CHAPTERI。
Halfalife-timeago，therelivedinoneoftheWestmorelanddalesasinglewoman，ofthenameofSusanDixon。Shewasownerofthesmallfarm-housewheresheresided，andofsomethirtyorfortyacresoflandbywhichitwassurrounded。Shehadalsoanhereditaryrighttoasheep-walk，extendingtothewildfellsthatoverhangBleaTarn。
InthelanguageofthecountryshewasaStateswoman。HerhouseisyettobeseenontheOxenfellroad，betweenSkelwithandConiston。
Yougoalongamoorlandtrack，madebythecartsthatoccasionallycameforturffromtheOxenfell。Abrookbabblesandbrattlesbythewayside，givingyouasenseofcompanionship，whichrelievesthedeepsolitudeinwhichthiswayisusuallytraversed。SomemilesonthissideofConistonthereisafarmstead——agraystonehouse，andasquareoffarm-buildingssurroundingagreenspaceofroughturf，inthemidstofwhichstandsamighty，funerealumbrageousyew，makingasolemnshadow，asofdeath，intheveryheartandcentreofthelightandheatofthebrightestsummerday。Onthesideawayfromthehouse，thisyardslopesdowntoadark-brownpool，whichissuppliedwithfreshwaterfromtheoverflowingsofastonecistern，intowhichsomerivuletofthebrookbefore-mentionedcontinuallyandmelodiouslyfallsbubbling。Thecattledrinkoutofthiscistern。
Thehouseholdbringtheirpitchersandfillthemwithdrinking-waterbyadilatory，yetpretty，process。Thewater-carrierbringswithheraleafofthehound’s-tonguefern，and，insertingitinthecreviceofthegrayrock，makesacool，greenspoutforthesparklingstream。
Thehouseisnospecimen，atthepresentday，ofwhatitwasinthelifetimeofSusanDixon。Then，everysmalldiamondpaneinthewindowsglitteredwithcleanliness。Youmighthaveeatenoffthefloor；youcouldseeyourselfinthepewterplatesandthepolishedoakenawmry，ordresser，ofthestatekitchenintowhichyouentered。
Fewstrangerspenetratedfurtherthanthisroom。Onceortwice，wanderingtourists，attractedbythelonelypicturesquenessofthesituation，andtheexquisitecleanlinessofthehouseitself，madetheirwayintothishouse-place，andofferedmoneyenough（astheythought）totemptthehostesstoreceivethemaslodgers。Theywouldgivenotrouble，theysaid；theywouldbeoutramblingorsketchingalldaylong；wouldbeperfectlycontentwithashareofthefoodwhichsheprovidedforherself；orwouldprocurewhattheyrequiredfromtheWaterheadInnatConiston。Butnoliberalsum——nofairwords——movedherfromherstonymanner，orhermonotonoustoneofindifferentrefusal。Nopersuasioncouldinducehertoshowanymoreofthehousethanthatfirstroom；noappearanceoffatigueprocuredforthewearyaninvitationtositdownandrest；andifonemoreboldandlessdelicatedidsowithoutbeingasked，Susanstoodby，coldandapparentlydeaf，oronlyreplyingbythebriefestmonosyllables，tilltheunwelcomevisitorhaddeparted。Yetthosewithwhomshehaddealings，inthewayofsellinghercattleorherfarmproduce，spokeofheraskeenafterabargain——ahardonetohavetodowith；andsheneversparedherselfexertionorfatigue，atmarketorinthefield，tomakethemostofherproduce。Sheledthehay-makerswithherswift，steadyrake，andhernoiselessevennessofmotion。Shewasaboutamongtheearliestinthemarket，examiningsamplesofoats，pricingthem，andthenturningwithgrimsatisfactiontoherowncleanercorn。
Shewasservedfaithfullyandlongbythosewhowereratherherfellow-labourersthanherservants。Shewasevenandjustinherdealingswiththem。Ifshewaspeculiarandsilent，theyknewher，andknewthatshemightbereliedon。Someofthemhadknownherfromherchildhood；anddeepintheirheartswasanunspoken——almostunconscious——pityforher，fortheyknewherstory，thoughtheyneverspokeofit。
Yes；thetimehadbeenwhenthattall，gaunt，hard-featured，angularwoman——whoneversmiled，andhardlyeverspokeanunnecessaryword——
hadbeenafine-lookinggirl，bright-spiritedandrosy；andwhenthehearthattheYewNookhadbeenasbrightasshe，withfamilyloveandyouthfulhopeandmirth。Fiftyorfifty-oneyearsago，WilliamDixonandhiswifeMargaretwerealive；andSusan，theirdaughter，wasabouteighteenyearsold——tenyearsolderthantheonlyotherchild，aboynamedafterhisfather。WilliamandMargaretDixonwererathersuperiorpeople，ofacharacterbelonging——asfarasIhaveseen——exclusivelytotheclassofWestmorelandandCumberlandstatesmen——just，independent，upright；notgiventomuchspeaking；
kind-hearted，butnotdemonstrative；dislikingchange，andnewways，andnewpeople；sensibleandshrewd；eachhouseholdself-contained，anditsmembershavinglittlecuriosityastotheirneighbours，withwhomtheyrarelymetforanysocialintercourse，saveatthestatedtimesofsheep-shearingandChristmas；havingacertainkindofsoberpleasureinamassingmoney，whichoccasionallymadethemmiserable（astheycallmiserlypeopleupinthenorth）intheiroldage；
