dinner，consideringtheprice。NexttotheprovincialInnsofFrance，withthegreatchurch—towerrisingabovethecourtyard，thehorse—bellsjinglingmerrilyupanddownthestreetbeyond，andtheclocksofalldescriptionsinalltherooms，whichareneverright，unlesstakenatthepreciseminutewhen，bygettingexactlytwelvehourstoofastortooslow，theyunintentionallybecomeso。AwayI
　　went，next，tothelesserroadsideInnsofItaly；whereallthedirtyclothesinthehouse（notinwear）arealwayslyinginyouranteroom；wherethemosquitoesmakearaisinpuddingofyourfaceinsummer，andthecoldbitesitblueinwinter；whereyougetwhatyoucan，andforgetwhatyoucan’t：whereIshouldagainliketobeboilingmyteainapocket—handkerchiefdumpling，forwantofateapot。SototheoldpalaceInnsandoldmonasteryInns，intownsandcitiesofthesamebrightcountry；withtheirmassivequadrangularstaircases，whenceyoumaylookfromamongclusteringpillarshighintothebluevaultofheaven；withtheirstatelybanqueting—rooms，andvastrefectories；withtheirlabyrinthsofghostlybedchambers，andtheirglimpsesintogorgeousstreetsthathavenoappearanceofrealityorpossibility。SotothecloselittleInnsoftheMalariadistricts，withtheirpaleattendants，andtheirpeculiarsmellofneverlettingintheair。SototheimmensefantasticInnsofVenice，withthecryofthegondolierbelow，asheskimsthecorner；thegripofthewateryodoursononeparticularlittlebitofthebridgeofyournose（whichisneverreleasedwhileyoustaythere）；andthegreatbellofSt。Mark’sCathedraltollingmidnight。NextIputupforaminuteattherestlessInnsupontheRhine，whereyourgoingtobed，nomatteratwhathour，appearstobethetocsinforeverybodyelse’sgettingup；
　　andwhere，inthetable—d’hoteroomattheendofthelongtable（withseveralTowersofBabelonitattheotherend，allmadeofwhiteplates），oneknotofstoutishmen，entirelydressedinjewelsanddirt，andhavingnothingelseuponthem，willremainallnight，clinkingglasses，andsingingabouttheriverthatflows，andthegrapethatgrows，andRhinewinethatbeguiles，andRhinewomanthatsmilesandhidrinkdrinkmyfriendandhodrinkdrinkmybrother，andalltherestofit。Idepartedthence，asamatterofcourse，tootherGermanInns，wherealltheeatablesaresoddeneddowntothesameflavour，andwherethemindisdisturbedbytheapparitionofhotpuddings，andboiledcherries，sweetandslab，atawfullyunexpectedperiodsoftherepast。Afteradraughtofsparklingbeerfromafoamingglassjug，andaglanceofrecognitionthroughthewindowsofthestudentbeer—housesatHeidelbergandelsewhere，I
　　putouttoseafortheInnsofAmerica，withtheirfourhundredbedsapiece，andtheireightorninehundredladiesandgentlemenatdinnereveryday。AgainIstoodinthebar—roomsthereof，takingmyeveningcobbler，julep，sling，orcocktail。AgainIlistenedtomyfriendtheGeneral，——whomIhadknownforfiveminutes，inthecourseofwhichperiodhehadmademeintimateforlifewithtwoMajors，whoagainhadmademeintimateforlifewiththreeColonels，whoagainhadmademebrothertotwenty—twocivilians，——again，I
　　say，IlistenedtomyfriendtheGeneral，leisurelyexpoundingtheresourcesoftheestablishment，astogentlemen’smorning—room，sir；
　　ladies’morning—room，sir；gentlemen’sevening—room，sir；ladies’
　　evening—room，sir；ladies’andgentlemen’seveningreuniting—room，sir；music—room，sir；reading—room，sir；overfourhundredsleeping—
　　rooms，sir；andtheentireplannedandfinitedwithintwelvecalendarmonthsfromthefirstclearingoffoftheoldencumbrancesontheplot，atacostoffivehundredthousanddollars，sir。AgainIfound，astomyindividualwayofthinking，thatthegreater，themoregorgeous，andthemoredollaroustheestablishmentwas，thelessdesirableitwas。Nevertheless，againIdrankmycobbler，julep，sling，orcocktail，inallgood—will，tomyfriendtheGeneral，andmyfriendstheMajors，Colonels，andciviliansall；
　　fullwellknowingthat，whateverlittlemotesmybeamyeyesmayhavedescriedintheirs，theybelongtoakind，generous，large—hearted，andgreatpeople。
