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diff --git a/28636-h/28636-h.htm b/28636-h/28636-h.htm index 3c05dc3..cebe120 100644 --- a/28636-h/28636-h.htm +++ b/28636-h/28636-h.htm @@ -1,16 +1,13 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> +<!DOCTYPE html> +<html lang="en"> <head> -<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1" /> -<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Grey Woman and other tales, by Mrs Gaskell.</title> -<style type="text/css"> - body {background:#fdfdfd; - color:black; - font-size: large; - margin-top:100px; - margin-left:15%; - margin-right:15%; +<meta charset="utf-8"> +<title>The Grey Woman and other tales | Project Gutenberg</title> +<link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover"> +<style> + body {margin-top:100px; + margin-left:10%; + margin-right:10%; text-align:justify; } h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6 {text-align: center; } hr.narrow { width: 40%; @@ -26,6 +23,7 @@ border-style: solid; border-color: #000000; clear: both; } + hr.chap {width: 65%; margin: 5% 17.5%;} blockquote { font-size: large; margin-left: 4%; margin-right: 4% } blockquote.med { font-size: medium; } table {font-size: large; } @@ -34,7 +32,12 @@ text-align: justify; } td.j {text-align: justify; } td.w50 { width: 50%; } - p {text-indent: 3%; } + p { + margin-top: .5em; + margin-bottom: .5em; + text-align: justify; + text-indent: 1em; + } p.noindent { text-indent: 0%; } p.noline { margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1px; } @@ -48,7 +51,7 @@ ins { text-decoration: none; border-bottom: thin dotted gray;} .nowrap { white-space: nowrap; } - .poem {margin-left: 22%; margin-right: 8%; text-align: left;} + .poem {margin-left: 22%; margin-right: 8%; text-align: left; font-size: small;} .poem2 {margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: left; font-size: 85%} .poem3 {margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: left; font-size: 85%} .right { text-align: right; } @@ -66,156 +69,97 @@ a:hover {color:red; text-decoration: underline; } pre {font-size: 70%; } + + figure { + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + max-width: 100%; + text-align: center; + page-break-inside: avoid; + clear: both; + } + figcaption { + font-weight: bold; + text-align: center; + } + img { + max-width: 100%; + height: auto; + } + .illowp67 {width: 67%;} + .illowp75 {width: 75%;} + .center {text-align: center;} + .bold {font-weight: bold;} </style> </head> <body> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 28636 ***</div> +<figure class="illowp67 mt5" id="gwimg1"> + <img src="images/cover.jpg" alt=""> +</figure> -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Grey Woman and other Tales, by -Mrs. (Elizabeth) Gaskell - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Grey Woman and other Tales - -Author: Mrs. (Elizabeth) Gaskell - -Release Date: April 29, 2009 [EBook #28636] -[Last updated: December 1, 2017] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GREY WOMAN AND OTHER TALES *** - - - - -Produced by Delphine Lettau and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Canada Team at http://www.pgdpcanada.net - - - - - +<figure class="illowp67 mt5" id="gwimg2"> + <img src="images/gwimg2.jpg" alt=""> + <figcaption>Monsieur de la Tourelle.</figcaption> +</figure> -</pre> - -<hr class="full" /> - -<p><a name="gwimg1" id="gwimg1"> </a></p> -<div class="center"> -<table style="margin: 0 auto" cellpadding="4" summary="TITLE_PAGE"> - <tr> - <td align="center"> - <a href="images/gwimg1.jpg"> - <img src="images/gwimg1.jpg" - alt="TITLE PAGE -(THE GREY WOMAN AND OTHER TALES, by MRS GASKELL)." /></a> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td align="center"> - Click to <a href="images/gwimg1.jpg">ENLARGE</a> - </td> - </tr> -</table> -</div> - -<p> </p> -<p> </p> -<p> </p> +<hr class="chap"> +<div class="center bold"> <h1>THE GREY WOMAN</h1> -<p> </p> -<p> </p> - -<h4>AND OTHER TALES.</h4> +<div>AND OTHER TALES.</div> <p> </p> -<h4><span class="smallcaps">By</span> MRS. GASKELL</h4> +<div><span class="smallcaps">By</span> MRS. GASKELL,</div> -<h6>AUTHOR OF "MARY BARTON," "NORTH AND SOUTH," "SYLVIA'S<br /> -LOVERS," "COUSIN PHILLIS," "CRANFORD," ETC.</h6> +<div style="font-size: x-small; margin-top: 1em;">AUTHOR OF “MARY BARTON,” “NORTH AND SOUTH,” “SYLVIA’S<br > +LOVERS,” “COUSIN PHILLIS,” “CRANFORD,” ETC.</div> - -<p> </p> - -<h5>ILLUSTRATED EDITION.</h5> +<div style="font-size: small; margin-top: 5em;">ILLUSTRATED EDITION.</div> <p> </p> <p> </p> -<h4>LONDON:<br /> -SMITH, ELDER AND CO., 65, CORNHILL.</h4> -<h6>M.DCCC.LXV.</h6> +<div>LONDON:<br > +SMITH, ELDER AND CO., 65, CORNHILL.</div> +<div style="font-size: x-small; margin-top: 2em;">M.DCCC.LXV.</div> <p> </p> -<div class="center"> - <p class="noindent"> - <span class="small"> +<div class="center"><span class="small"> [<i>The Right of Translation is reserved.</i>] - </span> - </p> + </span></div> </div> -<hr class="narrow" /> - -<p> </p> -<p> </p> - - -<h2>CONTENTS</h2> -<div class="center"> -<table style= "margin: 0 auto" cellpadding="2" summary="CONTENTS"> -<tr><td align="right" valign="top"> </td><td><a href="#gw" ><span class="smallcaps">The Grey Woman.</span></a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right" valign="top"> </td> <td><a href="#cit"><span class="smallcaps">Curious if True.</span></a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right" valign="top"> </td> <td><a href="#swh"><span class="smallcaps">Six Weeks at Heppenheim</span>.<br /></a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right" valign="top"> </td> <td><a href="#lm"><span class="smallcaps">Libbie Marsh's Three Eras</span>.</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right" valign="top"> </td> <td><a href="#cs"><span class="smallcaps">Christmas Storms and Sunshine</span>.</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right" valign="top"> </td> <td><a href="#hh"><span class="smallcaps">Hand and Heart</span>.<br /></a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right" valign="top"> </td> <td><a href="#bth"><span class="smallcaps">Bessy's Troubles at Home</span>.</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right" valign="top"> </td> <td><a href="#dis"><span class="smallcaps">Disappearances</span>.</a></td></tr> +<hr class="chap"> + +<h2>CONTENTS.</h2> +<table style="padding: 2px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"> +<tr><td><a href="#gw" ><span class="smallcaps">The Grey Woman.</span></a></td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#cit"><span class="smallcaps">Curious if True.</span></a></td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#swh"><span class="smallcaps">Six Weeks at Heppenheim</span>.<br ></a></td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#lm"><span class="smallcaps">Libbie Marsh’s Three Eras</span>.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#cs"><span class="smallcaps">Christmas Storms and Sunshine</span>.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#hh"><span class="smallcaps">Hand and Heart</span>.<br ></a></td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#bth"><span class="smallcaps">Bessy’s Troubles at Home</span>.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#dis"><span class="smallcaps">Disappearances</span>.</a></td></tr> </table> -</div> - -<p> </p> -<p> </p> -<hr class="narrow" /> +<hr class="chap"> +<h2>ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> -<p> </p> - -<h3>ILLUSTRATIONS</h3> - -<div class="center"> -<table style= "margin: 0 auto" cellpadding="1" summary="Illustrations"> -<tr><td align="center" valign="top"><a href="#gwimg1">Title Page</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="center" valign="top"><a href="#gwimg2">Monsieur de la Tourelle</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="center" valign="top"><a href="#gwimg3">He seemed like a little Bacchus</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="center" valign="top"><a href="#gwimg4">The Cut Finger</a></td></tr> +<table style="padding: 2px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"> +<tr><td><a href="#gwimg1">Title Page</a></td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#gwimg2">Monsieur de la Tourelle</a></td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#gwimg3">He seemed like a little Bacchus</a></td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#gwimg4">The Cut Finger</a></td></tr> </table> -</div> -<p> </p> -<hr class="narrow" /> -<p> </p> -<p> </p> - -<h3><a name="gw" id="gw"></a>THE GREY WOMAN.</h3> -<p> </p> -<div class="center"> -<p class="noindent">PORTION I.</p> -</div> +<hr class="chap"> +<h2 id="gw">THE GREY WOMAN.</h2> +<h3>PORTION I.</h3> <p>There is a mill by the Neckar-side, to which many people resort for coffee, according to the fashion which @@ -234,7 +178,7 @@ painted wood, and light moveable chairs of the same colour and material.</p> <p>I went to drink coffee there with some friends in -184—. The stately old miller came out to greet us, as +184—. The stately old miller came out to greet us, as some of the party were known to him of old. He was of a grand build of a man, and his loud musical voice, with its tone friendly and familiar, his rolling laugh of @@ -257,12 +201,12 @@ was properly attended to; and, as he went, this great, prosperous, happy-looking man whistled softly one of the most plaintive airs I ever heard.</p> -<p>"His family have held this mill ever since the old +<p>“His family have held this mill ever since the old Palatinate days; or rather, I should say, have possessed the ground ever since then, for two successive mills of theirs have been burnt down by the French. If you want to see Scherer in a passion, just talk to him of the -possibility of a French invasion."</p> +possibility of a French invasion.”</p> <p>But at this moment, still whistling that mournful air, we saw the miller going down the steps that led from @@ -270,7 +214,7 @@ the somewhat raised garden into the mill-yard; and so I seemed to have lost my chance of putting him in a passion.</p> -<p>We had nearly finished our coffee, and our "kucken," +<p>We had nearly finished our coffee, and our “kucken,” and our cinnamon cake, when heavy splashes fell on our thick leafy covering; quicker and quicker they came, coming through the tender leaves as if they were tearing @@ -281,9 +225,9 @@ a crimson umbrella, fit to cover every one left in the garden, and followed by his daughter, and one or two maidens, each bearing an umbrella.</p> -<p>"Come into the house—come in, I say. It is a +<p>“Come into the house—come in, I say. It is a summer-storm, and will flood the place for an hour or -two, till the river carries it away. Here, here."</p> +two, till the river carries it away. Here, here.”</p> <p>And we followed him back into his own house. We went into the kitchen first. Such an array of bright @@ -299,13 +243,13 @@ lie down under the tables.</p> <p>His daughter said something to him in German, and he shook his head merrily at her. Everybody laughed.</p> -<p>"What did she say?" I asked.</p> +<p>“What did she say?” I asked.</p> -<p>"She told him to bring the ducks in next; but +<p>“She told him to bring the ducks in next; but indeed if more people come we shall be suffocated. What with the thundery weather, and the stove, and all these steaming clothes, I really think we must ask leave to -pass on. Perhaps we might go in and see Frau Scherer."</p> +pass on. Perhaps we might go in and see Frau Scherer.”</p> <p>My friend asked the daughter of the house for permission to go into an inner chamber and see her mother. @@ -339,17 +283,17 @@ I afterwards heard that I was right.</p> <p>There was a little pause in the conversation.</p> -<p>"Will you ask Frau Scherer who this is?"</p> +<p>“Will you ask Frau Scherer who this is?”</p> <p>My friend repeated my question, and received a long reply in German. Then she turned round and translated it to me.</p> -<p>"It is the likeness of a great-aunt of her husband's." +<p>“It is the likeness of a great-aunt of her husband’s.” (My friend was standing by me, and looking at the -picture with sympathetic curiosity.) "See! here is the -name on the open page of this Bible, 'Anna Scherer, -1778.' Frau Scherer says there is a tradition in the +picture with sympathetic curiosity.) “See! here is the +name on the open page of this Bible, ‘Anna Scherer, +1778.’ Frau Scherer says there is a tradition in the family that this pretty girl, with her complexion of lilies and roses, lost her colour so entirely through fright, that she was known by the name of the Grey Woman. @@ -359,37 +303,37 @@ refers me to her husband for them. She thinks he has some papers which were written by the original of that picture for her daughter, who died in this very house not long after our friend there was married. We can -ask Herr Scherer for the whole story if you like."</p> +ask Herr Scherer for the whole story if you like.”</p> -<p>"Oh yes, pray do!" said I. And, as our host came +<p>“Oh yes, pray do!” said I. And, as our host came in at this moment to ask how we were faring, and to tell us that he had sent to Heidelberg for carriages to convey us home, seeing no chance of the heavy rain abating, my friend, after thanking him, passed on to my request.</p> -<p>"Ah!" said he, his face changing, "the aunt Anna +<p>“Ah!” said he, his face changing, “the aunt Anna had a sad history. It was all owing to one of those -hellish Frenchmen; and her daughter suffered for it—the +hellish Frenchmen; and her daughter suffered for it—the cousin Ursula, as we all called her when I was a child. To be sure, the good cousin Ursula was his child as well. The sins of the fathers are visited on their children. The lady would like to know all about it, -would she? Well, there are papers—a kind of apology -the aunt Anna wrote for putting an end to her daughter's -engagement—or rather facts which she revealed, that +would she? Well, there are papers—a kind of apology +the aunt Anna wrote for putting an end to her daughter’s +engagement—or rather facts which she revealed, that prevented cousin Ursula from marrying the man she loved; and so she would never have any other good fellow, else I have heard say my father would have been -thankful to have made her his wife." All this time he +thankful to have made her his wife.” All this time he was rummaging in the drawer of an old-fashioned bureau, and now he turned round, with a bundle of yellow MSS. -in his hand, which he gave to my friend, saying, "Take +in his hand, which he gave to my friend, saying, “Take it home, take it home, and if you care to make out our crabbed German writing, you may keep it as long as you like, and read it at your leisure. Only I must -have it back again when you have done with it, that's -all."</p> +have it back again when you have done with it, that’s +all.”</p> <p>And so we became possessed of the manuscript of the following letter, which it was our employment, during @@ -401,14 +345,14 @@ to a project of marriage; but I doubt if, without the clue with which the good miller had furnished us, we could have made out even this much from the passionate, broken sentences that made us fancy that some -scene between the mother and daughter—and possibly a -third person—had occurred just before the mother had +scene between the mother and daughter—and possibly a +third person—had occurred just before the mother had begun to write.</p> <p> </p> -<p>"Thou dost not love thy child, mother! Thou dost -not care if her heart is broken!" Ah, God! and these +<p>“Thou dost not love thy child, mother! Thou dost +not care if her heart is broken!” Ah, God! and these words of my heart-beloved Ursula ring in my ears as if the sound of them would fill them when I lie a-dying. And her poor tear-stained face comes between me and @@ -440,7 +384,7 @@ first to my own mind, and then by speech to his, the details of the time when it was painted; the merry words that passed between us then, a happy boy and girl; the position of the articles of furniture in the -room; our father's habits; the cherry-tree, now cut +room; our father’s habits; the cherry-tree, now cut down, that shaded the window of my bedroom, through which my brother was wont to squeeze himself, in order to spring on to the topmost bough that would bear his @@ -454,12 +398,12 @@ dead. And thou rememberest how he fetched in his wife, and told her that I was not dead, but was come back to the old home once more, changed as I was. And she would scarce believe him, and scanned me with -a cold, distrustful eye, till at length—for I knew her of -old as Babette Müller—I said that I was well-to-do, +a cold, distrustful eye, till at length—for I knew her of +old as Babette Müller—I said that I was well-to-do, and needed not to seek out friends for what they had to -give. And then she asked—not me, but her husband—why -I had kept silent so long, leading all—father, -brother, every one that loved me in my own dear home—to +give. And then she asked—not me, but her husband—why +I had kept silent so long, leading all—father, +brother, every one that loved me in my own dear home—to esteem me dead. And then thine uncle (thou rememberest?) said he cared not to know more than I cared to tell; that I was his Anna, found again, to be a @@ -474,20 +418,20 @@ Fritz, but contented myself with his promise to be a father to my Ursula when I should die and leave this weary world.</p> -<p>That Babette Müller was, as I may say, the cause of -all my life's suffering. She was a baker's daughter in -Heidelberg—a great beauty, as people said, and, indeed, -as I could see for myself. I, too—thou sawest my -picture—was reckoned a beauty, and I believe I was so. -Babette Müller looked upon me as a rival. She liked to +<p>That Babette Müller was, as I may say, the cause of +all my life’s suffering. She was a baker’s daughter in +Heidelberg—a great beauty, as people said, and, indeed, +as I could see for myself. I, too—thou sawest my +picture—was reckoned a beauty, and I believe I was so. +Babette Müller looked upon me as a rival. She liked to be admired, and had no one much to love her. I had -several people to love me—thy grandfather, Fritz, the -old servant Kätchen, Karl, the head apprentice at the -mill—and I feared admiration and notice, and the being -stared at as the "Schöne Müllerin," whenever I went +several people to love me—thy grandfather, Fritz, the +old servant Kätchen, Karl, the head apprentice at the +mill—and I feared admiration and notice, and the being +stared at as the “Schöne Müllerin,” whenever I went to make my purchases in Heidelberg.</p> -<p>Those were happy, peaceful days. I had Kätchen to +<p>Those were happy, peaceful days. I had Kätchen to help me in the housework, and whatever we did pleased my brave old father, who was always gentle and indulgent towards us women, though he was stern enough @@ -495,16 +439,16 @@ with the apprentices in the mill. Karl, the oldest of these, was his favourite; and I can see now that my father wished him to marry me, and that Karl himself was desirous to do so. But Karl was rough-spoken, -and passionate—not with me, but with the others—and +and passionate—not with me, but with the others—and I shrank from him in a way which, I fear, gave him -pain. And then came thy uncle Fritz's marriage; and +pain. And then came thy uncle Fritz’s marriage; and Babette was brought to the mill to be its mistress. Not that I cared much for giving up my post, for, in -spite of my father's great kindness, I always feared that +spite of my father’s great kindness, I always feared that I did not manage well for so large a family (with the -men, and a girl under Kätchen, we sat down eleven each +men, and a girl under Kätchen, we sat down eleven each night to supper). But when Babette began to find fault -with Kätchen, I was unhappy at the blame that fell on +with Kätchen, I was unhappy at the blame that fell on faithful servants; and by-and-by I began to see that Babette was egging on Karl to make more open love to me, and, as she once said, to get done with it, and take @@ -517,29 +461,29 @@ about it.</p> <p>Things were in this way when I had an invitation to go to Carlsruhe to visit a schoolfellow, of whom I had -been very fond. Babette was all for my going; I don't +been very fond. Babette was all for my going; I don’t think I wanted to leave home, and yet I had been very fond of Sophie Rupprecht. But I was always shy among strangers. Somehow the affair was settled for me, but not until both Fritz and my father had made inquiries as to the character and position of the Rupprechts. They learned that the father had held some kind of -inferior position about the Grand-duke's court, and was +inferior position about the Grand-duke’s court, and was now dead, leaving a widow, a noble lady, and two daughters, the elder of whom was Sophie, my friend. -Madame Rupprecht was not rich, but more than respectable—genteel. +Madame Rupprecht was not rich, but more than respectable—genteel. When this was ascertained, my father made no opposition to my going; Babette forwarded it by all the means in her power, and even my dear Fritz had his word to say in its favour. Only -Kätchen was against it—Kätchen and Karl. The opposition +Kätchen was against it—Kätchen and Karl. The opposition of Karl did more to send me to Carlsruhe than anything. For I could have objected to go; but when he took upon himself to ask what was the good of going a-gadding, visiting strangers of whom no one knew anything, -I yielded to circumstances—to the pulling of +I yielded to circumstances—to the pulling of Sophie and the pushing of Babette. I was silently -vexed, I remember, at Babette's inspection of my +vexed, I remember, at Babette’s inspection of my clothes; at the way in which she settled that this gown was too old-fashioned, or that too common, to go with me on my visit to a noble lady; and at the way in which @@ -550,7 +494,7 @@ her so kind for doing all this; and she herself meant kindly, too.</p> <p>At last I quitted the mill by the Neckar-side. It was -a long day's journey, and Fritz went with me to Carlsruhe. +a long day’s journey, and Fritz went with me to Carlsruhe. The Rupprechts lived on the third floor of a house a little behind one of the principal streets, in a cramped-up court, to which we gained admittance @@ -566,11 +510,11 @@ with her expressions of admiration and regard. The little sister kept out of our way; and that was all we needed, in the first enthusiastic renewal of our early friendship. The one great object of Madame -Rupprecht's life was to retain her position in society; -and as her means were much diminished since her husband's +Rupprecht’s life was to retain her position in society; +and as her means were much diminished since her husband’s death, there was not much comfort, though there was a great deal of show, in their way of living; just -the opposite of what it was at my father's house. I +the opposite of what it was at my father’s house. I believe that my coming was not too much desired by Madame Rupprecht, as I brought with me another mouth to be fed; but Sophie had spent a year or more @@ -599,7 +543,7 @@ breeding I could have seen nothing of court manners, or French fashions, but that that was no reason for my laughing at them. Of course I tried never to smile again in company. This visit to Carlsruhe took place -in '89, just when every one was full of the events taking +in ’89, just when every one was full of the events taking place at Paris; and yet at Carlsruhe French fashions were more talked of than French politics. Madame Rupprecht, especially, thought a great deal of all French @@ -609,29 +553,10 @@ and it had nearly been an obstacle to my visit to Sophie that her mother preferred being called Madame to her proper title of Frau.</p> -<p><a name="gwimg2" id="gwimg2"> </a></p> -<div class="center"> -<table style="margin: 0 auto" cellpadding="0" summary="Monsieur de la Tourelle."> - <tr> - <td align="center"> - <a href="images/gwimg2.jpg"> - <img src="images/gwimg2.jpg" - alt="Monsieur de la Tourelle" /></a> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td align="center"> - <span class="caption">Monsieur de la Tourelle<br /> - Click to <a href="images/gwimg2.jpg">ENLARGE</a></span> - </td> - </tr> -</table> -</div> - <p>One night I was sitting next to Sophie, and longing for the time when we might have supper and go home, so as to be able to speak together, a thing forbidden by -Madame Rupprecht's rules of etiquette, which strictly +Madame Rupprecht’s rules of etiquette, which strictly prohibited any but the most necessary conversation passing between members of the same family when in society. I was sitting, I say, scarcely keeping back my @@ -642,8 +567,8 @@ and presented him to the hostess. I thought I had never seen any one so handsome or so elegant. His hair was powdered, of course, but one could see from his complexion that it was fair in its natural state. His -features were as delicate as a girl's, and set off by two -little "mouches," as we called patches in those days, +features were as delicate as a girl’s, and set off by two +little “mouches,” as we called patches in those days, one at the left corner of his mouth, the other prolonging, as it were, the right eye. His dress was blue and silver. I was so lost in admiration of this beautiful @@ -662,7 +587,7 @@ all the company turn round and look at me. Madame Rupprecht was, however, pleased with the precise thing that displeased me. She liked either Sophie or me to create a sensation; of course she would have preferred -that it should have been her daughter, but her daughter's +that it should have been her daughter, but her daughter’s friend was next best. As we went away, I heard Madame Rupprecht and Monsieur de la Tourelle reciprocating civil speeches with might and main, from which I found @@ -672,7 +597,7 @@ or frightened, for I had been kept upon stilts of good manners all the evening. But still I was flattered when Madame Rupprecht spoke as if she had invited him, because he had shown pleasure in my society, and -even more gratified by Sophie's ungrudging delight at +even more gratified by Sophie’s ungrudging delight at the evident interest I had excited in so fine and agreeable a gentleman. Yet, with all this, they had hard work to keep me from running out of the salon the next day, @@ -689,7 +614,7 @@ to come in the evening to bring some new song, which was all the fashion in Paris, he said. Madame Rupprecht had been out all morning, as she told me, to glean information about Monsieur de la Tourelle. He -was a propriétaire, had a small château on the Vosges +was a propriétaire, had a small château on the Vosges mountains; he owned land there, but had a large income from some sources quite independent of this property. Altogether, he was a good match, as she emphatically @@ -697,9 +622,9 @@ observed. She never seemed to think that I could refuse him after this account of his wealth, nor do I believe she would have allowed Sophie a choice, even had he been as old and ugly as he was young and handsome. -I do not quite know—so many events have come +I do not quite know—so many events have come to pass since then, and blurred the clearness of my -recollections—if I loved him or not. He was very +recollections—if I loved him or not. He was very much devoted to me; he almost frightened me by the excess of his demonstrations of love. And he was very charming to everybody around me, who all spoke of him @@ -726,11 +651,11 @@ betrothal. I started with astonishment. I had not realized that affairs had gone so far as this. But when she asked me, in a stern, offended manner, what I had meant by my conduct if I did not intend to marry -Monsieur de la Tourelle—I had received his visits, his +Monsieur de la Tourelle—I had received his visits, his presents, all his various advances without showing any -unwillingness or repugnance—(and it was all true; I +unwillingness or repugnance—(and it was all true; I had shown no repugnance, though I did not wish to be -married to him,—at least, not so soon)—what could I +married to him,—at least, not so soon)—what could I do but hang my head, and silently consent to the rapid enunciation of the only course which now remained for me if I would not be esteemed a heartless coquette all @@ -768,7 +693,7 @@ my brother. But all the money arrangements were liberal in the extreme, and more than satisfied, almost surprised, my father. Even Fritz lifted up his eyebrows and whistled. I alone did not care about anything. I -was bewitched,—in a dream,—a kind of despair. I had +was bewitched,—in a dream,—a kind of despair. I had got into a net through my own timidity and weakness, and I did not see how to get out of it. I clung to my own home-people that fortnight as I had never done @@ -786,10 +711,10 @@ any right over me but my future husband. And yet he asked me some solemn questions; but my answers were not such as to do me any good.</p> -<p>"Dost thou know any fault or crime in this man that -should prevent God's blessing from resting on thy marriage +<p>“Dost thou know any fault or crime in this man that +should prevent God’s blessing from resting on thy marriage with him? Dost thou feel aversion or repugnance -to him in any way?"</p> +to him in any way?”</p> <p>And to all this what could I say? I could only stammer out that I did not think I loved him enough; @@ -811,29 +736,29 @@ of Heidelberg to his old castle in the Vosges; but I found an amount of determination, under that effeminate appearance and manner, for which I was not prepared, and he refused my first request so decidedly that I dared -not urge it. "Henceforth, Anna," said he, "you +not urge it. “Henceforth, Anna,” said he, “you will move in a different sphere of life; and though it is possible that you may have the power of showing favour to your relations from time to time, yet much or familiar intercourse will be undesirable, and is what I -cannot allow." I felt almost afraid, after this formal +cannot allow.” I felt almost afraid, after this formal speech, of asking my father and Fritz to come and see me; but, when the agony of bidding them farewell overcame all my prudence, I did beg them to pay me a visit ere long. But they shook their heads, and spoke of business at home, of different kinds of life, of my being a Frenchwoman now. Only my father broke out at last -with a blessing, and said, "If my child is unhappy—which -God forbid—let her remember that her father's -house is ever open to her." I was on the point of -crying out, "Oh! take me back then now, my father! -oh, my father!" when I felt, rather than saw, my husband +with a blessing, and said, “If my child is unhappy—which +God forbid—let her remember that her father’s +house is ever open to her.” I was on the point of +crying out, “Oh! take me back then now, my father! +oh, my father!” when I felt, rather than saw, my husband present near me. He looked on with a slightly contemptuous air; and, taking my hand in his, he led me weeping away, saying that short farewells were always the best when they were inevitable.</p> -<p>It took us two days to reach his château in the Vosges, +<p>It took us two days to reach his château in the Vosges, for the roads were bad and the way difficult to ascertain. Nothing could be more devoted than he was all the time of the journey. It seemed as if he were trying in every @@ -849,7 +774,7 @@ heart would break with the sense of desolation. So it was in no cheerful frame of mind that we approached Les Rochers, and I thought that perhaps it was because I was so unhappy that the place looked so dreary. On -one side, the château looked like a raw new building, +one side, the château looked like a raw new building, hastily run up for some immediate purpose, without any growth of trees or underwood near it, only the remains of the stone used for building, not yet cleared away @@ -887,10 +812,10 @@ of my having any other rooms but these, that I trembled in silence at the fantastic figures and shapes which my imagination called up as peopling the background of those gloomy mirrors. There was my boudoir, a little less -dreary—my bedroom, with its grand and tarnished +dreary—my bedroom, with its grand and tarnished furniture, which I commonly made into my sitting-room, locking up the various doors which led into the boudoir, -the salon, the passages—all but one, through which +the salon, the passages—all but one, through which M. de la Tourelle always entered from his own apartments in the older part of the castle. But this preference of mine for occupying my bedroom annoyed @@ -900,7 +825,7 @@ back into the salon, which I disliked more and more from its complete separation from the rest of the building by the long passage into which all the doors of my apartment opened. This passage was closed by heavy -doors and portières, through which I could not hear a +doors and portières, through which I could not hear a sound from the other parts of the house, and, of course, the servants could not hear any movement or cry of mine unless expressly summoned. To a girl brought @@ -920,7 +845,7 @@ like our kindly German servants. But I disliked them, one and all; I could not tell why. Some were civil, but there was a familiarity in their civility which repelled me; others were rude, and treated me more as if I were -an intruder than their master's chosen wife; and yet of +an intruder than their master’s chosen wife; and yet of the two sets I liked these last the best.</p> <p>The principal male servant belonged to this latter @@ -946,10 +871,10 @@ experience to help me to unravel any mysteries among those who lived under the same roof. I understood that I had made what Madame Rupprecht and her set would have called a great marriage, because I lived in a -château with many servants, bound ostensibly to obey +château with many servants, bound ostensibly to obey me as a mistress. I understood that M. de la Tourelle -was fond enough of me in his way—proud of my beauty, -I dare say (for he often enough spoke about it to me)—but +was fond enough of me in his way—proud of my beauty, +I dare say (for he often enough spoke about it to me)—but he was also jealous, and suspicious, and uninfluenced by my wishes, unless they tallied with his own. I felt at this time as if I could have been fond of him @@ -981,11 +906,8 @@ had come, to desire her to look out for me a maid of middle age, experienced in the toilette, and with so much refinement that she might on occasion serve as companion to me.</p> -<p> </p> -<div class="center"> -<p class="noindent">PORTION II.</p> -</div> +<h3>PORTION II.</h3> <p>A Norman woman, Amante by name, was sent to Les Rochers by the Paris milliner, to become my maid. She @@ -993,7 +915,7 @@ was tall and handsome, though upwards of forty, and somewhat gaunt. But, on first seeing her, I liked her; she was neither rude nor familiar in her manners, and had a pleasant look of straightforwardness about her -that I had missed in all the inhabitants of the château, +that I had missed in all the inhabitants of the château, and had foolishly set down in my own mind as a national want. Amante was directed by M. de la Tourelle to sit in my boudoir, and to be always within call. He also @@ -1002,8 +924,8 @@ which, perhaps, strictly belonged to my department of management. But I was young and inexperienced, and thankful to be spared any responsibility.</p> -<p>I daresay it was true what M. de la Tourelle said—before -many weeks had elapsed—that, for a great lady, +<p>I daresay it was true what M. de la Tourelle said—before +many weeks had elapsed—that, for a great lady, a lady of a castle, I became sadly too familiar with my Norman waiting-maid. But you know that by birth we were not very far apart in rank: Amante was the @@ -1011,7 +933,7 @@ daughter of a Norman farmer, I of a German miller; and besides that, my life was so lonely! It almost seemed as if I could not please my husband. He had written for some one capable of being my companion at times, -and now he was jealous of my free regard for her—angry +and now he was jealous of my free regard for her—angry because I could sometimes laugh at her original tunes and amusing proverbs, while when with him I was too much frightened to smile.</p> @@ -1022,11 +944,11 @@ carriages to pay us a visit, and there was an occasional talk of our going to Paris when public affairs should be a little more settled. These little events and plans were the only variations in my life for the first twelve -months, if I except the alternations in M. de la Tourelle's +months, if I except the alternations in M. de la Tourelle’s temper, his unreasonable anger, and his passionate fondness.</p> <p>Perhaps one of the reasons that made me take pleasure -and comfort in Amante's society was, that whereas +and comfort in Amante’s society was, that whereas I was afraid of everybody (I do not think I was half as much afraid of things as of persons), Amante feared no one. She would quietly beard Lefebvre, and he respected @@ -1038,15 +960,15 @@ to his position as her master. And with all her shrewdness to others, she had quite tender ways with me; all the more so at this time because she knew, what I had not yet ventured to tell M. de la Tourelle, that by-and-by -I might become a mother—that wonderful object of +I might become a mother—that wonderful object of mysterious interest to single women, who no longer hope to enjoy such blessedness themselves.</p> <p>It was once more autumn; late in October. But I was reconciled to my habitation; the walls of the new part of the building no longer looked bare and desolate; -the <i>débris</i> had been so far cleared away by M. de la -Tourelle's desire as to make me a little flower-garden, +the <i>débris</i> had been so far cleared away by M. de la +Tourelle’s desire as to make me a little flower-garden, in which I tried to cultivate those plants that I remembered as growing at home. Amante and I had moved the furniture in the rooms, and adjusted it to our liking; @@ -1100,26 +1022,26 @@ by thinking of the new unseen link between us, and then crying afresh to think how wicked I was. Oh, how well I remember that long October evening! Amante came in from time to time, talking away to -cheer me—talking about dress and Paris, and I hardly +cheer me—talking about dress and Paris, and I hardly know what, but from time to time looking at me keenly with her friendly dark eyes, and with serious interest, too, though all her words were about frivolity. At length she heaped the fire with wood, drew the heavy silken curtains close; for I had been anxious hitherto to keep them open, so that I might see the pale moon mounting -the skies, as I used to see her—the same moon—rise +the skies, as I used to see her—the same moon—rise from behind the Kaiser Stuhl at Heidelberg; but the sight made me cry, so Amante shut it out. She dictated to me as a nurse does to a child.</p> -<p>"Now, madame must have the little kitten to keep her -company," she said, "while I go and ask Marthon for -a cup of coffee." I remember that speech, and the way +<p>“Now, madame must have the little kitten to keep her +company,” she said, “while I go and ask Marthon for +a cup of coffee.” I remember that speech, and the way it roused me, for I did not like Amante to think I wanted amusing by a kitten. It might be my petulance, -but this speech—such as she might have made to -a child—annoyed me, and I said that I had reason for -my lowness of spirits—meaning that they were not of so +but this speech—such as she might have made to +a child—annoyed me, and I said that I had reason for +my lowness of spirits—meaning that they were not of so imaginary a nature that I could be diverted from them by the gambols of a kitten. So, though I did not choose to tell her all, I told her a part; and as I spoke, @@ -1128,7 +1050,7 @@ of what I withheld, and that the little speech about the kitten was more thoughtfully kind than it had seemed at first. I said that it was so long since I had heard from my father; that he was an old man, and so many -things might happen—I might never see him again—and +things might happen—I might never see him again—and I so seldom heard from him or my brother. It was a more complete and total separation than I had ever anticipated when I married, and something of my home @@ -1141,17 +1063,17 @@ to me.</p> some of the events and sorrows of her own life. Then, remembering her purpose, she set out in search of the coffee, which ought to have been brought to me an hour -before; but, in my husband's absence, my wishes were +before; but, in my husband’s absence, my wishes were but seldom attended to, and I never dared to give orders.</p> <p>Presently she returned, bringing the coffee and a great large cake.</p> -<p>"See!" said she, setting it down. "Look at my +<p>“See!” said she, setting it down. “Look at my plunder. Madame must eat. Those who eat always laugh. And, besides, I have a little news that will -please madame." Then she told me that, lying on a +please madame.” Then she told me that, lying on a table in the great kitchen, was a bundle of letters, come by the courier from Strasburg that very afternoon: then, fresh from her conversation with me, she had hastily @@ -1164,17 +1086,17 @@ She told him that she believed there was a letter there for her mistress; but he only swore the more, saying, that if there was it was no business of hers, or of his either, for that he had the strictest orders always to -take all letters that arrived during his master's absence -into the private sitting-room of the latter—a room into +take all letters that arrived during his master’s absence +into the private sitting-room of the latter—a room into which I had never entered, although it opened out of my -husband's dressing-room.</p> +husband’s dressing-room.</p> <p>I asked Amante if she had not conquered and brought me this letter. No, indeed, she replied, it was almost as much as her life was worth to live among such a set of servants: it was only a month ago that Jacques had stabbed Valentin for some jesting talk. Had I never -missed Valentin—that handsome young lad who carried +missed Valentin—that handsome young lad who carried up the wood into my salon? Poor fellow! he lies dead and cold now, and they said in the village he had put an end to himself, but those of the household knew @@ -1185,11 +1107,11 @@ the next day, and it would not be long to wait.</p> <p>But I felt as if I could not exist till the next day, without the letter. It might be to say that my -father was ill, dying—he might cry for his daughter +father was ill, dying—he might cry for his daughter from his death-bed! In short, there was no end to the thoughts and fancies that haunted me. It was of no -use for Amante to say that, after all, she might be mistaken—that -she did not read writing well—that she +use for Amante to say that, after all, she might be mistaken—that +she did not read writing well—that she had but a glimpse of the address; I let my coffee cool, my food all became distasteful, and I wrung my hands with impatience to get at the letter, and have some @@ -1197,14 +1119,14 @@ news of my dear ones at home. All the time, Amante kept her imperturbable good temper, first reasoning, then scolding. At last she said, as if wearied out, that if I would consent to make a good supper, she would -see what could be done as to our going to monsieur's +see what could be done as to our going to monsieur’s room in search of the letter, after the servants were all gone to bed. We agreed to go together when all was still, and look over the letters; there could be no harm in that; and yet, somehow, we were such cowards we dared not do it openly and in the face of the household.</p> -<p>Presently my supper came up—partridges, bread, +<p>Presently my supper came up—partridges, bread, fruits, and cream. How well I remember that supper! We put the untouched cake away in a sort of buffet, and poured the cold coffee out of the window, in order @@ -1216,13 +1138,13 @@ away the plates and dishes, but might go to bed. Long after I thought the house was quiet, Amante, in her caution, made me wait. It was past eleven before we set out, with cat-like steps and veiled light, along the -passages, to go to my husband's room and steal my +passages, to go to my husband’s room and steal my own letter, if it was indeed there; a fact about which Amante had become very uncertain in the progress of our discussion.</p> <p>To make you understand my story, I must now try -to explain to you the plan of the château. It had been +to explain to you the plan of the château. It had been at one time a fortified place of some strength, perched on the summit of a rock, which projected from the side of the mountain. But additions had been made to the @@ -1243,8 +1165,8 @@ in which my apartments were, as the centre) consisted of many rooms, of a dark and gloomy character, as the mountain-side shut out much of the sun, and heavy pine woods came down within a few yards of the -windows. Yet on this side—on a projecting plateau -of the rock—my husband had formed the flower-garden +windows. Yet on this side—on a projecting plateau +of the rock—my husband had formed the flower-garden of which I have spoken; for he was a great cultivator of flowers in his leisure moments.</p> @@ -1275,13 +1197,13 @@ designed in order to give me exercise and employment under his own eye.</p> <p>But to return to that night. I knew, as I have said, -that M. de la Tourelle's private room opened out of his +that M. de la Tourelle’s private room opened out of his dressing-room, and this out of his bedroom, which again opened into mine, the corner-room. But there were other doors into all these rooms, and these doors led into a long gallery, lighted by windows, looking into the inner court. I do not remember our consulting much -about it; we went through my room into my husband's +about it; we went through my room into my husband’s apartment through the dressing-room, but the door of communication into his study was locked, so there was nothing for it but to turn back and go by the gallery to @@ -1293,7 +1215,7 @@ the whole apparatus for bathing and dressing, more luxurious even than those which he had provided for me. But the room itself was less splendid in its proportions than mine. In truth, the new buildings ended -at the entrance to my husband's dressing-room. There +at the entrance to my husband’s dressing-room. There were deep window recesses in walls eight or nine feet thick, and even the partitions between the chambers were three feet deep; but over all these doors or windows @@ -1301,7 +1223,7 @@ there fell thick, heavy draperies, so that I should think no one could have heard in one room what passed in another. We went back into my room, and out into the gallery. We had to shade our candle, from a fear -that possessed us, I don't know why, lest some of the +that possessed us, I don’t know why, lest some of the servants in the opposite wing might trace our progress towards the part of the castle unused by any one except my husband. Somehow, I had always the feeling that @@ -1312,7 +1234,7 @@ unspoken limitation extending over all my actions.</p> <p>There was a light in the upper room; we paused, and Amante would have again retreated, but I was chafing under the delays. What was the harm of my seeking -my father's unopened letter to me in my husband's +my father’s unopened letter to me in my husband’s study? I, generally the coward, now blamed Amante for her unusual timidity. But the truth was, she had far more reason for suspicion as to the proceedings of @@ -1347,7 +1269,7 @@ darkness, I do not know, but even now, in my dreams, comes up that room of horror, distinct in its profound shadow. Amante could hardly have been gone a minute before I felt an additional gloom before the window, and -heard soft movements outside—soft, but resolute, and +heard soft movements outside—soft, but resolute, and continued until the end was accomplished, and the window raised.</p> @@ -1359,8 +1281,8 @@ to catch their attention, as I also ran the danger of doing by opening the door, which was all but closed, and to whose handlings I was unaccustomed. Again, quick as lightning, I bethought me of the hiding-place -between the locked door to my husband's dressing-room -and the portière which covered it; but I gave that up, +between the locked door to my husband’s dressing-room +and the portière which covered it; but I gave that up, I felt as if I could not reach it without screaming or fainting. So I sank down softly, and crept under the table, hidden, as I hoped, by the great, deep table-cover, @@ -1379,12 +1301,12 @@ the window lifted, and one after another stepped over the sill, and stood by me so close that I could have touched their feet. Then they laughed and whispered; my brain swam so that I could not tell the meaning of -their words, but I heard my husband's laughter among -the rest—low, hissing, scornful—as he kicked something +their words, but I heard my husband’s laughter among +the rest—low, hissing, scornful—as he kicked something heavy that they had dragged in over the floor, and which -lay near me; so near, that my husband's kick, in touching -it, touched me too. I don't know why—I can't tell -how—but some feeling, and not curiosity, prompted me +lay near me; so near, that my husband’s kick, in touching +it, touched me too. I don’t know why—I can’t tell +how—but some feeling, and not curiosity, prompted me to put out my hand, ever so softly, ever so little, and feel in the darkness for what lay spurned beside me. I stole my groping palm upon the clenched and chilly @@ -1402,26 +1324,26 @@ awful oaths at the mislaid articles which would have enabled them to strike fire. I heard her step outside coming nearer and nearer; I saw from my hiding-place the line of light beneath the door more and more distinctly; -close to it her footstep paused; the men inside—at +close to it her footstep paused; the men inside—at the time I thought they had been only two, but I -found out afterwards there were three—paused in their +found out afterwards there were three—paused in their endeavours, and were quite still, as breathless as myself, I suppose. Then she slowly pushed the door open with gentle motion, to save her flickering candle from being again extinguished. For a moment all was still. Then I heard my husband say, as he advanced towards her (he wore riding-boots, the shape of which I knew well, -as I could see them in the light),—</p> +as I could see them in the light),—</p> -<p>"Amante, may I ask what brings you here into my -private room?"</p> +<p>“Amante, may I ask what brings you here into my +private room?”</p> <p>He stood between her and the dead body of a man, from which ghastly heap I shrank away as it almost touched me, so close were we all together. I could not tell whether she saw it or not; I could give her no warning, nor make any dumb utterance of signs to bid -her what to say—if, indeed, I knew myself what would +her what to say—if, indeed, I knew myself what would be best for her to say.</p> <p>Her voice was quite changed when she spoke; quite @@ -1438,14 +1360,14 @@ Amante, this was her first warning, but it was also her last; and, taking the candle out of her hand, he turned her out of the room, his companions discreetly making a screen, so as to throw the corpse into deep shadow. I -heard the key turn in the door after her—if I had ever +heard the key turn in the door after her—if I had ever had any thought of escape it was gone now. I only hoped that whatever was to befal me might soon be over, for the tension of nerve was growing more than I could bear. The instant she could be supposed to be out of hearing, two voices began speaking in the most angry terms to my husband, upbraiding him for not -having detained her, gagged her—nay, one was for +having detained her, gagged her—nay, one was for killing her, saying he had seen her eye fall on the face of the dead man, whom he now kicked in his passion. Though the form of their speech was as if they were @@ -1465,8 +1387,8 @@ for nothing but to dress himself fine and scent himself with perfume; that, as for me, they could have got him twenty girls prettier, and with far more spirit in them. He quietly answered that I suited him, and that -was enough. All this time they were doing something—I -could not see what—to the corpse; sometimes +was enough. All this time they were doing something—I +could not see what—to the corpse; sometimes they were too busy rifling the dead body, I believe, to talk; again they let it fall with a heavy, resistless thud, and took to quarrelling. They taunted my husband @@ -1478,47 +1400,47 @@ laugh just as he had done when exchanging repartees in the little salon of the Rupprechts at Carlsruhe. I hated and dreaded him from that moment. At length, as if to make an end of the subject, he said, with cool -determination in his voice,—</p> +determination in his voice,—</p> -<p>"Now, my good friends, what is the use of all this +<p>“Now, my good friends, what is the use of all this talking, when you know in your hearts that, if I suspected my wife of knowing more than I chose of my affairs, she would not outlive the day? Remember Victorine. Because she merely joked about my affairs in an imprudent manner, and rejected my advice to -keep a prudent tongue—to see what she liked, but -ask nothing and say nothing—she has gone a long -journey—longer than to Paris."</p> +keep a prudent tongue—to see what she liked, but +ask nothing and say nothing—she has gone a long +journey—longer than to Paris.”</p> -<p>"But this one is different to her; we knew all that +<p>“But this one is different to her; we knew all that Madame Victorine knew, she was such a chatterbox; but this one may find out a vast deal, and never breathe a word about it, she is so sly. Some fine day we may have the country raised, and the gendarmes down upon us from Strasburg, and all owing to your pretty -doll, with her cunning ways of coming over you."</p> +doll, with her cunning ways of coming over you.”</p> <p>I think this roused M. de la Tourelle a little from his contemptuous indifference, for he ground an oath -through his teeth, and said, "Feel! this dagger is +through his teeth, and said, “Feel! this dagger is sharp, Henri. If my wife breathes a word, and I am such a fool as not to have stopped her mouth effectually before she can bring down gendarmes upon us, just let that good steel find its way to my heart. Let her guess but one tittle, let her have but one slight suspicion -that I am not a 'grand propriétaire,' much less +that I am not a ‘grand propriétaire,’ much less imagine that I am a chief of Chauffeurs, and she follows Victorine on the long journey beyond Paris -that very day."</p> +that very day.”</p> -<p>"She'll outwit you yet; or I never judged women -well. Those still silent ones are the devil. She'll be off +<p>“She’ll outwit you yet; or I never judged women +well. Those still silent ones are the devil. She’ll be off during some of your absences, having picked out some -secret that will break us all on the wheel."</p> +secret that will break us all on the wheel.”</p> -<p>"Bah!" said his voice; and then in a minute he -added, "Let her go if she will. But, where she goes, -I will follow; so don't cry before you're hurt."</p> +<p>“Bah!” said his voice; and then in a minute he +added, “Let her go if she will. But, where she goes, +I will follow; so don’t cry before you’re hurt.”</p> <p>By this time, they had nearly stripped the body; and the conversation turned on what they should do with it. @@ -1545,8 +1467,8 @@ play upon words, softly applauding his own wit. And all the time the poor helpless outstretched arms of the dead lay close to his dainty boot! Then another stooped (my heart stopped beating), and picked up a -letter lying on the ground—a letter that had dropped -out of M. de Poissy's pocket—a letter from his wife, full +letter lying on the ground—a letter that had dropped +out of M. de Poissy’s pocket—a letter from his wife, full of tender words of endearment and pretty babblings of love. This was read aloud, with coarse ribald comments on every sentence, each trying to outdo the @@ -1554,7 +1476,7 @@ previous speaker. When they came to some pretty words about a sweet Maurice, their little child away with its mother on some visit, they laughed at M. de la Tourelle, and told him that he would be hearing such -woman's drivelling some day. Up to that moment, I +woman’s drivelling some day. Up to that moment, I think, I had only feared him, but his unnatural, half-ferocious reply made me hate even more than I dreaded him. But now they grew weary of their savage merriment; @@ -1592,17 +1514,17 @@ which case he would most likely have perceived my absence. He said that his hands were soiled (I shuddered, for it might be with life-blood), and he would go and cleanse them; but some bitter jest turned -his purpose, and he left the room with the other two—left +his purpose, and he left the room with the other two—left it by the gallery door. Left me alone in the dark with the stiffening corpse!