Then，standingbeforehimwithsuchanairofpatiententreatythathecouldnotchoosebutlookather，shesaid：
　　"Ifyoushouldwantme，Iwillcomebackwillingly。Whenyoudidwantme，Iwasquitehappytocome；therewasnomeritinit。I
　　thinkyoumustbeafraid，that，nowyouaregettingwell，Imaybetroublesometoyou；butIshouldnothavebeen，indeed。Ishouldhavecomenolongerthanyourweaknessandconfinementlasted。Youowemenothing；butitisrightthatyoushoulddealasjustlybymeasifIwasalady—eventheveryladythatyoulove；andifyoususpectmeofmeanlymakingmuchofthelittleIhavetriedtodotocomfortyoursickroom，youdoyourselfmorewrongthaneveryoucandome。ThatiswhyIamsorry。ThatiswhyIamverysorry。"
　　Ifshehadbeenaspassionateasshewasquiet，asindignantasshewascalm，asangryinherlookasshewasgentle，asloudoftoneasshewaslowandclear，shemighthaveleftnosenseofherdepartureintheroom，comparedwiththatwhichfelluponthelonelystudentwhenshewentaway。
　　Hewasgazingdrearilyupontheplacewhereshehadbeen，whenRedlawcameoutofhisconcealment，andcametothedoor。
　　"Whensicknesslaysitshandonyouagain，"hesaid，lookingfiercelybackathim，"—mayitbesoon!—Diehere!Rothere!"
　　"Whathaveyoudone？"returnedtheother，catchingathiscloak。
　　"Whatchangehaveyouwroughtinme？Whatcursehaveyoubroughtuponme？GivemebackMYself!"
　　"Givemebackmyself!"exclaimedRedlawlikeamadman。"Iaminfected!Iaminfectious!Iamchargedwithpoisonformyownmind，andthemindsofallmankind。WhereIfeltinterest，compassion，sympathy，Iamturningintostone。Selfishnessandingratitudespringupinmyblightingfootsteps。IamonlysomuchlessbasethanthewretcheswhomImakeso，thatinthemomentoftheirtransformationIcanhatethem。"
　　Ashespoke—theyoungmanstillholdingtohiscloak—hecasthimoff，andstruckhim：then，wildlyhurriedoutintothenightairwherethewindwasblowing，thesnowfalling，thecloud—driftsweepingon，themoondimlyshining；andwhere，blowinginthewind，fallingwiththesnow，driftingwiththeclouds，shininginthemoonlight，andheavilyloominginthedarkness，werethePhantom’swords，"ThegiftthatIhavegiven，youshallgiveagain，gowhereyouwill!"
　　Whitherhewent，heneitherknewnorcared，sothatheavoidedcompany。Thechangehefeltwithinhimmadethebusystreetsadesert，andhimselfadesert，andthemultitudearoundhim，intheirmanifoldendurancesandwaysoflife，amightywasteofsand，whichthewindstossedintounintelligibleheapsandmadearuinousconfusionof。ThosetracesinhisbreastwhichthePhantomhadtoldhimwould"dieoutsoon，"werenot，asyet，sofarupontheirwaytodeath，butthatheunderstoodenoughofwhathewas，andwhathemadeofothers，todesiretobealone。
　　Thisputitinhismind—hesuddenlybethoughthimself，ashewasgoingalong，oftheboywhohadrushedintohisroom。Andthenherecollected，thatofthosewithwhomhehadcommunicatedsincethePhantom’sdisappearance，thatboyalonehadshownnosignofbeingchanged。
　　Monstrousandodiousasthewildthingwastohim，hedeterminedtoseekitout，andproveifthiswerereallyso；andalsotoseekitwithanotherintention，whichcameintohisthoughtsatthesametime。
　　So，resolvingwithsomedifficultywherehewas，hedirectedhisstepsbacktotheoldcollege，andtothatpartofitwherethegeneralporchwas，andwhere，alone，thepavementwaswornbythetreadofthestudents’feet。
　　Thekeeper’shousestoodjustwithintheirongates，formingapartofthechiefquadrangle。Therewasalittlecloisteroutside，andfromthatshelteredplaceheknewhecouldlookinatthewindowoftheirordinaryroom，andseewhowaswithin。Theirongateswereshut，buthishandwasfamiliarwiththefastening，anddrawingitbackbythrustinginhiswristbetweenthebars，hepassedthroughsoftly，shutitagain，andcreptuptothewindow，crumblingthethincrustofsnowwithhisfeet。
　　Thefire，towhichhehaddirectedtheboylastnight，shiningbrightlythroughtheglass，madeanilluminatedplaceupontheground。Instinctivelyavoidingthis，andgoingroundit，helookedinatthewindow。Atfirst，hethoughtthattherewasnoonethere，andthattheblazewasreddeningonlytheoldbeamsintheceilingandthedarkwalls；butpeeringinmorenarrowly，hesawtheobjectofhissearchcoiledasleepbeforeitonthefloor。Hepassedquicklytothedoor，openedit，andwentin。
　　Thecreaturelayinsuchafieryheat，that，astheChemiststoopedtorousehim，itscorchedhishead。Sosoonashewastouched，theboy，nothalfawake，clutchinghisragstogetherwiththeinstinctofflightuponhim，halfrolledandhalfranintoadistantcorneroftheroom，where，heapedupontheground，hestruckhisfootouttodefendhimself。
　　"Getup!"saidtheChemist。"Youhavenotforgottenme？"
　　"Youletmealone!"returnedtheboy。"Thisisthewoman’shouse—
　　notyours。"
　　TheChemist’ssteadyeyecontrolledhimsomewhat，orinspiredhimwithenoughsubmissiontoberaiseduponhisfeet，andlookedat。
　　"Whowashedthem，andputthosebandageswheretheywerebruisedandcracked？"askedtheChemist，pointingtotheiralteredstate。
　　"Thewomandid。"
　　"Andisitshewhohasmadeyoucleanerintheface，too？"
　　"Yes，thewoman。"
　　Redlawaskedthesequestionstoattracthiseyestowardshimself，andwiththesameintentnowheldhimbythechin，andthrewhiswildhairback，thoughheloathedtotouchhim。Theboywatchedhiseyeskeenly，asifhethoughtitneedfultohisowndefence，notknowingwhathemightdonext；andRedlawcouldseewellthatnochangecameoverhim。
　　"Wherearethey？"heinquired。
　　"Thewoman’sout。"
　　"Iknowsheis。Whereistheoldmanwiththewhitehair，andhisson？"
　　"Thewoman’shusband，d’yemean？"inquiredtheboy。
　　"Ay。Wherearethosetwo？"
　　"Out。Something’sthematter，somewhere。Theywerefetchedoutinahurry，andtoldmetostophere。"
　　"Comewithme，"saidtheChemist，"andI’llgiveyoumoney。"
　　"Comewhere？andhowmuchwillyougive？"
　　"I’llgiveyoumoreshillingsthanyoueversaw，andbringyoubacksoon。Doyouknowyourwaytowhereyoucamefrom？"
　　"Youletmego，"returnedtheboy，suddenlytwistingoutofhisgrasp。"I’mnotagoingtotakeyouthere。Letmebe，orI’llheavesomefireatyou!"
