“Youwillletmehelpyouwashup，“saidClara。
“Eh，therearesofew，itwillonlytakeaminute，“saidtheother。
Clara，however，driedthetea-things，andwasgladtobeon，suchgoodtermswithhismother;butitwastorturenottobeable，tofollowhimdownthegarden。Atlastsheallowedherselftogo;
shefeltasifaropeweretakenoffherankle。
TheafternoonwasgoldenoverthehillsofDerbyshire。Hestood，acrossintheothergarden，besideabushofpaleMichaelmasdaisies，watchingthelastbeescrawlintothehive。Hearinghercoming，heturnedtoherwithaneasymotion，saying：
“It’stheendoftherunwiththesechaps。”
Clarastoodnearhim。Overthelowredwallinfrontwas，thecountryandthefar-offhills，allgoldendim。
AtthatmomentMiriamwasenteringthroughthegarden-door。
ShesawClaragouptohim，sawhimturn，andsawthemcometo，resttogether。Somethingintheirperfectisolationtogethermade，herknowthatitwasaccomplishedbetweenthem，thattheywere，assheputit，married。Shewalkedveryslowlydownthecinder-track，ofthelonggarden。
Clarahadpulledabuttonfromahollyhockspire，andwasbreaking，ittogettheseeds。Aboveherbowedheadthepinkflowersstared，asifdefendingher。Thelastbeeswerefallingdowntothehive。
“Countyourmoney，“laughedPaul，asshebroketheflatseeds，onebyonefromtherollofcoin。Shelookedathim。
“I’mwelloff，“shesaid，smiling。
“Howmuch？，Pf！”Hesnappedhisfingers。”CanIturnthem，intogold？”
“I’mafraidnot，“shelaughed。
Theylookedintoeachother’seyes，laughing。Atthatmoment，theybecameawareofMiriam。Therewasaclick，andeverything，hadaltered。
“Hello，Miriam！”heexclaimed。”Yousaidyou’dcome！”
“Yes。Hadyouforgotten？”
SheshookhandswithClara，saying：
“Itseemsstrangetoseeyouhere。”
“Yes，“repliedtheother;“itseemsstrangetobehere。”
Therewasahesitation。
“Thisispretty，isn’tit？”saidMiriam。
“Ilikeitverymuch，“repliedClara。
ThenMiriamrealisedthatClarawasacceptedasshehadneverbeen。
“Haveyoucomedownalone？”askedPaul。
“Yes;IwenttoAgatha’stotea。Wearegoingtochapel。
IonlycalledinforamomenttoseeClara。”
“Youshouldhavecomeinheretotea，“hesaid。
Miriamlaughedshortly，andClaraturnedimpatientlyaside。
“Doyoulikethechrysanthemums？”heasked。
“Yes;theyareveryfine，“repliedMiriam。
“Whichsortdoyoulikebest？”heasked。
“Idon’tknow。Thebronze，Ithink。”
“Idon’tthinkyou’veseenallthesorts。Comeandlook。
ComeandseewhichareYOURfavourites，Clara。”
Heledthetwowomenbacktohisowngarden，wherethetowsled，bushesofflowersofallcoloursstoodraggedlyalongthepathdown，tothefield。Thesituationdidnotembarrasshim，tohisknowledge。
“Look，Miriam;thesearethewhiteonesthatcamefromyourgarden。
Theyaren’tsofinehere，arethey？”
“No，“saidMiriam。
“Butthey’rehardier。You’resosheltered;thingsgrowbig，andtender，andthendie。TheselittleyellowonesIlike。
Willyouhavesome？”
Whiletheywereouttherethebellsbegantoringinthechurch，soundingloudacrossthetownandthefield。Miriamlookedatthe，tower，proudamongtheclusteringroofs，andrememberedthesketches，hehadbroughther。Ithadbeendifferentthen，buthehadnotleft，herevenyet。Sheaskedhimforabooktoread。Heranindoors。
“What！isthatMiriam？”askedhismothercoldly。
“Yes;shesaidshe’dcallandseeClara。”
“Youtoldher，then？”camethesarcasticanswer。
“Yes;whyshouldn’tI？”
“There’scertainlynoreasonwhyyoushouldn’t，“saidMrs。Morel，andshereturnedtoherbook。Hewincedfromhismother’sirony，frownedirritably，thinking：，“Whycan’tIdoasIlike？”
“You’venotseenMrs。Morelbefore？”MiriamwassayingtoClara。
“No;butshe’ssonice！”
“Yes，“saidMiriam，droppingherhead;“insomewaysshe’s，veryfine。”
“Ishouldthinkso。”
“HadPaultoldyoumuchabouther？”
“Hehadtalkedagooddeal。”
“Ha！”
Therewassilenceuntilhereturnedwiththebook。
“Whenwillyouwantitback？”Miriamasked。
“Whenyoulike，“heanswered。
Claraturnedtogoindoors，whilstheaccompaniedMiriam，tothegate。
“WhenwillyoucomeuptoWilleyFarm？”thelatterasked。
“Icouldn’tsay，“repliedClara。
“Motheraskedmetosayshe’dbepleasedtoseeyouanytime，ifyoucaredtocome。”
“Thankyou;Ishouldliketo，butIcan’tsaywhen。”
“Oh，verywell！”exclaimedMiriamratherbitterly，turningaway。
Shewentdownthepathwithhermouthtotheflowershehad，givenher。
“You’resureyouwon’tcomein？”hesaid。
“No，thanks。”
“Wearegoingtochapel。”
“Ah，Ishallseeyou，then！”Miriamwasverybitter。
“Yes。”
Theyparted。Hefeltguiltytowardsher。Shewasbitter，andshescornedhim。Hestillbelongedtoherself，shebelieved;
yethecouldhaveClara，takeherhome，sitwithhernexthismother，inchapel，giveherthesamehymn-bookhehadgivenherself，yearsbefore。Sheheardhimrunningquicklyindoors。
Buthedidnotgostraightin。Haltingontheplotofgrass，heheardhismother’svoice，thenClara’sanswer：
“WhatIhateisthebloodhoundqualityinMiriam。”
“Yes，“saidhismotherquickly，“yes;DOESN’Titmakeyou，hateher，now！”
Hisheartwenthot，andhewasangrywiththemfortalking，aboutthegirl。Whatrighthadtheytosaythat？，Somethingin，thespeechitselfstunghimintoaflameofhateagainstMiriam。
ThenhisownheartrebelledfuriouslyatClara’stakingtheliberty，ofspeakingsoaboutMiriam。Afterall，thegirlwasthebetterwoman，ofthetwo，hethought，ifitcametogoodness。Hewentindoors。
