CHAPTER1。
　　DURINGAPORTIONofthefirsthalfofthepresentcentury，andmoreparticularlyduringthelatterpartofit，thereflourishedandpracticedinthecityofNewYorkaphysicianwhoenjoyedperhapsanexceptionalshareoftheconsiderationwhich，intheUnitedStates，hasalwaysbeenbestowedupondistinguishedmembersofthemedicalprofession。ThisprofessioninAmericahasconstantlybeenheldinhonor，andmoresuccessfullythanelsewherehasputforwardaclaimtotheepithetof"liberal。"Inacountryinwhich，toplayasocialpart，youmusteitherearnyourincomeormakebelievethatyouearnit，thehealingarthasappearedinahighdegreetocombinetworecognizedsourcesofcredit。Itbelongstotherealmofthepractical，whichintheUnitedStatesisagreatrecommendation；anditistouchedbythelightofscience-ameritappreciatedinacommunityinwhichtheloveofknowledgehasnotalwaysbeenaccompaniedbyleisureandopportunity。
　　ItwasanelementinDoctorSloper'sreputationthathislearningandhisskillwereveryevenlybalanced；hewaswhatyoumightcallascholarlydoctor，andyettherewasnothingabstractinhisremedies-healwaysorderedyoutotakesomething。Thoughhewasfelttobeextremelythorough，hewasnotuncomfortablytheoretic；andifhesometimesexplainedmattersrathermoreminutelythanmightseemofusetothepatient，heneverwentsofar（likesomepractitionersonehadheardof）astotrusttotheexplanationalone，butalwaysleftbehindhimaninscrutableprescription。Thereweresomedoctorsthatlefttheprescriptionwithoutofferinganyexplanationatall；
　　andhedidnotbelongtothatclasseither，whichwasafterallthemostvulgar。ItwillbeseenthatIamdescribingacleverman；andthisisreallythereasonwhyDoctorSloperhadbecomealocalcelebrity。
　　Atthetimeatwhichwearechieflyconcernedwithhimhewassomefiftyyearsofage，andhispopularitywasatitsheight。Hewasverywitty，andhepassedinthebestsocietyofNewYorkforamanoftheworld-which，indeed，hewas，inaverysufficientdegree。I
　　hastentoadd，toanticipatepossiblemisconception，thathewasnottheleastofacharlatan。Hewasathoroughlyhonestman-honestinadegreeofwhichhehadperhapslackedtheopportunitytogivethecompletemeasure；and，puttingasidethegreatgoodnatureofthecircleinwhichhepracticed，whichwasratherfondofboastingthatitpossessedthe"brightest"doctorinthecountry，hedailyjustifiedhisclaimtothetalentsattributedtohimbythepopularvoice。Hewasanobserver，evenaphilosopher，andtobebrightwassonaturaltohim，and（asthepopularvoicesaid）camesoeasily，thatheneveraimedatmereeffect，andhadnoneofthelittletricksandpretensionsofsecond-ratereputations。Itmustbeconfessedthatfortunehadfavoredhim，andthathehadfoundthepathtoprosperityverysofttohistread。Hehadmarried，attheageoftwenty-seven，forlove，averycharminggirl，MissCatherineHarrington，ofNewYork，who，inadditiontohercharms，hadbroughthimasoliddowry。Mrs。Sloperwasamiable，graceful，accomplished，elegant，andin1820shehadbeenoneoftheprettygirlsofthesmallbutpromisingcapitalwhichclusteredabouttheBatteryandoverlookedtheBay，andofwhichtheuppermostboundarywasindicatedbythegrassywaysidesofCanalStreet。Evenattheageoftwenty-sevenAustinSloperhadmadehismarksufficientlytomitigatetheanomalyofhishavingbeenchosenamongadozensuitorsbyayoungwomanofhighfashion，whohadtenthousanddollarsofincomeandthemostcharmingeyesintheislandofManhattan。Theseeyes，andsomeoftheiraccompaniments，wereforaboutfiveyearsasourceofextremesatisfactiontotheyoungphysician，whowasbothadevotedandaveryhappyhusband。
　　Thefactofhishavingmarriedarichwomanmadenodifferenceinthelinehehadtracedforhimself，andhecultivatedhisprofessionwithasdefiniteapurposeasifhestillhadnootherresourcesthanhisfractionofthemodestpatrimonywhich，onhisfather'sdeath，hehadsharedwithhisbrothersandsisters。Thispurposehadnotbeenpreponderantlytomakemoney-ithadbeenrathertolearnsomethingandtodosomething。Tolearnsomethinginteresting，andtodosomethinguseful-thiswas，roughlyspeaking，theprogramhehadsketched，andofwhichtheaccidentofhiswifehavinganincomeappearedtohiminnodegreetomodifythevalidity。Hewasfondofhispractice，andofexercisingaskillofwhichhewasagreeablyconscious，anditwassopatentatruththatifhewerenotadoctortherewasnothingelsehecouldbe，thatadoctorhepersistedinbeing，inthebestpossibleconditions。Ofcoursehiseasydomesticsituationsavedhimagooddealofdrudgery，andhiswife'saffiliationtothe"bestpeople"broughthimagoodmanyofthosepatientswhosesymptomsare，ifnotmoreinterestinginthemselvesthanthoseofthelowerorders，atleastmoreconsistentlydisplayed。Hedesiredexperience，andinthecourseoftwentyyearshegotagreatdeal。Itmustbeaddedthatitcametohiminsomeformswhich，whatevermighthavebeentheirintrinsicvalue，madeitthereverseofwelcome。Hisfirstchild，alittleboyofextraordinarypromise，asthedoctor，whowasnotaddictedtoeasyenthusiasm，firmlybelieved，diedatthreeyearsofage，inspiteofeverythingthatthemother'stendernessandthefather'ssciencecouldinventtosavehim。TwoyearslaterMrs。Slopergavebirthtoasecondinfant-aninfantofasexwhichrenderedthepoorchild，tothedoctor'ssense，aninadequatesubstituteforhislamentedfirstborn，ofwhomhehadpromisedhimselftomakeanadmirableman。
　　Thelittlegirlwasadisappointment；butthiswasnottheworst。A
　　weekafterherbirththeyoungmother，who，asthephraseis，hadbeendoingwell，suddenlybetrayedalarmingsymptoms，andbeforeanotherweekhadelapsedAustinSloperwasawidower。
