Sheputherhandforwardanddraggeditaway，triedagain，andstartedbackwithacry。Hefrowned。
　　“Why，I’dlethertakecornfrommyface，“saidPaul，“onlyshebumpsabit。She’seversoneat。Ifshewasn’t，look，howmuchgroundshe’dpeckupeveryday。”
　　Hewaitedgrimly，andwatched。AtlastMiriamletthebird，peckfromherhand。Shegavealittlecry——fear，andpainbecause，offear——ratherpathetic。Butshehaddoneit，andshediditagain。
　　“There，yousee，“saidtheboy。”Itdoesn’thurt，doesit？”
　　Shelookedathimwithdilateddarkeyes。
　　“No，“shelaughed，trembling。
　　Thensheroseandwentindoors。Sheseemedtobeinsomeway，resentfuloftheboy。
　　“HethinksI’monlyacommongirl，“shethought，andshewanted，toproveshewasagrandpersonlikethe“LadyoftheLake“。
　　Paulfoundhismotherreadytogohome。Shesmiledonherson。
　　Hetookthegreatbunchofflowers。Mr。andMrs。Leiverswalked，downthefieldswiththem。Thehillsweregoldenwithevening;
　　deepinthewoodsshowedthedarkeningpurpleofbluebells。
　　Itwaseverywhereperfectlystiff，savefortherustlingofleaves，andbirds。
　　“Butitisabeautifulplace，“saidMrs。Morel。
　　“Yes，“answeredMr。Leivers;“it’sanicelittleplace，ifonly，itweren’tfortherabbits。Thepasture’sbittendowntonothing。
　　IdunnoifeverIs’llgettherentoffit。”
　　Heclappedhishands，andthefieldbrokeintomotionnear，thewoods，brownrabbitshoppingeverywhere。
　　“Wouldyoubelieveit！”exclaimedMrs。Morel。
　　SheandPaulwentonalonetogether。
　　“Wasn’titlovely，mother？”hesaidquietly。
　　Athinmoonwascomingout。Hisheartwasfullofhappiness，tillithurt。Hismotherhadtochatter，becauseshe，too，wantedtocrywithhappiness。
　　“NowWOULDN’TIhelpthatman！”shesaid。”WOULDN’TIsee，tothefowlsandtheyoungstock！，AndI’Dlearntomilk，andI’D
　　talkwithhim，andI’Dplanwithhim。Myword，ifIwerehiswife，thefarmwouldberun，Iknow！，Butthere，shehasn’tthestrength——she，simplyhasn’tthestrength。Sheoughtnevertohavebeenburdened，likeit，youknow。I’msorryforher，andI’msorryforhimtoo。
　　Myword，ifI’Dhadhim，Ishouldn’thavethoughthimabadhusband！
　　Notthatshedoeseither;andshe’sverylovable。”
　　WilliamcamehomeagainwithhissweetheartattheWhitsuntide。
　　Hehadoneweekofhisholidaysthen。Itwasbeautifulweather。
　　Asarule，WilliamandLilyandPaulwentoutinthemorningtogether，forawalk。Williamdidnottalktohisbelovedmuch，excepttotell，herthingsfromhisboyhood。Paultalkedendlesslytobothofthem。
　　Theylaydown，allthree，inameadowbyMintonChurch。Ononeside，bytheCastleFarm，wasabeautifulquiveringscreenofpoplars。
　　Hawthornwasdroppingfromthehedges;pennydaisiesandragged，robinwereinthefield，likelaughter。William，abigfellow，oftwenty-three，thinnernowandevenabitgaunt，layback，inthesunshineanddreamed，whileshefingeredwithhishair。
　　Paulwentgatheringthebigdaisies。Shehadtakenoffherhat;
　　herhairwasblackasahorse’smane。Paulcamebackandthreaded，daisiesinherjet-blackhair——bigspanglesofwhiteandyellow，andjust，apinktouchofraggedrobin。
　　“Nowyoulooklikeayoungwitch-woman，“theboysaidtoher。
　　“Doesn’tshe，William？”
　　Lilylaughed。Williamopenedhiseyesandlookedather。
　　Inhisgazewasacertainbaffledlookofmiseryandfierceappreciation。
　　“Hashemadeasightofme？”sheasked，laughingdownon，herlover。
　　“Thathehas！”saidWilliam，smiling。
　　Helookedather。Herbeautyseemedtohurthim。Heglanced，atherflower-deckedheadandfrowned。
　　“Youlookniceenough，ifthat’swhatyouwanttoknow，“
　　hesaid。
　　Andshewalkedwithoutherhat。InalittlewhileWilliam，recovered，andwasrathertendertoher。Comingtoabridge，hecarvedherinitialsandhisinaheart。
　　L。L。W。
　　W。M。
　　Shewatchedhisstrong，nervoushand，withitsglistening，hairsandfreckles，ashecarved，andsheseemedfascinatedbyit。
　　Allthetimetherewasafeelingofsadnessandwarmth，andacertaintendernessinthehouse，whilstWilliamandLily，wereathome。Butoftenhegotirritable。Shehadbrought，foraneight-days’stay，fivedressesandsixblouses。
　　“Oh，wouldyoumind，“shesaidtoAnnie，“washingmethese，twoblouses，andthesethings？”
　　AndAnniestoodwashingwhenWilliamandLilywentoutthe，nextmorning。Mrs。Morelwasfurious。Andsometimestheyoungman，catchingaglimpseofhissweetheart’sattitudetowardshissister，hatedher。
　　OnSundaymorningshelookedverybeautifulinadress，offoulard，silkyandsweeping，andblueasajay-bird’sfeather，andinalargecreamhatcoveredwithmanyroses，mostlycrimson。
　　Nobodycouldadmireherenough。Butintheevening，whenshewas，goingout，sheaskedagain：
　　“Chubby，haveyougotmygloves？”
　　“Which？”askedWilliam。
　　“MynewblackSUEDE。”
　　“No。”
　　Therewasahunt。Shehadlostthem。
　　“Lookhere，mother，“saidWilliam，“that’sthefourthpair，she’slostsinceChristmas——atfiveshillingsapair！”
　　“YouonlygavemeTWOofthem，“sheremonstrated。
　　Andintheevening，aftersupper，hestoodonthehearthrug，whilstshesatonthesofa，andheseemedtohateher。Inthe，afternoonhehadleftherwhilsthewenttoseesomeoldfriend。
　　Shehadsatlookingatabook。AftersupperWilliamwantedtowrite，aletter。
　　“Hereisyourbook，Lily，“saidMrs。Morel。”Wouldyoucare，togoonwithitforafewminutes？”
　　“No，thankyou，“saidthegirl。”Iwillsitstill。”
　　“Butitissodull。”
　　Williamscribbledirritablyatagreatrate。Ashesealed，theenvelopehesaid：
　　“Readabook！，Why，she’sneverreadabookinherlife。”
　　“Oh，goalong！”saidMrs。Morel，crosswiththeexaggeration，“It’strue，mother——shehasn’t，“hecried，jumpingupandtaking，hisoldpositiononthehearthrug。”She’sneverreadabookinherlife。”
　　“’Er’slikeme，“chimedinMorel。”’Ercannaseewhatthere，isi’books，tersitborin’yournosein’emfor，normorecanI。”
　　“Butyoushouldn’tsaythesethings，“saidMrs。Moreltoherson。
　　“Butit’strue，mother——sheCAN’Tread。Whatdidyougiveher？”
　　“Well，IgaveheralittlethingofAnnieSwan’s。Nobodywants，toreaddrystuffonSundayafternoon。”
　　“Well，I’llbetshedidn’treadtenlinesofit。”
　　“Youaremistaken，“saidhismother。
　　AllthetimeLilysatmiserablyonthesofa。Heturned，toherswiftly。
　　“DIDyoureadyany？”heasked。
　　“Yes，Idid，“shereplied。
　　“Howmuch？”
　　“ldon’tknowhowmanypages。”
　　“TellmeONETHINGyouread。”
　　Shecouldnot。
　　Shenevergotbeyondthesecondpage。Hereadagreatdeal，andhadaquick，activeintelligence。Shecouldunderstandnothingbut，love-makingandchatter。Hewasaccustomedtohavingallhisthoughts，siftedthroughhismother’smind;so，whenhewantedcompanionship，andwasaskedinreplytobethebillingandtwitteringlover，hehatedhisbetrothed。
