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TheProjectGutenbergEBookofAGamblewithLife,bySilasK.Hocking

ThiseBookisfortheuseofanyoneanywhereatnocostandwithalmostnorestrictionswhatsoever.Youmaycopyit,giveitawayorre-useitunderthetermsoftheProjectGutenbergLicenseincludedwiththiseBookoronlineatwww.gutenberg.org

Title:AGamblewithLife

Author:SilasK.Hocking

ReleaseDate:April10,2012[EBook#39417]

Language:English

***STARTOFTHISPROJECTGUTENBERGEBOOKAGAMBLEWITHLIFE***

ProducedbyChrisCurnow,SueFleming,LindyWalshandtheOnlineDistributedProofreadingTeamathttp://www.pgdp.net

AGAMBLEWITHLIFE

SILASK.HOCKING

[Illustration:"OPENYOUREYES,"HECRIED,"ANDSPRING."]

AGAMBLEWITHLIFE

BY

SILASK.HOCKING

AUTHOROF

"Pioneers,""TheFlamingSword,""God'sOutcast,""OneinCharity,""TheHeartofMan,"etc.

LondonJAMESCLARKE&CO.,13&14FLEETSTREETE.C.1906

_Allrightsreserved_

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CONTENTS

CHAPTERPAGE

I.ASTRANGECOMPACT7

II.DREAMSANDREALITIES15

III.THEVALUEOFALIFE26

IV.PAYINGTHEPENALTY35

V.APERILOUSTASK44

VI.FAITHANDPHILOSOPHY54

VII.THENICKOFTIME63

VIII.THESOUL'SAWAKENING72

IX.THECAPTAIN'SLETTER82

X.AVISITOR92

XI.ATALKBYTHEWAY101

XII.FAIRYLAND112

XIII.THEAWAKENING123

XIV.EVOLUTION134

XV.MISGIVINGS145

XVI.GROWINGSUSPICIONS157

XVII.RETROSPECTIVE168

XVIII.THEOLDANDTHENEW178

XIX.AFTERTHREEYEARS189

XX.FATHERANDSON200

XXI.GERVASESPEAKSHISMIND211

XXII.AHUMANDOCUMENT222

XXIII.MEANSTOANEND232

XXIV.THEJUSTICEOFTHESTRONG243

XXV.THEENDOFADREAM254

XXVI.QUESTIONSTOBEFACED266

XXVII.THEVALUEOFALIFE277

XXVIII.THERETURNOFTHESQUIRE288

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XXIX.GETTINGATTHETRUTH299

XXX.THETOILSOFCIRCUMSTANCE310

XXXI.OLDFRIENDS320

XXXII.FACINGTHEINEVITABLE331

XXXIII.WASITPROVIDENCE?342

XXXIV.DISCOVERIES352

XXXV.CONFLICTINGEMOTIONS363

XXXVI.HISHEART'SDESIRE373

AGAMBLEWITHLIFE

CHAPTERI

ASTRANGECOMPACT

"Well,ofallthehare-brainedproposalsIeverlistenedto,thistakesthebun";andFelixMulleradjustedhispince-nezandlaybackinhischairandlaughedsoftly.

"Butwhyhare-brained?"askedhiscompanion,seriously."Singular,Iadmititmaybe;startlingifyoulike,butIdonotseethatthereisanythinginittolaughat."

"Youdon't?"andthelawyer'sfacebecamesuddenlygrave."Doyourealisewhatyourproposalimplies?"

"IthinkIdo,"andRufusSterne'sfaceflushedslightly;"butyouarethinkingofacontingencythatwillneverarise."

"PerhapsIam;buteverycontingencymustbeguardedagainst,"andFelixMullertookoffhisglassesandwipedthemmeditatively."Yousayyouareconfidentofsuccess,andIamboundtoadmit,fromwhatIknowofyouandyourscheme,Ithinkyourconfidenceiswellfounded.ButyouknowaswellasIdo,thatnothingiscertaininthisworldbutdeath."

"Well?"

"Youmayfail.Somethingmayhappenyoucannotforesee."

"Igrantit,asaremote--anexceedinglyremote--possibility.Butinsuchaneventyouwillbecoveredbymylifeassurancepolicy."

"Butyoumayliveforanotherfiftyyears."

RufusSterneshookhisheadandsmiledgravely.

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"IfIfail,"hesaid,"Ishallhavenofurtheruseforlife.Youneedbeundernoapprehensiononthatscore.Themoneyforwhichmylifeisinsuredwillbepaidintoyourhandswithoutanyunnecessarydelay.Iknowthecompany."

"Butitwouldbeadirectcontraventionofthelaw,andwouldentitlethecompanytorefuse----"

"Mydearsir,"Sterneinterrupted,sharply,"therearemanyroadsintothelandofoblivion.Exitscanbearranged,ifthepartiessodesire,inaperfectlynaturalmanner.Youneednotfearthattroublewillariseonthatscore."

"Nevertheless,IconfessIdonotliketheproposal."

"Youseemtohavegrownsuddenlyverysqueamish,"Sternesaid,withaslightcurlofthelip."Ihavealwaysunderstoodthatyousetnoparticularvalueonhumanlife.Indeed,Ihaveheardyouarguethataman'slifeishisowntodoashelikeswith--tocontinueitorendit,asseemsgoodinhisowneyes."

"Iamstillofthesameopinion.No,Iamnosentimentalist.Therubbishtalkedbyparsonsandso-calledhumanitariansmakesmeill.Allthesame

Iwouldpreferthatsomeoneelse----"

"Thereisnooneelse,"RufusSternebrokein,irritably."Youaremylasthope.Athousandpoundsnowwillleadmeontofameandfortune.Youhavethemoney.Youcanlendittomeifyoulike,andforsecurityImakeyoumysolelegatee."

"Butthemoneyisnotmine,andmustbepaidbackbythe31stofDecemberofnextyearwithoutfail."

"Thatgiveseighteenmonthsandmore,"andSternelaughed."Mydearfellow,sixmonthsoralittlemorewillseethethingthrough."

"Iliketoseeamanconfident,"FelixMullersaid,alittleuneasily."Butthereissuchathingasover-confidence,asyouknow.Ishouldbebetterpleasedifyouwerealittlelesscocksure."

"Butmanalive,Ihavebeenworkingatthisthingforyears.Ihavetestedeverylinkinthechain,ifyouwillallowmetosayso.Ihavefacedeverypossiblecontingency.IhavegoneoverthegroundsooftenthatIknoweveryinchoftheway.Ihaveanticipatedeveryobjection,everyweakness,everyflaw,andhaveprovidedagainstit.AllIwantnowisathousandpoundsinhardcash,andinayear'stimeIshallbeabletorepayitten-fold."

"Youhopeso."

"Iamsureofit;asfarasamancanbesureofanythinginthisstupidworld.Themoreorlessunpleasantcontingencythatyoupersistinlookingatwillneveroccur."

"Butitmayoccur,"Mullerpersisted.

"Well,ifitdoesyouwillnotsuffer;andIshallbegladtohidemyselfandbeatrest."

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"Yousaythatnow."

"Doyoudoubtmycourageormyhonour?"Sternedemanded,sharply.

"No,Idoubtneither,"Mullersaid,slowly;"buttheinstinctoflifeisstrong--especiallyintheyoung."

"Whenamanhassomethingtolivefor--somegreatpurposetoachieve,orsomeproudambitiontorealise,henaturallywantstolive.Buttakeawaythatsomething,andlifeisasqueezedorangewhichheisgladtoflingaway."

"Peoplestillclingtolifewhentheyhavenothinglefttolivefor,"Mullersaid,reflectively.

"Sentimentalistsandcowards,"Sternebrokein,hastily."Menwhohavebeenrobbedoftheircouragebypriestlysuperstitions.ButyouandIhavethrownofftheswaddlingclothesinwhichwewerereared.YourGermanphilosophershavenotreflectedandwrittenfornothing."

"IamanEnglishman,"Mullerbrokein,hastily.

"Idonotdisputeitforamoment,"Sternesaid,withalaugh."Butletusnotgetawayfromthesubjectwehaveinhand.Thequestioniswill

youaccommodatemeorwillyounot?"

"IfIdonotyouwillcursemeto-day,"Mullersaid,withadrawl;"andifIdo,youmaycursememorebitterlyeighteenmonthshence.Soitseemstomeitisachoicebetweentwoevils."

"Thereyouaremistaken,"Sternereplied."Icertainlyshallcurseyouifyourefuseme,butifyoubecomemyfriendto-dayIshallneverceasetoblessyou."

"Notifyoufail?"

"Whywillyoupersistinharpingonthatonestring?Ishallnotfail.

Failureisoutofthereckoning.IamascertainofsuccessasIamofmyownexistence."

"'Lethimthatthinkethhestandethtakeheedlesthefall.'"

"Please,Muller,don'tquotetheBibletome."

"Itissoundphilosophywhereveritistakenfrom.Besides,theBibleisgoodliterature."

"SoisDante's'Inferno.'Butifyouweredosedwithitmorning,noonandnight,forthespaceoffifteenortwentyyears,youwouldbegladtohavealittlerespite.Butwearegettingawayagainfromthesubject

inhand.Let'ssticktotheonepointtillwe'vedonewithit.Ifyou'vemadeupyourmindthatyouwon'thelpme,sayso."

"Mydearfellow,allthatI'vebeenanxioustodoistoenableyou,ifpossible,torealiseallthatsuchacontractimplies."

"Well,ifIdidn'trealiseitbefore,Idonow.You'vebeenveryfaithful."

"Andyoustillwishtoenterintothearrangement?"

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"OfcourseIdo.Whatdoyoutakemefor?"

"Remember,Iamnosentimentalist,andwhatevermayhappentoyou,Ishallbecompelledintheendtoclaimmybond."

Sternelaughedalittlebitterly."Youdonotmeantoinsultme,Iknow.NeverthelessyourwordsimplyadoubtthatIcannothelpresenting.Iftheworstcomestotheworst,youwillhavenoneedto_claim_yourbond.Youwillgetyourownbackwithouteffort,andwithcompoundinterest."

"Ihavenodesiretoinsultyou,certainly.ButequallyamIdesirousofpreventinganymisunderstandinglateron.Inabusinesstransactionofthiskindonecannotbetooexplicit.Thetime-limitIamcompelledtoinsistupon."

"Itisquiteample,"Sternebrokein,impatiently."Ishallknowmyfatelongbeforetheendofnextyear."

"Ihopeyouwillsucceedevenbeyondwhatyouhopefor."

"LetmetellyouforthetwentiethtimethatIamboundtosucceed.WhenshallIhavethemoney?"

"Thedayafterto-morrow."

"Thatwilldo.NowIamahappyman."

"Ihopeyouwillneverhavecausetoregretthebargain."

"Youshallnot,inanycase."

Thelawyersmiled,andloweredhiseyebrows."Fromaprofessionalpointofview,"hesaid,reflectively,"itisnot,ofcourse,goodbusiness."

Sternelookedupsuddenly."Iseewhatyoumean,"hesaid,aftera

pause."Youarenotcoveredagainstanyfailureofcourageorhonouronmypart?"

Thelawyernoddedassent.

"Iappreciateyourtrustinme,"Sternereplied,withatouchofemotioninhisvoice."Idoindeed.Youarelendingmethemoneywithoutanylegalsecurity."

"Andthemoneyisnotmine,"thelawyeradded.

"Iunderstand;andwhenthetimecomesyoushallberewarded,"andSternerosetohisfeetandpickeduphisbowlerhat,whichhadbeen

lyingonthefloor.

Thelawyerrosealso,andheldouthishandtohisclient."Themoneyshallbereadyforyouthedayafterto-morrow."Sotheyparted.

RufusSternewentoutintothestreetfeelingasthoughalltheworldlayathisfeet.Nothoughtoffailurecrossedhismind.Thethinghehadbeenworkingforforyearswasatlasttoberealised.Hisinventionwouldnotonlyputmoneyintohisownpocket,butitwouldrevolutionisethechiefindustryofhisnativecounty,andfindworkforthousandsof

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willinghands.

Inimaginationhesawhimselfnotonlyprosperous,buthonouredandrespectedandhailedasapublicbenefactor.Hehadalongwalkoverthehillstothevillageinwhichheresided,butitseemedasnothingtohimthatevening.Hisheartwasbeatinghighwithhope,hiseyessparkledwitheageranticipation.

FromthecrestofthesecondhillthewidesweepoftheAtlanticcameintoview,andforseveralminuteshestoodstill,withbaredhead.Hehadspentallhislifeinsightandsoundofthesea,andhenevertiredofit.Relatives,friends,acquaintancesbythedozen,slepttheirlastsleepfaroutinitscoolembrace.Hehadafeelingsometimesthathewouldlike,whenhisday'sworkwasdone,topillowhisheadamongtheseaweedandsleepforever,whilethewavessobbedandsangabovehim.

Thesunwasslowlysinkinginaseaofmoltengold.Thewindow-panesofthescatteredfarmhouseswereflashingbacktheeveningfire.Fromthevalleybehindhimcamethebleatingoflambsandtheansweringcallofthemothersheep,andwiththecoolingofthedayabreezestirredfaintlyinthetreetopsandthroughthehazelbushes.

Hereplacedhishat,andwasabouttocontinuehistrampwhenhewasarrestedbythesoundofcarriagewheelsbehindhim.Asharpbendinthe

roadhidthevehiclefromsight,butheknewitwouldbeonhiminamoment.Sohesteppedaside,astheroadwasnarrow,andwaitedforittopass.

Thehorsecamefirstintosight,andthentheSquire'swaggonette.Twopeoplesatonthefrontseat,thecoachmanandalady.Thebackofthevehiclewaspiledalmosttotheleveloftheirheadswithluggage.Thehorsecameonslowly,whichgaveRufusSterneanopportunityofscanningthefaceofthelady.

"Evidentlyastranger,"washisfirstreflection."Greatlytakenwiththeviewofthesea,"hissecond.Afterthathisreflectionswereofaverymixedcharacter.

Twoorthreepoints,however,stoodoutinhismindwithgreatdistinctness.Thefirstwastheladywasyoung--"notmorethantwentyifsheisaday,"hereflected.Thesecondwasthatshebelongedtoatypehehadneverseenbefore."She'snotCornish,that'scertain,"hesaidtohimself."IquestionifsheisEnglish."Thethirdwasthatshewasmostbecominglydressed.Whethershewasrichlyorexpensivelyattiredhedidnotknow.Hehadhadnoexperienceinsuchmatters.Butthatherdressbecamehertherecouldbenodoubt.Thehatsheworemighthavebeendesignedbyanartistforheralone.Onsomepeople'sheadsitmightlookafright,butontheheadofthisfaircreatureitwasapicture.

Hestoodsofarbackintheshadowofthehedgethatshedidnotnoticehim.Besides,hereyeswerefixedonthedistantsea,whichflashedinthesunsetlikeburnishedgold.

"Isn'titjusttoolovelyforwords?"Whethersheaddressedthecoachman,orwhethershewasspeakingtoherself,hedidnotknow.Butherwordsfellverydistinctlyonhisear,andtouchedhisheartwithacurioussenseofkinshiporsympathy.

"No;she'snotEnglish,"hesaidtohimself."AnEnglishwomannever

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speakswithanaccentjustlikethat.Butwherevershecomesfromshe'stheloveliestcreatureIeversaw.Iwonderwhosheis?"

Hecameoutintothemiddleoftheroad,andfollowedinthewakeofthevanishingvehicle.Afterafewminutesitdisappearedcompletely,andhedidnotseeitagain.

"Iwonderwhosheis?"ThequestionoccurredtohimseveraltimesashetrampedsteadilyoninthedirectionofSt.Gaved.ItevenpushedintothebackgroundhisrecentinterviewwithFelixMuller,andthestrangecompacthehadmade.

Thetwilightwasdeepeningrapidlybythetimehereachedthecottageinwhichherentedtwotinyrooms.Afrugalsupperwaslaidreadyforhimonthetable,buttherewasnoonetogivehimwelcome,noonetosaygood-nightwhenheretiredtorest.Yetnofeelingoflonelinessorfriendlessnessoppressedhim.Hefeltthatthedayhadbeenaneventfulone,andthatafutureofunmeasuredpossibilitieswasopeningupbeforehim.

CHAPTERII

DREAMSANDREALITIES

RufusSterneawokenextmorningwithafeelingofbuoyancyandhopefulnesssuchashehadneverbeforeexperienced.Thesunwasstreamingbrightlythroughthelittlewindowandgildingthehumblefurnitureoftheroomwiththinlinesofgold;thehouse-sparrowswerechirrupingnoisilyundertheeaves;thefishermen,earlyinfromtheirnight'sfishing,werecalling"Mackerel"inthewindingstreetbelow;whilstthememoryofpleasantdreamswasstillhauntingthechambersofhisbrain--dreamsinwhichhisownidentityhadgotmixedupinsomecuriousfashionwiththatofthefairstrangerhehadseentheevening

before.

Mrs.Tuke,hislandlady,laidhisbreakfastinsilence.Itwasveryrarelynowthatshespoketohim.Onherfacewasalookofinjuredinnocenceorpainedresignation.Shehaddoneherbestindaysgonebytoleadhimtoseewhatshecalledtheerrorofhisways,butwithoutsuccess.Nowshehadgivenhimover--thoughnotwithoutconsiderablereluctance--tothehardnessofhisheart.Shesometimeswonderedwhethersheoughttokeepasalodgeramanwhowasclaimedneitherbychurchnorchapel,andwhosereligiousopinionsnotamanintheentirevillagewouldendorse.

However,ashepaidhisbillregularlyandgavenotrouble,andas

moreoverhehadnobadhabits,andwasexceedinglygentlemanlybothinmannersandappearance,sheconcludedthatonthewholeshewasjustifiedingivinghimshelterandtakinghismoney.

RufusdidnotnoticeMrs.Tuke'sresignedlookandpatheticeyesthismorning.Histhoughtswereintentonotherthings.Atlasthewasontheroadtofameandfortune,sohehonestlyandsincerelybelieved.To-morrowhewouldwalkintoRedbourneandtakepossessionofathousandpounds.Thenlifewouldbegininearnest.HewouldgiveuphispositionattheWhealGregoryMineanddevoteallhisenergiestothecompletion

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ofthegreatscheme,whichwouldtakethewholecountybysurprise.

Whatareliefitwouldbetogetawayfromthecommon-placeandhumdrumtasksthathadfilledhishandsforthelastthreeorfouryears--tasksthatanyyoungmanwithaSchoolBoardeducationcoulddischargewithoutdifficulty.Hedidnotdespisethework--nohonestlabourwastobedespised.Buttheworkwasnotofthekindthatappealedtohim.Itwasmonotonous,mechanical,uninteresting.Therewasnothinginittocalloutlatentskillororiginality.Hemightgoondoingittillhisbrainstagnatedandthespringsofimaginationceasedtoflow.

Hewascalledthesecretaryofthemine--ahigh-soundingnameenough--butthenamewastheonlyimportantthingaboutit.Hewastime-keeper,clerk,andoffice-boyrolledintoone.

Thesalarywasjustenoughtokeephiminapositionofrespectablepoverty.Theonlywayhecouldhopetosaveanymoneywasbyinsuringhislifeuntilhewasacertainage.Butthereweretimeswhenhewashalfdisposedtolethispolicylapse.Itwassuchapinchtofindthemoneytopaythepremiums.

Atlast,however,hebelievedthestrugglewasover.Histhoughtsweregoingtotaketangibleshape;hisnebulousdreamsweretobereducedtoconcreteform.Thelineshehadsocarefullytracedonpaperwouldbe

seeninbrassandsteel;thementaltravailofyearswouldendinthebirthofagreatinvention.

Hewalkedawayfromthehousehummingapopularwaltz,andhisstepskepttimetothemusic.WhealGregorylayoverthehillmorethanamileaway.TakingafieldpathheskirtedtheparkofTrewinionHall,theresidenceofSirCharlesTregony,thesquireoftheparishandthelargestlandownerinthedistrict.ItwasSirCharles'swaggonettethatpassedhimthepreviouseveningwhenreturningfromRedbourne.

Heslackenedhispacealmostunconsciously,andlookedoverthetallthornhedgeinthedirectionofthesquire'smansion.Anopeninginthebeltoftreesbroughtaportionoftheterraceintoview,withastrip

oflawnandaglimpseoftherosegarden.Atthemoment,however,Rufussawneitherthegardennorthelawn.Itwasagracefulgirlishfigurecladinwhitethatarrestedhisattention.Shewasflittinginandoutamongthestandardroseswithapairofscissorsinonehandandalargebunchofbloomsintheother.Shestoodstillatlengthandlookedtowardsthehouse,thenwavedherhandtosomeoneRufuscouldnotsee.Thensheturnedrightaboutfaceandlookedinhisdirection.Rufusloweredhisheadinamomentandpeepedatherbetweenthebranchesofatree.Itmightnotbetheheightofgoodmanners,buthecouldnothelpit.Shewassofairapicture,sograceful,sopiquantandfresh,thathewouldbealmostlessthanhumanifhedidnotmakethemostofhisopportunity.

Afewminuteslatershewasjoinedbythesquire'sdaughter,Beryl,andtogethertheywalkedawaytillthethickfoliagehidthemfromview.

Rufusheavedalittlesigh,andthencontinuedhiswalkinthedirectionofWhealGregory.

"Iwonderifpeoplewholiveinbighouses,andhavelovelygardensandlawnsandalltheotherpleasantthingsoflifearehappierthanordinaryfolks,"hesaidtohimself."Iwonderifthatgirlishappy.Iwonderifsheknowshowprettysheis?Iwonderwhereshecamefrom?I

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wonderwhosheis?Iwonderifshehascometostay?"

Helaughedatlengthquiteloudly,fornoonewasneartolisten.ItwasstrangethatheshouldbeinterestedinanyonewhohadcometostayattheHall.SirCharleswasoneoftheproudestandmostexclusivemeninthecounty.TherewasnooneintheparishofSt.Gaved,exceptingperhapsthevicar,thatheconsideredgoodenoughtoassociatewith,andSirCharles'svisitorsweregenerallyasexclusiveashimself.

Therattleofthe"firestamps"downinthevalleycalledhimbackatlengthtomoremundaneaffairs.ItwasnothingtohimwhothenewvisitorattheHallmightbe,andwhethershestayedaweekorayearwasnoconcernofhis.Hehadhisownworktodo,andjustnowthatworkwouldfillhisthoughtsnightandday.

Hedidhisbesttogiveallhisattentiontohisordinaryduties,butitwasnoeasymatter.HehadlostallinterestinWhealGregoryMine.HisresignationassecretarywouldbehandedinonSaturdaymorning:forthefuturehewouldliveonanotherplane,andmoreimportantissueswouldclaimhisthoughtandattention.

Thedayseemedinterminablylong,butitcametoanendatlength,andheturnedhisfacetowardsSt.Gavedwithalightheart.Everydaynowwouldshortentheperiodofhisexileandinactivity.Hewaseagerto

gethisowngreatenterpriseunderweigh,eagertoshowthepeopleamongwhomhelivedthestuffofwhichhewasmade.

Onthefollowingdayheopenedabankingaccountwithathousandpoundstohiscredit,andthedayfollowingthathehandedhisresignationinassecretaryofWhealGregoryMine.

Hewalkedhomewardslowlyintheglowoftheevening'ssun,takingawidesweeproundbythecoast.Theskywasalmostcloudless,butthewarmthwastemperedbyacoolbreezefromtheWest.Apathwayskirtedtheedgeofthecliffswhichwasrarelyusedbyanyoneaftersunset,forthecliffsweretreacherousandafalsestepmightmeaninstantdeath.

Ononeofthehighestpointshesatdownonthespongyturfandlookedwestward.Thesunwassinkinginalakeofburnishedgold.Theseawaslikeglassmingledwithfire.Hecouldnothelpwonderingifthesebrightdaysandglorioussunsetswereanauguryofhisownfuture.

Asyetnoclouddimmedthebrightnessofhisvision,nothoughtoffailureflungashadowacrosshispath.HewasasconfidentofsuccessashewasthattheAtlanticwasrollingathisfeet.ItwasthisconfidencethathadblindedhiseyestothemoralobliquityofhiscontractwithFelixMuller.

"IfIfail,"hehadsaid,"youshallhavemyinsurancemoney,"andhehadsaiditinthemostlight-heartedfashion,forheneversuspected

foramomentthathewouldfail.

Moreover,ifhedidfailthedefeatwouldbesocrushingthathewasquitesurehewouldnotwanttolive.Andashehadlostthefaithofhischildhood,anddeathmeantonlyanendlessandadreamlesssleep,dyinggavehimnoconcern.

Buttherewasonethinghehadneverconsidered,andthatwastherightsoftheinsurancecompany.Hedidnotseethatitwasafelonyheproposedincaseoffailure.Theideahadnevercrossedhismind.Hehad

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laidstressonhishonourinmakinghisappealtoMuller,andhefailedtoseethatincasehisschemescametonothinghewasproposinganactofdeliberatedishonesty.Hewouldsavehishonourattheexpenseofhishonesty.

Itwasnotoffailure,however,hethought,ashelookedtowardsthesunset.Thefuturewasopeningoutbeforehisimaginationinwideningvistasofsuccess.

"Ishallastonisheverybody,"hesaidtohimself,abright,eagersmilespreadingitselfoverhisface."Mullerbelievesinme,buthehasnoideahowgreatmyschemeis.Idon'tseetheendofitmyself,foronethingwillleadtoanother.Oh!Ishallhaveacrowdedlife;foronesuccesswillbegetothersuccesses,andsoIshallgoforward--neveridle--tillmyday'sworkisdone."

Hewasrousedfromhispleasantreveriebyalightfootstepnearhim,andlookingroundquicklyhesawthefairstrangerwhohadinterestedhimontwopreviousoccasions.Shedidnothesitateforamomentinherwalk,butcamebrisklyforwardtillshewasdirectlyoppositewherehesat.

"Pardonme,"shesaid,inavoicethatwasdistinctlymusicalinspiteofitsunfamiliaraccent,"butcanyoutellmeifthereisapath

anywherehereaboutsleadingdowntothebeach?"

Hewasonhisfeetinamoment,andraisinghishathesaid,withasmile,"ThenearestpointisdownPenwithCove;thatisatleasthalfamilefurtheron."

"Andisthepatheasy?"

"Quiteeasy."

"Notdangerousatall?"

"Notabit,"heanswered,withasmile.

"Youwillexcusemespeaking,won'tyou?"shesaid,withamirthfullightinhereyes."I'mnotatallsurethatit'sabitproper.SirCharleshasreadmeseverallecturesalreadyaboutspeakingtopeopleIdon'tknow,butifIonlyspeaktopeopleIknowIshallneverspeakatallwhenI'moutofthehouse."

"YouareastrangerinSt.Gaved?"hequestioned,nervously.

"Icomefromacrossthewater,"sheanswered,withdelightfulfrankness."Ineversawyourcountrytillfourdaysago."

"Anddoyoulikeit?"hequestioned.

"Well,yes--uptoacertainpoint.Ishallgetusedtoitintime,nodoubt.Butatpresentitseemsabitdullandslow."

"You'velivedinacity,perhaps?"--hewasastonishedathisboldness,butherwholemannerseemedtoinviteconversation.

"That'sjustit,"shereplied."AndafterNewYorkthisplaceseemsatrifledullandquiet."

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"Ishouldthinkso,"hesaid,withalaugh."Why,evennativeslikemyselffinditalmostinsufferableattimes."

"Thenwhydoyoustayhere?Whydon'tyougorightawaywherethepulseoflifebeatsmorequickly?"

"Ah!thatquestionisnoteasytoanswer,"hesaid,lookingoutoverthefire-fleckedsea."Ourhomeishere,ourworklieshere.Beyondisagreatunknown.Manyhavegoneoutandhaveneverreturned."

"Gotlost,eh?"shequestioned,withamusicallaugh.

"Losttouswhohaveremained,"heanswered."Somehaveprospered,Ihavenodoubt.Somehavefailed,anddiedinobscurityandneglect.Better,perhaps,enduretheillswehavethanflytoothersweknownotof."

"Well,yes,Iguessthere'struthinthat,"sheanswered,raisingfranklyhersoftbrowneyestohis."Yetthere'salwaysfascinationintheunknown,don'tyouthinkso?"

"Nodoubtofit."

"That'sthereason,Iexpect,whyI'mjustachingtoexplorethese

cliffs,andthecavesofwhichSirCharlessaysthere'sanynumber."

"Thatwon'ttakeyouverylong,"heanswered,"thoughitwouldhardlybesafeforyoutogoalone."

"That'swhatSirCharlessays;butwouldyoumindtellingmejustwherethedangercomesin?"

"Well,yousee,therocksareoftenslippery.Andifyouarenotacquaintedwiththetidesyoumightgetcaught."

"Ah!thatwouldbeinteresting."

"Well,scarcely.Strangershavebeencaughtanddrownedbeforenow."

"Theycouldnotswim?"

"ItwouldtakeaverystrongswimmertoclearSt.GavedPointandgetintotheharbour."

Sheturnedhereyesinthatdirectionandlookedgrave.

Hestudiedherfacealittlemorecloselyandallowedhiseyestowanderoverhergracefulandwell-knitfigure.Shewasverysimplydressed,withoutornamentofanykind.Alargepicturehatshadedherpaleface.Hereyeswerelargeanddark,herforeheadbroad,hernosestraight,her

lipsfullandred.

Shecaughthimlookingatherandheblushedalittle."Idon'tthinkIcouldswimthatdistance,"shesaid,turninghereyesagaininthedirectionofSt.GavedPoint.

"Idon'tthinkyouwouldbewisetoattemptit."Thenheblushedagain,forsheturnedonhimaswiftandsearchingglance,whileherlipspartedinasmilethatseemedtosay,"Ididnotaskyouforadvice."

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Foramomenttherewassilence,thenshesaid,"DoyouknowtheseahasbeencallingmeeversinceIcame."

"Callingyou?"hequestioned.

"Well,Imeanitfascinatesme,ifyouunderstand.Iwanttogetclosetoit,topaddleinit.Itissobeautiful.Itlookssocoolandfriendly.Berylsaysshecannotbearthesea;thatitisnotfriendlyabit;thatitiscruelandnoisy,andtreacherous."

"Ah!shehaslivedneartheseamostofherlife."

"AndyetyoucanscarcelyseeitfromtheHall."

"Butitcanbeheardonstormynights,andwhenawesterlygaleisragingitsvoiceisterrible."

"Youhavelivedhereallyourlife?"andherlipspartedinthemostinnocentsmile.

"Here,andinaneighbouringparish,"heanswered,frankly.

"Anddoyoulikethesea?"

"Sometimes.Onaneveninglikethis,forinstance,Icouldsitforhourslookingatit,andlisteningtothelowmurmurofthewaves.ButinthewinterIrarelycomeoutonthecliffs."

"Ihaveneverseenthesearealmad,"shesaid,reflectively;"butIexpectIshallifIstayherelongenough."

"Doyouexpecttostaylong?"hequestioned.Ifsheaskedquestionshedidnotseewhyhemightnot.

"Well,IguessIshallstayinEnglandagoodmanymonthsanyhow,"sheansweredslowly,andwithanunmistakableaccent;andsheturnedawayhereyes,andafaintwaveofcolourtingedherpalecheeks.

Hewouldhavelikedtohaveaskedheragoodmanyotherquestions,buthefelthehadgonefarenough.

"IfearIshallhavetogobacknow,"shesaidatlength,withoutlookingathim,"orthey'llallbewonderingwhathasbecomeofme."

"Youcouldnoteasilygetlostinaplacelikethis,"hesaid,withalaugh.

"No,nobodywouldkidnapme,"shesaid,archinghereyebrows.

"No,Idon'tthinkso,"heansweredinatonethatwashalf-mirthful,

half-serious.

Sheraisedhereyestohisforamomentinakeensearchingglance,then,withahasty"Goodevening,"turnedandwalkedawayinthedirectionshehadcome.

HestoodandwatchedheruntilshehadpassedoverthebrowofthehillinthedirectionofTrewinionHall.ThenheslowlyresumedhisjourneytowardsSt.Gaved.

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impressionthatwasnotaltogetherpleasant.Mullerwasinhismostcynicalandungenerousmood.Hehadnotawordofencouragementtogivetohisclient.Onthecontrary,heappearedtotakeadelightinprickingRufuswithpointedandunpleasantsuggestions.

"Itiswell,nodoubt,tohopeforthebest,"hesaidtoRufus;"butitisequallywelltobepreparedfortheworst."

"IreallythinkyouwouldnottroublemuchifIshouldfail,"Rufussaid,inatoneofirritation.

"Thenyoudomeaninjustice,"wasthesuaveandtantalisinganswer."IfyouweretofailImighthavetroubleingettingmyown."

"YoumeanthatIwouldbackoutofthecontractatthelast?"

"No,Idon'tmeananysuchthing.Iknowyouarenotonlyamanofhonour,butamanofcourage;butifyoushouldbungle----"

"Lookhere,weneednotgoanyfurtherintodetails,"Rufussaid,impatiently."Mypointisyouarenotabittroubledaboutmeaslongasyougetyourmoneyback."

"Oh,butIam!Iwouldratheryouprosperedthanthatyoufailed,any

day.Still,ifintheorderofchanceyoushouldfail--well----,"andheshruggedhisshoulders,"Itwouldbeintheeternalorder,that'sall."

"Youwouldnotfret,ofcourse?"

"Mydearfellow,whyshouldI?Wemustallpassoutintothegreatsilencesoonerorlater.Andnow,ornextyear,ornextcenturyforthatmatter,matterslittle.YouandIhavegotbeyondtheregionofsentimentinsuchthings.Naturesetsnovalueonhumanlife.Wetakeourplaceamongtheantsandflies,andthehumanistreatedasremorselesslyastheinsect.Thewindpassethoverboth,andtheyaregone."

"Yes,thatistrueenough,"Rufusanswered,lookingoutofthewindow.

"Besides,"Mullerwenton,asifhereadhisthoughts,"inthebusinessoflifeweareboundtotakerisks."

"Youmeanmoneyrisks?"

"Notonlymoneyrisks.Amanwhodrivestomarket,whoexploresamine,whocrossestheseaintheinterestsofcommerce,whofightsforhiscountry,notonlyriskshisproperty,butheriskshislife."

"Notalwaysintentionally."

"Well,notalways,perhaps.Butinthegreatestandnoblestenterprises,yes.Andwhatismore,itiscountedtoamananhonourwhenheriskshislifeinagreatcause.IfyoubecomeamartyrforagreatidealIshallrevereyourmemory."

Rufuswinced,andlookeduncomfortable."Iamnotriskingmylifeinthepublicinterest,"hesaid,"butinmyown."

"Itallamountstothesamething,"Mullersaid,cynically."Youarepartofthepublic,andanythingthatbenefitsapartbenefits,moreor

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less,thewhole.Iamtakingrisksmyselfonthesamechanceofdoinggood."

"Doinggoodtowhom?"

"Tomyselfinthefirstplace.Charityshouldalwaysbeginathome."

"Anddon'tyouthinkalsothatitshouldstopthere?"

"Well,inthemain,Ido.Iamnosentimentalist,asyouverywellknow.Everymanforhimselfisthefirstlawoflife."

"SowhileNaturesetsnovalueonhumanlife,youthinkthateachindividualshouldsetgreatvalueonhisown?"

"No,Idon't.Everythingdependsontheindividual,oronhiscircumstances.Ifamanthinkshislifeisworthpreserving,well,lethimpreserveitbyallmeans.Butifhethinksitisworthless,whyshouldhenotletitslip?"

"Thereseemsnoparticularreason,"Rufusanswered,reflectively.

"There'snoreasonatall,"Mullerwenton,dogmatically,"whileamanisdoingsomething,somethingusefulImean,somethingthatisof

benefittohimselfandtoothers,heoughttokeepagoingaslongashecan.Butwhenheisafailure,whenhebecomesaburdentohimselfandhisneighbours,itiscowardlytohangon,andwhyshouldanybodyfretbecausehemakeshimselfscarce?"

"Youmeanthisasalittlehomilytomyself?"Rufusquestioned.

"Oh,notabitofit!Iamnotafraidofyounotdoingtherightthing!Besides,youarenotgoingtofail,"andhelaughed,cynically.

"No,Iamnotgoingtofail,"Rufusanswered,risingfromhisseat;"Iamgoingtosucceed."

"That'sright.Ihopeyouwill.Butdon'tforgetthatthereisnothingcertaininthisworldbutdeath,"andhesmilinglybowedRufusoutoftheroom.

InthestreetRufuspurchasedaneveningpaper,thathemightgetthelatestnewsofthewar.Hedidnotopenituntilhegotintothequietlanesoutsidethetown.Therehadbeenanotherbigbattleinwhichtherehadbeenanappallinglossoflife.Theworkofexterminationwasgoingonrapidly.Moderncivilisationwasshowingwhatitcoulddoinpreventingthetoorapidgrowthofthehumanrace.

Rufushurriedlyglanceddownthecolumns,thenfoldedthepaperandputitintohispocket."Yes,Mullerisright,"hemused."Naturesetsno

valueonhumanlife,neitherdogovernments,andneitherdoesreligion.Iwonderhowmanythousandsofhumanbeingshavebeensacrificedduringthelastfewweeks,andwhogivestothematterasecondthought.Religionacceptsitasinevitableandevenmeritorious.Governmentsapproveandapplaud,andmakeprovisionforslaughteronalargerscaleinthefuture.Nature,nottobeoutdone,triesherhandatearthquakes,orfamine,ordisease.Itisonlytheindividualwhothinkshisownlifeisofvalue,andhe,ofcourse,isaconceitedprig."

Hepausedwhenhereachedthehill-topfromwhichtheseacameinto

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view.Thedayswerebeginningtoshortenalittle.Thelightofthesunwaslessbrilliant,andthegreenofthefieldshadgivenplacetoharvestgold.

"Itiscuriousthatweshouldclingtolifesomuchforitsownsake,"hesaid,reflectively."Curiousthatthelawshouldlabelamanacriminalwhotakeshisownlifewhenhehasnolongeranyuseforit.Whathypocritesmenare,especiallythosewhomakeourlaws.Theweaklingsandworthlesstheypreserve,theable-bodiedandusefultheydestroy.Thesinglelife,howeverpitiful,mustbeprotected.Thecrowdismoweddownlikegrasstogratifysomecoward'sinsatiableambition.Thecreatureswhotalkaboutthegloryofdyingforone'scountryarecarefultokeepoutofthedangerlinethemselves.Themanwhofails,afteranheroicstruggle,andtakeshisownliferatherthanbeaburdentoothers,theybrandasacowardordubinsane;whilehewhogrowsrichbytraffickingontheweaknessorvicesofhisfellowsismadeaRightHonourable,orgivenaseatinthecouncilsoftheState.Itisallverysickening,andIrefusetobeboundbysuchtraditionalfalsehoodandhypocrisy."

Hehurriedonatamorerapidrate,asiftogetawayfromhisthoughts,buthisbrainpersistedinworkinginthesamegroove.Thepossibilityoffailureobtrudeditselfwithobstinatepersistency.

"I'mgladMullerdoesnotdoubteithermycourageormyhonour,"hewenton."AndreallyifIfailitwillnotmattertoanyonebutmyself.Ihavenoties,neitherfathernormother,brothernorsister,wifenorchild.Iamhappyinthat----"

Thenhemovedtothesideoftheroadforaclosedlandaudrawnbyapairofhorsestopasshim.

"GoingtofetchtheHallpeoplefromthestationverylikely,"hesaidtohimself,andheturnedandlookedaftertheretreatingvehicle.

"Iwonderifshewillreturn?"andafar-awayexpressioncameintohiseyes."Ishouldliketoseeheragain,"hewenton,"sheiswonderfully

freshandnatural."

Fortherestofthewayhomehewalkedveryslowly.Nowandthenhepaused,andturnedhishead,andlistened.Butthesoundofwheels,whichheexpectedtohear,didnotbreaktheevening'sstillness,nordidheseethefacethathehopedtosee.

Itwasnearlyafortnightlaterthathewentoutoneafternoononthecliffsalone.Asomewhatdifficultandcomplicatedproblemhadunexpectedlypresenteditselftohim,andhefanciedhewouldbebetterabletoseehiswaythroughitintheopenairthaninhisworkshoporstudy.Generallyspeaking,hecouldthinkbestonhisfeet,andthesightsandsoundsofnature,insteadofdistractinghim,soothedhim.

Itwasawarm,drowsyafternoon.Thewindslept,andasoftimpalpablehazeimpartedanewmysterytothesea.Thetidewascominginslowlyandimperceptibly,andripplinglikesilverbellsontheshinglybeach.Thedistantlandscapewasanimpressionistpictureinwhichallthesharpoutlinesmeltedintospace.Thesunshinefilteredthroughaveilofgauze.Half-waytoPenwithCovehesatdownonaledgeofrockontheveryedgeofthecliff,andlookedseaward.Hesawnothingdistinctly,heardnosongofthesea.Hewastoointentontheproblemthatwasbafflinghisbrain.

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Atlengthhecaughtaglimpseofsomethingwhiteperchedhighabovethebeach.

"Goodheavens;howdidshegetthere?"hesaidtohimself;andpausingforamomenthedrewinalongbreath,thenshouted:"Holdtight,I'mcoming!"thoughevenashespokehisheartfailedhim.

Howwashetogettoher,andevenifhesucceededinreachingherside,howwashetogetherdown?Thefaceofthecliffwasalmostperpendicular,thefootholdswerefewandtreacherous.Empty-handed,hemightclimbupandbackagainwithoutverymuchdifficulty;butwithahalf-faintingwomaninhisarmsthedescentwouldbepracticallyimpossible.

Hewasstillrunningwhilethesethoughtswerepassingthroughhismind,hisbreathingwaslabouredandpainful,hisbruisedlimbswerebecomingstiffandobstinate.

Hecametoafullstopatlength,andthefearthathadhauntedhimfromfirsthearingthecrybecameacertainty.

"Canyouholdonalittlelonger?"hecalled.

"IguessI'llhavetotry,"camethecheeryanswer,thoughtherewasthe

soundoftearsinhervoice.Itwasevidentshewasmakingadesperateefforttokeepuphercourage.

"Don'tloseheart,"hesaid,withagasp,"andkeepyoureyesshut."

Thenheshuthisteethgrimlyandbegantheascent."I'llsaveherordieintheattempt,"hesaidtohimself,withafierceanddeterminedlookinhiseyes.

Thensomethingseemedtowhisperinhisear:"Whytroubleaboutasinglelife?Onelifemoreorlesscanmakenodifference.Ifpeopleliketoflingawaytheirlifeinfoolishadventures,letthemdoit;whyshouldyouworry?"

Buthisphilosophyfoundnoresponseinhisheartjustthen.Hisownlifemightbeoflittleconsequence,butthisfaircreaturemustbesavedatallcosts.

Hemadehiswayupthefaceofthecliffsurelyandsteadily."ItiseasierthanIthought,"hesaid.Thenhecametoasuddenstop,whileagroanescapedhislips.

"Icannotdoit,"hegasped;"nobodycandoit.Withoutropesandladderssheisdoomed."

CHAPTERIV

PAYINGTHEPENALTY

WhenMadelineGrovergotusedtothecliffstheydidnotseemnearlysoforbiddingordangerousasatthefirst.Exploringthecavesandcranniesforseashellsandlichenandgulls'eggsbecameafavourite

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pastimeofhers.TostaywithintheprecinctsofTrewinionParkshedeclaredwaslikebeinginprison.Towanderacrossthelevellawns,orthroughthewoodsbywell-keptpaths,wasanexercisealtogethertootameandunexciting.Shelovedsomethingthathadinitaspiceofadventure.Todosomethingthatnobodyelsehadeverdonewasverymuchmoretohertaste.

SirCharlestookhertotaskgentlyonseveraloccasions.Itwasnotquitetheproperthingtogooutaloneandunattended.Shewouldneedtoputacurbonherexuberantandadventurousspirit.ShewouldhavetorememberthatshewasnolongerinAmerica,where,inhisjudgment,girlshadfartoomuchfreedom.ShemustlearntofallintoEnglishwaysandcustoms,withagooddealmoretothesameeffect.

Madelinealwayslistenedpatientlyandgood-humouredlytoallSirCharleshadtosay,andevenpromisedhimthatshewouldbeallhecoulddesire;butshegenerallyforgotboththelectureandthepromisefiveminuteslater.Shehadbeenusedallherlifetogoherownway.Athome,inAmerica,shereceivedherownfriendsofbothsexeswithoutreferencetoherfatherormother.AlibertyofactionhadbeenallowedherthatseemedalmostshockingtoSirCharlesandLadyTregony,andnowthatshehadcometoliveinEnglandforanindefiniteperioditwasallbutimpossibleforhertodropintoEnglishwaysatonce.

Asamatteroffact,shedidnottryverymuch.ShetoldBerylTregonythatshehadnodesiretobeatamekitten,andsinceshewasresponsibletonoone,shefollowedinthemainthepromptingofherownheart.

Itwasbynomeansdifficulttoslipawayunobserved,andtobeabsentforhoursonthestretchwithoutbeingmissed.Shehadherownroomsatthebighouse,andoftenwhenshewassupposedtobequietlyreadingsomewhere,shewasoutonthecliffsordownontheshoresearchingforrareflowersorshells,orelsetalkingtothefishermen.

ShefoundlifeterriblydullafterherreturnfromLondon.Yet,onthewhole,shewasnotunhappy.ThegreatsweepoftheAtlantichad

anunfailingattractionforher.Thecliffswereglorious,andofferedinfinitescopeforadventure.WhilethepeopleofSt.Gaved--particularlythefishermen--caughtherfancyamazingly,andshebecameaprimefavouritewiththemall.

Herewasayoungladyoftheuppercircle,adistantrelativeofthesquire,whowasnotintheleastexclusiveorproud;whowentinandoutamongtheordinarytoilingfolkasthoughshewasoneofthem,andwhohadalwaysasmileandacheerywordforthehumblest.ItwassodifferentfromtheTregonytradition,thatittooktheirhonestheartsbystorm.

RufusSterneconsideredhimselfparticularlyunfortunatethatwhenshe

cameintoSt.Gavedhealwaysmissedher.Threeorfourtimesheheardofherbeinginthetown--itwasreallyonlyabigvillage,buttheSt.Gaveditesallspokeofitasatown;buthewaseitherinhisworkshoporawaydirectingtheoperationsofothers;consequently,shecameandwentwithoutgivinghimachanceofrenewingtheiracquaintance.

"Notthatitmattered,"hesaidtohimself.Shewasnothingtohim.Shebelongedtoacirclefarremovedfromhis.Yetforsomereasonhewascurioustolookagainintoherbright,laughingeyes,andlistentohernaiveandunconventionaltalk.Moreover,whenheheardpeopletalking

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abouther,andpraisinghergoodlooksandcharmingfreenessofmanner,hehadafeelingthathehadbeencheatedoutofsomethingtowhichhewasjustlyentitled.

WhataddedtotheinterestexcitedbytheprettyyoungAmericanwasthefactthatnobodyhadbeenabletofindouttheexactrelationshipinwhichshestoodtotheTregonyfamily.Neitherhadanybodybeenabletodiscoverwhyshehadcome,orhowlongsheintendedtostay.

Anynumberofguesseshadbeenhazarded,buttheywereonlyguessesatbest.SomesaidshehadbeensenttoEnglandbyherparentssimplytolearnsocietywaysandmanners.Others,thatherparentsweredead,andthathermotherbeingrelatedtoSirCharles,thelatterhadtakenheroutofcharity.Mrs.Tuke,who,intheoneglimpseshegotofher,hadbeengreatlyimpressedbytherichnessofherattire,venturedtheopinionthatshewasanheiressinherownright,andthatSirCharles,whowasnotnotedforhisgenerosity,hadnotundertakentobeherguardianfornothing.Butalltheseguesseslackedtheessentialthing,andthatwasauthority.SirCharleswasascloseasanoysterabouthisownfamilyaffairs.Moreover,hewouldnomorethinkoftalkingtoanyoneinSt.Gavedabouthisvisitorsthanoftakingajourneytothemoon.Andifhethoughttheyweresoimpertinentastodesiretoknow,thatwouldbeadoublereasonwhyheshould,undernocircumstances,alludetothematter.

Madelinemighthavegiventheinformationdesiredifhernewacquaintanceshadhadthecouragetoquestionher.Buttheywerealittleshyinherpresenceasyet;insomeinstancestheywerecompletelyover-awed.Shewassobright,soquick,soconfident,thatshealmosttooktheirbreathaway.Theyfeltlikefoolsinherpresence.

ThiswashowmattersstoodwhenRufusdiscoveredheronanarrowledgeofrockhighupthecliffs,unableeithertoadvanceorretreat.ShehadslippedawayfromtheHallunobservedaftergoingtoherownroomostensiblytowriteletters.Consequently,shehadnotbeenmissed,andwasnotlikelytobeuntilthefamilymetfordinner.

Asusualtheseahadbeen"callingher,"assheexpressedit;andafterashortrambleonthebeachsheturnedherattentiontotheserratedcliffsthatloomedhighaboveher.Asea-gullfirstattractedherattention,thenalargepatchoflichen,thenapaththatseemedtozig-zagtothetopofthecliff.

Wisepeoplethinkfirstandactafterwards,butwisdomcomeswithexperienceandexperiencewithage.Madelinewasquiteyoung,andmadenopretensiontowisdom,henceshefrequentlyreversedtherecognisedorder,andactedfirstanddidthethinkingafterwards.

Seeingthepathshebegantoclimb.Itwasanexhilaratingascent.Had

itbeenfreefromdangeritwouldhavebeenhumdrumandfatiguing.Andyetitwasneithersodangerousnorsodifficultastofrightenheraway.Indeed,thehighershegot,thelessdangerousitseemed,andthemoreshewasfascinatedbytheadventure.Shedidnotthinkoflookingback.Hadshedonesoshemighthavebeenwarnedintime.

Lookingup,therimofthecliffcameperceptiblynearer,andsheconceivedthewildideaofreachingthetop.Whynot?Becausenobodyhadeverdoneitthatwasnoproofthatitcouldnotbedone.Iffiftyfeetcouldbescaled,whynotahundred?Besides,itwouldbeanachievement

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tobeproudof.Ifshecoulddowhatneverhadbeendonebeforeshewouldbecomesomethingofaheroinherowneyes,andperhapsintheeyesofotherpeople.

Thepathtookahorizontalturnatlengthalongtheunevenfaceofthecliff.Shewashigherupthansheknew,andthefootholdwaslesssecurethanshesuspected.Itwasalloverinamoment.Shehadnottimeeventoscream;beforeevenherthoughtscouldtakeshapeshewasbroughtupwithajerk,andwhenshedaredturnherheadshediscoveredthatshewasperchedonanarrowledgeofrockwiththecliffshelvingawayunderneathher.Foramomentshefeltsickandfaint,andwasinimminentdangeroffallingofftheledge,whichwouldmeanalmostcertaindeath.

Afterawhileshemadeanefforttoregainherfeetandreachthepathfromwhichshehadslipped,butalmostwiththefirstmovementherheadswamandamistcameupbeforehereyesthatblottedouteverything.Therewasnothingforit,therefore,buttoremainperfectlystilluntilshehadrecoveredhernerve.

Buteveryminuteseemedanhourasshelayperchedonthatdangerousledge,andyeteverytimesheopenedhereyesandlookedintotheyawninggulfbelow,herheartfailedher,andshebecamemoreandmoreconvincedthatshewouldnevergetdownalive.Insteadofhernerve

steadyingshegotincreasinglyexcitedandterrified.

Shehadplentyoftimeforreflectionnow,butherreflectionsbroughthernosatisfaction.Shediscovered--whatmostpeoplediscoversoonerorlater--thatitiseasytobewiseaftertheevent.

"Oh,howfoolishIhavebeen,"shesaidtoherself."WhydidIrefusetotakeadvice?SirCharleswarnedme,andthathandsomeyoungmanImetonthecliffstoldmehowdangeroustheywere.NowIampayingthepenaltyofmyfoolishnessandobstinacy."

Shebecamesoterrifiedatlastthatshescreamedforhelpatthetopofhervoice,buttheonlyanswerthatcamewastheweirdandplaintivecry

ofthegullsstartledfromtheirperches.

Shebegantowonder,atlength,howlongherstrengthwouldholdout,andwhether,ifconsciousnesslefther,shewouldrolloffintoeternity.Theledgewassonarrowthatshedarednotmoveinanydirection,andshewasbecomingstiffandcrampedfromremainingsolonginoneposition.

Forthemostpartshekepthereyestightlyshut,andtriedtoforgettheyawninggulfbeneathher.Everytimeshelookeddownherheadgrewdizzy.Itscarcelyseemedpossibletoherthatshehadclimbedtosuchaheight.

Shebegantocountherheart-beatssothatshemightgetsomeconceptionoftheflightoftime.TheTregonysdinedathalf-pastseven;untilthathourthechanceswereshewouldnotbemissed.Thenasearchwouldbemadethroughthehouseandgrounds--thatwouldtakeupthebestpartofanhour.Bythetimeanybodyreachedthecliffsitwouldbewellontonineo'clock,andtoodarktoseeasingleobject.

"Ishallneverholdouttillthen,"shesaidtoherself;"never!IbelieveIamslippingnearertheedgeallthetime.Iwonderifthefallwillkillmeoutright?"

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Sheclutchedattheroughwallofrockwithdesperation,andatlengthfoundanarrowcreviceintowhichshethrustherhandandheldonwiththetenacityofdespair.Thefearoffallingofftheledgewaslessforalittlewhile,butintimeherarmandhandbegantoacheintolerably,andtheoldterrorcamebackwithredoubledforce.Soappallingwasthesituationthatshewasseverelytemptedtoenditatonceandforever.Thedeepbelowfascinatedwhileitterrified.Sheshrankbackwithhorrorfromthebrinkoftheledge,andyettheabyssseemedtodrawherlikeamagnet.Ifsheopenedhereyesshefeltcertainthatnopowerofwillshepossessedwouldkeepherfromfallingover.

Shecalledatintervalsforhelp,buthervoicebecameasfeebleasthatofatiredchild.Thensuddenlythebloodbegantoleapinherveinsandherhearttothrobwithanewhope.Fromtheheightsaboveanansweringvoicecametohercry--astrong,resolutevoicethatseemedtobeatbackherfearsandtoassureherofdeliverance.Sherecognisedthevoiceinamoment,andthewarmbloodsurgedinatorrenttoherneckandface.

Shecouldbepatientnow.Shelayquitestillandwaited.Howherdeliverancewastobeeffectedshedidnotknow.Shedidnottroubletodebatethequestion.Shegaveherselfupunconsciouslytoastrongerwillandastrongerpersonality.Hehadheardhercalland_he_wascomingtosaveher.

Whothe_he_wasshedidnotknow.Shehadseenhimonlyonce.Shedidnotevenknowhisname.Butshefeltinstinctivelythathewasabraveman.Hehadastrongface,asternyettendermouth,andkindandsympatheticeyes.

Thetaskmightbedifficult,but,ofcourse,hewouldsucceed.Hewasstrongoflimbaswellasresoluteinpurpose.Moreover,afacelikehisbespokearesourcefulmind.Hewasnocommonman.Shefeltthatthemomentshesawhim;herinstincttoldheralsothathewasanhonourableman,orshewouldneverhavedaredtospeaktohim.Womenknowwithoutbeingtoldwhentheyareinthepresenceofbadmen.

Shehadthoughtofhimscoresoftimessincetheironeandonlymeeting.Hadwonderedwhohewasandwhathewas,andhadspeculatedonthechancesofmeetinghimagain.HewastheonlymanshehadmetsinceherarrivalinEnglandwhohadimpressedher.Shehadenjoyedherconversationswiththefishermenandthefarmersandthesmallshopkeepers,hadsampledthecurateandthevicarandthefewcountypeoplewhohadcalledattheHall;buthersecondthoughtandherthirdthoughthadbeengiventothelonelymanwhosatonthecliffs,withhisbigdreamyeyesfixedonthesunset.

Shewasgladforsomereasonthatitwashewhohadfoundher,andnotSirCharles.SirCharleswouldfumeandscoldanddeclaretherewasnopossiblewayofsavingher.The"lonelyman"mightnottalkverymuch,

buthewouldact.

Itseemedalongtimesincehehadrespondedtohercry,butshewasnotintheleastimpatient.Confidencewascomingsteadilybackintoherheart,andthefascinationoftheabysswasslowlypassingaway.Shedidnotdareopenhereyesyet.Shewouldwaittillthestrangercalledheragain.Herhandandarmwereverycramped;shewasuncomfortablynearthelipoftheledge.Herstrength--inspiteofthenewhope--wasasteadilydiminishingquantity,butshewasquitesureshewouldbeabletoholdonagoodmanyminutesyet.

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Thenclearanddistinctcamethevoiceagain--frombelowthistime,insteadoffromabove.Howwildlyherheartthrobbedinspiteofallhereffortstobecalm,butsheflungheranswerbackascheerilyaspossible.Shewouldnotmakeherselfappearagreatercowardthanshereallywas.

"Howdidyougetthere?"Thequestionwasabrupt,andthevoicesoundedalmostclosetoherears.

"MyfootslippedandIfell,"shereplied.

"Youfell?"hequestioned,inatoneofincredulity,andhesweptthefaceofthecliffaboveher.

"Oh!Isee,"hewentonamomentlater."Youtookapathfurthertothesouth."

"Cannotyoureachme?"shecalledwithanundertoneofanxietyinhervoice.

Foramomenthedidnotanswer.Hewasanxiousnottodiscourageher,andyethecouldseenochanceofgettingherdownalive.

"Canyouholdonmuchlonger?"heaskedatlength.

"Notmuch,"shereplied,frankly."IguessI'mneartheend."

"No,don'tsaythat,"hesaid,encouragingly;"keepyourheartupalittlelonger.Imusttryanothertack."

"Youcannotreachme?"thequestionendedalmostinacry.

"Notfromthispoint,"heanswered,cheerfully."Butwe'venotgottotheendofallthingsyet,"andhebegantoretracehissteps.

"Areyouleavingme?"shecalled,feebly.

"Never,"heanswered,andtherewassomethinginhistonethatmadeherheartleapwildly.

"Iseethepathyoutook,"hesaidamomentlater,butthoughhespokecheerfullyhehadnorealhopeofsavingher.

CHAPTERV

APERILOUSTASK

RufusreachedapointatlengthfromwhichhewasabletolookdownontheprostratefigureofMadelineGrover.Shewaslyingalmostflatonherface,withherrighthandthrustintoacleftoftherock.

Forseveralminutesnowordhadpassedbetweenthem.Shewasafraidtoaskanymorequestionslestsheshouldhearfromhislipsthathercasewashopeless.Hewasafraidtobuoyherupwithemptywordsthatwouldendinnothing.

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Shecouldheardistinctlythesoundofhisfootstepsashethreadedhiswayinandoutamongthepinnaclesofrock,shecouldevenhearhisbreathingattimes.Sheknewwhenhestoodaboveherwithoutbeingtold.

Thattherewasperilinhisenterprisesheknew.Hewasriskinghislifetosavehers.He,astranger,uponwhomshehadnotthesmallestclaim.Itwasabraveandgenerousthingtodo,andshebegantodoubtwhethersheoughttoallowhimtotakesuchrisk.

Hislifewasofinfinitelygreatervaluethanhers--atleast,soshetoldherself.Hewasamanandmightaccomplishsomethinggreatfortherace.Shewasonlyagirl,andgirlswereplentiful,andagoodmanyofthemuseless,andshewasnotatallsurethatshedidnotbelongtothelatterclass.Atanyrate,shehadneverdoneanythingyet,hadasamatteroffact,neverbeenexpectedtodoanything,andifshelivedtillshewasahundredshewasnotsurethatshewouldeverbeabletodoanythingthatwouldbeoftheleastbenefittotheworld.

Shewasthefirsttobreakthesilence."Don'triskyourlifeformysake,"shesaid,andshemanagedtokeepalltraceofemotionoutofhervoice.

"Andwhynot?"heasked.

"Iamnotworthit,"shereplied."Ihadnobusinesstogetintodanger."

"Youdidnotknowtherisksyouran,"hereplied,kindly.

"Imighthaveknown;Ihadbeenwarnedoftenenough."

"Wehavealltolearnbyexperience,"hesaid,withashortlaugh."Nowletusgettowork."

"Whatdoyouwantmetodo?"sheasked.

"Getontoyourfeet,ifpossible.Don'topenyoureyes,andkeepyourfacetowardsthecliff.Doyouunderstand?"

"Yes,Iunderstand,andIwilltry."

"Takeyourtimeoverit,"hesaid,cheerfully."Iexpectyoufeelprettystiff,don'tyou?Slipyourrighthandupthecrevice.Iwillbeeyesforyou,andtellyouwhattodo."

Sheobeyedhimimplicitly.Hisfirm,resolutevoicegavehercourage.Thenearnessofhispresenceimpartedstrengthanddetermination.Ifshefeltacowardshewouldnotlethimseeit.Hemightnotfeelanygreatadmirationforher,thatwasnotatalllikely,sinceshehadactedso

foolishly,butshehopedhewouldnotfeelcontempt.

Shestoodatlengthuprightwithherfaceagainstthecliff.

"Nowdon'topenyoureyes,"hesaid,"andpleasedowhatItellyou."

"Iaminyourhands,"shereplied.

"Youwillbedirectly,Ihope,"heanswered,withalaugh,"butinthemeanwhilemoveslowlyinthisdirection."

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"That'sright,"hecontinued,alittlelater."Comeon,Iwilltellyouwhentostop."

Shesidledonsteadilyinchbyinch,whilehewatchedherwithfast-beatingheart.

"Thatwilldo,"hesaidatlength."Nowreachoutyourlefthandasfaraspossible."

Sheobeyedatonce,andamomentlaterhehelditinhisownfirmgrasp.

Thecolourcameintoherfacewhenshefelthisfingerscloseroundhers,andherheartbeatperceptiblyfaster.

"Sofar,sogood,"hesaid,cheerily."Nowthenextstepisnotwithyourhand,butwithyourfoot.Itwillbeaverylongstrideforyou,butyou'vegottodoit.Don'topenyoureyes.Andinthefirstplaceleanasfarasyoudareinthisdirection."

Sheobeyedhiminstantly."Thatwilldo,"hecalled."Nowjustonalevelwithyourchinisaholeintherock.Getyourrighthandintoit,ifyoucan,andholdtight."

"That'sright,"hesaid,brightly."Nowforthelongstride."

Shebeganveryslowlyandcarefully.Herheartwasthumpingasthoughitwouldcomethroughherside.Sheknewthatbeneathherwasemptyspace.

"That'sright,"hewenton,"justalittlefarther--anotherinch--aquarterofaninchmore;thereyouare!Don'tspeakanddon'topenyoureyes.Whenyouarereadyletmeknow.Pushyourfootalittlefartherontheledgeifyoucan--thatisit.Itwillbeabigeffortforyou,butIhaveyoufastonthisside.Bendyourbodyforwardasmuchasyoucan.Whenyouareready,sayso,andgivealurchinthisdirection,lettinggowithyourrighthandatthesamemoment.Doyouunderstand?"

"Yes."Theanswercameinawhisper.

Itwasanawfulmomentforboth.Shedrewalongbreath,andcried"now."Forasecondsheseemedpoisedinmid-air.

"Leanforward,"healmostshrieked.

Sheclutchedeagerlyatthebarerocksinfrontofher,buttherewasnothingshecouldgrasp.

Rufusfelthisheartstop.

"Openyoureyes,"hecried,"andspring."Itwasherlastchance,the

lastchanceforboth,infact,forifshefellshewoulddraghimwithher.

Herconfidenceinhimwasabsolute.Shedidinamomentwhatshewastold.Hepulledhertowardshimwithajerkthatnearlydislocatedhershoulder.Thenbothhisarmsclosedroundher,andhesankbackintoadeepandsaferecessbehindalargepinnacleofrock.

Forseveralminutesshelostconsciousness.Herheaddroopeduponhisshoulder,hercheeksbecameaspaleasthedead.

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Hewouldhavegivenallhepossessedatthatmomenttohavekissedherlips.Itwasthestrongesttemptationthatevercametohim.Itwasthefirsttimeinhisexperiencethatsobeautifulafacehadbeensoclosetohisown,andtheimpulsetoclaimtollwasallbutirresistible;buthefoughtthetemptation,andconquered.Hefeltthatitwouldbeacowardlythingtodo.

Hisreverenceforwomenwasoneofthestrongesttraitsinhischaracter.FelixMullerhadtoldhimmorethanonceinhiscynicalwaythathereverencedwomenbecausehedidnotknowthem.Rufusadmittedthatitmightbeso;buthisreverenceremained.Itwasnearlyallthatwasleftofhisearlyreligiousfaith--aremnantofacomplicatedcreed,butitinfluencedhislifemoreprofoundlythanheknew.

HewatchedthecolourcomeslowlybackintoMadeline'spalefacewithinfiniteinterest.Howbeautifulshewas,howfinelypencilledwerehereyebrows,howperfectthecontourofherdimpledchin.Herhairhadbecomeloose,andalongrichtresssporteditselfoverthesleeveofhiscoat.Theslantingsunlightplayeduponit,andturnedittobronze,andthentogold.

Hereyelidstrembledafterawhile,thensheopenedthemslowly,andlookedupintohisface,withawonderingexpression,thenherlips

partedinasmile.Amomentlatershesatup,whileawaveofcrimsonmountedsuddenlytoherface.

"Iamsosorrytohavegivenyousomuchtrouble,"shesaid,hurriedly.

"Letusnottalkaboutthatuntilwegetsafedownfromthisheight,"hesaid,withasmile.

"Oh!Iwasforgetting,"shesaid,withsomelittleconfusion."Buttherestiscomparativelyeasy,isn'tit?"

"Comparatively,"hereplied."Butthereareseveralveryawkwardplacestobenegotiated."

"Itwaswickedofmetoputanyonetosomuchtroubleandrisk.Idohopeyouwillforgiveme,"andshelookedappealinglyupintohisface.

"Ihopeyouwillnottalkanymoreabouttrouble,"heanswered."Tohaveservedyouwillbeabundantcompensation."

"Itiskindofyoutosaynicethings,"sheanswered,lookingattheyellowsandbelow;"butIfeelveryangrywithmyselfallthesame.Youtoldmewhenwemetonthetopweeksandweeksagothatthecliffswereverydangerous.Idon'tknowwhatpossessedmetothinkIcouldclimbtothetop."

"Youarenotthefirsttomaketheattempt,"heanswered."Avisitorwaskilledatthisverypointonlylastsummer."

"Agirl?"

"No,ayoungman."

"Ishallneverattempttodoanythingsofoolishagain,andIshallneverforgetthatbutforyouIshouldhavelostmylife.Itwassurelyakindprovidencethatsentyou;don'tyouthinkso?"

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"Doyouthinkso?"hequestioned,withasmile.

"Iwouldliketothinkso,anyhow,"sheanswered,seriously."Andyetitsoundsconceited,doesn'tit?IfIwereanybodyofimportanceitwouldbedifferent.Idon'twonderyousmileattheideaofprovidenceinterferingtosaveachitofagirlafterall."

"Idon'tknowthatIsmiledattheidea,"heanswered,turningawayhishead."Ifthereisanyinterferenceoranyinterpositioninhumanaffairs,whyshouldnotyoubesingledoutaswellasanybodyelse?"

"Well,yousee,itwouldpresuppose,wouldn'tit?thatIwasapersonofsomevalue,orofsomeuseintheworld?"

"Youmaybeofverygreatuseintheworld."

"Ah!nowyouflatterme.Whatcananordinarygirldo?"

"Idonotknow,"heanswered."Wenoneofuscantellwhatlieshiddeninthechambersofdestiny.Youmaybe----"

"What?"

"Icannotsay."

"Butyouweregoingtomentionsomething."

"Secondthoughtsaresometimesbest,"andheturnedhishead,andsmiledfranklyinherface.

"Nowyouaretantalising,"shesaid,withalaugh;"butIwillnotfindfaultwithyou.Icannotforgethowmuchyouhaveriskedformysake."

"Hadwenotbettertryandcompletethejourney?"hequestioned."Wearenotoutofthewoodyet,andthetideiscominginrapidly."

Sheroseslowlytoherfeet,andsteadiedherselfagainstthecliff.Shewasverystiffandcramped,andagooddealbruised.

Hefollowedherexamplewithahardlysuppressedgroan.

"Areyouhurt?"sheasked,lookingathimeagerly.

"Notatall,"heanswered,gaily."Afewscratches,butnothingtospeakof.Nowletmewalkinfront,andyoucanleanonmyshoulder."

Neitherspokeagainforalongtime.Rufuspickedhiswaywithgreatcaution,andshewastoofrightenedtorunanymoreunnecessaryrisks.

Theywerewithinadozenfeetorsoofthebeach,andhewithhisbacktotheseawashelpingherdownaslipperybitofrock,whensuddenlyastonegavewaybeneathhisfoot,andhewasprecipitatedtothebottom.Feelinghimselfgoingheletgoherhand,orhewouldhavedraggedherwithhim.Withalittlecryofalarmshesatdowntosaveherself,whilehedisappearedfromsight.

Shewasonherfeet,however,inaninstant,andscrambledquicklydowntohisside.Hewaslyingonabroadslabofrockwithhisrightlegdoubledunderhim.

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"Areyouhurt?"sheasked,eagerlyandexcitedly.

"Alittle,"heansweredwithapitifulsmile.

Shecameandkneltbyhisside,andtookhishandinhers."CannotIhelpyoutogetup?"sheinquired.

"Iamnotsure,"hesaid,pullingaverywryface."I'mverymuchafraidIshallhavetoliehereuntilyoucangetassistance.Youseeitismyturnnow."

"Butwhatisthematter?"sheasked,eagerly.

"Ifearmylegisbroken,"hesaid,knittinghisbrows,asifinpain."Somethingwentwithasnap,andI'mafraidtomove."

"Butyoucannotliehere,"shesaid,"forthetideiscomingin.Oh!letmehelpyoutogetup.Dotryyourbest."

"Iwill,foryoursake,"heanswered,andhesmiledatherinawaysheneverforgot.

"Oh,Ishallneverforgivemyself,"shesaid,chokingly,andthetears

filledhereyes,androlleddownhercheeks."Allthiscomesofmystupidfolly!"

"No,youmustnotblameyourself,"heinsisted."Youcouldnothelpthestonegivingway.Nowgivemeyourhand.Howstrongyouare!There,I'minaperpendicularpositiononcemore,"butwhilehespokehebecamedeathlypale,andtheperspirationstoodinbigdropsonhisbrow.

"Leanonme,"shesaid;"leanallyourweightonme."

Hesmiledpitifully,buthecouldnottrusthimselftospeak.

Heputhisrightarmaboutherneck,andusedherasacrutch.Thiswas

notimetostandonceremony.Butthepainwastoointolerabletomovemorethanafewsteps.Withagroanhefellagainsttheslopingfootofthecliff."Youmustleavemehere,"hesaid,withagasp.

"Leaveyouhere?"shecried."Whyyouwilldrown."

"Weshallbothdrownifyoustay,"heanswered.

"Itdoesn'tmatteraboutmeabit,"shewailed,andshebrushedawaytheblindingtearswithherhand."Butyou--you--oh!youmustbesavedatallcosts."

"Perhaps,ifyoumakehasteyouwillbeabletogethelpbeforeitis

toolate,"hesaid.

"Buthow?Oh!Iwilldoanythingforyou.TellmewhatIcandoforthebest."

"Makeyourwayintotownasfastasyoucan.TellthefirstmanyoumeethowIamsituated.Letonepartycomeroundherewithaboat,andanotherpartycomeoverthecliffswithastretcher.Everythingdependsonthetimeittakes."

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"Oh!Iwillflyallthedistance,"shesaid,withliquideyes;"butwhoshallIsayishurt?Idonotevenknowyourname."

"RufusSterne,"heanswered."EverybodyinSt.Gavedknowsme."

Shelookedathimforamoment,pityingly,pleadingly,thenrushedawayoverthelevelsandinthedirectionofPenwithCove.Sheforgotherbruisesandstiffness,anddidnotheedthateverystepwasastabofpain.

RufusSternewaslyinghelpless--helplessbecausehehadriskedhislifetosaveherfromtheconsequencesofherfolly.Andallthewhilethetidewascomingin,andhewouldbewatchingitrisinghigherandhigher,andifhelpdidnotreachhimbeforethecoldsaltwatersweptoverhisface,hewouldbedrowned,andshewouldbethecauseofhisdeath.

Howsheclimbedthezig-zagpathoutofPenwithCovesheneverknew.Sheranandranuntilshefeltasthoughshecouldnotgoastepfarthereventosaveherlife,andifherownlifeonlyhadbeenatstakeshewouldhavelaindownonthecliffsandtakenherchance.

Butitwas_his_lifethatwasinjeopardy,andtoherexcitedimaginationhislifeseemedofmorevaluethanthelivesofahundred

ordinarypeople.

Shehadreadofheroesinhergirlhooddays,andthrilledoverthestoryoftheirexploits,butnoherooffactorfictionhadeversotouchedherheartasthislonelymanwhowaslyinghelplessatthefootofthecliffs,watchingwithpatientandsufferingeyestheinflowingofthetide.

"Oh!hemustbesaved,"shekeptsayingtoherself,"forhedeservestolive.AndImustbethemeansofsavinghim."

