“Makeanother！，Areyougoingtosendthattoagentleman？”
　　Andhetoreuptheblueformirritably。
　　Paul，hisearsredwithshame，beganagain。
　　StillMr。Jordanwatched。
　　“Idon’tknowwhattheyDOteachinschools。You’llhave，towritebetterthanthat。Ladslearnnothingnowadays，buthow，torecitepoetryandplaythefiddle。Haveyouseenhiswriting？”
　　heaskedofMr。Pappleworth。
　　“Yes;prime，isn’tit？”repliedMr。Pappleworthindifferently。
　　Mr。Jordangavealittlegrunt，notunamiable。Pauldivined，thathismaster’sbarkwasworsethanhisbite。Indeed，thelittle，manufacturer，althoughhespokebadEnglish，wasquitegentleman，enoughtoleavehismenaloneandtotakenonoticeoftrifles。
　　Butheknewhedidnotlooklikethebossandowneroftheshow，sohehadtoplayhisroleofproprietoratfirst，toputthings，onarightfooting。
　　“Let’ssee，WHAT’Syourname？”askedMr。Pappleworthoftheboy。
　　“PaulMorel。”
　　Itiscuriousthatchildrensuffersomuchathaving，topronouncetheirownnames。
　　“PaulMorel，isit？，Allright，youPaul-Morelthroughthem，thingsthere，andthen——“
　　Mr。Pappleworthsubsidedontoastool，andbeganwriting。
　　Agirlcameupfromoutofadoorjustbehind，putsome，newly-pressedelasticwebappliancesonthecounter，andreturned。
　　Mr。Pappleworthpickedupthewhitey-blueknee-band，examinedit，anditsyelloworder-paperquickly，andputitononeside。
　　Nextwasaflesh-pink“leg“。Hewentthroughthefewthings，wroteoutacoupleoforders，andcalledtoPaultoaccompanyhim。
　　Thistimetheywentthroughthedoorwhencethegirlhademerged。
　　TherePaulfoundhimselfatthetopofalittlewoodenflightofsteps，andbelowhimsawaroomwithwindowsroundtwosides，andatthe，fartherendhalfadozengirlssittingbendingoverthebenchesin，thelightfromthewindow，sewing。Theyweresingingtogether“Two，LittleGirlsinBlue“。Hearingthedooropened，theyallturnedround，toseeMr。PappleworthandPaullookingdownonthemfromthefar，endoftheroom。Theystoppedsinging。
　　“Can’tyoumakeabitlessrow？”saidMr。Pappleworth。
　　“Folk’llthinkwekeepcats。”
　　Ahunchbackwomanonahighstoolturnedherlong，ratherheavy，facetowardsMr。Pappleworth，andsaid，inacontraltovoice：
　　“They’realltom-catsthen。”
　　InvainMr。PappleworthtriedtobeimpressiveforPaul’sbenefit。
　　Hedescendedthestepsintothefinishing-offroom，andwenttothehunchbackFanny。Shehadsuch，ashortbodyonherhighstoolthatherhead，withits，greatbandsofbrightbrownhair，seemedoverlarge，asdidherpale，heavyface。Sheworeadressofgreen-blackcashmere，andherwrists，comingoutofthenarrowcuffs，werethinandflat，assheput，downherworknervously。Heshowedhersomethingthatwaswrong，withaknee-cap。
　　“Well，“shesaid，“youneedn’tcomeblamingitontome。
　　It’snotmyfault。”，Hercolourmountedtohercheek。
　　“IneversaiditWASyourfault。WillyoudoasItellyou？”
　　repliedMr。Pappleworthshortly。
　　“Youdon’tsayit’smyfault，butyou’dliketomakeoutasitwas，“
　　thehunchbackwomancried，almostintears。Thenshesnatched，theknee-capfromher“boss“saying：，“Yes，I’lldoitforyou，butyouneedn’tbesnappy。”
　　“Here’syournewlad，“saidMr。Pappleworth。
　　Fannyturned，smilingverygentlyonPaul。
　　“Oh！”shesaid。
　　“Yes;don’tmakeasoftyofhimbetweenyou。”
　　“It’snotusas’udmakeasoftyofhim，“shesaidindignantly。
　　“Comeonthen，Paul，“saidMr。Pappleworth。
　　“Aurevoy，Paul，“saidoneofthegirls。
　　Therewasatitteroflaughter。Paulwentout，blushingdeeply，nothavingspokenaword。
　　Thedaywasverylong。Allmorningthework-peoplewerecoming，tospeaktoMr。Pappleworth。Paulwaswritingorlearningtomake，upparcels，readyforthemiddaypost。Atoneo’clock，or，rather，ataquartertoone，Mr。Pappleworthdisappearedtocatchhistrain：
　　helivedinthesuburbs。Atoneo’clock，Paul，feelingverylost，tookhisdinner-basketdownintothestockroominthebasement，thathadthelongtableontrestles，andatehismealhurriedly，aloneinthatcellarofgloomanddesolation。Thenhewentoutofdoors。
　　Thebrightnessandthefreedomofthestreetsmadehimfeeladventurous，andhappy。Butattwoo’clockhewasbackinthecornerofthe，bigroom。Soonthework-girlswenttroopingpast，makingremarks。
　　Itwasthecommonergirlswhoworkedupstairsattheheavytasks，oftruss-makingandthefinishingofartificiallimbs。Hewaited，forMr。Pappleworth，notknowingwhattodo，sittingscribbling，ontheyelloworder-paper。Mr。Pappleworthcameattwentyminutes，tothree。ThenhesatandgossipedwithPaul，treatingtheboy，entirelyasanequal，eveninage。
　　Intheafternoontherewasneververymuchtodo，unlessit，wereneartheweek-end，andtheaccountshadtobemadeup。
　　Atfiveo’clockallthemenwentdownintothedungeonwiththe，tableontrestles，andtheretheyhadtea，eatingbread-and-butter，onthebare，dirtyboards，talkingwiththesamekindofugly，hasteandslovenlinesswithwhichtheyatetheirmeal。Andyet，upstairstheatmosphereamongthemwasalwaysjollyandclear。
　　Thecellarandthetrestlesaffectedthem。
　　Aftertea，whenallthegaseswerelighted，WORKwentmorebriskly。
　　Therewasthebigeveningposttogetoff。Thehosecameupwarm，andnewlypressedfromtheworkrooms。Paulhadmadeouttheinvoices。
　　Nowhehadthepackingupandaddressingtodo，thenhehad，toweighhisstockofparcelsonthescales。Everywherevoices，werecallingweights，therewasthechinkofmetal，therapid，snappingofstring，thehurryingtooldMr。Mellingforstamps。
