Hewantedpen，ink，andpaper。Therewasanoldstandishonthemantelshelfcontainingadustyapologyforallthree。Havingsetthisbeforehim，thelandlordwasretiring，whenhemotionedhimtostay。
　　’There’sahousenotfarfromhere，’saidtheguestwhenhehadwrittenafewlines，’whichyoucalltheWarren，Ibelieve？’
　　Asthiswassaidinthetoneofonewhoknewthefact，andaskedthequestionasathingofcourse，Johncontentedhimselfwithnoddinghisheadintheaffirmative;atthesametimetakingonehandoutofhispocketstocoughbehind，andthenputtingitinagain。
　　’Iwantthisnote’——saidtheguest，glancingonwhathehadwritten，andfoldingit，’conveyedtherewithoutlossoftime，andananswerbroughtbackhere。Haveyouamessengerathand？’
　　Johnwasthoughtfulforaminuteorthereabouts，andthensaidYes。
　　’Letmeseehim，’saidtheguest。
　　Thiswasdisconcerting;forJoebeingout，andHughengagedinrubbingdownthechestnutcob，hedesignedsendingontheerrand，Barnaby，whohadjustthenarrivedinoneofhisrambles，andwho，sothathethoughthimselfemployedonagraveandseriousbusiness，wouldgoanywhere。
　　’Whythetruthis，’saidJohnafteralongpause，’thatthepersonwho’dgoquickest，isasortofnatural，asonemaysay，sir;andthoughquickoffoot，andasmuchtobetrustedasthepostitself，he’snotgoodattalking，beingtouchedandflighty，sir。’
　　’Youdon’t，’saidtheguest，raisinghiseyestoJohn’sfatface，’youdon’tmean——what’sthefellow’sname——youdon’tmeanBarnaby？’
　　’Yes，Ido，’returnedthelandlord，hisfeaturesturningquiteexpressivewithsurprise。
　　’Howcomeshetobehere？’inquiredtheguest，leaningbackinhischair;speakinginthebland，eventone，fromwhichhenevervaried;andwiththesamesoft，courteous，never-changingsmileuponhisface。’IsawhiminLondonlastnight。’
　　’He’s，forever，hereonehour，andtherethenext，’returnedoldJohn，aftertheusualpausetogetthequestioninhismind。
　　’Sometimeshewalks，andsometimesruns。He’sknownalongtheroadbyeverybody，andsometimescomeshereinacartorchaise，andsometimesridingdouble。Hecomesandgoes，throughwind，rain，snow，andhail，andonthedarkestnights。NothinghurtsHIM。’
　　’HegoesoftentotheWarren，doeshenot？’saidtheguestcarelessly。’Iseemtorememberhismothertellingmesomethingtothateffectyesterday。ButIwasnotattendingtothegoodwomanmuch。’
　　’You’reright，sir，’Johnmadeanswer，’hedoes。Hisfather，sir，wasmurderedinthathouse。’
　　’SoIhaveheard，’returnedtheguest，takingagoldtoothpickfromhispocketwiththesamesweetsmile。’Averydisagreeablecircumstanceforthefamily。’
　　’Very，’saidJohnwithapuzzledlook，asifitoccurredtohim，dimlyandafaroff，thatthismightbypossibilitybeacoolwayoftreatingthesubject。
　　’Allthecircumstancesafteramurder，’saidtheguestsoliloquising，’mustbedreadfullyunpleasant——somuchbustleanddisturbance——norepose——aconstantdwellingupononesubject——andtherunninginandout，andupanddownstairs，intolerable。I
　　wouldn’thavesuchathinghappentoanybodyIwasnearlyinterestedin，onanyaccount。’Twouldbeenoughtowearone’slifeout——Youweregoingtosay，friend——’headded，turningtoJohnagain。
　　’OnlythatMrsRudgelivesonalittlepensionfromthefamily，andthatBarnaby’sasfreeofthehouseasanycatordogaboutit，’
　　answeredJohn。’Shallhedoyourerrand，sir？’
　　’Ohyes，’repliedtheguest。’Ohcertainly。Lethimdoitbyallmeans。PleasetobringhimherethatImaychargehimtobequick。
　　Ifheobjectstocomeyoumaytellhimit’sMrChester。Hewillremembermyname，Idaresay。’
　　Johnwassoverymuchastonishedtofindwhohisvisitorwas，thathecouldexpressnoastonishmentatall，bylooksorotherwise，butlefttheroomasifhewereinthemostplacidandimperturbableofallpossibleconditions。Ithasbeenreportedthatwhenhegotdownstairs，helookedsteadilyattheboilerfortenminutesbytheclock，andallthattimeneveronceleftoffshakinghishead;
　　forwhichstatementtherewouldseemtobesomegroundoftruthandfeasibility，inasmuchasthatintervaloftimedidcertainlyelapse，beforehereturnedwithBarnabytotheguest’sapartment。
　　’Comehither，lad，’saidMrChester。’YouknowMrGeoffreyHaredale？’
　　Barnabylaughed，andlookedatthelandlordasthoughhewouldsay，’Youhearhim？’John，whowasgreatlyshockedatthisbreachofdecorum，clappedhisfingertohisnose，andshookhisheadinmuteremonstrance。
　　’Heknowshim，sir，’saidJohn，frowningasideatBarnaby，’aswellasyouorIdo。’
　　’Ihaven’tthepleasureofmuchacquaintancewiththegentleman，’
　　returnedhisguest。’YOUmayhave。Limitthecomparisontoyourself，myfriend。’
　　Althoughthiswassaidwiththesameeasyaffability，andthesamesmile，Johnfelthimselfputdown，andlayingtheindignityatBarnaby’sdoor，determinedtokickhisraven，ontheveryfirstopportunity。
　　’Givethat，’saidtheguest，whohadbythistimesealedthenote，andwhobeckonedhismessengertowardshimashespoke，’intoMrHaredale’sownhands。Waitforananswer，andbringitbacktomehere。IfyoushouldfindthatMrHaredaleisengagedjustnow，tellhim——canherememberamessage，landlord？’
　　’Whenhechooses，sir，’repliedJohn。’Hewon’tforgetthisone。’
　　’Howareyousureofthat？’
　　Johnmerelypointedtohimashestoodwithhisheadbentforward，andhisearnestgazefixedcloselyonhisquestioner’sface;andnoddedsagely。
　　’Tellhimthen，Barnaby，shouldhebeengaged，’saidMrChester，’thatIshallbegladtowaithisconveniencehere，andtoseehimifhewillcallatanytimethisevening——AttheworstIcanhaveabedhere，Willet，Isuppose？’
　　OldJohn，immenselyflatteredbythepersonalnotorietyimpliedinthisfamiliarformofaddress，answered，withsomethinglikeaknowinglook，’Ishouldbelieveyoucould，sir，’andwasturningoverinhismindvariousformsofeulogium，withtheviewofselectingoneappropriatetothequalitiesofhisbestbed，whenhisideaswereputtoflightbyMrChestergivingBarnabytheletter，andbiddinghimmakeallspeedaway。
　　’Speed！’saidBarnaby，foldingthelittlepacketinhisbreast，’Speed！Ifyouwanttoseehurryandmystery，comehere。Here！’
　　Withthat，heputhishand，verymuchtoJohnWillet’shorror，ontheguest’sfinebroadclothsleeve，andledhimstealthilytothebackwindow。
　　’Lookdownthere，’hesaidsoftly;’doyoumarkhowtheywhisperineachother’sears;thendanceandleap，tomakebelievetheyareinsport？Doyouseehowtheystopforamoment，whentheythinkthereisnoonelooking，andmutteramongthemselvesagain;andthenhowtheyrollandgambol，delightedwiththemischiefthey’vebeenplotting？Lookat’emnow。Seehowtheywhirlandplunge。
　　Andnowtheystopagain，andwhisper，cautiouslytogether——littlethinking，mind，howoftenIhavelainuponthegrassandwatchedthem。Isaywhatisitthattheyplotandhatch？Doyouknow？’