　　Foramanwhosetradewastokeeppeoplealivehehadcertainlydonepoorlyinhisownfamily；andabrightdoctorwhowithinthreeyearsloseshiswifeandhislittleboyshouldperhapsbepreparedtoseeeitherhisskillorhisaffectionimpugned。Ourfriend，however，escapedcriticism；thatis，heescapedallcriticismbuthisown，whichwasmuchthemostcompetentandmostformidable。Hewalkedundertheweightofthisveryprivatecensurefortherestofhisdays，andboreforeverthescarsofacastigationtowhichthestrongesthandheknewhadtreatedhimonthenightthatfollowedhiswife'sdeath。Theworld，which，asIhavesaid，appreciatedhim，pitiedhimtoomuchtobeironical；hismisfortunemadehimmoreinteresting，andevenhelpedhimtobethefashion。Itwasobservedthatevenmedicalfamiliescannotescapethemoreinsidiousformsofdisease，andthat，afterall，DoctorSloperhadlostotherpatientsbesidesthetwoIhavementioned；whichconstitutedanhonorableprecedent。Hislittlegirlremainedtohim；andthoughshewasnotwhathehaddesired，heproposedtohimselftomakethebestofher。Hehadonhandastockofunexpendedauthority，bywhichthechild，initsearlyyears，profitedlargely。Shehadbeennamed，asamatterofcourse，afterherpoormother，andeveninhermostdiminutivebabyhoodthedoctornevercalledheranythingbutCatherine。Shegrewupaveryrobustandhealthychild，andherfather，ashelookedather，oftensaidtohimselfthat，suchasshewas，heatleastneedhavenofearoflosingher。Isay"suchasshewas，"because，totellthetruth-ButthisisatruthofwhichIwilldeferthetelling。
　　CHAPTER2。
　　WHENTHECHILDwasabouttenyearsold，heinvitedhissister，Mrs。Penniman，tocomeandstaywithhim。TheMissSlopershadbeenbuttwoinnumber，andbothofthemhadmarriedearlyinlife。Theyounger，Mrs。Almondbyname，wasthewifeofaprosperousmerchantandthemotherofabloomingfamily。Shebloomedherself，indeed，andwasacomely，comfortable，reasonablewoman，andafavoritewithhercleverbrother，who，inthematterofwomen，evenwhentheywerenearlyrelatedtohim，wasamanofdistinctpreferences。HepreferredMrs。AlmondtohissisterLavinia，whohadmarriedapoorclergyman，ofasicklyconstitutionandaflowerystyleofeloquence，andthen，attheageofthirty-three，hadbeenleftawidow-withoutchildren，withoutfortune-withnothingbutthememoryofMr。Penniman'sflowersofspeech，acertainvaguearomaofwhichhoveredaboutherownconversation。Nevertheless，hehadofferedherahomeunderhisownroof，whichLaviniaacceptedwiththealacrityofawomanwhohadspentthetenyearsofhermarriedlifeinthetownofPoughkeepsie。
　　ThedoctorhadnotproposedtoMrs。Pennimantocomeandlivewithhimindefinitely；hehadsuggestedthatsheshouldmakeanasylumofhishousewhileshelookedaboutforunfurnishedlodgings。ItisuncertainwhetherMrs。Pennimaneverinstitutedasearchforunfurnishedlodgings，butitisbeyonddisputethatsheneverfoundthem。Shesettledherselfwithherbrotherandneverwentaway，and，whenCatherinewastwentyyearsold，herAuntLaviniawasstilloneofthemoststrikingfeaturesofherimmediateentourage。Mrs。Penniman'sownaccountofthematterwasthatshehadremainedtotakechargeofherniece'seducation。Shehadgiventhisaccount，atleast，toeveryonebutthedoctor，whoneveraskedforexplanationswhichhecouldentertainhimselfanydaywithinventing。Mrs。Penniman，moreover，thoughshehadagooddealofacertainsortofartificialassurance，shrunk，forindefinablereasons，frompresentingherselftoherbrotherasafountainofinstruction。Shehadnotahighsenseofhumor，butshehadenoughtopreventherfrommakingthismistake；andherbrother，onhisside，hadenoughtoexcuseher，inhersituation，forlayinghimundercontributionduringaconsiderablepartofalifetime。HethereforeassentedtacitlytothepropositionwhichMrs。Pennimanhadtacitlylaiddown，thatitwasofimportancethatthepoormotherlessgirlshouldhaveabrilliantwomannearher。Hisassentcouldonlybetacit，forhehadneverbeendazzledbyhissister'sintellectualluster。SavewhenhefellinlovewithCatherineHarrington，hehadneverbeendazzled，indeed，byanyfemininecharacteristicswhatever；andthoughhewastoacertainextentwhatiscalledaladies'doctor，hisprivateopinionofthemorecomplicatedsexwasnotexalted。Heregardeditscomplicationsasmorecuriousthanedifying，andhehadanideaofthebeautyofreason，whichwas，onthewhole，meagerlygratifiedbywhatheobservedinhisfemalepatients。Hiswifehadbeenareasonablewoman，butshewasabrightexception；amongseveralthingsthathewassureof，thiswasperhapstheprincipal。Suchaconviction，ofcourse，didlittleeithertomitigateortoabbreviatehiswidowhood；anditsetalimittohisrecognition，atthebest，ofCatherine'spossibilitiesandofMrs。Penniman'sministrations。Henevertheless，attheendofsixmonths，acceptedhissister'spermanentpresenceasanaccomplishedfact，andasCatherinegrewolder，perceivedthattherewereineffectgoodreasonswhysheshouldhaveacompanionofherownimperfectsex。HewasextremelypolitetoLavinia，scrupulously，formallypolite；andshehadneverseenhiminangerbutonceinherlife，whenhelosthistemperinatheologicaldiscussionwithherlatehusband。Withherheneverdiscussedtheology，nor，indeed，discussedanything；hecontentedhimselfwithmakingknown，verydistinctly，intheformofalucidultimatum，hiswisheswithregardtoCatherine。
　　Once，whenthegirlwasabouttwelveyearsold，hehadsaidtoher：
　　"Tryandmakeacleverwomanofher，Lavinia；Ishouldlikehertobeacleverwoman。"
　　Mrs。Penniman，atthis，lookedthoughtfulamoment。"MydearAustin，"shetheninquired，"doyouthinkitisbettertobecleverthantobegood？"