　　Andatlastthepostmancamewithhissack，laughingandjolly。
　　Theneverythingslackedoff，andPaultookhisdinner-basket，andrantothestationtocatchtheeight-twentytrain。Theday，inthefactorywasjusttwelvehourslong。
　　Hismothersatwaitingforhimratheranxiously。Hehadto，walkfromKeston，sowasnothomeuntilabouttwentypastnine。
　　Andheleftthehousebeforeseveninthemorning。Mrs。Morel，wasratheranxiousabouthishealth。Butsheherselfhadhadtoputup，withsomuchthatsheexpectedherchildrentotakethesameodds。
　　Theymustgothroughwithwhatcame。AndPaulstayedatJordan’s，althoughallthetimehewastherehishealthsufferedfromthe，darknessandlackofairandthelonghours。
　　Hecameinpaleandtired。Hismotherlookedathim。
　　Shesawhewasratherpleased，andheranxietyallwent。
　　“Well，andhowwasit？”sheasked。
　　“Eversofunny，mother，“hereplied。”Youdon’thavetowork，abithard，andthey’renicewithyou。”
　　“Anddidyougetonallright？”
　　“Yes：theyonlysaymywriting’sbad。ButMr。Pappleworth——
　　he’smyman——saidtoMr。JordanIshouldbeallright。
　　I’mSpiral，mother;youmustcomeandsee。It’seversonice。”
　　SoonhelikedJordan’s。Mr。Pappleworth，whohadacertain，“saloonbar“flavourabouthim，wasalwaysnatural，andtreated，himasifhehadbeenacomrade。Sometimesthe“Spiralboss“
　　wasirritable，andchewedmorelozengesthanever。Eventhen，however，hewasnotoffensive，butoneofthosepeoplewhohurt，themselvesbytheirownirritabilitymorethantheyhurtotherpeople。
　　“Haven’tyoudonethatYET？”hewouldcry。”Goon，beamonth，ofSundays。”
　　Again，andPaulcouldunderstandhimleastthen，hewasjocular，andinhighspirits。
　　“I’mgoingtobringmylittleYorkshireterrierbitchtomorrow，“
　　hesaidjubilantlytoPaul。
　　“What’saYorkshireterrier？”
　　“DON’TknowwhataYorkshireterrieris？，DON’TKNOWAYORKSHIRE——“
　　Mr。Pappleworthwasaghast。
　　“Isitalittlesilkyone——coloursofironandrustysilver？”
　　“THAT’Sit，mylad。She’sagem。She’shadfivepounds’
　　worthofpupsalready，andshe’sworthoversevenpoundsherself;
　　andshedoesn’tweightwentyounces。”
　　Thenextdaythebitchcame。Shewasashivering，miserablemorsel。
　　Pauldidnotcareforher;sheseemedsolikeawetragthatwould，neverdry。Thenamancalledforher，andbegantomakecoarsejokes。
　　ButMr。Pappleworthnoddedhisheadinthedirectionoftheboy，andthetalkwentonsottovoce。
　　Mr。JordanonlymadeonemoreexcursiontowatchPaul，andthentheonlyfaulthefoundwasseeingtheboylayhispen，onthecounter。
　　“Putyourpeninyourear，ifyou’regoingtobeaclerk。
　　Peninyourear！”Andonedayhesaidtothelad：，“Whydon’tyou，holdyourshouldersstraighter？，Comedownhere，“whenhetookhim，intotheglassofficeandfittedhimwithspecialbracesforkeeping，theshoulderssquare。
　　ButPaullikedthegirlsbest。Themenseemedcommonand，ratherdull。Helikedthemall，buttheywereuninteresting。Polly，thelittlebriskoverseerdownstairs，findingPauleatinginthecellar，askedhimifshecouldcookhimanythingonherlittlestove。
　　Nextdayhismothergavehimadishthatcouldbeheatedup。
　　Hetookitintothepleasant，cleanroomtoPolly。Andverysoonit，grewtobeanestablishedcustomthatheshouldhavedinnerwithher。
　　Whenhecameinateightinthemorninghetookhisbaskettoher，andwhenhecamedownatoneo’clockshehadhisdinnerready。
　　Hewasnotverytall，andpale，withthickchestnuthair，irregularfeatures，andawide，fullmouth。Shewaslikeasmallbird。
　　Heoftencalledhera“robinet“。Thoughnaturallyratherquiet，hewouldsitandchatterwithherforhourstellingherabouthishome。
　　Thegirlsalllikedtohearhimtalk。Theyoftengatheredinalittle，circlewhilehesatonabench，andheldforthtothem，laughing。
　　Someofthemregardedhimasacuriouslittlecreature，soserious，yetsobrightandjolly，andalwayssodelicateinhiswaywiththem。
　　Theyalllikedhim，andheadoredthem。Pollyhefelthebelongedto。
　　ThenConnie，withhermaneofredhair，herfaceofapple-blossom，hermurmuringvoice，suchaladyinhershabbyblackfrock，appealedtohisromanticside。
　　“Whenyousitwinding，“hesaid，“itlooksasifyouwere，spinningataspinning-wheel——itlookseversonice。Youremind，meofElaineinthe’IdyllsoftheKing’。I’ddrawyouifIcould。”
　　Andsheglancedathimblushingshyly。Andlateronhehad，asketchheprizedverymuch：，Conniesittingonthestoolbefore，thewheel，herflowingmaneofredhaironherrustyblackfrock，herredmouthshutandserious，runningthescarletthreadoff，thehankontothereel。
　　WithLouie，handsomeandbrazen，whoalwaysseemedtothrust，herhipathim，heusuallyjoked。
　　Emmawasratherplain，ratherold，andcondescending。
　　Buttocondescendtohimmadeherhappy，andhedidnotmind。
　　“Howdoyouputneedlesin？”heasked。
　　“Goawayanddon’tbother。”
　　“ButIoughttoknowhowtoputneedlesin。”
　　Shegroundathermachineallthewhilesteadily。
　　“Therearemanythingsyououghttoknow，“shereplied。
　　“Tellme，then，howtostickneedlesinthemachine。”
　　“Oh，theboy，whatanuisanceheis！，Why，THISishowyou，doit。”
　　Hewatchedherattentively。Suddenlyawhistlepiped。
　　ThenPollyappeared，andsaidinaclearvoice：
　　“Mr。Pappleworthwantstoknowhowmuchlongeryou’regoing，tobedownhereplayingwiththegirls，Paul。”
