Acataractfellinasinglesheetintothepool;thepoolboiledandbubbledatthebaseofthefall，butthroughthegreaterpartofitsextent，laycalm，deep，andblack，asifthecataracthadplungedthroughittoanunimaginabledepth，withoutdisturbingitseternalrepose。Attheoppositeextremityofthepool，therocksalmostmetattheirsummits，thetreesoftheoppositebanksintermingledtheirleaves，andanothercataractplungedfromthepoolintoachasm，onwhichthesunbeamsnevergleamed。Highabove，onbothsides，thesteepwoodyslopesofthedinglesoaredintothesky;andfromafissureintherock，onwhichthelittlepathterminated，asinglegnarledandtwistedoakstretcheditselfoverthepool，formingaforkwithitsboughsatashortdistancefromtherock。MissSusannahoftensatontherock，withherfeetrestingonthistree;intime，shemadeherseatonthetreeitself，withherfeethangingovertheabyss;andatlength，sheaccustomedherselftoliealonguponitstrunk，withhersideonthemossyboleofthefork，andanarmroundoneofthebranches。
Fromthispositionaportionoftheskyandthewoodswasreflectedinthepool，which，fromitsbank，wasbutamassofdarkness。Thefirsttimeshereclinedinthismanner，herheartbeataudibly;intimeshelaydownascalmlyasonthemountainheather;theperceptionofthesublimewasprobablyheightenedbyanintermingledsenseofdanger;andperhapsthatindifferencetolife，whichearlydisappointmentforcesuponsensitiveminds，wasnecessarytothefirstexperiment。Therewas，inthenoveltyandstrangenessoftheposition，anexcitementwhichneverwhollypassedaway，butwhichbecamegraduallysubordinatetotheinfluence，atoncetranquillisingandelevating，ofthemingledeternityofmotion，sound，andsolitude。
Onesultrynoon，shedescendedintothisretreatwithamindmorethanusuallydisturbedbyreflectionsonthepast。Shelayinherfavouriteposition，sometimesgazingonthecataract;lookingsometimesupthesteepsylvanacclivities，intothenarrowspaceofthecloudlessether;sometimesdownintotheabyssofthepool，andthedeepbright-bluereflectionsthatopenedanotherimmensitybelowher。Thedistressingrecollectionsofthemorning，theworldandallitslittlenesses，fadedfromherthoughtslikeadream;butherwoundedandweariedspiritdrankintoodeeplythetranquillisingpoweroftheplace，andshedroppedasleepuponthetreelikeaship-boyonthemast。
AtthismomentMr。Chainmailemergedintodaylight，onaprojectionoftheoppositerock，havingstruckdownthroughthewoodsinsearchofunsophisticatedscenery。Thescenehediscoveredfilledhimwithdelight：heseatedhimselfontherock，andfellintooneofhisromanticreveries;whensuddenlythesemblanceofablackhatandfeathercaughthiseyeamongthefoliageoftheprojectingoak。Hestartedup，shiftedhisposition，andgotaglimpseofabluegown。Itwashisladyofthelake，hisenchantressoftheruinedcastle，dividedfromhimbyabarrierwhich，atafewyardsbelow，hecouldalmostoverleap，yetunapproachablebutbyacircuitperhapsofmanyhours。Hewatchedwithintenseanxiety。
Tolistenifshebreathedwasoutofthequestion：thenosesofadeanandchapterwouldhavebeensoundlessintheroarofthetorrent。Fromherextremestillness，sheappearedtosleep：yetwhatcreature，notdesperate，wouldgowilfullytosleepinsuchaplace？Wassheasleep，then？Nay，wasshealive？Shewasasmotionlessasdeath。Hadshebeenmurdered，thrownfromabove，andcaughtinthetree？Shelaytooregularlyandtoocomposedlyforsuchasupposition。Shewasasleep，then，and，inallprobability，herwakingwouldbefatal。Heshiftedhisposition。Belowthepooltwobeetle-browedrocksnearlyoverarchedthechasm，leavingjustsuchaspaceatthesummitaswaswithinthepossibilityofaleap;thetorrentroaredbelowinafearfulgulf。Hepausedsometimeonthebrink，measuringthepracticabilityandthedanger，andcastingeverynowandthenananxiousglancetohissleepingbeauty。Inoneoftheseglanceshesawaslightmovementofthebluegown，and，inamomentafter，theblackhatandfeatherdroppedintothepool。Reflectionwaslostforamoment，and，byasuddenimpulse，heboundedoverthechasm。
Hestoodabovetheprojectingoak;theunknownbeautylaylikethenymphofthescene;herlongblackhair，whichthefallofherhathaddisengagedfromitsfastenings，droopingthroughtheboughs：
hesawthatthefirstthingtobedone，wastopreventherthrowingherfeetoffthetrunk，inthefirstmovementsofwaking。Hesatdownontherock，andplacedhisfeetonthestem，securingheranklesbetweenhisown：oneofherarmswasroundabranchofthefork，theotherlaylooselyonherside。Thehandofthisarmheendeavouredtoreach，byleaningforwardfromhisseat;heapproximated，butcouldnottouchit：afterseveraltantalisingefforts，hegaveupthepointindespair。Hedidnotattempttowakeher，becausehefeareditmighthavebadconsequences，andheresignedhimselftoexpectthemomentofhernaturalwaking，determinednottostirfromhispost，ifsheshouldsleeptillmidnight。
Inthisperiodofforcedinaction，hecouldcontemplateatleisurethefeaturesandformofhischarmer。Shewasnotoneoftheslenderbeautiesofromance;shewasasplumpasapartridge;hercheeksweretworoses，notabsolutelydamask，yetvergingthereupon;herlipstwin-cherries，ofequalsize;hernoseregular，andalmostGrecian;herforeheadhigh，anddelicatelyfair;hereyebrowssymmetricallyarched;hereyelashes，long，black，andsilky，fitlycorrespondingwiththebeautifultressesthathungamongtheleavesoftheoak，likeclustersofwanderinggrapes。
Hereyeswereyettobeseen;buthowcouldhedoubtthattheiropeningwouldbetherisingofthesun，whenallthatsurroundedtheirfringyportalswasradiantas\"theforeheadofthemorningsky？\"
CHAPTERXV：THEFARM
Daydyw’rgwaith，rhaidd’we’ydygwir，ArfryniauSirMeirionydd;
Golwgoero’rgwaelagawnMaehiettoynllawnllawenydd。
ThoughMeirion’srocks，andhillsofheath，Repelthedistantsight，Yetwhere，thanthosebleakhillsbeneath，Isfoundmoretruedelight？
Atlengththeyoungladyawoke。Shewasstartledatthesuddensightofthestranger，andsomewhatterrifiedatthefirstperceptionofherposition。Butshesoonrecoveredherself-
possession，and，extendingherhandtotheofferedhandofMr。
Chainmail，sheraisedherselfuponthetree，andsteppedontherockybank。
