CHAPTERI—TheGiftBestowedEVERYBODYsaidso。
Farbeitfrommetoassertthatwhateverybodysaysmustbetrue。
Everybodyis，often，aslikelytobewrongasright。Inthegeneralexperience，everybodyhasbeenwrongsooften，andithastaken，inmostinstances，suchawearywhiletofindouthowwrong，thattheauthorityisprovedtobefallible。Everybodymaysometimesberight；\"butTHAT’Snorule，\"astheghostofGilesScrogginssaysintheballad。
Thedreadword，GHOST，recallsme。
Everybodysaidhelookedlikeahauntedman。Theextentofmypresentclaimforeverybodyis，thattheyweresofarright。Hedid。
Whocouldhaveseenhishollowcheek；hissunkenbrillianteye；hisblack—attiredfigure，indefinablygrim，althoughwell—knitandwell—proportioned；hisgrizzledhairhanging，liketangledsea—
weed，abouthisface，—asifhehadbeen，throughhiswholelife，alonelymarkforthechafingandbeatingofthegreatdeepofhumanity，—butmighthavesaidhelookedlikeahauntedman？
Whocouldhaveobservedhismanner，taciturn，thoughtful，gloomy，shadowedbyhabitualreserve，retiringalwaysandjocundnever，withadistraughtairofrevertingtoabygoneplaceandtime，oroflisteningtosomeoldechoesinhismind，butmighthavesaiditwasthemannerofahauntedman？
Whocouldhaveheardhisvoice，slow—speaking，deep，andgrave，withanaturalfulnessandmelodyinitwhichheseemedtosethimselfagainstandstop，butmighthavesaiditwasthevoiceofahauntedman？
Whothathadseenhiminhisinnerchamber，partlibraryandpartlaboratory，—forhewas，astheworldknew，farandwide，alearnedmaninchemistry，andateacheronwhoselipsandhandsacrowdofaspiringearsandeyeshungdaily，—whothathadseenhimthere，uponawinternight，alone，surroundedbyhisdrugsandinstrumentsandbooks；theshadowofhisshadedlampamonstrousbeetleonthewall，motionlessamongacrowdofspectralshapesraisedtherebytheflickeringofthefireuponthequaintobjectsaroundhim；someofthesephantoms（thereflectionofglassvesselsthatheldliquids），tremblingatheartlikethingsthatknewhispowertouncombinethem，andtogivebacktheircomponentpartstofireandvapour；—whothathadseenhimthen，hisworkdone，andheponderinginhischairbeforetherustedgrateandredflame，movinghisthinmouthasifinspeech，butsilentasthedead，wouldnothavesaidthatthemanseemedhauntedandthechambertoo？
Whomightnot，byaveryeasyflightoffancy，havebelievedthateverythingabouthimtookthishauntedtone，andthathelivedonhauntedground？
Hisdwellingwassosolitaryandvault—like，—anold，retiredpartofanancientendowmentforstudents，onceabraveedifice，plantedinanopenplace，butnowtheobsoletewhimofforgottenarchitects；smoke—age—and—weather—darkened，squeezedoneverysidebytheovergrowingofthegreatcity，andchoked，likeanoldwell，withstonesandbricks；itssmallquadrangles，lyingdowninverypitsformedbythestreetsandbuildings，which，incourseoftime，hadbeenconstructedaboveitsheavychimneystalks；itsoldtrees，insultedbytheneighbouringsmoke，whichdeignedtodroopsolowwhenitwasveryfeebleandtheweatherverymoody；itsgrass—
plots，strugglingwiththemildewedearthtobegrass，ortowinanyshowofcompromise；itssilentpavements，unaccustomedtothetreadoffeet，andeventotheobservationofeyes，exceptwhenastrayfacelookeddownfromtheupperworld，wonderingwhatnookitwas；itssun—dialinalittlebricked—upcorner，wherenosunhadstraggledforahundredyears，butwhere，incompensationforthesun’sneglect，thesnowwouldlieforweekswhenitlaynowhereelse，andtheblackeastwindwouldspinlikeahugehumming—top，wheninallotherplacesitwassilentandstill。
Hisdwelling，atitsheartandcore—withindoors—athisfireside—wassoloweringandold，socrazy，yetsostrong，withitsworn—eatenbeamsofwoodintheceiling，anditssturdyfloorshelvingdownwardtothegreatoakchimney—piece；soenvironedandhemmedinbythepressureofthetownyetsoremoteinfashion，age，andcustom；soquiet，yetsothunderingwithechoeswhenadistantvoicewasraisedoradoorwasshut，—echoes，notconfinedtothemanylowpassagesandemptyrooms，butrumblingandgrumblingtilltheywerestifledintheheavyairoftheforgottenCryptwheretheNormanarcheswerehalf—buriedintheearth。
Youshouldhaveseenhiminhisdwellingabouttwilight，inthedeadwintertime。
Whenthewindwasblowing，shrillandshrewd，withthegoingdownoftheblurredsun。Whenitwasjustsodark，asthattheformsofthingswereindistinctandbig—butnotwhollylost。Whensittersbythefirebegantoseewildfacesandfigures，mountainsandabysses，ambuscadesandarmies，inthecoals。Whenpeopleinthestreetsbentdowntheirheadsandranbeforetheweather。Whenthosewhowereobligedtomeetit，werestoppedatangrycorners，stungbywanderingsnow—flakesalightingonthelashesoftheireyes，—whichfelltoosparingly，andwereblownawaytooquickly，toleaveatraceuponthefrozenground。Whenwindowsofprivatehousescloseduptightandwarm。Whenlightedgasbegantoburstforthinthebusyandthequietstreets，fastblackeningotherwise。
Whenstraypedestrians，shiveringalongthelatter，lookeddownattheglowingfiresinkitchens，andsharpenedtheirsharpappetitesbysniffingupthefragranceofwholemilesofdinners。
Whentravellersbylandwerebittercold，andlookedwearilyongloomylandscapes，rustlingandshudderingintheblast。Whenmarinersatsea，outlyinguponicyyards，weretossedandswungabovethehowlingoceandreadfully。Whenlighthouses，onrocksandheadlands，showedsolitaryandwatchful；andbenightedsea—birdsbreastedonagainsttheirponderouslanterns，andfelldead。Whenlittlereadersofstory—books，bythefirelight，trembledtothinkofCassimBabacutintoquarters，hangingintheRobbers’Cave，orhadsomesmallmisgivingsthatthefiercelittleoldwoman，withthecrutch，whousedtostartoutoftheboxinthemerchantAbudah’sbedroom，might，oneofthesenights，befounduponthestairs，inthelong，cold，duskyjourneyuptobed。
