CHAPTERI。
Halfalife-timeago，therelivedinoneoftheWestmorelanddalesasinglewoman，ofthenameofSusanDixon。Shewasownerofthesmallfarm-housewheresheresided，andofsomethirtyorfortyacresoflandbywhichitwassurrounded。Shehadalsoanhereditaryrighttoasheep-walk，extendingtothewildfellsthatoverhangBleaTarn。
InthelanguageofthecountryshewasaStateswoman。HerhouseisyettobeseenontheOxenfellroad，betweenSkelwithandConiston。
Yougoalongamoorlandtrack，madebythecartsthatoccasionallycameforturffromtheOxenfell。Abrookbabblesandbrattlesbythewayside，givingyouasenseofcompanionship，whichrelievesthedeepsolitudeinwhichthiswayisusuallytraversed。SomemilesonthissideofConistonthereisafarmstead——agraystonehouse，andasquareoffarm-buildingssurroundingagreenspaceofroughturf，inthemidstofwhichstandsamighty，funerealumbrageousyew，makingasolemnshadow，asofdeath，intheveryheartandcentreofthelightandheatofthebrightestsummerday。Onthesideawayfromthehouse，thisyardslopesdowntoadark-brownpool，whichissuppliedwithfreshwaterfromtheoverflowingsofastonecistern，intowhichsomerivuletofthebrookbefore-mentionedcontinuallyandmelodiouslyfallsbubbling。Thecattledrinkoutofthiscistern。
Thehouseholdbringtheirpitchersandfillthemwithdrinking-waterbyadilatory，yetpretty，process。Thewater-carrierbringswithheraleafofthehound’s-tonguefern，and，insertingitinthecreviceofthegrayrock，makesacool，greenspoutforthesparklingstream。
Thehouseisnospecimen，atthepresentday，ofwhatitwasinthelifetimeofSusanDixon。Then，everysmalldiamondpaneinthewindowsglitteredwithcleanliness。Youmighthaveeatenoffthefloor；youcouldseeyourselfinthepewterplatesandthepolishedoakenawmry，ordresser，ofthestatekitchenintowhichyouentered。
Fewstrangerspenetratedfurtherthanthisroom。Onceortwice，wanderingtourists，attractedbythelonelypicturesquenessofthesituation，andtheexquisitecleanlinessofthehouseitself，madetheirwayintothishouse-place，andofferedmoneyenough（astheythought）totemptthehostesstoreceivethemaslodgers。Theywouldgivenotrouble，theysaid；theywouldbeoutramblingorsketchingalldaylong；wouldbeperfectlycontentwithashareofthefoodwhichsheprovidedforherself；orwouldprocurewhattheyrequiredfromtheWaterheadInnatConiston。Butnoliberalsum——nofairwords——movedherfromherstonymanner，orhermonotonoustoneofindifferentrefusal。Nopersuasioncouldinducehertoshowanymoreofthehousethanthatfirstroom；noappearanceoffatigueprocuredforthewearyaninvitationtositdownandrest；andifonemoreboldandlessdelicatedidsowithoutbeingasked，Susanstoodby，coldandapparentlydeaf，oronlyreplyingbythebriefestmonosyllables，tilltheunwelcomevisitorhaddeparted。Yetthosewithwhomshehaddealings，inthewayofsellinghercattleorherfarmproduce，spokeofheraskeenafterabargain——ahardonetohavetodowith；andsheneversparedherselfexertionorfatigue，atmarketorinthefield，tomakethemostofherproduce。Sheledthehay-makerswithherswift，steadyrake，andhernoiselessevennessofmotion。Shewasaboutamongtheearliestinthemarket，examiningsamplesofoats，pricingthem，andthenturningwithgrimsatisfactiontoherowncleanercorn。
Shewasservedfaithfullyandlongbythosewhowereratherherfellow-labourersthanherservants。Shewasevenandjustinherdealingswiththem。Ifshewaspeculiarandsilent，theyknewher，andknewthatshemightbereliedon。Someofthemhadknownherfromherchildhood；anddeepintheirheartswasanunspoken——almostunconscious——pityforher，fortheyknewherstory，thoughtheyneverspokeofit。
Yes；thetimehadbeenwhenthattall，gaunt，hard-featured，angularwoman——whoneversmiled，andhardlyeverspokeanunnecessaryword——
hadbeenafine-lookinggirl，bright-spiritedandrosy；andwhenthehearthattheYewNookhadbeenasbrightasshe，withfamilyloveandyouthfulhopeandmirth。Fiftyorfifty-oneyearsago，WilliamDixonandhiswifeMargaretwerealive；andSusan，theirdaughter，wasabouteighteenyearsold——tenyearsolderthantheonlyotherchild，aboynamedafterhisfather。WilliamandMargaretDixonwererathersuperiorpeople，ofacharacterbelonging——asfarasIhaveseen——exclusivelytotheclassofWestmorelandandCumberlandstatesmen——just，independent，upright；notgiventomuchspeaking；
kind-hearted，butnotdemonstrative；dislikingchange，andnewways，andnewpeople；sensibleandshrewd；eachhouseholdself-contained，anditsmembershavinglittlecuriosityastotheirneighbours，withwhomtheyrarelymetforanysocialintercourse，saveatthestatedtimesofsheep-shearingandChristmas；havingacertainkindofsoberpleasureinamassingmoney，whichoccasionallymadethemmiserable（astheycallmiserlypeopleupinthenorth）intheiroldage；
