ShehadbeenalittleshyofBreckonthewholemorning，andhadkepthimaskinghimselfwhethershewassorryshehadwalkedsolongwithhimthenightbefore，or，havingofferedhimduereparationforherfamily，shewasagaindroppinghim。Nowandthenheputhertothetestbywordsexplicitlydirectedather，andsherepliedwiththedreamypassivitywhichseemedhernormalmood，andinwhichhecouldfancyhimselfhalfforgotten，orrememberedwithaneffort。
Inthemidstofthisdoubtshesurprisedhim——hereflectedthatshewasalwayssurprisinghim——byaskinghimhowfaritwasfromTheHaguetothesea。HeexplainedthatTheHaguewasinthesealikealltherestofHolland，butthatifshemeanttheshore，itwasnodistanceatall。
Thenshesaid，vaguely，shewishedtheyweregoingtotheshore。HerfatheraskedBreckoniftherewasnotahotelatthebeach，andtheyoungmantriedtogivehimanotionofthesplendorsoftheKurhausatScheveningen；ofScheveningenitselfhedespairedofgivinganyjustnotion。
\"Thenwecangothere，\"saidthejudge，ignoringEllen，inhisdecision，asifshehadnothingtodowithit。
LottieinterposedavividpreferenceforTheHague。Shehad，shesaid，hadenoughoftheseaforonewhile，anddidnotwanttolookatitagaintilltheysailedforhome。Boyneturnedtohisfatherasifagooddealshakenbythisreasoning，anditwasMrs。KentonwhocarriedthedayforgoingfirsttoahotelinTheHagueandprospectingfromthereinthedirectionofScheveningen；Boyneandhisfathercouldgodowntotheshoreandseewhichtheylikedbest。
\"Idon’tseewhatthathastodowithme，\"saidLottie。NoonewasalarmedbyherannouncementthatifshedidnotlikeScheveningensheshouldstayatTheHague，whatevertherestdid；intheeventfortunefavoredhergoingwithherfamily。
ThehotelinTheHaguewasverypleasant，withagardenbehindit，whereacompanionablecathadfoundadryspot，andwhereLottiefoundthecatandmadefriendswithit。ButshesaidthehotelwasfullofCook’stourists，whomsherecognized，inspiteofherlifelongignoranceofthem，byapresciencederivedfromtheconversationofMr。Pogis，andfromtheinstinctofasocietywoman，alreadyrifeinher。ShefoundthatshecouldnotstayinahotelwithCook’stourists，andshetookherfather’splaceintheexploringpartywhichwentdowntothewatering-
placeintheafternoon，onthetopofatram-car，undertheleafyroofoftheadorableavenueoftreeswhichembowersthetracktoScheveningen。
ShedisputedBoyne’simpressionsoftheDutchpeople，whomhefoundlookingmorelikeAmericansthananyforeignershehadseen，andshesnubbedBreckonfromhissupposedchargeoftheparty。Butafterthestart，whenshedeclaredthatEllencouldnotgo，andthatitwasridiculousforhertothinkofit，shewasverygoodtoher，andlookedafterhersafetyandcomfortwithadespoticdevotion。
AttheKurhausshepromptlytooktheleadinchoosingrooms，forshehadnodoubtofstayingthereafterthefirstglanceattheplace，andsheshowedapracticalsenseinsettlingherfamilywhichatleasthermotherappreciatedwhentheywereinstalledthenextday。
Mrs。KentoncouldnotmakeherhusbandadmireLottie’sfacultysoreadily。\"YouthinkitwouldhavebeenbetterforhertositdownwithEllen，onthesandanddreamofthesea，\"shereproachedhim，withatenderresentmentonbehalfofLottie。\"Everybodycan’tdream。\"
\"Yes，butIwishshedidn’tkeepawakewithsuchadin，\"saidthejudge。
Afterall，headmiredLottie’sjudgmentabouttherooms，andhecensuredherwithasighofrelieffromcareashesankbackintheeasy-chairfrontingthewindowthatlookedoutontheNorthSea；Lottiehadalreadymadehimappreciatetheviewtillhewasalmostsickofit。
\"Whatisthematter？\"saidMrs。Kenton，sharply。\"DoyouwanttobeinTuskingum？IsupposeyouwouldratherbelookingintoRichard’sback-
yard。\"
\"No，\"saidthejudge，mildly，\"thisisverynice。\"
\"ItwilldoEllengood，everyminute。Idon’tcarehowmuchshesitsonthesandsanddream。I’lllovetoseeher。\"
ThesittingonthesandwasasurvivalofMr。Kenton’spreoccupationsofthesea-side。Asamateroffact，Ellenwasatthatmomentsittinginoneofthehookedwickerarm-chairswhichwerescatteredoverthewholevastbeachlikeagrowthofmonstrousmushrooms，and，confrontingherincoseyproximity，Breckonsatequallyhiddeninanotherwindstuhl。Herfatherandhermotherwereabletokeepthemplaced，amongthemultitudeofwindsiuhls，bythepresenceofLottie，whohoverednearthem，and，withBoyne，fendedoffthedemure，wicked-lookinglittleScheveningengirls。Onasmallerscalethesewereexactlyliketheirdemure，wicked-
lookingScheveningenmothers，andtheyapproachedwithknittingintheirhands，andwithlargestonesfoldedintheiraprons，whichtheyhadpilferedfromthemole，andweretryingtosellforfootstools。Thewindstuhlmenandtheywereenemies，andwhenBreckonbribedthemtogoaway，thewindstuhlmenchasedthem，andthelittlegirlsran，makingmouthsatBoyneovertheirshoulders。Hescornedtonoticethem；buthewasobligedtoreportthemisconductofLottie，whobeganmakingeyesattheDutchofficersassoonasshecouldfeelthatEllenwassafelyoffherhands。ShewasthemoreexasperatingandthemoreculpabletoBoyne，becauseshehadaskedhimtowalkupthebeachwithher，andhadthenmadethefraternalpromenadeabasisofoperationsagainsttheDutchmilitary。ShejoinedherparentsinignoringBoyne’scomplaints，andcontinuedtotakecreditforallthepleasantfactsofthesituation；shepatronizedherfamilyasmuchforthetabled’hoteatluncheonasforthecomfortoftheirrooms。ShewasabletoassurethemthattherewasnotaCook’stouristinthehotel，wherethereseemedtobenearlyeveryotherkindoffellow-creature。AttheendofthefirstweekshehadacquaintanceofasmanynationalitiesasshecouldreachintheirnativeoracquiredEnglish，inallthestagesofhaughtytoleration，vividintimacy，andcoldexhaustion。Shehadafacultyforgettingthroughwithpeople，orofceasingtohaveanyuseforthem，whichwasperhapsherbestsafeguardinheradventurousflirting；whilethesimplealienswerestillinthefulltideoffanciedsuccess，Lottiewassickofthemall，anddeepinanindiscriminatecorrespondencewithheryoungmeninTuskingum。
TheletterswhichshehadinvitedfromthesewhilestillinNewYorkarrivedwiththefirstofthosereaddressedfromthejudge’sLondonbanker。Shehadmorelettersthanalltherestofthefamilytogether，andcountedahalf-dozenagainstapoortwoforhersister。Mrs。KentoncarednothingaboutLottie’sletters，butshewassilentlyuneasyaboutthetwothatEllencarelesslytook。ShewonderedwhocouldbewritingtoEllen，especiallyinacoverbearingahandwritingaltogetherstrangetoher。
\"Itisn’tfromBittridge，atanyrate，\"shesaidtoherhusband，inthespeculationwhichshemadehimshare。\"IamalwaysdreadingtohaveherfindoutwhatRicharddid。Itwouldspoileverything，I’mafraid，andnoweverythingisgoingsowell。IdowishRichardhadn’t，though，ofcourse，hediditforthebest。Whodoyouthinkhasbeenwritingtoher？\"
\"Whydon’tyouaskher？\"
\"Isupposeshewilltellmeafterawhile。Idon’tliketoseemtobefollowingherup。OnewasfromBessiePearl，Ithink。\"
Ellendidnotspeakofherletterstohermother，andafterwaitingadayortwo，Mrs。Kentoncouldnotrefrainfromaskingher。
\"Oh，Iforgot，\"saidEllen。\"Ihaven’treadthemyet。\"
\"Haven’treadthem！\"saidMrs。Kenton。Then，afterreflection，sheadded，\"Youareastrangegirl，Ellen，\"anddidnotventuretosaymore。
