Hewalkeddowntotheveryedgeofthestream；itrandeepandfastjusthere，underahighbankandarowofoldwillows。
　　Smuggsatdownonthebank，wetthoughthegrasswas，andclaspedhishandsoverhisknees。Icroucheddownalittlewaybehindhim，readyandalert。Iamagoodswimmer，andIdidnotdoubtmypowertopullhimout，evenifIwerenotintimetopreventhimjumpingin。Isawhimrise，lookoverthebrink，andsitdownagain。IalmostthoughtIsawhimshiver。Andpresently，throughthestillnessofthesummernight，camethestrangest，saddestsound；catchingmyearasitdriftedacrossthemeadow。
　　Smuggwassobbing，andhissobs——neverloud——roseandfellwiththesubduedstressofintolerablepain。
　　Suddenlyheleapedup，criedaloud，andflunghishandsabovehishead。Ithoughthewasgonethistime；buthestopped，poised，asitseemed，overthewater，andIheardhimcry，"Ican’t，I
　　can’t!"andhesankdownallinaheaponthebank，andfellagaintosobbing。Ihopenevertoseeaman——ifyoucancallSmuggaman——likethatagain。
　　Hesatwherehewas，andIwhereIwas，tillthemoonpaledandadistanthintofdaydiscoveredus。Thenherose，brushedhimselfwithhishands，andslunkquicklyfromthebank。Hadhelookedanywherebutontheground，hemusthaveseenme；asitwas，I
　　onlynarrowlyavoidedhim，andfellagainintomyplacebehindhim。AllthewaybacktoourgardenIfollowedhim。Ashepassedthroughthegate，Iquickenedmypace，overtookhim，andlaidmyhandonhisarm。Theman’sfacegavemewhatIremembermyoldnurseusedtocall"quiteaturn。"
　　"You’reanaverageidiot，aren’tyou？"saidI。"Oh，yes；I’vebeensquattinginthewetbythatinfernalriver，too。Yououghttogetthreemonths，byrights。"
　　Helookedatmeinadazedsortofway。
　　"Idaren’t，"hesaid。"Iwantedto，butIdaren’t。"
　　Thereisreallynothingmore。Wewenttothewedding，leavingSmugginbed；andintheeveningwe，leavingSmuggstillinbed（ItoldMarytokeepaneyeonhim），andcarryingadozenofthegrocer’sbestport，wentuptodanceatDill’sfarm。JoewaspolishedtillIcouldalmostseemyselfinhischeek，andPyrrhalookedmorecharmingthanever。SheandJoeweretoleaveusearly，togotoJoe’sownhouseinthevillage，butImanagedtogetonedancewithher。Indeed，Ibelieveshewantedawordwithme。
　　"Well，all’swellthatendswell，isn’tit？"Ibegan。"Nomorescoldings!NotfromMrs。Dill，anyhow。"
　　"Youcan’tletthatalone，sir，"saidPyrrha。
　　Ichuckledgently。
　　"Oh，I’llneverrefertoitagain，"saidI。"Thisisafineweddingofyours，Betsy。"
　　"It’sgoodofyouandtheothergentlementocome，sir。"
　　"Wehadtoseethelastofyou，"andIsighedveryostentatiously。
　　Pyrrhalaughed。Shedidnotbelieveinit，andsheknewthatI
　　knewshedidnot，butthelittlecomplimentpleasedher，allthesame。
　　"Smugg，"Ipursued，"isillinbed。Butperhapshewouldn’thavecome，anyhow。"
　　"Ifyouplease，sir————"Pyrrhabegan；butshestopped。
　　"Yes，Betsy？Whatisit？"
　　"Wouldyoutakeamessageforme，sir？"
　　"Ifit’saproperone，Betsy，foramarriedladytosend。"
　　Shelaughedalittle，andsaid：
　　"Oh，it’snoharm，sir。I’mafraidheaint——he’sratherdown，sir。"
　　"Who？"
　　"Why，thatSmugg，sir。"
　　"Oh，thatSmugg!Why，yes；alittledown，Betsy，Ifear。"
　　"YoumighttellhimasIbearnomalice，sir——asI’mnotangry——
　　withhim，Imean。"
　　"Certainly，"saidI。"Itwillprobablydohimgood。"
　　"Hegotmeintotrouble；butthere，Icanmakeallowances；andit’sallrightnow，sir。"
　　"Infactyouforgivehim？"
　　"Ithinkyoumighttellhimso，sir，"saidBetsy。
　　"But，"saidI，"areyouawarethathewasanother’sallthetime？"
　　"What，sir？"
　　"Oh，yes!engagedtobemarried。"
　　"Well，Inever!Him!What，allthewhilehe————"
　　"Precisely。"
　　"Well，thatbeatseverything。Oh，ifI’dknownthat!"
　　"I’llgivehimyourmessage。"
　　"No，sir，notnow，Ithankyou。Thevillain!"
　　"Youareright，"saidI。"Ithinkyourmotheroughttohave——
　　scoldedhim，too。"
　　"Nowyoupromised，sir————"butJoecameup，andIescaped。
　　IV。
　　AREPENTANTSINNER。
　　Itwas，Ibelieve，mainlyasacomplimenttomethatMissAudreyListonwasaskedtoPoltons。MissListonandIwereverygoodfriends，andmycousinDoraPoltonthought，assheinformedme，thatitwouldbeniceformetohavesomeoneIcouldtalktoabout"booksandsoon。"Ididnotcomplain。MissListonwasapleasantyoungwomanofsix—and—twenty；Ilikedherverymuchexceptonpaper，andIwasawarethatshemadeitapointofdutytoreadsomethingatleastofwhatIwrote。Shewasinthehabitofdescribingherselfasan"authoressinasmallway。"Ifitwerepointedoutthatsixthree—volumenovelsinthreeyears（thetermofherliteraryactivity，atthetimeofwhichI
　　write）couldhardlybecalled"asmallway，"shewouldsmilemodestlyandsaythatitwasnotreallymuch；andifsheweretoldthattheEnglishlanguageembracednosuchwordas"authoress，"shewouldsmileagainandsaythatitoughtto；apositiontowardthebugbearofcorrectnesswithwhich，Iconfess，Isympathizeinsomedegree。Shewasverydiligent；sheworkedfromtentooneeverydaywhileshewasatPoltons；howmuchshewroteisbetweenherandherconscience。
　　TherewasanotherimpeachmentwhichMissListonwashardlyatthetroubletodeny。"Takemycharactersfromlife？"shewouldexclaim。"Surelyeveryartist"（MissListonoftenreferredtoherselfasanartist）"must？"Andshewouldproceedtomaintain——whatisperhapstruesometimes——thatpeopleratherlikedbeingputintobooks，justastheylikebeingphotographed，forallthattheygrumbleandpretendtobeafflictedwheneitherprocessisleviedagainstthem。IndiscussingthismatterwithMissListonIfeltmyselfondelicateground，foritwasnotoriousthatIfiguredinherfirstbookintheguiseofamisogynisticgenius；thefactthatshelengthened（andthickened）
　　myhair，converteditfromanindeterminatebrowntoaduskyblack，gavemeadroopingmustache，andinvestedmyveryordinaryworkadayeyeswithastrangemagneticattraction，availednothing；Iwasatoncerecognized；and，Imayremarkinpassing，anuncommonlydisagreeablefellowshemademe。ThusIhadpassedthroughthefire。IfelttolerablysurethatIpresentednootheraspectofinterest，realorsupposed，andIwasquitecontentthatMissListonshouldservealltherestofheracquaintanceasshehadservedme。Ireckonedtheywouldlasther，atthepresentrateofproduction，aboutfiveyears。
　　FatewaskindtoMissListon，andprovidedherwithmostsuitablepatternsforhernextpieceofworkatPoltonsitself。Therewereayoungmanandayoungwomanstayinginthehouse——SirGilbertChillingtonandMissPamelaMyles。ThemomentMissListonwasapprizedofapossibleromance，shebeganthestudyoftheprotagonists。Shewaslookingout，shetoldme，forsomenewtypes（ifitwereanyconsolation——andthereisasortofdignityaboutit——tobecalledatype，MissListon’svictimswerealwayswelcometosomuch），andshehadfoundtheminChillingtonandPamela。Theformerappearedtomydulleyetooffernosalientnovelty；hewastall，broad，handsome，andhepossessedamannerofenviableplacidity。Pamela，Iallowed，wasexactlytheheroineMissListonloved——haughty，capricious，difficile，butsoundandtrueatheart（IwasmentallyskimmingVolumeI）。MissListonagreedwithmeinmyconceptionofPamela，butdeclaredthatIdidnotdojusticetotheartisticpossibilitieslatentinChillington；hehadacuriousattractionwhichitwouldtaxherskill（soshegravelyinformedme）totheutmosttoreproduce。
　　SheproposedthatIalsoshouldmakeastudyofhim，andattributedmyhurriedrefusaltoashrinkingfromthedifficultiesofthetask。
　　"Ofcourse，"sheobserved，lookingatouryoungfriends，whoweretalkingnonsenseattheothersideofthelawn，"theymusthaveamisunderstanding。"
　　"Why，ofcourse，"saidI，lightingmypipe。"Whatshouldyousaytoanotherman？"
　　"Oranotherwoman？"saidMissListon。
　　"Itcomestothesamething，"saidI。（AboutavolumeandahalfImeant。）
　　"Butit’smoreinteresting。Doyouthinkshe’dbetterbeamarriedwoman？"AndMissListonlookedatmeinquiringly。
　　"Theageprefersthemmarried，"Iremarked。
　　ThisconversationhappenedontheseconddayofMissListon’svisit，andshelostnotimeinbeginningtostudyhersubjects。
　　Pamela，shesaid，shefoundprettyplainsailing，butChillingtoncontinuedtopuzzleher。Again，shecouldnotmakeuphermindwhethertohaveahappyoratragicending。Intheinterestsofatenderheartedpublic，Ipleadedformarriagebells。
　　"Yes，Ithinkso，"saidMissListon，butshesighed，andIthinkshehadanideaortwoforaheart—brokenseparation，followedbymutual，lifelong，hopelessdevotion。
