\"Simplythis，\"answeredRichard。\"ThatIknewofwhathadhappenedinNewYork，andwhenImethimthismorningIcowhidedhim。Ugh！\"
\"Well，thatwon’tdo，Dick。You’vegottotellallaboutit。Yourmotherwon’tunderstand。\"
\"Thenyouwritewhatyouplease，andreadittome。Itmakesmesicktothinkofit。\"Richardclosedhiseyes，andMarywrote:
\"DEARMOTHERKENTON，——IamsittingbyRichard，writingathisrequest，aboutwhathehasdone。HereceivedaletterfromNewYorktellinghimoftheBittridges’performancesthere，andhowthatwretchhadinsultedandabusedyouall。Heboughtacowhide；
meaningtogoovertoBallardsville，anduseitonhimthere，butB。
cameoverontheAccommodationthismorning，andRichardmethimatthestation。Hedidnotattempttoresist，forRichardtookhimquitebysurprise。Now，MotherKenton，youknowthatRicharddoesn’tapproveofviolence，andthedear，sweetsoulisperfectlybroken-downbywhathehadtodo。Buthehadtodoit，andhewishesyoutoknowat，oncethathedidit。HedreadstheeffectuponEllen，andwemustleaveittoyourjudgmentabouttellingher。
Ofcourse，soonerorlatershemustfinditout。YouneednotbealarmedaboutRichard。Heisjustnauseatedalittle，andhewillbeallrightassoonashisstomachissettled。Hethinksyououghttohavethisletterbeforeyousail，andwithaffectionategood-byestoall，inwhichDickjoins，\"Yourlovingdaughter，\"MaryKENTON。\"
\"There！Willthatdo？\"
\"Yes，thatiseverythingthatcanbesaid，\"answeredRichard，andMarykissedhimgratefullybeforesealingherletter。
\"Iwillputaspecialdeliveryonit，\"shesaid，andherprecautionavailedtohavetheletterdeliveredtoMrs。Kentontheeveningthefamilyleftthehotel，whenitwastoolatetomakeanychangeintheirplans，butintimetogiveherabadnightonthesteamer，inherdoubtwhethersheoughttoletthefamilygo，withthistroublebehindthem。
Butshewouldhavehadabadnightonthesteamerinanycase，withtheheat，andnoise，andsmellofthedocks；andthesteamersailedwithheratsixo’clockthenextmorningwiththedoubtstillopeninhermind。
Thejudgehadnotbeenoftheleastusetoherinhelpingsolveit，andshehadnotbeenabletobringherselftoattackLottieforwritingtoRichard。SheknewitwasLottiewhohadmadethemischief，butshecouldnotbesurethatitwasmischieftillsheknewitseffectuponEllen。
ThegirlhadbeencarriedinthearmsofoneofthestewardsfromthecarriagetoherberthinLottie’sroom，andthereshehadlainthroughthenight，speechlessandsleepless。
IX。
Ellendidnotmoveormanifestanyconsciousnesswhenthesteamerleftherdockandmovedoutintothestream，ortakeanynoteofthetumultthatalwaysattendsagreatliner’sdeparture。Atbreakfast-timehermothercametoherfromoneofthebriefabsencesshemade，inthehopethatateachturnsheshouldfindherinadifferentmood，andaskedifshewouldnothavesomethingtoeat。
\"I’mnothungry，\"sheanswered。\"Whenwillitsail？\"
\"Why，Ellen！Wesailedtwohoursago，andthepilothasjustleftus。\"
Ellenliftedherselfonherelbowandstaredather。\"Andyouletme！\"
shesaid，cruelly。
\"Ellen！Iwillnothavethis！\"criedhermother，franticatthereproach。\"Whatdoyoumeanbymylettingyou？Youknewthatweweregoingtosail，didn’tyou？Whatelsedidyousupposewehadcometothesteamerfor？\"
\"Isupposedyouwouldletmestay，ifIwantedto:Butgoaway，momma，goaway！You’reallagainstme——you，andpoppa，andLottie，andBoyne。Oh，dear！oh，dear！\"Shethrewherselfdowninherberthandcoveredherfacewiththesheet，sobbing，whilehermotherstoodbyinananguishofpityandanger。Shewantedtobeatthegirl，shewantedtothrowherselfuponher，andweepwithherinthemiserywhichshesharedwithher。
Lottiecametothedoorofthestate-roomwithanarm-loadoflong-
stemmedroses，thegiftoftheyoungMr。Plumpton，whohadnothadsomuchtobeentreatedtocomedowntothesteamerandseeheroffasBoynehadpretended。\"Momma，\"shesaid，\"Ihavegottoleavetheserosesinhere，whetherEllenlikesitornot。Boynewon’thavetheminhisroom，becausehesaysthemanthat’swithhimwouldhavearighttoobject；andthisishalfmyroom，anyway。\"
Mrs。Kentonfrownedandshookherhead，butEllenansweredfromunderthesheet，\"Idon’tmindtheroses，Lottie。Iwishyou’dstaywithmealittlewhile。\"
Lottiehesitated，havinginmindthebreakfastforwhichthehornhadjustsounded。Butapparentlyshefeltthatonegoodturndeservedanother，andsheanswered:\"Allright；Iwill，Nell。Momma，youtellBoynetohurry，andcometoEllenassoonashe’sdone，andthenIwillgo。Don’tletanybodytakemyplace。\"
\"Iwish，\"saidEllen，stillfromunderthesheet，\"thatmommawouldhaveyourbreakfastsenthere。Idon’twantBoyne。\"
Womenapparentlydonotrequireanyexplanationoftheseswiftvicissitudesinoneanother，eachknowingprobablyinherselfthenervesfromwhichtheyproceed。Mrs。Kentonpromptlyassented，inspiteofthesulkyreluctancewhichLottie’sblueeyeslookedather；shemotionedherviolentlytosilence，andsaid:\"Yes，Iwill，Ellen。Iwillsendbreakfastforbothofyou。\"
Whenshewasgone，EllenuncoveredherfaceandaskedLottietodipatowelinwaterandgiveittoher。Asshebathedhereyesshesaid，\"Youdon’tcare，doyou，Lottie？\"
\"Notverymuch，\"saidLottie，unsparingly。Icangotolunch，I
suppose。\"
\"MaybeI’llgotolunchwithyou，\"Ellensuggested，asifshewerespeakingofsomeoneelse。
Lottiewastedneithersympathynorsurpriseonthequestion。\"Well，maybethatwouldbethebestthing。Whydon’tyoucometobreakfast？\"
\"No，Iwon’tgotobreakfast。Butyougo。\"
WhenLottiejoinedherfamilyinthedining-saloonshecarelesslyexplainedthatEllenhadsaidshewantedtobealone。Beforetheyoungman，whowastheonlyotherpersonbesidestheKentonsattheirtable，hermothercouldnotquestionherwithanyhopethatthebadwouldnotbemadeworse，andsosheremainedsilent。JudgeKentonsatwithhiseyesfixedonhisplate，whereasyetthestewardhadputnobreakfastforhim；Boynewassupportingthedignityofthefamilyinoneofthosemomentsofmajestyfromwhichhewassoapttolapseintochildishdependence。Lottieofferedhimanotheralternativebyabsentlylayingholdofhisnapkinonthetable。
\"That’smine，\"hesaid，withhuskygloom。
Shetosseditbacktohimwithpromptdisdainandadeeplyeye-lashedglanceatanapkinonherright。Theyoungmanwhosatnextitsaid，withasmile，\"Perhapsthat’syours-unlessI’vetakenmyneighbor’s。\"