readingnolightorephemeralliterature，butthegrave，solidbooksbroughtroundbythepedlars（suchasthe\"ParadiseLost\"and\"Regained，’\"\"TheDeathofAbel，\"\"TheSpiritualQuixote，\"and\"ThePilgrim’sProgress\"），weretobefoundinnearlyeveryhouse：themenoccasionallygoingofflaking，i。e。playing，i。e。drinkingfordaystogether，andhavingtobehuntedupbyanxiouswives，whodarednotleavetheirhusbandstothechancesofthewildprecipitousroads，butwalkedmilesandmiles，lanterninhand，inthedeadofnight，todiscoverandguidethesolemnly-drunkenhusbandhome；whohadadreadfulheadachethenextday，andthedayafterthatcameforthasgrave，andsober，andvirtuouslookingasiftherewerenosuchthingasmaltandspirituousliquorsintheworld；andwhowereseldomremindedoftheirmisdoingsbytheirwives，towhomsuchoccasionaloutbreakswereasthingsofcourse，whenoncetheimmediateanxietyproducedbythemwasover。Suchwere——suchare——
thecharacteristicsofaclassnowpassingawayfromthefaceoftheland，astheircompeers，theyeomen，havedonebeforethem。OfsuchwasWilliamDixon。Hewasashrewdcleverfarmer，inhisdayandgeneration，whenshrewdnesswasrathershowninthebreedingandrearingofsheepandcattlethaninthecultivationofland。Owingtothischaracterofhis，statesmenfromadistancefrombeyondKendal，orfromBorrowdale，ofgreaterwealththanhe，wouldsendtheirsonstobefarm-servantsforayearortwowithhim，inordertolearnsomeofhismethodsbeforesettinguponlandoftheirown。
WhenSusan，hisdaughter，wasaboutseventeen，oneMichaelHurstwasfarm-servantatYewNook。Heworkedwiththemaster，andlivedwiththefamily，andwasinallrespectstreatedasanequal，exceptinthefield。HisfatherwasawealthystatesmanatWythburne，upbeyondGrasmere；andthroughMichael’sservitudethefamilieshadbecomeacquainted，andtheDixonswentovertotheHighBecksheep-
shearing，andtheHurstscamedownbyRedBankandLoughrigTarnandacrosstheOxenfellwhentherewastheChristmas-tidefeastingatYewNook。Thefathersstrolledroundthefieldstogether，examinedcattleandsheep，andlookedknowingovereachother’shorses。Themothersinspectedthedairiesandhouseholdarrangements，eachopenlyadmiringtheplansoftheother，butsecretlypreferringtheirown。
BothfathersandmotherscastaglancefromtimetotimeatMichaelandSusan，whowerethinkingofnothinglessthanfarmordairy，butwhoseunspokenattachmentwas，inallways，sosuitableandnaturalathingthateachparentrejoicedoverit，althoughwithcharacteristicreserveitwasneverspokenabout——notevenbetweenhusbandandwife。
Susanhadbeenastrong，independent，healthygirl；acleverhelptohermother，andaspiritedcompaniontoherfather；moreofamaninher（asheoftensaid）thanherdelicatelittlebrothereverwouldhave。Hewashismother’sdarling，althoughshelovedSusanwell。
TherewasnopositiveengagementbetweenMichaelandSusan——Idoubtwhetherevenplainwordsoflovehadbeenspoken；whenonewinter-
timeMargaretDixonwasseizedwithinflammationconsequentuponaneglectedcold。Shehadalwaysbeenstrongandnotable，andhadbeentoobusytoattendtotheearlysymptomsofillness。Itwouldgooff，shesaidtothewomanwhohelpedinthekitchen；orifshedidnotfeelbetterwhentheyhadgotthehamsandbaconoutofhand，shewouldtakesomeherb-teaandnurseupabit。ButDeathcouldnotwaittillthehamsandbaconwerecured：hecameonwithrapidstrides，andshootingarrowsofportentousagony。Susanhadneverseenillness——neverknewhowmuchshelovedhermothertillnow，whenshefeltadreadful，instinctivecertaintythatshewaslosingher。
Hermindwasthrongedwithrecollectionsofthemanytimesshehadslightedhermother’swishes；herheartwasfulloftheechoesofcarelessandangryrepliesthatshehadspoken。Whatwouldshenotnowgivetohaveopportunitiesofserviceandobedience，andtrialsofherpatienceandlove，forthatdearmotherwholaygaspingintorture！AndyetSusanhadbeenagoodgirlandanaffectionatedaughter。
Thesharppainwentoff，anddeliciouseasecameon；yetstillhermothersunk。Inthemidstofthislanguidpeaceshewasdying。ShemotionedSusantoherbedside，forshecouldonlywhisper；andthen，whilethefatherwasoutoftheroom，shespokeasmuchtotheeager，hungeringeyesofherdaughterbythemotionofherlips，asbytheslow，feeblesoundsofhervoice。
\"Susan，lass，thoumustnotfret。ItisGod’swill，andthouwilthaveadealtodo。Keepfatherstraightifthoucanst；andifhegoesoutUlverstoneways，seethatthoumeethimbeforehegetstotheOldQuarry。It’sadreebitforamanwhohashadadrop。AsforlileWill\"——Herethepoorwoman’sfacebegantoworkandherfingerstomovenervouslyastheylayonthebed-quilt——\"lileWillwillmissmemostofall。Father’softenvexedwithhimbecausehe’snotaquickstronglad；heisnot，mypoorlilechap。Andfatherthinkshe’ssaucy，becausehecannotalwaysstomachoat-cakeandporridge。There’sbetterthanthreepoundinth’oldblacktea-potonthetopshelfofthecupboard。Justkeepapieceofloaf-breadbyyou，Susandear，forWilltocometowhenhe’snottakenhisbreakfast。Ihave，maybe，spoilthim；butthere’llbenoonetospoilhimnow。\"
Shebegantocryalow，feeblecry，andcoveredupherfacethatSusanmightnotseeher。Thatdearface！thosepreciousmomentswhileyettheeyescouldlookoutwithloveandintelligence。Susanlaidherheaddownclosebyhermother’sear。