　　ThecomplexityofyoungSirGilbertdidnot，inMissListon’sopinion，appearlessonfurtheracquaintance；andindeed，Imustadmitthatshewasnotaltogetherwronginconsideringhimworthyofattention。AsIcametoknowhimbetter，Idiscernedinhimasmotheredself—appreciation，whichcametolightinresponsetotheleasttributeofinterestoradmiration，butwasyetfarremotefromtheaggressivenessofacommonplacevanity。InamomentofindiscretionIhadchaffedhim——hewasverygood—
　　natured——ontherisksheranatMissListon’shands；hewasnotdisgusted，butneitherdidheplumehimselforspreadhisfeathers。Hereceivedthesuggestionwithoutsurprise，andwithoutanyattemptatdisclaimingfitnessforthepurpose；buthereceiveditasamatterwhichentailedaresponsibilityonhim。Idetectedtheconvictionthat，iftheportraitwastobepainted，itwasduetotheworldthatitshouldbewellpainted；
　　thesubjectmustgivetheartistfullopportunities。
　　"Whatdoessheknowaboutme？"heasked，inmeditativetones。
　　"She’sveryquick；she’llsoonpickupasmuchasshewants，"I
　　assuredhim。
　　"She’llprobablygoallwrong，"hesaidsomberly；andofcourseI
　　couldnottellhimthatitwasofnoconsequenceifshedid。Hewouldnothavebelievedme，andwouldhavedonepreciselywhatheproceededtodo，andthatwastoaffordMissListoneverychanceofappraisinghischaracterandplumbingthedepthsofhissoul。
　　ImaysayatoncethatIdidnotregretthiscourseofaction；
　　fortheeffectofitwastoallowmeachanceoftalkingtoPamelaMyles，andPamelawasexactlythesortofgirltobeguilethelong，pleasantmorninghoursofaholidayinthecountry。NoonehadtoldPamelathatshewasgoingtobeputinabook，andI
　　don’tthinkitwouldhavemadeanydifferencehadshebeentold。
　　Pamela’sattitudetowardbookswasoneofhealthyscorn，confidentlybasedonadmittedignorance。Soweneverspokeofthem，andmycousinDoracondoledwithmemorethanonceonthewayinwhichMissListon，falsetotheimpliedtermsofherinvitation，desertedmeinfavorofSirGilbert，andleftmetothemerciesofafrivolousgirl。PamelaappearedtobeaslittleaggrievedasIwas。IimaginedthatshesupposedthatChillingtonwouldaskhertomarryhimsomeday，beforeverylong，andIwassureshewouldaccepthim；butitwasquiteplainthat，ifMissListonpersistedinmakingPamelaherheroine，shewouldhavetosupplyfromherownresourcesalargesupplementofpassion。Pamelawasfartoodeficientinthecommoditytobemadeanythingofwithoutsuchre—enforcement，evenbyanartmoreadeptatmakingmuchoutofnothingthanMissListon’sstraightforwardmethodcouldclaimtobe。
　　Aweekpassed，andthen，oneFridaymorning，anewlightburstonme。MissListoncameintothegardenateleveno’clockandsatdownbymeonthelawn。ChillingtonandPamelahadgoneridingwiththesquire，Dorawasvisitingthepoor。Wewerealone。TheappearanceofMissListonatthishour（usuallysacredtotheuseofthepen），nolessthanherpuzzledlook，toldmethatanobstructionhadoccurredinthenovel。Presentlysheletmeknowwhatitwas。
　　"I’mthinkingofalteringtheschemeofmystory，Mr。Wynne，"
　　saidshe。"Haveyouevernoticedhowsometimesamanthinkshe’sinlovewhenheisn’treally？"
　　"Suchacasesometimesoccurs，"Iacknowledged。
　　"Yes，andhedoesn’tfindouthismistake————"
　　"Tillthey’remarried？"
　　"Sometimes，yes，"shesaid，ratherasthoughsheweremakinganunwillingadmission。"Butsometimesheseesitbefore——whenhemeetssomebodyelse。"
　　"Verytrue，"saidI，withagravenod。
　　"Thefalsecan’tstandagainstthereal，"pursuedMissListon；
　　andthenshefellintomeditativesilence。Istoleaglanceatherface；shewassmiling。Wasitinthepleasureofliterarycreation——anartisticecstasy？Ishouldhavelikedtoansweryes，butIdoubteditverymuch。WithoutpretendingtoMissListon’spowers，Ihavethelittlesubtletythatisneedfultoshowmethatmorethanonekindofsmilemaybeseenonthehumanface，andthatthereisoneverydifferentfromothers；and，finally，thatthatoneisnotevoked，asarule，merelybytheevolutionofthetroublesomeencumbranceinprettywritingvulgarlycalleda"plot。"
　　"If，"pursuedMissListon，"someonecomeswhocanappreciatehimanddrawoutwhatisbestinhim————"
　　"That’sallverywell，"saidI，"butwhatofthefirstgirl？"
　　"Oh，she’s——shecanbemadeshallow，youknow；andIcanputinamanforher。Peopleneedn’tbemuchinterestedinher。"
　　"Yes，youcouldmanageitthatway，"saidI，thinkinghowPamela——Itookthelibertyofusinghernamefortheshallowgirl——wouldlikesuchtreatment。
　　"Shewillreallybevaluablemainlyasafoil，"observedMissListon；andsheaddedgenerously，"Ishallmakehernice，youknow，butshallow——notworthyofhim。"
　　"Andwhatareyougoingtomaketheothergirllike？"Iasked。
　　MissListonstartedslightly；alsoshecoloredveryslightly，andsheanswered，lookingawayfrommeacrossthelawn：
　　"Ihaven’tquitemadeupmymindyet，Mr。Wynne。"
　　Withthesuspicionwhichthisconversationarousedfreshinmymind，itwascurioustohearPamelalaugh，asshesaidtomeontheafternoonofthesameday：
　　"Aren’tSirGilbertandAudreyListonfunny？Itellyouwhat，Mr。Wynne，Ibelievethey’rewritinganoveltogether。"
　　"PerhapsChillington’sgivingherthematerialsforone，"I
　　suggested。
　　"Ishouldn’tthink，"observedPamelainherdispassionateway，"thatanythingveryinterestinghadeverhappenedtohim。"
　　"Ithoughtyoulikedhim，"Iremarkedhumbly。
　　"SoIdo。What’sthatgottodowithit？"askedPamela。
　　ItwasbeyondquestionthatChillingtonenjoyedMissListon’ssociety；theinterestsheshowedinhimwasincensetohisnostrils。Iusedtooverhearfragmentsofhisideasabouthimselfwhichhewasrevealinginanswertohertactfulinquiries。ButneitherwasitdoubtfulthathehadbynomeanslosthisrelishforPamela’slightertalk；infact，heseemedtoturntoherwithsomerelief——perhapsitisrefreshingtoescapefromself—analysis，evenwhentheprocessisconductedinthepleasantestpossiblemanner——andthehourswhichMissListongavetoworkweredevotedbyChillingtontomaintaininghiscordialrelationswiththeladywhosecomfortableandnotover—
　　tragicaldisposalwastaxingMissListon’sskill。Forshehaddefinitelydecidedallherplot——shetoldmesoafewdayslater。
　　Itwasallplannedout；nay，thesceneinwhichthetruthastohisownfeelingsburstsonSirGilbert（Iforgetatthemomentwhatnamethenovelgavehim）was，Iunderstood，actuallywritten；theshallowgirlwastoexperiencenothingworsethanawoundtohervanity，andwastoturn，withasmuchalacrityasdecencyallowed，tothesubstitutewhomMissListonhadnowprovided。Allthiswaspouredintomysympatheticear，andIsaysympatheticinallsincerity；for，althoughImayoccasionallytreatMissListon’sliteraryeffortswithlessthanproperrespect，sheherselfwasmyfriend，andtheconvictionunderwhichshewasnowlivingwould，Iknew，unlessitwerejustified，bringherintomuchofthatunhappinessinwhichonegenerallyfoundherheroineplungedabouttheendofVolumeII。
　　Theheroinegenerallygotoutallright，andtheknowledgethatshewouldenabledthereadertopreservecheerfulness。ButwouldpoorlittleMissListongetout？Iwasnonetoosureofit。
　　Suddenlyachangecameinthestateofaffairs。Pamelaproducedit。ItmusthavestruckherthattheincreasingintimacyofMissListonandChillingtonmightbecomesomethingotherthan"funny。"
　　Toputitbrieflyandmetaphorically，shewhistledherdogbacktoherheels。Iamnotskilledinunderstandingordescribingtheartificesofladies；butevenIsawthetransformationinPamela。Sheputforthherstrengthandputonherprettiestgowns；sherefusedtotakeherplaceinthesea—sawofsocietywhichChillingtonhadrecentlyestablishedforhispleasure。IfhespentanhourwithMissListon，Pamelawouldhavenothingofhimforaday；shemethisattentionswithscornunlesstheywereundivided。Chillingtonseemedatfirstpuzzled；IbelievethatheneverregardedhistalkswithMissListoninotherthanabusinesspointofview，butdirectlyheunderstoodthatPamelaclaimedhim，andthatshewasprepared，incasehedidnotobeyhercall，toestablishagrievanceagainsthim，helostnotimeinmanifestinghisobedience。Awholedaypassedinwhich，tomycertainknowledge，hewasnotaloneamomentwithMissListon，anddidnot，saveatthefamilymeals，exchangeawordwithher。
　　AshewalkedoffwithPamela，MissListon’seyesfollowedhiminwistfullonging；shestoleawayupstairsanddidnotcomedowntillfiveo’clock。Then，findingmestrollingaboutwithacigarette，shejoinedme。
　　"Well，howgoesthebook？"Iasked。
　　"Ihaven’tdonemuchtoitjustlately，"sheanswered，inalowvoice。"I——it’s——Idon’tquiteknowwhattodowithit。"
　　"Ithoughtyou’dsettled？"
　　"SoIhad，but——oh，don’tlet’stalkaboutit，Mr。Wynne!"