ShestumbledintoSt.Gavedratherthanran.Herhathaddisappeared,herglorioushairfellinbillowsonhershouldersanddownherback,

hereyeswerewildandtearless,herlipswideapart,herbreathcameandwentinpainfulgasps.Shenearlystumbledoveroneortwochildren,andthenshepulledupsuddenlyinfrontofapoliceman.

ConstableGreensplatstaredatherasthoughshehadescapedfromBodminlunaticasylum.

"There's--not--a--moment--to--be--lost,"shebegan,andshebroughtoutthewordsinjerks."RufusSterneislyingwithabrokenlegatthefootofthecliffshalf-waybetweenhereandPenwithCove."

Thenshestaggeredtoalamp-postandputherarmroundit.Asmallgroupofpeoplegatheredinamoment.

"Howdidhebreakhisleg?"Greensplatasked,puttingonanofficialair.

"Heslippedoverarock,"sheanswered;"butthere'snotimeforexplanations.Thetideiscomingin,andifhe'snotrescuedquicklyhe'llbedrowned.Hetoldmetoaskthatonepartygoroundwithaboat,andtheothergooverthecliffswitha--astret----"Butshedidnotfinishthesentence.Thelightofconsciousnesswentoutliketheflameofacandlebeforeasuddengustofwind.Shereachedoutherhands

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blindlyandappealingly,staggeredtowardthenearesthouse,andbeforeanyonecouldreachhersideshefellwithathud,andlayinadeadfaintonthefloor.

CHAPTERVI

FAITHANDPHILOSOPHY

Rufuswatchedtherisingtidewithasmuchcomposureashecouldcommand.Itwasthefirsttimeinhislifethathisphilosophyhadbeenputtothetest,andthestrainbroughtitneartobreaking-point.Hefounditeasyenoughtopickholesinthecreedinwhichhehadbeenreared,andhadratherpridedhimselfthathehadshakenhimselffreefromwhathecalledthebondageofecclesiasticalsuperstition.Buttherewassomethingthatstillremainedandwhichhewasscarcelyconsciousofuntilnow--somethingwhichhecouldnotverywellshapeintowords;somethingforwhichhecouldfindnoname.

Hislandlady,Mrs.Tuke,calledhimanunbeliever,andheacceptedthedescriptionwithoutdemur;butanegativeimpliesapositive.Unbelief

inonedirectionmeansbeliefintheopposite.Hecertainlydidnotbelievethedogmashisgrandfatherinsisteduponwithsomuchpassionandvehemence.HehadlaughedtoscornthethunderingsofthelittleBetheltowhichhehadbeencompelledtolistenasalad.Hehadtorntheswaddlingclothesoforthodoxyintotatters,andcastthemfromhimasthoughtheywereunclean.Hehadwanderedforthreeorfouryearsintherealmofpurenegation,scorningallcreedsanddenyingallreligion.Yetnow,whenlifeseemednarrowingtoitsfinalclose,hediscoveredasinasuddenaccessionoflight,thatthelastwordonthesubjecthadnotbeenspoken.

Forthefirsttimeinhislifeherealisedthatreligionisnotacreed,noranordinance;thatitisnotsomethingapprehendedbytheexercise

ofthemind,andthatitisonlyremotelyrelatedtoecclesiasticism.Itsrootswentdeeper.Itisinstinct;itisoftheverysubstanceoflife.

Hehaddrawnhimselfasfaruptheshelvingcliffaspossible,thougheverymovementwastorture,andwithsteadyeyeshewatchedthetiderisinghigherandhigher.Therewassomethingfascinatinginitssteadyapproach.Itwasnotanangrytide,breakingandfoamingandstrugglingtoreachitsprey.Itcameonwithslowandtranquilmovement.Therewasscarcelyarippleonitssurface.Faroutinthelineofthesinkingsunitwaslikeagreatsheetofgold.Itsvoicewasalowmonotone,asitwashedthepebblesinaslowandlanguidway.Hereandthereitraiseditselflikeasleepingmonstertakinginalongbreath,buttheswell

neverbrokeintosoundorfoam.

AndyettoRufusSterneitneverseemedmorerelentlesslycruel.Itsstealthycreepandcrawlseemedpositivelyvindictive.Itsvoicewasnolongerthetinkleofsilverbells,butthecynicallaughteroffiends.

Hemadeadesperateefforttopullhimselfstillhigherupthecliff,butthatprovedtobeimpossible.Hecouldonlyliestillandwait.Whenthetidereacheditsflooditwouldbeadozenfeetabovewherehelay.Wouldhesleepsoundlyorwoulddreamsdisturbhisrest?

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Hehadverylittlehopeofbeingrescuedalive.ItwasalongwayroundbyPenwithCovetoSt.Gaved,andevenifthebeautifulgirlhehadrescued--hedidnotknowhername--ranallthedistance,andmenwiththestretcherranallthewayback,itseemedscarcelypossiblethattheycouldreachhimintime.

Hewouldliketolive.Thedesireforlifewasneverstrongerthannow.Itwasnotsomuchthathewasafraidofdeath--hewasa_little_ afraidofit,hewascompelledtobehonestwithhimself--buttwothingsseemedtointensifyhisdesireforlife.Thefirstwashisgreatinvention,whichwasnowinprocessofbeingperfected;andtheotherwas----

Welltheotherwasanindefinablesomethingwhichhewasnotabletoshapeintowords.Somethingvaguelyconnectedwiththesweet-eyedgirlwhomhehadthatafternoonrescuedfromdeath.Hedidnotunderstandwhatsubtleinfluencehadbeensetinmotion;didnotcomprehendthenatureofthespell,butthefactremainedthattheworldseemedabrighterplacesinceshecametotheHall,andlifearicherinheritance.

Itwasnotamatterthathecoulddiscussevenwithhimself.Itwastooshadowyandelusive.Toattempttoreasonthematteroutwouldbeto

destroyasweetillusion--forthatitwasillusionhehadnodoubt.Andyettheillusion,ortheimpression,orthesensation,orwhateveritmightbe,wassodelightfulthathehadnotthecouragetotouchit.

Lifehadnotpossessedsomanypleasuresforhimthathecouldaffordtoscorchwiththewhiteflameoflogiceventhefaintestandmostshadowyofthem.Hehadhadahardandunlovedchildhood,ayouthfromwhichallsympathyhadbeenexcluded,andamanhoodofbadlycompensatedtoilandunrealisedambition.Andnowwhenlife'ssternanddustywayseemedopeningoutintothegreenpasturesofsuccess,andtherehadstrayedacrosshispathasweet-eyedstrangerwhoseverysmilebreathedhopeandpeace,itwasnotatallsurprisingthatthedesireforlifeburnedwithanintenserflamethanever.

Hecountedhisheartbeats,andwatchedthetidecreepinghigherandhigher.Theneareritcametheswifterappearedtobeitsapproach.Thegoldontheseawasgivingplacetogrey,thefirewasdyingoutoftheWesternsky,achillwindsprangupandwhisperedinthecrevicesofthecliffs.Thegullscircledhighabovehishead,andcriedinmelancholytones.Heshiveredalittle,perhapswithfear,perhapsbecausetheeveningwasgrowingcold.

Didheregretsavingthestranger'slifeandlosinghisownindoingit?Onthewhole,hedidnotthinkhedid.Itwassurelyanoblethingtosaveahumanlife.

"Butwhy?"Theoldquestionpulledhimupwithasuddennessthatalmoststartledhim.

"Whereinlaythenobleness?"Naturesetnostoreonhumanlife--earthquake,tempest,pestilence,famine,swepthumanbeingsintothejawsofdeathbythethousandandtensofthousands.Andmankindwasascontemptuousofhumanlifeasnatureherself.It'sprofessedregardwasbutahollowsham.

Wasnotthefirstlawoflifethateverymanshouldlookafterhimself?

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Whathadhegainedbythesacrifice?Whathadtheworldgained?Wasnotthelifesacrificedofinfinitelygreatervaluethanthelifesaved?Hisgreatdiscoverywouldnowneverseethelight,thetoilofyearswouldbewasted,thetravailofhisbrainwouldendindarknessandsilence,andinreturnafoolishgirlwoulddanceherheedlesswaythroughlife.

Butinthegreatcrisesoflifelogicperpetuallyfails,andphilosophyprovesbutabrokenstaff.NeitherlogicnorphilosophycomfortedRufusinthatsolemnandtryinghour.Hecouldnotreasonitout,butdeepdowninhissoulhefeltthatdeathwasfarlessterriblethanbeingacoward.Betterdieintheserviceofothersthanlivemerelyforself.

Thetidehadreachedhisfeet,andwasbeginningtocreeproundhislegs.Hedrewupthefootthathestillhadtheuseof,forthewaterfelticycold.Allthegoldhadgoneoutoftheskybythistime,andtheseawasofaleadenhue.Moreoverthemonsterseemedasifwakingfromhissleep.Hereandtherethelongswellbrokeintoalineoffoam,andthewavesbegantoleapoverthelow-lyingrocks.

Hebegantotalktohimself;perhapstokeephiscourageup,foritwasveryweirdandlonelylyingunderthedarkcliffs,whilethecruelseacreptsteadilyhigher.

"Iwonderifdyingwillbesoverypainful,"hesaid."Iwonderifthe

strugglewilllastlong,andwhenitisover,andIamlyingherewiththecoldwavessurgingaboveme,whatthen?Ofcourse,Ishallknownothingaboutit,forthereisnothingbeyond.Sciencecanfindnothing,andpurereasonrejectsthesuggestion.Ishallbeastherocksandtheseaweed."

Heshudderedpainfullyandtriedtodraghimselfhigherupthecliff,thenwithagroanhelaidhisheadagainsttherockandclosedhiseyes.

Itwasfoolishtostruggle.Hehadbettermeethisfatelikeaman.Thetidewasrisingroundhimrapidlynow.Thecoldseemedtobenumbinghisheart.Thestrugglecouldnotbelongatthemost.

"Shewillthinkofme,"hesaidtohimself,andasmileplayedroundthecornersofhismouth."Ihaveearnedhergratitudeandsheisnotlikelytoforget.Notthathergratitudecandomeanygood.Andyet----"

Heopenedhiseyesagainandlookedoutoverthedarkeningsea.

"Ifonewereonlysure,"hesaid,withagasp."Whydoesmynatureprotestsoviolently?Whythisinstinctivelookingbeyondifthereisnothingbeyondwhichcanrespondtothelook?Whythislongingforreunion,forvision,forimmortality?"

Hislipsmovedthoughnosoundescapedthem.Creedsmightbefalse,andyetreligionmightbetrue.TheChurchmightbeasham,andyetthe

KingdomofGodareality.Prayermightbedegradedoritsmeaningmisunderstood,andyetitmightbeasnaturalandasnecessaryasbreathing.Philosophymightbeaninterestinghoneonwhichtosharpenone'swits,bututterlyuselessinthecrucialmomentsoflife.

Hesweptthehorizonwithadespairingglance,thenclosedhiseyesoncemore.

*****

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MeanwhileSt.Gavedwasinastateofconsiderableexcitement.MadelineGrover'sbreathlessstoryhadseteveryoneonthe_quivive_,andforseveralminuteseveryonewaswonderingwhatalltherestwoulddo.

Severalclumsy,thoughwillingpairsofhandscarriedtheunconsciousgirlintoMrs.Tuke'scottage,whichhappenedtobethenearestathand.Thepolicemanhurrieddowntothequay,toconveythenewstothefishermen,afterwhichhemadeforthepolice-stationandfishedoutfromalumberroomanantiquatedambulance.Allthistookconsiderabletime,andMadelinehadnearlyrecoveredconsciousnessagainwhenthelittleprocessionstartedoutoverthecliffsinthedirectionofPenwithCove.

Madelinemighthaveremainedinastateoffaintmuchlongerthanshedid,butforMrs.Tuke'sextrememeasures.Sousingthepatient'sfacewithcoldwaterappearedtoproducenoeffect.Butwhensheplacedasaucerofburntorburningfeathersunderhernostrilstheresultwasalmostinstantaneous.

Mrs.Juliff,whoassistedintheoperation,declareditwasenoughtomakeadeadmansneeze,andtherewasreasonfortheremark.Madelinecametoherselfwithviolentgaspingsandsplutterings,andstaredroundherwithalookofterrorandperplexityinhereyes.

"There,mydear,Ihopeyoufeelbetternow?"Mrs.Tukesaid,encouragingly,givingthepatientanothersniffofthepungentodour.

"Better,"Madelinegasped."Whyyousuffocateme,"andshemadeanattempttoreachthedoor.

"No,no,don'ttrytowalk,"Mrs.Tukesaid,soothingly."Youcan'tdonogoodtonobodybybeingflustered."

"ButMr.Sterneisdrowningbyslowinches,"shecried,"andIpromised----"

"Yes,mydear,"Mrs.Tukeinterrupted,"andeverythingisbeingdoneas

canbedone.I'mterriblyupsetmyself.ButIalwaysfearedevilwouldbefallhim."

"Whydidyoufearthat?"Madelineasked,inatoneofsurprise.

"Well,mydear,it'saseriousthingtoremovetheancientlandmarks,todenythefaith,andtoputtheBibletoopenshameasitwere."

Madelinecouldhardlyhelpsmilinginspiteofheranxiety,asMrs.TukefurtherenlargedonRufusSterne'smoralandspiritualdecadence.

"NotthatIwishtobringagainsthimarailingaccusation,"Mrs.Tukesaid,pullingherselfupsuddenly;"farbeitfrommetojudgeanyone."

"Butyouappeartohavejudgedhimveryfreely,"Madelinesaid,alittleindignantly.

"Butnotinanger,mydear,butonlyinlove.Heisagoodlodgerinmanyways,paysregularandkeepsgoodhours.ButtheSabbaths!Oh,mydear,itcutsmetotheheart,andhethegrandsonofaminister."

"Heisaverybraveman,anyhow,"Madelinesaid,warmly,"andIowemylifetohim.Oh,Idohopehewillberescuedbeforeit'stoolate."

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"AndIhopeso,too.Itwillbeterribleforhimtogounpreparedintotheotherworld,andasalodgerhewouldnotbeeasytoreplace."

MadelinedartedasomewhatcontemptuousglanceatMrs.Tuke,thenmadeforthedooragain."Icannotstayheredoingnothing,"shesaid,"whilehemaybedrowning,"andsherushedoutintotherapidly-growingtwilight.

Shewonderedwhysheshouldfeelsoweakandexhausted,forgettingthatshehadtastednofoodsincelunch.Inspiteofweakness,however,shehurriedonbackoverthecliffs.Shecouldnotrestuntilsheknewthebestortheworst.Shefeltacutelytheburdenofherresponsibility.Shewasthecauseofallthetrouble.Ifshehadnotrunintheteethofeveryonewhoseadvicewasworthtakingthiswouldnothavehappened.Itwashardthatthepenaltyofherfoolishnessshouldbepaidbyanother,andifthisyoungmanweredrowned,shebelievedshewouldneverbeabletoforgiveherselftothedayofherdeath.AwayinfrontofherthecliffsweredottedwithpeoplewhohadcomeoutfromSt.Gavedonhearingthenews.Somewerestandingstillandlookingseaward,otherswerehurryingforwardinthedirectionofPenwithCove.Afewwerecrouchedontheedgeofthecliffandwerepeeringover,totheimminentriskoflifeandlimb.

SeveralfishingboatswereroundingSt.Gaved'sPoint,andsomewerehuggingtheshoresocloselythattheycouldnotbeseenunlessonestoodontheveryedgeofthecliff.

Madeline'slipskeptmovinginprayerasshewalked.Herchiefconcernwaslesttheburdenofthisyoungman'sdeathshouldbeuponhersoul.Therewereotherconsiderationsnodoubt.Shewouldbesorryinanycaseforalifeofsomuchpromisetobesosuddenlycutoff.Butasshehadseenhimonlytwiceshewouldsoongetoveraverynaturalregret,solongasnoblameattachedtoher.

Thethoughtcrossedhermindatlengththatherprayerwasaveryselfishone.Shewasconcernedonlyforherownpeaceofmind.The

welfareofRufusSterneapartfromherownresponsibilitywasnotamatterthattroubledher.

Thenaquestionslowlyenteredherbrain,andthewarmbloodmountedinatorrenttoherneckandface.

ThenextmomentallthepeopleonthecliffbegantoruninthedirectionofPenwithCove.Shestoodstillandpressedherhandtohersidetochecktheviolentthrobbingofherheart.Shefeltasthoughshecouldnotwalkastepfurther,evenifherlifedependeduponit.

"Theyhavefoundhim,"shewhisperedtoherself."Iwonderwhetheraliveordead."

Andshesankdownontheturfandwaited.Theseawassurgingamongtherocksbelowwithadirge-likesound,thestarswerecomingoutintheskyabove,thedistantlandscapewasdisappearinginasombrehaze.

Alittlelaterherattentionwascaughtbythesoundofrunningfeet,andlookingupshesawthepeoplewho,afewminutesbefore,werehurryinginthedirectionofPenwithCove,werenowretractingtheirstepswithallpossiblehaste.

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Sheroseslowlytoherfeetandwaited.Aswift-footedladhadout-distancedalltherest.

"Havetheyfoundhim?"shequestioned,eagerly,ashedrewnear.

"No,Miss,"heanswered."Thetideistoohigh;there'snogettingalongunderthecliffs."

"Thenhe'sdrowned,"shesaid,withagasp.

"Well,itlookslikeitunlessaboathasgottohimintime.Iwanttogetdowntothequaytosee,"andwithoutwaitingtoansweranyfurtherquestionshehurriedawayatthetopofhisspeed.

CHAPTERVII

THENICKOFTIME

OnthereturnjourneytoSt.GavedMadelinelaggedpainfullybehind.Herstrengthwascompletelyspent.Shewasaseagerasanyoftheothersto

knowifthefishermenhadrescuedRufusSterne,butherlimbsrefusedtorenderobediencetoherwill.Butforherintensedesiretoknowthefateofthemanwhohadrescuedher,shewouldhavelaiddownonthespongyturf,fearlessofallconsequences.

WhatherfriendsattheHallmightthinkofherabsencehadneveronceoccurredtoher.Theeventsoftheafternoonhadbeensopainfulandstartlingthatallminormattershadbeendrivenoutofhermind.HencewhenthevoiceofSirCharlessoundedclosetoherearshelookedupwithastartofmingledinquiry,andsurprise.

"Madeline,Madeline,"heexclaimed."Whathaveyoubeendoingwithyourself?We'vebeenhuntingallovertheplaceforyou."

"Oh,Iamsosorry,"sheanswered,wearily."I'dforgottenallaboutyou.I'vehadsucha--a--suchaterribleadventure."

"Suchaterribleadventure,"heexclaimed,withanoteofalarminhisvoice."Hasanyonedared----"

"No,no,"sheinterrupted."Noonewouldmolestmeintheseparts,butIhavecomenearlosingmylife,"andshesanktotheground,feelingshecouldnotgoastepfurther.

SirCharlesblewapoliceman'swhistlewhichhecarriedinhispocket,andafewminuteslaterseveraloftheHallservantscamerunningup.

"MissGroverhasmetwithanaccident!"heexplained."Oneofyougoandfetchthebroughamatonce,andanotherrunintoSt.Gavedandfetchthedoctor."

Madelinewastooexhaustedtoprotest.Shewasbarelyconsciouswhereshewasorwhathadhappened.Theeventsoftheafternoonseemedmorelikeadreamtoherthanareality.Sheheardothervoicesspeakingnearher,Beryl'samongtherest,butshewastooutterlyexhaustedtopayanyattention.Shefoundherselfliftedintoacarriageatlength,and

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afterthatsherememberednomoreuntilsheopenedhereyesanddiscoveredthatshewaslyingsnugandwarminherownbed.

MeanwhilethelittlequayhadbecomeblackwithpeoplewaitingthereturnofSamTregarrick'sboat.SamhadbeenthefirsttograspthepurportofConstableGreensplat'smessage,andwithoutwaitingtoaskquestionsorconsultwithhisneighbours,heandhissonTomhadbenttotheiroarsandpulledwithallpossiblehasteinthedirectionindicated.

RoundingSt.Gavedpointtheyhuggedthecoastascloselyaspossible,keepingasharplookoutallthetimeforanymovingfigureonthedarklineofrocks.Thebeachwascompletelyunderwaterbythetimetheyhadroundedthepoint.

"It'susornobody,father,"Tomsaidtohisfather,ashegavetohisoaraswifterstroke.

"Whatdoyoumeanbythat,sonny?"Samasked,staringhardatthecoastline.

"Imeanthatthosewho'vegoneoverthedownswillneverbeabletogetroundPenwithCovewayintime."

"Itlookslikeit,sartinly,"Samanswered.

"Whythetideistwofootupthecliffsalready,"Tomprotested."AndGreensplatain'tthesorttowethisfeet,ifheknowsit."

"Fortunatelythereain'tnosearunning,"theeldermanremarkedafterapause."Soifhecandraghisselfuptherocksabit,hemaycometonothingworsethanabitofafright."

"RufusSterneain'tthesortofchaptheymakecowardsof,"Tomreplied,doggedly."Andifhe'sgottodrownhe'lldrown,andhewon'tmakenofuss'boutit,nuther."

"Nobodywantstodrown,sonny,aforehistime,"Samanswered,mildly."It'saisyenoughtotalk'boutdyingwhenyou'resafeandsoundandoutofdanger;butwhenyou'refacetofacewithit--well,amanison'yamanatbest."

"Isaynothingaginthat,father,"Tomanswered;"butheapsoffolkssquealaforethey'rehurt,andsendfortheparsontopraywith'emaforethedoctor'shadtimetofeeltheirpulse.ButRufusSternedon'tbelongtothatclass."

"Ifearhewouldn'tsendfortheparsoninnocase,"Samanswered,thoughtfully;"butdoyouseeanything,sonny,justtotherightofthatbigrock?"

Tomslackenedhisoarforaninstant;thenheshoutedatthetopofhisvoice,"Ahoythere!Ahoy!"

Amomentlaterawhitehandkerchiefwasflutteredfeeblyforaninstant,andthenallowedtodrop.

"It'shesure'nough,"Tomsaid,excitedly;"buthe'sgottothefarend.Ifwedon'tpulllikeblazes,father,weshallbetoolate."

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Fromthatmomentfatherandsonwastednomoreoftheirbreathintalk.Theyfeltasthoughtheywereengagedinanecktoneckracewithdeath.Thedistanceseemednomorethanastone'sthrow,andyetthoughtheypulledwithmightandmainitappearedtogrownoless.Tomwasstroke,andtheeldermanbravelykepttime.

ThewideAtlanticswellrockedthemgently.Nowthegreyspeckonthefaceofthecliffsdisappearedastheysankintoahollow,andnowitcameintofullviewagainastheyroseonthegentlyheavingtide.

"Ahoy!"Tomcalledonceortwiceastheydrewnearer,buttherewasnoresponse,andbothmenbegantofearthattheyweretoolate.Moreover,astheynearedthecliffstheyhadtopicktheirway.Hiddenrocksshowedtheirdarkpinnaclesforamomentinalldirections.

Therewasnotime,however,forexcessofcaution.Iftheyweretosucceedtheymustbedaring,eventothepointofrecklessness.

TheycouldseeRufusnow,recliningagainstarock;heappearedtobeclutchingittightlywithbothhands.Nowandthentheswellofthetidesurgedalmostuptohisneck.

"Pulllikeblazes,father,"Tomshouted,excitedly,andtheyrantheboat,defyingallrisks,closeuptoRufus'side.

"Holdtight,mate,"Tomcalled,encouragingly;"fatherandI'lldothejob,ifyoukeepasteadynerve."

"I'lltry,"wasthefeebleresponse.

"Leavethegettinghimintome,dad,"Tomsaid,turningtohisfather."Youkeeponthisside,orweshallcapsizeintwojiffeys."

Theeldermanobeyed.Theboatdriftedalmostbroadsideon.Tomlaidhisoarasideandwatchedhisopportunity.ItwasclearenoughthatRufushadnostrengthleft.Neverthelesshisbrainwasclearstill.

Tomexplainedthe_modusoperandi_whichheproposed,andRufussmiledapprovingly.Itwasaticklishoperation,theboatwasnotlarge,andaninchtooneartherocksmightprovethedestructionofall.

AtasignalfromTom,Rufusletgohisholdoftherocksandreachedouthishandstohisrescuer.Thenextmomenthefelthimselffloatingonthetide.Sam,withhisoar,pushedintodeeperwater,andthenbeganthedelicateoperationofgettingahalfdrownedman,handicappedbyabrokenleg,intotheboat.

ToRufusitwastorturebeyondanythinghehadeverfeltorimagined.Hefeltsosickthathefearedhewouldloseconsciousnessaltogether;evenpainatthatmomentwasbetterthanoblivion.Nowthatlifewasinsight

again,thepassionforexistenceseemedtoburnwithastrongerflamethanever.

Tomdraggedhimoverthesideoftheboatastenderlyashewasable.Itwasabreathlessmomentforthetwofishermen.Thelittlecraftcamewithinanaceofbeingcapsized,andnothingbuttheskilloftheoldermansavedherfromturningturtle.Rufuswastoofargonetorealisethedanger.Thesickeningtorturewasmorethanhecouldendure,andunconsciousnessmercifullyintervened.

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Fatherandsonlaidhiminaseasyapositioninthebottomoftheboatastheyknewhow,thentheytooktheiroarsagainandpulledforhome.Itwasgrowingrapidlydarkbythistime,andacoolandgratefulbreezewassweepingacrossthewideexpanseofsea.

Theysawthelittleharbourblackwithpeoplewhentheyroundedthepoint,accompaniedbyadozenotherboatsthathadcometoolateuponthescenetobeofanyservice.

AshoutwentupthatcouldbeheardatthefarendofthevillagewhenitbecameknownthatRufusSternehadbeenrescuedalive,forthoughmanypeopleregardedhimas"acutabovehisstation,"astheyexpressedit,yethewaswiththemajorityofthevillagersexceedinglypopular.

Besides,ithadgottobeknownbythistimethattheaccidentwhichhadbroughthimintoapositionofsuchimminentperilhadbeencausedbytryingtosavethelifeofanother.

Inwhatthateffortconsistedwasasyetbynomeansclear.ButsufficienthadbeentoldbytheladyvisitorattheHalltoleavenodoubtthatitwasthroughhelpingherhehadmetwithhisaccident.Hence,forthemoment,Rufuswasregardedinthelightofahero,andsomepeoplewentsofarastosuggestthatiftherewassuchathingasgratitudeintheworld,SirCharlesTregonywoulddosomethinghandsome

forhim.

Itwasfortunate,perhaps,forRufusthatheheardnoneoftheirresponsiblechatterthatwentonroundhimwhilehewasbeingconveyedfromthequaytoMrs.Tuke'scottage.Momentaryglimmersofconsciousnesscamebacktohim,butaccompaniedbysuchinsufferabletorture,thathisverybrainseemedtostaggerundertheshock.

Dr.Pendarvishadjustreturnedfromalongroundinthecountry,andwaslisteningtoamoreorlessincoherentstorytoldhimbyhiswife,whentherecameaviolentringatthesurgerybell.

"YousaythatChesterhasgonetotheHalltoseeMissGrover?"the

Doctorquestioned.

"ThatisasIunderstandit,"hiswifereplied;"thoughIconfessthestoryisabitcomplicated."

"Inwhichway?"

"Well,latethisafternoonMissGroverrushedintothetownconsiderablydishevelledandinastateofbreathlessexcitement,andtoldthefirstmanshesaw,whichhappenedtobeGreensplat,thatRufusSternewaslyingatthefootofthecliffsnearPenwithCovewithabrokenleg,andthatifhewasn'trescuedquicklyhewouldbedrowned."

"Andhashebeenrescued?"

"Idon'tknow.ButsomeconsiderabletimeafteroneoftheHallservantscamehurryinghereforyou,sayingthatyouwerewantedatonceasMissGroverhadmetwithanaccident,andasyouwerenotathome,ofcourse,Mr.Chesterwent."

"Idon'tseehowthetwothingshangtogether,"Dr.Pendarvissaid,withknittedbrows.

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"NeitherdoI,"repliedhiswife;"buttheregoesthesurgerybellagain."

FiveminuteslaterDr.PendarviswashurryingdownthelongmainstreetinthedirectionofMrs.Tuke'scottage.HefoundRufusinastateofcollapse,andwiththebrokenlimbsoswollenthathemadenoattempttosetthebone.

"Wewillhavetogettheswellingdownfirst,"heexplainedinhisold-fashionedway."Meanwhile,wemustmakethepatientascomfortableaspossible."

Whathesaidtohimselfwas,"ThisisacaseforChester.Theseyoungmen,withtheirhospitalpracticeandtheirup-to-datemethods,canmakeringsroundtheordinaryG.P."

Whenhegotbacktohishousehefoundhisassistantwaitingforhim.

"SoyouhavebeentotheHall,Iunderstand?"hequestioned."Nothingserious,Ihope?"

"Oh,no!anattackofnervesmainly.Afewcutsandbruises,buttheyarescarcelymorethanskindeep.She'sevidentlyhadanarrowsqueakthough."

"Ah!ItriedtogetsomethingoutofSterne,buthe'sintoomuchpaintobeverycommunicative."

"WhatwastroublingMissGrovermostwhenIgotthere,"Chesterreplied,"wasthefearthathehadnotbeenrescued."

"Anattachmentbetweenthemalready?"theeldermanqueried,withatwinkleinhiseye.

"Idon'tthinkso,"wasthereply,"thoughnaturallyifamansavesawoman'slifeshebecomesinterestedinhim."

"Unlesshehappenstobeadoctor,eh?"

"Oh!well,doctorsdonotcount,"Chestersaid,withalaugh.

"Perhapswomenhavenofaithinourabilitytosavelife,"Dr.Pendarvisquestioned.

"Oh,yes,Ithinktheyhave,"theyoungermanreplied,slowly;"butthenyousee,wedoitprofessionally.Thereisnotouchofromanceaboutit,andwearenotsupposedtotakeanyrisks."

"Wetakethefeesinstead,"theoldermanlaughed.

"Whenwecangetthem.ButdoyouknowinwhatrelationshipMissGroverstandstotheTregonyfamily?"

"Nottheghostofanidea.SirCharlesisascloseasanoysteronthesubject,andasfarasIcanmakeout,thegirlisnotinthehabitoftalkingaboutherself."

"She'sdistinctlyAmerican,"Chestersaid,thoughtfully.

"Andthereforepiquantandinteresting?"

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"IpreferEnglishgirlsmyself;thatis,insofarasgirlsinterestmeatall."

"Youthinkyouareproofagainsttheirwiles?"

"IhopeIam,thoughitisamatteronwhichonedoesnotliketoboast."

"Betternot,"Pendarvislaughed,"betternot.I'veheardmanymenboastinmytime,andseenthemgodownlikeninepinsbeforethewhirlwindofapetticoat."

"It'sabithumiliating,don'tyouthink?"

"Italldependsonhowyoulookatit.Yousee,wehavetotakehumannatureasitis,andnothowwewouldlikeittobe.Itisjustbecausewearementhatwomentriumphoverus."

"Thenyouadmitthattheyareourmasters?"

"Nottheleastdoubtofit.Ofcourse,wekeepupthepretenceofbeingtheheadandallthat.Butawomanwhoknowsherbusinesscantwistamanroundherfingerandthumb."

"Ibelieveyou,andforthatreasonIdonotintendtogetentangledintheyokeofbondage."

"Becareful,"theoldermanlaughed."Therearebrighteyesandprettyfrocksinanout-of-the-wayplacelikeSt.Gaved.Butletusgetbacktosomethingmorepractical.IwantyoutocallroundandseeSternefirstthingto-morrowmorning."

"Hehasbrokenhisleg,Isuppose?"

"Ifearit'saverybadfracture,andbeingtumbledaboutsomuchsincetheaccidenthasnottendedtomendmatters.Ihopebyto-morrowmorning

theswellingwillhavesubsided."

"Itseemsveryunfortunateforhim,forIunderstandhehassomebigschemeonhandwhichheislabouringtocomplete."

"Soitissaid.ButIhavenofaithinthesebigschemes.Youngmenshouldkeeptotheirlegitimatework.Itmaybeamercyforhimifhisschemeisknockedonthehead."Sayingwhichhebadehisassistantgood-nightandretiredtohisownroom.

CHAPTERVIII

THESOUL'SAWAKENING

Twopeopledidnotsleepatallthatnight.PainkeptRufusSterneawake--anactivebrainbanishedslumberfromtheeyesofMadelineGrover.Possiblysomesubtleandintractablecurrentofsympathyranbetweenthecottageandthemansion--someoccultandundiscoveredmovementoftheairbetweenbrainandbrainorheartandheart,some

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telepathiccommunicationthatsciencehadnotscheduledyet.Bethatasitmay,neitherRufusnorMadelinecouldwooawinkofsleep.Allthroughthelonghoursofthenighttheylaywithwide-openeyes--theoneweavingthethreadsoffancyintoallimaginableshapes,theotherfightingforthemostpartthetwindemonsofpainandfear.

Madelinelivedthroughthatfatefulafternoonathousandtimes.Sherecalledeveryincident,howevertrivialitmightbe.Memorywouldletnothingescape.Thingsthatshescarcelynoticedatthetimebecamehugelysignificant.Simplewordsandgesturesseemedtoglowwithnewmeanings.

Shewasnotsuperstitious--atleastshebelievedshewasnot.Neitherwassheafatalist,andyetshehadafeelingthatforgoodorill,herlifewasinsomewayorotherboundupwiththisstranger.Itwasnothisfaultthathehadcomeintoherlife.Hehadnotsoughther.Thebeginningoftheacquaintanceshipwasallonherside.Shehadmadethefirstadvance,andthewhirligigofchanceortheworkingsofaninscrutableprovidencehaddonealltherest.

Insomerespectsitwasscarcelypleasanttofeelthatshewassomuchindebttoastranger.Whatevermighthappeninthefuture,orwhereverherlotwascast,shewouldneverbeabletogetawayfromthefeelingthatsheowedherlifetothisRufusSterne.Tomakemattersallthe

worse,hewassufferingconsiderablepainandlossonheraccount.Howmuchthisaccidentmightmeantohimshehadnomeansofknowing.Allhisimmediateprospectsmightbewreckedinconsequence.Forayoungmandependentonhisownexertionstobeincapacitatedfortwoorthreemonthsmightbeamoreseriousmatterthanshecouldguess.

Sometimesshewishedthatsomehomelyfishermanorignorantploughboyhadrescuedher.Shemightinsuchacasehavegivenmaterialcompensation,anditwouldhavebeenacceptedwithgratitude,andherobligationwouldbeatanend.

ButRufusSternewasagentleman--thatfactwasbeyondalldispute--anddoubtlesshehadallthepridethatgenerallyattachestogenteel

poverty.Theobligation,therefore,wouldhavetoremain.Therewas,asfarasshecouldsee,nopossiblewayofdischargingit.Tospeakofcompensationwouldbetoinsulthim.

Behindallthistherewasanotherfeeling:Whatdidhethinkofher?Didheresentherintrusionintothequietsanctuaryofhislife?Didhewishthatshehadnevercrossedhispath?Washisthoughtofheratthatmomentsuchashercheekswouldreddentohear?Shewishedsheknewwhathethoughtofher--whatinhishearthefelt.Itwouldbehumiliatingifheregardedherwithcontempt,orevenwithmilddislike.

Shewouldnotlivetoberegardedbyhimevenwithindifference.Hercheeksgrewhotwhenshemadethisconfessiontoherself.Ifhehadbeen

afishermanoraploughboyitwouldnothavemattered,andshewouldnothavecared.Buthewasoneofthemostnoticeablemenshehadeverseen.Amanwhowouldwinasecondlookinanycrowd.Amanwho--givenafairchance--wouldmakehismarkintheworld.

Shehopedthathewasnotveryangrywithher,thathewasnotwritingherdowninhismindasafoolishandheadstronggirl.Shewouldlike,afterall,tohavehisgoodopinion--likehimtothinkthatinsavingherhehadsavedalifethatwasworthsaving.Itmightnotbetrueinfact,butshewouldlikehimtothinksoallthesame.

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Towhatendhadhesavedher?Asshelookedatherlifestretchingforwardintothefutureshesawnothinggreatorheroicinit.Ithadallbeenmappedoutforher,andmappedoutinaveryexcellentway.Theexhortation"takenothoughtforthemorrow,"wasnotneededinhercase.Everythingwasbeingsettledtoeveryone'ssatisfaction,herownincluded.Shehadonlytofallinwiththedriftandcurrentofeventsandallwouldbeasshewouldlikeittobe.

Otherwomenmighthavetoplanandstruggle,andlabourandcontrive;butintheschemeofherlifesuchunpleasantthingshadnoplace.Allcontingencieshadbeenprovidedagainst.Shedidnotneedtotakeanythoughtforto-morrow.

"I'mnotsurethatmylifewasworthsavingafterall,"shesaidtoherself,alittlebitfretfully."Itseemsanaimless,selfishkindofthingasIlookatitnow.Apoorwomanwhoinspiresherhusbandtodosomegreatdeed,evenifsheisincapableofanygreatdeedherself,surelylivesanoblerlifethanthatwhichseemsmarkedoutforme."

Hercheeksgrewredagain.Howproudshewouldbeifshecouldbetheinspirationofsomegreatachievement!Togivehopetosomegreatsoulstrugglingamidadversecircumstanceswouldbeanendworthlivingfor.Tostandbythesideofamanshecouldlookupto,andhelphimtowin

inthehardbattleoflife--thatwouldbethecrownofallexistence.

Shebegantowonder,afterawhile,whysuchthoughtscametoher.Whythefutureshouldlookdifferentfromwhatithadalwaysdone.Whyathreadofadifferenthueshouldshowitselfinthepatternthathadbeenwovenforher.Whyadoubtshouldariseinherheartastowhethertheabsolutelybesthadbeenmarkedoutforher.

Untilto-nightshehadbeenquitecontenttotakethingsasshefoundthem.Ofcourse,shehadhadhertroubles,likeothergirls.Itwasatroubletoherthatshehadneverknowntheloveofhermother,atroublethatshehadneverbeenabletogetonwithherstep-mother,atroublewhenherfatherdied--though,asshehadseenverylittleofhim

forsevenyearspreviously,thesenseoflosswasnotsokeenasitmighthavebeen.Itwasatroubletohertosaygood-byetoherschoolfellowsandfriends,andcrosstheseastoanewhomeinEngland.

Ofcourse,thelasttroublehaditscompensations.ToanAmericangirlwhoseforebearswereEnglish,"TheOldCountry,"asitisaffectionatelytermed,isthelandofromance,thehomeofchivalry,thecradleofheroesandofhistory.Toseethethingsshehadreadaboutinherchildhood,tovisitspotsmadesacredbythebloodoftheheroicdead,totreadonthegroundwherekingshavestood,topayhomageattheshrineofpoetsandseers--thatwouldbeworthcrossingathousandoceansfor.

Itistrueshehadbeenmorethanalittledisappointed.TrewinionHallwassofarawayfromeverywhere,andthepeoplewhovisiteditfromtimetotimewereverylittletohertaste.ShewouldhavelikedtoliveinLondonalways.Lifeandcolourandmovementwerethere.Itsverystreetswerehistoric.Manyofitspublicbuildingswerehoarywithantiquity,and"richwiththespoilsoftime."Themenandwomenofrankandnameandpowermovedinandoutamongstthecrowd.HistorywasbeingmadefromdaytodayinitsHallsofAssembly.

St.Gavedseemedtoherlikealittleplacethathadgotstrandedinthe

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dimanddistantpast.Therestoftheworldhadrunawayfromit.Itlivedonitstraditionsbecauseithadnohopeofafuture.Likethegranitecliffsthatstretchednorthandsouth,itneverchanged.Itsbusiness,itspolitics,itsmorals,itsreligion,werewhattheyhadbeenfromtimeimmemorial.Amanwhosaidanythingnew,oradvancedanopinionthatwasnotstrictlyorthodox,wasregardedwithsuspicion.

St.Gavedhaditscharm,nodoubt.Thecharmofantiquity,thecharmofleisureliness,thecharmofimmobility.Moreover,itwasbeautifulforsituation.Thecliffsweremagnificentbeyondanythingshehadeverdreamed.Thegreatoceanwasanever-failingsourceofinterest.Thevalleysthatclefttheirwayinland,thestreamsthatlostthemselvesintangledbrakesofundergrowth,thehillsidesrichintimber,thehedgerowsthatweremassesofwildflowers,themoorlandsyellowwithgorse--allthesethingswereasetoffagainstitsdullandslow-movinglife.

Then,besidesallthat,lifewouldnotalwaysbedull.GervasewasreturningfromIndiainthespring,andagreatmanythingsmighthappenthen.

GervasewasSirCharles'onlyson,andheirtothetitleandestates.Hewasahandsomesoldierofthegenuinemilitarytype,tallandstraight,andnotover-burdenedwithflesh.Hishairwaspale,hiscomplexion

ruddy,hisvoiceharsh,hismannerthatofoneborntocommand.

MadelinehadmethimthreeyearsbeforeatWashington,andashewasinsomefar-offandround-aboutwayrelatedtoher,hehadescortedhertoanynumberofreceptions,anddancedwithhermoretimesthanshecouldcount.Shethoughthimthenthemosthandsomemanshehadeverseen,especiallyinhisuniform.Shelikedhim,too,becausehewassodogmaticandmasterful;therewasnothingtimid,orfeeble,orretiringabouthim.Hewasamanwhomeanttohavehisownway,andgenerallygotit.

Hiscourageanddaringalsotouchedherheartandimagination.HistalkhadbeenmainlyaboutshootingdervishesinEgyptandhuntingtigersin

India,andsomeofhisexploitshadthrilledhertothefinger-tips.Itpuzzledherthathecouldtalksolight-heartedlyabouttheslaughterofhumanbeings,eventhoughtheywereArabsandHindoos,butthenhewastrainedtobeasoldier,andsoldiersweretrainedtokill.

ItwasoneofthosethingsshehadlookedforwardtowiththegreatestinterestincomingtoEngland.ShewouldseeGervaseTregonyagain.ItseemedtoherlikeaspecialprovidencethatSirCharlesTregonyshouldbehertrusteeuntilshewastwenty-one,andofcoursenothingcouldbekinderthanthatheshouldinvitehertostayattheHallaslongassheliked--tomakeherpermanentabodethereifshechosetodoso.

Shewasgladtoaccepttheinvitationforseveralreasons.Inthefirst

place,itwasimpossibletolivewithherstep-mother,whoforsomereasonappearedtoresentherveryexistence.Inthesecondplace,shelonged,withallaschool-girl'slonging,forchange,andtoseeEnglandandEuropehadbeentheveryheightofherambition.Andinthethirdplace--andthiswasasecretthatshesafelyguardedinherownbosom--shewouldthesoonerseeCaptainTregony;forifshewereinEnglandshewouldbeamongthefirsttogivehimwelcomeonhisreturnfromIndia,andsheimaginedwithalittlethrillatherhearthowhisfacewouldlightupandhiseyessparklewhenhesawherstandingbehindtherest,waitingtogivehimthewarmestwelcomeofall.

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Thislittlesecretaddedapeculiarcharmandzesttolife,andallthemoresobecauseeveryarrangementhadbeenmaderespectingherfuture,asthoughCaptainTregonyhadnoexistence.SheimaginedsometimesthatherfatherhadbeenundertheguidanceofaspecialprovidencewhenhemadeSirCharlesTregonyhertrustee,thatSirCharleswasunderthesamekindlyinfluencewhenheacceptedtheresponsibilityandtookhertotheshelterofhisownhome.

Hadsheknowntheschemingandman[oe]uveringthatwentonatanearlierdate,herfaithinprovidencewouldhavebeenrudelyshaken.Butshehadnoideathatshewasonlyapawninagamethatwasbeingplayedbyothers.ItwassomesolacetoJohnGrover,evenwhendying,thathisonlychildwouldmixwiththeEnglisharistocracyandprobablybecome"mylady"beforeshehadfinishedherearthlycourse.

ToJohnGrover,whohadstartedlifewithemptypockets,whohadstruggledthroughyearsofgrindingpoverty,whohad"struckoil,"ashetermedit,inmiddlelifeandmadeahugefortunebeforehewasfifty--tosuchamanthethoughtofhisdaughtermarryinganEnglishofficerwhowasalsoheirtoabaronetcywasadistinctionalmosttoogreattobeshapedintowords.

TohavemarriedthePresidentoftheUnitedStateswouldhavebeen

nothingcomparabletoit.ItwasaprouddayforJohnGroverwhenhediscoveredthathisfirstwife,themotherofMadeline,wasremotelyconnectedwiththeTregonysofTrewinionHall,Cornwall.HewroteclaimingrelationshipwithSirCharlesonthestrengthofit,muchtotheBaronet'sannoyanceanddisgust.Butseveralyearslater,whenJohnGroverhadbecomeamillionaire,SirCharlesdecidedtohunthimup.Apennilessmanwasonething,amanwithamillionwasanother.

SirCharleshimselfwasaspoorasachurchmouse,thatistakinghispositionintoaccount.Hissonandheir,Gervase,wasayoungmanofveryexpensivetastesandverylaxnotionsofeconomy.HenceiftheirancestralhallcouldberefurnishedbyAmericandollars,andGervase'sdebtspaidoffoutofthesavingsofthisJohnGrover,itwouldbea

happyandaningeniousstrokeofbusiness.

Ofcourse,diplomacywouldbeneeded,anddiplomacyofthemostdelicateandsubtlekind.SirCharlestookGervaseintohisconfidence,andGervaseconfidedtohisfatherthathewaspreparedtomarryanybodyinreasonsolongasshehadplentyoftheneedful.

SirCharlestookavoyagetotheUnitedStatesandinterviewedhisrelatives.AfewmonthslaterGervasewentacrossandpaidcourttoMadeline,andwithremarkablesuccess.Madelinewasinherseventeenthyearatthetime,romantic,inexperiencedandimpressionable.Thencamethedeathofherfather,thediscoverythatSirCharlesTregonywashertrustee,andtheoptionofspendingherminorityinTrewinionHall.

Sofareverythinghadhappenedasanticipated.Therehadbeennohitchanywhere,andtoallappearancesthelittleschemewouldbebroughttoasuccessfulissue.

SirCharleskeptGervasewellpostedupastothecourseofevents.

"Shehasnottheremotestideathatwehaveanydesignsuponher,"hesaid,inoneofhisearlyletters."IfshegotthesmallesthintIfearshemightjib.Shehasgrowntobearemarkablyhandsomegirl,high

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spiritedandintelligent.Thereisnobodyheretowhomshewillloseherheart,andIamkeepingherassecludedaspossibletillyoureturn.Itrusttoyoutoputasmuchwarmthinyourletterstoherasyouthinkadvisable.Atpresentshethinkstheworldofyou.Iamsureofit.YouimpressedhermightilywhenyouwereintheStates.Sheregardsyouasasortofsaintandherorolledintoone.Shethinksalsothatyouareimmenselyclever.Henceitisratheradifficult_rôle_youwillhavetoplay.Byletteryoucandoagreatdealbetweennowandthenewyear.Keepuptheidealism.Sheisverypuritanicinsomeofhernotions.Don'tshockher,fortheworld.Ifyoucanarrangeanengagementbeforeyoureturnsomuchthebetter.Alongcourtship,Ifear,mightspoileverything.Shehassharpeyes;andyetyouhavetoguardagainstbeingtooprecipitate.Sofar,Iflattermyselfwehavebothhandledthematterwithgreatdelicacy.Afewmonthsmore,and--withcareandjudgment,youmaysnapyourfingersattheworld."

SirCharleshadrightlyestimatedhercharacterinonerespect.IfMadelinehadhadthesmallestsuspicionthatheandhissonhaddesignsuponher--thatadeliberateplotwasbeinghatched--herindignationwouldhaveknownnobounds.

Butherownlittlesecrethadbeen,perhaps,thebestsafeguardagainstanysuchsuspicion.Toheringenuousmindtheworldwasthebestofallpossibleplaces.Herfriendshadsoarrangedherlifeandherlotthat

everythingappearedtobeworkingtogetherforthebest.Shehadnottoworryaboutanything.TheCaptain'slettershadasmuchwarmthinthemasshecoulddesire.Herfuture,shapedforherwithoutanycontrivingofherown--shapedbyfriendsandbyProvidence,leftnothingtobedesired.

ItwasclearwhattheCaptainwished.Itwouldhavepleasedherfatherhadhebeenalive,itwouldbesatisfactorytoSirCharles,itwouldfitinwithherownconceptionoflife.Soshewoulddancealongtheprimrosewaywithoutawant,withoutacare,withoutaresponsibility.Therewouldbegaiety,andmirth,andmusic,ballsandcrushes,andsocialfunctionsofallsortsandkinds.Shewouldgetintosocialcirclesshehadneverknownbefore,andbe"Lady"Tregonybeforeshe

died.

Itwasallasstraightasarule,andasclearasasunbeam.

Whyhaditneverseemedemptyandsordidandselfishuntilto-night?Whydidherinwardeyeslookforasternerandmoreheroicway?Whydidpleasurelooksouninvitinganddutywearsuchanoblemien?Whywasallherfutureoutlookchangedasinaflash?

Thesewerequestionsshewasdebatingwithherselfwhenanewdaystoleintotheroom.

CHAPTERIX

THECAPTAIN'SLETTER

Afewdayslater,MadelinereceivedaletterfromCaptainTregony,whichcontainedacarefully-worded,thoughverydefinite,proposalofmarriage.Gervasehadbeenonlytoopleasedtocarryouthisfather's

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suggestion.Theprospectoffingeringatanearlydateafewofhersurplusdollarswasaverytemptingone.Hewasnotparticularlyinlovewithher.Hehadgotthroughthesentimentalage,sohebelieved.Moreover,hehadseensomuchoflifeandtheworld,andhadhadsuchawideandvariedexperienceoffemininekindthathewasnotlikelytobecarriedoffhisfeetbyaprettyfaceorengagingmanners.

Nevertheless,ifhewastomarryatall--andsincehewasanonlysonandheirtoatitleandestates,marriageseemedaveryobviousduty--thentherewasnoone,allthingsconsidered,hewouldsoonertaketohisheartandendowwithallhisworldlygoodsthanMadelineGrover.Shewasveryyoung,verypretty,verysweet-tempered,and,bestofall,veryrich;andheknewnooneelsewhopossessedsuchacombinationofexcellencies.

IthadbeenagreatrelieftohimwhenhewentouttoAmericatomaketheacquaintanceofJohnGrover'sdaughter,todiscoverthatshewassuchanunspoiledchildofnature.Hehadbeenhauntedbythefearthatshemightbeuglyorignorantoruneducated.Hence,whenhefoundacharmingschool-girl,ingenuous,unsophisticated,impressionable,heheavedabigsighofrelief,andsettoworkatoncetomakeafavourableandanabidingimpression.

Hewouldhaveproposedthenandtherehadheconsidereditpolitictodo

so.Hisfather,however,whowashischiefadviser,wouldnothearofit."Youwillspoilthewholegameifyoudo,"SirCharlesinsisted."Makeagoodimpressionnow,andlettimeandabsencedeepenit.Shewillputahaloroundyourheadafterafewweeks'absence,andeagerlylookforwardtothenextmeeting."

InthisSirCharlesshowedhisknowledgeofhumannature,especiallyoffemininehumannature.

Gervasehadhintedthat,ifhewasnotgettingold,hewasgettingdistinctlyolder,thatthecrows'-feetwereverymarkedabouthiseyes,andthathishairwasgettingdecidedlythin.

"Mydearboy,"SirCharlessaid,affectionately,"thatisallinyourfavour.Ifshewereeightornineandtwenty,shemightcastlongingeyesontheyouths,butagirlofseventeenalwaysdotesonanelderlyman.Always!Idon'tknowwhyitshouldbeso,butIsimplystateafact.Girlshavenotaparticleofreverenceorevenrespectforyouthsoftwenty-oneortwo.Theysighforamanwhobearsthescarsofyearsandbattle."

SoGervasewentawaytoIndia,leavinghisfathertoworktheoracleforhimathome.Onthewhole,SirCharles'sforecasthadprovedcorrect.Thingshadturnedoutmuchasheanticipatedtheywould.

MadelinereadtheCaptain'sletterwithadistinctheighteningof

colour.Shewasstillweakandalittleinclinedtobehysterical.Heradventureonthecliffshadshakenhernervestoanextentshewasonlyjustbeginningtorealise.

Sheclosedhereyesaftershehadputtheletterbackintheenvelope,andtriedtothink.TheCaptain'sproposalhadnotsurprisedherintheleast,whilethemannerofitwasjustwhatshehadexpected.Hehadusedjusttherightwordsandsaidneithertoomuchnortoolittle.

Sheadmiredhimforhisreticence,andforhisstrengthinholding

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himselfsowellincheck,andyettherewasapassionateearnestnessinhiswell-chosenwordsthatrevealedthedepthofhisaffection,aswellashisdeterminationtowin.

Veryadroitlyanddiplomaticallyalsohehadhintedofthegoodtimetheymighthavetogether.TheywouldnotsettledowninasleepyplacelikeSt.Gaved.Theywouldhaveatownhouse,andperhapsashooting-boxinScotland,andwhentiredoftheUnitedKingdomtheywouldtravelontheContinent--Paris,Vienna,MonteCarlo,Florence,weredelightfulplacestovisit,andtotarryinforafewweeksormonths.Thecommonwork-a-dayworldmightroarandfretandtoilandperspire,buttheywouldliveinasereneratmosphere,undisturbedbythejarandstrifethatwentonaroundthem.

Itwasaveryfairandenticingpicturethathiswordsconjuredup,andonethatshehadoftenpicturedforherself.Thiswasthefuturethatherfriends,inconjunctionwithakindlyProvidence,hadshapedforher.Thereseemednothingforhertodobutsay"Yes."Itwasallinthepiece.Herlifehadbeenbeautifullyplanned,andplannedwithouteffortorcontrivancebyanybody.ThecurrenthadborneheralongeasilyandgentlytotheinevitableunionwithGervaseTregony.

Hisfaceandformcameupbeforeheragainasshelastsawhim.Howhandsomehelookedinhisuniform!Howfiercehiseyeswerewhenhe

lookedatotherpeople,howgentlewhenhelookedather!Somepeoplemightthinkhisvoiceharshandraucous,buttherewasanundertoneofmusicinitforher.Itwasthevoiceofahero,ofamanborntocommand.Itsechoesseemedtobeintheairevennow.

Andyetforsomereasonherheartdidnotrespondasitoncedid.Wasitthathernerveshadbeenshaken--thatshehadnotquitegotovertheshockoftheadventure?Somethinghadhappenedduringthelastfewdays,butwhatitwasshecouldnotquiteunderstand.Thelifeofpleasure,towhichshehadlookedforward,undisturbedbyasinglenoteofhumanpain,didnotappealtoher,forsomereason,asonceitdid.Anewingredienthadbeendroppedintothecup,anewthoughthadcomeintoherbrain,anewimpulsehadshakenherheart.

Hadshelookedatdeathsocloselythatlifecouldneverbethesametoheragain,orwasitthatshelookedatlifemoretrulyandsteadily?Hadachangecomeoverotherpeople,orwasthechangewhollyinherself?Thatsomethinghadhappenedshewascertain,butwhatitwas,wasaquestionshecouldnotdefinitelyanswer.

Ofonething,however,shewassure.Iftheletterhadcomethreeorfourdayssooner,itwouldhavefoundherinawhollydifferentframeofmind.Hence,whateverthechangewas,itwascompassedbythesefewdays.

Hermeditationsweredisturbedbyaknockatthedoor,andamoment

laterDr.Pendarvisentered."Ah!youarebetterthismorning,"hesaid,inhisbright,cheeryfashion."Now,letmefeelyourpulse."Andhedrewupachairandsatdownbyherside.

"Alittleinclinedtobejumpystill,eh?Ah,well,youhadratheranastyexperience.Butyou'llbeallrightagaininafewdays."

"IthinkIamallrightnow,"shesaid,withasmile."Don'tyouthinkImightgooutofdoors?"

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"Well,now,whatdoyouthinkyourself?"hequestioned,strokinghischinandsmiling.

"I'mjustalittleshakyonmyfeet,"sheanswered,"butIguessthatwouldgooffwhenIgotintothefreshair."

"Andhowaboutthebruises?"

"Oh,theyaredisappearingonebyone."

"Andhowfardoyouthinkyoucouldwalk?"

"Idon'tknow,butIdoknowit'sawfullydullbeinginthehouse."

"Anddoyouwanttogoanywhereinparticular?"heaskedinnocently,andheglancedatherfurtivelyoutofthecornerofhiseye.

"Oh,no!"sheanswered,blushingslightly;"or,atanyrate,notjustyet.Ofcourse,whenIgetstrongerIshallbegladtowalkintoSt.Gavedagain."

"Youranintoitlasttime,"hesaid,laughing."Whatadayofadventuresyouhadtobesure!"

"Iwascompelledtorun,"shesaid,avertinghereyesandlookingoutofthewindow;"hewouldhavedrownedifIhadn't."

"Exactly.Anditwastouchandgobyallaccounts.Hecouldn'thaveheldoutmanyminuteslonger."

"Andishegoingonallright,doctor?"Sheturnedhereyessuddenlyuponhim,andwaitedwithpartedlipsforhisanswer.

"Well,aboutaswellascanbeexpected,"heanswered,slowly,"takingallthecircumstancesintoaccount."

"Andishesufferingmuchpain?"

"AgooddealIshouldsay.Infact,thatisinevitable."

"Hemustwishmefarenough."

"Itdependshowfarthatis,Ishouldsay,"andtheolddoctorchuckled.

"You'venotheardhimheapingmaledictionsonmydefencelesshead?"

"No,Ihavenot,"heanswered,withasatiricalsmile;"butthenyouseehe'snotgiventoexpressinghisthoughtsinpublic."

"Exactly.Iguesshisthoughtsaboutmewouldnotbearrepeatinginany

politesociety."

"Thatispossible,"theolddoctorsaid,pursinghislips,andlookingthoughtful.

"Isupposenooneseeshimyet?"

"Well,ChesterorImyselfseehimeveryday--sometimestwice."

"Iintendseeinghimmyselfsoon."

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"Youdo?"

"YesIdo.There'snothingwronginit,isthere?"

"Whydoyouaskthatquestion?"

"Becauseyou'vegotsuchstupidnotionsaboutproprietyinthiscountry.Infact,fewthingsseemtoberegardedasproperexceptwhatishighlyimproper.I'mconstantlystubbingmytoesagainstthenoticetablets,'keepoffthegrass,'thedangerousplacesareleftwithoutwarning."

Thedoctorlaughed.

"Isn'tittruewhatI'msaying?"shewenton."Halfthepeopleseemtobestrainingatgnatsandswallowingcamels.Directlyyouproposetodosomeperfectlyinnocentthing,ifitshouldhappentobeunconventional,youaremetwithshockedlooksandoutstretchedhandsandcriesofprotest.I'mgettingrathertiredofthatword'proper.'"

"ButSocietymusthavesomecodetoregulateitselfby,"hesaid,withanairofpretendedseriousness.

"Aren'ttheTenCommandmentsgoodenough?"shequestioned.

"Well,hardly,"hesaid,inatoneofbanter."Youseetheyareabitantiquatedandoutofdate.Society,asatpresentconstituted,musthaveeverythingofthemostmoderntype.AndmodernityisnotabletotoleratesuchanantiquatedcodeastheDecalogue."

"WhatdoyoumeanbySociety?"shequestioned.

"Ah!nowyouhavecorneredme,"hesaid,withalaugh."ButjustatthemomentIwasthinkingoftheidlerich.Menandwomenwhohavemoremoneythantheyknowhowtospend,andmoretimethantheyknowhowtokill.Thepeoplewhohaveneverathoughtbeyondthemselves,wholivetoeatanddress,andpandertothelowestpassionsoftheirnature.Who

willspendthousandsonadinnerfitonlyforgourmands,whilethepeoplearoundthemaredyingofhunger.Whowasteinfollyandluxuryandvicewhatoughttogofortheupliftingofthedowntroddenandneglected.ItisabigclassinEngland,andagrowingclass,recruitedinmanyinstancesfromacrossthewater----"

"Youmeanfrommycountry?"shequestioned.

"Yes,fromyourcountry,"hesaid,withatouchofindignationinhisvoice,"theycomebringingtheirbadmannersandtheirdiamonds,andtheyhangroundthefringeofwhatiscalledthe'SmartSet,'andtheybribeimpecuniousdowagersandsuchliketogivethemintroductions,andtheywormtheirwayintothebighouses,andGodaloneknowswhat

becomesofthemafterwards.IhaveabrotherwhohasabigpracticeintheWest-end.Youshouldhearhimtalk----"

"Ifpeoplearerich,"Madelineretortedwarmly,"theyhavesurelytherighttoenjoythemselvesintheirownwaysolongastheydonowrong."

"Enjoythemselves,"hesnorted."Isenjoymenttheendoflife?--andsuchenjoyment!Hasdutynoplaceintheschemeofexistence?Becausepeoplehavegrownrichthroughsomebodyelse'stoil----"

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"Orthroughtheirowntoil,"sheinterrupted.

"Orthroughtheirowntoil--ifanymaneverdidit--aretheyjustifiedinwastingtheirlifeinidlegluttony,andinwastefulandwantonextravagance?"

"Extravaganceissurelyaquestionofdegree,"shereplied."Ahundreddollarstoonemanmaybemorethantenthousandtoanother."

"Iadmitit.Butyouridleprofligate,whethermanorwoman,isanoffence."

"Whatdoyoumeanbyprofligate?"

"Imeanthecreaturewholivestoeatanddrinkanddress.Whoshirkseverydutyandresponsibility,whopanderstoeverygluttonousandselfishdesire.Whohearsthecryofsufferingandneverhelps,whowasteshisorhersubstanceinfindingfreshsourcesofso-calledenjoyment,ordiscoveringnewthrillsofsensation."

"Butwesurelyhavearighttoenjoyourselves?"

"Ofcoursewehave.Butnotafterthefashionofswine.Wearenotanimals.Wearemenandwomenwithintellectualvisionandmoral

responsibility.Thetruelifeliesalongtheroadofdutyandhelpandgoodwill."

"Yes,Iagreewithyouinthat.ButIdonotliketohearanyonespeakslightinglyofmycountrypeople."

"Foryourcountryandyourpeopleasawhole,Ihavethegreatestrespect.Buteverycountryhasitssnobsanditsparasites;anditishumblingthatourowngreatarmyofidleprofligatesshouldreceiverecruitsfromthegreatRepublicoftheWest."

WhenDr.PendarvishadgoneMadelinesatforalongtimestaringoutofthewindow,butseeingnothingofthefairlandscapeonwhichhereyes

rested.Shetriedtorecallwhatitwasthatledtheirconversationintosuchaseriouschannel.Tosaytheleastofit,itwasnotalittlestrangethatheshouldhavetakenthehazyandnebulouseffortsofherownbrain,andshapedthemintoclearanddefinitespeech.Thelifeofeaseandpleasureandself-indulgencetowhichshehadlookedforwardwithsomuchinterestandwithsuchchildishdelight,hehaddenouncedwithavigourshehadhalfresented,andwhichallthewhileshefeltansweredtothedeepestemotionsofhernature.

ShetooktheCaptain'sletterfromtheenvelopeandreaditagain.Itwasamostproperletterineveryrespect.Therewasnotawordorsyllablethatanyonecouldtaketheslightestexceptionto.Thelove-makingwasintenseandyetrestrained,thepleadingeloquentand

eventender,theprospectpicturedsuchasanyordinaryindividualwouldhailwithdelight.Whatwasitthatitlacked?

Itseemedlesssatisfyingsincehertalkwiththedoctorthanbefore.

TheCaptainpleadedforananswerbyreturnofpost.HewantedtohavetheassurancebeforeheleftIndiaforhome.Hewastiredofroughingitandwantedtolookforwardtolongyearsofdomesticpeace.Iftheengagementweresettlednowtheywouldbeabletosetupahouseoftheirownsoonafterhisreturn.

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Sheputawaytheletterafterreadingitthroughtwice,andheavedalongsigh.

"Ifithadcomeaweekago,"shesaidtoherself,"Ishouldhaveanswered'Yes'withoutanymisgiving.Butnow,everythingseemschanged.PerhapsIshallfeeldifferentlywhenIgetoutofdoorsagain."

Onthefollowingdayshetookarambleintherosegarden,andsatforanhouronthelawninthesunshine.Ontheseconddayshestrayedintotheplantationbeyondthepark,andonthethirddaysheventuredontotheDowns,andcameatlengthtothehighpointonthecliffswhereshefirstmetRufusSterne.Hereshesatdownandlookedseaward,andthoughtofhomeandallthathadhappenedsincesheleftit.

Theplanofherlifewhichhadlookedsoclearwasbecomingmoreandmorehazyandconfused.WasProvidenceinterposingtoupsetitsownarrangements?Wasshetotreadadifferentpathfromwhatshehadpictured.

Thefreshairbroughtthecolourbacktohercheeksagain,andvigourtoherlimbs,butitdidnotclearawaythemiststhathungaboutherbrainandheart.TheCaptain'sletterremaineddayafterdayunanswered.

"IfIwereengagedtotheCaptain,"shesaidtoherself,reflectively,"ItmightnotbeconsideredproperformetocallonRufusSterne.ButwhileIamfree,Iamfree.Hesavedmylife,anditwouldbemeanofmenottocall.SoIshallfollowmyheart";andsherosetoherfeetandturnedherstepstowardshome.

CHAPTERX

AVISITOR

Mrs.Tukecameintotheroomontip-toe,andclosedthedoorsoftlybehindher.Therewasamysteriousexpressioninhereyes,andshebeganatoncetostraightenthechairsandre-arrangetheantimacassars.Herbestparlourhadbeenturned,forthetimebeing,intoabedroom.TocarryRufusSterneupthesteepandnarrowstaircasewasataskthefishermenrefusedtoundertake,especiallyasRufushadpleadedtobeallowedtoremainonthesofa.Soabedhadbeensetupintheparlour--notwithoutseriousmisgivingsonthepartofMrs.Tuke,thoughsheadmittedtheconvenienceofthearrangementlateron.AfterMrs.Tukehadarrangedthefurnitureandantimacassarstohersatisfaction,sheadvancedtothesideofthebed.

"Aladyhascalledtoseeyou,"shesaid,inanawedwhisper.

"Alady?"Rufusquestioned,withaslightliftingoftheeyebrows.

Mrs.Tukenodded.

"Toseemeorsimplytoinquire?"

"Toseeyou."

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"DoIknowthelady?"andafainttingeofcolourcameintohischeek.

"Isupposeso.Yououghttodoatanyrate.It'sthatscare-awayAmericanasisstayingattheHall."AndMrs.Tuketurnedandlookedapprehensivelytowardthedoor.

Rufusfelthisheartgiveasuddenbound,butheansweredquietlyenough:"Isshewaitinginthepassage?"

"No,Iturnedherintoyourroom.Areyougoingtoseeher?"

"Mostcertainly.Ithinkitisawfullykindofhertocall."

"Isupposebeingafurrenerexplainsthings?"

"Explainswhat,Mrs.Tuke?"

"Well,inmydayyoungladieshaddifferentnotionsofwhatwastheproperthingtodo."

"Nodoubt,Mrs.Tuke;buttheworldkeepsadvancing,yousee."

"Keepsadvancing,doyoucallit.Iamthankfulthatnoneofmygirls

wasbroughtupthatway."AndMrs.Tukewalkedwithhermoststatelygaitoutoftheroom.

Rufuswaitedwithrapidlybeatingheart.Fordayspast--eversincethepainhadbecomebearable,infact--hehadbeenlongingforaglimpseofthesweetfacethathadcaptivatedhisfancyfromthefirst.Thatshewouldcalltoseehimhedidnotanticipateforamoment.ThatshehadmadeinquiriesconcerninghisconditionheknewfromhisconversationswithDr.Pendarvis.Morethanthathecouldnotexpect,whateverhemightdesire.Hence,tobetoldthatshewasinthehouse,thatshewaswaitingtoseehim,seemedtosetvibratingeverynervehepossessed.

Heheardafaintmurmurofvoicescomingacrossthenarrowlobby,and

wonderedwhatMrs.Tukewassayingtohervisitor.Hehopedshewouldnotfeelitincumbentuponhertounburdenherpuritanicalsoul.WhenMrs.Tukewas"drawnout,"assheexpressedit,shesometimesusedgreatplainnessofspeech.Atsuchtimesneitherranknorstationcounted.Toclearherconsciencewasthesupremething.

Onthepresentoccasion,however,Madelinegotthefirstinnings.SheguessedfromthesetofMrs.Tuke'slipsthatshedidnotaltogetherapprove.Moreover,shewasafraidthatontheoccasionofherfirstvisit--whenMrs.Tukerevivedherwithburntfeathers--shehadnotmadeaverygoodimpression.

Madelinecame,therefore,fullyarmedandpreparedtouseallherwiles.

ShewaitedwithagooddealoftrepidationuntilMrs.Tukereturnedfromherlodger'sroom.

"Whatanoble,generoussoulyoumustbe,Mrs.Tuke,"shesaid,andshelookedstraightintothecold,blueeyesandsmiledhersweetest.

Mrs.Tukedrewherselfupandfrowned.

"Andhowlovelyyoukeepyourhouse,"Madelinewenton,"andwhattasteyouhaveshowninarrangingyourfurniture."

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Mrs.Tuke'sfacerelaxedsomewhat,andshegavethecornerofthetableclothalittletugtostraightenit.

"Ithinkpeoplestamptheircharacteroneverythingtheydo,don'tyou,Mrs.Tuke?Ifawomanisaladythehouseshowsit.Lookattheseflowershowbeautifullyarrangedtheyare,"andMadelinebentdownherheadandsniffedatthem.

"Somepeoplenevernoticesuchthings,"Mrs.Tukesaid,inanaggrievedtone.

"Oh,Mrs.Tuke!howcantheyhelpit;Iamsureyouwouldrecognisetasteandbeautyanywhere."

"Somanyofthewomenhereaboutshavenotaste,"Mrs.Tukereplied."Theykeeptheirhousesanyfashion.Ialwayssayyoucantellwhatahouseislikebythewindowcurtains.Youneednotputyourheadinsidethedoor."

"Iquiteagreewithyou,Mrs.Tuke.MayIaskwhereyousendyourcurtainstobegotupsobeautifully?"

"Iget'emupmyself."

"No?"

"Ido,indeed,"andMrs.Tukesmileduponhervisitormostbenignantly.

"Howcleveryoumustbe.DoyouknowIthinkweshouldbecomequitefastfriends?Weseemtounderstandeachothersowell.Somepeopleneverunderstandeachother.Now,ifyouwerelikesomenarrow,uncharitablepeopleyouwouldnotapproveofmycallingtoseeMr.Sterne."

Mrs.Tukestarted,andtookasidelongglanceoutofthewindow.

"AndIhavenodoubt,"Madelinewenton,"ifsomeofthepeopleinSt.

GavedgottoknowthatIwasinthehabitofcallingheretheywouldsayallsortsofuncharitablethings."

"I'venottheleastdoubtofit,"Mrs.Tukesaid,severely.

"Itissonicetothinkyouarenotoneofthatsort,"Madelinesaid,withawinningsmile."IfIcameherefiftytimesIknowyouwouldnottalkaboutit.Youseeyouunderstandpeople,Mrs.Tuke.AndinAmerica,asyouknow,girlshavesomuchmorefreedomthantheyhaveinthiscountry."

"SoI'veheard."

"It'snatural,perhaps;theygotothesameStateschoolstogether,andtheygrowuptorespecteachother.Thegirlslearnself-reliance,andtheboyschivalry."

"Thatsoundsverynice,"Mrs.Tukeremarked,withaninterestedlook.

"Itoughttobesoeverywhere.Idon'tthinkmuchofagirlwhoisnotabletotakecareofherself."

"Butmenarenottobetrusted,mydear,"Mrs.Tukesaid,withapained

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expressioninhereyes.

"Thentheyshouldbeavoidedandostracised."

"Yes,Iquiteagreewithyou,"Mrs.Tukesaid,doubtfully;"buthadyounotbettergoandseeMr.Sternenow?Betweenourselves,Ibelievehewillbeterriblyimpatient."

"Andwe'llrenewourinterestingconversationsomeothertime."

"It'skindofyoutowanttotalktoanoldwomanlikeme."

"Youmustnotcallyourselfold,Mrs.Tuke,"andMadelinetrippedacrossthehall,andknockedtimidlyattheparlourdoor.

"Comein,"calledaclear,evenvoice,andMadelineturnedthehandleandentered.Herheartwasbeatingconsiderablyfasterthanusual,anddirectlyshecaughtsightofRufusachokingsensationcameintoherthroat.

Itwaspainfullypathetictoseethisstrong,handsomemanlyingpaleandhelplessonhisnarrowbed,andallbecauseofher.Ifshehadnotbeenfoolishandheadstrongitwouldnothavehappened.Andyetagreatwaveofgratitudesurgedoverherheartatthesamemoment.Hislifehad

beenspared.Ifhehadbeendrownedshewouldneverhaveforgivenherselftothedayofherdeath.

