“Makeanother！，Areyougoingtosendthattoagentleman？”
Andhetoreuptheblueformirritably。
Paul，hisearsredwithshame，beganagain。
StillMr。Jordanwatched。
“Idon’tknowwhattheyDOteachinschools。You’llhave，towritebetterthanthat。Ladslearnnothingnowadays，buthow，torecitepoetryandplaythefiddle。Haveyouseenhiswriting？”
heaskedofMr。Pappleworth。
“Yes;prime，isn’tit？”repliedMr。Pappleworthindifferently。
Mr。Jordangavealittlegrunt，notunamiable。Pauldivined，thathismaster’sbarkwasworsethanhisbite。Indeed，thelittle，manufacturer，althoughhespokebadEnglish，wasquitegentleman，enoughtoleavehismenaloneandtotakenonoticeoftrifles。
Butheknewhedidnotlooklikethebossandowneroftheshow，sohehadtoplayhisroleofproprietoratfirst，toputthings，onarightfooting。
“Let’ssee，WHAT’Syourname？”askedMr。Pappleworthoftheboy。
“PaulMorel。”
Itiscuriousthatchildrensuffersomuchathaving，topronouncetheirownnames。
“PaulMorel，isit？，Allright，youPaul-Morelthroughthem，thingsthere，andthen——“
Mr。Pappleworthsubsidedontoastool，andbeganwriting。
Agirlcameupfromoutofadoorjustbehind，putsome，newly-pressedelasticwebappliancesonthecounter，andreturned。
Mr。Pappleworthpickedupthewhitey-blueknee-band，examinedit，anditsyelloworder-paperquickly，andputitononeside。
Nextwasaflesh-pink“leg“。Hewentthroughthefewthings，wroteoutacoupleoforders，andcalledtoPaultoaccompanyhim。
Thistimetheywentthroughthedoorwhencethegirlhademerged。
TherePaulfoundhimselfatthetopofalittlewoodenflightofsteps，andbelowhimsawaroomwithwindowsroundtwosides，andatthe，fartherendhalfadozengirlssittingbendingoverthebenchesin，thelightfromthewindow，sewing。Theyweresingingtogether“Two，LittleGirlsinBlue“。Hearingthedooropened，theyallturnedround，toseeMr。PappleworthandPaullookingdownonthemfromthefar，endoftheroom。Theystoppedsinging。
“Can’tyoumakeabitlessrow？”saidMr。Pappleworth。
“Folk’llthinkwekeepcats。”
Ahunchbackwomanonahighstoolturnedherlong，ratherheavy，facetowardsMr。Pappleworth，andsaid，inacontraltovoice：
“They’realltom-catsthen。”
InvainMr。PappleworthtriedtobeimpressiveforPaul’sbenefit。
Hedescendedthestepsintothefinishing-offroom，andwenttothehunchbackFanny。Shehadsuch，ashortbodyonherhighstoolthatherhead，withits，greatbandsofbrightbrownhair，seemedoverlarge，asdidherpale，heavyface。Sheworeadressofgreen-blackcashmere，andherwrists，comingoutofthenarrowcuffs，werethinandflat，assheput，downherworknervously。Heshowedhersomethingthatwaswrong，withaknee-cap。
“Well，“shesaid，“youneedn’tcomeblamingitontome。
It’snotmyfault。”，Hercolourmountedtohercheek。
“IneversaiditWASyourfault。WillyoudoasItellyou？”
repliedMr。Pappleworthshortly。
“Youdon’tsayit’smyfault，butyou’dliketomakeoutasitwas，“
thehunchbackwomancried，almostintears。Thenshesnatched，theknee-capfromher“boss“saying：，“Yes，I’lldoitforyou，butyouneedn’tbesnappy。”
“Here’syournewlad，“saidMr。Pappleworth。
Fannyturned，smilingverygentlyonPaul。
“Oh！”shesaid。
“Yes;don’tmakeasoftyofhimbetweenyou。”
“It’snotusas’udmakeasoftyofhim，“shesaidindignantly。
“Comeonthen，Paul，“saidMr。Pappleworth。
“Aurevoy，Paul，“saidoneofthegirls。
Therewasatitteroflaughter。Paulwentout，blushingdeeply，nothavingspokenaword。
Thedaywasverylong。Allmorningthework-peoplewerecoming，tospeaktoMr。Pappleworth。Paulwaswritingorlearningtomake，upparcels，readyforthemiddaypost。Atoneo’clock，or，rather，ataquartertoone，Mr。Pappleworthdisappearedtocatchhistrain：
helivedinthesuburbs。Atoneo’clock，Paul，feelingverylost，tookhisdinner-basketdownintothestockroominthebasement，thathadthelongtableontrestles，andatehismealhurriedly，aloneinthatcellarofgloomanddesolation。Thenhewentoutofdoors。
Thebrightnessandthefreedomofthestreetsmadehimfeeladventurous，andhappy。Butattwoo’clockhewasbackinthecornerofthe，bigroom。Soonthework-girlswenttroopingpast，makingremarks。
Itwasthecommonergirlswhoworkedupstairsattheheavytasks，oftruss-makingandthefinishingofartificiallimbs。Hewaited，forMr。Pappleworth，notknowingwhattodo，sittingscribbling，ontheyelloworder-paper。Mr。Pappleworthcameattwentyminutes，tothree。ThenhesatandgossipedwithPaul，treatingtheboy，entirelyasanequal，eveninage。
Intheafternoontherewasneververymuchtodo，unlessit，wereneartheweek-end，andtheaccountshadtobemadeup。
Atfiveo’clockallthemenwentdownintothedungeonwiththe，tableontrestles，andtheretheyhadtea，eatingbread-and-butter，onthebare，dirtyboards，talkingwiththesamekindofugly，hasteandslovenlinesswithwhichtheyatetheirmeal。Andyet，upstairstheatmosphereamongthemwasalwaysjollyandclear。
Thecellarandthetrestlesaffectedthem。
Aftertea，whenallthegaseswerelighted，WORKwentmorebriskly。
Therewasthebigeveningposttogetoff。Thehosecameupwarm，andnewlypressedfromtheworkrooms。Paulhadmadeouttheinvoices。
Nowhehadthepackingupandaddressingtodo，thenhehad，toweighhisstockofparcelsonthescales。Everywherevoices，werecallingweights，therewasthechinkofmetal，therapid，snappingofstring，thehurryingtooldMr。Mellingforstamps。