readingnolightorephemeralliterature，butthegrave，solidbooksbroughtroundbythepedlars（suchasthe"ParadiseLost"and"Regained，’""TheDeathofAbel，""TheSpiritualQuixote，"and"ThePilgrim’sProgress"），weretobefoundinnearlyeveryhouse：themenoccasionallygoingofflaking，i。e。playing，i。e。drinkingfordaystogether，andhavingtobehuntedupbyanxiouswives，whodarednotleavetheirhusbandstothechancesofthewildprecipitousroads，butwalkedmilesandmiles，lanterninhand，inthedeadofnight，todiscoverandguidethesolemnly-drunkenhusbandhome；whohadadreadfulheadachethenextday，andthedayafterthatcameforthasgrave，andsober，andvirtuouslookingasiftherewerenosuchthingasmaltandspirituousliquorsintheworld；andwhowereseldomremindedoftheirmisdoingsbytheirwives，towhomsuchoccasionaloutbreakswereasthingsofcourse，whenoncetheimmediateanxietyproducedbythemwasover。Suchwere——suchare——
thecharacteristicsofaclassnowpassingawayfromthefaceoftheland，astheircompeers，theyeomen，havedonebeforethem。OfsuchwasWilliamDixon。Hewasashrewdcleverfarmer，inhisdayandgeneration，whenshrewdnesswasrathershowninthebreedingandrearingofsheepandcattlethaninthecultivationofland。Owingtothischaracterofhis，statesmenfromadistancefrombeyondKendal，orfromBorrowdale，ofgreaterwealththanhe，wouldsendtheirsonstobefarm-servantsforayearortwowithhim，inordertolearnsomeofhismethodsbeforesettinguponlandoftheirown。
WhenSusan，hisdaughter，wasaboutseventeen，oneMichaelHurstwasfarm-servantatYewNook。Heworkedwiththemaster，andlivedwiththefamily，andwasinallrespectstreatedasanequal，exceptinthefield。HisfatherwasawealthystatesmanatWythburne，upbeyondGrasmere；andthroughMichael’sservitudethefamilieshadbecomeacquainted，andtheDixonswentovertotheHighBecksheep-
shearing，andtheHurstscamedownbyRedBankandLoughrigTarnandacrosstheOxenfellwhentherewastheChristmas-tidefeastingatYewNook。Thefathersstrolledroundthefieldstogether，examinedcattleandsheep，andlookedknowingovereachother’shorses。Themothersinspectedthedairiesandhouseholdarrangements，eachopenlyadmiringtheplansoftheother，butsecretlypreferringtheirown。
BothfathersandmotherscastaglancefromtimetotimeatMichaelandSusan，whowerethinkingofnothinglessthanfarmordairy，butwhoseunspokenattachmentwas，inallways，sosuitableandnaturalathingthateachparentrejoicedoverit，althoughwithcharacteristicreserveitwasneverspokenabout——notevenbetweenhusbandandwife。
Susanhadbeenastrong，independent，healthygirl；acleverhelptohermother，andaspiritedcompaniontoherfather；moreofamaninher（asheoftensaid）thanherdelicatelittlebrothereverwouldhave。Hewashismother’sdarling，althoughshelovedSusanwell。
TherewasnopositiveengagementbetweenMichaelandSusan——Idoubtwhetherevenplainwordsoflovehadbeenspoken；whenonewinter-
timeMargaretDixonwasseizedwithinflammationconsequentuponaneglectedcold。Shehadalwaysbeenstrongandnotable，andhadbeentoobusytoattendtotheearlysymptomsofillness。Itwouldgooff，shesaidtothewomanwhohelpedinthekitchen；orifshedidnotfeelbetterwhentheyhadgotthehamsandbaconoutofhand，shewouldtakesomeherb-teaandnurseupabit。ButDeathcouldnotwaittillthehamsandbaconwerecured：hecameonwithrapidstrides，andshootingarrowsofportentousagony。Susanhadneverseenillness——neverknewhowmuchshelovedhermothertillnow，whenshefeltadreadful，instinctivecertaintythatshewaslosingher。
Hermindwasthrongedwithrecollectionsofthemanytimesshehadslightedhermother’swishes；herheartwasfulloftheechoesofcarelessandangryrepliesthatshehadspoken。Whatwouldshenotnowgivetohaveopportunitiesofserviceandobedience，andtrialsofherpatienceandlove，forthatdearmotherwholaygaspingintorture！AndyetSusanhadbeenagoodgirlandanaffectionatedaughter。
Thesharppainwentoff，anddeliciouseasecameon；yetstillhermothersunk。Inthemidstofthislanguidpeaceshewasdying。ShemotionedSusantoherbedside，forshecouldonlywhisper；andthen，whilethefatherwasoutoftheroom，shespokeasmuchtotheeager，hungeringeyesofherdaughterbythemotionofherlips，asbytheslow，feeblesoundsofhervoice。
"Susan，lass，thoumustnotfret。ItisGod’swill，andthouwilthaveadealtodo。Keepfatherstraightifthoucanst；andifhegoesoutUlverstoneways，seethatthoumeethimbeforehegetstotheOldQuarry。It’sadreebitforamanwhohashadadrop。AsforlileWill"——Herethepoorwoman’sfacebegantoworkandherfingerstomovenervouslyastheylayonthebed-quilt——"lileWillwillmissmemostofall。Father’softenvexedwithhimbecausehe’snotaquickstronglad；heisnot，mypoorlilechap。Andfatherthinkshe’ssaucy，becausehecannotalwaysstomachoat-cakeandporridge。There’sbetterthanthreepoundinth’oldblacktea-potonthetopshelfofthecupboard。Justkeepapieceofloaf-breadbyyou，Susandear，forWilltocometowhenhe’snottakenhisbreakfast。Ihave，maybe，spoilthim；butthere’llbenoonetospoilhimnow。"
Shebegantocryalow，feeblecry，andcoveredupherfacethatSusanmightnotseeher。Thatdearface！thosepreciousmomentswhileyettheeyescouldlookoutwithloveandintelligence。Susanlaidherheaddownclosebyhermother’sear。
