Towhichthebird，balancinghimselfontiptoe，asitwere，andmovinghisbodyupanddowninasortofgravedance，rejoined，’I’madevil，I’madevil，I’madevil，’andflappedhiswingsagainsthissidesasifhewereburstingwithlaughter。Barnabyclappedhishands，andfairlyrolleduponthegroundinanecstasyofdelight。
’Strangecompanions，sir，’saidthelocksmith，shakinghishead，andlookingfromonetotheother。’Thebirdhasallthewit。’
’Strangeindeed！’saidEdward，holdingouthisforefingertotheraven，who，inacknowledgmentoftheattention，madeadiveatitimmediatelywithhisironbill。’Isheold？’
’Amereboy，sir，’repliedthelocksmith。’Ahundredandtwenty，orthereabouts。Callhimdown，Barnaby，myman。’
’Callhim！’echoedBarnaby，sittinguprightuponthefloor，andstaringvacantlyatGabriel，ashethrusthishairbackfromhisface。’Butwhocanmakehimcome！Hecallsme，andmakesmegowherehewill。Hegoesonbefore，andIfollow。He’sthemaster，andI’mtheman。Isthatthetruth，Grip？’
Theravengaveashort，comfortable，confidentialkindofcroak;——amostexpressivecroak，whichseemedtosay，’Youneedn’tletthesefellowsintooursecrets。Weunderstandeachother。It’sallright。’
’ImakeHIMcome？’criedBarnaby，pointingtothebird。’Him，whonevergoestosleep，orsomuchaswinks！——Why，anytimeofnight，youmayseehiseyesinmydarkroom，shiningliketwosparks。Andeverynight，andallnighttoo，he’sbroadawake，talkingtohimself，thinkingwhatheshalldoto-morrow，whereweshallgo，andwhatheshallsteal，andhide，andbury。ImakeHIMcome！
Hahaha！’
Onsecondthoughts，thebirdappeareddisposedtocomeofhimself。
Afterashortsurveyoftheground，andafewsidelonglooksattheceilingandateverybodypresentinturn，heflutteredtothefloor，andwenttoBarnaby——notinahop，orwalk，orrun，butinapacelikethatofaveryparticulargentlemanwithexceedinglytightbootson，tryingtowalkfastoverloosepebbles。Then，steppingintohisextendedhand，andcondescendingtobeheldoutatarm’slength，hegaveventtoasuccessionofsounds，notunlikethedrawingofsomeeightortendozenoflongcorks，andagainassertedhisbrimstonebirthandparentagewithgreatdistinctness。
Thelocksmithshookhishead——perhapsinsomedoubtofthecreature’sbeingreallynothingbutabird——perhapsinpityforBamaby，whobythistimehadhiminhisarms，andwasrollingabout，withhim，ontheground。Asheraisedhiseyesfromthepoorfellowheencounteredthoseofhismother，whohadenteredtheroom，andwaslookingoninsilence。
Shewasquitewhiteintheface，eventoherlips，buthadwhollysubduedheremotion，andworeherusualquietlook。Vardenfanciedasheglancedatherthatsheshrunkfromhiseye;andthatshebusiedherselfaboutthewoundedgentlemantoavoidhimthebetter。
Itwastimehewenttobed，shesaid。Hewastoberemovedtohisownhomeonthemorrow，andhehadalreadyexceededhistimeforsittingup，byafullhour。Actingonthishint，thelocksmithpreparedtotakehisleave。
’Bythebye，’saidEdward，asheshookhimbythehand，andlookedfromhimtoMrsRudgeandbackagain，’whatnoisewasthatbelow？
Iheardyourvoiceinthemidstofit，andshouldhaveinquiredbefore，butourotherconversationdroveitfrommymemory。Whatwasit？’
Thelocksmithlookedtowardsher，andbithislip。Sheleantagainstthechair，andbenthereyesupontheground。Barnabytoo——
hewaslistening——
’Somemadordrunkenfellow，sir，’Vardenatlengthmadeanswer，lookingsteadilyatthewidowashespoke。’Hemistookthehouse，andtriedtoforceanentrance。’
Shebreathedmorefreely，butstoodquitemotionless。Asthelocksmithsaid’Goodnight，’andBarnabycaughtupthecandletolighthimdownthestairs，shetookitfromhim，andchargedhim——
withmorehasteandearnestnessthansoslightanoccasionappearedtowarrant——nottostir。Theravenfollowedthemtosatisfyhimselfthatallwasrightbelow，andwhentheyreachedthestreet-
door，stoodonthebottomstairdrawingcorksoutofnumber。
Withatremblinghandsheunfastenedthechainandbolts，andturnedthekey。Asshehadherhanduponthelatch，thelocksmithsaidinalowvoice，’Ihavetoldalieto-night，foryoursake，Mary，andforthesakeofbygonetimesandoldacquaintance，whenIwouldscorntodosoformyown。IhopeImayhavedonenoharm，orledtonone。I
can’thelpthesuspicionsyouhaveforceduponme，andIamloth，I
tellyouplainly，toleaveMrEdwardhere。Takecarehecomestonohurt。Idoubtthesafetyofthisroof，andamgladheleavesitsosoon。Now，letmego。’
Foramomentshehidherfaceinherhandsandwept;butresistingthestrongimpulsewhichevidentlymovedhertoreply，openedthedoor——nowiderthanwassufficientforthepassageofhisbody——
andmotionedhimaway。Asthelocksmithstooduponthestep，itwaschainedandlockedbehindhim，andtheraven，infurtheranceoftheseprecautions，barkedlikealustyhouse-dog。
’Inleaguewiththatill-lookingfigurethatmighthavefallenfromagibbet——helisteningandhidinghere——Barnabyfirstuponthespotlastnight——canshewhohasalwaysbornesofairanamebeguiltyofsuchcrimesinsecret！’saidthelocksmith，musing。’HeavenforgivemeifIamwrong，andsendmejustthoughts;butsheispoor，thetemptationmaybegreat，andwedailyhearofthingsasstrange——Ay，barkaway，myfriend。Ifthere’sanywickednessgoingon，thatraven’sinit，I’llbesworn。’
Chapter7
MrsVardenwasaladyofwhatiscommonlycalledanuncertaintemper——aphrasewhichbeinginterpretedsignifiesatempertolerablycertaintomakeeverybodymoreorlessuncomfortable。
Thusitgenerallyhappened，thatwhenotherpeopleweremerry，MrsVardenwasdull;andthatwhenotherpeopleweredull，MrsVardenwasdisposedtobeamazinglycheerful。Indeedtheworthyhousewifewasofsuchacapriciousnature，thatshenotonlyattainedahigherpitchofgeniusthanMacbeth，inrespectofherabilitytobewise，amazed，temperateandfurious，loyalandneutralinaninstant，butwouldsometimesringthechangesbackwardsandforwardsonallpossiblemoodsandflightsinoneshortquarterofanhour;performing，asitwere，akindoftriplebobmajoronthepealofinstrumentsinthefemalebelfry，withaskilfulnessandrapidityofexecutionthatastonishedallwhoheardher。
Ithadbeenobservedinthisgoodladywhodidnotwantforpersonalattractions，beingplumpandbuxomtolookat，thoughlikeherfairdaughter，somewhatshortinstaturethatthisuncertaintyofdispositionstrengthenedandincreasedwithhertemporalprosperity;anddiverswisemenandmatrons，onfriendlytermswiththelocksmithandhisfamily，evenwentsofarastoassert，thatatumbledownsomehalf-dozenroundsintheworld’sladder——suchasthebreakingofthebankinwhichherhusbandkepthismoney，orsomelittlefallofthatkind——wouldbethemakingofher，andcouldhardlyfailtorenderheroneofthemostagreeablecompanionsinexistence。Whethertheywererightorwronginthisconjecture，certainitisthatminds，likebodies，willoftenfallintoapimpledill-conditionedstatefrommereexcessofcomfort，andlikethem，areoftensuccessfullycuredbyremediesinthemselvesverynauseousandunpalatable。
