’Oh！shewereverybadtheothernight，sir，indeedshewere，saidMiggs。’Ifyouhadn’tthesweetnessofanangelinyou，mim，I
don’tthinkyoucouldabearit，Iralydon’t。’
’Miggs，’saidMrsVarden，’you’reprofane。’
’Beggingyourpardon，mim，’returnedMiggs，withshrillrapidity，’suchwasnotmyintentions，andsuchIhopeisnotmycharacter，thoughIambutaservant。’
’Answeringme，Miggs，andprovidingyourself，’retortedhermistress，lookingroundwithdignity，’isoneandthesamething。
Howdareyouspeakofangelsinconnectionwithyoursinfulfellow-beings——mere’——saidMrsVarden，glancingatherselfinaneighbouringmirror，andarrangingtheribbonofhercapinamorebecomingfashion——’merewormsandgrovellersasweare！’
’Ididnotintend，mim，ifyouplease，togiveoffence，’saidMiggs，confidentinthestrengthofhercompliment，anddevelopingstronglyinthethroatasusual，’andIdidnotexpectitwouldbetookassuch。IhopeIknowmyownunworthiness，andthatIhateanddespisemyselfandallmyfellow-creaturesaseverypracticableChristianshould。’
’You’llhavethegoodness，ifyouplease，’saidMrsVarden，loftily，’tostepupstairsandseeifDollyhasfinisheddressing，andtotellherthatthechairthatwasorderedforherwillbehereinaminute，andthatifshekeepsitwaiting，Ishallsenditawaythatinstant——I’msorrytoseethatyoudon’ttakeyourtea，Varden，andthatyoudon’ttakeyours，MrJoseph;thoughofcourseitwouldbefoolishofmetoexpectthatanythingthatcanbehadathome，andinthecompanyoffemales，wouldpleaseYOU。’
Thispronounwasunderstoodinthepluralsense，andincludedbothgentlemen，uponbothofwhomitwasratherhardandundeserved，forGabrielhadappliedhimselftothemealwithaverypromisingappetite，untilitwasspoiltbyMrsVardenherself，andJoehadasgreatalikingforthefemalesocietyofthelocksmith’shouse——orforapartofitatallevents——asmancouldwellentertain。
Buthehadnoopportunitytosayanythinginhisowndefence，foratthatmomentDollyherselfappeared，andstruckhimquitedumbwithherbeauty。NeverhadDollylookedsohandsomeasshedidthen，inalltheglowandgraceofyouth，withallhercharmsincreasedahundredfoldbyamostbecomingdress，byathousandlittlecoquettishwayswhichnobodycouldassumewithabettergrace，andallthesparklingexpectationofthataccursedparty。
ItisimpossibletotellhowJoehatedthatpartywhereveritwas，andalltheotherpeoplewhoweregoingtoit，whoevertheywere。
Andshehardlylookedathim——no，hardlylookedathim。Andwhenthechairwasseenthroughtheopendoorcomingblunderingintotheworkshop，sheactuallyclappedherhandsandseemedgladtogo。
ButJoegaveherhisarm——therewassomecomfortinthat——andhandedherintoit。Toseeherseatherselfinside，withherlaughingeyesbrighterthandiamonds，andherhand——surelyshehadtheprettiesthandintheworld——ontheledgeoftheopenwindow，andherlittlefingerprovokinglyandpertlytiltedup，asifitwonderedwhyJoedidn’tsqueezeorkissit！Tothinkhowwelloneortwoofthemodestsnowdropswouldhavebecomethatdelicatebodice，andhowtheywerelyingneglectedoutsidetheparlourwindow！ToseehowMiggslookedonwithafaceexpressiveofknowinghowallthislovelinesswasgotup，andofbeinginthesecretofeverystringandpinandhookandeye，andofsayingitain’thalfasrealasyouthink，andIcouldlookquiteaswellmyselfifItookthepains！Tohearthatprovokingpreciouslittlescreamwhenthechairwashoistedonitspoles，andtocatchthattransientbutnot-to-be-forgottenvisionofthehappyfacewithin——
whattormentsandaggravations，andyetwhatdelightswerethese！
Theverychairmenseemedfavouredrivalsastheyboreherdownthestreet。
Thereneverwassuchanalterationinasmallroominasmalltimeasinthatparlourwhentheywentbacktofinishtea。Sodark，sodeserted，soperfectlydisenchanted。Itseemedsuchsheernonsensetobesittingtamelythere，whenshewasatadancewithmoreloversthanmancouldcalculateflutteringabouther——withthewholepartydotingonandadoringher，andwantingtomarryher。
Miggswashoveringabouttoo;andthefactofherexistence，themerecircumstanceofhereverhavingbeenborn，appeared，afterDolly，suchanunaccountablepracticaljoke。Itwasimpossibletotalk。Itcouldn’tbedone。Hehadnothingleftforitbuttostirhistearound，andround，andround，andruminateonallthefascinationsofthelocksmith’slovelydaughter。
Gabrielwasdulltoo。ItwasapartofthecertainuncertaintyofMrsVarden’stemper，thatwhentheywereinthiscondition，sheshouldbegayandsprightly。
’Ineedhaveacheerfuldisposition，Iamsure，’saidthesmilinghousewife，’topreserveanyspiritsatall;andhowIdoitIcanscarcelytell。’
’Ah，mim，’sighedMiggs，’beggingyourpardonfortheinterruption，therean’tamanylikeyou。’
’Takeaway，Miggs，’saidMrsVarden，rising，’takeaway，pray。I
knowI’marestrainthere，andasIwisheverybodytoenjoythemselvesastheybestcan，IfeelIhadbettergo。’
’No，no，Martha，’criedthelocksmith。’Stophere。I’msureweshallbeverysorrytoloseyou，ehJoe！’Joestarted，andsaid’Certainly。’
’Thankyou，Varden，mydear，’returnedhiswife;’butIknowyourwishesbetter。Tobaccoandbeer，orspirits，havemuchgreaterattractionsthananyIcanboastof，andthereforeIshallgoandsitupstairsandlookoutofwindow，mylove。Goodnight，MrJoseph。I’mverygladtohaveseenyou，andIonlywishIcouldhaveprovidedsomethingmoresuitabletoyourtaste。RemembermeverykindlyifyoupleasetooldMrWillet，andtellhimthatwheneverhecomeshereIhaveacrowtopluckwithhim。Goodnight！’
Havingutteredthesewordswithgreatsweetnessofmanner，thegoodladydroppedacurtseyremarkableforitscondescension，andserenelywithdrew。
AnditwasforthisJoehadlookedforwardtothetwenty-fifthofMarchforweeksandweeks，andhadgatheredtheflowerswithsomuchcare，andhadcockedhishat，andmadehimselfsosmart！Thiswastheendofallhisbolddetermination，resolveduponforthehundredthtime，tospeakouttoDollyandtellherhowhelovedher！Toseeherforaminute——forbutaminute——tofindhergoingouttoapartyandgladtogo;tobelookeduponasacommonpipe-
smoker，beer-bibber，spirit-guzzler，andtosspot！Hebadefarewelltohisfriendthelocksmith，andhastenedtotakehorseattheBlackLion，thinkingasheturnedtowardshome，asmanyanotherJoehasthoughtbeforeandsince，thatherewasanendtoallhishopes——thatthethingwasimpossibleandnevercouldbe——thatshedidn’tcareforhim——thathewaswretchedforlife——andthattheonlycongenialprospectlefthim，wastogoforasoldierorasailor，andgetsomeobligingenemytoknockhisbrainsoutassoonaspossible。
Chapter14
JoeWilletrodeleisurelyalonginhisdespondingmood，picturingthelocksmith’sdaughtergoingdownlongcountry-dances，andpoussettingdreadfullywithboldstrangers——whichwasalmosttoomuchtobear——whenheheardthetrampofahorse’sfeetbehindhim，andlookingback，sawawell-mountedgentlemanadvancingatasmartcanter。Asthisriderpassed，hecheckedhissteed，andcalledhimoftheMaypolebyhisname。Joesetspurstothegreymare，andwasathissidedirectly。
