"Halloa!"hecried。"Halloa!Thisway!Cometothelight!"
　　When，asheheldthecurtainwithonehand，andwiththeotherraisedthelampandtriedtopiercethegloomthatfilledtheplace，somethingrushedpasthimintotheroomlikeawild—cat，andcroucheddowninacorner。
　　"Whatisit？"hesaid，hastily。
　　Hemighthaveasked"Whatisit？"evenhadheseenitwell，aspresentlyhedidwhenhestoodlookingatitgatheredupinitscorner。
　　Abundleoftatters，heldtogetherbyahand，insizeandformalmostaninfant’s，butinitsgreedy，desperatelittleclutch，abadoldman’s。Afaceroundedandsmoothedbysomehalf—dozenyears，butpinchedandtwistedbytheexperiencesofalife。
　　Brighteyes，butnotyouthful。Nakedfeet，beautifulintheirchildishdelicacy，—uglyinthebloodanddirtthatcrackeduponthem。Ababysavage，ayoungmonster，achildwhohadneverbeenachild，acreaturewhomightlivetotaketheoutwardformofman，butwho，within，wouldliveandperishamerebeast。
　　Used，already，tobeworriedandhuntedlikeabeast，theboycroucheddownashewaslookedat，andlookedbackagain，andinterposedhisarmtowardofftheexpectedblow。
　　"I’llbite，"hesaid，"ifyouhitme!"
　　Thetimehadbeen，andnotmanyminutessince，whensuchasightasthiswouldhavewrungtheChemist’sheart。Helookeduponitnow，coldly；butwithaheavyefforttoremembersomething—hedidnotknowwhat—heaskedtheboywhathedidthere，andwhencehecame。
　　"Where’sthewoman？"hereplied。"Iwanttofindthewoman。"
　　"Who？"
　　"Thewoman。Herthatbroughtmehere，andsetmebythelargefire。Shewassolonggone，thatIwenttolookforher，andlostmyself。Idon’twantyou。Iwantthewoman。"
　　Hemadeaspring，sosuddenly，togetaway，thatthedullsoundofhisnakedfeetuponthefloorwasnearthecurtain，whenRedlawcaughthimbyhisrags。
　　"Come!youletmego!"mutteredtheboy，struggling，andclenchinghisteeth。"I’vedonenothingtoyou。Letmego，willyou，tothewoman!"
　　"Thatisnottheway。Thereisanearerone，"saidRedlaw，detaininghim，inthesameblankefforttoremembersomeassociationthatought，ofright，tobearuponthismonstrousobject。"Whatisyourname？"
　　"Gotnone。"
　　"Wheredoyoulive？
　　"Live!What’sthat？"
　　Theboyshookhishairfromhiseyestolookathimforamoment，andthen，twistingroundhislegsandwrestlingwithhim，brokeagainintohisrepetitionof"Youletmego，willyou？Iwanttofindthewoman。"
　　TheChemistledhimtothedoor。"Thisway，"hesaid，lookingathimstillconfusedly，butwithrepugnanceandavoidance，growingoutofhiscoldness。"I’lltakeyoutoher。"
　　Thesharpeyesinthechild’shead，wanderingroundtheroom，lightedonthetablewheretheremnantsofthedinnerwere。
　　"Givemesomeofthat!"hesaid，covetously。
　　"Hasshenotfedyou？"
　　"Ishallbehungryagainto—morrow，sha’n’tI？Ain’tIhungryeveryday？"
　　Findinghimselfreleased，heboundedatthetablelikesomesmallanimalofprey，andhuggingtohisbreastbreadandmeat，andhisownrags，alltogether，said：
　　"There!Nowtakemetothewoman!"
　　AstheChemist，withanew—borndisliketotouchhim，sternlymotionedhimtofollow，andwasgoingoutofthedoor，hetrembledandstopped。
　　"ThegiftthatIhavegiven，youshallgiveagain，gowhereyouwill!"
　　ThePhantom’swordswereblowinginthewind，andthewindblewchilluponhim。
　　"I’llnotgothere，to—night，"hemurmuredfaintly。"I’llgonowhereto—night。Boy!straightdownthislong—archedpassage，andpastthegreatdarkdoorintotheyard，—youseethefireshiningonthewindowthere。"
　　"Thewoman’sfire？"inquiredtheboy。
　　Henodded，andthenakedfeethadsprungaway。Hecamebackwithhislamp，lockedhisdoorhastily，andsatdowninhischair，coveringhisfacelikeonewhowasfrightenedathimself。
　　Fornowhewas，indeed，alone。Alone，alone。
　　CHAPTERII—TheGiftDiffusedASMALLmansatinasmallparlour，partitionedofffromasmallshopbyasmallscreen，pastedalloverwithsmallscrapsofnewspapers。Incompanywiththesmallman，wasalmostanyamountofsmallchildrenyoumaypleasetoname—atleastitseemedso；
　　theymade，inthatverylimitedsphereofaction，suchanimposingeffect，inpointofnumbers。
　　Ofthesesmallfry，twohad，bysomestrongmachinery，beengotintobedinacorner，wheretheymighthavereposedsnuglyenoughinthesleepofinnocence，butforaconstitutionalpropensitytokeepawake，andalsotoscuffleinandoutofbed。Theimmediateoccasionofthesepredatorydashesatthewakingworld，wastheconstructionofanoyster—shellwallinacorner，bytwootheryouthsoftenderage；onwhichfortificationthetwoinbedmadeharassingdescents（likethoseaccursedPictsandScotswhobeleaguertheearlyhistoricalstudiesofmostyoungBritons），andthenwithdrewtotheirownterritory。
　　Inadditiontothestirattendantontheseinroads，andtheretortsoftheinvaded，whopursuedhotly，andmadelungesatthebed—
　　clothesunderwhichthemarauderstookrefuge，anotherlittleboy，inanotherlittlebed，contributedhismiteofconfusiontothefamilystock，bycastinghisbootsuponthewaters；inotherwords，bylaunchingtheseandseveralsmallobjects，inoffensiveinthemselves，thoughofahardsubstanceconsideredasmissiles，atthedisturbersofhisrepose，—whowerenotslowtoreturnthesecompliments。
　　Besideswhich，anotherlittleboy—thebiggestthere，butstilllittle—wastotteringtoandfro，bentononeside，andconsiderablyaffectedinhiskneesbytheweightofalargebaby，whichhewassupposedbyafictionthatobtainssometimesinsanguinefamilies，tobehushingtosleep。Butoh!theinexhaustibleregionsofcontemplationandwatchfulnessintowhichthisbaby’seyeswerethenonlybeginningtocomposethemselvestostare，overhisunconsciousshoulder!