MrsVarden’schiefaiderandabettor，andatthesametimeherprincipalvictimandobjectofwrath，washersingledomesticservant，oneMissMiggs;orasshewascalled，inconformitywiththoseprejudicesofsocietywhichlopandtopfrompoorhand-
maidensallsuchgenteelexcrescences——Miggs。ThisMiggswasatallyounglady，verymuchaddictedtopattensinprivatelife;
slenderandshrewish，ofaratheruncomfortablefigure，andthoughnotabsolutelyill-looking，ofasharpandacidvisage。Asageneralprincipleandabstractproposition，Miggsheldthemalesextobeutterlycontemptibleandunworthyofnotice;tobefickle，false，base，sottish，inclinedtoperjury，andwhollyundeserving。
Whenparticularlyexasperatedagainstthemwhich，scandalsaid，waswhenSimTappertitslightedhermostshewasaccustomedtowishwithgreatemphasisthatthewholeraceofwomencouldbutdieoff，inorderthatthemenmightbebroughttoknowtherealvalueoftheblessingsbywhichtheysetsolittlestore;nay，herfeelingforherorderransohigh，thatshesometimesdeclared，ifshecouldonlyhavegoodsecurityforafair，roundnumber——saytenthousand——ofyoungvirginsfollowingherexample，shewould，tospitemankind，hang，drown，stab，orpoisonherself，withajoypastallexpression。
ItwasthevoiceofMiggsthatgreetedthelocksmith，whenheknockedathisownhouse，withashrillcryof’Who’sthere？’
’Me，girl，me，’returnedGabriel。
What，already，sir！’saidMiggs，openingthedoorwithalookofsurprise。’Wewerejustgettingonournightcapstositup，——meandmistress。Oh，shehasbeenSObad！’
Miggssaidthiswithanairofuncommoncandourandconcern;buttheparlour-doorwasstandingopen，andasGabrielverywellknewforwhoseearsitwasdesigned，heregardedherwithanythingbutanapprovinglookashepassedin。
’Master’scomehome，mim，’criedMiggs，runningbeforehimintotheparlour。’Youwaswrong，mim，andIwasright。Ithoughthewouldn’tkeepusupsolate，twonightsrunning，mim。Master’salwaysconsideratesofar。I’msoglad，mim，onyouraccount。I’malittle’——hereMiggssimpered——’alittlesleepymyself;I’llownitnow，mim，thoughIsaidIwasn’twhenyouaskedme。Itain’tofnoconsequence，mim，ofcourse。’
’Youhadbetter，’saidthelocksmith，whomostdevoutlywishedthatBarnaby’sravenwasatMiggs’sankles，’youhadbettergettobedatoncethen。’
’Thankingyoukindly，sir，’returnedMiggs，’Icouldn’ttakemyrestinpeace，norfixmythoughtsuponmyprayers，otherwaysthanthatIknewmistresswascomfortableinherbedthisnight;byrightssheoughttohavebeenthere，hoursago。’
’You’retalkative，mistress，’saidVarden，pullingoffhisgreatcoat，andlookingatheraskew。
’Takingthehint，sir，’criedMiggs，withaflushedface，’andthankingyouforitmostkindly，Iwillmakeboldtosay，thatifI
giveoffencebyhavingconsiderationformymistress，Idonotaskyourpardon，butamcontenttogetmyselfintotroubleandtobeinsuffering。’
HereMrsVarden，who，withhercountenanceshroudedinalargenightcap，hadbeenallthistimeintentupontheProtestantManual，lookedround，andacknowledgedMiggs’schampionshipbycommandinghertoholdhertongue。
EverylittleboneinMiggs’sthroatandneckdevelopeditselfwithaspitefulnessquitealarming，asshereplied，’Yes，mim，Iwill。’
’Howdoyoufindyourselfnow，mydear？’saidthelocksmith，takingachairnearhiswifewhohadresumedherbook，andrubbinghiskneeshardashemadetheinquiry。
’You’reveryanxioustoknow，an’tyou？’returnedMrsVarden，withhereyesupontheprint。’You，thathavenotbeennearmeallday，andwouldn’thavebeenifIwasdying！’
’MydearMartha——’saidGabriel。
MrsVardenturnedovertothenextpage;thenwentbackagaintothebottomlineoverleaftobequitesureofthelastwords;andthenwentonreadingwithanappearanceofthedeepestinterestandstudy。
’MydearMartha，’saidthelocksmith，’howcanyousaysuchthings，whenyouknowyoudon’tmeanthem？Ifyouweredying！Why，iftherewasanythingseriousthematterwithyou，Martha，shouldn’tI
beinconstantattendanceuponyou？’
’Yes！’criedMrsVarden，burstingintotears，’yes，youwould。I
don’tdoubtit，Varden。Certainlyyouwould。That’sasmuchastotellmethatyouwouldbehoveringroundmelikeavulture，waitingtillthebreathwasoutofmybody，thatyoumightgoandmarrysomebodyelse。’
Miggsgroanedinsympathy——alittleshortgroan，checkedinitsbirth，andchangedintoacough。Itseemedtosay，’Ican’thelpit。It’swrungfrommebythedreadfulbrutalityofthatmonstermaster。’
’Butyou’llbreakmyheartoneofthesedays，’addedMrsVarden，withmoreresignation，’andthenweshallbothbehappy。MyonlydesireistoseeDollycomfortablysettled，andwhensheis，youmaysettleMEassoonasyoulike。’
’Ah！’criedMiggs——andcoughedagain。
PoorGabrieltwistedhiswigaboutinsilenceforalongtime，andthensaidmildly，’HasDollygonetobed？’
’Yourmasterspeakstoyou，’saidMrsVarden，lookingsternlyoverhershoulderatMissMiggsinwaiting。
’No，mydear，Ispoketoyou，’suggestedthelocksmith。
’Didyouhearme，Miggs？’criedtheobduratelady，stampingherfootupontheground。’YOUarebeginningtodespisemenow，areyou？Butthisisexample！’
Atthiscruelrebuke，Miggs，whosetearswerealwaysready，forlargeorsmallparties，ontheshortestnoticeandthemostreasonableterms，fellacryingviolently;holdingbothherhandstightuponherheartmeanwhile，asifnothinglesswouldpreventitssplittingintosmallfragments。MrsVarden，wholikewisepossessedthatfacultyinhighperfection，wepttoo，againstMiggs;
andwithsucheffectthatMiggsgaveinafteratime，and，exceptforanoccasionalsob，whichseemedtothreatensomeremoteintentionofbreakingoutagain，lefthermistressinpossessionofthefield。Hersuperioritybeingthoroughlyasserted，thatladysoondesistedlikewise，andfellintoaquietmelancholy。
Thereliefwassogreat，andthefatiguingoccurrencesoflastnightsocompletelyoverpoweredthelocksmith，thathenoddedinhischair，andwoulddoubtlesshavesleptthereallnight，butforthevoiceofMrsVarden，which，afterapauseofsomefiveminutes，awokehimwithastart。
’IfIamever，’saidMrsV——notscolding，butinasortofmonotonousremonstrance——’inspirits，ifIamevercheerful，ifI
amevermorethanusuallydisposedtobetalkativeandcomfortable，thisisthewayIamtreated。’
’Suchspiritsasyouwasintoo，mim，buthalfanhourago！’criedMiggs。’Ineverseesuchcompany！’
’Because，’saidMrsVarden，’becauseIneverinterfereorinterrupt;becauseIneverquestionwhereanybodycomesorgoes;
becausemywholemindandsoulisbentonsavingwhereIcansave，andlabouringinthishouse;——therefore，theytrymeastheydo。’
’Martha，’urgedthelocksmith，endeavouringtolookaswakefulaspossible，’whatisityoucomplainof？Ireallycamehomewitheverywishanddesiretobehappy。Idid，indeed。’
’WhatdoIcomplainof！’retortedhiswife。’Isitachillingthingtohaveone’shusbandsulkingandfallingasleepdirectlyhecomeshome——tohavehimfreezingallone’swarm-heartedness，andthrowingcoldwateroverthefireside？Isitnatural，whenIknowhewentoutuponamatterinwhichIamasmuchinterestedasanybodycanbe，thatIshouldwishtoknowallthathashappened，orthatheshouldtellmewithoutmybeggingandprayinghimtodoit？Isthatnatural，orisitnot？’