　　Ihadbeengoingonlatelyataquickpacetokeepmysolitudeoutofmymind；buthereIbrokedownforgood，andgaveupthesubject。
　　WhatwasItodo？Whatwastobecomeofme？IntowhatextremitywasIsubmissivelytosink？Supposingthat，likeBaronTrenck，I
　　lookedoutforamouseorspider，andfoundone，andbeguiledmyimprisonmentbytrainingit？Eventhatmightbedangerouswithaviewtothefuture。Imightbesofargonewhentheroaddidcometobecutthroughthesnow，that，onmywayforth，Imightburstintotears，andbeseech，liketheprisonerwhowasreleasedinhisoldagefromtheBastille，tobetakenbackagaintothefivewindows，thetencurtains，andthesinuousdrapery。
　　Adesperateideacameintomyhead。UnderanyothercircumstancesI
　　shouldhaverejectedit；but，inthestraitatwhichIwas，Ihelditfast。CouldIsofarovercometheinherentbashfulnesswhichwithheldmefromthelandlord’stableandthecompanyImightfindthere，astocalluptheBoots，andaskhimtotakeachair，——andsomethinginaliquidform，——andtalktome？Icould，Iwould，I
　　did。
　　SECONDBRANCH——THEBOOTS
　　Wherehadhebeeninhistime？herepeated，whenIaskedhimthequestion。Lord，hehadbeeneverywhere！Andwhathadhebeen？
　　Blessyou，hehadbeeneverythingyoucouldmentiona’most！
　　Seenagooddeal？Why，ofcoursehehad。Ishouldsayso，hecouldassureme，ifIonlyknewaboutatwentiethpartofwhathadcomeinhisway。Why，itwouldbeeasierforhim，heexpected，totellwhathehadn’tseenthanwhathehad。Ah！Adeal，itwould。
　　Whatwasthecuriousestthinghehadseen？Well！Hedidn’tknow。
　　Hecouldn’tmomentlynamewhatwasthecuriousestthinghehadseen—
　　—unlessitwasaUnicorn，andheseehimonceataFair。Butsupposingayounggentlemannoteightyearoldwastorunawaywithafineyoungwomanofseven，mightIthinkthataqueerstart？
　　Certainly。Thenthatwasastartashehimselfhadhadhisblessedeyeson，andhehadcleanedtheshoestheyrunawayin——andtheywassolittlethathecouldn’tgethishandinto’em。
　　MasterHarryWalmers’father，yousee，helivedattheElmses，downawaybyShooter’sHillthere，sixorsevenmilesfromLunnon。Hewasagentlemanofspirit，andgood—looking，andheldhisheadupwhenhewalked，andhadwhatyoumaycallFireabouthim。Hewrotepoetry，andherode，andheran，andhecricketed，andhedanced，andheacted，andhedoneitallequallybeautiful。HewasuncommonproudofMasterHarryaswashisonlychild；buthedidn’tspoilhimneither。Hewasagentlemanthathadawillofhisownandaeyeofhisown，andthatwouldbeminded。Consequently，thoughhemadequiteacompanionofthefinebrightboy，andwasdelightedtoseehimsofondofreadinghisfairybooks，andwasnevertiredofhearinghimsaymynameisNorval，orhearinghimsinghissongsaboutYoungMayMoonsisbeaminglove，andWhenheasadorestheehasleftbutthename，andthat；stillhekeptthecommandoverthechild，andthechildwasachild，andit’stobewishedmoreof’emwas！
　　HowdidBootshappentoknowallthis？Why，throughbeingunder—
　　gardener。Ofcoursehecouldn’tbeunder—gardener，andbealwaysabout，inthesummer—time，nearthewindowsonthelawn，amowing，andsweeping，andweeding，andpruning，andthisandthat，withoutgettingacquaintedwiththewaysofthefamily。EvensupposingMasterHarryhadn’tcometohimonemorningearly，andsaid，"Cobbs，howshouldyouspellNorah，ifyouwasasked？"andthenbegancuttingitinprintalloverthefence。
　　Hecouldn’tsayhehadtakenparticularnoticeofchildrenbeforethat；butreallyitwasprettytoseethemtwomitesagoingabouttheplacetogether，deepinlove。Andthecourageoftheboy！
　　Blessyoursoul，he’dhavethrowedoffhislittlehat，andtuckeduphislittlesleeves，andgoneinataLion，hewould，iftheyhadhappenedtomeetone，andshehadbeenfrightenedofhim。Onedayhestops，alongwithher，whereBootswashoeingweedsinthegravel，andsays，speakingup，"Cobbs，"hesays，"Ilikeyou。""Doyou，sir？I’mproudtohearit。""Yes，Ido，Cobbs。WhydoIlikeyou，doyouthink，Cobbs？""Don’tknow，MasterHarry，Iamsure。"
