Ashestoodinthedoorway，thepooroldcarewornwaywornwomanburstintotears，andclaspedherhands，asifinaveryagonysheprayedtohim。
　　'AsI'vetoldyou，Master，I'vethebestoffriends。ThisletterwillshowhowtrueIspoke，andtheywillbethankfulforme。'
　　TheDeputyLockopenedtheletterwithagraveface，whichunderwentnochangeasheeyeditscontents。Butitmighthavedone，ifhecouldhavereadthem。
　　'Whatamountofsmallchange，Missis，'hesaid，withanabstractedair，afteralittlemeditation，'mightyoucallamorselofmoney?'
　　Hurriedlyemptyingherpocket，oldBettylaiddownonthetable，ashilling，andtwosixpennypieces，andafewpence。
　　'IfIwastoletyougoinsteadofhandingyouoversafetotheParish，'saidtheDeputy，countingthemoneywithhiseyes，'mightitbeyourownfreewishtoleavethattherebehindyou?'
　　'Takeit，Master，takeit，andwelcomeandthankful！'
　　'I'maman，'saidtheDeputy，givingherbacktheletter，andpocketingthecoins，onebyone，'asearnshislivingbythesweatofhisbrow；'herehedrewhissleeveacrosshisforehead，asifthisparticularportionofhishumblegainsweretheresultofsheerhardlabourandvirtuousindustry；'andIwon'tstandinyourway。Gowhereyoulike。'
　　ShewasgoneoutoftheLock-houseassoonashegaveherthispermission，andhertotteringstepswereontheroadagain。But，afraidtogobackandafraidtogoforward；seeingwhatshefledfrom，inthesky-glareofthelightsofthelittletownbeforeher，andleavingaconfusedhorrorofiteverywherebehindher，asifshehadescapeditineverystoneofeverymarket-place；shestruckoffbysideways，amongwhichshegotbewilderedandlost。ThatnightshetookrefugefromtheSamaritaninhislatestaccreditedform，underafarmer'srick；andif——worththinkingof，perhaps，myfellow-Christians——theSamaritanhadinthelonelynight，'passedbyontheotherside'，shewouldhavemostdevoutlythankedHighHeavenforherescapefromhim。
　　Themorningfoundherafootagain，butfastdecliningastotheclearnessofherthoughts，thoughnotastothesteadinessofherpurpose。Comprehendingthatherstrengthwasquittingher，andthatthestruggleofherlifewasalmostended，shecouldneitherreasonoutthemeansofgettingbacktoherprotectors，norevenformtheidea。Theovermasteringdread，andtheproudstubbornresolutionitengenderedinhertodieundegraded，werethetwodistinctimpressionsleftinherfailingmind。Supportedonlybyasensethatshewasbentonconqueringinherlife-longfight，shewenton。
　　Thetimewascome，now，whenthewantsofthislittlelifewerepassingawayfromher。Shecouldnothaveswallowedfood，thoughatablehadbeenspreadforherinthenextfield。Thedaywascoldandwet，butshescarcelyknewit。Shecrepton，poorsoul，likeacriminalafraidofbeingtaken，andfeltlittlebeyondtheterroroffallingdownwhileitwasyetdaylight，andbeingfoundalive。Shehadnofearthatshewouldlivethroughanothernight。
　　Sewninthebreastofhergown，themoneytopayforherburialwasstillintact。Ifshecouldwearthroughtheday，andthenliedowntodieundercoverofthedarkness，shewoulddieindependent。Ifshewerecapturedpreviously，themoneywouldbetakenfromherasapauperwhohadnorighttoit，andshewouldbecarriedtotheaccursedworkhouse。Gainingherend，theletterwouldbefoundinherbreast，alongwiththemoney，andthegentlefolkswouldsaywhenitwasgivenbacktothem，'Sheprizedit，didoldBettyHigden；shewastruetoit；andwhileshelived，shewouldneverletitbedisgracedbyfallingintothehandsofthosethatsheheldinhorror。'Mostillogical，inconsequential，andlight-
　　headed，this；buttravellersinthevalleyoftheshadowofdeathareapttobelight-headed；andworn-outoldpeopleoflowestatehaveatrickofreasoningasindifferentlyastheylive，anddoubtlesswouldappreciateourPoorLawmorephilosophicallyonanincomeoftenthousandayear。
　　So，keepingtobyways，andshunninghumanapproach，thistroublesomeoldwomanhidherself，andfaredonallthroughthedrearyday。Yetsounlikewasshetovagranthidersingeneral，thatsometimes，asthedayadvanced，therewasabrightfireinhereyes，andaquickerbeatingatherfeebleheart，asthoughshesaidexultingly，'TheLordwillseemethroughit！'
　　BywhatvisionaryhandsshewasledalonguponthatjourneyofescapefromtheSamaritan；bywhatvoices，hushedinthegrave，sheseemedtobeaddressed；howshefanciedthedeadchildinherarmsagain，andtimesinnumerableadjustedhershawltokeepitwarm；whatinfinitevarietyofformsoftowerandroofandsteeplethetreestook；howmanyfurioushorsemenrodeather，crying，'Thereshegoes！Stop！Stop，BettyHigden！'andmeltedawayastheycameclose；bethesethingsleftuntold。Faringonandhiding，hidingandfaringon，thepoorharmlesscreature，asthoughshewereaMurderessandthewholecountrywereupafterher，woreouttheday，andgainedthenight。
　　'Water-meadows，orsuchlike，'shehadsometimesmurmured，ontheday'spilgrimage，whenshehadraisedherheadandtakenanynoteoftherealobjectsabouther。Therenowaroseinthedarkness，agreatbuilding，fulloflightedwindows。Smokewasissuingfromahighchimneyintherearofit，andtherewasthesoundofawater-wheelattheside。Betweenherandthebuilding，layapieceofwater，inwhichthelightedwindowswerereflected，andonitsnearestmarginwasaplantationoftrees。'IhumblythankthePowerandtheGlory，'saidBettyHigden，holdingupherwitheredhands，'thatIhavecometomyjourney'send！'
　　Shecreptamongthetreestothetrunkofatreewhenceshecouldsee，beyondsomeinterveningtreesandbranches，thelightedwindows，bothintheirrealityandtheirreflectioninthewater。Sheplacedherorderlylittlebasketatherside，andsankupontheground，supportingherselfagainstthetree。ItbroughttohermindthefootoftheCross，andshecommittedherselftoHimwhodieduponit。Herstrengthheldouttoenablehertoarrangetheletterinherbreast，soasthatitcouldbeseenthatshehadapaperthere。Ithadheldoutforthis，anditdepartedwhenthiswasdone。
　　'Iamsafehere，'washerlastbenumbedthought。'WhenIamfounddeadatthefootoftheCross，itwillbebysomeofmyownsort；someoftheworkingpeoplewhoworkamongthelightsyonder。Icannotseethelightedwindowsnow，buttheyarethere。
　　Iamthankfulforall！'
　　Thedarknessgone，andafacebendingdown。
　　'Itcannotbethebooferlady?'
　　'Idon'tunderstandwhatyousay。Letmewetyourlipsagainwiththisbrandy。Ihavebeenawaytofetchit。DidyouthinkthatIwaslonggone?'
　　Itisasthefaceofawoman，shadedbyaquantityofrichdarkhair。
　　Itistheearnestfaceofawomanwhoisyoungandhandsome。Butallisoverwithmeonearth，andthismustbeanAngel。
　　'HaveIbeenlongdead?'
　　'Idon'tunderstandwhatyousay。Letmewetyourlipsagain。I
　　hurriedallIcould，andbroughtnoonebackwithme，lestyoushoulddieoftheshockofstrangers。'
　　'AmInotdead?'
　　'Icannotunderstandwhatyousay。YourvoiceissolowandbrokenthatIcannothearyou。Doyouhearme?'
　　'Yes。'
　　'DoyoumeanYes?'
　　'Yes。'
　　'Iwascomingfrommyworkjustnow，alongthepathoutsideI
　　wasupwiththenight-handslastnight，andIheardagroan，andfoundyoulyinghere。'
　　'Whatwork，deary?'
　　'Didyouaskwhatwork?Atthepaper-mill。'
　　'Whereisit?'
　　'Yourfaceisturneduptothesky，andyoucan'tseeit。Itiscloseby。Youcanseemyface，here，betweenyouandthesky?'
　　'Yes。'
　　'DareIliftyou?'
　　'Notyet。'
　　'Notevenliftyourheadtogetitonmyarm?Iwilldoitbyverygentledegrees。Youshallhardlyfeelit。'
　　'Notyet。Paper。Letter。'
　　'Thispaperinyourbreast?'
　　'Blessye！'
　　'Letmewetyourlipsagain。AmItoopenit?Toreadit?'
　　'Blessye！'
　　Shereadsitwithsurprise，andlooksdownwithanewexpressionandanaddedinterestonthemotionlessfaceshekneelsbeside。
　　'Iknowthesenames。Ihaveheardthemoften。'
　　'Willyousendit，mydear?'
　　'Icannotunderstandyou。Letmewetyourlipsagain，andyourforehead。There。Opoorthing，poorthing！'Thesewordsthroughherfast-droppingtears。'Whatwasitthatyouaskedme?WaittillIbringmyearquiteclose。'
　　'Willyousendit，mydear?'
　　'WillIsendittothewriters?Isthatyourwish?Yes，certainly。'
　　'You'llnotgiveituptoanyonebutthem?'