’Iamverysorry，Martha，’saidthegood-naturedlocksmith。’Iwasreallyafraidyouwerenotdisposedtotalkpleasantly;I’lltellyoueverything;Ishallonlybetooglad，mydear。’
’No，Varden，’returnedhiswife，risingwithdignity。’Idaresay——
thankyou！I’mnotachildtobecorrectedoneminuteandpettedthenext——I’malittletoooldforthat，Varden。Miggs，carrythelight——YOUcanbecheerful，Miggs，atleast’
Miggs，who，tothismoment，hadbeenintheverydepthsofcompassionatedespondency，passedinstantlyintothelivelieststateconceivable，andtossingherheadassheglancedtowardsthelocksmith，boreoffhermistressandthelighttogether。
’Now，whowouldthink，’thoughtVarden，shrugginghisshouldersanddrawinghischairnearertothefire，’thatthatwomancouldeverbepleasantandagreeable？Andyetshecanbe。Well，well，allofushaveourfaults。I’llnotbeharduponhers。Wehavebeenmanandwifetoolongforthat。’
Hedozedagain——notthelesspleasantly，perhaps，forhisheartytemper。Whilehiseyeswereclosed，thedoorleadingtotheupperstairswaspartiallyopened;andaheadappeared，which，atsightofhim，hastilydrewbackagain。
’Iwish，’murmuredGabriel，wakingatthenoise，andlookingroundtheroom，’IwishsomebodywouldmarryMiggs。Butthat’simpossible！Iwonderwhetherthere’sanymadmanalive，whowouldmarryMiggs！’
Thiswassuchavastspeculationthathefellintoadozeagain，andsleptuntilthefirewasquiteburntout。Atlastherousedhimself;andhavingdouble-lockedthestreet-dooraccordingtocustom，andputthekeyinhispocket，wentofftobed。
Hehadnotlefttheroomindarknessmanyminutes，whentheheadagainappeared，andSimTappertitentered，bearinginhishandalittlelamp。
’Whatthedevilbusinesshashetostopupsolate！’mutteredSim，passingintotheworkshop，andsettingitdownupontheforge。
’Here’shalfthenightgonealready。There’sonlyonegoodthathasevercometome，outofthiscursedoldrustymechanicaltrade，andthat’sthispieceofironmongery，uponmysoul！’
Ashespoke，hedrewfromtherighthand，orratherrightlegpocketofhissmalls，aclumsylarge-sizedkey，whichheinsertedcautiouslyinthelockhismasterhadsecured，andsoftlyopenedthedoor。Thatdone，hereplacedhispieceofsecretworkmanshipinhispocket;andleavingthelampburning，andclosingthedoorcarefullyandwithoutnoise，stoleoutintothestreet——aslittlesuspectedbythelocksmithinhissounddeepsleep，asbyBarnabyhimselfinhisphantom-haunteddreams。
Chapter8
Clearofthelocksmith’shouse，SimTappertitlaidasidehiscautiousmanner，andassuminginitssteadthatofaruffling，swaggering，rovingblade，whowouldratherkillamanthanotherwise，andeathimtooifneedful，madethebestofhiswayalongthedarkenedstreets。
Halfpausingforaninstantnowandthentosmitehispocketandassurehimselfofthesafetyofhismasterkey，hehurriedontoBarbican，andturningintooneofthenarrowestofthenarrowstreetswhichdivergedfromthatcentre，slackenedhispaceandwipedhisheatedbrow，asiftheterminationofhiswalkwerenearathand。
Itwasnotaverychoicespotformidnightexpeditions，beingintruthoneofmorethanquestionablecharacter，andofanappearancebynomeansinviting。Fromthemainstreethehadentered，itselflittlebetterthananalley，alow-broweddoorwayledintoablindcourt，oryard，profoundlydark，unpaved，andreekingwithstagnantodours。Intothisill-favouredpit，thelocksmith’svagrant’prenticegropedhisway;andstoppingatahousefromwhosedefacedandrottenfronttherudeeffigyofabottleswungtoandfrolikesomegibbetedmalefactor，struckthriceuponanirongratingwithhisfoot。Afterlisteninginvainforsomeresponsetohissignal，MrTappertitbecameimpatient，andstruckthegratingthriceagain。
Afurtherdelayensued，butitwasnotoflongduration。Thegroundseemedtoopenathisfeet，andaraggedheadappeared。
’Isthatthecaptain？’saidavoiceasraggedasthehead。
’Yes，’repliedMrTappertithaughtily，descendingashespoke，’whoshoulditbe？’
’It’ssolate，wegaveyouup，’returnedthevoice，asitsownerstoppedtoshutandfastenthegrating。’You’relate，sir。’
’Leadon，’saidMrTappertit，withagloomymajesty，’andmakeremarkswhenIrequireyou。Forward！’
Thislatterwordofcommandwasperhapssomewhattheatricalandunnecessary，inasmuchasthedescentwasbyaverynarrow，steep，andslipperyflightofsteps，andanyrashnessordeparturefromthebeatentrackmusthaveendedinayawningwater-butt。ButMrTappertitbeing，likesomeothergreatcommanders，favourabletostrongeffects，andpersonaldisplay，cried’Forward！’again，inthehoarsestvoicehecouldassume;andledtheway，withfoldedarmsandknittedbrows，tothecellardownbelow，wheretherewasasmallcopperfixedinonecorner，achairortwo，aformandtable，aglimmeringfire，andatruckle-bed，coveredwitharaggedpatchworkrug。
’Welcome，noblecaptain！’criedalankyfigure，risingasfromanap。
Thecaptainnodded。Then，throwingoffhisoutercoat，hestoodcomposedinallhisdignity，andeyedhisfollowerover。
’Whatnewsto-night？’heasked，whenhehadlookedintohisverysoul。
’Nothingparticular，’repliedtheother，stretchinghimself——andhewassolongalreadythatitwasquitealarmingtoseehimdoit——
’howcomeyoutobesolate？’
’Nomatter，’wasallthecaptaindeignedtosayinanswer。’Istheroomprepared？’
’Itis，’repliedthefollower。
’Thecomrade——ishehere？’
’Yes。Andasprinklingoftheothers——youhear’em？’
’Playingskittles！’saidthecaptainmoodily。’Light-heartedrevellers！’
Therewasnodoubtrespectingtheparticularamusementinwhichtheseheedlessspiritswereindulging，foreveninthecloseandstiflingatmosphereofthevault，thenoisesoundedlikedistantthunder。Itcertainlyappeared，atfirstsight，asingularspottochoose，forthatoranyotherpurposeofrelaxation，iftheothercellarsansweredtotheoneinwhichthisbriefcolloquytookplace;forthefloorswereofsoddenearth，thewallsandroofofdampbarebricktapestriedwiththetracksofsnailsandslugs;theairwassickening，tainted，andoffensive。Itseemed，fromonestrongflavourwhichwasuppermostamongthevariousodoursoftheplace，thatithad，atnoverydistantperiod，beenusedasastorehouseforcheeses;acircumstancewhich，whileitaccountedforthegreasymoisturethathungaboutit，wasagreeablysuggestiveofrats。Itwasnaturallydampbesides，andlittletreesoffungussprungfromeverymoulderingcorner。
Theproprietorofthischarmingretreat，andowneroftheraggedheadbeforementioned——forheworeanoldtie-wigasbareandfrowzyasastuntedhearth-broom——hadbythistimejoinedthem;andstoodalittleapart，rubbinghishands，wagginghishoarybristledchin，andsmilinginsilence。Hiseyeswereclosed;buthadtheybeenwideopen，itwouldhavebeeneasytotell，fromtheattentiveexpressionofthefaceheturnedtowardsthem——paleandunwholesomeasmightbeexpectedinoneofhisundergroundexistence——andfromacertainanxiousraisingandquiveringofthelids，thathewasblind。