’Ithoughtitwasyou，sir，’hesaid，touchinghishat。’Afairevening，sir。Gladtoseeyououtofdoorsagain。’
Thegentlemansmiledandnodded。’Whatgaydoingshavebeengoingonto-day，Joe？Issheasprettyasever？Nay，don’tblush，man。’
’IfIcolouredatall，MrEdward，’saidJoe，’whichIdidn’tknowI
did，itwastothinkIshouldhavebeensuchafoolasevertohaveanyhopeofher。She’sasfaroutofmyreachas——asHeavenis。’
’Well，Joe，Ihopethat’snotaltogetherbeyondit，’saidEdward，good-humouredly。’Eh？’
’Ah！’sighedJoe。’It’sallveryfinetalking，sir。Proverbsareeasilymadeincoldblood。Butitcan’tbehelped。Areyouboundforourhouse，sir？’
’Yes。AsIamnotquitestrongyet，Ishallstaythereto-night，andridehomecoollyinthemorning。’
’Ifyou’reinnoparticularhurry，’saidJoeafterashortsilence，’andwillbearwiththepaceofthispoorjade，IshallbegladtorideonwithyoutotheWarren，sir，andholdyourhorsewhenyoudismount。It’llsaveyouhavingtowalkfromtheMaypole，thereandbackagain。Icansparethetimewell，sir，forIamtoosoon。’
’AndsoamI，’returnedEdward，’thoughIwasunconsciouslyridingfastjustnow，incomplimentIsupposetothepaceofmythoughts，whichweretravellingpost。Wewillkeeptogether，Joe，willingly，andbeasgoodcompanyasmaybe。Andcheerup，cheerup，thinkofthelocksmith’sdaughterwithastoutheart，andyoushallwinheryet。’
Joeshookhishead;buttherewassomethingsocheeryinthebuoyanthopefulmannerofthisspeech，thathisspiritsroseunderitsinfluence，andcommunicatedasitwouldseemsomenewimpulseeventothegreymare，who，breakingfromhersoberambleintoagentletrot，emulatedthepaceofEdwardChester’shorse，andappearedtoflatterherselfthathewasdoinghisverybest。
Itwasafinedrynight，andthelightofayoungmoon，whichwasthenjustrising，shedaroundthatpeaceandtranquillitywhichgivestoeveningtimeitsmostdeliciouscharm。Thelengthenedshadowsofthetrees，softenedasifreflectedinstillwater，threwtheircarpetonthepaththetravellerspursued，andthelightwindstirredyetmoresoftlythanbefore，asthoughitweresoothingNatureinhersleep。Bylittleandlittletheyceasedtalking，androdeonsidebysideinapleasantsilence。
’TheMaypolelightsarebrilliantto-night，’saidEdward，astheyrodealongthelanefromwhich，whiletheinterveningtreeswerebareofleaves，thathostelrywasvisible。
’Brilliantindeed，sir，’returnedJoe，risinginhisstirrupstogetabetterview。’Lightsinthelargeroom，andafireglimmeringinthebestbedchamber？Why，whatcompanycanthisbefor，Iwonder！’
’SomebenightedhorsemanwendingtowardsLondon，anddeterredfromgoingonto-nightbythemarvelloustalesofmyfriendthehighwayman，Isuppose，’saidEdward。
’Hemustbeahorsemanofgoodqualitytohavesuchaccommodations。
Yourbedtoo，sir——！’
’Nomatter，Joe。Anyotherroomwilldoforme。Butcome——there’sninestriking。Wemaypushon。’
TheycanteredforwardatasbriskapaceasJoe’schargercouldattain，andpresentlystoppedinthelittlecopsewherehehadleftherinthemorning。Edwarddismounted，gavehisbridletohiscompanion，andwalkedwithalightsteptowardsthehouse。
Afemaleservantwaswaitingatasidegateinthegarden-wall，andadmittedhimwithoutdelay。Hehurriedalongtheterrace-walk，anddartedupaflightofbroadstepsleadingintoanoldandgloomyhall，whosewallswereornamentedwithrustysuitsofarmour，antlers，weaponsofthechase，andsuchlikegarniture。Herehepaused，butnotlong;forashelookedround，asifexpectingtheattendanttohavefollowed，andwonderingshehadnotdoneso，alovelygirlappeared，whosedarkhairnextmomentrestedonhisbreast。Almostatthesameinstantaheavyhandwaslaiduponherarm，Edwardfelthimselfthrustaway，andMrHaredalestoodbetweenthem。
Heregardedtheyoungmansternlywithoutremovinghishat;withonehandclaspedhisniece，andwiththeother，inwhichheheldhisriding-whip，motionedhimtowardsthedoor。Theyoungmandrewhimselfup，andreturnedhisgaze。
’Thisiswelldoneofyou，sir，tocorruptmyservants，andentermyhouseunbiddenandinsecret，likeathief！’saidMrHaredale。
’Leaveit，sir，andreturnnomore。’
’MissHaredale’spresence，’returnedtheyoungman，’andyourrelationshiptoher，giveyoualicencewhich，ifyouareabraveman，youwillnotabuse。Youhavecompelledmetothiscourse，andthefaultisyours——notmine。’
’Itisneithergenerous，norhonourable，northeactofatrueman，sir，’retortedtheother，’totamperwiththeaffectionsofaweak，trustinggirl，whileyoushrink，inyourunworthiness，fromherguardianandprotector，anddarenotmeetthelightofday。
MorethanthisIwillnotsaytoyou，savethatIforbidyouthishouse，andrequireyoutobegone。’
’Itisneithergenerous，norhonourable，northeactofatruemantoplaythespy，’saidEdward。’Yourwordsimplydishonour，andI
rejectthemwiththescorntheymerit。’
’Youwillfind，’saidMrHaredale，calmly，’yourtrustygo-betweeninwaitingatthegatebywhichyouentered。Ihaveplayednospy’spart，sir。Ichancedtoseeyoupassthegate，andfollowed。Youmighthaveheardmeknockingforadmission，hadyoubeenlessswiftoffoot，orlingeredinthegarden。Pleasetowithdraw。Yourpresencehereisoffensivetomeanddistressfultomyniece。’Ashesaidthesewords，hepassedhisarmaboutthewaistoftheterrifiedandweepinggirl，anddrewherclosertohim;andthoughthehabitualseverityofhismannerwasscarcelychanged，therewasyetapparentintheactionanairofkindnessandsympathyforherdistress。
’MrHaredale，’saidEdward，’yourarmencirclesheronwhomIhavesetmyeveryhopeandthought，andtopurchaseoneminute’shappinessforwhomIwouldgladlylaydownmylife;thishouseisthecasketthatholdsthepreciousjewelofmyexistence。Yourniecehasplightedherfaithtome，andIhaveplightedminetoher。WhathaveIdonethatyoushouldholdmeinthislightesteem，andgivemethesediscourteouswords？’
’Youhavedonethat，sir，’answeredMrHaredale，’whichmustheundone。Youhavetiedalover’-knotherewhichmustbecutasunder。TakegoodheedofwhatIsay。Must。Icancelthebondbetweenye。Irejectyou，andallofyourkithandkin——allthefalse，hollow，heartlessstock。’
’Highwords，sir，’saidEdward，scornfully。
’Wordsofpurposeandmeaning，asyouwillfind，’repliedtheother。’Laythemtoheart。’
’Layyouthen，these，’saidEdward。’Yourcoldandsullentemper，whichchillseverybreastaboutyou，whichturnsaffectionintofear，andchangesdutyintodread，hasforcedusonthissecretcourse，repugnanttoournatureandourwish，andfarmoreforeign，sir，tousthanyou。Iamnotafalse，ahollow，oraheartlessman;thecharacterisyours，whopoorlyventureontheseinjuriousterms，againstthetruth，andundertheshelterwhereofIremindedyoujustnow。Youshallnotcancelthebondbetweenus。Iwillnotabandonthispursuit。Irelyuponyourniece’struthandhonour，andsetyourinfluenceatnought。Ileaveherwithaconfidenceinherpurefaith，whichyouwillneverweaken，andwithnoconcernbutthatIdonotleaveherinsomegentlercare。’