　　'No。'
　　'Asyoumustgrowoldintime，andcometoyourdyinghour，mydear，you'llnotgiveituptoanyonebutthem?'
　　'No。Mostsolemnly。'
　　'NevertotheParish！'withaconvulsedstruggle。
　　'No。Mostsolemnly。'
　　'NorlettheParishtouchme，notyetsomuchaslookatme！'withanotherstruggle。
　　'No。Faithfully。'
　　Alookofthankfulnessandtriumphlightsthewornoldface。
　　Theeyes，whichhavebeendarklyfixeduponthesky，turnwithmeaninginthemtowardsthecompassionatefacefromwhichthetearsaredropping，andasmileisontheagedlipsastheyask:
　　'Whatisyourname，mydear?'
　　'MynameisLizzieHexam。'
　　'Imustbesoredisfigured。Areyouafraidtokissme?'
　　Theansweris，thereadypressureofherlipsuponthecoldbutsmilingmouth。
　　'Blessye！NOWliftme，mylove。'
　　LizzieHexamverysoftlyraisedtheweather-stainedgreyhead，andliftedherashighasHeaven。
　　Chapter9
　　SOMEBODYBECOMESTHESUBJECTOFAPREDICTION
　　'“Wegivetheeheartythanksforthatithathpleasedtheetodeliverthisoursisteroutofthemiseriesofthissinfulworld。”'
　　SoreadtheReverendFrankMilveyinanotuntroubledvoice，forhisheartmisgavehimthatallwasnotquiterightbetweenusandoursister——orsayoursisterinLaw——PoorLaw——andthatwesometimesreadthesewordsinanawfulmanner，overourSisterandourBrothertoo。
　　AndSloppy——onwhomthebravedeceasedhadneverturnedherbackuntilsheranawayfromhim，knowingthatotherwisehewouldnotbeseparatedfromher——Sloppycouldnotinhisconscienceasyetfindtheheartythanksrequiredofit。SelfishinSloppy，andyetexcusable，itmaybehumblyhoped，becauseoursisterhadbeenmorethanhismother。
　　ThewordswerereadabovetheashesofBettyHigden，inacornerofachurchyardneartheriver；inachurchyardsoobscurethattherewasnothinginitbutgrass-mounds，notsomuchasonesingletombstone。Itmightnotbetodoanunreasonablygreatdealforthediggersandhewers，inaregisteringage，ifweticketedtheirgravesatthecommoncharge；sothatanewgenerationmightknowwhichwaswhich:sothatthesoldier，sailor，emigrant，cominghome，shouldbeabletoidentifytheresting-placeoffather，mother，playmate，orbetrothed。For，weturnupoureyesandsaythatweareallalikeindeath，andwemightturnthemdownandworkthesayingoutinthisworld，sofar。Itwouldbesentimental，perhaps?Buthowsayye，mylordsandgentlemanandhonourableboards，shallwenotfindgoodstanding-roomleftforalittlesentiment，ifwelookintoourcrowds?
　　NearuntotheReverendFrankMilveyasheread，stoodhislittlewife，JohnRokesmiththeSecretary，andBellaWilfer。These，overandaboveSloppy，werethemournersatthelowlygrave。Notapennyhadbeenaddedtothemoneysewninherdress:whatherhonestspirithadsolongprojected，wasfulfilled。
　　'I'vetookitinmyhead，'saidSloppy，layingit，inconsolable，againstthechurchdoor，whenallwasdone:I'vetookitinmywretchedheadthatImighthavesometimesturnedalittleharderforher，anditcutsmedeeptothinksonow。'
　　TheReverendFrankMilvey，comfortingSloppy，expoundedtohimhowthebestofusweremoreorlessremissinourturningsatourrespectiveMangles——someofusverymuchso——andhowwewereallahalting，failing，feeble，andinconstantcrew。
　　'SHEwarn't，sir，'saidSloppy，takingthisghostlycounselratherill，inbehalfofhislatebenefactress。'Letusspeakforourselves，sir。
　　Shewentthroughwithwhateverdutyshehadtodo。Shewentthroughwithme，shewentthroughwiththeMinders，shewentthroughwithherself，shewentthroughwitheverythink。OMrsHigden，MrsHigden，youwasawomanandamotherandamanglerinamillionmillion！'
　　Withthoseheartfeltwords，Sloppyremovedhisdejectedheadfromthechurchdoor，andtookitbacktothegraveinthecomer，andlaiditdownthere，andweptalone。'Notaverypoorgrave，'saidtheReverendFrankMilvey，brushinghishandacrosshiseyes，'whenithasthathomelyfigureonit。Richer，Ithink，thanitcouldbemadebymostofthesculptureinWestminsterAbbey！'
　　Theylefthimundisturbed，andpassedoutatthewicket-gate。Thewater-wheelofthepaper-millwasaudiblethere，andseemedtohaveasofteninginfluenceonthebrightwintryscene。Theyhadarrivedbutalittlewhilebefore，andLizzieHexamnowtoldthemthelittleshecouldaddtotheletterinwhichshehadenclosedMrRokesmith'sletterandhadaskedfortheirinstructions。Thiswasmerelyhowshehadheardthegroan，andwhathadafterwardspassed，andhowshehadobtainedleavefortheremainstobeplacedinthatsweet，fresh，emptystore-roomofthemillfromwhichtheyhadjustaccompaniedthemtothechurchyard，andhowthelastrequestshadbeenreligiouslyobserved。
　　'Icouldnothavedoneitall，ornearlyall，ofmyself，'saidLizzie。'I
　　shouldnothavewantedthewill；butIshouldnothavehadthepower，withoutourmanagingpartner。'
　　'SurelynottheJewwhoreceivedus?'saidMrsMilvey。
　　'Mydear，'observedherhusbandinparenthesis，'whynot?'
　　'ThegentlemancertainlyisaJew，'saidLizzie，'andthelady，hiswife，isaJewess，andIwasfirstbroughttotheirnoticebyaJew。
　　ButIthinktherecannotbekinderpeopleintheworld。'
　　'Butsupposetheytrytoconvertyou！'suggestedMrsMilvey，bristlinginhergoodlittleway，asaclergyman'swife。
　　'Todowhat，ma'am?'askedLizzie，withamodestsmile。
　　'Tomakeyouchangeyourreligion，'saidMrsMilvey。
　　Lizzieshookherhead，stillsmiling。'Theyhaveneveraskedmewhatmyreligionis。Theyaskedmewhatmystorywas，andItoldthem。Theyaskedmetobeindustriousandfaithful，andI
　　promisedtobeso。Theymostwillinglyandcheerfullydotheirdutytoallofuswhoareemployedhere，andwetrytodoourstothem。Indeedtheydomuchmorethantheirdutytous，fortheyarewonderfullymindfulofusinmanyways。
　　'Itiseasytoseeyou'reafavourite，mydear，'saidlittleMrsMilvey，notquitepleased。
　　'ItwouldbeveryungratefulinmetosayIamnot，'returnedLizzie，'forIhavebeenalreadyraisedtoaplaceofconfidencehere。Butthatmakesnodifferenceintheirfollowingtheirownreligionandleavingallofustoours。Theynevertalkoftheirstous，andtheynevertalkofourstous。IfIwasthelastinthemill，itwouldbejustthesame。Theyneveraskedmewhatreligionthatpoorthinghadfollowed。'
　　'Mydear，'saidMrsMilvey，asidetotheReverendFrank，'Iwishyouwouldtalktoher。'
　　'Mydear，'saidtheReverendFrankasidetohisgoodlittlewife，'I
　　thinkIwillleaveittosomebodyelse。Thecircumstancesarehardlyfavourable。Thereareplentyoftalkersgoingabout，mylove，andshewillsoonfindone。'
　　Whilethisdiscoursewasinterchanging，bothBellaandtheSecretaryobservedLizzieHexamwithgreatattention。Broughtfacetofaceforthefirsttimewiththedaughterofhissupposedmurderer，itwasnaturalthatJohnHarmonshouldhavehisownsecretreasonsforacarefulscrutinyofhercountenanceandmanner。BellaknewthatLizzie'sfatherhadbeenfalselyaccusedofthecrimewhichhadhadsogreataninfluenceonherownlifeandfortunes；andherinterest，thoughithadnosecretsprings，likethatoftheSecretary，wasequallynatural。BothhadexpectedtoseesomethingverydifferentfromtherealLizzieHexam，andthusitfelloutthatshebecametheunconsciousmeansofbringingthemtogether。
　　For，whentheyhadwalkedonwithhertothelittlehouseinthecleanvillagebythepaper-mill，whereLizziehadalodgingwithanelderlycoupleemployedintheestablishment，andwhenMrsMilveyandBellahadbeenuptoseeherroomandhadcomedown，themillbellrang。ThiscalledLizzieawayforthetime，andlefttheSecretaryandBellastandingratherawkwardlyinthesmallstreet；
　　MrsMilveybeingengagedinpursuingthevillagechildren，andherinvestigationswhethertheywereindangerofbecomingchildrenofIsrael；andtheReverendFrankbeingengaged——tosaythetruth——inevadingthatbranchofhisspiritualfunctions，andgettingoutofsightsurreptitiously。
　　Bellaatlengthsaid:
　　'Hadn'twebettertalkaboutthecommissionwehaveundertaken，MrRokesmith?'
