CHAPTERI
　　Amongthemanyfatalitiesattendingthebloomofyoungdesire，thatofblindlytakingtotheconfectionerylinehasnot，perhaps，beensufficientlyconsidered。HowisthesonofaBritishyeoman，whohasbeenfedprincipallyonsaltporkandyeastdumplings，toknowthatthereissatietyforthehumanstomacheveninaparadiseofglassjarsfullofsugaredalmondsandpinklozenges，andthatthetediumoflifecanreachapitchwhereplum-bunsatdiscretionceasetooffertheslightestexcitement？Orhow，atthetenderagewhenaconfectionerseemstohimaveryprincewhomalltheworldmustenvy——whobreakfastsonmacaroons，dinesonmeringues，supsontwelfth-cake，andfillsuptheintermediatehourswithsugar-candyorpeppermint——howishetoforeseethedayofsadwisdom，whenhewilldiscernthattheconfectioner’scallingisnotsociallyinfluential，orfavourabletoasoaringambition？Ihaveknownamanwhoturnedouttohaveametaphysicalgenius，incautiously，intheperiodofyouthfulbuoyancy，commencehiscareerasadancing-
　　master；andyoumayimaginetheusethatwasmadeofthisinitialmistakebyopponentswhofeltthemselvesboundtowarnthepublicagainsthisdoctrineoftheInconceivable。Hecouldnotgiveuphisdancing-lessons，becausehemadehisbreadbythem，andmetaphysicswouldnothavefoundhiminsomuchassalttohisbread。ItwasreallythesamewithMr。DavidFauxandtheconfectionerybusiness。
　　Hisuncle，thebutleratthegreathouseclosebyBrigford，hadmadeapetofhiminhisearlyboyhood，anditwasonavisittothisunclethattheconfectioners’shopsinthatbrillianttownhad，onasingleday，firedhistenderimagination。Hecarriedhomethepleasingillusionthataconfectionermustbeatoncethehappiestandtheforemostofmen，sincethethingshemadewerenotonlythemostbeautifultobehold，buttheverybesteating，andsuchastheLordMayormustalwaysorderlargelyforhisprivaterecreation；sothatwhenhisfatherdeclaredhemustbeputtoatrade，Davidchosehislinewithoutamoment’shesitation；and，witharashnessinspiredbyasweettooth，weddedhimselfirrevocablytoconfectionery。Soon，however，thetoothlostitsrelishandfellintoblankindifference；andallthewhile，hismindexpanded，hisambitiontooknewshapes，whichcouldhardlybesatisfiedwithinthespherehisyouthfulardourhadchosen。Butwhatwashetodo？Hewasayoungmanofmuchmentalactivity，and，aboveall，giftedwithaspiritofcontrivance；butthen，hisfacultieswouldnottellwithgreateffectinanyothermediumthanthatofcandiedsugars，conserves，andpastry。Saywhatyouwillabouttheidentityofthereasoningprocessinallbranchesofthought，orabouttheadvantageofcomingtosubjectswithafreshmind，theadjustmentofbuttertoflour，andofheattopastry，isNOTthebestpreparationfortheofficeofprimeminister；besides，inthepresentimperfectly-
　　organizedstateofsociety，therearesocialbarriers。Davidcouldinventdelightfulthingsinthewayofdrop-cakes，andhehadthewidestviewsofthesugardepartment；butinotherdirectionshecertainlyfelthamperedbythewantofknowledgeandpracticalskill；andtheworldissoinconvenientlyconstituted，thatthevagueconsciousnessofbeingafinefellowisnoguaranteeofsuccessinanylineofbusiness。
　　ThisdifficultypressedwithsomeseverityonMr。DavidFaux，evenbeforehisapprenticeshipwasended。Hissoulswelledwithanimpatientsensethatheoughttobecomesomethingveryremarkable——
　　thatitwasquiteoutofthequestionforhimtoputupwithanarrowlotasothermendid：hescornedtheideathathecouldacceptanaverage。Hewassuretherewasnothingaverageabouthim：
　　evensuchapersonasMrs。Tibbits，thewasher-woman，perceivedit，andprobablyhadapreferenceforhislinen。Atthatparticularperiodhewasweighingoutgingerbreadnuts；butsuchananomalycouldnotcontinue。NopositioncouldbesuitedtoMr。DavidFauxthatwasnotinthehighestdegreeeasytothefleshandflatteringtothespirit。Ifhehadfallenonthepresenttimes，andenjoyedtheadvantagesofaMechanic’sInstitute，hewouldcertainlyhavetakentoliteratureandhavewrittenreviews；buthiseducationhadnotbeenliberal。Hehadreadsomenovelsfromtheadjoiningcirculatinglibrary，andhadevenboughtthestoryofInkleandYarico，whichhadmadehimfeelverysorryforpoorMr。Inkle；sothathisideasmightnothavebeenbelowacertainmarkoftheliterarycalling；buthisspellinganddictionweretoounconventional。
　　Whenamanisnotadequatelyappreciatedorcomfortablyplacedinhisowncountry，histhoughtsnaturallyturntowardsforeignclimes；
　　andDavid’simaginationcircledroundandroundtheutmostlimitsofhisgeographicalknowledge，insearchofacountrywhereayounggentlemanofpastyvisage，liplessmouth，andstumpyhair，wouldbelikelytobereceivedwiththehospitableenthusiasmwhichhehadarighttoexpect。HavingageneralideaofAmericaasacountrywherethepopulationwaschieflyblack，itappearedtohimthemostpropitiousdestinationforanemigrantwho，tobeginwith，hadthebroadandeasilyrecognizablemeritofwhiteness；andthisideagraduallytooksuchstrongpossessionofhimthatSatanseizedtheopportunityofsuggestingtohimthathemightemigrateundereasiercircumstances，ifhesuppliedhimselfwithalittlemoneyfromhismaster’still。Butthatevilspirit，whoseunderstanding，Iamconvinced，hasbeenmuchoverrated，quitewastedhistimeonthisoccasion。Davidwouldcertainlyhavelikedwelltohavesomeofhismaster’smoneyinhispocket，ifhehadbeensurehismasterwouldhavebeentheonlymantosufferforit；buthewasacautiousyouth，andquitedeterminedtorunnorisksonhisownaccount。Sohestayedouthisapprenticeship，andcommittednoactofdishonestythatwasatalllikelytobediscovered，reservinghisplanofemigrationforafutureopportunity。Andthecircumstancesunderwhichhecarrieditoutwereinthiswise。