Lottiegavehimastare，andwhenshehadsufficientlypunishedhimforhistemeritysaid，rathersweetly，\"Oh，thankyou，\"andtookthenapkin。
\"Ihopeweshallallhaveuseforthembeforelong，\"theyoungmanventuredagain。
\"Well，Ishouldthinkasmuch，\"returnedthegirl，andthiswasthebeginningofaconversationwhichtheyoungmansharedsuccessivelywiththejudgeandMrs。Kentonasopportunityoffered。Hegavethejudgehiscardacrossthetable，andwhenthejudgehadreadonit，\"Rev。HughBreckon，\"hesaidthathisnamewasKenton，andheintroducedtheyoungmanformallytohisfamily。Mr。Breckonhadaclean-shavenface，withanhabitualsmilecurvingintothecheeksfromunderalong，straightnose；
hischinhadaslightwhopper-jawtwistthatwascharming；hisgayeyeswereblue，andafullveincamedownhisforeheadbetweenthemfromhissmoothhair。Whenhelaughed，whichwasoften，hiscolorbrightened。
Boynewasnamedlast，andthenMr。Breckonsaid，withasmilethatshowedallhiswhiteteeth，\"Ohyes，Mr。BoyneandIarefriendsalready——eversincewefoundourselvesroom-mates，\"andbutforus，asLottieafterwardsnoted，theymightneverhaveknownBoynewasroomingwithhim，andcouldeasilyhavemadeallsortsofinsultingremarksaboutMr。
Breckonintheirignorance。
ThepossibilityseemedtodelightMr。Breckon；heinvitedhertomakealltheinsultingremarksshecouldthinkof，anyway，andprofessedhimselfaloser，sofarasherrealopinionwaswithheldfromhimbyreasonofhisrashnessingivingthefactsaway。Intheelectricalprogressoftheiracquaintanceshehadbegunwalkingupanddownthepromenadewithhimaftertheycameupfrombreakfast；hermotherhadgonetoEllen；thejudgehadbeenmadecomfortableinhissteamer-chair，andBoynehadbeensentabouthisbusiness。
\"Iwilltrytothinksomeup，\"shepromisedhim，\"assoonasIHAVEanyrealopinionofyou，\"andheaskedherifhemightconsiderthatabeginning。
Shelookedathimoutofherindomitableblueeyes，andsaid，\"Ifithadn’tbeenforyourcard，andtheReverendonit，Ishouldhavesaidyouwereanactor。\"
\"Well，well，\"saidMr。Breckon，withalaugh，perhapsIam，inaway。
Ioughtn’ttobe，ofcourse，butifaministereverforceshimself，I
supposehe’sacting。\"
\"Idon’tsee，\"saidLottie，instantlyavailingherselfoftheopening，\"howyoucangetupandpray，SundayafterSunday，whetheryoufeellikeitornot。\"
Theyoungmansaid，withanotherlaugh，butnotsogay，\"Well，thecasehasitsdifficulties。\"
\"Orperhapsyoujustreadprayers，\"Lottiesharplyconjectured。
\"No，\"hereturned，\"Ihaven’tthatadvantage——ifyouthinkitone。
I’masortofaUnitarian。Veryadvanced，too，I’mafraid。\"
\"IsthatakindofUniversalist？\"
\"Not——notexactly。There’sanoldjoke——I’mnotsureit’sverygood——
whichdistinguishesbetweenthesects。It’ssaidthattheUniversaliststhinkGodistoogoodtodamnthem，andtheUnitariansthinktheyaretoogoodtobedamned。\"Lottieshrankalittlefromhim。\"Ah！\"hecried，\"youthinkitsoundswicked。Well，I’msorry。I’mnotclericalenoughtojokeaboutseriousthings。\"
Helookedintoherfacewithapretendedanxiety。\"Oh，Idon’tknow，\"
shesaid，withalittlescorn。\"Iguessifyoucanstandit，Ican。\"
\"I’mnotsurethatIcan。I’mafraidit’smoreinkeepingwithanactor’sprofessionthanmyown。Why，\"headded，asiftomakeadiversion，\"shouldyouhavethoughtIwasanactor？\"
\"Isupposebecauseyouwereclean-shaved；andyourpronunciation。SoEnglishy。\"
\"Isit？PerhapsIoughttobeproud。ButI’mnotanEnglishman。IamaplainrepublicanAmerican。MayIaskifyouareEnglish？\"
\"Oh！\"saidLottie。\"Asifyouthoughtsuchathing。We’refromOhio。\"
Mr。Breckonsaid，\"Ah！\"Lottiecouldnotmakeoutinjustwhatsense。
Bythistimetheywereleaningontherailofthepromenade，lookingoveratwhatlittlewasleftofLongIsland，andshesaid，abruptly:\"IthinkIwillgoandseehowmyfatherisgettingalong。\"
\"Oh，dotakemewithyou，MissKenton！\"Mr:Breckonentreated。\"Iamfeelingverybadlyaboutthatpooroldjoke。Iknowyoudon’tthinkwellofmeforit，andIwishtoreportwhatI’vebeensayingtoyourfather，andlethimjudgeme。I’veheardthatit’shardtoliveuptoOhiopeoplewhenyou’reatyourbest，andIdohopeyou’llbelieveIhavenotbeenquiteatmybest。Willyouletmecomewithyou？\"
Lottiedidnotknowwhetherhewasmakingfunofherornot，butshesaid，\"Oh，it’safreecountry，\"andallowedhimtogowithher。
Hisprefacemadethejudgelookrathergrave；butwhenhecametothejoke，Kentonlaughedandsaiditwasnotbad。
\"Oh，butthatisn’tquitethepoint，\"saidMr。Breckon。\"ThequestioniswhetherIamgoodinrepeatingittoayoungladywhowasseekingseriousinstructiononapointoftheology。\"
\"Idon’tknowwhatshewouldhavedonewiththeinstructionifshehadgotit，\"saidthejudge，dryly，andtheyoungmanventuredinherbehalf:
\"Itwouldbedifficultforanyonetomanage，perhaps。\"
\"Perhaps，\"Kentonassented，andLottiecouldseethathewasthinkingEllenwouldknowwhattodowithit。
Sheresentedthat，andshewasintheoffencethatgirlsfeelwhentheireldersmakethemthesubjectofcommentwiththeircontemporaries。
\"Well，I’llleaveyoutodiscussitalone。I’mgoingtoEllen，\"shesaid，theyoungmanvainlyfollowingherafewpaces，withapologeticgurglesoflaughter。
\"That’sright，\"herfatherconsented，andthenheseizedtheopeningtospeakaboutEllen。\"Myeldestdaughterissomethingofaninvalid，butI
hopeweshallhaveherondeckbeforethevoyageisover。Sheismoreinterestedinthosemattersthanhersister。\"
\"Oh！\"Mr。Breckoninterpolated，inanoteofsympatheticinterest。Hecouldnotwelldomore。
ItwasenoughforJudgeKenton，wholaunchedhimselfuponthecelebrationofEllen’sgiftsandqualitieswithasimple-heartedeagernesswhichheafterwardsdeniedwhenhiswifeaccusedhimofit，butjustifiedaswhollysafeinviewofMr。Breckon’scallingandhisobviousdelicacyofmind。Itwassomethingthatsuchapersonwouldunderstand，andKentonwassurethathehadnotundulypraisedthegirl。Alessbesottedparentmighthavesuspectedthathehadnotdeeplyinterestedhislistener，whoseemedgladofthediversionoperatedbyBoyne’scomingtogrowluponhisfather，\"Mother’sbringingEllenup。\"
