"Thesechildrenwillbethedeathofmeatlast!"saidMrs。
　　Tetterby，afterbanishingtheculprit。"Andthesoonerthebetter，Ithink。"
　　"Poorpeople，"saidMr。Tetterby，"oughtnottohavechildrenatall。TheygiveUSnopleasure。"
　　HewasatthatmomenttakingupthecupwhichMrs。Tetterbyhadrudelypushedtowardshim，andMrs。Tetterbywasliftingherowncuptoherlips，whentheybothstopped，asiftheyweretransfixed。
　　"Here!Mother!Father!"criedJohnny，runningintotheroom。
　　"Here’sMrs。Williamcomingdownthestreet!"
　　Andifever，sincetheworldbegan，ayoungboytookababyfromacradlewiththecareofanoldnurse，andhushedandsoothedittenderly，andtotteredawaywithitcheerfully，Johnnywasthatboy，andMolochwasthatbaby，astheywentouttogether!
　　Mr。Tetterbyputdownhiscup；Mrs。Tetterbyputdownhercup。Mr。
　　Tetterbyrubbedhisforehead；Mrs。Tetterbyrubbedhers。Mr。
　　Tetterby’sfacebegantosmoothandbrighten；Mrs。Tetterby’sbegantosmoothandbrighten。
　　"Why，Lordforgiveme，"saidMr。Tetterbytohimself，"whateviltempershaveIbeengivingwayto？Whathasbeenthematterhere!"
　　"HowcouldIevertreathimillagain，afterallIsaidandfeltlastnight!"sobbedMrs。Tetterby，withheraprontohereyes。
　　"AmIabrute，"saidMr。Tetterby，"oristhereanygoodinmeatall？Sophia!Mylittlewoman!"
　　"’Dolphusdear，"returnedhiswife。
　　"I—I’vebeeninastateofmind，"saidMr。Tetterby，"thatI
　　can’tabeartothinkof，Sophy。"
　　"Oh!It’snothingtowhatI’vebeenin，Dolf，"criedhiswifeinagreatburstofgrief。
　　"MySophia，"saidMr。Tetterby，"don’ttakeon。Inevershallforgivemyself。Imusthavenearlybrokeyourheart，Iknow。"
　　"No，Dolf，no。Itwasme!Me!"criedMrs。Tetterby。
　　"Mylittlewoman，"saidherhusband，"don’t。Youmakemereproachmyselfdreadful，whenyoushowsuchanoblespirit。Sophia，mydear，youdon’tknowwhatIthought。Ishoweditbadenough，nodoubt；butwhatIthought，mylittlewoman!—"
　　"Oh，dearDolf，don’t!Don’t!"criedhiswife。
　　"Sophia，"saidMr。Tetterby，"Imustrevealit。Icouldn’trestinmyconscienceunlessImentionedit。Mylittlewoman—"
　　"Mrs。William’sverynearlyhere!"screamedJohnnyatthedoor。
　　"Mylittlewoman，Iwonderedhow，"gaspedMr。Tetterby，supportinghimselfbyhischair，"IwonderedhowIhadeveradmiredyou—I
　　forgotthepreciouschildrenyouhavebroughtaboutme，andthoughtyoudidn’tlookasslimasIcouldwish。I—Inevergavearecollection，"saidMr。Tetterby，withsevereself—accusation，"tothecaresyou’vehadasmywife，andalongofmeandmine，whenyoumighthavehadhardlyanywithanotherman，whogotonbetterandwasluckierthanme（anybodymighthavefoundsuchamaneasilyI
　　amsure）；andIquarrelledwithyouforhavingagedalittleintheroughyearsyouhavelightenedforme。Canyoubelieveit，mylittlewoman？Ihardlycanmyself。"
　　Mrs。Tetterby，inawhirlwindoflaughingandcrying，caughthisfacewithinherhands，andhelditthere。
　　"Oh，Dolf!"shecried。"Iamsohappythatyouthoughtso；Iamsogratefulthatyouthoughtso!ForIthoughtthatyouwerecommon—
　　looking，Dolf；andsoyouare，mydear，andmayyoubethecommonestofallsightsinmyeyes，tillyouclosethemwithyourowngoodhands。Ithoughtthatyouweresmall；andsoyouare，andI’llmakemuchofyoubecauseyouare，andmoreofyoubecauseI
　　lovemyhusband。Ithoughtthatyoubegantostoop；andsoyoudo，andyoushallleanonme，andI’lldoallIcantokeepyouup。I
　　thoughttherewasnoairaboutyou；butthereis，andit’stheairofhome，andthat’sthepurestandthebestthereis，andGodblesshomeoncemore，andallbelongingtoit，Dolf!"
