Hehadrunupalongbillatthealehousewhichhefrequented。andthelandlord，whogrewurgentforhismoney，refusedtogivefurthercredit。
Onenight，whenCorkscrewhaddrunkenoughonlytomakehimfretful，heleanedwithhiselbowsurlilyuponthetable，begantoquarrelwiththelandlord，andsworethathehadnotoflatetreatedhimlikeagentleman。
Towhichthelandlordcoollyreplied，Thataslongashehadpaidlikeagentleman，hehadbeentreatedlikeone，andthatwasasmuchasanyonecouldexpect，or，atanyrate，asmuchasanyonewouldmeetwithinthisworld。Forthetruthofthisassertionheappealed，laughing，toapartyofmenwhoweredrinkingintheroom。Themen，however，tookpartwithCorkscrew，and，drawinghimovertotheirtable，madehimsitdownwiththem。Theywereinhighgood-humour，andthebutlersoongrewsointimatewiththem，that，intheopennessofhisheart，hesooncommunicatedtothem，notonlyallhisownaffairs，butallthatheknew，andmorethanallthatheknew，ofhismistress’。
Hisnewfriendswerebynomeansuninterestedbyhisconversation，andencouragedhimasmuchaspossibletotalk。fortheyhadsecretviews，whichthebutlerwasbynomeanssufficientlysobertodiscover。
Mrs。Churchillhadsomefineoldfamilyplate。andthesemenbelongedtoagangofhousebreakers。BeforetheypartedwithCorkscrew，theyengagedhimtomeetthemagainthenextnight。theirintimacywasstillmorecloselycemented。OneofthemenactuallyofferedtolendCorkscrewthreeguineastowardsthepaymentofhisdebt，andhintedthat，ifhethoughtproper，hecouldeasilygetthewholeclearedoff。Uponthishint，Corkscrewbecameallattention，till，aftersomehesitationontheirpart，andrepeatedpromisesofsecrecyonhis，theyatlengthdisclosedtheirplanstohim。Theygavehimtounderstand，thatifhewouldassistinlettingthemintohismistress’house，theywouldlethimhaveanampleshareinthebooty。Thebutler，whohadthereputationofbeinganhonestman，andindeedwhoseintegrityhadhithertobeenproofagainsteverythingbuthismistress’port，turnedpale，andtrembledatthisproposal。dranktwoorthreebumperstodrownthought。andpromisedtogiveananswerthenextday。
Hewenthomemorethanhalf-intoxicated。Hismindwassofullofwhathadpassed，thathecouldnothelpbraggingtoFelix，whomhefoundawakeathisreturn，thathecouldhavehisbillpaidoffatthealehousewheneverhepleased。dropping，besides，somehints，whichwerenotlostuponFelix。
InthemorningFelixremindedhimofthethingswhichhehadsaid。andCorkscrew，alarmed，endeavouredtoevadehisquestions，bysayingthathewasnotinhissenseswhenhetalkedinthatmanner。Nothing，however，thathecouldurgemadeanyimpressionuponFelix，whoserecollectiononthesubjectwasperfectlydistinct，andwhohadtoomuchcunninghimself，andtoolittleconfidenceinhiscompanion，tobethedupeofhisdissimulation。ThebutlerknewnotwhattodowhenhesawthatFelixwasabsolutelydeterminedeithertobetraytheirscheme，ortobecomeasharerinthebooty。
Thenextnightcame，andhewasnowtomakeafinaldecision。eithertodetermineonbreakingoffentirelywithhisnewacquaintances，ortakingFelixwithhimtojoinintheplot。
Hisdebt，hisloveofdrinking，theimpossibilityofindulgingitwithoutafreshsupplyofmoney，allcameintohismindatonce，andconqueredhisremainingscruples。Itissaidbythosewhosefatalexperiencegivesthemarighttobebelieved，thatadrunkardwillsacrificeanything，everything，soonerthanthepleasureofhabitualintoxication。
Howmucheasierisitnevertobeginabadcustomthantobreakthroughitwhenonceformed！
Thehourofrendezvouscame，andCorkscrewwenttothealehouse，wherehefoundthehousebreakerswaitingforhim，andaglassofbrandyreadypouredout。Hesighed——drank——hesitated——drankagain——heardthelandlordtalkofhisbill，sawthemoneyproducedwhichwouldpayitinamoment——
drankagain——cursedhimself，and，givinghishandtothevillainwhowaswhisperinginhisear，sworethathecouldnothelpit，andmustdoastheywouldhavehim。Theyrequiredofhimtogiveupthekeyofthehousedoor，thattheymightgetanothermadebyit。HehadleftitwithFelix，andwasnowobligedtoexplainthenewdifficultywhichhadarisen。Felixknewenoughtoruinthem，andmustthereforebewonover。
Thiswasnoverydifficulttask。hehadastrongdesiretohavesomeworkedcravats，andthebutlerknewenoughofhimtobelievethatthiswouldbeasufficientbribe。ThecravatswereboughtandshowntoFelix。
Hethoughtthemtheonlythingswantingtomakehimacomplete，finegentleman。andtogowithoutthem，especiallywhenhehadonceseenhimselfintheglasswithonetiedoninasplendidbow，appearedimpossible。Eventhispaltrytemptation，workinguponhisvanity，atlengthprevailedwithaboywhoseintegrityhadlongbeencorruptedbythehabitsofpettypilferinganddailyfalsehood。Itwasagreedthat，thefirsttimehismistresssenthimoutonamessage，heshouldcarrythekeyofthehousedoortohiscousin’s，anddeliveritintothehandsofoneofthegang，whowerethereinwaitingforit。Suchwasthescheme。
Felix，thenightafterallthishadbeenplanned，wenttobed，andfellfastasleep。butthebutler，whohadnotyetstifledthevoiceofconscience，felt，inthesilenceofthenight，soinsupportablymiserable，that，insteadofgoingtorest，hestolesoftlyintothepantryforabottleofhismistress’wine，andtheredrinkingglassafterglass，hestayedtillhebecamesofarintoxicated，that，thoughhecontrivedtofindhiswaybacktobed，hecouldbynomeansundresshimself。Withoutanypowerofrecollection，heflunghimselfuponthebed，leavinghiscandlehalfhangingoutofthecandlestickbesidehim。
Franklinsleptinthenextroomtohim，andpresentlyawaking，thoughtheperceivedastrongsmellofsomethingburning。Hejumpedup，andseeingalightunderthebutler’sdoor，gentlyopenedit，andtohisastonishment，beheldoneofthebedcurtainsinflames。Heimmediatelyrantothebutler，andpulledhimwithallhisforce，torousehimfromhislethargy。Hecametohissensesatlength，butwassoterrified，andsohelpless，that，ifithadnotbeenforFranklin，thewholehousewouldsooninevitablyhavebeenonfire。Felix，tremblingandcowardly，knewnotwhattodo。anditwascurioustoseehimobeyingFranklin，whoseturnitnowwastocommand。FranklinranupstairstoawakenMrs。
Pomfret，whoseterroroffirewassogreatthatshecamefromherroomalmostoutofhersenses，whilsthe，withthegreatestpresenceofmind，recollectedwherehehadseentwolargetubsofwater，whichthemaidshadpreparedthenightbeforefortheirwashing，andseizingthewetlinenwhichhadbeenlefttosoak，hethrewthemupontheflames。Heexertedhimselfwithsomuchgoodsense，thatthefirewaspresentlyextinguished。
Everythingwasnowoncemoresafeandquiet。Mrs。Pomfret，recoveringfromherfright，postponedallinquiriestillthemorning，andrejoicedthathermistresshadnotbeenawakened，whilstCorkscrewflatteredhimselfthatheshouldbeabletoconcealthetruecauseoftheaccident。
Don’tyoutellMrs。Pomfretwhereyoufoundthecandlewhenyoucameintotheroom，saidhetoFranklin。
Ifsheasksme，youknowImusttellthetruth，repliedhe。
Must！repeatedFelix，sneeringly。what，youMUSTbeatell-tale！
No，Inevertoldanytalesofanybody，andIshouldbeverysorrytogetanyoneintoascrape。butforallthatIshallnottellalie，eitherformyselforanybodyelse，letyoucallmewhatnamesyouwill。
ButifIweretogiveyousomethingthatyouwouldlike，saidCorkscrew——somethingthatIknowyouwouldlike！repeatedFelix。
Nothingyoucangivemewilldo，answeredFranklin，steadily，soitisuselesstosayanymoreaboutit——IhopeIshallnotbequestioned。