　　’Theyareonlyclothes，’returnedtheguest，’suchaswewear;
　　hangingonthoselinestodry，andflutteringinthewind。’
　　’Clothes！’echoedBarnaby，lookingcloseintohisface，andfallingquicklyback。’Haha！Why，howmuchbettertobesilly，thanaswiseasyou！Youdon’tseeshadowypeoplethere，likethosethatliveinsleep——notyou。Noreyesintheknottedpanesofglass，norswiftghostswhenitblowshard，nordoyouhearvoicesintheair，norseemenstalkinginthesky——notyou！Ileadamerrierlifethanyou，withallyourcleverness。You’rethedullmen。
　　We’rethebrightones。Ha！ha！I’llnotchangewithyou，cleverasyouare，——notI！’
　　Withthat，hewavedhishatabovehishead，anddartedoff。
　　’Astrangecreature，uponmyword！’saidtheguest，pullingoutahandsomebox，andtakingapinchofsnuff。
　　’Hewantsimagination，’saidMrWillet，veryslowly，andafteralongsilence;’that’swhathewants。I’vetriedtoinstilitintohim，manyandmany’sthetime;but’——Johnaddedthisinconfidence——
　　’hean’tmadeforit;that’sthefact。’
　　TorecordthatMrChestersmiledatJohn’sremarkwouldbelittletothepurpose，forhepreservedthesameconciliatoryandpleasantlookatalltimes。Hedrewhischairnearertothefirethough，asakindofhintthathewouldprefertobealone，andJohn，havingnoreasonableexcuseforremaining，lefthimtohimself。
　　VerythoughtfuloldJohnWilletwas，whilethedinnerwaspreparing;andifhisbrainwereeverlessclearatonetimethananother，itisbutreasonabletosupposethatheaddleditinnoslightdegreebyshakinghisheadsomuchthatday。ThatMrChester，betweenwhomandMrHaredale，itwasnotorioustoalltheneighbourhood，adeepandbitteranimosityexisted，shouldcomedownthereforthesolepurpose，asitseemed，ofseeinghim，andshouldchoosetheMaypolefortheirplaceofmeeting，andshouldsendtohimexpress，werestumblingblocksJohncouldnotovercome。
　　Theonlyresourcehehad，wastoconsulttheboiler，andwaitimpatientlyforBarnaby’sreturn。
　　ButBarnabydelayedbeyondallprecedent。Thevisitor’sdinnerwasserved，removed，hiswinewasset，thefirereplenished，thehearthcleanswept;thelightwanedwithout，itgrewdusk，becamequitedark，andstillnoBarnabyappeared。Yet，thoughJohnWilletwasfullofwonderandmisgiving，hisguestsatcross-leggedintheeasy-chair，toallappearanceaslittleruffledinhisthoughtsasinhisdress——thesamecalm，easy，coolgentleman，withoutacareorthoughtbeyondhisgoldentoothpick。
　　’Barnaby’slate，’Johnventuredtoobserve，asheplacedapairoftarnishedcandlesticks，somethreefeethigh，uponthetable，andsnuffedthelightstheyheld。
　　’Heisratherso，’repliedtheguest，sippinghiswine。’Hewillnotbemuchlonger，Idaresay。’
　　Johncoughedandrakedthefiretogether。
　　’Asyourroadsbearnoverygoodcharacter，ifImayjudgefrommyson’smishap，though，’saidMrChester，’andasIhavenofancytobeknockedonthehead——whichisnotonlydisconcertingatthemoment，butplacesone，besides，inaridiculouspositionwithrespecttothepeoplewhochancetopickoneup——Ishallstophereto-night。Ithinkyousaidyouhadabedtospare。’
　　’Suchabed，sir，’returnedJohnWillet;’ay，suchabedasfew，evenofthegentry’shouses，own。Afixterhere，sir。I’veheardsaythatbedsteadisnightwohundredyearsofage。Yournobleson——afineyounggentleman——sleptinitlast，sir，halfayearago。’
　　’Uponmylife，arecommendation！’saidtheguest，shrugginghisshouldersandwheelinghischairnearertothefire。’Seethatitbewellaired，MrWillet，andletablazingfirebelightedthereatonce。Thishouseissomethingdampandchilly。’
　　Johnrakedthefaggotsupagain，morefromhabitthanpresenceofmind，oranyreferencetothisremark，andwasabouttowithdraw，whenaboundingstepwashearduponthestair，andBarnabycamepantingin。
　　’He’llhavehisfootinthestirrupinanhour’stime，’hecried，advancing。’Hehasbeenridinghardallday——hasjustcomehome——
　　butwillbeinthesaddleagainassoonashehaseatanddrank，tomeethislovingfriend。’
　　’Wasthathismessage？’askedthevisitor，lookingup，butwithoutthesmallestdiscomposure——oratleastwithouttheshowofany。
　　’Allbutthelastwords，’Barnabyrejoined。’Hemeantthose。I
　　sawthat，inhisface。’
　　’Thisforyourpains，’saidtheother，puttingmoneyinhishand，andglancingathimsteadfastly。’Thisforyourpains，sharpBarnaby。’
　　’ForGrip，andme，andHugh，toshareamongus，’herejoined，puttingitup，andnodding，ashecounteditonhisfingers。’Gripone，metwo，Hughthree;thedog，thegoat，thecats——well，weshallspenditprettysoon，Iwarnyou。Stay——Look。Doyouwisemenseenothingthere，now？’
　　Hebenteagerlydownononeknee，andgazedintentlyatthesmoke，whichwasrollingupthechimneyinathickblackcloud。JohnWillet，whoappearedtoconsiderhimselfparticularlyandchieflyreferredtounderthetermwisemen，lookedthatwaylikewise，andwithgreatsolidityoffeature。
　　’Now，wheredotheygoto，whentheyspringsofastupthere，’
　　askedBarnaby;’eh？Whydotheytreadsocloselyoneachother’sheels，andwhyaretheyalwaysinahurry——whichiswhatyoublamemefor，whenIonlytakepatternbythesebusyfolkaboutme？Moreof’em！catchingtoeachother’sskirts;andasfastastheygo，otherscome！Whatamerrydanceitis！IwouldthatGripandI
　　couldfrisklikethat！’
　　’Whathasheinthatbasketathisback？’askedtheguestafterafewmoments，duringwhichBarnabywasstillbendingdowntolookhigherupthechimney，andearnestlywatchingthesmoke。
　　’Inthis？’heanswered，jumpingup，beforeJohnWilletcouldreply——
　　shakingitashespoke，andstoopinghisheadtolisten。’Inthis！Whatistherehere？Tellhim！’
　　’Adevil，adevil，adevil！’criedahoarsevoice。
　　’Here’smoney！’saidBarnaby，chinkingitinhishand，’moneyforatreat，Grip！’
　　’Hurrah！Hurrah！Hurrah！’repliedtheraven，’keepupyourspirits。Neversaydie。Bow，wow，wow！’
　　MrWillet，whoappearedtoentertainstrongdoubtswhetheracustomerinalacedcoatandfinelinencouldbesupposedtohaveanyacquaintanceevenwiththeexistenceofsuchunpolitegentryasthebirdclaimedtobelongto，tookBarnabyoffatthisjuncture，withtheviewofpreventinganyotherimproperdeclarations，andquittedtheroomwithhisverybestbow。
　　Chapter11
　　TherewasgreatnewsthatnightfortheregularMaypolecustomers，toeachofwhom，ashestraggledintooccupyhisallottedseatinthechimney-corner，John，withamostimpressiveslownessofdelivery，andinanapoplecticwhisper，communicatedthefactthatMrChesterwasaloneinthelargeroomupstairs，andwaswaitingthearrivalofMrGeoffreyHaredale，towhomhehadsentaletterdoubtlessofathreateningnaturebythehandsofBarnaby，thenandtherepresent。
　　Foralittleknotofsmokersandsolemngossips，whohadseldomanynewtopicsofdiscussion，thiswasaperfectGodsend。Herewasagood，dark-lookingmysteryprogressingunderthatveryroof——
