AwagonwaswaitingtocarryMissPatseytoLongbridge，andMissAgnesbeggingthatshemightnotdetainher，shesetoutonherpainfulduty。Onarrivingatheruncle'shouse，shealmostdreadedtocrossthethreshold。ShefoundMr。Hubbardinthedining-room；hepaidnoattentiontoherassheopenedthedoor，butcontinuedwalkingupanddown。Shescarcelyknewhowtoaddresshim；thecommonphrasesofgreetingthatrosetoherlipsseemedmisplaced。Heeitherdidnotseeher，orwouldnotnoticeher。Shethenwalkedquiteneartohim，andholdingoutherhand，saidinacalmtone：
　　“Uncle，IhavecometoseeJulianna。“
　　Themusclesofhisfacemoved，buthemadenoanswer。
　　“Ihavecometostaywithher，ifyouwishit。“
　　“Thankyou，“hesaid，inathickvoice。
　　“IsthereanythingIcandoforyou？”
　　“Whatcanbedone？”hesaid，bitterly，andalmostroughly。
　　“Doyouwishmetostay？”
　　“Yes；Iamobligedtoyouforcomingtoseeawomanofbadreputation。“
　　Patseylefthimforthepresent。Shefoundhercousinstogether；
　　Emmeline'seyeswerered，asifshehadjustbeenweeping；Mrs。
　　Hilsonwasstretchedonasofa，inaveryelegantmorning-gown，readinganovelofverydoubtfulmorality。Patseyofferedherhand，whichwastakenquitecavalierly。
　　“Well，Patsey，“shesaid，“Ihopeyouhavenotcometobeaspyuponme。“
　　“Ihavecometoseeyou，becauseIwishtobeofservicetoyou，Julianna。“
　　“Then，mydearchild，youmustbringhisHigh-Mightiness，myjealoushusbandtoreason，“saidthelady，smoothingafoldinherdress。Patseymadenoanswer，andMrs。Hilsonlookedup。“Ifyouaregoingtojointherestofthemagainstme，whyIshallhavenothingtodowithyou；alltheprimprudesintheworldwon'tsubdueme，asmygood-manmighthavefoundoutalready。“
　　“Whereisyourhusband？”askedMissPatsey，gravely，butquietly。
　　“IamsureIdon'tknow；hehasbeenpleasedtoabandonme，fornoreasonwhatever，butbecauseIchosetoenjoythelibertyofallwomenoffortuneinaristocraticcircles。Iwouldnotsubmittobemadeaslave，likemostladiesinthiscountry，asMrs。
　　Bagmansays。IchoosetoassociatewithwhomIplease，gentlemenorladies。WhatisitmakesthepatricianorderssodelightfulinEurope？——allthosewhoknowanythingaboutit，willtellyouthatitisbecausethemarriedwomenarenotslaves；theyhavefullliberty，anddojustastheyfancy，andhaveasmanyadmirersastheyplease；thisverybookthatIamreadingsaysso。ThatisthewaythingsaremanagedinhighlifeinEurope。“
　　“Whatsortoflibertyisityouwishfor，Julianna？Thelibertytodowrong？Orthelibertytotriflewithyourreputation？”
　　Mrs。Hilsonpouted，butmadenoanswer。
　　“Icannotthinkthekindoflibertyyouspeakofiscommonamonggoodwomenanywhere，“continuedPatsey，“andIdon'tthinkyoucanknowsomuchaboutwhatyoucallHIGHLIFEinEurope，Julianna，foryouhaveneverbeenthere。Iamsureatleast，thatinthiscountrythesortoflibertyyouseemtobetalkingabout，isonlycommoninveryLOWLIFE；youwillfindenoughofitevenhere，amongthemostignorantandworstsortofpeople，“saidMissPatsey，quietly。
　　Mrs。Hilsonlookedprovoked。“Well，youarecivil，Imustsay，MissPatseyHubbard；ofallthebrutalspeechesthathavebeenmademeoflate，Imustsaythatyoursistheworst！”
　　“Ispeakthetruth，thoughIspeakplainly，Julianna。“
　　“Yesplainlyenough；verydifferentfromtherefinementofMrs。
　　Bagman，Icanassureyou；shewouldbethelastpersontocomeandtyrannizeoverme，whenIamavictimtomyhusband'sjealousy。ButIhavenotacreaturenearmetosympathizewithme！”
　　“Donotsaythat；yourfatherisdown-stairs，grownoldwithgriefduringthelastweek！”
　　Mrs。Hilsondidnotanswer。
　　“Youhaveknownmeallyourlife，fromthetimeyouwereachild，“addedMissPatsey，takinghercousin'spassivehandinherown；“andIask，ifyouhaveeverknownmetodeceiveyoubyanuntruth？”
　　“IamsureIdon'tknow，“repliedhercousin，carelessly。
　　“Yes，youdoknowit，Julianna。Trustme，then；donotshutyourearsandyoureyestothetruth！Youareinaverydangeroussituation；lookuponmeasyourfriend；letmestaywithyou；letmehelpyou！Myonlymotiveisyourowngood；evenifIbelievedyoureallyguilty，Ishouldhavecometoyou；butIdonotbelieveyouguilty！”
　　“Iammuchobligedtoyou，“saidhercousin，lightly。“ButI
　　happentoknowmyselfthatIhavecommittednosuchhighcrimeandmisdemeanour。“
　　“Yes，youhavetrifledsofarwithyourreputation，thattheworldbelievesyouguilty，Julianna。“
　　“Notfashionablepeople。Imighthavegoneonforyears，enjoyingthefriendshipofanelegantladylikeMrs。Bagman，andreceivingthepoliteattentionsofaFrenchnobleman，haditnotbeenforthecountrifiednotionsofPaandMr。Hilson；andnow，Iamtornfrommyfriends，Iamcalumniated，andtheBaronaccusedofbeinganimpostor！Butthefactis，asMrs。Bagmansays，Mr。Hilsonneverhasunderstoodme！”
　　Patseyclosedhereyesthatnightwithaheavyheart。ShedidnotseemtohaveproducedtheleastimpressiononMrs。Hilson。
　　Howfewpeopleareawareofthegreatdangersofthatcommonfoible，vanity！Andyetitisthelightfeatherthatwingsmanyapoisoneddart；itistheharlequinleaderofavilecrewofevils。Generally，vanityislookeduponasmerelyaharmlessweakness，whoseonlypenaltyisridicule；butexamineitstruecharacter，andyouwillfindittobeoneofthemostdangerous，andatthesametimeoneofthemostcontemptiblefailingsofhumanity。Thereisnotavicewithwhichithasnotbeen，timeandagain，connected；thereisnotavirtuethathasnotbeentaintedbyitstouch。Menarevainoftheirvices，vainoftheirvirtues；andalthoughprideandvanityhavebeendeclaredincompatible，probablythereneverlivedaproudman，whowasnotvainofhisverypride。Agenerousaspectis，however，sometimesassumedbypride；butvanityisinalterablycontemptibleinitsselfishlittleness，itsrestlessgreediness。Whoshalltellitsvictims——whoshallsetboundstoitstriumphs？Reasonismoreeasilyblindedbyvanitythanbysophistry；timeandagainhasvanitymisdirectedfeeling；oftenhasvanityrousedthemostviolentpassions。Manyhavebeenenticedontoruin，stepbystep，withtherestlesslureofvanity，untiltheybecameactuallyguiltyofcrimes，attributedtosomemoresudden，andstrongerimpulse。Howmanypeoplerunintoextravagance，andwastetheirmeans，merelyfromvanity！Howmanyyoungmencommenceacareeroffollyandwickedness，impelledbythemiserablevanityofdaringwhatothersdare！Howmanywomenhavetrifledwiththeirownpeace，theirownreputation，merelybecausevanityledthemtoreceivethefirsttreacheroushomageofcriminaladmiration，whenwhisperedinthetonesoffalsesentimentandflattery！Thetriumphsofvanitywouldformamelancholypicture，indeed，butitisonetheworldwillneverpausetolookat。
　　TheeldestdaughterofMr。Hubbard，theworthyLongbridgemerchant，withoutstrongpassions，withoutstrongtemptations，wascompletelythevictimofpuerilevanity。Thedetailsofherfollyaretoounpleasanttodwellon；butthesillyambitionofplayingthefinelady，afterthepatternofcertainEuropeannovels，themselveschieflyrepresentingtheworstmembersoftheclasstheyclaimtodepict，wasthecauseofherruin。Shehadsorecklesslytrifledwithherreputation，thatalthoughherimmediatefriendsdidnotbelievetheworst，yetwiththeworldhercharacterwasirretrievablylost。Atfive-and-twentyshehadalreadysacrificedherownpeace；shehadbroughtshameonherhusband'sname，andhadfilledwiththebitterestgrief，theheartofanindulgentfather。Happily，hermotherwasinthegrave，andshehadnochildrentoinjurebyhermisconduct。
