Herehepaused，andlookedaboutfortheinn。Therewereawhitebank，andaredbrewery，andayellowtown-hall；andinonecornertherewasalargehouse，withallthewoodaboutitpaintedgreen:beforewhichwasthesignof'TheGeorge。'Tothishehastened，assoonasitcaughthiseye。
　　Hespoketoapostboywhowasdozingunderthegateway；andwho，afterhearingwhathewanted，referredhimtotheostler；whoafterhearingallhehadtosayagain，referredhimtothelandlord；whowasatallgentlemaninablueneckcloth，awhitehat，drabbreeches，andbootswithtopstomatch，leaningagainstapumpbythestable-door，pickinghisteethwithasilvertoothpick。
　　Thisgentlemanwalkedwithmuchdeliberationintothebartomakeoutthebill:whichtookalongtimemakingout:andafteritwasready，andpaid，ahorsehadtobesaddled，andamantobedressed，whichtookuptengoodminutesmore。MeanwhileOliverwasinsuchadesperatestateofimpatienceandanxiety，thathefeltasifhecouldhavejumpeduponthehorsehimself，andgallopedaway，fulltear，tothenextstage。Atlength，allwasready；andthelittleparcelhavingbeenhandedup，withmanyinjunctionsandentreatiesforitsspeedydelivery，themansetspurstohishorse，andrattlingovertheunevenpavingofthemarket-place，wasoutofthetown，andgallopingalongtheturnpike-road，inacoupleofminutes。
　　Asitwassomethingtofeelcertainthatassistancewassentfor，andthatnotimehadbeenlost，Oliverhurrieduptheinn-yard，withasomewhatlighterheart。Hewasturningoutofthegatewaywhenheaccidentlystumbledagainstatallmanwrappedinacloak，whowasatthatmomentcomingoutoftheinndoor。
　　'Hah！'criedtheman，fixinghiseyesonOliver，andsuddenlyrecoiling。'Whatthedevil'sthis?'
　　'Ibegyourpardon，sir，'saidOliver；'Iwasinagreathurrytogethome，anddidn'tseeyouwerecoming。'
　　'Death！'mutteredthemantohimself，glaringattheboywithhislargedarkeyes。'Whowouldhavethoughtit！Grindhimtoashes！
　　He'dstartupfromastonecoffin，tocomeinmyway！'
　　'Iamsorry，'stammeredOliver，confusedbythestrangeman'swildlook。'IhopeIhavenothurtyou！'
　　'Rotyou！'murmuredtheman，inahorriblepassion；betweenhisclenchedteeth；'ifIhadonlyhadthecouragetosaytheword，I
　　mighthavebeenfreeofyouinanight。Cursesonyourhead，andblackdeathonyourheart，youimp！Whatareyoudoinghere?'
　　Themanshookhisfist，asheutteredthesewordsincoherently。
　　HeadvancedtowardsOliver，asifwiththeintentionofaimingablowathim，butfellviolentlyontheground:writhingandfoaming，inafit。
　　Olivergazed，foramoment，atthestrugglesofthemadmanforsuchhesupposedhimtobe；andthendartedintothehouseforhelp。Havingseenhimsafelycarriedintothehotel，heturnedhisfacehomewards，runningasfastashecould，tomakeupforlosttime:andrecallingwithagreatdealofastonishmentandsomefear，theextraordinarybehaviourofthepersonfromwhomhehadjustparted。
　　Thecircumstancedidnotdwellinhisrecollectionlong，however:
　　forwhenhereachedthecottage，therewasenoughtooccupyhismind，andtodriveallconsiderationsofselfcompletelyfromhismemory。
　　RoseMayliehadrapidlygrownworse；beforemid-nightshewasdelirious。Amedicalpractitioner，whoresidedonthespot，wasinconstantattendanceuponher；andafterfirstseeingthepatient，hehadtakenMrs。Maylieaside，andpronouncedherdisordertobeoneofamostalarmingnature。'Infact，'hesaid，'itwouldbelittleshortofamiracle，ifsherecovered。'
　　HowoftendidOliverstartfromhisbedthatnight，andstealingout，withnoiselessfootstep，tothestaircase，listenfortheslightestsoundfromthesickchamber！Howoftendidatrembleshakehisframe，andcolddropsofterrorstartuponhisbrow，whenasuddentramplingoffeetcausedhimtofearthatsomethingtoodreadfultothinkof，hadeventhenoccurred！Andwhathadbeenthefervencyofalltheprayershehadevermuttered，comparedwiththosehepouredforth，now，intheagonyandpassionofhissupplicationforthelifeandhealthofthegentlecreature，whowastotteringonthedeepgrave'sverge！
　　Oh！thesuspense，thefearful，acutesuspense，ofstandingidlybywhilethelifeofonewedearlylove，istremblinginthebalance！Oh！therackingthoughtsthatcrowduponthemind，andmaketheheartbeatviolently，andthebreathcomethick，bytheforceoftheimagestheyconjureupbeforeit；theDESPERATE
　　ANXIETYTOBEDOINGSOMETHINGtorelievethepain，orlessenthedanger，whichwehavenopowertoalleviate；thesinkingofsoulandspirit，whichthesadremembranceofourhelplessnessproduces；whattorturescanequalthese；whatreflectionsorendeavourscan，inthefulltideandfeverofthetime，allaythem！
　　Morningcame；andthelittlecottagewaslonelyandstill。Peoplespokeinwhispers；anxiousfacesappearedatthegate，fromtimetotime；womenandchildrenwentawayintears。Allthelivelongday，andforhoursafterithadgrowndark，Oliverpacedsoftlyupanddownthegarden，raisinghiseyeseveryinstanttothesickchamber，andshudderingtoseethedarkenedwindow，lookingasifdeathlaystretchedinside。Latethatnight，Mr。Losbernearrived。'Itishard，'saidthegooddoctor，turningawayashespoke；'soyoung；somuchbeloved；butthereisverylittlehope。'
　　Anothermorning。Thesunshonebrightly；asbrightlyasifitlookeduponnomiseryorcare；and，witheveryleafandflowerinfullbloomabouther；withlife，andhealth，andsoundsandsightsofjoy，surroundingheroneveryside:thefairyoungcreaturelay，wastingfast。Olivercreptawaytotheoldchurchyard，andsittingdownononeofthegreenmounds，weptandprayedforher，insilence。
　　Therewassuchpeaceandbeautyinthescene；somuchofbrightnessandmirthinthesunnylandscape；suchblithesomemusicinthesongsofthesummerbirds；suchfreedomintherapidflightoftherook，careeringoverhead；somuchoflifeandjoyousnessinall；that，whentheboyraisedhisachingeyes，andlookedabout，thethoughtinstinctivelyoccurredtohim，thatthiswasnotatimefordeath；thatRosecouldsurelyneverdiewhenhumblerthingswereallsogladandgay；thatgraveswereforcoldandcheerlesswinter:notforsunlightandfragrance。
　　Healmostthoughtthatshroudswerefortheoldandshrunken；andthattheyneverwrappedtheyoungandgracefulformintheirghastlyfolds。
　　Aknellfromthechurchbellbrokeharshlyontheseyouthfulthoughts。Another！Again！Itwastollingforthefuneralservice。Agroupofhumblemournersenteredthegate:wearingwhitefavours；forthecorpsewasyoung。Theystooduncoveredbyagrave；andtherewasamother——amotheronce——amongtheweepingtrain。Butthesunshonebrightly，andthebirdssangon。
　　Oliverturnedhomeward，thinkingonthemanykindnesseshehadreceivedfromtheyounglady，andwishingthatthetimecouldcomeagain，thathemightneverceaseshowingherhowgratefulandattachedhewas。Hehadnocauseforself-reproachonthescoreofneglect，orwantofthought，forhehadbeendevotedtoherservice；andyetahundredlittleoccasionsroseupbeforehim，onwhichhefanciedhemighthavebeenmorezealous，andmoreearnest，andwishedhehadbeen。Weneedbecarefulhowwedealwiththoseaboutus，wheneverydeathcarriestosomesmallcircleofsurvivors，thoughtsofsomuchomitted，andsolittledone——ofsomanythingsforgotten，andsomanymorewhichmighthavebeenrepaired！Thereisnoremorsesodeepasthatwhichisunavailing；ifwewouldbespareditstortures，letusrememberthis，intime。
　　WhenhereachedhomeMrs。Mayliewassittinginthelittleparlour。Oliver'sheartsandatsightofher；forshehadneverleftthebedsideofherniece；andhetrembledtothinkwhatchangecouldhavedrivenheraway。Helearntthatshehadfallenintoadeepsleep，fromwhichshewouldwaken，eithertorecoveryandlife，ortobidthemfarewell，anddie。