　　ItwasaveryMolochofababy，onwhoseinsatiatealtarthewholeexistenceofthisparticularyoungbrotherwasofferedupadailysacrifice。Itspersonalitymaybesaidtohaveconsistedinitsneverbeingquiet，inanyoneplace，forfiveconsecutiveminutes，andnevergoingtosleepwhenrequired。"Tetterby’sbaby"wasaswellknownintheneighbourhoodasthepostmanorthepot—boy。Itrovedfromdoor—steptodoor—step，inthearmsoflittleJohnnyTetterby，andlaggedheavilyattherearoftroopsofjuvenileswhofollowedtheTumblersortheMonkey，andcameup，allononeside，alittletoolateforeverythingthatwasattractive，fromMondaymorninguntilSaturdaynight。Whereverchildhoodcongregatedtoplay，therewaslittleMolochmakingJohnnyfagandtoil。WhereverJohnnydesiredtostay，littleMolochbecamefractious，andwouldnotremain。WheneverJohnnywantedtogoout，Molochwasasleep，andmustbewatched。WheneverJohnnywantedtostayathome，Molochwasawake，andmustbetakenout。YetJohnnywasverilypersuadedthatitwasafaultlessbaby，withoutitspeerintherealmofEngland，andwasquitecontenttocatchmeekglimpsesofthingsingeneralfrombehinditsskirts，oroveritslimpflappingbonnet，andtogostaggeringaboutwithitlikeaverylittleporterwithaverylargeparcel，whichwasnotdirectedtoanybody，andcouldneverbedeliveredanywhere。
　　Thesmallmanwhosatinthesmallparlour，makingfruitlessattemptstoreadhisnewspaperpeaceablyinthemidstofthisdisturbance，wasthefatherofthefamily，andthechiefofthefirmdescribedintheinscriptionoverthelittleshopfront，bythenameandtitleofA。TETTERBYANDCO。，NEWSMEN。Indeed，strictlyspeaking，hewastheonlypersonageansweringtothatdesignation，asCo。wasamerepoeticalabstraction，altogetherbaselessandimpersonal。
　　Tetterby’swasthecornershopinJerusalemBuildings。Therewasagoodshowofliteratureinthewindow，chieflyconsistingofpicture—newspapersoutofdate，andserialpirates，andfootpads。
　　Walking—sticks，likewise，andmarbles，wereincludedinthestockintrade。Ithadonceextendedintothelightconfectioneryline；
　　butitwouldseemthatthoseeleganciesoflifewerenotindemandaboutJerusalemBuildings，fornothingconnectedwiththatbranchofcommerceremainedinthewindow，exceptasortofsmallglasslanterncontainingalanguishingmassofbull’s—eyes，whichhadmeltedinthesummerandcongealedinthewinteruntilallhopeofevergettingthemout，orofeatingthemwithouteatingthelanterntoo，wasgoneforever。Tetterby’shadtrieditshandatseveralthings。Ithadoncemadeafeeblelittledartatthetoybusiness；
　　for，inanotherlantern，therewasaheapofminutewaxdolls，allstickingtogetherupsidedown，inthedirestconfusion，withtheirfeetononeanother’sheads，andaprecipitateofbrokenarmsandlegsatthebottom。Ithadmadeamoveinthemillinerydirection，whichafewdry，wirybonnet—shapesremainedinacornerofthewindowtoattest。Ithadfanciedthatalivingmightliehiddeninthetobaccotrade，andhadstuckuparepresentationofanativeofeachofthethreeintegralportionsoftheBritishEmpire，intheactofconsumingthatfragrantweed；withapoeticlegendattached，importingthatunitedinonecausetheysatandjoked，onechewedtobacco，onetooksnuff，onesmoked：butnothingseemedtohavecomeofit—exceptflies。Timehadbeenwhenithadputaforlorntrustinimitativejewellery，forinonepaneofglasstherewasacardofcheapseals，andanotherofpencil—cases，andamysteriousblackamuletofinscrutableintention，labelledninepence。But，tothathour，JerusalemBuildingshadboughtnoneofthem。Inshort，Tetterby’shadtriedsohardtogetalivelihoodoutofJerusalemBuildingsinonewayorother，andappearedtohavedonesoindifferentlyinall，thatthebestpositioninthefirmwastooevidentlyCo。’s；Co。，asabodilesscreation，beinguntroubledwiththevulgarinconveniencesofhungerandthirst，beingchargeableneithertothepoor’s—ratesnortheassessedtaxes，andhavingnoyoungfamilytoprovidefor。
　　Tetterbyhimself，however，inhislittleparlour，asalreadymentioned，havingthepresenceofayoungfamilyimpresseduponhismindinamannertooclamoroustobedisregarded，ortocomportwiththequietperusalofanewspaper，laiddownhispaper，wheeled，inhisdistraction，afewtimesroundtheparlour，likeanundecidedcarrier—pigeon，madeanineffectualrushatoneortwoflyinglittlefiguresinbed—gownsthatskimmedpasthim，andthen，bearingsuddenlydownupontheonlyunoffendingmemberofthefamily，boxedtheearsoflittleMoloch’snurse。
　　"Youbadboy!"saidMr。Tetterby，"haven’tyouanyfeelingforyourpoorfatherafterthefatiguesandanxietiesofahardwinter’sday，sincefiveo’clockinthemorning，butmustyouwitherhisrest，andcorrodehislatestintelligence，withYOURwicioustricks？Isn’titenough，sir，thatyourbrother’Dolphusistoilingandmoilinginthefogandcold，andyourollinginthelapofluxurywitha—withababy，andeverythingyoucanwishfor，"
　　saidMr。Tetterby，heapingthisupasagreatclimaxofblessings，"butmustyoumakeawildernessofhome，andmaniacsofyourparents？Mustyou，Johnny？Hey？"Ateachinterrogation，Mr。
　　Tetterbymadeafeintofboxinghisearsagain，butthoughtbetterofit，andheldhishand。
　　"Oh，father!"whimperedJohnny，"whenIwasn’tdoinganything，I’msure，buttakingsuchcareofSally，andgettinghertosleep。Oh，father!"
　　"Iwishmylittlewomanwouldcomehome!"saidMr。Tetterby，relentingandrepenting，"Ionlywishmylittlewomanwouldcomehome!Iain’tfittodealwith’em。Theymakemyheadgoround，andgetthebetterofme。Oh，Johnny!Isn’titenoughthatyourdearmotherhasprovidedyouwiththatsweetsister？"indicatingMoloch；"isn’titenoughthatyouweresevenboysbeforewithoutarayofgal，andthatyourdearmotherwentthroughwhatsheDIDgothrough，onpurposethatyoumightallofyouhavealittlesister，butmustyousobehaveyourselfastomakemyheadswim？"
　　Softeningmoreandmore，ashisowntenderfeelingsandthoseofhisinjuredsonwereworkedon，Mr。Tetterbyconcludedbyembracinghim，andimmediatelybreakingawaytocatchoneoftherealdelinquents。Areasonablygoodstartoccurring，hesucceeded，afterashortbutsmartrun，andsomeratherseverecross—countryworkunderandoverthebedsteads，andinandoutamongtheintricaciesofthechairs，incapturingthisinfant，whomhecondignlypunished，andboretobed。Thisexamplehadapowerful，andapparently，mesmericinfluenceonhimoftheboots，whoinstantlyfellintoadeepsleep，thoughhehadbeen，butamomentbefore，broadawake，andinthehighestpossiblefeather。Norwasitlostuponthetwoyoungarchitects，whoretiredtobed，inanadjoiningcloset，withgreatprivacyandspeed。ThecomradeoftheInterceptedOnealsoshrinkingintohisnestwithsimilardiscretion，Mr。Tetterby，whenhepausedforbreath，foundhimselfunexpectedlyinasceneofpeace。
　　"Mylittlewomanherself，"saidMr。Tetterby，wipinghisflushedface，"couldhardlyhavedoneitbetter!Ionlywishmylittlewomanhadhadittodo，Idoindeed!"