　　"Goodforwhat？"askedthedoctor。"Youaregoodfornothingunlessyouareclever。"
　　FromthisassertionMrs。Pennimansawnoreasontodissent；shepossiblyreflectedthatherowngreatuseintheworldwasowingtoheraptitudeformanythings。
　　"OfcourseIwishCatherinetobegood，"thedoctorsaidnextday，"butshewon'tbeanythelessvirtuousfornotbeingafool。Iamnotafraidofherbeingwicked；shewillneverhavethesaltofmaliceinhercharacter。Sheis'asgoodasgoodbread，'astheFrenchsay；
　　butsixyearshenceIdon'twanttohavetocomparehertogoodbreadandbutter。"
　　"Areyouafraidshewillbeinsipid？Mydearbrother，itisIwhosupplythebutter；soyouneedn'tfear！"saidMrs。Penniman，whohadtakeninhandthechild's"accomplishments，"overlookingheratthepiano，whereCatherinedisplayedacertaintalent，andgoingwithhertothedancingclass，whereitmustbeconfessedthatshemadebutamodestfigure。
　　Mrs。Pennimanwasatall，thin，fair，ratherfadedwoman，withaperfectlyamiabledisposition，ahighstandardofgentility，atasteforlightliterature，andacertainfoolishindirectnessandobliquityofcharacter。Shewasromantic；shewassentimental；shehadapassionforlittlesecretsandmysteries-averyinnocentpassion，forhersecretshadhithertoalwaysbeenasunpracticalasaddledeggs。Shewasnotabsolutelyveracious；butthisdefectwasofnogreatconsequence，forshehadneverhadanythingtoconceal。Shewouldhavelikedtohavealover，andtocorrespondwithhimunderanassumedname，inlettersleftatashop。Iamboundtosaythatherimaginationnevercarriedtheintimacyfurtherthanthis。Mrs。
　　Pennimanhadneverhadalover，butherbrother，whowasveryshrewd，understoodherturnofmind。"WhenCatherineisaboutseventeen，"hesaidtohimself，"Laviniawilltryandpersuadeherthatsomeyoungmanwithamoustacheisinlovewithher。Itwillbequiteuntrue；noyoungman，withamoustacheorwithout，willeverbeinlovewithCatherine。ButLaviniawilltakeitup，andtalktoheraboutit；perhaps，even，ifhertasteforclandestineoperationsdoesn'tprevailwithher，shewilltalktomeaboutit。Catherinewon'tseeit，andwon'tbelieveit，fortunatelyforherpeaceofmind；
　　poorCatherineisn'tromantic。"
　　Shewasahealthy，well-grownchild，withoutatraceofhermother'sbeauty。Shewasnotugly；shehadsimplyaplain，dull，gentlecountenance。Themostthathadeverbeensaidforherwasthatshehada"nice"face；and，thoughshewasanheiress，noonehadeverthoughtofregardingherasabelle。Herfather'sopinionofhermoralpuritywasabundantlyjustified；shewasexcellently，imperturbablygood；affectionate，docile，obedient，andmuchaddictedtospeakingthetruth。Inheryoungeryearsshewasagooddealofaromp，and，thoughitisanawkwardconfessiontomakeaboutone'sheroine，Imustaddthatshewassomethingofaglutton。Shenever，thatIknowof，stoleraisinsoutofthepantry；butshedevotedherpocketmoneytothepurchaseofcreamcakes。Asregardsthis，however，acriticalattitudewouldbeinconsistentwithacandidreferencetotheearlyannalsofanybiographer。Catherinewasdecidedlynotclever；shewasnotquickwithherbook，nor，indeed，withanythingelse。Shewasnotabnormallydeficient，andshemusteredlearningenoughtoacquitherselfrespectablyinconversationwithhercontemporaries-
　　amongwhomitmustbeavowed，however，thatsheoccupiedasecondaryplace。ItiswellknownthatinNewYorkitispossibleforayounggirltooccupyaprimaryone。Catherine，whowasextremelymodest，hadnodesiretoshine，andonmostsocialoccasions，astheyarecalled，youwouldhavefoundherlurkinginthebackground。Shewasextremelyfondofherfather，andverymuchafraidofhim；shethoughthimthecleverestandhandsomestandmostcelebratedofmen。Thepoorgirlfoundheraccountsocompletelyintheexerciseofheraffectionsthatthelittletremoroffearthatmixeditselfwithherfilialpassiongavethethinganextrarelishratherthanblunteditsedge。Herdeepestdesirewastopleasehim，andherconceptionofhappinesswastoknowthatshehadsucceededinpleasinghim。Shehadneversucceededbeyondacertainpoint。Though，onthewhole，hewasverykindtoher，shewasperfectlyawareofthis，andtogobeyondthepointinquestionseemedtoherreallysomethingtolivefor。Whatshecouldnotknow，ofcourse，wasthatshedisappointedhim，thoughonthreeorfouroccasionsthedoctorhadbeenalmostfrankaboutit。Shegrewuppeacefullyandprosperously；butattheageofeighteen，Mrs。Pennimanhadnotmadeacleverwomanofher。
　　DoctorSloperwouldhavelikedtobeproudofhisdaughter；buttherewasnothingtobeproudofinpoorCatherine。Therewasnothing，ofcourse，tobeashamedof；butthiswasnotenoughforthedoctor，whowasaproudman，andwouldhaveenjoyedbeingabletothinkofhisdaughterasanunusualgirl。Therewouldhavebeenafitnessinherbeingprettyandgraceful，intelligentanddistinguished-forhermotherhadbeenthemostcharmingwomanofherlittleday-andasregardsherfather，ofcourseheknewhisownvalue。Hehadmomentsofirritationathavingproducedacommonplacechild，andheevenwentsofarattimesastotakeacertainsatisfactioninthethoughtthathiswifehadnotlivedtofindherout。Hewasnaturallyslowinmakingthisdiscoveryhimself，anditwasnottillCatherinehadbecomeayoungladygrownthatheregardedthematterassettled。Hegaveherthebenefitofagreatmanydoubts；hewasinnohastetoconclude。
