"Ishouldlikeyoutotakeit，"returnedPhoebewithapersuasivesmile，"fortheloveofthatlittlepresentwhichmusteverbesodeartome。Ishouldlikeyoutotakeit，becausethatroadcanneverbeagainlikeanyotherroadtome。Ishouldlikeyoutotakeit，inremembranceofyourhavingdonemesomuchgood：ofyourhavingmademesomuchhappier！Ifyouleavemebytheroadyoutravelledwhenyouwenttodomethisgreatkindness，"soundingafaintchordasshespoke，"Ishallfeel，lyingherewatchingatmywindow，asifitmustconductyoutoaprosperousend，andbringyoubacksomeday。"
　　"Itshallbedone，mydear；itshallbedone。"
　　SoatlastthegentlemanforNowheretookaticketforSomewhere，andhisdestinationwasthegreatingenioustown。
　　HehadloiteredsolongabouttheJunctionthatitwastheeighteenthofDecemberwhenheleftit。"Hightime，"hereflected，asheseatedhimselfinthetrain，"thatIstartedinearnest！OnlyonecleardayremainsbetweenmeandthedayIamrunningawayfrom。
　　I’llpushonwardforthehill-countryto-morrow。I’llgotoWales。"
　　Itwaswithsomepainsthatheplacedbeforehimselftheundeniableadvantagestobegainedinthewayofnoveloccupationforhissensesfrommistymountains，swollenstreams，rain，cold，awildseashore，andruggedroads。Andyethescarcelymadethemoutasdistinctlyashecouldhavewished。Whetherthepoorgirl，inspiteofhernewresource，hermusic，wouldhaveanyfeelingoflonelinessuponhernow——justatfirst——thatshehadnothadbefore；whethershesawthoseverypuffsofsteamandsmokethathesaw，ashesatinthetrainthinkingofher；whetherherfacewouldhaveanypensiveshadowonitastheydiedoutofthedistantviewfromherwindow；whether，intellinghimhehaddonehersomuchgood，shehadnotunconsciouslycorrectedhisoldmoodybemoaningofhisstationinlife，bysettinghimthinkingthatamanmightbeagreathealer，ifhewould，andyetnotbeagreatdoctor；theseandothersimilarmeditationsgotbetweenhimandhisWelshpicture。Therewaswithinhim，too，thatdullsenseofvacuitywhichfollowsseparationfromanobjectofinterest，andcessationofapleasantpursuit；andthissense，beingquitenewtohim，madehimrestless。
　　Further，inlosingMugbyJunction，hehadfoundhimselfagain；andhewasnotthemoreenamouredofhimselfforhavinglatelypassedhistimeinbettercompany。
　　Butsurelyhere，notfarahead，mustbethegreatingenioustown。
　　Thiscrashingandclashingthatthetrainwasundergoing，andthiscouplingontoitofamultitudeofnewechoes，couldmeannothinglessthanapproachtothegreatstation。Itdidmeannothingless。
　　Aftersomestormyflashesoftownlightning，inthewayofswiftrevelationsofredbrickblocksofhouses，highredbrickchimney-
　　shafts，vistasofredbrickrailwayarches，tonguesoffire，blocksofsmoke，valleysofcanal，andhillsifcoal，therecamethethunderinginatthejourney’send。
　　Havingseenhisportmanteaussafelyhousedinthehotelhechose，andhavingappointedhisdinnerhour，BarboxBrotherswentoutforawalkinthebusystreets。AndnowitbegantobesuspectedbyhimthatMugbyJunctionwasaJunctionofmanybranches，invisibleaswellasvisible，andhadjoinedhimtoanendlessnumberofby-ways。
　　For，whereashewould，butalittlewhileago，havewalkedthesestreetsblindlybrooding，henowhadeyesandthoughtsforanewexternalworld。Howthemanytoilingpeoplelived，andloved，anddied；howwonderfulitwastoconsiderthevarioustrainingsofeyeandhand，thenicedistinctionsofsightandtouch，thatseparatedthemintoclassesofworkers，andevenintoclassesofworkersatsubdivisionsofonecompletewholewhichcombinedtheirmanyintelligencesandforces，thoughofitselfbutsomecheapobjectofuseorornamentincommonlife；howgooditwastoknowthatsuchassemblinginamultitudeontheirpart，andsuchcontributionoftheirseveraldexteritiestowardsacivilisingend，didnotdeterioratethemasitwasthefashionofthesuperciliousMayfliesofhumanitytopretend，butengenderedamongthemaself-respect，andyetamodestdesiretobemuchwiserthantheywere（thefirstevincedintheirwell-balancedbearingandmannerofspeechwhenhestoppedtoaskaquestion；thesecond，intheannouncementsoftheirpopularstudiesandamusementsonthepublicwalls）；theseconsiderations，andahostofsuch，madehiswalkamemorableone。
　　"Itooambutalittlepartofagreatwhole，"hebegantothink；
　　"andtobeserviceabletomyselfandothers，ortobehappy，Imustcastmyinterestinto，anddrawitoutof，thecommonstock。"
　　Althoughhehadarrivedathisjourney’sendforthedaybynoon，hehadsinceinsensiblywalkedaboutthetownsofarandsolongthatthelamp-lighterswerenowattheirworkinthestreets，andtheshopsweresparklingupbrilliantly。Thusremindedtoturntowardshisquarters，hewasintheactofdoingso，whenaverylittlehandcreptintohis，andaverylittlevoicesaid：
　　"Oh！ifyouplease，Iamlost！"
　　Helookeddown，andsawaverylittlefair-hairedgirl。
　　"Yes，"shesaid，confirmingherwordswithaseriousnod。"Iamindeed。Iamlost！"
　　Greatlyperplexed，hestopped，lookedabouthimforhelp，descriednone，andsaid，bendinglow。
　　"Wheredoyoulive，mychild？"
　　"Idon’tknowwhereIlive，"shereturned。"Iamlost。"
　　"Whatisyourname？"
　　"Polly。"
　　"Whatisyourothername？"
　　Thereplywasprompt，butunintelligible。
　　Imitatingthesoundashecaughtit，hehazardedtheguess，"Trivits。"
　　"Ohno！"saidthechild，shakingherhead。"Nothinglikethat。"
　　"Sayitagain，littleone。"
　　Anunpromisingbusiness。Forthistimeithadquiteadifferentsound。
　　Hemadetheventure，"Paddens？"
　　"Ohno！"saidthechild。"Nothinglikethat。"
　　"Oncemore。Letustryitagain，dear。"
　　Amosthopelessbusiness。Thistimeitswelledintofoursyllables。
　　"Itcan’tbeTappitarver？"saidBarboxBrothers，rubbinghisheadwithhishatindiscomfiture。
　　"No！Itain’t，"thechildquietlyassented。
　　Onhertryingthisunfortunatenameoncemore，withextraordinaryeffortsatdistinctness，itswelledintoeightsyllablesatleast。
　　"Ah！Ithink，"saidBarboxBrotherswithadesperateairofresignation，"thatwehadbettergiveitup。"
　　"ButIamlost，"saidthechild，nestlingherlittlehandmorecloselyinhis，"andyou’lltakecareofme，won’tyou？"
　　Ifeveramanweredisconcertedbydivisionbetweencompassionontheonehand，andtheveryimbecilityofirresolutionontheother，herethemanwas。"Lost！"herepeated，lookingdownatthechild。