\"IsupposeIthoughtIshouldhavetoanswerthem，andthatmademecareless。ButIwillreadthem。\"Hermotherwassilent，andpresentlyEllenadded:\"Ihatetothinkofthepast。Don’tyou，momma？\"
\"Itiscertainlyverypleasanthere，\"saidMrs。Kenton，cautiously。
\"You’reenjoyingyourself——Imean，youseemtobegettingsomuchstronger。\"
\"Why，momma，whydoyoutalkasifIhadbeensick？\"Ellenasked。
\"Imeanyou’resomuchinterested。\"
\"Don’tIgoabouteverywhere，likeanybody？\"Ellenpursued，ignoringherexplanation。
\"Yes，youcertainlydo。Mr。Breckonseemstolikegoingabout。\"
Ellendidnotrespondtothesuggestionexcepttosay:\"Wegointoallsortsofplaces。Thismorningwewentuponthatschoonerthat’sdrawnuponthebeach，andtheoldmanwhowastherewasverypleasant。
Ithoughtitwasawreck，butMr。Breckonsaystheyarealwaysdrawingtheirshipsthatwayuponthesand。Theoldmanwaspatchingsomeofthewood-work，andhetoldMr。Breckon——hecanspeakalittleDutch——thattheyweregoingtodragherdowntothewaterandgofishingassoonashewasdone。Heseemedtothinkwewerebrotherandsister。\"Sheflushedalittle，andthenshesaid:\"IbelieveIlikethedunesaswellasanything。Sometimeswhenthosecuriouscoldbreathscomeinfromtheseaweclimbupinthelittlehollowsontheothersideandsitthereoutofthedraft。Everybodyseemstodoit。\"
ApparentlyEllenwassubmittingtheproprietyofthefacttohermother，whosaid:\"Yes，itseemstobequitethesameasitisathome。Ialwayssupposedthatitwasdifferentwithyoungpeoplehere。Thereiscertainlynoharminit。\"
Ellenwenton，irrelevantly。\"IliketogoandlookattheScheveningenwomenmendingthenetsonthesandbackofthedunes。Theyhavesuchgoodgossipingtimes。Theyshoutedtouslastevening，andthenlaughedwhentheysawuswatchingthem。Whentheygotthroughtheirworktheygotupandstampedoffsostrong，withtheirbare，redarmsfoldedintotheiraprons，andtheirskirtsstickingoutsostiff。Yes，Ishouldliketobelikethem。\"
\"You，Ellen！\"
\"Yes；whynot？\"
Mrs。Kentonfoundnothingbettertoanswerthan，\"Theywereverymateriallooking。\"
\"Theyareveryhappylooking。Theyliveinthepresent。ThatiswhatI
shouldlike:livinginthepresent，andnotlookingbackwardsorforwards。Afterall，thepresentistheonlylifewe’vegot，isn’tit？\"
\"Isupposeyoumaysayitis，\"Mrs。Kentonadmitted，notknowingjustwherethetalkwasleading，butdreadingtointerruptit。
\"Butthatisn’ttheScheveningenwoman’sonlyideal。Theirotheridealistokeeptheplaceclean。Saturdayafternoontheywerealloutscrubbingthebricksidewalks，andclearintothemiddleofthestreet。
Wewerealmostashamedtowalkoverthenicebricks，andwepickedoutasmanydirtyplacesaswecouldfind。\"
Ellenlaughed，withalight-heartedgayetythatwasverystrangetoher，andMrs。Kenton，assheafterwardstoldherhusband，didnotknowwhattothink。
\"Icouldn’thelpwondering，\"shesaid，\"whetherthepoorchildwouldhavelikedtokeeponlivinginthepresentamonthago。\"
\"Well，I’mgladyoudidn’tsayso，\"thejudgeanswered。
XX。
FromtheeasyconquestofthemenwholookedatherLottieproceededtothesubjectionofthewomen。Itwouldhavebeenmoredifficulttoputthesedown，iftheprocesshadnotbeensolargely，soalmostentirelysubjective。Asitwas，Lottieexchangedsnubswithmanyladiesofthecontinentalnationalitieswhowereneverawareofhavingofferedorreceivedoffence。Insomecases，whentheyfearlesslyventuredtospeakwithher，theybehavedveryamiable，andseemedtofindherconductsufficientlygraciousinreturn。Infact，shewasapproachableenough，andhadnoshame，beforeBoyne，indismountingfromthehighhorsewhichsherodewhenalonewithhim，andmeetingtheseladiesonfoot，atleasthalf-way。Shemadeseveralofthemacquaintedwithhermother，who，afteratimorousreticence，foundthemveryconversable，witharangeoftopics，however，thatshockedherAmericansenseofdecorum。OneDutchladytalkedwithsuchmanlyfreedom，andwithsuchuntrammelledintimacy，thatshewasobligedtosendBoyneandLottieabouttheirbusiness，uponanexcusethatwasnotapparenttotheDutchlady。SheonlycomplimentedMrs。Kentonuponherchildrenandtheirdevotiontoeachother，andwhenshelearnedthatEllenwasalsoherdaughter，venturedthesurmiseshewasnotlongmarried。
\"Itisn’therhusband，\"Mrs。Kentonexplained，withinwardtrouble。
\"It’sjustagentlemanthatcameoverwithus，\"andshewentwithhertroubletoherownhusbandassoonasshecould。
\"I’mafraiditisn’tthecustomtogoaroundalonewithyoungmenasmuchasEllenthinks，\"shesuggested。
\"Heoughttoknow，\"saidthejudge。\"Idon’tsupposehewouldifitwasn’t。\"
\"Thatistrue，\"Mrs。Kentonowned，andforthetimesheputhermisgivingsaway。
\"Solongaswedonothingwrong，\"thejudgedecided，\"Idon’tseewhyweshouldnotkeeptoourowncustoms。\"
\"Lottiesaysthey’renotours，inNewYork。\"
\"Well，wearenotinNewYorknow。\"
TheyhadneitherofthemthehearttointerferewithEllen’shappiness，for，afterall，Breckonwascarefulenoughoftheappearances，anditwasonlyhisbeingconstantlywithEllenthatsuggestedtheDutchlady’ssurmise。Infact，therangeoftheirwanderingswasnotbeyondthedunes，thoughoncetheywentalittlewayononeoftheneatlybrickedcountryroadsthatledtowardsTheHague。Asyettherehadbeennomovementinanyofthepartytoseetheplacesthatliewithinsucheasytram-reachofTheHague，andthehoardedinterestofthepastintheirkeeping。Ellenchosetodwellintheactualitieswhichwereanenlargementofherownpresent，andLottie’sactivespiritfoundemploymentenoughintheamusementsattheKurhaus。SheshoppedinthelittlebazarswhichmakeaSaratogaunderthecolonnadesfrontingtwosidesofthegreatspacebeforethehotel，andsheformedacriticalandexactingtasteinmusicfromaconstantattendanceattheafternoonconcerts；itistruethatduringthewinterinNewYorkshehadcastforeverbehindhertheunsophisticatedidealsofTuskingumintheart，sothatfromthefirstshewasabletoholdthefamousorchestrathatplayedintheKurhausconcert-roomuptothehigheststandard。Shehadnouseforanybodywhohadanyuseforrag-time，andshewasterriblyseverewithayoungAmerican，primarilyofBoyne’sacquaintance，whotriedtomakefavorwithherbyaskingaboutthelatestcoon-songs。Shetookthehighestethicalgroundwithhimaboutticketsinacharitablelotterywhichhehadboughtfromtheportier，butcouldnotmovehimonthelowerlevelwhichheoccupied。Heofferedtogiveherthepicturewhichwasthechiefprize，incasehewonit，andsheassuredhimbeforehandthatsheshouldnottakeit。ShewarnedBoyneagainsthin:，underthreatsofexposuretotheirmother，asnotagoodinfluence，butoneafternoon，whentheyoungQueenofHollandcametotheconcertwiththequeen-
mother，Lottiecastherprejudicestothewindsinacceptingtheplaceswhichthewickedfellow-countrymanofferedBoyneandherself，whentheyhadfailedtogetanywheretheycouldseethequeens，astheDutchcalledthem。
Thehotelwasdrapedwithflags，andbankedwithflowersaboutthemainentrancewherethequeensweretoarrive，andtheguestsmassedthemselvesinadenselaneforthemtopassthrough。Lottiecouldnotfailtobeoneoftheforemostinthisarray，andshewasabletodecide，whenthequeenshadpassed，thattheyoungerwouldnotbeconsideredamorethanaverageprettygirlinAmerica，andthatshewasnotverywelldressed。Theyhadallstoodwithinfivefeetofher，andBoynehadappropriatedoneoftheprettiestoftheprettybendswhichthegraciousyoungcreaturemadetorightandleft，andhadrespondedtoitwithan’empressement’whichhehopedhadnotbeenasacrificeofhisrepublicanprinciples。