　　PatseyHubbardcontinuedunweariedinherkindendeavourstobeofservicetoherkinswoman；anxioustoawakenhertoasenseofherfolly，andtowithdrawherfromtheinfluenceofbadassociates。
　　“ItisrightthatsocietyshoulddiscountenanceawomanwhobehavesasJuliannahasdone，“saidsheoneday，toMrs。Hubbard，onreturninghome；“but，oh，mother，herownfamilysurely，shouldnevergiveherupwhilethereisbreathinherbody！”
　　CHAPTERXVI。{XXXIX}
　　“Thatwhichyouhear，you'llswearyousee，Thereissuchunityintheproofs。“
　　Winter'sTale。
　　{WilliamShakespeare，“AWinter'sTale“，V。ii。31-32}
　　WHENHazlehurstarrivedatthelittlevillageintheneighbourhoodofGreatwood，hewassofortunateastofindthatmanypersonsamongtheoldermembersofthecommunity，hadaperfectrecollectionofWilliamStanley，andwerereadytotestify，tothebestoftheirknowledge，astoanyparticularsthatmightbeofserviceinthecase。
　　Hisfirstinquirywas，fortheyoungman'snurse。Hediscoveredthatshehadrecentlyremovedintoaneighbouringstate，withtheson，inwhosefamilyshehadlivedsinceleavingtheStanleys。AssoonasHarryhadaccompaniedMrs。StanleytoGreatwood，hesetoutinpursuitofthisperson，fromwhomhehopedtoobtainimportantevidence。Onarrivingattheplacewhereshewasnowtobefound，hewasmuchdisappointed，forherfacultieshadbeensomuchimpairedbyasevereattackofparalysis，thathecouldlearnbutlittlefromher。SheseemedtohavecherishedawarmaffectionforthememoryofWilliamStanley，whoselossatseashehadneverdoubted。Wheneverhisnamewasmentionedshewept，andshespokewithfeelingandrespectoftheyoungman'sparents。Buthermindwasmuchconfused，anditwasimpossibletomakeanyuseofhertestimonyinacourtofjustice。
　　Thusthrownbackuponthosewhohadalessintimatepersonalknowledgeoftheyoungman，HarrypursuedhisinquiriesamongthefamiliesaboutGreatwood，andthevillageofFranklinCross-Roads。Withtheexceptionofafewnewcomers，andthosewhoweretooyoungtorecollecteighteenyearsback，almosteverybodyintheneighbourhoodhadhadsomeacquaintancewithWilliamStanley。Hehadbeentoschoolwiththisone；hehadsatinchurch，inthepewnexttothatfamily；hehadbeentheconstantplayfellowofA——；andhehaddrawnB——intomorethanonescrape。Numerousstoriesspranguprightandleft，astohisdoingswhenaboy；oldsceneswereactedoveragain，andpastevents，meretriflesperhapsatthetime，butgainingimportancefromtheactualstateofthings，weredailybroughttolight；
　　thereseemednolackofinformationconnectedwiththesubject。
　　Wemustobserve，however，beforeweproceedfarther，thatHazlehursthadnosoonerarrivedatGreatwood，thanhewenttolookafterthesetoftheSpectator，towhichthevolumeproducedattheinterviewhadbelonged。Hefoundthebooksintheirusualplaceonanuppershelf，withothersseldomused；everyvolumehadthedoublenamesofMr。Stanleyandhisson，butthesetwasnotcomplete；therewasnotonlyonevolumemissing，buttwowerewanting！Hazlehurstsprangfromthestepsonwhichhewasstanding，whenhemadethisdiscovery，andwentimmediatelyinpursuitofMrs。Stanley，toinquireifsheknewwhichvolumewasoriginallymissing。Shecouldnotbesure，butshebelieveditwastheeighth。Suchwasthefact；theeighthvolumewasnotinitsplace，neitherwasthesixth，thatwhichMr。Clapphadinhispossession；yetMrs。Stanleywasconvinced，thatonlytwoyearspreviously，therehadbeenbutonevolumelost。Harrytriedtorevivehisrecollectionofthetimeandplace，whenandwhere，hehadreadthatvolume，withtheportraitofSteele，andAddison'spapersontheParadiseLost；heshouldhavefeltsureitwasatGreatwood，notlongbeforegoingabroadwithMr。Henley，haditnotbeen，thathefoundhisbrotherhadtheverysameeditioninPhiladelphia，andhemighthavereaditthere。Healsoendeavouredtodiscoverwhenandhowthesecondmissingvolumehadbeenremovedfromitsusualplaceontheshelf。Butthiswasnoeasytask；neitherthehousekeeper——arespectablewoman，inwhomMrs。Stanleyandhimselfhadperfectconfidence——northeservants，couldformevenasurmiseuponthesubject。AtlastHarrythoughthehadobtainedacluetoeverything；hefoundthattwostrangershadbeenatGreatwoodinthemonthofMarch，thatyear，andhadgoneoverthewholehouse，representingthemselvesasfriendsofthefamily。Thehousekeeperhadforgottentheirvisit，untilHarry'sinquiriesremindedherofthefact；shethengavehimthenameoftheyoungwomanwhohadgoneoverthehousewiththesetwoindividuals。ThisgirlwasnolongeratGreatwood，butintheneighbouringvillage；atMrs。Stanley'srequest，however，shecametogiveareportofthecircumstance。
　　{“Spectator“=SusanFenimoreCooperhasbeenforgetful；thesailor，itwasstatedinChapter12，hadacopyofVolumethree；
　　Addison'sessaysonParadiseLost，thatHarryrememberedreading，areinfactcontainedinVolumesfourandfive；butwearenowtoldthatitisVolumessixandeightthataremissingfromtheshelf！}
　　“ItwasinMarchthesetwostrangerswerehere，yousay，Malvina？”observedMrs。Stanley。
　　“Yes，ma'am；itwasinMarch，whentheroadswereverybad。“
　　“Whatsortoflookingpersonswerethey，andhowoldshouldyouhavecalledthem？”askedHazlehurst。
　　“Onewasatallandslimgentleman，withcurlyhair；theotherlookedkindo'rough，hewasstout，andhadaredface；theywasn'tveryyoung，norveryold。“
　　“Tellus，ifyouplease，allyourememberabouttheirvisit，justasitpassed，“saidHarry。
　　“Well，ithappenedMrs。Joneswassickinherroomwhentheycalled；theywantedtoseethehouse，sayingtheyknewthefamilyverywell。Iaskedthemtositdowninthehall，whileIwenttotellMrs。Jones；shehadn'tanyobjections，andtoldmetoshowthemtheroomstheywantedtosee。SoItookthemoverthehouse——firsttheparlours，thentheotherrooms。“
　　“Didtheyasktoseethebed-rooms？”
　　“Yes，sir；theywentoverallthehousebutthegarret；theywentintothekitchenandthepantry。“
　　“Didtheystaysometime？”
　　“Yes，sir；Mrs。Joneswonderedtheystaidsolong。“
　　“Didtheygointothelibrary？”
　　“Yes，sir。“
　　“Doyourememberwhethertheylookedatthebooks？”
　　“No；theydidn'tstaymorethanaminuteinthelibrary。“
　　“Areyousuretheydidnotlookatanyofthebooks？”repeatedHarry。
　　“Iamquitesuretheydidn't，fortheroomwastoodark，andtheyonlystaidhalf-a-minute。IaskedthemifIshouldopentheshutters；butoneofthemsaidtheydidn'tcare；hesaidhewasneverover-fondofbooks。“
　　Mrs。StanleyandHarryhereexchangedlooksofsomesurprise。
　　“Didtheytalkmuchtoeachother？——doyourememberwhattheysaid？”continuedHarry。
　　“Yes，theytalkedconsiderable。Ireckontheyhadbeenherebefore，fortheyseemedtoknowagooddealaboutthehouse。WhenIshowedthemthesouthparlour，thegentlemanwiththeredfacesaideverythinglookednaturaltohim，butthatroommostofall；
　　thenhepointedtothelargechairbythefire-place，andsaid：
　　'ThatiswhereIlastsawmyfather，inthatverychair；hewasagoodoldgentleman，anddeservedtohaveabetterson。'“