　　"Hurrah!Here’sMrs。William!"criedJohnny。
　　Soshewas，andallthechildrenwithher；andsoshecamein，theykissedher，andkissedoneanother，andkissedthebaby，andkissedtheirfatherandmother，andthenranbackandflockedanddancedabouther，troopingonwithherintriumph。
　　Mr。andMrs。Tetterbywerenotabitbehind—handinthewarmthoftheirreception。Theywereasmuchattractedtoherasthechildrenwere；theyrantowardsher，kissedherhands，pressedroundher，couldnotreceiveherardentlyorenthusiasticallyenough。Shecameamongthemlikethespiritofallgoodness，affection，gentleconsideration，love，anddomesticity。
　　"What!areYOUallsogladtoseeme，too，thisbrightChristmasmorning？"saidMilly，clappingherhandsinapleasantwonder。"Ohdear，howdelightfulthisis!"
　　Moreshoutingfromthechildren，morekissing，moretroopingroundher，morehappiness，morelove，morejoy，morehonour，onallsides，thanshecouldbear。
　　"Ohdear!"saidMilly，"whatdelicioustearsyoumakemeshed。HowcanIeverhavedeservedthis!WhathaveIdonetobesoloved？"
　　"Whocanhelpit!"criedMr。Tetterby。
　　"Whocanhelpit!"criedMrs。Tetterby。
　　"Whocanhelpit!"echoedthechildren，inajoyfulchorus。Andtheydancedandtroopedaboutheragain，andclungtoher，andlaidtheirrosyfacesagainstherdress，andkissedandfondledit，andcouldnotfondleit，orher，enough。
　　"Ineverwassomoved，"saidMilly，dryinghereyes，"asIhavebeenthismorning。Imusttellyou，assoonasIcanspeak。—Mr。
　　Redlawcametomeatsunrise，andwithatendernessinhismanner，moreasifIhadbeenhisdarlingdaughterthanmyself，imploredmetogowithhimtowhereWilliam’sbrotherGeorgeislyingill。Wewenttogether，andallthewayalonghewassokind，andsosubdued，andseemedtoputsuchtrustandhopeinme，thatIcouldnothelptryingwithpleasure。Whenwegottothehouse，wemetawomanatthedoor（somebodyhadbruisedandhurther，Iamafraid），whocaughtmebythehand，andblessedmeasIpassed。"
　　"Shewasright!"saidMr。Tetterby。Mrs。Tetterbysaidshewasright。Allthechildrencriedoutthatshewasright。
　　"Ah，butthere’smorethanthat，"saidMilly。"Whenwegotupstairs，intotheroom，thesickmanwhohadlainforhoursinastatefromwhichnoeffortcouldrousehim，roseupinhisbed，and，burstingintotears，stretchedouthisarmstome，andsaidthathehadledamis—spentlife，butthathewastrulyrepentantnow，inhissorrowforthepast，whichwasallasplaintohimasagreatprospect，fromwhichadenseblackcloudhadclearedaway，andthatheentreatedmetoaskhispooroldfatherforhispardonandhisblessing，andtosayaprayerbesidehisbed。AndwhenI
　　didso，Mr。Redlawjoinedinitsofervently，andthensothankedandthankedme，andthankedHeaven，thatmyheartquiteoverflowed，andIcouldhavedonenothingbutsobandcry，ifthesickmanhadnotbeggedmetositdownbyhim，—whichmademequietofcourse。
　　AsIsatthere，heheldmyhandinhisuntilhesankinadoze；andeventhen，whenIwithdrewmyhandtoleavehimtocomehere（whichMr。Redlawwasveryearnestindeedinwishingmetodo），hishandfeltformine，sothatsomeoneelsewasobligedtotakemyplaceandmakebelievetogivehimmyhandback。Ohdear，ohdear，"saidMilly，sobbing。"HowthankfulandhowhappyIshouldfeel，anddofeel，forallthis!"
　　Whileshewasspeaking，Redlawhadcomein，and，afterpausingforamomenttoobservethegroupofwhichshewasthecentre，hadsilentlyascendedthestairs。Uponthosestairshenowappearedagain；remainingthere，whiletheyoungstudentpassedhim，andcamerunningdown。
　　"Kindnurse，gentlest，bestofcreatures，"hesaid，fallingonhiskneetoher，andcatchingatherhand，"forgivemycruelingratitude!"
　　"Ohdear，ohdear!"criedMillyinnocently，"here’sanotherofthem!Ohdear，here’ssomebodyelsewholikesme。WhatshallI
　　everdo!"