Havingbeenathomeaweekortwopartakingofthefamilybeans，hehadusedhisleisureinascertainingafactwhichwasofconsiderableimportancetohim，namely，thathismotherhadasmallsuminguineaspainfullysavedfromhermaidenperquisites，andkeptinthecornerofadrawerwhereherbaby-linenhadreposedforthelasttwentyyears——eversincehersonDavidhadtakentohisfeet，withaslightpromiseofbow-legswhichhadnotbeenaltogetherunfulfilled。Mr。Faux，senior，hadtoldhissonveryfrankly，thathemustnotlooktobeingsetupinbusinessbyHIM：withsevensons，andoneofthemaveryhealthyandwell-developedidiot，whoconsumedadumplingabouteightinchesindiametereveryday，itwasprettywelliftheygotahundredapieceathisdeath。Underthesecircumstances，whatwasDavidtodo？Itwascertainlyhardthatheshouldtakehismother’smoney；buthesawnootherreadymeansofgettingany，anditwasnottobeexpectedthatayoungmanofhismeritshouldputupwithinconveniencesthatcouldbeavoided。Besides，itisnotrobberytotakepropertybelongingtoyourmother：shedoesn’tprosecuteyou。
　　AndDavidwasverywellbehavedtohismother；hecomfortedherbyspeakinghighlyofhimselftoher，andassuringherthatheneverfellintotheviceshesawpractisedbyotheryouthsofhisownage，andthathewasparticularlyfondofhonesty。Ifhismotherwouldhavegivenhimhertwentyguineasasarewardofthisnobledisposition，hereallywouldnothavestolenthemfromher，anditwouldhavebeenmoreagreeabletohisfeelings。Nevertheless，toanactivemindlikeDavid’s，ingenuityisnotwithoutitspleasures：
　　itwasratheraninterestingoccupationtobecomestealthilyacquaintedwiththewardsofhismother’ssimplekey（notintheleastlikeChubb’spatent），andtogetonethatwoulddoitsworkequallywell；andalsotoarrangealittledramabywhichhewouldescapesuspicion，andrunnoriskofforfeitingtheprospectivehundredathisfather’sdeath，whichwouldbeconvenientintheimprobablecaseofhisNOTmakingalargefortuneinthe"Indies。"
　　First，hespokefreelyofhisintentiontostartshortlyforLiverpoolandtakeshipforAmerica；aresolutionwhichcosthisgoodmothersomepain，for，afterJacobtheidiot，therewasnotoneofhersonstowhomherheartclungmorethantoheryoungest-born，David。Next，itappearedtohimthatSundayafternoon，wheneverybodywasgonetochurchexceptJacobandthecowboy，wassosingularlyfavourableanopportunityforsonswhowantedtoappropriatetheirmothers’guineas，thathehalfthoughtitmusthavebeenkindlyintendedbyProvidenceforsuchpurposes。
　　EspeciallythethirdSundayinLent；becauseJacobhadbeenoutononeofhisoccasionalwanderingsforthelasttwodays；andDavid，beingatimidyoungman，hadaconsiderabledreadandhatredofJacob，asofalargepersonagewhowentabouthabituallywithapitchforkinhishand。
　　Nothingcouldbeeasier，then，thanforDavidonthisSundayafternoontodeclinegoingtochurch，onthegroundthathewasgoingtoteaatMr。Lunn’s，whoseprettydaughterSallyhadbeenanearlyflameofhis，and，whenthechurch-goerswereatasafedistance，toabstracttheguineasfromtheirwoodenboxandslipthemintoasmallcanvasbag——nothingeasierthantocalltothecowboythathewasgoing，andtellhimtokeepaneyeonthehouseforfearofSundaytramps。Davidthoughtitwouldbeeasy，too，togettoasmallthicketandburyhisbaginaholehehadalreadymadeandcoveredupundertherootsofanoldhollowash，andhehad，infact，foundtheholewithoutamoment’sdifficulty，haduncoveredit，andwasaboutgentlytodropthebagintoit，whenthesoundofalargebodyrustlingtowardshimwithsomethinglikeabellowwassuchasurprisetoDavid，who，asagentlemangiftedwithmuchcontrivance，wasnaturallyonlypreparedforwhatheexpected，thatinsteadofdroppingthebaggentlyheletitfallsoastomakeituntwistandvomitforththeshiningguineas。InthesamemomenthelookedupandsawhisdearbrotherJacobcloseuponhim，holdingthepitchforksothatthebrightsmoothprongswereayardinadvanceofhisownbody，andaboutafootoffDavid’s。（Alearnedfriend，towhomIoncenarratedthishistory，observedthatitwasDavid’sguiltwhichmadetheseprongsformidable，andthatthe"mensnilconsciasibi"stripsapitchforkofallterrors。Ithoughtthisideasovaluable，thatIobtainedhisleavetouseitonconditionofsuppressinghisname。）Nevertheless，Daviddidnotentirelylosehispresenceofmind；forinthatcasehewouldhavesunkontheearthorstartedbackward；whereashekepthisgroundandsmiledatJacob，whonoddedhisheadupanddown，andsaid，"Hoich，Zavy！"inapainfullyequivocalmanner。David’sheartwasbeatingaudibly，andifhehadhadanylipstheywouldhavebeenpale；buthismentalactivity，insteadofbeingparalysed，wasstimulated。Whilehewasinwardlypraying（healwaysprayedwhenhewasmuchfrightened）——
　　"Oh，savemethisonce，andI’llnevergetintodangeragain！"——hewasthrustinghishandintohispocketinsearchofaboxofyellowlozenges，whichhehadbroughtwithhimfromBrigfordamongotherdelicaciesofthesameportablekind，asameansofconciliatingproudbeauty，andmoreparticularlythebeautyofMissSarahLunn。
　　NotoneofthesedelicacieshadheeverofferedtopoorJacob，forDavidwasnotayoungmantowastehisjujubesandbarley-sugaringivingpleasuretopeoplefromwhomheexpectednothing。ButanidiotwithequivocalintentionsandapitchforkisaswellworthflatteringandcajolingasifhewereLouisNapoleon。SoDavid，withapromptitudeequaltotheoccasion，drewouthisboxofyellowlozenges，liftedthelid，andperformedapantomimewithhismouthandfingers，whichwasmeanttoimplythathewasdelightedtoseehisdearbrotherJacob，andseizedtheopportunityofmakinghimasmallpresent，whichhewouldfindparticularlyagreeabletothetaste。Jacob，youunderstand，wasnotanintenseidiot，butwithinacertainlimitedrangeknewhowtochoosethegoodandrejecttheevil：hetookonelozenge，bywayoftest，andsuckeditasifhehadbeenaphilosopher；then，inasgreatanecstacyatitsnewandcomplexsavourasCalibanatthetasteofTrinculo’swine，chuckledandstrokedthissuddenlybeneficentbrother，andheldouthishandformore；for，exceptinfitsofanger，Jacobwasnotferociousorneedlesslypredatory。David’scouragehalfreturned，andheleftoffpraying；pouringadozenlozengesintoJacob’spalm，andtryingtolookveryfondofhim。HecongratulatedhimselfthathehadformedtheplanofgoingtoseeMissSallyLunnthisafternoon，andthat，asaconsequence，hehadbroughtwithhimthesepropitiatorydelicacies：hewascertainlyaluckyfellow；indeed，itwasalwayslikelyProvidenceshouldbefonderofhimthanofotherapprentices，andsinceheWAStobeinterrupted，why，anidiotwaspreferabletoanyothersortofwitness。Forthefirsttimeinhislife，Davidthoughthesawtheadvantageofidiots。