　　“Isitpossible！”exclaimedMrs。Stanley。
　　“But，mydearmadam，itwasallactingnodoubt；theywishedtopassforthecharacterstheyhavesinceassumed；itonlyprovesthattheplothasbeengoingonforsometime。““Doyourememberanythingelsethatwassaid？”addedHazlehurst，turningagaintothegirl。
　　“Theytalkedconsiderable，butIdidn'tpaymuchattention。TheyinquiredwhenMr。Hazlehurstwascominghome；IsaidIdidn'tknow。TheonewiththecurlyhairsaidheguessedtheyknewmoreaboutthefamilythanIdid；andhelookedqueerwhenhesaidso。“
　　Nothingfurtherwasgatheredfromthisgirl，whoboreanexcellentcharacterfortruthandhonesty，thoughratherstupid。
　　ThevolumeoftheSpectatorstillremainedasmuchamysteryasever。Nordidasecondconversationwiththisyoungwomanbringtolightanythingnew；heranswersonbothoccasionscorrespondedexactly；andbeyondprovingthefactofClapp'shavingbeenoverthehousewiththesailor，nothingwasgainedfromherreport。Atthesecondconversation，Harryaskedifsheknewwhetherthesestrangershadremainedlongintheneighbourhood？
　　“Isawthemthenextdayatmeeting，“shereplied，“andJabeztoldmehemetthemwalkingabouttheplace；thatisallIknowaboutit，sir。“
　　Jabez，oneofthemenonthefarm，wasquestioned：hehadseenthesetwostrangerswalkingabouttheplace，lookingatthebarnsandstables，thesamedaytheyhadbeenatthehouse；buthehadnotspokentothem；andthiswastheamountofhisstory。
　　Harrytheninquiredatthetavernsintheneighbourhood；andhefoundthattwopersons，answeringtothesamedescription，hadstaidacoupleofdays，aboutthemiddleofMarch，atasmallinn，withinhalfamilefromGreatwood。Theirbillhadbeenmadeoutinthenameof“Mr。Clappandfriend。“Thiswassatisfactoryasfarasitwent，andaccountedforthesailor'sknowledgeofthehouse；thoughMrs。Stanleycouldnotcomprehendatfirst，howthismanshouldhavepointedoutsoexactly，herhusband'sfavouriteseat。Harryremindedher，however，thatClapphadpassedseveralyearsofhisyouthatFranklinCross-Roads，inalawyer'soffice，andhadveryprobablybeenatGreatwoodduringMr。Stanley'slife-time。
　　Hazlehursthaddrawnuparegularplanofactionforhisinquiries；andafterhavingdiscoveredwhocouldassisthim，andwhocouldnot，heportionedofftheneighbourhoodintoseveraldivisions，intendingtodevoteadaytoeach——callingateveryhousewherehehopedtogaininformationonthesubjectofWilliamStanley。
　　Hesetoutonhorsebackearlyinthemorning，forhisfirstday'scircuit，takinganote-bookinhispocket，torecordfactsashewentalong，andfirstturninghishorse'sheadtowardsthehouseofMrs。Lawson，whohadbeenaconstantplayfellowofWilliamStanley's，whenbothwerechildren。Thisladywasoneofalargefamily，whohadbeennearneighboursoftheStanleysforyears，andontermsofdailyintimacywiththem；andshehadalreadytoldHarry，onedaywhenshemethiminthevillage，thatsheheldherselfinreadinesstoanswer，tothebestofherability，anyquestionsaboutherformerplaymate，thathemightthinkitworthwhiletoask。Onknockingatthislady'sdoor，hewassofortunateastofindMrs。Lawsonathome；and，byespecialluck，Dr。Lewis，abrotherofher's，whohadremovedfromthatpartofthecountry，happenedjustthentobeonavisitathissister's。
　　Afteralittlepreliminarychat，Hazlehurstmadeknowntheparticularobjectofhiscall。
　　“DoIrememberWilliamStanley'spersonalappearanceandhabits？
　　Perfectly；quiteaswellasIdomyownbrother's，“repliedthedoctor，toHarry'sfirstinquiry。
　　“Mrs。Lawsontoldmethatheusedtopasshalfhistimeatyourfather'shouse，andkindlyofferedtoassistme，asfaraslayinherpower；andIlookuponmyselfasdoublyfortunateinfindingyouhereto-day。Wewish，ofcourse，tocollectasmanyminutedetailsaspossible，regardingMr。Stanley'sson，aswefeelconfident，fromevidencealreadyinourpower，thatthisnew-comerisanimpostor。“
　　“Nodoubtofit，“repliedthedoctor；“anextravagantstory，indeed！Nearlyeighteenyearsasstillasamouse，andthencoollysteppingin，andclaimingapropertyworthsomehundredsofthousands。Aclearcaseofconspiracy，withoutdoubt。“
　　“PoorWilliamwasnosaint，certainly，“addedMrs。Lawson；“butthissailormustbeaverybadman。“
　　“Pray，whendidyoulastseeyoungStanley！”askedHarry，ofthelady。
　　“Whenhewasathome，notlongbeforehisfather'sdeath。Heheldoutsomepromiseofreforming，then。Billings，whofirstledhimintomischief，wasnotintheneighbourhoodatthattime，andhisfatherhadhopesofhim；butsomeofhisoldcompanionsledhimoffagain。“
　　“Hemusthavebeenaboyofstrangetemper，toleavehomeundersuchcircumstances；anonlyson，withsuchprospectsbeforehim。“
　　“Yes，histemperwasveryunpleasant；butthen，Mr。Stanley，thefather，didnotknowhowtomanagehim。“
　　“Hecouldscarcelyhavehadmuchsenseeither，tohavebeensoeasilyledastraybyadesigningyoungfellow，asthatBillingsseemstohavebeen。“
　　“Flattery；flatterydiditall，“observedthedoctor。“SomepeoplethoughtyoungStanleylittlemorethanhalf-witted；butI
　　havealwaysmaintainedthathewasnotwantinginsense。“
　　“Idon'tseehowyoucansayso，doctor，“observedthesister。“I
　　amsureitwasasettledthingamonguschildren，thathewasaverystupid，disagreeableboy。Henevertookmuchinterestinourplays，Iremember。“
　　“Notinplayingdoll-baby，perhaps；butIhavehadmanyaholidaywithhimthatIenjoyedverymuch，Icantellyou。Heneverhadafancyforabook，thatistrue；butotherwisebewasnotsoverydullassomepeoplemakeout。“
　　“Hehadthereputationofbeingadullboy，hadhe？”
　　“Oh，certainly，“saidMrs。Lawson。“atonetime，whenwewerequitechildren，wealltookarithmeticlessonstogether，andhewasalwaysatthefootoftheclass。“
　　“Hehadnoheadforfigures，perhaps；itismorelikely，though，thathewouldn'tlearnoutofobstinacy；hewasasobstinateasamule，thatIallow。“
　　“Whatsortofgamesandplaysdidhelikebest？”
　　“Idon'tknowthathelikedonebetterthananother，solongashecouldchoosehimself，“repliedDr。Lewis。
　　“Washeastrong，activeboy？”
　　“Notparticularlyactive，butastout，healthylad。“
　　“Disposedtobetall？”
　　“Tallish；thelasttimehewashere，hemusthavemeasuredaboutfivefeetten。“
　　“Oh，morethanthat，“interposedMrs。Lawson；“hewastallerthanoureldestbrother，Iknow——fullsixfeetone，Ishouldsay。“
　　“No，no，Sophia；certainlynotmorethanfivefeetnineorten。
　　Remember，youwerealittlethingyourselfatthetime。“
　　“Doyourememberthecolourofhiseyes，Mrs。Lawson？”
　　“Yes，perfectly；theywereblue。“
　　“Brown，Ishouldsay，“addedthedoctor。
　　“No，John，youarequitemistaken；hiseyeswereblue，Mr。
　　Hazlehurst——verydarkblue。“
　　“Icouldhavetakenmyoaththeywerebrown，“saidthedoctor。
　　Hazlehurstlookedfromonetotheotherindoubt。
　　“Youwereawayfromhome，doctor，morethanIwas，andprobablydonotrememberWilliam'sfaceasdistinctlyasIdo。Iamquiteconfidenthiseyeswereaclear，deepblue。“
　　“Well，Ishouldhavecalledthemalightbrown。“
　　“Weretheylarge？”askedHarry。
　　“Ofacommonsize，Ithink，“saidthebrother。
　　“Remarkablysmall，Ishouldsay，“addedthesister。