　　Butamomentlatershewentontalkingaboutit。
　　"Idon’tknowwhyIshouldmakeitendhappily，"shesaid。"I’msurelifeisn’talwayshappy，isit？"
　　"Certainlynot，"Ianswered。"Youmeanyourmanmightsticktotheshallowgirlafterall？"
　　"Yes，"Ijustheardherwhisper。
　　"Andbemiserableafterward？"Ipursued。
　　"Idon’tknow，"saidMissListon。"Perhapshewouldn’t。"
　　"Thenyoumustmakehimshallowhimself。"
　　"Ican’tdothat，"shesaidquickly。"Oh，howdifficultitis!"
　　Shemayhavemeantmerelytheartofwriting——whenIcordiallyagreewith——butIthinkshemeantalsothewayoftheworld——
　　whichdoesnotmakemewithdrawmyassent。Ileftherwalkingupanddowninfrontofthedrawing—roomwindows，aratherforlornlittlefigure，thrownintodistinctnessbythecoldraysofthesettingsun。
　　Allwasnotoveryet。ThateveningChillingtonbrokeaway。Ledbyvanity，orinterest，orfriendliness，Iknownotwhich——tiredmaybeofpayingcourt（theattitudeinwhichPamelakepthim），andthinkingitwouldbepleasanttoplaytheotherpartforawhile——afterdinnerhewentstraighttoMissListon，talkedtoherwhilewehadcoffeeontheterrace，andthenwalkedaboutwithher。Pamelasatbyme；shewasverysilent；shedidnotappeartobeangry，butherhandsomemouthworearesoluteexpression。ChillingtonandMissListonwanderedonintotheshrubbery，anddidnotcomeintosightagainfornearlyhalfanhour。
　　"Ithinkit’scold，"saidPamela，inhercool，quiettones。"Andit’salso，Mr。Wynne，ratherslow。Ishallgotobed。"
　　IthoughtitalittleimpertinentofPamelatoattributethe"slowness"（whichhadundoubtedlyexisted）tome，soItookmyrevengebysayingwithanassumptionofinnocencepurposelyandobviouslyunreal：
　　"Oh，butwon’tyouwaitandbidMissListonandChillingtongoodnight？"
　　Pamelalookedatmeforamoment。Imadeboldtosmile。
　　Pamela’sfacebrokeslowlyintoanansweringsmile。
　　"Idon’tknowwhatyoumean，Mr。Wynne，"saidshe。
　　"No？"saidI。
　　"No，"saidPamela，andsheturnedaway。Butbeforeshewentshelookedoverhershoulder，andstillsmiling，said，"WishMissListongood—nightforme，Mr。Wynne。AnythingIhavetosaytoSirGilbertwillwaitverywelltillto—morrow。"
　　Shehadhardlygoneinwhenthewandererscameoutoftheshrubberyandrejoinedme。Chillingtonworehisusualpassivelook，butMissListon’sfacewashappyandradiant。Chillingtonpassedonintothedrawingroom。MissListonlingeredamomentbyme。
　　"Why，youlook，"saidI，"asifyou’dinventedthefinestsceneeverwritten。"
　　Shedidnotanswermedirectly，butstoodlookingupatthestars。Thenshesaid，inadreamytone：
　　"IthinkIshallsticktomyoldideainthebook。"
　　Asshespoke，Chillingtoncameout。EveninthedimlightIsawafrownonhisface。
　　"Isay，Wynne，"saidhe，"where’sMissMyles？"
　　"She’sgonetobed，"Ianswered。"Shetoldmetowishyougoodnightforher，MissListon。Nomessageforyou，Chillington。"
　　MissListon’seyeswereonhim。Hetooknonoticeofher；hestoodfrowningforaninstant，then，withsomemutteredejaculation，hestrodebackintothehouse。Weheardhisheavytreadacrossthedrawingroom；weheardthedoorslammedbehindhim，andIfoundmyselflookingonMissListon’salteredface。
　　"Whatdoeshewantherfor，Iwonder!"shesaid，inanagitationthatmademypresence，mythoughts，mysuspicions，nothingtoher。"Hesaidnothingtomeaboutwantingtospeaktoherto—
　　night。"Andshewalkedslowlyintothehouse，hereyesontheground，andallthelightgonefromherface，andthejoydeadinit。WhereuponI，leftalone，begantorailatthegodsthatadear，sillylittlesoullikeMissListonshouldbotherherpoor，sillylittleheadaboutahulkingfool；inwhichreflectionsI
　　did，ofcourse，immenseinjusticenotonlytoaneminentauthor，butalsotoaperfectlyhonorable，thoughsomewhatdenseanddecidedlyconceited，gentleman。
　　ThenextmorningSirGilbertChillingtonatedirt——thereisnootherwayofexpressingit——ingreatquantitiesandwithinfinitehumility。
　　MyadmirablefriendMissPamelawassevere。Isawhimwalksixyardsbehindherforthelengthoftheterrace：notalooknoraturnofherheadgavehimleavetojoinher。MissListonhadgoneupstairs，andIwatchedthescenefromthewindowofthesmokingroom。Atlast，attheendofthelongwalk，justwherethelaurel—bushesmarkthebeginningoftheshrubberies——onthethresholdofthesceneofhiscrime——Pamelaturnedroundsuddenlyandfacedtherepentantsinner。Themostinterestingthingsinlifearethosewhich，perhapsbytheinevitablenatureofthecase，onedoesnothear；andIdidnothearthescenewhichfollowed。Forawhiletheystoodtalking——rather，hetalkedandshelistened。Thensheturnedagainandwalkedslowlyintotheshrubbery。Chillingtonfollowed。Itwastheendofachapter，andIlaiddownthebook。
　　HowandfromwhomMissListonheardthenewswhichChillingtonhimselftoldme，withoutaglimmerofshameoratouchofembarrassment，sometwohourslater，Idonotknow；buthearitshedidbeforeluncheon；forshecamedown，readyarmedwiththeneatestlittlespeechesforboththehappylovers。
　　IdidnotexpectPamelatoshowanouncemorefeelingthanthestrictestcanonsofproprietydemanded，andshefulfilledmyexpectationstotheletter；butIhadhoped，Iconfess，thatChillingtonwouldhavedisplayedsomelittleconsciousness。Hedidnot；anditismybeliefthat，throughouttheeventswhichI
　　haverecorded，heretained，andthathestillretains，theconvictionthatMissListon’sinterestinhimwaspurelyliteraryandartistic，andthatshedevotedherselftohissocietysimplybecauseheofferedaninterestingproblemandaninspiringtheme。
　　Aningeniouscharitymayfindinthatattitudeevidenceofmodesty；tomythinking，itarguesamoresubtleandmagnificentconceitthanifhehadfathomedthetruth，asmanyhumblermeninhisplacewouldhavedone。
　　OnthedayaftertheengagementwasaccomplishedMissListonleftustoreturntoLondon。Shecameoutinherhatandjacketandsatdownbyme；thecarriagewastoberoundintenminutes。
　　Sheputonherglovesslowlyandbuttonedthemcarefully。Thisdone，shesaid：
　　"Bytheway，Mr。Wynne，I’veadoptedyoursuggestion。Themandoesn’tfindout。"
　　"Thenyou’vemadehimafool？"Iaskedbluntly。
　　"No，"sheanswered。"I——Ithinkitmighthappenthoughhewasn’tafool。"
　　Shesatwithherhandsinherlapforamomentortwo，thenshewenton，inalowervoice：
　　"I’mgoingtomakehimfindoutafterward。"
　　Ifeltherglanceonme，butIlookedstraightinfrontofme。
　　"What，afterhe’smarriedtheshallowgirl？"
　　"Yes，"saidMissListon。