\"Oh，then，Imustn’tkeepyourchair，\"saidtheminister，andherosepromptlyfromtheplacehehadtakenbesidethejudge，andgothimselfawaytotheothersideoftheshipbeforethejudgecouldframeafittingrequestforhimtostay。
\"Ifyouhad，\"Mrs。Kentondeclared，whenheregrettedthistoher，\"Idon’tknowwhatIwouldhavedone。It’sbadenoughforhimtohearyoubraggingaboutthechildwithoutbeingkepttohelptakecareofher，orkeepheramused，asyoucallit。IwillseethatElleniskeptamusedwithoutcallinguponstrangers。\"SheintimatedthatifKentondidnotactwithmoreself-restraintsheshoulddolittlelessthantakeEllenashore，andabandonhimtothevoyagealone。UndertheintimidationhepromisednottospeakofEllenagain。
Atluncheon，whereMr。BreckonagaindevotedhimselftoLottie，heandEllenviedinignoringeachotheraftertheirintroduction，asfaraswordswent。Thegirlsmiledonceortwiceatwhathewassayingtohersister，andhisglancekindledwhenitdetectedhersmile。Hemightbesupposedtospareherhisconversationinherowninterest，shelookedsolittleabletocopewiththeexigenciesofthetalkhekeptgoing。
Whenheaddressedhersheansweredasifshehadnotbeenlistening，andheturnedbacktoLottie。Afterluncheonhewalkedwithher，andtheiracquaintancemadesuchaswiftadvancethatshewasabletoaskhimifhelaughedthatwaywitheverybody。
Helaughed，andthenhebeggedherpardonifhehadbeenrude。
\"Well，Idon’tseewhatthereistolaughatsomuch。WhenyouaskmeathingItellyoujustwhatIthink，anditseemstosetyouoffinaperfectgale。Don’tyouexpectpeopletosaywhattheythink？\"
\"Ithinkit’sbeautiful，\"saidtheyoungman，goingintothegale，andI’vegottoexpectingitofyou，atanyrate。But——butit’salwayssosurprising！Itisn’twhatyouexpectofpeoplegenerally，isit？\"
\"Idon’texpectitofyou，\"saidLottie。
\"No？\"askedMr。Breckon，inanothergale。\"AmIsouncandid？\"
\"Idon’tknowaboutuncandid。ButIshouldsayyouwereslippery。\"
Atthisextraordinarycriticismtheyoungmanlookedgraverthanhehadyetbeenabletodosincethebeginningoftheiracquaintance。Hesaid，presently，\"Iwishyouwouldexplainwhatyoumeanbyslippery。\"
\"You’reascloseasatrap！\"
\"Really？\"
\"Itmakesmetired。\"
\"Ifyou’renottootirednowIwishyouwouldsayhow。\"
\"Oh，youunderstandwellenough。You’vegotmetosaywhatIthinkaboutallsortsofthings，andyouhaven’texpressedyouropiniononasingle，solitarypoint？\"
Lottielookedfiercelyouttosea，turningherfacesoastokeephimfrompeeringaroundintoitinthewayhehad。Forthatreason，perhaps，hedidnottrytodoso。Heanswered，seriously:\"Ibelieveyouarepartlyright。I’mafraidIhaven’tseemedquitefair。Couldn’tyouattributemyclosenesstosomethingbesidesmyslipperiness？\"Hebegantolaughagain。\"Can’tyouimaginemybeinginterestedinyouropinionssomuchmorethanmyownthatIdidn’tcaretoexpressmine？\"
Lottiesaid，impatiently，\"Oh，pshaw！\"Shehadhesitatedwhethertosay，\"Rats！\"
\"Butnow，\"hepursued，\"ifyouwillsuggestsomepointonwhichIcangiveyouanopinion，Ipromisesolemnlytodoso，\"buthewasnotverysolemnashespoke。
\"Well，then，Iwill，\"shesaid。\"Don’tyonthinkit’sverystrange，tosaytheleast，foraministertobealwayslaughingsomuch？\"
Mr。Breckongaveapealofdelight，andanswered，\"Yes，Icertainlydo。\"
Hecontrolledhimselfsofarastosay:\"NowIthinkI’vebeenprettyopenwithyou，andIwishyou’danswermeaquestion。Willyou？\"
\"Well，Iwill——one，\"saidLottie。
\"Itmaybetwoorthree；butI’llbeginwithone。Whydoyouthinkaministeroughttobemoreseriousthanothermen？\"
\"Why？Well，Ishouldthinkyou’dknow。Youwouldn’tlaughatafuneral，wouldyou？\"
\"I’vebeenatsomefuneralswhereitwouldhavebeenarelieftolaugh，andI’vewantedtocryatsomeweddings。Butyouthinkitwouldn’tdo？\"
\"Ofcourseitwouldn’t。Ishouldthinkyou’dknowasmuchasthat，\"saidLottie，outofpatiencewithhim。
\"Butaministerisn’talwaysmarryingorburyingpeople；andinthe，intervals，whyshouldn’thebesettingthemanexampleofharmlesscheerfulness？\"
\"Heoughttobethinkingmoreabouttheotherworld，Ishouldsay。\"
\"Well，ifhebelievesthereisanotherworld——\"
\"Why！Don’tyou？\"shebrokeoutonhim。
Mr。Breckonruledhimselfandcontinued——\"asstrenuouslyandunquestionablyasheought，hehasgreaterreasonthanothermenforgayetythroughhisfaithinahappierstateofbeingthanthis。That’soneofthereasonsIuseagainstmyselfwhenIthinkofleavingofflaughing。Now，MissKenton，\"heconcluded，\"forsuchacloseandslipperynature，IthinkI’vebeenprettyfrank，\"andhelookedroundanddownintoherfacewithaburstoflaughterthatcouldbeheardantheothersideoftheship。Herefusedtotakeupanyserioustopicafterthat，andhereturnedtohisformeramusementofmakinghergiveherselfaway。
ThatnightLottiecametoherroomwithanexpressionsodecisiveinherfacethatEllen，followingitwithvague，darkeyesasitshoweditselfintheglassatwhichhersisterstoodtakingoutthefirstdismantlinghairpinsbeforegoingtobed，couldnotfailofsomethingportentousinit。
\"Well，\"saidLottie，withseverefinality，\"Ihaven’tgotanyuseforTHATyoungmanfromthistimeout。Ofallthetiresomepeople，hecertainlytakesthecake。Youcanhavehim，Ellen，ifyouwanthim。\"
\"What’sthematterwithhim？\"askedEllen，withavoiceinsympathywiththeslowmovementofherlargeeyesasshelayinherberth，staringatLottie。
\"There’severythingthematter，thatoughtn’ttobe。He’stootrivialforanything:Ilikeamanthat’sseriousaboutonethingintheuniverse，atleast，andthat’sjustwhatMr。Breckonisn’t。\"Shewentatsuchlengthintohisdisabilitiesthatbythetimeshereturnedtotheclimaxwithwhichshestartedshewasreadytoclamberintotheupperberth；andasshesnappedtheelectricbuttonatitsheadsherepeated，\"He’strivial。\"
\"Isn’titgettingrough？\"askedEllen。\"Theshipseemstobetipping。\"
\"Yes，itis，\"saidLottie，crossly。\"Good-night。\"