　　“Whatcolourwashishair？”askedHarry，givinguptheeyes。
　　“Black，“saidthedoctor。
　　“Notblack，John——darkperhaps，butmoreofanauburn，likehisfather'sportrait，“saidMrs。Lawson。
　　“Why，thatisblack，certainly。“
　　“Oh，no；auburn——arich，darkauburn。“
　　“Thereisagreyishcastinthatportrait，Ithink，“saidHarry。
　　“Grey，oh，no；Mr。Stanley'shairwasinperfectcolourwhenhedied；Irememberhimdistinctly，seeinghimasoftenasIdid，“
　　saidthelady。“ThehairoftheStanleyfamilyisgenerallyauburn，“sheadded。
　　“Whatdoyoucallauburn？”saidthedoctor。
　　“Adark，richbrown，likeWilliamStanley's。“
　　“NowIcallMr。RobertHazlehurst'shairauburn。“
　　“Mybrother'shair！Whythatissometimespronouncedsandy，andevenred，occasionally，“saidHarry。
　　“Notred；Lawson'shairisred。“
　　“Mr。Lawson'shairismoreofaflaxenshade，“saidthewife，alittlequickly。
　　Despairingofsettlingtheparticularshadeofthehair，HarrytheninquirediftherewasanystronglymarkedpeculiarityoffaceorpersonaboutWilliamStanley？
　　Herebothagreedthattheyhadneverremarkedanythingofthekind；itappearedthattheyoungmanwasmademoreliketherestoftheworld，thanbecametheheroofsuchasingularcareer。
　　“Doyouthinkyoushouldknowhim，ifyouweretoseehimagain，aftersuchalonginterval？”
　　“Well，Idon'tknow，“saidthedoctor；“somepeoplechangeverymuch，fromboystomiddle-agedmanhood，othersalterbutlittle。“
　　“IhavenodoubtthatIcouldtellinamoment，ifthispersonisWilliamStanleyoranimpostor，“saidMrs。Lawson。“Thinkhowmuchweweretogether，aschildren；fortenyearsofhislife，hewashalfthetimeatourhouse。IamsureifthissailorwereWilliamStanley，hewouldhavecometoseesomeofus，longsince。“
　　“DidhevisityouwhenhewaslastatGreatwood？”
　　“No，hedidnotcomeatthattime；butIsawhimveryofteninthevillage，andridingabout。“
　　“Doyourememberhisstutteringatall？”
　　“No；IneverheardhimthatIknowof；Idon'tbelieveheeverstuttered。“
　　“Hedidstutteronceinawhile，Sophia，whenhewasinapassion。“
　　“Ineverheardhim。“
　　“YoungStanleyhadonegoodquality，Mr。Hazlehurst，withallhisfaults；hespokethetruth——youcouldbelievewhathesaid。“
　　“Mygoodbrother，youaremistakenthere，Icanassureyou。TimeandagainhaveIknownhimtellfalsehoodswhenhegotintoascrape；manyisthetimehehascoaxedandteased，tillhegotuschildrenintomischief——hewasagreattease，youknow——“
　　“Notmoresothanmostboys，“interposedthedoctor。
　　“Andafterhehadgotusintotrouble，Irememberperfectly，thathewouldnotacknowledgeitwashisfault。Oh，no；youcouldnotbyanymeansdependuponwhathesaid。“
　　“Washemuchofatalker？”
　　“No，rathersilent。“
　　“Quitesilent：“bothbrotherandsisterwereinunisonhere，atlast。
　　“Hewasgood-looking，youthink，Mrs。Lawson？”
　　“Oh，yes，good-looking，certainly，“repliedthelady。
　　“Rathergood-looking；butwhenhewaslastathome，hisfeatureshadgrownsomewhatcoarse，andhisexpressionwasalteredfortheworse，“saidthedoctor。
　　“Hewasfreewithhismoney，Ibelieve？”
　　“Veryextravagant，“saidMrs。Lawson。
　　“Hedidn'tcareafigformoney，unlessitwasrefusedhim，“saidthedoctor。
　　“Wasthereanythingparticularabouthisteeth？”
　　“Hehadfineteeth，“saidMrs。Lawson；“buthedidnotshowthemmuch。“
　　“Agoodsetofteeth，ifIrememberright，“addedthedoctor。
　　“Hiscomplexionwasratherdark，Ibelieve？”saidHarry。
　　“Moresallowthandark，“saidthelady。
　　“Notsoverysallow，“saidthegentleman。
　　“Youaskedjustnowabouthiseyes，Mr。Hazlehurst；itstrikesmetheyweremuchthecolourofyours。“
　　“Butminearegrey，“saidHarry。
　　“Moreofahazel，Ithink。“
　　“Oh，no；WilliamStanley'seyeswereasdifferentaspossiblefromMr。Hazlehurst's，incolourandshape！”exclaimedthelady。
　　Theconversationcontinuedsometimelonger，butthespecimenjustgivenwillsufficetoshowitscharacter；nothingofimportancewaselicited，andnotonepointdecidedlysettled，whichhadnotbeenalreadyknowntoHarry。Hecontinuedhisroundofvisitsthroughouttheday，withmuchthesameresult。ThememoriesofthepeopleaboutGreatwoodseemedtobeplayingatcross-purposes；andyettherewasnodoubt，thatallthosepersonstowhomHazlehurstapplied，hadknownyoungStanleyforyears；andtherewaseveryreasontobelievetheywerewelldisposedtogivealltheevidenceintheirpower。
　　>FromMrs。Lawson's，Harrywenttothehouseofanotheracquaintance，aCaptainJohnson；andthefollowingistheamountofwhathegatheredhere，asitwashastilyenteredinhisnote-book：
　　“Eyesgrey；hairblack；ratherstoutforhisage；sullentemper；
　　verydull；badcompanycauseofhisruin；notcold-hearted；
　　stutteredalittlewhenexcited；expressiongoodwhenaboy，butmuchchangedwhenfirstcamehomefromsea；Billingsthecauseofhisruin。“
　　SomuchforCaptainJohnson。Thenextstopping-placewasataman's，bythenameofHill，whohadbeencoachmanatMr。
　　Stanley'sforseveralyears；hisaccountfollows：
　　“Hillsays：'Wouldgetinapassionwhencouldn'thavehisownway；haveheardhimstutter；alwaysinsomescrapeorotherafterfirstwenttocollege；eyesblue；hairbrown；sharpenoughwhenhepleased，butalwaysheardhehatedbooks；shortforhisagewhenfirstwenttosea，andthin；hadgrownthreeorfourincheswhenhecameback；shouldhavethoughthimfivefeeteightornine，whenlastsawhim；facegrownfullerandred，whencamehome。'“
　　>FromHill's，HarrywenttoseeMr。Anderson，whohadkepttheprincipaltavernatFranklinCross-Roads，duringWilliamStanley'sboyhood；buthewasnotathome。
　　HethencalledatJudgeStone's：“Mrs。S。thoughthimhandsomeyoungman；judge，quiteugly；husbandsayseyesagreenishcolour；wifethinksweredarkbrown；heightaboutmyown，saidjudge；notnearsotall，saysMrs。S。：bothagreedhewasmoroseintemper，anddullatlearning。“
　　AtseveralotherplaceswhereHarrycalled，hefoundthatWilliamStanleyhadbeenmerelyknownbysight。Othersrelatedcapitalstoriesofscrapes，inwhichtheyhadbeenimplicatedwiththeboy，butcouldtellHarryverylittletothepurpose，whereitcametoparticularquestions。Threeindividualspronouncedhimtall，fourthoughthewasmiddlesized，twodeclaredhewasshort。Twoinferences，however，mightbedrawnfromallthathadbeensaid：WilliamStanleymusthavebeenofanunpleasanttemper；whilegeneralevidencepronouncedhimrathermoredullthanmostboys。Withthesetwofactsatleastsufficientlywellestablished，whilehisheadwasfilledwithcontradictoryvisions，ofhair，eyes，andcomplexion，ofvariousshadesandcolours，Harryreturnedintheevening，quitejadedandworn-outwithhisday'sexertions；nottheleastofwhichhadbeen，toreconciletotallyoppositeaccountsonadozendifferentpoints。
　　Mrs。Stanleywasawaitinghisreturnwithmuchanxiety；andwhileHarrywasdrinkinganexcellentcupoftea——themostrefreshingthingintheworldtoapersonwhoisfatigued，eveninwarmweather——hereportedhisday'swork。Hisfriendseemedtothinktheaccountanythingbutencouraging；thoughHarrydeclared，thatitwaswellworththelabourandvexationtoestablishthetwofacts，regardingtheyoungman'scapacityandtemper，inwhichrespectshecertainlydifferedfromtheclaimant。