　　Hewasdownbeforeit，andready，withhissavagelittlehand，toplucktheburningcoalsout。
　　WhattheChemisthadfelt，inobservingtheeffectofhischarmedinfluencestealingoverthosewithwhomhecameincontact，wasnotnearlyequaltothecoldvagueterrorwithwhichhesawthisbaby—
　　monsterputitatdefiance。Itchilledhisbloodtolookontheimmovableimpenetrablething，inthelikenessofachild，withitssharpmalignantfaceturneduptohis，anditsalmostinfanthand，readyatthebars。
　　"Listen，boy!"hesaid。"Youshalltakemewhereyouplease，sothatyoutakemewherethepeopleareverymiserableorverywicked。Iwanttodothemgood，andnottoharmthem。Youshallhavemoney，asIhavetoldyou，andIwillbringyouback。Getup!
　　Comequickly!"Hemadeahastysteptowardsthedoor，afraidofherreturning。
　　"Willyouletmewalkbymyself，andneverholdme，noryettouchme？"saidtheboy，slowlywithdrawingthehandwithwhichhethreatened，andbeginningtogetup。
　　"Iwill!"
　　"Andletmego，before，behind，oranywaysIlike？"
　　"Iwill!"
　　"Givemesomemoneyfirst，then，andgo。"
　　TheChemistlaidafewshillings，onebyone，inhisextendedhand。
　　Tocountthemwasbeyondtheboy’sknowledge，buthesaid"one，"
　　everytime，andavariciouslylookedateachasitwasgiven，andatthedonor。Hehadnowheretoputthem，outofhishand，butinhismouth；andheputthemthere。
　　Redlawthenwrotewithhispencilonaleafofhispocket—book，thattheboywaswithhim；andlayingitonthetable，signedtohimtofollow。Keepinghisragstogether，asusual，theboycomplied，andwentoutwithhisbareheadandnakedfeetintothewinternight。
　　Preferringnottodepartbytheirongatebywhichhehadentered，wheretheywereindangerofmeetingherwhomhesoanxiouslyavoided，theChemistledtheway，throughsomeofthosepassagesamongwhichtheboyhadlosthimself，andbythatportionofthebuildingwherehelived，toasmalldoorofwhichhehadthekey。
　　Whentheygotintothestreet，hestoppedtoaskhisguide—whoinstantlyretreatedfromhim—ifheknewwheretheywere。
　　Thesavagethinglookedhereandthere，andatlength，noddinghishead，pointedinthedirectionhedesignedtotake。Redlawgoingonatonce，hefollowed，somethinglesssuspiciously；shiftinghismoneyfromhismouthintohishand，andbackagainintohismouth，andstealthilyrubbingitbrightuponhisshredsofdress，ashewentalong。
　　Threetimes，intheirprogress，theyweresidebyside。Threetimestheystopped，beingsidebyside。ThreetimestheChemistglanceddownathisface，andshudderedasitforceduponhimonereflection。
　　Thefirstoccasionwaswhentheywerecrossinganoldchurchyard，andRedlawstoppedamongthegraves，utterlyatalosshowtoconnectthemwithanytender，softening，orconsolatorythought。
　　Thesecondwas，whenthebreakingforthofthemooninducedhimtolookupattheHeavens，wherehesawherinherglory，surroundedbyahostofstarshestillknewbythenamesandhistorieswhichhumansciencehasappendedtothem；butwherehesawnothingelsehehadbeenwonttosee，feltnothinghehadbeenwonttofeel，inlookingupthere，onabrightnight。
　　Thethirdwaswhenhestoppedtolistentoaplaintivestrainofmusic，butcouldonlyhearatune，mademanifesttohimbythedrymechanismoftheinstrumentsandhisownears，withnoaddresstoanymysterywithinhim，withoutawhisperinitofthepast，orofthefuture，powerlessuponhimasthesoundoflastyear’srunningwater，ortherushingoflastyear’swind。
　　Ateachofthesethreetimes，hesawwithhorrorthat，inspiteofthevastintellectualdistancebetweenthem，andtheirbeingunlikeeachotherinallphysicalrespects，theexpressionontheboy’sfacewastheexpressiononhisown。
　　Theyjourneyedonforsometime—nowthroughsuchcrowdedplaces，thatheoftenlookedoverhisshoulderthinkinghehadlosthisguide，butgenerallyfindinghimwithinhisshadowonhisotherside；nowbywayssoquiet，thathecouldhavecountedhisshort，quick，nakedfootstepscomingonbehind—untiltheyarrivedataruinouscollectionofhouses，andtheboytouchedhimandstopped。
　　"Inthere!"hesaid，pointingoutonehousewheretherewereshatteredlightsinthewindows，andadimlanterninthedoorway，with"LodgingsforTravellers"paintedonit。
　　Redlawlookedabouthim；fromthehousestothewastepieceofgroundonwhichthehousesstood，orratherdidnotaltogethertumbledown，unfenced，undrained，unlighted，andborderedbyasluggishditch；fromthat，totheslopinglineofarches，partofsomeneighbouringviaductorbridgewithwhichitwassurrounded，andwhichlessenedgraduallytowardsthem，untilthelastbutonewasamerekennelforadog，thelastaplunderedlittleheapofbricks；fromthat，tothechild，closetohim，coweringandtremblingwiththecold，andlimpingononelittlefoot，whilehecoiledtheotherroundhislegtowarmit，yetstaringatallthesethingswiththatfrightfullikenessofexpressionsoapparentinhisface，thatRedlawstartedfromhim。
　　"Inthere!"saidtheboy，pointingoutthehouseagain。"I’llwait。"
　　"Willtheyletmein？"askedRedlaw。
　　"Sayyou’readoctor，"heansweredwithanod。"There’splentyillhere。"
　　Lookingbackonhiswaytothehouse—door，Redlawsawhimtrailhimselfuponthedustandcrawlwithintheshelterofthesmallestarch，asifhewerearat。Hehadnopityforthething，buthewasafraidofit；andwhenitlookedoutofitsdenathim，hehurriedtothehouseasaretreat。
　　"Sorrow，wrong，andtrouble，"saidtheChemist，withapainfuleffortatsomemoredistinctremembrance，"atleasthauntthisplacedarkly。Hecandonoharm，whobringsforgetfulnessofsuchthingshere!"