</p> <p>Now, now was my time, if ever; and yet I could not move. It was not my cramped and stiffened joints that -crippled me, it was the sensation of that dead man's -close presence. I almost fancied—I almost fancy still—I +crippled me, it was the sensation of that dead man’s +close presence. I almost fancied—I almost fancy still—I heard the arm nearest to me move; lift itself up, as if once more imploring, and fall in dead despair. At that -fancy—if fancy it were—I screamed aloud in mad terror, +fancy—if fancy it were—I screamed aloud in mad terror, and the sound of my own strange voice broke the spell. I drew myself to the side of the table farthest from the corpse, with as much slow caution as if I really could @@ -1610,8 +1532,8 @@ have feared the clutch of that poor dead arm, powerless for evermore. I softly raised myself up, and stood sick and trembling, holding by the table, too dizzy to know what to do next. I nearly fainted, when a low voice -spoke—when Amante, from the outside of the door, -whispered, "Madame!" The faithful creature had +spoke—when Amante, from the outside of the door, +whispered, “Madame!” The faithful creature had been on the watch, had heard my scream, and having seen the three ruffians troop along the gallery down the stairs, and across the court to the offices in the other @@ -1622,7 +1544,7 @@ on a dreary moor, suddenly perceiving the small steady light which tells of human dwellings, takes heart, and steers straight onward. Where I was, where that voice was, I knew not; but go to it I must, or die. The -door once opened—I know not by which of us—I fell +door once opened—I know not by which of us—I fell upon her neck, grasping her tight, till my hands ached with the tension of their hold. Yet she never uttered a word. Only she took me up in her vigorous arms, and @@ -1642,11 +1564,11 @@ one passed in and out of the salon; and I still lay quiet, feeling as if death were inevitable, but wishing that the agony of death were past. Again faintness stole over me; but just as I was sinking into the horrible -feeling of nothingness, I heard Amante's voice close to -me, saying,—</p> +feeling of nothingness, I heard Amante’s voice close to +me, saying,—</p> -<p>"Drink this, madame, and let us begone. All is -ready."</p> +<p>“Drink this, madame, and let us begone. All is +ready.”</p> <p>I let her put her arm under my head and raise me, and pour something down my throat. All the time she @@ -1660,15 +1582,15 @@ little details of the most commonplace description, but never alluding for an instant to the fearful cause why flight was necessary. I made no inquiry as to how she knew, or what she knew. I never asked her either then -or afterwards, I could not bear it—we kept our dreadful +or afterwards, I could not bear it—we kept our dreadful secret close. But I suppose she must have been in the dressing-room adjoining, and heard all.</p> <p>In fact, I dared not speak even to her, as if there were anything beyond the most common event in life in our preparing thus to leave the house of blood by stealth -in the dead of night. She gave me directions—short -condensed directions, without reasons—just as you do to +in the dead of night. She gave me directions—short +condensed directions, without reasons—just as you do to a child; and like a child I obeyed her. She went often to the door and listened; and often, too, she went to the window, and looked anxiously out. For me, I saw @@ -1679,7 +1601,7 @@ beating of my own heart. At last she took my hand, and led me in the dark, through the salon, once more into the terrible gallery, where across the black darkness the windows admitted pale sheeted ghosts of light upon -the floor. Clinging to her I went; unquestioning—for +the floor. Clinging to her I went; unquestioning—for she was human sympathy to me after the isolation of my unspeakable terror. On we went, turning to the left instead of to the right, past my suite of sitting-rooms @@ -1699,7 +1621,7 @@ and then helped me to follow her out into the free, open air.</p> <p>We stole round the end of the building, and on turning -the corner—she first—I felt her hold on me tighten +the corner—she first—I felt her hold on me tighten for an instant, and the next step I, too, heard distant voices, and the blows of a spade upon the heavy soil, for the night was very warm and still.</p> @@ -1715,10 +1637,10 @@ road.</p> <p>I had such faith in her that I did not venture to speak, even when she paused, as wondering to which hand she should turn. But now, for the first time, -she spoke:—</p> +she spoke:—</p> -<p>"Which way did you come when he brought you here -first?"</p> +<p>“Which way did you come when he brought you here +first?”</p> <p>I pointed, I could not speak.</p> @@ -1734,10 +1656,10 @@ in a dream, I was aware that she had also locked and brought away the key of the door between the latter and the salon.</p> -<p>"He will have been too busy this night to think much -about you—he will suppose you are asleep—I shall be +<p>“He will have been too busy this night to think much +about you—he will suppose you are asleep—I shall be the first to be missed; but they will only just now be -discovering our loss."</p> +discovering our loss.”</p> <p>I remember those last words of hers made me pray to go on; I felt as if we were losing precious time in @@ -1755,7 +1677,7 @@ sheltering tree or bush, we worked our way down past the mill, down to a one-arched bridge, which doubtless formed part of the road between the village and the mill.</p> -<p>"This will do," said she; and we crept under the +<p>“This will do,” said she; and we crept under the space, and climbing a little way up the rough stone-work, we seated ourselves on a projecting ledge, and crouched in the deep damp shadow. Amante sat a @@ -1777,23 +1699,23 @@ brooklets, began to swell into a torrent, rushing over the stones with a perpetual and dizzying noise.</p> <p>Every now and then I was wakened from the painful -doze into which I continually fell, by a sound of horses' +doze into which I continually fell, by a sound of horses’ feet over our head: sometimes lumbering heavily as if dragging a burden, sometimes rattling and galloping, -and with the sharper cry of men's voices coming cutting +and with the sharper cry of men’s voices coming cutting through the roar of the waters. At length, day fell. We had to drop into the stream, which came above our knees as we waded to the bank. There we stood, stiff -and shivering. Even Amante's courage seemed to fail.</p> +and shivering. Even Amante’s courage seemed to fail.</p> -<p>"We must pass this night in shelter, somehow," said +<p>“We must pass this night in shelter, somehow,” said she. For indeed the rain was coming down pitilessly. I said nothing. I thought that surely the end must be death in some shape; and I only hoped that to death might not be added the terror of the cruelty of men. In a minute or so she had resolved on her course of action. We went up the stream to the mill. The familiar sounds, -the scent of the wheat, the flour whitening the walls—all +the scent of the wheat, the flour whitening the walls—all reminded me of home, and it seemed to me as if I must struggle out of this nightmare and waken, and find myself once more a happy girl by the Neckar-side. @@ -1821,28 +1743,28 @@ she was hastily helping me to take off my wet clothes, and spreading them, as well as the brown mantle that had covered us both, before the great stove which warmed the room with the effectual heat that the old -woman's failing vitality required. All this time the +woman’s failing vitality required. All this time the poor creature was discussing with herself as to whether she had disobeyed orders, in a kind of garrulous way that made me fear much for her capability of retaining anything secret if she was questioned. By-and-by, she wandered away to an unnecessary revelation of her -master's whereabouts: gone to help in the search for +master’s whereabouts: gone to help in the search for his landlord, the Sieur de Poissy, who lived at the -château just above, and who had not returned from +château just above, and who had not returned from his chase the day before; so the intendant imagined he might have met with some accident, and had summoned the neighbours to beat the forest and the hill-side. She told us much besides, giving us to understand that she would fain meet with a place as housekeeper where there were more servants and less to do, as her life here -was very lonely and dull, especially since her master's -son had gone away—gone to the wars. She then took +was very lonely and dull, especially since her master’s +son had gone away—gone to the wars. She then took her supper, which was evidently apportioned out to her with a sparing hand, as, even if the idea had come into her head, she had not enough to offer us any. Fortunately, warmth was all that we required, and that, -thanks to Amante's cares, was returning to our chilled +thanks to Amante’s cares, was returning to our chilled bodies. After supper, the old woman grew drowsy; but she seemed uncomfortable at the idea of going to sleep and leaving us still in the house. Indeed, she gave us @@ -1852,7 +1774,7 @@ begged to be allowed to stay under shelter of some kind; and, at last, a bright idea came over her, and she bade us mount by a ladder to a kind of loft, which went half over the lofty mill-kitchen in which we were -sitting. We obeyed her—what else could we do?—and +sitting. We obeyed her—what else could we do?—and found ourselves in a spacious floor, without any safeguard or wall, boarding, or railing, to keep us from falling over into the kitchen in case we went too near the edge. @@ -1864,7 +1786,7 @@ No sooner were we up there, than the old woman dragged the ladder, by which we had ascended, away with a chuckle, as if she was now secure that we could do no mischief, and sat herself down again once more, to doze -and await her master's return. We pulled out some +and await her master’s return. We pulled out some bedding, and gladly laid ourselves down in our dried clothes and in some warmth, hoping to have the sleep we so much needed to refresh us and prepare us for the @@ -1875,11 +1797,8 @@ that formed the flooring into the kitchen below, very partially lighted by the common lamp that hung against the wall near the stove on the opposite side to that on which we were.</p> -<p> </p> -<div class="center"> -<p class="noindent">PORTION III.</p> -</div> +<h3>PORTION III.</h3> <p>Far on in the night there were voices outside reached us in our hiding-place; an angry knocking at the door, @@ -1892,13 +1811,13 @@ about something; but the miller stopped the conversation to swear at the old woman for having fallen asleep, and, with tipsy anger, and even with blows, drove the poor old creature out of the kitchen to bed. -Then he and Lefebvre went on talking—about the Sieur -de Poissy's disappearance. It seemed that Lefebvre -had been out all day, along with other of my husband's +Then he and Lefebvre went on talking—about the Sieur +de Poissy’s disappearance. It seemed that Lefebvre +had been out all day, along with other of my husband’s men, ostensibly assisting in the search; in all probability -trying to blind the Sieur de Poissy's followers by +trying to blind the Sieur de Poissy’s followers by putting them on a wrong scent, and also, I fancied, from -one or two of Lefebvre's sly questions, combining the +one or two of Lefebvre’s sly questions, combining the hidden purpose of discovering us.</p> <p>Although the miller was tenant and vassal to the @@ -1913,7 +1832,7 @@ or violence. He kept talking himself, and letting out all sorts of thoughts and opinions; watched by the keen eyes of Lefebvre gleaming out below his shaggy eyebrows. It was evidently not the cue of the latter -to let out that his master's wife had escaped from that +to let out that his master’s wife had escaped from that vile and terrible den; but though he never breathed a word relating to us, not the less was I certain he was thirsting for our blood, and lying in wait for us @@ -1928,11 +1847,11 @@ straining eyes, into the kitchen below. I looked too, and both heard and saw the miller and two of his men eagerly and loudly talking about the old woman, who had not appeared as usual to make the fire in the stove, -and prepare her master's breakfast, and who now, late +and prepare her master’s breakfast, and who now, late on in the morning, had been found dead in her bed; -whether from the effect of her master's blows the night +whether from the effect of her master’s blows the night before, or from natural causes, who can tell? The -miller's conscience upbraided him a little, I should say, +miller’s conscience upbraided him a little, I should say, for he was eagerly declaring his value for his housekeeper, and repeating how often she had spoken of the happy life she led with him. The men might have @@ -1965,19 +1884,19 @@ we ever to escape? The ladder was taken away, which was our only means of descent. But Amante replied that she could make a sufficient ladder of the rope lying coiled among other things, to drop us down the -ten feet or so—with the advantage of its being portable, +ten feet or so—with the advantage of its being portable, so that we might carry it away, and thus avoid all betrayal of the fact that any one had ever been hidden in the loft.</p> <p>During the two days that intervened before we did escape, Amante made good use of her time. She looked -into every box and chest during the man's absence at -his mill; and finding in one box an old suit of man's -clothes, which had probably belonged to the miller's +into every box and chest during the man’s absence at +his mill; and finding in one box an old suit of man’s +clothes, which had probably belonged to the miller’s absent son, she put them on to see if they would fit her; and, when she found that they did, she cut her -own hair to the shortness of a man's, made me clip +own hair to the shortness of a man’s, made me clip her black eyebrows as close as though they had been shaved, and by cutting up old corks into pieces such as would go into her cheeks, she altered both the shape of @@ -1986,8 +1905,8 @@ have believed possible.</p> <p>All this time I lay like one stunned; my body resting, and renewing its strength, but I myself in an almost -idiotic state—else surely I could not have taken the -stupid interest which I remember I did in all Amante's +idiotic state—else surely I could not have taken the +stupid interest which I remember I did in all Amante’s energetic preparations for disguise. I absolutely recollect once the feeling of a smile coming over my stiff face as some new exercise of her cleverness proved a @@ -2015,9 +1934,9 @@ the better preserve our characters of a travelling pedlar and his wife; she stuffed a hump on her back, she thickened my figure, she left her own clothes deep down beneath a heap of others in the chest from which she -had taken the man's dress which she wore; and with -a few francs in her pocket—the sole money we had -either of us had about us when we escaped—we let +had taken the man’s dress which she wore; and with +a few francs in her pocket—the sole money we had +either of us had about us when we escaped—we let ourselves down the ladder, unhooked it, and passed into the cold darkness of night again.</p> @@ -2039,7 +1958,7 @@ Alas! I forgot the unruly time that was overspreading all Europe, overturning all law, and all the protection which law gives.</p> -<p>How we wandered—not daring to ask our way—how +<p>How we wandered—not daring to ask our way—how we lived, how we struggled through many a danger and still more terrors of danger, I shall not tell you now. I will only relate two of our adventures before we reached @@ -2047,7 +1966,7 @@ Frankfort. The first, although fatal to an innocent lady, was yet, I believe, the cause of my safety; the second I shall tell you, that you may understand why I did not return to my former home, as I had hoped to do when -we lay in the miller's loft, and I first became capable of +we lay in the miller’s loft, and I first became capable of groping after an idea of what my future life might be. I cannot tell you how much in these doubtings and wanderings I became attached to Amante. I have sometimes @@ -2065,40 +1984,40 @@ the atrocity of the gang to which M. de la Tourelle belonged; and every now and then, just as we seemed to be sinking into the calm of security, we fell upon traces of a pursuit after us in all directions. Once I -remember—we must have been nearly three weeks +remember—we must have been nearly three weeks wearily walking through unfrequented ways, day after day, not daring to make inquiry as to our whereabouts, -nor yet to seem purposeless in our wanderings—we -came to a kind of lonely roadside farrier's and blacksmith's. +nor yet to seem purposeless in our wanderings—we +came to a kind of lonely roadside farrier’s and blacksmith’s. I was so tired, that Amante declared that, come what might, we would stay there all night; and accordingly she entered the house, and boldly announced herself as a travelling tailor, ready to do any odd jobs -of work that might be required, for a night's lodging +of work that might be required, for a night’s lodging and food for herself and wife. She had adopted this plan once or twice before, and with good success; for her father had been a tailor in Rouen, and as a girl she had often helped him with his work, and knew the -tailors' slang and habits, down to the particular whistle +tailors’ slang and habits, down to the particular whistle and cry which in France tells so much to those of a -trade. At this blacksmith's, as at most other solitary +trade. At this blacksmith’s, as at most other solitary houses far away from a town, there was not only a store -of men's clothes laid by as wanting mending when the +of men’s clothes laid by as wanting mending when the housewife could afford time, but there was a natural craving after news from a distance, such news as a wandering tailor is bound to furnish. The early November afternoon was closing into evening, as we sat down, -she cross-legged on the great table in the blacksmith's +she cross-legged on the great table in the blacksmith’s kitchen, drawn close to the window, I close behind her, sewing at another part of the same garment, and from time to time well scolded by my seeming husband. All at once she turned round to speak to me. It was only -one word, "Courage!" I had seen nothing; I sat out +one word, “Courage!” I had seen nothing; I sat out of the light; but I turned sick for an instant, and then I braced myself up into a strange strength of endurance to go through I knew not what.</p> -<p>The blacksmith's forge was in a shed beside the +<p>The blacksmith’s forge was in a shed beside the house, and fronting the road. I heard the hammers stop plying their continual rhythmical beat. She had seen why they ceased. A rider had come up to the @@ -2110,14 +2029,14 @@ the consequence that really ensued.</p> <p>The rider, after some words with the blacksmith, was ushered in by him into the house-place where we sat.</p> -<p>"Here, good wife, a cup of wine and some galette for -this gentleman."</p> +<p>“Here, good wife, a cup of wine and some galette for +this gentleman.”</p> -<p>"Anything, anything, madame, that I can eat and +<p>“Anything, anything, madame, that I can eat and drink in my hand while my horse is being shod. I am -in haste, and must get on to Forbach to-night."</p> +in haste, and must get on to Forbach to-night.”</p> -<p>The blacksmith's wife lighted her lamp; Amante had +<p>The blacksmith’s wife lighted her lamp; Amante had asked her for it five minutes before. How thankful we were that she had not more speedily complied with our request! As it was, we sat in dusk shadow, pretending @@ -2132,23 +2051,23 @@ turned again to the stove, impatiently rubbing his hands. He had finished his wine and galette, and wanted to be off.</p> -<p>"I am in haste, my good woman. Ask thy husband +<p>“I am in haste, my good woman. Ask thy husband to get on more quickly. I will pay him double if he -makes haste."</p> +makes haste.”</p> <p>The woman went out to do his bidding; and he once more turned round to face us. Amante went on to the second part of the tune. He took it up, whistled a -second for an instant or so, and then the blacksmith's +second for an instant or so, and then the blacksmith’s wife re-entering, he moved towards her, as if to receive her answer the more speedily.</p> -<p>"One moment, monsieur—only one moment. There +<p>“One moment, monsieur—only one moment. There was a nail out of the off-foreshoe which my husband is replacing; it would delay monsieur again if that shoe -also came off."</p> +also came off.”</p> -<p>"Madame is right," said he, "but my haste is +<p>“Madame is right,” said he, “but my haste is urgent. If madame knew my reasons, she would pardon my impatience. Once a happy husband, now a deserted and betrayed man, I pursue a wife on whom I lavished @@ -2158,22 +2077,22 @@ off with her all the jewels and money on which she could lay her hands. It is possible madame may have heard or seen something of her; she was accompanied in her flight by a base, profligate woman from Paris, whom I, -unhappy man, had myself engaged for my wife's waiting-maid, +unhappy man, had myself engaged for my wife’s waiting-maid, little dreaming what corruption I was bringing -into my house!"</p> +into my house!”</p> -<p>"Is it possible?" said the good woman, throwing up +<p>“Is it possible?” said the good woman, throwing up her hands.</p> <p>Amante went on whistling a little lower, out of respect to the conversation.</p> -<p>"However, I am tracing the wicked fugitives; I am -on their track" (and the handsome, effeminate face -looked as ferocious as any demon's). "They will not +<p>“However, I am tracing the wicked fugitives; I am +on their track” (and the handsome, effeminate face +looked as ferocious as any demon’s). “They will not escape me; but every minute is a minute of misery to me, till I meet my wife. Madame has sympathy, has -she not?"</p> +she not?”</p> <p>He drew his face into a hard, unnatural smile, and then both went out to the forge, as if once more to @@ -2181,8 +2100,8 @@ hasten the blacksmith over his work.</p> <p>Amante stopped her whistling for one instant.</p> -<p>"Go on as you are, without change of an eyelid even; -in a few minutes he will be gone, and it will be over!"</p> +<p>“Go on as you are, without change of an eyelid even; +in a few minutes he will be gone, and it will be over!”</p> <p>It was a necessary caution, for I was on the point of giving way, and throwing myself weakly upon her neck. @@ -2195,16 +2114,16 @@ and taking in all.</p> <p>Then we heard him ride away; and then, it had been long too dark to see well, I dropped my work, and gave -way to my trembling and shuddering. The blacksmith's +way to my trembling and shuddering. The blacksmith’s wife returned. She was a good creature. Amante told her I was cold and weary, and she insisted on my stopping my work, and going to sit near the stove; hastening, at the same time, her preparations for supper, which, -in honour of us, and of monsieur's liberal payment, was +in honour of us, and of monsieur’s liberal payment, was to be a little less frugal than ordinary. It was well for me that she made me taste a little of the cider-soup she was preparing, or I could not have held up, in spite of -Amante's warning look, and the remembrance of her +Amante’s warning look, and the remembrance of her frequent exhortations to act resolutely up to the characters we had assumed, whatever befel. To cover my agitation, Amante stopped her whistling, and began to @@ -2221,7 +2140,7 @@ and the savage and mysterious band of robbers called the Chauffeurs, who infested all the roads leading to the Rhine, with Schinderhannes at their head, furnished many a tale which made the very marrow of my -bones run cold, and quenched even Amante's power +bones run cold, and quenched even Amante’s power of talking. Her eyes grew large and wild, her cheeks blanched, and for once she sought by her looks help from me. The new call upon me roused me. I rose @@ -2234,7 +2153,7 @@ good wife seconded my proposal with kindly bustle. One other such story as those they had been relating, and I do believe Amante would have fainted.</p> -<p>As it was, a night's rest set her up; we arose and +<p>As it was, a night’s rest set her up; we arose and finished our work betimes, and shared the plentiful breakfast of the family. Then we had to set forth again; only knowing that to Forbach we must not go, @@ -2243,7 +2162,7 @@ between us and that Germany to which we were directing our course. Two days more we wandered on, making a round, I suspect, and returning upon the road to Forbach, a league or two nearer to that town than -the blacksmith's house. But as we never made inquiries +the blacksmith’s house. But as we never made inquiries I hardly knew where we were, when we came one night to a small town, with a good large rambling inn in the very centre of the principal street. We had begun to @@ -2258,16 +2177,16 @@ inn all night, and gather such particulars and information as we could by which to direct our onward course.</p> -<p>We took our supper in the darkest corner of the <i>salle-à-manger</i>, +<p>We took our supper in the darkest corner of the <i>salle-à-manger</i>, having previously bargained for a small bedroom across the court, and over the stables. We needed food sorely; but we hurried on our meal from dread of any one entering that public room who might recognize us. Just in the middle of our meal, the public diligence -drove lumbering up under the <i>porte-cochère</i>, and disgorged +drove lumbering up under the <i>porte-cochère</i>, and disgorged its passengers. Most of them turned into the room where we sat, cowering and fearful, for the door -was opposite to the porter's lodge, and both opened on +was opposite to the porter’s lodge, and both opened on to the wide-covered entrance from the street. Among the passengers came in a young, fair-haired lady, attended by an elderly French maid. The poor young @@ -2275,15 +2194,15 @@ creature tossed her head, and shrank away from the common room, full of evil smells and promiscuous company, and demanded, in German French, to be taken to some private apartment. We heard that she and her -maid had come in the coupé, and, probably from pride, +maid had come in the coupé, and, probably from pride, poor young lady! she had avoided all association with her fellow-passengers, thereby exciting their dislike and ridicule. All these little pieces of hearsay had a significance to us afterwards, though, at the time, the only -remark made that bore upon the future was Amante's -whisper to me that the young lady's hair was exactly +remark made that bore upon the future was Amante’s +whisper to me that the young lady’s hair was exactly the colour of mine, which she had cut off and burnt in -the stove in the miller's kitchen in one of her descents +the stove in the miller’s kitchen in one of her descents from our hiding-place in the loft.</p> <p>As soon as we could, we struck round in the shadow, @@ -2309,13 +2228,13 @@ chamber, or else immediate escape was our strongest idea. Then the ostler left the stable, locking the door on the outside.</p> -<p>"We must try and drop through the window—if, -indeed, it is well to go at all," said Amante.</p> +<p>“We must try and drop through the window—if, +indeed, it is well to go at all,” said Amante.</p> <p>With reflection came wisdom. We should excite suspicion by leaving without paying our bill. We were on foot, and might easily be pursued. So we -sat on our bed's edge, talking and shivering, while +sat on our bed’s edge, talking and shivering, while from across the court the laughter rang merrily, and the company slowly dispersed one by one, their lights flitting past the windows as they went upstairs and @@ -2327,7 +2246,7 @@ tracked, and might meet our death at any moment. In the dead of night, just at the profound stillness preceding the turn into another day, we heard a soft, cautious step crossing the yard. The key into the -stable was turned—some one came into the stable—we +stable was turned—some one came into the stable—we felt rather than heard him there. A horse started a little, and made a restless movement with his feet, then whinnied recognition. He who had entered made @@ -2335,11 +2254,11 @@ two or three low sounds to the animal, and then led him into the court. Amante sprang to the window with the noiseless activity of a cat. She looked out, but dared not speak a word. We heard the great door -into the street open—a pause for mounting, and the -horse's footsteps were lost in distance.</p> +into the street open—a pause for mounting, and the +horse’s footsteps were lost in distance.</p> -<p>Then Amante came back to me. "It was he! he is -gone!" said she, and once more we lay down, trembling +<p>Then Amante came back to me. “It was he! he is +gone!” said she, and once more we lay down, trembling and shaking.</p> <p>This time we fell sound asleep. We slept long and @@ -2353,8 +2272,8 @@ there before we left the shelter of the stable.</p> <p>The instant we were seen, two or three people rushed to us.</p> -<p>"Have you heard?—Do you know?—That poor -young lady—oh, come and see!" and so we were +<p>“Have you heard?—Do you know?—That poor +young lady—oh, come and see!” and so we were hurried, almost in spite of ourselves, across the court, and up the great open stairs of the main building of the inn, into a bed-chamber, where lay the beautiful @@ -2362,8 +2281,8 @@ young German lady, so full of graceful pride the night before, now white and still in death. By her stood the French maid, crying and gesticulating.</p> -<p>"Oh, madame! if you had but suffered me to stay -with you! Oh! the baron, what will he say?" and so +<p>“Oh, madame! if you had but suffered me to stay +with you! Oh! the baron, what will he say?” and so she went on. Her state had but just been discovered; it had been supposed that she was fatigued, and was sleeping late, until a few minutes before. The surgeon @@ -2377,37 +2296,37 @@ court-yard.</p> <p>At last the surgeon came. All fell back, and hung on the words that were to fall from his lips.</p> -<p>"See!" said the landlord. "This lady came last +<p>“See!” said the landlord. “This lady came last night by the diligence with her maid. Doubtless a great -lady, for she must have a private sitting-room<span class="norewrap">——</span>"</p> +lady, for she must have a private sitting-room<span class="norewrap">——</span>”</p> -<p>"She was Madame the Baroness de Rœder," said +<p>“She was Madame the Baroness de Rœder,” said the French maid.</p> -<p>—"And was difficult to please in the matter of supper, +<p>—“And was difficult to please in the matter of supper, and a sleeping-room. She went to bed well, though -fatigued. Her maid left her<span class="norewrap">——</span>"</p> +fatigued. Her maid left her<span class="norewrap">——</span>”</p> -<p>"I begged to be allowed to sleep in her room, as we +<p>“I begged to be allowed to sleep in her room, as we were in a strange inn, of the character of which we knew nothing; but she would not let me, my mistress was -such a great lady."</p> +such a great lady.”</p> -<p>—"And slept with my servants," continued the landlord. -"This morning we thought madame was still +<p>—“And slept with my servants,” continued the landlord. +“This morning we thought madame was still slumbering; but when eight, nine, ten, and near eleven -o'clock came, I bade her maid use my pass-key, and -enter her room<span class="norewrap">——</span>"</p> +o’clock came, I bade her maid use my pass-key, and +enter her room<span class="norewrap">——</span>”</p> -<p>"The door was not locked, only closed. And here -she was found—dead is she not, monsieur?—with her +<p>“The door was not locked, only closed. And here +she was found—dead is she not, monsieur?—with her face down on her pillow, and her beautiful hair all scattered wild; she never would let me tie it up, saying -it made her head ache. Such hair!" said the waiting-maid, +it made her head ache. Such hair!” said the waiting-maid, lifting up a long golden tress, and letting it fall again.</p> -<p>I remembered Amante's words the night before, and +<p>I remembered Amante’s words the night before, and crept close up to her.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the doctor was examining the body underneath @@ -2417,37 +2336,32 @@ his hand, all bathed and stained with blood; and holding up a short, sharp knife, with a piece of paper fastened round it.</p> -<p>"Here has been foul play," he said. "The deceased +<p>“Here has been foul play,” he said. “The deceased lady has been murdered. This dagger was aimed straight -at her heart." Then, putting on his spectacles, he read +at her heart.” Then, putting on his spectacles, he read the writing on the bloody paper, dimmed and horribly -obscured as it was:—</p> -<p> </p> -<div class="center"> - <p class="noindent"> - <span class="smallcaps">Numéro Un.</span><br /> - Ainsi les Chauffeurs se vengent. - </p> -</div> +obscured as it was:—</p> -<p> </p> -<p>"Let us go!" said I to Amante. "Oh, let us leave -this horrible place!"</p> +<div class="center" style="font-size: small;"><span class="smallcaps">Numéro Un.</span><br > + Ainsi les Chauffeurs se vengent.</div> + +<p>“Let us go!” said I to Amante. “Oh, let us leave +this horrible place!”</p> -<p>"Wait a little," said she. "Only a few minutes -more. It will be better."</p> +<p>“Wait a little,” said she. “Only a few minutes +more. It will be better.”</p> <p>Immediately the voices of all proclaimed their suspicions of the cavalier who had arrived last the night before. He had, they said, made so many inquiries about the young lady, whose supercilious conduct all in -the <i>salle-à-manger</i> had been discussing on his entrance. +the <i>salle-à-manger</i> had been discussing on his entrance. They were talking about her as we left the room; he must have come in directly afterwards, and not until he had learnt all about her, had he spoken of the business which necessitated his departure at dawn of day, and made his arrangements with both landlord and ostler for -the possession of the keys of the stable and <i>porte-cochère</i>. +the possession of the keys of the stable and <i>porte-cochère</i>. In short, there was no doubt as to the murderer, even before the arrival of the legal functionary who had been sent for by the surgeon; but the word on the paper @@ -2492,7 +2406,7 @@ apprehensions caused by his long silence shocked me inexpressibly. It seemed as though every prop gave way from under me. I had been talking to Amante only that very day of the safety and comfort of the home -that awaited her in my father's house; of the gratitude +that awaited her in my father’s house; of the gratitude which the old man would feel towards her; and how there, in that peaceful dwelling, far away from the terrible land of France, she should find ease and security @@ -2507,7 +2421,7 @@ from me for ever!</p> <p>I had left the room hastily on hearing of this sad news from the Heidelberger. Presently, Amante followed:</p> -<p>"Poor madame," said she, consoling me to the best +<p>“Poor madame,” said she, consoling me to the best of her ability. And then she told me by degrees what more she had learned respecting my home, about which she knew almost as much as I did, from my frequent @@ -2521,20 +2435,20 @@ got the upper hand of my brother, who only saw through her eyes and heard with her ears. That there had been much Heidelberg gossip of late days about her sudden intimacy with a grand French gentleman who -had appeared at the mill—a relation, by marriage—married, -in fact, to the miller's sister, who, by all +had appeared at the mill—a relation, by marriage—married, +in fact, to the miller’s sister, who, by all accounts, had behaved abominably and ungratefully. -But that was no reason for Babette's extreme and +But that was no reason for Babette’s extreme and sudden intimacy with him, going about everywhere with the French gentleman; and since he left (as the Heidelberger said he knew for a fact) corresponding with him constantly. Yet her husband saw no harm in it all, seemingly; though, to be sure, he was so out of -spirits, what with his father's death and the news of his -sister's infamy, that he hardly knew how to hold up his +spirits, what with his father’s death and the news of his +sister’s infamy, that he hardly knew how to hold up his head.</p> -<p>"Now," said Amante, "all this proves that M. de la +<p>“Now,” said Amante, “all this proves that M. de la Tourelle has suspected that you would go back to the nest in which you were reared, and that he has been there, and found that you have not yet returned; but @@ -2548,20 +2462,20 @@ you. No doubt the assassin was retracing his steps when we met him near Forbach, and having heard of the poor German lady, with her French maid, and her pretty blonde complexion, he followed her. If madame -will still be guided by me—and, my child, I beg of you -still to trust me," said Amante, breaking out of her +will still be guided by me—and, my child, I beg of you +still to trust me,” said Amante, breaking out of her respectful formality into the way of talking more natural to those who had shared and escaped from common -dangers—more natural, too, where the speaker was conscious +dangers—more natural, too, where the speaker was conscious of a power of protection which the other did not -possess—"we will go on to Frankfort, and lose ourselves, +possess—“we will go on to Frankfort, and lose ourselves, for a time, at least, in the numbers of people who throng a great town; and you have told me that Frankfort is a great town. We will still be husband and wife; we will take a small lodging, and you shall housekeep and live in-doors. I, as the rougher and the more alert, will -continue my father's trade, and seek work at the tailors' -shops."</p> +continue my father’s trade, and seek work at the tailors’ +shops.”</p> <p>I could think of no better plan, so we followed this out. In a back street at Frankfort we found two @@ -2578,14 +2492,14 @@ good Germans were hating the French people right heartily. However, we succeeded better than our hopes, and even laid by a little against the time of my confinement. I never stirred abroad, and saw no one, and -Amante's want of knowledge of German kept her in a +Amante’s want of knowledge of German kept her in a state of comparative isolation.</p> -<p>At length my child was born—my poor worse than +<p>At length my child was born—my poor worse than fatherless child. It was a girl, as I had prayed for. I had feared lest a boy might have something of the tiger nature of its father, but a girl seemed all my -own. And yet not all my own, for the faithful Amante's +own. And yet not all my own, for the faithful Amante’s delight and glory in the babe almost exceeded mine; in outward show it certainly did.</p> @@ -2599,14 +2513,14 @@ had lived as scullion, or some such thing. Such a beautiful lady! with such a handsome husband. But grief comes to the palace as well as to the garret, and why or wherefore no one knew, but somehow the Baron -de Rœder must have incurred the vengeance of the +de Rœder must have incurred the vengeance of the terrible Chauffeurs; for not many months ago, as madame was going to see her relations in Alsace, she was stabbed dead as she lay in bed at some hotel on the road. Had I not seen it in the <i>Gazette</i>? Had I not heard? Why, she had been told that as far off as Lyons there were placards offering a heavy reward on -the part of the Baron de Rœder for information respecting +the part of the Baron de Rœder for information respecting the murderer of his wife. But no one could help him, for all who could bear evidence were in such terror of the Chauffeurs; there were hundreds of them she @@ -2624,7 +2538,7 @@ were there not hundreds sworn to avenge his death?</p> if M. de la Tourelle, or Lefebvre, or any of the gang at Les Rochers, had seen these placards, they would know that the poor lady stabbed by the former was the -Baroness de Rœder, and that they would set forth again +Baroness de Rœder, and that they would set forth again in search of me.</p> <p>This fresh apprehension told on my health and impeded @@ -2642,7 +2556,7 @@ never entirely recover. By-and-by I shall name this doctor, and then you will know, better than I can describe, his character.</p> -<p>I grew strong in time—stronger, at least. I was able +<p>I grew strong in time—stronger, at least. I was able to work a little at home, and to sun myself and my baby at the garret-window in the roof. It was all the air I dared to take. I constantly wore the disguise I had @@ -2653,10 +2567,10 @@ during the whole months succeeding my escape from Les Rochers made me loathe the idea of ever again walking in the open daylight, exposed to the sight and recognition of every passer-by. In vain Amante -reasoned—in vain the doctor urged. Docile in every +reasoned—in vain the doctor urged. Docile in every other thing, in this I was obstinate. I would not stir out. One day Amante returned from her work, full of -news—some of it good, some such as to cause us +news—some of it good, some such as to cause us apprehension. The good news was this; the master for whom she worked as journeyman was going to send her with some others to a great house at the other side @@ -2687,36 +2601,36 @@ day; and she had brought me in a stock of provisions, begging me to keep within doors, with a strange kind of fearful oblivion of the fact that I had never set foot beyond the threshold of the house since I had first -entered it—scarce ever ventured down the stairs. But, +entered it—scarce ever ventured down the stairs. But, although my poor, my dear, very faithful Amante was like one possessed that last night, she spoke continually of the dead, which is a bad sign for the living. She -kissed you—yes! it was you, my daughter, my darling, +kissed you—yes! it was you, my daughter, my darling, whom I bore beneath my bosom away from the fearful -castle of your father—I call him so for the first time, I -must call him so once again before I have done—Amante +castle of your father—I call him so for the first time, I +must call him so once again before I have done—Amante kissed you, sweet baby, blessed little comforter, as if she never could leave off. And then she went away, alive.</p> <p>Two days, three days passed away. That third evening -I was sitting within my bolted doors—you asleep on -your pillow by my side—when a step came up the stair, +I was sitting within my bolted doors—you asleep on +your pillow by my side—when a step came up the stair, and I knew it must be for me; for ours were the topmost rooms. Some one knocked; I held my very breath. But some one spoke, and I knew it was the good Doctor Voss. Then I crept to the door, and answered.</p> -<p>"Are you alone?" asked I.</p> +<p>“Are you alone?” asked I.</p> -<p>"Yes," said he, in a still lower voice. "Let me in." +<p>“Yes,” said he, in a still lower voice. “Let me in.” I let him in, and he was as alert as I in bolting and barring the door. Then he came and whispered to me his doleful tale. He had come from the hospital in the opposite quarter of the town, the hospital which he visited; he should have been with me sooner, but he had feared lest he should be watched. He had come -from Amante's death-bed. Her fears of the jeweller +from Amante’s death-bed. Her fears of the jeweller were too well founded. She had left the house where she was employed that morning, to transact some errand connected with her work in the town; she must have @@ -2725,18 +2639,11 @@ solitary wood-paths, for some of the wood-rangers belonging to the great house had found her lying there, stabbed to death, but not dead; with the poniard again plunged through the fatal writing, once more; but this time with -the word "un" underlined, so as to show that the +the word “un” underlined, so as to show that the assassin was aware of his previous mistake.</p> -<p> </p> -<div class="center"> - <p class="noindent"> - Numéro <i>Un</i>.<br /> - Ainsi les Chauffeurs se vengent. - </p> -</div> - -<p> </p> +<div class="center" style="font-size: small;"><span class="smallcaps">Numéro <i>Un</i>.</span><br > + Ainsi les Chauffeurs se vengent.</div> <p>They had carried her to the house, and given her restoratives till she had recovered the feeble use of her @@ -2753,10 +2660,10 @@ enough to enable him to understand the position in which I was left; before the priest had heard half her tale Amante was dead.</p> -<p>Doctor Voss told me he had made all sorts of <i>détours</i>, +<p>Doctor Voss told me he had made all sorts of <i>détours</i>, and waited thus, late at night, for fear of being watched and followed. But I do not think he was. At any rate, -as I afterwards learnt from him, the Baron Rœder, on +as I afterwards learnt from him, the Baron Rœder, on hearing of the similitude of this murder with that of his wife in every particular, made such a search after the assassins, that, although they were not discovered, @@ -2788,8 +2695,8 @@ whom Dr. Voss had secretly married. They called me the Grey Woman.</p> <p>He made me give you his surname. Till now you -have known no other father—while he lived you needed -no father's love. Once only, only once more, did the +have known no other father—while he lived you needed +no father’s love. Once only, only once more, did the old terror come upon me. For some reason which I forget, I broke through my usual custom, and went to the window of my room for some purpose, either to @@ -2809,7 +2716,7 @@ afterwards.</p> <p>Once again I saw him. Dead. He and Lefebvre were at last caught; hunted down by the Baron de -Rœder in some of their crimes. Dr. Voss had heard +Rœder in some of their crimes. Dr. Voss had heard of their arrest; their condemnation, their death; but he never said a word to me, until one day he bade me show him that I loved him by my obedience and my @@ -2829,8 +2736,8 @@ he, seeing what an effort it was, gave up urging me at last.</p> <p>You know all the rest. How we both mourned bitterly -the loss of that dear husband and father—for such I will -call him ever—and as such you must consider him, my +the loss of that dear husband and father—for such I will +call him ever—and as such you must consider him, my child, after this one revelation is over.</p> <p>Why has it been made, you ask. For this reason, @@ -2839,19 +2746,14 @@ M. Lebrun, a French artist, told me but yesterday his real name, dropped because the blood-thirsty republicans might consider it as too aristocratic. It is Maurice de Poissy.</p> -<p> </p> -<hr class="narrow" /> -<p> </p> -<p> </p> - -<h3><a name="cit" id="cit"></a>CURIOUS IF TRUE.</h3> - -<h5>(<span class="smallcaps">Extract from a Letter from Richard Whittingham, Esq.</span>)</h5> +<hr class="chap" > +<h2 id="cit">CURIOUS IF TRUE.</h2> +<div class="center smallcaps" style="font-size: small;">(Extract from a Letter from Richard Whittingham, Esq.)</div> <p>You were formerly so much amused at my pride in my -descent from that sister of Calvin's, who married a +descent from that sister of Calvin’s, who married a Whittingham, Dean of Durham, that I doubt if you will be able to enter into the regard for my distinguished relation that has led me to France, in order to examine @@ -2873,15 +2775,15 @@ bishop of the diocese before I could see certain family papers, which had fallen into the possession of the Church; and, as I had several English friends at Tours, I awaited the answer to my request to Monseigneur -de <span class="norewrap">——</span>, at that town. I was ready to accept any +de <span class="norewrap">——</span>, at that town. I was ready to accept any invitation; but I received very few; and was sometimes a little at a loss what to do with my evenings. The -<i>table d'hôte</i> was at five o'clock; I did not wish to go +<i>table d’hôte</i> was at five o’clock; I did not wish to go to the expense of a private sitting-room, disliked the -dinnery atmosphere of the <i>salle à manger</i>, could not +dinnery atmosphere of the <i>salle à manger</i>, could not play either at pool or billiards, and the aspect of my fellow guests was unprepossessing enough to make me -unwilling to enter into any <i>tête-à-tête</i> gamblings with +unwilling to enter into any <i>tête-à-tête</i> gamblings with them. So I usually rose from table early, and tried to make the most of the remaining light of the August evenings in walking briskly off to explore the surrounding @@ -2910,12 +2812,12 @@ and asking my way from the inhabitants; but here I could see no such welcome sight; indeed, I believe French peasants go to bed with the summer daylight, so if there were any habitations in the neighbourhood I -never saw them. At last—I believe I must have walked -two hours in the darkness,—I saw the dusky outline of +never saw them. At last—I believe I must have walked +two hours in the darkness,—I saw the dusky outline of a wood on one side of the weariful lane, and, impatiently careless of all forest laws and penalties for trespassers, I made my way to it, thinking that if the worst came to -the worst, I could find some covert—some shelter where +the worst, I could find some covert—some shelter where I could lie down and rest, until the morning light gave me a chance of finding my way back to Tours. But the plantation, on the outskirts of what appeared to me a @@ -2924,14 +2826,14 @@ be more than slender stems growing up to a good height, with scanty foliage on their summits. On I went towards the thicker forest, and once there I slackened my pace, and began to look about me for a good lair. I was as -dainty as Lochiel's grandchild, who made his grandsire +dainty as Lochiel’s grandchild, who made his grandsire indignant at the luxury of his pillow of snow: this brake was too full of brambles, that felt damp with dew; there was no hurry, since I had given up all hope of passing the night between four walls; and I went leisurely groping about, and trusting that there were no wolves to be poked up out of their summer drowsiness by my -stick, when all at once I saw a château before me, not a +stick, when all at once I saw a château before me, not a quarter of a mile off, at the end of what seemed to be an ancient avenue (now overgrown and irregular), which I happened to be crossing, when I looked to my right, and @@ -2944,14 +2846,14 @@ building that I was now facing, it was plain enough that there were lights in many windows, as if some great entertainment was going on.</p> -<p>"They are hospitable people, at any rate," thought I. -"Perhaps they will give me a bed. I don't suppose -French propriétaires have traps and horses quite as +<p>“They are hospitable people, at any rate,” thought I. +“Perhaps they will give me a bed. I don’t suppose +French propriétaires have traps and horses quite as plentiful as English gentlemen; but they are evidently having a large party, and some of their guests may be from Tours, and will give me a cast back to the Lion -d'Or. I am not proud, and I am dog-tired. I am not -above hanging on behind, if need be."</p> +d’Or. I am not proud, and I am dog-tired. I am not +above hanging on behind, if need be.”</p> <p>So, putting a little briskness and spirit into my walk, I went up to the door, which was standing open, most @@ -2965,36 +2867,36 @@ French (so curiously pronounced that I thought I had hit upon a new kind of <i>patois</i>), my name, and whence I came. I thought he would not be much the wiser, still it was but civil to give it before I made my request for -assistance; so, in reply, I said—</p> +assistance; so, in reply, I said—</p> -<p>"My name is Whittingham—Richard Whittingham, -an English gentleman, staying at <span class="norewrap">——</span>." To my infinite +<p>“My name is Whittingham—Richard Whittingham, +an English gentleman, staying at <span class="norewrap">——</span>.” To my infinite surprise, a light of pleased intelligence came over the -giant's face; he made me a low bow, and said (still in +giant’s face; he made me a low bow, and said (still in the same curious dialect) that I was welcome, that I was long expected.</p> -<p>"Long expected!" What could the fellow mean? -Had I stumbled on a nest of relations by John Calvin's +<p>“Long expected!” What could the fellow mean? +Had I stumbled on a nest of relations by John Calvin’s side, who had heard of my genealogical inquiries, and were gratified and interested by them? But I was too much pleased to be under shelter for the night to think it necessary to account for my agreeable reception before I enjoyed it. Just as he was opening the great heavy <i>battants</i> of the door that led from the hall to the interior, -he turned round and said,—</p> +he turned round and said,—</p> -<p>"Apparently Monsieur le Géanquilleur is not come -with you."</p> +<p>“Apparently Monsieur le Géanquilleur is not come +with you.”</p> -<p>"No! I am all alone; I have lost my way,"—and I +<p>“No! I am all alone; I have lost my way,”—and I was going on with my explanation, when he, as if quite indifferent to it, led the way up a great stone staircase, as wide as many rooms, and having on each landing-place massive iron wickets, in a heavy framework; these the porter unlocked with the solemn slowness of age. Indeed, a strange, mysterious awe of the centuries that -had passed away since this château was built, came over +had passed away since this château was built, came over me as I waited for the turning of the ponderous keys in the ancient locks. I could almost have fancied that I heard a mighty rushing murmur (like the ceaseless sound @@ -3006,12 +2908,12 @@ as if the voices of generations of men yet echoed and eddied in the silent air. It was strange, too, that my friend the porter going before me, ponderously infirm, with his feeble old hands striving in vain to keep the -tall flambeau he held steadily before him,—strange, I +tall flambeau he held steadily before him,—strange, I say, that he was the only domestic I saw in the vast halls and passages, or met with on the grand staircase. At length we stood before the gilded doors that led into -the saloon where the family—or it might be the company, -so great was the buzz of voices—was assembled. +the saloon where the family—or it might be the company, +so great was the buzz of voices—was assembled. I would have remonstrated when I found he was going to introduce me, dusty and travel-smeared, in a morning costume that was not even my best, into this grand <i>salon</i>, @@ -3042,7 +2944,7 @@ the eye of the other.</p> <p>She immediately came towards me with the most friendly actions of greeting, even before she had advanced -near enough to speak. Then,—and was it not strange?—her +near enough to speak. Then,—and was it not strange?—her words and accent were that of the commonest peasant of the country. Yet she herself looked high-bred, and would have been dignified had she been a @@ -3050,7 +2952,7 @@ shade less restless, had her countenance worn a little less lively and inquisitive expression. I had been poking a good deal about the old parts of Tours, and had had to understand the dialect of the people who -dwelt in the Marché au Vendredi and similar places, +dwelt in the Marché au Vendredi and similar places, or I really should not have understood my handsome hostess, as she offered to present me to her husband, a henpecked, gentlemanly man, who was more quaintly @@ -3063,7 +2965,7 @@ excess as to become ridiculous.</p> in making my acquaintance, and led me to a strange uneasy easy-chair, much of a piece with the rest of the furniture, which might have taken its place without any -anachronism by the side of that in the Hôtel Cluny. +anachronism by the side of that in the Hôtel Cluny. Then again began the clatter of French voices, which my arrival had for an instant interrupted, and I had leisure to look about me. Opposite to me sat a very @@ -3095,24 +2997,24 @@ guest); and one or two of his gestures and actions were more like the tricks of an uneducated rustic than anything else. To explain what I mean: his boots had evidently seen much service, and had been re-topped, -re-heeled, re-soled to the extent of cobbler's powers. +re-heeled, re-soled to the extent of cobbler’s powers. Why should he have come in them if they were not his -best—his only pair? And what can be more ungenteel +best—his only pair? And what can be more ungenteel than poverty? Then again he had an uneasy trick of putting his hand up to his throat, as if he expected to find something the matter with it; and he had the -awkward habit—which I do not think he could have +awkward habit—which I do not think he could have copied from Dr. Johnson, because most probably he -had never heard of him—of trying always to retrace +had never heard of him—of trying always to retrace his steps on the exact boards on which he had trodden to arrive at any particular part of the room. Besides, to settle the question, I once heard him addressed as -Monsieur Poucet, without any aristocratic "de" for a +Monsieur Poucet, without any aristocratic “de” for a prefix; and nearly every one else in the room was a marquis, at any rate.</p> -<p>I say, "nearly every one;" for some strange people -had the entrée; unless, indeed, they were, like me, +<p>I say, “nearly every one;” for some strange people +had the entrée; unless, indeed, they were, like me, benighted. One of the guests I should have taken for a servant, but for the extraordinary influence he seemed to have over the man I took for his master, and who @@ -3124,23 +3026,23 @@ man, continually sauntering about, and I almost guessed an object of suspicion to some of the gentlemen present, which, perhaps, drove him on the companionship of his follower, who was dressed something in the -style of an ambassador's chasseur; yet it was not a -chasseur's dress after all; it was something more +style of an ambassador’s chasseur; yet it was not a +chasseur’s dress after all; it was something more thoroughly old-world; boots half way up his ridiculously small legs, which clattered as he walked along, as if they were too large for his little feet; and a great quantity of grey fur, as trimming to coat, court-mantle, -boots, cap—everything. You know the way in which +boots, cap—everything. You know the way in which certain countenances remind you perpetually of some animal, be it bird or beast! Well, this chasseur (as I will call him for want of a better name) was exceedingly like the great Tom-cat that you have seen so often in my chambers, and laughed at almost as often for his uncanny gravity of demeanour. Grey whiskers has my -Tom—grey whiskers had the chasseur: grey hair overshadows -the upper lip of my Tom—grey mustachios hid -that of the chasseur. The pupils of Tom's eyes dilate -and contract as I had thought cats' pupils only could do, +Tom—grey whiskers had the chasseur: grey hair overshadows +the upper lip of my Tom—grey mustachios hid +that of the chasseur. The pupils of Tom’s eyes dilate +and contract as I had thought cats’ pupils only could do, until I saw those of the chasseur. To be sure, canny as Tom is, the chasseur had the advantage in the more intelligent expression. He seemed to have obtained @@ -3173,28 +3075,28 @@ side insinuated himself so much into my confidence, that I had half a mind to tell him of my exact situation, and to turn him into a friend and an ally.