　　'Byallmeans，'saidtheSecretary。
　　'Isuppose，'falteredBella，'thatweAREbothcommissioned，orweshouldn'tbothbehere?'
　　'Isupposeso，'wastheSecretary'sanswer。
　　'WhenIproposedtocomewithMrandMrsMilvey，'saidBella，'MrsBoffinurgedmetodoso，inorderthatImightgivehermysmallreport——it'snotworthanything，MrRokesmith，exceptforit'sbeingawoman's——whichindeedwithyoumaybeafreshreasonforit'sbeingworthnothing——ofLizzieHexam。'
　　'MrBoffin，'saidtheSecretary，'directedmetocomeforthesamepurpose。'
　　Astheyspoketheywereleavingthelittlestreetandemergingonthewoodedlandscapebytheriver。
　　'Youthinkwellofher，MrRokesmith?'pursuedBella，consciousofmakingalltheadvances。
　　'Ithinkhighlyofher。'
　　'Iamsogladofthat！Somethingquiterefinedinherbeauty，istherenot?'
　　'Herappearanceisverystriking。'
　　'Thereisashadeofsadnessuponherthatisquitetouching。AtleastI——Iamnotsettingupmyownpooropinion，youknow，MrRokesmith，'saidBella，excusingandexplainingherselfinaprettyshyway；'Iamconsultingyou。'
　　'Inoticedthatsadness。Ihopeitmaynot，'saidtheSecretaryinalowervoice，'betheresultofthefalseaccusationwhichhasbeenretracted。'
　　Whentheyhadpassedonalittlefurtherwithoutspeaking，Bella，afterstealingaglanceortwoattheSecretary，suddenlysaid:
　　'Oh，MrRokesmith，don'tbehardwithme，don'tbesternwithme；
　　bemagnanimous！Iwanttotalkwithyouonequalterms。'
　　TheSecretaryassuddenlybrightened，andreturned:'UponmyhonourIhadnothoughtbutforyou。Iforcedmyselftobeconstrained，lestyoumightmisinterpretmybeingmorenatural。
　　There。It'sgone。'
　　'Thankyou，'saidBella，holdingoutherlittlehand。'Forgiveme。'
　　'No！'criedtheSecretary，eagerly。'ForgiveME！'Forthereweretearsinhereyes，andtheywereprettierinhissightthoughtheysmotehimontheheartratherreproachfullytoothananyotherglitterintheworld。
　　Whentheyhadwalkedalittlefurther:
　　'Youweregoingtospeaktome，'saidtheSecretary，withtheshadowsolongonhimquitethrownoffandcastaway，'aboutLizzieHexam。SowasIgoingtospeaktoyou，ifIcouldhavebegun。'
　　'NowthatyouCANbegin，sir，'returnedBella，withalookasifsheitalicizedthewordbyputtingoneofherdimplesunderit，'whatwereyougoingtosay?'
　　'Youremember，ofcourse，thatinhershortlettertoMrsBoffin——
　　short，butcontainingeverythingtothepurpose——shestipulatedthateitherhername，orelseherplaceofresidence，mustbekeptstrictlyasecretamongus。'
　　BellanoddedYes。
　　'Itismydutytofindoutwhyshemadethatstipulation。IhaveitinchargefromMrBoffintodiscover，andIamverydesirousformyselftodiscover，whetherthatretractedaccusationstillleavesanystainuponher。Imeanwhetheritplacesheratanydisadvantagetowardsanyone，eventowardsherself。'
　　'Yes，'saidBella，noddingthoughtfully；'Iunderstand。Thatseemswise，andconsiderate。'
　　'Youmaynothavenoticed，MissWilfer，thatshehasthesamekindofinterestinyou，thatyouhaveinher。Justasyouareattractedbyherbeaut——byherappearanceandmanner，sheisattractedbyyours。'
　　'IcertainlyhaveNOTnoticedit，'returnedBella，againitalicizingwiththedimple，'andIshouldhavegivenhercreditfor——'
　　TheSecretarywithasmilehelduphishand，soplainlyinterposing'notforbettertaste'，thatBella'scolourdeepenedoverthelittlepieceofcoquetryshewascheckedin。
　　'Andso，'resumedtheSecretary，'ifyouwouldspeakwithheralonebeforewegoawayfromhere，Ifeelquitesurethatanaturalandeasyconfidencewouldarisebetweenyou。Ofcourseyouwouldnotbeaskedtobetrayit；andofcourseyouwouldnot，ifyouwere。
　　Butifyoudonotobjecttoputthisquestiontoher——toascertainforusherownfeelinginthisonematter——youcandosoatafargreateradvantagethanIoranyelsecould。MrBoffinisanxiousonthesubject。AndIam，'addedtheSecretaryafteramoment，'foraspecialreason，veryanxious。'
　　'Ishallbehappy，MrRokesmith，'returnedBella，'tobeoftheleastuse；forIfeel，aftertheserioussceneofto-day，thatIamuselessenoughinthisworld。'
　　'Don'tsaythat，'urgedtheSecretary。
　　'Oh，butImeanthat，'saidBella，raisinghereyebrows。
　　'Nooneisuselessinthisworld，'retortedtheSecretary，'wholightenstheburdenofitforanyoneelse。'
　　'ButIassureyouIDON'T，MrRokesmith，'saidBella。half-crying。
　　'Notforyourfather?'
　　'Dear，loving，self-forgetting，easily-satisfiedPa！Oh，yes！Hethinksso。'
　　'Itisenoughifheonlythinksso，'saidtheSecretary。'Excusetheinterruption:Idon'tliketohearyoudepreciateyourself。'
　　'ButYOUoncedepreciatedME，sir，'thoughtBella，pouting，'andI
　　hopeyoumaybesatisfiedwiththeconsequencesyoubroughtuponyourhead！'However，shesaidnothingtothatpurpose；sheevensaidsomethingtoadifferentpurpose。
　　'MrRokesmith，itseemssolongsincewespoketogethernaturally，thatIamembarrassedinapproachinganothersubject。MrBoffin。
　　YouknowIamverygratefultohim；don'tyou?YouknowIfeelatruerespectforhim，andamboundtohimbythestrongtiesofhisowngenerosity；nowdon'tyou?'
　　'Unquestionably。Andalsothatyouarehisfavouritecompanion。'
　　'Thatmakesit，'saidBella，'soverydifficulttospeakofhim。But。
　　Doeshetreatyouwell?'
　　'Youseehowhetreatsme，'theSecretaryanswered，withapatientandyetproudair。
　　'Yes，andIseeitwithpain，'saidBella，veryenergetically。
　　TheSecretarygavehersucharadiantlook，thatifhehadthankedherahundredtimes，hecouldnothavesaidasmuchasthelooksaid。
　　'Iseeitwithpain，'repeatedBella，'anditoftenmakesmemiserable。Miserable，becauseIcannotbeartobesupposedtoapproveofit，orhaveanyindirectshareinit。Miserable，becauseI
　　cannotbeartobeforcedtoadmittomyselfthatFortuneisspoilingMrBoffin。'
　　'MissWilfer，'saidtheSecretary，withabeamingface，'ifyoucouldknowwithwhatdelightImakethediscoverythatFortuneisn'tspoilingYOU，youwouldknowthatitmorethancompensatesmeforanyslightatanyotherhands。'
　　'Oh，don'tspeakofME，'saidBella，givingherselfanimpatientlittleslapwithherglove。'Youdon'tknowmeaswellas——'
　　'Asyouknowyourself?'suggestedtheSecretary，findingthatshestopped。'DOyouknowyourself?'
　　'Iknowquiteenoughofmyself，'saidBella，withacharmingairofbeinginclinedtogiveherselfupasabadjob，'andIdon'timproveuponacquaintance。ButMrBoffin。'
　　'ThatMrBoffin'smannertome，orconsiderationforme，isnotwhatitusedtobe，'observedtheSecretary，'mustbeadmitted。Itistooplaintobedenied。'
　　'Areyoudisposedtodenyit，MrRokesmith?'askedBella，withalookofwonder。
　　'OughtInottobegladtodoso，ifIcould:thoughitwereonlyformyownsake?'
　　'Truly，'returnedBella，'itmusttryyouverymuch，and——youmustpleasepromisemethatyouwon'ttakeillwhatIamgoingtoadd，MrRokesmith?'
　　'Ipromiseitwithallmyheart。'
　　'——Anditmustsometimes，Ishouldthink，'saidBella，hesitating，'alittleloweryouinyourownestimation?'
　　Assentingwithamovementofhishead，thoughnotatalllookingasifitdid，theSecretaryreplied:
　　'Ihaveverystrongreasons，MissWilfer，forbearingwiththedrawbacksofmypositioninthehousewebothinhabit。Believethattheyarenotallmercenary，althoughIhave，throughaseriesofstrangefatalities，fadedoutofmyplaceinlife。Ifwhatyouseewithsuchagraciousandgoodsympathyiscalculatedtorousemypride，thereareotherconsiderationsandthoseyoudonotsee
　　urgingmetoquietendurance。Thelatterarebyfarthestronger。'
　　'IthinkIhavenoticed，MrRokesmith，'saidBella，lookingathimwithcuriosity，asnotquitemakinghimout，'thatyourepressyourself，andforceyourself，toactapassivepart。'
　　'Youareright。Irepressmyselfandforcemyselftoactapart。ItisnotintamenessofspiritthatIsubmit。Ihaveasettledpurpose。'
　　'Andagoodone，Ihope，'saidBella。
　　'Andagoodone，Ihope，'heanswered，lookingsteadilyather。
　　'SometimesIhavefancied，sir，'saidBella，turningawayhereyes，'thatyourgreatregardforMrsBoffinisaverypowerfulmotivewithyou。'
　　'Youarerightagain；itis。Iwoulddoanythingforher，bearanythingforher。TherearenowordstoexpresshowIesteemthatgood，goodwoman。'
　　'AsIdotoo！MayIaskyouonethingmore，MrRokesmith?'
