Fred。Patties，ma’am！kickshaws！Ihatekickshaws。Notworthputtingunderacover，ma’am。Andwhynothaveglasscovers，thatonemayseeone’sdinnerbeforeone，beforeitgrowscoldwithaskingquestions，Mrs。
Carbuncle，andliftingupcovers？Butnobodyhasanysense：andIseenowaterplatesanywhere，lately。
Mar。Do，pray，doctor，letmehelpyoutoabitofchickenbeforeitgetscold，mydear。
Fred。aside。Mydear，again，Marianne！
Mar。Yes，brother，becausesheisfrightened，youknow，andMrs。
Carbunclealwayssaysmydeartohimwhenshe’sfrightened，andlookssopalefromsidetoside。andsometimesshecriesbeforedinner’sdone，andthenallthecompanyarequitesilent，anddon’tknowwhattodo。
Oh，suchalittlecreature。tohavesomuchsense，too！exclaimedMrs。
Theresa，withrapture。Mr。Frederick，you’llmakemediewithlaughing！
Praygoon，Dr。Carbuncle。
Fred。Well，ma’am，thenifImusteatsomething，sendmeabitoffowl。
alegandwing，theliverwing，andabitofthebreast，oystersauce，andasliceofthatham，ifyouplease，ma’am。
Dr。Carbuncleeatsvoraciously，withhisheaddowntohisplate，and，droppingthesauce，hebuttonsuphiscoattightacrossthebreast。
Fred。Here。aplate，knifeandfork，bito’bread，aglassofDorchesterale！
Oh，admirable！exclaimedMrs。Tattle，clappingherhands。
Now，brother，supposethatitisafterdinner，saidMarianne。andshowushowthedoctorgoestosleep。
Frederickthrewhimselfbackinanarm-chair，leaninghisheadback，withhismouthopen，snoring。noddedfromtimetotime，crossedanduncrossedhislegs，triedtoawakehimselfbytwitchinghiswig，settlinghiscollar，blowinghisnoseandrappingonthelidofhissnuff-box。
AllwhichinfinitelydivertedMrs。Tattle，who，whenshecouldstopherselffromlaughing，declaredItmadehersigh，too，tothinkofthelifepoorMrs。Carbuncleledwiththatman，andallfornothing，too。forherjointurewasnothing，nexttonothing，thoughagreatthing，tobesure，herfriendsthoughtforher，whenshewasonlySallyRidgewaybeforeshewasmarried。Suchawifeasshemakes，continuedMrs。
Theresa，liftingupherhandsandeyestoheaven，andsomuchasshehasgonethrough，thebruteoughttobeashamedofhimselfifhedoesnotleavehersomethingextraordinaryinhiswill。forturnitwhichwayshewill，shecanneverkeepacarriage，orlivelikeanybodyelse，onherjointure，afterall，shetellsme，poorsoul！Asadprospect，afterherhusband’sdeath，tolookforwardto，insteadofbeingcomfortable，asherfriendsexpected。andshe，pooryoungthing！knowingnobetterwhentheymarriedher！Peopleshouldlookintothesethings，beforehand，ornevermarryatall，Isay，MissMarianne。
MissMarianne，whodidnotclearlycomprehendthisaffairofthejointure，orthereasonwhyMrs。Carbunclewouldbesounhappyafterherhusband’sdeath，turnedtoFrederick，whowasatthatinstantstudyingMrs。Theresaasafuturecharactertomimic。Brother，saidMarianne，nowsinganItaliansongforuslikeMissCroker。Pray，MissCroker，favouruswithasong。Mrs。TheresaTattlehasneverhadthepleasureofhearingyousing。she’squiteimpatienttohearyousing。
Yes，indeed，Iam，saidMrs。Theresa。
Frederickputhishandsbeforehimaffectedly。Oh，indeed，ma’am！
indeed，ladies！Ireallyamsohoarse，itdistressesmesotobepressedtosing。besides，uponmyword，Ihavequiteleftoffsinging。I’veneversungonce，exceptforveryparticularpeople，thiswinter。
Mar。ButMrs。TheresaTattleisaveryparticularperson。I’msureyou’llsingforher。
Fred。Certainly，ma’am，Iallowthatyouuseapowerfulargument。butI
assureyounow，Iwoulddomybesttoobligeyou，butIabsolutelyhaveforgottenallmyEnglishsongs。NobodyhearsanythingbutItaliannow，andIhavebeensogiddyastoleavemyItalianmusicbehindme。
Besides，Imakeitarulenevertohazardmyselfwithoutanaccompaniment。
Mar。Oh，try，MissCroker，foronce。
[Fredericksings，aftermuchpreluding。]
Violanteinthepantry，Gnawingofamutton-bone。
Howshegnawedit，Howsheclaw’dit，Whenshefoundherselfalone！
Charming！exclaimedMrs。Tattle。solikeMissCroker，I’msureIshallthinkofyou，Mr。Frederick，whenIhearheraskedtosingagain。Hervoice，however，introduceshertoverypleasantparties，andshe’sagirlthat’sverymuchtakennoticeof，andIdon’tdoubtwillgooffvastlywell。She’saparticularfavouriteofmine，youmustknow。andImeantodoherapieceofservicethefirstopportunity，bysayingsomethingorother，thatshallgoroundtoherrelationsinNorthumberland，andmakethemdosomethingforher。aswelltheymay，fortheyareallrollingingold，andwon’tgiveherapenny。
Mar。Now，brother，readthenewspaperlikeCounsellorPuff。
Oh，praydo，Mr。Frederick，forIdeclareIadmireyouofallthings！
Youarequiteyourselfto-night。Here’sanewspaper，sir，prayletushaveCounsellorPuff。It’snotlate。
[Frederickreadsinapompousvoice。]
Asadelicatewhitehandhaseverbeendeemedadistinguishingornamentineithersex，Messrs。ValiantandWiseconceiveittobetheirdutytotaketheearliestopportunitytoadvertisethenobilityandgentryofGreatBritainingeneral，andtheirfriendsinparticular，thattheyhavenowreadyforsale，asusual，attheHippocrates’Head，afreshassortmentofnew-invented，muchadmired，primrosesoap。Topreventimpositionsandcounterfeits，thepublicarerequestedtotakenotice，thattheonlygenuineprimrosesoapisstampedontheoutside，’ValiantandWise。’
Oh，youmostincomparablemimic！’tisabsolutelythecounsellorhimself。
Iabsolutelymustshowyou，someday，tomyfriendLadyBattersby。you’dabsolutelymakeherdiewithlaughing。andshe’dquiteadoreyou，saidMrs。Theresa，whowaswellawarethateverypausemustbefilledwithflattery。Praygoon，praygoon。Ishallneverbetired，ifIsitlookingatyouthesehundredyears。
Stimulatedbytheseplaudits，FrederickproceededtoshowhowColonelEpauletteblewhisnose，flourishedhiscambrichandkerchief，bowedtoLadyDianaPeriwinkle，andadmiredherwork，saying，Donebynohands，asyoumayguess，butthoseofFairlyFair。WhilstLadyDiana，heobserved，simperedsoprettily，andtookherselfsoquietlyforFairlyFair，notperceivingthatthecolonelwasadmiringhisownnailsallthewhile。
NexttoColonelEpaulette，Frederick，atMarianne’sparticulardesire，cameintotheroomlikeSirCharlesSlang。
Verywell，brother，criedshe，yourhanddowntotheverybottomofyourpocket，andyourothershoulderuptoyourear。butyouarenotquitewoodenenough，andyoushouldwalkasifyourhipwereoutofjoint。Therenow，Mrs。Tattle，arenotthosegoodeyes？Theystaresolikehis，withoutseemingtoseeanythingallthewhile。