　　Theguileless，simplewayinwhichshesaidit，andinwhichsheputherhandsbeforehereyesandweptforveryhappiness，wasastouchingasitwasdelightful。
　　"Iwasnotmyself，"hesaid。"Idon’tknowwhatitwas—itwassomeconsequenceofmydisorderperhaps—Iwasmad。ButIamsonolonger。AlmostasIspeak，Iamrestored。Iheardthechildrencryingoutyourname，andtheshadepassedfrommeattheverysoundofit。Oh，don’tweep!DearMilly，ifyoucouldreadmyheart，andonlyknewwithwhataffectionandwhatgratefulhomageitisglowing，youwouldnotletmeseeyouweep。Itissuchdeepreproach。"
　　"No，no，"saidMilly，"it’snotthat。It’snotindeed。It’sjoy。
　　It’swonderthatyoushouldthinkitnecessarytoaskmetoforgivesolittle，andyetit’spleasurethatyoudo。"
　　"Andwillyoucomeagain？andwillyoufinishthelittlecurtain？"
　　"No，"saidMilly，dryinghereyes，andshakingherhead。"Youwon’tcareformyneedleworknow。"
　　"Isitforgivingme，tosaythat？"
　　Shebeckonedhimaside，andwhisperedinhisear。
　　"Thereisnewsfromyourhome，Mr。Edmund。"
　　"News？How？"
　　"Eitheryournotwritingwhenyouwereveryill，orthechangeinyourhandwritingwhenyoubegantobebetter，createdsomesuspicionofthetruth；howeverthatis—butyou’resureyou’llnotbetheworseforanynews，ifit’snotbadnews？"
　　"Sure。"
　　"Thenthere’ssomeonecome!"saidMilly。
　　"Mymother？"askedthestudent，glancingroundinvoluntarilytowardsRedlaw，whohadcomedownfromthestairs。
　　"Hush!No，"saidMilly。
　　"Itcanbenooneelse。"
　　"Indeed？"saidMilly，"areyousure？"
　　"Itisnot—"Beforehecouldsaymore，sheputherhanduponhismouth。
　　"Yesitis!"saidMilly。"Theyounglady（sheisveryliketheminiature，Mr。Edmund，butsheisprettier）wastoounhappytorestwithoutsatisfyingherdoubts，andcameup，lastnight，withalittleservant—maid。Asyoualwaysdatedyourlettersfromthecollege，shecamethere；andbeforeIsawMr。Redlawthismorning，Isawher。SHElikesmetoo!"saidMilly。"Ohdear，that’sanother!"
　　"Thismorning!Whereisshenow？"
　　"Why，sheisnow，"saidMilly，advancingherlipstohisear，"inmylittleparlourintheLodge，andwaitingtoseeyou。"
　　Hepressedherhand，andwasdartingoff，butshedetainedhim。
　　"Mr。Redlawismuchaltered，andhastoldmethismorningthathismemoryisimpaired。Beveryconsideratetohim，Mr。Edmund；heneedsthatfromusall。"
　　Theyoungmanassuredher，byalook，thathercautionwasnotill—
　　bestowed；andashepassedtheChemistonhiswayout，bentrespectfullyandwithanobviousinterestbeforehim。
　　Redlawreturnedthesalutationcourteouslyandevenhumbly，andlookedafterhimashepassedon。Hedroppedhisheaduponhishandtoo，astryingtoreawakensomethinghehadlost。Butitwasgone。
　　Theabidingchangethathadcomeuponhimsincetheinfluenceofthemusic，andthePhantom’sreappearance，was，thatnowhetrulyfelthowmuchhehadlost，andcouldcompassionatehisowncondition，andcontrastit，clearly，withthenaturalstateofthosewhowerearoundhim。Inthis，aninterestinthosewhowerearoundhimwasrevived，andameek，submissivesenseofhiscalamitywasbred，resemblingthatwhichsometimesobtainsinage，whenitsmentalpowersareweakened，withoutinsensibilityorsullennessbeingaddedtothelistofitsinfirmities。
　　Hewasconsciousthat，asheredeemed，throughMilly，moreandmoreoftheevilhehaddone，andashewasmoreandmorewithher，thischangeripeneditselfwithinhim。Therefore，andbecauseoftheattachmentsheinspiredhimwith（butwithoutotherhope），hefeltthathewasquitedependentonher，andthatshewashisstaffinhisaffliction。
　　So，whensheaskedhimwhethertheyshouldgohomenow，towheretheoldmanandherhusbandwere，andhereadilyreplied"yes"—
　　beinganxiousinthatregard—heputhisarmthroughhers，andwalkedbesideher；notasifhewerethewiseandlearnedmantowhomthewondersofNaturewereanopenbook，andhersweretheuninstructedmind，butasiftheirtwopositionswerereversed，andheknewnothing，andsheall。
　　Hesawthechildrenthrongabouther，andcaressher，asheandshewentawaytogetherthus，outofthehouse；heheardtheringingoftheirlaughter，andtheirmerryvoices；hesawtheirbrightfaces，clusteringaroundhimlikeflowers；hewitnessedtherenewedcontentmentandaffectionoftheirparents；hebreathedthesimpleairoftheirpoorhome，restoredtoitstranquillity；hethoughtoftheunwholesomeblighthehadsheduponit，andmight，butforher，havebeendiffusingthen；andperhapsitisnowonderthathewalkedsubmissivelybesideher，anddrewhergentlebosomnearertohisown。
　　WhentheyarrivedattheLodge，theoldmanwassittinginhischairinthechimney—corner，withhiseyesfixedontheground，andhissonwasleaningagainsttheoppositesideofthefire—place，lookingathim。Asshecameinatthedoor，bothstarted，andturnedroundtowardsher，andaradiantchangecameupontheirfaces。
　　"Ohdear，dear，dear，theyareallpleasedtoseemeliketherest!"criedMilly，clappingherhandsinanecstasy，andstoppingshort。"Herearetwomore!"