　　Mr。Tetterbysoughtuponhisscreenforapassageappropriatetobeimpresseduponhischildren’smindsontheoccasion，andreadthefollowing。
　　"’Itisanundoubtedfactthatallremarkablemenhavehadremarkablemothers，andhaverespectedtheminafterlifeastheirbestfriends。’Thinkofyourownremarkablemother，myboys，"saidMr。Tetterby，"andknowhervaluewhilesheisstillamongyou!"
　　Hesatdownagaininhischairbythefire，andcomposedhimself，cross—legged，overhisnewspaper。
　　"Letanybody，Idon’tcarewhoitis，getoutofbedagain，"saidTetterby，asageneralproclamation，deliveredinaverysoft—
　　heartedmanner，"andastonishmentwillbetheportionofthatrespectedcontemporary!"—whichexpressionMr。Tetterbyselectedfromhisscreen。"Johnny，mychild，takecareofyouronlysister，Sally；forshe’sthebrightestgemthateversparkledonyourearlybrow。"
　　Johnnysatdownonalittlestool，anddevotedlycrushedhimselfbeneaththeweightofMoloch。
　　"Ah，whatagiftthatbabyistoyou，Johnny!"saidhisfather，"andhowthankfulyououghttobe!’Itisnotgenerallyknown，Johnny，’"hewasnowreferringtothescreenagain，"’butitisafactascertained，byaccuratecalculations，thatthefollowingimmensepercentageofbabiesneverattaintotwoyearsold；thatistosay—’"
　　"Oh，don’t，father，please!"criedJohnny。"Ican’tbearit，whenIthinkofSally。"
　　Mr。Tetterbydesisting，Johnny，withaprofoundsenseofhistrust，wipedhiseyes，andhushedhissister。
　　"Yourbrother’Dolphus，"saidhisfather，pokingthefire，"islateto—night，Johnny，andwillcomehomelikealumpofice。What’sgotyourpreciousmother？"
　　"Here’smother，and’Dolphustoo，father!"exclaimedJohnny，"I
　　think。"
　　"You’reright!"returnedhisfather，listening。"Yes，that’sthefootstepofmylittlewoman。"
　　Theprocessofinduction，bywhichMrTetterbyhadcometotheconclusionthathiswifewasalittlewoman，washisownsecret。
　　Shewouldhavemadetwoeditionsofhimself，veryeasily。
　　Consideredasanindividual，shewasratherremarkableforbeingrobustandportly；butconsideredwithreferencetoherhusband，herdimensionsbecamemagnificent。Nordidtheyassumealessimposingproportion，whenstudiedwithreferencetothesizeofhersevensons，whowerebutdiminutive。InthecaseofSally，however，Mrs。Tetterbyhadassertedherself，atlast；asnobodyknewbetterthanthevictimJohnny，whoweighedandmeasuredthatexactingidoleveryhourintheday。
　　Mrs。Tetterby，whohadbeenmarketing，andcarriedabasket，threwbackherbonnetandshawl，andsittingdown，fatigued，commandedJohnnytobringhissweetchargetoherstraightway，forakiss。
　　Johnnyhavingcomplied，andgonebacktohisstool，andagaincrushedhimself，MasterAdolphusTetterby，whohadbythistimeunwoundhistorsooutofaprismaticcomforter，apparentlyinterminable，requestedthesamefavour。Johnnyhavingagaincomplied，andagaingonebacktohisstool，andagaincrushedhimself，Mr。Tetterby，struckbyasuddenthought，preferredthesameclaimonhisownparentalpart。Thesatisfactionofthisthirddesirecompletelyexhaustedthesacrifice，whohadhardlybreathenoughlefttogetbacktohisstool，crushhimselfagain，andpantathisrelations。
　　"Whateveryoudo，Johnny，"saidMrs。Tetterby，shakingherhead，"takecareofher，orneverlookyourmotherinthefaceagain。"
　　"Noryourbrother，"saidAdolphus。
　　"Noryourfather，Johnny，"addedMr。Tetterby。
　　Johnny，muchaffectedbythisconditionalrenunciationofhim，lookeddownatMoloch’seyestoseethattheywereallright，sofar，andskilfullypattedherback（whichwasuppermost），androckedherwithhisfoot。
　　"Areyouwet，’Dolphus，myboy？"saidhisfather。"Comeandtakemychair，anddryyourself。"
　　"No，father，thank’ee，"saidAdolphus，smoothinghimselfdownwithhishands。"Ian’tverywet，Idon’tthink。Doesmyfaceshinemuch，father？"
　　"Well，itDOESlookwaxy，myboy，"returnedMr。Tetterby。
　　"It’stheweather，father，"saidAdolphus，polishinghischeeksonthewornsleeveofhisjacket。"Whatwithrain，andsleet，andwind，andsnow，andfog，myfacegetsquitebroughtoutintoarashsometimes。Andshines，itdoes—oh，don’tit，though!"
　　MasterAdolphuswasalsointhenewspaperlineoflife，beingemployed，byamorethrivingfirmthanhisfatherandCo。，tovendnewspapersatarailwaystation，wherehischubbylittleperson，likeashabbily—disguisedCupid，andhisshrilllittlevoice（hewasnotmuchmorethantenyearsold），wereaswellknownasthehoarsepantingofthelocomotives，runninginandout。Hisjuvenilitymighthavebeenatsomelossforaharmlessoutlet，inthisearlyapplicationtotraffic，butforafortunatediscoveryhemadeofameansofentertaininghimself，andofdividingthelongdayintostagesofinterest，withoutneglectingbusiness。Thisingeniousinvention，remarkable，likemanygreatdiscoveries，foritssimplicity，consistedinvaryingthefirstvowelintheword"paper，"andsubstituting，initsstead，atdifferentperiodsoftheday，alltheothervowelsingrammaticalsuccession。Thus，beforedaylightinthewinter—time，hewenttoandfro，inhislittleoilskincapandcape，andhisbigcomforter，piercingtheheavyairwithhiscryof"Morn—ingPa—per!"which，aboutanhourbeforenoon，changedto"Morn—ingPepper!"which，atabouttwo，changedto"Morn—ingPip—per!"whichinacoupleofhourschangedto"Morn—ingPop—per!"andsodeclinedwiththesuninto"Eve—ningPup—per!"tothegreatreliefandcomfortofthisyounggentleman’sspirits。
　　Mrs。Tetterby，hislady—mother，whohadbeensittingwithherbonnetandshawlthrownback，asaforesaid，thoughtfullyturningherwedding—ringroundandrounduponherfinger，nowrose，anddivestingherselfofherout—of—doorattire，begantolaytheclothforsupper。
　　"Ah，dearme，dearme，dearme!"saidMrs。Tetterby。"That’sthewaytheworldgoes!"
　　"Whichisthewaytheworldgoes，mydear？"askedMr。Tetterby，lookinground。
　　"Oh，nothing，"saidMrs。Tetterby。
　　Mr。Tetterbyelevatedhiseyebrows，foldedhisnewspaperafresh，andcarriedhiseyesupit，anddownit，andacrossit，butwaswanderinginhisattention，andnotreadingit。
　　Mrs。Tetterby，atthesametime，laidthecloth，butratherasifshewerepunishingthetablethanpreparingthefamilysupper；
　　hittingitunnecessarilyhardwiththeknivesandforks，slappingitwiththeplates，dintingitwiththesalt—cellar，andcomingheavilydownuponitwiththeloaf。
　　"Ah，dearme，dearme，dearme!"saidMrs。Tetterby。"That’sthewaytheworldgoes!"
