Ifhismannerhadbeenmerelydoggedandpassivelyfierce，asusual，shewouldhavehadnogreaterdisliketohiscompanythanshealwaysfelt——perhaps，indeed，wouldhavebeenrathergladtohavehadhimathand。Buttherewassomethingofcoarseboldadmirationinhislook，whichterrifiedherverymuch。Sheglancedtimidlytowardshim，uncertainwhethertogoforwardorretreat，andhestoodgazingatherlikeahandsomesatyr;andsotheyremainedforsomeshorttimewithoutstirringorbreakingsilence。
AtlengthDollytookcourage，shotpasthim，andhurriedon。
’Whydoyouspendsomuchbreathinavoidingme？’saidHugh，accommodatinghispacetohers，andkeepingcloseatherside。
’IwishtogetbackasquicklyasIcan，andyouwalktoonearme，answeredDolly。’
’Toonear！’saidHugh，stoopingoverhersothatshecouldfeelhisbreathuponherforehead。’Whytoonear？You’realwaysproudtoME，mistress。’
’Iamproudtonoone。Youmistakeme，’answeredDolly。’Fallback，ifyouplease，orgoon。’
’Nay，mistress，’herejoined，endeavouringtodrawherarmthroughhis，’I’llwalkwithyou。’
Shereleasedherselfandclenchingherlittlehand，struckhimwithrightgoodwill。Atthis，MaypoleHughburstintoaroaroflaughter，andpassinghisarmaboutherwaist，heldherinhisstronggraspaseasilyasifshehadbeenabird。
’Hahaha！Welldone，mistress！Strikeagain。Youshallbeatmyface，andtearmyhair，andpluckmybeardupbytheroots，andwelcome，forthesakeofyourbrighteyes。Strikeagain，mistress。
Do。Hahaha！Ilikeit。’
’Letmego，’shecried，endeavouringwithbothherhandstopushhimoff。’Letmegothismoment。’
’Youhadasgoodbekindertome，Sweetlips，’saidHugh。’Youhad，indeed。Come。Tellmenow。Whyareyoualwayssoproud？I
don’tquarrelwithyouforit。Iloveyouwhenyou’reproud。Hahaha！Youcan’thideyourbeautyfromapoorfellow;that’sacomfort！’
Shegavehimnoanswer，butashehadnotyetcheckedherprogress，continuedtopressforwardasrapidlyasshecould。Atlength，betweenthehurryshehadmade，herterror，andthetightnessofhisembrace，herstrengthfailedher，andshecouldgonofurther。
’Hugh，’criedthepantinggirl，’goodHugh;ifyouwillleavemeI
willgiveyouanything——everythingIhave——andnevertellonewordofthistoanylivingcreature。’
’Youhadbestnot，’heanswered。’Harkye，littledove，youhadbestnot。Allabouthereknowme，andwhatIdaredoifIhaveamind。Ifeveryouaregoingtotell，stopwhenthewordsareonyourlips，andthinkofthemischiefyou’llbring，ifyoudo，uponsomeinnocentheadsthatyouwouldn’twishtohurtahairof。
Bringtroubleonme，andI’llbringtroubleandsomethingmoreontheminreturn。Icarenomoreforthemthanforsomanydogs;notsomuch——whyshouldI？I’dsoonerkillamanthanadoganyday。
I’veneverbeensorryforaman’sdeathinallmylife，andIhaveforadog’s。’
Therewassomethingsothoroughlysavageinthemanneroftheseexpressions，andthelooksandgesturesbywhichtheywereaccompanied，thathergreatfearofhimgavehernewstrength，andenabledherbyasuddenefforttoextricateherselfandrunfleetlyfromhim。ButHughwasasnimble，strong，andswiftoffoot，asanymaninbroadEngland，anditwasbutafruitlessexpenditureofenergy，forhehadherinhisencirclingarmsagainbeforeshehadgoneahundredyards。
’Softly，darling——gently——wouldyouflyfromroughHugh，thatlovesyouaswellasanydrawing-roomgallant？’
’Iwould，’sheanswered，strugglingtofreeherselfagain。’I
will。Help！’
’Afineforcryingout，’saidHugh。’Hahaha！Afine，prettyone，fromyourlips。Ipaymyself！Hahaha！’
’Help！help！help！’Assheshriekedwiththeutmostviolenceshecouldexert，ashoutwasheardinanswer，andanother，andanother。
’ThankHeaven！’criedthegirlinanecstasy。’Joe，dearJoe，thisway。Help！’
Herassailantpaused，andstoodirresoluteforamoment，buttheshoutsdrawingnearerandcomingquickuponthem，forcedhimtoaspeedydecision。Hereleasedher，whisperedwithamenacinglook，’TellHIM:andseewhatfollows！’andleapingthehedge，wasgoneinaninstant。Dollydartedoff，andfairlyranintoJoeWillet’sopenarms。
’Whatisthematter？areyouhurt？whatwasit？whowasit？whereishe？whatwashelike？’withagreatmanyencouragingexpressionsandassurancesofsafety，werethefirstwordsJoepouredforth。
ButpoorlittleDollywassobreathlessandterrifiedthatforsometimeshewasquiteunabletoanswerhim，andhunguponhisshoulder，sobbingandcryingasifherheartwouldbreak。
Joehadnotthesmallestobjectiontohaveherhangingonhisshoulder;no，nottheleast，thoughitcrushedthecherry-colouredribbonssadly，andputthesmartlittlehatoutofallshape。Buthecouldn’tbeartoseehercry;itwenttohisveryheart。Hetriedtoconsoleher，bentoverher，whisperedtoher——somesaykissedher，butthat’safable。AtanyratehesaidallthekindandtenderthingshecouldthinkofandDollylethimgoonanddidn’tinterrupthimonce，anditwasagoodtenminutesbeforeshewasabletoraiseherheadandthankhim。
’Whatwasitthatfrightenedyou？’saidJoe。
Amanwhosepersonwasunknowntoherhadfollowedher，sheanswered;hebeganbybegging，andwentontothreatsofrobbery，whichhewasonthepointofcarryingintoexecution，andwouldhaveexecuted，butforJoe’stimelyaid。Thehesitationandconfusionwithwhichshesaidthis，Joeattributedtothefrightshehadsustained，andnosuspicionofthetruthoccurredtohimforamoment。
’Stopwhenthewordsareonyourlips。’Ahundredtimesthatnight，andveryoftenafterwards，whenthedisclosurewasrisingtohertongue，Dollythoughtofthat，andrepressedit。Adeeplyrooteddreadoftheman;theconvictionthathisferociousnature，onceroused，wouldstopatnothing;andthestrongassurancethatifsheimpeachedhim，thefullmeasureofhiswrathandvengeancewouldbewreakedonJoe，whohadpreservedher;thesewereconsiderationsshehadnotthecouragetoovercome，andinducementstosecrecytoopowerfulforhertosurmount。
Joe，forhispart，wasagreatdealtoohappytoinquireverycuriouslyintothematter;andDollybeingyettootremuloustowalkwithoutassistance，theywentforwardveryslowly，andinhismindverypleasantly，untiltheMaypolelightswerenearathand，twinklingtheircheerfulwelcome，whenDollystoppedsuddenlyandwithahalfscreamexclaimed，’Theletter！’
’Whatletter？’criedJoe。
’ThatIwascarrying——Ihaditinmyhand。Mybracelettoo，’shesaid，claspingherwrist。’Ihavelostthemboth。’
’Doyoumeanjustnow？’saidJoe。
’EitherIdroppedthemthen，ortheyweretakenfromme，’answeredDolly，vainlysearchingherpocketandrustlingherdress。’Theyaregone，bothgone。WhatanunhappygirlIam！’WiththesewordspoorDolly，whotodoherjusticewasquiteassorryforthelossoftheletterasforherbracelet，fella-cryingagain，andbemoanedherfatemostmovingly。
JoetriedtocomfortherwiththeassurancethatdirectlyhehadhousedherintheMaypole，hewouldreturntothespotwithalanternforitwasnowquitedarkandmakestrictsearchforthemissingarticles，whichtherewasgreatprobabilityofhisfinding，asitwasnotlikelythatanybodyhadpassedthatwaysince，andshewasnotconsciousthattheyhadbeenforciblytakenfromher。