Withthat，hepressedhercoldhandtohislips，andoncemoreencounteringandreturningMrHaredale’ssteadylook，withdrew。
AfewwordstoJoeashemountedhishorsesufficientlyexplainedwhathadpassed，andrenewedallthatyounggentleman’sdespondencywithtenfoldaggravation。TheyrodebacktotheMaypolewithoutexchangingasyllable，andarrivedatthedoorwithheavyhearts。
OldJohn，whohadpeepedfrombehindtheredcurtainastheyrodeupshoutingforHugh，wasoutdirectly，andsaidwithgreatimportanceasheheldtheyoungman’sstirrup，’He’scomfortableinbed——thebestbed。Athoroughgentleman;thesmilingest，affablestgentlemanIeverhadtodowith。’
’Who，Willet？’saidEdwardcarelessly，ashedismounted。
’Yourworthyfather，sir，’repliedJohn。’Yourhonourable，venerablefather。’
’Whatdoeshemean？’saidEdward，lookingwithamixtureofalarmanddoubt，atJoe。
’WhatDOyoumean？’saidJoe。’Don’tyouseeMrEdwarddoesn’tunderstand，father？’
’Why，didn’tyouknowofit，sir？’saidJohn，openinghiseyeswide。’Howverysingular！Blessyou，he’sbeenhereeversincenoonto-day，andMrHaredalehasbeenhavingalongtalkwithhim，andhasn’tbeengoneanhour。’
’Myfather，Willet！’
’Yes，sir，hetoldmeso——ahandsome，slim，uprightgentleman，ingreen-and-gold。Inyouroldroomupyonder，sir。Nodoubtyoucangoin，sir，’saidJohn，walkingbackwardsintotheroadandlookingupatthewindow。’Hehasn’tputouthiscandlesyet，I
see。’
Edwardglancedatthewindowalso，andhastilymurmuringthathehadchangedhismind——forgottensomething——andmustreturntoLondon，mountedhishorseagainandrodeaway;leavingtheWillets，fatherandson，lookingateachotherinmuteastonishment。
Chapter15
Atnoonnextday，JohnWillet’sguestsatlingeringoverhisbreakfastinhisownhome，surroundedbyavarietyofcomforts，whichlefttheMaypole’shighestflightandutmoststretchofaccommodationataninfinitedistancebehind，andsuggestedcomparisonsverymuchtothedisadvantageanddisfavourofthatvenerabletavern。
Inthebroadold-fashionedwindow-seat——ascapaciousasmanymodernsofas，andcushionedtoservethepurposeofaluxurioussettee——inthebroadold-fashionedwindow-seatofaroomychamber，MrChesterlounged，verymuchathisease，overawell-furnishedbreakfast-
table。Hehadexchangedhisriding-coatforahandsomemorning-
gown，hisbootsforslippers;hadbeenatgreatpainstoatoneforthehavingbeenobligedtomakehistoiletwhenherosewithouttheaidofdressing-caseandtiringequipage;and，havinggraduallyforgottenthroughthesemeansthediscomfortsofanindifferentnightandanearlyride，wasinastateofperfectcomplacency，indolence，andsatisfaction。
Thesituationinwhichhefoundhimself，indeed，wasparticularlyfavourabletothegrowthofthesefeelings;for，nottomentionthelazyinfluenceofalateandlonelybreakfast，withtheadditionalsedativeofanewspaper，therewasanairofreposeabouthisplaceofresidencepeculiartoitself，andwhichhangsaboutit，eveninthesetimes，whenitismorebustlingandbusythanitwasindaysofyore。
Thereare，still，worseplacesthantheTemple，onasultryday，forbaskinginthesun，orrestingidlyintheshade。Thereisyetadrowsinessinitscourts，andadreamydulnessinitstreesandgardens;thosewhopaceitslanesandsquaresmayyetheartheechoesoftheirfootstepsonthesoundingstones，andreaduponitsgates，inpassingfromthetumultoftheStrandorFleetStreet，’Whoentershereleavesnoisebehind。’ThereisstilltheplashoffallingwaterinfairFountainCourt，andthereareyetnooksandcornerswheredun-hauntedstudentsmaylookdownfromtheirdustygarrets，onavagrantrayofsunlightpatchingtheshadeofthetallhouses，andseldomtroubledtoreflectapassingstranger’sform。Thereisyet，intheTemple，somethingofaclerklymonkishatmosphere，whichpublicofficesoflawhavenotdisturbed，andevenlegalfirmshavefailedtoscareaway。Insummertime，itspumpssuggesttothirstyidlers，springscooler，andmoresparkling，anddeeperthanotherwells;andastheytracethespillingsoffullpitchersontheheatedground，theysnuffthefreshness，and，sighing，castsadlookstowardstheThames，andthinkofbathsandboats，andsaunteron，despondent。
ItwasinaroominPaperBuildings——arowofgoodlytenements，shadedinfrontbyancienttrees，andlooking，attheback，upontheTempleGardens——thatthis，ouridler，lounged;nowtakingupagainthepaperhehadlaiddownahundredtimes;nowtriflingwiththefragmentsofhismeal;nowpullingforthhisgoldentoothpick，andglancingleisurelyabouttheroom，oroutatwindowintothetrimgardenwalks，whereafewearlyloitererswerealreadypacingtoandfro。Hereapairofloversmettoquarrelandmakeup;
thereadark-eyednursery-maidhadbettereyesforTemplarsthanhercharge;onthishandanancientspinster，withherlapdoginastring，regardedbothenormitieswithscornfulsidelonglooks;onthataweazenoldgentleman，oglingthenursery-maid，lookedwithlikescornuponthespinster，andwonderedshedidn’tknowshewasnolongeryoung。Apartfromallthese，ontheriver’smargintwoorthreecoupleofbusiness-talkerswalkedslowlyupanddowninearnestconversation;andoneyoungmansatthoughtfullyonabench，alone。
’Nedisamazinglypatient！’saidMrChester，glancingatthislast-
namedpersonashesetdownhisteacupandpliedthegoldentoothpick，’immenselypatient！HewassittingyonderwhenIbegantodress，andhasscarcelychangedhisposturesince。Amosteccentricdog！’
Ashespoke，thefigurerose，andcametowardshimwitharapidpace。
’Really，asifhehadheardme，’saidthefather，resuminghisnewspaperwithayawn。’DearNed！’
Presentlytheroom-dooropened，andtheyoungmanentered;towhomhisfathergentlywavedhishand，andsmiled。
’Areyouatleisureforalittleconversation，sir？’saidEdward。
’Surely，Ned。Iamalwaysatleisure。Youknowmyconstitution——
Haveyoubreakfasted？’
’Threehoursago。’
’Whataveryearlydog！’criedhisfather，contemplatinghimfrombehindthetoothpick，withalanguidsmile。
’Thetruthis，’saidEdward，bringingachairforward，andseatinghimselfnearthetable，’thatIsleptbutilllastnight，andwasgladtorise。Thecauseofmyuneasinesscannotbutbeknowntoyou，sir;anditisuponthatIwishtospeak。’
’Mydearboy，’returnedhisfather，’confideinme，Ibeg。Butyouknowmyconstitution——don’tbeprosy，Ned。’
’Iwillbeplain，andbrief，’saidEdward。
’Don’tsayyouwill，mygoodfellow，’returnedhisfather，crossinghislegs，’oryoucertainlywillnot。Youaregoingtotellme’——
’Plainlythis，then，’saidtheson，withanairofgreatconcern，’thatIknowwhereyouwerelastnight——frombeingonthespot，indeed——andwhomyousaw，andwhatyourpurposewas。’
