Hewentuptheaislereverently，andtookhisplaceinthepewwithloweredeyes，forhefearedhehadalreadyoffendedthekindoldgentlemaninthepulpit，andwasseduloustooffendnofurther。Hecouldnotfollowtheprayer，noteventheheadsofit。Brightnessesofazure，cloudsoffragrance，atinkleoffallingwaterandsingingbirds，roselikeexhalationsfromsomedeeper，aboriginalmemory，thatwasnothis，butbelongedtothefleshonhisbones。Hisbodyremembered;anditseemedtohimthathisbodywasinnowaygross，butetherealandperishablelikeastrainofmusic;andhefeltforitanexquisitetendernessasforachild，aninnocent，fullofbeautifulinstinctsanddestinedtoanearlydeath。AndhefeltforoldTorrance-ofthemanysupplications，ofthefewdays-apitythatwasneartotears。Theprayerended。Rightoverhimwasatabletinthewall，theonlyornamentintheroughlymasonedchapel-foritwasnomore;thetabletcommemorated，Iwasabouttosaythevirtues，butrathertheexistenceofaformerRutherfordofHermiston;andArchie，underthattrophyofhislongdescentandlocalgreatness，leanedbackinthepewandcontemplatedvacancywiththeshadowofasmilebetweenplayfulandsad，thatbecamehimstrangely。Dandie’ssister，sittingbythesideofCleminhernewGlasgowfinery，chosethatmomenttoobservetheyounglaird。Awareofthestirofhisentrance，thelittleformalisthadkepthereyesfastenedandherfaceprettilycomposedduringtheprayer。Itwasnothypocrisy，therewasnoonefurtherfromahypocrite。Thegirlhadbeentaughttobehave：tolookup，tolookdown，tolookunconscious，tolookseriouslyimpressedinchurch，andineveryconjuncturetolookherbest。Thatwasthegameoffemalelife，andsheplayeditfrankly。Archiewastheonepersoninchurchwhowasofinterest，whowassomebodynew，reputedeccentric，knowntobeyoung，andalaird，andstillunseenbyChristina。Smallwonderthat，asshestoodthereinherattitudeofprettydecency，hermindshouldrunuponhim！Ifhesparedaglanceinherdirection，heshouldknowshewasawell-behavedyoungladywhohadbeentoGlasgow。Inreasonhemustadmireherclothes，anditwaspossiblethatheshouldthinkherpretty。Atthatherheartbeattheleastthingintheworld;andsheproceeded，bywayofacorrective，tocallupanddismissaseriesoffanciedpicturesoftheyoungmanwhoshouldnow，byrights，belookingather。Shesettledontheplainestofthem，-apinkshortyoungmanwithadishfaceandnofigure，atwhoseadmirationshecouldaffordtosmile;butforallthat，theconsciousnessofhisgaze（whichwasreallyfixedonTorranceandhismittens）keptherinsomethingofafluttertillthewordAmen。Eventhen，shewasfartoowell-bredtogratifyhercuriositywithanyimpatience。Sheresumedherseatlanguidly-thiswasaGlasgowtouch-shecomposedherdress，rearrangedhernosegayofprimroses，lookedfirstinfront，thenbehindupontheotherside，andatlastallowedhereyestomove，withouthurry，inthedirectionoftheHermistonpew。Foramoment，theywereriveted。Nextshehadpluckedhergazehomeagainlikeatamebirdwhoshouldhavemeditatedflight。Possibilitiescrowdedonher;shehungoverthefutureandgrewdizzy;theimageofthisyoungman，slim，graceful，dark，withtheinscrutablehalf-smile，attractedandrepelledherlikeachasm。"I
　　wonder，willIhavemetmyfate？"shethought，andherheartswelled。
　　Torrancewasgotsomewayintohisfirstexposition，positingadeeplayeroftextsashewentalong，layingthefoundationsofhisdiscourse，whichwastodealwithanicepointindivinity，beforeArchiesufferedhiseyestowander。TheyfellfirstofallonClem，lookinginsupportablyprosperous，andpatronisingTorrancewiththefavourofamodifiedattention，asofonewhowasusedtobetterthingsinGlasgow。Thoughhehadneverbeforeseteyesonhim，Archiehadnodifficultyinidentifyinghim，andnohesitationinpronouncinghimvulgar，theworstofthefamily。ClemwasleaninglazilyforwardwhenArchiefirstsawhim。Presentlyheleanednonchalantlyback;andthatdeadlyinstrument，themaiden，wassuddenlyunmaskedinprofile。Thoughnotquiteinthefrontofthefashion（hadanybodycared！），certainartfulGlasgowmantua-makers，andherowninherenttaste，hadarrayedhertogreatadvantage。Heraccoutrementwas，indeed，acauseofheart-
　　burning，andalmostofscandal，inthatinfinitesimalkirkcompany。
　　Mrs。HobhadsaidhersayatCauldstaneslap。"Daft-like！"shehadpronouncedit。"Ajaiketthat’llnomeet！Whaur’sthesenseofajaiketthat’llnobuttonuponyou，ifitshouldcometobeweet？Whatdoyeca’thirthings？Demmybrokens，d’yesay？They’llbebrokenswi’
　　avengeanceoryecanwinback！Weel，Ihavenaethingtodowi’it-
　　it’snogoodtaste。"Clem，whosepursehadthusmetamorphosedhissister，andwhowasnotinsensibletotheadvertisement，hadcometotherescuewitha"Hoot，woman！Whatdoyoukenofgoodtastethathasneverbeentotheceety？"AndHob，lookingonthegirlwithpleasedsmiles，asshetimidlydisplayedherfineryinthemidstofthedarkkitchen，hadthusendedthedispute："Thecuttylooksweel，"hehadsaid，"andit’snoverylikerain。Wearthemtheday，hizzie;butit’snoathingtomakeapracticeo’。"Inthebreastsofherrivals，comingtothekirkveryconsciousofwhiteunder-linen，andtheirfacessplendidwithmuchsoap，thesightofthetoilethadraisedastormofvaryingemotion，fromthemereunenviousadmirationthatwasexpressedinalong-drawn"Eh！"totheangrierfeelingthatfoundventinanemphatic"Setherup！"Herfrockwasofstraw-colouredjaconetmuslin，cutlowatthebosomandshortattheankle，soastodisplayherDEMI-
　　BROQUINSofRegencyviolet，crossingwithmanystrapsuponayellowcobwebstocking。Accordingtotheprettyfashioninwhichourgrandmothersdidnothesitatetoappear，andourgreat-auntswentfortharmedforthepursuitandcaptureofourgreat-uncles，thedresswasdrawnupsoastomouldthecontourofbothbreasts，andinthenookbetween，acairngormbroochmaintainedit。Here，too，surelyinaveryenviableposition，trembledthenosegayofprimroses。Sheworeonhershoulders-orratheronherbackandnothershoulders，whichitscarcelypassed-aFrenchcoatofsarsenet，tiedinfrontwithMargatebraces，andofthesamecolourwithhervioletshoes。Aboutherfaceclusteredadisorderofdarkringlets，alittlegarlandofyellowFrenchrosessurmountedherbrow，andthewholewascrownedbyavillagehatofchippedstraw。Amongstalltherosyandalltheweatheredfacesthatsurroundedherinchurch，sheglowedlikeanopenflower-girlandraiment，andthecairngormthatcaughtthedaylightandreturneditinafieryflash，andthethreadsofbronzeandgoldthatplayedinherhair。
　　Archiewasattractedbythebrightthinglikeachild。Helookedatheragainandyetagain，andtheirlookscrossed。Thelipwasliftedfromherlittleteeth。Hesawtheredbloodworkvividlyunderhertawnyskin。Hereye，whichwasgreatasastag’s，struckandheldhisgaze。
　　Heknewwhoshemustbe-Kirstie，sheoftheharshdiminutive，hishousekeeper’sniece，thesisteroftherusticprophet，Gib-andhefoundinhertheanswertohiswishes。
　　Christinafelttheshockoftheirencounteringglances，andseemedtorise，clothedinsmiles，intoaregionofthevagueandbright。Butthegratificationwasnotmoreexquisitethanitwasbrief。Shelookedawayabruptly，andimmediatelybegantoblameherselfforthatabruptness。