Hismotherlookedexcited。Shewasbeatingwithherhand，rhythmicallyonthesofa-arm，aswomendowhoarewearingout。
Hecouldneverbeartoseethemovement。Therewasasilence;
thenhebegantotalk。
InchapelMiriamsawhimfindtheplaceinthehymn-book，forClara，inexactlythesamewayasheusedforherself。
Andduringthesermonhecouldseethegirlacrossthechapel，herhatthrowingadarkshadowoverherface。Whatdidshethink，seeingClarawithhim？，Hedidnotstoptoconsider。Hefelthimself，crueltowardsMiriam。
AfterchapelhewentoverPentrichwithClara。Itwasadark，autumnnight。Theyhadsaidgood-byetoMiriam，andhishearthad，smittenhimasheleftthegirlalone。”Butitservesherright，“
hesaidinsidehimself，anditalmostgavehimpleasuretogooff，underhereyeswiththisotherhandsomewoman。
Therewasascentofdampleavesinthedarkness。Clara’shand，laywarmandinertinhisownastheywalked。Hewasfullofconflict。
Thebattlethatragedinsidehimmadehimfeeldesperate。
UpPentrichHillClaraleanedagainsthimashewent。
Heslidhisarmroundherwaist。Feelingthestrongmotion，ofherbodyunderhisarmasshewalked，thetightnessinhis，chestbecauseofMiriamrelaxed，andthehotbloodbathedhim。
Heheldhercloserandcloser。
Then：，“YoustillkeeponwithMiriam，“shesaidquietly。
“Onlytalk。ThereneverWASagreatdealmorethantalk，betweenus，“hesaidbitterly。
“Yourmotherdoesn’tcareforher，“saidClara。
“No，orImighthavemarriedher。Butit’sallupreally！”
Suddenlyhisvoicewentpassionatewithhate。
“IfIwaswithhernow，weshouldbejawingaboutthe’Christian，Mystery’，orsomesuchtack。ThankGod，I’mnot！”
Theywalkedoninsilenceforsometime。
“Butyoucan’treallygiveherup，“saidClara。
“Idon’tgiveherup，becausethere’snothingtogive，“
hesaid。
“Thereisforher。”
“Idon’tknowwhysheandIshouldn’tbefriendsaslong，aswelive，“hesaid。”Butit’llonlybefriends。”
Claradrewawayfromhim，leaningawayfromcontactwithhim。
“Whatareyoudrawingawayfor？”heasked。
Shedidnotanswer，butdrewfartherfromhim。
“Whydoyouwanttowalkalone？”heasked。
Stilltherewasnoanswer。Shewalkedresentfully，hangingherhead。
“BecauseIsaidIwouldbefriendswithMiriam！”heexclaimed。
Shewouldnotanswerhimanything。
“Itellyouit’sonlywordsthatgobetweenus，“hepersisted，tryingtotakeheragain。
Sheresisted。Suddenlyhestrodeacrossinfrontofher，barringherway。
“Damnit！”hesaid。”Whatdoyouwantnow？”
“You’dbetterrunafterMiriam，“mockedClara。
Thebloodflamedupinhim。Hestoodshowinghisteeth。
Shedroopedsulkily。Thelanewasdark，quitelonely。Hesuddenly，caughtherinhisarms，stretchedforward，andputhismouthon，herfaceinakissofrage。Sheturnedfranticallytoavoidhim。
Heheldherfast。Hardandrelentlesshismouthcameforher。
Herbreastshurtagainstthewallofhischest。Helpless，shewent，looseinhisarms，andhekissedher，andkissedher。
Heheardpeoplecomingdownthehill。
“Standup！standup！”hesaidthickly，grippingherarmtill，ithurt。Ifhehadletgo，shewouldhavesunktotheground。
Shesighedandwalkeddizzilybesidehim。Theywentoninsilence。
“Wewillgooverthefields，“hesaid;andthenshewokeup。
Butsheletherselfbehelpedoverthestile，andshe，walkedinsilencewithhimoverthefirstdarkfield。Itwas，thewaytoNottinghamandtothestation，sheknew。Heseemed，tobelookingabout。Theycameoutonabarehilltopwherestood，thedarkfigureoftheruinedwindmill。Therehehalted。
Theystoodtogetherhighupinthedarkness，lookingatthelights，scatteredonthenightbeforethem，handfulsofglitteringpoints，villageslyinghighandlowonthedark，hereandthere。
“Liketreadingamongthestars，“hesaid，withaquakylaugh。
Thenhetookherinhisarms，andheldherfast。Shemoved，asidehermouthtoask，doggedandlow：
“Whattimeisit？”
“Itdoesn’tmatter，“hepleadedthickly。
“Yesitdoes——yes！，Imustgo！”
“It’searlyyet，“hesaid。
“Whattimeisit？”sheinsisted。
Allroundlaytheblacknight，speckledandspangledwithlights。
“Idon’tknow。”
Sheputherhandonhischest，feelingforhiswatch。
Hefeltthejointsfuseintofire。Shegropedinhiswaistcoatpocket，whilehestoodpanting。Inthedarknessshecouldseetheround，palefaceofthewatch，butnotthefigures。Shestoopedoverit。
Hewaspantingtillhecouldtakeherinhisarmsagain。
“Ican’tsee，“shesaid。
“Thendon’tbother。”
“Yes;I’mgoing！”shesaid，turningaway。
“Wait！，I’lllook！”Buthecouldnotsee。”I’llstrike，amatch。”
Hesecretlyhopeditwastoolatetocatchthetrain。
Shesawtheglowinglanternofhishandsashecradledthelight：
thenhisfacelitup，hiseyesfixedonthewatch。Instantlyallwas，darkagain。Allwasblackbeforehereyes;onlyaglowingmatchwas，rednearherfeet。Wherewashe？
“Whatisit？”sheasked，afraid。
“Youcan’tdoit，“hisvoiceansweredoutofthedarkness。
Therewasapause。Shefeltinhispower。Shehadheard，theringinhisvoice。Itfrightenedher。
“Whattimeisit？”sheasked，quiet，definite，hopeless。
“Twominutestonine，“hereplied，tellingthetruthwith，astruggle。
“AndcanIgetfromheretothestationinfourteenminutes？”
“No。Atanyrate——“
Shecoulddistinguishhisdarkformagainayardorsoaway。
Shewantedtoescape。
“Butcan’tIdoit？”shepleaded。
“Ifyouhurry，“hesaidbrusquely。”Butyoucouldeasily，walkit，Clara;it’sonlysevenmilestothetram。I’llcome，withyou。”