　　"IamsureIam。Whatistobedone？"
　　"Wheredoyoulive？"askedthechild，lookingupathimwistfully。
　　"Overthere，"heanswered，pointingvaguelyinthedirectionofhishotel。
　　"Hadn’twebettergothere？"saidthechild。
　　"Really，"hereplied，"Idon’tknowbutwhatwehad。"
　　Sotheysetoff，hand-in-hand。He，throughcomparisonofhimselfagainsthislittlecompanion，withaclumsyfeelingonhimasifhehadjustdevelopedintoafoolishgiant。She，clearlyelevatedinherowntinyopinionbyhavinggothimsoneatlyoutofhisembarrassment。
　　"Wearegoingtohavedinnerwhenwegetthere，Isuppose？"saidPolly。
　　"Well，"herejoined，"I——Yes，Isupposeweare。"
　　"Doyoulikeyourdinner？"askedthechild。
　　"Why，onthewhole，"saidBarboxBrothers，"yes，IthinkIdo。"
　　"Idomine，"saidPolly。"Haveyouanybrothersandsisters？"
　　"No。Haveyou？"
　　"Minearedead。"
　　"Oh！"saidBarboxBrothers。Withthatabsurdsenseofunwieldinessofmindandbodyweighinghimdown，hewouldhavenotknownhowtopursuetheconversationbeyondthiscurtrejoinder，butthatthechildwasalwaysreadyforhim。
　　"What，"sheasked，turninghersofthandcoaxinglyinhis，"areyougoingtodotoamusemeafterdinner？"
　　"Uponmysoul，Polly，"exclaimedBarboxBrothers，verymuchataloss，"Ihavenottheslightestidea！"
　　"ThenItellyouwhat，"saidPolly。"Haveyougotanycardsatyourhouse？"
　　"Plenty，"saidBarboxBrothersinaboastfulvein。
　　"Verywell。ThenI’llbuildhouses，andyoushalllookatme。Youmustn’tblow，youknow。"
　　"Ohno，"saidBarboxBrothers。"No，no，no。Noblowing。Blowing’snotfair。"
　　Heflatteredhimselfthathehadsaidthisprettywellforanidioticmonster；butthechild，instantlyperceivingtheawkwardnessofhisattempttoadapthimselftoherlevel，utterlydestroyedhishopefulopinionofhimselfbysayingcompassionately："Whatafunnymanyouare！"
　　Feeling，afterthismelancholyfailure，asifheeveryminutegrewbiggerandheavierinperson，andweakerinmind，Barboxgavehimselfupforabadjob。Nogianteversubmittedmoremeeklytobeledintriumphbyall-conqueringJackthanhetobeboundinslaverytoPolly。
　　"Doyouknowanystories？"sheaskedhim。
　　Hewasreducedtothehumiliatingconfession："No。"
　　"Whatadunceyoumustbe，mustn’tyou？"saidPolly。
　　Hewasreducedtothehumiliatingconfession："Yes。"
　　"Wouldyoulikemetoteachyouastory？Butyoumustrememberit，youknow，andbeabletotellitrighttosomebodyelseafterwards。"
　　Heprofessedthatitwouldaffordhimthehighestmentalgratificationtobetaughtastory，andthathewouldhumblyendeavourtoretainitinhismind。WhereuponPolly，givingherhandanewlittleturninhis，expressiveofsettlingdownforenjoyment，commencedalongromance，ofwhicheveryrelishingclausebeganwiththewords："Sothis，"or，"Andsothis。"As，"Sothisboy；"or，"Sothisfairy；"or，"Andsothispiewasfouryardsround，andtwoyardsandaquarterdeep。"Theinterestoftheromancewasderivedfromtheinterventionofthisfairytopunishthisboyforhavingagreedyappetite。Toachievewhichpurpose，thisfairymadethispie，andthisboyateandateandate，andhischeeksswelledandswelledandswelled。Thereweremanytributarycircumstances，buttheforcibleinterestculminatedinthetotalconsumptionofthispie，andtheburstingofthisboy。Trulyhewasafinesight，BarboxBrothers，withseriousattentiveface，andearbentdown，muchjostledonthepavementsofthebusytown，butafraidoflosingasingleincidentoftheepic，lestheshouldbeexaminedinitby-and-by，andfounddeficient。
　　Thustheyarrivedatthehotel。Andtherehehadtosayatthebar，andsaidawkwardlyenough；"Ihavefoundalittlegirl！"
　　Thewholeestablishmentturnedouttolookatthelittlegirl。
　　Nobodyknewher；nobodycouldmakeouthername，asshesetitforth——exceptonechamber-maid，whosaiditwasConstantinople——
　　whichitwasn’t。
　　"Iwilldinewithmyyoungfriendinaprivateroom，"saidBarboxBrotherstothehotelauthorities，"andperhapsyouwillbesogoodastoletthepoliceknowthattheprettybabyishere。Isupposesheissuretobeinquiredforsoon，ifshehasnotbeenalready。
　　Comealong，Polly。"
　　Perfectlyateaseandpeace，Pollycamealong，but，findingthestairsratherstiffwork，wascarriedupbyBarboxBrothers。Thedinnerwasamosttranscendantsuccess，andtheBarboxsheepishness，underPolly’sdirectionshowtomincehermeatforher，andhowtodiffusegravyovertheplatewithaliberalandequalhand，wasanotherfinesight。
　　"Andnow，"saidPolly，"whileweareatdinner，youbegood，andtellmethatstoryItaughtyou。"
　　WiththetremorsofaCivilServiceexaminationuponhim，andveryuncertainindeed，notonlyastotheepochatwhichthepieappearedinhistory，butalsoastothemeasurementsofthatindispensablefact，BarboxBrothersmadeashakybeginning，butunderencouragementdidveryfairly。Therewasawantofbreadthobservableinhisrenderingofthecheeks，aswellastheappetite，oftheboy；andtherewasacertaintamenessinhisfairy，referabletoanunder-currentofdesiretoaccountforher。Still，asthefirstlumberingperformanceofagood-humouredmonster，itpassedmuster。
　　"Itoldyoutobegood，"saidPolly，"andyouaregood，ain’tyou？"
　　"Ihopeso，"repliedBarboxBrothers。
　　SuchwashisdeferencethatPolly，elevatedonaplatformofsofacushionsinachairathisrighthand，encouragedhimwithapatortwoonthefacefromthegreasybowlofherspoon，andevenwithagraciouskiss。Ingettingonherfeetuponherchair，however，togivehimthislastreward，shetoppledforwardamongthedishes，andcausedhimtoexclaim，asheeffectedherrescue："GraciousAngels！
　　Whew！Ithoughtwewereinthefire，Polly！"
　　"Whatacowardyouare，ain’tyou？"saidPollywhenreplaced。
　　"Yes，Iamrathernervous，"hereplied。"Whew！Don’t，Polly！
　　Don’tflourishyourspoon，oryou’llgooversideways。Don’ttiltupyourlegswhenyoulaugh，Polly，oryou’llgooverbackwards。
　　Whew！Polly，Polly，Polly，"saidBarboxBrothers，nearlysuccumbingtodespair，"weareenvironedwithdangers！"
　　Indeed，hecoulddescrynosecurityfromthepitfallsthatwereyawningforPolly，butinproposingtoher，afterdinner，tosituponalowstool。"Iwill，ifyouwill，"saidPolly。So，aspeaceofmindshouldgobeforeall，hebeggedthewaitertowheelasidethetable，bringapackofcards，acoupleoffootstools，andascreen，andcloseinPollyandhimselfbeforethefire，asitwereinasnugroomwithintheroom。Then，finestsightofall，wasBarboxBrothersonhisfootstool，withapintdecanterontherug，contemplatingPollyasshebuiltsuccessfully，andgrowingblueinthefacewithholdinghisbreath，lestheshouldblowthehousedown。