Excellent！admirable！Mr。Frederick。ImustsaythatyouarethebestmimicofyourageIeversaw，andI’msureLadyBattersbywillthinksotoo。ThatisSirCharlestotheverylife。Butwithallthat，youmustknowhe’samightypleasant，fashionableyoungmanwhenyoucometoknowhim，andhasagreatdealofsenseunderallthat，andisofaverygoodfamily——theSlangs，youknow。SirCharleswillcomeintoafinefortunehimselfnextyear，ifhecankeepclearofgambling，whichIhearishisfoible，pooryoungman！Praygoon。Iinterruptyou，Mr。Frederick。
Now，brother，saidMarianne。
No，Marianne，Icandonomore。I’mquitetired，andIwilldonomore，saidFrederick，stretchinghimselfatfulllengthuponasofa。
Eveninthemidstoflaughter，andwhilstthevoiceofflatteryyetsoundedinhisear，Frederickfeltsad，displeasedwithhimself，anddisgustedwithMrs。Theresa。
Whatadeepsighwasthere！saidMrs。Theresa。whatcanmakeyousighsobitterly？You，whomakeeverybodyelselaugh。Oh，suchanothersighagain！
Marianne，criedFrederick，doyourememberthemaninthemask？
Whatmaninthemask，brother？
Theman——theactor——thebuffoon，thatmyfathertoldusof，whousedtocrybehindthemaskthatmadeeverybodyelselaugh。
Cry！blessme，saidMrs。Theresa，mightyodd！veryextraordinary！butonecan’tbesurprisedatmeetingwithextraordinarycharactersamongstthatraceofpeople，actorsbyprofession，youknow。fortheyarebroughtupfromtheeggtomaketheirfortune，oratleasttheirbreadbytheiroddities。But，mydearMr。Frederick，youarequitepale，quiteexhausted。nowonder——whatwillyouhave？aglassofcowslip-wine？
Ohno，thankyou，ma’am，saidFrederick。
Ohyes。indeedyoumustnotleavemewithouttakingsomething。andMissMariannemusthaveanothermacaroon。Iinsistuponit，saidMrs。
Theresa，ringingthebell。Itisnotlate，andmymanChristopherwillbringupthecowslip-wineinaminute。
But，Sophy！andpapaandmamma，youknow，willcomehomepresently，
saidMarianne。
Oh！MissSophyhasherbooksanddrawings。Youknowshe’sneverafraidofbeingalone。Besides，to-nightitwasherownchoice。Andastoyourpapaandmamma，theywon’tbehometo-night，I’mprettysure。foragentleman，whohaditfromtheirownauthority，toldmewheretheyweregoing，whichisfurtheroffthantheythink。buttheydidnotconsultme。
andIfancythey’llbeobligedtosleepout。soyouneednotbeinahurryaboutthem。We’llhavecandles。
ThedooropenedjustasMrs。Tattlewasgoingtoringthebellagainforcandlesandthecowslip-wine。Christopher！Christopher！saidMrs。
Theresa，whowasstandingatthefire，withherbacktothedoor，whenitopened，Christopher！praybring——Doyouhear？butnoChristopheranswered。and，uponturninground，Mrs。Tattle，insteadofChristopher，beheldtwolittleblackfigures，whichstoodperfectlystillandsilent。
Itwassodark，thattheirformscouldscarcelybediscerned。
Inthenameofheaven，whoandwhatmayyoube？Speak，Iconjureyou！
whatareye？
Thechimney-sweepers，ma’am，an’pleaseyourladyship。
Chimney-sweepers！repeatedFrederickandMarianne，burstingouta-
laughing。
Chimney-sweepers！repeatedMrs。Theresa，provokedattherecollectionofherlatesolemnaddresstothem。Chimney-sweepers！andcouldnotyousaysoalittlesooner？Pray，whatbringsyouhere，gentlemen，atthistimeofnight？
Thebellrang，ma’am，，answeredasqueakingvoice。
Thebellrang！yes，forChristopher。Theboy’smad，ordrunk。
Ma’am，saidthetallestofthechimney-sweepers，whohadnotyetspoken，andwhonowbeganinaverybluntmanner。ma’am，yourbrotherdesiredustocomeupwhenthebellrang。sowedid。
Mybrother？Ihavenobrother，dunce，saidMrs。Theresa。
Mr。Eden，madam。
Ho，ho！saidMrs。Tattle，inamorecomplacenttone，theboytakesmeforMissBerthaEden，Iperceive。and，flatteredtobetakeninthedarkbyachimney-sweeperforayoungandhandsomelady，Mrs。Theresalaughed，andinformedhimthattheyhadmistakentheroom。andtheymustgoupanotherpairofstairs，andturntotheleft。
Thechimney-sweeperwiththesqueakingvoicebowed，thankedherladyshipforthisinformation，said，Goodnighttoye，quality。andtheybothmovedtowardsthedoor。
Stay，saidMrs。Tattle，whosecuriositywasexcited。whatcantheEdenswantwithchimney-sweepersatthistimeo’night，Iwonder？
Christopher，didyouhearanythingaboutit？saidtheladytoherfootman，whowasnowlightingthecandles。
Uponmyword，ma’am，saidtheservant，Ican’tsay。butI’llstepdownbelowandinquire。Iheardthemtalkingaboutitinthekitchen。butI
onlygotawordhereandthere，forIwashuntingforthesnuff-dish，asIknewitmustbeforcandleswhenIheardthebellring，ma’am。soI
thoughttofindthesnuff-dishbeforeIansweredthebell，forIknewitmustbeforcandlesyourang。But，ifyouplease，I’llstepdownnow，ma’am，andseeaboutthechimney-sweepers。
Yes，stepdown，do。and，Christopher，bringupthecowslip-wine，andsomemoremacaroonsformylittleMarianne。
MariannewithdrewrathercoldlyfromakisswhichMrs。Tattlewasgoingtogiveher。forshewassomewhatsurprisedatthefamiliaritywithwhichthisladytalkedtoherfootman。Shehadnotbeenaccustomedtothesefamiliaritiesinherfatherandmother，andshedidnotlikethem。
Well，saidMrs。TattletoChristopher，whowasnowreturned，whatisthenews？
Ma’am，thelittlefellowwiththesqueakingvoicehasbeentellingmethewholestory。Theothermorning，ma’am，early，heandtheotherweredownthehillsweepinginParadiseRow。Thosechimneys，theysay，aredifficult。andthesquarefellow，ma’am，thebiggestofthetwoboys，gotwedgedinthechimney。Theotherlittlefellowwasupatthetopatthetime，andheheardthecry。butinhisfright，andall，hedidnotknowwhattodo，ma’am。forhelookedaboutfromthetopofthechimney，andnotasoulcouldheseestirring，butafewthathecouldnotmakeattendtohisscreech。theboywithinalmoststiflingtoo。Sohescreeched，andscreeched，allhecould。andbythegreatestchanceinlife，ma’am，oldMr。Edenwasjustgoingdownthehilltofetchhismorningwalk。
Ay，interruptedMrs。Theresa，friendEphraimisoneofyourearlyrisers。
Well，saidMarianne，impatiently。
So，ma’am，hearingthescreech，heturnsandseesthesweep。andatonceheunderstandsthematter——
I’msurehemusthavetakensometimetounderstandit，interposedMrs。
Tattle，forhe’stheslowestcreaturebreathing，andthedeafestincompany。Goon，Christopher。Sothesweepdidmakehimhear。
Sohesays，ma’am。andsotheoldgentlemanwentinandpulledtheboyoutofthechimney，withmuchado，ma’am。
Blessme！exclaimedMrs。Theresa。butdidoldEdengoupthechimneyhimselfaftertheboy，wigandall？