</p> -<p>"Madame is perceptibly growing older," said he, in +<p>“Madame is perceptibly growing older,” said he, in the midst of my perplexity, glancing at our hostess.</p> -<p>"Madame is still a very fine woman," replied I.</p> +<p>“Madame is still a very fine woman,” replied I.</p> -<p>"Now, is it not strange," continued he, lowering his -voice, "how women almost invariably praise the absent, +<p>“Now, is it not strange,” continued he, lowering his +voice, “how women almost invariably praise the absent, or departed, as if they were angels of light, while as for -the present, or the living"—here he shrugged up his -little shoulders, and made an expressive pause. "Would +the present, or the living”—here he shrugged up his +little shoulders, and made an expressive pause. “Would you believe it! Madame is always praising her late -husband to monsieur's face; till, in fact, we guests are +husband to monsieur’s face; till, in fact, we guests are quite perplexed how to look: for, you know, the late -M. de Retz's character was quite notorious,—everybody -has heard of him." All the world of Touraine, thought +M. de Retz’s character was quite notorious,—everybody +has heard of him.” All the world of Touraine, thought I, but I made an assenting noise.</p> <p>At this instant, monsieur our host came up to me, and with a civil look of tender interest (such as some people put on when they inquire after your mother, about whom they do not care one straw), asked if I had heard lately -how my cat was? "How my cat was!" What could +how my cat was? “How my cat was!” What could the man mean? My cat! Could he mean the tailless Tom, born in the Isle of Man, and now supposed to be keeping guard against the incursions of rats and mice @@ -3204,53 +3106,53 @@ their legs for rubbing-posts without scruple, and highly esteemed by them for his gravity of demeanour, and wise manner of winking his eyes. But could his fame have reached across the Channel? However, an answer -must be returned to the inquiry, as monsieur's face was +must be returned to the inquiry, as monsieur’s face was bent down to mine with a look of polite anxiety; so I, in my turn, assumed an expression of gratitude, and assured him that, to the best of my belief, my cat was in remarkably good health.</p> -<p>"And the climate agrees with her?"</p> +<p>“And the climate agrees with her?”</p> -<p>"Perfectly," said I, in a maze of wonder at this deep +<p>“Perfectly,” said I, in a maze of wonder at this deep solicitude in a tailless cat who had lost one foot and half an ear in some cruel trap. My host smiled a sweet smile, and, addressing a few words to my little neighbour, passed on.</p> -<p>"How wearisome those aristocrats are!" quoth my -neighbour, with a slight sneer. "Monsieur's conversation +<p>“How wearisome those aristocrats are!” quoth my +neighbour, with a slight sneer. “Monsieur’s conversation rarely extends to more than two sentences to any one. By that time his faculties are exhausted, and he needs the refreshment of silence. You and I, monsieur, are, at any rate, indebted to our own wits for our rise -in the world!"</p> +in the world!”</p> <p>Here again I was bewildered! As you know, I am rather proud of my descent from families which, if not -noble themselves, are allied to nobility,—and as to my -"rise in the world"—if I had risen, it would have been +noble themselves, are allied to nobility,—and as to my +“rise in the world”—if I had risen, it would have been rather for balloon-like qualities than for mother-wit, to being unencumbered with heavy ballast either in my head or my pockets. However, it was my cue to agree: so I smiled again.</p> -<p>"For my part," said he, "if a man does not stick at +<p>“For my part,” said he, “if a man does not stick at trifles, if he knows how to judiciously add to, or withhold facts, and is not sentimental in his parade of humanity, he is sure to do well; sure to affix a <i>de</i> or <i>von</i> to his name, and end his days in comfort. There is an -example of what I am saying"—and he glanced furtively +example of what I am saying”—and he glanced furtively at the weak-looking master of the sharp, intelligent servant, whom I have called the chasseur.</p> -<p>"Monsieur le Marquis would never have been anything -but a miller's son, if it had not been for the talents of -his servant. Of course you know his antecedents?"</p> +<p>“Monsieur le Marquis would never have been anything +but a miller’s son, if it had not been for the talents of +his servant. Of course you know his antecedents?”</p> <p>I was going to make some remarks on the changes in -the order of the peerage since the days of Louis XVI.—going, -in fact, to be very sensible and historical—when +the order of the peerage since the days of Louis XVI.—going, +in fact, to be very sensible and historical—when there was a slight commotion among the people at the other end of the room. Lacqueys in quaint liveries must have come in from behind the tapestry, I suppose @@ -3259,7 +3161,7 @@ to the doors), and were handing about the slight beverages and slighter viands which are considered sufficient refreshments, but which looked rather meagre to my hungry appetite. These footmen were standing solemnly -opposite to a lady,—beautiful, splendid as the dawn, but—sound +opposite to a lady,—beautiful, splendid as the dawn, but—sound asleep in a magnificent settee. A gentleman who showed so much irritation at her ill-timed slumbers, that I think he must have been her husband, was trying @@ -3272,38 +3174,38 @@ of monsieur and madame.</p> <p>My little friend sat down with a sneer, as if his curiosity was quenched in contempt.</p> -<p>"Moralists would make an infinity of wise remarks -on that scene," said he. "In the first place, note the +<p>“Moralists would make an infinity of wise remarks +on that scene,” said he. “In the first place, note the ridiculous position into which their superstitious reverence for rank and title puts all these people. Because monsieur is a reigning prince over some minute principality, the exact situation of which no one has as yet discovered, no one must venture to take their glass of -eau sucré till Madame la Princesse awakens; and, +eau sucré till Madame la Princesse awakens; and, judging from past experience, those poor lacqueys may -have to stand for a century before that happens. Next—always -speaking as a moralist, you will observe—note +have to stand for a century before that happens. Next—always +speaking as a moralist, you will observe—note how difficult it is to break off bad habits acquired in -youth!"</p> +youth!”</p> <p>Just then the prince succeeded, by what means I did not see, in awaking the beautiful sleeper. But at first she did not remember where she was, and looking up at her husband with loving eyes, she smiled and said:</p> -<p>"Is it you, my prince?"</p> +<p>“Is it you, my prince?”</p> <p>But he was too conscious of the suppressed amusement of the spectators and his own consequent annoyance, to be reciprocally tender, and turned away with some little French expression, best rendered into English -by "Pooh, pooh, my dear!"</p> +by “Pooh, pooh, my dear!”</p> <p>After I had had a glass of delicious wine of some unknown quality, my courage was in rather better plight -than before, and I told my cynical little neighbour—whom -I must say I was beginning to dislike—that I had -lost my way in the wood, and had arrived at the château +than before, and I told my cynical little neighbour—whom +I must say I was beginning to dislike—that I had +lost my way in the wood, and had arrived at the château quite by mistake.</p> <p>He seemed mightily amused at my story; said that @@ -3315,76 +3217,76 @@ ended his story by making me admire his boots, which he said he still wore, patched though they were, and all their excellent quality lost by patching, because they were of such a first-rate make for long pedestrian excursions. -"Though, indeed," he wound up by saying, -"the new fashion of railroads would seem to supersede -the necessity for this description of boots."</p> +“Though, indeed,” he wound up by saying, +“the new fashion of railroads would seem to supersede +the necessity for this description of boots.”</p> <p>When I consulted him as to whether I ought to make myself known to my host and hostess as a benighted traveller, instead of the guest whom they had taken -me for, he exclaimed, "By no means! I hate such -squeamish morality." And he seemed much offended +me for, he exclaimed, “By no means! I hate such +squeamish morality.” And he seemed much offended by my innocent question, as if it seemed by implication to condemn something in himself. He was offended and silent; and just at this moment I caught the sweet, -attractive eyes of the lady opposite—that lady whom I +attractive eyes of the lady opposite—that lady whom I named at first as being no longer in the bloom of youth, but as being somewhat infirm about the feet, which were supported on a raised cushion before her. Her looks -seemed to say, "Come here, and let us have some conversation -together;" and, with a bow of silent excuse to +seemed to say, “Come here, and let us have some conversation +together;” and, with a bow of silent excuse to my little companion, I went across to the lame old lady. She acknowledged my coming with the prettiest gesture -of thanks possible; and, half apologetically, said, "It +of thanks possible; and, half apologetically, said, “It is a little dull to be unable to move about on such evenings as this; but it is a just punishment to me for my early vanities. My poor feet, that were by nature so small, are now taking their revenge for my cruelty in -forcing them into such little slippers…. -Besides, monsieur," with a pleasant smile, "I thought +forcing them into such little slippers.... +Besides, monsieur,” with a pleasant smile, “I thought it was possible you might be weary of the malicious sayings of your little neighbour. He has not borne the best character in his youth, and such men are sure to -be cynical in their old age."</p> +be cynical in their old age.”</p> -<p>"Who is he?" asked I, with English abruptness.</p> +<p>“Who is he?” asked I, with English abruptness.</p> -<p>"His name is Poucet, and his father was, I believe, +<p>“His name is Poucet, and his father was, I believe, a wood-cutter, or charcoal burner, or something of the sort. They do tell sad stories of connivance at murder, -ingratitude, and obtaining money on false pretences—but +ingratitude, and obtaining money on false pretences—but you will think me as bad as he if I go on with my slanders. Rather let us admire the lovely lady coming -up towards us, with the roses in her hand—I never see +up towards us, with the roses in her hand—I never see her without roses, they are so closely connected with her -past history, as you are doubtless aware. Ah, beauty!" -said my companion to the lady drawing near to us, "it +past history, as you are doubtless aware. Ah, beauty!” +said my companion to the lady drawing near to us, “it is like you to come to me, now that I can no longer -go to you." Then turning to me, and gracefully drawing -me into the conversation, she said, "You must +go to you.” Then turning to me, and gracefully drawing +me into the conversation, she said, “You must know that, although we never met until we were both married, we have been almost like sisters ever since. There have been so many points of resemblance in our circumstances, and I think I may say in our characters. -We had each two elder sisters—mine were but half-sisters, -though—who were not so kind to us as they -might have been."</p> +We had each two elder sisters—mine were but half-sisters, +though—who were not so kind to us as they +might have been.”</p> -<p>"But have been sorry for it since," put in the other +<p>“But have been sorry for it since,” put in the other lady.</p> -<p>"Since we have married princes," continued the same +<p>“Since we have married princes,” continued the same lady, with an arch smile that had nothing of unkindness -in it, "for we both have married far above our original +in it, “for we both have married far above our original stations in life; we are both unpunctual in our habits, and, in consequence of this failing of ours, we have both -had to suffer mortification and pain."</p> +had to suffer mortification and pain.”</p> -<p>"And both are charming," said a whisper close -behind me. "My lord the marquis, say it—say, 'And -both are charming.'"</p> +<p>“And both are charming,” said a whisper close +behind me. “My lord the marquis, say it—say, ‘And +both are charming.’”</p> -<p>"And both are charming," was spoken aloud by +<p>“And both are charming,” was spoken aloud by another voice. I turned, and saw the wily cat-like chasseur, prompting his master to make civil speeches.</p> @@ -3406,12 +3308,12 @@ fallen a little into the background at this interruption in a conversation which promised to be so pleasant, and I could not help hearing his words.</p> -<p>"Really, De Carabas grows more stupid every day. +<p>“Really, De Carabas grows more stupid every day. I have a great mind to throw off his boots, and leave him to his fate. I was intended for a court, and to a court I will go, and make my own fortune as I have made his. The emperor will appreciate my -talents."</p> +talents.”</p> <p>And such are the habits of the French, or such his forgetfulness of good manners in his anger, that he spat @@ -3420,18 +3322,18 @@ right and left on the parquetted floor.</p> <p>Just then a very ugly, very pleasant-looking man, came towards the two ladies to whom I had lately been speaking, leading up to them a delicate, fair woman, -dressed all in the softest white, as if she were <i>vouée au +dressed all in the softest white, as if she were <i>vouée au blanc</i>. I do not think there was a bit of colour about her. I thought I heard her making, as she came along, a little noise of pleasure, not exactly like the singing of a tea-kettle, nor yet like the cooing of a dove, but reminding me of each sound.</p> -<p>"Madame de Mioumiou was anxious to see you," -said he, addressing the lady with the roses, "so I have -brought her across to give you a pleasure!" What an +<p>“Madame de Mioumiou was anxious to see you,” +said he, addressing the lady with the roses, “so I have +brought her across to give you a pleasure!” What an honest, good face! but oh! how ugly! And yet I liked -his ugliness better than most persons' beauty. There +his ugliness better than most persons’ beauty. There was a look of pathetic acknowledgment of his ugliness, and a deprecation of your too hasty judgment, in his countenance that was positively winning. The soft, @@ -3443,45 +3345,45 @@ the same tune, for at a sound behind the tapestry, which was more like the scuttering of rats and mice than anything else, both Madame de Mioumiou and the chasseur started with the most eager look of anxiety on their -countenances, and by their restless movements—madame's -panting, and the fiery dilation of his eyes—one +countenances, and by their restless movements—madame’s +panting, and the fiery dilation of his eyes—one might see that commonplace sounds affected them both in a manner very different to the rest of the company. The ugly husband of the lovely lady with the roses now addressed himself to me.</p> -<p>"We are much disappointed," he said, "in finding -that monsieur is not accompanied by his countryman—le -grand Jean d'Angleterre; I cannot pronounce his -name rightly"—and he looked at me to help him out.</p> +<p>“We are much disappointed,” he said, “in finding +that monsieur is not accompanied by his countryman—le +grand Jean d’Angleterre; I cannot pronounce his +name rightly”—and he looked at me to help him out.</p> -<p>"Le grand Jean d'Angleterre!" now who was le grand -Jean d'Angleterre? John Bull? John Russell? John +<p>“Le grand Jean d’Angleterre!” now who was le grand +Jean d’Angleterre? John Bull? John Russell? John Bright?</p> -<p>"Jean—Jean"—continued the gentleman, seeing my -embarrassment. "Ah, these terrible English names—'Jean -de Géanquilleur!'"</p> +<p>“Jean—Jean”—continued the gentleman, seeing my +embarrassment. “Ah, these terrible English names—‘Jean +de Géanquilleur!’”</p> <p>I was as wise as ever. And yet the name struck me as familiar, but slightly disguised. I repeated it to myself. It was mighty like John the Giant-killer, only -his friends always call that worthy "Jack." I said the +his friends always call that worthy “Jack.” I said the name aloud.</p> -<p>"Ah, that is it!" said he. "But why has he not -accompanied you to our little reunion to-night?"</p> +<p>“Ah, that is it!” said he. “But why has he not +accompanied you to our little reunion to-night?”</p> <p>I had been rather puzzled once or twice before, but this serious question added considerably to my perplexity. Jack the Giant-killer had once, it is true, been rather an intimate friend of mine, as far as -(printer's) ink and paper can keep up a friendship, but +(printer’s) ink and paper can keep up a friendship, but I had not heard his name mentioned for years; and -for aught I knew he lay enchanted with King Arthur's +for aught I knew he lay enchanted with King Arthur’s knights, who lie entranced until the blast of the trumpets of four mighty kings shall call them to help at -England's need. But the question had been asked in +England’s need. But the question had been asked in serious earnest by that gentleman, whom I more wished to think well of me than I did any other person in the room. So I answered respectfully that it was long since @@ -3491,7 +3393,7 @@ was doing myself to have been present at such an agreeable gathering of friends. He bowed, and then the lame lady took up the word.</p> -<p>"To-night is the night when, of all the year, this +<p>“To-night is the night when, of all the year, this great old forest surrounding the castle is said to be haunted by the phantom of a little peasant girl who once lived hereabouts; the tradition is that she was @@ -3499,11 +3401,11 @@ devoured by a wolf. In former days I have seen her on this night out of yonder window at the end of the gallery. Will you, ma belle, take monsieur to see the view outside by the moonlight (you may possibly see -the phantom-child); and leave me to a little <i>tête-à-tête</i> -with your husband?"</p> +the phantom-child); and leave me to a little <i>tête-à-tête</i> +with your husband?”</p> <p>With a gentle movement the lady with the roses complied -with the other's request, and we went to a great +with the other’s request, and we went to a great window, looking down on the forest, in which I had lost my way. The tops of the far-spreading and leafy trees lay motionless beneath us in that pale, wan light, which @@ -3512,33 +3414,33 @@ colour, as by day. We looked down on the countless avenues, which seemed to converge from all quarters to the great old castle; and suddenly across one, quite near to us, there passed the figure of a little girl, with -the "capuchon" on, that takes the place of a peasant -girl's bonnet in France. She had a basket on one arm, +the “capuchon” on, that takes the place of a peasant +girl’s bonnet in France. She had a basket on one arm, and by her, on the side to which her head was turned, there went a wolf. I could almost have said it was licking her hand, as if in penitent love, if either penitence -or love had ever been a quality of wolves,—but +or love had ever been a quality of wolves,—but though not of living, perhaps it may be of phantom wolves.</p> -<p>"There, we have seen her!" exclaimed my beautiful -companion. "Though so long dead, her simple story +<p>“There, we have seen her!” exclaimed my beautiful +companion. “Though so long dead, her simple story of household goodness and trustful simplicity still lingers in the hearts of all who have ever heard of her; and the country-people about here say that seeing that phantom-child on this anniversary brings good luck for the year. Let us hope that we shall share in the traditionary -good fortune. Ah! here is Madame de Retz—she +good fortune. Ah! here is Madame de Retz—she retains the name of her first husband, you know, as -he was of higher rank than the present." We were +he was of higher rank than the present.” We were joined by our hostess.</p> -<p>"If monsieur is fond of the beauties of nature and -art," said she, perceiving that I had been looking at -the view from the great window, "he will perhaps take -pleasure in seeing the picture." Here she sighed, with -a little affectation of grief. "You know the picture I -allude to," addressing my companion, who bowed assent, +<p>“If monsieur is fond of the beauties of nature and +art,” said she, perceiving that I had been looking at +the view from the great window, “he will perhaps take +pleasure in seeing the picture.” Here she sighed, with +a little affectation of grief. “You know the picture I +allude to,” addressing my companion, who bowed assent, and smiled a little maliciously, as I followed the lead of madame.</p> @@ -3547,86 +3449,86 @@ by the way with what keen curiosity she caught up what was passing either in word or action on each side of her. When we stood opposite to the end wall, I perceived a full-length picture of a handsome, peculiar-looking man, -with—in spite of his good looks—a very fierce and +with—in spite of his good looks—a very fierce and scowling expression. My hostess clasped her hands together as her arms hung down in front, and sighed -once more. Then, half in soliloquy, she said—</p> +once more. Then, half in soliloquy, she said—</p> -<p>"He was the love of my youth; his stern yet manly -character first touched this heart of mine. When—when -shall I cease to deplore his loss!"</p> +<p>“He was the love of my youth; his stern yet manly +character first touched this heart of mine. When—when +shall I cease to deplore his loss!”</p> <p>Not being acquainted with her enough to answer this question (if, indeed, it were not sufficiently answered by the fact of her second marriage), I felt awkward; and, -by way of saying something, I remarked,—</p> +by way of saying something, I remarked,—</p> -<p>"The countenance strikes me as resembling something -I have seen before—in an engraving from an +<p>“The countenance strikes me as resembling something +I have seen before—in an engraving from an historical picture, I think; only, it is there the principal figure in a group: he is holding a lady by her hair, and threatening her with his scimitar, while two cavaliers are rushing up the stairs, apparently only just -in time to save her life."</p> +in time to save her life.”</p> -<p>"Alas, alas!" said she, "you too accurately describe +<p>“Alas, alas!” said she, “you too accurately describe a miserable passage in my life, which has often been -represented in a false light. The best of husbands"—here +represented in a false light. The best of husbands”—here she sobbed, and became slightly inarticulate with -her grief—"will sometimes be displeased. I was young -and curious, he was justly angry with my disobedience—my -brothers were too hasty—the consequence is, I -became a widow!"</p> +her grief—“will sometimes be displeased. I was young +and curious, he was justly angry with my disobedience—my +brothers were too hasty—the consequence is, I +became a widow!”</p> <p>After due respect for her tears, I ventured to suggest some commonplace consolation. She turned round -sharply:—</p> +sharply:—</p> -<p>"No, monsieur: my only comfort is that I have +<p>“No, monsieur: my only comfort is that I have never forgiven the brothers who interfered so cruelly, in such an uncalled-for manner, between my dear husband -and myself. To quote my friend Monsieur Sganarelle—'Ce +and myself. To quote my friend Monsieur Sganarelle—‘Ce sont petites choses qui sont de temps en -temps necessaires dans l'amitié; et cinq ou six coups -d'épée entre gens qui s'aiment ne font que ragaillardir -l'affection.' You observe the colouring is not quite what -it should be?"</p> +temps necessaires dans l’amitié; et cinq ou six coups +d’épée entre gens qui s’aiment ne font que ragaillardir +l’affection.’ You observe the colouring is not quite what +it should be?”</p> -<p>"In this light the beard is of rather a peculiar tint," +<p>“In this light the beard is of rather a peculiar tint,” said I.</p> -<p>"Yes: the painter did not do it justice. It was most +<p>“Yes: the painter did not do it justice. It was most lovely, and gave him such a distinguished air, quite different from the common herd. Stay, I will show you -the exact colour, if you will come near this flambeau!" +the exact colour, if you will come near this flambeau!” And going near the light, she took off a bracelet of hair, with a magnificent clasp of pearls. It was peculiar, -certainly. I did not know what to say. "His precious -lovely beard!" said she. "And the pearls go so well -with the delicate blue!"</p> +certainly. I did not know what to say. “His precious +lovely beard!” said she. “And the pearls go so well +with the delicate blue!”</p> <p>Her husband, who had come up to us, and waited till her eye fell upon him before venturing to speak, now -said, "It is strange Monsieur Ogre is not yet arrived!"</p> +said, “It is strange Monsieur Ogre is not yet arrived!”</p> -<p>"Not at all strange," said she, tartly. "He was +<p>“Not at all strange,” said she, tartly. “He was always very stupid, and constantly falls into mistakes, in which he comes worse off; and it is very well he does, for he is a credulous and cowardly fellow. Not at -all strange! If you will"—turning to her husband, so -that I hardly heard her words, until I caught—"Then +all strange! If you will”—turning to her husband, so +that I hardly heard her words, until I caught—“Then everybody would have their rights, and we should have -no more trouble. Is it not, monsieur?" addressing me.</p> +no more trouble. Is it not, monsieur?” addressing me.</p> -<p>"If I were in England, I should imagine madame was -speaking of the reform bill, or the millennium,—but I -am in ignorance."</p> +<p>“If I were in England, I should imagine madame was +speaking of the reform bill, or the millennium,—but I +am in ignorance.”</p> <p>And just as I spoke, the great folding-doors were thrown open wide, and every one started to their feet -to greet a little old lady, leaning on a thin black wand—and—</p> +to greet a little old lady, leaning on a thin black wand—and—</p> -<p>"Madame la Féemarraine," was announced by a +<p>“Madame la Féemarraine,” was announced by a chorus of sweet shrill voices.</p> <p>And in a moment I was lying in the grass close by a @@ -3635,19 +3537,14 @@ day shining full in my face, and thousands of little birds and delicate insects piping and warbling out their welcome to the ruddy splendour.</p> -<p> </p> -<hr class="narrow" /> -<p> </p> -<p> </p> - -<h3><a name="swh" id="swh"></a>SIX WEEKS AT HEPPENHEIM.</h3> -<p> </p> +<hr class="chap"> +<h2 id="swh">SIX WEEKS AT HEPPENHEIM.</h2> <p>After I left Oxford, I determined to spend some months in travel before settling down in life. My father had left me a few thousands, the income arising from which would be enough to provide for all the necessary requirements -of a lawyer's education; such as lodgings in a +of a lawyer’s education; such as lodgings in a quiet part of London, fees and payment to the distinguished barrister with whom I was to read; but there would be small surplus left over for luxuries or amusements; @@ -3659,7 +3556,7 @@ pounds. As long as that sum would last me I would remain abroad; when it was spent my holiday should be over, and I would return and settle down somewhere in the neighbourhood of Russell Square, in order to be -near Mr. ——'s chambers in Lincoln's-inn. I had to +near Mr. ——’s chambers in Lincoln’s-inn. I had to wait in London for one day while my passport was being made out, and I went to examine the streets in which I purposed to live; I had picked them out, from @@ -3680,7 +3577,7 @@ countrymen frequented.</p> <p>I have stated this much about myself to explain how I fell in with the little story that I am going to record, -but with which I had not much to do,—my part in it +but with which I had not much to do,—my part in it being little more than that of a sympathizing spectator. I had been through France into Switzerland, where I had gone beyond my strength in the way of walking, @@ -3712,7 +3609,7 @@ my sleeping quarters for the night.</p> <p>If the place had been much less clean and inviting, I should have remained there; I was almost surprised -myself at my vis inertiæ; once seated in the last warm +myself at my vis inertiæ; once seated in the last warm rays of the slanting sun by the garden window, I was disinclined to move, or even to speak. My hostess had taken my orders as to my evening meal, and had left @@ -3726,10 +3623,10 @@ dazzling my eyes by gazing out into the crimson light.</p> my supper. She began to lay the cloth at one end of the large table. There was a smaller one close by me. I mustered up my voice, which seemed a little as if it -was getting beyond my control, and called to her,—</p> +was getting beyond my control, and called to her,—</p> -<p>"Will you let me have my supper here on this -table?"</p> +<p>“Will you let me have my supper here on this +table?”</p> <p>She came near; the light fell on her while I was in shadow. She was a tall young woman, with a fine @@ -3740,25 +3637,25 @@ reddened by weather, so as to have lost much of its delicacy, and the features, as I had afterwards opportunity enough of observing, were anything but regular. She had white teeth, however, and well-opened blue -eyes—grave-looking eyes which had shed tears for past -sorrow—plenty of light-brown hair, rather elaborately +eyes—grave-looking eyes which had shed tears for past +sorrow—plenty of light-brown hair, rather elaborately plaited, and fastened up by two great silver pins. That -was all—perhaps more than all—I noticed that first +was all—perhaps more than all—I noticed that first night. She began to lay the cloth where I had directed. A shiver passed over me: she looked at me, -and then said,—</p> +and then said,—</p> -<p>"The gentleman is cold: shall I light the stove?"</p> +<p>“The gentleman is cold: shall I light the stove?”</p> -<p>Something vexed me—I am not usually so impatient: -it was the coming-on of serious illness—I did not like +<p>Something vexed me—I am not usually so impatient: +it was the coming-on of serious illness—I did not like to be noticed so closely; I believed that food would restore me, and I did not want to have my meal delayed, as I feared it might be by the lighting of the stove; and most of all I was feverishly annoyed by movement. -I answered sharply and abruptly,—</p> +I answered sharply and abruptly,—</p> -<p>"No; bring supper quickly; that is all I want."</p> +<p>“No; bring supper quickly; that is all I want.”</p> <p>Her quiet, sad eyes met mine for a moment; but I saw no change in their expression, as if I had vexed her @@ -3794,7 +3691,7 @@ still asleep. But I could see through my apparently closed eyelids. In came, walking on tip-toe, with a slow care that defeated its object, two men. The first was aged from thirty to forty, in the dress of a Black -Forest peasant,—old-fashioned coat and knee-breeches +Forest peasant,—old-fashioned coat and knee-breeches of strong blue cloth, but of a thoroughly good quality; he was followed by an older man, whose dress, of more pretension as to cut and colour (it was all black), was, @@ -3828,21 +3725,21 @@ beginning of September.</p> <p>Again the doctor conveyed his sense of extreme satisfaction in a series of rapid pantomimic nods, and then replied in deliberate but tolerable English, to my -great surprise,—</p> +great surprise,—</p> -<p>"It is the 29th of September, my dear sir. You +<p>“It is the 29th of September, my dear sir. You must thank the dear God. Your fever has made its course of twenty-one days. Now patience and care must be practised. The good host and his household will have the care; you must have the patience. If you have relations in England, I will do my endeavours to -tell them the state of your health."</p> +tell them the state of your health.”</p> -<p>"I have no near relations," said I, beginning in my +<p>“I have no near relations,” said I, beginning in my weakness to cry, as I remembered, as if it had been a dream, the days when I had father, mother, sister.</p> -<p>"Chut, chut!" said he; then, turning to the landlord, +<p>“Chut, chut!” said he; then, turning to the landlord, he told him in German to make Thekla bring me one of her good bouillons; after which I was to have certain medicines, and to sleep as undisturbedly as @@ -3858,7 +3755,7 @@ economy; but I sank into dozing unconsciousness before I could quite follow out my idea. I was roused by the touch of a spoon on my lips; it was Thekla feeding me. Her sweet, grave face had something approaching to a -mother's look of tenderness upon it, as she gave me +mother’s look of tenderness upon it, as she gave me spoonful after spoonful with gentle patience and dainty care: and then I fell asleep once more. When next I wakened it was night; the stove was lighted, and the @@ -3889,17 +3786,17 @@ by her hand, softly to my bedside. When she saw my open eyes she went to a porringer placed at the top of the stove, and fed me with soup. She did not speak while doing this. I was half aware that she had done it -many times since the doctor's visit, although this seemed +many times since the doctor’s visit, although this seemed to be the first time that I was fully awake. She passed her arm under the pillow on which my head rested, and raised me a very little; her support was as firm as a -man's could have been. Again back to her work, and +man’s could have been. Again back to her work, and I to my slumbers, without a word being exchanged.</p> <p>It was broad daylight when I wakened again; I could see the sunny atmosphere of the garden outside stealing in through the nicks at the side of the shawl hung up to -darken the room—a shawl which I was sure had not +darken the room—a shawl which I was sure had not been there when I had observed the window in the night. How gently my nurse must have moved about while doing her thoughtful act!</p> @@ -3919,101 +3816,101 @@ hers. By this time I was somewhat revived, and could talk a little; besides, it seemed churlish to be longer without acknowledging so much kindness received.</p> -<p>"I am afraid I have been a great trouble," said I. -"I can only say that I am truly grateful."</p> +<p>“I am afraid I have been a great trouble,” said I. +“I can only say that I am truly grateful.”</p> <p>His good broad face reddened, and he moved a little uneasily.</p> -<p>"I don't see how I could have done otherwise than -I<span class="norewrap">——</span>than we, did," replied he, in the soft German of -the district. "We were all glad enough to do what we -could; I don't say it was a pleasure, because it is our -busiest time of year,—but then," said he, laughing a +<p>“I don’t see how I could have done otherwise than +I<span class="norewrap">——</span>than we, did,” replied he, in the soft German of +the district. “We were all glad enough to do what we +could; I don’t say it was a pleasure, because it is our +busiest time of year,—but then,” said he, laughing a little awkwardly, as if he feared his expression might -have been misunderstood, "I don't suppose it has been +have been misunderstood, “I don’t suppose it has been a pleasure to you either, sir, to be laid up so far from -home."</p> +home.”</p> -<p>"No, indeed."</p> +<p>“No, indeed.”</p> -<p>"I may as well tell you now, sir, that we had to look +<p>“I may as well tell you now, sir, that we had to look over your papers and clothes. In the first place, when you were so ill I would fain have let your kinsfolk know, if I could have found a clue; and besides, you needed -linen."</p> +linen.”</p> -<p>"I am wearing a shirt of yours though," said I, +<p>“I am wearing a shirt of yours though,” said I, touching my sleeve.</p> -<p>"Yes, sir!" said he again, reddening a little. "I +<p>“Yes, sir!” said he again, reddening a little. “I told Thekla to take the finest out of the chest; but I am -afraid you find it coarser than your own."</p> +afraid you find it coarser than your own.”</p> <p>For all answer I could only lay my weak hand on the great brown paw resting on the bed-side. He gave me a sudden squeeze in return that I thought would have crushed my bones.</p> -<p>"I beg your pardon, sir," said he, misinterpreting the -sudden look of pain which I could not repress; "but +<p>“I beg your pardon, sir,” said he, misinterpreting the +sudden look of pain which I could not repress; “but watching a man come out of the shadow of death into -life makes one feel very friendly towards him."</p> +life makes one feel very friendly towards him.”</p> -<p>"No old or true friend that I have had could have +<p>“No old or true friend that I have had could have done more for me than you, and your wife, and Thekla, -and the good doctor."</p> +and the good doctor.”</p> -<p>"I am a widower," said he, turning round the great -wedding-ring that decked his third finger. "My sister -keeps house for me, and takes care of the children,—that +<p>“I am a widower,” said he, turning round the great +wedding-ring that decked his third finger. “My sister +keeps house for me, and takes care of the children,—that is to say, she does it with the help of Thekla, the -house-maiden. But I have other servants," he continued. -"I am well to do, the good God be thanked! +house-maiden. But I have other servants,” he continued. +“I am well to do, the good God be thanked! I have land, and cattle, and vineyards. It will soon be our vintage-time, and then you must go and see my -grapes as they come into the village. I have a <i>'chasse'</i>, +grapes as they come into the village. I have a <i>‘chasse’</i>, too, in the Odenwald; perhaps one day you will be strong -enough to go and shoot the <i>'chevreuil'</i> with me."</p> +enough to go and shoot the <i>‘chevreuil’</i> with me.”</p> <p>His good, true heart was trying to make me feel like a welcome guest. Some time afterwards I learnt from -the doctor that—my poor fifty pounds being nearly all -expended—my host and he had been brought to believe +the doctor that—my poor fifty pounds being nearly all +expended—my host and he had been brought to believe in my poverty, as the necessary examination of my clothes and papers showed so little evidence of wealth. But I myself have but little to do with my story; I only name these things, and repeat these conversations, to show what a true, kind, honest man my host was. By the way, I may as well call him by his name henceforward, -Fritz Müller. The doctor's name, Wiedermann.</p> +Fritz Müller. The doctor’s name, Wiedermann.</p> <p>I was tired enough with this interview with Fritz -Müller; but when Dr. Wiedermann came he pronounced +Müller; but when Dr. Wiedermann came he pronounced me to be much better; and through the day much the same course was pursued as on the previous one: being fed, lying still, and sleeping, were my passive and active occupations. It was a hot, sunshiny day, and I craved -for air. Fresh air does not enter into the pharmacopœia +for air. Fresh air does not enter into the pharmacopœia of a German doctor; but somehow I obtained my wish. During the morning hours the window through -which the sun streamed—the window looking on to the -front court—was opened a little; and through it I heard +which the sun streamed—the window looking on to the +front court—was opened a little; and through it I heard the sounds of active life, which gave me pleasure and -interest enough. The hen's cackle, the cock's exultant -call when he had found the treasure of a grain of corn,—the +interest enough. The hen’s cackle, the cock’s exultant +call when he had found the treasure of a grain of corn,—the movements of a tethered donkey, and the cooing and whirring of the pigeons which lighted on the window-sill, gave me just subjects enough for interest. Now and -then a cart or carriage drove up,—I could hear them +then a cart or carriage drove up,—I could hear them ascending the rough village street long before they stopped -at the "Halbmond," the village inn. Then there came +at the “Halbmond,” the village inn. Then there came a sound of running and haste in the house; and Thekla was always called for in sharp, imperative tones. I -heard little children's footsteps, too, from time to time; +heard little children’s footsteps, too, from time to time; and once there must have been some childish accident or hurt, for a shrill, plaintive little voice kept calling -out, "Thekla, Thekla, liebe Thekla." Yet, after the +out, “Thekla, Thekla, liebe Thekla.” Yet, after the first early morning hours, when my hostess attended on my wants, it was always Thekla who came to give me my food or my medicine; who redded up my room; who @@ -4025,13 +3922,13 @@ the large eating-room (out of which my room opened), and called Thekla away from whatever was her occupation in my room at the time, in a sharp, injured, imperative whisper. Once I remember it was to say -that sheets were wanted for some stranger's bed, and +that sheets were wanted for some stranger’s bed, and to ask where she, the speaker, could have put the keys, in a tone of irritation, as though Thekla were -responsible for Fräulein Müller's own forgetfulness.</p> +responsible for Fräulein Müller’s own forgetfulness.</p> <p>Night came on; the sounds of daily life died away -into silence; the children's voices were no more heard; +into silence; the children’s voices were no more heard; the poultry were all gone to roost; the beasts of burden to their stables; and travellers were housed. Then Thekla came in softly and quietly, and took up her @@ -4061,8 +3958,8 @@ the quiet movement habitual to her. Then she looked before her, not at me, but at vacancy filled up by memories; and as the enchanter brought up the scenes and people which she saw, but I could not, her eyes -filled with tears—tears that gathered almost imperceptibly -to herself as it would seem—for when one large +filled with tears—tears that gathered almost imperceptibly +to herself as it would seem—for when one large drop fell on her hands (held slightly together before her as she stood) she started a little, and brushed her eyes with the back of her hand, and then came towards @@ -4092,7 +3989,7 @@ inquisitiveness remained ungratified, I felt as if I could not get well. But to do myself justice, it was more than inquisitiveness. Thekla had tended me with the gentle, thoughtful care of a sister, in the midst of her -busy life. I could often hear the Fräulein's sharp voice +busy life. I could often hear the Fräulein’s sharp voice outside blaming her for something that had gone wrong; but I never heard much from Thekla in reply. Her name was called in various tones by different people, @@ -4105,53 +4002,53 @@ but Thekla was the one of all to whom I owed my comforts, if not my life. If I could do anything to smooth her path (and a little money goes a great way in these primitive parts of Germany), how willingly -would I give it? So one night I began—she was no +would I give it? So one night I began—she was no longer needed to watch by my bedside, but she was -arranging my room before leaving me for the night—</p> +arranging my room before leaving me for the night—</p> -<p>"Thekla," said I, "you don't belong to Heppenheim, -do you?"</p> +<p>“Thekla,” said I, “you don’t belong to Heppenheim, +do you?”</p> <p>She looked at me, and reddened a little.</p> -<p>"No. Why do you ask?"</p> +<p>“No. Why do you ask?”</p> -<p>"You have been so good to me that I cannot help +<p>“You have been so good to me that I cannot help wanting to know more about you. I must needs feel interested in one who has been by my side through my illness as you have. Where do your friends live? Are -your parents alive?"</p> +your parents alive?”</p> <p>All this time I was driving at the letter.</p> -<p>"I was <ins title="original has borne">born</ins> at Altenahr. My father is an innkeeper -there. He owns the 'Golden Stag.' My mother +<p>“I was <ins title="original has borne">born</ins> at Altenahr. My father is an innkeeper +there. He owns the ‘Golden Stag.’ My mother is dead, and he has married again, and has many -children."</p> +children.”</p> -<p>"And your stepmother is unkind to you," said I, +<p>“And your stepmother is unkind to you,” said I, jumping to a conclusion.</p> -<p>"Who said so?" asked she, with a shade of indignation -in her tone. "She is a right good woman, and -makes my father a good wife."</p> +<p>“Who said so?” asked she, with a shade of indignation +in her tone. “She is a right good woman, and +makes my father a good wife.”</p> -<p>"Then why are you here living so far from home?"</p> +<p>“Then why are you here living so far from home?”</p> <p>Now the look came back to her face which I had seen upon it during the night hours when I had watched her by stealth; a dimming of the grave frankness of her eyes, a light quiver at the corners of her mouth. But -all she said was, "It was better."</p> +all she said was, “It was better.”</p> <p>Somehow, I persisted with the wilfulness of an invalid. I am half ashamed of it now.</p> -<p>"But why better, Thekla? Was there<span class="norewrap">——</span>" How +<p>“But why better, Thekla? Was there<span class="norewrap">——</span>” How should I put it? I stopped a little, and then rushed -blindfold at my object: "Has not that letter which +blindfold at my object: “Has not that letter which you read so often something to do with your being -here?"</p> +here?”</p> <p>She fixed me with her serious eyes till I believe I reddened far more than she; and I hastened to pour @@ -4159,56 +4056,56 @@ out, incoherently enough, my conviction that she had some secret care, and my desire to help her if she was in any trouble.</p> -<p>"You cannot help me," said she, a little softened by +<p>“You cannot help me,” said she, a little softened by my explanation, though some shade of resentment at having been thus surreptitiously watched yet lingered in -her manner. "It is an old story; a sorrow gone by, +her manner. “It is an old story; a sorrow gone by, past, at least it ought to be, only sometimes I am -foolish"—her tones were softening now—"and it is -punishment enough that you have seen my folly."</p> +foolish”—her tones were softening now—“and it is +punishment enough that you have seen my folly.”</p> -<p>"If you had a brother here, Thekla, you would let +<p>“If you had a brother here, Thekla, you would let him give you his sympathy if he could not give you his help, and you would not blame yourself if you had shown him your sorrow, should you? I tell you again, let me -be as a brother to you."</p> +be as a brother to you.”</p> -<p>"In the first place, sir"—this "sir" was to mark -the distinction between me and the imaginary brother—"I +<p>“In the first place, sir”—this “sir” was to mark +the distinction between me and the imaginary brother—“I should have been ashamed to have shown even a brother my sorrow, which is also my reproach and my -disgrace." These were strong words; and I suppose +disgrace.” These were strong words; and I suppose my face showed that I attributed to them a still stronger meaning than they warranted; but <i>honi soit qui mal y -pense</i>—for she went on dropping her eyes and speaking +pense</i>—for she went on dropping her eyes and speaking hurriedly.</p> -<p>"My shame and my reproach is this: I have loved a -man who has not loved me"—she grasped her hands +<p>“My shame and my reproach is this: I have loved a +man who has not loved me”—she grasped her hands together till the fingers made deep white dents in the -rosy flesh—"and I can't make out whether he ever did, +rosy flesh—“and I can’t make out whether he ever did, or whether he did once and is changed now; if only he -did once love me, I could forgive myself."</p> +did once love me, I could forgive myself.”</p> <p>With hasty, trembling hands she began to rearrange the tisane and medicines for the night on the little table at my bed-side. But, having got thus far, I was determined to persevere.</p> -<p>"Thekla," said I, "tell me all about it, as you would +<p>“Thekla,” said I, “tell me all about it, as you would to your mother, if she were alive. There are often misunderstandings which, never set to rights, make the -misery and desolation of a life-time."</p> +misery and desolation of a life-time.”</p> <p>She did not speak at first. Then she pulled out the letter, and said, in a quiet, hopeless tone of -voice:—</p> +voice:—</p> -<p>"You can read German writing? Read that, and -see if I have any reason for misunderstanding."</p> +<p>“You can read German writing? Read that, and +see if I have any reason for misunderstanding.”</p> -<p>The letter was signed "Franz Weber," and dated -from some small town in Switzerland—I forget what—about +<p>The letter was signed “Franz Weber,” and dated +from some small town in Switzerland—I forget what—about a month previous to the time when I read it. It began with acknowledging the receipt of some money which had evidently been requested by the writer, and @@ -4230,20 +4127,20 @@ steadily, not speaking a word till I had folded up the letter again, and given it back to her. Then our eyes met.</p> -<p>"There is no misunderstanding possible, is there, -sir?" asked she, with a faint smile.</p> +<p>“There is no misunderstanding possible, is there, +sir?” asked she, with a faint smile.</p> -<p>"No," I replied; "but you are well rid of such a -fellow."</p> +<p>“No,” I replied; “but you are well rid of such a +fellow.”</p> -<p>She shook her head a little. "It shows his bad side, +<p>She shook her head a little. “It shows his bad side, sir. We have all our bad sides. You must not judge him harshly; at least, I cannot. But then we were -brought up together."</p> +brought up together.”</p> -<p>"At Altenahr?"</p> +<p>“At Altenahr?”</p> -<p>"Yes; his father kept the other inn, and our parents, +<p>“Yes; his father kept the other inn, and our parents, instead of being rivals, were great friends. Franz is a little younger than I, and was a delicate child. I had to take him to school, and I used to be so proud of it @@ -4259,12 +4156,12 @@ and learn the ways at the great hotels on the Rhine before he settled down in Altenahr. You know that is the custom in Germany, sir. They go from town to town as journeymen, learning something fresh everywhere, -they say."</p> +they say.”</p> -<p>"I knew that was done in trades," I replied.</p> +<p>“I knew that was done in trades,” I replied.</p> -<p>"Oh, yes; and among inn-keepers, too," she said. -"Most of the waiters at the great hotels in Frankfort, +<p>“Oh, yes; and among inn-keepers, too,” she said. +“Most of the waiters at the great hotels in Frankfort, and Heidelberg, and Mayence, and, I daresay, at all the other places, are the sons of innkeepers in small towns, who go out into the world to learn new ways, and perhaps @@ -4273,48 +4170,48 @@ they say, they should never get on. Franz went off from Altenahr on his journeyings four years ago next May-day; and before he went, he brought me back a ring from Bonn, where he bought his new clothes. I -don't wear it now; but I have got it upstairs, and it +don’t wear it now; but I have got it upstairs, and it comforts me to see something that shows me it was not all my silly fancy. I suppose he fell among bad people, -for he soon began to play for money,—and then he lost -more than he could always pay—and sometimes I could +for he soon began to play for money,—and then he lost +more than he could always pay—and sometimes I could help him a little, for we wrote to each other from time -to time, as we knew each other's addresses; for the little -ones grew around my father's hearth, and I thought that +to time, as we knew each other’s addresses; for the little +ones grew around my father’s hearth, and I thought that I, too, would go forth into the world and earn my own -living, so that<span class="norewrap">——</span>well, I will tell the truth—I thought +living, so that<span class="norewrap">——</span>well, I will tell the truth—I thought that by going into service, I could lay by enough for buying a handsome stock of household linen, and plenty -of pans and kettles against—against what will never -come to pass now."</p> +of pans and kettles against—against what will never +come to pass now.”</p> -<p>"Do the German women buy the pots and kettles, as -you call them, when they are married?" asked I, awkwardly, +<p>“Do the German women buy the pots and kettles, as +you call them, when they are married?” asked I, awkwardly, laying hold of a trivial question to conceal the indignant sympathy with her wrongs which I did not like to express.</p> -<p>"Oh, yes; the bride furnishes all that is wanted in +<p>“Oh, yes; the bride furnishes all that is wanted in the kitchen, and all the store of house-linen. If my mother had lived, it would have been laid by for me, as she could have afforded to buy it, but my stepmother will have hard enough work to provide for her own four -little girls. However," she continued, brightening up, -"I can help her, for now I shall never marry; and my +little girls. However,” she continued, brightening up, +“I can help her, for now I shall never marry; and my master here is just and liberal, and pays me sixty florins -a year, which is high wages." (Sixty florins are about -five pounds sterling.) "And now, good-night, sir. This +a year, which is high wages.” (Sixty florins are about +five pounds sterling.) “And now, good-night, sir. This cup to the left holds the tisane, that to the right the -acorn-tea." She shaded the candle, and was leaving +acorn-tea.” She shaded the candle, and was leaving the room. I raised myself on my elbow, and called her back.</p> -<p>"Don't go on thinking about this man," said I. -"He was not good enough for you. You are much -better unmarried."</p> +<p>“Don’t go on thinking about this man,” said I. +“He was not good enough for you. You are much +better unmarried.”</p> -<p>"Perhaps so," she answered gravely. "But you -cannot do him justice; you do not know him."</p> +<p>“Perhaps so,” she answered gravely. “But you +cannot do him justice; you do not know him.”</p> <p>A few minutes after, I heard her soft and cautious return; she had taken her shoes off, and came in her @@ -4322,10 +4219,10 @@ stockinged feet up to my bedside, shading the light with her hand. When she saw that my eyes were open, she laid down two letters on the table, close by my night-lamp.</p> -<p>"Perhaps, some time, sir, you would take the trouble +<p>“Perhaps, some time, sir, you would take the trouble to read these letters; you would then see how noble and clever Franz really is. It is I who ought to be blamed, -not he."</p> +not he.”</p> <p>No more was said that night.</p> @@ -4350,7 +4247,7 @@ came in, in the midst of these meditations, bringing a great flowered dressing-gown, lined with flannel, and the embroidered smoking-cap which he evidently considered as belonging to this Indian-looking robe. They -had been his father's, he told me; and as he helped me +had been his father’s, he told me; and as he helped me to dress, he went on with his communications on small family matters. His inn was flourishing; the numbers increased every year of those who came to see the church @@ -4379,14 +4276,14 @@ that first afternoon, sunless and cheerless, with the long, unoccupied table, and the necessary chairs for the possible visitors; but round the windows that opened on the garden a part of the room was enclosed by the -household clothes'-horses hung with great pieces of the +household clothes’-horses hung with great pieces of the blue homespun cloth of which the dress of the Black Forest peasant is made. This shut-in space was warmed by the lighted stove, as well as by the lowering rays of the October sun. There was a little round walnut table with some flowers upon it, and a great cushioned armchair placed so as to look out upon the garden and the -hills beyond. I felt sure that this was all Thekla's +hills beyond. I felt sure that this was all Thekla’s arrangement; I had rather wondered that I had seen so little of her this day. She had come once or twice on necessary errands into my room in the morning, but had @@ -4405,16 +4302,16 @@ request as Thekla. I did not like this estrangement, though it was the natural consequence of my improved health, which would daily make me less and less require services which seemed so urgently claimed by others. -And, moreover, after my host left me—I fear I had cut +And, moreover, after my host left me—I fear I had cut him a little short in the recapitulation of his domestic difficulties, but he was too thorough and good-hearted a -man to bear malice—I wanted to be amused or interested. +man to bear malice—I wanted to be amused or interested. So I rang my little hand-bell, hoping that Thekla would answer it, when I could have fallen into conversation with her, without specifying any decided -want. Instead of Thekla the Fräulein came, and I had +want. Instead of Thekla the Fräulein came, and I had to invent a wish; for I could not act as a baby, and say -that I wanted my nurse. However, the Fräulein was +that I wanted my nurse. However, the Fräulein was better than no one, so I asked her if I could have some grapes, which had been provided for me on every day but this, and which were especially grateful to my @@ -4424,15 +4321,15 @@ she expressed the sincerest regret as she told me that there were no more in the house. Like an invalid I fretted at my wish not being granted, and spoke out.