　　"Howyoustare，don’tyou？"saidPollyinahouselesspause。
　　Detectedintheignoblefact，hefeltobligedtoadmit，apologetically：
　　"IamafraidIwaslookingratherhardatyou，Polly。"
　　"Whydoyoustare？"askedPolly。
　　"Icannot，"hemurmuredtohimself，"recallwhy。——Idon’tknow，Polly。"
　　"Youmustbeasimpletontodothingsandnotknowwhy，mustn’tyou？"saidPolly。
　　Inspiteofwhichreproof，helookedatthechildagainintently，asshebentherheadoverhercardstructure，herrichcurlsshadingherface。"Itisimpossible，"hethought，"thatIcaneverhaveseenthisprettybabybefore。CanIhavedreamedofher？Insomesorrowfuldream？"
　　Hecouldmakenothingofit。SohewentintothebuildingtradeasajourneymanunderPolly，andtheybuiltthreestorieshigh，fourstorieshigh；evenfive。
　　"Isay！Whodoyouthinkiscoming？"askedPolly，rubbinghereyesaftertea。
　　Heguessed："Thewaiter？"
　　"No，"saidPolly，"thedustman。Iamgettingsleepy。"
　　AnewembarrassmentforBarboxBrothers！
　　"Idon’tthinkIamgoingtobefetchedto-night，"saidPolly。
　　"Whatdoyouthink？"
　　Hethoughtnot，either。Afteranotherquarterofanhour，thedustmannotmerelyimpending，butactuallyarriving，recoursewashadtotheConstantinopolitanchamber-maid：whocheerilyundertookthatthechildshouldsleepinacomfortableandwholesomeroom，whichsheherselfwouldshare。
　　"AndIknowyouwillbecareful，won’tyou，"saidBarboxBrothers，asanewfeardawneduponhim，"thatshedon’tfalloutofbed？"
　　Pollyfoundthissohighlyentertainingthatshewasunderthenecessityofclutchinghimroundtheneckwithbotharmsashesatonhisfootstoolpickingupthecards，androckinghimtoandfro，withherdimpledchinonhisshoulder。
　　"Oh，whatacowardyouare，ain’tyou？"saidPolly。"Doyoufalloutofbed？"
　　"N——notgenerally，Polly。"
　　"NomoredoI。"
　　Withthat，Pollygavehimareassuringhugortwotokeephimgoing，andthengivingthatconfidingmiteofahandofherstobeswallowedupinthehandoftheConstantinopolitanchamber-maid，trottedoff，chattering，withoutavestigeofanxiety。
　　Helookedafterher，hadthescreenremovedandthetableandchairsreplaced，andstilllookedafterher。Hepacedtheroomforhalfanhour。"Amostengaginglittlecreature，butit’snotthat。Amostwinninglittlevoice，butit’snotthat。Thathasmuchtodowithit，butthereissomethingmore。HowcanitbethatIseemtoknowthischild？WhatwasitsheimperfectlyrecalledtomewhenIfelthertouchinthestreet，and，lookingdownather，sawherlookingupatme？"
　　"Mr。Jackson！"
　　Withastartheturnedtowardsthesoundofthesubduedvoice，andsawhisanswerstandingatthedoor。
　　"Oh，Mr。Jackson，donotbeseverewithme！Speakawordofencouragementtome，Ibeseechyou。"
　　"YouarePolly’smother。"
　　"Yes。"
　　Yes。Pollyherselfmightcometothis，oneday。Asyouseewhattherosewasinitsfadedleaves；asyouseewhatthesummergrowthofthewoodswasintheirwintrybranches；soPollymightbetraced，oneday，inacarewornwomanlikethis，withherhairturnedgrey。
　　Beforehimweretheashesofadeadfirethathadonceburnedbright。Thiswasthewomanhehadloved。Thiswasthewomanhehadlost。Suchhadbeentheconstancyofhisimaginationtoher，sohadTimesparedherunderitswithholding，thatnow，seeinghowroughlytheinexorablehandhadstruckher，hissoulwasfilledwithpityandamazement。
　　Heledhertoachair，andstoodleaningonacornerofthechimney-
　　piece，withhisheadrestingonhishand，andhisfacehalfaverted。
　　"Didyouseemeinthestreet，andshowmetoyourchild？"heasked。
　　"Yes。"
　　"Isthelittlecreature，then，apartytodeceit？"
　　"Ihopethereisnodeceit。Isaidtoher，’Wehavelostourway，andImusttrytofindminebymyself。Gotothatgentleman，andtellhimyouarelost。Youshallbefetchedby-and-by。’Perhapsyouhavenotthoughthowveryyoungsheis？"
　　"Sheisveryself-reliant。"
　　"Perhapsbecausesheissoyoung。"
　　Heasked，afterashortpause，"Whydidyoudothis？"
　　"Oh，Mr。Jackson，doyouaskme？Inthehopethatyoumightseesomethinginmyinnocentchildtosoftenyourhearttowardsme。Notonlytowardsme，buttowardsmyhusband。"
　　Hesuddenlyturnedabout，andwalkedtotheoppositeendoftheroom。Hecamebackagainwithaslowerstep，andresumedhisformerattitude，saying：
　　"IthoughtyouhademigratedtoAmerica？"
　　"Wedid。Butlifewentillwithusthere，andwecameback。"
　　"Doyouliveinthistown？"
　　"Yes。Iamadailyteacherofmusichere。Myhusbandisabook-
　　keeper。"
　　"Areyou——forgivemyasking——poor？"
　　"Weearnenoughforourwants。Thatisnotourdistress。Myhusbandisvery，veryillofalingeringdisorder。Hewillneverrecover——"
　　"Youcheckyourself。Ifitisforwantoftheencouragingwordyouspokeof，takeitfromme。Icannotforgettheoldtime，Beatrice。"
　　"Godblessyou！"sherepliedwithaburstoftears，andgavehimhertremblinghand。
　　"Composeyourself。Icannotbecomposedifyouarenot，fortoseeyouweepdistressesmebeyondexpression。Speakfreelytome。
　　Trustme。"
　　Sheshadedherfacewithherveil，andafteralittlewhilespokecalmly。HervoicehadtheringofPolly’s。
　　"Itisnotthatmyhusband’smindisatallimpairedbyhisbodilysuffering，forIassureyouthatisnotthecase。Butinhisweakness，andinhisknowledgethatheisincurablyill，hecannotovercometheascendancyofoneidea。Itpreysuponhim，embitterseverymomentofhispainfullife，andwillshortenit。"
　　Shestopping，hesaidagain："Speakfreelytome。Trustme。"
　　"Wehavehadfivechildrenbeforethisdarling，andtheyalllieintheirlittlegraves。Hebelievesthattheyhavewitheredawayunderacurse，andthatitwillblightthischildliketherest。"
　　"Underwhatcurse？"
　　"BothIandhehaveitonourconsciencethatwetriedyouveryheavily，andIdonotknowbutthat，ifIwereasillashe，Imightsufferinmymindashedoes。Thisistheconstantburden：-’I
　　believe，Beatrice，IwastheonlyfriendthatMr。Jacksonevercaredtomake，thoughIwassomuchhisjunior。Themoreinfluenceheacquiredinthebusiness，thehigherheadvancedme，andIwasaloneinhisprivateconfidence。Icamebetweenhimandyou，andItookyoufromhim。Wewerebothsecret，andtheblowfellwhenhewaswhollyunprepared。Theanguishitcausedamansocompressedmusthavebeenterrible；thewrathitawakenedinappeasable。So，acursecametobeinvokedonourpoor，prettylittleflowers，andtheyfall。’"