Why，ma’am，saidChristopher，withalookofgreatdelight，thatwasallasone，asthevery’denticalwordsIputtotheboymyself，whenhetelledmehisstory。But，ma’am，thatwaswhatIcouldn’tgetoutofhim，neither，rightly，forheisachurl——thebigboythatwasstuckinthechimney，Imean。forwhenIputthequestiontohimaboutthewig，laughinglike，hewouldn’ttakeitlaughinglikeatall。butwouldonlymakeanswertouslikeabear，’Hesavedmylife，that’sallIknow’。andthisoveragain，ma’am，toallthekitchenround，thatcross-questionedhim。ButIfindshimstupidandill-manneredlike，forIofferedhimashilling，ma’am，myself，totellaboutthewig。butheputitbackinawaythatdidnotbecomesuchashe，tonolady’sbutler，ma’am。whereuponIturnstotheslimfellowandhe’ssmarterer，andmoremannerly，ma’am，withatongueinhisheadforhisbetters，buthecouldnotresolvememyquestioneither。forhewasupatthetopofthechimneythebestparto’thetime：andwhenhecamedownMr。Edenhadhiswigon，buthadhisarmallbareandbloody，ma’am。
PoorMr。Eden！exclaimedMarianne。
Oh，miss，continuedtheservant，andthechimney-sweephimselfwassobruised，andmusthavebeenkilled。
Well，well！buthe’salivenow。goonwithyourstory，Christopher，
saidMrs。T。Chimney-sweepersgetwedgedinchimneyseveryday。it’spartoftheirtrade，andit’sahappythingwhentheycomeoffwithafewbruises。*Tobesure，addedshe，observingthatbothFrederickandMariannelookeddispleasedatthisspeech，tobesure，ifonemaybelievethisstory，therewassomerealdanger。
*Thisatrociouspracticeisnowhappilysupersededbytheuseofsweepingmachines。
Realdanger！yes，indeed，saidMarianne。andI’msureIthinkMr。Edenwasverygood。
Certainlyitwasamostcommendableaction，andquiteprovidential。SoIshalltakeanopportunityofsaying，whenItellthestoryinallcompanies。andtheboymaythankhiskindstars，I’msure，totheendofhisdays，forsuchanescape——Butpray，Christopher，saidshe，persistinginherconversationwithChristopher，whowasnowlayingtheclothforsupper，pray，whichhousewasitinParadiseRow？wheretheEaglesortheMissRoperslodge？orwhich？
ItwasatmyLadyBattersby’s，ma’am。
Ha！ha！criedMrs。Theresa，Ithoughtweshouldgettothebottomoftheaffairatlast。Thisisexcellent！ThiswillmakeanadmirablestoryformyLadyBattersbythenexttimeIseeher。TheseQuakersaresosly！OldEden，Iknow，haslongwantedtoobtainanintroductionintothathouse。andacharmingcharitableexpedienthitupon！MyLadyBattersbywillenjoythis，ofallthings。
CHAPTERIII。
Now，continuedMrs。Theresa，turningtoFrederick，assoonastheservanthadlefttheroom，now，Mr。FrederickMontague，Ihaveafavour——
suchafavour——toaskofyou。it’safavourwhichonlyyoucangrant。
youhavesuchtalents，andwoulddothethingsoadmirably。andmyLadyBattersbywouldquiteadoreyouforit。Shewilldomethehonourtobeheretospendaneveningto-morrow。I’mconvincedMr。andMrs。Montaguewillfindthemselvesobligedtostayoutanotherday，andIsolongtoshowyouofftoherladyship。andyourDoctorCarbuncle，andyourCounsellorPuff，andyourMissCroker，andallyourcharmingcharacters。
Youmustletmeintroduceyoutoherladyshipto-morrowevening。Promiseme。
Oh，ma’am，saidFrederick，Icannotpromiseyouanysuchthing，indeed。Iammuchobligedtoyou。butindeedIcannotcome。
Whynot，mydearsir？whynot？Youdon’tthinkImeanyoushouldpromise，ifyouarecertainyourpapaandmammawillbehome。
Iftheydocomehome，Iwillaskthemaboutit，saidFrederick，hesitating。forthoughhebynomeanswishedtoaccepttheinvitation，hehadnotyetacquiredthenecessarypowerofdecidedlysayingNo。
Askthem！repeatedMrs。Theresa。Mydearsir，atyourage，mustyouaskyourpapaandmammaaboutsuchthings？
Must！no，ma’am，saidFrederick。butIsaidIwould。IknowIneednot，becausemyfatherandmotheralwaysletmejudgeformyselfalmostabouteverything。
Andaboutthis，Iamsure，criedMarianne。Papaandmamma，youknow，justastheyweregoingaway，said，’IfMrs。Theresaasksyoutocome，doasyouthinkbest’
Well，then，saidMrs。Theresa，youknowitrestswithyourselves，ifyoumaydoasyouplease。
TobesureImay，madam，saidFrederick，colouringfromthatspeciesofemotionwhichisjustlycalledfalseshame，andwhichoftenconquersrealshame。tobesure，ma’am，ImaydoasIplease。
ThenImaymakesureofyou，saidMrs。Theresa。fornowitwouldbedownrightrudenesstotellaladyyouwon’tdoasshepleases。Mr。
FrederickMontague，I’msure，istoowellbredayounggentlemantodosounpolite，soungallantathing！
Thejargonofpolitenessandgallantryisfrequentlybroughtbythesillyacquaintanceofyoungpeopletoconfusetheirsimplemoralityandcleargoodsense。Anewandunintelligiblesystemispresentedtothem，inalanguageforeigntotheirunderstanding，andcontradictorytotheirfeelings。Theyhesitatebetweennewmotivesandoldprinciples。Fromthefearofbeingthoughtignorant，theybecomeaffected。andfromthedreadofbeingthoughttobechildrenactlikefools。ButallthistheyfeelonlywhentheyareinthecompanyofsuchpeopleasMrs。TheresaTattle。
Ma’am，Frederickbegan，Idon’tmeantoberude。butIhopeyou’llexcusemefromcomingtodrinkteawithyouto-morrow，becausemyfatherandmotherarenotacquaintedwithLadyBattersby，andmaybetheymightnotlike——
Takecare，takecare，saidMrs。Theresa，laughingathisperplexity：
youwanttogetofffromobligingme，andyoudon’tknowhow。YouhadverynearlymadeamostshockingblunderinputtingitalluponpoorLadyBattersby。Nowyouknowit’simpossiblethatMr。andMrs。MontaguecouldhaveinnaturetheslightestobjectiontointroducingyoutomyLadyBattersbyatmyownhouse。for，don’tyouknow，that，besidesherladyship’smanyunquestionablequalities，whichoneneednottalkof，sheiscousin，butonceremoved，totheTrottersofLancashire——yourmother’sgreatfavourites？AndthereisnotapersonattheWells，I’llventuretosay，couldbeofmoreadvantagetoyoursisterSophy，inthewayofpartners，whenshecomestogotheballs，whichit’stobesupposedshewill，sometimeorother。andasyouaresogoodabrother，that’sathingtobelookedto，youknow。Besides，astoyourself，there’snothingherladyshipdelightsinsomuchasinagoodmimic。andshe’llquiteadoreyou！
ButIdon’twanthertoadoreme，ma’am，saidFrederick，bluntly。then，correctinghimself，added，Imeanforbeingamimic。
Whynot，mylove？Betweenfriends，cantherebeanyharminshowingone’stalents？Youthathavesuchtalentstoshow。She’llkeepyoursecret，I’llanswerforher。and，addedshe，youneedn’tbeafraidofhercriticism。for，betweenyouandme，she’snogreatcritic。soyou’llcome。Well，thankyou，that’ssettled。Howyouhavemademebegandpray！butyouknowyourownvalue，Isee。asyouentertainingpeoplealwaysdo。Onemustaskawit，likeafinesinger，sooften。Well，butnowforthefavourIwasgoingtoaskyou。
Fredericklookedsurprised。forhethoughtthatthefavourofhiscompanywaswhatshemeant：butsheexplainedherselffarther。