　　Theysat，listening，andafraidtospeak，forhours。Theuntastedmealwasremoved，withlookswhichshowedthattheirthoughtswereelsewhere，theywatchedthesunashesanklowerandlower，and，atlength，castoverskyandearththosebrillianthueswhichheraldhisdeparture。Theirquickearscaughtthesoundofanapproachingfootstep。Theybothinvoluntarilydartedtothedoor，asMr。Losberneentered。
　　'WhatofRose?'criedtheoldlady。'Tellmeatonce！Icanbearit；anythingbutsuspense！Oh！，tellme！inthenameofHeaven！'
　　'Youmustcomposeyourself，'saidthedoctorsupportingher。'Becalm，mydearma'am，pray。'
　　'Letmego，inGod'sname！Mydearchild！Sheisdead！Sheisdying！'
　　'No！'criedthedoctor，passionately。'AsHeisgoodandmerciful，shewilllivetoblessusall，foryearstocome。'
　　Theladyfelluponherknees，andtriedtofoldherhandstogether；buttheenergywhichhadsupportedhersolong，fleduptoHeavenwithherfirstthanksgiving；andshesankintothefriendlyarmswhichwereextendedtoreceiveher。
　　CHAPTERXXXIV
　　CONTAINSSOMEINTRODUCTORYPARTICULARSRELATIVETOAYOUNG
　　GENTLEMANWHONOWARRIVESUPONTHESCENE；ANDANEWADVENTURE
　　WHICHHAPPENEDTOOLIVER
　　Itwasalmosttoomuchhappinesstobear。Oliverfeltstunnedandstupefiedbytheunexpectedintelligence；hecouldnotweep，orspeak，orrest。Hehadscarcelythepowerofunderstandinganythingthathadpassed，until，afteralongrambleinthequieteveningair，aburstoftearscametohisrelief，andheseemedtoawaken，allatonce，toafullsenseofthejoyfulchangethathadoccurred，andthealmostinsupportableloadofanguishwhichhadbeentakenfromhisbreast。
　　Thenightwasfastclosingin，whenhereturnedhomeward:ladenwithflowerswhichhehadculled，withpeculiarcare，fortheadornmentofthesickchamber。Ashewalkedbrisklyalongtheroad，heheardbehindhim，thenoiseofsomevehicle，approachingatafuriouspace。Lookinground，hesawthatitwasapost-chaise，drivenatgreatspeed；andasthehorsesweregalloping，andtheroadwasnarrow，hestoodleaningagainstagateuntilitshouldhavepassedhim。
　　Asitdashedon，Olivercaughtaglimpseofamaninawhitenitecap，whosefaceseemedfamiliartohim，althoughhisviewwassobriefthathecouldnotidentifytheperson。Inanothersecondortwo，thenightcapwasthrustoutofthechaise-window，andastentorianvoicebellowedtothedrivertostop:whichhedid，assoonashecouldpulluphishorses。Then，thenightcaponceagainappeared:andthesamevoicecalledOliverbyhisname。
　　'Here！'criedthevoice。'Oliver，what'sthenews?MissRose！
　　MasterO-li-ver！'
　　'Isisyou，Giles?'criedOliver，runninguptothechaise-door。
　　Gilespoppedouthisnightcapagain，preparatorytomakingsomereply，whenhewassuddenlypulledbackbyayounggentlemanwhooccupiedtheothercornerofthechaise，andwhoeagerlydemandedwhatwasthenews。
　　'Inaword！'criedthegentleman，'Betterorworse?'
　　'Better——muchbetter！'repliedOliver，hastily。
　　'ThankHeaven！'exclaimedthegentleman。'Youaresure?'
　　'Quite，sir，'repliedOliver。'Thechangetookplaceonlyafewhoursago；andMr。Losbernesays，thatalldangerisatanend。'
　　Thegentlemansaidnotanotherword，but，openingthechaise-door，leapedout，andtakingOliverhurriedlybythearm，ledhimaside。
　　'Youarequitecertain?Thereisnopossibilityofanymistakeonyourpart，myboy，isthere?'demandedthegentlemaninatremulousvoice。'Donotdeceiveme，byawakeninghopesthatarenottobefulfilled。'
　　'Iwouldnotfortheworld，sir，'repliedOliver。'Indeedyoumaybelieveme。Mr。Losberne'swordswere，thatshewouldlivetoblessusallformanyyearstocome。Iheardhimsayso。'
　　ThetearsstoodinOliver'seyesasherecalledthescenewhichwasthebeginningofsomuchhappiness；andthegentlemanturnedhisfaceaway，andremainedsilent，forsomeminutes。Oliverthoughtheheardhimsob，morethanonce；buthefearedtointerrupthimbyanyfreshremark——forhecouldwellguesswhathisfeelingswere——andsostoodapart，feigningtobeoccupiedwithhisnosegay。
　　Allthistime，Mr。Giles，withthewhitenightcapon，hadbeensittingonthestepsofthechaise，supportinganelbowoneachknee，andwipinghiseyeswithabluecottonpocket-handkerchiefdottedwithwhitespots。Thatthehonestfellowhadnotbeenfeigningemotion，wasabundentlydemonstratedbytheveryredeyeswithwhichheregardedtheyounggentleman，whenheturnedroundandaddressedhim。
　　'Ithinkyouhadbettergoontomymother'sinthechaise，Giles，'saidhe。'Iwouldratherwalkslowlyon，soastogainalittletimebeforeIseeher。YoucansayIamcoming。'
　　'Ibegyourpardon，Mr。Harry，'saidGiles:givingafinalpolishtohisruffledcountenancewiththehandkerchief；'butifyouwouldleavethepostboytosaythat，Ishouldbeverymuchobligedtoyou。Itwouldn'tbeproperforthemaidstoseemeinthisstate，sir；Ishouldneverhaveanymoreauthoritywiththemiftheydid。'
　　'Well，'rejoinedHarryMaylie，smiling，'youcandoasyoulike。
　　Lethimgoonwiththeluggage，ifyouwishit，anddoyoufollowwithus。Onlyfirstexchangethatnightcapforsomemoreappropriatecovering，orweshallbetakenformadmen。'
　　Mr。Giles，remindedofhisunbecomingcostume，snatchedoffandpocketedhisnightcap；andsubstitutedahat，ofgraveandsobershape，whichhetookoutofthechaise。Thisdone，thepostboydroveoff；Giles，Mr。Maylie，andOliver，followedattheirleisure。
　　Astheywalkedalong，Oliverglancedfromtimetotimewithmuchinterestandcuriosityatthenewcomer。Heseemedaboutfive-and-twentyyearsofage，andwasofthemiddleheight；hiscountenancewasfrankandhandsome；andhisdemeanoreasyandprepossessing。Notwithstandingthedifferencebetweenyouthandage，heboresostrongalikenesstotheoldlady，thatOliverwouldhavehadnogreatdifficultyinimaginingtheirrelationship，ifhehadnotalreadyspokenofherashismother。
　　Mrs。Mayliewasanxiouslywaitingtoreceivehersonwhenhereachedthecottage。Themeetingdidnottakeplacewithoutgreatemotiononbothsides。
　　'Mother！'whisperedtheyoungman；'whydidyounotwritebefore?'
　　'Idid，'repliedMrs。Maylie；'but，onreflection，IdeterminedtokeepbacktheletteruntilIhadheardMr。Losberne'sopinion。'
　　'Butwhy，'saidtheyoungman，'whyrunthechanceofthatoccurringwhichsonearlyhappened?IfRosehad——Icannotutterthatwordnow——ifthisillnesshadterminateddifferently，howcouldyoueverhaveforgivenyourself！HowcouldIeverhaveknowhappinessagain！'
　　'IfthatHADbeenthecase，Harry，'saidMrs。Maylie，'Ifearyourhappinesswouldhavebeeneffectuallyblighted，andthatyourarrivalhere，adaysooneroradaylater，wouldhavebeenofvery，verylittleimport。'
　　'Andwhocanwonderifitbeso，mother?'rejoinedtheyoungman；
　　'orwhyshouldIsay，IF?——Itis——itis——youknowit，mother——youmustknowit！'
　　'Iknowthatshedeservesthebestandpurestlovetheheartofmancanoffer，'saidMrs。Maylie；'Iknowthatthedevotionandaffectionofhernaturerequirenoordinaryreturn，butonethatshallbedeepandlasting。IfIdidnotfeelthis，andknow，besides，thatachangedbehaviourinoneshelovedwouldbreakherheart，Ishouldnotfeelmytasksodifficultofperformance，orhavetoencountersomanystrugglesinmyownbosom，whenI
　　takewhatseemstometobethestrictlineofduty。'
　　'Thisisunkind，mother，'saidHarry。'DoyoustillsupposethatIamaboyignorantofmyownmind，andmistakingtheimpulsesofmyownsoul?'