Inthishopehewasmistaken。forthefirstthingMrs。Pomfretdidinthemorningwastocomeintotheroomtoexamineanddeploretheburntcurtains，whilstCorkscrewstoodby，endeavouringtoexculpatehimselfbyalltheexcuseshecouldinvent。
Mrs。Pomfret，however，thoughsometimesblindedbyherprejudices，wasnofool。anditwasabsolutelyimpossibletomakeherbelievethatacandle，whichhadbeenleftonthehearth，whereCorkscrewprotestedhehadleftit，couldhavesetcurtainsonfirewhichwereatleastsixfeetdistant。
TurningshortroundtoFranklin，shedesiredthathewouldshowherwherehefoundthecandlewhenhecameintotheroom。Hetookupthecandlestick。butthemomentthehousekeepercasthereyeuponit，shesnatcheditfromhishands。Howdidthiscandlestickcomehere？Thiswasnotthecandlestickyoufoundherelastnight，criedshe。Yes，indeeditwas，answeredFranklin。Thatisimpossible，retortedshe，vehemently，forIleftthiscandlestickwithmyownhandslastnight，inthehall，thelastthingIdid，afteryou，saidshe，turningtothebutler，wasgonetobed——I’msureofit——Nay，don’tyourecollectmytakingthisJAPANNEDCANDLESTICKoutofyourhand，andmakingyoutogouptobedwiththebrassone，andIboltedthedooratthestair-headafteryou？
Thiswasallverytrue。butCorkscrewhadafterwardsgonedownfromhisroombyabackstaircase，unboltedthatdoor，and，uponhisreturnfromthealehouse，hadtakenthejapannedcandlestickbymistakeupstairs，andhadleftthebrassoneinitssteaduponthehalltable。
Oh，ma’am，saidFelix，indeedyouforget。forMr。Corkscrewcameintomyroomtodesiremetocallhimbetimesinthemorning，andIhappenedtotakeparticularnotice，andhehadthejapannedcandlestickinhishand，andthatwasjustasIheardyou，boltingthedoor。Indeed，ma’amyouforget。
Indeed，sir，retortedMrs。Pomfret，risinginanger，Idonotforget。
I’mnotcometobeSUPPERANNUATEDyet，Ihope。HowdoyoudaretotellmeIforget？
Oh，ma’am，criedFelix，Ibegyourpardon，Ididnot——Ididnotmeantosayyouforgot，butonlyIthought，perhaps，youmightnotparticularlyremember。forifyoupleasetorecollect——
Iwon’tpleasetorecollectjustwhateveryouplease，sir！Holdyourtongue。whyshouldyoupokeyourselfintothisscrape。whathaveyoutodowithit，Ishouldbegladtoknow？
Nothingintheworld，ohnothingintheworld。I’msureIbegyourpardon，ma’am，answeredFelix，inasofttone。and，sneakingoff，lefthisfriendCorkscrewtofighthisownbattle，secretlyresolvingtodesertingoodtime，ifhesawanydangerofthealehousetransactionscomingtolight。
Corkscrewcouldmakebutveryblunderingexcusesforhimselfand，consciousofguilt，heturnedpale，andappearedsomuchmoreterrifiedthanbutlersusuallyappearwhendetectedinalie，thatMrs。Pomfretresolved，asshesaid，tosiftthemattertothebottom。Impatientlydidshewaittilltheclockstrucknine，andhermistress’bellrang，thesignalforherattendanceatherlevee。
Howdoyoufindyourselfthismorning，ma’am？saidshe，undrawingthecurtains。
Verysleepy，indeed，answeredhermistressinadrowsyvoice。IthinkImustsleephalfanhourlonger——shutthecurtains。
Asyouplease，ma’am。butIsupposeIhadbetteropenalittleofthewindowshutter，forit’spastnine。
Butjuststruck。
Ohdear，ma’am，itstruckbeforeIcameupstairs，andyouknowwearetwentyminutesslow——Lordblessus！exclaimedMrs。Pomfret，assheletfallthebarofthewindow，whichrousedhermistress。I’msureIbegyourpardonathousandtimes——it’sonlythebar——becauseIhadthisgreatkeyinmyhand。
Putdownthekey，then，oryou’llknocksomethingelsedown。andyoumayopentheshuttersnow。forI’mquiteawake。
Dearme！I’msosorrytothinkofdisturbingyou，criedMrs。Pomfret，atthesametimethrowingtheshutterswideopen。but，tobesure，ma’am，Ihavesomethingtotellyou，whichwon’tletyousleepagaininahurry。Ibroughtupthisherekeyofthehousedoorforreasonsofmyown，whichI’msureyou’llapproveof。butI’mnotcometothatpartofmystoryyet。Ihopeyouwerenotdisturbedbythenoiseinthehouselastnight，ma’am。
Iheardnonoise。
Iamsurprisedatthat，though，continuedMrs。Pomfret，andproceededtogiveamostampleaccountofthefire，ofherfears，andhersuspicions。Tobesure，ma’am，whatIsayIS，that，withoutthespiritofprophecy，onecannowadaysaccountforwhathaspassed。I’mquiteclearinmyownjudgment，thatMr。CorkscrewmusthavebeenoutlastnightafterIwenttobed。for，besidesthejapannedcandlestick，whichofitselfI’msureisstrongenoughtohangaman，there’sanothercircumstance，ma’am，thatcertifiesittome——thoughIhavenotmentionedit，ma’am，tonooneyet，loweringhervoice——Franklin，whenI
questionedhim，toldme，thatheleftthelanternintheoutsideporchinthecourtlastnight，andthismorningitwasonthekitchentable。Now，ma’am，thatlanterncouldnotcomewithouthands。andIcouldnotforgetaboutthat，youknow。forFranklinsays，he’ssureheleftthelanternout。
AnddoyoubelieveHIM？inquiredhermistress。
Tobesure，ma’am——howcanIhelpbelievinghim？Ineverfoundhimoutintheleastsymptomofaliesinceeverhecameintothehouse。soonecan’thelpbelievinginhim，likehimornot。
Withoutmeaningtotellafalsehood，however，saidthelady，hemightmakeamistake。
No，ma’am，henevermakesmistakes。itisnothiswaytogogossipingandtattling。henevertellsanythingtillhe’sasked，andthenit’sfitheshould。Aboutthesirloinofbeef，andall，hewasrightintheend，Ifound，todohimjustice。andI’msurehe’srightnowaboutthelantern——he’sALWAY’SRIGHT
Mrs。Churchillcouldnothelpsmiling。
Ifyouhadseenhim，ma’am，lastnightinthemidstofthefire——I’msurewemaythankhimthatwewerenotburnedaliveinourbeds——andI
shallneverforgethiscomingtocallme。Poorfellow！hethatIwasalwaysscoldingandscolding，enoughtomakehimhateme。Buthe’stoogoodtohateanybody。andI’llbeboundI’llmakeituptohimnow。
Takecarethatyoudon’tgofromoneextremeintoanother，Pomfret。
don’tspoiltheboy。
No，ma’am，there’snodangerofthat。butI’msureifyouhadseenhimlastnightyourself，youwouldthinkhedeservedtoberewarded。
Andsoheshallberewarded，saidMrs。Churchill。butIwilltryhimmorefullyyet。
There’snooccasion，Ithink，fortryinghimanymore，ma’am，saidMrs。
Pomfret，whowasasviolentinherlikingsasinherdislikes。
Praydesire，continuedhermistress，thathewillbringupbreakfastthismorning。andleavethekeyofthehouse-door，Pomfret，withme。
WhenFranklinbroughttheurnintothebreakfast-parlour，hismistresswasstandingbythefirewiththekeyinherhand。Shespoketohimofhislastnight’sexertionsintermsofmuchapprobation。Howlonghaveyoulivedwithme？saidshe，pausing。threeweeks，Ithink？
Threeweeksandfourdays，madam。
Thatisbutashorttime。yetyouhaveconductedyourselfsoastomakemethinkImaydependuponyou。Youknowthiskey？
Ibelieve，madam，itisthekeyofthehouse-door。
Itis。Ishalltrustitinyourcare。Itisagreattrustforsoyoungapersonasyouare。Franklinstoodsilent，withafirmbutmodestlook。Ifyoutakethechargeofthiskey，continuedhismistress，rememberitisuponconditionthatyounevergiveitoutofyourownhands。Inthedaytimeitmustnotbeleftinthedoor。Youmustnottellanybodywhereyoukeepitatnight。andthehouse-doormustnotbeunlockedaftereleveno’clockatnight，unlessbymyorders。Willyoutakechargeofthekeyupontheseconditions？
Iwill，madam，doanythingyouorderme，saidFranklin，andreceivedthekeyfromherhands。