　　Mrs。Pennimanfrequentlyassuredhimthathisdaughterhadadelightfulnature；butheknewhowtointerpretthisassurance。Itmeant，tohissense，thatCatherinewasnotwiseenoughtodiscoverthatherauntwasagoose-alimitationofmindthatcouldnotfailtobeagreeabletoMrs。Penniman。Bothsheandherbrother，however，exaggeratedtheyounggirl'slimitations；forCatherine，thoughshewasveryfondofheraunt，andconsciousofthegratitudesheowedher，regardedherwithoutaparticleofthatgentledreadwhichgaveitsstamptoheradmirationofherfather。TohermindtherewasnothingoftheinfiniteaboutMrs。Penniman；Catherinesawherallatonce，asitwere，andwasnotdazzledbytheapparition；whereasherfather'sgreatfacultiesseemed，astheystretchedaway，tolosethemselvesinasortofluminousvagueness，whichindicated，notthattheystopped，butthatCatherine'sownmindceasedtofollowthem。
　　ItmustnotbesupposedthatDoctorSlopervisitedhisdisappointmentuponthepoorgirl，oreverlethersuspectthatshehadplayedhimatrick。Onthecontrary，forfearofbeingunjusttoher，hedidhisdutywithexemplaryzeal，andrecognizedthatshewasafaithfulandaffectionatechild。Besides，hewasaphilosopher：Hesmokedagoodmanycigarsoverhisdisappointment，andinthefullnessoftimehegotusedtoit。Hesatisfiedhimselfthathehadexpectednothing，though，indeed，withacertainoddityofreasoning。"Iexpectnothing，"hesaidtohimself，"sothat，ifshegivesmeasurprise，itwillbeallcleargain。Ifshedoesn't，itwillbenoloss。"ThiswasaboutthetimeCatherinehadreachedhereighteenthyear；sothatitwillbeseenherfatherhadnotbeenprecipitate。Atthistimesheseemednotonlyincapableofgivingsurprises；itwasalmostaquestionwhethershecouldhavereceivedone-shewassoquietandirresponsive。Peoplewhoexpressedthemselvesroughlycalledherstolid。Butshewasirresponsivebecauseshewasshy，uncomfortably，painfullyshy。Thiswasnotalwaysunderstood，andshesometimesproducedanimpressionofinsensibility。
　　Inreality，shewasthesoftestcreatureintheworld。
　　CHAPTER3。
　　ASACHILDshehadpromisedtobetall；butwhenshewassixteensheceasedtogrow，andherstature，likemostotherpointsinhercomposition，wasnotunusual。Shewasstrong，however，andproperlymade，and，fortunately，herhealthwasexcellent。Ithasbeennotedthatthedoctorwasaphilosopher，butIwouldnothaveansweredforhisphilosophyifthepoorgirlhadprovedasicklyandsufferingperson。Herappearanceofhealthconstitutedherprincipalclaimtobeauty；andherclear，freshcomplexion，inwhichwhiteandredwereveryequallydistributed，was，indeed，anexcellentthingtosee。
　　Hereyewassmallandquiet，herfeatureswereratherthick，hertressesbrownandsmooth。Adull，plaingirlshewascalledbyrigorouscritics-aquiet，ladylikegirl，bythoseofthemoreimaginativesort；butbyneitherclasswassheveryelaboratelydiscussed。Whenithadbeendulyimpresseduponherthatshewasayounglady-itwasagoodwhilebeforeshecouldbelieveit-shesuddenlydevelopedalivelytastefordress。Alivelytasteisquitetheexpressiontouse。IfeelasifIoughttowriteitverysmall，herjudgmentinthismatterwasbynomeansinfallible；itwasliabletoconfusionsandembarrassments。Hergreatindulgenceofitwasreallythedesireofaratherinarticulatenaturetomanifestitself；shesoughttobeeloquentinhergarments，andtomakeupforherdiffidenceofspeechbyafinefranknessofcostume。Butifsheexpressedherselfinherclothes，itiscertainthatpeoplewerenottoblamefornotthinkingherawittyperson。Itmustbeaddedthat，thoughshehadtheexpectationofafortune-DoctorSloperforalongtimehadbeenmakingtwentythousanddollarsayearbyhisprofession，andlayingasidethehalfofit-theamountofmoneyatherdisposalwasnotgreaterthantheallowancemadetomanypoorergirls。Inthosedays，inNewYork，therewerestillafewaltarfiresflickeringinthetempleofrepublicansimplicity，andDoctorSloperwouldhavebeengladtoseehisdaughterpresentherself，withaclassicgrace，asapriestessofthismildfaith。Itmadehimfairlygrimace，inprivate，tothinkthatachildofhisshouldbebothuglyandoverdressed。Forhimself，hewasfondofthegoodthingsoflife，andhemadeaconsiderableuseofthem；buthehadadreadofvulgarity，andevenatheorythatitwasincreasinginthesocietythatsurroundedhim。Moreover，thestandardofluxuryintheUnitedStatesthirtyyearsagowascarriedbynomeanssohighasatpresent，andCatherine'scleverfathertooktheold-fashionedviewoftheeducationofyoungpersons。Hehadnoparticulartheoryonthesubject；ithadscarcelyasyetbecomeanecessityofself-defensetohaveacollectionoftheories。Itsimplyappearedtohimproperandreasonablethatawell-bredyoungwomanshouldnotcarryhalfherfortuneonherback。Catherine'sbackwasabroadone，andwouldhavecarriedagooddeal；buttotheweightofthepaternaldispleasuresheneverventuredtoexposeit，andourheroinewastwentyyearsoldbeforeshetreatedherself，foreveningwear，toaredsatingowntrimmedwithgoldfringe，thoughthiswasanarticlewhich，formanyyears，shehadcovetedinsecret。Itmadeherlook，whenshesportedit，likeawomanofthirty；butoddlyenough，inspiteofhertasteforfineclothes，shehadnotagrainofcoquetry，andheranxietywhensheputthemonwasastowhetherthey，andnotshe，wouldlookwell。Itisapointonwhichhistoryhasnotbeenexplicit，buttheassumptioniswarrantable；itwasintheroyalraimentjustmentionedthatshepresentedherselfatalittleentertainmentgivenbyheraunt，Mrs。Almond。Thegirlwasatthistimeinhertwenty-firstyear，andMrs。Almond'spartywasthebeginningofsomethingveryimportant。