　　“Whatmiserablehypocritesboththismanandhislawyermustbe！”
　　exclaimedMrs。Stanley。
　　“Hypocrisyfiguresoftenenoughincourtsofjustice，ma'am，andisonlytoooftensuccessfulforatime。“
　　“Iamafraid，mydearHarry，theywillgiveyouagreatdealoftrouble！”
　　“Ihavenodoubtofit，“repliedHazlehurst；“butstillIhopetodefeatthem，andintheend，topunishtheirvileconspiracy。“
　　“AdefeatwouldhedistressingtobothMr。Wyllysandmyself；buttoyou，mydearyoungfriend，itwouldbeseriousindeed！”sheobserved，withfeeling。
　　“Weshallyetgaintheday，Itrust，“saidHarry。“Theconsequencesofdefeatwouldindeedbeveryserioustome，“headded。“InsuchacaseIshouldloseeverything，andalittlemore，asPaddywouldsay。Imadeadeliberatecalculationtheotherday，andIfind，aftereverythingIownhasbeengivenup，thattherewouldstillbeadebtofsomethirtythousanddollarstopayoff。“
　　“Itiswise，Isuppose，tobepreparedfortheworst，“saidMrs。
　　Stanley，sadly；“butinsuchacase，Harry，youmustlooktoyourfriends。Remember，thatIshouldconsideritadutytoassistyou，inanypecuniarydifficultieswhichmightresultfromadefeat。“
　　“Youareverygood，ma'am；Iamgratefulfortheoffer。Incaseofourfailure，Ishouldcertainlyapplytomyimmediatefriends，forIcouldneverbearthethoughtofbeingindebttothoserascals。Butiftheaffairturnsoutinthatway，Imuststayathomeandworkhard，toclearmyselfentirely。Iamyoung，andifwefailtorepelthisclaim，stillIshallhopebyindustryandprudence，todischargeallobligationsbeforeIammanyyearsolder。“
　　“Ihaveneverdoubted，Harry，thatineithercaseyouwoulddowhatisjustandhonourable；butImournthatthereshouldbeanydangerofsuchasacrifice。“
　　“Itwouldbeasacrifice，indeed；includingmuchthatIhavevaluedheretofore——tastes，habits，partialities，prospects，fortune，hopes——allmustundergoachange，allmusthesacrificed。“
　　“Andhopesareoftenapreciouspartofayoungman'sportion，“
　　saidMrs。Stanley。
　　Hazlehursthappenedtoraisehiseyesasshespoke，and，fromtheexpressionofherface，hefanciedthatshewasthinkingofMrs。
　　Creighton。Hechangedcolour，andremainedsilentamoment。
　　“YouwouldbecompelledtogiveupyourconnexionwithMr。
　　Henley，“sheobserved，bywayofrenewingtheconversation。
　　“Yes，ofcourse；Ishouldhavetoabandonthat，Icouldnotaffordit；Ishouldhavetodevotemyselftomyprofession。I
　　havenonotion，however，ofstrikingmycolourstotheseland-piratesuntilafterahardbattle，Iassureyou，“hesaid，morecheerfully。“Greatgeneralsalwaysprepareforaretreat，andsoshallI，butonlyasthelastextremity。Indeed，Ithinkouraffairslookmoreencouragingjustnow。Itseemsnexttoimpossible，forsuchaplottoholdtogetherinallitsparts；weshallbeableprobably，tofindoutmorethanoneweakpointwhichwillnotbearanattack。“
　　“Itiscertainlyimportanttoestablishthedifferenceintemperandcapacity，betweentheclaimantandWilliamStanley，“saidMrs。Stanley。
　　“Highlyimportant；Ellsworthishardatwork，too，intracingthepastlifeofthesailor，andbyhislastletters，IfindhehadwrittentoyoungStanley'sschool-master，andtothefamilyphysician。Hehadseenthesailor，andinadditiontoMr。
　　Wyllys'sremarksuponhisgait，whichisdifferentfromthatofWilliamwhenaboy，Ellsworthwrites，thathewasverymuchstruckwiththeshapeoftheman'slimbs，sodifferentfromthoseoftheportraitofMr。Stanley'sson，whenalad，whichtheyhaveatWyllys-Roof；hethinksthefamilyphysicianmayhelphimthere；fortunately，heisstillliving。“
　　“Itisagreatpitythenurse'sfacultiesshouldhavefailed！”
　　exclaimedMrs。Stanley。
　　“Yes，it'sapity，indeed；herevidencewouldhavebeenveryimportant。Butweshalldowithouther，Ihope。“
　　“AreyougoingtoWyllys-Roofagain，beforethetrial？”
　　“No；Ishallhavetoomuchtodo，hereandinPhiladelphia。Mr。
　　Wyllyshaskindlyaskedme，however，togothere，assoonasthematterissettled，whetherforgoodorforevil。“
　　“IthoughtIheardyoutalkingoverwithMr。deVaux，someboatingexcursion，totakeplaceinAugust，fromLongbridge；hasitbeengivenup？”
　　“Notgivenup；butdeVauxverygood-naturedlyproposedpostponingit，untilaftermyaffairsweresettled。ItistotakeplaceassoonasIamready；whetherIshalljoinitwithflyingcolours，orasaworstedman，timealonecandecide。“
　　Themailwasjustthenbroughtin；asusualtherewasaletterforHarry，fromEllsworth。
　　“Wyllys-Roof，August，183。
　　“Ourapplicationtothefamilyphysicianprovesentirelysuccessful，mydearHazlehurst；myphysiologicalpropensitieswerenotatfault。IhadaletterlasteveningfromDr。H——，whonowlivesinBaltimore，andheprofesseshimselfreadytosweartotheformationofyoungStanley'shandsandfeet，whichhesaysresembledthoseofMr。Stanley，thefather，andthethreechildren，whodiedbeforeWilliamS。grewup。Hisaccountagreesentirelywiththeportraitoftheboy，asitnowexistsatWyllys-Roof；thearmsandhandsarelong，thefingersslender，nailselongated；asyouwellknow，Mr。Clapp'sclientistheveryreverseofthis——hishandsareshortandthick，hisfingerswhat，incommonparlance，wouldbecalleddumpy。IwasstruckwiththefactwhenIfirstsawhiminthestreet。Now，whatstrongerevidencecouldwehave？Aslenderladofseventeenmaybecomeaheavy，corpulentmanofforty，buttochangetheformationofhands，fingers，andnails，isbeyondthereachofevenClapp'scunning。Wearemuchobligedtotheartist，forhisaccuracyinrepresentingthehandsoftheboyexactlyastheywere。ThistestimonyIlookuponasquiteconclusive。AstotheRev。Mr。
　　G——，whosepupilyoungStanleywasforseveralyears，wefindthatheisnolongerliving；butIhaveobtainedthenamesofseveraloftheyoung'sman'scompanions，whowillbeabletoconfirmthefactofhisdullness；severaloftheprofessorsattheUniversityarealsoliving，andwillnodoubtbeabletoassistus。Ihavewrittenadozenlettersonthesepoints，butreceivednoanswersasyet。Sofarsogood；weshallsucceed，I
　　trust。Mr。WyllysbidsyounotforgettofindoutifClapphasreallybeenatGreatwood，aswesuspected。Theladiessendyoumanykindandencouragingmessages。Josephine，asusual，sympathizesinallourmovements。Shesays：'GiveMr。Hazlehurstallsortsofkindgreetingsfromme；anythingyoupleaseshortofmylove，whichwouldnotbeproper，Isuppose。'Ihadacharmingrowontheriverlastevening，withtheladies。Inevermanagedalaw-suitinsuchagreeablequartersbefore。
　　“Faithfullyyours，“F。E。“
　　CHAPTERXVII。{XL}
　　“Whatsayyou，canyoulovethisgentleman？”
　　RomeoandJuliet。
　　{WilliamShakespeare，“RomeoandJuliet“，I。iii。79}
　　JANE'Sstrengthandspiritsweregraduallyimproving。Shehadbeenpersuadedtotakeadailyairingandhadconsentedtoseeoneortwooftheladiesinherroom。Mr。Wyllysalwayspassedhalfanhourwithher，everyafternoon；andatlengthshecamedownstairs，andjoinedthefamilyinthedrawing-room，forashorttimeintheevening。Mr。andMrs。RobertHazlehurst，whocamefromPhiladelphiatopassadayortwowithher，foundhermuchbetterthantheyhadexpected。
