Thenhewentupstairstohiswifewithacupofteabecauseshe，wasill，andbecauseitoccurredtohim。
　　“I’vebroughttheeacupo’tea，lass，“hesaid。
　　“Well，youneedn’t，foryouknowIdon’tlikeit，“shereplied。
　　“Drinkitup;it’llpoptheeofftosleepagain。”
　　Sheacceptedthetea。Itpleasedhimtoseehertakeit，andsipit。
　　“I’llbackmylifethere’snosugarin，“shesaid。
　　“Yi——there’sonebig’un，“hereplied，injured。
　　“It’sawonder，“shesaid，sippingagain。
　　Shehadawinsomefacewhenherhairwasloose。Helovedher，togrumbleathiminthismanner。Helookedatheragain，andwent，withoutanysortofleave-taking。Henevertookmorethantwoslices，ofbreadandbuttertoeatinthepit，soanappleoranorangewas，atreattohim。Healwayslikeditwhensheputoneoutforhim。
　　Hetiedascarfroundhisneck，putonhisgreat，heavyboots，hiscoat，withthebigpocket，thatcarriedhissnap-bagandhisbottleoftea，andwentforthintothefreshmorningair，closing，withoutlocking，thedoorbehindhim。Helovedtheearlymorning，andthewalkacross，thefields。Soheappearedatthepit-top，oftenwithastalk，fromthehedgebetweenhisteeth，whichhechewedalldaytokeep，hismouthmoist，downthemine，feelingquiteashappyaswhenhe，wasinthefield。
　　Later，whenthetimeforthebabygrewnearer，hewould，bustleroundinhisslovenlyfashion，pokingouttheashes，rubbingthefireplace，sweepingthehousebeforehewenttowork。
　　Then，feelingveryself-righteous，hewentupstairs。
　　“NowI’mcleanedupforthee：，tha’sno’casionsterstir，apegallday，butsitandreadthybooks。”
　　Whichmadeherlaugh，inspiteofherindignation。
　　“Andthedinnercooksitself？”sheanswered。
　　“Eh，Iknownowtaboutth’dinner。”
　　“You’dknowifthereweren’tany。”
　　“Ay，’appenso，“heanswered，departing。
　　Whenshegotdownstairs，shewouldfindthehousetidy，butdirty。Shecouldnotrestuntilshehadthoroughlycleaned;
　　soshewentdowntotheash-pitwithherdustpan。Mrs。Kirk，spyingher，wouldcontrivetohavetogotoherowncoal-placeat，thatminute。Then，acrossthewoodenfence，shewouldcall：
　　“Soyoukeepwaggingon，then？”
　　“Ay，“answeredMrs。Moreldeprecatingly。”There’snothing，elseforit。”
　　“HaveyouseenHose？”calledaverysmallwomanfromacross，theroad。ItwasMrs。Anthony，ablack-haired，strangelittlebody，whoalwaysworeabrownvelvetdress，tightfitting。
　　“Ihaven’t，“saidMrs。Morel。
　　“Eh，Iwishhe’dcome。I’vegotacopperfulofclothes，an’
　　I’msureIheeredhisbell。”
　　“Hark！，He’sattheend。”
　　Thetwowomenlookeddownthealley。AttheendoftheBottoms，amanstoodinasortofold-fashionedtrap，bendingoverbundles，ofcream-colouredstuff;whileaclusterofwomenhelduptheir，armstohim，somewithbundles。Mrs。Anthonyherselfhadaheap，ofcreamy，undyedstockingshangingoverherarm。
　　“I’vedonetendozenthisweek，“shesaidproudlytoMrs。Morel。
　　“T-t-t！”wenttheother。”Idon’tknowhowyoucanfindtime。”
　　“Eh！”saidMrs。Anthony。”Youcanfindtimeifyoumaketime。”
　　“Idon’tknowhowyoudoit，“saidMrs。Morel。”Andhowmuch，shallyougetforthosemany？”
　　“Tuppence-ha’pennyadozen，“repliedtheother。
　　“Well，“saidMrs。Morel。”I’dstarvebeforeI’dsitdown，andseamtwenty-fourstockingsfortwopenceha’penny。”
　　“Oh，Idon’tknow，“saidMrs。Anthony。”Youcanripalong，with’em。”
　　Hosewascomingalong，ringinghisbell。Womenwerewaitingat，theyard-endswiththeirseamedstockingshangingovertheirarms。
　　Theman，acommonfellow，madejokeswiththem，triedtoswindlethem，andbulliedthem。Mrs。Morelwentupheryarddisdainfully。
　　Itwasanunderstoodthingthatifonewomanwanted，herneighbour，sheshouldputthepokerinthefireandbangat，thebackofthefireplace，which，asthefireswerebacktoback，wouldmakeagreatnoiseintheadjoininghouse。Onemorning，Mrs。Kirk，mixingapudding，nearlystartedoutofherskinasshe，heardthethud，thud，inhergrate。Withherhandsallfloury，sherushedtothefence。
　　“Didyouknock，Mrs。Morel？”
　　“Ifyouwouldn’tmind，Mrs。Kirk。”
　　Mrs。Kirkclimbedontohercopper，gotoverthewall，ontoMrs。Morel’scopper，andranintoherneighbour。
　　“Eh，dear，howareyoufeeling？”shecriedinconcern。
　　“YoumightfetchMrs。Bower，“saidMrs。Morel。
　　Mrs。Kirkwentintotheyard，liftedupherstrong，shrillvoice，andcalled：
　　“Ag-gie——Ag-gie！”
　　ThesoundwasheardfromoneendoftheBottomstotheother。
　　AtlastAggiecamerunningup，andwassentforMrs。Bower，whilstMrs。Kirkleftherpuddingandstayedwithherneighbour。
　　Mrs。Morelwenttobed。Mrs。KirkhadAnnieandWilliam，fordinner。Mrs。Bower，fatandwaddling，bossedthehouse。
　　“Hashsomecoldmeatupforthemaster’sdinner，andmakehim，anapple-charlottepudding，“saidMrs。Morel。
　　“Hemaygowithoutpuddingthisday，“saidMrs。Bower。
　　Morelwasnotasaruleoneofthefirsttoappearatthebottom，ofthepit，readytocomeup。Somemenweretherebeforefouro’clock，whenthewhistleblewloose-all;butMorel，whosestall，apoorone，wasatthistimeaboutamileandahalfawayfromthebottom，workedusuallytillthefirstmatestopped，thenhefinishedalso。
　　Thisday，however，theminerwassickofthework。Attwoo’clock，helookedathiswatch，bythelightofthegreencandle——he，wasinasafeworking——andagainathalf-pasttwo。Hewashewing，atapieceofrockthatwasinthewayforthenextday’swork。
　　Ashesatonhisheels，orkneeled，givinghardblowswithhispick，“Uszza——uszza！”hewent。
　　“Shallterfinish，Sorry？”criedBarker，hisfellowbutty。
　　“Finish？，Niverwhiletheworldstands！”growledMorel。
　　Andhewentonstriking。Hewastired。
　　“It’saheart-breakingjob，“saidBarker。
　　ButMorelwastooexasperated，attheendofhistether，toanswer。Stillhestruckandhackedwithallhismight。
　　“Thamightaswellleaveit，Walter，“saidBarker。
　　“It’lldoto-morrow，withouttheehackin’thygutsout。”
　　“I’lllaynob——fingeronthisto-morrow，Isr’el！”criedMorel。
　　“Oh，well，ifthawunna，somebodyelse’llha’eto，“saidIsrael。
　　ThenMorelcontinuedtostrike。
　　“Hey-upthere——LOOSE-A’！”criedthemen，leavingthenextstall。
　　Morelcontinuedtostrike。
　　“Tha’llhappencatchmeup，“saidBarker，departing。
　　Whenhehadgone，Morel，leftalone，feltsavage。Hehad，notfinishedhisjob。Hehadoverworkedhimselfintoafrenzy。
　　Rising，wetwithsweat，hethrewhistooldown，pulledonhiscoat，blewouthiscandle，tookhislamp，andwent。Downthemainroad，thelightsoftheothermenwentswinging。Therewasahollow，soundofmanyvoices。Itwasalong，heavytrampunderground。
　　Hesatatthebottomofthepit，wherethegreatdropsofwater，fellplash。Manycollierswerewaitingtheirturnstogoup，talkingnoisily。Morelgavehisanswersshortanddisagreeable。
　　“It’srainin’，Sorry，“saidoldGiles，whohadhadthenews，fromthetop。
