,,! ,,al*emi/',s ,,secret ,,by ,,isabel ,,cecilia ,,williams ,p4 ,j4 ,,k5$y ,,sons #dd ,,b>clay ,,/reet1 ,,new ,,york ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------- ,,copyright1 #aiaj1 ,,by ,p4 ,j4 ,,k5$y ,,sons4 ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------- ,,cont5ts ,,page ,,! ,,pass+ ,,( ,,tony #aa ,,! ,,tramp #bg ,,he ,,ha? ,,put ,,d[n ,,! ,,mighty #db ,a ,,memorable ,,*ri/mas ,,morn+ #eh ,,nancy',s ,,tale #gb ,,patsy #hh ,,?ree ,,ev5+s ,,9 ,a ,,life #ajc ,,! ,,elev5? ,,h\r #aaf ,,! ,,/ory ,,( ,,julie ,,b5oit #acj ,,pet] #aej ,,god',s ,,way #afe ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------- ,,! ,,pass+ ,,( ,,tony4 ,la/ mail 91 ,mis' ,bascomb8 ,la/ mail's 91 ,tony4 ,be !re any?+ = me to-night8 ,wid[ ,bascomb knew p]fectly well !re 0 n1 b %e rea*$ = a small pile ( lett]s 9 a pigeonhole on h] "r & glanc$ ov] !m rapidly4 ,h] s\r visage & rasp+ voice s(t5$ p]ceptibly z %e smil$ on ! little old man be=e h]4 ,sorry1 ,tony1 !re's no?+ = y to-night4 ,?ank y1 ,mis' ,bascomb1 p'raps x'll come to-morr[1 & ,tony turn$ away ) a sigh & mov$ t[>ds ! door4 ,a gr\p ( m5 7 ga!r$ ar\nd ! /ove1 smok+ & ex*ang+ ! gossip ( ! t[n4 ,^! greet$ him k9dly z he pass$ & he return$ ! greet+s half abs5tly4 ,be=e op5+ ! door1 ! old man /opp$ to give 8 wool5 muffl] "o m turn ar\nd 8 neck4 ,purty cold snap1 ?is1 he rem>k$ to ! company 9 g5]al4 ,looks z if we'd h sn[ '=e morn9' & a :ite ,*ri/mas aft] all4 ,good-night1 ,mis' ,bascomb2 good-night boys4 ,a m]ry ,*ri/mas to y all6 & ,tony /epp$ out into ! fro/y air ( ! ,decemb] ev5+4 ,he sigh$ aga9 z he turn$ up ov] ! hill to ! left & />t$ = home4 ,x _h be5 a long1 cold walk d[n to ! village1 & x w\ld be equally long & ev5 cold] on ! way back1 = a %>p w9d 0 bl[+ directly 9 8 face4 ,x 0 a bad night = an old man l ,tony to be abroad & he 0 almo/ sorry t he _h v5tur$ out4 ,b !re 0 8 promise to ,m>?a2 x w\ld nev] d to break t4 ,m>?a _h always be5 ( a m hopeful turn ( m9d ?an he1 anyway4 ,:ile %e 0 /ill alive %e _h imp>t$ to him ! same _s ( tru/ & hopefulness :i* %one 9 h] /eady gray eyes1 b s9ce ,god _h tak5 ,m>?a & left him all alone 9 ! _w ( c>e & tr\ble1 life _h be5 h>d inde$4 ,he _h promis$ ,m>?a nev] to omit ! daily visit to ! po/-(fice to inquire = ! lett] :i*1 ?us f>1 _h fail$ to arrive4 ,m>?a _h be5 s sure t ,sallie w\ld write to !m "s day2 ,sallie1 _! h&some1 wilful daught]1 :o _h pass$ out ( _! lives ne>ly fifte5 ye>s be=e4 ,he nev] blam$ ,sallie = want+ to leave !m2 :at c\ld a t9y village l ?is (f] to "o z clev]1 z pretty1 z ambiti\s z ,sallie _h be58 ,! neighbors _h said _m unk9d ?