WhenMrs。Churchill’sordersweremadeknown，theycausedmanysecretmarvellingsandmurmurings。CorkscrewandFelixweredisconcerted，anddarednotopenlyavowtheirdiscontent。andtheytreatedFranklinwiththegreatestseemingkindnessandcordiality。
Everythingwentonsmoothlyforthreedays。Thebutlerneverattemptedhisusualmidnightvisitstothealehouse，butwenttobedinpropertime，andpaidparticularcourttoMrsPomfret，inordertodispelhersuspicions。Shehadneverhadanyideaoftherealfact，thatheandFelixwerejoinedinaplotwithhouse-breakerstorobthehouse，butthoughtheonlywentoutatirregularhourstoindulgehimselfinhispassionfordrinking。
ThusstoodaffairsthenightbeforeMrs。Churchill’sbirthday。
Corkscrew，bythehousekeeper’smeans，venturedtopresentapetitionthathemightgototheplaythenextday，andhisrequestwasgranted。
Franklincameintothekitchenjustwhenalltheservantshadgatheredroundthebutler，who，withgreatimportance，wasreadingaloudtheplay-
bill。Everybodypresentsoonbegantospeakatonce，andwithgreatenthusiasmtalkedoftheplayhouse，theactors，andactresses。andthenFelix，inthefirstpause，turnedtoFranklin，andsaid，Lord，youknownothingofallthis！YOUneverwenttoaplay，didyou？
Never，saidFranklin，andfelt，hedidnotknowwhy，alittleashamed。
andhelongedextremelytogotoone。
Howshouldyouliketogototheplaywithmeto-morrow？saidCorkscrew。
Oh，exclaimedFranklin，Ishouldlikeitexceedingly。
AnddoyouthinkmistresswouldletyouifIasked？
Ithinkmaybeshewould，ifMrs。Pomfretaskedher。
Butthenyouhavenomoney，haveyou？
No，saidFranklin，sighing。
Butstay，saidCorkscrew，whatIamthinkingofis，thatifmistresswillletyougo，I’lltreatyoumyself，ratherthanthatyoushouldhedisappointed。
Delight，surpriseandgratitudeappearedinFranklin’sfaceatthesewords。Corkscrewrejoicedtoseethatnow，atleast，hehadfoundamostpowerfultemptation。Wellthen，I’llgojustnowandaskher。Inthemeantime，lendmethekeyofthehousedoorforaminuteortwo。
Thekey！answeredFranklin，starting。I’msorry，butIcan’tdothat，forI’vepromisedmymistressnevertoletitoutofmyownhands。
Buthowwillsheknowanythingofthematter？Run，run，andgetitforus。
No，ICANNOT，repliedFranklin，resistingthepushwhichthebutlergavehisshoulder。
Youcan’t？criedCorkscrew，changinghistone。then，sir，Ican’ttakeyoutotheplay。
Verywell，sir，saidFranklin，sorrowfully，butwithsteadiness。
Verywell，sir，saidFelix，mimickinghim，youneednotlooksoimportant，norfancyyourselfsuchagreatman，becauseyou’remasterofakey。
Saynomoretohim，interruptedCorkscrew：lethimalonetotakehisownway。Felix，youwouldhavenoobjection，Isuppose，togoingtotheplaywithme？
Oh，Ishouldlikeitofallthings，ifIdidnotcomebetweenanybodyelse。Butcome，come！addedthehypocrite，assumingatoneoffriendlypersuasion，youwon’tbesuchablockhead，Franklin，astolosegoingtotheplayfornothing。it’sonlyjustobstinacy。Whatharmcanitdo，tolendMr。Corkscrewthekeyforfiveminutes？he’llgiveittoyoubackagainsafeandsound。
Idon’tdoubtTHAT，answeredFranklin。
Thenitmustbeallbecauseyoudon’twishtoobligeMr。Corkscrew。
No，butIcan’tobligehiminthis。for，asItoldyoubefore，mymistresstrustedme。Ipromisednevertoletthekeyoutofmyownhands，andyouwouldnothavemebreakmytrust。Mr。SpencertoldmethatwasworsethanROBBING。
AtthewordROBBINGbothCorkscrewandFelixinvoluntarilycastdowntheireyes，andturnedtheconversationimmediately，saying，thathedidveryright。thattheydidnotreallywantthekey，andhadonlyaskedforitjusttotryifhewouldkeephisword。Shakehands，saidCorkscrew，Iamgladtofindyououttobeanhonestfellow！
Iamsorryyoudidnotthinkmeanhonestfellowbefore，Mr。Corkscrew，
saidFranklin，givinghishandratherproudly，andhewalkedaway。
Weshallmakenohandofthisprig，saidCorkscrew。
Butwe’llhavethekeyfromhiminspiteofallhisobstinacy，saidFelix。andlethimmakehisstorygoodashecanafterwards。Heshallrepentoftheseairs。To-nightI’llwatchhim，andfindoutwherehehidesthekey。andwhenhe’sasleepwe’llgetitwithoutthankinghim。
ThisplanFelixputintoexecution。TheydiscoveredtheplacewhereFranklinkeptthekeyatnight，stoleitwhilstheslept，tookofftheimpressioninwax，andcarefullyreplaceditinFranklin’strunk，exactlywheretheyfoundit。
Probablyouryoungreaderscannotguesswhatusetheycouldmeantomakeofthisimpressionofthekeyinwax。Knowinghowtodomischiefisverydifferentfromwishingtodoit：andthemostinnocentpersonsaregenerallytheleastignorant。Bymeansoftheimpression，whichtheyhadthusobtained，CorkscrewandFelixproposedtogetafalsekeymadebyPicklock，asmithwhobelongedtotheirgangofhouse-breakers。andwiththisfalsekeyknewtheycouldopenthedoorwhenevertheypleased。
Littlesuspectingwhathadhappened，Franklin，thenextmorningwenttounlockthehousedoor，asusual。butfindingthekeyentangledinthelock，hetookitouttoexamineit，andperceivedalumpofwaxstickinginoneofthewards。Struckwiththiscircumstance，itbroughttohismindallthathadpassedtheprecedingevening，andbeingsurethathehadnowaxnearthekey，hebegantosuspectwhathadhappened。andhecouldnothelprecollectingwhathehadonceheardFelixsay，thatgivehimbutahalfpennyworthofwax，andhecouldopenthestrongestlockthateverwasmadebyhands。
Allthesethingsconsidered，Franklinresolvedtotakethekeyjustasitwas，withthewaxstickingtoit，tohismistress。
IwasnotmistakenwhenIthoughtImighttrustYOUwiththiskey，saidMrs。Churchill，aftershehadheardhisstory。Mybrotherwillbehereto-day，andIshallconsulthim。Inthemeantime，saynothingofwhathaspassed。
Eveningcame，andafterteaMr。SpencersentforFranklinupstairs。So，Mr。Franklin，saidhe，I’mgladtofindyouareinsuchhighTRUSTinthisfamily。Franklinbowed。Butyouhavelost，Iunderstand，thepleasureofgoingtotheplayto-night。
Idon’tthinkanything——much，Imean，ofthat，sir，answeredFranklin，smiling。
AreCorkscrewandFelixGONEtotheplay？
Yes。halfanhourago，sir。
ThenIshalllookintohisroom，andexaminethepantryandtheplatethatisunderhiscare。
WhenMr。Spencercametoexaminethepantry，hefoundthelargesalversandcupsinabasketbehindthedoor，andtheotherthingsplacedsoastobeeasilycarriedoff。NothingatfirstappearedinCorkscrew’sbedchamber，tostrengthentheirsuspicions，till，justastheyweregoingtoleavetheroom，Mrs。Pomfretexclaimed，Why，ifthereisnotMr。
Corkscrew’sdresscoathangingupthere！andifhereisn’tFelix’sfinecravatthathewantedinsuchahurrytogototheplay！Why，sir，theycan’tbegonetotheplay。Lookatthecravat。Ah！uponmywordIamafraidtheyarenotattheplay。No，sir，youmaybesurethattheyareplottingwiththeirbarbarousgangatthealehouse。andthey’llcertainlybreakintothehouseto-night。Weshallallbemurderedinourbeds，assureasI’malivingwoman，sir。butifyou’llonlytakemyadvice——
Pray，goodMrs。Pomfret，Mr。Spencerobserved，don’tbealarmed。
Nay，sir，butIwon’tpretendtosleepinthehouse，ifFranklinisn’ttohaveablunderbuss，andIaBAGGONET。
Youshallhaveboth，indeed，Mrs。Pomfret。butdon’tmakesuchanoise，foreverybodywillhearyou。
TheloveofmysterywastheonlythingwhichcouldhaveconqueredMrs。
Pomfret’sloveoftalking。Shewassilent，andcontentedherselftherestoftheeveningwithmakingsigns，lookingominous，andstalkingaboutthehouselikeonepossessedwithasecret。