"MotherI’lltaketentofWill。Mother，doyouhear？HeshallnotwantoughtIcangiveorgetforhim，leastofallthekindwordswhichyouhadeverreadyforusboth。Blessyou！blessyou！myownmother。"
"Thou’ltpromisemethat，Susan，wiltthou？Icandieeasyifthou’lttakechargeofhim。Buthe’shardlylikeotherfolk；hetriesfatherattimes，thoughIthinkfather’llbetenderofhimwhenI’mgone，formysake。And，Susan，there’sonethingmore。Ineverspokeonitforfearofthebairnbeingcalledatell-tale，butI
justcomfortedhimup。HevexesMichaelattimes，andMichaelhasstruckhimbeforenow。Ididnotwanttomakeastir；buthe’snotstrong，andawordfromthee，Susan，willgoalongwaywithMichael。"
Susanwasasrednowasshehadbeenpalebefore；itwasthefirsttimethatherinfluenceoverMichaelhadbeenopenlyacknowledgedbyathirdperson，andaflashofjoycameathwartthesolemnsadnessofthemoment。Hermotherhadspokentoomuch，andnowcameonthemiserablefaintness。Sheneverspokeagaincoherently；butwhenherchildrenandherhusbandstoodbyherbedside，shetooklileWill’shandandputitintoSusan’s，andlookedatherwithimploringeyes。
SusanclaspedherarmsroundWill，andleanedherheaduponhislittlecurlyone，andvowedwithinherselftobeasamothertohim。
Henceforwardshewasallinalltoherbrother。Shewasamorespiritedandamusingcompaniontohimthanhismotherhadbeen，fromhergreateractivity，andperhaps，also，fromheroriginalityofcharacter，whichoftenpromptedhertoperformherhabitualactionsinsomenewandracymanner。ShewastendertolileWillwhenshewaspromptandsharpwitheverybodyelse——withMichaelmostofall；
forsomehowthegirlfeltthat，unprotectedbyhermother，shemustkeepupherowndignity，andnotallowherlovertoseehowstrongaholdhehaduponherheart。Hecalledherhardandcruel，andleftherso；andshesmiledsoftlytoherself，whenhisbackwasturned，tothinkhowlittleheguessedhowdeeplyhewasloved。ForSusanwasmerelycomelyandfinelooking；Michaelwasstrikinglyhandsome，admiredbyallthegirlsformilesround，andquiteenoughofacountrycoxcombtoknowitandplumehimselfaccordingly。Hewasthesecondsonofhisfather；theeldestwouldhaveHighBeckfarm，ofcourse，buttherewasagoodpennyintheKendalbankinstoreforMichael。Whenharvestwasover，hewenttoChapelLangdaletolearntodance；andatnight，inhismerrymoods，hewoulddohisstepsontheflagflooroftheYewNookkitchen，tothesecretadmirationofSusan，whohadneverlearneddancing，butwhofloutedhimperpetually，evenwhilesheadmired，inaccordancewiththerulesheseemedtohavemadeforherselfaboutkeepinghimatadistancesolongashelivedunderthesameroofwithher。Oneeveninghesulkedatsomesaucyremarkofhers；hesittinginthechimneycornerwithhisarmsonhisknees，andhisheadbentforwards，lazilygazingintothewood-fireonthehearth，andluxuriatinginrestafterahardday’slabour；shesittingamongthegeraniumsonthelong，lowwindow-seat，tryingtocatchthelastslantingraysoftheautumnallighttoenablehertofinishstitchingashirt-collarforWill，wholoungedfulllengthontheflagsattheothersideofthehearthtoMichael，pokingtheburningwoodfromtimetotimewithalonghazel-
sticktobringouttheleapofglitteringsparks。
"Andifyoucandanceathreesomereel，whatgooddoesitdoye？"
askedSusan，lookingaskanceatMichael，whohadjustbeenvauntinghisproficiency。"Doesithelpyouplough，reap，orevenclimbtherockstotakearaven’snest？IfIwereaman，I’dbeashamedtogiveintosuchsoftness。"
"Ifyouwereaman，you’dbegladtodoanythingwhichmadetheprettygirlsstandroundandadmire。"
"Astheydotoyou，eh！Ho，Michael，thatwouldnotbemywayo’
beingaman！"
"Whatwouldthen？"askedhe，afterapause，duringwhichhehadexpectedinvainthatshewouldgoonwithhersentence。Noanswer。
"Ishouldnotlikeyouasaman，Susy；you’dbetoohardandheadstrong。"
"AmIhardandheadstrong？"askedshe，withasindifferentatoneasshecouldassume，butwhichyethadatouchofpiqueinit。Hisquickeardetectedtheinflexion。
"No，Susy！You’rewilfulattimes，andthat’srightenough。Idon’tlikeagirlwithoutspirit。There’samightyprettygirlcomestothedancingclass；butsheisallmilkandwater。Hereyesneverflashlikeyourswhenyou’reputout；why，Icanseethemflameacrossthekitchenlikeacat’sinthedark。Now，ifyouwereaman，Ishouldfeelqueerbeforethoselooksofyours；asitis，Iratherlikethem，because——"
"Becausewhat？"askedshe，lookingupandperceivingthathehadstolencloseuptoher。
"BecauseIcanmakeallrightinthisway，"saidhe，kissinghersuddenly。
"Canyou？"saidshe，wrenchingherselfoutofhisgraspandpanting，halfwithrage。"Takethat，bywayofproofthatmakingrightisnonesoeasy。"Andsheboxedhisearsprettysharply。Hewentbacktohisseatdiscomfitedandoutoftemper。Shecouldnolongerseetolook，evenifherfacehadnotburntandhereyesdazzled，butshedidnotchoosetomoveherseat，soshestillpreservedherstoopingattitudeandpretendedtogoonsewing。
"EleanorHebthwaitemaybemilk-and-water，"mutteredhe，"but——