Dollythankedhimveryheartilyforthisoffer，thoughwithnogreathopeofhisquestbeingsuccessful;andsowithmanylamentationsonherside，andmanyhopefulwordsonhis，andmuchweaknessonthepartofDollyandmuchtendersupportingonthepartofJoe，theyreachedtheMaypolebaratlast，wherethelocksmithandhiswifeandoldJohnwereyetkeepinghighfestival。
MrWilletreceivedtheintelligenceofDolly’stroublewiththatsurprisingpresenceofmindandreadinessofspeechforwhichhewassoeminentlydistinguishedaboveallothermen。MrsVardenexpressedhersympathyforherdaughter’sdistressbyscoldingherroundlyforbeingsolate;andthehonestlocksmithdividedhimselfbetweencondolingwithandkissingDolly，andshakinghandsheartilywithJoe，whomhecouldnotsufficientlypraiseorthank。
Inreferencetothislatterpoint，oldJohnwasfarfromagreeingwithhisfriend;forbesidesthathebynomeansapprovedofanadventurousspiritintheabstract，itoccurredtohimthatifhissonandheirhadbeenseriouslydamagedinascuffle，theconsequenceswouldassuredlyhavebeenexpensiveandinconvenient，andmightperhapshaveproveddetrimentaltotheMaypolebusiness。
Wherefore，andbecausehelookedwithnofavourableeyeuponyounggirls，butratherconsideredthattheyandthewholefemalesexwereakindofnonsensicalmistakeonthepartofNature，hetookoccasiontoretireandshakehisheadinprivateattheboiler;
inspiredbywhichsilentoracle，hewasmovedtogiveJoevariousstealthynudgeswithhiselbow，asaparentalreproofandgentleadmonitiontomindhisownbusinessandnotmakeafoolofhimself。
Joe，however，tookdownthelanternandlightedit;andarminghimselfwithastoutstick，askedwhetherHughwasinthestable。
’He’slyingasleepbeforethekitchenfire，sir，’saidMrWillet。
’Whatdoyouwanthimfor？’
’Iwanthimtocomewithmetolookafterthisbraceletandletter，’answeredJoe。’Halloathere！Hugh！’
Dollyturnedpaleasdeath，andfeltasifshemustfaintforthwith。Afterafewmoments，Hughcamestaggeringin，stretchinghimselfandyawningaccordingtocustom，andpresentingeveryappearanceofhavingbeenrousedfromasoundnap。
’Here，sleepy-head，’saidJoe，givinghimthelantern。’Carrythis，andbringthedog，andthatsmallcudgelofyours。Andwoebetidethefellowifwecomeuponhim。’
’Whatfellow？’growledHugh，rubbinghiseyesandshakinghimself。
’Whatfellow？’returnedJoe，whowasinastateofgreatvalourandbustle;’afellowyououghttoknowofandbemorealiveabout。
It’swellforthelikeofyou，lazygiantthatyouare，tobesnoringyourtimeawayinchimney-corners，whenhonestmen’sdaughterscan’tcrossevenourquietmeadowsatnightfallwithoutbeingsetuponbyfootpads，andfrightenedoutoftheirpreciouslives。’
’Theyneverrobme，’criedHughwithalaugh。’Ihavegotnothingtolose。ButI’dasliefknockthematheadasanyothermen。Howmanyarethere？’
’Onlyone，’saidDollyfaintly，foreverybodylookedather。
’Andwhatwashelike，mistress？’saidHughwithaglanceatyoungWillet，soslightandmomentarythatthescowlitconveyedwaslostonallbuther。’Aboutmyheight？’
’Not——notsotall，’Dollyreplied，scarceknowingwhatshesaid。
’Hisdress，’saidHugh，lookingatherkeenly，’like——likeanyofoursnow？Iknowallthepeoplehereabouts，andmaybecouldgiveaguessattheman，ifIhadanythingtoguideme。’
Dollyfalteredandturnedpaleryet;thenansweredthathewaswrappedinaloosecoatandhadhisfacehiddenbyahandkerchiefandthatshecouldgivenootherdescriptionofhim。
’Youwouldn’tknowhimifyousawhimthen，belike？’saidHughwithamaliciousgrin。
’Ishouldnot，’answeredDolly，burstingintotearsagain。’I
don’twishtoseehim。Ican’tbeartothinkofhim。Ican’ttalkabouthimanymore。Don’tgotolookforthesethings，MrJoe，praydon’t。Ientreatyounottogowiththatman。’
’Nottogowithme！’criedHugh。’I’mtooroughforthemall。
They’reallafraidofme。Why，blessyoumistress，I’vethetenderestheartalive。Ilovealltheladies，ma’am，’saidHugh，turningtothelocksmith’swife。
MrsVardenopinedthatifhedid，heoughttobeashamedofhimself;suchsentimentsbeingmoreconsistentsoshearguedwithabenightedMussulmanorwildIslanderthanwithastanchProtestant。Arguingfromthisimperfectstateofhismorals，MrsVardenfurtheropinedthathehadneverstudiedtheManual。Hughadmittingthatheneverhad，andmoreoverthathecouldn’tread，MrsVardendeclaredwithmuchseverity，thatheoughttoheevenmoreashamedofhimselfthanbefore，andstronglyrecommendedhimtosaveuphispocket-moneyforthepurchaseofone，andfurthertoteachhimselfthecontentswithallconvenientdiligence。Shewasstillpursuingthistrainofdiscourse，whenHugh，somewhatunceremoniouslyandirreverently，followedhisyoungmasterout，andlefthertoedifytherestofthecompany。Thissheproceededtodo，andfindingthatMrWillet’seyeswerefixeduponherwithanappearanceofdeepattention，graduallyaddressedthewholeofherdiscoursetohim，whomsheentertainedwithamoralandtheologicallectureofconsiderablelength，intheconvictionthatgreatworkingsweretakingplaceinhisspirit。Thesimpletruthwas，however，thatMrWillet，althoughhiseyeswerewideopenandhesawawomanbeforehimwhoseheadbylongandsteadylookingatseemedtogrowbiggerandbiggeruntilitfilledthewholebar，wastoallotherintentsandpurposesfastasleep;andsosatleaningbackinhischairwithhishandsinhispocketsuntilhisson’sreturncausedhimtowakeupwithadeepsigh，andafaintimpressionthathehadbeendreamingaboutpickledporkandgreens——
avisionofhisslumberswhichwasnodoubtreferabletothecircumstanceofMrsVarden’shavingfrequentlypronouncedtheword’Grace’withmuchemphasis;whichword，enteringtheportalsofMrWillet’sbrainastheystoodajar，andcouplingitselfwiththewords’beforemeat，’whichwerethererangingabout，didintimesuggestaparticularkindofmeattogetherwiththatdescriptionofvegetablewhichisusuallyitscompanion。
Thesearchwaswhollyunsuccessful。Joehadgropedalongthepathadozentimes，andamongthegrass，andinthedryditch，andinthehedge，butallinvain。Dolly，whowasquiteinconsolableforherloss，wroteanotetoMissHaredalegivingherthesameaccountofitthatshehadgivenattheMaypole，whichJoeundertooktodeliverassoonasthefamilywerestirringnextday。Thatdone，theysatdowntoteainthebar，wheretherewasanuncommondisplayofbutteredtoast，and——inorderthattheymightnotgrowfaintforwantofsustenance，andmighthaveadecenthalting-
placeorhalfwayhousebetweendinnerandsupper——afewsavourytriflesintheshapeofgreatrashersofbroiledham，whichbeingwellcured，donetoaturn，andsmokinghot，sentforthatemptinganddeliciousfragrance。