EscapedfromMrs。Pomfret’sfearsandadvice，Mr。Spencerwenttoashopwithinafewdoorsofthealehouse，whichheheardCorkscrewfrequented，andsenttobegtospeaktothelandlord。Hecame。and，whenMr。Spencerquestionedhim，confessedthatCorkscrewandFelixwereactuallydrinkinginhishousewithtwomenofsuspiciousappearance。that，ashepassedthroughthepassage，heheardthemdisputingaboutakey。andthatoneofthemsaid，Sincewe’vegotthekey，we’llgoaboutitto-night。Thiswassufficientinformation。Mr。Spencer，lestthelandlordshouldgivetheminformationofwhatwasgoingforwards，tookhimalongwithhimtoBowStreet。
AconstableandproperassistancewassenttoMrs。Churchill’s。Theystationedthemselvesinabackparlourwhichopenedonapassageleadingtothebutler’spantry，wheretheplatewaskept。Alittleaftermidnighttheyheardthehalldooropen。Corkscrewandhisaccompliceswentdirectlytothepantry。andthereMr。Spencerandtheconstableimmediatelysecuredthem，astheywerecarryingofftheirbooty。
MrsChurchillandPomfrethadspentthenightatthehouseofanacquaintanceinthesamestreet。Well，ma’am，saidMrs。Pomfret，whohadheardallthenewsinthemorning，thevillainsareallsafe，thankGod。Iwasafraidtogotothewindowthismorning。butitwasmylucktoseethemallgobytogaol。Theylookedsoshocking！IamsureI
nevershallforgetFelix’slooktomydyingday！ButpoorFranklin！
ma’am。thatboyhasthebestheartintheworld。Icouldnotgethimtogiveasecondlookatthemastheypassed。Poorfellow！Ithoughthewouldhavedropped。andhewassomodest，ma’am，whenMr。Spencerspoketohim，andtoldhimhehaddonehisduty。
AnddidmybrothertellhimwhatrewardIintendforhim？
No，ma’am，andI’msureFranklinthinksnomoreofREWARDthanIdo。
Iintend，continuedMrs。Churchill，tosellsomeofmyolduselessplate，andtolayitoutinanannuityforFranklin’slife。
La，ma’am！exclaimedMrs。Pomfret，withunfeignedjoy，I’msureyouareverygood。andI’mverygladofit。
And，continuedMrs。Churchill，herearesometicketsfortheplay，whichIshallbegyou，Pomfret，togivehim，andtotakehimwithyou。
Iamverymuchobligedtoyou，indeed，ma’am。andI’llgowithhimwithallmyheart，andchoosesuchplaysaswon’tdonoprejudicetohismorality。And，ma’am，continuedMrs。Pomfret，thenightafterthefireIlefthimmygreatBibleandmywatch，inmywill。forIneverwasmoremistakenatthefirstinanyboyinmyborndays。buthehaswonmebyhisownDESERTS，andIshallfromthistimeforthlovealltheVILLAINTROPICfolksforhissake。
SIMPLESUSAN。
CHAPTERI。
Wakedashercustomwas，beforetheday，TodotheobservanceduetosprightlyMay。
Dryden。
InaretiredhamletonthebordersofWales，betweenOswestryandShrewsbury，itisstillthecustomtocelebratethe1stofMay。
Thechildrenofthevillage，wholookforwardtothisruralfestivalwithjoyfuleagerness，usuallymeetonthelastdayofApriltomakeuptheirnosegaysforthemorningandtochoosetheirqueen。Theircustomaryplaceofmeetingisatahawthorn，whichstandsinalittlegreennook，openononesidetoashadylane，andseparatedontheothersidebyathicksweet-brierandhawthornhedgefromthegardenofanattorney。
Thisattorneybegantheworldwithnothing，buthecontrivedtoscrapetogetheragooddealofmoney，everybodyknewhow。Hebuiltanewhouseattheentranceofthevillage，andhadalarge，wellfencedgarden，yet，notwithstandinghisfences，heneverfelthimselfsecure。Suchwerehislitigioushabits，andhissuspicioustemper，thathewasconstantlyatvariancewithhissimpleandpeaceableneighbours。Somepig，ordog，orgoat，orgoosewasforevertrespassing。Hiscomplaintsandhisextortionsweariedandalarmedthewholehamlet。Thepathsinhisfieldswereatlengthunfrequented，hisstileswereblockedupwithstonesorstuffedwithbramblesandbriers，sothatnotagoslingcouldcreepunder，oragiantgetoverthem。Indeed，socarefulwereeventhevillagechildrenofgivingoffencetothisirritablemanofthelaw，thattheywouldnotventuretoflyakitenearhisfieldslestitshouldentangleinhistrees，orfalluponhismeadow。
Mr。Case，forthiswasthenameofourattorney，hadasonandadaughter，towhoseeducationhehadnottimetoattend，ashiswholesoulwasintentuponaccumulatingforthemafortune。Forseveralyearshesufferedhischildrentorunwildinthevillage。butsuddenly，onhisbeingappointedtoaconsiderableagency，hebegantothinkofmakinghischildrenalittlegenteel。HesenthissontolearnLatin。hehiredamaidtowaituponhisdaughterBarbara。andhestrictlyforbadeherthenceforwardtokeepcompanywithanyofthepoorchildren，whohadhithertobeenherplayfellows。Theywerenotsorryforthisprohibition，becauseshehadbeentheirtyrantratherthantheircompanion。Shewasvexedtoobservethatherabsencewasnotregretted，andshewasmortifiedtoperceivethatshecouldnothumblethembyanydisplayofairsandfinery。
Therewasonepoorgirl，amongstherformerassociates，towhomshehadapeculiardislike，——SusanPrice，asweettempered，modest，sprightly，industriouslass，whowastheprideanddelightofthevillage。Herfatherrentedasmallfarm，and，unfortunatelyforhim，helivednearAttorneyCase。
Barbarausedoftentositatherwindow，watchingSusanatwork。
Sometimesshesawherintheneatgardenrakingthebeds，orweedingtheborders。sometimesshewaskneelingatherbeehivewithfreshflowersforherbees。sometimesshewasinthepoultryyard，scatteringcornfromhersieveamongsttheeagerchickens。andintheeveningshewasoftenseatedinalittlehoneysucklearbour，withaclean，light，three-leggeddealtablebeforeher，uponwhichsheputherplainwork。
Susanhadbeentaughttoworkneatlybyhergoodmother，whowasveryfondofher，andtowhomshewasmostgratefullyattached。
Mrs。Pricewasanintelligent，active，domesticwoman。butherhealthwasnotrobust。Sheearnedmoney，however，bytakinginplainwork。andshewasfamousforbakingexcellentbreadandbreakfastcakes。Shewasrespectedinthevillage，forherconductasawifeandasamother，andallwereeagertoshowherattention。AtherdoorthefirstbranchofhawthornwasalwaysplacedonMaymorning，andherSusanwasusuallyQueenoftheMay。
ItwasnowtimetochoosetheQueen。Thesettingsunshonefulluponthepinkblossomsofthehawthorn，whenthemerrygroupassembledupontheirlittlegreen。Barbarawasnowwalkinginsullenstateinherfather’sgarden。Sheheardthebusyvoicesinthelane，andsheconcealedherselfbehindthehighhedge，thatshemightlistentotheirconversation。
Where’sSusan？werethefirstunwelcomewordswhichsheoverheard。
Ay，where’sSusan？repeatedPhilip，stoppingshortinthemiddleofanewtunethathewasplayingonhispipe。IwishSusanwouldcome！I
wanthertosingmethissametuneoveragain。Ihavenotityet。
AndIwishSusanwouldcome，I’msure，criedalittlegirl，whoselapwasfullofprimroses。Susanwillgivemesomethreadtotieupmynosegays，andshe’llshowmewherethefreshvioletsgrow。andshehaspromisedtogivemeagreatbunchofherdoublecowslipstowearto-
morrow。Iwishshewouldcome。
NothingcanbedonewithoutSusan！Shealwaysshowsuswherethenicestflowersaretobefoundinthelanesandmeadows，saidthey。Shemustmakeupthegarlands。andsheshallbeQueenoftheMay！exclaimedamultitudeoflittlevoices。
Butshedoesnotcome！saidPhilip。
Rose，whowasherparticularfriend，nowcameforwardtoassuretheimpatientassembly，thatshewouldanswerforitSusanwouldcomeassoonasshepossiblycould，andthatsheprobablywasdetainedbybusinessathome。
Thelittleelectorsthoughtthatallbusinessshouldgivewaytotheirs，andRosewasdispatchedtosummonherfriendimmediately。