　　Morelfoundonecomfort。Hehadhisoldumbrella，whichheloved，inthelampcabin。Atlasthetookhisstandonthechair，andwasatthetopinamoment。Thenhehandedinhislampandgot，hisumbrella，whichhehadboughtatanauctionforone-and-six。He，stoodontheedgeofthepit-bankforamoment，lookingoutover，thefields;greyrainwasfalling。Thetrucksstoodfullofwet，brightcoal。Waterrandownthesidesofthewaggons，overthe，white“C。W。andCo。”。Colliers，walkingindifferenttotherain，werestreamingdownthelineandupthefield，agrey，dismalhost。
　　Morelputuphisumbrella，andtookpleasurefromthepepperingof，thedropsthereon。
　　AllalongtheroadtoBestwoodtheminerstramped，wetand，greyanddirty，buttheirredmouthstalkingwithanimation。
　　Morelalsowalkedwithagang，buthesaidnothing。Hefrowned，peevishlyashewent。ManymenpassedintothePrinceofWalesorinto，Ellen’s。Morel，feelingsufficientlydisagreeabletoresisttemptation，trudgedalongunderthedrippingtreesthatoverhungtheparkwall，anddownthemudofGreenhillLane。
　　Mrs。Morellayinbed，listeningtotherain，andthefeet，ofthecolliersfromMinton，theirvoices，andthebang，bangof，thegatesastheywentthroughthestileupthefield。
　　“There’ssomeherbbeerbehindthepantrydoor，“shesaid。
　　“Th’master’llwantadrink，ifhedoesn’tstop。”
　　Buthewaslate，sosheconcludedhehadcalledforadrink，sinceitwasraining。Whatdidhecareaboutthechildorher？
　　Shewasveryillwhenherchildrenwereborn。
　　“Whatisit？”sheasked，feelingsicktodeath。
　　“Aboy。”
　　Andshetookconsolationinthat。Thethoughtofbeingthe，motherofmenwaswarmingtoherheart。Shelookedatthechild。
　　Ithadblueeyes，andalotoffairhair，andwasbonny。
　　Herlovecameuphot，inspiteofeverything。Shehaditinbed，withher。
　　Morel，thinkingnothing，draggedhiswayupthegardenpath，wearilyandangrily。Heclosedhisumbrella，andstooditinthe，sink;thenheslutheredhisheavybootsintothekitchen。
　　Mrs。Bowerappearedintheinnerdoorway。
　　“Well，“shesaid，“she’saboutasbadasshecanbe。
　　It’saboychildt。”
　　Theminergrunted，puthisemptysnap-bagandhistinbottle，onthedresser，wentbackintothesculleryandhunguphiscoat，thencameanddroppedintohischair。
　　“Hanyergotadrink？”heasked。
　　Thewomanwentintothepantry。Therewasheardthepop，ofacork。Shesetthemug，withalittle，disgustedrap，onthe，tablebeforeMorel。Hedrank，gasped，wipedhisbigmoustacheon，theendofhisscarf，drank，gasped，andlaybackinhischair。
　　Thewomanwouldnotspeaktohimagain。Shesethisdinnerbeforehim，andwentupstairs。
　　“Wasthatthemaster？”askedMrs。Morel。
　　“I’vegavehimhisdinner，“repliedMrs。Bower。
　　Afterhehadsatwithhisarmsonthetable——heresented，thefactthatMrs。Bowerputnoclothonforhim，andgavehim，alittleplate，insteadofafull-sizeddinner-plate——hebegan，toeat。Thefactthathiswifewasill，thathehadanotherboy，wasnothingtohimatthatmoment。Hewastootired;hewanted，hisdinner;hewantedtositwithhisarmslyingontheboard;
　　hedidnotlikehavingMrs。Bowerabout。Thefirewastoosmall，topleasehim。
　　Afterhehadfinishedhismeal，hesatfortwentyminutes;
　　thenhestokedupabigfire。Then，inhisstockingedfeet，hewentreluctantlyupstairs。Itwasastruggletofacehiswife，atthismoment，andhewastired。Hisfacewasblack，andsmeared，withsweat。Hissinglethaddriedagain，soakingthedirtin。
　　Hehadadirtywoollenscarfroundhisthroat。Sohestoodatthefoot，ofthebed。
　　“Well，howareter，then？”heasked。
　　“Is’llbeallright，“sheanswered。
　　“H’m！”
　　Hestoodatalosswhattosaynext。Hewastired，andthis，botherwasratheranuisancetohim，andhedidn’tquiteknow，wherehewas。
　　“Alad，thasays，“hestammered。
　　Sheturneddownthesheetandshowedthechild。
　　“Blesshim！”hemurmured。Whichmadeherlaugh，becausehe，blessedbyrote——pretendingpaternalemotion，whichhedidnotfeel，justthen。
　　“Gonow，“shesaid。
　　“Iwill，mylass，“heanswered，turningaway。
　　Dismissed，hewantedtokissher，buthedarednot。Shehalf，wantedhimtokissher，butcouldnotbringherselftogiveanysign。
　　Sheonlybreathedfreelywhenhewasgoneoutoftheroomagain，leavingbehindhimafaintsmellofpit-dirt。
　　Mrs。MorelhadavisiteverydayfromtheCongregationalclergyman。
　　Mr。Heatonwasyoung，andverypoor。Hiswifehaddiedatthe，birthofhisfirstbaby，soheremainedaloneinthemanse。
　　HewasaBachelorofArtsofCambridge，veryshy，andnopreacher。
　　Mrs。Morelwasfondofhim，andhedependedonher。Forhours，hetalkedtoher，whenshewaswell。Hebecamethegod-parent，ofthechild。
　　OccasionallytheministerstayedtoteawithMrs。Morel。Thenshe，laidtheclothearly，gotoutherbestcups，withalittlegreenrim，andhopedMorelwouldnotcometoosoon;indeed，ifhestayedforapint，shewouldnotmindthisday。Shehadalwaystwodinnerstocook，becauseshebelievedchildrenshouldhavetheirchiefmealatmidday，whereasMorelneededhisatfiveo’clock。SoMr。Heatonwouldhold，thebaby，whilstMrs。Morelbeatupabatter-puddingorpeeled，thepotatoes，andhe，watchingherallthetime，woulddiscuss，hisnextsermon。Hisideaswerequaintandfantastic。Shebrought，himjudiciouslytoearth。ItwasadiscussionoftheweddingatCana。
　　“WhenHechangedthewaterintowineatCana，“hesaid，“thatisasymbolthattheordinarylife，eventheblood，ofthemarriedhusbandandwife，whichhadbeforebeenuninspired，likewater，becamefilledwiththeSpirit，andwasaswine，because，whenloveenters，thewholespiritualconstitutionofamanchanges，isfilledwiththeHolyGhost，andalmosthisformisaltered。”
　　Mrs。Morelthoughttoherself：
　　“Yes，poorfellow，hisyoungwifeisdead;thatiswhyhe，makeshisloveintotheHolyGhost。”
　　Theywerehalfwaydowntheirfirstcupofteawhentheyheard，theslutherofpit-boots。
　　“Goodgracious！”exclaimedMrs。Morel，inspiteofherself。
　　Theministerlookedratherscared。Morelentered。Hewas，feelingrathersavage。Henoddeda“Howd’yerdo“totheclergyman，whorosetoshakehandswithhim。
　　“Nay，“saidMorel，showinghishand，“looktheeatit！
　　Thaniverwantstershakehandswi’ahandlikethat，doester？
　　There’stoomuchpick-haftandshovel-dirtonit。”
　　Theministerflushedwithconfusion，andsatdownagain。
　　Mrs。Morelrose，carriedoutthesteamingsaucepan。Moreltookoff，hiscoat，draggedhisarmchairtotable，andsatdownheavily。
　　“Areyoutired？”askedtheclergyman。
　　“Tired？Ihamthat，“repliedMorel。”YOUdon’tknowwhatit，istobetired，asI’Mtired。”
　　“No，“repliedtheclergyman。
　　“Why，lookyer’ere，“saidtheminer，showingtheshoulders，ofhissinglet。”It’sabitdrynow，butit’swetasaclout，withsweatevenyet。Feelit。”
　　“Goodness！”criedMrs。Morel。”Mr。Heatondoesn’twanttofeel，yournastysinglet。”
　　Theclergymanputouthishandgingerly。
　　“No，perhapshedoesn’t，“saidMorel;“butit’s，allcomeoutofme，whetherornot。An’iv’ryday，alikemysinglet’swringin’wet。’Aven’tyougot，adrink，Missis，foramanwhenhecomeshomebarkledupfromthepit？”
　　“Youknowyoudrankallthebeer，“saidMrs。Morel，pouringout，histea。
　　“An’wastherenomoretobegot？”Turningtotheclergyman——“A
　　mangetsthatcakedupwi’th’dust，youknow，——thatcloggedup，downacoal-mine，heNEEDSadrinkwhenhecomeshome。”