　　'Ithink，mydearson，'returnedMrs。Maylie，layingherhanduponhisshoulder，'thatyouthhasmanygenerousimpulseswhichdonotlast；andthatamongthemaresome，which，beinggratified，becomeonlythemorefleeting。Aboveall，Ithink'
　　saidthelady，fixinghereyesonherson'sface，'thatifanenthusiastic，ardent，andambitiousmanmarryawifeonwhosenamethereisastain，which，thoughitoriginateinnofaultofhers，maybevisitedbycoldandsordidpeopleuponher，anduponhischildrenalso:and，inexactproportiontohissuccessintheworld，becastinhisteeth，andmadethesubjectofsneersagainsthim:hemay，nomatterhowgenerousandgoodhisnature，onedayrepentoftheconnectionheformedinearlylife。Andshemayhavethepainofknowingthathedoesso。'
　　'Mother，'saidtheyoungman，impatiently，'hewouldbeaselfishbrute，unworthyalikeofthenameofmanandofthewomanyoudescribe，whoactedthus。'
　　'Youthinksonow，Harry，'repliedhismother。
　　'Andeverwill！'saidtheyoungman。'ThementalagonyIhavesuffered，duringthelasttwodays，wringsfrommetheavowaltoyouofapassionwhich，asyouwellknow，isnotoneofyesterday，noroneIhavelightlyformed。OnRose，sweet，gentlegirl！myheartisset，asfirmlyaseverheartofmanwassetonwoman。Ihavenothought，noview，nohopeinlife，beyondher；
　　andifyouopposemeinthisgreatstake，youtakemypeaceandhappinessinyourhands，andcastthemtothewind。Mother，thinkbetterofthis，andofme，anddonotdisregardthehappinessofwhichyouseemtothinksolittle。'
　　'Harry，'saidMrs。Maylie，'itisbecauseIthinksomuchofwarmandsensitivehearts，thatIwouldsparethemfrombeingwounded。
　　Butwehavesaidenough，andmorethanenough，onthismatter，justnow。'
　　'LetitrestwithRose，then，'interposedHarry。'Youwillnotpresstheseoverstrainedopinionsofyours，sofar，astothrowanyobstacleinmyway?'
　　'Iwillnot，'rejoinedMrs。Maylie；'butIwouldhaveyouconsider——'
　　'IHAVEconsidered！'wastheimpatientreply；'Mother，Ihaveconsidered，yearsandyears。Ihaveconsidered，eversinceI
　　havebeencapableofseriousreflection。Myfeelingsremainunchanged，astheyeverwill；andwhyshouldIsufferthepainofadelayingivingthemvent，whichcanbeproductiveofnoearthlygood?No！BeforeIleavethisplace，Roseshallhearme。'
　　'Sheshall，'saidMrs。Maylie。
　　'Thereissomethinginyourmanner，whichwouldalmostimplythatshewillhearmecoldly，mother，'saidtheyoungman。
　　'Notcoldly，'rejoinedtheoldlady；'farfromit。'
　　'Howthen?'urgedtheyoungman。'Shehasformednootherattachment?'
　　'No，indeed，'repliedhismother；'youhave，orImistake，toostrongaholdonheraffectionsalready。WhatIwouldsay，'
　　resumedtheoldlady，stoppinghersonashewasabouttospeak，'isthis。Beforeyoustakeyourallonthischance；beforeyousufferyourselftobecarriedtothehighestpointofhope；
　　reflectforafewmoments，mydearchild，onRose'shistory，andconsiderwhateffecttheknowledgeofherdoubtfulbirthmayhaveonherdecision:devotedassheistous，withalltheintensityofhernoblemind，andwiththatperfectsacrificeofselfwhich，inallmatters，greatortrifling，hasalwaysbeenhercharacteristic。'
　　'Whatdoyoumean?'
　　'ThatIleaveyoutodiscover，'repliedMrs。Maylie。'Imustgobacktoher。Godblessyou！'
　　'Ishallseeyouagainto-night?'saidtheyoungman，eagerly。
　　'Byandby，'repliedthelady；'whenIleaveRose。'
　　'YouwilltellherIamhere?'saidHarry。
　　'Ofcourse，'repliedMrs。Maylie。
　　'AndsayhowanxiousIhavebeen，andhowmuchIhavesuffered，andhowIlongtoseeher。Youwillnotrefusetodothis，mother?'
　　'No，'saidtheoldlady；'Iwilltellherall。'Andpressingherson'shand，affectionately，shehastenedfromtheroom。
　　Mr。LosberneandOliverhadremainedatanotherendoftheapartmentwhilethishurriedconversationwasproceeding。TheformernowheldouthishandtoHarryMaylie；andheartysalutationswereexchangedbetweenthem。Thedoctorthencommunicated，inreplytomultifariousquestionsfromhisyoungfriend，apreciseaccountofhispatient'ssituation；whichwasquiteasconsolatoryandfullofpromise，asOliver'sstatementhadencouragedhimtohope；andtothewholeofwhich，Mr。Giles，whoaffectedtobebusyabouttheluggage，listenedwithgreedyears。
　　'Haveyoushotanythingparticular，lately，Giles?'inquiredthedoctor，whenhehadconcluded。
　　'Nothingparticular，sir，'repliedMr。Giles，colouringuptotheeyes。
　　'Norcatchinganythieves，noridentifyinganyhouse-breakers?'
　　saidthedoctor。
　　'Noneatall，sir，'repliedMr。Giles，withmuchgravity。
　　'Well，'saidthedoctor，'Iamsorrytohearit，becauseyoudothatsortofthingadmirably。Pray，howisBrittles?'
　　'Theboyisverywell，sir，'saidMr。Giles，recoveringhisusualtoneofpatronage；'andsendshisrespectfulduty，sir。'
　　'That'swell，'saidthedoctor。'Seeingyouhere，remindsme，Mr。Giles，thatonthedaybeforethatonwhichIwascalledawaysohurriedly，Iexecuted，attherequestofyourgoodmistress，asmallcommissioninyourfavour。Juststepintothiscorneramoment，willyou?'