Mr。Chainmailsolicitedpermissiontoattendhertoherhome，whichtheyoungladygraciouslyconceded。Theyemergedfromthewoodydingle，traversedanopenheath，woundalongamountainroadbytheshoreofalake，descendedtothedeepbedofanotherstream，crosseditbyaseriesofstepping-stones，ascendedtosomeheightontheoppositeside，andfollowedupwardsthelineofthestream，tillthebanksopenedintoaspaciousamphitheatre，wherestood，initsfieldsandmeadows，thefarmhouseofAp-Llymry。
Duringthiswalk，theyhadkeptupaprettyanimatedconversation。
Theladyhadlostherhat，and，assheturnedtowardsMr。
Chainmail，inspeakingtohim，therewasnoenviousprojectionofbrimtointerceptthebeamsofthoseradianteyeshehadbeensoanxioustoseeunclosed。Therewasinthemamixtureofsoftnessandbrilliancy，theperfectionofthebeautyoffemaleeyes，suchassomemenhavepassedthroughlifewithoutseeing，andsuchasnomaneversaw，inanypairofeyes，butonce;suchascanneverbeseenandforgotten。YoungCrotchethadseenit;hehadnotforgottenit;buthehadtrampledonitsmemory，astherenegadetramplesontheemblemsofafaithwhichhisinterestonly，andnothisheartorhisreason，hasrejected。
Herhairstreamedoverhershoulders;thelossoftheblackfeatherhadleftnothingbuttherusticcostume，thebluegown，theblackstockings，andtheribbon-tiedshoes。Hervoicehadthatfullsoftvolumeofmelodywhichgivestocommonspeechthefascinationofmusic。Mr。Chainmailcouldnotreconcilethedressofthedamselwithherconversationandmanners。Hethrewoutaremotequestionortwo，withthehopeofsolvingtheriddle，but，receivingnoreply，hebecamesatisfiedthatshewasnotdisposedtobecommunicativerespectingherself，and，fearingtooffendher，felluponothertopics。Theytalkedofthescenesofthemountains，ofthedingle，theruinedcastle，thesolitarylake。Shetoldhim，thatlakelayunderthemountainsbehindherhome，andthecoracleandthepassattheextremity，savedalongcircuittothenearestvillage，whithershesometimeswenttoinquireforletters。
Mr。Chainmailfeltcurioustoknowfromwhomtheselettersmightbe;andheagainthrewouttwoorthreefishingquestions，towhich，asbefore，heobtainednoanswer。
TheonlylivingbipedtheymetintheirwalkwastheunfortunateHarryAp-Heather，withwhomtheyfellinbythestepping-stones，who，seeingthegirlofhishearthangingonanotherman’sarm，and，concludingatoncethattheywere\"keepingcompany，\"fixedonheramingledlookofsurprise，reproach，andtribulation;and，unabletocontrolhisfeelingsunderthesuddenshock，burstintoafloodoftears，andblubberedtilltherocksre-echoed。
Theylefthimminglinghistearswiththestream，andhislamentationswithitsmurmurs。Mr。Chainmailinquiredwhothatstrangecreaturemightbe，andwhatwasthematterwithhim。Theyoungladyanswered，thathewasaveryworthyyoungman，towhomshehadbeentheinnocentcauseofmuchunhappiness。
\"Ipityhimsincerely，\"saidMr。Chainmailand，nevertheless，hecouldscarcelyrestrainhislaughterattheexceedinglyoriginalfigurewhichtheunfortunaterusticloverhadpresentedbythestepping-stones。
ThechildrenranouttomeettheirdearMissSusan，jumpedallroundher，andaskedwhatwasbecomeofherhat。Ap-Llymrycameoutingreathaste，andinvitedMr。Chainmailtowalkinanddine：
Mr。Chainmaildidnotwaittobeaskedtwice。Inafewminutesthewholeparty，MissSusanandMr。Chainmail，Mr。andMrs。Ap-Llymry，andprogeny，wereseatedoveracleanhomespuntablecloth，ornamentedwithfowlsandbacon，apyramidofpotatoes，anotherofcabbage，whichAp-Llymrysaid\"waspoiledwiththepacon，andascootasmarrow，\"abowlofmilkforthechildren，andanimmensebrownjugoffoamingale，withwhichAp-Llymryseemedtodelightinfillingthehornofhisnewguest。
Shallwedescribethespaciousapartment，whichwasatoncekitchen，hall，anddining-room，——thelargedarkrafters，thependentbaconandonions，thestrongoldoakenfurniture，thebrightandtrimly-arrangedutensils？ShallwedescribethecutofAp-Llymry’scoat，thecolourandtieofhisneckcloth，thenumberofbuttonsathisknees，——thestructureofMrs。Ap-Llymry’scap，havinglappetsovertheears，whichwereunitedunderthechin，settingforthespeciallywhetherthebondofunionwereapinoraribbon？Weshallleavethistemptingfieldofinterestingexpatiationtothosewhosebrainsarehigh-pressuresteam-enginesforspinningprosebythefurlong，tobetrumpetedinpaid-forparagraphsinthequack’scornerofnewspapers：modernliteraturehavingattainedthehonourabledistinctionofsharing，withblackingandMacassaroil，thespacewhichusedtobemonopolisedbyrazor-stropsandthelottery;wherebythatveryenlightenedcommunity，thereadingpublic，istrickedintotheperusalofmuchexemplarynonsense;thoughthefewwhoseethroughthetrickeryhavenoreasontocomplain，sinceas\"goodwineneedsnobush，\"so，exvioppositi，thesebushesofvenalpanegyricpointoutveryclearlythatthethingstheycelebratearenotworthreading。
Thepartydinedverycomfortablyinacornermostremotefromthefire：andMr。Chainmailverysoonfoundhisheadswimmingwithtwoorthreehornsofale，ofapotencytowhichevenhewasunaccustomed。AfterdinnerAp-Llymrymadehimfinishabottleofmead，whichhewillinglyaccepted，bothasanexcusetoremainandasadrinkofthedarkages，whichhehadnodoubtwasagenuinebrewagefromuncorruptedtradition。
Inthemeantime，assoonastheclothwasremoved，thechildrenhadbroughtoutMissSusannah’sharp。Shebegan，withoutaffectation，toplayandsingtothechildren，aswashercustomofanafternoon，firstintheirownlanguage，andtheirnationalmelodies，theninEnglish;butshewassooninterruptedbyageneralcalloflittlevoicesfor\"Ouf！digiorno。\"Shecompliedwiththerequest，andsangtheballadfromPaer’sCamilla：\"Undicarcoilmulinaro。\"Thechildrenwereveryfamiliarwitheverysyllableofthisballad，whichhadbeenoftenfullyexplainedtothem。Theydancedinacirclewiththeburdenofeveryverse，shoutingoutthechoruswithgoodarticulationandjoyousenergy;
andattheendofthesecondstanza，wherethetravellerhashisnosepinchedbyhisgrandmother’sghost，everynoseinthepartywasnippedbyapairoflittlefingers。Mr。Chainmail，whowasnotpreparedfortheprocess，cameinforaveryenergetictweakfromachubbygirlthatsprangsuddenlyonhiskneesforthepurpose，andmadetheroofringwithherlaughter。
Sopassedthetimetillevening，whenMr。Chainmailmovedtodepart。Butitturnedoutoninquirythathewassomemilesfromhisinn，thatthewaywasintricate，andthathemustnotmakeanydifficultyaboutacceptingthefarmer’shospitalitytillmorning。