　　“Youknow，mother，“hesaid，whenhewasalonewithheratnight，“she’snoideaofmoney，she’ssowessel-brained。Whenshe’spaid，she’llsuddenlybuysuchrotasmarronsglaces，andthenIhave，tobuyherseasonticket，andherextras，evenherunderclothing。
　　Andshewantstogetmarried，andIthinkmyselfwemightaswellget，marriednextyear。Butatthisrate——“
　　“Afinemessofamarriageitwouldbe，“repliedhismother。
　　“Ishouldconsideritagain，myboy。”
　　“Oh，well，I’vegonetoofartobreakoffnow，“hesaid，“andsoIshallgetmarriedassoonasIcan。”
　　“Verywell，myboy。Ifyouwill，youwill，andthere’sno，stoppingyou;butItellyou，Ican’tsleepwhenIthinkaboutit。”
　　“Oh，she’llbeallright，mother。Weshallmanage。”
　　“Andsheletsyoubuyherunderclothing？”askedthemother。
　　“Well，“hebeganapologetically，“shedidn’taskme;butone，morning——anditWAScold——Ifoundheronthestationshivering，notable，tokeepstill;soIaskedherifshewaswellwrappedup。Shesaid：
　　’Ithinkso。’，SoIsaid：，’Haveyougotwarmunderthingson？’
　　Andshesaid：，’No，theywerecotton。’，Iaskedherwhyonearthshe，hadn’tgotsomethingthickeroninweatherlikethat，andshesaid，becausesheHADnothing。Andtheresheis——abronchialsubject！
　　IHADtotakeherandgetsomewarmthings。Well，mother，Ishouldn’t，mindthemoneyifwehadany。And，youknow，sheOUGHTtokeepenough，topayforherseason-ticket;butno，shecomestomeaboutthat，andIhavetofindthemoney。”
　　“It’sapoorlookout，“saidMrs。Morelbitterly。
　　Hewaspale，andhisruggedface，thatusedtobesoperfectly，carelessandlaughing，wasstampedwithconflictanddespair。
　　“ButIcan’tgiveherupnow;it’sgonetoofar，“hesaid。
　　“And，besides，forSOMEthingsIcouldn’tdowithouther。”
　　“Myboy，rememberyou’retakingyourlifeinyourhands，“
　　saidMrs。Morel。”NOTHINGisasbadasamarriagethat’s，ahopelessfailure。Minewasbadenough，Godknows，andought，toteachyousomething;butitmighthavebeenworsebyalongchalk。”
　　Heleanedwithhisbackagainstthesideofthechimney-piece，hishandsinhispockets。Hewasabig，raw-bonedman，wholooked，asifhewouldgototheworld’sendifhewantedto。Butshesaw，thedespaironhisface。
　　“Icouldn’tgiveherupnow，“hesaid。
　　“Well，“shesaid，“rememberthereareworsewrongsthanbreaking，offanengagement。”
　　“Ican’tgiveherupNOW，“hesaid。
　　Theclocktickedon;motherandsonremainedinsilence，aconflictbetweenthem;buthewouldsaynomore。Atlastshesaid：
　　“Well，gotobed，myson。You’llfeelbetterinthemorning，andperhapsyou’llknowbetter。”
　　Hekissedher，andwent。Sherakedthefire。Herheart，washeavynowasithadneverbeen。Before，withherhusband，thingshadseemedtobebreakingdowninher，buttheydidnot，destroyherpowertolive。Nowhersoulfeltlamedinitself。
　　Itwasherhopethatwasstruck。
　　AndsooftenWilliammanifestedthesamehatredtowards，hisbetrothed。Onthelasteveningathomehewasrailingagainsther。
　　“Well，“hesaid，“ifyoudon’tbelieveme，whatshe’slike，wouldyoubelieveshehasbeenconfirmedthreetimes？”
　　“Nonsense！”laughedMrs。Morel。
　　“Nonsenseornot，sheHAS！，That’swhatconfirmationmeans，forher——abitofatheatricalshowwhereshecancutafigure。”
　　“Ihaven’t，Mrs。Morel！”criedthegirl——“Ihaven’t！it，isnottrue！”
　　“What！”hecried，flashingroundonher。”OnceinBromley，onceinBeckenham，andoncesomewhereelse。”
　　“Nowhereelse！”shesaid，intears——“nowhereelse！”
　　“ItWAS！，Andifitwasn’twhywereyouconfirmedTWICE？”
　　“OnceIwasonlyfourteen，Mrs。Morel，“shepleaded，tearsinhereyes。
　　“Yes，“saidMrs。Morel;“Icanquiteunderstandit，child。Takeno，noticeofhim。Yououghttobeashamed，William，sayingsuchthings。”
　　“Butit’strue。She’sreligious——shehadbluevelvet，Prayer-Books——andshe’snotasmuchreligion，oranythingelse，inherthanthattable-leg。Getsconfirmedthreetimesforshow，toshowherselfoff，andthat’showsheisinEVERYTHING——
　　EVERYTHING！”
　　Thegirlsatonthesofa，crying。Shewasnotstrong。
　　“AsforLOVE！”hecried，“youmightaswellaskaflytoloveyou！
　　It’lllovesettlingonyou——“
　　“Now，saynomore，“commandedMrs。Morel。”Ifyouwant，tosaythesethings，youmustfindanotherplacethanthis。
　　Iamashamedofyou，William！，Whydon’tyoubemoremanly。
　　Todonothingbutfindfaultwithagirl，andthenpretendyou’re，engagedtoher！“
　　Mrs。Morelsubsidedinwrathandindignation。
　　Williamwassilent，andlaterherepented，kissedandcomforted，thegirl。Yetitwastrue，whathehadsaid。Hehatedher。
　　Whentheyweregoingaway，Mrs。Morelaccompaniedthemasfar，asNottingham。ItwasalongwaytoKestonstation。
　　“Youknow，mother，“hesaidtoher，“Gyp’sshallow。
　　Nothinggoesdeepwithher。”
　　“William，IWISHyouwouldn’tsaythesethings，“saidMrs。Morel，veryuncomfortableforthegirlwhowalkedbesideher。
　　“Butitdoesn’t，mother。She’sverymuchinlovewithmenow，butifIdiedshe’dhaveforgottenmeinthreemonths。”
　　Mrs。Morelwasafraid。Herheartbeatfuriously，hearingthe，quietbitternessofherson’slastspeech。
　　“Howdoyouknow？”shereplied。”YouDON’Tknow，andtherefore，you’venorighttosaysuchathing。”
　　“He’salwayssayingthesethings！”criedthegirl。
　　“InthreemonthsafterIwasburiedyou’dhavesomebodyelse，andIshouldbeforgotten，“hesaid。”Andthat’syourlove！”
　　Mrs。MorelsawthemintothetraininNottingham，thenshe，returnedhome。
　　“There’sonecomfort，“shesaidtoPaul——“he’llneverhaveany，moneytomarryon，thatIAMsureof。Andsoshe’llsavehimthatway。”
　　Soshetookcheer。Matterswerenotyetverydesperate。
　　ShefirmlybelievedWilliamwouldnevermarryhisGipsy。Shewaited，andshekeptPaulneartoher。
　　AllsummerlongWilliam’slettershadafeverishtone;heseemed，unnaturalandintense。Sometimeshewasexaggeratedlyjolly，usuallyhewasflatandbitterinhisletter。
　　“Ah，“hismothersaid，“I’mafraidhe’sruininghimself，againstthatcreature，whoisn’tworthyofhislove——no，nomore，thanaragdoll。”
　　Hewantedtocomehome。Themidsummerholidaywasgone;
　　itwasalongwhiletoChristmas。Hewroteinwildexcitement，sayinghecouldcomeforSaturdayandSundayatGooseFair，thefirst，weekinOctober。
　　“Youarenotwell，myboy，“saidhismother，whenshesawhim。
　　Shewasalmostintearsathavinghimtoherselfagain。
　　“No，I’venotbeenwell，“hesaid。”I’veseemedtohave，adraggingcoldallthelastmonth，butit’sgoing，Ithink。”
　　ItwassunnyOctoberweather。Heseemedwildwithjoy，likeaschoolboyescaped;thenagainhewassilentandreserved。