　　Paulflewupstairs，calling“Good-bye！”andEmmadrewherselfup。
　　“Itwasn’tMEwhowantedhimtoplaywiththemachine，“
　　shesaid。
　　Asarule，whenallthegirlscamebackattwoo’clock，he，ranupstairstoFanny，thehunchback，inthefinishing-offroom。
　　Mr。Pappleworthdidnotappeartilltwentytothree，andheoften，foundhisboysittingbesideFanny，talking，ordrawing，orsinging，withthegirls。
　　Often，afteraminute’shesitation，Fannywouldbegintosing。
　　Shehadafinecontraltovoice。Everybodyjoinedinthechorus，anditwentwell。Paulwasnotatallembarrassed，afterawhile，sittingintheroomwiththehalfadozenwork-girls。
　　AttheendofthesongFannywouldsay：
　　“Iknowyou’vebeenlaughingatme。”
　　“Don’tbesosoft，Fanny！”criedoneofthegirls。
　　OncetherewasmentionofConnie’sredhair。
　　“Fanny’sisbetter，tomyfancy，“saidEmma。
　　“Youneedn’ttrytomakeafoolofme，“saidFanny，flushingdeeply。
　　“No，butshehas，Paul;she’sgotbeautifulhair。”
　　“It’satreatofacolour，“saidhe。”Thatcoldishcolour，likeearth，andyetshiny。It’slikebog-water。”
　　“Goodnessme！”exclaimedonegirl，laughing。
　　“HowIdobutgetcriticised，“saidFanny。
　　“Butyoushouldseeitdown，Paul，“criedEmmaearnestly。
　　“It’ssimplybeautiful。Putitdownforhim，Fanny，ifhewants，somethingtopaint。”
　　Fannywouldnot，andyetshewantedto。
　　“ThenI’lltakeitdownmyself，“saidthelad。
　　“Well，youcanifyoulike，“saidFanny。
　　Andhecarefullytookthepinsoutoftheknot，andtherush，ofhair，ofuniformdarkbrown，slidoverthehumpedback。
　　“Whatalovelylot！”heexclaimed。
　　Thegirlswatched。Therewassilence。Theyouthshook，thehairloosefromthecoil。
　　“It’ssplendid！”hesaid，smellingitsperfume。”I’llbet，it’sworthpounds。”
　　“I’llleaveityouwhenIdie，Paul，“saidFanny，halfjoking。
　　“Youlookjustlikeanybodyelse，sittingdryingtheirhair，“
　　saidoneofthegirlstothelong-leggedhunchback。
　　PoorFannywasmorbidlysensitive，alwaysimagininginsults。
　　Pollywascurtandbusinesslike。Thetwodepartmentswereforever，atwar，andPaulwasalwaysfindingFannyintears。Thenhewas，madetherecipientofallherwoes，andhehadtopleadhercase，withPolly。
　　Sothetimewentalonghappilyenough。Thefactoryhada，homelyfeel。Noonewasrushedordriven。Paulalwaysenjoyed，itwhentheworkgotfaster，towardspost-time，andallthemen，unitedinlabour。Helikedtowatchhisfellow-clerksatwork。
　　Themanwastheworkandtheworkwastheman，onething，forthe，timebeing。Itwasdifferentwiththegirls。Therealwoman，neverseemedtobethereatthetask，butasifleftout，waiting。
　　Fromthetraingoinghomeatnightheusedtowatchthelights，ofthetown，sprinkledthickonthehills，fusingtogetherinablaze，inthevalleys。Hefeltrichinlifeandhappy。Drawingfartheroff，therewasapatchoflightsatBulwelllikemyriadpetalsshaken，tothegroundfromtheshedstars;andbeyondwastheredglare，ofthefurnaces，playinglikehotbreathontheclouds。
　　HehadtowalktwoandmoremilesfromKestonhome，uptwolonghills，downtwoshorthills。Hewasoftentired，andhecountedthelampsclimbingthehillabovehim，howmanymore，topass。Andfromthehilltop，onpitch-darknights，helooked，roundonthevillagesfiveorsixmilesaway，thatshonelikeswarms，ofglitteringlivingthings，almostaheavenagainsthisfeet。
　　MarlpoolandHeanorscatteredthefar-offdarknesswithbrilliance。
　　Andoccasionallytheblackvalleyspacebetweenwastraced，violatedbyagreattrainrushingsouthtoLondonornorthtoScotland。
　　Thetrainsroaredbylikeprojectileslevelonthedarkness，fumingandburning，makingthevalleyclangwiththeirpassage。
　　Theyweregone，andthelightsofthetownsandvillagesglittered，insilence。
　　Andthenhecametothecornerathome，whichfacedthe，othersideofthenight。Theash-treeseemedafriendnow。
　　Hismotherrosewithgladnessasheentered。Heputhiseight，shillingsproudlyonthetable。
　　“It’llhelp，mother？”heaskedwistfully。
　　“There’spreciouslittleleft，“sheanswered，“afteryour，ticketanddinnersandsucharetakenoff。”
　　Thenhetoldherthebudgetoftheday。Hislife-story，likeanArabianNights，wastoldnightafternighttohismother。
　　Itwasalmostasifitwereherownlife。
　　CHAPTERVI
　　DEATHINTHEFAMILY
　　ARTHURMORELwasgrowingup。Hewasaquick，careless，impulsiveboy，agooddeallikehisfather。Hehatedstudy，madeagreatmoanifhe，hadtowork，andescapedassoonaspossibletohissportagain。
　　Inappearanceheremainedtheflowerofthefamily，beingwellmade，graceful，andfulloflife。Hisdarkbrownhair，andfreshcolouring，andhisexquisitedarkblueeyesshadedwith，longlashes，togetherwithhisgenerousmannerandfierytemper，madehimafavourite。Butashegrewolderhistemperbecameuncertain。
　　Heflewintoragesovernothing，seemedunbearablyrawandirritable。
　　Hismother，whomheloved，weariedofhimsometimes。
　　Hethoughtonlyofhimself。Whenhewantedamusement，allthat，stoodinhiswayhehated，evenifitwereshe。
　　Whenhewasintroublehemoanedtoherceaselessly。
　　“Goodness，boy！”shesaid，whenhegroanedaboutamasterwho，hesaid，hatedhim，“ifyoudon’tlikeit，alterit，andifyou，can’talterit，putupwithit。”
　　Andhisfather，whomhehadlovedandwhohadworshippedhim，hecametodetest。AshegrewolderMorelfellintoaslowruin。