　　"Andyou，Beatrice，"heasked，whenshehadceasedtospeak，andtherehadbeenasilenceafterwards，"howsayyou？"
　　"UntilwithinthesefewweeksIwasafraidofyou，andIbelievedthatyouwouldnever，neverforgive。"
　　"Untilwithinthesefewweeks，"herepeated。"Haveyouchangedyouropinionofmewithinthesefewweeks？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Forwhatreason？"
　　"Iwasgettingsomepiecesofmusicinashopinthistown，when，tomyterror，youcamein。AsIveiledmyfaceandstoodinthedarkendoftheshop，Iheardyouexplainthatyouwantedamusicalinstrumentforabedriddengirl。Yourvoiceandmannerweresosoftened，youshowedsuchinterestinitsselection，youtookitawayyourselfwithsomuchtendernessofcareandpleasure，thatI
　　knewyouwereamanwithamostgentleheart。Oh，Mr。Jackson，Mr。
　　Jackson，ifyoucouldhavefelttherefreshingrainoftearsthatfollowedforme！"
　　WasPhoebeplayingatthatmomentonherdistantcouch？Heseemedtohearher。
　　"Iinquiredintheshopwhereyoulived，butcouldgetnoinformation。AsIhadheardyousaythatyouweregoingbackbythenexttrain（butyoudidnotsaywhere），Iresolvedtovisitthestationataboutthattimeofday，asoftenasIcould，betweenmylessons，onthechanceofseeingyouagain。Ihavebeenthereveryoften，butsawyounomoreuntilto-day。Youweremeditatingasyouwalkedthestreet，butthecalmexpressionofyourfaceemboldenedmetosendmychildtoyou。AndwhenIsawyoubendyourheadtospeaktenderlytoher，IprayedtoGODtoforgivemeforhavingeverbroughtasorrowonit。Inowpraytoyoutoforgiveme，andtoforgivemyhusband。Iwasveryyoung，hewasyoungtoo，and，intheignoranthardihoodofsuchatimeoflife，wedon’tknowwhatwedotothosewhohaveundergonemorediscipline。Yougenerousman！Yougoodman！Sotoraisemeupandmakenothingofmycrimeagainstyou！"——forhewouldnotseeheronherknees，andsoothedherasakindfathermighthavesoothedanerringdaughter——"thankyou，blessyou，thankyou！"
　　Whenhenextspoke，itwasafterhavingdrawnasidethewindowcurtainandlookedoutawhile。Thenheonlysaid：
　　"IsPollyasleep？"
　　"Yes。AsIcamein，Imethergoingawayupstairs，andputhertobedmyself。"
　　"Leaveherwithmeforto-morrow，Beatrice，andwritemeyouraddressonthisleafofmypocket-book。IntheeveningIwillbringherhometoyou——andtoherfather。"
　　***
　　"Hallo！"criedPolly，puttinghersaucysunnyfaceinatthedoornextmorningwhenbreakfastwasready："IthoughtIwasfetchedlastnight？"
　　"Soyouwere，Polly，butIaskedleavetokeepyouherefortheday，andtotakeyouhomeintheevening。"
　　"Uponmyword！"saidPolly。"Youareverycool，ain’tyou？"
　　However，Pollyseemedtothinkitagoodidea，andadded："I
　　supposeImustgiveyouakiss，thoughyouAREcool。"
　　Thekissgivenandtaken，theysatdowntobreakfastinahighlyconversationaltone。
　　"Ofcourse，youaregoingtoamuseme？"saidPolly。
　　"Oh，ofcourse！"saidBarboxBrothers。
　　Inthepleasurableheightofheranticipations，Pollyfounditindispensabletoputdownherpieceoftoast，crossoneofherlittlefatkneesovertheother，andbringherlittlefatrighthanddownintoherlefthandwithabusiness-likeslap。Afterthisgatheringofherselftogether，Polly，bythattimeamereheapofdimples，askedinawheedlingmanner：
　　"Whatarewegoingtodo，youdearoldthing？"
　　"Why，Iwasthinking，"saidBarboxBrothers，"——butareyoufondofhorses，Polly？"
　　"Ponies，Iam，"saidPolly，"especiallywhentheirtailsarelong。
　　Buthorses——n-no——toobig，youknow。"
　　"Well，"pursuedBarboxBrothers，inaspiritofgravemysteriousconfidenceadaptedtotheimportanceoftheconsultation，"Ididseeyesterday，Polly，onthewalls，picturesoftwolong-tailedponies，speckledallover——"
　　"No，no，NO！"criedPolly，inanecstaticdesiretolingeronthecharmingdetails。"Notspeckledallover！"
　　"Speckledallover。Whichponiesjumpthroughhoops——"
　　"No，no，NO！"criedPollyasbefore。"Theyneverjumpthroughhoops！"
　　"Yes，theydo。Oh，Iassureyoutheydo！Andeatpieinpinafores——
　　"
　　"Ponieseatingpieinpinafores！"saidPolly。"Whatastory-telleryouare，ain’tyou？"
　　"Uponmyhonour。——Andfireoffguns。"
　　（Pollyhardlyseemedtoseetheforceoftheponiesresortingtofire-arms。）
　　"AndIwasthinking，"pursuedtheexemplaryBarbox，"thatifyouandIweretogototheCircuswheretheseponiesare，itwoulddoourconstitutionsgood。"
　　"Doesthatmeanamuseus？"inquiredPolly。"Whatlongwordsyoudouse，don’tyou？"
　　Apologeticforhavingwanderedoutofhisdepth，hereplied：
　　"Thatmeansamuseus。Thatisexactlywhatitmeans。Therearemanyotherwondersbesidestheponies，andweshallseethemall。
　　Ladiesandgentlemeninspangleddresses，andelephantsandlionsandtigers。"
　　Pollybecameobservantoftheteapot，withacurled-upnoseindicatingsomeuneasinessofmind。
　　"Theynevergetout，ofcourse，"sheremarkedasameretruism。
　　"Theelephantsandlionsandtigers？Oh，dearno！"
　　"Oh，dearno！"saidPolly。"Andofcoursenobody’safraidoftheponiesshootinganybody。"
　　"Nottheleastintheworld。"
　　"No，no，nottheleastintheworld，"saidPolly。
　　"Iwasalsothinking，"proceededBarbox，"thatifweweretolookinatthetoy-shop，tochooseadoll——"
　　"Notdressed！"criedPollywithaclapofherhands。"No，no，NO，notdressed！"
　　"Full-dressed。Togetherwithahouse，andallthingsnecessaryforhousekeeping——"
　　Pollygavealittlescream，andseemedindangeroffallingintoaswoonofbliss。
　　"Whatadarlingyouare！"shelanguidlyexclaimed，leaningbackinherchair。"Comeandbehugged，orImustcomeandhugyou。"
　　Thisresplendentprogrammewascarriedintoexecutionwiththeutmostrigourofthelaw。Itbeingessentialtomakethepurchaseofthedollitsfirstfeature——orthatladywouldhavelosttheponies——thetoy-shopexpeditiontookprecedence。Pollyinthemagicwarehouse，withadollaslargeasherselfundereacharm，andaneatassortmentofsometwentymoreonviewuponthecounter，didindeedpresentaspectacleofindecisionnotquitecompatiblewithunalloyedhappiness，butthelightcloudpassed。Thelovelyspecimenoftenestchosen，oftenestrejected，andfinallyabidedby，wasofCircassiandescent，possessingasmuchboldnessofbeautyaswasreconcilablewithextremefeeblenessofmouth，andcombiningasky-bluesilkpelissewithrose-colouredsatintrousers，andablackvelvethat：whichthisfairstrangertoournorthernshoreswouldseemtohavefoundedontheportraitsofthelateDuchessofKent。
