Hehadnotthoughtofit。Hewaslostinagreaterabstraction。
　　Thatinfinitetenderness，——faraboveawoman’s，——thetendernessofstrengthandmanlinesstowardsweaknessanddelicacy，thetendernessthatlooksdownandnotup，wasalreadypossessinghim。
　　Aninstinctofprotectiondrewhimnearerthisbowedbutcharmingfigure，andifhethennoticedthattheshoulderswerepretty，andthecurvesoftheslimwaistsymmetrical，itwasratherwithafeelingoftimidityandahalf—consciousnessofunchivalrousthought。Yetwhyshouldhenottrytokeepthebraveandhonestgirlnearhimalways？Whyshouldhenotclaimtherighttoprotecther？Whyshouldtheynot——theywhowerealoneinastrangeland——
　　jointheirtwolonelylivesformutualhelpandhappiness？
　　Asuddenperceptionofdelicacy，thethoughtthatheshouldhavespokenbeforeherfailureattheConservatoirehadmadeherfeelherhelplessness，broughtaslightcolortohischeek。Woulditnotseemtoherthathewastakinganunfairadvantageofhermisfortune？Yetitwouldbesoeasynowtoslipalovingarmaroundherwaist，whilehecouldworkforherandprotectherwiththeother。THEOTHER！Hiseyefellonhisemptysleeve。Ah，hehadforgottenthat！HehadbutONEarm！
　　Heroseupabruptly，——soabruptlythatHelen，risingtoo，almosttouchedthearmthatwashurriedlywithdrawn。Yetinthataccidentalcontact，whichsentavaguetremorthroughtheyounggirl’sframe，therewasstilltimeforhimtohavespoken。Butheonlysaid：——
　　"Perhapswehadbetterdine。"
　　Sheassentedquickly，——sheknewnotwhy，——withafeelingofrelief。
　　Theywalkedveryquietlyandslowlytowardstherestaurant。Notawordoflovehadbeenspoken；notevenaglanceofunderstandinghadpassedbetweenthem。Yettheybothknewbysomemysteriousinstinctthatacrisisoftheirliveshadcomeandgone，andthattheyneveragaincouldbetoeachotherastheywerebutabriefmomentago。Theytalkedverysensiblyandgravelyduringtheirfrugalmeal；thepreviousspectatoroftheirconfidenceswouldhavenowthoughtthemonlysimplefriendsandhavebeenasmistakenasbefore。Theytalkedfreelyoftheirhopesandprospects，——allsaveone！Theyevenspokepleasantlyofrepeatingtheirlittleexpeditionafterhisreturnfromthecountry，whileintheirsecretheartstheyhadbothresolvednevertoseeeachotheragain。Yetbythatsigneachknewthatthiswaslove，andwereproudofeachother’spride，whichkeptitasecret。
　　Thetrainwaslate，anditwaspastteno’clockwhentheyatlastappearedbeforetheconciergeofHelen’shome。Duringtheirjourney，andwhilepassingthoughthecrowdsatthestationandinthestreets，Ostranderhadexhibitedanewandgraveguardianshipovertheyounggirl，and，onthefirstlanding，afterascrutinizingandanalmostfierceglanceatoneortwoofHelen’soddfellowlodgers，hehadextendedhisprotectionsofarastoaccompanyherupthefourflightstothelandingofherapartment。
　　Herehetookleaveofherwithagravecourtesythathalfpained，halfpleasedher。Shewatchedhisbroadshouldersanddanglingsleeveashewentdownthestairs，andthenquicklyturned，enteredherroom，andlockedthedoor。Thesmilehadfadedfromherlips。
　　Goingtothewindow，shepressedherhotforeheadagainstthecoolglassandlookedoutuponthestarsnearlylevelwiththeblackroofsaroundher。Shestoodtheresomemomentsuntilanotherstarappearedhigherupagainsttheroofridge，thestarshewaslookingfor。Butheretheglasspanebeforehereyesbecamepresentlydimwithmoisture；shewasobligedtorubitoutwithherhandkerchief；
　　yet，somehow，itsoonbecameclouded，atwhichsheturnedsharplyawayandwenttobed。
　　ButMissHelendidnotknowthatwhenshehadlookedaftertheretreatingfigureofherprotectorashedescendedthestairsthatnightthathewasreallycarryingawayonthosebroadshouldersthecharactershehadsolaboriouslygainedduringherfouryears’
　　solitude。Forwhenshecamedownthenextmorningtheconciergebowedtoherwithanairofeasy，cynicalabstraction，theresultofalongconversationwithhiswifethenightbefore。HehadtakenHelen’spartwithakindlycynicism。"Ah！whatwouldyou——itwasboundtocome。TheaffairoftheConservatoirehadsettledthat。Thepoorchildcouldnotstarve；penniless，shecouldnotmarry。Onlywhyconsortwithotherswallowsundertheeaveswhenshecouldhavehadagildedcageonthefirstetage？"Butgirlsweresofoolish——intheirfirstaffair；thenitwasalwaysLOVE！
　　Thesecondtimetheywerewiser。Andthismaimedwarriorandpainterwasaspoorasshe。Acompatriot，too；well，perhapsthatsavedsomescandal；onecouldneverknowwhattheAmericanswereaccustomedtodo。Thefirstfloor，whichhadbeeninclinedtobeciviltotheyoungteacher，wasmoreso，butlessrespectful；oneortwoyoungmenweretentativelyfamiliaruntiltheylookedinhergrayeyesandrememberedthebroadshouldersofthepainter。Oddlyenough，onlyMademoiselleFifine，ofherownlanding，exhibitedanysympathywithher，andforthefirsttimeHelenwasfrightened。
　　Shedidnotshowit，however，onlyshechangedherlodgingsthenextday。Butbeforesheleftshehadafewmoments’conversationwiththeconciergeandanexchangeofawordortwowithsomeofherfellowlodgers。Ihavealreadyhintedthattheyoungladyhadgreatprecisionofstatement；shehadaprettyturnforhandlingcolloquialFrenchandanincisiveknowledgeofFrenchcharacter。
　　SheleftNo。34，RuedeFrivole，workingitselfintoawhiterage，bututterlyundecidedastoherrealcharacter。
　　ButallthisandmuchmorewaspresentlyblownawayinthehotbreaththatswepttheboulevardsattheoutburstoftheFranco—