AstotheoldQuakerwholodgesabove，oldEphraimEden——myLadyBattersbyandIhavesomuchdiversionabouthim。Heisthebestcharacter，theoddestcreature！Ifyouwerebuttoseehimcomeintotheroomswiththosestiffskirts，orwalkingwithhiseternalsisterBertha，andhiseverlastingbroad-brimmedhat！Oneknowshimamileoff！Butthenhisvoiceandway，andaltogether，ifonecouldgetthemtothelife，they’dbebetterthananythingonthestage。bettereventhananythingI’veseento-night。andIthinkyou’dmakeacapitalQuakerformyLadyBattersby。butthenthethingis，onecannevergettoheartheoldquiztalk。Nowyou，whohavesomuchinventionandcleverness——I
havenoinventionmyself。butcouldyounothituponsomewayofseeinghim，sothatyoumightgethimbyheart？I’msureyou，whoaresoquick，wouldonlywanttoseehim，andhearhim，forhalfaminute，tobeabletotakehimoff，soastokillonewithlaughing。ButIhavenoinvention。
Oh，astotheinvention，saidFrederick，Iknowanadmirablewayofdoingthething，ifthatisall。butthenremember，Idon’tsayIwilldothething，forIwillnot。ButIknowawayofgettingupintohisroom，andseeinghim，withouthisknowingmetobethere。
Oh，tellitme，youcharming，clevercreature！
But，remember，IdonotsayIwilldoit。
Well，well，letushearit。andyoushalldoasyoupleaseafterwards。
Mercifulgoodness！exclaimedMrs。Tattle，domyearsdeceiveme？I
declareIlookedround，andthoughtIheardthesqueakingchimney-sweeperwasintheroom！
SodidI，Frederick，Ideclare，criedMarianne，laughing，Ineverheardanythingsolikehisvoiceinmylife。
Frederickimitatedthesqueakingvoiceofthischimney-sweepertogreatperfection。
Now，continuedhe，thisfellowisjustmyheight。TheoldQuaker，ifmyfacewereblackened，andifIweretochangeclotheswiththechimney-
sweeper，I’llanswerforit，wouldneverknowme。
Oh，it’sanadmirableinvention！Igiveyouinfinitecreditforit！
exclaimedMrs。Theresa。Itshall，itmustbedone。I’llring，andhavethefellowupthisminute。
Oh，no。donotring，saidFrederick，stoppingherhand，Idon’tmeantodoit。YouknowyoupromisedthatIshoulddoasIpleased。Ionlytoldyoumyinvention。
Well，well。butonlyletmering，andaskwhetherthechimney-sweepersarebelow。Youshalldoasyoupleaseafterwards。
Christopher，shutthedoor。Christopher，saidshetotheservantwhocameupwhensherang，prayarethesweepsgoneyet？
No，ma’am。
ButhavetheybeenuptooldEdenyet？
Oh，no，ma’am。norbenottogotillthebellrings。forMissBertha，ma’am，wasasleepa-lyingdown，andherbrotherwouldn’thaveherwakenedonnoaccountwhatsomever。Hecamedownhisselftothekitchentothesweeps，though。butwouldn’thave，asIheardhimsay，hissisterwakedfornoaccount。ButMissBertha’sbellwillringwhenshewakensforthesweeps，ma’am。’Twasshewantedtoseetheboyasherbrothersaved，andIsupposesentforhimtogivehimsomethingcharitable，ma’am。
Well，nevermindyoursuppositions，saidMrs。Theresa。rundownthisveryminutetothelittlesqueakingchimney-sweep，andsendhimuptome。
Quick，butdon’tlettheotherbearcomeupwithhim。
Christopher，whohadcuriosity，aswellashismistress，whenhereturnedwiththechimney-sweeper，prolongedhisownstayintheroombysweepingthehearth，throwingdownthetongsandshovel，andpickingthemupagain。
Thatwilldo，Christopher！Christopher，thatwilldo，Isay，Mrs。
Theresarepeatedinvain。Shewasobligedtosay，Christopher，youmaygo，beforehewoulddepart。
Now，saidshetoFrederick，stepinheretothenextroomwiththiscandle，andyou’llbeequippedinaninstant。Onlyjustchangeclotheswiththeboy。onlyjustletmeseewhatacharmingchimney-sweeperyou’dmake。Youshalldoasyoupleaseafterwards。
Well，I’llonlychangeclotheswithhim，justtoshowyouforoneminute。
But，saidMariannetoMrs。TheresawhilstFrederickwaschanginghisclothes，IthinkFrederickisrightabout——
Aboutwhat，love？
Ithinkheisintherightnottogoup，thoughhecandoitsoeasily，toseethatgentleman。Imeanonpurposetomimicandlaughathimafterwards。Idon’tthinkthatwouldbequiteright。
Why，pray，MissMarianne？
Why，becauseheissogood-naturedtohissister。Hewouldnotletherbewakened。
Dear，it’seasytobegoodinsuchlittlethings。andhewon’thavelongtobegoodtoherneither。forIdon’tthinkshewilltroublehimlonginthisworld，anyhow。
Whatdoyoumean？saidMarianne。
Thatshe’lldie，child。
Die！diewiththatbeautifulcolourinhercheeks！Howsorryherpoor，poorbrotherwillbe！Butshewillnotdie，I’msure，forshewalksaboutandrunsupstairssolightly！Oh，youmustbequitemistaken，I
hope。
IfI’mmistaken，Dr。PanadoCardamum’smistakentoo，then，that’smycomfort。Hesays，unlessthewatersworkamiracle，shestandsabadchance。andshewon’tfollowmyadvice，andconsultthedoctorforherhealth。
Hewouldfrightenhertodeath，perhaps，saidMarianne。IhopeFrederickwon’tgouptodisturbher。
Lud，child，youareturnedsimpletonallofasudden。howcanyourbrotherdisturbhermorethantherealchimney-sweeper？
ButIdon’tthinkit’sright，persistedMarianne，andIshalltellhimso。
Nay，MissMarianne，Idon’tcommendyounow。Youngladiesshouldnotbesoforwardtogiveopinionsandadvicetotheirelderbrothersunasked。
andIpresumethatMr。FrederickandImustknowwhat’srightaswellasMissMarianne。Hush！hereheis。Oh，thecapitalfigure！criedMrs。
Theresa。Bravo，bravo！criedshe，asFrederickenteredinthechimney-
sweeper’sdress。andashespoke，saying，I’mafraid，pleaseyourladyship，todirtyourladyship’scarpet，shebrokeoutintoimmoderateraptures，callinghimhercharmingchimney-sweeper！andrepeatingthatsheknewbeforehandthecharacterwoulddoforhim。
Mrs。Theresainstantlyrangthebell，inspiteofallexpostulation——
orderedChristophertosenduptheotherchimney-sweeper——triumphedinobservingthatChristopherdidnotknowFrederickwhenhecameintotheroom。andofferedtolayanywagerthattheotherchimney-sweeperwouldmistakehimforhiscompanion。Andsohedid。andwhenFrederickspoke，thevoicewassoverylike，thatitwasscarcelypossiblethatheshouldhaveperceivedthedifference。
Mariannewasdivertedbythisscene。butshestarted，wheninthemidstofittheyheardabellring。
That’sthelady’sbell，andwemustgo，saidthebluntchimney-sweeper。
Go，then，aboutyourbusiness，saidMrs。Theresa，andhere’sashillingforyou，todrink，myhonestfellow。IdidnotknowyouweresomuchbruisedwhenIfirstsawyou。Iwon’tdetainyou。Go，saidshe，pushingFredericktowardsthedoor。Mariannesprangforwardtospeaktohim。butMrs。Theresakeptheroff。and，thoughFrederickresisted，theladyshutthedooruponhimbysuperiorforce，and，havinglockedit，therewasnoretreat。Mrs。TattleandMariannewaitedimpatientlyforFrederick’sreturn。
Ihearthem，criedMarianne，Ihearthemcomingdownstairs。Theylistenedagain，andallwassilent。Atlengththeysuddenlyheardagreatnoiseofmanystepsinthehall。