　　"Myduck，"returnedherhusband，lookingroundagain，"yousaidthatbefore。Whichisthewaytheworldgoes？"
　　"Oh，nothing!"saidMrs。Tetterby。
　　"Sophia!"remonstratedherhusband，"yousaidTHATbefore，too。"
　　"Well，I’llsayitagainifyoulike，"returnedMrs。Tetterby。"Ohnothing—there!Andagainifyoulike，ohnothing—there!Andagainifyoulike，ohnothing—nowthen!"
　　Mr。Tetterbybroughthiseyetobearuponthepartnerofhisbosom，andsaid，inmildastonishment：
　　"Mylittlewoman，whathasputyouout？"
　　"I’msureIdon’tknow，"sheretorted。"Don’taskme。WhosaidI
　　wasputoutatall？Ineverdid。"
　　Mr。Tetterbygaveuptheperusalofhisnewspaperasabadjob，and，takingaslowwalkacrosstheroom，withhishandsbehindhim，andhisshouldersraised—hisgaitaccordingperfectlywiththeresignationofhismanner—addressedhimselftohistwoeldestoffspring。
　　"Yoursupperwillbereadyinaminute，’Dolphus，"saidMr。
　　Tetterby。"Yourmotherhasbeenoutinthewet，tothecook’sshop，tobuyit。Itwasverygoodofyourmothersotodo。YOU
　　shallgetsomesuppertoo，verysoon，Johnny。Yourmother’spleasedwithyou，myman，forbeingsoattentivetoyourprecioussister。"
　　Mrs。Tetterby，withoutanyremark，butwithadecidedsubsidenceofheranimositytowardsthetable，finishedherpreparations，andtook，fromheramplebasket，asubstantialslabofhotpeasepuddingwrappedinpaper，andabasincoveredwithasaucer，which，onbeinguncovered，sentforthanodoursoagreeable，thatthethreepairofeyesinthetwobedsopenedwideandfixedthemselvesuponthebanquet。Mr。Tetterby，withoutregardingthistacitinvitationtobeseated，stoodrepeatingslowly，"Yes，yes，yoursupperwillbereadyinaminute，’Dolphus—yourmotherwentoutinthewet，tothecook’sshop，tobuyit。Itwasverygoodofyourmothersotodo"—untilMrs。Tetterby，whohadbeenexhibitingsundrytokensofcontritionbehindhim，caughthimroundtheneck，andwept。
　　"Oh，Dolphus!"saidMrs。Tetterby，"howcouldIgoandbehaveso？"
　　ThisreconciliationaffectedAdolphustheyoungerandJohnnytothatdegree，thattheyboth，aswithoneaccord，raisedadismalcry，whichhadtheeffectofimmediatelyshuttinguptheroundeyesinthebeds，andutterlyroutingthetworemaininglittleTetterbys，justthenstealinginfromtheadjoiningclosettoseewhatwasgoingonintheeatingway。
　　"Iamsure，’Dolphus，"sobbedMrs。Tetterby，"cominghome，Ihadnomoreideathanachildunborn—"
　　Mr。Tetterbyseemedtodislikethisfigureofspeech，andobserved，"Saythanthebaby，mydear。"
　　"—Hadnomoreideathanthebaby，"saidMrs。Tetterby。—"Johnny，don’tlookatme，butlookather，orshe’llfalloutofyourlapandbekilled，andthenyou’lldieinagoniesofabrokenheart，andserveyouright。—NomoreideaIhadn’tthanthatdarling，ofbeingcrosswhenIcamehome；butsomehow，’Dolphus—"Mrs。
　　Tetterbypaused，andagainturnedherwedding—ringroundandrounduponherfinger。
　　"Isee!"saidMr。Tetterby。"Iunderstand!Mylittlewomanwasputout。Hardtimes，andhardweather，andhardwork，makeittryingnowandthen。Isee，blessyoursoul!Nowonder!Dolf，myman，"continuedMr。Tetterby，exploringthebasinwithafork，"here’syourmotherbeenandbought，atthecook’sshop，besidespeasepudding，awholeknuckleofalovelyroastlegofpork，withlotsofcracklingleftuponit，andwithseasoninggravyandmustardquiteunlimited。Handinyourplate，myboy，andbeginwhileit’ssimmering。"
　　MasterAdolphus，needingnosecondsummons，receivedhisportionwitheyesrenderedmoistbyappetite，andwithdrawingtohisparticularstool，felluponhissuppertoothandnail。Johnnywasnotforgotten，butreceivedhisrationsonbread，lestheshould，inaflushofgravy，trickleanyonthebaby。Hewasrequired，forsimilarreasons，tokeephispudding，whennotonactiveservice，inhispocket。
　　Theremighthavebeenmoreporkontheknucklebone，—whichknucklebonethecarveratthecook’sshophadassuredlynotforgottenincarvingforpreviouscustomers—buttherewasnostintofseasoning，andthatisanaccessorydreamilysuggestingpork，andpleasantlycheatingthesenseoftaste。Thepeasepudding，too，thegravyandmustard，liketheEasternroseinrespectofthenightingale，iftheywerenotabsolutelypork，hadlivednearit；so，uponthewhole，therewastheflavourofamiddle—sizedpig。ItwasirresistibletotheTetterbysinbed，who，thoughprofessingtoslumberpeacefully，crawledoutwhenunseenbytheirparents，andsilentlyappealedtotheirbrothersforanygastronomictokenoffraternalaffection。They，nothardofheart，presentingscrapsinreturn，itresultedthatapartyoflightskirmishersinnightgownswerecareeringabouttheparlourallthroughsupper，whichharassedMr。Tetterbyexceedingly，andonceortwiceimposeduponhimthenecessityofacharge，beforewhichtheseguerillatroopsretiredinalldirectionsandingreatconfusion。
　　Mrs。Tetterbydidnotenjoyhersupper。ThereseemedtobesomethingonMrs。Tetterby’smind。Atonetimeshelaughedwithoutreason，andatanothertimeshecriedwithoutreason，andatlastshelaughedandcriedtogetherinamannersoveryunreasonablethatherhusbandwasconfounded。
　　"Mylittlewoman，"saidMr。Tetterby，"iftheworldgoesthatway，itappearstogothewrongway，andtochokeyou。"
　　"Givemeadropofwater，"saidMrs。Tetterby，strugglingwithherself，"anddon’tspeaktomeforthepresent，ortakeanynoticeofme。Don’tdoit!"