　　Mr。Gileswalkedintothecornerwithmuchimportance，andsomewonder，andwashonouredwithashortwhisperingconferencewiththedoctor，ontheterminationofwhich，hemadeagreatmanybows，andretiredwithstepsofunusualstateliness。Thesubjectmatterofthisconferencewasnotdisclosedintheparlour，butthekitchenwasspeedilyenlightenedconcerningit；forMr。Gileswalkedstraightthither，andhavingcalledforamugofale，announced，withanairofmajesty，whichwashighlyeffective，thatithadpleasedhismistress，inconsiderationofhisgallantbehaviourontheoccasionofthatattemptedrobbery，todepost，inthelocalsavings-bank，thesumoffive-and-twentypounds，forhissoleuseandbenefit。Atthis，thetwowomen-servantslifteduptheirhandsandeyes，andsupposedthatMr。Giles，pullingouthisshirt-frill，replied，'No，no'；andthatiftheyobservedthathewasatallhaughtytohisinferiors，hewouldthankthemtotellhimso。Andthenhemadeagreatmanyotherremarks，nolessillustrativeofhishumility，whichwerereceivedwithequalfavourandapplause，andwere，withal，asoriginalandasmuchtothepurpose，astheremarksofgreatmencommonlyare。
　　Abovestairs，theremainderoftheeveningpassedcheerfullyaway；forthedoctorwasinhighspirits；andhoweverfatiguedorthoughtfulHarryMayliemighthavebeenatfirst，hewasnotproofagainsttheworthygentleman'sgoodhumour，whichdisplayeditselfinagreatvarietyofsalliesandprofessionalrecollections，andanabundanceofsmalljokes，whichstruckOliverasbeingthedrollestthingshehadeverheard，andcausedhimtolaughproportionately；totheevidentsatisfactionofthedoctor，wholaughedimmoderatelyathimself，andmadeHarrylaughalmostasheartily，bytheveryforceofsympathy。So，theywereaspleasantapartyas，underthecircumstances，theycouldwellhavebeen；anditwaslatebeforetheyretired，withlightandthankfulhearts，totakethatrestofwhich，afterthedoubtandsuspensetheyhadrecentlyundergone，theystoodmuchinneed。
　　Oliverrosenextmorning，inbetterheart，andwentabouthisusualoccupations，withmorehopeandpleasurethanhehadknownformanydays。Thebirdswereoncemorehungout，tosing，intheiroldplaces；andthesweetestwildflowersthatcouldbefound，wereoncemoregatheredtogladdenRosewiththeirbeauty。
　　Themelancholywhichhadseemedtothesadeyesoftheanxiousboytohang，fordayspast，overeveryobject，beautifulasallwere，wasdispelledbymagic。Thedewseemedtosparklemorebrightlyonthegreenleaves；theairtorustleamongthemwithasweetermusic；andtheskyitselftolookmoreblueandbright。
　　Suchistheinfluencewhichtheconditionofourownthoughts，exercise，evenovertheappearanceofexternalobjects。Menwholookonnature，andtheirfellow-men，andcrythatallisdarkandgloomy，areintheright；butthesombrecoloursarereflectionsfromtheirownjaundicedeyesandhearts。Therealhuesaredelicate，andneedaclearervision。
　　Itisworthyofremark，andOliverdidnotfailtonoteitatthetime，thathismorningexpeditionswerenolongermadealone。
　　HarryMaylie，aftertheveryfirstmorningwhenhemetOlivercomingladenhome，wasseizedwithsuchapassionforflowers，anddisplayedsuchatasteintheirarrangement，aslefthisyoungcompanionfarbehind。IfOliverwerebehindhandintheserespects，heknewwherethebestweretobefound；andmorningaftermorningtheyscouredthecountrytogether，andbroughthomethefairestthatblossomed。Thewindowoftheyounglady'schamberwasopenednow；forshelovedtofeeltherichsummerairstreamin，andreviveherwithitsfreshness；buttherealwaysstoodinwater，justinsidethelattice，oneparticularlittlebunch，whichwasmadeupwithgreatcare，everymorning。Olivercouldnothelpnoticingthatthewitheredflowerswereneverthrownaway，althoughthelittlevasewasregularlyreplenished；
　　nor，couldhehelpobserving，thatwheneverthedoctorcameintothegarden，heinvariablycasthiseyesuptothatparticularcorner，andnoddedhisheadmostexpressively，ashesetforthonhismorning'swalk。Pendingtheseobservations，thedayswereflyingby；andRosewasrapidlyrecovering。
　　NordidOliver'stimehangheavyonhishands，althoughtheyoungladyhadnotyetleftherchamber，andtherewerenoeveningwalks，savenowandthen，forashortdistance，withMrs。Maylie。
　　Heappliedhimself，withredoubledassiduity，totheinstructionsofthewhite-headedoldgentleman，andlabouredsohardthathisquickprogresssurprisedevenhimself。Itwaswhilehewasengagedinthispursuit，thathewasgreatlystartledanddistressedbyamostunexpectedoccurence。
　　Thelittleroominwhichhewasaccustomedtosit，whenbusyathisbooks，wasontheground-floor，atthebackofthehouse。Itwasquiteacottage-room，withalattice-window:aroundwhichwereclustersofjessamineandhoneysuckle，thatcreptoverthecasement，andfilledtheplacewiththeirdeliciousperfume。Itlookedintoagarden，whenceawicket-gateopenedintoasmallpaddock；allbeyond，wasfinemeadow-landandwood。Therewasnootherdwellingnear，inthatdirection；andtheprospectitcommandedwasveryextensive。
　　Onebeautifulevening，whenthefirstshadesoftwilightwerebeginningtosettleupontheearth，Oliversatatthiswindow，intentuponhisbooks。Hehadbeenporingoverthemforsometime；and，asthedayhadbeenuncommonlysultry，andhehadexertedhimselfagreatdeal，ititnodisparagementtotheauthors，whoevertheymayhavebeen，tosay，thatgraduallyandbyslowdegrees，hefellasleep。
　　Thereisakindofsleepthatstealsuponussometimes，which，whileitholdsthebodyprisoner，doesnotfreethemindfromasenseofthingsaboutit，andenableittorambleatitspleasure。Sofarasanoverpoweringheaviness，aprostrationofstrength，andanutterinabilitytocontrolourthoughtsorpowerofmotion，canbecalledsleep，thisisit；andyet，wehaveaconsciousnessofallthatisgoingonaboutus，and，ifwedreamatsuchatime，wordswhicharereallyspoken，orsoundswhichreallyexistatthemoment，accommodatethemselveswithsurprisingreadinesstoourvisions，untilrealityandimaginationbecomesostrangelyblendedthatitisafterwardsalmostmatterofimpossibilitytoseparatethetwo。Noristhis，themoststrikingphenomenonindcidentaltosuchastate。Itisanundoubtedfact，thatalthoughoursensesoftouchandsightbeforthetimedead，yetoursleepingthoughts，andthevisionaryscenesthatpassbeforeus，willbeinfluencedandmateriallyinfluenced，bytheMERESILENTPRESENCEofsomeexternalobject；
　　whichmaynothavebeennearuswhenweclosedoureyes:andofwhosevicinitywehavehadnowakingconsciousness。
　　Oliverknew，perfectlywell，thathewasinhisownlittleroom；
　　thathisbookswerelyingonthetablebeforehim；thatthesweetairwasstirringamongthecreepingplantsoutside。Andyethewasasleep。Suddenly，thescenechanged；theairbecamecloseandconfined；andhethought，withaglowofterror，thathewasintheJew'shouseagain。Theresatthehideousoldman，inhisaccustomedcorner，pointingathim，andwhisperingtoanotherman，withhisfaceaverted，whosatbesidehim。
　　'Hush，mydear！'hethoughtheheardtheJewsay；'itishe，sureenough。Comeaway。'
　　'He！'theothermanseemedtoanswer；'couldImistakehim，thinkyou?Ifacrowdofghostsweretoputthemselvesintohisexactshape，andhestoodamongstthem，thereissomethingthatwouldtellmehowtopointhimout。Ifyouburiedhimfiftyfeetdeep，andtookmeacrosshisgrave，IfancyIshouldknow，iftherewasn'tamarkaboveit，thathelayburiedthere?'
　　Themanseemedtosaythis，withsuchdreadfulhatred，thatOliverawokewiththefear，andstartedup。
　　GoodHeaven！whatwasthat，whichsentthebloodtinglingtohisheart，anddeprivedhimofhisvoice，andofpowertomove！
　　There——there——atthewindow——closebeforehim——soclose，thathecouldhavealmosttouchedhimbeforehestartedback:withhiseyespeeringintotheroom，andmeetinghis:therestoodtheJew！Andbesidehim，whitewithrageorfear，orboth，werethescowlingfeaturesofthemanwhohadaccostedhimintheinn-yard。
　　Itwasbutaninstant，aglance，aflash，beforehiseyes；andtheyweregone。Buttheyhadrecognisedhim，andhethem；andtheirlookwasasfirmlyimpresseduponhismemory，asifithadbeendeeplycarvedinstone，andsetbeforehimfromhisbirth。
　　Hestoodtransfixedforamoment；then，leapingfromthewindowintothegarden，calledloudlyforhelp。
　　CHAPTERXXXV
　　CONTAININGTHEUNSATISFACTORYRESULTOFOLIVER'SADVENTURE；ANDA
　　CONVERSATIONOFSOMEIMPORTANCEBETWEENHARRYMAYLIEANDROSE
　　Whentheinmatesofthehouse，attractedbyOliver'scries，hurriedtothespotfromwhichtheyproceeded，theyfoundhim，paleandagitated，pointinginthedirectionofthemeadowsbehindthehouse，andscarcelyabletoarticulatethewords，'TheJew！theJew！'
　　Mr。Gileswasatalosstocomprehendwhatthisoutcrymeant；butHarryMaylie，whoseperceptionsweresomethingquicker，andwhohadheardOliver'shistoryfromhismother，understooditatonce。
　　'Whatdirectiondidhetake?'heasked，catchingupaheavystickwhichwasstandinginacorner。
　　'That，'repliedOliver，pointingoutthecoursethemanhadtaken；'Imissedtheminaninstant。'
　　'Then，theyareintheditch！'saidHarry。'Follow！Andkeepasnearme，asyoucan。'Sosaying，hesprangoverthehedge，anddartedoffwithaspeedwhichrendereditmatterofexceedingdifficultyfortheotherstokeepnearhim。
　　Gilesfollowedaswellashecould；andOliverfollowedtoo；andinthecourseofaminuteortwo，Mr。Losberne，whohadbeenoutwalking，andjustthenreturned，tumbledoverthehedgeafterthem，andpickinghimselfupwithmoreagilitythanhecouldhavebeensupposedtopossess，struckintothesamecourseatnocontemptiblespeed，shoutingallthewhile，mostprodigiously，toknowwhatwasthematter。
　　Ontheyallwent；norstoppedtheyoncetobreathe，untiltheleader，strikingoffintoanangleofthefieldindicatedbyOliver，begantosearch，narrowly，theditchandhedgeadjoining；
　　whichaffordedtimefortheremainderofthepartytocomeup；
　　andforOlivertocommunicatetoMr。Losbernethecircumstancesthathadledtosovigorousapursuit。
　　Thesearchwasallinvain。Therewerenoteventhetracesofrecentfootsteps，tobeseen。Theystoodnow，onthesummitofalittlehill，commandingtheopenfieldsineverydirectionforthreeorfourmiles。Therewasthevillageinthehollowontheleft；but，inordertogainthat，afterpursuingthetrackOliverhadpointedout，themenmusthavemadeacircuitofopenground，whichitwasimpossibletheycouldhaveaccomplishedinsoshortatime。Athickwoodskirtedthemeadow-landinanotherdirection；buttheycouldnothavegainedthatcovertforthesamereason。
　　'Itmusthavebeenadream，Oliver，'saidHarryMaylie。
　　'Ohno，indeed，sir，'repliedOliver，shudderingattheveryrecollectionoftheoldwretch'scountenance；'Isawhimtooplainlyforthat。Isawthemboth，asplainlyasIseeyounow。'
　　'Whowastheother?'inquiredHarryandMr。Losberne，together。
　　'TheverysamemanItoldyouof，whocamesosuddenlyuponmeattheinn，'saidOliver。'Wehadoureyesfixedfulluponeachother；andIcouldsweartohim。'
　　'Theytookthisway?'demandedHarry:'areyousure?'