　　Pleasedtoseeher!Pleasurewasnowordforit。Sheranintoherhusband’sarms，thrownwideopentoreceiveher，andhewouldhavebeengladtohaveherthere，withherheadlyingonhisshoulder，throughtheshortwinter’sday。Buttheoldmancouldn’tspareher。Hehadarmsforhertoo，andhelockedherinthem。
　　"Why，wherehasmyquietMousebeenallthistime？"saidtheoldman。"Shehasbeenalongwhileaway。Ifindthatit’simpossibleformetogetonwithoutMouse。I—where’smysonWilliam？—I
　　fancyIhavebeendreaming，William。"
　　"That’swhatIsaymyself，father，"returnedhisson。"Ihavebeeninanuglysortofdream，Ithink。—Howareyou，father？Areyouprettywell？"
　　"Strongandbrave，myboy，"returnedtheoldman。
　　ItwasquiteasighttoseeMr。Williamshakinghandswithhisfather，andpattinghimontheback，andrubbinghimgentlydownwithhishand，asifhecouldnotpossiblydoenoughtoshowaninterestinhim。
　　"Whatawonderfulmanyouare，father!—Howareyou，father？Areyoureallyprettyhearty，though？"saidWilliam，shakinghandswithhimagain，andpattinghimagain，andrubbinghimgentlydownagain。
　　"Ineverwasfresherorstouterinmylife，myboy。"
　　"Whatawonderfulmanyouare，father!Butthat’sexactlywhereitis，"saidMr。William，withenthusiasm。"WhenIthinkofallthatmyfather’sgonethrough，andallthechancesandchanges，andsorrowsandtroubles，thathavehappenedtohiminthecourseofhislonglife，andunderwhichhisheadhasgrowngrey，andyearsuponyearshavegatheredonit，Ifeelasifwecouldn’tdoenoughtohonourtheoldgentleman，andmakehisoldageeasy。—Howareyou，father？Areyoureallyprettywell，though？"
　　Mr。Williammightneverhaveleftoffrepeatingthisinquiry，andshakinghandswithhimagain，andpattinghimagain，andrubbinghimdownagain，iftheoldmanhadnotespiedtheChemist，whomuntilnowhehadnotseen。
　　"Iaskyourpardon，Mr。Redlaw，"saidPhilip，"butdidn’tknowyouwerehere，sir，orshouldhavemadelessfree。Itremindsme，Mr。
　　Redlaw，seeingyouhereonaChristmasmorning，ofthetimewhenyouwasastudentyourself，andworkedsohardthatyouwerebackwardsandforwardsinourLibraryevenatChristmastime。Ha!
　　ha!I’moldenoughtorememberthat；andIrememberitrightwell，Ido，thoughIameight—seven。Itwasafteryouleftherethatmypoorwifedied。Youremembermypoorwife，Mr。Redlaw？"
　　TheChemistansweredyes。
　　"Yes，"saidtheoldman。"Shewasadearcreetur。—IrecollectyoucomehereoneChristmasmorningwithayounglady—Iaskyourpardon，Mr。Redlaw，butIthinkitwasasisteryouwasverymuchattachedto？"
　　TheChemistlookedathim，andshookhishead。"Ihadasister，"
　　hesaidvacantly。Heknewnomore。
　　"OneChristmasmorning，"pursuedtheoldman，"thatyoucomeherewithher—anditbegantosnow，andmywifeinvitedtheladytowalkin，andsitbythefirethatisalwaysaburningonChristmasDayinwhatusedtobe，beforeourtenpoorgentlemencommuted，ourgreatDinnerHall。Iwasthere；andIrecollect，asIwasstirringuptheblazefortheyoungladytowarmherprettyfeetby，shereadthescrolloutloud，thatisunderneaththatpictur，’Lord，keepmymemorygreen!’Sheandmypoorwifefellatalkingaboutit；andit’sastrangethingtothinkof，now，thattheybothsaid（bothbeingsounliketodie）thatitwasagoodprayer，andthatitwasonetheywouldputupveryearnestly，iftheywerecalledawayyoung，withreferencetothosewhoweredearesttothem。’Mybrother，’saystheyounglady—’Myhusband，’saysmypoorwife。—
　　’Lord，keephismemoryofme，green，anddonotletmebeforgotten!’"