　　Withthesewords，hepushedtheyieldingdoor，andwentin。
　　Therewasawomansittingonthestairs，eitherasleeporforlorn，whoseheadwasbentdownonherhandsandknees。Asitwasnoteasytopasswithouttreadingonher，andasshewasperfectlyregardlessofhisnearapproach，hestopped，andtouchedherontheshoulder。Lookingup，sheshowedhimquiteayoungface，butonewhosebloomandpromisewereallsweptaway，asifthehaggardwintershouldunnaturallykillthespring。
　　Withlittleornoshowofconcernonhisaccount，shemovednearertothewalltoleavehimawiderpassage。
　　"Whatareyou？"saidRedlaw，pausing，withhishanduponthebrokenstair—rail。
　　"WhatdoyouthinkIam？"sheanswered，showinghimherfaceagain。
　　HelookedupontheruinedTempleofGod，solatelymade，sosoondisfigured；andsomething，whichwasnotcompassion—forthespringsinwhichatruecompassionforsuchmiserieshasitsrise，weredriedupinhisbreast—butwhichwasnearertoit，forthemoment，thananyfeelingthathadlatelystruggledintothedarkening，butnotyetwhollydarkened，nightofhismind—mingledatouchofsoftnesswithhisnextwords。
　　"Iamcomeheretogiverelief，ifIcan，"hesaid。"Areyouthinkingofanywrong？"
　　Shefrownedathim，andthenlaughed；andthenherlaughprolongeditselfintoashiveringsigh，asshedroppedherheadagain，andhidherfingersinherhair。
　　"Areyouthinkingofawrong？"heaskedoncemore。
　　"Iamthinkingofmylife，"shesaid，withamonetarylookathim。
　　Hehadaperceptionthatshewasoneofmany，andthathesawthetypeofthousands，whenhesawher，droopingathisfeet。
　　"Whatareyourparents？"hedemanded。
　　"Ihadagoodhomeonce。Myfatherwasagardener，faraway，inthecountry。"
　　"Ishedead？"
　　"He’sdeadtome。Allsuchthingsaredeadtome。Youagentleman，andnotknowthat!"Sheraisedhereyesagain，andlaughedathim。
　　"Girl!"saidRedlaw，sternly，"beforethisdeath，ofallsuchthings，wasbroughtabout，wastherenowrongdonetoyou？Inspiteofallthatyoucando，doesnoremembranceofwrongcleavetoyou？Aretherenottimesupontimeswhenitismiserytoyou？"
　　Solittleofwhatwaswomanlywasleftinherappearance，thatnow，whensheburstintotears，hestoodamazed。Buthewasmoreamazed，andmuchdisquieted，tonotethatinherawakenedrecollectionofthiswrong，thefirsttraceofheroldhumanityandfrozentendernessappearedtoshowitself。
　　Hedrewalittleoff，andindoingso，observedthatherarmswereblack，herfacecut，andherbosombruised。
　　"Whatbrutalhandhashurtyouso？"heasked。
　　"Myown。Ididitmyself!"sheansweredquickly。
　　"Itisimpossible。"
　　"I’llswearIdid!Hedidn’ttouchme。Ididittomyselfinapassion，andthrewmyselfdownhere。Hewasn’tnearme。Heneverlaidahanduponme!"
　　Inthewhitedeterminationofherface，confrontinghimwiththisuntruth，hesawenoughofthelastperversionanddistortionofgoodsurvivinginthatmiserablebreast，tobestrickenwithremorsethathehadevercomenearher。
　　"Sorrow，wrong，andtrouble!"hemuttered，turninghisfearfulgazeaway。"Allthatconnectsherwiththestatefromwhichshehasfallen，hasthoseroots!InthenameofGod，letmegoby!"
　　Afraidtolookatheragain，afraidtotouchher，afraidtothinkofhavingsunderedthelastthreadbywhichshehelduponthemercyofHeaven，hegatheredhiscloakabouthim，andglidedswiftlyupthestairs。
　　Oppositetohim，onthelanding，wasadoor，whichstoodpartlyopen，andwhich，asheascended，amanwithacandleinhishand，cameforwardfromwithintoshut。Butthisman，onseeinghim，drewback，withmuchemotioninhismanner，and，asifbyasuddenimpulse，mentionedhisnamealoud。
　　Inthesurpriseofsucharecognitionthere，hestopped，endeavouringtorecollectthewanandstartledface。Hehadnotimetoconsiderit，for，tohisyetgreateramazement，oldPhilipcameoutoftheroom，andtookhimbythehand。
　　"Mr。Redlaw，"saidtheoldman，"thisislikeyou，thisislikeyou，sir!youhaveheardofit，andhavecomeafterustorenderanyhelpyoucan。Ah，toolate，toolate!"
　　Redlaw，withabewilderedlook，submittedtobeledintotheroom。
　　Amanlaythere，onatruckle—bed，andWilliamSwidgerstoodatthebedside。
　　"Toolate!"murmuredtheoldman，lookingwistfullyintotheChemist’sface；andthetearsstoledownhischeeks。
　　"That’swhatIsay，father，"interposedhissoninalowvoice。
　　"That’swhereitis，exactly。Tokeepasquietaseverwecanwhilehe’sadozing，istheonlythingtodo。You’reright，father!"
　　Redlawpausedatthebedside，andlookeddownonthefigurethatwasstretcheduponthemattress。Itwasthatofaman，whoshouldhavebeeninthevigourofhislife，butonwhomitwasnotlikelythesunwouldevershineagain。Thevicesofhisfortyorfiftyyears’careerhadsobrandedhim，that，incomparisonwiththeireffectsuponhisface，theheavyhandofTimeupontheoldman’sfacewhowatchedhimhadbeenmercifulandbeautifying。
　　"Whoisthis？"askedtheChemist，lookinground。
　　"MysonGeorge，Mr。Redlaw，"saidtheoldman，wringinghishands。
　　"Myeldestson，George，whowasmorehismother’spridethanalltherest!"
　　Redlaw’seyeswanderedfromtheoldman’sgreyhead，ashelaiditdownuponthebed，tothepersonwhohadrecognisedhim，andwhohadkeptaloof，intheremotestcorneroftheroom。Heseemedtobeabouthisownage；andalthoughheknewnosuchhopelessdecayandbrokenmanasheappearedtobe，therewassomethingintheturnofhisfigure，ashestoodwithhisbacktowardshim，andnowwentoutatthedoor，thatmadehimpasshishanduneasilyacrosshisbrow。
　　"William，"hesaidinagloomywhisper，"whoisthatman？"
　　"Whyyousee，sir，"returnedMr。William，"that’swhatIsay，myself。Whyshouldamanevergoandgamble，andthelikeofthat，andlethimselfdowninchbyinchtillhecan’tlethimselfdownanylower!"
　　"HasHEdoneso？"askedRedlaw，glancingafterhimwiththesameuneasyactionasbefore。
　　"Justexactlythat，sir，"returnedWilliamSwidger，"asI’mtold。
　　Heknowsalittleaboutmedicine，sir，itseems；andhavingbeenwayfaringtowardsLondonwithmyunhappybrotherthatyouseehere，"Mr。Williampassedhiscoat—sleeveacrosshiseyes，"andbeinglodgingupstairsforthenight—whatIsay，yousee，isthatstrangecompanionscometogetherheresometimes—helookedintoattenduponhim，andcameforusathisrequest。Whatamournfulspectacle，sir!Butthat’swhereitis。It’senoughtokillmyfather!"
　　Redlawlookedup，atthesewords，and，recallingwherehewasandwithwhom，andthespellhecarriedwithhim—whichhissurprisehadobscured—retiredalittle，hurriedly，debatingwithhimselfwhethertoshunthehousethatmoment，orremain。
　　Yieldingtoacertainsullendoggedness，whichitseemedtobeapartofhisconditiontostrugglewith，hearguedforremaining。
　　"Wasitonlyyesterday，"hesaid，"whenIobservedthememoryofthisoldmantobeatissueofsorrowandtrouble，andshallIbeafraid，to—night，toshakeit？AresuchremembrancesasIcandriveaway，soprecioustothisdyingmanthatIneedfearforHIM？
　　No!I’llstayhere。"
　　Buthestayedinfearandtremblingnonethelessforthesewords；
　　and，shroudedinhisblackcloakwithhisfaceturnedfromthem，stoodawayfromthebedside，listeningtowhattheysaid，asifhefelthimselfademonintheplace。
　　"Father!"murmuredthesickman，rallyingalittlefromstupor。
　　"Myboy!MysonGeorge!"saidoldPhilip。
　　"Youspoke，justnow，ofmybeingmother’sfavourite，longago。
　　It’sadreadfulthingtothinknow，oflongago!"