　　Hewasmoregauntthanever，andtherewasahaggardlookinhiseyes。
　　“Youaredoingtoomuch，“saidhismothertohim。
　　Hewasdoingextrawork，tryingtomakesomemoneytomarryon，hesaid。HeonlytalkedtohismotheronceontheSaturdaynight;
　　thenhewassadandtenderabouthisbeloved。
　　“Andyet，youknow，mother，forallthat，ifIdiedshe’dbe，broken-heartedfortwomonths，andthenshe’dstarttoforgetme。
　　You’dsee，she’dnevercomehomeheretolookatmygrave，notevenonce。”
　　“Why，William，“saidhismother，“you’renotgoingtodie，sowhytalkaboutit？”
　　“Butwhetherornot——“hereplied。
　　“Andshecan’thelpit。Sheislikethat，andifyouchoose，her——well，youcan’tgrumble，“saidhismother。
　　OntheSundaymorning，ashewasputtinghiscollaron：
　　“Look，“hesaidtohismother，holdinguphischin，“whata，rashmycollar’smadeundermychin！”
　　Justatthejunctionofchinandthroatwasabigredinflammation。
　　“Itoughtnottodothat，“saidhismother。”Here，putabit，ofthissoothingointmenton。Youshouldweardifferentcollars。”
　　HewentawayonSundaymidnight，seemingbetterandmoresolid，forhistwodaysathome。
　　OnTuesdaymorningcameatelegramfromLondonthathewasill。
　　Mrs。Morelgotoffherkneesfromwashingthefloor，readthetelegram，calledaneighbour，wenttoherlandladyandborrowedasovereign，putonherthings，andsetoff。ShehurriedtoKeston，caughtan，expressforLondoninNottingham。ShehadtowaitinNottingham，nearlyanhour。Asmallfigureinherblackbonnet，shewas，anxiouslyaskingtheportersiftheyknewhowtogettoElmersEnd。
　　Thejourneywasthreehours。Shesatinhercornerinakindofstupor，nevermoving。AtKing’sCrossstillnoonecouldtellherhow，togettoElmersEnd。Carryingherstringbag，thatcontained，hernightdress，acombandbrush，shewentfrompersontoperson。
　　AtlasttheysentherundergroundtoCannonStreet。
　　Itwassixo’clockwhenshearrivedatWilliam’slodging。
　　Theblindswerenotdown。
　　“Howishe？”sheasked。
　　“Nobetter，“saidthelandlady。
　　Shefollowedthewomanupstairs。Williamlayonthebed，withbloodshoteyes，hisfaceratherdiscoloured。Theclotheswere，tossedabout，therewasnofireintheroom，aglassofmilkstood，onthestandathisbedside。Noonehadbeenwithhim。
　　“Why，myson！”saidthemotherbravely。
　　Hedidnotanswer。Helookedather，butdidnotseeher。
　　Thenhebegantosay，inadullvoice，asifrepeatingaletter，fromdictation：，“Owingtoaleakageintheholdofthisvessel，thesugarhadset，andbecomeconvertedintorock。Itneededhacking——“
　　Hewasquiteunconscious。Ithadbeenhisbusinesstoexamine，somesuchcargoofsugarinthePortofLondon。
　　“Howlonghashebeenlikethis？”themotheraskedthelandlady。
　　“Hegothomeatsixo’clockonMondaymorning，andheseemed，tosleepallday;theninthenightweheardhimtalking，andthis，morningheaskedforyou。SoIwired，andwefetchedthedoctor。”
　　“Willyouhaveafiremade？”
　　Mrs。Moreltriedtosootheherson，tokeephimstill。
　　Thedoctorcame。Itwaspneumonia，and，hesaid，apeculiar，erysipelas，whichhadstartedunderthechinwherethecollarchafed，andwasspreadingovertheface。Hehopeditwouldnotgettothebrain。
　　Mrs。Morelsettleddowntonurse。SheprayedforWilliam，prayedthathewouldrecogniseher。Buttheyoungman’sfacegrew，morediscoloured。Inthenightshestruggledwithhim。Heraved，andraved，andwouldnotcometoconsciousness。Attwoo’clock，inadreadfulparoxysm，hedied。
　　Mrs。Morelsatperfectlystillforanhourinthelodgingbedroom;
　　thensherousedthehousehold。
　　Atsixo’clock，withtheaidofthecharwoman，shelaidhimout;
　　thenshewentroundthedrearyLondonvillagetotheregistrar，andthedoctor。
　　Atnineo’clocktothecottageonScargillStreetcame，anotherwire：
　　“Williamdiedlastnight。Letfathercome，bringmoney。”
　　Annie，Paul，andArthurwereathome;Mr。Morelwasgone，towork。Thethreechildrensaidnotaword。Anniebegantowhimper，withfear;Paulsetoffforhisfather。
　　Itwasabeautifulday。AtBrinsleypitthewhitesteammelted，slowlyinthesunshineofasoftbluesky;thewheelsoftheheadstocks，twinkledhighup;thescreen，shufflingitscoalintothetrucks，madeabusynoise。
　　“Iwantmyfather;he’sgottogotoLondon，“saidtheboy，tothefirstmanhemetonthebank。
　　“ThawantsWalterMorel？，Gointheeran’tellJoeWard。”
　　Paulwentintothelittletopoffice。
　　“Iwantmyfather;he’sgottogotoLondon。”
　　“Thyfeyther？，Ishedown？，What’shisname？”
　　“Mr。Morel。”
　　“What，Walter？，Isowtamiss？”
　　“He’sgottogotoLondon。”
　　Themanwenttothetelephoneandrangupthebottomoffice。
　　“WalterMorel’swanted，number42，Hard。Summat’samiss;
　　there’shisladhere。”
　　ThenheturnedroundtoPaul。
　　“He’llbeupinafewminutes，“hesaid。
　　Paulwanderedouttothepit-top。Hewatchedthechaircomeup，withitswagonofcoal。Thegreatironcagesankbackonitsrest，afullcarflewashauledoff，anemptytramrunontothechair，abellting’edsomewhere，thechairheaved，thendroppedlike，astone。
　　PauldidnotrealiseWilliamwasdead;itwasimpossible，withsuchabustlegoingon。Thepuller-offswungthesmalltruck，ontotheturn-table，anothermanranwithitalongthebankdown，thecurvinglines。
　　“AndWilliamisdead，andmymother’sinLondon，andwhatwill，shebedoing？”theboyaskedhimself，asifitwereaconundrum。
　　Hewatchedchairafterchaircomeup，andstillnofather。
　　Atlast，standingbesideawagon，aman’sform！thechairsankon，itsrests，Morelsteppedoff。Hewasslightlylamefromanaccident。
　　“Isitthee，Paul？，Is’eworse？”
　　“You’vegottogotoLondon。”
　　Thetwowalkedoffthepit-bank，wheremenwerewatchingcuriously。
　　Astheycameoutandwentalongtherailway，withthe，sunnyautumnfieldononesideandawalloftrucks，ontheother，Morelsaidinafrightenedvoice：
　　“’E’snivergone，child？”
　　“Yes。”
　　“Whenwor’t？”
　　“Lastnight。Wehadatelegramfrommymother。”
　　Morelwalkedonafewstrides，thenleanedupagainst，atruck-side，hishandoverhiseyes。Hewasnotcrying。
　　Paulstoodlookinground，waiting。Ontheweighing，machineatrucktrundledslowly。Paulsaweverything，excepthisfatherleaningagainstthetruckasifheweretired。
　　MorelhadonlyoncebeforebeentoLondon。Hesetoff，scaredandpeaked，tohelphiswife。ThatwasonTuesday。
　　Thechildrenwereleftaloneinthehouse。Paulwenttowork，Arthurwenttoschool，andAnniehadinafriendtobewithher。
　　OnSaturdaynight，asPaulwasturningthecorner，cominghome，fromKeston，hesawhismotherandfather，whohadcometoSethley，BridgeStation。Theywerewalkinginsilenceinthedark，tired，stragglingapart。Theboywaited。