　　Hisbody，whichhadbeenbeautifulinmovementandinbeing，shrank，didnotseemtoripenwiththeyears，buttogetmean，andratherdespicable。Therecameoverhimalookofmeanness，andofpaltriness。Andwhenthemean-lookingelderlymanbulliedor，orderedtheboyabout，Arthurwasfurious。Moreover，Morel’smanners，gotworseandworse，hishabitssomewhatdisgusting。Whenthe，childrenweregrowingupandinthecrucialstageofadolescence，thefatherwaslikesomeuglyirritanttotheirsouls。Hismanners，inthehousewerethesameasheusedamongthecolliersdownpit。
　　“Dirtynuisance！”Arthurwouldcry，jumpingupandgoing，straightoutofthehousewhenhisfatherdisgustedhim。
　　AndMorelpersistedthemorebecausehischildrenhatedit。
　　Heseemedtotakeakindofsatisfactionindisgustingthem，anddrivingthemnearlymad，whiletheyweresoirritablysensitive，attheageoffourteenorfifteen。SothatArthur，whowasgrowing，upwhenhisfatherwasdegenerateandelderly，hatedhimworst，ofall。
　　Then，sometimes，thefatherwouldseemtofeelthecontemptuous，hatredofhischildren。
　　“There’snotamantriesharderforhisfamily！”hewouldshout。
　　“Hedoeshisbestforthem，andthengetstreatedlikeadog。
　　ButI’mnotgoingtostandit，Itellyou！”
　　Butforthethreatandthefactthathedidnottrysohard，asbeimagined，theywouldhavefeltsorry。Asitwas，thebattle，nowwentonnearlyallbetweenfatherandchildren，hepersisting，inhisdirtyanddisgustingways，justtoasserthisindependence。
　　Theyloathedhim。
　　Arthurwassoinflamedandirritableatlast，thatwhenhe，wonascholarshipfortheGrammarSchoolinNottingham，hismother，decidedtolethimliveintown，withoneofhersisters，andonly，comehomeatweek-ends。
　　AnniewasstillajuniorteacherintheBoard-school，earning，aboutfourshillingsaweek。Butsoonshewouldhavefifteenshillings，sinceshehadpassedherexamination，andtherewouldbefinancial，peaceinthehouse。
　　Mrs。MorelclungnowtoPaul。Hewasquietandnotbrilliant。
　　Butstillhestucktohispainting，andstillhestucktohismother。
　　Everythinghedidwasforher。Shewaitedforhiscominghome，intheevening，andthensheunburdenedherselfofallshe，hadpondered，orofallthathadoccurredtoherduringtheday。
　　Hesatandlistenedwithhisearnestness。Thetwosharedlives。
　　Williamwasengagednowtohisbrunette，andhadboughther，anengagementringthatcosteightguineas。Thechildrengasped，atsuchafabulousprice。
　　“Eightguineas！”saidMorel。”Morefoolhim！，Ifhe’dgenme，someon’t，it’udha’lookedbetteron’im。”
　　“GivenYOUsomeofit！”criedMrs。Morel。”WhygiveYOU
　　someofit！”
　　SherememberedHEhadboughtnoengagementringatall，andshepreferredWilliam，whowasnotmean，ifhewerefoolish。
　　Butnowtheyoungmantalkedonlyofthedancestowhichhewent，withhisbetrothed，andthedifferentresplendentclothesshewore;
　　orhetoldhismotherwithgleehowtheywenttothetheatrelike，greatswells。
　　Hewantedtobringthegirlhome。Mrs。Morelsaidshe，shouldcomeattheChristmas。ThistimeWilliamarrivedwith，alady，butwithnopresents。Mrs。Morelhadpreparedsupper。
　　Hearingfootsteps，sheroseandwenttothedoor。Williamentered。
　　“Hello，mother！”Hekissedherhastily，thenstoodaside，topresentatall，handsomegirl，whowaswearingacostumeoffine，black-and-whitecheck，andfurs。
　　“Here’sGyp！”
　　MissWesternheldoutherhandandshowedherteethinasmallsmile。
　　“Oh，howdoyoudo，Mrs。Morel！”sheexclaimed。
　　“Iamafraidyouwillbehungry，“saidMrs。Morel。
　　“Ohno，wehaddinnerinthetrain。Haveyougotmygloves，Chubby？”
　　WilliamMorel，bigandraw-boned，lookedatherquickly。
　　“HowshouldI？”hesaid。
　　“ThenI’velostthem。Don’tbecrosswithme。”
　　Afrownwentoverhisface，buthesaidnothing。Sheglanced，roundthekitchen。Itwassmallandcurioustoher，withits，glitteringkissing-bunch，itsevergreensbehindthepictures，itswoodenchairsandlittledealtable。AtthatmomentMorel，camein。
　　“Hello，dad！”
　　“Hello，myson！，Tha’sletonme！”
　　Thetwoshookhands，andWilliampresentedthelady。
　　Shegavethesamesmilethatshowedherteeth。
　　“Howdoyoudo，Mr。Morel？”
　　Morelbowedobsequiously。
　　“I’mverywell，andIhopesoareyou。Youmustmakeyourself，verywelcome。”
　　“Oh，thankyou，“shereplied，ratheramused。
　　“Youwillliketogoupstairs，“saidMrs。Morel。
　　“Ifyoudon’tmind;butnotifitisanytroubletoyou。”
　　“Itisnotrouble。Anniewilltakeyou。Walter，carryup，thisbox。”
　　“Anddon’tbeanhourdressingyourselfup，“saidWilliam，tohisbetrothed。
　　Annietookabrasscandlestick，and，tooshyalmosttospeak，precededtheyoungladytothefrontbedroom，whichMr。andMrs。Morel，hadvacatedforher。It，too，wassmallandcoldbycandlelight。
　　Thecolliers’wivesonlylitfiresinbedroomsincaseofextremeillness。
　　“ShallIunstrapthebox？”askedAnnie。
　　“Oh，thankyouverymuch！”
　　Annieplayedthepartofmaid，thenwentdownstairsforhotwater。
　　“Ithinkshe’srathertired，mother，“saidWilliam。
　　“It’sabeastlyjourney，andwehadsucharush。”
　　“IsthereanythingIcangiveher？”askedMrs。Morel。
　　“Ohno，she’llbeallright。”
　　Buttherewasachillintheatmosphere。Afterhalfanhour，MissWesterncamedown，havingputonapurplish-coloureddress，veryfineforthecollier’skitchen。
　　“Itoldyouyou’dnoneedtochange，“saidWilliamtoher。
　　“Oh，Chubby！”Thensheturnedwiththatsweetishsmile，toMrs。Morel。”Don’tyouthinkhe’salwaysgrumbling，Mrs。Morel？”