　　GermanWar，andMissHelenMaynarddisappearedfromPariswithmanyofherfellowcountrymen。TheexcitementreachedevenaquaintoldchateauinBrittanywhereMajorOstranderwaspainting。Thewomanwhowasstandingbyhissideashesatbeforehiseaselonthebroadterraceobservedthathelookeddisturbed。
　　"Whatmatters？"shesaidgently。"Youhaveprogressedsowellinyourworkthatyoucanfinishitelsewhere。IhavenogreatdesiretostayinFrancewithafrontiergarrisonedbytroopswhileIhaveavillainSwitzerlandwhereyoucouldstillbemyguest。Pariscanteachyounothingmore，myfriend；youhaveonlytocreatenow——
　　andbefamous。"
　　"ImustgotoParis，"hesaidquietly。"Ihavefriends——
　　countrymen——there，whomaywantmenow。"
　　"IfyoumeantheyoungsingeroftheRuedeFrivole，youhavecompromisedheralready。Youcandohernogood。"
　　"Madame！"
　　Theprettyfacewhichhehadbeenfamiliarwithforthepastsixweekssomehowseemedtochangeitscharacter。Underthemaskofdazzlingskinhefanciedhesawthehighcheek—bonesandsquareTartarangle；thebrillianteyeswereevenbrighterthanbefore，buttheyshowedmoreofthewhitethanhehadeverseeninthem。
　　Neverthelessshesmiled，withanequallystonyrevelationofherwhiteteeth，yetsaid，stillgently，"ForgivemeifIthoughtourfriendshipjustifiedmeinbeingfrank，——perhapstoofrankformyowngood。"
　　Shestoppedasifhalfexpectinganinterruption；butasheremainedlookingwonderinglyather，shebitherlip，andwenton：
　　"Youhaveagreatcareerbeforeyou。Thosewhohelpyoumustdosowithoutentanglingyou；achainofrosesmaybeasimpedingaslead。Untilyouareindependent，you——whomayintimecompasseverythingyourself——willneedtobehelped。Youknow，"sheaddedwithasmile，"youhavebutonearm。"
　　"Inyourkindnessandappreciationyouhavemademeforgetit，"hestammered。YethehadaswiftvisionofthelittlebenchatVersailleswherehehadNOTforgottenit，andasheglancedaroundtheemptyterracewheretheystoodhewasstruckwithafatefulresemblancetoit。
　　"AndIshouldnotremindyounowofit，"shewenton，"excepttosaythatmoneycanalwaystakeitsplace。Asinthefairystory，theprincemusthaveanewarmmadeofgold。"Shestopped，andthensuddenlycomingclosertohimsaid，hurriedlyandalmostfiercely，"CanyounotseethatIamadvisingyouagainstmyinterests，——againstmyself？Go，then，toParis，andgoquickly，beforeIchangemymind。Onlyifyoudonotfindyourfriendsthere，rememberyouhavealwaysONEhere。"Beforehecouldreply，orevenunderstandthatwhiteface，shewasgone。
　　HeleftforParisthatafternoon。HewentdirectlytotheRuedeFrivole；hisoldresolutiontoavoidHelenwasblowntothewindsintheprospectoflosingherutterly。Buttheconciergeonlyknewthatmademoisellehadleftadayortwoaftermonsieurhadaccompaniedherhome。And，pointedly，therewasanothergentlemanwhohadinquiredeagerly——andbountifullyasfarasmoneywent——foranytraceoftheyounglady。ItwasaRusse。TheconciergesmiledtohimselfatOstrander’sflushedcheek。Itservedthisone—armed，conceitedAmericanposeurright。MademoisellewaswiserinthisSECONDaffair。
　　Ostranderdidnotfinishhispicture。Theprincesssenthimacheque，whichhecoldlyreturned。NeverthelesshehadacquiredthroughhisRussianpatronagealocalfamewhichstoodhimwellwiththepicturedealers，——inspiteoftheexcitementofthewar。
　　Buthisheartwasnolongerinhiswork；afeverofunrestseizedhim，whichatanothertimemighthavewasteditselfinmeredissipation。Someofhisfellowartistshadalreadygoneintothearmy。AfterthefirstgreatreversesheofferedhisonearmandhismilitaryexperiencetothatPariswhichhadgivenhimahome。
　　Theoldfightinginstinctreturnedtohimwithacertaindesperationhehadneverknownbefore。InthesortiesfromParistheone—armedAmericanbecamefamous，untilafewdaysbeforethecapitulation，whenhewasstruckdownbyabulletthroughthelung，andleftinatemporaryhospital。HereinthewhirlandterrorofCommunedayshewasforgotten，andwhenParisrevivedundertherepublichehaddisappearedascompletelyashiscompatriotHelen。
　　ButMissHelenMaynardhadbeenonlyobscuredandnotextinguished。
　　AtthefirstoutbreakofhostilitiesafewAmericanshadstillkeptgiddystateamongtheruinsofthetotteringempire。AdayortwoaftershelefttheRuedeFrivoleshewasinvitedbyoneofherwealthyformerschoolmatestoassistwithhervoiceandtalentatoneoftheirextravagantentertainments。"Youwillunderstand，dear，"saidMissdeLaine，withingeniousdelicacy，assheeyedheroldcomrade’swell—worndress，"thatPoppaexpectstopayyouprofessionalprices，anditmaybeanopeningforyouamongourotherfriends。"
　　"Ishouldnotcomeotherwise，dear，"saidMissHelenwithequalfrankness。ButsheplayedandsangverycharminglytothefashionableassemblyintheChampsElysees，——socharmingly，indeed，thatMissdeLainepatronizinglyexpatiateduponherworthandherbetterdaysinconfidencetosomeoftheguests。
　　"Amostdeservingcreature，"saidMissdeLainetothedowagerduchessofSoho，whowaspassingthroughParisonherwaytoEngland；"youwouldhardlybelievethatPoppaknewherfatherwhenhewasoneoftherichestmeninSouthCarolina。"
　　"Yourfatherseemstohavebeenveryfortunate，"saidtheduchessquietly，"andsoareYOU。Introduceme。"
　　ThisnotbeingexactlythereplythatMissdeLaineexpected，shemomentarilyhesitated：buttheduchessprofitedbyittowalkovertothepianoandintroduceherself。WhensherosetogosheinvitedHelentoluncheonwithherthenextday。"Comeearly，mydear，andwe’llhavealongtalk。"HelenpointedouthesitatinglythatshewaspracticallyaguestofthedeLaines。"Ah，well，that’strue，mydear；thenyoumaybringoneofthemwithyou。"