　　Sheknewwhatsheshouldhavedone，toolate-turnedslowlywithhernoseintheair。Andmeantimehislookwasnotremoved，butcontinuedtoplayuponherlikeabatteryofcannonconstantlyaimed，andnowseemedtoisolateheralonewithhim，andnowseemedtouplifther，asonapillory，beforethecongregation。ForArchiecontinuedtodrinkherinwithhiseyes，evenasawayfarercomestoawell-headonamountain，andstoopshisface，anddrinkswiththirstunassuageable。Inthecleftofherlittlebreaststhefieryeyeofthetopazandthepalefloretsofprimrosefascinatedhim。Hesawthebreastsheave，andtheflowersshakewiththeheaving，andmarvelledwhatshouldsomuchdiscomposethegirl。AndChristinawasconsciousofhisgaze-sawit，perhaps，withthedaintyplaythingofanearthatpeepedamongherringlets;shewasconsciousofchangingcolour，consciousofherunsteadybreath。Likeacreaturetracked，rundown，surrounded，shesoughtinadozenwaystogiveherselfacountenance。Sheusedherhandkerchief-itwasareallyfineone-thenshedesistedinapanic：
　　"HewouldonlythinkIwastoowarm。"Shetooktoreadinginthemetricalpsalms，andthenremembereditwassermon-time。Lastsheputa"sugar-bool"inhermouth，andthenextmomentrepentedofthestep。Itwassuchahomely-likething！Mr。Archiewouldneverbeeatingsweetiesinkirk;and，withapalpableeffort，sheswalloweditwhole，andhercolourflamedhigh。AtthissignalofdistressArchieawoketoasenseofhisill-behaviour。Whathadhebeendoing？Hehadbeenexquisitelyrudeinchurchtothenieceofhishousekeeper;hehadstaredlikealackeyandalibertineatabeautifulandmodestgirl。Itwaspossible，itwasevenlikely，hewouldbepresentedtoherafterserviceinthekirk-yard，andthenhowwashetolook？Andtherewasnoexcuse。Hehadmarkedthetokensofhershame，ofherincreasingindignation，andhewassuchafoolthathehadnotunderstoodthem。Shamebowedhimdown，andhelookedresolutelyatMr。Torrance;wholittlesupposed，good，worthyman，ashecontinuedtoexpoundjustificationbyfaith，whatwashistruebusiness：toplaythepartofderivativetoapairofchildrenattheoldgameoffallinginlove。
　　Christinawasgreatlyrelievedatfirst。Itseemedtoherthatshewasclothedagain。Shelookedbackonwhathadpassed。Allwouldhavebeenrightifshehadnotblushed，asillyfool！Therewasnothingtoblushat，ifsheHADtakenasugar-bool。Mrs。MacTaggart，theelder’swifeinSt。Enoch’s，tookthemoften。Andifhehadlookedather，whatwasmorenaturalthanthatayounggentlemanshouldlookatthebest-dressedgirlinchurch？Andatthesametime，sheknewfarotherwise，sheknewtherewasnothingcasualorordinaryinthelook，andvaluedherselfonitsmemorylikeadecoration。Well，itwasablessinghehadfoundsomethingelsetolookat！Andpresentlyshebegantohaveotherthoughts。Itwasnecessary，shefancied，thatsheshouldputherselfrightbyarepetitionoftheincident，bettermanaged。Ifthewishwasfathertothethought，shedidnotknoworshewouldnotrecogniseit。
　　Itwassimplyasamanoeuvreofpropriety，assomethingcalledfortolessenthesignificanceofwhathadgonebefore，thatsheshouldasecondtimemeethiseyes，andthistimewithoutblushing。Andatthememoryoftheblush，sheblushedagain，andbecameonegeneralblushburningfromheadtofoot。Waseveranythingsoindelicate，soforward，donebyagirlbefore？Andhereshewas，makinganexhibitionofherselfbeforethecongregationaboutnothing！Shestoleaglanceuponherneighbours，andbehold！theyweresteadilyindifferent，andClemhadgonetosleep。Andstilltheoneideawasbecomingmoreandmorepotentwithher，thatincommonprudenceshemustlookagainbeforetheserviceended。SomethingofthesamesortwasgoingforwardinthemindofArchie，ashestruggledwiththeloadofpenitence。Soitchancedthat，intheflutterofthemomentwhenthelastpsalmwasgivenout，andTorrancewasreadingtheverse，andtheleavesofeverypsalm-bookinchurchwererustlingunderbusyfingers，twostealthyglancesweresentoutlikeantennaeamongthepewsandontheindifferentandabsorbedoccupants，anddrewtimidlynearertothestraightlinebetweenArchieandChristina。Theymet，theylingeredtogetherfortheleastfractionoftime，andthatwasenough。AchargeasofelectricitypassedthroughChristina，andbehold！theleafofherpsalm-bookwastornacross。
　　Archiewasoutsidebythegateofthegraveyard，conversingwithHobandtheministerandshakinghandsallroundwiththescatteringcongregation，whenClemandChristinawerebroughtuptobepresented。
　　Thelairdtookoffhishatandbowedtoherwithgraceandrespect。
　　ChristinamadeherGlasgowcurtseytothelaird，andwentonagainuptheroadforHermistonandCauldstaneslap，walkingfast，breathinghurriedlywithaheightenedcolour，andinthisstrangeframeofmind，thatwhenshewasalonesheseemedinhighhappiness，andwhenanyoneaddressedhersheresenteditlikeacontradiction。Apartofthewayshehadthecompanyofsomeneighbourgirlsandaloutishyoungman;
　　neverhadtheyseemedsoinsipid，neverhadshemadeherselfsodisagreeable。Butthesestruckasidetotheirvariousdestinationsorwereout-walkedandleftbehind;andwhenshehaddrivenoffwithsharpwordstheprofferedconvoyofsomeofhernephewsandnieces，shewasfreetogoonaloneupHermistonbrae，walkingonair，dwellingintoxicatedamongcloudsofhappiness。Neartothesummitsheheardstepsbehindher，aman’ssteps，lightandveryrapid。Sheknewthefootatonceandwalkedthefaster。"Ifit’smehe’swanting，hecanrunforit，"shethought，smiling。
　　Archieovertookherlikeamanwhosemindwasmadeup。
　　"MissKirstie，"hebegan。
　　"MissChristina，ifyouplease，Mr。Weir，"sheinterrupted。"Icannabearthecontraction。"
　　"Youforgetithasafriendlysoundforme。Yourauntisanoldfriendofmine，andaverygoodone。IhopeweshallseemuchofyouatHermiston？"
　　"Myauntandmysister-in-lawdoesnaagreeverywell。NotthatIhavemuchadowithit。ButstillwhenI’mstoppinginthehouse，ifIwastobevisitingmyaunt，itwouldnotlookconsiderate-like。"
　　"Iamsorry，"saidArchie。
　　"Ithankyoukindly，Mr。Weir，"shesaid。"Iwhilesthinkmyselfit’sagreatpeety。"
　　"Ah，Iamsureyourvoicewouldalwaysbeforpeace！"hecried。
　　"Iwouldnabetoosureofthat，"shesaid。"Ihavemydayslikeotherfolk，Isuppose。"
　　"Doyouknow，inouroldkirk，amongourgoodoldgreydames，youmadeaneffectlikesunshine。"
　　"Ah，butthatwouldbemyGlasgowclothes！"
　　"IdidnotthinkIwassomuchundertheinfluenceofprettyfrocks。"
　　Shesmiledwithahalflookathim。"There’smorethanyou！"shesaid。
　　"ButyouseeI’monlyCinderella。I’llhavetoputallthesethingsbyinmytrunk;nextSundayI’llbeasgreyastherest。They’reGlasgowclothes，yousee，anditwouldneverdotomakeapracticeofit。Itwouldseemterribleconspicuous。"
　　Bythattheywerecometotheplacewheretheirwayssevered。Theoldgreymoorswereallaboutthem;inthemidstafewsheepwandered;andtheycouldseeontheonehandthestragglingcaravanscalingthebraesinfrontofthemforCauldstaneslap，andontheother，thecontingentfromHermistonbendingoffandbeginningtodisappearbydetachmentsintothepolicygate。Itwasinthesecircumstancesthattheyturnedtosayfarewell，anddeliberatelyexchangedaglanceastheyshookhands。
　　Allpassedasitshould，genteelly;andinChristina’smind，asshemountedthefirststeepascentforCauldstaneslap，agratifyingsenseoftriumphprevailedovertherecollectionofminorlapsesandmistakes。