　　AsforJacob，hehadthrusthispitchforkintotheground，andhadthrownhimselfdownbesideit，inthoroughabandonmenttotheunprecedentedpleasureofhavingfivelozengesinhismouthatonce，blinkingmeanwhile，andmakinginarticulatesoundsofgustativecontent。Hehadnotyetgivenanysignofnoticingtheguineas，butinseatinghimselfhehadlaidhisbroadrighthandonthem，andunconsciouslykeptitinthatposition，absorbedinthesensationsofhispalate。IfhecouldonlybekeptsooccupiedwiththelozengesasnottoseetheguineasbeforeDavidcouldmanagetocoverthem！ThatwasDavid’sbesthopeofsafety；forJacobknewhismother’sguineas；ithadbeenpartoftheircommonexperienceasboystobeallowedtolookatthesehandsomecoins，andrattlethemintheirboxonhighdaysandholidays，andamongallJacob’snarrowexperiencesastomoney，thiswaslikelytobethemostmemorable。
　　"Here，Jacob，"saidDavid，inaninsinuatingtone，handingtheboxtohim，"I’llgive’emalltoyou。Run！——makehaste！——elsesomebody’llcomeandtake’em。"
　　David，nothavingstudiedthepsychologyofidiots，wasnotawarethattheyarenottobewroughtuponbyimaginativefears。Jacobtooktheboxwithhislefthand，butsawnonecessityforrunningaway。Waseverapromisingyoungmanwishingtolaythefoundationofhisfortunebyappropriatinghismother’sguineasobstructedbysuchaday-mareasthis？ButthemomentmustcomewhenJacobwouldmovehisrighthandtodrawoffthelidofthetinbox，andthenDavidwouldsweeptheguineasintotheholewiththeutmostaddressandswiftness，andimmediatelyseathimselfuponthem。Ah，no！
　　It’sofnousetohaveforesightwhenyouaredealingwithanidiot：
　　heisnottobecalculatedupon。Jacob’srighthandwasgiventovagueclutchingandthrowing；itsuddenlyclutchedtheguineasasiftheyhadbeensomanypebbles，andwasraisedinanattitudewhichpromisedtoscatterthemlikeseedoveradistantbramble，when，fromsomepromptingorother——probablyofanunwontedsensation——itpaused，descendedtoJacob’sknee，andopenedslowlyundertheinspectionofJacob’sdulleyes。Davidbegantoprayagain，butimmediatelydesisted——anotherresourcehavingoccurredtohim。
　　"Mother！zinnies！"exclaimedtheinnocentJacob。Then，lookingatDavid，hesaid，interrogatively，"Box？"
　　"Hush！hush！"saidDavid，summoningallhisingenuityinthisseverestrait。"See，Jacob！"Hetookthetinboxfromhisbrother’shand，andemptieditofthelozenges，returninghalfofthemtoJacob，butsecretlykeepingtherestinhisownhand。Thenheheldouttheemptybox，andsaid，"Here’sthebox，Jacob！Theboxfortheguineas！"gentlysweepingthemfromJacob’spalmintothebox。
　　ThisprocedurewasnotobjectionabletoJacob；onthecontrary，theguineasclinkedsopleasantlyastheyfell，thathewishedforarepetitionofthesound，andseizingthebox，begantorattleitverygleefully。David，seizingtheopportunity，depositedhisreserveoflozengesinthegroundandhastilysweptsomeearthoverthem。"Look，Jacob！"hesaid，atlast。Jacobpausedfromhisclinking，andlookedintothehole，whileDavidbegantoscratchawaytheearth，asifindoubtfulexpectation。Whenthelozengeswerelaidbare，hetookthemoutonebyone，andgavethemtoJacob。
　　"Hush！"hesaid，inaloudwhisper，"Tellnobody——allforJacob——
　　hush——sh——sh！Putguineasinthehole——they’llcomeoutlikethis！"
　　Tomakethelessonmorecomplete，hetookaguinea，andloweringitintothehole，said，"PutinSO。"Then，ashetookthelastlozengeout，hesaid，"ComeoutSO，"andputthelozengeintoJacob’shospitablemouth。
　　Jacobturnedhisheadononeside，lookedfirstathisbrotherandthenatthehole，likeareflectivemonkey，and，finally，laidtheboxofguineasintheholewithmuchdecision。Davidmadehastetoaddeveryoneofthestraycoins，putonthelid，andcovereditwellwithearth，sayinginhismeetcoaxingtone-
　　"Take’moutto-morrow，Jacob；allforJacob！Hush——sh——sh！"
　　Jacob，towhomthisonceindifferentbrotherhadallatoncebecomeasortofsweet-tastedfetish，strokedDavid’sbestcoatwithhisadhesivefingers，andthenhuggedhimwithanaccompanimentofthatmingledchucklingandgurglingbywhichhewasaccustomedtoexpressthemilderpassions。Butifhehadchosentobiteasmallmorseloutofhisbeneficentbrother’scheek，Davidwouldhavebeenobligedtobearit。
　　AndhereImustpause，topointouttoyoutheshort-sightednessofhumancontrivance。Thisingeniousyoungman，Mr。DavidFaux，thoughthehadachievedatriumphofcunningwhenhehadassociatedhimselfinhisbrother’srudimentarymindwiththeflavourofyellowlozenges。Buthehadyettolearnthatitisadreadfulthingtomakeanidiotfondofyou，whenyouyourselfarenotofanaffectionatedisposition：especiallyanidiotwithapitchfork——
　　obviouslyadifficultfriendtoshakeoffbyroughusage。