Tellhertomakehaste，criedPhilip。AttorneyCasedinedattheAbbeyto-day——luckilyforus。Ifhecomeshomeandfindsushere，maybehe’lldriveusaway。forhesaysthisbitofgroundbelongstohisgarden：thoughthatisnottrue，I’msure。forFarmerPriceknows，andsays，itwasalwaysopentotheroad。TheAttorneywantstogetourplayground，sohedoes。IwishheandhisdaughterBab，orMissBarbara，asshemustnowbecalled，wereahundredmilesoff，outofourway，I
know。Nolaterthanyesterdayshethrewdownmynine-pinsinoneofherill-humours，asshewaswalkingbywithhergownalltrailinginthedust。
Yes，criedMary，thelittleprimrose-girl，hergownisalwaystrailing。Shedoesnotholditupnicely，likeSusan。andwithallherfineclothessheneverlookshalfsoneat。MammasaysshewishesImaybelikeSusan，whenIgrowuptobeagreatgirl，andsodoI。IshouldnotliketolookconceitedasBarbaradoes，ifIwaseversorich。
Richorpoor，saidPhilip，itdoesnotbecomeagirltolookconceited，muchlessBOLD，asBarbaradidtheotherday，whenshewasatherfather’sdoorwithoutahatuponherhead，staringatthestrangegentlemanwhostoppedhereabouttolethishorsedrink。IknowwhathethoughtofBabbyhislooks，andofSusan，too。forSusanwasinhergarden，bendingdownabranchofthelaburnum-tree，lookingatitsyellowflowers，whichwerejustcomeout。andwhenthegentlemanaskedherhowmanymilesitwasfromShrewsbury，sheansweredhimsomodest！——notbashful，likeasifshehadneverseennobodybefore——butjustright。andthenshepulledonherstrawhat，whichwasfallenbackwithherlookingupatthelaburnum，andshewentherwayshome。andthegentlemansaystome，aftershewasgone，’Pray，whoisthatneat，modestgirl——？’ButI
wishSusanwouldcome，criedPhilip，interruptinghimself，Susanwasallthistime，asherfriendRoserightlyguessed，busyathome。Shewasdetainedbyherfather’sreturninglaterthanusual。Hissupperwasreadyforhimnearlyanhourbeforehecamehome。andSusansweptuptheashestwice，andtwiceputonwoodtomakeacheerfulblazeforhim。butatlast，whenhedidcomein，hetooknonoticeoftheblazeorofSusan。andwhenhiswifeaskedhimhowhedid，hemadenoanswer，butstoodwithhisbacktothefire，lookingverygloomy。Susanputhissupperuponthetable，andsethisownchairforhim。buthepushedawaythechairandturnedfromthetable，saying——Ishalleatnothing，child！
Whyhaveyousuchafiretoroastmeatthistimeoftheyear？
Yousaidyesterday，father，Ithought，thatyoulikedalittlecheerfulwoodfireintheevening。andtherewasagreatshowerofhail。yourcoatisquitewet，wemustdryit。
Takeit，then，child，saidhe，pullingitoff——Ishallsoonhavenocoattodry——andtakemyhat，too，saidhe，throwingitupontheground。
Susanhunguphishat，puthiscoatoverthebackofachairtodry，andthenstoodanxiouslylookingathermother，whowasnotwell。shehadthisdayfatiguedherselfwithbaking。andnow，alarmedbyherhusband’smoodybehaviour，shesatdownpaleandtrembling。Hethrewhimselfintoachair，foldedhisarms，andfixedhiseyesuponthefire。
Susanwasthefirstwhoventuredtobreaksilence。HappythefatherwhohassuchadaughterasSusan！——herunalteredsweetnessoftemper，andherplayful，affectionatecaresses，atlastsomewhatdissipatedherfather’smelancholy。
Hecouldnotbeprevailedupontoeatanyofthesupperwhichhadbeenpreparedforhim。however，withafaintsmile，hetoldSusanthathethoughthecouldeatoneofherguinea-hen’seggs。Shethankedhim，andwiththatnimblealacritywhichmarksthedesiretoplease，sherantoherneatchicken-yard。but，alas！，herguinea-henwasnotthere——ithadstrayedintotheattorney’sgarden。Shesawitthroughthepaling，andtimidlyopeningthelittlegate，sheaskedMissBarbara，whowaswalkingslowlyby，tolethercomeinandtakeherguinea-hen。Barbara，whowasatthisinstantreflecting，withnoagreeablefeelings，upontheconversationofthevillagechildren，towhichshehadrecentlylistened，startedwhensheheardSusan’svoice，andwithaproud，ill-humouredlookandvoice，refusedherrequest。
Shutthegate，saidBarbara，youhavenobusinessinourgarden。andasforyourhen，Ishallkeepit。itisalwaysflyinginhere，andplaguingus，andmyfathersaysitisatrespasser。andhetoldmeI
mightcatchitandkeepitthenexttimeitgotin，anditisinnow。
ThenBarbaracalledtohermaid，Betty，andbidhercatchthemischievoushen。
Oh，myguinea-hen！myprettyguinea-hen！criedSusan，astheyhuntedthefrightened，screamingcreaturefromcornertocorner。
Herewehavegotit！saidBetty，holdingitfastbythelegs。
Nowpaydamages，QueenSusan，orgood-byetoyourprettyguinea-hen，
saidBarbara，inaninsultingtone。
Damages！whatdamages？saidSusan。tellmewhatImustpay。
Ashilling，saidBarbara。
Oh，ifsixpencewoulddo！saidSusan。Ihavebutsixpenceofmyownintheworld，andhereitis。
Itwon’tdo，saidBarbara，turningherback。
Nay，buthearme，criedSusan。letmeatleastcomeintolookforitseggs。IonlywantONEformyfather’ssupper。youshallhavealltherest。
What’syourfather，orhissuppertous？ishesonicethathecaneatnonebutguinea-hen’seggs？saidBarbara。Ifyouwantyourhenandyoureggs，payforthem，andyou’llhavethem。
Ihavebutsixpence，andyousaythatwon’tdo，saidSusanwithasigh，asshelookedatherfavourite，whichwasinthemaid’sgraspinghands，strugglingandscreaminginvain。
Susanretireddisconsolate。Atthedoorofherfather’scottageshesawherfriendRose，whowasjustcometosummonhertothehawthornbush。
Theyareallatthehawthorn，andIamcomeforyou。WecandonothingwithoutYOU，dearSusan，criedRose，runningtomeether，atthemomentshesawher。YouarechosenQueenoftheMay——come，makehaste。Butwhatisthematter？whydoyoulooksosad？
Ah！saidSusan，don’twaitforme。Ican’tcometoyou，but，addedshe，pointingtothetuftofdoublecowslipsinthegarden，gatherthoseforpoorlittleMary。Ipromisedthemtoher，andtellherthevioletsareunderahedgejustoppositetheturnstile，ontherightaswegotochurch。Good-bye！nevermindme。Ican’tcome——Ican’tstay，formyfatherwantsme。
Butdon’tturnawayyourface。Iwon’tkeepyouamoment。onlytellmewhat’sthematter，saidherfriend，followingherintothecottage。
Oh，nothing，notmuch，saidSusan。onlythatIwantedtheegginagreathurryforfather，itwouldnothavevexedme——tobesureIshouldhaveclippedmyguinea-hen’swings，andthenshecouldnothaveflownoverthehedge。butletusthinknomoreaboutit，now，addedshe，twinklingawayatear。
WhenRose，however，learntthatherfriend’sguinea-henwasdetainedprisonerbytheattorney’sdaughter，sheexclaimed，withallthehonestwarmthofindignation，andinstantlyranbacktotellthestorytohercompanions。
Barbara！ay。likefather，likedaughter，criedFarmerPrice，startingfromthethoughtfulattitudeinwhichhehadbeenfixed，anddrawinghischairclosertohiswife。
Youseesomethingisamisswithme，wife——I’lltellyouwhatitis。Asheloweredhisvoice，Susan，whowasnotsurethathewishedsheshouldhearwhathewasgoingtosay，retiredfrombehindhischair。Susan，don’tgo。sityoudownhere，mysweetSusan，saidhe，makingroomforheruponhischair。IbelieveIwasalittlecrosswhenIcameinfirsttonight。butIhadsomethingtovexme，asyoushallhear。
Aboutafortnightago，youknow，wife，continuedhe，therewasaballotinginourtownforthemilitia。nowatthattimeIwantedbuttendaysoffortyyearsofage。andtheattorneytoldmeIwasafoolfornotcallingmyselfplumpforty。Butthetruthisthetruth，anditiswhatI