MrsVardenwasseldomveryProtestantatmeals，unlessithappenedthattheywereunderdone，oroverdone，orindeedthatanythingoccurredtoputheroutofhumour。Herspiritsroseconsiderablyonbeholdingthesegoodlypreparations，andfromthenothingnessofgoodworks，shepassedtothesomethingnessofhamandtoastwithgreatcheerfulness。Nay，undertheinfluenceofthesewholesomestimulants，shesharplyreprovedherdaughterforbeinglowanddespondentwhichsheconsideredanunacceptableframeofmind，andremarked，assheheldherownplateforafreshsupply，thatitwouldbewellforDolly，whopinedoverthelossofatoyandasheetofpaper，ifshewouldreflectuponthevoluntarysacrificesofthemissionariesinforeignpartswholivedchieflyonsalads。
Theproceedingsofsuchadayoccasionvariousfluctuationsinthehumanthermometer，andespeciallyininstrumentssosensitivelyanddelicatelyconstructedasMrsVarden。Thus，atdinnerMrsV。stoodatsummerheat;genial，smiling，anddelightful。Afterdinner，inthesunshineofthewine，shewentupatleasthalf-a-dozendegrees，andwasperfectlyenchanting。Asitseffectsubsided，shefellrapidly，wenttosleepforanhourorsoattemperate，andwokeatsomethingbelowfreezing。Nowshewasatsummerheatagain，intheshade;andwhenteawasover，andoldJohn，producingabottleofcordialfromoneoftheoakencases，insistedonhersippingtwoglassesthereofinslowsuccession，shestoodsteadilyatninetyforonehourandaquarter。Profitingbyexperience，thelocksmithtookadvantageofthisgenialweathertosmokehispipeintheporch，andinconsequenceofthisprudentmanagement，hewasfullyprepared，whentheglasswentdownagain，tostarthomewardsdirectly。
Thehorsewasaccordinglyputin，andthechaisebroughtroundtothedoor。Joe，whowouldonnoaccountbedissuadedfromescortingthemuntiltheyhadpassedthemostdrearyandsolitarypartoftheroad，ledoutthegreymareatthesametime;andhavinghelpedDollyintoherseatmorehappiness！sprunggailyintothesaddle。
Then，aftermanygoodnights，andadmonitionstowrapup，andglancingoflights，andhandinginofcloaksandshawls，thechaiserolledaway，andJoetrottedbesideit——onDolly’sside，nodoubt，andprettyclosetothewheeltoo。
Chapter22
Itwasafinebrightnight，andforallherlownessofspiritsDollykeptlookingupatthestarsinamannersobewitchingandSHEknewit！thatJoewascleanoutofhissenses，andplainlyshowedthatifeveramanwere——nottosayoverheadandears，butovertheMonumentandthetopofSaintPaul’sinlove，thatmanwashimself。Theroadwasaverygoodone;notatallajoltingroad，oranunevenone;andyetDollyheldthesideofthechaisewithonelittlehand，alltheway。Iftherehadbeenanexecutionerbehindhimwithanupliftedaxereadytochopoffhisheadifhetouchedthathand，Joecouldn’thavehelpeddoingit。Fromputtinghisownhanduponitasifbychance，andtakingitawayagainafteraminuteorso，hegottoridingalongwithouttakingitoffatall;asifhe，theescort，wereboundtodothatasanimportantpartofhisduty，andhadcomeoutforthepurpose。Themostcuriouscircumstanceaboutthislittleincidentwas，thatDollydidn’tseemtoknowofit。ShelookedsoinnocentandunconsciouswhensheturnedhereyesonJoe，thatitwasquiteprovoking。
Shetalkedthough;talkedaboutherfright，andaboutJoe’scominguptorescueher，andabouthergratitude，andaboutherfearthatshemightnothavethankedhimenough，andabouttheiralwaysbeingfriendsfromthattimeforth——andaboutallthatsortofthing。
AndwhenJoesaid，notfriendshehoped，Dollywasquitesurprised，andsaidnotenemiesshehoped;andwhenJoesaid，couldn’ttheybesomethingmuchbetterthaneither，Dollyallofasuddenfoundoutastarwhichwasbrighterthanalltheotherstars，andbeggedtocallhisattentiontothesame，andwastenthousandtimesmoreinnocentandunconsciousthanever。
Inthismannertheytravelledalong，talkingverylittleaboveawhisper，andwishingtheroadcouldbestretchedouttosomedozentimesitsnaturallength——atleastthatwasJoe’sdesire——when，astheyweregettingclearoftheforestandemergingonthemorefrequentedroad，theyheardbehindthemthesoundofahorse’sfeetataroundtrot，whichgrowingrapidlylouderasitdrewnearer，elicitedascreamfromMrsVarden，andthecry’afriend！’fromtherider，whonowcamepantingup，andcheckedhishorsebesidethem。
’Thismanagain！’criedDolly，shuddering。
’Hugh！’saidJoe。’Whaterrandareyouupon？’
’Icometoridebackwithyou，’heanswered，glancingcovertlyatthelocksmith’sdaughter。’HEsentme。
’Myfather！’saidpoorJoe;addingunderhisbreath，withaveryunfilialapostrophe，’Willheneverthinkmemanenoughtotakecareofmyself！’
’Aye！’returnedHughtothefirstpartoftheinquiry。’Theroadsarenotsafejustnow，hesays，andyou’dbetterhaveacompanion。’
’Rideonthen，’saidJoe。’I’mnotgoingtoturnyet。’
Hughcomplied，andtheywentonagain。Itwashiswhimorhumourtorideimmediatelybeforethechaise，andfromthispositionheconstantlyturnedhishead，andlookedback。Dollyfeltthathelookedather，butsheavertedhereyesandfearedtoraisethemonce，sogreatwasthedreadwithwhichhehadinspiredher。
Thisinterruption，andtheconsequentwakefulnessofMrsVarden，whohadbeennoddinginhersleepuptothispoint，exceptforaminuteortwoatatime，whensherousedherselftoscoldthelocksmithforaudaciouslytakingholdofhertopreventhernoddingherselfoutofthechaise，putarestraintuponthewhisperedconversation，andmadeitdifficultofresumption。Indeed，beforetheyhadgoneanothermile，Gabrielstoppedathiswife’sdesire，andthatgoodladyprotestedshewouldnothearofJoe’sgoingastepfurtheronanyaccountwhatever。ItwasinvainforJoetoprotestontheotherhandthathewasbynomeanstired，andwouldturnbackpresently，andwouldseethemsafelypastsuchapoint，andsoforth。MrsVardenwasobdurate，andbeingsowasnottobeovercomebymortalagency。
’Goodnight——ifImustsayit，’saidJoe，sorrowfully。
’Goodnight，’saidDolly。Shewouldhaveadded，’Takecareofthatman，andpraydon’ttrusthim，’buthehadturnedhishorse’shead，andwasstandingclosetothem。ShehadthereforenothingforitbuttosufferJoetogiveherhandagentlesqueeze，andwhenthechaisehadgoneonforsomedistance，tolookbackandwaveit，ashestilllingeredonthespotwheretheyhadparted，withthetalldarkfigureofHughbesidehim。
Whatshethoughtabout，goinghome;andwhetherthecoach-makerheldasfavourableaplaceinhermeditationsashehadoccupiedinthemorning，isunknown。Theyreachedhomeatlast——atlast，foritwasalongway，madenonetheshorterbyMrsVarden’sgrumbling。
Miggshearingthesoundofwheelswasatthedoorimmediately。
’Heretheyare，Simmun！Heretheyare！’criedMiggs，clappingherhands，andissuingforthtohelphermistresstoalight。’Bringachair，Simmun。Now，an’tyouthebetterforit，mim？Don’tyoufeelmoreyourselfthanyouwouldhavedoneifyou’dhavestoppedathome？Oh，gracious！howcoldyouare！Goodnessme，sir，she’saperfectheapofice。’
’Ican’thelpit，mygoodgirl。Youhadbettertakeherintothefire，’saidthelocksmith。