　　Shehadkiltedhergown，asshedidusuallyatthatruggedpass;butwhenshespiedArchiestillstandingandgazingafterher，theskirtscamedownagainasifbyenchantment。Herewasapieceofnicetyforthatuplandparish，wherethematronsmarchedwiththeircoatskiltedintherain，andthelasseswalkedbarefoottokirkthroughthedustofsummer，andwentbravelydownbytheburn-side，andsatonstonestomakeapublictoiletbeforeentering！ItwasperhapsanairwaftedfromGlasgow;orperhapsitmarkedastageofthatdizzinessofgratifiedvanity，inwhichtheinstinctiveactpassedunperceived。Hewaslookingafter！Sheunloadedherbosomofaprodigioussighthatwasallpleasure，andbetookherselftorun。Whenshehadovertakenthestragglersofherfamily，shecaughtuptheniecewhomshehadsorecentlyrepulsed，andkissedandslappedher，anddroveherawayagain，andranafterherwithprettycriesandlaughter。Perhapsshethoughtthelairdmightstillbelooking！Butitchancedthelittlescenecameundertheviewofeyeslessfavourable;forsheovertookMrs。HobmarchingwithClemandDand。
　　"You’reshurelyfey，lass！"quothDandie。
　　"Thinkshametoyersel’，miss！"saidthestridentMrs。Hob。"Isthisthegaittoguideyersel’onthewayhamefraekirk？You’reshiirelynosponsibletheday！AndanywayIwouldmindmyguidclaes。"
　　"Hoot！"saidChristina，andwentonbeforethemheadinair，treadingtheroughtrackwiththetreadofawilddoe。
　　Shewasinlovewithherself，herdestiny，theairofthehills，thebenedictionofthesun。Allthewayhome，shecontinuedundertheintoxicationofthesesky-scrapingspirits。AttableshecouldtalkfreelyofyoungHermiston;gaveheropinionofhimoff-handandwithaloudvoice，thathewasahandsomeyounggentleman，realwellmanneredandsensible-like，butitwasapityhelookeddoleful。Only-themomentafter-amemoryofhiseyesinchurchembarrassedher。Butforthisinconsiderablecheck，allthroughmeal-timeshehadagoodappetite，andshekeptthemlaughingattable，untilGib（whohadreturnedbeforethemfromCrossmichaelandhisseparativeworship）
　　reprovedthewholeofthemfortheirlevity。
　　Singing"intoherself"asshewent，hermindstillintheturmoilofagladconfusion，sheroseandtrippedupstairstoalittleloft，lightedbyfourpanesinthegable，whereshesleptwithoneofhernieces。Theniece，whofollowedher，presumingon"Auntie’s"highspirits，wasflouncedoutoftheapartmentwithsmallceremony，andretired，smartingandhalftearful，toburyherwoesinthebyreamongthehay。Stillhumming，Christinadivestedherselfofherfinery，andputhertreasuresonebyoneinhergreatgreentrunk。Thelastofthesewasthepsalm-book;
　　itwasafinepiece，thegiftofMistressClem，indistinctold-facedtype，onpaperthathadbeguntogrowfoxyinthewarehouse-notbyservice-
　　andshewasusedtowrapitinahandkerchiefeverySundayafteritsperiodofservicewasover，andburyitend-wiseattheheadofhertrunk。Asshenowtookitinhandthebookfellopenwheretheleafwastorn，andshestoodandgazeduponthatevidenceofherbygonediscomposure。Therereturnedagainthevisionofthetwobrowneyesstaringather，intentandbright，outofthatdarkcornerofthekirk。
　　Thewholeappearanceandattitude，thesmile，thesuggestedgestureofyoungHermistoncamebeforeherinaflashatthesightofthetornpage。"Iwassurelyfey！"shesaid，echoingthewordsofDandie，andatthesuggesteddoomherhighspiritsdesertedher。Sheflungherselfproneuponthebed，andlaythere，holdingthepsalm-bookinherhandsforhours，forthemorepartinamerestuporofunconsentingpleasureandunreasoningfear。Thefearwassuperstitious;therecameupagainandagaininhermemoryDandie’sill-omenedwords，andahundredgrislyandblacktalesoutoftheimmediateneighbourhoodreadheracommentaryontheirforce。Thepleasurewasneverrealised。Youmightsaythejointsofherbodythoughtandremembered，andweregladdened，butheressentialself，intheimmediatetheatreofconsciousness，talkedfeverishlyofsomethingelse，likeanervouspersonatafire。TheimagethatshemostcomplacentlydweltonwasthatofMissChristinainhercharacteroftheFairLassofCauldstaneslap，carryingallbeforeherinthestraw-colouredfrock，thevioletmantle，andtheyellowcobwebstockings。Archie’simage，ontheotherhand，whenitpresenteditselfwasneverwelcomed-farlesswelcomedwithanyardour，anditwasexposedattimestomercilesscriticism。Inthelongvaguedialoguessheheldinhermind，oftenwithimaginary，oftenwithunrealisedinterlocutors，Archie，ifhewerereferredtoatallcameinforsavagehandling。Hewasdescribedas"lookinglikeastork，""staringlikeacaulf，""afacelikeaghaist’s。""Doyoucallthatmanners？"shesaid;or，"Isoonputhiminhisplace。""`MISSCHRISTINA，IFYOUPLEASE，MR。WEIR！’saysI，andjustflypedupmyskirttails。"Withgabblelikethisshewouldentertainherselflongwhilestogether，andthenhereyewouldperhapsfallonthetornleaf，andtheeyesofArchiewouldappearagainfromthedarknessofthewall，andthevolublewordsdesertedher，andshewouldliestillandstupid，andthinkuponnothingwithdevotion，andbesometimesraisedbyaquietsigh。Hadadoctorofmedicinecomeintothatloft，hewouldhavediagnosedahealthy，well-developed，eminentlyvivaciouslasslyingonherfaceinafitofthesulks;notonewhohadjustcontracted，orwasjustcontracting，amortalsicknessofthemindwhichshouldyetcarryhertowardsdeathanddespair。Haditbeenadoctorofpsychology，hemighthavebeenpardonedfordivininginthegirlapassionofchildishvanity，self-loveINEXCELSIS，andnomore。
　　ItistobeunderstoodthatIhavebeenpaintingchaosanddescribingtheinarticulate。Everylineamentthatappearsistooprecise，almosteverywordusedtoostrong。Takeafinger-postinthemountainsonadayofrollingmists;Ihavebutcopiedthenamesthatappearuponthepointers，thenamesofdefiniteandfamouscitiesfardistant，andnowperhapsbaskinginsunshine;butChristinaremainedallthesehours，asitwere，atthefootofthepostitself，notmoving，andenvelopedinmutableandblindingwreathsofhaze。
　　Thedaywasgrowinglateandthesunbeamslongandlevel，whenshesatsuddenlyup，andwrappedinitshandkerchiefandputbythatpsalm-bookwhichhadalreadyplayedapartsodecisiveinthefirstchapterofherlove-story。Intheabsenceofthemesmerist’seye，wearetoldnowadaysthattheheadofabrightnailmayfillhisplace，ifitbesteadfastlyregarded。Sothattornpagehadrivetedherattentiononwhatmightelsehavebeenbutlittle，andperhapssoonforgotten;whiletheominouswordsofDandie-heard，notheeded，andstillremembered-hadlenttoherthoughts，orrathertohermood，acastofsolemnity，andthatideaofFate-apaganFate，uncontrolledbyanyChristiandeity，obscure，lawless，andaugust-movingindissuadablyintheaffairsofChristianmen。Thuseventhatphenomenonofloveatfirstsight，whichissorareandseemssosimpleandviolent，likeadisruptionoflife’stissue，maybedecomposedintoasequenceofaccidentshappilyconcurring。
　　Sheputonagreyfrockandapinkkerchief，lookedatherselfamomentwithapprovalinthesmallsquareofglassthatservedherforatoiletmirror，andwentsoftlydownstairsthroughthesleepinghousethatresoundedwiththesoundofafternoonsnoring。Justoutsidethedoor，Dandiewassittingwithabookinhishand，notreading，onlyhonouringtheSabbathbyasacredvacancyofmind。Shecamenearhimandstoodstill。