　　“Iamsurehedoes，“saidtheclergyman。
　　“Butit’stentooneifthere’sowtforhim。”
　　“There’swater——andthere’stea，“saidMrs。Morel。
　　“Water！，It’snotwateras’llclearhisthroat。”
　　Hepouredoutasaucerfuloftea，blewit，andsuckeditup，throughhisgreatblackmoustache，sighingafterwards。Thenhe，pouredoutanothersaucerful，andstoodhiscuponthetable。
　　“Mycloth！”saidMrs。Morel，puttingitonaplate。
　　“AmanascomeshomeasIdo’stootiredtocareaboutcloths，“
　　saidMorel。
　　“Pity！”exclaimedhiswife，sarcastically。
　　Theroomwasfullofthesmellofmeatandvegetables，andpit-clothes。
　　Heleanedovertotheminister，hisgreatmoustachethrustforward，hismouthveryredinhisblackface。
　　“Mr。Heaton，“hesaid，“amanashasbeendowntheblack，holeallday，dingin’awayatacoal-face，yi，asightharder，thanthatwall——“
　　“Needn’tmakeamoanofit，“putinMrs。Morel。
　　Shehatedherhusbandbecause，wheneverhehadanaudience，hewhinedandplayedforsympathy。William，sittingnursing，thebaby，hatedhim，withaboy’shatredforfalsesentiment，andforthestupidtreatmentofhismother。Anniehadneverlikedhim;
　　shemerelyavoidedhim。
　　Whentheministerhadgone，Mrs。Morellookedathercloth。
　　“Afinemess！”shesaid。
　　“Dos’tthinkI’mgoin’tositwi’myarmsdanglin’，costha’s，gotaparsonforteawi’thee？”hebawled。
　　Theywerebothangry，butshesaidnothing。Thebabybegan，tocry，andMrs。Morel，pickingupasaucepanfromthehearth，accidentallyknockedAnnieonthehead，whereuponthegirlbegan，towhine，andMoreltoshoutather。Inthemidstofthispandemonium，Williamlookedupatthebigglazedtextoverthemantelpiece，andreaddistinctly：
　　“GodBlessOurHome！”
　　WhereuponMrs。Morel，tryingtosoothethebaby，jumpedup，rushedathim，boxedhisears，saying：
　　“WhatareYOUputtinginfor？”
　　Andthenshesatdownandlaughed，tilltearsranover，hercheeks，whileWilliamkickedthestoolhehadbeensittingon，andMorelgrowled：
　　“Icannaseewhatthereissomuchtolaughat。”
　　Oneevening，directlyaftertheparson’svisit，feelingunable，tobearherselfafteranotherdisplayfromherhusband，shetook，Annieandthebabyandwentout。MorelhadkickedWilliam，andthemotherwouldneverforgivehim。
　　Shewentoverthesheep-bridgeandacrossacornerofthe，meadowtothecricket-ground。Themeadowsseemedonespaceofripe，eveninglight，whisperingwiththedistantmill-race。Shesat，onaseatunderthealdersinthecricket-ground，andfronted，theevening。Beforeher，levelandsolid，spreadthebiggreencricket-field，likethebedofaseaoflight。
　　Childrenplayedinthebluishshadowofthepavilion。Manyrooks，highup，camecawinghomeacrossthesoftly-wovensky。Theystooped，inalongcurvedownintothegoldenglow，concentrating，cawing，wheeling，likeblackflakesonaslowvortex，overatreeclump，thatmadeadarkbossamongthepasture。
　　Afewgentlemenwerepractising，andMrs。Morelcouldhear，thechockoftheball，andthevoicesofmensuddenlyroused;
　　couldseethewhiteformsofmenshiftingsilentlyoverthegreen，uponwhichalreadytheundershadowsweresmouldering。Awayat，thegrange，onesideofthehaystackswaslitup，theothersides，blue-grey。Awaggonofsheavesrockedsmallacrossthemelting，yellowlight。
　　Thesunwasgoingdown。Everyopenevening，thehillsof，Derbyshirewereblazedoverwithredsunset。Mrs。Morelwatchedthesun，sinkfromtheglisteningsky，leavingasoftflower-blueoverhead，whilethewesternspacewentred，asifallthefirehadswumdownthere，leavingthebellcastflawlessblue。Themountain-ashberriesacross，thefieldstoodfierilyoutfromthedarkleaves，foramoment。
　　Afewshocksofcorninacornerofthefallowstoodupasifalive;
　　sheimaginedthembowing;perhapshersonwouldbeaJoseph。
　　Intheeast，amirroredsunsetfloatedpinkoppositethewest’sscarlet。
　　Thebighaystacksonthehillside，thatbuttedintotheglare，wentcold。
　　WithMrs。Morelitwasoneofthosestillmomentswhenthe，smallfretsvanish，andthebeautyofthingsstandsout，andshe，hadthepeaceandthestrengthtoseeherself。Nowandagain，aswallowcutclosetoher。Nowandagain，Anniecameupwitha，handfulofalder-currants。Thebabywasrestlessonhismother’sknee，clamberingwithhishandsatthelight。
　　Mrs。Morellookeddownathim。Shehaddreadedthisbaby，likeacatastrophe，becauseofherfeelingforherhusband。
　　Andnowshefeltstrangelytowardstheinfant。Herheartwasheavy，becauseofthechild，almostasifitwereunhealthy，ormalformed。
　　Yetitseemedquitewell。Butshenoticedthepeculiarknitting，ofthebaby’sbrows，andthepeculiarheavinessofitseyes，asifitweretryingtounderstandsomethingthatwaspain。Shefelt，whenshelookedatherchild’sdark，broodingpupils，asifaburdenwere，onherheart。
　　“Helooksasifhewasthinkingaboutsomething——quitesorrowful，“
　　saidMrs。Kirk。
　　Suddenly，lookingathim，theheavyfeelingatthemother’sheart，meltedintopassionategrief。Shebowedoverhim，andafewtears，shookswiftlyoutofherveryheart。Thebabyliftedhisfingers。
　　“Mylamb！”shecriedsoftly。
　　Andatthatmomentshefelt，insomefarinnerplaceofhersoul，thatsheandherhusbandwereguilty。
　　Thebabywaslookingupather。Ithadblueeyeslikeherown，butitslookwasheavy，steady，asifithadrealisedsomething，thathadstunnedsomepointofitssoul。
　　Inherarmslaythedelicatebaby。Itsdeepblueeyes，alwayslookingupatherunblinking，seemedtodrawherinnermost，thoughtsoutofher。Shenolongerlovedherhusband;shehadnot，wantedthischildtocome，andthereitlayinherarmsandpulled，atherheart。Shefeltasifthenavelstringthathadconnected，itsfraillittlebodywithhershadnotbeenbroken。Awaveofhot，lovewentoverhertotheinfant。Shehelditclosetoherface，andbreast。Withallherforce，withallhersoulshewouldmakeup，toitforhavingbroughtitintotheworldunloved。Shewouldlove，itallthemorenowitwashere;carryitinherlove。Itsclear，knowingeyesgaveherpainandfear。Diditknowallabouther？
　　Whenitlayunderherheart，haditbeenlisteningthen？，Wasthere，areproachinthelook？，Shefeltthemarrowmeltinherbones，withfearandpain。
　　Oncemoreshewasawareofthesunlyingredontherim，ofthehillopposite。Shesuddenlyheldupthechildinherhands。
　　“Look！”shesaid。”Look，mypretty！”
　　Shethrusttheinfantforwardtothecrimson，throbbingsun，almostwithrelief。Shesawhimlifthislittlefist。Thensheput，himtoherbosomagain，ashamedalmostofherimpulsetogivehim，backagainwhencehecame。
　　“Ifhelives，“shethoughttoherself，“whatwillbecome，ofhim——whatwillhebe？”
　　Herheartwasanxious。
　　“IwillcallhimPaul，“shesaidsuddenly;sheknewnotwhy。
　　Afterawhileshewenthome。Afineshadowwasflungover，thedeepgreenmeadow，darkeningall。
　　Assheexpected，shefoundthehouseempty。ButMorelwas，homebyteno’clock，andthatday，atleast，endedpeacefully。
　　WalterMorelwas，atthistime，exceedinglyirritable。
　　Hisworkseemedtoexhausthim。Whenhecamehomehedidnotspeak，civillytoanybody。Ifthefirewereratherlowhebulliedaboutthat;