　　“Ishe？”saidMrs。Morel。”That’snotveryniceofhim。”
　　“Itisn’t，really！”
　　“Youarecold，“saidthemother。”Won’tyoucomenearthefire？”
　　Moreljumpedoutofhisarmchair。
　　“Comeandsityouhere！”hecried。”Comeandsityouhere！”
　　“No，dad，keepyourownchair。Sitonthesofa，Gyp，“saidWilliam。
　　“No，no！”criedMorel。”Thischeer’swarmest。Comeandsithere，MissWesson。”
　　“Thankyousomuch，“saidthegirl，seatingherself，inthecollier’sarmchair，theplaceofhonour。Sheshivered，feelingthewarmthofthekitchenpenetrateher。
　　“Fetchmeahanky，Chubbydear！”shesaid，puttinguphermouth，tohim，andusingthesameintimatetoneasiftheywerealone;
　　whichmadetherestofthefamilyfeelasiftheyoughtnotto，bepresent。Theyoungladyevidentlydidnotrealisethemaspeople：
　　theywerecreaturestoherforthepresent。Williamwinced。
　　Insuchahousehold，inStreatham，MissWesternwouldhavebeen，aladycondescendingtoherinferiors。Thesepeopleweretoher，certainlyclownish——inshort，theworkingclasses。Howwasshe，toadjustherself？
　　“I’llgo，“saidAnnie。
　　MissWesterntooknonotice，asifaservanthadspoken。
　　Butwhenthegirlcamedownstairsagainwiththehandkerchief，shesaid：，“Oh，thankyou！”inagraciousway。
　　Shesatandtalkedaboutthedinneronthetrain，whichhadbeen，sopoor;aboutLondon，aboutdances。Shewasreallyverynervous，andchatteredfromfear。Morelsatallthetimesmokinghisthick，twisttobacco，watchingher，andlisteningtoherglibLondonspeech，ashepuffed。Mrs。Morel，dressedupinherbestblacksilkblouse，answeredquietlyandratherbriefly。Thethreechildrensat，roundinsilenceandadmiration。MissWesternwastheprincess。
　　Everythingofthebestwasgotoutforher：，thebestcups，thebestspoons，thebesttablecloth，thebestcoffee-jug。The，childrenthoughtshemustfinditquitegrand。Shefeltstrange，notabletorealisethepeople，notknowinghowtotreatthem。
　　Williamjoked，andwasslightlyuncomfortable。
　　Ataboutteno’clockhesaidtoher：
　　“Aren’tyoutired，Gyp？”
　　“Rather，Chubby，“sheanswered，atonceintheintimatetones，andputtingherheadslightlyononeside。
　　“I’lllightherthecandle，mother，“hesaid。
　　“Verywell，“repliedthemother。
　　MissWesternstoodup，heldoutherhandtoMrs。Morel。
　　“Good-night，Mrs。Morel，“shesaid。
　　Paulsatattheboiler，lettingthewaterrunfromthetap，intoastonebeer-bottle。Annieswathedthebottleinanoldflannel，pit-singlet，andkissedhermothergood-night。Shewastoshare，theroomwiththelady，becausethehousewasfull。
　　“Youwaitaminute，“saidMrs。MoreltoAnnie。AndAnniesat，nursingthehot-waterbottle。MissWesternshookhandsallround，toeverybody’sdiscomfort，andtookherdeparture，precededbyWilliam。
　　Infiveminuteshewasdownstairsagain。Hisheartwasrathersore;
　　hedidnotknowwhy。Hetalkedverylittletilleverybodyhadgone，tobed，buthimselfandhismother。Thenhestoodwithhislegsapart，inhisoldattitudeonthehearthrug，andsaidhesitatingly：
　　“Well，mother？”
　　“Well，myson？”
　　Shesatintherocking-chair，feelingsomehowhurtandhumiliated，forhissake。
　　“Doyoulikeher？”
　　“Yes，“cametheslowanswer。
　　“She’sshyyet，mother。She’snotusedtoit。It’sdifferent，fromheraunt’shouse，youknow。”
　　“Ofcourseitis，myboy;andshemustfinditdifficult。”
　　“Shedoes。”，Thenhefrownedswiftly。”Ifonlyshewouldn’t，putonherBLESSEDairs！”
　　“It’sonlyherfirstawkwardness，myboy。She’llbeallright。”
　　“That’sit，mother，“herepliedgratefully。Buthisbrow，wasgloomy。”Youknow，she’snotlikeyou，mother。She’snotserious，andshecan’tthink。”
　　“She’syoung，myboy。”
　　“Yes;andshe’shadnosortofshow。Hermotherdiedwhenshewas，achild。Sincethenshe’slivedwithheraunt，whomshecan’tbear。
　　Andherfatherwasarake。She’shadnolove。”
　　“No！Well，youmustmakeuptoher。”
　　“Andso——youhavetoforgiveheralotofthings。”
　　“WHATdoyouhavetoforgiveher，myboy？”
　　“Idunno。Whensheseemsshallow，youhavetoremembershe’s，neverhadanybodytobringherdeepersideout。Andshe’sFEARFULLY
　　fondofme。”
　　“Anybodycanseethat。”
　　“Butyouknow，mother——she’s——she’sdifferentfromus。
　　Thosesortofpeople，likethoseshelivesamongst，theydon’tseem，tohavethesameprinciples。”
　　“Youmustn’tjudgetoohastily，“saidMrs。Morel。
　　Butheseemeduneasywithinhimself。
　　Inthemorning，however，hewasupsingingandlarkinground，thehouse。
　　“Hello！”hecalled，sittingonthestairs。”Areyougettingup？”
　　“Yes，“hervoicecalledfaintly。
　　“MerryChristmas！”heshoutedtoher。
　　Herlaugh，prettyandtinkling，washeardinthebedroom。
　　Shedidnotcomedowninhalfanhour。
　　“WassheREALLYgettingupwhenshesaidshewas？”heasked，ofAnnie。
　　“Yes，shewas，“repliedAnnie。
　　Hewaitedawhile，thenwenttothestairsagain。
　　“HappyNewYear，“hecalled。
　　“Thankyou，Chubbydear！”camethelaughingvoice，faraway。
　　“Buckup！”heimplored。
　　Itwasnearlyanhour，andstillhewaswaitingforher。
　　Morel，whoalwaysrosebeforesix，lookedattheclock。
　　“Well，it’sawinder！”heexclaimed。
　　Thefamilyhadbreakfasted，allbutWilliam。Hewent，tothefootofthestairs。
　　“ShallIhavetosendyouanEastereggupthere？”hecalled，rathercrossly。Sheonlylaughed。Thefamilyexpected，afterthat，timeofpreparation，somethinglikemagic。Atlastshecame，lookingveryniceinablouseandskirt。
　　“HaveyouREALLYbeenallthistimegettingready？”heasked。