IftheRev。Mr。BreckonwasmakinganearlybreakfastinthehopeofsoonermeetingLottie，whohaddismissedhimthenightbeforewithoutencouraginghimtobelievethatshewishedevertoseehimagain，hewasdestinedtodisappointment。Thedeputationsenttobreakfastbytheparadoxicalfamilywhoseacquaintancehehadmadeontermsofeachforbiddingintimacy，didnotincludethegirlwhohadfranklyprovokedhisconfidenceandseverelysnubbedit。Hehadleftherbrotherverysea-sickintheirstate-room，andhermotherwasreportedbyherfathertobefeelingthemotiontoomuchtoventureout。Thejudgewas，infact，theonlypersonattablewhenBreckonsatdown；butwhenhehadaccountedforhiswife’sabsence，andconfessedthathedidnotbelieveeitherofhisdaughterswascoming，Ellengainsaidhimbyappearingandadvancingquitesteadilyalongthesaloontotheplacebesidehim。Ithadnotgonesofarasthisinthejudge’sexperienceofaneuroticinvalidwithouthislearningtoaskhernoquestionsaboutherself。Hehadalwaysahardtaskinrefraining，buthehadgrownabletorefrain，andnowhemerelylookedunobtrusivelygladtoseeher，andaskedherwhereLottiewas。
\"Oh，shedoesn’twantanybreakfast，shesays。Ismommasick，too？
Where’sBoyne？\"
Thejudgereportedastohermother，andMr。Breckon，aftertheexchangeofasilentsalutationwiththegirl，hadagleefulmomentindescribingBoyne’srevoltatthesteward’snotionofgruel。\"I’mgladtoseeyousowell，MissKenton，\"heconcluded。
\"IsupposeIwillbesick，too，ifitgetsrougher，\"shesaid，andsheturnedfromhimtogivearathercompendiousordertothetablesteward。
\"Well，you’vegotanappetite，Ellen，\"herfatherventured。
\"Idon’tbelieveIwilleatanything，\"shecheckedhim，withafallingface。
Breckoncametotheaidofthejudge。\"Ifyou’renotsicknow，I
prophesyyouwon’tbe，MissKenton。Itcan’tgetmuchrougher，withoutdoingsomethinguncommon。\"
\"Isitastorm？\"sheasked，indifferently。
\"It’swhattheycallhalfagale，Ibelieve。Idon’tknowhowtheymeasureit。\"
Shesmiledwarilyinresponsetohislaugh，andsaidtoherfather，\"Areyougoingupafterbreakfast，poppa？\"
\"Why，ifyouwanttogo，Ellen——\"
\"Oh，Iwasn’taskingforthat；IamgoingbacktoLottie。ButIshouldthinkyouwouldliketheair。Won’titdoyougood？\"
\"I’mallright，\"saidthejudge，cheeredbyhershowofconcernforsomeoneelse。\"Isupposeit’sratherwetondeck？\"hereferredhimselftoBreckon。
\"Well，notvery，ifyoukeeptotheleeward。Shedoesn’tseemaverywetboat。\"
\"Whatisawetboat\"Ellenasked，withoutliftinghersadeyes。
\"Well，really，I’mafraidit’slargelyasuperstition。Passengersliketobelievethatsomeboatsarelessliabletoshipseas——torunintowaves——thanothers；butIfancythat’stogivethemselvestheairofoldtravellers。\"
Sheletthematterlapsesoentirelythathesupposedshehadforgottenitinallitsbearings，whensheasked，\"Haveyoubeenacrossmanytimes？\"
\"Notmany-fourorfive。\"
\"Thisisourfirsttime，\"shevolunteered。
\"Ihopeitwon’tbeyourlast。Iknowyouwillenjoyit。\"Shefelllistlessagain，andBreckonimaginedhehadmadeabreak。\"Not，\"headded，withanendeavorforlightness，\"thatIsupposeyou’regoingforpleasurealtogether。Women，nowadays，areabovethat，Iunderstand。
Theygoabroadforart’ssake，andtostudypoliticaleconomy，andhistory，andliterature——\"
\"Mydaughter，\"thejudgeinterposed，\"willnotdomuchinthatway，I
hope。\"
Thegirlbentherheadoverherplateandfrowned。
\"Oh，then，\"saidBreckon，\"Iwillbelievethatshe’sgoingforpurelyselfishenjoyment。Ishouldliketobejustifiedinmakingthatmyobjectbyagoodexample。\"
Ellenlookedupandgavehimalookthatcuthimshortinhisgladnote。
Theliftingofhereyelidswasliketheriseofthecurtainuponsomesceneoftragedywhichwasallthemoreimpressivebecauseitseemedsomehowmixedwithshame。Thispoorgirl，whomhehadpitiedasaninvalid，wasasuffererfromsomespiritualblightmorepatheticthanbrokenhealth。Hepulledhismindawayfromtheconjecturethattempteditandwenton:\"Oneoftheadvantagesofgoingoverthefourthorfifthtimeisthatyou’rerelievedfromadiscoverer’sdutiestoEurope。I’vegotabsolutelynothingbeforemenow，butatfirstIhadtoexamineeveryobjectofinterestontheContinent，andformanopinionaboutthousandsofobjectsthathadnointerestforme。IhopeMissKentonwilltakewarningfromme。\"
HehadnotaddressedEllendirectly，andherfatheranswered:\"Wehavenodefiniteplansasyet，butwedon’tmeantooverworkourselvesevenifwe’vecomeforarest。Idon’tknow，\"headded，\"butwehadbetterspendoursummerinEngland。It’seasiergettingaboutwhereyouknowthelanguage。
ThejudgeseemedtoreferhisideastoBreckonforcriticism，andtheyoungmanfeltauthorizedtosay，\"Oh，somanyofthemknowthelanguageeverywherenow，thatit’seasygettingaboutinanycountry。\"
\"Yes，Isupposeso，\"thejudgevaguelydeferred。
\"Which，\"Ellendemandedoftheyoungmanwithanervoussuddenness，\"doyouthinkisthemostinterestingcountry？\"
Hefoundhimselfansweringwithequalpromptness，\"Oh，Italy，ofcourse。\"
\"CanwegotoItaly，poppa？\"askedthegirl。
\"Ishouldn’tadviseyoutogothereatonce\"Breckonintervened，smiling。
\"You’dfinditPrettyhottherenow。Florence，orRome，orNaples\"——youcan’tthinkofthem。\"
\"WehaveitprettyhotinCentralOhio，\"saidthejudge，withlatentprideinhishomeclimate，\"WhatsortofplaceisHolland？\"
\"Oh，delightful！AndtheboatgoesrightontoRotterdam，youknow。\"
\"Yes。WehadarrangedtoleaveitatBoulogne，\"butwecouldchange。
DoyouthinkyourmotherwouldlikeHolland？\"Thejudgeturnedtohisdaughter。
\"IthinkshewouldlikeItalybetter。She’sreadmoreaboutit，\"saidthegirl。
\"RiseoftheDutchRepublic，\"herfathersuggested。
\"Yea，Iknow。Butshe’sreadmoreaboutItaly！\"
\"Oh，well，\"Breckonyielded，\"theItalianlakeswouldn’tbeimpossible。
AndyoumightfindVenicefairlycomfortable。\"
\"WecouldgotoItaly，then，\"saidthejudgetohisdaughter，\"ifyourmotherprefers。\"
Breckonfoundthesimplicityofthischarming，andhetastedayetfinerpleasureintheduplicity；forhedivinedthatthefatherwasseekingonlytolethisdaughterhaveherwayinpretendingtoyieldtohermother’spreference。
Itwasplainthatthefamily’slifecentred，asitought，aboutthissad，sickgirl，theheartofwhosemysteryheperceived，onreflection，hehadnotthewishtopluckout。Hemightcometoknowit，buthewouldnottrytoknowit；ifitoffereditselfhemighteventrynottoknowit。
Hehadsometimesfounditmorehelpfulwithtroubletobeignorantofitscause。