　　broughthometothefireside，asitwere，andenjoyablewithoutthesmallestpainsortrouble。Itisextraordinarywhatazestandrelishitgavetothedrink，andhowitheightenedtheflavourofthetobacco。Everymansmokedhispipewithafaceofgraveandseriousdelight，andlookedathisneighbourwithasortofquietcongratulation。Nay，itwasfelttobesuchaholidayandspecialnight，that，onthemotionoflittleSolomonDaisy，everymanincludingJohnhimselfputdownhissixpenceforacanofflip，whichgratefulbeveragewasbrewedwithalldespatch，andsetdowninthemidstofthemonthebrickfloor;boththatitmightsimmerandstewbeforethefire，andthatitsfragrantsteam，risingupamongthem，andmixingwiththewreathsofvapourfromtheirpipes，mightshroudtheminadeliciousatmosphereoftheirown，andshutoutalltheworld。Theveryfurnitureoftheroomseemedtomellowanddeepeninitstone;theceilingandwallslookedblackerandmorehighlypolished，thecurtainsofaruddierred;
　　thefireburntclearandhigh，andthecricketsinthehearthstonechirpedwithamorethanwontedsatisfaction。
　　Therewerepresenttwo，however，whoshowedbutlittleinterestinthegeneralcontentment。Ofthese，onewasBarnabyhimself，whoslept，or，toavoidbeingbesetwithquestions，feignedtosleep，inthechimney-corner;theother，Hugh，who，sleepingtoo，laystretcheduponthebenchontheoppositeside，inthefullglareoftheblazingfire。
　　Thelightthatfelluponthisslumberingform，showeditinallitsmuscularandhandsomeproportions。Itwasthatofayoungman，ofahaleathleticfigure，andagiant’sstrength，whosesunburntfaceandswarthythroat，overgrownwithjetblackhair，mighthaveservedapainterforamodel。Looselyattired，inthecoarsestandroughestgarb，withscrapsofstrawandhay——hisusualbed——
　　clinginghereandthere，andminglingwithhisuncombedlocks，hehadfallenasleepinapostureascarelessashisdress。Thenegligenceanddisorderofthewholeman，withsomethingfierceandsulleninhisfeatures，gavehimapicturesqueappearance，thatattractedtheregardsevenoftheMaypolecustomerswhoknewhimwell，andcausedLongParkestosaythatHughlookedmorelikeapoachingrascalto-nightthaneverhehadseenhimyet。
　　’He’swaitinghere，Isuppose，’saidSolomon，’totakeMrHaredale’shorse。’
　　’That’sit，sir，’repliedJohnWillet。’He’snotofteninthehouse，youknow。He’smoreathiseaseamonghorsesthanmen。I
　　lookuponhimasaanimalhimself。’
　　Followingupthisopinionwithashrugthatseemedmeanttosay，’wecan’texpecteverybodytobelikeus，’Johnputhispipeintohismouthagain，andsmokedlikeonewhofelthissuperiorityoverthegeneralrunofmankind。
　　’Thatchap，sir，’saidJohn，takingitoutagainafteratime，andpointingathimwiththestem，’thoughhe’sgotallhisfacultiesabouthim——bottledupandcorkeddown，ifImaysayso，somewheresoranother——’
　　’Verygood！’saidParkes，noddinghishead。’Averygoodexpression，Johnny。You’llbeatacklingsomebodypresently。
　　You’reintwigto-night，Isee。’
　　’Takecare，’saidMrWillet，notatallgratefulforthecompliment，’thatIdon’ttackleyou，sir，whichIshallcertainlyendeavourtodo，ifyouinterruptmewhenI’mmakingobservations——
　　Thatchap，Iwasasaying，thoughhehasallhisfacultiesabouthim，somewheresoranother，bottledupandcorkeddown，hasnomoreimaginationthanBarnabyhas。Andwhyhasn’the？’
　　Thethreefriendsshooktheirheadsateachother;sayingbythataction，withoutthetroubleofopeningtheirlips，’Doyouobservewhataphilosophicalmindourfriendhas？’
　　’Whyhasn’the？’saidJohn，gentlystrikingthetablewithhisopenhand。’Becausetheywasneverdrawedoutofhimwhenhewasaboy。That’swhy。Whatwouldanyofushavebeen，ifourfathershadn’tdrawedourfacultiesoutofus？WhatwouldmyboyJoehavebeen，ifIhadn’tdrawedhisfacultiesoutofhim？——DoyoumindwhatI’masayingof，gentlemen？’
　　’Ah！wemindyou，’criedParkes。’Goonimprovingofus，Johnny。’
　　’Consequently，then，’saidMrWillet，’thatchap，whosemotherwashungwhenhewasalittleboy，alongwithsixothers，forpassingbadnotes——andit’sablessedthingtothinkhowmanypeoplearehunginbatcheseverysixweeksforthat，andsuchlikeoffences，asshowinghowwideawakeourgovernmentis——thatchapthatwasthenturnedloose，andhadtomindcows，andfrightenbirdsaway，andwhatnot，forafewpencetoliveon，andsogotonbydegreestomindhorses，andtosleepincourseoftimeinloftsandlitter，insteadofunderhaystacksandhedges，tillatlasthecometobehostlerattheMaypoleforhisboardandlodgingandaannualtrifle——thatchapthatcan’treadnorwrite，andhasneverhadmuchtodowithanythingbutanimals，andhasneverlivedinanywaybutliketheanimalshehaslivedamong，ISaanimal。And，’saidMrWillet，arrivingathislogicalconclusion，’istobetreatedaccordingly。’
　　’Willet，’saidSolomonDaisy，whohadexhibitedsomeimpatienceattheintrusionofsounworthyasubjectontheirmoreinterestingtheme，’whenMrChestercomethismorning，didheorderthelargeroom？’
　　’Hesignified，sir，’saidJohn，’thathewantedalargeapartment。
　　Yes。Certainly。’
　　’Whythen，I’lltellyouwhat，’saidSolomon，speakingsoftlyandwithanearnestlook。’HeandMrHaredalearegoingtofightaduelinit。’
　　EverybodylookedatMrWillet，afterthisalarmingsuggestion。MrWilletlookedatthefire，weighinginhisownmindtheeffectwhichsuchanoccurrencewouldbelikelytohaveontheestablishment。
　　’Well，’saidJohn，’Idon’tknow——Iamsure——IrememberthatwhenI
　　wentuplast，heHADputthelightsuponthemantel-shelf。’
　　’It’sasplain，’returnedSolomon，’asthenoseonParkes’sface’——
　　MrParkes，whohadalargenose，rubbedit，andlookedasifheconsideredthisapersonalallusion——’they’llfightinthatroom。
　　Youknowbythenewspaperswhatacommonthingitisforgentlementofightincoffee-houseswithoutseconds。Oneof’emwillbewoundedorperhapskilledinthishouse。’
　　’ThatwasachallengethatBarnabytookthen，eh？’saidJohn。
　　’——Inclosingaslipofpaperwiththemeasureofhissworduponit，I’llbetaguinea，’answeredthelittleman。’WeknowwhatsortofgentlemanMrHaredaleis。YouhavetolduswhatBarnabysaidabouthislooks，whenhecameback。Dependuponit，I’mright。Now，mind。’
　　Thefliphadhadnoflavourtillnow。ThetobaccohadbeenofmereEnglishgrowth，comparedwithitspresenttaste。Aduelinthatgreatoldramblingroomupstairs，andthebestbedorderedalreadyforthewoundedman！
　　’Woulditbeswordsorpistols，now？’saidJohn。
　　’Heavenknows。Perhapsboth，’returnedSolomon。’Thegentlemenwearswords，andmayeasilyhavepistolsintheirpockets——mostlikelyhave，indeed。Iftheyfireateachotherwithouteffect，thenthey’lldraw，andgotoworkinearnest。’