　　Itmayseemtoyouratherablunderingcontrivanceforacleveryoungmantoburytheguineas。But，ifeverythinghadturnedoutasDavidhadcalculated，youwouldhaveseenthathisplanwasworthyofhistalents。Theguineaswouldhavelainsafelyintheearthwhilethetheftwasdiscovered，andDavid，withthecalmofconsciousinnocence，wouldhavelingeredathome，reluctanttosaygood-byetohisdearmotherwhileshewasingriefaboutherguineas；tillatlength，ontheeveofhisdeparture，hewouldhavedisinterredtheminthestrictestprivacy，andcarriedthemonhisownpersonwithoutinconvenience。ButDavid，youperceive，hadreckonedwithouthishost，or，tospeakmoreprecisely，withouthisidiotbrother——anitemofsouncertainandfluctuatingacharacter，thatIdoubtwhetherhewouldnothavepuzzledtheastuteheroesofM。deBalzac，whoseforesightissoremarkablyathomeinthefuture。
　　ItwascleartoDavidnowthathehadonlyonealternativebeforehim：hemusteitherrenouncetheguineas，byquietlyputtingthembackinhismother’sdrawer（acoursenotunattendedwithdifficulty）；orhemustleavemorethanasuspicionbehindhim，bydepartingearlythenextmorningwithoutgivingnotice，andwiththeguineasinhispocket。Forifhegavenoticethathewasgoing，hismother，heknew，wouldinsistonfetchingfromherboxofguineasthethreeshehadalwayspromisedhimashisshare；indeed，inhisoriginalplan，hehadcountedonthisasameansbywhichthetheftwouldbediscoveredundercircumstancesthatwouldthemselvesspeakforhisinnocence；butnow，asIneedhardlyexplain，thatwell-
　　combinedplanwascompletelyfrustrated。EvenifDavidcouldhavebribedJacobwithperpetuallozenges，anidiot’ssecrecyisitselfbetrayal。HedarednotevengototeaatMr。Lunn’s，forinthatcasehewouldhavelostsightofJacob，who，inhisimpatienceforthecropoflozenges，mightscratchuptheboxagainwhilehewasabsent，andcarryithome——deprivinghimatonceofreputationandguineas。No！hemustthinkofnothingalltherestofthisday，butofcoaxingJacobandkeepinghimoutofmischief。ItwasafatiguingandanxiouseveningtoDavid；nevertheless，hedarednotgotosleepwithouttyingapieceofstringtohisthumbandgreattoe，tosecurehisfrequentwaking；forhemeanttobeupwiththefirstpeepofdawn，andbefaroutofreachbeforebreakfast-time。
　　Hisfather，hethought，wouldcertainlycuthimoffwithashilling；
　　butwhatthen？SuchastrikingyoungmanashewouldbesuretobewellreceivedintheWestIndies：inforeigncountriestherearealwaysopenings——evenforcats。ItwasprobablethatsomePrincessYaricowouldwanthimtomarryher，andmakehimpresentsofverylargejewelsbeforehand；afterwhich，heneedn’tmarryherunlessheliked。Davidhadmadeuphismindnottostealanymore，evenfrompeoplewhowerefondofhim：itwasanunpleasantwayofmakingyourfortuneinaworldwhereyouwerelikelytosurprisedintheactbybrothers。SuchalarmsdidnotagreewithDavid’sconstitution，andhehadfeltsomuchnauseathiseveningthatnodoubthisliverwasaffected。Besides，hewouldhavebeengreatlyhurtnottobethoughtwellofintheworld：healwaysmeanttomakeafigure，andbethoughtworthyofthebestseatsandthebestmorsels。
　　Ruminatingtothiseffectonthebrilliantfutureinreserveforhim，Davidbythehelpofhischeck-stringkepthimselfonthealerttoseizethetimeofearliestdawnforhisrisinganddeparture。
　　Hisbrothers，ofcourse，wereearlyrisers，butheshouldanticipatethembyatleastanhourandahalf，andthelittleroomwhichhehadtohimselfasonlyanoccasionalvisitor，haditswindowoverthehorse-block，sothathecouldslipoutthroughthewindowwithouttheleastdifficulty。Jacob，thehorribleJacob，hadanawkwardtrickofgettingupbeforeeverybodyelse，tostemhishungerbyemptyingthemilk-bowlthatwas"dulyset"forhim；butoflatehehadtakentosleepinginthehay-loft，andifhecameintothehouse，itwouldbeontheoppositesidetothatfromwhichDavidwasmakinghisexit。TherewasnoneedtothinkofJacob；yetDavidwasliberalenoughtobestowacurseonhim——itwastheonlythingheeverdidbestowgratuitously。Hissmallbundleofclotheswasreadypacked，andhewassoontreadinglightlyonthestepsofthehorse-block，soonwalkingatasmartpaceacrossthefieldstowardsthethicket。Itwouldtakehimnomorethantwominutestogetoutthebox；hecouldmakeoutthetreeitwasunderbythepalestripwherethebarkwasoff，althoughthedawninglightwasratherdimmerinthethicket。Butwhat，inthenameof——burntpastry——wasthatlargebodywithastaffplantedbesideit，closeatthefootoftheash-tree？Davidpaused，nottomakeuphismindastothenatureoftheapparition——hehadnotthehappinessofdoubtingforamomentthatthestaffwasJacob’spitchfork——buttogathertheself-commandnecessaryforaddressinghisbrotherwithasufficientlyhoneyedaccent。Jacobwasabsorbedinscratchinguptheearth，andhadnotheardDavid’sapproach。
　　"Isay，Jacob，"saidDavidinaloudwhisper，justasthetinboxwasliftedoutofthehole。
　　Jacoblookedup，anddiscerninghissweet-flavouredbrother，noddedandgrinnedinthedimlightinawaythatmadehimseemtoDavidlikeatriumphantdemon。Ifhehadbeenofanimpetuousdisposition，hewouldhavesnatchedthepitchforkfromthegroundandimpaledthisfraternaldemon。ButDavidwasbynomeansimpetuous；hewasayoungmangreatlygiventocalculateconsequences，ahabitwhichhasbeenheldtobethefoundationofvirtue。ButsomehowithadnotpreciselythateffectinDavid：hecalculatedwhetheranactionwouldharmhimself，orwhetheritwouldonlyharmotherpeople。Intheformercasehewasverytimidaboutsatisfyinghisimmediatedesires，butinthelatterhewouldrisktheresultwithmuchcourage。
　　"Giveitme，Jacob，"hesaid，stoopingdownandpattinghisbrother。
　　"Letussee。"
　　Jacob，findingthelidrathertight，gavetheboxtohisbrotherinperfectfaith。Davidraisedthelidsandshookhishead，whileJacobputhisfingerinandtookoutaguineatotastewhetherthemetamorphosisintolozengeswascompleteandsatisfactory。
　　"No，Jacob；toosoon，toosoon，"saidDavid，whentheguineahadbeentasted。"Giveitme；we’llgoandburyitsomewhereelse；
　　we’llputitinyonder，"headded，pointingvaguelytowardthedistance。