Andatlastthepostmancamewithhissack，laughingandjolly。
Theneverythingslackedoff，andPaultookhisdinner-basket，andrantothestationtocatchtheeight-twentytrain。Theday，inthefactorywasjusttwelvehourslong。
Hismothersatwaitingforhimratheranxiously。Hehadto，walkfromKeston，sowasnothomeuntilabouttwentypastnine。
Andheleftthehousebeforeseveninthemorning。Mrs。Morel，wasratheranxiousabouthishealth。Butsheherselfhadhadtoputup，withsomuchthatsheexpectedherchildrentotakethesameodds。
Theymustgothroughwithwhatcame。AndPaulstayedatJordan’s，althoughallthetimehewastherehishealthsufferedfromthe，darknessandlackofairandthelonghours。
Hecameinpaleandtired。Hismotherlookedathim。
Shesawhewasratherpleased，andheranxietyallwent。
“Well，andhowwasit？”sheasked。
“Eversofunny，mother，“hereplied。”Youdon’thavetowork，abithard，andthey’renicewithyou。”
“Anddidyougetonallright？”
“Yes：theyonlysaymywriting’sbad。ButMr。Pappleworth——
he’smyman——saidtoMr。JordanIshouldbeallright。
I’mSpiral，mother;youmustcomeandsee。It’seversonice。”
SoonhelikedJordan’s。Mr。Pappleworth，whohadacertain，“saloonbar“flavourabouthim，wasalwaysnatural，andtreated，himasifhehadbeenacomrade。Sometimesthe“Spiralboss“
wasirritable，andchewedmorelozengesthanever。Eventhen，however，hewasnotoffensive，butoneofthosepeoplewhohurt，themselvesbytheirownirritabilitymorethantheyhurtotherpeople。
“Haven’tyoudonethatYET？”hewouldcry。”Goon，beamonth，ofSundays。”
Again，andPaulcouldunderstandhimleastthen，hewasjocular，andinhighspirits。
“I’mgoingtobringmylittleYorkshireterrierbitchtomorrow，“
hesaidjubilantlytoPaul。
“What’saYorkshireterrier？”
“DON’TknowwhataYorkshireterrieris？，DON’TKNOWAYORKSHIRE——“
Mr。Pappleworthwasaghast。
“Isitalittlesilkyone——coloursofironandrustysilver？”
“THAT’Sit，mylad。She’sagem。She’shadfivepounds’
worthofpupsalready，andshe’sworthoversevenpoundsherself;
andshedoesn’tweightwentyounces。”
Thenextdaythebitchcame。Shewasashivering，miserablemorsel。
Pauldidnotcareforher;sheseemedsolikeawetragthatwould，neverdry。Thenamancalledforher，andbegantomakecoarsejokes。
ButMr。Pappleworthnoddedhisheadinthedirectionoftheboy，andthetalkwentonsottovoce。
Mr。JordanonlymadeonemoreexcursiontowatchPaul，andthentheonlyfaulthefoundwasseeingtheboylayhispen，onthecounter。
“Putyourpeninyourear，ifyou’regoingtobeaclerk。
Peninyourear！”Andonedayhesaidtothelad：，“Whydon’tyou，holdyourshouldersstraighter？，Comedownhere，“whenhetookhim，intotheglassofficeandfittedhimwithspecialbracesforkeeping，theshoulderssquare。
ButPaullikedthegirlsbest。Themenseemedcommonand，ratherdull。Helikedthemall，buttheywereuninteresting。Polly，thelittlebriskoverseerdownstairs，findingPauleatinginthecellar，askedhimifshecouldcookhimanythingonherlittlestove。
Nextdayhismothergavehimadishthatcouldbeheatedup。
Hetookitintothepleasant，cleanroomtoPolly。Andverysoonit，grewtobeanestablishedcustomthatheshouldhavedinnerwithher。
Whenhecameinateightinthemorninghetookhisbaskettoher，andwhenhecamedownatoneo’clockshehadhisdinnerready。
Hewasnotverytall，andpale，withthickchestnuthair，irregularfeatures，andawide，fullmouth。Shewaslikeasmallbird。
Heoftencalledhera“robinet“。Thoughnaturallyratherquiet，hewouldsitandchatterwithherforhourstellingherabouthishome。
Thegirlsalllikedtohearhimtalk。Theyoftengatheredinalittle，circlewhilehesatonabench，andheldforthtothem，laughing。
Someofthemregardedhimasacuriouslittlecreature，soserious，yetsobrightandjolly，andalwayssodelicateinhiswaywiththem。
Theyalllikedhim，andheadoredthem。Pollyhefelthebelongedto。
ThenConnie，withhermaneofredhair，herfaceofapple-blossom，hermurmuringvoice，suchaladyinhershabbyblackfrock，appealedtohisromanticside。
“Whenyousitwinding，“hesaid，“itlooksasifyouwere，spinningataspinning-wheel——itlookseversonice。Youremind，meofElaineinthe’IdyllsoftheKing’。I’ddrawyouifIcould。”
Andsheglancedathimblushingshyly。Andlateronhehad，asketchheprizedverymuch：，Conniesittingonthestoolbefore，thewheel，herflowingmaneofredhaironherrustyblackfrock，herredmouthshutandserious，runningthescarletthreadoff，thehankontothereel。
WithLouie，handsomeandbrazen，whoalwaysseemedtothrust，herhipathim，heusuallyjoked。
Emmawasratherplain，ratherold，andcondescending。
Buttocondescendtohimmadeherhappy，andhedidnotmind。
“Howdoyouputneedlesin？”heasked。
“Goawayanddon’tbother。”
“ButIoughttoknowhowtoputneedlesin。”
Shegroundathermachineallthewhilesteadily。
“Therearemanythingsyououghttoknow，“shereplied。
“Tellme，then，howtostickneedlesinthemachine。”
“Oh，theboy，whatanuisanceheis！，Why，THISishowyou，doit。”
Hewatchedherattentively。Suddenlyawhistlepiped。
ThenPollyappeared，andsaidinaclearvoice：
“Mr。Pappleworthwantstoknowhowmuchlongeryou’regoing，tobedownhereplayingwiththegirls，Paul。”