’Mastersoundsunfeeling，mim，’saidMiggs，inatoneofcommiseration，’butsuchisnothisintentions，I’msure。Afterwhathehasseenofyouthisday，Ineverwillbelievebutthathehasadealmoreaffectioninhisheartthantospeakunkind。Comeinandsityourselfdownbythefire;there’sagooddear——do。’
MrsVardencomplied。Thelocksmithfollowedwithhishandsinhispockets，andMrTappertittrundledoffwiththechaisetoaneighbouringstable。
’Martha，mydear，’saidthelocksmith，whentheyreachedtheparlour，’ifyou’lllooktoDollyyourselforletsomebodyelsedoit，perhapsitwillbeonlykindandreasonable。Shehasbeenfrightened，youknow，andisnotatallwellto-night。’
Infact，Dollyhadthrownherselfuponthesofa，quiteregardlessofallthelittlefineryofwhichshehadbeensoproudinthemorning，andwithherfaceburiedinherhandswascryingverymuch。
AtfirstsightofthisphenomenonforDollywasbynomeansaccustomedtodisplaysofthissort，ratherlearningfromhermother’sexampletoavoidthemasmuchaspossibleMrsVardenexpressedherbeliefthatneverwasanywomansobesetasshe;thatherlifewasacontinuedsceneoftrial;thatwhenevershewasdisposedtobewellandcheerful，sosurewerethepeoplearoundhertothrow，bysomemeansorother，adampuponherspirits;andthat，asshehadenjoyedherselfthatday，andHeavenknewitwasveryseldomshedidenjoyherselfsoshewasnowtopaythepenalty。ToallsuchpropositionsMiggsassentedfreely。PoorDolly，however，grewnonethebetterfortheserestoratives，butratherworse，indeed;andseeingthatshewasreallyill，bothMrsVardenandMiggsweremovedtocompassion，andtendedherinearnest。
Buteventhen，theirverykindnessshapeditselfintotheirusualcourseofpolicy，andthoughDollywasinaswoon，itwasrenderedcleartothemeanestcapacity，thatMrsVardenwasthesufferer。
ThuswhenDollybegantogetalittlebetter，andpassedintothatstageinwhichmatronsholdthatremonstranceandargumentmaybesuccessfullyapplied，hermotherrepresentedtoher，withtearsinhereyes，thatifshehadbeenflurriedandworriedthatday，shemustrememberitwasthecommonlotofhumanity，andinespecialofwomankind，whothroughthewholeoftheirexistencemustexpectnoless，andwereboundtomakeuptheirmindstomeekenduranceandpatientresignation。MrsVardenentreatedhertorememberthatoneofthesedaysshewould，inallprobability，havetodoviolencetoherfeelingssofarastobemarried;andthatmarriage，asshemightseeeverydayofherlifeandtrulyshedidwasastaterequiringgreatfortitudeandforbearance。Sherepresentedtoherinlivelycolours，thatifsheMrsV。hadnot，insteeringhercoursethroughthisvaleoftears，beensupportedbyastrongprincipleofdutywhichaloneupheldandpreventedherfromdrooping，shemusthavebeeninhergravemanyyearsago;inwhichcaseshedesiredtoknowwhatwouldhavebecomeofthaterrantspiritmeaningthelocksmith，ofwhoseeyeshewastheveryapple，andinwhosepathshewas，asitwere，ashininglightandguidingstar？
MissMiggsalsoputinherwordtothesameeffect。ShesaidthatindeedandindeedMissDollymighttakepatternbyherblessedmother，who，shealwayshadsaid，andalwayswouldsay，thoughsheweretobehanged，drawn，andquarteredforitnextminute，wasthemildest，amiablest，forgivingest-spirited，longest-sufferingestfemaleasevershecouldhavebelieved;themerenarrationofwhoseexcellencieshadworkedsuchawholesomechangeinthemindofherownsister-in-law，that，whereas，before，sheandherhusbandlivedlikecatanddog，andwereinthehabitofexchangingbrasscandlesticks，pot-lids，flat-irons，andothersuchstrongresentments，theywerenowthehappiestandaffectionatestcoupleuponearth;ascouldbeprovedanydayonapplicationatGoldenLionCourt，numbertwenty-sivin，secondbell-handleontheright-
handdoorpost。Afterglancingatherselfasacomparativelyworthlessvessel，butstillasoneofsomedesert，shebesoughthertobearinmindthatheraforesaiddearandonlymotherwasofaweaklyconstitutionandexcitabletemperament，whohadconstantlytosustainafflictionsindomesticlife，comparedwithwhichthievesandrobberswereasnothing，andyetneversunkdownorgavewaytodespairorwrath，but，inprize-fightingphraseology，alwayscameuptotimewithacheerfulcountenance，andwentintowinasifnothinghadhappened。WhenMiggsfinishedhersolo，hermistressstruckinagain，andthetwotogetherperformedaduettothesamepurpose;theburdenbeing，thatMrsVardenwaspersecutedperfection，andMrVarden，astherepresentativeofmankindinthatapartment，acreatureofviciousandbrutalhabits，utterlyinsensibletotheblessingsheenjoyed。Ofsorefinedacharacter，indeed，wastheirtalentofassaultunderthemaskofsympathy，thatwhenDolly，recovering，embracedherfathertenderly，asinvindicationofhisgoodness，MrsVardenexpressedhersolemnhopethatthiswouldbealessontohimfortheremainderofhislife，andthathewoulddosomelittlejusticetoawoman’snatureeverafterwards——inwhichaspirationMissMiggs，bydiverssniffsandcoughs，moresignificantthanthelongestoration，expressedherentireconcurrence。
ButthegreatjoyofMiggs’sheartwas，thatshenotonlypickedupafullaccountofwhathadhappened，buthadtheexquisitedelightofconveyingittoMrTappertitforhisjealousyandtorture。Forthatgentleman，onaccountofDolly’sindisposition，hadbeenrequestedtotakehissupperintheworkshop，anditwasconveyedthitherbyMissMiggs’sownfairhands。
’OhSimmun！’saidtheyounglady，’suchgoingsonto-day！Oh，graciousme，Simmun！’
MrTappertit，whowasnotinthebestofhumours，andwhodislikedMissMiggsmorewhenshelaidherhandonherheartandpantedforbreaththanatanyothertime，asherdeficiencyofoutlinewasmostapparentundersuchcircumstances，eyedheroverinhisloftieststyle，anddeignedtoexpressnocuriositywhatever。
’Ineverheardthelike，nornobodyelse，’pursuedMiggs。’TheideaofinterferingwithHER。Whatpeoplecanseeinhertomakeitworththeirwhiletodoso，that’sthejoke——hehehe！’
Findingtherewasaladyinthecase，MrTappertithaughtilyrequestedhisfairfriendtobemoreexplicit，anddemandedtoknowwhatshemeantby’her。’
’Why，thatDolly，’saidMiggs，withanextremelysharpemphasisonthename。’But，ohuponmywordandhonour，youngJosephWilletisabraveone;andhedodeserveher，thathedo。’
’Woman！’saidMrTappertit，jumpingoffthecounteronwhichhewasseated;’beware！’
’Mystars，Simmun！’criedMiggs，inaffectedastonishment。’Youfrightenmetodeath！What’sthematter？’
’Therearestrings，’saidMrTappertit，flourishinghisbread-and-
cheeseknifeintheair，’inthehumanheartthathadbetternotbewibrated。That’swhat’sthematter。’
’Oh，verywell——ifyou’reinahuff，’criedMiggs，turningaway。
’Huffornohuff，’saidMrTappertit，detainingherbythewrist。
’Whatdoyoumean，Jezebel？Whatwereyougoingtosay？Answerme！’