When，inrusticplaces，thelastglimmeringofdaylightdiedawayfromtheendsofavenues；andthetrees，archingoverhead，weresullenandblack。When，inparksandwoods，thehighwetfernandsoddenmoss，andbedsoffallenleaves，andtrunksoftrees，werelosttoview，inmassesofimpenetrableshade。Whenmistsarosefromdyke，andfen，andriver。Whenlightsinoldhallsandincottagewindows，wereacheerfulsight。Whenthemillstopped，thewheelwrightandtheblacksmithshuttheirworkshops，theturnpike—
gateclosed，theploughandharrowwereleftlonelyinthefields，thelabourerandteamwenthome，andthestrikingofthechurchclockhadadeepersoundthanatnoon，andthechurchyardwicketwouldbeswungnomorethatnight。
Whentwilighteverywherereleasedtheshadows，prisonedupallday，thatnowclosedinandgatheredlikemusteringswarmsofghosts。
Whentheystoodlowering，incornersofrooms，andfrownedoutfrombehindhalf—openeddoors。Whentheyhadfullpossessionofunoccupiedapartments。Whentheydanceduponthefloors，andwalls，andceilingsofinhabitedchambers，whilethefirewaslow，andwithdrewlikeebbingwaterswhenitsprangintoablaze。Whentheyfantasticallymockedtheshapesofhouseholdobjects，makingthenurseanogress，therocking—horseamonster，thewonderingchild，half—scaredandhalf—amused，astrangertoitself，—theverytongsuponthehearth，astraddlinggiantwithhisarmsa—
kimbo，evidentlysmellingthebloodofEnglishmen，andwantingtogrindpeople’sbonestomakehisbread。
Whentheseshadowsbroughtintothemindsofolderpeople，otherthoughts，andshowedthemdifferentimages。Whentheystolefromtheirretreats，inthelikenessesofformsandfacesfromthepast，fromthegrave，fromthedeep，deepgulf，wherethethingsthatmighthavebeen，andneverwere，arealwayswandering。
Whenhesat，asalreadymentioned，gazingatthefire。When，asitroseandfell，theshadowswentandcame。Whenhetooknoheedofthem，withhisbodilyeyes；but，letthemcomeorletthemgo，lookedfixedlyatthefire。Youshouldhaveseenhim，then。
Whenthesoundsthathadarisenwiththeshadows，andcomeoutoftheirlurking—placesatthetwilightsummons，seemedtomakeadeeperstillnessallabouthim。Whenthewindwasrumblinginthechimney，andsometimescrooning，sometimeshowling，inthehouse。
Whentheoldtreesoutsideweresoshakenandbeaten，thatonequerulousoldrook，unabletosleep，protestednowandthen，inafeeble，dozy，high—up\"Caw!\"When，atintervals，thewindowtrembled，therustyvaneupontheturret—topcomplained，theclockbeneathitrecordedthatanotherquarterofanhourwasgone，orthefirecollapsedandfellinwitharattle。
—Whenaknockcameathisdoor，inshort，ashewassittingso，androusedhim。
\"Who’sthat？\"saidhe。\"Comein!\"
Surelytherehadbeennofigureleaningonthebackofhischair；
nofacelookingoverit。Itiscertainthatnoglidingfootsteptouchedthefloor，ashelifteduphishead，withastart，andspoke。Andyettherewasnomirrorintheroomonwhosesurfacehisownformcouldhavecastitsshadowforamoment；and，Somethinghadpasseddarklyandgone!
\"I’mhumblyfearful，sir，\"saidafresh—colouredbusyman，holdingthedooropenwithhisfootfortheadmissionofhimselfandawoodentrayhecarried，andlettingitgoagainbyverygentleandcarefuldegrees，whenheandthetrayhadgotin，lestitshouldclosenoisily，\"thatit’sagoodbitpastthetimeto—night。ButMrs。Williamhasbeentakenoffherlegssooften\"—
\"Bythewind？Ay!Ihavehearditrising。\"
\"—Bythewind，sir—thatit’samercyshegothomeatall。Ohdear，yes。Yes。Itwasbythewind，Mr。Redlaw。Bythewind。\"
Hehad，bythistime，putdownthetrayfordinner，andwasemployedinlightingthelamp，andspreadingaclothonthetable。
Fromthisemploymenthedesistedinahurry，tostirandfeedthefire，andthenresumedit；thelamphehadlighted，andtheblazethatroseunderhishand，soquicklychangingtheappearanceoftheroom，thatitseemedasifthemerecominginofhisfreshredfaceandactivemannerhadmadethepleasantalteration。
\"Mrs。Williamisofcoursesubjectatanytime，sir，tobetakenoffherbalancebytheelements。SheisnotformedsuperiortoTHAT。\"
\"No，\"returnedMr。Redlawgood—naturedly，thoughabruptly。
\"No，sir。Mrs。WilliammaybetakenoffherbalancebyEarth；asforexample，lastSundayweek，whensloppyandgreasy，andshegoingouttoteawithhernewestsister—in—law，andhavingaprideinherself，andwishingtoappearperfectlyspotlessthoughpedestrian。Mrs。WilliammaybetakenoffherbalancebyAir；asbeingonceover—persuadedbyafriendtotryaswingatPeckhamFair，whichactedonherconstitutioninstantlylikeasteam—boat。
Mrs。WilliammaybetakenoffherbalancebyFire；asonafalsealarmofenginesathermother’s，whenshewenttwomilesinhernightcap。Mrs。WilliammaybetakenoffherbalancebyWater；asatBattersea，whenrowedintothepiersbyheryoungnephew，CharleySwidgerjunior，agedtwelve，whichhadnoideaofboatswhatever。Buttheseareelements。Mrs。WilliammustbetakenoutofelementsforthestrengthofHERcharactertocomeintoplay。\"
Ashestoppedforareply，thereplywas\"Yes，\"inthesametoneasbefore。
\"Yes，sir。Ohdear，yes!\"saidMr。Swidger，stillproceedingwithhispreparations，andcheckingthemoffashemadethem。\"That’swhereitis，sir。That’swhatIalwayssaymyself，sir。SuchamanyofusSwidgers!—Pepper。Whythere’smyfather，sir，superannuatedkeeperandcustodianofthisInstitution，eighty—
sevenyearold。He’saSwidger!—Spoon。\"
\"True，William，\"wasthepatientandabstractedanswer，whenhestoppedagain。
\"Yes，sir，\"saidMr。Swidger。\"That’swhatIalwayssay，sir。Youmaycallhimthetrunkofthetree!—Bread。Thenyoucometohissuccessor，myunworthyself—Salt—andMrs。William，Swidgersboth。—Knifeandfork。Thenyoucometoallmybrothersandtheirfamilies，Swidgers，manandwoman，boyandgirl。Why，whatwithcousins，uncles，aunts，andrelationshipsofthis，that，andt’otherdegree，andwhatnotdegree，andmarriages，andlyings—in，theSwidgers—Tumbler—mighttakeholdofhands，andmakearingroundEngland!