“No;Iwanttocatchthetrain。”
“Butwhy？”
“Ido——Iwanttocatchthetrain。”
Suddenlyhisvoicealtered。
“Verywell，“hesaid，dryandhard。”Comealong，then。”
Andheplungedaheadintothedarkness。Sheranafterhim，wantingtocry。Nowhewashardandcrueltoher。Sheranover，therough，darkfieldsbehindhim，outofbreath，readytodrop。
Butthedoublerowoflightsatthestationdrewnearer。Suddenly：
“Theresheis！”hecried，breakingintoarun。
Therewasafaintrattlingnoise。Awaytotherightthetrain，likealuminouscaterpillar，wasthreadingacrossthenight。
Therattlingceased。
“She’sovertheviaduct。You’lljustdoit。”
Clararan，quiteoutofbreath，andfellatlastintothetrain。
Thewhistleblew。Hewasgone。Gone！——andshewasinacarriage，fullofpeople。Shefeltthecrueltyofit。
Heturnedroundandplungedhome。Beforeheknewwhere，hewashewasinthekitchenathome。Hewasverypale。
Hiseyesweredarkanddangerous-looking，asifheweredrunk。
Hismotherlookedathim。
“Well，Imustsayyourbootsareinanicestate！”shesaid。
Helookedathisfeet。Thenhetookoffhisovercoat。
Hismotherwonderedifheweredrunk。
“Shecaughtthetrainthen？”shesaid。
“Yes。”
“IhopeHERfeetweren’tsofilthy。Whereonearthyoudragged，herIdon’tknow！”
Hewassilentandmotionlessforsometime。
“Didyoulikeher？”heaskedgrudginglyatlast。
“Yes，Ilikedher。Butyou’lltireofher，myson;youknow，youwill。”
Hedidnotanswer。Shenoticedhowhelabouredinhisbreathing。
“Haveyoubeenrunning？”sheasked。
“Wehadtorunforthetrain。”
“You’llgoandknockyourselfup。You’dbetterdrinkhotmilk。”
Itwasasgoodastimulantashecouldhave，butherefused，andwenttobed。Therehelayfacedownonthecounterpane，andshedtearsofrageandpain。Therewasaphysicalpain，thatmadehimbitehislipstilltheybled，andthechaosinside，himlefthimunabletothink，almosttofeel。
“Thisishowsheservesme，isit？”hesaidinhisheart，overandover，pressinghisfaceinthequilt。Andhehatedher。
Againhewentoverthescene，andagainhehatedher。
Thenextdaytherewasanewaloofnessabouthim。Clarawas，verygentle，almostloving。Buthetreatedherdistantly，withatouchofcontempt。Shesighed，continuingtobegentle。
Hecameround。
OneeveningofthatweekSarahBernhardtwasattheTheatreRoyal，inNottingham，giving“LaDameauxCamelias“。Paulwantedtosee，thisoldandfamousactress，andheaskedClaratoaccompanyhim。
Hetoldhismothertoleavethekeyinthewindowforhim。
“ShallIbookseats？”heaskedofClara。
“Yes。Andputonaneveningsuit，willyou？，I’veneverseen，youinit。”
“But，goodLord，Clara！，ThinkofMEineveningsuit，atthetheatre！”heremonstrated。
“Wouldyourathernot？”sheasked。
“IwillifyouWANTmeto;butIs’llfeelafool。”
Shelaughedathim。
“Thenfeelafoolformysake，once，won’tyou？”
Therequestmadehisbloodflushup。
“IsupposeIs’llhaveto。”
“Whatareyoutakingasuitcasefor？”hismotherasked。
Heblushedfuriously。
“Claraaskedme，“hesaid。
“Andwhatseatsareyougoingin？”
“Circle——three-and-sixeach！”
“Well，I’msure！”exclaimedhismothersarcastically。
“It’sonlyonceinthebluestofbluemoons，“hesaid。
HedressedatJordan’s，putonanovercoatandacap，andmet，Clarainacafe。Shewaswithoneofhersuffragettefriends。
Sheworeanoldlongcoat，whichdidnotsuither，andhadalittlewrap，overherhead，whichhehated。Thethreewenttothetheatretogether。
Claratookoffhercoatonthestairs，andhediscoveredshe，wasinasortofsemi-eveningdress，thatleftherarmsandneck，andpartofherbreastbare。Herhairwasdonefashionably。
Thedress，asimplethingofgreencrape，suitedher。Shelooked，quitegrand，hethought。Hecouldseeherfigureinsidethefrock，asifthatwerewrappedcloselyroundher。Thefirmnessandthe，softnessofheruprightbodycouldalmostbefeltashelookedather。
Heclenchedhisfists。
Andhewastositalltheeveningbesideherbeautifulnakedarm，watchingthestrongthroatrisefromthestrongchest，watchingthe，breastsunderthegreenstuff，thecurveofherlimbsinthetightdress。
Somethinginhimhatedheragainforsubmittinghimtothistorture，ofnearness。Andhelovedherasshebalancedherheadandstared，straightinfrontofher，pouting，wistful，immobile，asifshe，yieldedherselftoherfatebecauseitwastoostrongforher。
Shecouldnothelpherself;shewasinthegripofsomething，biggerthanherself。Akindofeternallookabouther，asifshe，wereawistfulsphinx，madeitnecessaryforhimtokissher。
Hedroppedhisprogramme，andcroucheddownonthefloortogetit，sothathecouldkissherhandandwrist。Herbeautywasatorture，tohim。Shesatimmobile。Only，whenthelightswentdown，shesankalittleagainsthim，andhecaressedherhandandarm，withhisfingers。Hecouldsmellherfaintperfume。Allthetime，hisbloodkeptsweepingupingreatwhite-hotwavesthatkilledhis，consciousnessmomentarily。
Thedramacontinued。Hesawitallinthedistance，goingon，somewhere;hedidnotknowwhere，butitseemedfarawayinsidehim。
HewasClara’swhiteheavyarms，herthroat，hermovingbosom。
Thatseemedtobehimself。Thenawaysomewheretheplaywenton，andhewasidentifiedwiththatalso。Therewasnohimself。
ThegreyandblackeyesofClara，herbosomcoming，downonhim，herarmthatheheldgrippedbetweenhishands，wereallthatexisted。Thenhefelthimselfsmallandhelpless，hertoweringinherforceabovehim。