　　Helenwenttotheluncheon，butwasunaccompanied。Shehadalongtalkwiththedowager。"Iamnotrich，mydear，likeyourfriends，andcannotaffordtopaytennapoleonsforasong。LikeyouIhaveseen’betterdays。’Butthisisnoplaceforyou，child，andifyoucanbearwithanoldwoman’scompanyforawhileIthinkIcanfindyousomethingtodo。"ThateveningHelenleftforEnglandwiththeduchess，apieceof"ingratitude，indelicacy，andshamelesssnobbery，"whichMissdeLainewasneverwearyofdilatingupon。"AndtothinkIintroducedher，thoughshewasaprofessional！"……
　　Itwasthreeyearsafter。Paris，revivingundertherepublic，hadforgottenHelenandtheAmericancolony；andtheAmericancolony，emigratingtomorecongenialcourts，hadforgottenParis。
　　ItwasableakdayofEnglishsummerwhenHelen，standingbythewindowofthebreakfast—roomatHamleyCourt，andlookingoverthewonderfullawn，keptperenniallygreenbyhumidEnglishskies，heardthepractical，masculinevoiceoftheduchessinherearatthesamemomentthatshefeltthegentlewomanlytouchofherhandonhershoulder。
　　"WearegoingtoluncheonatMorelandHallto—day，mydear。"
　　"Why，wewerethereonlylastweek！"saidHelen。
　　"Undoubtedly，"returnedtheduchessdryly，"andwemayluncheontherenextweekandthenextfollowing。And，"sheadded，lookingintohercompanion’sgrayeyes，"itrestswithYOUtostaythereifyouchoose。"
　　Helenstaredatherprotector。
　　"Mydear，"continuedtheduchess，slippingherarmaroundHelen’swaist，"SirJameshashonoredME——asbecamemyrelationstoYOU——
　　withhisconfidences。Asyouhaven’tgivenmeYOURSIsupposeyouhavenone，andthatIamtellingyounewswhenIsaythatSirJameswishestomarryyou。"
　　Theunmistakableastonishmentinthegirl’seyesatisfiedtheduchessevenbeforehervoice。
　　"Buthescarcelyknowsmeoranythingofme！"saidtheyounggirlquickly。
　　"Onthecontrary，mydear，heknowsEVERYTHINGaboutyou。IhavebeenparticularintellinghimallIknow——andsomethingsevenYOU
　　don’tknowandcouldn’ttellhim。Forinstance，thatyouareaveryniceperson。Come，mydear，don’tlooksostupefied，orI
　　shallreallythinkthere’ssomethinginitthatIdon’tknow。It’snotalaughingnoracryingmatteryet——atpresentit’sonlyluncheonagainwithacivilmanwhohasthreedaughtersandaplaceinthecounty。Don’tmakethemistake，however，ofrefusinghimbeforeheoffers——whateveryoudoafterwards。"
　　"But"——stammeredHelen。
　　"But——youaregoingtosaythatyoudon’tlovehimandhaveneverthoughtofhimasahusband，"interruptedtheduchess；"Ireaditinyourface，——andit’saveryproperthingtosay。"
　　"Itissounexpected，"urgedHelen。
　　"Everythingisunexpectedfromamaninthesematters，"saidtheduchess。"Wewomenaretheonlyonesthatareprepared。"
　　"But，"persistedHelen，"ifIdon’twanttomarryatall？"
　　"Ishouldsay，then，thatitisasignthatyouought；ifyouwereeager，mydear，Ishouldcertainlydissuadeyou。"Shepaused，andthendrawingHelenclosertoher，said，withacertainmasculinetenderness，"AslongasIlive，dear，youknowthatyouhaveahomehere。ButIamanoldwomanlivingonthesmallestofsettlements。
　　Deathisasinevitabletomeasmarriageshouldbetoyou。"
　　Nevertheless，theydidnotrenewtheconversation，andlaterreceivedthegreetingsoftheirhostatMorelandHallwithasimplicityandfranknessthatwere，however，perfectlynaturalandunaffectedinbothwomen。SirJames，——atall，well—preservedmanofmiddleage，withtheunmistakablebearingoflongyearsofrecognizedandunchallengedposition，——however，exhibitedonthisoccasionthatslightconsciousnessofweaknessandsusceptibilitytoridiculewhichisapttoindicatetheinvasionofthetenderpassionintheheartoftheaverageBriton。Hisdutyashosttowardstheelderwomanofsuperiorrank，however，coveredhisembarrassment，andforamomentleftHelenquiteundisturbedtogazeagainuponthetreasuresofthelongdrawing—roomofMorelandHallwithwhichshewasalreadyfamiliar。Therewerethehalf—
　　dozenoldmasters，whoserespectabilityhadbeenasrecognizedthroughcenturiesastheirowner’sancestors；thereweretheancestorsthemselves，——wigged，ruffled，andwhite—handed，byVandyke，Lely，Romney，andGainsborough；thereweretheuniform，expressionlessancestressesinstiffbrocadeorshort—waisted，clingingdraperies，butallpossessingthatbrilliantcoloringwhichthegrayskiesoutsidelacked，andwhichseemedtohavedepartedfromthedressesoftheirdescendants。TheAmericangirlhadsometimesspeculateduponwhatmighthavebeentheappearanceofthelime—treewalk，dottedwiththesegaylyplumagedfolk，andwonderedifthetyrannyofenvironmenthadatlastsubduedtheirbrilliantcolors。Andanewfeelingtouchedher。Likemostofhercountrywomen，shewasstronglyaffectedbythefurnitureoflife；
　　thethoughtthatallthatshesawthereMIGHTBEHERS；thatshemightyetstandinsuccessiontothesestrangecourtiersandstrangershepherdesses，and，likethem，lookdownfromthecanvasupontheintrudingforeigner，thrilledherforamomentwithahalf—proud，half—passivesenseofyieldingtowhatseemedtobeherfate。Anarrow—eyed，stiff—hairedDutchmaidofhonorbeforewhomshewasstandinggazedatherwithstaringvacancy。Suddenlyshestarted。Beforetheportraituponafancifuleaselstoodasmallelaboratelyframedsketchinoils。Itwasevidentlysomerecentlyimportedtreasure。Shehadnotseenitbefore。Asshemovedquicklyforward，sherecognizedataglancethatitwasOstrander’ssketchfromtheParisgrenier。