\"MotherI’lltaketentofWill。Mother，doyouhear？HeshallnotwantoughtIcangiveorgetforhim，leastofallthekindwordswhichyouhadeverreadyforusboth。Blessyou！blessyou！myownmother。\"
\"Thou’ltpromisemethat，Susan，wiltthou？Icandieeasyifthou’lttakechargeofhim。Buthe’shardlylikeotherfolk；hetriesfatherattimes，thoughIthinkfather’llbetenderofhimwhenI’mgone，formysake。And，Susan，there’sonethingmore。Ineverspokeonitforfearofthebairnbeingcalledatell-tale，butI
justcomfortedhimup。HevexesMichaelattimes，andMichaelhasstruckhimbeforenow。Ididnotwanttomakeastir；buthe’snotstrong，andawordfromthee，Susan，willgoalongwaywithMichael。\"
Susanwasasrednowasshehadbeenpalebefore；itwasthefirsttimethatherinfluenceoverMichaelhadbeenopenlyacknowledgedbyathirdperson，andaflashofjoycameathwartthesolemnsadnessofthemoment。Hermotherhadspokentoomuch，andnowcameonthemiserablefaintness。Sheneverspokeagaincoherently；butwhenherchildrenandherhusbandstoodbyherbedside，shetooklileWill’shandandputitintoSusan’s，andlookedatherwithimploringeyes。
SusanclaspedherarmsroundWill，andleanedherheaduponhislittlecurlyone，andvowedwithinherselftobeasamothertohim。
Henceforwardshewasallinalltoherbrother。Shewasamorespiritedandamusingcompaniontohimthanhismotherhadbeen，fromhergreateractivity，andperhaps，also，fromheroriginalityofcharacter，whichoftenpromptedhertoperformherhabitualactionsinsomenewandracymanner。ShewastendertolileWillwhenshewaspromptandsharpwitheverybodyelse——withMichaelmostofall；
forsomehowthegirlfeltthat，unprotectedbyhermother，shemustkeepupherowndignity，andnotallowherlovertoseehowstrongaholdhehaduponherheart。Hecalledherhardandcruel，andleftherso；andshesmiledsoftlytoherself，whenhisbackwasturned，tothinkhowlittleheguessedhowdeeplyhewasloved。ForSusanwasmerelycomelyandfinelooking；Michaelwasstrikinglyhandsome，admiredbyallthegirlsformilesround，andquiteenoughofacountrycoxcombtoknowitandplumehimselfaccordingly。Hewasthesecondsonofhisfather；theeldestwouldhaveHighBeckfarm，ofcourse，buttherewasagoodpennyintheKendalbankinstoreforMichael。Whenharvestwasover，hewenttoChapelLangdaletolearntodance；andatnight，inhismerrymoods，hewoulddohisstepsontheflagflooroftheYewNookkitchen，tothesecretadmirationofSusan，whohadneverlearneddancing，butwhofloutedhimperpetually，evenwhilesheadmired，inaccordancewiththerulesheseemedtohavemadeforherselfaboutkeepinghimatadistancesolongashelivedunderthesameroofwithher。Oneeveninghesulkedatsomesaucyremarkofhers；hesittinginthechimneycornerwithhisarmsonhisknees，andhisheadbentforwards，lazilygazingintothewood-fireonthehearth，andluxuriatinginrestafterahardday’slabour；shesittingamongthegeraniumsonthelong，lowwindow-seat，tryingtocatchthelastslantingraysoftheautumnallighttoenablehertofinishstitchingashirt-collarforWill，wholoungedfulllengthontheflagsattheothersideofthehearthtoMichael，pokingtheburningwoodfromtimetotimewithalonghazel-
sticktobringouttheleapofglitteringsparks。
\"Andifyoucandanceathreesomereel，whatgooddoesitdoye？\"
askedSusan，lookingaskanceatMichael，whohadjustbeenvauntinghisproficiency。\"Doesithelpyouplough，reap，orevenclimbtherockstotakearaven’snest？IfIwereaman，I’dbeashamedtogiveintosuchsoftness。\"
\"Ifyouwereaman，you’dbegladtodoanythingwhichmadetheprettygirlsstandroundandadmire。\"
\"Astheydotoyou，eh！Ho，Michael，thatwouldnotbemywayo’
beingaman！\"
\"Whatwouldthen？\"askedhe，afterapause，duringwhichhehadexpectedinvainthatshewouldgoonwithhersentence。Noanswer。
\"Ishouldnotlikeyouasaman，Susy；you’dbetoohardandheadstrong。\"
\"AmIhardandheadstrong？\"askedshe，withasindifferentatoneasshecouldassume，butwhichyethadatouchofpiqueinit。Hisquickeardetectedtheinflexion。
\"No，Susy！You’rewilfulattimes，andthat’srightenough。Idon’tlikeagirlwithoutspirit。There’samightyprettygirlcomestothedancingclass；butsheisallmilkandwater。Hereyesneverflashlikeyourswhenyou’reputout；why，Icanseethemflameacrossthekitchenlikeacat’sinthedark。Now，ifyouwereaman，Ishouldfeelqueerbeforethoselooksofyours；asitis，Iratherlikethem，because——\"
\"Becausewhat？\"askedshe，lookingupandperceivingthathehadstolencloseuptoher。
\"BecauseIcanmakeallrightinthisway，\"saidhe，kissinghersuddenly。
\"Canyou？\"saidshe，wrenchingherselfoutofhisgraspandpanting，halfwithrage。\"Takethat，bywayofproofthatmakingrightisnonesoeasy。\"Andsheboxedhisearsprettysharply。Hewentbacktohisseatdiscomfitedandoutoftemper。Shecouldnolongerseetolook，evenifherfacehadnotburntandhereyesdazzled，butshedidnotchoosetomoveherseat，soshestillpreservedherstoopingattitudeandpretendedtogoonsewing。
\"EleanorHebthwaitemaybemilk-and-water，\"mutteredhe，\"but——