　　'Anythingmore。'
　　'Ofcourseyouseethatshereallysuffers，whenMrBoffinshowshowheischanging?'
　　'Iseeit，everyday，asyouseeit，andamgrievedtogiveherpain。'
　　'Togiveherpain?'saidBella，repeatingthephrasequickly，withhereyebrowsraised。
　　'Iamgenerallytheunfortunatecauseofit。'
　　'Perhapsshesaystoyou，assheoftensaystome，thatheisthebestofmen，inspiteofall。'
　　'Ioftenoverhearher，inherhonestandbeautifuldevotiontohim，sayingsotoyou，'returnedtheSecretary，withthesamesteadylook，'butIcannotassertthatsheeversayssotome。'
　　Bellametthesteadylookforamomentwithawistful，musinglittlelookofherown，andthen，noddingherprettyheadseveraltimes，likeadimpledphilosopheroftheverybestschoolwhowasmoralizingonLife，heavedalittlesigh，andgaveupthingsingeneralforabadjob，asshehadpreviouslybeeninclinedtogiveupherself。
　　But，forallthat，theyhadaverypleasantwalk。Thetreeswerebareofleaves，andtheriverwasbareofwater-lilies；buttheskywasnotbareofitsbeautifulblue，andthewaterreflectedit，andadeliciouswindranwiththestream，touchingthesurfacecrisply。
　　Perhapstheoldmirrorwasneveryetmadebyhumanhands，which，ifalltheimagesithasinitstimereflectedcouldpassacrossitssurfaceagain，wouldfailtorevealsomesceneofhorrorordistress。Butthegreatserenemirroroftheriverseemedasifitmighthavereproducedallithadeverreflectedbetweenthoseplacidbanks，andbroughtnothingtothelightsavewhatwaspeaceful，pastoral，andblooming。
　　So，theywalked，speakingofthenewlyfilled-upgrave，andofJohnny，andofmanythings。So，ontheirreturn，theymetbriskMrsMilveycomingtoseekthem，withtheagreeableintelligencethattherewasnofearforthevillagechildren，therebeingaChristianschoolinthevillage，andnoworseJudaicalinterferencewithitthantoplantitsgarden。So，theygotbacktothevillageasLizzieHexamwascomingfromthepaper-mill，andBelladetachedherselftospeakwithherinherownhome。
　　'Iamafraiditisapoorroomforyou，'saidLizzie，withasmileofwelcome，assheofferedthepostofhonourbythefireside。
　　'Notsopoorasyouthink，mydear，'returnedBella，'ifyouknewall。'Indeed，thoughattainedbysomewonderfulwindingnarrowstairs，whichseemedtohavebeenerectedinapurewhitechimney，andthoughverylowintheceiling，andveryruggedinthefloor，andratherblinkingastotheproportionsofitslatticewindow，itwasapleasanterroomthanthatdespisedchamberonceathome，inwhichBellahadfirstbemoanedthemiseriesoftakinglodgers。
　　Thedaywasclosingasthetwogirlslookedatoneanotherbythefireside。Theduskyroomwaslightedbythefire。Thegratemighthavebeentheoldbrazier，andtheglowmighthavebeentheoldhollowdownbytheflare。
　　'It'squitenewtome，'saidLizzie，'tobevisitedbyaladysonearlyofmyownage，andsopretty，asyou。It'sapleasuretometolookatyou。'
　　'Ihavenothinglefttobeginwith，'returnedBella，blushing，'becauseIwasgoingtosaythatitwasapleasuretometolookatyou，Lizzie。Butwecanbeginwithoutabeginning，can'twe?'
　　Lizzietooktheprettylittlehandthatwasheldoutinasprettyalittlefrankness。
　　'Now，dear，'saidBella，drawingherchairalittlenearer，andtakingLizzie'sarmasiftheyweregoingoutforawalk，'Iamcommissionedwithsomethingtosay，andIdaresayIshallsayitwrong，butIwon'tifIcanhelpit。ItisinreferencetoyourlettertoMrandMrsBoffin，andthisiswhatitis。Letmesee。Ohyes！
　　Thisiswhatitis。'
　　Withthisexordium，BellasetforththatrequestofLizzie'stouchingsecrecy，anddelicatelyspokeofthatfalseaccusationanditsretraction，andaskedmightshebegtobeinformedwhetherithadanybearing，nearorremote，onsuchrequest。'Ifeel，mydear，'saidBella，quiteamazingherselfbythebusiness-likemannerinwhichshewasgettingon，'thatthesubjectmustbeapainfulonetoyou，butIammixedupinitalso；for——Idon'tknowwhetheryoumayknowitorsuspectit——Iamthewilled-awaygirlwhowastohavebeenmarriedtotheunfortunategentleman，ifhehadbeenpleasedtoapproveofme。SoIwasdraggedintothesubjectwithoutmyconsent，andyouweredraggedintoitwithoutyourconsent，andthereisverylittletochoosebetweenus。'
　　'Ihadnodoubt，'saidLizzie，'thatyouweretheMissWilferIhaveoftenheardnamed。Canyoutellmewhomyunknownfriendis?'
　　'Unknownfriend，mydear?'saidBella。
　　'Whocausedthechargeagainstpoorfathertobecontradicted，andsentmethewrittenpaper。'
　　Bellahadneverheardofhim。Hadnonotionwhohewas。
　　'Ishouldhavebeengladtothankhim，'returnedLizzie。'Hehasdoneagreatdealforme。Imusthopethathewillletmethankhimsomeday。Youaskedmehasitanythingtodo——'
　　'Itortheaccusationitself，'Bellaputin。
　　'Yes。Haseitheranythingtodowithmywishingtolivequitesecretandretiredhere?No。'
　　AsLizzieHexamshookherheadingivingthisreplyandasherglancesoughtthefire，therewasaquietresolutioninherfoldedhands，notlostonBella'sbrighteyes。
　　'Haveyoulivedmuchalone?'askedBella。
　　'Yes。It'snothingnewtome。Iusedtobealwaysalonemanyhourstogether，inthedayandinthenight，whenpoorfatherwasalive。'
　　'Youhaveabrother，Ihavebeentold?'
　　'Ihaveabrother，butheisnotfriendlywithme。Heisaverygoodboythough，andhasraisedhimselfbyhisindustry。Idon'tcomplainofhim。'
　　Asshesaidit，withhereyesuponthefire-glow，therewasaninstantaneousescapeofdistressintoherface。Bellaseizedthemomenttotouchherhand。
　　'Lizzie，Iwishyouwouldtellmewhetheryouhaveanyfriendofyourownsexandage。'
　　'Ihavelivedthatlonelykindoflife，thatIhaveneverhadone，'wastheanswer。
　　'NorIneither，'saidBella。'Notthatmylifehasbeenlonely，forI
　　couldhavesometimeswisheditlonelier，insteadofhavingMagoingonliketheTragicMusewithaface-acheinmajesticcorners，andLavvybeingspiteful——thoughofcourseIamveryfondofthemboth。Iwishyoucouldmakeafriendofme，Lizzie。Doyouthinkyoucould?Ihavenomoreofwhattheycallcharacter，mydear，thanacanary-bird，butIknowIamtrustworthy。'
　　Thewayward，playful，affectionatenature，giddyforwantoftheweightofsomesustainingpurpose，andcapriciousbecauseitwasalwaysflutteringamonglittlethings，wasyetacaptivatingone。ToLizzieitwassonew，sopretty，atoncesowomanlyandsochildish，thatitwonhercompletely。AndwhenBellasaidagain，'Doyouthinkyoucould，Lizzie?'withhereyebrowsraised，herheadinquiringlyononeside，andanodddoubtaboutitinherownbosom，Lizzieshowedbeyondallquestionthatshethoughtshecould。
　　'Tellme，mydear，'saidBella，'whatisthematter，andwhyyoulivelikethis。'
　　Lizziepresentlybegan，bywayofprelude，'Youmusthavemanylovers——'whenBellacheckedherwithalittlescreamofastonishment。
　　'Mydear，Ihaven'tone！'
　　'Notone?'
　　'Well！Perhapsone，'saidBella。'IamsureIdon'tknow。IHAD
　　one，butwhathemaythinkaboutitatthepresenttimeIcan'tsay。
　　PerhapsIhavehalfaoneofcourseIdon'tcountthatIdiot，GeorgeSampson。However，nevermindme。Iwanttohearaboutyou。'
　　'Thereisacertainman，'saidLizzie，'apassionateandangryman，whosayshelovesme，andwhoImustbelievedoesloveme。Heisthefriendofmybrother。Ishrankfromhimwithinmyselfwhenmybrotherfirstbroughthimtome；butthelasttimeIsawhimheterrifiedmemorethanIcansay。'Thereshestopped。
　　'Didyoucomeheretoescapefromhim，Lizzie?'
　　'Icamehereimmediatelyafterhesoalarmedme。'
　　'Areyouafraidofhimhere?'