　　“Mother！”hesaid，inthedarkness。
　　Mrs。Morel’ssmallfigureseemednottoobserve。Hespokeagain。
　　“Paul！”shesaid，uninterestedly。
　　Shelethimkissher，butsheseemedunawareofhim。
　　Inthehouseshewasthesame——small，white，andmute。
　　Shenoticednothing，shesaidnothing，only：
　　“Thecoffinwillbehereto-night，Walter。You’dbettersee，aboutsomehelp。”，Then，turningtothechildren：，“We’rebringing，himhome。”
　　Thensherelapsedintothesamemutelookingintospace，herhandsfoldedonherlap。Paul，lookingather，felthecould，notbreathe。Thehousewasdeadsilent。
　　“Iwenttowork，mother，“hesaidplaintively。
　　“Didyou？”sheanswered，dully。
　　AfterhalfanhourMorel，troubledandbewildered，cameinagain。
　　“Wheers’llweha’ehimwhenheDOEScome？”heaskedhiswife。
　　“Inthefront-room。”
　　“ThenI’dbettershiftth’table？”
　　“Yes。”
　　“An’ha’ehimacrossth’chairs？”
　　“Youknowthere——Yes，Isupposeso。”
　　MorelandPaulwent，withacandle，intotheparlour。
　　Therewasnogasthere。Thefatherunscrewedthetopofthebig，mahoganyovaltable，andclearedthemiddleoftheroom;thenhe，arrangedsixchairsoppositeeachother，sothatthecoffincould，standontheirbeds。
　　“Youniverseedsuchalengthasheis！”saidtheminer，andwatchinganxiouslyasheworked。
　　Paulwenttothebaywindowandlookedout。Theash-tree，stoodmonstrousandblackinfrontofthewidedarkness。
　　Itwasafaintlyluminousnight。Paulwentbacktohismother。
　　Atteno’clockMorelcalled：
　　“He’shere！”
　　Everyonestarted。Therewasanoiseofunbarringandunlocking，thefrontdoor，whichopenedstraightfromthenightintotheroom。
　　“Bringanothercandle，“calledMorel。
　　AnnieandArthurwent。Paulfollowedwithhismother。
　　Hestoodwithhisarmroundherwaistintheinnerdoorway。
　　Downthemiddleoftheclearedroomwaitedsixchairs，facetoface。
　　Inthewindow，againstthelacecurtains，Arthurhelduponecandle，andbytheopendoor，againstthenight，Anniestoodleaningforward，herbrasscandlestickglittering。
　　Therewasthenoiseofwheels。Outsideinthedarknessofthe，streetbelowPaulcouldseehorsesandablackvehicle，onelamp，andafewpalefaces;thensomemen，miners，allintheirshirt-sleeves，seemedtostruggleintheobscurity。Presentlytwomenappeared，bowedbeneathagreatweight。ItwasMorelandhisneighbour。
　　“Steady！”calledMorel，outofbreath。
　　Heandhisfellowmountedthesteepgardenstep，heavedinto，thecandlelightwiththeirgleamingcoffin-end。Limbsofothermen，wereseenstrugglingbehind。MorelandBurns，infront，staggered;
　　thegreatdarkweightswayed。
　　“Steady，steady！”criedMorel，asifinpain。
　　Allthesixbearerswereupinthesmallgarden，holdingthe，greatcoffinaloft。Therewerethreemorestepstothedoor。
　　Theyellowlampofthecarriageshonealone，downtheblackroad。
　　“Nowthen！”saidMorel。
　　Thecoffinswayed，themenbegantomountthethreesteps，withtheirload。Annie’scandleflickered，andshewhimpered，asthefirstmenappeared，andthelimbsandbowedheadsofsix，menstruggledtoclimbintotheroom，bearingthecoffinthatrode，likesorrowontheirlivingflesh。
　　“Oh，myson——myson！”Mrs。Morelsangsoftly，andeachtime，thecoffinswungtotheunequalclimbingofthemen：，“Oh，myson——my，son——myson！”
　　“Mother！”Paulwhimpered，hishandroundherwaist。
　　Shedidnothear。
　　“Oh，myson——myson！”sherepeated。
　　Paulsawdropsofsweatfallfromhisfather’sbrow。
　　Sixmenwereintheroom——sixcoatlessmen，withyielding，strugglinglimbs，fillingtheroomandknockingagainstthefurniture。
　　Thecoffinveered，andwasgentlyloweredontothechairs。
　　ThesweatfellfromMorel’sfaceonitsboards。
　　“Myword，he’saweight！”saidaman，andthefiveminerssighed，bowed，and，tremblingwiththestruggle，descendedthestepsagain，closingthedoorbehindthem。
　　Thefamilywasaloneintheparlourwiththegreatpolishedbox。
　　William，whenlaidout，wassixfeetfourincheslong。Likeamonument，laythebrightbrown，ponderouscoffin。Paulthoughtitwouldnever，begotoutoftheroomagain。Hismotherwasstrokingthepolishedwood。
　　TheyburiedhimontheMondayinthelittlecemeteryonthe，hillsidethatlooksoverthefieldsatthebigchurchandthehouses。
　　Itwassunny，andthewhitechrysanthemumsfrilledthemselves，inthewarmth。
　　Mrs。Morelcouldnotbepersuaded，afterthis，totalkand，takeheroldbrightinterestinlife。Sheremainedshutoff。
　　Allthewayhomeinthetrainshehadsaidtoherself：“Ifonlyit，couldhavebeenme！“
　　WhenPaulcamehomeatnighthefoundhismothersitting，herday’sworkdone，withhandsfoldedinherlapuponher，coarseapron。Shealwaysusedtohavechangedherdressandput，onablackapron，before。NowAnniesethissupper，andhismother，satlookingblanklyinfrontofher，hermouthshuttight。
　　Thenhebeathisbrainsfornewstotellher。
　　“Mother，MissJordanwasdownto-day，andshesaidmysketch，ofacollieryatworkwasbeautiful。”
　　ButMrs。Moreltooknonotice。Nightafternightheforced，himselftotellherthings，althoughshedidnotlisten。Itdrove，himalmostinsanetohaveherthus。Atlast：
　　“What’sa-matter，mother？”heasked。
　　Shedidnothear。
　　“What’sa-matter？”hepersisted。”Mother，what’sa-matter？”
　　“Youknowwhat’sthematter，“shesaidirritably，turningaway。
　　Thelad——hewassixteenyearsold——wenttobeddrearily。
　　HewascutoffandwretchedthroughOctober，NovemberandDecember。
　　Hismothertried，butshecouldnotrouseherself。Shecouldonly，broodonherdeadson;hehadbeenlettodiesocruelly。
　　Atlast，onDecember23，withhisfiveshillingsChristmas-box，inhispocket，Paulwanderedblindlyhome。Hismotherlookedathim，andherheartstoodstill。
　　“What’sthematter？”sheasked。
　　“I’mbadly，mother！”hereplied。”Mr。Jordangavemefive，shillingsforaChristmas-box！”
　　Hehandedittoherwithtremblinghands。Sheputitonthetable。
　　“Youaren’tglad！”hereproachedher;buthetrembledviolently。
　　“Wherehurtsyou？”shesaid，unbuttoninghisovercoat。
　　Itwastheoldquestion。
　　“Ifeelbadly，mother。”
　　Sheundressedhimandputhimtobed。Hehadpneumoniadangerously，thedoctorsaid。
　　“MightheneverhavehaditifI’dkepthimathome，notlet，himgotoNottingham？”wasoneofthefirstthingssheasked。
　　“Hemightnothavebeensobad，“saidthedoctor。
　　Mrs。Morelstoodcondemnedonherownground。
　　“Ishouldhavewatchedtheliving，notthedead，“shetoldherself。
　　Paulwasveryill。Hismotherlayinbedatnightswithhim;
　　theycouldnotaffordanurse。Hegrewworse，andthecrisisapproached。
