Thebedchamber，Nodoubt，wasachamberofverygreatandvariedexperience，asasceneofhumanlife:thejoyofbridalnightshadthrobbeditselfawayhere；newimmortalshadfirstdrawnearthlybreathhere；andhereoldpeoplehaddied。But——whetheritwerethewhiteroses，orwhateverthesubtileinfluencemightbe——apersonofdelicateinstinctwouldhaveknownatoncethatitwasnowamaiden’sbedchamber，andhadbeenpurifiedofallformerevilandsorrowbyhersweetbreathandhappythoughts。
Herdreamsofthepastnight，beingsuchcheerfulones，hadexorcisedthegloom，andnowhauntedthechamberinitsstead。
Afterarrangingmatterstohersatisfaction，Phoebeemergedfromherchamber，withapurposetodescendagainintothegarden。
Besidestherosebush，shehadobservedseveralotherspeciesofflowersgrowingthereinawildernessofneglect，andobstructingoneanother’sdevelopmentasisoftentheparallelcaseinhumansocietybytheiruneducatedentanglementandconfusion。Attheheadofthestairs，however，shemetHepzibah，who，itbeingstillearly，invitedherintoaroomwhichshewouldprobablyhavecalledherboudoir，hadhereducationembracedanysuchFrenchphrase。
Itwasstrewnaboutwithafewoldbooks，andawork-basket，andadustywriting-desk；andhad，ononeside，alargeblackarticleoffurniture，ofverystrangeappearance，whichtheoldgentlewomantoldPhoebewasaharpsichord。Itlookedmorelikeacoffinthananythingelse；and，indeed，——nothavingbeenplayedupon，oropened，foryears，——theremusthavebeenavastdealofdeadmusicinit，stifledforwantofair。HumanfingerwashardlyknowntohavetoucheditschordssincethedaysofAlicePyncheon，whohadlearnedthesweetaccomplishmentofmelodyinEurope。
Hepzibahbadeheryoungguestsitdown，and，herselftakingachairnearby，lookedasearnestlyatPhoebe’strimlittlefigureasifsheexpectedtoseerightintoitsspringsandmotivesecrets。
\"CousinPhoebe，\"saidshe，atlast，\"Ireallycan’tseemywaycleartokeepyouwithme。\"
Thesewords，however，hadnottheinhospitablebluntnesswithwhichtheymaystrikethereader；forthetworelatives，inatalkbeforebedtime，hadarrivedatacertaindegreeofmutualunderstanding。Hepzibahknewenoughtoenablehertoappreciatethecircumstancesresultingfromthesecondmarriageofthegirl’smotherwhichmadeitdesirableforPhoebetoestablishherselfinanotherhome。NordidshemisinterpretPhoebe’scharacter，andthegenialactivitypervadingit，——oneofthemostvaluabletraitsofthetrueNewEnglandwoman，——whichhadimpelledherforth，asmightbesaid，toseekherfortune，butwithaself-respectingpurposetoconferasmuchbenefitasshecouldanywisereceive。Asoneofhernearestkindred，shehadnaturallybetakenherselftoHepzibah，withnoideaofforcingherselfonhercousin’sprotection，butonlyforavisitofaweekortwo，whichmightbeindefinitelyextended，shoulditproveforthehappinessofboth。
ToHepzibah’sbluntobservation，therefore，Phoeberepliedasfrankly，andmorecheerfully。
\"Dearcousin，Icannottellhowitwillbe，\"saidshe。\"ButIreallythinkwemaysuitoneanothermuchbetterthanyousuppose。\"
\"Youareanicegirl，——Iseeitplainly，\"continuedHepzibah；\"anditisnotanyquestionastothatpointwhichmakesmehesitate。
But，Phoebe，thishouseofmineisbutamelancholyplaceforayoungpersontobein。Itletsinthewindandrain，andtheSnow，too，inthegarretandupperchambers，inwinter-time，butitneverletsinthesunshine。Andasformyself，youseewhatIam，——adismalandlonesomeoldwomanforIbegintocallmyselfold，Phoebe，whosetemper，Iamafraid，isnoneofthebest，andwhosespiritsareasbadascanbeIcannotmakeyourlifepleasant，CousinPhoebe，neithercanIsomuchasgiveyoubreadtoeat。\"
\"Youwillfindmeacheerfullittle，body\"answeredPhoebe，smiling，andyetwithakindofgentledignity。\"andImeantoearnmybread。
YouknowIhavenotbeenbroughtupaPyncheon。AgirllearnsmanythingsinaNewEnglandvillage。\"
\"Ah！Phoebe，\"saidHepzibah，sighing，\"yourknowledgewoulddobutlittleforyouhere！Andthenitisawretchedthoughtthatyoushouldflingawayyouryoungdaysinaplacelikethis。
Thosecheekswouldnotbesorosyafteramonthortwo。Lookatmyface！\"and，indeed，thecontrastwasverystriking，——\"youseehowpaleIam！Itismyideathatthedustandcontinualdecayoftheseoldhousesareunwholesomeforthelungs。\"
\"Thereisthegarden，——theflowerstobetakencareof，\"observedPhoebe。\"Ishouldkeepmyselfhealthywithexerciseintheopenair。\"
\"And，afterall，child，\"exclaimedHepzibah，suddenlyrising，asiftodismissthesubject，\"itisnotformetosaywhoshallbeaguestorinhabitantoftheoldPyncheonHouse。Itsmasteriscoming。\"
\"DoyoumeanJudgePyncheon？\"askedPhoebeinsurprise。
\"JudgePyncheon！\"answeredhercousinangrily。\"HewillhardlycrossthethresholdwhileIlive！No，no！But，Phoebe，youshallseethefaceofhimIspeakof。\"
Shewentinquestoftheminiaturealreadydescribed，andreturnedwithitinherhand。GivingittoPhoebe，shewatchedherfeaturesnarrowly，andwithacertainjealousyastothemodeinwhichthegirlwouldshowherselfaffectedbythepicture。
\"Howdoyouliketheface？\"askedHepzibah。
\"Itishandsome！——itisverybeautiful！\"saidPhoebeadmiringly。
\"Itisassweetafaceasaman’scanbe，oroughttobe。Ithassomethingofachild’sexpression，——andyetnotchildish，——onlyonefeelssoverykindlytowardshim！Heoughtnevertosufferanything。Onewouldbearmuchforthesakeofsparinghimtoilorsorrow。Whoisit，CousinHepzibah？\"
\"Didyouneverhear，\"whisperedhercousin，bendingtowardsher，\"ofCliffordPyncheon？\"
\"Never。IthoughttherewerenoPyncheonsleft，exceptyourselfandourcousinJaffrey，\"answeredPhoebe。\"AndyetIseemtohaveheardthenameofCliffordPyncheon。Yes！——frommyfatherormymother。buthashenotbeenalongwhiledead？\"
\"Well，well，child，perhapshehas！\"saidHepzibahwithasad，hollowlaugh；\"but，inoldhouseslikethis，youknow，deadpeopleareveryapttocomebackagain！Weshallsee。And，CousinPhoebe，since，afterallthatIhavesaid，yourcouragedoesnotfailyou，wewillnotpartsosoon。Youarewelcome，mychild，forthepresent，tosuchahomeasyourkinswomancanofferyou。\"
Withthismeasured，butnotexactlycoldassuranceofahospitablepurpose，Hepzibahkissedhercheek。
Theynowwentbelowstairs，wherePhoebe——notsomuchassumingtheofficeasattractingittoherself，bythemagnetismofinnatefitness——tookthemostactivepartinpreparingbreakfast。
Themistressofthehouse，meanwhile，asisusualwithpersonsofherstiffandunmalleablecast，stoodmostlyaside；willingtolendheraid，yetconsciousthathernaturalinaptitudewouldbelikelytoimpedethebusinessinhand。Phoebeandthefirethatboiledtheteakettlewereequallybright，cheerful，andefficient，intheirrespectiveoffices。Hepzibahgazedforthfromherhabitualsluggishness，thenecessaryresultoflongsolitude，asfromanothersphere。Shecouldnothelpbeinginterested，however，andevenamused，atthereadinesswithwhichhernewinmateadaptedherselftothecircumstances，andbroughtthehouse，moreover，andallitsrustyoldappliances，intoasuitablenessforherpurposes。Whatevershedid，too，wasdonewithoutconsciouseffort，andwithfrequentoutbreaksofsong，whichwereexceedinglypleasanttotheear。ThisnaturaltunefulnessmadePhoebeseemlikeabirdinashadowytree；
orconveyedtheideathatthestreamoflifewarbledthroughherheartasabrooksometimeswarblesthroughapleasantlittledell。
Itbetokenedthecheerinessofanactivetemperament，findingjoyinitsactivity，and，therefore，renderingitbeautiful；itwasaNewEnglandtrait，——thesternoldstuffofPuritanismwithagoldthreadintheweb。
HepzibahbroughtoutSomeoldsilverspoonswiththefamilycrestuponthem，andachinatea-setpaintedoverwithgrotesquefiguresofman，bird，andbeast，inasgrotesquealandscape。
Thesepicturedpeoplewereoddhumorists，inaworldoftheirown，——aworldofvividbrilliancy，sofarascolorwent，andstillunfaded，althoughtheteapotandsmallcupswereasancientasthecustomitselfoftea-drinking。