　　CharlieHubbardreturnedtothegreycottage，withhisportfoliofullofsketches，intendingtopassseveralmonthsathome，infinishinghispicturesofLakeGeorge；theschool-roomhavingbeenconvertedintoapainting-roomforhisuse。MissPatsey'slittleflockweredispersedforatime；andCharliewaseveninhopesofpersuadinghismotherandsistertoaccompanyhimtoNewYork，whereMaryHubbard，theyoungestsister，wasnowengagedingivingmusiclessons。Hefelthimselfquitearichman，anddrewupaplausibleplanforhiringasmallhouseinsomecheapsituation，wheretheymightalllivetogether；butMissPatseyshookherhead，shethoughttheycouldnotaffordit。Still，itwasdelightfultoher，tolistentoplansdevisedbyCharlie'swarmheart；sheseemedtolovehimmorethanever，sincehehadevensacrificedhismoustachestohismother'sprejudiceagainstsuchforeignfashions。
　　“Keepyourmoney，Charles；wecanmakeoutverywellintheoldcottage；morecomfortablythanwehaveeverdonebefore。Youwillwantallyoucanmakeoneofthesedays，whenyoumarry，“saidMissPatsey。
　　Tohersurprise，Charlieshowedsomeemotionatthisallusiontohismarrying，andremainedperfectlysilentforaninstant，insteadofgivingtheplayfulanswerthathissisterhadexpectedtohear。
　　Mrs。Hubbardthenobserved，thatsheshouldnotwishtomove；shehopedtoendherlifeintheoldgreycottage。TheyhadlivedsolongintheneighbourhoodofLongbridge，thatanewplacewouldnotseemlikehometoPatseyandherself。Charliemustcometoseethemasoftenashecould；perhapshewouldbeabletospendhissummersthere。
　　“Well，weshallsee，mother；atanyrate，MaryandItogether，weshallbeabletomakeyourlifeeasy，Itrust。“
　　Mrs。Hubbardobserved，thatalthoughtheyhadbeenpoorforthelastseventeenyears，yettheyhadneverreallyseemedtofeeltheweightofpoverty；theyhadmetwithsomuchkindness，fromsomanyrelationsandfriends。
　　“Butkindnessfromourownchildren，mother，isthemostblessedofall，“saidPatsey。
　　Charliedidnotgiveuphisplan，however，butheforboretopressitforthepresent，ashewasengagedtodrivehissister，Mrs。Clapp，toherownhouseatLongbridge。Hubbardhadkeptalooffromhisbrother-in-lawwheneverhecould，sincetheStanleysuithadbeencommenced；anyallusiontothisaffairwaspainfultohim；hehadneverrespectedMr。Clapp，andnowstronglysuspectedhimofunfairdealing。HepitiedhissisterKatefromthebottomofhisheart；butitseemedpityquitethrownaway。Tojudgefromherconversation，asCharliewasdrivingherhome，shehadimplicitconfidenceinherhusband；ifshehadatfirstdoubtedtheidentityofthesailor，shehadneverforasecondsupposed，thatWilliamhimselfwasnotfirmlyconvincedofit。Ontheotherhand，shebegantohavesomemisgivingsastothecharacterandintegrityofMr。Wyllys，whomhitherto，allherlifelong，shehadbeenusedtoconsiderasthemodelofagentleman，andanuprightman。ShesoongotupquiteaprejudiceagainstMrs。Stanley；andasforHazlehurst，hefellverylowindeedinherestimation。
　　“Youdon'tknowwhattroublepoorWilliamhaswiththissuit，“
　　shesaidtoherbrother。“Iamsometimesafraiditwillmakehimsick。Itdoesseemverystrange，thatMr。Stanley'sexecutorsshouldbesoobstinateinrefusingtoacknowledgehisson。Atfirstitwasnaturaltheyshouldhesitate；Imistrustedthissailoratfirst，myself；butnowthatWilliamhasmadeeverythingsoclear，theycannothaveanyexcusefortheirconduct。“
　　Charliewhippedthefliesfromhishorse，withoutansweringthisremark。
　　“IhopeWilliamwillcomehometo-night。HeandMr。Stanleyhavegoneofftogether，togetpossessionofsomeveryimportantpapers；theyreceivedaletterofferingthesepapers，onlythenightbeforelast，andWilliamsaystheywillestablishMr。
　　Stanley'sclaim，beyondthepossibilityofadenial。Mr。WyllysandMr。Hazlehurstwillfeelverybadly，Ishouldthink，whentheyfindthatafterall，theyhavebeenkeepingtheirfriend'ssonfromhisrights。“
　　“Theybelievetheyaredoingtheirduty，“saidCharlie，laconically。
　　“Itseemsastrangeviewofduty，toactastheydo。“
　　“Strangeviewsofdutyareverycommon，“saidCharlie，gladtotakerefugeingeneralities。
　　“Commonsenseandcommonhonestywillhelpusalltodoourduty，“observedKate。
　　“Nodoubt；butbotharemoreuncommonqualitiesthanonewouldthink，amongrationalbeings，“saidCharlie。
　　“Well，youknow，Charles，Patseyusedtotelluswhenwewerechildren，thataplain，honestheart，andplain，goodsensewerethebestthingsintheworld。“
　　“Thatisthereason，Isuppose，whyweloveoursisterPatseysomuch，becauseshehassomuchofthosebestthingsintheworld，“
　　saidCharlie，warmly。“Ineversawawomanlikeher，fordownright，plaingoodness。TheolderIgrow，thebetterIknowher；andIloveyou，Kate，forthesamereason——youarestraightforwardandhonest，too，“headded，smiling。
　　“Williamoftenlaughsatme，though，andsaysmyopinionisnotgoodformuch，“saidthesister，shakingherhead，butsmilingprettilyatthesametime。
　　“Iamsurenoonecancomplainofyouractions，Kate，whateveryouropinionsmaybe，“repliedCharlie；andwhatevermighthavebeenhisestimateofClapp'sviews，heforboretoutterasyllableonthesubject；forherespectedthewife'saffection，andknewthathisbrother-in-lawhadatleastonegoodquality——hewaskindandfaithfulasahusbandandfather，accordingtocommon-placeideasoffaithfulnessatleast；forhewouldanydayrisktheircharacterandpeace，tomakealittlemoney。
　　Theconversationoftheyoungpeoplesoonturnedupontheirtrifling，foolish，unfortunatecousin，Mrs。Hilson；andthiswasasubject，uponwhichbothbrotherandsisteragreedentirely。
　　Beforelong，theydroveuptoMr。Clapp'sdoor，andwerereceivedbythelawyerhimself，whohadjustreturnedwithhisclient；
　　thislatterindividualwasalsoseenloungingintheoffice。Mr。
　　Clappprofessedhimselfentirelysatisfiedwiththeresultofhisjourney；anddeclaredthattheywerenowquitereadyforMr。
　　Hazlehurst——sureofavictory，beyondalldoubt。
　　ThetimehadnotbeenlostbyHarryandhisfriends，however；
　　theytoo，thoughtthemselvesreadyforthetrial。Astheimportantdaywasdrawingnear，Mr。EllsworthwasobligedtoleaveWyllys-Roof；hehaddoneallhecouldatLongbridge，andtherewerestillvariousmatterstobelookedafterinPhiladelphia。Mrs。Creightonaccompaniedherbrother，andtheywerenottoreturntoWyllys-Roofuntilaftertheimportantquestionwasdecided。Hazlehurstwasthentocomewiththem；
　　whetherdefeatedortriumphantcouldnotyetbeknown。Harry'sfriends，however，weregenerallysanguine；andMrs。Creightonwasfullofsympathy，andinexcellentspirits。
　　Thereremainedanotheraffair，whichmustalsobefinallysettledinafewweeks。WhenMr。EllsworthreturnedtoWyllys-Roof，theappointedthreemonthsofprobationwouldhaveexpired，andhewouldeitherremainthereastheaffiancedhusbandofElinor，orleaveLongbridgeherrejectedsuitor。