　　“Chubbydear！，Thatquestionisnotpermitted，isit，Mrs。Morel？”
　　Sheplayedthegrandladyatfirst。WhenshewentwithWilliam，tochapel，heinhisfrock-coatandsilkhat，sheinherfurs，andLondon-madecostume，PaulandArthurandAnnieexpected，everybodytobowtothegroundinadmiration。
　　AndMorel，standinginhisSundaysuitattheendoftheroad，watchingthegallantpairgo，felthewasthefatherofprinces，andprincesses。
　　Andyetshewasnotsogrand。Forayearnowshehadbeen，asortofsecretaryorclerkinaLondonoffice。Butwhileshe，waswiththeMorelsshequeenedit。ShesatandletAnnieorPaul，waitonherasiftheywereherservants。ShetreatedMrs。Morel，withacertainglibnessandMorelwithpatronage。Butafteraday，orsoshebegantochangehertune。
　　WilliamalwayswantedPaulorAnnietogoalongwiththem，ontheirwalks。Itwassomuchmoreinteresting。AndPaulreally，DIDadmire“Gipsy“wholeheartedly;infact，hismotherscarcely，forgavetheboyfortheadulationwithwhichhetreatedthegirl。
　　Onthesecondday，whenLilysaid：，“Oh，Annie，doyouknow，whereIleftmymuff？”Williamreplied：
　　“Youknowitisinyourbedroom。WhydoyouaskAnnie？”
　　AndLilywentupstairswithacross，shutmouth。Butit，angeredtheyoungmanthatshemadeaservantofhissister。
　　OnthethirdeveningWilliamandLilyweresittingtogether，intheparlourbythefireinthedark。Ataquartertoeleven，Mrs。Morelwasheardrakingthefire。Williamcameouttothekitchen，followedbyhisbeloved。
　　“Isitaslateasthat，mother？”hesaid。Shehadbeen，sittingalone。
　　“ItisnotLATE，myboy，butitisaslateasIusuallysitup。”
　　“Won’tyougotobed，then？”heasked。
　　“Andleaveyoutwo？，No，myboy，Idon’tbelieveinit。”
　　“Can’tyoutrustus，mother？”
　　“WhetherIcanornot，Iwon’tdoit。Youcanstaytilleleven，ifyoulike，andIcanread。”
　　“Gotobed，Gyp，“hesaidtohisgirl。”Wewon’tkeep，materwaiting。”
　　“Anniehasleftthecandleburning，Lily，“saidMrs。Morel;
　　“Ithinkyouwillsee。”
　　“Yes，thankyou。Good-night，Mrs。Morel。”
　　Williamkissedhissweetheartatthefootofthestairs，andshewent。Hereturnedtothekitchen。
　　“Can’tyoutrustus，mother？”herepeated，ratheroffended。
　　“Myboy，ItellyouIdon’tBELIEVEinleavingtwoyoung，thingslikeyoualonedownstairswheneveryoneelseisinbed。”
　　Andhewasforcedtotakethisanswer。Hekissedhismother，good-night。
　　AtEasterhecameoveralone。Andthenhediscussedhis，sweetheartendlesslywithhismother。
　　“Youknow，mother，whenI’mawayfromherIdon’tcareforher，abit。Ishouldn’tcareifIneversawheragain。But，then，whenI’mwithherintheeveningsIamawfullyfondofher。”
　　“It’saqueersortoflovetomarryon，“saidMrs。Morel，“ifsheholdsyounomorethanthat！”
　　“ItISfunny！”heexclaimed。Itworriedandperplexedhim。
　　“Butyet——there’ssomuchbetweenusnowIcouldn’tgiveherup。”
　　“Youknowbest，“saidMrs。Morel。”Butifitisasyousay，I
　　wouldn’tcallitLOVE——atanyrate，itdoesn’tlookmuchlikeit。”
　　“Oh，Idon’tknow，mother。She’sanorphan，and——“
　　Theynevercametoanysortofconclusion。Heseemedpuzzled，andratherfretted。Shewasratherreserved。Allhisstrength，andmoneywentinkeepingthisgirl。Hecouldscarcelyafford，totakehismothertoNottinghamwhenhecameover。
　　Paul’swageshadbeenraisedatChristmastotenshillings，tohisgreatjoy。HewasquitehappyatJordan’s，buthishealth，sufferedfromthelonghoursandtheconfinement。Hismother，towhomhebecamemoreandmoresignificant，thoughthowtohelp。
　　Hishalf-dayholidaywasonMondayafternoon。OnaMonday，morninginMay，asthetwosataloneatbreakfast，shesaid：
　　“Ithinkitwillbeafineday。”
　　Helookedupinsurprise。Thismeantsomething。
　　“YouknowMr。Leivershasgonetoliveonanewfarm。
　　Well，heaskedmelastweekifIwouldn’tgoandseeMrs。Leivers，andIpromisedtobringyouonMondayifit’sfine。Shallwego？”
　　“Isay，littlewoman，howlovely！”hecried。”Andwe’llgo，thisafternoon？”
　　Paulhurriedofftothestationjubilant。DownDerbyRoad，wasacherry-treethatglistened。Theoldbrickwallbythe，Statutesgroundburnedscarlet，springwasaveryflameofgreen。
　　Andthesteepswoopofhighroadlay，initscoolmorningdust，splendidwithpatternsofsunshineandshadow，perfectlystill。
　　Thetreesslopedtheirgreatgreenshouldersproudly;andinside，thewarehouseallthemorning，theboyhad，avisionofspringoutside。
　　Whenhecamehomeatdinner-timehismotherwasratherexcited。
　　“Arewegoing？”heasked。
　　“WhenI’mready，“shereplied。
　　Presentlyhegotup。
　　“GoandgetdressedwhileIwashup，“hesaid。
　　Shedidso。Hewashedthepots，straightened，andthentook，herboots。Theywerequiteclean。Mrs。Morelwasoneofthosenaturally，exquisitepeoplewhocanwalkinmudwithoutdirtyingtheirshoes。
　　ButPaulhadtocleanthemforher。Theywerekidbootsateight，shillingsapair。He，however，thoughtthemthemostdaintyboots，intheworld，andhecleanedthemwithasmuchreverenceasifthey，hadbeenflowers。
　　Suddenlysheappearedintheinnerdoorwayrathershyly。
　　Shehadgotanewcottonblouseon。Pauljumpedupandwentforward。
　　“Oh，mystars！”heexclaimed。”Whatabobby-dazzler！”
　　Shesniffedinalittlehaughtyway，andputherheadup。
　　“It’snotabobby-dazzleratall！”shereplied。”It’sveryquiet。”
　　Shewalkedforward，whilsthehoveredroundher。
　　“Well，“sheasked，quiteshy，butpretendingtobehigh，andmighty，“doyoulikeit？”