　　Tearsmorepainful，andmorebitterthanhehadevershedinallhislife，courseddownRedlaw’sface。Philip，fullyoccupiedinrecallinghisstory，hadnotobservedhimuntilnow，norMilly’sanxietythatheshouldnotproceed。
　　"Philip!"saidRedlaw，layinghishanduponhisarm，"Iamastrickenman，onwhomthehandofProvidencehasfallenheavily，althoughdeservedly。Youspeaktome，myfriend，ofwhatIcannotfollow；mymemoryisgone。"
　　"Mercifulpower!"criedtheoldman。
　　"Ihavelostmymemoryofsorrow，wrong，andtrouble，"saidtheChemist，"andwiththatIhavelostallmanwouldremember!"
　　ToseeoldPhilip’spityforhim，toseehimwheelhisowngreatchairforhimtorestin，andlookdownuponhimwithasolemnsenseofhisbereavement，wastoknow，insomedegree，howprecioustooldagesuchrecollectionsare。
　　Theboycamerunningin，andrantoMilly。
　　"Here’stheman，"hesaid，"intheotherroom。Idon’twantHIM。"
　　"Whatmandoeshemean？"askedMr。William。
　　"Hush!"saidMilly。
　　Obedienttoasignfromher，heandhisoldfathersoftlywithdrew。
　　Astheywentout，unnoticed，Redlawbeckonedtotheboytocometohim。
　　"Ilikethewomanbest，"heanswered，holdingtoherskirts。
　　"Youareright，"saidRedlaw，withafaintsmile。"Butyouneedn’tfeartocometome。IamgentlerthanIwas。Ofalltheworld，toyou，poorchild!"
　　Theboystillheldbackatfirst，butyieldinglittlebylittletoherurging，heconsentedtoapproach，andeventositdownathisfeet。AsRedlawlaidhishandupontheshoulderofthechild，lookingonhimwithcompassionandafellow—feeling，heputouthisotherhandtoMilly。Shestoopeddownonthatsideofhim，sothatshecouldlookintohisface，andaftersilence，said：
　　"Mr。Redlaw，mayIspeaktoyou？"
　　"Yes，"heanswered，fixinghiseyesuponher。"Yourvoiceandmusicarethesametome。"
　　"MayIaskyousomething？"
　　"Whatyouwill。"
　　"DoyourememberwhatIsaid，whenIknockedatyourdoorlastnight？Aboutonewhowasyourfriendonce，andwhostoodonthevergeofdestruction？"
　　"Yes。Iremember，"hesaid，withsomehesitation。
　　"Doyouunderstandit？"
　　Hesmoothedtheboy’shair—lookingatherfixedlythewhile，andshookhishead。
　　"Thisperson，"saidMilly，inherclear，softvoice，whichhermildeyes，lookingathim，madeclearerandsofter，"Ifoundsoonafterwards。Iwentbacktothehouse，and，withHeaven’shelp，tracedhim。Iwasnottoosoon。AverylittleandIshouldhavebeentoolate。"
　　Hetookhishandfromtheboy，andlayingitonthebackofthathandofhers，whosetimidandyetearnesttouchaddressedhimnolessappealinglythanhervoiceandeyes，lookedmoreintentlyonher。
　　"HeISthefatherofMr。Edmund，theyounggentlemanwesawjustnow。HisrealnameisLongford。—Yourecollectthename？"
　　"Irecollectthename。"
　　"Andtheman？"
　　"No，nottheman。Didheeverwrongme？"
　　"Yes!"