　　"I’mforoffupthemuirs，Dandie，"shesaid。
　　Therewassomethingunusuallysoftinhertonesthatmadehimlookup。
　　Shewaspale，hereyesdarkandbright;notraceremainedofthelevityofthemorning。
　　"Ay，lass？Ye’llhaveyerupsanddownslikeme，I’mthinkin’，"heobserved。
　　"Whatfordoyesaythat？"sheasked。
　　"O，fornaething，"saysDand。"OnlyIthinkye’remairlikemethanthelaveofthem。Ye’vemairofthepoetictemper，tho’Guidkenslittleenoughofthepoetictaalent。It’sanillgiftatthebest。Lookatyoursel’。Atdenneryouwereallsunshineandflowersandlaughter，andnowyou’relikethestarofeveningonalake。"
　　Shedrankinthishackneyedcomplimentlikewine，anditglowedinherveins。
　　"ButI’msaying，Dand"-shecamenearerhim-"I’mforthemuirs。I
　　musthaveabraithofair。IfClemwastobespeiringforme，tryandquaiethim，willyeno？"
　　"Whatway？"saidDandie。"Ikenbuttheaeway，andthat’sleein’。"
　　I’llsayyehadasairheid，ifyelike。"
　　"ButIhavena，"sheobjected。
　　"Idaursayno，"hereturned。"IsaidIwouldsayyehad;andifyeliketonay-saymewhenyecomeback，it’llnomateeriallymaitter，formychara’ter’scleanganea’readypastreca’。"
　　"O，Dand，areyealecar？"sheasked，lingering。
　　"Folkssaysae，"repliedthebard。
　　"Whasayssae？"shepursued。
　　"Themthatshouldkenthebest，"heresponded。"Thelassies，forane。"
　　"But，Dand，youwouldneverleetome？"sheasked。
　　"I’llleavethatforyourpairtofit，yegirzie，"saidhe。"Ye’llleetomefasteneuch，whenyehaegottenajo。I’mtellin’yeandit’strue;whenyouhaveajo，MissKirstie，it’llbeforguidandill。I
　　ken：Iwasmadethatwaymysel’，butthedeilwasinmyluck！Here，gangawawi’yetoyourmuirs，andletmebe;I’minanhourofinspiraution，yeupsettingtawpie！"
　　Butsheclungtoherbrother’sneighbourhood，sheknewnotwhy。
　　"Willyenogie’sakiss，Dand？"shesaid。"Iayelikityefine。"
　　Hekissedherandconsideredheramoment;hefoundsomethingstrangeinher。Buthewasalibertinethroughandthrough，nourishedequalcontemptandsuspicionofallwomankind，andpaidhiswayamongthemhabituallywithidlecompliments。
　　"Gaewa’wi’ye！"saidhe。"Ye’readentiebaby，andbecontentwi’
　　that！"
　　ThatwasDandie’sway;akissandacomfittoJenny-abawbeeandmyblessingtoJill-andgoodnighttothewholeclanofye，mydears！
　　Whenanythingapproachedtheserious，itbecameamatterformen，heboththoughtandsaid。Women，whentheydidnotabsorb，wereonlychildrentobeshoo’daway。Merelyinhischaracterofconnoisseur，however，Dandieglancedcarelesslyafterhissisterasshecrossedthemeadow。"Thebrat’snothatbad！"hethoughtwithsurprise，forthoughhehadjustbeenpayinghercompliments，hehadnotreallylookedather。"Hey！what’syon？"Forthegreydresswascutwithshortsleevesandskirts，anddisplayedhertrimstronglegscladinpinkstockingsofthesameshadeasthekerchiefsheworeroundhershoulders，andthatshimmeredasshewent。Thiswasnotherwayinundress;heknewherwaysandthewaysofthewholesexinthecountry-side，noonebetter;
　　whentheydidnotgobarefoot，theyworestout"rigandfurrow"woollenhoseofaninvisiblebluemostly，whentheywerenotblackoutright;andDandie，atsightofthisdaintiness，puttwoandtwotogether。Itwasasilkhandkerchief，thentheywouldbesilkenhose;theymatched-thenthewholeoutfitwasapresentofClem’s，acostlypresent，andnotsomethingtobewornthroughbogandbriar，oronalateafternoonofSunday。Hewhistled。"MydentyMay，eitheryourheid’sfairturned，orthere’ssomeongoings！"heobserved，anddismissedthesubject。
　　Shewentslowlyatfirst，buteverstraighterandfasterfortheCauldstaneslap，apassamongthehillstowhichthefarmoweditsname。
　　TheSlapopenedlikeadoorwaybetweentworoundedhillocks;andthroughthisrantheshortcuttoHermiston。ImmediatelyontheothersideitwentdownthroughtheDeil’sHags，aconsiderablemarshyhollowofthehilltops，fullofsprings，andcrouchingjunipers，andpoolswheretheblackpeat-waterslumbered。Therewasnoviewfromhere。AmanmighthavesatuponthePrayingWeaver’sstoneahalfcentury，andseennonebuttheCauldstaneslapchildrentwiceinthetwenty-fourhoursontheirwaytotheschoolandbackagain，anoccasionalshepherd，theirruptionofaclanofsheep，orthebirdswhohauntedaboutthesprings，drinkingandshrillypiping。So，whenshehadoncepassedtheSlap，Kirstiewasreceivedintoseclusion。Shelookedbackalasttimeatthefarm。ItstilllaydesertedexceptforthefigureofDandie，whowasnowseentobescribblinginhislap，thehourofexpectedinspirationhavingcometohimatlast。Thenceshepassedrapidlythroughthemorass，andcametothefartherendofit，whereasluggishburndischarges，andthepathforHermistonaccompaniesitonthebeginningofitsdownwardpath。
　　Fromthiscornerawideviewwasopenedtoherofthewholestretchofbraesupontheotherside，stillsallowandinplacesrustywiththewinter，withthepathmarkedboldly，hereandtherebytheburn-sideatuftofbirches，and-twomilesoffasthecrowflies-fromitsenclosuresandyoungplantations，thewindowsofHermistonglitteringinthewesternsun。
　　Hereshesatdownandwaited，andlookedforalongtimeatthesefar-
　　awaybrightpanesofglass。Itamusedhertohavesoextendedaview，shethought。ItamusedhertoseethehouseofHermiston-tosee"folk";andtherewasanindistinguishablehumanunit，perhapsthegardener，visiblysaunteringonthegravelpaths。
　　Bythetimethesunwasdownandalltheeasterlybraeslayplungedinclearshadow，shewasawareofanotherfigurecomingupthepathatamostunequalrateofapproach，nowhalfrunning，nowpausingandseemingtohesitate。Shewatchedhimatfirstwithatotalsuspensionofthought。Sheheldherthoughtasapersonholdshisbreathing。Thensheconsentedtorecognisehim。"He’llnobecominghere，hecannabe;
　　it’snopossible。"Andtherebegantogrowuponherasubduedchokingsuspense。HeWAScoming;hishesitationshadquiteceased，hisstepgrewfirmandswift;nodoubtremained;andthequestionloomedupbeforeherinstant：whatwasshetodo？Itwasallverywelltosaythatherbrotherwasalairdhimself：itwasallverywelltospeakofcasualintermarriagesandtocountcousinship，likeAuntieKirstie。Thedifferenceintheirsocialstationwastrenchant;propriety，prudence，allthatshehadeverlearned，allthatsheknew，badeherflee。Butontheotherhandthecupoflifenowofferedtoherwastooenchanting。
　　Foronemoment，shesawthequestionclearly，anddefinitelymadeherchoice。Shestoodupandshowedherselfaninstantinthegaprelievedupontheskyline;andthenext，fledtremblingandsatdownglowingwithexcitementontheWeaver’sstone。Sheshuthereyes，seeking，prayingforcomposure。Herhandshookinherlap，andhermindwasfullofincongruousandfutilespeeches。Whatwastheretomakeaworkabout？Shecouldtakecareofherself，shesupposed！Therewasnoharminseeingthelaird。Itwasthebestthingthatcouldhappen。Shewouldmarkaproperdistancetohimonceandforall。Graduallythewheelsofhernatureceasedtogoroundsomadly，andshesatinpassiveexpectation，aquiet，solitaryfigureinthemidstofthegreymoss。I
　　havesaidshewasnohypocrite，buthereIamatfault。SheneveradmittedtoherselfthatshehadcomeupthehilltolookforArchie。