　　"Rathertoolate，isn’tit？Atleast，ifyoumeanthereistobeahappyending。"
　　MissListonenlacedherfingers。
　　"Ihaven’tdecidedabouttheendingyet，"saidshe。
　　"Ifyou’reintenttobetragical——whichisthefashion——you’lldoasyoustand，"saidI。
　　"Yes，"sheansweredslowly，"ifI’mtragical，IshalldoasI
　　stand。"
　　Therewasanotherpause，andratheralongone；thewheelsofthecarriagewereaudibleonthegravelofthefrontdrive。MissListonstoodup。Iroseandheldoutmyhand。
　　"Ofcourse，"saidMissListon，stillintentonhernovel，"I
　　could————"Shestoppedagain，andlookedapprehensivelyatme。
　　Myface，Ibelieve，expressednothingmorethanpoliteattentionandfriendlyinterest。
　　"Ofcourse，"shebeganagain，"theshallowgirl——hiswife——
　　might——mightdie，Mr。Wynne。"
　　"Innovels，"saidIwithasmile，"whilethere’sdeath，there’shope。"
　　"Yes，innovels，"sheanswered，givingmeherhand。
　　Thepoorlittlewomanwasveryunhappy。Unwisely，Idaresay，I
　　pressedherhand。Itwasenough，thetearsleapedtohereyes；shegavemygreatfistahurriedsqueeze——Ihaveseldombeenmoretouchedbyanythanks，howeverwarmoreloquent——andhurriedaway。
　　V。
　　’TWIXTWILLANDWILLNOT。
　　Imustconfessatoncethatatfirst，atleast，Iverymuchadmiredthecurate。Iamnotreferringtomyadmirationofhisfinefigure——sixfeethighandstraightasanarrow——norofhishandsome，open，ingenuouscountenance，orhiscandidblueeye，orhisthickcurlyhair。No；whatwonmyheartfromanearlyperiodofmyvisittomycousins，thePoltons，ofPoltonsPark，wasthefervent，undisguised，unashamed，confident，andaltogethermatter—of—coursemannerinwhichhemadelovetoMissBeatriceQueenborough，onlydaughterandheiressofthewealthyshipowner，SirWagstaffQueenborough，Bart。，andEleanor，hiswife。Itwaspurelythemannerofthecurate’sadvancesthattookmyfancy；inthemerefactofthemtherewasnothingremarkable。Forallthemeninthehouse（andagoodmanyoutside）madecovert，stealthy，andindirectstepsinthesamedirection；forTrix（asherfriendscalledher）was，ifnotwise，atleastprettyandwitty，displayingtothematerialeyeacharmingfigure，andtothementaladelicateheartlessness——bothattributeswhichchallengeaself—respectingman’sbestefforts。
　　Butthencamethefatalobstacle。Fromheiressesinreasonagentlemanneedneithershrinknorlethimselfbedriven；butwhenitcomestosomethingliketwentythousandayear——thereportedamountofTrix’sdot——hedistrustshisownmotivesalmostasmuchasthelady’srelativesdistrustthemforhim。Weallfeltthis——Stanton，Rippleby，andI；and，althoughIwillnotswearthatwespokenotenderwordsandgavenomeaningglances，yetwereducedsuchconcessionstonaturalweaknesstoaminimum，notonlywhenLadyQueenboroughwasby，butatalltimes。Tosaytruth，wehadnodesiretoseeourscalpsaffixedtoMissTrix’sprettybelt，nortohaveourheartsbroken（likethatoftheyoungmaninthepoem）beforeshewenttoHomburgintheautumn。
　　Withthecurateitwasotherwise。He——JackIves，bytheway，washisname——appearedtorush，notonlyuponhisfate，butinthefaceofallpossibilityandofLadyQueenborough。Mycousinandhostess，DoraPolton，wasverymuchdistressedabouthim。Shesaidthathewassuchaniceyoungfellow，andthatitwasagreatpitytoseehimpreparingsuchunhappinessforhimself。
　　Nay，IhappentoknowthatshespokeveryseriouslytoTrix，pointingoutthewickednessoftriflingwithhim；whereuponTrix，whomaintainedabowingacquaintancewithherconscience，avoidedhimforawholeafternoonandendangeredallAlgyStanton’sprudentresolutionsbytakinghimoutintheCanadiancanoe。
　　Thisdemonstrationinnowayperturbedthecurate。Heobservedthat，astherewasnothingbettertodo，wemightaswellplaybilliards，andproceededtodefeatmeinthreegamesofahundredup（no，itisquiteimmaterialwhetherweplayedforanythingornot），afterwhichhetoldDorathatthevicarwastakingtheeveningservice——ithappenedtobethedaywhentherewasoneattheparishchurch——apieceofinformationonlyrelevantinsofarasitsuggestedthatMr。Ivescouldacceptaninvitationtodinnerifonewereprofferedhim。Dora，veryweakly，rosetothebait。JackIves，airilyremarkingthattherewasnouseinceremonyamongfriends，seizedtheplacenexttoTrixatdinner（hermotherwasjustopposite）andwalkedontheterraceafterdinnerwithherinthemoonlight。Whentheladiesretiredhecameintothesmokingroom，drankawhiskyandsoda，saidthatMissQueenboroughwasreallyaverycharmingcompanion，andapologizedforleavingusearly，onthegroundthathissermonwasstillunwritten。Mygoodcousin，thesquire，suggestedrathergrimlythatadiscourseonthevanityofhumanwishesmightbeappropriate。
　　"Ishallpreach，"saidMr。Ivesthoughtfully，"ontheopportunitiesofwealth。"
　　Thisresolutionhecarriedoutonthenextdaybutone，thatbeingaSunday。IhadthepleasureofsittingnexttoMissTrix，andIwatchedherwithsomeinterestasMr。Ivesdevelopedhistheme。Iwillnottrytoreproducethesermon，whichwouldhaveseemedbynomeansabadonehadanyofourpartybeenabletoignorethepersonalapplicationwhichwereadintoit；foritsmainburdenwasnootherthanthis——thatwealthshouldbeusedbythosewhowerefortunateenoughtopossessit（hereTrixlookeddownandfidgetedwithherPrayer—book）asameansofpromotinggreaterunionbetweenthemselvesandthelessrichlyendowed，andnot——as，alas!hadtoooftenbeenthecase——asthoughitwereanewbarriersetupbetweenthemandtheirfellow—creatures（hereMissTrixblushedslightly，andhadrecoursetohersmelling—bottle）。"You，"saidthecurate，waxingrhetoricalasheaddressedanimaginary，butbloated，capitalist，"havenomorerighttoyourmoneythanIhave。Itisintrustedtoyoutobesharedwithme。"AtthispointIheardLadyQueenboroughsniffandAlgyStantonsnigger。IstoleaglanceatTrixanddetectedaslightwaverintheadmirablelinesofhermouth。
　　"Averygoodsermon，didn’tyouthink？"Isaidtoher，aswewalkedhome。
　　"Oh，very!"shereplieddemurely。
　　"Ah，ifwefollowedallweheardinchurch!"Isighed。
　　MissTrixwalkedinsilenceforafewyards。Bydintofneverbecominganythingelse，wehadbecomeverygoodfriends；andpresentlysheremarked，quiteconfidentially：
　　"He’sverysilly，isn’the？"
　　"Thenyououghttosnubhim，"Isaidseverely。
　　"SoIdo——sometimes。He’sratheramusing，though。"
　　"Ofcourse，ifyou’repreparedtomakethesacrificeinvolved————"
　　"Oh，whatnonsense!"