\"Yourgreat-great-great-great-grandmotherhadthesecups，whenshewasmarried，\"saidHepzibahtoPhoebe。\"ShewasaDavenport，ofagoodfamily。Theywerealmostthefirstteacupseverseeninthecolony；andifoneofthemweretobebroken，myheartwouldbreakwithit。ButitisNonsensetospeaksoaboutabrittleteacup，whenIrememberwhatmyhearthasgonethroughwithoutbreaking。\"
Thecups——nothavingbeenused，perhaps，sinceHepzibah’syouth——hadcontractednosmallburdenofdust，whichPhoebewashedawaywithsomuchcareanddelicacyastosatisfyeventheproprietorofthisinvaluablechina。
\"Whatanicelittlehousewifeyou。are\"exclaimedthelatter，smiling，andattheSametimefrowningsoprodigiouslythatthesmilewassunshineunderathunder-cloud。\"Doyoudootherthingsaswell？Areyouasgoodatyourbookasyouareatwashingteacups？\"
\"Notquite，Iamafraid，\"saidPhoebe，laughingattheformofHepzibah’squestion。\"ButIwasschoolmistressforthelittlechildreninourdistrictlastsummer，andmighthavebeensostill。\"
\"Ah！’tisallverywell！\"observedthemaidenlady，drawingherselfup。\"Butthesethingsmusthavecometoyouwithyourmother’sblood。IneverknewaPyncheonthathadanyturnforthem。\"
Itisveryqueer，butnotthelesstrue，thatpeoplearegenerallyquiteasvain，orevenmoreso，oftheirdeficienciesthanoftheiravailablegifts；aswasHepzibahofthisnativeinapplicability，sotospeak，ofthePyncheonstoanyusefulpurpose。Sheregardeditasanhereditarytrait；andso，perhaps，itwas，butunfortunatelyamorbidone，suchasisoftengeneratedinfamiliesthatremainlongabovethesurfaceofsociety。
Beforetheyleftthebreakfast-table，theshop-bellrangsharply，andHepzibahsetdowntheremnantofherfinalcupoftea，withalookofsallowdespairthatwastrulypiteoustobehold。Incasesofdistastefuloccupation，theseconddayisgenerallyworsethanthefirst。wereturntotherackwithallthesorenessoftheprecedingtortureinourlimbs。Atallevents，Hepzibahhadfullysatisfiedherselfoftheimpossibilityofeverbecomingwontedtothispeevishlyobstreperouslittlebell。Ringasoftenasitmight，thesoundalwayssmoteuponhernervoussystemrudelyandsuddenly。
Andespeciallynow，while，withhercrestedteaspoonsandantiquechina，shewasflatteringherselfwithideasofgentility，shefeltanunspeakabledisinclinationtoconfrontacustomer。
\"Donottroubleyourself，dearcousin！\"criedPhoebe，startinglightlyup。\"Iamshop-keepertoday。\"
\"You，child！\"exclaimedHepzibah。\"Whatcanalittlecountrygirlknowofsuchmatters？\"
\"Oh，Ihavedonealltheshoppingforthefamilyatourvillagestore，\"saidPhoebe。\"AndIhavehadatableatafancyfair，andmadebettersalesthananybody。Thesethingsarenottobelearnt；
theydependuponaknackthatcomes，Isuppose，\"addedshe，smiling，\"withone’smother’sblood。YoushallseethatIamasnicealittlesaleswomanasIamahousewife！\"
TheoldgentlewomanstolebehindPhoebe，andpeepedfromthepassagewayintotheshop，tonotehowshewouldmanageherundertaking。Itwasacaseofsomeintricacy。Averyancientwoman，inawhiteshortgownandagreenpetticoat，withastringofgoldbeadsaboutherneck，andwhatlookedlikeanightcaponherhead，hadbroughtaquantityofyarntobarterforthecommoditiesoftheshop。Shewasprobablytheverylastpersonintownwhostillkeptthetime-honoredspinning-wheelinconstantrevolution。Itwasworthwhiletohearthecroakingandhollowtonesoftheoldlady，andthepleasantvoiceofPhoebe，minglinginonetwistedthreadoftalk；andstillbettertocontrasttheirfigures，——solightandbloomy，——sodecrepitanddusky，——withonlythecounterbetwixtthem，inonesense，butmorethanthreescoreyears，inanother。Asforthebargain，itwaswrinkledslynessandcraftpittedagainstnativetruthandsagacity。
\"Wasnotthatwelldone？\"askedPhoebe，laughing，whenthecustomerwasgone。
\"Nicelydone，indeed，child！\"answeredHepzibah。\"Icouldnothavegonethroughwithitnearlysowell。Asyousay，itmustbeaknackthatbelongstoyouonthemother’sside。\"
Itisaverygenuineadmiration，thatwithwhichpersonstooshyortooawkwardtotakeaduepartinthebustlingworldregardtherealactorsinlife’sstirringscenes；sogenuine，infact，thattheformerareusuallyfaintomakeitpalatabletotheirself-love，byassumingthattheseactiveandforciblequalitiesareincompatiblewithothers，whichtheychoosetodeemhigherandmoreimportant。Thus，HepzibahwaswellcontenttoacknowledgePhoebe’svastlysuperiorgiftsasashop-keeper’——shelistened，withcompliantear，tohersuggestionofvariousmethodswherebytheinfluxoftrademightbeincreased，andrenderedprofitable，withoutahazardousoutlayofcapital。Sheconsentedthatthevillagemaidenshouldmanufactureyeast，bothliquidandincakes；
andshouldbrewacertainkindofbeer，nectareoustothepalate，andofrarestomachicvirtues；and，moreover，shouldbakeandexhibitforsalesomelittlespice-cakes，whichwhosoevertastedwouldlonginglydesiretotasteagain。Allsuchproofsofareadymindandskilfulhandiworkwerehighlyacceptabletothearistocratichucksteress，solongasshecouldmurmurtoherselfwithagrimsmile，andahalf-naturalsigh，andasentimentofmixedwonder，pity，andgrowingaffection，——
\"Whatanicelittlebodysheis！Ifsheonlycouldbealady；
too——butthat’simpossible！PhoebeisnoPyncheon。Shetakeseverythingfromhermother。\"
AstoPhoebe’snotbeingalady，orwhethershewerealadyorno，itwasapoint，perhaps，difficulttodecide，butwhichcouldhardlyhavecomeupforjudgmentatallinanyfairandhealthymind。OutofNewEngland，itwouldbeimpossibletomeetwithapersoncombiningsomanyladylikeattributeswithsomanyothersthatformnonecessaryifcompatiblepartofthecharacter。Sheshockednocanonoftaste；shewasadmirablyinkeepingwithherself，andneverjarredagainstsurroundingcircumstances。Herfigure，tobesure，——sosmallastobealmostchildlike，andsoelasticthatmotionseemedaseasyoreasiertoitthanrest，wouldhardlyhavesuitedone’sideaofacountess。
Neitherdidherface——withthebrownringletsoneitherside，andtheslightlypiquantnose，andthewholesomebloom，andtheclearshadeoftan，andthehalfdozenfreckles，friendlyremembrancesoftheAprilsunandbreeze——preciselygiveusarighttocallherbeautiful。Buttherewasbothlustreanddepthinhereyes。Shewasverypretty；asgracefulasabird，andgracefulmuchinthesameway；aspleasantaboutthehouseasagleamofsunshinefallingonthefloorthroughashadowoftwinklingleaves，orasarayoffirelightthatdancesonthewallwhileeveningisdrawingnigh。Insteadofdiscussingherclaimtorankamongladies，itwouldbepreferabletoregardPhoebeastheexampleoffemininegraceandavailabilitycombined，inastateofsociety，iftherewereanysuch，whereladiesdidnotexist。Thereitshouldbewoman’sofficetomoveinthemidstofpracticalaffairs，andtogildthemall，theveryhomeliest，——wereiteventhescouringofpotsandkettles，——withanatmosphereoflovelinessandjoy。
SuchwasthesphereofPhoebe。Tofindthebornandeducatedlady，ontheotherhand，weneedlooknofartherthanHepzibah，ourforlornoldmaid，inherrustlingandrustysilks，withherdeeplycherishedandridiculousconsciousnessoflongdescent，hershadowyclaimstoprincelyterritory，and，inthewayofaccomplishment，herrecollections，itmaybe，ofhavingformerlythrummedonaharpsichord，andwalkedaminuet，andworkedanantiquetapestry-stitchonhersampler。ItwasafairparallelbetweennewPlebeianismandoldGentility。
ItreallyseemedasifthebatteredvisageoftheHouseoftheSevenGables，blackandheavy-browedasitstillcertainlylooked，musthaveshownakindofcheerfulnessglimmeringthroughitsduskywindowsasPhoebepassedtoandfrointheinterior。
Otherwise，itisimpossibletoexplainhowthepeopleoftheneighborhoodsosoonbecameawareofthegirl’spresence。Therewasagreatrunofcustom，settingsteadilyin，fromaboutteno’
clockuntiltowardsnoon，——relaxing，somewhat，atdinner-time，butrecommencingintheafternoon，and，finally，dyingawayahalfanhourorsobeforethelongday’ssunset。OneofthestanchestpatronswaslittleNedHiggins，thedevourerofJimCrowandtheelephant，whoto-daysignalizedhisomnivorousprowessbyswallowingtwodromedariesandalocomotive。Phoebelaughed，asshesummedupheraggregateofsalesupontheslate；whileHepzibah，firstdrawingonapairofsilkgloves，reckonedoverthesordidaccumulationofcoppercoin，notwithoutsilverintermixed，thathadjingledintothetill。
