JustinhadoncecomebacktoEdgewood，anditwasthebitterestdropinhercupofbitternessthatshewasspendingthatwinterinBerwick（where，sotheneighbourstoldhim，shewasagreatfavouriteinsociety，andwasreceivingmuchattentionfromgentlemen），sothatshehadneverheardofhisvisituntilthespringhadcomeagain。Partedfriendsdidnotkeepupwithoneanother’saffairsbymeansofepistolarycommunication，inthosedays，inEdgewood；itwasnotthecustom。SpokenwordsweredifficultenoughtoJustinPeabody，andwrittenwordswerequiteimpossible，especiallyiftheyweretobeusedtodefinehishalf—
consciousdesiresandhisfluctuationsofwill，ortorecounthisdisappointmentsanddiscouragementsandmistakes。
CHAPTERIV
ItwasSaturdayafternoon，thetwenty—fourthofDecember，andthewearysistersoftheDorcasbandrosefromtheirbruisedkneesandremovedtheirlittlestoresofcarpet—tacksfromtheirmouths。
Thiswasafemininecustomoflongstanding，andasnovillagedressmakerhadeverdiedofpinsinthedigestiveorgans，sowerenosymptomsofcarpet—tackseverdiscoveredinanyDorcas，livingordead。Menwonderedatthehabitandreviledit，butstoodconfoundedinthepresenceofitsindubitableharmlessness。
Theredingraincarpetwasindeedverywarm，beautiful，andcomfortingtotheeye，andthesistersweresuitablygratefultoProvidence，anddevoutlythankfultothemselves，thattheyhadbeenenabledtobuy，sew，andlaysomanyyardsofit。Butastheystoodlookingattheircompletedtask，itwascruellytruethattherewasmuchlefttodo。
Theaisleshadbeenpainteddarkbrownoneachsideoftheredstripsleadingfromthedoorstothepulpit，buttherestofthechurchfloorwas"athingofshredsandpatches。"Eachmemberofthecarpetcommitteehadpaid（asamatterofpride，howeverillshecouldaffordit）threedollarsandsixty—sevencentsforsufficientcarpettolayinherownpew；butthesebrilliantspotsofconscientiouseffortonlymadethestretchesofbare，unpaintedfloormoreevident。Andthatwasnotall。Tracesofformerspasmodicandindividualeffortsdesecratedthepresentideals。
Thedoctor’spewhadapinkandblueBrusselsonit；thelawyer’s，stripedstair—carpeting；theBrownsfromDeerwandersportedstrawmattingandwerenotabashed；whiletheGreens，theWhites，theBlacksandtheGreysdisplayedfloorcoveringsasdissimilarastheirnames。
"Inevernoticeditbefore！"exclaimedMariaSharp，"butitain’tChristian，thatfloor！it’sheathenishandungodly！"
"Formercy’ssake，don’tswear，Maria，"saidMrs。Millernervously。
"We’vedoneourbest，andlet’shopethatfolkswilllookupandnotdown。Itisn’tasiftheyweregoingtosetinthechandelier；
they’llhavesomethingelsetothinkaboutwhenNancygetsherhemlockbranchesandwhitecarnationsinthepulpitvases。ThismorningmyAbnerpickedofftwopinksfromtheplantI’vebeennursinginmydining—roomforweeks，tryingtomakeitbloomforChristmas。Islappedhishandsgood，andit’sbeenhauntingmeeversincetothinkIhadtocorrecthimthedaybeforeChristmas——
Come，Lobelia，wemustbehurrying！"
"Onethingcomfortsme，"exclaimedtheWidowBuzzell，asshetookherhammerandtackspreparatorytoleaving；"andthatisthattheMethodistmeetin’—houseain’tgotanycarpetatall。"
"Mrs。Buzzell，Mrs。Buzzell！"interruptedtheminister’swife，withasmilethattookthestingfromherspeech。"ItwillbelikepunishinglittleAbnerMiller；ifwethinkthosethoughtsonChristmasEve，weshallsurelybehauntedafterward。"
"Andanyway，"interjectedMariaSharp，whoalwayssavedthesituation，"youjustwaitandseeiftheMethodistsdon’tsaythey’dratherhavenocarpetatallthanhaveonethatdon’tgoalloverthefloor。Iknow’em！"andsheputonherhoodandblanket—
shawlasshegaveonelastfondlookattheimprovements。
"I’mgoinghometogetmysupper，andcomebackafterwardtolaythecarpetinmypew；mybeansandbrownbreadwillbejustrightbynow，andperhapsitwillrestmealittle；besides，Imustfeed’Zekiel。"
AsNancyWentworthspoke，shesatinacornerofherownmodestrearseat，lookingalittlepaleandtired。Herwavingdarkhairhadloosenedandfallenoverhercheeks，andhereyesgleamedfromunderitwistfully。NowadaysNancy’seyesneverhadthesparkleofgazingintothefuture，butalwaystheliquidsoftnessthatcomesfromlookingbackward。
"Thechurchwillberealcoldbythen，Nancy，"objectedMrs。
Burbank。——"Good—night，Mrs。Baxter。"
"Oh，no！Ishallbebackbyhalf—pastsix，andIshallnotworklong。DoyouknowwhatIbelieveI’lldo，Mrs。Burbank，justthroughtheholidays？ChristmasandNewYear’sbothcomingonSundaythisyear，there’llbeagreatmanyouttochurch，notcountingthestrangersthat’llcometothespecialserviceto—