Receivingnoreplyatallhere，fromthethoughtfulmanwhomheaddressed，Mr。Williamapproached，himnearer，andmadeafeintofaccidentallyknockingthetablewithadecanter，torousehim。Themomenthesucceeded，hewenton，asifingreatalacrityofacquiescence。
\"Yes，sir!That’sjustwhatIsaymyself，sir。Mrs。Williamandmehaveoftensaidso。’There’sSwidgersenough，’wesay，’withoutOURvoluntarycontributions，’—Butter。Infact，sir，myfatherisafamilyinhimself—Castors—totakecareof；andithappensallforthebestthatwehavenochildofourown，thoughit’smadeMrs。Williamratherquiet—like，too。Quitereadyforthefowlandmashedpotatoes，sir？Mrs。Williamsaidshe’ddishintenminuteswhenIlefttheLodge。\"
\"Iamquiteready，\"saidtheother，wakingasfromadream，andwalkingslowlytoandfro。
\"Mrs。Williamhasbeenatitagain，sir!\"saidthekeeper，ashestoodwarmingaplateatthefire，andpleasantlyshadinghisfacewithit。Mr。Redlawstoppedinhiswalking，andanexpressionofinterestappearedinhim。
\"WhatIalwayssaymyself，sir。SheWILLdoit!There’samotherlyfeelinginMrs。William’sbreastthatmustandwillhavewent。\"
\"Whathasshedone？\"
\"Why，sir，notsatisfiedwithbeingasortofmothertoalltheyounggentlementhatcomeupfromavarietyofparts，toattendyourcoursesoflecturesatthisancientfoundation—itssurprisinghowstone—chaneycatchestheheatthisfrostyweather，tobesure!\"Hereheturnedtheplate，andcooledhisfingers。
\"Well？\"saidMr。Redlaw。
\"That’sjustwhatIsaymyself，sir，\"returnedMr。William，speakingoverhisshoulder，asifinreadyanddelightedassent。
\"That’sexactlywhereitis，sir!Thereain’toneofourstudentsbutappearstoregardMrs。Williaminthatlight。Everyday，rightthroughthecourse，theyputstheirheadsintotheLodge，oneafteranother，andhaveallgotsomethingtotellher，orsomethingtoaskher。’Swidge’istheappellationbywhichtheyspeakofMrs。
Williamingeneral，amongthemselves，I’mtold；butthat’swhatI
say，sir。Betterbecalledeversofaroutofyourname，ifit’sdoneinrealliking，thanhaveitmadeeversomuchof，andnotcaredabout!What’sanamefor？Toknowapersonby。IfMrs。
Williamisknownbysomethingbetterthanhername—IalludetoMrs。William’squalitiesanddisposition—nevermindhername，thoughitISSwidger，byrights。Let’emcallherSwidge，Widge，Bridge—Lord!LondonBridge，Blackfriars，Chelsea，Putney，Waterloo，orHammersmithSuspension—iftheylike。\"
Thecloseofthistriumphantorationbroughthimandtheplatetothetable，uponwhichhehalflaidandhalfdroppedit，withalivelysenseofitsbeingthoroughlyheated，justasthesubjectofhispraisesenteredtheroom，bearinganothertrayandalantern，andfollowedbyavenerableoldmanwithlonggreyhair。
Mrs。William，likeMr。William，wasasimple，innocent—lookingperson，inwhosesmoothcheeksthecheerfulredofherhusband’sofficialwaistcoatwasverypleasantlyrepeated。ButwhereasMr。
William’slighthairstoodonendalloverhishead，andseemedtodrawhiseyesupwithitinanexcessofbustlingreadinessforanything，thedarkbrownhairofMrs。Williamwascarefullysmootheddown，andwavedawayunderatrimtidycap，inthemostexactandquietmannerimaginable。WhereasMr。William’sverytrousershitchedthemselvesupattheankles，asifitwerenotintheiriron—greynaturetorestwithoutlookingaboutthem，Mrs。
William’sneatly—floweredskirts—redandwhite，likeherownprettyface—wereascomposedandorderly，asiftheverywindthatblewsohardoutofdoorscouldnotdisturboneoftheirfolds。Whereashiscoathadsomethingofafly—awayandhalf—offappearanceaboutthecollarandbreast，herlittlebodicewassoplacidandneat，thatthereshouldhavebeenprotectionforher，init，hadsheneededany，withtheroughestpeople。Whocouldhavehadthehearttomakesocalmabosomswellwithgrief，orthrobwithfear，orflutterwithathoughtofshame!Towhomwoulditsreposeandpeacehavenotappealedagainstdisturbance，liketheinnocentslumberofachild!