　　Davidscrewedonthelid，whileJacob，lookinggrave，roseandgraspedhispitchfork。Then，seeingDavid’sbundle，hesnatchedit，likeatooofficiousNewfoundland，stuckhispitchforkintoitandcarrieditoverhisshoulderintriumphasheaccompaniedDavidandtheboxoutofthethicket。
　　WhatonearthwasDavidtodo？ItwouldhavebeeneasytofrownatJacob，andkickhim，andorderhimtogetaway；butDaviddaredassoonhavekickedthebull。Jacobwasquietaslongashewastreatedindulgently；butontheslightestshowofanger，hebecameunmanageable，andwasliabletofitsoffurywhichwouldhavemadehimformidableevenwithouthispitchfork。Therewasnomasterytobeobtainedoverhimexceptbykindnessorguile。Davidtriedguile。
　　"Go，Jacob，"hesaid，whentheywereoutofthethicket——pointingtowardsthehouseashespoke；"goandfetchmeaspade——aspade。
　　ButgiveMEthebundle，"headded，tryingtoreachitfromthefork，whereithunghighaboveJacob’stallshoulder。
　　ButJacobshowedasmuchalacrityinobeyingasawaspshowsinleavingasugar-basin。NearDavid，hefelthimselfinthevicinityoflozenges：hechuckledandrubbedhisbrother’sback，brandishingthebundlehigheroutofreach。David，withaninwardgroan，changedhistactics，andwalkedonasfastashecould。Itwasnotsafetolinger。Jacobwouldgettiredoffollowinghim，or，atallevents，couldbeeluded。Iftheycouldoncegettothedistanthighroad，acoachwouldovertakethem，Davidwouldmountit，havingpreviouslybysomeingeniousmeanssecuredhisbundle，andthenJacobmighthowlandflourishhispitchforkasmuchasheliked。
　　Meanwhilehewasunderthefatalnecessityofbeingverykindtothisogre，andofprovidingalargebreakfastforhimwhentheystoppedataroadsideinn。Itwasalreadythreehourssincetheyhadstarted，andDavidwastired。Wouldnocoachbecomingupsoon？
　　heinquired。Nocoachforthenexttwohours。Buttherewasacarrier’scarttocomeimmediately，onitswaytothenexttown。Ifhecouldslipout，evenleavinghisbundlebehind，andgetintothecartwithoutJacob！Buttherewasanewobstacle。Jacobhadrecentlydiscoveredaremnantofsugar-candyinoneofhisbrother’stail-pockets；and，sincethen，hadcautiouslykepthisholdonthatlimbofthegarment，perhapswithanexpectationthattherewouldbeafurtherdevelopmentofsugar-candyafteralongerorshorterinterval。Noweveryonewhohaswornacoatwillunderstandthesensibilitiesthatmustkeepamanfromstartingawayinahurrywhenthereisagrasponhiscoat-tail。Davidlookedforwardtobeingwellreceivedamongstrangers，butitmightmakeadifferenceifhehadonlyonetailtohiscoat。
　　Hefelthimselfinacoldperspiration。Hecouldwalknomore：hemustgetintothecartandletJacobgetinwithhim。Presentlyacheeringideaoccurredtohim：aftersolargeabreakfast，Jacobwouldbesuretogotosleepinthecart；youseeatoncethatDavidmeanttoseizehisbundle，jumpout，andbefree。Hisexpectationwaspartlyfulfilled：Jacobdidgotosleepinthecart，butitwasinapeculiarattitude——itwaswithhisarmstightlyfastenedroundhisdearbrother’sbody；andifeverDavidattemptedtomove，thegrasptightenedwiththeforceofanaffectionateboa-constrictor。
　　"Th’innicent’sfondonyou，"observedthecarrier，thinkingthatDavidwasprobablyanamiablebrother，andwishingtopayhimacompliment。
　　Davidgroaned。Thewaysofthievingwerenotwaysofpleasantness。
　　Oh，whyhadheanidiotbrother？Oh，why，ingeneral，wastheworldsoconstitutedthatamancouldnottakehismother’sguineascomfortably？Davidbecamegrimlyspeculative。
　　CopiousdinneratnoonforJacob；butlittledinner，becauselittleappetite，forDavid。Insteadofeating，hepliedJacobwithbeer；
　　forthroughthisliberalityhedescriedahope。Jacobfellintoadeadsleep，atlast，withouthavinghisarmsroundDavid，whopaidthereckoning，tookhisbundle，andwalkedoff。Inanotherhalf-
　　hourhewasonthecoachonhiswaytoLiverpool，smilingthesmileofthetriumphantwicked。HewasridofJacob——hewasboundfortheIndies，whereagullibleprincessawaitedhim。Hewouldneverstealanymore，buttherewouldbenoneed；hewouldshowhimselfsodeserving，thatpeoplewouldmakehimpresentsfreely。Hemustgiveupthenotionofhisfather’slegacy；butitwasnotlikelyhewouldeverwantthattrifle；andevenifhedid——why，itwasacompensationtothinkthatinbeingforeverdividedfromhisfamilyhewasdividedfromJacob，moreterriblethanGorgonorDemogorgontoDavid’stimidgreeneyes。Thankheaven，heshouldneverseeJacobanymore！
　　CHAPTERII
　　ItwasnearlysixyearsafterthedepartureofMr。DavidFauxfortheWestIndies，thatthevacantshopinthemarketplaceatGrimworthwasunderstoodtohavebeenlettothestrangerwithasallowcomplexionandabuffcravat，whosefirstappearancehadcausedsomeexcitementinthebaroftheWoolpack，wherehehadcalledtowaitforthecoach。
　　Grimworth，toadiscerningeye，wasagoodplacetosetupshopkeepingin。Therewasnocompetitioninitatpresent；theChurch-peoplehadtheirowngroceranddraper；theDissentershadtheirs；andthetwoorthreebutchersfoundareadymarketfortheirjointswithoutstrictreferencetoreligiouspersuasion——exceptthattherector’swifehadgivenageneralorderforthevealsweet-
　　breadsandthemuttonkidneys，whileMr。Rodd，theBaptistminister，hadrequestedthat，sofaraswascompatiblewiththefairaccommodationofothercustomers，thesheep’strottersmightbereservedforhim。Anditwaslikelytobeagrowingplace，forthetrusteesofMr。ZephaniahCrypt’sCharity，underthestimulusofalatevisitationbycommissioners，werebeginningtoapplylong-
　　accumulatingfundstotherebuildingoftheYellowCoatSchool，whichwashenceforthtobecarriedforwardonagreatly-extendedscale，thetestatorhavingleftnorestrictionsconcerningthecurriculum，butonlyconcerningthecoat。
　　TheshopkeepersatGrimworthwerebynomeansunanimousastotheadvantagespromisedbythisprospectofincreasedpopulationandtrading，beingsubstantialmen，wholikeddoingaquietbusinessinwhichtheyweresureoftheircustomers，andcouldcalculatetheirreturnstoanicety。Hitherto，ithadbeenheldapointofhonourbythefamiliesinGrimworthparish，tobuytheirsugarandtheirflannelattheshopwheretheirfathersandmothershadboughtbeforethem；but，ifnewcomersweretobringinthesystemofneck-