Theeveningsetinwithrain：thefirewasfoundagreeable;theydrewaroundit。Theyoungladymadetea;andafterwards，fromtimetotime，atMr。Chainmail’sspecialrequest，delightedhisearwithpassagesofancientmusic。Thencameasupperoflaketrout，friedonthespot，andthrown，smokinghot，fromthepantotheplate。
Thencameabrewage，whichthefarmercalledhisnightcap，ofwhichheinsistedonMr。Chainmail’stakinghisfullshare。Afterwhichthegentlemanrememberednothingtillheawoke，thenextmorning，tothepleasantconsciousnessthathewasunderthesameroofwithoneofthemostfascinatingcreaturesunderthecanopyofheaven。
CHAPTERXVI：THENEWSPAPER
[Greektext]
Sprungfromwhatline，adornsthemaidThese，valleysdeepinmountain-shade？
PIND。Pyth。IX
Mr。ChainmailforgottheCaptainandtherouteofGiraldusdeBarri。Hebecamesuddenlysatisfiedthattheruinedcastleinhispresentneighbourhoodwasthebestpossiblespecimenofitsclass，andthatitwasneedlesstocarryhisresearchesfurther。
Hevisitedthefarmdaily：foundhimselfalwayswelcome;flatteredhimselfthattheyoungladysawhimwithpleasure，anddraggedaheavierchainateverynewpartingfromMissSusan，asthechildrencalledhisnymphofthemountains。Whatmightbehersecondname，hehadvainlyendeavouredtodiscover。
Mr。Chainmailwasinlove：butthedeterminationhehadlongbeforeformedandfixedinhismind，tomarryonlyaladyofgentleblood，withoutablotinherescutcheon，repressedthedeclarationsofpassionwhichwereoftenrisingtohislips。Inthemeantimeheleftnomeansuntriedtopluckouttheheartofhermystery。
Theyoungladysoondivinedhispassion，andpenetratedhisprejudices。Shebegantolookonhimwithfavourableeyes;butshefearedhernameandparentagewouldpresentaninsuperablebarriertohisfeudalpride。
ThingswereinthisstatewhentheCaptainreturned，andunpackedhismapsandbooksintheparlouroftheinn。
MR。CHAINMAIL。Really，Captain，Ifindsomanyobjectsofattractioninthisneighbourhood，thatIwouldgladlypostponeourpurpose。
CAPTAINFITZCHROME。Undoubtedlythisneighbourhoodhasmanyattractions;butthereissomethingveryinvitingintheschemeyoulaiddown。
MR。CHAINMAIL。NodoubtthereissomethingverytemptingintherouteofGiraldusdeBarri。Buttherearebetterthingsinthisvicinityeventhanthat。Totellyouthetruth，Captain，Ihavefalleninlove。
CAPTAINFITZCHROME。What！whileIhavebeenaway？
MR。CHAINMAIL。Evenso。
CAPTAINFITZCHROME。Theplungemusthavebeenverysudden，ifyouarealreadyoverheadandears。
MR。CHAINMAIL。AsdeepasLlyn-y-dreiddiad-vrawd。
CAPTAINFITZCHROME。Andwhatmaythatbe？
MR。CHAINMAIL。Apoolnotfaroff：aresting-placeofamountainstreamwhichissaidtohavenobottom。Thereisatraditionconnectedwithit;andhereisaballadonit，atyourservice。
LLYN-Y-DREIDDIAD-VRAWD。
THEPOOLOFTHEDIVINGFRIAR。
Gwenwynwynwithdrewfromthefeastsofhishall：
Hesleptverylittle，heprayednotatall：
Hepondered，andwandered，andstudiedalone;
Andsought，nightandday，thephilosopher’sstone。
Hefounditatlength，andhemadeitsfirstproofByturningtogoldalltheleadofhisroof：
Thenheboughtsomemagnanimousheroes，allfire，Wholivedbuttosmiteandbesmittenforhire。
Withtheseontheplainslikeatorrenthebroke;
Hefilledthewholecountrywithflameandwithsmoke;
Hekilledalltheswine，andhebroachedallthewine;
Hedroveoffthesheep，andthebeeves，andthekine;
Hetookcastlesandtowns;hecutshortlimbsandlives;
Hemadeorphansandwidowsofchildrenandwives：
Thiscoursemanyyearshetriumphantlyran，Anddidmischiefenoughtobecalledagreatman。
When，atlast，hehadgainedallforwhichheheldstriven，Hebethoughthimofbuyingapassporttoheaven;
Goodandgreatashewas，yethedidnotwellknow，Howsoon，orwhichway，hisgreatspiritmightgo。
Hesoughtthegreyfriars，whobesideawildstream，Refectedtheirframesonaprimitivescheme;
ThegravestandwisestGwenwynwynfoundout，Alllonelyandghostly，andanglingfortrout。
Belowthewhitedashofamightycascade，Whereapoolofthestreamadeepresting-placemade，Androck-rootedoaksstretchedtheirbranchesonhigh，Thefriarstoodmusing，andthrowinghisfly。
TohimsaidGwenwynwyn，\"Hold，father，here’sstore，Forthegoodofthechurch，andthegoodofthepoor;\"
Thenhegavehimthestone;but，eremorehecouldspeak，Wrathcameonthefriar，soholyandmeek。
Hehadstretchedforthhishandtoreceivetheredgold，AndhethoughthimselfmockedbyGwenwynwyntheBold;
Andinscornofthegift，andinrageatthegiver，Hejerkeditimmediatelyintotheriver。
Gwenwynwyn，aghast，notasyllablespake;
Thephilosopher’sstonemadeaduckandadrake;
Twosystemsofcirclesamomentwereseen，Andthestreamsmoothedthemoff，astheyneverhadbeen。
Gwenwynwynregained，andupliftedhisvoice，\"Ohfriar，greyfriar，fullrashwasthychoice;
Thestone，thegoodstone，whichawaythouhastthrown，Wasthestoneofallstones，thephilosopher’sstone。\"
Thefriarlookedpale，whenhiserrorheknew;
Thefriarlookedred，andthefriarlookedblue;
Andheelsoverhead，fromthepointofarock，Heplunged，withoutstoppingtopulloffhisfrock。
Hedivedverydeep，buthedivedallinvain，Theprizehehadslightedhefoundnotagain;
Manytimesdidthefriarhisdivingrenew，Anddeeperanddeepertheriverstillgrew。
Gwenwynwyngazedlong，ofhissensesindoubt，Toseethegreyfriaradiversostout;
Thensadlyandslowlyhiscastlehesought，Andleftthefriardiving，likedabchickdistraught。
Gwenwynwynfellsickwithalarmanddespite，Died，andwenttothedevil，theverysamenight;
ThemagnanimousheroesheheldinhispaySackedhiscastle，andmarchedwiththeplunderaway。
NoknellonthesilenceofmidnightwasrolledFortheflightofthesoulofGwenwynwyntheBold。
Thebrethren，unfeed，letthemightyghostpass，Withoutprayingaprayer，orintoningamass。
Thefriarhauntedeverbesidethedarkstream;
Thephilosopher’sstonewashisthoughtandhisdream：
Anddayafterday，everheadunderheelsHedivedallthetimehecouldsparefromhismeals。
Hedived，andhedived，totheendofhisdays，Asthepeasantsoftwitnessedwithfearandamaze。
Themadfriar’sdiving-placelongwastheirtheme，Andnoplummetcanfathomthatpoolofthestream。
Andstill，whenlightcloudsonthemidnightwindsride，Ifbymoonlightyoustrayontheloneriver-side，Theghostofthefriarmaybeseendivingthere，Withheadinthewater，andheelsintheair。
CAPTAINFITZCHROME。Well，yourballadisverypleasant：youshallshowmethescene，andIwillsketchit;butjustnowIammoreinterestedaboutyourlove。Whatheroineofthetwelfthcenturyhasrisenfromtheruinsoftheoldcastle，andlookeddownonyoufromtheiviedbattlements？