Paulflewupstairs，calling“Good-bye！”andEmmadrewherselfup。
“Itwasn’tMEwhowantedhimtoplaywiththemachine，“
shesaid。
Asarule，whenallthegirlscamebackattwoo’clock，he，ranupstairstoFanny，thehunchback，inthefinishing-offroom。
Mr。Pappleworthdidnotappeartilltwentytothree，andheoften，foundhisboysittingbesideFanny，talking，ordrawing，orsinging，withthegirls。
Often，afteraminute’shesitation，Fannywouldbegintosing。
Shehadafinecontraltovoice。Everybodyjoinedinthechorus，anditwentwell。Paulwasnotatallembarrassed，afterawhile，sittingintheroomwiththehalfadozenwork-girls。
AttheendofthesongFannywouldsay：
“Iknowyou’vebeenlaughingatme。”
“Don’tbesosoft，Fanny！”criedoneofthegirls。
OncetherewasmentionofConnie’sredhair。
“Fanny’sisbetter，tomyfancy，“saidEmma。
“Youneedn’ttrytomakeafoolofme，“saidFanny，flushingdeeply。
“No，butshehas，Paul;she’sgotbeautifulhair。”
“It’satreatofacolour，“saidhe。”Thatcoldishcolour，likeearth，andyetshiny。It’slikebog-water。”
“Goodnessme！”exclaimedonegirl，laughing。
“HowIdobutgetcriticised，“saidFanny。
“Butyoushouldseeitdown，Paul，“criedEmmaearnestly。
“It’ssimplybeautiful。Putitdownforhim，Fanny，ifhewants，somethingtopaint。”
Fannywouldnot，andyetshewantedto。
“ThenI’lltakeitdownmyself，“saidthelad。
“Well，youcanifyoulike，“saidFanny。
Andhecarefullytookthepinsoutoftheknot，andtherush，ofhair，ofuniformdarkbrown，slidoverthehumpedback。
“Whatalovelylot！”heexclaimed。
Thegirlswatched。Therewassilence。Theyouthshook，thehairloosefromthecoil。
“It’ssplendid！”hesaid，smellingitsperfume。”I’llbet，it’sworthpounds。”
“I’llleaveityouwhenIdie，Paul，“saidFanny，halfjoking。
“Youlookjustlikeanybodyelse，sittingdryingtheirhair，“
saidoneofthegirlstothelong-leggedhunchback。
PoorFannywasmorbidlysensitive，alwaysimagininginsults。
Pollywascurtandbusinesslike。Thetwodepartmentswereforever，atwar，andPaulwasalwaysfindingFannyintears。Thenhewas，madetherecipientofallherwoes，andhehadtopleadhercase，withPolly。
Sothetimewentalonghappilyenough。Thefactoryhada，homelyfeel。Noonewasrushedordriven。Paulalwaysenjoyed，itwhentheworkgotfaster，towardspost-time，andallthemen，unitedinlabour。Helikedtowatchhisfellow-clerksatwork。
Themanwastheworkandtheworkwastheman，onething，forthe，timebeing。Itwasdifferentwiththegirls。Therealwoman，neverseemedtobethereatthetask，butasifleftout，waiting。
Fromthetraingoinghomeatnightheusedtowatchthelights，ofthetown，sprinkledthickonthehills，fusingtogetherinablaze，inthevalleys。Hefeltrichinlifeandhappy。Drawingfartheroff，therewasapatchoflightsatBulwelllikemyriadpetalsshaken，tothegroundfromtheshedstars;andbeyondwastheredglare，ofthefurnaces，playinglikehotbreathontheclouds。
HehadtowalktwoandmoremilesfromKestonhome，uptwolonghills，downtwoshorthills。Hewasoftentired，andhecountedthelampsclimbingthehillabovehim，howmanymore，topass。Andfromthehilltop，onpitch-darknights，helooked，roundonthevillagesfiveorsixmilesaway，thatshonelikeswarms，ofglitteringlivingthings，almostaheavenagainsthisfeet。
MarlpoolandHeanorscatteredthefar-offdarknesswithbrilliance。
Andoccasionallytheblackvalleyspacebetweenwastraced，violatedbyagreattrainrushingsouthtoLondonornorthtoScotland。
Thetrainsroaredbylikeprojectileslevelonthedarkness，fumingandburning，makingthevalleyclangwiththeirpassage。
Theyweregone，andthelightsofthetownsandvillagesglittered，insilence。
Andthenhecametothecornerathome，whichfacedthe，othersideofthenight。Theash-treeseemedafriendnow。
Hismotherrosewithgladnessasheentered。Heputhiseight，shillingsproudlyonthetable。
“It’llhelp，mother？”heaskedwistfully。
“There’spreciouslittleleft，“sheanswered，“afteryour，ticketanddinnersandsucharetakenoff。”
Thenhetoldherthebudgetoftheday。Hislife-story，likeanArabianNights，wastoldnightafternighttohismother。
Itwasalmostasifitwereherownlife。
CHAPTERVI
DEATHINTHEFAMILY
ARTHURMORELwasgrowingup。Hewasaquick，careless，impulsiveboy，agooddeallikehisfather。Hehatedstudy，madeagreatmoanifhe，hadtowork，andescapedassoonaspossibletohissportagain。
Inappearanceheremainedtheflowerofthefamily，beingwellmade，graceful，andfulloflife。Hisdarkbrownhair，andfreshcolouring，andhisexquisitedarkblueeyesshadedwith，longlashes，togetherwithhisgenerousmannerandfierytemper，madehimafavourite。Butashegrewolderhistemperbecameuncertain。
Heflewintoragesovernothing，seemedunbearablyrawandirritable。
Hismother，whomheloved，weariedofhimsometimes。
Hethoughtonlyofhimself。Whenhewantedamusement，allthat，stoodinhiswayhehated，evenifitwereshe。
Whenhewasintroublehemoanedtoherceaselessly。
“Goodness，boy！”shesaid，whenhegroanedaboutamasterwho，hesaid，hatedhim，“ifyoudon’tlikeit，alterit，andifyou，can’talterit，putupwithit。”
Andhisfather，whomhehadlovedandwhohadworshippedhim，hecametodetest。AshegrewolderMorelfellintoaslowruin。