morrow。Insteadofputtingdownmyownpewcarpetthat’llneverbenoticedhereintheback，I’lllayitintheoldPeabodypew，fortheredaisle—stripleadsstraightuptoit；theministersalwaysgoupthatside，anditdoeslookforlorn。"
"That’sso！Andallthemorebecausemypew，that’sexactlyoppositeintheleftwing，isnewcarpetedandcushioned，"repliedthepresident。"Ithinkit’srealgenerousofyou，Nancy，becausetheRiverborofolks，knowingthatyou’reamemberofthecarpetcommittee，willbesuretonotice，andthinkit’squeeryouhaven’tmadeanefforttocarpetyourownpew。"
"Nevermind！"smiledNancywearily。"RiverborofolksnevergotobedonSaturdaynightswithoutwonderingwhatEdgewoodisthinkingaboutthem！"
Theminister’swifestoodatherwindowwatchingNancyasshepassedtheparsonage。
"Howwasted！Howwasted！"shesighed。"Goinghometoeatherlonelysupperandfeed’Zekiel……Icanbearitfortheothers，butnotforNancy……Nowshehaslightedherlamp，nowshehasputfreshpineonthefire，fornewsmokecomesfromthechimney。
WhyshouldIsitdownandservemydearhusband，andNancyfeed’Zekiel？"
TherewassometruthinMrs。Baxter’sfeeling。Mrs。Buzzell，forinstance，hadthreesons；MariaSharpwasabsorbedinherlamefatherandherSunday—schoolwork；andLobeliaBrewsterwouldnothaveconsideredmatrimonyablessing，evenunderthemostfavourableconditions。ButNancywasframedandplannedforotherthings，and’Zekielwasaninsufficientchannelforhersoft，womanlysympathyandherbrightactivityofmindandbody。
’Zekielhadlosthistailinamowing—machine；’Zekielhadtheasthma，andtheimmersionofhisnoseinmilkmadehimsneeze，sohewaswonttosliphispawinandoutofthedishandlickitpatientlyforfiveminutestogether。Nancyoftenwatchedhimpityingly，givinghimkindandgentlewordstosustainhisfaintingspirit，butto—nightshepaidnoheedtohim，althoughhesneezedviolentlytoattractherattention。
Shehadputhersupperonthelightedtablebythekitchenwindowandwaspouringouthercupoftea，whenaboyrappedatthedoor。
"Here’sapaperandaletter，MissWentworth，"hesaid。"It’sthesecondthisweek，andtheythinkovertothestorethatthatBerwickwidowermustbesettin’upandtakin’notice！"
Shehadindeedreceivedaletterthedaybefore，anunsignedcommunication，consistingonlyofthewords，"SecondEpistleofJohn。Verse12。"
ShehadtakenherBibletolookoutthereferenceandfoundittobe：—
"Havingmanythingstowriteuntoyou，Iwouldnotwritewithpaperandink；butItrusttocomeuntoyou，andspeakfacetoface，thatourjoymaybefull。"
TheenvelopewaspostmarkedNewYork，andshesmiled，thinkingthatMrs。Emerson，acharmingladywhohadspentthesummerinEdgewood，andhadsungwithherinthevillagechoir，wascomingback，asshehadpromised，tohaveasleighrideandseeEdgewoodinitswinterdress。Nancyhadalmostforgottenthefirstletterintheexcitementsofherbusyday，andnowherewasanother，fromBostonthistime。Sheopenedtheenvelopeandfoundagainonlyasinglesentence，printed，notwritten。（Lestsheshouldguessthehand，shewondered？）
"SecondEpistleofJohn。Verse5。"
"AndnowIbeseechthee，lady，notasthoughIwroteanewcommandmentuntothee，butthatwhichwehadfromthebeginning，thatweloveoneanother。"
WasitMrs。Emerson？Coulditbe——anyoneelse？Wasit—？No，itmighthavebeen，yearsago；butnotnow；notnow！——Andyet；hewasalwayssodifferentfromotherpeople；andonce，inchurch，hehadhandedherthehymn—bookwithhisfingerpointingtoacertainverse。
ShealwaysfanciedthathersecretfidelityofheartrosefromthefactthatJustinPeabodywas"different。"Fromthehouroftheirfirstacquaintance，shewasevercomparinghimwithhiscompanions，andalwaystohisadvantage。Solongasawomanfindsallmenverymuchalike（asLobeliaBrewsterdid，savethatsheallowedsometobeworse！），sheisinnodanger。Butthemomentinwhichsheperceivesanddiscriminatessubtledifferences，marvellingthattherecanbetwoopinionsaboutaman’ssuperiority，thatmomentthemiraclehashappened。
"AndnowIbeseechthee，lady，notasthoughIwroteanewcommandmentuntothee，butthatwhichwehadfromthebeginning，thatweloveoneanother。"
No，itcouldnotbefromJustin。Shedrankhertea，playedwithherbeansabstractedly，andnibbledhersliceofsteamingbrownbread。
"NotasthoughIwroteanewcommandmentuntothee。"
No，notanewone；twelve，fifteenyearsold，thatcommandment！
"Thatweloveoneanother。"
Whowasspeaking？Whohadwrittenthesewords？ThefirstlettersoundedjustlikeMrs。Emerson，whohadsaidshewasaverypoorcorrespondent，butthatsheshouldjust"dropdown"onNancyoneofthesedays；butthissecondletternevercamefromMrs。Emerson。——