　　Mr。Tetterbyhavingadministeredthewater，turnedsuddenlyontheunluckyJohnny（whowasfullofsympathy），anddemandedwhyhewaswallowingthere，ingluttonyandidleness，insteadofcomingforwardwiththebaby，thatthesightofhermightrevivehismother。Johnnyimmediatelyapproached，bornedownbyitsweight；
　　butMrs。Tetterbyholdingoutherhandtosignifythatshewasnotinaconditiontobearthattryingappealtoherfeelings，hewasinterdictedfromadvancinganotherinch，onpainofperpetualhatredfromallhisdearestconnections；andaccordinglyretiredtohisstoolagain，andcrushedhimselfasbefore。
　　Afterapause，Mrs。Tetterbysaidshewasbetternow，andbegantolaugh。
　　"Mylittlewoman，"saidherhusband，dubiously，"areyouquitesureyou’rebetter？Orareyou，Sophia，abouttobreakoutinafreshdirection？"
　　"No，’Dolphus，no，"repliedhiswife。"I’mquitemyself。"Withthat，settlingherhair，andpressingthepalmsofherhandsuponhereyes，shelaughedagain。
　　"WhatawickedfoolIwas，tothinksoforamoment!"saidMrs。
　　Tetterby。"Comenearer，’Dolphus，andletmeeasemymind，andtellyouwhatImean。Letmetellyouallaboutit。"
　　Mr。Tetterbybringinghischaircloser，Mrs。Tetterbylaughedagain，gavehimahug，andwipedhereyes。
　　"Youknow，Dolphus，mydear，"saidMrs。Tetterby，"thatwhenIwassingle，Imighthavegivenmyselfawayinseveraldirections。Atonetime，fouraftermeatonce；twoofthemweresonsofMars。"
　　"We’reallsonsofMa’s，mydear，"saidMr。Tetterby，"jointlywithPa’s。"
　　"Idon’tmeanthat，"repliedhiswife，"Imeansoldiers—
　　serjeants。"
　　"Oh!"saidMr。Tetterby。
　　"Well，’Dolphus，I’msureIneverthinkofsuchthingsnow，toregretthem；andI’msureI’vegotasgoodahusband，andwoulddoasmuchtoprovethatIwasfondofhim，as—"
　　"Asanylittlewomanintheworld，"saidMr。Tetterby。"Verygood。
　　VERYgood。"
　　IfMr。Tetterbyhadbeentenfeethigh，hecouldnothaveexpressedagentlerconsiderationforMrs。Tetterby’sfairy—likestature；andifMrs。Tetterbyhadbeentwofeethigh，shecouldnothavefeltitmoreappropriatelyherdue。
　　"Butyousee，’Dolphus，"saidMrs。Tetterby，"thisbeingChristmas—
　　time，whenallpeoplewhocan，makeholiday，andwhenallpeoplewhohavegotmoney，liketospendsome，Idid，somehow，getalittleoutofsortswhenIwasinthestreetsjustnow。Thereweresomanythingstobesold—suchdeliciousthingstoeat，suchfinethingstolookat，suchdelightfulthingstohave—andtherewassomuchcalculatingandcalculatingnecessary，beforeIdurstlayoutasixpenceforthecommonestthing；andthebasketwassolarge，andwantedsomuchinit；andmystockofmoneywassosmall，andwouldgosuchalittleway；—youhateme，don’tyou，’Dolphus？"
　　"Notquite，"saidMr。Tetterby，"asyet。"
　　"Well!I’lltellyouthewholetruth，"pursuedhiswife，penitently，"andthenperhapsyouwill。Ifeltallthis，somuch，whenIwastrudgingaboutinthecold，andwhenIsawalotofothercalculatingfacesandlargebasketstrudgingabout，too，thatIbegantothinkwhetherImightn’thavedonebetter，andbeenhappier，if—I—hadn’t—"thewedding—ringwentroundagain，andMrs。Tetterbyshookherdowncastheadassheturnedit。
　　"Isee，"saidherhusbandquietly；"ifyouhadn’tmarriedatall，orifyouhadmarriedsomebodyelse？"
　　"Yes，"sobbedMrs。Tetterby。"That’sreallywhatIthought。Doyouhatemenow，’Dolphus？"
　　"Whyno，"saidMr。Tetterby。"Idon’tfindthatIdo，asyet。"
　　Mrs。Tetterbygavehimathankfulkiss，andwenton。
　　"Ibegintohopeyouwon’t，now，’Dolphus，thoughI’mafraidI
　　haven’ttoldyoutheworst。Ican’tthinkwhatcameoverme。I
　　don’tknowwhetherIwasill，ormad，orwhatIwas，butIcouldn’tcallupanythingthatseemedtobindustoeachother，ortoreconcilemetomyfortune。Allthepleasuresandenjoymentswehadeverhad—THEYseemedsopoorandinsignificant，Ihatedthem。
　　Icouldhavetroddenonthem。AndIcouldthinkofnothingelse，exceptourbeingpoor，andthenumberofmouthstherewereathome。"
　　"Well，well，mydear，"saidMr。Tetterby，shakingherhandencouragingly，"that’struth，afterall。WeAREpoor，andthereAREanumberofmouthsathomehere。"
　　"Ah!but，Dolf，Dolf!"criedhiswife，layingherhandsuponhisneck，"mygood，kind，patientfellow，whenIhadbeenathomeaverylittlewhile—howdifferent!Oh，Dolf，dear，howdifferentitwas!Ifeltasiftherewasarushofrecollectiononme，allatonce，thatsoftenedmyhardheart，andfilledituptillitwasbursting。Allourstrugglesforalivelihood，allourcaresandwantssincewehavebeenmarried，allthetimesofsickness，allthehoursofwatching，wehaveeverhad，byoneanother，orbythechildren，seemedtospeaktome，andsaythattheyhadmadeusone，andthatInevermighthavebeen，orcouldhavebeen，orwouldhavebeen，anyotherthanthewifeandmotherIam。Then，thecheapenjoymentsthatIcouldhavetroddenonsocruelly，gottobesoprecioustome—Ohsopriceless，anddear!—thatIcouldn’tbeartothinkhowmuchIhadwrongedthem；andIsaid，andsayagainahundredtimes，howcouldIeverbehaveso，’Dolphus，howcouldI
　　everhavethehearttodoit!"
　　Thegoodwoman，quitecarriedawaybyherhonesttendernessandremorse，wasweepingwithallherheart，whenshestartedupwithascream，andranbehindherhusband。Hercrywassoterrified，thatthechildrenstartedfromtheirsleepandfromtheirbeds，andclungabouther。Nordidhergazebeliehervoice，asshepointedtoapalemaninablackcloakwhohadcomeintotheroom。
　　"Lookatthatman!Lookthere!Whatdoeshewant？"
　　"Mydear，"returnedherhusband，"I’llaskhimifyou’llletmego。
　　What’sthematter!Howyoushake!"