　　and-necktrading，andsolicitfeminineeyesbygown-pieceslaidinfan-likefolds，andsurmountedbyartificialflowers，givingthemafactitiouscharm（foronwhathumanfigurewouldagownsitlikeafan，orwhatfemaleheadwaslikeabunchofChina-asters？），or，ifnewgrocersweretofilltheirwindowswithmountainsofcurrantsandsugar，madeseductivebycontrastandtickets，——whatsecuritywasthereforGrimworth，thatavagrantspiritinshopping，onceintroduced，wouldnotintheendcarrythemostimportantfamiliestothelargermarkettownofCattleton，where，businessbeingdoneonasystemofsmallprofitsandquickreturns，thefashionswereofthefreshest，andgoodsofallkindsmightbeboughtatanadvantage？
　　WiththisviewofthetimespredominantamongthetradespeopleatGrimworth，theiruncertaintyconcerningthenatureofthebusinesswhichthesallow-complexionedstrangerwasabouttosetupinthevacantshop，naturallygavesomeadditionalstrengthtothefearsofthelesssanguine。Ifhewasgoingtoselldrapery，itwasprobablethatapale-facedfellowlikethatwoulddealinshowyandinferiorarticles——printedcottonsandmuslinswhichwouldleavetheirdyeinthewash-tub，jobbedlinenfullofknots，andflannelthatwouldsoonlooklikegauze。Ifgrocery，thenitwastobehopedthatnomotherofafamilywouldtrusttheteasofanuntriedgrocer。Suchthingshadbeenknowninsomeparishesastradesmengoingaboutcanvassingforcustomwithcardsintheirpockets：whenpeoplecamefromnobodyknewwhere，therewasnoknowingwhattheymightdo。ItwasathousandpitiesthatMr。Moffat，theauctioneerandbroker，haddiedwithoutleavinganybodytofollowhiminthebusiness，andMrs。Cleve’strusteeoughttohaveknownbetterthantoletashoptoastranger。Eventhediscoverythatovenswerebeingputuponthepremises，andthattheshopwas，infact，beingfittedupforaconfectionerandpastry-cook’sbusiness，hithertounknowninGrimworth，didnotquitesufficetoturnthescaleinthenewcomer’sfavour，thoughthelandladyattheWoolpackdefendedhimwarmly，saidheseemedtobeaverycleveryoungman，andfromwhatshecouldmakeout，cameofaverygoodfamily；indeed，wasmostlikelyagoodmanypeople’sbetters。
　　Itcertainlymadeablazeoflightandcolour，almostasifarainbowhadsuddenlydescendedintothemarketplace，when，onefinemorning，theshuttersweretakendownfromthenewshop，andthetwowindowsdisplayedtheirdecorations。Ononeside，therewerethevariegatedtintsofcollaredandmarbledmeats，setoffbybrightgreenleaves，thepalebrownofglazedpies，therichtonesofsaucesandbottledfruitsenclosedintheirveilofglass——
　　altogetherasighttobringtearsintotheeyesofaDutchpainter；
　　andontheother，therewasapredominanceofthemoredelicatehuesofpink，andwhite，andyellow，andbuff，intheabundantlozenges，candies，sweetbiscuitsandicings，whichtotheeyesofabiliouspersonmighteasilyhavebeenblendedintoafaerylandscapeinTurner’slateststyle。WhatasighttodawnupontheeyesofGrimworthchildren！Theyalmostforgottogototheirdinnerthatday，theirappetitesbeingpreoccupiedwithimaginarysugar-plums；
　　andIthinkevenPunch，settinguphistabernacleinthemarket-
　　place，wouldnothavesucceededindrawingthemawayfromthoseshop-windows，wheretheystoodaccordingtogradationsofsizeandstrength，thebiggestandstrongestbeingnearestthewindow，andthelittleonesintheoutermostrowsliftingwide-openeyesandmouthstowardstheuppertierofjars，likesmallbirdsatmeal-
　　time。
　　Theelderinhabitantspishedandpshawedalittleatthefollyofthenewshopkeeperinventuringonsuchanoutlayingoodsthatwouldnotkeep；tobesure，Christmaswascoming，butwhathousewifeinGrimworthwouldnotthinkshametofurnishforthhertablewitharticlesthatwerenothome-cooked？No，no。Mr。EdwardFreely，ashecalledhimself，wasdeceived，ifhethoughtGrimworthmoneywastoflowintohispocketsonsuchterms。
　　EdwardFreelywasthenamethatshoneingiltlettersonamazarinegroundoverthedoorplaceofthenewshop——agenerous-soundingname，thatmighthavebelongedtotheopen-hearted，improvidentheroofanoldcomedy，whowouldhavedelightedinrainingsugaredalmonds，likeanewmanna-gift，amongthatsmallgenerationoutsidethewindows。ButMr。EdwardFreelywasamanwhoseimpulseswerekeptinduesubordination：heheldthatthedesireforsweetsandpastrymustonlybesatisfiedinadirectratiowiththepowerofpayingforthem。IfthesmallestchildinGrimworthwouldgotohimwithahalfpennyinitstinyfist，hewould，afterringingthehalfpenny，deliverajustequivalentin"rock。"Hewasnotamantocheateventhesmallestchild——heoftensaidso，observingatthesametimethathelovedhonesty，andalsothathewasverytender-hearted，thoughhedidn’tshowhisfeelingsassomepeopledid。
　　Eitherinrewardofsuchvirtue，oraccordingtosomemorehiddenlawofsequence，Mr。Freely’sbusiness，inspiteofprejudice，startedunderfavourableauspices。ForMrs。Chaloner，therector’swife，wasamongtheearliestcustomersattheshop，thinkingitonlyrighttoencourageanewparishionerwhohadmadeadecorousappearanceatchurch；andshefoundMr。Freelyamostcivil，obligingyoungman，andintelligenttoasurprisingdegreeforaconfectioner；well-principled，too，foringivingherusefulhintsaboutchoosingsugarshehadthrownmuchlightonthedishonestyofothertradesmen。Moreover，hehadbeenintheWestIndies，andhadseentheveryestatewhichhadbeenherpoorgrandfather’sproperty；