　　"No，no，no；"returnedtheoldman。"Thinkofit。Don’tsayit’sdreadful。It’snotdreadfultome，myson。"
　　"Itcutsyoutotheheart，father。"Fortheoldman’stearswerefallingonhim。
　　"Yes，yes，"saidPhilip，"soitdoes；butitdoesmegood。It’saheavysorrowtothinkofthattime，butitdoesmegood，George。
　　Oh，thinkofittoo，thinkofittoo，andyourheartwillbesoftenedmoreandmore!Where’smysonWilliam？William，myboy，yourmotherlovedhimdearlytothelast，andwithherlatestbreathsaid，’TellhimIforgavehim，blessedhim，andprayedforhim。’Thosewereherwordstome。Ihaveneverforgottenthem，andI’meighty—seven!"
　　"Father!"saidthemanuponthebed，"Iamdying，Iknow。Iamsofargone，thatIcanhardlyspeak，evenofwhatmymindmostrunson。Isthereanyhopeformebeyondthisbed？"
　　"Thereishope，"returnedtheoldman，"forallwhoaresoftenedandpenitent。Thereishopeforallsuch。Oh!"heexclaimed，claspinghishandsandlookingup，"Iwasthankful，onlyyesterday，thatIcouldrememberthisunhappysonwhenhewasaninnocentchild。Butwhatacomfortitis，now，tothinkthatevenGodhimselfhasthatremembranceofhim!"
　　Redlawspreadhishandsuponhisface，andshrank，likeamurderer。
　　"Ah!"feeblymoanedthemanuponthebed。"Thewastesincethen，thewasteoflifesincethen!"
　　"Buthewasachildonce，"saidtheoldman。"Heplayedwithchildren。Beforehelaydownonhisbedatnight，andfellintohisguiltlessrest，hesaidhisprayersathispoormother’sknee。
　　Ihaveseenhimdoit，manyatime；andseenherlayhisheaduponherbreast，andkisshim。Sorrowfulasitwastoherandme，tothinkofthis，whenhewentsowrong，andwhenourhopesandplansforhimwereallbroken，thisgavehimstillaholduponus，thatnothingelsecouldhavegiven。Oh，Father，somuchbetterthanthefathersuponearth!Oh，Father，somuchmoreafflictedbytheerrorsofThychildren!takethiswandererback!Notasheis，butashewasthen，lethimcrytoThee，ashehassooftenseemedtocrytous!"
　　Astheoldmanlifteduphistremblinghands，theson，forwhomhemadethesupplication，laidhissinkingheadagainsthimforsupportandcomfort，asifhewereindeedthechildofwhomhespoke。
　　Whendidmanevertremble，asRedlawtrembled，inthesilencethatensued!Heknewitmustcomeuponthem，knewthatitwascomingfast。
　　"Mytimeisveryshort，mybreathisshorter，"saidthesickman，supportinghimselfononearm，andwiththeothergropingintheair，"andIrememberthereissomethingonmymindconcerningthemanwhowasherejustnow，FatherandWilliam—wait!—istherereallyanythinginblack，outthere？"
　　"Yes，yes，itisreal，"saidhisagedfather。
　　"Isitaman？"
　　"WhatIsaymyself，George，"interposedhisbrother，bendingkindlyoverhim。"It’sMr。Redlaw。"
　　"IthoughtIhaddreamedofhim。Askhimtocomehere。"
　　TheChemist，whiterthanthedyingman，appearedbeforehim。
　　Obedienttothemotionofhishand，hesatuponthebed。
　　"Ithasbeensorippedup，to—night，sir，"saidthesickman，layinghishanduponhisheart，withalookinwhichthemute，imploringagonyofhisconditionwasconcentrated，"bythesightofmypooroldfather，andthethoughtofallthetroubleIhavebeenthecauseof，andallthewrongandsorrowlyingatmydoor，that—
　　"
　　Wasittheextremitytowhichhehadcome，orwasitthedawningofanotherchange，thatmadehimstop？
　　"—thatwhatICANdoright，withmymindrunningonsomuch，sofast，I’lltrytodo。Therewasanothermanhere。Didyouseehim？"
　　Redlawcouldnotreplybyanyword；forwhenhesawthatfatalsignheknewsowellnow，ofthewanderinghandupontheforehead，hisvoicediedathislips。Buthemadesomeindicationofassent。
　　"Heispenniless，hungry，anddestitute。Heiscompletelybeatendown，andhasnoresourceatall。Lookafterhim!Losenotime!
　　Iknowhehasitinhismindtokillhimself。"
　　Itwasworking。Itwasonhisface。Hisfacewaschanging，hardening，deepeninginallitsshades，andlosingallitssorrow。
　　"Don’tyouremember？Don’tyouknowhim？"hepursued。
　　Heshuthisfaceoutforamoment，withthehandthatagainwanderedoverhisforehead，andthenitloweredonRedlaw，reckless，ruffianly，andcallous。
　　"Why，d—nyou!"hesaid，scowlinground，"whathaveyoubeendoingtomehere!Ihavelivedbold，andImeantodiebold。TotheDevilwithyou!"
　　Andsolaydownuponhisbed，andputhisarmsup，overhisheadandears，asresolutefromthattimetokeepoutallaccess，andtodieinhisindifference。
　　IfRedlawhadbeenstruckbylightning，itcouldnothavestruckhimfromthebedsidewithamoretremendousshock。Buttheoldman，whohadleftthebedwhilehissonwasspeakingtohim，nowreturning，avoideditquicklylikewise，andwithabhorrence。
　　"Where’smyboyWilliam？"saidtheoldmanhurriedly。"William，comeawayfromhere。We’llgohome。"
　　"Home，father!"returnedWilliam。"Areyougoingtoleaveyourownson？"
　　"Where’smyownson？"repliedtheoldman。
　　"Where？why，there!"
　　"That’snosonofmine，"saidPhilip，tremblingwithresentment。
　　"Nosuchwretchasthat，hasanyclaimonme。Mychildrenarepleasanttolookat，andtheywaituponme，andgetmymeatanddrinkready，andareusefultome。I’vearighttoit!I’meighty—seven!"
　　"You’reoldenoughtobenoolder，"mutteredWilliam，lookingathimgrudgingly，withhishandsinhispockets。"Idon’tknowwhatgoodyouare，myself。Wecouldhaveadealmorepleasurewithoutyou。"
　　"MYson，Mr。Redlaw!"saidtheoldman。"MYson，too!TheboytalkingtomeofMYson!Why，whathasheeverdonetogivemeanypleasure，Ishouldliketoknow？"
　　"Idon’tknowwhatyouhaveeverdonetogiveMEanypleasure，"
　　saidWilliam，sulkily。
　　"Letmethink，"saidtheoldman。"ForhowmanyChristmastimesrunning，haveIsatinmywarmplace，andneverhadtocomeoutinthecoldnightair；andhavemadegoodcheer，withoutbeingdisturbedbyanysuchuncomfortable，wretchedsightashimthere？
　　Isittwenty，William？"
　　"Nigherforty，itseems，"hemuttered。"Why，whenIlookatmyfather，sir，andcometothinkofit，"addressingRedlaw，withanimpatienceandirritationthatwerequitenew，"I’mwhippedifI
　　canseeanythinginhimbutacalendarofeversomanyyearsofeatinganddrinking，andmakinghimselfcomfortable，overandoveragain。"
　　"I—I’meighty—seven，"saidtheoldman，ramblingon，childishlyandweakly，"andIdon’tknowasIeverwasmuchputoutbyanything。I’mnotgoingtobeginnow，becauseofwhathecallsmyson。He’snotmyson。I’vehadapowerofpleasanttimes。I
　　recollectonce—noIdon’t—no，it’sbrokenoff。Itwassomethingaboutagameofcricketandafriendofmine，butit’ssomehowbrokenoff。Iwonderwhohewas—IsupposeIlikedhim？
　　AndIwonderwhatbecameofhim—Isupposehedied？ButIdon’tknow。AndIdon’tcare，neither；Idon’tcareabit。"
　　Inhisdrowsychuckling，andtheshakingofhishead，heputhishandsintohiswaistcoatpockets。Inoneofthemhefoundabitofholly（leftthere，probablylastnight），whichhenowtookout，andlookedat。
　　"Berries，eh？"saidtheoldman。"Ah!It’sapitythey’renotgoodtoeat。Irecollect，whenIwasalittlechapaboutashighasthat，andoutawalkingwith—letmesee—whowasIoutawalkingwith？—no，Idon’trememberhowthatwas。Idon’trememberasIeverwalkedwithanyoneparticular，orcaredforanyone，oranyoneforme。Berries，eh？There’sgoodcheerwhenthere’sberries。Well；Ioughttohavemyshareofit，andtobewaitedon，andkeptwarmandcomfortable；forI’meighty—seven，andapooroldman。I’meigh—ty—seven。Eigh—ty—seven!"