\"Punctual，ofcourse，Milly，\"saidherhusband，relievingherofthetray，\"oritwouldn’tbeyou。Here’sMrs。William，sir!—Helookslonelierthaneverto—night，\"whisperingtohiswife，ashewastakingthetray，\"andghostlieraltogether。\"
Withoutanyshowofhurryornoise，oranyshowofherselfeven，shewassocalmandquiet，Millysetthedishesshehadbroughtuponthetable，—Mr。William，aftermuchclatteringandrunningabout，havingonlygainedpossessionofabutter—boatofgravy，whichhestoodreadytoserve。
\"Whatisthattheoldmanhasinhisarms？\"askedMr。Redlaw，ashesatdowntohissolitarymeal。
\"Holly，sir，\"repliedthequietvoiceofMilly。
\"That’swhatIsaymyself，sir，\"interposedMr。William，strikinginwiththebutter—boat。\"Berriesissoseasonabletothetimeofyear!—Browngravy!\"
\"AnotherChristmascome，anotheryeargone!\"murmuredtheChemist，withagloomysigh。\"Morefiguresinthelengtheningsumofrecollectionthatweworkandworkattoourtorment，tillDeathidlyjumblesalltogether，andrubsallout。So，Philip!\"breakingoff，andraisinghisvoiceasheaddressedtheoldman，standingapart，withhisglisteningburdeninhisarms，fromwhichthequietMrs。Williamtooksmallbranches，whichshenoiselesslytrimmedwithherscissors，anddecoratedtheroomwith，whileheragedfather—in—lawlookedonmuchinterestedintheceremony。
\"Mydutytoyou，sir，\"returnedtheoldman。\"Shouldhavespokebefore，sir，butknowyourways，Mr。Redlaw—proudtosay—andwaittillspoketo!MerryChristmas，sir，andHappyNewYear，andmanyof’em。Havehadaprettymanyof’emmyself—ha，ha!—andmaytakethelibertyofwishing’em。I’meighty—seven!\"
\"Haveyouhadsomanythatweremerryandhappy？\"askedtheother。
\"Ay，sir，eversomany，\"returnedtheoldman。
\"Ishismemoryimpairedwithage？Itistobeexpectednow，\"saidMr。Redlaw，turningtotheson，andspeakinglower。
\"Notamorselofit，sir，\"repliedMr。William。\"That’sexactlywhatIsaymyself，sir。Thereneverwassuchamemoryasmyfather’s。He’sthemostwonderfulmanintheworld。Hedon’tknowwhatforgettingmeans。It’stheveryobservationI’malwaysmakingtoMrs。William，sir，ifyou’llbelieveme!\"
Mr。Swidger，inhispolitedesiretoseemtoacquiesceatallevents，deliveredthisasiftherewerenoiotaofcontradictioninit，anditwereallsaidinunboundedandunqualifiedassent。
TheChemistpushedhisplateaway，and，risingfromthetable，walkedacrosstheroomtowheretheoldmanstoodlookingatalittlesprigofhollyinhishand。
\"Itrecallsthetimewhenmanyofthoseyearswereoldandnew，then？\"hesaid，observinghimattentively，andtouchinghimontheshoulder。\"Doesit？\"
\"Ohmany，many!\"saidPhilip，halfawakingfromhisreverie。\"I’meighty—seven!\"
\"Merryandhappy，wasit？\"askedtheChemistinalowvoice。
\"Merryandhappy，oldman？\"
\"Maybeashighasthat，nohigher，\"saidtheoldman，holdingouthishandalittlewayabovethelevelofhisknee，andlookingretrospectivelyathisquestioner，\"whenIfirstremember’em!
Cold，sunshinydayitwas，outa—walking，whensomeone—itwasmymotherassureasyoustandthere，thoughIdon’tknowwhatherblessedfacewaslike，forshetookillanddiedthatChristmas—
time—toldmetheywerefoodforbirds。Theprettylittlefellowthought—that’sme，youunderstand—thatbirds’eyesweresobright，perhaps，becausetheberriesthattheylivedoninthewinterweresobright。Irecollectthat。AndI’meighty—seven!\"
\"Merryandhappy!\"musedtheother，bendinghisdarkeyesuponthestoopingfigure，withasmileofcompassion。\"Merryandhappy—
andrememberwell？\"
\"Ay，ay，ay!\"resumedtheoldman，catchingthelastwords。\"I
remember’emwellinmyschooltime，yearafteryear，andallthemerry—makingthatusedtocomealongwiththem。Iwasastrongchapthen，Mr。Redlaw；and，ifyou’llbelieveme，hadn’tmymatchatfootballwithintenmile。Where’smysonWilliam？Hadn’tmymatchatfootball，William，withintenmile!\"
That’swhatIalwayssay，father!\"returnedthesonpromptly，andwithgreatrespect。\"YouAREaSwidger，ifevertherewasoneofthefamily!\"
\"Dear!\"saidtheoldman，shakinghisheadasheagainlookedattheholly。\"Hismother—mysonWilliam’smyyoungestson—andI，havesatamongem’all，boysandgirls，littlechildrenandbabies，manyayear，whentheberrieslikethesewerenotshininghalfsobrightallroundus，astheirbrightfaces。Manyof’emaregone；
she’sgone；andmysonGeorge（oureldest，whowasherpridemorethanalltherest!）isfallenverylow：butIcanseethem，whenI
lookhere，aliveandhealthy，astheyusedtobeinthosedays；andIcanseehim，thankGod，inhisinnocence。It’sablessedthingtome，ateighty—seven。\"
Thekeenlookthathadbeenfixeduponhimwithsomuchearnestness，hadgraduallysoughttheground。
\"Whenmycircumstancesgottobenotsogoodasformerly，throughnotbeinghonestlydealtby，andIfirstcomeheretobecustodian，\"saidtheoldman，\"—whichwasupwardsoffiftyyearsago—where’smysonWilliam？Morethanhalfacenturyago，William!\"
\"That’swhatIsay，father，\"repliedtheson，aspromptlyanddutifullyasbefore，\"that’sexactlywhereitis。Twotimesought’sanought，andtwicefiveten，andthere’sahundredof’em。\"