Well，therewouldbeanexplanationsometime；apleasantone；onetosmileover，andtell’Zekielandrepeattotheneighbours；butnotanunexpected，sacred，beautifulexplanation，suchaoneastheheartofawomancouldimagine，ifshewereyoungenoughandhappyenoughtohope。
Shewashedhercupandplate；replacedtheuneatenbeansinthebrownpot，andputthemawaywiththeroundloaf，foldedthecloth（LobeliaBrewstersaidNancyalways"setouthermealsasifshewasentertainin’companyfromPortland"），closedthestovedampers，carriedthelightedlamptoasafecornershelf，andlifted’Zekieltohiscushiononthehigh—backedrocker，doingallwiththeniceprecisionoflonghabit。Thenshewrappedherselfwarmly，andlockingthelonelylittlehousebehindher，setouttofinishherworkinthechurch。
CHAPTERV
AtthisprecisemomentJustinPeabodywaseatinghisownbeansandbrownbread（articlesofdietofwhichhisDetroitlandladywaslamentablyignorant）atthenewtavern，notfarfromthemeeting—
house。
ItwouldnotbefairtohimtosaythatMrs。Burbank’sletterhadbroughthimbacktoEdgewood，butithadcertainlyacceleratedhissteps。
ForthefirstsixyearsafterJustinPeabodylefthome，hehaddriftedaboutfromplacetoplace，savingeverypossibledollarofhisuncertainearningsintheconscioushopethathecouldgobacktoNewEnglandandaskNancyWentworthtomarryhim。TheWestwasprosperousandprogressive，buthowheyearned，inidlemoments，forthegrimmerandmoresterilesoilthathadgivenhimbirth！
Thencamewhatseemedtohimabrilliantchanceforaluckyturnofhissavings，andheinvestedtheminanenterprisewhich，wonderfullyasitpromised，failedwithinsixmonthsandlefthimpenniless。Atthatmomenthedefinitelygaveupallhope，andforthenextfewyearsheputNancyasfaraspossibleoutofhismind，inthefullbeliefthathewasactinganhonourablepartinrefusingtodragherintohistangledandfruitlesswayoflife。
Ifsheeverdidcareforhim，——andhecouldnotbesure，shewasalwayssoshy，——shemusthaveoutgrownthefeelinglongsince，andbelivinghappily，oratleastcontentedly，inherownway。Hewasgladinspiteofhimselfwhenheheardthatshehadnevermarried；
butatleasthehadn’titonhisconsciencethatHEhadkepthersingle！
OntheseventeenthofDecember，Justin，hisbusinessdayover，waswalkingtowardthedrearyhouseinwhichheateandslept。Asheturnedthecorner，heheardonewomansaytoanother，astheywatchedamanstumblingsorrowfullydownthestreet："Goinghomewillbetheworstofallforhim——tofindnobodythere！"Thatwaswhatgoinghomehadmeantforhimthesetenyears，butheafterwardfeltitstrangethatthisthoughtshouldhavestruckhimsoforciblyonthatparticularday。Enteringtheboarding—house，hefoundMrs。Burbank’sletterwithitsEdgewoodpostmarkonthehalltable，andtookituptohisroom。Hekindledalittlefireintheair—tightstove，watchingtheflamecreepfromshavingstokindlings，fromkindlingstosmallpine，andfromsmallpinetotheround，hardwoodsticks；thenwhentheresultseemedcertain，heclosedthestovedoorandsatdowntoreadtheletter。Whereuponallmannerofstrangethingshappenedinhisheadandheartandfleshandspiritashesattherealone，hishandsinhispockets，hisfeetbracedagainstthelegsofthestove。
Itwasacoldwinternight，andthesnowandsleetbeatagainstthewindows。Helookedabouttheuglyroom：atthewashstandwithitssquareofoilclothinfrontanditsdetestablebowlandpitcher；attherigoursofhiswhiteironbedstead，withthevalleyinthemiddleofthelumpymattressandthedarnsintherumpledpillowcases；atthedullphotographsofthelandlady’shideoushusbandandchildrenenshrinedonthemantelshelf；lookedattheabominationofdesolationsurroundinghimuntilhissoulsickenedandcriedoutlikeachild’sforsomethingmorelikehome。Itwasasifaspringthawhadmeltedhisice—boundheart，andonthecrestofawaveitwasdriftingoutintothemilderwatersofsomeunknownsea。Hecouldhavelaidhisheadinthekindlapofawomanandcried："Comfortme！GivemecompanionshiporIdie！"
Thewindhowledinthechimneyandrattledtheloosewindow—sashes；
thesnow，freezingasitfell，dashedagainsttheglasswithhard，cuttinglittleblows；atleast，thatisthewayinwhichthewindandsnowflatteredthemselvestheyweremakingexistencedisagreeabletoJustinPeabodywhenhereadtheletter；butneverwereelementsmoremistaken。
ItwasaJuneSundayintheboarding—housebedroom；andforthatmatteritwasnottheboarding—housebedroomatall：itwastheoldOrthodoxchurchonToryHillinEdgewood。