　　Duringthepastthreemonths，Elinorhadtakenanimportantstepinlife；shehadreachedapointinexperience，whereshehadneverstoodbefore。Thewholeresponsibilityofdecidinguponasubject，highlyimportanttoherself，andtothoseconnectedwithher，hadbeenthrownentirelyuponheralone。Thefateofherwholelifewouldbemuchinvolvedinthepresentdecision。Duringthelasttwoorthreeyears，orinotherwords，sinceshehadfirstdiscoveredthatHarrylovedJane，shehadintendedtoremainsingle。Itseemedveryimprobabletoher，thatanyonewouldseektogainheraffections，unlesswiththeviewofenjoyingthefortunewhichshehadnowthereputationofpossessing；itwasonlynaturalthatsheshouldexaggeratethosepersonaldisadvantages，whichhadlosttheheartofhimwhomshehadoncelovedsotruly。ShehadbeensomuchattachedtoHazlehurst，thatsheshrunkfromtheideaofeverbecomingthewifeofanother；andsheconsideredherselfashavingtacitlymadechoiceofasinglelife，whichhermother'sletterseemedtosuggest。Butassheneverspokeofherviews，oralludedtothem，hergrandfatherandauntwereignorantofthisintention；andshesoonbegantoobservewithregretthattheywishedhertomarry，andwereindeedanxiousthatsheshouldacceptMr。Ellsworth。
　　Thiswasthefirstoccasionofanyimportance，onwhichtheirwishesandherownhadbeenatvariance；itwasanewpositionforElinortobeplacedin。WhenMr。Ellsworthmadehisproposal，itwasowingtothestrong，butaffectionaterepresentationsofMr。WyllysandMissAgnes，thathewasnotimmediatelyrejected。
　　Elinorwas，infact，thelastpersontobeconvincedofhisregardforher；butshehadknownhischaracterandstandingtoowelltobelievehimamerefortune-hunter；andafterhehadonceofferedhimself，couldnotdoubthissincerity。ShementionedtoMissWyllysherpreviousintentionofremainingsingle。
　　“Makenorashdecision，mylove，“wasthereplyatthetime。“Youaretooreasonable，formetobelievethatyouwilldoso；lookatyourownposition，Elinor；youwillbealoneintheworld，moresothanmostwomen。Yourgrandfatherisadvancedinyears，andmyhealthwarnsmenottoexpectalonglife。Idonotwishtodistressyou，buttoplacethetruthplainlybeforeyou，myElinor。Youhaveneitherbrothernorsister；JaneandHarry，yourintimatecompanionsinchildhood，willbeseparatedfromyoubytiesanddutiesoftheirown。Whatwillyoudo，mychild？Anaffectionatedispositionlikeyourscannotbehappyalone。Ontheotherhand，hereisMr。Ellsworth，whoiscertainlyattachedtoyou；amanofexcellentcharacter，witheveryimportantqualitythatcanbedesired。Yousayyouwishtobereasonable；judgeforyourselfwhatisthewisestcourseunderthesecircumstances。“
　　Elinorwassilentforamoment；atlengthshespoke。
　　“Ithasalwaysbeenoneofyourownlessonstome，dearestaunt，toprofitbythepast，toimprovethepresent，andleavethefuturetoProvidence。Yet，now，youwouldhavemethinkofthefutureonly；andyouurgemetomarry，whileyouaresingle，andhappy，yourself！”
　　“Yes，mychild；butIhavehadyourgrandfatherandyou，tomakemehappyanduseful。Mostsinglewomenhavenearrelatives，towhomtheycanattachthemselves，whomitisadutyandapleasuretoloveandserve；butthatisnotyourcase。Elinor，yourgrandfatherisveryanxiousyoushouldacceptMr。Ellsworth。“
　　“Iknowit，“saidElinor；“hehastoldmesohimself。“
　　“Heisanxious，dear，becausefromwhatheknowsofMr。Ellsworthandyourself，heisconvincedyouwouldeventuallybehappy；hefearsyouhesitatefromsomefeelingofgirlishromance。Still，wehaveneitherofusanywishtourgeyoutoofar。Appealtoyourowngood，commonsense，thatisallthatcanbedesired；donotberomantic，dear，forthefirsttimeinyourlife，“
　　continuedherauntsmiling。“Iknowthewishesofyourfriendswillhavesomeweightwithyou；donotletthemcontrolyou，however。Judgeforyourself，buttaketimetoreflect；acceptMr。
　　Ellsworth'sownproposition——waitsometimebeforeyougiveafinalanswer；thatisallthatyourgrandfatherandmyselfcanask。“
　　Andsuchhadbeenthedecision；threemonthsbeingthetimeappointed。Sincethen，bothMr。WyllysandMissAgneshadcarefullyrefrainedfromexpressinganyfartheropinion——theyneverevenalludedtothesubject，butleftElinortoherownreflections。Suchatleastwastheirintention；buttheirwisheswerewellknowntoher，andverypossibly，unconsciouslyinfluencedtheirconductandmanner，inmanydailytrifles，inawayveryevidenttoElinor。Inthemeantime，Septemberhadcome，andthemomentforfinaldecisionwasathand。Mr。Ellsworth'sconductthroughouthadbeenverymuchinhisfavour；hehadbeenperseveringandmarkedinhisattentions，withoutannoyingbyhispertinacity。Elinorhadlikedhim，inthecommonsenseoftheword，fromthefirst；andthebettersheknewhim，themorecauseshefoundtorespecthisprinciples，andamiablecharacter。Andyet，iflefttoherownunbiassedjudgment，shewouldprobablyhaverefusedhimatfirst，withnootherreluctancethanthatofwoundingforatimethefeelingsofamanshesincerelyesteemed。
　　ThemorningthatMrs。CreightonandMr。EllsworthleftWyllys-Roof，Elinorsetouttotakeastrollinthefield，withnoothercompanionthanherfriendBruno。Thedogseemedawarethathismistresswasabsentandthoughtful，moreindifferentthanusualtohiscaressesandgambols；and，afterhavingmadethisobservation，thesagaciousanimalseemeddeterminednottoannoyher，butwalkedsoberlyatherside，oroccasionallytrottingonbefore，hewouldstop，turntowardsher，andsitinthepath，lookingatherassheslowlyapproached。Shehadleftthehouse，inordertoavoidanyintrusiononherthoughts，atamomentwhichwasanimportantonetoher；forshehaddetermined，thatafteronemorethoroughexaminationofherownfeelings，herownviews，andthecircumstancesinwhichshewasplaced，thequestionshouldbeirrevocablysettled——whethersheweretobecamethewifeofMr。Ellsworth，ortoremainsingle。Manypersonsmayfancythisaveryinsignificantmattertodecide，andonethatrequirednosuchseriousattention。Buttoeveryindividual，thatisahighlyimportantpoint，whichmustnecessarilyaffectthewholefuturecourseoflife；thechoicewhichinvolvessointimateandindissolublearelation，whereeveryinterestinlifeisidenticalwithone'sown，issurelynotriflingconcern。Itmaywellbedoubted，indeed，ifevenwithmenitbenotamatterofhigherimportancethaniscommonlybelieved；observation，wethink，wouldleadtotheopinion，thatawife'scharacterandconducthaveadeeperandmoregeneraleffectonthehusband'scareer，forgoodorforevil，throughhisopinionsandactions，thantheworldisawareof。ThischoicecertainlyappearedamuchmoreformidablesteptoElinor，whenMr。Ellsworthwastheindividualtobeacceptedorrejected，thanithadwhenHarrystoodinthesameposition。Inonecaseshehadtoreflect，andponder，andweighallthedifferentcircumstances；intheother，thenaturalbentofheraffectionshaddecidedthequestionbeforeitwasasked。ButElinorhad，quitelately，settledhalf-a-dozensimilaraffairs，withverylittlereflectionindeed，andwithoutamoment'sanxietyorregret；shehadjustrefused，withpoliteindifference，severalproposals，frompersonswhomshehadeveryreasontobelieve，caredagreatdealforherfortune，andverylittleforherself。
　　Ifthoughtweremoreactivethanfeeling，inbehalfofMr。
　　Ellsworth，still，thoughtsaidagreatdealinhisfavour。Shehadalwayslikedandrespectedhim；shebelievedhimattachedtoher；hernearestfriendswereanxioussheshouldgiveafavourableanswer；therecouldnotbeadoubtthathepossessedmanyexcellentanddesirablequalities。Shewouldnotberomantic，neitherwouldshebeunjusttoMr。Ellsworthandherself；shewouldnotaccepthim，unlessshecoulddosofrankly，andwithoutreluctance。This，then，wasthequestiontobedecided——couldsheloveMr。Ellsworth？Thefree，spontaneouslove，naturaltoearlyyouth，shehadoncegiventoHazlehurst；