　　"Thenyou’venobusinesstoamuseyourselfwithhim。"
　　"Dear，dear!howmoralyouare!"saidTrix。
　　Thenextdevelopmentinthesituationwasthis：MycousinDorareceivedaletterfromtheMarquisofNewhaven，withwhomshewasacquainted，prayinghertoallowhimtorundowntoPoltonsforafewdays；heremindedherthatshehadoncegivenhimageneralinvitation；ifitwouldnotbeinconvenient——andsoforth。Themeaningofthiscommunicationdidnot，ofcourse，escapemycousin，whohadwitnessedthewriter’sattentionstoTrixintheprecedingseason，nordiditescapetherestofus（whohadtalkedoverthesaidattentionsattheclub）whenshetoldusaboutit，andannouncedthatLordNewhavenwouldarriveinthemiddleofthenextday。Trixaffecteddenseunconsciousness；hermotherallowedherselfamysterioussmile——which，however，speedilyvanishedwhenthecurate（hewastakinglunchwithus）
　　observedinacheerfultone：
　　"Newhaven!Oh，IrememberthechapattheHouse——plowedtwiceinSmalls——stumpyfellow，isn’the？Notabadchap，though，youknow，barringhislooks。I’mgladhe’scoming。"
　　"Youwon’tbesoon，youngman，"LadyQueenborough’sangryeyeseemedtosay。
　　"Irememberhim，"pursuedJack；"awfullysmittenwithatobacconist’sdaughterintheCorn——oh，it’sallRIGHT，LadyQueenborough——shewouldn’tlookathim。"
　　ThisquasiapologywascalledforthbythefactofLadyQueenboroughpushingbackherchairandmakingforthedoor。Itdidnotatallappeasehertohearofthescornofthetobacconist’sdaughter。SheglancedsternlyatJackanddisappeared。HeturnedtoTrixandremindedher——withoutdiffidenceandcorampopulo，ashishabitwas——thatshehadpromisedhimastrollinthewestwood。
　　WhathappenedonthatstrollIdonotknow；butmeetingMissTrixonthestairslaterintheafternoon，Iventuredtoremark：
　　"Ihopeyoubrokeittohimgently，MissQueenborough？"
　　"Idon’tknowwhatyoumean，"repliedTrixhaughtily。
　　"Youwereoutnearlytwohours，"saidI。
　　"Werewe？"askedTrix，withastart。"Goodgracious!Wherewasmamma，Mr。Wynne？"
　　"Onthelawn——watchinhand。"
　　MissTrixwentslowlyupstairs，andthereisnottheleastdoubtthatsomethingseriouspassedbetweenherandhermother，forbothofthemwereinthemostatrociousofhumorsthatevening。
　　Fortunately，thecuratewasnotthere；hehadaBibleclass。
　　ThenextdayLordNewhavenarrived。IfoundhimonthelawnwhenIstrolledup，afteraspellofletter—writing，aboutfouro’clock。Lawntenniswastheorderoftheday，andwewereallinflannels。
　　"Oh，here’sMark!"criedDora，seeingme。"Now，Mark，youandMr。IveshadbetterplayagainstTrixandLordNewhaven。That’llmakeaverygoodset。"
　　"No，no，Mrs。Polton，"saidJackIves。"Theywouldn’thaveachance。Lookhere，I’llplaywithMissQueenboroughagainstLordNewhavenandWynne。"
　　Newhaven——whoseappearance，bytheway，thoughhardlydistinguished，wasnotquitesounornamentalasthecuratehadledustoexpect——lookedslightlydispleased，butJackgavehimnotimeforremonstrance。HewhiskedTrixoffandbegantoserveallinamoment。IhadavisionofLadyQueenboroughapproachingfromthehousewithfaceaghast。Thesetwenton；and，owingentirelytoNewhaven’sabsurdchivalryinsendingalltheballstoJackIvesinsteadoffollowingthewell—knownmaximto"poundawayatthelady，"theybeatus。Jackwipedhisbrow，strolleduptotheteatablewithTrix，andremarkedinexultanttones：
　　"Wemakeaperfectcouple，MissQueenborough；weoughtnevertobeseparated。"
　　Doradidnotaskthecuratetodinnerthatnight，buthedroppedinaboutnineo’clocktoaskheropinionastothehymnsonSunday；andfindingMissTrixandNewhaveninthesmalldrawingroom，hesatdownandtalkedtothem。ThiswastoomuchforTrix；shehadtreatedhimverykindlyandhadallowedhimtoamuseher；butitwasimpossibletoputupwithpresumptionofthatkind。DifficultasitwastodiscourageMr。Ives，shedidit，andhewentawaywithadisconsolate，puzzledexpression。Atthelastmoment，however，Trixsofarrelentedastoexpressahopethathewascomingtotennisto—morrow，atwhichhebrightenedupalittle。Idonotwishtobeuncharitable——leastofalltoacharmingyounglady———butmyopinionisthatMissTrixdidnotwishtosetthecuratealtogetheradrift。I
　　think，however，thatLadyQueenboroughmusthavespokenagain，forwhenJackdidcometotennis，Trixtreatedhimwithmostfreezingcivilityandahardlydisguiseddisdain，anddevotedherselftoLordNewhavenwithasmuchassiduityashermothercouldwish。Wemen，overourpipes，expressedtheopinionthatJackIves’littlehourofsunshinewaspast，andthatnothingwaslefttousbuttolookonattheprosperous，uneventfulcourseofLordNewhaven’swooing。Trixhadhadherfun（soAlgyStantonbluntlyphrasedit）andwouldnowsettledowntobusiness。
　　"Ibelieve，though，"headded，"thatshelikesthecurateabit，youknow。"
　　Duringthewholeofthenextday——Wednesday——JackIveskeptaway；
　　hehad，apparently，acceptedtheinevitable，andwashealinghiswoundedheartbyastrictattentiontohisparochialduties。
　　Newhavenremarkedonhisabsencewithanairofrelief，andMissTrixtreateditasamatterofnoimportance；LadyQueenboroughwasallsmiles；andDoraPoltonrestrictedherselftoexclaiming，asIsatbyherattea，inalowtoneandaproposofnothinginparticular，"Oh，well——poorMr。Ives!"
　　ButonThursdaythereoccurredanevent，thesignificanceofwhichpassedatthemomentunperceived，butwhichhad，infact，mostimportantresults。ThiswasnootherthanthearrivaloflittleMrs。Wentworth，anintimatefriendofDora’s。Mrs。
　　Wentworthhadbeenleftawidowearlyinlife；shepossessedacomfortablecompetence；shewasnothandsome，butshewasvivacious，amusing，and，aboveall，sympathetic。ShesympathizedatoncewithLadyQueenboroughinhermaternalanxieties，withTrixonhercharmingromance，withNewhavenonhissweetdevotedness，withtherestofusinourobviousdesolation——and，afteraconfidentialchatwithDora，shesympathizedmoststronglywithpoorMr。Ivesonhisunfortunateattachment。
　　Nothingwouldsatisfyher，soDoratoldme，excepttheopportunityofplyingMr。Iveswithhersoothingbalm；andDorawasabouttositdownandwritehimanote，whenhestrolledinthroughthedrawingroomwindow，andannouncedthathiscook’smotherwasill，andthatheshouldbeverymuchobligedifMrs。
　　Poltonwouldgivehimsomedinnerthatevening。TrixandNewhavenhappenedtoenterbythedooratthesamemoment，andJackdarteduptothem，andshookhandswiththegreatesteffusion。Hehadevidentlyburiedallunkindness——andwithit，wehoped，hismistakenfolly。Howeverthatmightbe，hemadenoefforttoengrossTrix，buttookhisseatmostdocilelybyhishostess——andshe，ofcourse，introducedhimtoMrs。Wentworth。
　　Hisbehaviorwas，infact，soexemplarythatevenLadyQueenboroughrelaxedherseverity，andcondescendedtocross—
　　examinehimonthemoralsandmannersoftheoldwomenoftheparish。"Oh，thevicarlooksafterthem，"saidJack；andheturnedtoMrs。Wentworthagain。
　　TherecanbenodoubtthatMrs。Wentworthhadaremarkablepowerofsympathy。Itookherintodinner，andshewasdeepinthesubjectofmy"nobleandinspiringart"beforethesoupwasoffthetable。Indeed，I’msurethatmylife’sambitionswouldhavebeenanopenbooktoherbythetimethatthejointarrived，hadnotJackIves，whowassittingonthelady’sotherside，cutintotheconversationjustasMrs。WentworthwascomparingmyearlystruggleswiththoseofMr。Carlyle。AfterthisinterventionofJack’sIhadnotachance。Iatemydinnerwithoutthesauceofsympathy，substitutingforitacertainamusementwhichI
　　derivedfromstudyingthefaceofMissTrixQueenborough，whowasplacedontheoppositesideofthetable。AndifTrixdidlooknowandagainatMrs。WentworthandJackIves，Icannotsaythatherconductwasunnatural。Totellthetruth，Jackwassoobviouslydelightedwithhisnewfriendthatitwasquitepleasant——and，asIsay，underthecircumstances，ratheramusing——towatchthem。WefeltthatthesquirewasjustifiedinhavingahitatJackwhenJacksaid，inthesmokingroom，thathefoundhimselfratheratalossforasubjectforhisnextsermon。
　　"Whatdoyousay，"suggestedmycousin，puffingathispipe，"totakingconstancyasyourtext？"
　　Jackconsideredtheideaforamoment，butthenheshookhishead。
　　"No。Ithink，"hesaidreflectively，"thatIshallpreachonthepowerofsympathy。"
　　Thatsermonaffordedme——Imustconfessit，attheriskofseemingfrivolous——verygreatentertainment。AgainIsecuredaplacebyMissTrix——onherleft，Newhavenbeingonherright，andherfacewasworthstudywhenJackIvesgaveusamosteloquentdescriptionofthewonderfulgiftinquestion。Itwas，hesaid，theessenceandthecrownoftruewomanliness，anditshoweditself——well，toputitquiteplainly，itshoweditself，accordingtoJackIves，inexactlythatsortofmannerandbearingwhichsohonorablyandgracefullydistinguishedMrs。
　　Wentworth。Theladywasnot，ofcourse，named，butshewasclearlyindicated。"Yourgift，yourpreciousgift，"criedthecurate，apostrophizingtheimpersonationofsympathy，"isgiventoyou，notforyourprofit，butformine。Itisyours，butitisatrusttobeusedforme。Itisyours，infact，tosharewithme。"Atthisclimax，whichmusthavestruckuponherearwithacertainfamiliarity，MissTrixQueenborough，notwithstandingtheplaceandoccasion，tossedherprettyheadandwhisperedtome，"Whathorridstuff!"