</p> -<p>"But Thekla told me the vintage was not till the +<p>“But Thekla told me the vintage was not till the fourteenth; and you have a vineyard close beyond the garden on the slope of the hill out there, have you -not?"</p> +not?”</p> -<p>"Yes; and grapes for the gathering. But perhaps +<p>“Yes; and grapes for the gathering. But perhaps the gentleman does not know our laws. Until the -vintage—(the day of beginning the vintage is fixed by -the Grand Duke, and advertised in the public papers)—until +vintage—(the day of beginning the vintage is fixed by +the Grand Duke, and advertised in the public papers)—until the vintage, all owners of vineyards may only go on two appointed days in every week to gather their grapes; on those two days (Tuesdays and Fridays this @@ -4442,20 +4339,20 @@ short measure, why they have to go without. And these two last days the Half-Moon has been besieged with visitors, all of whom have asked for grapes. But to-morrow the gentleman can have as many as he will; it -is the day for gathering them."</p> +is the day for gathering them.”</p> -<p>"What a strange kind of paternal law," I grumbled -out. "Why is it so ordained? Is it to secure the -owners against pilfering from their unfenced vineyards?"</p> +<p>“What a strange kind of paternal law,” I grumbled +out. “Why is it so ordained? Is it to secure the +owners against pilfering from their unfenced vineyards?”</p> -<p>"I am sure I cannot tell," she replied. "Country +<p>“I am sure I cannot tell,” she replied. “Country people in these villages have strange customs in many ways, as I daresay the English gentleman has perceived. If he would come to Worms he would see a different -kind of life."</p> +kind of life.”</p> -<p>"But not a view like this," I replied, caught by a -sudden change of light—some cloud passing away from +<p>“But not a view like this,” I replied, caught by a +sudden change of light—some cloud passing away from the sun, or something. Right outside of the windows was, as I have so often said, the garden. Trained plum-trees with golden leaves, great bushes of purple, @@ -4463,19 +4360,19 @@ Michaelmas daisy, late flowering roses, apple-trees partly stripped of their rosy fruit, but still with enough left on their boughs to require the props set to support the luxuriant burden; to the left an arbour covered over -with honeysuckle and other sweet-smelling creepers—all +with honeysuckle and other sweet-smelling creepers—all bounded by a low gray stone wall which opened out upon the steep vineyard, that stretched up the hill beyond, one hill of a series rising higher and higher into the -purple distance. "Why is there a rope with a bunch +purple distance. “Why is there a rope with a bunch of straw tied in it stretched across the opening of the -garden into the vineyard?" I inquired, as my eye suddenly +garden into the vineyard?” I inquired, as my eye suddenly caught upon the object.</p> -<p>"It is the country way of showing that no one must +<p>“It is the country way of showing that no one must pass along that path. To-morrow the gentleman will see it removed; and then he shall have the grapes. -Now I will go and prepare his coffee." With a curtsey, +Now I will go and prepare his coffee.” With a curtsey, after the fashion of Worms gentility, she withdrew. But an under-servant brought me my coffee; and with her I could not exchange a word: she spoke in such an @@ -4486,7 +4383,7 @@ table; yet in the morning I found that every usual want or wish of mine had been attended to.</p> <p>I was wakened by a tap at my door, and a pretty -piping child's voice asking, in broken German, to come +piping child’s voice asking, in broken German, to come in. On giving the usual permission, Thekla entered, carrying a great lovely boy of two years old, or thereabouts, who had only his little night-shirt on, and was @@ -4494,8 +4391,8 @@ all flushed with sleep. He held tight in his hands a great cluster of muscatel and noble grapes. He seemed like a little Bacchus, as she carried him towards me with an expression of pretty loving pride upon her face -as she looked at him. But when he came close to me—the -grim, wasted, unshorn—he turned quick away, and +as she looked at him. But when he came close to me—the +grim, wasted, unshorn—he turned quick away, and hid his face in her neck, still grasping tight his bunch of grapes. She spoke to him rapidly and softly, coaxing him as I could tell full well, although I could not follow @@ -4506,32 +4403,17 @@ fruit on the bed by me. Then he clutched at her again, burying his face in her kerchief, and fastening his little fists in her luxuriant hair.</p> -<p> -<a name="gwimg3" id="gwimg3"> </a></p> -<div class="center"> -<table style="margin: 0 auto" cellpadding="0" summary="illustration"> - <tr> - <td align="center"> - <a href="images/gwimg3.jpg"> - <img src="images/gwimg3.jpg" - alt="HE SEEMED LIKE A LITTLE BACCHUS" /></a> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td align="center"> - <span class="caption">He seemed like a little Bacchus.<br /> - Click to <a href="images/gwimg3.jpg">ENLARGE</a></span> - </td> - </tr> -</table> -</div> +<figure class="illowp67 mt5" id="gwimg3"> + <img src="images/gwimg3.jpg" alt=""> + <figcaption>He seemed like a little Bacchus.</figcaption> +</figure> -<p>"It is my master's only boy," said she, disentangling +<p>“It is my master’s only boy,” said she, disentangling his fingers with quiet patience, only to have them grasp -her braids afresh. "He is my little Max, my heart's +her braids afresh. “He is my little Max, my heart’s delight, only he must not pull so hard. Say his -'to-meet-again,' and kiss his hand lovingly, and we will -go." The promise of a speedy departure from my dusky +‘to-meet-again,’ and kiss his hand lovingly, and we will +go.” The promise of a speedy departure from my dusky room proved irresistible; he babbled out his Aufwiedersehen, and kissing his chubby hand, he was borne away joyful and chattering fast in his infantile half-language. @@ -4541,27 +4423,27 @@ same creature as the blooming, cheerful maiden whom I had seen in the morning; she looked wan and careworn, older by several years.</p> -<p>"What is the matter, Thekla?" said I, with true +<p>“What is the matter, Thekla?” said I, with true anxiety as to what might have befallen my good, faithful nurse.</p> -<p>She looked round before answering. "I have seen -him," she said. "He has been here, and the Fräulein +<p>She looked round before answering. “I have seen +him,” she said. “He has been here, and the Fräulein has been so angry! She says she will tell my master. -Oh, it has been such a day!" The poor young woman, +Oh, it has been such a day!” The poor young woman, who was usually so composed and self-restrained, was on the point of bursting into tears; but by a strong effort she checked herself, and tried to busy herself with rearranging the white china cup, so as to place it more conveniently to my hand.</p> -<p>"Come, Thekla," said I, "tell me all about it. I +<p>“Come, Thekla,” said I, “tell me all about it. I have heard loud voices talking, and I fancied something -had put the Fräulein out; and Lottchen looked flurried +had put the Fräulein out; and Lottchen looked flurried when she brought me my dinner. Is Franz here? -How has he found you out?"</p> +How has he found you out?”</p> -<p>"He is here. Yes, I am sure it is he; but four +<p>“He is here. Yes, I am sure it is he; but four years makes such a difference in a man; his whole look and manner seemed so strange to me; but he knew me at once, and called me all the old names which we used @@ -4569,57 +4451,57 @@ to call each other when we were children; and he must needs tell me how it had come to pass that he had not married that Swiss Anna. He said he had never loved her; and that now he was going home to settle, and he -hoped that I would come too, and<span class="norewrap">——</span>" There she +hoped that I would come too, and<span class="norewrap">——</span>” There she stopped short.</p> -<p>"And marry him, and live at the inn at Altenahr," +<p>“And marry him, and live at the inn at Altenahr,” said I, smiling, to reassure her, though I felt rather disappointed about the whole affair.</p> -<p>"No," she replied. "Old Weber, his father, is dead; +<p>“No,” she replied. “Old Weber, his father, is dead; he died in debt, and Franz will have no money. And he was always one that needed money. Some are, you know; and while I was thinking, and he was standing -near me, the Fräulein came in; and—and—I don't -wonder—for poor Franz is not a pleasant-looking man -now-a-days—she was very angry, and called me a bold, +near me, the Fräulein came in; and—and—I don’t +wonder—for poor Franz is not a pleasant-looking man +now-a-days—she was very angry, and called me a bold, bad girl, and said she could have no such goings on at -the 'Halbmond,' but would tell my master when he -came home from the forest."</p> +the ‘Halbmond,’ but would tell my master when he +came home from the forest.”</p> -<p>"But you could have told her that you were old -friends." I hesitated, before saying the word lovers, +<p>“But you could have told her that you were old +friends.” I hesitated, before saying the word lovers, but, after a pause, out it came.</p> -<p>"Franz might have said so," she replied, a little -stiffly. "I could not; but he went off as soon as she -bade him. He went to the 'Adler' over the way, only +<p>“Franz might have said so,” she replied, a little +stiffly. “I could not; but he went off as soon as she +bade him. He went to the ‘Adler’ over the way, only saying he would come for my answer to-morrow morning. I think it was he that should have told her what -we were—neighbours' children and early friends—not -have left it all to me. Oh," said she, clasping her -hands tight together, "she will make such a story of it -to my master."</p> +we were—neighbours’ children and early friends—not +have left it all to me. Oh,” said she, clasping her +hands tight together, “she will make such a story of it +to my master.”</p> -<p>"Never mind," said I, "tell the master I want to +<p>“Never mind,” said I, “tell the master I want to see him, as soon as he comes in from the forest, and -trust me to set him right before the Fräulein has the -chance to set him wrong."</p> +trust me to set him right before the Fräulein has the +chance to set him wrong.”</p> <p>She looked up at me gratefully, and went away without any more words. Presently the fine burly figure of my host stood at the opening to my enclosed sitting-room. He was there, three-cornered hat in hand, looking -tired and heated as a man does after a hard day's +tired and heated as a man does after a hard day’s work, but as kindly and genial as ever, which is not what every man is who is called to business after such a day, before he has had the necessary food and rest.</p> -<p>I had been reflecting a good deal on Thekla's story; +<p>I had been reflecting a good deal on Thekla’s story; I could not quite interpret her manner to-day to my full satisfaction; but yet the love which had grown with her growth, must assuredly have been called forth by -her lover's sudden reappearance; and I was inclined to +her lover’s sudden reappearance; and I was inclined to give him some credit for having broken off an engagement to Swiss Anna, which had promised so many worldly advantages; and, again, I had considered that @@ -4628,72 +4510,72 @@ who would marry him by her own free will, and perhaps she had sense and quiet resolution enough for both. So I gave the heads of the little history I have told you to my good friend and host, adding that I should like to -have a man's opinion of this man; but that if he were +have a man’s opinion of this man; but that if he were not an absolute good-for-nothing, and if Thekla still loved him, as I believed, I would try and advance them the requisite money towards establishing themselves in the hereditary inn at Altenahr.</p> -<p>Such was the romantic ending to Thekla's sorrows, I +<p>Such was the romantic ending to Thekla’s sorrows, I had been planning and brooding over for the last hour. As I narrated my tale, and hinted at the possible happy -conclusion that might be in store, my host's face changed. +conclusion that might be in store, my host’s face changed. The ruddy colour faded, and his look became almost -stern—certainly very grave in expression. It was so +stern—certainly very grave in expression. It was so unsympathetic, that I instinctively cut my words short. When I had done, he paused a little, and then said: -"You would wish me to learn all I can respecting this -stranger now at the 'Adler,' and give you the impression -I receive of the fellow."</p> +“You would wish me to learn all I can respecting this +stranger now at the ‘Adler,’ and give you the impression +I receive of the fellow.”</p> -<p>"Exactly so," said I; "I want to learn all I can about -him for Thekla's sake."</p> +<p>“Exactly so,” said I; “I want to learn all I can about +him for Thekla’s sake.”</p> -<p>"For Thekla's sake I will do it," he gravely repeated.</p> +<p>“For Thekla’s sake I will do it,” he gravely repeated.</p> -<p>"And come to me to-night, even if I am gone to -bed?"</p> +<p>“And come to me to-night, even if I am gone to +bed?”</p> -<p>"Not so," he replied. "You must give me all the -time you can in a matter like this."</p> +<p>“Not so,” he replied. “You must give me all the +time you can in a matter like this.”</p> -<p>"But he will come for Thekla's answer in the morning."</p> +<p>“But he will come for Thekla’s answer in the morning.”</p> -<p>"Before he comes you shall know all I can learn."</p> +<p>“Before he comes you shall know all I can learn.”</p> <p>I was resting during the fatigues of dressing the next day, when my host tapped at my door. He looked graver and sterner than I had ever seen him do before; he sat down almost before I had begged him to do so.</p> -<p>"He is not worthy of her," he said. "He drinks +<p>“He is not worthy of her,” he said. “He drinks brandy right hard; he boasts of his success at play, -and"—here he set his teeth hard—"he boasts of the +and”—here he set his teeth hard—“he boasts of the women who have loved him. In a village like this, sir, there are always those who spend their evenings in the gardens of the inns; and this man, after he had drank his fill, made no secrets; it needed no spying to find out what he was, else I should not have been the one -to do it."</p> +to do it.”</p> -<p>"Thekla must be told of this," said I. "She is not -the woman to love any one whom she cannot respect."</p> +<p>“Thekla must be told of this,” said I. “She is not +the woman to love any one whom she cannot respect.”</p> -<p>Herr Müller laughed a low bitter laugh, quite unlike -himself. Then he replied,—</p> +<p>Herr Müller laughed a low bitter laugh, quite unlike +himself. Then he replied,—</p> -<p>"As for that matter, sir, you are young; you have +<p>“As for that matter, sir, you are young; you have had no great experience of women. From what my -sister tells me there can be little doubt of Thekla's +sister tells me there can be little doubt of Thekla’s feeling towards him. She found them standing together -by the window; his arm round Thekla's waist, and -whispering in her ear—and to do the maiden justice +by the window; his arm round Thekla’s waist, and +whispering in her ear—and to do the maiden justice she is not the one to suffer such familiarities from every -one. No"—continued he, still in the same contemptuous -tone—"you'll find she will make excuses for his +one. No”—continued he, still in the same contemptuous +tone—“you’ll find she will make excuses for his faults and vices; or else, which is perhaps more likely, she will not believe your story, though I who tell it you -can vouch for the truth of every word I say." He +can vouch for the truth of every word I say.” He turned short away and left the room. Presently I saw his stalwart figure in the hill-side vineyard, before my windows, scaling the steep ascent with long regular @@ -4705,19 +4587,19 @@ walking fast, or labouring hard; but with the cloud off his brows, and the kindly light shining once again out of his honest eyes.</p> -<p>"I ask your pardon, sir," he began, "for troubling +<p>“I ask your pardon, sir,” he began, “for troubling you afresh. I believe I was possessed by the devil this morning. I have been thinking it over. One has -perhaps no right to rule for another person's happiness. -To have such a"—here the honest fellow choked a -little—"such a woman as Thekla to love him ought to +perhaps no right to rule for another person’s happiness. +To have such a”—here the honest fellow choked a +little—“such a woman as Thekla to love him ought to raise any man. Besides, I am no judge for him or for her. I have found out this morning that I love her myself, and so the end of it is, that if you, sir, who are so kind as to interest yourself in the matter, and if you -think it is really her heart's desire to marry this man—which +think it is really her heart’s desire to marry this man—which ought to be his salvation both for earth and -heaven—I shall be very glad to go halves with you in +heaven—I shall be very glad to go halves with you in any place for setting them up in the inn at Altenahr; only allow me to see that whatever money we advance is well and legally tied up, so that it is secured to her. @@ -4725,7 +4607,7 @@ And be so kind as to take no notice of what I have said about my having found out that I have loved her; I named it as a kind of apology for my hard words this morning, and as a reason why I was not a fit judge of -what was best." He had hurried on, so that I could +what was best.” He had hurried on, so that I could not have stopped his eager speaking even had I wished to do so; but I was too much interested in the revelation of what was passing in his brave tender heart to @@ -4733,7 +4615,7 @@ desire to stop him. Now, however, his rapid words tripped each other up, and his speech ended in an unconscious sigh.</p> -<p>"But," I said, "since you were here Thekla has +<p>“But,” I said, “since you were here Thekla has come to me, and we have had a long talk. She speaks now as openly to me as she would if I were her brother; with sensible frankness, where frankness is wise, with @@ -4741,59 +4623,59 @@ modest reticence, where confidence would be unbecoming. She came to ask me, if I thought it her duty to marry this fellow, whose very appearance, changed for the worse, as she says it is, since she last saw him four -years ago, seemed to have repelled her."</p> +years ago, seemed to have repelled her.”</p> -<p>"She could let him put his arm round her waist -yesterday," said Herr Müller, with a return of his -morning's surliness.</p> +<p>“She could let him put his arm round her waist +yesterday,” said Herr Müller, with a return of his +morning’s surliness.</p> -<p>"And she would marry him now if she could believe +<p>“And she would marry him now if she could believe it to be her duty. For some reason of his own, this Franz Weber has tried to work upon this feeling of -hers. He says it would be the saving of him."</p> +hers. He says it would be the saving of him.”</p> -<p>"As if a man had not strength enough in him—a -man who is good for aught—to save himself, but needed -a woman to pull him through life!"</p> +<p>“As if a man had not strength enough in him—a +man who is good for aught—to save himself, but needed +a woman to pull him through life!”</p> -<p>"Nay," I replied, hardly able to keep from smiling. -"You yourself said, not five minutes ago, that her +<p>“Nay,” I replied, hardly able to keep from smiling. +“You yourself said, not five minutes ago, that her marrying him might be his salvation both for earth and -heaven."</p> +heaven.”</p> -<p>"That was when I thought she loved the fellow," -he answered quick. "Now<span class="norewrap">——</span>but what did you say -to her, sir?"</p> +<p>“That was when I thought she loved the fellow,” +he answered quick. “Now<span class="norewrap">——</span>but what did you say +to her, sir?”</p> -<p>"I told her, what I believe to be as true as gospel, +<p>“I told her, what I believe to be as true as gospel, that as she owned she did not love him any longer now his real self had come to displace his remembrance, that she would be sinning in marrying him; doing evil that possible good might come. I was clear myself on this point, though I should have been perplexed how to -advise, if her love had still continued."</p> +advise, if her love had still continued.”</p> -<p>"And what answer did she make?"</p> +<p>“And what answer did she make?”</p> -<p>"She went over the history of their lives; she was +<p>“She went over the history of their lives; she was pleading against her wishes to satisfy her conscience. She said that all along through their childhood she had been his strength; that while under her personal influence he had been negatively good; away from her, he -had fallen into mischief—"</p> +had fallen into mischief—”</p> -<p>"Not to say vice," put in Herr Müller.</p> +<p>“Not to say vice,” put in Herr Müller.</p> -<p>"And now he came to her penitent, in sorrow, +<p>“And now he came to her penitent, in sorrow, desirous of amendment, asking her for the love she seems to have considered as tacitly plighted to him in -years gone by—"</p> +years gone by—”</p> -<p>"And which he has slighted and insulted. I hope +<p>“And which he has slighted and insulted. I hope you told her of his words and conduct last night in the -'Adler' gardens?"</p> +‘Adler’ gardens?”</p> -<p>"No. I kept myself to the general principle, which, +<p>“No. I kept myself to the general principle, which, I am sure, is a true one. I repeated it in different forms; for the idea of the duty of self-sacrifice had taken strong possession of her fancy. Perhaps, if I had @@ -4801,50 +4683,50 @@ failed in setting her notion of her duty in the right aspect, I might have had recourse to the statement of facts, which would have pained her severely, but would have proved to her how little his words of penitence -and promises of amendment were to be trusted to."</p> +and promises of amendment were to be trusted to.”</p> -<p>"And it ended?"</p> +<p>“And it ended?”</p> -<p>"Ended by her being quite convinced that she would +<p>“Ended by her being quite convinced that she would be doing wrong instead of right if she married a man whom she had entirely ceased to love, and that no real good could come from a course of action based on -wrong-doing."</p> +wrong-doing.”</p> -<p>"That is right and true," he replied, his face +<p>“That is right and true,” he replied, his face broadening into happiness again.</p> -<p>"But she says she must leave your service, and go -elsewhere."</p> +<p>“But she says she must leave your service, and go +elsewhere.”</p> -<p>"Leave my service she shall; go elsewhere she -shall not."</p> +<p>“Leave my service she shall; go elsewhere she +shall not.”</p> -<p>"I cannot tell what you may have the power of inducing -her to do; but she seems to me very resolute."</p> +<p>“I cannot tell what you may have the power of inducing +her to do; but she seems to me very resolute.”</p> -<p>"Why?" said he, firing round at me, as if I had +<p>“Why?” said he, firing round at me, as if I had made her resolute.</p> -<p>"She says your sister spoke to her before the maids +<p>“She says your sister spoke to her before the maids of the household, and before some of the townspeople, in a way that she could not stand; and that you yourself by your manner to her last night showed how she had lost your respect. She added, with her face of pure maidenly truth, that he had come into such close contact with her only the instant before your sister had entered -the room."</p> +the room.”</p> -<p>"With your leave, sir," said Herr Müller, turning -towards the door, "I will go and set all that right at -once."</p> +<p>“With your leave, sir,” said Herr Müller, turning +towards the door, “I will go and set all that right at +once.”</p> <p>It was easier said than done. When I next saw Thekla, her eyes were swollen up with crying, but she was silent, almost defiant towards me. A look of resolute determination had settled down upon her face. I learnt afterwards that parts of my conversation with -Herr Müller had been injudiciously quoted by him in the +Herr Müller had been injudiciously quoted by him in the talk he had had with her. I thought I would leave her to herself, and wait till she unburdened herself of the feeling of unjust resentment towards me. But it was @@ -4857,44 +4739,44 @@ a foolish, impetuous lover, had spoken out his mind and his wishes to her in the presence of his sister, who, it must be remembered, had heard no explanation of the conduct which had given her propriety so great a shock -the day before. Herr Müller thought to re-instate -Thekla in his sister's good opinion by giving her in -the Fräulein's very presence the highest possible mark +the day before. Herr Müller thought to re-instate +Thekla in his sister’s good opinion by giving her in +the Fräulein’s very presence the highest possible mark of his own love and esteem. And there in the kitchen, -where the Fräulein was deeply engaged in the hot work +where the Fräulein was deeply engaged in the hot work of making some delicate preserve on the stove, and ordering Thekla about with short, sharp displeasure in her tones, the master had come in, and possessing -himself of the maiden's hand, had, to her infinite surprise—to -his sister's infinite indignation—made her the +himself of the maiden’s hand, had, to her infinite surprise—to +his sister’s infinite indignation—made her the offer of his heart, his wealth, his life; had begged of her to marry him. I could gather from his account that she had been in a state of trembling discomfiture at first; she had not spoken, but had twisted her hand out of his, and had covered her face with her apron. -And then the Fräulein had burst forth—"accursed -words" he called her speech. Thekla uncovered her +And then the Fräulein had burst forth—“accursed +words” he called her speech. Thekla uncovered her face to listen; to listen to the end; to listen to the passionate recrimination between the brother and the sister. And then she went up, close up to the angry -Fräulein, and had said quite quietly, but with a manner +Fräulein, and had said quite quietly, but with a manner of final determination which had evidently sunk deep -into her suitor's heart, and depressed him into hopelessness, -that the Fräulein had no need to disturb herself; +into her suitor’s heart, and depressed him into hopelessness, +that the Fräulein had no need to disturb herself; that on this very day she had been thinking of marrying another man, and that her heart was not like a room to let, into which as one tenant went out another -might enter. Nevertheless, she felt the master's goodness. +might enter. Nevertheless, she felt the master’s goodness. He had always treated her well from the time when she had entered the house as his servant. And she should be sorry to leave him; sorry to leave the children; very sorry to leave little Max: yes, she should -even be sorry to leave the Fräulein, who was a good +even be sorry to leave the Fräulein, who was a good woman, only a little too apt to be hard on other women. But she had already been that very day and deposited her warning at the police office; the busy time would be soon over, and she should be glad to leave their -service on All Saints' Day. Then (he thought) she +service on All Saints’ Day. Then (he thought) she had felt inclined to cry, for she suddenly braced herself up, and said, yes, she should be very glad; for somehow, though they had been kind to her, she had been @@ -4904,7 +4786,7 @@ stepmother, and her nursling half-sister Ida, and be among her own people again.</p> <p>I could see it was this last part that most of all -rankled in Herr Müller's mind. In all probability +rankled in Herr Müller’s mind. In all probability Franz Weber was making his way back to Heppenheim too; and the bad suspicion would keep welling up that some lingering feeling for her old lover and disgraced @@ -4918,10 +4800,10 @@ was always on her face. Lottchen spoke out freely enough; the place would not be worth having if Thekla left it; it was she who had the head for everything, the patience for everything; who stood between all the -under-servants and the Fräulein's tempers. As for the +under-servants and the Fräulein’s tempers. As for the children, poor motherless children! Lottchen was sure that the master did not know what he was doing when -he allowed his sister to turn Thekla away—and all for +he allowed his sister to turn Thekla away—and all for what? for having a lover, as every girl had who could get one. Why, the little boy Max slept in the room which Lottchen shared with Thekla; and she heard @@ -4936,7 +4818,7 @@ the room I could hear her repeating that she thought she should leave when Thekla went, for that her place would not be worth having.</p> -<p>Even the Fräulein had her word of regret—regret +<p>Even the Fräulein had her word of regret—regret mingled with self-justification. She thought she had been quite right in speaking to Thekla for allowing such familiarities; how was she to know that the man was @@ -4944,8 +4826,8 @@ an old friend and playmate? He looked like a right profligate good-for-nothing. And to have a servant take up her scolding as an unpardonable offence, and persist in quitting her place, just when she had learnt all her -work, and was so useful in the household—so useful -that the Fräulein could never put up with any fresh, +work, and was so useful in the household—so useful +that the Fräulein could never put up with any fresh, stupid house-maiden, but, sooner than take the trouble of teaching the new servant where everything was, and how to give out the stores if she was busy, she would @@ -4958,35 +4840,35 @@ compared to Worms.</p> of leaving him, and returning to her former home; indeed a feeling of coolness had evidently grown up between the brother and sister during these latter days. -When one evening Herr Müller brought in his pipe, +When one evening Herr Müller brought in his pipe, and, as his custom had sometimes been, sat down by my stove to smoke, he looked gloomy and annoyed. I let him puff away, and take his own time. At length he -began,—</p> +began,—</p> -<p>"I have rid the village of him at last. I could not +<p>“I have rid the village of him at last. I could not bear to have him here disgracing Thekla with speaking to her whenever she went to the vineyard or the fountain. -I don't believe she likes him a bit."</p> +I don’t believe she likes him a bit.”</p> -<p>"No more do I," I said. He turned on me.</p> +<p>“No more do I,” I said. He turned on me.</p> -<p>"Then why did she speak to him at all? Why cannot +<p>“Then why did she speak to him at all? Why cannot she like an honest man who likes her? Why is she -so bent on going home to Altenahr?"</p> +so bent on going home to Altenahr?”</p> -<p>"She speaks to him because she has known him from +<p>“She speaks to him because she has known him from a child, and has a faithful pity for one whom she has known so innocent, and who is now so lost in all good -men's regard. As for not liking an honest man—(though -I may have my own opinion about that)—liking +men’s regard. As for not liking an honest man—(though +I may have my own opinion about that)—liking goes by fancy, as we say in English; and Altenahr is -her home; her father's house is at Altenahr, as you -know."</p> +her home; her father’s house is at Altenahr, as you +know.”</p> -<p>"I wonder if he will go there," quoth Herr Müller, -after two or three more puffs. "He was fast at the -'Adler;' he could not pay his score, so he kept on +<p>“I wonder if he will go there,” quoth Herr Müller, +after two or three more puffs. “He was fast at the +‘Adler;’ he could not pay his score, so he kept on staying here, saying that he should receive a letter from a friend with money in a day or two; lying in wait, too, for Thekla, who is well-known and respected all through @@ -4995,48 +4877,48 @@ him have a kind of standing. I went in this morning and paid his score, on condition that he left the place this day; and he left the village as merrily as a cricket, caring no more for Thekla than for the Kaiser who built -our church: for he never looked back at the 'Halbmond,' -but went whistling down the road."</p> +our church: for he never looked back at the ‘Halbmond,’ +but went whistling down the road.”</p> -<p>"That is a good riddance," said I.</p> +<p>“That is a good riddance,” said I.</p> -<p>"Yes. But my sister says she must return to Worms. +<p>“Yes. But my sister says she must return to Worms. And Lottchen has given notice; she says the place will not be worth having when Thekla leaves. I wish I -could give notice too."</p> +could give notice too.”</p> -<p>"Try Thekla again."</p> +<p>“Try Thekla again.”</p> -<p>"Not I," said he, reddening. "It would seem now +<p>“Not I,” said he, reddening. “It would seem now as if I only wanted her for a housekeeper. Besides, she avoids me at every turn, and will not even look at me. I am sure she bears me some ill-will about that -ne'er-do-well."</p> +ne’er-do-well.”</p> <p>There was silence between us for some time, which he at length broke.</p> -<p>"The pastor has a good and comely daughter. Her +<p>“The pastor has a good and comely daughter. Her mother is a famous housewife. They often have asked me to come to the parsonage and smoke a pipe. When the vintage is over, and I am less busy, I think I will -go there, and look about me."</p> +go there, and look about me.”</p> -<p>"When is the vintage?" asked I. "I hope it will +<p>“When is the vintage?” asked I. “I hope it will take place soon, for I am growing so well and strong I fear I must leave you shortly; but I should like to see -the vintage first."</p> +the vintage first.”</p> -<p>"Oh, never fear! you must not travel yet awhile; and +<p>“Oh, never fear! you must not travel yet awhile; and Government has fixed the grape-gathering to begin on -the fourteenth."</p> +the fourteenth.”</p> -<p>"What a paternal Government! How does it +<p>“What a paternal Government! How does it know when the grapes will be ripe? Why cannot every man fix his own time for gathering his own -grapes?"</p> +grapes?”</p> -<p>"That has never been our way in Germany. There +<p>“That has never been our way in Germany. There are people employed by the Government to examine the vines, and report when the grapes are ripe. It is necessary to make laws about it; for, as you must have seen, @@ -5045,99 +4927,99 @@ vineyards and fruit-trees; there are no enclosures along the Berg-Strasse, as you tell me you have in England; but, as people are only allowed to go into the vineyards on stated days, no one, under pretence of gathering his -own produce, can stray into his neighbour's grounds and -help himself, without some of the duke's foresters seeing -him."</p> +own produce, can stray into his neighbour’s grounds and +help himself, without some of the duke’s foresters seeing +him.”</p> -<p>"Well," said I, "to each country its own laws."</p> +<p>“Well,” said I, “to each country its own laws.”</p> <p>I think it was on that very evening that Thekla came in for something. She stopped arranging the tablecloth and the flowers, as if she had something to say, yet did not know how to begin. At length I found that her sore, hot heart, wanted some sympathy; her hand -was against every one's, and she fancied every one had +was against every one’s, and she fancied every one had turned against her. She looked up at me, and said, a -little abruptly,—</p> +little abruptly,—</p> -<p>"Does the gentleman know that I go on the -fifteenth?"</p> +<p>“Does the gentleman know that I go on the +fifteenth?”</p> -<p>"So soon?" said I, with surprise. "I thought you -were to remain here till All Saints' Day."</p> +<p>“So soon?” said I, with surprise. “I thought you +were to remain here till All Saints’ Day.”</p> -<p>"So I should have done—so I must have done—if -the Fräulein had not kindly given me leave to accept of -a place—a very good place too—of housekeeper to a +<p>“So I should have done—so I must have done—if +the Fräulein had not kindly given me leave to accept of +a place—a very good place too—of housekeeper to a widow lady at Frankfort. It is just the sort of situation I have always wished for. I expect I shall be so happy -and comfortable there."</p> +and comfortable there.”</p> -<p>"Methinks the lady doth profess too much," came +<p>“Methinks the lady doth profess too much,” came into my mind. I saw she expected me to doubt the probability of her happiness, and was in a defiant mood.</p> -<p>"Of course," said I, "you would hardly have wished +<p>“Of course,” said I, “you would hardly have wished to leave Heppenheim if you had been happy here; and every new place always promises fair, whatever its performance may be. But wherever you go, remember you -have always a friend in me."</p> +have always a friend in me.”</p> -<p>"Yes," she replied, "I think you are to be trusted. +<p>“Yes,” she replied, “I think you are to be trusted. Though, from my experience, I should say that of very -few men."</p> +few men.”</p> -<p>"You have been unfortunate," I answered; "many -men would say the same of women."</p> +<p>“You have been unfortunate,” I answered; “many +men would say the same of women.”</p> <p>She thought a moment, and then said, in a changed -tone of voice, "The Fräulein here has been much more +tone of voice, “The Fräulein here has been much more friendly and helpful of these late days than her brother; yet I have served him faithfully, and have cared for his little Max as though he were my own brother. But this morning he spoke to me for the first time for many -days,—he met me in the passage, and, suddenly stopping, +days,—he met me in the passage, and, suddenly stopping, he said he was glad I had met with so comfortable a place, and that I was at full liberty to go whenever I liked: and then he went quickly on, never waiting for -my answer."</p> +my answer.”</p> -<p>"And what was wrong in that? It seems to me he +<p>“And what was wrong in that? It seems to me he was trying to make you feel entirely at your ease, to do as you thought best, without regard to his own -interests."</p> +interests.”</p> -<p>"Perhaps so. It is silly, I know," she continued, -turning full on me her grave, innocent eyes; "but one's +<p>“Perhaps so. It is silly, I know,” she continued, +turning full on me her grave, innocent eyes; “but one’s vanity suffers a little when every one is so willing to part -with one."</p> +with one.”</p> -<p>"Thekla! I owe you a great debt—let me speak to +<p>“Thekla! I owe you a great debt—let me speak to you openly. I know that your master wanted to marry you, and that you refused him. Do not deceive yourself. -You are sorry for that refusal now?"</p> +You are sorry for that refusal now?”</p> <p>She kept her serious look fixed upon me; but her face and throat reddened all over.</p> -<p>"No," said she, at length; "I am not sorry. What +<p>“No,” said she, at length; “I am not sorry. What can you think I am made of; having loved one man ever since I was a little child until a fortnight ago, and now just as ready to love another? I know you do not rightly consider what you say, or I should take it as an -insult."</p> +insult.”</p> -<p>"You loved an ideal man; he disappointed you, and +<p>“You loved an ideal man; he disappointed you, and you clung to your remembrance of him. He came, and -the reality dispelled all illusions."</p> +the reality dispelled all illusions.”</p> -<p>"I do not understand philosophy," said she. "I -only know that I think that Herr Müller had lost all +<p>“I do not understand philosophy,” said she. “I +only know that I think that Herr Müller had lost all respect for me from what his sister had told him; and I know that I am going away; and I trust I shall be happier in Frankfort than I have been here of late -days." So saying, she left the room.</p> +days.” So saying, she left the room.</p> <p>I was wakened up on the morning of the fourteenth by the merry ringing of church bells, and the perpetual @@ -5149,9 +5031,9 @@ glistening on the delicate gossamer webs, which stretched from flower to flower in the garden, lying in the morning shadow of the house. But beyond the garden, on the sunny hill-side, men, women, and children were clambering -up the vineyards like ants,—busy, irregular in movement, -clustering together, spreading wide apart,—I could -hear the shrill merry voices as I sat,—and all along the +up the vineyards like ants,—busy, irregular in movement, +clustering together, spreading wide apart,—I could +hear the shrill merry voices as I sat,—and all along the valley, as far as I could see, it was much the same; for every one filled his house for the day of the vintage, that great annual festival. Lottchen, who had brought @@ -5161,10 +5043,10 @@ grapes. Bright colours seemed to abound; I could see dots of scarlet, and crimson, and orange through the fading leaves; it was not a day to languish in the house; and I was on the point of going out by myself, -when Herr Müller came in to offer me his sturdy arm, +when Herr Müller came in to offer me his sturdy arm, and help me in walking to the vineyard. We crept through the garden scented with late flowers and sunny -fruit,—we passed through the gate I had so often gazed +fruit,—we passed through the gate I had so often gazed at from the easy-chair, and were in the busy vineyard; great baskets lay on the grass already piled nearly full of purple and yellow grapes. The wine made from these @@ -5183,7 +5065,7 @@ snowy shirt and gaily-worked braces; and presently he was as busy as any one. I looked down on the village; the gray and orange and crimson roofs lay glowing in the noonday sun. I could see down into the streets; -but they were all empty—even the old people came toiling +but they were all empty—even the old people came toiling up the hill-side to share in the general festivity. Lottchen had brought up cold dinners for a regiment of men; every one came and helped himself. Thekla was @@ -5194,18 +5076,18 @@ sad and grave, and spoke so little, even to her friends, that it was evident to see that she was trying to wean herself finally from the place. But I could see that she had lost her short, defiant manner. What she did say -was kindly and gently spoken. The Fräulein came out +was kindly and gently spoken. The Fräulein came out late in the morning, dressed, I suppose, in the latest -Worms fashion—quite different to anything I had ever +Worms fashion—quite different to anything I had ever seen before. She came up to me, and talked very graciously to me for some time.</p> -<p>"Here comes the proprietor (squire) and his lady, +<p>“Here comes the proprietor (squire) and his lady, and their dear children. See, the vintagers have tied bunches of the finest grapes on to a stick, heavier than the children or even the lady can carry. Look! look! -how he bows!—one can tell he has been an <i>attaché</i> at -Vienna. That is the court way of bowing there—holding +how he bows!—one can tell he has been an <i>attaché</i> at +Vienna. That is the court way of bowing there—holding the hat right down before them, and bending the back at right angles. How graceful! And here is the doctor! I thought he would spare time to come up @@ -5213,12 +5095,12 @@ here. Well, doctor, you will go all the more cheerfully to your next patient for having been up into the vineyards. Nonsense, about grapes making other patients for you. Ah, here is the pastor and his wife, and the -Fräulein Anna. Now, where is my brother, I wonder? +Fräulein Anna. Now, where is my brother, I wonder? Up in the far vineyard, I make no doubt. Mr. Pastor, the view up above is far finer than what it is here, and the best grapes grow there; shall I accompany you and -madame, and the dear Fräulein? The gentleman will -excuse me."</p> +madame, and the dear Fräulein? The gentleman will +excuse me.”</p> <p>I was left alone. Presently I thought I would walk a little farther, or at any rate change my position. I @@ -5237,38 +5119,38 @@ watching the busy fingers with eager intentness. Both looked up as I drew near, and we exchanged a few words.</p> -<p>"Where is the master?" I asked. "I promised to +<p>“Where is the master?” I asked. “I promised to await his return; he wished to give me his arm down -the wooden steps; but I do not see him."</p> +the wooden steps; but I do not see him.”</p> -<p>"He is in the higher vineyard," said Thekla, quietly, -but not looking round in that direction. "He will be some +<p>“He is in the higher vineyard,” said Thekla, quietly, +but not looking round in that direction. “He will be some time there, I should think. He went with the pastor and his wife; he will have to speak to his labourers and his friends. My arm is strong, and I can leave -Max in Lina's care for five minutes. If you are tired, +Max in Lina’s care for five minutes. If you are tired, and want to go back, let me help you down the steps; -they are steep and slippery."</p> +they are steep and slippery.”</p> <p>I had turned to look up the valley. Three or four hundred yards off, in the higher vineyard, walked the dignified pastor, and his homely, decorous wife. Behind -came the Fräulein Anna, in her short-sleeved Sunday +came the Fräulein Anna, in her short-sleeved Sunday gown, daintily holding a parasol over her luxuriant brown -hair. Close behind her came Herr Müller, stopping -now to speak to his men,—again, to cull out a bunch -of grapes to tie on to the Fräulein's stick; and by my +hair. Close behind her came Herr Müller, stopping +now to speak to his men,—again, to cull out a bunch +of grapes to tie on to the Fräulein’s stick; and by my feet sate the proud serving-maid in her country dress, waiting for my answer, with serious, up-turned eyes, and sad, composed face.</p> -<p>"No, I am much obliged to you, Thekla; and if +<p>“No, I am much obliged to you, Thekla; and if I did not feel so strong I would have thankfully taken your arm. But I only wanted to leave a message for -the master, just to say that I have gone home."</p> +the master, just to say that I have gone home.”</p> -<p>"Lina will give it to the father when he comes -down," said Thekla.</p> +<p>“Lina will give it to the father when he comes +down,” said Thekla.</p> <p>I went slowly down into the garden. The great labour of the day was over, and the younger part of @@ -5291,7 +5173,7 @@ spared to see that day. Then I heard the distant voices, the deep tones of the men, the shriller pipes of women and children, join in the German harvest-hymn, which is generally sung on such occasions;<a href="#gwfn"><small><sup>1</sup></small></a> -<a name="gwfnr" id="gwfnr"></a> +<a id="gwfnr"></a> then silence, while I concluded that a blessing was spoken by the pastor, with outstretched arms; and then they once more dispersed, some to the village, some to @@ -5299,38 +5181,38 @@ finish their labours for the day among the vines. I saw Thekla coming through the garden with Max in her arms, and Lina clinging to her woollen skirts. Thekla made for my open window; it was rather a shorter -passage into the house than round by the door. "I -may come through, may I not?" she asked, softly. -"I fear Max is not well; I cannot understand his -look, and he wakened up so strange!" She paused -to let me see the child's face; it was flushed almost +passage into the house than round by the door. “I +may come through, may I not?” she asked, softly. +“I fear Max is not well; I cannot understand his +look, and he wakened up so strange!” She paused +to let me see the child’s face; it was flushed almost to a crimson look of heat, and his breathing was laboured and uneasy, his eyes half-open and filmy.</p> -<p>"Something is wrong, I am sure," said I. "I don't +<p>“Something is wrong, I am sure,” said I. “I don’t know anything about children, but he is not in the least -like himself."</p> +like himself.”</p> <p>She bent down and kissed the cheek so tenderly that -she would not have bruised the petal of a rose. "Heart's -darling," she murmured. He quivered all over at her +she would not have bruised the petal of a rose. “Heart’s +darling,” she murmured. He quivered all over at her touch, working his fingers in an unnatural kind of way, and ending with a convulsive twitching all over his body. Lina began to cry at the grave, anxious look on our faces.</p> -<p>"You had better call the Fräulein to look at him," -said I. "I feel sure he ought to have a doctor; I -should say he was going to have a fit."</p> +<p>“You had better call the Fräulein to look at him,” +said I. “I feel sure he ought to have a doctor; I +should say he was going to have a fit.”</p> -<p>"The Fräulein and the master are gone to the -pastor's for coffee, and Lottchen is in the higher vineyard, +<p>“The Fräulein and the master are gone to the +pastor’s for coffee, and Lottchen is in the higher vineyard, taking the men their bread and beer. Could you find the kitchen girl, or old Karl? he will be in the -stables, I think. I must lose no time." Almost without +stables, I think. I must lose no time.” Almost without waiting for my reply, she had passed through the room, and in the empty house I could hear her firm, -careful footsteps going up the stair; Lina's pattering +careful footsteps going up the stair; Lina’s pattering beside her; and the one voice wailing, the other speaking low comfort.</p> @@ -5339,79 +5221,79 @@ me too much like one of their own for me not to do what I could in such a case as this. I made my way out into the street, for the first time since I had come to the house on that memorable evening six weeks ago. I -bribed the first person I met to guide me to the doctor's, -and send him straight down to the "Halbmond," not +bribed the first person I met to guide me to the doctor’s, +and send him straight down to the “Halbmond,” not staying to listen to the thorough scolding he fell to giving me; then on to the parsonage, to tell the master -and the Fräulein of the state of things at home.</p> +and the Fräulein of the state of things at home.</p> <p>I was sorry to be the bearer of bad news into such a -festive chamber as the pastor's. There they sat, resting +festive chamber as the pastor’s. There they sat, resting after heat and fatigue, each in their best gala dress, -the table spread with "Dicker-milch," potato-salad, -cakes of various shapes and kinds—all the dainty <ins title="delicacy (archaic)">cates</ins> +the table spread with “Dicker-milch,” potato-salad, +cakes of various shapes and kinds—all the dainty <ins title="delicacy (archaic)">cates</ins> dear to the German palate. The pastor was talking to -Herr Müller, who stood near the pretty young Fräulein +Herr Müller, who stood near the pretty young Fräulein Anna, in her fresh white chemisette, with her round white arms, and her youthful coquettish airs, as she -prepared to pour out the coffee; our Fräulein was talking +prepared to pour out the coffee; our Fräulein was talking busily to the Frau Mama; the younger boys and girls of the family filling up the room. A ghost would have startled the assembled party less than I did, and would probably have been more welcome, considering the news I brought. As he listened, the master caught up his hat and went forth, without apology or farewell. -Our Fräulein made up for both, and questioned me +Our Fräulein made up for both, and questioned me fully; but now she, I could see, was in haste to go, although restrained by her manners, and the kind-hearted Frau Pastorin soon set her at liberty to follow her inclination. As for me I was dead-beat, and only -too glad to avail myself of the hospitable couple's pressing +too glad to avail myself of the hospitable couple’s pressing request that I would stop and share their meal. Other magnates of the village came in presently, and relieved me of the strain of keeping up a German conversation about nothing at all with entire strangers. -The pretty Fräulein's face had clouded over a little at -Herr Müller's sudden departure; but she was soon as +The pretty Fräulein’s face had clouded over a little at +Herr Müller’s sudden departure; but she was soon as bright as could be, giving private chase and sudden little scoldings to her brothers, as they made raids upon the dainties under her charge. After I was duly rested and refreshed, I took my leave; for I, too, had -my quieter anxieties about the sorrow in the Müller +my quieter anxieties about the sorrow in the Müller family.</p> -<p>The only person I could see at the "Halbmond" +<p>The only person I could see at the “Halbmond” was Lottchen; every one else was busy about the poor little Max, who was passing from one fit into another. I told Lottchen to ask the doctor to come in and see me before he took his leave for the night, and tired as I was, I kept up till after his visit, though it was very late before he came; I could see from his face how anxious -he was. He would give me no opinion as to the child's +he was. He would give me no opinion as to the child’s chances of recovery, from which I guessed that he had not much hope. But when I expressed my fear he cut me very short.</p> -<p>"The truth is, you know nothing about it; no more +<p>“The truth is, you know nothing about it; no more do I, for that matter. It is enough to try any man, -much less a father, to hear his perpetual moans—not +much less a father, to hear his perpetual moans—not that he is conscious of pain, poor little worm; but if she stops for a moment in her perpetual carrying him backwards and forwards, he plains so piteously it is -enough to—enough to make a man bless the Lord who +enough to—enough to make a man bless the Lord who never led him into the pit of matrimony. To see the father up there, following her as she walks up and down -the room, the child's head over her shoulder, and Müller +the room, the child’s head over her shoulder, and Müller trying to make the heavy eyes recognize the old familiar ways of play, and the chirruping sounds which he can -scarce make for crying<span class="norewrap">——</span>I shall be here to-morrow +scarce make for crying<span class="norewrap">——</span>I shall be here to-morrow early, though before that either life or death will have -come without the old doctor's help."</p> +come without the old doctor’s help.”</p> -<p>All night long I dreamt my feverish dream—of the -vineyard—the carts, which held little coffins instead of -baskets of grapes—of the pastor's daughter, who would -pull the dying child out of Thekla's arms; it was a bad, +<p>All night long I dreamt my feverish dream—of the +vineyard—the carts, which held little coffins instead of +baskets of grapes—of the pastor’s daughter, who would +pull the dying child out of Thekla’s arms; it was a bad, weary night! I slept long into the morning; the broad daylight filled my room, and yet no one had been near to waken me! Did that mean life or death? I got up @@ -5424,28 +5306,28 @@ it was life or death. At the door of a room I found Lottchen crying; at the sight of me in that unwonted place she started, and began some kind of apology, broken both by tears and smiles, as she told me that the -doctor said the danger was over—past, and that Max -was sleeping a gentle peaceful slumber in Thekla's -arms—arms that had held him all through the livelong +doctor said the danger was over—past, and that Max +was sleeping a gentle peaceful slumber in Thekla’s +arms—arms that had held him all through the livelong night.</p> -<p>"Look at him, sir; only go in softly; it is a pleasure -to see the child to-day; tread softly, sir."</p> +<p>“Look at him, sir; only go in softly; it is a pleasure +to see the child to-day; tread softly, sir.”</p> <p>She opened the chamber-door. I could see Thekla sitting, propped up by cushions and stools, holding her heavy burden, and bending over him with a look of tenderest -love. Not far off stood the Fräulein, all disordered +love. Not far off stood the Fräulein, all disordered and tearful, stirring or seasoning some hot soup, while the master stood by her impatient. As soon as it was cooled or seasoned enough he took the basin and went to Thekla, and said something very low; she lifted up her head, and I could see her face; pale, weary with watching, but with a soft peaceful look upon it, which -it had not worn for weeks. Fritz Müller began to feed +it had not worn for weeks. Fritz Müller began to feed her, for her hands were occupied in holding his child; -I could not help remembering Mrs. Inchbald's pretty -description of Dorriforth's anxiety in feeding Miss Milner; +I could not help remembering Mrs. Inchbald’s pretty +description of Dorriforth’s anxiety in feeding Miss Milner; she compares it, if I remember rightly, to that of a tender-hearted boy, caring for his darling bird, the loss of which would embitter all the joys of his holidays. @@ -5454,52 +5336,52 @@ the sleeping child. Lottchen brought me my coffee and bread; she was ready either to laugh or to weep on the slightest occasion. I could not tell if it was in innocence or mischief. She asked me the following -question,—</p> +question,—</p> -<p>"Do you think Thekla will leave to-day, sir?"</p> +<p>“Do you think Thekla will leave to-day, sir?”</p> -<p>In the afternoon I heard Thekla's step behind my +<p>In the afternoon I heard Thekla’s step behind my extemporary screen. I knew it quite well. She stopped for a moment before emerging into my view.</p> <p>She was trying to look as composed as usual, but, perhaps because her steady nerves had been shaken by -her night's watching, she could not help faint touches of +her night’s watching, she could not help faint touches of dimples at the corners of her mouth, and her eyes were veiled from any inquisitive look by their drooping lids.