　　Thenamethisdistinguishedforeignerbroughtwithherfrombeneaththeglowingskiesofasunnyclimewas（onPolly’sauthority）MissMelluka，andthecostlynatureofheroutfitasahousekeeper，fromtheBarboxcoffers，maybeinferredfromthetwofactsthathersilvertea-spoonswereaslargeasherkitchenpoker，andthattheproportionsofherwatchexceededthoseofherfrying-pan。MissMellukawasgraciouslypleasedtoexpressherentireapprobationoftheCircus，andsowasPolly；fortheponieswerespeckled，andbroughtdownnobodywhentheyfired，andthesavageryofthewildbeastsappearedtobemeresmoke——whicharticle，infact，theydidproduceinlargequantitiesfromtheirinsides。TheBarboxabsorptioninthegeneralsubjectthroughouttherealisationofthesedelightswasagainasighttosee，norwasitlessworthytobeholdatdinner，whenhedranktoMissMelluka，tiedstiffinachairoppositetoPolly（thefairCircassianpossessinganunbendablespine），andeveninducedthewaitertoassistincarryingoutwithduedecorumtheprevailinggloriousidea。Towindup，therecametheagreeablefeverofgettingMissMellukaandallherwardrobeandrichpossessionsintoaflywithPolly，tobetakenhome。But，bythattime，Pollyhadbecomeunabletolookuponsuchaccumulatedjoyswithwakingeyes，andhadwithdrawnherconsciousnessintothewonderfulParadiseofachild’ssleep。
　　"Sleep，Polly，sleep，"saidBarboxBrothers，asherheaddroppedonhisshoulder；"youshallnotfalloutofthisbedeasily，atanyrate！"
　　Whatrustlingpieceofpaperhetookfromhispocket，andcarefullyfoldedintothebosomofPolly’sfrock，shallnotbementioned。Hesaidnothingaboutit，andnothingshallbesaidaboutit。Theydrovetoamodestsuburbofthegreatingenioustown，andstoppedatthefore-courtofasmallhouse。"Donotwakethechild，"saidBarboxBrotherssoftlytothedriver；"Iwillcarryherinassheis。"
　　GreetingthelightattheopeneddoorwhichwasheldbyPolly’smother，Polly’sbearerpassedonwithmotherandchildintoaground-floorroom。There，stretchedonasofa，layasickman，sorelywasted，whocoveredhiseyeswithhisemaciatedhand。
　　"Tresham，"saidBarboxinakindlyvoice，"IhavebroughtyoubackyourPolly，fastasleep。Givemeyourhand，andtellmeyouarebetter。"
　　Thesickmanreachedforthhisrighthand，andbowedhisheadoverthehandintowhichitwastaken，andkissedit。"Thankyou，thankyou！ImaysaythatIamwellandhappy。"
　　"That’sbrave，"saidBarbox。"Tresham，Ihaveafancy——Canyoumakeroomformebesideyouhere？"
　　Hesatdownonthesofaashesaidthewords，cherishingtheplumppeacheycheekthatlayuppermostonhisshoulder。
　　"Ihaveafancy，Tresham（Iamgettingquiteanoldfellownow，youknow，andoldfellowsmaytakefanciesintotheirheadssometimes），togiveupPolly，havingfoundher，tonoonebutyou。Willyoutakeherfromme？"
　　Asthefatherheldouthisarmsforthechild，eachofthetwomenlookedsteadilyattheother。
　　"Sheisverydeartoyou，Tresham？"
　　"Unutterablydear。"
　　"Godblessher！Itisnotmuch，Polly，"hecontinued，turninghiseyesuponherpeacefulfaceasheapostrophizedher，"itisnotmuch，Polly，forablindandsinfulmantoinvokeablessingonsomethingsofarbetterthanhimselfasalittlechildis；butitwouldbemuch——muchuponhiscruelhead，andmuchuponhisguiltysoul——ifhecouldbesowickedastoinvokeacurse。Hehadbetterhaveamillstoneroundhisneck，andbecastintothedeepestsea。
　　Liveandthrive，myprettybaby！"Herehekissedher。"Liveandprosper，andbecomeintimethemotherofotherlittlechildren，liketheAngelswhobeholdTheFather’sface！"
　　Hekissedheragain，gaveherupgentlytobothherparents，andwentout。
　　ButhewentnottoWales。No，heneverwenttoWales。Hewentstraightwayforanotherstrollaboutthetown，andhelookedinuponthepeopleattheirwork，andattheirplay，here，there，every-
　　there，andwherenot。ForhewasBarboxBrothersandCo。now，andhadtakenthousandsofpartnersintothesolitaryfirm。
　　Hehadatlengthgotbacktohishotelroom，andwasstandingbeforehisfirerefreshinghimselfwithaglassofhotdrinkwhichhehadstooduponthechimney-piece，whenheheardthetownclocksstriking，and，referringtohiswatch，foundtheeveningtohavesoslippedaway，thattheywerestrikingtwelve。Asheputuphiswatchagain，hiseyesmetthoseofhisreflectioninthechimney-
　　glass。
　　"Why，it’syourbirthdayalready，"hesaid，smiling。"Youarelookingverywell。Iwishyoumanyhappyreturnsoftheday。"
　　Hehadneverbeforebestowedthatwishuponhimself。"ByJupiter！"
　　hediscovered，"italtersthewholecaseofrunningawayfromone’sbirthday！It’sathingtoexplaintoPhoebe。Besides，hereisquitealongstorytotellher，thathassprungoutoftheroadwithnostory。I’llgoback，insteadofgoingon。I’llgobackbymyfriendLamps’sUpXpresently。"
　　HewentbacktoMugbyJunction，and，inpointoffact，heestablishedhimselfatMugbyJunction。Itwastheconvenientplacetolivein，forbrighteningPhoebe’slife。Itwastheconvenientplacetolivein，forhavinghertaughtmusicbyBeatrice。Itwastheconvenientplacetolivein，foroccasionallyborrowingPolly。
　　Itwastheconvenientplacetolivein，forbeingjoinedatwilltoallsortsofagreeableplacesandpersons。So，hebecamesettledthere，and，hishousestandinginanelevatedsituation，itisnoteworthyofhiminconclusion，asPollyherselfmight（notirreverently）haveputit：
　　"TherewasanOldBarboxwholivedonahill，Andifheain’tgone，helivestherestill。"
　　Herefollowsthesubstanceofwhatwasseen，heard，orotherwisepickedup，bythegentlemanforNowhere，inhiscarefulstudyoftheJunction。
　　CHAPTERIII——THEBOYATMUGBY
　　IamtheboyatMugby。That’saboutwhatIam。
　　Youdon’tknowwhatImean？Whatapity！ButIthinkyoudo。I
　　thinkyoumust。Lookhere。IamtheboyatwhatiscalledTheRefreshmentRoomatMugbyJunction，andwhat’sproudestboastis，thatitneveryetrefreshedamortalbeing。