　　Thedrivelling，pitiablemannerinwhich，asherepeatedthis，henibbledattheleaves，andspatthemorselsout；thecold，uninterestedeyewithwhichhisyoungestson（sochanged）regardedhim；thedeterminedapathywithwhichhiseldestsonlayhardenedinhissin；impressedthemselvesnomoreonRedlaw’sobservation，—
　　forhebrokehiswayfromthespottowhichhisfeetseemedtohavebeenfixed，andranoutofthehouse。
　　Hisguidecamecrawlingforthfromhisplaceofrefuge，andwasreadyforhimbeforehereachedthearches。
　　"Backtothewoman’s？"heinquired。
　　"Back，quickly!"answeredRedlaw。"Stopnowhereontheway!"
　　Forashortdistancetheboywentonbefore；buttheirreturnwasmorelikeaflightthanawalk，anditwasasmuchashisbarefeetcoulddo，tokeeppacewiththeChemist’srapidstrides。Shrinkingfromallwhopassed，shroudedinhiscloak，andkeepingitdrawncloselyabouthim，asthoughthereweremortalcontagioninanyflutteringtouchofhisgarments，hemadenopauseuntiltheyreachedthedoorbywhichtheyhadcomeout。Heunlockeditwithhiskey，wentin，accompaniedbytheboy，andhastenedthroughthedarkpassagestohisownchamber。
　　Theboywatchedhimashemadethedoorfast，andwithdrewbehindthetable，whenhelookedround。
　　"Come!"hesaid。"Don’tyoutouchme!You’venotbroughtmeheretotakemymoneyaway。"
　　Redlawthrewsomemoreupontheground。Heflunghisbodyonitimmediately，asiftohideitfromhim，lestthesightofitshouldtempthimtoreclaimit；andnotuntilhesawhimseatedbyhislamp，withhisfacehiddeninhishands，beganfurtivelytopickitup。Whenhehaddoneso，hecreptnearthefire，and，sittingdowninagreatchairbeforeit，tookfromhisbreastsomebrokenscrapsoffood，andfelltomunching，andtostaringattheblaze，andnowandthentoglancingathisshillings，whichhekeptclenchedupinabunch，inonehand。
　　"Andthis，"saidRedlaw，gazingonhimwithincreasedrepugnanceandfear，"istheonlyonecompanionIhaveleftonearth!"
　　Howlongitwasbeforehewasarousedfromhiscontemplationofthiscreature，whomhedreadedso—whetherhalf—an—hour，orhalfthenight—heknewnot。Butthestillnessoftheroomwasbrokenbytheboy（whomhehadseenlistening）startingup，andrunningtowardsthedoor。
　　"Here’sthewomancoming!"heexclaimed。
　　TheChemiststoppedhimonhisway，atthemomentwhensheknocked。
　　"Letmegotoher，willyou？"saidtheboy。
　　"Notnow，"returnedtheChemist。"Stayhere。Nobodymustpassinoroutoftheroomnow。Who’sthat？"
　　"It’sI，sir，"criedMilly。"Pray，sir，letmein!"
　　"No!notfortheworld!"hesaid。
　　"Mr。Redlaw，Mr。Redlaw，pray，sir，letmein。"
　　"Whatisthematter？"hesaid，holdingtheboy。
　　"Themiserablemanyousaw，isworse，andnothingIcansaywillwakehimfromhisterribleinfatuation。William’sfatherhasturnedchildishinamoment，Williamhimselfischanged。Theshockhasbeentoosuddenforhim；Icannotunderstandhim；heisnotlikehimself。Oh，Mr。Redlaw，prayadviseme，helpme!"
　　"No!No!No!"heanswered。
　　"Mr。Redlaw!Dearsir!Georgehasbeenmuttering，inhisdoze，aboutthemanyousawthere，who，hefears，willkillhimself。"
　　"Betterheshoulddoit，thancomenearme!"
　　"Hesays，inhiswandering，thatyouknowhim；thathewasyourfriendonce，longago；thatheistheruinedfatherofastudenthere—mymindmisgivesme，oftheyounggentlemanwhohasbeenill。Whatistobedone？Howishetobefollowed？Howishetobesaved？Mr。Redlaw，pray，oh，pray，adviseme!Helpme!"
　　Allthistimeheheldtheboy，whowashalf—madtopasshim，andletherin。
　　"Phantoms!Punishersofimpiousthoughts!"criedRedlaw，gazingroundinanguish，"lookuponme!Fromthedarknessofmymind，lettheglimmeringofcontritionthatIknowisthere，shineupandshowmymisery!InthematerialworldasIhavelongtaught，nothingcanbespared；nosteporatominthewondrousstructurecouldbelost，withoutablankbeingmadeinthegreatuniverse。I
　　know，now，thatitisthesamewithgoodandevil，happinessandsorrow，inthememoriesofmen。Pityme!Relieveme!"
　　Therewasnoresponse，buther"Helpme，helpme，letmein!"andtheboy’sstrugglingtogettoher。
　　"Shadowofmyself!Spiritofmydarkerhours!"criedRedlaw，indistraction，"comeback，andhauntmedayandnight，buttakethisgiftaway!Or，ifitmuststillrestwithme，deprivemeofthedreadfulpowerofgivingittoothers。UndowhatIhavedone。
　　Leavemebenighted，butrestorethedaytothosewhomIhavecursed。AsIhavesparedthiswomanfromthefirst，andasIneverwillgoforthagain，butwilldiehere，withnohandtotendme，savethiscreature’swhoisproofagainstme，—hearme!"
　　Theonlyreplystillwas，theboystrugglingtogettoher，whileheheldhimback；andthecry，increasinginitsenergy，"Help!letmein。Hewasyourfriendonce，howshallhebefollowed，howshallhebesaved？Theyareallchanged，thereisnooneelsetohelpme，pray，pray，letmein!"