　　AshadepassedoverMrWillet’sfaceashethoughtofbrokenwindowsanddisabledfurniture，butbethinkinghimselfthatoneofthepartieswouldprobablybeleftalivetopaythedamage，hebrightenedupagain。
　　’Andthen，’saidSolomon，lookingfromfacetoface，’thenweshallhaveoneofthosestainsuponthefloorthatnevercomeout。IfMrHaredalewins，dependuponit，it’llbeadeepone;orifheloses，itwillperhapsbedeeperstill，forhe’llnevergiveinunlesshe’sbeatendown。Weknowhimbetter，eh？’
　　’Betterindeed！’theywhisperedalltogether。
　　’Astoitseverbeinggotoutagain，’saidSolomon，’Itellyouitneverwill，orcanbe。Why，doyouknowthatithasbeentried，atacertainhouseweareacquaintedwith？’
　　’TheWarren！’criedJohn。’No，sure！’
　　’Yes，sure——yes。It’sonlyknownbyveryfew。Ithasbeenwhisperedaboutthough，forallthat。Theyplanedtheboardaway，butthereitwas。Theywentdeep，butitwentdeeper。Theyputnewboardsdown，buttherewasonegreatspotthatcamethroughstill，andshoweditselfintheoldplace。And——harkye——drawnearer——MrGeoffreymadethatroomhisstudy，andsitsthere，always，withhisfootasIhavehearduponit;andhebelieves，throughthinkingofitlongandverymuch，thatitwillneverfadeuntilhefindsthemanwhodidthedeed。’
　　Asthisrecitalended，andtheyalldrewcloserroundthefire，thetrampofahorsewasheardwithout。
　　’Theveryman！’criedJohn，startingup。’Hugh！Hugh！’
　　Thesleeperstaggeredtohisfeet，andhurriedafterhim。Johnquicklyreturned，usheringinwithgreatattentionanddeferenceforMrHaredalewashislandlordthelong-expectedvisitor，whostrodeintotheroomclankinghisheavybootsuponthefloor;andlookingkeenlyrounduponthebowinggroup，raisedhishatinacknowledgmentoftheirprofoundrespect。
　　’Youhaveastrangerhere，Willet，whosenttome，’hesaid，inavoicewhichsoundednaturallysternanddeep。’Whereishe？’
　　’Inthegreatroomupstairs，sir，’answeredJohn。
　　’Showtheway。Yourstaircaseisdark，Iknow。Gentlemen，goodnight。’
　　Withthat，hesignedtothelandlordtogoonbefore;andwentclankingout，andupthestairs;oldJohn，inhisagitation，ingeniouslylightingeverythingbuttheway，andmakingastumbleateverysecondstep。
　　’Stop！’hesaid，whentheyreachedthelanding。’Icanannouncemyself。Don’twait。’
　　Helaidhishanduponthedoor，entered，andshutitheavily。MrWilletwasbynomeansdisposedtostandtherelisteningbyhimself，especiallyasthewallswereverythick;sodescended，withmuchgreateralacritythanhehadcomeup，andjoinedhisfriendsbelow。
　　Chapter12
　　Therewasabriefpauseinthestate-roomoftheMaypole，asMrHaredaletriedthelocktosatisfyhimselfthathehadshutthedoorsecurely，and，stridingupthedarkchambertowherethescreeninclosedalittlepatchoflightandwarmth，presentedhimself，abruptlyandinsilence，beforethesmilingguest。
　　Ifthetwohadnogreatersympathyintheirinwardthoughtsthanintheiroutwardbearingandappearance，themeetingdidnotseemlikelytoproveaverycalmorpleasantone。Withnogreatdisparitybetweentheminpointofyears，theywere，ineveryotherrespect，asunlikeandfarremovedfromeachotherastwomencouldwellbe。Theonewassoft-spoken，delicatelymade，precise，andelegant;theother，aburlysquare-builtman，negligentlydressed，roughandabruptinmanner，stern，and，inhispresentmood，forbiddingbothinlookandspeech。Theonepreservedacalmandplacidsmile;theother，adistrustfulfrown。Thenew-comer，indeed，appearedbentonshowingbyhiseverytoneandgesturehisdeterminedoppositionandhostilitytothemanhehadcometomeet。
　　Theguestwhoreceivedhim，ontheotherhand，seemedtofeelthatthecontrastbetweenthemwasallinhisfavour，andtoderiveaquietexultationfromitwhichputhimmoreathiseasethanever。
　　’Haredale，’saidthisgentleman，withouttheleastappearanceofembarrassmentorreserve，’Iamverygladtoseeyou。’
　　’Letusdispensewithcompliments。Theyaremisplacedbetweenus，’
　　returnedtheother，wavinghishand，’andsayplainlywhatwehavetosay。Youhaveaskedmetomeetyou。Iamhere。Whydowestandfacetofaceagain？’
　　’Stillthesamefrankandsturdycharacter，Isee！’
　　’Goodorbad，sir，Iam，’returnedtheother，leaninghisarmuponthechimney-piece，andturningahaughtylookupontheoccupantoftheeasy-chair，’themanIusedtobe。Ihavelostnooldlikingsordislikings;mymemoryhasnotfailedmebyahair’s-breadth。
　　Youaskmetogiveyouameeting。Isay，Iamhere。’
　　’Ourmeeting，Haredale，’saidMrChester，tappinghissnuff-box，andfollowingwithasmiletheimpatientgesturehehadmade——
　　perhapsunconsciously——towardshissword，’isoneofconferenceandpeace，Ihope？’
　　’Ihavecomehere，’returnedtheother，’atyourdesire，holdingmyselfboundtomeetyou，whenandwhereyouwould。Ihavenotcometobandypleasantspeeches，orhollowprofessions。Youareasmoothmanoftheworld，sir，andatsuchplayhavemeatadisadvantage。TheverylastmanonthisearthwithwhomIwouldentertheliststocombatwithgentlecomplimentsandmaskedfaces，isMrChester，Idoassureyou。Iamnothismatchatsuchweapons，andhavereasontobelievethatfewmenare。’
　　’YoudomeagreatdealofhonourHaredale，’returnedtheother，mostcomposedly，’andIthankyou。Iwillbefrankwithyou——’
　　’Ibegyourpardon——willbewhat？’
　　’Frank——open——perfectlycandid。’
　　’Hab！’criedMrHaredale，drawinghisbreath。’Butdon’tletmeinterruptyou。’
　　’SoresolvedamItoholdthiscourse，’returnedtheother，tastinghiswinewithgreatdeliberation;’thatIhavedeterminednottoquarrelwithyou，andnottobebetrayedintoawarmexpressionorahastyword。’
　　’Thereagain，’saidMrHaredale，’youhavemeatagreatadvantage。
　　Yourself-command——’
　　’Isnottobedisturbed，whenitwillservemypurpose，youwouldsay’——rejoinedtheother，interruptinghimwiththesamecomplacency。’Granted。Iallowit。AndIhaveapurposetoservenow。Sohaveyou。Iamsureourobjectisthesame。Letusattainitlikesensiblemen，whohaveceasedtobeboyssometime——
　　Doyoudrink？’
　　’Withmyfriends，’returnedtheother。
　　’Atleast，’saidMrChester，’youwillbeseated？’
　　’Iwillstand，’returnedMrHaredaleimpatiently，’onthisdismantled，beggaredhearth，andnotpolluteit，fallenasitis，withmockeries。Goon。’
　　’Youarewrong，Haredale，’saidtheother，crossinghislegs，andsmilingasheheldhisglassupinthebrightglowofthefire。
　　’Youarereallyverywrong。Theworldisalivelyplaceenough，inwhichwemustaccommodateourselvestocircumstances，sailwiththestreamasgliblyaswecan，becontenttotakefrothforsubstance，thesurfaceforthedepth，thecounterfeitfortherealcoin。I
　　wondernophilosopherhaseverestablishedthatourglobeitselfishollow。Itshouldbe，ifNatureisconsistentinherworks。’
　　’YOUthinkitis，perhaps？’