　　Onenighthetossedintoconsciousnessintheghastly，sicklyfeeling，ofdissolution，whenallthecellsinthebodyseeminintense，irritabilitytobebreakingdown，andconsciousnessmakesalast，flareofstruggle，likemadness。
　　“Is’lldie，mother！”becried，heavingforbreathonthepillow。
　　Sheliftedhimup，cryinginasmallvoice：
　　“Oh，myson——myson！”
　　Thatbroughthimto。Herealisedher。Hiswholewillrose，upandarrestedhim。Heputhisheadonherbreast，andtookease，ofherforlove。
　　“Forsomethings，“saidhisaunt，“itwasagoodthingPaul，wasillthatChristmas。Ibelieveitsavedhismother。”
　　Paulwasinbedforsevenweeks。Hegotupwhiteandfragile。
　　Hisfatherhadboughthimapotofscarletandgoldtulips。
　　TheyusedtoflameinthewindowintheMarchsunshineashesat，onthesofachatteringtohismother。Thetwoknittedtogetherin，perfectintimacy。Mrs。Morel’slifenowrooteditselfinPaul。
　　Williamhadbeenaprophet。Mrs。Morelhadalittlepresent，andaletterfromLilyatChristmas。Mrs。Morel’ssisterhad，aletterattheNewYear。
　　“Iwasataballlastnight。Somedelightfulpeoplewerethere，andIenjoyedmyselfthoroughly，“saidtheletter。”Ihadevery，dance——didnotsitoutone。”
　　Mrs。Morelneverheardanymoreofher。
　　Morelandhiswifeweregentlewitheachotherforsometime，afterthedeathoftheirson。Hewouldgointoakindofdaze，staringwide-eyedandblankacrosstheroom。Thenhegotupsuddenly，andhurriedouttotheThreeSpots，returninginhisnormalstate。
　　ButneverinhislifewouldhegoforawalkupShepstone，pasttheofficewherehissonhadworked，andhealwaysavoided，thecemetery。
　　PARTTWO
　　CHAPTERVII
　　LAD-AND-GIRLLOVE
　　PAULhadbeenmanytimesuptoWilleyFarmduringtheautumn。
　　Hewasfriendswiththetwoyoungestboys。Edgartheeldest，wouldnot，condescendatfirst。AndMiriamalsorefusedtobeapproached。
　　Shewasafraidofbeingsetatnought，asbyherownbrothers。
　　Thegirlwasromanticinhersoul。EverywherewasaWalterScott，heroinebeinglovedbymenwithhelmetsorwithplumesintheircaps。
　　Sheherselfwassomethingofaprincessturnedintoaswine-girl，inherownimagination。Andshewasafraidlestthisboy，who，nevertheless，lookedsomethinglikeaWalterScotthero，whocouldpaintandspeakFrench，andknewwhatalgebrameant，andwhowentbytraintoNottinghameveryday，mightconsiderher，simplyastheswine-girl，unabletoperceivetheprincessbeneath;
　　sosheheldaloof。
　　Hergreatcompanionwashermother。Theywerebothbrown-eyed，andinclinedtobemystical，suchwomenastreasurereligion，insidethem，breatheitintheirnostrils，andseethewholeoflife，inamistthereof。SotoMiriam，ChristandGodmadeonegreatfigure，whichshelovedtremblinglyandpassionatelywhenatremendoussunset，burnedoutthewesternsky，andEdiths，andLucys，andRowenas，Briande，BoisGuilberts，RobRoys，andGuyMannerings，rustledthesunnyleaves，inthemorning，orsatinherbedroomaloft，alone，whenitsnowed。
　　Thatwaslifetoher。Fortherest，shedrudgedinthehouse，whichworkshewouldnothavemindedhadnothercleanredfloorbeen，muckedupimmediatelybythetramplingfarm-bootsofherbrothers。
　　Shemadlywantedherlittlebrotheroffourtoletherswathe，himandstiflehiminherlove;shewenttochurchreverently，withbowedhead，andquiveredinanguishfromthevulgarityofthe，otherchoir-girlsandfromthecommon-soundingvoiceofthecurate;
　　shefoughtwithherbrothers，whomsheconsideredbrutallouts;
　　andsheheldnotherfatherintoohighesteembecausehedidnot，carryanymysticalidealscherishedinhisheart，butonlywanted，tohaveaseasyatimeashecould，andhismealswhenhewasready，forthem。
　　Shehatedherpositionasswine-girl。Shewantedtobeconsidered。
　　Shewantedtolearn，thinkingthatifshecouldread，asPaulsaid，hecouldread，“Colomba“orthe“VoyageautourdemaChambre“the，worldwouldhaveadifferentfaceforherandadeepenedrespect。
　　Shecouldnotbeprincessbywealthorstanding。Soshewasmad，tohavelearningwhereontoprideherself。Forshewasdifferent，fromotherfolk，andmustnotbescoopedupamongthecommonfry。
　　Learningwastheonlydistinctiontowhichshethoughttoaspire。
　　Herbeauty——thatofashy，wild，quiveringlysensitive，thing——seemednothingtoher。Evenhersoul，sostrongforrhapsody，wasnotenough。Shemusthavesomethingtoreinforceherpride，becauseshefeltdifferentfromotherpeople。Paulsheeyed，ratherwistfully。Onthewhole，shescornedthemalesex。
　　Butherewasanewspecimen，quick，light，graceful，whocould，begentleandwhocouldbesad，andwhowasclever，andwhoknew，alot，andwhohadadeathinthefamily。Theboy’spoor，morseloflearningexaltedhimalmostsky-highinheresteem。
　　Yetshetriedhardtoscornhim，becausehewouldnotseeinher，theprincessbutonlytheswine-girl。Andhescarcelyobservedher。
　　Thenhewassoill，andshefelthewouldbeweak。Thenshe，wouldbestrongerthanhe。Thenshecouldlovehim。Ifshecould，bemistressofhiminhisweakness，takecareofhim，ifhecould，dependonher，ifshecould，asitwere，havehiminherarms，howshewouldlovehim！
　　Assoonastheskiesbrightenedandplum-blossomwasout，Pauldroveoffinthemilkman’sheavyfloatuptoWilleyFarm。
　　Mr。Leiversshoutedinakindlyfashionattheboy，thenclicked，tothehorseastheyclimbedthehillslowly，inthefreshness，ofthemorning。Whitecloudswentontheirway，crowdingtothe，backofthehillsthatwererousinginthespringtime。Thewater，ofNethermerelaybelow，veryblueagainstthesearedmeadowsand，thethorn-trees。
　　Itwasfourandahalfmiles’drive。Tinybudsonthehedges，vividascopper-green，wereopeningintorosettes;andthrushescalled，andblackbirdsshriekedandscolded。Itwasanew，glamorousworld。
　　Miriam，peepingthroughthekitchenwindow，sawthehorsewalk，throughthebigwhitegateintothefarmyardthatwasbackedbythe，oak-wood，stillbare。Thenayouthinaheavyovercoatclimbeddown。
　　Heputuphishandsforthewhipandtherugthatthegood-looking，ruddyfarmerhandeddowntohim。
　　Miriamappearedinthedoorway。Shewasnearlysixteen，verybeautiful，withherwarmcolouring，hergravity，hereyes，dilatingsuddenlylikeanecstasy。
　　“Isay，“saidPaul，turningshylyaside，“yourdaffodils，arenearlyout。Isn’titearly？，Butdon’ttheylookcold？”
　　“Cold！”saidMiriam，inhermusical，caressingvoice。
　　“Thegreenontheirbuds——“andhefalteredintosilencetimidly。
　　“Letmetaketherug，“saidMiriamover-gently。
　　“Icancarryit，“heanswered，ratherinjured。Butheyielded，ittoher。
　　ThenMrs。Leiversappeared。