　　'Iamnottimidgenerally，butIamalwaysafraidofhim。Iamafraidtoseeanewspaper，ortohearawordspokenofwhatisdoneinLondon，lestheshouldhavedonesomeviolence。'
　　'Thenyouarenotafraidofhimforyourself，dear?'saidBella，afterponderingonthewords。
　　'Ishouldbeeventhat，ifImethimabouthere。Ilookroundforhimalways，asIpasstoandfroatnight。'
　　'AreyouafraidofanythinghemaydotohimselfinLondon，mydear?'
　　'No。Hemightbefierceenougheventodosomeviolencetohimself，butIdon'tthinkofthat。'
　　'Thenitwouldalmostseem，dear，'saidBellaquaintly，'asiftheremustbesomebodyelse?'
　　Lizzieputherhandsbeforeherfaceforamomentbeforereplying:
　　'Thewordsarealwaysinmyears，andtheblowhestruckuponastonewallashesaidthemisalwaysbeforemyeyes。Ihavetriedhardtothinkitnotworthremembering，butIcannotmakesolittleofit。Hishandwastricklingdownwithbloodashesaidtome，“ThenIhopethatImayneverkillhim！“
　　Ratherstartled，BellamadeandclaspedagirdleofherarmsroundLizzie'swaist，andthenaskedquietly，inasoftvoice，astheybothlookedatthefire:
　　'Killhim！Isthismansojealous，then?'
　　'Ofagentleman，'saidLizzie。'——Ihardlyknowhowtotellyou——ofagentlemanfarabovemeandmywayoflife，whobrokefather'sdeathtome，andhasshownaninterestinmesince。'
　　'Doesheloveyou?'
　　Lizzieshookherhead。
　　'Doesheadmireyou?'
　　Lizzieceasedtoshakeherhead，andpressedherhanduponherlivinggirdle。
　　'Isitthroughhisinfluencethatyoucamehere?'
　　'Ono！AndofalltheworldIwouldn'thavehimknowthatIamhere，orgettheleastcluewheretofindme。'
　　'Lizzie，dear！Why?'askedBella，inamazementatthisburst。Butthenquicklyadded，readingLizzie'sface:'No。Don'tsaywhy。
　　Thatwasafoolishquestionofmine。Isee，Isee。'
　　Therewassilencebetweenthem。Lizzie，withadroopinghead，glanceddownattheglowinthefirewhereherfirstfancieshadbeennursed，andherfirstescapemadefromthegrimlifeoutofwhichshehadpluckedherbrother，foreseeingherreward。
　　'Youknowallnow，'shesaid，raisinghereyestoBella's。'Thereisnothingleftout。Thisismyreasonforlivingsecrethere，withtheaidofagoodoldmanwhoismytruefriend。Forashortpartofmylifeathomewithfather，Iknewofthings——don'taskmewhat——
　　thatIsetmyfaceagainst，andtriedtobetter。Idon'tthinkIcouldhavedonemore，then，withoutlettingmyholdonfathergo；buttheysometimeslieheavyonmymind。Bydoingallforthebest，I
　　hopeImaywearthemout。'
　　'Andwearouttoo，'saidBellasoothingly，'thisweakness，Lizzie，infavourofonewhoisnotworthyofit。'
　　'No。Idon'twanttowearthatout，'wastheflushedreply，'nordoI
　　wanttobelieve，nordoIbelieve，thatheisnotworthyofit。WhatshouldIgainbythat，andhowmuchshouldIlose！'
　　Bella'sexpressivelittleeyebrowsremonstratedwiththefireforsomeshorttimebeforesherejoined:
　　'Don'tthinkthatIpressyou，Lizzie；butwouldn'tyougaininpeace，andhope，andeveninfreedom?Wouldn'titbebetternottoliveasecretlifeinhiding，andnottobeshutoutfromyournaturalandwholesomeprospects?Forgivemyaskingyou，wouldthatbenogain?'
　　'Doesawoman'sheartthat——thathasthatweaknessinitwhichyouhavespokenof，'returnedLizzie，'seektogainanything?'
　　ThequestionwassodirectlyatvariancewithBella'sviewsinlife，assetforthtoherfather，thatshesaidinternally，'There，youlittlemercenarywretch！Doyouhearthat?Ain'tyouashamedofyourself?'andunclaspedthegirdleofherarms，expresslytogiveherselfapenitentialpokeintheside。
　　'Butyousaid，Lizzie，'observedBella，returningtohersubjectwhenshehadadministeredthischastisement，'thatyouwouldlose，besides。Wouldyoumindtellingmewhatyouwouldlose，Lizzie?'
　　'Ishouldlosesomeofthebestrecollections，bestencouragements，andbestobjects，thatIcarrythroughmydailylife。IshouldlosemybeliefthatifIhadbeenhisequal，andhehadlovedme，I
　　shouldhavetriedwithallmymighttomakehimbetterandhappier，ashewouldhavemademe。IshouldlosealmostallthevaluethatIputuponthelittlelearningIhave，whichisallowingtohim，andwhichIconqueredthedifficultiesof，thathemightnotthinkitthrownawayuponme。Ishouldloseakindofpictureofhim——orofwhathemighthavebeen，ifIhadbeenalady，andhehadlovedme——whichisalwayswithme，andwhichIsomehowfeelthatIcouldnotdoameanorawrongthingbefore。IshouldleaveoffprizingtheremembrancethathehasdonemenothingbutgoodsinceIhaveknownhim，andthathehasmadeachangewithinme，like——likethechangeinthegrainofthesehands，whichwerecoarse，andcracked，andhard，andbrownwhenIrowedontheriverwithfather，andaresoftenedandmadesupplebythisnewworkasyouseethemnow。'
　　Theytrembled，butwithnoweakness，assheshowedthem。
　　'Understandme，mydear；'thusshewenton。IhaveneverdreamedofthepossibilityofhisbeinganythingtomeonthisearthbutthekindpicturethatIknowIcouldnotmakeyouunderstand，iftheunderstandingwasnotinyourownbreastalready。IhavenomoredreamedofthepossibilityofMYbeinghiswife，thanheeverhas——
　　andwordscouldnotbestrongerthanthat。AndyetIlovehim。I
　　lovehimsomuch，andsodearly，thatwhenIsometimesthinkmylifemaybebutawearyone，Iamproudofitandgladofit。Iamproudandgladtosuffersomethingforhim，eventhoughitisofnoservicetohim，andhewillneverknowofitorcareforit。'
　　Bellasatenchainedbythedeep，unselfishpassionofthisgirlorwomanofherownage，courageouslyrevealingitselfintheconfidenceofhersympatheticperceptionofitstruth。Andyetshehadneverexperiencedanythinglikeit，orthoughtoftheexistenceofanythinglikeit。
　　'Itwaslateuponawretchednight，'saidLizzie，'whenhiseyesfirstlookedatmeinmyoldriver-sidehome，verydifferentfromthis。
　　Hiseyesmayneverlookatmeagain。Iwouldratherthattheyneverdid；Ihopethattheynevermay。ButIwouldnothavethelightofthemtakenoutofmylife，foranythingmylifecangiveme。
　　Ihavetoldyoueverythingnow，mydear。Ifitcomesalittlestrangetometohavepartedwithit，Iamnotsorry。Ihadnothoughtofeverpartingwithasinglewordofit，amomentbeforeyoucamein；butyoucamein，andmymindchanged。'
　　Bellakissedheronthecheek，andthankedherwarmlyforherconfidence。'Ionlywish，'saidBella，'Iwasmoredeservingofit。'
　　'Moredeservingofit?'repeatedLizzie，withanincreduloussmile。
　　'Idon'tmeaninrespectofkeepingit，'saidBella，'becauseanyoneshouldtearmetobitsbeforegettingatasyllableofit——thoughthere'snomeritinthat，forIamnaturallyasobstinateasaPig。
　　WhatImeanis，Lizzie，thatIamamereimpertinentpieceofconceit，andyoushameme。'
　　Lizzieputuptheprettybrownhairthatcametumblingdown，owingtotheenergywithwhichBellashookherhead；andsheremonstratedwhilethusengaged，'Mydear！'
　　'Oh，it'sallverywelltocallmeyourdear，'saidBella，withapettishwhimper，'andIamgladtobecalledso，thoughIhaveslightenoughclaimtobe。ButIAMsuchanastylittlething！'
　　'Mydear！'urgedLizzieagain。
　　'Suchashallow，cold，worldly，Limitedlittlebrute！'saidBella，bringingoutherlastadjectivewithculminatingforce。
　　'Doyouthink，'inquiredLizziewithherquietsmile，thehairbeingnowsecured，'thatIdon'tknowbetter?'
　　'DOyouknowbetterthough?'saidBella。'Doyoureallybelieveyouknowbetter?Oh，Ishouldbesogladifyoudidknowbetter，butIamsoverymuchafraidthatImustknowbest！'
　　Lizzieaskedher，laughingoutright，whethersheeversawherownfaceorheardherownvoice?
　　'Isupposeso，'returnedBella；'Ilookintheglassoftenenough，andIchatterlikeaMagpie。'
　　'Ihaveseenyourface，andheardyourvoice，atanyrate，'saidLizzie，'andtheyhavetemptedmetosaytoyou——withacertaintyofnotgoingwrong——whatIthoughtIshouldneversaytoanyone。
　　Doesthatlookill?'