\"Wemustrenewourstock，CousinHepzibah！\"criedthelittlesaleswoman。\"Thegingerbreadfiguresareallgone，andsoarethoseDutchwoodenmilkmaids，andmostofourotherplaythings。
Therehasbeenconstantinquiryforcheapraisins，andagreatcryforwhistles，andtrumpets，andjew’s-harps；andatleastadozenlittleboyshaveaskedformolasses-candy。Andwemustcontrivetogetapeckofrussetapples，lateintheseasonasitis。But，dearcousin，whatanenormousheapofcopper！
Positivelyacoppermountain！\"
\"Welldone！welldone！welldone！\"quothUncleVenner，whohadtakenoccasiontoshuffleinandoutoftheshopseveraltimesinthecourseoftheday。\"Here’sagirlthatwillneverendherdaysatmyfarm！Blessmyeyes，whatabrisklittlesoul！\"
\"Yes，Phoebeisanicegirl！\"saidHepzibah，withascowlofaustereapprobation。\"But，UncleVenner，youhaveknownthefamilyagreatmanyyears。CanyoutellmewhetherthereeverwasaPyncheonwhomshetakesafter？\"
\"Idon’tbelievethereeverwas，\"answeredthevenerableman。
\"Atanyrate，itneverwasmylucktoseeherlikeamongthem，nor，forthatmatter，anywhereelse。I’veseenagreatdealoftheworld，notonlyinpeople’skitchensandback-yardsbutatthestreet-corners，andonthewharves，andinotherplaceswheremybusinesscallsme；andI’mfreetosay，MissHepzibah，thatIneverknewahumancreaturedoherworksomuchlikeoneofGod’sangelsasthischildPhoebedoes！\"
UncleVenner’seulogium，ifitappearrathertoohigh-strainedforthepersonandoccasion，had，nevertheless，asenseinwhichitwasbothsubtileandtrue。TherewasaspiritualqualityinPhoebe’sactivity。Thelifeofthelongandbusyday——spentinoccupationsthatmightsoeasilyhavetakenasqualidanduglyaspect——hadbeenmadepleasant，andevenlovely，bythespontaneousgracewithwhichthesehomelydutiesseemedtobloomoutofhercharacter；sothatlabor，whileshedealtwithit，hadtheeasyandflexiblecharmofplay。Angelsdonottoil，butlettheirgoodworksgrowoutofthem；andsodidPhoebe。
Thetworelatives——theyoungmaidandtheoldone——foundtimebeforenightfall，intheintervalsoftrade，tomakerapidadvancestowardsaffectionandconfidence。Arecluse，likeHepzibah，usuallydisplaysremarkablefrankness，andatleasttemporaryaffability，onbeingabsolutelycornered，andbroughttothepointofpersonalintercourse；liketheangelwhomJacobwrestledwith，sheisreadytoblessyouwhenonceovercome。
TheoldgentlewomantookadrearyandproudsatisfactioninleadingPhoebefromroomtoroomofthehouse，andrecountingthetraditionswithwhich，aswemaysay，thewallswerelugubriouslyfrescoed。Sheshowedtheindentationsmadebythelieutenant-governor’ssword-hiltinthedoor-panelsoftheapartmentwhereoldColonelPyncheon，adeadhost，hadreceivedhisaffrightedvisitorswithanawfulfrown。Theduskyterrorofthatfrown，Hepzibahobserved，wasthoughttobelingeringeversinceinthepassageway。ShebadePhoebestepintooneofthetallchairs，andinspecttheancientmapofthePyncheonterritoryattheeastward。Inatractoflandonwhichshelaidherfinger，thereexistedasilvermine，thelocalityofwhichwaspreciselypointedoutinsomememorandaofColonelPyncheonhimself，butonlytobemadeknownwhenthefamilyclaimshouldberecognizedbygovernment。ThusitwasfortheinterestofallNewEnglandthatthePyncheonsshouldhavejusticedonethem。Shetold，too，howthattherewasundoubtedlyanimmensetreasureofEnglishguineashiddensomewhereaboutthehouse，orinthecellar，orpossiblyinthegarden。
\"Ifyoushouldhappentofindit，Phoebe，\"saidHepzibah，glancingasideatherwithagrimyetkindlysmile，\"wewilltieuptheshop-bellforgoodandall！\"
\"Yes，dearcousin，\"answeredPhoebe；\"but，inthemeantime，Ihearsomebodyringingit！\"
Whenthecustomerwasgone，Hepzibahtalkedrathervaguely，andatgreatlength，aboutacertainAlicePyncheon，whohadbeenexceedinglybeautifulandaccomplishedinherlifetime，ahundredyearsago。Thefragranceofherrichanddelightfulcharacterstilllingeredabouttheplacewhereshehadlived，asadriedrosebudscentsthedrawerwhereithaswitheredandperished。ThislovelyAlicehadmetwithsomegreatandmysteriouscalamity，andhadgrownthinandwhite，andgraduallyfadedoutoftheworld。But，evennow，shewassupposedtohaunttheHouseoftheSevenGables，and，agreatmanytimes，——especiallywhenoneofthePyncheonswastodie，——shehadbeenheardplayingsadlyandbeautifullyontheharpsichord。
Oneofthesetunes，justasithadsoundedfromherspiritualtouch，hadbeenwrittendownbyanamateurofmusic；itwassoexquisitelymournfulthatnobody，tothisday，couldbeartohearitplayed，unlesswhenagreatsorrowhadmadethemknowthestillprofoundersweetnessofit。
\"Wasitthesameharpsichordthatyoushowedme？\"inquiredPhoebe。
\"Theverysame，\"saidHepzibah。\"ItwasAlicePyncheon’sharpsichord。WhenIwaslearningmusic，myfatherwouldneverletmeopenit。So，asIcouldonlyplayonmyteacher’sinstrument，Ihaveforgottenallmymusiclongago。\"
Leavingtheseantiquethemes，theoldladybegantotalkaboutthedaguerreotypist，whom，asheseemedtobeawell-meaningandorderlyyoungman，andinnarrowcircumstances，shehadpermittedtotakeuphisresidenceinoneofthesevengables。
But，onseeingmoreofMr。Holgrave，shehardlyknewwhattomakeofhim。Hehadthestrangestcompanionsimaginable；menwithlongbeards，anddressedinlinenblouses，andothersuchnew-fangledandill-fittinggarments；reformers，temperancelecturers，andallmannerofcross-lookingphilanthropists；
community-men，andcome-outers，asHepzibahbelieved，whoacknowledgednolaw，andatenosolidfood，butlivedonthescentofotherpeople’scookery，andturneduptheirnosesatthefare。Asforthedaguerreotypist，shehadreadaparagraphinapennypaper，theotherday，accusinghimofmakingaspeechfullofwildanddisorganizingmatter，atameetingofhisbanditti-likeassociates。Forherownpart，shehadreasontobelievethathepractisedanimalmagnetism，and，ifsuchthingswereinfashionnowadays，shouldbeapttosuspecthimofstudyingtheBlackArtupthereinhislonesomechamber。
\"But，dearcousin，\"saidPhoebe，\"iftheyoungmanissodangerous，whydoyoulethimstay？Ifhedoesnothingworse，hemaysetthehouseonfire！\"
\"Why，sometimes，\"answeredHepzibah，\"Ihaveseriouslymadeitaquestion，whetherIoughtnottosendhimaway。But，withallhisoddities，heisaquietkindofaperson，andhassuchawayoftakingholdofone’smind，that，withoutexactlylikinghimforIdon’tknowenoughoftheyoungman，Ishouldbesorrytolosesightofhimentirely。AwomanclingstoslightacquaintanceswhenshelivessomuchaloneasIdo。\"
\"ButifMr。Holgraveisalawlessperson！\"remonstratedPhoebe，apartofwhoseessenceitwastokeepwithinthelimitsoflaw。
\"Oh！\"saidHepzibahcarelessly，——for，formalasshewas，still，inherlife’sexperience，shehadgnashedherteethagainsthumanlaw，——\"Isupposehehasalawofhisown！\"
VIMAULE’SWELL
AFTERanearlytea，thelittlecountry-girlstrayedintothegarden。Theenclosurehadformerlybeenveryextensive，butwasnowcontractedwithinsmallcompass，andhemmedabout，partlybyhighwoodenfences，andpartlybytheoutbuildingsofhousesthatstoodonanotherstreet。Initscentrewasagrass-plat，surroundingaruinouslittlestructure，whichshowedjustenoughofitsoriginaldesigntoindicatethatithadoncebeenasummer-house。Ahop-vine，springingfromlastyear’sroot，wasbeginningtoclamberoverit，butwouldbelongincoveringtheroofwithitsgreenmantle。Threeofthesevengableseitherfrontedorlookedsideways，withadarksolemnityofaspect，downintothegarden。
Theblack，richsoilhadfeditselfwiththedecayofalongperiodoftime；suchasfallenleaves，thepetalsofflowers，andthestalksandseed——vesselsofvagrantandlawlessplants，moreusefulaftertheirdeaththaneverwhileflauntinginthesun。