　　“I’msureyou’retiredandcold，“shesaid。”Letmetake，yourcoat。ItISheavy。Youmustn’twalkfarinit。”
　　Shehelpedhimoffwithhiscoat。Hewasquiteunused，tosuchattention。Shewasalmostsmotheredunderitsweight。
　　“Why，mother，“laughedthefarmerashepassedthroughthekitchen，swingingthegreatmilk-churns，“you’vegotalmostmorethanyou，canmanagethere。”
　　Shebeatupthesofacushionsfortheyouth。
　　Thekitchenwasverysmallandirregular。Thefarmhadbeen，originallyalabourer’scottage。Andthefurniturewasoldandbattered。
　　ButPaullovedit——lovedthesack-bagthatformedthehearthrug，andthefunnylittlecornerunderthestairs，andthesmallwindow，deepinthecorner，throughwhich，bendingalittle，becouldsee，theplumtreesinthebackgardenandthelovelyroundhillsbeyond。
　　“Won’tyouliedown？”saidMrs。Leivers。
　　“Ohno;I’mnottired，“hesaid。”Isn’titlovelycomingout，don’tyouthink？，Isawasloe-bushinblossomandalotofcelandines。
　　I’mgladit’ssunny。”
　　“CanIgiveyouanythingtoeatortodrink？”
　　“No，thankyou。”
　　“How’syourmother？”
　　“Ithinkshe’stirednow。Ithinkshe’shadtoomuchtodo。
　　Perhapsinalittlewhileshe’llgotoSkegnesswithme。Thenshe’ll，beabletorest。Is’llbegladifshecan。”
　　“Yes，“repliedMrs。Leivers。”It’sawondersheisn’t，illherself。”
　　Miriamwasmovingaboutpreparingdinner。Paulwatched，everythingthathappened。Hisfacewaspaleandthin，buthiseyes，werequickandbrightwithlifeasever。Hewatchedthestrange，almostrhapsodicwayinwhichthegirlmovedabout，carryingagreat，stew-jartotheoven，orlookinginthesaucepan。Theatmosphere，wasdifferentfromthatofhisownhome，whereeverythingseemed，soordinary。WhenMr。Leiverscalledloudlyoutsidetothehorse，thatwasreachingovertofeedontherose-bushesinthegarden，thegirlstarted，lookedroundwithdarkeyes，asifsomethinghad，comebreakinginonherworld。Therewasasenseofsilenceinside，thehouseandout。Miriamseemedasinsomedreamytale，amaiden，inbondage，herspiritdreaminginalandfarawayandmagical。
　　Andherdiscoloured，oldbluefrockandherbrokenbootsseemed，onlyliketheromanticragsofKingCophetua’sbeggar-maid。
　　Shesuddenlybecameawareofhiskeenblueeyesuponher，takingherallin。Instantlyherbrokenbootsandherfrayedold，frockhurther。Sheresentedhisseeingeverything。Evenheknew，thatherstockingwasnotpulledup。Shewentintothescullery，blushingdeeply。Andafterwardsherhandstrembledslightlyat，herwork。Shenearlydroppedallshehandled。Whenherinside，dreamwasshaken，herbodyquiveredwithtrepidation。Sheresented，thathesawsomuch。
　　Mrs。Leiverssatforsometimetalkingtotheboy，althoughshe，wasneededatherwork。Shewastoopolitetoleavehim。
　　Presentlysheexcusedherselfandrose。Afterawhileshelooked，intothetinsaucepan。
　　“OhDEAR，Miriam，“shecried，“thesepotatoeshaveboileddry！”
　　Miriamstartedasifshehadbeenstung。
　　“HAVEthey，mother？”shecried。
　　“Ishouldn’tcare，Miriam，“saidthemother，“ifIhadn’t，trustedthemtoyou。”，Shepeeredintothepan。
　　Thegirlstiffenedasiffromablow。Herdarkeyesdilated;
　　sheremainedstandinginthesamespot。
　　“Well，“sheanswered，grippedtightinself-consciousshame，“I’msureIlookedatthemfiveminutessince。”
　　“Yes，“saidthemother，“Iknowit’seasilydone。”
　　“They’renotmuchburned，“saidPaul。”Itdoesn’tmatter，doesit？”
　　Mrs。Leiverslookedattheyouthwithherbrown，hurteyes。
　　“Itwouldn’tmatterbutfortheboys，“shesaidtohim。
　　“OnlyMiriamknowswhatatroubletheymakeifthepotatoesare，’caught’。”
　　“Then，“thoughtPaultohimself，“youshouldn’tletthemmake，atrouble。”
　　AfterawhileEdgarcamein。Heworeleggings，andhisboots，werecoveredwithearth。Hewasrathersmall，ratherformal，forafarmer。HeglancedatPaul，noddedtohimdistantly，andsaid：
　　“Dinnerready？”
　　“Nearly，Edgar，“repliedthemotherapologetically。
　　“I’mreadyformine，“saidtheyoungman，takingupthenewspaper，andreading。Presentlytherestofthefamilytroopedin。
　　Dinnerwasserved。Themealwentratherbrutally。Theover-gentleness，andapologetictoneofthemotherbroughtoutallthebrutality，ofmannersinthesons。Edgartastedthepotatoes，movedhismouth，quicklylikearabbit，lookedindignantlyathismother，andsaid：
　　“Thesepotatoesareburnt，mother。”
　　“Yes，Edgar。Iforgotthemforaminute。Perhapsyou’ll，havebreadifyoucan’teatthem。”
　　EdgarlookedinangeracrossatMiriam。
　　“WhatwasMiriamdoingthatshecouldn’tattendtothem？”
　　hesaid。
　　Miriamlookedup。Hermouthopened，herdarkeyesblazed，andwinced，butshesaidnothing。Sheswallowedheranger，andhershame，bowingherdarkhead。
　　“I’msureshewastryinghard，“saidthemother。
　　“Shehasn’tgotsenseeventoboilthepotatoes，“saidEdgar。
　　“Whatisshekeptathomefor？”
　　“On’yforeatingeverythingthat’sleftinth’pantry，“saidMaurice。
　　“Theydon’tforgetthatpotato-pieagainstourMiriam，“
　　laughedthefather。
　　Shewasutterlyhumiliated。Themothersatinsilence，suffering，likesomesaintoutofplaceatthebrutalboard。
　　ItpuzzledPaul。Hewonderedvaguelywhyallthisintensefeeling，wentrunningbecauseofafewburntpotatoes。Themotherexalted，everything——evenabitofhousework——totheplaneofareligioustrust。
　　Thesonsresentedthis;theyfeltthemselvescutawayunderneath，and，theyansweredwithbrutalityandalsowithasneeringsuperciliousness。
　　Paulwasjustopeningoutfromchildhoodintomanhood。
　　Thisatmosphere，whereeverythingtookareligiousvalue，camewith，asubtlefascinationtohim。Therewassomethingintheair。
　　Hisownmotherwaslogical。Heretherewassomethingdifferent，somethingheloved，somethingthatattimeshehated。
　　Miriamquarrelledwithherbrothersfiercely。Laterin，theafternoon，whentheyhadgoneawayagain，hermothersaid：
　　“Youdisappointedmeatdinner-time，Miriam。”
　　Thegirldroppedherhead。
　　“TheyaresuchBRUTES！”shesuddenlycried，lookingup，withflashingeyes。
　　“Buthadn’tyoupromisednottoanswerthem？”saidthemother。
　　“AndIbelievedinyou。ICAN’Tstanditwhenyouwrangle。”
　　“Butthey’resohateful！”criedMiriam，“and——andLOW。”
　　“Yes，dear。ButhowoftenhaveIaskedyounottoanswer，Edgarback？，Can’tyoulethimsaywhathelikes？”
　　“Butwhyshouldhesaywhathelikes？”
　　“Aren’tyoustrongenoughtobearit，Miriam，ifevenformysake？
　　Areyousoweakthatyoumustwranglewiththem？”
　　Mrs。Leiversstuckunflinchinglytothisdoctrineof“theother，cheek“。Shecouldnotinstilitatallintotheboys。Withthe，girlsshesucceededbetter，andMiriamwasthechildofherheart。