\"Itwasquiteapleasuretoknowthatoneofourfounders—ormorecorrectlyspeaking，\"saidtheoldman，withagreatgloryinhissubjectandhisknowledgeofit，\"oneofthelearnedgentlementhathelpedendowusinQueenElizabeth’stime，forwewerefoundedaforeherday—leftinhiswill，amongtheotherbequestshemadeus，somuchtobuyholly，forgarnishingthewallsandwindows，comeChristmas。Therewassomethinghomelyandfriendlyinit。
Beingbutstrangehere，then，andcomingatChristmastime，wetookalikingforhisverypicterthathangsinwhatusedtobe，anciently，aforeourtenpoorgentlemencommutedforanannualstipendinmoney，ourgreatDinnerHall。—Asedategentlemaninapeakedbeard，witharuffroundhisneck，andascrollbelowhim，inoldEnglishletters，’Lord!keepmymemorygreen!’Youknowallabouthim，Mr。Redlaw？\"
\"Iknowtheportraithangsthere，Philip。\"
\"Yes，sure，it’sthesecondontheright，abovethepanelling。I
wasgoingtosay—hehashelpedtokeepMYmemorygreen，Ithankhim；forgoingroundthebuildingeveryyear，asI’madoingnow，andfresheningupthebareroomswiththesebranchesandberries，freshensupmybareoldbrain。Oneyearbringsbackanother，andthatyearanother，andthoseothersnumbers!Atlast，itseemstomeasifthebirth—timeofourLordwasthebirth—timeofallI
haveeverhadaffectionfor，ormournedfor，ordelightedin，—andthey’reaprettymany，forI’meighty—seven!\"
\"Merryandhappy，\"murmuredRedlawtohimself。
Theroombegantodarkenstrangely。
\"Soyousee，sir，\"pursuedoldPhilip，whosehalewintrycheekhadwarmedintoaruddierglow，andwhoseblueeyeshadbrightenedwhilehespoke，\"Ihaveplentytokeep，whenIkeepthispresentseason。Now，where’smyquietMouse？Chattering’sthesinofmytimeoflife，andthere’shalfthebuildingtodoyet，ifthecolddon’tfreezeusfirst，orthewinddon’tblowusaway，orthedarknessdon’tswallowusup。\"
ThequietMousehadbroughthercalmfacetohisside，andsilentlytakenhisarm，beforehefinishedspeaking。
\"Comeaway，mydear，\"saidtheoldman。\"Mr。Redlawwon’tsettletohisdinner，otherwise，tillit’scoldasthewinter。Ihopeyou’llexcusemeramblingon，sir，andIwishyougoodnight，and，onceagain，amerry—\"
\"Stay!\"saidMr。Redlaw，resuminghisplaceatthetable，more，itwouldhaveseemedfromhismanner，toreassuretheoldkeeper，thaninanyremembranceofhisownappetite。\"Sparemeanothermoment，Philip。William，youweregoingtotellmesomethingtoyourexcellentwife’shonour。Itwillnotbedisagreeabletohertohearyoupraiseher。Whatwasit？\"
\"Why，that’swhereitis，yousee，sir，\"returnedMr。WilliamSwidger，lookingtowardshiswifeinconsiderableembarrassment。
\"Mrs。William’sgothereyeuponme。\"
\"Butyou’renotafraidofMrs。William’seye？\"
\"Why，no，sir，\"returnedMr。Swidger，\"that’swhatIsaymyself。
Itwasn’tmadetobeafraidof。Itwouldn’thavebeenmadesomild，ifthatwastheintention。ButIwouldn’tliketo—Milly!—
him，youknow。DownintheBuildings。\"
Mr。William，standingbehindthetable，andrummagingdisconcertedlyamongtheobjectsuponit，directedpersuasiveglancesatMrs。William，andsecretjerksofhisheadandthumbatMr。Redlaw，asalluringhertowardshim。
\"Him，youknow，mylove，\"saidMr。William。\"DownintheBuildings。Tell，mydear!You’retheworksofShakespeareincomparisonwithmyself。DownintheBuildings，youknow，mylove。
—Student。\"
\"Student？\"repeatedMr。Redlaw，raisinghishead。
\"That’swhatIsay，sir!\"criedMr。William，intheutmostanimationofassent。\"Ifitwasn’tthepoorstudentdownintheBuildings，whyshouldyouwishtohearitfromMrs。William’slips？
Mrs。William，mydear—Buildings。\"
\"Ididn’tknow，\"saidMilly，withaquietfrankness，freefromanyhasteorconfusion，\"thatWilliamhadsaidanythingaboutit，orI
wouldn’thavecome。Iaskedhimnotto。It’sasickyounggentleman，sir—andverypoor，Iamafraid—whoistooilltogohomethisholiday—time，andlives，unknowntoanyone，inbutacommonkindoflodgingforagentleman，downinJerusalemBuildings。That’sall，sir。\"
\"WhyhaveIneverheardofhim？\"saidtheChemist，risinghurriedly。\"Whyhashenotmadehissituationknowntome？Sick!
—givememyhatandcloak。Poor!—whathouse？—whatnumber？\"
\"Oh，youmustn’tgothere，sir，\"saidMilly，leavingherfather—in—
law，andcalmlyconfrontinghimwithhercollectedlittlefaceandfoldedhands。
\"Notgothere？\"
\"Ohdear，no!\"saidMilly，shakingherheadasatamostmanifestandself—evidentimpossibility。\"Itcouldn’tbethoughtof!\"
\"Whatdoyoumean？Whynot？\"
\"Why，yousee，sir，\"saidMr。WilliamSwidger，persuasivelyandconfidentially，\"that’swhatIsay。Dependuponit，theyounggentlemanwouldneverhavemadehissituationknowntooneofhisownsex。Mrs。Williamshasgotintohisconfidence，butthat’squitedifferent。TheyallconfideinMrs。William；theyalltrustHER。Aman，sir，couldn’thavegotawhisperoutofhim；butwoman，sir，andMrs。Williamcombined—!\"
\"Thereisgoodsenseanddelicacyinwhatyousay，William，\"
returnedMr。Redlaw，observantofthegentleandcomposedfaceathisshoulder。Andlayinghisfingeronhislip，hesecretlyputhispurseintoherhand。