MR。CHAINMAIL。Youarenearerthemarkthanyousuppose。Evenfromthosebattlementsaheroineofthetwelfthcenturyhaslookeddownonme。
CAPTAINFITZCHROME。Oh！somevisionofanidealbeauty。Isupposethewholewillendinanothertraditionandaballad。
MR。CHAINMAIL。Genuinefleshandblood;asgenuineasLadyClarinda。Iwilltellyouthestory。
Mr。Chainmailnarratedhisadventures。
CAPTAINFITZCHROME。Thenyouseemtohavefoundwhatyouwished。
Chancehasthrowninyourwaywhatnoneofthegodswouldhaveventuredtopromiseyou。
MR。CHAINMAIL。Yes，butIknownothingofherbirthandparentage。
Shetellsmenothingofherself，andIhavenorighttoquestionherdirectly。
CAPTAINFITZCHROME。Sheappearstobeexpresslydestinedforthelightofyourbaronialhall。Introducemeinthiscase，twoheadsarebetterthanone。
MR。CHAINMAIL。No，Ithankyou。Leavemetomanagemychanceofaprize，andkeepyoutoyourownchanceofa-
CAPTAINFITZCHROME。Blank。Asyouplease。Well，Iwillpitchmytenthere，tillIhavefilledmyportfolio，andshallbegladofasmuchofyourcompanyasyoucansparefrommoreattractivesociety。
Matterswentonprettysmoothlyforseveraldays，whenanunluckynewspaperthrewallintoconfusion。Mr。Chainmailreceivednewspapersbythepost，whichcameinthreetimesaweek。Onemorning，overtheirhalf-finishedbreakfast，theCaptainhadreadhalfanewspaperverycomplacently，whensuddenlyhestartedupinafrenzy，hurledoverthebreakfasttable，and，bouncingfromtheapartment，knockeddownHarryApHeather，whowascominginatthedoortochallengehissupposedrivaltoaboxing-match。
Harrysprangup，inadoublerage，andinterceptedMr。Chainmail’spursuitoftheCaptain，placinghimselfinthedoorway，inapugilisticattitude。Mr。Chainmail，notbeingdisposedforthismodeofcombat，steppedbackintotheparlour，tookthepokerinhisrighthand，anddisplacingtheloosebottomofalargeelbowchair，threwitoverhisleftarmasashield。Harry，notlikingtheaspectoftheenemyinthisimposingattitude，retreatedwithbackwardstepsintothekitchen，andtumbledoveracur，whichimmediatelyfastenedonhisrear。
Mr。Chainmail，half-laughing，half-vexed，anxioustoovertaketheCaptain，andcurioustoknowwhatwasthematterwithhim，pocketedthenewspaper，andsalliedforth，leavingHarryroaringforadoctorandtailor，torepairthelacerationsofhisoutwardman。
Mr。ChainmailcouldfindnotraceoftheCaptain。Indeed，hesoughthimbutinonedirection，whichwasthatleadingtothefarm;wherehearrivedinduetime，andfoundMissSusanalone。Helaidthenewspaperonthetable，aswashiscustom，andproceededtoconversewiththeyounglady：aconversationofmanypauses，asmuchofsignsasofwords。Theyoungladytookupthepaper，andturneditoverandover，whileshelistenedtoMr。Chainmail，whomshefoundeverydaymoreandmoreagreeable，whensuddenlyhereyeglancedonsomethingwhichmadeherchangecolour，anddroppingthepaperontheground，sherosefromherseat，exclaiming：
\"Miserablemustshebewhotrustsanyofyourfaithlesssex！never，never，never，willIenduresuchmiserytwice。\"Andshevanishedupthestairs。Mr。Chainmailwaspetrified。Atlength，hecriedaloud：\"CorneliusAgrippamusthavelaidaspellonthisaccursednewspaper;\"andwasturningitover，tolookforthesourceofthemischief，whenMrs。ApLlymrymadeherappearance。
MRS。APLLYMRY。WhathaveyoudonetopoordearMissSusan？sheiscryingreadytobreakherheart。
MR。CHAINMAIL。SohelpmethememoryofRichardCoeur-de-Lion，I
havenotthemostdistantnotionofwhatisthematter。
MRS。APLLYMRY。Oh，don’ttellme，sir;youmusthaveill-usedher。Iknowhowitis。Youhavebeenkeepingcompanywithher，asifyouwantedtomarryher;andnow，allatonce，youhavebeeninsultingher。Ihaveseensuchtricksmorethanonce，andyououghttobeashamedofyourself。
MR。CHAINMAIL。Mydearmadam，youwrongmeutterly。Ihavenonebutthekindestfeelingsandthemosthonourablepurposestowardsher。Shehasbeendisturbedbysomethingshehasseeninthisrascallypaper。
MRS。APLLYMRY。Why，then，thebestthingyoucandoistogoaway，andcomeagaintomorrow。
MR。CHAINMAIL。NotI，indeed，madam。OutofthishouseIstirnot，tillIhaveseentheyounglady，andobtainedafullexplanation。
MRS。APLLYMRY。IwilltellMissSusanwhatyousay。Perhapsshewillcomedown。
Mr。Chainmailsatwithasmuchpatienceashecouldcommand，runningoverthepaper，fromcolumntocolumn。AtlengthhelightedonanannouncementoftheapproachingmarriageofLadyClarindaBossnowlwithMr。Crotchettheyounger。ThisexplainedtheCaptain’sdiscomposure，butthecauseofMissSusan’swasstilltobesought：hecouldnotknowthatitwasoneandthesame。
Presently，thesoundofthelonged-forstepwasheardonthestairs;theyoungladyreappeared，andresumedherseat：hereyesshowedthatshehadbeenweeping。Thegentlemanwasnowexceedinglypuzzledhowtobegin，buttheyoungladyrelievedhimbyasking，withgreatsimplicity：\"Whatdoyouwishtohaveexplained，sir？\"
MR。CHAINMAIL。Iwish，ifImaybepermitted，toexplainmyselftoyou。YetcouldIfirstwishtoknowwhatitwasthatdisturbedyouinthisunluckypaper。HappyshouldIbeifIcouldremovethecauseofyourinquietude！
MISSSUSANNAH。Thecauseisalreadyremoved。Isawsomethingthatexcitedpainfulrecollections;nothingthatIcouldnowwishotherwisethanasitis。
MR。CHAINMAIL。Yet，mayIaskwhyitisthatIfindonesoaccomplishedlivinginthisobscurity，andpassingonlybythenameofMissSusan？
MISSSUSANNAH。Theworldandmynamearenotfriends。Ihavelefttheworld，andwishtoremainforeverastrangertoallwhomI
onceknewinit。
MR。CHAINMAIL。Youcanhavedonenothingtodishonouryourname。
MISSSUSANNAH。No，sir。Myfatherhasdonethatofwhichtheworlddisapproves，inmattersofwhichIpretendnottojudge。I
havesufferedforitasIwillneversufferagain。Mynameismyownsecret：Ihavenoother，andthatisonenotworthknowing。
YouseewhatIam，andallIam。Iliveaccordingtotheconditionofmypresentfortune，andhere，soliving，Ihavefoundtranquillity。
MR。CHAINMAIL。Yet，Ientreatyou，tellmeyourname。
MISSSUSANNAH。Why，sir？
MR。CHAINMAIL。Why，buttothrowmyhand，myheart，myfortune，atyourfeet，if。
MISSSUSANNAH。Ifmynamebeworthyofthem。
MR。CHAINMAIL。Nay，nay，notso;ifyourhandandheartarefree。
MISSSUSANNAH。Myhandandheartarefree;buttheymustbesoughtfrommyself，andnotfrommyname。
Shefixedhereyesonhim，withamingledexpressionofmistrust，ofkindness，andoffixedresolution，whichthefar-goneinamoratofoundirresistible。