InthemeantimehehadseenthattheseKentonsweresweet，goodpeople，ashephrasedtheirqualitytohimself。HehadcometotermsofimpersonalconfidencethenightbeforewithBoyne，whohadconsultedhimuponmanymoreproblemsandpredicamentsoflifethancouldhaveyetbesetanyboy’sexperience，probablywiththewishtomakeprovisionforanypossiblecontingencyofthefuture。TheadmirableprincipleswhichBoyneevolvedforhisguidancefromtheirconversationwereformulatedwithagravitywhichBreckoncouldoutwardlyrespectonlybystiflinghislaughterinhispillow。HeratherlikedthewayLottiehadtriedtoweighhiminherbalanceandfoundhim，asitwere，ofanimponderablelevity。Withhissenseofbeingreallyverylightatmosttimes，andwithmostpeople，hewasawareofhavingbeenparticularlylightwithLottie，ofhavingbeenslippery，ofhaving，sofarasrespondingtoherfranknesswasconcerned，beenclose。Herelishedtheunsparinghonestywithwhichshehaddenouncedhim，andthoughhedidnotyetknowhisoutcastconditionwithrelationtoher，hecouldnotthinkofherwithoutasmileofwhollydisinterestedliking。Hedidnotknow，asa，manofearlierdatewouldhaveknown，allthatthelittlebuttoninthejudge’slapelmeant；butheknewthatitmeantserviceinthecivilwar，astrugglewhichhevaguelyandimpersonallyrevered，thoughitsdetailswereofmuchthesamedimnessforhimasthoseoftheRevolutionandtheWarof1812。Themodestdistrustwhichhadgrownupontheboldself-
confidenceofKenton’searliermanhoodcouldnothavebeenmoretenderlyandreverentlyimagined；andBreckon’sconjectureofthingssufferedforlove’ssakeagainstsenseandconvictioninhimwerehisfurthertributetoacharacterwhichexisted，ofcourse，mainlyinthisconjecture。ItappearedtohimthatKentonwasheldnotonlyinthesubjectiontohiswife’s，judgment，whichbefalls，anddoubtlessbecomes，amanaftermanyyearsofmarriage，butthathewasintheactualperformanceofmorethancommonrenunciationofhisjudgmentindeferencetothegoodwoman。Sheinturn，tobesure，offeredherselfasacrificetothewhimsofthesickgirl，whoseworstwhimwashavingnowishthatcouldbeascertained，andwhonow，aftertwodaysofhermother’sdevotion，wascastuponherownresourcesbytheinconstantbarometer。IthadbecomeapparentthatMissKentonwasherfather’sfavoriteinaspecialsense，andthathispartialaffectionforherwasofmucholderdatethanhermother’s。Notlesscharmingthanherfondnessforherfatherwastheopennesswithwhichshedisabledhiswisdombecauseofhispartialitytoher。
X
Whentheyleftthebreakfasttablethefirstmorningoftheroughweather，BreckonofferedtogoondeckwithMissKenton，andputherwhereshecouldseethewaves。Thathadbeenhershapelessambition，dreamilyexpressedwithreferencetosometime，astheyrose。Breckonasked，\"Whynotnow？\"andhepromisedtoplaceherchairondeckwhereshecouldenjoythespectaclesafefromanyseastheboatmightship。
Thensherecoiled，andsherecoiledthefurtheruponherfather’surgence。Atthefootofthegangwayshelookedwistfullyupthereelingstairs，andsaidthatshesawhershawlandLottie’samongtheotherssolemnlyswayingfromthetoprailing。\"Oh，then，\"Breckonpressedher，\"youcouldbemadecomfortablewithouttheleasttrouble。\"
\"IoughttogoandseehowLottieisgettingalong，\"shemurmured。
Herfathersaidhewouldseeforher，andonthissheexplicitlyrenouncedherambitionofgoingup。\"Youcouldn’tdoanything，\"shesaid，coldly。
\"IfMissLottieisverysea-sickshe’sbeyondallearthlyaid，\"Breckonventured。\"She’dbetterbelefttothevainministrationsofthestewardess。\"
Ellenlookedathiminapparentdistrustofhispiety，ifnotofhiswisdom。\"Idon’tbelieveIcouldgetupthestairs，\"shesaid。
\"Well，\"headmitted，\"they’renotassteadyasland——goingstairs。\"Herfatherdiscreetlykeptsilence，and，asnooneofferedtohelpher，shebegantoclimbthecrazysteps，withBreckonclosebehindherinlatentreadinessforherfall。
Fromthetopshecalleddowntothejudge，\"TellmommaIwillonlystayaminute。\"Butlater，tuckedintoherchairontheleeofthebulkhead，withBreckonbracinghimselfagainstitbesideher，sheshowednoimpatiencetoreturn。\"Aretheyneverhigherthanthat\"sherequiredofhim，withherwaneyescriticallyontheinfiniteprocessionofthesurges。
\"Theymustbe，\"Breckonanswered，\"ifthere’sanytruthincommonreport。
I’veheardoftheirrunningmountainshigh。Perhapstheyusedratherlowmountainstomeasurethemby。Orthemeasurementsmaynothavebeenveryexact。Butcommonreportneverleavesmuchtotheimagination。\"
\"ThatwasthewayatNiagara，\"thegirlassented；andBreckonobliginglyregrettedthathehadneverbeenthere。Hethoughtitingoodtastethatsheshouldnottellhimheoughttogo。Shemerelysaid，\"Iwasthereoncewithpoppa，\"anddidnotpressheradvantage。\"Dotheythink，\"sheasked，\"thatit’sgoingtobeaverylongvoyage？\"
\"Ihaven’tbeentothesmoking-room——that’swheremostofthethinkingisdoneonsuchpoints；theship’sofficersneverseemtoknowaboutit——
sincetheweatherchanged。Shouldyouminditgreatly？\"
\"Iwouldn’tcareifitneverended，\"saidthegirl，withsuchanoteofdiresinceritythatBreckoninstantlychangedhisfirstmindastoherwordsimplyingapose。Shetookanydeeperimplicationfromtheminadding，\"Ididn’tknowIshouldlikebeingatsea。\"
\"Well，ifyou’renotsea-sick，\"beassented，\"therearenotmanypleasanterthingsinlife。\"
Shesuggested，\"IsupposeI’mnotwellenoughtobesea-sick。\"Thensheseemedtobecomeawareofsomethingprovisionalinhisattendance，andshesaid，\"Youmustn’tstayonmyaccount。IcangetdownwhenIwantto。\"
\"Doletmestay，\"heentreated，\"unlessyou’dreallyrathernot，\"andastherewasnochairimmediatelyattainable，hecrouchedonthedeckbesidehers。
\"Itmakesmethink，\"shesaid，andheperceivedthatshemeantthesea，\"ofthecold-white，heavyplungingfoamin’TheDreamofFairWomen。’
Thewordsalwaysseemeddrenched！\"
\"Ah，Tennyson，yes，\"saidBreckon，withadispositiontosmileatthesimple-heartednessoftheliteraryallusion。\"DoyoungladiesreadpoetrymuchinOhio？\"
\"Idon’tbelievetheydo，\"sheanswered。\"Dotheyanywhere？\"
\"That’soneofthethingsIshouldliketoknow。IsTennysonyourfavoritepoet？\"