DuringtheconcerthesatwithhiseyesfixedupontheQueenwhereshesatintheroyalbox，withhermotherandherladiesbehindher，andwonderedandblushedtowonderifshehadnoticedhimwhenbebowed，orifhischivalricdevotioninapplaudingherwhentheaudiencerosetoreceiveherhadbeenmoreapparentthanthatofothers；whetherithadseemedtheheroicactofsettingforthattheheadofherarmies，tobeatbackaGermaninvasion，whichithadessentiallybeen，withhisinstantaneousreturnasvictor，andtheQueen’sabdicationandadoptionofrepublicanprinciplesunderconvictionofhisreasoning，andheridolizedconsecrationasthefirstchiefoftheDutchrepublic。Hischeeksglowed，andhequakedatheartlestLottieshouldsurprisehisthoughtsandexposethemtothatsarcasticacquaintance，whoprovedtobeamedicalstudentrestingatScheveningenfromthewinter’scoursesandclinicsin，Vienna。HehadalreadygotontomanyofBoynescurves，andhadsacrilegiouslysuggestedtheQueenofHollandwhenhefoundhimfeedinghisfancyonthemodernheroicalromances；headvisedhimasanAmericanadventurertocompetewiththeEuropeanprincespayingcourttoher。SothinabarrierdividedthatmalignintelligencefromBoyne’smostsecretdreamsthathecouldneverfeelquitesafefromhim，andyethewasalwaysfindinghimselfwithhim，nowthathewasseparatedfromMissRasmith，andMr。BreckonwastakenupsomuchwithEllen。OntheshiphecouldputmanythingsbeforeMr。Breckonwhichmusthereperishinhisbreast，orsuffertheblightofthisMr。Trannel’sraillery。ThestudentsatneartheKentonsattable，andhewasnomorereverentofthejudge’smodestconvictionsthanofBoyne’sfantasticpreoccupations。Theworstofhimwasthatyoucouldnothelplikinghim:hehadafascinationwhichtheboyfeltwhilehedreadedhim，andnowandthenhedidsomethingsopleasantthatwhenhesaidsomethingunpleasantyoucouldhardlybelieveit。
Attheendoftheconcert，whenheroseandstoodwithalltherest，whiletheroyalpartylefttheirbox，andtheorchestraplayedtheDutchnationalhymn，hesaid，inaloudwhisper，toBoyne:\"Now’syourtime，myboy！Hurryoutandhandherintohercarriage！\"
Boynefairlyreeledatthewordswhichtranslatedapassageofthewilddramaplayingitselfinhisbrain，andfoundlittlesupportinbiddinghistormentor，\"Shutup！\"Theretort，rudeasitwas，seemedinsufficient，butBoynetriedinvaintothinkofsomethingelse。HetriedtopunishhimbyseparatingLottiefromhim，butfailedassignallyinthat。Shewentoffwithhim，andsatinawindstuhlfacinghistherestoftheafternoon，witheveryeffectofcarryingon。
Boynewashelpless，withhismotheragainstit，whenheappealedtohertolethimgoandtellLottiethatshewantedher。Mrs。Kentonsaidthatshesawnoharminit，thatEllenwassittinginlikemannerwithMr。
Breckon。
\"Mr。Breckonisverydifferent，andEllenknowshowtobehave，\"heurged，buthismotherremainedunmoved，orwastooabsentaboutsomethingtotakeanyinterestinthematter。Infact，shewasagainunhappyaboutEllen，thoughsheputonsuchanairofbeingeasyabouther。Clearly，sofarashermaternalsurmisecouldfathomthecase，Mr。BreckonwasmoreandmoreinterestedinEllen，anditwasevidentthatthechildwasinterestedinhim。ThesituationwaseverythingthatwasacceptabletoMrs。Kenton，butsheshudderedatthecloudwhichhungoverit，andwhichmightanymomentinvolveit。AgainandagainshehadmadesurethatLottiehadgivenEllennohintofRichard’sill-advisedvengeanceuponBittridge；butitwasnotathingthatcouldbekeptalways，andthequestionwaswhetheritcouldbekepttillEllenhadacceptedMr。Breckonandmarriedhim。Thiswasbeyondthequestionofhisaskinghertodoso，butitwassomuchmoreimportantthatMrs。Kentonwasgivingitherattentionfirst，quiteoutoftheorderoftime。Besides，shehadeveryreason，asshefelt，tocountupontheevent。UnlesshewastriflingwithEllen，farmorewickedlythanBittridge，hewasinlovewithher，andinMrs。Kenton’ssimpleexperienceandphilosophyoflife，beinginlovewasbrieflypreliminarytomarrying。Ifshewentwithheranxietiestoherhusband，shehadfirsttoreducehimfromabuoyantoptimismconcerningtheaffairbeforeshecouldgethimtolistenseriously。
Whenthiswasaccomplishedhefellintosuchdespairthatsheendedinliftinghimupandsupportinghimwithhopesthatshedidnotfeelherself。Whattheywerebothunitedinwastheconvictionthatnothingsogoodcouldhappenintheworld，buttheywereequallyunitedintheoldAmericantraditionthattheymustnotliftafingertosecurethissupremegoodfortheirchild。
Itdidnotseemtothemthatleavingtheyoungpeopleconstantlytothemselveswasdoingthis。TheyinterferedwithEllennowneithermorenorlessthantheyhadinterferedwithherastoBittridge，orthantheywouldhaveinterferedwithherinthecaseofanyoneelse。Shewasstilltobeleftentirelytoherselfinsuchmatters，andMrs。Kentonwouldhavekeptevenherthoughtsoffherifshecould。Shewouldhavebeenverygladtogivehermindwhollytothestudyofthegreateventswhichhadlonginterestedherhereintheirscene，butshefeltthatuntiltheconquestofMr。BreckonwassecuredbeyondthehazardofEllen’smorbiddefectionatthesuprememoment，shecouldnotgivehermindtothehistoryoftheDutchrepublic。
\"Don’tbothermeaboutLottie，Boyne，\"shesaid。Ihaveenoughtothinkofwithoutyournonsense。IfthisMr。TrannelisanAmerican，thatisallthatisnecessary。WeareallAmericanstogether，andIdon’tbelieveitwillmakeremark，Lottie’ssittingonthebeachwithhim。\"
\"Idon’tseehowhe’sdifferentfromthatBittridge，\"saidBoyne。\"Hedoesn’tcareforanything；andheplaysthebanjojustlikehim。\"
Mrs。Kentonwastootroubledtolaugh。Shesaid，withfinality，\"Lottiecantakecareofherself，\"andthensheasked，\"Boyne，doyouknowwhomEllen’sletterswerefrom？\"
\"OnewasfromBessiePearl——\"
\"Yes，sheshowedmethat。Butyoudon’tknowwhotheotherwasfrom？\"
\"No；shedidn’ttellme。YouknowhowcloseEllenis。\"
\"Yes，\"themothersighed，\"sheisveryodd。\"
Thensheadded，\"Don’tyouletherknowthatIaskedyouaboutherletters。\"
\"No，\"saidBoyne。Hisaudiencewasapparentlyatanend，butheseemedstilltohavesomethingonhismind。\"Momma，\"hebeganafresh。
\"Well？\"sheanswered，alittleimpatiently。
\"Nothing。OnlyIgottothinking，Isapersonabletocontroltheir——
theirfancies？\"
\"Fanciesaboutwhat？\"
\"Oh，Idon’tknow。Aboutfallinginlove。\"Boyneblushed。
\"Whydoyouwanttoknow？Youmusn’tthinkaboutsuchthings，aboylikeyou！It’sagreatpitythatyoueverknewanythingaboutthatBittridgebusiness。It’smadeyoutoobold。Butitseemstohavebeenmeanttodragusdownandhumiliateusineveryway。\"
\"Well，Ididn’ttrytoknowanythingaboutit，\"Boyneretorted。
\"No，that’strue，\"hismotherdidhimthejusticetorecognize。\"Well，whatisityouwanttoknow？\"Boynewastoohurttoansweratonce，andhismotherhadtocoaxhimalittle。Shediditsweetly，andapologizedtohimforsayingwhatshehadsaid。Afterall，hewastheyoungest，andherbabystill。Herwordsandcaressestookeffectatlast，andhestammeredout，\"Iseverybodyso，orisitonlytheKentonsthatseemtobealwaysputting——well，theiraffections——whereit’sperfectlyuseless？\"