MR。CHAINMAIL。ThenfromyourselfaloneIseekthem。
MISSSUSANNAH。Reflect。Youhaveprejudicesonthescoreofparentage。Ihavenotconversedwithyousooftenwithoutknowingwhattheyare。Choosebetweenthemandme。Itoohavemyownprejudicesonthescoreofpersonalpride。
MR。CHAINMAIL。Iwouldchooseyoufromalltheworld，wereyoueventhedaughteroftheexecuteurdeshautesoeuvres，astheheroineofaromanticstoryIoncereadturnedouttobe。
MISSSUSANNAH。Iamsatisfied。Youhavenowarighttoknowmyhistory，andifyourepent，Iabsolveyoufromallobligations。
Shetoldhimherhistory;buthewasoutofthereachofrepentance。\"Itistrue，\"asatasubsequentperiodhesaidtothecaptain，\"sheisthedaughterofamoney-changer：onewho，inthedaysofRichardtheFirst，wouldhavebeenpluckedbythebeardinthestreets：butsheis，accordingtomodernnotions，aladyofgentleblood。Astoherfather’srunningaway，thatisaminorconsideration：Ihavealwaysunderstood，fromMr。MacQuedy，whoisagreatoracleinthisway，thatpromisestopayoughtnottobekept;theessenceofasafeandeconomicalcurrencybeinganinterminableseriesofbrokenpromises。Thereseemstobeadifferenceamongthelearnedastothewayinwhichthepromisesoughttobebroken;butIamnotdeepenoughinthiscasuistrytoenterintosuchnicedistinctions。\"
Inafewdaystherewasawedding，apatheticleave-takingofthefarmer’sfamily，ahundredkissesfromthebridetothechildren，andpromisestwentytimesreclaimedandrenewed，tovisitthemintheensuingyear。
CHAPTERXVII：THEINVITATION
Acupofwine，that’sbriskandfine，Anddrinkuntothelemonmine。
MasterSilence。
ThisveridicoushistorybeganinMay，andtheoccurrencesalreadynarratedhavecarrieditontothemiddleofautumn。SteppingovertheintervaltoChristmas，wefindourselvesinourfirstlocality，amongthechalkhillsoftheThames;andwediscoverouroldfriend，Mr。Crotchet，intheactofacceptinganinvitation，forhimself，andanyfriendswhomightbewithhim，topasstheirChristmasDayatChainmailHall，afterthefashionofthetwelfthcentury。Mr。Crochethadassembledabouthim，forhisownChristmasfestivities，nearlythesamepartywhichwasintroducedtothereaderinthespring。Threeofthatpartywerewanting。
Dr。Morbific，byinoculatinghimselfoncetoooftenwithnon-
contagiousmatter，hadexplainedhimselfoutoftheworld。Mr。
Henbanehadalsodeparted，onthewingsofaninfallibleantidote。
Mr。Eavesdrop，havingprintedinamagazinesomeoftheafter-
dinnerconversationsofthecastle，hadhadsentenceofexclusionpasseduponhim，onthemotionoftheReverendDoctorFolliott，asaflagitiousviolatoroftheconfidencesofprivatelife。
MissCrotchethadbecomeLadyBossnowl，butLadyClarindahadnotyetchangedhernametoCrotchet。Shehad，ononepretenceandanother，procrastinatedthehappyevent，andthegentlemanhadnotbeenverypressing;shehad，however，accompaniedherbrotherandsister-in-law，topassChristmasatCrotchetCastle。Withthese，Mr。MacQuedy，Mr。Philpot，Mr。Trillo，Mr。Skionar，Mr。Toogood，andMr。Firedampweresittingatbreakfast，whentheReverendDoctorFolliottenteredandtookhisseatatthetable。
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Well，Mr。MacQuedy，itisnowsomeweekssincewehavemet：howgoesonthemarchofmind？
MR。MACQUEDY。Nay，sir;Ithinkyoumayseethatwithyourowneyes。
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Sir，Ihaveseenit，muchtomydiscomfiture。
Ithasmarchedintomyrickyard，andsetmystacksonfire，withchemicalmaterials，mostscientificallycompounded。Ithasmarcheduptothedoorofmyvicarage，ahundredandfiftystrong;orderedmetosurrenderhalfmytithes;consumedalltheprovisionsIhadprovidedformyauditfeast，anddrunkupmyoldOctober。Ithasmarchedinthroughmyback-parlourshutters，andoutagainwithmysilverspoons，inthedeadofthenight。Thepolicemanwhohasbeendowntoexaminesaysmyhousehasbeenbrokenopenonthemostscientificprinciples。Allthiscomesofeducation。
MR。MACQUEDY。Iratherthinkitcomesofpoverty。
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。No，sir。Robbery，perhaps，comesofpoverty，butscientificprinciplesofrobberycomeofeducation。Isupposethelearnedfriendhaswrittenasixpennytreatiseonmechanics，andtherascalswhorobbedmehavebeenreadingit。
MR。CROTCHET。Yourhousewouldhavebeenverysafe，Doctor，iftheyhadhadnobettersciencethanthelearnedfriend’stoworkwith。
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Well，sir，thatmaybe。Excellentpottedchar。
TheLorddelivermefromthelearnedfriend。
MR。CROTCHET。Well，Doctor，foryourcomfort，hereisadeclarationofthelearnedfriend’sthathewillnevertakeoffice。
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Then，sir，hewillbeinofficenextweek。
Peacebewithhim。Sugarandcream。
MR。CROTCHET。But，Doctor，areyouforChainmailHallonChristmasDay？
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。ThatamI，fortherewillbeanexcellentdinner，though，peradventure，grotesquelyserved。
MR。CROTCHET。Ihavenotseenmyneighboursinceheleftusonthecanal。
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Hehasmarriedawife，andbroughtherhome。
LADYCLARINDA。Indeed！Ifshesuitshim，shemustbeanoddity：
itwillbeamusingtoseethemtogether。
LORDBOSSNOWL。Veryamusing。He！He！Mr。Firedamp。IsthereanywateraboutChainmailHall？
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Anoldmoat。
MR。FIREDAMP。Ishalldieofmalaria。
MR。TRILLO。Shallwehaveanymusic？
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Anoldharper。
MR。TRILLO。Thosefellowsarealwayshorridlyoutoftune。Whatwillheplay？
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Oldsongsandmarches。
MR。SKIONAR。Amongsomanyoldthings，IhopeweshallfindOldPhilosophy。
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Anoldwoman。
MR。PHILPOT。Perhapsanoldmapoftheriverinthetwelfthcentury。
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Nodoubt。
MR。MACQUEDY。Howmanymoreoldthings？
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Oldhospitality;oldwine;oldale;alltheimagesofoldEngland;anoldbutler。
MR。TOOGOOD。Shallweallbewelcome？
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Heartily;youwillbeslappedontheshoulder，andcalledOldBoy。