Theevilofthesedepartedyearswouldnaturallyhavesprungupagain，insuchrankweedssymbolicofthetransmittedvicesofsocietyasarealwayspronetorootthemselvesabouthumandwellings。PhoebeSaw，however，thattheirgrowthmusthavebeencheckedbyadegreeofcarefullabor，bestoweddailyandsystematicallyonthegarden。Thewhitedoublerose-bushhadevidentlybeenproppedupanewagainstthehousesincethecommencementoftheseason；andapear-treeandthreedamson-trees，which，exceptarowofcurrant-bushes，constitutedtheonlyvarietiesoffruit，boremarksoftherecentamputationofseveralsuperfluousordefectivelimbs。Therewerealsoafewspeciesofantiqueandhereditaryflowers，innoveryflourishingcondition，butscrupulouslyweeded；asifsomeperson，eitheroutofloveorcuriosity，hadbeenanxioustobringthemtosuchperfectionastheywerecapableofattaining。Theremainderofthegardenpresentedawell-selectedassortmentofesculentvegetables，inapraiseworthystateofadvancement。Summersquashesalmostintheirgoldenblossom；cucumbers，nowevincingatendencytospreadawayfromthemainstock，andramblefarandwide；twoorthreerowsofstring-beansandasmanymorethatwereabouttofestoonthemselvesonpoles；tomatoes，occupyingasitesoshelteredandsunnythattheplantswerealreadygigantic，andpromisedanearlyandabundantharvest。
Phoebewonderedwhosecareandtoilitcouldhavebeenthathadplantedthesevegetables，andkeptthesoilsocleanandorderly。
NotsurelyhercousinHepzibah’s，whohadnotastenorspiritsforthelady-likeemploymentofcultivatingflowers，and——withherreclusehabits，andtendencytoshelterherselfwithinthedismalshadowofthehouse——wouldhardlyhavecomeforthunderthespeckofopenskytoweedandhoeamongthefraternityofbeansandsquashes。
Itbeingherfirstdayofcompleteestrangementfromruralobjects，Phoebefoundanunexpectedcharminthislittlenookofgrass，andfoliage，andaristocraticflowers，andplebeianvegetables。TheeyeofHeavenseemedtolookdownintoitpleasantly，andwithapeculiarsmile，asifgladtoperceivethatnature，elsewhereoverwhelmed，anddrivenoutofthedustytown，hadherebeenabletoretainabreathing-place。Thespotacquiredasomewhatwildergrace，andyetaverygentleone，fromthefactthatapairofrobinshadbuilttheirnestinthepear-tree，andweremakingthemselvesexceedinglybusyandhappyinthedarkintricacyofitsboughs。Bees，too，——strangetosay，——hadthoughtitworththeirwhiletocomehither，possiblyfromtherangeofhivesbesidesomefarm-housemilesaway。Howmanyaerialvoyagesmighttheyhavemade，inquestofhoney，orhoney-laden，betwixtdawnandsunset！Yet，lateasitnowwas，therestillaroseapleasanthumoutofoneortwoofthesquash-blossoms，inthedepthsofwichthesebeeswereplyingtheirgoldenlabor。TherewasoneotherobjectinthegardenwhichNaturemightfairlyclaimasherinalienableproperty，inspiteofwhatevermancoulddotorenderithisown。Thiswasafountain，setroundwitharimofoldmossystones，andpaved，initsbed，withwhatappearedtobeasortofmosaic-workofvariouslycoloredpebbles。Theplayandslightagitationofthewater，initsupwardgush，wroughtmagicallywiththesevariegatedpebbles，andmadeacontinuallyshiftingapparitionofquaintfigures，vanishingtoosuddenlytobedefinable。Thence，swellingovertherimofmoss-grownstones，thewaterstoleawayunderthefence，throughwhatweregrettocallagutter，ratherthanachannel。Normustweforgettomentionahen-coopofveryreverendantiquitythatstoodinthefarthercornerofthegarden，notagreatwayfromthefountain。ItnowcontainedonlyChanticleer，histwowives，andasolitarychicken。AllofthemwerepurespecimensofabreedwhichhadbeentransmitteddownasanheirloominthePyncheonfamily，andweresaid，whileintheirprime，tohaveattainedalmostthesizeofturkeys，and，onthescoreofdelicateflesh，tobefitforaprince’stable。Inproofoftheauthenticityofthislegendaryrenown，Hepzibahcouldhaveexhibitedtheshellofagreategg，whichanostrichneedhardlyhavebeenashamedof。Bethatasitmight，thehenswerenowscarcelylargerthanpigeons，andhadaqueer，rusty，witheredaspect，andagoutykindofmovement，andasleepyandmelancholytonethroughoutallthevariationsoftheircluckingandcackling。
Itwasevidentthattheracehaddegenerated，likemanyanobleracebesides，inconsequenceoftoostrictawatchfulnesstokeepitpure。Thesefeatheredpeoplehadexistedtoolongintheirdistinctvariety；afactofwhichthepresentrepresentatives，judgingbytheirlugubriousdeportment，seemedtobeaware。
Theykeptthemselvesalive，unquestionably，andlaidnowandthenanegg，andhatchedachicken；notforanypleasureoftheirown，butthattheworldmightnotabsolutelylosewhathadoncebeensoadmirableabreedoffowls。Thedistinguishingmarkofthehenswasacrestoflamentablyscantygrowth，intheselatterdays，butsooddlyandwickedlyanalogoustoHepzibah’sturban，thatPhoebe——tothepoignantdistressofherconscience，butinevitably——wasledtofancyageneralresemblancebetwixttheseforlornbipedsandherrespectablerelative。
Thegirlranintothehousetogetsomecrumbsofbread，coldpotatoes，andothersuchscrapsasweresuitabletotheaccommodatingappetiteoffowls。Returning，shegaveapeculiarcall，whichtheyseemedtorecognize。Thechickencreptthroughthepalesofthecoopandran，withsomeshowofliveliness，toherfeet；whileChanticleerandtheladiesofhishouseholdregardedherwithqueer，sidelongglances，andthencroakedonetoanother，asifcommunicatingtheirsageopinionsofhercharacter。Sowise，aswellasantique，wastheiraspect，astogivecolortotheidea，notmerelythattheywerethedescendantsofatime-honoredrace，butthattheyhadexisted，intheirindividualcapacity，eversincetheHouseoftheSevenGableswasfounded，andweresomehowmixedupwithitsdestiny。Theywereaspeciesoftutelarysprite，orBanshee；althoughwingedandfeathereddifferentlyfrommostotherguardianangels。
\"Here，youoddlittlechicken！\"saidPhoebe；\"herearesomenicecrumbsforyou！\"
Thechicken，hereupon，thoughalmostasvenerableinappearanceasits，mother——possessing，indeed，thewholeantiquityofitsprogenitorsinminiature，——musteredvivacityenoughtoflutterupwardandalightonPhoebe’sshoulder。
\"Thatlittlefowlpaysyouahighcompliment！\"saidavoicebehindPhoebe。
Turningquickly，shewassurprisedatsightofayoungman，whohadfoundaccessintothegardenbyadooropeningoutofanothergablethanthatwhenceshehademerged。Heheldahoeinhishand，and，whilePhoebewasgoneinquestofthecrumbs，hadbeguntobusyhimselfwithdrawingupfreshearthabouttherootsofthetomatoes。
\"Thechickenreallytreatsyoulikeanoldacquaintance，\"
continuedheinaquietway，whileasmilemadehisfacepleasanterthanPhoebeatfirstfanciedit。\"Thosevenerablepersonagesinthecoop，too，seemveryaffablydisposed。Youareluckytobeintheirgoodgracessosoon！Theyhaveknownmemuchlonger，butneverhonormewithanyfamiliarity，thoughhardlyadaypasseswithoutmybringingthemfood。MissHepzibah，Isuppose，willinterweavethefactwithherothertraditions，andsetitdownthatthefowlsknowyoutobeaPyncheon！\"
\"Thesecretis，\"saidPhoebe，smiling，\"thatIhavelearnedhowtotalkwithhensandchickens。\"
\"Ah，butthesehens，\"answeredtheyoungman，——\"thesehensofaristocraticlineagewouldscorntounderstandthevulgarlanguageofabarn-yardfowl。Iprefertothink——andsowouldMissHepzibah——thattheyrecognizethefamilytone。ForyouareaPyncheon？\"
\"MynameisPhoebePyncheon，\"saidthegirl，withamannerofsomereserve；forshewasawarethathernewacquaintancecouldbenootherthanthedaguerreotypist，ofwhoselawlesspropensitiestheoldmaidhadgivenheradisagreeableidea。\"IdidnotknowthatmycousinHepzibah’sgardenwasunderanotherperson’scare。\"
\"Yes，\"saidHolgrave，\"Idig，andhoe，andweed，inthisblackoldearth，forthesakeofrefreshingmyselfwithwhatlittlenatureandsimplicitymaybeleftinit，aftermenhavesolongsownandreapedhere。Iturnuptheearthbywayofpastime。
Mysoberoccupation，sofarasIhaveany，iswithalightermaterial。Inshort，Imakepicturesoutofsunshine；and，nottobetoomuchdazzledwithmyowntrade，IhaveprevailedwithMissHepzibahtoletmelodgeinoneoftheseduskygables。Itislikeabandageoverone’seyes，tocomeintoit。Butwouldyouliketoseeaspecimenofmyproductions？\"
\"Adaguerreotypelikeness，doyoumean？\"askedPhoebewithlessreserve；