Merciful！exclaimedMrs。Theresa，itmustbeyourfatherandmothercomeback。Mariannerantounlocktheroomdoor，andMrs。Theresafollowedherintothehall。Thehallwasratherdark，butunderthelampacrowdofpeople，alltheservantsinthehousehavinggatheredtogether。
AsMrs。Theresaapproached，thecrowdopenedinsilence，andinthemidstshebeheldFrederick，withbloodstreamingfromhisface。HisheadwasheldbyChristopher。andthechimney-sweeperwasholdingabasinforhim。
Merciful！whatwillbecomeofme？exclaimedMrs。Theresa。Bleeding！
he’llbleedtodeath！Cannobodythinkofanythingthatwillstopbloodinaminute？Akey，alargekeydownhisback——akey——hasnobodyakey？
Mr。andMrs。Montaguewillbeherebeforehehasdonebleeding。Akey！
cobwebs！apuffball！formercy’ssake！Cannobodythinkofanythingthatwillstopbloodinaminute？Graciousme！he’llbleedtodeath，I
believe。
He’llbleedtodeath！Oh，mybrother！criedMarianne，catchingholdofthewords。andterrified，sheranupstairs，crying，Sophy，oh，Sophy！
comedownthisminute，orhe’llbedead！Mybrother’sbleedingtodeath！
Sophy！Sophy！comedown，orhe’llbedead！
Letgothebasin，you，saidChristopher，pullingthebasinoutofthechimney-sweeper’shand，whohadallthistimestoodinsilence。youarenotfittoholdthebasinforagentleman。
Lethimholdit，saidFrederick。hedidnotmeantohurtme。
That’smorethanhedeserves。I’mcertainsurehemighthaveknownwellenoughitwasMr。Frederickallthetime，andhe’dnobusinesstogotofight——suchaoneashe——withagentleman。
Ididnotknowhewasagentleman！saidthechimney-sweeper，howcouldI？
Howcouldhe，indeed！saidFrederick。heshallholdthebasin。
Graciousme！I’mgladtohearhimspeaklikehimselfagain，atanyrate，criedMrs。Theresa。AndherecomesMissSophy，too。
Sophy！criedFrederick。Oh，Sophy，don’tyoucome——don’tlookatme。
you’lldespiseme。
Mybrother！where？where？saidSophy，looking，asshethought，atthetwochimney-sweepers。
It’sFrederick，saidMarianne：that’smybrother。
MissSophy，don’tbealarmed，Mrs。Theresabegan。butgraciousgoodness！IwishMissBertha——
Atthisinstantafemalefigureinwhiteappeareduponthestairs。shepassedswiftlyon，whilsteveryonegavewaybeforeher。Oh，MissBertha！criedMrs。Theresa，catchingholdofhergowntostopher，asshecamenearFrederick。Oh，MissEden，yourbeautifulIndiamuslin！
takecareofthechimneysweeper，forheaven’ssake。Butshepressedforward。
It’smybrother，willhedie？criedMarianne，throwingherarmsroundher，andlookingupasiftoabeingofasuperiororder。Willhebleedtodeath？
No，mylove！answeredasweetvoice：donotfrightenthyself。
I’vedonebleeding，saidFrederick。
Dearme，MissMarianne，ifyouwouldnotmakesucharout，criedMrs。
Tattle。MissBertha，it’snothingbutafrolic。YouseeMr。FrederickMontagueonlyinamasqueradedress。Nothingintheworldbutafrolic，ma’am。Youseehe’sstoppedbleeding。Iwasfrightenedoutofmywitsatfirst。Ithoughtitwashiseye，butIseeit’sonlyhisnose。All’swellthatendswell。Mr。Frederick，we’llkeepyourcounsel。Pray，ma’am，letusasknoquestions。it’sonlyaboyishfrolic。Come，Mr。
Frederick，thisway，intomyroom，andI’llgiveyouatowelandsomecleanwater，andyoucangetridofthismasqueradedress。Makehaste，forfearyourfatherandmothershoulddropinuponus。
Donotbeafraidofthyfatherandmother。Theyaresurelythybestfriends，saidavoice。Itwasthevoiceofanelderlygentleman，whonowstoodbehindFrederick。
Oh，sir，oh，Mr。Eden，saidFrederick，turningtohim。
Don’tbetrayme！forgoodness’sake！whisperedMrs。Tattle，saynothingaboutme。
I’mnotthinkingaboutyou。Letmespeak，criedhe，pushingawayherhand，whichstoppedhismouth。Ishallsaynothingaboutyou，Ipromiseyou，saidFrederick，withalookofcontempt。
No，butforyourownsake，mydearsir，yourpapaandmamma。Blessme！
isnotthatMrs。Montague’scarriage？
Mybrother，ma’am，saidSophy，isnotafraidofmyfatherandmother’scomingback。Lethimspeak。hewasgoingtospeakthetruth。
Tobesure，MissSophia，Iwouldn’thinderhimfromspeakingthetruth。
butit’snotproper，Ipresume，ma’am，tospeaktruthatalltimes，andinallplaces，andbeforeeverybody，servantsandall。Ionlywanted，ma’am，tohinderyourbrotherfromexposinghimself。Ahall，I
apprehend，isnotaproperplaceforexplanation。
Here，saidMr。Eden，openingthedoorofhisroom，whichwasontheoppositesideofthehalltoMrs。Tattle’s。Hereisaplace，saidhetoFrederick，wherethoumaystspeakthetruthatalltimes，andbeforeeverybody。
Nay，myroom’satMr。FrederickMontague’sservice，andmydoor’sopentoo。Thisway，pray，saidshe，pullinghisarm。ButFrederickbrokefromher，andfollowedMr。Eden。
Oh，sir，willyouforgiveme？criedhe。
Forgivethee！——andwhathaveItoforgive！
Forgive，brother，withoutaskingwhat，saidBertha，smiling。
Heshallknowall！criedFrederick。allthatconcernsmyself，Imean。
Sir，Idisguisedmyselfinthisdress。Icameuptoyourroomto-nightonpurposetoseeyou，withoutyourknowingit，thatImightmimicyou。Thechimney-sweeper，whereishe？saidFrederick，lookinground。andheranintothehalltoseeforhim。Mayhecomein？hemay——heisabrave，anhonest，good，gratefulboy。HeneverguessedwhoIwas。Afterweleftyouwewentdowntothekitchentogether，andthere，foolasIwas，forthepleasureofmakingMr。Christopherandtheservantslaugh，begantomimicyou。Thisboysaidhewouldnotstandbyandhearyoulaughedat。
thatyouhadsavedhislife。thatIoughttobeashamedofmyself。thatyouhadjustgivenmehalfacrown。andsoyouhad。butIwenton，andtoldhimI’dknockhimdownifhesaidanotherword。Hedid。Igavethefirstblow。wefought。Icametotheground。theservantspulledmeupagain。Theyfoundout，Idon’tknowhow，thatIwasnotachimney-
sweeper。Therestyousaw。Andnowcanyouforgiveme，sir？saidFredericktoMr。Eden，seizingholdofhishand。
Theotherhand，friend，saidtheQuaker，gentlywithdrawinghisrighthand，whicheverybodynowobservedwasmuchswelled，andputtingitintohisbosomagain。This，andwelcome，offeringhisotherhandtoFrederick，andshakinghiswithasmile。
Oh，thatotherhand！saidFrederick，thatwashurt，Iremember。HowillIhavebehaved——extremelyill！ButthisisalessonthatIshallneverforgetaslongasIlive。IhopeforthefutureIshallbehavelikeagentleman。
Andlikeaman——andlikeagoodman，Iamsurethouwilt，saidthegoodQuaker，shakingFrederick’shandaffectionately。orIammuchmistaken，friend，inthatblackcountenance。
Youarenotmistaken，criedMarianne。Frederickwillneverbepersuadedagainbyanybodytodowhathedoesnotthinkright：andnow，brother，youmaywashyourblackcountenance。
JustwhenFrederickhadgotridofhalfhisblackcountenance，adoubleknockwasheardatthedoor。ItwasMr。andMrs。Montague。Whatwillyoudonow？whisperedMrs。TheresatoFrederick，ashisfatherandmothercameintotheroom。