　　Theboysloathedtheothercheekwhenitwaspresentedtothem。
　　Miriamwasoftensufficientlyloftytoturnit。Thentheyspat，onherandhatedher。Butshewalkedinherproudhumility，livingwithinherself。
　　Therewasalwaysthisfeelingofjangleanddiscordinthe，Leiversfamily。Althoughtheboysresentedsobitterlythiseternal，appealtotheirdeeperfeelingsofresignationandproudhumility，yetithaditseffectonthem。Theycouldnotestablishbetweenthemselves，andanoutsiderjusttheordinaryhumanfeelingandunexaggerated，friendship;theywerealwaysrestlessforthesomethingdeeper。
　　Ordinaryfolkseemedshallowtothem，trivialandinconsiderable。
　　Andsotheywereunaccustomed，painfullyuncouthinthesimplest，socialintercourse，suffering，andyetinsolentintheirsuperiority。
　　Thenbeneathwastheyearningforthesoul-intimacytowhichtheycould，notattainbecausetheyweretoodumb，andeveryapproachtoclose，connectionwasblockedbytheirclumsycontemptofotherpeople。
　　Theywantedgenuineintimacy，buttheycouldnotgetevennormally，neartoanyone，becausetheyscornedtotakethefirststeps，theyscornedthetrivialitywhichformscommonhumanintercourse。
　　PaulfellunderMrs。Leivers’sspell。Everythinghad，areligiousandintensifiedmeaningwhenhewaswithher。
　　Hissoul，hurt，highlydeveloped，soughtherasiffornourishment。
　　Togethertheyseemedtosiftthevitalfactfromanexperience。
　　Miriamwashermother’sdaughter。Inthesunshineofthe，afternoonmotheranddaughterwentdownthefieldswithhim。
　　Theylookedfornests。Therewasajennywren’sinthehedge，bytheorchard。
　　“IDOwantyoutoseethis，“saidMrs。Leivers。
　　Hecroucheddownandcarefullyputhisfingerthroughthe，thornsintotherounddoorofthenest。
　　“It’salmostasifyouwerefeelinginsidethelivebody，ofthebird，“hesaid，“it’ssowarm。Theysayabirdmakes，itsnestroundlikeacupwithpressingitsbreastonit。
　　Thenhowdiditmaketheceilinground，Iwonder？”
　　Thenestseemedtostartintolifeforthetwowomen。
　　Afterthat，Miriamcametoseeiteveryday。Itseemedsoclose，toher。Again，goingdownthehedgesidewiththegirl，henoticed，thecelandines，scallopedsplashesofgold，onthesideoftheditch。
　　“Ilikethem，“hesaid，“whentheirpetalsgoflatbackwith，thesunshine。Theyseemedtobepressingthemselvesatthesun。”
　　Andthenthecelandineseverafterdrewherwithalittlespell。
　　Anthropomorphicasshewas，shestimulatedhimintoappreciating，thingsthus，andthentheylivedforher。Sheseemedtoneedthings，kindlinginherimaginationorinhersoulbeforeshefeltshe，hadthem。Andshewascutofffromordinarylifebyherreligious，intensitywhichmadetheworldforhereitheranunnerygarden，oraparadise，wheresinandknowledgewerenot，orelseanugly，cruelthing。
　　Soitwasinthisatmosphereofsubtleintimacy，thismeeting，intheircommonfeelingforsomethinginNature，thattheirlovestarted。
　　Personally，hewasalongtimebeforeherealizedher。
　　Fortenmonthshehadtostayathomeafterhisillness。Fora，whilehewenttoSkegnesswithhismother，andwasperfectlyhappy。
　　ButevenfromtheseasidehewrotelongletterstoMrs。Leivers，abouttheshoreandthesea。Andhebroughtbackhisbeloved，sketchesoftheflatLincolncoast，anxiousforthemtosee。
　　AlmosttheywouldinteresttheLeiversmorethantheyinterested，hismother。ItwasnothisartMrs。Morelcaredabout;itwashimself，andhisachievement。ButMrs。Leiversandherchildrenwerealmost，hisdisciples。Theykindledhimandmadehimglowtohiswork，whereashismother’sinfluencewastomakehimquietlydetermined，patient，dogged，unwearied。
　　Hesoonwasfriendswiththeboys，whoserudenesswas，onlysuperficial。Theyhadall，whentheycouldtrustthemselves，astrangegentlenessandlovableness。
　　“Willyoucomewithmeontothefallow？”askedEdgar，ratherhesitatingly。
　　Paulwentjoyfully，andspenttheafternoonhelpingtohoeorto，singleturnipswithhisfriend。Heusedtoliewiththethreebrothers，inthehaypiledupinthebarnandtellthemaboutNottinghamand，aboutJordan’s。Inreturn，theytaughthimtomilk，andlethimdo，littlejobs——choppinghayorpulpingturnips——justasmuchasheliked。
　　Atmidsummerheworkedallthroughhay-harvestwiththem，andthen，helovedthem。Thefamilywassocutofffromtheworldactually。
　　Theyseemed，somehow，like“lesderniersfilsd’uneraceepuisee“。
　　Thoughtheladswerestrongandhealthy，yettheyhadallthat，over-sensitivenessandhanging-backwhichmadethemsolonely，yetalsosuchclose，delicatefriendsoncetheirintimacywaswon。
　　Paullovedthemdearly，andtheyhim。
　　Miriamcamelater。Buthehadcomeintoherlifebeforeshe，madeanymarkonhis。Onedullafternoon，whenthemenwereon，thelandandtherestatschool，onlyMiriamandhermother，athome，thegirlsaidtohim，afterhavinghesitatedforsometime：
　　“Haveyouseentheswing？”
　　“No，“heanswered。”Where？”
　　“Inthecowshed，“shereplied。
　　Shealwayshesitatedtoofferortoshowhimanything。
　　Menhavesuchdifferentstandardsofworthfromwomen，andherdear，things——thevaluablethingstoher——herbrothershadsooftenmocked，orflouted。
　　“Comeon，then，“hereplied，jumpingup。
　　Thereweretwocowsheds，oneoneithersideofthebarn。
　　Inthelower，darkershedtherewasstandingforfourcows。
　　Hensflewscoldingoverthemanger-wallastheyouthandgirlwent，forwardforthegreatthickropewhichhungfromthebeaminthe，darknessoverhead，andwaspushedbackoverapeginthewall。
　　“It’ssomethinglikearope！”heexclaimedappreciatively;
　　andhesatdownonit，anxioustotryit。Thenimmediatelyherose。
　　“Comeon，then，andhavefirstgo，“hesaidtothegirl。
　　“See，“sheanswered，goingintothebarn，“weputsomebags，ontheseat“;andshemadetheswingcomfortableforhim。
　　Thatgaveherpleasure。Heheldtherope。
　　“Comeon，then，“hesaidtoher。
　　“No，Iwon’tgofirst，“sheanswered。
　　Shestoodasideinherstill，alooffashion。
　　“Why？”
　　“Yougo，“shepleaded。
　　Almostforthefirsttimeinherlifeshehadthepleasure，ofgivinguptoaman，ofspoilinghim。Paullookedather。
　　“Allright，“hesaid，sittingdown。”Mindout！”
　　Hesetoffwithaspring，andinamomentwasflyingthrough，theair，almostoutofthedooroftheshed，theupperhalfofwhich，wasopen，showingoutsidethedrizzlingrain，thefilthyyard，thecattlestandingdisconsolateagainsttheblackcartshed，andat，thebackofallthegrey-greenwallofthewood。Shestoodbelow，inhercrimsontam-o’-shanterandwatched。Helookeddownather，andshesawhisblueeyessparkling。
　　“It’satreatofaswing，“hesaid。