　　Andperhapsafterallshedidnotknow，perhapscameasastonefalls。
　　Forthestepsofloveintheyoung，andespeciallyingirls，areinstinctiveandunconscious。
　　InthemeantimeArchiewasdrawingrapidlynear，andheatleastwasconsciouslyseekingherneighbourhood。Theafternoonhadturnedtoashesinhismouth;thememoryofthegirlhadkepthimfromreadinganddrawnhimaswithcords;andatlast，asthecooloftheeveningbegantocomeon，hehadtakenhishatandsetforth，withasmotheredejaculation，bythemoorpathtoCauldstaneslap。Hehadnohopetofindher;hetooktheoffchancewithoutexpectationofresultandtorelievehisuneasiness。Thegreaterwashissurprise，ashesurmountedtheslopeandcameintothehollowoftheDeil’sHags，toseethere，likeananswertohiswishes，thelittlewomanlyfigureinthegreydressandthepinkkerchiefsittinglittle，andlow，andlost，andacutelysolitary，inthesedesolatesurroundingsandontheweather-beatenstoneofthedeadweaver。Thosethingsthatstillsmackedofwinterwereallrustyabouther，andthosethingsthatalreadyrelishedofthespringhadputforththetenderandlivelycoloursoftheseason。Evenintheunchangingfaceofthedeath-stone，changesweretoberemarked;andinthechanneledlettering，themossbegantorenewitselfinjewelsofgreen。Byanafterthoughtthatwasastrokeofart，shehadturnedupoverherheadthebackofthekerchief;sothatitnowframedbecominglyhervivaciousandyetpensiveface。Herfeetweregatheredunderherontheoneside，andsheleanedonherbarearm，whichshowedoutstrongandround，taperedtoaslimwrist，andshimmeredinthefadinglight。
　　YoungHermistonwasstruckwithacertainchill。Hewasremindedthathenowdealtinseriousmattersoflifeanddeath。Thiswasagrownwomanhewasapproaching，endowedwithhermysteriouspotenciesandattractions，thetreasuryofthecontinuedrace，andhewasneitherbetternorworsethantheaverageofhissexandage。Hehadacertaindelicacywhichhadpreservedhimhithertounspotted，andwhich（hadeitherofthemguessedit）madehimamoredangerouscompanionwhenhisheartshouldbereallystirred。Histhroatwasdryashecamenear;buttheappealingsweetnessofhersmilestoodbetweenthemlikeaguardianangel。
　　Forsheturnedtohimandsmiled，thoughwithoutrising。Therewasashadeinthiscavaliergreetingthatneitherofthemperceived;neitherhe，whosimplythoughtitgraciousandcharmingasherself;noryetshe，whodidnotobserve（quickasshewas）thedifferencebetweenrisingtomeetthelaird，andremainingseatedtoreceivetheexpectedadmirer。
　　"Areyesteppingwest，Hermiston？"saidshe，givinghimhisterritorialnameafterthefashionofthecountry-side。
　　"Iwas，"saidhe，alittlehoarsely，"butIthinkIwillbeabouttheendofmystrollnow。Areyoulikeme，MissChristina？Thehousewouldnotholdme。Icamehereseekingair。"
　　Hetookhisseatattheotherendofthetombstoneandstudiedher，wonderingwhatwasshe。Therewasinfiniteimportinthequestionalikeforherandhim。
　　"Ay，"shesaid。"Icouldnabeartheroofeither。It’sahabitofminetocomeuphereaboutthegloamingwhenit’squaietandcaller。"
　　"Itwasahabitofmymother’salso，"hesaidgravely。Therecollectionhalfstartledhimasheexpressedit。Helookedaround。"Ihavescarcebeenheresince。It’speaceful，"hesaid，withalongbreath。
　　"It’snolikeGlasgow，"shereplied。"Awearyplace，yonGlasgow！ButwhatadayhaveIhadformyhomecoming，andwhatabonnyevening！"
　　"Indeed，itwasawonderfulday，"saidArchie。"IthinkIwillrememberityearsandyearsuntilIcometodie。Ondayslikethis-IdonotknowifyoufeelasIdo-buteverythingappearssobrief，andfragile，andexquisite，thatIamafraidtotouchlife。Wearehereforsoshortatime;andalltheoldpeoplebeforeus-RutherfordsofHermiston，ElliottsoftheCauldstaneslap-thatwereherebutawhilesinceridingaboutandkeepingupagreatnoiseinthisquietcorner-makinglovetoo，andmarrying-why，wherearetheynow？It’sdeadlycommonplace，but，afterall，thecommonplacesarethegreatpoetictruths。"
　　Hewassoundingher，semi-consciously，toseeifshecouldunderstandhim;tolearnifshewereonlyananimalthecolourofflowers，orhadasoulinhertokeephersweet。She，onherpart，hermeanswellinhand，watched，womanlike，foranyopportunitytoshine，toaboundinhishumour，whateverthatmightbe。Thedramaticartist，thatliesdormantoronlyhalfawakeinmosthumanbeings，hadinhersprungtohisfeetinadivinefury，andchancehadservedherwell。Shelookeduponhimwithasubduedtwilightlookthatbecamethehourofthedayandthetrainofthought;earnestnessshonethroughherlikestarsinthepurplewest;andfromthegreatbutcontrolledupheavalofherwholenaturetherepassedintohervoice，andranginherlightestwords，athrillofemotion。
　　"HaveyoumindofDand’ssong？"sheanswered。"Ithinkhe’llhavebeentryingtosaywhatyouhavebeenthinking。"
　　"No，Ineverheardit，"hesaid。"Repeatittome，canyou？"
　　"It’snothingwantingthetune，"saidKirstie。
　　"Thensingitme，"saidhe。
　　"OntheLord’sDay？Thatwouldneverdo，Mr。Weir！"
　　"IamafraidIamnotsostrictakeeperoftheSabbath，andthereisnooneinthisplacetohearus，unlessthepooroldancientunderthestone。"
　　"NothatI’mthinkingthatreally，"shesaid。"Bymywayofthinking，it’sjustasseriousasapsalm。WillIsoothittoye，then？"
　　"Ifyouplease，"saidhe，and，drawingneartoheronthetombstone，preparedtolisten。
　　Shesatupasiftosing。"I’llonlycansoothittoye，"sheexplained。
　　"IwouldnaliketosingoutloudontheSabbath。IthinkthebirdswouldcarrynewsofittoGilbert，"andshesmiled。"It’sabouttheElliotts，"shecontinued，"andIthinkthere’sfewbonnierbitsinthebook-poets，thoughDandhasnevergotprintedyet。"
　　Andshebegan，inthelow，cleartonesofherhalfvoice，nowsinkingalmosttoawhisper，nowrisingtoaparticularnotewhichwasherbest，andwhichArchielearnedtowaitforwithgrowingemotion：-
　　"Otheyradeintherain，inthedaysthataregane，Intherainandthewindandthelave，Theyshoutitintheha’andtheyroutitonthehill，Butthey’rea’quaititnoointhegrave。
　　Auld，auldElliotts，clay-cauldElliotts，dour，bauldElliotteofauld！"
　　Allthetimeshesangshelookedsteadfastlybeforeher，herkneesstraight，herhandsuponherknee，herheadcastbackandup。Theexpressionwasadmirablethroughout，forhadshenotlearneditfromthelipsandunderthecriticismoftheauthor？Whenitwasdone，sheturneduponArchieafacesoftlybright，andeyesgentlysuffusedandshininginthetwilight，andhisheartroseandwentouttoherwithboundlesspityandsympathy。Hisquestionwasanswered。Shewasahumanbeingtunedtoasenseofthetragedyoflife;therewerepathosandmusicandagreatheartinthegirl。
　　Hearoseinstinctively，shealso;forshesawshehadgainedapoint，andscoredtheimpressiondeeper，andshehadwitenoughlefttofleeuponavictory。Theywerebutcommonplacesthatremainedtobeexchanged，butthelow，movedvoicesinwhichtheypassedmadethemsacredinthememory。Inthefallinggreynessoftheeveninghewatchedherfigurewindingthroughthemorass，sawitturnalasttimeandwaveahand，andthenpassthroughtheSlap;anditseemedtohimasifsomethingwentalongwithheroutofthedeepestofhisheart。Andsomethingsurelyhadcome，andcometodwellthere。Hehadretainedfromchildhoodapicture，nowhalfobliteratedbythepassageoftimeandthemultitudeoffreshimpressions，ofhismothertellinghim，withtheflutteredearnestnessofhervoice，andoftenwithdroppingtears，thetaleofthe"PrayingWeaver，"ontheverysceneofhisbrieftragedyandlongrepose。Andnowtherewasacompanionpiece;andhebeheld，andheshouldbeholdforever，Christinaperchedonthesametomb，inthegreycoloursoftheevening，gracious，dainty，perfectasaflower，andshealsosinging-