’EvenStagghathbeenasleep，’saidthelongcomrade，noddingtowardsthisperson。
’Sound，captain，sound！’criedtheblindman;’whatdoesmynoblecaptaindrink——isitbrandy，rum，usquebaugh？Isitsoakedgunpowder，orblazingoil？Giveitaname，heartofoak，andwe’dgetitforyou，ifitwaswinefromabishop’scellar，ormeltedgoldfromKingGeorge’smint。’
’See，’saidMrTappertithaughtily，’thatit’ssomethingstrong，andcomesquick;andsolongasyoutakecareofthat，youmaybringitfromthedevil’scellar，ifyoulike。’
’Boldlysaid，noblecaptain！’rejoinedtheblindman。’Spokenlikethe’Prentices’Glory。Ha，ha！Fromthedevil’scellar！Abravejoke！Thecaptainjoketh。Ha，ha，ha！’
’I’lltellyouwhat，myfinefeller，’saidMrTappertit，eyeingthehostoverashewalkedtoacloset，andtookoutabottleandglassascarelesslyasifhehadbeeninfullpossessionofhissight，’ifyoumakethatrow，you’llfindthatthecaptain’sveryfarfromjoking，andsoItellyou。’
’He’sgothiseyesonme！’criedStagg，stoppingshortonhiswayback，andaffectingtoscreenhisfacewiththebottle。’Ifeel’emthoughIcan’tsee’em。Take’emoff，noblecaptain。Remove’em，fortheypiercelikegimlets。’
MrTappertitsmiledgrimlyathiscomrade;andtwistingoutonemorelook——akindofocularscrew——undertheinfluenceofwhichtheblindmanfeignedtoundergogreatanguishandtorture，badehim，inasoftenedtone，approach，andholdhispeace。
’Iobeyyou，captain，’criedStagg，drawingclosetohimandfillingoutabumperwithoutspillingadrop，byreasonthatheheldhislittlefingeratthebrimoftheglass，andstoppedattheinstanttheliquortouchedit，’drink，noblegovernor。Deathtoallmasters，lifetoall’prentices，andlovetoallfairdamsels。
Drink，bravegeneral，andwarmyourgallantheart！’
MrTappertitcondescendedtotaketheglassfromhisoutstretchedhand。Staggthendroppedononeknee，andgentlysmoothedthecalvesofhislegs，withanairofhumbleadmiration。
’ThatIhadbuteyes！’hecried，’tobeholdmycaptain’ssymmetricalproportions！ThatIhadbuteyes，tolookuponthesetwininvadersofdomesticpeace！’
’Getout！’saidMrTappertit，glancingdownwardathisfavouritelimbs。’Goalong，willyou，Stagg！’
’WhenItouchmyownafterwards，’criedthehost，smitingthemreproachfully，’Ihate’em。Comparativelyspeaking，they’venomoreshapethanwoodenlegs，besidethesemodelsofmynoblecaptain’s。’
’Yours！’exclaimedMrTappertit。’No，Ishouldthinknot。Don’ttalkaboutthosepreciousoldtoothpicksinthesamebreathwithmine;that’srathertoomuch。Here。Taketheglass。Benjamin。
Leadon。Tobusiness！’
Withthesewords，hefoldedhisarmsagain;andfrowningwithasullenmajesty，passedwithhiscompanionthroughalittledoorattheupperendofthecellar，anddisappeared;leavingStaggtohisprivatemeditations。
Thevaulttheyentered，strewnwithsawdustanddimlylighted，wasbetweentheouteronefromwhichtheyhadjustcome，andthatinwhichtheskittle-playersweredivertingthemselves;aswasmanifestedbytheincreasednoiseandclamouroftongues，whichwassuddenlystopped，however，andreplacedbyadeadsilence，atasignalfromthelongcomrade。Then，thisyounggentleman，goingtoalittlecupboard，returnedwithathigh-bone，whichinformertimesmusthavebeenpartandparcelofsomeindividualatleastaslongashimself，andplacedthesameinthehandsofMrTappertit;
who，receivingitasasceptreandstaffofauthority，cockedhisthree-corneredhatfiercelyonthetopofhishead，andmountedalargetable，whereonachairofstate，cheerfullyornamentedwithacoupleofskulls，wasplacedreadyforhisreception。
Hehadnosoonerassumedthisposition，thananotheryounggentlemanappeared，bearinginhisarmsahugeclaspedbook，whomadehimaprofoundobeisance，anddeliveringittothelongcomrade，advancedtothetable，andturninghisbackuponit，stoodthereAtlas-wise。Then，thelongcomradegotuponthetabletoo;
andseatinghimselfinalowerchairthanMrTappertit’s，withmuchstateandceremony，placedthelargebookontheshouldersoftheirmutecompanionasdeliberatelyasifhehadbeenawoodendesk，andpreparedtomakeentriesthereinwithapenofcorrespondingsize。
Whenthelongcomradehadmadethesepreparations，helookedtowardsMrTappertit;andMrTappertit，flourishingthebone，knockedninetimestherewithupononeoftheskulls。Attheninthstroke，athirdyounggentlemanemergedfromthedoorleadingtotheskittleground，andbowinglow，awaitedhiscommands。
’Prentice！’saidthemightycaptain，’whowaitswithout？’
The’prenticemadeanswerthatastrangerwasinattendance，whoclaimedadmissionintothatsecretsocietyof’PrenticeKnights，andafreeparticipationintheirrights，privileges，andimmunities。ThereuponMrTappertitflourishedtheboneagain，andgivingtheotherskullaprodigiousraponthenose，exclaimed’Admithim！’Atthesedreadwordsthe’prenticebowedoncemore，andsowithdrewashehadcome。
Theresoonappearedatthesamedoor，twoother’prentices，havingbetweenthemathird，whoseeyeswerebandaged，andwhowasattiredinabag-wig，andabroad-skirtedcoat，trimmedwithtarnishedlace;andwhowasgirdedwithasword，incompliancewiththelawsoftheInstitutionregulatingtheintroductionofcandidates，whichrequiredthemtoassumethiscourtlydress，andkeptitconstantlyinlavender，fortheirconvenience。Oneoftheconductorsofthisnoviceheldarustyblunderbusspointedtowardshisear，andtheotheraveryancientsabre，withwhichhecarvedimaginaryoffendersashecamealonginasanguinaryandanatomicalmanner。
Asthissilentgroupadvanced，MrTappertitfixedhishatuponhishead。Thenovicethenlaidhishanduponhisbreastandbentbeforehim。Whenhehadhumbledhimselfsufficiently，thecaptainorderedthebandagetoberemoved，andproceededtoeyehimover。
’Ha！’saidthecaptain，thoughtfully，whenhehadconcludedthisordeal。’Proceed。’
Thelongcomradereadaloudasfollows:——’MarkGilbert。Age，nineteen。BoundtoThomasCurzon，hosier，GoldenFleece，Aldgate。
LovesCurzon’sdaughter。CannotsaythatCurzon’sdaughterloveshim。Shouldthinkitprobable。CurzonpulledhisearslastTuesdayweek。’
’How！’criedthecaptain，starting。
’Forlookingathisdaughter，pleaseyou，’saidthenovice。
’WriteCurzondown，Denounced，’saidthecaptain。’PutablackcrossagainstthenameofCurzon。’
’Sopleaseyou，’saidthenovice，’that’snottheworst——hecallshis’prenticeidledog，andstopshisbeerunlessheworkstohisliking。HegivesDutchcheese，too，eatingCheshire，sir，himself;
andSundaysout，areonlyonceamonth。’
’This，’saidMrTappert;tgravely，’isaflagrantcase。PuttwoblackcrossestothenameofCurzon。’
’Ifthesociety，’saidthenovice，whowasanill-looking，one-
sided，shamblinglad，withsunkeneyessetclosetogetherinhishead——’ifthesocietywouldburnhishousedown——forhe’snotinsured——orbeathimashecomeshomefromhisclubatnight，orhelpmetocarryoffhisdaughter，andmarryherattheFleet，whethershegaveconsentorno——’
MrTappertitwavedhisgrizzlytruncheonasanadmonitiontohimnottointerrupt，andorderedthreeblackcrossestothenameofCurzon。