Hisbody，whichhadbeenbeautifulinmovementandinbeing，shrank，didnotseemtoripenwiththeyears，buttogetmean，andratherdespicable。Therecameoverhimalookofmeanness，andofpaltriness。Andwhenthemean-lookingelderlymanbulliedor，orderedtheboyabout，Arthurwasfurious。Moreover，Morel’smanners，gotworseandworse，hishabitssomewhatdisgusting。Whenthe，childrenweregrowingupandinthecrucialstageofadolescence，thefatherwaslikesomeuglyirritanttotheirsouls。Hismanners，inthehousewerethesameasheusedamongthecolliersdownpit。
“Dirtynuisance！”Arthurwouldcry，jumpingupandgoing，straightoutofthehousewhenhisfatherdisgustedhim。
AndMorelpersistedthemorebecausehischildrenhatedit。
Heseemedtotakeakindofsatisfactionindisgustingthem，anddrivingthemnearlymad，whiletheyweresoirritablysensitive，attheageoffourteenorfifteen。SothatArthur，whowasgrowing，upwhenhisfatherwasdegenerateandelderly，hatedhimworst，ofall。
Then，sometimes，thefatherwouldseemtofeelthecontemptuous，hatredofhischildren。
“There’snotamantriesharderforhisfamily！”hewouldshout。
“Hedoeshisbestforthem，andthengetstreatedlikeadog。
ButI’mnotgoingtostandit，Itellyou！”
Butforthethreatandthefactthathedidnottrysohard，asbeimagined，theywouldhavefeltsorry。Asitwas，thebattle，nowwentonnearlyallbetweenfatherandchildren，hepersisting，inhisdirtyanddisgustingways，justtoasserthisindependence。
Theyloathedhim。
Arthurwassoinflamedandirritableatlast，thatwhenhe，wonascholarshipfortheGrammarSchoolinNottingham，hismother，decidedtolethimliveintown，withoneofhersisters，andonly，comehomeatweek-ends。
AnniewasstillajuniorteacherintheBoard-school，earning，aboutfourshillingsaweek。Butsoonshewouldhavefifteenshillings，sinceshehadpassedherexamination，andtherewouldbefinancial，peaceinthehouse。
Mrs。MorelclungnowtoPaul。Hewasquietandnotbrilliant。
Butstillhestucktohispainting，andstillhestucktohismother。
Everythinghedidwasforher。Shewaitedforhiscominghome，intheevening，andthensheunburdenedherselfofallshe，hadpondered，orofallthathadoccurredtoherduringtheday。
Hesatandlistenedwithhisearnestness。Thetwosharedlives。
Williamwasengagednowtohisbrunette，andhadboughther，anengagementringthatcosteightguineas。Thechildrengasped，atsuchafabulousprice。
“Eightguineas！”saidMorel。”Morefoolhim！，Ifhe’dgenme，someon’t，it’udha’lookedbetteron’im。”
“GivenYOUsomeofit！”criedMrs。Morel。”WhygiveYOU
someofit！”
SherememberedHEhadboughtnoengagementringatall，andshepreferredWilliam，whowasnotmean，ifhewerefoolish。
Butnowtheyoungmantalkedonlyofthedancestowhichhewent，withhisbetrothed，andthedifferentresplendentclothesshewore;
orhetoldhismotherwithgleehowtheywenttothetheatrelike，greatswells。
Hewantedtobringthegirlhome。Mrs。Morelsaidshe，shouldcomeattheChristmas。ThistimeWilliamarrivedwith，alady，butwithnopresents。Mrs。Morelhadpreparedsupper。
Hearingfootsteps，sheroseandwenttothedoor。Williamentered。
“Hello，mother！”Hekissedherhastily，thenstoodaside，topresentatall，handsomegirl，whowaswearingacostumeoffine，black-and-whitecheck，andfurs。
“Here’sGyp！”
MissWesternheldoutherhandandshowedherteethinasmallsmile。
“Oh，howdoyoudo，Mrs。Morel！”sheexclaimed。
“Iamafraidyouwillbehungry，“saidMrs。Morel。
“Ohno，wehaddinnerinthetrain。Haveyougotmygloves，Chubby？”
WilliamMorel，bigandraw-boned，lookedatherquickly。
“HowshouldI？”hesaid。
“ThenI’velostthem。Don’tbecrosswithme。”
Afrownwentoverhisface，buthesaidnothing。Sheglanced，roundthekitchen。Itwassmallandcurioustoher，withits，glitteringkissing-bunch，itsevergreensbehindthepictures，itswoodenchairsandlittledealtable。AtthatmomentMorel，camein。
“Hello，dad！”
“Hello，myson！，Tha’sletonme！”
Thetwoshookhands，andWilliampresentedthelady。
Shegavethesamesmilethatshowedherteeth。
“Howdoyoudo，Mr。Morel？”
Morelbowedobsequiously。
“I’mverywell，andIhopesoareyou。Youmustmakeyourself，verywelcome。”
“Oh，thankyou，“shereplied，ratheramused。
“Youwillliketogoupstairs，“saidMrs。Morel。
“Ifyoudon’tmind;butnotifitisanytroubletoyou。”
“Itisnotrouble。Anniewilltakeyou。Walter，carryup，thisbox。”
“Anddon’tbeanhourdressingyourselfup，“saidWilliam，tohisbetrothed。
Annietookabrasscandlestick，and，tooshyalmosttospeak，precededtheyoungladytothefrontbedroom，whichMr。andMrs。Morel，hadvacatedforher。It，too，wassmallandcoldbycandlelight。
Thecolliers’wivesonlylitfiresinbedroomsincaseofextremeillness。
“ShallIunstrapthebox？”askedAnnie。
“Oh，thankyouverymuch！”
Annieplayedthepartofmaid，thenwentdownstairsforhotwater。
“Ithinkshe’srathertired，mother，“saidWilliam。
“It’sabeastlyjourney，andwehadsucharush。”
“IsthereanythingIcangiveher？”askedMrs。Morel。
“Ohno，she’llbeallright。”
Buttherewasachillintheatmosphere。Afterhalfanhour，MissWesterncamedown，havingputonapurplish-coloureddress，veryfineforthecollier’skitchen。
“Itoldyouyou’dnoneedtochange，“saidWilliamtoher。
“Oh，Chubby！”Thensheturnedwiththatsweetishsmile，toMrs。Morel。”Don’tyouthinkhe’salwaysgrumbling，Mrs。Morel？”