’Youdon’tsayso！’criedhisfather。’Iamdelightedtohearit。
Itsavesustheworry，andterriblewearandtearofalongexplanation，andisagreatreliefforboth。Attheveryhouse！
Whydidn’tyoucomeup？Ishouldhavebeencharmedtoseeyou。’
’IknewthatwhatIhadtosaywouldbebettersaidafteranight’sreflection，whenbothofuswerecool，’returnedtheson。
’’ForeGad，Ned，’rejoinedthefather，’Iwascoolenoughlastnight。ThatdetestableMaypole！Bysomeinfernalcontrivanceofthebuilder，itholdsthewind，andkeepsitfresh。Yourememberthesharpeastwindthatblewsohardfiveweeksago？Igiveyoumyhonouritwasrampantinthatoldhouselastnight，thoughoutofdoorstherewasadeadcalm。Butyouweresaying’——
’Iwasabouttosay，Heavenknowshowseriouslyandearnestly，thatyouhavemademewretched，sir。Willyouhearmegravelyforamoment？’
’MydearNed，’saidhisfather，’Iwillhearyouwiththepatienceofananchorite。Obligemewiththemilk。’
’IsawMissHaredalelastnight，’Edwardresumed，whenhehadcompliedwiththisrequest;’heruncle，inherpresence，immediatelyafteryourinterview，and，asofcourseIknow，inconsequenceofit，forbademethehouse，and，withcircumstancesofindignitywhichareofyourcreationIamsure，commandedmetoleaveitontheinstant。’
’Forhismannerofdoingso，Igiveyoumyhonour，Ned，Iamnotaccountable，’saidhisfather。’Thatyoumustexcuse。Heisamereboor，alog，abrute，withnoaddressinlife——Positivelyaflyinthejug。ThefirstIhaveseenthisyear。’
Edwardrose，andpacedtheroom。Hisimperturbableparentsippedhistea。
’Father，’saidtheyoungman，stoppingatlengthbeforehim，’wemustnottrifleinthismatter。Wemustnotdeceiveeachother，orourselves。LetmepursuethemanlyopenpartIwishtotake，anddonotrepelmebythisunkindindifference。’
’WhetherIamindifferentorno，’returnedtheother，’Ileaveyou，mydearboy，tojudge。Arideoftwenty-fiveorthirtymiles，throughmiryroads——aMaypoledinner——atete-a-tetewithHaredale，which，vanityapart，wasquiteaValentineandOrsonbusiness——aMaypolebed——aMaypolelandlord，andaMaypoleretinueofidiotsandcentaurs;——whetherthevoluntaryenduranceofthesethingslookslikeindifference，dearNed，orliketheexcessiveanxiety，anddevotion，andallthatsortofthing，ofaparent，youshalldetermineforyourself。’
’Iwishyoutoconsider，sir，’saidEdward，’inwhatacruelsituationIamplaced。LovingMissHaredaleasIdo’——
’Mydearfellow，’interruptedhisfatherwithacompassionatesmile，’youdonothingofthekind。Youdon’tknowanythingaboutit。There’snosuchthing，Iassureyou。Now，dotakemywordforit。Youhavegoodsense，Ned，——greatgoodsense。Iwonderyoushouldbeguiltyofsuchamazingabsurdities。Youreallysurpriseme。’
’Irepeat，’saidhissonfirmly，’thatIloveher。Youhaveinterposedtopartus，andhave，totheextentIhavejustnowtoldyouof，succeeded。MayIinduceyou，sir，intime，tothinkmorefavourablyofourattachment，orisityourintentionandyourfixeddesigntoholdusasunderifyoucan？’
’MydearNed，’returnedhisfather，takingapinchofsnuffandpushinghisboxtowardshim，’thatismypurposemostundoubtedly。’
’Thetimethathaselapsed，’rejoinedhisson，’sinceIbegantoknowherworth，hasflowninsuchadreamthatuntilnowIhavehardlyoncepausedtoreflectuponmytrueposition。Whatisit？
FrommychildhoodIhavebeenaccustomedtoluxuryandidleness，andhavebeenbredasthoughmyfortunewerelarge，andmyexpectationsalmostwithoutalimit。Theideaofwealthhasbeenfamiliarisedtomefrommycradle。Ihavebeentaughttolookuponthosemeans，bywhichmenraisethemselvestorichesanddistinction，asbeingbeyondmyheeding，andbeneathmycare。I
havebeen，asthephraseis，liberallyeducated，andamfitfornothing。Ifindmyselfatlastwhollydependentuponyou，withnoresourcebutinyourfavour。Inthismomentousquestionofmylifewedonot，anditwouldseemwenevercan，agree。Ihaveshrunkinstinctivelyalikefromthosetowhomyouhaveurgedmetopaycourt，andfromthemotivesofinterestandgainwhichhaverenderedtheminyoureyesvisibleobjectsformysuit。Ifthereneverhasbeenthusmuchplain-speakingbetweenusbefore，sir，thefaulthasnotbeenmine，indeed。IfIseemtospeaktooplainlynow，itis，believemefather，inthehopethattheremaybeafrankerspirit，aworthierreliance，andakinderconfidencebetweenusintimetocome。’
’Mygoodfellow，’saidhissmilingfather，’youquiteaffectme。
Goon，mydearEdward，Ibeg。Butrememberyourpromise。Thereisgreatearnestness，vastcandour，amanifestsincerityinallyousay，butIfearIobservethefaintestindicationsofatendencytoprose。’
’Iamverysorry，sir。’
’Iamverysorry，too，Ned，butyouknowthatIcannotfixmymindforanylongperiodupononesubject。Ifyou’llcometothepointatonce，I’llimagineallthatoughttogobefore，andconcludeitsaid。Obligemewiththemilkagain。Listening，invariablymakesmefeverish。’
’WhatIwouldsaythen，tendstothis，’saidEdward。’Icannotbearthisabsolutedependence，sir，evenuponyou。Timehasbeenlostandopportunitythrownaway，butIamyetayoungman，andmayretrieveit。WillyougivemethemeansofdevotingsuchabilitiesandenergiesasIpossess，tosomeworthypursuit？Willyouletmetrytomakeformyselfanhonourablepathinlife？Foranytermyoupleasetoname——sayforfiveyearsifyouwill——Iwillpledgemyselftomovenofurtherinthematterofourdifferencewithoutyourfallconcurrence。Duringthatperiod，Iwillendeavourearnestlyandpatiently，ifevermandid，toopensomeprospectformyself，andfreeyoufromtheburdenyoufearIshouldbecomeifI
marriedonewhoseworthandbeautyareherchiefendowments。Willyoudothis，sir？Attheexpirationofthetermweagreeupon，letusdiscussthissubjectagain。Tillthen，unlessitisrevivedbyyou，letitneverberenewedbetweenus。’
’MydearNed，’returnedhisfather，layingdownthenewspaperatwhichhehadbeenglancingcarelessly，andthrowinghimselfbackinthewindow-seat，’IbelieveyouknowhowverymuchIdislikewhatarecalledfamilyaffairs，whichareonlyfitforplebeianChristmasdays，andhavenomannerofbusinesswithpeopleofourcondition。Butasyouareproceedinguponamistake，Ned——
altogetheruponamistake——Iwillconquermyrepugnancetoenteringonsuchmatters，andgiveyouaperfectlyplainandcandidanswer，ifyouwilldomethefavourtoshutthedoor。’
Edwardhavingobeyedhim，hetookanelegantlittleknifefromhispocket，andparinghisnails，continued:
’Youhavetothankme，Ned，forbeingofgoodfamily;foryourmother，charmingpersonasshewas，andalmostbroken-hearted，andsoforth，assheleftme，whenshewasprematurelycompelledtobecomeimmortal——hadnothingtoboastofinthatrespect。’
’Herfatherwasatleastaneminentlawyer，sir，’saidEdward。