Hegreetedherwithasmilethatwasallbrightnessandsunshine.Forthemomentallthepainanddisappointmentandforebodingofthelastweekwereforgotten.Thepresenceofthisbeautifulgirlwascompensationforallhehadendured.

"Itisgoodofyoutocome,"hesaid,inatonethatvibratedwithunmistakablegratitude.

"No,pleasedon'tsaythat,"sheanswered,amistcomingupbeforehereyes."Iwasafraidyoumighthatetheverysightofme."

Hesmiledatherforanswer,andpointedtoachair.

"I'vebeenwantingtoseeyoufordays,"shewenton;"wantingtoeasemyheartbytellingyouhowgratefulIam,andhowterriblyIregretcausingyousomuchlossandsuffering."

Hesmiledagain.Whatanswercouldhemaketosuchwordsofself-revealing?Hewouldsimplyhavetolethertalkonuntilshegavehimsomethingtoreplyto.

"ItoldDr.PendarvisthatIexpectedinsecretyouwereheapingmaledictionsonmydefencelesshead."

"Haveyousopooranopinionofmeasallthat?"hequestioned,lookingsteadilyintohersweet,browneyes.

"Well,yousee,IcalculateIwasjudgingyoubymyselfsomewhat."

"Andifyouhadsavedme,andslightlydamagedyourselfintheprocess,wouldyouhavebeenveryangrywithme?"

"Oh!Iamonlyagirl,andifIweredisabledforayear,nobodywould

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betheloser.Butwithyouitisdifferent.Iwishithadbeentheotherwayabout."

"Idon't."

"No?"

"No,Iamgladthingsareastheyare."

"Butyourinventionisatastandstill."

"Whotoldyouaboutmyinvention?"

"Dr.Pendarvis,Ithink.Ohno,itwasDr.Chester;hesaidyouwouldbeagreatmansomeday."

"Dr.Chesterwillhavetocultivatethehabitofthinkingbeforehespeaks,"hesaid,withalaugh,"IfIcanbeausefulman,Ishallbecontent."

"Isitbettertobeusefulthantobegreat?"shequestioned,naïvely.

"Oh,well,thatalldepends,Iexpect,onthemeaningyouattachtowords,"heanswered,withabroadsmile."Ifamanistrulygreat,he

is,ofcourse,useful,whileamanmaybeveryusefulwithoutbeinggreat."

"Oh,then,IshallbackDr.Chester,"shesaid,withaprettyshrugofhershoulders.

"Youhadbetternot,"hesaid,soberly."Notthatitwillmatter,ofcourse.ForwhetherIwinorlose,youcannotbeaffectedbytheoneortheother."

"Whynot?"

"Oh,forfiftyreasons."

"Pleasegivemeone."

"Iwouldrathernot."

"ButIinsistuponit."

"AndifIstillrefuse?"

"Ishallstayheretillyoudoanswer."

"Oh,thatwillbedelightful,"heanswered,laughing."Howquicklythedayswillpass."

"Oh,Mr.Sterne,Ididnotknowyoucouldbesoprovoking,"shesaid,withalittlepout.

"Doyoureallywantareason?"hesaid,lookinggravelyintohereyes.

"Reallyandtruly."

"Well,then,myinventionwillaffectonlythetoilers--thepoorpeopleifyoulike.ItssuccessorfailurewillnotmatteronewhittoSir

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CharlesTregony,forinstance,andyoubelongtothesamecircle,doyounot?"

"Butitssuccessorfailurewillmattertoyou,won'tit?"

"Itwillmattereverythingtome."

"Whatdoyoumeanbythat?"

"JustwhatIsay.Everythingmeanseverything.I'vestakedmyall."

"Oh,no,youhavenot,"shesaid,brightly."Youmayhavestakedyourfortune,andyourreputationasaninventor,andyourimmediateprospects.Butlifeisleft."

Hecaughthisbreathsharply."Butwhatislifeworthwhenallyouhavelivedforissweptaway?"

"Andhaveyounothingelsetolivefor?"shequestioned,seriously.

"Nothing!I'malonelysoulinalonelyworld."

"Butthereisstilllife,"shepersisted."Andnogreatsoulgivesupatonefailureoratten."

Hefeltthehotbloodrushtohisfaceandheavertedhiseyesinstinctively.Hedidhisbesttorecoverhimselfbeforesheshouldnotice,butherkeeneyeswerequicktoseethelookofpainanddistressthatsweptoverhisface.

"NowIhavesaidsomethingfoolish--somethingthathashurtyou----"shebegan.

"Myleghurtsmeoccasionally,"heanswered,withapoorattemptatasmile.

"Ihavebeenverythoughtless,"shesaid,risingsuddenlytoherfeet.

"IdidnotthinkhowImustbetiringyou."

"Butyouhavenottiredmeatall,"hepersisted."Youhavedonemegood.Youcannotthinkhowintolerablyirksomeitislyingherehelplessdayafter----"thenhecheckedhimselfsuddenly.Itwashisturnnowtoseealookofdistresscomeintohereyes.

"Anditisallmyfault,"sheinterrupted."Oh,ifIcouldonlyatoneinsomemeasure."

"Youhaveatoned,ifatonementwereneeded,bycomingtoseeme.Willyounotcomeagain?"

"MayI?ReallyandtrulyitwoulddomegoodifIcouldserveyouinsomeway.Imightreadtoyouifyouwouldletme,orwriteyourletters."

Hefelthimselfshakenasifwithatempest.Heknew,asifbyinstinct,thathehadreachedthemostfateful--perhapsthemostperilous--crisisinhislife.Hehadonlytosaythewordandthisbeautifulgirlwouldcomeandsitbyhissidedayafterday,comeoutofpuregoodnessandgratitude,neverdreamingwhatherpresencemightmeantohim.

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Hewasonlytoopainfullyconsciousthathewashalfinlovewithheralready.Shehadtouchedhisheartandimaginationasnoonehadeverdonebefore.Fromthetimehecaughtthatfirstglimpseofherfaceasshewasdrivingfromthestationuntilnow,shehadbeenalmostconstantlyinhisthoughts.Itwasasthoughthefates--maliciousasusual--hadconspiredtothrowthemtogether,forifhelearnedtoloveher,onlymiseryandheart-achecouldbetheresult.Shewouldthinkofhimonlyassomeonesheoughttobekindto.Shewasoutofhiscircle.Whoever,orwhatevershemighthavebeeninAmerica,hereshewasthewardofSirCharlesTregony,oneoftheproudestandmostexclusivemeninthecounty.Besides,forallheknew,shemightbeengagedalready.

Beyondall,therewasthefactthathislifewasatstake.IfhisprojectfailedhewasboundinhonourtoseethatFelixMullersufferednoloss.TherightsoftheLifeAssuranceCompanyhadnotoccurredtohimevenyet.Theremustbenohumantiestomakethestruggleharder.Iftheworstcametotheworst--apossibilitythatwouldpersistinhauntinghim--hemustgounmournedandunmourningintothedarkness.

Thebrainworksquicklyintimesofexcitementandemotion,andalltheseconsiderationspassedthroughhismindasinaflash.Shouldhetellthissweet-eyedgirlthatshemustnotcometoseehimagain,andlethergoawaybelievingthathedisapprovedofhercomingatall?

Betterso.Betterafewhoursordaysofsharppainnowthanalife-longagonyafter.

"Imustbebrave,"hesaidtohimself."Thefirstlessoninlifeisself-conquest."

Theformofwordshedecidedtouseshapedthemselvesquickly.Themoreexplicitthebetter.

Heturnedhisheadtowardherwithresolutionsfullgrowninhisheart,andtheireyesmetagain.

CHAPTERXI

ATALKBYTHEWAY

Generallyspeaking,RufusSternewasnotlackingincourage,eitherphysicalormoral.Butnomanknowshisstrengthtillheistested.Manyamanhaspassedthroughtempestandflood,fireandsword,unscathedandundaunted,andintheendhasgonedownhelplesslyandignominiouslybeforeapairofsoftbrowneyes.

WhenRufusturnedhisheadhemeanttosayfirmlybutkindlythatitwouldbebetteriftheydidnotmeetagain.Andthenhewouldsoothethehurt--ifhurtthereshouldbe--bytellingherhowgratefulhewasforhervisitandhowmuchheappreciatedherkindness.

Hewasquitesureshewouldunderstand.Shewasnotachildandhereyesweremorethanordinarilysharp.Ifshechosetotakeoffence,ofcourse,hewouldbesorry;butbettersheshouldbeoffendedthanthatheshouldbreakhisheart.

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Hewasbristlingalloverwithcouragewhentheireyesmet,andthenallhisstrengthdeparted.Madelinehadnothoughtofconquest.Sheonlywantedtobekind.Shefeltinfinitelypitifultowardthisstrongmanwhohadbeenbroughtlowthroughher,andherpityshoneinhereyesandvibratedineverytoneofhervoice.

Itwasherartlessness,hersweetingenuousnessthatbrokeRufusdown.Inadditiontowhichshewassoexquisitelybeautiful,whiletheunfamiliarliltandintonationofhervoicewerelikemusicinhisears.

"Itwillbejustheavenifyouwillcomeandreadtomesometimes,"heheardhimselfsaying,andthenhewonderedwhetherhewasawakeordreaming.

"ThenIwillcometo-morrow.Itwillbeperfectlylovelytodosomelittlebitofgoodintheworld."

Theroomseemedtogrowdarkwhenshetookherdeparture,asthoughaclouddriftedacrossthefaceofthesun.Foralongtimehelayquitestill,lookingatthedoor,behindwhichshehaddisappeared.Hisheartwasinastrangetumult,butwhetherpleasureorpainpredominatedhedidnotknow.Whathedidknowwasthattheintoxicationofherpresencewasthesweetestthinghehadeverknown,butbelowthesweetand

strugglingtogettothetop,wasasenseofsomethingexceedinglybitter.

Hefeltlikeadrunkardsteadilygravitatingtowardthetap-room.Hismoralsense,hisbetterjudgment,urgedhimtoturnasideorturnback;hisappetite,hisdesireforexcitementorforgetfulnessluredhimwithirresistibleforce.

"IknowIamafool,"hesaidtohimself,"andIshallhavetopaydearlyenoughformyfollylateron,butIcan'thelpit."

Hehadratherpridedhimselfonhiscourage,andthisconfessionofweakness,eventohimself,wasdistinctlyhumiliating.

Itwasthekindofthingforwhichhewouldhaveallowednoexcuseinanyotherman.Itwasapettheoryofhisthatamanoughttobealwaysmasterofhimself,andthatanymanwhoallowedhimselftobedominatedandconqueredbyahumanpassionwasnotworthyofrespectorevensympathy.

Menwhofailtoliveuptotheirtheoriesaregenerallyprolificinexcuses.Toownhimselfbeatenoutandoutwastoomuchforhisself-respect.Hehadtakenastepdown,heknew,buttherewasareasonforit.Perhaps,ifhesearcheddiligentlyenough,hewouldbeabletojustifyhisconducttothefull.

[Illustration:"ITWILLBEJUSTHEAVENIFYOUWILLCOMEANDREADTOMESOMETIMES"]

Beforethedaywasout,hefoundanynumberofexcuses.Thislife,hetoldhimself,wasall,andyouthwasthebestpartoflife,infact,theonlypartinwhichenjoymentcouldfindaplace,andifacupofdelightwasplacedtohislips,wasitwisetodashittothegroundandspillallitscontents,becauseitwaspossibleandevenprobableitwouldleaveabittertasteinthemouth.Buteventhoughhewassurethebittertastewouldfollow,washenotjustifiedintakingthesweetwhen

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hehadthechance?Hadnotsomebodysaid:

"'TisbettertohavelovedandlostThannevertohavelovedatall"?

Besides,hehadnottoconsideronlyhimself.Thatwouldbeselfish.Thissweet-eyedgirlwantedanoutletforhergratitudeandgenerosity,andifherudelypushedasidethehandthatwasoutstretchedtohelp,andchurlishlyrefusedhersympathy,howhurtshewouldbe.Andamanwouldbeabrutetogivepaintososweetasoul;hewouldrathercuthishandoffthandoit.

Alsoitdidnotfollowthatbecausehesawmoreofherhewouldbecomemoredeeplyinlovewithher.Hewouldrecognise,ofcourse,allthewaythroughthatshewasoutofhiscircle--thatwasafacthewouldneverallowtopassoutofhismind.Andkeepingthatinmind,hewouldbeabletokeepguardoverhisownheart.

Sobeforethedaywasdone,hewasabletoextractallthepoisonfromhissurrender.Hemightnothavedonetheheroicthing,butitdidnotnecessarilyfollowthathehaddoneafoolishthing.Chancehadflungthisgirlacrosshispath,whyshoulditbeanevilchance?Whymighttherenotgrowoutoftheacquaintancesomethingforthegoodofboth?

Havingarrivedatthatposition,heceasedcallinghimselfafool,andgavehimselfuptopleasantdreamsandevenmorepleasantanticipations.Closinghiseyesherecalledtheirconversation,recalledeveryexpressionofhersensitiveface,everytoneofhermusicalvoice.

Hefanciedhersittingagainbyhisbedside.Howdaintyshewas,howunobtrusivelyandyethowexquisitelyattired.Thingshehadbeenawareofinasub-consciouswaynowclearlydefinedthemselves.Herememberedherteeth,evenandwhite,herearssmallandcolouredlikeasea-shell,hereyebrowsdarkandstraight,hereyelasheslong,hermouthlikeCupid'sbow.Heremembered,too,howherrichbrownhairgrewlowinherneck,whileamassivecoilseemedtobalancehershapelyhead.

Hesmiledtohimselfatlength."HowmuchInoticed,"hesaid,"withoutseemingtonotice.Iwonderifotherpeoplethinkhersogoodtolookupon."

Hesleptbetterthatnightthanhehaddonesincehisaccident,andthroughallhisdreamsMadelineseemedtoglide,ahealingandaninspiringpresence.Heawokewithhisnervesthrillinglikeharpstrings,andahappysmileuponhislips.

Hehaddreamedthathisinventionhadrealisedathousandtimesmorethanhehadeverhopedorimagined,thatithadliftedhimintotheregionofaffluenceandpower,thathetookhisplaceamongthesuccessfulmenofhisgenerationbyrightofwhathehaddone,andthat,

thrillingwiththeknowledgeofhissuccess,hehadlaidhisheartatthefeetofMadelineGrover."Youhavebeenmyinspiration,"hesaidtoher."ButformyloveforyouIcouldnothavewroughtandstrivenasIhavedone,"andforanswershelaidherhandsinhisandliftedherfacetobekissed;andthenthetwitteringofthesparrowsundertheeavesawokehim.

"Dreamsarecuriousthings,"hesaid,thesmilestilluponhislips."NowIdreamIfail,andnowthatIsucceed.Bothdreamscannotbetrue,thatiscertain.Iwonder.Iwonder."

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HewasstillwonderingwhenMrs.Tukebroughthimanearlycupoftea.

"Haveyousleptwell?"sheasked,andtherewasasympatheticnoteinhervoicethathedidnotremembertohaveheardbefore.

"ThebestnightIhaveyethad,"hesaid,cheerfully.

"Thenyoudon'tthinkhavingsomuchcompanyyesterdaydidyouanyharm?"

"Itdidmegood,Mrs.Tuke.Iwasbeginningtomope."

"Sheisabeautifulcreature."

"Youcalledherascare-awayAmericanyesterday."

"DidI?Oh,well,yousee,Ididn'tknowhersowellthen.Besides,Ineverdeniedthatshewasgood-looking."

"Butlooksareonlyskindeep,Ihaveheardyousay."

"AndthatIsticksto.ButMissGroverhassenseandjudgment.Youshouldhaveheardhertalkyesterday.Ineverheardagirlofherage

speakwithsomuchwisdom.We'vequitetakentoeachother."

"I'mverygladtohearit."

"She'snottobejudgedbytheordinaryfoot-ruleeither."

"No?"

"InAmericagirlshavemorefreedom.Yousee,they'venokingthere,onlyapresident."

Rufuslaughed.

"Andeverybodygrowsupequal,asitwere.Girlslearntolookafterthemselvesandmentorespect'em."

"That'sasitoughttobe."

"ButthewomenofSt.Gavedwouldbeenviousenoughtobitetheirthumbsoffiftheyknewshemadeafriendofme;andwouldtalkabominable.Iknow'em,andwhattheyarecapableof."

"Someofthemcangossipabit,"hesaid,reflectively.

"Andiftheyknow'dIallowedhertoseeyou,"Mrs.Tukewenton.

"Thefatwouldbeinthefire,"heinterrupted.

"Butthey'renotgoingtoknow.DoyouthinkIdon'tknowaladywhenIseesher,andknowalsowhat'sduetoher?YoushouldhearMissGrovertalk."

"Shehasatakingwaywithher."

"No,'tisn'tthat.There'snochaffwithher,andasformyself,Ican'tabideflattery.ButIdolikecommon-sense,"andwithaself-satisfied

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smilelightinguphersevereface,Mrs.Tukebustledoutoftheroom.

Rufusclosedhiseyesandlaughedsoftly."Thelittlescare-awayAmericangotinthefirstshot,that'sevident,"hechuckled,andhekeptonsmilingtohimselfatintervalsduringtheday.

TheafternoonwasbeginningtowearawaybeforeMadelineputinanappearance.Shecameintotheroomlikeabreathofspring--gentle,fragrant,energising.Shewasnotatallshy,neitherwassheobtrusive.Therewasneveranythingself-consciousinhermovements.Shewastryingtobekind,tryingtopayinsomemeasureabigdebtofgratitudesheowed,andshewassupremelyhappyinmakingtheattempt.

"Doyouknow,Ifeelrealpleasedwithmyselfto-day,"shesaid,inherquaintAmericanway.

"Doyou?"hequestioned.

"SeemstomelivingupinabighouselikeTrewinionHall,onehasscarcelyachanceofbeingkindorneighbourly,andwhenthechancedoescome,itseemsgreat."

"Doyouthinkexclusivenessandselfishnessmeanthesamething?"

"Idon'tknow.That'sasumIhaven'tfiguredoutyet.Butwhatwouldyoulikemetoreadtoyou?"

"Anythingyoulike.Ifearyouwillnotconsidermystockofbooksveryinteresting."

"Havetheyalltodowithscienceandmechanics,andthatsortofthing?"

"No,notall."

Sherosefromherchairandwenttoatableonwhichseveralvolumeslay,andbegantoreadtheirtitles."PrinciplesofWestern

Civilisation,""TheEarth'sBeginning,""FactsandComments,""EducationandEmpire,""PhilosophyandLife."

"Ah!hereisastorybookIexpect.'TheBuriedTemple,'byMauriceMaeterlinck,"andshepickedupthebookandbegantoturnoverthepages,thenwithafaintsighshelaiditdownagain.

"WouldyouratherItalkedtoyou?"shequestioned,turningherfacetowardhimwithasmile.

"IthinkIwould,"hereplied."Iamnotmuchinthemoodforphilosophyto-day."

"Butwhyvexyourbrainswithphilosophyatall?Whatyouneedwhenyouareillisareal,goodstory.ThenexttimeIcometoseeyouI'llbringabookalongwithme."

"Whatwillyoubring?"

"Idon'tknowyet.Doyoulikepoetry?"

"Whenitispoetry."

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"Areyousureyouknowitwhenyouseeit?"andshelaughedgoodhumouredly.

"Well,Iwouldnotliketodogmatiseonthatpoint,"heanswered.

"You'vereadWhittier,ofcourse?"

"No."

"Oh,I'msorryforyou.Whittierisgreat.IlikehimheapsbetterthanyourBrowning."

"Why?"

"BecauseIunderstandhimbetter.Iexpectpoetryislikebeauty,intheeyeofthebeholder,don'tyouthinkso?Nowifpoetrydon'ttouchme,don'tthrillme,why,whateveritmaybetootherpeopleitisn'tpoetrytome.DoImakemyselfplain?"

"Quiteplain."

"NowWhittierjustsayswhatIfeel,butwhatIhaven'tthepowertoexpress;justsumsupingreat,noblewordstheholiestemotionsIhaveeverknown."

"Yes."

"ThenWhittierisamanoffaithandvision,asallpoetsmustbeiftheyaretobegreat.IlikeBrowningforthat.Heseesclear.Hedoesn'tmerelyhope,hebelieves.Henotonly'faintlytruststhelargerhope,'hebuildsontherock.Amanwhohasnofaithislikeabirdwithabrokenwing.Don'tyouthinkso?"

"Butwhatdoyoumeanbyfaith?"heasked,uneasily.

"Ah,nowyouwanttopuzzleme,"shesaid,withasmile.

"Oh,noIdon't,"hereplied,quickly."Ionlywanttogetyourmeaningclearly."

"ButI'mnotapoet,"sheanswered."I'monlyagirl,andIcan'tfindtherightwords.ButIjustmeanfaith.Seeingtheinvisible,ifImaysayso.Realisingit.Beingconsciousofit."

"Theinvisible?"hequestioned.

"Yes,God,andheaven,andimmortality.Believingalsoingoodnessandhumanityandthesacrednessofhumanlife."

"Doyoubelievethathumanlifeisaverysacredthing?"

"Why,ofcourseIdo!Whataquestiontoask."

"Doesitseemsoverystrange?"

"Why,yes.Thinkofthecarethatistakenofeverybody,eventheworthless.Thinkofallthehospitalsandasylums----"

"Yes,thatisonesideofthequestion,"hesaid."Whatwemaycallthesentimentalside.Butplacehumanlifeinthescaleagainstmoneyor

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territoryorhumanambition."

"Well?"

"Wemowmendownwithmachinegunsorblowthemupwithdynamite--notintwosorthrees,butinthousandsandtensofthousands,andthemorewekillthemoresatisfiedweare."

"Ohyes,Iknow.Thatisallveryterrible,"shesaid,withapuzzledexpressioninhereyes.

"Butwhyterrible?"hequestioned.

"Ican'texplainmyselfverywell,"sheanswered,slowly;"but,ofcourse,wemustdefendourcountry."

"Thereforecountryismoresacredthanlife."

"Ohno,youarenotgoingtocatchmethatway.Todieforone'scountrymustbegreat,heroic."

"Exactly.Therefore,incomparisonwithwhatwecallcountry--thatis,ourparticularformofgovernment,orourparticularsetofrulers,orourparticularstakeinit--whatyoucallthesacrednessofhumanlife

occupiesaverysubordinateposition."

"Butyouwouldriskyourlifeindefenceofyourcountry?"shequestioned,evasively.

"MostcertainlyIwould,"heanswered,promptly;"butthenyouseeIamnothamperedbyanynotionsrespectingthesacrednessofhumanlife."

Hewassorryamomentlaterthattheirconversationhadtakentheturnithad.Hefeltthathewouldbitehistongueoutratherthangivethissweet-eyedmaidenpain;andthathehadpainedherwastooevidentbythelookuponherface.Andyet,havinggonesofar,hewasboundtobehonest.

"IfIheldyourviews,"hewenton,"nothingwouldinducemetotakeahumanlife--neitherpatriotismnoranyotherism."

"Oh,but,"shesaid,quickly,"therearesomethingsmoresacredeventhanlife,honourforinstance,andtruth."

"Nodoubt.Butthereissurelyadifferencebetweenlosingone'slife,givingitupforthesakeofsomegreatprinciple,andtakingthelifeofanother."

"Thenyouwouldnotbeafraidtodieforsomethingyouvaluedmuch?"

"Whyshouldamanbeafraidtodieatall?Ofcourselifeissweetwhileyouhavesomethingtolivefor,buttorestandbeatpeace,shouldnotthatbesweetalso?"

"Youwanttolive?"

"NowIdo.ForthemomentIhavesomethingtolivefor.Somethingthatgiveszesttoexistenceandfillsallmydreams."

"Iamsosorrytohavedelayeditsexecution.Perhapsyouwillcometo

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itwithmorezestandinsightafterthelongrest."

"IthinkIshall,"heanswered,slowly,lookingbeyondhertowherethedaygrewredinthewest.

"IwishIcouldhelpyou,"shesaid,asifthinkingaloud;"butwomencandosolittle."

Hewithdrewhiseyesfromthewindowandlookedatheragain.

"Youwilldomuch,"hesaid,speakingearnestly.

"How?"

"Byinspiringsomeonetobegreat.Aclodwouldbecomeaherowithyour--your----"thenhebrokeoffsuddenlyandwithdrewhiseyes.

"Won'tyoufinishthesentence?"shequestioned,lookingathimshyly.

"Notto-day,"heanswered,andafewminuteslatersherosetogo.

CHAPTERXII

FAIRYLAND

Madelinedidnotputinanappearancethenextdayorthedayfollowingthat.Butonthethirddayshecameintotheroomlikearayofsunshine.

"Well,I'mhere,"shesaid,inherbright,eagerfashion;"butIwasjustterriblyafraidIwasn'tgoingtoget--therenow,isn'tthatasentencetoberemembered?"

Rufusshowedhiswelcomeineverylineofhisface.Itwasadull,rainyday,withablusteringwindfromthewestandaskythathadnotrevealedaspeckofbluesincemorning.Hehadlainmostlyinoneposition,lookingthroughthesmallwindow,watchingthetreesontheothersideoftheroadswayinginthewind,andlisteningtothefitfulpatteroftherain.

Histhoughtshadnotbeenalwaysofthemostcheerfulkind.Thedaysandweekswerepassingsurely,ifslowly,whilethegreatschemeonwhichhehadsethisheartandhishopeswasatastandstill.Hewasconscious,too,ofanewandterriblehungerthatwassteadilygrowinguponhim--ahungerforcompanionship,forsympathy,forlove.ThecomingofMadelinehadchangedhislife,changedhisoutlook,changedtheverycentreof

gravity.Nothingseemedexactlythesameasitdidbefore.Evendeathhadchangeditsface,andthepossibilityofalifebeyondforceditselfuponhisbrainwithanewinsistence.

Towinsuccesshadbeenhisambition--theonedreamofhislife.Theonlyimmortalityhedesiredwastoliveinabeneficentinventionhehadwroughtout.Nowanewdesirepossessedhim.Therewassomethingbetterthansuccess,somethingsweeterthanfame.Ifhecouldwinlove.Ifhecouldknowthejoyofaperfectsympathy.If--if----.

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Histhoughtsalwaysbrokeoffatacertainpoint.Itseemedsohopeless,sofoolish.Untilhehadwonsomekindofpositionforhimselfitwasmadnesstothinkoflove.Atpresenthewasworkingonborrowedcapital,andtherewasalwaysbeforehimthegrimpossibilitythathemightfail,andfailuremeanttheendofallthingsforhim.FelixMullershouldneverhavereasontodoubthiscourageorhishonour.

Thenhewouldstartagain,dreamingofMadeline.Thetwoprecedingdayshadseemedpainfullylong.Hehadlistenedforherfootstepsfromnoontonight.Hehadwatchedforhercomingmorethantheywhowaitforthemorning.Hehadpicturedhersmileathousandtimes,andfeltthewarmpressureofherhandinhis.

Whenatlengthsheglidedintotheroomhisheartwastoofullforspeech.Howbrightshewas,howwinsome,howoverflowingwithlifeandvivacity!Thegloomandchillofautumnwentoutoftheroomasifbymagic,andtheairwasfulloftheperfumeofspringvioletsandthewarmthofsummersunshine.

Shepulledoffherglovesandthrewthemonthetableandseatedherselfinachairnearhim.

"Haveyoubeenverydulltheselasttwoorthreedays?"shequestioned.

"Rather,"heanswered."Yousee,thefineweatherhascometoasuddenend."

"ButIguessitwillsoonclearupagain,thoughIamtoldyourEnglishclimateisnottobereliedupon."

"Theonlycertainthingaboutitisitsgloriousuncertainty."

"Well,theremaybeadvantagesinthat;there'salwaysacertaininterestinnotknowing.Don'tyouthinkso?"

"Mostthingshavetheircompensations,"hesaid,withasmile.

"Thenthere'sachanceofyourbeingcompensatedforthislongspellofsufferingandidleness."

"AsamatteroffactIhavebeencompensatedalready."

"No!inwhichway?"

"Ah,thatisnoteasytoexplain,"hesaid,turningawayhiseyes."AndyoumightnotunderstandmeifItried."

"AmIsodense?"

"Idon'tthinkyouaredenseatall.ButIamnotgoodatsayingthings

astheyoughttobesaid.Youwillsympathisewithmeinthat,Iknow."

"Oh,thatismereequivocation.Yousimplydon'twanttotellme."

"IwouldtellyoualotifIdared."

"Dared?"

"Yes.Ishouldnotliketodriveyouawayormakeyouangry.Yourfriendshipisverysweettome--thatisoneofthecompensations."

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"Thefriendshipofameregirlisworthnothingtoagrown,busyman,whoisfightingbigproblemsandaimingatgreatconquests.IfIcouldonlyhelpyouthatwouldbejustfine.Butitisofnousehankeringafterimpossiblethings,isit?SoIamgoingtoreadtoyou."

"Whatareyougoingtoread?"

"Apiececalled'SnowBound.'Nowlisten,"andforhalf-an-hourhedidnotspeak.Hervoiceroseandfellinmusicalcadence.Heclosedhiseyessothathemightcatchallthemelodyofhervoice.Thelinesshereaddidnotinteresthimatfirst.Allhisinterestwasinthesweet-eyedreader.

Buthegrewinterestedafterawhile,andwastouchedunconsciouslybythebeautifulfaithandtenderhumanitythatflashedouthereandthere.

Whenshereachedtheendheopenedhiseyesandlookedather,herlipswerestillapart,hereyesaglowwithemotion.Shewasnolongerthebright,merryirresponsiblegirl.Sheseemedtohavechangedsuddenlyintoastrong,great-souledwoman.

"Wouldyoumindreadingafewstanzasoveragain?"hequestioned,afterapause.

"Withpleasure."

"Beginning,'Otimeandchange.'"

"Yes,Iknow,"andsheopenedthebookagain.Helistenedwithintenseeagerness.Shedroppedhervoicealittlewhenshecametothewords:

AlasforhimwhoneverseesThestarsshinethroughhiscypresstrees!Who,hopeless,layshisdeadaway,NorlookstoseethebreakingdayAcrossthemournfulmarblesplay!

WhohathnotlearnedinhoursoffaithThetruthtofleshandsenseunknown,ThatLifeiseverLordofdeath,AndLovecanneverloseitsown!

Sheclosedthebookagainandwaitedforhimtospeak.

"Itisabeautifulthought,"hesaid,withoutopeninghiseyes."Ifonecouldonlybesureitistrue."

"Besurethatwhatistrue?"sheasked,inatoneofsurprise.

"ThatLifeiseverLordofdeath.ThatLovecanneverloseitsown."

"Whydoyouthinktherecanbeanydoubtaboutit?"

Heopenedhiseyesagainandlookedather,andhisheartsmotehim.Itwouldbeacruelthingtodisturbhersereneandsimplefaithwithhisowndoubts.Almostforthefirsttimeinhislifehefelttheutterfutilityoftheagnostic'screed.Ithadnothingtoofferbutacatalogueofnegations.Totheparchedandthirstylipsitplacedanemptycup,andbeforetiredandlongingeyesitheldupablankcanvas.

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Hehadgrownoutofhisreligiouscreedashehadgrownoutofhispinafores.Hisheartandhisintellectalikehadrevoltedagainstthenarroworthodoxyofhisgrandfather.Hehadbeendrivenfartherintothebarrendesertofnegationsbythepitifulparodyofreligionexhibitedbyecclesiasticalorganisations,andtocompletetheworkFelixMullerhadinoculatedhimwiththeviewsofGermanmaterialists.Hefancied,likemanyanothermanwhohadfollowedinthesametrack,thathehadgottothebed-rockatlast,thataftermuchdelvinghehadfoundthetruth,thewholetruth,andnothingbutthetruth.

Yetitwastruththatbroughtnohope,nocomfort,noinspiration.Hewasnoteagertoproclaimittoothers.Menwouldbejustaswelloffiftheyneverreachedthis_ultimaThule_--perhaps,betteroff.TopersuadementhattherewasnoGod,norheaven,norimmortality,thatthislifewasallandthegravetheend,wasnotthekindofthingtoinspirementogreatdeedsorheroicachievements.

Hisintellectmightmockatthesimplefaithofthesweet-eyedmaiden.Hemighthonestlybelievethatshewaslivinginafool'sparadise.Butifitwasaparadiseandtherewasnothingbeyondit,whydisturbher?Ifdeathendedeverything,letherenjoyherparadiseaslongaspossible.Ifitwastheonlyparadiseshewouldeverhave,itwouldbesheercrueltytodriveheroutofit.

Ifhedestroyedherfaith,whathadhetogivehertofillitsplace?Therewasnothinginastringofnegationstosatisfythehungerofahumansoul.Grantedthatherfaithwasfolly,thatherreligionwaspuresuperstition,therewasnodenyingthatitwasaverybeautifulsuperstition,thatitinvestedlifewithagrandeurthatnothingelsecouldgivetoit.

And,afterall,washesosurethathehadfoundtheultimatetruth?Hehadinscribedonhislittlebanner_Neplusultra_,buthadheanyrighttodogmatisemorethanothers?Theremightbeafarther"beyond"whichfaithcouldpierce.Theremightbetruthwhichfleshandsensecouldneverapprehend.Theremightbespiritaswellasmatter.

"Ishouldlikeyoutoreadmemorefromthesamebook,"hesaid,atlength.

"Oh!Iwilldothatwithpleasure,"shesaid,eagerly."IknewyouwouldlikemydearoldQuakerpoet."

"Hehasthegiftofexpression,"heanswered,cautiously.

Thenshebegantoread"TheEternalGoodness,"slowlyandreverently.

Heclosedhiseyesagain,andlistenedwithwraptattention.Thebeautifulfaithofthepoetseemedtostrikeanewchordinhisbeing.Moreover,thereligioninwhichhehadbeenreared,andfromwhichhe

hadbrokenaway,seemedanoblerandaDivinerthingthanithadeverappearedtohimbefore.Strippedofitshumanglossesandparaphrases,releasedfromtherustyfettersofdogma,statedinsimplelanguage,itawokeadormantemotioninhisnaturethathadneverbeentoucheduntilnow.

"Wouldyoumindleavingthebookwithmewhenyougo?"hequestioned,whenshehadfinished.

"OfcourseIwillleaveit,"sheanswered.

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"IamafraidIshallnotseesomuchwhenIreaditformyself,"hewenton."Thereissomuchintherightemphasisbeinggiven."

"Doyoumeanmetotakethatasacompliment?"shequestioned,playfully.

"Notasanemptycompliment,"heanswered,gravely."Youreadbeautifully."

Shedidnotreplytothat,buthereyesglowedwithpleasure.

Duringthenextweekortendayshelivedinakindoffairyland.Everynowandthenhehadanunpleasantfeelingthathewouldwakeupsoonerorlaterwithastarttodiscoverthatthegoldwasonlytinsel,thattheripplingstreamsweredry,andthegreenandshadymeadowsahotandariddesert.

EverydayortwoMadelinecametoseehim--camequitenaturallyandwithoutceremony.Shedidnothidefromherselfthefactthatshelikedtocome.Shefranklyadmittedthatshelikedtheinvalid.Shetoldherselfthatshewouldbeanungratefullittlewretchifshedidn't.Hehadsavedherlife,andsaveditatterriblerisktohimselfandterriblesuffering,anditwouldbeselfish,indeed,onherpartifshe

didnottrytocheerandbrightenthelongdaysthathewasenduring,andenduringsopatientlyonheraccount.

Moreover,RufusSternewasnoordinaryman.Hebelongedtoatypeshehadnotmetbefore.Asyetshedidnotknowhowtodescribehim.Hewasmoreorlessofamysterytoher,andthatinitselfkindledandsustainedherinterest.Mostoftheyoungmenshehadmetshe"sawthrough"intenminutes,andinhalf-an-hourhadweighedthemup,classifiedandlabelledthem.

ButRufusSternebaffledher.Hewasaltogethertoocomplexforhersimpleandeasymethodofanalysis,toomassiveforhersix-inchrule.Attimesheseemedtoherahugebundleofcontradictions.Hisface

couldbeassternasthegranitecliffs,hissmileassweetandwinningasspringsunshine.Attimeshewasassilentandmysteriousasthesphinx,atothertimesbrimmingoverwithmirthandmerriment.Hispassionfortruthandrightfilledherwithadmiration,hisapparentindifferencetoallreligionstruckherwithdismay.Hewasamanofthepeopleintheory,inpracticehelivedalone,remoteandfriendless.

Itseemedtohersometimesawonderfulcondescensiononhispartthathedeignedtonoticeheratall.Likemostofhersex,shedidnotinherheartthinkmuchofgirls.Shewoulddefendthemreadilyenoughiftheywereattacked,andifdrivenintoacornerwouldacclaimtheirsuperiorityovermen;butinrealityshethoughtlittleofthem.Inthemaintheyweresmallandniggling,andnotparticularlymagnanimous.

Neitherdidsheplaceherselfaninchhigherthantheaveragegirl.Shewasasconsciousofherownlimitationsasanybody.

Hence,thatthisstrong,self-reliantman,whowasfightingtheworldsingle-handed,andtoilingtocompletesomegreatinvention,shouldmakeherhisfriend,tellherthatherfriendshipwasverysweettohim,wasacomplimentgreaterthanhadeverbeenpaidtoherbefore.

ShehadneverplacedRufusSterneforamomentinthesamecategorywithGervaseTregony.Gervasewasonherownlevel.Hewasnottohera

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mysteriousandunexploredcountry.Sheknewhimthoroughly,knewwhathewascapableof;hadsoundedallhisdepthsandtabulatedallhisqualifications.

Hence,Gervaseneverover-awedher;nevermadeherfeelsmallorinsignificant.Onthewhole,shethoughtshelikedhimallthebetterforthat.Gervasemightnotbeprofound--thatwashardlytobeexpectedinasoldier;hemightnotbemorallysensitive--thatalsowasincompatiblewiththeprofession.Buthewasagoodsort,soshebelieved.Abitroughandover-mastering,butgenerousatheart.Notvexedbysocialorpoliticalproblems,butfondoflife,andintentonhavingagoodtimeofitifhehadtheopportunity.

ShehadneverdoubtedforamomentthatsheandGervasewouldgetonexcellentlytogether.Indeed,theyappearedtohavebeendesignedforeachother,andyetshehadhesitatedtoaccepthisproposal,andeverydayherhesitationgrewmoreandmorepronounced.

ThefascinationofRufusSterne'spersonalityintensifiedasthedayspassedaway.Heradmirationforhischaracterincreased.Therewasnothingsmallorpettyornigglingabouthim.ShedidnotcomparehimwithGervaseTregony,andyetunconsciouslyshefoundherselfcontrastingthetwomen--contrastingthemtoGervase'sdisadvantage.

Andyetinherheartshewasveryloyaltothemanwhohadproposedtoher--themanwhohadcaptivatedhergirlishimaginationbyhissplendiduniformandmasterfulways.

HerfeelingtowardsRufuswasofadifferentorder.Atfirstitwasmerelyasenseofgratitude;laterongratitudebecamesuffusedwithsympathy;butasthedayspassedaway,otheringredientswereadded,themostmarkedbeingadmiration.Hisstrength,hispatience,hisreticence,allcalledforthherapproval,tillintimehebecamesomethingofaheroinhereyes.

AndallthistimeRufusyieldedhimselfmoreandmoretothewitcheryofherpresence,andfeltinsomerespectsabettermaninconsequence.

Therewerecompensations,nodoubt.Herverypresencecreatedanatmospherethatsoftenedandhumanisedhim.Hishard,defiantcynicismmeltedbeforehersmilelikesnowinspringsunshine.Theirconversationstouchedandunlockedspringsofemotionthathadbeensealedforyears;thebooksandpoemsshereadtohimbroadenedhishorizonandledhimtore-openquestionsthatheimaginedwereclosed.Hersmile,hervoice,herlook,setallhisnervestomusic,andmadelifeamorebeautifulthingthaneverithadseemedbefore.

Butheknewallthetimethattherewouldcomeanawakeningsoonerorlater.Theywereliketwohappychildrensaunteringthroughgreenandpleasantglades,screenedfromthestormandreckingnaughtofthedesertbeyond.

Forhimselfheavoidedlookingintothefuture.Hewouldenjoythesunshineandtheflowersaslongaspossible.Inthelongintervalsbetweenhervisitsherecalledtheirconversations,andre-readthepiecestowhichhervoicehadgivensomuchmeaningandmelody.Moreover,heturnedthepagesofthebooksshehadlenthimandcommittedtomemorysomeofthepassagesshehadmarked.Theyweresweettohimbecauseshelovedthem.

Soallunconsciouslyhestrayedbackfromtheharddesertofnegations

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inwhichhehadwanderedsolong.Becausehelovedthissweetflower,helovedallflowersforhersake.Indeed,lovebecamethemediumthroughwhichhelookedatallthings;fardistancesbecamenear,andnewandwiderhorizonsloomedbeyond.

Whateverpainmightcometohimlateron,thememoryofthesedayswouldremainaninspirationtohim.Tohavelovedsotrulywassurelyinitselfanennoblingthing.Nothingwouldevertakeoutofhislifethesegoldenthreadsthathadbeenwovenintoitstexture.Thesongmightcease,thevoiceofthesingerbehushed,buttheechoofthesongwouldremaininhishearttotheverylast.

Soheenjoyedthosebright,peacefuldaystothefull,andtriednottoanticipatethefuture."Sufficientuntothedayistheevilthereof,"hesaidtohimself.Butthedayofawakeningwasnearerthanhethought.

CHAPTERXIII

THEAWAKENING

RufushadnotseenMadelineforthreewholedays,andhadbeguntowonderwhathadhappened.Onthefourthday,however,shecameduringtheforenoon.

"Itwasnowornever,"shesaid,bywayofexplanation;"thehousehasbeenfullofpeopleduringthelastthreedays,andthisafternoonsomeothersarecoming.SoIhadtopretend!"

"Pretend?"hequestioned.

"I'mafraidthey'regettingsuspicious,"shereplied.

"Suspiciousofwhat?"

"ThatI'mnotsogreatastudent,orsodevotedtomybooks,asIseemtobe.SoIhadtopretendIwasgoingtowritetotheCaptain!"

"WhatCaptain?"

Shelaughed."Oh!there'sonlyoneCaptain,asfarastheTregonysareconcerned,andthat,ofcourse,isGervase.Doyouknowhim?"

"I'veseenhim,ofcourse;butIhaveneverspokentohim."

"He'sveryhandsome,isn'the?"

"Ireallydon'tknow,"heanswered,bluntly;"ithadneveroccurredtome."

"Isupposemendon'tnoticesuchthingswheremenareconcerned,"shesaid,reflectively;"butinhisuniformheisjustsuperb."

"Thenyouthinkfinefeathersmakefinebirds?"

"Well,insomerespects,yes,"sheanswered,slowly,"thoughGervaselookshandsomeinordinaryeveningdress."

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Thensilencefellforseveralseconds.ThesubjectwasoneinwhichRufuswasnotgreatlyinterested,andasyetnotasuspicionofthetruthhaddawneduponhim."DoyoulikeGervase?"shesaidatlength,speakingabruptly.

Thequestiontookhimbysurprise,andalmostthrewhimoffhisguard.Asamatteroffact,hedidnotlikehim,andwasonthepointofsayingso,butcheckedhimselfintime."Whydoyouaskthatquestion?"hestammered,evasively.

"Well,yousee,"sheanswered,quitefrankly,"theywantmetomarryhim."

"Tomarryhim?"hequestioned,raisinghiseyebrowsinastonishment.

"Youwon'tthinkitstrangemytalkingtoyouaboutthematter,willyou?"shesaid,withperfectsimplicity."Yousee,apartfromtheTregonys,Ihaven'tafriendinallEnglandexcept--exceptyou."

"Itiskindofyoutolookuponmeasyourfriend,"hesaid,withheightenedcolour.

"No,no;itistheotherwayabout,"sheanswered;"allthekindnessis

onyourpart."

Thentherewasanothermomentofsilence.Hefeltstunned,bewildered,andwasalmostafraidtospeaklestheshouldbetrayhisfeelings.

"Ioughttohavewrittendaysanddaysago,"shewenton,atlength."Yousee,heexpectstobehomebytheNewYearatlatest.SirCharleshopesthathewillbeabletoeathisChristmasdinnerwithus.And--and--SirCharles,andGervasealso,wouldliketohavethemattersettledbeforehecomeshome."

"Yes?"

"Oh,well!IhardlyknowwhyIhavehesitated.IexpectitisthatIamnaturallyobstinate.Whennobodysaidawordaboutthematter,andIthoughtnobodycaredverymuch--why--why,Ilookeduponthematterasgoodassettled,"andsheblushedquitefranklyandsmiledasshedidso.

"Andhavetheybecomeanxiousallatonce?"

"Oh!Idon'tknow.SirCharlestellsmethatitwasawishofmyfather'slongbeforehedied,andthatnothingwouldpleasehimsomuch,andallthat.AndreallyitlooksasifGervaseandIweremeantforeachother."

"Doyoubelieveinfateordestiny?"hequestioned,moisteninghislipswiththetipofhistongue.

"No,butIbelieveinProvidence,"sheanswered,promptly.

"ButhowcanyoubesurewhatProvidencemeans?"heasked."IfProvidencespeakshowdoyouknowyouhaveinterpretedthemessagearight?"

"Yes,thereissomethinginthat,"shesaid,reflectively."Ontheother

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hand,onemustbecarefulnottoflyinthefaceofProvidence."

"AdmittingyourtheoryofaProvidence,"hesaid,slowly,"isnotthetrueProvidenceourheartandjudgment?Mustwenotinthelastresortfallbackonwhatwefeelandbelievetoberight?"

"Yes,goon,"shesaid,eagerly.

"Andifonegoesagainsthisownheart--hisowninstinctsifyoulike--ifoneignoreshisownclearjudgment,wouldnotthatbeflyinginthefaceofwhatyoucallProvidence?"

"Butisourownhearttobetrusted?"shequestioned;"andisnotourjudgmentoftenblind?"

"Shouldwebewiserintrustingtosomebodyelse'sheartandjudgment?"

"Wemightbe.Yousee,Iamonlyagirl.Ihavehadnoexperience.Iknowverylittleoftheworldoritsways.Ontheotherhand,hereisSirCharles.Heisgettingold.Heknowsagooddealmorethanthereisinthecopy-books.Thentherewasmyfather;hedidnottalktomeaboutthematter,butfromwhatIknownowhetalkedfreelytoSirCharles.ThenthereisGervase,he'soverthirty,andhasseenagooddealoftheworld,andhe'squitesure.Andthenthereismyself,andIthink

Gervaseisoneinathousand.So,yousee,allthestreamsappeartobeflowinginthesamedirection,andthatlooksaclearindicationofProvidence.Now,doesn'tit?"

"IfyouareconvincedIshouldsaynothingelsematters,"heanswered,withavertedeyes.

"Well,there'sonlyonethingthatworriesme,"shesaid,thoughtfully;"andthat'sonlyworriedmelately."

"Yes?"

"Iusedtothinknothingelsematteredsolongasonecouldenjoy

himselforherself.Thattohaveagoodtimewasthechiefendoflife.GervaseisretiringfromtheArmy,andintendstodonothingfortherestofhisdays."

"Well?"

"Itseemstomeamuchnoblerthingtodosomething.YoutoldmeoncethatIshouldinspiresomebodytogreatdeeds.ButthatwouldberatherhardonGervaseafterhehasrougheditforsomanyyears."

"Ifyouinspirehim,itwillnotbehardship,"heanswered.

"IamnotsurethatIcould,"shesaid,turningherhead,andlooking

outofthewindow."Heisverybraveandfearless,andallthat.Butthegreatthingsthatworkforhumangood--well,yousee,heisnotaninventorlikeyou."

"Donotmockme,"hesaid,almostfiercely."Mypoorschememayneverseethelight."

"Oh,yesitwill.Youareboundtosucceed.Youarenotthekindofmantogiveupindespair."

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"Giveupwhatindespair?"

"Anythingonwhichyouhavesetyourheart.You'relikeGervaseinthatrespect,anditisaqualityIadmireimmenselyinaman."

"Butwhatiftwostrongmensettheirheartsonthesamething?"

"Whatthing?"

"Oh,anything.Awoman,forinstance,"hesaid,withaforcedlaugh.

"Ah,thenIexpectthestrongerandtheworthierwouldwin."

"Dowomenadmirestrengthandworthsomuch?Dotheynotratheradmirepositionandnameandtitle?Hasthepoormanachanceagainsttherich;theplainmananychanceagainstgoldlaceandepaulets?"

"Noonecanspeakinthenameofallwomen.ButImustrunawaynoworSirCharlesmaygotomyroominsearchofme."

"Willyouwriteyourletterto-day?"

"Idon'tknow.VerylikelyIshallifIcanfindtime."

"Andwillyousay'Yes?'Pardonmebeingsoinquisitive."

"Oh,IexpectIshall,"shesaid,withasmile."Itseemstheproperthingtodo.GervaseandIappeartohavebeenmeantforeachother."

"Ihopeyouwillbehappy,"hesaid,holdingouthishandtoher."Good-bye."

Half-an-hourlaterMrs.Tukefoundhimstaringfixedlyoutofthewindowasthoughhehadbeenturnedtostone.Thetreeswerestillswayinginthewind,buthedidnotseethem.Throughbreaksinthecloudsbrightgleamsofsunshineshotintotheroomeverynowandthen,buthedidnotheed.Fromoverthecliffscamethefaintroarofthesea,buthedid

nothear.Theworldhadbecomesuddenlydarkandsilent.Thefairygardenhadvanished,leavingableakcolddesertinitsplace;hisheartseemedtohavestoppedbeating.Forthemomentallinteresthadgoneoutoflife.Healmostwishedthathecouldclosehiseyesinsleepandneverawakeagain.

"Areyougettingimpatienttogetoutofdoors?"Mrs.Tukequestioned.

"Itwillbearelieftogetoutagain,"heanswered,absently.

"Well,I'mboundtosayyou'vebeenwonderfullypatient,allthingsconsidered.Butthen,asIoftensay,whatcan'tbecuredmustbeendured."

"Yes;that'ssoundphilosophy."

"Andthenyou'vebeenwelllookedafter."

"Yes;youareanexcellentnurse,Mrs.Tuke,andIshallalwaysbegrateful."

"Oh,Iwasnotthinkingofmyselfinparticular,"Mrs.Tukesaid,withhumility."ThedoctorshaveattendedtoyouasifyouwereSirCharles

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himself.AndasforthatsweetcreatureMissGrover,she'sjustasunbeam."

"Yes;she'sdelightfulcompany."

"Youknow,it'smybelief,"Mrs.Tukesaid,mysteriously,"thatthefolksattheHallhaven'ttheghostofanideathatshe'sbeencomingheretoseeyou."

"Whatleadsyoutothinkthat?"

"Oh,well,fromlittle'intsshe'sdroppednowandthen;butofcourse,timewilltell,"andMrs.Tukebegantomakepreparationsforhismiddaymeal.

Timedidtell,andtellmuchsoonerthananyoneanticipated.Thenextmorning'spostbroughtaletterfromMadelinewhichscatteredthelastremnantsoffairyland.

"I'mafraidIshallnotbeabletocomeandseeyouagain,"itbegan."SirCharleshasfoundout,andhe'sangrierthanI'veeverseenhim.Hesaysit'smostimproper,andthatIoughttobeashamedofmyself.Suchalecturehe'sreadtomeasIguessyouneverlistenedto.Ifhehadn'tbeensograveandseriousIshould

havefiredupandgivenhimapieceofmymind.Isuppose,accordingtoEnglishcustoms,I'vedonesomethingrealawful.Anyhow,myheartdoesn'tcondemnme,andifI'velightenedyoursufferingwithmychattereversolittleI'mrealglad.AslongasIliveIshallbeinyourdebt,andIshallneverforgetiteither.ItseemsrealstupidthatjustbecauseI'magirlI'mnotallowedtoplaythepartofadecentneighbour.Englandisawfullybehindinsomethings,andyourMrs.Grundyisaterror.

"However,I'vegottoobey,Isuppose.Yousee,SirCharlesismytrusteetillI'mtwenty-one,andhe'sangrierthanasnakeatthepresentmoment,andasI'mherebyhisfavour,whyIcan'tquitedowhatIwouldlike.ButIshallthinkofyoueveryday,andprayfor

you,andwhenyougetwellandyourgreatinventionhasastonishedeverybody,noneofyourfriendswillrejoicemoreorbeprouderofyouthanIshall.Idon'tknowifit'saproperthingtosay,butI'vesaidit,andit'llhavetostand.Onehastobeconstantlylookingroundthecornerinthisoldcountryofyours.Ihopeyouwillbeaswellaseversoon,andthatyouwon'tthinktoohardlyofthefoolishgirlwhocausedyouraccident.Ifyouwouldliketokeepmybooksforyourself,Ishallberealglad.Whittierisgreat,don'tyouthinkso?Good-byetillwemeetagain.Yoursverysincerely,

"MADELINEGROVER."

Rufusreadtheletterwithverymingledfeelings.Thereweretouchesinitthatalmostbroughtthetearstohiseyes.Theassurancethatshewouldthinkofhimeverydayandprayforhimmovedhimstrangely.HewouldhavetoldMrs.Tuke,orthevicar,oranyoneelsethathehadnofaithinprayer;thatthewholenetworkofreligiousbeliefwasaningenioussuperstition.Yet,withcuriousinconsistency,thethoughtofMadelineprayingforhimwasundoubtedlycomforting.Thegeneraleffectoftheletter,however,waslikethatproducedbyaheavyblow.Comingafterherownsimpleandnaiveconfessionofthepreviousdayitseemedalmosttoparalysehim.Hescarcelyrealisedhowmuchhervisitshad

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beentohimtillnow,andtheknowledgethatshewouldnotcomeagain,thatherfaceandsmilewouldnomorebrightenthatlittleroom,waslikethesuddenfallingofnightwithoutthepromiseofrestandsleep.

Asthedaypassedawayandhewasabletothinkoverthematteralittlemorecalmly,hetriedtopersuadehimselfthatSirCharles'sinterpositionwasthebestthingthatcouldhavehappened.Thatsinceanyvaguehopehemighthavecherishedofwinningherlovewasnowatanend,itwasdesirablefromeverypointofviewthatheshouldnotmeetherorevenseeher.

"Theawakeningwasboundtocome,"hesaidtohimself,tryinghardtoberesigned."Iknew,ofcourse,fromthebeginningthatshewasnotforme,IwouldhavekeptmyselffromlovingherifIcould;butitwasjustbeyondme.ShewonmyheartbeforeIknew."

Andyetthebitterestdropinthecupwasnotthatshewasbeyondhisreach,butthatGervaseTregony,wouldpossesstheprize.Hehadnowishtobecensorious,anditmightbequitetruethatGervasewouldcomparefavourablywithmostyoungmeninhisownwalkoflife.Hehadnotbeenbroughtuponpuritaniclines.Moreover,astheonlysonoftheSquireandheirtothetitleandestatesitwasgenerallyconcededinanoff-handwaythatsomelatitudeoughttobeallowed.Therichclaimedalargerlibertyoralargerlicencethanthepoor,andhowevermuchthe

poorresenteditintheirhearts,usuallytheysaidnothing.Protestsdidnogood,andtogetintotheblackbooksoftheSquirewasnotamattertoberegardedwithindifference.

Ifpeoplewithgrown-upfamilieslookedalittleanxiouswhenitwasknownthatGervasewastobeinresidenceattheHall,andraisedthedomesticfenceafewincheshigherthanusual--therewasreasoninthepastannalsofSt.Gaved'shistory.

Rufus,withhisinnatechivalry,andhisromanticreverenceforwomenasawhole,recoiledwithafeelingalmostofloathingatthethoughtofGervaseTregonytakingsosweetandpureasoultohisheartasMadelineGrover.Wasittrue,hewondered,thatwomendidnotcarewhataman's

pasthadbeen;thattheyacceptedwithoutdemurasocialorderthatcondonedanyandeveryoffencesolongasnopublicscandalwasproduced?Or,wasitthatyoungwomenweredeliberatelykeptinignoranceofwhatwascommonknowledge?

Hespentseveralmoreorlesswakefulnightsinstrivingagainsthisownheart,andintryingtocultivateaphilosophicattitudewhichshouldgivetheimpressionofasupremeunconcern.Fortunately,thebrokenbonewassofarknitthathisdoctorsallowedhimtohobbleaboutonapairofcrutches,andthoughhewasnotableyettodoanywork,hecouldcontemplatesomeofthethingshehaddone,andshapeinhismindwhatyetremainedtobeaccomplished.

Hegotoutofdoorsasmuchaspossible,buthewasstillweak,whilehiscrutchesweresuchunwieldythingsthathequicklygottired.Hisfavouriteresting-placewasbythegardengate,hecouldseethepeopleastheypassedupanddownthestreet,andoftenhaveafewminutes'chatwithhisneighbours.Hescarcelydaredtoadmitthetruthtohimself,buttherewasalwaysalingeringhopeinhisheartthatMadelinemightcomeintothevillageforsomepurpose,perhapstodoalittleshopping,andthathisheartmightbecheeredbyasightofherface.

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Mrs.Tuke'scottagestoodatapointwherethe"town"endedandthecountrybegan.TowardtheQuaythehousesweregenerallyclosetogether,andabuttedontothesidewalk,butintheotherdirection,thereweremoretreesandfencesthanhouses,andnearlyallthecottageshadgardensinfrontofthem.Hence,whenRufusstoodorsatatthegardengate,helookeddown"thestreet"inonedirection,andup"thelane"intheother.

ThelaneledawayinthedirectionofTrewinionHall,andifMadelinecameintothetownshewouldmorelikelythannotpassMrs.Tuke'scottage.Inanycase,shewouldcomeveryneartoit.

Rufuslookedupthelanefiftytimesaday,andsometimeshisheartwouldflutterforamomentassomegirlishfigurecameintosight.ButMadelinenevercame.

Then,oneevening,whilechattingwithDr.Chester,thedoctormentionedincidentallythattheSquirehadlefttheHallandhadtakenuphisresidenceinLondontillthemiddleofDecember.

Rufusheavedalittlesigh,buthedidnotpursuethetopic.Itseemedtohimlikethelastnailinthecoffinwhereinlayhiddenallthewilddreamsandunexpressedlongingsandhopesofhisheart.MadelinewastobestrictlyguardeduntilthereturnofGervasefromIndia,andthen,

perhaps,beforeshehadfullyrealisedwhatshewasdoing,orbeforeshehadanopportunityofgettingatrueestimateofhischaracter,shewouldbetiedtohimforlife.

"Itisnobusinessofmine,"hesaidtohimself;"sheisentirelyoutofmysphere,andevenifshewerenot,itwouldbefoolishofme,underpresentcircumstances,tothinkofanywoman."

Buthisheartprotestedallthesame.ForMadelinetomarryGervaseTregonyseemedtohimanoffenceagainstallthatwassacredinhumanlife.

CHAPTERXIV

EVOLUTION

ItwantedaweektoChristmas.Rufussatinhiseasychairwithhisfeetonthefenderandanopenbookonhisknee.Hehadbeenhardatworktilldark,afterwhichhehadtakenamile'swalkintothecountry,andwasnowwaitingforhissuppertobebroughtin.Hewasnotimpatient,however.ThebookhehadbeenreadingwasonethatMadelineGroverhadleftwithhim.AvolumeofTennyson,containingnearlyallthepoet's

publishedwork,and,aswasnearlyalwaysthecase,thewriterhadsethimthinkingontheproblemsoflifeanddeathandimmortality.

Outwardlytherehadbeennochangeinhislifeduringthelasttwoorthreemonths.Directlyhisdoctorsgavehimpermissionheturnedagaintohisinvention,gladofthereliefthatworkafforded.Asfarashecouldjudge,hewasmoving,slowlybutsurely,tocompletesuccess.Thethoughtoffailureveryrarelycrossedhismind.

Butwhileoutwardlytherewasnochange,inwardlytherewasadistinct

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evolution.Hefoundhimselfunconsciouslyviewinglifefromadifferentstandpoint.Itwaseasytolaughattheclaimsofpriestsandprelates,andtopokefunatmustyandworn-outcreeds.EasytoriddlewithmercilesslogicthestupendousdogmasoftheChurches,andthemonumentalfolliesofso-calledtheologians,butwhenallthathadbeendonetohiscompletesatisfaction,hewasnonearerthesolutionoftheriddleoflife.

Moreover,hebecamepainfullyconsciousofthefactthataphilosophyofdenialswasnotsufficient.Hewantedsomethingdefiniteandsomethingpositive.Aniconoclastmightbeaveryusefulindividual;butwhenthedestructiveprocesshadbeencompleted,wastherenothingmoretobedone?Weretherenopositiveblocksoftruthwithwhichtoerectatemple?Therewerequestionsinstinctiveinthehumansoulwhichaskedforananswer.Hadthebroaduniversenoanswertogive?Hadfaithnoplaceintheeternalandimmeasurablescheme.

Ifsciencecouldnotprove,ifphilosophyhaltedandbrokedown,wastherenothingleft?Wasreligionathingtobedismissedwithasneer?Mightnotfaithbeastrulyafacultyofthehumansoulasreason?

Soallunconsciouslyheretracedhisstepsfromthebarrenrealmofnegationtotheregionofinquiry.Heceasedtobedogmatic.Materialismdidnotexplaineverything.Theology,likeothersciences,mightbe

empirical,andyetitsgroundworkandframeworkmightstillbetruth.

Whenamanbeginstoinquirehebeginstogrow,whenheceasestoinquirethewinterofdecaysetsin.Moreover,itisnottheprovinceofthehumanwilltodeterminethedirectionofgrowth.Itmaybeupwardoroutward,inthisdirectionorinthat.Themindpursuesitswaywithanunerringinstinctastherootsoftreesfollowthecoursesofthesprings.

Rufushadbeenreading"CrossingtheBar"forthefiftiethtime,andnowhesatwiththeopenbookonhisknees,wonderingwherehewasintellectuallyandreligiously.Herefusedhowever,toquestionhimselftooclosely.Hepreferredforthepresenttodrift.Somedayhemight

sightland,andfindasafeanchorage.

Yetoneortwothingswerebecomingdailymoreclear.Onewas,thatinanyperfectschemeafuturelifewasnecessarytothecompletionofthis.Anotherwas,thathumanlife,ifonlybecauseofitsrelationshipsandpossibilities,wasamoresacredthingthanheatonetimehadbeenwillingtogrant.Andathirdwas,thatlovewasnotamerephysicalormentalaffinity.Itwassomethingthatwentfartherandstruckdeeper.Itwasasoulrelationthatremaineduntouchedandindependentoftimeandchange.

HehadnotseenMadelineGroverforconsiderablymorethantwomonths.Nomessageorwhisperhadpassedbetweenthem.Inthechancesofhuman

lifeheknewthathemightneverspeaktoheragain.Yethisloveremainedfixedandunshaken.Itwasnotsomethingthathehadputonasanextragarment,andthatinthewearandtearoflifehemightloseagain.Itwaspartofhimself--wovenintothefibreofhisbeing.

PerhapshisloveforMadeline,morethananythingelse,madehimthinkoftheproblemofimmortality.Whittierhadsaid:

LifeiseverLordofDeath,AndLovecanneverloseitsown.

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HowwellherememberedthatafternoonwhenMadelineread"Snow-Bound"tohim,inwhichtheselinesoccurred.Hehadneverbeenabletogetthemoutofhismindsince.Theyhadfollowedhimlikeahauntingechoofsomethinglongforgotten,hadstirredhisheartwithathousandvaguehopesanddreams.

IfLovecouldneverloseitsown,Madelinemightyetbehis.Insomefar-awayregionbeyondthereachofhumanvision,beyondthestressandpassionofearth,beyondthedarknessandthedoubting,beyondtheravagesoftimeandtrouble,theymightmeetagain--thesoulfindingitsmateandlifeitseternalcomplement.

Madelinehadahabitofmarkingwithapencilthepassagesinabooksheliked,andinoneofthevolumessheleftbehindhefoundthesewordsmarkedwithadoublelinedownthemargin:

IsometimesthinkthatheavenwillbeAgreenplaceandanorchardtree,AndonesweetAngelknowntome.

Couldhehaveputhiswildestdreamsandlongingsintowords,nothingcouldhavefittedbetter.Itexpressedalltheheavenhewanted--allthebeauty,andallthecompanionshiphissouldesired.

Hewasdisturbedinhismeditationsbyaknockontheouterdoor,andaminuteortwolaterheheardafamiliarvoiceinthepassageinquiringifhewereathome.

Herosetohisfeetinamoment,andpushedTennysonintoadarkcorneroutofsight.Thenthedoorofhissitting-roomwasflungopen,andFelixMullerenteredunannounced.Rufusgreetedhimwithalookofinquiryinhiseyes--aninquiry,however,whichhedidnotattempttoshapeintowords.

Mullermadehiswaytothefireatonce,andspreadhishandsoverthegrate."It'sagloriousnight,"hesaid,"butcold.Theroadsareas

hardasiron,andthemoonmakesitalmostaslightasday."

"Haveyoudrivenover?"Rufusinquired.

"Yes,IhadtoseeFarmerUdyatLongridge,andsoIthoughtasIwassonear,Iwoulddrivealittlefartherandseeyou.Howhaveyoubeengettingonthislongtime?"

"Fairlywellonthewhole,Ithink.Ofcourse,myaccidentupsetallmycalculationsforawhile,butatpresentthingsaremovingsteadilyandintherightdirection."

"That'sright,I'mgladtohearit.Andwhendoyouthinkthethingwill

beproperlylaunched?"

"Well,itisnoteasytosaypositively,butIshouldgivesixmonthsasanoutsidelimit."

"Youexpectedatfirstthatthewholethingwouldbecompletedinsixmonths."

"Thatistrue,butIhadnotreckonedonthecontingencyofabrokenleg."

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"Butapartfromyouraccidentyouwereoutofyourcalculations."

"Alittle.Whenyouaredependenttosolargeanextentuponotherpeople,itisimpossibletobeabsolutelysureastodates."

"Thenyoursixmonthsmayrunintoninemonths?"

"Oh,no;sixmonthsmoregivesawidemarginforeverycontingency."

Mullerwithdrewfromthefireanddroppedintoaneasy-chairthatRufushadpulledroundforhim.

Foramomentortwotherewassilence,thenMuller,divinghishandintohisbreast-pocket,saidinhismostcasualtone,"Youdon'tmindmyhavingasmoke,doyou?"

"Mydearfellow,Ibegyourpardon,"Rufussaid,hurriedly,"butthetruthisIwaswaitingforsupper;won'tyouhavesomethingtoeatfirst?Thecolddriveoughttohavegivenyouanappetite!"

"Well,nowthatyoumentionit,IthinkIdofeelabitpeckish."

"Youwillhavetobecontentwithsimplefare,butsuchasIhave,

etc.,"andhewentoutoftheroomtohuntupMrs.Tuke.

Rufuswatchedhisguestnarrowlywhileheate,andfeltsurethatheowedthisvisitnottotheproximityofLongridge,buttosomeothercausethathadnotyetbeenrevealed.

Conversationflaggedduringthemeal.Mulleratelikeamanwhosethoughtswereengagedsomewhereelse,andonsomethingvastlymoreimportantthaneatinganddrinking.

Rufusbegantohaveanuncomfortablefeelingthathisvisitbodednogood,andyethehadnotthecouragetoprecipitatemattersbyaskingimpertinentquestions.

Assoonasthesupper-traywastakenaway,Rufusproducedaboxofcigars,andforaminuteortwotheyblewsmokeinsilence.

Mullerwasthefirsttospeak.Lookingathiscigarcarefully,asifexaminingthebrand,hesaidinhismostcasualmanner,"Isuppose,Sterne,youhaveneverconsideredthepossibilityofbeingforestalledinyourinvention?"

"Well,no,"hesaidslowly,butwithastartledlookinhiseyes."IcannotsaythatIhaveeverseriouslyconsideredsuchapossibility."

"Andyetitisnotoriousintherealmofdiscoveryandinvention,that

thesameideahasbeenhituponbydifferentmenindifferentpartsoftheworldalmostatthesametime."

"Idonotrememberthatfactbeingbroughtclearlytomymind,"Rufussaid,wonderingifsomeonehadforestalledhim.

"Itistrue,nevertheless.IcouldgiveyouillustrationsifIhadtime.ButwhatisimportantatthepresentmomentisthatamanawayupinWestmorlandhasgotaheadofyou."

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"No!"Rufussaid,inatoneofalarm.

"Well,perhapsIoughttohavesaidthatheappearstohavegothisclaiminfirst.Idonotunderstandallthetechnicalitiesofthecase,butheappearstometohaveachieved,ortohaveachievedverylargely,thethingyouareaimingat,"andhetookanewspapercuttingoutofhispocket,andpasseditontoRufus.

Rufusunfoldedthecuttingwithhandsthattrembledinspiteofhimself.Ifhehadbeenforestalledthenlifewithhimwasatanend.Thegreaterpartofthethousandpoundswasspentorpledgedalready.Failuremeantthathewouldhavenowtoemployhisingenuityindevisingamethodofescapingfromtheworldinawaythatwouldnotawakensuspicion.

Mulleradjustedhis_pince-nez_andwatchedhiscompanionwhileheread.Rufussummonedtohisaidalltheresolutionhepossessedandpreservedaperfectlyimpassiveface.

"Well?"Mullerquestioned,whenRufushadgottothebottomoftheslip.

"It'salittledisconcerting,"wastheanswer."ButIshallnotflingupthespongeyet."

"Buthehasgotholdofyouridea!"

"Notexactly."

"Atanyratehehasgotuncomfortablyneartoit."

"HehasgotnearerthanIlike,Iadmit.Butthegreaterpartofwhatheclaimsismerebluff."

"Buthisobjectiveandyoursarepreciselythesame?"

"No,notprecisely.Igomuchfartherthanhedoes,asStephensonwentfartherthanWatt."

"Thatisinyourapplicationoftheprinciple.Butisnottheprinciplethesame?"

"Itissimilar,thoughnotidentical.Ihavegonealloverthegroundheistravellingnow."

"Andinanothermonthhemaybealloveryourground."

"Thereisdanger,ofcourse,butIthinkstillIshallgetinfirst."

"Ihopeyoumay.ButIconfesswhenItumbledacrossthatarticlethismorningitmademefeelmightilyuncomfortable."

"Itisalittleupsetting,nodoubt."

"Yousee,hemusthavesecuredhimselfprettywell,orhewouldnothavepermittedsomuchoftheschemetogetintoprint.Don'tyouseeitlargelydiscountsanyoneelsewhocomesafter,thoughhemayhavesomethingbetter."

"Yes,Iadmittheforceofallyousay,"Rufusansweredslowly."Butmygameisnotupyet."

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"Ihopenot,indeed.Ishouldregarditasnothingshortofacalamitywereyoutofail."

"Iftheworstcomestotheworstitwillhavetobefaced,thatisall.Inanycase,youwillnotsufferloss."

"Thereyouaremistaken.Youaremyfriend.Andfriendsarenotsoplentifulthatonecancontemplatethedisappearanceofevenoneofthemwithequanimity."

"Thatmaybetrue.Butmercifully,thedeadaresoonforgotten.Youwillsoongetusedtomyabsence."

"Isincerelyhopetheoccasionwillnotarise,"Mullersaid,speakingslowlyandgravely."Indeed,asIsaidbefore,Ishouldregardyourfailureasacalamity.Still,thereisnogettingoverthefactthatwhatyouregardedasimpossiblelessthansixmonthsagohascomeverydefinitelywithintherealmofpossibility."

"Yes,"Rufussaid,withsomehesitation."Iamboundtoadmitthatthechanceoffailureseemslessremotethanitdid."

"Iamsorrytohavetodiscussthismatterwithyouagain,"Mullerwenton,afterapause."Icanassureyouitisalmostaspainfultomeasit

mustbetoyou.Stillbusinessisbusiness,andIhavetothinkofmyownposition.IfIwerearichman,Iwouldnotmentionthematter--uponmysoul,Iwouldn't."

"Ithoughtyouhadnosoul,"Rufussaid,withapatheticsmile.

"Oh,don'tjokeovermerefiguresofspeech,"Mullersaid,staringintothefire."ItellyouIfeelterriblyupset."

"Butmycauseisnotlostyet,"Rufussaidwithforcedcheerfulness.

"No,itmaynotbe.But,ontheotherhand,itmaybe.Ifyourcompetitorhasgonesofar,hemayduringthenextweekormonthgoall

therestofthedistance."

"Imusttakemychanceofthat."

"Thepointwithmeis--supposingtheworstcomestotheworst,haveyouanythingonwhichyoucanraisealoan?Ihatethethoughtofyourslippingoutoflifeintheflowerofyouryouth."

"Lookhere,Muller,"Rufussaid,summoningtohisaidallhisstrengthandresolution."Wediscussedthismatteratthebeginning.Icountedthecostandtooktherisk.IftheworstcomestotheworstIamnotgoingtoshowthewhitefeather."

"Idonotdoubtyourcourageforamoment,"Mullersaid."ButIwanttopointoutthatitwilltakealittletimetorealiseyourestate.Ipresumeyouhavemadeyourwill."

Rufuswenttoadrawerandtookoutalargeenvelopewhichhepassedontohiscompanion.