Onlytheintervals，whenthelightscameup，hurthimexpressibly。
Hewantedtorunanywhere，solongasitwouldbedarkagain。
Inamaze，hewanderedoutforadrink。Thenthelightswereout，andthestrange，insanerealityofClaraandthedramatookholdof，himagain。
Theplaywenton。Buthewasobsessedbythedesireto，kissthetinyblueveinthatnestledinthebendofherarm。
Hecouldfeelit。Hiswholefaceseemedsuspendedtillhehad，puthislipsthere。Itmustbedone。Andtheotherpeople！
Atlasthebentquicklyforwardandtoucheditwithhislips。
Hismoustachebrushedthesensitiveflesh。Clarashivered，drewaway，herarm。
Whenallwasover，thelightsup，thepeopleclapping，hecametohimselfandlookedathiswatch。Histrainwasgone。
“Is’llhavetowalkhome！”hesaid。
Claralookedathim。
“Itistoolate？”sheasked。
Henodded。Thenhehelpedheronwithhercoat。
“Iloveyou！，Youlookbeautifulinthatdress，“hemurmured，overhershoulder，amongthethrongofbustlingpeople。
Sheremainedquiet。Togethertheywentoutofthetheatre。
Hesawthecabswaiting，thepeoplepassing。Itseemedhemet，apairofbrowneyeswhichhatedhim。Buthedidnotknow。
HeandClaraturnedaway，mechanicallytakingthedirectionto，thestation。
Thetrainhadgone。Hewouldhavetowalkthetenmileshome。
“Itdoesn’tmatter，“hesaid。”Ishallenjoyit。”
“Won’tyou，“shesaid，flushing，“comehomeforthenight？
Icansleepwithmother。”
Helookedather。Theireyesmet。
“Whatwillyourmothersay？”heasked。
“Shewon’tmind。”
“You’resure？”
“Quite！“
“SHALLIcome？”
“Ifyouwill。”
“Verywell。”
Andtheyturnedaway。Atthefirststopping-placetheytook，thecar。Thewindblewfreshintheirfaces。Thetownwasdark;
thetramtippedinitshaste。Hesatwithherhandfastinhis。
“Willyourmotherbegonetobed？”heasked。
“Shemaybe。Ihopenot。”
Theyhurriedalongthesilent，darklittlestreet，theonly，peopleoutofdoors。Claraquicklyenteredthehouse。Hehesitated。
Heleapedupthestepandwasintheroom。Hermotherappeared，intheinnerdoorway，largeandhostile。
“Whohaveyougotthere？”sheasked。
“It’sMr。Morel;hehasmissedhistrain。Ithoughtwemight，puthimupforthenight，andsavehimaten-milewalk。”
“H’m，“exclaimedMrs。Radford。”That’syourlookout！
Ifyou’veinvitedhim，he’sverywelcomeasfarasI’mconcerned。
YOUkeepthehouse！”
“Ifyoudon’tlikeme，I’llgoawayagain，“hesaid。
“Nay，nay，youneedn’t！，Comealongin！，Idunnowhatyou’ll，thinkofthesupperI’dgother。”
Itwasalittledishofchippotatoesandapieceofbacon。
Thetablewasroughlylaidforone。
“Youcanhavesomemorebacon，“continuedMrs。Radford。
“Morechipsyoucan’thave。”
“It’sashametobotheryou，“hesaid。
“Oh，don’tyoubeapologetic！，Itdoesn’tDOwi’me！，Youtreatedher，tothetheatre，didn’tyou？”Therewasasarcasminthelastquestion。
“Well？”laughedPauluncomfortably。
“Well，andwhat’saninchofbacon！，Takeyourcoatoff。”
Thebig，straight-standingwomanwastryingtoestimate，thesituation。Shemovedaboutthecupboard。Claratookhiscoat。
Theroomwasverywarmandcosyinthelamplight。
“Mysirs！”exclaimedMrs。Radford;“butyoutwo’sapair，ofbrightbeauties，Imustsay！，What’sallthatget-upfor？”
“Ibelievewedon’tknow，“hesaid，feelingavictim。
“Thereisn’troominTHIShousefortwosuchbobby-dazzlers，if，youflyyourkitesTHAThigh！”sheralliedthem。Itwasanastythrust。
Heinhisdinnerjacket，andClarainhergreendress，andbarearms，wereconfused。Theyfelttheymustshelter，eachotherinthatlittlekitchen。
“AndlookatTHATblossom！“continuedMrs。Radford，pointingtoClara。”Whatdoesshereckonshediditfor？”
PaullookedatClara。Shewasrosy;herneckwaswarm，withblushes。Therewasamomentofsilence。
“Youliketoseeit，don’tyou？”heasked。
Themotherhadtheminherpower。Allthetimehisheart，wasbeatinghard，andhewastightwithanxiety。Buthewould，fighther。
“Meliketoseeit！”exclaimedtheoldwoman。”WhatshouldI
liketoseehermakeafoolofherselffor？”
“I’veseenpeoplelookbiggerfools，“hesaid。Clarawas，underhisprotectionnow。
“Oh，ay！andwhenwasthat？”camethesarcasticrejoinder。
“Whentheymadefrightsofthemselves，“heanswered。
Mrs。Radford，largeandthreatening，stoodsuspended，onthehearthrug，holdingherfork。
“They’refoolseitherroad，“sheansweredatlength，turningtotheDutchoven。
“No，“hesaid，fightingstoutly。”Folkoughttolookaswell，astheycan。”
“AnddoyoucallTHATlookingnice！”criedthemother，pointingascornfulforkatClara。”That——thatlooksasifit，wasn’tproperlydressed！”
“Ibelieveyou’rejealousthatyoucan’tswankaswell，“
hesaidlaughing。
“Me！，Icouldhaveworneveningdresswithanybody，ifI’d，wantedto！”camethescornfulanswer。
“Andwhydidn’tyouwantto？”heaskedpertinently。”OrDID
youwearit？”
Therewasalongpause。Mrs。Radfordreadjustedthebacon，intheDutchoven。Hisheartbeatfast，forfearhehadoffendedher。
“Me！”sheexclaimedatlast。”No，Ididn’t！，AndwhenIwas，inservice，Iknewassoonasoneofthemaidscameoutinbare，shoulderswhatsortSHEwas，goingtohersixpennyhop！”
“Wereyoutoogoodtogotoasixpennyhop？”hesaid。
Clarasatwithbowedhead。Hiseyesweredarkandglittering。
Mrs。RadfordtooktheDutchovenfromthefire，andstoodnearhim，puttingbitsofbacononhisplate。
“THERE’Sanicecrozzlybit！”shesaid。