Hismotherpushedhimfromher。\"Boyne，areyousillyaboutthatridiculousoldMissRasmith？\"
\"No！\"Boyneshouted，savagely，\"I’mNOT！\"
\"Whoisit，then？\"
\"Isha’n’ttellyou！\"Boynesaid，andtearsofrageandshamecameintohiseyes。
XXI。
Inhisexilefromhiskindred，foritcamepracticallytothat，Boynewasabletoaddafinegloomtothestatewhichhecommonlyobservedwithhimselfwhenhewasnotgivingwaytohismorbidfanciesorhismorbidfears，andbreakingdowninhelplesssubjectiontothenearestmemberofhishousehold。Lottiewassotakenupwithherstudentthatshescarcelyquarrelledwithhimanymore，andtheyhadnolongerthosemomentsofunioninwhichtheystoodtogetheragainsttheworld。Hismotherhadcasthimoff，ashefelt，veryheartlessly，thoughitwasreallybecauseshecouldnotgivehisabsurditiesduethoughtinviewofthehopefulseriousnessofEllen’saffair，andBoynewasawarethathisfatheratthebestoftimeswasignorantofhimwhenhewasnotimpatientofhim。
ThesewerenotthebestoftimeswithJudgeKenton，andBoynewasnotthefirstobjectofhisimpatience。Inthelastanalysishewaslivinguntilhecouldgethome，andsolargelyinthehopeofthisthathiswifeattimescouldscarcelykeephimfromtakingsomestepthatwoulddecidethematterbetweenEllenandBreckonatonce。Theyweretacitlyagreedthattheywerewaitingfornothingelse，and，withoutmakingtheiragreementexplicit，shewasabletoquellhimbyaskingwhatheexpectedtodoincasetherewasnothingbetweenthem？WashegoingtotakethechildbacktoTuskingum，whichwasthesameastakingherbacktoBittridge？ithurthertoconfronthimwiththisquestion，andshetriedotherdevicesforstayingandappeasinghim。Shebeggedhimnow，seeingBoynesoforlorn，andhangingaboutthehotelalone，ormopingoverthoseridiculousbooksofhis，togooffwiththeboysomewhereandseetheinterestingplaceswithinsucheasyreach，likeLeydenandDelftifhecarednothingfortheplacewhereWilliamtheSilentwasshot，heoughttoseetheplacethatthePilgrimsstartedfrom。Shehadcountedupondoingthoseplacesherself，withherhusband，anditwasinasacrificeofheridealthatshenowurgedhimtogowithBoyne。ButherpreoccupationwithEllen’saffairforbadeherself-abandontothosehighhistoricalintereststowhichsheurgedhisdevotion。ShemighthavegonewithhimandBoyne，butthenshemusthaveleftthelargerhalfofherdividedmindwithEllen，nottospeakofLottie，whorefusedtobeapartytoanysuchexcursion。
Mrs。Kentonfeltthedisappointmentandgrievedatit，butnotwithouthopeofrepairingitlater，andshedidnotceasefromentreatingthejudgetodowhathecouldatoncetowardsfulfillingthedesiresshepostponed。Oncesheprevailedwithhim，andreallygothimandBoyneoffforaday，buttheycamebackearly，withsignsofhavingboredeachotherintolerably，andafterthatitwasBoyne，asmuchashisfather，whoreluctedfromjointexpeditions。Boynedidnotsomuchobjecttogoingalone，andhisfathersaiditwasbesttolethim，thoughhismotherhadherfearsforheryoungest。HespentagooddealofhistimeonthetramsbetweenScheveningenandTheHague，andhewasunderstoodtohaveexploredthecapitalprettythoroughly。Infact，hedidgoaboutwithavaletdeplace，whomhegotatacheaprate，andwithwhomheconverseduponthestateofthecountryanditspoliticalaffairs。ThevaletsaidthattheonlyenemythatHollandcouldfearwasGermany，butaninvasionfromthatquartercouldbeeasilyrepulsedbycuttingthedikesanddrowningtheinvaders。Thesea，hetaughtBoyne，wasthegreatdefenceofHolland，anditwasawasteofmoneytokeepsuchanarmyastheDutchhad；butneithertheseanortheswordcoulddriveouttheGermansifoncetheyinsidiouslymarriedaPrussianprincetotheDutchQueen。
ThereseemedtobenogettingawayfromtheQueen，forBoyne。Thevaletnotonlytalkedabouther，asthepleasantestsubjectwhichhecouldfind，butheinsisteduponshowingBoyneallherpalaces。HetookhimintotheParliamenthouse，andshowedhimwhereshesatwhilethequeen-
motherreadtheaddressfromthethrone。Heintroducedhimatabazarwheretheshop-girlwhospokeEnglishbetterthanBoyne，oratleastwithoutthecentralOhioaccent，wantedtosellhimaminiatureoftheQueenonporcelain。ShesaidtheQueenwassuchanicegirl，andshewasherselfsuchanicegirlthatBoyneblushedalittleinlookingather。
Heboughttheminiature，andthenhedidnotknowwhattodowithit；ifanyofthefamily，ifLottie，foundoutthathehadit，orthatTrannel，heshouldhavenopeaceanymore。Heputitinhispocket，provisionally，andwhenhecamegiddilyoutoftheshophefelthimselftakenbytheelbowandplacedagainstthewallbythevalet，whosaidthequeenswerecoming。Theydrovedownslowlythroughthecrowded，narrowstreet，bowingrightandlefttothepeopleflattenedagainsttheshops，andagainBoynesawhersonearthathecouldhavereachedouthishandandalmosttouchedhers。
Theconsciousnessofthiswassostronginhimthathewonderedwhetherhehadnottriedtodoso。Ifhehadhewouldhavebeenarrested——
heknewthat；andsoheknewthathehadnotdoneit。Heknewthatheimagineddoingsobecauseitwouldbesoawfultohavedoneit，andheimaginedbeinginlovewithherbecauseitwouldbesofrantic。Atthesametimehedramatizedaneventinwhichhediedforher，andshebecameawareofhishopelesspassionatthelastmoment，whiletheanarchistfromwhomhehadsavedherconfessedthatthebombhadbeenmeantforher。Perhapsitwasapistol。
Heescapedfromthevaletassoonashecould，andwentbacktoScheveningenlimpfromthisexperience，butthequeenswerebeforehim。
TheyhaddrivendowntovisitthestudioofafamousDutchpainterthere，andagainthedoomwasonBoynetopressforwardwiththeotherspectatorsandwaitforthequeenstoappearandgetintotheircarriage。
TheyoungQueen’slookswerestampedinBoyne’sconsciousness，sothathesawherwhereverheturned，likethesunwhenonehasgazedatit。HethoughthowthatTrannelhadsaidheoughttohandherintohercarriage，andheshrankawayforfearheshouldtrytodoso，buthecouldnotleavetheplacetillshehadcomeoutwiththequeen——motheranddrivenoff。Thenhewentslowlyandbreathlesslyintothehotel，feelingtheQueen’sminiatureinhispocket。Itmadehisheartstandstill，andthenboundforward。Hewonderedagainwhatheshoulddowithit。Ifhekeptit，Lottiewouldbesuretofindit，andhecouldnotbringhimselftothesacrilegeofdestroyingit。Hethoughthewouldwalkoutonthebreakwaterasfarashecouldandthrowitintothesea，butwhenhegottotheendofthemolehecouldnotdoso。HedecidedthathewouldgiveittoEllentokeepforhim，andnotletLottieseeit；orperhapshemightpretendhehadboughtitforher。Hecouldnotdothat，though，foritwouldnotbetrue，andifhedidhecouldnotaskhertokeepitfromLottie。
AtdinnerMr。TranneltoldhimheoughttohavebeentheretoseetheQueen；thatshehadaskedespeciallyforhim，andwantedtoknowiftheyhadnotsentuphercardtohim。Boynemeditatedanaptanswerthroughallthecourses，buthehadnotthoughtofonewhentheyhadcometothe’corbeilledefruits’，andhewasforcedtogotobedwithouthavingavengedhimself。