　　Somethreeorfouryearsbeforethis，DoctorSloperhadmovedhishouseholdgodsuptown，astheysayinNewYork。Hehadbeenlivingeversincehismarriageinanedificeofredbrick，withgranitecopingsandanenormousfanlightoverthedoor，standinginastreetwithinfiveminutes'walkoftheCityHall，whichsawitsbestdays（fromthesocialpointofview）about1820。Afterthis，thetideoffashionbegantosetsteadilynorthward，as，indeed，inNewYork，thankstothenarrowchannelinwhichitflows，itisobligedtodo，andthegreathumoftrafficrolledfarthertotherightandleftofBroadway。Bythetimethedoctorchangedhisresidence，themurmuroftradehadbecomeamightyuproar，whichwasmusicintheearsofallgoodcitizensinterestedinthecommercialdevelopment，astheydelightedtocallit，oftheirfortunateisle。DoctorSloper'sinterestinthisphenomenonwasonlyindirect-though，seeingthat，astheyearswenton，halfhispatientscametobeoverworkedmenofbusiness，itmighthavebeenmoreimmediate-andwhenmostofhisneighbors'dwellings（alsoornamentedwithgranitecopingsandlargefanlights）hadbeenconvertedintooffices，warehouses，andshippingagencies，andotherwiseappliedtothebaseusesofcommerce，hedeterminedtolookoutforaquieterhome。Theidealofquietandofgenteelretirement，in1835，wasfoundinWashingtonSquare，wherethedoctorbuilthimselfahandsome，modern，wide-frontedhouse，withabigbalconybeforethedrawing-roomwindows，andaflightofwhitemarblestepsascendingtoaportalwhichwasalsofacedwithwhitemarble。Thisstructure，andmanyofitsneighbors，whichitexactlyresembled，weresupposed，fortyyearsago，toembodythelastresultsofarchitecturalscience，andtheyremaintothisdayverysolidandhonorabledwellings。InfrontofthemwastheSquare，containingaconsiderablequantityofinexpensivevegetation，enclosedbyawoodenpaling，whichincreaseditsruralandaccessibleappearance；androundthecornerwasthemoreaugustprecinctoftheFifthAvenue，takingitsoriginatthispointwithaspaciousandconfidentairwhichalreadymarkeditforhighdestinies。Iknownotwhetheritisowingtothetendernessofearlyassociations，butthisportionofNewYorkappearstomanypersonsthemostdelectable。Ithasakindofestablishedreposewhichisnotoffrequentoccurrenceinotherquartersofthelong，shrillcity；ithasariper，richer，morehonorablelookthananyoftheupperramificationsofthegreatlongitudinalthoroughfare-thelookofhavinghadsomethingofasocialhistory。Itwashere，asyoumighthavebeeninformedongoodauthority，thatyouhadcomeintoaworldwhichappearedtoofferavarietyofsourcesofinterest；itwasherethatyourgrandmotherlived，invenerablesolitude，anddispensedahospitalitywhichcommendeditselfaliketotheinfantimaginationandtheinfantpalate；itwasherethatyoutookyourfirstwalksabroad，followingthenurserymaidwithunequalstep，andsniffingupthestrangeodoroftheailanthustreeswhichatthattimeformedtheprincipalumbrageoftheSquare，anddiffusedanaromathatyouwerenotyetcriticalenoughtodislikeasitdeserved；itwashere，finally，thatyourfirstschool，keptbyabroad-bosomed，broad-basedoldladywithaferule，whowasalwayshavingteainabluecup，withasaucerthatdidn'tmatch，enlargedthecirclebothofyourobservationsandyoursensations。Itwashere，atanyrate，thatmyheroinespentmanyyearsofherlife；whichismyexcuseforthistopographicalparenthesis。
　　Mrs。Almondlivedmuchfartheruptown，inanembryonicstreet，withahighnumber-aregionwheretheextensionofthecitybegantoassumeatheoreticair，wherepoplarsgrewbesidethepavement（whentherewasone），andmingledtheirshadewiththesteeproofsofdesultoryDutchhouses，andwherepigsandchickensdisportedthemselvesinthegutter。TheseelementsofruralpicturesquenesshavenowwhollydepartedfromNewYorkstreetscenery；buttheyweretobefoundwithinthememoryofmiddle-agedpersonsinquarterswhichnowwouldblushtoberemindedofthem。Catherinehadagreatmanycousins，andwithherAuntAlmond'schildren，whoendedbybeingnineinnumber，shelivedontermsofconsiderableintimacy。Whenshewasyoungertheyhadbeenratherafraidofher；shewasbelieved，asthephraseis，tobehighlyeducated，andapersonwholivedintheintimacyoftheirAuntPennimanhadsomethingofreflectedgrandeur。Mrs。Penniman，amongthelittleAlmonds，wasanobjectofmoreadmirationthansympathy。Hermannerswerestrangeandformidable，andhermourningrobes-shedressedinblackfortwentyyearsafterherhusband'sdeath，andthensuddenlyappeared，onemorning，withpinkrosesinhercap-werecomplicatedinodd，unexpectedplaceswithbuckles，bugles，andpins，whichdiscouragedfamiliarity。Shetookchildrentoohard，bothforgoodandforevil，andhadanoppressiveairofexpectingsubtlethingsofthem；sothatgoingtoseeherwasagooddeallikebeingtakentochurchandmadetositinafrontpew。Itwasdiscoveredafterawhile，however，thatAuntPennimanwasbutanaccidentinCatherine'sexistence，andnotapartofitsessence，andthatwhenthegirlcametospendaSaturdaywithhercousins，shewasavailableforfollow-my-master，andevenforleapfrog。Onthisbasisanunderstandingwaseasilyarrivedat，andforseveralyearsCatherinefraternizedwithheryoungkinsmen。Isayyoungkinsmen，becausesevenofthelittleAlmondswereboys，andCatherinehadapreferenceforthosegameswhicharemostconvenientlyplayedintrousers。Bydegrees，however，thelittleAlmonds'trousersbegantolengthen，andthewearerstodisperseandsettlethemselvesinlife。TheelderchildrenwereolderthanCatherine，andtheboysweresenttocollegeorplacedincountingrooms。Ofthegirls，onemarriedverypunctually，andtheotheraspunctuallybecameengaged。ItwastocelebratethislattereventthatMrs。AlmondgavethelittlepartyIhavementioned。Herdaughterwastomarryastoutyoungstockbroker，aboyoftwenty：itwasthoughtaverygoodthing。
　　CHAPTER4。