“Don’tgivemethebest！”hesaid。
“SHE’SgotwhatSHEwants，“wastheanswer。
Therewasasortofscornfulforbearanceinthewoman’stone，thatmadePaulknowshewasmollified。
“ButDOhavesome！”hesaidtoClara。
Shelookedupathimwithhergreyeyes，humiliatedandlonely。
“Nothanks！”shesaid。
“Whywon’tyou？”heansweredcarelessly。
Thebloodwasbeatinguplikefireinhisveins。Mrs。Radford，satdownagain，largeandimpressiveandaloof。HeleftClara，altogethertoattendtothemother。
“TheysaySarahBernhardt’sfifty，“hesaid。
“Fifty！，She’sturnedsixty！”camethescornfulanswer。
“Well，“hesaid，“you’dneverthinkit！，Shemademewant，tohowlevennow。”
“IshouldliketoseemyselfhowlingatTHATbadoldbaggage！”
saidMrs。Radford。”It’stimeshebegantothinkherselfagrandmother，notashriekingcatamaran——“
Helaughed。
“AcatamaranisaboattheMalaysuse，“hesaid。
“Andit’sawordasIuse，“sheretorted。
“Mymotherdoessometimes，andit’snogoodmytellingher，“
hesaid。
“Is’dthinksheboxesyourears，“saidMrs。Radford，good-humouredly。
“She’dliketo，andshesaysshewill，soIgiveheralittle，stooltostandon。”
“That’stheworstofmymother，“saidClara。”Sheneverwants，astoolforanything。”
“Butsheoftencan’ttouchTHATladywithalongprop，“
retortedMrs。RadfordtoPaul。
“Is’dthinkshedoesn’twanttouchingwithaprop，“helaughed。
“Ishouldn’t。”
“Itmightdothepairofyougoodtogiveyouacrack，ontheheadwithone，“saidthemother，laughingsuddenly。
“Whyareyousovindictivetowardsme？”hesaid。”I’venot，stolenanythingfromyou。”
“No;I’llwatchthat，“laughedtheolderwoman。
Soonthesupperwasfinished。Mrs。Radfordsatguardinher，chair。Paullitacigarette。Clarawentupstairs，returningwith，asleeping-suit，whichshespreadonthefendertoair。
“Why，I’dforgotallaboutTHEM！”saidMrs。Radford。
“Wherehavetheysprungfrom？”
“Outofmydrawer。”
“H’m！，Youbought’emforBaxter，an’hewouldn’twear’em，wouldhe？”——laughing。”Saidhereckonedtodowi’outtrousersi’
bed。”，SheturnedconfidentiallytoPaul，saying：，“Hecouldn’t，BEAR’em，thempyjamathings。”
Theyoungmansatmakingringsofsmoke。
“Well，it’severyonetohistaste，“helaughed。
Thenfollowedalittlediscussionofthemeritsofpyjamas。
“Mymotherlovesmeinthem，“hesaid。”ShesaysI’mapierrot。”
“Icanimaginethey’dsuityou，“saidMrs。Radford。
Afterawhileheglancedatthelittleclockthatwasticking，onthemantelpiece。Itwashalf-pasttwelve。
“Itisfunny，“hesaid，“butittakeshourstosettledown，tosleepafterthetheatre。”
“It’sabouttimeyoudid，“saidMrs。Radford，clearingthetable。
“AreYOUtired？”heaskedofClara。
“Nottheleastbit，“sheanswered，avoidinghiseyes。
“Shallwehaveagameatcribbage？”hesaid。
“I’veforgottenit。”
“Well，I’llteachyouagain。Mayweplaycrib，Mrs。Radford？”
heasked。
“You’llpleaseyourselves，“shesaid;“butit’sprettylate。”
“Agameorsowillmakeussleepy，“heanswered。
Clarabroughtthecards，andsatspinningherwedding-ringwhilst，heshuffledthem。Mrs。Radfordwaswashingupinthescullery。
AsitgrewlaterPaulfeltthesituationgettingmoreandmoretense。
“Fifteentwo，fifteenfour，fifteensix，andtwo’seight——！”
Theclockstruckone。Stillthegamecontinued。Mrs。Radford，haddoneallthelittlejobspreparatorytogoingtobed，hadlockedthedoorandfilledthekettle。StillPaulwenton，dealingandcounting。HewasobsessedbyClara’sarmsandthroat。
Hebelievedhecouldseewherethedivisionwasjustbeginning，forherbreasts。Hecouldnotleaveher。Shewatchedhishands，andfeltherjointsmeltastheymovedquickly。Shewassonear;
itwasalmostasifhetouchedher，andyetnotquite。Hismettlewas，roused。HehatedMrs。Radford。Shesaton，nearlydroppingasleep，butdeterminedandobstinateinherchair。Paulglancedather，thenat，Clara。Shemethiseyes，thatwereangry，mocking，andhardassteel。
Herownansweredhiminshame。HeknewSHE，atanyrate，was，ofhismind。Heplayedon。
AtlastMrs。Radfordrousedherselfstiffly，andsaid：
“Isn’titnighontimeyoutwowasthinkingo’bed？”
Paulplayedonwithoutanswering。Hehatedhersufficiently，tomurderher。
“Halfaminute，“hesaid。
Theelderwomanroseandsailedstubbornlyintothescullery，returningwithhiscandle，whichsheputonthemantelpiece。
Thenshesatdownagain。Thehatredofherwentsohot，downhisveins，hedroppedhiscards。
“We’llstop，then，“hesaid，buthisvoicewasstillachallenge。
Clarasawhismouthshuthard。Againheglancedather。
Itseemedlikeanagreement。Shebentoverthecards，coughing，toclearherthroat。
“Well，I’mgladyou’vefinished，“saidMrs。Radford。
“Here，takeyourthings“——shethrustthewarmsuitinhishand——“and，thisisyourcandle。Yourroom’soverthis;there’sonlytwo，soyoucan’tgofarwrong。Well，good-night。Ihopeyou’llrestwell。”
“I’msureIshall;Ialwaysdo，“hesaid。
“Yes;andsoyououghtatyourage，“shereplied。
Hebadegood-nighttoClara，andwent。Thetwistingstairs，ofwhite，scrubbedwoodcreakedandclangedateverystep。
Hewentdoggedly。Thetwodoorsfacedeachother。Hewentinhisroom，pushedthedoorto，withoutfasteningthelatch。
Itwasasmallroomwithalargebed。SomeofClara’s，hair-pinswereonthedressing-table——herhair-brush。Herclothes，andsomeskirtshungunderaclothinacorner。Therewasactually，apairofstockingsoverachair。Heexploredtheroom。