　　'No，Ihopeitdoesn't，'poutedBella，stoppingherselfinsomethingbetweenahumouredlaughandahumouredsob。
　　'Iusedoncetoseepicturesinthefire，'saidLizzieplayfully，'topleasemybrother。ShallItellyouwhatIseedowntherewherethefireisglowing?'
　　Theyhadrisen，andwerestandingonthehearth，thetimebeingcomeforseparating；eachhaddrawnanarmaroundtheothertotakeleave。
　　'ShallItellyou，'askedLizzie，'whatIseedownthere?'
　　'Limitedlittleb?'suggestedBellawithhereyebrowsraised。
　　'Aheartwellworthwinning，andwellwon。Aheartthat，oncewon，goesthroughfireandwaterforthewinner，andneverchanges，andisneverdaunted。'
　　'Girl'sheart?'askedBella，withaccompanyingeyebrows。Lizzienodded。'Andthefiguretowhichitbelongs——'
　　Isyours，'suggestedBella。
　　'No。Mostclearlyanddistinctlyyours。'
　　Sotheinterviewterminatedwithpleasantwordsonbothsides，andwithmanyremindersonthepartofBellathattheywerefriends，andpledgesthatshewouldsooncomedownintothatpartofthecountryagain。TherewithLizziereturnedtoheroccupation，andBellaranovertothelittleinntorejoinhercompany。
　　'Youlookratherserious，MissWilfer，'wastheSecretary'sfirstremark。
　　'Ifeelratherserious，'returnedMissWilfer。
　　ShehadnothingelsetotellhimbutthatLizzieHexam'ssecrethadnoreferencewhatevertothecruelcharge，oritswithdrawal。Ohyesthough！saidBella；shemightaswellmentiononeotherthing；
　　Lizziewasverydesiroustothankherunknownfriendwhohadsentherthewrittenretractation。Wasshe，indeed?observedtheSecretary。Ah！Bellaaskedhim，hadheanynotionwhothatunknownfriendmightbe?Hehadnonotionwhatever。
　　TheywereonthebordersofOxfordshire，sofarhadpooroldBettyHigdenstrayed。Theyweretoreturnbythetrainpresently，and，thestationbeingnearathand，theReverendFrankandMrsFrank，andSloppyandBellaandtheSecretary，setouttowalktoit。Fewrusticpathsarewideenoughforfive，andBellaandtheSecretarydroppedbehind。
　　'Canyoubelieve，MrRokesmith，'saidBella，'thatIfeelasifwholeyearshadpassedsinceIwentintoLizzieHexam'scottage?'
　　'Wehavecrowdedagooddealintotheday，'hereturned，'andyouweremuchaffectedinthechurchyard。Youareover-tired。'
　　'No，Iamnotatalltired。IhavenotquiteexpressedwhatImean。
　　Idon'tmeanthatIfeelasifagreatspaceoftimehadgoneby，butthatIfeelasifmuchhadhappened——tomyself，youknow。'
　　'Forgood，Ihope?'
　　'Ihopeso，'saidBella。
　　'Youarecold；Ifeltyoutremble。Prayletmeputthiswrapperofmineaboutyou。MayIfolditoverthisshoulderwithoutinjuringyourdress?Now，itwillbetooheavyandtoolong。Letmecarrythisendovermyarm，asyouhavenoarmtogiveme。'
　　Yesshehadthough。Howshegotitout，inhermuffledstate，Heavenknows；butshegotitoutsomehow——thereitwas——andslippeditthroughtheSecretary's。
　　'IhavehadalongandinterestingtalkwithLizzie，MrRokesmith，andshegavemeherfullconfidence。'
　　'Shecouldnotwithholdit，'saidtheSecretary。
　　'Iwonderhowyoucome，'saidBella，stoppingshortassheglancedathim，'tosaytomejustwhatshesaidaboutit！'
　　'IinferthatitmustbebecauseIfeeljustasshefeltaboutit。'
　　'Andhowwasthat，doyoumeantosay，sir?'askedBella，movingagain。
　　'Thatifyouwereinclinedtowinherconfidence——anybody'sconfidence——youweresuretodoit。'
　　Therailway，atthispoint，knowinglyshuttingagreeneyeandopeningaredone，theyhadtorunforit。AsBellacouldnotruneasilysowrappedup，theSecretaryhadtohelpher。Whenshetookheroppositeplaceinthecarriagecorner，thebrightnessinherfacewassocharmingtobehold，thatonherexclaiming，'Whatbeautifulstarsandwhatagloriousnight！'theSecretarysaid'Yes，'
　　butseemedtoprefertoseethenightandthestarsinthelightofherlovelylittlecountenance，tolookingoutofwindow。
　　Obooferlady，fascinatingbooferlady！IfIwerebutlegallyexecutorofJohnny'swill！IfIhadbuttherighttopayyourlegacyandtotakeyourreceipt！——Somethingtothispurposesurelymingledwiththeblastofthetrainasitclearedthestations，allknowinglyshuttinguptheirgreeneyesandopeningtheirredoneswhentheypreparedtoletthebooferladypass。
　　Chapter10
　　SCOUTSOUT
　　'Andso，MissWren，'saidMrEugeneWrayburn，'Icannotpersuadeyoutodressmeadoll?'
　　'No，'repliedMissWrensnappishly；'ifyouwantone，goandbuyoneattheshop。'
　　'Andmycharmingyounggoddaughter，'saidMrWrayburnplaintively，'downinHertfordshire——'
　　'Humbugshireyoumean，Ithink，'interposedMissWren。
　　'——istobeputuponthecoldfootingofthegeneralpublic，andistoderivenoadvantagefrommyprivateacquaintancewiththeCourtDressmaker?'
　　'Ifit'sanyadvantagetoyourcharminggodchild——andoh，apreciousgodfathershehasgot！'——repliedMissWren，prickingathimintheairwithherneedle，'tobeinformedthattheCourtDressmakerknowsyourtricksandyourmanners，youmaytellhersobypost，withmycompliments。'
　　MissWrenwasbusyatherworkbycandle-light，andMrWrayburn，halfamusedandhalfvexed，andallidleandshiftless，stoodbyherbenchlookingon。MissWren'stroublesomechildwasinthecornerindeepdisgrace，andexhibitinggreatwretchednessintheshiveringstageofprostrationfromdrink。
　　'Ugh，youdisgracefulboy！'exclaimedMissWren，attractedbythesoundofhischatteringteeth，'Iwishthey'dalldropdownyourthroatandplayatdiceinyourstomach！Boh，wickedchild！Bee-
　　baa，blacksheep！'
　　Onheraccompanyingeachofthesereproacheswithathreateningstampofthefoot，thewretchedcreatureprotestedwithawhine。
　　'Payfiveshillingsforyouindeed！'MissWrenproceeded；'howmanyhoursdoyousupposeitcostsmetoearnfiveshillings，youimfamousboy?——Don'tcrylikethat，orI'llthrowadollatyou。Payfiveshillingsfineforyouindeed。Fineinmorewaysthanone，I
　　think！I'dgivethedustmanfiveshillings，tocarryyouoffinthedustcart。'
　　'No，no，'pleadedtheabsurdcreature。'Please！'
　　'He'senoughtobreakhismother'sheart，isthisboy，'saidMissWren，halfappealingtoEugene。'IwishIhadneverbroughthimup。He'dbesharperthanaserpent'stooth，ifhewasn'tasdullasditchwater。Lookathim。There'saprettyobjectforaparent'seyes！'
　　Assuredly，inhisworsethanswinishstateforswineatleastfattenontheirguzzling，andmakethemselvesgoodtoeat，hewasaprettyobjectforanyeyes。
　　'Amuddlingandaswipeyoldchild，'saidMissWren，ratinghimwithgreatseverity，'fitfornothingbuttobepreservedintheliquorthatdestroyshim，andputinagreatglassbottleasasightforotherswipeychildrenofhisownpattern，——ifhehasnoconsiderationforhisliver，hashenoneforhismother?'
　　'Yes。Deration，ohdon't！'criedthesubjectoftheseangryremarks。
　　'Ohdon'tandohdon't，'pursuedMissWren。'It'sohdoandohdo。
　　Andwhydoyou?'
　　'Won'tdosoanymore。Won'tindeed。Pray！'
　　'There！'saidMissWren，coveringhereyeswithherhand。'Ican'tbeartolookatyou。Goupstairsandgetmemybonnetandshawl。
　　Makeyourselfusefulinsomeway，badboy，andletmehaveyourroominsteadofyourcompany，foronehalfminute。'
　　Obeyingher，heshambledout，andEugeneWrayburnsawthetearsexudefrombetweenthelittlecreature'sfingersasshekeptherhandbeforehereyes。Hewassorry，buthissympathydidnotmovehiscarelessnesstodoanythingbutfeelsorry。
　　'I'mgoingtotheItalianOperatotryon，'saidMissWren，takingawayherhandafteralittlewhile，andlaughingsatiricallytohidethatshehadbeencrying；'ImustseeyourbackbeforeIgo，MrWrayburn。Letmefirsttellyou，onceforall，thatit'sofnouseyourpayingvisitstome。Youwouldn'tgetwhatyouwant，ofme，no，notifyoubroughtpincerswithyoutotearitout。'
　　'Areyousoobstinateonthesubjectofadoll'sdressformygodchild?'