+s ( ,sallie b he he$$ !m n4 ,!y _h call$ h] va91 idle & silly2 !y said ! folks at ! big h\se _h spoil$ h] & put notions into h] head4 ,!y told him he did a fooli% ?+ :5 he all[$ h] to g z maid to ! lady ( ! big h\se ov] on ! %ores ( ! lake1 & to g d[n to ! city ) ! family :5 !y mov$ home 9 ! autumn4 ,to tell ! tru?1 poor ,tony _h little voice 9 ! matt]4 ,sallie1 z usual1 _h tak5 affairs into h] own h&s & decid$ = h]self4 ,ne>ly fifte5 ye>s6 ,x 0 a long1 long "t2 & nev] a ^w f ! truant s9ce ! day %e _h left ! village4 ,m>?a _h wait$1 at fir/ impati5tly1 !n anxi\sly1 & f9ally ) a pa!tic hopefulness t 0 m ?an half assum$4 ,x 0 %e :o _h insi/$ t ,tony mu/ g to ! (fice e day1 & dur+ ^? long ye>s1 e ev5+1 ra9 or %9e1 ! same little sc5e 0 enact$ 9 ! village po/-(fice4 ,e ev5+ he _h ! same /ory ( failure to report4 ,no lett] to-night1 "m4 ,nev] m9d1 fa!r2 x'll sure come to-morr[1 & ,m>?a w\ld sigh & clasp h] h&s 9 h] lap4 ,pres5tly1 by ! movem5t ( h] lips he w\ld "k %e 0 pray+ = ! abs5t "o4 ,he w\ld lay aside 8 pipe1 fet* 8 beads1 & toge!r !y w\ld say ! ,ros>y1 begg+ ! bless$ ,"m ( ,god to keep special wat* ov] _! *ild4 ,%e 0 ! only "o !y _h left1 f\r little :ite /ones m>k+ ! re/+-place ( ! f\r little angels :o _h be5 p]mitt$ to rema9 ) !m = only su* a v %ort space ( "t4 ,m>?a 0 sleep+ n[ beside h] babies & he 0 alone 9 ! _w2 = :o c\ld tell :at _h become ( ,sallie8 ,%e1 too1 might be at re/ 9 ,god's ,acre4 ,sometimes he felt t %e mu/ be1 or surely1 surely1 "s ^w w\ld h come f h]4 ,%e mu/ h kn[n h[ anxi\sly !y w\ld wat* = news ( h]1 & c]ta9ly %e w\ld n be s he>tless z to keep sil5ce all ?is long "t4 ,p]haps %e _h writt5 & ! lett] fail$ to rea* !m4 ,well1 :atev] ! tr\ble 01 ,tony _h long s9ce giv5 up all hope ( he>+ f h]1 b1 because ( 8 promise to ,m>?a1 he /ill made 8 nightly visit to ! po/-(fice 9 ! village4 ,_h x n be5 = t promise he w\ld c]ta9ly n take t long walk day aft] day1 9 summ] heat & w9t] /orms1 = hope _h long s9ce di$ 9 ,tony's he>t4 ,at lea/1 s he told himself1 b someh[ ! walk home always seem$ twice z long z ! walk d[n1 aft] he>+ ^? depress+ words ,no lett] to-night1 ,tony4 ,( late1 ! daily visit to ! village _h be5 almo/ m ?an ! old man's fail+ /r5g? _h be5 able to support4 ,h[ (t5 he wi%$ he _h n be5 oblig$ to sell ,lassie4 ,%e 0 ! la/ ( 8 horses to g2 ! la/1 9 fact1 ( all 8 possessions4 ,!re 0 no?