Twobooksofhisownwerethereontheshelf。Heundressed，foldedhissuit，andsatonthebed，listening。Thenheblew，outthecandle，laydown，andintwominuteswasalmostasleep。
Thenclick！——hewaswideawakeandwrithingintorment。Itwasasif，whenhehadnearlygottosleep，somethinghadbittenhimsuddenly，andsenthimmad。Hesatupandlookedattheroominthedarkness，hisfeetdoubledunderhim，perfectlymotionless，listening。Heheard，acatsomewhereawayoutside;thentheheavy，poisedtread，ofthemother;thenClara’sdistinctvoice：
“Willyouunfastenmydress？”
Therewassilenceforsometime。Atlastthemothersaid：
“Nowthen！aren’tyoucomingup？”
“No，notyet，“repliedthedaughtercalmly。
“Oh，verywellthen！，Ifit’snotlateenough，stopabitlonger。
Onlyyouneedn’tcomewakingmeupwhenI’vegottosleep。”
“Ishan’tbelong，“saidClara。
ImmediatelyafterwardsPaulheardthemotherslowlymounting，thestairs。Thecandlelightflashedthroughthecracksinhisdoor。
Herdressbrushedthedoor，andhisheartjumped。Thenitwasdark，andheheardtheclatterofherlatch。Shewasveryleisurelyindeed，inherpreparationsforsleep。Afteralongtimeitwasquitestill。
Hesatstrunguponthebed，shiveringslightly。Hisdoorwas，aninchopen。AsClaracameupstairs，hewouldintercepther。
Hewaited。Allwasdeadsilence。Theclockstrucktwo。Thenhe，heardaslightscrapeofthefenderdownstairs。Nowhecouldnot，helphimself。Hisshiveringwasuncontrollable。Hefelthemustgo，ordie。
Hesteppedoffthebed，andstoodamoment，shuddering。
Thenhewentstraighttothedoor。Hetriedtosteplightly。
Thefirststaircrackedlikeashot。Helistened。Theoldwoman，stirredinherbed。Thestaircasewasdark。Therewasaslit，oflightunderthestair-footdoor，whichopenedintothekitchen。
Hestoodamoment。Thenhewenton，mechanically。Everystepcreaked，andhisbackwascreeping，lesttheoldwoman’sdoorshouldopen，behindhimupabove。Hefumbledwiththedooratthebottom。
Thelatchopenedwithaloudclack。Hewentthroughintothekitchen，andshutthedoornoisilybehindhim。Theoldwomandaren’t，comenow。
Thenhestood，arrested。Clarawaskneelingonapileofwhite，underclothingonthehearthrug，herbacktowardshim，warmingherself。
Shedidnotlookround，butsatcrouchingonherheels，andher，roundedbeautifulbackwastowardshim，andherfacewashidden。
Shewaswarmingherbodyatthefireforconsolation。Theglow，wasrosyononeside，theshadowwasdarkandwarmontheother。
Herarmshungslack。
Heshudderedviolently，clenchinghisteethandfistshard，tokeepcontrol。Thenhewentforwardtoher。Heputonehand，onhershoulder，thefingersoftheotherhandunderherchinto，raiseherface。Aconvulsedshiverranthroughher，once，twice，athistouch。Shekeptherheadbent。
“Sorry！”hemurmured，realisingthathishandswereverycold。
Thenshelookedupathim，frightened，likeathingthatis，afraidofdeath。
“Myhandsaresocold，“hemurmured。
“Ilikeit，“shewhispered，closinghereyes。
Thebreathofherwordswereonhismouth。Herarmsclasped，hisknees。Thecordofhissleeping-suitdangledagainstherandmade，hershiver。Asthewarmthwentintohim，hisshudderingbecameless。
Atlength，unabletostandsoanymore，heraisedher，andshe，buriedherheadonhisshoulder。Hishandswentoverherslowly，withaninfinitetendernessofcaress。Sheclungclosetohim，tryingtohideherselfagainsthim。Heclaspedherveryfast。
Thenatlastshelookedathim，mute，imploring，lookingtoseeifshe，mustbeashamed。
Hiseyesweredark，verydeep，andveryquiet。Itwasasifher，beautyandhistakingithurthim，madehimsorrowful。Helookedat，herwithalittlepain，andwasafraid。Hewassohumblebeforeher。
Shekissedhimferventlyontheeyes，firstone，thentheother，andshefoldedherselftohim。Shegaveherself。Heheldherfast。
Itwasamomentintensealmosttoagony。
Shestoodlettinghimadoreherandtremblewithjoyofher。
Ithealedherhurtpride。Ithealedher;itmadeherglad。Itmade，herfeelerectandproudagain。Herpridehadbeenwoundedinsideher。
Shehadbeencheapened。Nowsheradiatedwithjoyandprideagain。
Itwasherrestorationandherrecognition。
Thenhelookedather，hisfaceradiant。Theylaughedto，eachother，andhestrainedhertohischest。Thesecondstickedoff，theminutespassed，andstillthetwostoodclaspedrigidtogether，mouthtomouth，likeastatueinoneblock。
Butagainhisfingerswentseekingoverher，restless，wandering，dissatisfied。Thehotbloodcameupwaveuponwave。
Shelaidherheadonhisshoulder。
“Comeyoutomyroom，“hemurmured。
Shelookedathimandshookherhead，hermouthpouting，disconsolately，hereyesheavywithpassion。Hewatchedherfixedly。
“Yes！”hesaid。
Againsheshookherhead。
“Whynot？”heasked。
Shelookedathimstillheavily，sorrowfully，andagainshe，shookherhead。Hiseyeshardened，andhegaveway。
When，lateron，hewasbackinbed，hewonderedwhyshehad，refusedtocometohimopenly，sothathermotherwouldknow。
Atanyrate，thenthingswouldhavebeendefinite。Andshecould，havestayedwithhimthenight，withouthavingtogo，asshewas，tohermother’sbed。Itwasstrange，andhecouldnotunderstandit。
Andthenalmostimmediatelyhefellasleep。
Heawokeinthemorningwithsomeonespeakingtohim。
Openinghiseyes，hesawMrs。Radford，bigandstately，lookingdown，onhim。Sheheldacupofteainherhand。