\"Idon’tbelieveIhaveany，\"saidEllen。\"IusedtolikeWhither，andEmerson；aidLongfellow，too。\"
\"Usedto！Don’tyounow？\"
\"Idon’treadthemsomuchnow，\"andshemadeapause，behindwhichhefanciedhersecretlurked。Butheshrankfromknowingitifhemight。
\"You’reallgreatreadersinyourfamily，\"hesuggested，asapolitediversion。
\"Lottieisn’t，\"sheanswered，dreamily。\"Shehatesit。\"
\"Ah，Ireferredmoreparticularlytotheothers，\"saidBreckon，andhebegantolaugh，andthencheckedhimself。\"Yourmother，andthejudge——
andyourbrother——\"
\"Boynereadsaboutinsects，\"sheadmitted。
\"Hetoldmeofhiscollectionofcocoons。Heseemstobeafraidithassufferedinhisabsence。\"
\"I’mafraidithas，\"saidEllen，andthenremainedsilent。
\"There！\"theyoungmanbrokeout，pointingseaward。\"That’sratherafineone。Doesn’tthatrealizeyourideaofsomethingmountainshigh？
UnlessyourmountainsareveryhighinOhio！\"
\"Itisgrand。Andthegulfbetween！Butwehaven’tanyinourpart。
It’salllevel。Doyoubelievethetenthwaveislargerthantherest？\"
\"Why，thedifficultyistoknowwhichthetenthwaveis，orwhentobegincounting。\"
\"Yes，\"saidthegirl，andsheadded，vaguely:\"Isupposeit’slikeeverythingelseinthat。Wehavetomake-believebeforewecanbelieveanything。\"
\"Somethinglikeanhypothesiscertainlyseemsnecessary，\"Breckonassented，withasmileforthegravityoftheirdiscourse。\"Weshouldn’thavetheatomictheorywithoutit。\"Shedidnotsayanything，andhedecidedthattheatomictheorywasbeyondtherangeofherreading。
Hetriedtobemoreconcrete。\"Wehavetomake-believeinourselvesbeforewecanbelieve，don’twe？Andthenwesometimesfindwearewrong！\"Helaughed，butsheasked，withtragicalseriousness:
\"Andwhatoughtyoutodowhenyoufindoutyouaremistakeninyourself？\"
\"That’swhatI’mtryingtodecide，\"hereplied。\"SometimesIfeellikerenouncingmyselfaltogether；butusuallyIgivemyselfanotherchance。
IdaresayifIhadn’tbeensoforbearingImighthaveagreedwithyoursisteraboutmyunfitnessfortheministry。\"
\"WithLottie？\"
\"ShethinksIlaughtoomuch！\"
\"Idon’tseewhyaministershouldn’tlaughifhefeelslikeit。Andifthere’ssomethingtolaughat。\"
\"Ah，that’sjustthepoint！Isthereeveranythingtolaughat？Ifwelookedcloselyenoughatthings，oughtn’twerathertocry？\"Helaughedinretreatfromtheseriousproposition。\"Butitwouldn’tdototrymakingeachothercryinsteadoflaugh，wouldit？Isupposeyoursisterwouldratherhavemecry。\"
\"Idon’tbelieveLottiethoughtmuchaboutit，\"saidEllen；andatthispointMr。Breckonyieldedtoanimpulse。
\"IshouldthinkIhadreallybeenofsomeuseifIhadmadeyoulaugh，MissKenton。\"
\"Me？\"
\"Youlookasifyoulaughedwithyourwholeheartwhenyoudidlaugh。\"
Sheglancedabout，andBreckondecidedthatshehadfoundhimtoopersonal。\"IwonderifIcouldwalk，withtheshiptippingso？\"sheasked。
\"Well，notfar，\"saidBreckon，withaprovisionalsmile，andthenhewasfrightenedfromhisironybyherflingingasideherwrapsandstartingtoherfeet。Beforehecouldscrambletohisown，shehadsliddownthereelingpromenadehalftotheguard，overwhichsheseemedabouttoplunge。Hehurledhimselfafterher；hecouldnothavedoneotherwise；
anditwasasmuchinawildclutchforsupportasinapurposetosaveherthathecaughtherinhisarmsandbracedhimselfagainsttheship’sslant。\"Whereareyougoing？Whatareyoutryingtodo？\"heshouted。
\"Iwantedtogodown-stairs，\"sheprotested，clingingtohim。
\"Youwerenearergoingoverboard，\"heretorted。\"Youshouldn’thavetried。\"Hehadnotfullyformulatedhisreproachwhentheshiprightedherselfwithacounter-rollandplunge，andtheywereswungstaggeringbacktogetheragainstthebulkhead。Thedoorofthegangwaywaswithinreach，andBreckonlaidholdoftherailbesideitandputthegirlwithin。\"Areyouhurt？\"heasked。
\"No，no；I’mnothurt，\"shepanted，sinkingonthecushionedbenchingwhereusuallyrowsofsemi-sea-sickpeoplewerelying。
\"Ithoughtyoumighthavebeenbruisedagainstthebulkhead，\"hesaid。
\"Areyousureyou’renothurtthatIcan’tgetyouanything？Fromthesteward，Imean？\"
\"Onlyhelpmedown-stairs，\"sheanswered。\"I’mperfectlywell，\"andBreckonwassowillingonthesetermstoclosetheincidentthathewasnotawareofthebruiseonhisownarm，whichafterwardsdeclareditselfinseveralprimitivecolors。\"Don’ttellthem，\"sheadded。\"Iwanttocomeupagain。\"
\"Why，certainlynot，\"heconsented；butBoyneKenton，whohadbeenaninvoluntarywitnessofthefactfromapointontheforwardpromenade，wherehehadstationedhimselftostudythehabitsofthestormypetrelatamomentsofavorabletotheacquaintanceofthepetrelhavingleftaseasickbedforthepurpose，wasofanothermind。Hehadbeenalarmed，and，asitappearedintheprivateinterviewwhichhedemandedofhismother，hehadbeenscandalized。
\"ItisbadenoughthewayLottieisalwaysgoingonwithfellows。Andnow，ifEllenisgoingtobegin！\"
\"But，Boyne，child，\"Mrs。Kentonargued，inanequilibriumbetweenthewishtolaughathersonandthewishtoboxhisears，\"howcouldshehelphiscatchingherifhewastosaveherfrompitchingoverboard？\"
\"That’sjustit！Hewillalwaysthinkthatshediditjustsohewouldhavetocatchher。\"
\"Idon’tbelieveanyonewouldthinkthatofEllen，\"saidMrs。Kenton，gravely。
\"Momma！Youdon’tknowwhattheseEasternfellowsare。Therearesofewofthemthatthey’reusedtohavinggirlsthrowthemselvesatthem，andtheywillthinkanything，ministersandall。YououghttotalktoEllen，andcautionher。Ofcourse，sheisn’tlikeLottie；butifLottie’sbeenbehavingherwaywithMr。Breckon，hemustsupposetherestofthefamilyislikeher。\"
\"Boyne，\"saidhismother，provisionally，\"whatsortofpersonisMr。
Breckon？\"
\"Well，Ithinkhe’skindoffrivolous。\"
\"Doyou，Boyne？\"
\"Idon’tsupposehemeansanyharmbyit，butIdon’tliketoseeaministerlaughsomuch。Ican’thardlygethimtotalkseriouslyaboutanything。AndIjustknowhemakesfunofLottie。Idon’tmeanthathealwaysmakesfunwithme。Hedidn’tthatnightatthevaudeville，whereIfirstsawhim。\"
\"Whatdoyoumean？\"
\"Don’tyouremember？Itoldyouaboutitlastwinter。\"
\"AndwasMr。Breckonthatgentleman？\"
\"Yes；buthedidn’tknowwhoIwaswhenwemethere。\"