　　"Ah!Thenit’shopeless—hopeless。"
　　Heshookhishead，andsoftlybeatuponthehandheheld，asthoughmutelyaskinghercommiseration。
　　"IdidnotgotoMr。Edmundlastnight，"saidMilly，—"Youwilllistentomejustthesameasifyoudidrememberall？"
　　"Toeverysyllableyousay。"
　　"Both，becauseIdidnotknow，then，thatthisreallywashisfather，andbecauseIwasfearfuloftheeffectofsuchintelligenceuponhim，afterhisillness，ifitshouldbe。SinceI
　　haveknownwhothispersonis，Ihavenotgoneeither；butthatisforanotherreason。Hehaslongbeenseparatedfromhiswifeandson—hasbeenastrangertohishomealmostfromthisson’sinfancy，Ilearnfromhim—andhasabandonedanddesertedwhatheshouldhaveheldmostdear。Inallthattimehehasbeenfallingfromthestateofagentleman，moreandmore，until—"sheroseup，hastily，andgoingoutforamoment，returned，accompaniedbythewreckthatRedlawhadbeheldlastnight。
　　"Doyouknowme？"askedtheChemist。
　　"Ishouldbeglad，"returnedtheother，"andthatisanunwontedwordformetouse，ifIcouldanswerno。"
　　TheChemistlookedattheman，standinginself—abasementanddegradationbeforehim，andwouldhavelookedlonger，inanineffectualstruggleforenlightenment，butthatMillyresumedherlatepositionbyhisside，andattractedhisattentivegazetoherownface。
　　"Seehowlowheissunk，howlostheis!"shewhispered，stretchingoutherarmtowardshim，withoutlookingfromtheChemist’sface。
　　"Ifyoucouldrememberallthatisconnectedwithhim，doyounotthinkitwouldmoveyourpitytoreflectthatoneyoueverloved（donotletusmindhowlongago，orinwhatbeliefthathehasforfeited），shouldcometothis？"
　　"Ihopeitwould，"heanswered。"Ibelieveitwould。"
　　Hiseyeswanderedtothefigurestandingnearthedoor，butcamebackspeedilytoher，onwhomhegazedintently，asifhestrovetolearnsomelessonfromeverytoneofhervoice，andeverybeamofhereyes。
　　"Ihavenolearning，andyouhavemuch，"saidMilly；"Iamnotusedtothink，andyouarealwaysthinking。MayItellyouwhyitseemstomeagoodthingforus，torememberwrongthathasbeendoneus？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Thatwemayforgiveit。"
　　"Pardonme，greatHeaven!"saidRedlaw，liftinguphiseyes，"forhavingthrownawaythineownhighattribute!"
　　"Andif，"saidMilly，"ifyourmemoryshouldonedayberestored，aswewillhopeandprayitmaybe，woulditnotbeablessingtoyoutorecallatonceawronganditsforgiveness？"
　　Helookedatthefigurebythedoor，andfastenedhisattentiveeyesonheragain；arayofclearerlightappearedtohimtoshineintohismind，fromherbrightface。
　　"Hecannotgotohisabandonedhome。Hedoesnotseektogothere。
　　Heknowsthathecouldonlycarryshameandtroubletothosehehassocruellyneglected；andthatthebestreparationhecanmakethemnow，istoavoidthem。Averylittlemoneycarefullybestowed，wouldremovehimtosomedistantplace，wherehemightliveanddonowrong，andmakesuchatonementasisleftwithinhispowerforthewronghehasdone。Totheunfortunateladywhoishiswife，andtohisson，thiswouldbethebestandkindestboonthattheirbestfriendcouldgivethem—onetoothattheyneedneverknowof；
　　andtohim，shatteredinreputation，mind，andbody，itmightbesalvation。"
　　Hetookherheadbetweenherhands，andkissedit，andsaid："Itshallbedone。Itrusttoyoutodoitforme，nowandsecretly；
　　andtotellhimthatIwouldforgivehim，ifIweresohappyastoknowforwhat。"
　　Assherose，andturnedherbeamingfacetowardsthefallenman，implyingthathermediationhadbeensuccessful，headvancedastep，andwithoutraisinghiseyes，addressedhimselftoRedlaw。
　　"Youaresogenerous，"hesaid，"—youeverwere—thatyouwilltrytobanishyourrisingsenseofretributioninthespectaclethatisbeforeyou。Idonottrytobanishitfrommyself，Redlaw。
　　Ifyoucan，believeme。"
　　TheChemistentreatedMilly，byagesture，tocomenearertohim；
　　and，ashelistenedlookedinherface，asiftofindinitthecluetowhatheheard。
　　"Iamtoodecayedawretchtomakeprofessions；Irecollectmyowncareertoowell，toarrayanysuchbeforeyou。ButfromthedayonwhichImademyfirststepdownward，indealingfalselybyyou，I
　　havegonedownwithacertain，steady，doomedprogression。That，I
　　say。"
　　Redlaw，keepinghercloseathisside，turnedhisfacetowardsthespeaker，andtherewassorrowinit。Somethinglikemournfulrecognitiontoo。
　　"Imighthavebeenanotherman，mylifemighthavebeenanotherlife，ifIhadavoidedthatfirstfatalstep。Idon’tknowthatitwouldhavebeen。Iclaimnothingforthepossibility。Yoursisterisatrest，andbetterthanshecouldhavebeenwithme，ifIhadcontinuedevenwhatyouthoughtme：evenwhatIoncesupposedmyselftobe。"
　　Redlawmadeahastymotionwithhishand，asifhewouldhaveputthatsubjectononeside。
　　"Ispeak，"theotherwenton，"likeamantakenfromthegrave。I
　　shouldhavemademyowngrave，lastnight，haditnotbeenforthisblessedhand。"
　　"Ohdear，helikesmetoo!"sobbedMilly，underherbreath。
　　"That’sanother!"