Confoundthee，lad！whatartthoudoing？"exclaimedMichael，asagreatpieceofburningwoodwascastintohisfacebyanunluckypokeofWill’s。"Thougreatlounging，clumsychap，I’llteachtheebetter！"andwithoneortwogoodroundkickshesenttheladwhimperingawayintotheback-kitchen。Whenhehadalittlerecoveredhimselffromhispassion，hesawSusanstandingbeforehim，herfacelookingstrangeandalmostghastlybythereversedpositionoftheshadows，arisingfromthefirelightshiningupwardsrightunderit。
"Itelltheewhat，Michael，"saidshe，"thatlad’smotherless，butnotfriendless。"
"Hisownfatherleathershim，andwhyshouldnotI，whenhe’sgivenmesuchaburnonmyface？"saidMichael，puttinguphishandtohischeekasifinpain。
"Hisfather’shisfather，andthereisnoughtmoretobesaid。Butifhedidburnthee，itwasbyaccident，andnoto’purpose；asthoukickedhim，it’samercyifhisribsarenotbroken。"
"Hehowlsloudenough，I’msure。Imightha’kickedmanyaladtwiceashard，andthey’dne’erha’saidoughtbut’damnye；’butyonladmustneedscryoutlikeastuckpigifonetoucheshim；"repliedMichael，sullenly。
Susanwentbacktothewindow-seat，andlookedabsentlyoutofthewindowatthedriftingcloudsforaminuteortwo，whilehereyesfilledwithtears。Thenshegotupandmadefortheouterdoorwhichledintotheback-kitchen。Beforeshereachedit，however，sheheardalowvoice，whosemusicmadeherthrill，say-
"Susan，Susan！"
Herheartmeltedwithinher，butitseemedliketreacherytoherpoorboy，likefaithlessnesstoherdeadmother，toturntoherloverwhilethetearswhichhehadcausedtoflowwereyetunwipedonWill’scheeks。Sosheseemedtotakenoheed，butpassedintothedarkness，and，guidedbythesobs，shefoundherwaytowhereWilliesatcrouchedamongthedisusedtubsandchurns。
"Comeoutwi’me，lad；"andtheywentoutintotheorchard，wherethefruit-treeswerebareofleaves，butghastlyintheirtatteredcoveringofgraymoss：andthesoughingNovemberwindcamewithlongsweepsoverthefellstillitrattledamongthecracklingboughs，underneathwhichthebrotherandsistersatinthedark；heinherlap，andshehushinghisheadagainsthershoulder。
"Thoushould’stna’playwi’fire。It’sanaughtytrick。Thoul’tsufferforitinworsewaysnorthisbeforethou’stdone，I’mafeared。Ishouldha’hittheetwiceaslungeouskicksasMike，ifI’dbeeninhisplace。Hedidna’hurtthee，Iamsure，"sheassumed，halfasaquestion。
"Yesbuthedid。Heturnedmequitesick。"Andhelethisheadfalllanguidlydownonhissister’sbreast。
"Come，lad！come，lad！"saidsheanxiously。"Beaman。ItwasnotmuchthatIsaw。Why，whenfirsttheredcowcameshekickedmefarharderforofferingtomilkherbeforeherlegsweretied。Seethee！
here’sapeppermint-drop，andI’llmaketheeapastyto-night；onlydon’tgivewayso，forithurtsmesoretothinkthatMichaelhasdonetheeanyharm，mypretty。"
Willierousedhimselfup，andputbackthewetandruffledhairfromhisheatedface；andheandSusanroseup，andhand-in-handwenttowardsthehouse，walkingslowlyandquietlyexceptforakindofsobwhichWilliecouldnotrepress。Susantookhimtothepumpandwashedhistear-stainedface，tillshethoughtshehadobliteratedalltracesoftherecentdisturbance，arranginghiscurlsforhim，andthenshekissedhimtenderly，andledhimin，hopingtofindMichaelinthekitchen，andmakeallstraightbetweenthem。Buttheblazehaddroppeddownintodarkness；thewoodwasaheapofgrayashesinwhichthesparksranhitherandthither；buteveninthegropingdarknessSusanknewbythesinkingatherheartthatMichaelwasnotthere。Shethrewanotherbrandonthehearthandlightedthecandle，andsatdowntoherworkinsilence。Williecoweredonhisstoolbythesideofthefire，eyeinghissisterfromtimetotime，andsorryandoppressed，heknewnotwhy，bythesightofhergrave，almoststernface。Noonecame。Theytwowereinthehousealone。
TheoldwomanwhohelpedSusanwiththehouseholdworkhadgoneoutforthenighttosomefriend’sdwelling。WilliamDixon，thefather，wasuponthefellsseeingafterhissheep。Susanhadnohearttopreparetheeveningmeal。
"Susy，darling，areyouangrywithme？"saidWillie，inhislittlepiping，gentlevoice。Hehadstolenuptohissister’sside。"I
won’tneverplaywiththefireagain；andI’llnotcryifMichaeldoeskickme。Onlydon’tlooksolikedeadmother——don’t——don’t——
pleasedon’t！"heexclaimed，hidinghisfaceonhershoulder。
"I’mnotangry，Willie，"saidshe。"Don’tbefearedonme。Youwantyoursupper，andyoushallhaveit；anddon’tyoubefearedonMichael。Heshallgivereasonforeveryhairofyourheadthathetouches——heshall。"