Confoundthee，lad！whatartthoudoing？\"exclaimedMichael，asagreatpieceofburningwoodwascastintohisfacebyanunluckypokeofWill’s。\"Thougreatlounging，clumsychap，I’llteachtheebetter！\"andwithoneortwogoodroundkickshesenttheladwhimperingawayintotheback-kitchen。Whenhehadalittlerecoveredhimselffromhispassion，hesawSusanstandingbeforehim，herfacelookingstrangeandalmostghastlybythereversedpositionoftheshadows，arisingfromthefirelightshiningupwardsrightunderit。
\"Itelltheewhat，Michael，\"saidshe，\"thatlad’smotherless，butnotfriendless。\"
\"Hisownfatherleathershim，andwhyshouldnotI，whenhe’sgivenmesuchaburnonmyface？\"saidMichael，puttinguphishandtohischeekasifinpain。
\"Hisfather’shisfather，andthereisnoughtmoretobesaid。Butifhedidburnthee，itwasbyaccident，andnoto’purpose；asthoukickedhim，it’samercyifhisribsarenotbroken。\"
\"Hehowlsloudenough，I’msure。Imightha’kickedmanyaladtwiceashard，andthey’dne’erha’saidoughtbut’damnye；’butyonladmustneedscryoutlikeastuckpigifonetoucheshim；\"repliedMichael，sullenly。
Susanwentbacktothewindow-seat，andlookedabsentlyoutofthewindowatthedriftingcloudsforaminuteortwo，whilehereyesfilledwithtears。Thenshegotupandmadefortheouterdoorwhichledintotheback-kitchen。Beforeshereachedit，however，sheheardalowvoice，whosemusicmadeherthrill，say-
\"Susan，Susan！\"
Herheartmeltedwithinher，butitseemedliketreacherytoherpoorboy，likefaithlessnesstoherdeadmother，toturntoherloverwhilethetearswhichhehadcausedtoflowwereyetunwipedonWill’scheeks。Sosheseemedtotakenoheed，butpassedintothedarkness，and，guidedbythesobs，shefoundherwaytowhereWilliesatcrouchedamongthedisusedtubsandchurns。
\"Comeoutwi’me，lad；\"andtheywentoutintotheorchard，wherethefruit-treeswerebareofleaves，butghastlyintheirtatteredcoveringofgraymoss：andthesoughingNovemberwindcamewithlongsweepsoverthefellstillitrattledamongthecracklingboughs，underneathwhichthebrotherandsistersatinthedark；heinherlap，andshehushinghisheadagainsthershoulder。
\"Thoushould’stna’playwi’fire。It’sanaughtytrick。Thoul’tsufferforitinworsewaysnorthisbeforethou’stdone，I’mafeared。Ishouldha’hittheetwiceaslungeouskicksasMike，ifI’dbeeninhisplace。Hedidna’hurtthee，Iamsure，\"sheassumed，halfasaquestion。
\"Yesbuthedid。Heturnedmequitesick。\"Andhelethisheadfalllanguidlydownonhissister’sbreast。
\"Come，lad！come，lad！\"saidsheanxiously。\"Beaman。ItwasnotmuchthatIsaw。Why，whenfirsttheredcowcameshekickedmefarharderforofferingtomilkherbeforeherlegsweretied。Seethee！
here’sapeppermint-drop，andI’llmaketheeapastyto-night；onlydon’tgivewayso，forithurtsmesoretothinkthatMichaelhasdonetheeanyharm，mypretty。\"
Willierousedhimselfup，andputbackthewetandruffledhairfromhisheatedface；andheandSusanroseup，andhand-in-handwenttowardsthehouse，walkingslowlyandquietlyexceptforakindofsobwhichWilliecouldnotrepress。Susantookhimtothepumpandwashedhistear-stainedface，tillshethoughtshehadobliteratedalltracesoftherecentdisturbance，arranginghiscurlsforhim，andthenshekissedhimtenderly，andledhimin，hopingtofindMichaelinthekitchen，andmakeallstraightbetweenthem。Buttheblazehaddroppeddownintodarkness；thewoodwasaheapofgrayashesinwhichthesparksranhitherandthither；buteveninthegropingdarknessSusanknewbythesinkingatherheartthatMichaelwasnotthere。Shethrewanotherbrandonthehearthandlightedthecandle，andsatdowntoherworkinsilence。Williecoweredonhisstoolbythesideofthefire，eyeinghissisterfromtimetotime，andsorryandoppressed，heknewnotwhy，bythesightofhergrave，almoststernface。Noonecame。Theytwowereinthehousealone。
TheoldwomanwhohelpedSusanwiththehouseholdworkhadgoneoutforthenighttosomefriend’sdwelling。WilliamDixon，thefather，wasuponthefellsseeingafterhissheep。Susanhadnohearttopreparetheeveningmeal。
\"Susy，darling，areyouangrywithme？\"saidWillie，inhislittlepiping，gentlevoice。Hehadstolenuptohissister’sside。\"I
won’tneverplaywiththefireagain；andI’llnotcryifMichaeldoeskickme。Onlydon’tlooksolikedeadmother——don’t——don’t——
pleasedon’t！\"heexclaimed，hidinghisfaceonhershoulder。
\"I’mnotangry，Willie，\"saidshe。\"Don’tbefearedonme。Youwantyoursupper，andyoushallhaveit；anddon’tyoubefearedonMichael。Heshallgivereasonforeveryhairofyourheadthathetouches——heshall。\"