　　“Awfully！YouAREafinelittlewomantogojauntingoutwith！”
　　Hewentandsurveyedherfromtheback。
　　“Well，“hesaid，“ifIwaswalkingdownthestreetbehindyou，Ishouldsay：，’Doesn’tTHATlittlepersonfancyherself！”’
　　“Well，shedoesn’t，“repliedMrs。Morel。”She’snotsureit，suitsher。”
　　“Ohno！shewantstobeindirtyblack，lookingasifshewas，wrappedinburntpaper。ItDOESsuityou，andIsayyoulooknice。”
　　Shesniffedinherlittleway，pleased，butpretending，toknowbetter。
　　“Well，“shesaid，“it’scostmejustthreeshillings。
　　Youcouldn’thavegotitready-madeforthatprice，couldyou？”
　　“Ishouldthinkyoucouldn’t，“hereplied。
　　“And，youknow，it’sgoodstuff。”
　　“Awfullypretty，“hesaid。
　　Theblousewaswhite，withalittlesprigofheliotropeandblack。
　　“Tooyoungforme，though，I’mafraid，“shesaid。
　　“Tooyoungforyou！”heexclaimedindisgust。”Whydon’tyou，buysomefalsewhitehairandstickitonyourhead。”
　　“Is’llsoonhavenoneed，“shereplied。”I’mgoingwhite，fastenough。”
　　“Well，you’venobusinessto，“hesaid。”WhatdoIwant，withawhite-hairedmother？”
　　“I’mafraidyou’llhavetoputupwithone，mylad，“shesaid，ratherstrangely。
　　Theysetoffingreatstyle，shecarryingtheumbrellaWilliam，hadgivenher，becauseofthesun。Paulwasconsiderablytaller，thanshe，thoughhewasnotbig。Hefanciedhimself。
　　Onthefallowlandtheyoungwheatshonesilkily。Mintonpit，waveditsplumesofwhitesteam，coughed，andrattledhoarsely。
　　“Nowlookatthat！”saidMrs。Morel。Motherandsonstoodon，theroadtowatch。Alongtheridgeofthegreatpit-hillcrawled，alittlegroupinsilhouetteagainstthesky，ahorse，asmalltruck，andaman。Theyclimbedtheinclineagainsttheheavens。
　　Attheendthemantippedthewagon。Therewasanunduerattle，asthewastefelldownthesheerslopeoftheenormousbank。
　　“Yousitaminute，mother，“hesaid，andshetookaseaton，abank，whilsthesketchedrapidly。Shewassilentwhilstheworked，lookingroundattheafternoon，theredcottagesshiningamong，theirgreenness。
　　“Theworldisawonderfulplace，“shesaid，“andwonderfully，beautiful。”
　　“Andso’sthepit，“hesaid。”Lookhowitheapstogether，likesomethingalivealmost——abigcreaturethatyoudon’tknow。”
　　“Yes，“shesaid。”Perhaps！”
　　“Andallthetrucksstandingwaiting，likeastringofbeasts，tobefed，“hesaid。
　　“AndverythankfulIamtheyAREstanding，“shesaid，“forthatmeansthey’llturnmiddlingtimethisweek。”
　　“ButIlikethefeelofMENonthings，whilethey’realive。
　　There’safeelofmenabouttrucks，becausethey’vebeenhandled，withmen’shands，allofthem。”
　　“Yes，“saidMrs。Morel。
　　Theywentalongunderthetreesofthehighroad。Hewas，constantlyinformingher，butshewasinterested。Theypassed，theendofNethermere，thatwastossingitssunshinelikepetalslightly，initslap。Thentheyturnedonaprivateroad，andinsome，trepidationapproachedabigfarm。Adogbarkedfuriously。
　　Awomancameouttosee。
　　“IsthisthewaytoWilleyFarm？”Mrs。Morelasked。
　　Paulhungbehindinterrorofbeingsentback。Butthewoman，wasamiable，anddirectedthem。Themotherandsonwentthrough，thewheatandoats，overalittlebridgeintoawildmeadow。
　　Peewits，withtheirwhitebreastsglistening，wheeledandscreamed，aboutthem。Thelakewasstillandblue。Highoverhead，aheronfloated。Opposite，thewoodheapedonthehill，greenandstill。
　　“It’sawildroad，mother，“saidPaul。”JustlikeCanada。”
　　“Isn’titbeautiful！”saidMrs。Morel，lookinground。
　　“Seethatheron——see——seeherlegs？”
　　Hedirectedhismother，whatshemustseeandwhatnot。
　　Andshewasquitecontent。
　　“Butnow，“shesaid，“whichway？，Hetoldmethroughthewood。”
　　Thewood，fencedanddark，layontheirleft。
　　“Icanfeelabitofapaththisroad，“saidPaul。”You’vegot，townfeet，somehoworother，youhave。”
　　Theyfoundalittlegate，andsoonwereinabroadgreen，alleyofthewood，withanewthicketoffirandpineononehand，anoldoakgladedippingdownontheother。Andamongtheoaks，thebluebellsstoodinpoolsofazure，underthenewgreenhazels，uponapalefawnfloorofoak-leaves。Hefoundflowersforher。
　　“Here’sabitofnew-mownhay，“hesaid;then，again，hebrought，herforget-me-nots。And，again，hishearthurtwithlove，seeingherhand，usedwithwork，holdingthelittlebunchofflowershegaveher。
　　Shewasperfectlyhappy。
　　Butattheendoftheridingwasafencetoclimb。Paulwas，overinasecond。
　　“Come，“hesaid，“letmehelpyou。”
　　“No，goaway。Iwilldoitinmyownway。”
　　Hestoodbelowwithhishandsupreadytohelpher。
　　Sheclimbedcautiously。
　　“Whatawaytoclimb！”heexclaimedscornfully，whenshe，wassafelytoearthagain。
　　“Hatefulstiles！”shecried。
　　“Dufferofalittlewoman，“hereplied，“whocan’tgetover’em。”
　　Infront，alongtheedgeofthewood，wasaclusteroflowred，farmbuildings。Thetwohastenedforward。Flushwiththewood，wastheappleorchard，whereblossomwasfallingonthegrindstone。
　　Thepondwasdeepunderahedgeandoverhangingoaktrees。
　　Somecowsstoodintheshade。Thefarmandbuildings，threesides，ofaquadrangle，embracedthesunshinetowardsthewood。Itwas，verystill。
　　Motherandsonwentintothesmallrailedgarden，wherewas，ascentofredgillivers。Bytheopendoorweresomeflouryloaves，putouttocool。Ahenwasjustcomingtopeckthem。Then，inthe，doorwaysuddenlyappearedagirlinadirtyapron。Shewasabout，fourteenyearsold，hadarosydarkface，abunchofshortblackcurls，veryfineandfree，anddarkeyes;shy，questioning，alittle，resentfulofthestrangers，shedisappeared。Inaminuteanother，figureappeared，asmall，frailwoman，rosy，withgreatdarkbrowneyes。