　　"BecauseNorahlikesyou，Cobbs。""Indeed，sir？That’sverygratifying。""Gratifying，Cobbs？It’sbetterthanmillionsofthebrightestdiamondstobelikedbyNorah。""Certainly，sir。"
　　"You’regoingaway，ain’tyou，Cobbs？""Yes，sir。""Wouldyoulikeanothersituation，Cobbs？""Well，sir，Ishouldn’tobject，ifitwasagoodInn。""Then，Cobbs，"sayshe，"youshallbeourHeadGardenerwhenwearemarried。"Andhetucksher，inherlittlesky—
　　bluemantle，underhisarm，andwalksaway。
　　Bootscouldassuremethatitwasbetterthanapicter，andequaltoaplay，toseethembabies，withtheirlong，bright，curlinghair，theirsparklingeyes，andtheirbeautifullighttread，aramblingaboutthegarden，deepinlove。Bootswasofopinionthatthebirdsbelievedtheywasbirds，andkeptupwith’em，singingtoplease’em。SometimestheywouldcreepundertheTulip—tree，andwouldsittherewiththeirarmsroundoneanother’snecks，andtheirsoftcheekstouching，areadingaboutthePrinceandtheDragon，andthegoodandbadenchanters，andtheking’sfairdaughter。Sometimeshewouldhearthemplanningabouthavingahouseinaforest，keepingbeesandacow，andlivingentirelyonmilkandhoney。Oncehecameuponthembythepond，andheardMasterHarrysay，"AdorableNorah，kissme，andsayyoulovemetodistraction，orI’lljumpinhead—
　　foremost。"AndBootsmadenoquestionhewouldhavedoneitifshehadn’tcomplied。Onthewhole，Bootssaidithadatendencytomakehimfeelasifhewasinlovehimself——onlyhedidn’texactlyknowwhowith。
　　"Cobbs，"saidMasterHarry，oneevening，whenCobbswaswateringtheflowers，"Iamgoingonavisit，thispresentMidsummer，tomygrandmamma’satYork。"
　　"Areyouindeed，sir？Ihopeyou’llhaveapleasanttime。IamgoingintoYorkshire，myself，whenIleavehere。"
　　"Areyougoingtoyourgrandmamma’s，Cobbs？"
　　"No，sir。Ihaven’tgotsuchathing。"
　　"Notasagrandmamma，Cobbs？"
　　"No，sir。"
　　Theboylookedonatthewateringoftheflowersforalittlewhile，andthensaid，"Ishallbeverygladindeedtogo，Cobbs，——Norah’sgoing。"
　　"You’llbeallrightthen，sir，"saysCobbs，"withyourbeautifulsweetheartbyyourside。"
　　"Cobbs，"returnedtheboy，flushing，"Ineverletanybodyjokeaboutit，whenIcanpreventthem。"
　　"Itwasn’tajoke，sir，"saysCobbs，withhumility，——"wasn’tsomeant。"
　　"Iamgladofthat，Cobbs，becauseIlikeyou，youknow，andyou’regoingtolivewithus。——Cobbs！"
　　"Sir。"
　　"WhatdoyouthinkmygrandmammagivesmewhenIgodownthere？"
　　"Icouldn’tsomuchasmakeaguess，sir。"
　　"ABankofEnglandfive—poundnote，Cobbs。"
　　"Whew！"saysCobbs，"that’saspankingsumofmoney，MasterHarry。"
　　"Apersoncoulddoagooddealwithsuchasumofmoneyasthat，——
　　couldn’taperson，Cobbs？"
　　"Ibelieveyou，sir！"
　　"Cobbs，"saidtheboy，"I’lltellyouasecret。AtNorah’shouse，theyhavebeenjokingheraboutme，andpretendingtolaughatourbeingengaged，——pretendingtomakegameofit，Cobbs！"
　　"Such，sir，"saysCobbs，"isthedepravityofhumannatur。"
　　Theboy，lookingexactlylikehisfather，stoodforafewminuteswithhisglowingfacetowardsthesunset，andthendepartedwith，"Good—night，Cobbs。I’mgoingin。"
　　IfIwastoaskBootshowithappenedthathewasa—goingtoleavethatplacejustatthatpresenttime，well，hecouldn’trightlyanswerme。Hedidsupposehemighthavestayedtheretillnowifhehadbeenanywaysinclined。But，yousee，hewasyoungerthen，andhewantedchange。That’swhathewanted，——change。Mr。Walmers，hesaidtohimwhenhegavehimnoticeofhisintentionstoleave，"Cobbs，"hesays，"haveyouanythinktocomplainof？ImaketheinquirybecauseifIfindthatanyofmypeoplereallyhasanythinktocomplainof，IwishtomakeitrightifIcan。""No，sir。"saysCobbs；"thankingyou，sir，IfindmyselfaswellsitiwatedhereasI
　　couldhopetobeanywheres。Thetruthis，sir，thatI’ma—goingtoseekmyfortun’。""O，indeed，Cobbs！"hesays；"Ihopeyoumayfindit。"AndBootscouldassureme——whichhedid，touchinghishairwithhisbootjack，asasaluteinthewayofhispresentcalling——
　　thathehadn’tfoundityet。