’Whichmeans，’hesaidingraciousexplanation，’vengeance，completeandterrible。’Prentice，doyoulovetheConstitution？’
Towhichthenovicebeingtothatendinstructedbyhisattendantsponsorsreplied’Ido！’
’TheChurch，theState，andeverythingestablished——butthemasters？’quoththecaptain。
Againthenovicesaid’Ido。’
Havingsaidit，helistenedmeeklytothecaptain，whoinanaddresspreparedforsuchoccasions，toldhimhowthatunderthatsameConstitutionwhichwaskeptinastrongboxsomewhere，butwhereexactlyhecouldnotfindout，orhewouldhaveendeavouredtoprocureacopyofit，the’prenticeshad，intimesgoneby，hadfrequentholidaysofright，brokenpeople’sheadsbyscores，defiedtheirmasters，nay，evenachievedsomegloriousmurdersinthestreets，whichprivilegeshadgraduallybeenwrestedfromthem，andinallwhichnobleaspirationstheywerenowrestrained;howthedegradingchecksimposeduponthemwereunquestionablyattributabletotheinnovatingspiritofthetimes，andhowtheyunitedthereforetoresistallchange，exceptsuchchangeaswouldrestorethosegoodoldEnglishcustoms，bywhichtheywouldstandorfall。Afterillustratingthewisdomofgoingbackward，byreferencetothatsagaciousfish，thecrab，andthenotunfrequentpracticeofthemuleanddonkey，hedescribedtheirgeneralobjects;whichwerebrieflyvengeanceontheirTyrantMastersofwhosegrievousandinsupportableoppressionno’prenticecouldentertainamoment’sdoubtandtherestoration，asaforesaid，oftheirancientrightsandholidays;forneitherofwhichobjectsweretheynowquiteripe，beingbarelytwentystrong，butwhichtheypledgedthemselvestopursuewithfireandswordwhenneedful。
Thenhedescribedtheoathwhicheverymemberofthatsmallremnantofanoblebodytook，andwhichwasofadreadfulandimpressivekind;bindinghim，atthebiddingofhischief，toresistandobstructtheLordMayor，sword-bearer，andchaplain;todespisetheauthorityofthesheriffs;andtoholdthecourtofaldermenasnought;butnotonanyaccount，incasethefulnessoftimeshouldbringageneralrisingof’prentices，todamageorinanywaydisfigureTempleBar，whichwasstrictlyconstitutionalandalwaystobeapproachedwithreverence。Havinggoneovertheseseveralheadswithgreateloquenceandforce，andhavingfurtherinformedthenovicethatthissocietyhaditsorigininhisownteemingbrain，stimulatedbyaswellingsenseofwrongandoutrage，MrTappertitdemandedwhetherhehadstrengthofhearttotakethemightypledgerequired，orwhetherhewouldwithdrawwhileretreatwasyetinhispower。
Tothisthenovicemaderejoinder，thathewouldtakethevow，thoughitshouldchokehim;anditwasaccordinglyadministeredwithmanyimpressivecircumstances，amongwhichthelightingupofthetwoskullswithacandle-endinsideofeach，andagreatmanyflourisheswiththebone，werechieflyconspicuous;nottomentionavarietyofgraveexerciseswiththeblunderbussandsabre，andsomedismalgroaningbyunseen’prenticeswithout。Allthesedarkanddirefulceremoniesbeingatlengthcompleted，thetablewasputaside，thechairofstateremoved，thesceptrelockedupinitsusualcupboard，thedoorsofcommunicationbetweenthethreecellarsthrownfreelyopen，andthe’PrenticeKnightsresignedthemselvestomerriment。
ButMrTappertit，whohadasoulabovethevulgarherd，andwho，onaccountofhisgreatness，couldonlyaffordtobemerrynowandthen，threwhimselfonabenchwiththeairofamanwhowasfaintwithdignity。Helookedwithanindifferenteye，alikeonskittles，cards，anddice，thinkingonlyofthelocksmith’sdaughter，andthebasedegeneratedaysonwhichhehadfallen。
’Mynoblecaptainneithergames，norsings，nordances，’saidhishost，takingaseatbesidehim。’Drink，gallantgeneral！’
MrTappertitdrainedtheprofferedgoblettothedregs;thenthrusthishandsintohispockets，andwithaloweringvisagewalkedamongtheskittles，whilehisfollowerssuchistheinfluenceofsuperiorgeniusrestrainedtheardentball，andheldhislittleshinsindumbrespect。
’IfIhadbeenbornacorsairorapirate，abrigand，genteelhighwaymanorpatriot——andthey’rethesamething，’thoughtMrTappertit，musingamongthenine-pins，’Ishouldhavebeenallright。Buttodragoutaignobleexistenceunbeknowntomankindingeneral——patience！Iwillbefamousyet。AvoicewithinmekeepsonwhisperingGreatness。Ishallburstoutoneofthesedays，andwhenIdo，whatpowercankeepmedown？Ifeelmysoulgettingintomyheadattheidea。Moredrinkthere！’
’Thenovice，’pursuedMrTappertit，notexactlyinavoiceofthunder，forhistones，tosaythetruthwererathercrackedandshrill——butveryimpressively，notwithstanding——’whereishe？’
’Here，noblecaptain！’criedStagg。’OnestandsbesidemewhoI
feelisastranger。’
’Haveyou，’saidMrTappertit，lettinghisgazefallonthepartyindicated，whowasindeedthenewknight，bythistimerestoredtohisownapparel;’Haveyoutheimpressionofyourstreet-doorkeyinwax？’
Thelongcomradeanticipatedthereply，byproducingitfromtheshelfonwhichithadbeendeposited。
’Good，’saidMrTappertit，scrutinisingitattentively，whileabreathlesssilencereignedaround;forhehadconstructedsecretdoor-keysforthewholesociety，andperhapsowedsomethingofhisinfluencetothatmeanandtrivialcircumstance——onsuchslightaccidentsdoevenmenofminddepend！——’Thisiseasilymade。Comehither，friend。’
Withthat，hebeckonedthenewknightapart，andputtingthepatterninhispocket，motionedtohimtowalkbyhisside。
’Andso，’hesaid，whentheyhadtakenafewturnsupanddown，you——youloveyourmaster’sdaughter？’
’Ido，’saidthe’prentice。’Honourbright。Nochaff，youknow。’
’Haveyou，’rejoinedMrTappertit，catchinghimbythewrist，andgivinghimalookwhichwouldhavebeenexpressiveofthemostdeadlymalevolence，butforanaccidentalhiccupthatratherinterferedwithit;’haveyoua——arival？’
’NotasIknowon，’repliedthe’prentice。
’Ifyouhadnow——’saidMrTappertit——’whatwouldyou——eh？——’
The’prenticelookedfierceandclenchedhisfists。
’Itisenough，’criedMrTappertithastily，’weunderstandeachother。Weareobserved。Ithankyou。’
Sosaying，hecasthimoffagain;andcallingthelongcomradeasideaftertakingafewhastyturnsbyhimself，badehimimmediatelywriteandpostagainstthewall，anotice，proscribingoneJosephWilletcommonlyknownasJoeofChigwell;forbiddingall’PrenticeKnightstosuccour，comfort，orholdcommunionwithhim;andrequiringthem，onpainofexcommunication，tomolest，hurt，wrong，annoy，andpickquarrelswiththesaidJoseph，whensoeverandwheresoeverthey，oranyofthem，shouldhappentoencounterhim。
Havingrelievedhismindbythisenergeticproceeding，hecondescendedtoapproachthefestiveboard，andwarmingbydegrees，atlengthdeignedtopreside，andeventoenchantthecompanywithasong。Afterthis，herosetosuchapitchastoconsenttoregalethesocietywithahornpipe，whichbeactuallyperformedtothemusicofafiddleplayedbyaningeniousmemberwithsuchsurpassingagilityandbrilliancyofexecution，thatthespectatorscouldnotbesufficientlyenthusiasticintheiradmiration;andtheirhostprotested，withtearsinhiseyes，thathehadnevertrulyfelthisblindnessuntilthatmoment。