+ left to him n[ b ! old h\se1 & t 0 9 su* a /ate ( dilapidation z to be really unfit = habitation4 ,9 ! old days1 8 dogs & 8 horses 7 bett] h\s$ ?an he 0 n[2 9 ! old days1 :5 8 f>m 0 "o ( ! mo/ prosp]\s 9 t section ( ! c\ntry4 ,x 0 lonely inde$ s9ce ,m>?a w5t away1 b he 0 glad %e _h n liv$ to see him br\ght to ?is pass4 ,he 0 glad he _h be5 able to surr\nd h] ) com=ts up to ! v end1 ?\gh to d s he _h be5 oblig$ to sell timb]-l&1 horses1 c[s1 ev]y?+ he own$1 "o aft] ano!r4 ,b ,m>?a nev] knew2 pati5t1 suff]+ ,m>?a1 conf9$ to h] room by illness = _m ye>s be=e ,god _h s5t h] release f pa94 ,?ank ,god1 ,m>?a nev] knew2 %e _h tr\ble en\gh )\t worry+ ov] _! pov]ty4 ,h] room 0 always bright1 always *e]ful2 h] favorite fl[]s blossom$ 9 ! w9d[1 a fire ( logs burn$ cosily ^u ! he>?4 ,! neighbors 7 k9d 9 help+ him to c>e = h]1 9 br++ h] little delicacies to tempt an invalid's appetite2 fre% eggs1 *ick5s1 new lettuce1 :i* ,m>?a suppos$ _h come f _! own f>m4 ,x w\ld nev] d to let h] "k t all _! l& 0 gone1 all save t ^u :i* ! h\se /ood & ,m>?a's fl[] g>d5 :i* /ret*$ f h] w9d[s to ! road4 ,h[ he _h work$ 9 t g>d51 cultivat+ ! fl[]s %e lov$ to see gr[+ !re4 ,sometimes he w\ld lift h] f ! b$ & place h] 9 ! l>ge *air by ! w9d[1 :]e %e c\ld wat* him at 8 "w2 :]e %e c\ld wat*1 too1 ! road t l$ f ! village4 ,(t51 he w\ld glance up f 8 spad+ to meet h] brave1 *e]y smile t sweet5$ all 8 labor2 (t5] /ill1 x w\ld be to f9d h] eyes fix$ ^u t long1 du/y l9e t w\nd ov] hill & valley1 9 & out ?r\gh or*>ds & corn fields1 ! road t l$ to ! village & !nce to ! city beyond4 ,he knew h] m9d _h gone out into ! wide1 busy _w1 ( :i* an occasional e*o w\ld rea* !m1 gone out 9 a va9 ef=t to guess at ! :]eab\ts ( ! girl :o _h pass$ d[n t c\ntry road s _m ye>s ago nev] to return4 ,to ! v end1 ,m>?a _h nev] ceas$ hop+1 nev] ceas$ pray+ = ! return ( ! w&]]1 or at lea/ = "s ^w ( assurance t all 0 well ) h]4 ,by ! "t ,tony rea*$ ! dismantl$ f>mh\se ! sn[ 0 fall+ ?ickly1 sil5tly1 on all ar\nd4 ,twill be a bad /orm1 ?\ght ,tony4 ,god pity any :o are abroad ?is night4 ,pu%+ op5 ! kit*5 door he ent]$ quickly1 dive/+ himself ( cap1 muffl]1 & ragg$ ov]coat1 & hang+ !m ne> ! /ove to dry4 ,he light$ ! lamp & ?rew "s wood ^u ! fire :i* _h burn$ l[4 ,!n1 turn+1 he spi$ = ! fir/ "t1 a basket ^u ! table4 ,a pleas$ smile ov]spread 8 face4 ,s !y _h n =gott51 aft] all6 ,h[ he & ,m>?a _h always wat*$ = t ,*ri/mas basket f ,c\s9 ,john's folks ov] at ! m>ket t[n6 ,x 0 n s mu* ! value ( ! gift1 = ,john 0 n ov]-pl5tifully bless$ ) ! goods ( ?is _w & _h a l>ge family dep5d5t ^u him4 ,x 0 m ! fact ( be+ rememb]$ k9dly1 ! k t !re 0 /ill "s "o :o ?