　　"Ofold，unhappyfaroffthings，Andbattleslongago，"
　　oftheircommonancestorsnowdead，oftheirrudewarscomposed，theirweaponsburiedwiththem，andofthesestrangechangelings，theirdescendants，wholingeredalittleintheirplaces，andwouldsoonbegonealso，andperhapssungofbyothersatthegloaminghour。Byoneoftheunconsciousartsoftendernessthetwowomenwereenshrinedtogetherinhismemory。Tears，inthathourofsensibility，cameintohiseyesindifferentlyatthethoughtofeither;andthegirl，frombeingsomethingmerelybrightandshapely，wascaughtupintothezoneofthingsseriousaslifeanddeathandhisdeadmother。Sothatinallwaysandoneitherside，Fateplayedhisgameartfullywiththispoorpairofchildren。Thegenerationswereprepared，thepangsweremadeready，beforethecurtainroseonthedarkdrama。
　　InthesamemomentoftimethatshedisappearedfromArchie，thereopenedbeforeKirstie’seyesthecup-likehollowinwhichthefarmlay。
　　Shesaw，somefivehundredfeetbelowher，thehousemakingitselfbrightwithcandles，andthiswasabroadhinttohertohurry。FortheywereonlykindledonaSabbathnightwithaviewtothatfamilyworshipwhichroundedintheincomparabletediumofthedayandbroughtontherelaxationofsupper。AlreadysheknewthatRobertmustbewithin-sidesattheheadofthetable，"walingtheportions";foritwasRobertinhisqualityoffamilypriestandjudge，notthegiftedGilbert，whoofficiated。Shemadegoodtimeaccordinglydownthesteepascent，andcameuptothedoorpantingasthethreeyoungerbrothers，allrousedatlastfromslumber，stoodtogetherinthecoolandthedarkoftheeveningwithafryofnephewsandniecesaboutthem，chattingandawaitingtheexpectedsignal。Shestoodback;shehadnomindtodirectattentiontoherlatearrivalortoherlabouringbreath。
　　"Kirstie，yehaveshaveditthistime，mylass？"saidClem。"Whaurwereye？"
　　"O，justtakingadanderbymysel’，"saidKirstie。
　　AndthetalkcontinuedonthesubjectoftheAmericanWar，withoutfurtherreferencetothetruantwhostoodbytheminthecovertofthedusk，thrillingwithhappinessandthesenseofguilt。
　　Thesignalwasgiven，andthebrothersbegantogoinoneafteranother，amidthejostleandthrongofHob’schildren。
　　OnlyDandie，waitingtillthelast，caughtKirstiebythearm。"Whendidyebegintodanderinpinkhosen，MistressElliott？"hewhisperedslyly。
　　Shelookeddown;shewasoneblush。"Imaunhaveforgottentochangethem，"saidshe;andwentintoprayersinherturnwithatroubledmind，betweenanxietyastowhetherDandshouldhaveobservedheryellowstockingsatchurch，andshouldthusdetectherinapalpablefalsehood，andshamethatshehadalreadymadegoodhisprophecy。Sherememberedthewordsofit，howitwastobewhenshehadgottenajo，andthatthatwouldbeforgoodandevil。"WillIhavegottenmyjonow？"shethoughtwithasecretrapture。
　　Andallthroughprayers，whereitwasherprincipalbusinesstoconcealthepinkstockingsfromtheeyesoftheindifferentMrs。Hob-andallthroughsupper，asshemadeafeintofeatingandsatatthetableradiantandconstrained-andagainwhenshehadleftthemandcomeintoherchamber，andwasalonewithhersleepingniece，andcouldatlastlayasidethearmourofsociety-thesamewordssoundedwithinher，thesameprofoundnoteofhappiness，ofaworldallchangedandrenewed，ofadaythathadbeenpassedinParadise，andofanightthatwastobeheavenopened。Allnightsheseemedtobeconveyedsmoothlyuponashallowstreamofsleepandwaking，andthroughthebowersofBeulah;
　　allnightshecherishedtoherheartthatexquisitehope;andif，towardsmorning，sheforgotitawhileinamoreprofoundunconsciousness，itwastocatchagaintherainbowthoughtwithherfirstmomentofawaking。
　　CHAPTERVII-ENTERMEPHISTOPHELES
　　TWOdayslateragigfromCrossmichaeldepositedFrankInnesatthedoorsofHermiston。Onceinaway，duringthepastwinter，Archie，insomeacutephaseofboredom，hadwrittenhimaletter。Ithadcontainedsomethinginthenatureofaninvitationorareferencetoaninvitation-preciselywhat，neitherofthemnowremembered。WhenInneshadreceivedit，therehadbeennothingfurtherfromhismindthantoburyhimselfinthemoorswithArchie;butnoteventhemostacutepoliticalheadsareguidedthroughthestepsoflifewithunerringdirectness。
　　Thatwouldrequireagiftofprophecywhichhasbeendeniedtoman。Forinstance，whocouldhaveimaginedthat，notamonthafterhehadreceivedtheletter，andturneditintomockery，andputoffansweringit，andintheendlostit，misfortunesofagloomycastshouldbegintothickenoverFrank’scareer？Hiscasemaybebrieflystated。Hisfather，asmallMorayshirelairdwithalargefamily，becamerecalcitrantandcutoffthesupplies;hehadfittedhimselfoutwiththebeginningsofquiteagoodlawlibrary，which，uponsomesuddenlossesontheturf，hehadbeenobligedtosellbeforetheywerepaidfor;andhisbookseller，hearingsomerumouroftheevent，tookoutawarrantforhisarrest。Inneshadearlywordofit，andwasabletotakeprecautions。Inthisimmediatewelterofhisaffairs，withanunpleasantchargehangingoverhim，hehadjudgeditthepartofprudencetobeoffinstantly，hadwrittenafervidlettertohisfatheratInverauld，andputhimselfinthecoachforCrossmichael。Anyportinastorm！HewasmanfullyturninghisbackontheParliamentHouseanditsgaybabble，onporterandoysters，therace-courseandthering;
　　andmanfullyprepared，untilthesecloudsshouldhaveblownby，tosharealivinggravewithArchieWeiratHermiston。
　　Todohimjustice，hewasnolesssurprisedtobegoingthanArchiewastoseehimcome;andhecarriedoffhiswonderwithaninfinitelybettergrace。
　　"Well，hereIam！"saidhe，ashealighted。"PyladeshascometoOrestesatlast。Bytheway，didyougetmyanswer？No？Howveryprovoking！Well，hereIamtoanswerformyself，andthat’sbetterstill。"
　　"Iamverygladtoseeyou，ofcourse，"saidArchie。"Imakeyouheartilywelcome，ofcourse。Butyousurelyhavenotcometostay，withtheCourtsstillsitting;isthatnotmostunwise？"
　　"DamntheCourts！"saysFrank。"WhataretheCourtstofriendshipandalittlefishing？"
　　Andsoitwasagreedthathewastostay，withnotermtothevisitbutthetermwhichhehadprivilysettoithimself-theday，namely，whenhisfathershouldhavecomedownwiththedust，andheshouldbeabletopacifythebookseller。Onsuchvagueconditionstherebeganforthesetwoyoungmen（whowerenotevenfriends）alifeofgreatfamiliarityand，asthedaysdrewon，lessandlessintimacy。Theyweretogetheratmealtimes，togethero’nightswhenthehourhadcomeforwhisky-toddy;
　　butitmighthavebeennoticed（hadtherebeenanyonetopayheed）thattheywererarelysomuchtogetherbyday。ArchiehadHermistontoattendto，multifariousactivitiesinthehills，inwhichhedidnotrequire，andhadevenrefused，Frank’sescort。Hewouldbeoffsometimesinthemorningandleaveonlyanoteonthebreakfasttabletoannouncethefact;andsometimes，withnonoticeatall，hewouldnotreturnfordinneruntilthehourwaslongpast。Innesgroanedunderthesedesertions;itrequiredallhisphilosophytositdowntoasolitarybreakfastwithcomposure，andallhisunaffectedgood-naturetobeabletogreetArchiewithfriendlinessonthemorerareoccasionswhenhecamehomelatefordinner。