　　couldshenowoffertoMr。Ellsworthsincereaffectionofanotherkind，lessengrossingatfirst，lessmingledwiththecharmsoffancy，butoften，perhapsonthataccount，morevaluable，moreenduring？Sincereaffectionofanysort，isthatonlywhichimproveswithage，gainingstrengthamidthewearandtearoflife。Itwastodecidethisquestionclearly，thatElinorhaddesiredthreemonths'delay。Thesethreemonthshadnearlypassed；whensheagainmetMr。Ellsworth，inwhatcharactershouldshereceivehim？
　　TheprecisetrainofthoughtpursuedbyElinor，duringthismorningstroll，weshallnotattempttofollow；butthatshewasfullyawareoftheimportanceofthedecisionwasevident，bytheunusualabsenceofmanner，whichseemedtohavestruckevenherfour-footedfriendBruno。Shehad，indeed，madeanimportantdiscoverylately，onewhichwasstartling，andevenpainfultoher。Shefoundthattherearemomentsinlife，wheneachindividualiscalledupontothinkandtoactalone。Itisatruthwhichmostofusareforcedtofeel，aswegothroughthisworld；though，happily，itisbutseldomthatsuchhoursoccur。
　　Ingeneral，thesympathy，thecounseloffriends，isoftheveryhighestvalue；andyet，therearemomentswhenneithercanavail。
　　Atsuchtimes，weareforcedtolookhigher，toacknowledgethathumanwisdomdoesnotreachfarenoughtoguideus，thatourwoundsneedapurerbalmthananyofferedbyhumansympathy。
　　Untilrecently，Elinorhadalwaysbeensoothedandsupportedbytheaffectionandguidanceofheraunt，butshemustnowdependuponherselfalone。Toayoungperson，calleduponforthefirsttimetotakeanimportantstep，withnootherguidethanindividualjudgmentandconscience，theresponsibilityofactionmaywellbestartling；evenawiseandexperiencedmanwilloftenpauseatsuchmoments，doubtfulofthecourseheshallpursue。Itisaneasymattertosettleaquestion，whenpassion，feeling，interest，orprejudicegivesthebias；butwheretheseareallsilent，andcooljudgmentisleftalonetodecide，thegreatestmenfeel，toapainfuldegree，howlimitedaretheirpowers；thehighresponsibilitywhichisattachedtofree-willrisesbeforethem，andtheyshrinkfromtheideaoftrustingtheirownwelfaretotheirownshort-sightedreasonalone。Mostmen，atsuchtimes，takerefugeinasortoffatalism；theystandinactive，untilurgedinthisorthatdirectionbythepressofoutwardcircumstances；ortheyrushblindlyforward，underimpatienceofsuspense，preferringrisktoinaction。
　　Theoccasionofouryoungfriend'sanxietyandthoughtfulnesswas，nodoubt，atriflingonetoallbutherself；thecauseofherhesitation，however，washonourable；theopinions，feelings，andmotivesunderwhichsheeventuallyacted，werealikenaturalandcreditable。
　　CHAPTERXVIII。{XLI}
　　“AreyouacquaintedwiththedifferenceThatholdsthispresentquestion，inthecourt？”
　　MerchantofVenice。
　　{WilliamShakespeare，“TheMerchantofVenice“，IV。i。171-172}
　　ASthetimeforthetrialapproached，thepartiescollectedinPhiladelphia。Harryandhisfriendswereoftenseeninthestreets，lookingbusyandthoughtful。Mr。Reedalsoappeared，andtookuphisquartersatoneofthegreathotels，incompanywithMr。Clappandhisclient，whogenerallyreceivedthenameofWilliamStanley，althoughhehadnotyetestablishedalegalclaimtoit。Therewasmuchcuriositytoseethisindividual，asthecasehadimmediatelyattractedgeneralattentioninthetown，wherethefamiliesinterestedweresowellknown，andthesingularcircumstancesofthesuitnaturallyexcitedadditionalinterest。
　　Afterthecourtopeneditssession，itbecamedoubtfulatonemoment，whetherthecausewouldhetriedatthatterm；butotherswhichprecededithavingbeendisposedof，theStanleysuitwasatlengthcalled。
　　OnonesideappearedWilliamStanley，theplaintiff，withMessrs。
　　ReedandClappascounsel；anumberofwitnesseshadbeensummonedbythem，andwerenowpresent，mingledwiththeaudience。Ontheotherhandwerethedefendants，Mr。Wyllys，Hazlehurst，Ellsworth，andMr。Grant，adistinguishedlawyerofPhiladelphia，appearingmoreparticularlyforMrs。Stanley；theywerealsosupportedbywitnessesoftheirown。
　　Whilethepreliminarystepsweregoingon，thejuryforming，andthepartiesinterestedmakingtheirarrangements，thecourt-roomfilledrapidlywiththefriendsofHazlehurst，andacrowdofcuriousspectators。Amongtheindividualsknowntous，wereRobertHazlehurst，Mr。Stryker，andCharlieHubbard，theyoungartist，whofoundthathiswantofinchesinterferedwithhisviewofthescene，andspringingonabench，heremainedthere，andcontrivedtokeepmuchthesamestationthroughoutthetrial，hisfine，intelligentcountenancefollowingtheproceedingswiththeliveliestinterest：Harrysoonperceivedhim，andtheyoungmenexchangedfriendlysmiles。Mr。Strykerwaslookingonwithcold，worldlycuriosity；whileRobertHazlehurstwatchedoverhisbrother'sinterestwithmuchanxiety。Inonesensetheaudiencewasunequallydividedatfirst，forwhileHarryhadmanywarm，personalfriendspresent，thesailorwasastrangertoall；theaspectofthingspartiallychanged，however，foramongthatportionofthecrowdwhohadnoparticularsympathieswiththedefendants，anumbersoontooksideswiththeplaintiff。Thecuriositytoseethesailorwasverygreat；atonemoment，intheopeningofthetrial，alleyeswerefixedonhim；nordidHarryescapehisshareofscrutiny。
　　Itwasimmediatelyobserved，bythosewhohadknownthelateMr。
　　Stanley，thattheplaintiffcertainlyresembledhisfamily。Hewasdressedlikeaseaman，andappearedquiteeasyandconfident；
　　seldomabsentfromcourt，speakinglittle，butfollowingtheproceedingsattentively。Hiscounsel，Mr。Reed，boreacalmandbusiness-likeaspect。Clappwasflushed，hiseyewaskeenandrestless，thoughhelookedsanguineandhopeful；runninghishandthroughhisdarkcurls，hewouldleanbackandmakeanobservationtohisclient，turntotherightandwhispersomethingintheearofMr。Reed，orbendoverhispapers，engrossedinthought。
　　Thedefendants，ontheirside，werecertainlythreeasrespectablemenintheirappearance，asonewouldwishtosee；
　　theylooked，moved，andspokelikegentlemen；inmannerandexpressiontheywereallthreeperfectlynatural；simple，easy，butfirm；likemenawarethatimportantinterestswereatstake，andpreparedtomakeagooddefence。Mr。Grant，theircolleague，wasaninsignificant-lookingmanwhensilent，butheneverrosetospeak，withoutcommandingthewholeattentionofhisaudiencebytheforceofhistalent。
　　Thejudgeswere-wellknowntoberespectablemen，asAmericanmagistratesofthehighergradeareusuallyfoundtobe。Intheappearanceofthejurytherewasnothingremarkable；theforemanwasashrewd-lookingman，hisneighbouronthelefthadanopen，honestcountenance，twoothersshoweddecidedlystupidfaces，andonehadaveryobstinateexpression，asifthefirstideathatenteredhishead，onanysubjectwhatever，wasseldomallowedtobedislodged。
　　Suchwastheappearanceofthingswhenthetrialcommenced。