　　"Icouldnothaveputmyselfinyourway，lastnight，evenforbread。But，to—day，myrecollectionofwhathasbeenissostronglystirred，andispresentedtome，Idon’tknowhow，sovividly，thatIhavedaredtocomeathersuggestion，andtotakeyourbounty，andtothankyouforit，andtobegyou，Redlaw，inyourdyinghour，tobeasmercifultomeinyourthoughts，asyouareinyourdeeds。"
　　Heturnedtowardsthedoor，andstoppedamomentonhiswayforth。
　　"Ihopemysonmayinterestyou，forhismother’ssake。Ihopehemaydeservetodoso。Unlessmylifeshouldbepreservedalongtime，andIshouldknowthatIhavenotmisusedyouraid，Ishallneverlookuponhimmore。"
　　Goingout，heraisedhiseyestoRedlawforthefirsttime。
　　Redlaw，whosesteadfastgazewasfixeduponhim，dreamilyheldouthishand。Hereturnedandtouchedit—littlemore—withbothhisown；andbendingdownhishead，wentslowlyout。
　　Inthefewmomentsthatelapsed，whileMillysilentlytookhimtothegate，theChemistdroppedintohischair，andcoveredhisfacewithhishands。Seeinghimthus，whenshecameback，accompaniedbyherhusbandandhisfather（whowerebothgreatlyconcernedforhim），sheavoideddisturbinghim，orpermittinghimtobedisturbed；andkneeleddownnearthechairtoputsomewarmclothingontheboy。
　　"That’sexactlywhereitis。That’swhatIalwayssay，father!"
　　exclaimedheradmiringhusband。"There’samotherlyfeelinginMrs。William’sbreastthatmustandwillhavewent!"
　　"Ay，ay，"saidtheoldman；"you’reright。MysonWilliam’sright!"
　　"Ithappensallforthebest，Millydear，nodoubt，"saidMr。
　　William，tenderly，"thatwehavenochildrenofourown；andyetI
　　sometimeswishyouhadonetoloveandcherish。Ourlittledeadchildthatyoubuiltsuchhopesupon，andthatneverbreathedthebreathoflife—ithasmadeyouquiet—like，Milly。"
　　"Iamveryhappyintherecollectionofit，Williamdear，"sheanswered。"Ithinkofiteveryday。"
　　"Iwasafraidyouthoughtofitagooddeal。"
　　"Don’tsay，afraid；itisacomforttome；itspeakstomeinsomanyways。Theinnocentthingthatneverlivedonearth，islikeanangeltome，William。"
　　"Youarelikeanangeltofatherandme，"saidMr。William，softly。
　　"Iknowthat。"
　　"WhenIthinkofallthosehopesIbuiltuponit，andthemanytimesIsatandpicturedtomyselfthelittlesmilingfaceuponmybosomthatneverlaythere，andthesweeteyesturneduptominethatneveropenedtothelight，"saidMilly，"Icanfeelagreatertenderness，Ithink，forallthedisappointedhopesinwhichthereisnoharm。WhenIseeabeautifulchildinitsfondmother’sarms，Iloveitallthebetter，thinkingthatmychildmighthavebeenlikethat，andmighthavemademyheartasproudandhappy。"
　　Redlawraisedhishead，andlookedtowardsher。
　　"Allthroughlife，itseemsbyme，"shecontinued，"totellmesomething。Forpoorneglectedchildren，mylittlechildpleadsasifitwerealive，andhadavoiceIknew，withwhichtospeaktome。WhenIhearofyouthinsufferingorshame，Ithinkthatmychildmighthavecometothat，perhaps，andthatGodtookitfrommeinHismercy。Eveninageandgreyhair，suchasfather’s，itispresent：sayingthatittoomighthavelivedtobeold，longandlongafteryouandIweregone，andtohaveneededtherespectandloveofyoungerpeople。"
　　Herquietvoicewasquieterthanever，asshetookherhusband’sarm，andlaidherheadagainstit。
　　"Childrenlovemeso，thatsometimesIhalffancy—it’sasillyfancy，William—theyhavesomewayIdon’tknowof，offeelingformylittlechild，andme，andunderstandingwhytheirloveisprecioustome。IfIhavebeenquietsince，Ihavebeenmorehappy，William，inahundredways。Notleasthappy，dear，inthis—thatevenwhenmylittlechildwasbornanddeadbutafewdays，andIwasweakandsorrowful，andcouldnothelpgrievingalittle，thethoughtarose，thatifItriedtoleadagoodlife，IshouldmeetinHeavenabrightcreature，whowouldcallme，Mother!"