Intakingroomsforherfamilyatthehotel，LottiehadarrangedforheremancipationfromthethraldomofroomingwithEllen。Shesaidthathadgoneonlongenough；ifshewasgrownupatall，shewasgrownupenoughtohavearoomofherown，andhermotherhadyieldedtoreasoningwhichbeganandendedwiththisposition。ShewouldhaveinterferedsofarastoputLottieintotheroomnexther，butLottiesaidthatifBoynewasthebabyheoughttobenexthismother；Ellenmightcomenexthim，butshewasgoingtohavetheroomthatwasfurthestfromanyimplicationofthedependenceinwhichshehadlanguished；andhermothersubmittedagain。Boynewasnotsorry；therehadalwaysbeenhoursofthenightwhenhefelttheneedofgettingathismotherforreassuranceastoforebodingswhichhisfancyconjureduptotroublehiminthewakefuldark。Itwasunderstoodthathemightfreelydothis，andthoughthejudgeinwardlyfretted，hecouldnotdenytheboythecomfortofhismother’sencouraginglove。Boyne’svisitswokehim，buthesleptthebetterforindulgingintheyoungnervesthattremorfromimpressionsagainstwhichtheoldnervesareproof。Butnow，inthestrangefatalitywhichseemedtoinvolvehim，Boynecouldnotgotohismother。Itwastooweirdlyintimate，evenforher；besides，whenhehadalreadytriedtoseekhercounselshehadignorantlyrepelledhim。
ThenightafterhisdayinTheHague，whenhecouldbearitnolonger，heputonhisdressing-gownandsoftlyopenedEllen’sdoor，awake，Ellen？\"
hewhispered。
\"Yes，Whatisit，Boyne\"hergentlevoiceasked。
\"Hecameandsatdownbyherbedandstolehishandintohers，whichsheputouttohim。Thewaterymoonlightdrippedintotheroomattheedgesoftheshades，andthelongwashoftheseamadeitselfregularlyheardonthesands。
\"Can’tyousleep？\"Ellenaskedagain。\"Areyouhomesick？\"
\"Notexactlythat。Butitdoesseemratherstrangeforustobeoffheresofar，doesn’tit？\"
\"Yes，Idon’tseehowIcanforgivemyselfformakingyoucome，\"saidEllen，buthervoicedidnotsoundasifshewereveryunhappy。
\"Youcouldn’thelpit，\"saidBoyne，andthewordssuggestedaquestiontohim。\"Doyoubelievethatsuchthingsareordered，Ellen？\"
\"Everythingisordered，isn’tit？\"
\"Isupposeso。Andiftheyare，we’renot，toblameforwhathappens。\"
\"Notifwetrytodoright。\"
\"Ofcourse。TheKentonsalwaysdothat，\"saidBoyne，withthefaithinhisfamilythatdidnotfailhiminthedarkesthour。\"ButwhatImeanisthatifanythingcomesonyouthatyoucan’tforeseeandyoucan’tgetoutof——\"Thenextstepwasnotclear，andBoynepaused。Heasked，\"Doyouthinkthatwecancontrolourfeelings，Ellen？\"
\"Aboutwhat？\"
\"Well，aboutpersonsthatwelike。\"Headded，forsafety，\"Ordislike。\"
\"I’mafraidnot，\"saidEllen，sadly，\"Weoughttolikepersonsanddislikethemforsomegoodreason，butwedon’t。\"
\"Yes，that’swhatImean，\"saidBorne，withalongbreath。\"Sometimesitseemslikeakindofpossession，doesn’tit？\"
\"Itseemsmorelikethatwhenwelikethem，\"Ellensaid。
\"Yes，that’swhatImean。Ifapersonwastotakeafancytosomeonethatwasabovehim，thatwasricher，orolder，hewouldn’tbetoblameforit，wouldhe？\"
\"Wasthatwhatyouwantedtoaskmeabout？\"
Bornehesitated。\"Yes\"hesaid。Hewasinforitnow。
EllenhadnotnoticedBoyne’sabsorptionwithMissRasmithontheship，butshevaguelyrememberedhearingLottieteasehimabouther，andshesaidnow，\"Hewouldn’tbetoblameforitifhecouldn’thelpit，butifthepersonwasmucholderitwouldbeapity！\"
\"Uh，sheisn’tsoverymucholder，\"saidBorne，morecheerfullythanhehadspokenbefore。
\"IsitsomebodythatyouhavetakenafancytoBorne？\"
\"Idon’tknow，Ellen。That’swhatmakesitsokindofawful。Ican’ttellwhetherit’sarealfancy，orIonlythinkitis。SometimesIthinkitis，andsometimesIthinkthatIthinksobecauseIamafraidtobelieveit。DoyouunderEllen？\"
\"ItseemstomethatIdo。Butyououghtn’ttoletyourfancyrunawaywithyou，Boyne。Whataqueerboy！\"
\"It’sakindoffascination，Isuppose。Butwhetherit’sarealfancyoranunrealone，Ican’tgetawayfromit。\"
\"Poorboy！\"saidhissister。
\"Perhapsit’sthosebooks。SometimesIthinkitis，andIlaughatthewholeidea；andthenagainit’ssostrongthatIcan’tgetawayfromit。
Ellen！\"
\"Well，Boyne？\"
Icouldtellyouwhoitis，ifyouthinkthatwoulddoanygood——ifyouthinkitwouldhelpmetoseeitinthetruelight，oryoucouldhelpmemorebyknowingwhoitisthanyoucannow。\"
\"Ihopeitisn’tanybodythatyoucan’trespect，Boyne？\"
\"No，indeed！It’ssomebodyyouwouldneverdreamof。\"
\"Well？\"Ellenwaswaitingforhimtospeak，buthecouldnotgetthewordsout，eventoher。
\"IguessI’lltellyousomeothertime。MaybeIcangetoveritmyself。\"
\"Itwouldbethebestwayifyoucould。\"
Heroseandleftherbedside，andthenhecameback。\"Ellen，I’vegotsomethingthatIwishyouwouldkeepforme。\"
\"Whatisit？OfcourseIwill。\"
\"Well，it’s——somethingIdon’twantyoutoletLottieknowI’vegot。
ShetellsthatMr。Tranneleverything，andthenhewantstomakefun。
Doyouthinkhe’ssoverywitty？\"
\"Ican’thelplaughingatsomethingshesays。\"
\"Isupposeheis，\"Boyneruefullyadmitted。\"Butthatdoesn’tmakeyoulikehimanybetter。Well，ifyouwon’ttellLottie，I’llgiveittoyounow。\"
\"Iwon’ttellanythingthatyoudon’twantmeto，Boyne。\"
\"It’snothing。It’sjust-apictureoftheQueenonporcelain，thatIgotinTheHague。Theguidetookmeintothestore，andIthoughtIoughttogetsomething。\"
\"Oh，that’sverynice，Boyne。IdoliketheQueensomuch。She’ssosweet！\"
\"Yes，isn’tshe？\"saidBoyne，gladofEllen’sapproval。Sofar，atleast，hewasnotwrong。\"Hereitisnow。\"
HeputtheminiatureinEllen’shand。Sheliftedherselfonherelbow。
\"Lightthecandleandletmeseeit。\"
\"No，no！\"heentreated。\"ItmightwakeLottie，and——and——Good-night，Ellen。\"
\"Canyougotosleepnow，Boyne？\"
\"Ohyes。I’mallright。Good-night。\"
\"Good-night，then。\"
Bornestoopedoverandkissedher，andwenttothedoor。Hecamebackandasked，\"Youdon’tthinkitwassilly，oranything，formetogetit？\"
\"No，indeed！It’sjustwhatyouwillliketohavewhenyougethome。
We’veallseenhersooften。I’llputitinmytrunk，andnobodyshallknowaboutittillwe’resafelybackinTuskingum。\"
Boynesigheddeeply。\"Yes，that’swhatImeant。Good-night。\"
\"Good-night，Boyne。\"
\"IhopeIhaven’twakedyouuptoomuch？\"
\"Ohno。Icangettosleepeasilyagain。\"
\"Well，good-night。\"Boynesighedagain，butnotsodeeply，andthistimehewentout。
XXII。
Mrs。Kentonwokewiththeclearvisionwhichissometimesvouchsafedtopeoplewhoseeyesareholdenatotherhoursoftheday。ShehadheardBoyneopeningandshuttingEllen’sdoor，andherheartsmoteherthatheshouldhavegonetohissisterwithwhatevertroublehewasinratherthancometohismother。Itwasnaturalthatsheshouldputtheblameonherhusband，and\"Now，Mr。Kenton，\"shebegan，withanausterityofvoicewhichherecognizedbeforehewaswellawake，\"ifyouwon’ttakeBoyneoffsomewhereto-day，Iwill。Ithinkwehadbetterallgo。Wehavebeenhereawholefortnight，andwehavegotthoroughlyrested，andthereisnoexcuseforourwastingourtimeanylonger。IfwearegoingtoseeHolland，wehadbetterbegindoingit。\"
Thejudgegaveageneralassent，andsaidthatifshewantedtogotoFlushinghesupposedhecouldfindsomegarden-seedsthere，intheflowerandvegetablenurseries，whichwouldbeadaptedtotheclimateofTuskingum，andtheycouldallputinthedaypleasantly，lookingroundtheplace。WhetheritwasthesuggestionofTuskinguminrelationtoFlushingthatdecidedheragainsttheplace，orwhethershehadreallymeanttogotoLeyden，shenowexpressedthewish，asvividlyasifitwerenovel，toexplorethesceneofthePilgrims’sojournbeforetheysailedforPlymouth，andshereproachedhimfornotcaringabouttheplacewhentheybothusedtotakesuchaninterestinitathome。