　　hegrumbledabouthisdinner;ifthechildrenmadeachatterhe，shoutedattheminawaythatmadetheirmother’sbloodboil，andmadethemhatehim。
　　OntheFriday，hewasnothomebyeleveno’clock。Thebaby，wasunwell，andwasrestless，cryingifhewereputdown。Mrs。Morel，tiredtodeath，andstillweak，wasscarcelyundercontrol。
　　“Iwishthenuisancewouldcome，“shesaidwearilytoherself。
　　Thechildatlastsankdowntosleepinherarms。Shewas，tootiredtocarryhimtothecradle。
　　“ButI’llsaynothing，whatevertimehecomes，“shesaid。
　　“Itonlyworksmeup;Iwon’tsayanything。ButIknowifhedoes，anythingit’llmakemybloodboil，“sheaddedtoherself。
　　Shesighed，hearinghimcoming，asifitweresomethingshe，couldnotbear。He，takinghisrevenge，wasnearlydrunk。Shekept，herheadbentoverthechildasheentered，notwishingtoseehim。
　　Butitwentthroughherlikeaflashofhotfirewhen，inpassing，helurchedagainstthedresser，settingthetinsrattling，andclutched，atthewhitepotknobsforsupport。Hehunguphishatandcoat，thenreturned，stoodgloweringfromadistanceather，asshesat，bowedoverthechild。
　　“Istherenothingtoeatinthehouse？”heasked，insolently，asiftoaservant。Incertainstagesofhisintoxicationhe，affectedtheclipped，mincingspeechofthetowns。Mrs。Morel，hatedhimmostinthiscondition。
　　“Youknowwhatthereisinthehouse，“shesaid，socoldly，itsoundedimpersonal。
　　Hestoodandglaredatherwithoutmovingamuscle。
　　“Iaskedacivilquestion，andIexpectacivilanswer，“
　　hesaidaffectedly。
　　“Andyougotit，“shesaid，stillignoringhim。
　　Hegloweredagain。Thenhecameunsteadilyforward。
　　Heleanedonthetablewithonehand，andwiththeotherjerked，atthetabledrawertogetaknifetocutbread。Thedrawerstuckbecausehe，pulledsideways。Inatemperhedraggedit，sothatitflew，outbodily，andspoons，forks，knives，ahundredmetallicthings，splashedwithaclatterandaclanguponthebrickfloor。
　　Thebabygavealittleconvulsedstart。
　　“Whatareyoudoing，clumsy，drunkenfool？”themothercried。
　　“Thenthashouldgettheflamin’thingthysen。Thashouldgetup，likeotherwomenhaveto，an’waitonaman。”
　　“Waitonyou——waitonyou？”shecried。”Yes，Iseemyself。”
　　“Yis，an’I’lllearntheetha’sgotto。WaitonME，yestha，sh’ltwaitonme——“
　　“Never，milord。I’dwaitonadogatthedoorfirst。”
　　“What——what？”
　　Hewastryingtofitinthedrawer。Atherlastspeech，beturnedround。Hisfacewascrimson，hiseyesbloodshot。
　　Hestaredatheronesilentsecondinthreat。
　　“P-h！”shewentquickly，incontempt。
　　Hejerkedatthedrawerinhisexcitement。Itfell，cutsharply，onhisshin，andonthereflexheflungitather。
　　Oneofthecornerscaughtherbrowastheshallowdrawer，crashedintothefireplace。Sheswayed，almostfellstunnedfrom，herchair。Toherverysoulshewassick;sheclaspedthechild，tightlytoherbosom。Afewmomentselapsed;then，withaneffort，shebroughtherselfto。Thebabywascryingplaintively。Herleft，browwasbleedingratherprofusely。Assheglanceddownatthechild，herbrainreeling，somedropsofbloodsoakedintoitswhiteshawl;
　　butthebabywasatleastnothurt。Shebalancedherheadto，keepequilibrium，sothatthebloodranintohereye。
　　WalterMorelremainedashehadstood，leaningonthetablewith，onehand，lookingblank。Whenhewassufficientlysureofhisbalance，hewentacrosstoher，swayed，caughtholdofthebackofher，rocking-chair，almosttippingherout;thenleaningforwardoverher，andswayingashespoke，hesaid，inatoneofwonderingconcern：
　　“Diditcatchthee？”
　　Heswayedagain，asifhewouldpitchontothechild。
　　Withthecatastrophehehadlostallbalance。
　　“Goaway，“shesaid，strugglingtokeepherpresenceofmind。
　　Hehiccoughed。”Let’s——let’slookatit，“hesaid，hiccoughingagain。
　　“Goaway！”shecried。
　　“Lemme——lemmelookatit，lass。”
　　Shesmelledhimofdrink，felttheunequalpullofhisswaying，grasponthebackofherrocking-chair。
　　“Goaway，“shesaid，andweaklyshepushedhimoff。
　　Hestood，uncertaininbalance，gazinguponher。Summoningall，herstrengthsherose，thebabyononearm。Byacrueleffortofwill，movingasifinsleep，shewentacrosstothescullery，whereshe，bathedhereyeforaminuteincoldwater;butshewastoodizzy。
　　Afraidlestsheshouldswoon，shereturnedtoherrocking-chair，tremblingineveryfibre。Byinstinct，shekeptthebabyclasped。
　　Morel，bothered，hadsucceededinpushingthedrawerback，intoitscavity，andwasonhisknees，groping，withnumbpaws，forthescatteredspoons。
　　Herbrowwasstillbleeding。PresentlyMorelgotupandcame，craninghisnecktowardsher。
　　“Whathasitdonetothee，lass？”heasked，inaverywretched，humbletone。
　　“Youcanseewhatit’sdone，“sheanswered。
　　Hestood，bendingforward，supportedonhishands，whichgrasped，hislegsjustabovetheknee。Hepeeredtolookatthewound。
　　Shedrewawayfromthethrustofhisfacewithitsgreatmoustache，avertingherownfaceasmuchaspossible。Ashelookedather，whowascoldandimpassiveasstone，withmouthshuttight，hesickenedwithfeeblenessandhopelessnessofspirit。
　　Hewasturningdrearilyaway，whenhesawadropofbloodfall，fromtheavertedwoundintothebaby’sfragile，glisteninghair。
　　Fascinated，hewatchedtheheavydarkdrophangintheglisteningcloud，andpulldownthegossamer。Anotherdropfell。Itwouldsoak，throughtothebaby’sscalp。Hewatched，fascinated，feelingit，soakin;then，finally，hismanhoodbroke。
　　“Whatofthischild？”wasallhiswifesaidtohim。
　　Butherlow，intensetonesbroughthisheadlower。Shesoftened：
　　“Getmesomewaddingoutofthemiddledrawer，“shesaid。
　　Hestumbledawayveryobediently，presentlyreturningwitha，pad，whichshesingedbeforethefire，thenputonherforehead，asshesatwiththebabyonherlap。
　　“Nowthatcleanpit-scarf。”
　　Againherummagedandfumbledinthedrawer，returningpresently，withared，narrowscarf。Shetookit，andwithtremblingfingers，proceededtobinditroundherhead。
　　“Letmetieitforthee，“hesaidhumbly。
　　“Icandoitmyself，“shereplied。Whenitwasdoneshe，wentupstairs，tellinghimtorakethefireandlockthedoor。
　　InthemorningMrs。Morelsaid：
　　“Iknockedagainstthelatchofthecoal-place，whenI
　　wasgettingarakerinthedark，becausethecandleblewout。”
　　Hertwosmallchildrenlookedupatherwithwide，dismayedeyes。
　　Theysaidnothing，buttheirpartedlipsseemedtoexpressthe，unconscioustragedytheyfelt。
　　WalterMorellayinbednextdayuntilnearlydinner-time。He，didnotthinkofthepreviousevening’swork。Hescarcelythought，ofanything，buthewouldnotthinkofthat。Helayandsufferedlike，asulkingdog。Hehadhurthimselfmost;andhewasthemoredamaged，becausehewouldneversayawordtoher，orexpresshissorrow。
　　Hetriedtowriggleoutofit。”Itwasherownfault，“hesaid，tohimself。Nothing，however，couldpreventhisinnerconsciousness，inflictingonhimthepunishmentwhichateintohisspiritlikerust，andwhichhecouldonlyalleviatebydrinking。