Thewindowswerewideopen，andthesmellofthepurplecloverandthehummingofthebeesweredriftingintothesweet，widespaceswithin。JustinwassittingintheendofthePeabodypew，andNancyWentworthwasbesidehim；Nancy，coolandrestfulinherwhitedress；dark—hairedNancyundertheshadowofhershirredmuslinhat。
Rise，mysoul，andstretchthywings，Thybetterportiontrace。
Themelodeongavethetune，andNancyandhestoodtosing，takingthebookbetweenthem。Hishandtouchedhers，andasthemusicofthehymnroseandfell，thefutureunrolleditselfbeforehiseyes；
afutureinwhichNancywashisweddedwife；andthehappyyearsstretchedonandoninfrontofthemuntiltherewasarowoflittleheadsintheoldPeabodypew，andmotherandfathercouldlookproudlyalongthelineattheyoungthingstheywerebringingintothehouseoftheLord。
TherecallingofthatvisionworkedlikemagicinJustin’sblood。
Hissoulroseandstretcheditswingsand"traceditsbetterportion"vividly，ashesprangtohisfeetandwalkedupanddownthebedroomfloor。Hewouldgetafewdays’leaveandgobacktoEdgewoodforChristmas，tojoin，withalltheoldneighbours，intheserviceatthemeeting—house；andinpursuanceofthisresolve，heshookhisfistinthefaceofthelandlady’shusbandonthemantelpieceanddaredhimtoprevent。
Hehadasalaryoffiftydollarsamonth，withsomeveryslightprospectofanincreaseafterJanuary。Hedidnotseehowtwopersonscouldeat，anddrink，andlodge，anddressonitinDetroit，butheproposedtogiveNancyWentworththerefusalofthatmagnificentfuture，thatbrilliantandtemptingoffer。Hehadexactlyonehundreddollarsinthebank，andsixtyorseventyofthemwouldbespentinthejourneys，countingtwohappy，blessedfaresbackfromEdgewoodtoDetroit；andifhepaidonlyhisownfareback，hewouldthrowthepriceoftheotherintothepondbehindtheWentworthhouse。HewoulddropanothertendollarsintotheplateonChristmasDaytowardtherepairsonthechurch；ifhestarved，hewoulddothat。Hewasafailure。Everythinghishandtouchedturnedtonaught。Helookedhimselffullintheface，recognizinghisweakness，andinthissupremestmomentofrecognitionhewasastrongermanthanhehadbeenanhourbefore。
Hisdroopingshouldershadstraightened；therestlesslookhadgonefromhiseyes；hissombrefacehadsomethingofreposeinit，thereposeofasettledpurpose。Hewasafailure，butperhapsifhetooktherisks（andifNancywouldtakethem——butthatwasthetrouble，womenweresounselfish，theywerealwayswillingtotakerisks，andoneoughtnottoletthem！），perhapshemightdobetterintryingtomakealivingfortwothanhehadinworkingforhimselfalone。Hewouldgohome，tellNancythathewasanunluckygood—for—naught，andaskherifshewouldtryherhandatmakinghimover。
CHAPTERVI
ThesewerethereasonsthathadbroughtJustinPeabodytoEdgewoodontheSaturdayafternoonbeforeChristmas，andhadtakenhimtothenewtavernonToryHill，neartheMeeting—House。
Nobodyrecognizedhimatthestationornoticedhimatthetavern，andafterhissupperheputonhisovercoatandstartedoutforawalk，aimlesslyhopingthathemightmeetafriend，orfailingthat，intendingtocallonsomeofhisoldneighbours，withtheviewofhearingthevillagenewsandsecuringsomeinformationwhichmighthelphimtodecidewhenhehadbetterlayhimselfandhismisfortunesatNancyWentworth’sfeet。Theywereprettyfeet！
Herememberedthatfactwellenoughunderthemagicalinfluenceoffamiliarsightsandsoundsandodours。Hewasrestless，miserable，anxious，homesick——notforDetroit，butforsomeheretoforeunimaginedgood；yet，likeBunyan’sshepherdboyintheValleyofHumiliation，hecarried"theherbcalledHearts—easeinhisbosom，"
forhewasatlastlovingconsciously。
Howwhitetheoldchurchlooked，andhowgreentheblinds！Itmusthavebeenpaintedverylately：thatmeantthattheparishwasfairlyprosperous。Therewerenewshuttersinthebelfrytower，too；herememberedtheformeropenspaceandtherustybell，andhelikedthechange。Didthechimneyusetobeinthatcorner？No；
buthisfatherhadalwayssaiditwouldhavedrawnbetterifithadbeenputthereinthebeginning。Newshingleswithinayear：thatwasevidenttoapractisedeye。Hewonderedifanythinghadbeendonetotheinsideofthebuilding，buthemustwaituntilthemorrowtosee，for，ofcourse，thedoorswouldbelocked。No；theoneattherightsidewasajar。Heopeneditsoftlyandsteppedintothetinysquareentrythatherecalledsowell——theonethroughwhichtheSunday—schoolchildrenranouttothestepsfromtheircatechism，apparentlyenjoyingthesunshineafteraspelloforthodoxy；thelittleentrywherethevillagegirlscongregatedwhilewaitingforthelastbelltoring——theymadeasoftblurofpinkandblueandbuff，alittleflutterofcurlsandbraidsandfansandsunshades，inhismind’seye，asheclosedtheouterdoorbehindhimandgentlyopenedtheinnerone。