Butthehostwithdrawing——probablytoweepinsecret——soonreturnedwiththeinformationthatitwantedlittlemorethananhourofday，andthatallthecocksinBarbicanhadalreadybeguntocrow，asiftheirlivesdependedonit。Atthisintelligence，the’PrenticeKnightsaroseinhaste，andmarshallingintoaline，filedoffonebyoneanddispersedwithallspeedtotheirseveralhomes，leavingtheirleadertopassthegratinglast。
’Goodnight，noblecaptain，’whisperedtheblindmanashehelditopenforhispassageout;’Farewell，bravegeneral。Bye，bye，illustriouscommander。Goodluckgowithyoufora——conceited，bragging，empty-headed，duck-leggedidiot。’
Withwhichpartingwords，coollyaddedashelistenedtohisrecedingfootstepsandlockedthegrateuponhimself，hedescendedthesteps，andlightingthefirebelowthelittlecopper，prepared，withoutanyassistance，forhisdailyoccupation;whichwastoretailatthearea-headabovepennyworthsofbrothandsoup，andsavourypuddings，compoundedofsuchscrapsasweretobeboughtintheheapfortheleastmoneyatFleetMarketintheeveningtime;andforthesaleofwhichhehadneedtohavedependedchieflyonhisprivateconnection，forthecourthadnothoroughfare，andwasnotthatkindofplaceinwhichmanypeoplewerelikelytotaketheair，ortofrequentasanagreeablepromenade。
Chapter9
Chronicler’sareprivilegedtoenterwheretheylist，tocomeandgothroughkeyholes，torideuponthewind，toovercome，intheirsoaringsupanddown，allobstaclesofdistance，time，andplace。
Thriceblessedbethislastconsideration，sinceitenablesustofollowthedisdainfulMiggsevenintothesanctityofherchamber，andtoholdherinsweetcompanionshipthroughthedrearywatchesofthenight！
MissMiggs，havingundonehermistress，asshephraseditwhichmeans，assistedtoundressher，andhavingseenhercomfortablytobedinthebackroomonthefirstfloor，withdrewtoherownapartment，intheatticstory。Notwithstandingherdeclarationinthelocksmith’spresence，shewasinnomoodforsleep;so，puttingherlightuponthetableandwithdrawingthelittlewindowcurtain，shegazedoutpensivelyatthewildnightsky。
Perhapsshewonderedwhatstarwasdestinedforherhabitationwhenshehadrunherlittlecoursebelow;perhapsspeculatedwhichofthoseglimmeringspheresmightbethenatalorbofMrTappertit;
perhapsmarvelledhowtheycouldgazedownonthatperfidiouscreature，man，andnotsickenandturngreenaschemists’lamps;
perhapsthoughtofnothinginparticular。Whatevershethoughtabout，thereshesat，untilherattention，alivetoanythingconnectedwiththeinsinuating’prentice，wasattractedbyanoiseinthenextroomtoherown——hisroom;theroominwhichheslept，anddreamed——itmightbe，sometimesdreamedofher。
Thathewasnotdreamingnow，unlesshewastakingawalkinhissleep，wasclear，foreverynowandthentherecameashufflingnoise，asthoughhewereengagedinpolishingthewhitewashedwall;
thenagentlecreakingofhisdoor;thenthefaintestindicationofhisstealthyfootstepsonthelanding-placeoutside。Notingthislattercircumstance，MissMiggsturnedpaleandshuddered，asmistrustinghisintentions;andmorethanonceexclaimed，belowherbreath，’Oh！whataProvidenceitis，asIamboltedin！’——which，owingdoubtlesstoheralarm，wasaconfusionofideasonherpartbetweenaboltanditsuse;forthoughtherewasoneonthedoor，itwasnotfastened。
MissMiggs’ssenseofhearing，however，havingassharpanedgeashertemper，andbeingofthesamesnappishandsuspiciouskind，verysooninformedherthatthefootstepspassedherdoor，andappearedtohavesomeobjectquiteseparateanddisconnectedfromherself。Atthisdiscoveryshebecamemorealarmedthanever，andwasabouttogiveutterancetothosecriesof’Thieves！’and’Murder！’whichshehadhithertorestrained，whenitoccurredtohertolooksoftlyout，andseethatherfearshadsomegoodpalpablefoundation。
Lookingoutaccordingly，andstretchingherneckoverthehandrail，shedescried，tohergreatamazement，MrTappertitcompletelydressed，stealingdownstairs，onestepatatime，withhisshoesinonehandandalampintheother。Followinghimwithhereyes，andgoingdownalittlewayherselftogetthebetterofaninterveningangle，shebeheldhimthrusthisheadinattheparlour-door，drawitbackagainwithgreatswiftness，andimmediatelybeginaretreatupstairswithallpossibleexpedition。
’Here’smysteries！’saidthedamsel，whenshewassafeinherownroomagain，quiteoutofbreath。’Oh，gracious，here’smysteries！’
Theprospectoffindinganybodyoutinanything，wouldhavekeptMissMiggsawakeundertheinfluenceofhenbane。Presently，sheheardthestepagain，asshewouldhavedoneifithadbeenthatofafeatherendowedwithmotionandwalkingdownontiptoe。Thenglidingoutasbefore，sheagainbeheldtheretreatingfigureofthe’prentice;againhelookedcautiouslyinattheparlour-door，butthistimeinsteadofretreating，hepassedinanddisappeared。
Miggswasbackinherroom，andhadherheadoutofthewindow，beforeanelderlygentlemancouldhavewinkedandrecoveredfromit。Outhecameatthestreet-door，shutitcarefullybehindhim，trieditwithhisknee，andswaggeredoff，puttingsomethinginhispocketashewentalong。AtthisspectacleMiggscried’Gracious！’
again，andthen’Goodnessgracious！’andthen’Goodnessgraciousme！’andthen，candleinhand，wentdownstairsashehaddone。
Comingtotheworkshop，shesawthelampburningontheforge，andeverythingasSimhadleftit。
’WhyIwishImayonlyhaveawalkingfuneral，andneverbeburieddecentwithamourning-coachandfeathers，iftheboyhasn’tbeenandmadeakeyforhisownself！’criedMiggs。’Ohthelittlevillain！’
Thisconclusionwasnotarrivedatwithoutconsideration，andmuchpeepingandpeeringabout;norwasitunassistedbytherecollectionthatshehadonseveraloccasionscomeuponthe’prenticesuddenly，andfoundhimbusyatsomemysteriousoccupation。LestthefactofMissMiggscallinghim，onwhomshestoopedtocastafavourableeye，aboy，shouldcreatesurpriseinanybreast，itmaybeobservedthatsheinvariablyaffectedtoregardallmalebipedsunderthirtyasmerechitsandinfants;
whichphenomenonisnotunusualinladiesofMissMiggs’stemper，andisindeedgenerallyfoundtobetheassociateofsuchindomitableandsavagevirtue。
MissMiggsdeliberatedwithinherselfforsomelittletime，lookinghardattheshop-doorwhileshedidso，asthoughhereyesandthoughtswerebothuponit;andthen，takingasheetofpaperfromadrawer，twisteditintoalongthinspiraltube。Havingfilledthisinstrumentwithaquantityofsmallcoal-dustfromtheforge，sheapproachedthedoor，anddroppingononekneebeforeit，dexterouslyblewintothekeyholeasmuchofthesefineashesasthelockwouldhold。Whenshehadfilledittothebriminaveryworkmanlikeandskilfulmanner，shecreptupstairsagain，andchuckledasshewent。
’There！’criedMiggs，rubbingherhands，’nowlet’sseewhetheryouwon’tbegladtotakesomenoticeofme，mister。He，he，he！