\"Ohdearno，sir!\"criedMilly，givingitbackagain。\"Worseandworse!Couldn’tbedreamedof!\"
Suchastaidmatter—of—facthousewifeshewas，andsounruffledbythemomentaryhasteofthisrejection，that，aninstantafterwards，shewastidilypickingupafewleaveswhichhadstrayedfrombetweenherscissorsandherapron，whenshehadarrangedtheholly。
Finding，whensherosefromherstoopingposture，thatMr。Redlawwasstillregardingherwithdoubtandastonishment，shequietlyrepeated—lookingabout，thewhile，foranyotherfragmentsthatmighthaveescapedherobservation：
\"Ohdearno，sir!Hesaidthatofalltheworldhewouldnotbeknowntoyou，orreceivehelpfromyou—thoughheisastudentinyourclass。Ihavemadenotermsofsecrecywithyou，butItrusttoyourhonourcompletely。\"
\"Whydidhesayso？\"
\"IndeedIcan’ttell，sir，\"saidMilly，afterthinkingalittle，\"becauseIamnotatallclever，youknow；andIwantedtobeusefultohiminmakingthingsneatandcomfortableabouthim，andemployedmyselfthatway。ButIknowheispoor，andlonely，andI
thinkheissomehowneglectedtoo。—Howdarkitis!\"
Theroomhaddarkenedmoreandmore。TherewasaveryheavygloomandshadowgatheringbehindtheChemist’schair。
\"Whatmoreabouthim？\"heasked。
\"Heisengagedtobemarriedwhenhecanaffordit，\"saidMilly，\"andisstudying，Ithink，toqualifyhimselftoearnaliving。I
haveseen，alongtime，thathehasstudiedhardanddeniedhimselfmuch。—Howverydarkitis!\"
\"It’sturnedcolder，too，\"saidtheoldman，rubbinghishands。
\"There’sachillanddismalfeelingintheroom。Where’smysonWilliam？William，myboy，turnthelamp，androusethefire!\"
Milly’svoiceresumed，likequietmusicverysoftlyplayed：
\"Hemutteredinhisbrokensleepyesterdayafternoon，aftertalkingtome\"（thiswastoherself）\"aboutsomeonedead，andsomegreatwrongdonethatcouldneverbeforgotten；butwhethertohimortoanotherperson，Idon’tknow。NotBYhim，Iamsure。\"
\"And，inshort，Mrs。William，yousee—whichshewouldn’tsayherself，Mr。Redlaw，ifshewastostopheretillthenewyearafterthisnextone—\"saidMr。William，cominguptohimtospeakinhisear，\"hasdonehimworldsofgood!Blessyou，worldsofgood!Allathomejustthesameasever—myfathermadeassnugandcomfortable—notacrumboflittertobefoundinthehouse，ifyouweretoofferfiftypoundreadymoneyforit—Mrs。Williamapparentlyneveroutoftheway—yetMrs。Williambackwardsandforwards，backwardsandforwards，upanddown，upanddown，amothertohim!\"
Theroomturneddarkerandcolder，andthegloomandshadowgatheringbehindthechairwasheavier。
\"Notcontentwiththis，sir，Mrs。Williamgoesandfinds，thisverynight，whenshewascominghome（whyit’snotaboveacoupleofhoursago），acreaturemorelikeayoungwildbeastthanayoungchild，shiveringuponadoor—step。WhatdoesMrs。Williamdo，butbringsithometodryit，andfeedit，andkeepittillouroldBountyoffoodandflannelisgivenaway，onChristmasmorning!Ifiteverfeltafirebefore，it’sasmuchaseveritdid；forit’ssittingintheoldLodgechimney，staringatoursasifitsravenouseyeswouldnevershutagain。It’ssittingthere，atleast，\"saidMr。William，correctinghimself，onreflection，\"unlessit’sbolted!\"
\"Heavenkeepherhappy!\"saidtheChemistaloud，\"andyoutoo，Philip!andyou，William!Imustconsiderwhattodointhis。I
maydesiretoseethisstudent，I’llnotdetainyouanylongernow。
Good—night!\"
\"Ithank’ee，sir，Ithank’ee!\"saidtheoldman，\"forMouse，andformysonWilliam，andformyself。Where’smysonWilliam？
William，youtakethelanternandgoonfirst，throughthemlongdarkpassages，asyoudidlastyearandtheyearafore。Haha!I
remember—thoughI’meighty—seven!’Lord，keepmymemorygreen!’
It’saverygoodprayer，Mr。Redlaw，thatofthelearnedgentlemaninthepeakedbeard，witharuffroundhisneck—hangsup，secondontherightabovethepanelling，inwhatusedtobe，aforeourtenpoorgentlemencommuted，ourgreatDinnerHall。’Lord，keepmymemorygreen!’It’sverygoodandpious，sir。Amen!Amen!\"
Astheypassedoutandshuttheheavydoor，which，howevercarefullywithheld，firedalongtrainofthunderingreverberationswhenitshutatlast，theroomturneddarker。
Ashefellamusinginhischairalone，thehealthyhollywitheredonthewall，anddropped—deadbranches。
Asthegloomandshadowthickenedbehindhim，inthatplacewhereithadbeengatheringsodarkly，ittook，byslowdegrees，—oroutofittherecame，bysomeunreal，unsubstantialprocess—nottobetracedbyanyhumansense，—anawfullikenessofhimself!
Ghastlyandcold，colourlessinitsleadenfaceandhands，butwithhisfeatures，andhisbrighteyes，andhisgrizzledhair，anddressedinthegloomyshadowofhisdress，itcameintohisterribleappearanceofexistence，motionless，withoutasound。AsHEleanedhisarmupontheelbowofhischair，ruminatingbeforethefire，ITleaneduponthechair—back，closeabovehim，withitsappallingcopyofhisfacelookingwherehisfacelooked，andbearingtheexpressionhisfacebore。
This，then，wastheSomethingthathadpassedandgonealready。
Thiswasthedreadcompanionofthehauntedman!