thinkfittesttobespokenatalltimescomewhatwillofit。SoIwasdrawnforamilitiaman。butwhenIthoughthowlothyouandIwouldbetopart，IwasmaingladtohearthatIcouldgetoffbypayingeightornineguineasforasubstitute——onlyIhadnotthenineguineas——for，youknow，wehadbadluckwithoursheepthisyear，andtheydiedawayoneafteranother——butthatwasnoexcuse，soIwenttoAttorneyCase，and，withapowerofdifficulty，Igothimtolendmethemoney。forwhich，tobesure，Igavehimsomething，andleftmyleaseofourfarmwithhim，asheinsisteduponit，bywayofsecurityfortheloan。AttorneyCaseistoomanyforme。Hehasfoundwhathecallsaflawinmylease。andthelease，hetellsme，isnotworthafarthing，andthathecanturnusalloutofourfarmto-morrowifhepleases。andsureenoughhewillplease，forIhavethwartedhimthisday，andheswearshe’llberevengedofme。
Indeed，hehasbegunwithmebadlyenoughalready。I’mnotcometotheworstpartofmystoryyet——
HereFarmerPricemadeadeadstop。andhiswifeandSusanlookedupinhisface，breathlesswithanxiety。
Itmustcomeout，saidhe，withashortsigh。Imustleaveyouinthreedays，wife。
Mustyou？saidhiswife，inafaint，resignedvoice。Susan，love，openthewindow。Susanrantoopenthewindow，andthenreturnedtosupporthermother’shead。Whenshecamealittletoherselfshesatup，beggedthatherhusbandwouldgoon，andthatnothingmightbeconcealedfromher。Herhusbandhadnowishindeedtoconcealanythingfromawifehelovedsowell。but，firmashewas，andsteadytohismaxim，thatthetruthwasthethingthefittesttobespokenatalltimes，hisvoicefaltered，anditwaswithgreatdifficultythathebroughthimselftospeakthewholetruthatthismoment。
Thefactwasthis。CasemetFarmerPriceashewascominghome，whistling，fromanewploughedfield。TheattorneyhadjustdinedatTheAbbey。TheAbbeywasthefamilyseatofanopulentbaronetintheneighbourhood，towhomMr。Casehadbeenagent。Thebaronetdiedsuddenly，andhisestateandtitledevolvedtoayoungerbrother，whowasnowjustarrivedinthecountry，andtowhomMr。Casewaseagertopayhiscourt，inhopesofobtaininghisfavour。Oftheagencyheflatteredhimselfthathewasprettysecure。andhethoughtthathemightassumethetoneofcommandtowardsthetenants，especiallytowardsonewhowassomeguineasindebt，andinwhoseleasetherewasaflaw。
Accostingthefarmerinahaughtymanner，theattorneybeganwith，So，FarmerPrice，awordwithyou，ifyouplease。Walkonhere，man，besidemyhorse，andyou’llhearme。Youhavechangedyouropinion，Ihope，aboutthatbitofland——thatcornerattheendofmygarden？
Ashow，Mr。Case？saidthefarmer。
Ashow，man！Why，yousaidsomethingaboutitsnotbelongingtome，whenyouheardmetalkofinclosingittheotherday。
SoIdid，saidPrice，andsoIdo。
Provokedandastonishedatthefirmtoneinwhichthesewordswerepronounced，theattorneywasuponthepointofswearingthathewouldhavehisrevenge。but，ashispassionswerehabituallyattentivetotheLETTERofthelaw，herefrainedfromanyhastyexpression，whichmight，hewasaware，inacourtofjustice，behereafterbroughtagainsthim。
Mygoodfriend，Mr。Price，saidhe，inasoftvoice，andpalewithsuppressedrage。Heforcedasmile。I’munderthenecessityofcallinginthemoneyIlentyousometimeago，andyouwillpleasetotakenotice，thatitmustbepaidto-morrowmorning。Iwishyouagoodevening。Youhavethemoneyreadyforme，Idaresay。
No，saidthefarmer，notaguineaofit。butJohnSimpson，whowasmysubstitute，hasnotleftourvillageyet。I’llgetthemoneybackfromhim，andgomyself，ifsobeitmustbeso，intothemilitia——soIwill。
Theattorneydidnotexpectsuchadetermination，andherepresented，inafriendly，hypocriticaltonetoPrice，thathehadnowishtodrivehimtosuchanextremity。thatitwouldbetheheightoffollyinhimTORUN
HISHEADAGAINSTAWALLFORNOPURPOSE。Youdon’tmeantotakethecornerintoyourowngarden，doyou，Price？saidhe。
I？saidthefarmer，Godforbid！it’snoneofmine，Inevertakewhatdoesnotbelongtome。
True，right，veryproper，ofcourse，saidMr。Case。butthenyouhavenointerestinlifeinthelandinquestion？
None。
Thenwhysostiffaboutit，Price？AllIwantofyoutosay——
Tosaythatblackiswhite，whichIwon’tdo，Mr。Case。Thegroundisathingnotworthtalkingof。butit’sneitheryoursnormine。Inmymemory，sincetheNEWlanewasmade，ithasalwaysbeenopentotheparish。andnomanshallincloseitwithmygood-will。Truthistruth，andmustbespoken。justiceisjustice，andshouldbedone，Mr。
Attorney。
Andlawislaw，Mr。Farmer，andshallhaveitscourse，toyourcost，
criedtheattorney，exasperatedbythedauntlessspiritofthisvillageHampden。
Heretheyparted。Theglowofenthusiasm，theprideofvirtue，whichmadeourherobrave，couldnotrenderhiminsensible。Ashedrewnearerhome，manymelancholythoughtspresseduponhisheart。Hepassedthedoorofhisowncottagewithresolutesteps，however，andwentthroughthevillageinsearchofthemanwhohadengagedtobehissubstitute。
Hefoundhim，toldhimhowthematterstood。andluckilytheman，whohadnotyetspentthemoney，waswillingtoreturnit。asthereweremanyothersdrawnforthemilitia，who，heobserved，wouldbegladtogivehimthesameprice，ormore，forhisservices。
ThemomentPricegotthemoney，hehastenedtoMr。Case’shouse，walkedstraightforwardintohisroom，andlayingthemoneydownuponhisdesk，There，Mr。Attorney，areyournineguineas。countthem。nowIhavedonewithyou。
Notyet，saidtheattorney，jinglingthemoneytriumphantlyinhishand。We’llgiveyouatasteofthelaw，mygoodsir，orI’mmistaken。
Youforgottheflawinyourlease，whichIhavesafeinthisdesk。
Ah，mylease，saidthefarmer，whohadalmostforgottoaskforittillhewasthusputinmindofitbytheattorney’simprudentthreat。Givememylease，Mr。Case。I’vepaidmymoney。youhavenorighttokeeptheleaseanylonger，whetheritisabadoneoragoodone。
Pardonme，saidtheattorney，lockinghisdesk，andputtingthekeyintohispocket，possession，myhonestfriend，criedhe，strikinghishanduponthedesk，isninepointsofthelaw。Goodnighttoyou。I
cannotinconsciencereturnaleasetoatenantinwhichIknowthereisacapitalflaw。Itismydutytoshowittomyemployer。or，inotherwords，toyournewlandlord，whoseagentIhavegoodreasonstoexpectI
shallbe。youwilllivetorepentyourobstinacy，Mr。Price。Yourservant，sir。
Priceretiredwithmelancholyfeelings，butnotintimidated。Manyamanreturnshomewithagloomycountenance，whohasnotquitesomuchcauseforvexation。
WhenSusanheardherfather’sstory，shequiteforgotherguinea-hen，andherwholesoulwasintentuponherpoormother，who，notwithstandingherutmostexertion，couldnotsupportherselfunderthissuddenstrokeofmisfortune。
InthemiddleofthenightSusanwascalledup。hermother’sfeverranhighforsomehours。buttowardsmorningitabated，andshefellintoasoftsleepwithSusan’shandlockedfastinhers。
Susansatmotionless，andbreathedsoftly，lestsheshoulddisturbher。
Therushlight，whichstoodbesidethebed，wasnowburntlow。thelongshadowofthetallwickerchairflitted，faded，appeared，andvanished，astheflameroseandsunkinthesocket。Susanwasafraidthatthedisagreeablesmellmightwakenhermother。and，gentlydisengagingherhand，shewentontiptoetoextinguishthecandle。Allwassilent：thegreylightofthemorningwasnowspreadingovereveryobject。thesunroseslowly，andSusanstoodatthelatticewindow，lookingthroughthesmallleaded，cross-barredpanesatthesplendidspectacle。Afewbirdsbegantochirp。but，asSusanwaslisteningtothem，hermotherstartedinhersleep，andspokeunintelligibly。Susanhungupawhiteapronbeforethewindowtokeepoutthelight，andjustthensheheardthesoundofmusicatadistanceinthevillage。Asitapproachednearer，sheknewthatitwasPhilipplayinguponhispipeandtabor。ShedistinguishedthemerryvoicesofhercompanionscarollinginhonouroftheMay，andsoonshesawthemcomingtowardsherfather’scottage，withbranchesandgarlandsintheirhands。Sheopenedquick，butgently，thelatchofthedoor，andranouttomeetthem。