You’llhaveeyesforsomebodybesidesMissDollynow，Ithink。A
fat-facedpusssheis，aseverIcomeacross！’
Assheutteredthiscriticism，sheglancedapprovinglyathersmallmirror，aswhoshouldsay，Ithankmystarsthatcan’tbesaidofme！——asitcertainlycouldnot;forMissMiggs’sstyleofbeautywasofthatkindwhichMrTappertithimselfhadnotinaptlytermed，inprivate，’scraggy。’
’Idon’tgotobedthisnight！’saidMiggs，wrappingherselfinashawl，anddrawingacoupleofchairsnearthewindow，flouncingdownuponone，andputtingherfeetupontheother，’tillyoucomehome，mylad。Iwouldn’t，’saidMiggsviciously，’no，notforfive-and-fortypound！’
Withthat，andwithanexpressionoffaceinwhichagreatnumberofoppositeingredients，suchasmischief，cunning，malice，triumph，andpatientexpectation，wereallmixeduptogetherinakindofphysiognomicalpunch，MissMiggscomposedherselftowaitandlisten，likesomefairogresswhohadsetatrapandwaswatchingforanibblefromaplumpyoungtraveller。
Shesatthere，withperfectcomposure，allnight。Atlength，justuponbreakofday，therewasafootstepinthestreet，andpresentlyshecouldhearMrTappertitstopatthedoor。Thenshecouldmakeoutthathetriedhiskey——thathewasblowingintoit——
thatheknockeditonthenearestposttobeatthedustout——thathetookitunderalamptolookatit——thathepokedbitsofstickintothelocktoclearit——thathepeepedintothekeyhole，firstwithoneeye，andthenwiththeother——thathetriedthekeyagain——
thathecouldn’tturnit，andwhatwasworse，couldn’tgetitout——
thathebentit——thatthenitwasmuchlessdisposedtocomeoutthanbefore——thathegaveitamightytwistandagreatpull，andthenitcameoutsosuddenlythathestaggeredbackwards——thathekickedthedoor——thatheshookit——finally，thathesmotehisforehead，andsatdownonthestepindespair。
Whenthiscrisishadarrived，MissMiggs，affectingtobeexhaustedwithterror，andtoclingtothewindow-sillforsupport，putouthernightcap，anddemandedinafaintvoicewhowasthere。
MrTappertitcried’Hush！’and，backingtotheroad，exhortedherinfrenziedpantomimetosecrecyandsilence。
’Tellmeonething，’saidMiggs。’Isitthieves？’
’No——no——no！’criedMrTappertit。
’Then，’saidMiggs，morefaintlythanbefore，’it’sfire。Whereisit，sir？It’snearthisroom，Iknow。I’veagoodconscience，sir，andwouldmuchratherdiethangodownaladder。AllIwishis，respectingmylovetomymarriedsister，GoldenLionCourt，numbertwenty-sivin，secondbell-handleontheright-handdoor-
post。’
’Miggs！’criedMrTappertit，’don’tyouknowme？Sim，youknow——
Sim——’
’Oh！whatabouthim！’criedMiggs，claspingherhands。’Isheinanydanger？Isheinthemidstofflamesandblazes！Ohgracious，gracious！’
’WhyI’mhere，an’tI？’rejoinedMrTappertit，knockinghimselfonthebreast。’Don’tyouseeme？Whatafoolyouare，Miggs！’
’There！’criedMiggs，unmindfulofthiscompliment。’Why——soit——
Goodness，whatisthemeaningof——Ifyouplease，mim，here’s——’
’No，no！’criedMrTappertit，standingontiptoe，asifbythatmeanshe，inthestreet，wereanynearerbeingabletostopthemouthofMiggsinthegarret。’Don’t！——I’vebeenoutwithoutleave，andsomethingoranother’sthematterwiththelock。Comedown，andundotheshopwindow，thatImaygetinthatway。’
’Idursn’tdoit，Simmun，’criedMiggs——forthatwasherpronunciationofhisChristianname。’Idursn’tdoit，indeed。
Youknowaswellasanybody，howparticularIam。Andtocomedowninthedeadofnight，whenthehouseiswrappedinslumbersandweiledinobscurity。’Andthereshestoppedandshivered，forhermodestycaughtcoldattheverythought。
’ButMiggs，’criedMrTappertit，gettingunderthelamp，thatshemightseehiseyes。’MydarlingMiggs——’
Miggsscreamedslightly。
’——ThatIlovesomuch，andnevercanhelpthinkingof，’anditisimpossibletodescribetheusehemadeofhiseyeswhenhesaidthis——’do——formysake，do。’
’OhSimmun，’criedMiggs，’thisisworsethanall。IknowifI
comedown，you’llgo，and——’
’Andwhat，myprecious？’saidMrTappertit。
’Andtry，’saidMiggs，hysterically，’tokissme，orsomesuchdreadfulness;Iknowyouwill！’
’IswearIwon’t，’saidMrTappertit，withremarkableearnestness。
’UponmysoulIwon’t。It’sgettingbroadday，andthewatchman’swakingup。AngelicMiggs！Ifyou’llonlycomeandletmein，I
promiseyoufaithfullyandtrulyIwon’t。’
MissMiggs，whosegentleheartwastouched，didnotwaitfortheoathknowinghowstrongthetemptationwas，andfearinghemightforswearhimself，buttrippedlightlydownthestairs，andwithherownfairhandsdrewbacktheroughfasteningsoftheworkshopwindow。Havinghelpedthewayward’prenticein，shefaintlyarticulatedthewords’Simmunissafe！’andyieldingtoherwoman’snature，immediatelybecameinsensible。
’IknewIshouldquenchher，’saidSim，ratherembarrassedbythiscircumstance。’OfcourseIwascertainitwouldcometothis，buttherewasnothingelsetobedone——ifIhadn’teyedherover，shewouldn’thavecomedown。Here。Keepupaminute，Miggs。Whataslipperyfiguresheis！There’snoholdingher，comfortably。Dokeepupaminute，Miggs，willyou？’
AsMiggs，however，wasdeaftoallentreaties，MrTappertitleantheragainstthewallasonemightdisposeofawalking-stickorumbrella，untilhehadsecuredthewindow，whenhetookherinhisarmsagain，and，inshortstagesandwithgreatdifficulty——arisingfromherbeingtallandhisbeingshort，andperhapsinsomedegreefromthatpeculiarphysicalconformationonwhichhehadalreadyremarked——carriedherupstairs，andplantingher，inthesameumbrellaandwalking-stickfashion，justinsideherowndoor，lefthertoherrepose。
’Hemaybeascoolashelikes，’saidMissMiggs，recoveringassoonasshewasleftalone;’butI’minhisconfidenceandhecan’thelphimself，norcouldn’tifhewastwentySimmunses！’
Chapter10
Itwasononeofthosemornings，commoninearlyspring，whentheyear，fickleandchangeableinitsyouthlikeallothercreatedthings，isundecidedwhethertostepbackwardintowinterorforwardintosummer，andinitsuncertaintyinclinesnowtotheoneandnowtotheother，andnowtobothatonce——wooingsummerinthesunshine，andlingeringstillwithwinterintheshade——itwas，inshort，ononeofthosemornings，whenitishotandcold，wetanddry，brightandlowering，sadandcheerful，witheringandgenial，inthecompassofoneshorthour，thatoldJohnWillet，whowasdroppingasleepoverthecopperboiler，wasrousedbythesoundofahorse’sfeet，andglancingoutatwindow，beheldatravellerofgoodlypromise，checkinghisbridleattheMaypoledoor。
Hewasnoneofyourflippantyoungfellows，whowouldcallforatankardofmulledale，andmakethemselvesasmuchathomeasiftheyhadorderedahogsheadofwine;noneofyouraudaciousyoungswaggerers，whowouldevenpenetrateintothebar——thatsolemnsanctuary——and，smitingoldJohnupontheback，inquireiftherewasneveraprettygirlinthehouse，andwherehehidhislittlechambermaids，withahundredotherimpertinencesofthatnature;
