withallpossibleexpedition，toMr。Losberne。Itmustbecarriedtothemarket-town:whichisnotmorethanfourmilesoff，bythefootpathacrossthefield:andthencedispatched，byanexpressonhorseback，straighttoChertsey。Thepeopleattheinnwillundertaketodothis:andIcantrusttoyoutoseeitdone，I
　　know。'
　　Olivercouldmakenoreply，butlookedhisanxietytobegoneatonce。
　　'Hereisanotherletter，'saidMrs。Maylie，pausingtoreflect；
　　'butwhethertosenditnow，orwaituntilIseehowRosegoeson，Iscarcelyknow。Iwouldnotforwardit，unlessIfearedtheworst。'
　　'IsitforChertsey，too，ma'am?'inquiredOliver；impatienttoexecutehiscommission，andholdingouthistremblinghandfortheletter。
　　'No，'repliedtheoldlady，givingittohimmechanically。
　　Oliverglancedatit，andsawthatitwasdirectedtoHarryMaylie，Esquire，atsomegreatlord'shouseinthecountry；
　　where，hecouldnotmakeout。
　　'Shallitgo，ma'am?'askedOliver，lookingup，impatiently。
　　'Ithinknot，'repliedMrs。Maylie，takingitback。'Iwillwaituntilto-morrow。'
　　Withthesewords，shegaveOliverherpurse，andhestartedoff，withoutmoredelay，atthegreatestspeedhecouldmuster。
　　Swiftlyheranacrossthefields，anddownthelittlelaneswhichsometimesdividedthem:nowalmosthiddenbythehighcornoneitherside，andnowemergingonanopenfield，wherethemowersandhaymakerswerebusyattheirwork:nordidhestoponce，savenowandthen，forafewseconds，torecoverbreath，untilhecame，inagreatheat，andcoveredwithdust，onthelittlemarket-placeofthemarket-town。