　　IntheensuingweekJackIveswasourconstantcompanion；thecontinuedillnessofhisservant’smotherlefthimstranded，andDora’skindheartatonceofferedhimthehospitalityofherroof。FormypartIwasglad，forthelittledramawhichnowbeganwasnotwithoutitsinterest。ItwasapleasantchangetoseeJackgeniallypolitetoTrixQueenborough，butquiteindifferenttoherpresenceorabsence，andcontenttoallowhertotakeNewhavenforherpartnerattennisasoftenasshepleased。Hehimselfwasoftenanabsenteefromourgames。Mrs。
　　Wentworthdidnotplay，andJackwouldsitunderthetreeswithher，ortakeheroutinthecanoe。WhatTrixthoughtIdidnotknow，butitisafactthatshetreatedpoorNewhavenlikedirtbeneathherfeet，andthatLadyQueenborough’sfacebegantoloseitstransientlypleasantexpression。Ihadavagueideathataretributionwasworkingitselfout，anddisposedmyselftoseetheprocesswithallthecomplacencyinducedbythespectacleofothersreceivingpunishmentfortheirsins。
　　Alittlescenewhichoccurredafterlunchonedaywassignificant。Iwassittingontheterrace，readybootedandbreeched，waitingformyhorsetobebroughtround。Trixcameoutandsatdownbyme。
　　"Where’sNewhaven？"Iasked。
　　"Oh，Idon’talwayswantLordNewhaven!"sheexclaimedpetulantly。"Isenthimoffforawalk——I’mgoingoutintheCanadiancanoewithMr。Ives。"
　　"Oh，youare，areyou？"saidI，smiling。AsIspoke，JackIvesranuptous。
　　"Isay，MissQueenborough，"hecried，"I’vejustgotyourmessagesayingyou’dletmetakeyouonthelake。"
　　"Isitagreatbore？"askedTrix，withaglance——aglancethatmeantmischief。
　　"Ishouldlikeitawfully，ofcourse，"saidJack；"butthefactisI’vepromisedtotakeMrs。Wentworth——beforeIgotyourmessage，youknow。"
　　Trixdrewherselfup。
　　"Ofcourse，ifMrs。Wentworth————"shebegan。
　　"I’mverysorry，"saidJack。
　　ThenMissQueenborough，forgetting——asIhope——orchoosingtodisregardmypresence，leanedforwardandasked，inhermostcoaxingtones：
　　"Don’tyoueverforgetapromise，Mr。Ives？"
　　Jacklookedather。Isupposeherdaintyprettinessstruckhimafresh，forhewaveredandhesitated。
　　"She’sgoneupstairs，"pursuedthetempter，"andweshallbesafeawaybeforeshecomesdownagain。"
　　Jackshuffledwithonefootonthegravel。
　　"Itellyouwhat，"hesaid；"I’llaskherifshemindsmetakingyouforalittlewhilebeforeI————"
　　Ibelievehereallythoughtthathehadhituponacompromisesatisfactorytoallparties。Ifso，hewasspeedilyundeceived。
　　Trixflushedredandansweredangrily：
　　"Praydon’ttrouble。Idon’twanttogo。"
　　"Perhapsafterwardyoumight，"suggestedthecurate，butnowrathertimidly。
　　"I’mgoingoutwithLordNewhaven，"saidshe。Andsheadded，inanaccessofuncontrollableannoyance。"Go，pleasego。I——I
　　don’twantyou。"
　　Jacksheeredoff，withalookofpuzzledshamefacedness。Hedisappearedintothehouse。NothingpassedbetweenMissTrixandmyself。AmomentlaterNewhavencameout。
　　"Why，MissQueenborough，"saidhe，inapparentsurprise，"IvesisgoingwithMrs。Wentworthinthecanoe!"
　　InaninstantIsawwhatshehaddone。InrashpresumptionshehadtoldNewhaventhatshewasgoingwiththecurate——andnowthecuratehadrefusedtotakeher——andIveshadmethiminsearchofMrs。Wentworth。Whatcouldshedo？Well，sherose——orfell——totheoccasion。Inthecoldestofvoicesshesaid；
　　"Ithoughtyou’dgoneforyourwalk。"
　　"Iwasjuststarting，"heansweredapologetically，"whenImetIves。But，asyouweren’tgoingwithhim————"Hepaused，aninquiringlookinhiseyes。Hewasevidentlyaskinghimselfwhyshehadnotgonewiththecurate。
　　"I’dratherbeleftalone，ifyoudon’tmind，"saidshe。Andthen，flushingredagain，sheadded。"IchangedmymindandrefusedtogowithMr。Ives。SohewentofftogetMrs。
　　Wentworthinstead。"
　　Istarted。Newhavenlookedatherforaninstant，andthenturnedonhisheel。Sheturnedtome，quickaslightning，andwithherfaceallaflame。
　　"Ifyoutell，I’llneverspeaktoyouagain，"shewhispered。
　　Afterthistherewassilenceforsomeminutes。
　　"Well？"shesaid，withoutlookingatme。
　　"Ihavenoremarktooffer，MissQueenborough，"Ireturned。
　　"Isupposethatwasalie，wasn’tit？"sheaskeddefiantly。
　　"It’snotmybusinesstosaywhatitwas，"wasmydiscreetanswer。
　　"Iknowwhatyou’rethinking。"
　　"Iwasthinking，"saidI，"whichIwouldratherbe——themanyouwillmarry，orthemanyouwouldlike————"
　　"Howdareyou!It’snottrue。OhMr。Wynne，indeedit’snottrue!"
　　WhetheritweretrueornotIdidnotknow。Butifithadbeen，MissTrixQueenboroughmighthavebeenexpectedtoactverymuchinthewayinwhichsheproceededtoact：thatistosay，tobeextravagantlyattentivetoLordNewhavenwhenJackIveswaspresent，andmarkedlyneglectfulofhiminthecurate’sabsence。
　　ItalsofittedinverywellwiththetheorywhichIhadventuredtohintthatherbearingtowardMrs。Wentworthwasdistinguishedbyastatelycivility，andherremarksaboutthatladybyasuperfluityoflaudation；forifthesebenottwodistinguishingmarksofrivalryinthewell—bred，Imustgobacktomyfavoritebooksandlearnfromthem——morefolly。AndifTrix’smannerswereallthattheyshouldbe，praisenolesshighmustbeaccordedtoMrs。Wentworth’s；sheattainedanaltitudeofadmirableunconsciousnessandconductedherflirtation（thepovertyoflanguageforcesmetotheword，butitisover—
　　flippant）withthecurateinastaid，quasi—maternalway。Shecalledhimadelightfulboy，andsaidthatshewasintenselyinterestedinallhisaimsandhopes。
　　"Whatdoesshewant？"IaskedDoradespairingly。"Shecan’twanttomarryhim。"IwasreferringtoTrixQueenborough，nottoMrs。
　　Wentworth。
　　"Goodgracious，no!"answeredDora，irritably。"It’ssimplejealousy。Shewon’tletthepoorboyalonetillhe’sinlovewithheragain。It’sahorribleshame!"