WhenWilliamDixoncamehomehefoundSusanandWilliesittingtogether，hand-in-hand，andapparentlyprettycheerful。Hebadethemgotobed，forthathewouldsitupforMichael；andthenextmorning，whenSusancamedown，shefoundthatMichaelhadstartedanhourbeforewiththecartforlime。Itwasalongday’swork；Susanknewitwouldbelate，perhapslaterthanontheprecedingnight，beforehereturned——atanyrate，pastherusualbed-time；andonnoaccountwouldshestopupaminutebeyondthathourinthekitchen，whatevershemightdoinherbed-room。Hereshesatandwatchedtillpastmidnight；andwhenshesawhimcomingupthebrowwiththecarts，sheknewfullwell，eveninthatfaintmoonlight，thathisgaitwasthegaitofamaninliquor。Butthoughshewasannoyedandmortifiedtofindinwhatwayhehadchosentoforgether，thefactdidnotdisgustorshockherasitwouldhavedonemanyagirl，evenatthatday，whohadnotbeenbroughtupasSusanhad，amongaclasswhoconsidereditnocrime，butratheramarkofspirit，inamantogetdrunkoccasionally。Nevertheless，shechosetoholdherselfveryhighallthenextdaywhenMichaelwas，perforce，obligedtogiveupanyattempttodoheavywork，andhungabouttheout-buildingsandfarminaverydisconsolateandsicklystate。WilliehadfarmorepityonhimthanSusan。Beforeevening，Willieandhewerefast，and，onhisside，ostentatiousfriends。Willierodethehorsesdowntowater；Williehelpedhimtochopwood。Susansatgloomilyatherwork，hearinganindistinctbutcheerfulconversationgoingonintheshippon，whilethecowswerebeingmilked。Shealmostfeltirritatedwithherlittlebrother，asifhewereatraitor，andhadgoneovertotheenemyintheverybattlethatshewasfightinginhiscause。
Shewasalonewithnoonetospeakto，whiletheyprattledonregardlessifsheweregladorsorry。
SoonWillieburstin。\"Susan！Susan！comewithme；I’vesomethingsoprettytoshowyou。Roundthecornerofthebarn——run！run！\"（Hewasdraggingheralong，halfreluctant，halfdesirousofsomechangeinthatwearyday。Roundthecornerofthebarn；andcaughtholdofbyMichael，whostoodthereawaitingher。
\"OWillie！\"criedshe\"younaughtyboy。Thereisnothingpretty——
whathaveyoubroughtmeherefor？Letmego；Iwon’tbeheld。\"
\"Onlyoneword。Nay，ifyouwishitsomuch，youmaygo，\"saidMichael，suddenlyloosinghisholdasshestruggled。Butnowshewasfree，sheonlydrewoffasteportwo，murmuringsomethingaboutWillie。
\"Youaregoing，then？\"saidMichael，withseemingsadness。\"Youwon’thearmesayawordofwhatisinmyheart。\"
\"HowcanItellwhetheritiswhatIshouldliketohear？\"repliedshe，stilldrawingback。
\"ThatisjustwhatIwantyoutotellme；Iwantyoutohearitandthentotellmewhetheryoulikeitornot。\"
\"Well，youmayspeak，\"repliedshe，turningherback，andbeginningtoplaitthehemofherapron。
Hecameclosetoherear。
\"I’msorryIhurtWillietheothernight。Hehasforgivenme。Canyou？\"
\"Youhurthimverybadly，\"shereplied。\"Butyouarerighttobesorry。Iforgiveyou。\"
\"Stop，stop！\"saidhe，layinghishanduponherarm。\"ThereissomethingmoreI’vegottosay。Iwantyoutobemy——whatisittheycallit，Susan？\"
\"Idon’tknow，\"saidshe，half-laughing，buttryingtogetawaywithallhermightnow；andshewasastronggirl，butshecouldnotmanageit。
\"Youdo。My——whatisitIwantyoutobe？\"
\"ItellyouIdon’tknow，andyouhadbestbequiet，andjustletmegoin，orIshallthinkyou’reasbadnowasyouwerelastnight。\"
\"AndhowdidyouknowwhatIwaslastnight？ItwaspasttwelvewhenIcamehome。Wereyouwatching？Ah，Susan！bemywife，andyoushallneverhavetowatchforadrunkenhusband。IfIwereyourhusband，Iwouldcomestraighthome，andcounteveryminuteanhourtillIsawyourbonnyface。NowyouknowwhatIwantyoutobe。I
askyoutobemywife。Willyou，myowndearSusan？\"
Shedidnotspeakforsometime。Thensheonlysaid\"Askfather。\"
Andnowshewasreallyofflikealapwingroundthecornerofthebarn，andupinherownlittleroom，cryingwithallhermight，beforethetriumphantsmilehadleftMichael’sfacewherehestood。
The\"Askfather\"wasamereformtobegonethough。OldDanielHurstandWilliamDixonhadtalkedoverwhattheycouldrespectivelygivetheirchildrenbeforethis；andthatwastheparentalwayofarrangingsuchmatters。Whentheprobableamountofworldlygearthathecouldgivehischildhadbeennamedbyeachfather，theyoungfolk，astheysaid，mighttaketheirowntimeincomingtothepointwhichtheoldmen，withtheprescienceofexperience，sawtheyweredriftingto；noneedtohurrythem，fortheywerebothyoung，andMichael，thoughactiveenough，wastoothoughtless，oldDanielsaid，tobetrustedwiththeentiremanagementofafarm。Meanwhile，hisfatherwouldlookabouthim，andseeafterallthefarmsthatweretobelet。
Michaelhadashrewdnotionofthispreliminaryunderstandingbetweenthefathers，andsofeltlessdauntedthanhemightotherwisehavedoneatmakingtheapplicationforSusan’shand。Itwasallright，therewasnotanobstacle；onlyadealofgoodadvice，whichtheloverthoughtmighthaveaswellbeenspared，andwhichitmustbeconfessedhedidnotmuchattendto，althoughheassentedtoeverypartofit。ThenSusanwascalleddownstairs，andslowlycamedroppingintoviewdownthestepswhichledfromthetwofamilyapartmentsintothehouse-place。Shetriedtolookcomposedandquiet，butitcouldnotbedone。Shestoodsidebysidewithherlover，withherheaddrooping，hercheeksburning，notdaringtolookupormove，whileherfathermadethenewly-betrothedasomewhatformaladdressinwhichhegavehisconsent，andmanyapieceofworldlywisdombeside。Susanlistenedaswellasshecouldforthebeatingofherheart；butwhenherfathersolemnlyandsadlyreferredtohisownlostwife，shecouldkeepfromsobbingnolonger；butthrowingherapronoverherface，shesatdownonthebenchbythedresser，andfairlygavewaytopent-uptears。Oh，howstrangelysweettobecomfortedasshewascomforted，bytendercaress，andmanyalow-whisperedpromiseoflove！Herfathersatbythefire，thinkingofthedaysthatweregone；Williewasstilloutofdoors；