　　'AsIamthatthemenwereatthewindow，'repliedOliver，pointingdown，ashespoke，tothehedgewhichdividedthecottage-gardenfromthemeadow。'Thetallmanleapedover，justthere；andtheJew，runningafewpacestotheright，creptthroughthatgap。'
　　ThetwogentlemenwatchedOliver'searnestface，ashespoke，andlookingfromhimtoeachother，seemedtofellsatisfiedoftheaccuracyofwhathesaid。Still，innodirectionwerethereanyappearancesofthetramplingofmeninhurriedflight。Thegrasswaslong；butitwastroddendownnowhere，savewheretheirownfeethadcrushedit。Thesidesandbrinksoftheditcheswereofdampclay；butinnooneplacecouldtheydiscerntheprintofmen'sshoes，ortheslightestmarkwhichwouldindicatethatanyfeethadpressedthegroundforhoursbefore。
　　'Thisisstrange！'saidHarry。
　　'Strange?'echoedthedoctor。'BlathersandDuff，themselves，couldmakenothingofit。'
　　Notwithstandingtheevidentlyuselessnatureoftheirsearch，theydidnotdesistuntilthecomingonofnightrendereditsfurtherprosecutionhopeless；andeventhen，theygaveitupwithreluctance。Gileswasdispatchedtothedifferentale-housesinthevillage，furnishedwiththebestdescriptionOlivercouldgiveoftheappearanceanddressofthestrangers。Ofthese，theJewwas，atallevents，sufficientlyremarkabletoberemembered，supposinghehadbeenseendrinking，orloiteringabout；butGilesreturnedwithoutanyintelligence，calculatedtodispelorlessenthemystery。
　　Onthenextday，freshsearchwasmade，andtheinquiriesrenewed；butwithnobettersuccess。Onthedayfollowing，OliverandMr。Maylierepairedtothemarket-town，inthehopeofseeingorhearingsomethingofthementhere；butthiseffortwasequallyfruitless。Afterafewdays，theaffairbegantobeforgotten，asmostaffairsare，whenwonder，havingnofreshfoodtosupportit，diesawayofitself。
　　Meanwhile，Rosewasrapidlyrecovering。Shehadleftherroom:
　　wasabletogoout；andmixingoncemorewiththefamily，carriedjoyintotheheartsofall。
　　But，althoughthishappychangehadavisibleeffectonthelittlecircle；andalthoughcheerfulvoicesandmerrylaughterwereoncemoreheardinthecottage；therewasattimes，anunwontedrestraintuponsomethere:evenuponRoseherself:
　　whichOlivercouldnotfailtoremark。Mrs。Maylieandhersonwereoftenclosetedtogetherforalongtime；andmorethanonceRoseappearedwithtracesoftearsuponherface。AfterMr。
　　LosbernehadfixedadayforhisdeparturetoChertsey，thesesymptomsincreased；anditbecameevidentthatsomethingwasinprogresswhichaffectedthepeaceoftheyounglady，andofsomebodyelsebesides。
　　Atlength，onemorning，whenRosewasaloneinthebreakfast-parlour，HarryMaylieentered；and，withsomehesitation，beggedpermissiontospeakwithherforafewmoments。
　　'Afew——averyfew——willsuffice，Rose，'saidtheyoungman，drawinghischairtowardsher。'WhatIshallhavetosay，hasalreadypresenteditselftoyourmind；themostcherishedhopesofmyheartarenotunknowntoyou，thoughfrommylipsyouhavenotheardthemstated。'
　　Rosehadbeenverypalefromthemomentofhisentrance；butthatmighthavebeentheeffectofherrecentillness。Shemerelybowed；andbendingoversomeplantsthatstoodnear，waitedinsilenceforhimtoproceed。
　　'I——I——oughttohavelefthere，before，'saidHarry。
　　'Youshould，indeed，'repliedRose。'Forgivemeforsayingso，butIwishyouhad。'
　　'Iwasbroughthere，bythemostdreadfulandagonisingofallapprehensions，'saidtheyoungman；'thefearoflosingtheonedearbeingonwhommyeverywishandhopearefixed。Youhadbeendying；tremblingbetweenearthandheaven。Weknowthatwhentheyoung，thebeautiful，andgood，arevisitedwithsickness，theirpurespiritsinsensiblyturntowardstheirbrighthomeoflastingrest；weknow，Heavenhelpus！thatthebestandfairestofourkind，toooftenfadeinblooming。'
　　Thereweretearsintheeyesofthegentlegirl，asthesewordswerespoken；andwhenonefelluponthefloweroverwhichshebent，andglistenedbrightlyinitscup，makingitmorebeautiful，itseemedasthoughtheoutpouringofherfreshyoungheart，claimedkindrednaturally，withtheloveliestthingsinnature。
　　'Acreature，'continuedtheyoungman，passionately，'acreatureasfairandinnocentofguileasoneofGod'sownangels，flutteredbetweenlifeanddeath。Oh！whocouldhope，whenthedistantworldtowhichshewasakin，halfopenedtoherview，thatshewouldreturntothesorrowandcalamityofthis！Rose，Rose，toknowthatyouwerepassingawaylikesomesoftshadow，whichalightfromabove，castsupontheearth；tohavenohopethatyouwouldbesparedtothosewholingerhere；hardlytoknowareasonwhyyoushouldbe；tofeelthatyoubelongedtothatbrightspherewhithersomanyofthefairestandthebesthavewingedtheirearlyflight；andyettopray，amidalltheseconsolations，thatyoumightberestoredtothosewholovedyou——theseweredistractionsalmosttoogreattobear。Theyweremine，bydayandnight；andwiththem，camesucharushingtorrentoffears，andapprehensions，andselfishregrets，lestyoushoulddie，andneverknowhowdevotedlyIlovedyou，asalmostboredownsenseandreasoninitscourse。Yourecovered。
　　Daybyday，andalmosthourbyhour，somedropofhealthcameback，andminglingwiththespentandfeeblestreamoflifewhichcirculatedlanguidlywithinyou，swelleditagaintoahighandrushingtide。Ihavewatchedyouchangealmostfromdeath，tolife，witheyesthatturnedblindwiththeireagernessanddeepaffection。DonottellmethatyouwishIhadlostthis；forithassoftenedmyhearttoallmankind。'
　　'Ididnotmeanthat，'saidRose，weeping；'Ionlywishyouhadlefthere，thatyoumighthaveturnedtohighandnoblepursuitsagain；topursuitswellworthyofyou。'
　　'Thereisnopursuitmoreworthyofme:moreworthyofthehighestnaturethatexists:thanthestruggletowinsuchaheartasyours，'saidtheyoungman，takingherhand。'Rose，myowndearRose！Foryears——foryears——Ihavelovedyou；hopingtowinmywaytofame，andthencomeproudlyhomeandtellyouithadbeenpursuedonlyforyoutoshare；thinking，inmydaydreams，howIwouldremindyou，inthathappymoment，ofthemanysilenttokensIhadgivenofaboy'sattachment，andclaimyourhand，asinredemptionofsomeoldmutecontractthathadbeensealedbetweenus！Thattimehasnotarrived；buthere，withnotfamewon，andnoyoungvisionrealised，Iofferyoutheheartsolongyourown，andstakemyalluponthewordswithwhichyougreettheoffer。'
　　'Yourbehaviourhaseverbeenkindandnoble。'saidRose，masteringtheemotionsbywhichshewasagitated。'AsyoubelievethatIamnotinsensibleorungrateful，sohearmyanswer。'
　　'Itis，thatImayendeavourtodeserveyou；itis，dearRose?'