　　UpinacorneroftheDownRefreshmentRoomatMugbyJunction，intheheightoftwenty-sevencrossdraughts（I’veoftencounted’emwhiletheybrushtheFirst-Classhairtwenty-sevenways），behindthebottles，amongtheglasses，boundedonthenor’westbythebeer，stoodprettyfartotherightofametallicobjectthat’sattimesthetea-urnandattimesthesoup-tureen，accordingtothenatureofthelasttwangimpartedtoitscontentswhicharethesamegroundwork，fendedofffromthetravellerbyabarrierofstalesponge-cakeserectedatopofthecounter，andlastlyexposedsidewaystotheglareofOurMissis’seye——youaskaBoysositiwated，nexttimeyoustopinahurryatMugby，foranythingtodrink；youtakeparticularnoticethathe’lltrytoseemnottohearyou，thathe’llappearinaabsentmannertosurveytheLinethroughatransparentmediumcomposedofyourheadandbody，andthathewon’tserveyouaslongasyoucanpossiblybearit。That’sme。
　　Whatalarkitis！WearetheModelEstablishment，weare，atMugby。OtherRefreshmentRoomssendtheirimperfectyoungladiesuptobefinishedoffbyourMissis。Forsomeoftheyoungladies，whenthey’renewtothebusiness，comeintoitmild！Ah！OurMissis，shesoontakesthatoutof’em。Why，Ioriginallycomeintothebusinessmeekmyself。ButOurMissis，shesoontookthatoutofME。
　　Whatadelightfullarkitis！IlookuponusRefreshmentersasockipyingtheonlyproudlyindependentfootingontheLine。There’sPapers，forinstance，——myhonourablefriend，ifhewillallowmetocallhimso，——himasbelongstoSmith’sbookstall。Why，henomoredarestobeuptoourRefreshmentinggamesthanhedarestojumpatopofalocomotivewithhersteamatfullpressure，andcutawayuponheralone，drivinghimself，atlimited-mailspeed。Papers，he’dgethisheadpunchedateverycompartment，first，second，andthird，thewholelengthofatrain，ifhewastoventurtoimitatemydemeanour。It’sthesamewiththeporters，thesamewiththeguards，thesamewiththeticketclerks，thesamethewholewayuptothesecretary，traffic-manager，orverychairman。Thereain’taoneamong’emonthenoblyindependentfootingweare。Didyouevercatchoneofthem，whenyouwantedanythingofhim，makingasystemofsurveyingtheLinethroughatransparentmediumcomposedofyourheadandbody？Ishouldhopenot。
　　YoushouldseeourBandoliningRoomatMugbyJunction。It’sledtobythedoorbehindthecounter，whichyou’llnoticeusuallystandsajar，andit’stheroomwhereOurMissisandouryoungladiesBandolinestheirhair。Youshouldsee’ematit，betwixttrains，Bandoliningaway，asiftheywasanointingthemselvesforthecombat。Whenyou’retelegraphed，youshouldseetheirnosesalla-
　　goingupwithscorn，asifitwasapartoftheworkingofthesameCookeandWheatstoneelectricalmachinery。YoushouldhearOurMissisgivetheword，"HerecomestheBeasttobeFed！"andthenyoushouldsee’emindignantlyskippingacrosstheLine，fromtheUptotheDown，orWicerWarsaw，andbegintopitchthestalepastryintotheplates，andchuckthesawdustsangwichesundertheglasscovers，andgetoutthe——ha，ha，ha！——thesherry，——Omyeye，myeye！——foryourRefreshment。
　　It’sonlyintheIsleoftheBraveandLandoftheFree（bywhich，ofcourse，ImeantosayBritannia）thatRefreshmentingissoeffective，so’olesome，soconstitutionalacheckuponthepublic。
　　TherewasaForeigner，whichhavingpolitely，withhishatoff，beseechedouryoungladiesandOurMissisfor"aleetelglosshostprarndee，"andhavinghadtheLinesurveyedthroughhimbyallandnootheracknowledgment，wasa-proceedingatlasttohelphimself，asseemstobethecustominhisowncountry，whenOurMissis，withherhairalmosta-comingun-Bandolinedwithrage，andhereyesomittingsparks，flewathim，cotchedthedecanteroutofhishand，andsaid，"Putitdown！Iwon’tallowthat！"Theforeignerturnedpale，steppedbackwithhisarmsstretchedoutinfrontofhim，hishandsclasped，andhisshouldersriz，andexclaimed："Ah！Isitpossible，this！Thatthesedisdaineousfemalesandthisferociousoldwomanareplacedherebytheadministration，notonlytoempoisonthevoyagers，buttoaffrontthem！GreatHeaven！Howarrivesit？TheEnglishpeople。Orishethenaslave？Oridiot？"
　　Anothertime，amerry，wideawakeAmericangenthadtriedthesawdustandspititout，andhadtriedtheSherryandspitthatout，andhadtriedinvaintosustainexhaustednaturuponButter-Scotch，andhadbeenratherextraBandolinedandLine-surveyedthrough，when，asthebellwasringingandhepaidOurMissis，hesays，veryloudandgood-tempered："ItellYewwhat’tis，ma’arm。Ila’af。Theer！I
　　la’af。IDew。Ioughterha’seenmostthings，forIhailfromtheOnlimitedsideoftheAtlanticOcean，andIhaivetravelledrightslickovertheLimited，headonthroughJeerusalemmandtheEast，andlikewaysFranceandItaly，EuropeOldWorld，andamnowuponthetracktotheChiefEuropianVillage；butsuchanInstitutionasYew，andYeweryoungladies，andYewerfixin’ssolidandliquid，aforethegloriousTarnalIneverdidseeyet！AndifIhain’tfoundtheeighthwonderofmonarchicalCreation，infindingYewandYeweryoungladies，andYewerfixin’ssolidandliquid，allasaforesaid，establishedinacountrywherethepeopleairnotabsoluteLoo-
　　naticks，IamExtraDoubleDarnedwithaNipandFrizzletotheinnermostestgrit！Wheerfur——Theer！——Ila’af！IDew，ma’arm。I
　　la’af！"Andsohewent，stampingandshakinghissides，alongtheplatformallthewaytohisowncompartment。
　　IthinkitwasherstandingupagintheForeignerasgiv’OurMissistheideaofgoingovertoFrance，anddroringacomparisonbetwixtRefreshmentingasfollowedamongthefrog-eaters，andRefreshmentingastriumphantintheIsleoftheBraveandLandoftheFree（bywhich，ofcourse，Imeantosayagin，Britannia）。Ouryoungladies，MissWhiff，MissPiff，andMrs。Sniff，wasunanimousopposedtohergoing；for，astheysaystoOurMissisoneandall，itiswellbeknowntothehendsoftheherthasnoothernationexceptBritainhasaideaofanythink，butaboveallofbusiness。Whythenshouldyoutireyourselftoprovewhatisalreadyproved？OurMissis，however（beingateazeratallpints）stoodoutgrimobstinate，andgotareturnpassbySoutheasternTidal，togorightthrough，ifsuchshouldbeherdispositions，toMarseilles。
　　SniffishusbandtoMrs。Sniff，andisaregularinsignificantcove。
　　Helooksarterthesawdustdepartmentinabackroom，andissometimes，whenweareveryhardputtoit，letbehindthecounterwithacorkscrew；butneverwhenitcanbehelped，hisdemeanourtowardsthepublicbeingdisgustingservile。HowMrs。Sniffevercomesofartolowerherselfastomarryhim，Idon’tknow；butI