butSusanandMichaelfeltnoone’spresenceorabsence——theyonlyknewtheyweretogetherasbetrothedhusbandandwife。
Inaweek，ortwo，theywereformallytoldofthearrangementstobemadeintheirfavour。Asmallfarmintheneighbourhoodhappenedtofallvacant；andMichael’sfatherofferedtotakeitforhim，andberesponsiblefortherentforthefirstyear，whileWilliamDixonwastocontributeacertainamountofstock，andbothfathersweretohelptowardsthefurnishingofthehouse。Susanreceivedallthisinformationinaquiet，indifferentway；shedidnotcaremuchforanyofthesepreparations，whichweretohurryherthroughthehappyhours；shecaredleastofallforthemoneyamountofdowryandofsubstance。ItjarredonhertobemadetheconfidanteofoccasionalslightrepiningsofMichael’s，asonebyonehisfuturefather-in-lawsetasideabeastorapigforSusan’sportion，whichwerenotalwaysthebestanimalsoftheirkinduponthefarm。Buthealsocomplainedofhisownfather’sstinginess，whichsomewhat，thoughnotmuch，alleviatedSusan’sdisliketobeingawakenedoutofherpuredreamoflovetotheconsiderationofworldlywealth。
Butinthemidstofallthisbustle，Williemopedandpined。Hehadthesamechordofdelicacyrunningthroughhismindthatmadehisbodyfeebleandweak。Hekeptoutoftheway，andwasapparentlyoccupiedinwhittlingandcarvinguncouthheadsonhazel-sticksinanout-house。ButhepositivelyavoidedMichael，andshrunkawayevenfromSusan。Shewastoomuchoccupiedtonoticethisatfirst。
Michaelpointeditouttoher，saying，withalaugh，-
\"LookatWillie！hemightbeacast-offloverandjealousofme，helookssodarkanddowncastatme。\"Michaelspokethisjestoutloud，andWillieburstintotears，andranoutofthehouse。
\"Letmego。Letmego！\"saidSusan（forherlover’sarmwasroundherwaist）。\"Imustgotohimifhe’sfretting。IpromisedmotherI
would！\"Shepulledherselfaway，andwentinsearchoftheboy。Shesoughtinbyreandbarn，throughtheorchard，whereindeedinthisleaflesswinter-timetherewasnogreatconcealment；upintotheroomwherethewoolwasusuallystoredinthelatersummer，andatlastshefoundhim，sittingatbay，likesomehuntedcreature，upbehindthewood-stack。
\"Whatareyegonefor，lad，andmeseekingyoueverywhere？\"askedshe，breathless。
\"Ididnotknowyouwouldseekme。I’vebeenawaymanyatime，andnoonehascaredtoseekme，\"saidhe，cryingafresh。
\"Nonsense，\"repliedSusan，\"don’tbesofoolish，yelittlegood-for-
nought。\"Butshecreptuptohimintheholehehadmadeunderneaththegreat，brownsheafsofwood，andsqueezedherselfdownbyhim。
\"Whatforshouldfolkseekafteryou，whenyougetawayfromthemwheneveryoucan？\"askedshe。
\"Theydon’twantmetostay。Nobodywantsme。IfIgowithfather，hesaysIhindermorethanIhelp。Youusedtoliketohavemewithyou。Butnow，you’vetakenupwithMichael，andyou’dratherIwasaway；andIcanjustbideaway；butIcannotstandMichaeljeeringatme。He’sgotyoutolovehimandthatmightservehim。\"
\"ButIloveyou，too，dearly，lad！\"saidshe，puttingherarmroundhisneck。
\"Whichonusdoyoulikebest？\"saidhe，wistfully，afteralittlepause，puttingherarmaway，sothathemightlookinherface，andseeifshespoketruth。
Shewentveryred。
\"Youshouldnotasksuchquestions。Theyarenotfitforyoutoask，norformetoanswer。\"
\"Butmotherbadeyouloveme！\"saidhe，plaintively。
\"AndsoIdo。AndsoIeverwilldo。Lovernorhusbandshallcomebetwixttheeandme，lad——ne’eraoneofthem。ThatIpromisethee（asIpromisedmotherbefore），inthesightofGodandwithherhearkeningnow，ifevershecanhearkentoearthlywordagain。OnlyIcannotabidetohavetheefretting，justbecausemyheartislargeenoughfortwo。\"
\"Andthou’ltlovemealways？\"
\"Always，andever。Andthemore——themorethou’ltloveMichael，\"
saidshe，droppinghervoice。
\"I’lltry，\"saidtheboy，sighing，forherememberedmanyaharshwordandblowofwhichhissisterknewnothing。Shewouldhaverisenuptogoaway，butheheldhertight，forhereandnowshewasallhisown，andhedidnotknowwhensuchatimemightcomeagain。Sothetwosatcrouchedupandsilent，tilltheyheardthehornblowingatthefield-gate，whichwasthesummonshometoanywanderersbelongingtothefarm，andatthishouroftheevening，signifiedthatsupperwasready。Thenthetwowentin。
CHAPTERII。
SusanandMichaelweretobemarriedinApril。Hehadalreadygonetotakepossessionofhisnewfarm，threeorfourmilesawayfromYewNook——butthatisneighbouring，accordingtotheacceptationofthewordinthatthinly-populateddistrict，——whenWilliamDixonfellill。
Hecamehomeoneevening，complainingofhead-acheandpainsinhislimbs，butseemedtoloathethepossetwhichSusanpreparedforhim；
thetreacle-possetwhichwasthehomelycountryremedyagainstanincipientcold。Hetooktohisbedwithasensationofexceedingweariness，andanodd，unusuallooking-backtothedaysofhisyouth，whenhewasaladlivingwithhisparents，inthisveryhouse。