　　'Itis，'repliedRose，'thatyoumustendeavourtoforgetme；notasyouroldanddearly-attachedcompanion，forthatwouldwoundmedeeply；but，astheobjectofyourlove。Lookintotheworld；
　　thinkhowmanyheartsyouwouldbeproudtogain，arethere。
　　Confidesomeotherpassiontome，ifyouwill；Iwillbethetruest，warmest，andmostfaithfulfriendyouhave。'
　　Therewasapause，duringwhich，Rose，whohadcoveredherfacewithonehand，gavefreeventtohertears。Harrystillretainedtheother。
　　'Andyourreasons，Rose，'hesaid，atlength，inalowvoice；
　　'yourreasonsforthisdecision?'
　　'Youhavearighttoknowthem，'rejoinedRose。'Youcansaynothingtoaltermyresolution。ItisadutythatImustperform。Ioweit，aliketoothers，andtomyself。'
　　'Toyourself?'
　　'Yes，Harry。Ioweittomyself，thatI，afriendless，portionless，girl，withablightuponmyname，shouldnotgiveyourfriendsreasontosuspectthatIhadsordidlyyieldedtoyourfirstpassion，andfastenedmyself，aclog，onallyourhopesandprojects。Ioweittoyouandyours，topreventyoufromopposing，inthewarmthofyourgenerousnature，thisgreatobstacletoyourprogressintheworld。'
　　'Ifyourinclinationschimewithyoursenseofduty——'Harrybegan。
　　'Theydonot，'repliedRose，colouringdeeply。
　　'Thenyoureturnmylove?'saidHarry。'Saybutthat，dearRose；
　　saybutthat；andsoftenthebitternessofthisharddisappointment！'
　　'IfIcouldhavedoneso，withoutdoingheavywrongtohimI
　　loved，'rejoinedRose，'Icouldhave——'
　　'Havereceivedthisdeclarationverydifferently?'saidHarry。
　　'Donotconcealthatfromme，atleast，Rose。'
　　'Icould，'saidRose。'Stay！'sheadded，disengagingherhand，'whyshouldweprolongthispainfulinterview?Mostpainfultome，andyetproductiveoflastinghappiness，notwithstanding；foritWILLbehappinesstoknowthatIonceheldthehighplaceinyourregardwhichInowoccupy，andeverytriumphyouachieveinlifewillanimatemewithnewfortitudeandfirmness。Farewell，Harry！Aswehavemetto-day，wemeetnomore；butinotherrelationsthanthoseinwhichthisconversationhaveplacedus，wemaybelongandhappilyentwined；andmayeveryblessingthattheprayersofatrueandearnestheartcancalldownfromthesourceofalltruthandsincerity，cheerandprosperyou！'
　　'Anotherword，Rose，'saidHarry。'Yourreasoninyourownwords。Fromyourownlips，letmehearit！'
　　'Theprospectbeforeyou，'answeredRose，firmly，'isabrilliantone。Allthehonourstowhichgreattalentsandpowerfulconnectionscanhelpmeninpubliclife，areinstoreforyou。
　　Butthoseconnectionsareproud；andIwillneitherminglewithsuchasmayholdinscornthemotherwhogavemelife；norbringdisgraceorfailureonthesonofherwhohassowellsuppliedthatmother'splace。Inaword，'saidtheyounglady，turningaway，ashertemporaryfirmnessforsookher，'thereisastainuponmyname，whichtheworldvisitsoninnocentheads。Iwillcarryitintonobloodbutmyown；andthereproachshallrestaloneonme。'
　　'Onewordmore，Rose。DearestRose！onemore！'criedHarry，throwinghimselfbeforeher。'IfIhadbeenless——lessfortunate，theworldwouldcallit——ifsomeobscureandpeacefullifehadbeenmydestiny——ifIhadbeenpoor，sick，helpless——wouldyouhaveturnedfrommethen?Orhasmyprobableadvancementtorichesandhonour，giventhisscruplebirth?'
　　'Donotpressmetoreply，'answeredRose。'Thequestiondoesnotarise，andneverwill。Itisunfair，almostunkind，tourgeit。'
　　'IfyouranswerbewhatIalmostdaretohopeitis，'retortedHarry，'itwillshedagleamofhappinessuponmylonelyway，andlightthepathbeforeme。Itisnotanidlethingtodosomuch，bytheutteranceofafewbriefwords，foronewholovesyoubeyondallelse。Oh，Rose:inthenameofmyardentandenduringattachment；inthenameofallIhavesufferedforyou，andallyoudoommetoundergo；answermethisonequestion！'
　　'Then，ifyourlothadbeendifferentlycast，'rejoinedRose；'ifyouhadbeenevenalittle，butnotsofar，aboveme；ifIcouldhavebeenahelpandcomforttoyouinanyhumblesceneofpeaceandretirement，andnotablotanddrawbackinambitiousanddistinguishedcrowds；Ishouldhavebeensparedthistrial。I
　　haveeveryreasontobehappy，veryhappy，now；butthen，Harry，IownIshouldhavebeenhappier。'
　　Busyrecollectionsofoldhopes，cherishedasagirl，longago，crowdedintothemindofRose，whilemakingthisavowal；buttheybroughttearswiththem，asoldhopeswillwhentheycomebackwithered；andtheyrelievedher。
　　'Icannothelpthisweakness，anditmakesmypurposestronger，'
　　saidRose，extendingherhand。'Imustleaveyounow，indeed。'
　　'Iaskonepromise，'saidHarry。'Once，andonlyoncemore，——saywithinayear，butitmaybemuchsooner，——Imayspeaktoyouagainonthissubject，forthelasttime。'
　　'Nottopressmetoaltermyrightdetermination，'repliedRose，withamelancholysmile；'itwillbeuseless。'
　　'No，'saidHarry；'tohearyourepeatit，ifyouwill——finallyrepeatit！Iwilllayatyourfeet，whateverofstationoffortuneImaypossess；andifyoustilladheretoyourpresentresolution，willnotseek，bywordoract，tochangeit。'
　　'Thenletitbeso，'rejoinedRose；'itisbutonepangthemore，andbythattimeImaybeenabledtobearitbetter。'
　　Sheextendedherhandagain。Buttheyoungmancaughthertohisbosom；andimprintingonekissonherbeautifulforehead，hurriedfromtheroom。
　　CHAPTERXXXVI
　　ISAVERYSHORTONE，ANDMAYAPPEAROFNOGREATIMPORTANCEINITS
　　PLACE，BUTITSHOULDBEREADNOTWITHSTANDING，ASASEQUELTOTHE
　　LAST，ANDAKEYTOONETHATWILLFOLLOWWHENITSTIMEARRIVES
　　'Andsoyouareresolvedtobemytravellingcompanionthismorning；eh?'saidthedoctor，asHarryMayliejoinedhimandOliveratthebreakfast-table。'Why，youarenotinthesamemindorintentiontwohalf-hourstogether！'
　　'Youwilltellmeadifferenttaleoneofthesedays，'saidHarry，colouringwithoutanyperceptiblereason。
　　'IhopeImayhavegoodcausetodoso，'repliedMr。Losberne；
　　'thoughIconfessIdon'tthinkIshall。Butyesterdaymorningyouhadmadeupyourmind，inagreathurry，tostayhere，andtoaccompanyyourmother，likeadutifulson，tothesea-side。
　　Beforenoon，youannouncethatyouaregoingtodomethehonourofaccompanyingmeasfarasIgo，onyourroadtoLondon。Andatnight，youurgeme，withgreatmystery，tostartbeforetheladiesarestirring；theconsequenceofwhichis，thatyoungOliverhereispinneddowntohisbreakfastwhenheoughttoberangingthemeadowsafterbotanicalphenomenaofallkinds。Toobad，isn'tit，Oliver?'