’Quiteright，Ned;perfectlyso。Hestoodhighatthebar，hadagreatnameandgreatwealth，buthavingrisenfromnothing——Ihavealwaysclosedmyeyestothecircumstanceandsteadilyresisteditscontemplation，butIfearhisfatherdealtinpork，andthathisbusinessdidonceinvolvecow-heelandsausages——hewishedtomarryhisdaughterintoagoodfamily。Hehadhisheart’sdesire，Ned。
Iwasayoungerson’syoungerson，andImarriedher。Weeachhadourobject，andgainedit。Shesteppedatonceintothepolitestandbestcircles，andIsteppedintoafortunewhichIassureyouwasverynecessarytomycomfort——quiteindispensable。Now，mygoodfellow，thatfortuneisamongthethingsthathavebeen。Itisgone，Ned，andhasbeengone——howoldareyou？Ialwaysforget。’
’Seven-and-twenty，sir。’
’Areyouindeed？’criedhisfather，raisinghiseyelidsinalanguishingsurprise。’Somuch！ThenIshouldsay，Ned，thatasnearlyasIremember，itsskirtsvanishedfromhumanknowledge，abouteighteenornineteenyearsago。ItwasaboutthattimewhenIcametoliveinthesechambersonceyourgrandfather’s，andbequeathedbythatextremelyrespectablepersontome，andcommencedtoliveuponaninconsiderableannuityandmypastreputation。’
’Youarejestingwithme，sir，’saidEdward。
’Notintheslightestdegree，Iassureyou，’returnedhisfatherwithgreatcomposure。’Thesefamilytopicsaresoextremelydry，thatIamsorrytosaytheydon’tadmitofanysuchrelief。Itisforthatreason，andbecausetheyhaveanappearanceofbusiness，thatIdislikethemsoverymuch。Well！Youknowtherest。A
son，Ned，unlessheisoldenoughtobeacompanion——thatistosay，unlessheissometwoorthreeandtwenty——isnotthekindofthingtohaveaboutone。Heisarestraintuponhisfather，hisfatherisarestraintuponhim，andtheymakeeachothermutuallyuncomfortable。Therefore，untilwithinthelastfouryearsorso——
Ihaveapoormemoryfordates，andifImistake，youwillcorrectmeinyourownmind——youpursuedyourstudiesatadistance，andpickedupagreatvarietyofaccomplishments。Occasionallywepassedaweekortwotogetherhere，anddisconcertedeachotherasonlysuchnearrelationscan。Atlastyoucamehome。Icandidlytellyou，mydearboy，thatifyouhadbeenawkwardandovergrown，Ishouldhaveexportedyoutosomedistantpartoftheworld。’
’Iwishwithallmysoulyouhad，sir，’saidEdward。
’Noyoudon’t，Ned，’saidhisfathercoolly;’youaremistaken，I
assureyou。Ifoundyouahandsome，prepossessing，elegantfellow，andIthrewyouintothesocietyIcanstillcommand。
Havingdonethat，mydearfellow，IconsiderthatIhaveprovidedforyouinlife，andrelyuponyourdoingsomethingtoprovideformeinreturn。’
’Idonotunderstandyourmeaning，sir。’
’Mymeaning，Ned，isobvious——Iobserveanotherflyinthecream-
jug，buthavethegoodnessnottotakeitoutasyoudidthefirst，fortheirwalkwhentheirlegsaremilky，isextremelyungracefulanddisagreeable——mymeaningis，thatyoumustdoasIdid;thatyoumustmarrywellandmakethemostofyourself。’
’Amerefortune-hunter！’criedtheson，indignantly。
’Whatinthedevil’sname，Ned，wouldyoube！’returnedthefather。
’Allmenarefortune-hunters，aretheynot？Thelaw，thechurch，thecourt，thecamp——seehowtheyareallcrowdedwithfortune-
hunters，jostlingeachotherinthepursuit。Thestock-exchange，thepulpit，thecounting-house，theroyaldrawing-room，thesenate，——whatbutfortune-huntersaretheyfilledwith？Afortune-
hunter！Yes。YouAREone;andyouwouldbenothingelse，mydearNed，ifyouwerethegreatestcourtier，lawyer，legislator，prelate，ormerchant，inexistence。Ifyouaresqueamishandmoral，Ned，consoleyourselfwiththereflectionthatattheveryworstyourfortune-huntingcanmakebutonepersonmiserableorunhappy。Howmanypeopledoyousupposetheseotherkindsofhuntsmencrushinfollowingtheirsport——hundredsatastep？Orthousands？’
Theyoungmanleanthisheaduponhishand，andmadenoanswer。
’Iamquitecharmed，’saidthefatherrising，andwalkingslowlytoandfro——stoppingnowandthentoglanceathimselfinthemirror，orsurveyapicturethroughhisglass，withtheairofaconnoisseur，’thatwehavehadthisconversation，Ned，unpromisingasitwas。Itestablishesaconfidencebetweenuswhichisquitedelightful，andwascertainlynecessary，thoughhowyoucaneverhavemistakenourpositionsanddesigns，IconfessIcannotunderstand。Iconceived，untilIfoundyourfancyforthisgirl，thatallthesepointsweretacitlyagreeduponbetweenus。’
’Iknewyouwereembarrassed，sir，’returnedtheson，raisinghisheadforamoment，andthenfallingintohisformerattitude，’butIhadnoideawewerethebeggaredwretchesyoudescribe。HowcouldIsupposeit，bredasIhavebeen;witnessingthelifeyouhavealwaysled;andtheappearanceyouhavealwaysmade？’
’Mydearchild，’saidthefather——’foryoureallytalksolikeachildthatImustcallyouone——youwerebreduponacarefulprinciple;theverymannerofyoureducation，Iassureyou，maintainedmycreditsurprisingly。AstothelifeIlead，Imustleadit，Ned。Imusthavetheselittlerefinementsaboutme。I
havealwaysbeenusedtothem，andIcannotexistwithoutthem。
Theymustsurroundme，youobserve，andthereforetheyarehere。
Withregardtoourcircumstances，Ned，youmaysetyourmindatrestuponthatscore。Theyaredesperate。Yourownappearanceisbynomeansdespicable，andourjointpocket-moneyalonedevoursourincome。That’sthetruth。’
’WhyhaveIneverknownthisbefore？Whyhaveyouencouragedme，sir，toanexpenditureandmodeoflifetowhichwehavenorightortitle？’
’Mygoodfellow，’returnedhisfathermorecompassionatelythanever，’ifyoumadenoappearance，howcouldyoupossiblysucceedinthepursuitforwhichIdestinedyou？Astoourmodeoflife，everymanhasarighttoliveinthebestwayhecan;andtomakehimselfascomfortableashecan，orheisanunnaturalscoundrel。
Ourdebts，Igrant，areverygreat，andthereforeitthemorebehovesyou，asayoungmanofprincipleandhonour，topaythemoffasspeedilyaspossible。’
’Thevillain’spart，’mutteredEdward，’thatIhaveunconsciouslyplayed！ItowintheheartofEmmaHaredale！Iwould，forhersake，Ihaddiedfirst！’
’Iamgladyousee，Ned，’returnedhisfather，’howperfectlyself-
evidentitis，thatnothingcanbedoneinthatquarter。Butapartfromthis，andthenecessityofyourspeedilybestowingyourselfonanotherasyouknowyoucouldto-morrow，ifyouchose，Iwishyou’dlookuponitpleasantly。Inareligiouspointofviewalone，howcouldyoueverthinkofunitingyourselftoaCatholic，unlessshewasamazinglyrich？YououghttobesoveryProtestant，comingofsuchaProtestantfamilyasyoudo。Letusbemoral，Ned，orwearenothing。Evenifonecouldsetthatobjectionaside，whichisimpossible，wecometoanotherwhichisquiteconclusive。Theveryideaofmarryingagirlwhosefatherwaskilled，likemeat！GoodGod，Ned，howdisagreeable！Considertheimpossibilityofhavinganyrespectforyourfather-in-lawundersuchunpleasantcircumstances——thinkofhishavingbeen“viewed“byjurors，and“satupon“bycoroners，andofhisverydoubtfulpositioninthefamilyeverafterwards。ItseemstomesuchanindelicatesortofthingthatIreallythinkthegirloughttohavebeenputtodeathbythestatetopreventitshappening。ButI