　　supposehedoes，andIshouldthinkhewishedhedidn’t，forheleadsaawfullife。Mrs。Sniffcouldn’tbemuchharderwithhimifhewaspublic。Similarly，MissWhiffandMissPiff，takingthetoneofMrs。Sniff，theyshoulderSniffaboutwhenheISletinwithacorkscrew，andtheywhiskthingsoutofhishandswheninhisservilityheisa-goingtoletthepublichave’em，andtheysnaphimupwheninthecrawlingbasenessofhisspiritheisa-goingtoanswerapublicquestion，andtheydroremoretearsintohiseyesthaneverthemustarddoeswhichhealldaylonglaysontothesawdust。（Butitain’tstrong。）Once，whenSniffhadtherepulsivenesstoreachacrosstogetthemilk-pottohandoverforababy，IseeOurMissisinherragecatchhimbybothhisshoulders，andspinhimoutintotheBandoliningRoom。
　　ButMrs。Sniff，——howdifferent！She’stheone！She’stheoneasyou’llnoticetobealwayslookinganotherwayfromyou，whenyoulookather。She’stheonewiththesmallwaistbuckledintightinfront，andwiththelacecuffsatherwrists，whichsheputsontheedgeofthecounterbeforeher，andstandsasmoothingwhilethepublicfoams。ThissmoothingthecuffsandlookinganotherwaywhilethepublicfoamsisthelastaccomplishmenttaughttotheyoungladiesascometoMugbytobefinishedbyOurMissis；andit’salwaystaughtbyMrs。Sniff。
　　WhenOurMissiswentawayuponherjourney，Mrs。Sniffwasleftincharge。Shedidholdthepublicincheckmostbeautiful！Inallmytime，Ineverseehalfsomanycupsofteagivenwithoutmilktopeopleaswanteditwith，norhalfsomanycupsofteawithmilkgiventopeopleaswanteditwithout。Whenfoamingensued，Mrs。
　　Sniffwouldsay："Thenyou’dbettersettleitamongyourselves，andchangewithoneanother。"Itwasamosthighlydeliciouslark。I
　　enjoyedtheRefreshmentingbusinessmorethanever，andwassogladIhadtooktoitwhenyoung。
　　OurMissisreturned。Itgotcirculatedamongtheyoungladies，anditasitmightbepenetratedtomethroughthecrevicesoftheBandoliningRoom，thatshehadOrrorstoreveal，ifrevelationssocontemptiblecouldbedignifiedwiththename。Agitationbecomeawakened。Excitementwasupinthestirrups。Expectationstooda-
　　tiptoe。Atlengthitwasputforththatonourslackedeveningintheweek，andatourslackesttimeofthateveningbetwixttrains，OurMissiswouldgiveherviewsofforeignRefreshmenting，intheBandoliningRoom。
　　Itwasarrangedtastefulforthepurpose。TheBandoliningtableandglasswashidinacorner，aarm-chairwaselevatedonapacking-
　　caseforOurMissis’sockypation，atableandatumblerofwater（nosherryinit，thankee）wasplacedbesideit。Twoofthepupils，theseasonbeingautumn，andhollyhocksanddahliasbeingin，ornamentedthewallwiththreedevicesinthoseflowers。Ononemightberead，"MAYALBIONNEVERLEARN；"onanother"KEEPTHEPUBLICDOWN；"onanother，"OURREFRESHMENTINGCHARTER。"Thewholehadabeautifulappearance，withwhichthebeautyofthesentimentscorresponded。
　　OnOurMissis’sbrowwaswroteSeverity，assheascendedthefatalplatform。（Notthatthatwasanythinknew。）MissWhiffandMissPiffsatatherfeet。ThreechairsfromtheWaitingRoommighthavebeenperceivedbyaaverageeye，infrontofher，onwhichthepupilswasaccommodated。BehindthemaverycloseobservermighthavediscernedaBoy。Myself。
　　"Where，"saidOurMissis，glancinggloomilyaround，"isSniff？"
　　"Ithoughtitbetter，"answeredMrs。Sniff，"thatheshouldnotbelettocomein。HeissuchanAss。"
　　"Nodoubt，"assentedOurMissis。"Butforthatreasonisitnotdesirabletoimprovehismind？"
　　"Oh，nothingwilleverimproveHIM，"saidMrs。Sniff。
　　"However，"pursuedOurMissis，"callhimin，Ezekiel。"
　　Icalledhimin。Theappearanceofthelow-mindedcovewashailedwithdisapprobationfromallsides，onaccountofhishavingbroughthiscorkscrewwithhim。Hepleaded"theforceofhabit。"
　　"Theforce！"saidMrs。Sniff。"Don’tletushaveyoutalkingaboutforce，forGracious’sake。There！Dostandstillwhereyouare，withyourbackagainstthewall。"
　　Heisasmilingpieceofvacancy，andhesmiledinthemeanwayinwhichhewillevensmileatthepublicifhegetsachance（languagecansaynomeanerofhim），andhestooduprightnearthedoorwiththebackofhisheadaginthewall，asifhewasawaitingforsomebodytocomeandmeasurehisheighthfortheArmy。
　　"Ishouldnotenter，ladies，"saysOurMissis，"ontherevoltingdisclosuresIamabouttomake，ifitwasnotinthehopethattheywillcauseyoutobeyetmoreimplacableintheexerciseofthepoweryouwieldinaconstitutionalcountry，andyetmoredevotedtotheconstitutionalmottowhichIseebeforeme，"——itwasbehindher，butthewordssoundedbetterso，——"’MayAlbionneverlearn！’"
　　Herethepupilsashadmadethemottoadmiredit，andcried，"Hear！
　　Hear！Hear！"Sniff，showinganinclinationtojoininchorus，gothimselffrowneddownbyeverybrow。
　　"ThebasenessoftheFrench，"pursuedOurMissis，"asdisplayedinthefawningnatureoftheirRefreshmenting，equals，ifnotsurpasses，anythinkaswaseverheardofthebasenessofthecelebratedBonaparte。"
　　MissWhiff，MissPiff，andme，wedroredaheavybreath，equaltosaying，"Wethoughtasmuch！"MissWhiffandMissPiffseemingtoobjecttomydroringminealongwiththeirs，Idroredanothertoaggravate’em。
　　"ShallIbebelieved，"saysOurMissis，withflashingeyes，"whenI
　　tellyouthatnosoonerhadIsetmyfootuponthattreacherousshore——"
　　HereSniff，eitherburstingoutmad，orthinkingaloud，says，inalowvoice："Feet。Plural，youknow。"
　　Thecoweringthatcomeuponhimwhenhewasspurnedbyalleyes，addedtohisbeingbeneathcontempt，wassufficientpunishmentforacovesogrovelling。Inthemidstofasilencerenderedmoreimpressivebytheturned-upfemalenoseswithwhichitwaspervaded，OurMissiswenton：
　　"ShallIbebelievedwhenItellyou，thatnosoonerhadIlanded，"
　　thiswordwithakillinglookatSniff，"onthattreacherousshore，thanIwasusheredintoaRefreshmentRoomwheretherewere——Idonotexaggerate——actuallyeatablethingstoeat？"
　　Agroanburstfromtheladies。Inotonlydidmyselfthehonourofjining，butalsooflengtheningitout。
　　"Wheretherewere，"OurMissisadded，"notonlyeatablethingstoeat，butalsodrinkablethingstodrink？"
　　Amurmur，swellingalmostintoascream，ariz。MissPiff，tremblingwithindignation，calledout，"Name？"
　　"IWILLname，"saidOurMissis。"Therewasroastfowls，hotandcold；therewassmokingroastvealsurroundedwithbrownedpotatoes；