\"Well，uponmyword，Boyne，Ithinkyoumighthavetoldusbefore，\"saidhismother，innotverydefinitevexation。\"Goalong，now！\"
Boynestoodtalkingtohismother，withhishands，whichhehadnotgrownto，largelyplantedonthejambsofherstate-roomdoor。Shewaskeepingherberth，notsomuchbecauseshewassea-sickasbecauseitwasthesafestplaceintheunsteadyshiptobein。\"DoyouwantmetosendEllentoyou！\"
\"IwillattendtoEllen，Boyne，\"hismothersnubbedhim。\"HowisLottie？\"
\"Ican’ttellwhethershe’ssickornot。Iwenttoseeaboutherandshemotionedmeaway，andfairlyscreamedwhenItoldhersheoughttokeepoutintheair。Well，Imustbegoingupagainmyself，or——\"
Beforelunch，Boynehadexperiencedthealternativewhichhedidnotexpress，althoughhistheoryandpracticeofkeepingintheopenairoughttohaverenderedhimimmune。Breckonsawhisshockofhair，andhislargeeyes，likeEllen’sintheirpresentgloom，lookingoutofitonthepillowoftheupperberth，whenhewenttotheirroomtofreshenhimselffortheluncheon，andfoundBoyneaverseeventoseriousconversation:Hewenttolunchwithouthim。NoneoftheKentonswereattable，andhehadmadeuphismindtolunchalonewhenEllenappeared，andcamewaveringdowntheaisletothetable。Hestooduptohelpher，butseeinghowsecurelyshestayedherselffromchairtochairhesankdownagain。
\"Poppyissick，too，now，\"shereplied，asiftoaccountforbeingalone。
\"Andyou’renonetheworseforyourlittlepromenade？\"ThestewardcametoBreckon’sleftshoulderwithadish，andafteranefforttoservehimselffromithesaid，withaslightgasp，\"Theotherside，please。\"
Ellenlookedathim，butdidnotspeak，andhemadehastetosay:\"Thedoctorgoessofarastoadmitthatitshalfagale。Idon’tknowjustwhatmeasurethefirstofficerwouldhaveforit。ButIcongratulateyouonaverytypicallittlestorm，MissKenton；perfectlysafe，butverydecided。AgreatmanypeoplecrosstheAtlanticwithoutanythinghalfassatisfactory。Thereiseithertoomuchortoolittleofthissortofthing。\"Hewentontalkingabouttheweather，andhadgotsuchadistancefromthepointofbeginningthathehadcausetorepentbeingbroughtbacktoitwhensheasked:
\"Didthedoctorthink，youwerehurt？\"
\"Well，perhapsIoughttobemoreashamedthanIam，\"saidBreckon。
\"ButIthoughtIhadbettermakesure。Andit’sonlyabruise——\"
\"Won’tyouletMEhelpyou！\"sheasked，asanotherdishintervenedathisright。\"Ihurtyou。\"
Breckonlaughedathersolemnfaceandvoice。\"Ifyou’llexonerateyourselffirst，\"heanswered:\"Icouldn’ttouchamorselthatconveyedconfessionoftheleastculpabilityonyourpart。Doyouconsent？
Otherwise，Ipassthisdish。AndreallyIwantsome！\"
\"Well，\"shesadlyconsented，andheallowedhertoservehisplate。
\"Moreyet，please，\"hesaid。\"Alot！\"
\"Isthatenough？\"
\"Well，forthefirsthelping。Anddon’toffertocutitupforme！Myproudspiritdrawsthelineatcuttingup。Besides，aforkwilldotheworkwithgoulash。\"
\"Isthatwhatitis？\"sheasked，butnotapparentlybecauseshecaredtoknow。
\"Unlessyouprefertonaturalizeitasstew。ItseemstohavecomeinwiththeHungarianbands。Isupposeyouhavethemin——\"
\"Tuskingum？No，itistoosmall。ButIheardthematarestaurantinNewYorkwheremybrothertookus。\"
\"Inthespiritofscientificinvestigation？It’sstrangehowacommonprincipleseemstopervadeboththeHungarianmusicandcooking——thesamewanderingairsandflavors——wild，vague，lawlessharmoniesinboth。Didyounoticeit？\"
Ellenshookherhead。ThelookofgloomwhichseemedtoBreckonhabitualinitcamebackintoherface，andhehadafantastictemptationtoseehowfarhecouldgowithhersadconsciousnessbeforesheshouldbeawarethathewasexperimentinguponit。Heputthistemptationfromhim，andwasintheenjoymentofacomfortableself-righteousnesswhenitreturnedintwofoldpoweruponhimwiththecomingofsomecutletswhichcapriciouslyvariedtherepast。
\"Ah，now，MissKenton，ifyouweretotakepityonmyhelplessness！\"
\"Why，certainly！\"Shepossessedherselfofhisplate，andbegantocutupthemeatforhim。\"AmImakingthebitestoosmall？\"sheasked，withanupwardglanceathim。
\"Well，Idon’tknow。Shouldyouthinkso？\"hereturned，withasmilethatout-measuredthemorselsontheplatebeforeher。
Shemethislaughingeyeswitheyesthatquestionedhishonesty，atfirstsadly，andthenindignantly。Shedroppedtheknifeandforkupontheplateandrose。
\"Oh，MissKenton！\"hepenitentlyentreated。
Butshewasdowntheslantingaisleandoutofthereelingdoorbeforehecoulddecidewhattodo。
XI。
ItseemedtoBreckonthathehadpassedthroughoneofthoseaccessionsoftemperament，oneofthosecrisesofnaturalman，toputitinthetermsofanoldertheologythanheprofessed，thatmightjustifyhiminrecurringtohisoriginalsenseofhisunfitnessforhissacredcalling，ashewouldhardlyhamcalledit:Hehadallowedhislevitytogetthebetterofhissympathy，andhisloveofteasingtooverpowerthatloveofhelpingwhichseemedtohimhischiefrightandreasonforbeingaminister:Toplayasortofpoorpracticaljokeuponthatmelancholygirlwhowasalsosoattractivewasnotmerelyunbecomingtohimasaminister；itwascruel；itwasvulgar；itwasungentlemanly。Hecouldnotsaylessthanungentlemanly，forthatseemedtogivehimtheonlypangthatdidhimanygood。Herabsolutesincerityhadmadehersuchaneasypreythatheoughttohaveshrunkfromtheshabbytemptationinabhorrence。
Itistheprivilegeofawoman，whethershewillsitornot，toputamanwhoisinthewrongconcerninghermuchfurtherinthewrongthanhecouldbefromhisoffence。Breckondidnotknowwhetherhewassufferingmoreorlessbecausehewassufferingquitehopelessly，buthewassurethathewassufferingjustly，andhewasratherglad，ifanything，thathemustgoonsuffering。HisfirstimpulsehadbeentogoatoncetoJudgeKentonandownhiswrong，andtaketheconsequences——infact，invitethem。ButBreckonforborefortworeasons:one，thathehadalreadyappearedbeforethejudgewiththeconfessionofhavingpossiblymadeanunclericaljoketohisyoungerdaughter；theother，thatthejudgemightnotconsiderlevitytowardstheeldersovenial；andthoughBreckonwishedtobebothpunishedandpardoned，inthefinalanalysis，perhaps，hemostwishedtobepardoned。Withoutpardonhecouldseenowaytorepairthewronghehaddone。Perhapshewishedeventoretrievehimselfinthegirl’seyes，orwishedforthechanceoftrying。