　　"Iwonderwhatonearthhefindstodo，Mrs。Elliott？"saidheonemorning，afterhehadjustreadthehastybilletandsatdowntotable。
　　"Isupposeitwillbebusiness，sir，"repliedthehousekeeperdrily，measuringhisdistanceofftohimbyanindicatedcurtsy。
　　"ButIcan’timaginewhatbusiness！"hereiterated。
　　"IsupposeitwillbeHISbusiness，"retortedtheaustereKirstie。
　　Heturnedtoherwiththathappybrightnessthatmadethecharmofhisdisposition，andbrokeintoapealofhealthyandnaturallaughter。
　　"Wellplayed，Mrs。Elliott！"hecried;andthehousekeeper’sfacerelaxedintotheshadowofanironsmile。"Wellplayedindeed！"saidhe。"Butyoumustnotbemakingastrangerofmelikethat。Why，ArchieandIwereattheHighSchooltogether，andwe’vebeentocollegetogether，andweweregoingtotheBartogether，when-youknow！Dear，dearme！whatapitythatwas！Alifespoiled，afineyoungfellowasgoodasburiedhereinthewildernesswithrustics;andallforwhat？A
　　frolic，silly，ifyoulike，butnomore。God，howgoodyoursconesare，Mrs。Elliott！"
　　"They’renomines，itwasthelassiemadethem，"saidKirstie;"and，savingyourpresence，there’slittlesenseintakingtheLord’snameinvainaboutidleviversthatyoufillyourkytewi’。"
　　"Idaresayyou’reperfectlyright，ma’am，"quoththeimperturbableFrank。"ButasIwassaying，thisisapitiablebusiness，thisaboutpoorArchie;andyouandImightdoworsethanputourheadstogether，likeacoupleofsensiblepeople，andbringittoanend。Letmetellyou，ma’am，thatArchieisreallyquiteapromisingyoungman，andinmyopinionhewoulddowellattheBar。Asforhisfather，noonecandenyhisability，andIdon’tfancyanyonewouldcaretodenythathehasthedeil’sowntemper-"
　　"Ifyou’llexcuseme，Mr。Innes，Ithinkthelassiscryingonme，"saidKirstie，andflouncedfromtheroom。
　　"Thedamned，cross-grained，oldbroomstick！"ejaculatedInnes。
　　Inthemeantime，Kirstiehadescapedintothekitchen，andbeforehervassalgaveventtoherfeelings。
　　"Here，ettercap！Ye’llhavetowaitonyonInnes！Icannahaudmyselfin。`PuirErchie！’I’d`puirErchie’him，ifIhadmyway！AndHermistonwiththedeil’saintemper！God，lethimtakeHermiston’ssconesoutofhismouthfirst。There’snoahaironaythero’theWeirsthathasnamairspunkanddirdumtoitthanwhathehasinhishaledwaiblybody！Settin’uphissnashtome！Lethimgangtotheblacktoonwherehe’smebbewantit-birlinginacurricle-wi’pimatumonhisheid-makingamesso’himsel’wi’nestyhizzies-afairdisgrace！"ItwasimpossibletohearwithoutadmirationKirstie’sgraduateddisgust，asshebroughtforth，oneafteranother，thesesomewhatbaselesscharges。Thensherememberedherimmediatepurpose，andturnedagainonherfascinatedauditor。"Doyenohearme，tawpie？
　　DoyenohearwhatI’mtellin’ye？WillIhavetoshooyeintohim？
　　IfIcometoattendtoye，mistress！"Andthemaidfledthekitchen，whichhadbecomepracticallydangerous，toattendonInnes’wantsinthefrontparlour。
　　TANTAENEIRAE？Hasthereaderperceivedthereason？SinceFrank’scomingtherewerenomorehoursofgossipoverthesuppertray！Allhisblandishmentswereinvain;hehadstartedhandicappedontheraceforMrs。Elliott’sfavour。
　　Butitwasastrangethinghowmisfortunedoggedhiminhiseffortstobegenial。ImustguardthereaderagainstacceptingKirstie’sepithetsasevidence;shewasmoreconcernedfortheirvigourthanfortheiraccuracy。Dwaibly，forinstance;nothingcouldbemorecalumnious。
　　Frankwastheverypictureofgoodlooks，goodhumour，andmanlyyouth。
　　Hehadbrighteyeswithasparkleandadancetothem，curlyhair，acharmingsmile，brilliantteeth，anadmirablecarriageofthehead，thelookofagentleman，theaddressofoneaccustomedtopleaseatfirstsightandtoimprovetheimpression。Andwithalltheseadvantages，hefailedwitheveryoneaboutHermiston;withthesilentshepherd，withtheobsequiousgrieve，withthegroomwhowasalsotheploughman，withthegardenerandthegardener’ssister-apious，down-heartedwomanwithashawloverherears-hefailedequallyandflatly。Theydidnotlikehim，andtheyshowedit。Thelittlemaid，indeed，wasanexception;sheadmiredhimdevoutly，probablydreamedofhiminherprivatehours;butshewasaccustomedtoplaythepartofsilentauditortoKirstie’stiradesandsilentrecipientofKirstie’sbuffets，andshehadlearnednotonlytobeaverycapablegirlofheryears，butaverysecretandprudentonebesides。Frankwasthusconsciousthathehadoneallyandsympathiserinthemidstofthatgeneralunionofdisfavourthatsurrounded，watched，andwaitedonhiminthehouseofHermiston;
　　buthehadlittlecomfortorsocietyfromthatalliance，andthedemurelittlemaid（twelveonherlastbirthday）preservedherowncounsel，andtrippedonhisservice，brisk，dumblyresponsive，butinexorablyunconversational。Fortheothers，theywerebeyondhopeandbeyondendurance。NeverhadayoungApollobeencastamongsuchrusticbarbarians。Butperhapsthecauseofhisill-successlayinonetraitwhichwashabitualandunconsciouswithhim，yetdiagnosticoftheman。
　　Itwashispracticetoapproachanyonepersonattheexpenseofsomeoneelse。Heofferedyouanallianceagainstthesomeoneelse;heflatteredyoubyslightinghim;youweredrawnintoasmallintrigueagainsthimbeforeyouknewhow。Wonderfularethevirtuesofthisprocessgenerally;butFrank’smistakewasinthechoiceofthesomeoneelse。Hewasnotpoliticinthat;helistenedtothevoiceofirritation。Archiehadoffendedhimatfirstbywhathehadfelttoberatheradryreception，hadoffendedhimsincebyhisfrequentabsences。
　　HewasbesidestheonefigurecontinuallypresentinFrank’seye;anditwastohisimmediatedependantsthatFrankcouldofferthesnareofhissympathy。NowthetruthisthattheWeirs，fatherandson，weresurroundedbyaposseofstrenuousloyalists。Ofmylordtheywerevastlyproud。Itwasadistinctioninitselftobeoneofthevassalsofthe"HangingJudge，"andhisgross，formidablejovialitywasfarfromunpopularintheneighbourhoodofhishome。ForArchietheyhad，oneandall，asensitiveaffectionandrespectwhichrecoiledfromawordofbelittlement。
　　NorwasFrankmoresuccessfulwhenhewentfartherafield。TotheFourBlackBrothers，forinstance，hewasantipatheticinthehighestdegree。
　　Hobthoughthimtoolight，Gibtooprofane。Clem，whosawhimbutforadayortwobeforehewenttoGlasgow，wantedtoknowwhatthefule’sbusinesswas，andwhetherhemeanttostayhereallsessiontime！
　　"Yon’sadrone，"hepronounced。AsforDand，itwillbeenoughtodescribetheirfirstmeeting，whenFrankhadbeenwhippingariverandtherusticcelebritychancedtocomealongthepath。
　　"I’mtoldyou’requiteapoet，"Frankhadsaid。
　　"Whatell’tyethat，mannie？"hadbeentheunconciliatinganswer。
　　"O，everybody！"saysFrank。
　　"God！Here’sfame！"saidthesardonicpoet，andhehadpassedonhisway。
　　Cometothinkofit，wehavehereperhapsatruerexplanationofFrank’sfailures。HadhemetMr。SheriffScotthecouldhaveturnedaneatercompliment，becauseMr。Scottwouldhavebeenafriendworthmaking。