Achimney-sweepercoveredwithblood！exclaimedMr。andMrs。Montague。
Father，IamFrederick，saidhe，steppingforwardtowardsthem，astheystoodinastonishment。
Frederick！myson！
Yes，mother，I’mnothurthalfsomuchasIdeserve。I’lltellyou——
Nay，interruptedBertha，letmybrothertellthestorythistime。
Thouhasttolditonce，andtolditwell。noonebutmybrothercouldtellitbetter。
Astorynevertellssowellthesecondtime，tobesure，saidMrs。
Theresa。butMr。Edenwillcertainlymakethebestofit。
WithouttakinganynoticeofMrs。Tattle，orherapprehensivelooks，Mr。
Edenexplainedallheknewoftheaffairinafewwords。Yourson，
concludedhe，willquicklyputoffhisdirtydress。Thedresshathnotstainedthemind。thatisfairandhonourable。Whenhefoundhimselfinthewrong，hesaidso。norwasheinhastetoconcealhisadventurefromhisfather。thismademethinkwellofbothfatherandson。Ispeakplainly，friend，forthatisbest。Butwhatisbecomeoftheotherchimney-sweeper？Hewillwanttogohome，saidMr。Eden，turningtoMrs。Theresa。Withoutmakinganyreply，shehurriedoutoftheroomasfastaspossible，andreturnedinafewmoments，withalookofextremeconsternation。
Hereisacatastropheindeed！Now，indeed，Mr。Frederick，yourpapaandmammahavereasontobeangry。Anewsuitofclothes！——thebarefacedvillain！gone！nosignoftheminmycloset，oranywhere。Thedoorwaslocked。hemusthavegoneupthechimney，outupontheleads，andsoescaped。butChristopherisafterhim。Iprotest，Mrs。Montague，youtakeittooquietly。Thewretch！——anewsuitofclothes，bluecoatandbuffwaistcoat。Ineverheardofsuchathing！Ideclare，Mr。Montague，youarevastlygood，nottobeinapassion，addedMrs。Theresa。
Madam，repliedMr。Montague，withalookofmuchcivilcontempt，I
thinkthelossofasuitofclothes，andeventhedisgracethatmysonhasbeenbroughttothisevening，fortunatecircumstancesinhiseducation。Hewill，Iampersuaded，judgeandactforhimselfmorewiselyinfuture。Norwillhebetemptedtooffendagainsthumanity，forthesakeofbeingcalled’Thebestmimicintheworld。’
THEBARRINGOUT。OR，PARTYSPIRIT。
Themotherofmischief，saysanoldproverb，isnobiggerthanamidge’swing。
AtDoctorMiddleton’sschool，therewasagreattalldunceofthenameofFisher，whonevercouldbetaughthowtolookoutawordinthedictionary。Heusedtotormenteverybodywith——Doprayhelpme！I
can’tmakeoutthisoneword。Thepersonwhousuallyhelpedhiminhisdistresswasaveryclever，goodnaturedboy，ofthenameofDeGrey，whohadbeenmanyyearsunderDr。Middleton’scare，andwho，byhisabilitiesandgoodconduct，didhimgreatcredit。Thedoctorcertainlywasbothproudandfondofhim。buthewassowellbeloved，orsomuchesteemedbyhiscompanions，thatnobodyhadevercalledhimbytheodiousnameoffavourite，untilthearrivalofanewscholarofthenameofArcher。
TillArchercame，theideasofFAVOURITESandPARTIESwerealmostunknownatDr。Middleton’s。buthebroughtalltheseideasfreshfromagreatpublicschool，atwhichhehadbeeneducated——atwhichhehadacquiredasufficientquantityofGreekandLatin，andasuperabundantquantityofpartyspirit。Hisaim，themomenthecametoanewschool，wastogettotheheadofit，oratleasttoformthestrongestparty。Hisinfluence，forhewasaboyofconsiderableabilities，wasquicklyfelt，thoughhehadapowerfulrival，ashethoughtpropertocallhim，inDeGrey。and，withHIM，arivalwasalwaysanenemy。DeGrey，sofarfromgivinghimanycauseofhatred，treatedhimwithadegreeofcordiality，whichwouldprobablyhavehadaneffectuponArcher’smind，ifithadnotbeenfortheartificesofFisher。
Itmayseemsurprising，thataGREATDUNCEshouldbeabletoworkuponaboylikeanArcher，whowascalledagreatgenius。butwhengeniusisjoinedtoaviolenttemper，insteadofbeingunitedtogoodsense，itisatthemercyevenofdunces。
FisherwasmortallyoffendedonemorningbyDeGrey’srefusingtotranslatehiswholelessonforhim。HewentovertoArcher，who，consideringhimasapartisandesertingfromtheenemy，receivedhimwithopenarms，andtranslatedhiswholelessonwithoutexpressingMUCH
contemptforhisstupidity。FromthismomentFisherforgotallDeGrey’sformerkindness，andconsideredonlyhowhecouldinhisturnmortifythepersonwhomhefelttobesomuchhissuperior。
DeGreyandArcherwerenowreadingforapremium，whichwastobegivenintheirclass。FisherbettedonArcher’shead，whohadnotsenseenoughtodespisethebetofablockhead。Onthecontraryhesufferedhimtoexcitethespiritofrivalshipinitsutmostfurybycollectingthebetsofalltheschool。Sothatthispremiumnowbecameamatterofthegreatestconsequence，andArcher，insteadoftakingthemeanstosecureajudgmentinhisfavour，waslisteningtotheopinionsofallhiscompanions。Itwasaprizewhichwastobewonbyhisownexertions。buthesufferedhimselftoconsideritasanaffairofchance。Theconsequencewas，thathetrustedtochance——hispartisanslosttheirwagers，andhethepremium——andhistemper。
Mr。Archer，saidDr。Middleton，afterthegrandaffairwasdecided，youhavedoneallthatgeniusalonecoulddo。butyou，DeGrey，havedoneallthatgeniusandindustryunitedcoulddo。
Well！criedArcher，withaffectedgaiety，assoonasthedoctorhadlefttheroom——Well，I’mcontentwithMYsentence。Geniusalone！forme——industryforthosewhoWANTit，addedhe，withasignificantlookatDeGrey。
Fisherapplaudedthisasaveryspiritedspeech。and，byinsinuationsthatDr。MiddletonalwaysgavethepremiumtoDeGrey，andthatthosewhohadlosttheirbetsmightthankthemselvesforit，forbeingsuchsimpletonsastobetagainstthefavourite，heraisedamurmurhighlyflatteringtoArcher，amongstsomeofthemostcredulousboys。whilstothersloudlyproclaimedtheirbeliefinDr。Middleton’simpartiality。
ThesewarmlycongratulatedDeGrey。AtthisArchergrewmoreandmoreangry，andwhenFisherwasproceedingtospeaknonsenseFORhim，pushedforwardintothecircletoDeGrey，crying，Iwish，Mr。Fisher，youwouldletmefightmyownbattles！
And_I_wish，saidyoungTownsend，whowasfonderofdiversionsthanofpremiums，orbattles，orofanythingelse——_I_wish，thatwewerenottohaveanybattles。afterhavingworkedlikehorses，don’tsetabouttofightlikedogs。Come，saidhe，tappingDeGrey’sshoulder，letusseeyournewplayhouse，do——it’saholiday，andletusmakethemostofit。
Letushavethe’SchoolforScandal，’do。andI’llplayCharlesforyou，andyou，DeGrey，shallbeMYLITTLEPREMIUM。Come，doopenthisnewplayhouseofyoursto-night。
Comethen！saidDeGrey，andheranacrosstheplaygroundtoawastebuildingatthefarthestendofit，inwhich，attheearnestrequestofthewholecommunity，andwiththepermissionofDr。Middleton，hehadwithmuchpainandingenuityerectedatheatre。