　　CHAPTERIII—TheGiftReversedNIGHTwasstillheavyinthesky。Onopenplains，fromhill—tops，andfromthedecksofsolitaryshipsatsea，adistantlow—lyingline，thatpromisedby—and—bytochangetolight，wasvisibleinthedimhorizon；butitspromisewasremoteanddoubtful，andthemoonwasstrivingwiththenight—cloudsbusily。
　　TheshadowsuponRedlaw’smindsucceededthickandfasttooneanother，andobscureditslightasthenight—cloudshoveredbetweenthemoonandearth，andkeptthelatterveiledindarkness。Fitfulanduncertainastheshadowswhichthenight—cloudscast，weretheirconcealmentsfromhim，andimperfectrevelationstohim；and，likethenight—cloudsstill，iftheclearlightbrokeforthforamoment，itwasonlythattheymightsweepoverit，andmakethedarknessdeeperthanbefore。
　　Without，therewasaprofoundandsolemnhushupontheancientpileofbuilding，anditsbuttressesandanglesmadedarkshapesofmysteryupontheground，whichnowseemedtoretireintothesmoothwhitesnowandnowseemedtocomeoutofit，asthemoon’spathwasmoreorlessbeset。Within，theChemist’sroomwasindistinctandmurky，bythelightoftheexpiringlamp；aghostlysilencehadsucceededtotheknockingandthevoiceoutside；nothingwasaudiblebut，nowandthen，alowsoundamongthewhitenedashesofthefire，asofitsyieldingupitslastbreath。Beforeitonthegroundtheboylayfastasleep。Inhischair，theChemistsat，ashehadsattheresincethecallingathisdoorhadceased—likeamanturnedtostone。
　　Atsuchatime，theChristmasmusichehadheardbefore，begantoplay。Helistenedtoitatfirst，ashehadlistenedinthechurch—yard；butpresently—itplayingstill，andbeingbornetowardshimonthenightair，inalow，sweet，melancholystrain—
　　herose，andstoodstretchinghishandsabouthim，asifthereweresomefriendapproachingwithinhisreach，onwhomhisdesolatetouchmightrest，yetdonoharm。Ashedidthis，hisfacebecamelessfixedandwondering；agentletremblingcameuponhim；andatlasthiseyesfilledwithtears，andheputhishandsbeforethem，andboweddownhishead。
　　Hismemoryofsorrow，wrong，andtrouble，hadnotcomebacktohim；
　　heknewthatitwasnotrestored；hehadnopassingbelieforhopethatitwas。Butsomedumbstirwithinhimmadehimcapable，again，ofbeingmovedbywhatwashidden，afaroff，inthemusic。
　　Ifitwereonlythatittoldhimsorrowfullythevalueofwhathehadlost，hethankedHeavenforitwithaferventgratitude。
　　Asthelastchorddieduponhisear，heraisedhisheadtolistentoitslingeringvibration。Beyondtheboy，sothathissleepingfigurelayatitsfeet，thePhantomstood，immovableandsilent，withitseyesuponhim。
　　Ghastlyitwas，asithadeverbeen，butnotsocruelandrelentlessinitsaspect—orhethoughtorhopedso，ashelookeduponittrembling。Itwasnotalone，butinitsshadowyhanditheldanotherhand。
　　Andwhosewasthat？WastheformthatstoodbesideitindeedMilly’s，orbuthershadeandpicture？Thequietheadwasbentalittle，ashermannerwas，andhereyeswerelookingdown，asifinpity，onthesleepingchild。Aradiantlightfellonherface，butdidnottouchthePhantom；for，thoughclosebesideher，itwasdarkandcolourlessasever。
　　"Spectre!"saidtheChemist，newlytroubledashelooked，"Ihavenotbeenstubbornorpresumptuousinrespectofher。Oh，donotbringherhere。Sparemethat!"
　　"Thisisbutashadow，"saidthePhantom；"whenthemorningshinesseekouttherealitywhoseimageIpresentbeforeyou。"
　　"Isitmyinexorabledoomtodoso？"criedtheChemist。
　　"Itis，"repliedthePhantom。
　　"Todestroyherpeace，hergoodness；tomakeherwhatIammyself，andwhatIhavemadeofothers!"
　　"Ihavesaidseekherout，"returnedthePhantom。"Ihavesaidnomore。"
　　"Oh，tellme，"exclaimedRedlaw，catchingatthehopewhichhefanciedmightliehiddeninthewords。"CanIundowhatIhavedone？"
　　"No，"returnedthePhantom。
　　"Idonotaskforrestorationtomyself，"saidRedlaw。"WhatI
　　abandoned，Iabandonedofmyownfreewill，andhavejustlylost。
　　ButforthosetowhomIhavetransferredthefatalgift；whoneversoughtit；whounknowinglyreceivedacurseofwhichtheyhadnowarning，andwhichtheyhadnopowertoshun；canIdonothing？"
　　"Nothing，"saidthePhantom。
　　"IfIcannot，cananyone？"
　　ThePhantom，standinglikeastatue，keptitsgazeuponhimforawhile；thenturneditsheadsuddenly，andlookedupontheshadowatitsside。
　　"Ah!Canshe？"criedRedlaw，stilllookingupontheshade。
　　ThePhantomreleasedthehandithadretainedtillnow，andsoftlyraiseditsownwithagestureofdismissal。Uponthat，hershadow，stillpreservingthesameattitude，begantomoveormeltaway。
　　"Stay，"criedRedlawwithanearnestnesstowhichhecouldnotgiveenoughexpression。"Foramoment!Asanactofmercy!Iknowthatsomechangefelluponme，whenthosesoundswereintheairjustnow。Tellme，haveIlostthepowerofharmingher？MayIgonearherwithoutdread？Oh，lethergivemeanysignofhope!"
　　ThePhantomlookedupontheshadeashedid—notathim—andgavenoanswer。
　　"Atleast，saythis—hasshe，henceforth，theconsciousnessofanypowertosetrightwhatIhavedone？"
　　"Shehasnot，"thePhantomanswered。
　　"Hasshethepowerbestowedonherwithouttheconsciousness？"
　　Thephantomanswered："Seekherout。"
　　Andhershadowslowlyvanished。
　　Theywerefacetofaceagain，andlookingoneachother，asintentlyandawfullyasatthetimeofthebestowalofthegift，acrosstheboywhostilllayonthegroundbetweenthem，atthePhantom’sfeet。
　　"Terribleinstructor，"saidtheChemist，sinkingonhiskneebeforeit，inanattitudeofsupplication，"bywhomIwasrenounced，butbywhomIamrevisited（inwhich，andinwhosemilderaspect，I
　　wouldfainbelieveIhaveagleamofhope），Iwillobeywithoutinquiry，prayingthatthecryIhavesentupintheanguishofmysoulhasbeen，orwillbe，heard，inbehalfofthosewhomIhaveinjuredbeyondhumanreparation。Butthereisonething—"
　　"Youspeaktomeofwhatislyinghere，"thephantominterposed，andpointedwithitsfingertotheboy。
　　"Ido，"returnedtheChemist。"YouknowwhatIwouldask。Whyhasthischildalonebeenproofagainstmyinfluence，andwhy，why，haveIdetectedinitsthoughtsaterriblecompanionshipwithmine？"
　　"This，"saidthePhantom，pointingtotheboy，"isthelast，completestillustrationofahumancreature，utterlybereftofsuchremembrancesasyouhaveyieldedup。Nosofteningmemoryofsorrow，wrong，ortroubleentershere，becausethiswretchedmortalfromhisbirthhasbeenabandonedtoaworseconditionthanthebeasts，andhas，withinhisknowledge，noonecontrast，nohumanisingtouch，tomakeagrainofsuchamemoryspringupinhishardenedbreast。Allwithinthisdesolatecreatureisbarrenwilderness。Allwithinthemanbereftofwhatyouhaveresigned，isthesamebarrenwilderness。Woetosuchaman!Woe，tenfold，tothenationthatshallcountitsmonsterssuchasthis，lyinghere，byhundredsandbythousands!"