　　Hefeltasifhehadnottheinitiativetogetup，ortosayaword，ortomove，butcouldonlylielikealog。Moreover，hehadhimself，violentpainsinthehead。ItwasSaturday。Towardsnoonherose，cuthimselffoodinthepantry，ateitwithhisheaddropped，thenpulledonhisboots，andwentout，toreturnatthreeo’clock，slightlytipsyandrelieved;thenoncemorestraighttobed。
　　Heroseagainatsixintheevening，hadteaandwentstraightout。
　　Sundaywasthesame：，bedtillnoon，thePalmerstonArmstill，2。30，dinner，andbed;scarcelyawordspoken。WhenMrs。Morel，wentupstairs，towardsfouro’clock，toputonherSundaydress，hewasfastasleep。Shewouldhavefeltsorryforhim，ifhe，hadoncesaid，“Wife，I’msorry。”，Butno;heinsistedtohimself，itwasherfault。Andsohebrokehimself。Soshemerelyleft，himalone。Therewasthisdeadlockofpassionbetweenthem，andshewasstronger。
　　Thefamilybegantea。Sundaywastheonlydaywhenallsat，downtomealstogether。
　　“Isn’tmyfathergoingtogetup？”askedWilliam。
　　“Lethimlie，“themotherreplied。
　　Therewasafeelingofmiseryoverallthehouse。Thechildren，breathedtheairthatwaspoisoned，andtheyfeltdreary。Theywere，ratherdisconsolate，didnotknowwhattodo，whattoplayat。
　　ImmediatelyMorelwokehegotstraightoutofbed。Thatwas，characteristicofhimallhislife。Hewasallforactivity。
　　Theprostratedinactivityoftwomorningswasstiflinghim。
　　Itwasnearsixo’clockwhenhegotdown。Thistimeheentered，withouthesitation，hiswincingsensitivenesshavinghardenedagain。
　　Hedidnotcareanylongerwhatthefamilythoughtorfelt。
　　Thetea-thingswereonthetable。Williamwasreadingaloud，from“TheChild’sOwn“Annielisteningandaskingeternally“why？”
　　Bothchildrenhushedintosilenceastheyheardtheapproaching，thudoftheirfather’sstockingedfeet，andshrankasheentered。
　　Yethewasusuallyindulgenttothem。
　　Morelmadethemealalone，brutally。Heateanddrank，morenoisilythanhehadneed。Noonespoketohim。Thefamily，lifewithdrew，shrankaway，andbecamehushedasheentered。
　　Buthecarednolongerabouthisalienation。
　　Immediatelyhehadfinishedteaherosewithalacritytogoout。
　　Itwasthisalacrity，thishastetobegone，whichsosickened，Mrs。Morel。Assheheardhimsousingheartilyincoldwater，heardtheeagerscratchofthesteelcombonthesideofthebowl，ashewettedhishair，sheclosedhereyesindisgust。Ashebentover，lacinghisboots，therewasacertainvulgargustoinhismovement，thatdividedhimfromthereserved，watchfulrestofthefamily。
　　Healwaysranawayfromthebattlewithhimself。Eveninhisown，heart’sprivacy，heexcusedhimself，saying，“Ifshehadn’tsaid，so-and-so，itwouldneverhavehappened。Sheaskedforwhatshe’sgot。”
　　Thechildrenwaitedinrestraintduringhispreparations。Whenhe，hadgone，theysighedwithrelief。
　　Heclosedthedoorbehindhim，andwasglad。Itwasa，rainyevening。ThePalmerstonwouldbethecosier。Hehastened，forwardinanticipation。AlltheslateroofsoftheBottomsshone，blackwithwet。Theroads，alwaysdarkwithcoal-dust，werefull，ofblackishmud。Hehastenedalong。ThePalmerstonwindowsweresteamed，over。Thepassagewaspaddledwithwetfeet。Buttheairwaswarm，iffoul，andfullofthesoundofvoicesandthesmellofbeer，andsmoke。
　　“Whatsholltha’e，Walter？”criedavoice，assoonasMorel，appearedinthedoorway。
　　“Oh，Jim，mylad，wheriverhastheesprungfrae？”
　　Themenmadeaseatforhim，andtookhiminwarmly。Hewasglad。
　　Inaminuteortwotheyhadthawedallresponsibilityoutofhim，allshame，alltrouble，andhewasclearasabellforajollynight。
　　OntheWednesdayfollowing，Morelwaspenniless。Hedreaded，hiswife。Havinghurther，hehatedher。Hedidnotknowwhatto，dowithhimselfthatevening，havingnoteventwopencewithwhich，togotothePalmerston，andbeingalreadyratherdeeplyindebt。
　　So，whilehiswifewasdownthegardenwiththechild，hehunted，inthetopdrawerofthedresserwhereshekeptherpurse，foundit，andlookedinside。Itcontainedahalf-crown，twohalfpennies，andasixpence。Sohetookthesixpence，putthepursecarefullyback，andwentout。
　　Thenextday，whenshewantedtopaythegreengrocer，shelooked，inthepurseforhersixpence，andherheartsanktohershoes。
　　Thenshesatdownandthought：，“WASthereasixpence？，Ihadn’t，spentit，hadI？，AndIhadn’tleftitanywhereelse？”
　　Shewasmuchputabout。Shehuntedroundeverywhereforit。
　　And，asshesought，theconvictioncameintoherheartthather，husbandhadtakenit。Whatshehadinherpursewasallthemoney，shepossessed。Butthatheshouldsneakitfromherthuswasunbearable。
　　Hehaddonesotwicebefore。Thefirsttimeshehadnotaccusedhim，andattheweek-endhehadputtheshillingagainintoherpurse。
　　Sothatwashowshehadknownhehadtakenit。Thesecondtimehe，hadnotpaidback。
　　Thistimeshefeltitwastoomuch。Whenhehadhadhisdinner——
　　hecamehomeearlythatday——shesaidtohimcoldly：
　　“Didyoutakesixpenceoutofmypurselastnight？”
　　“Me！”hesaid，lookingupinanoffendedway。”No，Ididna！
　　Iniverclappedeyesonyourpurse。”
　　Butshecoulddetectthelie。
　　“Why，youknowyoudid，“shesaidquietly。
　　“ItellyouIdidna，“heshouted。”Yeratmeagain，areyer？
　　I’vehadaboutenoughon’t。”
　　“SoyoufilchsixpenceoutofmypursewhileI’mtaking，theclothesin。”
　　“I’llmayyerpayforthis，“hesaid，pushingbackhis，chairindesperation。Hebustledandgotwashed，thenwent，determinedlyupstairs。Presentlyhecamedowndressed，andwithabigbundleinablue-checked，enormoushandkerchief。
　　“Andnow，“hesaid，“you’llseemeagainwhenyoudo。”
　　“It’llbebeforeIwantto，“shereplied;andatthathemarched，outofthehousewithhisbundle。Shesattremblingslightly，butherheartbrimmingwithcontempt。Whatwouldshedoifhewent，tosomeotherpit，obtainedwork，andgotinwithanotherwoman？
　　Butsheknewhimtoowell——hecouldn’t。Shewasdeadsureofhim。
　　Neverthelessherheartwasgnawedinsideher。
　　“Where’smydad？”saidWilliam，cominginfromschool。
　　“Hesayshe’srunaway，“repliedthemother。
　　“Whereto？”
　　“Eh，Idon’tknow。He’stakenabundleinthebluehandkerchief，andsayshe’snotcomingback。”
　　“Whatshallwedo？”criedtheboy。
　　“Eh，nevertrouble，hewon’tgofar。”
　　“Butifhedoesn’tcomeback，“wailedAnnie。
　　AndsheandWilliamretiredtothesofaandwept。Mrs。Morel，satandlaughed。
　　“Youpairofgabeys！”sheexclaimed。”You’llseehimbefore，thenight’sout。”
　　Butthechildrenwerenottobeconsoled。Twilightcameon。
　　Mrs。Morelgrewanxiousfromveryweariness。Onepartofhersaid，itwouldbearelieftoseethelastofhim;anotherpartfretted，becauseofkeepingthechildren;andinsideher，asyet，shecould，notquitelethimgo。Atthebottom，sheknewverywellhecould，NOTgo。
　　Whenshewentdowntothecoal-placeattheendofthegarden，however，shefeltsomethingbehindthedoor。Soshelooked。
　　Andthereinthedarklaythebigbluebundle。Shesatonapiece，ofcoalandlaughed。Everytimeshesawit，sofatandyet，soignominious，slunkintoitscornerinthedark，withitsends，floppinglikedejectedearsfromtheknots，shelaughedagain。