</p> -<p>"I thought you would like to know that the doctor +<p>“I thought you would like to know that the doctor says Max is quite out of danger now. He will only -require care."</p> +require care.”</p> -<p>"Thank you, Thekla; Doctor <span class="norewrap">——</span> has been in +<p>“Thank you, Thekla; Doctor <span class="norewrap">——</span> has been in already this afternoon to tell me so, and I am truly -glad."</p> +glad.”</p> <p>She went to the window, and looked out for a moment. Many people were in the vineyards again to-day; although we, in our household anxiety, had paid them but little heed. Suddenly she turned round into the room, and I saw that her face was crimson with -blushes. In another instant Herr Müller entered by the +blushes. In another instant Herr Müller entered by the window.</p> -<p>"Has she told you, sir?" said he, possessing himself +<p>“Has she told you, sir?” said he, possessing himself of her hand, and looking all a-glow with happiness. -"Hast thou told our good friend?" addressing her.</p> +“Hast thou told our good friend?” addressing her.</p> -<p>"No. I was going to tell him, but I did not know -how to begin."</p> +<p>“No. I was going to tell him, but I did not know +how to begin.”</p> -<p>"Then I will prompt thee. Say after me—'I have -been a wilful, foolish woman<span class="norewrap">——</span>'"</p> +<p>“Then I will prompt thee. Say after me—‘I have +been a wilful, foolish woman<span class="norewrap">——</span>’”</p> -<p>She wrenched her hand out of his, half-laughing—"I +<p>She wrenched her hand out of his, half-laughing—“I am a foolish woman, for I have promised to marry him. But he is a still more foolish man, for he wishes -to marry me. That is what I say."</p> +to marry me. That is what I say.”</p> -<p>"And I have sent Babette to Frankfort with the +<p>“And I have sent Babette to Frankfort with the pastor. He is going there, and will explain all to Frau v. Schmidt; and Babette will serve her for a time. When Max is well enough to have the change @@ -5507,30 +5389,26 @@ of air the doctor prescribes for him, thou shalt take him to Altenahr, and thither will I also go; and become known to thy people and thy father. And before Christmas the gentleman here shall dance at our -wedding."</p> +wedding.”</p> -<p>"I must go home to England, dear friends, before +<p>“I must go home to England, dear friends, before many days are over. Perhaps we may travel together as far as Remagen. Another year I will come back to -Heppenheim and see you."</p> +Heppenheim and see you.”</p> <p>As I planned it, so it was. We left Heppenheim all -together on a lovely All-Saints' Day. The day before—the -day of All-Souls—I had watched Fritz and Thekla +together on a lovely All-Saints’ Day. The day before—the +day of All-Souls—I had watched Fritz and Thekla lead little Lina up to the Acre of God, the Field of -Rest, to hang the wreath of immortelles on her mother's +Rest, to hang the wreath of immortelles on her mother’s grave. Peace be with the dead and the living.</p> -<p> </p> -<hr class="narrow" /> -<p> </p> -<p> </p> -<h3><a name="lm" id="lm"></a>LIBBIE MARSH'S THREE ERAS.</h3> -<p> </p> -<h3>ERA I.</h3> +<hr class="chap"> +<h2 id="lm">LIBBIE MARSH’S THREE ERAS.</h2> -<h4>VALENTINE'S DAY.</h4> +<h3>ERA I.</h3> +<div class="center bold" style="font-size: small;">VALENTINE’S DAY.</div> <p>Last November but one, there was a flitting in our neighbourhood; hardly a flitting, after all, for it was @@ -5551,22 +5429,22 @@ try to be contented, but in spite of her reason, the old feeling of desolation came over her, as she was now about to be thrown again entirely among strangers.</p> -<p>No. 2, <span class="norewrap">——</span> Court, Albemarle Street, was reached at +<p>No. 2, <span class="norewrap">——</span> Court, Albemarle Street, was reached at last, and the pace, slow as it was, slackened as she drew near the spot where she was to be left by the man who carried her box, for, trivial as her acquaintance with him was, he was not quite a stranger, as every one else was, peering out of their open doors, and satisfying themselves -it was only "Dixon's new lodger."</p> +it was only “Dixon’s new lodger.”</p> -<p>Dixon's house was the last on the left-hand side of +<p>Dixon’s house was the last on the left-hand side of the court. A high dead brick wall connected it with its opposite neighbour. All the dwellings were of the same monotonous pattern, and one side of the court looked at its exact likeness opposite, as if it were seeing itself in a looking-glass.</p> -<p>Dixon's house was shut up, and the key left next +<p>Dixon’s house was shut up, and the key left next door; but the woman in whose charge it was left knew that Libbie was expected, and came forward to say a few explanatory words, to unlock the door, and stir the dull @@ -5581,10 +5459,10 @@ tears.</p> <p>Dixon and his wife, and their eldest girl, worked in factories, and were absent all day from the house: the youngest child, also a little girl, was boarded out on the -week-days at the neighbour's where the door-key was +week-days at the neighbour’s where the door-key was deposited, but although busy making dirt-pies, at the entrance to the court, when Libbie came in, she was too -young to care much about her parents' new lodger. +young to care much about her parents’ new lodger. Libbie knew that she was to sleep with the elder girl in the front bedroom, but, as you may fancy, it seemed a liberty even to go upstairs to take off her things, when no @@ -5592,8 +5470,8 @@ one was at home to marshal the way up the ladder-like steps. So she could only take off her bonnet, and sit down, and gaze at the now blazing fire, and think sadly on the past, and on the lonely creature she was in this -wide world—father and mother gone, her little brother -long since dead—he would have been more than nineteen had +wide world—father and mother gone, her little brother +long since dead—he would have been more than nineteen had he been alive, but she only thought of him as the darling baby; her only friends (to call friends) living far away at their new house; her employers, kind enough @@ -5601,10 +5479,10 @@ people in their way, but too rapidly twirling round on this bustling earth to have leisure to think of the little work-woman, excepting when they wanted gowns turned, carpets mended, or household linen darned; and hardly -even the natural though hidden hope of a young girl's +even the natural though hidden hope of a young girl’s heart, to cheer her on with the bright visions of a home of her own at some future day, where, loving -and beloved, she might fulfil a woman's dearest +and beloved, she might fulfil a woman’s dearest duties.</p> <p>For Libbie was very plain, as she had known so long @@ -5617,9 +5495,9 @@ are sure to hear a good number of truths, some of them combined with such a spirit of impudent fun, that you can scarcely keep from laughing, even at the joke against yourself. Libbie had often and often been -greeted by such questions as—"How long is it since -you were a beauty?"—"What would you take a day -to stand in the fields to scare away the birds?" +greeted by such questions as—“How long is it since +you were a beauty?”—“What would you take a day +to stand in the fields to scare away the birds?” &c., for her to linger under any impression as to her looks.</p> @@ -5634,15 +5512,15 @@ laughed so loudly and so much, and bustled about so noisily over everything they did. Dixon took hold of one iron handle of her box, and helped her to bump it upstairs, while his daughter Anne followed to see the -unpacking, and what sort of clothes "little sewing -body had gotten." Mrs. Dixon rattled out her tea-things, +unpacking, and what sort of clothes “little sewing +body had gotten.” Mrs. Dixon rattled out her tea-things, and put the kettle on, fetched home her youngest child, which added to the commotion. Then she called Anne downstairs, and sent her for this thing and that: eggs to put to the cream, it was so thin; ham, to give a relish to the bread and butter; some new bread, hot, if she could get it. Libbie heard all these orders, given -at full pitch of Mrs. Dixon's voice, and wondered at +at full pitch of Mrs. Dixon’s voice, and wondered at their extravagance, so different from the habits of the place where she had last lodged. But they were fine spinners, in the receipt of good wages; and confined all @@ -5661,10 +5539,10 @@ to ask for a candle, to go and finish her unpacking before bedtime, as she had to go out sewing for several succeeding days. But once in the comparative peace of her bedroom, her energy failed her, and she contented -herself with locking her Noah's ark of a chest, and put +herself with locking her Noah’s ark of a chest, and put out her candle, and went to sit by the window, and gaze -out at the bright heavens; for ever and ever "the blue -sky, that bends over all," sheds down a feeling of sympathy +out at the bright heavens; for ever and ever “the blue +sky, that bends over all,” sheds down a feeling of sympathy with the sorrowful at the solemn hours when the ceaseless stars are seen to pace its depths.</p> @@ -5672,8 +5550,8 @@ ceaseless stars are seen to pace its depths.</p> window to her own, on the opposite side of the court. It was lighted, but the blind was drawn down: upon the blind she saw, first unconsciously, the constant -weary motion of a little spectral shadow, a child's hand -and arm—no more; long, thin fingers hanging down +weary motion of a little spectral shadow, a child’s hand +and arm—no more; long, thin fingers hanging down from the wrist, while the arm moved up and down, as if keeping time to the heavy pulses of dull pain. She could not help hoping that sleep would soon come to @@ -5685,19 +5563,19 @@ sudden start of agony. When Anne came up to bed, Libbie was still sitting, watching the shadow, and she directly asked to whom it belonged.</p> -<p>"It will be Margaret Hall's lad. Last summer, when +<p>“It will be Margaret Hall’s lad. Last summer, when it was so hot, there was no biding with the window shut -at night, and theirs was open too: and many's the time -he has waked me with his moans; they say he's been -better sin' cold weather came."</p> +at night, and theirs was open too: and many’s the time +he has waked me with his moans; they say he’s been +better sin’ cold weather came.”</p> -<p>"Is he always in bed? Whatten ails him?" asked +<p>“Is he always in bed? Whatten ails him?” asked Libbie.</p> -<p>"Summat's amiss wi' his backbone, folks say; he's -better and worse, like. He's a nice little chap enough, -and his mother's not that bad either; only my mother -and her had words, so now we don't speak."</p> +<p>“Summat’s amiss wi’ his backbone, folks say; he’s +better and worse, like. He’s a nice little chap enough, +and his mother’s not that bad either; only my mother +and her had words, so now we don’t speak.”</p> <p>Libbie went on watching, and when she next spoke, to ask who and what his mother was, Anne Dixon was @@ -5708,7 +5586,7 @@ things. Libbie found out that Margaret Hall was a widow, who earned her living as a washerwoman; that the little suffering lad was her only child, her dearly beloved. That while she scolded, pretty nearly, everybody -else, "till her name was up" in the neighbourhood +else, “till her name was up” in the neighbourhood for a termagant, to him she was evidently most tender and gentle. He lay alone on his little bed, near the window, through the day, while she was away toiling @@ -5735,7 +5613,7 @@ that this gave him pleasure. I think she would have been encouraged by this smile to have proceeded to a speaking acquaintance, if it had not been for his terrible mother, to whom it seemed to be irritation enough to -know that Libbie was a lodger at the Dixons' for her to +know that Libbie was a lodger at the Dixons’ for her to talk at her whenever they encountered each other, and to live evidently in wait for some good opportunity of abuse.</p> @@ -5773,7 +5651,7 @@ could have no more living flowers to tend.</p> <p>Libbie thought and thought, till at last an idea flashed upon her mind, that often made a happy smile steal over her face as she stitched away, and that cheered her -through the solitary winter—for solitary it continued to +through the solitary winter—for solitary it continued to be, though the Dixons were very good sort of people, never pressed her for payment, if she had had but little work to do that week; never grudged her a share of @@ -5784,21 +5662,21 @@ and they would fain have taught her to drink rum in her tea, assuring her that she should have it for nothing and welcome. But they were too touchy, too prosperous, too much absorbed in themselves, to -take off Libbie's feeling of solitariness; not half as +take off Libbie’s feeling of solitariness; not half as much as the little face by day, and the shadow by night, of him with whom she had never yet exchanged a word.</p> <p>Her idea was this: her mother came from the east of England, where, as perhaps you know, they have the -pretty custom of sending presents on St. Valentine's -day, with the donor's name unknown, and, of course, +pretty custom of sending presents on St. Valentine’s +day, with the donor’s name unknown, and, of course, the mystery constitutes half the enjoyment. The fourteenth -of February was Libbie's birthday too, and many +of February was Libbie’s birthday too, and many a year, in the happy days of old, had her mother delighted to surprise her with some little gift, of which she more than half-guessed the giver, although each -Valentine's day the manner of its arrival was varied. +Valentine’s day the manner of its arrival was varied. Since then the fourteenth of February had been the dreariest of all the year, because the most haunted by memory of departed happiness. But now, this @@ -5810,13 +5688,13 @@ who wore out his monotonous life with so few pleasures, and so much pain.</p> <p>I doubt I may not tell you here of the anxieties and the -fears, of the hopes and the self-sacrifices—all, perhaps -small in the tangible effect as the widow's mite, yet not +fears, of the hopes and the self-sacrifices—all, perhaps +small in the tangible effect as the widow’s mite, yet not the less marked by the viewless angels who go about -continually among us—which varied Libbie's life before +continually among us—which varied Libbie’s life before she accomplished her purpose. It is enough to say it was accomplished. The very day before the fourteenth -she found time to go with her half-guinea to a barber's +she found time to go with her half-guinea to a barber’s who lived near Albemarle Street, and who was famous for his stock of singing-birds. There are enthusiasts about all sorts of things, both good and bad, and many @@ -5827,7 +5705,7 @@ touch on the subject of birds to light up their faces with brightness. They will tell you who won the prizes at the last canary show, where the prize birds may be seen, and give you all the details of those funny, -but pretty and interesting mimicries of great people's +but pretty and interesting mimicries of great people’s cattle shows. Among these amateurs, Emanuel Morris the barber was an oracle.</p> @@ -5846,28 +5724,28 @@ all prize birds; and, on inquiry, Libbie heard, with some little sinking at heart, that their price ran from one to two guineas.</p> -<p>"I'm not over-particular as to shape and colour," -said she, "I should like a good singer, that's all!"</p> +<p>“I’m not over-particular as to shape and colour,” +said she, “I should like a good singer, that’s all!”</p> -<p>She dropped a little in Emanuel's estimation. However, +<p>She dropped a little in Emanuel’s estimation. However, he showed her his good singers, but all were above -Libbie's means.</p> +Libbie’s means.</p> -<p>"After all, I don't think I care so much about the -singing very loud; it's but a noise after all, and sometimes -noise fidgets folks."</p> +<p>“After all, I don’t think I care so much about the +singing very loud; it’s but a noise after all, and sometimes +noise fidgets folks.”</p> -<p>"They must be nesh folks as is put out with the -singing o' birds," replied Emanuel, rather affronted.</p> +<p>“They must be nesh folks as is put out with the +singing o’ birds,” replied Emanuel, rather affronted.</p> -<p>"It's for one who is poorly," said Libbie, deprecatingly.</p> +<p>“It’s for one who is poorly,” said Libbie, deprecatingly.</p> -<p>"Well," said he, as if considering the matter, "folk -that are cranky, often take more to them as shows 'em +<p>“Well,” said he, as if considering the matter, “folk +that are cranky, often take more to them as shows ’em love, than to them as is clever and gifted. Happen -yo'd rather have this'n," opening a cage-door, and calling +yo’d rather have this’n,” opening a cage-door, and calling to a dull-coloured bird, sitting moped up in a corner, -"Here—Jupiter, Jupiter!"</p> +“Here—Jupiter, Jupiter!”</p> <p>The bird smoothed its feathers in an instant, and, uttering a little note of delight, flew to Emanuel, putting @@ -5883,40 +5761,40 @@ preparatory to carrying it home. Emanuel meanwhile was giving her directions as to its food, with all the minuteness of one loving his subject.</p> -<p>"Will it soon get to know any one?" asked she.</p> +<p>“Will it soon get to know any one?” asked she.</p> -<p>"Give him two days only, and you and he'll be as -thick as him and me are now. You've only to open his -door, and call him, and he'll follow you round the room; -but he'll first kiss you, and then perch on your head. -He only wants larning, which I've no time to give him, -to do many another accomplishment."</p> +<p>“Give him two days only, and you and he’ll be as +thick as him and me are now. You’ve only to open his +door, and call him, and he’ll follow you round the room; +but he’ll first kiss you, and then perch on your head. +He only wants larning, which I’ve no time to give him, +to do many another accomplishment.”</p> -<p>"What's his name? I did not rightly catch it."</p> +<p>“What’s his name? I did not rightly catch it.”</p> -<p>"Jupiter,—it's not common; but the town's o'errun +<p>“Jupiter,—it’s not common; but the town’s o’errun with Bobbies and Dickies, and as my birds are thought -a bit out o' the way, I like to have better names for 'em, -so I just picked a few out o' my lad's school books. It's -just as ready, when you're used to it, to say Jupiter as -Dicky."</p> +a bit out o’ the way, I like to have better names for ’em, +so I just picked a few out o’ my lad’s school books. It’s +just as ready, when you’re used to it, to say Jupiter as +Dicky.”</p> -<p>"I could bring my tongue round to Peter better; -would he answer to Peter?" asked Libbie, now on the +<p>“I could bring my tongue round to Peter better; +would he answer to Peter?” asked Libbie, now on the point of departing.</p> -<p>"Happen he might; but I think he'd come readier to -the three syllables."</p> +<p>“Happen he might; but I think he’d come readier to +the three syllables.”</p> -<p>On Valentine's day, Jupiter's cage was decked round +<p>On Valentine’s day, Jupiter’s cage was decked round with ivy leaves, making quite a pretty wreath on the wicker work; and to one of them was pinned a slip of -paper, with these words, written in Libbie's best round -hand:—</p> +paper, with these words, written in Libbie’s best round +hand:—</p> -<p>"From your faithful Valentine. Please take notice -his name is Peter, and he'll come if you call him, after -a bit."</p> +<p>“From your faithful Valentine. Please take notice +his name is Peter, and he’ll come if you call him, after +a bit.”</p> <p>But little work did Libbie do that afternoon, she was so engaged in watching for the messenger who was to @@ -5942,8 +5820,8 @@ his possession of such a treasure; and when the shadow of his mother darkened on the blind, and the bird had been exhibited, Libbie saw her do what, with all her tenderness, seemed rarely to have entered into her -thoughts—she bent down and kissed her boy, in a -mother's sympathy with the joy of her child.</p> +thoughts—she bent down and kissed her boy, in a +mother’s sympathy with the joy of her child.</p> <p>The canary was placed for the night between the little bed and window; and when Libbie rose once, to take @@ -5952,17 +5830,14 @@ round the cage, as if embracing his new treasure even in his sleep. How Jupiter slept this first night is quite another thing.</p> -<p>So ended the first day in Libbie's three eras in last -year.</p> - -<p> </p> +<p>So ended the first day in Libbie’s three eras in last year.</p> <h3>ERA II.</h3> -<h4>WHITSUNTIDE.</h4> +<div class="center bold" style="font-size: small;">WHITSUNTIDE.</div> <p>The brightest, fullest daylight poured down into No. 2, -<span class="norewrap">——</span> Court, Albemarle Street, and the heat, even at the +<span class="norewrap">——</span> Court, Albemarle Street, and the heat, even at the early hour of five, as at the noontide on the June days of many years past.</p> @@ -5972,56 +5847,56 @@ had been so all night, on account of the heat; and every now and then you might see a head and a pair of shoulders, simply encased in shirt sleeves, popped out, and you might hear the inquiry passed from one -to the other,—"Well, Jack, and where art thee bound -for?"</p> +to the other,—“Well, Jack, and where art thee bound +for?”</p> -<p>"Dunham!"</p> +<p>“Dunham!”</p> -<p>"Why, what an old-fashioned chap thou be'st. Thy +<p>“Why, what an old-fashioned chap thou be’st. Thy grandad afore thee went to Dunham: but thou wert -always a slow coach. I'm off to Alderley,—me and -my missis."</p> +always a slow coach. I’m off to Alderley,—me and +my missis.”</p> -<p>"Ay, that's because there's only thee and thy missis. +<p>“Ay, that’s because there’s only thee and thy missis. Wait till thou hast gotten four childer, like me, and -thou'lt be glad enough to take 'em to Dunham, oud-fashioned -way, for fourpence apiece."</p> +thou’lt be glad enough to take ’em to Dunham, oud-fashioned +way, for fourpence apiece.”</p> -<p>"I'd still go to Alderley; I'd not be bothered with -my children; they should keep house at home."</p> +<p>“I’d still go to Alderley; I’d not be bothered with +my children; they should keep house at home.”</p> <p>A pair of hands, the person to whom they belonged invisible, boxed his ears on this last speech, in a very spirited, though playful, manner, and the neighbours all laughed at the surprised look of the speaker, at this assault from an unseen foe. The man who had been -holding conversation with him cried out,—</p> +holding conversation with him cried out,—</p> -<p>"Sarved him right, Mrs. Slater: he knows nought -about it yet; but when he gets them he'll be as loth +<p>“Sarved him right, Mrs. Slater: he knows nought +about it yet; but when he gets them he’ll be as loth to leave the babbies at home on a Whitsuntide as any on us. We shall live to see him in Dunham Park yet, -wi' twins in his arms, and another pair on 'em clutching -at daddy's coat-tails, let alone your share of youngsters, -missis."</p> +wi’ twins in his arms, and another pair on ’em clutching +at daddy’s coat-tails, let alone your share of youngsters, +missis.”</p> <p>At this moment our friend Libbie appeared at her window, and Mrs. Slater, who had taken her discomfited -husband's place, called out,—</p> +husband’s place, called out,—</p> -<p>"Elizabeth Marsh, where are Dixons and you bound -to?"</p> +<p>“Elizabeth Marsh, where are Dixons and you bound +to?”</p> -<p>"Dixons are not up yet; he said last night he'd take -his holiday out in lying in bed. I'm going to the old-fashioned -place, Dunham."</p> +<p>“Dixons are not up yet; he said last night he’d take +his holiday out in lying in bed. I’m going to the old-fashioned +place, Dunham.”</p> -<p>"Thou art never going by thyself, moping!"</p> +<p>“Thou art never going by thyself, moping!”</p> -<p>"No. I'm going with Margaret Hall and her lad," +<p>“No. I’m going with Margaret Hall and her lad,” replied Libbie, hastily withdrawing from the window, in order to avoid hearing any remarks on the associates -she had chosen for her day of pleasure—the scold of +she had chosen for her day of pleasure—the scold of the neighbourhood, and her sickly, ailing child!</p> <p>But Jupiter might have been a dove, and his ivy @@ -6038,11 +5913,11 @@ a bundle of work half as large as herself, as she dragged herself along through the heated streets, she was overtaken by Margaret Hall, her burden gently pulled from her, and her way home shortened, and her weary spirits -soothed and cheered, by the outpourings of Margaret's +soothed and cheered, by the outpourings of Margaret’s heart; for the barrier of reserve once broken down, she had much to say, to thank her for days of amusement and happy employment for her lad, to speak of his -gratitude, to tell of her hopes and fears,—the hopes +gratitude, to tell of her hopes and fears,—the hopes and fears that made up the dates of her life. From that time, Libbie lost her awe of the termagant in interest for the mother, whose all was ventured in so @@ -6060,29 +5935,29 @@ so Libbie let herself out very gently, and went across to her friends. She knocked at the door of their lodging-room, and, without waiting for an answer, entered.</p> -<p>Franky's face was flushed, and he was trembling with -excitement,—partly with pleasure, but partly with some +<p>Franky’s face was flushed, and he was trembling with +excitement,—partly with pleasure, but partly with some eager wish not yet granted.</p> -<p>"He wants sore to take Peter with him," said his +<p>“He wants sore to take Peter with him,” said his mother to Libbie, as if referring the matter to her. The boy looked imploringly at her.</p> -<p>"He would like it, I know; for one thing, he'd -miss me sadly, and chirrup for me all day long, he'd +<p>“He would like it, I know; for one thing, he’d +miss me sadly, and chirrup for me all day long, he’d be so lonely. I could not be half so happy a-thinking on him, left alone here by himself. Then, Libbie, -he's just like a Christian, so fond of flowers and green +he’s just like a Christian, so fond of flowers and green leaves, and them sort of things. He chirrups to me so when mother brings me a pennyworth of wall-flowers to put round his cage. He would talk if he could, you know; but I can tell what he means quite as one as -if he spoke. Do let Peter go, Libbie; I'll carry him -in my own arms."</p> +if he spoke. Do let Peter go, Libbie; I’ll carry him +in my own arms.”</p> <p>So Jupiter was allowed to be of the party. Now Libbie had overcome the great difficulty of conveying -Franky to the boat, by offering to "slay" for a coach, +Franky to the boat, by offering to “slay” for a coach, and the shouts and exclamations of the neighbours told them that their conveyance awaited them at the bottom of the court. His mother carried Franky, light in @@ -6104,9 +5979,9 @@ many a day.</p> in attempted endurance of the pain the motion caused him; he winced and shrank, until they were fairly on a Macadamized thoroughfare, when he closed his eyes, -and seemed desirous of a few minutes' rest. Libbie +and seemed desirous of a few minutes’ rest. Libbie <ins title="original has fell">felt</ins> very shy, and very much afraid of being seen by -her employers, "set up in a coach!" and so she hid +her employers, “set up in a coach!” and so she hid herself in a corner, and made herself as small as possible; while Mrs. Hall had exactly the opposite feeling, and was delighted to stand up, stretching out of the @@ -6116,23 +5991,23 @@ a few, for the streets were quite gay, even at that early hour, with parties going to this or that railway station, or to the boats which crowded the canals on this bright holiday week; and almost every one they met seemed -to enter into Mrs. Hall's exhilaration of feeling, and +to enter into Mrs. Hall’s exhilaration of feeling, and had a smile or nod in return. At last she plumped -down by Libbie, and exclaimed, "I never was in a +down by Libbie, and exclaimed, “I never was in a coach but once afore, and that was when I was a-going -to be married. It's like heaven; and all done over -with such beautiful gimp, too!" continued she, admiring +to be married. It’s like heaven; and all done over +with such beautiful gimp, too!” continued she, admiring the lining of the vehicle. Jupiter did not enjoy it so much.</p> <p>As if the holiday time, the lovely weather, and the -"sweet hour of prime" had a genial influence, as no -doubt they have, everybody's heart seemed softened +“sweet hour of prime” had a genial influence, as no +doubt they have, everybody’s heart seemed softened towards poor Franky. The driver lifted him out with the tenderness of strength, and bore him carefully down to the boat; the people then made way, and gave him -the best seat in their power,—or rather I should call it +the best seat in their power,—or rather I should call it a couch, for they saw he was weary, and insisted on his -lying down,—an attitude he would have been ashamed +lying down,—an attitude he would have been ashamed to assume without the protection of his mother and Libbie, who now appeared, bearing their baskets and carrying Peter.</p> @@ -6145,7 +6020,7 @@ Even every standing-place in the canal packets was occupied, and as they glided along, the banks were lined with people, who seemed to find it object enough to watch the boats go by, packed close and full with -happy beings brimming with anticipations of a day's +happy beings brimming with anticipations of a day’s pleasure. The country through which they passed is as uninteresting as can well be imagined; but still it is the country: and the screams of delight from the @@ -6164,107 +6039,107 @@ both to be paved with gold), enjoyed the easy motion of the boat so much, floating along, while pictures moved before him, that he regretted when the time came for landing among the soft, green meadows, that came sloping -down to the dancing water's brim. His fellow-passengers +down to the dancing water’s brim. His fellow-passengers carried him to the park, and refused all payment, although his mother had laid by sixpence on purpose, as a recompense for this service.</p> -<p>"Oh, Libbie, how beautiful! Oh, mother, mother! +<p>“Oh, Libbie, how beautiful! Oh, mother, mother! is the whole world out of Manchester as beautiful as this? I did not know trees were like this! Such green homes for birds! Look, Peter! would not you like to -be there, up among those boughs? But I can't let you -go, you know, because you're my little bird brother, and -I should be quite lost without you."</p> +be there, up among those boughs? But I can’t let you +go, you know, because you’re my little bird brother, and +I should be quite lost without you.”</p> <p>They spread a shawl upon the fine mossy turf, at the root of a beech-tree, which made a sort of natural couch, and there they laid him, and bade him rest, in spite of the delight which made him believe himself -capable of any exertion. Where he lay,—always holding -Jupiter's cage, and often talking to him as to a -playfellow,—he was on the verge of a green area, shut +capable of any exertion. Where he lay,—always holding +Jupiter’s cage, and often talking to him as to a +playfellow,—he was on the verge of a green area, shut in by magnificent trees, in all the glory of their early foliage, before the summer heats had deepened their verdure into one rich, monotonous tint. And hither came party after party; old men and maidens, young -men and children,—whole families trooped along after +men and children,—whole families trooped along after the guiding fathers, who bore the youngest in their arms, or astride upon their backs, while they turned round occasionally to the wives, with whom they shared some fond local remembrance. For years has Dunham Park been the favourite resort of the Manchester work-people; for more years than I can tell; probably ever -since "the Duke," by his canals, opened out the system +since “the Duke,” by his canals, opened out the system of cheap travelling. Its scenery, too, which presents such a complete contrast to the whirl and turmoil of Manchester; so thoroughly woodland, with its ancestral -trees (here and there lightning blanched); its "verdurous -walls;" its grassy walks, leading far away into +trees (here and there lightning blanched); its “verdurous +walls;” its grassy walks, leading far away into some glade, where you start at the rabbit rustling among -the last year's fern, and where the wood-pigeon's call +the last year’s fern, and where the wood-pigeon’s call seems the only fitting and accordant sound. Depend upon it, this complete sylvan repose, this accessible quiet, this lapping the soul in green images of the -country, forms the most complete contrast to a town's-person, +country, forms the most complete contrast to a town’s-person, and consequently has over such the greatest power to charm.</p> <p>Presently Libbie found out she was very hungry. Now they were but provided with dinner, which was, of -course, to be eaten as near twelve o'clock as might be; +course, to be eaten as near twelve o’clock as might be; and Margaret Hall, in her prudence, asked a working-man -near to tell her what o'clock it was.</p> +near to tell her what o’clock it was.</p> -<p>"Nay," said he, "I'll ne'er look at clock or watch -to-day. I'll not spoil my pleasure by finding out how -fast it's going away. If thou'rt hungry, eat. I make +<p>“Nay,” said he, “I’ll ne’er look at clock or watch +to-day. I’ll not spoil my pleasure by finding out how +fast it’s going away. If thou’rt hungry, eat. I make my own dinner hour, and I have eaten mine an hour -ago."</p> +ago.”</p> <p>So they had their veal pies, and then found out it was -only about half-past ten o'clock; by so many pleasurable +only about half-past ten o’clock; by so many pleasurable events had that morning been marked. But such was their buoyancy of spirits, that they only enjoyed their mistake, and joined in the general laugh against the man who had eaten his dinner somewhere about nine. He laughed most heartily of all, till, suddenly stopping, -he said,—</p> +he said,—</p> -<p>"I must not go on at this rate; laughing gives one -such an appetite."</p> +<p>“I must not go on at this rate; laughing gives one +such an appetite.”</p> -<p>"Oh! if that's all," said a merry-looking man, lying +<p>“Oh! if that’s all,” said a merry-looking man, lying at full length, and brushing the fresh scent out of the grass, while two or three little children tumbled over him, and crept about him, as kittens or puppies frolic -with their parents, "if that's all, we'll have a subscription +with their parents, “if that’s all, we’ll have a subscription of eatables for them improvident folk as have eaten -their dinner for their breakfast. Here's a sausage pasty +their dinner for their breakfast. Here’s a sausage pasty and a handful of nuts for my share. Bring round a hat, -Bob, and see what the company will give."</p> +Bob, and see what the company will give.”</p> -<p>Bob carried out the joke, much to little Franky's +<p>Bob carried out the joke, much to little Franky’s amusement; and no one was so churlish as to refuse, although the contributions varied from a peppermint drop up to a veal pie and a sausage pasty.</p> -<p>"It's a thriving trade," said Bob, as he emptied his -hatful of provisions on the grass by Libbie's side. -"Besides, it's tiptop, too, to live on the public. Hark! -what is that?"</p> +<p>“It’s a thriving trade,” said Bob, as he emptied his +hatful of provisions on the grass by Libbie’s side. +“Besides, it’s tiptop, too, to live on the public. Hark! +what is that?”</p> <p>The laughter and the chat were suddenly hushed, and -mothers told their little ones to listen,—as, far away in +mothers told their little ones to listen,—as, far away in the distance, now sinking and falling, now swelling and -clear, came a ringing peal of children's voices, blended +clear, came a ringing peal of children’s voices, blended together in one of those psalm tunes which we are all of us familiar with, and which bring to mind the old, old days, when we, as wondering children, were first led -to worship "Our Father," by those beloved ones who +to worship “Our Father,” by those beloved ones who have since gone to the more perfect worship. Holy was that distant choral praise, even to the most thoughtless; -and when it, in fact, was ended, in the instant's pause, +and when it, in fact, was ended, in the instant’s pause, during which the ear awaits the repetition of the air, they caught the noontide hum and buzz of the myriads of insects who danced away their lives in the glorious @@ -6272,9 +6147,9 @@ day; they heard the swaying of the mighty woods in the soft but resistless breeze, and then again once more burst forth the merry jests and the shouts of childhood; and again the elder ones resumed their happy -talk, as they lay or sat "under the greenwood tree." +talk, as they lay or sat “under the greenwood tree.” Fresh parties came dropping in; some laden with wild -flowers—almost with branches of hawthorn, indeed; +flowers—almost with branches of hawthorn, indeed; while one or two had made prizes of the earliest dog-roses, and had cast away campion, stitchwort, ragged robin, all to keep the lady of the hedges from being @@ -6292,24 +6167,24 @@ but Libbie saw them and understood them; and a chill shudder went through her, even on that day, as she thought on the future.</p> -<p>"Ay! I thought we should give you a start!"</p> +<p>“Ay! I thought we should give you a start!”</p> <p>A start they did give, with their terrible slap on -Libbie's back, as she sat idly grouping flowers, and +Libbie’s back, as she sat idly grouping flowers, and following out her sorrowful thoughts. It was the Dixons. Instead of keeping their holiday by lying in bed, they and their children had roused themselves, and had come by the omnibus to the nearest point. For an instant the meeting was an awkward one, on account of the feud between Margaret Hall and Mrs. Dixon, but -there was no long resisting of kindly mother Nature's +there was no long resisting of kindly mother Nature’s soothings, at that holiday time, and in that lonely tranquil spot; or if they could have been unheeded, the sight of Franky would have awed every angry feeling into rest, so changed was he since the Dixons had last seen him; and since he had been the Puck or Robin Goodfellow of the neighbourhood, whose marbles were -always rolling under other people's feet, and whose top-strings +always rolling under other people’s feet, and whose top-strings were always hanging in nooses to catch the unwary. Yes, he, the feeble, mild, almost girlish-looking lad, had once been a merry, happy rogue, and @@ -6318,14 +6193,14 @@ who now stood gazing with the tears in her eyes. Could she, in sight of him, the changed, the fading, keep up a quarrel with his mother?</p> -<p>"How long hast thou been here?" asked Dixon.</p> +<p>“How long hast thou been here?” asked Dixon.</p> -<p>"Welly on for all day," answered Libbie.</p> +<p>“Welly on for all day,” answered Libbie.</p> -<p>"Hast never been to see the deer, or the king and -queen oaks? Lord, how stupid."</p> +<p>“Hast never been to see the deer, or the king and +queen oaks? Lord, how stupid.”</p> -<p>His wife pinched his arm, to remind him of Franky's +<p>His wife pinched his arm, to remind him of Franky’s helpless condition, which of course tethered the otherwise willing feet. But Dixon had a remedy. He called Bob, and one or two others, and each taking a corner of @@ -6338,7 +6213,7 @@ always in sight of the hammock; now picking up some green treasure from the ground, now catching at the low hanging branches of the horse-chestnut. The soul grew much on this day, and in these woods, and all unconsciously, -as souls do grow. They followed Franky's +as souls do grow. They followed Franky’s hammock-bearers up a grassy knoll, on the top of which stood a group of pine trees, whose stems looked like dark red gold in the sunbeams. They had taken Franky @@ -6346,30 +6221,30 @@ there to show him Manchester, far away in the blue plain, against which the woodland foreground cut with a soft clear line. Far, far away in the distance on that flat plain, you might see the motionless cloud of smoke -hanging over a great town, and that was Manchester,—ugly, +hanging over a great town, and that was Manchester,—ugly, smoky Manchester, dear, busy, earnest, noble-working Manchester; where their children had been born, and where, perhaps, some lay buried; where their homes were, and where God had cast their lives, and told them to work out their destiny.</p> -<p>"Hurrah! for oud smoke-jack!" cried Bob, putting +<p>“Hurrah! for oud smoke-jack!” cried Bob, putting Franky softly down on the grass, before he whirled his -hat round, preparatory to a shout. "Hurrah! hurrah!" -from all the men. "There's the rim of my hat lying -like a quoit yonder," observed Bob quietly, as he +hat round, preparatory to a shout. “Hurrah! hurrah!” +from all the men. “There’s the rim of my hat lying +like a quoit yonder,” observed Bob quietly, as he replaced his brimless hat on his head with the gravity of a judge.</p> -<p>"Here's the Sunday-school children a-coming to sit on +<p>“Here’s the Sunday-school children a-coming to sit on this shady side, and have their buns and milk. Hark! -they're singing the infant-school grace."</p> +they’re singing the infant-school grace.”</p> <p>They sat close at hand, so that Franky could hear the words they sang, in rings of children, making, in their gay summer prints, newly donned for that week, garlands of little faces, all happy and bright upon that -green hill-side. One little "Dot" of a girl came shily +green hill-side. One little “Dot” of a girl came shily behind Franky, whom she had long been watching, and threw her half-bun at his side, and then ran away and hid herself, in very shame at the boldness of her own @@ -6383,18 +6258,18 @@ which was the Creator of this lovely earth. But the day drew to an end; the heat declined; the birds once more began their warblings; the fresh scents again hung about plant, and tree, and grass, betokening the fragrant -presence of the reviving dew, and—the boat time was +presence of the reviving dew, and—the boat time was near. As they trod the meadow-path once more, they were joined by many a party they had encountered during the day, all abounding in happiness, all full of -the day's adventures. Long-cherished quarrels had +the day’s adventures. Long-cherished quarrels had been forgotten, new friendships formed. Fresh tastes and higher delights had been imparted that day. We have all of us our look, now and then, called up by some noble or loving thought (our highest on earth), which will be our likeness in heaven. I can catch the glance on many a face, the glancing light of the cloud of glory -from heaven, "which is our home." That look was +from heaven, “which is our home.” That look was present on many a hard-worked, wrinkled countenance, as they turned backwards to catch a longing, lingering look at Dunham woods, fast deepening into blackness of @@ -6403,43 +6278,39 @@ and freshness, many a loom, and workshop, and factory, with images of peace and beauty.</p> <p>That night, as Libbie lay awake, revolving the incidents -of the day, she caught Franky's voice through the +of the day, she caught Franky’s voice through the open windows. Instead of the frequent moan of pain, -he was trying to recall the burden of one of the children's -hymns,—</p> +he was trying to recall the burden of one of the children’s +hymns,—</p> <div class="poem"> <p class="noindent"> - Here we suffer grief and pain,<br /> - Here we meet to part again;<br /> - <span class="ind2">In Heaven we part no more.</span><br /> + Here we suffer grief and pain,<br > + Here we meet to part again;<br > + <span class="ind2">In Heaven we part no more.</span><br > <span class="ind4">Oh! that will be joyful, &c.</span> </p> </div> <p>She recalled his question, the whispered question, to her, -in the happiest part of the day. He asked Libbie, "Is +in the happiest part of the day. He asked Libbie, “Is Dunham like heaven? the people here are as kind as -angels, and I don't want heaven to be more beautiful +angels, and I don’t want heaven to be more beautiful than this place. If you and mother would but die with -me, I should like to die, and live always there!" She +me, I should like to die, and live always there!” She had checked him, for she feared he was impious; but -now the young child's craving for some definite idea of +now the young child’s craving for some definite idea of the land to which his inner wisdom told him he was hastening, had nothing in it wrong, or even sorrowful, -for—</p> +for—</p> <div class="poem"> -<p> -In Heaven we part no more. -</p> +<p>In Heaven we part no more.</p> </div> -<p> </p> - <h3>ERA III.</h3> -<h4>MICHAELMAS.</h4> +<div class="center bold" style="font-size: small;">MICHAELMAS.</div> <p>The church clocks had struck three; the crowds of gentlemen returning to business, after their early dinners, @@ -6450,7 +6321,7 @@ their afternoon calls.</p> <p>Slowly, slowly, along the streets, elbowed by life at every turn, a little funeral wound its quiet way. Four -men bore along a child's coffin; two women with bowed +men bore along a child’s coffin; two women with bowed heads followed meekly.</p> <p>I need not tell you whose coffin it was, or who were @@ -6467,9 +6338,9 @@ poor, cast-off, worn-out body as if she were borne along by some oppressive dream. If he were really dead, how could she be still alive?</p> -<p>Libbie's mind was far less stunned, and consequently -far more active, than Margaret Hall's. Visions, as in a -phantasmagoria, came rapidly passing before her—recollections +<p>Libbie’s mind was far less stunned, and consequently +far more active, than Margaret Hall’s. Visions, as in a +phantasmagoria, came rapidly passing before her—recollections of the time (which seemed now so long ago) when the shadow of the feebly-waving arm first caught her attention; of the bright, strangely isolated day at @@ -6482,21 +6353,21 @@ nights when his mother and she had watched by his side, as he moaned continually, whether awake or asleep; of the fevered moaning slumber of exhaustion; of the pitiful little self-upbraidings for his own impatience -of suffering, only impatient in his own eyes—most +of suffering, only impatient in his own eyes—most true and holy patience in the sight of others; and then the fading away of life, the loss of power, the increased unconsciousness, the lovely look of angelic peace, which followed the dark shadow on the countenance, where was -he—what was he now?</p> +he—what was he now?</p> <p>And so they laid him in his grave, and heard the solemn funeral words; but far off in the distance, as if not addressed to them.</p> <p>Margaret Hall bent over the grave to catch one last -glance—she had not spoken, nor sobbed, nor done aught +glance—she had not spoken, nor sobbed, nor done aught but shiver now and then, since the morning; but now -her weight bore more heavily on Libbie's arm, and without +her weight bore more heavily on Libbie’s arm, and without sigh or sound she fell an unconscious heap on the piled-up gravel. They helped Libbie to bring her round; but long after her half-opened eyes and altered <ins title="original has breathings">breathing</ins> @@ -6511,12 +6382,12 @@ consecrated still; where he had rendered up his spirit; and where memories of him haunted each common, rude piece of furniture that their eyes fell upon. As the woman of the house opened the door, she pulled Libbie -on one side, and said—</p> +on one side, and said—</p> -<p>"Anne Dixon has been across to see you; she wants -to have a word with you."</p> +<p>“Anne Dixon has been across to see you; she wants +to have a word with you.”</p> -<p>"I cannot go now," replied Libbie, as she pushed +<p>“I cannot go now,” replied Libbie, as she pushed hastily along, in order to enter the room (<i>his</i> room), at the same time with the childless mother: for, as she had anticipated, the sight of that empty spot, the glance @@ -6526,27 +6397,27 @@ long been darkened and subdued, unlocked the waters of the fountain, and long and shrill were the cries for her boy that the poor woman uttered.</p> -<p>"Oh! dear Mrs. Hall," said Libbie, herself drenched -in tears, "do not take on so badly; I'm sure it would -grieve <i>him</i> sore if he were alive, and you know he is—Bible -tells us so; and may be he's here watching how -we go on without him, and hoping we don't fret over -much."</p> +<p>“Oh! dear Mrs. Hall,” said Libbie, herself drenched +in tears, “do not take on so badly; I’m sure it would +grieve <i>him</i> sore if he were alive, and you know he is—Bible +tells us so; and may be he’s here watching how +we go on without him, and hoping we don’t fret over +much.”</p> -<p>Mrs. Hall's sobs grew worse and more hysterical.</p> +<p>Mrs. Hall’s sobs grew worse and more hysterical.</p> -<p>"Oh! listen," said Libbie, once more struggling -against her own increasing agitation. "Listen! there's -Peter chirping as he always does when he's put about, -frightened like; and you know he that's gone could +<p>“Oh! listen,” said Libbie, once more struggling +against her own increasing agitation. “Listen! there’s +Peter chirping as he always does when he’s put about, +frightened like; and you know he that’s gone could never abide to hear the canary chirp in that shrill -way."</p> +way.”</p> <p>Margaret Hall did check herself, and curb her expressions of agony, in order not to frighten the little creature he had loved; and as her outward grief subsided, Libbie took up the large old Bible, which fell open at the never-failing -comfort of the fourteenth chapter of St. John's +comfort of the fourteenth chapter of St. John’s Gospel.</p> <p>How often these large family Bibles do open at that @@ -6559,171 +6430,171 @@ and cares.</p> <p>And Margaret put back her wet, ruffled, grey hair from her heated, tear-stained, woeful face, and listened with such earnest eyes, trying to form some idea of -the "Father's house," where her boy had gone to +the “Father’s house,” where her boy had gone to dwell.</p> <p>They were interrupted by a low tap at the door. -Libbie went. "Anne Dixon has watched you home, -and wants to have a word with you," said the woman of +Libbie went. “Anne Dixon has watched you home, +and wants to have a word with you,” said the woman of the house, in a whisper. Libbie went back and closed the book, with a word of explanation to Margaret Hall, -and then ran downstairs, to learn the reason of Anne's +and then ran downstairs, to learn the reason of Anne’s anxiety to see her.</p> -<p>"Oh, Libbie!" she burst out with, and then, checking -herself with the remembrance of Libbie's last solemn -duty, "how's Margaret Hall? But, of course, poor -thing, she'll fret a bit at first; she'll be some time -coming round, mother says, seeing it's as well that poor -lad is taken; for he'd always ha' been a cripple, and a -trouble to her—he was a fine lad once, too."</p> +<p>“Oh, Libbie!” she burst out with, and then, checking +herself with the remembrance of Libbie’s last solemn +duty, “how’s Margaret Hall? But, of course, poor +thing, she’ll fret a bit at first; she’ll be some time +coming round, mother says, seeing it’s as well that poor +lad is taken; for he’d always ha’ been a cripple, and a +trouble to her—he was a fine lad once, too.”</p> <p>She had come full of another and a different subject; -but the sight of Libbie's sad, weeping face, and the +but the sight of Libbie’s sad, weeping face, and the quiet, subdued tone of her manner, made her feel it awkward to begin on any other theme than the one which -filled up her companion's mind. To her last speech -Libbie answered sorrowfully—</p> +filled up her companion’s mind. To her last speech +Libbie answered sorrowfully—</p> -<p>"No doubt, Anne, it's ordered for the best; but oh! -don't call him, don't think he could ever ha' been, a +<p>“No doubt, Anne, it’s ordered for the best; but oh! +don’t call him, don’t think he could ever ha’ been, a trouble to his mother, though he were a cripple. She loved him all the more for each thing she had to do for -him—I am sure I did." Libbie cried a little behind +him—I am sure I did.” Libbie cried a little behind her apron. Anne Dixon felt still more awkward in introducing the discordant subject.</p> -<p>"Well! 'flesh is grass,' Bible says," and having +<p>“Well! ‘flesh is grass,’ Bible says,” and having fulfilled the etiquette of quoting a text if possible, if not of making a moral observation on the fleeting nature of earthly things, she thought she was at liberty to pass on to her real errand.</p> -<p>"You must not go on moping yourself, Libbie Marsh. +<p>“You must not go on moping yourself, Libbie Marsh. What I wanted special for to see you this afternoon, was to tell you, you must come to my wedding to-morrow. -Nanny Dawson has fallen sick, and there's none as I +Nanny Dawson has fallen sick, and there’s none as I should like to have bridesmaid in her place as well as -you."</p> +you.”</p> -<p>"To-morrow! Oh, I cannot!—indeed I cannot!"</p> +<p>“To-morrow! Oh, I cannot!—indeed I cannot!”</p> -<p>"Why not?"</p> +<p>“Why not?”</p> <p>Libbie did not answer, and Anne Dixon grew impatient.</p> -<p>"Surely, in the name o' goodness, you're never going -to baulk yourself of a day's pleasure for the sake of yon -little cripple that's dead and gone!"</p> +<p>“Surely, in the name o’ goodness, you’re never going +to baulk yourself of a day’s pleasure for the sake of yon +little cripple that’s dead and gone!”</p> -<p>"No,—it's not baulking myself of—don't be angry, -Anne Dixon, with him, please; but I don't think it -would be a pleasure to me,—I don't feel as if I could +<p>“No,—it’s not baulking myself of—don’t be angry, +Anne Dixon, with him, please; but I don’t think it +would be a pleasure to me,—I don’t feel as if I could enjoy it; thank you all the same. But I did love that -little lad very dearly—I did," sobbing a little, "and I -can't forget him and make merry so soon."</p> +little lad very dearly—I did,” sobbing a little, “and I +can’t forget him and make merry so soon.”</p> -<p>"Well—I never!" exclaimed Anne, almost angrily.</p> +<p>“Well—I never!” exclaimed Anne, almost angrily.</p> -<p>"Indeed, Anne, I feel your kindness, and you -and Bob have my best wishes,—that's what you +<p>“Indeed, Anne, I feel your kindness, and you +and Bob have my best wishes,—that’s what you have; but even if I went, I should be thinking all day of him, and of his poor, poor mother, and they -say it's bad to think very much on them that's dead, -at a wedding."</p> +say it’s bad to think very much on them that’s dead, +at a wedding.”</p> -<p>"Nonsense," said Anne, "I'll take the risk of the +<p>“Nonsense,” said Anne, “I’ll take the risk of the ill-luck. After all, what is marrying? Just a spree, Bob says. He often says he does not think I shall make him a good wife, for I know nought about house matters, -wi' working in a factory; but he says he'd rather be -uneasy wi' me than easy wi' anybody else. There's love -for you! And I tell him I'd rather have him tipsy than -any one else sober."</p> +wi’ working in a factory; but he says he’d rather be +uneasy wi’ me than easy wi’ anybody else. There’s love +for you! And I tell him I’d rather have him tipsy than +any one else sober.”</p> -<p>"Oh! Anne Dixon, hush! you don't know yet what +<p>“Oh! Anne Dixon, hush! you don’t know yet what it is to have a drunken husband. I have seen something of it: father used to get fuddled, and, in the long run, -it killed mother, let alone—oh! Anne, God above only +it killed mother, let alone—oh! Anne, God above only knows what the wife of a drunken man has to bear. -Don't tell," said she, lowering her voice, "but father +Don’t tell,” said she, lowering her voice, “but father killed our little baby in one of his bouts; mother never looked up again, nor father either, for that matter, only his was in a different way. Mother will have gotten to -little Jemmie now, and they'll be so happy together,—and -perhaps Franky too. Oh!" said she, recovering -herself from her train of thought, "never say aught -lightly of the wife's lot whose husband is given to -drink!"</p> +little Jemmie now, and they’ll be so happy together,—and +perhaps Franky too. Oh!” said she, recovering +herself from her train of thought, “never say aught +lightly of the wife’s lot whose husband is given to +drink!”</p> -<p>"Dear, what a preachment. I tell you what, Libbie, -you're as born an old maid as ever I saw. You'll never -be married to either drunken or sober."</p> +<p>“Dear, what a preachment. I tell you what, Libbie, +you’re as born an old maid as ever I saw. You’ll never +be married to either drunken or sober.”</p> -<p>Libbie's face went rather red, but without losing its +<p>Libbie’s face went rather red, but without losing its meek expression.</p> -<p>"I know that as well as you can tell me; and more +<p>“I know that as well as you can tell me; and more reason, therefore, as God has seen fit to keep me out of -woman's natural work, I should try and find work for -myself. I mean," seeing Anne Dixon's puzzled look, -"that as I know I'm never likely to have a home of my +woman’s natural work, I should try and find work for +myself. I mean,” seeing Anne Dixon’s puzzled look, +“that as I know I’m never likely to have a home of my own, or a husband that would look to me to make all straight, or children to watch over or care for, all which -I take to be woman's natural work, I must not lose time +I take to be woman’s natural work, I must not lose time in fretting and fidgetting after marriage, but just look about me for somewhat else to do. I can see many a one misses it in this. They will hanker after what is -ne'er likely to be theirs, instead of facing it out, and +ne’er likely to be theirs, instead of facing it out, and settling down to be old maids; and, as old maids, just looking round for the odd jobs God leaves in the world -for such as old maids to do. There's plenty of such -work, and there's the blessing of God on them as does -it." Libbie was almost out of breath at this outpouring +for such as old maids to do. There’s plenty of such +work, and there’s the blessing of God on them as does +it.” Libbie was almost out of breath at this outpouring of what had long been her inner thoughts.