Notwithstandingthisuncivilexhortation，Miggsgladlydidasshewasrequired;andtoldhimhowthattheiryoungmistress，beingaloneinthemeadowsafterdark，hadbeenattackedbythreeorfourtallmen，whowouldhavecertainlyborneherawayandperhapsmurderedher，butforthetimelyarrivalofJosephWillet，whowithhisownsinglehandputthemalltoflight，andrescuedher;tothelastingadmirationofhisfellow-creaturesgenerally，andtotheeternalloveandgratitudeofDollyVarden。
’Verygood，’saidMrTappertit，fetchingalongbreathwhenthetalewastold，andrubbinghishairuptillitstoodstiffandstraightonendalloverhishead。’Hisdaysarenumbered。’
’Oh，Simmun！’
’Itellyou，’saidthe’prentice，’hisdaysarenumbered。Leaveme。Getalongwithyou。’
Miggsdepartedathisbidding，butlessbecauseofhisbiddingthanbecauseshedesiredtochuckleinsecret。Whenshehadgivenventtohersatisfaction，shereturnedtotheparlour;wherethelocksmith，stimulatedbyquietnessandToby，hadbecometalkative，andwasdisposedtotakeacheerfulreviewoftheoccurrencesoftheday。ButMrsVarden，whosepracticalreligionasisnotuncommonwasusuallyoftheretrospectiveorder，cuthimshortbydeclaimingonthesinfulnessofsuchjunketings，andholdingthatitwashightimetogotobed。Tobedthereforeshewithdrew，withanaspectasgrimandgloomyasthatoftheMaypole’sownstatecouch;andtobedtherestoftheestablishmentsoonafterwardsrepaired。
Chapter23
Twilighthadgivenplacetonightsomehours，anditwashighnooninthosequartersofthetowninwhich’theworld’condescendedtodwell——theworldbeingthen，asnow，ofverylimiteddimensionsandeasilylodged——whenMrChesterreclineduponasofainhisdressing-roomintheTemple，entertaininghimselfwithabook。
Hewasdressing，asitseemed，byeasystages，andhavingperformedhalfthejourneywastakingalongrest。Completelyattiredastohislegsandfeetinthetrimmestfashionoftheday，hehadyettheremainderofhistoilettoperform。Thecoatwasstretched，likearefinedscarecrow，onitsseparatehorse;thewaistcoatwasdisplayedtothebestadvantage;thevariousornamentalarticlesofdresswereseverallysetoutinmostalluringorder;andyethelaydanglinghislegsbetweenthesofaandtheground，asintentuponhisbookasiftherewerenothingbutbedbeforehim。
’Uponmyhonour，’hesaid，atlengthraisinghiseyestotheceilingwiththeairofamanwhowasreflectingseriouslyonwhathehadread;’uponmyhonour，themostmasterlycomposition，themostdelicatethoughts，thefinestcodeofmorality，andthemostgentlemanlysentimentsintheuniverse！AhNed，Ned，ifyouwouldbutformyourmindbysuchprecepts，weshouldhavebutonecommonfeelingoneverysubjectthatcouldpossiblyarisebetweenus！’
Thisapostrophewasaddressed，liketherestofhisremarks，toemptyair:forEdwardwasnotpresent，andthefatherwasquitealone。
’MyLordChesterfield，’hesaid，pressinghishandtenderlyuponthebookashelaiditdown，’ifIcouldbuthaveprofitedbyyourgeniussoonenoughtohaveformedmysononthemodelyouhavelefttoallwisefathers，bothheandIwouldhavebeenrichmen。
Shakespearewasundoubtedlyveryfineinhisway;Miltongood，thoughprosy;LordBacondeep，anddecidedlyknowing;butthewriterwhoshouldbehiscountry’spride，ismyLordChesterfield。’
Hebecamethoughtfulagain，andthetoothpickwasinrequisition。
’IthoughtIwastolerablyaccomplishedasamanoftheworld，’hecontinued，’IflatteredmyselfthatIwasprettywellversedinallthoselittleartsandgraceswhichdistinguishmenoftheworldfromboorsandpeasants，andseparatetheircharacterfromthoseintenselyvulgarsentimentswhicharecalledthenationalcharacter。Apartfromanynaturalprepossessioninmyownfavour，IbelievedIwas。Still，ineverypageofthisenlightenedwriter，Ifindsomecaptivatinghypocrisywhichhasneveroccurredtomebefore，orsomesuperlativepieceofselfishnesstowhichIwasutterlyastranger。Ishouldquiteblushformyselfbeforethisstupendouscreature，ifrememberinghisprecepts，onemightblushatanything。Anamazingman！anoblemanindeed！anyKingorQueenmaymakeaLord，butonlytheDevilhimself——andtheGraces——canmakeaChesterfield。’
Menwhoarethoroughlyfalseandhollow，seldomtrytohidethosevicesfromthemselves;andyetintheveryactofavowingthem，theylayclaimtothevirtuestheyfeignmosttodespise。’For，’
saythey，’thisishonesty，thisistruth。Allmankindarelikeus，buttheyhavenotthecandourtoavowit。’Themoretheyaffecttodenytheexistenceofanysincerityintheworld，themoretheywouldbethoughttopossessitinitsboldestshape;andthisisanunconsciouscomplimenttoTruthonthepartofthesephilosophers，whichwillturnthelaughagainstthemtotheDayofJudgment。
MrChester，havingextolledhisfavouriteauthor，asaboverecited，tookupthebookagainintheexcessofhisadmirationandwascomposinghimselfforafurtherperusalofitssublimemorality，whenhewasdisturbedbyanoiseattheouterdoor;occasionedasitseemedbytheendeavoursofhisservanttoobstructtheentranceofsomeunwelcomevisitor。
’Alatehourforanimportunatecreditor，’hesaid，raisinghiseyebrowswithasindolentanexpressionofwonderasifthenoisewereinthestreet，andonewithwhichhehadnotthesmallestpossibleconcern。’Muchaftertheiraccustomedtime。TheusualpretenceIsuppose。Nodoubtaheavypaymenttomakeuptomorrow。
Poorfellow，helosestime，andtimeismoneyasthegoodproverbsays——Ineverfounditoutthough。Well。Whatnow？YouknowIamnotathome。’
’Aman，sir，’repliedtheservant，whowastothefullascoolandnegligentinhiswayashismaster，’hasbroughthometheriding-
whipyoulosttheotherday。Itoldhimyouwereout，buthesaidhewastowaitwhileIbroughtitin，andwouldn’tgotillIdid。’
’Hewasquiteright，’returnedhismaster，’andyou’reablockhead，possessingnojudgmentordiscretionwhatever。Tellhimtocomein，andseethatherubshisshoesforexactlyfiveminutesfirst。’
Themanlaidthewhiponachair，andwithdrew。Themaster，whohadonlyheardhisfootuponthegroundandhadnottakenthetroubletoturnroundandlookathim，shuthisbook，andpursuedthetrainofideashisentrancehaddisturbed。
’Iftimeweremoney，’hesaid，handlinghissnuff-box，’Iwouldcompoundwithmycreditors，andgivethem——letmesee——howmuchaday？There’smynapafterdinner——anhour——they’reextremelywelcometothat，andtomakethemostofit。Inthemorning，betweenmybreakfastandthepaper，Icouldsparethemanotherhour;intheeveningbeforedinnersayanother。Threehoursaday。
Theymightpaythemselvesincalls，withinterest，intwelvemonths。IthinkIshallproposeittothem。Ah，mycentaur，areyouthere？’
’HereIam，’repliedHugh，stridingin，followedbyadog，asroughandsullenashimself;’andtroubleenoughI’vehadtogethere。
Whatdoyouaskmetocomefor，andkeepmeoutwhenIDOcome？’
’Mygoodfellow，’returnedtheother，raisinghisheadalittlefromthecushionandcarelesslysurveyinghimfromtoptotoe，’I
amdelightedtoseeyou，andtohave，inyourbeinghere，theverybestproofthatyouarenotkeptout。Howareyou？’
’I’mwellenough，’saidHughimpatiently。