　　therewashotsoupwith（againIaskshallIbecredited？）nothingbitterinit，andnoflourtochokeofftheconsumer；therewasavarietyofcolddishessetoffwithjelly；therewassalad；therewas——markme！FRESHpastry，andthatofalightconstruction；therewasalusciousshowoffruit；therewasbottlesanddecantersofsoundsmallwine，ofeverysize，andadaptedtoeverypocket；thesameodiousstatementwillapplytobrandy；andtheseweresetoutuponthecountersothatallcouldhelpthemselves。"
　　OurMissis’slipssoquivered，thatMrs。Sniff，thoughscarcelylessconvulsedthanshewere，gotupandheldthetumblertothem。
　　"This，"proceedsOurMissis，"wasmyfirstunconstitutionalexperience。Wellwouldithavebeenifithadbeenmylastandworst。Butno。AsIproceededfartherintothatenslavedandignorantland，itsaspectbecamemorehideous。IneednotexplaintothisassemblytheingredientsandformationoftheBritishRefreshmentsangwich？"
　　Universallaughter，——exceptfromSniff，who，assangwich-cutter，shookhisheadinastateoftheutmostdejectionashestoodwithitaginthewall。
　　"Well！"saidOurMissis，withdilatednostrils。"Takeafresh，crisp，long，crustypennyloafmadeofthewhitestandbestflour。
　　Cutitlongwisethroughthemiddle。Insertafairandnicelyfittingsliceofham。Tieasmartpieceofribbonroundthemiddleofthewholetobindittogether。Addatoneendaneatwrapperofcleanwhitepaperbywhichtoholdit。AndtheuniversalFrenchRefreshmentsangwichbustsonyourdisgustedvision。"
　　Acryof"Shame！"fromall——exceptSniff，whichrubbedhisstomachwithasoothinghand。
　　"Ineednot，"saidOurMissis，"explaintothisassemblytheusualformationandfittingoftheBritishRefreshmentRoom？"
　　No，no，andlaughter。Sniffaginshakinghisheadinlowspiritsaginthewall。
　　"Well，"saidOurMissis，"whatwouldyousaytoageneraldecorationofeverythink，tohangings（sometimeselegant），toeasyvelvetfurniture，toabundanceoflittletables，toabundanceoflittleseats，tobriskbrightwaiters，togreatconvenience，toapervadingcleanlinessandtastefulnesspositivelyaddressingthepublic，andmakingtheBeastthinkingitselfworththepains？"
　　Contemptuousfuryonthepartofalltheladies。Mrs。Snifflookingasifshewantedsomebodytoholdher，andeverbodyelselookingasifthey’draythernot。
　　"Threetimes，"saidOurMissis，workingherselfintoatrulyterrimenjiousstate，——"threetimesdidIseetheseshamefulthings，onlybetweenthecoastandParis，andnotcountingeither：atHazebroucke，atArras，atAmiens。Butworseremains。Tellme，whatwouldyoucallapersonwhoshouldproposeinEnglandthatthereshouldbekept，sayatourownmodelMugbyJunction，prettybaskets，eachholdinganassortedcoldlunchanddessertforone，eachatacertainfixedprice，andeachwithinapassenger’spowertotakeaway，toemptyinthecarriageatperfectleisure，andtoreturnatanotherstationfiftyorahundredmilesfartheron？"
　　Therewasdisagreementwhatsuchapersonshouldbecalled。Whetherrevolutionise，atheist，Bright（Isaidhim），orUn-English。MissPiffscreechedhershrillopinionlast，inthewords："Amalignantmaniac！"
　　"Iadopt，"saysOurMissis，"thebrandsetuponsuchapersonbytherighteousindignationofmyfriendMissPiff。Amalignantmaniac。
　　Know，then，thatthatmalignantmaniachassprungfromthecongenialsoilofFrance，andthathismalignantmadnesswasinuncheckedactiononthissamepartofmyjourney。"
　　InoticedthatSniffwasa-rubbinghishands，andthatMrs。Sniffhadgothereyeuponhim。ButIdidnottakemoreparticularnotice，owingtotheexcitedstateinwhichtheyoungladieswas，andtofeelingmyselfcalledupontokeepitupwithahowl。
　　"OnmyexperiencesouthofParis，"saidOurMissis，inadeeptone，"Iwillnotexpatiate。Tooloathsomewerethetask！Butfancythis。Fancyaguardcominground，withthetrainatfullspeed，toinquirehowmanyfordinner。Fancyhistelegraphingforwardthenumberofdinners。Fancyeveryoneexpected，andthetableelegantlylaidforthecompleteparty。Fancyacharmingdinner，inacharmingroom，andthehead-cook，concernedforthehonourofeverydish，superintendinginhiscleanwhitejacketandcap。FancytheBeasttravellingsixhundredmilesonend，veryfast，andwithgreatpunctuality，yetbeingtaughttoexpectallthistobedoneforit！"
　　Aspiritedchorusof"TheBeast！"
　　InoticedthatSniffwasagina-rubbinghisstomachwithasoothinghand，andthathehaddroreduponeleg。ButaginIdidn’ttakeparticularnotice，lookingonmyselfascalledupontostimulatepublicfeeling。Itbeingalarkbesides。
　　"Puttingeverythingtogether，"saidOurMissis，"FrenchRefreshmentingcomestothis，andoh，itcomestoanicetotal！
　　First：eatablethingstoeat，anddrinkablethingstodrink。"
　　Agroanfromtheyoungladies，kep’upbyme。
　　"Second：convenience，andevenelegance。"
　　Anothergroanfromtheyoungladies，kep’upbyme。
　　"Third：moderatecharges。"
　　Thistimeagroanfromme，kep’upbytheyoungladies。
　　"Fourth：-andhere，"saysOurMissis，"Iclaimyourangriestsympathy，——attention，commoncivility，nay，evenpoliteness！"
　　Meandtheyoungladiesregularlyragingmadalltogether。
　　"AndIcannotinconclusion，"saysOurMissis，withherspitefullestsneer，"giveyouacompleterpicturofthatdespicablenation（afterwhatIhaverelated），thanassuringyouthattheywouldn’tbearourconstitutionalwaysandnobleindependenceatMugbyJunction，forasinglemonth，andthattheywouldturnustotheright-aboutandputanothersysteminourplaces，assoonaslookatus；perhapssooner，forIdonotbelievetheyhavethegoodtastetocaretolookatustwice。"
　　Theswellingtumultwasarrestedinitsrise。Sniff，boreawaybyhisserviledisposition，haddroreduphislegwithahigherandahigherrelish，andwasnowdiscoveredtobewavinghiscorkscrewoverhishead。ItwasatthismomentthatMrs。Sniff，whohadkep’
　　hereyeuponhimlikethefabledobelisk，descendedonhervictim。
　　OurMissisfollowedthembothout，andcrieswasheardinthesawdustdepartment。
　　YoucomeintotheDownRefreshmentRoom，attheJunction，makingbelieveyoudon’tknowme，andI’llpintyououtwithmyrightthumbovermyshoulderwhichisOurMissis，andwhichisMissWhiff，andwhichisMissPiff，andwhichisMrs。Sniff。Butyouwon’tgetachancetoseeSniff，becausehedisappearedthatnight。Whetherheperished，toretopieces，Icannotsay；buthiscorkscrewaloneremains，tobearwitnesstotheservilityofhisdisposition。