Thenewtheatreisgoingtobeopened！Followthemanager！Followthemanager！echoedamultitudeofvoices。
FOLLOWTHEMANAGER！echoedverydisagreeablyinArcher’sear。butashecouldnotbeLEFTALONE，hewasalsoobligedtofollowthemanager。Themomentthatthedoorwasunlocked，thecrowdrushedin：thedelightandwonderexpressedatthesightwasgreat，andtheapplauseandthankswhichwerebestoweduponthemanagerwerelongandloud。
Archeratleastthoughtthemlong，forhewasimpatienttillhisvoicecouldbeheard。Whenatlengththeacclamationshadspentthemselves，hewalkedacrossthestagewithaknowingair，andlookingroundcontemptuously。
AndisTHISyourfamousplayhouse？criedhe。Iwishyouhad，anyofyou，seentheplayhouse_I_havebeenusedto？
Thesewordsmadeagreatandvisiblechangeinthefeelingsandopinionsofthepublic。Whowouldbeaservantofthepublic？orwhowouldtoilforpopularapplause？Afewwordsspokeninadecisivetonebyanewvoiceoperatedasacharm，andtheplayhousewasinaninstantmetamorphosedintheeyesofthespectators。Allgratitudeforthepastwasforgotten，andtheexpectationofsomethingbetterjustifiedtothecapriciousmultitudetheirdisdainofwhattheyhadsolatelypronouncedtobeexcellent。
Everyonenowbegantocriticise。Oneobserved，thatthegreencurtainwasfullofholes，andwouldnotdrawup。Anotherattackedthescenes。
Scenes！theywerenotlikerealscenes——Archermustknowbest，becausehewasusedtothesethings。SoeverybodycrowdedtohearsomethingoftheOTHERplayhouse。TheygatheredroundArchertohearthedescriptionofhisplayhouse，andateverysentenceinsultingcomparisonsweremade。
Whenhehaddone，hisauditorslookedround，sighedandwishedthatArcherhadbeentheirmanager。TheyturnedfromDeGreyasfromapersonwhohaddonethemaninjury。Someofhisfriends——forhehadfriendswhowerenotswayedbythepopularopinion——feltindignationatthisingratitude，andweregoingtoexpresstheirfeelings。butDeGreystoppedthem，andbeggedthathemightspeakforhimself。
Gentlemen，saidhe，comingforward，assoonashefeltthathehadsufficientcommandofhimself。Myfriends，Iseeyouarediscontentedwithmeandmyplayhouse。Ihavedonemybesttopleaseyou。butifanybodyelsecanpleaseyoubetter，Ishallbegladofit。Ididnotworksohardforthegloryofbeingyourmanager。Youhavemyfreeleavetoteardown——Herehisvoicefaltered，buthehurriedon——Youhavemyfreeleavetoteardownallmyworkasfastasyouplease。Archer，shakehandsfirst，however，toshowthatthere’snomaliceinthecase。
Archer，whowastouchedbywhathisrivalsaid，and，stoppingthehandofhisnewpartisan，Fisher，cried，No，Fisher！no！——nopullingdown。Wecanalterit。Thereisagreatdealofingenuityinit，considering。
InvainArcherwouldnowhaverecalledthepublictoreason，——thetimeforreasonwaspassed：enthusiasmhadtakenholdoftheirminds。Downwithit！Downwithit！Archerforever！criedFisher，andtoredownthecurtain。Theriotoncebegun，nothingcouldstopthelittlemob，tillthewholetheatrewasdemolished。TheloveofpowerprevailedinthemindofArcher。hewassecretlyflatteredbythezealofhisPARTY，andhemistooktheirloveofmischiefforattachmenttohimself。DeGreylookedonsuperior。IsaidIcouldbeartoseeallthis，andIcan，
saidhe。nowitisallover。Andnowitwasallover，therewassilence。Theriotersstoodstilltotakebreath，andtolookatwhattheyhaddone。Therewasablankspacebeforethem。
Inthismomentofsilencetherewasheardsomethinglikeavoice。Hush！
Whatstrangevoiceisthat？saidArcher。Fishercaughtfastholdofhisarm。Everybodylookedroundtoseewherethevoicecamefrom。Itwasdusk。Twowindow-shuttersatthefarthestendofthebuildingwereseentomoveslowlyinwards。DeGrey，andinthesameinstantArcher，wentforward。and，astheshuttersopened，thereappearedthroughtheholethedarkfaceandshrivelledhandsofaveryoldgipsy。Shedidnotspeak。
butshelookedfirstatoneandthenatanother。AtlengthshefixedhereyesonDeGrey。Well，woman，saidhe，whatdoyouwantwithme？
Want！——nothing——withYOU，saidtheoldwoman。doyouwantnothingwithME？
Nothing，saidDeGrey。HereyeimmediatelyturneduponArcher，——YOU
wantsomethingwithme，saidshe，withemphasis。
I——whatdoIwant？repliedArcher。
No，saidshe，changinghertone，youwantnothing——nothingwillyoueverwant，orIammuchmistakeninthatFACE。
InthatWATCH-CHAIN，sheshouldhavesaid，forherquickeyehadespiedArcher’swatch-chain。Hewastheonlypersoninthecompanywhohadawatch，andshethereforejudgedhimtobetherichest。
Hadyoueveryourfortunetold，sir，inyourlife？
NotI！saidhe，lookingatDeGrey，asifhewasafraidofhisridicule，ifhelistenedtothegipsy。
Notyou！No！foryouwillmakeyourownfortune，andthefortuneofallthatbelongtoyou！
There’sgoodnewsformyfriends！criedArcher。
AndI’moneofthem，rememberthat，criedFisher。AndI，AndI，
joinedanumberofvoices。
Goodlucktothem！criedthegipsy，goodlucktothemall！
Then，assoonastheyhadacquiredsufficientconfidenceinhergoodwill，theypresseduptothewindow。There，criedTownsend，ashechancedtostumbleoverthecarpenter’smitrebox，whichstoodintheway，there’sagoodomenforme。I’vestumbledonthemitrebox。I
shallcertainlybeabishop。
Happyhewhohadsixpence，forhebidfairtobeajudgeuponthebench。
Andhappierhewhohadashilling，forhewasinthehighroadtobeonedayuponthewoolsack，LordHighChancellorofEngland。Noonehadhalfacrown，ornoonewouldsurelyhavekeptitinhispocketuponsuchanoccasion，forhemighthavebeenanarchbishop，aking，orwhathepleased。
Fisher，wholikeallweakpeoplewasextremelycredulous，kepthispostimmovableinthefrontrowallthetime，hismouthopen，andhisstupideyesfixeduponthegipsy，inwhomhefeltimplicitfaith。
Thosewhohaveleastconfidenceintheirownpowers，andwhohaveleastexpectationfromthesuccessoftheirownexertions，arealwaysmostdisposedtotrustinfortune-tellersandfortune。TheyhopetoWIN，whentheycannotEARN。andastheycanneverbeconvincedbythosewhospeaksense，itisnowondertheyarealwayspersuadedbythosewhotalknonsense。
Ihaveaquestiontoput，saidFisher，inasolemntone。
Putit，then，saidArcher，whathindersyou？
Buttheywillhearme，saidhe，lookingsuspiciouslyatDeGrey。
_I_shallnothearyou，saidDeGrey，Iamgoing。Everybodyelsedrewback，andlefthimtowhisperhisquestioninthegipsy’sear。
WhatisbecomeofmyLivy？
YourSISTERLivy，doyoumean？saidthegipsy。
No，myLATINLivy。
Thegipsypausedforinformation。Ithadaleaftornoutinthebeginning，andIHATEDR。MIDDLETON——
Writteninit，interruptedthegipsy。
Right——theverybook！criedFisherwithjoy。ButhowCOULDyouknowitwasDr。Middleton’sname？IthoughtIhadscratchedit，sothatnobodycouldmakeitout。