　　’Ishouldsay，’hereturned，sippinghiswine，’therecouldbenodoubtaboutit。Well;we，intriflingwiththisjinglingtoy，havehadtheill-lucktojostleandfallout。Wearenotwhattheworldcallsfriends;butweareasgoodandtrueandlovingfriendsforallthat，asnineoutofeverytenofthoseonwhomitbestowsthetitle。Youhaveaniece，andIason——afinelad，Haredale，butfoolish。Theyfallinlovewitheachother，andformwhatthissameworldcallsanattachment;meaningasomethingfancifulandfalseliketherest，which，ifittookitsownfreetime，wouldbreaklikeanyotherbubble。Butitmaynothaveitsownfreetime——willnot，iftheyareleftalone——andthequestionis，shallwetwo，becausesocietycallsusenemies，standaloof，andletthemrushintoeachother’sarms，when，byapproachingeachothersensibly，aswedonow，wecanpreventit，andpartthem？’
　　’Ilovemyniece，’saidMrHaredale，afterashortsilence。’Itmaysoundstrangelyinyourears;butIloveher。’
　　’Strangely，mygoodfellow！’criedMrChester，lazilyfillinghisglassagain，andpullingouthistoothpick。’Notatall。IlikeNedtoo——or，asyousay，lovehim——that’sthewordamongsuchnearrelations。I’mveryfondofNed。He’sanamazinglygoodfellow，andahandsomefellow——foolishandweakasyet;that’sall。Butthethingis，Haredale——forI’llbeveryfrank，asItoldyouI
　　wouldatfirst——independentlyofanydislikethatyouandImighthavetobeingrelatedtoeachother，andindependentlyofthereligiousdifferencesbetweenus——anddamnit，that’simportant——I
　　couldn’taffordamatchofthisdescription。NedandIcouldn’tdoit。It’simpossible。’
　　’Curbyourtongue，inGod’sname，ifthisconversationistolast，’
　　retortedMrHaredalefiercely。’IhavesaidIlovemyniece。Doyouthinkthat，lovingher，Iwouldhaveherflingherheartawayonanymanwhohadyourbloodinhisveins？’
　　’Yousee，’saidtheother，notatalldisturbed，’theadvantageofbeingsofrankandopen。JustwhatIwasabouttoadd，uponmyhonour！IamamazinglyattachedtoNed——quitedoatuponhim，indeed——andevenifwecouldaffordtothrowourselvesaway，thatveryobjectionwouldbequiteinsuperable——Iwishyou’dtakesomewine？’
　　’Markme，’saidMrHaredale，stridingtothetable，andlayinghishanduponitheavily。’Ifanymanbelieves——presumestothink——
　　thatI，inwordordeed，orinthewildestdream，everentertainedremotelytheideaofEmmaHaredale’sfavouringthesuitofanyonewhowasakintoyou——inanyway——Icarenotwhat——helies。Helies，anddoesmegrievouswrong，inthemerethought。’
　　’Haredale，’returnedtheother，rockinghimselftoandfroasinassent，andnoddingatthefire，’it’sextremelymanly，andreallyverygenerousinyou，tomeetmeinthisunreservedandhandsomeway。Uponmyword，thoseareexactlymysentiments，onlyexpressedwithmuchmoreforceandpowerthanIcoulduse——youknowmysluggishnature，andwillforgiveme，Iamsure。’
　　’WhileIwouldrestrainherfromallcorrespondencewithyourson，andsevertheirintercoursehere，thoughitshouldcauseherdeath，’saidMrHaredale，whohadbeenpacingtoandfro，’IwoulddoitkindlyandtenderlyifIcan。Ihaveatrusttodischarge，whichmynatureisnotformedtounderstand，and，forthisreason，thebarefactoftherebeinganylovebetweenthemcomesuponmeto-night，almostforthefirsttime。’
　　’IammoredelightedthanIcanpossiblytellyou，’rejoinedMrChesterwiththeutmostblandness，’tofindmyownimpressionsoconfirmed。Youseetheadvantageofourhavingmet。Weunderstandeachother。Wequiteagree。Wehaveamostcompleteandthoroughexplanation，andweknowwhatcoursetotake——Whydon’tyoutasteyourtenant’swine？It’sreallyverygood。’
　　’Praywho，’saidMrHaredale，’haveaidedEmma，oryourson？Whoaretheirgo-betweens，andagents——doyouknow？’
　　’Allthegoodpeoplehereabouts——theneighbourhoodingeneral，I
　　think，’returnedtheother，withhismostaffablesmile。’ThemessengerIsenttoyouto-day，foremostamongthemall。’
　　’Theidiot？Barnaby？’
　　’Youaresurprised？Iamgladofthat，forIwasrathersomyself。
　　Yes。Iwrungthatfromhismother——averydecentsortofwoman——
　　fromwhom，indeed，Ichieflylearnthowseriousthematterhadbecome，andsodeterminedtorideouthereto-day，andholdaparleywithyouonthisneutralground——You’restouterthanyouusedtobe，Haredale，butyoulookextremelywell。’
　　’Ourbusiness，Ipresume，isnearlyatanend，’saidMrHaredale，withanexpressionofimpatiencehewasatnopainstoconceal。
　　’Trustme，MrChester，mynieceshallchangefromthistime。I
　　willappeal，’headdedinalowertone，’toherwoman’sheart，herdignity，herpride，herduty——’
　　’IshalldothesamebyNed，’saidMrChester，restoringsomeerrantfaggotstotheirplacesinthegratewiththetoeofhisboot。’Ifthereisanythingrealinthisworld，itisthoseamazinglyfinefeelingsandthosenaturalobligationswhichmustsubsistbetweenfatherandson。Ishallputittohimoneverygroundofmoralandreligiousfeeling。Ishallrepresenttohimthatwecannotpossiblyaffordit——thatIhavealwayslookedforwardtohismarryingwell，foragenteelprovisionformyselfintheautumnoflife——thatthereareagreatmanyclamorousdogstopay，whoseclaimsareperfectlyjustandright，andwhomustbepaidoutofhiswife’sfortune。Inshort，thattheveryhighestandmosthonourablefeelingsofournature，witheveryconsiderationoffilialdutyandaffection，andallthatsortofthing，imperativelydemandthatheshouldrunawaywithanheiress。’
　　’Andbreakherheartasspeedilyaspossible？’saidMrHaredale，drawingonhisglove。
　　’ThereNedwillactexactlyashepleases，’returnedtheother，sippinghiswine;’that’sentirelyhisaffair。Iwouldn’tfortheworldinterferewithmyson，Haredale，beyondacertainpoint。Therelationshipbetweenfatherandson，youknow，ispositivelyquiteaholykindofbond——WON’Tyouletmepersuadeyoutotakeoneglassofwine？Well！asyouplease，asyouplease，’headded，helpinghimselfagain。
　　’Chester，’saidMrHaredale，afterashortsilence，duringwhichhehadeyedhissmilingfacefromtimetotimeintently，’youhavetheheadandheartofanevilspiritinallmattersofdeception。’
　　’Yourhealth！’saidtheother，withanod。’ButIhaveinterruptedyou——’
　　’Ifnow，’pursuedMrHaredale，’weshouldfinditdifficulttoseparatetheseyoungpeople，andbreakofftheirintercourse——if，forinstance，youfinditdifficultonyourside，whatcoursedoyouintendtotake？’
　　’Nothingplainer，mygoodfellow，nothingeasier，’returnedtheother，shrugginghisshouldersandstretchinghimselfmorecomfortablybeforethefire。’Ishallthenexertthosepowersonwhichyouflattermesohighly——though，uponmyword，Idon’tdeserveyourcomplimentstotheirfullextent——andresorttoafewlittletrivialsubterfugesforrousingjealousyandresentment。
　　Yousee？’
　　’Inshort，justifyingthemeansbytheend，weare，asalastresourcefortearingthemasunder，toresorttotreacheryand——andlying，’saidMrHaredale。