　　'Ah！'returnedMissWrenwithahitchofherchin，'Iamsoobstinate。Andofcourseit'sonthesubjectofadoll'sdress——orADdress——whicheveryoulike。Getalongandgiveitup！'
　　Herdegradedchargehadcomeback，andwasstandingbehindherwiththebonnetandshawl。
　　'Give'emtomeandgetbackintoyourcorner，younaughtyoldthing！'saidMissWren，assheturnedandespiedhim。'No，no，I
　　won'thaveyourhelp。Gointoyourcorner，thisminute！'
　　Themiserableman，feeblyrubbingthebackofhisfalteringhandsdownwardfromthewrists，shuffledontohispostofdisgrace；butnotwithoutacuriousglanceatEugeneinpassinghim，accompaniedwithwhatseemedasifitmighthavebeenanactionofhiselbow，ifanyactionofanylimborjointhehad，wouldhaveansweredtrulytohiswill。Takingnomoreparticularnoticeofhimthaninstinctivelyfallingawayfromthedisagreeablecontact，Eugene，withalazycomplimentorsotoMissWren，beggedleavetolighthiscigar，anddeparted。
　　'Nowyouprodigaloldson，'saidJenny，shakingherheadandheremphaticlittleforefingeratherburden，'yousittheretillIcomeback。YoudaretomoveoutofyourcornerforasingleinstantwhileI'mgone，andI'llknowthereasonwhy。'
　　Withthisadmonition，sheblewherworkcandlesout，leavinghimtothelightofthefire，and，takingherbigdoor-keyinherpocketandhercrutch-stickinherhand，marchedoff。
　　EugeneloungedslowlytowardstheTemple，smokinghiscigar，butsawnomoreofthedolls'dressmaker，throughtheaccidentoftheirtakingoppositesidesofthestreet。Heloungedalongmoodily，andstoppedatCharingCrosstolookabouthim，withaslittleinterestinthecrowdasanymanmighttake，andwasloungingonagain，whenamostunexpectedobjectcaughthiseyes。
　　NolessanobjectthanJennyWren'sbadboytryingtomakeuphismindtocrosstheroad。
　　Amoreridiculousandfeeblespectaclethanthistotteringwretchmakingunsteadysalliesintotheroadway，andasoftenstaggeringbackagain，oppressedbyterrorsofvehiclesthatwerealongwayofforwerenowhere，thestreetscouldnothaveshown。Overandoveragain，whenthecoursewasperfectlyclear，hesetout，gothalfway，describedaloop，turned，andwentbackagain；whenhemighthavecrossedandre-crossedhalfadozentimes。Then，hewouldstandshiveringontheedgeofthepavement，lookingupthestreetandlookingdown，whilescoresofpeoplejostledhim，andcrossed，andwenton。Stimulatedincourseoftimebythesightofsomanysuccesses，hewouldmakeanothersally，makeanotherloop，wouldallbuthavehisfootontheoppositepavement，wouldseeorimaginesomethingcoming，andwouldstaggerbackagain。
　　There，hewouldstandmakingspasmodicpreparationsasifforagreatleap，andatlastwoulddecideonastartatpreciselythewrongmoment，andwouldberoaredatbydrivers，andwouldshrinkbackoncemore，andstandintheoldspotshivering，withthewholeoftheproceedingstogothroughagain。
　　'Itstrikesme，'remarkedEugenecoolly，afterwatchinghimforsomeminutes，'thatmyfriendislikelytoberatherbehindtimeifhehasanyappointmentonhand。'Withwhichremarkhestrolledon，andtooknofurtherthoughtofhim。
　　LightwoodwasathomewhenhegottotheChambers，andhaddinedalonethere。Eugenedrewachairtothefirebywhichhewashavinghiswineandreadingtheeveningpaper，andbroughtaglass，andfilleditforgoodfellowship'ssake。
　　'MydearMortimer，youaretheexpresspictureofcontentedindustry，reposingoncreditafterthevirtuouslaboursoftheday。'
　　'MydearEugene，youaretheexpresspictureofdiscontentedidlenessnotreposingatall。Wherehaveyoubeen?'
　　'Ihavebeen，'repliedWrayburn，'——abouttown。Ihaveturnedupatthepresentjuncture，withtheintentionofconsultingmyhighlyintelligentandrespectedsolicitoronthepositionofmyaffairs。'
　　'Yourhighlyintelligentandrespectsolicitorisofopinionthatyouraffairsareinabadway，Eugene。'
　　'Thoughwhether，'saidEugenethoughtfully，'thatcanbeintelligentlysaid，now，oftheaffairsofaclientwhohasnothingtoloseandwhocannotpossiblybemadetopay，maybeopentoquestion。'
　　'YouhavefallenintothehandsoftheJews，Eugene。'
　　'Mydearboy，'returnedthedebtor，verycomposedlytakinguphisglass，'havingpreviouslyfallenintothehandsofsomeoftheChristians，Icanbearitwithphilosophy。'
　　'Ihavehadaninterviewto-day，Eugene，withaJew，whoseemsdeterminedtopressushard。QuiteaShylock，andquiteaPatriarch。Apicturesquegrey-headedandgrey-beardedoldJew，inashovel-hatandgaberdine。'
　　'Not，'saidEugene，pausinginsettingdownhisglass，'surelynotmyworthyfriendMrAaron?'
　　'HecallshimselfMrRiah。'
　　'By-the-by，'saidEugene，'itcomesintomymindthat——nodoubtwithaninstinctivedesiretoreceivehimintothebosomofourChurch——IgavehimthenameofAaron！'
　　'Eugene，Eugene，'returnedLightwood，'youaremoreridiculousthanusual。Saywhatyoumean。'
　　'Merely，mydearfellow，thatIhavethehonourandpleasureofaspeakingacquaintancewithsuchaPatriarchasyoudescribe，andthatIaddresshimasMrAaron，becauseitappearstomeHebraic，expressive，appropriate，andcomplimentary。Notwithstandingwhichstrongreasonsforitsbeinghisname，itmaynotbehisname。'
　　'Ibelieveyouaretheabsurdestmanonthefaceoftheearth，'saidLightwood，laughing。
　　'Notatall，Iassureyou。Didhementionthatheknewme?'
　　'Hedidnot。Heonlysaidofyouthatheexpectedtobepaidbyyou。'
　　'Whichlooks，'remarkedEugenewithmuchgravity，'likeNOT
　　knowingme。IhopeitmaynotbemyworthyfriendMrAaron，for，totellyouthetruth，Mortimer，Idoubthemayhaveaprepossessionagainstme。IstronglysuspecthimofhavinghadahandinspiritingawayLizzie。'
　　'Everything，'returnedLightwoodimpatiently，'seems，byafatality，tobringusroundtoLizzie。“Abouttown“meantaboutLizzie，justnow，Eugene。'
　　'Mysolicitor，doyouknow，'observedEugene，turningroundtothefurniture，'isamanofinfinitediscernment！'
　　'Diditnot，Eugene?'
　　'Yesitdid，Mortimer。'
　　'Andyet，Eugene，youknowyoudonotreallycareforher。'
　　EugeneWrayburnrose，andputhishandsinhispockets，andstoodwithafootonthefender，indolentlyrockinghisbodyandlookingatthefire。Afteraprolongedpause，hereplied:'Idon'tknowthat。
　　Imustaskyounottosaythat，asifwetookitforgranted。'
　　'Butifyoudocareforher，somuchthemoreshouldyouleavehertoherself。'
　　Havingagainpausedasbefore，Eugenesaid:'Idon'tknowthat，either。Buttellme。Didyoueverseemetakesomuchtroubleaboutanything，asaboutthisdisappearanceofhers?Iask，forinformation。'
　　'MydearEugene，IwishIeverhad！'
　　'Thenyouhavenot?Justso。Youconfirmmyownimpression。
　　DoesthatlookasifIcaredforher?Iask，forinformation。'
　　'IaskedYOUforinformation，Eugene，'saidMortimerreproachfully。
　　'Dearboy，Iknowit，butIcan'tgiveit。Ithirstforinformation。
　　WhatdoImean?IfmytakingsomuchtroubletorecoverherdoesnotmeanthatIcareforher，whatdoesitmean?“IfPeterPiperpickedapeckofpickledpepper，where'sthepeck，“&c。?'