\ght ( !m occasionally4 ,he comm5c$ unpack+ ! basket & arrang+ ! cont5ts ^u ! table3 home-bak$ bread1 pies1 cakes2 a package ( tea1 ano!r ( tobacco2 oranges1 nuts1 c&y2 w>m mitt5s & socks t ,john's wife _h knit = him4 ,%e 0 a good woman1 ,john's wife1 k9d-he>t$ & ?\ghtful2 %e mu/ h guess$ h[ badly he ne$$ socks & mitt5s n[ t ,m>?a 0 no long] !re to make !m = him4 ,he />t$ = ! cupbo>d1 a pie 9 "o h&1 a loaf ( bread 9 ! o!r1 !n /opp$ 9 ! middle ( ! room & ey$ !m m$itatively4 ,:at 0 x ,m>?a us$ to say8 ,nev]1 nev] let ,*ri/mas pass )\t do+ some?+ = "s "o4 ,no matt] h[ poor "o may be1 ,tony1 !y're always o!rs poor] /ill4 ,if x be no m'n a loaf ( bread1 give some?+ to ! poor at ,*ri/mas "t 9 ! "n ( ! little ,babe t _h none b ! %eph]ds to d a h&'s turn = ,him4 ,ea* ye> he & ,m>?a _h f\nd "s "o to :om !y gave 9 ! ,*ri/-,*ild's "n1 = ! sake ( ! girl :o 0 nev] abs5t f _! ?\ghts by day or by night4 ,ev5 la/ ye>1 z poor z he 01 he _h met ) "o m ne$y /ill & s5t him on 8 way rejoic+--a poor lad1 out ( "w1 out ( money1 tramp+ f city to city 9 se>* ( employm5t4 ,!y _h tak5 him 9 = ,sallie's sake1 giv5 him food & %elt]1 & :5 ! boy left ! f>m a silv] doll>1 ne>ly ! la/ ( ,tony's small /ore1 0 press$ into 8 h&4 ,! doll> _h be5 return$1 = at ! next t[n ! object ( ,tony's *>ity _h f\nd /eady "w4 ,t 0 la/ ye>4 ,?is ,*ri/mas he 0 n do+ a ?+ = any "o2 he _h =gott5 completely1 probably because ,m>?a 0 n !re to rem9d him4 ,he plac$ ! bread & ! pie back ^u ! table & /ood look+ at !m long & e>ne/ly4 ,he knew ( "o :o ne$$ !m f> m ?an he did1 a poor wid[ ov] 9 ! holl[1 ^: five small *ildr51 sickly1 />v$ little creatures1 7 m ?an half ! "t cry+ ) cold & hung]4 ,he op5$ ! package ( tobacco1 fill$ 8 pipe & sat d[n 9 8 *air by ! /ove to smoke & ?9k4 ,h[ ^? poor *ildr5 w\ld enjoy ! bread & pies & cakes :i* ,john's wife _h s5t him6 ,poor little ?+s1 !y seldom1 if ev]1 ta/$ f>e l t4 ,he really did n ne$ !m2 he manag$ to get along pretty well & ! neighbors 7 all good to him2 especially s9ce ,m>?a di$4 ,he w\ld really be glad to give ^? *ildr5 some?