Thenextmorninghehadforgottenallhislifesincethen，anddidnotknowhisownchildren；crying，likeanewly-weanedbaby，forhismothertocomeandsootheawayhisterriblepain。ThedoctorfromConistonsaiditwasthetyphus-fever，andwarnedSusanofitsinfectiouscharacter，andshookhisheadoverhispatient。Therewerenonearfriendstocomeandshareheranxiety；onlygood，kindoldPeggy，whowasfaithfulnessitself，andoneortwolabourers’
wives，whowouldfainhavehelpedher，hadnottheirhandsbeentiedbytheirresponsibilitytotheirownfamilies。But，somehow，Susanneitherfearednorflagged。Asforfear，indeed，shehadnotimetogivewaytoit，foreveryenergyofbothbodyandmindwasrequired。
Besides，theyounghavehadtoolittleexperienceofthedangerofinfectiontodreaditmuch。Shedidindeedwish，fromtimetotime，thatMichaelhadbeenathometohavetakenWillieovertohisfather’satHighBeck；butthen，again，theladwasdocileandusefultoher，andhisfecklessnessinmanythingsmightmakehimharshlytreatedbystrangers；so，perhaps，itwasaswellthatMichaelwasawayatApplebyfair，orevenbeyondthat——goneintoYorkshireafterhorses。
Herfathergrewworse；andthedoctorinsistedonsendingoveranursefromConiston。Notaprofessednurse——Conistoncouldnothavesupportedsuchaone；butawidowwhowasreadytogowherethedoctorsentherforthesakeofthepayment。Whenshecame，Susansuddenlygaveway；shewasfelledbythefeverherself，andlayunconsciousforlongweeks。Herconsciousnessreturnedtoheronespringafternoon；earlyspring：April，——herwedding-month。Therewasalittlefireburninginthesmallcorner-grate，andtheflickeringoftheblazewasenoughforhertonoticeinherweakstate。Shefeltthattherewassomeonesittingonthewindow-sideofherbed，behindthecurtain，butshedidnotcaretoknowwhoitwas；itwaseventoogreatatroubleforherlanguidmindtoconsiderwhoitwaslikelytobe。Shewouldrathershuthereyes，andmeltoffagainintothegentleluxuryofsleep。Thenexttimeshewakened，theConistonnurseperceivedhermovement，andmadeheracupoftea，whichshedrankwitheagerrelish；butstilltheydidnotspeak，andoncemoreSusanlaymotionless——notasleep，butstrangely，pleasantlyconsciousofallthesmallchamberandhouseholdsounds；
thefallofacinderonthehearth，thefitfulsingingofthehalf-
emptykettle，thecattletrampingouttofieldagainaftertheyhadbeenmilked，theagedsteponthecreakingstair——oldPeggy’s，assheknew。Itcametoherdoor；itstopped；thepersonoutsidelistenedforamoment，andthenliftedthewoodenlatch，andlookedin。Thewatcherbythebedsidearose，andwenttoher。SusanwouldhavebeengladtoseePeggy’sfaceoncemore，butwasfartooweaktoturn，soshelayandlistened。
\"Howisshe？\"whisperedonetrembling，agedvoice。
\"Better，\"repliedtheother。\"She’sbeenawake，andhadacupoftea。She’lldonow。\"
\"Hassheaskedafterhim？\"
\"Hush！No；shehasnotspokenaword。\"
\"Poorlass！poorlass！\"
Thedoorwasshut。Aweakfeelingofsorrowandself-pitycameoverSusan。Whatwaswrong？Whomhadsheloved？Anddawning，dawning，slowlyrosethesunofherformerlife，andallparticularsweremadedistincttoher。Shefeltthatsomesorrowwascomingtoher，andcriedoveritbeforesheknewwhatitwas，orhadstrengthenoughtoask。Inthedeadofnight，——andshehadneversleptagain，——shesoftlycalledtothewatcher，andasked-
\"Who？\"
\"Whowhat？\"repliedthewoman，withaconsciousaffright，ill-veiledbyapoorassumptionofease。\"Liestill，there’sadarling，andgotosleep。Sleep’sbetterforyouthanallthedoctor’sstuff。\"
\"Who？\"repeatedSusan。\"Somethingiswrong。Who？\"
\"Oh，dear！\"saidthewoman。\"There’snothingwrong。Williehastakentheturn，andisdoingnicely。\"
\"Father？\"
\"Well！he’sallrightnow，\"sheanswered，lookinganotherway，asifseekingforsomething。
\"Thenit’sMichael！Oh，me！oh，me！\"Shesetupasuccessionofweak，plaintive，hystericalcriesbeforethenursecouldpacifyher，bydeclaringthatMichaelhadbeenatthehousenotthreehoursbeforetoaskafterher，andlookedaswellandasheartyasevermandid。
\"Andyouheardofnoharmtohimsince？\"inquiredSusan。
\"Blessthelass，no，forsure！I’vene’erheardhisnamenamedsinceIsawhimgooutoftheyardasstoutamanasevertrodshoe-
leather。\"
Itwaswell，asthenursesaidafterwardstoPeggy，thatSusanhadbeensoeasilypacifiedbytheequivocatinganswerinrespecttoherfather。IfshehadpressedthequestionshomeinhiscaseasshedidinMichael’s，shewouldhavelearntthathewasdeadandburiedmorethanamonthbefore。Itwaswell，too，thatinherweakstateofconvalescence（whichlastedlongafterthisfirstdayofconsciousness）herperceptionswerenotsharpenoughtoobservethesadchangethathadtakenplaceinWillie。Hisbodilystrengthreturned，hisappetitewassomethingenormous，buthiseyeswanderedcontinually；hisregardcouldnotbearrested；hisspeechbecameslow，impeded，andincoherent。PeoplebegantosaythatthefeverhadtakenawaythelittlewitWillieDixonhadeverpossessedandthattheyfearedthathewouldendinbeinga\"natural，\"astheycallanidiotintheDales。
ThehabitualaffectionandobediencetoSusanlastedlongerthananyotherfeelingthattheboyhadhadprevioustohisillness；and，perhaps，thismadeherbethelasttoperceivewhateveryoneelsehadlonganticipated。Shefelttheawakeningrudewhenitdidcome。