　　“Oh！”sheexclaimed，smilingwithalittleglow，“you’vecome，then。IAMgladtoseeyou。”，Hervoicewasintimateandrathersad。
　　Thetwowomenshookhands。
　　“Nowareyousurewe’renotabothertoyou？”saidMrs。Morel。
　　“Iknowwhatafarminglifeis。”
　　“Ohno！，We’reonlytoothankfultoseeanewface，it’sso，lostuphere。”
　　“Isupposeso，“saidMrs。Morel。
　　Theyweretakenthroughintotheparlour——along，lowroom，withagreatbunchofguelder-rosesinthefireplace。Therethe，womentalked，whilstPaulwentouttosurveytheland。Hewas，inthegardensmellingthegilliversandlookingattheplants，whenthegirlcameoutquicklytotheheapofcoalwhichstood，bythefence。
　　“Isupposethesearecabbage-roses？”hesaidtoher，pointingtothebushesalongthefence。
　　Shelookedathimwithstartled，bigbrowneyes。
　　“Isupposetheyarecabbage-roseswhentheycomeout？”
　　hesaid。
　　“Idon’tknow，“shefaltered。”They’rewhitewithpinkmiddles。”
　　“Thenthey’remaiden-blush。”
　　Miriamflushed。Shehadabeautifulwarmcolouring。
　　“Idon’tknow，“shesaid。
　　“Youdon’thaveMUCHinyourgarden，“hesaid。
　　“Thisisourfirstyearhere，“sheanswered，inadistant，rathersuperiorway，drawingbackandgoingindoors。Hedidnotnotice，butwenthisroundofexploration。Presentlyhismothercameout，andtheywentthroughthebuildings。Paulwashugelydelighted。
　　“AndIsupposeyouhavethefowlsandcalvesandpigs，tolookafter？”saidMrs。MoreltoMrs。Leivers。
　　“No，“repliedthelittlewoman。”Ican’tfindtimetolook，aftercattle，andI’mnotusedtoit。It’sasmuchasIcan，dotokeepgoinginthehouse。”
　　“Well，Isupposeitis，“saidMrs。Morel。
　　Presentlythegirlcameout。
　　“Teaisready，mother，“shesaidinamusical，quietvoice。
　　“Oh，thankyou，Miriam，thenwe’llcome，“repliedhermother，almostingratiatingly。”WouldyouCAREtohaveteanow，Mrs。Morel？”
　　“Ofcourse，“saidMrs。Morel。”Wheneverit’sready。”
　　PaulandhismotherandMrs。Leivershadteatogether。
　　Thentheywentoutintothewoodthatwasfloodedwithbluebells，whilefumyforget-me-notswereinthepaths。Themotherandsonwere，inecstasytogether。
　　Whentheygotbacktothehouse，Mr。LeiversandEdgar，theeldestson，wereinthekitchen。Edgarwasabouteighteen。
　　ThenGeoffreyandMaurice，bigladsoftwelveandthirteen，werein，fromschool。Mr。Leiverswasagood-lookingmanintheprimeoflife，withagolden-brownmoustache，andblueeyesscrewedupagainst，theweather。
　　Theboyswerecondescending，butPaulscarcelyobservedit。
　　Theywentroundforeggs，scramblingintoallsortsofplaces。
　　AstheywerefeedingthefowlsMiriamcameout。Theboystookno，noticeofher。Onehen，withheryellowchickens，wasinacoop。
　　Mauricetookhishandfullofcornandletthehenpeckfromit。
　　“Durstyoudoit？”heaskedofPaul。
　　“Let’ssee，“saidPaul。
　　Hehadasmallhand，warm，andrathercapable-looking。
　　Miriamwatched。Heheldthecorntothehen。Thebirdeyeditwithher，hard，brighteye，andsuddenlymadeapeckintohishand。Hestarted，andlaughed。”Rap，rap，rap！”wentthebird’sbeakinhispalm。
　　Helaughedagain，andtheotherboysjoined。
　　“Sheknocksyou，andnipsyou，butsheneverhurts，“saidPaul，whenthelastcornhadgone。”Now，Miriam，“saidMaurice，“youcome，an’aveago。”
　　“No，“shecried，shrinkingback。
　　“Ha！baby。Themardy-kid！”saidherbrothers。
　　“Itdoesn’thurtabit，“saidPaul。”Itonlyjustnips，rathernicely。”
　　“No，“shestillcried，shakingherblackcurlsandshrinking。
　　“Shedursn’t，“saidGeoffrey。”Sheniverdurstdoanything，exceptrecitepoitry。”
　　“Dursn’tjumpoffagate，dursn’ttweedle，dursn’tgoonaslide，dursn’tstopagirlhittin’her。Shecandonowtbutgoaboutthinkin’
　　herselfsomebody。’TheLadyoftheLake。’，Yah！”criedMaurice。
　　Miriamwascrimsonwithshameandmisery。
　　“Idaredomorethanyou，“shecried。”You’reneveranything，butcowardsandbullies。”
　　“Oh，cowardsandbullies！”theyrepeatedmincingly，mockingherspeech。
　　“Notsuchaclownshallangerme，Aboorisansweredsilently，“
　　hequotedagainsther，shoutingwithlaughter。
　　Shewentindoors。Paulwentwiththeboysintotheorchard，wheretheyhadriggedupaparallelbar。Theydidfeatsofstrength。
　　Hewasmoreagilethanstrong，butitserved。Hefingeredapiece，ofapple-blossomthathunglowonaswingingbough。
　　“Iwouldn’tgettheapple-blossom，“saidEdgar，theeldestbrother。
　　“There’llbenoapplesnextyear。”
　　“Iwasn’tgoingtogetit，“repliedPaul，goingaway。
　　Theboysfelthostiletohim;theyweremoreinterestedintheir，ownpursuits。Hewanderedbacktothehousetolookforhismother。
　　Ashewentroundtheback，hesawMiriamkneelinginfrontofthe，hen-coop，somemaizeinherhand，bitingherlip，andcrouching，inanintenseattitude。Thehenwaseyeingherwickedly。
　　Verygingerlysheputforwardherhand。Thehenbobbedforher。
　　Shedrewbackquicklywithacry，halfoffear，halfofchagrin。
　　“Itwon’thurtyou，“saidPaul。
　　Sheflushedcrimsonandstartedup。
　　“Ionlywantedtotry，“shesaidinalowvoice。
　　“See，itdoesn’thurt，“hesaid，and，puttingonlytwocorns，inhispalm，heletthehenpeck，peck，peckathisbarehand。
　　“Itonlymakesyoulaugh，“hesaid。