+1 b he 0 s tir$1 s tir$1 & x 0 q a walk ov] to ! holl[4 ,!n1 ! /orm6 ,h[ ! w9d %riek$ & tore ar\nd ! h\se1 & h[ /eadily ! sn[ beat aga9/ ! w9d[ panes6 ,x 0 w>m & com=table !re by ! fire1 b outside----4 ,& he 0 unusually tir$ to-night2 t walk to ! village _h be5 almo/ too mu* = him4 ,besides1 he mu/ be up 9 "t = fir/ ,mass 9 ! morn+2 he _h nev] miss$ fir/ ,mass & ,holy ,communion on ,*ri/mas s9ce ! day he & ,m>?a 7 m>ri$4 ,ye> aft] ye>1 !y _h knelt side by side at ,god's alt>2 = _m ye>s ,sallie _h knelt !re ) him2 n[ he 0 all alone b he meant to cont9ue ! cu/om = ,m>?a's sake4 ,h[ ! /orm did rage1 to be sure2 b ^? poor *ildr51 ^? poor little *ildr56 ,p]haps some:]e 9 ! wide _w 8 ,sallie 0 9 ne$ ( help & com=t ?is night & ^? :o might give x to h] 7 too tir$ or too lazy4 ,he guess$ t 0 ! tr\ble1 he 0 gr[+ lazy 9 8 old age4 ,well1 he w\ld d ?is = ,sallie2 x w\ld be "o m little sacrifice add$ to ! _m :i* he & ,m>?a _h (f]$ = _! w&]+ *ild1 t ,god might keep gu>d ov] h] :]ev] %e might be4 ,yes1 he w\ld d x = ,sallie's sake & to please ,m>?a4 ,f ,heav5 %e 0 wat*+ him & w\ld "k t to please h] & = ! sake ( _! *ild he 0 go+ to brave ! /orm once m & c>ry a little ,*ri/mas happ9ess to ^? poor *ildr5 ov] 9 ! holl[4 ,! walk ov] & back aga9 w\ld n hurt him2 he 0 gr[+ old & lazy1 t 0 all4 ,b fir/ he mu/ light ! lamp4 ,de>1 de>1 he 0 gr[+ =getful z well z lazy4 ,he _h ne>ly =gott5 to light ,sallie's lamp4 ,:at w\ld ,m>?a say to t8 ,e night z soon z dusk _h fall51 ,m>?a _h insi/$ ^u plac+ a lamp 9 ! w9d[ ( :at _h once be5 ,sallie's room4 ,if ! *ild came back unexpect$ly1 %e w\ld see ! light %9+ f h] w9d[ & "k !y 7 wait+ & wat*+ = h]4 ,! room itself 0 z %e _h left x ye>s ago1 h] clo!s /ill hang+ 9 ! closet1 h] slipp]s laid ready = ! tir$ feet to slip into !m1 ! fire on ! he>? all prep>$ aga9/ ! day ( h] home-com+1 & by night ! lamp 9 ! w9d[ %9+ a welcome t c\ld be se5 af> d[n ! road t l$ f ! village4 ,he mu/ light ,sallie's lamp1 !n (f once m into ! /orm & d>kness to c>ry a bit ( ,*ri/mas *e] to ! little home 9 ! holl[4 ,ne>ly an h\r lat]1 a ?or\ghly worn-out b v happy old man sat by ! /ove 9 ! f>mh\se kit*54 ,he 0 too tir$ ev5 to light 8 pipe2 he simply sat !re & tri$ to re/4 ,x _h be5 a h>d fight aga9/ ! /orm1 b h[ pleas$ ^? poor little *ildr5 76 ,well1 he _h done x = ,sallie1 j "o m little sacrifice = ,sallie :o 0 some:]e out !re 9 ! cold1 we>y _w1 f> f ! home ( h] *ildhood1 f> f ! ones :o lov$ h] be/4 ,sallie gone8 ,sallie f> away 9 ! /orm & d>kness8 ,:y no1 ( c\rse n4 ,sallie 0 only a little *ild sleep+ quietly 9 h] own little room4 ,see1 ! door 0 aj> & a ray ( light f ! lamp 9 ,sallie's room 0 /ream+ across ! kit*5 floor4 ,he mu/ g 9 & ext+ui% ! light be=e x awak5$ ! sleep+ *ild4 ,:y _h ,m>?a