Ittook，forsomemoments，nomoreapparentheedofhim，thanheofit。TheChristmasWaitswereplayingsomewhereinthedistance，and，throughhisthoughtfulness，heseemedtolistentothemusic。
Itseemedtolistentoo。
Atlengthhespoke；withoutmovingorliftinguphisface。
\"Hereagain!\"hesaid。
\"Hereagain，\"repliedthePhantom。
\"Iseeyouinthefire，\"saidthehauntedman；\"Ihearyouinmusic，inthewind，inthedeadstillnessofthenight。\"
ThePhantommoveditshead，assenting。
\"Whydoyoucome，tohauntmethus？\"
\"IcomeasIamcalled，\"repliedtheGhost。
\"No。Unbidden，\"exclaimedtheChemist。
\"Unbiddenbeit，\"saidtheSpectre。\"Itisenough。Iamhere。\"
Hithertothelightofthefirehadshoneonthetwofaces—ifthedreadlineamentsbehindthechairmightbecalledaface—bothaddressedtowardsit，asatfirst，andneitherlookingattheother。But，now，thehauntedmanturned，suddenly，andstaredupontheGhost。TheGhost，assuddeninitsmotion，passedtobeforethechair，andstaredonhim。
Thelivingman，andtheanimatedimageofhimselfdead，mightsohavelooked，theoneupontheother。Anawfulsurvey，inalonelyandremotepartofanemptyoldpileofbuilding，onawinternight，withtheloudwindgoingbyuponitsjourneyofmystery—
whenceorwhither，nomanknowingsincetheworldbegan—andthestars，inunimaginablemillions，glitteringthroughit，frometernalspace，wheretheworld’sbulkisasagrain，anditshoaryageisinfancy。
\"Lookuponme!\"saidtheSpectre。\"Iamhe，neglectedinmyyouth，andmiserablypoor，whostroveandsuffered，andstillstroveandsuffered，untilIhewedoutknowledgefromtheminewhereitwasburied，andmaderuggedstepsthereof，formywornfeettorestandriseon。\"
\"IAMthatman，\"returnedtheChemist。
\"Nomother’sself—denyinglove，\"pursuedthePhantom，\"nofather’scounsel，aidedME。Astrangercameintomyfather’splacewhenI
wasbutachild，andIwaseasilyanalienfrommymother’sheart。
Myparents，atthebest，wereofthatsortwhosecaresoonends，andwhosedutyissoondone；whocasttheiroffspringloose，early，asbirdsdotheirs；and，iftheydowell，claimthemerit；and，ifill，thepity。\"
Itpaused，andseemedtotemptandgoadhimwithitslook，andwiththemannerofitsspeech，andwithitssmile。
\"Iamhe，\"pursuedthePhantom，\"who，inthisstruggleupward，foundafriend。Imadehim—wonhim—boundhimtome!Weworkedtogether，sidebyside。Alltheloveandconfidencethatinmyearlieryouthhadhadnooutlet，andfoundnoexpression，I
bestowedonhim。\"
\"Notall，\"saidRedlaw，hoarsely。
\"No，notall，\"returnedthePhantom。\"Ihadasister。\"
Thehauntedman，withhisheadrestingonhishands，replied\"I
had!\"ThePhantom，withanevilsmile，drewclosertothechair，andrestingitschinuponitsfoldedhands，itsfoldedhandsupontheback，andlookingdownintohisfacewithsearchingeyes，thatseemedinstinctwithfire，wenton：
\"SuchglimpsesofthelightofhomeasIhadeverknown，hadstreamedfromher。Howyoungshewas，howfair，howloving!I
tookhertothefirstpoorroofthatIwasmasterof，andmadeitrich。Shecameintothedarknessofmylife，andmadeitbright。—
Sheisbeforeme!\"
\"Isawher，inthefire，butnow。Ihearherinmusic，inthewind，inthedeadstillnessofthenight，\"returnedthehauntedman。
\"DIDheloveher？\"saidthePhantom，echoinghiscontemplativetone。\"Ithinkhedid，once。Iamsurehedid。Betterhadshelovedhimless—lesssecretly，lessdearly，fromtheshallowerdepthsofamoredividedheart!\"
\"Letmeforgetit!\"saidtheChemist，withanangrymotionofhishand。\"Letmeblotitfrommymemory!\"
TheSpectre，withoutstirring，andwithitsunwinking，crueleyesstillfixeduponhisface，wenton：
\"Adream，likehers，stoleuponmyownlife。\"
\"Itdid，\"saidRedlaw。
\"Alove，aslikehers，\"pursuedthePhantom，\"asmyinferiornaturemightcherish，aroseinmyownheart。Iwastoopoortobinditsobjecttomyfortunethen，byanythreadofpromiseorentreaty。Ilovedherfartoowell，toseektodoit。But，morethaneverIhadstriveninmylife，Istrovetoclimb!Onlyaninchgained，broughtmesomethingnearertotheheight。Itoiledup!Inthelatepausesofmylabouratthattime，—mysister（sweetcompanion!）stillsharingwithmetheexpiringembersandthecoolinghearth，—whendaywasbreaking，whatpicturesofthefuturedidIsee!\"
\"Isawthem，inthefire，butnow，\"hemurmured。\"Theycomebacktomeinmusic，inthewind，inthedeadstillnessofthenight，intherevolvingyears。\"
\"—Picturesofmyowndomesticlife，inaftertime，withherwhowastheinspirationofmytoil。Picturesofmysister，madethewifeofmydearfriend，onequalterms—forhehadsomeinheritance，wenone—picturesofoursoberedageandmellowedhappiness，andofthegoldenlinks，extendingbacksofar，thatshouldbindus，andourchildren，inaradiantgarland，\"saidthePhantom。
\"Pictures，\"saidthehauntedman，\"thatweredelusions。Whyisitmydoomtorememberthemtoowell!\"
\"Delusions，\"echoedthePhantominitschangelessvoice，andglaringonhimwithitschangelesseyes。\"Formyfriend（inwhosebreastmyconfidencewaslockedasinmyown），passingbetweenmeandthecentreofthesystemofmyhopesandstruggles，wonhertohimself，andshatteredmyfrailuniverse。Mysister，doublydear，doublydevoted，doublycheerfulinmyhome，livedontoseemefamous，andmyoldambitionsorewardedwhenitsspringwasbroken，andthen—\"
\"Thendied，\"heinterposed。\"Died，gentleasever；happy；andwithnoconcernbutforherbrother。Peace!\"
ThePhantomwatchedhimsilently。
\"Remembered!\"saidthehauntedman，afterapause。\"Yes。Sowellremembered，thatevennow，whenyearshavepassed，andnothingismoreidleormorevisionarytomethantheboyishlovesolongoutlived，Ithinkofitwithsympathy，asifitwereayoungerbrother’sorason’s。SometimesIevenwonderwhenherheartfirstinclinedtohim，andhowithadbeenaffectedtowardsme。—Notlightly，once，Ithink。—Butthatisnothing。Earlyunhappiness，awoundfromahandIlovedandtrusted，andalossthatnothingcanreplace，outlivesuchfancies。\"
\"Thus，\"saidthePhantom，\"IbearwithinmeaSorrowandaWrong。
ThusIpreyuponmyself。Thus，memoryismycurse；and，ifIcouldforgetmysorrowandmywrong，Iwould!\"