　　'IshouldhavebeenverysorrynottohavebeenathomewhenyouandMr。Mayliewentaway，sir，'rejoinedOliver。
　　'That'safinefellow，'saidthedoctor；'youshallcomeandseemewhenyoureturn。But，tospeakseriously，Harry；hasanycommunicationfromthegreatnobsproducedthissuddenanxietyonyourparttobegone?'
　　'Thegreatnobs，'repliedHarry，'underwhichdesignation，I
　　presume，youincludemymoststatelyuncle，havenotcommunicatedwithmeatall，sinceIhavebeenhere；nor，atthistimeoftheyear，isitlikelythatanythingwouldoccurtorendernecessarymyimmediateattendanceamongthem。'
　　'Well，'saidthedoctor，'youareaqueerfellow。ButofcoursetheywillgetyouintoparliamentattheelectionbeforeChristmas，andthesesuddenshiftingsandchangesarenobadpreparationforpoliticallife。There'ssomethinginthat。Goodtrainingisalwaysdesirable，whethertheracebeforplace，cup，orsweepstakes。'
　　HarryMaylielookedasifhecouldhavefollowedupthisshortdialoguebyoneortworemarksthatwouldhavestaggeredthedoctornotalittle；buthecontentedhimselfwithsaying，'Weshallsee，'andpursuedthesubjectnofarther。Thepost-chaisedroveuptothedoorshortlyafterwards；andGilescominginfortheluggage，thegooddoctorbustledout，toseeitpacked。
　　'Oliver，'saidHarryMaylie，inalowvoice，'letmespeakawordwithyou。'
　　Oliverwalkedintothewindow-recesstowhichMr。Mayliebeckonedhim；muchsurprisedatthemixtureofsadnessandboisterousspirits，whichhiswholebehaviourdisplayed。
　　'Youcanwritewellnow?'saidHarry，layinghishanduponhisarm。
　　'Ihopeso，sir，'repliedOliver。
　　'Ishallnotbeathomeagain，perhapsforsometime；Iwishyouwouldwritetome——sayonceafort-night:everyalternateMonday:totheGeneralPostOfficeinLondon。Willyou?'
　　'Oh！certainly，sir；Ishallbeproudtodoit，'exclaimedOliver，greatlydelightedwiththecommission。
　　'Ishouldliketoknowhow——howmymotherandMissMaylieare，'
　　saidtheyoungman；'andyoucanfillupasheetbytellingmewhatwalksyoutake，andwhatyoutalkabout，andwhethershe——they，Imean——seemhappyandquitewell。Youunderstandme?'
　　'Oh！quite，sir，quite，'repliedOliver。
　　'Iwouldratheryoudidnotmentionittothem，'saidHarry，hurryingoverhiswords；'becauseitmightmakemymotheranxioustowritetomeoftener，anditisatroubleandworrytoher。
　　Letisbeasecretbetweenyouandme；andmindyoutellmeeverything！Idependuponyou。'
　　Oliver，quiteelatedandhonouredbyasenseofhisimportance，faithfullypromisedtobesecretandexplicitinhiscommunications。Mr。Maylietookleaveofhim，withmanyassurancesofhisregardandprotection。
　　Thedoctorwasinthechaise；Gileswho，ithadbeenarranged，shouldbeleftbehindheldthedooropeninhishand；andthewomen-servantswereinthegarden，lookingon。Harrycastoneslightglanceatthelatticedwindow，andjumpedintothecarriage。
　　'Driveon！'hecried，'hard，fast，fullgallop！Nothingshortofflyingwillkeeppacewithme，to-day。'
　　'Halloa！'criedthedoctor，lettingdownthefrontglassinagreathurry，andshoutingtothepostillion；'somethingveryshortofflyngwillkeeppacewithme。Doyouhear?'
　　Jinglingandclattering，tilldistancerendereditsnoiseinaudible，anditsrapidprogressonlyperceptibletotheeye，thevehiclewounditswayalongtheroad，almosthiddeninacloudofdust:nowwhollydisappearing，andnowbecomingvisibleagain，asinterveningobjects，ortheintricaciesoftheway，permitted。Itwasnotuntileventhedustycloudwasnolongertobeseen，thatthegazersdispersed。
　　Andtherewasonelooker-on，whoremainedwitheyesfixeduponthespotwherethecarriagehaddisappeared，longafteritwasmanymilesaway；for，behindthewhitecurtainwhichhadshroudedherfromviewwhenHarryraisedhiseyestowardsthewindow，satRoseherself。
　　'Heseemsinhighspiritsandhappy，'shesaid，atlength。'I
　　fearedforatimehemightbeotherwise。Iwasmistaken。Iamvery，veryglad。'
　　Tearsaresignsofgladnessaswellasgrief；butthosewhichcourseddownRose'sface，asshesatpensivelyatthewindow，stillgazinginthesamedirection，seemedtotellmoreofsorrowthanofjoy。
　　CHAPTERXXXVII
　　INWHICHTHEREADERMAYPERCEIVEACONTRAST，NOTUNCOMMONIN
　　MATRIMONIALCASES
　　Mr。Bumblesatintheworkhouseparlour，withhiseyesmoodilyfixedonthecheerlessgrate，whence，asitwassummertime，nobrightergleamproceeded，thanthereflectionofcertainsicklyraysofthesun，whichweresentbackfromitscoldandshiningsurface。Apaperfly-cagedangledfromtheceiling，towhichheoccasionallyraisedhiseyesingloomythought；and，astheheedlessinsectshoveredroundthegaudynet-work，Mr。Bumblewouldheaveadeepsigh，whileamoregloomyshadowoverspreadhiscountenance。Mr。Bumblewasmeditating；itmightbethattheinsectsbroughttomind，somepainfulpassageinhisownpastlife。
　　NorwasMr。Bumble'sgloomtheonlythingcalculatedtoawakenapleasingmelancholyinthebosomofaspectator。Therewerenotwantingotherappearances，andthosecloselyconnectedwithhisownperson，whichannouncedthatagreatchangehadtakenplaceinthepositionofhisaffairs。Thelacedcoat，andthecockedhat；wherewerethey?Hestillworeknee-breeches，anddarkcottonstockingsonhisnetherlimbs；buttheywerenotTHE
　　breeches。Thecoatwaswide-skirted；andinthatrespectlikeTHEcoat，but，ohhowdifferent！Themightycockedhatwasreplacedbyamodestroundone。Mr。Bumblewasnolongerabeadle。
　　Therearesomepromotionsinlife，which，independentofthemoresubstantialrewardstheyoffer，requirepeculiarvalueanddignityfromthecoatsandwaistcoatsconnectedwiththem。A
　　field-marshalhashisuniform；abishophissilkapron；acounsellorhissilkgown；abeadlehiscockedhat。Stripthebishopofhisapron，orthebeadleofhishatandlace；whatarethey?Men。Meremen。Dignity，andevenholinesstoo，sometimes，aremorequestionsofcoatandwaistcoatthansomepeopleimagine。
　　Mr。BumlehadmarriedMrs。Corney，andwasmasteroftheworkhouse。Anotherbeadlehadcomeintopower。Onhimthecockedhat，gold-lacedcoat，andstaff，hadallthreedescended。
　　'Andto-morrowtwomonthsitwasdone！'saidMr。Bumble，withasigh。'Itseemsaage。'
　　Mr。Bumblemighthavemeantthathehadconcentratedawholeexistenceofhappinessintotheshortspaceofeightweeks；butthesigh——therewasavastdealofmeaninginthesigh。
　　'Isoldmyself，'saidMr。Bumble，pursuingthesametrainofrelection，'forsixteaspoons，apairofsugar-tongs，andamilk-pot；withasmallquantityofsecond-handfurniture，andtwentypoundinmoney。Iwentveryreasonable。Cheap，dirtcheap！'
　　'Cheap！'criedashrillvoiceinMr。Bumble'sear:'youwouldhavebeendearatanyprice；anddearenoughIpaidforyou，Lordaboveknowsthat！'
　　Mr。Bumbleturned，andencounteredthefaceofhisinterestingconsort，who，imperfectlycomprehendingthefewwordsshehadoverheardofhiscomplaint，hadhazardedtheforegoingremarkataventure。
　　'Mrs。Bumble，ma'am！'saidMr。Bumble，withasentimentalsternness。
　　'Well！'criedthelady。
　　'Havethegoodnesstolookatme，'saidMr。Bumble，fixinghiseyesuponher。Ifshestandssuchaeyeasthat，'saidMr。
　　Bumbletohimself，'shecanstandanything。ItisaeyeIneverknewtofailwithpaupers。Ifitfailswithher，mypowerisgone。'
　　Whetheranexceedinglysmallexpansionofeyebesufficienttoquellpaupers，who，beinglightlyfed，areinnoveryhighcondition；orwhetherthelateMrs。Corneywasparticularlyproofagainsteagleglances；aremattersofopinion。Thematteroffact，is，thatthematronwasinnowayoverpoweredbyMr。
　　Bumble'sscowl，but，onthecontrary，treateditwithgreatdisdain，andevenraisedalaughthrereat，whichsoundedasthoughitweregenuine。
　　Onhearingthismostunexpectedsound，Mr。Bumblelooked，firstincredulous，andafterwardsamazed。Hethenrelapsedintohisformerstate；nordidherousehimselfuntilhisattentionwasagainawakenedbythevoiceofhispartner。
　　'Areyougoingtositsnoringthere，allday?'inquiredMrs。
　　Bumble。
　　'Iamgoingtosithere，aslongasIthinkproper，ma'am，'
　　rejoinedMr。Bumble；'andalthoughIwasNOTsnoring，Ishallsnore，gape，sneeze，laugh，orcry，asthehumourstrikesme；
　　suchbeingmyprerogative。'
　　'YourPREROGATIVE！'sneeredMrs。Bumble，withineffablecontempt。
　　'Isaidtheword，ma'am，'saidMr。Bumble。'Theprerogativeofamanistocommand。'
　　'Andwhat'stheprerogativeofawoman，inthenameofGoodness?'