</p> -<p>"That's all very true, I make no doubt, for them as -is to be old maids; but as I'm not, please God to-morrow +<p>“That’s all very true, I make no doubt, for them as +is to be old maids; but as I’m not, please God to-morrow comes, you might have spared your breath to cool your porridge. What I want to know is, whether -you'll be bridesmaid to-morrow or not. Come, now +you’ll be bridesmaid to-morrow or not. Come, now do; it will do you good, after all your working, and watching, and slaving yourself for that poor Franky -Hall."</p> +Hall.”</p> -<p>"It was one of my odd jobs," said Libbie, smiling, -though her eyes were brimming over with tears; "but, -dear Anne," said she, recovering itself, "I could not do -it to-morrow, indeed I could not."</p> +<p>“It was one of my odd jobs,” said Libbie, smiling, +though her eyes were brimming over with tears; “but, +dear Anne,” said she, recovering itself, “I could not do +it to-morrow, indeed I could not.”</p> -<p>"And I can't wait," said Anne Dixon, almost sulkily, -"Bob and I put it off from to-day, because of the funeral, +<p>“And I can’t wait,” said Anne Dixon, almost sulkily, +“Bob and I put it off from to-day, because of the funeral, and Bob had set his heart on its being on Michaelmas-day; -and mother says the goose won't keep beyond +and mother says the goose won’t keep beyond to-morrow. Do come: father finds eatables, and Bob -finds drink, and we shall be so jolly! and after we've -been to church, we're to walk round the town in pairs, +finds drink, and we shall be so jolly! and after we’ve +been to church, we’re to walk round the town in pairs, white satin ribbon in our bonnets, and refreshments at any public-house we like, Bob says. And after dinner -there's to be a dance. Don't be a fool; you can do no +there’s to be a dance. Don’t be a fool; you can do no good by staying. Margaret Hall will have to go out -washing, I'll be bound."</p> +washing, I’ll be bound.”</p> -<p>"Yes, she must go to Mrs. Wilkinson's, and, for that +<p>“Yes, she must go to Mrs. Wilkinson’s, and, for that matter, I must go working too. Mrs. Williams has been -after me to make her girl's winter things ready; only I -could not leave Franky, he clung so to me."</p> +after me to make her girl’s winter things ready; only I +could not leave Franky, he clung so to me.”</p> -<p>"Then you won't be bridesmaid! is that your last -word?"</p> +<p>“Then you won’t be bridesmaid! is that your last +word?”</p> -<p>"It is; you must not be angry with me, Anne Dixon," +<p>“It is; you must not be angry with me, Anne Dixon,” said Libbie, deprecatingly.</p> <p>But Anne was gone without a reply.</p> <p>With a heavy heart Libbie mounted the little staircase, -for she felt how ungracious her refusal of Anne's +for she felt how ungracious her refusal of Anne’s kindness must appear, to one who understood so little the feelings which rendered her acceptance of it a moral impossibility.</p> @@ -6738,79 +6609,79 @@ first learns to read. So Libbie took the stool by her side, before she was aware that any one had entered the room.</p> -<p>"What did she want you for?" asked Margaret. -"But I can guess; she wanted you to be at th' wedding -that is to come off this week, they say. Ay, they'll +<p>“What did she want you for?” asked Margaret. +“But I can guess; she wanted you to be at th’ wedding +that is to come off this week, they say. Ay, they’ll marry, and laugh, and dance, all as one as if my boy -was alive," said she, bitterly. "Well, he was neither +was alive,” said she, bitterly. “Well, he was neither kith nor kin of yours, so I maun try and be thankful for -what you've done for him, and not wonder at your forgetting -him afore he's well settled in his grave."</p> +what you’ve done for him, and not wonder at your forgetting +him afore he’s well settled in his grave.”</p> -<p>"I never can forget him, and I'm not going to the -wedding," said Libbie, quietly, for she understood the -mother's jealousy of her dead child's claims.</p> +<p>“I never can forget him, and I’m not going to the +wedding,” said Libbie, quietly, for she understood the +mother’s jealousy of her dead child’s claims.</p> -<p>"I must go work at Mrs. Williams' to-morrow," she +<p>“I must go work at Mrs. Williams’ to-morrow,” she said, in explanation, for she was unwilling to boast of her tender, fond regret, which had been her principal -motive for declining Anne's invitation.</p> +motive for declining Anne’s invitation.</p> -<p>"And I mun go washing, just as if nothing had happened," -sighed forth Mrs. Hall, "and I mun come home +<p>“And I mun go washing, just as if nothing had happened,” +sighed forth Mrs. Hall, “and I mun come home at night, and find his place empty, and all still where I used to be sure of hearing his voice ere ever I got up -the stair: no one will ever call me mother again." She +the stair: no one will ever call me mother again.” She fell crying pitifully, and Libbie could not speak for her own emotion for some time. But during this silence she put the keystone in the arch of thoughts she had been building up for many days; and when Margaret -was again calm in her sorrow, Libbie said, "Mrs. Hall, -I should like—would you like me to come for to live -here altogether?"</p> +was again calm in her sorrow, Libbie said, “Mrs. Hall, +I should like—would you like me to come for to live +here altogether?”</p> <p>Margaret Hall looked up with a sudden light in her countenance, which encouraged Libbie to go on.</p> -<p>"I could sleep with you, and pay half, you know; +<p>“I could sleep with you, and pay half, you know; and we should be together in the evenings; and her as -was home first would watch for the other, and" (dropping -her voice) "we could talk of him at nights, you -know."</p> +was home first would watch for the other, and” (dropping +her voice) “we could talk of him at nights, you +know.”</p> <p>She was going on, but Mrs. Hall interrupted her.</p> -<p>"Oh, Libbie Marsh! and can you really think of -coming to live wi' me. I should like it above—but no! -it must not be; you've no notion on what a creature I -am, at times; more like a mad one when I'm in a rage, +<p>“Oh, Libbie Marsh! and can you really think of +coming to live wi’ me. I should like it above—but no! +it must not be; you’ve no notion on what a creature I +am, at times; more like a mad one when I’m in a rage, and I cannot keep it down. I seem to get out of bed wrong side in the morning, and I must have my passion -out with the first person I meet. Why, Libbie," said -she, with a doleful look of agony on her face, "I even +out with the first person I meet. Why, Libbie,” said +she, with a doleful look of agony on her face, “I even used to fly out on him, poor sick lad as he was, and you may judge how little you can keep it down frae that. -No, you must not come. I must live alone now," sinking +No, you must not come. I must live alone now,” sinking her voice into the low tones of despair.</p> -<p>But Libbie's resolution was brave and strong. "I'm -not afraid," said she, smiling. "I know you better -than you know yourself, Mrs. Hall. I've seen you try -of late to keep it down, when you've been boiling over, -and I think you'll go on a-doing so. And at any rate, -when you've had your fit out, you're very kind, and I -can forget if you've been a bit put out. But I'll try not +<p>But Libbie’s resolution was brave and strong. “I’m +not afraid,” said she, smiling. “I know you better +than you know yourself, Mrs. Hall. I’ve seen you try +of late to keep it down, when you’ve been boiling over, +and I think you’ll go on a-doing so. And at any rate, +when you’ve had your fit out, you’re very kind, and I +can forget if you’ve been a bit put out. But I’ll try not to put you out. Do let me come: I think <i>he</i> would like -us to keep together. I'll do my very best to make you -comfortable."</p> +us to keep together. I’ll do my very best to make you +comfortable.”</p> -<p>"It's me! it's me as will be making your life miserable +<p>“It’s me! it’s me as will be making your life miserable with my temper; or else, God knows, how my heart clings to you. You and me is folk alone in the world, for we both loved one who is dead, and who had none else to love him. If you will live with me, -Libbie, I'll try as I never did afore to be gentle and -quiet-tempered. Oh! will you try me, Libbie Marsh?" +Libbie, I’ll try as I never did afore to be gentle and +quiet-tempered. Oh! will you try me, Libbie Marsh?” So out of the little grave there sprang a hope and a resolution, which made life an object to each of the two.</p> @@ -6818,47 +6689,47 @@ two.</p> <p> </p> <p>When Elizabeth Marsh returned home the next evening -from her day's labours, Anne (Dixon no longer) +from her day’s labours, Anne (Dixon no longer) crossed over, all in her bridal finery, to endeavour to -induce her to join the dance going on in her father's +induce her to join the dance going on in her father’s house.</p> -<p>"Dear Anne, this is good of you, a-thinking of me -to-night," said Libbie, kissing her, "and though I cannot -come,—I've promised Mrs. Hall to be with her,—I -shall think on you, and I trust you'll be happy. I +<p>“Dear Anne, this is good of you, a-thinking of me +to-night,” said Libbie, kissing her, “and though I cannot +come,—I’ve promised Mrs. Hall to be with her,—I +shall think on you, and I trust you’ll be happy. I have got a little needle-case I have looked out for you; -stay, here it is,—I wish it were more<span class="norewrap">—only——</span>"</p> +stay, here it is,—I wish it were more<span class="norewrap">—only——</span>”</p> -<p>"Only, I know what. You've been a-spending all -your money in nice things for poor Franky. Thou'rt -a real good un, Libbie, and I'll keep your needle-book -to my dying day, that I will." Seeing Anne in such a +<p>“Only, I know what. You’ve been a-spending all +your money in nice things for poor Franky. Thou’rt +a real good un, Libbie, and I’ll keep your needle-book +to my dying day, that I will.” Seeing Anne in such a friendly mood, emboldened Libbie to tell her of her change of place; of her intention of lodging henceforward with Margaret Hall.</p> -<p>"Thou never will! Why father and mother are as -fond of thee as can be; they'll lower thy rent if that's -what it is—and thou knowst they never grudge thee bit -or drop. And Margaret Hall, of all folk, to lodge wi'! -She's such a Tartar! Sooner than not have a quarrel, -she'd fight right hand against left. Thou'lt have no +<p>“Thou never will! Why father and mother are as +fond of thee as can be; they’ll lower thy rent if that’s +what it is—and thou knowst they never grudge thee bit +or drop. And Margaret Hall, of all folk, to lodge wi’! +She’s such a Tartar! Sooner than not have a quarrel, +she’d fight right hand against left. Thou’lt have no peace of thy life. What on earth can make you think -of such a thing, Libbie Marsh?"</p> +of such a thing, Libbie Marsh?”</p> -<p>"She'll be so lonely without me," pleaded Libbie. -"I'm sure I could make her happier, even if she did -scold me a bit now and then, than she'd be a living -alone, and I'm not afraid of her; and I mean to do +<p>“She’ll be so lonely without me,” pleaded Libbie. +“I’m sure I could make her happier, even if she did +scold me a bit now and then, than she’d be a living +alone, and I’m not afraid of her; and I mean to do my best not to vex her: and it will ease her heart, maybe, to talk to me at times about Franky. I shall often see your father and mother, and I shall always thank them for their kindness to me. But they have you and little Mary, and poor Mrs. Hall has -no one."</p> +no one.”</p> -<p>Anne could only repeat, "Well, I never!" and hurry +<p>Anne could only repeat, “Well, I never!” and hurry off to tell the news at home.</p> <p>But Libbie was right. Margaret Hall is a different @@ -6870,7 +6741,7 @@ hardly have cared for her more tenderly than does the hard-hearted washerwoman, not long ago so fierce and unwomanly. Libbie, herself, has such peace shining on her countenance, as almost makes it beautiful, as she -tenders the services of a daughter to Franky's mother, +tenders the services of a daughter to Franky’s mother, no longer the desolate lonely orphan, a stranger on the earth.</p> @@ -6881,33 +6752,30 @@ story? I never do, but I once (in the year 1811, I think) heard of a deaf old lady, living by herself, who did; and as she may have left some descendants with the same amiable peculiarity, I will put in, for their -benefit, what I believe to be the secret of Libbie's +benefit, what I believe to be the secret of Libbie’s peace of mind, the real reason why she no longer feels -oppressed at her own loneliness in the world,—</p> - -<p> </p> +oppressed at her own loneliness in the world,—</p> <p>She has a purpose in life; and that purpose is a holy one.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> -<hr class="narrow" /> +<hr class="narrow" > <p> </p> -<h3><a name="cs" id="cs"></a>CHRISTMAS STORMS AND SUNSHINE.</h3> -<p> </p> +<h2 id="cs">CHRISTMAS STORMS AND SUNSHINE.</h2> -<p>In the town of <span class="norewrap">——</span> (no matter where) there circulated +<p>In the town of <span class="norewrap">——</span> (no matter where) there circulated two local newspapers (no matter when). Now the <i>Flying -Post</i> was long established and respectable—alias bigoted -and Tory; the <i>Examiner</i> was spirited and intelligent—alias +Post</i> was long established and respectable—alias bigoted +and Tory; the <i>Examiner</i> was spirited and intelligent—alias new-fangled and democratic. Every week these newspapers contained articles abusing each other; as cross and peppery as articles could be, and evidently the production of irritated minds, although they seemed -to have one stereotyped commencement,—"Though the -article appearing in last week's <i>Post</i> (or <i>Examiner</i>) is -below contempt, yet we have been induced," &c., &c., +to have one stereotyped commencement,—“Though the +article appearing in last week’s <i>Post</i> (or <i>Examiner</i>) is +below contempt, yet we have been induced,” &c., &c., and every Saturday the Radical shopkeepers shook hands together, and agreed that the <i>Post</i> was done for, by the slashing, clever <i>Examiner</i>; while the more dignified @@ -6928,14 +6796,14 @@ forthcoming crop of green peas in December; a grey thrush having been seen, or a white hare, or such interesting phenomena; invented for the occasion, I must confess; but what of that? His wife always knew -when to expect a little specimen of her husband's literary +when to expect a little specimen of her husband’s literary talent by a peculiar cough, which served as prelude; and, judging from this encouraging sign, and the high-pitched and emphatic voice in which he read them, she -was inclined to think, that an "Ode to an early Rose-bud," +was inclined to think, that an “Ode to an early Rose-bud,” in the corner devoted to original poetry, and a -letter in the correspondence department, signed "Pro -Bono Publico," were her husband's writing, and to hold +letter in the correspondence department, signed “Pro +Bono Publico,” were her husband’s writing, and to hold up her head accordingly.</p> <p>I never could find out what it was that occasioned the @@ -6946,12 +6814,12 @@ I leave you to give it a name. But Jenkins had a proper sense of his position, and a proper reverence for all in authority, from the king down to the editor and sub-editor. He would as soon have thought of -borrowing the king's crown for a nightcap, or the king's +borrowing the king’s crown for a nightcap, or the king’s sceptre for a walking-stick, as he would have thought of filling up any spare corner with any production of his own; and I think it would have even added to his contempt of Hodgson (if that were possible), had he -known of the "productions of his brain," as the latter +known of the “productions of his brain,” as the latter fondly alluded to the paragraphs he inserted, when speaking to his wife.</p> @@ -6961,45 +6829,45 @@ one memorable Christmas week, some dozen years ago, between the two neighbours, the two compositors. And with wives, it was a very pretty, a very complete quarrel. To make the opposing parties still more equal, still more -well-matched, if the Hodgsons had a baby ("such a -baby!—a poor, puny little thing"), Mrs. Jenkins had -a cat ("such a cat! a great, nasty, miowling tom-cat, -that was always stealing the milk put by for little Angel's -supper"). And now, having matched Greek with Greek, +well-matched, if the Hodgsons had a baby (“such a +baby!—a poor, puny little thing”), Mrs. Jenkins had +a cat (“such a cat! a great, nasty, miowling tom-cat, +that was always stealing the milk put by for little Angel’s +supper”). And now, having matched Greek with Greek, I must proceed to the tug of war. It was the day before Christmas; such a cold east wind! such an inky sky! -such a blue-black look in people's faces, as they were +such a blue-black look in people’s faces, as they were driven out more than usual, to complete their purchases -for the next day's festival.</p> +for the next day’s festival.</p> <p>Before leaving home that morning, Jenkins had given -some money to his wife to buy the next day's dinner.</p> +some money to his wife to buy the next day’s dinner.</p> -<p>"My dear, I wish for turkey and sausages. It may +<p>“My dear, I wish for turkey and sausages. It may be a weakness, but I own I am partial to sausages. My deceased mother was. Such tastes are hereditary. As -to the sweets—whether plum-pudding or mince-pies—I +to the sweets—whether plum-pudding or mince-pies—I leave such considerations to you; I only beg you not to -mind expense. Christmas comes but once a year."</p> +mind expense. Christmas comes but once a year.”</p> <p>And again he had called out from the bottom of the -first flight of stairs, just close to the Hodgsons' door -("such ostentatiousness," as Mrs. Hodgson observed), -"You will not forget the sausages, my dear?"</p> +first flight of stairs, just close to the Hodgsons’ door +(“such ostentatiousness,” as Mrs. Hodgson observed), +“You will not forget the sausages, my dear?”</p> -<p>"I should have liked to have had something above -common, Mary," said Hodgson, as they too made their -plans for the next day, "but I think roast beef must do -for us. You see, love, we've a family."</p> +<p>“I should have liked to have had something above +common, Mary,” said Hodgson, as they too made their +plans for the next day, “but I think roast beef must do +for us. You see, love, we’ve a family.”</p> -<p>"Only one, Jem! I don't want more than roast -beef, though, I'm sure. Before I went to service, +<p>“Only one, Jem! I don’t want more than roast +beef, though, I’m sure. Before I went to service, mother and me would have thought roast beef a very -fine dinner."</p> +fine dinner.”</p> -<p>"Well, let's settle it then, roast beef and a plum-pudding; +<p>“Well, let’s settle it then, roast beef and a plum-pudding; and now, good-by. Mind and take care of -little Tom. I thought he was a bit hoarse this morning."</p> +little Tom. I thought he was a bit hoarse this morning.”</p> <p>And off he went to his work.</p> @@ -7013,7 +6881,7 @@ a servant, which Mrs. Jenkins had not; and the little occasional pinchings which the Hodgsons were obliged to resort to, to make both ends meet, would have been very patiently endured by Mary, if she had not winced -under Mrs. Jenkins's knowledge of such economy. But +under Mrs. Jenkins’s knowledge of such economy. But she had her revenge. She had a child, and Mrs. Jenkins had none. To have had a child, even such a puny baby as little Tom, Mrs. Jenkins would have worn commonest @@ -7022,32 +6890,32 @@ bone. The great unspoken disappointment of her life soured her temper, and turned her thoughts inward, and made her morbid and selfish.</p> -<p>"Hang that cat! he's been stealing again! he's -gnawed the cold mutton in his nasty mouth till it's not -fit to set before a Christian; and I've nothing else for -Jem's dinner. But I'll give it him now I've caught him, -that I will!"</p> +<p>“Hang that cat! he’s been stealing again! he’s +gnawed the cold mutton in his nasty mouth till it’s not +fit to set before a Christian; and I’ve nothing else for +Jem’s dinner. But I’ll give it him now I’ve caught him, +that I will!”</p> -<p>So saying, Mary Hodgson caught up her husband's -Sunday cane, and despite pussy's cries and scratches, +<p>So saying, Mary Hodgson caught up her husband’s +Sunday cane, and despite pussy’s cries and scratches, she gave him such a beating as she hoped might cure him of his thievish propensities; when lo! and behold, Mrs. Jenkins stood at the door with a face of bitter wrath.</p> -<p>"Aren't you ashamed of yourself, ma'am, to abuse a -poor dumb animal, ma'am, as knows no better than to -take food when he sees it, ma'am? He only follows -the nature which God has given, ma'am; and it's a -pity your nature, ma'am, which I've heard, is of the +<p>“Aren’t you ashamed of yourself, ma’am, to abuse a +poor dumb animal, ma’am, as knows no better than to +take food when he sees it, ma’am? He only follows +the nature which God has given, ma’am; and it’s a +pity your nature, ma’am, which I’ve heard, is of the stingy saving species, does not make you shut your cupboard-door a little closer. There is such a thing as -law for brute animals. I'll ask Mr. Jenkins, but I don't +law for brute animals. I’ll ask Mr. Jenkins, but I don’t think them Radicals has done away with that law yet, -for all their Reform Bill, ma'am. My poor precious love +for all their Reform Bill, ma’am. My poor precious love of a Tommy, is he hurt? and is his leg broke for taking a mouthful of scraps, as most people would give -away to a beggar,—if he'd take 'em?" wound up Mrs. +away to a beggar,—if he’d take ’em?” wound up Mrs. Jenkins, casting a contemptuous look on the remnant of a scrag end of mutton.</p> @@ -7058,15 +6926,15 @@ wished she had not beaten him so hard, for it certainly was her own careless way of never shutting the cupboard-door that had tempted him to his fault. But the sneer at her little bit of mutton turned her penitence to -fresh wrath, and she shut the door in <ins title="original has Mr.">Mrs.</ins> Jenkins's face, +fresh wrath, and she shut the door in <ins title="original has Mr.">Mrs.</ins> Jenkins’s face, as she stood caressing her cat in the lobby, with such a bang, that it wakened little Tom, and he began to cry.</p> <p>Everything was to go wrong with Mary to-day. Now -baby was awake, who was to take her husband's dinner +baby was awake, who was to take her husband’s dinner to the office? She took the child in her arms, and tried to hush him off to sleep again, and as she sung -she cried, she could hardly tell why,—a sort of reaction +she cried, she could hardly tell why,—a sort of reaction from her violent angry feelings. She wished she had never beaten the poor cat; she wondered if his leg was really broken. What would her mother say if she knew @@ -7081,7 +6949,7 @@ long past dinner-time. So she pared the mutton carefully, although by so doing she reduced the meat to an infinitesimal quantity, and taking the baked potatoes out of the oven, she popped them piping hot into her basket -with the et-cæteras of plate, butter, salt, and knife and +with the et-cæteras of plate, butter, salt, and knife and fork.</p> <p>It was, indeed, a bitter wind. She bent against it as @@ -7096,7 +6964,7 @@ again. So, after she had tried to feed baby, and he had fretfully refused to take his bread and milk, she laid him down as usual on his quilt, surrounded by playthings, while she sided away, and chopped suet for the -next day's pudding. Early in the afternoon a parcel +next day’s pudding. Early in the afternoon a parcel came, done up first in brown paper, then in such a white, grass-bleached, sweet-smelling towel, and a note from her dear, dear mother; in which quaint writing she @@ -7107,85 +6975,85 @@ some of his famous pork, out of which she had manufactured some sausages, and flavoured them just as Mary used to like when she lived at home.</p> -<p>"Dear, dear mother!" said Mary to herself. "There +<p>“Dear, dear mother!” said Mary to herself. “There never was any one like her for remembering other folk. What rare sausages she used to make! Home things -have a smack with 'em, no bought things can ever have. -Set them up with their sausages! I've a notion if Mrs. -Jenkins had ever tasted mother's she'd have no fancy -for them town-made things Fanny took in just now."</p> +have a smack with ’em, no bought things can ever have. +Set them up with their sausages! I’ve a notion if Mrs. +Jenkins had ever tasted mother’s she’d have no fancy +for them town-made things Fanny took in just now.”</p> <p>And so she went on thinking about home, till the smiles and the dimples came out again at the remembrance of that pretty cottage, which would look green even now in the depth of winter, with its pyracanthus, and its holly-bushes, and the great Portugal laurel that -was her mother's pride. And the back path through -the orchard to Farmer Burton's; how well she remembered +was her mother’s pride. And the back path through +the orchard to Farmer Burton’s; how well she remembered it. The bushels of unripe apples she had picked up there, and distributed among his pigs, till he had scolded her for giving them so much green trash.</p> -<p>She was interrupted—her baby (I call him a baby, +<p>She was interrupted—her baby (I call him a baby, because his father and mother did, and because he was so little of his age, but I rather think he was eighteen months old,) had fallen asleep some time before among his playthings; an uneasy, restless sleep; but of which -Mary had been thankful, as his morning's nap had +Mary had been thankful, as his morning’s nap had been too short, and as she was so busy. But now he began to make such a strange crowing noise, just like a chair drawn heavily and gratingly along a kitchen-floor! His eyes <ins title="original has was">were</ins> open, but expressive of nothing but pain.</p> -<p>"Mother's darling!" said Mary, in terror, lifting -him up. "Baby, try not to make that noise. Hush, -hush, darling; what hurts him?" But the noise came +<p>“Mother’s darling!” said Mary, in terror, lifting +him up. “Baby, try not to make that noise. Hush, +hush, darling; what hurts him?” But the noise came worse and worse.</p> -<p>"Fanny! Fanny!" Mary called in mortal fright, for +<p>“Fanny! Fanny!” Mary called in mortal fright, for her baby was almost black with his gasping breath, and -she had no one to ask for aid or sympathy but her landlady's +she had no one to ask for aid or sympathy but her landlady’s daughter, a little girl of twelve or thirteen, who -attended to the house in her mother's absence, as daily -cook in gentlemen's families. Fanny was more especially +attended to the house in her mother’s absence, as daily +cook in gentlemen’s families. Fanny was more especially considered the attendant of the upstairs lodgers -(who paid for the use of the kitchen, "for Jenkins -could not abide the smell of meat cooking"), but just -now she was fortunately sitting at her afternoon's work -of darning stockings, and hearing Mrs. Hodgson's cry of +(who paid for the use of the kitchen, “for Jenkins +could not abide the smell of meat cooking”), but just +now she was fortunately sitting at her afternoon’s work +of darning stockings, and hearing Mrs. Hodgson’s cry of terror, she ran to her sitting-room, and understood the case at a glance.</p> -<p>"He's got the croup! Oh, Mrs. Hodgson, he'll +<p>“He’s got the croup! Oh, Mrs. Hodgson, he’ll die as sure as fate. Little brother had it, and he died in no time. The doctor said he could do nothing for -him—it had gone too far. He said if we'd put him in a +him—it had gone too far. He said if we’d put him in a warm bath at first, it might have saved him; but, bless -you! he was never half so bad as your baby." Unconsciously +you! he was never half so bad as your baby.” Unconsciously there mingled in her statement some of a -child's love of producing an effect; but the increasing +child’s love of producing an effect; but the increasing danger was clear enough.</p> -<p>"Oh, my baby! my baby! Oh, love, love! don't +<p>“Oh, my baby! my baby! Oh, love, love! don’t look so ill; I cannot bear it. And my fire so low! There, I was thinking of home, and picking currants, and never minding the fire. Oh, Fanny! what is the -fire like in the kitchen? Speak."</p> +fire like in the kitchen? Speak.”</p> -<p>"Mother told me to screw it up, and throw some +<p>“Mother told me to screw it up, and throw some slack on as soon as Mrs. Jenkins had done with it, and -so I did. It's very low and black. But, oh, Mrs. Hodgson! -let me run for the doctor—I cannot abear to hear -him, it's so like little brother."</p> +so I did. It’s very low and black. But, oh, Mrs. Hodgson! +let me run for the doctor—I cannot abear to hear +him, it’s so like little brother.”</p> <p>Through her streaming tears Mary motioned her to go; and trembling, sinking, sick at heart, she laid her boy in his cradle, and ran to fill her kettle.</p> -<p>Mrs. Jenkins, having cooked her husband's snug little +<p>Mrs. Jenkins, having cooked her husband’s snug little dinner, to which he came home; having told him her -story of pussy's beating, at which he was justly and +story of pussy’s beating, at which he was justly and dignifiedly indignant, saying it was all of a piece with that abusive <i>Examiner</i>; having received the sausages, and turkey, and mince pies, which her husband @@ -7197,72 +7065,70 @@ done all these and many other things, Mrs. Jenkins sate down to get up the real lace cap. Every thread was pulled out separately, and carefully stretched: when, what was that? Outside, in the street, a -chorus of piping children's voices sang the old carol +chorus of piping children’s voices sang the old carol she had heard a hundred times in the days of her -youth:—</p> +youth:—</p> <div class="poem2"> -<p class="noindent"> -"As Joseph was a walking he heard an angel sing,<br /> -'This night shall be born our heavenly King.<br /> - He neither shall be born in housen nor in hall,<br /> - Nor in the place of Paradise, but in an ox's stall.<br /> - He neither shall be clothed in purple nor in pall,<br /> - But all in fair linen, as were babies all:<br /> - He neither shall be rocked in silver nor in gold,<br /> - But in a wooden cradle that rocks on the mould,'" &c.<br /> -</p> +“As Joseph was a walking he heard an angel sing,<br > +‘This night shall be born our heavenly King.<br > + He neither shall be born in housen nor in hall,<br > + Nor in the place of Paradise, but in an ox’s stall.<br > + He neither shall be clothed in purple nor in pall,<br > + But all in fair linen, as were babies all:<br > + He neither shall be rocked in silver nor in gold,<br > + But in a wooden cradle that rocks on the mould,’” &c.<br > </div> <p>She got up and went to the window. There, below, stood the group of grey black little figures, relieved against the snow, which now enveloped everything. -"For old sake's sake," as she phrased it, she counted +“For old sake’s sake,” as she phrased it, she counted out a halfpenny apiece for the singers, out of the copper bag, and threw them down below.</p> <p>The room had become chilly while she had been <ins title="original has count-out">counting out</ins> and throwing down her money, so she stirred her -already glowing fire, and sat down right before it—but +already glowing fire, and sat down right before it—but not to stretch her lace; like Mary Hodgson, she began to think over long-past days, on softening remembrances of the dead and gone, on words long forgotten, on holy -stories heard at her mother's knee.</p> +stories heard at her mother’s knee.</p> -<p>"I cannot think what's come over me to-night," said +<p>“I cannot think what’s come over me to-night,” said she, half aloud, recovering herself by the sound of her -own voice from her train of thought—"My head goes -wandering on them old times. I'm sure more texts +own voice from her train of thought—“My head goes +wandering on them old times. I’m sure more texts have come into my head with thinking on my mother -within this last half hour, than I've thought on for years -and years. I hope I'm not going to die. Folks say, -thinking too much on the dead betokens we're going to -join 'em; I should be loth to go just yet—such a fine -turkey as we've got for dinner to-morrow, too!"</p> +within this last half hour, than I’ve thought on for years +and years. I hope I’m not going to die. Folks say, +thinking too much on the dead betokens we’re going to +join ’em; I should be loth to go just yet—such a fine +turkey as we’ve got for dinner to-morrow, too!”</p> <p>Knock, knock, knock, at the door, as fast as knuckles could go. And then, as if the comer could not wait, the door was opened, and Mary Hodgson stood there as white as death.</p> -<p>"Mrs. Jenkins!—oh, your kettle is boiling, thank +<p>“Mrs. Jenkins!—oh, your kettle is boiling, thank God! Let me have the water for my baby, for the love -of God! He's got croup, and is dying!"</p> +of God! He’s got croup, and is dying!”</p> <p>Mrs. Jenkins turned on her chair with a wooden inflexible look on her face, that (between ourselves) her husband knew and dreaded for all his pompous dignity.</p> -<p>"I'm sorry I can't oblige you, ma'am; my kettle is -wanted for my husband's tea. Don't be afeared, Tommy, -Mrs. Hodgson won't venture to intrude herself where -she's not desired. You'd better send for the doctor, -ma'am, instead of wasting your time in wringing your -hands, ma'am—my kettle is engaged."</p> +<p>“I’m sorry I can’t oblige you, ma’am; my kettle is +wanted for my husband’s tea. Don’t be afeared, Tommy, +Mrs. Hodgson won’t venture to intrude herself where +she’s not desired. You’d better send for the doctor, +ma’am, instead of wasting your time in wringing your +hands, ma’am—my kettle is engaged.”</p> <p>Mary clasped her hands together with passionate -force, but spoke no word of entreaty to that wooden face—that +force, but spoke no word of entreaty to that wooden face—that sharp, determined voice; but, as she turned away, she prayed for strength to bear the coming trial, and strength to forgive Mrs. Jenkins.</p> @@ -7271,22 +7137,22 @@ and strength to forgive Mrs. Jenkins.</p> has no hope, and then she turned upon herself as sharply as she ever did on any one else.</p> -<p>"What a brute I am, Lord forgive me! What's my -husband's tea to a baby's life? In croup, too, where -time is everything. You crabbed old vixen, you!—any -one may know you never had a child!"</p> +<p>“What a brute I am, Lord forgive me! What’s my +husband’s tea to a baby’s life? In croup, too, where +time is everything. You crabbed old vixen, you!—any +one may know you never had a child!”</p> <p>She was down stairs (kettle in hand) before she had -finished her self-upbraiding; and when in Mrs. Hodgson's +finished her self-upbraiding; and when in Mrs. Hodgson’s room, she rejected all thanks (Mary had not the -voice for many words), saying, stiffly, "I do it for the -poor babby's sake, ma'am, hoping he may live to have +voice for many words), saying, stiffly, “I do it for the +poor babby’s sake, ma’am, hoping he may live to have mercy to poor dumb beasts, if he does forget to lock his -cupboards."</p> +cupboards.”</p> <p>But she did everything, and more than Mary, with her young inexperience, could have thought of. She -prepared the warm bath, and tried it with her husband's +prepared the warm bath, and tried it with her husband’s own thermometer (Mr. Jenkins was as punctual as clockwork in noting down the temperature of every day). She let his mother place her baby in the tub, still preserving @@ -7299,11 +7165,11 @@ minutes till the doctor should come. But, before he came, down again stalked Mrs. Jenkins, with something in her hand.</p> -<p>"I've seen many of these croup-fits, which, I take it, -you've not, ma'am. Mustard plaisters is very sovereign, -put on the throat; I've been up and made one, -ma'am, and, by your leave, I'll put it on the poor little -fellow."</p> +<p>“I’ve seen many of these croup-fits, which, I take it, +you’ve not, ma’am. Mustard plaisters is very sovereign, +put on the throat; I’ve been up and made one, +ma’am, and, by your leave, I’ll put it on the poor little +fellow.”</p> <p>Mary could not speak, but she signed her grateful assent.</p> @@ -7313,21 +7179,21 @@ he looked up to his mother as if seeking courage from her looks to bear the stinging pain; but she was softly crying, to see him suffer, and her want of courage reacted upon him, and he began to sob aloud. Instantly -Mrs. Jenkins's apron was up, hiding her face: "Peep-bo, -baby," said she, as merrily as she could. His little +Mrs. Jenkins’s apron was up, hiding her face: “Peep-bo, +baby,” said she, as merrily as she could. His little face brightened, and his mother having once got the cue, the two women kept the little fellow amused, until his plaister had taken effect.</p> -<p>"He's better,—oh, Mrs. Jenkins, look at his eyes! -how different! And he breathes quite softly<span class="norewrap">——</span>"</p> +<p>“He’s better,—oh, Mrs. Jenkins, look at his eyes! +how different! And he breathes quite softly<span class="norewrap">——</span>”</p> <p>As Mary spoke thus, the doctor entered. He examined his patient. Baby was really better.</p> -<p>"It has been a sharp attack, but the remedies you -have applied have been worth all the Pharmacopœia an -hour later.—I shall send a powder," &c. &c.</p> +<p>“It has been a sharp attack, but the remedies you +have applied have been worth all the Pharmacopœia an +hour later.—I shall send a powder,” &c. &c.</p> <p>Mrs. Jenkins stayed to hear this opinion; and (her heart wonderfully more easy) was going to leave the @@ -7349,77 +7215,77 @@ been in.</p> <p>When she came down (later than usual), she found the household in a commotion. What do you think had happened? Why, pussy had been a traitor to his best -friend, and eaten up some of Mr. Jenkins's own especial +friend, and eaten up some of Mr. Jenkins’s own especial sausages; and gnawed and tumbled the rest so, that they were not fit to be eaten! There were no bounds to -that cat's appetite! he would have eaten his own father +that cat’s appetite! he would have eaten his own father if he had been tender enough. And now Mrs. Jenkins -stormed and cried—"Hang the cat!"</p> +stormed and cried—“Hang the cat!”</p> -<p>Christmas Day, too! and all the shops shut! "What -was turkey without sausages?" gruffly asked Mr. +<p>Christmas Day, too! and all the shops shut! “What +was turkey without sausages?” gruffly asked Mr. Jenkins.</p> -<p>"Oh, Jem!" whispered Mary, "hearken what a piece -of work he's making about sausages,—I should like to -take Mrs. Jenkins up some of mother's; they're twice as -good as bought sausages."</p> +<p>“Oh, Jem!” whispered Mary, “hearken what a piece +of work he’s making about sausages,—I should like to +take Mrs. Jenkins up some of mother’s; they’re twice as +good as bought sausages.”</p> -<p>"I see no objection, my dear. Sausages do not +<p>“I see no objection, my dear. Sausages do not involve intimacies, else his politics are what I can no -ways respect."</p> +ways respect.”</p> -<p>"But, oh, Jem, if you had seen her last night about -baby! I'm sure she may scold me for ever, and I'll -not answer. I'd even make her cat welcome to the -sausages." The tears gathered to Mary's eyes as she +<p>“But, oh, Jem, if you had seen her last night about +baby! I’m sure she may scold me for ever, and I’ll +not answer. I’d even make her cat welcome to the +sausages.” The tears gathered to Mary’s eyes as she kissed her boy.</p> -<p>"Better take 'em upstairs, my dear, and give them -to the cat's mistress." And Jem chuckled at his saying.</p> +<p>“Better take ’em upstairs, my dear, and give them +to the cat’s mistress.” And Jem chuckled at his saying.</p> <p>Mary put them on a plate, but still she loitered.</p> -<p>"What must I say, Jem? I never know."</p> +<p>“What must I say, Jem? I never know.”</p> -<p>"Say—I hope you'll accept of these sausages, as my -mother—no, that's not grammar;—say what comes -uppermost, Mary, it will be sure to be right."</p> +<p>“Say—I hope you’ll accept of these sausages, as my +mother—no, that’s not grammar;—say what comes +uppermost, Mary, it will be sure to be right.”</p> <p>So Mary carried them upstairs and knocked at the -door; and when told to "come in," she looked very red, -but went up to Mrs. Jenkins, saying, "Please take these. -Mother made them." And was away before an answer +door; and when told to “come in,” she looked very red, +but went up to Mrs. Jenkins, saying, “Please take these. +Mother made them.” And was away before an answer could be given.</p> <p>Just as Hodgson was ready to go to church, Mrs. Jenkins came downstairs, and called Fanny. In a -minute, the latter entered the Hodgsons' room, and -delivered Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins's compliments, and they +minute, the latter entered the Hodgsons’ room, and +delivered Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins’s compliments, and they would be particular glad if Mr. and Mrs. Hodgson would eat their dinner with them.</p> -<p>"And carry baby upstairs in a shawl, be sure," added -Mrs. Jenkins's voice in the passage, close to the door, +<p>“And carry baby upstairs in a shawl, be sure,” added +Mrs. Jenkins’s voice in the passage, close to the door, whither she had followed her messenger. There was no discussing the matter, with the certainty of every word being overheard.</p> <p>Mary looked anxiously at her husband. She remembered -his saying he did not approve of Mr. Jenkins's +his saying he did not approve of Mr. Jenkins’s politics.</p> -<p>"Do you think it would do for baby?" asked he.</p> +<p>“Do you think it would do for baby?” asked he.</p> -<p>"Oh, yes," answered she, eagerly; "I would wrap -him up so warm."</p> +<p>“Oh, yes,” answered she, eagerly; “I would wrap +him up so warm.”</p> -<p>"And I've got our room up to sixty-five already, for -all it's so frosty," added the voice outside.</p> +<p>“And I’ve got our room up to sixty-five already, for +all it’s so frosty,” added the voice outside.</p> <p>Now, how do you think they settled the matter? The very best way in the world. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins -came down into the Hodgsons' room, and dined there. +came down into the Hodgsons’ room, and dined there. Turkey at the top, roast beef at the bottom, sausages at one side, potatoes at the other. Second course, plum-pudding at the top, and mince pies at the @@ -7431,97 +7297,94 @@ declared he was admiring the real lace on her cap, but Mary thought (though she did not say so) that he was pleased by her kind looks and coaxing words. Then he was wrapped up and carried carefully upstairs to tea, in -Mrs. Jenkins's room. And after tea, Mrs. Jenkins, -and Mary, and her husband, found out each other's +Mrs. Jenkins’s room. And after tea, Mrs. Jenkins, +and Mary, and her husband, found out each other’s mutual liking for music, and sat singing old glees and -catches, till I don't know what o'clock, without one word +catches, till I don’t know what o’clock, without one word of politics or newspapers.</p> <p>Before they parted, Mary had coaxed pussy on to her knee; for Mrs. Jenkins would not part with baby, who was sleeping on her lap.</p> -<p>"When you're busy, bring him to me. Do, now, it +<p>“When you’re busy, bring him to me. Do, now, it will be a real favour. I know you must have a deal to -do, with another coming; let him come up to me. I'll +do, with another coming; let him come up to me. I’ll take the greatest of cares of him; pretty darling, how -sweet he looks when he's asleep!"</p> +sweet he looks when he’s asleep!”</p> <p>When the couples were once more alone, the husbands unburdened their minds to their wives.</p> -<p>Mr. Jenkins said to his—"Do you know, Burgess +<p>Mr. Jenkins said to his—“Do you know, Burgess tried to make me believe Hodgson was such a fool as to put paragraphs into the <i>Examiner</i> now and then; but I see he knows his place, and has got too much sense to -do any such thing."</p> +do any such thing.”</p> -<p>Hodgson said—"Mary, love, I almost fancy from -Jenkins's way of speaking (so much civiler than I -expected), he guesses I wrote that 'Pro Bono' and -the 'Rose-bud,'—at any rate, I've no objection to your +<p>Hodgson said—“Mary, love, I almost fancy from +Jenkins’s way of speaking (so much civiler than I +expected), he guesses I wrote that ‘Pro Bono’ and +the ‘Rose-bud,’—at any rate, I’ve no objection to your naming it, if the subject should come uppermost; I -should like him to know I'm a literary man."</p> +should like him to know I’m a literary man.”</p> -<p>Well! I've ended my tale; I hope you don't think it +<p>Well! I’ve ended my tale; I hope you don’t think it too long; but, before I go, just let me say one thing.</p> <p>If any of you have any quarrels, or misunderstandings, or coolnesses, or cold shoulders, or shynesses, or tiffs, or miffs, or huffs, with any one else, just make friends -before Christmas,—you will be so much merrier if you do.</p> +before Christmas,—you will be so much merrier if you do.</p> <p>I ask it of you for the sake of that old angelic song, heard so many years ago by the shepherds, keeping watch by night, on Bethlehem Heights.</p> -<p> </p> -<hr class="narrow" /> -<p> </p> -<p> </p> -<h3><a name="hh" id="hh"></a>HAND AND HEART.</h3> -<p> </p> -<p>"Mother, I should so like to have a great deal of -money," said little Tom Fletcher one evening, as he sat -on a low stool by his mother's knee. His mother was +<hr class="chap"> +<h2 id="hh">HAND AND HEART.</h2> + +<p>“Mother, I should so like to have a great deal of +money,” said little Tom Fletcher one evening, as he sat +on a low stool by his mother’s knee. His mother was knitting busily by the firelight, and they had both been silent for some time.</p> -<p>"What would you do with a great deal of money if -you had it?"</p> +<p>“What would you do with a great deal of money if +you had it?”</p> -<p>"Oh! I don't know—I would do a great many things. +<p>“Oh! I don’t know—I would do a great many things. But should not you like to have a great deal of money, -mother?" persisted he.</p> +mother?” persisted he.</p> -<p>"Perhaps I should," answered Mrs. Fletcher. "I +<p>“Perhaps I should,” answered Mrs. Fletcher. “I am like you sometimes, dear, and think that I should be -very glad of a little more money. But then I don't +very glad of a little more money. But then I don’t think I am like you in one thing, for I have always some little plan in my mind, for which I should want -the money. I never wish for it just for its own sake."</p> +the money. I never wish for it just for its own sake.”</p> -<p>"Why, mother! there are so many things we could -do if we had but money;—real good, wise things I mean."</p> +<p>“Why, mother! there are so many things we could +do if we had but money;—real good, wise things I mean.”</p> -<p>"And if we have real good, wise things in our head +<p>“And if we have real good, wise things in our head to do, which cannot be done without money, I can quite enter into the wish for money. But you know, my little -boy, you did not tell me of any good or wise thing."</p> +boy, you did not tell me of any good or wise thing.”</p> -<p>"No! I believe I was not thinking of good or wise +<p>“No! I believe I was not thinking of good or wise things just then, but only how much I should like money -to do what I liked," answered little Tom ingenuously, -looking up in his mother's face. She smiled down upon +to do what I liked,” answered little Tom ingenuously, +looking up in his mother’s face. She smiled down upon him, and stroked his head. He knew she was pleased with him for having told her openly what was passing in his mind. Presently he began again.</p> -<p>"Mother, if you wanted to do something very good +<p>“Mother, if you wanted to do something very good and wise, and if you could not do it without money, -what should you do?"</p> +what should you do?”</p> -<p>"There are two ways of obtaining money for such +<p>“There are two ways of obtaining money for such wants; one is by earning; and the other is by saving. Now both are good, because both imply self-denial. Do you understand me, Tom? If you have to earn money, @@ -7537,66 +7400,66 @@ possess the money it would have cost. Inasmuch as self-denial, energy, and industry are all good things, you do well either to earn or to save. But you see the purpose for which you want the money must be taken -into consideration. You say, for 'something wise and -good.' Either earning or saving becomes holy in this +into consideration. You say, for ‘something wise and +good.’ Either earning or saving becomes holy in this case. I must then think which will be most consistent with my other duties, before I decide whether I will earn -or save money."</p> +or save money.”</p> -<p>"I don't quite know what you mean, mother."</p> +<p>“I don’t quite know what you mean, mother.”</p> -<p>"I will try and explain myself. You know I have to +<p>“I will try and explain myself. You know I have to keep a little shop, and to try and get employment in knitting stockings, and to clean my house, and to mend our clothes, and many other things. Now, do you think I should be doing my duty if I left you in the evenings, when you come home from school, to go out as a waiter -at ladies' parties? I could earn a good deal of money +at ladies’ parties? I could earn a good deal of money by it, and I could spend it well among those who are poorer than I am (such as lame Harry), but then I should be leaving you alone in the little time that we have to be together; I do not think I should be doing -right even for our 'good and wise purpose' to earn +right even for our ‘good and wise purpose’ to earn money, if it took me away from you at nights: do you, -Tom?"</p> +Tom?”</p> -<p>"No, indeed; you never mean to do it, do you, -mother?"</p> +<p>“No, indeed; you never mean to do it, do you, +mother?”</p> -<p>"No," said she, smiling; "at any rate not till you +<p>“No,” said she, smiling; “at any rate not till you are older. You see at present then, I cannot <i>earn</i> money, if I want a little more than usual to help a sick neighbour. I must then try and <i>save</i> money. Nearly -every one can do that."</p> +every one can do that.”</p> -<p>"Can <i>we</i>, mother? We are so careful of everything. -Ned Dixon calls us stingy: what could <i>we</i> save?"</p> +<p>“Can <i>we</i>, mother? We are so careful of everything. +Ned Dixon calls us stingy: what could <i>we</i> save?”</p> -<p>"Oh, many and many a little thing. We use many +<p>“Oh, many and many a little thing. We use many things which are luxuries; which we do not want, but -only use them for pleasure. Tea and sugar—butter—our -Sunday's dinner of bacon or meat—the grey ribbon +only use them for pleasure. Tea and sugar—butter—our +Sunday’s dinner of bacon or meat—the grey ribbon I bought for my bonnet, because you thought it prettier than the black, which was cheaper; all these are luxuries. We use very little tea or sugar, it is true; but we might -do without any."</p> +do without any.”</p> -<p>"You did do without any, mother, for a long, long +<p>“You did do without any, mother, for a long, long time, you know, to help widow Black; it was only for -your bad head-aches."</p> +your bad head-aches.”</p> -<p>"Well! but you see we can save money; a penny, a +<p>“Well! but you see we can save money; a penny, a halfpenny a day, or even a penny a week, would in time -make a little store ready to be applied to the 'good and -wise' purpose, when the time comes. But do you know, +make a little store ready to be applied to the ‘good and +wise’ purpose, when the time comes. But do you know, my little boy, I think we may be considering money too much as the only thing required if we want to do a -kindness."</p> +kindness.”</p> -<p>"If it is not the only thing, it is the chief thing, at -any rate."</p> +<p>“If it is not the only thing, it is the chief thing, at +any rate.”</p> -<p>"No, love, it is not the chief thing. I should think +<p>“No, love, it is not the chief thing. I should think very poorly of that beggar who liked sixpence given with a curse (as I have sometimes heard it), better than the kind and gentle words some people use in refusing to @@ -7606,27 +7469,27 @@ made hard before by harsh treatment. And mere money can do little to cheer a sore heart. It is kindness only that can do this. Now we have all of us kindness in our power. The little child of two years old, who can only -just totter about, can show kindness."</p> +just totter about, can show kindness.”</p> -<p>"Can I, mother?"</p> +<p>“Can I, mother?”</p> -<p>"To be sure, dear; and you often do, only perhaps +<p>“To be sure, dear; and you often do, only perhaps not quite so often as you might do. Neither do I. But -instead of wishing for money (of which I don't think +instead of wishing for money (of which I don’t think either you or I are ever likely to have much), suppose you try to-morrow how you can make people happier, by thinking of little loving actions of help. Let us try and -take for our text, 'Silver and gold I have none, but such -as I have give I unto thee.'"</p> +take for our text, ‘Silver and gold I have none, but such +as I have give I unto thee.’”</p> -<p>"Ay, mother, we will."</p> +<p>“Ay, mother, we will.”</p> -<p>Must I tell you about little Tom's "to-morrow."</p> +<p>Must I tell you about little Tom’s “to-morrow.”</p> <p>I do not know if little Tom dreamed of what his mother and he had been talking about, but I do know that the first thing he thought about, when he awoke in -the morning, was his mother's saying that he might try +the morning, was his mother’s saying that he might try how many kind actions he could do that day without money; and he was so impatient to begin, that he jumped up and dressed himself, although it was more @@ -7640,10 +7503,10 @@ that was the first thing he had to do; and then he would try, without too much planning beforehand, to keep himself ready to lend a helping hand, or to give a kind word, when the right time came. So he screwed -himself into a corner, out of the way of his mother's +himself into a corner, out of the way of his mother’s sweeping and dusting, and tucked his feet up on the rail of the chair, turned his face to the wall, and in -about half an hour's time, he could turn round with a +about half an hour’s time, he could turn round with a light heart, feeling he had learnt his lesson well, and might employ his time as he liked till breakfast was ready. He looked round the room; his mother had @@ -7657,79 +7520,79 @@ court, and speaking very angrily and loudly to her little girl, who was getting into some mischief in the house-place, as her mother perceived through the open door.</p> -<p>"There never were such plagues as my children are, -to be sure," said Ann Jones, as she went into her house, +<p>“There never were such plagues as my children are, +to be sure,” said Ann Jones, as she went into her house, looking very red and passionate. Directly after, Tom -heard the sound of a slap, and then a little child's cry of +heard the sound of a slap, and then a little child’s cry of pain.</p> -<p>"I wonder," thought he, "if I durst go and offer to +<p>“I wonder,” thought he, “if I durst go and offer to nurse and play with little Hester. Ann Jones is fearful cross, and just as likely to take me wrong as right; but -she won't box me for mother's sake; mother nursed -Jemmy many a day through the fever, so she won't slap -me, I think. Any rate, I'll try." But it was with a +she won’t box me for mother’s sake; mother nursed +Jemmy many a day through the fever, so she won’t slap +me, I think. Any rate, I’ll try.” But it was with a beating heart he said to the fierce-looking Mrs. Jones, -"Please, may I go and play with Hester. May be -I could keep her quiet while you're busy hanging out -clothes."</p> +“Please, may I go and play with Hester. May be +I could keep her quiet while you’re busy hanging out +clothes.”</p> -<p>"What! and let you go slopping about, I suppose, -just when I'd made all ready for my master's breakfast. -Thank you, but my own children's mischief is as much -as I reckon on; I'll have none of strange lads in my -house."</p> +<p>“What! and let you go slopping about, I suppose, +just when I’d made all ready for my master’s breakfast. +Thank you, but my own children’s mischief is as much +as I reckon on; I’ll have none of strange lads in my +house.”</p> -<p>"I did not mean to do mischief or slop," said Tom, a +<p>“I did not mean to do mischief or slop,” said Tom, a little sadly at being misunderstood in his good intentions. -"I only wanted to help."</p> +“I only wanted to help.”</p> -<p>"If you want to help, lift me up those clothes' pegs, -and save me stooping; my back's broken with it."</p> +<p>“If you want to help, lift me up those clothes’ pegs, +and save me stooping; my back’s broken with it.”</p> <p>Tom would much rather have gone to play with and amuse little Hester; but it was true enough that giving -Mrs. Jones the clothes' pegs as she wanted them would +Mrs. Jones the clothes’ pegs as she wanted them would help her as much; and perhaps keep her from being so cross with her children if they did anything to hinder -her. Besides, little Hester's cry had died away, and +her. Besides, little Hester’s cry had died away, and she was evidently occupied in some new pursuit (Tom could only hope that it was not in mischief this time); so he began to give Ann the pegs as she wanted them, and she, soothed by his kind help, opened her heart a little to him.