　　Well，sir！BootslefttheElmseswhenhistimewasup，andMasterHarry，hewentdowntotheoldlady’satYork，whicholdladywouldhavegiventhatchildtheteethoutofherhead（ifshehadhadany），shewassowrappedupinhim。WhatdoesthatInfantdo，——forInfantyoumaycallhimandbewithinthemark，——butcutawayfromthatoldlady’swithhisNorah，onaexpeditiontogotoGretnaGreenandbemarried！
　　Sir，BootswasatthisidenticalHolly—TreeInn（havingleftitseveraltimessincetobetterhimself，butalwayscomebackthroughonethingoranother），when，onesummerafternoon，thecoachdrivesup，andoutofthecoachgetsthemtwochildren。TheGuardsaystoourGovernor，"Idon’tquitemakeouttheselittlepassengers，buttheyounggentleman’swordswas，thattheywastobebroughthere。"
　　Theyounggentlemangetsout；handshisladyout；givestheGuardsomethingforhimself；saystoourGovernor，"We’retostophereto—
　　night，please。Sitting—roomandtwobedroomswillberequired。
　　Chopsandcherry—puddingfortwo！"andtucksher，inhersky—bluemantle，underhisarm，andwalksintothehousemuchbolderthanBrass。
　　Bootsleavesmetojudgewhattheamazementofthatestablishmentwas，whenthesetwotinycreaturesallalonebythemselveswasmarchedintotheAngel，——muchmoreso，whenhe，whohadseenthemwithouttheirseeinghim，givetheGovernorhisviewsoftheexpeditiontheywasupon。"Cobbs，"saystheGovernor，"ifthisisso，ImustsetoffmyselftoYork，andquiettheirfriends’minds。
　　Inwhichcaseyoumustkeepyoureyeupon’em，andhumour’em，tillIcomeback。ButbeforeItakethesemeasures，Cobbs，Ishouldwishyoutofindfromthemselveswhetheryouropinioniscorrect。""Sir，toyou，"saysCobbs，"thatshallbedonedirectly。"
　　SoBootsgoesup—stairstotheAngel，andtherehefindsMasterHarryonae—normoussofa，——immenseatanytime，butlookingliketheGreatBedofWare，comparedwithhim，——adryingtheeyesofMissNorahwithhispocket—hankecher。Theirlittlelegswasentirelyofftheground，ofcourse，anditreallyisnotpossibleforBootstoexpresstomehowsmallthemchildrenlooked。
　　"It’sCobbs！It’sCobbs！"criesMasterHarry，andcomesrunningtohim，andcatchingholdofhishand。MissNorahcomesrunningtohimont’othersideandcatchingholdofhist’otherhand，andtheybothjumpforjoy。
　　"Iseeyouagettingout，sir，"saysCobbs。"Ithoughtitwasyou。
　　IthoughtIcouldn’tbemistakeninyourheightandfigure。What’stheobjectofyourjourney，sir？——Matrimonial？"
　　"Wearegoingtobemarried，Cobbs，atGretnaGreen，"returnedtheboy。"Wehaverunawayonpurpose。Norahhasbeeninratherlowspirits，Cobbs；butshe’llbehappy，nowwehavefoundyoutobeourfriend。"
　　"Thankyou，sir，andthankyou，miss，"saysCobbs，"foryourgoodopinion。Didyoubringanyluggagewithyou，sir？"
　　IfIwillbelieveBootswhenhegivesmehiswordandhonouruponit，theladyhadgotaparasol，asmelling—bottle，aroundandahalfofcoldbutteredtoast，eightpeppermintdrops，andahair—
　　brush，——seeminglyadoll’s。Thegentlemanhadgotabouthalfadozenyardsofstring，aknife，threeorfoursheetsofwriting—
　　paperfoldedupsurprisingsmall，aorange，andaChaneymugwithhisnameuponit。
　　"Whatmaybetheexactnaturofyourplans，sir？"saysCobbs。
　　"Togoon，"repliedtheboy，——whichthecourageofthatboywassomethingwonderful！——"inthemorning，andbemarriedto—morrow。"
　　"Justso，sir，"saysCobbs。"Woulditmeetyourviews，sir，ifI
　　wastoaccompanyyou？"
　　WhenCobbssaidthis，theybothjumpedforjoyagain，andcriedout，"Oh，yes，yes，Cobbs！Yes！"
　　"Well，sir，"saysCobbs。"Ifyouwillexcusemyhavingthefreedomtogiveanopinion，whatIshouldrecommendwouldbethis。I’macquaintedwithapony，sir，which，putinapheaytonthatIcouldborrow，wouldtakeyouandMrs。HarryWalmers，Junior，（myselfdriving，ifyouapproved，）totheendofyourjourneyinaveryshortspaceoftime。Iamnotaltogethersure，sir，thatthisponywillbeatlibertyto—morrow，butevenifyouhadtowaitoverto—