for，inspiteofprejudice，herownyouthfulnesssprangforwardtomeethis。\"Idon’tmuchlikepicturesofthatsort，——theyaresohardandstern；besidesdodgingawayfromtheeye，andtryingtoescapealtogether。
Theyareconsciousoflookingveryunamiable，Isuppose，andthereforehatetobeseen。\"
\"Ifyouwouldpermitme，\"saidtheartist，lookingatPhoebe，\"Ishouldliketotrywhetherthedaguerreotypecanbringoutdisagreeabletraitsonaperfectlyamiableface。Buttherecertainlyistruthinwhatyouhavesaid。Mostofmylikenessesdolookunamiable；buttheverysufficientreason，Ifancy，is，becausetheoriginalsareso。ThereisawonderfulinsightinHeaven’sbroadandsimplesunshine。Whilewegiveitcreditonlyfordepictingthemerestsurface，itactuallybringsoutthesecretcharacterwithatruththatnopainterwouldeverventureupon，evencouldhedetectit。Thereis，atleast，noflatteryinmyhumblelineofart。Now，hereisalikenesswhichIhavetakenoverandoveragain，andstillwithnobetterresult。Yettheoriginalwears，tocommoneyes，averydifferentexpression。
Itwouldgratifymetohaveyourjudgmentonthischaracter。\"
Heexhibitedadaguerreotypeminiatureinamoroccocase。
Phoebemerelyglancedatit，andgaveitback。
\"Iknowtheface，\"shereplied；\"foritssterneyehasbeenfollowingmeaboutallday。ItismyPuritanancestor，whohangsyonderintheparlor。Tobesure，youhavefoundsomewayofcopyingtheportraitwithoutitsblackvelvetcapandgraybeard，andhavegivenhimamoderncoatandsatincravat，insteadofhiscloakandband。Idon’tthinkhimimprovedbyyouralterations。\"
\"Youwouldhaveseenotherdifferenceshadyoulookedalittlelonger，\"saidHolgrave，laughing，yetapparentlymuchstruck。
\"Icanassureyouthatthisisamodernface，andonewhichyouwillveryprobablymeet。Now，theremarkablepointis，thattheoriginalwears，totheworld’seye，——and，foraughtIknow，tohismostintimatefriends，——anexceedinglypleasantcountenance，indicativeofbenevolence，opennessofheart，sunnygood-humor，andotherpraiseworthyqualitiesofthatcast。Thesun，asyousee，tellsquiteanotherstory，andwillnotbecoaxedoutofit，afterhalfadozenpatientattemptsonmypart。Herewehavetheman，sly，subtle，hard，imperious，and，withal，coldasice。Lookatthateye！Wouldyouliketobeatitsmercy？Atthatmouth！Coulditeversmile？Andyet，ifyoucouldonlyseethebenignsmileoftheoriginal！ItissomuchtheMoreunfortunate，asheisapubliccharacterofsomeeminence，andthelikenesswasintendedtobeengraved。\"
\"Well，Idon’twishtoseeitanymore，\"observedPhoebe，turningawayhereyes。\"Itiscertainlyveryliketheoldportrait。ButmycousinHepzibahhasanotherpicture，——aminiature。Iftheoriginalisstillintheworld，Ithinkhemightdefythesuntomakehimlooksternandhard。\"
\"Youhaveseenthatpicture，then！\"exclaimedtheartist，withanexpressionofmuchinterest。\"Ineverdid，buthaveagreatcuriositytodoso。Andyoujudgefavorablyoftheface？\"
\"Thereneverwasasweeterone，\"saidPhoebe。\"Itisalmosttoosoftandgentleforaman’s。\"
\"Istherenothingwildintheeye？\"continuedHolgrave，soearnestlythatitembarrassedPhoebe，asdidalsothequietfreedomwithwhichhepresumedontheirsorecentacquaintance。\"Istherenothingdarkorsinisteranywhere？Couldyounotconceivetheoriginaltohavebeenguiltyofagreatcrime？\"
\"Itisnonsense，\"saidPhoebealittleimpatiently，\"forustotalkaboutapicturewhichyouhaveneverseen。Youmistakeitforsomeother。Acrime，indeed！SinceyouareafriendofmycousinHepzibah’s，youshouldaskhertoshowyouthepicture。\"
\"Itwillsuitmypurposestillbettertoseetheoriginal，\"repliedthedaguerreotypistcoolly。\"Astohischaracter，weneednotdiscussitspoints；theyhavealreadybeensettledbyacompetenttribunal，oronewhichcalleditselfcompetent。But，stay！Donotgoyet，ifyouplease！Ihaveapropositiontomakeyou。\"
Phoebewasonthepointofretreating，butturnedback，withsomehesitation；forshedidnotexactlycomprehendhismanner，although，onbetterobservation，itsfeatureseemedrathertobelackofceremonythananyapproachtooffensiverudeness。Therewasanoddkindofauthority，too，inwhathenowproceededtosay，ratherasifthegardenwerehisownthanaplacetowhichhewasadmittedmerelybyHepzibah’scourtesy。
\"Ifagreeabletoyou，\"heobserved，\"itwouldgivemepleasuretoturnovertheseflowers，andthoseancientandrespectablefowls，toyourcare。Comingfreshfromcountryairandoccupations，youwillsoonfeeltheneedofsomesuchout-of-dooremployment。
Myownspheredoesnotsomuchlieamongflowers。Youcantrimandtendthem，therefore，asyouplease；andIwillaskonlytheleasttrifleofablossom，nowandthen，inexchangeforallthegood，honestkitchenvegetableswithwhichIproposetoenrichMissHepzibah’stable。Sowewillbefellow-laborers，somewhatonthecommunitysystem。\"
Silently，andrathersurprisedatherowncompliance，Phoebeaccordinglybetookherselftoweedingaflower-bed，butbusiedherselfstillmorewithcogitationsrespectingthisyoungman，withwhomshesounexpectedlyfoundherselfontermsapproachingtofamiliarity。Shedidnotaltogetherlikehim。Hischaracterperplexedthelittlecountry-girl，asitmightamorepractisedobserver；for，whilethetoneofhisconversationhadgenerallybeenplayful，theimpressionleftonhermindwasthatofgravity，and，exceptashisyouthmodifiedit，almoststernness。Sherebelled，asitwere，againstacertainmagneticelementintheartist’snature，whichheexercisedtowardsher，possiblywithoutbeingconsciousofit。
Afteralittlewhile，thetwilight，deepenedbytheshadowsofthefruit-treesandthesurroundingbuildings，threwanobscurityoverthegarden。
\"There，\"saidHolgrave，\"itistimetogiveoverwork！Thatlaststrokeofthehoehascutoffabeanstalk。Good-night，MissPhoebePyncheon！Anybrightday，ifyouwillputoneofthoserosebudsinyourhair，andcometomyroomsinCentralStreet，Iwillseizethepurestrayofsunshine，andmakeapictureofthefloweranditswearer。\"Heretiredtowardshisownsolitarygable，butturnedhishead，onreachingthedoor，andcalledtoPhoebe，withatonewhichcertainlyhadlaughterinit，yetwhichseemedtobemorethanhalfinearnest。
\"BecarefulnottodrinkatMaule’swell！\"saidhe。\"Neitherdrinknorbatheyourfaceinit！\"
\"Maule’swell！\"answeredPhoebe。\"Isthatitwiththerimofmossystones？Ihavenothoughtofdrinkingthere，——butwhynot？\"
\"Oh，\"rejoinedthedaguerreotypist，\"because，likeanoldlady’scupoftea，itiswaterbewitched！\"
Hevanished；andPhoebe，lingeringamoment，sawaglimmeringlight，andthenthesteadybeamofalamp，inachamberofthegable。OnreturningintoHepzibah’sapartmentofthehouse，shefoundthelow-studdedparlorsodimandduskythathereyescouldnotpenetratetheinterior。Shewasindistinctlyaware，however，thatthegauntfigureoftheoldgentlewomanwassittinginoneofthestraight-backedchairs，alittlewithdrawnfromthewindow，thefaintgleamofwhichshowedtheblanchedpalenessofhercheek，turnedsidewaystowardsacorner。
\"ShallIlightalamp，CousinHepzibah？\"sheasked。
\"Do，ifyouplease，mydearchild，\"answeredHepzibah。\"Butputitonthetableinthecornerofthepassage。Myeyesareweak；
andIcanseldombearthelamplightonthem。\"
Whataninstrumentisthehumanvoice！Howwonderfullyresponsivetoeveryemotionofthehumansoul！InHepzibah’stone，atthatmoment，therewasacertainrichdepthandmoisture，asifthewords，commonplaceastheywere，hadbeensteepedinthewarmthofherheart。Again，whilelightingthelampinthekitchen，Phoebefanciedthathercousinspoketoher。
\"Inamoment，cousin！\"answeredthegirl。\"Thesematchesjustglimmer，andgoout。\"
But，insteadofaresponsefromHepzibah，sheseemedtohearthemurmurofanunknownvoice。Itwasstrangelyindistinct，however，andlesslikearticulatewordsthananunshapedsound，suchaswouldbetheutteranceoffeelingandsympathy，ratherthanoftheintellect。
Sovaguewasit，thatitsimpressionorechoinPhoebe’smindwasthatofunreality。Sheconcludedthatshemusthavemistakensomeothersoundforthatofthehumanvoice；orelsethatitwasaltogetherinherfancy。