　　andhesaidthemissionariesweretheonlycauseofthenegro’sdiscontent——anobservingyoungman，evidently。Mrs。Chalonerorderedwine-biscuitsandolives，andgaveMr。Freelytounderstandthatsheshouldfindhisshopagreatconvenience。Sodidthedoctor’swife，andsodidMrs。Gate，atthelargecarding-mill，who，havinghighconnexionsfrequentlyvisitingher，mightbeexpectedtohavealargeconsumptionofratafiasandmacaroons。
　　ThelessaristocraticmatronsofGrimworthseemedlikelyatfirsttojustifytheirhusbands’confidencethattheywouldneverpayapercentageofprofitsondrop-cakes，insteadofmakingtheirown，orgetupahollowshowofliberalhousekeepingbypurchasingslicesofcollaredmeatwhenaneighbourcameinforsupper。ButitismytasktonarratethegradualcorruptionofGrimworthmannersfromtheirprimitivesimplicity——amelancholytask，ifitwerenotcheeredbytheprospectofthefineperipateiaordownfallbywhichtheprogressofthecorruptionwasultimatelychecked。
　　ItwasyoungMrs。Steene，theveterinarysurgeonswife，whofirstgavewaytotemptation。Ifearshehadbeenratherover-educatedforherstationinlife，forsheknewbyheartmanypassagesinLallaRookh，theCorsair，andtheSiegeofCorinth，whichhadgivenheradistastefordomesticoccupations，andcausedherawitheringdisappointmentatthediscoverythatMr。Steene，sincehismarriage，hadlostallinterestinthe"bulbul，"openlypreferreddiscussingthenatureofspavinwithacoarseneighbour，andwasangryifthepuddingturnedoutwatery——indeed，wassimplyatop-booted"vet。"，whocameinhungryatdinner-time；andnotintheleastlikeanoblemanturnedCorsairoutofpurescornforhisrace，orlikearenegadewithaturbanandcrescent，unlessitwereintheirritabilityofhistemper。Andscornissuchaverydifferentthingintop-boots！
　　Thisbrutalmanhadinvitedasupper-partyforChristmaseve，whenhewouldexpecttoseemince-piesonthetable。Mrs。Steenehadpreparedhermince-meat，andhaddevotedmuchbutter，fineflour，andlabour，tothemakingofabatchofpiesinthemorning；buttheyprovedtobesoveryheavywhentheycameoutoftheoven，thatshecouldonlythinkwithtremblingofthemomentwhenherhusbandshouldcatchsightofthemonthesupper-table。Hewouldstormather，shewascertain；andbeforeallthecompany；andthensheshouldneverhelpcrying：itwassodreadfultothinkshehadcometothat，afterthebulbulandeverything！SuddenlythethoughtdartedthroughhermindthatTHISONCEshemightsendforadishofmince-piesfromFreely’s：sheknewhehadsome。Butwhatwastobecomeoftheeighteenheavymince-pies？Oh，itwasofnousethinkingaboutthat；itwasveryexpensive——indeed，makingmince-
　　piesatallwasagreatexpense，whentheywerenotsuretoturnoutwell：itwouldbemuchbettertobuythemready-made。Youpaidalittlemoreforthem，buttherewasnoriskofwaste。
　　Suchwasthesophistrywithwhichthismisguidedyoungwoman——
　　enough。Mrs。Steenesentforthemince-pies，and，Iamgrievedtoadd，garbledherhouseholdaccountsinordertoconcealthefactfromherhusband。Thiswasthesecondstepinadownwardcourse，allowingtoayoungwoman’sbeingoutofharmonywithhercircumstances，yearningafterrenegadesandbulbuls，andbeingsubjecttoclaimsfromaveterinarysurgeonfondofmince-pies。Thethirdstepwastohardenherselfbytellingthefactoftheboughtmince-piestoherintimatefriendMrs。Mole，whohadalreadyguessedit，andwhosubsequentlyencouragedherselfinbuyingamouldofjelly，insteadofexertingherownskill，bythereflectionthat"otherpeople"didthesamesortofthing。Theinfectionspread；
　　soontherewasapartyorcliqueinGrimworthonthesideof"buyingatFreely’s"；andmanyhusbands，keptforsometimeinthedarkonthispoint，innocentlyswallowedattwomouthfulsatartonwhichtheywerepayingaprofitofahundredpercent。，andasinnocentlyencouragedafataldisingenuousnessinthepartnersoftheirbosomsbypraisingthepastry。Others，morekeen-sighted，winkedatthetoofrequentpresentationonwashing-days，andatimpromptusuppers，ofsuperiorspiced-beef，whichflatteredtheirpalatesmorethanthecoldremnantstheyhadformerlybeencontentedwith。Everyhousewifewhohadonce"boughtatFreely’s"feltasecretjoywhenshedetectedasimilarperversioninherneighbour’spractice，andsoononlytwoorthreeold-fashionedmistressesoffamiliesheldoutintheprotestagainstthegrowingdemoralization，sayingtotheirneighbourswhocametosupwiththem，"Ican’tofferyouFreely’sbeef，orFreely’scheesecakes；everythinginourhouseishome-made；
　　I’mafraidyou’llhardlyhaveanyappetiteforourplainpastry。"
　　Thedoctor，whosecookwasnotsatisfactory，thecurate，whokeptnocook，andtheminingagent，whowasagreatbonvivant，evenbegantorelyonFreelyforthegreaterpartoftheirdinner，whentheywishedtogiveanentertainmentofsomebrilliancy。Inshort，thebusinessofmanufacturingthemorefancifulviandswasfastpassingoutofthehindsofmaidsandmatronsinprivatefamilies，andwasbecomingtheworkofaspecialcommercialorgan。
　　Iamnotignorantthatthissortofthingiscalledtheinevitablecourseofcivilization，divisionoflabour，andsoforth，andthatthemaidsandmatronsmaybesaidtohavehadtheirhandssetfreefromcookerytoaddtothewealthofsocietyinsomeotherway。
　　OnlyithappenedatGrimworth，which，tobesure，wasalowplace，thatthemaidsandmatronscoulddonothingwiththeirhandsatallbetterthancooking：noteventhosewhohadalwaysmadeheavycakesandleatherypastry。Andsoitcametopass，thattheprogressofcivilizationatGrimworthwasnototherwiseapparentthanintheimpoverishmentofmen，thegossipingidlenessofwomen，andtheheighteningprosperityofMr。EdwardFreely。
　　TheYellowCoatSchoolwasadoublesourceofprofittothecalculatingconfectioner；forheopenedaneating-roomforthesuperiorworkmenemployedonthenewschool，andheaccommodatedthepupilsattheoldschoolbygivinggreatattentiontothefancy-