　　"Isawhiminthestreet，whenIwasoutjustnow。Helookedatme，andstoodnearme。Iamafraidofhim。"
　　"Afraidofhim!Why？"
　　"Idon’tknowwhy—I—stop!husband!"forhewasgoingtowardsthestranger。
　　Shehadonehandpresseduponherforehead，andoneuponherbreast；andtherewasapeculiarflutteringalloverher，andahurriedunsteadymotionofhereyes，asifshehadlostsomething。
　　"Areyouill，mydear？"
　　"Whatisitthatisgoingfrommeagain？"shemuttered，inalowvoice。"WhatISthisthatisgoingaway？"
　　Thensheabruptlyanswered："Ill？No，Iamquitewell，"andstoodlookingvacantlyatthefloor。
　　Herhusband，whohadnotbeenaltogetherfreefromtheinfectionofherfearatfirst，andwhomthepresentstrangenessofhermannerdidnottendtoreassure，addressedhimselftothepalevisitorintheblackcloak，whostoodstill，andwhoseeyeswerebentupontheground。
　　"Whatmaybeyourpleasure，sir，"heasked，"withus？"
　　"Ifearthatmycominginunperceived，"returnedthevisitor，"hasalarmedyou；butyouweretalkinganddidnothearme。"
　　"Mylittlewomansays—perhapsyouheardhersayit，"returnedMr。
　　Tetterby，"thatit’snotthefirsttimeyouhavealarmedherto—
　　night。"
　　"Iamsorryforit。Iremembertohaveobservedher，forafewmomentsonly，inthestreet。Ihadnointentionoffrighteningher。"
　　Asheraisedhiseyesinspeaking，sheraisedhers。Itwasextraordinarytoseewhatdreadshehadofhim，andwithwhatdreadheobservedit—andyethownarrowlyandclosely。
　　"Myname，"hesaid，"isRedlaw。Icomefromtheoldcollegehardby。Ayounggentlemanwhoisastudentthere，lodgesinyourhouse，doeshenot？"
　　"Mr。Denham？"saidTetterby。
　　"Yes。"
　　Itwasanaturalaction，andsoslightastobehardlynoticeable；
　　butthelittleman，beforespeakingagain，passedhishandacrosshisforehead，andlookedquicklyroundtheroom，asthoughheweresensibleofsomechangeinitsatmosphere。TheChemist，instantlytransferringtohimthelookofdreadhehaddirectedtowardsthewife，steppedback，andhisfaceturnedpaler。
　　"Thegentleman’sroom，"saidTetterby，"isupstairs，sir。There’samoreconvenientprivateentrance；butasyouhavecomeinhere，itwillsaveyourgoingoutintothecold，ifyou’lltakethislittlestaircase，"showingonecommunicatingdirectlywiththeparlour，"andgouptohimthatway，ifyouwishtoseehim。"
　　"Yes，Iwishtoseehim，"saidtheChemist。"Canyousparealight？"
　　Thewatchfulnessofhishaggardlook，andtheinexplicabledistrustthatdarkenedit，seemedtotroubleMr。Tetterby。Hepaused；andlookingfixedlyathiminreturn，stoodforaminuteorso，likeamanstupefied，orfascinated。
　　Atlengthhesaid，"I’lllightyou，sir，ifyou’llfollowme。"
　　"No，"repliedtheChemist，"Idon’twishtobeattended，orannouncedtohim。Hedoesnotexpectme。Iwouldrathergoalone。
　　Pleasetogivemethelight，ifyoucanspareit，andI’llfindtheway。"
　　Inthequicknessofhisexpressionofthisdesire，andintakingthecandlefromthenewsman，hetouchedhimonthebreast。
　　Withdrawinghishandhastily，almostasthoughhehadwoundedhimbyaccident（forhedidnotknowinwhatpartofhimselfhisnewpowerresided，orhowitwascommunicated，orhowthemannerofitsreceptionvariedindifferentpersons），heturnedandascendedthestair。
　　Butwhenhereachedthetop，hestoppedandlookeddown。Thewifewasstandinginthesameplace，twistingherringroundandrounduponherfinger。Thehusband，withhisheadbentforwardonhisbreast，wasmusingheavilyandsullenly。Thechildren，stillclusteringaboutthemother，gazedtimidlyafterthevisitor，andnestledtogetherwhentheysawhimlookingdown。
　　"Come!"saidthefather，roughly。"There’senoughofthis。Gettobedhere!"
　　"Theplaceisinconvenientandsmallenough，"themotheradded，"withoutyou。Gettobed!"
　　Thewholebrood，scaredandsad，creptaway；littleJohnnyandthebabylagginglast。Themother，glancingcontemptuouslyroundthesordidroom，andtossingfromherthefragmentsoftheirmeal，stoppedonthethresholdofhertaskofclearingthetable，andsatdown，ponderingidlyanddejectedly。Thefatherbetookhimselftothechimney—corner，andimpatientlyrakingthesmallfiretogether，bentoveritasifhewouldmonopoliseitall。Theydidnotinterchangeaword。
　　TheChemist，palerthanbefore，stoleupwardlikeathief；lookingbackuponthechangebelow，anddreadingequallytogoonorreturn。
　　"WhathaveIdone!"hesaid，confusedly。"WhatamIgoingtodo!"
　　"Tobethebenefactorofmankind，"hethoughtheheardavoicereply。
　　Helookedround，buttherewasnothingthere；andapassagenowshuttingoutthelittleparlourfromhisview，hewenton，directinghiseyesbeforehimatthewayhewent。
　　"Itisonlysincelastnight，"hemutteredgloomily，"thatIhaveremainedshutup，andyetallthingsarestrangetome。Iamstrangetomyself。Iamhere，asinadream。WhatinteresthaveI
　　inthisplace，orinanyplacethatIcanbringtomyremembrance？
　　Mymindisgoingblind!"
　　Therewasadoorbeforehim，andheknockedatit。Beinginvited，byavoicewithin，toenter，hecomplied。
　　"Isthatmykindnurse？"saidthevoice。"ButIneednotaskher。
　　Thereisnooneelsetocomehere。"
　　Itspokecheerfully，thoughinalanguidtone，andattractedhisattentiontoayoungmanlyingonacouch，drawnbeforethechimney—piece，withthebacktowardsthedoor。Ameagrescantystove，pinchedandhollowedlikeasickman’scheeks，andbrickedintothecentreofahearththatitcouldscarcelywarm，containedthefire，towhichhisfacewasturned。Beingsonearthewindyhouse—top，itwastedquickly，andwithabusysound，andtheburningashesdroppeddownfast。
　　"Theychinkwhentheyshootouthere，"saidthestudent，smiling，"so，accordingtothegossips，theyarenotcoffins，butpurses。I
　　shallbewellandrichyet，someday，ifitpleaseGod，andshallliveperhapstoloveadaughterMilly，inremembranceofthekindestnatureandthegentlestheartintheworld。"
　　Heputuphishandasifexpectinghertotakeit，but，beingweakened，helaystill，withhisfacerestingonhisotherhand，anddidnotturnround。
　　TheChemistglancedabouttheroom；—atthestudent’sbooksandpapers，pileduponatableinacorner，wherethey，andhisextinguishedreading—lamp，nowprohibitedandputaway，toldoftheattentivehoursthathadgonebeforethisillness，andperhapscausedit；—atsuchsignsofhisoldhealthandfreedom，astheout—of—doorattirethathungidleonthewall；—atthoseremembrancesofotherandlesssolitaryscenes，thelittleminiaturesuponthechimney—piece，andthedrawingofhome；—atthattokenofhisemulation，perhaps，insomesort，ofhispersonalattachmenttoo，theframedengravingofhimself，thelooker—on。
　　Thetimehadbeen，onlyyesterday，whennotoneoftheseobjects，initsremotestassociationofinterestwiththelivingfigurebeforehim，wouldhavebeenlostonRedlaw。Now，theywerebutobjects；or，ifanygleamofsuchconnexionshotuponhim，itperplexed，andnotenlightenedhim，ashestoodlookingroundwithadullwonder。
　　Thestudent，recallingthethinhandwhichhadremainedsolonguntouched，raisedhimselfonthecouch，andturnedhishead。
　　"Mr。Redlaw!"heexclaimed，andstartedup。
　　Redlawputouthisarm。
　　"Don’tcomenearertome。Iwillsithere。Remainyou，whereyouare!"