Heresheis！——here’sSusan！theyexclaimed，joyfully。Here’stheQueenoftheMay。Andhere’shercrown！criedRose，pressingforward。
butSusanputherfingeruponherlips，andpointedtohermother’swindow。Philip’spipestoppedinstantly。
Thankyou，saidSusan，mymotherisill。Ican’tleaveher，youknow。
Thengentlyputtingasidethecrown，hercompanionsbidhersaywhoshouldwearitforher。
Willyou，dearRose？saidshe，placingthegarlanduponherfriend’shead。It’sacharmingMaymorning，addedshe，withasmile。good-bye。
Wesha’n’thearyourvoicesorthepipewhenyouhaveturnedthecornerintothevillage。soyouneedonlystoptillthen，Philip。
Ishallstopforallday，saidPhilip：I’venomindtoplayanymore。
Good-bye，poorSusan。Itisapityyoucan’tcomewithus，saidallthechildren。andlittleMaryranafterSusantothecottagedoor。
Iforgottothankyou，saidshe，forthedoublecowslips。lookhowprettytheyare，andsmellhowsweetthevioletsareinmybosom，andkissmequick，forIshallbeleftbehind。Susankissedthelittlebreathlessgirl，andreturnedsoftlytothesideofhermother’sbed。
Howgratefulthatchildistome，foracowsliponly！HowcanIbegratefulenoughtosuchamotherasthis？saidSusantoherself，asshebentoverhersleepingmother’spalecountenance。
Hermother’sunfinishedknittinglayuponatablenearthebed，andSusansatdowninherwickerarm-chair，andwentonwiththerow，inthemiddleofwhichherhandstoppedtheprecedingevening。Shetaughtmetoknit，shetaughtmeeverythingthatIknow，thoughtSusan，andthebestofall，shetaughtmetoloveher，towishtobelikeher。
Hermother，whensheawakened，feltmuchrefreshedbyhertranquilsleep，andobservingthatitwasadelightfulmorning，said，thatshehadbeendreamingsheheardmusic。butthatthedrumfrightenedher，becauseshethoughtitwasthesignalforherhusbandtobecarriedawaybyawholeregimentofsoldiers，whohadpointedtheirbayonetsathim。Butthatwasbutadream，Susan。Iawoke，andknewitwasadream，andIthenfellasleep，andhavesleptsoundlyeversince。
Howpainfulitistoawaketotheremembranceofmisfortune。Graduallyasthispoorwomancollectedherscatteredthoughts，sherecalledthecircumstancesoftheprecedingevening。Shewastoocertainthatshehadheardfromherhusband’sownlipsthewords，IMUSTLEAVEYOUINTHREE
DAYS。andshewishedthatshecouldsleepagain，andthinkitalladream。
Buthe’llwant，he’llwantahundredthings，saidshe，startingup。I
mustgethislinenreadyforhim。I’mafraidit’sverylate。Susan，whydidyouletmeliesolong？
Everythingshallbeready，dearmother。onlydon’thurryyourself，saidSusan。Andindeedhermotherwasillabletobearanyhurry，ortodoanyworkthisday。Susan’saffectionate，dexterous，sensibleactivitywasnevermorewanted，ormoreeffectual。Sheunderstoodsoreadily，sheobeyedsoexactly。andwhenshewaslefttoherowndiscretion，judgedsoprudently，thathermotherhadlittletroubleandnoanxietyindirectingher。ShesaidthatSusanneverdidtoolittle，ortoomuch。
Susanwasmendingherfather’slinen，whenRosetappedsoftlyatthewindow，andbeckonedtohertocomeout。Shewentout。Howdoesyourmotherdo，inthefirstplace？saidRose。
Better，thankyou。
That’swell，andIhavealittlebitofgoodnewsforyoubesides——
here，saidshe，pullingoutaglove，inwhichtherewasmoney，we’llgettheguinea-henbackagain——wehaveallagreedaboutit。ThisisthemoneythathasbeengiventousinthevillagethisMaymorning。Ateverydoortheygavesilver。Seehowgeneroustheyhavebeen——twelveshillings，Iassureyou。NowweareamatchforMissBarbara。Youwon’tliketoleavehome。I’llgotoBarbara，andyoushallseeyourguinea-henintenminutes。
Rosehurriedaway，pleasedwithhercommission，andtoaccomplishherbusiness。MissBarbara’smaidBettywasthefirstpersonthatwasvisibleattheattorney’shouse。RoseinsisteduponseeingMissBarbaraherself，andshewasshownintoaparlourtotheyounglady，whowasreadingadirtynovel，whichsheputunderaheapoflawpapersastheyentered。
Dear，howyouSTARTLEDme！Isitonlyyou？saidshetohermaid。butassoonasshesawRosebehindthemaid，sheputonascornfulair。
CouldnotyesayIwasnotathome，Betty？Well，mygoodgirl，whatbringsyouhere？Somethingtoborroworbeg，Isuppose。
Mayeveryambassador——everyambassadorinasgoodacause——answerwithasmuchdignityandmoderationasRoserepliedtoBarbarauponthepresentoccasion。Sheassuredher，thatthepersonfromwhomshecamedidnotsendhereithertobegorborrow。thatshewasabletopaythefullvalueofthatforwhichshecametoask。and，producingherwellfilledpurse，Ibelievethatthisisaverygoodshilling，saidshe。Ifyoudon’tlikeit，Iwillchangeit，andnowyouwillbesogoodastogivemeSusan’sguinea-hen。ItisinhernameIaskforit。
Nomatterinwhosenameyouaskforit，repliedBarbara，youwillnothaveit。Takeupyourshilling，ifyouplease。Iwouldhavetakenashillingyesterday，ifithadbeenpaidatthetimeproperly。butItoldSusan，thatifitwasnotpaidthen，Ishouldkeepthehen，andsoI
shall，Ipromiseher。Youmaygoback，andtellherso。
Theattorney’sdaughterhad，whilstRoseopenedhernegotiation，measuredthedepthofherpursewithakeeneye。andherpenetrationdiscoveredthatitcontainedatleasttenshillings。Withpropermanagementshehadsomehopesthattheguinea-henmightbemadetobringinatleasthalfthemoney。
Rose，whowasofawarmtemper，notquitesofitamatchasshehadthoughtherselfforthewilyBarbara，incautiouslyexclaimed，Whateveritcostsus，wearedeterminedtohaveSusan’sfavouritehen。so，ifoneshillingwon’tdo，taketwo。andiftwowon’tdo，why，takethree。
Theshillingssoundedprovokinguponthetable，asshethrewthemdownoneafteranother，andBarbaracoollyreplied，Threewon’tdo。
Haveyounoconscience，MissBarbara？Thentakefour。Barbarashookherhead。Afifthshillingwasinstantlyproffered。butBab，whonowsawplainlythatshehadthegameinherownhands，preservedacold，cruelsilence。Rosewentonrapidly，biddingshillingaftershilling，tillshehadcompletelyemptiedherpurse。Thetwelveshillingswerespreaduponthetable。Barbara’savaricewasmoved，sheconsentedforthisransomtoliberateherprisoner。
Rosepushedthemoneytowardsher。butjustthen，recollectingthatshewasactingforothersmorethanforherself，anddoubtingwhethershehadfullpowerstoconcludesuchanextravagantbargain，shegatheredupthepublictreasure，andwithnewly-recoveredprudenceobservedthatshemustgobacktoconsultherfriends。HergenerouslittlefriendswereamazedatBarbara’smeanness，butwithoneaccorddeclaredthattheyweremostwilling，fortheirparts，togiveupeveryfarthingofthemoney。TheyallwenttoSusaninabody，andtoldherso。There’sourpurse，saidthey。dowhatyoupleasewithit。Theywouldnotwaitforonewordofthanks，butranaway，leavingonlyRosewithhertosettlethetreatyfortheguinea-hen。
Thereisacertainmannerofacceptingafavour，whichshowstruegenerosityofmind。Manyknowhowtogive，butfewknowhowtoacceptagiftproperly。Susanwastouched，butnotastonished，bythekindnessofheryoungfriends，andshereceivedthepursewithasmuchsimplicityasshewouldhavegivenit。
Well，saidRose，shallIgobackfortheguinea-hen？
Theguinea-hen！saidSusan，startingfromareverieintowhichshehadfallen，asshecontemplatedthepurse。CertainlyIDOlongtoseemyprettyguinea-henoncemore。butIwasnotthinkingofherjustthen——I