　　Redlawshrank，appalled，fromwhatheheard。
　　"Thereisnot，"saidthePhantom，"oneofthese—notone—butsowsaharvestthatmankindMUSTreap。Fromeveryseedofevilinthisboy，afieldofruinisgrownthatshallbegatheredin，andgarneredup，andsownagaininmanyplacesintheworld，untilregionsareoverspreadwithwickednessenoughtoraisethewatersofanotherDeluge。Openandunpunishedmurderinacity’sstreetswouldbelessguiltyinitsdailytoleration，thanonesuchspectacleasthis。"
　　Itseemedtolookdownupontheboyinhissleep。Redlaw，too，lookeddownuponhimwithanewemotion。
　　"Thereisnotafather，"saidthePhantom，"bywhosesideinhisdailyorhisnightlywalk，thesecreaturespass；thereisnotamotheramongalltheranksoflovingmothersinthisland；thereisnoonerisenfromthestateofchildhood，butshallberesponsibleinhisorherdegreeforthisenormity。Thereisnotacountrythroughouttheearthonwhichitwouldnotbringacurse。Thereisnoreligionuponearththatitwouldnotdeny；thereisnopeopleuponearthitwouldnotputtoshame。"
　　TheChemistclaspedhishands，andlooked，withtremblingfearandpity，fromthesleepingboytothePhantom，standingabovehimwithhisfingerpointingdown。
　　"Behold，Isay，"pursuedtheSpectre，"theperfecttypeofwhatitwasyourchoicetobe。Yourinfluenceispowerlesshere，becausefromthischild’sbosomyoucanbanishnothing。Histhoughtshavebeenin’terriblecompanionship’withyours，becauseyouhavegonedowntohisunnaturallevel。Heisthegrowthofman’sindifference；youarethegrowthofman’spresumption。ThebeneficentdesignofHeavenis，ineachcase，overthrown，andfromthetwopolesoftheimmaterialworldyoucometogether。"
　　TheChemiststoopeduponthegroundbesidetheboy，and，withthesamekindofcompassionforhimthathenowfeltforhimself，coveredhimasheslept，andnolongershrankfromhimwithabhorrenceorindifference。
　　Soon，now，thedistantlineonthehorizonbrightened，thedarknessfaded，thesunroseredandglorious，andthechimneystacksandgablesoftheancientbuildinggleamedintheclearair，whichturnedthesmokeandvapourofthecityintoacloudofgold。Theverysun—dialinhisshadycorner，wherethewindwasusedtospinwithsuchunwindyconstancy，shookoffthefinerparticlesofsnowthathadaccumulatedonhisdulloldfaceinthenight，andlookedoutatthelittlewhitewreathseddyingroundandroundhim。
　　Doubtlesssomeblindgropingofthemorningmadeitswaydownintotheforgottencryptsocoldandearthy，wheretheNormanarcheswerehalfburiedintheground，andstirredthedullsapinthelazyvegetationhangingtothewalls，andquickenedtheslowprincipleoflifewithinthelittleworldofwonderfulanddelicatecreationwhichexistedthere，withsomefaintknowledgethatthesunwasup。
　　TheTetterbyswereup，anddoing。Mr。Tetterbytookdowntheshuttersoftheshop，and，stripbystrip，revealedthetreasuresofthewindowtotheeyes，soproofagainsttheirseductions，ofJerusalemBuildings。Adolphushadbeenoutsolongalready，thathewashalfwayonto"MorningPepper。"FivesmallTetterbys，whosetenroundeyesweremuchinflamedbysoapandfriction，wereinthetorturesofacoolwashinthebackkitchen；Mrs。Tetterbypresiding。Johnny，whowaspushedandhustledthroughhistoiletwithgreatrapiditywhenMolochchancedtobeinanexactingframeofmind（whichwasalwaysthecase），staggeredupanddownwithhischargebeforetheshopdoor，undergreaterdifficultiesthanusual；
　　theweightofMolochbeingmuchincreasedbyacomplicationofdefencesagainstthecold，composedofknittedworsted—work，andformingacompletesuitofchain—armour，withahead—pieceandbluegaiters。
　　Itwasapeculiarityofthisbabytobealwayscuttingteeth。
　　Whethertheynevercame，orwhethertheycameandwentawayagain，isnotinevidence；butithadcertainlycutenough，ontheshowingofMrs。Tetterby，tomakeahandsomedentalprovisionforthesignoftheBullandMouth。Allsortsofobjectswereimpressedfortherubbingofitsgums，notwithstandingthatitalwayscarried，danglingatitswaist（whichwasimmediatelyunderitschin），abonering，largeenoughtohaverepresentedtherosaryofayoungnun。Knife—handles，umbrella—tops，theheadsofwalking—sticksselectedfromthestock，thefingersofthefamilyingeneral，butespeciallyofJohnny，nutmeg—graters，crusts，thehandlesofdoors，andthecoolknobsonthetopsofpokers，wereamongthecommonestinstrumentsindiscriminatelyappliedforthisbaby’srelief。Theamountofelectricitythatmusthavebeenrubbedoutofitinaweek，isnottobecalculated。StillMrs。Tetterbyalwayssaid"itwascomingthrough，andthenthechildwouldbeherself；"andstillitneverdidcomethrough，andthechildcontinuedtobesomebodyelse。
　　ThetempersofthelittleTetterbyshadsadlychangedwithafewhours。Mr。andMrs。Tetterbythemselveswerenotmorealteredthantheiroffspring。Usuallytheywereanunselfish，good—natured，yieldinglittlerace，sharingshortcommonswhenithappened（whichwasprettyoften）contentedlyandevengenerously，andtakingagreatdealofenjoymentoutofaverylittlemeat。Buttheywerefightingnow，notonlyforthesoapandwater，butevenforthebreakfastwhichwasyetinperspective。ThehandofeverylittleTetterbywasagainsttheotherlittleTetterbys；andevenJohnny’shand—thepatient，much—enduring，anddevotedJohnny—roseagainstthebaby!Yes，Mrs。Tetterby，goingtothedoorbymereaccident，sawhimviciouslypickoutaweakplaceinthesuitofarmourwhereaslapwouldtell，andslapthatblessedchild。
　　Mrs。Tetterbyhadhimintotheparlourbythecollar，inthatsameflashoftime，andrepaidhimtheassaultwithusurythereto。
　　"Youbrute，youmurderinglittleboy，"saidMrs。Tetterby。"Hadyouthehearttodoit？"
　　"Whydon’therteethcomethrough，then，"retortedJohnny，inaloudrebelliousvoice，"insteadofbotheringme？Howwouldyoulikeityourself？"
　　"Likeit，sir!"saidMrs。Tetterby，relievinghimofhisdishonouredload。
　　"Yes，likeit，"saidJohnny。"Howwouldyou？Notatall。Ifyouwasme，you’dgoforasoldier。Iwill，too。Therean’tnobabiesintheArmy。"
　　Mr。Tetterby，whohadarriveduponthesceneofaction，rubbedhischinthoughtfully，insteadofcorrectingtherebel，andseemedratherstruckbythisviewofamilitarylife。
　　"IwishIwasintheArmymyself，ifthechild’sintheright，"