“Doyouthinkyou’regoingtosleeptillDoomsday？”shesaid。
Helaughedatonce。
“Itoughtonlytobeaboutfiveo’clock，“hesaid。
“Well，“sheanswered，“it’shalf-pastseven，whetherornot。
Here，I’vebroughtyouacupoftea。”
Herubbedhisface，pushedthetumbledhairoffhisforehead，androusedhimself。
“What’sitsolatefor！”hegrumbled。
Heresentedbeingwakened。Itamusedher。Shesawhisneck，intheflannelsleeping-jacket，aswhiteandroundasagirl’s。He，rubbedhishaircrossly。
“It’snogoodyourscratchingyourhead，“shesaid。
“Itwon’tmakeitnoearlier。Here，an’howlongd’youthinkI’m，goingtostandwaitingwi’thisherecup？”
“Oh，dashthecup！”hesaid。
“Youshouldgotobedearlier，“saidthewoman。
Helookedupather，laughingwithimpudence。
“IwenttobedbeforeYOUdid，“hesaid。
“Yes，myGuyney，youdid！”sheexclaimed。
“Fancy，“hesaid，stirringhistea，“havingteabroughttobed，tome！，Mymother’llthinkI’mruinedforlife。”
“Don’tsheneverdoit？”askedMrs。Radford。
“She’dasleavethinkofflying。”
“Ah，Ialwaysspoiltmylot！，That’swhythey’veturnedout，suchbaduns，“saidtheelderlywoman。
“You’donlyClara，“hesaid。”AndMr。Radford’sinheaven。
SoIsupposethere’sonlyyoulefttobethebadun。”
“I’mnotbad;I’monlysoft，“shesaid，asshewentout，ofthebedroom。”I’monlyafool，Iam！”
Clarawasveryquietatbreakfast，butshehadasortofair，ofproprietorshipoverhimthatpleasedhiminfinitely。Mrs。Radford，wasevidentlyfondofhim。Hebegantotalkofhispainting。
“What’sthegood，“exclaimedthemother，“ofyourwhittling，andworryingandtwistin’andtoo-in’atthatpaintingofyours？
WhatGOODdoesitdoyou，Ishouldliketoknow？，You’dbetter，beenjoyin’yourself。”
“Oh，but，“exclaimedPaul，“Imadeoverthirtyguineaslastyear。”
“Didyou！，Well，that’saconsideration，butit’snothing，tothetimeyouputin。”
“AndI’vegotfourpoundsowing。Amansaidhe’dgivemefive，poundsifI’dpainthimandhismissisandthedogandthecottage。
AndIwentandputthefowlsininsteadofthedog，andhewaswaxy，soIhadtoknockaquidoff。Iwassickofit，andIdidn’tlike，thedog。Imadeapictureofit。WhatshallIdowhenhepaysme，thefourpounds？”
“Nay！youknowyourownusesforyourmoney，“saidMrs。Radford。
“ButI’mgoingtobustthisfourpounds。Shouldwego，totheseasideforadayortwo？”
“Who？”
“YouandClaraandme。”
“What，onyourmoney！”sheexclaimed，half-wrathful。
“Whynot？”
“YOUwouldn’tbelonginbreakingyourneckatahurdlerace！”
shesaid。
“SolongasIgetagoodrunformymoney！，Willyou？”
“Nay;youmaysettlethatatweenyou。”
“Andyou’rewilling？”heasked，amazedandrejoicing。
“You’lldoasyoulike，“saidMrs。Radford，“whetherI’m，willingornot。”
CHAPTERXIII
BAXTERDAWES
SOONafterPaulhadbeentothetheatrewithClara，hewasdrinking，inthePunchBowlwithsomefriendsofhiswhenDawescamein。
Clara’shusbandwasgrowingstout;hiseyelidsweregettingslack，overhisbrowneyes;hewaslosinghishealthyfirmnessofflesh。
Hewasveryevidentlyonthedownwardtrack。Havingquarrelled，withhissister，hehadgoneintocheaplodgings。Hismistress，hadlefthimforamanwhowouldmarryher。Hehadbeeninprison，onenightforfightingwhenhewasdrunk，andtherewasashady，bettingepisodeinwhichhewasconcerned。
Paulandhewereconfirmedenemies，andyettherewasbetween，themthatpeculiarfeelingofintimacy，asiftheyweresecretly，neartoeachother，whichsometimesexistsbetweentwopeople，althoughtheyneverspeaktooneanother。Pauloftenthoughtof，BaxterDawes，oftenwantedtogetathimandbefriendswithhim。
HeknewthatDawesoftenthoughtabouthim，andthatthemanwas，drawntohimbysomebondorother。Andyetthetwoneverlooked，ateachothersaveinhostility。
SincehewasasuperioremployeeatJordan’s，itwasthething，forPaultoofferDawesadrink。
“What’llyouhave？”heaskedofhim。
“Nowtwi’ableederlikeyou！”repliedtheman。
Paulturnedawaywithaslightdisdainfulmovementoftheshoulders，veryirritating。
“Thearistocracy，“hecontinued，“isreallyamilitaryinstitution。
TakeGermany，now。She’sgotthousandsofaristocratswhoseonly，meansofexistenceisthearmy。They’redeadlypoor，andlife’s，deadlyslow。Sotheyhopeforawar。Theylookforwarasachance，ofgettingon。Tillthere’sawartheyareidlegood-for-nothings。
Whenthere’sawar，theyareleadersandcommanders。Thereyouare，then——theyWANTwar！”
Hewasnotafavouritedebaterinthepublic-house，beingtoo，quickandoverbearing。Heirritatedtheoldermenbyhisassertive，manner，andhiscocksureness。Theylistenedinsilence，andwere，notsorrywhenhefinished。
Dawesinterruptedtheyoungman’sflowofeloquencebyasking，inaloudsneer：
“Didyoulearnallthatatth’theatreth’othernight？”
Paullookedathim;theireyesmet。ThenheknewDaweshad，seenhimcomingoutofthetheatrewithClara。
“Why，whataboutth’theatre？”askedoneofPaul’sassociates，gladtogetadigattheyoungfellow，andsniffingsomethingtasty。
“Oh，himinabob-tailedeveningsuit，onthelardy-da！”
sneeredDawes，jerkinghisheadcontemptuouslyatPaul。
“That’scomin’itstrong，“saidthemutualfriend。
“Tartan’all？”
“Tart，begod！”saidDawes。
“Goon;let’shaveit！”criedthemutualfriend。
“You’vegotit，“saidDawes，“an’IreckonMorellyhaditan’all。”
“Well，I’llbejiggered！”saidthemutualfriend。”An’wasit，apropertart？”