NobodyCOULDmakeitoutbutME，repliedthegipsy。Butneverthinktodeceiveme，saidshe，shakingherheadathiminamannerthatmadehimtremble。
Idon’tdeceiveyouindeed，Itellyouthewholetruth。Ilostitaweekago。
True。
AndwhenshallIfindit？
Meetmehereatthishourto-morrowevening，andIwillansweryou。Nomore！Imustbegone。Notawordmoreto-night。
Shepulledtheshutterstowardsher，andlefttheyouthindarkness。Allhiscompanionsweregone。Hehadbeensodeeplyengagedinthisconference，thathehadnotperceivedtheirdeparture。Hefoundalltheworldatsupper，butnoentreatiescouldprevailuponhimtodisclosehissecret。Townsendralliedinvain。AsforArcher，hewasnotdisposedtodestroybyridiculetheeffectwhichhesawthattheoldwoman’spredictionsinhisfavourhadhadupontheimaginationofmanyofhislittlepartisans。Hehadprivatelyslippedtwogoodshillingsintothegipsy’shandtosecureher。forhewaswillingtopayanypriceforANY
meansofacquiringpower。
Thewatch-chainhadnotdeceivedthegipsy，forArcherwastherichestpersoninthecommunity。Hisfriendshadimprudentlysuppliedhimwithmoremoneythanisusuallytrustedtoboysofhisage。Dr。Middletonhadrefusedtogivehimalargermonthlyallowancethantherestofhiscompanions。buthebroughttoschoolwithhimsecretlythesumoffiveguineas。Thisappearedtohisfriendsandtohimselfaninexhaustibletreasure。
Richesandtalentswould，heflatteredhimself，securetohimthatascendancyofwhichhewassoambitious。AmIyourmanager，ornot？
wasnowhisquestion。Iscorntotakeadvantageofahastymoment。butsincelastnightyouhavehadtimetoconsider。Ifyoudesiremetobeyourmanager，youshallseewhatatheatreIwillmakeforyou。Inthispurse，saidhe，showingthroughthenetworkaglimpseoftheshiningtreasure——inthispurseisAladdin’swonderfullamp。AmIyourmanager？
Putittothevote。
Itwasputtothevote。Abouttenofthemostreasonableoftheassemblydeclaredtheirgratitudeandhighapprobationoftheiroldfriend，DeGrey。butthenumberswereinfavourofthenewfriend。Andasnometaphysicaldistinctionsrelativetotheideaofamajorityhadeverenteredtheirthoughts，themostnumerouspartyconsideredthemselvesasnowbeyonddisputeintheright。Theydrewoffononesideintriumph，andtheirleader，whoknewtheconsequenceofanameinpartymatters，immediatelydistinguishedhispartisansbythegallantnameofARCHERS，stigmatizingthefriendsofDeGreybytheodiousepithetofGreybeards。
AmongsttheArcherswasaclassnotveryremarkablefortheirmentalqualifications。butwho，bytheirbodilyactivity，andbythepeculiaradvantagesannexedtotheirwayoflife，renderedthemselvesofthehighestconsequence，especiallytotherichandenterprising。
ThejudiciousreaderwillapprehendthatIalludetothepersonscalleddayscholars。Amongstthese，Fisherwasdistinguishedbyhisknowledgeofallthestreetsandshopsintheadjacenttown。and，thoughadullscholar，hehadsuchreputationasamanofbusiness，thatwhoeverhadcommissionstoexecuteattheconfectioner’s，wassuretoapplytohim。
Someoftheyoungestofhisemployershad，itistrue，attimescomplainedthathemademistakesofhalfpenceandpenceintheiraccounts。butastheseaffairscouldneverbebroughttoapublictrial，Fisher’scharacterandconsequencewereundiminished，tillthefataldaywhenhisAuntBarbaraforbadehisvisitstotheconfectioner’s。or，rather，tillsherequestedtheconfectioner，whohadhisprivatereasonsforobeyingher，notTORECEIVEhernephew’svisits，ashehadmadehimselfsickathishouse，andMrs。Barbara’sfearsforhishealthwereincessant。
Thoughhisvisitstotheconfectioner’swerethusatanend，thereweremanyothershopsopentohim。andwithofficiouszealheofferedhisservicestothenewmanager，topurchasewhatevermightbewantingforthetheatre。
Sincehisfather’sdeathFisherhadbecomeaboarderatDr。Middleton’s，buthisfrequentvisitstohisAuntBarbaraaffordedhimopportunitiesofgoingintothetown。Thecarpenter，DeGrey’sfriend，wasdiscardedbyArcher，forhavingsaidLACK-A-DAISY！whenhesawthattheoldtheatrewaspulleddown。Anewcarpenterandpaperhanger，recommendedbyFisher，wereappointedtoattend，withtheirtools，fororders，attwoo’clock。Archer，impatienttoshowhisingenuityandhisgenerosity，gavehisplanandhisordersinafewminutes，inamostdecidedmanner。
Thesethings，heobserved，shouldbedonewithsomespirit。
Towhichthecarpenterreadilyassented，andadded，thatgentlemenofspiritneverlookedtotheEXPENSE，butalwaystotheEFFECT。UponthisprincipleMr。Chipsettoworkwithallpossiblealacrity。Inafewhours’timehepromisedtoproduceagrandeffect。Highexpectationswereformed。Nothingwastalkedofbutthenewplayhouse。andsointentuponitwaseveryhead，thatnolessonscouldbegot。Archerwasobliged，inthemidstofhisvariousoccupations，toperformthepartofgrammaranddictionaryfortwentydifferentpeople。
OyeAthenians！heexclaimed，howharddoIworktoobtainyourpraise！
Impatienttoreturntothetheatre，themomentthehoursdestinedforinstruction，or，astheyaretermedbyschoolboys，school-hours，wereover，eachprisonerstartedupwithashoutofjoy。
Stoponemoment，gentlemen，ifyouplease，saidDr。Middleton，inanawfulvoice。Mr。Archer，returntoyourplace。Areyouallhere？Thenamesofalltheboyswerecalledover，andwheneachhadansweredtohisname，Dr。Middletonsaid——
Gentlemen，Iamsorrytointerruptyouramusements。but，tillyouhavecontraryordersfromme，noone，onpainofmyseriousdispleasure，mustgointoTHATbuildingpointingtotheplacewherethetheatrewaserecting。Mr。Archer，yourcarpenterisatthedoor。Youwillbesogoodastodismisshim。Idonotthinkpropertogivemyreasonsfortheseorders。butyouwhoKNOWme，saidthedoctor，andhiseyeturnedtowardsDeGrey，willnotsuspectmeofcaprice。Idepend，gentlemen，uponyourobedience。
Tothedeadsilencewithwhichtheseorderswerereceived，succeededinafewminutesauniversalgroan。So！saidTownsend，allourdiversionisover。So，whisperedFisherinthemanager’sear，thisissometrickoftheGreybeard’s。DidyounotobservehowhelookedatDeGrey？
Firedbythisthought，whichhadneverenteredhismindbefore，Archerstartedfromhisreverie，andstrikinghishanduponthetable，sworethathewouldnotbeoutwittedbyanyGreybeardinEurope——no，norbyallofthemputtogether。TheArchersweresurelyamatchforthem。Hewouldstandbythem，iftheywouldstandbyhim，hedeclared，withaloudvoice，againstthewholeworld，andDr。Middletonhimself，with’LITTLEPREMIUMS’athisrighthand。
EverybodyadmiredArcher’sspirit，butwerealittleappalledatthesoundofstandingagainstDr。Middleton。