Thechurchwasfloodedwithmoonlightandsnowlight，andtherewasonelampburningatthebackofthepulpit；acandle，too，onthepulpitsteps。Therewasthetip—tap—tipofatack—hammergoingoninadistantcorner。WassomebodyhangingChristmasgarlands？Thenewredcarpetattractedhisnotice，andashegrewaccustomedtothedimlight，itcarriedhiseyealongtheaislehehadtrodsomanyyearsofSundays，totheoldfamiliarpew。Thesoundofthehammerceasedandawomanrosefromherknees。Astrangerwasdoingforthefamilyhonourwhatheoughthimselftohavedone。Thewomanturnedtoshakeherskirt，anditwasNancyWentworth。Hemighthaveknownit。Womenwerealwaysfaithful；theyalwaysrememberedoldlandmarks，olddays，oldfriends，oldduties。HisfatherandmotherandEstherwereallgone；whobutdearNancywouldhavemadetheoldPeabodypewrightandtidyfortheChristmasfestival？Blessherkindwomanlyheart！
Shelookedjustthesametohimaswhenhelastsawher。
Mercifullyheseemedtohaveheldinremembrancealltheseyearsnotsomuchheryouthfulbloomashergeneralqualitiesofmindandheart：hercheeriness，herspirit，herunflaggingzeal，herbrightwomanliness。Hergreydresswasturnedupinfrontoveracrimsonmoreenpetticoat。Shehadonacosyjacket，afurturbanofsomesortwitharedbreastinit，andhercheekswereflushedfromexertion。"Sweetrecords，andpromisesassweet，"hadalwaysmetinNancy’sface，andeitherhehadforgottenhowprettyshewas，orelseshehadabsolutelygrownprettierduringhisabsence。
Nancywouldhavechosenthesuprememomentofmeetingverydifferently，butshemightwellhavechosenworse。Sheunpinnedherskirtandbrushedthethreadsoff，smoothedthepewcushionscarefully，andtookalaststitchintheraggedhassock。ShethenliftedtheBibleandthehymn—bookfromtherack，andputtingdownabitofflannelonthepulpitsteps，tookaflatironfromanoil—
stove，andopeningtheancientbooks，pressedoutthewell—thumbedleavesonebyonewithinfinitecare。Afterreplacingthevolumesintheiraccustomedplace，shefirstextinguishedtheflameofherstove，whichshetuckedoutofsight，andthenblewoutthelampandthecandle。Thechurchwasstilllightenoughforobjectstobeseeninashadowyway，liketheobjectsinadream，andJustindidnotrealizethathewasamanintheflesh，lookingatawoman；
spying，itmightbe，uponherprivacy。Hewasonepartofadreamandsheanother，andhestoodasifwaiting，andfearing，tobeawakened。
Nancy，havingdoneall，cameoutofthepew，andstandingintheaisle，lookedbackatthesceneofherlabourswithprideandcontent。Andasshelooked，somedesiretostayalittlelongerinthedearoldplacemusthavecomeoverher，orsomedreadofgoingbacktoherlonelycottage，forshesatdowninJustin’scornerofthepewwithfoldedhands，hereyesfixeddreamilyonthepulpitandherearshearing："NotasthoughIwroteanewcommandmentuntothee，butthatwhichwehadfromthebeginning。"
Justin’sgrasponthelatchtightenedashepreparedtoclosethedoorandleavetheplace，buthisinstinctdidnotwarnhimquicklyenough，afterall，for，obeyingsomeuncontrollableimpulse，Nancysuddenlyfellonherkneesinthepewandburiedherfaceinthecushions。
Thedreambroke，andinaninstantJustinwasaman——worsethanthat，hewasaneavesdropper，ashamedofhisunsuspectedpresence。
Hefelthimselfstanding，withcoveredheadandfeetshod，intheholytempleofawoman’sheart。
Buthisinvoluntaryirreverencebroughtabundantgracewithit。
Theglimpseandtherevelationwroughttheirmiraclessilentlyandirresistibly，notbytheslowprocessesofgrowthwhichNaturedemandsforherenterprises，butwiththesuddenswiftnessofthespirit。InaninstantchangeshadtakenplaceinJustin’ssoulwhichhisso—called"experiencingreligion"twenty—fiveyearsbackhadbeenpowerlesstoeffect。Hehadindeedbeenbaptizedthen，buttherecordingangelcouldhavebornewitnessthatthissecondbaptismfructifiedthefirst，andbecametherealheraldofthenewbirthandthenewcreature。
CHAPTERVII
JustinPeabodysilentlyclosedtheinnerdoor，andstoodintheentrywithhisheadbentandhisheartinawhirluntilheshouldhearNancyrisetoherfeet。HemusttakethisHeaven—sentchanceoftellingherall，buthowdoitwithoutalarmingher？
Amoment，andherstepsoundedinthestillnessoftheemptychurch。
Obeyingthefirstimpulse，hepassedthroughtheouterdoor，andstandingonthestep，knockedonce，twice，threetimes；then，openingitalittleandspeakingthroughthechink，hecalled，"IsMissNancyWentworthhere？"