Shesetthelightedlampinthepassage，andagainenteredtheparlor。Hepzibah’sform，thoughitssableoutlinemingledwiththedusk，wasnowlessimperfectlyvisible。Intheremoterpartsoftheroom，however，itswallsbeingsoilladaptedtoreflectlight，therewasnearlythesameobscurityasbefore。
\"Cousin，\"saidPhoebe，\"didyouspeaktomejustnow？\"
\"No，child！\"repliedHepzibah。
Fewerwordsthanbefore，butwiththesamemysteriousmusicinthem！Mellow，melancholy，yetnotmournful，thetoneseemedtogushupoutofthedeepwellofHepzibah’sheart，allsteepedinitsprofoundestemotion。Therewasatremorinit，too，that——asallstrongfeelingiselectric——partlycommunicateditselftoPhoebe。Thegirlsatsilentlyforamoment。Butsoon，hersensesbeingveryacute，shebecameconsciousofanirregularrespirationinanobscurecorneroftheroom。Herphysicalorganization，moreover，beingatoncedelicateandhealthy，gaveheraperception，operatingwithalmosttheeffectofaspiritualmedium，thatsomebodywasnearathand。
\"Mydearcousin，\"askedshe，overcominganindefinablereluctance，\"istherenotsomeoneintheroomwithus？\"
\"Phoebe，mydearlittlegirl，\"saidHepzibah，afteramoment’spause，\"youwereupbetimes，andhavebeenbusyallday。Praygotobed；forIamsureyoumustneedrest。Iwillsitintheparlorawhile，andcollectmythoughts。Ithasbeenmycustomformoreyears，child，thanyouhavelived！\"Whilethusdismissingher，themaidenladysteptforward，kissedPhoebe，andpressedhertoherheart，whichbeatagainstthegirl’sbosomwithastrong，high，andtumultuousswell。Howcametheretobesomuchloveinthisdesolateoldheart，thatitcouldaffordtowelloverthusabundantly？
\"Goodnight，cousin，\"saidPhoebe，strangelyaffectedbyHepzibah’smanner。\"Ifyoubegintoloveme，Iamglad！\"
Sheretiredtoherchamber，butdidnotsoonfallasleep，northenveryprofoundly。Atsomeuncertainperiodinthedepthsofnight，and，asitwere，throughthethinveilofadream，shewasconsciousofafootstepmountingthestairsheavily，butnotwithforceanddecision。ThevoiceofHepzibah，withahushthroughit，wasgoingupalongwiththefootsteps；and，again，responsivetohercousin’svoice，Phoebeheardthatstrange，vaguemurmur，whichmightbelikenedtoanindistinctshadowofhumanutterance。
VIITheGuestWHENPhoebeawoke，——whichshedidwiththeearlytwitteringoftheconjugalcoupleofrobinsinthepear-tree，——sheheardmovementsbelowstairs，and，hasteningdown，foundHepzibahalreadyinthekitchen。Shestoodbyawindow，holdingabookinclosecontiguitytohernose，asifwiththehopeofgaininganolfactoryacquaintancewithitscontents，sinceherimperfectvisionmadeitnotveryeasytoreadthem。Ifanyvolumecouldhavemanifesteditsessentialwisdominthemodesuggested，itwouldcertainlyhavebeentheonenowinHepzibah’shand；
andthekitchen，insuchanevent，wouldforthwithhavestreamedwiththefragranceofvenison，turkeys，capons，lardedpartridges，puddings，cakes，andChristmaspies，inallmannerofelaboratemixtureandconcoction。Itwasacookerybook，fullofinnumerableoldfashionsofEnglishdishes，andillustratedwithengravings，whichrepresentedthearrangementsofthetableatsuchbanquetsasitmighthavebefittedanoblemantogiveinthegreathallofhiscastle。And，amidtheserichandpotentdevicesoftheculinaryartnotoneofwhich，probably，hadbeentested，withinthememoryofanyman’sgrandfather，poorHepzibahwasseekingforsomenimblelittletitbit，which，withwhatskillshehad，andsuchmaterialsaswereathand，shemighttossupforbreakfast。
Soon，withadeepsigh，sheputasidethesavoryvolume，andinquiredofPhoebewhetheroldSpeckle，asshecalledoneofthehens，hadlaidaneggtheprecedingday。Phoeberantosee，butreturnedwithouttheexpectedtreasureinherhand。Atthatinstant，however，theblastofafish-dealer’sconchwasheard，announcinghisapproachalongthestreet。Withenergeticrapsattheshop-window，Hepzibahsummonedthemanin，andmadepurchaseofwhathewarrantedasthefinestmackerelinhiscart，andasfataoneaseverhefeltwithhisfingersoearlyintheseason。
RequestingPhoebetoroastsomecoffee，——whichshecasuallyobservedwastherealMocha，andsolongkeptthateachofthesmallberriesoughttobeworthitsweightingold，——themaidenladyheapedfuelintothevastreceptacleoftheancientfireplaceinsuchquantityassoontodrivethelingeringduskoutofthekitchen。Thecountry-girl，willingtogiveherutmostassistance，proposedtomakeanIndiancake，afterhermother’speculiarmethod，ofeasymanufacture，andwhichshecouldvouchforaspossessingarichness，and，ifrightlyprepared，adelicacy，unequalledbyanyothermodeofbreakfast-cake。
Hepzibahgladlyassenting，thekitchenwassoonthesceneofsavorypreparation。Perchance，amidtheirproperelementofsmoke，whicheddiedforthfromtheill-constructedchimney，theghostsofdepartedcook-maidslookedwonderinglyon，orpeepeddownthegreatbreadthoftheflue，despisingthesimplicityoftheprojectedmeal，yetineffectuallypiningtothrusttheirshadowyhandsintoeachinchoatedish。Thehalf-starvedrats，atanyrate，stolevisiblyoutoftheirhiding-places，andsatontheirhind-legs，snuffingthefumyatmosphere，andwistfullyawaitinganopportunitytonibble。
Hepzibahhadnonaturalturnforcookery，and，tosaythetruth，hadfairlyincurredherpresentmeagrenessbyoftenchoosingtogowithoutherdinnerratherthanbeattendantontherotationofthespit，orebullitionofthepot。Herzealoverthefire，therefore，wasquiteanheroictestofsentiment。Itwastouching，andpositivelyworthyoftearsifPhoebe，theonlyspectator，excepttheratsandghostsaforesaid，hadnotbeenbetteremployedthaninsheddingthem，toseeherrakeoutabedoffreshandglowingcoals，andproceedtobroilthemackerel。Herusuallypalecheekswereallablazewithheatandhurry。Shewatchedthefishwithasmuchtendercareandminutenessofattentionasif，——weknownothowtoexpressitotherwise，——asifherownheartwereonthegridiron，andherimmortalhappinesswereinvolvedinitsbeingdonepreciselytoaturn！
Life，withindoors，hasfewpleasanterprospectsthananeatlyarrangedandwell-provisionedbreakfast-table。Wecometoitfreshly，inthedewyyouthoftheday，andwhenourspiritualandsensualelementsareinbetteraccordthanatalaterperiod；
sothatthematerialdelightsofthemorningmealarecapableofbeingfullyenjoyed，withoutanyverygrievousreproaches，whethergastricorconscientious，foryieldingevenatrifleovermuchtotheanimaldepartmentofournature。Thethoughts，too，thatrunaroundtheringoffamiliarguestshaveapiquancyandmirthfulness，andoftentimesavividtruth，whichmorerarelyfindtheirwayintotheelaborateintercourseofdinner。Hepzibah’ssmallandancienttable，supportedonitsslenderandgracefullegs，andcoveredwithaclothoftherichestdamask，lookedworthytobethesceneandcentreofoneofthecheerfullestofparties。Thevaporofthebroiledfisharoselikeincensefromtheshrineofabarbarianidol，whilethefragranceoftheMochamighthavegratifiedthenostrilsofatutelaryLar，orwhateverpowerhasscopeoveramodernbreakfast-table。
Phoebe’sIndiancakeswerethesweetestofferingofall，——intheirhuebefittingtherusticaltarsoftheinnocentandgoldenage，——or，sobrightlyyellowwerethey，resemblingsomeofthebreadwhichwaschangedtoglisteninggoldwhenMidastriedtoeatit。Thebuttermustnotbeforgotten，——butterwhichPhoebeherselfhadchurned，inherownruralhome，andbroughtittohercousinasapropitiatorygift，——smellingofclover-blossoms，anddiffusingthecharmofpastoralscenerythroughthedark-panelledparlor。Allthis，withthequaintgorgeousnessoftheoldchinacupsandsaucers，andthecrestedspoons，andasilvercream-jugHepzibah’sonlyotherarticleofplate，andshapedliketherudestporringer，setoutaboardatwhichthestateliestofoldColonelPyncheon’sguestsneednothavescornedtotakehisplace。ButthePuritan’sfacescowleddownoutofthepicture，asifnothingonthetablepleasedhisappetite。
Bywayofcontributingwhatgraceshecould，Phoebegatheredsomerosesandafewotherflowers，possessingeitherscentorbeauty，andarrangedtheminaglasspitcher，which，havinglongagolostitshandle，wassomuchthefitterforaflower-vase。