\"Well，\"saidthejudge，\"ifIwereathomeIshouldtakeaninterestinithere。\"
Thisprovokedhertoasilencewhichhethoughtitbesttobreakintacitcompliancewithherwish，andheasked，\"Doyouproposetakingthewholefamilyandtheappurtenances？Weshallberatheralargeparty。\"
\"Ellenwouldwishtogo，andIsupposeMr。Breckon。Wecouldn’tverywellgowithoutthem。\"
\"AndhowaboutLottieandthatyoungTrannel？\"
\"Wecan’tleavehimout，verywell。Iwishwecould。Idon’tlikehim。\"
\"There’snothingeasierthannotaskinghim，ifyoudon’twanthim。\"
\"Yes，thereis，whenyou’vegotagirllikeLottietodealwith。Quitelikelyshewouldaskhimherself。Wemusttakehimbecausewecan’tleaveher。\"
\"Yes，Ireckon，\"thejudgeacquiesced。
\"I’mglad，\"Mrs。Kentonsaid，afteramoment，\"thatitisn’tEllenhe’safter；italmostreconcilesmetohisbeingwithLottiesomuch。Ionlywonderhedoesn’ttaketoEllen，he’ssomuchlikethat——\"
Shedidnotsayoutwhatwasinhermind，butherhusbandknew。\"Yes，I’venoticedit。ThisyoungBreckonwasquiteenoughso，formytaste。
Idon’tknowwhatitisthatjustsaveshimfromit。\"
\"He’sgood。Youcouldtellthatfromthebeginning。\"
Theywentoffuponthesituationthat，superficiallyorsubliminally，wasalwaysinterestingthembeyondanythingintheworld，andtheydidnotopenlyrecurtoMrs。Kenton’splanforthedaytilltheymettheirchildrenatbreakfast。ItwasamealatwhichBreckonandTrammelwerebothapttojointhem，wheretheytookitattwoofthetablesonthebroad，seawardpiazzaofthehotelwhentheweatherwasfine。Boththeyoungmennowapplaudedherplan，intheirdifferentsorts。ItwaseasilyarrangedthattheyshouldgobytrainandnotbytramfromTheHague。Thetrainwaschosen，andMrs。Kenton，whenshewenttoherroomtobeginthepreparationsforaday’spleasurewhichconstitutesodistinctlyapartofitspain，imaginedthateverythingwassettled。ShehadscarcelyclosedthedoorbehindherwhenLottieopeneditandshutitagainbehindher。
\"Mother，\"shesaid，inthenewstyleofaddresstowhichshewashabituatingMrs。Kenton，afterhavingsolongcalledhermomma，\"Iamnotgoingwithyou。\"
\"Indeedyouare，then！\"hermotherretorted。\"DoyouthinkIwouldleaveyouherealldaywiththatfellow？Anicetalkweshouldmake！\"
\"Youareperfectlywelcometothatfellow，mother，andashe’sacceptedhewillhavetogowithyou，andtherewon’tbeanytalk。But，asI
remarkedbefore，Iamnotgoing。\"
\"Whyaren’tyougoing，Ishouldliketoknow？\"
\"BecauseIdon’tlikethecompany。\"
\"Whatdoyoumean？HaveyougotanythingagainstMr。Breckon？\"
\"He’sinsipid，butaslongasEllendon’tminditIdon’tcare。IobjecttoMr。Trannel！\"
\"Why？\"
Idon’tseewhyIshouldhavetotellyou。IfIsaidIlikedhimyoumightwanttoknow，butitseemstomethatmynotlikinghimismynotlikinghimismyownaffair。\"TherewasakindoflogicinthisthatsilencedMrs。Kentonforthemoment。InviewofheradvantageLottierelentedsofarastoadd，\"I’vefoundoutsomethingabouthim。\"
Mrs。Kentonwasimperativeinheralarm。\"Whatisit？\"shedemanded。
Lottieanswered，obliquely:\"Well，Ididn’tleaveTheHaguetogetridofthem，andthentakeupwithoneofthematScheveningen。\"
\"Oneofwhat？\"
\"COOK’STOURISTS，ifyoumustknow，mother。Mr。Trannel，asyoucallhim，isaCook’stourist，andthat’stheendofit。Ihavegotnouseforhimfromthisout。\"
Mrs。Kentonwasdaunted，andnotforthefirsttime，byherdaughter’ssuperiorknowledgeoflife。ShecouldputBoynedownsometimes，thoughnotalways，whenbeattemptedtoimposeanovelcodeofmannersormoralsuponher，butshecouldnotcopewithLottie。Inthepresentcaseshecouldonlyask，\"Well？\"
\"Well，they’rethecheapestofthecheap。Heactuallyshowedmehiscoupons，andtriedtoputmedownwiththeideathateverybodyusedthem。
ButIguesshefounditwouldn’twork。Hesaidifyouwerenotpersonallyconducteditwasallright。\"
\"Now，Lottie，youhavegottotellmejustwhatyoumean，\"saidMrs。
Kenton，andfromhavingstoodduringthisparley，shesatdowntohearLottieoutatherleisure。ButiftherewasanythingmoredifficultthanforLottietobeexplicititwastomakeherbeso，andintheendMrs。
Kentonwasscarcelywiserthanshewasatthebeginningtoherdaughter’sreasons。Itappearedthatifyouwantedtobecheapyoucouldtravelwiththosecoupons，andLottiedidnotwishtobecheap，orhaveanythingtodowiththosewhowere。TheKentonshadalwayshelduptheirheads，andifEllenhadchosentodisgracethemwithBittridge，Dickhadmadeitallright，andsheatleastwasnotgoingtodoanythingthatshewouldbeashamedof。Shewasgoingtostayathome，andhavehermealsinherroomtilltheygotback。
Hermotherpaidnoheedtoherrepeateddeclaration。\"Lottie，\"sheasked，withtheheart-quakethatthethoughtofRichard’sactalwaysgaveherwithreferencetoEllen，\"haveyoueverletouttheleasthintofthat？\"
\"OfcourseIhaven’t，\"Lottiescornfullyretorted。IhopeIknowwhatacrankEllenis。\"
TheywerenotjustthetermsinwhichMrs。Kentonwouldhavechosentobereassured，butshewasgladtobeassuredinanyterms。Shesaid，vaguely:\"IbelieveinmyheartthatIwillstayathome，too。Allthishasgivenmeabadheadache。\"
\"Iwasgoingtohaveaheadachemyself，\"saidLottie，withinjury。
\"ButIsupposeIcangetonalongwithout。IcanjustsimplysayI’mnotgoing。Ifheproposestostay，too，Icansoonsettlethat。\"
\"Thegreatdifficultywillbetogetyourfathertogo。\"
\"YoucanmakeEllenmakehim，\"Lottiesuggested。
\"Thatistrue，\"saidMrs。Kenton，withsuchincreasingabsencethatherdaughterrequiredofher:
\"Areyoustayingonmyaccount？\"
\"Ithinkyouhadbetternotbeleftalonethewholeday。ButIamnotstayingonyouraccount。Idon’tbelievewehadsomanyofusbettergo。
Itmightlookalittlepointed。\"
Lottielaughedharshly。\"IguessMr。Breckonwouldn’tseethepoint，he’ssoperfectlygone。\"
\"Doyoureallybelieveit，Lottie？\"Mrs。Kentonentreated，withasuddentendernessforheryoungerdaughtersuchasshedidnotalwaysfeel。
\"Ishouldthinkanybodywouldbelieveit——anybodybutEllen。\"
\"Yes，\"Mrs。Kentondreamilyassented。
Lottiemadeherwaytothedoor。\"Well，ifyoudostay，mother，I’mnotgoingtohaveyouhangingroundmeallday。Icanchaperonmyself。\"
\"Lottie，\"hermothertriedtostayher，\"Iwishyouwouldgo。Idon’tbelievethatMr。Trannelwillbemuchofanaddition。Hewillbeonyourpoorfather’shandsallday，orelseEllen’s，andifyouwentyoucouldhelpoff。\"
\"Thankyou，mother。I’vehadquiteallIwantofMr。Trannel。Youcantellhimheneedn’tgo，ifyouwantto。\"
Lottieatleastdidnotleavehermothertomakeherexcusestothepartywhentheymetforstarting。Mrs。Kentonhaddeferredherowntillshethoughtitwastoolateforherhusbandtoretreat，andthenbunglinglymadethem，withsomuchiterationthatitseemedtoheritwouldhavebeenfarlesspointed，asconcernedMr。Breckon，ifshehadgone。Lottiesunnilyannouncedthatshewasgoingtostaywithhermother，anddidnoteventrytoaccountforherdefectiontoMr。Trannel。
\"What’sthematterwithmystaying，too？\"heasked。\"Itseemstometherearefourwheelstothiscoachnow。\"