　　Thewall，theroom，theparkbeyond，eventhegraysky，seemedtofadeawaybeforeher。ShewasstandingoncemoreatheratticwindowlookingacrosstheroofsandchimneystacksupwardtotheblueskyofParis。Throughagapintheroofsshecouldseethechestnut—treestrillinginthelittlesquare；shecouldheartheswallowstwitteringintheleadentroughsofthegutterbeforeher；
　　thecallofthechocolatevenderorthecryofagaminfloateduptoherfromthestreetbelow，orthelatestsongofthecafechantantwaswhistledbytheblue—blousedworkmanonthescaffoldinghardby。ThebreathofParis，ofyouth，ofblendedworkandplay，ofambition，ofjoyousfreedom，againfilledherandmingledwiththescentofthemignonettethatusedtostandontheoldwindow—ledge。
　　"Iamgladyoulikeit。Ihaveonlyjustputitup。"
　　ItwasthevoiceofSirJames——avoicethathadregainedalittleofitsnaturalness——acalm，evenlazyEnglishvoice——confidentfromtheexperienceofyearsofrespectfullisteners。Yetitsomehowjarreduponhernerveswithitscomplacencyanditsutterincongruousnesstoherfeelings。Nevertheless，theimpulsetoknowmoreaboutthesketchwasthestronger。
　　"Doyoumeanyouhavejustboughtit？"askedHelen。"It’snotEnglish？"
　　"No，"saidSirJames，gratifiedwithhiscompanion’sinterest。"I
　　boughtitinParisjustaftertheCommune。"
　　"Fromtheartist？"continuedHelen，inaslightlyconstrainedvoice。
　　"No，"saidSirJames，"althoughIknewthepoorchapwellenough。
　　Youcaneasilyseethathewasonceapainterofgreatpromise。I
　　ratherthinkitwasstolenfromhimwhilehewasinhospitalbythoseincendiarywretches。Irecognizedit，however，andboughtforafewfrancsfromthemwhatIwouldhavepaidHIMathousandfor。"
　　"Inhospital？"repeatedHelendazedly。
　　"Yes，"saidSirJames。"ThefactisitwastheendingoftheusualBohemianartist’slife。Thoughinthiscasethemanwasarealartist，——andIbelieve，bytheway，wasacountrymanofyours。"
　　"Inhospital？"againrepeatedHelen。"Thenhewaspoor？"
　　"Reckless，Ishouldrathersay；hethrewhimselfintothefightingbeforeParisandwasbadlywounded。Butitwasalltheresultoftheusualloveaffair——thegirl，theysay，ranoffwiththeusualricherman。Atallevents，itruinedhimforpainting；heneverdidanythingworthhavingafterwards。"
　　"Andnow？"saidHeleninthesameunmovedvoice。
　　SirJamesshruggedhisshoulders。"Hedisappeared。Probablyhe’llturnupsomedayontheLondonpavement——withchalks。Thatsketch，bytheway，wasonethathadalwaysattractedmetohisstudio——
　　thoughheneverwouldpartwithit。Iratherfancy，don’tyouknow，thatthegirlhadsomethingtodowithit。It’sawonderfullyrealisticsketch，don’tyousee；andIshouldn’twonderifitwasthegirlherselfwholivedbehindoneofthosequeerlittlewindowsintheroofthere。"
　　"Shedidlivethere，"saidHeleninalowvoice。
　　SirJamesutteredavaguelaugh。Helenlookedaroundher。Theduchesshadquietlyandunostentatiouslypassedintothelibrary，andinfullview，thoughoutofhearing，wasexamining，withherglasstohereye，somebooksupontheshelves。
　　"Imean，"saidHelen，inaperfectlyclearvoice，"thattheyounggirldidNOTrunawayfromthepainter，andthathehadneithertherightnorthecausetobelieveherfaithlessorattributehismisfortunestoher。"Shehesitated，notfromanysenseofherindiscretion，buttorecoverfromamomentarydoubtifthegirlwerereallyherownself——butonlyforamoment。
　　"Thenyouknewthepainter，asIdid？"hesaidinastonishment。
　　"NotasYOUdid，"respondedHelen。Shedrewnearerthepicture，and，pointingaslimfingertothecanvas，said：——
　　"Doyouseethatsmallwindowwiththemignonette？"
　　"Perfectly。"
　　"ThatwasMYroom。Hiswasopposite。HetoldmesowhenIfirstsawthesketch。Iamthegirlyouspeakof，forheknewnoother，andIbelievehimtohavebeenatruthful，honorableman。"
　　"Butwhatwereyoudoingthere？Surelyyouarejoking？"saidSirJames，withaforcedsmile。
　　"IwasapoorpupilattheConservatoire，andlivedwhereIcouldaffordtolive。"
　　"Alone？"
　　"Alone。"
　　"Andthemanwas"——
　　"MajorOstranderwasmyfriend。IeventhinkIhaveabetterrighttocallhimthatthanyouhad。"
　　SirJamescoughedslightlyandgraspedthelapelofhiscoat。"Ofcourse；Idaresay；Ihadnoideaofthis，don’tyouknow，whenI
　　spoke。"Helookedaroundhimasiftoevadeascene。"Ah！supposeweasktheduchesstolookatthesketch；Idon’tthinkshe’sseenit。"Hebegantomoveinthedirectionofthelibrary。
　　"Shehadbetterwait，"saidHelenquietly。
　　"Forwhat？"
　　"Until"——hesitatedHelensmilingly。
　　"Until？IamafraidIdon’tunderstand，"saidSirJamesstiffly，coloringwithaslightsuspicion。
　　"UntilyouhaveAPOLOGIZED。"
　　"Ofcourse，"saidSirJames，withahalf—hystericlaugh。"Ido。
　　YouunderstandIonlyrepeatedastorythatwastoldme，andhadnoideaofconnectingYOUwithit。Ibegyourpardon，I’msure。I
　　er——er——infact，"headdedsuddenly，theembarrassedsmilefadingfromhisfaceashelookedatherfixedly，"Iremembernowitmusthavebeentheconciergeofthehouse，ortheoppositeone，whotoldme。HesaiditwasaRussianwhocarriedoffthatyounggirl。Ofcourseitwassomemade—upstory。"
　　"IleftPariswiththeduchess，"saidHelenquietly，"beforethewar。"
　　"Ofcourse。Andsheknowsallaboutyourfriendshipwiththisman。"
　　"Idon’tthinkshedoes。Ihaven’ttoldher。WhyshouldI？"
　　returnedHelen，raisinghercleareyestohis。
　　"Really，Idon’tknow，"stammeredSirJames。"Butheresheis。Ofcourseifyoupreferit，Iwon’tsayanythingofthistoher。"
　　Helengavehimherfirstglanceofgenuineemotion；ithappened，however，tobescorn。