’Youlookaperfectmarvelofhealth。Sitdown。’
’I’dratherstand，’saidHugh。
’Pleaseyourselfmygoodfellow，’returnedMrChesterrising，slowlypullingoffthelooserobehewore，andsittingdownbeforethedressing-glass。’Pleaseyourselfbyallmeans。’
Havingsaidthisinthepolitestandblandesttonepossible，hewentondressing，andtooknofurthernoticeofhisguest，whostoodinthesamespotasuncertainwhattodonext，eyeinghimsulkilyfromtimetotime。
’Areyougoingtospeaktome，master？’hesaid，afteralongsilence。
’Myworthycreature，’returnedMrChester，’youarealittleruffledandoutofhumour。I’llwaittillyou’requiteyourselfagain。Iaminnohurry。’
Thisbehaviourhaditsintendedeffect。Ithumbledandabashedtheman，andmadehimstillmoreirresoluteanduncertain。Hardwordshecouldhavereturned，violencehewouldhaverepaidwithinterest;butthiscool，complacent，contemptuous，self-possessedreception，causedhimtofeelhisinferioritymorecompletelythanthemostelaboratearguments。Everythingcontributedtothiseffect。Hisownroughspeech，contrastedwiththesoftpersuasiveaccentsoftheother;hisrudebearing，andMrChester’spolishedmanner;thedisorderandnegligenceofhisraggeddress，andtheelegantattirehesawbeforehim;withalltheunaccustomedluxuriesandcomfortsoftheroom，andthesilencethatgavehimleisuretoobservethesethings，andfeelhowillateasetheymadehim;alltheseinfluences，whichhavetoooftensomeeffectontutoredmindsandbecomeofalmostresistlesspowerwhenbroughttobearonsuchamindashis，quelledHughcompletely。HemovedbylittleandlittlenearertoMrChester’schair，andglancingoverhisshoulderatthereflectionofhisfaceintheglass，asifseekingforsomeencouragementinitsexpression，saidatlength，witharoughattemptatconciliation，’AREyougoingtospeaktome，master，oramItogoaway？’
’Speakyou，’saidMrChester，’speakyou，goodfellow。Ihavespoken，haveInot？Iamwaitingforyou。’
’Why，look’ee，sir，’returnedHughwithincreasedembarrassment，’amIthemanthatyouprivatelyleftyourwhipwithbeforeyourodeawayfromtheMaypole，andtoldtobringitbackwheneverhemightwanttoseeyouonacertainsubject？’
’Nodoubtthesame，oryouhaveatwinbrother，’saidMrChester，glancingatthereflectionofhisanxiousface;’whichisnotprobable，Ishouldsay。’
’ThenIhavecome，sir，’saidHugh，’andIhavebroughtitback，andsomethingelsealongwithit。Aletter，sir，itis，thatI
tookfromthepersonwhohadchargeofit。’Ashespoke，helaiduponthedressing-table，Dolly’slostepistle。Theveryletterthathadcosthersomuchtrouble。
’Didyouobtainthisbyforce，mygoodfellow？’saidMrChester，castinghiseyeuponitwithouttheleastperceptiblesurpriseorpleasure。
’Notquite，’saidHugh。’Partly。’
’Whowasthemessengerfromwhomyoutookit？’
’Awoman。OneVarden’sdaughter。’
’Ohindeed！’saidMrChestergaily。’Whatelsedidyoutakefromher？’
’Whatelse？’
’Yes，’saidtheother，inadrawlingmanner，forhewasfixingaverysmallpatchofstickingplasteronaverysmallpimplenearthecornerofhismouth。’Whatelse？’
’Wellakiss，’repliedHugh，aftersomehesitation。
’Andwhatelse？’
’Nothing。’
’Ithink，’saidMrChester，inthesameeasytone，andsmilingtwiceorthricetotryifthepatchadhered——’Ithinktherewassomethingelse。Ihaveheardatrifleofjewelleryspokenof——ameretrifle——athingofsuchlittlevalue，indeed，thatyoumayhaveforgottenit。Doyourememberanythingofthekind——suchasabraceletnow，forinstance？’
Hughwithamutteredoaththrusthishandintohisbreast，anddrawingthebraceletforth，wrappedinascrapofhay，wasabouttolayitonthetablelikewise，whenhispatronstoppedhishandandbadehimputitupagain。
’Youtookthatforyourselfmyexcellentfriend，’hesaid，’andmaykeepit。Iamneitherathiefnorareceiver。Don’tshowittome。Youhadbetterhideitagain，andlosenotime。Don’tletmeseewhereyouputiteither，’headded，turningawayhishead。
’You’renotareceiver！’saidHughbluntly，despitetheincreasingaweinwhichheheldhim。’WhatdoyoucallTHAT，master？’
strikingtheletterwithhisheavyhand。
’Icallthatquiteanotherthing，’saidMrChestercoolly。’I
shallproveitpresently，asyouwillsee。Youarethirsty，I
suppose？’
Hughdrewhissleeveacrosshislips，andgrufflyansweredyes。
’Steptothatclosetandbringmeabottleyouwillseethere，andaglass。’
Heobeyed。Hispatronfollowedhimwithhiseyes，andwhenhisbackwasturned，smiledashehadneverdonewhenhestoodbesidethemirror。Onhisreturnhefilledtheglass，andbadehimdrink。
Thatdramdespatched，hepouredhimoutanother，andanother。
’Howmanycanyoubear？’hesaid，fillingtheglassagain。
’Asmanyasyouliketogiveme。Pouron。Fillhigh。Abumperwithabeadinthemiddle！Givemeenoughofthis，’headded，ashetosseditdownhishairythroat，’andI’lldomurderifyouaskme！’
’AsIdon’tmeantoaskyou，andyoumightpossiblydoitwithoutbeinginvitedifyouwentonmuchfurther，’saidMrChesterwithgreatcomposure，wewillstop，ifagreeabletoyou，mygoodfriend，atthenextglass。Youweredrinkingbeforeyoucamehere。’
’IalwaysamwhenIcangetit，’criedHughboisterously，wavingtheemptyglassabovehishead，andthrowinghimselfintoarudedancingattitude。’Ialwaysam。Whynot？Hahaha！What’ssogoodtomeasthis？Whateverhasbeen？Whatelsehaskeptawaythecoldonbitternights，anddrivenhungeroffinstarvingtimes？
Whatelsehasgivenmethestrengthandcourageofaman，whenmenwouldhaveleftmetodie，apunychild？Ishouldneverhavehadaman’sheartbutforthis。Ishouldhavediedinaditch。Where’shewhowhenIwasaweakandsicklywretch，withtremblinglegsandfadingsight，bademecheerup，asthisdid？Ineverknewhim;notI。Idrinktothedrink，master。Hahaha！’
’Youareanexceedinglycheerfulyoungman，’saidMrChester，puttingonhiscravatwithgreatdeliberation，andslightlymovinghisheadfromsidetosidetosettlehischininitsproperplace。
’Quiteabooncompanion。’
’Doyouseethishand，master，’saidHugh，’andthisarm？’baringthebrawnylimbtotheelbow。’Itwasoncemereskinandbone，andwouldhavebeendustinsomepoorchurchyardbythistime，butforthedrink。’
’Youmaycoverit，’saidMrChester，’it’ssufficientlyrealinyoursleeve。’
’Ishouldneverhavebeenspiriteduptotakeakissfromtheproudlittlebeauty，master，butforthedrink，’criedHugh。’Hahaha！
Itwasagoodone。Assweetashoneysuckle，Iwarrantyou。I
thankthedrinkforit。I’lldrinktothedrinkagain，master。
Fillmeonemore。Come。Onemore！’
’Youaresuchapromisingfellow，’saidhispatron，puttingonhiswaistcoatwithgreatnicety，andtakingnoheedofthisrequest，’thatImustcautionyouagainsthavingtoomanyimpulsesfromthedrink，andgettinghungbeforeyourtime。What’syourage？’
’Idon’tknow。’
’Atanyrate，’saidMrChester，’youareyoungenoughtoescapewhatImaycallanaturaldeathforsomeyearstocome。Howcanyoutrustyourselfinmyhandsonsoshortanacquaintance，withahalterroundyourneck？Whataconfidingnatureyoursmustbe！’