　　MRS。PENNIMAN，withmorebucklesandbanglesthanever，came，ofcourse，totheentertainment，accompaniedbyherniece；thedoctor，too，hadpromisedtolookinlaterintheevening。Therewastobeagooddealofdancing，andbeforeithadgoneveryfarMarianAlmondcameuptoCatherine，incompanywithatallyoungman。Sheintroducedtheyoungmanasapersonwhohadagreatdesiretomakeyourheroine'sacquaintance，andasacousinofArthurTownsend，herownintended。
　　MarianAlmondwasaprettylittlepersonofseventeen，withaverysmallfigureandaverybigsash，totheeleganceofwhosemannersmatrimonyhadnothingtoadd。Shealreadyhadalltheairsofahostess，receivingthecompany，shakingherfan，sayingthatwithsomanypeopletoattendtosheshouldhavenotimetodance。ShemadealongspeechaboutMr。Townsend'scousin，towhomsheadministeredatapwithherfanbeforeturningawaytoothercares。Catherinehadnotunderstoodallthatshesaid；herattentionwasgiventoenjoyingMarian'seaseofmannerandflowofideas，andtolookingattheyoungman，whowasremarkablyhandsome。Shehadsucceeded，however，assheoftenfailedtodowhenpeoplewerepresentedtoher，incatchinghisname，whichappearedtobethesameasthatofMarian'slittlestockbroker。Catherinewasalwaysagitatedbyanintroduction；itseemedadifficultmoment，andshewonderedthatsomepeople-hernewacquaintanceatthismoment，forinstance-shouldminditsolittle。Shewonderedwhatsheoughttosay，andwhatwouldbetheconsequencesofhersayingnothing。Theconsequencesatpresentwereveryagreeable。Mr。Townsend，leavinghernotimeforembarrassment，begantotalktoherwithaneasysmile，asifhehadknownherforayear。
　　"Whatadelightfulparty！Whatacharminghouse！Whataninterestingfamily！Whataprettygirlyourcousinis！"
　　Theseobservations，inthemselvesofnogreatprofundity，Mr。
　　Townsendseemedtoofferforwhattheywereworth，andasacontributiontoanacquaintance。HelookedstraightintoCatherine'seyes。Sheanswerednothing；sheonlylistened，andlookedathim；
　　andhe，asifheexpectednoparticularreply，wentontosaymanyotherthingsinthesamecomfortableandnaturalmanner。Catherine，thoughshefelttongue-tied，wasconsciousofnoembarrassment；itseemedproperthatheshouldtalk，andthatsheshouldsimplylookathim。Whatmadeitnaturalwasthathewassohandsome，or，rather，asshephrasedittoherself，sobeautiful。Themusichadbeensilentforawhile，butitsuddenlybeganagain；andthenheaskedher，withadeeper，intensersmile，ifshewoulddohimthehonorofdancingwithhim。Eventothisinquiryshegavenoaudibleassent；shesimplylethimputhisarmroundherwaist-asshedidso，itoccurredtohermorevividlythanithadeverdonebeforethatthiswasasingularplaceforagentleman'sarmtobe-andinamomenthewasguidingherroundtheroomintheharmoniousrotationofthepolka。
　　Whentheypaused，shefeltthatshewasred；andthen，forsomemoments，shestoppedlookingathim。Shefannedherself，andlookedattheflowersthatwerepaintedonherfan。Heaskedherifshewouldbeginagain，andshehesitatedtoanswer，stilllookingattheflowers。
　　"Doesitmakeyoudizzy？"heasked，inatoneofgreatkindness。
　　ThenCatherinelookedupathim；hewascertainlybeautiful，andnotatallred。"Yes，"shesaid；shehardlyknewwhy，fordancinghadnevermadeherdizzy。
　　"Ah，well，inthatcase，"saidMr。Townsend，"wewillsitstillandtalk。Iwillfindagoodplacetosit。"
　　Hefoundagoodplace-acharmingplace，alittlesofathatseemedmeantonlyfortwopersons。Theroomsbythistimewereveryfull；thedancersincreasedinnumber，andpeoplestoodcloseinfrontofthem，turningtheirbacks，sothatCatherineandhercompanionseemedsecludedandunobserved。"Wewilltalk，"theyoungmanhadsaid，buthestilldidallthetalking。Catherineleanedbackinherplace，withhereyesfixeduponhim，smiling，andthinkinghimveryclever。Hehadfeatureslikeyoungmeninpictures；Catherinehadneverseensuchfeatures-sodelicate，sochiseledandfinished-amongtheyoungNewYorkerswhomshepassedinthestreetsandmetatdancingparties。Hewastallandslim，buthelookedextremelystrong。
　　Catherinethoughthelookedlikeastatue。Butastatuewouldnottalklikethat，and，aboveall，wouldnothaveeyesofsorareacolor。
　　HehadneverbeenatMrs。Almond'sbefore；hefeltverymuchlikeastranger；anditwasverykindofCatherinetotakepityonhim。HewasArthurTownsend'scousin-notverynear，severaltimesremoved-
　　andArthurhadbroughthimtopresenthimtothefamily。Infact，hewasagreatstrangerinNewYork。Itwashisnativeplace；buthehadnotbeenthereformanyyears。Hehadbeenknockingabouttheworld，andlivinginqueercorners；hehadonlycomebackamonthortwobefore。NewYorkwasverypleasant，onlyhefeltlonely。
　　"Yousee，peopleforgetyou，"hesaid，smilingatCatherinewithhisdelightfulgaze，whileheleanedforwardobliquely，turningtowardher，withhiselbowsonhisknees。
　　ItseemedtoCatherinethatnoonewhohadonceseenhimwouldeverforgethim；butthoughshemadethisreflectionshekeptittoherself；almostasyouwouldkeepsomethingprecious。
　　Theysatthereforsometime。Hewasveryamusing。Heaskedheraboutthepeoplethatwerenearthem；hetriedtoguesswhosomeofthemwere，andhemadethemostlaughablemistakes。Hecriticizedthemveryfreely，inapositive，offhandway。Catherinehadneverheardanyone-especiallyanyyoungman-talkjustlikethat。Itwasthewayayoungmanmighttalkinanovel，or，betterstill，inaplay，onthestage，closebeforethefootlights，lookingattheaudience，andwitheveryonelookingathim，sothatyouwonderedathispresenceofmind。AndyetMr。Townsendwasnotlikeanactor；heseemedsosincere，sonatural。Thiswasveryinteresting；butinthemidstofitMarianAlmondcamepushingthroughthecrowd，withalittleironicalcry，whenshefoundtheseyoungpeoplestilltogether，whichmadeeveryoneturnround，andcostCatherineaconsciousblush。Marianbrokeuptheirtalk，andtoldMr。Townsend-whomshetreatedasifshewerealreadymarried，andhehadbecomehercousin-torunawaytohermother，whohadbeenwishingforthelasthalfhourtointroducehimtoMr。Almond。