　　’Ohdearno。Fie，fie！’returnedtheother，relishingapinchofsnuffextremely。’Notlying。Onlyalittlemanagement，alittlediplomacy，alittle——intriguing，that’stheword。’
　　’Iwish，’saidMrHaredale，movingtoandfro，andstopping，andmovingonagain，likeonewhowasillatease，’thatthiscouldhavebeenforeseenorprevented。Butasithasgonesofar，anditisnecessaryforustoact，itisofnouseshrinkingorregretting。Well！Ishallsecondyourendeavourstotheutmostofmypower。Thereisonetopicinthewholewiderangeofhumanthoughtsonwhichwebothagree。Weshallactinconcert，butapart。Therewillbenoneed，Ihope，forustomeetagain。’
　　’Areyougoing？’saidMrChester，risingwithagracefulindolence。
　　’Letmelightyoudownthestairs。’
　　’Praykeepyourseat，’returnedtheotherdrily，’Iknowtheway。
　　So，wavinghishandslightly，andputtingonhishatasheturneduponhisheel，hewentclankingoutashehadcome，shutthedoorbehindhim，andtrampeddowntheechoingstairs。
　　’Pah！Averycoarseanimal，indeed！’saidMrChester，composinghimselfintheeasy-chairagain。’Aroughbrute。Quiteahumanbadger！’
　　JohnWilletandhisfriends，whohadbeenlisteningintentlyfortheclashofswords，orfiringofpistolsinthegreatroom，andhadindeedsettledtheorderinwhichtheyshouldrushinwhensummoned——inwhichprocessionoldJohnhadcarefullyarrangedthatheshouldbringuptherear——wereverymuchastonishedtoseeMrHaredalecomedownwithoutascratch，callforhishorse，andrideawaythoughtfullyatafootpace。Aftersomeconsideration，itwasdecidedthathehadleftthegentlemanabove，fordead，andhadadoptedthisstratagemtodivertsuspicionorpursuit。
　　Asthisconclusioninvolvedthenecessityoftheirgoingupstairsforthwith，theywereabouttoascendintheordertheyhadagreedupon，whenasmartringingattheguest’sbell，asifhehadpulleditvigorously，overthrewalltheirspeculations，andinvolvedthemingreatuncertaintyanddoubt。AtlengthMrWilletagreedtogoupstairshimself，escortedbyHughandBarnaby，asthestrongestandstoutestfellowsonthepremises，whoweretomaketheirappearanceunderpretenceofclearingawaytheglasses。
　　Underthisprotection，thebraveandbroad-facedJohnboldlyenteredtheroom，halfafootinadvance，andreceivedanorderforaboot-jackwithouttrembling。Butwhenitwasbrought，andheleanthissturdyshouldertotheguest，MrWilletwasobservedtolookveryhardintohisbootsashepulledthemoff，and，byopeninghiseyesmuchwiderthanusual，toappeartoexpresssomesurpriseanddisappointmentatnotfindingthemfullofblood。Hetookoccasion，too，toexaminethegentlemanascloselyashecould，expectingtodiscoversundryloopholesinhisperson，piercedbyhisadversary’ssword。Findingnone，however，andobservingincourseoftimethathisguestwasascoolandunruffled，bothinhisdressandtemper，ashehadbeenallday，oldJohnatlastheavedadeepsigh，andbegantothinknoduelhadbeenfoughtthatnight。
　　’Andnow，Willet，’saidMrChester，’iftheroom’swellaired，I’lltrythemeritsofthatfamousbed。’
　　’Theroom，sir，’returnedJohn，takingupacandle，andnudgingBarnabyandHughtoaccompanythem，incasethegentlemanshouldunexpectedlydropdownfaintordeadfromsomeinternalwound，’theroom’saswarmasanytoastinatankard。Barnaby，takeyouthatothercandle，andgoonbefore。Hugh！Followup，sir，withtheeasy-chair。’
　　Inthisorder——andstill，inhisearnestinspection，holdinghiscandleveryclosetotheguest;nowmakinghimfeelextremelywarmaboutthelegs，nowthreateningtosethiswigonfire，andconstantlybegginghispardonwithgreatawkwardnessandembarrassment——Johnledthepartytothebestbedroom，whichwasnearlyaslargeasthechamberfromwhichtheyhadcome，andheld，drawnoutnearthefireforwarmth，agreatoldspectralbedstead，hungwithfadedbrocade，andornamented，atthetopofeachcarvedpost，withaplumeoffeathersthathadoncebeenwhite，butwithdustandagehadnowgrownhearse-likeandfunereal。
　　’Goodnight，myfriends，’saidMrChesterwithasweetsmile，seatinghimself，whenhehadsurveyedtheroomfromendtoend，intheeasy-chairwhichhisattendantswheeledbeforethefire。’Goodnight！Barnaby，mygoodfellow，yousaysomeprayersbeforeyougotobed，Ihope？’
　　Barnabynodded。’Hehassomenonsensethathecallshisprayers，sir，’returnedoldJohn，officiously。’I’mafraidtherean’tmuchgoodinem。’
　　’AndHugh？’saidMrChester，turningtohim。
　　’NotI，’heanswered。’Iknowhis’——pointingtoBarnaby——’they’rewellenough。Hesings’emsometimesinthestraw。Ilisten。’
　　’He’squiteaanimal，sir，’Johnwhisperedinhisearwithdignity。
　　’You’llexcusehim，I’msure。Ifhehasanysoulatall，sir，itmustbesuchaverysmallone，thatitdon’tsignifywhathedoesordoesn’tinthatway。Goodnight，sir！’
　　Theguestrejoined’Godblessyou！’withafervourthatwasquiteaffecting;andJohn，beckoninghisguardstogobefore，bowedhimselfoutoftheroom，andlefthimtohisrestintheMaypole’sancientbed。
　　Chapter13
　　IfJosephWillet，thedenouncedandproscribedof’prentices，hadhappenedtobeathomewhenhisfather’scourtlyguestpresentedhimselfbeforetheMaypoledoor——thatis，ifithadnotperverselychancedtobeoneofthehalf-dozendaysinthewholeyearonwhichhewasatlibertytoabsenthimselfforasmanyhourswithoutquestionorreproach——hewouldhavecontrived，byhookorcrook，todivetotheverybottomofMrChester’smystery，andtocomeathispurposewithasmuchcertaintyasthoughhehadbeenhisconfidentialadviser。Inthatfortunatecase，theloverswouldhavehadquickwarningoftheillsthatthreatenedthem，andtheaidofvarioustimelyandwisesuggestionstoboot;forallJoe’sreadinessofthoughtandaction，andallhissympathiesandgoodwishes，wereenlistedinfavouroftheyoungpeople，andwerestaunchindevotiontotheircause。Whetherthisdispositionaroseoutofhisoldprepossessionsinfavouroftheyounglady，whosehistoryhadsurroundedherinhismind，almostfromhiscradle，withcircumstancesofunusualinterest;orfromhisattachmenttowardstheyounggentleman，intowhoseconfidencehehad，throughhisshrewdnessandalacrity，andtherenderingofsundryimportantservicesasaspyandmessenger，almostimperceptiblyglided;
　　whethertheyhadtheiroriginineitherofthesesources，orinthehabitnaturaltoyouth，orintheconstantbadgeringandworryingofhisvenerableparent，orinanyhiddenlittleloveaffairofhisownwhichgavehimsomethingofafellow-feelinginthematter，itisneedlesstoinquire——especiallyasJoewasoutoftheway，andhadnoopportunityonthatparticularoccasionoftestifyingtohissentimentseitherononesideortheother。