Theearlysunshine——asfreshasthatwhichpeepedintoEve’sbowerwhilesheandAdamsatatbreakfastthere——cametwinklingthroughthebranchesofthepear-tree，andfellquiteacrossthetable。
Allwasnowready。Therewerechairsandplatesforthree。
AchairandplateforHepzibah，——thesameforPhoebe，——butwhatotherguestdidhercousinlookfor？
ThroughoutthispreparationtherehadbeenaconstanttremorinHepzibah’sframe；anagitationsopowerfulthatPhoebecouldseethequiveringofhergauntshadow，asthrownbythefirelightonthekitchenwall，orbythesunshineontheparlorfloor。Itsmanifestationsweresovarious，andagreedsolittlewithoneanother，thatthegirlknewnotwhattomakeofit。Sometimesitseemedanecstasyofdelightandhappiness。Atsuchmoments，Hepzibahwouldflingoutherarms，andinfoldPhoebeinthem，andkisshercheekastenderlyaseverhermotherhad；sheappearedtodosobyaninevitableimpulse，andasifherbosomwereoppressedwithtenderness，ofwhichshemustneedspouroutalittle，inordertogainbreathing-room。Thenextmoment，withoutanyvisiblecauseforthechange，herunwontedjoyshrankback，appalled，asitwere，andclotheditselfinmourning；
oritranandhiditself，sotospeak，inthedungeonofherheart，whereithadlonglainchained，whileacold，spectralsorrowtooktheplaceoftheimprisonedjoy，thatwasafraidtobeenfranchised，——asorrowasblackasthatwasbright。Sheoftenbrokeintoalittle，nervous，hystericlaugh，moretouchingthananytearscouldbe；
andforthwith，asiftotrywhichwasthemosttouching，agushoftearswouldfollow；orperhapsthelaughterandtearscamebothatonce，andsurroundedourpoorHepzibah，inamoralsense，withakindofpale，dimrainbow。TowardsPhoebe，aswehavesaid，shewasaffectionate，——fartendererthaneverbefore，intheirbriefacquaintance，exceptforthatonekissontheprecedingnight，——yetwithaContinuallyrecurringpettishnessandirritability。Shewouldspeaksharplytoher；
then，throwingasideallthestarchedreserveofherordinarymanner，askpardon，andthenextinstantrenewthejust-forgiveninjury。
Atlast，whentheirmutuallaborwasallfinished，shetookPhoebe’shandinherowntremblingone。
\"Bearwithme，mydearchild，\"shecried；\"fortrulymyheartisfulltothebrim！Bearwithme；forIloveyou，Phoebe，thoughIspeaksoroughly。Thinknothingofit，dearestchild！Byandby，Ishallbekind，andonlykind！\"
\"Mydearestcousin，cannotyoutellmewhathashappened？\"askedPhoebe，withasunnyandtearfulsympathy。\"Whatisitthatmovesyouso？\"
\"Hush！hush！Heiscoming！\"whisperedHepzibah，hastilywipinghereyes。\"Lethimseeyoufirst，Phoebe；foryouareyoungandrosy，andcannothelplettingasmilebreakoutwhetherorno。Healwayslikedbrightfaces！Andmineisoldnow，andthetearsarehardlydryonit。Henevercouldabidetears。There；drawthecurtainalittle，sothattheshadowmayfallacrosshissideofthetable！Butlettherebeagooddealofsunshine，too；forheneverwasfondofgloom，assomepeopleare。Hehashadbutlittlesunshineinhislife，——poorClifford，——and，oh，whatablackshadow。Poor，poorClifford！\"
Thusmurmuringinanundertone，asifspeakingrathertoherownheartthantoPhoebe，theoldgentlewomansteppedontiptoeabouttheroom，makingsucharrangementsassuggestedthemselvesatthecrisis。
Meanwhiletherewasastepinthepassage-way，abovestairs。
Phoeberecognizeditasthesamewhichhadpassedupward，asthroughherdream，inthenight-time。Theapproachingguest，whoeveritmightbe，appearedtopauseattheheadofthestaircase；
hepausedtwiceorthriceinthedescent；hepausedagainatthefoot。
Eachtime，thedelayseemedtobewithoutpurpose，butratherfromaforgetfulnessofthepurposewhichhadsethiminmotion，orasiftheperson’sfeetcameinvoluntarilytoastand-stillbecausethemotive-powerwastoofeebletosustainhisprogress。Finally，hemadealongpauseatthethresholdoftheparlor。Hetookholdoftheknobofthedoor；thenloosenedhisgraspwithoutopeningit。
Hepzibah，herhandsconvulsivelyclasped，stoodgazingattheentrance。
\"DearCousinHepzibah，praydon’tlookso！\"saidPhoebe，trembling；
forhercousin’semotion，andthismysteriouslyreluctantstep，madeherfeelasifaghostwerecomingintotheroom。\"Youreallyfrightenme！Issomethingawfulgoingtohappen？\"
\"Hush！\"whisperedHepzibah。\"Becheerful！whatevermayhappen，benothingbutcheerful！\"
Thefinalpauseatthethresholdprovedsolong，thatHepzibah，unabletoendurethesuspense，rushedforward，threwopenthedoor，andledinthestrangerbythehand。Atthefirstglance，Phoebesawanelderlypersonage，inanold-fashioneddressing-gownoffadeddamask，andwearinghisgrayoralmostwhitehairofanunusuallength。Itquiteovershadowedhisforehead，exceptwhenhethrustitback，andstaredvaguelyabouttheroom。Afteraverybriefinspectionofhisface，itwaseasytoconceivethathisfootstepmustnecessarilybesuchanoneasthatwhich，slowlyandwithasindefiniteanaimasachild’sfirstjourneyacrossafloor，hadjustbroughthimhitherward。Yettherewerenotokensthathisphysicalstrengthmightnothavesufficedforafreeanddeterminedgait。Itwasthespiritofthemanthatcouldnotwalk。Theexpressionofhiscountenance——while，notwithstandingithadthelightofreasoninit——seemedtowaver，andglimmer，andnearlytodieaway，andfeeblytorecoveritselfagain。Itwaslikeaflamewhichweseetwinklingamonghalf-extinguishedembers；wegazeatitmoreintentlythanifitwereapositiveblaze，gushingvividlyupward，——moreintently，butwithacertainimpatience，asifitoughteithertokindleitselfintosatisfactorysplendor，orbeatonceextinguished。
Foraninstantafterenteringtheroom，thegueststoodstill，retainingHepzibah’shandinstinctively，asachilddoesthatofthegrownpersonwhoguidesit。HesawPhoebe，however，andcaughtanilluminationfromheryouthfulandpleasantaspect，which，indeed，threwacheerfulnessabouttheparlor，likethecircleofreflectedbrilliancyaroundtheglassvaseofflowersthatwasstandinginthesunshine。Hemadeasalutation，or，tospeaknearerthetruth，anill-defined，abortiveattemptatcurtsy。Imperfectasitwas，however，itconveyedanidea，or，atleast，gaveahint，ofindescribablegrace，suchasnopractisedartofexternalmannerscouldhaveattained。Itwastooslighttoseizeuponattheinstant；yet，asrecollectedafterwards，seemedtotransfigurethewholeman。
\"DearClifford，\"saidHepzibah，inthetonewithwhichonesoothesawaywardinfant，\"thisisourcousinPhoebe，——littlePhoebePyncheon，——Arthur’sonlychild，youknow。Shehascomefromthecountrytostaywithusawhile；forouroldhousehasgrowntobeverylonelynow。\"
\"Phoebe——PhoebePyncheon？——Phoebe？\"repeatedtheguest，withastrange，sluggish，ill-definedutterance。\"Arthur’schild！Ah，Iforget！Nomatter。Sheisverywelcome！\"
\"Come，dearClifford，takethischair，\"saidHepzibah，leadinghimtohisplace。\"Pray，Phoebe，lowerthecurtainaverylittlemore。
Nowletusbeginbreakfast。\"
Theguestseatedhimselfintheplaceassignedhim，andlookedstrangelyaround。Hewasevidentlytryingtograpplewiththepresentscene，andbringithometohismindwithamoresatisfactorydistinctness。Hedesiredtobecertain，atleast，thathewashere，inthelow-studded，cross-beamed，oaken-panelledparlor，andnotinsomeotherspot，whichhadstereotypeditselfintohissenses。Buttheeffortwastoogreattobesustainedwithmorethanafragmentarysuccess。Continually，aswemayexpressit，hefadedawayoutofhisplace；or，inotherwords，hismindandconsciousnesstooktheirdeparture，leavinghiswasted，gray，andmelancholyfigure——asubstantialemptiness，amaterialghost——tooccupyhisseatattable。Again，afterablankmoment，therewouldbeaflickeringtaper-gleaminhiseyeballs。Itbetokenedthathisspiritualparthadreturned，andwasdoingitsbesttokindletheheart’shouseholdfire，andlightupintellectuallampsinthedarkandruinousmansion，whereitwasdoomedtobeaforlorninhabitant。
Atoneofthesemomentsoflesstorpid，yetstillimperfectanimation，Phoebebecameconvincedofwhatshehadatfirstrejectedastooextravagantandstartlinganidea。ShesawthatthepersonbeforehermusthavebeentheoriginalofthebeautifulminiatureinhercousinHepzibah’spossession。Indeed，withafeminineeyeforcostume，shehadatonceidentifiedthedamaskdressing-gown，whichenvelopedhim，asthesameinfigure，material，andfashion，withthatsoelaboratelyrepresentedinthepicture。