"I’mhere！"inamomentcameNancy’sanswer，andthen，withalittlewonderingtremorinhervoice，asifahintofthetruthhadalreadydawned："What’swanted？"
"You’rewanted，Nancy，wantedbadly，byJustinPeabody，comebackfromtheWest。"
Thedooropenedwide，andJustinfacedNancystandinghalf—waydowntheaisle，hereyesbrilliant，herlipsparted。AweekagoJustin’sapparitionconfrontingherintheemptyMeeting—Houseafternightfall，evenhadshebeenpreparedforitasnow，byhisvoice，wouldhaveterrifiedherbeyondmeasure。Nowitseemedalmostnaturalandinevitable。Shehadspenttheselastdaysinthechurchwherebothofthemhadbeenyoungandhappytogether；
thetwolettershadbroughthimvividlytomind，andherlabourintheoldPeabodypewhadbeenonelongexcursionintothepastinwhichhewasthemostprominentandthebest—lovedfigure。
"IsaidI’dcomebacktoyouwhenmyluckturned，Nancy。"
Theseweresopreciselythewordssheexpectedhimtosay，shouldsheeverseehimagainfacetoface，thatforanadditionalmomenttheybutheightenedhersenseofunreality。
"Well，theluckhasn’tturned，afterall，butIcouldn’twaitanylonger。Haveyougivenathoughttomealltheseyears，Nancy？"
"Morethanone，Justin"；fortheverylookuponhisface，thetendernessofhisvoice，theattitudeofhisbody，outranhiswordsandtoldherwhathehadcomehometosay，toldherthatheryearsofwaitingwereoveratlast。
"Yououghttodespisemeforcomingbackagainwithonlymyselfandmyemptyhandstoofferyou。"
Howeasyitwastospeakhisheartoutinthisdimandquietplace！
Howtongue—tiedhewouldhavebeen，sittingontheblackhairclothsofaintheWentworthparlourandgazingattheopensoapstonestove！
"Oh，menaresuchfools！"criedNancy，smilesandtearsstrugglingtogetherinherspeech，asshesatdownsuddenlyinherownpewandputherhandsoverherface。
"Theyare，"agreedJustinhumbly，"butI’veneverstoppedlovingyou，wheneverI’vehadtimeforthinkingorloving。AndIwasn’tsurethatyoureallycaredanythingaboutme；andhowcouldIhaveaskedyouwhenIhadn’tadollarintheworld？"
"Thereareotherthingstogiveawomanbesidesdollars，Justin。"
"Arethere？Well，youshallhavethemall，everyoneofthem，Nancy，ifyoucanmakeupyourmindtodowithoutthedollars；fordollarsseemtobejustwhatIcan’tmanage。"
Herhandwasinhisbythistime，andtheyweresittingsidebysideinthecushionless，carpetlessWentworthpew。Thedoorstoodopen；thewintermoonshoneinuponthem。Thatitwasbeginningtogrowcoldinthechurchpassedunnoticed。Thegraspofthewoman’shandseemedtogivethemannewhopeandcourage，andJustin’swarm，confiding，pleadingpressurebroughtbalmtoNancy，balmandhealingforthewoundsherpridehadsuffered；joy，too，half—
consciousstill，thatherlifeneednotbelivedtotheendinunfruitfulsolitude。Shehadwaited，"assomegreylakelies，fullandsmooth，awaitingthestarbelowthetwilight。"JustinPeabodymighthavebeennootherwoman’sstar，buthewasNancy’s！
"JustyousittingbesidemeheremakesmefeelasifI’dbeenasleepordeadalltheseyears，andjustbornoveragain，"saidJustin。"I’veledarespectable，hard—working，honestlife，Nancy，"hecontinued，"andIdon’toweanymanacent；thetroubleisthatnomanowesmeone。I’vegotenoughmoneytopaytwofaresbacktoDetroitonMonday，althoughIwasterriblyafraidyouwouldn’tletmedoit。It’llneedagooddealofthinkingandplanning，Nancy，forweshallbeverypoor。"
Nancyhadbeenstoringupfidelityandaffectiondeep，deepinthehiveofherheartalltheseyears，andnowthehoneyofherhelpfulnessstoodreadytobegathered。
"CouldIkeephensinDetroit？"sheasked。"Icanalwaysmakethempay。"
"Hens——inthreerooms，Nancy？"
Herfacefell。"Andnoyard？"
"Noyard。"
Amoment’spause，andthenthesmilecame。"Oh，well，I’vehadyardsandhensforthirty—fiveyears。Doingwithoutthemwillbeachange。Icantakeinsewing。"
"No，youcan’t，Nancy。Ineedyourbackboneandwitsandpluckandingenuity，butifIcan’taskyoutositwithyourhandsfoldedfortherestofyourlife，asI’dliketo，youshan’tusethemforotherpeople。You’remarryingmetomakeamanofme，butI’mnotmarryingyoutomakeyouadrudge。"
Hisvoicerangclearandtrueinthesilence，andNancy’sheartvibratedatthesound。
"Oh，Justin，Justin！"shewhispered。"There’ssomethingwrongsomewhere，butwe’llfinditouttogether，youandI，andmakeitright。You’renotlikeafailure。Youdon’tevenLOOKpoor，Justin；thereisn’tamaninEdgewoodtocomparewithyou，orI
shouldbewashinghisdishesanddarninghisstockingsthisminute。
AndIamnotapauper！There’llbetherentofmylittlehouseandacarloadofmyfurniture，soyoucanputthethree—roomideaoutofyourmind，andyourfirmwillofferyoualargersalarywhenyoutellthemyouhaveawifetotakecareof。Oh，Iseeitall，anditisaseasyandbrightandhappyascanbe！"