　　Shewasrelieved。
　　Mrs。Morelsatwaiting。Hehadnotanymoney，sheknew，soifhestoppedhewasrunningupabill。Shewasverytiredofhim——
　　tiredtodeath。Hehadnoteventhecouragetocarryhisbundle，beyondtheyard-end。
　　Asshemeditated，ataboutnineo’clock，heopenedthedoor，andcamein，slinking，andyetsulky。Shesaidnotaword。
　　Hetookoffhiscoat，andslunktohisarmchair，wherehebegan，totakeoffhisboots。
　　“You’dbetterfetchyourbundlebeforeyoutakeyourbootsoff，“
　　shesaidquietly。
　　“YoumaythankyourstarsI’vecomebackto-night，“hesaid，lookingupfromunderhisdroppedhead，sulkily，tryingtobeimpressive。
　　“Why，whereshouldyouhavegone？，Youdaren’tevengetyour，parcelthroughtheyard-end，“shesaid。
　　Helookedsuchafoolshewasnotevenangrywithhim。
　　Hecontinuedtotakehisbootsoffandprepareforbed。
　　“Idon’tknowwhat’sinyourbluehandkerchief，“shesaid。
　　“Butifyouleaveitthechildrenshallfetchitinthemorning。”
　　Whereuponhegotupandwentoutofthehouse，returningpresently，andcrossingthekitchenwithavertedface，hurryingupstairs。
　　AsMrs。Morelsawhimslinkquicklythroughtheinnerdoorway，holdinghisbundle，shelaughedtoherself：，butherheartwasbitter，becauseshehadlovedhim。
　　CHAPTERIII
　　THECASTINGOFFOFMOREL——THETAKINGONOFWILLIAM
　　DURINGthenextweekMorel’stemperwasalmostunbearable。
　　Likeallminers，hewasagreatloverofmedicines，which，strangelyenough，hewouldoftenpayforhimself。
　　“Youmungetmeadropo’laxyvitral，“hesaid。”It’sa，winderaswecannaha’easupi’th’’ouse。”
　　SoMrs。Morelboughthimelixirofvitriol，hisfavourite，firstmedicine。Andhemadehimselfajugofwormwoodtea。Hehad，hangingintheatticgreatbunchesofdriedherbs：
　　wormwood，rue，horehound，elderflowers，parsley-purt，marshmallow，hyssop，dandelion，andcentaury。Usuallytherewasajugof，oneorotherdecoctionstandingonthehob，fromwhichhedranklargely。
　　“Grand！”hesaid，smackinghislipsafterwormwood。”Grand！”
　　Andheexhortedthechildrentotry。
　　“It’sbetterthananyofyourteaoryourcocoastews，“hevowed。
　　Buttheywerenottobetempted。
　　Thistime，however，neitherpillsnorvitriolnorallhisherbs，wouldshiftthe“nastypeensinhishead“。Hewassickeningforan，attackofaninflammationofthebrain。Hehadneverbeenwellsince，hissleepingonthegroundwhenhewentwithJerrytoNottingham。
　　Sincethenhehaddrunkandstormed。Nowhefellseriouslyill，andMrs。Morelhadhimtonurse。Hewasoneoftheworst，patientsimaginable。But，inspiteofall，andputtingasidethe，factthathewasbreadwinner，sheneverquitewantedhimtodie。
　　Stilltherewasonepartofherwantedhimforherself。
　　Theneighbourswereverygoodtoher：，occasionallysome，hadthechildrenintomeals，occasionallysomewoulddothe，downstairsworkforher，onewouldmindthebabyforaday。
　　Butitwasagreatdrag，nevertheless。Itwasnoteveryday，theneighbourshelped。Thenshehadnursingofbabyandhusband，cleaningandcooking，everythingtodo。Shewasquitewornout，butshedidwhatwaswantedofher。
　　Andthemoneywasjustsufficient。Shehadseventeen，shillingsaweekfromclubs，andeveryFridayBarkerandtheother，buttyputbyaportionofthestall’sprofitsforMorel’swife。
　　Andtheneighboursmadebroths，andgaveeggs，andsuchinvalids’
　　trifles。Iftheyhadnothelpedhersogenerouslyinthosetimes，Mrs。Morelwouldneverhavepulledthrough，withoutincurring，debtsthatwouldhavedraggedherdown。
　　Theweekspassed。Morel，almostagainsthope，grewbetter。
　　Hehadafineconstitution，sothat，onceonthemend，hewentstraight，forwardtorecovery。Soonhewaspotteringaboutdownstairs。
　　Duringhisillnesshiswifehadspoilthimalittle。Nowhewanted，hertocontinue。Heoftenputhisbandtohishead，pulleddown，thecomersofhismouth，andshammedpainshedidnotfeel。
　　Buttherewasnodeceivingher。Atfirstshemerelysmiledtoherself。
　　Thenshescoldedhimsharply。
　　“Goodness，man，don’tbesolachrymose。”
　　Thatwoundedhimslightly，butstillhecontinuedtofeignsickness。
　　“Iwouldn’tbesuchamardybaby，“saidthewifeshortly。
　　Thenhewasindignant，andcursedunderhisbreath，likeaboy。
　　Hewasforcedtoresumeanormaltone，andtoceasetowhine。
　　Nevertheless，therewasastateofpeaceinthehouseforsometime。
　　Mrs。Morelwasmoretolerantofhim，andhe，dependingonheralmost，likeachild，wasratherhappy。Neitherknewthatshewasmoretolerant，becauseshelovedhimless。Uptillthistime，inspiteofall，hehadbeenherhusbandandherman。Shehadfeltthat，moreorless，whathedidtohimselfhedidtoher。Herlivingdependedonhim。
　　Thereweremany，manystagesintheebbingofherloveforhim，butitwasalwaysebbing。
　　Now，withthebirthofthisthirdbaby，herselfnolongerset，towardshim，helplessly，butwaslikeatidethatscarcelyrose，standingofffromhim。Afterthisshescarcelydesiredhim。
　　And，standingmorealooffromhim，notfeelinghimsomuchpart，ofherself，butmerelypartofhercircumstances，shedidnotmind，somuchwhathedid，couldleavehimalone。
　　Therewasthehalt，thewistfulnessabouttheensuingyear，whichislikeautumninaman’slife。Hiswifewascastinghimoff，halfregretfully，butrelentlessly;castinghimoffandturning，nowforloveandlifetothechildren。Henceforwardhewasmore，orlessahusk。Andhehimselfacquiesced，assomanymendo，yieldingtheirplacetotheirchildren。
　　Duringhisrecuperation，whenitwasreallyoverbetweenthem，bothmadeanefforttocomebacksomewhattotheoldrelationship，ofthefirstmonthsoftheirmarriage。Hesatathomeand，whenthechildrenwereinbed，andshewassewing——shedidallher，sewingbyhand，madeallshirtsandchildren’sclothing——hewould，readtoherfromthenewspaper，slowlypronouncinganddelivering，thewordslikeamanpitchingquoits。Oftenshehurriedhimon，givinghimaphraseinanticipation。Andthenhetookherwordshumbly。
　　Thesilencesbetweenthemwerepeculiar。Therewouldbe，theswift，slight“cluck“ofherneedle，thesharp“pop“ofhis，lipsasheletoutthesmoke，thewarmth，thesizzleonthebars，ashespatinthefire。ThenherthoughtsturnedtoWilliam。
　　Alreadyhewasgettingabigboy。Alreadyhewastopoftheclass，andthemastersaidhewasthesmartestladintheschool。
　　Shesawhimaman，young，fullofvigour，makingtheworldglow，againforher。
　　AndMorelsittingthere，quitealone，andhavingnothing，tothinkabout，wouldbefeelingvaguelyuncomfortable。Hissoul，wouldreachoutinitsblindwaytoherandfindhergone。
　　Hefeltasortofemptiness，almostlikeavacuuminhissoul。
　　Hewasunsettledandrestless。Soonhecouldnotlivein，thatatmosphere，andheaffectedhiswife。Bothfeltanoppression，ontheirbreathingwhentheywerelefttogetherforsometime。
　　Thenhewenttobedandshesettleddowntoenjoyherselfalone，working，thinking，living。