　　"Howodd！"shesaid，astheduchessleisurelyapproachedthem，herglassstillinhereye。"SirJames，quiteunconsciously，hasjustbeenshowingmeasketchofmydearoldmansardeinParis。Look！
　　Thatlittlewindowwasmyroom。And，onlythinkofit，SirJamesboughtitofanoldfriendofmine，whopainteditfromtheoppositeattic，wherehelived。Andquiteunconsciously，too。"
　　"Howverysingular！"saidtheduchess；"indeed，quiteromantic！"
　　"Very！"saidSirJames。
　　"Very！"saidHelen。
　　Thetoneoftheirvoiceswassodifferentthattheduchesslookedfromonetotheother。
　　"Butthatisn’tall，"saidHelenwithasmile，"SirJamesactuallyfancied"——
　　"Willyouexcusemeforamoment？"saidSirJames，interrupting，andturninghastilytotheduchesswithaforcedsmileandasomewhatheightenedcolor。"IhadforgottenthatIhadpromisedLadyHarriettodriveyouovertoDeepHillafterluncheontomeetthatSouthAmericanwhohastakensuchafancytoyourplace，andI
　　mustsendtothestables。"
　　AsSirJamesdisappeared，theduchessturnedtoHelen。"Iseewhathashappened，dear；don’tmindme，forIfranklyconfessIshallnoweatmyluncheonlessguiltilythanIfeared。Buttellme，HOW
　　didyourefusehim？"
　　"Ididn’trefusehim，"saidHelen。"Ionlypreventedhisaskingme。"
　　"How？"
　　ThenHelentoldherall，——everythingexceptherfirstmeetingwithOstranderattherestaurant。Atruewomanrespectstheprideofthoseshelovesmoreeventhanherown，andwhileHelenfeltthatalthoughthatincidentmightsomewhatcondonehersubsequentromanticpassionintheduchess’seyes，shecouldnottellit。
　　Theduchesslistenedinsilence。
　　"Thenyoutwoincompetentshaveneverseeneachothersince？"sheasked。
　　"No。"
　　"Butyouhopeto？"
　　"IcannotspeakforHIM，"saidHelen。
　　"Andyouhaveneverwrittentohim，anddon’tknowwhetherheisaliveordead？"
　　"No。"
　　"ThenIhavebeennursinginmybosomforthreeyearsatoneandthesametimeabrave，independent，matter—of—factyoungpersonandthemostidiotic，sentimentalheroinethateverfiguredinaromanticoperaoracountryballad。"Helendidnotreply。"Well，mydear，"saidtheduchessafterapause，"Iseethatyouarecondemnedtopassyourdayswithmeinsomecheaphotelonthecontinent。"Helenlookedupwonderingly。"Yes，"shecontinued，"I
　　supposeImustnowmakeupmymindtosellmyplacetothisgildedSouthAmerican，whohastakenafancytoit。ButIamnotgoingtospoilmydaybyseeinghimNOW。No；wewillexcuseourselvesfromgoingtoDeepHillto—day，andwewillgobackhomequietlyafterluncheon。ItwillbeamercytoSirJames。"
　　"But，"saidHelenearnestly，"Icangobacktomyoldlife，andearnmyownliving。"
　　"NotifIcanhelpit，"saidtheduchessgrimly。"Yourindependencehasmadeyouacharmingcompaniontome，Iadmit；butIshallseethatitdoesnotagainspoilyourchancesofmarrying。HerecomesSirJames。Really，mydear，Idon’tknowwhichoneofyoulooksthemorerelieved。"
　　OntheirwaybackthroughtheparkHelenagainurgedtheduchesstogiveuptheideaofsellingHamleyCourt，andtoconsenttohertakingupheroldfreedomandindependenceoncemore。"Ishallnever，neverforgetyourlovingkindnessandprotection，"continuedtheyounggirl，tenderly。"Youwillletmecometoyoualwayswhenyouwantme；butyouwillletmealsoshapemylifeanew，andworkformyliving。"Theduchessturnedhergrave，halfhumorousfacetowardsher。"ThatmeansyouhavedeterminedtoseekHIM。Well！
　　Perhapsifyougiveupyourotherabsurdideaofindependence，I
　　mayassistyou。AndnowIreallybelieve，dear，thatthereisthatdreadfulSouthAmerican，"pointingtoafigurethatwascrossingthelawnatHamleyCourt，"hoveringroundlikeavulture。Well，I
　　can’tseehimto—dayifhecalls，butYOUmay。Bytheway，theysayheisnotbad—looking，wasafamousgeneralintheSouthAmericanWar，andisrollinginmoney，andcomeshereonasecretmissionfromhisgovernment。ButIforget——therestofourlifeistobedevotedtoseekingANOTHER。AndIbegintothinkIamnotagoodmatchmaker。"
　　Helenwasinnomoodforaninterviewwiththestranger，whom，liketheduchess，shewasinclinedtoregardasaportentoffateandsacrifice。Sheknewherfriend’sstraitenedcircumstances，whichmightmakesuchasacrificenecessarytoinsureacompetencyforheroldage，and，asHelenfearedalso，aprovisionforherself。
　　Sheknewthestrangetendernessofthismasculinewoman，whichhadsurvivedahusband’sinfidelitiesandason’sforgetfulness，tobegiventoher，andherheartsankattheprospectofseparation，evenwhileherpridedemandedthatsheshouldreturntoheroldlifeagain。Thenshewonderediftheduchesswasright；didshestillcherishthehopeofmeetingOstranderagain？Thetearsshehadkeptbackallthatdayassertedthemselvesassheflungopenthelibrarydoorandranacrossthegardenintothemyrtlewalk。
　　"Inhospital！"ThewordshadbeenringinginherearsthoughSirJames’scomplacentspeech，throughtheoddlyconstrainedluncheon，throughthehalf—tender，half—masculinereasoningofhercompanion。
　　HeHADlovedher——hehadsufferedandperhapsthoughtherfalse。
　　Suddenlyshestopped。Atthefurtherendofthewalktheominousstrangerwhomshewishedtoavoidwasstandinglookingtowardsthehouse。
　　Howprovoking！Sheglancedagain；hewasleaningagainstatreeandwasobviouslyaspreoccupiedasshewasherself。Hewasactuallysketchingtheivy—coveredgableofthelibrary。Whatpresumption！Andhewassketchingwithhislefthand。Asuddenthrillofsuperstitioncameoverher。Shemovedeagerlyforwardforabetterviewofhim。No！hehadtwoarms！