teaseyouperhaps。Youwouldratherbealone？MydearNed，mostwillingly。Godblessyou。Ishallbegoingoutpresently，butweshallmeetto-night，orifnotto-night，certainlyto-morrow。
Takecareofyourselfinthemeantime，forbothoursakes。Youareapersonofgreatconsequencetome，Ned——ofvastconsequenceindeed。Godblessyou！’
Withthesewords，thefather，whohadbeenarranginghiscravatintheglass，whileheutteredtheminadisconnectedcarelessmanner，withdrew，hummingatuneashewent。Theson，whohadappearedsolostinthoughtasnottohearorunderstandthem，remainedquitestillandsilent。Afterthelapseofhalfanhourorso，theelderChester，gailydressed，wentout。Theyoungerstillsatwithhisheadrestingonhishands，inwhatappearedtobeakindofstupor。
Chapter16
AseriesofpicturesrepresentingthestreetsofLondoninthenight，evenatthecomparativelyrecentdateofthistale，wouldpresenttotheeyesomethingsoverydifferentincharacterfromtherealitywhichiswitnessedinthesetimes，thatitwouldbedifficultforthebeholdertorecognisehismostfamiliarwalksinthealteredaspectoflittlemorethanhalfacenturyago。
Theywere，oneandall，fromthebroadestandbesttothenarrowestandleastfrequented，verydark。Theoilandcottonlamps，thoughregularlytrimmedtwiceorthriceinthelongwinternights，burntfeeblyatthebest;andatalatehour，whentheywereunassistedbythelampsandcandlesintheshops，castbutanarrowtrackofdoubtfullightuponthefootway，leavingtheprojectingdoorsandhouse-frontsinthedeepestgloom。Manyofthecourtsandlaneswereleftintotaldarkness;thoseofthemeanersort，whereoneglimmeringlighttwinkledforascoreofhouses，beingfavouredinnoslightdegree。Evenintheseplaces，theinhabitantshadoftengoodreasonforextinguishingtheirlampassoonasitwaslighted;
andthewatchbeingutterlyinefficientandpowerlesstopreventthem，theydidsoattheirpleasure。Thus，inthelightestthoroughfares，therewasateveryturnsomeobscureanddangerousspotwhitherathiefmightflyorshelter，andfewwouldcaretofollow;andthecitybeingbeltedroundbyfields，greenlanes，wastegrounds，andlonelyroads，dividingitatthattimefromthesuburbsthathavejoineditsince，escape，evenwherethepursuitwashot，wasrenderedeasy。
Itisnowonderthatwiththesefavouringcircumstancesinfullandconstantoperation，streetrobberies，oftenaccompaniedbycruelwounds，andnotunfrequentlybylossoflife，shouldhavebeenofnightlyoccurrenceintheveryheartofLondon，orthatquietfolksshouldhavehadgreatdreadoftraversingitsstreetsaftertheshopswereclosed。Itwasnotunusualforthosewhowendedhomealoneatmidnight，tokeepthemiddleoftheroad，thebettertoguardagainstsurprisefromlurkingfootpads;fewwouldventuretorepairatalatehourtoKentishTownorHampstead，oreventoKensingtonorChelsea，unarmedandunattended;whilehewhohadbeenloudestandmostvaliantatthesupper-tableorthetavern，andhadbutamileorsotogo，wasgladtofeealink-boytoescorthimhome。
Thereweremanyothercharacteristics——notquitesodisagreeable——
aboutthethoroughfaresofLondonthen，withwhichtheyhadbeenlongfamiliar。Someoftheshops，especiallythosetotheeastwardofTempleBar，stilladheredtotheoldpracticeofhangingoutasign;andthecreakingandswingingoftheseboardsintheirironframesonwindynights，formedastrangeandmournfalconcertfortheearsofthosewholayawakeinbedorhurriedthroughthestreets。Longstandsofhackney-chairsandgroupsofchairmen，comparedwithwhomthecoachmenofourdayaregentleandpolite，obstructedthewayandfilledtheairwithclamour;night-cellars，indicatedbyalittlestreamoflightcrossingthepavement，andstretchingouthalf-wayintotheroad，andbythestifledroarofvoicesfrombelow，yawnedforthereceptionandentertainmentofthemostabandonedofbothsexes;undereveryshedandbulksmallgroupsoflink-boysgamedawaytheearningsoftheday;oronemorewearythantherest，gavewaytosleep，andletthefragmentofhistorchfallhissingonthepuddledground。
Thentherewasthewatchwithstaffandlanterncryingthehour，andthekindofweather;andthosewhowokeupathisvoiceandturnedthemroundinbed，weregladtohearitrained，orsnowed，orblew，orfroze，forverycomfort’ssake。Thesolitarypassengerwasstartledbythechairmen’scryof’Byyourleavethere！’astwocametrottingpasthimwiththeiremptyvehicle——carriedbackwardstoshowitsbeingdisengaged——andhurriedtotheneareststand。
Manyaprivatechair，too，inclosingsomefinelady，monstrouslyhoopedandfurbelowed，andprecededbyrunning-footmenbearingflambeaux——forwhichextinguishersareyetsuspendedbeforethedoorsofafewhousesofthebettersort——madethewaygayandlightasitdancedalong，anddarkerandmoredismalwhenithadpassed。Itwasnotunusualfortheserunninggentry，whocarrieditwithaveryhighhand，toquarrelintheservants’hallwhilewaitingfortheirmastersandmistresses;and，fallingtoblowseitherthereorinthestreetwithout，tostrewtheplaceofskirmishwithhair-powder，fragmentsofbag-wigs，andscatterednosegays。Gaming，thevicewhichransohighamongallclassesthefashionbeingofcoursesetbytheupper，wasgenerallythecauseofthesedisputes;forcardsanddicewereasopenlyused，andworkedasmuchmischief，andyieldedasmuchexcitementbelowstairs，asabove。Whileincidentslikethese，arisingoutofdrumsandmasqueradesandpartiesatquadrille，werepassingatthewestendofthetown，heavystagecoachesandscarceheavierwaggonswerelumberingslowlytowardsthecity，thecoachmen，guard，andpassengers，armedtotheteeth，andthecoach——adayorsoperhapsbehinditstime，butthatwasnothing——despoiledbyhighwaymen;whomadenoscrupletoattack，aloneandsingle-handed，awholecaravanofgoodsandmen，andsometimesshotapassengerortwo，andweresometimesshotthemselves，asthecasemightbe。Onthemorrow，rumoursofthisnewactofdaringontheroadyieldedmatterforafewhours’conversationthroughthetown，andaPublicProgressofsomefinegentlemanhalf-drunktoTyburn，dressedinthenewestfashion，anddamningtheordinarywithunspeakablegallantryandgrace，furnishedtothepopulace，atonceapleasantexcitementandawholesomeandprofoundexample。
Amongallthedangerouscharacterswho，insuchastateofsociety，prowledandskulkedinthemetropolisatnight，therewasonemanfromwhommanyasuncouthandfierceashe，shrunkwithaninvoluntarydread。Whohewas，orwhencehecame，wasaquestionoftenasked，butwhichnonecouldanswer。Hisnamewasunknown，hehadneverbeenseenuntilwithinabouteightdaysorthereabouts，andwasequallyastrangertotheoldruffians，uponwhosehauntsheventuredfearlessly，astotheyoung。Hecouldbenospy，forheneverremovedhisslouchedhattolookabouthim，enteredintoconversationwithnoman，heedednothingthatpassed，listenedtonodiscourse，regardednobodythatcameorwent。Butsosurelyasthedeadofnightsetin，sosurelythismanwasinthemidstofthelooseconcourseinthenight-cellarwhereoutcastsofeverygraderesorted;andtherehesattillmorning。