“Ishe？”saidMrs。Morel。”That’snotveryniceofhim。”
“Itisn’t，really！”
“Youarecold，“saidthemother。”Won’tyoucomenearthefire？”
Moreljumpedoutofhisarmchair。
“Comeandsityouhere！”hecried。”Comeandsityouhere！”
“No，dad，keepyourownchair。Sitonthesofa，Gyp，“saidWilliam。
“No，no！”criedMorel。”Thischeer’swarmest。Comeandsithere，MissWesson。”
“Thankyousomuch，“saidthegirl，seatingherself，inthecollier’sarmchair，theplaceofhonour。Sheshivered，feelingthewarmthofthekitchenpenetrateher。
“Fetchmeahanky，Chubbydear！”shesaid，puttinguphermouth，tohim，andusingthesameintimatetoneasiftheywerealone;
whichmadetherestofthefamilyfeelasiftheyoughtnotto，bepresent。Theyoungladyevidentlydidnotrealisethemaspeople：
theywerecreaturestoherforthepresent。Williamwinced。
Insuchahousehold，inStreatham，MissWesternwouldhavebeen，aladycondescendingtoherinferiors。Thesepeopleweretoher，certainlyclownish——inshort，theworkingclasses。Howwasshe，toadjustherself？
“I’llgo，“saidAnnie。
MissWesterntooknonotice，asifaservanthadspoken。
Butwhenthegirlcamedownstairsagainwiththehandkerchief，shesaid：，“Oh，thankyou！”inagraciousway。
Shesatandtalkedaboutthedinneronthetrain，whichhadbeen，sopoor;aboutLondon，aboutdances。Shewasreallyverynervous，andchatteredfromfear。Morelsatallthetimesmokinghisthick，twisttobacco，watchingher，andlisteningtoherglibLondonspeech，ashepuffed。Mrs。Morel，dressedupinherbestblacksilkblouse，answeredquietlyandratherbriefly。Thethreechildrensat，roundinsilenceandadmiration。MissWesternwastheprincess。
Everythingofthebestwasgotoutforher：，thebestcups，thebestspoons，thebesttablecloth，thebestcoffee-jug。The，childrenthoughtshemustfinditquitegrand。Shefeltstrange，notabletorealisethepeople，notknowinghowtotreatthem。
Williamjoked，andwasslightlyuncomfortable。
Ataboutteno’clockhesaidtoher：
“Aren’tyoutired，Gyp？”
“Rather，Chubby，“sheanswered，atonceintheintimatetones，andputtingherheadslightlyononeside。
“I’lllightherthecandle，mother，“hesaid。
“Verywell，“repliedthemother。
MissWesternstoodup，heldoutherhandtoMrs。Morel。
“Good-night，Mrs。Morel，“shesaid。
Paulsatattheboiler，lettingthewaterrunfromthetap，intoastonebeer-bottle。Annieswathedthebottleinanoldflannel，pit-singlet，andkissedhermothergood-night。Shewastoshare，theroomwiththelady，becausethehousewasfull。
“Youwaitaminute，“saidMrs。MoreltoAnnie。AndAnniesat，nursingthehot-waterbottle。MissWesternshookhandsallround，toeverybody’sdiscomfort，andtookherdeparture，precededbyWilliam。
Infiveminuteshewasdownstairsagain。Hisheartwasrathersore;
hedidnotknowwhy。Hetalkedverylittletilleverybodyhadgone，tobed，buthimselfandhismother。Thenhestoodwithhislegsapart，inhisoldattitudeonthehearthrug，andsaidhesitatingly：
“Well，mother？”
“Well，myson？”
Shesatintherocking-chair，feelingsomehowhurtandhumiliated，forhissake。
“Doyoulikeher？”
“Yes，“cametheslowanswer。
“She’sshyyet，mother。She’snotusedtoit。It’sdifferent，fromheraunt’shouse，youknow。”
“Ofcourseitis，myboy;andshemustfinditdifficult。”
“Shedoes。”，Thenhefrownedswiftly。”Ifonlyshewouldn’t，putonherBLESSEDairs！”
“It’sonlyherfirstawkwardness，myboy。She’llbeallright。”
“That’sit，mother，“herepliedgratefully。Buthisbrow，wasgloomy。”Youknow，she’snotlikeyou，mother。She’snotserious，andshecan’tthink。”
“She’syoung，myboy。”
“Yes;andshe’shadnosortofshow。Hermotherdiedwhenshewas，achild。Sincethenshe’slivedwithheraunt，whomshecan’tbear。
Andherfatherwasarake。She’shadnolove。”
“No！Well，youmustmakeuptoher。”
“Andso——youhavetoforgiveheralotofthings。”
“WHATdoyouhavetoforgiveher，myboy？”
“Idunno。Whensheseemsshallow，youhavetoremembershe’s，neverhadanybodytobringherdeepersideout。Andshe’sFEARFULLY
fondofme。”
“Anybodycanseethat。”
“Butyouknow，mother——she’s——she’sdifferentfromus。
Thosesortofpeople，likethoseshelivesamongst，theydon’tseem，tohavethesameprinciples。”
“Youmustn’tjudgetoohastily，“saidMrs。Morel。
Butheseemeduneasywithinhimself。
Inthemorning，however，hewasupsingingandlarkinground，thehouse。
“Hello！”hecalled，sittingonthestairs。”Areyougettingup？”
“Yes，“hervoicecalledfaintly。
“MerryChristmas！”heshoutedtoher。
Herlaugh，prettyandtinkling，washeardinthebedroom。
Shedidnotcomedowninhalfanhour。
“WassheREALLYgettingupwhenshesaidshewas？”heasked，ofAnnie。
“Yes，shewas，“repliedAnnie。
Hewaitedawhile，thenwenttothestairsagain。
“HappyNewYear，“hecalled。
“Thankyou，Chubbydear！”camethelaughingvoice，faraway。
“Buckup！”heimplored。
Itwasnearlyanhour，andstillhewaswaitingforher。
Morel，whoalwaysrosebeforesix，lookedattheclock。
“Well，it’sawinder！”heexclaimed。
Thefamilyhadbreakfasted，allbutWilliam。Hewent，tothefootofthestairs。
“ShallIhavetosendyouanEastereggupthere？”hecalled，rathercrossly。Sheonlylaughed。Thefamilyexpected，afterthat，timeofpreparation，somethinglikemagic。Atlastshecame，lookingveryniceinablouseandskirt。
“HaveyouREALLYbeenallthistimegettingready？”heasked。