　　Buthisquickeyehadalreadycaughtsightofher，andbeforeshecouldretreatshecouldseethathehadthrownawayhissketch—bookandwashasteningeagerlytowardher。Amazedandconfoundedshewouldhaveflown，butherlimbssuddenlyrefusedtheiroffice，andasheatlastcamenearherwiththecryof"Helen！"uponhislips，shefeltherselfstaggering，andwascaughtinhisarms。
　　"ThankGod，"hesaid。"ThensheHASletyoucometome！"
　　Shedisengagedherselfslowlyanddazedlyfromhimandstoodlookingathimwithwonderingeyes。Hewasbronzedandworn；therewasthesecondarm：butstillitwasHE。Andwiththelove，whichshenowknewhehadfelt，lookingfromhishonesteyes！
　　"SHEhasletmecome！"sherepeatedvacantly。"Whomdoyoumean？"
　　"Theduchess。"
　　"Theduchess？"
　　"Yes。"Hestoppedsuddenly，gazingatherblankface，whilehisowngrewashywhite。"Helen！ForGod’ssaketellme！Youhavenotacceptedhim？"
　　"Ihaveacceptednoone，"shestammered，withafaintcolorrisingtohercheeks。"Idonotunderstandyou。"
　　Alookofreliefcameoverhim。"But，"hesaidamazedly，"hasnottheduchesstoldyouhowIhappentobehere？How，whenyoudisappearedfromParislongago——withmyambitioncrushed，andnothinglefttomebutmyoldtradeofthefighter——IjoinedasecretexpeditiontohelptheChilianrevolutionists？HowI，whomighthavestarvedasapainter，gaineddistinctionasapartisangeneral，andwasrewardedwithanenvoyshipinEurope？HowIcametoParistoseekyou？HowIfoundthateventhepicture——yourpicture，Helen——hadbeensold。How，intracingithere，ImettheduchessatDeepHill，andlearningyouwerewithher，inamomentofimpulsetoldhermywholestory。Howshetoldmethatthoughshewasyourbestfriend，youhadneverspokenofme，andhowshebeggedmenottospoilyourchanceofagoodmatchbyrevealingmyself，andsoawakeningapast——whichshebelievedyouhadforgotten。Howsheimploredmeatleasttolethermakeafairtestofyouraffectionsandyourmemory，anduntilthentokeepawayfromyou——andtospareyou，Helen；andforyoursake，I
　　consented。Surelyshehastoldthis，NOW！"
　　"Notaword，"saidHelenblankly。
　　"ThenyoumeantosaythatifIhadnothauntedtheparkto—day，inthehopeofseeingyou，believingthatasyouwouldnotrecognizemewiththisartificialarm，Ishouldnotbreakmypromisetoher，——
　　youwouldnothaveknownIwasevenliving。"
　　"No！——yes！——stay！"Asmilebrokeoverherpalefaceandleftitrosy。"Iseeitallnow。Oh，Philip，don’tyouunderstand？Shewantedonlytotryus！"
　　Therewasasilenceinthelonelywood，brokenonlybythetrillsofafrightenedbirdwhoseretreatwasinvaded。
　　"Notnow！Please！Wait！Comewithme！"
　　ThenextmomentshehadseizedPhilip’slefthand，and，dragginghimwithher，wasflyingdownthewalktowardsthehouse。Butastheynearedthegardendooritsuddenlyopenedontheduchess，withherglassestohereyes，smiling。
　　TheGeneralDonFelipeOstranderdidnotbuyHamleyCourt，butheandhiswifewerealwayswelcomegueststhere。AndSirJames，asbecameanEnglishgentleman，——amazedthoughhewasatPhilip’ssingularreturn，andmoresingularincognito，——afterwardsgallantlypresentedPhilip’swifewithPhilip’sfirstpicture。
　　THEJUDGMENTOFBOLINASPLAIN
　　ThewindwasgettingupontheBolinasPlain。Ithadstartedthefinealkalinedustalongthelevelstageroad，sothateventhatfainttrack，theonlybreakinthemonotonyofthelandscape，seemedfainterthanever。Butthedustcloudwasotherwisearelief；ittookthesemblanceofdistantwoodswheretherewasnotimber，ofmovingteamswheretherewasnolife。AndasSueBeasley，standinginthedoorwayofOneSpringHousethatafternoon，shadinghersandylasheswithhersmallredhand，glancedalongthedesolatetrack，evenHEReyes，trainedtothedrearyprospect，wereonceortwicedeceived。
　　"Sue！"
　　Itwasaman’svoicefromwithin。Suetooknonoticeofit，butremainedwithherhandshadinghereyes。
　　"Sue！Wotyeryawpin’atthar？"
　　"Yawpin’"wouldseemtohavebeenthelocalexpressionforherabstraction，since，withoutturningherhead，sheansweredslowlyandlanguidly："ReckonedIsee’dsom’unonthestageroad。But’tain’tnothin’nornobody。"
　　Bothvoiceshadintheiraccentsanddeliverysomethingofthesadnessandinfiniteprotractionoftheplain。Butthewoman’shadamusicalpossibilityinitslong—drawncadence，whiletheman’swasonlymonotonousandwearying。Andassheturnedbackintotheroomagain，andconfrontedhercompanion，therewasthelikedifferenceintheirappearance。IraBeasley，herhusband，hadsufferedfromthecombinedeffectsofindolence，carelessness，misadventure，anddisease。Twoofhisfingershadbeencutoffbyascythe，histhumbandpartofhisleftearhadbeenblownawaybyanoverchargedgun；hiskneeswerecrippledbyrheumatism，andonefootwaslamefromingrowingnails，——deviationsthat，however，didnottendtocorrecttheoriginalangularitiesofhisframe。Hiswife，ontheotherhand，hadaprettyfigure，whichstillretained——
　　theywerechildless——theroundedfreshnessofmaidenhood。Herfeatureswereirregular，yetnotwithoutacertainpiquancyofoutline；herhairhadthetwoshadessometimesseeninimperfectblondes，andhercomplexionthesallownessofcombinedexposureandalkalineassimilation。
　　Shehadlivedtheresince，anangulargirloffifteen，shehadbeenawkwardlyhelpedbyIrafromthetail—boardoftheemigrantwagoninwhichhermotherhaddiedtwoweeksbefore，andwhichwasmakingitsfirsthaltontheCalifornianplains，beforeIra’sdoor。OntheseconddayoftheirhaltIrahadtriedtokissherwhileshewasdrawingwater，andhadreceivedthecontentsofthebucketinstead，——thegirlknowingherownvalue。OnthethirddayIrahadsomeconversationwithherfatherregardinglocationsandstock。