Mulleropenedtheenvelopeanddrewoutthepaperslowly.Thenheadjustedhis_pince-nez_,andbegantoread."Yes,"hesaid,afteralongpause,"thisisquiteinorder--quite."

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"AndincaseIamdriventotakemydeparture,"Rufussaid,inahard,evenvoice,"Iwillgiveyousufficienttimetowindupmysmallestatebeforetheendofnextyear."

"Youthinkthereisnootherwayofmeetingthecase?"Mullerquestioned.

"Incasemyschemefailsthereisnootherway,"Rufusanswered."Nowletusnotdiscussthematteragain.Iunderstandyouranxiety.IshouldbeabitanxiousifIwereinyourplace.Butyouhavemywordofhonour.Letthatbeenough."

"Itisenough,myboy--itisenough!"Mullersaid,gushingly.

"Meanwhileweneednotcountuponfailureuntilforcedtodoso.Ishallnotfailifeffortanddeterminationcanavertit."

WhenMullerhadgone,Rufussatforalongtimestaringintothedyingfire.Thenhepickedupthenewspapercutting,andreadthroughthearticleverycarefullyasecondtime.

"No,hehasnotgotmyideaquite,"hemuttered,"buthehascomeuncomfortablyneartoit."

Thenhedrewalongbreathandshuthisteethtightly.Lifehadgrownamorepreciousthingoflate,andhopehadtakennewshapesandforms.Moreover,thepossibilityofaconsciousexistencebeyondtheshadowofdeathhadbeenloominglargerandlargerformonthspast,andwiththatpossibilityotherpossibilitieshadcomeintoview.Whatiftheconsequencesofconductfollowedmenintotheunseen?Whatifsinshouldseparateasoulfromthesoulitloved?Whatifthislifewereatrustforwhichweshouldbeheldresponsible?Whatifsuicideshouldbeasheinousacrimeasmurder?Whatifdyingbyone'sownhandshouldstainthesoulwithdeeperdishonourthananybrokenvoworunfulfilledpromise?Hedrewawayhiseyesfromthefireandshudderedslightlyasthesethoughtspassedthroughhismind.Inwhatever

directionheturnedhisthoughtshewasfacedwithpossibilitiesthat,tosaytheleast,werenotalittledisconcerting.

"IfIhadonlyknownsixmonthsagowhatIknownow,"hereflected,"Ishouldnothaveputmyheadintothisnoosewithsolightaheart.Ishouldhavebeencontenttohavegoneonwithmyworkastime-keeperatthemine.ButIwasimpatientforsuccess,andquitecertainthatdeathwastheendofallthings."

Thenacrossthefrostyairtheparishclockfixedhighinthechurchtowerstruckthehourofeleven.

Rufuscountedthestrokesastheyvibratedsolemnlythroughthenight.

"Dothedeadeverhear,Iwonder,"hesaidtohimself,andheshudderedagain.

ThenhisthoughtsturnedtothebookthathehadbeenreadingearlierintheeveningandhebegantorepeatalmostunconsciouslyoneofthestanzasthatMadelinehadmarked:

Twilightandeveningbell,Andafterthatthedark,

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AndmaytherebenosadnessoffarewellWhenIembark.AndthoughfromouttheboundsoftimeandspaceThefloodsmaybearmefar,Ihope----

Thenhestoppedsuddenlyandrosehurriedlytohisfeet."Iamgrowingmorbid,"hesaid."IwishMullerhadkeptthearticletohimself.Inacaseofthiskindignoranceisbliss."Andheturnedoutthelampandclimbedslowlyupstairstobed.

CHAPTERXV

MISGIVINGS

ThedayafterFelixMuller'svisittoRufusthesquireandhisfamilyreturnedtotheHall.ThenewssoonspreadthroughSt.Gavedthatthebighousewasaliveoncemore,andthatthecaptainwasexpectedhomeintimetoeathisChristmasdinnerwiththefamily.Rufusheardthenewswithacuriousthrill,butwhetherofpainorofpleasureitwouldbe

hardtosay.

HishearthadbeenachingforasightofMadeline'sfaceeversinceshewentaway.Andyetthereweretimeswhenhedesiredaboveallthingsthathemightneverlookintohereyesagain.Painwasnottobecuredbyadditionalpain.ToseeMadelinewouldnotappeasethehunger,itwouldonlyincreaseit.Hencetokeepoutofherwaywouldbethewisethingforhim;toavoidthefield-pathinfrontofthepark,andthefamiliarroadacrossthedownsandroundbythecliffs.Iftheymetshewouldbesuretospeak,andtheverysoundofhervoicewouldawakenintolifeallthewildlongingsofhissouloncemore.Itwasfarbetter,therefore,forhimthattheynevermet.

Besides,itwasmorethanprobablethatbythistimeshewasthepromisedwifeofGervaseTregony.Hewascominghometoclaimherandcominghomeatexpressspeed.Washedelightedattheprospect,hewondered.Didheloveherasshedeservedtobeloved?

"Oh,ifithadonlybeenmylottowinsosweetasoul,"hesaidtohimself."Isittrue,Iwonder,thatwealwayslongmostpassionatelyfortheimpossible?"

Forseveraldayshekeptclosetobusiness,neverventuringoutofdoorstillaftersunset.Oncehethoughthepassedherinthebrightmoonlight,andhisheartalmoststopped,butheneverpausedinhiswalk,neverlookedback;indeedhestrodeonwithalongerandquicker

stride,anddidnotbreathefreelyagaintillasharpbendintheroadpreventedanypossibilityofrecognition.

Whenheyieldedtothewitcheryofherpresencebefore,therewassomeexcuseforhisdoingso,butallthecircumstancesweredifferentnow.Hehadnoexcuseto-day,noright.Histenureoflifehungonathread.Hischanceofsuccesswasgrowinglesshopefuldaybyday.

EvenifMadelinewerefreeandwithinhisreachhewouldhavenorighttospeaktoheroflove.WhilethisswordofDamocleswassuspendedover

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hisheadhewasboundinhonourtobesilent.Butsinceshewasneitherfreenorwithinhisreach,andhewaswalkingacrossavolcanothatatanymomentmightburstopenbeneathhisfeet,itwouldbethepartofamadmantoputhimselfinherwayiftherewasanychanceofkeepingoutofit.

Sohepursuedhisworkwithalltheearnestnessandintensityhecouldcommand,buthewasconsciousallthetimethatsomethinghadgoneoutofhislife.Theenthusiasmthatspringsfromcertaintyhadlefthim,thechillandlethargyofdoubthadcreptintohisblood.Insteadofconstantlydwellingonthedelightsofsuccess,hefoundhimselfbroodingovertheprospectoffailure,andwonderingwhatlaybeyondthegrimshadowofdeath.

Byacuriouscombinationofcircumstancesbothlifeanddeathhadbecomedoublyhardtocontemplate.Successhadoncebeenhisdream.To-daysuccessofitselfseemednothing.Theonethingthatwasofvalue,thatwouldhaveturnedearthintoheavenwaslove.Hewouldhavecourtedfailure--gloriedinit--iffailurewouldhavegivenhimMadeline.ButsinceMadelinewasdeniedhim,neithersuccessnorfailurematteredmuch,andlifeanddeathwerebothrobbedofthelightofhope.HetoldhimselfoneminutethathedidnotcaretolivesinceMadelinecouldneverbehis,andthenextminutehedreadedthethoughtofdeath,sincedeathwouldblotoutthesightofherandthethoughtofherforever

andever.So,inwhateverdirectionhelooked,hefoundneithersolacenorinspiration.

Thethingthatspurredhimonfromdaytodaywasnotsomuchthehopeofvictoryasthehumiliationofdefeat.TherewasanynumberofpeopleinSt.Gavedwhohadnosympathywhateverwithhiminhisambitions,whoseinvinciblecreedwasthatamanoughttobecontenttoremaininthatstateoflifetowhichithadpleasedGodtocallhim.Thesepeoplehadexpressedthemselveswithgreatfreedomandcandouronhisfollyingivingupagoodpositionatthemine,anddevotingallhistimeandenergytosomethingintheclouds;andwhich,inalllikelihood,wouldneverbeofanybenefittomanorbeast.

Rufususedtosmileatthecriticismsofthesepeople,andanticipatethedaywhenhewouldstandproudandtriumphantbeforethem.Nowhebegantofearthatthedaymightcomewhentheywouldtriumphoverhim,whentheywouldexpandtheirchestsandsmilewisely,andsaytotheirneighbours:"There,didn'twetellyouso?"Itwasratherwiththeobjectofpreventingsuchatriumphthanofwinninganytriumphforhimselfthathetoiledonfromdaytoday,throwingintohisworkmoreoftheenergyofdespairthantheinspirationofhope.

MeanwhileMadelinehadbeensufferingfromwhatshecalled"anacuteattackoftheblues."Fornosufficientreason,sosheadmittedtoherself,shebecamerestlessandpeevish,andgenerallydiscontented.Shewasnotill.Generallyspeaking,herappetitewasasgoodasithad

been,whileherenergywasgreaterthanever.Butforsomereasonnothingsatisfiedher--thingsthatatonetimeshewouldhavegoneintoecstaciesoverbarelyinterestedher.Shewasinthemoodtobepleasedatnothing,andtofindfaultwitheverything.

ThatthisconditionofthingsbeganonthedaySirCharlestookhertotaskforvisitingRufusSterneshewaswellaware;butwhyitshouldhavecontinuedwasapuzzle.ShehadbeenangrywithSirCharlesatthemomentitwastrue,butafteraday'sreflectionshehadbeenledtoseethathewasperfectlyintheright.MoreoverSirCharleshadbehaved

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veryhandsomelyallthewaythrough.ShewasconvincedthatitwasverylargelyonheraccountthattheywenttoLondonfortheautumn,andwhileinLondonshehadscarcelyawishthatwasnotgratified.Shehadgonetoreceptionsandballsanddinnersbythedozen.Shehadbeentakentoeveryplaceofinterestshewantedtosee.Shehadblossomedoutintowhatshetermed"atamecelebrity,"andhadhadmorecomplimentsshowereduponherthaneverbeforeinherlife,yet,inspiteofallthis,shewasnothappy.Indeed,afterafewweeks,shetiredutterlyofLondonandwantedtoreturnagaintoTrewinionHall.Thathowever,wasshowntobeanimpossibility.Thehousehadbeentakenpracticallytilltheendoftheyear,andtheservantsatTrewinionHallhadbeenputonboardwagestillChristmas.

"Areyousureyouarequitewell,Madeline?"SirCharlessaidtoher,whenshepreferredherrequest.

"Quitesure,"shereplied."InfactIwasneverbetterinmylife."

"ThenwhydoyouwanttogobacktotheHall?"

"Oh!Idon'tknow.Thisendlesswhirlandexcitementhasgotonmynerves,Ithink."

"ButyoucomplainedofCornwallgettingonyournervessometimeago."

"DidI?Well,itdidseemratherflatandtameatfirst."

"No,itwasnotatthebeginning.Youweredelightedwithitonyourarrival----"

"AndIamstill,"sheinterrupted."Ithinkitisjusttoolovelyforanything."

"ButhaveyoureallygottiredofLondonlife?"

"Ithinkitistoostupidforwords.Oh!no,Idon'tmeanthatexactly.Pardonme,SirCharles"--seeingthepainedlookinhiseyes--"Iwon't

complainanymoreifIcanhelpit,Iwon'treally."

"Iamveryanxiousthatyoushouldenjoyyourselfallyoupossiblycan.Berylisdreadingthetimewhenshewillhavetogobackagain."

"Sheknowssomanypeople,"Madelinesaid,reflectively.

"Andyouhavemadehostsofacquaintances,haveyounot?"

"Yes,acquaintances,buttheydon'tmeananything.Ineverrealisedbefore,Ithink,howmanypeoplethereareintheworld,andhowmanythingsthereareintheworldIcandowithout."

"Thatoughtn'ttobeaverystartlingdiscovery,"hesaid,withasmile.

"Butyoudon'tfeelitinaplacelikeSt.Gaved,"shesaid."Thereeverybodyseemsnecessarytoeverybodyelse."

"Indeed?"hequestioned,dryly.

"Well,Imeanthatinalittlecommunitywhereeachoneplayshispart,andeachone'spartisknowntoalltherest----"

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"Yes?"hequestioned,seeingshehesitated.

"Oh!Ican'texplainmyselfverywell,butyoumustknowverywellwhatImean."

"No;reallyyouflatterme,"hesaid,inatoneofbanter,"forinrealityyourmeaningisquitebeyondme."

"ThenImustbestupiderthanIthought,"sheanswered,withapout,andrelapsedintosilence.

SirCharleswasnotonlyperplexed,hewasmoreorlesstroubled.Ifhedaredhewouldhavebeenangry,butheknewthatangerwoulddefeattheparticularendhehadinview.WhateverMadelinemightormightnotbeshewasnotthekindofpersontobecoerced.Shemightbeledinmanydirections,butnoonecoulddriveher.Attheleastsuggestionofthelash,shewouldjibandback,andnothingshortofphysicalforcewouldmoveherastepforward.

HenceSirCharleshadfeltfromthefirstthathistaskwasoneofextremedifficultyanddelicacy.Moreover,everydayasitpassedincreasedthedifficulty.Madelinewasswiftlygrowingoutofgirlhoodintowomanhood,andthethingsthatfascinatedherasagirlquickly

palleduponherasawoman,andSirCharleswasgrowingdesperatelyafraidlestwhenshesawGervaseagainshemightbedisillusioned,assheevidentlyhadbeeninothermatters.

HewasmoretroubledalsothanhelikedtoconfessoverherintimacywithRufusSterne.Hecouldnotforgettheromanticcircumstancesunderwhichtheyhadmet,thesignalservicehehadrenderedher,andthelongweeksofsufferingandidlenessthatfollowedasaconsequence,andonaromanticandgenerousnaturelikeMadeline's,thesethingswouldmakeanabidingimpression.ForthatreasonhehadgotherawayfromSt.Gavedasquicklyaspossibleafterhehadmadethediscoverythatshewasinthehabitofvisitinghim,andforthesamereasonheintendedtokeepherawayuntilwithinafewdaysofhisson'sreturn.

SirCharleshadcountedsolongonannexingtheAmericanheiressforhisson,thatanythoughtoffailurenowwastoohumiliatingtobeentertained.ItwashislasthopeofrehabilitatingTrewinionHall,andthehistoricnameofTregony.Gervase'srecordwasofsuchacharacterthatnoEnglishheiresswouldlookathimunless,indeed,heconsentedtomarrythedaughterofatradesman,andeveninsuchcaseasthathischanceswouldbeverydoubtful.

ThebeautifulthingaboutanAmericanheiresswasthatnobodyinquiredintoherantecedents.Solongasshehadtherequisitenumberofdollarsnothingelsemattered.Herfathermightbeapork-butcher,orapawnbroker,oranoilman;thatwasnobarriertohisdaughterbecominga

countessorevenaduchess.

PoorasSirCharleswas,hewouldhavefaintedattheideaofGervasemarryingthedaughterofaRedbournetradesman,howeverrichorbeautifuloraccomplishedshemightbe.Theverysuggestionof"trade"wasanoffencetohisaristocraticnostrils.ButMadelinecamefromacountrywheretheonlyaristocracywasthatofcash,hencebyvirtueofheruncountedmillionsshewaseligibleforthehighestpositionsonthissidethewater.Thelogicmightnotbeverysound,butitwassatisfying.IftheEarlofthisandtheDukeofthathadregildedtheir

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coronetswithAmericandollars,whymightnotherefurbishtheTregonycoatofarmswiththesamepreciousmetal?Thereasoningappearedtohimtobewithoutaflaw.

Moreover,therewastheadditionalargumentofnecessity.Inconsequenceofthelowpriceofcornalongwithnearlyallotherarticlesoffood,agriculturewasinaterriblydepressedcondition.Inotherwords,thefarmercouldpayonlyabouthalftheamountinrentthathewouldbeabletodoifwheatandbarley,andbaconandbutter,stoodattwicetheirpresentprices.

SirCharlesalwaysgrewwhitewithangerwhenhethoughtofthefoolishmenwho,inapreviousgeneration,abolishedthecorn-lawsandgavecheapfoodtothepeople.

"Lookatme,"hewouldsay;"myrentrollisonlyaboutone-halfofwhatitwasinmyfather'sday,andtherearehundredsandthousandsofthebestfamiliesupanddownthecountrywhohavebeenreducedincircumstancesbythesamemeans.WhattheGovernmentoughttodoistoputahighdutyonallimportedcornandfoodstuffs,thatwouldsendupthepriceofEnglishwheat,andEnglishbeef,andeverythingelsethatisEnglish,andsogivetheEnglishnobilityachanceofgettingoutoftheirestatesallthattheyarecapableofproducing."

Thelogicofthis,ifnotquitesound,wasalsosatisfyingfromhispointofview.Thereseemed,however,noprospectjustthenthatthefoodofthepeoplewouldbetaxedforthebenefitofthenobleandindispensableclasstowhichhebelonged.Theworkingclassesforsomeselfishreason,appearedtoobjecttoit.Theywerepossessedbythestupidideathatthehighertheirwagesandthecheapertheirfood,thebetterofftheywouldbe;andagainstsuchunreasoningprejudiceasthat,logicspentitsstrengthinvain.

Failing,therefore,anyGovernmenthelpintheshapeofprotection,hewouldhavetoguardhisinterestsinsomeotherway,andMadelineappearedtobeanexcellentwayoutofthedifficulty.Infact,shealmostreconciledhimtotheideaoffreeimports.IfEnglandhad

sufferedlossthroughtheimportationofAmericanwheat,itwasonlyfairthatEnglandshouldbecompensatedbyhavingthepickofAmerica'srichestandfairestwomen.Sincetherewasnodutyoncorn,itwasonlyjustandrightthatheiressesshouldbefree.

ButasthetimedrewnearwhenSirCharleshopedtoseethefullfruitionofhislittlescheme,hegrewincreasinglynervous.Untilthelastfewweekseverythinghadgoneassmoothlyasheartcoulddesire.Madelineseemedlikearipeapplethatwoulddropdirectlythetreewastouched.Withoutanyundueinfluence,withscarcelyasuggestionfromanyone,shewasincliningintheverydirectionmostdesired.

Thensuddenlyshehadbecomecaptiousanduncertain.Themomentshe

reachedthepointwhenshewasdesiredtomakeupherminddefinitelyshedrewback.TheincreasingwarmthoftheCaptain'slettersshehadappearedtoreciprocatetothefull.Shehadtalkedabouthimwithasimpleingenuousnessthathaddelightedthebaronet'sheart.Theproposalseemedtohavearrivedintheverynickoftime.ShehadgatheredfromSirCharles,indetachedfragments,thefullstoryofherfather'swishinthematter.ShehadbeengivenoneglimpseofLondon,withitslifeandgaiety,shehadbeensuppliedwitheverynewspapercuttingthatspokeofCaptainTregony'sprowessasahunterofbiggame,andshehadtacitlyacceptedthesituation,asthoughProvidencehad

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shapedherlot,andshapedittoherentiresatisfaction.Andthenshehesitated,andbecamesilent,anddemandedtimeforfurtherconsideration.

SirCharleshadbroachedthesubjectinthemostdelicatemannerpossiblewhentheyhappenedtobealone.Gervase'slettertothefamilyhadbeenleftonthedrawing-roomtable.TheBaronetpickeditupandreaditagain.

"Gervaseseemsterriblyimpatienttogethomethistime,"heremarked,casually.

Madelineglancedupfromherbook,butdidnotreply.

"Ireallydonotwonder,"SirCharleswenton."Pooroldboy,itisnearlythreeyearssincehesawyou,andhemustbepiningforasightofyourface."

"Heseemsalittlehome-sick,"Madelinesaid,indifferently.

"Idon'tthinkitisthataltogether.Nowthathehasdefinitelyproposedtoyou,itbringsallthelongingtoahead,ifImaysayso.Ihopeyouhavewrittentohimandputanendtohissuspense?"

"No,Ihavenotrepliedyet.Ithoughtofwritingthisafternoon."

"Iwishyouwould;Iamsorryyouhavenotwrittenbefore."

"Ihavebeentoobusywithotherthings,SirCharles."

"Oh,well,Iamnotcomplaining,mydear.Takeyourowntime,ofcourse.But,naturally,Ifeelformyson,andIknowhowanxioushewillbe.Itwillbeniceforhimtomeetyouhereinhisancestralhomeashisaffiancedwife."

"Isupposeitwouldsimplifymatters,wouldn'tit?"

"Itwouldsimplifymattersaverygreatdeal,"SirCharlessaid,inatoneofrelief."ThereisnoreasonwhyyoushouldnotgoawayontheContinentintheearlyspringforyourhoneymoon,andsoescapeourbittereastwinds."

"Thatwouldbelovely,wouldn'tit?"

"Lovely!Ah!well,Ialmostenvyyouyoungpeople.Ifonecouldonlybeyoungasecondtimehowmuchhewouldappreciateit!ButIwillnotdetainyounowifyouaregoingtowriteletters,"andhethrustGervase'sepistleintohispocket,andwalkedslowlyoutoftheroom.

Laterinthedayhediscoveredthatinsteadofwritinglettersshehad

beenvisitingRufusSterneatSt.Gaved,andhisangeralmostgotthebetterofhim.Byatremendouseffort,however,hekepthimselfwellinhand,andtalkedtoherwithaseriousnessthatdidfulljusticetotheoccasion.

TwodayslaterhelearnedthatshehadnotyetrepliedtoGervase'sletter;hemadenoremark,however,butonthefollowingdayhemadeapropositionthattheyshouldspentthelateautumninLondon.

Theexperiment,however,hadnotbeenaltogethersatisfactory.Madeline

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hadnotbeenatalllikeheroldself.Shewasmoodyandabsent-minded,andbynomeanseasytoplease.ThatshehadwrittentoGervaseheknew,andwrittenmorethanonce,butshegavenohinttoanyoneofthenatureofhercommunications.

SirCharleshopedforthebest,buthewastroubledallthetimebyseriousmisgivings.Herveryuncommunicativenesswasadisturbingfactor.Severaltimeshewasstronglytemptedtoputapoint-blankquestiontoher;butwhenitcametothepointhiscouragefailedhim.Moreover,hisreasontoldhimthatthemoreanxiousheappearedtobethemorestubbornandintractableshewouldbecome.TheonlythinghecoulddowastowaitpatientlyuntilGervase'sreturn,andtrusttoluckorProvidenceforwhatwouldfollow.

MadelinewelcomedthemorningoftheirdeparturefromLondonmoreeagerlythananyoftheothers.Shewastiredofthebigcity,withitsmurkandgloom,itsdrearystreetsandmuddycrossings,anditsnever-ceasingroarandturmoil.Shelongedforthe"cleancountry,"assheexpressedit,withitsquietnessandpeaceandfardistances.Intruth,shehardlyknewwhatshelongedfor.Somedayherdesirewouldtakedefiniteshape,thenshewouldunderstand.

CHAPTERXVI

GROWINGSUSPICIONS

InthebighousethereweremanythingstobedoneinpreparationforChristmas.Mottoeshadtobeselectedandcutoutofcolouredpaper,andsurroundedwithevergreensandhunginthehall,andnaturallythistaskfelltothelotofMadelineandBeryl.Then,itwasdecidedtohaveahouse-partythedaybutoneafterChristmasDay,andinvitationshadtobesentouttoallthegentryoftheneighbourhood.LadyTregonyundertookthispleasantduty,butsoonfoundtheworkoffillingin

cardsandaddressingenvelopesaltogethertooexhausting;soMadeline,whowasswiftwithherpen,waspressedintotheservice.Inadditiontoallthis,varioustokensofaffectionandregardhadtobesenttotheextremelypooroftheparish--nothingofverymuchvalue,itistrue--still,thesimplestparceltooktimetomakeupandaddress.

Theresultofallthiswasthatthehousewaskeptinastateofbustlefrommorningtillnight,andMadelinehadnotimetopayasinglevisittoanyofheracquaintancesinthevillage.

Shedidstealoutofthehouseoneeveningafterdinner,andtrampedinthebrightmoonlightnearlytoSt.Gavedandbackagain,butthewalkdidnotyieldhermuchsatisfaction.Shehadanuncomfortablefeeling

thatshepassedRufusSterneontheway,andthathetookpainsnottoberecognised.Sheturnedandlookedaftertheretreatingfigure,andfeltcertainshewasnotmistaken,buthedidnothaltforamomentorlookback.

Itwasasimpleandtriflingthinginitself,butitsetherthinking.Ofcourse,hemightnothaverecognisedher,assheforthemomenthadnotrecognisedhim.Ontheotherhand,herfacewastowardthemoonlight,hiswasinshadow.Shescarcelysawhisfaceatall,herfacewouldbeplainlyvisible.Moreoverhehurriedpast,withhishatpulled

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low,asifhehadnowishtoberecognised.Whatdiditmean?

Themoreshethoughtaboutthematter,themoreshewasconvincedthatthemanshemetwasRufusSterne,andthathedeliberatelyavoidedthechanceofrecognition.Washeoffendedwithher,then?Washesorrythattheyhadeverbecomeacquainted,andwishedtheacquaintanceshiptoend?Didheregardherasasortofstormypetrel,heraldingbadweatherandbadfortune?Didhethinkthatsafetyandsuccesscouldbesecuredonlybykeepingoutofherway?

Thathewouldhavegoodreasonforcherishingsuchsentimentstherewasnodenying.Shehadbeenhisevilgeniusinthemostcriticalperiodofhislife.Shehadthrusthimbackintoidlenessandhelplessnesswheneverydaywasoftheutmostvaluetohim.

"Ireallydon'twonderthatheshunsme,"shesaidtoherself,regretfully."Ireallydon't,andifhisinventionshouldfail,hewillhatememorethanever."

Underordinarycircumstancesherpridewouldhaveasserteditself,andshewouldhaveresolved--sincehehadignoredher--nevertospeaktohimagain.Butthecircumstanceswerenotordinary.Thetiesofgratitude,ifnothingelse,boundhertohimforalltime;thelossthathehadsufferedonheraccountmadeitimpossibleforhertotreathimasshe

mighthavetreatedanordinaryacquaintance.Hehadgoodreasons,nodoubt,forignoringher,butthatonlymadethepainthehardertobear.

TwodaysbeforeChristmasitbecameevidenttoherthattherewasalittleconspiracyonfoottopreventhergoingintoSt.Gaved.ShehadnotnoticedatfirstanysignificanceinthefactthattherewasalwayssomeoneathandtorunerrandsforherandBeryl.Butwhen,forthesixthorseventhtimeinsuccession,hersuggestionthatsheshouldrunintoSt.Gavedwasmetbythereply,"Oh,don'ttrouble,dear,"or"Youaretootired,dear,"or"Peterwillseetothat,dear,"or,"Weshallnotrequireitto-day,dear,"shebegantothinkthatsolicitudeonheraccounthadbecomeatrifleoverstrained.

Whenoncehersuspicionswerearoused,shebegantoputthemattertothetest.DuringthemorningofChristmasEveshediscoveredonfourseparateoccasionsthatshewasshortofsomethingthatsheparticularlyneeded,andeachtime,whenshesuggestedthatsheshouldrunintoSt.Gavedandgetit,aservantwasdispatchedwithmostunusualhastetomakethepurchase.

Madelinesmiledtoherself,butsaidnothing.Butitsetherthinkingonfreshlines.ShebegantorecallallthathadhappenedsinceherlastvisittoRufusSterne,thenherthoughtstravelledfartherbackstill,andafteraverylittlewhileshesaw,orfanciedshesaw,atolerablyconsistentpurpose,nottosayconspiracy.Whenonceshehadgotaclue,orwhatshefanciedwasaclue,itwaseasytoreadmeaningsintoa

thousandlittlecircumstancesthatotherwisewouldhavehadnosignificancewhatever.

Shehadbeenunderthepleasingdelusionthatshehadgoneherownway,thatpracticallyshehadfollowedherownwishesineverything--thatherownwisheshappenedtoexactlycoincidewiththewishesofherfriendswassimplyamatterforcongratulation.Noattempthadbeenmadetobringpressuretobearonheratanypoint.WhenSirCharleshadtalkedseriouslytoher,itwasnearlyalwaysonquestionsofEnglishetiquetteandcustoms--subjectsshewasprofoundlyignorantof.Ifshedecidedto

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gointoSt.Gavednow,shefeltsurenodirectattemptwouldbemadetostopher.

Totestthematter,shewenttoherroom,putonherhatandjacket,andannouncedtoSirCharles,whomshemetintheHall,thatshewasgoingintothetownforherownamusement.

"Allright,Madeline,"hesaid,withasmile;"thisisLibertyHall,youknow."

Shewasalittlebittakenabackbyhisanswer;itwassofrankandspontaneousthatitalmostdisarmedher.

Shewalkedveryslowlytowardthevillage,herthoughtsbeingintentonthenewproblem.EversincehermeetingwithGervaseTregonynearlythreeyearsago,herlifehadmovedsteadilyinthesamedirection,andtowardthesameseeminglyinevitableend.Thisshehadregardedinthepastasprovidential,andhadacceptedtheomenwiththankfulness.

Butshefanciednowshesawahumanmotiverunningthroughall.SincehermeetingwithGervase,shehadpracticallyneverachanceofbecomingacquaintedwithanotherman.Asamatteroffact,theonlymanshehadbecomeintimatewithwasRufusSterne,anddirectlythatintimacywasdiscovered,shewaswhiskedofftoLondonandkeptoutofhisway.She

wasbeingguardedandprotecteduntilGervase'sreturn.

Gervasewasexpectedhomethatveryday.HehadlandedatMarseillesthepreviousday,andwascomingstraightthroughwithoutabreak.ForamanlikeGervasesuchrushandhurrywasmostunusual.

ThatamanlikeGervasewantedtomarryherwas,nodoubt,veryflattering.Hewasagreatsoldier,amanofimmensecourage,andadistinguished-lookingmantoboot.Ontheotherhand,shewasanobody,herfatherhadbeenanordinaryworkingman--thathehad"goton"lateinlifesheknew.Butwhathisfinancialpositionwasshewouldnotknowtillshewastwenty-one.Sothatlookingatthemattermerelyfromasocialpointofview,itwasagreatcondescensiononthepartof

Gervase.

ButnotonlydidGervasewanttomarryher,butithadbecomeextremelyclearoflatethatSirCharleswasaseagerashisson.Infact,eventswerebeingrushed.ItwasunderstoodwhenshearrivedinEnglandthatGervasewouldnotbehometilltheNewYear.NowhewasriskinghisneckinaneagerrushtobeherebyChristmas.Whyallthishaste?Whywaseverybodysoanxioussheshouldmarrytheheirtoabaronetcy,or,toputittheotherwayabout,whywerealltheTregonyssoeagertomarrytheheirtoanunknownAmericangirl?

ThatAmericangirlsbytheshoalhadmarriedtitledEnglishmensheknew,andtitledforeignersofallsortsandconditions.Butitwasclearand

obvioustooutsidersgenerallythattheattractionshadbeendollarsontheonesideandtitlesontheother--afairexchange,nodoubt.Therehadbeena_quidproquo_ineachcase.

Butinhercase----!

Thenshepulledherselfupsuddenly,andahotblushmantledhercheeks.Wassheanybetterthantherest?Hadnothergirlishimaginationbeencarriedawaybypicturesofabaronialhall,ivy-grownandweather-beaten?andhadnotthethoughtofbeing"MyLadyTregony"

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dominatednearlyeverythingelse?

"No,"shesaid,atlength,"IadmiredGervaseforhisownsake.Heisbraveanddistinguished-lookingand--and--oh!Ilikeamanwhoisstrongandmasterful."

Buttheotherquestionstillremainedunanswered.WhydidGervasewanttomarryher?Hebelongedtooneoftheoldestfamiliesinthecounty.Whydidhenotseekawifeinhisowncircle?LordthisandtheDukeofthatwhowenttoAmericafortheirwives,marrieddollars.But----Shestoppedagain,andlookedroundher,butnoonewasinsight.Akeennorthwindwasblowing,andthepalewintrysunhadnotyetmeltedthehoar-frostfromthegrass,andyetshefeltashotasthoughshehadbeenthrustsuddenlyintoaTurkishbath.

Wasitpossiblethatdollarslayatthebottomofallthishasteandanxiety?Forsomereasonshehadbeenkeptinignoranceofherfather'sfinancialposition.Hehadnevertalkedtoheraboutthematter.Shewasatschoolwhenhedied,andremainedatschoollongafterhewaslaidinhisgrave.Whyshehadbeenkeptatschoolsolongwasalwayssomethingofapuzzletoher.

Thatshewouldhaveenoughmoneytoliveuponcomfortablysheknew.Shewasallowedathousanddollarsayearnowaspin-money--asummuchtoo

largeforherneedsinSt.Gaved,thoughinLondonshecouldeasilyspenditall.Butthatshewasrich,orinanysenseofthewordanheiress,wasanideathathadneveroccurredtoher.Itdidnotseematalllikelythatshecouldbe,orherallowancewouldbeverymuchlarger.Ontheotherhandtheremightbemethodinthemodestpittancethatwasmetedouttoher.Tokeepherinignoranceoftheextentofherpossessionsmightbepartofthegame.IfshewererichandknewitshemightbetooreadytodiscoverareasonwhyGervasewantedtomarryher.

"Iwonderifsuspicionalwayscomeswithknowledgeandexperience,"shesaidtoherself."Isitoneofthepenaltiesofbeinggrownup?WhenIwasagirlIwasn'tsuspiciousofanythingoranybody.NowI'mcertainofnothing,notevenofmyself."

Shewalkedonmorerapidlyafterawhile,butshetooknonoticeofanythingontheway.Shewastooabsorbedwithherownthoughts.

"Iamglad,atanyrate,IdidnotgiveGervaseadefinitepromise,"shesaidtoherself."IhardlyknowwhyIdidn't,forImeanttoatfirst.ButitisbestIshouldseehimagainbeforedeciding.BestthatIshouldfindouteverythingIcan.Ithinkhewantsmeformyownsake.I'malmostsurehedoes,butit'swelltobequitesure."

"Well,anyhow,Ishallseehimagainthisevening,"shesaidtoherself,afteralongpause."Iwonderifhehaschanged?IwonderifIhavechanged?"

Shereachedtheoutskirtsofthevillage,thenturnedback,andinamomentortwocamefacetofacewithSirCharles.Themeetingwasunexpected,andtheBaronetlookedalittleconfused.

"What,turningbacksosoon?"hequestioned,nonchalantly.

"Ionlycameoutforalittleexerciseandfreshair,"sheanswered.

"Andyoufindtheairtookeen,eh?"

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"Oh!notatall;Iamenjoyingitimmensely."

Sotheypassedeachother.Butalittlewayon,Madelinepausedandlookedback,butSirCharleswasoutofsight.

"Now,Iwonderifhefollowedmeonpurpose?"shesaidtoherself."Hashebeguntosuspectme?DidheimagineIhadgonetocallonMr.Sterneindefianceofhiswishes?IwishIhadn'tgrownsuspicious;itspoilseverything."

ShewassobusywithherthoughtsthatshescarcelynoticedtheturnintheroadleadingbacktotheHall.Alsotherewasnoparticularreasonwhysheshouldreturnatonce.Soshetrampedonintothecountry.Theroadsweredryandfrosty.Thekeenwindhummedinthebarehazelbushesthatcrownedthetallhedges,thetoobriefglimmerofsunshinewasfadingonthehillside.

HerthoughtsalternatedbetweentheSquire,GervaseandRufusSterne.Itseemedtoherasthoughabigstonehadbeendroppedintothestillandplacidpoolofherlifeandthatthetroubledwatersrefusedtosettleagain.Itseemedbutyesterdaythattheplanofherlifelaybeforeherlikeanopenbook.Everythingwasjustasitoughttobeandtherewasnohitchanywhere.Nowthebookwasshut,themapwasdestroyed,andher

futurelaybeforeheratreeless,trackless,mist-shroudeddesert.Whatwasthereasonofit?WasSirCharlestoblame,orGervase,orRufusSterne?Orshouldshetakealltheblametoherself?

Shewasdisturbedinhermeditationsbythesoundofaquickandfirmstepbehindher.Herfirstimpulsewastoturnherhead,butsheresistedit.Thestepsdrewnearer;thehardroadechoeddistinctly.Shedrewslowlytothesideoftheroad,sothatthepedestrian,whoeverhemightbe,mightpassher.ItwastimesheturnedroundandretracedherstepstotheHall,butshewouldwaitafewminuteslonger,untilthemanhadpassedher.Nowhewasalmostbyherside.Sheturnedherheadslightlyandtheireyesmet.Inamomentherfacebrightened,andherlipspartedinaneagersmile.Hedroppedasmallbaghewascarrying,

sothathemightgraspheroutstretchedhand.Itwasfateordestiny,andtherewasnousefightingagainstit.

"IhavebeenwonderingifIwasevertoseeyouagain,"shesaid,inherbright,unconventionalway."Youarequitewellagain,Isee.Oh,Iamsothankful!Iwouldhavecalledround,only--well,youseetheconventionsofthisoldcountryhavetobeobservedevenbyanAmerican."

"Andyoufindthemratherirksome?"hequestioned,aneagerlightbrighteninghiseyes.

"Well,onthewholeIfearIdo.Butwehavetotakethingsaswefind

them,Isuppose.Discipline,theysay,isgoodforus."

"Ibelievethatisagenerallyaccepteddoctrine,"hesaid,withalaugh.

"Butyoudoubtit?"sheasked,lookingcoylyupintohisface.

"Ididnotsayso,"heanswered,jocularly."DoyouthinkIamsuchadoubterthatIdoubteverything?"

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"Well,no,"sheanswered,slowly."Iwillnotgoquitesofarasthat.Iguesstherearestillafewthingsyoustickto."

"Weallbelievewhatwecannothelpbelieving,"heanswered,enigmatically.

"Oh,whataprofoundutterance!"shesaid,laughingbrightlyinhisface.

"Itisratherprofound,isn'tit?ButhowhaveyouenjoyedyourselfinLondon?"

"Oh!moderatelywell.Forthefirsttwoweeksorsowehadratheragaytime,thenthingsgotflat,orIgotflat.Andthentheweather,youknow,wasatrocious.ThoseLondonfogsareatreat!"

"SoI'veheard.I'vehadnoexperienceofthem."

"Well,youneedn'tbeenvious.Buthowaboutyourinvention?I'vebeenlookingforyournameinthepapers.Whenareyougoingtoastonishusall?"

Hisfacecloudedinamomentandhiseyescaughtafar-awaylook."Itisneversafetoprophesy,"hesaid,afterapause.

"Butyouarestillquitesureofsuccess?"shequestioned,alittleanxiously.

Hesmiledalittlebitsadly,andanswered,"Afriendofminesometimesencouragesmebytellingmethatthereisnothingcertaininthisworldbutdeath."

"Yourfriendmustbeapessimist,"shesaid,"andIdon'tlikepessimists.Buttellmecandidly,hasyoursuccessbeenimperilledinanywayby--by--youraccident?"

"No,Idonotthinkso,"heanswered,quickly."Myworkhasbeendelayed

alittle,thatisall.IfIfail,itwillnotbeonthataccount."

"Butyouarenotgoingtofail,ofcourseyouarenot."

"IhopeIshallnot,"heanswered,seriously."Butinthechancesoflifetheremustbeagreatmanyfailures.ThinkofthemillionsoftoilingpeopleinEnglandto-dayandhowfewofthemhavereachedtheirhearts'desire."

"Yes,Isupposethatisso,"sheanswered,thoughtfully,"orperhapsthebulkofthemhaveneverhadanylargedesires.Butdon'tyouthinkthatmostofthegreatmenwhohavestrivenlongenoughhavewonintheend?"

"Iwasnotthinkingofthegreatmen,"heanswered."Itisgivenonlytoafewmentobegreat,andoftherest,iftheyfailonce,theirchanceisgone."

"Anddoyoumeantotellmethatifyoudon'tsucceedthistimeyouwon'ttryagain?"

"Ifcircumstanceswouldletme,Iwouldneverceasetrying,"heanswered."Butweareallofusmoreorlesstheslavesofcircumstances,somemorethanothers."

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"Youtoldmeoncethatyouhadstakedyourallonthesuccessofthisenterprise."

"Thatistrue."

"Andifyoufail,youwillloseeverything?"

"Everything!"

"Youmean,ofcourse,yourtimeandyourmoney,andyourlabour!"

"Yes,Imeanthat,"hesaid,smilingwistfully.

"Oh,well!thatisnoteverything,afterall,"sheanswered,brightly."Youareyoungenoughtobeginagain.And,afterall,whatwecallfailuresmaybestepping-stonestosuccess,andyouwillwinintheend,Iknowyouwill.Godwillnotletyoufail."

"IwishIbelievedinGodasyoudo,"hesaid,withdowncasteyes.

"SolongasGodbelievesinyouitwon'tmattersomuch,"sheanswered,cheerfully."ButImustbegoingbacknow.Youaregoingfurther,Ipresume?"

"IamgoingtospendChristmaswithmygrandfather,atTregannon."

"Isthatfar?"

"Aboutsixorsevenmiles."

"Andareyougoingtowalkallthedistance?"

"Iexpectso,unlesssomeoneovertakesmewhocangivemealiftbytheway."

"IhopeyouwillhaveaveryhappyChristmas."

"Thankyou.Letmewishthesamewishforyou."

"Weshallbegayatanyrate,"shesaid,withalittlesigh."TheCaptainreturnsthisevening."

"Ah!thenyouaresuretobehappy.Good-bye!"

Hetookheroutstretchedhandandhelditforalongmoment,lookingearnestlythewhileintohersweet,fearlesseyes.Thenwithoutanotherwordhepickeduphisbagandhurriedaway.

CHAPTERXVII

RETROSPECTIVE

RufustrampedthesevenlongmilestoTregannonlikeoneinadream.Uphillanddowndaleheswunghisway,heedlessofthemilestonesanduntroubledbydistance.Theshortwinter'sdayfadedintodarkness

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beforehehadcoveredhalfthejourney.Alittlelaterthemoonsailedslowlyupintheeasternskyandflungweirdshadowsacrosstheroad,buthepaidnoheed.Throughsleepyvillagesandhamletshetramped,bylonelycottagesandsplashingwater-wheels,buthisthoughtswerebackinthequietlaneoutsideSt.Gaved,andthewarmhandofMadelineGroverstilltrembledinhis.

Hehadtriedtoforgether,triedtokeepoutofherway;butwhatwastheuse?Shehadcomeintohislifeforgoodorill,andshehadcometostay.Untilheceasedtodrawbreathshewoulddominatehisheart,anditwasonlywasteofstrengthandenergytofightagainsthisfate.

Hehardlyknewwhetherhewassorryorglad.Ifhehadtoleavetheworld,lovingherwouldmakeitalltheharder,heknew.Ifhisenterprisesucceededandhislifestretchedouttoitsnaturalspan,theburdenofanunrequitedlovewouldalwayspressheavyuponhim.Andyettoloveatallwasworthlivingfor.Thethrillofhertouch,theglanceofhersweet,honesteyes,madeheavenforthemoment.Letthefuturego.Sufficientuntothedaywastheevilthereof.Twelvemonthshencehemightbesleepinginthedust,andshemightbethewifeofGervaseTregony.Itwasfoolish,therefore,toanticipatethefuture.To-dayalonewashis,andhewouldmakethemostofit,andlethisheartgooutinfree,unfetteredaffection,givingallandaskingfornothinginreturn.Itwasintheinspirationandexaltationofthisfeelingthathe

swungalongthequietcountrylanes.Noonecouldhinderhimfromloving,andlovewasitsownreward.Thejoywasnotsomuchinreceivingasingiving.Whenlovebecameselfishitceasedtobelove.Madelinemightneverbehisintheconventionalsense.Shemightneverknowhowmuchshehadbeentohim,mightneverguesshowmuchhelovedher.Thatmightnotbeallloss;itmight,indeed,begain.Hefeltalreadythathewasabettermanforthisgreatpassionthathadcomeintohislife--lessselfish,lessself-centred,lessbitterandinfinitelymorepitiful.

Hefoundhisgrandfather,Rev.ReubenSterne,stillactiveandalert,inspiteoftheeighty-fourwintersthathadpassedoverhishead.Hewasnolesssureofhiselectionnowthanhewassixtyyearsago,whenhe

wasfirstcalledtotheministry,andhewasasanxioustoremainalittlelongerontheearthashewasintheflowerydaysofhisyouth.

Heextendedtohisgrandsonagraveandunemotionalwelcome,andthenledthewayintothelittlesitting-room,wherehiswifesatdeepinaneasychair,alittle,shrunkenthing,wholookedasifallthesaphaddriedoutofherveins.Herwelcome,however,wasmuchwarmerthanherhusband's,andthetearscameintoherfadedeyeswhenhebentdowntokissher.

WhilesupperwasbeinggotreadyRufusstretchedhimselfinaneasychairbeforethefireandlistenedwhiletheoldpeopletalked.

"Ahme,Rufus,"Mrs.Sternesaid,inherthin,quaveringvoice."Itisjustsixteenyearsagoyesterdaysincenewscamethatyourfatherwasdead.Howtimeflies,tobesure,andyourpoormothersurvivedtheshockjustsixmonthsandaday."

RufushadheardthestoryrecallednearlyeveryChristmasEvesince.Whoevermightforget,thelittlegrandmotherremembered,JoshuaSterne--Rufus'sfather--washerfirstbornandonlychild,andthewoundcausedbyhisdeathneverseemedtoheal.

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Rufuslistenedwithnopoignantsenseofgrief.HisfatherhadcrossedtheAtlantictoseekhisfortunewhenhe,Rufus,waslittlemorethanout-of-arms,andhehadneverreturned.Rufusfanciedthatherememberedhim.Buthewasneverquitesure.Therecollection--ifsuchitwas--wassovagueandindistinctthatitseemedlittlemorethantheshadowofadream.

Herememberedwellenoughthedaywhenthenewscameofhisfather'sdeath.Rememberedthegriefandanguishofhismother,which,boy-like,hedidhisbesttosoothe,butwhichhecouldnotunderstand.

Sixmonthslaterthebroken-heartedmotherslippedunexpectedlyawayintothelandofshadows,andRufus,bewilderedandrebellious,wastakenawayfromthesilenthousetolivewithhisgrandparents.Thatseemedlikethebeginningofallhisgriefs.Hehadoftenwonderedsincewhathislifewouldhavebeenlikeifhismotherhadlived.Howhewouldhaverejoicedtotoilforherandfightherbattles.Butitwasnottobe.Inthecoldandgloomyshadowofhisgrandfather'shomeitseemedtohimthatthebettersideofhisnaturehadneverachanceofdeveloping.Thesunshinewasabsent.Therealjoyofexistencewasunknown.

ReubenSternewasadisciplinarianoftheseveresttype.AministeroftheGospelwhohadnorealGospeltopreach.AtheologianwhohadnotruevisionofGod.Amansevereandsternbynature,andmadedoublyso

byanaustereandlovelesscreed."GodwasajealousGod."Thatlayatthefoundationofallhisbeliefsandcolouredallhisactions.TheburdenoftheDivinedecreeslayheavyuponhisheartinthebrightestdays,andtouchedeverysongtosadness.Ofhisownelectionhedidnotdoubt.Ofhiscalltopreachtotheelecthewasequallysure.Buthisonlyson,Joshua,thechildofmanyprayers,gavenoevidenceofsavinggrace,anddieduncalledtothefavoursoftheheavenlyfold,whilehisgrandson,Rufus,appeared,evenfromboyhood,tobeaspaganashisname.Thiswasagreatgrieftotheoldman,thoughhewouldnothavemadeanysignofitfortheworld.Itwashisplacetobow,notonlyinsubmission,butinthankfulnesstotheheavenlywill.Tokissthehandthatsmote,andadoretheunrelentingpowerthatconsignedtoeternalburningthosewhoweredeartohimashisownlife.

Atbottomhisheartwasbetterthanhiscreed,buthewasafraidofshowingtendernessoraffectionlestheshouldberunningcountertotheDivineWill,orgivingencouragementtotheenemiesofthecrosstoblaspheme.

TwiceeverySundayRufuswasledtotheBaptistchapeltohearhisgrandfatherpreach,andearlyindicatedthefatetowhichhewaspredestinedbyfallingasleepundertheoldman'smostterriblesermons.Amongthememoriesthatstoodoutmostclearlyinhisbrainwasthatofhisgrandfatherinthepulpit.Atall,straightman,withclean-shaved,severeface,andeyesthatneversmiled.Healwaysworeafrock-coat,tightlybuttoned,atall,stiffcollar,andalargewhitebow,theends

ofwhichtouchedthelapelsofhiscoat.Hisgreyhairwasbrushedsmoothlyfromhisforehead,hismouthwassetinseverelines,hisshoulderssquaredasifforbattle.Andindeed,everysermonwasabattle.HewasappointedofGodtofight"spiritualwickednessinhighplaces."Heaskednoquarterandgavenone.Hisvoicerangwiththethundersofthelaw.SinaiwasnearertohisheartthanCalvary.

Rufusgaveevidenceofintellectualrevoltbeforehehadreachedhisteens.

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"Whatistheuseofpreaching,grandfather?"heaskedtheoldman,oneSundaymorning,overthedinnertable.

"Theuseofpreaching?"theRev.Reubenquestioned,aghastattheaudacityoftheyoungspeaker;whileMrs.Sternelaiddownherknifeandfork,andstared.

"Well,supposeyoudidn'tpreach,whatwouldhappen?"theboywenton,unconsciousofthestormhewasraising.

"Happen?Happen?Besilent,boy;youknownotofwhatyouarespeaking."

"Butifyoudidn'tpreach,wouldtheelectbelost?"theboypersisted.

"Ofcoursenot.Howcouldtheybelost?'WhomHedidforeknow,Healsodidpredestinate.'"

"Andwillyousaveanyofthosewhoarenotelectedbypreachingtothem?"theboywenton.

"Itisnotinman'spowertosaveatall,"theoldmansaid,severely."SalvationbelongethuntotheLord."

"Well,then,Idon'tseeabitofuseinpreachingoringoingto

chapel."

Theoldmanraisedhiseyesandstared."Youungrateful,unregenerateyouth,"hesaid."Howdareyouspeakinsuchaway,andatmytable?"

"But,grandfather,"saidtheboy,withastonishmentinhiseyes,"whyamIungratefulbecauseIaskquestions?"

"Why?Becauseyourquestionssavourofanunregenerateandunbelievingheart;becausetheymakelightoftheWordoftruth;becausetheSpiritofGodisnotinyou."

"ButhowcanIhelpthat,grandfather?DoyouthinkitisthatIamnot

called?"

"Ifearyouarenot,"hesaid,withagroan."Ifearyouarenot."

"Butyouarenotsure,grandfather?"

"No,Iamnotsure;butthereisnoevidenceofsavinggraceinyou."

"ButifIamelectedIshallbeallrightintheend,sha'n'tI?"

"Yes,yes;thegraciousSpiritalwaysfindsthosewhohavethemarkoftheseal."

"Then,Idon'tthinkIshallgotochapelto-night."

"Notgotochapel!"andtheoldman'seyesflashedfire."Notgotochapel?Didmyearsdeceiveme?IsitforthisIhavecaredforyousincethedeathofyourmother?Boy,boy,becarefulhowyoudisobeyme!"

"But,but----"

"Notanotherword,"theoldmansaid,raisinghisrighthandina

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threateningattitude."Notanotherword,orIwillpunishyouasyouwereneverpunishedbefore.Howdareyoublaspheme,andatmyveryboard?"

Thatwasthebeginningofopenstrifeandrebellion.Theboywenttochapelthatnight,andformanyyearsafter,butneverinthesamespiritagain.ScarcelyaSundaypassedthatbothhisheartandintellectdidnotrevoltagainsthisgrandfather'steachings,andtherewasnoonetoshowhimtheothersideoftheshield.Hadsomewhispercometohiminthosedaysthattruthwasmany-sided,thattheKingdomofGodwasbroaderthanChurchorCreed,andthattheheartoftheEternalwasnottobemeasuredbyanecclesiasticaltape-line,hemighthavebeensavedmanylongyearsofdarknessanddoubt.ButinthevillageofTregannon,teachersandseerswerefew,andbooksthatwouldhavehelpedhimwereoutofhisreach.

Sohegrewfirstintothebeliefthathebelongedtothenon-elect,andlaterintothebeliefthatthewholefabricoftheChristianreligionwasadelusionandasnare.

Yetnocloudofunbeliefdimmedforamomentthepurityofhissoul.Helovedgoodnessnonethelessbecausehehatedhumancreeds.Rightwasright,whateverpreacherspreachedorfailedtopreach;andwrongwaswrongthoughstampedwiththeChurch'sapproval.

ItwasagreatgrieftotheRev.ReubenandtohiswifewhenRufusdemonstratedbyopenandunabashedrevoltthathebelongedtothenon-elect.Theyhadsuspecteditearlyinhiscareer;theyhadpreparedthemselvesfortheblowwhenitshouldfall.Thetender-heartedlittlegrandmotherhadhopedandprayedtillthelast,andevencontinuedtopraywhenshebelievedthatprayingwasvainandfearedthatitmightbeanoffencetotheLord.

TheRev.Reubenwasmadeofsternerstuff."Ephraim,"hesaid,"isjoinedtohisidols,lethimalone."

Sothequiet,uneventfulyearspassedaway,andtheboygrewintoaman.

Amanoffinepresence,ofconsiderableintellectualattainments--forReubenSternegavetheladthebesteducationhecouldafford--andofunblemishedcharacter.

Rufuswantedtobeanengineer,butthatwasbeyondhisgrandfather'smeans.Hisgrandmotherwantedtoapprenticehimtoadraper,buttheboyprotestedsovehementlythatthatlaudabledesirewasnevercarriedout.Intheend,hefoundhiswayintoaRedbourneBank,wherehebecameacquaintedwithFelixMuller,whowasasolicitor'sclerkinthetown,andwholateronsucceededtohismaster'sbusiness.FromRedbourne,RufusremovedtoSt.GavedasSecretarytotheWhealGregoryTinMiningCompany,Limited,anditwaswhiletherethatheconceivedaschemeforthebetteringofhisownfortunesandthoseofthecountyasawhole.

Rufuscouldnothelprecallingthepastashestretchedhislegsbeforethefireandlistenedindreamyfashiontothetalkoftheoldpeople.Alltheyearsthathadfledandgoneseemedtoliveagain.Allthepeoplethatheknewinhisboyhood'sdaysgatheredroundhimoncemore.Voiceslongsincehushedinthegreatsilencespoketohimastheyusedtodo;andeyesthatlongsincehadfallenintodustsmiledwithalltheiroldsweetness.

HealwaysfeltaboyagainwhenhecamehometoTregannon.Theold

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peoplewereunchanged.Theydidnotlookadayolderthantenyearspreviously.Thehouseanditswayshadbeenstereotypedforageneration.Thesamecoarserugwasbeforethefire,onwhichhehadsprawledasalad.Thesamekettlesangonthehob,thesamepokerandtongsshoneinthefirelight.

Theoldpeoplestilltalkedon,recallingtheeventsofotheryears,theonesupplyingwhattheotherhadforgotten.Rufusinterposedamonosyllablenowandthen,buthisthoughtsinthemainwerefarawayfromtheirs.Suddenlyhisinterestwasarousedbyanallusionhisgrandfathermadetosomewastefulandabortivelawsuitthatfollowedhisfather'sdeath.

"Thewaysofthelawmaybecrookedinthiscountry,"hesaid,withenergy;"andEnglishlawyersmaybeblood-suckersinthemain,butinAmericathingsarefiftytimesworse."

"Whydoyouthinkthat?"hequestioned,raisinghiseyeswithinterest.

"Why,becauseI'veprovedit.Yourfather'stitlewasclearenough,there'snodoubtaboutthat.Hemadehismoneyhonestlytoo.Ifhe'dlivedamonthortwolongerhe'dhavereturnedhomearichman."

"Well?"

"Well,justbecausesomeswindlerdisputedhisright,andablackmailerpresentedabogusaccount,andsomebodyelseclaimedontheestate,onthegroundofaletterwhichwasclearlyaforgery,thelawyerswenttoworkwithglee,andtheStatejudgeorattorney,orwhoeverhemaybe,aidedandabettedtheplunder.Agrosserpieceofcorruptionthereneverwasinthisworld."

"Andtheyateitallupbetweenthem?"

"Everydollar.Atleast,Ipresumeso.Itwaspostponed--Imeanthesettlement--andpostponedmonthaftermonth,andyearafteryear;andtakentothiscourtandthat,thelawyerslickingtheirlipsallthe

time--Whatcaredtheyforthewidowandthefatherless?Andwhentherewasnothingleftoftheestate,whythelitigationceased."

"That'susuallythecase,isn'tit?"

"ButinourEnglishcourtsthereisachanceofanhonestmancomingbyhisrights."

"Notmuchifheshouldhappentobeapoorman."

"ThenyoubelieveweareasbadastheAmericans?"

"Everywhit.Lawyersandlawcourts,alltheworldovermeanthesame

thing."

"Butisn'toneofyourbestfriendsalawyer?"

"YourefertoFelixMuller?Well,yes.Mullerhasbeenaverygoodfriendtome.Butwhenitcomestobusiness,liketherestofthem,hewillhavehispoundofflesh."

"Ah,well!"theoldmananswered,withasigh."It'sasadworld.Thoughmanymaybecalled,fewarechosen,andSatanmustworkhiswilltill

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theappointedtime."

"Heseemstohavehadaprettylonginnings,"Rufussaid,withalaugh.

"Andyet,beyondhischainhecannotgo,"theoldmananswered.Andthensupperwasbroughtontothetable.

CHAPTERXVIII

THEOLDANDTHENEW

RufusawokenextmorningtothesoundofChristmasbellsringingwildlydownthevalleyandoutacrossthehills.Itwasapleasantsound,andawokemanytendermemoriesinhisheart.InstinctivelyhisthoughtsturnedbacktotheGospelstory,andtotheChristwhohadchangedthehistoryoftheworld.Whatevermightbesaidofthedoctrinesanddogmasthathisgrandfatherhadpreachedforfiftyyearswithsomuchvehemenceandenergy,therecouldbenodoubtastotheethicalvalueofChrist'slifeandsayings.

HehadnotlookedintotheNewTestamentforagoodmanyyearsnow,butitsuddenlyoccurredtohimthatitwasscarcelyfairtoholdChristresponsibleforallthefoolishthingsdoneandtaughtinHisname.HerecalledwithouteffortwholeparagraphsoftheSermonontheMount,forhehadbeencompelled,asaboy,togetoffwholechaptersbothoftheOldandNewTestamentbyheart,andhefeltthatnothingnoblerhadbeentaughtinallthehistoryoftheworld.Besidesallthat,therewassomethinginfinitelybeautifulandtouchinginthetragedyofChrist'slifeanddeath.Hewasamartyrforscornedideals.Hegaveuphisliferatherthancompromisewithevil,orbeapartytothehypocrisiesofHistime.Hewas,undoubtedly,thefriendofthepoor,andoutcast,andoppressed,andwastheonlyreligiousmanofHistimewhohadthecouragetospeakakindwordtopublicansandharlots.

Rufusbegantohaveanuncomfortablefeelingthathehadscarcelytreatedthissacredfigurewithordinarychivalryorfairplay.TheveryidealshestoodforandadvocatedwereamongthosetheManofNazarethlivedforanddiedfor.Fromwhat,then,hadherevolted?Againstwhathadheprotested?

Heclosedhiseyeswhilethebellsrangon,andtriedtothink.HecouldrecallnowordofChristtowhichhecouldtakeexception,nosingleactthatwasnotinitselfamessageofgoodwilltomen.Herewasalifeabsolutelyunselfish,andsacrificedinthepursuitofthenoblestideal.Herewasteachingthatstruckatthegreedandhypocrisyandlustofacorruptage.Herewasaninfluence,iftakenbyitself,whichmust

alwaysbeforthecommongood.

Why,then,hadherevolted?HehadcalledChristianityadelusionandasnare.Abenumbingsuperstition,aninventionofpriestsfortheenslavementofmenandwomen.InhisdefenceofthepositionhehadtakenuphehadpointedoutthatChristianityhadstoodforslavery,forwar,foroppression,forpersecution,forgreed,andfortheruleofthestrongovertherightsandconsciencesoftheweak.Hadhebeenwronginthiscontention?Andifnot,wherewasthediscrepancy?

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CoulditbetruethatChriststoodforonething,andChristianityforanother?Inotherwords,wasthethingthatborethenameofChristianity,Christianityatall?DiditbearanythingbutthemostdistantresemblancetothatsweetandennoblinginfluencethatJesusbreathedintothelifeoftheworld?

Hebecameinterestedintheproblem.Thebellsceasedtheirwildrevel,andalittlecompanyofcarolsingersbrokeoutinthefrontgarden:

Hark!thegladsound,theSaviourcomes,TheSaviourpromisedlong,Leteveryheartprepareathrone,Andeveryvoiceasong.

Theysangwellandtunefully,sustainingalltheparts,andthrowingheartandenthusiasmintotheexercise.Helistenedwithinterestandpleasure.Anewchordseemedtohavebeenstruckinhisnature.Afreshwindowhadbeenopenedinhismind.Ayearagothecarolmighthaveirritatedhim,andhewouldprobablyhavelaidtheflatteringunctiontohissoul,thathehadoutgrownamouldyandmoth-eatensuperstition.

HewonderediflovingMadelineGroverhadmadehisheartsensitivetonewinfluences,orifitwasthepossibilityofaspeedyescapefromlifethathadturnedhisheartanewtothesequestions.

Thecarol-singershadcometohonourhisgrandfather.Hewasnolongertheirpastor.Hehadpreachedtillhewaseighty--preachedtillhisoncecrowdedcongregationhaddwindleddowntoamerehandful,andthegloryof"Zion,"asthechapelwascalled,hadbecomebutamemory.Yethisnamewasreveredstill.ForfiftyyearsandmorehehadlivedinTregannon,andhadlivedalifeofstrictandsevereintegrity,and,thoughtheyoungergenerationhaddriftedawayfromhisministry,and"Zion"wasnolongerenthusiasticaboutthetermsofitstitle-deeds,yettherewasnoonewhohadnotagoodwordtospeakofthewhite-hairedsupernumerary.

Heheardthedooropenatlength.Theoldservanthadgonedowntolet

thesingersin,andheknewtherewouldbecocoaandsaffroncake,andawordofwelcomeandexhortationfromhisgrandfather.Itwaspleasant,afterall,toberememberedwithsomuchaffectionafteralifeofeighty-fouryears.

Rufuswonderedifhisnamewouldeverbeheldinanydegreeofesteembyhisfellows,orifhewouldliveunhonoured,anddieunlamented.Whywasithisgrandfather'snamewassomuchrevered?WasitthemannerofhislifeorthecharacterofhispreachingthathadtouchedtheheartandimaginationofTregannon?

Hehadnotmuchdifficultyinansweringthatquestion.Nobodycaredabouthissermonsnow.Thefewthatwereremembered,wereremembered

onlytobediscussedanddiscarded.HiscriticismsofLuther,hisfierceattacksonArminianism,hisdeadlyassaultsonDarwinandHuxley,whowerebeginningtobetalkedabout,hisrighteousscornatinfantbaptism,hisponderousdefenceofverbalinspiration,hislabouredexpositionsofthepropheciesofDaniel,hisflounderingsinthedeepwatersoftheApocalypse,hisweightydisquisitionsonforeknowledgeandpredestination,andhisnicely-balanceddefinitionsofsuchtermsasatonement,justification,regenerationandthelike--whatdidtheyallamounttonow?Whorecalledthemorweremadethebetterbythem?Thethingthatmatteredwasgoodness.Insofarashehadsetanexampleof

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uprightnessofcharacter,ofsimplicityofaim,ofunselfishnessinhisdealingswithhisfellows,hehadlivedtopurpose.ThesermonthatallTregannonrememberedwashisuprightlife.Austerehehadalwaysbeen,carryinghimselfwithacertainreservethatnoonecouldbreakdown,butbeneathacoldandplacidsurfacetherehadbeatenagenuinelyhumanheart.Tothepoorandsufferingandheartbrokenhehadprovedhimselfthroughtwogenerationsagenuinefriend.Henceitwasthatthoughhehadlivedinretirementforthelastfouryearshisnamewasheldinreverencestill.

Rufusfoundhimselfdebatingthequestionfromafreshstandpoint.WasChristianitywhathisgrandfatherpreached,orwhathelived?Hehadheardhimdeclarefromthepulpit,withpassionatevehemence,thatgoodworkswerefilthyrags,andthatmoralitymightbeamillstonearoundthenecktosinkthesoulindeeperperdition.Yetwhocaredforhisgrandfather'stheologyinTregannon?Thethingthatmadehisnamereveredwasthatverymoralitywhichhehadsooftenwarnedhishearersagainst.

"There'sascrewloosesomewhere,"Rufussaidtohimself,withasmile."PerhapsIhadbetterreadtheNewTestamentagainandtrytofindoutwhatChristianityis.WhatpassesinitsnameIlikeaslittleaseverIdid.Itspriestlyassumptions,itsgrotesquedogmas,itstruculentgrovellingatthefeetofwealth,itspitifulsquabblingsaboutforms

andorders,itsdefenceofoppressionandwar,andmostotherabominations,itssilenceandhelplessnessinfaceofpubliccorruption.GreatScott!whatdoesitallmean?ThinkofChristianityinRussiasidingwiththebruteswhorulethatunhappyland;thinkofitinFrance,wherethepeopleindisgustaretryingtokickitout;thinkofitinEngland,alliedtotheState,intriguingforpowerandresortingtoeverykindofsharppracticetogainitsownends,andthinkofJesusdyingforagreatideal.I'llgiveuptheproblem,it'sbeyondme."Andhegotoutofbedandbegantodress.Afterbreakfastheratherastonishedtheoldpeoplebyannouncingthathewouldgotochapel.

"Ihopeyouwillgo,Rufus,inaproperspirit,"theoldmansaid,severely.

"Ihopeso,"wastheanswer;"thoughIamboundtoconfessIampromptedmainlybyadesiretohearyournewminister."

TheRev.Reubenlookedgrave."Itispossiblehemaysaysomethingyoumayapproveof.Igrievetosaythateventhepulpitistouchedbywhatiscalledthemodernspirit."

"ButIhearthat'Zion'isregainingsomeofitsformerglory."

"Thecongregationsarelarge,Iadmit;butIfearinthesedaysthepeoplehaveitchingears."

"Thathasbeentrue,Iamtold,ofeverygeneration."

"Itmaybeso.Yetthirtyyearsago--aye,twentyyearsago--thepeopleenduredsounddoctrineevenwhenitwasgallingtotheflesh."

"Andto-day,grandfather?"

Theoldmanshookhisheadandsmiledsadly."Ifearmetheyhavenostomachforstrongmeat,"hesaid,pathetically.

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"Well,itisnotabitofusetryingtoswallowwhatwecannotdigest,"Rufussaid,withalaugh."However,IwillhearthisRev.MarshallBrookformyself."

Hefeltpainfullyconspicuousashewalkedintothechapelbehindthestoopingformofhisgrandfather--thelittlegrandmotherwastoofeebletoattend.Hethoughtthateverybodywaseyeinghimwithanunnecessaryamountofcuriosity.Heslippedintothefarcornerofthepew,theplacewherehehadspentmanyawearyandpainfulhourintheyearsgoneby,andforawhilehekepthiseyesfixeduponthefloor.Aquiet,slow-movingvoluntarywasbeingplayedontheorgan,aroundhimwasafaintrustleofsilksandtheshufflingoffeet.FromthevestibulecameasubduedhumofvoicesasacquaintancesmetandexchangedChristmasgreetings.

Rufuswascarriedbackagaintothedaysofhisboyhoodandyouth.Thepresentwasforgotten.HehadneverbeenawayfromTregannon.Hewasstillalad.Hehadajack-knifeinhispocketandawhitealleyandapieceofcobbler'swaxandseveralyardsofstring.ThatwasBillyBeswarick'ssuppressedcoughcomingfromaneighbouringpew,andhewassureDickDaddowasbehindhimwaitingtopullhishair.

Heraisedhiseyesatlength,andtheillusionpartiallyvanished;butnotaltogether.Therewasthesameorgan--howoftenhehadcountedits

giltdummypipes;newbrassbook-restshadbeenplacedinthegalleryfrontfortheconvenienceofthechoir--thatwasaninnovation,andbroughthimdowntomoremoderndays.Theironpillarsthatsupportedthegallerieswerefestoonedwithevergreens,andoverthearchoftheorganloftwasatextofScripture,conspicuousinwhiteagainstascarletbackground:--"Onearthpeaceandgoodwilltowardmen."

ThetextsetRufusthinkingagain.Heratherwonderedthatanyonehadthecouragetoputitup.Perhapstheyoungpeoplehaddoneit,unthinkingly,fornosentimentcouldbemoreincongruousoroutofplace.Theairwasfulloftheclashofarms,thenewspaperscontainedlittleelsethanrecordsofbattleandslaughter.MinistersalloverthecountrywerepreachingsermonsonpatriotismandImperialism.Churches

andSunday-schoolswereorganisingboys'brigades,andchildrenwerebeingtaughthowtoshoot.Hereandthereasolitaryvoiceprotestedagainstallwarasunchristian,butthevoiceinthemainwasunheeded.Howcouldwarbeunchristian?Howcouldkillingonalargescalebeanythingbutanennoblingoccupation?Howcoulddefendinghomesthatwerenotattackedanddestroyinghomesthatwerenotdefended,beanythinglessthanheroic?Howcouldstealingyourneighbour'sbirthrightandpossessinghisinheritancebeanythingbutrighteous?

"There'sevidentlyascrewloosesomewhere,"hesaidtohimself,withasmile."IfthattextsetsforththeobjectiveofChrist'smission,thenagooddealthatpassesmusterasChristianityto-dayisloathsomehypocrisy."

Thenhisattentionwasarrestedbytheentranceoftheministerintothepulpit.Ayoungmanwithafrank,boyishface,large,squareforehead,awidemouth,strongchinandjaw--allthishetookinataglance.Amomentlaterhenoticedthathisdresswasunclerical,hishandssmallandbrown,hiseyesdeep-setanddark.

Rufusfeltinterestedintheman.Accustomedashehadbeenduringalltheyearsofhisboyhoodandyouthtoseeingthetall,stiff,clericalfigureofhisgrandfatherinthepulpit,thereseemedsomething

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delightfullyfreeandunconventionalaboutthisyoungman.Thepulpit"tone"wasabsentfromhisvoice,thepulpitmannerhehadevidentlynotyetlearnt,thepulpitexpressionhadtobeacquired.

Rufusgotfarbackinhischildhooddaysagainduringthesingingandprayers.Butdirectlythetextwasannouncedandtheministerbegantopreachhefeltwideawakeandinterested.Tobeginwith,allhisearlynotionsaboutpreachingwererudelyupset.Takinghisgrandfatherasamodelthisyoungmandidnotpreachatall.Hejusttalkedandtalkedinamostdelightfullyeasyandquickeningway.

ThefartherheadvancedthemoreinterestedRufusbecame.Therewerenoattemptsatoratory,noflightsofrhetoric,nosimulatedpassion,nodeclamation,butjustearnest,lucidtalk.Heforgotthathewasinachapelandthismaninapulpit.Theymightbeanywhere--inaworkshoporbythefireside--andthemanwastalkingtothemonasubjectofdeepandperennialinterest.Hedidnotdogmatise;hedidnotignoreobjectionsanddifficulties.Hefacedeveryproblemfairlyandfearlessly,andgavehisreasonforthefaiththatwasinhim.

"Thedesireofallnationsshallcome,"wasthetext.Whatwasthedesireofallnations?Whatwasthedeep,passionatelongingofallthoughtful,seriouspeopleofallagesandofallcountries?AndhowwasthatlongingmetinJesusofNazareth?

OnthefirstpointhetouchedRufustothequick.Hedescribedeverymentalemotionthroughwhichhehadpassed,andshowedhoweverymerelyhumanphilosophyhadfailedtosatisfytheneedofthehumanheart.EverywordofthispartofthediscoursewasabsolutelytruetoRufus'sownexperience.

Butwhenthepreachercametodealwiththesecondpartofhissubject,Rufusfeltallhisoldscepticismreturningwitharush;andyetsoreasonablydidthepreachertalkthathewascompelledtolisten.Hedidnotspeaklikeanadvocatewithabadcase.Therewerenoevasions,nospecialpleadings,noattemptstobrowbeatwitnesses,ortosailoffonsideissues.Hespokeasonewhohadfoughthiswaythrougheveryphase

ofdoubt,andhadreachedthesereneheightsofabsoluteconviction.

Christhadmethisneeds,andhadansweredhisquestions,hadsolvedtheriddleoflife.

Rufusshookhisheadmorethanonceunconsciously.Theargumentfromexperiencemightbesatisfactoryenoughtothosewhohadtheexperience,buthewantedproof.Theexperienceofanothermanwasofverylittlevaluetohim.

IfhecouldbesurethatChristspokewithabsoluteauthorityonthesequestionsthatvexedthehumanmind,thenwouldhefindrestalso,buthowwashetogetthatassurance.

Hewalkedhomefromchapelbyhisgrandfather'ssideinsilence.TheoldmanwasaslittledisposedtotalkasRufus,butforadifferentreason.