　　Meanwhileanotherinfantwascoming，fruitofthislittlepeace，andtendernessbetweentheseparatingparents。Paulwasseventeen，monthsoldwhenthenewbabywasborn。Hewasthenaplump，palechild，quiet，withheavyblueeyes，andstillthepeculiar，slightknittingofthebrows。Thelastchildwasalsoaboy，fairandbonny。Mrs。Morelwassorrywhensheknewshewaswithchild，bothforeconomicreasonsandbecauseshedidnotloveherhusband;
　　butnotforthesakeoftheinfant。
　　TheycalledthebabyArthur。Hewasverypretty，witha，mopofgoldcurls，andhelovedhisfatherfromthefirst。
　　Mrs。Morelwasgladthischildlovedthefather。Hearingthe，miner’sfootsteps，thebabywouldputuphisarmsandcrow。
　　AndifMorelwereinagoodtemper，hecalledbackimmediately，inhishearty，mellowvoice：
　　“Whatthen，mybeauty？，Ish’llcometotheeinaminute。”
　　Andassoonashehadtakenoffhispit-coat，Mrs。Morelwould，putanapronroundthechild，andgivehimtohisfather。
　　“Whatasighttheladlooks！”shewouldexclaimsometimes，takingbackthebaby，thatwassmuttedonthefacefromhisfather’s，kissesandplay。ThenMorellaughedjoyfully。
　　“He’salittlecollier，blesshisbito’mutton！”heexclaimed。
　　Andthesewerethehappymomentsofherlifenow，whenthe，childrenincludedthefatherinherheart。
　　MeanwhileWilliamgrewbiggerandstrongerandmoreactive，whilePaul，alwaysratherdelicateandquiet，gotslimmer，andtrottedafterhismotherlikehershadow。Hewasusuallyactive，andinterested，butsometimeshewouldhavefitsofdepression。
　　Thenthemotherwouldfindtheboyofthreeorfourcryingon，thesofa。
　　“What’sthematter？”sheasked，andgotnoanswer。
　　“What’sthematter？”sheinsisted，gettingcross。
　　“Idon’tknow，“sobbedthechild。
　　Soshetriedtoreasonhimoutofit，ortoamusehim，butwithouteffect。Itmadeherfeelbesideherself。Thenthefather，alwaysimpatient，wouldjumpfromhischairandshout：
　　“Ifhedoesn’tstop，I’llsmackhimtillhedoes。”
　　“You’lldonothingofthesort，“saidthemothercoldly。
　　Andthenshecarriedthechildintotheyard，plumpedhimintohis，littlechair，andsaid：，“Nowcrythere，Misery！”
　　Andthenabutterflyontherhubarb-leavesperhapscaughthiseye，oratlasthecriedhimselftosleep。Thesefitswerenotoften，buttheycausedashadowinMrs。Morel’sheart，andhertreatment，ofPaulwasdifferentfromthatoftheotherchildren。
　　Suddenlyonemorningasshewaslookingdownthealley，oftheBottomsforthebarm-man，sheheardavoicecallingher。
　　ItwasthethinlittleMrs。Anthonyinbrownvelvet。
　　“Here，Mrs。Morel，IwanttotellyouaboutyourWillie。”
　　“Oh，doyou？”repliedMrs。Morel。”Why，what’sthematter？”
　　“Aladasgets’oldofanotheran’ripshisclothesoff’n，’isback，“Mrs。Anthonysaid，“wantsshowingsomething。”
　　“YourAlfred’sasoldasmyWilliam，“saidMrs。Morel。
　　“’Appen’eis，butthatdoesn’tgivehimarighttogethold，oftheboy’scollar，an’fairripitcleanoffhisback。”
　　“Well，“saidMrs。Morel，“Idon’tthrashmychildren，andevenifIdid，Ishouldwanttoheartheirsideofthetale。”
　　“They’dhappenbeabitbetteriftheydidgetagoodhiding，“
　　retortedMrs。Anthony。”Whenitcomesterrippin’alad’sclean，collaroff’n’isbacka-purpose——“
　　“I’msurehedidn’tdoitonpurpose，“saidMrs。Morel。
　　“Makemealiar！”shoutedMrs。Anthony。
　　Mrs。Morelmovedawayandclosedhergate。Herhandtrembled，assheheldhermugofbarm。
　　“ButIs’llletyourmesterknow，“Mrs。Anthonycriedafterher。
　　Atdinner-time，whenWilliamhadfinishedhismealandwanted，tobeoffagain——hewasthenelevenyearsold——hismothersaidtohim：
　　“WhatdidyoutearAlfredAnthony’scollarfor？”
　　“WhendidItearhiscollar？”
　　“Idon’tknowwhen，buthismothersaysyoudid。”
　　“Why——itwasyesterday——an’itwastorna’ready。”
　　“Butyoutoreitmore。”
　　“Well，I’dgotacobbleras’adlickedseventeen——an’
　　AlfyAnt’ny’esays：
　　’Adaman’Evean’pinch-me，Wentdowntoarivertobade。
　　Adaman’Evegotdrownded，Whodoyerthinkgotsaved？’
　　An’soIsays：，’Oh，Pinch-YOU，’an’soIpinched’im，an’
　　’ewasmad，an’sohesnatchedmycobbleran’runoffwithit。
　　An’soIrunafter’im，an’whenIwasgettin’holdof’im，’edodged，an’itripped’iscollar。ButIgotmycobbler——“
　　Hepulledfromhispocketablackoldhorse-chestnuthangingon，astring。Thisoldcobblerhad“cobbled“——hitandsmashed——seventeen，othercobblersonsimilarstrings。Sotheboywasproudofhisveteran。
　　“Well，“saidMrs。Morel，“youknowyou’vegotnorighttorip，hiscollar。”
　　“Well，ourmother！”heanswered。”Inevermeanttr’adoneit——an’
　　itwason’yanoldindirrubbercollaraswastorna’ready。”
　　“Nexttime，“saidhismother，“YOUbemorecareful。
　　Ishouldn’tlikeitifyoucamehomewithyourcollartornoff。”
　　“Idon’tcare，ourmother;Ineverdidita-purpose。”
　　Theboywasrathermiserableatbeingreprimanded。
　　“No——well，youbemorecareful。”
　　Williamfledaway，gladtobeexonerated。AndMrs。Morel，whohatedanybotherwiththeneighbours，thoughtshewouldexplain，toMrs。Anthony，andthebusinesswouldbeover。
　　ButthateveningMorelcameinfromthepitlookingverysour。
　　Hestoodinthekitchenandglaredround，butdidnotspeakfor，someminutes。Then：
　　“Wheer’sthatWilly？”heasked。
　　“WhatdoyouwantHIMfor？”askedMrs。Morel，whohadguessed。
　　“I’lllet’imknowwhenIgethim，“saidMorel，banginghis，pit-bottleontothedresser。
　　“IsupposeMrs。Anthony’sgotholdofyouandbeenyarning，toyouaboutAlfy’scollar，“saidMrs。Morel，rathersneering。
　　“Nivermindwho’sgotholdofme，“saidMorel。”WhenIget，holdof’IMI’llmakehisbonesrattle。”
　　“It’sapoortale，“saidMrs。Morel，“thatyou’resoready，tosidewithanysnipeyvixenwholikestocometellingtales，againstyourownchildren。”
　　“I’lllearn’im！”saidMorel。”Itnonematterstomewhose，lad’eis;’e’snonegoin’rippin’an’tearin’aboutjustashe’s，amind。”
　　“’Rippingandtearingabout！’“repeatedMrs。Morel。
　　“HewasrunningafterthatAlfy，who’dtakenhiscobbler，andhe，accidentallygotholdofhiscollar，becausetheotherdodged——as，anAnthonywould。”
　　“Iknow！”shoutedMorelthreateningly。
　　“Youwould，beforeyou’retold，“repliedhiswifebitingly。
　　“Niveryoumind，“stormedMorel。”Iknowmybusiness。”
　　“That’smorethandoubtful，“saidMrs。Morel，“supposingsome，loud-mouthedcreaturehadbeengettingyoutothrashyourownchildren。”
　　“Iknow，“repeatedMorel。
　　Andhesaidnomore，butsatandnursedhisbadtemper。
　　SuddenlyWilliamranin，saying：
　　“CanIhavemytea，mother？”
　　“Thacanha’emorethanthat！”shoutedMorel。
　　“Holdyournoise，man，“saidMrs。Morel;“anddon’tlook，soridiculous。”
　　“He’lllookridiculousbeforeI’vedonewi’him！”shoutedMorel，risingfromhischairandglaringathisson。
　　William，whowasatallladforhisyears，butverysensitive，hadgonepale，andwaslookinginasortofhorrorathisfather。
　　“Goout！”Mrs。Morelcommandedherson。
　　Williamhadnotthewittomove。SuddenlyMorelclenched，hisfist，andcrouched。
　　“I’llGI’Ehim’goout’！”heshoutedlikeaninsanething。
　　“What！”criedMrs。Morel，pantingwithrage。”Youshall，nottouchhimforHERtelling，youshallnot！”