　　Onthefourthdaythisconversationwascontinuedinthepresenceofthegirl；onthefifthdaythethreewalkedtoParsonDavies’
　　house，fourmilesaway，whereIraandSueweremarried。Theromanceofaweekhadtakenplacewithintheconfinesofherpresentviewfromthedoorway；theepisodeofherlifemighthavebeenshutininthatlastsweepofhersandylashes。
　　Nevertheless，atthatmomentsomeinstinct，sheknewnotwhat，impelledherwhenherhusbandlefttheroomtoputdownthedishshewaswashing，and，withthetowellappedoverherbareprettyarms，toleanoncemoreagainstthedoorpost，lazilylookingdowntheplain。Acylindricalcloudofdusttrailingitstatteredskirtalongthestageroadsuddenlyassaultedthehouse，andforaninstantenvelopedit。Asitwhirledawayagainsomethingemerged，orratherdroppedfromitsskirtsbehindthelittleclusteroflowbusheswhichencircledthe"OneSpring。"Itwasaman。
　　"Thar！Iknewitwassuthin’，"shebeganaloud，butthewordssomehowdieduponherlips。Thensheturnedandwalkedtowardstheinnerdoor，whereinherhusbandhaddisappeared，——butherestoppedagainirresolutely。Thenshesuddenlywalkedthroughtheouterdoorintotheroadandmadedirectlyforthespring。Thefigureofamancrouching，coveredwithdust，halfrosefromthebusheswhenshereachedthem。Shewasnotfrightened，forheseemedutterlyexhausted，andtherewasasingularmixtureofshame，hesitation，andentreatyinhisbrokenvoiceashegaspedout：——
　　"Lookhere！——Isay！hidemesomewhere，won’tyou？Justforalittle。Yousee——thefactis——I’mchased！They’rehuntingmenow，——they’rejustbehindme。Anywherewilldotilltheygoby！
　　Tellyouallaboutitanothertime。Quick！Pleasedo！"
　　Inallthistherewasnothingdramaticnorevenstartlingtoher。
　　Nordidthereseemtobeanypresentdangerimpendingtotheman。
　　Hedidnotlooklikeahorse—thiefnoracriminal。Andhehadtriedtolaugh，half—apologetically，half—bitterly，——theconsciousnessofamanwhohadtoaskhelpofawomanatsuchamoment。
　　Shegaveaquickglancetowardsthehouse。Hefollowedhereyes，andsaidhurriedly："Don’ttellonme。Don’tletanyoneseeme。
　　I’mtrustingyou。
　　"Come，"shesaidsuddenly。"GetonTHISside。"
　　Heunderstoodher，andslippedtoherside，half—creeping，half—
　　crouchinglikeadogbehindherskirts，butkeepingherfigurebetweenhimandthehouseasshemoveddeliberatelytowardsthebarn，scarcefiftyyardsaway。Whenshereacheditsheopenedthehalf—doorquickly，said："Inthere——atthetop——amongthehay"——
　　closedit，andwasturningaway，whentherecameafaintrappingfromwithin。Sheopenedthedooragainimpatiently；themansaidhastily："Wantedtotellyou——itwasamanwhoinsultedaWOMAN！I
　　wentforhim，yousee——and"——
　　Butsheshutthedoorsharply。Thefugitivehadmadeablunder。
　　Theimportationofherownuncertainsexintotheexplanationdidnothelphim。Shekeptontowardsthehouse，however，withouttheleasttraceofexcitementoragitationinhermanner，enteredthefrontdooragain，walkedquietlytothedooroftheinnerroom，glancedin，sawthatherhusbandwasabsorbedinsplicingariata，andhadevidentlynotmissedher，andreturnedquietlytoherdish—
　　washing。Withthissingulardifference：afewmomentsbeforeshehadseemedinattentiveandcarelessofwhatshewasdoing，asiffromsomeabstraction；now，whenshewasactuallyabstracted，hermovementsweremechanicallyperfectanddeliberate。Shecarefullyheldupadishandexamineditminutelyforcracks，rubbingitcautiouslywiththetowel，butseeingallthewhileonlythemanshehadleftinthebarn。Afewmomentselapsed。Thentherecameanotherrushofwindaroundthehouse，adriftingcloudofdustbeforethedoor，theclatterofhoofs，andaquickshout。
　　Herhusbandreachedthedoor，fromtheinnerroom，almostasquicklyasshedid。Theybothsawintheroadtwoarmedmountedmen——oneofwhomIrarecognizedasthesheriff’sdeputy。
　　"Hasanybodybeenhere，justnow？"heaskedsharply。
　　"No。"
　　"Seenanybodygoby？"hecontinued。
　　"No。What’sup？"
　　"OneofthemcircusjumpersstabbedHalDudleyoverthetableinDoloresmonteshoplastnight，andgotawaythismorning。Wehuntedhimintotheplainandlosthimsomewhereinthisd————ddust。"
　　"Why，Suereckonedshesawsuthin’justnow，"saidIra，withaflashofrecollection。"Didn’tye，Sue？"
　　"Whytheh—lldidn’tshesayitbefore？——Ibegyourpardon，ma’am；
　　didn’tseeyou；you’llexcusehaste。"
　　Boththemen’shatswereintheirhands，embarrassedyetgratifiedsmilesontheirfaces，asSuecameforward。Therewasthefaintestofcolorinhersallowcheek，akeenbrilliancyinhereyes；shelookedsingularlypretty。EvenIrafeltaslightantenuptialstirringthroughhismonotonouslyweddedyears。
　　Theyoungwomanwalkedout，foldingthetowelaroundherredhandsandforearms——leavingtheroundedwhitenessofbaredelbowandupperarmincharmingcontrast——andlookedgravelypasttheadmiringfiguresthatnearlytouchedherown。"Itwassomewharoverthar，"shesaidlazily，pointinguptheroadintheoppositedirectiontothebarn，"butIain’tsureitWASanyone。"
　　"Thenhe’dalreadyPASSEDthehouseaforeyousawhim？"saidthedeputy。
　　"Ireckon——ifitWAShim，"returnedSue。
　　"Hemusthavegoton，"saidthedeputy；"butthenherunslikeadeer；it’shistrade。"
　　"Wottrade？"
　　"Acrobat。"
　　"Wot’sthat？"
　　Thetwomenweredelightedatthisdivinesimplicity。"Amanwhoruns，jumps，climbs——andallthatsort，inthecircus。"
　　"Butisn’therunnin’，jumpin’，andclimbin’awayfromyenow？"shecontinuedwithadorablenaivete。