WhenWilliamDixoncamehomehefoundSusanandWilliesittingtogether，hand-in-hand，andapparentlyprettycheerful。Hebadethemgotobed，forthathewouldsitupforMichael；andthenextmorning，whenSusancamedown，shefoundthatMichaelhadstartedanhourbeforewiththecartforlime。Itwasalongday’swork；Susanknewitwouldbelate，perhapslaterthanontheprecedingnight，beforehereturned——atanyrate，pastherusualbed-time；andonnoaccountwouldshestopupaminutebeyondthathourinthekitchen，whatevershemightdoinherbed-room。Hereshesatandwatchedtillpastmidnight；andwhenshesawhimcomingupthebrowwiththecarts，sheknewfullwell，eveninthatfaintmoonlight，thathisgaitwasthegaitofamaninliquor。Butthoughshewasannoyedandmortifiedtofindinwhatwayhehadchosentoforgether，thefactdidnotdisgustorshockherasitwouldhavedonemanyagirl，evenatthatday，whohadnotbeenbroughtupasSusanhad，amongaclasswhoconsidereditnocrime，butratheramarkofspirit，inamantogetdrunkoccasionally。Nevertheless，shechosetoholdherselfveryhighallthenextdaywhenMichaelwas，perforce，obligedtogiveupanyattempttodoheavywork，andhungabouttheout-buildingsandfarminaverydisconsolateandsicklystate。WilliehadfarmorepityonhimthanSusan。Beforeevening，Willieandhewerefast，and，onhisside，ostentatiousfriends。Willierodethehorsesdowntowater；Williehelpedhimtochopwood。Susansatgloomilyatherwork，hearinganindistinctbutcheerfulconversationgoingonintheshippon，whilethecowswerebeingmilked。Shealmostfeltirritatedwithherlittlebrother，asifhewereatraitor，andhadgoneovertotheenemyintheverybattlethatshewasfightinginhiscause。
Shewasalonewithnoonetospeakto，whiletheyprattledonregardlessifsheweregladorsorry。
SoonWillieburstin。"Susan！Susan！comewithme；I’vesomethingsoprettytoshowyou。Roundthecornerofthebarn——run！run！"（Hewasdraggingheralong，halfreluctant，halfdesirousofsomechangeinthatwearyday。Roundthecornerofthebarn；andcaughtholdofbyMichael，whostoodthereawaitingher。
"OWillie！"criedshe"younaughtyboy。Thereisnothingpretty——
whathaveyoubroughtmeherefor？Letmego；Iwon’tbeheld。"
"Onlyoneword。Nay，ifyouwishitsomuch，youmaygo，"saidMichael，suddenlyloosinghisholdasshestruggled。Butnowshewasfree，sheonlydrewoffasteportwo，murmuringsomethingaboutWillie。
"Youaregoing，then？"saidMichael，withseemingsadness。"Youwon’thearmesayawordofwhatisinmyheart。"
"HowcanItellwhetheritiswhatIshouldliketohear？"repliedshe，stilldrawingback。
"ThatisjustwhatIwantyoutotellme；Iwantyoutohearitandthentotellmewhetheryoulikeitornot。"
"Well，youmayspeak，"repliedshe，turningherback，andbeginningtoplaitthehemofherapron。
Hecameclosetoherear。
"I’msorryIhurtWillietheothernight。Hehasforgivenme。Canyou？"
"Youhurthimverybadly，"shereplied。"Butyouarerighttobesorry。Iforgiveyou。"
"Stop，stop！"saidhe，layinghishanduponherarm。"ThereissomethingmoreI’vegottosay。Iwantyoutobemy——whatisittheycallit，Susan？"
"Idon’tknow，"saidshe，half-laughing，buttryingtogetawaywithallhermightnow；andshewasastronggirl，butshecouldnotmanageit。
"Youdo。My——whatisitIwantyoutobe？"
"ItellyouIdon’tknow，andyouhadbestbequiet，andjustletmegoin，orIshallthinkyou’reasbadnowasyouwerelastnight。"
"AndhowdidyouknowwhatIwaslastnight？ItwaspasttwelvewhenIcamehome。Wereyouwatching？Ah，Susan！bemywife，andyoushallneverhavetowatchforadrunkenhusband。IfIwereyourhusband，Iwouldcomestraighthome，andcounteveryminuteanhourtillIsawyourbonnyface。NowyouknowwhatIwantyoutobe。I
askyoutobemywife。Willyou，myowndearSusan？"
Shedidnotspeakforsometime。Thensheonlysaid"Askfather。"
Andnowshewasreallyofflikealapwingroundthecornerofthebarn，andupinherownlittleroom，cryingwithallhermight，beforethetriumphantsmilehadleftMichael’sfacewherehestood。
The"Askfather"wasamereformtobegonethough。OldDanielHurstandWilliamDixonhadtalkedoverwhattheycouldrespectivelygivetheirchildrenbeforethis；andthatwastheparentalwayofarrangingsuchmatters。Whentheprobableamountofworldlygearthathecouldgivehischildhadbeennamedbyeachfather，theyoungfolk，astheysaid，mighttaketheirowntimeincomingtothepointwhichtheoldmen，withtheprescienceofexperience，sawtheyweredriftingto；noneedtohurrythem，fortheywerebothyoung，andMichael，thoughactiveenough，wastoothoughtless，oldDanielsaid，tobetrustedwiththeentiremanagementofafarm。Meanwhile，hisfatherwouldlookabouthim，andseeafterallthefarmsthatweretobelet。
Michaelhadashrewdnotionofthispreliminaryunderstandingbetweenthefathers，andsofeltlessdauntedthanhemightotherwisehavedoneatmakingtheapplicationforSusan’shand。Itwasallright，therewasnotanobstacle；onlyadealofgoodadvice，whichtheloverthoughtmighthaveaswellbeenspared，andwhichitmustbeconfessedhedidnotmuchattendto，althoughheassentedtoeverypartofit。ThenSusanwascalleddownstairs，andslowlycamedroppingintoviewdownthestepswhichledfromthetwofamilyapartmentsintothehouse-place。Shetriedtolookcomposedandquiet，butitcouldnotbedone。Shestoodsidebysidewithherlover，withherheaddrooping，hercheeksburning，notdaringtolookupormove，whileherfathermadethenewly-betrothedasomewhatformaladdressinwhichhegavehisconsent，andmanyapieceofworldlywisdombeside。Susanlistenedaswellasshecouldforthebeatingofherheart；butwhenherfathersolemnlyandsadlyreferredtohisownlostwife，shecouldkeepfromsobbingnolonger；butthrowingherapronoverherface，shesatdownonthebenchbythedresser，andfairlygavewaytopent-uptears。Oh，howstrangelysweettobecomfortedasshewascomforted，bytendercaress，andmanyalow-whisperedpromiseoflove！Herfathersatbythefire，thinkingofthedaysthatweregone；Williewasstilloutofdoors；