“Tart，Godblimey——yes！”
“Howdoyouknow？”
“Oh，“saidDawes，“Ireckonhespentth’night——“
TherewasagooddealoflaughteratPaul’sexpense。
“ButwhoWASshe？，D’youknowher？”askedthemutualfriend。
“IshouldSHAYSHO，“saidDawes。
Thisbroughtanotherburstoflaughter。
“Thenspititout，“saidthemutualfriend。
Dawesshookhishead，andtookagulpofbeer。
“It’sawonderhehasn’tletonhimself，“hesaid。
“He’llbebraggin’ofitinabit。”
“Comeon，Paul，“saidthefriend;“it’snogood。Youmight，justaswellownup。”
“Ownupwhat？，ThatIhappenedtotakeafriendtothetheatre？”
“Ohwell，ifitwasallright，telluswhoshewas，lad，“
saidthefriend。
“SheWASallright，“saidDawes。
Paulwasfurious。Daweswipedhisgoldenmoustachewith，hisfingers，sneering。
“Strikeme——！，Oneo’thatsort？”saidthemutualfriend。
“Paul，boy，I’msurprisedatyou。Anddoyouknowher，Baxter？”
“Justabit，like！”
Hewinkedattheothermen。
“Ohwell，“saidPaul，“I’llbegoing！”
Themutualfriendlaidadetaininghandonhisshoulder。
“Nay，“hesaid，“youdon’tgetoffaseasyasthat，mylad。
We’vegottohaveafullaccountofthisbusiness。”
“ThengetitfromDawes！”hesaid。
“Youshouldn’tfunkyourowndeeds，man，“remonstratedthefriend。
ThenDawesmadearemarkwhichcausedPaultothrowhalf，aglassofbeerinhisface。
“Oh，Mr。Morel！”criedthebarmaid，andsherangthebell，forthe“chucker-out“。
Dawesspatandrushedfortheyoungman。Atthatminute，abrawnyfellowwithhisshirt-sleevesrolledupandhistrousers，tightoverhishaunchesintervened。
“Now，then！”hesaid，pushinghischestinfrontofDawes。
“Comeout！”criedDawes。
Paulwasleaning，whiteandquivering，againstthebrassrail，ofthebar。HehatedDawes，wishedsomethingcouldexterminate，himatthatminute;andatthesametime，seeingthewethairon，theman’sforehead，hethoughthelookedpathetic。Hedidnotmove。
“Comeout，you——，“saidDawes。
“That’senough，Dawes，“criedthebarmaid。
“Comeon，“saidthe“chucker-out“withkindlyinsistence，“you’dbetterbegettingon。”
And，bymakingDawesedgeawayfromhisowncloseproximity，heworkedhimtothedoor。
“THAT’Sthelittlesodasstartedit！”criedDawes，half-cowed，pointingtoPaulMorel。
“Why，whatastory，Mr。Dawes！”saidthebarmaid。”Youknow，itwasyouallthetime。”
Stillthe“chucker-out“keptthrustinghischestforwardathim，stillhekeptedgingback，untilhewasinthedoorwayandonthe，stepsoutside;thenheturnedround。
“Allright，“hesaid，noddingstraightathisrival。
Paulhadacurioussensationofpity，almostofaffection，mingledwithviolenthate，fortheman。Thecoloureddoorswungto;
therewassilenceinthebar。
“Serve，him，jollywellright！”saidthebarmaid。
“Butit’sanastythingtogetaglassofbeerinyoureyes，“
saidthemutualfriend。
“ItellyouIwasgladhedid，“saidthebarmaid。”Willyou，haveanother，Mr。Morel？”
SheheldupPaul’sglassquestioningly。Henodded。
“He’samanasdoesn’tcareforanything，isBaxterDawes，“
saidone。
“Pooh！ishe？”saidthebarmaid。”He’saloud-mouthedone，heis，andthey’renevermuchgood。Givemeapleasant-spokenchap，ifyouwantadevil！”
“Well，Paul，mylad，“saidthefriend，“you’llhavetotake，careofyourselfnowforawhile。”
“Youwon’thavetogivehimachanceoveryou，that’sall，“
saidthebarmaid。
“Canyoubox？”askedafriend。
“Notabit，“heanswered，stillverywhite。
“Imightgiveyouaturnortwo，“saidthefriend。
“Thanks，Ihaven’ttime。”
Andpresentlyhetookhisdeparture。
“Goalongwithhim，Mr。Jenkinson，“whisperedthebarmaid，tippingMr。Jenkinsonthewink。
Themannodded，tookhishat，said：，“Good-nightall！”
veryheartily，andfollowedPaul，calling：
“Halfaminute，oldman。Youan’me’sgoingthesameroad，Ibelieve。”
“Mr。Moreldoesn’tlikeit，“saidthebarmaid。”You’llsee，weshan’thavehiminmuchmore。I’msorry;he’sgoodcompany。
AndBaxterDaweswantslockingup，that’swhathewants。”
Paulwouldhavediedratherthanhismothershouldget，toknowofthisaffair。Hesufferedtorturesofhumiliation，andself-consciousness。Therewasnowagooddealofhislife，ofwhichnecessarilyhecouldnotspeaktohismother。Hehad，alifeapartfromher——hissexuallife。Therestshestillkept。
Buthefelthehadtoconcealsomethingfromher，anditirkedhim。
Therewasacertainsilencebetweenthem，andhefelthehad，inthatsilence，todefendhimselfagainsther;hefeltcondemned，byher。Thensometimeshehatedher，andpulledatherbondage。
Hislifewantedtofreeitselfofher。Itwaslikeacirclewherelife，turnedbackonitself，andgotnofarther。Sheborehim，lovedhim，kepthim，andhisloveturnedbackintoher，sothathecouldnot，befreetogoforwardwithhisownlife，reallyloveanotherwoman。
Atthisperiod，unknowingly，heresistedhismother’sinfluence。
Hedidnottellherthings;therewasadistancebetweenthem。
Clarawashappy，almostsureofhim。Shefeltshehadatlast，gothimforherself;andthenagaincametheuncertainty。Hetold，herjestinglyoftheaffairwithherhusband。Hercolourcameup，hergreyeyesflashed。
“That’shimtoa’T’，“shecried——“likeanavvy！，He’snotfit，formixingwithdecentfolk。”
“Yetyoumarriedhim，“hesaid。
Itmadeherfuriousthatheremindedher。
“Idid！”shecried。”ButhowwasItoknow？”
“Ithinkhemighthavebeenrathernice，“hesaid。
“YouthinkImadehimwhatheis！”sheexclaimed。
“Ohno！hemadehimself。Butthere’ssomethingabouthim——“