　　sugardepartment。WhenIthinkofthesweet-tastedswansandotheringeniouswhiteshapescrunchedbythesmallteethofthatrisinggeneration，Iamgladtorememberthatacertainamountofcalcareousfoodhasbeenheldgoodforyoungcreatureswhosebonesarenotquiteformed；forIhaveobservedthesedelicaciestohaveaninorganicflavourwhichwouldhaverecommendedthemgreatlytothatyoungladyoftheSpectator’sacquaintancewhohabituallymadeherdessertonthestemsoftobacco-pipes。
　　Asfortheconfectionerhimself，hemadehiswaygraduallyintoGrimworthhomes，ashiscommoditiesdid，inspiteofsomeinitialrepugnance。Somehoworother，hisreceptionasaguestseemedathingthatrequiredjustifying，likethepurchasingofhispastry。
　　Inthefirstplace，hewasastranger，andthereforeopentosuspicion；secondly，theconfectionerybusinesswassoentirelynewatGrimworth，thatitsplaceinthescaleofrankhadnotbeendistinctlyascertained。Therewasnodoubtaboutdrapersandgrocers，whentheycameofgoodoldGrimworthfamilies，likeMr。
　　LuffandMr。Prettyman：theyvisitedwiththePalfreys，whofarmedtheirownland，playedmanyagameatwhistwiththedoctor，andcondescendedalittletowardsthetimber-merchant，whohadlatelytakentothecoal-tradealso，andhadgotnewfurniture；butwhetheraconfectionershouldbeadmittedtothishigherlevelofrespectability，orshouldbeunderstoodtofindhisassociatesamongbutchersandbakers，wasanewquestiononwhichtraditionthrewnolight。Hisbeingabachelorwasinhisfavour，andwouldperhapshavebeenenoughtoturnthescale，evenifMr。EdwardFreely’sotherpersonalpretensionshadbeenofanentirelyinsignificantcast。Butsofarfromthis，itverysoonappearedthathewasaremarkableyoungman，whohadbeenintheWestIndies，andhadseenmanywondersbyseaandland，sothathecouldcharmtheearsofGrimworthDesdemonaswithstoriesofstrangefishes，especiallysharks，whichhehadstabbedinthenickoftimebybravelyplungingoverboardjustasthemonsterwasturningonhissidetodevourthecook’smate；ofterriblefeverswhichhehadundergoneinalandwherethewindblowsfromallquartersatonce；ofroundsoftoastcutstraightfromthebreadfruittrees；oftoesbittenoffbyland-
　　crabs；oflargehonoursthathadbeenofferedtohimasamanwhoknewwhatwaswhat，andwasthereforeparticularlyneededinatropicalclimate；andofaCreoleheiresswhohadweptbitterlyathisdeparture。Suchconversationaltalentsasthese，weknow，willovercomedisadvantagesofcomplexion；andyoungTowers，whosecheekswereofthefinestpink，setoffbyafringeofdarkwhisker，wasquiteeclipsedbythepresenceofthesallowMr。Freely。Soexceptionalaconfectionerelevatedthebusiness，andmightwellbegintomakedisengagedheartsflutteralittle。
　　Fathersandmotherswerenaturallymoreslowandcautiousintheirrecognitionofthenew-comer’smerits。
　　"He’sanamusingfellow，"saidMr。Prettyman，thehighlyrespectablegrocer。（Mrs。PrettymanwasaMissFothergill，andhersisterhadmarriedaLondonmercer。）"He’sanamusingfellow；andI’venoobjectiontohismakingoneattheOysterClub；buthe’sabittoofondofridingthehighhorse。He’suncommonlyknowing，I’llallow；
　　buthowcamehetogototheIndies？Ishouldlikethatanswered。
　　It’sunnaturalinaconfectioner。I’mnotfondofpeoplethathavebeenbeyondseas，iftheycan’tgiveagoodaccounthowtheyhappenedtogo。Whenfolksgosofaroff，it’sbecausethey’vegotlittlecreditnearerhome——that’smyopinion。However，he’sgotsomegoodrum；butIdon’twanttobehandandglovewithhim，forallthat。"
　　ItwasthiskindofdimsuspicionwhichbecloudedtheviewofMr。
　　Freely’squalitiesinthematurermindsofGrimworththroughtheearlymonthsofhisresidencethere。Butwhentheconfectionerceasedtobeanovelty，thesuspicionsalsoceasedtobenovel，andpeoplegottiredofhintingatthem，especiallyastheyseemedtoberefutedbyhisadvancingprosperityandimportance。Mr。Freelywasbecomingapersonofinfluenceintheparish；hewasfoundusefulasanoverseerofthepoor，havinggreatfirmnessinenduringotherpeople’spain，whichfirmness，hesaid，wasduetohisgreatbenevolence；healwaysdidwhatwasgoodforpeopleintheend。Mr。
　　Chalonerhadevenselectedhimasclergyman’schurchwarden，forhewasaveryhandyman，andmuchmoreofMr。Chaloner’sopinionineverythingaboutchurchbusinessthantheolderparishioners。Mr。
　　Freelywasaveryregularchurchman，butattheOysterClubhewassometimesalittlefreeinhisconversation，morethanhintingatalifeofSultanicself-indulgencewhichhehadpassedintheWestIndies，shakinghisheadnowandthenandsmilingratherbitterly，asmenarewonttodowhentheyintimatethattheyhavebecomealittletoowisetobeinstructedaboutaworldwhichhaslongbeenflatandstaletothem。
　　Forsometimehewasquitegeneralinhisattentionstothefairsex，combiningthegallantriesofalady’smanwithaseverityofcriticismonthepersonandmannersofabsentbelles，whichtendedrathertostimulateinthefemininebreastthedesiretoconquertheapprovalofsofastidiousajudge。NothingshortoftheverybestinthedepartmentoffemalecharmsandvirtuescouldsufficetokindletheardourofMr。EdwardFreely，whohadbecomefamiliarwiththemostluxuriantanddazzlingbeautyintheWestIndies。Itmayseemincrediblethataconfectionershouldhaveideasandconversationsomuchresemblingthosetobemetwithinahigherwalkoflife，butitmustberememberedthathehadnotmerelytravelled，hehadalsobow-legsandasallow，small-featuredvisage，sothatnatureherselfhadstampedhimforafastidiousconnoisseurofthefairsex。
　　Atlast，however，itseemedclearthatCupidhadfoundasharperarrowthanusual，andthatMr。Freely’sheartwaspierced。ItwasthegeneraltalkamongtheyoungpeopleatGrimworth。Butwasitreallylove，andnotratherambition？MissFullilove，thetimber-
　　merchant’sdaughter，wasquitesurethatifSHEwereMissPennyPalfrey，shewouldbecautious；itwasnotagoodsignwhenmenlookedsomuchabovethemselvesforawife。ForitwasnolessapersonthanMissPenelopePalfrey，seconddaughteroftheMr。