Justinputhisarmaroundheranddrewherclose，withsuchathrobofgratitudeforherbeliefandtrustthatitmovedhimalmosttotears。
Therewasalongpause：thenhesaid：—
"NowIshallcallforyouto—morrowmorningafterthelastbellhasstoppedringing，andwewillwalkuptheaisletogetherandsitintheoldPeabodypew。Weshallbeanine—days’wonderanyway，butthiswillbeequaltoanannouncement，especiallyifyoutakemyarm。Wedon’teitherofusliketobestaredat，butthiswillshowwithoutawordwhatwethinkofeachotherandwhatwe’vepromisedtobetoeachother，andit’stheonlythingthatwillmakemefeelsureofyouandsettledinmymindafterallthesemistakenyears。Haveyougotthecourage，Nancy？"
"Ishouldn’twonder！IguessifI’vehadcourageenoughtowaitforyou，I’vegotcourageenoughtowalkuptheaislewithyouandmarryyoubesides！"saidNancy。——"Nowitistoolateforustostayhereanylonger，andyoumustseemeonlyasfarasmygate，forperhapsyouhaven’tforgottenyethowinterestedtheBrewstersareintheirneighbours。"
TheystoodatthelittleWentworthgateforamoment，handcloseclaspedinhand。Thenightwasclear，theairwascoldandsparkling，butwithnothingofbitternessinit；theskywassteelyblueandtheeveningstarglowedandburnedlikeatinysun。Nancyrememberedtheshepherd’ssongshehadtaughttheSunday—schoolchildren，andrepeatedsoftly：—
ForImysheepwaswatchingBeneaththesilentskies，Whensudden，fartoeastward，Isawastararise；
ThenallthepeacefulheavensWithsweetestmusicrang，Andglory，glory，glory！
Thehappyangelssang。
SoIthisnightamjoyful，ThoughIcanscarcetellwhy，ItseemethmethatgloryHathmetusverynigh；
Andwe，thoughpoorandhumble，Havepartinheavenlyplan，For，bornto—night，thePrinceofPeaceShallruletheheartofman。
Justin’sheartmeltedwithinhimlikewaxtothewoman’svisionandthewoman’stouch。
"Oh，Nancy，Nancy！"hewhispered。"IfIhadbroughtmybadlucktoyoulong，longago，wouldyouhavetakenmethen，andhaveIlostyearsofsuchhappinessasthis？"
"Therearesomethingsitisnotbestforamantobecertainabout，"saidNancy，withawisesmileandalastgood—night。
CHAPTERVIII
"Ringout，sweetbells，O’erwoodsanddellsYourlovelystrainsrepeat，WhilehappythrongsWithjoyoussongsEachaccentgladlygreet。"
ChristmasmorningintheoldToryHillMeeting—Housewasfeltbyallofthepersonswhowerepresentinthatparticularyeartobeamostexcitingandmemorableoccasion。
Theoldsextonquiteoutdidhimself，foralthoughhehadrungthebellformorethanthirtyyears，hehadneverfeltgreaterprideorjoyinhistask。WasnothissonJohnhomeforChristmas，andJohn’swife，andagrandchildnewlynamedNathanielforhimself？
Weretherenotspareribsandturkeysandcranberriesandmincepiesonthepantryshelves，andbarrelsofrosyBaldwinsinthecellarandbottlesofmother’srootbeerjustwaitingtogiveaholidaypop？Thebellitselfforgotitsageandthesuspicionofacrackthatdulleditsvoiceonadampday，and，inspiredbythebright，frostyair，thesexton’sinspiringpull，andtheChristmasspirit，gaveoutnothingbutjoyoustones。
Ding—dong！Ding—dong！Itfiredtheambitionsofstarscholarsabouttorecitehymnsandsingsolos。Itthrilledlittlegirlsexpectingdollsbeforenight。Itexcitedbeyondbearingdozensoflittleboysbeingbuttonedintorefractoryovercoats。Ding—dong！
Ding—dong！Mothers’fingerstrembledwhentheyheardit，andmothers’voicescried："Ifthatisthesecondbell，thechildrenwillneverbereadyintime！Wherearetheovershoes？Wherearethemittens？Hurry，Jack！Hurry，Jennie！"Ding—dong！Ding—dong！
"Where’sSally’smuff？Where’sfather’sfurcap？Isthesleighatthedoor？Arethehotsoapstonesin？Haveallofyouyourmoneyforthecontributionbox？"
Ding—dong！Ding—dong！Itwasablithebell，asweet，truebell，aholybell，andtoJustin，pacinghistavernroom，astoNancy，tremblinginhermaidenchamber，itrangaChristmasmessage：—
Awake，gladheart！Ariseandsing；
ItisthebirthdayofthyKing！
ThecongregationfilledeveryseatintheoldMeeting—House。
AsMariaSharphadprophesied，therewasoneill—naturedspinsterfromarivalvillagewhodeclaredthatthechurchfloorlookedlikeJoseph’scoatlaidoutsmooth；butinthegeneralchorusofadmiration，approval，andgoodwill，thisenviousspeech，thoughrepeatedfrommouthtomouth，leftnosting。