LORDBOSSNOWL。Ithinkweshouldallgoinouroldclothes。He！
He！
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Youwillsitonoldchairs，roundanoldtable，bythelightofoldlamps，suspendedfrompointedarches，which，Mr。Chainmailsays，firstcameintouseinthetwelfthcentury，witholdarmouronthepillarsandoldbannersintheroof。
LADYCLARINDA。Andwhatcuriouspieceofantiquityistheladyofthemansion？
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Noantiquitythere;none。
LADYCLARINDA。Whowasshe？
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。ThatIknownot。
LADYCLARINDA。Haveyouseenher？
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Ihave。
LADYCLARINDA。Isshepretty？
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。More，——beautiful。AsubjectforthepenofNonnusorthepencilofZeuxis。Featuresofallloveliness，radiantwithallvirtueandintelligence。AfaceforAntigone。A
formatonceplumpandsymmetrical，that，ifitbedecoroustodivineitbyexternals，wouldhavebeenamodelfortheVenusofCnidos。Neverwasanythingsogoodlytolookon，thepresentcompanyexcepted;andpoordearMrs。Folliott。Shereadsmoralphilosophy，Mr。MacQuedy，whichindeedshemightaswellletalone;shereadsItalianpoetry，Mr。Skionar;shesingsItalianmusic，Mr。Trillo;but，withallthis，shehasthegreatestoffemalevirtues，forshesuperintendsthehouseholdandlooksafterherhusband’sdinner。Ibelieveshewasamountaineer：[Greektext]{1}asNonnussweetlysings。
CHAPTERXVIII：CHAINMAILHALL
Vousautresdictesqueignoranceestmeredetousmaulx，etdictesvray：maistoutesfoysvousnelabannissezmyedevosentendemens，etvivezenelle，avecqueselle，etparelle。C’estpourquoytantdemaulxvousmeshaignentdejourenjour。——RABELIAS，1。5。c。7。
ThepartywhichwasassembledonChristmasDayinChainmailHallcomprisedalltheguestsofCrotchetCastle，someofMr。
Chainmail’sotherneighbours，allhistenantsanddomestics，andCaptainFitzchrome。Thehallwasspaciousandlofty;andwithitstallflutedpillarsandpointedarches，itswindowsofstainedglass，itsdisplayofarmsandbannersintermingledwithhollyandmistletoe，itsblazingcressetsandtorches，andastupendousfireinthecentre，onwhichblocksofpinewereflamingandcrackling，hadastrikingeffectoneyesunaccustomedtosuchadining-room。
Thefirewasopenonallsides，andthesmokewascaughtandcarriedbackunderafunnel-formedcanopyintoahollowcentralpillar。Thisfirewasthelineofdemarcationbetweengentleandsimpleondaysofhighfestival。Tablesextendedfromitontwosidestonearlytheendofthehall。
Mrs。Chainmailwasintroducedtothecompany。YoungCrotchetfeltsomerevulsionoffeelingattheunexpectedsightofonewhomhehadforsaken，butnotforgotten，inaconditionapparentlysomuchhappierthanhisown。Theladyheldoutherhandtohimwithacordiallookofmorethanforgiveness;itseemedtosaythatshehadmuchtothankhimfor。Shewasthepictureofahappybride，rayonnantedejoieetd’amour。
Mr。CrotchettoldtheReverendDoctorFolliottthenewsofthemorning。\"Asyoupredicted，\"hesaid，\"yourfriend，thelearnedfriend，isinoffice;hehasalsoatitle;heisnowSirGuydeVaux。\"
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Thankheavenforthat！heisdisarmedfromfurthermischief。Itissomething，atanyrate，tohavethathollowandwind-shakenreedrootedupforeverfromthefieldofpublicdelusion。
MR。CROTCHET。Isuppose，Doctor，youdonotliketoseeagreatreformerinoffice;youareafraidforyourvestedinterests。
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。NotI，indeed，sir;myvestedinterestsareverysafefromallsuchreformersasthelearnedfriend。I
vaticinatewhatwillbetheupshotofallhisschemesofreform。
Hewillmakeaspeechofsevenhours’duration，andthiswillbeitsquintessence：that，seeingtheexceedingdifficultyofputtingsaltonthebird’stail，itwillbeexpedienttoconsiderthebestmethodofthrowingdustinthebird’seyes。Alltherestwillbe[Greektextinverse]
asAristophaneshasit;andsoIleavehim，inNephelococcygia。
Mr。MacQuedycameuptothedivineasMr。Crotchetlefthim，andsaid：\"Thereisonepieceofnewswhichtheoldgentlemanhasnottoldyou。ThegreatfirmofCatchflatandCompany，inwhichyoungCrotchetisapartner，hasstoppedpayment。\"
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Blessme！thataccountsfortheyounggentleman’smelancholy。Ithoughttheywouldoverreachthemselveswiththeirowntricks。Thedayofreckoning，Mr。MacQuedy，isthepointwhichyourpaper-moneysciencealwaysleavesoutofview。
MR。MACQUEDY。Idonotsee，sir，thatthefailureofCatchflatandCompanyhasanythingtodowithmyscience。
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Ithasthistodowithit，sir，thatyouwouldturnthewholenationintoagreatpaper-moneyshop，andtakenothoughtofthedayofreckoning。Butthedinneriscoming。I
thinkyou，whoaresofondofpaperpromises，shoulddineonthebilloffare。
Theharperattheheadofthehallstruckupanancientmarch，andthedisheswerebroughtin，ingrandprocession。
Theboar’shead，garnishedwithrosemary，withacitroninitsmouth，ledthevan。Thencametureensofplum-porridge;thenaseriesofturkeys，andinthemidstofthemanenormoussausage，whichitrequiredtwomentocarry。Thencamegeeseandcapons，tonguesandhams，theancientgloryoftheChristmaspie，agiganticplumpudding，apyramidofmincepies，andabaronofbeefbringinguptherear。
\"Itissomethingnewunderthesun，\"saidthedivine，ashesatdown，\"toseeagreatdinnerwithoutfish。\"
MR。CHAINMAIL。Fishwasforfastsinthetwelfthcentury。
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Well，sir，Ipreferourreformedsystemofputtingfastsandfeaststogether。Notbuthereisampleindemnity。
Aleandwineflowedinabundance。Thedinnerpassedoffmerrily：
theoldharperplayingallthewhiletheoldestmusicinhisrepertory。Thetablesbeingcleared，heindemnifiedhimselfforlosttimeatthelowerendofthehall，incompanywiththeoldbutlerandtheotherdomestics，whoseattendanceonthebanquethadbeenindispensable。
TheschemeofChristmasgambols，whichMr。Chainmailhadlaidfortheevening，wasinterruptedbyatremendousclamourwithout。
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Whathavewehere？Mummers？
MR。CHAINMAIL。Nay，Iknownot。Iexpectnone。
\"Whoisthere？\"headded，approachingthedoorofthehall。