　　"Oh，well，hehasgreatrecuperativepower，"saidI。
　　"She’dbetterbecareful，though。It’saverydangerousgame。
　　HowdoyousupposeLordNewhavenlikesit？"
　　AccidentgavemethatverydayahinthowlittleLordNewhavenlikedit，andaglimpseoftheriskMissTrixwasrunning。
　　Enteringthelibrarysuddenly，IheardNewhaven’svoiceraisedabovehisordinarytones。
　　"Iwon’tstandit!"hewasdeclaring。"Ineverknowhowshe’lltreatmefromoneminutetothenext。"
　　Myentrance，ofcourse，stoppedtheconversationveryabruptly。Newhavenhadcometoastandinthemiddleoftheroom，andLadyQueenboroughsatonthesofa，aformidablefrownonherbrow。Withdrawingmyselfasrapidlyaspossible，IarguedtheprobabilityofaseverelectureforMissTrix，endinginacommandtotryhernoblesuitor’spatiencenolonger。Ihopeallthishappened，forI，notseeingwhyMrs。Wentworthshouldmonopolizethegraceofsympathy，tookthelibertyofextendingminetoNewhaven。HewascertainlyinlovewithTrix，notwithhermoney，andthetreatmentheunderwentmusthavebeenastryingtohisfeelingsasitwasgallingtohispride。
　　Mysympathywasnotpremature，forMissTrix’sfascinations，whichwereindubitablygreat，begantohavetheireffect。Thesceneaboutthecanoewasre—enacted，butwithadifferentdenouement。Thistimethepromisewasforgotten，andthewidowforsaken。ThenMrs。Wentworthputonherarmor。Wehad，infact，reachedthisveryabsurdsituation，thatthesetwoladieswerecontendingforthefavorsof，orthedominationover，suchanobscure，poverty—stricken，hopelesslyineligiblepersonasthecurateofPoltonsundoubtedlywas。Thepositionseemedtomethen，andstillseems，toindicatesomeremarkablequalitiesinthatyoungman。
　　AtlastNewhavenmadeamove。Atbreakfast，onWednesdaymorning，heannouncedthat，reluctantasheshouldbetoleavePoltonsPark，hewasdueathisaunt’splace，inKent，onSaturdayevening，andmust，therefore，makehisarrangementstoleavebynoononthatday。Thesignificancewasapparent。Hadhecomedowntobreakfastwith"NoworNever!"stampedinfierylettersacrosshisbrow，itwouldhavebeenmoreobtrusive，indeed，butnotawhitplainer。Wealllookeddownatourplates，exceptJackIves。Heflungoneglance（Isawitoutofthecornerofmylefteye）atNewhaven，anotheratTrix；thenheremarkedkindly：
　　"Weshallbeuncommonlysorrytoloseyou，Newhaven。"
　　Eventsbegantohappennow，andIwilltellthemaswellasIamable，supplementingmyownknowledgebywhatIlearnedafterwardfromDora——shehavinglearneditfromtheactorsinthescene。
　　InspiteofthesolemnwarningconveyedinNewhaven’sintimation，Trix，greatlydaring，wentoffimmediatelyafterlunchforwhatshedescribedas"alongramble"withMr。Ives。Therewas，indeed，theexcuseofanoldwomanattheendoftheramble，andTrixprovidedJackwithasmallbasketofcomfortsfortheusefuloldbody；buttheramblewas，wefelt，thething，andIwasmuchannoyedatnotbeingabletoaccompanythewalkersinthecloakofdarknessorotherinvisiblecontrivance。Therambleconsumedthreehours——fullmeasure。Indeed，itwashalf—pastsixbeforeTrix，alone，walkedupthedrive。Newhaven，asolitaryfigure，pacedupanddowntheterracefrontingthedrive。Trixcameon，herheadthrownbackandasteadysmileonherlips。ShesawNewhaven；hestoodlookingatherforamomentwithwhatsheafterwarddescribedasanindescribablesmileonhisface，butnot，asDoraunderstoodfromher，byanymeansapleasantone。
　　Yet，ifnotpleasant，thereisnottheleastdoubtintheworldthatitwashighlysignificant，forshecriedoutnervously：
　　"Whyareyoulookingatmelikethat？What’sthematter？"
　　Newhaven，stillsayingnothing，turnedhisbackonher，andmadeasifhewouldwalkintothehouseandleaveherthere，ignored，discarded，donewith。She，realizingthecrisiswhichhadcome，forgettingeverythingexcepttheimminentdangeroflosinghimonceforall，withouttimeforlongexplanationoranyround—
　　aboutseductions，ranforward，layingherhandonhisarmandblurtingout：
　　"ButI’verefusedhim。"
　　IdonotknowwhatNewhaventhinksnow，butIsometimesdoubtwhetherhewouldnothavebeenwisertoshakeoffthedetaininghand，andpursuehislonelyway，firstintothehouse，andultimatelytohisaunt’s。But（tosaynothingofthetwentythousandayear，which，afterall，andbeyouasromanticasyoumaypleasetobe，isnotathingtobesneezedat）Trix’sface，itsmingledeagernessandshame，itsflushedcheeksandshiningeyes，thepiquancyofitsunwontedhumility，overcamehim。Hestoppeddead。
　　"I——Iwasobligedtogivehiman——anopportunity，"saidMissTrix，havingthegracetostumblealittleinherspeech。"And——
　　andit’sallyourfault。"
　　Thewarwasthus，byhappyaudacity，carriedintoNewhaven’sownquarters。
　　"Myfault!"heexclaimed。"Myfaultthatyouwalkalldaywiththatcurate!"
　　ThenMissTrix——andletnoirrelevantconsiderationsmartheappreciationoffineacting——droppedhereyesandmurmuredsoftly：
　　"I——IwassoterriblyafraidofseemingtoexpectYOU。"
　　Wherewithshe（andnothe）ranawaylightlyupthestairs，turningjustoneglancedownwardasshereachedthelanding。
　　Newhavenwaslookingupfrombelowwithan"enchanted"smile——thewordisTrix’sown；Ishouldprobablyhaveusedadifferentone。
　　WasthenthecurateofPoltonsutterlydefeated——broughttohisknees，onlytobespurned？Itseemedso；andhecamedowntodinnerthatnightwithasubduedandmelancholyexpression。
　　Trix，ontheotherhand，wasbrilliantandtalkativetothelastdegree，andthegayetyspreadfromherallaroundthetable，leavinguntouchedonlytherejectedloverandMrs。Wentworth；forthelastnamedlady，truetoherdistinguishingquality，hadbeguntotalktopoorJackIvesinlow，soothingtones。
　　AfterdinnerTrixwasnotvisible；butthedoorofthelittleboudoirbeyondstoodhalf—open，andverysoonNewhavenedgedhiswaythrough。AlmostatthesamemomentJackIvesandMrs。
　　Wentworthpassedoutofthewindowandbegantowalkupanddownthegravel。Nobodybutmyselfappearedtonoticetheseremarkableoccurrences，butIwatchedthemwithkeeninterest。
　　Halfanhourpassed，andthentheresmoteonmywatchfulearthesoundofalowlaughfromtheboudoir。Itwasfollowedalmostimmediatelybyastrangersoundfromthegravelwalk。Then，allinamoment，twothingshappened。Theboudoirdooropened，andTrix，followedbyNewhaven，camein，smiling；fromthewindowenteredJackIvesandMrs。Wentworth。Myeyeswereonthecurate。Hegaveonesudden，comprehendingglancetowardtheothercouple；thenhetookthewidow’shand，ledheruptoDora，andsaid，inlowyetpenetratingtones。
　　"Willyouwishusjoy，Mrs。Polton？"
　　Thesquire，Rippleby，andAlgyStantonwereroundtheminaninstant。Ikeptmyplace，watchingnowthefaceofTrixQueenborough。Sheturnedfirstflamingred，thenverypale。I
　　sawherturntoNewhavenandspeakoneortwourgent，imperativewordstohim。Then，drawingherselfuptoherfullheight，shecrossedtheroomtowherethegroupwasassembledroundMrs。
　　WentworthandJackIves。
　　"What’sthematter？Whatareyousaying？"sheasked。
　　Mrs。Wentworth’seyesweremodestlycastdown，butasmileplayedroundhermouth。Noonespokeforamoment。ThenJackIvessaid：
　　"Mrs。Wentworthhaspromisedtobemywife，MissQueenborough。"
　　Foramoment，hardlyperceptible，Trixhesitated；then，withthemostwinning，touching，sweetestsmileintheworld，shesaid：
　　"Soyoutookmyadvice，andourafternoonwalkwasnotwasted，afterall？"
　　Mrs。Poltonisnotusedtothesefineflightsofdiplomacy；shehadheardbeforedinnersomethingofwhathadactuallyhappenedintheafternoon；andthesimplewomanpositivelyjumped。JackIvesmetTrix’sscornfuleyesfullandsquare。
　　"Notatallwasted，"saidhe，withasmile。"Notonlyhasitshownmewheremytruehappinesslies，butithasalsogivenmeajusterideaofthevalueandsincerityofyourregardforme，MissQueenborough。"
　　"Itisasreal，Mr。Ives，asitissincere，"saidshe。
　　"Itislikeyourself，MissQueenborough，"saidhe，withalittlebow；andheturnedfromherandbegantotalktohisfiancee。
　　TrixQueenboroughmovedslowlytowardwhereIsat。Newhavenwaswatchingherfromwherehestoodaloneontheothersideoftheroom。