　　morrowforhim，itmightbeworthyourwhile。Astothesmallaccounthere，sir，incaseyouwastofindyourselfrunningatallshort，thatdon’tsignify；becauseI’mapartproprietorofthisinn，anditcouldstandover。"
　　Bootsassuresmethatwhentheyclappedtheirhands，andjumpedforjoyagain，andcalledhim"GoodCobbs！"and"DearCobbs！"andbentacrosshimtokissoneanotherinthedelightoftheirconfidinghearts，hefelthimselfthemeanestrascalfordeceiving’emthateverwasborn。
　　"Isthereanythingyouwantjustatpresent，sir？"saysCobbs，mortallyashamedofhimself。
　　"Weshouldlikesomecakesafterdinner，"answeredMasterHarry，foldinghisarms，puttingoutoneleg，andlookingstraightathim，"andtwoapples，——andjam。Withdinnerweshouldliketohavetoast—and—water。ButNorahhasalwaysbeenaccustomedtohalfaglassofcurrantwineatdessert。AndsohaveI。"
　　"Itshallbeorderedatthebar，sir，"saysCobbs；andawayhewent。
　　Bootshasthefeelingasfreshuponhimatthisminuteofspeakingashehadthen，thathewouldfarratherhavehaditoutinhalf—a—
　　dozenroundswiththeGovernorthanhavecombinedwithhim；andthathewishedwithallhishearttherewasanyimpossibleplacewherethosetwobabiescouldmakeanimpossiblemarriage，andliveimpossiblyhappyeverafterwards。However，asitcouldn’tbe，hewentintotheGovernor’splans，andtheGovernorsetoffforYorkinhalfanhour。
　　Thewayinwhichthewomenofthathouse——withoutexception——everyoneof’em——marriedandsingle——tooktothatboywhentheyheardthestory，Bootsconsiderssurprising。Itwasasmuchashecoulddotokeep’emfromdashingintotheroomandkissinghim。Theyclimbedupallsortsofplaces，attheriskoftheirlives，tolookathimthroughapaneofglass。Theywassevendeepatthekeyhole。Theywasoutoftheirmindsabouthimandhisboldspirit。
　　Intheevening，Bootswentintotheroomtoseehowtherunawaycouplewasgettingon。Thegentlemanwasonthewindow—seat，supportingtheladyinhisarms。Shehadtearsuponherface，andwaslying，verytiredandhalfasleep，withherheaduponhisshoulder。
　　"Mrs。HarryWalmers，Junior，fatigued，sir？"saysCobbs。
　　"Yes，sheistired，Cobbs；butsheisnotusedtobeawayfromhome，andshehasbeeninlowspiritsagain。Cobbs，doyouthinkyoucouldbringabiffin，please？"
　　"Iaskyourpardon，sir，"saysCobbs。"Whatwasityou——？"
　　"IthinkaNorfolkbiffinwouldrouseher，Cobbs。Sheisveryfondofthem。"
　　Bootswithdrewinsearchoftherequiredrestorative，andwhenhebroughtitin，thegentlemanhandedittothelady，andfedherwithaspoon，andtookalittlehimself；theladybeingheavywithsleep，andrathercross。"Whatshouldyouthink，sir，"saysCobbs，"ofachambercandlestick？"Thegentlemanapproved；thechambermaidwentfirst，upthegreatstaircase；thelady，inhersky—bluemantle，followed，gallantlyescortedbythegentleman；thegentlemanembracedheratherdoor，andretiredtohisownapartment，whereBootssoftlylockedhimup。
　　Bootscouldn’tbutfeelwithincreasedacutenesswhatabasedeceiverhewas，whentheyconsultedhimatbreakfast（theyhadorderedsweetmilk—and—water，andtoastandcurrantjelly，over—
　　night）aboutthepony。Itreallywasasmuchashecoulddo，hedon’tmindconfessingtome，tolookthemtwoyoungthingsintheface，andthinkwhatawickedoldfatheroflieshehadgrownuptobe。Howsomever，hewentonalyinglikeaTrojanaboutthepony。
　　Hetold’emthatitdidsounfortunatelyhappenthattheponywashalfclipped，yousee，andthathecouldn’tbetakenoutinthatstate，forfearitshouldstriketohisinside。Butthathe’dbefinishedclippinginthecourseoftheday，andthatto—morrowmorningateighto’clockthepheaytonwouldbeready。Boots’sviewofthewholecase，lookingbackonitinmyroom，is，thatMrs。
　　HarryWalmers，Junior，wasbeginningtogivein。Shehadn’thadherhaircurledwhenshewenttobed，andshedidn’tseemquiteuptobrushingitherself，anditsgettinginhereyesputherout。ButnothingputoutMasterHarry。Hesatbehindhisbreakfast—cup，atearingawayatthejelly，asifhehadbeenhisownfather。
　　Afterbreakfast，Bootsisinclinedtoconsiderthattheydrawedsoldiers，——atleast，heknowsthatmanysuchwasfoundinthefire—