　　saidMrs。Tetterby，lookingatherhusband，"forIhavenopeaceofmylifehere。I’maslave—aVirginiaslave："someindistinctassociationwiththeirweakdescentonthetobaccotradeperhapssuggestedthisaggravatedexpressiontoMrs。Tetterby。"Ineverhaveaholiday，oranypleasureatall，fromyear’sendtoyear’send!Why，Lordblessandsavethechild，"saidMrs。Tetterby，shakingthebabywithanirritabilityhardlysuitedtosopiousanaspiration，"what’sthematterwithhernow？"
　　Notbeingabletodiscover，andnotrenderingthesubjectmuchclearerbyshakingit，Mrs。Tetterbyputthebabyawayinacradle，and，foldingherarms，satrockingitangrilywithherfoot。
　　"Howyoustandthere，’Dolphus，"saidMrs。Tetterbytoherhusband。
　　"Whydon’tyoudosomething？"
　　"BecauseIdon’tcareaboutdoinganything，"Mr。Tetterbyreplied。
　　"IamsureIdon’t，"saidMrs。Tetterby。
　　"I’lltakemyoathIdon’t，"saidMr。Tetterby。
　　AdiversionarosehereamongJohnnyandhisfiveyoungerbrothers，who，inpreparingthefamilybreakfasttable，hadfallentoskirmishingforthetemporarypossessionoftheloaf，andwerebuffetingoneanotherwithgreatheartiness；thesmallestboyofall，withprecociousdiscretion，hoveringoutsidetheknotofcombatants，andharassingtheirlegs。Intothemidstofthisfray，Mr。andMrs。Tetterbybothprecipitatedthemselveswithgreatardour，asifsuchgroundweretheonlygroundonwhichtheycouldnowagree；andhaving，withnovisibleremainsoftheirlatesoft—
　　heartedness，laidaboutthemwithoutanylenity，anddonemuchexecution，resumedtheirformerrelativepositions。
　　"Youhadbetterreadyourpaperthandonothingatall，"saidMrs。
　　Tetterby。
　　"What’stheretoreadinapaper？"returnedMr。Tetterby，withexcessivediscontent。
　　"What？"saidMrs。Tetterby。"Police。"
　　"It’snothingtome，"saidTetterby。"WhatdoIcarewhatpeopledo，oraredoneto？"
　　"Suicides，"suggestedMrs。Tetterby。
　　"Nobusinessofmine，"repliedherhusband。
　　"Births，deaths，andmarriages，arethosenothingtoyou？"saidMrs。Tetterby。
　　"Ifthebirthswerealloverforgood，andallto—day；andthedeathswerealltobegintocomeoffto—morrow；Idon’tseewhyitshouldinterestme，tillIthoughtitwasacomingtomyturn，"
　　grumbledTetterby。"Astomarriages，I’vedoneitmyself。IknowquiteenoughaboutTHEM。"
　　Tojudgefromthedissatisfiedexpressionofherfaceandmanner，Mrs。Tetterbyappearedtoentertainthesameopinionsasherhusband；butsheopposedhim，nevertheless，forthegratificationofquarrellingwithhim。
　　"Oh，you’reaconsistentman，"saidMrs。Tetterby，"an’tyou？You，withthescreenofyourownmakingthere，madeofnothingelsebutbitsofnewspapers，whichyousitandreadtothechildrenbythehalf—hourtogether!"
　　"Sayusedto，ifyouplease，"returnedherhusband。"Youwon’tfindmedoingsoanymore。I’mwisernow。"
　　"Bah!wiser，indeed!"saidMrs。Tetterby。"Areyoubetter？"
　　ThequestionsoundedsomediscordantnoteinMr。Tetterby’sbreast。
　　Heruminateddejectedly，andpassedhishandacrossandacrosshisforehead。
　　"Better!"murmuredMr。Tetterby。"Idon’tknowasanyofusarebetter，orhappiereither。Better，isit？"
　　Heturnedtothescreen，andtracedaboutitwithhisfinger，untilhefoundacertainparagraphofwhichhewasinquest。
　　"Thisusedtobeoneofthefamilyfavourites，Irecollect，"saidTetterby，inaforlornandstupidway，"andusedtodrawtearsfromthechildren，andmake’emgood，iftherewasanylittlebickeringordiscontentamong’em，nexttothestoryoftherobinredbreastsinthewood。’Melancholycaseofdestitution。Yesterdayasmallman，withababyinhisarms，andsurroundedbyhalf—a—dozenraggedlittleones，ofvariousagesbetweentenandtwo，thewholeofwhomwereevidentlyinafamishingcondition，appearedbeforetheworthymagistrate，andmadethefollowingrecital：’—Ha!Idon’tunderstandit，I’msure，"saidTetterby；"Idon’tseewhatithasgottodowithus。"
　　"Howoldandshabbyhelooks，"saidMrs。Tetterby，watchinghim。
　　"Ineversawsuchachangeinaman。Ah!dearme，dearme，dearme，itwasasacrifice!"
　　"Whatwasasacrifice？"herhusbandsourlyinquired。
　　Mrs。Tetterbyshookherhead；andwithoutreplyinginwords，raisedacompletesea—stormaboutthebaby，byherviolentagitationofthecradle。
　　"Ifyoumeanyourmarriagewasasacrifice，mygoodwoman—"saidherhusband。
　　"IDOmeanit"saidhiswife。
　　"Why，thenImeantosay，"pursuedMr。Tetterby，assulkilyandsurlilyasshe，"thattherearetwosidestothataffair；andthatIwasthesacrifice；andthatIwishthesacrificehadn’tbeenaccepted。"
　　"Iwishithadn’t，Tetterby，withallmyheartandsoulIdoassureyou，"saidhiswife。"Youcan’twishitmorethanIdo，Tetterby。"
　　"Idon’tknowwhatIsawinher，"mutteredthenewsman，"I’msure；
　　—certainly，ifIsawanything，it’snottherenow。Iwasthinkingso，lastnight，aftersupper，bythefire。She’sfat，she’sageing，shewon’tbearcomparisonwithmostotherwomen。"
　　"He’scommon—looking，hehasnoairwithhim，he’ssmall，he’sbeginningtostoopandhe’sgettingbald，"mutteredMrs。Tetterby。
　　"ImusthavebeenhalfoutofmymindwhenIdidit，"mutteredMr。
　　Tetterby。
　　"Mysensesmusthaveforsookme。That’stheonlywayinwhichI
　　canexplainittomyself，"saidMrs。Tetterbywithelaboration。
　　Inthismoodtheysatdowntobreakfast。ThelittleTetterbyswerenothabituatedtoregardthatmealinthelightofasedentaryoccupation，butdiscusseditasadanceortrot；ratherresemblingasavageceremony，intheoccasionallyshrillwhoops，andbrandishingsofbreadandbutter，withwhichitwasaccompanied，aswellasintheintricatefilingsoffintothestreetandbackagain，andthehoppingsupanddownthedoor—steps，whichwereincidentaltotheperformance。Inthepresentinstance，thecontentionsbetweentheseTetterbychildrenforthemilk—and—waterjug，commontoall，whichstooduponthetable，presentedsolamentableaninstanceofangrypassionsrisenveryhighindeed，thatitwasanoutrageonthememoryofDr。Watts。ItwasnotuntilMr。Tetterbyhaddriventhewholeherdoutatthefrontdoor，thatamoment’speacewassecured；andeventhatwasbrokenbythediscoverythatJohnnyhadsurreptitiouslycomeback，andwasatthatinstantchokinginthejuglikeaventriloquist，inhisindecentandrapacioushaste。