noneofyourfree-and-easycompanions，whowouldscrapetheirbootsuponthefiredogsinthecommonroom，andbenotatallparticularonthesubjectofspittoons;noneofyourunconscionableblades，requiringimpossiblechops，andtakingunheard-ofpicklesforgranted。Hewasastaid，grave，placidgentleman，somethingpasttheprimeoflife，yetuprightinhiscarriage，forallthat，andslimasagreyhound。Hewaswell-mounteduponasturdychestnutcob，andhadthegracefulseatofanexperiencedhorseman;
whilehisridinggear，thoughfreefromsuchfopperiesasweretheninvogue，washandsomeandwellchosen。Heworeariding-coatofasomewhatbrightergreenthanmighthavebeenexpectedtosuitthetasteofagentlemanofhisyears，withashort，blackvelvetcape，andlacedpocket-holesandcuffs，allofajauntyfashion;hislinen，too，wasofthefinestkind，workedinarichpatternatthewristsandthroat，andscrupulouslywhite。Althoughheseemed，judgingfromthemudhehadpickedupontheway，tohavecomefromLondon，hishorsewasassmoothandcoolashisowniron-greyperiwigandpigtail。Neithermannorbeasthadturnedasinglehair;andsavingforhissoiledskirtsandspatter-dashes，thisgentleman，withhisbloomingface，whiteteeth，exactly-ordereddress，andperfectcalmness，mighthavecomefrommakinganelaborateandleisurelytoilet，tositforanequestrianportraitatoldJohnWillet’sgate。
ItmustnotbesupposedthatJohnobservedtheseseveralcharacteristicsbyotherthanveryslowdegrees，orthathetookinmorethanhalfaoneatatime，orthatheevenmadeuphisminduponthat，withoutagreatdealofveryseriousconsideration。
Indeed，ifhehadbeendistractedinthefirstinstancebyquestioningsandorders，itwouldhavetakenhimattheleastafortnighttohavenotedwhatisheresetdown;butithappenedthatthegentleman，beingstruckwiththeoldhouse，orwiththeplumppigeonswhichwereskimmingandcurtseyingaboutit，orwiththetallmaypole，onthetopofwhichaweathercock，whichhadbeenoutoforderforfifteenyears，performedaperpetualwalktothemusicofitsowncreaking，satforsomelittletimelookingroundinsilence。HenceJohn，standingwithhishanduponthehorse’sbridle，andhisgreateyesontherider，andwithnothingpassingtodiverthisthoughts，hadreallygotsomeoftheselittlecircumstancesintohisbrainbythetimehewascalledupontospeak。
’Aquaintplacethis，’saidthegentleman——andhisvoicewasasrichashisdress。’Areyouthelandlord？’
’Atyourservice，sir，’repliedJohnWillet。
’Youcangivemyhorsegoodstabling，canyou，andmeanearlydinnerIamnotparticularwhat，sothatitbecleanlyserved，andadecentroomofwhichthereseemstobenolackinthisgreatmansion，’saidthestranger，againrunninghiseyesovertheexterior。
’Youcanhave，sir，’returnedJohnwithareadinessquitesurprising，’anythingyouplease。’
’It’swellIameasilysatisfied，’returnedtheotherwithasmile，’orthatmightproveahardypledge，myfriend。’Andsayingso，hedismounted，withtheaidoftheblockbeforethedoor，inatwinkling。
’Halloathere！Hugh！’roaredJohn。’Iaskyourpardon，sir，forkeepingyoustandingintheporch;butmysonhasgonetotownonbusiness，andtheboybeing，asImaysay，ofakindofusetome，I’mratherputoutwhenhe’saway。Hugh！——adreadfulidlevagrantfellow，sir，halfagipsy，asIthink——alwayssleepinginthesuninsummer，andinthestrawinwintertime，sir——Hugh！DearLord，tokeepagentlemanawaitingherethroughhim！——Hugh！Iwishthatchapwasdead，Idoindeed。’
’Possiblyheis，’returnedtheother。’Ishouldthinkifhewereliving，hewouldhaveheardyoubythistime。’
’Inhisfitsoflaziness，hesleepssodesperatehard，’saidthedistractedhost，’thatifyouweretofireoffcannon-ballsintohisears，itwouldn’twakehim，sir。’
Theguestmadenoremarkuponthisnovelcurefordrowsiness，andrecipeformakingpeoplelively，but，withhishandsclaspedbehindhim，stoodintheporch，verymuchamusedtoseeoldJohn，withthebridleinhishand，waveringbetweenastrongimpulsetoabandontheanimaltohisfate，andahalfdispositiontoleadhimintothehouse，andshuthimupintheparlour，whilehewaitedonhismaster。
’Pillorythefellow，hereheisatlast！’criedJohn，intheveryheightandzenithofhisdistress。’Didyouhearmeacalling，villain？’
Thefigureheaddressedmadenoanswer，butputtinghishanduponthesaddle，sprungintoitatabound，turnedthehorse’sheadtowardsthestable，andwasgoneinaninstant。
’Briskenoughwhenheisawake，’saidtheguest。
’Briskenough，sir！’repliedJohn，lookingattheplacewherethehorsehadbeen，asifnotyetunderstandingquite，whathadbecomeofhim。’Hemelts，Ithink。Hegoeslikeadropoffroth。Youlookathim，andthereheis。Youlookathimagain，and——thereheisn’t。’
Having，intheabsenceofanymorewords，putthissuddenclimaxtowhathehadfaintlyintendedshouldbealongexplanationofthewholelifeandcharacterofhisman，theoracularJohnWilletledthegentlemanuphiswidedismantledstaircaseintotheMaypole’sbestapartment。
Itwasspaciousenoughinallconscience，occupyingthewholedepthofthehouse，andhavingateitherendagreatbaywindow，aslargeasmanymodernrooms;inwhichsomefewpanesofstainedglass，emblazonedwithfragmentsofarmorialbearings，thoughcracked，andpatched，andshattered，yetremained;attesting，bytheirpresence，thattheformerownerhadmadetheverylightsubservienttohisstate，andpressedthesunitselfintohislistofflatterers;biddingit，whenitshoneintohischamber，reflectthebadgesofhisancientfamily，andtakenewhuesandcoloursfromtheirpride。
Butthosewereolddays，andnoweverylittleraycameandwentasitwould;tellingtheplain，bare，searchingtruth。Althoughthebestroomoftheinn，ithadthemelancholyaspectofgrandeurindecay，andwasmuchtoovastforcomfort。Richrustlinghangings，wavingonthewalls;and，betterfar，therustlingofyouthandbeauty’sdress;thelightofwomen’seyes，outshiningthetapersandtheirownrichjewels;thesoundofgentletongues，andmusic，andthetreadofmaidenfeet，hadoncebeenthere，andfilleditwithdelight。Buttheyweregone，andwiththemallitsgladness。
Itwasnolongerahome;childrenwereneverbornandbredthere;
thefiresidehadbecomemercenary——asomethingtobeboughtandsold——averycourtezan:letwhowoulddie，orsitbeside，orleaveit，itwasstillthesame——itmissednobody，caredfornobody，hadequalwarmthandsmilesforall。Godhelpthemanwhosehearteverchangeswiththeworld，asanoldmansionwhenitbecomesaninn！
Noefforthadbeenmadetofurnishthischillywaste，butbeforethebroadchimneyacolonyofchairsandtableshadbeenplantedonasquareofcarpet，flankedbyaghostlyscreen，enrichedwithfigures，grinningandgrotesque。Afterlightingwithhisownhandsthefaggotswhichwereheapeduponthehearth，oldJohnwithdrewtoholdgravecouncilwithhiscook，touchingthestranger’sentertainment;whiletheguesthimself，seeingsmallcomfortintheyetunkindledwood，openedalatticeinthedistantwindow，andbaskedinasicklygleamofcoldMarchsun。
Leavingthewindownowandthen，torakethecracklinglogstogether，orpacetheechoingroomfromendtoend，hecloseditwhenthefirewasquiteburntup，andhavingwheeledtheeasiestchairintothewarmestcorner，summonedJohnWillet。
’Sir，’saidJohn。