　　“Yes。”
　　Hewasswingingthroughtheair，everybitofhimswinging，likeabirdthatswoopsforjoyofmovement。Andhelookeddown，ather。Hercrimsoncaphungoverherdarkcurls，herbeautiful，warmface，sostillinakindofbrooding，wasliftedtowardshim。
　　Itwasdarkandrathercoldintheshed。Suddenlyaswallowcame，downfromthehighroofanddartedoutofthedoor。
　　“Ididn’tknowabirdwaswatching，“hecalled。
　　Heswungnegligently。Shecouldfeelhimfallingandlifting，throughtheair，asifhewerelyingonsomeforce。
　　“NowI’lldie，“hesaid，inadetached，dreamyvoice，asthough，hewerethedyingmotionoftheswing。Shewatchedhim，fascinated。
　　Suddenlyheputonthebrakeandjumpedout。
　　“I’vehadalongturn，“hesaid。”Butit’satreat，ofaswing——it’sarealtreatofaswing！”
　　Miriamwasamusedthathetookaswingsoseriouslyandfelt，sowarmlyoverit。
　　“No;yougoon，“shesaid。
　　“Why，don’tyouwantone？”heasked，astonished。
　　“Well，notmuch。I’llhavejustalittle。”
　　Shesatdown，whilsthekeptthebagsinplaceforher。
　　“It’ssoripping！”hesaid，settingherinmotion。”Keepyour，heelsup，orthey’llbangthemangerwall。”
　　Shefelttheaccuracywithwhichhecaughther，exactlyatthe，rightmoment，andtheexactlyproportionatestrengthofhisthrust，andshewasafraid。Downtoherbowelswentthehotwaveoffear。
　　Shewasinhishands。Again，firmandinevitablecamethethrustat，therightmoment。Shegrippedtherope，almostswooning。
　　“Ha！”shelaughedinfear。”Nohigher！”
　　“Butyou’renotaBIThigh，“heremonstrated。
　　“Butnohigher。”
　　Heheardthefearinhervoice，anddesisted。Herheartmelted，inhotpainwhenthemomentcameforhimtothrustherforwardagain。
　　Butheleftheralone。Shebegantobreathe。
　　“Won’tyoureallygoanyfarther？”heasked。”ShouldIkeep，youthere？”
　　“No;letmegobymyself，“sheanswered。
　　Hemovedasideandwatchedher。
　　“Why，you’rescarcelymoving，“hesaid。
　　Shelaughedslightlywithshame，andinamomentgotdown。
　　“Theysayifyoucanswingyouwon’tbesea-sick，“hesaid，ashemountedagain。”Idon’tbelieveIshouldeverbesea-sick。”
　　Awayhewent。Therewassomethingfascinatingtoherinhim。
　　Forthemomenthewasnothingbutapieceofswingingstuff;
　　notaparticleofhimthatdidnotswing。Shecouldneverlose，herselfso，norcouldherbrothers。Itrousedawarmthinher。
　　Itwasalmostasifhewereaflamethathadlitawarmthinher，whilstheswunginthemiddleair。
　　Andgraduallytheintimacywiththefamilyconcentrated，forPaulonthreepersons——themother，Edgar，andMiriam。
　　Tothemotherhewentforthatsympathyandthatappealwhichseemed，todrawhimout。Edgarwashisveryclosefriend。AndtoMiriam，hemoreorlesscondescended，becausesheseemedsohumble。
　　Butthegirlgraduallysoughthimout。Ifhebroughtuphis，sketch-book，itwasshewhoponderedlongestoverthelastpicture。
　　Thenshewouldlookupathim。Suddenly，herdarkeyesalightlike，waterthatshakeswithastreamofgoldinthedark，shewouldask：
　　“WhydoIlikethisso？”
　　Alwayssomethinginhisbreastshrankfromtheseclose，intimate，dazzledlooksofhers。
　　“WhyDOyou？”heasked。
　　“Idon’tknow。Itseemssotrue。”
　　“It’sbecause——it’sbecausethereisscarcelyanyshadowinit;
　　it’smoreshimmery，asifI’dpaintedtheshimmeringprotoplasm，intheleavesandeverywhere，andnotthestiffnessoftheshape。
　　Thatseemsdeadtome。Onlythisshimmerinessistherealliving。
　　Theshapeisadeadcrust。Theshimmerisinsidereally。”
　　Andshe，withherlittlefingerinhermouth，wouldponder，thesesayings。Theygaveherafeelingoflifeagain，andvivified，thingswhichhadmeantnothingtoher。Shemanagedtofindsome，meaninginhisstruggling，abstractspeeches。Andtheywere，themediumthroughwhichshecamedistinctlyatherbelovedobjects。
　　Anotherdayshesatatsunsetwhilsthewaspaintingsome，pine-treeswhichcaughttheredglarefromthewest。Hehadbeenquiet。
　　“Thereyouare！”hesaidsuddenly。”Iwantedthat。Now，lookat，themandtellme，aretheypinetrunksoraretheyredcoals，standing-uppiecesoffireinthatdarkness？，There’sGod’sburning，bushforyou，thatburnednotaway。”
　　Miriamlooked，andwasfrightened。Butthepinetrunkswere，wonderfultoher，anddistinct。Hepackedhisboxandrose。
　　Suddenlyhelookedather。
　　“Whyareyoualwayssad？”heaskedher。
　　“Sad！”sheexclaimed，lookingupathimwithstartled，wonderfulbrowneyes。
　　“Yes，“hereplied。”Youarealwayssad。”
　　“Iamnot——oh，notabit！”shecried。
　　“Butevenyourjoyislikeaflamecomingoffofsadness，“
　　hepersisted。”You’reneverjolly，orevenjustallright。”
　　“No，“shepondered。”Iwonder——why？”
　　“Becauseyou’renot;becauseyou’redifferentinside，likeapine-tree，andthenyouflareup;butyou’renotjust，likeanordinarytree，withfidgetyleavesandjolly——“
　　Hegottangledupinhisownspeech;butshebroodedonit，andhehadastrange，rousedsensation，asifhisfeelingswerenew。
　　Shegotsonearhim。Itwasastrangestimulant。
　　Thensometimeshehatedher。Heryoungestbrotherwasonlyfive。
　　Hewasafraillad，withimmensebrowneyesinhisquaintfragile，face——oneofReynolds’s“ChoirofAngels“withatouchofelf。
　　OftenMiriamkneeledtothechildanddrewhimtoher。
　　“Eh，myHubert！”shesang，inavoiceheavyandsurcharged，withlove。”Eh，myHubert！”
　　And，foldinghiminherarms，sheswayedslightlyfromside，tosidewithlove，herfacehalflifted，hereyeshalfclosed，hervoicedrenchedwithlove。
　　“Don’t！”saidthechild，uneasy——“don’t，Miriam！”
　　“Yes;youloveme，don’tyou？”shemurmureddeepinherthroat，almostasifshewereinatrance，andswayingalsoasifshewere，swoonedinanecstasyoflove。
　　“Don’t！”repeatedthechild，afrownonhisclearbrow。
　　“Youloveme，don’tyou？”shemurmured。
　　“WhatdoyoumakesuchaFUSSfor？”criedPaul，allinsuffering，becauseofherextremeemotion。”Whycan’tyoubeordinarywithhim？”
　　Sheletthechildgo，androse，andsaidnothing。Herintensity，whichwouldleavenoemotiononanormalplane，irritatedtheyouth，intoafrenzy。Andthisfearful，nakedcontactofheronsmall，occasionsshockedhim。Hewasusedtohismother’sreserve。
　　Andonsuchoccasionshewasthankfulinhisheartandsoulthathe，hadhismother，sosaneandwholesome。
　　AllthelifeofMiriam’sbodywasinhereyes，whichwereusually，darkasadarkchurch，butcouldflamewithlightlikeaconflagration。
　　Herfacescarcelyeveralteredfromitslookofbrooding。
　　ShemighthavebeenoneofthewomenwhowentwithMarywhenJesus，wasdead。Herbodywasnotflexibleandliving。Shewalked，withaswing，ratherheavily，herheadbowedforward，pondering。