HehadaddressedhismisgivingmoretoLottiethantherest；butwiththesamesunnyindifferencetotheconsequenceforothersthatshehadputoninstatingherdecision，shenowdischargedherselffromfurtherresponsibilitybyturningonherheelandleavingitwiththepartygenerally。InthecircumstancesMr。Trannelhadnochoicebuttogo，andhewassupported，possibly，bythehopeoftakingitoutofLottiesomeothertime。
ItwasmoredifficultforMrs。Kentontogetridofthejudge，butaninscrutablefrowngoesfarinsuchexigencies。Itseemstoexplain，anditcertainlywarns，andthehusbandonwhomitisbentneverknows，evenafterthelongestexperience，whetherhehadbetterinquirefurther。
Usuallyhedecidesthathehadbetternot，andJudgeKentonwentofftowardsthetramwithBoyneinthecloudofmysterywhichinvolvedthembothastoMrs。Kenton’smeaning。
XXIII。
TrannelattachedhimselfaswellashecouldtoBreckonandEllen，andBreckonhadanopportunitynotfullyofferedhimbeforetonotealikenessbetweenhimselfandafellow-manwhomhewasawareofnotliking，thoughhetriedtolovehim，ashefeltitrighttoloveallmen。
HethoughthehadnotbeenquitesympatheticenoughwithMrs。Kentoninherhavingtostaybehind，andhetriedtomakeituptoMr。Trannelinhishavingtocome。Heinventedcivilitiestoshowhim，andcededhisplacenextEllenasifTrannelhadarighttoit。Trannelignoredhiminkeepingit，unlessitwasrecognizingBreckontosay，\"Oh，IhopeI’mnotinyourway，oldfellow？\"andthenmakingjokestoEllen。Breckoncouldnotsaythejokeswerebad，thoughthetasteofthemseemedtohimso。
Themanhadafleeringwit，whichscorchedwhateverheturneditupon，andyetitwaswit。\"Whydon’tyoutryhiminAmerican？\"heaskedatthefailureofBreckonandthetramconductortounderstandeachotherinDutch。HetriedtheconductorhimselfinAmerican，andhewassodeplorablyfunnythatitwashardforBreckontohelpbeing’particepscriminus’，atleastinalaugh。
Heaskedhimselfifthatwerereallythekindofmanhewas，andhegrewsilentandmelancholyinthefearthatitwasagooddealthesortofman。TothismorbidfancyTrannelseemedhimselfinasortofexcess，orwhathewouldbeifhewerelogicallyultimated。HerememberedallthetrivialityofhisbehaviorwithEllenatfirst，andrathersickenedatthethoughtofsomeofhisearlypleasantries。ShewastalkinggaylynowwithTrannel，andBreckonwonderedwhethershewasfallingunderthecharmthathefeltinhim，inspiteofhimself。
Ifshewas，herfatherwasnot。Thejudgesatontheothersideofthecar，andunmistakablygloweredatthefellow’sattemptstomakehimselfamusingtoEllen。Trannelhimselfwasnotinsensibletothejudge’smood。Nowandthenhesaidsomethingtointensifyit。HepatronizedthejudgeandhemadefunofthetouristcharacterinwhichBoynehadgothimselfup，withafield-glassslungbyastrapunderonearmandaredBaedekerinhishand。HesputteredwithmalignlaughteratarathergorgeousnecktiewhichBoynehadputonfortheday，andsaiditwasnotaverygoodmatchfortheBaedeker。
Boyneretortedrudely，andthatamusedTrannelstillmore。HebecamepersonaltoBreckon，andnotedtheunclericalcutofhisclothes。Hesaidheoughttohaveputonhisuniformforanexpeditionlikethat，incasetheygotintoanysortoftrouble。ToEllenalonehewasinoffensive，unlessheoverdidhispoliteattentionstoherincarryingherparasolforher，andhelpingheroutofthetram，whentheyarrived，shoulderingeveryoneelseaway，andmakinghastetoseparateherfromtheothersandthentowalkonwithheralittleinadvance。
Suddenlyhedroppedher，andfellbacktoBoyneandhisfather，whileBreckonhastenedforwardtoherside。TrannelputhisarmacrossBoyne’sshouldersandaskedhimifheweremad，andthenlaughedathim。\"You’reallright，Boyne，butyououghtn’ttobesoapproachable。Yououghttoputonmoredignity，andrepelfamiliarity！\"
Boynecouldonlytwitchawayinsilencethathemadeashaughtyashecould，butnotsohaughtythatTranneldidnotfinditlaughable，andhelaughedinateasingwaythatmadeBreckonmoreandmoreserious。HewasawareofbecomingevensolemnwiththequestionofhislikenesstoTrannel。HewasofTrannel’squality，andtheirdifferencewasamatterofquantity，andtherewasnotenoughdifference。InhissenseoftheirlikenessBreckonvowedhimselftoagravityofbehaviorevermorewhichheshouldnotprobablybeabletoobserve，butthesamplehenowdisplayeddidnotescapethekeenvigilanceofTrannel。
\"WiththeexceptionofMissKenton，\"headdressedhimselftotheparty，\"you’reallsoeasyandcarelessthatifyoudon’tlookoutyou’llloseme。MissKenton，Iwishyouwouldkeepaneyeonme。Idon’twanttogetlost。\"
Ellenlaughed——shecouldnothelpit——andherlaughingmadeitlesspossiblethanbeforeforBreckontounbendandmeetTrannelonhisownground，togivehimjokeforjoke，toexchangebanterwithhim。Hemightneverhavebeenwillingtodothat，butnowheshrankfromit，inhisrealizationoftheirlikeness，withanabhorrencethatrenderedhimrigid。
ThejudgewaswalkingaheadwithBoyne，andhisbackexpressedsuchseveredisapprovalthat，betweenherfearthatTrannelwouldsaysomethingtobringherfather’scondemnationonhimandhersenseoftheirinhospitableattitudetowardsonewhowastheirguest，inasort，shesaid，withhergentlegayety，\"Thenyoumustkeepnearme，Mr。
Trannel。I’llseethatnothinghappens。\"
\"That’sverysweetofyou，\"saidTrannel，soberly。Whetherhehadnowventedhismalicioushumorandwasreadytomakehimselfagreeable，orwassomewhatquelledbytheunfriendlyambienthehadcreated，orwaswroughtuponbyherfriendliness，hebecameeverythingthatcouldbewishedinacompanionforaday’spleasure。Hetooktheleadatthestation，andgotthemacompartmentinthecartothemselvesforthelittleruntoLeyden，andonthewayhetalkedverywell。HepolitelyborrowedBoyne’sBaedeker，anddecidedforthepartywhattheyhadbestsee，andshowedanacceptableintelligence，aswellasalargeexperienceintheclaimsofLeydenuponthevisitor’sinterest。Hehadbeenthereoftenbefore，itseemed，andintheeventitappearedthathehadchosenthedayssightseeingwisely。
HenolongeraddressedhimselfrespectfullytoEllenalone，buthere-
establishedhimselfinBoyne’sconfidencewithespecialpains，andheconciliatedBreckonbyarecognitionofhisprioritywithEllenwithadelicacyrefinedenoughforeventhesusceptibilityofaloveralarmedforhisrights。Ifhecouldnotovercomethereluctanceofthejudge，hebroughthimtothecivilresponsewhichanyonewhotriedforKenton’slikingachieved，evenifhedidnotmeritit，andthereremainednomorereserveinKenton’smannerthantherehadbeenwiththeyoungmanfromthefirst。Hehadneverbeenapersonagratatothejudge，andifhedidnotbecomesonow，heatleastceasedtobeactivelydispleasing。
ThatwastheyearbeforetheyoungQueencametoherown，andinthelastdaysofherminorityshewasvisitingallthecitiesofherfuturedominionwiththequeen-mother。WhenKenton’spartyleftthestationtheyfoundLeydenasgayforherreceptionasflagsandbannerscouldmakethegrayoldtown，andTrannelrelapsedforamomentsofarastosuggestthatthedecorationswereinhonorofBoyne’spresence，buthedidnotabusethelaughthatthismadetoBoyne’sfurthershame。