Thisold，fadedgarment，withallitspristinebrilliancyextinct，seemed，insomeindescribableway，totranslatethewearer’suntoldmisfortune，andmakeitperceptibletothebeholder’seye。Itwasthebettertobediscerned，bythisexteriortype，howwornandoldwerethesoul’smoreimmediategarments；thatformandcountenance，thebeautyandgraceofwhichhadalmosttranscendedtheskillofthemostexquisiteofartists。Itcouldthemoreadequatelybeknownthatthesoulofthemanmusthavesufferedsomemiserablewrong，fromitsearthlyexperience。Thereheseemedtosit，withadimveilofdecayandruinbetwixthimandtheworld，butthroughwhich，atflittingintervals，mightbecaughtthesameexpression，sorefined，sosoftlyimaginative，whichMalbone——venturingahappytouch，withsuspendedbreath——hadimpartedtotheminiature！Therehadbeensomethingsoinnatelycharacteristicinthislook，thatalltheduskyyears，andtheburdenofunfitcalamitywhichhadfallenuponhim，didnotsufficeutterlytodestroyit。
Hepzibahhadnowpouredoutacupofdeliciouslyfragrantcoffee，andpresentedittoherguest。Ashiseyesmethers，heseemedbewilderedanddisquieted。
\"Isthisyou，Hepzibah？\"hemurmuredsadly。then，moreapart，andperhapsunconsciousthathewasoverheard，\"Howchanged！
howchanged！Andissheangrywithme？Whydoesshebendherbrowso？\"
PoorHepzibah！Itwasthatwretchedscowlwhichtimeandhernear-sightedness，andthefretofinwarddiscomfort，hadrenderedsohabitualthatanyvehemenceofmoodinvariablyevokedit。Butattheindistinctmurmurofhiswordsherwholefacegrewtender，andevenlovely，withsorrowfulaffection；theharshnessofherfeaturesdisappeared，asitwere，behindthewarmandmistyglow。
\"Angry！sherepeated；\"angrywithyou，Clifford！\"
Hertone，assheutteredtheexclamation，hadaplaintiveandreallyexquisitemelodythrillingthroughit，yetwithoutsubduingacertainsomethingwhichanobtuseauditormightstillhavemistakenforasperity。
Itwasasifsometranscendentmusicianshoulddrawasoul-thrillingsweetnessoutofacrackedinstrument，whichmakesitsphysicalimperfectionheardinthemidstofetherealharmony，——sodeepwasthesensibilitythatfoundanorganinHepzibah’svoice！
\"Thereisnothingbutlove，here，Clifford，\"sheadded，——\"nothingbutlove！Youareathome！\"
Theguestrespondedtohertonebyasmile，whichdidnothalflightuphisface。Feebleasitwas，however，andgoneinamoment，ithadacharmofwonderfulbeauty。Itwasfollowedbyacoarserexpression；oronethathadtheeffectofcoarsenessonthefinemouldandoutlineofhiscountenance，becausetherewasnothingintellectualtotemperit。Itwasalookofappetite。
Heatefoodwithwhatmightalmostbetermedvoracity；andseemedtoforgethimself，Hepzibah，theyounggirl，andeverythingelsearoundhim，inthesensualenjoymentwhichthebountifullyspreadtableafforded。Inhisnaturalsystem，thoughhigh-wroughtanddelicatelyrefined，asensibilitytothedelightsofthepalatewasprobablyinherent。Itwouldhavebeenkeptincheck，however，andevenconvertedintoanaccomplishment，andoneofthethousandmodesofintellectualculture，hadhismoreetherealcharacteristicsretainedtheirvigor。Butasitexistednow，theeffectwaspainfulandmadePhoebedroophereyes。
Inalittlewhiletheguestbecamesensibleofthefragranceoftheyetuntastedcoffee。Hequaffediteagerly。Thesubtleessenceactedonhimlikeacharmeddraught，andcausedtheopaquesubstanceofhisanimalbeingtogrowtransparent，or，atleast，translucent；sothataspiritualgleamwastransmittedthroughit，withaclearerlustrethanhitherto。
\"More，more！\"hecried，withnervoushasteinhisutterance，asifanxioustoretainhisgraspofwhatsoughttoescapehim。\"ThisiswhatIneed！Givememore！\"
Underthisdelicateandpowerfulinfluencehesatmoreerect，andlookedoutfromhiseyeswithaglancethattooknoteofwhatitrestedon。Itwasnotsomuchthathisexpressiongrewmoreintellectual；this，thoughithaditsshare，wasnotthemostpeculiareffect。Neitherwaswhatwecallthemoralnaturesoforciblyawakenedastopresentitselfinremarkableprominence。
Butacertainfinetemperofbeingwasnownotbroughtoutinfullrelief，butchangeablyandimperfectlybetrayed，ofwhichitwasthefunctiontodealwithallbeautifulandenjoyablethings。
Inacharacterwhereitshouldexistasthechiefattribute，itwouldbestowonitspossessoranexquisitetaste，andanenviablesusceptibilityofhappiness。Beautywouldbehislife；hisaspirationswouldalltendtowardit；and，allowinghisframeandphysicalorganstobeinconsonance，hisowndevelopmentswouldlikewisebebeautiful。Suchamanshouldhavenothingtodowithsorrow；nothingwithstrife；nothingwiththemartyrdomwhich，inaninfinitevarietyofshapes，awaitsthosewhohavetheheart，andwill，andconscience，tofightabattlewiththeworld。
Totheseheroictempers，suchmartyrdomistherichestmeedintheworld’sgift。Totheindividualbeforeus，itcouldonlybeagrief，intenseindueproportionwiththeseverityoftheinfliction。Hehadnorighttobeamartyr；and，beholdinghimsofittobehappyandsofeebleforallotherpurposes，agenerous，strong，andnoblespiritwould，methinks，havebeenreadytosacrificewhatlittleenjoymentitmighthaveplannedforitself，——itwouldhaveflungdownthehopes，sopaltryinitsregard，——iftherebythewintryblastsofourrudespheremightcometemperedtosuchaman。
Nottospeakitharshlyorscornfully，itseemedClifford’snaturetobeaSybarite。Itwasperceptible，eventhere，inthedarkoldparlor，intheinevitablepolaritywithwhichhiseyeswereattractedtowardsthequiveringplayofsunbeamsthroughtheshadowyfoliage。Itwasseeninhisappreciatingnoticeofthevaseofflowers，thescentofwhichheinhaledwithazestalmostpeculiartoaphysicalorganizationsorefinedthatspiritualingredientsaremouldedinwithit。ItwasbetrayedintheunconscioussmilewithwhichheregardedPhoebe，whosefreshandmaidenlyfigurewasbothsunshineandflowers，——theiressence，inaprettierandmoreagreeablemodeofmanifestation。NotlessevidentwasthisloveandnecessityfortheBeautiful，intheinstinctivecautionwithwhich，evensosoon，hiseyesturnedawayfromhishostess，andwanderedtoanyquarterratherthancomeback。ItwasHepzibah’smisfortune，——notClifford’sfault。
Howcouldhe，——soyellowasshewas，sowrinkled，sosadofmien，withthatodduncouthnessofaturbanonherhead，andthatmostperverseofscowlscontortingherbrow，——howcouldhelovetogazeather？But，didheowehernoaffectionforsomuchasshehadsilentlygiven？Heowedhernothing。AnaturelikeClifford’scancontractnodebtsofthatkind。Itis——wesayitwithoutcensure，norindiminutionoftheclaimwhichitindefeasiblypossessesonbeingsofanothermould——itisalwaysselfishinitsessence；andwemustgiveitleavetobeso，andheapupourheroicanddisinterestedloveuponitsomuchthemore，withoutarecompense。PoorHepzibahknewthistruth，or，atleast，actedontheinstinctofit。SolongestrangedfromwhatwaslovelyasCliffordhadbeen，sherejoiced——rejoiced，thoughwithapresentsigh，andasecretpurposetoshedtearsinherownchamberthathehadbrighterobjectsnowbeforehiseyesthanheragedanduncomelyfeatures。Theyneverpossessedacharm；andiftheyhad，thecankerofhergriefforhimwouldlongsincehavedestroyedit。
Theguestleanedbackinhischair。Mingledinhiscountenancewithadreamydelight，therewasatroubledlookofeffortandunrest。Hewasseekingtomakehimselfmorefullysensibleofthescenearoundhim；or，perhaps，dreadingittobeadream，oraplayofimagination，wasvexingthefairmomentwithastruggleforsomeaddedbrilliancyandmoredurableillusion。
\"Howpleasant！——Howdelightful！\"hemurmured，butnotasifaddressinganyone。\"Willitlast？Howbalmytheatmospherethroughthatopenwindow！Anopenwindow！Howbeautifulthatplayofsunshine！Thoseflowers，howveryfragrant！Thatyounggirl’sface，howcheerful，howblooming！——aflowerwiththedewonit，andsunbeamsinthedew-drops！Ah！thismustbealladream！