Ellenwentawaytoherstate-roomandsatdownonthesofaoppositeLottie，andshelostherselfinamuseinwhichshewasfoundbythevoiceofthesuffererintheberth。
\"Ifyouhaven’tgotanythingbettertodothancomeinhereandstareatme，Iwishyouwouldgosomewhereelseandstare。Icantellyouitisn’tanyjoke。\"
\"Ididn’tknowIwasstaringatyou，\"saidEllen，humbly。
\"Itwouldbeenoughtohaveyourisingandsinkingthere，withoutyourstaringatall:Ifyou’regoingtostay，Iwishyou’dliedown。Idon’tseewhyyou’resowell，anyway，aftergettingusalltocomeonthiswild-goosechase。\"
\"Iknow，Iknow，\"Ellenstrickenlydeprecated。\"ButI’mnotgoingtostay。Ijestcameformythings。\"
\"Isthatgigglingsimpletonsick？Ihopeheis！\"
\"Mr。Breckon？\"Ellenasked，thoughsheknewwhomLottiemeant。\"No，heisn’tsick。Hewasatlunch。\"
\"Waspoppa？\"
\"Hewasatbreakfast。\"
\"Andmomma？\"
\"SheandBoynearebothinbed。Idon’tknowwhetherthey’reverysick。\"
\"Well，then，I’lljusttellyouwhat，EllenKenton！\"Lottiesatupinaccusal。\"Youwerestaringatsomethinghesaid；andthefirstthingweallknowitwillbeanothercaseofBittridge！\"Ellenwinced，butLottiehadnopity。\"Youdon’tknowit，becauseyoudon’tknowanything，andI’mnotblamingyou；butifyouletthatsimpleton——Idon’tcareifheisaminister！——go’roundwithyouwhenyourfamilyareallsickabed，you’llbehavingthewholeshiptolookafteryou。\"
\"Bestill，Lottie！\"criedEllen。\"Youareawful，\"and，withaflamingface，sheescapedfromthestate-room。
Shedidnotknowwhereelsetogo，andshebeatalongthesidesofthecorridorasfarasthedining-saloon。Shehadadimnotionoftryingtogoupintothemusic-roomabove，butaglanceatthereelingsteepofthestairsforbade。Withherwrapsonherarmandhersea-capinherhand，shestoodclingingtotherail-post。
Breckoncameoutofthesaloon。\"Oh，MissKenton，\"hehumblyentreated，\"don’ttrytogoondeck！It’srougherthanever。\"
\"Iwasgoingtothemusic-room，\"shefaltered。
\"Letmehelpyou，then，\"hesaidagain。Theymountedthegangway-steps，butthistimewithhishandunderherelbow，andhisarmalertasbeforeinasuspendedembraceagainstherfalling。
Shehadlosttheinitiativeofherearlieradventure；shecouldonlysubmitherselftohisguidance。Buthealmostoutdidherinmeekness，whenhegothersafelyplacedinacornerwhenceshecouldnotbeeasilyflunguponthefloor。\"Youmusthavefounditverystuffybelow；but，indeed，you’dbetternottrygoingout。\"
\"Doyouthinkitisn’tsafehere？\"sheasked。
\"Ohyes。Aslongasyoukeepquiet。MayIgetyousomethingtoread？
Theyseemtohaveaprettygoodlittlelibrary。\"
Theybothglancedatthecaseofbooks；fromwhichthesteward-librarianwassettingthemtheexampleofreadingavolume。
\"No，Idon’twanttoread。Youmusn’tletmekeepyoufromit。\"
\"Well，onecanreadanytime。Butonehasn’talwaysthechancetosaythatoneisashamed。Don’tpretendyoudon’tunderstand，MissKenton！
Ididn’treallymeananything。Thetemptationtoletyouexaggeratemydisabilitywastoomuchforme。Saythatyoudespiseme！Itwouldbesuchacomfort。\"
\"Weren’tyouhurt？\"
\"Alittle——alittlemorethanalittle，butnothalfsomuchasI
deserved——nottothepointofnotbeingabletocutupmymeat。AmI
forgiven？I’llpromisetocutupallyourmeatforyouatdinner！Ah，I’mmakingitworse！\"
\"Ohno。Pleasedon’tspeakofit\"
\"Couldyouforbidmythinkingofit，too？\"Hedidnotwaitforhertoanswer。\"Thenheregoes！One，two，three，andthethoughtisbanishedforever。Nowwhatshallwespeakof，orthinkof？Wefinisheduptheweatherprettythoroughlythismorning。Andifyouhavenottheweatherandtheship’srunwhenyou’reatsea，why，youareatsea。Don’tyouthinkitwouldbeagoodplan，whentheystickthoselittleflagsintothechart，toshowhowfarwe’vecomeinthelasttwenty-fourhours，ifthey’dsupplyatopicfortheday？Theymighthavetopicsinscribedontheflags-standardtopics，thatwouldserveforanyvoyage。WemightleaveportwithHistory——say，personalhistory；thatwouldpavethewaytoageneralacquaintanceamongthepassengers。ThenGeography，andiftheworldisreallyround，andwhatkeepstheseafromspilling。ThenPolitics，andthecomparativeadvantagesofmonarchicalandrepublicangovernments，forinternationaldiscussion。ThenPathology，andwhetheryou’reusuallysea-sick，andifthereisanyreliableremedy。Then——forthosewhoarestillup——PoetryandFiction；whetherwomenreallylikeKipling，andwhatkindofnovelsyouprefer。Thereoughttobeabouttentopics。Theseboatsaresometimesveryslow。Can’tyousuggestsomething，MissKenton？Thereisnohurry！We’vegotfourtotalkover，forwemustbringupthearrears，youknow。Andnowwe’llbeginwithpersonalhistory。Yoursisterdoesn’tapproveofme，doesshe？\"
\"Mysister？\"Ellenfaltered，and，betweentheconsciencetoownthefactandthekindnesstodenyit，shestoppedaltogether。
\"Ineedn’thaveasked。Shetoldmesoherself，inalmostasmanywords。
ShesaidIwasslippery，andascloseasatrap。MissKenton！IhavethegreatestwishtoknowwhetherIaffectyouasbothslipperyandclose！\"
\"Idon’talwaysknowwhatLottiemeans。\"
\"Shemeanswhatshesays；andIfeelthatIamundercondemnationtillI
reform。Idon’tknowhowtostopbeingslippery，butI’mdeterminedtostopbeingclose。Willyoutellherthatforme？Willyoutellherthatyounevermetanopener，frankerperson？——ofcourse，exceptherself！——andthatsofarfrombeinglightIseemedtoyouparticularlyheavy？SaythatIdidnothingbuttalkaboutmyself，andthatwhenyouwantedtotalkaboutyourselfyoucouldn’tgetinawordedgewise。Dotry，now，MissKenton，andseeifyoucan！Idon’twantyoutoinventacharacterforme，quite。\"
\"Why，there’snothingtosayaboutme，\"shebeganincompliancewithhisgayety，andthenshefellhelplessfromit。
\"Well，then，aboutTuskingum。IshouldliketohearaboutTuskingum，somuch！\"
\"Isupposewelikeitbecausewe’vealwayslivedthere。Youhaven’tbeenmuchintheWest，haveyou？\"
\"NotasmuchasIhopetobe。\"HehadfoundthatWesternpeopleweresometimessensitiveconcerningtheirsectionandwerepreparedtoresentcomplacentignoranceofit。\"I’vealwaysthoughtitmustbeveryinteresting。\"