\"Mocker!\"saidtheChemist，leapingup，andmaking，withawrathfulhand，atthethroatofhisotherself。\"WhyhaveIalwaysthattauntinmyears？\"
\"Forbear!\"exclaimedtheSpectreinanawfulvoice。\"LayahandonMe，anddie!\"
Hestoppedmidway，asifitswordshadparalysedhim，andstoodlookingonit。Ithadglidedfromhim；ithaditsarmraisedhighinwarning；andasmilepassedoveritsunearthlyfeatures，asitreareditsdarkfigureintriumph。
\"IfIcouldforgetmysorrowandwrong，Iwould，\"theGhostrepeated。\"IfIcouldforgetmysorrowandmywrong，Iwould!\"
\"Evilspiritofmyself，\"returnedthehauntedman，inalow，tremblingtone，\"mylifeisdarkenedbythatincessantwhisper。\"
\"Itisanecho，\"saidthePhantom。
\"Ifitbeanechoofmythoughts—asnow，indeed，Iknowitis，\"
rejoinedthehauntedman，\"whyshouldI，therefore，betormented？
Itisnotaselfishthought。Isufferittorangebeyondmyself。
Allmenandwomenhavetheirsorrows，—mostofthemtheirwrongs；
ingratitude，andsordidjealousy，andinterest，besettingalldegreesoflife。Whowouldnotforgettheirsorrowsandtheirwrongs？\"
\"Whowouldnot，truly，andbehappierandbetterforit？\"saidthePhantom。
\"Theserevolutionsofyears，whichwecommemorate，\"proceededRedlaw，\"whatdoTHEYrecall!Arethereanymindsinwhichtheydonotre—awakensomesorrow，orsometrouble？Whatistheremembranceoftheoldmanwhowashereto—night？Atissueofsorrowandtrouble。\"
\"Butcommonnatures，\"saidthePhantom，withitsevilsmileuponitsglassyface，\"unenlightenedmindsandordinaryspirits，donotfeelorreasononthesethingslikemenofhighercultivationandprofounderthought。\"
\"Tempter，\"answeredRedlaw，\"whosehollowlookandvoiceIdreadmorethanwordscanexpress，andfromwhomsomedimforeshadowingofgreaterfearisstealingovermewhileIspeak，Ihearagainanechoofmyownmind。\"
\"ReceiveitasaproofthatIampowerful，\"returnedtheGhost。
\"HearwhatIoffer!Forgetthesorrow，wrong，andtroubleyouhaveknown!\"
\"Forgetthem!\"herepeated。
\"Ihavethepowertocanceltheirremembrance—toleavebutveryfaint，confusedtracesofthem，thatwilldieoutsoon，\"returnedtheSpectre。\"Say!Isitdone？\"
\"Stay!\"criedthehauntedman，arrestingbyaterrifiedgesturetheupliftedhand。\"Itremblewithdistrustanddoubtofyou；andthedimfearyoucastuponmedeepensintoanamelesshorrorIcanhardlybear。—Iwouldnotdeprivemyselfofanykindlyrecollection，oranysympathythatisgoodforme，orothers。WhatshallIlose，ifIassenttothis？Whatelsewillpassfrommyremembrance？\"
\"Noknowledge；noresultofstudy；nothingbuttheintertwistedchainoffeelingsandassociations，eachinitsturndependenton，andnourishedby，thebanishedrecollections。Thosewillgo。\"
\"Aretheysomany？\"saidthehauntedman，reflectinginalarm。
\"Theyhavebeenwonttoshowthemselvesinthefire，inmusic，inthewind，inthedeadstillnessofthenight，intherevolvingyears，\"returnedthePhantomscornfully。
\"Innothingelse？\"
ThePhantomhelditspeace。
Buthavingstoodbeforehim，silent，foralittlewhile，itmovedtowardsthefire；thenstopped。
\"Decide!\"itsaid，\"beforetheopportunityislost!\"
\"Amoment!IcallHeaventowitness，\"saidtheagitatedman，\"thatIhaveneverbeenahaterofanykind，—nevermorose，indifferent，orhard，toanythingaroundme。If，livingherealone，Ihavemadetoomuchofallthatwasandmighthavebeen，andtoolittleofwhatis，theevil，Ibelieve，hasfallenonme，andnotonothers。
But，iftherewerepoisoninmybody，shouldInot，possessedofantidotesandknowledgehowtousethem，usethem？Iftherebepoisoninmymind，andthroughthisfearfulshadowIcancastitout，shallInotcastitout？\"
\"Say，\"saidtheSpectre，\"isitdone？\"
\"Amomentlonger!\"heansweredhurriedly。\"IWOULDFORGETITIFI
COULD!HaveIthoughtthat，alone，orhasitbeenthethoughtofthousandsuponthousands，generationaftergeneration？Allhumanmemoryisfraughtwithsorrowandtrouble。Mymemoryisasthememoryofothermen，butothermenhavenotthischoice。Yes，I
closethebargain。Yes!IWILLforgetmysorrow，wrong，andtrouble!\"
\"Say，\"saidtheSpectre，\"isitdone？\"
\"Itis!\"
\"ITIS。Andtakethiswithyou，manwhomIhererenounce!ThegiftthatIhavegiven，youshallgiveagain，gowhereyouwill。
Withoutrecoveringyourselfthepowerthatyouhaveyieldedup，youshallhenceforthdestroyitslikeinallwhomyouapproach。Yourwisdomhasdiscoveredthatthememoryofsorrow，wrong，andtroubleisthelotofallmankind，andthatmankindwouldbethehappier，initsothermemories，withoutit。Go!Beitsbenefactor!Freedfromsuchremembrance，fromthishour，carryinvoluntarilytheblessingofsuchfreedomwithyou。Itsdiffusionisinseparableandinalienablefromyou。Go!Behappyinthegoodyouhavewon，andinthegoodyoudo!\"
ThePhantom，whichhadhelditsbloodlesshandabovehimwhileitspoke，asifinsomeunholyinvocation，orsomeban；andwhichhadgraduallyadvanceditseyessoclosetohis，thathecouldseehowtheydidnotparticipateintheterriblesmileuponitsface，butwereafixed，unalterable，steadyhorrormeltedbeforehimandwasgone。
Ashestoodrootedtothespot，possessedbyfearandwonder，andimaginingheheardrepeatedinmelancholyechoes，dyingawayfainterandfainter，thewords，\"Destroyitslikeinallwhomyouapproach!\"ashrillcryreachedhisears。Itcame，notfromthepassagesbeyondthedoor，butfromanotherpartoftheoldbuilding，andsoundedlikethecryofsomeoneinthedarkwhohadlosttheway。
Helookedconfusedlyuponhishandsandlimbs，asiftobeassuredofhisidentity，andthenshoutedinreply，loudlyandwildly；fortherewasastrangenessandterroruponhim，asifhetoowerelost。
Thecryresponding，andbeingnearer，hecaughtupthelamp，andraisedaheavycurtaininthewall，bywhichhewasaccustomedtopassintoandoutofthetheatrewherehelectured，—whichadjoinedhisroom。Associatedwithyouthandanimation，andahighamphitheatreoffaceswhichhisentrancecharmedtointerestinamoment，itwasaghostlyplacewhenallthislifewasfadedoutofit，andstareduponhimlikeanemblemofDeath。