AfterdinnerRufuswentforalongwalkalone.Hewantedtoshakeofftheeffectsofthesermon.Someoftheconclusionsofthepreacherhadmadehimfeeldistinctlyuncomfortable.Thepossibilityoflifebeingasacredtrustfortheuse,orabuse,ofwhichhewouldbeheldresponsiblebyaSupremeBeingwasdistinctlydisquieting,especiallyinviewoftheunpleasantpossibilitythatwashangingoverhishead.

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Iflifewerenothisowntodoashelikedwith--tospendorendhoworwhenseemedgoodinhisowneyes--thenhisattempttogamblewithitwasmoreimmoralthanforatrusteeoralawyertogamblewithhisclient'sproperty.Rufushadalwayspridedhimselfonhishonour.Itwashissheet-anchorinallthementalstormsthroughwhichhehadpassed;butifinthrowinghislifeintopawnhehadpawnedhishonouratthesametimewhatwastherelefttohimthatwasworthpossessing?Andiftheworstshouldcometotheworst,if,ashesometimesfeared,hisinventionhadbeenforestalled--notonlyapartofit,butthewholeofit--ifthedemandsofwhathecalledhonourshouldnecessitatethegivingupofhislife,inwhatsortofmoraldilemmawouldhefindhimself?

HiscompactwithMullerbegantoappearinamoreunpleasantlyluridlightthanithadeverdonebefore.Couldamanstealmoneytopayhisdebtswith,andthenboastofhishonestyinpaying?Couldhedischargeadebtofhonourbyanactthatinitselfwascriminal?

Itwasdarkwhenhegotbacktohisgrandfather'shouse,buttheinfluenceofthesermonwasstilluponhim.Hehadpassedcottagesbythedozenfromwhichhadcomesoundsofmirthandfestivity.Tregannonappearedtobeenjoyingitselftothefull.Theyoungpeople,untroubledaboutthefuture,weremakingmerryinthehopeandgladnessofto-day;

whilehe,havinglostthefaithofhischildhood,haddriftedintoregionsnotonlyofhopelessness,butofperil.

"Itseemsbutapoorexchange,"hesaid,sadly,"butIshallhavetomakethebestofit."

WhenheopenedthedoorhewassurprisedtohearthevoicesofhisgrandfatherandtheRev.MarshallBrook,inwhatseemedtohimaveryanimatedandevenheateddiscussion.

CHAPTERXIX

AFTERTHREEYEARS

AfterhermeetingwithRufusSterne,MadelinewalkedslowlybacktotheHallwithaverythoughtfullookuponherface.SheknewthatthisChristmasEvewastobeafatefultimeforher,herwholefutureseemedtobehanginginthebalance.Onwhathappenedduringthenextfewdays--perhaps,duringthenextfewhours--woulddependinallprobabilitythehappiness,orthemisery,ofalltheyearsthatwouldfollow.

Thepointtowhichherlifehadbeensteadilydriftingwouldbereachedto-night.Themanwhohadbeenwaitingforherwouldaskhertocomeintohisarms,theconsummationofhergirlishdreamswasabouttoberealised.Whydidsheshrinkfromthefatefulmoment?WhydidshecontemplatethemeetingwithGervasewithsomethinglikealarm?BeforeshereachedtheHallsheputaquestionboldlytoherselfthatshehadneverdaredaskbefore.HadRufusSterneanythingtodowiththishalf-definedfearthathauntedher.Supposehehadnevercrossedherpath--hadneverawakenedhergratitudebyhiscourageandchivalry,hadnevertouchedhersympathybyhisvicarioussuffering--wouldsheatthis

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momentbealmostdreadingtheappearanceofGervaseTregonyonthescene?

TillshemetRufusSterne,Gervasehadbeenherideal.Hisbigness,hismasterfulness,hisfearlessness,hisdaringhadawakenedinherasenseofawe.Hewasheridealstillinmanyrespects.Sheneverexpectedtoseeamoresoldierlyman,neverexpectedtohearavoicethatwasmoreclearlymeanttocommand,neveranticipatedastrongerarmtoleanupon.

Andyettherewasnodenyingthefactthatthebrightnessoftheimagehadbeensomewhatdimmedoflate.Inpointofbigness,inpointofmasterfulness,and,aboveall,inpointofsocialposition,RufusSternewasnottobementionedinthesamedaywithGervaseTregony,andyetRufusSterne,poorandfriendlessashewas,hadtouchedherheartandherimaginationinawaythatGervasehadneverdone.

Herfingersweretinglingstillunderthepressureofhishand.Thetonesofhisvoicewerestillvibratingthroughthechambersofherbrain,thecolourmountedtohercheekswhenevershethoughtofhim.

"Perhaps,whenIseeGervase,"shesaidtoherself,"allmyforebodingswillvanish.ItwillbeacomforttoknowthatIhavebeenworryingmyselffornothing.Ifhelovesmeformyownsake--andIshallsoonfindoutifhedoesn't--andifI--I--likehimasIhavealwaysdone,why

thereisnoreasonatallwhyweshouldnotbetwoofthehappiestpeopleintheworld.Nevertheless,IwishSirCharleswasnotinsuchahurrytoarrangethings."

ShefoundLadyTregonyandBerylpretendingconcernatherlongabsence,butverylittlewassaid,andMadelinedidnotexplainwhyshehadbeensolong.

"Wehaveordereddinner,mydear,forhalf-pastseven,"LadyTregonysaid,inherblandesttones."WehavehadanothertelegramfromdearGervasewhileyouhavebeenout.ItwashandedinatBristol.Heseemsterriblyimpatienttobeathome.IsupposeyouwouldnotcaretodriveintoRedbournewithSirCharlestomeethim?"

"No,indeed.Iwouldprefertomeethimhere,thankyou."

"Iamsureitwouldbequiteproper,mydear,ifyouwouldcaretogo,andreallyGervaseseemsdyingtoseeyou."

"Idon'tthinkitwouldbeproperatall,"Madelineanswered,quitefrankly.

"Oh,yes,mydear.Everybodynowlooksupontheengagementasasettledthing."

"Indeed.Ididnotknowpeopletooksomuchinterestinouraffairs,or

indeed,knewanythingaboutthematter."

"Oh,yes,mydear;itisimpossiblethatsuchthingscanbekeptasecret.IexpectyouwillgettonsandtonsofcongratulationsonFriday."

"WhyonFriday,LadyTregony?"

"Why,becauseweshallhavethehousefullofpeopleonFriday,tobesure.Iwouldn'tthatthereshouldbeahitchfortheworld."

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Madelinewalkedupstairstoherroom,feelingveryperturbed,andnotalittleannoyed.Itseemednowasifeverybodywasbeginningtoshowhisorherhand.Nowthatthegamewaspracticallywontherewasnotquitesomuchneedforcautionorfinesse.Indeed,totaketheengagementforgrantedmightbeagoodwayofsettlingthematteronceandforall.

"Butitisnotsettledyet,"shesaidtoherself,alittlebitindignantly;"andwhatismoreIwillnothavemyaffairssettledformebyanybody."

Ithadbeenherintentiontodressherselfwiththegreatestcarethatevening,todonthesmartestandmostbecomingfrockshepossessed.Butsheconcludednowshewoulddonothingofthekind.

"IamnotgoingtolaymyselfouttomakeaconquestasthoughIwereahusbandhunter,"shesaidtoherself,withheightenedcolour;"andwhatismoreIamnotgoingtoletanybodytakethingsforgranted,"andshedroppedintoabasketchairbeforethefire.

ItwasthefirsttimeLadyTregonyhadsoopenlyshownherhand,anditmadeMadelinethinkmorefuriouslythanever.

Hermaidcamealittlelaterandlightedthelampanddrewtheblinds,

thenquietlywithdrew.Madelinesatstaringintothefire,watchingthefacescomeandgo,andconjuringupallkindsofvisions.Sheheardthebroughamdriveaway;heardtheBaronet'svoiceforamomentortwo,thenallgrewstillagain.Inanotherhourhewouldbebackagain,accompaniedbyhisson.Shewantedtogetupandwalkabouttheroom,butsheheldherselfincheckwithafirmhand,andsatresolutelystill.Shedidnotattempttohidefromherselfthefactthatshewaspainfullyexcited.Herheartwasbeatingattwiceitsnormalrate.ShewaslongingtoseeGervase,andyetshedreadedthemomentwhenshewouldagainlookintohiseyes.

ShedidherbesttoputRufusSterneoutofhermind.Shehadavaguekindoffeelingthatshewasdisloyaltohergirlishideals.Thehour,

towhichalltheotherhoursofherlifehadsteadilyandconsistentlymoved,wasonthepointofstriking.Sheoughttobesupremelyhappy.Onefaceonlyshouldfillallherdreams.ShehadgrowntobelievethatGervaseTregonyhadbeenordainedforherandsheforhim--untilthelastfewmonthsnotadoubthadcrossedhermindonthispoint,andnow----

Shegotupandbegantowalkabouttheroom.Shecouldsitstillnolonger.Theveryairhadbecomeoppressive.Shefeltasthoughathunderstormwasbroodingovertheplace.

Hermaidcameinatlength,muchtoherrelief,andbegantohelpherdressfordinner.Whileherhairwasbeingbrushedandcombedshe

listenedintentlyforthesoundofcarriagewheels.Theroadswerehard,andsoundstravelledfaronthestillfrostyair.

Shecaughtthesoundsshehadbeenlisteningforatlength,andherheartseemedtocomeintohermouth.Thebeatofthehorses'hoofsbecameasregularasthetickingofaclock.Nearerandnearerdrewthesounds,tillthemaidstoppedherbrushing,andlistened.

"Theyarecoming,"shesaid,withalittlecatchinherbreath."Ididnotthinktheywouldbeheresosoon,"andshedroppedthebrushes,and

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begantotwistMadeline'sglorioushairintoalargecoillowonherneck.

"Youneednothurry,"Madelinesaid,quietly;"Ishallnotgodownstairstilljustbeforedinner."

"Herladyshipisdressedalready,"themaidanswered.

"Naturally,"sheanswered,significantly,andrelapsedintosilence.

Afewminuteslatertheyheardthegrittingofthecarriagewheelsonthedrive.ItcurvedroundunderMadeline'swindow,andpulledupatthefrontdoor.

Shelistenedforthesoundofvoices,butSirCharlesandhissonalightedinsilence.ThenalittleshrillcryofdelightwaswaftedupfromthehallasLadyTregonyfellintoherson'sarms.Thenextmomenttheharsh,raucousvoiceofthecaptainechoeddistinctlythroughalltherooms.

Madelinefeltherheartgiveasuddenbound.Howoftenshehadheardthatvoiceinherdreams,andthrilledatthesound--notamusicalvoice,byanymeans,notavoicetolureandsoothe,butavoicetocommand;avoicetoinspireconfidenceandawakenfearatthesame

time.

Thenaknockcametothedoor,andBerylrushedin."Gervasehascome,dear,"shesaid,excitedly.

"Yes,Iheardhisvoice."

"Butareyounotcomingdownatonce?"

"Icannotverywell,"sheanswered,withasmile.

"Buthewillbeterriblydisappointed.Hisfirstinquirywasforyou."

"Weshallmeetinthedrawing-roombeforedinnerisannounced."

"ButwhatmustItellhim?"

"Anythingyoulike,dear."

Beryldepartedwithapout,andalookofdisappointmentinhereyes.Alittlelatertherewasasoundofheavyfootstepsonthestairs.

Madelinedisappointedhermaidbyinsistingonwearingherleastbecomingeveninggown,andtheonlyornamentsheworewasabunchofhollyberriesinherhair.

Shewentdownstairsalone,andwassurprisedtofindthedrawing-roomempty.WhereLadyTregonyandBerylhadtakenthemselvestoshecouldnotimagine.Abigfireoflogswasblazinginthegrate,andinallthesconcescandleswerealight.SheexpectedeverymomentthateitherBerylorLadyTregonywouldcometoher;theywerebothdressed,andtherewasnoreasonwhateverthattheyshouldremainintheirrooms.

Afterseveralminuteshadgonebyshebegantosuspectthetruth.TheywerekeepingawaysothatshemightmeetGervasealone.Itwasverythoughtfulofthemcertainly,butitwastakingrathertoomuchfor

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granted.Shedislikedsomanyevidencesofmanagementandcontrivance.IfProvidencewasarrangingallthesemattersshecouldnotseewhyProvidencemightnotbeallowedafreehand.Somuchhumanassistancedidnotseematallnecessary.

Shewasbeginningtofeelalittlebitresentfulwhenthedoorwasthrownsuddenlyopen,andGervaseentered.Foramomentshestartedbackwithunfeignedsurprise.Shehadexpectedseeinghiminallthegloryandsplendourofhisuniform,andherehewasinordinaryeveningdress,lookingascommon-placeasanyaveragecountrysquire.Theonlysplendidthingabouthimwashismoustache,whichwaswaxedouttoitsfullestdimensions.

"Madeline,"hesaid,huskily,cominghurriedlyforward,withoutstretchedhands."Thisisthesuprememomentofmylife."

Sheplacedbothherhandsinhis,andlookedhimsteadilyintheeyes.Shewasquitecalmagainnow.Herhearthadceaseditswildgallop.

"ItseemedasifIshouldnevergethere,"hesaid,inthesamehuskytones."Oh!howimpatientIhavebeentolookintoyourdeareyes."

"IfyouhadmissedthistrainyouwouldnothavegothereforyourChristmasdinner,"shesaid,artlessly,"andthatwouldhavebeen

horriblydisappointing."

"Wouldyouhavebeenverymuchdisappointed?"hequestioned,tryingtothrowanoteoftendernessintohisvoice.

"Ofcourse,Ishouldhavebeendisappointed,"sheanswered,frankly;"I'vebeenquiteconsumedwithcuriositytoseewhatyoulooklike."

"Notwithcuriosityonly,Ihope,Madeline."

"Why,isn'tcuriositybadenoughwithouthavinganyotherfeelingtotormentyou?"

"DidyouthinkIshouldhavechangedtowardyou?"hesaid,inhurttones."Didyouregardmeasoneoftheficklemob,whoholdlovesolightly?"

"Nay,Ihavealwaysregardedyouasabrave,strongmanwhowouldplacedutyaboveeverything."

"Inthat,Itrust,Ishallneverdisappointyou,"hesaid,humbly."Henceforthmydutyandmyjoyshallbetoserveyou."

"Iamonlyone,"shesaid,quickly."IsnotyourfirstdutytoyourcountryandyourKing?"

"Myfirstdutyistomyqueen,"heansweredgallantly,"andthatisyou."

Shedrewherhandsfromhissuddenly,andsteppedbackapace."Hadwenotbetterunderstandeachotherbetterbeforewetalksoconfidently?"shesaid,inharddecidedtones.

"What,afterthreelongyears?"hequestioned,inanaggrievedvoice."Isitpossiblethatthereisanythingleftunexplained?HaveInotopenedallmyhearttoyouinmyletters?DoIneedstilltoprovemy

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devotion?"

"No,no.Youhavebeenverycandidandveryloyal,"shesaid,quickly."Butamatterofsomuchimportanceshouldnotbedecidedinanhour."

"Butwehaveknowneachotherforyears,anddidwenotunderstandeachotherfromtheverybeginning?"

"Perhapswedid,"sheanswered,withdowncasteyes.

"Andeveryoneelseunderstood,"hewenton."Itistruelittleornothingwassaidatthebeginning,foryou--you--were--were--veryyoung.ButIwasoffullage,andwhenthepropertimecameIwroteplainlytoyou."

"Yes,Iknow."

"Andyouwerenotsurprised?YouexpectedIshouldwriteinthatway,didyounot?"

"Yes,IthinkIdid."

"Andyetnowyoutalkofourunderstandingeachotherbetter.Oh,Madeline!Letmeassureyouthatnootherwomanhascrossedmypath,

thatnootherfacehascaughtmyfancy,thatmyhearthasbeentruetoyoufromthefirst,andIampreparednowtodevotetherestofmylifetoyou."

"Butistherenotanothersidetothequestion?"sheasked,seriously."YousaidwhenfirstwemetIwasveryyoung.ButIhavegrowntobeawomannow."

"Thatistrue,byJove!"heanswered,withaharshlaugh,"andaverylovelywoman,too.ButthatonlyaddsforceandweighttowhatIhavealreadysaid.Ifyouhadgrowntobeill-favouredorplain,youmighthesitate,thinkingmyheartwouldchange.Butno,Madeline,Iamnotoftheficklesort.IfyouwerenothalfsohandsomeasyouareIshould

stillcometoyoueager,devoted,anddetermined."

"Youfailtounderstandmypoint,"shesaid,quickly.

"NotI,indeed,"heinterposed,withalaugh."Itisnatural,Isuppose,forawomantohavesomedoubtsaboutasoldier.Iknowamongthepiousfolkwehaveratherabadreputation,andthatwearesupposedtohaveasmanywivesasBrighamYoung.Butthat'sagrosslibel.Idon'tpretendthatsoldiersaresaints,andsomeofthem,Igrant,changetheobjectsoftheiraffectionsfrequently.But,Madeline,believeme,Ihavebeentruetoyou.TruetothatlastsmileandlookyougavemeinWashington.Icomebackofferingyouacompleteandwhole-hearteddevotion.Now,comeandletmekissyou,andsettlethematterbefore

dinner."

Shedrewbackastepfurther."Ithinkweunderstandeachotherlessnowthanwhenwebeganourtalk,"shesaid,inhard,unnaturaltones.

"Well,byJove,Madeline,youdoastonishme,"hesaid,inatoneofwell-feignedsurprise."Yousurelydon'tthinkI'minsincere--thatI'mputtingiton,asitwere;thatI'mpretendingwhatIdon'tfeel?LetmeassureyouI'mabsolutelycertainofmyregardforyou.EvenifIwereindoubtbeforeIgothere--though,totellyouthecandidtruth,I

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neverhavebeeninanydoubt.ButevenifIwere,thesightofyourface,thelovelinessofyourripenedwomanhood,ifyouwillallowmetosayso,hasdrawnoutmyhearttoyoumorestronglythanever."

"Idon'tthinkweshallgainanythingbypursuingthissubjectanyfurtherjustnow,"shesaid,quietly."Andweshallhavemanyopportunitiesforquiettalkslateron."

"Andyouarenotgoingtoletmekissyou?"

"Mostcertainlynot,"shesaid,thecolourrisinginacrimsontidetohercheeksandforehead.

"ThenallIcansay,itisacoldwelcome,"hesaid,usinganadjectivethatneednotbewrittendown.

"Youdonotunderstandme,Gervase,"shesaid,apainedlookcomingintohereyes.

"ByJove!Idon't,"hesaid,"andwhatisworsestill,youpersistinmisunderstandingme."

"Iamsorryyouputitinthatway,"sheanswered;"buttheregoesthedinner-gong,"andthenextmomentthedoorwaspushedopen,andLady

Tregonybustledintotheroom.

"Soyouhavemet!"shesaid,withalittlegiggle,"andnoonetodisturbyour_tête-à-tête_.Well,thatisdelightful."

Gervasefrowned,butdidnotreply,andMadelinetooktheopportunityofescapingoutoftheroom.

Inthedining-roomshefrustratedLadyTregony'slittledesign,andinsteadofseatingherselfnexttoGervaseshesatoppositehim.Shehadnotseenhimforsolongatime,thatshewantedanopportunityofstudyinghisface.Herfirstfeelingofdisappointmentwasconfirmedasshelookedathimmoreclosely.Inhisuniformhelookedmagnificent--at

least,thatwastheimpressionleftonhermind;butinordinaryswallow-tailcoatandpatentleatherslippershelookedcommon-place.Therewasnootherwordforit.Moreover,threeyearsunderthetryingskiesofIndiahadagedhimconsiderably.Hisstraw-colouredhairnolongercompletelycoveredhisscalp.Thecrow'sfeetabouthiseyeshadgrowndeeperandmorenumerous.Theskinofhisfacelookedparchedanddrawn,hischeekbonesappearedtobehigher,hisnosemorehooked,andhisteethmoreprominent.

Moreover,underanordinarystarchedshirt-frontthewell-roundedchesthadentirelydisappeared.Perkins,thebutler,couldgivehimpointsinthatrespect.

Madelinefelttheprocessofdisillusionmentwasproceedingalltoorapidly.Shewishedhehadcomedownstairsarrayedinscarletandgold.Asastudyinblackandwhitehewasnotaltogetherasuccess,anditwasnotpleasanttohaveherdreamsblownawaylikespringblossomsinagale.

CHAPTERXX

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FATHERANDSON

ItwasagreatdisappointmenttotheTregonysthattheywereunabletoannounceonthenightoftheir"AtHome"thatGervaseandMadelinewereengaged.Madeline,however,wasobdurate.Shesawnoreasonforhaste,andshesawmanyreasonsfordelay.TheveryanxietyoftheTregonystogetthemattersettledatoncemadeheronlythemoredeterminednottoberushed.TheverymasterfulnessofGervase--whichsheadmiredsomuch--foroncedefeateditsownend.

Inherheartshehadnorealintentionofupsettingwhatseemedtobetheschemeandpurposeofherlife.IthadseemedsolonginthenatureofthingsthatsheshouldmarryGervaseTregony--(whyitshouldhaveseemedinthenatureofthingsshehardlyknew)--thattorefusetodosonowwouldseemlikeflyinginthefaceofProvidence,andthatrequiredmorecouragethanshepossessed.Still,asfarasshecouldsee,itwasnopartoftheprovidentialplanthatsheshouldbecomeengagedtoGervasethatveryyear,andmarryhimearlyinthenext.Datesdidnotappeartobeincludedinthegeneralarrangement,andshe"guessedthatinthatmattershemightbeallowedconsiderablelatitude."

Gervaseshowedmuchlessdiplomacythanhisfather.SirCharleshadmore

correctlygaugedMadeline'sdispositionthananyothermemberofthefamily.Heknewverywellthatshewouldneverbedriven,thatanyattemptatcoercionwoulddefeatitsownend.Onthisassumptionhehadactedallthewaythrough,andbutforasingleincidenteverythingmighthavegonewell.

AsthedayspassedawayGervasegrewterriblyimpatient.Hewashardup."Horribly,disgustinglyhardup,"ashetoldhisfather,andherewereMadeline'sthousandsormillionssteadilyaccumulating,andnobodythebetterforit.Ifhecouldoncegettheknottiedhewouldbesafe.Shehadsomuchthatshecouldlethimhaveallhewantedwithoutfeelingit,andthereseemednoreasonintheworldwhyheshouldnotbegintoenjoyhimselfwithoutdelay.

Madelinelistenedinthemainwithmuchpatiencetohisappealsandprotestations,butforsomereasonshecouldnotunderstand,theyfailedtomoveher.Henevertouchedtheheroicsideofhernature.Hisappealwasalwaystohervanityandselfishness.Hispicturesofhappinessweremerelypicturesofself-indulgence.Theaimandendoflifeasheshadoweditforthwas"totakethyease,eat,drink,andbemerry."Atownhouse,ashooting-boxinScotland.Twoorthreemotor-cars,asteamyacht,andanendlessroundbetweentimesofballsandcallsandgrandoperas.

Shefranklyownedtoherselfthatheridolhadbeentakenoffitspedestal,andtherewasnolongeranyhaloabouthishead.Tolivein

thesamehousewithGervasedayafterdaywasdistinctlydisquieting.Hiscivilianattiremadehimlookpainfullycommon-place,hisconversationwasascommon-placeashisappearance.

Sheaskedhimonedaywhyhedidnotwearhiscaptain'suniform.

"BecauseIhaveresignedmycommission,"heanswered.

"Resignedyourcommission?"shequestioned,slowly.

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"Whynot?"hereplied."Ihavedonemyshareofroughingit,surely."

"But--but--oh!Idon'tknow.Ihadanideaonceanofficer,alwaysanofficer."

"Oh,nothingofthesort,"helaughed,"I'vegivenupsoldieringtodevotemyselftoyou.Isn'tthatamuchnobleroccupation?"

"Idon'tthinkso,"sheanswered,slowly."Besides,Ididnotwantyoutogiveupyourcommissiontodevoteyourselftome."

"Atanyrate,I'vedoneit.Ithoughtitwouldpleaseyou.Itwillshowyou,atanyrate,howdevotedIam.ThereisnothingIwouldnotgiveupforyoursake,andIneverthoughtyouwouldhesitatetospeaktheonewordthatwouldmakemethehappiestmanintheworld."

"ButyoucouldnotbehappyunlessIwashappyalso?"sheinterrogated.

"Butyouwouldbehappy.Ishouldjustlaymyselfouttomakeyouashappyasabird.Bymysoul,youwouldhavearippingtime!"

"Idon'tthinkthatisjustwhatIwant,"shesaid,abstractedly."Don'tyouthinkthereissomethinggreaterinlifethaneitherofushaveyetseen?"

Helookedatherwithasmuchastonishmentinhiseyesasifshehadproposedsuicide."Greater,"hesaid,inatoneofincredulity."Well,I'm--I'm--.Thetruthis,Madeline,you'rebeyondme,"headded,twistingsuddenlyround,andbackagain."Asiftherecouldbeanythinggreater.WemighthaveaturnatMonteCarloifyouliked,orHomburgintheseason,or--butthefactis,wemightgoanywhere.Thinkofit!Youcan'tconceiveofanythinggreater!"

"Oh,yes!Ican,"sheansweredquietly,butfirmly."There'snothingnobleorheroicinlivingmerelyforselfandpleasure."

"Noble!heroic!"herepeated,slowly,asifnotquitecomprehending.

"Well,now,Iwonderwhatpreachingfoolhasbeenputtingthesesillynotionsintoyourhead.HaveyouturnedMethodist?"

"Idon'tknowwhyyoucallsuchnotionssilly,"shesaid,ignoringhislastquestion."DidnotChristsaythataman'slifeconsistethnotintheabundanceofthethingshepossesseth?"

"Oh!well,I'mnotgoingtosayanythingagainstthatasanabstractthing,"hesaid."ButtheBiblemustnotbetakentooliterally,youknow."


"Why,ImeanwhatIsay,andwhateveryman,ifhe'sgotanysense,means.Religionisaveryrespectablething,andallthat.AndIthinkeverybodyoughttogotochurchnowandthenandtakecommunion,andbeconfirmedwhenhe'syoung,andallthat.AndifpeopleareverypoortheremustbealotofcomfortinbelievinginProvidence,don'tyousee,andinlivinginhopethatthey'llhaveajollygoodtimelateron,andallthat,don'tyousee.Butasformakingoneselfmiserableforotherpeople,anddenyingoneselfthatsomebodyelsemayhaveabettertime,andturningtheothercheek,andallthat,don'tyousee--well,that'sjustrot,andcan'tbedone."

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"Whynot?"

"Whynot?Well,it'sjusttoosillyforwords.Fancyamanorawomannothavingagoodtimeifhehasthechance."

"Butitmaybemoreblessedtogivethantoreceive."

"Don'tyoubelieveit,Madeline.Ibelieveintakingacommon-senseviewoflife.We'veonlyonelifetolive,andit'sourdutytosqueezeallthejuiceoutofitthatwecan."

"Butmaynotthepursuitofselfendinmissingself?Istherenotmorejoyinpursuingdutythaninchasingpleasure?"

"Lookhere,Madeline,"hesaid,afteralongpause,staringhardather,"tellmecandidlywho'sbeenputtingthesesillynotionsintoyourprettylittlehead."

"IwishyouwouldnottalktomeasthoughIhadtheheadofababy,"shesaid,alittleindignantly."YoushouldrememberthatIamnolongerachild,"andsheturnedandwalkedslowlyoutoftheroom.

Gervasewentofftothelibraryatoncetointerviewhisfather.The

dayswerepassingaway,andhewasgettingnonearertherealisationofhisdesire.Allhisinterviewswithherendedwheretheybegan.Wheneverheapproachedthesubjectnearesthisheartandhisinterests,shealwaysmanagedtoshunthimofftosomesideissue.

SirCharleswasbusywritingletters,buthelookedupatoncewhenGervaseentered.

"Canyousparetimeforalittletalk?"thesonasked,abruptly.

"Why,ofcourseIcan,"wasthereply."Istheresomethingparticularyouwishtotalkabout?"

"Well,thetruthis,"hesaid,inatoneofirritation,"IamnotgettingonwithMadelineabit."

"Perhapsyouaretooeagerandimpatient.YoumustrememberthatMadelineisnotthegirltobedriven."

"Yes,I'veheardthatbefore,"hesaid,angrily."Youhavealwaysharpedonthatstring.Butyou'vebeeninthewrong,I'msureyouhave.Ifyou'donlyletmehavemywayIwouldhaveproposedtoherthreeyearsago."

"Andspoiledeverything."

"No,Ishouldhavewoneverything.Shewasonlyagirlthen,andwasimmenselygoneonme.Asoldierinhereyeswasahero,andanofficer'suniformthemostsplendidthingshecouldimagine.IfI'dstruckthen,whentheironwashot,she'dhavefallenintomyarms,andonceengagedthere'dhavebeennobackingout."

"Mydearboy,youdon'tknowMadelineGrover,"SirCharlessaid,seriously."Nogirlishpromisewouldhaveboundherifshewantedtogetoutofit."

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"Oh,yes,itwould.Shehastremendouslyhighnotionsabouthonourandduty."

"Exactly.That'sjustwhereyoufailtoappreciatethedifficultiesofthesituation.Verylikelyyoutellherthatsomeofhernotionsaresilly,becauseyoudon'tunderstandthem."

"That'sjustwhatIhavebeentellingherthisverymorning."

"Andyouthinkthat'stheway,perhaps,towinherpromise."

"Butwhat'safellowtodo?Onecannotsitmumwhileshetalksrotabout--about----"

"Aboutwhat?"

"Oh!Idon'tknow;butyouknowwhenagirlgetsontoheroicsshegenerallymakesafoolofherself."

"Madelineisverysaneasageneralthing."

"Thenwhyinthenameofcommon-sensedoesn'tshejump?"

"Shewantstomakesureofherground,perhaps."

"ButsheknowswhoIamandwhoyouare,and,surely,it'ssomethingtoaskanamelessgirltomarryintoafamilylikeours."

"IconfessIexpectedshewouldbemoreimpressedthansheis."

"Doessheknowshe'sgotthetin?"

"Idon'tthinkso.Shethinkswehavethewealthandtheposition,andeverythingelse."

"Andyetshedoesn'tjump.I'dnoideashe'dholdoutassheisdoing."

"You'llhavetohumourher,Gervase.I'vetoldyoufromthefirstshe'snottobedriven.Sympathisewithherinwhatyoucallherheroics.Encourageherinhermentalflightaftergreatideals."

Gervaseshookhishead,andlookedblank."It'snouse,father,"hesaid,despondingly,"IshouldonlymakeafoolofmyselfifItried.Naturenevergavemeanywingsofthatsort."

"Atanyrate,don'tcontradicther,andcallheragoose,andassumetheairsofasuperiorperson."

"ButsurelyIknowamightylotmorethanshedoes.Thinkofmyageandexperience,andrememberIhaven'ttravelledoverhalftheworldwithmy

eyesshut."

"Itisnotexperienceoftheworld,butknowledgeofthewaysofwomenyouwant.Itisn'tstrength,butdiplomacythatyouneed."

"Youthinkshewillcomeroundintime,don'tyou?"

"Oh,yes!Ithinkso,providedyouplayyourcardswithskill.Shehasneversaid'no'hasshe?"

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"Thatisn'tthetroubleexactly.Shehasneversaid'yes,'anduntilshesaysitI'mnotsafe.YouknowshecomesofageinMay."

"Well?"

"Youtakeitverycoolly,father,"Gervasesaid,inatoneofirritation."Idon'tthinkitisatallwell.Madelineismyonlyhope.UnlessImarryarichwomanI'mstranded--absolutelystranded."

"You'venotbeengettingintodeeperdebt,Ihope?"

"I'venotbeengettingintoshallowerwater,youmaybetyourbottomdollaronthat."

"AmItounderstandthatyouhavebeenanticipatingevents?"

"Ihavealittle.IthoughtIwasperfectlysafeindoingso.Yourlettersindicatedthatthewaywasquiteclear,thatMadelinelookeduponthethingassettled,thatsheknewitwasherfather'swish,thatyouwerequiteagreeable,thateverythingwasasstraightasstraightcouldbe."

"ButIneversawherletterstoyou."

"Theywerealmostentirelysatisfactory,Icanassureyou.Shedidnotacceptmyproposal,itistrue.But--well--shecouldn'thavewritteninamorefriendlyway.Shethoughtweshouldmeetagainfirst,thatwasall.NohintofanydelayafterIcameback."

"Ihopeyouhaven'tbeendisappointingherinsomeway."

"Ibelievesheisabitdisappointedatmyretiringfromthearmy.Likemostgirls,shedotesonasoldier.Shelovestheuniformandthegoldbraidandallthat.ButItoldherIgaveupthearmythatImightdevotemyselftoher."

"Anddidthatsatisfyher?"

"Idon'tknow.Ican'tmakeoutexactlywheresheis.Sheseemstohavechangedinsomeway.Ifshehadn'tlivedunderyoureyeeversinceshehasbeeninEnglandIshouldbehalfdisposedtothinksomeotherfellowhadbeenmakinglovetoher."

SirCharlesgavealittlestart,thenturnedhishead,andcontemplatedhiswritingpad.

"Isupposeshedidn'tflirtwithanybodywhileyouwereinLondon?"Gervasequestioned,afterapause.

"NotthatIamawareof.Oh,no!I'mcertainshedidn't,"SirCharles

replied,lookingupagain.

"And,ofcourse,inSt.Gavedthere'snobodyshewouldlookatforamoment,"Gervasewenton.

SirCharlesnibbledforamomentattheendofhispenholder.HehardlyknewwhethertotellGervaseorno.Itwasbutavaguefearatmost.Formonths--sohebelieved--shehadneverseenRufusSterne,andhisnamewasnevermentionedunderanycircumstances.Gervasewasaviolentfellow,andifheweremadejealoustherewasnoknowingwhathemight

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doorsay.Ontheotherhand,itwasalmostcertainthathewouldhearthestoryofMadeline'sadventureonthecliffssoonerorlater,andthenhewouldbeexcessivelyangryatnothavingbeentoldbyhisownpeople.

Onthewhole,SirCharlesconcludedthathehadbetterletGervaseknowalltherewastobeknown.Thesimpletruthmightgaininimportanceinhiseyesthelongeritwaskeptfromhim.

"Idon'tthink,Gervase,youneedhavetheleastfearthatyouhavearival,"hesaid,atlength,lookingupwithwhatheintendedtobeareassuringsmile."Therewasalittlecircumstancesomemonthsagothatcausedmeamoment'suneasiness;butonlyamoment's.Isoonsawthatitmeantnothing,thatitnevercouldmeananything,infact."

"Whatwasthecircumstance?"Gervaseasked,withaquicklightofinterestinhiseyes.

"Well,itcameaboutinthisway,"andSirCharlestoldinanoff-handandapparentlyindifferentmannerthestoryofMadeline'sescapade.

Gervaselistenedingloomysilence,tuggingvigorouslyathismoustacheallthetime.

"Andyousayshevisitedhiminhisdiggings?"hequestioned,sullenly,whenSirCharleshadfinished.

"Iunderstandshecalledtwice.Fromherpointofviewitseemedrightenough.Hehadbrokenhisleginrescuingher,andwithherAmericannotionsoffreedomandindependence,shesawnoharmincallingtoseehimwhenhewasgettingbetter."

"Butyousayshewenttwice?"

"Shewentasecondtimetotakehimsomebooksshehadpromisedtolendhim."

"Areyousureshewentonlytwice?"

"IthinkImaysayyestothatquestion.Madelineisverytruthfulandveryfrank,andwhenIpointedoutthatitwasscarcelyinharmonywithourEnglishnotionsofproprietyshefellinwiththesuggestionatonce."

"Andshemadenoattempttoseehimafter?"

"Notthesmallest.Shehadexpressedhergratitudeandtheepisodehadclosed."

Gervaselookedthoughtful,andnotquitesatisfied.

"Madelinecanbeascloseasanoysterwhenshelikes,"hesaid,afterapause;"howdoyouknowshehasnotbeenthinkingaboutthefelloweversince?"

"Whyshouldshe?"

"Well,whyshouldn'tshe?Hesavedherlife,thatisnosmallmatter,especiallytoaromantictemperamentlikehers.Hebrokehisleg,andnearlylosthislifeindoingit;thatwouldaddgreatlytotheinterest

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"Butyououghttothinkofit,Madeline.Theeyesightismostimportant."

"Isupposeitis."

Anotherpause,duringwhichGervasethrewalumpofwoodonthegrate.Madelinewentonreading,apparentlyobliviousofhispresence.

"Ican'tunderstandhowpeoplecanbecomesolostinabook,"Gervasesaid,alittlepetulantly.

"No?"

"No,Ican't.It'sbeyondme."

"Doyouneverread?"

"Sometimes,butnotoften.I'vetoomuchelsetodo.Besides,doesn'ttheBiblesaythatmuchreadingisawearinesstotheflesh?"

"Doesit?"

"Idon'tknow;butI'vehearditsomewhere,andit'strue."

"You'veprovedit?"

"Overandoveragain."

"Whatsortofbooksdoyoufindsowearisome?"

"Oh,allsorts.There'snotmuchtochoosebetweenthem."

"Doyoureallythinkthat?"

"OfcourseIdo,orIshouldn'tsayit.I'mnotthesortofmantosaywhatIdon'tmean.Ithoughtyouhadfoundthatoutlongago."

"Idon'tthinkIhavethoughtmuchaboutit."

"Ithoughtasmuch.ItappearsthatIamofnoaccountwithyou,Madeline.AndyetIhadhopedtobeyourhusband.Butdevotionislost,affectionisthrownaway,theburninghopeofyearsistrampledupon."

"Ithoughtweweretoletthatmatterdrop,Gervase,untilwehadhadmoretimetothinkitover?"

"ButIdon'twantmoretime,Madeline.Mymindisquitemadeup.IfIwaitayear--tenyears--itwillbeallthesame.Formethereisonlyonewomanintheworld,andhernameisMadelineGrover."

"Itisverykindofyoutosayso,Gervase,andIreallyfeelverymuchhonoured.But,yousee,Ihaveonlyknownyouaboutaweek."

"Oh,Madeline,howcanyousaythat?Wehaveknowneachotherforyears."

"Inasense,Gervase,butnotinreality.Infact,Ifindthatallthepasthastobewipedout,andIhavetostartagain."

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"Whyso?"

"Icannotexplainitverywell,butIexpectwehavebothchanged.MadelineGrover,theschool-girl,isnottheMadelineGroverofto-day."

"ByJove,Ifearthat'sonlytootrue,"hesaid,almostangrily.

"AndtheCaptainTregonyImetinWashington--excusemeforsayingit--isnottheGervaseTregonyofTrewinionHall."

"HaveIdeterioratedsomuch?"hequestioned,withanangryflashinhiseyes.

"Idonotsaythatyouhavedeterioratedatall,"shesaid,withasmile."Perhapswehavebothofusvastlyimproved.Letushopesoatanyrate.ButwhatIampointingoutis,wemeet--almostentirelydifferentpeople."

"Thatyouaredifferent,Idon'tdeny,"heanswered,sullenly."InWashingtonyoumadeheapsofme,nowyouareascoldasaniceberg.ButIdenythatIhavechanged.Ilovedyouthen,Ihavelovedyoueversince,Iloveyounow."

"Well,haveitthatIonlyhavechanged,"shesaid,withatouchof

wearinessinhervoice."Idon'twanttomakeyouangry,Gervase,butyoumustrecognisethefactthatIwasonlyaschool-girlwhenwefirstmet.Iamawomannow.Hence,youmustgivemetimetoadjustmyselfifyouwillallowtheexpression.Yousee,Ihavetobeginoveragain."

"That'sverycoldcomfortforme,"hesaid,angrily."HowdoIknowthatsomeotherfellowwillnotcomealong?HowdoIknowthatsomeadventurerhasnotcomebetweenusalready?"

Sheglancedathimforamomentwithanindignantlightinhereyes,thenpickedupherbookagain.

"Pardonme,Madeline,"hesaid,hurriedly,"Iwouldnotoffendyoufor

theworld,butlovesuchasminemakesafellowjealousandsuspicious."

"Suspiciousofwhat?"shedemanded.

"Well,yousee,"hesaid,slowlyandawkwardly,turningawayfromher,andstaringintothefire,"it'sbettertobehonestaboutit,isn'tit?"

"Honestaboutwhat?"

"Idon'tthinkI'mnaturallyjealous,"heexplained,"butfatherhastoldmeallaboutyour--your--well,yourescapadewiththatscoundrel,Sterne."

"Isheascoundrel?"

"Youknownothingabouthim,ofcourse,butheisjustthekindoffellowthatwouldtakeadvantageofanyservicehehadrendered."

"Iwasnotaware----"

"Ofcoursenot,"heinterrupted,"butthose--well,whatIcalllow-bornpeoplehavenosenseofpropriety;andinthesedays--Iamsorrytohave

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tosayit--verylittlereverencefortheirbetters."

"Well,whatisallthisleadingto?"

"Oh,nothinginparticular.Onlyfathertoldmehowhetooksomerisksonyouraccount,andIknowthatyouarenothingifnotgrateful,andhonestlyIwashalfafraidlesttherascalhadbeeninsomewayimposingonyourgoodnature."

"YouarequitesurethatyouknowthisMr.Sterne?"

"Iknowofhim,Madeline,whichisquiteenoughforme.Ofcourse,Ihaveseenhimdozensoftimes,butheisnotthekindofmanIshouldeverthinkofspeakingto--exceptofcourse,asIwouldspeaktoatradesmanorafisherman."

"Yes?"

"Yousee,thosepeoplewhoaretooproudtowork,andtooignorantandtoopoortobegentlemen,andyetwhotrytoapethemannersoftheirbettersarereallythemostdetestablepeopleofall."

"Isthatso?"

"Itisso,Icanassureyou.AsanAmericanyouhavenotgottoknowquitethecompositionofourEnglishsociety.Butyouwillseethingsdifferentlylateron.Agood,honestworkingman,whowearsfustian,andisnotashamedofit,istobeadmired,butyourworkingclassupstart,withvulgaritybredinhisbones,isreallytooterribleforwords."

"Andistherenovulgarityinwhatyoucalltheupperclasses?"

"Well,yousee,theupperclassescanaffordtobeanythingtheylike,ifyouunderstand."

"Youmeanthattheyarealawuntothemselves?"

"Well,yes,thatisaboutthesizeofit.Noonewouldthinkofcriticisingaduke,forinstance,onaquestionofmannersortaste."

"Well,now,thatisrealinteresting,"shesaid,withacynicallittlelaugh."ItexplainsalotofthingsthatIhadnotseenbefore."

"Then,too,"hewenton,warmingtohistheme,"itislargelyaquestionoffeeling.Youcan'texplainsomethings;youcan'tsaywhytheyarewrongorright,onlyyoufeeltheyareso."

"Thatisquitetrue,Gervase,"sheanswered,withasmile.

"Forinstance,Iwearamonoclesometimes.Nowthatisquiterightfora

maninmyposition,andquitebecoming."

"Mostbecoming,Gervase."

"ButforPeterDay,thedraper,forinstance,tostandinhisshop-doorwithaglassinhisrighteyewouldlooksimplyridiculous."

"Youwouldconcludehewascross-eyed,wouldn'tyou?"

"Youwouldconcludehewasanidiot,and,betweenourselves,that'sjust

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thetroublenow-a-days.Thecommonpeopleseemtothinkthattheyhaveaperfectrighttodowhattheirbettersdo."

"Buttocopytheirvirtues----"

"Thatisn'tthepointexactly,"heinterrupted."Idon'tpretendthatwehaveanymorevirtuesofthehomelysort,thanthecottagefolk,butcertainthingsbelongtousbyright."

"Doyoumeanvices?"shequeried,innocently.

"Well,no,notinourcase;buttheymightbevicesifcopiedbythelowerclasses.I'mafraidIcan'texplainmyselfveryclearly.Butthingsthatwouldbequiteproperforthebestpeopletodo,wouldbesimplygrotesque,orworse,ifthecommonordersattemptedthem."

"Really,thisismostinteresting,"shesaid,half-banteringly,half-seriously."Now,outinourcountrywehavenovaryingstandardsofrightandwrong."

"Ah!well,thatisbecauseyouhavenoaristocracy,"hesaid,loftily.

"AndifIweretomarryyou,Gervase,andbecomealadyofqualityIshouldbejudged,asitwere,byadifferentsetoflaws."

"YouwouldbecomeLadyTregonywhenIsucceededtothetitle."

Shelaughed."That,Ifear,isscarcelyananswertomyquestion."

"Notafullanswer,butyouseetherearesomanythingsthatcannotbeexplained."

"Evidently.InthemeanwhileIbelongtothecommonherd----"

"No,no!Madeline,"heinterrupted,quickly.

"Myfatherwasonlyaworkingman,"shewenton,"andacrossthewater

wehavenobluebloods;wehavebluenoses,butthat'sanothermatter,butwe'reallonthesamefootingthere."

"Notsocially,anddollarsinAmericacountforwhatnameandtitlescountforhere."

"ButIhaven'teventhedollars,"shesaid,withalaugh.

"Butyouhave,"heprotested,quickly."Thatis--Imean--youhavenottoworkforyourliving.Youarenotatype-writergirl,oranythingofthatsort."

"AndshouldIbeanytheworseifIwere?"

"Well,ofcourse,Madeline,youwouldbealadyanywhere,orunderanycircumstances,"hesaid,grandiloquently.

"Thankyou,Gervase,butsupposewegetbackagainnowtothepointwestartedfrom."

"I'llbedelighted,"hesaid,eagerly."Idowanttostartthenewyearwitheverythingsettled;that'sthereasonIpushedmyselfontoyou,asitwere,thisafternoon.Ihatebeatingaboutthebush,andallour

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friendsarewonderingwhytheengagementisnotannounced."

"Oh,dear!youhavegonebackmilesfurtherthanIintended,"shelaughed."Iunderstoodyouwantedtowarnmeagainstsomebody."

"Ido,Madeline.I'myourbestfriend,ifyou'llonlybelieveit.AndIdobeseechyou,ifyou'vebeenintheleastfriendlywiththatfellowSterne,you'lldrophim."

"Youthinkheisn'tagoodman."

"Oh,blowhisgoodness.Thepointis,he'scommon,vulgar--badformineveryway,ifyouunderstand.Anyoneinyourpositionshouldneverbeseenspeakingtohim."

"Butisthereanythingagainsthismoralcharacter?"

"Oh,confoundhismoralcharacter,"hesaid,withanoath,forwhichheapologisedatonce."Itisn'tthatI'msqueamishabout.Thepointis,Madeline,he'snogentleman."

"Heseemedtometobequiteagentleman."

"I'msorrytohearyousaythat,"hesaid,mournfully,gettingupand

throwinganotherlogonthefire."Itshowshowyoumaybedeceivedbysuchscoundrels."

"Butisthatanicewordtouseofanymanagainstwhosemoralcharacteryouhavenocomplainttomake?"

"No,itisn'taniceword,butheisn'taniceperson.Idon'tcaretomentionsuchthings,butyoumaynotbeawarethatheisaninfidel?"

"Whatisthat,Gervase?"

"Oh!Idon'tknow,butit'ssomethingbad,youbet.IheardthevicartalkingaboutitlasttimeIwasathome,andhewasprettysick,Ican

assureyou.IfSterneweretodieto-morrowIquestionifthevicarwouldallowhimtobeburiedinconsecratedground."

"Andwhatwouldhappenthen?"sheasked,wonderingly.

"Oh!don'taskme.Iamnotupinthosethings,butIjustmentionthemattertoshowyouhe'saprettybadsort,andnotthesortofpersonforanyonelikeyoutobeonspeakingtermswith."

"ButwhatIwanttoknowis,hasheeverdoneanyoneanywrong.Evercheatedpeople,ortoldliesaboutthem,orstolentheirproperty.Orhasheeverbeenknowntogetdrunk,ortobehaveinanywayunworthyofagentleman?"

"MydearMadeline,Ihatesayinganythingunpleasantaboutanyone.Butamanwhonevergoestochurch,whodoesn'tbelieveintheChurch,whohasnorespectfortheclergyorthebishops,whohasbeenheardtodenouncesomeofourmostsacredinstitutions,suchasthelandlaws,whohasevensaidthatpatriotismwasacurse,andwaraniniquity--whatcanyouexpectofsuchaman?Hemaynothaveactuallystolenhisneighbour'sproperty,buthewouldverymuchliketo."

"Idon'tthinkthatnecessarilyfollows,"shesaid,seriously."Ithink

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itispossibleforamantohaveverysmallrespectfortheclergy,andforwhatiscalledtheChurch,andyetforhimtohaveaprofoundsenseofhonour,andanunquenchableloveforrighteousness."

"Thenyoudon'tthinkstayingawayfromchurchisasbadasgettingdrunk?"

"Ishouldthinknot,indeed,"sheanswered,quickly."Amanwhogetsdrunk,Imeananeducatedman,agentleman--sinksbeneathcontempt."

"SternemaygetdrunkforallIknow,"hesaid,uneasily."Yousee,IhavebeenoutofEnglandforalongtime."

Sheclosedherbookwithasuddenmovement,androsetoherfeet.

"No,youmustnotgoyet,"hesaid,inalarm."WehavenotsettledthematterwhichIwishparticularlytohavesettledto-day."

"Wehavetalkedquitelongenoughforoneafternoon,"sheanswered,coolly.

"But,Madeline,haveyounopity?"hesaid,pleadingly.

"Itwouldbefollytorushintosuchamatterhastily,"sheanswered,in

thesametone.

"But--but,Madeline,answermeonequestion,"heentreated."Haveyou--haveyouseenthismanSternesinceIcameback?"

"Youhavenorighttoaskthatquestion,"shesaid,drawingherselfuptoherfullheight."Nevertheless,Iwillanswerit.Ihavenot,"andwithoutanotherwordshesweptoutoftheroom.

Herheartwasinatumultofconflictingemotions.ShewaslesssatisfiedwithGervasethanshehadeverbeenbefore,andlesssatisfiedwithherself.Andyetshesawnowayoutofthepositioninwhichshefoundherself.Itwasnexttoimpossible,situatedasshewas,toupset

whathadbeentakenforgrantedsolong,particularlyasshehadacquiescedfromthefirstintheunspokenarrangement.ShefeltasifincomingtoEnglandshehadbeenluredintoatrap,andyetitwasatrapshehadbeeneagertofallinto.ShehadhopedwhenshesawGervase,thatallheroldreverenceandadmirationandheroworshipwouldflameintolifeagain,insteadofwhichhiscominghadbeenascoldwateronthefaggots.Whetherhehadlostsomeofthequalitiesshehadsomuchadmiredorwhetherallthechangewasinherself,shedidnotknow,buttheglamourhadallpassedaway,andhereyesachedwithlookingatthecommon-place.

Shewonderedifitwerealwaysso;ifmaturityalwaysdestroyedtheillusionsofyouth,ifthepoetryofeighteenbecamefeebleproseat

twenty-one.

Shewenttoherownroom,anddonnedherhatandjacket,andthenstoleunobservedoutofthehouse."Imustgetalittlefreshair,"shesaidtoherself,"and,perhaps,alongwalkwillputanendtothisrestlessness."

SheturnedherbackuponSt.Gaved,andmadeforthe"downs"thatskirtedthecliffs.Thewindwaskeenandsearching,andthewintrysunwasalreadydisappearingbehindthesea."IsupposeIshallhavetosay

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reply,andoverthetea-tableconversationdriftedintoanentirelydifferentchannel.AfterteatheRev.Reubenretiredtohisstudyaccompaniedbyhiswife,andRufusandMr.Brookwereleftinpossessionofthesitting-room.

AstherewasnoeveningserviceonChristmasDaytheyoungministerfeltfreetorelaxhimself.Conversationtrippedlightlyfrompointtopoint,fromgeneraltoparticular,fromgaytograve,fromserioustosolemn.

Theytalkedtillsuppertime,andaftersupperRufuswalkedwiththeyoungministertohislodgings,andremainedwithhimtilllongaftermidnight.TheconversationwasarevelationtoRufusinmanyways.MarshallBrookwasascholaraswellasathinker.HewasasfamiliarwiththeGermanwritersaswiththeEnglish.Hewasalivetoallmodernquestions,conversantwithalltheworkofthehighercritics,alivetoallthatwasfundamentalinthecreedsoftheChurches,contemptuousofthenarrownessandbigotrythatbroughtreligionintocontempt,tolerantofallfreshlight,patientandevensympatheticwitheveryformofhumandoubt,andlarge-heartedandclear-eyedenoughtoseethattherewasgoodineverything.

MarshallBrookhadoftenheardofhispredecessor'sscepticalgrandson,andwasgladoftheopportunityofmeetinghim,andwascharmedwithhimwhentheydidmeet.Itwaseasytodiscoverwheretheshoepinched,easy

toseehowandwhentherevoltbegan,easytotracethesuccessivestepsfromdoubttodenial,fromunbelieftoblanknegation.

Rufustalkedfreelyandwell.Heknewthattheyoungministerregardedhimasaninfidel,andhethoughthemightaswellliveuptothedescription.MarshallBrookledhimonbyeasyandalmostimperceptiblesteps.Hisfirstbusinesswastodiagnosethecase,andifpossibletofindoutthecause.ForthefirsthourheallowedallRufus'sargumentstogobydefault.

ButwhentheygottoclosegripsRufusfelthelpless.Thisyoungscholarcouldstatehiscasebetterthanhecouldstateithimself.Hehadtraversedallthebarrenandthornywaste,andmuchmorecarefullythan

Rufushadeverdone.Heknewthewholecasebyheart;kneweveryargumentandeveryobjection.HetoretheflimsyfabricofRufus'sphilosophytoshredsandlefthimwithscarcelyaragtocoverhimselfwith.

RufusremainedthreedaysatTregannonandspentthemajorportionofthetimewithMarshallBrook.Apartfromtheinterestraisedbythequestionsdiscussed,itwasadelighttobebroughtintocontactwithamindsofreshandwelldisciplined.Theyhammeredoutthe_pros_and _cons_ofmaterialisticphilosophywithinfinitezest.Theywrestledwiththejoyofstriplingsatavillagefair.Theyfoughtforsupremacywithalltheirmight,butineveryencounterRufuswentunder.

WhenhereturnedtoSt.Gavedhewasinaconditionofmentalchaos.Nearlyeveryproponwhichhesupportedhimselfhadbeenknockedaway.Hewascertainofnothing,notevenofhisownexistence.

Itwasnotanuncommonexperience;mostthinkingmenhavepassedthroughitatonetimeoranother.Destructionhasoftentoprecedeconstruction.Theoldhastobedemolishedeventothefoundationsbeforethenewbuildingcanarise.

Yetnonesavethosewhohavepassedthroughitcanconceivetheutter

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desolationanddarknessofsoul,duringwhatmaybecalledtheinterregnum.Theoldhasbeendestroyed,thenewhasnotyettakenshape.Thearkhasbeensunkandthemountainpeakshavenotyetbeguntoappearabovetheflood.Thefrightenedsoulflitshitherandthitheracrossthewasteofwaters,seekingsomeplaceonwhichtorestitsfeet,andfindingnone;andunlikeNoah'sdovethereisnoarktowhichitcanreturn.Itmustremainpoisedonwingtillthefloodshaveassuagedandthefoundationsofthingshavebeendiscovered.

Inthelastresorteverymanwriteshisowncreed.Noman,evenmentally,canremaininastateofsuspendedanimationforverylong.AphilosophyofnegationsisasabhorrenttothesensitivesoulasavacuumistoNature.Afterdestructionthereisboundtobeconstruction.Likebeaversweareeverbuilding,andwhenonedamhasbeensweptawaybytheflood,westraightwaysettoworktobuildanother.

RufuswastryingtoevolvesomekindofcosmosoutofchaoswhenhemetMadelineonthedowns.Shecameuponhimsuddenlyandunexpectedlyandhisheartleapedlikeastartledhare.Howbeautifulshewas.Howlissomandgracefulandstrong.

"Thisisanunexpectedpleasure,"shesaid,inherbright,frank,ingenuousway."Iamgladwehavemet."

"Yes?"hereplied,notknowingwhatelsetosay.

"IhaveheardsomethingaboutyourecentlyandIwouldliketoknowifitistrue."

"Whathaveyouheard?"hequestioned,withapuzzledlookonhisface.

"Thatyouareaninfidel."

"Whotoldyouthat?"

"Thatisamatterofnoconsequencesinceitiscommongossip."

Foramomenthewassilent,andturnedhiseyesseawardasiftowatchthesungodown."Areyoupressedfortime?"heaskedwithoutturninghiseyes.

"No,Iamquitefreeforthenexthour,"sheanswered,withasmile,thoughshewonderedwhattheTregonyswouldthinkiftheyknew.

"Ioweagooddealtoyou,"hebegan,slowlyandthoughtfully.

"No,nottome,surely.Iamthedebtor,"sheinterrupted.

"Yes,toyou,"hewentoninthesameslow,evenway."Andifyoucare

toknow--thatis,ifyouareinterested--whythenitwillbeapleasuretotalktoyou--asitalwayshasbeen----"

Thenhepausedandagainturnedhiseyestowardthesea.Sheglancedathimshylybutdidnotreply.

"Itiseasytocallpeoplenames,"hesaid,atlength,withoutlookingather."Idonotcomplain,however.IhavebelievedthethingsIcouldnothelpbelieving.Canweanyofusdomorethanthat?"

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"Idonotquiteunderstand?"sheanswered,lookingathimwithapuzzledexpression.

"Imeanthatthethingswebelieve,ordonotbelieve,aremattersoverwhichwehavenoabsolutecontrol.Youbelievewhatyoubelievebecauseyoucannothelpit.Youhavenotbeencoercedintobelievingit.Theevidenceisall-sufficientforyouthoughitmightnotbeforme.OnthesamegroundIbelievewhatIbelieve--because--becauseIcannothelpmyself.Doyoufollowme?Faithafterallisbeliefuponevidence,andiftheevidenceisinsufficient----"

"Butwhatifpeoplerejecttheevidencewithoutweighingit,stubbornlyturntheirbacksuponthelight?"sheinterrupted.

"Thentheyarenothonest,"hesaid,quickly;"butIhopeyoudonotaccusemeofdishonesty?"

"Iaccuseyouofnothing,"sheanswered."Ihaveonlytoldyouwhatpeoplearesaying."

"Andyouaresorry?"andheturned,andlookedherfranklyintheface.

"Iamverysorry,"shereplied,withafaintsuspicionofcolouronhercheeks.

"Itisgenerousofyoutobeinterestedinmeatall,"hesaid,afterapause."AndifIweretotellyouhowmuchIvaluethatinterestyoumightnotbelieveme."

Shedartedastartledglanceathim,butshedidnotcatchhiseyesforhewaslookingseawardagain,andforamomentortwotherewassilence.

"Ishouldliketotellyoueverythingaboutmyself,"hewenton,atlength,"myearlytroublesandbattles,myboyishrevoltagainstcruelandillogicalcreeds,myalmostunaidedpursuitofknowledge,mysteadydriftintoblanknegation;butIshouldboreyou----"

"No,no!"shesaid,quickly."Ishouldliketohearallthestory.Ishould,indeed.Reallyandtruly."

Theywalkedawaynorthward,whilethelightwentdownintheWest.Thetwilightdeepenedrapidly,andthefrostystarsbegantoglimmerinthesky.Butneitherseemedtoheedthegatheringdarknessnortherapidflightoftime.

Rufustalkedwithoutreserve;itiseasytotalkwhenthosewholistenaresympathetic.Hetoldthestoryofhisfather'sdeathabroad,ofhismother'sgrief,ofhisownbittersenseofloss.Hesketchedhisgrandfather--uprightandsevere--preachingacreedthatwasmorefearsomethananynightmare.Hespokeoftheirslendermeansandtheir

fruitlesseffortstogetanyofthepropertyhisfatherleft.Ofhisgranny'swishthatheshouldbeadraper,ofhisownambitiontobeanengineer,andthecompromisewhichlandedhiminRedbourneasabankclerk.Andthroughallthestorythereranthedeepercurrentofhismentalstrugglestillatlasthefanciedhefoundthe_ultimaThule_inpurematerialism.

Madelinelistenedquiteabsorbed.Itwasthemostinterestinghumandocumentthathadeverbeenunfoldedtoher,andallthemoreinterestingbecauseitwastoldwithsuchartlessnessandsincerity.Yet

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itwasnotaveryheroicstoryashetoldit.Rufuswasnoheroinhisowneyes,andhewastoohonesttopretendtobewhathewasnot.Perhaps,inhishatredofpretencehemadehimselfoutalessadmirablecharacterthanhewasinreality.

Madelinesighedfaintlymorethanonce.Thereweremanifestweaknesseswherethereshouldhavebeenstrength.Hehaddriftedhereandtherewhereheshouldhaveresisted,andtakenforgrantedwhatheshouldhavetriedandtested.

"Andyoustillremainonthebarrenrocksofyour_ultimaThule_?"shequestioned,atlength.

Hedidnotanswerforseveralmoments.Thenhesaidquietly,"Youwillthinkmesadlylackinginmentalbalance,nodoubt;butatpresent,Ifear,ImustsayIamatseaagain."

"Yes?"

"Youcompelledmetofacetheoldproblemsoncemore,tore-examinetheevidence."

"Icompelledyou?"

"Unwittingly,nodoubt.YourememberourtalkswhenIwas_horsdecombat_.Thefragmentsofpoetryyoureadtome,thebooksyoulent?"

"Well?"

"Ifoundmyselffightingtheoldbattlesoveragain.BeforeIwasaware,Iwasinthethickofthestrife."

"Andyouarefightingstill?"

"Yes,Iamfightingstill."

"Withyourfacetowardyour_ultimaThule_?"

"Icannotsaythat."

"Whatisyourdesire,then?"

"Tofindthetruth.PerhapsIshallneversucceed,butIshalltry."

"Youshouldcometochurch,whichistherepositoryoftruth,ourvicarsays."

Hesmiledalittlewistfully,andshookhishead."AtpresentIammakingafreshstudyofwhatJesussaid--orwhatHeisreportedtohavesaid."

"Thenthatisallthegreaterreasonwhyyoushouldcometochurch."

Hesmiledagain,andshookhisheadoncemore."Idonotthinkso,"heanswered.

"Youdonot?"

"No,thecontrastistoosharpandstartling."

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"Ihardlyliketodiscussthematteratpresent,"hesaid,diffidently;"IdonotknowsufficientlywellwhereIam.OnlyIamconsciousofthis,thatwhileJesuswinsmyassent,theChurchdoestheopposite."

"Thatisbecauseofyourupbringing."

"Idonotthinkso.Ihavestoodapartfromallcreedsandfromallsects.AtpresentIamahumblesearcheraftertruth.Iwantsomegreatprincipletoguideme.Somephilosophyoflifethatshallappealtothebestthatisinme."

"Well?"

"IturntotheChurch,andIfindagreatbishopaddressingsuchquestionsasthesetohisclergy:'WhatecclesiasticaldressdoyouwearwhencelebratingtheHolyCommunion?DoyoueveruseanyceremonysuchastheLavabo,orswingingoftheincenseimmediatelybeforeoraftertheservice?Doyouhavecardsontheholytable?Ifsowhatdotheycontain?Doyoueverreadthefirstofthethreelongerexhortations?Doyoueverhavecelebrationswithoutcommunicants?'withadozenotherquestions--tome--equallytrivialandunimportant."

"Tothebishopsuchquestionswouldnotbetrivialatall,butvastlyimportant."

Hesmiledalittlesadly."Isn'tthatthepityofit,"hesaid,"thattriflesaretreatedasthoughtheyweremattersoflifeanddeath?Inoticethataneighbouringvicarhasevenclosedthechurchbecausewomengointoitwiththeirheadsuncovered."

"Iadmitthatthatseemsstrainingatagnat."

"Buthedoesnotthinkso.Heisevidentlyrighteouslyindignant,complainsofthehouseofGodbeingdesecrated,becausepeoplegointoitwithoutsomepieceofmillineryontheirheads.Onewonders

whetheritisawoman'shairorherheadthatistheoffence."

[Illustration:"THENSUDDENLYFROMOUTTHESHADOWGERVASEAPPEAREDANDSTOODBEFORETHEM."]

"Ithinkitisratherinsultingtowomen,ofcourse,"sheanswered,withalaugh."Butheisonlyone,andnobodyneedmindverymuch."

"Buthowdothesethingshelpme?Thinkofthemenwhoarewrestlingwiththegreatproblemsoflife,whoarefightingtemptationandbadhabits,whoaregropinginthedarkness,andcryingforthelight,andtheChurchmeetsthemwithpettydiscussionsaboutLavabosandstolesandchasublesandincense,andhatsofforoninchurch?"

"Butaretheynotpartsofreligion?"

"Idonotknow.Iftheyare,itisnottobesurprisedatthatreligiongetswater-logged."

"Butsuchthingsmaybehelpfultosomepeople."

"Inwhichway?"

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"Oh,Idon'tknow!Butsomedayyouwillseethingsdifferently,perhaps."

"Perhapsso.Iseesomethingsdifferentlyalready."

"Thenyouarenotaninfidel?"

"Youcancallmebyanynameyoulike.Idonotmindsolongasyouunderstandme,andIhaveyoursympathy."

"Mysympathy,Ifear,canbeofnohelptoyou."

"Itwillhelpmemorethanyoucanunderstand."

"Iamsogladwehavehadthislongtalktogether,"shesaid,brightly."IshallknowwhattothinknowwhenIhearpeoplecallingyounames.Buthereweareclosetothelodgegates."

Sheheldoutherhandtohim,andthelightfromthelodgewindowfellfulluponthem.Hetookherhandinhis,andhelditforamoment.

ThensuddenlyfromouttheshadowofthelodgeGervaseappeared,andstoodstockstillbeforethem.

CHAPTERXXIII

MEANSTOANEND

"Wherehaveyoubeen,Madeline?"Gervasesaid,quietly."Wehaveallgrownsoconcernedaboutyou."Hisvoicewasquitesteady,thoughtherewasanunpleasantlightinhiseyes.

"Ihavebeenforawalk,thatisall,"sheanswered,inatoneof

unconcern.

"Iwishyouhadletsomeoneknow,"hesaid,inthesamequiettone."Itishardlysafeforyoutobeoutafterdark."

"Whynot?"sheanswered."Iknowmywayabout,andthereisnooneinSt.Gavedwhowouldmolestme."

"Youthinkso,perhaps,"andheshotanangryglanceatRufus,whostoodquitestill,speakingnoword.

"OfcourseIthinkso.Besides,Ihavenotbeenalone."

"SoIperceive.Buthadwenotbetterreturntothehouseandputanendtomymother'sanxiety?"

"IamsureLadyTregonyisnottheleastbitanxious,"shesaid,withapout.

"Icanassureyousheisverymuchconcerned.ThatisthereasonIcametolookforyou."

"Oh,indeed!"andwithahurriedgood-nighttoRufusshewalkedaway

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towardtheHall.

Gervasewasbyhersideinamoment.Rufuswatchedthemtilltheyhaddisappearedinthedarkness,thenturned,andmadehiswayslowlyinthedirectionofSt.Gaved.

Hecouldnothelpfeelingamusedattheencounterhehadwitnessed,thoughhewasalmostsorrythatGervasehadseenthemtogether.ItwasclearenoughthattheCaptainwasterriblyangry,thoughhedidhisbestnottoshowit.Possiblyhewasmorethanangry.Natureslikehiswereapttobejealousontheslightestprovocation.

Rufussmiledbroadlyatthethought.Theideaofabaronet'ssonbeingjealousofhimwastoocomicforwords.Yetsuchthingshadhappened.Jealousywasoftenunreasonable.AndiftheCaptainwerereallyjealousitbodedillforMadeline'sfuturehappiness.

"Ishouldbesorrytocauseunpleasantness,"hesaid,knittinghisbrows."Iftheyhavetolivetogether,Ishouldlikehertobehappy.Iwonderifshehaspromisedtobehiswife?"

Meanwhile,GervaseandMadelinewerewalkingupthelongdriveinsilence.Madelinewasinnohumourforspeech.Gervasewasbubblingover,andyetwasafraidtotrusthimselftoopenaconversation.The

caseseemedtohimalmostdesperate,andyetheknewitwastobemetnotbyscolding,butbydiplomacy.

Thethingthathefearedmorethananythinghadhappenedbeforehisveryeyes.AndyethewasnotdisposedtoblameMadelineverymuch,theblamebelongedtoRufusSterne--ahandsome,intriguingrascal,whohadusedthegirl'ssenseofgratitudeforallitwasworth.

"Ishouldliketotwistthescoundrel'sneck,"hesaidtohimself,withanuglylookuponhisface."Iwonderwhatheexpectstogain?Ofcourse,hewillneverdaretomakelovetoher.Itmightbeagoodthingifhedid----"

Thenhisthoughtstookanotherturn.MadelinewasanAmerican,andundertheStarsandStripessocialconsiderationscountedforverylittle.PossiblyshethoughtthatRufusSternewasjustasgoodashe,andifshedid,heavenonlyknewwhatwouldhappen.

"Iwasafoolnottomakelovetoheratthefirst,"hethought,withascowl."Shethoughtnoendofmethen,andIcouldhavemarriedherrightoff.I'msureIcould,butfatherinsistedthatwaitingwasthegame.Fatherwasafool,andIwasafooltolistentohim."

ThelightsfromtheHallwindowsbegantoglimmerthroughthetrees,andhehadspokennowordtohersincetheypassedthroughthelodgegates.Hehadlookedatheronceortwice,butshekepthereyesstraightin

frontofher.Didsheexpecthewouldscoldher,hewondered?Hadshebeguntorealisethatherconductwasdeservingofcensure,orwassheonlyannoyedthatshehadbeenseen?

Thesilencewasbecomingembarrassing.Hewishedshewouldspeak,andgivehimtheopportunityofreply.Towalksidebysidelikemutesatafuneralpromisedillforthefuture.

"Areyoutired,Madeline?"Hewasboundtosaysomething,andonequestionwouldserveaswellasanother.

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"Notintheleast,"andshequickenedherstepstogivepointtoherstatement.

"Oh!pleasedon'twalksofast,"hesaid,inatoneofentreaty."Onecan'ttalkwhenwalkingsofast."

"Idon'twanttotalk."

"Whynot,Madeline?Youarenotangrywithme,surely?"

"Ofcoursenot.WhyshouldIbe?"

"Imightbeangrywithyou,butI'mnot.Inevercouldbeangrywithyou,Madeline.YouhavenoideahowmuchIthinkofyou,andhowmuchIappreciateyou."

"Whymightyoubeangrywithme?"sheasked,sharply,withoutturningherhead.

Thequestionalmoststaggeredhimforamoment.Yetashehadbroughtituponhimselfhewasboundtoanswerit.

"Well,yousee,"hesaid,desperately,"nomancarestoseethewomanhe

loves,andwhomheexpectstomarry,walkingoutwithanotherman,especiallyafterdark."

"Oh,indeed!"

"Butdon'tthinkIamangrywithyou,Madeline,"heinterposed,quickly."Icouldtrustyouanywhere."

"Thenwhydidyoucomespyingonme?"andsheturnedhereyessuddenlyuponhim.

"No,notspyingonyou,Madeline,"hesaid,humbly;"thatisnottherightwordtouse.ButIknewthatfellowmightbeloiteringabout.He

isalwayshangingaboutsomewhere."

"Everybodyhangsaboutsomewhere--toquoteyourelegantphrase,"shesaid,sharply.

"Yes,yes.Butanybodycanseewhatthatfellowisafter.Hedidyouaservice,thereisnodenyingit,andnowheispresumingonyourgoodnature."

"Inwhichway?"

"Well,ingettingyoutonoticehimandspeaktohim."

"SurelyIcanspeaktoanyoneIchoose?"

"Ofcourseyoucan.Butheisnotthekindofmanyouwouldchoosetospeakto,butfortheunfortunateaccident."

"Whynot?"

"Well,Madeline,thereshouldbesomesenseoffitnessineverything.Hereisamanwithoutreligion,whonevergoestochurchorchapel,whohasnosenseofaccountabilityorresponsibility,whodoesn'tbelieve

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evenintheTenCommandments----"

"Yes,goon,"sheinterjected,suddenly.

"Whoatthepresenttime,"hecontinued,slowly,"isactuallylivingbyimposingonthecredulityandgoodnatureofotherpeople."

"Howso?"

"Howso?Heisspendingmoneyrightandleft,Iamtold,onsomepretendedinvention,ordiscoveryofhis,whichistorevolutioniseoneofthestapleindustriesofthecounty.Ofcourse,thewholethingisafake.Youmaybequitesureofthat.Butwhosemoneyishespending?Hehasnoneofhisown.WithhisglibtongueIhavenodoubthehasimposedonalotofpeopletolendhimtheirsavings.Honourableconduct,isn'tit?Perhapsheistryingtointerestyouinhisinvention?"

"No,heisnot."

"Notgotsufficientlyfaryet.Oh,well,itwilldoyounoharmtobewarnedintime."

"Youtakeacharitableviewofyourneighbours,Gervase."

"MydearMadeline,charityisallrightinitsplace.Butinthisworldwemustbeguidedbycommon-sense."

Theyhadreachedthehouse,andwerestandingfacingeachothertocontinuetheconversation.