　　Thoughhesaidthisgaily，hesaiditwithaperplexedandinquisitiveface，asifheactuallydidnotknowwhattomakeofhimself。'Lookontotheend——'Lightwoodwasbeginningtoremonstrate，whenhecaughtatthewords:
　　'Ah！Seenow！That'sexactlywhatIamincapableofdoing。Howveryacuteyouare，Mortimer，infindingmyweakplace！Whenwewereatschooltogether，Igotupmylessonsatthelastmoment，daybydayandbitbybit；nowweareoutinlifetogether，Igetupmylessonsinthesameway。InthepresenttaskIhavenotgotbeyondthis:——IambentonfindingLizzie，andImeantofindher，andIwilltakeanymeansoffindingherthatofferthemselves。Fairmeansorfoulmeans，areallaliketome。Iaskyou——forinformation——whatdoesthatmean?WhenIhavefoundherImayaskyou——alsoforinformation——whatdoImeannow?Butitwouldbeprematureinthisstage，andit'snotthecharacterofmymind。'
　　Lightwoodwasshakinghisheadovertheairwithwhichhisfriendheldforththus——anairsowhimsicallyopenandargumentativeasalmosttodeprivewhathesaidoftheappearanceofevasion——whenashufflingwasheardattheouterdoor，andthenanundecidedknock，asthoughsomehandweregropingfortheknocker。'Thefrolicsomeyouthoftheneighbourhood，'saidEugene，'whomI
　　shouldbedelightedtopitchfromthiselevationintothechurchyardbelow，withoutanyintermediateceremonies，haveprobablyturnedthelampout。Iamondutyto-night，andwillseetothedoor。'
　　Hisfriendhadbarelyhadtimetorecalltheunprecedentedgleamofdeterminationwithwhichhehadspokenoffindingthisgirl，andwhichhadfadedoutofhimwiththebreathofthespokenwords，whenEugenecameback，usheringinamostdisgracefulshadowofaman，shakingfromheadtofoot，andclothedinshabbygreaseandsmear。
　　'Thisinterestinggentleman，'saidEugene，'istheson——theoccasionallyrathertryingson，forhehashisfailings——ofaladyofmyacquaintance。MydearMortimer——MrDolls。'Eugenehadnoideawhathisnamewas，knowingthelittledressmaker'stobeassumed，butpresentedhimwitheasyconfidenceunderthefirstappellationthathisassociationssuggested。
　　'Igather，mydearMortimer，'pursuedEugene，asLightwoodstaredattheobscenevisitor，'fromthemannerofMrDolls——whichisoccasionallycomplicated——thathedesirestomakesomecommunicationtome。IhavementionedtoMrDollsthatyouandIareontermsofconfidence，andhaverequestedMrDollstodevelophisviewshere。'
　　Thewretchedobjectbeingmuchembarrassedbyholdingwhatremainedofhishat，Eugeneairilytossedittothedoor，andputhimdowninachair。
　　'Itwillbenecessary，Ithink，'heobserved，'towindupMrDolls，beforeanythingtoanymortalpurposecanbegotoutofhim。
　　Brandy，MrDolls，or——?'
　　'Threepenn'orthRum，'saidMrDolls。
　　Ajudiciouslysmallquantityofthespiritwasgivenhiminawine-
　　glass，andhebegantoconveyittohismouth，withallkindsoffalteringsandgyrationsontheroad。
　　'ThenervesofMrDolls，'remarkedEugenetoLightwood，'areconsiderablyunstrung。AndIdeemitonthewholeexpedienttofumigateMrDolls。'
　　Hetooktheshovelfromthegrate，sprinkledafewliveashesonit，andfromaboxonthechimney-piecetookafewpastiles，whichhesetuponthem；then，withgreatcomposurebeganplacidlywavingtheshovelinfrontofMrDolls，tocuthimofffromhiscompany。
　　'Lordblessmysoul，Eugene！'criedLightwood，laughingagain，'whatamadfellowyouare！Whydoesthiscreaturecometoseeyou?'
　　'Weshallhear，'saidWrayburn，veryobservantofhisfacewithal。
　　'Nowthen。Speakout。Don'tbeafraid。Stateyourbusiness，Dolls。'
　　'MistWrayburn！'saidthevisitor，thicklyandhuskily。'——'TISMistWrayburn，ain't?'Withastupidstare。
　　'Ofcourseitis。Lookatme。Whatdoyouwant?'
　　MrDollscollapsedinhischair，andfaintlysaid'Threepenn'orthRum。'
　　'Willyoudomethefavour，mydearMortimer，towindupMrDollsagain?'saidEugene。'Iamoccupiedwiththefumigation。'
　　Asimilarquantitywaspouredintohisglass，andhegotittohislipsbysimilarcircuitousways。Havingdrunkit，MrDolls，withanevidentfearofrunningdownagainunlesshemadehaste，proceededtobusiness。
　　'MistWrayburn。Triedtonudgeyou，butyouwouldn't。Youwantthatdrection。Youwantt'knowwhereshelives。DOyouMistWrayburn?'
　　Withaglanceathisfriend，Eugenerepliedtothequestionsternly，'Ido。'
　　'Iamerman，'saidMrDolls，tryingtosmitehimselfonthebreast，butbringinghishandtobearuponthevicinityofhiseye，'erdoit。
　　Iamermanerdoit。'
　　'Whatareyouthemantodo?'demandedEugene，stillsternly。
　　'Ergiveupthatdrection。'
　　'Haveyougotit?'
　　Withamostlaboriousattemptatprideanddignity，MrDollsrolledhisheadforsometime，awakeningthehighestexpectations，andthenanswered，asifitwerethehappiestpointthatcouldpossiblybeexpectedofhim:'No。'
　　'Whatdoyoumeanthen?'
　　MrDolls，collapsinginthedrowsiestmannerafterhislateintellectualtriumph，replied:'Threepenn'orthRum。'
　　'Windhimupagain，mydearMortimer，'saidWrayburn；'windhimupagain。'
　　'Eugene，Eugene，'urgedLightwoodinalowvoice，ashecomplied，'canyoustooptotheuseofsuchaninstrumentasthis?'
　　'Isaid，'wasthereply，madewiththatformergleamofdetermination，'thatIwouldfindheroutbyanymeans，fairorfoul。
　　Thesearefoul，andI'lltakethem——ifIamnotfirsttemptedtobreaktheheadofMrDollswiththefumigator。Canyougetthedirection?Doyoumeanthat?Speak！Ifthat'swhatyouhavecomefor，sayhowmuchyouwant。'
　　'Tenshillings——Threepenn'orthsRum，'saidMrDolls。
　　'Youshallhaveit。'
　　'Fifteenshillings——Threepenn'orthsRum，'saidMrDolls，makinganattempttostiffenhimself。
　　'Youshallhaveit。Stopatthat。Howwillyougetthedirectionyoutalkof?'
　　'Iamerman，'saidMrDolls，withmajesty，'ergetit，sir。'
　　'Howwillyougetit，Iaskyou?'
　　'Iamill-usedvidual，'saidMrDolls。'Blownupmorningt'night。
　　Callednames。ShemakesMintmoney，sir，andneverstandsThreepenn'orthRum。'
　　'Geton，'rejoinedEugene，tappinghispalsiedheadwiththefire-
　　shovel，asitsankonhisbreast。'Whatcomesnext?'
　　Makingadignifiedattempttogatherhimselftogether，but，asitwere，droppinghalfadozenpiecesofhimselfwhilehetriedinvaintopickupone，MrDolls，swayinghisheadfromsidetoside，regardedhisquestionerwithwhathesupposedtobeahaughtysmileandascornfulglance。
　　'Shelooksuponmeasmerechild，sir。IamNOTmerechild，sir。
　　Man。Mantalent。Lerrerspassbetwixt'em。Postmanlerrers。
　　Easyformantalentergetdrection，asgethisowndrection。'
　　'Getitthen，'saidEugene；addingveryheartilyunderhisbreath，'——YouBrute！Getit，andbringitheretome，andearnthemoneyforsixtythreepenn'orthsofrum，anddrinkthemall，oneatopofanother，anddrinkyourselfdeadwithallpossibleexpedition。'Thelatterclausesofthesespecialinstructionsheaddressedtothefire，ashegaveitbacktheasheshehadtakenfromit，andreplacedtheshovel。
　　MrDollsnowstruckoutthehighlyunexpecteddiscoverythathehadbeeninsultedbyLightwood，andstatedhisdesireto'haveitoutwithhim'onthespot，anddefiedhimtocomeon，upontheliberaltermsofasovereigntoahalfpenny。MrDollsthenfellacrying，andthenexhibitedatendencytofallasleep。Thislastmanifestationasbyfarthemostalarming，byreasonofitsthreateninghisprolongedstayonthepremises，necessitatedvigorousmeasures。Eugenepickeduphisworn-outhatwiththetongs，clappeditonhishead，and，takinghimbythecollar——allthisatarm'slength——conductedhimdownstairsandoutoftheprecinctsintoFleetStreet。There，heturnedhisfacewestward，andlefthim。
　　Whenhegotback，Lightwoodwasstandingoverthefire，broodinginasufficientlylow-spiritedmanner。
　　'I'llwashmyhandsofMrDollsphysically——'saidEugene，'andbewithyouagaindirectly，Mortimer。'
　　'Iwouldmuchprefer，'retortedMortimer，'yourwashingyourhandsofMrDolls，morally，Eugene。'
　　'SowouldI，'saidEugene；'butyousee，dearboy，Ican'tdowithouthim。'
　　Inaminuteortwoheresumedhischair，asperfectlyunconcernedasusual，andralliedhisfriendonhavingsonarrowlyescapedtheprowessoftheirmuscularvisitor。
　　'Ican'tbeamusedonthistheme，'saidMortimer，restlessly。'Youcanmakealmostanythemeamusingtome，Eugene，butnotthis。'
　　'Well！'criedEugene，'Iamalittleashamedofitmyself，andthereforeletuschangethesubject。'
　　'Itissodeplorablyunderhanded，'saidMortimer。'Itissounworthyofyou，thissettingonofsuchashamefulscout。'
　　'Wehavechangedthesubject！'exclaimedEugene，airily。'Wehavefoundanewoneinthatword，scout。Don'tbelikePatienceonamantelpiecefrowningatDolls，butsitdown，andI'lltellyousomethingthatyoureallywillfindamusing。Takeacigar。Lookatthisofmine。Ilightit——drawonepuff——breathethesmokeout——
　　thereitgoes——it'sDolls！——it'sgone——andbeinggoneyouareamanagain。'