Hughfellbackapaceortwoandsurveyedhimwithalookofmingledterror，indignation，andsurprise。Regardinghimselfintheglasswiththesamecomplacencyasbefore，andspeakingassmoothlyasifhewerediscussingsomepleasantchit-chatofthetown，hispatronwenton:
’Robberyontheking’shighway，myyoungfriend，isaverydangerousandticklishoccupation。Itispleasant，Ihavenodoubt，whileitlasts;butlikemanyotherpleasuresinthistransitoryworld，itseldomlastslong。Andreallyifintheingenuousnessofyouth，youopenyourheartsoreadilyonthesubject，Iamafraidyourcareerwillbeanextremelyshortone。’
’How’sthis？’saidHugh。’Whatdoyoutalkofmaster？Whowasitsetmeon？’
’Who？’saidMrChester，wheelingsharplyround，andlookingfullathimforthefirsttime。’Ididn’thearyou。Whowasit？’
Hughfaltered，andmutteredsomethingwhichwasnotaudible。
’Whowasit？Iamcurioustoknow，’saidMrChester，withsurpassingaffability。’Somerusticbeautyperhaps？Butbecautious，mygoodfriend。Theyarenotalwaystobetrusted。Dotakemyadvicenow，andbecarefulofyourself。’Withthesewordsheturnedtotheglassagain，andwentonwithhistoilet。
Hughwouldhaveansweredhimthathe，thequestionerhimselfhadsethimon，butthewordsstuckinhisthroat。Theconsummateartwithwhichhispatronhadledhimtothispoint，andmanagedthewholeconversation，perfectlybaffledhim。HedidnotdoubtthatifhehadmadetheretortwhichwasonhislipswhenMrChesterturnedroundandquestionedhimsokeenly，hewouldstraightwayhavegivenhimintocustodyandhadhimdraggedbeforeajusticewiththestolenpropertyuponhim;inwhichcaseitwasascertainhewouldhavebeenhungasitwasthathehadbeenborn。Theascendencywhichitwasthepurposeofthemanoftheworldtoestablishoverthissavageinstrument，wasgainedfromthattime。
Hugh’ssubmissionwascomplete。Hedreadedhimbeyonddescription;
andfeltthataccidentandartificehadspunawebabouthim，whichatatouchfromsuchamaster-handashis，wouldbindhimtothegallows。
Withthesethoughtspassingthroughhismind，andyetwonderingattheverysametimehowhewhocamethereriotingintheconfidenceofthismanashethought，shouldbesosoonandsothoroughlysubdued，Hughstoodcoweringbeforehim，regardinghimuneasilyfromtimetotime，whilehefinisheddressing。Whenhehaddoneso，hetookuptheletter，broketheseal，andthrowinghimselfbackinhischair，readitleisurelythrough。
’Veryneatlywordeduponmylife！Quiteawoman’sletter，fullofwhatpeoplecalltenderness，anddisinterestedness，andheart，andallthatsortofthing！’
Ashespoke，hetwisteditup，andglancinglazilyroundatHughasthoughhewouldsay’Youseethis？’helditintheflameofthecandle。Whenitwasinafullblaze，hetosseditintothegrate，andthereitsmoulderedaway。
’Itwasdirectedtomyson，’hesaid，turningtoHugh，’andyoudidquiterighttobringithere。Iopeneditonmyownresponsibility，andyouseewhatIhavedonewithit。Takethis，foryourtrouble。’
Hughsteppedforwardtoreceivethepieceofmoneyheheldouttohim。Asheputitinhishand，headded:
’Ifyoushouldhappentofindanythingelseofthissort，ortopickupanykindofinformationyoumaythinkIwouldliketohave，bringithere，willyou，mygoodfellow？’
Thiswassaidwithasmilewhichimplied——orHughthoughtitdid——
’failtodosoatyourperil！’Heansweredthathewould。
’Anddon’t，’saidhispatron，withanairoftheverykindestpatronage，’don’tbeatalldowncastoruneasyrespectingthatlittlerashnesswehavebeenspeakingof。Yourneckisassafeinmyhands，mygoodfellow，asthoughababy’sfingersclaspedit，I
assureyou——Takeanotherglass。Youarequieternow。’
Hughaccepteditfromhishand，andlookingstealthilyathissmilingface，drankthecontentsinsilence。
’Don’tyou——ha，ha！——don’tyoudrinktothedrinkanymore？’saidMrChester，inhismostwinningmanner。
’Toyou，sir，’wasthesullenanswer，withsomethingapproachingtoabow。’Idrinktoyou。’
’Thankyou。Godblessyou。Bythebye，whatisyourname，mygoodsoul？YouarecalledHugh，Iknow，ofcourse——yourothername？’
’Ihavenoothername。’
’Averystrangefellow！Doyoumeanthatyouneverknewone，orthatyoudon’tchoosetotellit？Which？’
’I’dtellitifIcould，’saidHugh，quickly。’Ican’t。IhavebeenalwayscalledHugh;nothingmore。Ineverknew，norsaw，northoughtaboutafather;andIwasaboyofsix——that’snotveryold——whentheyhungmymotherupatTyburnforacoupleofthousandmentostareat。Theymighthaveletherlive。Shewaspoorenough。’
’Howverysad！’exclaimedhispatron，withacondescendingsmile。
’Ihavenodoubtshewasanexceedinglyfinewoman。’
’Youseethatdogofmine？’saidHugh，abruptly。
’Faithful，Idaresay？’rejoinedhispatron，lookingathimthroughhisglass;’andimmenselyclever？Virtuousandgiftedanimals，whethermanorbeast，alwaysaresoveryhideous。’
’Suchadogasthat，andoneofthesamebreed，wastheonlylivingthingexceptmethathowledthatday，’saidHugh。’Outofthetwothousandodd——therewasalargercrowdforitsbeingawoman——thedogandIalonehadanypity。Ifhe’dhavebeenaman，he’dhavebeengladtobequitofher，forshehadbeenforcedtokeephimleanandhalf-starved;butbeingadog，andnothavingaman’ssense，hewassorry。’
’Itwasdullofthebrute，certainly，’saidMrChester，’andverylikeabrute。’
Hughmadenorejoinder，butwhistlingtohisdog，whosprungupatthesoundandcamejumpingandsportingabouthim，badehissympathisingfriendgoodnight。
’Goodnight;hereturned。’Remember;you’resafewithme——quitesafe。Solongasyoudeserveit，mygoodfellow，asIhopeyoualwayswill，youhaveafriendinme，onwhosesilenceyoumayrely。Nowdobecarefulofyourself，praydo，andconsiderwhatjeopardyyoumighthavestoodin。Goodnight！blessyou！’
Hughtruckledbeforethehiddenmeaningofthesewordsasmuchassuchabeingcould，andcreptoutofthedoorsosubmissivelyandsubserviently——withanair，inshort，sodifferentfromthatwithwhichhehadentered——thathispatrononbeingleftalone，smiledmorethanever。
’Andyet，’hesaid，ashetookapinchofsnuff，’Idonotliketheirhavinghangedhismother。Thefellowhasafineeye，andI
amsureshewashandsome。Butveryprobablyshewascoarse——red-
nosedperhaps，andhadclumsyfeet。Aye，itwasallforthebest，nodoubt。’
Withthiscomfortingreflection，heputonhiscoat，tookafarewellglanceattheglass，andsummonedhisman，whopromptlyattended，followedbyachairanditstwobearers。
’Foh！’saidMrChester。’Theveryatmospherethatcentaurhasbreathed，seemstaintedwiththecartandladder。Here，Peak。
Bringsomescentandsprinklethefloor;andtakeawaythechairhesatupon，andairit;anddashalittleofthatmixtureuponme。I
amstifled！’
Themanobeyed;andtheroomanditsmasterbeingbothpurified，nothingremainedforMrChesterbuttodemandhishat，tofolditjauntilyunderhisarm，totakehisseatinthechairandbecarriedoff;hummingafashionabletune。
Chapter24