Hewasnotonlyaspectreattheirlicentiousfeasts;asomethinginthemidstoftheirrevelryandriotthatchilledandhauntedthem;butoutofdoorshewasthesame。Directlyitwasdark，hewasabroad——neverincompanywithanyone，butalwaysalone;neverlingeringorloitering，butalwayswalkingswiftly;andlookingsotheysaidwhohadseenhimoverhisshoulderfromtimetotime，andashedidsoquickeninghispace。Inthefields，thelanes，theroads，inallquartersofthetown——east，west，north，andsouth——thatmanwasseenglidingonlikeashadow。Hewasalwayshurryingaway。Thosewhoencounteredhim，sawhimstealpast，caughtsightofthebackwardglance，andsolosthiminthedarkness。
Thisconstantrestlessness，andflittingtoandfro，gaverisetostrangestories。Hewasseeninsuchdistantandremoteplaces，attimessonearlytallyingwitheachother，thatsomedoubtedwhethertherewerenottwoofthem，ormore——some，whetherhehadnotunearthlymeansoftravellingfromspottospot。Thefootpadhidinginaditchhadmarkedhimpassinglikeaghostalongitsbrink;thevagranthadmethimonthedarkhigh-road;thebeggarhadseenhimpauseuponthebridgetolookdownatthewater，andthensweeponagain;theywhodealtinbodieswiththesurgeonscouldswearhesleptinchurchyards，andthattheyhadbeheldhimglideawayamongthetombsontheirapproach。Andastheytoldthesestoriestoeachother，onewhohadlookedabouthimwouldpullhisneighbourbythesleeve，andtherehewouldbeamongthem。
Atlast，oneman——hewasoneofthosewhosecommercelayamongthegraves——resolvedtoquestionthisstrangecompanion。Nextnight，whenhehadeathispoormealvoraciouslyhewasaccustomedtodothat，theyhadobserved，asthoughhehadnootherintheday，thisfellowsatdownathiselbow。
’Ablacknight，master！’
’Itisablacknight。’
’Blackerthanlast，thoughthatwaspitchytoo。Didn’tIpassyouneartheturnpikeintheOxfordRoad？’
’It’slikeyoumay。Idon’tknow。’
’Come，come，master，’criedthefellow，urgedonbythelooksofhiscomrades，andslappinghimontheshoulder;’bemorecompanionableandcommunicative。Bemorethegentlemaninthisgoodcompany。Therearetalesamongusthatyouhavesoldyourselftothedevil，andIknownotwhat。’
’Weallhave，havewenot？’returnedthestranger，lookingup。’Ifwewerefewerinnumber，perhapshewouldgivebetterwages。’
’Itgoesratherhardwithyou，indeed，’saidthefellow，asthestrangerdisclosedhishaggardunwashedface，andtornclothes。
’Whatofthat？Bemerry，master。Astaveofaroaringsongnow’——
’Singyou，ifyoudesiretohearone，’repliedtheother，shakinghimroughlyoff;’anddon’ttouchmeifyou’reaprudentman;I
carryarmswhichgooffeasily——theyhavedoneso，beforenow——andmakeitdangerousforstrangerswhodon’tknowthetrickofthem，tolayhandsuponme。’
’Doyouthreaten？’saidthefellow。
’Yes，’returnedtheother，risingandturninguponhim，andlookingfiercelyroundasifinapprehensionofageneralattack。
Hisvoice，andlook，andbearing——allexpressiveofthewildestrecklessnessanddesperation——dauntedwhiletheyrepelledthebystanders。Althoughinaverydifferentsphereofactionnow，theywerenotwithoutmuchoftheeffecttheyhadwroughtattheMaypoleInn。
’Iamwhatyouallare，andliveasyoualldo，’saidthemansternly，afterashortsilence。’Iaminhidinghereliketherest，andifweweresurprisedwouldperhapsdomypartwiththebestofye。Ifit’smyhumourtobelefttomyself，letmehaveit。Otherwise，’——andherehesworeatremendousoath——’there’llbemischiefdoneinthisplace，thoughthereAREoddsofascoreagainstme。’
Alowmurmur，havingitsoriginperhapsinadreadofthemanandthemysterythatsurroundedhim，orperhapsinasincereopiniononthepartofsomeofthosepresent，thatitwouldbeaninconvenientprecedenttomeddletoocuriouslywithagentleman’sprivateaffairsifhesawreasontoconcealthem，warnedthefellowwhohadoccasionedthisdiscussionthathehadbestpursueitnofurther。Afterashorttimethestrangemanlaydownuponabenchtosleep，andwhentheythoughtofhimagain，theyfoundhewasgone。
Nextnight，assoonasitwasdark，hewasabroadagainandtraversingthestreets;hewasbeforethelocksmith’shousemorethanonce，butthefamilywereout，anditwascloseshut。ThisnighthecrossedLondonBridgeandpassedintoSouthwark。Asheglideddownabyestreet，awomanwithalittlebasketonherarm，turnedintoitattheotherend。Directlyheobservedher，hesoughttheshelterofanarchway，andstoodasideuntilshehadpassed。Thenheemergedcautiouslyfromhishiding-place，andfollowed。
Shewentintoseveralshopstopurchasevariouskindsofhouseholdnecessaries，androundeveryplaceatwhichshestoppedhehoveredlikeherevilspirit;followingherwhenshereappeared。Itwasnigheleveno’clock，andthepassengersinthestreetswerethinningfast，whensheturned，doubtlesstogohome。Thephantomstillfollowedher。
Sheturnedintothesamebyestreetinwhichhehadseenherfirst，which，beingfreefromshops，andnarrow，wasextremelydark。Shequickenedherpacehere，asthoughdistrustfulofbeingstopped，androbbedofsuchtriflingpropertyasshecarriedwithher。Hecreptalongontheothersideoftheroad。Hadshebeengiftedwiththespeedofwind，itseemedasifhisterribleshadowwouldhavetrackedherdown。
Atlengththewidow——forsheitwas——reachedherowndoor，and，pantingforbreath，pausedtotakethekeyfromherbasket。Inaflushandglow，withthehasteshehadmade，andthepleasureofbeingsafeathome，shestoopedtodrawitout，when，raisingherhead，shesawhimstandingsilentlybesideher:theapparitionofadream。
Hishandwasonhermouth，butthatwasneedless，forhertongueclovetoitsroof，andherpowerofutterancewasgone。’Ihavebeenlookingforyoumanynights。Isthehouseempty？Answerme。
Isanyoneinside？’
Shecouldonlyanswerbyarattleinherthroat。
’Makemeasign。’
Sheseemedtoindicatethattherewasnoonethere。Hetookthekey，unlockedthedoor，carriedherin，andsecureditcarefullybehindthem。
Chapter17
Itwasachillynight，andthefireinthewidow’sparlourhadburntlow。Herstrangecompanionplacedherinachair，andstoopingdownbeforethehalf-extinguishedashes，rakedthemtogetherandfannedthemwithhishat。Fromtimetotimeheglancedatheroverhisshoulder，asthoughtoassurehimselfofherremainingquietandmakingnoefforttodepart;andthatdone，busiedhimselfaboutthefireagain。