　　place，allonhorseback。Inthecourseofthemorning，MasterHarryrangthebell，——itwassurprisinghowthatthereboydidcarryon，——
　　andsaid，inasprightlyway，"Cobbs，isthereanygoodwalksinthisneighbourhood？"
　　"Yes，sir，"saysCobbs。"There’sLoveLane。"
　　"Getoutwithyou，Cobbs！"——thatwasthatthereboy’sexpression，——
　　"you’rejoking。"
　　"Beggingyourpardon，sir，"saysCobbs，"therereallyisLoveLane。
　　Andapleasantwalkitis，andproudshallIbetoshowittoyourselfandMrs。HarryWalmers，Junior。"
　　"Norah，dear，"saidMasterHarry，"thisiscurious。WereallyoughttoseeLoveLane。Putonyourbonnet，mysweetestdarling，andwewillgotherewithCobbs。"
　　BootsleavesmetojudgewhataBeasthefelthimselftobe，whenthatyoungpairtoldhim，astheyallthreejoggedalongtogether，thattheyhadmadeuptheirmindstogivehimtwothousandguineasayearashead—gardener，onaccountsofhisbeingsotrueafriendto’em。Bootscouldhavewishedatthemomentthattheearthwouldhaveopenedandswallowedhimup，hefeltsomean，withtheirbeamingeyesalookingathim，andbelievinghim。Well，sir，heturnedtheconversationaswellashecould，andhetook’emdownLoveLanetothewater—meadows，andthereMasterHarrywouldhavedrownedhimselfinhalfamomentmore，agettingoutawater—lilyforher，——butnothingdauntedthatboy。Well，sir，theywastiredout。Allbeingsonewandstrangeto’em，theywastiredastiredcouldbe。Andtheylaiddownonabankofdaisies，likethechildreninthewood，leastwaysmeadows，andfellasleep。
　　Bootsdon’tknow——perhapsIdo，——butnevermind，itdon’tsignifyeitherway——whyitmadeamanfittomakeafoolofhimselftoseethemtwoprettybabiesalyingthereintheclearstillsunnyday，notdreaminghalfsohardwhentheywasasleepastheydonewhentheywasawake。But，Lord！whenyoucometothinkofyourself，youknow，andwhatagameyouhavebeenuptoeversinceyouwasinyourowncradle，andwhatapoorsortofachapyouare，andhowit’salwayseitherYesterdaywithyou，orelseTo—morrow，andneverTo—
　　day，that’swhereitis！
　　Well，sir，theywokeupatlast，andthenonethingwasgettingprettycleartoBoots，namely，thatMrs。HarryWalmerses，Junior’s，temperwasonthemove。WhenMasterHarrytookherroundthewaist，shesaidhe"teasedherso；"andwhenhesays，"Norah，myyoungMayMoon，yourHarryteaseyou？"shetellshim，"Yes；andIwanttogohome！"
　　Abiledfowl，andbakedbread—and—butterpudding，broughtMrs。
　　Walmersupalittle；butBootscouldhavewished，hemustprivatelyowntome，tohaveseenhermoresensibleofthewoiceoflove，andlessabandoningofherselftocurrants。However，MasterHarry，hekeptup，andhisnobleheartwasasfondasever。Mrs。Walmersturnedverysleepyaboutdusk，andbegantocry。Therefore，Mrs。
　　Walmerswentofftobedasperyesterday；andMasterHarrydittorepeated。
　　AboutelevenortwelveatnightcomesbacktheGovernorinachaise，alongwithMr。Walmersandaelderlylady。Mr。Walmerslooksamusedandveryserious，bothatonce，andsaystoourmissis，"Wearemuchindebtedtoyou，ma’am，foryourkindcareofourlittlechildren，whichwecanneversufficientlyacknowledge。Pray，ma’am，whereismyboy？"Ourmississays，"Cobbshasthedearchildincharge，sir。
　　Cobbs，showForty！"ThenhesaystoCobbs，"Ah，Cobbs，Iamgladtoseeyou！Iunderstoodyouwashere！"AndCobbssays，"Yes，sir。
　　Yourmostobedient，sir。"
　　ImaybesurprisedtohearBootssayit，perhaps；butBootsassuresmethathisheartbeatlikeahammer，goingup—stairs。"Ibegyourpardon，sir，"sayshe，whileunlockingthedoor；"IhopeyouarenotangrywithMasterHarry。ForMasterHarryisafineboy，sir，andwilldoyoucreditandhonour。"AndBootssignifiestome，that，ifthefineboy’sfatherhadcontradictedhiminthedaringstateofmindinwhichhethenwas，hethinksheshouldhave"fetchedhimacrack，"andtakentheconsequences。
　　ButMr。Walmersonlysays，"No，Cobbs。No，mygoodfellow。Thankyou！"And，thedoorbeingopened，goesin。
　　Bootsgoesintoo，holdingthelight，andheseesMr。Walmersgouptothebedside，bendgentlydown，andkissthelittlesleepingface。