“Chubbydear！，Thatquestionisnotpermitted，isit，Mrs。Morel？”
Sheplayedthegrandladyatfirst。WhenshewentwithWilliam，tochapel，heinhisfrock-coatandsilkhat，sheinherfurs，andLondon-madecostume，PaulandArthurandAnnieexpected，everybodytobowtothegroundinadmiration。
AndMorel，standinginhisSundaysuitattheendoftheroad，watchingthegallantpairgo，felthewasthefatherofprinces，andprincesses。
Andyetshewasnotsogrand。Forayearnowshehadbeen，asortofsecretaryorclerkinaLondonoffice。Butwhileshe，waswiththeMorelsshequeenedit。ShesatandletAnnieorPaul，waitonherasiftheywereherservants。ShetreatedMrs。Morel，withacertainglibnessandMorelwithpatronage。Butafteraday，orsoshebegantochangehertune。
WilliamalwayswantedPaulorAnnietogoalongwiththem，ontheirwalks。Itwassomuchmoreinteresting。AndPaulreally，DIDadmire“Gipsy“wholeheartedly;infact，hismotherscarcely，forgavetheboyfortheadulationwithwhichhetreatedthegirl。
Onthesecondday，whenLilysaid：，“Oh，Annie，doyouknow，whereIleftmymuff？”Williamreplied：
“Youknowitisinyourbedroom。WhydoyouaskAnnie？”
AndLilywentupstairswithacross，shutmouth。Butit，angeredtheyoungmanthatshemadeaservantofhissister。
OnthethirdeveningWilliamandLilyweresittingtogether，intheparlourbythefireinthedark。Ataquartertoeleven，Mrs。Morelwasheardrakingthefire。Williamcameouttothekitchen，followedbyhisbeloved。
“Isitaslateasthat，mother？”hesaid。Shehadbeen，sittingalone。
“ItisnotLATE，myboy，butitisaslateasIusuallysitup。”
“Won’tyougotobed，then？”heasked。
“Andleaveyoutwo？，No，myboy，Idon’tbelieveinit。”
“Can’tyoutrustus，mother？”
“WhetherIcanornot，Iwon’tdoit。Youcanstaytilleleven，ifyoulike，andIcanread。”
“Gotobed，Gyp，“hesaidtohisgirl。”Wewon’tkeep，materwaiting。”
“Anniehasleftthecandleburning，Lily，“saidMrs。Morel;
“Ithinkyouwillsee。”
“Yes，thankyou。Good-night，Mrs。Morel。”
Williamkissedhissweetheartatthefootofthestairs，andshewent。Hereturnedtothekitchen。
“Can’tyoutrustus，mother？”herepeated，ratheroffended。
“Myboy，ItellyouIdon’tBELIEVEinleavingtwoyoung，thingslikeyoualonedownstairswheneveryoneelseisinbed。”
Andhewasforcedtotakethisanswer。Hekissedhismother，good-night。
AtEasterhecameoveralone。Andthenhediscussedhis，sweetheartendlesslywithhismother。
“Youknow，mother，whenI’mawayfromherIdon’tcareforher，abit。Ishouldn’tcareifIneversawheragain。But，then，whenI’mwithherintheeveningsIamawfullyfondofher。”
“It’saqueersortoflovetomarryon，“saidMrs。Morel，“ifsheholdsyounomorethanthat！”
“ItISfunny！”heexclaimed。Itworriedandperplexedhim。
“Butyet——there’ssomuchbetweenusnowIcouldn’tgiveherup。”
“Youknowbest，“saidMrs。Morel。”Butifitisasyousay，I
wouldn’tcallitLOVE——atanyrate，itdoesn’tlookmuchlikeit。”
“Oh，Idon’tknow，mother。She’sanorphan，and——“
Theynevercametoanysortofconclusion。Heseemedpuzzled，andratherfretted。Shewasratherreserved。Allhisstrength，andmoneywentinkeepingthisgirl。Hecouldscarcelyafford，totakehismothertoNottinghamwhenhecameover。
Paul’swageshadbeenraisedatChristmastotenshillings，tohisgreatjoy。HewasquitehappyatJordan’s，buthishealth，sufferedfromthelonghoursandtheconfinement。Hismother，towhomhebecamemoreandmoresignificant，thoughthowtohelp。
Hishalf-dayholidaywasonMondayafternoon。OnaMonday，morninginMay，asthetwosataloneatbreakfast，shesaid：
“Ithinkitwillbeafineday。”
Helookedupinsurprise。Thismeantsomething。
“YouknowMr。Leivershasgonetoliveonanewfarm。
Well，heaskedmelastweekifIwouldn’tgoandseeMrs。Leivers，andIpromisedtobringyouonMondayifit’sfine。Shallwego？”
“Isay，littlewoman，howlovely！”hecried。”Andwe’llgo，thisafternoon？”
Paulhurriedofftothestationjubilant。DownDerbyRoad，wasacherry-treethatglistened。Theoldbrickwallbythe，Statutesgroundburnedscarlet，springwasaveryflameofgreen。
Andthesteepswoopofhighroadlay，initscoolmorningdust，splendidwithpatternsofsunshineandshadow，perfectlystill。
Thetreesslopedtheirgreatgreenshouldersproudly;andinside，thewarehouseallthemorning，theboyhad，avisionofspringoutside。
Whenhecamehomeatdinner-timehismotherwasratherexcited。
“Arewegoing？”heasked。
“WhenI’mready，“shereplied。
Presentlyhegotup。
“GoandgetdressedwhileIwashup，“hesaid。
Shedidso。Hewashedthepots，straightened，andthentook，herboots。Theywerequiteclean。Mrs。Morelwasoneofthosenaturally，exquisitepeoplewhocanwalkinmudwithoutdirtyingtheirshoes。
ButPaulhadtocleanthemforher。Theywerekidbootsateight，shillingsapair。He，however，thoughtthemthemostdaintyboots，intheworld，andhecleanedthemwithasmuchreverenceasifthey，hadbeenflowers。
Suddenlysheappearedintheinnerdoorwayrathershyly。
Shehadgotanewcottonblouseon。Pauljumpedupandwentforward。
“Oh，mystars！”heexclaimed。”Whatabobby-dazzler！”
Shesniffedinalittlehaughtyway，andputherheadup。
“It’snotabobby-dazzleratall！”shereplied。”It’sveryquiet。”
Shewalkedforward，whilsthehoveredroundher。
“Well，“sheasked，quiteshy，butpretendingtobehigh，andmighty，“doyoulikeit？”