　　Thedeputysmiled，butstraightenedinthesaddle。"We’reboundtocomeupwithhimaforehereachesLowville；andbetweenthatandthishouseit’sadeadlevel，whereagophercouldn’tleavehisholewithoutyourspottin’himamileoff！Good—by！"ThewordswereaddressedtoIra，butthepartingglancewasdirectedtotheprettywifeasthetwomengallopedaway。
　　Anodduneasinessatthissuddenrevelationofhiswife’sprettinessanditsevidenteffectuponhisvisitorscameoverIra。
　　Itresultedinhisaddressingtheemptyspacebeforehisdoorwith，"Well，yewon’tketchmuchifyegoonyawpin’anddawdlin’withwomen—folkslikethis；"andhewasunreasonablydelightedattheprettyassentofdisdainandscornwhichsparkledinhiswife’seyesassheadded：——
　　"Notmuch，Ireckon！"
　　"That’sthekindofofficialtrashwehavetopaytaxestokeepup，"saidIra，whosomehowfeltthatifpublicpolicywasnotamenabletoprivatesentimenttherewasnovalueinfreegovernment。Mrs。Beasley，however，complacentlyresumedherdish—
　　washing，andIrareturnedtohisriataintheadjoiningroom。Forquiteanintervaltherewasnosoundbuttheoccasionalclickofadishlaiduponitspile，withfingersthat，however，werefirmanduntremulous。PresentlySue’slowvoicewasheard。
　　"Wonderifthatdeputycaughtanythingyet。I’veagoodmindtomeanderuptheroadandsee。"
　　ButthequestionbroughtIratothedoorwithaslightreturnofhisformeruneasiness。Hehadnoideaofsubjectinghiswifetoanotheradmiringinterview。"IreckonI’llgomyself，"hesaiddubiously；"YOU’Dbetterstayandlookafterthehouse。"
　　Hereyesbrightenedasshecarriedapileofplatestothedresser；
　　itwaspossibleshehadforeseenthiscompromise。"Yes，"shesaidcheerfully，"youcouldgofartherthanme。"
　　Irareflected。Hecouldalsosendthemabouttheirbusinessiftheythoughtofreturning。Heliftedhishatfromthefloor，tookhisrifledowncarefullyfromitspegs，andslouchedoutintotheroad。Suewatchedhimuntilhewaswellaway，thenflewtothebackdoor，stoppingonlyaninstanttolookatherfaceinasmallmirroronthewall，——yetwithoutnoticinghernewprettiness，——thenrantothebarn。Castingabackwardglanceatthediminishingfigureofherhusbandinthedistance，shethrewopenthedoorandshutitquicklybehindher。Atfirsttheabruptchangefromthedazzlingouterplaintothedeepshadowsofthebarnbewilderedher。Shesawbeforeherabuckethalffilledwithdirtywater，andaquantityofwetstrawlitteringthefloor；thenliftinghereyestothehay—loft，shedetectedthefigureofthefugitive，unclothedfromthewaistupward，emergingfromtheloosehayinwhichhehadevidentlybeendryinghimself。Whetheritwastheexcitementofhisperiloussituation，orwhethertheperfectsymmetryofhisbaredbustandarms——unlikeanythingshehadeverseenbefore——
　　clothedhimwiththecoldidealityofastatue，shecouldnotsay，butshefeltnoshockofmodesty；whiletheman，accustomedtothepublichalf—exposureintightsandspangles，wasmoreconsciousofdetectedunreadinessthanofshame。
　　"Gettin’thedustoffme，"hesaid，inhurriedexplanation；"bedowninasecond。"Indeed，inanothermomenthehadresumedhisshirtandflannelcoat，andswunghimselftothefloorwithalikegraceanddexterity，thatwastohertherevelationofadescendinggod。Shefoundherselffacetofacewithhim，——hisfeaturescleansedofdirtandgrime，hishairplasteredinwetcurlsonhislowforehead。Itwasafaceofcheapadornment，notuncommoninhisprofession——unintelligent，unrefined，andevenunheroic；butshedidnotknowthat。Overcomingasuddentimidity，sheneverthelesstoldhimbrieflyandconciselyofthearrivalanddepartureofhispursuers。
　　Hislowforeheadwrinkled。"Thar’snogettingawayuntiltheycomeback，"hesaidwithoutlookingather。"Couldyekeepmeinhereto—night？"
　　"Yes，"shereturnedsimply，asiftheideahadalreadyoccurredtoher；"butyoumustlielowintheloft。"
　　"Andcouldyou"——hehesitated，andwentonwithaforcedsmile——
　　"yousee，I’veeatennothingsincelastnight。Couldyou"——
　　"I’llbringyousomething，"shesaidquickly，noddingherhead。
　　"Andifyouhad"——hewentonmorehesitatingly，glancingdownathistravel—tornandfrayedgarments——"anythinglikeacoat，oranyotherclothing？Itwoulddisguisemealso，yousee，andput’emoffthetrack。"
　　Shenoddedherheadagainrapidly：shehadthoughtofthattoo；
　　therewasapairofdoeskintrousersandavelvetjacketleftbyaMexicanvaquerowhohadboughtstockfromthemtwoyearsago。
　　Practicalasshewas，asuddenconvictionthathewouldlookwellinthevelvetjackethelpedherresolve。
　　"Didtheysay"——hesaid，withhisforcedsmileanduneasyglance——
　　"didthey——tellyouanythingaboutme？"
　　"Yes，"shesaidabstractedly，gazingathim。
　　"Yousee，"hebeganhurriedly，"I’lltellyouhowitwas。"
　　"No，don’t！"shesaidquickly。Shemeantit。Shewantednofactstostandbetweenherandthissingleromanceofherlife。"Imustgoandgetthethings，"sheadded，turningaway，"beforehegetsback。"
　　"Who’sHE？"askedtheman。
　　Shewasabouttoreply，"Myhusband，"butwithoutknowingwhystoppedandsaid，"Mr。Beasley，"andthenranoffquicklytothehouse。
　　Shefoundthevaquero’sclothes，tooksomeprovisions，filledaflaskofwhiskeyinthecupboard，andranbackwiththem，hermouthexpandedtoavaguesmile，andpulsatinglikeaschoolgirl。Sheevenrepressedwithdifficultytheejaculation"There！"asshehandedthemtohim。Hethankedher，butwitheyesfixedandfascinatedbytheprovisions。Sheunderstooditwithanewsenseofdelicacy，andsaying，"I’llcomeagainwhenhegetsback，"ranoffandreturnedtothehouse，leavinghimalonetohisrepast。