　　Redlawfelluponhisknees，withaloudcry。
　　"OThou，hesaid，"whothroughtheteachingofpurelove，hastgraciouslyrestoredmetothememorywhichwasthememoryofChristupontheCross，andofallthegoodwhoperishedinHiscause，receivemythanks，andblessher!"
　　Then，hefoldedhertohisheart；andMilly，sobbingmorethanever，cried，asshelaughed，"Heiscomebacktohimself!Helikesmeverymuchindeed，too!Oh，dear，dear，dearme，here’sanother!"
　　Then，thestudententered，leadingbythehandalovelygirl，whowasafraidtocome。AndRedlawsochangedtowardshim，seeinginhimandhisyouthfulchoice，thesoftenedshadowofthatchasteningpassageinhisownlife，towhich，astoashadytree，thedovesolongimprisonedinhissolitaryarkmightflyforrestandcompany，felluponhisneck，entreatingthemtobehischildren。
　　Then，asChristmasisatimeinwhich，ofalltimesintheyear，thememoryofeveryremediablesorrow，wrong，andtroubleintheworldaroundus，shouldbeactivewithus，notlessthanourownexperiences，forallgood，helaidhishandupontheboy，and，silentlycallingHimtowitnesswholaidHishandonchildreninoldtime，rebuking，inthemajestyofHispropheticknowledge，thosewhokeptthemfromHim，vowedtoprotecthim，teachhim，andreclaimhim。
　　Then，hegavehisrighthandcheerilytoPhilip，andsaidthattheywouldthatdayholdaChristmasdinnerinwhatusedtobe，beforethetenpoorgentlemencommuted，theirgreatDinnerHall；andthattheywouldbidtoitasmanyofthatSwidgerfamily，who，hissonhadtoldhim，weresonumerousthattheymightjoinhandsandmakearingroundEngland，ascouldbebroughttogetheronsoshortanotice。
　　Anditwasthatdaydone。ThereweresomanySwidgersthere，grownupandchildren，thatanattempttostatetheminroundnumbersmightengenderdoubts，inthedistrustful，oftheveracityofthishistory。Thereforetheattemptshallnotbemade。Buttheretheywere，bydozensandscores—andtherewasgoodnewsandgoodhopethere，readyforthem，ofGeorge，whohadbeenvisitedagainbyhisfatherandbrother，andbyMilly，andagainleftinaquietsleep。
　　There，presentatthedinner，too，weretheTetterbys，includingyoungAdolphus，whoarrivedinhisprismaticcomforter，ingoodtimeforthebeef。Johnnyandthebabyweretoolate，ofcourse，andcameinallononeside，theoneexhausted，theotherinasupposedstateofdouble—tooth；butthatwascustomary，andnotalarming。
　　Itwassadtoseethechildwhohadnonameorlineage，watchingtheotherchildrenastheyplayed，notknowinghowtotalkwiththem，orsportwiththem，andmorestrangetothewaysofchildhoodthanaroughdog。Itwassad，thoughinadifferentway，toseewhataninstinctiveknowledgetheyoungestchildrentherehadofhisbeingdifferentfromalltherest，andhowtheymadetimidapproachestohimwithsoftwordsandtouches，andwithlittlepresents，thathemightnotbeunhappy。ButhekeptbyMilly，andbegantoloveher—thatwasanother，asshesaid!—and，astheyalllikedherdearly，theyweregladofthat，andwhentheysawhimpeepingatthemfrombehindherchair，theywerepleasedthathewassoclosetoit。
　　Allthis，theChemist，sittingwiththestudentandhisbridethatwastobe，Philip，andtherest，saw。
　　Somepeoplehavesaidsince，thatheonlythoughtwhathasbeenhereinsetdown；others，thathereaditinthefire，onewinternightaboutthetwilighttime；others，thattheGhostwasbuttherepresentationofhisgloomythoughts，andMillytheembodimentofhisbetterwisdom。Isaynothing。
　　—Exceptthis。ThatastheywereassembledintheoldHall，bynootherlightthanthatofagreatfire（havingdinedearly），theshadowsoncemorestoleoutoftheirhiding—places，anddancedabouttheroom，showingthechildrenmarvellousshapesandfacesonthewalls，andgraduallychangingwhatwasrealandfamiliarthere，towhatwaswildandmagical。ButthattherewasonethingintheHall，towhichtheeyesofRedlaw，andofMillyandherhusband，andoftheoldman，andofthestudent，andhisbridethatwastobe，wereoftenturned，whichtheshadowsdidnotobscureorchange。
　　Deepenedinitsgravitybythefire—light，andgazingfromthedarknessofthepanelledwalllikelife，thesedatefaceintheportrait，withthebeardandruff，lookeddownatthemfromunderitsverdantwreathofholly，astheylookedupatit；and，clearandplainbelow，asifavoicehadutteredthem，werethewords。
　　LordkeepmyMemorygreen。