　　criedtherelictofMr。Corneydeceased。
　　'Toobey，ma'am，'thunderedMr。Bumble。'Yourlateunfortunatehusbandshouldhavetaughtityou；andthen，perhaps，hemighthavebeenalivenow。Iwishhewas，poorman！'
　　Mrs。Bumble，seeingataglance，thatthedecisivemomenthadnowarrived，andthatablowstruckforthemastershipononesideorother，mustnecessarilybefinalandconclusive，nosoonerheardthisallusiontothedeadandgone，thanshedroppedintoachair，andwithaloudscreamthatMr。Bumblewasahard-heartedbrute，fellintoaparoxysmoftears。
　　But，tearswerenotthethingstofindtheirwaytoMr。Bumble'ssoul；hisheartwaswaterproof。Likewashablebeaverhatsthatimprovewithrain，hisnerveswererenderedstouterandmorevigorous，byshowersoftears，which，beingtokensofweakness，andsofartacitadmissionsofhisownpower，pleaseandexaltedhim。Heeyedhisgoodladywithlooksofgreatsatisfaction，andbegged，inanencouragingmanner，thatsheshouldcryherhardest:theexercisebeinglookedupon，bythefaculty，asstronlyconducivetohealth。
　　'Itopensthelungs，washesthecountenance，exercisestheeyes，andsoftensdownthetemper，'saidMr。Bumble。'Socryaway。'
　　Ashedischargedhimselfofthispleasantry，Mr。Bumbletookhishatfromapeg，andputtingiton，ratherrakishly，ononeside，asamanmight，whofelthehadassertedhissuperiorityinabecomingmanner，thrusthishandsintohispockets，andsaunteredtowardsthedoor，withmucheaseandwaggishnessdepictedinhiswholeappearance。
　　Now，Mrs。Corneythatwas，hadtriedthetears，becausetheywerelesstroublesomethanamanualassault；but，shewasquitepreparedtomaketrialofthelattermodeofproceeding，asMr。
　　Bumblewasnotlongindiscovering。
　　Thefirstproofheexperiencedofthefact，wasconveyedinahollowsound，immediatelysucceededbythesuddenflyingoffofhishattotheoppositeendoftheroom。Thispreliminaryproceedinglayingbarehishead，theexpertlady，claspinghimtightlyroundthethroatwithonehand，inflictedashowerofblowsdealtwithsingularvigouranddexterityuponitwiththeother。Thisdone，shecreatedalittlevarietybyscratchinghisface，andtearinghishair；and，having，bythistime，inflictedasmuchpunishmentasshedeemednecessaryfortheoffence，shepushedhimoverachair，whichwasluckilywellsituatedforthepurpose:anddefiedhimtotalkabouthisprerogativeagain，ifhedared。
　　'Getup！'saidMrs。Bumble，inavoiceofcommand。'Andtakeyourselfawayfromhere，unlessyouwantmetodosomethingdesperate。'
　　Mr。Bumblerosewithaveryruefulcountenance:wonderingmuchwhatsomethingdesperatemightbe。Pickinguphishat，helookedtowardsthedoor。
　　'Areyougoing?'demandedMr。Bumble。
　　'Certainly，mydear，certainly，'rejoinedMr。Bumble，makingaquickermotiontowardsthedoor。'Ididn'tintendto——I'mgoing，mydear！Youaresoveryviolent，thatreallyI——'
　　Atthisinstant，Mrs。Bumblesteppedhastilyforwardtoreplacethecarpet，whichhadbeenkickedupinthescuffle。Mr。Bumbleimmediatelydartedoutoftheroom，withoutbestowinganotherthoughtonhisunfinishedsentence:leavingthelateMrs。Corneyinfullpossessionofthefield。
　　Mr。Bumblewasfairlytakenbysurprise，andfairlybeaten。Hehadadecidedpropensityforbullying:derivednoinconsiderablepleasurefromtheexerciseofpettycruelty；and，consequently，wasitisneedlesstosayacoward。Thisisbynomeansadisparagementtohischaracter；formanyofficialpersonages，whoareheldinhighrespectandadmiration，arethevictimsofsimilarinfirmities。Theremarkismade，indeed，ratherinhisfavourthanotherwise，andwithaviewofimpressingthereaderwithajustsenseofhisqualificationsforoffice。
　　But，themeasureofhisdegradationwasnotyetfull。Aftermakingatourofthehouse，andthinking，forthefirsttime，thatthepoor-lawsreallyweretoohardonpeople；andthatmenwhoranawayfromtheirwives，leavingthemchargeabletotheparish，ought，injusticetobevisitedwithnopunishmentatall，butratherrewardedasmeritoriousindividualswhohadsufferedmuch；Mr。Bumblecametoaroomwheresomeofthefemalepauperswereusuallyemployedinwashingtheparishlinen:whenthesoundofvoicesinconversation，nowproceeded。
　　'Hem！'saidMr。Bumble，summoningupallhisnativedignity。
　　'Thesewomenatleastshallcontinuetorespecttheprerogative。
　　Hallo！hallothere！Whatdoyoumeanbythisnoise，youhussies?'
　　Withthesewords，Mr。Bumbleopenedthedoor，andwalkedinwithaveryfierceandangrymanner:whichwasatonceexchangedforamosthumiliatedandcoweringair，ashiseyesunexpectedlyrestedontheformofhisladywife。
　　'Mydear，'saidMr。Bumble，'Ididn'tknowyouwerehere。'
　　'Didn'tknowIwashere！'repeatedMrs。Bumble。'WhatdoYOUdohere?'
　　'Ithoughttheyweretalkingrathertoomuchtobedoingtheirworkproperly，mydear，'repliedMr。Bumble:glancingdistractedlyatacoupleofoldwomenatthewash-tub，whowerecomparingnotesofadmirationattheworkhouse-master'shumility。
　　'YOUthoughttheyweretalkingtoomuch?'saidMrs。Bumble。'Whatbusinessisitofyours?'
　　'Why，mydear——'urgedMr。Bumblesubmissively。
　　'Whatbusinessisitofyours?'demandedMrs。Bumble，again。
　　'It'sverytrue，you'rematronhere，mydear，'submittedMr。
　　Bumble；'butIthoughtyoumightn'tbeinthewayjustthen。'
　　'I'lltellyouwhat，Mr。Bumble，'returnedhislady。'Wedon'twantanyofyourinterference。You'reagreatdealtoofondofpokingyournoseintothingsthatdon'tconcernyou，makingeverybodyinthehouselaugh，themomentyourbackisturned，andmakingyourselflooklikeafooleveryhourintheday。Beoff；
　　come！'