butSusanandMichaelfeltnoone’spresenceorabsence——theyonlyknewtheyweretogetherasbetrothedhusbandandwife。
Inaweek，ortwo，theywereformallytoldofthearrangementstobemadeintheirfavour。Asmallfarmintheneighbourhoodhappenedtofallvacant；andMichael’sfatherofferedtotakeitforhim，andberesponsiblefortherentforthefirstyear，whileWilliamDixonwastocontributeacertainamountofstock，andbothfathersweretohelptowardsthefurnishingofthehouse。Susanreceivedallthisinformationinaquiet，indifferentway；shedidnotcaremuchforanyofthesepreparations，whichweretohurryherthroughthehappyhours；shecaredleastofallforthemoneyamountofdowryandofsubstance。ItjarredonhertobemadetheconfidanteofoccasionalslightrepiningsofMichael’s，asonebyonehisfuturefather-in-lawsetasideabeastorapigforSusan’sportion，whichwerenotalwaysthebestanimalsoftheirkinduponthefarm。Buthealsocomplainedofhisownfather’sstinginess，whichsomewhat，thoughnotmuch，alleviatedSusan’sdisliketobeingawakenedoutofherpuredreamoflovetotheconsiderationofworldlywealth。
Butinthemidstofallthisbustle，Williemopedandpined。Hehadthesamechordofdelicacyrunningthroughhismindthatmadehisbodyfeebleandweak。Hekeptoutoftheway，andwasapparentlyoccupiedinwhittlingandcarvinguncouthheadsonhazel-sticksinanout-house。ButhepositivelyavoidedMichael，andshrunkawayevenfromSusan。Shewastoomuchoccupiedtonoticethisatfirst。
Michaelpointeditouttoher，saying，withalaugh，-
"LookatWillie！hemightbeacast-offloverandjealousofme，helookssodarkanddowncastatme。"Michaelspokethisjestoutloud，andWillieburstintotears，andranoutofthehouse。
"Letmego。Letmego！"saidSusan（forherlover’sarmwasroundherwaist）。"Imustgotohimifhe’sfretting。IpromisedmotherI
would！"Shepulledherselfaway，andwentinsearchoftheboy。Shesoughtinbyreandbarn，throughtheorchard，whereindeedinthisleaflesswinter-timetherewasnogreatconcealment；upintotheroomwherethewoolwasusuallystoredinthelatersummer，andatlastshefoundhim，sittingatbay，likesomehuntedcreature，upbehindthewood-stack。
"Whatareyegonefor，lad，andmeseekingyoueverywhere？"askedshe，breathless。
"Ididnotknowyouwouldseekme。I’vebeenawaymanyatime，andnoonehascaredtoseekme，"saidhe，cryingafresh。
"Nonsense，"repliedSusan，"don’tbesofoolish，yelittlegood-for-
nought。"Butshecreptuptohimintheholehehadmadeunderneaththegreat，brownsheafsofwood，andsqueezedherselfdownbyhim。
"Whatforshouldfolkseekafteryou，whenyougetawayfromthemwheneveryoucan？"askedshe。
"Theydon’twantmetostay。Nobodywantsme。IfIgowithfather，hesaysIhindermorethanIhelp。Youusedtoliketohavemewithyou。Butnow，you’vetakenupwithMichael，andyou’dratherIwasaway；andIcanjustbideaway；butIcannotstandMichaeljeeringatme。He’sgotyoutolovehimandthatmightservehim。"
"ButIloveyou，too，dearly，lad！"saidshe，puttingherarmroundhisneck。
"Whichonusdoyoulikebest？"saidhe，wistfully，afteralittlepause，puttingherarmaway，sothathemightlookinherface，andseeifshespoketruth。
Shewentveryred。
"Youshouldnotasksuchquestions。Theyarenotfitforyoutoask，norformetoanswer。"
"Butmotherbadeyouloveme！"saidhe，plaintively。
"AndsoIdo。AndsoIeverwilldo。Lovernorhusbandshallcomebetwixttheeandme，lad——ne’eraoneofthem。ThatIpromisethee（asIpromisedmotherbefore），inthesightofGodandwithherhearkeningnow，ifevershecanhearkentoearthlywordagain。OnlyIcannotabidetohavetheefretting，justbecausemyheartislargeenoughfortwo。"
"Andthou’ltlovemealways？"
"Always，andever。Andthemore——themorethou’ltloveMichael，"
saidshe，droppinghervoice。
"I’lltry，"saidtheboy，sighing，forherememberedmanyaharshwordandblowofwhichhissisterknewnothing。Shewouldhaverisenuptogoaway，butheheldhertight，forhereandnowshewasallhisown，andhedidnotknowwhensuchatimemightcomeagain。Sothetwosatcrouchedupandsilent，tilltheyheardthehornblowingatthefield-gate，whichwasthesummonshometoanywanderersbelongingtothefarm，andatthishouroftheevening，signifiedthatsupperwasready。Thenthetwowentin。
CHAPTERII。
SusanandMichaelweretobemarriedinApril。Hehadalreadygonetotakepossessionofhisnewfarm，threeorfourmilesawayfromYewNook——butthatisneighbouring，accordingtotheacceptationofthewordinthatthinly-populateddistrict，——whenWilliamDixonfellill。
Hecamehomeoneevening，complainingofhead-acheandpainsinhislimbs，butseemedtoloathethepossetwhichSusanpreparedforhim；
thetreacle-possetwhichwasthehomelycountryremedyagainstanincipientcold。Hetooktohisbedwithasensationofexceedingweariness，andanodd，unusuallooking-backtothedaysofhisyouth，whenhewasaladlivingwithhisparents，inthisveryhouse。