\"Whoisthere？\"vociferatedthedivine，withthevoiceofStentor。
\"CaptainSwing，\"repliedachorusofdiscordantvoices。
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Ho，ho！hereisapieceofthedarkageswedidnotbargainfor。HereistheJacquerie。Hereisthemarchofmindwithawitness。
MR。MACQUEDY。Doyounotseethatyouhavebroughtdisparatestogether？theJacquerieandthemarchofmind。
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Notatall，sir。Theyarethesamething，underdifferentnames。[Greektext]。WhatwasJacquerieinthedarkagesisthemarchofmindinthisveryenlightenedone——veryenlightenedone。
MR。CHAINMAIL。Thecauseisthesameinboth;povertyindespair。
MR。MACQUEDY。Verylikely;buttheeffectisextremelydisagreeable。
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Itisthenaturalresult，Mr。MacQuedy，ofthatsystemofstateseamanshipwhichyourscienceupholds。
Puttingthecrewonshortallowance，anddoublingtherationsoftheofficers，isthesurewaytomakeamutinyonboardashipindistress，Mr。MacQuedy。
MR。MACQUEDY。Eh！sir，Iupholdnosuchsystemasthat。Ishallsetyourightastocauseandeffect。Discontentariseswiththeincreaseofinformation。Thatisall。
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Isaiditwasthemarchofmind。Butwehavenottimefordiscussingcauseandeffectnow。Letusgetridoftheenemy。
Andhevociferatedatthetopofhisvoice，\"Whatdoyouwanthere？\"\"Arms，arms，\"repliedahundredvoices，\"Giveusthearms。\"
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Yousee，Mr。Chainmail，thisistheinconvenienceofkeepinganarmourynotfortifiedwithsandbags，greenbags，andoldbagsofallkinds。
MR。MACQUEDY。Justgivethemtheoldspitsandtoastingirons，andtheywillgoawayquietly。
MR。CHAINMAIL。Myspearsandswords！notwithoutmylife。Theseassailantsareallalienstomylandandhouse。Mymenwillfightforme，oneandall。Thisisthefortressofbeefandale。
MR。MACQUEDY。Eh！sir，whentherabbleisup，itisveryindiscriminating。Youaree’ensufferingforthesinsofSirSimonSteeltrapandthelike，whohavepushedtheprincipleofaccumulationalittletoofar。
MR。CHAINMAIL。Thewaytokeepthepeopledowniskindandliberalusage。
MR。MACQUEDY。Thatisverywell（whereitcanbeafforded）inthewayofprevention;butinthewayofcuretheoperationmustbemoredrastic。（Takingdownabattle-axe。）Iwouldfainhaveagoodblunderbusschargedwithslugs。
MR。CHAINMAIL。WhenIsuspendedthesearmsforornament，Ineverdreamedoftheirbeingcalledintouse。
MR。SKIONAR。Letmeaddressthem。Ineverfailedtoconvinceanaudiencethatthebestthingtheycoulddowastogoaway。
MR。MACQUEDY。Eh！sir，Icanbringthemtothatconclusioninlesstimethanyou。
MR。CROTCHET。Ihavenofancyforfighting。Itisaveryhardcaseuponaguest，whenthelatterendofafeastisthebeginningofafray。
MR。MACQUEDY。Givethemtheoldiron。
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Givethemtheweapons！Pessimo，mediusfidius，exemplo。ForbiditthespiritofFrereJeandesEntommeures！No！
letusseewhatthechurchmilitant，inthearmourofthetwelfthcentury，willdoagainstthemarchofmind。Followmewhowill，andstaywholist。Heregoes：Proarisetfocis！thatis，fortithepigsandfirestoroastthem。
Heclappedahelmetonhishead，seizedalonglance，threwopenthegates，andtiltedoutontherabble，sidebysidewithMr。
Chainmail，followedbythegreaterportionofthemaleinmatesofthehall，whohadarmedthemselvesatrandom。
Therabble-rout，beingunpreparedforsuchasortie，fledinalldirections，overhedgeandditch。
Mr。Trillostayedinthehall，playingamarchontheharp，toinspirittheresttosallyout。Thewater-lovingMr。Philpothaddilutedhimselfwithsomuchwineastobequitehorsdecombat。
Mr。Toogood，intendingtoequiphimselfinpurelydefensivearmour，contrivedtoslipaponderouscoatofmailoverhisshoulders，whichpinionedhisarmstohissides;andinthiscondition，likeachickentrussedforroasting，hewasthrowndownbehindapillarinthefirstrushofthesortie。Mr。Crotchetseizedtheoccurrenceasapretextforstayingwithhim，andpassedthewholetimeoftheactioninpickinghimoutofhisshell。
\"Phew！\"saidthedivine，returning;\"aningloriousvictory;butitdeservesadevilandabowlofpunch。\"
MR。CHAINMAIL。Awassail-bowl。
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。No，sir。Nomoreofthetwelfthcenturyforme。
MR。CHAINMAIL。Nay，Doctor。Thetwelfthcenturyhasbackedyouwell。Itsmannersandhabits，itscommunityofkindfeelingsbetweenmasterandman，arethetrueremedyfortheseebullitions。
MR。TOOGOOD。Somethinglikeit：improvedbymydiagram：artsforarms。
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Nowassail-bowlforme。Givemeanunsophisticatedbowlofpunch，whichbelongstothatblissfulmiddleperiod，aftertheJacqueriewasdown，andbeforethemarchofmindwasup。But，see，whoisflounderinginthewater？
Proceedingtotheedgeofthemoat，theyfishedupMr。Firedamp，whohadmissedhiswayback，andtumbledin。Hewasdrawnout，exclaiming，\"thathehadtakenhislastdoseofmalariainthisworld。\"
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Tut，man;dryclothes，aturkey’slegandrump，welldevilled，andaquartofstrongpunch，willsetalltorights。
\"Woodembers，\"saidMr。Firedamp，whenhehadbeenaccommodatedwithachangeofclothes，\"thereisnoantidotetomalarialikethesmokeofwoodembers;pineembers。\"Andheplacedhimself，withhismouthopen，closebythefire。
REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Punch，sir，punch：thereisnoantidotelikepunch。
MR。CHAINMAIL。Well，Doctor，youshallbeindulged。ButIshallhavemywassail-bowl，nevertheless。
Animmensebowlofspicedwine，withroastedappleshissingonitssurface，wasborneintothehallbyfourmen，followedbyanemptybowlofthesamedimensions，withallthematerialsofarrackpunch，forthedivine’sespecialbrewage。Heaccingedhimselftothetaskwithhisusualheroism，andhavingfinishedittohisentiresatisfaction，remindedhishosttoorderinthedevilREV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Ithink，Mr。Chainmail，wecanamuseourselvesverywellhereallnight。Theenemymaybestillexcubant：andwehadbetternotdispersetilldaylight。Iamperfectlysatisfiedwithmyquarters。Lettheyoungfolkgoonwiththeirgambols;letthemdancetoyouroldharper’sminstrelsy;andiftheypleasetokissunderthemistletoe，whereofIespyagoodlybunchsuspendedattheendofthehall，letthosewholikeitnotleaveittothosewhodo。Moreover，ifamongthemoresedateportionoftheassembly，which，Iforesee，willkeepmecompany，therewereanytorevivethegoodoldcustomofsingingaftersupper，sotofilluptheintervalsofthedances，thestepsofnightwouldmovemorelightly。