"Well?"sheinterrogated.

"Youmaylayitdownasageneralprinciplethatamanwhoisaninfidelisnottobetrusted."

"Forwhatreason?"

"Becausehehasnomoralstandardtoholdhimincheck.YoubelieveintheBibleandintheCommandmentsandintheteachingsoftheChurch,andyouliveinobediencetowhatyoubelieve.Buthebelievesnoneofthesethings.Heisboundbynocommandmentexceptasamatterofpolicy."

"Maynotamanhaveamoralinstinctwhichhefollows?Arealltheunbelievers,allthedoubters,allthesceptics,alltheinfidels--orwhatevernameyouliketocallthem--aretheyallbadmen?"

"Idonotsaythat,Madeline.Besides,policyoftenholdsthemincheck."

"Andwhatholdsyouincheck,Gervase?Isityourpassionateattachmenttotheright,orthefearofbeingfoundout?"

"Idon'tthinkthatisquiteafairquestion,"hesaid,uneasily."Idon'tpretendtobeasaint,thoughIdotrytolivelikeaChristiangentleman."

"AndyouthinkMr.Sternedoesnot?"

"IhavenowishtosayallIthink,oreventohintatwhatIknow.A

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wordtothewiseissufficient.Iamsureyouwillbeonyourguardinthefuture."

"Butyoudohintatagreatdeal,Gervase,whetheryouknowornot."

"ItisbecauseIloveyou,Madeline,andwouldshieldyoufromeveryharm."

Shelookedathimforamoment,asifabouttoreply,thenturnedandwalkedupthestepsintothehouse.

Gervasestoodstillforamomentortwo,thenturnedslowlyonhisheel,andbegantoretracehisstepsthewayhehadcome.

Hechuckledaudiblywhenhehadgotafewpacesaway.Hefeltthathehaddoneagoodstrokeofbusiness.Hehadsowntaresenoughtospoilanycrop.IfhehadnotprovedtoMadelinethatRufusSternewasamanwithoutmoralscruples,hehadsucceededinfillinghermindwithdoubtsonthesubject.

Ifthatfailedtoanswertheendhehadinviewhewouldhavetogoastepfurther.Hehadnowishtoresorttoextrememeasures,forthesimplereasonthathedidnotliketorunrisks,butifMadelinewasstillunconvincedthatRufusSternewasamannottobetrusted,some

directevidencewouldhavetobemanufacturedandproduced.

Itwascleartohimthatthismanwhohadsavedherlifewastheonestumbling-stoneinhispath.Butforhimshewouldhaveraisednoobjectiontotheirengagement.Everythinghadgoneinhisfavouruntilthatadventureonthecliffs;everythingwouldgorightnowifhewereoutoftheway.

Thebestwaytogethimoutofthewaywouldbetoblackenhischaracter.Madelinewasagirlwithhighmoralideals.Animmoralmanshewouldturnawayfromwithloathing.Gervaseshruggedhisshoulderssignificantly.Hehadalreadybyimplicationthrownconsiderabledoubtonhischaracter;ifthatfailed,furtherandmoreextrememeasures

wouldhavetobeconsidered.

Whenhereachedthelodgegatesheturnedbackagain.Hewalkedwithaquickerandmorebuoyantstep.Hefeltsatisfiedwithhimself.Hehadmoreskillinargumentthanheknew.HebelievedhehadspikedRufusSterne'sgunsonceandforall.

Madelinewasverysilentoverthedinner-table,andduringtherestoftheevening.Evidentlythepoisonwasworking.Gervaseleftherinpeace.Itwouldbebadpolicytopayhertoomuchattentionjustnow.Thepoisonshouldbelefttodoitsutmost.

Nearlyaweekpassed,andnothinghappened.Madelineremainedsilent,

andmoreorlessapathetic.Shemanifestednoinclinationtogoforlongwalksalone,andkeptherselfforthemostpartinherownroom.

Thisfromonepointofviewwassomuchtothegood.ItseemedtoindicatethatshehadnodesiretomeetRufusSterne.Ontheotherhand,itwasnotwithoutanelementofdiscouragement.ShewasnomorecordialwithGervase.Indeed,shekepthimatarm'slengthmorepersistentlythanever.Gervasebecamealmostdesperate.Hisfinancialpositionwascausinghimincreasedanxiety,whilehisfatherbegantoupbraidhimfornotmakingbetteruseofhisopportunities.TocrownhisanxietyBeryl

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toldhimonedaythatMadelinewasnotatallpleasedwithhimfortryingtoinsinuatethatRufusSternewasamanofbadcharacter.

Gervasesworeabigoathandstalkedoutofthehouse.HewasangrierthanhehadbeensincehisreturnfromIndia.Hewasreadytoquarrelwithhisbestfriend.AsforRufusSterne,hewasitchingtobeathisthroat.Itwouldbearelieftohimtostranglehim.

Asfatewouldhaveithehadnotgotfivehundredyardsbeyondthelodgegatesbeforehecamefacetofacewiththemanwhomhebelievedwasthecauseofallhistroubleanddisappointment.

RufuswasreturningfromRedbourne,tiredanddespondent.Thingswerenotgoingwellwithhisinvention,andthedreadpossibilitywhichatfirstherefusedtoentertainwasloomingevermorelargelyonthehorizon.

Thesunhadsetnearlyanhourpreviously,butthewhitecarpetofsnowandthemyriadsofglitteringstarsmadeeveryobjectdistinctlyvisible.

Thetwomenrecognisedeachotherinamoment.Rufuswouldhavepassedonwithoutaword.Hewantedtobealonewithhisownthoughts.ButGervasewasinaverydifferenthumour.Moreover,thesightofRufus

Sternewaslikefueltothefire,itseemedtothrowhimintoarageofuncontrollablepassion.

"Hello,scoundrel,"hesaid,"loiteringroundTrewinionasusual,"andhesquaredhisshouldersandlookedRufusstraightintheeyes.

Rufusstoppedshort,andstaredattheCaptaininangrysurprise."Whatdoyoumean?"hesaid,scornfullyanddefiantly.

"Imeanthatyouareacontemptiblecad,"wastheanswer.

Rufuslaughed,mockingly.

"Don'tlaughatme,"Gervaseroared."Iwon'thaveit.BecauseyourenderedMissGroveraserviceyouthinkyouhavearighttohangaboutthisplaceatallhoursoftheday,sothatyoumayinterceptherwhenshegoesoutforawalk,andpoisonhermindagainstherbestfriends."

"Itisalie,"Rufussaid,fiercely."Ihaveneitherinterceptedhernorpoisonedhermind."

"Willyoucallmealiar?"Gervasealmostshrieked.

"OfcourseIwillcallyoualiarwhenyoumakestatementsthatarefalse."

"Thentake----"

Buttheblowfailedtoreachitsmark.Rufussprangaside,hisfacewhitewithanger,andalmostbeforeheknewwhathehaddone,hisheavyfisthadloosenedoneoftheCaptain'steethandconsiderablyalteredtheshapeofhisnose.

WithawildyellofragetheCaptainstruckoutagain,buthewassoblindwithragethathecouldhardlyseewhathedid.Moreover,thiswasakindofcombathewasnotusedto.Withswordorrapierhecouldhave

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madeaverygoodshow,butwithhisbarefists,inthelightofthestars,hewasatveryconsiderabledisadvantage.Hissecondblowwasaswildasthefirst,andwhenablowbetweenhiseyeslaidhimproneontheground,hebegantoyellforhelpatthetopofhisvoice.

MicahMartin,thegardener,wholivedatthelodge,wasonthesceneinaveryfewmoments.

"Takethedrunkenbruteaway,"Gervasescreamed,"orhe'llmurderme."

Rufuslookedathisantagonistforamomentinsilence,thenstaggeredaway,feelinglimpandnerveless.Theencounterhadbeensosuddenandsosharpthathehardlyrealisedyetwhathadhappened.Reachinganeighbouringgate,heleanedonitandbreathedhard.

AfewyardsawayheheardGervasemutteringandswearing,whileMartintriedtoencouragehimwithsympatheticwords.Hesawthemwalkthroughthelodgegatesalittlelateranddisappearinthedarkness.

ThenRufuspulledhimselftogetherandtriedtorealisewhathadtakenplace.HisrightknuckleswerestillsmartingfromtheircontactwiththeCaptain'sbonyface,otherwisehehadsufferednoharm.Theaggressorhadclearlygottheworstofit.

Yethefeltnosenseofelation.Atbestitwasbutavulgarbrawl,whichanyright-mindedmanoughttobeashamedof.ItwastruetheCaptainhadstruckthefirstblow,buthehadreturneditwithmorethancompoundinterest.HewonderedwhatthepeopleofSt.Gavedwouldsaywhentheygottoknow.HewonderedwhatMadelineGroverwouldsay.

Hefeltsoexcited,that,tiredashewas,hetookalongwalkacrossthedownsbeforereturningtohislodgings.Mrs.Tuke,asusual,hadlaidhissupperonthetable,butshedidnotshowherface.

Hewastoomuchdistressedinmindtoeat.Theeventsoftheday,followedbytheencounterwithGervaseTregonyhadtakenawayallhisappetite.

Foralongtimehesatinhiseasychairstaringintothefire.

"Idon'tknowwhyIshoulddistressmyself,"hesaidtohimselfonceortwice."Whatifeverythingfails?Thereisaneasywayoutofalltrouble.AndIamnotsurethatFelixMuller,withallhispretenceoffriendship,willbesorry."

Hewenttobedatlength,buthedidnotsleepforseveralhours.Theeventsofthedaykeptrecurringliketherefrainofafamiliarsong.

Hewentabouthisworknextdaylikeamanwhohadalmostabandonedhope.Thebuoyancywhichheexperiencedatthebeginninghadnearlyall

gone.Thepromiseofsuccesswasgrowingveryfaintanddim.

AsthedayworeonhetroubledhimselflessandlessaboutGervaseTregony.Hethoughtitlikelythatforhisowncredit'ssakehewouldsaynothingabouttheencounter.Hencehissurprisewasgreatwhentowardeveningapolicemancalledonhimwithasummonsforassault.

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CHAPTERXXIV

THEJUSTICEOFTHESTRONG

Rufuswasbroughtbeforethemagistrates,andremandedforaweek.Gervaseinthemeanwhilemadethemostofhisopportunity.Fate,orProvidence,itseemedtohim,haddeliveredhisenemyintohishand,andheconceivedittobehisdutynowtoassistProvidence,tothebestofhisability.

Rufustreatedthematterverylightly.Hewasoutonbail,andhehadlittledoubtthatwhenhewasallowedtotellhisstorybeforethemagistrateshewouldbeacquittedatonce.Indeed,nootherresultseemedpossible.Hehadonlydefendedhimself,andthatamanshouldbepunishedforprotectinghisownheadwasalmostunthinkable.

Hedidnotconsider,however,thatnearlyallthemagistratesbelongedtotheclassofwhichGervasewasamember.Thatalmostunconsciouslytheywouldbepredisposedinhisfavour.Thattheyregardeditalmostasareligiousdutytoupholdtherightsandprivilegesoftheirclass,andthatanyinsultofferedtooneoftheirownordermeantadistinctweakeningofthatironhandwhichhadruledthecountryforcenturies,unlesssuchinsultwaspromptlymetandpunished.

Themagistrateswereallofthemhonourablemen.Theybelongedtothebestcountyfamilies.TheyhadfeastedatSirCharles'stablemorethanonce,andriddentohoundswithhisson.Theyhadunboundedfaithinthewisdomoftherulingclasses,andaninborncontemptforwhatisvaguelytermedtherightsofthepeople.Politicalunrestwasadangeroussymptom,andinsubordinationacrime.

Thetoasttheydrankwiththegreatestgustoattheirpublicfunctionswas"HisMajesty'sForces"and"TheNavy."TheChurchtheydidnotrecogniseasadefensivepower,andthoughtheyrepeatednearlyeverySunday,"Becausethereisnoneotherthatfightethforus,butonlyThou,OGod,"theydidnot,inreality,believeit.TheGospelwasall

rightforthesocialanddomesticsideoflife,butwhenitcametolargeraffairsanarmyorawarshipwasmuchmoretothepurpose.

Rufuswasnotbelovedbyanyofthesedispensersofthelaw.HewasreputedtoholdSocialisticviews;hewasnotover-burdenedwithreverenceforthe"upperclasses,"and,worsestill,wasnotcontentwiththelowlyconditioninwhichhewasborn.

OnthedayofthetrialRufusdiscoveredthathehadmadeamistakeintreatingthemattersolightly.Theprosecutionhadsucceededinworkingupacase.Hewasamazedwhenhediscoveredthathewascharged,notonlywithassaultbutwithdrunkenness,andthatthechargeofdrunkennesswassworntobyatleasttwowitnesses.Thetermsofthe

indictment,bysomeoversight,hadbeenfurnishedhimtoolateforhimtosupplyrebuttingevidence.Hehadonlyhissimplewordofdenial,andthatstoodhiminnostead.

Gervasesworethattheaccusedstruckhimwithoutwarningandwithoutprovocation;that,infact,hewasgivennotimetodefendhimself,thatalmostbeforeheknewwhathadhappenedhewaslyingonthegroundbruisedandbleeding.Theaccused,whowasclearlymadwithdrink,spranguponhimoutofthedarkness,andfelledhimwithasingleblow,andbutfortheinterpositionofhisgardener,MicahMartin,hehad

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littledoubtwouldhavekilledhim.

Micahcorroboratedhisyoungmaster'sevidence.Heheardacryforhelp,andrunningoutsawtheCaptainonhisbackwiththeprisoner'skneeonhischest.Hewasnotabsolutelycertainastothelatterpoint,butthatwashisimpression.Seeinghimtheprisonerstaggeredaway,andleanedagainstagate.Heseemedtobejustmaddrunk,andinhisjudgmentdidnotquiteknowwhathewasdoing.

ThenextwitnesswasTimothyPolgarrow,barmanatthe"ThreeAnchors."Hesworethathesuppliedtheprisonerwithtwowhiskiesontheeveninginquestion;thatheappearedtobeexcitedwhenhecameintothepublic-housebar,butquitesober.Afterthesecondwhisky,however,heshowedsignsofintoxicationsothatathirdwhiskywhichhedemandedwasrefused.Itwasquiteearlyintheeveningwhenhecalled,notmuchafterdark.Hewasabletowalkfairlystraightwhenheleftthe"ThreeAnchors,"butappearedtobeterriblyangrythathewasrefusedanymoredrink.

Timothygavehisevidenceglibly,andwithgreatprecision,andstucktowhathecalledhisfactswithlimpet-liketenacity.

Rufusstartledthecourt,andhorrifiedthemagistratesbyaskingTimhowmuchtheCaptainhadpaidhimforcommittingperjury.

Rufusdeniedthathehadevercrossedthethresholdofthe"ThreeAnchors."HehadpasseditontheeveninginquestiononhiswayhomefromRedbourne,buthedidnotevenslackenhispace,muchlesscall.

Tim,however,stucktohisstory,andwasquitecertainthathewasnotmistakeninhisman.

Astotheassaulttherecouldbenodoubt.TheCaptain'sfaceboreevidenceoftheseverityoftheattack.Rufusdidnotdenystrikinghimandknockinghimdown,butpersistedthatGervasewastheaggressor.

"Butwhyshouldheattackyou?"thechairmanasked.

"HeaccusedmeofsomethingwhichIverymuchresented."

"Whatdidheaccuseyouof?"

"Ideclinetosay."

"Whydoyoudecline?"

"BecauseitwouldintroduceanamethatIwouldnotonanyaccounthavemixedupinthissordidaffair."

"Oh!indeed."AndtheBenchsmiledinanultrasuperiorway.

"Well,whenheaccusedyouofsomethingyouverymuchresentedwhatdidyoudo?"

"Icalledhimaliar."

"Yes?"

"Thisangeredhim,andhestruckatme."

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"Andwhatthen?"

"Idodgedtheblow,andstruckback."

"Hedidn'tdodgetheblow,Isuppose?"

"Itappearsnotbyhisappearance."

Therewaslaughterincourtatthisreply,whichwasinstantlysuppressed.

"Andwhatfollowedthen?"

"Whatusuallyfollowsinsuchacase.Eachtriedtogetattheother.Isupposemyarmwasthestrongerorthelonger.Atanyrate,whenhefoundhimselfonhisbackhebegantobellowforhelp."

"Sothatyouwishustobelievethatinastand-upfightbetweenasoldierandacivilianthesoldiergottheworstofit?"

"Itlooksasifhegottheworstofit,atanyrate."

"Doesitnotoccurtoyouthatyourstorydoesnothangwelltogether?Isitlikelythatasoldier--oranex-soldier,amantrainedtotheuse

ofarms--wouldallowhimselftobefelledtothegroundunlessheweretakenunawares?"

"WhetheritislikelyornotIhaveonlystatedthesimplefacts.WhyshouldIattackhimunawares,orattackhimatall?Hisexistenceisamatterofsupremeindifferencetome.IshouldnothavenoticedhimhadhenotchargedmewithconductwhichIrepudiate."

"Butyourefusetosaywhatitishechargedyouwith?"

"Ido,andforthereasonsIhavealreadystated."

AtthispointtheCaptain'ssolicitortookuptherunning,andinsisted

thatthecasehadbeenproveduptotheveryhilt.TimothyPolgarrow,amanofunimpeachablecharacter,hadswornuponoaththathehadservedtheaccusedwithwhiskiesontheeveninginquestion.Generallyspeaking,itwas,nodoubt,true,thattheaccusedwasaverytemperateman.Hence,whenhetookdrinkatall,hethemorequicklygotoutofbounds.Aninveteratetoperwouldhavetakenhalf-a-dozenwhiskies,andcarriedaperfectlysteadyhead.Theaccusedwasexcitedwhenheenteredthe"ThreeAnchors."Perhapshehadbusinessworries.Itwashintedthathisschemeswerehangingfire.PerhapshehadimbibedfreelybeforeheleftRedbourne.Peopledranksometimestodrowntheircare.Buttheoneclearfactwasthatheleftthe"ThreeAnchors"considerablytheworseforliquor.Liquormakessomepeoplehilarious,othersitmakesquarrelsome.Theaccusedevidentlybelongstothelatterclass.Hewas

readytofightanybody.Asithappened,CaptainTregony,ashewouldstillcallhim,thoughhehadresignedhiscommission,wasthefirstmanhemet.TheCaptainwastakingaconstitutionalbeforedinner.Itwasaclear,frostyeveningwithplentyofstarlight.TheCaptainwaswalkingslowlywithnothoughtofevil,whensuddenly,outofthenight,loomedtheaccused.Thesequelyouknow.HefellupontheCaptainunawaresandstruckhimtotheground,andthechancesare,inhisdrunkenfury,wouldhavemurderedhim,butforthetimelyassistanceofMicahMartin.

Thecasewasassimpleandstraightforwardasanybenchofmagistrates

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coulddesire.Thefactswereborneoutbyindependenttestimony.Therecouldbenoshadowofdoubtastothedrunkennessortheassault.Theonlymattertobeconsideredwasthemeasureofpunishmenttobemetedout.Theyallagreedthatdrunkennesswasnoexcuseforviolence,whiletheoffencewasaggravatedbyamaninRufusSterne'spositionattackingamanoftherankofCaptainTregony.

Oneortwoofthemagistrateswereforcommittinghimtogaolwithouttheoptionofafine.Itwasaseriousmatterforaciviliantoattackevenanex-soldier.Itwasaspeciesof_lèsemajesté_thatoughtnottobetoleratedforamoment.

Unfortunatelyfortheseextremistsasimilarcasehadbeentriedafortnightpreviously,andtheaccused--amanofconsiderablemeans--hadgotoffwithafineoftenshillingsandcosts.

"And,"arguedthechairman,"wecannotwiththiscasefreshinpeople'smindsgivecolourtothefictionthatthereisonelawfortherichandanotherforthepoor."

Soinordertoprovetheirabsoluteimpartiality,andtomarkatthesametimetheirsenseofwhatwasduetoanex-officerofHisMajesty'sforcestheyinflictedafineoffivepoundsandcosts,oramonth'simprisonment.

Rufuswasdisposedatfirstnottopaythemoney.Hewassoangrythathealmostfeltthattheseclusionofaprisoncellwouldbearelief.Butbetterthoughtsprevailed.Hewasabsolutelyhelpless.Itwasnousekickingorprotesting.Hecouldonlygrin,andabide,andhopethatthedaywouldcomewhenjusticewouldfindherown.

Itwasahumiliatingdayforhim.Heleftthecourtbrandedasadrunkardandabrawler.Thecasefortheprosecutionhadbeensoclearandcircumstantialthatevenhisbestfriendswereconfounded.Thatheshoulddenytheaccusationwasnaturalenough;buttherewasanunspokenfearintheirheartsthatworryhaddrivenhimtodrink,andthatalcoholactinguponahighly-strungtemperamenthadthrownhim

momentarilyoffhismentalandmoralbalance.

MadelineGroverwasalmostdumbfounded.UnconsciouslyshehadbeenidealisingRufusformonthspast,whiletheirlastconversationhadfurtherexaltedhiminherestimation.Herewasaman,honestinhisdoubts,sincereinhisbeliefs,andfaithfultoallhisideals.Amanwho"wouldnotmakehisjudgmentblind,"andwhorefusedtoplaythehypocritewhatevertheworldmightsayindisparagementofhim.

Amongallheracquaintancestherewasnomanwhohadstruckherfancysomuch.Hestoodapartfromthecommonruck.Hisveryantagonismtothereligiousconventionsofhistimehadsomethingofnoblenessinit.IfhederidedtheChurchitwasbecausehebelievedithaddepartedfrom

thespiritandteachingsofitsfounder.Hisreverenceforwhatwasgoodandhelpfulhadwonheradmiration.

Andnowsuddenlyithadbeendiscoveredtoherthatheridolhadnotonlyfeetofclay,butwasclayaltogether,thathewasaworsehypocritethanthehypocriteshederided.Thatbehindallhispretence----

Shestoppedshortatthat.Hehadmadenopretence.Ifhehadtalkedabouthimselfitwasindisparagementratherthanpraise.He

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claimednovirtuesbeyondwhathisfellowspossessed.Hehadalwaysbeensingularlymodestinhisestimateofhisownabilities.

Yetherewerethefactsinblackandwhite.Theunshakentestimonyofunimpeachablewitnesses,whilepoorGervase'sfaceboreunmistakableevidenceofthefiercenessoftheonslaught.

Fourdaysafterthetrialthelocalpapercameoutwithaverbatimreport.Madelinetookacopytoherownroom,andspentthewholeafternooninstudyingits_pros_and_cons_.

Thepointsthatfastenedthemselvesuponhermemorymosttenaciouslywerefirst,Rufus'srefusaltogivethenameofsomeoneaboutwhomtheyquarrelled,andsecond,hissuggestionthatTimothyPolgarrowhadbeenbribedbyGervasetogivefalseevidence.

Herewasaphaseofthequestionthatseemedtogrowlargerandlargerthemoreshelookedatit.Shewouldhavetokeephereyesandearsopen.Perhapsthelastwordonthesubjecthadnotbeensaid.IfGervasewasashonourableasshehadalwaysbelieved,thenitwaswickedofRufusSternetothrowoutsuchabaseandshamefulinsinuation.If,ontheotherhand,Rufuswasasblackashehadbeenpainted,whythisactofchivalryinthedefenceofthenameofsomeunknownperson?

Thesubjectwasfullofknotsandtangles.Shewouldhavetowaituntilsomefreshlightwasthrownuponit.

AsthedayspassedawayshewaspleasedtonotethatGervaseshowednosignoftriumphoverthedownfallofRufusSterne.Hepointednomoralashemightreasonablyhavedone.Hedidnotcometoherandsay,"There,Itoldyouso."Hisrestraintandreservewereadmirable,andshelikedhimallthebetterforhissilence.

When,atlength,sheherselfalludedtothematter,hespokewithgenuinefeelingandsympathy.

"Iamreallysorryforthefellow,"hesaid."Ofcourse,hebroughtit

uponhimself.Icouldnotpossiblypassovertheassaultinsilence.Butallthesameitisapitythatamanofpartsshoulddestroyhisownreputation."

"Itseemedamomentaryandunaccountableoutburst,"shesaid,reflectively.

Hesmiledknowingly,andshookhishead,butwouldnotventureanyfurtherremarkonthesubject.

Madelinewasgreatlypuzzled.Shesupposedshehadbeenmistaken.Itseemedforonceherinstinctshadledherwrong,herintuitionswereatfault.Itwasapainfuldiscoverytomake,andyettherewasnoother

conclusionshecouldcometo.ItwasimpossibletobelievethatGervasehaddeliberatelyplottedtoruinhim,forGervase,atanyrate,wasagentleman.

Yet,somehow,shewasneverwhollysatisfied.Inspiteofeverythinghersympathieswerestillwiththeaccusedman.Shemadenoattempt,however,toseehimagain.Sheavoidedeverywalkthatwouldleadheracrosshispath.Shedidherbesttoputhimoutofherthoughtsandoutofherlife.

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Gervase,meanwhile,playedhispartwithgreatskill.Henolongerpesteredherwithhisattentions,nolongerblustered.Hefelthewassafenowfromanyrival,andthattimewasonhisside.Itwasverygallingtohavetowaitsolong,hisfingersitchedtotouchherdollars,buthewaswiseenoughtoseethathewouldgainnothingbyprecipitancy.Madelinewasnottobehurriedordriven.

AsthewinterworeslowlyawayMadelinebecamemorefriendlyandconfidential.Shesometimesaskedhimtotakeherawalkacrossthedowns.Sheallowedhimalsotogiveherlessonsinriding,shesoughthisadviceinnumberlesslittlematters,inwhichshefearedtotrustherownjudgment,andallunconsciouslyledhimtothinkthatthegamewasentirelyinhisownhands.

BetweentheHallandthevillagetherewaslittleornointercourse.LadyTregonydidmostofhershoppinginRedbourne.ItwasonlythecommonandinexpensivethingsofhouseholdusethatSt.Gavedwasdeemedworthytosupply.HenceithappenedthatsometimesforaweekonthestretchnolocalnewsfounditswayintotheHall.

OccasionallyMadelinewonderedwhetherRufusSterneafterhissadfall,wouldgiveupindespair,andgotothebadaltogether,orwhetherhewouldpullhimselftogetherandfighthisbattleafresh.Shewondered,too,whethertheschemeorinventioninwhichhehadriskedhisall

wouldprovetobeasuccessorafailure.Shesometimesscannedthecolumnsofthelocalpaper,buthisnamewasnevermentioned,andsomehowshehadnotthecouragetoaskanyonewhoknewhim.

Theweathercontinuedsocoldandcheerless,andsotryingtotheCaptainafterhisIndianexperiences,thatitwassuggestedbySirCharlesthattheyshouldspendamonthortwointheSouthofFrance.

Madelinecaughtattheideawithgreateagerness,andthatsettledthematter.BothSirCharlesandGervasewereanxioustogetherawayfromSt.Gaved,butwerenotquitecertainhowitwastobeaccomplished.MadelinehadgrownsosickofLondon,andsoeagertogetbackagaintoTrewinionHall,thattheywereafraidshewouldobjecttogoingaway

againsosoon.

Gervaseglancedathisfatherknowingly,andhiseyesbrightened.

Thateveningfatherandsondiscussedaffairsinthelibrary.

"Ithinkthewayisclearatlast,"SirCharlessaid,withasmile.

"Yes,Ithinkso,"Gervaseanswered,pullingathisbriar.

"We'llgetawayassoonaswecan,thesoonerthebetter.UnderthesunnyskiesoftheRivieraherthoughtswillturntoloveandmatrimony,"andSirCharleslaughed.

"She'sgrownalmostaffectionateoflate."

"Thatisgood.IfsheevercherishedanyromanticattachmentforthatscoundrelSterneitisatanend."

"Shenevermentionshisname."

"Andbythetimewehavebeenawayaweekshewillhaveforgottenhisexistence."

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"Ihopeshewillnotbecaughtbysomeotherhandsomeface."

"Notlikely,myboy,ifyouplayyourcardswell."

"Ithink,underthecircumstances,Ihaveplayedthemremarkablywell.Muchbetterthanyoudidwhentheywereinyourhands."

"No,no.Everythingisgoingonaswellaswellcanbe.Idon'tthinkeitherofushasanythingtoblamehimselfwith."

"IamnotsureIdidrightingivingupmycommissionsosoon.Shewasimmenselytaken,ifyouremember,withmyuniform.Shelikessmartclothes."

"Oh,she'sgotoverthat.She'sawomannow,andawide-awakewomantoboot."

"There'snodoubtaboutherbeingwide-awake.Butwhenshallwestart?"

"WhynotnextMonday?"

"Aye,thatwilldo.Thesoonerthebetter,"andGervasewentofftohisroomtodreamofmatrimonyandunlimitedcash.

CHAPTERXXV

THEENDOFADREAM

ItwasnotuntilMarchthatRufusrealisedthathisdreamwasatanend.Hehadhopedagainsthopeforweeks;hadtoiledonwithsteadypersistencyandtriedtobanishfromhisbrainthethoughtoffailure.Theknowledgecamesuddenly,thoughhetookalongjourneytotheNorth

ofEnglandtoseekit.Whenheturnedhisfacetowardhomeheknewthatallhislabourhadbeeninvain.

Notthattheinventiononwhichhehadbestowedsomuchtoilandthoughtwasworthless.Onthecontrary,hesawgreaterpossibilitiesinitthaneverbefore.Buthehadbeenforestalled.Anotherbrain,asinventiveashisown,andwithfargreaterfacilitiesforreducingtheoriestopractice,hadconceivedthesameideaandcarrieditintoeffect,whilehewasstillpainfullytoilinginthesamedirection.WhenhelookedattheworkbroughtoutbyhiscompetitorintheNorth,hefeltasthoughtherewasnofurtherplaceforhimonearth.

"Itisbetterthanmine,"hesaidtohimself,sadly."Themainideais

thesame,buthehasshownmoreskillindevelopingit."

Itwastheadvantageofthetrainedengineerovertheuntrained,ofexperienceoverinexperience.Hehadnofeelingofbitternessinhisheartagainstthemanwhohadsucceeded;hewasoftoogenerousanaturetobeenvious.Themanwhohadwondeservedtowin.

Hejourneyedhomelikeamaninadream.Thewayseemedneitherlongnorshort.Thefirstfaintodourofspringwasintheair,buthedidnotheedit.Hisfellowpassengersseemedmorelikeshadowsthanreal

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people.Theworldforhimwasatanend.Hehadnomoretodo.Onequestiononlywaslefttotroublehim.Howtoputoutlife'sbriefcandlewithoutawakeninganysuspicionoffoulplay.Hewasmoreheavilystunnedthanheknew.Outwardlyhewasquitecalmandcollected,butitwasthecalmnessofinsensibility.Forthemomenthewaspastfeeling;itwasasthoughsomepowerfulnarcotichadbeeninjectedintohisveins.Hehadanideathatnothingcouldrufflehimanymore.

Hehadfrettedagooddealatfirstoverthelossofhisgoodname.Itseemedamonstrousthingthatanymanshouldhavethepowertorobhimofwhathevaluedmorethanallelseonearth.ThatGervaseTregonyhaddeliberatelybribedTimPolgarrowandhisowngardenertosayhewasdrunkhehadnottheleastshadowofadoubt,buthehadnoproof;andtoaccuseamanofincitingtoperjury--especiallyamaninthepositionofGervaseTregony--wasaverydangerousthing.Sohehadtokeephismouthshut,andbearinsilenceoneofthecruellestwrongseverinflicteduponaman.

HewasnotatallsorrythathehaddisfiguredthenottoohandsomefaceofGervaseTregonyforafewdays.Indeed,hewashumanenoughtofeelthathewouldnotmindpayinganotherfivepoundstobeallowedtorepeattheprocess.Itwasnot"theassault"partoftheaffairthattroubledhim,nobodythoughtmuchtheworseofhimforthatsideoftheepisode.GervasewasnotsopopularinSt.Gavedthathehadmany

sympathisers.

Buttobeaccusedofdrunkenness,andtohavetheaccusationswornto,andsetdownasproved,wasasthebitternessofdeathtohim.Iftherewasanyviceintheworldheloatheditwasdrunkenness.ItseemedtohimtheparentofsomanyothervicesaswellastheHadesofhumandegradation.Itistruehewasnotapledgedabstainer.Henevercaredtopledgehimselftoanything,butinpracticehewasabovereproach.

Heknew,ofcourse,whythechargeofdrunkennesshadbeentackedontothatofassault,withouttheformerthelatterwouldnotholdwater.ItwouldbetoohumiliatingtoGervasetoadmitthatasobermanhadbeatenhiminfairfight;hencethefictionthathewaspounceduponsuddenly

andunawaresbyamanwhowasmaddrunk.Butthechiefreasonlaydeeperstill.HewasnotsoblindthathecouldnotseethatGervasewasjealousofhim,andsometimeshehalfwondered,halfhoped,thathehadreasontobejealous.Itmadehisnervestinglewhenhethought,thatinthebighouseandbeforetheTregonyfamily,MadelineGrovermighthaveunwittinglyletfallsomewordthatcouldbeconstruedintoapartialityforhim.Itwasathoughtthatwouldnotbeartobelookedatoranalysedheknew.Nevertheless,itwouldflashacrosshisbrain,andthatprettyfrequently.

Hence,fromGervase'spointofviewthechargeofdrunkennesswaswhatthemaninthestreetwouldcall"goodbusiness."HeoftenpicturedGervasegloatingoverhistriumph.IfeverMadelinethought

affectionatelyofhimshewoulddosonolonger.Shewouldtrytoforgetthatheevercrossedherpath,and,perhapsbesorrytotheendofherdaysthatshehadshownhimsomuchfavour.

Thiswasthebitterestpartofthewholeexperience.ThatMadelineshouldthinkillofhim--theonewomanthatallunwittinglyhehadlearnedtolove--wasmorepainfulthanalltherestputtogether.ItwasbadenoughtobeheldupasanawfulexampleinChurchandSunday-schoolandTemperancemeeting,asheheardwasthecase.Butallthathedidnotmindsomuch.Hemightliveitdownintime.ButifMadelinewas

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oncewithinhisreach,andthiscruelslanderdroveherintothearmsofGervaseTregony,thatwouldbeatragedythatcouldneverbeliveddown,thatwoulddarkenhislifetotheendofthechapter.

ForseveralweekshekepthopingthathewouldmeetMadelineagain.Hewantedtohaveonemoreconversationwithher.Hehopedthathergenerousnaturewouldallowhimtoputhissideofthecase;or,ifthatwasdeniedhimthathemightbeallowedtosaywithalltheemphasishecouldcommand,thattheaccusationwasfalse.Butshegavehimnosuchopportunity.HewatchedforherinthestreetsofSt.Gaved.Hetooklongwalksacrossthedowns,heloiteredintheroadthatledpastthelodgegates,butneveroncedidsheshowherface.Sheevidentlymeanttolethimseethattheiracquaintanceshipwasatanend.

Thencamethenewsthatthewholefamilyhadgoneabroad,andthatnooneknewwhentheywouldreturntoTrewinionHallagain.Heheardthenewswithadullsenseofpainathisheart.Thebrightest--themostbeautifulthing--thathadevercomeintohislifehadgoneoutagain,andhewasleftlikeamanstrickenblindinalandofsunshine.

Yet,strangelyenough,hissenseofgriefandshameandlossincreasedhisdesireforlife.Hedidnotwanttohidehimself--topassoutintosilenceandforgetfulness.Hewantedtolivesothathemightredeemhislifefromtheshadowthathadfallenuponit,andprovetoMadeline

Grover,howeverlateintheday,howcruellyhehadbeenwronged.

OnhisreturnfromtheNorth,however,thisandeveryotherfeelingwasswallowedupinastrangeinsensibilitytopain,bothmentalandphysical.TheonethoughtthatdominatedhimwasthathemustkeephispledgetoFelixMuller.Asanhonourablemanhewasboundtodothat,andperhapsthesoonerhediditthebetter.

Hehadspentthree-fourthsofthemoneyhehadborrowed.Hehadafewassetsintheshapeoftools,therestwouldhavetobescrapped,andwouldonlybeworththevalueofoldiron.Incasetherewerenomishapsovertheinsurancemoney,FelixMullerwouldbewellrepaidfortheriskshehadtakenandtheworldwouldgoonjustasifnothinghad

happened.

Afteragooddealofcogitationhecametotheconclusionthattheeasiestwayoutoflifewouldbebydrowning.Hewasnotaverygoodswimmer.Hesoongotexhaustedandsowascarefulnevertoventureoutofhisdepth.Itwouldbequiteeasy,therefore,forhimtoswimoutintodeepwaterortakeaheaderfromarockwhenthetidewasupandthenquietlydrown.

Thatwouldmeanthathewouldhavetowaituntilsummer.NobodyinSt.GavedbathedintheseainMarch.Toavoidanysuspicionoffoulplayhewouldhavetofollowhisnormalhabitsandpreserveasfaraspossibleacheerfultemper.

ItwassoonwhisperedthroughthetownthatRufus'sgreatinventionhadprovedafailure.Somesympathisedwithhim.Somesecretlyrejoiced.For,curiouslyenough,nomancanliveinthisworldanddohisdutywithoutmakingenemies.Therearenarrow,ungeneroussoulsineverycommunitywhoregardthesuccessoftheirneighboursasapersonalaffront,whocanseenomeritinanyone,andwhoareneverabletoshapetheirlipstoawordofpraiseorcongratulation.

ThesepeoplealwayscomplainedthatRufuswasacutabovehisstation.

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Theysaiditwoulddohimgood"tobetakendownapeg."Buttheyweredreadfullysorryforthepeoplewhomhehadinducedtoinvestmoneyinhiswild-catenterprise.

Thereweretalksofhisbeingmadeabankrupt,andhintswerethrownoutthathemightsoonhavetoappearinacourtoflawonaworsechargethanthatofbeingdrunkanddisorderly.Moralistswereabletoseeinhiscasestrikingillustrationsofthetruththat"thewayoftransgressorsishard."Itwasagainsttheeternalorderthatamanshouldpermanentlyprosperwhohadturnedhisbackuponthefaithofhisfathers.Hisfailurewasheaven'spunishmentonhimforneglectingchurchandchapel,andhisfallintothesinofdrunkennesswastobetracedtopreciselythesamesource.

SomeofthesethingswererepeatedtoRufusbynottoojudiciousfriends,buttheylittleguessedhowdeeplytheyhurthim.Itwasnothishabittobetrayhisfeelings.Whenhewasmostdeeplystunghesaidtheleast.

AfewdaysafterhisreturnFelixMullerdroveovertoseehim.Hecameasusualafterdark,andhisexcusewasthathehadbeentoseeclientsintheneighbourhood.

Felixwasfullofsympathyandgenerousinhislanguageof

commiseration.

"Wemuststillhopeforthebest,"hesaid,afteralongpause,lookingintothefirewithagraveandabstractedair."Youhaveseveralmonthsyettoturnroundin."

"Itwillbeimpossibleformetofindthemoneyexceptinthewayweagreedupon,"Rufusanswered,withoutemotion.

"Itmaylooksonow,"Mulleranswered,withpretendedcheerfulness;"butinthistopsy-turvyworldthereisnoknowingwhatwillturnup.Iwishitwerepossibleformetoallowyouanextensionoftime."

"Ifearitwouldnothelpme,ifyoucould,"Rufussaid,absently.

"Well,perhapsitwouldn't,butallthesameIshouldliketogiveyouanextrachanceortwoifthatwerepossible."

"Iamnotaskingforanyfavours,"Rufussaid,indifferently."Iamgettingthingsstraightforyouwithaslittledelayaspossible."

"AndIshallloathemyselfforbeingcompelledtoreceivethemoneywhenyouaregone."

Rufuslookedathimforamomentwithadoubtfullightinhiseyes.

"Why,whatcanitmattertoyou?"hequestioned."Ithoughtyouwereamanwithoutsentiment."

"Iaminthemain.Iamjustamanofbusiness,andnothingelse.Yetthere'snodenyingIamfondofyou.Youareamanofmyownwayofthinking.MayInotsayyouareadiscipleofmine?"

"Youmaysaywhatyoulike,"Sternereplied,withahollowlaugh."Ibelieveyouhelpedtodestroysomeoftheillusionsofmyyouth."

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"Andthereforeyouaregratefultome,andIaminterestedinyou."

"IamnotsurethatIamparticularlygrateful,"Rufussaid,wearily,"Whatistheretobegratefulfor?"

"Whatistheretobegratefulfor?"Mullerquestioned,raisinghiseyebrows."Surelyitissomethingtohavegotoutofthefogsofsuperstitionintotheclearlightofreason.Tohaveescapedfromthebondageofcreedsintothefreedomofhumanity.Tohavediscoveredthetruevalueandproportionofthings,tohavebeendeliveredfromallfearofthefuture----"

"Arewenotplayingwithwordsandphrases?"Rufusquestioned,suddenly.

"Mydearfriend,whatdoyoumean?"Mulleraskedinsurprise.

"Supposebyreasonandlogicwecandestroyeverythinguntilnothingisleft?Isthereanysatisfactioninthat?Isthereanycomfortinaphilosophyofnegations?"

"Explainyourself."

"Well,wewillsayforthesakeofargumentthatwehaveprovedthereisnoGodandnofuturestate.Thatallreligionsaremythsanddreams.

Thatmatterexplainseverything,thatthoughtisonlysensation,thatmoralitysimplyregistersastageinevolution,thatdeathbreaksuptheelementswhichcomposetheindividual,andtheyreturntotheirnativestate.Whatthen?Havewegotanyfurther?Arewenotmerelyplayingwithwordsandphrasesaschildrenplaywithpebblesontheshore?"

"Mydearfellow,whomhaveyoubeentalkingwithlately?"

"Thatisnothingtothepoint,"Rufusanswered,withatouchofdefianceinhisvoice."WhatIwanttoknowis,howorinwhatwaywearebetteroffthansaythevicarandhiscurate?"

"Mydearfellow,surelyyoucanseethattheyarethepuppetsofan

explodedsuperstition."

"Well,supposetheyare.Whatarewethepuppetsof?"

"Wearenotpuppetsatall.Wearefreemen."

"Wordsagain,"Rufusanswered,withapatheticsmile."Weareascompletelyhemmedinbytheforcesthatsurroundusastheyare.Ascompletelybaffledbytheriddleofexistence.Inwhatdoesourfreedomconsist?Wehavecastoffonedogmatopinourfaithtoanother."

"No,no;wearenotdogmatistsatall."

"Wordsagain,Muller.Youhaveyoursetofbeliefsasclearlydefinedasthevicarhashis.Youhaveformulatedyourcreed.Thatitislargelyadenialofallhebelievesisnothingtothepoint.Anegativeimpliesapositive."

"Ah,buthebelievesinwhataffectsthefreedomofthehumanmindandthehumanwill.HebelievesinapersonalGod,inhumanaccountabilitytothatBeing;inaDayofJudgment;inafuturestateofrewardsandpunishments."

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"Andyoubelieveinextinction?"

"OfcourseIdo,andsodoyou."

"Butisthereanysuchthingasextinction?Canyoudestroyanything?Ifathingceasestoexistinoneform,doesitnotexistinanother?"

"Ofcourse,thatistheeternalprocess,theundeviatingorder.Atdeathyoudisintegrateandturntodust.Inotherwordsyouareresolvedintoyournativeelements,thoseelementsareusedupagaininotherforms,theyfeedarose,givecolourtothegrass,passintotheplumageofabird,orintothestructureofananimal."

"ButIammorethandust,Muller,andsoareyou.Yourphilosophystillleavestheriddleunsolved.Iamcomingroundtotheconvictionthatpersonalityisnottobeexplainedawaybyanysuchrough-and-readymethod."

"Iamsorrytohearyousayso."

"Whyshouldyoubesorry?"

"Becausewhenamanisinthegripofsuperstitionthereisnoknowingwhathewilldoorleaveundone.So-calledreligionismadeanexcuse

forsomanythings."

"Fornotcommittingsuicide,forinstance?"

"Exactly.Ifamangetsthestupidnotionintohisheadthatheisaccountabletosomebodyforhislife,orthathewillhavetogiveanaccountatsomehypotheticaljudgmentday,thatmanbecomesaslaveatonce.Heisnolongerhisownmaster.Nolongerfreetodowhathelikes."

"MydearMuller,"Rufusquestioned,withasmile."Areyoufreetodoasyoulike?Isnotthelifeofeveryoneofusboundedbylawsandconditionsthatwecannotescape?"

"Uptoapoint,nodoubt.Freedomisnotchaos.Libertymoveswithinlegitimatebounds.Ourphilosophyisatanyraterational."

"Thenyoubelieveinamoralorderaswellasaphysical?"

"Themoralordermanhasevolvedforhimself.Itisaconcomitantofcivilisation."

"Whynotsayhehasevolvedthephysicalorderforhimself?Woulditnotbejustasreasonable?Hemayhaveevolvedconsiderableportionsofhiscreedsandanynumberofdogmas.Butthemoralorderisnomoreapartofecclesiasticismthanearthquakesare.Itispartoftheuniversal

cosmosbeforewhichwestandhelplessandbewildered."

"MydearSterne,youtalklikeaparson.Whohasbeencoachingyou?"

"No,no,Muller;thesubjectistoobigandcomplextobedismissedwithasneer."

"IexpectIshallhearofyounextplayingthemartyrformoralideals,"Mullersaid,withaslightcurlofthelip.

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"Thatseemstobethenextitemontheprogramme,"Rufusanswered,quietly;"for,afterall,whatishonesty--thejustpaymentofdebts--butamoralideal."

"Itbelongstothatcodeofhonourcertainlythatcivilisedpeopleshaveshapedforthemselves."

"ThenyouthinkIamboundtomypledgebynothingmoreweightythanthat?"

"Whatcouldbemoreweighty?Youcouldnotescapefromitwithout--without--butwhydiscusstheimpossible?Youareamanofhonour,thatisenough."

"Andwhenisthelatestyouwouldlikethemoney,Muller?"

"Itwillneedamonthortwotoclearupthings,"hesaid,evasively.

"AndifIamtooprecipitateImightbesuspected?"

"Exactly.Youcannotbetoowary.Companieshavegrownsuspicious.Therehavebeensomanyattemptsoflatetocheatthem,and,ofcourse,intheeyeofthelawrobbingacompanystandsinpreciselythesamecategoryasrobbinganindividual."

Rufusgaveastart,andallthebloodlefthischeeks,andforseveralmomentshestaredatthefireinsilence.

Mullerrosefromhischair,andbegantobrushhisbowlerhatwithhishand.

"I'mfrightfullysorryit'shappened,"hesaid,consolingly,"but,afterall,itwillsoonbeover."

"Ye--s."

"Iadvisedyouagainstit.Ididnotliketheriskfromthefirst."

"Butyou'llprofitbythetransaction?"

"Mydearfellow,we'reboundtomakealittleprofitnowandthenorweshouldstarve."

"Profit?"Rufusmused,asiftohimself,"whatshallitprofitaman----"

"Perhapsyouwilladvisemenearerthetime?"Mullersaid,uneasily,andhemovedtowardsthedoor.

"No.Thepaperswilladviseyou."

"Well,good-night.Iwillnotsaygood-bye;perhapssomethingmayturnupyet."Andhepulledopenthedoorandpassedoutintothehall.

"Good-night,"Rufusanswered,andheturnedbacktohiseasy-chairandsatdown.

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CHAPTERXXVI

QUESTIONSTOBEFACED

Rufussatstaringintothefireforthebestpartofanhour,witheyesfullofpainandquestioning.UnwittinglyFelixMullerhadstartledhimoutoftheconditionofsemi-insensibilityintowhichhehadfallen.Thedullapathy,mentalandmoral,passedfromhimlikeacloud.Hewaskeenlyaliveoncemore,keenlysensitivetoeveryquestionthattouchedhispersonalhonour.HewasamazedthatheshouldhavefailedtoseethemoralissueraisedbyMuller.Amazedthathehadneverconsideredtherightsofthecompanyinwhichhehadinsuredhislife.

Wasittrue,hewondered,thatdeparturefromtheChristianfaith,therelinquishingoftheideaofaccountabilitytoaSupremeBeing,loweredaman'smoralstandard?Wouldhehavelostsightofthemoralviewifhehadnotdriftedintothecoldandbarrenregionsofmaterialisticphilosophy?Hehadpridedhimselfonhispersonalhonour,andyethadhenotbeenslidingdownwards,steadilyandunconsciously,eversincehecastreligiondefinitelyaside?TheChurchesmightconcernthemselvesmainlywithquestionsthatwereoflittleaccount.But,afterall,theydidkeepalivethesenseofGod,theideaofaccountability,theimportanceofrightliving.

Ifhehadheldon,forinstance,tothefaithofhischildhood,wouldhehavelostsightforamomentofthefactthattocheatapubliccompanywasjustasdishonestastocheataprivateindividual?Couldheunderanycircumstanceshaveenteredintothecompacthehad?Wouldhenothavesightedthemoralissueinamoment?

Hefelthumiliatedandashamed.Howcouldhepatchthegarmentofhispersonalhonourwithstolenmaterial.TheconductofMicawberinpayingTraddleswithhisI.O.U.wasnobilityitselfincomparisonwithhisproposaltopayMullerbycheatinganinsurancecompany.Theonlyquestionthathadworriedhimuntilnowwaswhetheramanhadanyrighttotakehisownlife.Andhismaterialisticphilosophyhadledhimto

theconclusionthatinsuchamatterhewasresponsibletohimselfalone,thathislifewashisowntodowhathelikedwith,toenditoruseit,justasseemedgoodinhisowneyes.

Thatmightbetruestillforallheknew,thoughhewasbeginningtodoubt.Butonaquestionofcommonhonestytherewasnoroomfortwoopinions.Societywasbuiltupandheldtogetherbytherecognitionofcertainfundamentalprinciples.Therewaspracticallyuniversalagreementoncertainthings.Noargumentwasnecessary.Noonewasaskedtoprovethatfirewashotorthaticewascold,forinstance.Sowithhonestyanddishonesty.Amanwhotriedtodefendcheatingwouldbeostracised.

Butwhyhadhefailedtoseethisclearmoralissue?Thatwasthequestionthattroubledhim.Hehadstruckablowathisownintegrityandwasnotconsciousofit.Justastheworstkindofhellistobeinhellandnotknowit,sothemostterriblestateofdepravityistobedepravedandtobeunconsciousofthefact.

Rufusfeltsuchasenseofpersonalloathingashehadneverknownbefore.Hesawhimselfasinamirror--notdarkly,butclearly.Herealisedthatincastingawaythehuskshehadcastawaythegrainalso,thatinlosingthesenseofaccountabilityhehadobscuredhisvisionof

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righteousness.

Therewerecertainexcusestobemadeforhimselfheknew.Hehadbeensocertainofthesuccessofhisschemethathehadnevergivenhimselftimetoconsiderthealternativeissue.Itwasonlyrecentlythattheideaoffailurehadseriouslycrossedhismind.Atthebeginninghehadrefusedtoconsideritevenasaremotecontingency.Thatthecompanywouldeverbecalledupontopaythemoneywastooabsurdtobethoughtof.

Inadditiontothat,therehadbeenavagueideasomewhereatthebackofhismindthatacompanyandanindividualwerenotinthesamecategory,thattheybelongedtoadifferentorderofthings.

Acompanywassomethingimpersonal--somethingthathadneithermoralsnorconscience,thathadneitherabodytobekickednorasoultobesaved.Hencetheideaofcheatingacompanywasonaparwithtryingtocheatasteamshiporarailwayengine.

Hehadneversaidthistohimself.Hehadneverreallylookedatthematter,buthewasvaguelyconsciousthattherehadbeensomesuchfeelingorideainhismind.Whysuchanideashouldhavepossessedhissub-consciousnesshedidnotknow.Nowthathehadbecomewide-awaketotherealissuehewasamazed.

Thentherewasanotherquestionthatwenthandinhandwiththeothers.Whydidhismoralsensebecomeacutelyawakeatthisparticularjuncture?Hehadbeengettingbackagaintotheoldlandmarks.Hehadbeenrecoveringhislostfaithonmanypoints.HisvisittoTregannonandhismanyconversationswithMarshallBrookhadhelpedhimtodiscernwhatwasvitalinreligion.Hehadbeenseparating,unconsciously,ecclesiasticismfromChristianity.Hedislikedtheformerasmuchasever,butthephilosophyofJesusseemedthenoblestthingevergiventotheworld.IfhehadbeenaskedifhebelievedinJesusChristandHisteachingshewouldhavesaidyes.HadhebeenaskedifhebelievedintheChurchanditsteachings,hisanswerwouldhavestillbeenanegative,or,ifanaffirmativeitwouldhavebeenconditionedby

somanyreservationsthathewouldnothavebeendeemedsuitableforchurchmembershipinanycommunion.YethewasnotfarfromthekingdomofGod.ThekernelofChristianityheaccepted.Heknewitandfeltit.HisquarrelwasnolongerwithChrist,butwiththosewhopretendedtorepresentHim,withanorganisationthatinthemainhadlostHisSpirit.

Was,then,thequickeningofhismoralsensetheoutcomeofhisrecoveredfaith?IfhehadneverknownMadelineGrover,neverreadthebooksshelenthim,neverlistenedtotheteachingsofMarshallBrook,wouldhehavetroubledabouttherightsofaninsurancecompany?

Thesewerequestionshecouldnotanswer.Hehadnotfoundhisbearings

yet.Hewouldneedmoretime.Moreover,thequestionofallothersthathammeredathisbrainandconsciencewas,shouldhepaybackthemoneyheowedMullerbyfraud?Shouldhebedishonestinonedirectionthathemightbehonestinanother?Shouldhepayadebtofhonourbyanactofflagrantdishonour?HeknewthatMullerwouldansweryesinamoment;thatwithhimhonestyandhonourdidnotbelongtothesamecategory.Hewouldhavesaidthatmenmightbeperfectlyhonourablewithoutbeinghonest;thathonesty,afterall,wasmerelyamatterofpolicy;thatperfectlyhonourablemencheatedeveryday.

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ButwithhisawakenedmoralsenseRufuscouldnotseethingsinthatlight.What,therefore,washetodo?

Hestoleofftobedatlength,butnottosleep.Hourafterhourhelaywideawake,thinking,thinking.Buthecouldseenowayoutofthedifficulty.Themorehepuzzledhisbrainthemoreperplexedhebecame.Hewasonthehornsofadilemmafromwhichthereseemednoescape.

AsamanofhonourhewasboundtohandbackthemoneytoMullerbythetimeappointed,andyettodosohemusttakehisownlifeandcommitatthesametimeanactofroguerythatwouldcoverhisnamewithinfamyifmengottoknow.Asfarashisownlifewasconcernedhewasnotinthemoodtosetmuchvalueuponit,andasthedayspassedawaythatmooddeepenedandintensified.Heaskedhimselfthequestionconstantly,Whathadhetolivefor?Thethingsthatmadelifevaluablehadbeentakenfromhim.Whatwaslifewithouthopeandwithoutlove?Hewassoabsolutelystrandedthatevenifheliveditwouldonlybeamiserabledraggingoutofexistence.

Sometimeshegavewaytoabsolutedespair,andtheverythoughtofdeathwasarelieftohim.Peaceandquietnessandrestweretobefoundonlyinthegrave.Whynotendthestruggleatonce?Whywaituntilsummercame?Hecouldgainnothingbywaiting,andafewdaysmoreorlesscouldmakenodifference.Thesoonerthefatalslipwastakenthesooner

wouldcomerelief.

Andyetinthedarkestdaysofdespairhismoralsenserevolted.Theideaofcommittingafraudasthefinalactofhislifeseemedtojareveryfibreofhisbeing.Itwasnotdyingheshrankfrom,thoughdeathitselfseemedafarmoresolemnthingthanithaddoneformanyyearspast.Buthewasnocoward.Hedidnotrecoilevenfromsuffering;buttodieacheatwaswhathecouldnotbringhimselftolookuponwithequanimity.

Againandagainhewouldsaytohimself,"Whatdoesitmatter?Ihavebeenacheatinintentionifnotinact.Theproposalwasmyown.Ienteredintothecompactwithmyeyeswideopen."

Butsuchreasoningdidnotsatisfyhim.Evenwhenhetoldhimselfthathehadnocharactertolose,thatevenifthefraudwerediscovereditwouldonlythrowalittledarkershadowuponhismemory.Itdidnotlessenhisrepugnanceofthecontemplatedact.

Soonedayofmiserysucceededanother,andhefanciedsometimeshewouldlosehisreasonaltogether.

Fortunatelyforhimhisoldplaceattheminebecamevacant,andthemanager,whohadneverlostfaithinhim,wasonlytoogladtoreinstatehim.

"Don'tbedownhearted,Sterne,"hesaid."Ourgreatestsuccessesarewonthroughfailure.Youwillwinyetifyouhaveonlypatiencetowaitandstrengthtopersevere."

Theywerethefirstreallyfriendlywordsthathadbeenspokentohim,andthetearscameintohiseyesinspiteofhimself.

CaptainTomHendyturnedawayhishead.Hedidnotliketoseetearsinastrongman'seyes,andheguessedthatRufusmusthavesufferedterriblyforafewfriendlywordstoaffecthimsomuch.

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"Itiskindofyou,Capt'nTom,tosaysomuch,"Rufussaid,atlength,"butIamtoohopelesslystrandedevertodoverymuch."

"Oh,thatisallmyeye,"CaptainTomanswered,withabrusquelaugh."Youknowtheoldsaying,'Romewasnotbuiltinaday.'"

"Yes,Iknowtheoldsaying,butIfearitwon'thelpmeverymuch.Still,Ishallbegladtoforgetmydisappointmentforawhileinmyoldtasks."

"Disappointmentistheseed-groundoutofwhichgrowthefairestflowers,"wasthecheeryanswer.

CaptainTomwasaMethodistlocalpreacher,andwassomewhatgiventocoiningphrasesthathadapleasantsound.Moreover,hehadabig,kindlyheart,afactwhichwasoftenunsuspectedbythosewhodidnotknowhim.

"CanIbeginworksoon?"Rufusquestioned,afterapause.

"OnMondaymorning.JacksonfinishesonSaturday,soyoucanjusttakeuptheoldthreadsasthoughtherehadbeennobreak."

"Youarereallyawfullykind,"Rufussaid,impulsively."Yousee,Icomebackwithadamagedreputation."

"Notmuch,sonny;notmuch.But,ofcourse,yourreligiousviewspredisposedpeopletobelievetheworst."

"Yes,Isupposeso.Itisacuriousworld."

"Well,itisinsomerespects;butinthelongrunpeoplegenerallygetwhattheydeserve."

"Youthinkso?"

"Iamsureofit.Thereisamoralorderthatnevervaries.Don'tyoumakeanymistake,myboy.Godisattheheadofaffairs,thoughyoumaythinktheworldisrunwithoutahead."

"Idon'tknowthatIhaveeversaidthat."

"Well,notinsomanywords,perhaps.Butyou'vedriftedalongway.I'vebeenawfullysorry.I'msorrystill.Butyou'llgetback.I'veneverlostfaithinyou.You'vealwaysbeenbetterthanyourphilosophy.ButI'mnotgoingtoblameyou."

"YouneednotbeafraidthatIshallbeoffended."

"No,'tisn'tthat.Iknowwhatitistodoubt,myself.Ifancysometimesit'sonlythepeoplewhoneverthinkwhoneverdoubt.ThewayintotheKingdomisthroughtribulation.Solongasamanishonestinhisdoubts,Idon'tmind.Itistheblatantscepticismofignorancethatoneresents.Iamsureyouhavebeenanxioustofindthetruth."

"Iamstill."

"Lightwillcomeingoodtime,myboy.Onlybepatientandhumble,"andCaptainTomturnedaway.

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"Onewordmorebeforeyougo,"Rufussaid,eagerly.

"Yes,sonny,adozenifyoulike."

"Ireferredjustnowtomydamagedreputation."

"Youdid.Butyou'llbeabletolivethatdown."

"Thatisnotthepointexactly.Iwascruellyslanderedinthatmatter.Iwasneverdrunkinmylife,never,inthesmallestdegree,theworsefordrink;anditwouldbeacomforttomeifyoucouldacceptmywordofhonouronthatpoint."

"Thenitwasnotamomentaryweakness--asuddenlapseasitwere?"

"Itwasnot.Ihavenevertastedadropofintoxicantssincemylegwasbroken,andthenitwasgiventomeasamedicinebythedoctor."

"Butwhyshouldthreemenswearyouweredrunk?"

"Onetodamagemycharacter.Theothertwowerebribed."

"Haveyouproofofthat?"

"No."

"Thenyouhadbetterkeepastilltongue."

"Ihavedoneso;butyouhaveshownyourselfsofriendlythatIcouldnothelpspeaking.Besides,itishardtokeepsilentundersogreatawrong."

"Butwhyshouldanyman--especiallyamanintheyoungSquire'sposition--bribeotherstoswearyourcharacteraway?"

"BecausehefearedIwascomingbetweenhimandthegirlhewantedto

marry."

CaptainTomstartedandlookedincredulous.

"Pleasedon'tthinkmeegotistical,"Rufuscontinued,withapainfulblush."IcanassureyouIhaveneveraspiredsohigh.But----"

"Yousavedherlife."

"Ihadthatgoodfortune,andshewasgrateful,andsheshowedhergratitudeinmanyways.OneafternoonbackinthewinterImetherontheDowns,andwehadarambletogether,andunfortunatelytheCaptainsawus."

"Andyouthinkhewasjealous?"

"Ido.Whatledtothequarrelwas,hechargedmewithloiteringroundTrewinionsothatImightwaylayher,andinfluenceheragainsthim."

"Butwhydidyounotmentionthatincourt?"

"Whatwouldhavebeenthegoodofit?Hewouldhavedenieditonoath.Besides,I'dratherbeaccusedofdrunkennessthandragMissGrover's

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nameintosuchasordidsquabble."

"Oh,indeed!"andtheCaptain'seyebrowswentupperceptibly.

"You'llexcusemetalkingsofreely,Capt'nTom,"Rufuswenton,"butitreallydoesmegoodtoopenmyhearttosomeone,andIknowyou'llrespectmyconfidence."

"Iwishyouhadcometomesoonermyboy,thoughIneverthoughtveryseriouslyofthematter.Iconcludeditwasasuddenlapse,andinallprobabilitywouldneverhappenagain."

"Butitwasnothingofthesort,"Rufussaid,withatouchofvehemenceinhistone."Iamasinnocentofthechargeasyouare."

"Thenthemenwhowitnessedagainstyouareguiltyofperjury?"

"TimothyPolgarrowis,withoutadoubt.PooroldMicahMartinmayhavefanciedIwasnotsober.Besides,hewouldconceiveittobehisboundendutytoaccepthisyoungmaster'sword."

ForseveralsecondsCaptainTomremainedsilent,withhiseyesfixedupontheground.

"Suchvillainyoughttobeexposed,"hesaid,atlength,raisinghiseyessuddenly.

"Buthowisittobedone?"

"Idon'tknow,myboy,"heanswered,reflectively,"Idon'tknow."

"Yousaidjustnowthatinthelongrunpeoplegottheirdeserts."

"Idid,sonny,andIbelieveit."

"ButwhereshallIcomein?Supposetheydogettheirdeserts,thatwon'tcompensateme."

TheCaptain'sgravefacerelaxedintoabroadsmile."PerhapsyoungTregony'sdesertswillbeinnotgettingthegirl,"hesaid,andhegavealoudguffaw.

"Well?"

"Thatmaybewhereyoucomein.Mystars,butifIwereinyourshoes,I'dmakehimjealousforsomething.Byallaccountshehasn'tgotheryet."

"Idon'tknow;I'veheardnothing."

"NeitherhaveI,forthatmatter.Butifhehadgother,itwouldhavebeeninallthepapers.Youmaybequitesureofthat."

"Whetherhehaswonherorfailedcanmakenodifferencetome.Ihavenodreamsinthatdirection."

CaptainTomloweredhiseyebrowsandpuckeredhislips."Sonny,"hesaid,"I'venowishtobeinquisitive.ButI'vebeenayoungmanmyself.Ahme!I'dliketobeyoungagain.Nothingisimpossibletoyouthwhenthereisastoutheart,aclearbrain,andacleanconscience."

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"Whichonlyafewpossess."

"Lookhere,sonny,"CaptainTomsaid,afterapause,"youaretooyoungtolettheweedsofpessimismoverrunthegarden.Lookup,that'smyadvice.You'vehadabigdisappointment,Iadmit,andyou'vebeenshamefullyslandered;butmybeliefisGodhassomebigthinginstoreforyou,ifyouwillonlywaitpatientlyandtrustinHim."

Rufusdroppedhishead,butdidnotreply.Howeverdespondenthemightfeel,orhowevertiredoflife,itwouldbeafatalpolicytoshowit.

"We'lltalkthismatteroveragainsometime,"CaptainTomsaidatlength."Meanwhile,youkeepyoureyesopen.Mystars!butshe'sagirlworthwinning!"

Rufuslookedupwithastart.

"Imeanit,"CaptainTomwenton,withalaugh."Besides,yougotthefirstinnings.IfIwereasportingman,IknowwhichhorseIwouldback.Mystars!butitwouldbenoendofajoke!"andwithanotherlaugh,hewalkedaway.

CHAPTERXXVII

THEVALUEOFALIFE

Rufussettledhimselfdowntohisworkwithasmuchoutwardcheerfulnessashecouldcommand.ItwasagreatcomforttohimtoknowthatCaptainTombelievedinhim,andthatthepastwouldneverbeflungintohisteethbyhisemployer.Theworkwasnotexactingandthepaywasproportionate.Therewasnoscopeforenterpriseorambition,whichexactlysuitedhismood.Hehadnoambitionleft.Hewasonlymarking

timeatbest.Beforetheautumnleaveshadcarpetedthegroundhewouldbeatrest.

Hefacedtheissue,mostdays,grimlyanddeterminedly.Therewasnootheralternativeopentohim.Itseemedagreaterwrongtodefraudafriendthantotakeafewhundredsoutofthecoffersofagreatandwealthycompany.Thecompanywouldnotbeperceptiblythepoorerifitlosttentimestheamount.Ithadaccumulatedfundsforallcontingencies.Itlivedbyandforthepurposeoftakingrisks.ButtodefraudMullermightbetoruinhim.Themoneywasnothisown.Thelosstohimmightmeanbankruptcyandworse.Hence,ashewasboundtocommitafraudwhetherhelivedordied,itseemedthebetterparttocommitthefraudthatwouldgiveleastpainandtrouble,anddying,escapeall

consequences.Itwasaterriblealternative,anditfilledhimwithself-loathingandcontempt.Hefeltthathewasalivingfalsehood,practisingadailyhypocrisy.Andyetwhatcouldhedo?

ThedryeastwindsofMarchhadgivenplacetoApril'sgenialshowers.Springwasgreeningthelandscapeinalldirections.Thethrostlessangintheelm-treesasthoughgladtobealive,andintheuplandstheyounglambssportedinthesunshine.Everymorning,asRufuswalkedoverthehillstothemine,hefeltthejoyoflifethrobbinginhisveins.Itwasgoodtolivewhentheworldwasbecomingsofair;goodtosmell

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thepungentodoursoftheearth,andfeelthewarmthoftheascendingsun.Thereweremomentswhenheforgottheswordthatwashangingoverhishead,andhewouldrevelintheyellowofthegorseandinthechangingcoloursofthesea.Thenhewouldcometohimselfwithagasp,andalookofhorrorwouldcreepintohiseyes.

Inspiteofhimselfthestrainbegantotelluponhishealth.Theburdenwasbecomingheavierthanhecouldbear.Inthecompanyofothershesimulatedacheerfulnessthatheneverfelt.Ifhespokeofthefuture,itwaswithatoneofwell-feignedhopefulnessinhisvoice.Hepretendedtohaveplansreachingintothenextyearandtheyearafterthat.Heloathedhimselfforbeingsoconsummateahypocrite.ButforMuller'ssakehewouldhavetoavoidwakingthesmallestsuspicion.

Itisnotsurprising,perhaps,thatthefurtherhegotawayfromthefirstshockofdisappointment,andthenearerhegottotheredemptionofhispledge,thestrongerhispassionforlifebecame.Itmightbethebeautyofthespringtimethatmadehimsoeagertolive.Itmightbethegrowingsenseofthesacrednessoflife.Itmightbetheincreasingmoralrevulsionfromtheactitself.Itmightbetheslowliftingoftheveilfromhisspiritualvision,oritmightbeallthesethingscombined.Certainitisthatasthespringadvancedandtheearthbecamemoreandmorebeautiful,thethoughtofdyingbecamemoreandmorerepugnant.

"Thereisnowealthbutlife,"agreatwriterhassaid,andRufusbegantofeelmoreandmorethetruthofthatstatement.Hewasanassetofhisageandgeneration.Hebelongedtohisowntime.Thetreasureofacountrywasnotitsdollarsbutitslife.Totheindividualhimselflifeishisonerealpossession.Wealthandfameanddistinctionarenothingtothedead.Moreover,lifewithoutwealth,withoutrecognition,withouthonour,isstillworthpossessing.Itisagladnessmerelytoliveandseethebeautyoftheearthandfeelthewarmthofthesun.

RufusbegantocountthedaystilltheendofAugust,whichhereckonedwouldmarkthelimitofhispilgrimage.Thetimepassedalltooquickly.Hegavehimselfaslittlesleepaspossible,forsleepseemedtorobhim

ofwhatlittleoflifewasleft,andhewasanxioustomakethemostofit.

Neveraspringseemedsobeautifulasthatone.Neverdidthegorseflamesoyellowonthemoors,neverdidheseesuchsapphireinthedeep.Astheeveningsgrewlongerhesatonthecliffsandwatchedthesunsetsandtickedthemoffinhiscalendarasthedayfadedintonight.

Hiseyesgrewlargeandpatheticandhisvoicetookasoftertone.Sometimeshefoundhisthoughtsshapingthemselvesintosupplication.Theuniversalinstinctasserteditselfunconsciously.Hewantedguidanceandhewantedforgivenessforwhatheproposedtodo.

MarshallBrookcameacrosstoseehimonceortwice,andtheyhadlongwalksandtalkstogether,buthegotnohelpoutoftheirconversationanddiscussions.Onthecontrary,everytalkseemedtomakehistaskmoreandmoredifficult.

Byslowandalmostimperceptiblestepshewascomingbacktothefaithhehadcastaside.Hereadthegospelswithnewinterest,andsawinthebooksMadelineGroverlenthim,andwhichhestillkept,newanddeepermeanings.Butallthisonlyputfreshthornsinhispath.Hewishedsometimesthathisphilosophyofnegationshadneverbeendisturbed,

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thathecouldstillbelievewhathebelievedhonestlyenoughwhenheenteredintothisfatalcompact.

Itseemedasthougheverythingconspiredtoputdifficultiesinhispath.Hemightbethevictimofamaliciousfate.HehadtoldMullerthatifhefailedheshouldnotwanttolive--thattherewouldbenothingleftworthlivingfor.Howlittleheknew!Howlittleheguessedthatthatverydayhewouldseeafacethatwouldchangetheworldforhim;thatfromthatdayatrainofcircumstanceswouldbesetinmotionthatwouldalterhisentireoutlook!

Hewasadifferentmanto-dayfromwhathewasninemonthsago.Helookedatlifeandtheworldthroughdifferenteyes.Hehadloved,andlovehadgreatenedhiminspiteofthefactthathehadlovedinvain.Hehadreasonedabouttemperance,andrighteousness,andajudgmenttocome,andoutofthechaosofhisownthinkinghadappearedthefaintglimmeringsofaneternalorder.Hehadsuffered,andsufferinghaddevelopedinhimthegraceofpatience,andtoughenedthefibresofhismoralnature.Hehadcomeunderinfluenceswhichhadquickenedhisdroopingmoralsenseandmadehimlookwithsteadiereyesatthemeaningandmysteryoflife.

Henevermoreardentlydesiredtodotherightthing,wasneversoabsolutelycompelledtodothewrong.Hewishedsometimesthathecould

takesomeoneintohisconfidence,CaptainTomHendy,forinstance.Withhisclearvisionandstrongcommonsensehemightseeawayoutofthedifficulty.Buttotakeanyoneintohisconfidencewouldbetogivethewholecaseaway.ForMuller'ssakehewouldhavetopreserveaninviolablesilence,andyettheverysilencewasbecomingmoreandmoreintolerable.

TowardtheendofAprilhepaidwhathedeemedwouldbehislastvisittoMuller.Itwouldbearelieftoputsomeofhisthoughtsintospeech.That,however,wasnotthemainpurposeofhisvisit.Hehadsucceededinputtingallhisaffairsinorder,inturningintocasheverythingthatwassaleable,andindischargingalloutstandingobligations,andhewaspleasedtodiscoverthathehadstillthreehundredpoundsleft.

"Isupposethisbelongstome,"hesaidtohimself,"todowhatIlikewith,"andhesmiledsadly.Somemen,underthecircumstances,mighthavespentitinhavingwhattheywouldcallagoodtime,buthewasinnomoodforfeastingormirth.

"IwilltakeitbacktoMuller,"hewenton,"andlessenmyobligationbythatamount."SooneSaturdayafternoon,whentheyleftoffearlyatthemine,hedonnedhisholidaysuit,andtrudgedoffintoRedbournetoseehisfriend.