“Awfully！YouAREafinelittlewomantogojauntingoutwith！”
Hewentandsurveyedherfromtheback。
“Well，“hesaid，“ifIwaswalkingdownthestreetbehindyou，Ishouldsay：，’Doesn’tTHATlittlepersonfancyherself！”’
“Well，shedoesn’t，“repliedMrs。Morel。”She’snotsureit，suitsher。”
“Ohno！shewantstobeindirtyblack，lookingasifshewas，wrappedinburntpaper。ItDOESsuityou，andIsayyoulooknice。”
Shesniffedinherlittleway，pleased，butpretending，toknowbetter。
“Well，“shesaid，“it’scostmejustthreeshillings。
Youcouldn’thavegotitready-madeforthatprice，couldyou？”
“Ishouldthinkyoucouldn’t，“hereplied。
“And，youknow，it’sgoodstuff。”
“Awfullypretty，“hesaid。
Theblousewaswhite，withalittlesprigofheliotropeandblack。
“Tooyoungforme，though，I’mafraid，“shesaid。
“Tooyoungforyou！”heexclaimedindisgust。”Whydon’tyou，buysomefalsewhitehairandstickitonyourhead。”
“Is’llsoonhavenoneed，“shereplied。”I’mgoingwhite，fastenough。”
“Well，you’venobusinessto，“hesaid。”WhatdoIwant，withawhite-hairedmother？”
“I’mafraidyou’llhavetoputupwithone，mylad，“shesaid，ratherstrangely。
Theysetoffingreatstyle，shecarryingtheumbrellaWilliam，hadgivenher，becauseofthesun。Paulwasconsiderablytaller，thanshe，thoughhewasnotbig。Hefanciedhimself。
Onthefallowlandtheyoungwheatshonesilkily。Mintonpit，waveditsplumesofwhitesteam，coughed，andrattledhoarsely。
“Nowlookatthat！”saidMrs。Morel。Motherandsonstoodon，theroadtowatch。Alongtheridgeofthegreatpit-hillcrawled，alittlegroupinsilhouetteagainstthesky，ahorse，asmalltruck，andaman。Theyclimbedtheinclineagainsttheheavens。
Attheendthemantippedthewagon。Therewasanunduerattle，asthewastefelldownthesheerslopeoftheenormousbank。
“Yousitaminute，mother，“hesaid，andshetookaseaton，abank，whilsthesketchedrapidly。Shewassilentwhilstheworked，lookingroundattheafternoon，theredcottagesshiningamong，theirgreenness。
“Theworldisawonderfulplace，“shesaid，“andwonderfully，beautiful。”
“Andso’sthepit，“hesaid。”Lookhowitheapstogether，likesomethingalivealmost——abigcreaturethatyoudon’tknow。”
“Yes，“shesaid。”Perhaps！”
“Andallthetrucksstandingwaiting，likeastringofbeasts，tobefed，“hesaid。
“AndverythankfulIamtheyAREstanding，“shesaid，“forthatmeansthey’llturnmiddlingtimethisweek。”
“ButIlikethefeelofMENonthings，whilethey’realive。
There’safeelofmenabouttrucks，becausethey’vebeenhandled，withmen’shands，allofthem。”
“Yes，“saidMrs。Morel。
Theywentalongunderthetreesofthehighroad。Hewas，constantlyinformingher，butshewasinterested。Theypassed，theendofNethermere，thatwastossingitssunshinelikepetalslightly，initslap。Thentheyturnedonaprivateroad，andinsome，trepidationapproachedabigfarm。Adogbarkedfuriously。
Awomancameouttosee。
“IsthisthewaytoWilleyFarm？”Mrs。Morelasked。
Paulhungbehindinterrorofbeingsentback。Butthewoman，wasamiable，anddirectedthem。Themotherandsonwentthrough，thewheatandoats，overalittlebridgeintoawildmeadow。
Peewits，withtheirwhitebreastsglistening，wheeledandscreamed，aboutthem。Thelakewasstillandblue。Highoverhead，aheronfloated。Opposite，thewoodheapedonthehill，greenandstill。
“It’sawildroad，mother，“saidPaul。”JustlikeCanada。”
“Isn’titbeautiful！”saidMrs。Morel，lookinground。
“Seethatheron——see——seeherlegs？”
Hedirectedhismother，whatshemustseeandwhatnot。
Andshewasquitecontent。
“Butnow，“shesaid，“whichway？，Hetoldmethroughthewood。”
Thewood，fencedanddark，layontheirleft。
“Icanfeelabitofapaththisroad，“saidPaul。”You’vegot，townfeet，somehoworother，youhave。”
Theyfoundalittlegate，andsoonwereinabroadgreen，alleyofthewood，withanewthicketoffirandpineononehand，anoldoakgladedippingdownontheother。Andamongtheoaks，thebluebellsstoodinpoolsofazure，underthenewgreenhazels，uponapalefawnfloorofoak-leaves。Hefoundflowersforher。
“Here’sabitofnew-mownhay，“hesaid;then，again，hebrought，herforget-me-nots。And，again，hishearthurtwithlove，seeingherhand，usedwithwork，holdingthelittlebunchofflowershegaveher。
Shewasperfectlyhappy。
Butattheendoftheridingwasafencetoclimb。Paulwas，overinasecond。
“Come，“hesaid，“letmehelpyou。”
“No，goaway。Iwilldoitinmyownway。”
Hestoodbelowwithhishandsupreadytohelpher。
Sheclimbedcautiously。
“Whatawaytoclimb！”heexclaimedscornfully，whenshe，wassafelytoearthagain。
“Hatefulstiles！”shecried。
“Dufferofalittlewoman，“hereplied，“whocan’tgetover’em。”
Infront，alongtheedgeofthewood，wasaclusteroflowred，farmbuildings。Thetwohastenedforward。Flushwiththewood，wastheappleorchard，whereblossomwasfallingonthegrindstone。
Thepondwasdeepunderahedgeandoverhangingoaktrees。
Somecowsstoodintheshade。Thefarmandbuildings，threesides，ofaquadrangle，embracedthesunshinetowardsthewood。Itwas，verystill。