　　Thenhestandslookingatitforaminute，lookingwonderfullylikeit（theydosayheranawaywithMrs。Walmers）；andthenhegentlyshakesthelittleshoulder。
　　"Harry，mydearboy！Harry！"
　　MasterHarrystartsupandlooksathim。LooksatCobbstoo。Suchisthehonourofthatmite，thathelooksatCobbs，toseewhetherhehasbroughthimintotrouble。
　　"Iamnotangry，mychild。Ionlywantyoutodressyourselfandcomehome。"
　　"Yes，pa。"
　　MasterHarrydresseshimselfquickly。Hisbreastbeginstoswellwhenhehasnearlyfinished，anditswellsmoreandmoreashestands，atlast，alookingathisfather：hisfatherstandingalookingathim，thequietimageofhim。
　　"PleasemayI"——thespiritofthatlittlecreatur，andthewayhekepthisrisingtearsdown！——"please，dearpa——mayI——kissNorahbeforeIgo？"
　　"Youmay，mychild。"
　　SohetakesMasterHarryinhishand，andBootsleadsthewaywiththecandle，andtheycometothatotherbedroom，wheretheelderlyladyisseatedbythebed，andpoorlittleMrs。HarryWalmers，Junior，isfastasleep。Therethefatherliftsthechilduptothepillow，andhelayshislittlefacedownforaninstantbythelittlewarmfaceofpoorunconsciouslittleMrs。HarryWalmers，Junior，andgentlydrawsittohim，——asightsotouchingtothechambermaidswhoarepeepingthroughthedoor，thatoneofthemcallsout，"It’sashametopart’em！"Butthischambermaidwasalways，asBootsinformsme，asoft—heartedone。Notthattherewasanyharminthatgirl。Farfromit。
　　Finally，Bootssays，that’sallaboutit。Mr。Walmersdroveawayinthechaise，havingholdofMasterHarry’shand。TheelderlyladyandMrs。HarryWalmers，Junior，thatwasnevertobe（shemarriedaCaptainlongafterwards，anddiedinIndia），wentoffnextday。Inconclusion，BootsputittomewhetherIholdwithhimintwoopinions：firstly，thattherearenotmanycouplesontheirwaytobemarriedwhoarehalfasinnocentofguileasthosetwochildren；
　　secondly，thatitwouldbeajollygoodthingforagreatmanycouplesontheirwaytobemarried，iftheycouldonlybestoppedintime，andbroughtbackseparately。
　　THIRDBRANCH——THEBILL
　　Ihadbeensnowedupawholeweek。Thetimehadhungsolightlyonmyhands，thatIshouldhavebeeningreatdoubtofthefactbutforapieceofdocumentaryevidencethatlayuponmytable。
　　Theroadhadbeendugoutofthesnowonthepreviousday，andthedocumentinquestionwasmybill。Ittestifiedemphaticallytomyhavingeatenanddrunk，andwarmedmyself，andsleptamongtheshelteringbranchesoftheHolly—Tree，sevendaysandnights。
　　Ihadyesterdayallowedtheroadtwenty—fourhourstoimproveitself，findingthatIrequiredthatadditionalmarginoftimeforthecompletionofmytask。IhadorderedmyBilltobeuponthetable，andachaisetobeatthedoor，"ateighto’clockto—morrowevening。"Itwaseighto’clockto—morroweveningwhenIbuckledupmytravellingwriting—deskinitsleathercase，paidmyBill，andgotonmywarmcoatsandwrappers。Ofcourse，notimenowremainedformytravellingontoaddafrozenteartotheicicleswhichweredoubtlesshangingplentifullyaboutthefarmhousewhereIhadfirstseenAngela。WhatIhadtodowastogetacrosstoLiverpoolbytheshortestopenroad，theretomeetmyheavybaggageandembark。Itwasquiteenoughtodo，andIhadnotanhourtoomuchtimetodoitin。
　　IhadtakenleaveofallmyHolly—Treefriends——almost，forthetimebeing，ofmybashfulnesstoo——andwasstandingforhalfaminuteattheInndoorwatchingtheostlerashetookanotherturnatthecordwhichtiedmyportmanteauonthechaise，whenIsawlampscomingdowntowardstheHolly—Tree。Theroadwassopaddedwithsnowthatnowheelswereaudible；butallofuswhowerestandingattheInndoorsawlampscomingon，andatalivelyratetoo，betweenthewallsofsnowthathadbeenheapeduponeithersideofthetrack。
　　Thechambermaidinstantlydivinedhowthecasestood，andcalledtotheostler，"Tom，thisisaGretnajob！"Theostler，knowingthathersexinstinctivelyscentedamarriage，oranythinginthatdirection，rusheduptheyardbawling，"Nextfourout！"andinamomentthewholeestablishmentwasthrownintocommotion。