HefoundMullerinhisofficeasheexpected.Mullerhadnodomesticties,andhepreferredhisoffice,asarule,toanyotherplaceinthe

world.

MullerlookedupwithalittlestartofsurprisewhenRufusentered.Inthefirstplace,hewasnotexpectinghim,andinthesecondplace,hewasshockedathisappearance.

"Hello,Sterne,"hesaid,"whatbringsyouintoRedbourneto-day?Nottoseeadoctor,Ihope,"andacurioussmileplayedroundthecornersofhismouth.

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"Icametoseeyou,"Rufusanswered,withasmile."Doctorsareofnousetome."

"Well,no,"Mullerreplied,reflectively."Ipresumeyouarerightinthat.Butyoulookillallthesame--painfullyill."

"DoI?Iwasnotaware.Ifeelaboutasusual."

"Notovercheerful,Ipresume.Well,Idon'twonder.It'sbeastlyhardluck.IthinkifIwereinyourplaceIshouldgetthebusinessoverasquicklyaspossible."

"Ihavetoconsideryourinterestsaswellasmyownfeelings,"Rufusanswered,goingtothewindowandlookingdownintothestreet.

"Well,yes,ofcourse.IfpeoplesuspectedanythingtheremightbeoldHarrytopay."

"Exactly.Then,youknow,Ihavehadagoodmanythingstosquareup,and,onthewhole,Ihavecomeoutfairlywell."


"ImeanthatoutofthethousandpoundsIborrowedofyou,Ihavethree

hundredleft."

"Somuch?"

"Threepounds,seventeenandninepenceover,tobeexact.ButwhatIproposetodoistohandoverthethreehundredpoundstoyou,andsolessenmyobligationbythatamount."

Mullerstarted,andapuzzledexpressioncameintohiseyes.

"Theburdenwillseemalittlelighter,"Rufuswenton,lookingdownintothestreetagain.

"IconfessIdonotquiteunderstand,"Mullersaid,adjustinghispince-nez."Youdon'tmeant--t----"Thenhestopped,andwaitedforRufusfurthertoexplainhimself.

"Imean,"Rufusanswered,walkingacrosstheroom,anddroppingintoachair,"thatifthereisanyprofitarisingoutofthetransactionyoushallhavethefullbenefitofit."

"Oh,thanks,oldman;thatisgoodofyou,"andMuller'sfacebrightenedinstantly.

"Therearealwaysexpenses,ofcourse?"

"Agreatmanyexpenses,Iamsorrytosay.Butyouhavebeenverythoughtful.Extremelyconsiderate,ifImaysayso,withoutflattery."

"Oh,youcanflatterasmuchasyoulike,"Rufusanswered,withamirthlesslaugh."Itwouldbemuchmoretothepurpose,however,ifyoucouldseesomeotherwayoutofthedifficulty."

Muller'scountenancechangedagaininamoment.

"Youlikenottheprospect?"hesaid,cynically.

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"Tobehonest,Idon't.Asamatteroffact,Idespisemyselffornotseeingatthebeginningalltheissuesinvolved."

"Whatissuesdoyoureferto?"

"Moralissuesinthemain.Therepaymentofthisloaniswithusbothaquestionofhonour."

"Thatisso.Asanhonourablemanyoucannotescapeit."

"Iseethatclearlyenough.WhatIfailedtoseeatthefirst--eitherbecauseIrefusedtoentertaintheideaoffailure,orelsebecausemymoralsensehadbecomedull--wasthatIwasproposingtopayadebtbyfraud."

Mullerlaugheduneasily."IthinkIpointedthatouttoyouquiteclearlyonthedaywesettledthematter."

"Ihavenorecollectionofit."

"Ididsomostdistinctly.Isaidifthecompanyscentedsuicidetheywoulddisputetheclaim,orwordstothateffect."

"Andseeingthisclearlyyouwerewillingtobecomeapartytothefraud?"

Muller'seyesblazedinamoment."Lookhere,Sterne,"hesaid,angrily,"thisisaboveajoke.Youknowverywellthattheproposalwasnotmine.Youbadgeredandbulliedandpersuadedandgavemenopeace.Iyieldedatlength,muchagainstmywill,toobligeyou.ImadeyouangrywhenIpointedoutinthefrankestandmostexplicitwaytheconsequencesoffailure,andnow,confoundit,whenyouhavefailedyoucomeandblameme."

"No,no;youmisunderstandme,"Rufussaid,mildly."Ihavenowishtoblameyou.Theproposalwasmyown,Ifranklyadmit,andyouyielded

veryreluctantly.Butthethingthatpuzzlesmeisthatwhilewetalkedabouthonourweneitherofusseemedtorealisethattheproposalinvolvedaglaringactofdishonour."

"Doyourefertotheinsurancecompany?"

"Ido."

"Mydearfellow,wouldyouconsideritadishonourableacttoappropriateapinfromyourneighbour'sdressing-table?"

"Well,no.Thereisnovalueinapin."

"Yes,thereis.Allvaluesarerelative.Tothecompanyconcernedtheamountinvolvedisscarcelymorethanthevalueofapintoyourlandlady."

"IfItookapennyfromherdressing-tableitwouldbetheft."

"Youthinkthatbecausethediscofcopperrepresentsafixedamountofmoney.Callittheftifyoulike.Sothentakingapinwouldbetheft."

"Perhapsso."

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"Butatheftsosmallthatinanymoralorlegalreckoningitwouldnotcount.Itwouldnotcountbecauseyourlandladywouldnotfeelit.Sothepaltryamountunderdiscussionwouldnotbefeltbythecompany."

"Youcallitapaltryamount,andyetitrepresentsthevalueofalife."

"Mydearfellow,humanlifeisnotofmuchaccountinthisworld.Governments--especiallyChristianGovernments--sacrificemenbythousandsforbitsofbarrenterritorythatarenotworthsixpence."

"TheCreator,perhaps,setsmorevalueonthem."

"UsethewordNatureandyoutalksense.Onlyyoursuggestionisabsolutelybesidethemark.Natureputsnovalueonhumanlifeatall,nomorethanyoudoonthecreepingthingsyoutrampletodeathateverystepyoutake."

"Naturedoesnotdestroy.Sheonlychangestheform.Nothingislost."

"Exceptlife.Thatvanishesliketheflameofacandleinagustofwind."

"Vanishes!Butdoyouknowwhatthewordmeans?"

"IthinkIdo.Butwhatisallthistalkleadingto?Whathaveyougotatthebackofyourbrain?Ifyouaregoingtofunkthebusiness,sayso,andletmeknowtheworst."

"Idon'tthinkIhavesuggestedanythingofthekind,"Rufusreplied,uneasily."IfranklyadmitthatIdonotlikethealternative,andwishthatsomeotherwayofescapecouldbefound."

"Butifthereisnootherway?"

"ThenImustmeetmydoom,andgointodarknessdisgracedand

dishonoured."

"Inahundredyearsfromnownothingwillmatter."

"Youarenotevensureofthat.But,candidly,Iamasreadytofacedeathasmostothermen.IamnotawarethatIhaveeverprovedmyselfacoward,butIdoabhorthethoughtofshrinkingmeanlyoutoflifebyabackdoorinordertocheataninsurancecompany."

"Youshouldhavethoughtofallthisearlier."

"IknowIshould.Iamsimplyamazedatmyself.ButIwassocertainofsuccessthatIrefusedtolookatfailure,orthepossibleconsequences

offailure."

"Exactly.Butthatisnotmyfault.Iamsorryforyou.MoresorrythanIcanexpress.ButIampowerlesstohelpyou."

"Andyouarenotconcernedatmycheatingtheinsurancecompany?"

"Notintheleast.Iamonlyconcernedthatyoudonotcheatme."

"ButsupposeIpaidyouinterestonthesevenhundredpoundsforayear

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ortwo?"

"ItisnottheinterestIwant,buttheprincipal,whichImusthavebythefirstofJanuarynext,orI'mupatree."

"Butcouldyounotborrowtheamountfromsomeotherclientforawhile?"

"WhereamItogetsecurity?Whydon'tyouaskmetomakeyouafreegiftoftheamountinquestion?"

"Idon'twantanyfreegift.Atthesametime,Idon'twanttosacrificemylifeifthereisanychanceofsavingit."

"Youseemtosetgreatstorebyit."

"ItisallIhave.AndoflateIhavenotbeenabletoshakeofftheconvictionthatIamresponsibletoGodforit."

"Ithoughtasmuch,"Mullersaid,withasneer.

Rufusraisedhiseyesquestioningly.

"TurningChristianagainwithChristianresults,"hewenton."IcaughtanechoofthejargonthelasttimeIcalledonyou,andfearedyou

wouldturncoward,asallthesereligiouspeopledo."

"Don'tletusquarrel,Muller,"Rufussaid,mildly."IconfessIhadnotmuchhopethatyouwouldbeabletohelpme,soIshallreturnnotgreatlydisappointed."

"IwouldhelpyouathousandtimesifIcould,"Mullerreplied,withagreatburstofsimulatedfriendliness,"but,alas!Icannotdoimpossibilities."

"Verygood,Iwillnottroubleyouagain."

"Andyouwillnotburstthethingupbyawakingsuspicion?"

"NotifIcanhelpit."

"Andtakeawordofadvice.Getridofthosesillynotionsaboutaccountabilityandallthatrubbish.Theydon'tbecomeamanofyourintellectualcalibre."

"Thankyou:wemustfollowthelightthatisinus.Goodafternoonandgood-bye."

"Good-bye,"Mullersaid,lugubriously,graspinghisoutstretchedhand."I'msorry,butI'mhelpless."

Rufusdidnotreplynordidhelookback,andamomentlaterMullerheardhisfootstepsslowlydescendingthestairs.

CHAPTERXXVIII

THERETURNOFTHESQUIRE

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RufuswasconsciousashedescendedthestairsthathisfeelingstowardsFelixMullerhadundergoneconsiderablechange.Felixwasnotthecloseandattachedfriendthathehadimaginedhimtobe.Oflatehehadrevealedhimselfinanewlight.Itwasnodoubttruethathehadtakenconsiderablerisksonhisaccount,buthebegantofearthattheseriskshadnotbeentakenonthescoreoffriendshipmerely.ItseemedtoRufusthatthepassionforspeculationandthedesireforgainhadbeenthechieffactorsinthecase.

"Ithinkhemighthavehelpedme,"Rufussaidtohimself,regretfully."Ifhehadreallycaredformyfriendshiphewouldhavesetmylifebeforemostthings.Idon'tthinkmydeathwilltroublehimintheleast."

Atthestreetdoorhepausedforafewmoments,andcontemplatedthebusystreetstretchingrightandleft.Itwasmarket-day,andtheyouthoftheentirecountrysidehadpoureditselfintothetown.Upanddowntheysauntered--ladsandmaidens--aimless,vacant,butentirelyhappy.Handsinpockets,armsroundwaists,strawsbetweenteeth,capstiltedtothebackofheads.Theworldforthemwasthebestofallpossibleplaces,andForeStreet,Redbourne,onamarket-daythemostwonderfulplaceintheworld.

Suddenlythecrowddividedthatapairofhorsesdrawinganopencarriagemightpassupthestreet.Thecarriagewasempty.Thecoachmanandfootmansatstiffanderectinbluelivery,andsurveyedthescenewithalookofpityingcondescensionontheirfaces.

Rufuswatchedthecarriagepasswithmorethanordinaryinterest.ItwasSirCharlesTregony'scarriageandwasevidentlyonitswaytothestation.Verylikelythefamilywerereturningto-day,thoughtoputfivepeopleintoanordinarylandauwouldbeatightsqueeze.

Rufusfoundhisheartbeatingalittlemorerapidlythanusual;thethoughtofseeingMadelineGroveragainquickenedhispulseunconsciously.Inamomentthebusystreetfaded,thenoisedieddown

intosilence,andhewasbackinaquietcountrylane,watchingacarriagepass,withastrangeladysittingbythesideofthedriver.HewouldneverforgetthatfirstvisionofMadeline'sface.Hehadneverseenafacebeforethathadsocaughthisfancy.Hehadneverseenanythingcomparabletoitsince.

Thatwasoneofthered-letterdaysofhislife.Hefanciedthenthatalltheworldlayathisfeet.Nodreamoffailuredimmedthesunshineforamoment.HewasontheheightsofPisgah,withallthefairlandofpromisestretchedoutbeforehim.Nowhewasinthevalleyoftheshadow,havingrelinquishedhislasthope.ItwasacuriouscoincidencethatMadelineshouldreturnthatdayofalldays.Return,possibly,asthewifeofGervaseTregony.Toseehersittingbyhissidewouldbethe

lastdropinthecupofhumiliation,thedeepestnoteinthesolemndirgeofhisdespair.

Helookedathiswatch.ThedownexpressfromLondonwasdueinfifteenminutes,anditwasgenerallywelluptotime.

"IthinkIwillloiterroundintownuntiltheyhavegone,"hesaidtohimself."Ineednotsufferthehumiliationofseeingherthehappybrideofthat----fellow,"andheplungedatonceintothethrongthatjostledeachotherinthestreet.

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ButthedesiretohaveanotherlookatMadeline'sfaceprovedtoostrongforhim.

"Itcannotdomeanyharm,"hesaidtohimself,moodily."Nothingcandomeanyharmnow.Theslingsandarrowsofoutrageousfortunehavedonetheirworst."

Tenminuteslaterhewasonthestationplatformwaitingforthedownexpress.Veryfewpeoplewereabout.Helightedacigarette,andstrolledwithapparentunconcernupanddowntheplatform.Hegavealittlestartwhenthesignaldroppedjustinfrontofhim.Acoupleofportershurriedacrossthelinefromtheotherplatform,anewspaperboyappearedfromsomewhereroundacorner,thepeoplewhohadbeenwalkingupanddowncametoasuddenstop.Thelongtrainglidedslowlyroundacurve,andcametoastandstill.

Rufusdrewtotheoffsideoftheplatform,andwatchedthescene.Fiftyheadswerethrustoutofnearlyasmanywindows,butonlyhalfadozenpeoplealighted.SirCharlesandpartyhadacompartmenttothemselvesnearthemiddleofthetrain.TheBaronetalightedfirst--slowlyandstifflyasthoughcrampedwiththelongjourney.Beryljumpedoutafterhimwithlightspringystep,thencameLadyTregony,ponderous,butjauntystill.

RufusfoundhisheartbeatinguncomfortablyfastashewaitedforMadelinetoappear.Theporterenteredthecompartment,andbeganhandingoutthewrapsandumbrellas,thenthefootmanhurriedawaytotheluggagevan.Rufusheavedalongsigh,partlyofdisappointment,partlyofrelief.Madelinehadnotreturnedwiththeothers,neitherhadtheCaptain.Thatmeant--what?

Hecouldthinkofonlyonepossibleexplanation.Theyweremanandwife,andweretravellingontheirownaccount.Perhapstheyhadbeenmarriedrecently,andwerenowontheirhoneymoon.Thatseemedthemostprobablesupposition.ItwashardlylikelytheywouldbemarriedontheContinent.TheywouldwaittilltheygotbacktoLondon,andafterthe

ceremonytheotherswouldreturn,ofcourse,toSt.Gaved,andtheCaptainandhisbridewouldwanderwheretheylisted.

Heturnedawayfromthestation,andmadehiswayslowlyoverthehillinthedirectionofSt.Gaved.TheTregonycarriagepassedhimbeforehehadgotveryfar,butnoonenoticedhim.Hekepthisheadbentlow,anddidnotraisehiseyestillthecarriagehadgotaconsiderabledistance.

ItwasdarklongbeforehereachedSt.Gaved,andhewassotiredthatitwasapaintolifthisfeetfromtheground.Itwasthefirsttimehefullyrealisedhowweakhewas.Hedidnotfeelill,thoughpeoplewereconstantlytellinghimhowillhelooked;buthewasconsciousthatthe

springhadgoneoutofhim,thatthefiresoflifewereburninglow.

Whenhewenttobedthatnighttherewasanunspokenprayerinhisheartthatsomeillnesswouldovertakehimfromwhichhewoulddie.Thatwouldbeasplendidsolutionofthewholedifficulty.Asevereillnesswouldquenchthepassionforlife,woulddullallthesensibilities,wouldtakethestingoutofallearth'sdisappointments,andringdownthecurtainsogentlythathewouldnotknowwhenallthelightswereturnedout.

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Perhaps,afterall,hewouldbesavedthesinandtheshameoftakinghisownlife,andwiththisthoughtinhismindhefellasleep.

Thenextday,however,broughtbackalltheoldpaininitsacutestform.OnceortwicehefeltstronglytemptedtoletFelixMullerbearthebruntofhisfailure,andtrusttothefutureandthechapterofaccidentstoenablehimtodischargeallhisliabilities.

Mullerwasnotconsideringhiminanyway.Indeed,hehadshownhimselfexceedinglycallous.Theonethingthatconcernedhimwasgettinghismoneybackwithcompoundinterest.Well,hehadgotthreehundredpoundsofitbackalready.Supposehekepthimwaitingfortherest?

Butafteramoment'sreflectionhewouldshakehishead."Ishouldneverbeabletopayhimback,"hewouldsaytohimself."Sevenhundredpoundstoaworkingmanisanimpossiblesum.Ishouldnotbeabletopayhiminterestatfourpercentoutofmyearnings.Besides,whatwouldhethink?anditmightmeanbankruptcyanddisgracetohim."

Butthethoughtofwhathewouldthinkwastheprincipalcrux.Howcontemptuoushewouldbe.Withwhatscornhewouldregardhim.Howbitterandvenomouswouldbehistaunts,withwhatbitingsarcasmhewouldrefertohiscourageandchivalry,withwhatloftydisdainhewouldspeakofhishonourandhisregardforthetruth.

Rufuswouldfeelhimselfgrowinghotalloverwithshame.Shamethatheletsuchatemptationhavefootholdforasinglemoment.Hadhenotpledgedhiswordofhonour,andwasnotthatenough?Diditnotoutweigheveryotherconsideration?Ifhedepartedfromhiswordofhonourhewouldneverbeabletoholduphisheadagain,howeverlonghemightlive,andwereafewshadowedyearsworthpurchasingatsogreataprice?

Sohedebatedthequestionnowfromonesideandnowfromanother,andstillthedayspassedon,andhesawnoescapefromthedoomhehadpreparedforhimself.

Sometimeshewokeinthenightwithastart,andwiththecryuponhislips,"HowcanIdothisgreatevil,andsinagainstGod?"andforawhilethethoughtofhisresponsibilitytoasupremeBeingwouldoutweigheveryotherconsideration.Hispledgedword,thethinveneerofhonourwhichtooknoaccountofhonesty,theangerandcontemptofMuller,theirrevocablelossofreputation--wouldallseemasofnoaccountincomparisonwiththeangerofanoffendedGod.

Thatheshouldgrowpale,andthin,andhollow-eyedwasinevitable.Theconstantnervousstrainwasexhaustingthespringsoflife.Theunrestingactivityofhisbrainwasconsuminghisphysicalenergiesaswithafire.HewasasfreefromdiseaseasanychildinSt.Gaved,buthewasunwittinglymakinghimselfaneasypreytoanymaladythatmight

beprowlingabout.

MeanwhileSt.Gavedwasconsiderablyexercisedinitsmindoverthenon-appearanceoftheCaptain--aspeoplestillcalledhim--andMissGrover.Mrs.Tuke,whoclaimedtobeontermsofgreatintimacywithMadeline,andwhowaspreparedtochampionherunderanyandeverycircumstance,wasalmostindignantthatnoreliableinformationcouldbeextractedfromanysource.

TheservantsfromtheHallcameintothevillageasusual,andcertain

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youngmenfromSt.Gaved,itwassaid,foundtheirwayoccasionallyintotheHallkitchen--thoughthatwasapointonwhichauthenticinformationwasdifficulttoobtain.Butneitherfromtheservants,norfromtheyoungmeninquestion,norfromthepolice,couldanythingbegatheredastothedoingsorthewhereaboutsofGervaseTregonyandMadelineGrover.

Gossip,ofcourse,ranriot,andrumourchangeditsheadlineseveryday,butthetruestateofaffairsremainedasmuchamysteryasever.RufusfoundhimselfasmuchinterestedinthefloatinggossipasMrs.Tukeherself,andaseagertolistentothelatestcanard.

"Itissaidtheyain'tmarriedatall,"Mrs.Tukeremarkedoneevening,asshelaidhissupperonthetable.

"Butnobodyknows,"Rufussaid,wearily,lookingupfromhisbook.

"Well,notforcertain.Butiftheywasmarried,don'tyouthinkashowitwouldhaveleakedoutsomehow?"

"Theymayhavebeenmarriedquietlywithoutadozenpeopleknowing."

"Butwhyshouldtheybemarriedonthesly?SirCharlesseemedmightyproudthattheCaptainwasgoingtomarryherbeforeheturnedup."

"Yes,Ibelievethatisso."

"Andtheyoungmanwasthatgoneonher,thatifshe'dconsentedtomarryhim,he'dneverhavebeenabletokeepittohimself."

"Itmightbeherwish,andIthinkhewoulddoalmostanythingtoobligeher."

"No,hecouldn'thavedoneit,howevermuchhe'dtried.He'djustburst,thathewould."

"Thenwhatisyourtheory,Mrs.Tuke?"

"Well,Idon'tknowthatIhasanytheory.Yousee,iftheyain'tmarried,wherearethey?"

"Exactly,"Rufussaid,withasmile;"thatisaverypertinentquestion."

"Andiftheyain'tmarried,Isaytheycan'tbetogether."

"Thatsoundsprobable,certainly."

"Andiftheyain'ttogether,where'she?"

"Exactly;andwhere'sshe?"

"That'stheveryquestionIwasgoingtoaxmyself,butyoutookthewordsoutofmymouthasitwere."

"I'msorryIforestalledyou,Mrs.Tuke,but----"

"Oh,youneedn'tapologise,Mr.Sterne,notabit.Thisisafreecountry,andanybodyisallowedtoaxasmanyquestionsashelikes.Buttocomebacktothepointwewastalkingabout,thequestionis,where's

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she,andwhere'sthebothof'em?"

"SirCharlesisstillsilentonthesubject,Ipresume?"

"Assilentasaboiledperiwinklebyallaccounts.Theservantssaytheyhaven'theardhimmentiontheCaptain'snamesincehecameback."

"Perhapstheyhavequarrelled."

"Well,mybeliefisthatiftheCaptainfailedtocarryoffthegirlashisbride,SirCharleswouldbeterribleangry."

"Thenyouhaveatheoryafterall,Mrs.Tuke?"

"Well,no,Idon'tknowthatIhas.Ionlyputstwoandtwotogether,asitwere."

"ButwhyshouldSirCharlesbesoanxiousthathissonshouldmarrythisparticularyounglady?Therewouldseemtobeanynumberofeligiblespinstersinthecountry."

"Butmillionairessesain'ttobepickedupeveryday,andIreckontheCaptainain'tanythingofhisowntoliveupon,exceptwhathisfatherallowshim;andSirCharles,theysay,isaspoorasachurchmouse;

butthat'sallnonsense.Ishouldliketohaveaquarterofwhathe'sgottoliveon."

"Butyouhaven'thisexpenses,Mrs.Tuke."

"Andheneedn'thave'emunlessheliked.Thinkoftheirwinteringabroad;itmusthavecost'emaheapofmoney."

"Nodoubt.Butwhataboutthe'millionairess'?"

"Oh,well,it'sthisway.SquireVivian'sbutlertoldlongJoseph--that'sSirCharles'sbutler,youknow--andhetoldthehousekeeper,andshetoldSarahJelks--whoishousemaidattheHall--and

shetoldSiahSmall--whopretendstobecourtingher--andhetoldDickBeswarick,andhetoldhiswifeSusan,andshetoldme,thatheheardthefamilytalkingaboutitonedayatdinner----."

"Whoheardthefamily----?"

"SquireVivian'sbutler,ofcourse."

"Yes,goon."

"Well,heheardthemsayingthatitwouldbethebestday'sworktheCaptaineverdidifhegotmarried,asthegirlhadnoendofdollars."

"Howdidtheyknow?"

"VerylikelySirCharlestoldthem.Thosebigfolksmaybeascloseasoysterstothepoor,buttheytalktoeachother."

"Well,Mrs.Tuke,andwhatistheinferenceyoudrawfromallthis?"

"Idon'tdrawnoinferenceatall.Idon'tpretendtobeanythingbutaplainwoman,andIonlyputtwoandtwotogether,thoughMissGroverdidsaymycurtainswasatreat."

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"Shetookratherafancytoyou,didn'tshe?"

"It'snotformetosaythatexactly,thoughit'squitetruesheneverthoughtanyoftheotherwomenuptomuch,andshecameherefrequent,asyouknow."

"Yes,Iremember.Butwhenyouhaveputtwoandtwotogether,whatthen?"

"Well,betweenourselves,Ishouldn'tbeabitsurprisedif,afterlivinginthesamehousewiththeCaptainforamonthortwo,shefoundoutheweren'thersortandtoldhimso."

"Youthinkthatislikely?"

"Well,Icantellyou,Mr.Sterne,hewouldn'tbemysort,andMissGroverain'tthekindofyoungwomantobehustledintoanythingagainstherwill."

"Well,andwhatnext?"

"Well,supposeshetoldhimdefinite,thatthemoreshe'dseenofhimthelessshelikedhim,andthatshewasn'tfortakinghimonatany

price,whatwouldhappenthen?"

"Well,Mrs.Tuke,whatdoyousupposewouldhappen?"

"Itseemstome,Mr.Sterne,"Mrs.Tukesaid,impressively,"thatthere'dbeakettleo'fish,asitwere;akindofgeneralupset,don'tyouthinkso?"

"Theremightbe."

"Shecouldn'tcomebacktoTrewinionHallagain,couldshe?"

"Whynot?IunderstoodfromherthatSirCharleswasherguardian,or

trustee,orsomethingofthatkind."

"ButiftheywasallbentonhermarryingtheCaptainandshewouldn't?"

"Thesituationwouldbealittlestrained,nodoubt;butshewouldnotshunthehousebecauseshewasinnohumourtomarrytheson."

"Well,mybeliefisshe'scutthelotofthem,asitwere;thattheCaptain'ssick,andSirCharlessulky,andtheotherstoocrosstotalkaboutit."

"Meanwhile,whathasbecomeofMissGrover?"

Mrs.Tukestraightenedherself,andlookedperplexed."Thatiswhatisatroublingme,"shesaid,sympathetically."BetweenyouandmeIgotterriblefondofher.Sheweren'tnoneofthestarchysort,andthewayshewouldjustsitdownandtalktomewasatreat.Imightbehermother,shewasthataffable;andnowtothinkshemaybewanderingroundthisloneworldwithoutafriend,asitwere,fairlyworriesmeattimes."

"Idon'tthinkyouneedworry,Mrs.Tuke.Sheiswellabletotakecareofherself.ButIamnotconvincedyetthatsheandtheCaptainarenot

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married."

"Well,Ibe,"andMrs.Tukesidledoutoftheroom.

CHAPTERXXIX

GETTINGATTHETRUTH

PerhapstheonlytwopeopleinSt.Gaved--outsidetheTregonyfamily--whocouldhavethrownanyrayoflightonthesituationwereMicahMartinandTimothyPolgarrow,andthey,asfarasthegeneralpublicwasconcerned,werebothofthemdiscreetenoughtokeeptheirowncounsel.

Micah'schiefcharacteristicwasloyaltytotheTregonyfamily.Hehadbeenontheestateasmanandboyoverfiftyyears.Hehadnoambitiontobeanythingotherthanaservant,andawordofpraisefromhismasternowandthenwouldatoneforanyamountofabuse.Comparativeserfdom,continuedthroughseveralgenerations,hadeliminatedfromhisbloodeverysinglecorpuscleofindependence.Hepossessedthegenuine

serfspiritandtemper.Ifhismastertoldhimtolieonthefloorthathemightwipehisbootsonhim,hewouldhaveobeyedwithasmileandaskednoquestions.Hehadnowillofhisown,noviewsoropinionsorconvictions.Hismaster'spoliticswerehis.Hismaster'swishhislaw.Theserfspiritmadeamachineofhim.Evenquestionsofrightandwrongweretestedbyloyaltytothefamily.IfathingwasintheinterestsoftheTregonys,itwasright,ifnotitwaswrong.

YetMicahwasnotwithoutameasureofshrewdness.Hesawmorethanmostpeoplegavehimcreditfor.Inhisownslowwayheputtwoandtwotogether.Buthehadthesavingvirtueofreticence--amostadmirablequalityinaservant.

MicahknewverywellthattheCaptainliedovertheSterneaffair;butthatwashisbusiness.Hehadareasonforlying,anditwasnothisplacetocontradicthim.HeknewwellenoughthatRufuswasnotdrunk,butitwouldbedisloyaltohismastertosayso.IftherewasoneindividualabouttheplacewhocouldbreakdownMicah'sreticenceandgethimtotalkitwasMadeline.ShehadnotbeenamonthattheHallbeforeshehadmadeherselfageneralfavouritewithalltheretainers.Micahidolisedherandwouldhavegivenhisscalpalmosttopleaseher.

Madelinediscussedhorticulturewithhimandfloriculture--themysteriesofgraftingandbudding,thebestaspectforpeachesandthebestsoilforpotatoes.MissGroverwasawonderinMicah'seyes.Sheknewsomuchandyetwassoteachable--wassobeautifulandyetsohumblewithal.

TheytalkedabouttheSterneaffaironeafternoon.Madelineapproachedthesubjectwithgreatcaution,andcarefullyfeltherwayateverystep.WhenMicahbecamediffidentsheflatteredhimalittle,andwhenheobtrudedhisloyaltytothefamilysheencouragedhim.

Shemadehimfeelalsothatshewasoneofthefamily,andthathewouldbeperfectlyjustifiedandperfectlysafeinconfidinganythingtoher.Shetalkedtohimaboutherearlylife,aboutthesceneryandcustomsofAmerica,andsohypnotisedhimwithherconfidenceandhersweet

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graciousnessthattheoldmantalkedmorefreelythanheknew.

"OfcourseyouwillnotrepeatwhatIhavetoldyou,Micah?"shesaid,withhermostwinningsmile.

"Ofcoursenot,Miss,"Micahsaid,stoutly."Iwouldn'trepeatitfortheworld."

"It'snicetohaveconfidenceinpeople,don'tyouthinkso?"shequestioned,demurely.

"Itis,Miss;it'saterriblecomfort."

"Somepeoplerepeateverythingtheyhear.ButyouandIcantrusteachother,eh,Micah?"

"Icouldtrustyouwithuncountedgold,Miss,"andMicahstuckhisforkintotheground,withanenergythatwasmeanttogiveemphasistohisassertion.

ForawhiletheytalkedaboutSt.Gavedfolksingeneral,butgraduallyMadelineledtheconversationroundtoRufusSterneandthequarreloutsidetheLodgegates.

"Mr.Sternewasnotdrunk,ofcourse!"Madelinesuggested,innocently.

"Well,no,Ishouldn'tsayashowhewas,thoughhemighthavebeen."

"Exactly.Now,betweenourselves,Micah,howdidthequarrelbegin?"

"Well,Miss,justbetweenyouandme,itwasthisway,"andMicahraisedhisheadandlookedcautiouslyaroundhim.

"There'snoonetohearwhatyouaresaying,"Madelinesaid,encouragingly.

"Onecanneverbetoocareful,Miss;butasIwassaying,Iwentoutto

closethegateaftertheCaptin,andhehadn'tgonemanyyards,beforeIheard'imshoutouttosomebody."

"Yes?Whatdidhesay?"

"Well.Idon'trememberhiswordsexact.Butthere'snodoubthemeantyou,Miss."

"Me,Micah?"

Micahnoddedandsmiled."Ishouldhavefeltjustthesame,Miss."

"I'msureyouwould,Micah."

"'Youscoundrel,'"hesaid,"orwordslike'em.'You'reloiterin'roundhereagaintowaylayheran'poisonhermind.'"

"Andwhatdidtheothersay?"

"Oh!heupandsaysitwasalierightoutto'isface."

"Didhe,really?"

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"It'sgospeltruth,Miss;andofcoursetheCaptin,bein'insultedlikethat,letflyat'im."

"Doyouwonder,Micah?"

"Idon't,Miss.Butlor',thatyoungSterneisaterriblestrongand'andsomeyoungfellow,andhegivedtheCaptinbeansintwoseconds."

"Whatashame!"

"Ofcourse,Miss,it'snaturalthatyouandmeshouldsidewiththeCaptin;butafterall,it'shumannatur'tohitbackagain,ain'tit?"

"Yes,Isupposeitis.Butwhathappenedafterthat?"

"Oh!theCaptincriedout,'Martin,comeandtakeawaythisdrunkenbrute,orhe'llmurderme.'"

"Ofcourse,theCaptainwasboundtobelievehewasdrunk?"

"Well,hewasboundtosayso,Miss,"Micahanswered,withatwinkleinhiseyes."It'udneverdotoownhewasbeatenbyamanaswassoberinastandupfight--andheasodger."

"Ofcoursenot,thoughyoumustadmit,Micah,thattheCaptainwasatadisadvantageiftheotherwassober."

"That'swhatI'vesaidtomyself,Miss,factis,Sternewasmuchtoosober.Hewasjustascoolasacucumber,andthenhe'sayoungermanthantheCaptin."

"ButtheCaptaingotthebestofitintheend,"shesaid,withatoneoftriumphinhervoice.

"Thathedid,Miss.Hegothisrevengesharp,suddenan'complete."

"Therightnearlyalwayswinsintheend,Micah.Butmindyoudon't

repeatawordofourconversationthisafternoon."

"Me,Miss?Youshouldseemegibbetedfirst."

Madelinewalkedoutofthekitchengardeninaverysobermood.Thesuspicionthathadbeenhauntinghermindforweekswascrystallisingrapidlyintoacertainty.TheadmissionsofMicahthrewanewandsinisterlightontheentiresituation.Theunderlyingmotivehadbeenlaidbareasinaflash,andGervasestoodrevealedinhistruecolours.

TheywerestartingfortheSouthofFranceinaweekorso.Shethoughtshesawnowthereasonofthatparticularmove.Shewouldnotactprecipitately,however.Shewouldkeephereyesandearsopenandher

mouthshut.Itmightbepossible,withalittlediplomacy,togetthetruthoutofTimPolgarrowasshehadgotitoutofMicahMartin;buttherewasnotimetobewastedifshewastoaccomplishherpurpose.

ShewasmorethanusuallygraciouswithGervasethatevening,andinthehighestspirits.Sherattledoffwaltzesonthepiano,andsanganynumberofcheeryandsentimentalsongs.Gervasefoundthesongsforher,andstoodbehindandturnedtheleaves.

Hefeltthathewasmakingheadwayrapidly.NowthatRufusSternewas

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disgracedandoutoftheway,hehadnorival;therewasnoonetodistractherthoughtsfromhim,andheflatteredhimselfthatsomethingoftheoldfeelingofhero-worshipwascomingbacktoher.

Hehadgivenuppressinghertomarryhim,givenupplayingthepartofinjuredandbroken-heartedlover,andentertainedherinsteadwithstoriesofhisexploitsinIndia.And,generallyspeaking,hetoldhisstorieswell,makinglightofhisowncourageandpowersofendurance,andtreatingheroismasthoughitwereanordinary,common-placequalityofeverysoldier.

HehadverylittledoubtthatwhenhegotheroutofEnglandshewouldconsenttoanengagement,andSirCharles,whohadwatchedcarefullytheprogressofaffairs,wasofthesameopinion.

OnthedayfollowingherconversationwithMicah,MadelinetriedtogetaninterviewwithTimPolgarrow.ShehadseenTimtwoorthreetimes,andhadmadeuphermindastothekindofmanhewasandthekindoftacticsshewouldhavetoadopt.

Hadshebeenamanshewouldhavegoneintothepublic-houseanddemandedaninterviewwithhim,butbeingagirlsuchacoursewasimpossible.Soshehadtowaitonthechapterofaccidents,andfortunedidnotappeartofavourher.Sherodepastthe"ThreeAnchors"on

severaloccasions,butTimkeptpersistentlyoutofsight.Shebeganatlasttofearthattheopportunitywouldnevercome,andthattheparticularinformationshewantedwouldbedeniedher.

InherheartshehadlittledoubtofthetruthoftheaccusationRufushadflungoutonthedayofthetrial--thatTimhadbeenbribedtoswearafalsehood.Butshewanteddirectevidence.ShewasanxioustobejusttoGervase,whateverhappened.

Onthedaybeforeleavinghomesheresolvedonmoredirectmeasures.Gettingherhorsesaddled,sherodestraightawaytothe"ThreeAnchors"andknockedloudlyonthefrontdoorwiththehandleofherriding-crop.

[Illustration:"HADMADELINEFIREDAREVOLVERHECOULDNOTHAVEBEENMORESTARTLED."]

Ayoungmanwithathickcropofreddish-brownhair,andablueaprontiedroundhiswaist,appearedatlengthfromtherecessesofthetavern.

"CanIhaveadrinkofbarley-waterformyhorse?"sheinquired.

"Yes,miss;I'llfetchitinaminute."

Shebackedherhorseafewpacesandwaited.Nooneappearedtobe

about.Theinnstoodatthejunctionoffiveroads,commonlyknownasFiveLaneEnds,andtherewasnotanotherhousewithinhalfamile.

Inafewminutestheshock-headedyoungmanappearedwithapail,whichheheldunderthehorse'snose.

Madelinefeltherheartbeatingrapidly.Shehadresolvedonaboldstroke.Nothinglessthanafrontalattack.Noflankmovementwoulddointhepresentcase.Shewouldhavetostaggerhimwiththefirstblow.

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"IfIdo,Idon'tgointothedockalone,mindyouthat."

"No,Iguesswhenyougetintothedock,you'llhavetomakeacleanbreastofit.Whynotdoitnowandavoidgoingintothedock?"

"Youmean,ifItellthetruthabout--about--somebody,youwon'tproceed?"

"Imean,Iwanttogetholdofacertainfact.Thefactofyourcommittingperjuryisalreadysettled.WhatIwanttoknowis,howmuchdidthegentlemanIhavenamedpayyoufordoingit?"

"Lookhere,"hesaid,"ifItellyouallIknowaboutthatbloomingtrial,willyoupromisenottosplitonme?"

"Onlyononecondition."

"Andwhatisthat?"

"Thatyouwilltellthewholetruth,andthatyouputitinwritingandsignit."

"Lookhere,miss,"hesaid,insolently,"doyoutakemeforabloomingfool?"

"Ifyouhadbeenwise,"sheanswered,"youwouldnothaveputyourselfwithinreachofthelaw.However,youcantakeyourowncourse."Andshereinedupherhorse,asthoughtheinterviewwasatanend.

"Don'tgoyet,"hesaid,seizingthebridle-rein."Youdon'tgiveafellowtimetothink.HowdoIknowthatyou'renotpretending?"

"IfIdidn'tknow,howcouldItellyou?"sheanswered,severely."WhatIdon'tknowIhaveconfessedto."

"AndifItellyouthat,youwon'tblababouttherest?"

"Ifyouputitinwritingandsignit,itshallbekeptabsolutelysecretforayear."

Helaughedscornfully."Icanassureyou,miss,"hesaid,"I'mnotsogreenasIlook."

"Verygood,"sheanswered,withalaugh."Yououghttoknowbest,"andsheagainpulledattherein.ButTimwasevidentlyafraidtolethergo.

"I'llputnothinginwriting,"hesaid;"notabloomingword.Butifyou'llpromisemeonyourwordofhonourasaladythatyou'llnotblab,andthatyou'llnotputthepoliceonme,I'lltellyouallIknow.Mind

you,I'veconfessednothingyet.Notaword."

"Idon'twantanyconfessionastoyourpart.That'sprovedenoughalready.WhatIwanttoknowishowmuchyouwerepaidforswearingfalsely?"

"Willyoupromisemenevertosayaword?Mindyou,I'llgotogaolsoonerthanputanythinginwriting."

"Idon'twanttobetoohardonyou,"shesaid,afterapause.

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"Andthesecretwillbebetweenourtwoselves?"

"Yes."

"AndifIdon'ttellyou,you'llsetthepoliceonme?"

"Thisveryday."

"AndifIdotell,fairandsquare,you'lldealfairandsquarewithme?"

"Well,yes.Youdeservetobesenttoprisonforrobbinganhonestmanofhischaracter,butfortheinformationIwantIwillpaythepriceofsilence."

"Youtakeyouroathonit?"

Madelinehesitatedforamoment.ShewouldliketoclearRufusSterne'scharacterifpossible.Buthehadjustasmuchproofofperjuryasshehadunlessthismanconfessed,andherefusedtoconfessunlessshepromisedsecrecy.

"Itakemyoathonit,"sheanswered.

"Thenhepaidmetwentypounds."

"Onlytwentypounds?"

"Heofferedmefiveatfirst,thenten,thenfifteen;butwhenherosetotwentyitwastoomuchtoresist.Hesaid'twouldn'tharmSterne.Thateverygentlemangotdrunknowandthen,andthatashewasdrunkitmightbeaswelltoprovehegotdrunkhereasanywhereelse."

"Andyoudidn'tservehimwithanydrink?"

"Ineverservedhimwithadrinkinmylife.Hepassedthe"Three

Anchors"thatnight,buthedidn'tcall."

"Thankyou;thatisallIwishtoknow."

"Andyou'llnotsetthepoliceonme?"

"No."

Sherodehomebyanotherway,androdeslowly.Shewasnotanexperthorsewomanyet,thoughshewasrapidlybecomingone.

Sheenteredthehousewithoutanyoneseeingher,andwentatoncetoherownroom.Shewantedtimetothink,toshapeherplansforthefuture.

Herlife'sprogrammehadbeentornintoshreds.Shewouldhavetobeginoveragain.Buthow,orwhen,orwhere?

AfterlunchshetookastrollontheDownsandalongthecliffs."Ishallnevercomebackhereagain,"shesaidtoherself."Thismustbemyfarewell."

Shewalkedslowly,andwithmanypauses.ShehalfhopedshewouldseeRufusSterne.Shewantedtosaygood-byetohim,andinsayingittellhimthatshebelievedinhim.

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ButRufuswasbusyelsewherethatafternoon,andtheydidnotmeet.ShelookedinalldirectionsasshestrolledbackacrosstheDownstotheHall,andwithalittlesighshepassedthroughthelodgegates.

Anotherchapterhadbeencompletedinthestoryofherlife.To-morrowafreshpagewouldbeturned.

CHAPTERXXX

THETOILSOFCIRCUMSTANCE

MadelineneverfeltsohelplessorfriendlessaswhensheleftwiththeTregonysfortheSouthofFrance.Shehadnoonetoadviseher,noonetowhomshecouldturnforawordofcounsel.ShewishedathousandtimesthatherfatherhadnevermadeSirCharleshertrusteeandguardian.Hedidsowiththebestintentions,nodoubt.Hewasproudofthedistantrelationship,flatteredbytheBaronet'sattention,andenamouredoftheprospectforhisonlychild;butforherithadmeantdisillusionanddisappointment.

ShehadnotcourageenoughtotellSirCharlesandGervasewhatshehaddiscovered.TheBaronetalmostover-awedherattimes,whiletheCaptainwaspossessedofadoggedtenacityanddeterminationthatwereanythingbuteasytodealwith.Shefeltalmostlikeabirdinacage--acageintowhichshehaddeliberatelywalked,orhadbeencleverlylured.Toallappearancesshewasfree,andyetinaveryrealsenseshewasaprisoner.Themeshesofthenethadbeensodeftlyandsosilentlywovenroundher,thatshewasnotconsciousofthefactuntilthelastloopholewasclosed.

Whatcouldshedonow?Towhomcouldshego?TherewastheoldsolicitorinNewYorkCity,buttherewasnotimetowritetohimandgetan

answerback.Herstep-motherwastravellingfromplacetoplace,andmightbeonthePacificslopeforallsheknew,orintheSouthSeas,orJapan.Shehadagoodmanyfriends--richandinfluentialpeopleintheStates--buttheywereoftenonthewing,andtheymightbe"doingEurope"orenjoyingthemselvesinLondonorParis.

Besides,howcouldsheexplainthepeculiaritiesofthepositioninwhichshefoundherself,andifshetriedtoexplainshequestionedifshewouldgetanysympathy?Shewouldhavetobidehertimetillshewasofage,andtrustinProvidencefortherest.

Shetookawaywithhernearlyeverythingshepossessedthatwasofanyvalue,forshehadmadeuphermindnevertoreturntoTrewinionHall,

iftherewasanypossibilityofavoidingit,andthatsomethingwouldturnupshehadthegreatestconfidence.Youthiseveroptimistic,andMadelinecouldneverlookthedarksideofthingsforverylongtogether.

ShehadonlyoneregretinleavingCornwall,andthatwasthatinallprobabilityshewouldneverseeRufusSterneagain.SinceherinterviewwithMicahMartin,andtheconfessionshehadwrungfromTimPolgarrow,herthoughts,ofnecessity,hadturnedinhisdirection,andherstrongestsympathieshadgoneouttohimafresh.Sheknewnowthathe

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"Youdonotknow,Madeline.Youhaveneverhadanybitterdisappointment.Youhavetheworldatyourfeet.Youareanheiress,andwillhavemillionswhenyoucomeofage."

"Isthatso?"sheasked,innocently.

"Ofcourseitisso!"sheanswered."Whydoyouquestionmeinthatway?Onemightthinkyoudidnotknowhowrichyouare.ButIdonotthink,forallthat,yourmoneygivesyouanyrighttotreatGervasebadly."

"Beryl!"Madelinesaid,indignantly."Doyouknowwhatyouaresaying?"

"IhopeIamnotrude,Madeline,"wasthequietanswer."ButGervaseismybrother,andIamveryproudofhim,anditcutsmetothehearttoseehimsuffer."

"Idonotthinkheissufferingatall,"Madelinereplied."Indeed,heseemsinverygoodspirits."

"Thatisallputon,Madeline,asyououghttoknow.Gervaseisdeeply,passionatelyattachedtoyou.HecamehomefromIndiahopingandexpectingtomarryyou.Hethoughteverythingwassettled.Cannotyouimaginehowhurtandhumiliatedhemustfeel?"

"Idonotseewhy.Wewerenotengaged."

"Notformally,perhaps,butitwasyourfather'swish.Wewereallagreeable,becauseGervaseseemeddevotedtoyou.YouseemedwonderfullypleasedwiththeideawhenyoufirstcametoTrewinion;and,afterall,itisnosmallthingtomarryamanwithGervase'sprospects."

"Marriageisaseriousthing,Beryl,"Madelinesaid,gently."WhenImetGervasefirstIwasonlyaschoolgirl.Ididnotknowmyownmind.Iownheattractedmegreatly,andallthetimehewasawayIcherished,andalmostworshipped,anideal----"

"ButsurelyGervasehasrealisedyourideal?"Berylquestioned."Hemay

notbeashandsomeassomemen,butthinkhowbraveheis,howself-sacrificing,howdevoted!Hewouldalmostlaydownhislifeforyou!"

"Idon'twantanymantodothat,"Madelinesaid,quietly.

"Butsurelysuchdevotionashisisdeservingofsomerecompense?Hehaswaitedpatientlyforyouweekafterweek,andmonthaftermonth,andIamsureyourcoldnessisdrivinghimtothegaming-tables."

"Wouldyouhavememarryhim,Beryl,ifIdonotlovehim?"

"Oh,youcanlovehimwellenoughifyoutry,unless--unless----"

"Unlesswhat,Beryl?"

"Oh,unlessyouhavegivenwaytosomeromanticnonsenseaboutanotherman!"

"Whatdoyoumeanbythat?"Madelineasked,raisinghereyebrowsslightly.

"YouknowwellenoughwhatImean,Madeline;soyouneednotpretend."

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"Iamnotpretending.Besides,itisnotfairtoflingoutmerehintsthatmaymeanagreatdeal,ormaymeannothingatall."

"Oh,Iamnotblamingyouverymuch.Itwasonlynatural,perhaps,thatheshouldtakeyourfancyforamoment."

"Thatwhoshouldtakemyfancy?"

"Why,theyoungmanwhosavedyourlife,ofcourse.Youknewnothingabouthim,andthereisnodenyingthatheisverygood-looking.Butyouhavediscoveredhistruecharactersince."

"Ihave,Beryl."

"Hepretended,too,tohavemadeadiscoveryandinduced,itissaid,anumberofpeopletolendhimtheirsavings,sothathemightdevelopit,andnowthatisgonetosmash.Ipitythepeoplehehasswindled."

"Whosaidithadgonetosmash?"Madelinequestionedeagerly.

"It'sintheSt.Gaved_Express_thatcamebypostlastevening."

"Areyousure?"

"Quitesure.Thereisquitealongparagraphaboutit.Besides,Iheardfathertalkingtomotheraboutitlastevening."

"IwishIcouldseethepaper.WherecanIfindit?"

"Iwillrunandfetchitforyouifyoulike?Butitisquitetrue,whatIhavetoldyou."

BerylwatchedMadeline'sfacewithgreatinterestwhilesheread,butitrevealednothingtoher.MadelinewasconsciousthatBeryl'seyeswereuponher,andsoheldherselfresolutelyincheck.Notfortheworldwouldshebetraywhatshefelt.

TheSt.Gaved_Express_wasprintedandpublishedmainlyintheinterestsofthelandedandmoneyedclasses.Itspoliticswerethoseofthepeoplewhoheldtheshares.Itscommentsonlocalmatterswerecolouredbyitspoliticalviews.Itssnobberywasbeyonddispute.

RufusSternereceivedscantcourtesyatitshands.Hehadbeenheardtosaythathebelievedinthegovernmentofthepeoplebythepeople,forthepeople.Thatwasquitesufficientforthe_Express_.Politicallyhewasadangerouscharacter--alittleEnglanderandapro-foreigner.

WhenitbecameknownthatRufushadfailed,thathehadbeenforestalledwithhisinvention,the_Express_openlyrejoiced.Suchunpatriotic

charactersdidnotdeservetosucceed.Ithintedthattherewasaroughandreadyjusticeintheworldthatdealtouttomenthemeasureoftheirdeserts--which,beinginterpreted,meant,thattothosewhohadwasgiven,andfromthosewhohadnotwastakenawayevenwhattheyhad.

Itfurtherhinteditshopethatthedupesofwhatwaslittlelessthanapublicfraudwoulddotheirdutytothepublic,tothemselves,andtotheingeniousyounggentlemanwhoseexposurewasnowprettywellcomplete.

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MadelinefoldedthepaperwithoutawordandhandeditbacktoBeryl.

"Ishouldthinkyoufeelsorrynowthatyoueverspoketohim,"Berylsaid,afteralongpause.

"Therearemanythingswefeelsorryforwhenitistoolate,"sheanswered,quietly,thenturnedandwalkedslowlyoutoftheroom.

ShehadnotthoughtmuchofRufusforseveralweeks.Sheneverexpectedtoseehimagain.Hehadcomeintoherlifeforafewmonthsandpassedoutagain,andthesoonersheforgothimthebetter.

Butthisstoryofhisfailurewiththecuttingcommentsandinsinuationsofthe_Express_calledouthersympathiesafresh,andinlargermeasurethanever.Shedidnotthinkthelessofhimbecausehehadnotsucceeded.Hehadnotlabouredataninventionthatwasuseless.Hisfailurewasnotduetotheworthlessnessofhisidea,butsimplytothefactthatanothermanhadgotinbeforehim.

"Oh!Iamsorry,"shesaidtoherself,whenshegottoherownroom."Howterriblydisappointedhewillfeel.Itwillseemasthougheverythingisagainsthim,andhehadstakedhisallontheenterprise."

Onceortwiceshewasstronglytemptedtositdownandwritehima

friendlyletterofsympathy.Butshecouldnotsummonupquitesufficientcourage.Ifshehadcaredlessforhimshewouldhavebeenlesssensitive.Berylhadjusttoldherthatshehadbeencarriedawaybyafoolishandromanticattachment,orwordstothateffect,anditwouldneverdotogivecolourandsubstancetotheinsinuation.Shemustkeepherself-respectwhateverhappened.

ForseveraldaysRufuswasmorefrequentlyinherthoughtsthanwasgoodforherpeaceofmind.Shepicturedhisdisappointment,hishelplessness,hisdespair.Shesawhiminimaginationwanderingoutonthecliffsalone,withknittedbrowsandtroubledface.Shewonderedwhathewoulddo.Sheknewhehadstakedhisall--thoughhowmuchthat"all"meantsheneverguessed--woulditbepossibleforhimtorise

abovethislastcalamitythathadovertakenhim,orwouldhegodowninthegeneralcrashandruin,andneverbeheardofagain?

Hehadability,sheknew,andenergyanddetermination;butsohadmanyanothermanwhohadabsolutelyfailed.Nomancoulddotheimpossible.Brickscouldnotbemadewithoutclay.Circumstancesweresometimesstrongerthanthestrongest.

RufusSternewasnotonlypenniless,butindebt.Themoneyhehadborrowedhadgonewithhisown,andhowwasitpossibleinasleepylittleplacelikeSt.Gavedtoretrievehisposition?Shewishedshecouldhelphim.Thebeginningofhismisfortunesseemedtobeassociatedwithher.Hisbrokenlegwasentirelyduetoheradventurousness,while

thelossofhisreputationwastheoutcomeofherfriendlinesstohim.Tryasshewouldshecouldneverwhollydissociateherselffromhim.Shewasirretrievablymixedupwithhissuccessorfailure.

ShedidherbesttoappearcheerfulandunconcernedbeforetheTregonys.BerylinformedherfatherthatMadelinehadseentheaccountinthepaperofSterne'sfailure,andhadmanifestednottheslightestinterestinthematter.

"Didshesaynothingatall?"SirCharlesquestioned.

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"Scarcelyaword."

"Anddidyousaynothing?"

"IdidsuggestthatIthoughtshewouldfeelsorrynowshehadeverspokentohim."

"Andwhatdidshereply?"

"Oh,shejustsaid,'Therearemanythingswefeelsorryforwhenitistoolate,'andwalkedoutoftheroom."

"Sheneversawhimafterthepolicecourtaffair,Ithink."

"Iamsuresheneverdid,father."

"Sothatthiswillprettywellcompletethedisillusionment."

"Ifsheeverhadanyillusions."

"Iamafraidshehad,Beryl,I'mafraidshehad.Thatwasamostunfortunateadventureonthecliffs--mostunfortunate,"andSirCharlesturnedagaintothepaperhehadbeenreading.

HadtheTregonysbeencloseobserverstheymighthavedetectedaforcedandanunnaturalnoteinMadeline'sgaiety.Shewasmirthfulattimeswhenthereappearedtobenosufficientreasonforhermirth,andcheerfulwhentheconditionsweremostdepressing.

Whenaloneinherownroomshegenerallypaidthepenalty.Frequentlyherspiritssanktozero.ThedesiretohelpRufusSternewasnaturalenough;butherhelplessnessdroveheralmosttodespair.Shecouldnotevenhelpherself.Inasenseshewasasmuchinthetoilsofcircumstanceashewas.Shenotonlywonderedwhatwouldbecomeofhim,butwhatwouldbecomeofherself.

Theweekswereslippingawayrapidly,andtheTregonyswerebeginningtotalkabouttheirreturntoEngland.Thedayswereoftenalmostinsufferablywarm,andthebirdsofpassagethatcrowdedthehotelswerebeginningtotakeflighttomoreNorthernlatitudes.Dayafterdayshehadhopedshemightdiscoversomewayofeffectingherdeliverance,butnowayrevealeditself.ShewaswithoutafriendoutsidetheTregonyfamily,andyettoreturnwiththemtoTrewinionHallwouldbetoputherselfinapositionasintolerableasitwouldbecompromising.

"Whathelplessthingsgirlsare,"shewouldsometimessaytoherself."IfIwereonlyamanIcouldsnapmyfingersateverybody.ButbecauseI'magirlIcanjustdonothing."

Shefeltsomiserableonemorningthatsherefusedeveryone'scompany,andwentoutforawalkalone.

SirCharleswasverycrosswhenheknew,andhewasstillmorecrosswhenlunchtimecameandshedidnotreturn.Astheafternoonworeawayandshedidnotputinanappearance,hisangergaveplacetoanxiety,andultimatelytoveryseriousalarm.

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CHAPTERXXXI

OLDFRIENDS

"Well,Inever!Ifthisain'tthegreatestsurpriseofthetrip!"

Madelinelookedupwithastart.SherecognisedtheAmericanaccent,beforeshehadanyideashewasbeingspokento.

"Well,now,who_would_havethoughtit?Iregardthisasarealstreakofluck."

"What,KittyHarvey?"Madelineexclaimed,inatoneofeagersurprise."Oh,Iamsoglad!"AndamomentlaterthetwogirlswereembracingeachotherwithawarmthandaneffusivenessthatwouldhavedonejusticetoanOrientalgreeting.

"Ispiedyoufromtheothersideoftheway,"KittyHarveysaidatlength,tearsofgenuinepleasureshininginhereyes,"andIsaidtomamma,'Ifthatain'tMadelineGrover,thenI'mtheblindestcoonthateverwalkedinshoeleather.'"

"Isyourmotherhere?"Madelinequeried,eagerly.

"We'reallhere,mydear,aregularfamilyparty,withsundryrelationstokeepthingslively.Butherecomesthelittlemother,twohundredpoundsofher,andascheerfulasever."

"Butwhendidyoucome?"

"Castanchorthismorning,mydear.That'souryachtoutyonder,flyingthestarsandstripes."

"What,that?Ithoughtshewasatransatlanticliner."

"Well,Iguesssheis,orsomethingnearlyrelatedtoit.ButyoushouldtalktoDick;heknowsherfromstemtostern,andfromthekeeltothecaptain'sbridge."

"Thenyouarehereonayachtingcruise?"

"That'swhatwearehereonjust.Infactwe'vebeentwo-thirdsroundthisglobealready."

"Andhaveyouenjoyedit?"

"Offandon.Therearedrawbackstoeverything,butinthemainit'sbeenjustgreat."

ThenMrs.Harveywaddledup,panting,breathless,eagerandhappy.ShealmostsmotheredMadelinewithkissesandtalkedincessantlybetweenwhiles.

"Kittysaiditwasyou,andIsaiditwasn't.Butyouhaveimproved.Youseemysightisnotquiteasgoodasitusedtobe."

"Anotherofmother'scompliments!"Kittylaughed.

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"It'snothingofthesort,"Mrs.Harveyprotested."ImeantwhatIsaid,butIreallymustgetmyglassesstrengthened."

"Youmust,mother.Youreallywon'tbeabletorecognisefatherattherateyouaregoingon."

"AndyouarestillMadelineGrover?Idon'twanttobeinquisitivemydear,butweunderstood,youknow,youwerecomingacrosstomarryatitle;wasitadukeoraknight?Ireallygetmixedupastotheordertheystandin."

"I'mnotgoingtomarryeither,"Madelinesaid,impulsively."I'mgoingtoremainasIam."

"No-o?"frombothmotheranddaughter.

"It'sthehonesttruth."

"Well,withallyourmoneyyouareindependentofatitle,mydear,"Mrs.Harveysaid,absently.

"ButIhaven'tanymoney,"Madelinesaid,"exceptwhatmytrusteeallowsme.Butreally,doyouknowforcertainifIshallbewelloffwhenIcomeofage?"

"Don'tyouknowyourself?"

"Ireallyknownothing.Fathernevertalkedtomeaboutmoneymatters,andSirCharlescopieshisexampleinthatrespect."

"Thenyouhadbettercomeandtalktomyhusband.Ifthere'sanythingaboutmoneyhedoesn'tknow,Ishouldliketodiscoverit."

"IshouldliketoseeMr.Harveyverymuch."

"Thencomebackandhavelunchwithusonthe_Skylark_.There'splentyofroom,andyou'llbeaswelcomeasthePresidentoftheUnited

States."

"Oh,itwouldbejustdelightful,"Madelinesaid,eagerly,"there'snothingIshouldenjoysomuch."

Madelinewasalmostbewilderedatthesizeandmagnificenceofthe _Skylark_.Mr.Harvey,havingstruckacopperlodeafewyearspreviously,foundhimselfwithmoremoneythanheknewprofitablyhowtospend,andwithmoretimeonhishandsthanheknewwiselyhowtouse.HebuiltforhimselfamarblemansioninNewYork,andpurchasedoneofthelargeststeamyachtsthateverploughedtheseas,andwasnowdoinghisbesttoearnanight'sreposebysight-seeing.

PeterJ.HarveywelcomedMadelineonboardthe_Skylark_withmanyexpressionsofdelight.HewasatypicalAmerican,tall,square-shouldered,andnotover-burdenedwithflesh.Hehadstraighthair,whichheworeratherlong,aclean-shavenface,awidemouth,astrong,squarechin,andamostrefreshingAmericanaccent.

Hewasnotexactlyavainman.Atanyrate,hedidhisbesttokeephisvanityunderpropercontrol,andifheboastedoccasionallyhebelievedhehadsomethingtoboastof.Hewasstillintheprimeoflife,beingtherightsideoffiftybytwoorthreeyears.Kittywastheeldestof

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six--threeboysandthreegirls,theyoungest,Bryant,havingcelebratedhisseventhbirthdaytwodaysbefore.Besidesthefamily,therewerenumerouscousinsandunclesandaunts,withotherswhoserelationshiptotheHarveyswasdifficulttotrace.

Thelunchwassetoutinthegrandsaloon,andwasservedinthebeststyle.Thestewardsworebottle-greencoatstrimmedwithgoldbraid.

Madeline,havinggotamongoldfriends,talkedwithafreedomandanabandonthatshehadnotknownsinceshelefthernativeland.ThegraceofreticencewasavirtuetheHarveyshadnevercultivated.Itwastheirboastthattheyhadnothingtohide.HencetheydiscussedtheirdomesticandbusinessaffairswithafreedomthatwouldhavestaggeredanEnglishmanoftheoldschool.

Confidencebegetsconfidence;andsointheseclusionoftheyacht'slibrary,withonlyMr.andMrs.HarveyandKittypresent,Madelineexplainedasfarasshedaredthepeculiaritiesofherpresentsituation.

PeterJ.rosetothesituationatonce.

"Mydearchild,"hesaid,"Iguessthereain'tnodifficultyatall.Idon'tseenone.It'sjustaseasyasfallingoffastool.Thereain'tno

occasionforyoutogobacktotheirmoth-eatenancestralabodeforfiveminutes.Youjustcomealongwithus----"

"Youmean----"

"ImeanwhatIsay,"continuedPeterJ."There'sroomforyouinthissmallfrigateandtospare,andthere'sawelcomeaslongasfromheretotheUnitedStatesandbackagain."

"Itwouldbejustdelightful,"Madelinesaid,withdilatingeyes."But----"

"Thenletitbedelightful,"Mr.Harveyinterrupted."Iguesswe'dbeas

delightedasyouwouldbe.Whatsayyou,Kitty?"

"Itwouldbejusttoofineforwords,"Kittyreplied.

"ItwouldbelikeaProvidence,"Mrs.Harveychimedin,"sowe'llconsideritsettled."

"ButSirCharlesmightobject,"Madelinesaid,withahalf-frightenedlookinhereyes.

"Youleavehislordshiptome,mydear,"PeterJ.interposed."IguessIknowmywayabout,andifhecutsupnasty,I'lltreathimtoachapteroutofthegospelofPeterJ.Harvey."

"ButwhatexcuseshouldImake?"

"Youneedn'tmakeanyexcuseatall.I'llgoacrossandseetheGeneralmyselfandexplainthings."

"Butwhatwouldyousay?"

"Thatwehadfallenacrossyouaccidentally;thatwewereoldfriends;thatIknewyourfather;thatyouandKittywerechumsatschool;that

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wearecruisingroundthisherelittlearmoftheoceanforaweekortwolonger;andthatwearetakingyoualongwithusjusttogiveyouatasteofsea-faringlife."

"Buthemightnotbelieveyou."

"ThenIwouldbringhimacrosshereandlethimseeforhimselfandhearyourownwishesoutofyourownmouth."

"Buthewouldnotconsentformetobeoutofhissightformorethanadayortwoattheoutside."

"Thentoavoidtroubleandhardwordswewillmentionadayortwo--windandweatherpermitting."

"Oh!Mr.Harvey,ifyoucouldgetmecleanawayfromthemwithoutanyunpleasantness,Ishouldbemorethankfulthanwordscantell."

"I'lldoit,mydear.AndwhenPeterJ.Harveysayshe'lldoathing,why,thatthingisdone.NowgivemethelocationofthisLordTregony."

"Oh!heisn'talord,"Madelinelaughed,"he'sonlyabaronet."

"Well,it'sallthesametome.Hewouldn'talarmmeifhewereyour

Attorney-General."

"Don'tyouthinkIhadbettergobackwithyou.I'mafraidthey'llbegettingalarmedatmylongabsence."

"Ithoughtyoutumbledacrossapage-boybelongingtothehotelandsentwordbyhimthatyouwouldnotbebacktillevening."

"IdidsendwordthatIwouldnotbeintolunch.Butthoseboysaresostupidthatit'stentooneifheconveyedmymessage."

"Don'tyoualarmyourselfonthatpoint,"PeterJ.said,cheerfully."Butifyouthinkyoucanexplainthingsbetteryourself,whywe'llgo

alongtogether.Butmindyou,wereturntogether,evenattheriskofanearthquake."

"LetKittycomeaswell,"Madelinesaid,hereyessparklingwithexcitement.

"Allright,mydear.Themorethemerrier.I'lltaketheskipperandthecrewifyouthinkitmightimpresshislordshipandmakethewayeasier."

"No,Ithinkthethreeofuswillbesufficient,"Madelinesaid,withalaugh."ButnohintmustbegiventhatI'mtobeabsentmorethantwoorthreedays.SirCharleshadmadeallarrangementstoleaveforParison

Monday."

"YouleavethattoP.J.H.,mydear.IfI'mnotquiteafull-blowndiplomatit'sonlyforwantofopportunity.Nowletusbeoff.IfLordCharlesWhat's-his-other-namedon'tyieldwithoutamurmur,Ishallbesurprised."

Half-an-hourlatertheywerewalkingupthestepsofthehotel.SirCharleswasinthelounge,withacigarinhismouthandhiseyestowardsthedoor.Hewasfeelingmuchmoreanxiousthanhecaredto

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"ButweleavehereforParisonMonday,Madeline.Ifearthereisnotime."

PeterJ.puckeredhisfaceintoaknowingsmile."Accordingtomycalculations,"hesaid,"Mondayisfivedaysoff.Wecouldalmostcircumnavigatethislittlearmoftheoceaninthattime.Butwearetalkingofarunofacoupleofdaysmoreorless."

"Itseemshardlyworththetrouble,doesit,Madeline?"SirCharlesquestioned,inaboredtone.

"Oh!quiteworthit,SirCharles.Thinkhowlovelytheseais,andhowbeautifullycalm,andthenyouknowMr.Harvey'syachtisasbigasanoceansteamer.InacoupleofdayswecouldgotoNaplesandback,andwouldn'titbelovelytoseeNaples!"

"Naplesisaninterestingplace,nodoubt.Buttheweatherisgettingwarm--hot,Imaysay."

"Butweneednotlandunlesswelike,"Mr.Harveyinterposed.

"Ofcourse----"SirCharlesbegan,hesitatingly.

"Thenthatissettled,mydears,"PeterJ.interrupted."Iknewhislordshipwouldnotdepriveyouofapleasureifyoudesireditverymuch.Now,yougirls,runawayandputafewthingsinabonnet-box,sufficientforaforty-eighthours'trip.Perhaps,whenwereturn,yourexcellencywillsofarhonourusastocomeonboardanddinewithus."

"Thankyou,itisverykindofyou."

"Notatall.Ibelieveinshowinghospitalitywhenitisinmypowertodoso.Wouldyoumindtryingoneofmycigars?Ithinkyouwillfindtheflavourexcellent."

SirCharleshesitatedforamoment,thentooktheprofferedweedand

proceededtocuttheendoffwithapenknife.

MeanwhileMadelineandKittyhadrushedofftoMadeline'sroomandbeganpackingboxeswithallpossiblespeed.

"Ratherlargebonnetboxes,eh,Madeline?"Kittyquestioned,withalaugh.

"Doyouknow,Ifeellikeaburglar,"Madelineanswered.

"Ineverwasaburglar,"wasthereply,"soIdon'tknowwhatitfeelsliketobeone."

"Everythingwillbeterriblycrushed,"Madelinewenton,"butIcan'thelpit.Willyouringfortheporter,Kitty?"

"Allright,mydear,andIwilldriveoffwiththebaggagewhileyouandfatherarepayingyouradieuxtotheBaronet.Ifheweretoseeyougoingoffwithalltheseboxeshemightscentmischief."

"Howcleveryouare,Kitty,"Madelinesaid,withalaugh."Thatideaisjustlovely.Butwillyoulocktheseboxes,myhandsareshakingsoIcanhardlyholdthekeys."

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"Why,wemightbeescapingfromarobbers'castle.Whatistheuseofgettingsoexcited?"

"Ican'thelpit,Kitty.I'vebeenlookingroundforweeksandweeksforsomewayofgettingoutofamostuncomfortableposition,andyoucannotimaginehowhelplessIhavefelt.AndnowIfeel--oh,Ican'ttellyouwhatIfeel--buthere'stheporter."

Madelinewentdowntotheofficeandexplainedmatters,andsawKittydriveawaywithherluggage.Thenshereturnedtothelounge,whereSirCharles,lookingverybored,waslisteningtoalongaccountofhowPeterJ.Harveymadehispileincopper.

OncatchingsightofMadeline,PeterJ.broughthisstorytoanabruptconclusionandroseslowlytohisfeet.

"NeedIdisturbLadyTregonyandBeryl,doyouthink?"Madelineinquired,innocently,lookingSirCharlesstraightintheeyes.

"Asyouthinkbest,Madeline,"SirCharlesreplied,blandly."Isentupwordtothemthatyouhadreturnedsafeandsound."

"Thenverylikelytheywillbetakingtheirafternoonnapnow?"

"Thatisveryprobable."

"ShouldIawakethem,doyouthink?"

"IfyouweregoingawayforaweekIshouldsayyes,certainly.ButifyoulikeIwillexplainyourabsencetillFriday."

"Thatwillbebest,Ithink."Then,turningtoMr.Harvey,shesaid:"NowIamready.Kittyhasgoneonahead,andhastakenmyfewthingsalongwithher."

"IguessKittyhassomeshoppingtodoontheway.Thatchildisnever

happyunlesssheisspendingmoney,"andMr.Harveysmiled,innocently.

"YouwillexplaintoGervase,won'tyou,SirCharles?"Madelinesaid,withoneofhersweetestsmiles."Itisunfortunatehedidnotcomehometolunch.IamsurehewouldhavelikedtohaveseenoverMr.Harvey'syacht."

"WeshallprobablyacceptMr.Harvey'sinvitationtodinneronyourreturn,"SirCharlessaid,pompously.

"Ofcourseyouwill,Colonel,ofcourseyouwill,"PeterJ.said,withadrawl."Inevertakearefusalfrommyfriendswithoutaverygoodreason."

"Itisgoodofyoutoletmego,SirCharles,"Madelinesaid,reachingoutherhandtosaygood-bye."ButIamsureIshallenjoymyselfimmensely.Yousee,IhaveknownMr.andMrs.HarveyandKittynearlyeversinceIcanremember,andthen,I'mtremendouslyfondofthesea."

SirCharlescamewiththemtothedoorofthehotelandsawthemintoacarriage,thenreturnedtotheloungeandtohiscigar.

Madelinecouldalmosthavescreamedwithdelightwhenshefoundherself

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"Isupposewemayconclude,"Gervasesaid,atlength,inalugubrioustone,"thatthegameisup."

"I'mafraiditis,"SirCharlesanswered,withsuppressedemotion.

"It'sabeastlyshame,forI'vebeencountingonherfortuneforyearspast."

"It'sanawfulmiss.HerfortunewouldhavesettheTregonysontheirfeet."

"It'snousetryingtogetherback,Isuppose?"

"Doyouthinkyoucouldyetpersuadehertomarryyou?"

Gervaseblushed,andwalkedtothewindowandlookedoutintothecourtyard.

"Girlsaresuchcuriousthings,"hemuttered,evasively."Youneverknowwhenyouhavethem."

"Ican'thelpthinkingyouplayedyourcardsbadly,Gervase.SheseemedtoidoliseyouwhenshecametoTrewinion,andlookedforwardsoeagerlytoyourreturn."

"ThemistakewasinnotmarryingherrightoffwhenwemetatWashington.Shewouldhavesaid'yes'likeashot,forshewasawfullygoneonme.Sheadoredsoldiersatthattime,andregardedmeasahero."

SirCharlesheavedasighandremainedsilentforseveralmoments.

"Wouldyoumindlettingmeseeherlettertoyou?"hequestioned,atlength.

"Sorry,father,but--but--I'vedestroyedit,"heblurtedout,awkwardly.Thiswasnotthetruth,buthewouldn'tfortheworldthathisfather

shouldreadwhatshesaidtohim.

"Destroyedit?Whatdidyoudothatfor?"SirCharlesasked,suspiciously.

"IwasjustmadandhardlyknewwhatIwasdoing.ItseemedtheonlywayIcouldgiveventtomyanger.Itoreitintomillionsofbits."