　　Dand，ontheotherhand，hedidnotvaluesixpence，andheshoweditevenwhilehetriedtoflatter。Condescensionisanexcellentthing，butitisstrangehowone-sidedthepleasureofitis！HewhogoesfishingamongtheScotspeasantrywithcondescensionforabaitwillhaveanemptybasketbyevening。
　　InproofofthistheoryFrankmadeagreatsuccessofitattheCrossmichaelClub，towhichArchietookhimimmediatelyonhisarrival;
　　hisownlastappearanceonthatsceneofgaiety。Frankwasmadewelcomethereatonce，continuedtogoregularly，andhadattendedameeting（asthememberseverafterlovedtotell）ontheeveningbeforehisdeath。
　　YoungHayandyoungPringleappearedagain。TherewasanothersupperatWindiclaws，anotherdinneratDriffel;anditresultedinFrankbeingtakentothebosomofthecountypeopleasunreservedlyashehadbeenrepudiatedbythecountryfolk。HeoccupiedHermistonafterthemannerofaninvaderinaconqueredcapital。Hewasperpetuallyissuingfromit，asfromabase，totoddyparties，fishingparties，anddinnerparties，towhichArchiewasnotinvited，ortowhichArchiewouldnotgo。ItwasnowthatthenameofTheReclusebecamegeneralfortheyoungman。SomesaythatInnesinventedit;Innes，atleast，spreaditabroad。
　　"How’sallwithyourRecluseto-day？"peoplewouldask。
　　"O，reclusingaway！"Inneswoulddeclare，withhisbrightairofsayingsomethingwitty;andimmediatelyinterruptthegenerallaughterwhichhehadprovokedmuchmorebyhisairthanhiswords，"Mindyou，it’sallverywelllaughing，butI’mnotverywellpleased。PoorArchieisagoodfellow，anexcellentfellow，afellowIalwaysliked。Ithinkitsmallofhimtotakehislittledisgracesohard，andshuthimselfup。
　　’Grantthatitisaridiculousstory，painfullyridiculous，’Ikeeptellinghim。’Beaman！Liveitdown，man！’Butnothe。Ofcourse，it’sjustsolitude，andshame，andallthat。ButIconfessI’mbeginningtofeartheresult。ItwouldbeallthepitiesintheworldifareallypromisingfellowlikeWeirwastoendill。I’mseriouslytemptedtowritetoLordHermiston，andputitplainlytohim。"
　　"IwouldifIwereyou，"someofhisauditorswouldsay，shakingthehead，sittingbewilderedandconfusedatthisnewviewofthematter，sodeftlyindicatedbyasingleword。"Acapitalidea！"theywouldadd，andwonderattheAPLOMBandpositionofthisyoungman，whotalkedasamatterofcourseofwritingtoHermistonandcorrectinghimuponhisprivateaffairs。
　　AndFrankwouldproceed，sweetlyconfidential："I’llgiveyouanidea，now。He’sactuallysoreaboutthewaythatI’mreceivedandhe’sleftoutinthecounty-actuallyjealousandsore。I’veralliedhimandI’vereasonedwithhim，toldhimthateveryonewasmostkindlyinclinedtowardshim，toldhimeventhatIwasreceivedmerelybecauseIwashisguest。Butit’snouse。Hewillneitheraccepttheinvitationshegets，norstopbroodingabouttheoneswherehe’sleftout。WhatI’mafraidofisthatthewound’sulcerating。Hehadalwaysoneofthosedark，secret，angrynatures-alittleunderhandandplentyofbile-
　　youknowthesort。HemusthaveinheriteditfromtheWeirs，whomI
　　suspecttohavebeenaworthyfamilyofweaverssomewhere;what’sthecantphrase？-sedentaryoccupation。It’spreciselythekindofcharactertogowronginafalsepositionlikewhathisfather’smadeforhim，orhe’smakingforhimself，whicheveryouliketocallit。Andformypart，Ithinkitadisgrace，"Frankwouldsaygenerously。
　　Presentlythesorrowandanxietyofthisdisinterestedfriendtookshape。Hebeganinprivate，inconversationsoftwo，totalkvaguelyofbadhabitsandlowhabits。"ImustsayI’mafraidhe’sgoingwrongaltogether，"hewouldsay。"I’lltellyouplainly，andbetweenourselves，Iscarcelyliketostaythereanylonger;only，man，I’mpositivelyafraidtoleavehimalone。You’llsee，Ishallbeblamedforitlateron。I’mstayingatagreatsacrifice。I’mhinderingmychancesattheBar，andIcan’tblindmyeyestoit。AndwhatI’mafraidofisthatI’mgoingtogetkickedforitallroundbeforeall’sdone。Yousee，nobodybelievesinfriendshipnowadays。"
　　"Well，Innes，"hisinterlocutorwouldreply，"it’sverygoodofyou，I
　　mustsaythat。Ifthere’sanyblamegoing，you’llalwaysbesureofMY
　　goodword，foronething。"
　　"Well，"Frankwouldcontinue，"candidly，Idon’tsayit’spleasant。Hehasaveryroughwaywithhim;hisfather’sson，youknow。Idon’tsayhe’srude-ofcourse，Icouldn’tbeexpectedtostandthat-buthesteersverynearthewind。No，it’snotpleasant;butItellye，man，inconscienceIdon’tthinkitwouldbefairtoleavehim。Mindyou，I
　　don’tsaythere’sanythingactuallywrong。WhatIsayisthatIdon’tlikethelooksofit，man！"andhewouldpressthearmofhismomentaryconfidant。
　　IntheearlystagesIampersuadedtherewasnomalice。Hetalkedbutforthepleasureofairinghimself。Hewasessentiallyglib，asbecomestheyoungadvocate，andessentiallycarelessofthetruth，whichisthemarkoftheyoungass;andsohetalkedatrandom。Therewasnoparticularbias，butthatonewhichisindigenousanduniversal，toflatterhimselfandtopleaseandinterestthepresentfriend。Andbythusmillingairoutofhismouth，hehadpresentlybuiltupapresentationofArchiewhichwasknownandtalkedofinallcornersofthecounty。Wherevertherewasaresidentialhouseandawalledgarden，wherevertherewasadwarfishcastleandapark，whereveraquadruplecottagebytheruinsofapeel-towershowedanoldfamilygoingdown，andwhereverahandsomevillawithacarriageapproachandashrubberymarkedthecomingupofanewone-probablyonthewheelsofmachinery-Archiebegantoberegardedinthelightofadark，perhapsaviciousmystery，andthefuturedevelopmentsofhiscareertobelookedforwithuneasinessandconfidentialwhispering。Hehaddonesomethingdisgraceful，mydear。What，wasnotpreciselyknown，andthatgoodkindyoungman，Mr。Innes，didhisbesttomakelightofit。Butthereitwas。AndMr。Inneswasveryanxiousabouthimnow;hewasreallyuneasy，mydear;hewaspositivelywreckinghisownprospectsbecausehedarednotleavehimalone。Howwhollywealllieatthemercyofasingleprater，notneedfullywithanymalignpurpose！Andifamanbuttalksofhimselfintherightspirit，referstohisvirtuousactionsbytheway，andneverappliestothemthenameofvirtue，howeasilyhisevidenceisacceptedinthecourtofpublicopinion！
　　Allthiswhile，however，therewasamorepoisonousfermentatworkbetweenthetwolads，whichcamelateindeedtothesurface，buthadmodifiedandmagnifiedtheirdissensionsfromthefirst。Toanidle，shallow，easy-goingcustomerlikeFrank，thesmellofamysterywasattractive。Itgavehismindsomethingtoplaywith，likeanewtoytoachild;andittookhimontheweakside，forlikemanyyoungmencomingtotheBar，andbeforetheyhadbeentriedandfoundwanting，heflatteredhimselfhewasafellowofunusualquicknessandpenetration。
　　TheyknewnothingofSherlockHolmesinthosedays，buttherewasagooddealsaidofTalleyrand。AndifyoucouldhavecaughtFrankoffhisguard，hewouldhaveconfessedwithasmirkthat，ifheresembledanyone，itwastheMarquisdeTalleyrand-Perigord。ItwasontheoccasionofArchie’sfirstabsencethatthisinteresttookroot。ItwasvastlydeepenedwhenKirstieresentedhiscuriosityatbreakfast，andthatsameafternoonthereoccurredanotherscenewhichclinchedthebusiness。HewasfishingSwingleburn，Archieaccompanyinghim，whenthelatterlookedathiswatch。