Itwasnotwithoutreasonthathetookthesepains，forhisdresswasdankanddrenchedwithwet，hisjawsrattledwithcold，andheshiveredfromheadtofoot。Ithadrainedhardduringthepreviousnightandforsomehoursinthemorning，butsincenoonithadbeenfine。Wheresoeverhehadpassedthehoursofdarkness，hisconditionsufficientlybetokenedthatmanyofthemhadbeenspentbeneaththeopensky。Besmearedwithmire;hissaturatedclothesclingingwithadampembraceabouthislimbs;hisbeardunshaven，hisfaceunwashed，hismeagrecheekswornintodeephollows，——amoremiserablewretchcouldhardlybe，thanthismanwhonowcowereddownuponthewidow’shearth，andwatchedthestrugglingflamewithbloodshoteyes。
Shehadcoveredherfacewithherhands，fearing，asitseemed，tolooktowardshim。Sotheyremainedforsomeshorttimeinsilence。
Glancingroundagain，heaskedatlength:
’Isthisyourhouse？’
’Itis。Why，inthenameofHeaven，doyoudarkenit？’
’Givememeatanddrink，’heansweredsullenly，’orIdaredomorethanthat。Theverymarrowinmybonesiscold，withwetandhunger。Imusthavewarmthandfood，andIwillhavethemhere。’
’YouweretherobberontheChigwellroad。’
’Iwas。’
’Andnearlyamurdererthen。’
’Thewillwasnotwanting。Therewasonecameuponmeandraisedthehue-and-cry’，thatitwouldhavegonehardwith，butforhisnimbleness。Imadeathrustathim。’
’YouthrustyourswordatHIM！’criedthewidow，lookingupwards。
’Youhearthisman！youhearandsaw！’
Helookedather，as，withherheadthrownback，andherhandstightclenchedtogether，sheutteredthesewordsinanagonyofappeal。Then，startingtohisfeetasshehaddone，headvancedtowardsher。
’Beware！’shecriedinasuppressedvoice，whosefirmnessstoppedhimmidway。’Donotsomuchastouchmewithafinger，oryouarelost;bodyandsoul，youarelost。’
’Hearme，’hereplied，menacingherwithhishand。’I，thatintheformofamanlivethelifeofahuntedbeast;thatinthebodyamaspirit，aghostupontheearth，athingfromwhichallcreaturesshrink，savethosecurstbeingsofanotherworld，whowillnotleaveme;——Iam，inmydesperationofthisnight，pastallfearbutthatofthehellinwhichIexistfromdaytoday。Givethealarm，cryout，refusetoshelterme。Iwillnothurtyou。ButI
willnotbetakenalive;andsosurelyasyouthreatenmeaboveyourbreath，Ifalladeadmanonthisfloor。ThebloodwithwhichIsprinkleit，beonyouandyours，inthenameoftheEvilSpiritthattemptsmentotheirruin！’
Ashespoke，hetookapistolfromhisbreast，andfirmlyclutcheditinhishand。
’Removethismanfromme，goodHeaven！’criedthewidow。’Inthygraceandmercy，givehimoneminute’spenitence，andstrikehimdead！’
’Ithasnosuchpurpose，’hesaid，confrontingher。’Itisdeaf。
Givemetoeatanddrink，lestIdothatitcannothelpmydoing，andwillnotdoforyou。’
’Willyouleaveme，ifIdothusmuch？Willyouleavemeandreturnnomore？’
’Iwillpromisenothing，’herejoined，seatinghimselfatthetable，’nothingbutthis——Iwillexecutemythreatifyoubetrayme。’
Sheroseatlength，andgoingtoaclosetorpantryintheroom，broughtoutsomefragmentsofcoldmeatandbreadandputthemonthetable。Heaskedforbrandy，andforwater。Thesesheproducedlikewise;andheateanddrankwiththevoracityofafamishedhound。Allthetimehewassoengagedshekeptattheuttermostdistanceofthechamber，andsatthereshuddering，butwithherfacetowardshim。Sheneverturnedherbackuponhimonce;andalthoughwhenshepassedhimasshewasobligedtodoingoingtoandfromthecupboardshegatheredtheskirtsofhergarmentabouther，asifevenitstouchinghisbychancewerehorribletothinkof，still，inthemidstofallthisdreadandterror，shekeptherfacetowardshisown，andwatchedhiseverymovement。
Hisrepastended——ifthatcanbecalledone，whichwasamereravenoussatisfyingofthecallsofhunger——hemovedhischairtowardsthefireagain，andwarminghimselfbeforetheblazewhichhadnowsprungbrightlyup，accostedheroncemore。
’Iamanoutcast，towhomaroofabovehisheadisoftenanuncommonluxury，andthefoodabeggarwouldrejectisdelicatefare。Youlivehereatyourease。Doyoulivealone？’
’Idonot，’shemadeanswerwithaneffort。
’Whodwellsherebesides？’
’One——itisnomatterwho。Youhadbestbegone，orhemayfindyouhere。Whydoyoulinger？’
’Forwarmth，’hereplied，spreadingouthishandsbeforethefire。
’Forwarmth。Youarerich，perhaps？’
’Very，’shesaidfaintly。’Veryrich。NodoubtIamveryrich。’
’Atleastyouarenotpenniless。Youhavesomemoney。Youweremakingpurchasesto-night。’
’Ihavealittleleft。Itisbutafewshillings。’
’Givemeyourpurse。Youhaditinyourhandatthedoor。Giveittome。’
Shesteppedtothetableandlaiditdown。Hereachedacross，tookitup，andtoldthecontentsintohishand。Ashewascountingthem，shelistenedforamoment，andsprungtowardshim。
’Takewhatthereis，takeall，takemoreifmorewerethere，butgobeforeitistoolate。Ihaveheardawaywardstepwithout，Iknowfullwell。Itwillreturndirectly。Begone。’
’Whatdoyoumean？’
’Donotstoptoask。Iwillnotanswer。MuchasIdreadtotouchyou，IwoulddragyoutothedoorifIpossessedthestrength，ratherthanyoushouldloseaninstant。Miserablewretch！flyfromthisplace。’
’Iftherearespieswithout，Iamsaferhere，’repliedtheman，standingaghast。’Iwillremainhere，andwillnotflytillthedangerispast。’
’Itistoolate！’criedthewidow，whohadlistenedforthestep，andnottohim。’Harktothatfootupontheground。Doyoutrembletohearit！Itismyson，myidiotson！’
Asshesaidthiswildly，therecameaheavyknockingatthedoor。
Helookedather，andsheathim。
’Lethimcomein，’saidtheman，hoarsely。’Ifearhimlessthanthedark，houselessnight。Heknocksagain。Lethimcomein！’
’Thedreadofthishour，’returnedthewidow，’hasbeenuponmeallmylife，andIwillnot。Evilwillfalluponhim，ifyoustandeyetoeye。Myblightedboy！Oh！allgoodangelswhoknowthetruth——
hearapoormother’sprayer，andsparemyboyfromknowledgeofthisman！’
’Herattlesattheshutters！’criedtheman。’Hecallsyou。Thatvoiceandcry！Itwashewhograppledwithmeintheroad。Wasithe？’
Shehadsunkuponherknees，andsokneltdown，movingherlips，bututteringnosound。Ashegazeduponher，uncertainwhattodoorwheretoturn，theshuttersflewopen。Hehadbarelytimetocatchaknifefromthetable，sheatheitintheloosesleeveofhiscoat，hideinthecloset，anddoallwiththelightning’sspeed，whenBarnabytappedatthebareglass，andraisedthesashexultingly。
’Why，whocankeepoutGripandme！’hecried，thrustinginhishead，andstaringroundtheroom。’Areyouthere，mother？Howlongyoukeepusfromthefireandlight。’
Shestammeredsomeexcuseandtenderedhimherhand。ButBarnabysprunglightlyinwithoutassistance，andputtinghisarmsaboutherneck，kissedherahundredtimes。
’Wehavebeenafield，mother——leapingditches，scramblingthroughhedges，runningdownsteepbanks，upandaway，andhurryingon。
Thewindhasbeenblowing，andtherushesandyoungplantsbowingandbendingtoit，lestitshoulddothemharm，thecowards——andGrip——hahaha！——braveGrip，whocaresfornothing，andwhenthewindrollshimoverinthedust，turnsmanfullytobiteit——Grip，boldGrip，hasquarrelledwitheverylittlebowingtwig——thinking，hetoldme，thatitmockedhim——andhasworrieditlikeabulldog。
Hahaha！’