　　"Andhaveyounonewsforus？"Iaskedinlowtones。
　　"Thankyou，"shesaidhaughtily；"Idon’tcarethatmineshouldbeapendenttothegreattidingsaboutthelittlewidowandcurate。"
　　Afteramoment’spauseshewenton：
　　"Helostnotime，didhe？Hewaswisetosecureherbeforewhathappenedthisafternooncouldleakout。Nobodycantellhernow。"
　　"Thisafternoon？"
　　"Heaskedmetomarryhimthisafternoon。"
　　"Andyourefused？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Well，hisbehaviorisinoutrageouslybadtaste，but————"
　　Shelaidahandonmyarm，andsaidincalm，leveltones。
　　"IrefusedhimbecauseIdarednothavehim；butItoldhimI
　　caredforhim，andhesaidhelovedme。AndIlethimkissme。
　　Good—night，Mr。Wynne。"
　　Isatstillandsilent。Newhavencameacrosstous。Trixputupherhandandcaughthimbythesleeve。
　　"Fred，"shesaid，"mydear，honestoldFred；youloveme，don’tyou？"
　　Newhaven，muchembarrassedandsurprised，lookedatmeinalarm。
　　Butherhandwasinhisnow，andhereyesimploringhim。
　　"IshouldratherthinkIdid，mydear，"saidhe。
　　IreallyhopethatLordandLadyNewhavenwillnotbeveryunhappy，whileMrs。Ivesquiteworshipsherhusband，andisconvincedthatsheeclipsedthebrilliantandwealthyMissQueenborough。
　　Perhapsshedid——perhapsnot。
　　Thereare，asIhavesaid，greatqualitiesinthecurateofPoltons，butIhavenotquitemadeupmymindpreciselywhattheyare。Iought，however，tosaythatDoratakesamorefavorableviewofhimandalesslenientviewofTrixthanI。
　　Thatisperhapsnatural。Besides，Doradoesnotknowtheprecisemannerinwhichthecuratewasrefused。Bytheway，hepreachednextSundayonthetext，"Thechildrenofthisworldarewiserintheirgenerationthanthechildrenoflight。"
　　VI。
　　WHICHSHALLITBE？
　　Itwasacharminglymildandbalmyday。Thesunshonebeyondtheorchard，andtheshadewascoolinside。Alightbreezestirredtheboughsoftheoldappletreeunderwhichthephilosophersat。
　　Noneofthesethingsdidthephilosophernotice，unlessitmightbewhenthewindblewabouttheleavesofthelargevolumeonhisknees，andhehadtofindhisplaceagain。Thenhewouldexclaimagainstthewind，shuffletheleavestillhegottherightpage，andsettletohisreading。Thebookwasatreatiseonontology；
　　itwaswrittenbyanotherphilosopher，afriendofthisphilosopher’s；itbristledwithfallacies，andthisphilosopherwasdiscoveringthemall，andnotingthemontheflyleafattheend。Hewasnotgoingtoreviewthebook（assomemighthavethoughtfromhisbehavior），oreventoansweritinaworkofhisown。Itwasjustthathefoundapleasureinstrippinganypoorfallacynakedandcrucifyingit。
　　Presentlyagirlinawhitefrockcameintotheorchard。Shepickedupanapple，bitit，andfounditripe。Holdingitinherhandshewalkeduptowherethephilosophersat，andlookedathim。Hedidnotstir。Shetookabiteoutoftheapple，munchedit，andswallowedit。Thephilosophercrucifiedafallacyontheflyleaf。Thegirlflungtheappleaway。
　　"Mr。Jerningham，"saidshe，"areyouverybusy？"
　　Thephilosopher，pencilinhand，lookedup。
　　"No，MissMay，"saidhe，"notvery。"
　　"BecauseIwantyouropinion。"
　　"Inonemoment，"saidthephilosopherapologetically。
　　Heturnedbacktotheflyleafandbegantonailthelastfallacyalittletightertothecross。Thegirlregardedhim，firstwithamusedimpatience，thenwithavexedfrown，finallywithawistfulregret。Hewassoveryoldforhisage，shethought；hecouldnotbemuchbeyondthirty；hishairwasthickandfullofwaves，hiseyesbrightandclear，hiscomplexionnotyetdivestedofallyouth’srelics。
　　"Now，MissMay，Iamatyourservice，"saidthephilosopher，withalingeringlookathisimpaledfallacy。Andheclosedthebook，keepingit，however，onhisknee。
　　Thegirlsatdownjustoppositetohim。
　　"It’saveryimportantthingIwanttoaskyou，"shebegan，tuggingatatuftofgrass，"andit’svery——difficult，andyoumustn’ttellanyoneIaskedyou；atleast，I’dratheryoudidn’t。"
　　"Ishallnotspeakofit；indeed，Ishallprobablynotrememberit，"saidthephilosopher。
　　"Andyoumustn’tlookatme，please，whileI’maskingyou。"
　　"Idon’tthinkIwaslookingatyou，butifIwasIbegyourpardon，"saidthephilosopherapologetically。
　　Shepulledthetuftofgrassrightoutofthegroundandflungitfromherwithallherforce。
　　"Supposeaman————"shebegan。"No，that’snotright。"
　　"Youcantakeanyhypothesisyouplease，"observedthephilosopher，"butyoumustverifyitafterward，ofcourse。"
　　"Oh，doletmegoon。Supposeagirl，Mr。Jerningham——Iwishyouwouldn’tnod。"
　　"ItwasonlytoshowthatIfollowedyou。"
　　"Oh，ofcourseyou`followme，’asyoucallit。Supposeagirlhadtwolovers——you’renoddingagain——or，Ioughttosay，supposethereweretwomenwhomightbeinlovewithagirl。"
　　"Onlytwo？"askedthephilosopher。"Yousee，anynumberofmenMIGHTbeinlovewith————"
　　"Oh，wecanleavetherestout，"saidMissMay，withasuddendimple；"theydon’tmatter。"
　　"Verywell，"saidthephilosopher。"Iftheyareirrelevant，wewillputthemaside。"
　　"Suppose，then，thatoneofthesemenwas——oh，AWFULLYinlovewiththegirl——and——andproposed，youknow————"
　　"Amoment!"saidthephilosopher，openinganotebook。"Letmetakedownhisproposition。Whatwasit？"
　　"Why，proposedtoher——askedhertomarryhim，"saidthegirl，withastare。
　　"Dearme!Howstupidofme!Iforgotthatspecialuseoftheword。Yes？"
　　"Thegirllikeshimprettywell，andherpeopleapproveofhimandallthat，youknow。"
　　"Thatsimplifiestheproblem，"saidthephilosopher，noddingagain。
　　"Butshe’snotin——inlovewithhim，youknow。Shedoesn’tREALLYcareforhim——MUCH。Doyouunderstand？"
　　"Perfectly。Itisamostnaturalstateofmind。"
　　"Well，then，supposethatthere’sanotherman——whatareyouwriting？"
　　"Ionlyputdown（B。）——likethat，"pleadedthephilosopher，meeklyexhibitinghisnotebook。
　　Shelookedathiminasortofhelplessexasperation，withjustasmilesomewhereinthebackgroundofit。
　　"Oh，youreallyare————"sheexclaimed。"Butletmegoon。Theothermanisafriendofthegirl’s；he’sveryclever——oh，fearfullyclever；andhe’sratherhandsome。Youneedn’tputthatdown。"
　　"Itiscertainlynotverymaterial，"admittedthephilosopher，andhecrossedout"handsome。""Clever"heleft。
　　"Andthegirlismostawfully——sheadmireshimtremendously；shethinkshimjustthegreatestmanthateverlived，youknow。Andshe——she————"Thegirlpaused。
　　"I’mfollowing，"saidthephilosopher，withpencilpoised。
　　"She’dthinkitbetterthanthewholeworldif——ifshecouldbeanythingtohim，youknow。"
　　"Youmeanbecomehiswife？"
　　"Well，ofcourseIdo——atleastsupposeIdo。"
　　"Youspokerathervaguely，youknow。"
　　Thegirlcastoneglanceatthephilosopherasshereplied：
　　"Well，yes。Ididmean，becomehiswife。"
　　"Yes。Well？"
　　"But，"continuedthegirl，startingonanothertuftofgrass，"hedoesn’tthinkmuchaboutthosethings。Helikesher。Ithinkhelikesher————"
　　"Well，doesn’tdislikeher？"suggestedthephilosopher。"Shallwecallhimindifferent？"
　　"Idon’tknow。Yes，ratherindifferent。Idon’tthinkhethinksaboutit，youknow。Butshe——she’spretty。Youneedn’tputthatdown。"
　　"Iwasnotabouttodoso，"observedthephilosopher。
　　"Shethinkslifewithhimwouldbejustheaven；and——andshethinksshewouldmakehimawfullyhappy。Shewould——wouldbesoproudofhim，yousee。"
　　"Isee。Yes!"
　　"And——Idon’tknowhowtoputit，quite——shethinksthat，ifheeverthoughtaboutitall，hemightcareforher；becausehedoesn’tcareforanybodyelse；andshe’spretty————"
　　"Yousaidthatbefore。"
　　"Oh，dear!IdaresayIdid。Andmostmencareforsomebody，don’tthey？Somegirl，Imean。"
　　"Mostmen，nodoubt，"concededthephilosopher。
　　"Well，then，whatoughtshetodo？It’snotarealthing，youknow，Mr。Jerningham。It’sin——inanovelIwasreading。"Shesaidthishastily，andblushedasshespoke。
　　"Dearme!Andit’squiteaninterestingcase!Yes，Isee。Thequestionis，Willsheactmostwiselyinacceptingtheofferofthemanwholovesherexceedingly，butforwhomsheentertainsonlyamoderateaffection————"
　　"Yes。Justaliking。He’sjustafriend。"