Itwasinthiswise：-
OneJaneevening，shesatoutofdoorsundertheyew-tree，knitting。
Shewaspalestillfromherrecentillness；andherlanguor，joinedtothefactofherblackdress，madeherlookmorethanusuallyinteresting。Shewasnolongerthebuoyantself-sufficientSusan，equaltoeveryoccasion。Themenwerebringinginthecowstobemilked，andMichaelwasaboutintheyardgivingordersanddirectionswithsomewhattheairofamaster，forthefarmbelongedofrighttoWillie，andSusanhadsucceededtotheguardianshipofherbrother。Michaelandsheweretobemarriedassoonasshewasstrongenough——so，perhaps，hisauthoritativemannerwasjustified；
butthelabourersdidnotlikeit，althoughtheysaidlittle。Theyrememberedastriplingonthefarm，knowingfarlessthantheydid，andoftengladtoshelterhisignoranceofallagriculturalmattersbehindtheirsuperiorknowledge。TheywouldhavetakenordersfromSusanwithfarmorewillingness；nay，Williehimselfmighthavecommandedthem；andfromtheoldhereditaryfeelingtowardtheownersofland，theywouldhaveobeyedhimwithfargreatercordialitythantheynowshowedtoMichael。ButSusanwastiredwitheventhreeroundsofknitting，andseemednottonotice，ortocare，howthingswentonaroundher；andWillie——poorWillie！——therehestoodloungingagainstthedoor-sill，enormouslygrownanddeveloped，tobesure，butwithrestlesseyesandever-openmouth，andeverynowandthensettingupastrangekindofhowlingcry，andthensmilingvacantlytohimselfatthesoundhehadmade。Asthetwooldlabourerspassedhim，theylookedateachotherominously，andshooktheirheads。
\"Willie，darling，\"saidSusan，\"don’tmakethatnoise——itmakesmyheadache。\"
Shespokefeebly，andWilliedidnotseemtohear；atanyrate，hecontinuedhishowlfromtimetotime。
\"Holdthynoise，wilt’a？\"saidMichael，roughly，ashepassednearhim，andthreateninghimwithhisfist。Susan’sbackwasturnedtothepair。TheexpressionofWillie’sfacechangedfromvacancytofear，andhecameshamblinguptoSusan，whoputherarmroundhim，and，asifprotectedbythatshelter，hebeganmakingfacesatMichael。Susansawwhatwasgoingon，and，asifnowfirststruckbythestrangenessofherbrother’smanner，shelookedanxiouslyatMichaelforanexplanation。MichaelwasirritatedatWillie’sdefianceofhim，anddidnotmincethematter。
\"It’sjustthatthefeverhaslefthimsilly——heneverwasaswiseasotherfolk，andnowIdoubtifhewillevergetright。\"
Susandidnotspeak，butshewentverypale，andherlipquivered。
ShelookedlongandwistfullyatWillie’sface，ashewatchedthemotionoftheducksinthegreatstable-pool。Helaughedsoftlytohimselfeverynowandthen。
\"Willielikestoseetheducksgooverhead，\"saidSusan，instinctivelyadoptingtheformofspeechshewouldhaveusedtoayoungchild。
\"Willie，boo！Willie，boo！\"hereplied，clappinghishands，andavoidinghereye。
\"Speakproperly，Willie，\"saidSusan，makingastrongeffortatself-
control，andtryingtoarresthisattention。
\"YouknowwhoIam——tellmemyname！\"Shegraspedhisarmalmostpainfullytighttomakehimattend。Nowhelookedather，and，foraninstant，agleamofrecognitionquiveredoverhisface；buttheexertionwasevidentlypainful，andhebegantocryatthevainnessoftheefforttorecallhername。Hehidhisfaceuponhershoulderwiththeoldaffectionatetrickofmanner。Sheputhimgentlyaway，andwentintothehouseintoherownlittlebedroom。Shelockedthedoor，anddidnotreplyatalltoMichael’scallsforher，hardlyspoketooldPeggy，whotriedtotemptherouttoreceivesomehomelysympathy，andthroughtheopeneasementtherestillcametheidioticsoundof\"Willie，boo！Willie，boo！\"
CHAPTERIII。
Afterthestunoftheblowcametherealizationoftheconsequences。
Susanwouldsitforhourstryingpatientlytorecallandpiecetogetherfragmentsofrecollectionandconsciousnessinherbrother’smind。Shewouldlethimgoandpursuesomesenselessbitofplay，andwaituntilshecouldcatchhiseyeorhisattentionagain，whenshewouldresumeherself-imposedtask。Michaelcomplainedthatsheneverhadawordforhim，oraminuteoftimetospendwithhimnow；
butsheonlysaidshemusttry，whiletherewasyetachance，tobringbackherbrother’slostwits。Asformarriageinthisstateofuncertainty，shehadnohearttothinkofit。ThenMichaelstormed，andabsentedhimselffortwoorthreedays；butitwasofnouse。
Whenhecameback，hesawthatshehadbeencryingtillhereyeswereallswollenup，andhegatheredfromPeggy’sscoldings（whichshedidnotsparehim）thatSusanhadeatennothingsincehewentaway。Butshewasasinflexibleasever。
\"Notjustyet。Onlynotjustyet。Anddon’tsayagainthatIdonotloveyou，\"saidshe，suddenlyhidingherselfinhisarms。
AndsomatterswentonthroughAugust。Thecropofoatswasgatheredin；thewheat-fieldwasnotreadyasyet，whenonefinedayMichaeldroveupinaborrowedshandry，andofferedtotakeWilliearide。
Hismanner，whenSusanaskedhimwherehewasgoingto，wasratherconfused；buttheanswerwasstraightandclearenough。
HehadbusinessinAmbleside。Hewouldneverlosesightofthelad，andhavehimbacksafeandsoundbeforedark。SoSusanlethimgo。