MR。CHAINMAIL。MySusanwillsettheexample，aftershehassetthatofjoiningintherusticdance，accordingtogoodcustomslongdeparted。
Afterthefirstdance，inwhichallclassesofthecompanymingled，theyoungladyofthemansiontookherharp，andfollowingthereverendgentleman’ssuggestion，sangasongofthetwelfthcentury。
FLORENCEANDBLANCHFLOR。
FlorenceandBlanchflor，loveliestmaids，Withinasummergrove，Amidtheflower-enamelledshadesTogethertalkedoflove。
AclerksweetBlanchflor’shearthadgain’d;
FairFlorencelovedaknight：
AndeachwithardentvoicemaintainedShelovedtheworthiestwight。
SweetBlanchflorpraisedherscholardear，Ascourteous，kind，andtrue！
FairFlorencesaidherchevalierCouldeveryfoesubdue。
AndFlorencescornedthebookwormvain，Whoswordnorspearcouldraise;
AndBlanchflorscornedtheunletteredbrainCouldsingnolady’spraise。
Fromdearestlove，themaidensbrightTodeadlyhatredfell，Eachturnedtoshuntheother’ssight，Andneithersaidfarewell。
Thekingofbirds，whoheldhiscourtWithinthatflowerygrove，Sangloudly：\"’TwillberaredisportTojudgethissuitoflove。\"
Beforehimcamethemaidensbright，Withallhisbirdsaround，Tojudgethecause，ifclerkorknightInlovebeworthiestfound。
Thefalconandthesparrow-hawkStoodforwardforthefight：
Readytodo，andnottotalk，Theyvotedfortheknight。
AndBlanchflor’sheartbegantofail，Tillrosethestrong-voicedlark，And，afterhim，thenightingale，Andpleadedfortheclerk。
Thenightingaleprevailedatlength，Herpleadinghadsuchcharms;
Soeloquencecanconquerstrength，Andartscanconquerarms。
ThelovelyFlorencetoreherhair，Anddiedupontheplace;
AndallthebirdsassembledthereBewailedthemournfulcase。
TheypiledupleavesandfloweretsrareAbovethemaidenbright，Andsang：\"FarewelltoFlorencefair，Whotoowelllovedherknight。\"
Severalothersofthepartysangintheintervalsofthedances。
Mr。ChainmailhandedtoMr。Trilloanotherballadofthetwelfthcentury，ofamerriercharacterthantheformer。Mr。Trilloreadilyaccommodateditwithanair，andsang：
THEPRIESTANDTHEMULBERRYTREE。
Didyouhearofthecuratewhomountedhismare，Andmerrilytrottedalongtothefair？
Ofcreaturemoretractablenoneeverheard;
Intheheightofherspeedshewouldstopataword，Andagainwithaword，whenthecuratesaidHey，Sheputforthhermettle，andgallopedaway。
Asneartothegatesofthecityherode，WhilethesunofSeptemberallbrilliantlyglowed，Thegoodpriestdiscovered，witheyesofdesire，Amulberrytreeinahedgeofwildbriar，Onboughslongandlofty，inmanyagreenshoot，Hunglarge，black，andglossy，thebeautifulfruit。
Thecuratewashungry，andthirstytoboot;
Heshrunkfromthethorns，thoughhelongedforthefruit;
Withawordhearrestedhiscourser’skeenspeed，Andhestooduperectonthebackofhissteed;
Onthesaddlehestood，whilethecreaturestoodstill，Andhegatheredthefruit，tillhetookhisgoodfill。
\"Surenever，\"hethought，\"wasacreaturesorare，Sodocile，sotrue，asmyexcellentmare。
Lo，here，howIstand\"（andhegazedallaround），\"Assafeandassteadyasifontheground，Yethowhaditbeen，ifsometravellerthisway，Had，dreamingnomischief，butchancedtocryHey？\"
Hestoodwithhisheadinthemulberrytree，Andhespokeoutaloudinhisfondreverie。
Atthesoundoftheword，thegoodmaremadeapush，Anddownwentthepriestinthewild-briarbush。
Herememberedtoolate，onhisthornygreenbed，Muchthatwellmaybethoughtcannotwiselybesaid。
LadyClarinda，beingprevailedontotaketheharpinherturn，sangthefollowingstanzas。
Inthedaysofold，Loversfelttruepassion，DeemingyearsofsorrowByasmilerepaid。
Nowthecharmsofgold，Spellsofprideandfashion，BidthemsaygoodmorrowTothebest-lovedmaid。
Throughtheforestswild，O’erthemountainslonely，TheywereneverwearyHonourtopursue。
IfthedamselsmiledOnceinsevenyearsonly，AlltheirwanderingsdrearyAmpleguerdonknew。
Nowoneday’scapriceWeighsdownyearsofsmiling，Youthfulheartsarerovers，Loveisboughtandsold：
Fortune’sgiftsmaycease，Loveislessbeguiling;
WisestweretheloversInthedaysofold。
Theglancewhichshethrewatthecaptain，asshesangthelastverse，awakenedhisdormanthopes。Lookingroundforhisrival，hesawthathewasnotinthehall;and，approachingtheladyofhisheart，hereceivedoneofthesweetestsmilesoftheirearlierdays。
Afteratime，theladies，andallthefemalesoftheparty，retired。Themalesremainedondutywithpunchandwassail，anddroppedoffonebyoneintosweetforgetfulness;sothatwhentherisingsunofDecemberlookedthroughthepaintedwindowsonmoulderingembersandflickeringlamps，thevaultedroofwasechoingtoamellifluousconcertofnoses，fromtheclarionetofthewaiting-boyatoneendofthehall，tothedoublebassoftheReverendDoctor，ringingovertheemptypunch-bowl，attheother。
CONCLUSION
Fromthiseventfulnight，youngCrotchetwasseennomoreonEnglishmould。WhitherhehadvanishedwasaquestionthatcouldnomorebeansweredinhiscasethaninthatofKingArthurafterthebattleofCamlan。ThegreatfirmofCatchflatandCompanyfiguredintheGazette，andpaidsixpenceinthepound;anditwasclearthathehadshrunkfromexhibitinghimselfonthesceneofhisformergreatness，shornofthebeamsofhispaperprosperity。
Somesupposedhimtobesleepingamongtheundiscoverablesecretsofsomebarbel-poolintheThames;butthosewhoknewhimbestweremoreinclinedtotheopinionthathehadgoneacrosstheAtlantic，withhispocketsfullofsurpluscapital，tojoinhisoldacquaintance，Mr。Touchandgo，inthebankofDotandcarryonetown。
LadyClarindawasmoresorryforherfather’sdisappointmentthanherown;butshehadtoomuchpridetoallowherselftobeputupasecondtimeinthemoney-market;andwhentheCaptainrenewedhisassiduities，heroldpartialityforhim，combiningwithasenseofgratitudeforadegreeofconstancywhichsheknewshescarcelydeserved，inducedher，withLordFoolincourt’shard-wrungconsent，tosharewithhimamorehumble，butlessprecariousfortune，thanthattowhichshehadbeendestinedasthepriceofarottenborough。
Footnotes：
{1}Amountain-wanderingmaid，Twin-nourishedwiththesolitarywood。