Thenextmorninghehadforgottenallhislifesincethen，anddidnotknowhisownchildren；crying，likeanewly-weanedbaby，forhismothertocomeandsootheawayhisterriblepain。ThedoctorfromConistonsaiditwasthetyphus-fever，andwarnedSusanofitsinfectiouscharacter，andshookhisheadoverhispatient。Therewerenonearfriendstocomeandshareheranxiety；onlygood，kindoldPeggy，whowasfaithfulnessitself，andoneortwolabourers’
wives，whowouldfainhavehelpedher，hadnottheirhandsbeentiedbytheirresponsibilitytotheirownfamilies。But，somehow，Susanneitherfearednorflagged。Asforfear，indeed，shehadnotimetogivewaytoit，foreveryenergyofbothbodyandmindwasrequired。
Besides，theyounghavehadtoolittleexperienceofthedangerofinfectiontodreaditmuch。Shedidindeedwish，fromtimetotime，thatMichaelhadbeenathometohavetakenWillieovertohisfather’satHighBeck；butthen，again，theladwasdocileandusefultoher，andhisfecklessnessinmanythingsmightmakehimharshlytreatedbystrangers；so，perhaps，itwasaswellthatMichaelwasawayatApplebyfair，orevenbeyondthat——goneintoYorkshireafterhorses。
Herfathergrewworse；andthedoctorinsistedonsendingoveranursefromConiston。Notaprofessednurse——Conistoncouldnothavesupportedsuchaone；butawidowwhowasreadytogowherethedoctorsentherforthesakeofthepayment。Whenshecame，Susansuddenlygaveway；shewasfelledbythefeverherself，andlayunconsciousforlongweeks。Herconsciousnessreturnedtoheronespringafternoon；earlyspring：April，——herwedding-month。Therewasalittlefireburninginthesmallcorner-grate，andtheflickeringoftheblazewasenoughforhertonoticeinherweakstate。Shefeltthattherewassomeonesittingonthewindow-sideofherbed，behindthecurtain，butshedidnotcaretoknowwhoitwas；itwaseventoogreatatroubleforherlanguidmindtoconsiderwhoitwaslikelytobe。Shewouldrathershuthereyes，andmeltoffagainintothegentleluxuryofsleep。Thenexttimeshewakened，theConistonnurseperceivedhermovement，andmadeheracupoftea，whichshedrankwitheagerrelish；butstilltheydidnotspeak，andoncemoreSusanlaymotionless——notasleep，butstrangely，pleasantlyconsciousofallthesmallchamberandhouseholdsounds；
thefallofacinderonthehearth，thefitfulsingingofthehalf-
emptykettle，thecattletrampingouttofieldagainaftertheyhadbeenmilked，theagedsteponthecreakingstair——oldPeggy’s，assheknew。Itcametoherdoor；itstopped；thepersonoutsidelistenedforamoment，andthenliftedthewoodenlatch，andlookedin。Thewatcherbythebedsidearose，andwenttoher。SusanwouldhavebeengladtoseePeggy’sfaceoncemore，butwasfartooweaktoturn，soshelayandlistened。
"Howisshe？"whisperedonetrembling，agedvoice。
"Better，"repliedtheother。"She’sbeenawake，andhadacupoftea。She’lldonow。"
"Hassheaskedafterhim？"
"Hush！No；shehasnotspokenaword。"
"Poorlass！poorlass！"
Thedoorwasshut。Aweakfeelingofsorrowandself-pitycameoverSusan。Whatwaswrong？Whomhadsheloved？Anddawning，dawning，slowlyrosethesunofherformerlife，andallparticularsweremadedistincttoher。Shefeltthatsomesorrowwascomingtoher，andcriedoveritbeforesheknewwhatitwas，orhadstrengthenoughtoask。Inthedeadofnight，——andshehadneversleptagain，——shesoftlycalledtothewatcher，andasked-
"Who？"
"Whowhat？"repliedthewoman，withaconsciousaffright，ill-veiledbyapoorassumptionofease。"Liestill，there’sadarling，andgotosleep。Sleep’sbetterforyouthanallthedoctor’sstuff。"
"Who？"repeatedSusan。"Somethingiswrong。Who？"
"Oh，dear！"saidthewoman。"There’snothingwrong。Williehastakentheturn，andisdoingnicely。"
"Father？"
"Well！he’sallrightnow，"sheanswered，lookinganotherway，asifseekingforsomething。
"Thenit’sMichael！Oh，me！oh，me！"Shesetupasuccessionofweak，plaintive，hystericalcriesbeforethenursecouldpacifyher，bydeclaringthatMichaelhadbeenatthehousenotthreehoursbeforetoaskafterher，andlookedaswellandasheartyasevermandid。
"Andyouheardofnoharmtohimsince？"inquiredSusan。
"Blessthelass，no，forsure！I’vene’erheardhisnamenamedsinceIsawhimgooutoftheyardasstoutamanasevertrodshoe-
leather。"
Itwaswell，asthenursesaidafterwardstoPeggy，thatSusanhadbeensoeasilypacifiedbytheequivocatinganswerinrespecttoherfather。IfshehadpressedthequestionshomeinhiscaseasshedidinMichael’s，shewouldhavelearntthathewasdeadandburiedmorethanamonthbefore。Itwaswell，too，thatinherweakstateofconvalescence（whichlastedlongafterthisfirstdayofconsciousness）herperceptionswerenotsharpenoughtoobservethesadchangethathadtakenplaceinWillie。Hisbodilystrengthreturned，hisappetitewassomethingenormous，buthiseyeswanderedcontinually；hisregardcouldnotbearrested；hisspeechbecameslow，impeded，andincoherent。PeoplebegantosaythatthefeverhadtakenawaythelittlewitWillieDixonhadeverpossessedandthattheyfearedthathewouldendinbeinga"natural，"astheycallanidiotintheDales。
ThehabitualaffectionandobediencetoSusanlastedlongerthananyotherfeelingthattheboyhadhadprevioustohisillness；and，perhaps，thismadeherbethelasttoperceivewhateveryoneelsehadlonganticipated。Shefelttheawakeningrudewhenitdidcome。