Motherandsonwentintothesmallrailedgarden，wherewas，ascentofredgillivers。Bytheopendoorweresomeflouryloaves，putouttocool。Ahenwasjustcomingtopeckthem。Then，inthe，doorwaysuddenlyappearedagirlinadirtyapron。Shewasabout，fourteenyearsold，hadarosydarkface，abunchofshortblackcurls，veryfineandfree，anddarkeyes;shy，questioning，alittle，resentfulofthestrangers，shedisappeared。Inaminuteanother，figureappeared，asmall，frailwoman，rosy，withgreatdarkbrowneyes。
“Oh！”sheexclaimed，smilingwithalittleglow，“you’vecome，then。IAMgladtoseeyou。”，Hervoicewasintimateandrathersad。
Thetwowomenshookhands。
“Nowareyousurewe’renotabothertoyou？”saidMrs。Morel。
“Iknowwhatafarminglifeis。”
“Ohno！，We’reonlytoothankfultoseeanewface，it’sso，lostuphere。”
“Isupposeso，“saidMrs。Morel。
Theyweretakenthroughintotheparlour——along，lowroom，withagreatbunchofguelder-rosesinthefireplace。Therethe，womentalked，whilstPaulwentouttosurveytheland。Hewas，inthegardensmellingthegilliversandlookingattheplants，whenthegirlcameoutquicklytotheheapofcoalwhichstood，bythefence。
“Isupposethesearecabbage-roses？”hesaidtoher，pointingtothebushesalongthefence。
Shelookedathimwithstartled，bigbrowneyes。
“Isupposetheyarecabbage-roseswhentheycomeout？”
hesaid。
“Idon’tknow，“shefaltered。”They’rewhitewithpinkmiddles。”
“Thenthey’remaiden-blush。”
Miriamflushed。Shehadabeautifulwarmcolouring。
“Idon’tknow，“shesaid。
“Youdon’thaveMUCHinyourgarden，“hesaid。
“Thisisourfirstyearhere，“sheanswered，inadistant，rathersuperiorway，drawingbackandgoingindoors。Hedidnotnotice，butwenthisroundofexploration。Presentlyhismothercameout，andtheywentthroughthebuildings。Paulwashugelydelighted。
“AndIsupposeyouhavethefowlsandcalvesandpigs，tolookafter？”saidMrs。MoreltoMrs。Leivers。
“No，“repliedthelittlewoman。”Ican’tfindtimetolook，aftercattle，andI’mnotusedtoit。It’sasmuchasIcan，dotokeepgoinginthehouse。”
“Well，Isupposeitis，“saidMrs。Morel。
Presentlythegirlcameout。
“Teaisready，mother，“shesaidinamusical，quietvoice。
“Oh，thankyou，Miriam，thenwe’llcome，“repliedhermother，almostingratiatingly。”WouldyouCAREtohaveteanow，Mrs。Morel？”
“Ofcourse，“saidMrs。Morel。”Wheneverit’sready。”
PaulandhismotherandMrs。Leivershadteatogether。
Thentheywentoutintothewoodthatwasfloodedwithbluebells，whilefumyforget-me-notswereinthepaths。Themotherandsonwere，inecstasytogether。
Whentheygotbacktothehouse，Mr。LeiversandEdgar，theeldestson，wereinthekitchen。Edgarwasabouteighteen。
ThenGeoffreyandMaurice，bigladsoftwelveandthirteen，werein，fromschool。Mr。Leiverswasagood-lookingmanintheprimeoflife，withagolden-brownmoustache，andblueeyesscrewedupagainst，theweather。
Theboyswerecondescending，butPaulscarcelyobservedit。
Theywentroundforeggs，scramblingintoallsortsofplaces。
AstheywerefeedingthefowlsMiriamcameout。Theboystookno，noticeofher。Onehen，withheryellowchickens，wasinacoop。
Mauricetookhishandfullofcornandletthehenpeckfromit。
“Durstyoudoit？”heaskedofPaul。
“Let’ssee，“saidPaul。
Hehadasmallhand，warm，andrathercapable-looking。
Miriamwatched。Heheldthecorntothehen。Thebirdeyeditwithher，hard，brighteye，andsuddenlymadeapeckintohishand。Hestarted，andlaughed。”Rap，rap，rap！”wentthebird’sbeakinhispalm。
Helaughedagain，andtheotherboysjoined。
“Sheknocksyou，andnipsyou，butsheneverhurts，“saidPaul，whenthelastcornhadgone。”Now，Miriam，“saidMaurice，“youcome，an’aveago。”
“No，“shecried，shrinkingback。
“Ha！baby。Themardy-kid！”saidherbrothers。
“Itdoesn’thurtabit，“saidPaul。”Itonlyjustnips，rathernicely。”
“No，“shestillcried，shakingherblackcurlsandshrinking。
“Shedursn’t，“saidGeoffrey。”Sheniverdurstdoanything，exceptrecitepoitry。”
“Dursn’tjumpoffagate，dursn’ttweedle，dursn’tgoonaslide，dursn’tstopagirlhittin’her。Shecandonowtbutgoaboutthinkin’
herselfsomebody。’TheLadyoftheLake。’，Yah！”criedMaurice。
Miriamwascrimsonwithshameandmisery。
“Idaredomorethanyou，“shecried。”You’reneveranything，butcowardsandbullies。”
“Oh，cowardsandbullies！”theyrepeatedmincingly，mockingherspeech。
“Notsuchaclownshallangerme，Aboorisansweredsilently，“
hequotedagainsther，shoutingwithlaughter。
Shewentindoors。Paulwentwiththeboysintotheorchard，wheretheyhadriggedupaparallelbar。Theydidfeatsofstrength。
Hewasmoreagilethanstrong，butitserved。Hefingeredapiece，ofapple-blossomthathunglowonaswingingbough。
“Iwouldn’tgettheapple-blossom，“saidEdgar，theeldestbrother。
“There’llbenoapplesnextyear。”
“Iwasn’tgoingtogetit，“repliedPaul，goingaway。
Theboysfelthostiletohim;theyweremoreinterestedintheir，ownpursuits。Hewanderedbacktothehousetolookforhismother。
Ashewentroundtheback，hesawMiriamkneelinginfrontofthe，hen-coop，somemaizeinherhand，bitingherlip，andcrouching，inanintenseattitude。Thehenwaseyeingherwickedly。
Verygingerlysheputforwardherhand。Thehenbobbedforher。
Shedrewbackquicklywithacry，halfoffear，halfofchagrin。
“Itwon’thurtyou，“saidPaul。
Sheflushedcrimsonandstartedup。
“Ionlywantedtotry，“shesaidinalowvoice。
“See，itdoesn’thurt，“hesaid，and，puttingonlytwocorns，inhispalm，heletthehenpeck，peck，peckathisbarehand。
“Itonlymakesyoulaugh，“hesaid。