　　“ShonnaI？”shoutedMorel。”ShonnaI？”
　　And，glaringattheboy，heranforward。Mrs。Morelsprang，inbetweenthem，withherfistlifted。
　　“Don’tyouDARE！”shecried。
　　“What！”heshouted，baffledforthemoment。”What！”
　　Shespunroundtoherson。
　　“GOoutofthehouse！”shecommandedhiminfury。
　　Theboy，asifhypnotisedbyher，turnedsuddenlyandwasgone。
　　Morelrushedtothedoor，butwastoolate。Hereturned，paleunder，hispit-dirtwithfury。Butnowhiswifewasfullyroused。
　　“Onlydare！”shesaidinaloud，ringingvoice。”Onlydare，milord，tolayafingeronthatchild！，You’llregretitforever。”
　　Hewasafraidofher。Inatoweringrage，hesatdown。
　　Whenthechildrenwereoldenoughtobeleft，Mrs。Morel，joinedtheWomen’sGuild。Itwasalittleclubofwomenattached，totheCo-operativeWholesaleSociety，whichmetonMondaynight，inthelongroomoverthegroceryshopoftheBestwood“Co-op“。The，womenweresupposedtodiscussthebenefitstobederivedfrom，co-operation，andothersocialquestions。SometimesMrs。Morel，readapaper。Itseemedqueertothechildrentoseetheirmother，whowasalwaysbusyaboutthehouse，sittingwritinginher，rapidfashion，thinking，referringtobooks，andwritingagain。
　　Theyfeltforheronsuchoccasionsthedeepestrespect。
　　ButtheylovedtheGuild。Itwastheonlythingtowhichthey，didnotgrudgetheirmother——andthatpartlybecausesheenjoyedit，partlybecauseofthetreatstheyderivedfromit。TheGuild，wascalledbysomehostilehusbands，whofoundtheirwivesgetting，tooindependent，the“clat-fart“shop——thatis，thegossip-shop。It，istrue，fromoffthebasisoftheGuild，thewomencouldlookat，theirhomes，attheconditionsoftheirownlives，andfindfault。
　　Sothecolliersfoundtheirwomenhadanewstandardoftheirown，ratherdisconcerting。Andalso，Mrs。Morelalwayshadalotofnews，onMondaynights，sothatthechildrenlikedWilliamtobeinwhen，theirmothercamehome，becauseshetoldhimthings。
　　Then，whentheladwasthirteen，shegothimajobin，the“Co-op。”，office。Hewasaverycleverboy，frank，withrather，roughfeaturesandrealvikingblueeyes。
　　“Whatdostwantterma’eastool-harsedJackon’imfor？”
　　saidMorel。”Allhe’lldoistowearhisbritchesbehindoutan’
　　earnnowt。What’s’estartin’wi’？”
　　“Itdoesn’tmatterwhathe’sstartingwith，“saidMrs。Morel。
　　“Itwouldna！，Put’imi’th’pitweme，an’’ellearnaeasy，tenshillin’awikfromth’start。Butsixshillin’wearin’histruck-end，outonastool’sbetterthantenshillin’i’th’pitwi’me，Iknow。”
　　“HeisNOTgoinginthepit，“saidMrs。Morel，“andthere’s，anendofit。”
　　“Itworgoodenoughforme，butit’snongoodenoughfor’im。”
　　“Ifyourmotherputyouinthepitattwelve，it’snoreason，whyIshoulddothesamewithmylad。”
　　“Twelve！，Itworasightaforethat！”
　　“Wheneveritwas，“saidMrs。Morel。
　　Shewasveryproudofherson。Hewenttothenightschool，andlearnedshorthand，sothatbythetimehewassixteenhewas，thebestshorthandclerkandbook-keeperontheplace，exceptone。
　　Thenhetaughtinthenightschools。Buthewassofierythatonly，hisgood-natureandhissizeprotectedhim。
　　Allthethingsthatmendo——thedecentthings——Williamdid。
　　Hecouldrunlikethewind。Whenhewastwelvehewonafirst，prizeinarace;aninkstandofglass，shapedlikeananvil。
　　Itstoodproudlyonthedresser，andgaveMrs。Morelakeenpleasure。
　　Theboyonlyranforher。Heflewhomewithhisanvil，breathless，witha“Look，mother！”Thatwasthefirstrealtributetoherself。
　　Shetookitlikeaqueen。
　　“Howpretty！”sheexclaimed。
　　Thenhebegantogetambitious。Hegaveallhismoneyto，hismother。Whenheearnedfourteenshillingsaweek，shegavehim，backtwoforhimself，and，asheneverdrank，hefelthimselfrich。
　　HewentaboutwiththebourgeoisofBestwood。Thetownletcontained，nothinghigherthantheclergyman。Thencamethebankmanager，thenthedoctors，thenthetradespeople，andafterthatthehosts，ofcolliers。Willambegantoconsortwiththesonsofthechemist，theschoolmaster，andthetradesmen。Heplayedbilliardsin，theMechanics’Hall。Alsohedanced——thisinspiteofhismother。
　　AllthelifethatBestwoodofferedheenjoyed，fromthesixpenny-hops，downChurchStreet，tosportsandbilliards。
　　Paulwastreatedtodazzlingdescriptionsofallkindsof，flower-likeladies，mostofwhomlivedlikecutbloomsinWilliam’s，heartforabrieffortnight。
　　Occasionallysomeflamewouldcomeinpursuitofhererrant，swain。Mrs。Morelwouldfindastrangegirlatthedoor，andimmediatelyshesniffedtheair。
　　“IsMr。Morelin？”thedamselwouldaskappealingly。
　　“Myhusbandisathome，“Mrs。Morelreplied。
　　“I——ImeanYOUNGMr。Morel，“repeatedthemaidenpainfully。
　　“Whichone？，Thereareseveral。”
　　Whereuponmuchblushingandstammeringfromthefairone。
　　“I——ImetMr。Morel——atRipley，“sheexplained。
　　“Oh——atadance！”
　　“Yes。”
　　“Idon’tapproveofthegirlsmysonmeetsatdances。
　　AndheisNOTathome。”
　　Thenhecamehomeangrywithhismotherforhavingturnedthe，girlawaysorudely。Hewasacareless，yeteager-lookingfellow，whowalkedwithlongstrides，sometimesfrowning，oftenwithhiscap，pushedjollilytothebackofhishead。Nowhecameinfrowning。
　　Hethrewhiscapontothesofa，andtookhisstrongjawinhishand，andglareddownathismother。Shewassmall，withherhair，takenstraightbackfromherforehead。Shehadaquietair，ofauthority，andyetofrarewarmth。Knowinghersonwasangry，shetrembledinwardly。
　　“Didaladycallformeyesterday，mother？”heasked。
　　“Idon’tknowaboutalady。Therewasagirlcame。”
　　“Andwhydidn’tyoutellme？”
　　“BecauseIforgot，simply。”
　　Hefumedalittle。
　　“Agood-lookinggirl——seemedalady？”
　　“Ididn’tlookather。”
　　“Bigbrowneyes？”
　　“IdidNOTlook。Andtellyourgirls，myson，thatwhenthey’re，runningafteryou，they’renottocomeandaskyourmotherforyou。
　　Tellthemthat——brazenbaggagesyoumeetatdancing-classes。”
　　“I’msureshewasanicegirl。”
　　“AndI’msureshewasn’t。”
　　Thereendedthealtercation。Overthedancingtherewasagreat，strifebetweenthemotherandtheson。Thegrievancereachedits，heightwhenWilliamsaidhewasgoingtoHucknallTorkard——considered，alowtown——toafancy-dressball。HewastobeaHighlander。
　　Therewasadresshecouldhire，whichoneofhisfriends，hadhad，andwhichfittedhimperfectly。TheHighlandsuitcamehome。
　　Mrs。Morelreceiveditcoldlyandwouldnotunpackit。
　　“Mysuitcome？”criedWilliam。
　　“There’saparcelinthefrontroom。”
　　Herushedinandcutthestring。
　　“Howdoyoufancyyoursoninthis！”hesaid，enraptured，showingherthesuit。
　　“YouknowIdon’twanttofancyyouinit。”
　　Ontheeveningofthedance，whenhehadcomehometodress，Mrs。Morelputonhercoatandbonnet。
　　“Aren’tyougoingtostopandseeme，mother？”heasked。
　　“No;Idon’twanttoseeyou，“shereplied。
　　Shewasratherpale，andherfacewasclosedandhard。
　　Shewasafraidofherson’sgoingthesamewayashisfather。
　　Hehesitatedamoment，andhisheartstoodstillwithanxiety。