Howtheaccomplishedgentlemanspenttheeveninginthemidstofadazzlingandbrilliantcircle;howheenchantedallthosewithwhomhemingledbythegraceofhisdeportment，thepolitenessofhismanner，thevivacityofhisconversation，andthesweetnessofhisvoice;howitwasobservedineverycorner，thatChesterwasamanofthathappydispositionthatnothingruffledhim，thathewasoneonwhomtheworld’scaresanderrorssatlightlyashisdress，andinwhosesmilingfaceacalmandtranquilmindwasconstantlyreflected;howhonestmen，whobyinstinctknewhimbetter，boweddownbeforehimnevertheless，deferredtohiseveryword，andcourtedhisfavourablenotice;howpeople，whoreallyhadgoodinthem，wentwiththestream，andfawnedandflattered，andapproved，anddespisedthemselveswhiletheydidso，andyethadnotthecouragetoresist;how，inshort，hewasoneofthosewhoarereceivedandcherishedinsocietyasthephraseisbyscoreswhoindividuallywouldshrinkfromandberepelledbytheobjectoftheirlavishregard;arethingsofcourse，whichwillsuggestthemselves。Mattersocommonplaceneedsbutapassingglance，andthereanend。
Thedespisersofmankind——apartfromthemerefoolsandmimics，ofthatcreed——areoftwosorts。Theywhobelievetheirmeritneglectedandunappreciated，makeuponeclass;theywhoreceiveadulationandflattery，knowingtheirownworthlessness，composetheother。Besurethatthecoldest-heartedmisanthropesareeverofthislastorder。
MrChestersatupinbednextmorning，sippinghiscoffee，andrememberingwithakindofcontemptuoussatisfactionhowhehadshonelastnight，andhowhehadbeencaressedandcourted，whenhisservantbroughtinaverysmallscrapofdirtypaper，tightlysealedintwoplaces，ontheinsidewhereofwasinscribedinprettylargetextthesewords:’Afriend。Desiringofaconference。
Immediate。Private。Burnitwhenyou’vereadit。’
’WhereinthenameoftheGunpowderPlotdidyoupickupthis？’
saidhismaster。
Itwasgivenhimbyapersonthenwaitingatthedoor，themanreplied。
’Withacloakanddagger？’saidMrChester。
Withnothingmorethreateningabouthim，itappeared，thanaleatherapronandadirtyface。’Lethimcomein。’Inhecame——MrTappertit;withhishairstillonend，andagreatlockinhishand，whichheputdownonthefloorinthemiddleofthechamberasifhewereabouttogothroughsomeperformancesinwhichitwasanecessaryagent。
’Sir，’saidMrTappertitwithalowbow，’Ithankyouforthiscondescension，andamgladtoseeyou。PardonthemenialofficeinwhichIamengaged，sir，andextendyoursympathiestoone，who，humbleashisappearanceis，hasinn’ardworkingsfarabovehisstation。’
MrChesterheldthebed-curtainfartherback，andlookedathimwithavagueimpressionthathewassomemaniac，whohadnotonlybrokenopenthedoorofhisplaceofconfinement，buthadbroughtawaythelock。MrTappertitbowedagain，anddisplayedhislegstothebestadvantage。
’Youhaveheard，sir，’saidMrTappertit，layinghishanduponhisbreast，’ofG。VardenLocksmithandbell-hangerandrepairsneatlyexecutedintownandcountry，Clerkenwell，London？’
’Whatthen？’askedMrChester。
’I’mhis’prentice，sir。’
’WhatTHEN？’
’Ahem！’saidMrTappertit。’Wouldyoupermitmetoshutthedoor，sir，andwillyoufurther，sir，givemeyourhonourbright，thatwhatpassesbetweenusisinthestrictestconfidence？’
MrChesterlaidhimselfcalmlydowninbedagain，andturningaperfectlyundisturbedfacetowardsthestrangeapparition，whichhadbythistimeclosedthedoor，beggedhimtospeakout，andtobeasrationalashecould，withoutputtinghimselftoanyverygreatpersonalinconvenience。
’Inthefirstplace，sir，’saidMrTappertit，producingasmallpocket-handkerchiefandshakingitoutofthefolds，’asIhavenotacardaboutmefortheenvyofmastersdebasesusbelowthatlevelallowmetoofferthebestsubstitutethatcircumstanceswilladmitof。Ifyouwilltakethatinyourownhand，sir，andcastyoureyeontheright-handcorner，’saidMrTappertit，offeringitwithagracefulair，’youwillmeetwithmycredentials。’
’Thankyou，’answeredMrChester，politelyacceptingit，andturningtosomeblood-redcharactersatoneend。’“Four。SimonTappertit。One。”Isthatthe——’
’Withoutthenumbers，sir，thatismyname，’repliedthe’prentice。
’Theyaremerelyintendedasdirectionstothewasherwoman，andhavenoconnectionwithmyselforfamily。YOURname，sir，’saidMrTappertit，lookingveryhardathisnightcap，’isChester，I
suppose？Youneedn’tpullitoff，sir，thankyou。IobserveE。C。
fromhere。Wewilltaketherestforgranted。’
’Pray，MrTappertit，’saidMrChester，’hasthatcomplicatedpieceofironmongerywhichyouhavedonemethefavourtobringwithyou，anyimmediateconnectionwiththebusinesswearetodiscuss？’
’Ithasnot，sir，’rejoinedthe’prentice。’It’sgoingtobefittedonaware’us-doorinThamesStreet。’
’Perhaps，asthatisthecase，’saidMrChester，’andasithasastrongerflavourofoilthanIusuallyrefreshmybedroomwith，youwillobligemesofarastoputitoutsidethedoor？’
’Byallmeans，sir，’saidMrTappertit，suitingtheactiontotheword。
’You’llexcusemymentioningit，Ihope？’
’Don’tapologise，sir，Ibeg。Andnow，ifyouplease，tobusiness。’
Duringthewholeofthisdialogue，MrChesterhadsufferednothingbuthissmileofunvaryingserenityandpolitenesstoappearuponhisface。SimTappertit，whohadfartoogoodanopinionofhimselftosuspectthatanybodycouldbeplayinguponhim，thoughtwithinhimselfthatthiswassomethingliketherespecttowhichhewasentitled，anddrewacomparisonfromthiscourteousdemeanourofastranger，bynomeansfavourabletotheworthylocksmith。
’Fromwhatpassesinourhouse，’saidMrTappertit，’Iamaware，sir，thatyoursonkeepscompanywithayoungladyagainstyourinclinations。Sir，yoursonhasnotusedmewell。’
’MrTappertit，’saidtheother，’yougrievemebeyonddescription。’
’Thankyou，sir，’repliedthe’prentice。’I’mgladtohearyousayso。He’sveryproud，sir，isyourson;veryhaughty。’
’IamafraidheIShaughty，’saidMrChester。’DoyouknowIwasreallyafraidofthatbefore;andyouconfirmme？’
’TorecountthemenialofficesI’vehadtodoforyourson，sir，’
saidMrTappertit;’thechairsI’vehadtohandhim，thecoachesI’vehadtocallforhim，thenumerousdegradingduties，whollyunconnectedwithmyindenters，thatI’vehadtodoforhim，wouldfillafamilyBible。Besideswhich，sir，heisbutayoungmanhimselfandIdonotconsider“thank’eeSim。”aproperformofaddressonthoseoccasions。’
’MrTappertit，yourwisdomisbeyondyouryears。Praygoon。’
’Ithankyouforyourgoodopinion，sir，’saidSim，muchgratified，’andwillendeavoursotodo。Nowsir，onthisaccountandperhapsforanotherreasonortwowhichIneedn’tgointoIamonyourside。AndwhatItellyouisthis——thataslongasourpeoplegobackwardsandforwards，toandfro，upanddown，tothattherejollyoldMaypole，lettering，andmessaging，andfetchingandcarrying，youcouldn’thelpyoursonkeepingcompanywiththatyoungladybydeputy，——notifhewasmindednightanddaybyalltheHorseGuards，andeverymanof’emintheveryfullestuniform。’