Therewasnocarriageatthestationwhichwouldholdthepartyoffive，andtheyhadtotaketwovehicles。Trannelsaiditwasluckytheywantedtwo，sincetherewerenomore，andheputhimselfinauthoritytoassorttheparty。Thejudge，hedecided，mustgowithEllenandBreckon，andhehopedBoynewouldlethimgoinhiscarriage，ifhewouldsitontheboxwiththedriver。Thejudgeafterwardsownedthathehadweaklyindulgedhisdislikeofthefellow，inlettinghimtakeBoyne，andnotinsistingongoinghimselfwithTramiel，butthiswaswhenitwaslongtoolate。
Ellenhadhermisgivings，but，exceptforthatgibeaboutthedecorations，TrannelhadbeenbehavingsowellthatshehopedshemighttrustBoynewithhim。Shemadeakindofappealforherbrother，biddinghimandTranneltakegoodcareofeachother，andTrannelpromisedsoearnestlytolookafterBoynethatsheoughttohavebeenalarmedforhim。Hetookthelead，risingattimestowaveareassuringhandtoheroverthebackofhiscarriage，and，infact，nothingevilcouldverywellhappenfromhim，withtheothersfollowingsocloseuponhim。Theymetfromtimetotimeinthechurchestheyvisited，andwhentheylostsightofoneanother，throughadifferenceofopinioninthedriversastothebestroute，theycametogetherattheplaceTrannelhadappointedfortheirnextreunion。
Heshowedhimselfaguidesoadmirablyqualifiedthathefoundawayforthemtoobjectsofinterestthathadatfirstdeniedthemselvesinanticipationofthevisitfromthequeens；whentheyallsatdownatlunchintherestaurantwhichhefoundforthem，hecouldjustifiablyboastthathewouldgetthemintotheTownHall，whichtheyhadbeentoldwasbarredforthedayagainstanythingbutsovereigncuriosity。HewasnowonthebesttermwithBoyne，whoseemedtohavelostalldiffidenceofhim，andtreatedhimwithaneasyfamiliaritythatshoweditselfinhisslappinghimontheshoulderandmakingdintsinhishat。Trannelseemedtoenjoythesecaresses，and，whentheypartedagainfortheafternoon’ssight-seeing，EllenhadnolongeraqualminlettingBoynedriveoffwithhim。
Hehad，infact，knownhowtomakehimselfveryacceptabletoBoyne。Heknewalltheoriginalsofhisheroicalromances，andwasabletogivetherealnamesandthegeographicalpositionofthoseprincesseswhohadbeeninlovewithAmericanadventurers。Underpromiseofsecrecyhedisclosedtherealnamesoftheadventurersthemselves，nowobscuredinthetitlesgiventhemtorenderthemworthytheirunionwithsovereigns。Heresumedhisfascinatingconfidenceswhentheydroveoffafterluncheon，andheresumedthemaftereachseparationfromtherestoftheparty。Boynelistenedwithaflushedfaceandstartingeyes，andwhenatlastTranneloffered，uponapledgeofthemostsacrednaturefromhimnevertorevealawordofwhathesaid，hebegantorelateanadventureofwhichhewashimselfthehero。ItwasaboldtravestyofoneofthelatestromancesthatBoynehadread，involvingtheexperienceofanAmericanverylittleolderthanBoynehimself，towhomawilfulyoungcrown-princess，inalittlestatewhichTrannelwouldnotnameeventoBoyne，hadmadeadvancessuchashecouldnotrefusetomeetwithoutcruelty。Hewashimselfdeeplyinlovewithher，buthefeltboundinhonornottoencourageherinfatuationaslongashecouldhelp，forhehadbeenreceivedbyherwholefamilywithsuchkindnessandconfidencethathehadtoconsiderthem。
\"Oh，pshaw！\"Boynebrokeinuponhim，doubting，andyetwishingnottodoubt，\"that’sthesameasthestoryof’HectorFolleyne’。\"
\"Yes，\"saidTrannel，quietly。\"Ithoughtyouwouldrecognizeit。\"
\"Well，but，\"Boynewenton，\"Hectormarriedtheprincess！\"
\"Inthebook，yes。ThefellowIgavethestorytosaiditwouldneverdonottohavehimmarryher，anditwouldhelptodisguisethefact。
That’swhathesaid，afterhehadgiventhewholethingaway。\"
\"Anddoyoumeantosayitwasyou？Oh，youcan’tstuffme！Howdidyougetoutofmarryingher，Ishouldliketoknow，whenthechancellorcametoyouandsaidthatthewholefamilywantedyouto，forfearitwouldkillherif——\"
\"Well，therewasascene，Ican’tdenythat。Wehadaregularfamilyconclave——father，mother，AuntHitty，andallthefolks——andwekeptitupprettymuchallnight。Theprincesswasn’tthere，ofcourse，andI
couldconvincethemthatIwasright。Ifshehadbeen，Idon’tbelieveI
couldhaveheldout。Buttheyhadtolistentoreason，andIgotawaybetweentwodays。\"
\"Butwhydidn’tyoumarryher？\"
\"Well，foronething，asItoldyou，Ithought1oughttoconsiderherfamily。Thentherewasagoodfellow，thecrown-princeofSaxe-
Wolfenhutten，whowasdeadinlovewithher，andwasengagedtoherbeforeIturnedup。Ihadbeenatschoolwithhim，andIfeltawfullysorryforhim；andIthoughtIoughttosacrificemyselfalittletohim。
ButIsupposethethingthatinfluencedmemostwasfindingoutthatifI
marriedtheprincessIshouldhavetogiveupmyAmericancitizenshipandbecomehersubject。\"
\"Well？\"Boynepanted。
\"Well，wouldyouhavedoneit？\"
\"Couldn’tyouhavegotalongwithoutdoingthat？\"
\"ThatwastheonlythingIcouldn’tgetaround，somehow。SoIleft。\"
\"Andtheprincess，didshe——die？\"
\"Ittakesagooddealmorethanthattokillafifteen-year-oldprincess，\"saidTrannel，andhegaveaharshlaugh。\"ShemarriedSaxe-
Wolfenhutten。\"Boynewassilent。\"Now，Idon’twantyoutospeakofthistillafterIleaveScheveningen——especiallytoMissLottie。Youknowhowgirlsare，andIthinkMissLottieiswaitingtogetabindonme，anyway。IfsheheardhowIwascutoutofmychancewiththatprincessshe’dneverletmebelieveIgaveherupofmyownfreewill？\"
\"NO，no；Iwon’ttellher。\"
Boyneremainedinasilentrapture，andhedidnotnoticetheywerenolongerfollowingtherestoftheirpartyintheothercarriage。Thishadturneddownacorner，atwhichMr。Breckon，sittingonthefrontseat，hadrisenandbeckonedtheirdrivertofollow，buttheirdriver，whoappearedafterwardstohavenottoomuchaheadofhisown，ornoheadatall，hadcontinuedstraighton，intherearofatram-car，whichwasslowlyfindingitswaythroughthemomentlythickeningcrowd。Boynewasfirstawarethatitwasahumorouscrowdwhen，ataturnofthestreet，theirequipagewasgreetedwithironicalcheersbyagroupofgayyoungDutchmenonthesidewalk。Thenhesawthatthesidewalkswerepackedwithpeople，whospreadintothestreetalmosttothetram，andthatthehousefrontsweredottedwithsmilingDutchfaces，thefacesofprettyDutchgirls，whoseemedtosharetheamusementoftheyoungfellowsbelow。
Trannellaybackinthecarriage。\"Thisissomethinglike，\"hesaid。
\"Boyne，they’reontothedistinguishedyoungOhioan——theonlyOhioanoutofofficeinEurope。\"
\"Yes，\"saidBoyne，tryingtoenjoyit。\"Iwonderwhattheyareholloingat。\"
Trannellaughed。\"They’reholloingatyourBaedeker，mydearboy。Theyneversawonebefore，\"andBoynewasawarethathewasholdinghisred-
backedguideconspicuouslyinviewonhislap。\"Theyknowyou’reaforeignerbyit。\"
\"Don’tyouthinkweoughttoturndownsomewhere？Idon’tseepoppaanywhere。\"Heroseandlookedanxiouslybackoverthetopoftheircarriage。Thecrowd，closinginbehindit，hailedhistroubledfacewithcriesthatweretakenupbythethrongonthesidewalks。Boyneturnedabouttofindthatthetram-carwhichtheyhadbeenfollowinghaddisappearedroundacorner，buttheirdriverwasstillkeepingon。AtawilderburstofapplauseTranneltookoffhishatandbowedtothecrowd，rightandleft。
\"Bow，bow！\"hesaidtoBoyne。\"They’llbecallingforaspeechthenextthing。Bow，Itellyou！\"
\"Tellhimtoturnround！\"criedtheboy。
\"Ican’tspeakDutch，\"saidTrannel，andBoyneleanedforwardandpokedthedriverintheback。
\"Goback！\"hecommanded。