Itwasinthiswise：-
OneJaneevening，shesatoutofdoorsundertheyew-tree，knitting。
Shewaspalestillfromherrecentillness；andherlanguor，joinedtothefactofherblackdress，madeherlookmorethanusuallyinteresting。Shewasnolongerthebuoyantself-sufficientSusan，equaltoeveryoccasion。Themenwerebringinginthecowstobemilked，andMichaelwasaboutintheyardgivingordersanddirectionswithsomewhattheairofamaster，forthefarmbelongedofrighttoWillie，andSusanhadsucceededtotheguardianshipofherbrother。Michaelandsheweretobemarriedassoonasshewasstrongenough——so，perhaps，hisauthoritativemannerwasjustified；
butthelabourersdidnotlikeit，althoughtheysaidlittle。Theyrememberedastriplingonthefarm，knowingfarlessthantheydid，andoftengladtoshelterhisignoranceofallagriculturalmattersbehindtheirsuperiorknowledge。TheywouldhavetakenordersfromSusanwithfarmorewillingness；nay，Williehimselfmighthavecommandedthem；andfromtheoldhereditaryfeelingtowardtheownersofland，theywouldhaveobeyedhimwithfargreatercordialitythantheynowshowedtoMichael。ButSusanwastiredwitheventhreeroundsofknitting，andseemednottonotice，ortocare，howthingswentonaroundher；andWillie——poorWillie！——therehestoodloungingagainstthedoor-sill，enormouslygrownanddeveloped，tobesure，butwithrestlesseyesandever-openmouth，andeverynowandthensettingupastrangekindofhowlingcry，andthensmilingvacantlytohimselfatthesoundhehadmade。Asthetwooldlabourerspassedhim，theylookedateachotherominously，andshooktheirheads。
"Willie，darling，"saidSusan，"don’tmakethatnoise——itmakesmyheadache。"
Shespokefeebly，andWilliedidnotseemtohear；atanyrate，hecontinuedhishowlfromtimetotime。
"Holdthynoise，wilt’a？"saidMichael，roughly，ashepassednearhim，andthreateninghimwithhisfist。Susan’sbackwasturnedtothepair。TheexpressionofWillie’sfacechangedfromvacancytofear，andhecameshamblinguptoSusan，whoputherarmroundhim，and，asifprotectedbythatshelter，hebeganmakingfacesatMichael。Susansawwhatwasgoingon，and，asifnowfirststruckbythestrangenessofherbrother’smanner，shelookedanxiouslyatMichaelforanexplanation。MichaelwasirritatedatWillie’sdefianceofhim，anddidnotmincethematter。
"It’sjustthatthefeverhaslefthimsilly——heneverwasaswiseasotherfolk，andnowIdoubtifhewillevergetright。"
Susandidnotspeak，butshewentverypale，andherlipquivered。
ShelookedlongandwistfullyatWillie’sface，ashewatchedthemotionoftheducksinthegreatstable-pool。Helaughedsoftlytohimselfeverynowandthen。
"Willielikestoseetheducksgooverhead，"saidSusan，instinctivelyadoptingtheformofspeechshewouldhaveusedtoayoungchild。
"Willie，boo！Willie，boo！"hereplied，clappinghishands，andavoidinghereye。
"Speakproperly，Willie，"saidSusan，makingastrongeffortatself-
control，andtryingtoarresthisattention。
"YouknowwhoIam——tellmemyname！"Shegraspedhisarmalmostpainfullytighttomakehimattend。Nowhelookedather，and，foraninstant，agleamofrecognitionquiveredoverhisface；buttheexertionwasevidentlypainful，andhebegantocryatthevainnessoftheefforttorecallhername。Hehidhisfaceuponhershoulderwiththeoldaffectionatetrickofmanner。Sheputhimgentlyaway，andwentintothehouseintoherownlittlebedroom。Shelockedthedoor，anddidnotreplyatalltoMichael’scallsforher，hardlyspoketooldPeggy，whotriedtotemptherouttoreceivesomehomelysympathy，andthroughtheopeneasementtherestillcametheidioticsoundof"Willie，boo！Willie，boo！"
CHAPTERIII。
Afterthestunoftheblowcametherealizationoftheconsequences。
Susanwouldsitforhourstryingpatientlytorecallandpiecetogetherfragmentsofrecollectionandconsciousnessinherbrother’smind。Shewouldlethimgoandpursuesomesenselessbitofplay，andwaituntilshecouldcatchhiseyeorhisattentionagain，whenshewouldresumeherself-imposedtask。Michaelcomplainedthatsheneverhadawordforhim，oraminuteoftimetospendwithhimnow；
butsheonlysaidshemusttry，whiletherewasyetachance，tobringbackherbrother’slostwits。Asformarriageinthisstateofuncertainty，shehadnohearttothinkofit。ThenMichaelstormed，andabsentedhimselffortwoorthreedays；butitwasofnouse。
Whenhecameback，hesawthatshehadbeencryingtillhereyeswereallswollenup，andhegatheredfromPeggy’sscoldings（whichshedidnotsparehim）thatSusanhadeatennothingsincehewentaway。Butshewasasinflexibleasever。
"Notjustyet。Onlynotjustyet。Anddon’tsayagainthatIdonotloveyou，"saidshe，suddenlyhidingherselfinhisarms。
AndsomatterswentonthroughAugust。Thecropofoatswasgatheredin；thewheat-fieldwasnotreadyasyet，whenonefinedayMichaeldroveupinaborrowedshandry，andofferedtotakeWilliearide。
Hismanner，whenSusanaskedhimwherehewasgoingto，wasratherconfused；buttheanswerwasstraightandclearenough。
HehadbusinessinAmbleside。Hewouldneverlosesightofthelad，andhavehimbacksafeandsoundbeforedark。SoSusanlethimgo。