　　"Weshallmeetagain，"hesaidtoCatherineashelefther，andCatherinethoughtitaveryoriginalspeech。
　　Hercousintookherbythearm，andmadeherwalkabout。"I
　　needn'taskyouwhatyouthinkofMorris，"theyounggirlexclaimed。
　　"Isthathisname？"
　　"Idon'taskyouwhatyouthinkofhisname，butwhatyouthinkofhimself，"saidMarian。
　　"Oh，nothingparticular，"Catherineanswered，dissemblingforthefirsttimeinherlife。
　　"Ihavehalfamindtotellhimthat！"criedMarian。"Itwilldohimgood；he'ssoterriblyconceited。"
　　"Conceited？"saidCatherine，staring。
　　"SoArthursays，andArthurknowsabouthim。"
　　"Oh，don'ttellhim！"Catherinemurmured，imploringly。
　　"Don'ttellhimhe'sconceited！Ihavetoldhimsoadozentimes。"
　　AtthisprofessionofaudacityCatherinelookeddownatherlittlecompanioninamazement。ShesupposeditwasbecauseMarianwasgoingtobemarriedthatshetooksomuchonherself；butshewonderedtoo，whether，whensheherselfshouldbecomeengaged，suchexploitswouldbeexpectedofher。
　　HalfanhourlatershesawherAuntPennimansittingintheembrasureofawindow，withherheadalittleononeside，andhergoldeyeglassraisedtohereyes，whichwerewanderingabouttheroom。
　　Infrontofherwasagentleman，bendingforwardalittle，withhisbackturnedtoCatherine。Sheknewhisbackimmediately，thoughshehadneverseenit；forwhenhelefther，atMarian'sinstigation，hehadretreatedinthebestorder，withoutturninground。MorrisTownsend-thenamehadalreadybecomeveryfamiliartoher，asifsomeonehadbeenrepeatingitinherearforthelasthalfhour-
　　MorrisTownsendwasgivinghisimpressionsofthecompanytoheraunt，ashehaddonetoherself；hewassayingcleverthings，andMrs。
　　Pennimanwassmiling，asifsheapprovedofthem。AssoonasCatherinehadperceivedthisshemovedaway；shewouldnothavelikedhimtoturnroundandseeher。Butitgaveherpleasure-thewholething。
　　ThatheshouldtalkwithMrs。Penniman，withwhomshelivedandwhomshesawandtalkedwitheveryday-thatseemedtokeephimnearher，andtomakehimeveneasiertocontemplatethanifsheherselfhadbeentheobjectofhiscivilities；andthatAuntLaviniashouldlikehim，shouldnotbeshockedorstartledbywhathesaid，thisalsoappearedtothegirlapersonalgain；forAuntLavinia'sstandardwasextremelyhigh，plantedasitwasoverthegraveofherlatehusband，inwhich，asshehadconvincedeveryone，theverygeniusofconversationwasburied。OneoftheAlmondboys，asCatherinecalledthem，invitedourheroinetodanceaquadrille，andforaquarterofanhourherfeetatleastwereoccupied。Thistimeshewasnotdizzy；herheadwasveryclear。Justwhenthedancewasover，shefoundherselfinthecrowdfacetofacewithherfather。DoctorSloperhadusuallyalittlesmile，neveraverybigone，andwiththislittlesmileplayinginhiscleareyesandonhisneatlyshavedlips，helookedathisdaughter'scrimsongown。
　　"Isitpossiblethatthismagnificentpersonismychild？"hesaid。
　　Youwouldhavesurprisedhimifyouhadtoldhimso，butitisaliteralfactthathealmostneveraddressedhisdaughtersaveintheironicalform。Wheneverheaddressedherhegaveherpleasure；butshehadtocutherpleasureoutofthepieces，asitwere。Therewereportionsleftover，lightremnantsandsnippetsofirony，whichsheneverknewwhattodowith，whichseemedtoodelicateforherownuse；
　　andyetCatherine，lamentingthelimitationsofherunderstanding，feltthattheyweretoovaluabletowaste，andhadabeliefthatiftheypassedoverherheadtheyyetcontributedtothegeneralsumofhumanwisdom。
　　"Iamnotmagnificent，"shesaid，mildly，wishingthatshehadputonanotherdress。
　　"Youaresumptuous，opulent，expensive，"herfatherrejoined。"Youlookasifyouhadeightythousandayear。"
　　"Well，solongasIhaven't，-"saidCatherine，illogically。Herconceptionofherprospectivewealthwasasyetveryindefinite。
　　"Solongasyouhaven'tyoushouldn'tlookasifyouhad。Haveyouenjoyedyourparty！"
　　Catherinehesitatedamoment；andthen，lookingaway，"Iamrathertired，"shemurmured。Ihavesaidthatthisentertainmentwas，thebeginningofsomethingimportantforCatherine。Forthesecondtimeinherlifeshemadeanindirectanswer；andthebeginningofaperiodofdissimulationiscertainlyasignificantdate。Catherinewasnotsoeasilytiredasthat。
　　Nevertheless，inthecarriage，astheydrovehome，shewasasquietasiffatiguehadbeenherportion。DoctorSloper'smannerofaddressinghissisterLaviniahadagooddealofresemblancetothetonehehadadoptedtowardCatherine。
　　"Whowastheyoungmanthatwasmakinglovetoyou？"hepresentlyasked。
　　"Oh，mygoodbrother！"murmuredMrs。Penniman，indeprecation。
　　"Heseemeduncommonlytender。WheneverIlookedatyouforhalfanhour，hehadthemostdevotedair。"
　　"Thedevotionwasnottome，"saidMrs。Penniman。"ItwastoCatherine；hetalkedtomeofher。"
　　Catherinehadbeenlisteningwithallherears。"Oh，AuntPenniman！"
　　sheexclaimed，faintly。
　　"Heisveryhandsome；heisveryclever；heexpressedhimselfwithagreatdeal-agreatdealoffelicity，"herauntwenton。
　　"Heisinlovewiththisregalcreature，then？"thedoctorinquired，humorously。
　　"Oh，Father！"criedthegirl，stillmorefaintly，devoutlythankfulthecarriagewasdark。
　　"Idon'tknowthat；butheadmiredherdress。"
　　Catherinedidnotsaytoherselfinthedark，"Mydressonly？"