　　Hesatdownonachairnearthedoor，andhavingglancedattheyoungmanstandingleaningwithhishanduponthecouch，spokewithhiseyesavertedtowardstheground。
　　"Iheard，byanaccident，bywhataccidentisnomatter，thatoneofmyclasswasillandsolitary。Ireceivednootherdescriptionofhim，thanthathelivedinthisstreet。Beginningmyinquiriesatthefirsthouseinit，Ihavefoundhim。"
　　"Ihavebeenill，sir，"returnedthestudent，notmerelywithamodesthesitation，butwithakindofaweofhim，"butamgreatlybetter。Anattackoffever—ofthebrain，Ibelieve—hasweakenedme，butIammuchbetter。IcannotsayIhavebeensolitary，inmyillness，orIshouldforgettheministeringhandthathasbeennearme。"
　　"Youarespeakingofthekeeper’swife，"saidRedlaw。
　　"Yes。"Thestudentbenthishead，asifherenderedhersomesilenthomage。
　　TheChemist，inwhomtherewasacold，monotonousapathy，whichrenderedhimmorelikeamarbleimageonthetombofthemanwhohadstartedfromhisdinneryesterdayatthefirstmentionofthisstudent’scase，thanthebreathingmanhimself，glancedagainatthestudentleaningwithhishanduponthecouch，andlookedupontheground，andintheair，asifforlightforhisblindedmind。
　　"Irememberedyourname，"hesaid，"whenitwasmentionedtomedownstairs，justnow；andIrecollectyourface。Wehaveheldbutverylittlepersonalcommunicationtogether？"
　　"Verylittle。"
　　"Youhaveretiredandwithdrawnfromme，morethananyoftherest，Ithink？"
　　Thestudentsignifiedassent。
　　"Andwhy？"saidtheChemist；notwiththeleastexpressionofinterest，butwithamoody，waywardkindofcuriosity。"Why？Howcomesitthatyouhavesoughttokeepespeciallyfromme，theknowledgeofyourremaininghere，atthisseason，whenalltheresthavedispersed，andofyourbeingill？Iwanttoknowwhythisis？"
　　Theyoungman，whohadheardhimwithincreasingagitation，raisedhisdowncasteyestohisface，andclaspinghishandstogether，criedwithsuddenearnestnessandwithtremblinglips：
　　"Mr。Redlaw!Youhavediscoveredme。Youknowmysecret!"
　　"Secret？"saidtheChemist，harshly。"Iknow？"
　　"Yes!Yourmanner，sodifferentfromtheinterestandsympathywhichendearyoutosomanyhearts，youralteredvoice，theconstraintthereisineverythingyousay，andinyourlooks，"
　　repliedthestudent，"warnmethatyouknowme。Thatyouwouldconcealit，evennow，isbutaprooftome（GodknowsIneednone!）
　　ofyournaturalkindnessandofthebarthereisbetweenus。"
　　Avacantandcontemptuouslaugh，wasallhisanswer。
　　"But，Mr。Redlaw，"saidthestudent，"asajustman，andagoodman，thinkhowinnocentIam，exceptinnameanddescent，ofparticipationinanywronginflictedonyouorinanysorrowyouhaveborne。"
　　"Sorrow!"saidRedlaw，laughing。"Wrong!Whatarethosetome？"
　　"ForHeaven’ssake，"entreatedtheshrinkingstudent，"donotletthemereinterchangeofafewwordswithmechangeyoulikethis，sir!Letmepassagainfromyourknowledgeandnotice。Letmeoccupymyoldreservedanddistantplaceamongthosewhomyouinstruct。KnowmeonlybythenameIhaveassumed，andnotbythatofLongford—"
　　"Longford!"exclaimedtheother。
　　Heclaspedhisheadwithbothhishands，andforamomentturnedupontheyoungmanhisownintelligentandthoughtfulface。Butthelightpassedfromit，likethesun—beamofaninstant，anditcloudedasbefore。
　　"Thenamemymotherbears，sir，"falteredtheyoungman，"thenameshetook，whenshemight，perhaps，havetakenonemorehonoured。
　　Mr。Redlaw，"hesitating，"IbelieveIknowthathistory。Wheremyinformationhalts，myguessesatwhatiswantingmaysupplysomethingnotremotefromthetruth。Iamthechildofamarriagethathasnotproveditselfawell—assortedorahappyone。Frominfancy，Ihaveheardyouspokenofwithhonourandrespect—withsomethingthatwasalmostreverence。Ihaveheardofsuchdevotion，ofsuchfortitudeandtenderness，ofsuchrisingupagainsttheobstacleswhichpressmendown，thatmyfancy，sinceI
　　learntmylittlelessonfrommymother，hasshedalustreonyourname。Atlast，apoorstudentmyself，fromwhomcouldIlearnbutyou？"
　　Redlaw，unmoved，unchanged，andlookingathimwithastaringfrown，answeredbynowordorsign。
　　"Icannotsay，"pursuedtheother，"Ishouldtryinvaintosay，howmuchithasimpressedme，andaffectedme，tofindthegracioustracesofthepast，inthatcertainpowerofwinninggratitudeandconfidencewhichisassociatedamongusstudents（amongthehumblestofus，most）withMr。Redlaw’sgenerousname。Ouragesandpositionsaresodifferent，sir，andIamsoaccustomedtoregardyoufromadistance，thatIwonderatmyownpresumptionwhenItouch，howeverlightly，onthattheme。Buttoonewho—I
　　maysay，whofeltnocommoninterestinmymotheronce—itmaybesomethingtohear，nowthatallispast，withwhatindescribablefeelingsofaffectionIhave，inmyobscurity，regardedhim；withwhatpainandreluctanceIhavekeptalooffromhisencouragement，whenawordofitwouldhavemademerich；yethowIhavefeltitfitthatIshouldholdmycourse，contenttoknowhim，andtobeunknown。Mr。Redlaw，"saidthestudent，faintly，"whatIwouldhavesaid，Ihavesaidill，formystrengthisstrangetomeasyet；butforanythingunworthyinthisfraudofmine，forgiveme，andforalltherestforgetme!"
　　ThestaringfrownremainedonRedlaw’sface，andyieldedtonootherexpressionuntilthestudent，withthesewords，advancedtowardshim，asiftotouchhishand，whenhedrewbackandcriedtohim：
　　"Don’tcomenearertome!"
　　Theyoungmanstopped，shockedbytheeagernessofhisrecoil，andbythesternnessofhisrepulsion；andhepassedhishand，thoughtfully，acrosshisforehead。
　　"Thepastispast，"saidtheChemist。"Itdieslikethebrutes。
　　Whotalkstomeofitstracesinmylife？Heravesorlies!WhathaveItodowithyourdistempereddreams？Ifyouwantmoney，hereitis。Icametoofferit；andthatisallIcamefor。Therecanbenothingelsethatbringsmehere，"hemuttered，holdinghisheadagain，withbothhishands。"ThereCANbenothingelse，andyet—
　　"
　　Hehadtossedhispurseuponthetable。Ashefellintothisdimcogitationwithhimself，thestudenttookitup，andhelditouttohim。
　　"Takeitback，sir，"hesaidproudly，thoughnotangrily。"Iwishyoucouldtakefromme，withit，theremembranceofyourwordsandoffer。"
　　"Youdo？"heretorted，withawildlightinhiseyes。"Youdo？"
　　"Ido!"
　　TheChemistwentclosetohim，forthefirsttime，andtookthepurse，andturnedhimbythearm，andlookedhimintheface。
　　"Thereissorrowandtroubleinsickness，istherenot？"hedemanded，withalaugh。
　　Thewonderingstudentanswered，"Yes。"
　　"Initsunrest，initsanxiety，initssuspense，inallitstrainofphysicalandmentalmiseries？"saidtheChemist，withawildunearthlyexultation。"Allbestforgotten，aretheynot？"
　　Thestudentdidnotanswer，butagainpassedhishand，confusedly，acrosshisforehead。Redlawstillheldhimbythesleeve，whenMilly’svoicewasheardoutside。
　　"Icanseeverywellnow，"shesaid，"thankyou，Dolf。Don’tcry，dear。Fatherandmotherwillbecomfortableagain，to—morrow，andhomewillbecomfortabletoo。Agentlemanwithhim，isthere!"