</p> -<p>"I wonder how it is your mother has trained you up -to be so handy, Tom; you're as good as a girl—better -than many a girl. I don't think Hester in three years' -time will be as thoughtful as you. There!" (as a fresh +<p>“I wonder how it is your mother has trained you up +to be so handy, Tom; you’re as good as a girl—better +than many a girl. I don’t think Hester in three years’ +time will be as thoughtful as you. There!” (as a fresh scream reached them from the little ones inside the -house), "they are at some mischief again; but I'll -teach 'em," said she, getting down from her stool in a +house), “they are at some mischief again; but I’ll +teach ’em,” said she, getting down from her stool in a fresh access of passion.</p> -<p>"Let me go," said Tom, in a begging voice, for he -dreaded the cruel sound of another slap. "I'll lift the +<p>“Let me go,” said Tom, in a begging voice, for he +dreaded the cruel sound of another slap. “I’ll lift the basket of pegs on to a stool, so that you need not stoop; -and I'll keep the little ones safe out of mischief till -you're done. Do let me go, missus."</p> +and I’ll keep the little ones safe out of mischief till +you’re done. Do let me go, missus.”</p> <p>With some grumblings at losing his help, she let him go into the house-place. He found Hester, a little girl of five, and two younger ones. They had been fighting for a knife, and in the struggle, the second, Johnnie, -had cut his finger—not very badly, but he was frightened +had cut his finger—not very badly, but he was frightened at the sight of the blood; and Hester, who might have helped, and who was really sorry, stood sullenly aloof, dreading the scolding her mother always gave her if either of the little ones hurt themselves while under her care.</p> -<p>"Hester," said Tom, "will you get me some cold +<p>“Hester,” said Tom, “will you get me some cold water, please? it will stop the bleeding better than anything. -I daresay you can find me a basin to hold it."</p> +I daresay you can find me a basin to hold it.”</p> -<p>Hester trotted off, pleased at Tom's confidence in her +<p>Hester trotted off, pleased at Tom’s confidence in her power. When the bleeding was partly stopped, he asked her to find him a bit of rag, and she scrambled under the dresser for a little piece she had hidden there the day @@ -7740,39 +7603,24 @@ so much attention and consequence. The baby, too, sat on the floor, gravely wondering at the commotion; and thus busily occupied, they were quiet and out of mischief till Ann Jones came in, and, having hung out her -clothes, and finished that morning's piece of work, she +clothes, and finished that morning’s piece of work, she was ready to attend to her children in her rough, hasty kind of way.</p> -<p> -<a name="gwimg4" id="gwimg4"> </a></p> -<div class="center"> -<table style="margin: 0 auto" cellpadding="0" summary="illustration"> - <tr> - <td align="center"> - <a href="images/gwimg4.jpg"> - <img src="images/gwimg4.jpg" - alt="The Cut Finger" /></a> - </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td align="center"> - <span class="caption">The Cut Finger.<br /> - Click to <a href="images/gwimg4.jpg">ENLARGE</a></span> - </td> - </tr> -</table> -</div> +<figure class="illowp67 mt5" id="gwimg4"> + <img src="images/gwimg4.jpg" alt=""> + <figcaption>The Cut Finger.</figcaption> +</figure> -<p>"Well! I'm sure, Tom, you've tied it up as neatly -as I could have done. I wish I'd always such an +<p>“Well! I’m sure, Tom, you’ve tied it up as neatly +as I could have done. I wish I’d always such an one as you to see after the children; but you must run off now, lad, your mother was calling you as I -came in, and I said I'd send you—good-by, and thank -you."</p> +came in, and I said I’d send you—good-by, and thank +you.”</p> <p>As Tom was going away, the baby, sitting in square -gravity on the floor, but somehow conscious of Tom's +gravity on the floor, but somehow conscious of Tom’s gentle helpful ways, put up her mouth to be kissed; and he stooped down in answer to the little gesture, feeling very happy, and very full of love and kindliness.</p> @@ -7796,20 +7644,20 @@ steps. Tom ran across the street, for, as perhaps you have found out, he was very fond of babies, and could not bear to hear them cry.</p> -<p>"Little girl, what is he crying about? Does he -want to be carried? I'll take him up, and carry him -as far as I go alongside of you."</p> +<p>“Little girl, what is he crying about? Does he +want to be carried? I’ll take him up, and carry him +as far as I go alongside of you.”</p> <p>So saying, Tom was going to suit the action to the word; but the baby did not choose that any one should -carry him but his sister, and refused Tom's kindness. +carry him but his sister, and refused Tom’s kindness. Still he could carry the heavy basket of potatoes for the little girl, which he did as far as their road lay together, when she thanked him, and bade him good-by, and said she could manage very well now, her home was so near. So Tom went into school very happy and peaceful; and had a good character to take home to his -mother for that morning's lesson.</p> +mother for that morning’s lesson.</p> <p>It happened that this very day was the weekly half-holiday, so that Tom had many hours unoccupied that @@ -7824,7 +7672,7 @@ wished he were the little boy who lived opposite, who had three brothers ready to play with him on half-holidays; he wished he were Sam Harrison, whose father had taken him one day a trip by the railroad; he wished -he were the little boy who always went with the omnibuses,—it +he were the little boy who always went with the omnibuses,—it must be so pleasant to go riding about on the step, and to see so many people; he wished he were a sailor, to sail away to the countries where grapes grew @@ -7838,41 +7686,41 @@ up the dishes, and saw him deep in the reveries little boys and girls are apt to fall into when they are the only children in a house.</p> -<p>"My dear Tom," said she, "why don't you go out, -and make the most of this fine afternoon?"</p> +<p>“My dear Tom,” said she, “why don’t you go out, +and make the most of this fine afternoon?”</p> -<p>"Oh, mother," answered he (suddenly recalled to the +<p>“Oh, mother,” answered he (suddenly recalled to the fact that he was little Tom Fletcher, instead of the Prince -of Wales, and consequently feeling a little bit flat), "it +of Wales, and consequently feeling a little bit flat), “it is so dull going out by myself. I have no one to play -with. Can't you go with me, mother—just this once, -into the fields?"</p> +with. Can’t you go with me, mother—just this once, +into the fields?”</p> <p>Poor Mrs. Fletcher heartily wished she could gratify this very natural desire of her little boy; but she had the shop to mind, and many a little thing besides to do; it was impossible. But however much she might regret a thing, she was too faithful to repine. So, after a -moment's thought, she said, cheerfully, "Go into the +moment’s thought, she said, cheerfully, “Go into the fields for a walk, and see how many wild flowers you can -bring me home, and I'll get down father's jug for you to -put them in when you come back."</p> +bring me home, and I’ll get down father’s jug for you to +put them in when you come back.”</p> -<p>"But, mother, there are so few pretty flowers near a -town," said Tom, a little unwillingly, for it was a coming +<p>“But, mother, there are so few pretty flowers near a +town,” said Tom, a little unwillingly, for it was a coming down from being Prince of Wales, and he was not yet quite reconciled to it.</p> -<p>"Oh dear! there are a great many if you'll only look -for them. I dare say you'll make me up as many as -twenty different kinds."</p> +<p>“Oh dear! there are a great many if you’ll only look +for them. I dare say you’ll make me up as many as +twenty different kinds.”</p> -<p>"Will you reckon daisies, mother?"</p> +<p>“Will you reckon daisies, mother?”</p> -<p>"To be sure; they are just as pretty as any."</p> +<p>“To be sure; they are just as pretty as any.”</p> -<p>"Oh, if you'll reckon such as them, I dare say I can -bring you more than twenty."</p> +<p>“Oh, if you’ll reckon such as them, I dare say I can +bring you more than twenty.”</p> <p>So off he ran; his mother watching him till he was out of sight, and then she returned to her work. In @@ -7882,63 +7730,63 @@ taken with cheerful spirits, had done him all the good his mother desired, and had restored his usually even, happy temper.</p> -<p>"Look, mother! here are three-and-twenty different +<p>“Look, mother! here are three-and-twenty different kinds; you said I might count all, so I have even counted this thing like a nettle with lilac flowers, and this little -common blue thing."</p> +common blue thing.”</p> -<p>"Robin-run-in-the-hedge is its name," said his -mother. "It's very pretty if you look at it close. -One, two, three"—she counted them all over, and there +<p>“Robin-run-in-the-hedge is its name,” said his +mother. “It’s very pretty if you look at it close. +One, two, three”—she counted them all over, and there really were three-and-twenty. She went to reach down the best jug.</p> -<p>"Mother," said little Tom, "do you like them very -much?"</p> +<p>“Mother,” said little Tom, “do you like them very +much?”</p> -<p>"Yes, very much," said she, not understanding his -meaning. He was silent, and gave a little sigh. "Why, -my dear?"</p> +<p>“Yes, very much,” said she, not understanding his +meaning. He was silent, and gave a little sigh. “Why, +my dear?”</p> -<p>"Oh, only—it does not signify if you like them very +<p>“Oh, only—it does not signify if you like them very much; but I thought how nice it would be to take them to lame Harry, who can never walk so far as the fields, -and can hardly know what summer is like, I think."</p> +and can hardly know what summer is like, I think.”</p> -<p>"Oh, that will be very nice; I am glad you thought -of it."</p> +<p>“Oh, that will be very nice; I am glad you thought +of it.”</p> <p>Lame Harry was sitting by himself, very patiently, in a neighbouring cellar. He was supported by his -daughter's earnings; but as she worked in a factory, he +daughter’s earnings; but as she worked in a factory, he was much alone.</p> <p>If the bunch of flowers had looked pretty in the fields, they looked ten times as pretty in the cellar to which -they were now carried. Lame Harry's eyes brightened +they were now carried. Lame Harry’s eyes brightened up with pleasure at the sight; and he began to talk of the times long ago, when he was a little boy in the -country, and had a corner of his father's garden to call -his own, and grow lad's-love and wall-flower in. Little +country, and had a corner of his father’s garden to call +his own, and grow lad’s-love and wall-flower in. Little Tom put them in water for him, and put the jug on the table by him; on which his daughter had placed the old Bible, worn with much reading, although treated with -careful reverence. It was lying open, with Harry's horn +careful reverence. It was lying open, with Harry’s horn spectacles put in to mark the place.</p> -<p>"I reckon my spectacles are getting worn out; they +<p>“I reckon my spectacles are getting worn out; they are not so clear as they used to be; they are dim-like -before my eyes, and it hurts me to read long together," -said Harry. "It's a sad miss to me. I never thought +before my eyes, and it hurts me to read long together,” +said Harry. “It’s a sad miss to me. I never thought the time long when I could read; but now I keep wearying for the day to be over, though the nights, when I cannot sleep for my legs paining me, are almost as bad. -However, it's the Lord's will."</p> +However, it’s the Lord’s will.”</p> -<p>"Would you like me—I cannot read very well aloud, -but I'd do my best, if you'd like me to read a bit to -you. I'll just run home and get my tea, and be back -directly." And off Tom ran.</p> +<p>“Would you like me—I cannot read very well aloud, +but I’d do my best, if you’d like me to read a bit to +you. I’ll just run home and get my tea, and be back +directly.” And off Tom ran.</p> <p>He found it very pleasant reading aloud to lame Harry, for the old man had so much to say that was @@ -7954,35 +7802,35 @@ reading.</p> <p>When Tom got up to go away, lame Harry gave him many thanks, and told him he would not sleep the worse -for having made an old man's evening so pleasant. Tom -came home in high self-satisfaction. "Mother," said -he, "it's all very true what you said about the good that -may be done without money: I've done many pieces of -good to-day without a farthing. First," said he, taking -hold of his little finger, "I helped Ann Jones with -hanging out her clothes when she was"—</p> +for having made an old man’s evening so pleasant. Tom +came home in high self-satisfaction. “Mother,” said +he, “it’s all very true what you said about the good that +may be done without money: I’ve done many pieces of +good to-day without a farthing. First,” said he, taking +hold of his little finger, “I helped Ann Jones with +hanging out her clothes when she was”—</p> <p>His mother had been listening while she turned over the pages of the New Testament which lay by her, and now having found what she wanted, she put her arm gently round his waist, and drew him fondly towards her. He saw her finger put under one passage, and -read,—</p> +read,—</p> -<p>"Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand -doeth."</p> +<p>“Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand +doeth.”</p> <p>He was silent in a moment.</p> -<p>Then his mother spoke in her soft low voice:—"Dearest -Tom, though I don't want us to talk about it, +<p>Then his mother spoke in her soft low voice:—“Dearest +Tom, though I don’t want us to talk about it, as if you had been doing more than just what you ought, I am glad you have seen the truth of what I said; how far more may be done by the loving heart than by mere money-giving; and every one may have the loving -heart."</p> +heart.”</p> -<p>I have told you of one day of little Tom's life, when +<p>I have told you of one day of little Tom’s life, when he was eight years old, and lived with his mother. I must now pass over a year, and tell you of a very different kind of life he had then to lead. His mother @@ -7997,15 +7845,15 @@ hands, who is a Father to the fatherless, and defendeth the cause of the widow.</p> <p>When she felt that she had not many more days to -live, she sent for her husband's brother, who lived in a +live, she sent for her husband’s brother, who lived in a town not many miles off; and gave her little Tom in charge to him to bring up.</p> -<p>"There are a few pounds in the savings-bank—I -don't know how many exactly—and the furniture and +<p>“There are a few pounds in the savings-bank—I +don’t know how many exactly—and the furniture and bit of stock in the shop; perhaps they would be enough to bring him up to be a joiner, like his father before -him."</p> +him.”</p> <p>She spoke feebly, and with many pauses. Her brother-in-law, though a rough kind of man, wished to @@ -8013,15 +7861,15 @@ do all he could to make her feel easy in her last moments, and touched with the reference to his dead brother, promised all she required.</p> -<p>"I'll take him back with me after"—the funeral, he +<p>“I’ll take him back with me after”—the funeral, he was going to say, but he stopped. She smiled gently, fully understanding his meaning.</p> -<p>"We shall, may be, not be so tender with him as -you've been; but I'll see he comes to no harm. It will +<p>“We shall, may be, not be so tender with him as +you’ve been; but I’ll see he comes to no harm. It will be a good thing for him to rough it a bit with other -children,—he's too nesh for a boy; but I'll pay them if -they aren't kind to him in the long run, never fear."</p> +children,—he’s too nesh for a boy; but I’ll pay them if +they aren’t kind to him in the long run, never fear.”</p> <p>Though this speech was not exactly what she liked, there was quite enough of good feeling in it to make her @@ -8039,9 +7887,9 @@ passed some well-remembered cottage, or thorn-bush, or tree on the road. His uncle was very sorry for him, but did not know what to say, or how to comfort him.</p> -<p>"Now mind, lad, thou com'st to me if thy cousins are -o'er hard upon thee. Let me hear if they misuse thee, -and I'll give it them."</p> +<p>“Now mind, lad, thou com’st to me if thy cousins are +o’er hard upon thee. Let me hear if they misuse thee, +and I’ll give it them.”</p> <p>Tom shrunk from the idea that this gave him of the cousins, whose companionship he had, until then, been @@ -8056,16 +7904,16 @@ way with a rough movement of her arm; while she was scolding a boy a little older than Tom, who stood listening sullenly to her angry words.</p> -<p>"I'll tell father of thee, I will," said she; and turning +<p>“I’ll tell father of thee, I will,” said she; and turning to uncle John, she began to pour out her complaints against Jack, without taking any notice of little Tom, -who clung to his uncle's hand as to a protector in the +who clung to his uncle’s hand as to a protector in the scene of violence into which he had entered.</p> -<p>"Well, well, wife!—I'll leather Jack the next time +<p>“Well, well, wife!—I’ll leather Jack the next time I catch him letting the water out of the pipe; but now -get this lad and me some tea, for we're weary and -tired."</p> +get this lad and me some tea, for we’re weary and +tired.”</p> <p>His aunt seemed to wish Jack might be leathered now, and to be angry with her husband for not revenging @@ -8081,76 +7929,76 @@ on the fire, and had no water in the house to fill the kettle with. Her husband grew angry, and Tom was frightened to hear his uncle speaking sharply.</p> -<p>"If I can't have a cup of tea in my own house without -all this ado, I'll go to the Spread Eagle, and take -Tom with me. They've a bright fire there at all times, +<p>“If I can’t have a cup of tea in my own house without +all this ado, I’ll go to the Spread Eagle, and take +Tom with me. They’ve a bright fire there at all times, choose how they manage it; and no scolding wives. -Come, Tom, let's be off."</p> +Come, Tom, let’s be off.”</p> <p>Jack had been trying to scrape acquaintance with his -cousin by winks and grimaces behind his mother's back, +cousin by winks and grimaces behind his mother’s back, and now made a sign of drinking out of an imaginary glass. But Tom clung to his uncle, and softly pulled him down again on his chair, from which he had risen to go to the public-house.</p> -<p>"If you please, ma'am," said he, sadly frightened of -his aunt, "I think I could find the pump, if you'd let -me try."</p> +<p>“If you please, ma’am,” said he, sadly frightened of +his aunt, “I think I could find the pump, if you’d let +me try.”</p> <p>She muttered something like an acquiescence; so Tom took up the kettle, and, tired as he was, went out to the pump. Jack, who had done nothing but mischief all day, stood amazed, but at last settled that -his cousin was a "softy."</p> +his cousin was a “softy.”</p> <p>When Tom came back, he tried to blow the fire with the broken bellows, and at last the water boiled, and -the tea was made. "Thou'rt a rare lad, Tom," said -his uncle. "I wonder when our Jack will be of as -much use."</p> +the tea was made. “Thou’rt a rare lad, Tom,” said +his uncle. “I wonder when our Jack will be of as +much use.”</p> <p>This comparison did not please either Jack or his mother, who liked to keep to herself the privilege of -directing their father's dissatisfaction with his children. +directing their father’s dissatisfaction with his children. Tom felt their want of kindliness towards him; and now that he had nothing to do but rest and eat, he began to feel very sad, and his eyes kept filling with tears, which he brushed away with the back of his hand, not wishing to have them seen. But his uncle noticed him.</p> -<p>"Thou had'st better have had a glass at the Spread -Eagle," said he, compassionately.</p> +<p>“Thou had’st better have had a glass at the Spread +Eagle,” said he, compassionately.</p> -<p>"No; I only am rather tired. May I go to bed?" +<p>“No; I only am rather tired. May I go to bed?” said he, longing for a good cry unobserved under the bed-clothes.</p> -<p>"Where's he to sleep?" asked the husband of the +<p>“Where’s he to sleep?” asked the husband of the wife.</p> -<p>"Nay," said she, still offended on Jack's account, -"that's thy look-out. He's thy flesh and blood, not -mine."</p> +<p>“Nay,” said she, still offended on Jack’s account, +“that’s thy look-out. He’s thy flesh and blood, not +mine.”</p> -<p>"Come, wife," said uncle John, "he's an orphan, -poor chap. An orphan is kin to every one."</p> +<p>“Come, wife,” said uncle John, “he’s an orphan, +poor chap. An orphan is kin to every one.”</p> <p>She was softened directly, for she had much kindness in her, although this evening she had been so much put out.</p> -<p>"There's no place for him but with Jack and Dick. -We've the baby, and the other three are packed close -enough."</p> +<p>“There’s no place for him but with Jack and Dick. +We’ve the baby, and the other three are packed close +enough.”</p> <p>She took Tom up to the little back room, and stopped -to talk with him for a minute or two, for her husband's +to talk with him for a minute or two, for her husband’s words had smitten her heart, and she was sorry for the ungracious reception she had given Tom at first.</p> -<p>"Jack and Dick are never in bed till we come, and -it's work enough to catch them then on fine evenings," +<p>“Jack and Dick are never in bed till we come, and +it’s work enough to catch them then on fine evenings,” said she, as she took the candle away.</p> <p>Tom tried to speak to God as his mother had taught @@ -8167,40 +8015,40 @@ and had thought he was once more taking a Sunday evening walk with his mother, when he was roughly wakened up by his cousins.</p> -<p>"I say, lad, you're lying right across the bed. You +<p>“I say, lad, you’re lying right across the bed. You must get up, and let Dick and me come in, and then -creep into the space that's left."</p> +creep into the space that’s left.”</p> <p>Tom got up dizzy and half awake. His cousins got into bed, and then squabbled about the largest share. It ended in a kicking match, during which Tom stood shivering by the bedside.</p> -<p>"I'm sure we're pinched enough as it is," said Dick -at last. "And why they've put Tom in with us I can't -think. But I'll not stand it. Tom shan't sleep with us. -He may lie on the floor, if he likes. I'll not hinder him."</p> +<p>“I’m sure we’re pinched enough as it is,” said Dick +at last. “And why they’ve put Tom in with us I can’t +think. But I’ll not stand it. Tom shan’t sleep with us. +He may lie on the floor, if he likes. I’ll not hinder him.”</p> <p>He expected an opposition from Tom, and was rather surprised when he heard the little fellow quietly lie down, and cover himself as well as he could with his clothes. After some more quarrelling, Jack and Dick fell asleep. But in the middle of the night Dick awoke, and heard -by Tom's breathing that he was still awake, and was +by Tom’s breathing that he was still awake, and was crying gently.</p> -<p>"What! molly-coddle, crying for a softer bed?" +<p>“What! molly-coddle, crying for a softer bed?” asked Dick.</p> -<p>"Oh, no—I don't care for that—if—oh! if mother -were but alive," little Tom sobbed aloud.</p> +<p>“Oh, no—I don’t care for that—if—oh! if mother +were but alive,” little Tom sobbed aloud.</p> -<p>"I say," said Dick, after a pause. "There's room -at my back, if you'll creep in. There! don't be afraid—why, -how cold you are, lad."</p> +<p>“I say,” said Dick, after a pause. “There’s room +at my back, if you’ll creep in. There! don’t be afraid—why, +how cold you are, lad.”</p> -<p>Dick was sorry for his cousin's loss, but could not -speak about it. However, his kind tone sank into Tom's +<p>Dick was sorry for his cousin’s loss, but could not +speak about it. However, his kind tone sank into Tom’s heart, and he fell asleep once more.</p> <p>The three boys all got up at the same time in the @@ -8208,7 +8056,7 @@ morning, but were not inclined to talk. Jack and Dick put on their clothes as fast as possible, and ran downstairs; but this was quite a different way of going on to what Tom had been accustomed. He looked about for -some kind of basin or mug to wash in; there was none—not +some kind of basin or mug to wash in; there was none—not even a jug of water in the room. He slipped on a few necessary clothes, and went downstairs, found a pitcher, and went off to the pump. His cousins, who @@ -8226,7 +8074,7 @@ in it; they had only felt tired and unrefreshed, with a dull headache; but now that Tom came back again into it, he could not mistake its oppressive nature. He went to the window to try and open it. It was what people call -a "Yorkshire light," where you know one-half has to +a “Yorkshire light,” where you know one-half has to be pushed on one side. It was very stiff, for it had not been opened for a long time. Tom pushed against it with all his might; at length it gave way with a jerk; @@ -8241,41 +8089,41 @@ getting into a scrape. He sat down on the bedside, and began to cry. But the morning air blowing in upon him, refreshed him, and made him feel stronger. He grew braver as he washed himself in the pure, cold -water. "She can't be cross with me longer than a +water. “She can’t be cross with me longer than a day; by to-night it will be all over; I can bear it for -a day."</p> +a day.”</p> <p>Dick came running upstairs for something he had forgotten.</p> -<p>"My word, Tom! but you'll catch it!" exclaimed +<p>“My word, Tom! but you’ll catch it!” exclaimed he, when he saw the broken window. He was half -pleased at the event, and half sorry for Tom. "Mother +pleased at the event, and half sorry for Tom. “Mother did so beat Jack last week for throwing a stone right through the window downstairs. He kept out of the way till night, but she was on the look-out for him, and as soon as she saw him, she caught hold of him and gave it him. Eh! Tom, I would not be you for -a deal!"</p> +a deal!”</p> -<p>Tom began to cry again at this account of his aunt's +<p>Tom began to cry again at this account of his aunt’s anger; Dick became more and more sorry for him.</p> -<p>"I'll tell thee what; we'll go down and say it was a +<p>“I’ll tell thee what; we’ll go down and say it was a lad in yon back-yard throwing stones, and that one went -smack through the window. I've got one in my pocket -that will just do to show."</p> +smack through the window. I’ve got one in my pocket +that will just do to show.”</p> -<p>"No," said Tom, suddenly stopping crying. "I dare -not do that."</p> +<p>“No,” said Tom, suddenly stopping crying. “I dare +not do that.”</p> -<p>"Daren't! Why you'll have to dare much more if you -go down and face mother without some such story."</p> +<p>“Daren’t! Why you’ll have to dare much more if you +go down and face mother without some such story.”</p> -<p>"No! I shan't. I shan't have to dare God's anger. +<p>“No! I shan’t. I shan’t have to dare God’s anger. Mother taught me to fear that; she said I need never be really afraid of aught else. Just be quiet, Dick, -while I say my prayers."</p> +while I say my prayers.”</p> <p>Dick watched his little cousin kneel down by the bed, and bury his face in the clothes; he did not say any @@ -8285,27 +8133,27 @@ murmuring which Dick heard, to be talking to a dear friend; and though at first he sobbed and cried, as he asked for help and strength, yet when he got up, his face looked calm and bright, and he spoke quietly as he -said to Dick, "Now I'm ready to go and tell aunt."</p> +said to Dick, “Now I’m ready to go and tell aunt.”</p> -<p>"Aunt" meanwhile had missed her pitcher and her +<p>“Aunt” meanwhile had missed her pitcher and her soap, and was in no good-tempered mood when Tom came to make his confession. She had been hindered -in her morning's work by his taking her things away; +in her morning’s work by his taking her things away; and now he was come to tell her of the pane being broken and that it must be mended, and money must -go all for a child's nonsense.</p> +go all for a child’s nonsense.</p> <p>She gave him (as he had been led to expect) one or two very sharp blows. Jack and Dick looked on with curiosity, to see how he would take it; Jack, at any -rate, expecting a hearty crying from "softy" (Jack +rate, expecting a hearty crying from “softy” (Jack himself had cried loudly at his last beating), but Tom never shed a tear, though his face did go very red, and his mouth did grow set with the pain. But what struck -the boys more even than his being "hard" in bearing +the boys more even than his being “hard” in bearing such blows, was his quietness afterwards. He did not grumble loudly, as Jack would have done, nor did he -turn sullen, as was Dick's custom; but the minute afterwards +turn sullen, as was Dick’s custom; but the minute afterwards he was ready to run an errand for his aunt; nor did he make any mention of the hard blows, when his uncle came in to breakfast, as his aunt had rather @@ -8322,7 +8170,7 @@ first morning. He had nothing to do. Jack went to work at the factory; and Dick went grumbling to school. Tom wondered if he was to go to school again, but he did not like to ask. He sat on a little stool, as much -out of his terrible aunt's way as he could. She had her +out of his terrible aunt’s way as he could. She had her youngest child, a little girl of about a year and a half old, crawling about on the floor. Tom longed to play with her; but he was not sure how far his aunt would @@ -8333,7 +8181,7 @@ his knee. His aunt saw it, and though she did not speak, she did not look displeased. He did everything he could think of to amuse little Annie; and her mother was very glad to have her attended to. When Annie -grew sleepy, she still kept fast hold of one of Tom's +grew sleepy, she still kept fast hold of one of Tom’s fingers in her little, round, soft hand, and he began to know the happy feeling of loving somebody again. Only the night before, when his cousins had made him get @@ -8342,27 +8190,27 @@ old man, and never have anybody to love all that long time; but now his heart felt quite warm to the little thing that lay on his lap.</p> -<p>"She'll tire you, Tom," said her mother, "you'd -better let me put her down in the cot."</p> +<p>“She’ll tire you, Tom,” said her mother, “you’d +better let me put her down in the cot.”</p> -<p>"Oh, no!" said he, "please don't! I like so much -to have her here." He never moved, though she lay +<p>“Oh, no!” said he, “please don’t! I like so much +to have her here.” He never moved, though she lay very heavy on his arm, for fear of wakening her.</p> -<p>When she did rouse up, his aunt said, "Thank you, -Tom. I've got my work done rarely with you for a +<p>When she did rouse up, his aunt said, “Thank you, +Tom. I’ve got my work done rarely with you for a nurse. Now take a run in the yard, and play yourself -a bit."</p> +a bit.”</p> <p>His aunt was learning something, and Tom was teaching, though they would both have been very much surprised to hear it. Whenever, in a family, every one is -selfish, and (as it is called) "stands up for his own -rights," there are no feelings of gratitude; the gracefulness -of "thanks" is never called for; nor can there +selfish, and (as it is called) “stands up for his own +rights,” there are no feelings of gratitude; the gracefulness +of “thanks” is never called for; nor can there be any occasion for thoughtfulness for others when those others are sure to get the start in thinking for themselves, -and taking care of number one. Tom's aunt +and taking care of number one. Tom’s aunt had never had to remind Jack or Dick to go out to play. They were ready enough to see after their own pleasures.</p> @@ -8372,19 +8220,19 @@ to the meal. It seemed to be a scramble who should be helped first, and cry out for the best pieces. Tom looked very red. His aunt in her new-born liking for him, helped him early to what she thought he would like. But he -did not begin to eat. It had been his mother's custom -to teach her little son to say a simple "grace" with +did not begin to eat. It had been his mother’s custom +to teach her little son to say a simple “grace” with her before they began their dinner. He expected his uncle to follow the same observance; and waited. Then he felt very hot and shy; but, thinking that it was right to say it, he put away his shyness, and very quietly, but very solemnly said the old accustomed sentence of thanksgiving. Jack burst out laughing when he had -done; for which Jack's father gave him a sharp rap +done; for which Jack’s father gave him a sharp rap and a sharp word, which made him silent through the rest of the dinner. But, excepting Jack, who was angry, I think all the family were the happier for having -listened reverently (if with some surprise) to Tom's +listened reverently (if with some surprise) to Tom’s thanksgiving. They were not an ill-disposed set of people, but wanted thoughtfulness in their every-day life; that sort of thoughtfulness which gives order to a home, @@ -8400,11 +8248,11 @@ more like a girl than a boy, as was to be looked for from being brought up for so many years by a woman; but that was the greatest fault he ever had to find with him; and in spite of it, he really respected him for the -very qualities which are most truly "manly;" for the +very qualities which are most truly “manly;” for the courage with which he dared to do what was right, and the quiet firmness with which he bore many kinds of pain. As for little Annie, her friendship and favour and -love were the delight of Tom's heart. He did not know +love were the delight of Tom’s heart. He did not know how much the others were growing to like him, but Annie showed it in every way, and he loved her in return most dearly. Dick soon found out how useful @@ -8412,8 +8260,8 @@ Tom could be to him in his lessons; for though older than his cousin, Master Dick was a regular dunce, and had never even wished to learn till Tom came; and long before Jack could be brought to acknowledge it, Dick -maintained that "Tom had a great deal of pluck in him, -though it was not of Jack's kind."</p> +maintained that “Tom had a great deal of pluck in him, +though it was not of Jack’s kind.”</p> <p>Now I shall jump another year, and tell you a very little about the household twelve months after Tom had @@ -8426,7 +8274,7 @@ looked so sad and sorry to hear her. She has also spoken to him sometimes about his mother; at first because she thought he would like it; but latterly because she became really interested to hear of her -ways; and Tom being an only child, and his mother's +ways; and Tom being an only child, and his mother’s friend and companion, has been able to tell her of many household arts of comfort, which coming quite unconscious of any purpose, from the lips of a child, have @@ -8438,7 +8286,7 @@ public-house, to get out of the way of noisy children, an unswept hearth, and a scolding wife. Once when Tom was ill for a day or two, his uncle missed the accustomed grace, and began to say it himself. He is now -the person to say "Silence, boys;" and then to ask the +the person to say “Silence, boys;” and then to ask the blessing on the meal. It makes them gather round the table, instead of sitting down here and there in the comfortless, unsociable way they used to do. Tom and @@ -8447,15 +8295,15 @@ famously, and will soon be able to help his next brother over his lessons, as Tom has helped him.</p> <p>Even Jack has been heard to acknowledge that Tom -has "pluck" in him; and as "pluck" in Jack's mind +has “pluck” in him; and as “pluck” in Jack’s mind is a short way of summing up all the virtues, he has lately become very fond of his cousin. Tom does not think about happiness, but is happy; and I think we may hope that he, and the household among whom he is -adopted, will go "from strength to strength."</p> +adopted, will go “from strength to strength.”</p> <p>Now do you not see how much happier this family are -from the one circumstance of a little child's coming +from the one circumstance of a little child’s coming among them? Could money have made one-tenth part of this real and increasing happiness? I think you will all say no. And yet Tom was no powerful person; he @@ -8463,25 +8311,21 @@ was not clever; he was very friendless at first; but he was loving and good; and on those two qualities, which any of us may have if we try, the blessing of God lies in rich abundance.</p> -<p> </p> -<hr class="narrow" /> -<p> </p> -<p> </p> -<h3><a name="bth" id="bth"></a>BESSY'S TROUBLES AT HOME.</h3> -<p> </p> +<hr class="chap"> +<h2 id="bth">BESSY’S TROUBLES AT HOME.</h2> -<p>"Well, mother, I've got you a Southport ticket," said +<p>“Well, mother, I’ve got you a Southport ticket,” said Bessy Lee, as she burst into a room where a pale, sick -woman lay dressed on the outside of a bed. "Aren't -you glad?" asked she, as her mother moved uneasily, +woman lay dressed on the outside of a bed. “Aren’t +you glad?” asked she, as her mother moved uneasily, but did not speak.</p> -<p>"Yes, dear, I'm very thankful to you; but your -sudden coming in has made my heart flutter so, I'm -ready to choke."</p> +<p>“Yes, dear, I’m very thankful to you; but your +sudden coming in has made my heart flutter so, I’m +ready to choke.”</p> -<p>Poor Bessy's eyes filled with tears: but, it must be +<p>Poor Bessy’s eyes filled with tears: but, it must be owned, they were tears half of anger. She had taken such pains, ever since the doctor said that Southport was the only thing for her mother, to get her an order @@ -8495,21 +8339,21 @@ brought.</p> she said, she was almost choked with the palpitation at her heart.</p> -<p>"You think it very silly in me, dear, to be so easily +<p>“You think it very silly in me, dear, to be so easily startled; but it is not altogether silliness; it is I am so weak that every little noise gives me quite a fright. I shall be better, love, please God, when I come back -from Southport. I am so glad you've got the order, for -you've taken a deal of pains about it." Mrs. Lee +from Southport. I am so glad you’ve got the order, for +you’ve taken a deal of pains about it.” Mrs. Lee sighed.</p> -<p>"Don't you want to go?" asked Bessy, rather sadly. -"You always seem so sorrowful and anxious when we -talk about it."</p> +<p>“Don’t you want to go?” asked Bessy, rather sadly. +“You always seem so sorrowful and anxious when we +talk about it.”</p> -<p>"It's partly my being ailing that makes me anxious, -I know," said Mrs. Lee. "But it seems as if so many -things might happen while I was away."</p> +<p>“It’s partly my being ailing that makes me anxious, +I know,” said Mrs. Lee. “But it seems as if so many +things might happen while I was away.”</p> <p>Bessy felt a little impatient. Young people in strong health can hardly understand the fears that beset invalids. @@ -8519,39 +8363,39 @@ that her mother had had to struggle hard with many cares ever since she had been left a widow, and that her illness now had made her nervous.</p> -<p>"What nonsense, mother! What can happen? I can +<p>“What nonsense, mother! What can happen? I can take care of the house and the little ones, and Tom and -Jem can take care of themselves. What is to happen?"</p> +Jem can take care of themselves. What is to happen?”</p> -<p>"Jenny may fall into the fire," murmured Mrs. Lee, +<p>“Jenny may fall into the fire,” murmured Mrs. Lee, who found little comfort in being talked to in this way. -"Or your father's watch may be stolen while you are in, -talking with the neighbours, or<span class="norewrap">——</span>"</p> +“Or your father’s watch may be stolen while you are in, +talking with the neighbours, or<span class="norewrap">——</span>”</p> -<p>"Now come, mother, you know I've had the charge +<p>“Now come, mother, you know I’ve had the charge of Jenny ever since father died, and you began to go -out washing—and I'll lock father's watch up in the box -in our room."</p> +out washing—and I’ll lock father’s watch up in the box +in our room.”</p> -<p>"Then Tom and Jem won't know at what time to go -to the factory. Besides, Bessy," said she, raising herself -up, "they're are but young lads, and there's a deal +<p>“Then Tom and Jem won’t know at what time to go +to the factory. Besides, Bessy,” said she, raising herself +up, “they’re are but young lads, and there’s a deal of temptation to take them away from their homes, if their homes are not comfortable and pleasant to them. -It's that, more than anything, I've been fretting about -all the time I've been ill,—that I've lost the power of +It’s that, more than anything, I’ve been fretting about +all the time I’ve been ill,—that I’ve lost the power of making this house the cleanest and brightest place -they know. But it's no use fretting," said she, falling -back weakly upon the bed and sighing. "I must leave -it in God's hands. He raiseth up and He bringeth -low."</p> +they know. But it’s no use fretting,” said she, falling +back weakly upon the bed and sighing. “I must leave +it in God’s hands. He raiseth up and He bringeth +low.”</p> <p>Bessy stood silent for a minute or two. Then she -said, "Well, mother, I will try to make home comfortable -for the lads, if you'll but keep your mind easy, and -go off to Southport quiet and cheerful."</p> +said, “Well, mother, I will try to make home comfortable +for the lads, if you’ll but keep your mind easy, and +go off to Southport quiet and cheerful.”</p> -<p>"I'll try," said Mrs. Lee, taking hold of Bessy's +<p>“I’ll try,” said Mrs. Lee, taking hold of Bessy’s hand, and looking up thankfully in her face.</p> <p>The next Wednesday she set off, leaving home with a @@ -8565,7 +8409,7 @@ They were all good children, and all had faults. Tom and Jem helped to support the family by their earnings at the factory, and gave up their wages very cheerfully for this purpose, to their mother, who, however, insisted -on a little being put by every week in the savings' bank. +on a little being put by every week in the savings’ bank. It was one of her griefs now that, when the doctor ordered her some expensive delicacy in the way of diet during her illness (a thing which she persisted in thinking @@ -8573,21 +8417,21 @@ she could have done without), her boys had gone and taken their money out in order to procure it for her. The article in question did not cost one quarter of the amount of their savings, but they had put off returning -the remainder into the bank, saying the doctor's bill had +the remainder into the bank, saying the doctor’s bill had yet to be paid, and that it seemed so silly to be always taking money in and out. But meanwhile Mrs. Lee feared lest it should be spent, and begged them to -restore it to the savings' bank. This had not been done +restore it to the savings’ bank. This had not been done when she left for Southport. Bill and Mary went to school. Little Jenny was the darling of all, and toddled -about at home, having been her sister Bessy's especial +about at home, having been her sister Bessy’s especial charge when all went on well, and the mother used to go out to wash.</p> <p>Mrs. Lee, however, had always made a point of giving all her children who were at home a comfortable breakfast -at seven, before she set out to her day's work; and -she prepared the boys' dinner ready for Bessy to warm +at seven, before she set out to her day’s work; and +she prepared the boys’ dinner ready for Bessy to warm for them. At night, too, she was anxious to be at home as soon after her boys as she could; and many of her employers respected her wish, and, finding her hard-working @@ -8598,7 +8442,7 @@ liberty early in the evening.</p> home from seeing her mother off by the railway. She looked round the house with a new feeling of proprietorship, and then went to claim little Jenny from the -neighbour's where she had been left while Bessy had +neighbour’s where she had been left while Bessy had gone to the station. They asked her to stay and have a bit of chat; but she replied that she could not, for that it was near dinner-time, and she refused the invitation @@ -8606,7 +8450,7 @@ that was then given her to go in some evening. She was full of good plans and resolutions.</p> <p>That afternoon she took Jenny and went to her -teacher's to borrow a book, which she meant to ask one +teacher’s to borrow a book, which she meant to ask one of her brothers to read to her in the evenings while she worked. She knew that it was a book which Jem would like, for though she had never read it, one of her school-fellows @@ -8618,33 +8462,33 @@ evening.</p> <p>She hurried Jenny off to bed before her brothers came home; Jenny did not like to go so early, and had to be bribed and coaxed to give up the pleasure of -sitting on brother Tom's knee; and when she was in bed, +sitting on brother Tom’s knee; and when she was in bed, she could not go to sleep, and kept up a little whimper of distress. Bessy kept calling out to her, now in gentle, now in sharp tones, as she made the hearth -clean and bright against her brothers' return, as she -settled Bill and Mary to their next day's lessons, and +clean and bright against her brothers’ return, as she +settled Bill and Mary to their next day’s lessons, and got her work ready for a happy evening.</p> <p>Presently the elder boys came in.</p> -<p>"Where's Jenny?" asked Tom, the first thing.</p> +<p>“Where’s Jenny?” asked Tom, the first thing.</p> -<p>"I've put her to bed," said Bessy. "I've borrowed +<p>“I’ve put her to bed,” said Bessy. “I’ve borrowed a book for you to read to me while I darn the stockings; -and it was time for Jenny to go."</p> +and it was time for Jenny to go.”</p> -<p>"Mother never puts her to bed so soon," said Tom, +<p>“Mother never puts her to bed so soon,” said Tom, dissatisfied.</p> -<p>"But she'd be so in the way of any quietness over -our reading," said Bessy.</p> +<p>“But she’d be so in the way of any quietness over +our reading,” said Bessy.</p> -<p>"I don't want to read," said Tom; "I want Jenny +<p>“I don’t want to read,” said Tom; “I want Jenny to sit on my knee, as she always does, while I eat my -supper."</p> +supper.”</p> -<p>"Tom, Tom, dear Tom!" called out little Jenny, +<p>“Tom, Tom, dear Tom!” called out little Jenny, who had heard his voice, and, perhaps, a little of the conversation.</p> @@ -8661,24 +8505,24 @@ about. She brooded over her fancied wrongs, ready to fall upon the first person who might give the slightest occasion for anger. It happened to be poor little Jenny, who, by some awkward movement, knocked over the jug -of milk, and made a great splash on Bessy's clean white +of milk, and made a great splash on Bessy’s clean white floor.</p> -<p>"Never mind!" said Tom, as Jenny began to cry. -"I like my porridge as well without milk as with it."</p> +<p>“Never mind!” said Tom, as Jenny began to cry. +“I like my porridge as well without milk as with it.”</p> -<p>"Oh, never mind!" said Bessy, her colour rising, -and her breath growing shorter. "Never mind dirtying -anything, Jenny; it's only giving trouble to Bessy! -But I'll make you mind," continued she, as she caught -a glance of intelligence peep from Jem's eyes to Tom; -and she slapped Jenny's head. The moment she had +<p>“Oh, never mind!” said Bessy, her colour rising, +and her breath growing shorter. “Never mind dirtying +anything, Jenny; it’s only giving trouble to Bessy! +But I’ll make you mind,” continued she, as she caught +a glance of intelligence peep from Jem’s eyes to Tom; +and she slapped Jenny’s head. The moment she had done it she was sorry for it; she could have beaten herself now with the greatest pleasure for having given way to passion; for she loved little Jenny dearly, and she saw that she really had hurt her. But Jem, with his -loud, deep, "For shame, Bessy!" and Tom, with his -excess of sympathy with his little sister's wrongs, +loud, deep, “For shame, Bessy!” and Tom, with his +excess of sympathy with his little sister’s wrongs, checked back any expression which Bessy might have uttered of sorrow and regret. She sat there ten times more unhappy than she had been before the accident, @@ -8702,14 +8546,14 @@ but she was very tender and loving, and submitted meekly and humbly to the little slights and rebuffs she often met with for her stupidity.</p> -<p>"Dear Bessy! good night!" said she, kissing her -sister; and, at the soft kiss, Bessy's eyes filled with +<p>“Dear Bessy! good night!” said she, kissing her +sister; and, at the soft kiss, Bessy’s eyes filled with tears, and her heart began to melt.</p> -<p>"Jenny," continued Mary, going to the little spoilt, -wilful girl, "will you come to bed with me, and I'll tell +<p>“Jenny,” continued Mary, going to the little spoilt, +wilful girl, “will you come to bed with me, and I’ll tell you stories about school, and sing you my songs as I -undress? Come, little one!" said she, holding out her +undress? Come, little one!” said she, holding out her arms. Jenny was tempted by this speech, and went off to bed in a more reasonable frame of mind than any one had dared to hope.</p> @@ -8718,25 +8562,25 @@ had dared to hope.</p> but each was too proud to propose it. Jem, indeed, seemed to have forgotten the book altogether, he was so busy whittling away at a piece of wood. At last Tom, -by a strong effort, said, "Bessy, mayn't we have the -book now?"</p> +by a strong effort, said, “Bessy, mayn’t we have the +book now?”</p> -<p>"No!" said Jem, "don't begin reading, for I must +<p>“No!” said Jem, “don’t begin reading, for I must go out and try and make Ned Bates give me a piece of -ash-wood—deal is just good for nothing."</p> +ash-wood—deal is just good for nothing.”</p> -<p>"Oh!" said Bessy, "I don't want any one to read +<p>“Oh!” said Bessy, “I don’t want any one to read this book who does not like it. But I know mother would be better pleased if you were stopping at home -quiet, rather than rambling to Ned Bates's at this time -of night."</p> +quiet, rather than rambling to Ned Bates’s at this time +of night.”</p> -<p>"I know what mother would like as well as you, and -I'm not going to be preached to by a girl," said Jem, +<p>“I know what mother would like as well as you, and +I’m not going to be preached to by a girl,” said Jem, taking up his cap and going out. Tom yawned and went up to bed. Bessy sat brooding over the evening.</p> -<p>"So much as I thought and I planned! I'm sure I +<p>“So much as I thought and I planned! I’m sure I tried to do what was right, and make the boys happy at home. And yet nothing has happened as I wanted it to do. Every one has been so cross and contrary. Tom @@ -8744,12 +8588,12 @@ would take Jenny up when she ought to have been in bed. Jem did not care a straw for this book that I borrowed on purpose for him, but sat laughing. I saw, though he did not think I did, when all was going -provoking and vexatious. Mary—no! Mary was a help +provoking and vexatious. Mary—no! Mary was a help and a comfort, as she always is, I think, though she is so stupid over her book. Mary always contrives to get people right, and to have her own way somehow; -and yet I'm sure she does not take half the trouble I do -to please people."</p> +and yet I’m sure she does not take half the trouble I do +to please people.”</p> <p>Jem came back soon, disappointed because Ned Bates was out, and could not give him any ash-wood. Bessy @@ -8758,37 +8602,37 @@ and the brother and sister spoke angrily to each other all the way upstairs, and parted without even saying good-night. Jenny was asleep when Bessy entered the bedroom which she shared with her sisters and her -mother; but she saw Mary's wakeful eyes looking at her +mother; but she saw Mary’s wakeful eyes looking at her as she came in.</p> -<p>"Oh, Mary," said she, "I wish mother was back. -The lads would mind her, and now I see they'll just -go and get into mischief to spite and plague me."</p> +<p>“Oh, Mary,” said she, “I wish mother was back. +The lads would mind her, and now I see they’ll just +go and get into mischief to spite and plague me.”</p> -<p>"I don't think it's for that," said Mary, softly. -"Jem did want that ash-wood, I know, for he told me -in the morning he didn't think that deal would do. He +<p>“I don’t think it’s for that,” said Mary, softly. +“Jem did want that ash-wood, I know, for he told me +in the morning he didn’t think that deal would do. He wants to make a wedge to keep the window from rattling -so on windy nights; you know how that fidgets mother."</p> +so on windy nights; you know how that fidgets mother.”</p> <p>The next day, little Mary, on her way to school, went -round by Ned Bates's to beg a piece of wood for her +round by Ned Bates’s to beg a piece of wood for her brother Jem; she brought it home to him at dinner-time, and asked him to be so good as to have everything ready for a quiet whittling at night, while Tom or Bessy read aloud. She told Jenny she would make haste with her lessons, so as to be ready to come to bed early, and talk to her about school (a grand, wonderful place, -in Jenny's eyes), and thus Mary quietly and gently +in Jenny’s eyes), and thus Mary quietly and gently prepared for a happy evening, by attending to the kind of happiness for which every one wished.</p> <p>While Mary had thus been busy preparing for a happy evening, Bessy had been spending part of the afternoon -at a Mrs. Foster's, a neighbour of her mother's, and +at a Mrs. Foster’s, a neighbour of her mother’s, and a very tidy, industrious old widow. Mrs. Foster earned part of her livelihood by working for the shops where -knitted work of all kinds is to be sold; and Bessy's +knitted work of all kinds is to be sold; and Bessy’s attention was caught, almost as soon as she went in, by a very gay piece of wool-knitting, in a new stitch, that was to be used as a warm covering for the feet. After @@ -8797,69 +8641,69 @@ might be to her mother; and when Mrs. Foster heard this, she offered to teach Bessy how to do it. But where were the wools to come from? Those which Mrs. Foster used were provided her by the shop; and she was a -very poor woman—too poor to make presents, though +very poor woman—too poor to make presents, though rich enough (as we all are) to give help of many other kinds, and willing too to do what she could (which some of us are not).</p> -<p>The two sat perplexed. "How much did you say -it would cost?" said Bessy at last; as if the article +<p>The two sat perplexed. “How much did you say +it would cost?” said Bessy at last; as if the article was likely to have become cheaper, since she asked the question before.</p> -<p>"Well! it's sure to be more than two shillings if it's +<p>“Well! it’s sure to be more than two shillings if it’s German wool. You might get it for eighteenpence if you -could be content with English."</p> +could be content with English.”</p> -<p>"But I've not got eighteenpence," said Bessy, +<p>“But I’ve not got eighteenpence,” said Bessy, gloomily.</p> -<p>"I could lend it you," said Mrs. Foster, "if I was -sure of having it back before Monday. But it's part of -my rent-money. Could you make sure, do you think?"</p> +<p>“I could lend it you,” said Mrs. Foster, “if I was +sure of having it back before Monday. But it’s part of +my rent-money. Could you make sure, do you think?”</p> -<p>"Oh, yes!" said Bessy, eagerly. "At least I'd +<p>“Oh, yes!” said Bessy, eagerly. “At least I’d try. But perhaps I had better not take it, for after all -I don't know where I could get it. What Tom and Jem -earn is little enough for the house, now that mother's -washing is cut off."</p> +I don’t know where I could get it. What Tom and Jem +earn is little enough for the house, now that mother’s +washing is cut off.”</p> -<p>"They are good, dutiful lads, to give it to their -mother," said Mrs. Foster, sighing: for she thought of +<p>“They are good, dutiful lads, to give it to their +mother,” said Mrs. Foster, sighing: for she thought of her own boys, that had left her in her old age to toil on, with faded eyesight and weakened strength.</p> -<p>"Oh! but mother makes them each keep a shilling -out of it for themselves," said Bessy, in a complaining +<p>“Oh! but mother makes them each keep a shilling +out of it for themselves,” said Bessy, in a complaining tone, for she wanted money, and was inclined to envy any one who possessed it.</p> -<p>"That's right enough," said Mrs. Foster. "They +<p>“That’s right enough,” said Mrs. Foster. “They that earn it should have some of the power over -it."</p> +it.”</p> -<p>"But about this wool; this eighteenpence! I wish +<p>“But about this wool; this eighteenpence! I wish I was a boy and could earn money. I wish mother -would have let me go to work in the factory."</p> +would have let me go to work in the factory.”</p> -<p>"Come now, Bessy, I can have none of that nonsense. -Thy mother knows what's best for thee; and I'm not +<p>“Come now, Bessy, I can have none of that nonsense. +Thy mother knows what’s best for thee; and I’m not going to hear thee complain of what she has thought right. But may be, I can help you to a way of gaining eighteenpence. Mrs. Scott at the worsted shop told me that she should want some one to clean on Saturday; -now you're a good strong girl, and can do a woman's -work if you've a mind. Shall I say you will go? and -then I don't mind if I lend you my eighteenpence. -You'll pay me before I want my rent on Monday."</p> +now you’re a good strong girl, and can do a woman’s +work if you’ve a mind. Shall I say you will go? and +then I don’t mind if I lend you my eighteenpence. +You’ll pay me before I want my rent on Monday.”