Anotheritemofinterestlongrecalledwasthefactthatonthataugustandunapproachabledaythepulpitvasesstooderectandempty，thoughNancyWentworthhadfilledthemeverySundaysinceanyonecouldremember。Thisinstance，thoughfeltatthetimetobeofmysterioussignificanceifthecausewereeverrevealed，paledintonothingnesswhen，aftertheringingofthelastbell，NancyWentworthwalkeduptheaisleonJustinPeabody’sarm，andtheytooktheirseatssidebysideintheoldfamilypew。
（"Andconsid’ableclose，too，thoughtherewasplentyo’room！"）
（"AndnoonethatIeverheardofsomuchassuspicionedthattheyhadeverkeptcompany！"）
（"Anddoyous’posesheknewJustinwasexpectedbackwhenshescrubbedhispewa—Friday？"）
（"Andthisexplainstheemptypulpitvases！"）
（"AndIalwayssaidthatNancywouldmakearealhandsomecoupleifsheevergotanybodytocouplewith！"）
DuringtheunexpectedandsolemnprocessionofthetwouptheaislethesopranoofthevillagechoirstoppedshortinthemiddleoftheDoxology，andthethreeothervoicescarriedittotheendwithoutanytreble。Also，amongthosepresentthereweresomewhocouldnotrememberafterwardtheprecisepetitionswaftedupwardintheopeningprayer。
AndcoulditbeexplainedotherwisethanbycheerfullyacknowledgingthebountyofanoverrulingProvidencethatNancyWentworthshouldhavehadanewwinterdressforthefirsttimeinfiveyears——awinterdressofdarkbrownclothtomatchherbeavermuffandvictorine？TheexistenceofthistoilettehadbeenknownanddiscussedinEdgewoodforamonthpast，anditwasthoughttobenothingmorethanapropertokenofrespectfromamemberofthecarpetcommitteetothegeneralmagnificenceofthechurchontheoccasionofitsreopeningafterrepairs。Indeed，youcouldhaveidentifiedeverymemberoftheDorcasSocietythatSundaymorningbythefreshnessofherapparel。Thebrowndress，then，wasgenerallyexpected；butwhythewhitecashmerewaistwithcollarandcuffsofpointlace，devisedonlyandsuitableonlyfortheminister’swedding，whereitfirstsawthelight？
"Thewhitewaistcanonlybeexplainedasshowingdistincthope！"
whisperedtheminister’swifeduringthereadingofthechurchnotices。
"Tomeitshowsmorethanhope；IamverysurethatNancywouldnevertakeanywearoutofthatlaceforhope；itmeanscertainty！"
answeredMaria，whowasalwaysstronginthepropheticline。
BysermontimeJustin’sidentityhaddawneduponmostofthecongregation。Astrangertoallbutoneortwoatfirst，hispresenceinthePeabodypewbroughthisfaceandfigureback，littlebylittle，tothemindsoftheoldparishioners。
Whenthecontributionplatewaspassed，thesextonalwaysbeganattheright—wingpews，asallthesextonsbeforehimhaddoneforahundredyears。EveryeyeinthechurchwasalreadyturneduponJustinandNancy，anditwaswithalmostagaspthatthoseinthevicinitysawatendollarbillfallintheplate。Thesextonreeled，or，ifthatistoointemperateawordforapillarofthechurch，thegoodmantottered，butcaughtholdofthepewrailwithonehand，and，puttingthethumbofhisotheroverthebill，proceededquicklytothenextpew，lestthestrangershouldthinkbetterofhisgift，ordemandchange，ashadoccasionallybeendoneintheoldentime。
Nancyneverflutteredaneyelash，butsatquietlybyJustin’ssidewithherbosomrisingandfallingunderthebeaverfurandhercoldhandsclaspedtightinthelittlebrownmuff。Farfromgrudgingthisappreciablepartoftheirslenderresources，shethrilledwithpridetoseeJustin’sofferingfallintheplate。
Justinwastooabsorbedinhisownthoughtstonoticeanything，buthismunificentcontributionhadamostunexpectedeffectuponhisreputation，afterall；foronthatday，andonmanyanotherlaterone，whenhissuddenmarriageanddeparturewithNancyWentworthwereunderdiscussion，theneighbourssaidtooneanother：—
"JustinmustbemakingmoneyfastoutWest！Heputtendollarsinthecontributionplatea—Sunday，andpaidtheministertenmorenextdayformarryin’himtoNancy；sothePeabodyluckhasturnedatlast！"which，asamatteroffact，ithad。
"Andallthetime，"saidthechairmanofthecarpetcommitteetothetreasureroftheDorcasSociety——"allthetime，littleassherealizedit，Nancywaslayingthecarpetinherownpew。Nowshe’smarriedtoJustinshe’llbethemakin’ofhim，orImissmyguess。
Youcan’tdoathingwithmenfolkswithoutthey’rerightalongsidewhereyoucankeepyoureyeandhandon’em。Justin’shandsomeandgoodandstiddy；allheneedissomenicewomantoputstarchintohim。TheEdgewoodPeabodysneverhadamiteo’stiffenin’in’em，—
—limpasdishrags，everyblessedone！NancyWentworthfairlyrustleswithstarch。Justinhadn’tbeenengagedtoherbutafewhourswhentheywalkeduptheaisletogether，butdidyounoticethewayhecarriedhishead？IdeclareIthought’twouldfalloffbehind！Ishouldn’twonderamitebuttheyprosperedandcomebackeverysummertosetintheoldPeabodyPew。"