　　Redlawreleasedhishold，ashelistened。
　　"Ihavefeared，fromthefirstmoment，"hemurmuredtohimself，"tomeether。Thereisasteadyqualityofgoodnessinher，thatI
　　dreadtoinfluence。Imaybethemurdererofwhatistenderestandbestwithinherbosom。"
　　Shewasknockingatthedoor。
　　"ShallIdismissitasanidleforeboding，orstillavoidher？"hemuttered，lookinguneasilyaround。
　　Shewasknockingatthedooragain。
　　"Ofallthevisitorswhocouldcomehere，"hesaid，inahoarsealarmedvoice，turningtohiscompanion，"thisistheoneIshoulddesiremosttoavoid。Hideme!"
　　Thestudentopenedafraildoorinthewall，communicatingwherethegarret—roofbegantoslopetowardsthefloor，withasmallinnerroom。Redlawpassedinhastily，andshutitafterhim。
　　Thestudentthenresumedhisplaceuponthecouch，andcalledtohertoenter。
　　"DearMr。Edmund，"saidMilly，lookinground，"theytoldmetherewasagentlemanhere。"
　　"ThereisnooneherebutI。"
　　"Therehasbeensomeone？"
　　"Yes，yes，therehasbeensomeone。"
　　Sheputherlittlebasketonthetable，andwentuptothebackofthecouch，asiftotaketheextendedhand—butitwasnotthere。
　　Alittlesurprised，inherquietway，sheleanedovertolookathisface，andgentlytouchedhimonthebrow。
　　"Areyouquiteaswellto—night？Yourheadisnotsocoolasintheafternoon。"
　　"Tut!"saidthestudent，petulantly，"verylittleailsme。"
　　Alittlemoresurprise，butnoreproach，wasexpressedinherface，asshewithdrewtotheothersideofthetable，andtookasmallpacketofneedleworkfromherbasket。Butshelaiditdownagain，onsecondthoughts，andgoingnoiselesslyabouttheroom，seteverythingexactlyinitsplace，andintheneatestorder；eventothecushionsonthecouch，whichshetouchedwithsolightahand，thathehardlyseemedtoknowit，ashelaylookingatthefire。
　　Whenallthiswasdone，andshehadsweptthehearth，shesatdown，inhermodestlittlebonnet，toherwork，andwasquietlybusyonitdirectly。
　　"It’sthenewmuslincurtainforthewindow，Mr。Edmund，"saidMilly，stitchingawayasshetalked。"Itwilllookverycleanandnice，thoughitcostsverylittle，andwillsaveyoureyes，too，fromthelight。MyWilliamsaystheroomshouldnotbetoolightjustnow，whenyouarerecoveringsowell，ortheglaremightmakeyougiddy。"
　　Hesaidnothing；buttherewassomethingsofretfulandimpatientinhischangeofposition，thatherquickfingersstopped，andshelookedathimanxiously。
　　"Thepillowsarenotcomfortable，"shesaid，layingdownherworkandrising。"Iwillsoonputthemright。"
　　"Theyareverywell，"heanswered。"Leavethemalone，pray。Youmakesomuchofeverything。"
　　Heraisedhisheadtosaythis，andlookedathersothanklessly，that，afterhehadthrownhimselfdownagain，shestoodtimidlypausing。However，sheresumedherseat，andherneedle，withouthavingdirectedevenamurmuringlooktowardshim，andwassoonasbusyasbefore。
　　"Ihavebeenthinking，Mr。Edmund，thatYOUhavebeenoftenthinkingoflate，whenIhavebeensittingby，howtruethesayingis，thatadversityisagoodteacher。Healthwillbemoreprecioustoyou，afterthisillness，thanithaseverbeen。Andyearshence，whenthistimeofyearcomesround，andyourememberthedayswhenyoulayheresick，alone，thattheknowledgeofyourillnessmightnotafflictthosewhoaredearesttoyou，yourhomewillbedoublydearanddoublyblest。Now，isn’tthatagood，truething？"
　　Shewastoointentuponherwork，andtooearnestinwhatshesaid，andtoocomposedandquietaltogether，tobeonthewatchforanylookhemightdirecttowardsherinreply；sotheshaftofhisungratefulglancefellharmless，anddidnotwoundher。
　　"Ah!"saidMilly，withherprettyheadincliningthoughtfullyononeside，asshelookeddown，followingherbusyfingerswithhereyes。"Evenonme—andIamverydifferentfromyou，Mr。Edmund，forIhavenolearning，anddon’tknowhowtothinkproperly—thisviewofsuchthingshasmadeagreatimpression，sinceyouhavebeenlyingill。WhenIhaveseenyousotouchedbythekindnessandattentionofthepoorpeopledownstairs，Ihavefeltthatyouthoughteventhatexperiencesomerepaymentforthelossofhealth，andIhavereadinyourface，asplainasifitwasabook，thatbutforsometroubleandsorrowweshouldneverknowhalfthegoodthereisaboutus。"
　　Hisgettingupfromthecouch，interruptedher，orshewasgoingontosaymore。
　　"Weneedn’tmagnifythemerit，Mrs。William，"herejoinedslightingly。"ThepeopledownstairswillbepaidingoodtimeI
　　daresay，foranylittleextraservicetheymayhaverenderedme；
　　andperhapstheyanticipatenoless。Iammuchobligedtoyou，too。"
　　Herfingersstopped，andshelookedathim。
　　"Ican’tbemadetofeelthemoreobligedbyyourexaggeratingthecase，"hesaid。"Iamsensiblethatyouhavebeeninterestedinme，andIsayIammuchobligedtoyou。Whatmorewouldyouhave？"
　　Herworkfellonherlap，asshestilllookedathimwalkingtoandfrowithanintolerantair，andstoppingnowandthen。
　　"Isayagain，Iammuchobligedtoyou。Whyweakenmysenseofwhatisyourdueinobligation，bypreferringenormousclaimsuponme？Trouble，sorrow，affliction，adversity!OnemightsupposeI
　　hadbeendyingascoreofdeathshere!"
　　"Doyoubelieve，Mr。Edmund，"sheasked，risingandgoingnearertohim，"thatIspokeofthepoorpeopleofthehouse，withanyreferencetomyself？Tome？"layingherhanduponherbosomwithasimpleandinnocentsmileofastonishment。
　　"Oh!Ithinknothingaboutit，mygoodcreature，"hereturned。"I
　　havehadanindisposition，whichyoursolicitude—observe!Isaysolicitude—makesagreatdealmoreof，thanitmerits；andit’sover，andwecan’tperpetuateit。"
　　Hecoldlytookabook，andsatdownatthetable。
　　Shewatchedhimforalittlewhile，untilhersmilewasquitegone，andthen，returningtowhereherbasketwas，saidgently：
　　"Mr。Edmund，wouldyouratherbealone？"
　　"ThereisnoreasonwhyIshoulddetainyouhere，"hereplied。
　　"Except—"saidMilly，hesitating，andshowingherwork。
　　"Oh!thecurtain，"heanswered，withasuperciliouslaugh。"That’snotworthstayingfor。"
　　Shemadeupthelittlepacketagain，andputitinherbasket。