"Whatreasonsdidshegiveforheroutrageousconduct?"

"Well,insomerespectsitwasanawfullynicelettershewrote.Shesaidsheadmiredmeasafriendimmensely.Butshedidn'tlovemeasshefeltsheoughttodo,whichmadeherunhappy,andsoshethoughtitbest

togoawaywithoutanyfuss,andallthat,don'tyouknow."

"Anddoyoubelieveshestilladmiresyou?"

"Why,ofcourseIdo.Shesaidso,infact.IwishIhadn'tdestroyedherletter.Thereweresomeawfullynicesentimentsinit,Icanassureyou."

"Thenwhywereyousoangry?"

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"Why,becauseIsawIwasupatree.Whenagirlyouwanttomarrytalksaboutbeingasistertoyou,andallthat,don'tyouknow,itmakesoneangrierthananything."

"Well,yes,Isupposeitdoes.I'mterriblydisappointed,Madelinewasachanceinalifetime."

"Butrathersmackedoftrade,don'tyouthink?Youknowverywellifshe'dbeenanEnglishgirl,youwouldn'thaveconsideredherforamoment."

"Thatmaybe.Butsinceevendukesmarrytradesmen'sdaughters--provided,ofcourse,theyhailfromacrossthewater--therewasnoreasonwhyweshouldturnupournoses."

"I'mtoopoverty-strickentoturnupmynoseatanything.I'dmarryabarmaidifsheonlyhadsufficientoftheneedful."

"Don'ttalknonsense,Gervase,IthoughtyouwerereallyfondofMadeline,apartfromhermoney."

"SoIam.She'sawfullypretty,there'snodenyingthat.ButI'mtoooldtobreakmyheartoveranywoman.It'sthetin--orthelackofit--thatistroublingme."

"You'llhavetocurtailyourexpenses,Gervase;there'snothingelseforit.Icannotpossiblyincreaseyourallowance.Thefactis,weshallhavetoeconomiseallround."

"I'malwayseconomising,"wastheangryretort."It'sbeenpinchandgrindeversinceIwasborn."

"That'snotmyfault,myboy.I'mgettingthebiggestrentsIcanpossiblysqueezeoutofthetenantsasitis,andthere'snochanceofthingsmendingunlesswecangetProtection."

"Andthatwemaywhistlefor."

"Whyso?"

"Becausethepeoplehavegoteducated.Anawfulmistake,Isay,toeducatetheworkingclasses.Anignorantproletariatyoumayhoodwinkandbamboozletoyourheart'scontent;butnoenlightenedcommunityisgoingtoconsenttohaveitsbreadtaxedforthebenefitofthelandowners."

"Thepeoplewillhavetobeshownit'sfortheirbenefit.That'sthegametoplay."

"Nodoubt.Butitwilltakeamightyclevermantoproveeventoa

public-houseloaferthatthedearerthingsaremade,thebetteroffhewillbe."

"Butyoumustnotforgetthattherearesomeveryclevermenatwork."

"Theyarenotcleverenoughforthat."

"Youdon'tknow.Theyhaveundertakenmoredifficulttasksandsucceeded.ThinkofSouthAfrica!"

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"I'drathernot.Itwon'tbearthinkingabout."

"Nevertheless,itshowswhatcanbedone.Themassesofthepeoplearemoreeasilypersuadedthanyouthink.Education,youmustremember,isnotsense.Hituponapopularcry,andtherestiseasy."

"Butnocountrycanbegulledtwiceinsoshortaperiod.No,dad,ourfortunesarenottobemendedalongthoselines."

"Iamnotsosure.Agoodstirringappealtopatriotismwillworkwondersstill.'EnglandfortheEnglish----'"

"EnglandfortheEnglishlandlords,youmean,forthat'swhatitcomestointheend."

"Nodoubtitdoes.ButwhileafewpeopleownthelanditiswellthatthemassesshouldthinkthatEnglandbelongstothem."

"ButdotheythinkthatEnglandbelongstothem?"

"Ofcoursetheydo.Thereisn'taman-jackamongthemthatwillnottalkbigaboutdefendinghiscountryanddyingforhiscountry,whenhedoesn'tpossessafootofit,andhasn'tmoneyenoughtobuyagravetobeburiedin."

"Well,dad,Isincerelytrustthatyourhopeswillberealised,andthatEnglandwillconsenttobegulledagainforthebenefitofafew.Goodheavens!ifI'donlybeenanarmycontractorinsteadofasoldier,Ishouldhavemademyfortune."

"Youronlyhopeofafortune,Gervase,isbymarryingone,"andSirCharlesputMadeline'sletterintohispocketandwalkedoutoftheroom.

FortherestofthedayGervaseloiteredaboutalone.Hewasmuchmoretroubledthanhelethisfathersee.MadelinehadaccusedhimoftreacherytoRufusSterne,andhadhintedinwordstooplaintobe

misunderstoodthatshehadproofthathebribedTimPolgarrowtocommitperjury.IfMadeline,therefore,haddiscoveredthis,howdidheknowthatotherpeoplehadnotmadethesamediscovery?HefeltthathecouldnotreturntoSt.Gavedagainuntilheknew.IfTimhadletthesecretout,hisbestcoursewouldbetokeepoutofsightuntilthestormhadblownover,andpeoplehadforgottentheincident.

SoitcameaboutthatSirCharlesandtheothersreturnedwithouthim.Gervasepromisedtofollowinaweekortwoattheoutside.ButarunofluckatMonteCarlokepthimaslaveattheCasino.Thiswasfollowedbyarunofbadluckduringwhichhelostallhehadwon.Thenheremainedon,tryingtorecoverhislostposition,andintheendhehadtocabletohisfatherforaremittancetobringhimhome.

GervasehadnotbeenatTrewinionmanydaysbeforethetruthaboutMadelinebegantoleakout.SirCharleshadbeentoochagrinedtogivethesmallesthintastoherwhereabouts,oreventomentionhernameifitcouldbeavoided,andBerylandLadyTregonytooktheircuefromhim.ButGervase,discoveringthathewasstillingoododouramongthepeople,andthatthesecretMadelinehaddiscoveredappearedtobeknowntonooneelse,concludedthatnothingwastobegainedbyapolicyofsilence.Heneednottellallthetruth;infact,hecouldputhisownglossonthefactsastheystood,andsoitbegantobewhisperedabout

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thatMissGroverhaddecidedonvisitingherfriendsinAmericabeforefinallysettlinginEngland.

RufusSterneheardthestoryfromMrs.Tukewithapparentunconcern.HearguedquitenaturallythatitwasamatterofsupremeindifferencetohimwhethershewenttoAmericaorremainedinEngland.Hislife--byfairmeansorbyfoul--wasdrawingtoitsinevitableclose.TherewassomesenseofsatisfactioninthethoughtthatshewasnotGervaseTregony'swife.Shedeservedabetterfatethanthat.Hehopedshehaddiscoveredhistruecharacterandthatamongherownpeopleinherowncountryshewouldfindallthehappinessshedeserved;andwiththesereflectionshetriedtoputheroutofhismind.

Histhoughtsinthemainwereintentuponthetragedythatwasdailydrawingnearer.HisdailyhopeandprayerwasthatGodwouldreleasehimfromtheburdenoflife,andsosavehimfromtheguiltandshameofdyingbyhisownhand.

Failingthis,hehadnodoubtastohowthefinalactwouldbebroughtabout.Muchasheshrankfromthedisgraceofdyinginthemannercontemplated,heshrankmorefromthedisgraceofliving,shouldhiscouragefailhim.Tofacehisruinedfriend,hisbrokenpledge,histarnishedhonour,wouldbedeathrepeatedeveryday,andeveryhouroftheday.

Hewasnotalittlesurprisedtofind,asthedaysandweekspassedswiftlyaway,howwithouteffortandwithoutvolitionhismindfasteneditselfuponthedominanttruthsofChristianity.Hegaveupreading.Hestillabsentedhimselffromchurchandchapel.Butbitbybittheragsofhismaterialisticphilosophydroppedfromhim,whilethesimpletruthsofthegospelpossessedhimandobsessedhim,untilhefeltthatonlyherewaslifeinanytruesensetobefound.

Thephilosophisingsandhair-splittingsoftheologiansdidnotconcernhim.Theelaborateedificesbuiltupbythecreed-makerspossessedforhimnointerestatall.ButthewarmsympathyoftheSonofMan,thetenderinfluenceoftheuniversalSpirit,thegrowingconsciousnessofa

supremeRuler,theclearingvisionofalifebeyond--thesethingsseemedaspartsofhisbeing,thestuffoutofwhichhislifewaswoven.

Hewonderednowthathisyouthfulrevoltfromthenarrowcreedofhisgrandfathershouldhavecarriedhimsofar;wonderedthathehadnotearlierseenthathumancreedsmustofnecessitybeevertoonarrowtorepresenttheDivineidea;wonderedthathehadnotseentheobvioustruththatecclesiasticismmaybearbutafaintresemblancetoChristianity,andthat"theChurch,"socalled,mayformbutaverysmallportionoftheKingdomofGod.

Butitwasallclearenoughtohimnow.Hehadcastawaywhathefanciedwasonlyhusk,notknowingthatthekerneloftruthwaswithin.Hehad

triedtowraphisnakedspiritinsomethingthinnerthanashadow,hadsoughttochokethesoul'sdeepestinstinctinthequagmireofaGodlessphilosophy,andhadpratedabouthappiness,whilesteepinghissensesinthefumesofadeadlynarcotic.

Whatlaybeyondhedidnotknow.ButhehadafancythatthegreatuniversalHeartofLovewouldgivehimachanceunderbetterconditions,andthatatworstitwouldbebetterthantheawfultortureofthelastfewmonths.Hewasnotafraid,andhewasbecomingagainsoterriblywearythatthethoughtofrestwasinfinitelysweet.Therewasvery

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toseethateverythingwasinorder,andnowhesatstaringattheclockonthemantelpiece,andlisteningtoitssolemnandregulartick.

"To-morrowwillbejustasgoodasnextweek,"hesaidtohimself."Asitmustcome,betteritshouldcomequickly.Icouldhavedoneitthismorningeasilyenough,andIdon'tthinkitwillbeatallpainful.Soletitbethen,"headded,risingtohisfeet."ThenexttimeIgointotheseaIdonotreturn,"andheputthelightsout,andclimbedslowlyandsilentlytohisbedroom.

Beforeundressinghekneltdownandprayed.Heaskedforstrengthandpardon,andajustandmercifuljudgment.

Hefeltlikeachildwhenherosefromhisknees,andafewminutesafterhelaidhisheadonthepillowhewasfastasleep.

CHAPTERXXXIII

WASITPROVIDENCE?

WhenRufusawokenextmorning,thewindwasblowinghalfagale,andtherainwascomingdownintorrents.

"Thisputsanendtomymorningbath,"hesaidtohimself,withafaintsigh."Icanhavenoexcuseforgoingintotheseaonadaylikethis,"andhesighedagain.

Hewasnotquitesurethathewelcomedtherespite.

"Sinceitmustbe,"hekeptsayingtohimself,"thesoonerthebetter."

Mrs.Tukegreetedhimwithasorrowfulface."Whatapitytheweather'sbrokebeforealltheharvestisgotin,"shesaid.

"Itdoesseemapity,"heanswered,quietly.

"ThewaysofProvidenceispastfindingout,"shereplied;"thoughnodoubtit'sforsomegoodend."

"DoyoureallythinkthatProvidenceregulatestheweather,Mrs.Tuke?"hequestioned,withasmile.

"Why,ofcourseIdo,"sheanswered,inatoneofreproach."Providenceover-ruleseverything,andnotasparrowfallstothegroundwithoutthenoticeofHiseye,"andshewalkedoutoftheroomwithoutwaitingforhimtoanswer.

Mrs.Tuke'stheologywasapuzzletohimstill,butallthetimehesatatbreakfasttheword"Providence"keptechoingthroughthechambersofhisbrain.WhatwasProvidence?HowfardidGodinterferewiththeoperationofHisownlaws?DidHesometimesreachoutacontrollinghand?DidHecauseeventstoworktogetherforaspecialend?

Thatdayatthemineseemedoneofthelongesthehadknown.Thewindmoanedthrougheverycreviceofdoorandwindow,theraincamedownunceasingly.

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Eveningcame,buttherewasnochanceofaswiminthesea.Hewouldhavetowaituntilthemorroworthedayfollowing.Whateverhedid,hewouldhavetoavoidawakingsuspicion.

Severaltimesduringthenightheawokeandlistened.Thewindwasstillswishingthroughthetrees,andthepatterofraincouldbedistinctlyheardagainstthewindow.

"IfMrs.Tukeknew,"hesaidtohimself,"shewouldsayProvidencewasinterposingtopreventmeputtinganendtomyuselesslife."

Helayinbedanhourlongerthanhewouldhavedonehadtheweatherbeenfine."Itisofnousegettinguptillbreakfast-time,"hereflected.

Heheardthepostman'srat-tat-tatwhilehewasdressing,andwonderediftherewereanylettersforhim.

Hecameslowlyandlistlesslydownthestairs.Anotherdayofwearinessandmentaldistressstretchedoutbeforehim."Iamonlyprolongingtheagony,"hesaidtohimself,ashetookhislonelyseatattheheadofthetable.

Thenhiseyerestedonalargeenvelopebythesideofhisplace,withabluestampinthecorner.

Hewasalertinamoment."AnAmericanletter,"hesaid,halfaloud,andhisthoughtsflewofftoMadelineGroverunconsciously.Theaddress,however,wasinaman'shandwriting--therecouldbenodoubtaboutthat.

Hetoreopentheenvelopequicklyandmechanically,andturnedtothesignatureattheendoftheletter."SeawardandGraythorne,"heread,andalookofperplexitycameintohiseyes.

Heopenedouttheletter,andanenclosureflutteredontohisplate.He

pickeditupandstared.

"Theremustbesomemistake,"hesaidwithagasp,andhedrewhishandacrosshiseyesasthoughtoremovesomedimnessthathadgathered.Yet,therewashisownnameclearanddistinctenough."PaytotheorderofMr.RufusSternethesumoffivethousanddollars."

"Fivethousanddollars,"hemuttered."Why,thatisathousandpounds--athousandpounds.Imustbedreamingsurely."

Heturnedtotheletteratlength,andbegantoread.Slowly,ashewadedhiswaythroughthelegaljargon,thetruthbegantodawnuponhim.Ithadtodowiththepropertyhisfatherhadaccumulated.Some

JudgeCowley,oftheSupremeCourtofsomewhere,hadauthorisedadistribution,andtheenclosedwasthesumpaidonaccount.

Thatwasaboutallhecouldmakeout.ButwhyafirmofsolicitorsinNewYorkshouldbeactinginacaseofdisputedpropertysomewhereoutinPennsylvania,wasaproblemhecouldnotunderstand.

Hewasinnomood,however,toworryhimselfoverlegalsubtleties.Thegreatoutstandingfact--thefactthatdominatedallothers--wasthathewasinpossessionofathousandpounds.

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Therevulsionoffeelingwassogreatthatforamomentortwoitseemedtounmanhim.Thecordsthathadbeenstrungupsolongtotheveryhighestpointoftensionweresuddenlyrelaxed.Thehardstoicismwithwhichhehadfortifiedhimself,meltedlikewaxintheflameofacandle.Thedullnumbnessofdespair,whichwasrenderinghimindifferenttolife,vanishedlikemistbeforethesummersun.Thejoyofhope,thedreamoflove,thefireofambition,wereallkindledafreshasbyanelectricspark.Thewailingwind,insteadofsobbingbegantosing.Themoaningoceancommencedtolaughandrejoice.Therain-dropsweretearsofjoythatNatureshed.Lightandlove,andbeautyanddelightwereeverywhere.Hisbreakfastremaineduntouched.HewasquiteunconsciousofthefactuntilMrs.Tukecameintotheroom.

"Why,youhaven'ttastedyourbreakfast,"shesaid,liftinghereyesandhandsinastonishment.

"Haven'tI?"hesaid,withasmile.

"Andyourbaconisquitecold."

"Iforgotallaboutit,Mrs.Tuke."

"Andyourteaislikeditch-water."

"I'mverysorry."

"It'slikethrowingmoneyaway."

"Oh,nevermind."

"ButIdomind,Ihatewastefulness,especiallyinyoungpeople."

"Well,forgivemethistime.I'vehadasurprise."

"Oh,indeed!Apleasantsurprise,Ihope.You'vehadenoughoftheothersort."

"Averypleasantsurprise.Now,brewmeafreshpotofteaandwarmupthebacon.IreallyfeelasifIhadgotanappetite."

"Well,it'stimeyouhad.You'vebeenwastingtoashadowthelastsixmonths,"andMrs.Tukehurriedoutoftheroom.

Rufuslaughedaloudwhenshewasgone.Hefelthewouldeitherhavetolaughorcry."IfonlygrannywerehereIshouldhugher,"hesaidtohimself."IfeelsobuoyantthatIcouldalmosthugMrs.Tuke."

Thewindwasstillblowingstrongfromthewestashemadehiswayoverthehilltothemine,butitsvoicewaslikeasonginhisears.The

rainhadceased,thoughtheskywasstilldarkwithclouds;butallthelandscapeseemedfloodedwithgoldensunshine.Hisnervesweretinglingwithanewjoy,hiseyessparklingwithanunwontedfire.Hewasgladtobealiveagain,gladtofeelthewindofheavenuponhisface.

Howwearilyhehaddraggedhisstepsoverthehillmorningbymorning;howdullandcontinuoushadbeenthepainathisheart!Nowallsenseofwearinesswasgone;heseemedtotreadonair;hisheartwaslightandbuoyant,andallthepainhadpassedaway.

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HepausedamomentwherehepausedayearbeforetolookatapatchofgreenlawnthatslopedawayfromTrewinionHall.AvisionofMadelineGrovercamebacktohimforasecondandvanished.

"IfitbeGod'swill,"hesaidtohimself,reverently,andwithasmileuponhisfacehecontinuedhisway.

Duringthedinnerhourhelodgedthepreciousdraftinthebank,andthenhurriedbacktothemineagain.Inadayortwohegotwordthatthedraftwasquiteinorder,andhadbeendulyhonoured.Withthatmessagevanishedhislastfear,forhehaddreamedthepreviousnightthatthewholethingwasahoaxandthedraftnotworththepaperonwhichitwasprinted.

HisfirstactwastopaybackFelixMullerwhatheowedhimwithinterest.Thishedidbycheque.

"Icannotseehim,"hesaidtohimself."Hewouldpourridiculeonmybeliefs,andlaughmynew-foundfaithtoscorn.Moreover,Iamnotsurethathewillbegrateful,andIwouldnotlikemyfaithinhimtobetotallydestroyed."

Saturday,beinghalf-holiday,hemadehiswaytoTregannon,toseehisgrandparentsandtellthemthenews.Theoldfolksweregreatly

excited,andtheRev.Reubenhuntedupallthepapersandcorrespondencedealingwithhisson'sproperty.ThenamesofSeawardandGraythornedidnotappear,however,inanyofthedocuments;norwasthenameofJudgeCowleyevermentioned.

"Idonotunderstanditatall,"theoldmansaidinhismostsolemntones."ButthenwhatcanyouexpectinanewcountrylikeAmerica?Everythingappearstobehaphazardandgo-as-you-like."

"Haphazardorno,"Rufusreplied,"thepropertyhasnotbeenalleatenupbythelawyers."

"Well,yes,"theoldgentlemansaid,reflectively,"therewouldappear

afterall,tobesomesenseofhonestyandjusticeinthecountry.Butwhydon'tyoutakeajourneyacrossandlookafterthingsforyourself?"

Rufusgavealittlestart,andlookedathisgrandfatherwithaquestioninglightinhiseyes.

"Imeanit,"theoldmansaid,quietly."IfIwereafewyearsyoungernothingwouldpleasemebetter."

"Ithadneveroccurredtome,"Rufusreplied,slowlyandthoughtfully.

"Thenthinkaboutit.Youcantravelcheaplyinthesedays;besides,youmaybeabletopickupideas."

"Yes,thatistrue,"heanswered,reflectively."Atanyrateitisworthconsidering."

FortherestoftheeveningRufusthoughtoflittleelse.Conversationrangedoveradozentopics,butheheardscarcelyhalfofwhatwassaid.Constantlyhisthoughtsharkedbacktohisgrandfather'ssuggestion,andhiseyescaughtafar-awayexpression.

"Ithinkyouaretired,"hisgrannysaidtohimatlength,andshe

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difficultiesortogivescientificobjectionsthego-by.Providencewasnotinconflictwiththeoperationsofnature.Providenceworkedonparallellines.TheuniversalSpiritwasevermovingupontheheartsofmen,suggesting,inspiring,renewing.

"Iamhungryandinneed,"saidthepreacher,"andsomeoneismovedtobringmehelp.Whydidhethinkofmeatall?Whoputtheimpulseintohisheart?Ordinarily,itmaybe,heisnotagenerousman;yethetrampleddownhisselfishness,andcametomysuccourwhenIneededitmost.

"Wasitamiracle?Notintheordinarysense,andyetintruthitwasamiracle.TomeitwastheinterpositionofGod'sProvidence.GodsawmyneedandsentHishelp."

Rufusdidnotheartheendofthesermon.Hewasthinkingofhisowncase.Helpcametohimwhenheneededitmost.Hehadprayedfordeath,prayedthathemightbesavedfromanactwhichwasunworthyofanytrueman.Andintheverynickoftimesalvationcame.Wasitamereaccident,astrokeofluck,afortunateturninthewheelofchance?OrwasitProvidence,animpulseoraninspirationfromtheall-pervadingSpirit?

Hisfaithwasbutatenderplantasyet,anditwouldneedmuch

watchfulnessandcareifitwastogrow.

HewasbroughtbackfromhisreflectionsbytheannouncementofCowper'swell-knownhymn:

GodmovesinamysteriouswayHiswonderstoperform;HeplantsHisfootstepsintheseaAndridesuponthestorm.

Rufusstoodupwiththerestandtriedtosing,butalumproseinhisthroatconstantlyandthreatenedtochokehim.Itseemedasifeverylinemethiscaseandexpressedsomeexperienceofhisown:

Blindunbeliefissuretoerr,AndscanHisworkinvain:GodisHisowninterpreter,AndHewillmakeitplain.

Thecongregationsangonwithdeepfeelingandemotion.Mostofthemhadknowntrouble.Manyhadexperiencedthejoyofdeliverance.Andthetunewasonethatseemedexactlytosuitthewords:

Hispurposeswillripenfast,Unfoldingeveryhour.Thebudmayhaveabittertaste,

Butsweetwillbetheflower.

Howwonderfullytrueandappositeitallwas!Morethanonceheswepthishandacrosshiseyestoremovethemistthathadgathered.SurelyGodhadledhimtothatlittlechapelthatmorning.Hekneltwiththerestwhenthebenedictionwaspronounced,andbreathedanaudible"Amen"attheclose.

MarshallBrookwalkedhomewithhimandremainedtodinnerandtoafternoontea.Buttheydidnotspendthetimeindiscussingknotty

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States,showedhowtheinterestsofclientsweresafeguardedbythejudgesofthesupremecourts,andhowthewastefulnessofEnglishChancerycaseswasavoidedbythesimplerAmericanmethods.

Butallthisfailedtotouchtherealpointatissue.Rufusbecamepertinacious,andMr.Graythornesomewhatrestive.

Intheendthelawyerhadtoadmitthatheknewlittleaboutthematter.Itwasaveryoldcase,andhispartner,Mr.Seaward,hadbeendeadadozenyears.AhintwasgiventhatMr.Seawardhadthecaseinhandatthebeginning,butatpresentthecasewasentirelyinthehandsofthejudge.Theclaimsweredisposedofastheyrose;intimetheywouldallbedisposedof.He(Mr.Graythorne)hadbeencommissionedtoforwardfivethousanddollars,whichhehaddone.Ifhereceivedanysimilarcommissionhewouldexecuteitwiththegreatestpleasure.

Rufusleftthelawyer'sofficefeelingnotalittleperplexed,andtenminuteslaterMr.Graythornedescendedtothestreetwithalookofannoyanceonhisface.

Gettingontotheelevatedrailway,hewassoonspeedinginthedirectionofCentralPark.Alightingatlength,hemadehiswayslowlyalongaquietstreetforsomeconsiderabledistance,pausedforamomentinfrontofahousethathadnodistinguishingfeatures,thenran

lightlyupthestepsandrangthedoorbell.

Hewasusheredbyamaid-servantintoacomfortablybutmodestlyfurnishedroom,whereheflunghimselfintoaneasychairandwaited.

Inafewsecondsalightstepsoundedoutside;thedoorwaspushedquicklyopen,andMadelineGrovercamesmilingandradiantintotheroom.Theoldlawyerroseslowly,andhisfacerelaxed.

"Thisisanunexpectedpleasure,"shesaid,brightly."HaveyoubeenhearingagainfromSirCharles?"

"Notaword.It'stheothermanwehavetodealwithnow."

"Whatotherman?"

"WhythemanIsentthemoneyto,ofcourse."

"Well,whatofhim?"

"He'sinNewYork,andhasnearlyworriedthelifeoutofmethismorning!"

"InNewYork!"andthehotbloodrushedsuddenlytoherneckandface.

"InNewYork!Andifhedon'tclearoutsoonthere'llbecomplications!"

"Whyhashecome?"

"Tolookafterhisproperty,ofcourse.Areyousurprised?"

"Iamalittle.ItneveroccurredtomethathemightcometoAmerica."

"Well,hehascome,andthequestioniswhetheryouaregoingtomake--well,acleanbreastofit,orallowhimtoferretitouthimself?"

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"Butsupposeheweretodroponyoubyaccident?"andtheoldlawyerpretendedtobelookingatapictureontheothersideoftheroom.

Shetriedherbesttokeepbackthetell-taleblush,butitwouldcome."Oh,weshouldshakehands,"shesaid,inatoneofindifference,"andpretendtobesurprised,ofcourse,andthenweshouldtalkaboutwhathadhappenedinSt.GavedsinceIleft."

"Heisaveryhandsomeyoungman,"thelawyersaidabsently.

"Yes,heisrathergood-looking,isn'the?"andthecolourgrewdeeperonherusuallypaleface.

"Ithinkyoutoldmeonceyouadmiredhisspirit?"

"Iadmirehimverymuch."

"Andifhecallsto-morrowImustsaynomorethanIhavesaidto-day?"

"Saywhatyoulikesolongasyoukeepmynameoutofit."

"Andyoudon'twanttoseehim?Andyouwouldn'tfortheworldthatheshouldknowyouarealiveinNewYorkCity?"

"Forthepresentatanyrate."

"IthinkIunderstand,"hesaid,gravely,butasmiletwinkledinthecornerofhiseye.

MeanwhileRufuswasbusyreadingthroughoncemorethepapershehadobtainedfromhisgrandfather.Hefoldedthemupatlengthandreplacedtheminhisportmanteau.

"It'snotabitofusewaitinghere,"hesaidtohimself."ThatoldlawyerknowsnomoreaboutitthanIdo.I'llgowestwardto-night."

ThenextmorningfoundhiminthebusytownofPittsburg,wherehespentacoupleofdaysmakinginquiries;thenhepressedforwardagainuntilhereachedReboth,onthebordersofOhio.

Settlinghimselfinthemostcomfortablehotelhecouldfindhecommencedhisinvestigations.Itwasherehisfatherhadlivedforseveralyears.Itwasherehedied.Rebothwasonlyavillagethen.Itsmineralwealthwasunknown;itsblastfurnaceshadnotbeenlighted,itscoalseamsundiscovered.JoshuaSterneforesawsomeofitspossibilities,andinvestedallhissavings,livedlongenoughtoseetheprospectofgreatwealth,andthenalmostsuddenlypassedoutoflife.

Afterthatfollowedyearsoflitigation,JoshuaSternehadleftnoonewhocouldfighthisbattles.Thewidowquicklyyieldeduptheghost,andtheRev.Reubenwastoofaraway,tooother-worldly,toolackinginbusinesstact,andtoosuspiciousofAmericanlawyersandAmericanwaystofollowupanyadvantagethatcametohim.

Thelitigantsappearedtobenumberless.Disputesaroseoverboundaries.PartofthepropertyappearedtobeinPennsylvaniaandpartinOhio.DifferentStateshaddifferentlaws.Thefindingsofonecourtwererejectedbyanother.Sothefightwentoninafitfulanddesultoryway

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yearafteryear.Someoftheclaimantsdiedandtheirheirsdroppedthestruggle.Othershadtheirclaimsallowed.Otherswhoneverhadanyrealcasegaveupthecontention.Buttherewereafewwhoheldonlikegrimdeath.Theyhadnorealclaim,buttheyhopedforagooddeal,andintheendtheysucceededinthecasebeinghungupindefinitely.

Intimeitwaspracticallyforgotten.Newjudgeswereappointed.Importantquestionscamebeforethemwhichdemandedimmediateattention.ThepapersrelatingtotheSternepropertygrewyellowintheirpigeon-holes.Therentsaccumulated,butthemineralwealthremainedundeveloped.

OneofthefirstdiscoveriesRufusmadewasthattherehadbeennodistributionofprofits.

"Theremustbesomemistake,"hedeclared.

Butthecourtwaspositive.TherehadbeensomeinquirieslatelythroughaNewYorksolicitor,butbeyondthattherewasnorecordofanykindforseveralyears,butcertainlynomoneyhadbeenpaid.

Rufusfeltbewildered.WhyshouldMr.Graythornesendhimfivethousanddollarsonsuchapretence?Whyshouldanybodybesogenerous?WhowasthereinthewholeofAmericawhoknewhimorcaredtwostrawswhether

helivedordied?Asamatteroffact,hedidnotknowasinglesoulonallthatbroadcontinent.Butstop----

Allthecolourlefthisfaceinamoment.Hedidknowoneperson.MadelineGroverwasinAmerica.Hadshedonethis?

Hefelthimselftremblingfromheadtofoot;theverysuggestionmeantsomuch.

Thatnighthelayawakeforhoursthinking.HerecalledthenightafterhisreturnfromTregannon--thelongwalkhehadwithMadelineGroveracrossthedowns,thefrankconfessionhemadetoherofhistoilsandstruggles,thegeneroussympathyshehadextendedtohim.Itwastheir

lastwalkandtalk.Herememberednowhehadtoldherhowhisfather'ssavingshadbeenlostatReboth,andhowtheyhadlonggivenuphopeofrecoveringapennyofit.

"Imustgettoknowsomehow,"hesaidtohimself."Blessher!Ifshehasdonethissheisthenoblestwomanonearth."

Rufuswasnotlongingettinghisfather'scasereopened.Therewereonlytwomenlefttobedealtwith.Theclaimsoftheothershadgonebydefault.Thecourtwasanxiousthatthecaseshouldbedisposedofonceforall.

Rufusemployedthecleverestlawyerhecouldfind,andtogetherthey

struggledthroughthewholecasefromthebeginning.

"Lookhere,"saidthelawyer;"ifthesefellowsareuglyitmaylastyearslonger."

"Well,Mr.Mason,whatdoyouadvise?"Rufusquestioned.

"Cometotermswiththem."

"Theymaynotbereasonable."

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"Ortheymaybe.Theydon'tappeartohavetheghostofaclaim,buttheymaykeepthethinghangingonforeverandever."

"Therecanbenoharminmakingtheattempt,"Rufussaid.

"ThenIwillseetheirsolicitorsatonce."

RufushungaboutRebothtwomonthslonger,hoping,expecting,sometimesdespairing.Butintheendallthepartiesagreedthatabirdinthehandwasworthtwointhebush.Sotermswereacceptedandratifiedbythecourt.

"Now,"saidMr.Mason,"youcanbegintodevelopyourproperty."

"Youthinkitisvaluable?"

"Nodoubtaboutthat.Ifithadbeenworthlessthewholethingwouldhavebeensettledagenerationago."

"ButhowshouldIbegin?"

"Formasyndicate.Letmetakethematterinhandforyou."

RufuswaseagertogoinsearchofMadeline.Buthefoundhimself,suddenly,oneofthebusiestmen,sohebelieved,intheUnitedStates.Moreover,herefusedtoberushed.AgoodmanyAmericanmethodshedidnotlike,andwouldnothave.Therewasanynumberofcapitalistsreadytostakelargesumsinthenewventure.AnynumberofStockExchangemenwhoflickeredaroundlikeflies.Anynumberofsharperswhotriedtheconfidencetrick,buttrieditinvain.

InagreatmanyinstancesYankeecutenesswaspittedagainstBritishcautionandcommon-sense,andintheendthecautionandcommon-sensewontheday.

Moreover,Rufus'ssenseofaccountabilitywasparticularlykeen.Hehad

onlyjustcomeoutofthefurnace,inwhichhehadbeentriedasfewmenhavebeentried.TheconsciousnessofGodhadnotbeenblurredbylongyearsofprofessionalism.TherewasnolatentoracquiredtaintofPharisaisminhisnature.Hisfaithwasaspureandsimpleasthatofachild.

Hemighthavemadehispileinaweekinanexcitinggamble.Onthemerechanceofmineralbeingfoundhemighthavebecomearichman;butherefusedtoproceedonthoselines.Hewantedoccupationforhimself.Hewantedmoralauthorityforallhedid.

Thebreathlesshastetoberichwhichhesawallaroundhimalmostmadehimangry.Themajorityofmenseemedtobetooeagertobehonest,they

weretumblingovereachotherintheirpassiontobefirstinthefield.

TheRebothitesbegantounderstandtheyoungEnglishmanafterawhile,andtorespecthim.Hissterlinghonesty,hisrefusaltotakeameanadvantage,wontheiradmiration.Itmightnotbebusiness.Judgedbylocalstandards,hisconductwasQuixotic.Theycouldnotunderstandamanwhowasnoteagerandimpatienttoscoopupthedollarswhenhehadthechance.Buttheyhadtotakehimastheyfoundhim,andintheirheartstheyadmiredhimwhiletheyblamedhim.

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Rufuscameslowlytotheconsciousnessthathewasamanofconsiderableimportance.Slowly,too,herealisedthatintimehewouldbearichman,notthroughanymeritofhisown,butthroughthejudgmentandforesightofhisfather.

FormonthsheonlythoughtofMadelineGroveratoddmoments.Hewastoobusywiththetasksthathadbeenthrownsuddenlyuponhim.Freshdutiesappearednearlyeveryday,andbetterstill,fromhispointofview,freshopportunitiesweregivenfortheexerciseofhisinventivetalent.

Hewasnolongercribbed,andcabined,andconfined.Therewasasenseoffreedomhehadneverknowninotherdays.Hehadroomtoworkin,scopeforallhisenergies,andreleasefromthebarsandbandsimposedbyalandedaristocracy.ThereweremanythingsAmericanhecordiallydisliked,buttheairoffreedomthatwasovereverythingwasmostexhilarating.Hefeltasthoughhisbrainworkedwithonlyhalftheeffort,andwithnoslightestsenseofweariness.

Besidesallthat,hewasfreetoadoptnewmethods.Nobodywasboundbyprecedent.Hecouldexercisehisinventivefacultywithouthostilityandwithoutcriticism.Hence,lifebecametohimadailyunfoldingoffreshinterests.

Thedaysgrewrapidlyintoweeks,andtheweeksintomonths.Autumngave

placetowinter,andwintertospring,andspringtosummer,andsummerbegantofadeintoautumnoncemore.HehadexpectedtobeinRebothamonth,andhehadbeenthereayear.Andwhatayearithadbeen!Themostcrowdedyearofhislife,andthemostformative.Hehadfoundhisfeetatlast,hadtakenthemeasureofhisstrength,andrealisedsomeofthethingsofwhichhewascapable.

Heheardfromhisgrandfathereveryweek,andnowandthenhegotaletterfromCaptainTomHendy;buttheoldlifewasbecomingmoreandmoredistant,whilethelastsixmonthshespentinSt.Gavedseemedlikeahideousdream.

Andyetthereweretimeswhenitseemedanintegralandnecessarypart

ofthegreatschemeofhislife.Acoginthewheelthatcouldn'tbedispensedwith.Howstrangelyhehadbeenled,stepbystep,throughdarknesstolight,throughpaintopeace.

ItwasnotuntilnearlytheendofSeptemberthathewasabletoleaveRebothforalittleexcursiontoNewYork.HefeltsurethatMadelinewasinthatcity,andhisheartwasachingforanothersightofherface.

Thathemighthavegreatdifficultyinfindingherhesawclearlyenough,butafterallhehadpassedthrough,nothingseemedimpossible.Hemightfailinhisfirsteffort,andinhissecond,butheresolvedtoletnothingdaunthimorleadhimtogiveupthequest.Lifecouldnever

becompleteforhimuntilhehadfoundher.Hemusthaveanswerstothequestionsthatwerebafflinghimto-day--mustknowthebestortheworst.

Sohemadepreparationsforastayofmonths,ifnecessary.ButinhishearttherewasasecrethopethatProvidencewasguidinghimstill.

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CHAPTERXXXV

CONFLICTINGEMOTIONS

MadelinewasattheHarveyMansion,havingafternoonteawithherfriend,Kitty.SincetheiraccidentalmeetingonthepromenadeatNice,notmanydayspassedthattheydidnotseeeachother.

"Youwillhavetogowithus,"Kittywassayingtoherfriend."Ifyoudon'tIguessIshallmopemyselftodeath."

"Oh,no,youwon't,"Madelineanswered."Youwillhavelotsofcompany,andanyamountofexcitement."

"Oh,Idon'tknow.Fatherisbeginningtothinkmoreabouttheclimatethananythingelse.HefanciesthatNewYorkwinterstryhishealth,andwhatIfearishe'llsteerthe_Skylark_awaydownintotheSouthSeassomewhere,andstickthere."

"Well,wouldn'tthatbeveryjolly?"

"Idon'tknow.Itmightbejollymiserable.Italldependsonone'scompany.Ifyou'llpromisetogowithus,Iwon'traiseanymore

objections."

"Haveyoubeenraisingobjections?"

"Tons.ImuchpreferwinteringinNewYorkCity."

"IshouldliketovisittheSouthSeasverymuch,"Madelinesaid,meditatively,"only----,"thenshehesitated.

"Onlywhat?"

"Well,thetruthis,Iamgoingtobeahome-bird,"Madelineanswered,withaslighttingeofcolourinhercheeks.

"Oh,that'sallfiddlesticks.Youhaven'tasingletieonallthiscontinent.Youareyourownmistress;youcandopreciselywhatyoulikewithoutanyonecallingyoutoaccount,and----"

"Iadmitallyousay,"Madelineanswered,withasmile."Nevertheless,itisquitetruethatwhatappealstomemostisaquietlifeinmyownlittlehome."

"Iwonderyoudon'tgetmarried."

"Well,yousee,"Madelineanswered,blushingslightly,"themanIexpectedtomarrydidnotcomeuptomyexpectations."

"Butsurelyonehailstonedoesn'tmakeawinter."

"Thatisquitetrue.Butperhapsonegetssuspiciousasonegetsolder."

"Youhavehadoffersenough,Iamsure."

"HaveI?Howknowingyouare,Kitty."

"Oh,oneneedn'tbeaphilosophertoputtwoandtwotogether.Bythe

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bye,doyoueverhearanythingofyourrejectedsuitor?"

"Occasionally.He'srecentlyhadanotherbigdisappointment."

"Inthematrimonialline?"

"Itseemsso."

"Oh,dotellmeallaboutit."

"Well,youknowIgetallmynewsthroughdearoldMr.Graythorne.TheTregonyshavedroppedmealtogether,asyouknow."

"Yes,you'vetoldmethatbefore."

"Well,itwouldseemthatCaptainTregony,soonafterhisreturnfromNicelastyear,fellinlovewithawidowlady,andtheyweretohavebeenmarriedsometimethisfall."

"Yes."

"Andnowtheladyhasrefusedtomarryhim."

"Forwhatreason?"

"Oh,well,it'sacuriousstoryrather,andI'mnotsurethatIknowalltheinsandoutsofit.ButtherewasayoungfellowinSt.Gaved--averycleveryoungfellow,butpoor--whomtheCaptainforsomereasonhated.Onenighttheymetandquarrelled,andthisyoungfellowpunishedtheCaptainterribly.Well,don'tyouseethatforasoldiertobethrashedbyacivilianisterriblyhumiliating.Sowhatdidhedoinordertocoverhimselfbutinventastorythattheyoungfellowwasmaddrunk,thathespranguponhimunawares,andwouldhavemurderedhimifthegardenerhadnotcomeuponthescene,andinordertoplacehisstorybeyonddisputehebribedthebarmanofapublic-housetoswearthatontheeveninginquestiontheyoungfellowwassodrunkthathe(thebarman)refusedtoservehimwithanymorewhisky."

"Whatashame!"

"Well,recently,thisbarman,whowasprosecutedforpoachingonSirCharlesTregony'sestates,andwhowasangrybecausetheCaptaindidnotshieldhim,justblurtedoutallthetruth.Ofcourse,Iknownothingofthedetails,butfromallMr.GraystonehasbeenabletogathertherewasimmenseexcitementinSt.Gaved.Mrs.Nancarrow,theladytowhomhehadbecomeengaged,refusedtoseehimagain,whilethepeopleweresoincensedagainsthimthathewasgladtoleaveTrewinionHallundercoverofdarkness,and,atpresent,noone,outsidethemembersofhisownfamily,appearstoknowwhereheis."

"Whatahorridman!"

"Andyet,whenImethimfirst,hewasmostfascinating."

"It'samercyforyouthefascinationworeoff.Buttellme:didyouknowtheyoungmantheCaptaintriedtodisgrace?"

"Alittle.ButyouseetheTregonyshadpracticallynointercoursewithwhattheytermedthecommonpeople."

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"Hewillbegreatlyrelievedthathisnamehasbeencleared."

"Ifheknows--which,nodoubt,hedoesbythistime."

"Whybythistime?"

"Becauseheleftthecountryayearago."

"Whydidheleavethecountry?"

"Tobetterhisfortune,Iexpect.Butwouldyoumindgivingmeanothercupoftea?TheyearIspentontheothersidethewatermademeaninveteratetea-drinker."

"I'llnotonlygiveyouanothercupoftea,I'llgiveyoutheentiretea-serviceifyou'llpromisetogowithusonthe_Skylark_."

"Howgenerousyouare!"

"Generosityismybesettingsinasamatteroffact.Butsayyou'llpromise."

"Oh,youmustgivemetimetothinkthematterover.Ican'tdecideinamoment."

"Whynot?You'venoonetoconsultbutyourself."

"Butifselfshouldhappentobedividedagainstself?"

"Oh,youarejusttootantalisingforwords.IbelievethereissomeoneinNewYorkyouwanttocapture."

"No,Kitty,dear,youarequitemistaken.TheyoungmenofNewYorkdon'tappealtomeintheleast."

"ThenI'llgoonbadgeringyouuntilyoupromise.Infact,I'llsetpoppaontoyou."

"Pleasedon't,"andMadelinerosefromherchairandbegantopullonhergloves.

Thatevening,intheprivacyofherownroom,MadelinedebatedseriouslywithherselfwhetherornotsheshouldaccepttheHarveys'invitation.Formanythings,shewouldliketowinterinamoregenialclime.NewYorkwasbynomeansanidealcitywhenthethermometerwasatzero,andthestreetswereblockedwithsnow.Infact,itwasnotanidealcityunderanycircumstances,andbutthatmostofherfriendswerethere,shewouldgladlypitchhertentsomewhereelse.

Therewasthefurtherfacttobeconsidered,thatthedepartureofthe

Harveysmeantthedepartureofthepeoplewhomshelikedbestofall,andNewYorkwouldbeterriblydullwhentheirmansionwasnolongeropentohertoruninandoutassheliked.

"IthinkI'llaccepttheirinvitation,"shesaidtoherself."Itwillbeachange,andit'sawfullygoodofthemtoaskme."Thenshehesitatedandlookedabstractedlyoutofthewindow.

"Itwillmeananabsenceofsixmonthsatleast,"shewenton,afteralongpause,andshegavealittlesighandwithdrewhereyesfromthe

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window.

"Itiscuriousthatmythoughtswillsoconstantlyturninthesamedirection,"shethought,withanotherlittlesigh."Isurelydon'towehimanymorenow.Ihavepaidmydebtasfarasanyhumanbeingcanpayit.WhycannotIputthewholeepisodeoutofmylife?"

Aringcametothedoor-bellafterawhile,andheroldsolicitorwasshownin.

"Iamsogladyouhavecome,"shesaid,withasmile."IwantyoutohelpmedecideaquestionthatI'munabletodecideformyself."

"I'malwaysatyourservice,"hesaid,genially;"butwhat'stroublingyourlittleheadnow?"

"TheHarveyswantmetogowiththemonayachtingcruise."

"Well?"

"Ican'tmakeupmymindwhethertogoornot."

"Whatistheretokeepyouhere?"

"Nothing."

"Thenwhyhesitate?"

"Idon'tknow.I'mgrowingtolikemylittlehomeverymuch."

"Youmustn'tbecomeahermit.Myadviceisgo."

"Youreallymeanthat?"

"Ido.Mindyou,Ishallmissyouverymuch,butallthesame,suchachancemaynotcometoyouagain."

"ThenI'lltakeyouradvice."

"Bythebye,IheardnewsthismorningofyourCornishfriend."

"SirCharlesTregony?"

"No;theotherone."

"Youmean----"

"Thesame!He'sevidentlydonewelloutofthemoneyyoulenthim."

"Yes?"

"I'vebeenfollowinghimupaswellasIcouldeversincethatdayhecalledonme."

"Soyou'vetoldmebefore."

"Butamanwasinmyofficethismorningwhoknowshim,wholivesinReboth,infact,andwhohaswatchedhimclosely."

"Well?"

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"Hesaysifhekeepsonhe'llbeoneofthemostremarkablemenintheStateofPennsylvania."

"Indeed?"

"That'swhathesays.Atthebeginning,thefinanciersswarmedroundhimlikebees.Buthewasn'ttobehad.Hejustwenthisownway.SlowaccordingtoAmericannotions,butthat'stheman.Level-headedastheymake'em,andhonesttoafault."

"Amancan'tbetoohonest,surely?"

"Well,businessissorushedinthesedaysthatamanhasnotimetolookupthecommandmentsbeforehedecides.Ifhedon'tseizehischanceonthedotit'sgone."

"Betterthechanceshouldgothanthatheshouldlosehishonour."

"Well,thatisaveryfinesentiment,nodoubt--averyfinesentiment.Andyourfriend,itseems,actsuptoit."

"Andwhathashelostinconsequence?"

"Heapstheysay.Notpermanently,perhaps;forasithappens,theironisofbetterqualitythanwasexpected.Buthemighthavemadehispilerightoffwithouttroubleorrisk."

"Andwithoutgivinganyhonest_quidproquo_?"

"Thosewhospeculatemusttaketheirchance,mychild.Ifpeoplearewillingtotakerisks,whylet'em.Supposetherehadbeennoironatall?"

"Well,whatthen?"

"Why,hewouldhavebeenthepoorerbyhundredsofthousandsof

dollars."

"Thatmightnotbetohisdisadvantage.'Aman'slifeconsistethnotintheabundanceofthethingshepossesseth.'"

"Mostpeoplethinkitdoes,atanyrate."

"Butyouknowmajoritiesarenearlyalwayswrong."

"Excuseme,Iclaimnosuchknowledge.Iknowthatmajoritiesrule."

"Andruleoppressivelyfrequently."

"Thatmaybeso.Humannatureisessentiallytyrannical.Giveamanpower,and,withoutgreatgrace,hebecomesatyrantrightoff."

"Idon'tthinkRufusSternewouldeverbecomeatyrant."

"Hemight,mychild,undersomecircumstances.Nevertrustamantoofar.Ihearheiscomingeast."

"Indeed!"

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"Hassomenewschemeonhand,Iexpect,"andMr.Graythornepickeduphishatandsmiledknowingly.

Leftaloneagain,thelookofperplexityinMadeline'seyesdeepened.ShehadtoldMr.GraythornethatshewouldtakehisadviceandaccepttheHarveys'invitation.Butshewasdisposedtochangehermindagain.ShedidnotwanttoleaveNewYorkatpresent.Shemighthidethetruthfromotherpeople,butshecouldnothideitfromherself,thatifRufusSternecametoNewYorkshewantedtoseehim.

Shewouldnotowntoherselfthatshewasinlove,oranythingapproachingit.Butshewasundeniablyinterested.Shehadbeenfromthefirst.RufusSterneappealedtoherasnoothermanhaddone.Hisloneliness,hisself-reliance,hiscourage,hisindependencemadehimanobjectofcuriosity,tousenostrongerterm.

Moreover,therewasacertainaloofnessabouthim--acuriousairofdetachment,thatquickenedhercuriosityintosomethingshehadnonamefor.Intheirlastconversationhehadbeenwonderfullyfrank--hadopenedhishearttoherinawaythattouchedhersympathiestothequick,yetsheknewshehadnotfathomedhimyet.Shehadafeelingallthetimethathewasgreaterthanheappeared,thathisreticencewasmuchmoremarkedthanitsopposite.

Hehadsufferedwrongwithoutamurmur,andsufferedwrongforhersake.Hehadkepthernameoutofwhathehadcalledasordidquarrel,andgoneonhiswayinsilence,askingnosympathyandseekingnorevenge.

Howwasitpossible,therefore,thatshecouldfailtobeinterestedinhim?Hewassodifferentfrommostofthemensheknew.Sostrong,soself-contained,sodoggedlydetermined.

Somedayhewouldfindherout;shewassureofthat.Hewasnotthekindofmantoremaininanyone'sdebt.Shedidnotdoubtforamomentthatheguessedlongagowhohadsenthimthemoney,butwiththetrueinstinctofchivalryhehadnotthrusthimselfuponher.Hehadallowedthemonthstogoby,andhadmadenoefforttofindher;andduring

thosemonthshehadprovedthestuffofwhichhewasmade.Inanageofrushandgreedandmoney-grabbinghehadshownafidelitytoprinciplethatevenhisdetractorsadmired.

Hemighthave"madehispile,"intheslangphraseofthetime,buthehadshownnoeagernesstodoso.Hehadgambledoncewithlifeitself(thoughshedidnotknowthat);hewouldnotgamblenowwiththethingsoflife,withwhatmencalled"theworld."

Hehadlearnthislessonandhewouldneverforgetit.Towrongacommunitywasjustaswickedastowronganindividual.Herefusedtotreathisemployéesas"hands";theyweremen,notserfstobeexploited,buthumanbeingstobeprotectedandhelped.Heintroduceda

newindustrialcodeandmadehimselfonewithhisfellows.

Mr.Graythorne,whohadfollowedhismovementswithgreatinterestandcuriosity,gavehintstoMadelineeverynowandthen,thoughhewasneverquiteabletotakethemeasureofMadeline'sinterestinhim.

Intruth,however,herinteresthadbeenagrowingquantity.Silenceandseparationbutquickenedherimagination.Thehintsandfragmentsofnewsthatreachedherconcerninghimallhelpedinthesamedirection.Hisapparentindifferencetohermadeherallthemorecurioustosee

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Rufusplungedintotheobjectofhisvisitwithoutanywasteofwords.Indeed,hisfirstquestionwassosuddenanddirectthatitthrewMr.Graythornecompletelyoffhisguard.

"IhavecalledtoaskyoufortheaddressofMissMadelineGrover,"hesaid.

Mr.Graythornegaveastart,andturnedhalfroundinhischair.

"Eh--eh?What'sthat?"heasked,abruptly.

"MissGroverisaclientofyours,Ibelieve----"

"Whosaidshewasaclientofmine?"

Rufussmiled."Ofcourse,ifyouobjecttogivemeheraddress,"hesaid,"Iwillnotpressthematter."

"IdidnotsayIrefuse,butsucharequestissomewhatunusual.MissGrovermaynotcaretohavepeoplecallingonher.Herbusinessaffairssheleavesinmyhands."

"Andsheisnodoubtwelladvisedinsodoing.ButIdon'tthinkMiss

Groverwillobjecttomycalling."

"Youknowher?"

"Alittle.WemetafewtimeswhenshewasstayingwiththeTregonys."

"Oh,indeed."Mr.Graythorneexpectedhewouldsaysomethingaboutthefivethousanddollars,butthatwasnopartofhisprogrammejustthen.

Thelawyerfeltinaquandary.Hedidnotknowwhattodoforthebest.Hecouldnotverywellrefuseheraddress,andyethewasnotsureshewouldlikebeingpounceduponbythisyoungmanwithoutamoment'swarning.Unfortunately,hecouldnotringherup,forshehadno

telephoneinherhouse.Whatwashetodo?Rufusstoodlookingathimwithasmileonhisface.

"Ifyouareacquaintances,"hesaidatlength,"thatofcoursesettlesthematter,"andhewrotetheaddressonasheetofpaperandhandedittohisvisitor.

Rufusthankedhimandturnedtogoatonce.

"Yourpropertyhasturnedoutallright,Ihear?"thelawyersaid,insinuatingly.

"Oh,yes,excellently."

"Andyoufinishedthelitigation?"

"Easily.Alittlegiveandtake,andthethingwasdone."

"Moregivethantake,Iamtold."

"Perhapsso,butbetterthatthanfighting,andbadblood,andruinouslawyers'fees."

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Mr.Graythornewincedandgrewredintheface,andbeforehecouldrecoverhimselfRufushadslippedoutoftheroom.

ItdidnottakehimlongtoreachthestreetinwhichMadelinelived.Helookeddownitslonglengthandgavealittlesighofrelief.Itwasnotastreetofmansions.Itwasunpretentiousandcomparativelyobscure.

Hisheartwasbeatingveryfastwhenhewalkedslowlyupthestepsandrangthedoor-bell.Hefeltasthoughthesuprememomentofhislifehadcome.

Hewasshownintoaroomthatharmonisedwiththestreet,quiet,cosy,comfortable,butquiteunpretentious.Hehadnottowaitmanymoments.Almostbeforehehadtimetoturnround,thedoorwaspushedopen,andMadelinestoodbeforehim,bright,winning,smiling,andradiantlybeautiful.

Therewasnotraceofstiffnessorembarrassmentinhermanner.Indeed,hergreetingwasmorecordialthanhehaddaredhopefor.Theembarrassmentwasonhisside;hefelthehadundertakenataskthatwouldtaxallhisnerve.

"Itislikeoldtimestoseeyouagain,"shesaid,inheroldfrank,

ingenuousway."Doyourememberourlastlongwalkoverthedowns?"

"Thenyouhavenotforgotten?"hereplied,withalittlesighofrelief.

"WhyshouldIforget?Iwassosorrynottoseeyouagain."

"Ilookedoutforyouonceortwice;thenIheardyouhadgoneaway."

"Didyoulookoutforme?AndIwantedsoparticularlytoseeyou."

"Yes?"hequestioned,eagerly.

"IwantedtoletyouknowthatIhaddiscoveredGervaseTregony's

perfidy."

"Beforeyouwentaway?"

"Yes;butIwasunabletomakeitknown.However,allthetruthhascomeoutsince."

"Youhaveheard?"

"Oh,yes.IgetCornishnewsregularly."

"ThenyouknewIhadleft?"

"Oh,yes,"sheanswered,withablushandasmile,"Iknewthatalso."

"Icametolookafterthatdisputedpropertyofmyfather'sIoncetoldyouabout,"hesaid,afterapause.

"Yes,Iremember.Yousaidyouhadgivenupallhopeofevergettingapenny."

"Yousee,mygrandfatherandIweretoofarawaytolookafterit,andtoopoortofightit.Soitwasjusthungup.Youhaveheard,perhaps,

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whatkindfriendhadcommissionedMr.Graythornetosendmesomuchmoney.Isaidtomyself:'ThereisnotasoulontheAmericancontinentthatIknow.'ThenIrememberedthatyouwerehere.YouwillforgivemeifIwrongyou,butIcouldthink,andcanthink,ofnooneelse.Themoneywasmysalvation.Itnotonlysavedmefromdespair,butfromallthatfollowsdespair,andnowthatGodhasprosperedmeIwanttopayitback.MayIgiveittoyou?"

Hereyeswerefullalmosttooverflowingbythistime,butsheresolutelybeatbackheremotion.

"Yes,Iwilltakeitback,"sheanswered,slowly."Iamgladitservedyouinthehourofneed."

"Youmeantitasaloan,Iknow,"hesaid,withasmile.

"ThatwasasGodshouldwill,"sheanswered,withhereyesuponthefloor."IheardinNiceofyourmisfortune.Iknewfromwhatyoutoldmethatyouhadriskedyourall,andIwonderedifIcouldhelpyouwithoutwoundingyou.AssoonasIreachedhomeIcommissionedMr.Graythornetomakeinquiriesaboutyourlatefather'spropertyinReboth.Itseemedcertainthatyouwouldbewelloffsomeday,andsoIadvancedfivethousanddollarsonaccount;itwasbutasmallreturnforallyouhaddoneforme."

"ButImightnothavewonthesuit,mightnothavediscoveredwhohadbefriendedme."

"Ishouldstillhavebeeninyourdebt,"shereplied,withasmile."Yousavedmylife,youknow,"andsheroseandtouchedthebell.

Herosealso,andmovedtowardsthedoor.

"No,no,"shesaid,"youmustnotgo,Ihaverungfortea.IknowtheEnglishhabit,andyoumustbethirstyaftersomuchtalking,"andshelaughedmerrily.

"Thankyou,"hesaid."Ishallbegladofacupoftea,"andhesatdownagain.

Overtheteacupsconversationbecamemoregeneral,andflowedmorefreelyinconsequence.TheytalkedaboutSt.Gaved,abouttheTregonys,andCaptainTomHendy,andDr.Pendarvis,andMrs.Tuke.SherelatedsomeofherexperiencesatTrewinionHall,andinLondonandNice,andhowandwhysheescapedfromtheguardianshipofSirCharles.Theafternoonspedlikeadream,andwhenherosetogo,hefeltasthoughanewvisionoflifehadbeenvouchsafedtohim.

"Youwillcallagain?"shesaid,whenhewasleaving.

"MayI?"heaskedeagerly.

Shelaughedbrightlyinhisface."DoesourAmericanfreedomorourlackofBritishformalityshockyou?"shequestioned.

"No,no.Iwasnotthinkingofthatatall,"heanswered,hurriedly."MayIcallagainto-morrow?"

"Atthesamehour?"

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"ForgivemeifIampresumptuous,"hewenton,inlowertones."ButIhavelovedyousolong,sohopelessly,sopassionately,thatIcouldnotkeepthetruthbackanylonger.YetifyousaythereisnohopeformeIwillnottroubleyouagain."

Shecametowardhimslowly,agreatlightshininginhereyes,andplacedherhandsinhis.

"Youaresureyouarenotmistaken?"shesaid,andhereyesgrewfulloftears.

"Mistaken?Oh!Madeline,ifIwereonlysosureofheaven!Ihavelovedyousincethedayyouread'SnowBound'tome--lovedyouwithanever-growingpassion.Ihaveneverlovedbutyou--Ishallneverloveanother!"

"Donotallmensaythat?"shequestioned,withapatheticsmile.

"Iknownotwhatothermensay,"hereplied,earnestly."Ionlyknowthatwithoutyoulifewillbedark.Oh!Madeline,haveyounowordofhopeforme?"

"Doyouneedwords?"sheasked,smilingthroughhertearsintohisface.

"HaveInotshownmyheartalltooplainly?"

"Doyoumeanthat----"

Butthesentencewasneverfinished.Swiftlyhegatheredherinhisarmstillshecouldfeelthebeatingofhisheartagainstherown.Silentlytheirlipsmetinapassionatesealoflove.Thenheledhertoacouchandsatdownbyherside,andforanhourtheytalkedandthehourseemedbutastheflyingofashuttle.

*****

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=THEPOLYCHROMEBIBLE.=

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=BetweenTwoLoves.==ADaughterofFife.=_ForotherbooksbythisAuthorseepages4and16._

THEMESSAGESOFTHEBIBLE.

EditedbyFRANKKNIGHTSANDERS,Ph.D.,WoolseyProfessorofBiblicalLiteratureinYaleUniversity,andCHARLESFOSTERKENT,Ph.D.,ProfessorofBiblicalLiteratureandHistoryinBrownUniversity.Superroyal16mo,cloth,redtop,3s.6d.avol.(Tobecompletedin12Volumes.)

I.THEMESSAGESOFTHEEARLIERPROPHETS.

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=TheNewTestamentinModernSpeech.=Anidiomatictranslationinto

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=TheTenCommandments.=ByG.CAMPBELLMORGAN,Pott8vo,cloth,2s.6d.

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=TheChristWithin.=ByRev.T.RHONDDAWILLIAMS.

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=TheTasteofDeathandtheLifeofGrace.=ByP.T.FORSYTH,M.A.,D.D.

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=FaiththeBeginning,Self-SurrendertheFulfilment,oftheSpiritualLife.=ByJAMESMARTINEAU,D.D.,D.C.L.SecondEdition.SixthThousand.

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=HowtoBecomeLikeChrist.=ByMARCUSDODS,D.D.SecondEdition.

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=TheKingdomoftheLordJesus.=ByALEXANDERMACKENNAL,D.D.

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=TheWayofLife.=ByH.ARNOLDTHOMAS,M.A.

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=CharacterThroughInspiration.=ByT.T.MUNGER,D.D.

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=InfoldingsandUnfoldingsoftheDivineGenius,inNatureandMan.=ByJOHNPULSFORD,D.D.NewEdition.

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=TheJealousyofGod.=ByJOHNPULSFORD,D.D.

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=Martineau'sStudyofReligion.=ByRICHARDA.ARMSTRONG.

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=TheMakingofanApostle.=ByR.J.CAMPBELL,M.A.

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=TheAngelsofGod.=ByJOHNHUNTER,D.D.

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=SocialWorshipanEverlastingNecessity.=ByJOHNCLIFFORD,

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=AncientMusicalInstruments.=ApopularAccountoftheirDevelopment,asillustratedbyTypicalExamplesintheGalpinCollectionatHatfield,BroadOak,Essex.ByWILLIAMLYND.Linencover,1s,6d.;cloth,2s.

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IndexofTitles.

AbbeyMill,The,16AdriftontheBlackWildTide,17AmericaintheEast,5AncientMusicalInstruments,20AngelsofGod,The,19AnimalFun,21

ApocalypticalWriters,TheMessagesofthe,11Apostles,TheMessagesofthe,11ArtofLivingAlone,The,19AtonementinModernThought,The,4AuntAgathaAnn,24AweoftheNewCentury,The,23

BackwardGlance,A,5BaptistHandbook,The,14BarboneParliament,The,5Barrow,Henry,Separatist,2BeadsofTasmar,The,10BetweenTwoLoves,10

BibleDefinitionofReligion,The,23BibleStory,The:RetoldforYoungPeople,15BishopandtheCaterpillar,The,24BlackFamiliars,The,4,16BorderShepherdess,A,10BowofOrangeRibbon,The,10,16BrudenellsofBrude,The,16BurningQuestions,8

CanonburyHolt,16

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GloriaPatri:TalksabouttheTrinity,9GloriousCompanyoftheApostles,The,15God'sGreaterBritain,9GoldenTruthsforYoungFolk,21GreyandGold,10,16GreyHouseatEndlestone,16GrowingRevelation,The,6

Haromi:ANewZealandStory,4HarvestGleanings,14HealthandHomeNursing,22HeartseaseintheFamily,12HeirsofErrington,The,16HelenBury,12HelpingHandtoMothers,25HelpstoHealthandBeauty,22HigherontheHill,7HisNextofKin,10,16HisRusticWife,9HistoryoftheUnitedStates,A,2HolyChristianEmpire,25HouseholdofMacNeil,The,10HouseofBondage,The,16HowMuchisLeftoftheOldDoctrines,7

HowtoBecomeLikeChrist,18HowtoReadtheBible,21HusbandsandWives,16

IdealsforGirls,15IncarnationoftheLord,The,6IndustrialExploringsinandaroundLondon,10InfoldingsandUnfoldingsoftheDivineGeniusinNatureandMan,12InspirationinCommonLife,17InwardLight,The,8Israel'sLawGivers,TheMessagesof,11

JanVedder'sWife,16

JealousyofGod,The,19JesusaccordingtotheSynoptists,TheMessagesof,11JoanCarisbroke,10,16JobandHisComforters,14Joshua,TheBookof,3Judges,TheBookof,3

KidMcGhie,3KingdomoftheLordJesus,The,19,24KitKennedy:CountryBoy,3,16

LadyClarissa,16LastoftheMacAllisters,The,10

LaterProphets,TheMessagesofthe,11LeavesforQuietHours,12LettersofChrist,The,17LetusPray,20LibertyandReligion,12LifeandLettersofAlexanderMackennal,The,6LouisWain'sAnimalShow,21LouisWain'sBaby'sPictureBook,21LovesofMissAnne,The,3,16Lynch,Rev.T.T.:AMemoir,5

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MakingofanApostle,The,19ManualforFreeChurchMinisters,A,21MargaretTorrington,10Martineau'sStudyofReligion,19,24MaudBolingbroke,12MaxHereford'sDream,25MessagesoftheBible,The,11MethodofPrayer,A,12MillicentKendrick,10,16MissDevereux,Spinster,16ModelPrayer,The,15MoreTastyDishes,22MorningandEveningCries,14MorningMist,A,16Morning,Noon,andNight,22MorningtonLecture,The,5Mr.Montmorency'sMoney,10,16MyBaptism,17MyNeighbourandGod,13

NewMrs.Lascelles,The,16NewPointstoOldTexts,10NewTestamentinModernSpeech,The,13

NineteenHundred?,10NoblyBorn,10,16NonconformistChurchBuildings,15

OldPicturesinModernFrames,18OliverCromwell,23OliverWestwood,16OrdealofFaith,The,15OurGirls'Cookery,23OurNewHouse,12OurselvesandtheUniverse,9OutlineTextLessonsforJuniorClasses,21Overdale,10,16

PassionforSouls,The,17PaulandChristina,10Paul,TheMessagesof,11PaxtonHood:PoetandPreacher,19PersonalityofJesus,The,11Pilot,The,13Poems.ByMme.Guyon,11PolychromeBible,The,2,3PopularArgumentfortheUnityofIsaiah,A,14PopularHistoryoftheFreeChurches,A,4,13PracticalPointsinPopularProverbs,14Prayer,17

PreachingtotheTimes,10PriceofPriestcraft,The,20PrideoftheFamily,The,16PrinciplesandPracticesoftheBaptists,14ProblemsofLiving,9PropheticalandPriestlyHistorians,TheMessagesof,11Psalmists,TheMessagesofthe,11

QuickeningofCaliban,The,10QuietHintstoGrowingPreachers,11

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RaceandReligion,20ReasonableViewofLife,A,17ReasonsWhyforCongregationalists,17ReasonsWhyforFreeChurchmen,20ReconsiderationsandReinforcements,19ReforminSundaySchoolTeaching,18ReligionandExperience,4ReligionofJesus,The,17ReligionthatwillWear,A,14RightsofMan,The,5RiseofPhilipBarrett,The,4RobertWreford'sDaughter,10Rogers,J.Guinness,2RomefromtheInside,23RosebudAnnual,The,7,12RoseofaHundredLeaves,A,4RulingIdeasofthePresentAge,7

SchoolHymns,12,25SchoolofLife,The,12SceptreWithoutaSword,The,23ScourgeofGod,The,16SevenPuzzlingBibleBooks,6,18

ShipoftheSoul,The,19,24SheLovedaSailor,10ShortDevotionalServices,20SimpleCookery,17SinglehurstManor,10Sissie,10,16SistertoEsau,A,10,16SmallBooksonGreatSubjects,18,19SocialSalvation,7SocialWorshipanEverlastingNecessity,19,24SpiritChristlike,The,14SquireofSandalSide,The,10,16St.Beetha's,10,16

StoryoftheEnglishBaptists,The,3StoryofPenelope,The,16StudiesoftheSoul,9SundayAfternoonSongBook,24,25SundayMorningTalkswithBoysandGirls,14SunnyMemoriesofAustralasia,18SupremeArgumentforChristianity,The,19

TaleofaTelephone,A,24TalkstoLittleFolks,22TasteofDeathandtheLifeofGrace,The,18,24TastyDishes,22TenCommandments,The,14

TheologyandTruth,5TheologyofanEvolutionist,The,6TheophilusTrinal,Memorialsof,5ThornycroftHall,10,16,25ThroughSciencetoFaith,4Tommy,andOtherPoems,22ToolsandtheMan,7TownRomance,A;or,OnLondonStones,16TrialandTriumph,14TypesofChristianLife,18

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UndertonesoftheNineteenthCentury,13UniqueClassChartandRegister,25UnknowntoHerself,16

ValueoftheApocrypha,The,17VioletVaughan,10,16

Wanderer,The,8Warleigh'sTrust,16WayofLife,The,19WaysideAngels,22WhatShallthisChildBe?,14WheredoestheSkyBegin?,7WhoWrotetheBible?,17WhyWeBelieve,13WidenessofGod'sMercy,The,17WifeasLoverandFriend,The,15WilliamJeffrey,13WitnessesoftheLight,7Woman'sPatience,A,16WomenandtheirSaviour,20WomenandtheirWork,18WordsbytheWayside,18

WovenofLoveandGlory,10

YoungMan'sReligion,A,13

IndexofAuthors.

Abbot,C.L.,8Abbott,Lyman,5,6Adeney,W.F.,21

Aitchison,George,20Aked,C.F.,8Andom,R.,10Andrews,C.C.,16Armstrong,RichardA.,19,24

Bainton,George,15Barr,AmeliaE.,4,10,16Barrett,G.S.,15Barrows,C.H.,11Bennett,Rev.W.H.,3,15Benvie,Andrew,7Blake,J.M.,17

Bloundelle-Burton,J.,16Bradford,AmoryH.,6,8,19Brierley,J.,4,9Brock,W.,14Brooke,StepfordA.,19,24Brown,C.,14,17Burford,W.K.,22

Campbell,Rev.R.J.,19Carlile,Rev.J.C.,8,22

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Clifford,Dr.,19,24Coulton,G.G.,8Crockett,S.R.,3,16Cubitt,James,15Cuff,W.,18

Davidson,Gladys,21Dode,Marous,18

Elligott,Minnie,25Ellis,J.,21Evans,H.,20

Farningham,Marianne,10,14,18,20Fiske,J.,2Forsyth,Rev.Principal,18,24,25Fraser,J.,11Funeke,O.,12

Gibbon,J.Morgan.,15Giberne,Agnes,16Gladden,Washington,6,7,8,17,18,20Glass,HenryAlexander,5Glover,R.,14

Greenhough,J.G.,14,18Griffith-Jones,E.,17,18Griffis,WilliamElliot,5Gunn,E.H.Mayo,12,25Guyon,Madame,11,12

Haweis,H.R.,15Haycraft,Mrs.,9Heddle,E.F.,16Henderson,J.G.,8Henson,CanonHensley,10Hocking,S.K.,8Horder,W.Garrett,19

Horne,C.Silvester,4,13,15,17,20Horton,Dr.R.F.,6,19,22,23,24,25Hunter,John,19

"J.B."of_TheChristianWorld_,23Jefferson,C.E.,11J.M.G.,9Jones,J.D.,15,17,20Jowett,J.H.,17

Kane,JamesJ.,17Kaye,Bannerman,4Kennedy,H.A.,24,25

Kennedy,John,14

Lansfeldt,L.,16Lee,W.T.,13Llewellyn,D.J.,13Lyall,David,4Lyall,Edna,25Lynch,T.T.,5Lynd,William,20

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Macfadyen,D.,6Macfarland,CharlesS.,14Macfarlane,Charles,10Mackennal,Alexander,19,24Manners,MaryE.,24Marchant,B.,16Marshall,J.T.,14Marshall,N.H.,5Martineau,James,18Mather,Lessels,22Mather,Z.,6Matheson,George,12,18,23Maver,J.S.,20Meade,L.T.,16Metcalfe,R.D.,24Meyer,F.B.,17Moore,G.F.,3Morgan,Rev.G.Campbell,14Mountain,J.,17Munger,T.T.,19

Peake,A.S.,18PharmaceuticalChemist,A,22Picton,J.Allanson,17

Powicke,F.J.,2Pulsford,John,19

Rees,F.A.,14Rickett,J.Compton,9,10,24Ridette,J.H.,25Ridley,A.E.,5Robarts,F.H.,14Roberts,J.E.,18Rogers,Dr.Guinness,2Rudge,C.,18Russell,F.A.,17

Sanders,FrankKnight,11ScottishPresbyterian,A,14Sinclair,Archdeacon,19,24Smyth,Dr.Newman,4Snell,BarnardJ.,17,20Stevenson,J.G.,12

Thomas,H.Arnold,19Trotter,Mrs.E.,13Toy,Rev.C.H.,2Tytler,S.,16

Veitch,R.,8

Wain,Louis,21Walford,L.B.,4,16Waters,N.McG.,13Watkinson,W.L.,17Watson,W.,17Weymouth,R.F.,13White,William,5Whitley,W.T.,5Whiton,J.M.,9,10,17,19,23

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Williams,C.,14Williams,T.R.,18Wilson,PhilipWhitwell,12,13Worboise,EmmaJ.,10,16,25

_W.SpeaightandSons,Printers,FetterLane,E.C._

*****

Transcriber'sNote:

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Onpage378thename"Seaward"waswrittenas"Seward"andhasbeenchanged.

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