wasthinkingofmyfather。
NowSusanhadheardhermotheroften，inthecourseofthisday，wishthatshehadbutmoneyenoughintheworldtopayJohnSimpsonforgoingtoserveinthemilitiainsteadofherhusband。This，tobesure，willgobutalittleway，thoughtSusan。butstillitmaybeofsomeusetomyfather。ShetoldhermindtoRose，andconcludedbysaying，decidedly，thatifthemoneywasgiventohertodisposeofasshepleased，shewouldgiveittoherfather。
Itisallyours，mydear，goodSusan，criedRose，withalookofwarmapprobation。Thisissolikeyou——butI’msorrythatMissBabmustkeepyourguinea-hen。Iwouldnotbeherforalltheguinea-hens，orguineaseither，inthewholeworld。Why，I’llanswerforit，theguinea-henwon’tmakeherhappy，andyou’llbehappyEVENwithout。becauseyouaregood。Letmecomeandhelpyouto-morrow，continuedshe，lookingatSusan’swork，ifyouhaveanymoremendingworktodo——IneverlikedworktillIworkedwithyou。Iwon’tforgetmythimbleormyscissors，
addedshe，laughing——thoughIusedtoforgetthemwhenIwasagiddygirl。IassureyouIamagreathandatmyneedle，now——tryme。
Susanassuredherfriendthatshedidnotdoubtthepowersofherneedle，andthatshewouldmostwillinglyacceptofherservices，butthatUNLUCKILYshehadfinishedalltheneedleworkimmediatelywanted。
Butdoyouknow，saidshe，Ishallhaveagreatdealofbusinessto-
morrow。butIwon’ttellyouwhatitisthatIhavetodo，forIamafraidIshallnotsucceed。butifIdosucceed，I’llcomeandtellyoudirectly，becauseyouwillbesogladofit。
Susan，whohadalwaysbeenattentivetowhathermothertaughther，andwhohadoftenassistedherwhenshewasbakingbreadandcakesforthefamilyattheAbbey，hadnowformedthecourageous，butnotpresumptuousidea，thatshecouldherselfundertaketobakeabatchofbread。OneoftheservantsfromtheAbbeyhadbeensentallroundthevillageinthemorninginsearchofbread，andhadnotbeenabletoprocureanythatwastolerable。Mrs。Price’slastbakingfailedforwantofgoodbarm。Shewasnotnowstrongenoughtoattemptanotherherself。andwhenthebrewer’sboycamewitheagernesstotellherthathehadsomefinefreshyeast，shethankedhim，butsighed，andsaiditwouldbeofnousetoher。Accordinglyshewenttoworkwithmuchprudentcare，andwhenherbreadthenextmorningcameoutoftheoven，itwasexcellent。atleasthermothersaidso，andshewasagoodjudge。ItwassenttotheAbbey。
andasthefamilytherehadnottastedanygoodbreadsincetheirarrivalinthecountry，theyalsowereearnestandwarminitspraise。Inquiriesweremadefromthehousekeeper，andtheyheard，withsomesurprise，thatthisexcellentbreadwasmadebyayounggirlonlytwelveyearsold。
Thehousekeeper，whohadknownSusanfromachild，waspleasedtohaveanopportunityinspeakinginherfavour。Sheisthemostindustriouslittlecreature，ma’am，intheworld，saidshetohermistress。LittleIcan’tsowellcallhernow，sinceshe’sgrowntallandslendertolookat。andgladIamsheisgrownuplikelytolookat。forhandsomeisthathandsomedoes。shethinksnomoreofherbeinghandsomethanIdomyself。
yetshehasasproperarespectforherself，ma’am，asyouhave。andI
alwaysseeherneat，andwithhermother，ma’am，orfitpeople，asagirlshouldbe。Asforhermother，shedotesuponher，aswellshemay。forI
shouldmyselfifIhadhalfsuchadaughter。andthenshehastwolittlebrothers。andshe’sasgoodtothem，and，myboyPhilipsays，taught’emtoreadmorethantheschool-mistress，allwithtendernessandgoodnature。but，Ibegyourpardon，ma’am，IcannotstopmyselfwhenIoncebegintotalkofSusan。
Youhavereallysaidenoughtoexcitemycuriosity，saidhermistress。
praysendforherimmediately。wecanseeherbeforewegoouttowalk。
ThebenevolenthousekeeperdespatchedherboyPhilipforSusan，whoneverhappenedtobeinsuchanUNTIDYstateastobeunabletoobeyasummonswithoutalongpreparation。Shehad，itistrue，beenverybusy。butorderlypeoplecanbebusyandneatatthesametime。Sheputonherusualstrawhat，andaccompaniedRose’smother，whowasgoingwithabasketofclearedmuslintotheAbbey。
ThemodestsimplicityofSusan’sappearanceandtheartlessproprietyoftheanswersshegavetoallthequestionsthatwereaskedher，pleasedtheladiesattheAbbey，whoweregoodjudgesofcharacterandmanners。
SirArthurSomershadtwosisters，sensible，benevolentwomen。TheywerenotofthatraceoffineladieswhoaremiserablethemomenttheycometoTHECOUNTRY。noryetweretheyofthatbustlingsort，whoquackanddirectalltheirpoorneighbours，forthemereloveofmanaging，orthewantofsomethingtodo。Theywerejudiciouslygenerous。andwhilsttheywishedtodiffusehappiness，theywerenotperemptoryinrequiringthatpeopleshouldbehappypreciselytheirownway。Withthesedispositions，andwithawellinformedbrother，who，thoughheneverwishedtodirect，wasalwayswillingtoassistintheireffortstodogood，therewerereasonablehopesthattheseladieswouldbeablessingtothepoorvillagersamongstwhomtheywerenowsettled。
AssoonasMissSomershadspokentoSusan，sheinquiredforherbrother。
butSirArthurwasinhisstudy，andagentlemanwaswithhimonbusiness。
Susanwasdesirousofreturningtohermother，andtheladiesthereforewouldnotdetainher。MissSomerstoldher，withasmile，whenshetookleave，thatshewouldcalluponherintheeveningatsixo’clock。
ItwasimpossiblethatsuchagrandeventasSusan’svisittotheAbbeycouldlongremainunknowntoBarbaraCaseandhergossipingmaid。Theywatchedeagerlyforthemomentofherreturn，thattheymightsatisfytheircuriosity。Theresheis，Ideclare，justcomeintohergarden，
criedBab。I’llruninandgetitalloutofherinaminute。
Babcoulddescend，withoutshame，wheneveritsuitedherpurposes，fromtheheightofinsolentpridetothelowestmeannessoffawningfamiliarity。
Susanwasgatheringsomemarigoldsandsomeparsleyforhermother’sbroth。
So，Susan，saidBab，whocamecloseuptoherbeforesheperceivedit，howgoestheworldwithyouto-day？
Mymotherisratherbetterto-day，shesays，ma’am——thankyou，repliesSusan，coldlybutcivilly。
MA’AM！dear，howpolitewearegrownofasudden！criedBab，winkingathermaid。Onemayseeyou’vebeeningoodcompanythismorning——hey，Susan？Come，let’shearaboutit。
Didyouseetheladiesthemselves，orwasitonlythehousekeepersentforyou？saidthemaid。
Whatroomdidyougointo？continuedBab。DidyouseeMissSomers，orSirArthur？
MissSomers。
La！shesawMissSomers！Betty，Imusthearaboutit。Can’tyoustopgatheringthosethingsforaminute，andchatabitwithus，Susan？
Ican’tstay，indeed，MissBarbara。formymother’sbrothisjustwanted，andI’minahurry。Susanranhome。
Lord，herheadisfullofbrothnow，saidBabtohermaid。andshehasnotawordforherself，thoughshehasbeenabroad。MypapamaywellcallherSimpleSusan。forsimplesheis，andsimpleshewillbe，alltheworldover。Formypart，Ithinkshe’slittlebetterthanadownrightsimpleton。But，however，simpleornot，I’llgetwhatIwantoutofher。
She’llbeabletospeak，maybe，whenshehassettledthegrandmatterofthebroth。I’llstepinandasktoseehermother，thatwillputherinagoodhumourinatrice。
BarbarafollowedSusanintothecottage，andfoundheroccupiedwiththegrandaffairofthebroth。Isitready？saidBab，peepingintothepotthatwasoverthefire。Dear，howsavouryitsmells！I’llwaittillyougoinwithittoyourmother。forImustaskherhowshedoesmyself。
Willyoupleasetositdownthen，miss，saidSimpleSusan，withasmile。foratthisinstantsheforgottheguinea-hen。Ihavebutjustputtheparsleyintothebroth。butitsoonwillbeready。