　　Ihadamelancholyinterestinseeingthehappymanwholovedandwasbeloved；andtherefore，insteadofdrivingoffatonce，I
　　remainedattheInndoorwhenthefugitivesdroveup。Abright—eyedfellow，muffledinamantle，jumpedoutsobrisklythathealmostoverthrewme。Heturnedtoapologise，and，byheaven，itwasEdwin！
　　"Charley！"saidhe，recoiling。"Graciouspowers，whatdoyoudohere？"
　　"Edwin，"saidI，recoiling，"graciouspowers，whatdoyoudohere？"
　　IstruckmyforeheadasIsaidit，andaninsupportableblazeoflightseemedtoshootbeforemyeyes。
　　Hehurriedmeintothelittleparlour（alwayskeptwithaslowfireinitandnopoker），wherepostingcompanywaitedwhiletheirhorseswereputtingto，and，shuttingthedoor，said：
　　"Charley，forgiveme！"
　　"Edwin！"Ireturned。"Wasthiswell？WhenIlovedhersodearly！
　　WhenIhadgarneredupmyheartsolong！"Icouldsaynomore。
　　HewasshockedwhenhesawhowmovedIwas，andmadethecruelobservation，thathehadnotthoughtIshouldhavetakenitsomuchtoheart。
　　Ilookedathim。Ireproachedhimnomore。ButIlookedathim。
　　"Mydear，dearCharley，"saidhe，"don’tthinkillofme，Ibeseechyou！Iknowyouhavearighttomyutmostconfidence，and，believeme，youhaveeverhadituntilnow。Iabhorsecrecy。Itsmeannessisintolerabletome。ButIandmydeargirlhaveobserveditforyoursake。"
　　Heandhisdeargirl！Itsteeledme。
　　"Youhaveobserveditformysake，sir？"saidI，wonderinghowhisfrankfacecouldfaceitoutso。
　　"Yes！——andAngela’s，"saidhe。
　　Ifoundtheroomreelingroundinanuncertainway，likealabouring，humming—top。"Explainyourself，"saidI，holdingonbyonehandtoanarm—chair。
　　"DearolddarlingCharley！"returnedEdwin，inhiscordialmanner，"consider！WhenyouweregoingonsohappilywithAngela，whyshouldIcompromiseyouwiththeoldgentlemanbymakingyouapartytoourengagement，and（afterhehaddeclinedmyproposals）tooursecretintention？Surelyitwasbetterthatyoushouldbeablehonourablytosay，’Henevertookcounselwithme，nevertoldme，neverbreathedawordofit。’IfAngelasuspectedit，andshowedmeallthefavourandsupportshecould——Godblessherforapreciouscreatureandapricelesswife！——Icouldn’thelpthat。NeitherInorEmmelineevertoldher，anymorethanwetoldyou。Andforthesamegoodreason，Charley；trustme，forthesamegoodreason，andnootheruponearth！"
　　EmmelinewasAngela’scousin。Livedwithher。Hadbeenbroughtupwithher。Washerfather’sward。Hadproperty。
　　"Emmelineisinthechaise，mydearEdwin！"saidI，embracinghimwiththegreatestaffection。
　　"Mygoodfellow！"saidhe，"doyousupposeIshouldbegoingtoGretnaGreenwithouther？"
　　IranoutwithEdwin，Iopenedthechaisedoor，ItookEmmelineinmyarms，Ifoldedhertomyheart。Shewaswrappedinsoftwhitefur，likethesnowylandscape：butwaswarm，andyoung，andlovely。
　　Iputtheirleaderstowithmyownhands，Igavetheboysafive—
　　poundnoteapiece，Icheeredthemastheydroveaway，IdrovetheotherwaymyselfashardasIcouldpelt。
　　IneverwenttoLiverpool，IneverwenttoAmerica，IwentstraightbacktoLondon，andImarriedAngela。Ihaveneveruntilthistime，eventoher，disclosedthesecretofmycharacter，andthemistrustandthemistakenjourneyintowhichitledme。Whenshe，andthey，andoureightchildrenandtheirseven——ImeanEdwinandEmmeline’s，whoseoldestgirlisoldenoughnowtowearwhiteforherself，andtolookverylikehermotherinit——cometoreadthesepages，asofcoursetheywill，Ishallhardlyfailtobefoundoutatlast。
　　Nevermind！Icanbearit。IbeganattheHolly—Tree，byidleaccident，toassociatetheChristmastimeofyearwithhumaninterest，andwithsomeinquiryinto，andsomecarefor，thelivesofthosebywhomIfindmyselfsurrounded。IhopethatIamnonetheworseforit，andthatnoonenearmeorafaroffistheworseforit。AndIsay，MaythegreenHolly—Treeflourish，strikingitsrootsdeepintoourEnglishground，andhavingitsgerminatingqualitiescarriedbythebirdsofHeavenallovertheworld！