　　Itwas，infact，thetwenty-fifthofMarch，which，asmostpeopleknowtotheircost，is，andhasbeentimeoutofmind，oneofthoseunpleasantepochstermedquarter-days。Onthistwenty-fifthofMarch，itwasJohnWillet’sprideannuallytosettle，inhardcash，hisaccountwithacertainvintneranddistillerinthecityofLondon;togiveintowhosehandsacanvasbagcontainingitsexactamount，andnotapennymoreorless，wastheendandobjectofajourneyforJoe，sosurelyastheyearanddaycameround。
　　Thisjourneywasperformeduponanoldgreymare，concerningwhomJohnhadanindistinctsetofideashoveringabouthim，totheeffectthatshecouldwinaplateorcupifshetried。Sheneverhadtried，andprobablyneverwouldnow，beingsomefourteenorfifteenyearsofage，shortinwind，longinbody，andrathertheworseforwearinrespectofhermaneandtail。Notwithstandingtheseslightdefects，Johnperfectlygloriedintheanimal;andwhenshewasbroughtroundtothedoorbyHugh，actuallyretiredintothebar，andthere，inasecretgroveoflemons，laughedwithpride。
　　’There’sabitofhorseflesh，Hugh！’saidJohn，whenhehadrecoveredenoughself-commandtoappearatthedooragain。
　　’There’sacomelycreature！There’shighmettle！There’sbone！’
　　Therewasboneenoughbeyondalldoubt;andsoHughseemedtothink，ashesatsidewaysinthesaddle，lazilydoubledupwithhischinnearlytouchinghisknees;andheedlessofthedanglingstirrupsandloosebridle-rein，saunteredupanddownonthelittlegreenbeforethedoor。
　　’Mindyoutakegoodcareofher，sir，’saidJohn，appealingfromthisinsensiblepersontohissonandheir，whonowappeared，fullyequippedandready。’Don’tyouridehard。’
　　’Ishouldbepuzzledtodothat，Ithink，father，’Joereplied，castingadisconsolatelookattheanimal。
　　’Noneofyourimpudence，sir，ifyouplease，’retortedoldJohn。
　　’Whatwouldyouride，sir？Awildassorzebrawouldbetootameforyou，wouldn’the，ehsir？You’dliketoridearoaringlion，wouldn’tyou，sir，ehsir？Holdyourtongue，sir。’WhenMrWillet，inhisdifferenceswithhisson，hadexhaustedallthequestionsthatoccurredtohim，andJoehadsaidnothingatallinanswer，hegenerallywoundupbybiddinghimholdhistongue。
　　’Andwhatdoestheboymean，’addedMrWillet，afterhehadstaredathimforalittletime，inaspeciesofstupefaction，’bycockinghishat，tosuchanextent！Areyougoingtokillthewintner，sir？’
　　’No，’saidJoe，tartly;’I’mnot。Nowyourmind’satease，father。’
　　’Withamilintaryair，too！’saidMrWillet，surveyinghimfromtoptotoe;’withaswaggering，fire-eating，biling-waterdrinkingsortofwaywithhim！Andwhatdoyoumeanbypullingupthecrocusesandsnowdrops，ehsir？’
　　’It’sonlyalittlenosegay，’saidJoe，reddening。’There’snoharminthat，Ihope？’
　　’You’reaboyofbusiness，youare，sir！’saidMrWillet，disdainfully，’togosupposingthatwintnerscarefornosegays。’
　　’Idon’tsupposeanythingofthekind，’returnedJoe。’Letthemkeeptheirrednosesforbottlesandtankards。ThesearegoingtoMrVarden’shouse。’
　　’AnddoyousupposeHEmindssuchthingsascrocuses？’demandedJohn。
　　’Idon’tknow，andtosaythetruth，Idon’tcare，’saidJoe。
　　’Come，father，givemethemoney，andinthenameofpatienceletmego。’
　　’Thereitis，sir，’repliedJohn;’andtakecareofit;andmindyoudon’tmaketoomuchhasteback，butgivethemarealongrest——
　　Doyoumind？’
　　’Ay，Imind，’returnedJoe。’She’llneedit，Heavenknows。’
　　’Anddon’tyouscoreuptoomuchattheBlackLion，’saidJohn。
　　’Mindthattoo。’
　　’Thenwhydon’tyouletmehavesomemoneyofmyown？’retortedJoe，sorrowfully;’whydon’tyou，father？WhatdoyousendmeintoLondonfor，givingmeonlytherighttocallformydinnerattheBlackLion，whichyou’retopayfornexttimeyougo，asifIwasnottobetrustedwithafewshillings？Whydoyouusemelikethis？It’snotrightofyou。Youcan’texpectmetobequietunderit。’
　　’Lethimhavemoney！’criedJohn，inadrowsyreverie。’Whatdoeshecallmoney——guineas？Hasn’thegotmoney？Overandabovethetolls，hasn’theoneandsixpence？’
　　’Oneandsixpence！’repeatedhissoncontemptuously。
　　’Yes，sir，’returnedJohn，’oneandsixpence。WhenIwasyourage，Ihadneverseensomuchmoney，inaheap。Ashillingofitisincaseofaccidents——themarecastingashoe，orthelikeofthat。
　　TheothersixpenceistospendinthediversionsofLondon;andthediversionIrecommendisgoingtothetopoftheMonument，andsittingthere。There’snotemptationthere，sir——nodrink——noyoungwomen——nobadcharactersofanysort——nothingbutimagination。
　　That’sthewayIenjoyedmyselfwhenIwasyourage，sir。’
　　Tothis，Joemadenoanswer，butbeckoningHugh，leapedintothesaddleandrodeaway;andaverystalwart，manlyhorsemanhelooked，deservingabetterchargerthanitwashisfortunetobestride。Johnstoodstaringafterhim，orratherafterthegreymareforhehadnoeyesforherrider，untilmanandbeasthadbeenoutofsightsometwentyminutes，whenhebegantothinktheyweregone，andslowlyre-enteringthehouse，fellintoagentledoze。
　　Theunfortunategreymare，whowastheagonyofJoe’slife，flounderedalongatherownwillandpleasureuntiltheMaypolewasnolongervisible，andthen，contractingherlegsintowhatinapuppetwouldhavebeenlookeduponasaclumsyandawkwardimitationofacanter，mendedherpaceallatonce，anddiditofherownaccord。Theacquaintancewithherrider’susualmodeofproceeding，whichsuggestedthisimprovementinhers，impelledherlikewisetoturnupabye-way，leading——nottoLondon，butthroughlanesrunningparallelwiththeroadtheyhadcome，andpassingwithinafewhundredyardsoftheMaypole，whichledfinallytoaninclosuresurroundingalarge，old，red-brickmansion——thesameofwhichmentionwasmadeastheWarreninthefirstchapterofthishistory。Comingtoadeadstopinalittlecopsethereabout，shesufferedherridertodismountwithrightgoodwill，andtotiehertothetrunkofatree。
　　’Staythere，oldgirl，’saidJoe，’andletusseewhetherthere’sanylittlecommissionformeto-day。’Sosaying，helefthertobrowzeuponsuchstuntedgrassandweedsashappenedtogrowwithinthelengthofhertether，andpassingthroughawicketgate，enteredthegroundsonfoot。
　　Thepathway，afteraveryfewminutes’walking，broughthimclosetothehouse，towardswhich，andespeciallytowardsoneparticularwindow，hedirectedmanycovertglances。Itwasadreary，silentbuilding，withechoingcourtyards，desolatedturret-chambers，andwholesuitesofroomsshutupandmoulderingtoruin。
　　Theterrace-garden，darkwiththeshadeofoverhangingtrees，hadanairofmelancholythatwasquiteoppressive。Greatirongates，disusedformanyyears，andredwithrust，droopingontheirhingesandovergrownwithlongrankgrass，seemedasthoughtheytriedtosinkintotheground，andhidetheirfallenstateamongthefriendlyweeds。Thefantasticmonstersonthewalls，greenwithageanddamp，andcoveredhereandtherewithmoss，lookedgrimanddesolate。Therewasasombreaspectevenonthatpartofthemansionwhichwasinhabitedandkeptingoodrepair，thatstruckthebeholderwithasenseofsadness;ofsomethingforlornandfailing，whencecheerfulnesswasbanished。Itwouldhavebeendifficulttoimagineabrightfireblazinginthedullanddarkenedrooms，ortopictureanygaietyofheartorrevelrythatthefrowningwallsshutin。Itseemedaplacewheresuchthingshadbeen，butcouldbenomore——theveryghostofahouse，hauntingtheoldspotinitsoldoutwardform，andthatwasall。