　　Mrs。Penniman'sannouncementstruckherbyitsrichness，notbyitsmeagerness。
　　"Yousee，"saidherfather，"hethinksyouhaveeightythousandayear。"
　　"Idon'tbelievehethinksofthat，"saidMrs。Penniman。"Heistoorefined。"
　　"Hemustbetremendouslyrefinednottothinkofthat！"
　　"Well，heis！"Catherineexclaimed，beforesheknewit。
　　"Ithoughtyouhadgonetosleep，"herfatheranswered。"Thehourhascome！"headdedtohimself。"LaviniaisgoingtogetuparomanceforCatherine。It'sashametoplaysuchtricksonthegirl。
　　Whatisthegentleman'sname？"hewenton，aloud。
　　"Ididn'tcatchit，andIdidn'tliketoaskhim。Heaskedtobeintroducedtome，"saidMrs。Penniman，withacertaingrandeur，"butyouknowhowindistinctlyJeffersonspeaks。"JeffersonwasMr。Almond。
　　"Catherine，dear，whatwasthegentleman'sname？"
　　Foraminute，ifithadnotbeenfortherumblingofthecarriage，youmighthaveheardapindrop。
　　"Idon'tknow，AuntLavinia，"saidCatherine，verysoftly。And，withallhisirony，herfatherbelievedher。
　　CHAPTER5。
　　HELEARNEDwhathehadaskedsomethreeorfourdayslater，afterMorrisTownsend，withhiscousin，hadcalledinWashingtonSquare。
　　Mrs。Pennimandidnottellherbrother，onthedrivehome，thatshehadintimatedtothisagreeableyoungman，whosenameshedidnotknow，that，withherniece，sheshouldbeverygladtoseehim；butshewasgreatlypleased，andevenalittleflattered，when，lateonaSundayafternoon，thetwogentlemenmadetheirappearance。HiscomingwithArthurTownsendmadeitmorenaturalandeasy；thelatteryoungmanwasonthepointofbecomingconnectedwiththefamily，andMrs。PennimanhadremarkedtoCatherinethat，ashewasgoingtomarryMarian，itwouldbepoliteinhimtocall。Theseeventscametopasslateintheautumn，andCatherineandheraunthadbeensittingtogetherintheclosingdusk，bythefirelight，inthehighbackparlor。
　　ArthurTownsendfelltoCatherine'sportion，whilehiscompanionplacedhimselfonthesofabesideMrs。Penniman。Catherinehadhithertonotbeenaharshcritic；shewaseasytoplease-shelikedtotalkwithyoungmen。ButMarian'sbetrothed，thisevening，madeherfeelvaguelyfastidious；hesatlookingatthefireandrubbinghiskneeswithhishands。AsforCatherine，shescarcelyevenpretendedtokeepuptheconversation；herattentionhadfixeditselfontheothersideoftheroom；shewaslisteningtowhatwentonbetweentheotherMr。Townsendandheraunt。EverynowandthenhelookedoveratCatherineherselfandsmiled，asiftoshowthatwhathesaidwasforherbenefittoo。Catherinewouldhavelikedtochangeherplace，togoandsitnearthem，whereshemightseeandhearhimbetter。
　　Butshewasafraidofseemingbold-oflookingeager；and，besides，itwouldnothavebeenpolitetoMarian'slittlesuitor。Shewonderedwhytheothergentlemanhadpickedoutheraunt-howhecametohavesomuchtosaytoMrs。Penniman，towhom，usually，youngmenwerenotespeciallydevoted。ShewasnotatalljealousofAuntLavinia，butshewasalittleenvious，and，aboveall，shewondered；forMorrisTownsendwasanobjectonwhichshefoundthatherimaginationcouldexerciseitselfindefinitely。HiscousinhadbeendescribingahousethathehadtakeninviewofhisunionwithMarian，andthedomesticconvenienceshemeanttointroduceintoit；howMarianwantedalargerone，andMrs。Almondrecommendedasmallerone，andhowhehimselfwasconvincedthathehadgottheneatesthouseinNewYork。
　　"Itdoesn'tmatter，"hesaid。"It'sonlyforthreeorfouryears。Attheendofthreeorfouryearswe'llmove。That'sthewaytoliveinNewYork-tomoveeverythreeorfouryears。Thenyoualwaysgetthelastthing。It'sbecausethecity'sgrowingsoquick-you'vegottokeepupwithit。It'sgoingstraightuptown-that'swhereNewYork'sgoing。IfIwasn'tafraidMarianwouldbelonely，I'dgoupthere-
　　rightuptothetop-andwaitforit。Onlyhavetowaittenyears-
　　they'llallcomeupafteryou。ButMariansaysshewantssomeneighbors-shedoesn'twanttobeapioneer。Shesaysthatifshe'sgottobethefirstsettlershehadbettergoouttoMinnesota。I
　　guesswe'llmoveuplittlebylittle；whenwegettiredofonestreetwe'llgohigher。Soyouseewe'llalwayshaveanewhouse；it'sagreatadvantagetohaveanewhouse；yougetallthelatestimprovements。Theyinventeverythingalloveragainabouteveryfiveyears，andit'sagreatthingtokeepupwiththenewthings。Ialwaystryandkeepupwiththenewthingsofeverykind。Don'tyouthinkthat'sagoodmottoforayoungcouple-tokeep'goinghigher'？What'sthenameofthatpieceofpoetry-whatdotheycallit？-'Excelsior！'"
　　CatherinebestowedonherjuniorvisitoronlyjustenoughattentiontofeelthatthiswasnotthewayMr。MorrisTownsendhadtalkedtheothernight，orthathewastalkingnowtoherfortunateaunt。Butsuddenlyhisaspiringkinsmanbecamemoreinteresting。Heseemedtohavebecomeconsciousthatshewasaffectedbyhiscompanion'spresence，andhethoughtitpropertoexplainit。
　　"Mycousinaskedmetobringhim，orIshouldn'thavetakentheliberty。Heseemedtowantverymuchtocome；youknowhe'sawfullysociable。ItoldhimIwantedtoaskyoufirst，buthesaidMrs。
　　Pennimanhadinvitedhim。Heisn'tparticularwhathesayswhenhewantstocomesomewhere。ButMrs。Pennimanseemstothinkit'sallright。"
　　"Weareverygladtoseehim，"saidCatherine。Andshewishedtotalkmoreabouthim，butshehardlyknewwhattosay。"Ineversawhimbefore，"shewenton，presently。
　　ArthurTownsendstared。
　　"Why，hetoldmehetalkedwithyouforoverhalfanhourtheothernight。"
　　"Imeanbeforetheothernight。Thatwasthefirsttime。"
　　"Oh，hehasbeenawayfromNewYork-hehasbeenallroundtheworld。Hedoesn'tknowmanypeoplehere，buthe'sverysociable，andhewantstoknoweveryone。"
　　"Everyone？"saidCatherine。