</p> -<p>"Oh! thank you, dear Mrs. Foster," said Bessy. -"I can scour as well as any woman, mother often says -so; and I'll do my best on Saturday; they shan't blame -you for having spoken up for me."</p> +<p>“Oh! thank you, dear Mrs. Foster,” said Bessy. +“I can scour as well as any woman, mother often says +so; and I’ll do my best on Saturday; they shan’t blame +you for having spoken up for me.”</p> -<p>"No, Bessy, they won't, I'm sure, if you do your -best. You're a good sharp girl for your years."</p> +<p>“No, Bessy, they won’t, I’m sure, if you do your +best. You’re a good sharp girl for your years.”</p> <p>Bessy lingered for some time, hoping that Mrs. Foster would remember her offer of lending her the money; @@ -8869,33 +8713,33 @@ nothing but forgetfulness, was evident from the haste with which Mrs. Foster bustled up to her tea-pot and took from it the money required.</p> -<p>"You're as welcome to it as can be, Bessy, as long -as I'm sure of its being repaid by Monday. But you're -in a mighty hurry about this coverlet," continued she, +<p>“You’re as welcome to it as can be, Bessy, as long +as I’m sure of its being repaid by Monday. But you’re +in a mighty hurry about this coverlet,” continued she, as she saw Bessy put on her bonnet and prepare to go -out. "Stay, you must take patterns, and go to the -right shop in St. Mary's Gate. Why, your mother won't -be back this three weeks, child."</p> +out. “Stay, you must take patterns, and go to the +right shop in St. Mary’s Gate. Why, your mother won’t +be back this three weeks, child.”</p> -<p>"No. But I can't abide waiting, and I want to set -to it before it is dark; and you'll teach me the stitch, -won't you, when I come back with the wools? I won't -be half an hour away."</p> +<p>“No. But I can’t abide waiting, and I want to set +to it before it is dark; and you’ll teach me the stitch, +won’t you, when I come back with the wools? I won’t +be half an hour away.”</p> -<p>But Mary and Bill had to "abide waiting" that +<p>But Mary and Bill had to “abide waiting” that afternoon; for though the neighbour at whose house the key was left could let them into the house, there was no supper ready for them on their return from school; even Jenny was away spending the afternoon with a playfellow; the fire was nearly out, the milk had -been left at a neighbour's; altogether home was very +been left at a neighbour’s; altogether home was very comfortless to the poor tired children, and Bill grumbled -terribly; Mary's head ached, and the very tones of her -brother's voice, as he complained, gave her pain; and +terribly; Mary’s head ached, and the very tones of her +brother’s voice, as he complained, gave her pain; and for a minute she felt inclined to sit down and cry. But then she thought of many little sayings which she had -heard from her teacher—such as "Never complain of -what you can cure," "Bear and forbear," and several +heard from her teacher—such as “Never complain of +what you can cure,” “Bear and forbear,” and several other short sentences of a similar description. So she began to make up the fire, and asked Bill to fetch some chips; and when he gave her the gruff answer, that he @@ -8903,9 +8747,9 @@ did not see any use in making a fire when there was nothing to cook by it, she went herself and brought the wood without a word of complaint.</p> -<p>Presently Bill said, "Here! you lend me those -bellows; you're not blowing it in the right way; girls -never do!" He found out that Mary was wise in +<p>Presently Bill said, “Here! you lend me those +bellows; you’re not blowing it in the right way; girls +never do!” He found out that Mary was wise in making a bright fire ready; for before the blowing was ended, the neighbour with whom the milk had been left brought it in, and little handy Mary prepared the porridge @@ -8915,28 +8759,28 @@ breathless; for she had suddenly remembered, in the middle of her knitting-lesson, that Bill and Mary must be at home from school.</p> -<p>"Oh!" she said, "that's right. I have so hurried -myself! I was afraid the fire would be out. Where's +<p>“Oh!” she said, “that’s right. I have so hurried +myself! I was afraid the fire would be out. Where’s Jenny? You were to have called for her, you know, as you came from school. Dear! how stupid you are, Mary. I am sure I told you over and over again. -Now don't cry, silly child. The best thing you can do -is to run off back again for her."</p> +Now don’t cry, silly child. The best thing you can do +is to run off back again for her.”</p> -<p>"But my lessons, Bessy. They are so bad to learn. -It's tables day to-morrow," pleaded Mary.</p> +<p>“But my lessons, Bessy. They are so bad to learn. +It’s tables day to-morrow,” pleaded Mary.</p> -<p>"Nonsense; tables are as easy as can be. I can say -up to sixteen times sixteen in no time."</p> +<p>“Nonsense; tables are as easy as can be. I can say +up to sixteen times sixteen in no time.”</p> -<p>"But you know, Bessy, I'm very stupid, and my -head aches so to-night!"</p> +<p>“But you know, Bessy, I’m very stupid, and my +head aches so to-night!”</p> -<p>"Well! the air will do it good. Really, Mary, I -would go myself, only I'm so busy; and you know Bill +<p>“Well! the air will do it good. Really, Mary, I +would go myself, only I’m so busy; and you know Bill is too careless, mother says, to fetch Jenny through the streets; and besides they would quarrel, and you can -always manage Jenny."</p> +always manage Jenny.”</p> <p>Mary sighed, and went away to bring her sister home. Bessy sat down to her knitting. Presently Bill came @@ -8944,7 +8788,7 @@ up to her with some question about his lesson. She told him the answer without looking at the book; it was all wrong, and made nonsense; but Bill did not care to understand what he learnt, and went on saying, -"Twelve inches make one shilling," as contentedly as +“Twelve inches make one shilling,” as contentedly as if it were right.</p> <p>Mary brought Jenny home quite safely. Indeed, @@ -8953,8 +8797,8 @@ her lessons well; and sometimes, if the teacher could have known how many tasks fell upon the willing, gentle girl at home, she would not have thought that poor Mary was slow or a dunce; and such thoughts -would come into the teacher's mind sometimes, although -she fully appreciated Mary's sweetness and humility of +would come into the teacher’s mind sometimes, although +she fully appreciated Mary’s sweetness and humility of disposition.</p> <p>To-night she tried hard at her tables, and all to no @@ -8964,7 +8808,7 @@ mother, whose cool hands around her forehead always seemed to do her so much good, and whose soft, loving words were such a help to her when she had to bear pain. She had arranged so many plans for to-night, -and now all were deranged by Bessy's new fancy for +and now all were deranged by Bessy’s new fancy for knitting. But Mary did not see this in the plain, clear light in which I have put it before you. She only was sorry that she could not make haste with her lessons, as @@ -8976,39 +8820,39 @@ she was defending herself, Mary, even at the risk of imperfect lessons, began to prepare the supper for her brothers. She did it all so quietly, that, almost before they were aware, it was ready for them; and Bessy, -suddenly ashamed of herself, and touched by Mary's +suddenly ashamed of herself, and touched by Mary’s quiet helpfulness, bent down and kissed her, as once more she settled to the never-ending difficulty of her lesson.</p> -<p>Mary threw her arms round Bessy's neck, and began +<p>Mary threw her arms round Bessy’s neck, and began to cry, for this little mark of affection went to her heart; she had been so longing for a word or a sign of love in her suffering.</p> -<p>"Come, Molly," said Jem, "don't cry like a baby;" -but he spoke very kindly. "What's the matter? the +<p>“Come, Molly,” said Jem, “don’t cry like a baby;” +but he spoke very kindly. “What’s the matter? the old headache come back? Never mind. Go to bed, -and it will be better in the morning."</p> +and it will be better in the morning.”</p> -<p>"But I can't go to bed. I don't know my lesson!" +<p>“But I can’t go to bed. I don’t know my lesson!” Mary looked happier, though the tears were in her eyes.</p> -<p>"I know mine," said Bill, triumphantly.</p> +<p>“I know mine,” said Bill, triumphantly.</p> -<p>"Come here," said Jem. "There! I've time enough +<p>“Come here,” said Jem. “There! I’ve time enough to whittle away at this before mother comes back. Now -let's see this difficult lesson."</p> +let’s see this difficult lesson.”</p> -<p>Jem's help soon enabled Mary to conquer her lesson; +<p>Jem’s help soon enabled Mary to conquer her lesson; but, meanwhile, Jenny and Bill had taken to quarrelling -in spite of Bessy's scolding, administered in small sharp +in spite of Bessy’s scolding, administered in small sharp doses, as she looked up from her all-absorbing knitting.</p> -<p>"Well," said Tom, "with this riot on one side, and +<p>“Well,” said Tom, “with this riot on one side, and this dull lesson on the other, and Bessy as cross as can be in the midst, I can understand what makes a man go -out to spend his evenings from home."</p> +out to spend his evenings from home.”</p> <p>Bessy looked up, suddenly wakened up to a sense of the danger which her mother had dreaded.</p> @@ -9022,13 +8866,13 @@ mother had assigned to her, and that she had promised to fulfil. She was so eager about her own plans that she did not consider this; she did not consider at all, or else I think she would have seen many things to -which she seemed to be blind now. When were Mary's +which she seemed to be blind now. When were Mary’s lessons for Monday to be learnt? Bessy knew as well as we do, that lesson-learning was hard work to Mary. If Mary worked as hard as she could after morning school she could hardly get the house cleaned up bright and comfortable before her brothers came home from the -factory, which "loosed" early on the Saturday afternoon; +factory, which “loosed” early on the Saturday afternoon; and if pails of water, chairs heaped up one on the other, and tables put topsy-turvy on the dresser, were the most prominent objects in the house-place, @@ -9043,7 +8887,7 @@ think about was the pleasant surprise she should give her mother by the warm and pretty covering for her feet, which she hoped to present her with on her return home. And if she had done the duties she was pledged -to on her mother's departure first, if they had been +to on her mother’s departure first, if they had been compatible with her plan of being a whole day absent from home, in order to earn the money for the wools, the project of the surprise would have been innocent @@ -9054,7 +8898,7 @@ home that Saturday morning. She made a potato-pie all ready for putting in the oven; she was very particular in telling Mary what was to be cleaned, and how it was all to be cleaned; and then she kissed the children, and -ran off to Mrs. Scott's. Mary was rather afraid of the +ran off to Mrs. Scott’s. Mary was rather afraid of the responsibility thrust upon her; but still she was pleased that Bessy could trust her to do so much. She took Jenny to the ever-useful neighbour, as she and Bill went @@ -9062,43 +8906,43 @@ to school; but she was rather frightened when Mrs. Jones began to grumble about these frequent visits of the child.</p> -<p>"I was ready enough to take care of the wench when +<p>“I was ready enough to take care of the wench when thy mother was ill; there was reason for that. And the child is a nice child enough, when she is not cross; but still there are some folks, it seems, who, if you give -them an inch, will take an ell. Where's Bessy, that she -can't mind her own sister?"</p> +them an inch, will take an ell. Where’s Bessy, that she +can’t mind her own sister?”</p> -<p>"Gone out charing," said Mary, clasping the little -hand in hers tighter, for she was afraid of Mrs. Jones's +<p>“Gone out charing,” said Mary, clasping the little +hand in hers tighter, for she was afraid of Mrs. Jones’s anger.</p> -<p>"I could go out charing every day in the week if I'd -the face to trouble other folks with my children," said +<p>“I could go out charing every day in the week if I’d +the face to trouble other folks with my children,” said Mrs. Jones, in a surly tone.</p> -<p>"Shall I take her back, ma'am?" said Mary, timidly, +<p>“Shall I take her back, ma’am?” said Mary, timidly, though she knew this would involve her staying away from school, and being blamed by the dear teacher. But Mrs. Jones growled worse than she bit, this time at least.</p> -<p>"No," said she, "you may leave her with me. I -suppose she's had her breakfast?"</p> +<p>“No,” said she, “you may leave her with me. I +suppose she’s had her breakfast?”</p> -<p>"Yes; and I'll fetch her away as soon as ever I can -after twelve."</p> +<p>“Yes; and I’ll fetch her away as soon as ever I can +after twelve.”</p> <p>If Mary had been one to consider the hardships of -her little lot, she might have felt this morning's occurrence -as one;—that she, who dreaded giving trouble to +her little lot, she might have felt this morning’s occurrence +as one;—that she, who dreaded giving trouble to anybody, and was painfully averse from asking any little favour for herself, should be the very one on whom it fell -to presume upon another person's kindness. But Mary +to presume upon another person’s kindness. But Mary never did think of any hardships; they seemed the natural events of life, and as if it was fitting and proper that she, who managed things badly, and was such a dunce, should be blamed. Still she was rather flurried -by Mrs. Jones's scolding; and almost wished that she +by Mrs. Jones’s scolding; and almost wished that she had taken Jenny home again. Her lessons were not well said, owing to the distraction of her mind.</p> @@ -9109,14 +8953,14 @@ much so that Jenny was not all at once ready to leave her little playmates, and when once she had set out on the road, she was in no humour to make haste. Mary thought of the potato-pie and her brothers, and could -almost have cried, as Jenny, heedless of her sister's +almost have cried, as Jenny, heedless of her sister’s entreaties, would linger at the picture-shops.</p> -<p>"I shall be obliged to go and leave you, Jenny! I -must get dinner ready."</p> +<p>“I shall be obliged to go and leave you, Jenny! I +must get dinner ready.”</p> -<p>"I don't care," said Jenny. "I don't want any -dinner, and I can come home quite well by myself."</p> +<p>“I don’t care,” said Jenny. “I don’t want any +dinner, and I can come home quite well by myself.”</p> <p>Mary half longed to give her a fright, it was so provoking. But she thought of her mother, who was so @@ -9128,29 +8972,29 @@ was cold. She put the pie in, and blew the fire; but the paste was quite white and soft when her brothers came home, eager and hungry.</p> -<p>"Oh! Mary, what a manager you are!" said Tom. -"Any one else would have remembered and put the pie -in in time."</p> +<p>“Oh! Mary, what a manager you are!” said Tom. +“Any one else would have remembered and put the pie +in in time.”</p> -<p>Mary's eyes filled full of tears; but she did not try to +<p>Mary’s eyes filled full of tears; but she did not try to justify herself. She went on blowing, till Jem took the bellows, and kindly told her to take off her bonnet, and lay the cloth. Jem was always kind. He gave Tom the best baked side of the pie, and quietly took the side himself where the paste was little better than dough, -and the potatoes quite hard; and when he caught Mary's +and the potatoes quite hard; and when he caught Mary’s little anxious face watching him, as he had to leave part -of his dinner untasted, he said, "Mary, I should like +of his dinner untasted, he said, “Mary, I should like this pie warmed up for supper; there is nothing so good -as potato-pie made hot the second time."</p> +as potato-pie made hot the second time.”</p> -<p>Tom went off saying, "Mary, I would not have you +<p>Tom went off saying, “Mary, I would not have you for a wife on any account. Why, my dinner would never be ready, and your sad face would take away my appetite -if it were."</p> +if it were.”</p> -<p>But Jem kissed her and said, "Never mind, Mary! -you and I will live together, old maid and old bachelor."</p> +<p>But Jem kissed her and said, “Never mind, Mary! +you and I will live together, old maid and old bachelor.”</p> <p>So she could set to with spirit to her cleaning, thinking there never was such a good brother as Jem; and as she @@ -9167,17 +9011,17 @@ grew, the worse she got on. Her hands trembled, and things slipped out of them; and she shook so, she could not lift heavy pieces of furniture quickly and sharply; and in the middle the clock struck the hour for -her brothers' return, when all ought to have been tidy +her brothers’ return, when all ought to have been tidy and ready for tea. She gave it up in despair, and began to cry.</p> -<p>"Oh, Bessy, Bessy! why did you go away? I have -tried hard, and I cannot do it," said she aloud, as if +<p>“Oh, Bessy, Bessy! why did you go away? I have +tried hard, and I cannot do it,” said she aloud, as if Bessy could hear.</p> -<p>"Dear Mary, don't cry," said Jenny, suddenly coming -away from her play. "I'll help you. I am very strong. -I can do anything. I can lift that pan off the fire."</p> +<p>“Dear Mary, don’t cry,” said Jenny, suddenly coming +away from her play. “I’ll help you. I am very strong. +I can do anything. I can lift that pan off the fire.”</p> <p>The pan was full of boiling water, ready for Mary. Jenny took hold of the handle, and dragged it along the @@ -9187,66 +9031,66 @@ next moment her arm and side were full of burning pain, which turned her sick and dizzy, and Jenny was crying passionately beside her.</p> -<p>"Oh, Mary! Mary! Mary! my hand is so scalded. -What shall I do? I cannot bear it. It's all about my -feet on the ground." She kept shaking her hand to cool +<p>“Oh, Mary! Mary! Mary! my hand is so scalded. +What shall I do? I cannot bear it. It’s all about my +feet on the ground.” She kept shaking her hand to cool it by the action of the air. Mary thought that she herself was dying, so acute and terrible was the pain; she could hardly keep from screaming out aloud; but she felt that if she once began she could not stop herself, so she sat still, moaning, and the tears running down her -face like rain. "Go, Jenny," said she, "and tell some -one to come."</p> +face like rain. “Go, Jenny,” said she, “and tell some +one to come.”</p> -<p>"I can't, I can't, my hand hurts so," said Jenny. +<p>“I can’t, I can’t, my hand hurts so,” said Jenny. But she flew wildly out of the house the next minute, -crying out, "Mary is dead. Come, come, come!" For +crying out, “Mary is dead. Come, come, come!” For Mary could bear it no longer; but had fainted away, and looked, indeed, like one that was dead. Neighbours flocked in; and one ran for a doctor. In five minutes Tom and Jem came home. What a home it seems! People they hardly knew standing in the house-place, -which looked as if it had never been cleaned—all was +which looked as if it had never been cleaned—all was so wet, and in such disorder, and dirty with the trampling of many feet; Jenny still crying passionately, but half comforted at being at present the only authority as to how the affair happened; and faint moans from the room upstairs, where some women were cutting the clothes -off poor Mary, preparatory for the doctor's inspection. -Jem said directly, "Some one go straight to Mrs. Scott's, -and fetch our Bessy. Her place is here, with Mary."</p> +off poor Mary, preparatory for the doctor’s inspection. +Jem said directly, “Some one go straight to Mrs. Scott’s, +and fetch our Bessy. Her place is here, with Mary.”</p> <p>And then he civilly, but quietly, dismissed all the unnecessary and useless people, feeling sure that in case of any kind of illness, quiet was the best thing. Then he went upstairs.</p> -<p>Mary's face was scarlet now with violent pain; but +<p>Mary’s face was scarlet now with violent pain; but she smiled a little through her tears at seeing Jem. As for him, he cried outright.</p> -<p>"I don't think it was anybody's fault, Jem," said she, -softly. "It was very heavy to lift."</p> +<p>“I don’t think it was anybody’s fault, Jem,” said she, +softly. “It was very heavy to lift.”</p> -<p>"Are you in great pain, dear?" asked Jem, in a +<p>“Are you in great pain, dear?” asked Jem, in a whisper.</p> -<p>"I think I'm killed, Jem. I do think I am. And I -did so want to see mother again."</p> +<p>“I think I’m killed, Jem. I do think I am. And I +did so want to see mother again.”</p> -<p>"Nonsense!" said the woman who had been helping +<p>“Nonsense!” said the woman who had been helping Mary. For, as she said afterwards, whether Mary died or lived, crying was a bad thing for her; and she saw the girl was ready to cry when she thought of her mother, though she had borne up bravely all the time the clothes were cut off.</p> -<p>Bessy's face, which had been red with hard running, +<p>Bessy’s face, which had been red with hard running, faded to a dead white when she saw Mary; she looked so shocked and ill that Jem had not the heart to blame her, although the minute before she came in, he had been feeling very angry with her. Bessy stood quite still at -the foot of Mary's bed, never speaking a word, while +the foot of Mary’s bed, never speaking a word, while the doctor examined her side and felt her pulse; only great round tears gathered in her eyes, and rolled down her cheeks, as she saw Mary quiver with pain. Jem @@ -9254,128 +9098,128 @@ followed the doctor downstairs. Then Bessy went and knelt beside Mary, and wiped away the tears that were trickling down the little face.</p> -<p>"Is it very bad, Mary?" asked Bessy.</p> +<p>“Is it very bad, Mary?” asked Bessy.</p> -<p>"Oh yes! yes! if I speak, I shall scream."</p> +<p>“Oh yes! yes! if I speak, I shall scream.”</p> <p>Then Bessy covered her head in the bed-clothes and cried outright.</p> -<p>"I was not cross, was I? I did not mean to be—but -I hardly know what I am saying," moaned out little -Mary. "Please forgive me, Bessy, if I was cross."</p> +<p>“I was not cross, was I? I did not mean to be—but +I hardly know what I am saying,” moaned out little +Mary. “Please forgive me, Bessy, if I was cross.”</p> -<p>"God forgive me!" said Bessy, very low. They +<p>“God forgive me!” said Bessy, very low. They were the first words she had spoken since she came home. But there could be no more talking between the sisters, for now the woman returned who had at first been assisting Mary. Presently Jem came to the door, and beckoned. Bessy rose up, and went with, him below. Jem looked very grave, yet not so sad as -he had done before the doctor came. "He says she must -go into the infirmary. He will see about getting her in."</p> - -<p>"Oh, Jem! I did so want to nurse her myself!" -said Bessy, imploringly. "It was all my own fault," -(she choked with crying); "and I thought I might do -that for her, to make up."</p> - -<p>"My dear Bessy,"—before he had seen Bessy, he -had thought he could never call her "dear" again, -but now he began—"My dear Bessy, we both want -Mary to get better, don't we? I am sure we do. And +he had done before the doctor came. “He says she must +go into the infirmary. He will see about getting her in.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, Jem! I did so want to nurse her myself!” +said Bessy, imploringly. “It was all my own fault,” +(she choked with crying); “and I thought I might do +that for her, to make up.”</p> + +<p>“My dear Bessy,”—before he had seen Bessy, he +had thought he could never call her “dear” again, +but now he began—“My dear Bessy, we both want +Mary to get better, don’t we? I am sure we do. And we want to take the best way of making her so, whatever that is; well, then, I think we must not be considering what we should like best just for ourselves, but what people, who know as well as doctors do, say is the -right way. I can't remember all that he said; but I'm +right way. I can’t remember all that he said; but I’m clear that he told me, all wounds on the skin required more and better air to heal in than Mary could have here: -and there the doctor will see her twice a day, if need be."</p> +and there the doctor will see her twice a day, if need be.”</p> <p>Bessy shook her head, but could not speak at first. -At last she said, "Jem, I did so want to do something -for her. No one could nurse her as I should."</p> +At last she said, “Jem, I did so want to do something +for her. No one could nurse her as I should.”</p> -<p>Jem was silent. At last he took Bessy's hand, for +<p>Jem was silent. At last he took Bessy’s hand, for he wanted to say something to her that he was afraid might vex her, and yet that he thought he ought to say.</p> -<p>"Bessy!" said he, "when mother went away, you +<p>“Bessy!” said he, “when mother went away, you planned to do all things right at home, and to make us all happy. I know you did. Now may I tell you -how I think you went wrong? Don't be angry, Bessy."</p> +how I think you went wrong? Don’t be angry, Bessy.”</p> -<p>"I think I shall never have spirit enough in me to be -angry again," said Bessy, humbly and sadly.</p> +<p>“I think I shall never have spirit enough in me to be +angry again,” said Bessy, humbly and sadly.</p> -<p>"So much the better, dear. But don't over-fret +<p>“So much the better, dear. But don’t over-fret about Mary. The doctor has good hopes of her, if he -can get her into the infirmary. Now, I'm going on to +can get her into the infirmary. Now, I’m going on to tell you how I think you got wrong after mother left. You see, Bessy, you wanted to make us all happy your -way—as you liked; just as you are wanting now to +way—as you liked; just as you are wanting now to nurse Mary in your way, and as you like. Now, as far as I can make out, those folks who make home the happiest, are people who try and find out how others -think they could be happy, and then, if it's not wrong, +think they could be happy, and then, if it’s not wrong, help them on with their wishes as far as they can. You know, you wanted us all to listen to your book; and very kind it was in you to think of it; only, you see, one wanted to whittle, and another wanted to do this -or that, and then you were vexed with us all. I don't +or that, and then you were vexed with us all. I don’t say but what I should have been if I had been in your place, and planned such a deal for others; only lookers-on -always see a deal; and I saw that if you'd done +always see a deal; and I saw that if you’d done what poor little Mary did next day, we should all have been far happier. She thought how she could forward us in our plans, instead of trying to force a plan of her own on us. She got me my right sort of wood for whittling, and arranged all nicely to get the little ones off to bed, so as to get the house quiet, if you wanted -some reading, as she thought you did. And that's the +some reading, as she thought you did. And that’s the way, I notice, some folks have of making a happy home. -Others may mean just as well, but they don't hit the -thing."</p> +Others may mean just as well, but they don’t hit the +thing.”</p> -<p>"I dare say it's true," said Bessy. "But sometimes +<p>“I dare say it’s true,” said Bessy. “But sometimes you all hang about as if you did not know what to do. And I thought reading travels would just please -you all."</p> +you all.”</p> -<p>Jem was touched by Bessy's humble way of speaking, +<p>Jem was touched by Bessy’s humble way of speaking, so different from her usual cheerful, self-confident -manner. He answered, "I know you did, dear. And +manner. He answered, “I know you did, dear. And many a time we should have been glad enough of it, -when we had nothing to do, as you say."</p> +when we had nothing to do, as you say.”</p> -<p>"I had promised mother to try and make you all -happy, and this is the end of it!" said Bessy, beginning +<p>“I had promised mother to try and make you all +happy, and this is the end of it!” said Bessy, beginning to cry afresh.</p> -<p>"But, Bessy! I think you were not thinking of your -promise, when you fixed to go out and char."</p> +<p>“But, Bessy! I think you were not thinking of your +promise, when you fixed to go out and char.”</p> -<p>"I thought of earning money."</p> +<p>“I thought of earning money.”</p> -<p>"Earning money would not make us happy. We +<p>“Earning money would not make us happy. We have enough, with care and management. If you were to have made us happy, you should have been at home, -with a bright face, ready to welcome us; don't you -think so, dear Bessy?"</p> +with a bright face, ready to welcome us; don’t you +think so, dear Bessy?”</p> -<p>"I did not want the money for home. I wanted to -make mother a present of such a pretty thing!"</p> +<p>“I did not want the money for home. I wanted to +make mother a present of such a pretty thing!”</p> -<p>"Poor mother! I am afraid we must send for her home -now. And she has only been three days at Southport!"</p> +<p>“Poor mother! I am afraid we must send for her home +now. And she has only been three days at Southport!”</p> -<p>"Oh!" said Bessy, startled by this notion of Jem's; -"don't, don't send for mother. The doctor did say so +<p>“Oh!” said Bessy, startled by this notion of Jem’s; +“don’t, don’t send for mother. The doctor did say so much about her going to Southport being the only thing for her, and I did so try to get her an order! It will -kill her, Jem! indeed it will; you don't know how weak -and frightened she is,—oh, Jem, Jem!"</p> +kill her, Jem! indeed it will; you don’t know how weak +and frightened she is,—oh, Jem, Jem!”</p> <p>Jem felt the truth of what his sister was saying. At last, he resolved to leave the matter for the doctor to @@ -9384,65 +9228,65 @@ exactly how much danger there was about Mary. He proposed to Bessy that they should go and relieve the kind neighbour who had charge of Mary.</p> -<p>"But you won't send for mother," pleaded Bessy; -"if it's the best thing for Mary, I'll wash up her things +<p>“But you won’t send for mother,” pleaded Bessy; +“if it’s the best thing for Mary, I’ll wash up her things to-night, all ready for her to go into the infirmary. -I won't think of myself, Jem."</p> +I won’t think of myself, Jem.”</p> -<p>"Well! I must speak to the doctor," said Jem. "I +<p>“Well! I must speak to the doctor,” said Jem. “I must not try and fix any way just because we wish it, -but because it is right."</p> +but because it is right.”</p> <p>All night long, Bessy washed and ironed, and yet was always ready to attend to Mary when Jem called her. -She took Jenny's scalded hand in charge as well, and +She took Jenny’s scalded hand in charge as well, and bathed it with the lotion the doctor sent; and all was done so meekly and patiently that even Tom was struck with it, and admired the change. The doctor came -very early. He had prepared everything for Mary's +very early. He had prepared everything for Mary’s admission into the infirmary. And Jem consulted him about sending for his mother home. Bessy sat trembling, awaiting his answer.</p> -<p>"I am very unwilling to sanction any concealment. +<p>“I am very unwilling to sanction any concealment. And yet, as you say, your mother is in a very delicate state. It might do her serious harm if she had any shock. Well! suppose for this once, I take it on myself. -If Mary goes on as I hope, why—well! well! we'll see. +If Mary goes on as I hope, why—well! well! we’ll see. Mind that your mother is told all when she comes home. -And if our poor Mary grows worse—but I'm not afraid -of that, with infirmary care and nursing—but if she -does, I'll write to your mother myself, and arrange with +And if our poor Mary grows worse—but I’m not afraid +of that, with infirmary care and nursing—but if she +does, I’ll write to your mother myself, and arrange with a kind friend I have at Southport all about sending her -home. And now," said he, turning suddenly to Bessy, -"tell me what you were doing from home when this +home. And now,” said he, turning suddenly to Bessy, +“tell me what you were doing from home when this happened. Did not your mother leave you in charge of -all at home?"</p> +all at home?”</p> -<p>"Yes, sir!" said Bessy, trembling. "But, sir, I -thought I could earn money to make mother a present!"</p> +<p>“Yes, sir!” said Bessy, trembling. “But, sir, I +thought I could earn money to make mother a present!”</p> -<p>"Thought! fiddle-de-dee. I'll tell you what; never +<p>“Thought! fiddle-de-dee. I’ll tell you what; never you neglect the work clearly laid out for you by either God or man, to go making work for yourself, according to your own fancies. God knows what you are most fit -for. Do that. And then wait; if you don't see your +for. Do that. And then wait; if you don’t see your next duty clearly. You will not long be idle in this world, if you are ready for a summons. Now let me see that you send Mary all clean and tidy to the -infirmary."</p> +infirmary.”</p> -<p>Jem was holding Bessy's hand. "She has washed +<p>Jem was holding Bessy’s hand. “She has washed everything and made it fit for a queen. Our Bessy worked all night long, and was content to let me be with Mary (where she wished sore to be), because I -could lift her better, being the stronger."</p> +could lift her better, being the stronger.”</p> -<p>"That's right. Even when you want to be of service -to others, don't think how to please yourself."</p> +<p>“That’s right. Even when you want to be of service +to others, don’t think how to please yourself.”</p> <p>I have not much more to tell you about Bessy. This -sad accident of Mary's did her a great deal of good, +sad accident of Mary’s did her a great deal of good, although it cost her so much sorrow at first. It taught her several lessons, which it is good for every woman to learn, whether she is called upon, as daughter, sister, @@ -9455,22 +9299,18 @@ could be the least selfish, and do the duties nearest to them with the most faithfulness and zeal. The mother stayed at Southport her full time, and came home well and strong. Then Bessy put her arms round her -mother's neck, and told her all—and far more severely +mother’s neck, and told her all—and far more severely against herself than either the doctor or Jem did, when they related the same story afterwards.</p> -<p> </p> -<hr class="narrow" /> -<p> </p> -<p> </p> -<h3><a name="dis" id="dis"></a>DISAPPEARANCES.</h3> -<p> </p> +<hr class="chap"> +<h2 id="dis">DISAPPEARANCES.</h2> <p>I am not in the habit of seeing the <i>Household Words</i> regularly; but a friend, who lately sent me some of the -back numbers, recommended me to read "all the papers -relating to the Detective and Protective Police," which -I accordingly did—not as the generality of readers have +back numbers, recommended me to read “all the papers +relating to the Detective and Protective Police,” which +I accordingly did—not as the generality of readers have done, as they appeared week by week, or with pauses between, but consecutively, as a popular history of the Metropolitan Police; and, as I suppose it may also be @@ -9482,15 +9322,15 @@ preferred falling into a train of reverie and recollection.</p> <p>First of all I remembered, with a smile, the unexpected manner in which a relation of mine was discovered by an acquaintance, who had mislaid or forgotten -Mr. B.'s address. Now my dear cousin, Mr. B., charming +Mr. B.’s address. Now my dear cousin, Mr. B., charming as he is in many points, has the little peculiarity of liking to change his lodgings once every three months on an average, which occasions some bewilderment to his country friends, who have no sooner learnt the 19, Belle Vue Road, Hampstead, than they have to take pains to forget that address, and to remember the -27½, Upper Brown Street, Camberwell; and so on, till -I would rather learn a page of <i>Walker's Pronouncing +27½, Upper Brown Street, Camberwell; and so on, till +I would rather learn a page of <i>Walker’s Pronouncing Dictionary</i>, than try to remember the variety of directions which I have had to put on my letters to Mr. B. during the last three years. Last summer it pleased @@ -9500,8 +9340,8 @@ friend sought him. (I do not now speak of the following scent there had been through three or four different lodgings, where Mr. B. had been residing, before his country friend ascertained that he was now lodging at -R<span class="norewrap">——</span>.) He spent the morning in making inquiries as -to Mr. B.'s whereabouts in the village; but many gentlemen +R<span class="norewrap">——</span>.) He spent the morning in making inquiries as +to Mr. B.’s whereabouts in the village; but many gentlemen were lodging there for the summer, and neither butcher nor baker could inform him where Mr. B. was staying; his letters were unknown at the post-office, @@ -9509,33 +9349,33 @@ which was accounted for by the circumstance of their always being directed to his office in town. At last the country friend sauntered back to the railway-office, and while he waited for the train he made inquiry, as a last -resource, of the book-keeper at the station. "No, sir, -I cannot tell you where Mr. B. lodges—so many gentlemen +resource, of the book-keeper at the station. “No, sir, +I cannot tell you where Mr. B. lodges—so many gentlemen go by the trains; but I have no doubt but that the -person standing by that pillar can inform you." The -individual to whom he directed the inquirer's attention -had the appearance of a tradesman—respectable enough, -yet with no pretensions to "gentility," and had, apparently, +person standing by that pillar can inform you.” The +individual to whom he directed the inquirer’s attention +had the appearance of a tradesman—respectable enough, +yet with no pretensions to “gentility,” and had, apparently, no more urgent employment than lazily watching the passengers who came dropping in to the station. However, when he was spoken to, he answered civilly -and promptly. "Mr. B.? tall gentleman, with light +and promptly. “Mr. B.? tall gentleman, with light hair? Yes, sir, I know Mr. B. He lodges at No. 8, -Morton Villas—has done these three weeks or more; -but you'll not find him there, sir, now. He went to -town by the eleven o'clock train, and does not usually -return until the half-past four train."</p> +Morton Villas—has done these three weeks or more; +but you’ll not find him there, sir, now. He went to +town by the eleven o’clock train, and does not usually +return until the half-past four train.”</p> <p>The country friend had no time to lose in returning to the village, to ascertain the truth of this statement. He thanked his informant, and said he would call on -Mr. B. at his office in town; but before he left R<span class="norewrap">——</span> +Mr. B. at his office in town; but before he left R<span class="norewrap">——</span> station, he asked the book-keeper who the person was to whom he had referred him for information as to his -friend's place of residence. "One of the Detective -Police, sir," was the answer. I need hardly say that +friend’s place of residence. “One of the Detective +Police, sir,” was the answer. I need hardly say that Mr. B., not without a little surprise, confirmed the -accuracy of the policeman's report in every particular.</p> +accuracy of the policeman’s report in every particular.</p> <p>When I heard this anecdote of my cousin and his friend, I thought that there could be no more romances @@ -9545,9 +9385,9 @@ consists in the alternation of hope and fear, that the hero may, or may not, escape his pursuer. It is long since I have read the story, and I forget the name of the offended and injured gentleman, whose privacy Caleb -has invaded; but I know that his pursuit of Caleb—his -detection of the various hiding-places of the latter—his -following up of slight clues—all, in fact, depended upon +has invaded; but I know that his pursuit of Caleb—his +detection of the various hiding-places of the latter—his +following up of slight clues—all, in fact, depended upon his own energy, sagacity, and perseverance. The interest was caused by the struggle of man against man; and the uncertainty as to which would ultimately be successful @@ -9560,7 +9400,7 @@ the time that would elapse before the hiding-place could be detected, and that could not be a question long. It is no longer a struggle between man and man, but between a vast organized machinery, and a weak, -solitary individual; we have no hopes, no fears—only +solitary individual; we have no hopes, no fears—only certainty. But if the materials of pursuit and evasion, as long as the chase is confined to England, are taken away from the store-house of the romancer, at any rate @@ -9572,14 +9412,14 @@ reason for such fears.</p> <p>When I was a child, I was sometimes permitted to accompany a relation to drink tea with a very clever old -lady, of one hundred and twenty—or, so I thought then; +lady, of one hundred and twenty—or, so I thought then; I now think she, perhaps, was only about seventy. She was lively, and intelligent, and had seen and known much that was worth narrating. She was a cousin of the Sneyds, the family whence Mr. Edgeworth took two -of his wives; had known Major André; had mixed in +of his wives; had known Major André; had mixed in the Old Whig Society that the beautiful Duchess of -Devonshire and "Buff and Blue Mrs. Crewe" gathered +Devonshire and “Buff and Blue Mrs. Crewe” gathered round them; her father had been one of the early patrons of the lovely Miss Linley. I name these facts to show that she was too intelligent and cultivated by @@ -9587,15 +9427,15 @@ association, as well as by natural powers, to lend an over-easy credence to the marvellous; and yet I have heard her relate stories of disappearances which haunted my imagination longer than any tale of wonder. One -of her stories was this:—Her father's estate lay in +of her stories was this:—Her father’s estate lay in Shropshire, and his park-gates opened right on to a scattered village of which he was landlord. The houses -formed a straggling irregular street—here a garden, next +formed a straggling irregular street—here a garden, next a gable-end of a farm, there a row of cottages, and so on. Now, at the end house or cottage lived a very respectable man and his wife. They were well known in the village, and were esteemed for the patient attention -which they paid to the husband's father, a paralytic old +which they paid to the husband’s father, a paralytic old man. In winter, his chair was near the fire; in summer, they carried him out into the open space in front of the house to bask in the sunshine, and to receive what placid @@ -9609,7 +9449,7 @@ the very old and the very young remained.</p> to bask in the sunshine that afternoon as usual, and his son and daughter-in-law went to the hay-making. But when they came home in the early evening, their paralysed -father had disappeared—was gone! and from that +father had disappeared—was gone! and from that day forwards, nothing more was ever heard of him. The old lady, who told this story, said with the quietness that always marked the simplicity of her narration, that every @@ -9617,7 +9457,7 @@ inquiry which her father could make was made, and that it could never be accounted for. No one had observed any stranger in the village; no small household robbery, to which the old man might have been supposed an -obstacle, had been committed in his son's dwelling that +obstacle, had been committed in his son’s dwelling that afternoon. The son and daughter-in-law (noted too for their attention to the helpless father) had been a-field among all the neighbours the whole of the time. In @@ -9640,7 +9480,7 @@ small town an attorney, with his mother and sister. He was agent for one of the squires near, and received rents for him on stated days, which of course were well known. He went at these times to a small public-house, perhaps -five miles from <span class="norewrap">——</span>, where the tenants met him, paid +five miles from <span class="norewrap">——</span>, where the tenants met him, paid their rents, and were entertained at dinner afterwards. One night he did not return from this festivity. He never returned. The gentleman whose agent he was, @@ -9652,8 +9492,8 @@ the rumour spread that he must have gone abroad with the money; his mother heard the whispers all around her, and could not disprove it; and so her heart broke, and she died. Years after, I think as many as fifty, the -well-to-do butcher and grazier of <span class="norewrap">——</span> died; but, before -his death, he confessed that he had waylaid Mr. <span class="norewrap">——</span> +well-to-do butcher and grazier of <span class="norewrap">——</span> died; but, before +his death, he confessed that he had waylaid Mr. <span class="norewrap">——</span> on the heath close to the town, almost within call of his own house, intending only to rob him, but meeting with more resistance than he anticipated, had been provoked @@ -9672,13 +9512,13 @@ It is only unaccounted for in one generation. But disappearances never to be accounted for on any supposition are not uncommon, among the traditions of the last century. I have heard (and I think I have read it -in one of the earlier numbers of <i>Chambers's Journal</i>), +in one of the earlier numbers of <i>Chambers’s Journal</i>), of a marriage which took place in Lincolnshire about the year 1750. It was not then <i>de rigueur</i> that the happy couple should set out on a wedding journey; but instead, they and their friends had a merry jovial dinner at the house of either bride or groom; and in this instance the -whole party adjourned to the bridegroom's residence, and +whole party adjourned to the bridegroom’s residence, and dispersed, some to ramble in the garden, some to rest in the house until the dinner-hour. The bridegroom, it is to be supposed, was with his bride, when he was suddenly @@ -9689,20 +9529,20 @@ an old deserted Welsh Hall standing in a wood near Festiniog; there, too, the bridegroom was sent for to give audience to a stranger on his wedding-day, and disappeared from the face of the earth from that time; -but there, they tell in addition, that the bride lived long,—that +but there, they tell in addition, that the bride lived long,—that she passed her three-score years and ten, but that daily during all those years, while there was light -of sun or moon to lighten the earth, she sat watching,—watching +of sun or moon to lighten the earth, she sat watching,—watching at one particular window which commanded a view of the approach to the house. Her whole faculties, her whole mental powers, became absorbed in that weary watching; long before she died, she was childish, and -only conscious of one wish—to sit in that long high window, +only conscious of one wish—to sit in that long high window, and watch the road, along which he might come. She was as faithful as Evangeline, if pensive and inglorious.</p> <p>That these two similar stories of disappearance on a -wedding-day "obtained," as the French say, shows us +wedding-day “obtained,” as the French say, shows us that anything which adds to our facility of communication, and organization of means, adds to our security of life. Only let a bridegroom try to disappear from an @@ -9720,23 +9560,23 @@ who was trying to struggle into sufficient knowledge of medicine, to go out as ship-surgeon in a Baltic vessel, and perhaps in this manner to earn money enough to spend a session in Edinburgh. He was furthered in all -his plans by the late benevolent Dr. G<span class="norewrap">——</span>, of that +his plans by the late benevolent Dr. G<span class="norewrap">——</span>, of that town. I believe the usual premium was not required in his case; the young man did many useful errands and offices which a finer young gentleman would have considered beneath him; and he resided with his mother in -one of the alleys (or "chares,") which lead down from -the main street of North Shields to the river. Dr. G<span class="norewrap">——</span> +one of the alleys (or “chares,”) which lead down from +the main street of North Shields to the river. Dr. G<span class="norewrap">——</span> had been with a patient all night, and left her very early -on a winter's morning to return home to bed; but first -he stepped down to his apprentice's home, and bade him +on a winter’s morning to return home to bed; but first +he stepped down to his apprentice’s home, and bade him get up, and follow him to his own house, where some medicine was to be mixed, and then taken to the lady. Accordingly the poor lad came, prepared the dose, and -set off with it some time between five and six on a winter's -morning. He was never seen again. Dr. G<span class="norewrap">——</span> waited, -thinking he was at his mother's house; she waited, considering -that he had gone to his day's work. And +set off with it some time between five and six on a winter’s +morning. He was never seen again. Dr. G<span class="norewrap">——</span> waited, +thinking he was at his mother’s house; she waited, considering +that he had gone to his day’s work. And meanwhile, as people remembered afterwards, the small vessel bound to Edinburgh sailed out of port. The mother expected him back her whole life long; but some @@ -9789,7 +9629,7 @@ they were, also, agents for several of the county families, who, driven from their old possessions by the enlargement of the town, found some compensation in the increased value of any land which they might choose -to sell. Consequently the Messrs. S<span class="norewrap">——</span>, father and +to sell. Consequently the Messrs. S<span class="norewrap">——</span>, father and son, were conveyancers in good repute, and acquainted with several secret pieces of family history, one of which related to Garratt Hall.</p> @@ -9798,7 +9638,7 @@ related to Garratt Hall.</p> of the last century, married young; he and his wife had several children, and lived together in a quiet state of happiness for many years. At last, business of some -kind took the husband up to London; a week's journey +kind took the husband up to London; a week’s journey in those days. He wrote and announced his arrival; I do not think he ever wrote again. He seemed to be swallowed up in the abyss of the metropolis, for no @@ -9812,14 +9652,14 @@ and devoted herself to the care of her children; and so they went on, tranquilly enough, until the heir came of age, when certain deeds were necessary before he could legally take possession of the property. These deeds -Mr. S<span class="norewrap">——</span> (the family lawyer) stated had been given up -by him into the missing gentleman's keeping just before +Mr. S<span class="norewrap">——</span> (the family lawyer) stated had been given up +by him into the missing gentleman’s keeping just before the last mysterious journey to London, with which I think they were in some way concerned. It was possible that they were still in existence; some one in London might have them in possession, and be either conscious or unconscious of their importance. At any rate, -Mr. S<span class="norewrap">——</span>'s advice to his client was that he should put +Mr. S<span class="norewrap">——</span>’s advice to his client was that he should put an advertisement in the London papers, worded so skilfully that any one who might hold the important documents should understand to what it referred, and no @@ -9878,7 +9718,7 @@ an attempt forbidden. I dare say the youth had no great desire to trace out the father, who had been one in name only. He returned to Lancashire; took possession of the property at Manchester; and many years elapsed before -he received the mysterious intimation of his father's +he received the mysterious intimation of his father’s real death. After that, he named the particulars connected with the recovery of the title-deeds to Mr. S., and one or two intimate friends. When the family became extinct, @@ -9895,13 +9735,13 @@ comfort of knowing all about it.</p> the disappearance of the pupil of Dr. G., who vanished from North Shields, in charge of certain potions he was entrusted with, very early one morning, to convey to a -patient:—"Dr. G.'s son married my sister, and the young +patient:—“Dr. G.’s son married my sister, and the young man who disappeared was a pupil in the house. When he went out with the medicine, he was hardly dressed, having merely thrown on some clothes; and he went in -slippers—which incidents induced the belief that he was +slippers—which incidents induced the belief that he was made away with. After some months his family put on -mourning; and the G.'s (<i>very</i> timid people) were so sure +mourning; and the G.’s (<i>very</i> timid people) were so sure that he was murdered, that they wrote verses to his memory, and became sadly worn by terror. But, after a long time (I fancy, but am not sure, about a year and a @@ -9911,61 +9751,59 @@ was lying at the wharf about to sail in the morning, and the youth, who had long meditated evasion, thought it a good opportunity, and stepped on board, after leaving the medicine at the proper door. I spent some weeks at -Dr. G.'s after the occurrence; and very doleful we used +Dr. G.’s after the occurrence; and very doleful we used to be about it. But the next time I went they were, -naturally, very angry with the inconsiderate young man."</p> -<h6>London: Printed by <span class="smallcaps">Smith, Elder</span> & Co., 15½, Old Bailey, E.C.</h6> -<hr class="narrow" /> -<p> </p> -<p> </p> +naturally, very angry with the inconsiderate young man.”</p> + +<hr class="narrow" style="margin-top: 5em;"> +<div class="center bold" style="font-size: small;">London: Printed by <span class="smallcaps">Smith, Elder</span> + & Co., 15½, Old Bailey, E. C.</div> -<h3>FOOTNOTES</h3> +<div class="center bold" style="font-size: large; margin-top: 3em;">FOOTNOTES</div> -<p class="noindent"><a name="gwfn" id="gwfn"></a><a href="#gwfnr">1</a>.</p> +<p class="noindent"><a id="gwfn"></a><a href="#gwfnr">1</a>.</p> <div class="poem3"> - <p class="noindent"> -Wir pflügen und wir streuen<br /> -Den Saamen auf das Land;<br /> -Das Wachsen und Gedeihen<br /> -Steht in des höchsten Hand.<br /> -Er sendet Thau und Regen,<br /> -Und Sonn und Mondeschein;<br /> -Von Ihm kommt aller Segen,<br /> -Von unserm Gott allein:<br /> -Alle gute Gabe kommt her<br /> -Von Gott dem Herrn,<br /> +Wir pflügen und wir streuen<br > +Den Saamen auf das Land;<br > +Das Wachsen und Gedeihen<br > +Steht in des höchsten Hand.<br > +Er sendet Thau und Regen,<br > +Und Sonn und Mondeschein;<br > +Von Ihm kommt aller Segen,<br > +Von unserm Gott allein:<br > +Alle gute Gabe kommt her<br > +Von Gott dem Herrn,<br > Drum dankt und hofft auf <ins title="original has Ihm">Ihn</ins>. -</p> </div> -<hr class="narrow" /> + <p> </p> -<table border="0" style="background-color: #E6E6FA; margin: 0 auto" cellpadding="4" summary="Amendments"> +<table style="background-color: #E6E6FA; margin: 0 auto; border: none; padding: 4px;"> <tr> <td colspan="2"> - <div class="center">TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE</div> + <div class="center">TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE</div> <p class="noindent" style="background-color: #E6E6FA">Contemporary spellings have been retained even when inconsistent. A small number of obvious typographical errors have been -corrected, and missing punctuation has been silently added.<br /> -<br /> +corrected, and missing punctuation has been silently added.<br > +<br > The following additional changes have been made; they can be identified in the body of the text by a grey dotted underline:</p> </td> </tr> <tr> - <td valign="top">re-inter the inn</td> - <td valign="top"><i>re-enter</i> the inn</td> + <td style="vertical-align: top;">re-inter the inn</td> + <td style="vertical-align: top;"><i>re-enter</i> the inn</td> </tr> <tr> - <td valign="top">borne at Altenahr</td> - <td valign="top"><i>born</i> at Altenahr</td> + <td style="vertical-align: top;">borne at Altenahr</td> + <td style="vertical-align: top;"><i>born</i> at Altenahr</td> </tr> <tr> - <td valign="top">hofft auf Ihm</td> - <td valign="top">hofft auf <i>Ihn</i></td> + <td style="vertical-align: top;">hofft auf Ihm</td> + <td style="vertical-align: top;">hofft auf <i>Ihn</i></td> </tr> <tr> @@ -9974,405 +9812,27 @@ in the body of the text by a grey dotted underline:</p> </tr> <tr> - <td valign="top">shut the door in Mr. Jenkins's face</td> - <td valign="top">shut the door in <i>Mrs.</i> Jenkins's face</td> + <td style="vertical-align: top;">shut the door in Mr. Jenkins’s face</td> + <td style="vertical-align: top;">shut the door in <i>Mrs.</i> Jenkins’s face</td> </tr> <tr> - <td valign="top">his eyes was open</td> - <td valign="top">his eyes <i>were</i> open</td> + <td style="vertical-align: top;">his eyes was open</td> + <td style="vertical-align: top;">his eyes <i>were</i> open</td> </tr> <tr> - <td valign="top">count-out and throwing down her money</td> - <td valign="top"><i>counting out</i> and throwing down her money</td> + <td style="vertical-align: top;">count-out and throwing down her money</td> + <td style="vertical-align: top;"><i>counting out</i> and throwing down her money</td> </tr> <tr> - <td valign="top">altered breathings</td> - <td valign="top">altered <i>breathing</i></td> + <td style="vertical-align: top;">altered breathings</td> + <td style="vertical-align: top;">altered <i>breathing</i></td> </tr> </table> - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Grey Woman and other Tales, by -Mrs. (Elizabeth) Gaskell - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GREY WOMAN AND OTHER TALES *** - -***** This file should be named 28636-h.htm or 28636-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - https://www.gutenberg.org/2/8/6/3/28636/ - -Produced by Delphine Lettau and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Canada Team at http://www.pgdpcanada.net - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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