　　Muchofthisdecayedandsombrelookwasattributable，nodoubt，tothedeathofitsformermaster，andthetemperofitspresentoccupant;butrememberingthetaleconnectedwiththemansion，itseemedtheveryplaceforsuchadeed，andonethatmighthavebeenitspredestinedtheatreyearsuponyearsago。Viewedwithreferencetothislegend，thesheetofwaterwherethesteward’sbodyhadbeenfoundappearedtowearablackandsullencharacter，suchasnootherpoolmightown;thebellupontheroofthathadtoldthetaleofmurdertothemidnightwind，becameaveryphantomwhosevoicewouldraisethelistener’shaironend;andeveryleaflessboughthatnoddedtoanother，haditsstealthywhisperingofthecrime。
　　Joepacedupanddownthepath，sometimesstoppinginaffectedcontemplationofthebuildingortheprospect，sometimesleaningagainstatreewithanassumedairofidlenessandindifference，butalwayskeepinganeyeuponthewindowhehadsingledoutatfirst。Aftersomequarterofanhour’sdelay，asmallwhitehandwaswavedtohimforaninstantfromthiscasement，andtheyoungman，witharespectfulbow，departed;sayingunderhisbreathashecrossedhishorseagain，’Noerrandformeto-day！’
　　Buttheairofsmartness，thecockofthehattowhichJohnWillethadobjected，andthespringnosegay，allbetokenedsomelittleerrandofhisown，havingamoreinterestingobjectthanavintnerorevenalocksmith。So，indeed，itturnedout;forwhenhehadsettledwiththevintner——whoseplaceofbusinesswasdowninsomedeepcellarshardbyThamesStreet，andwhowasaspurple-facedanoldgentlemanasifhehadallhislifesupportedtheirarchedroofonhishead——whenhehadsettledtheaccount，andtakenthereceipt，anddeclinedtastingmorethanthreeglassesofoldsherry，totheunboundedastonishmentofthepurple-facedvintner，who，gimletinhand，hadprojectedanattackuponatleastascoreofdustycasks，andwhostoodtransfixed，ormorallygimletedasitwere，tohisownwall——whenhehaddoneallthis，anddisposedbesidesofafrugaldinnerattheBlackLioninWhitechapel;
　　spurningtheMonumentandJohn’sadvice，heturnedhisstepstowardsthelocksmith’shouse，attractedbytheeyesofbloomingDollyVarden。
　　Joewasbynomeansasheepishfellow，but，forallthat，whenhegottothecornerofthestreetinwhichthelocksmithlived，hecouldbynomeansmakeuphismindtowalkstraighttothehouse。
　　First，heresolvedtostrollupanotherstreetforfiveminutes，thenupanotherstreetforfiveminutesmore，andsoonuntilhehadlostfullhalfanhour，whenhemadeaboldplungeandfoundhimselfwitharedfaceandabeatingheartinthesmokyworkshop。
　　’JoeWillet，orhisghost？’saidVarden，risingfromthedeskatwhichhewasbusywithhisbooks，andlookingathimunderhisspectacles。’Whichisit？Joeintheflesh，eh？That’shearty。
　　AndhowarealltheChigwellcompany，Joe？’
　　’Muchasusual，sir——theyandIagreeaswellasever。’
　　’Well，well！’saidthelocksmith。’Wemustbepatient，Joe，andbearwitholdfolks’foibles。How’sthemare，Joe？Doesshedothefourmilesanhouraseasilyasever？Ha，ha，ha！Doesshe，Joe？Eh！——Whathavewethere，Joe——anosegay！’
　　’Averypoorone，sir——IthoughtMissDolly——’
　　’No，no，’saidGabriel，droppinghisvoice，andshakinghishead，’notDolly。Give’emtohermother，Joe。Agreatdealbettergive’emtohermother。Wouldyoumindgiving’emtoMrsVarden，Joe？’
　　’Ohno，sir，’Joereplied，andendeavouring，butnotwiththegreatestpossiblesuccess，tohidehisdisappointment。’Ishallbeveryglad，I’msure。’
　　’That’sright，’saidthelocksmith，pattinghimontheback。’Itdon’tmatterwhohas’em，Joe？’
　　’Notabit，sir。’——Dearheart，howthewordsstuckinhisthroat！
　　’Comein，’saidGabriel。’Ihavejustbeencalledtotea。She’sintheparlour。’
　　’She，’thoughtJoe。’Whichof’emIwonder——MrsorMiss？’Thelocksmithsettledthedoubtasneatlyasifithadbeenexpressedaloud，byleadinghimtothedoor，andsaying，’Martha，mydear，here’syoungMrWillet。’
　　Now，MrsVarden，regardingtheMaypoleasasortofhumanmantrap，ordecoyforhusbands;viewingitsproprietor，andallwhoaidedandabettedhim，inthelightofsomanypoachersamongChristianmen;andbelieving，moreover，thatthepublicanscoupledwithsinnersinHolyWritwereveritablelicensedvictuallers;wasfarfrombeingfavourablydisposedtowardshervisitor。Whereforeshewastakenfaintdirectly;andbeingdulypresentedwiththecrocusesandsnowdrops，divinedonfurtherconsiderationthattheyweretheoccasionofthelanguorwhichhadseizeduponherspirits。
　　’I’mafraidIcouldn’tbeartheroomanotherminute，’saidthegoodlady，’iftheyremainedhere。WOULDyouexcusemyputtingthemoutofwindow？’
　　Joebeggedshewouldn’tmentionitonanyaccount，andsmiledfeeblyashesawthemdepositedonthesilloutside。Ifanybodycouldhaveknownthepainshehadtakentomakeupthatdespisedandmisusedbunchofflowers！——
　　’Ifeelitquitearelieftogetridofthem，Iassureyou，’saidMrsVarden。’I’mbetteralready。’Andindeedshedidappeartohavepluckedupherspirits。
　　JoeexpressedhisgratitudetoProvidenceforthisfavourabledispensation，andtriedtolookasifhedidn’twonderwhereDollywas。
　　’You’resadpeopleatChigwell，MrJoseph，’saidMrsV。
　　’Ihopenot，ma’am，’returnedJoe。
　　’You’rethecruellestandmostinconsideratepeopleintheworld，’
　　saidMrsVarden，bridling。’IwonderoldMrWillet，havingbeenamarriedmanhimself，doesn’tknowbetterthantoconducthimselfashedoes。Hisdoingitforprofitisnoexcuse。Iwouldratherpaythemoneytwentytimesover，andhaveVardencomehomelikearespectableandsobertradesman。Ifthereisonecharacter，’saidMrsVardenwithgreatemphasis，’thatoffendsanddisgustsmemorethananother，itisasot。’
　　’Come，Martha，mydear，’saidthelocksmithcheerily，’letushavetea，anddon’tletustalkaboutsots。Therearenonehere，andJoedon’twanttohearaboutthem，Idaresay。’
　　Atthiscrisis，Miggsappearedwithtoast。
　　’Idaresayhedoesnot，’saidMrsVarden;’andIdaresayyoudonot，Varden。It’saveryunpleasantsubiect，Ihavenodoubt，thoughIwon’tsayit’spersonal’——Miggscoughed——’whateverImaybeforcedtothink’——Miggssneezedexpressively。’Youneverwillknow，Varden，andnobodyatyoungMrWillet’sage——you’llexcuseme，sir——canbeexpectedtoknow，whatawomansufferswhensheiswaitingathomeundersuchcircumstances。Ifyoudon’tbelieveme，asIknowyoudon’t，here’sMiggs，whoisonlytoooftenawitnessofit——askher。’