left ! lamp burn+8 ,surely %e mu/ "k x w\ld di/urb ! *ild4 ,well1 z soon z he 0 re/$ he w\ld g & put x out4 ,h[ tir$1 h[ tir$ he did feel6 ,he'd work$ pretty h>d to-day1 & ! sun _h be5 hot1 s hot4 ,well1 nev] m9d1 ! hay 0 all cut n[1 a few m days l ?is & 8 b>n w\ld be fill$ ) ! f9e/ hay 9 ! c\ntry4 ,a few m ye>s l ?is "o & he w\ld be ! ri*e/ f>m] h]eab\ts4 ,= himself1 he did n c>e1 & ,m>?a _h simple ta/es l 8 own4 ,b !re 0 ,sallie4 ,%e 0 only a wee tot n[ b %e w\ld be a woman "s day4 ,!y mu/ give ,sallie all ! advantages !y _h miss$2 !y mu/ lay by money aga9/ ! "t :5 ,sallie w\ld be a gr[n up woman & want ?+s l o!r girls ( h] age4 ,:at ail$ him1 anyway1 t a day's "w 9 ! hay field %\ld make him feel l ?is1 s tir$1 s v tir$8 ,he felt a little bett] n[2 he w\ld re/ a few mom5ts m1 !n be (f home to supp] & to ,m>?a & ,sallie4 ,b :o 0 t call+ to him8 ,:y1 ,m>?a1 to be sure1 /&+ !re by ! five-b>r$ gate4 ,%e _h come to meet him ) _! baby 9 h] arms4 ,t 0 /range2 x 0 n ,sallie1 x 0 _! fir/-born1 ! boy ) 8 "m's eyes :o _h bless$ _! home = only a few %ort mon?s & !n be5 laid to re/ 9 ! *ur*y>d on ! hill4 ,! o!r little tots 7 ) h]1 ?ree ( !m1 cl++ closely to h] skirts4 ,!y 7 all smil+ & hold+ out _! h&s to him 9 invitation4 ,b ,sallie1 :]e 0 ,sallie8 ,once m ,m>?a call$ 8 "n4 ,at ! s\nd ( h] voice all ! wond]1 all ! worrim5t1 fl$ f ,tony's he>t4 ,com+1 ,"m1 com+1 he call$ happily1 & ! smile ^u ,m>?a's face 0 reflect$ on 8 own4 ,*ri/mas morn+ dawn$ bright & cle>2 ! /orm _h pass$ 9 ! night4 ,some?+ else _h pass$1 too--! s\l ( an ag$ f>m]4 ,x 0 n until ! next day !y f\nd him1 /ill sitt+ 9 ! l\ng+ *air by ! /ove 9 :i* only a small heap ( *>r$ a%es rema9$4 ,!y look$ ^u t s]5ely smil+ face1 !n f "o to ano!r1 & sadly %ook _! heads4 ,"o ( _! numb] /epp$ =w>d & ) trembl+ f+]s plac$ 9 ! /iff1 cold h& ( old ,tony1 ! lett] = :i* he _h wat*$ ?r\gh long & we>y ye>s1 ! lett] t _h come too late4 ,too late8 ,nay1 n s4 ,^? /&+ by c\ld n see1 z ,tony saw1 ! woman :o lay dy+ 9 ! great hospital d[n 9 ! city4 ,!y c\ld n see1 z ,tony saw1 ! la/ rites ( ! ,*ur* adm9i/]$1 ! ,si/]s ( ,*>ity b5d+ ne> pray+1 pray+ = t s\l ab\t to dep>t ^u its la/ long j\rney4 ,!y c\ld n he>1 z ,tony he>d1 ! pale lips speak+ _! f9al words3 ,y wrote ! lett]1 ,si/]8 ,i wrote ! lett]1 de>4 ,x mu/ h rea*$ !m by n[4 ,y told !m ,i 0 dy+8 ,y ask$ !m to =give8 ,i told !m all & ,i'm sure !y h =giv5 already4 ,de> fa!r & "m6 ,god bless !m bo?6 ,god h m]cy ^u me6 ,!y c\ld n "k1 b ,tony knew4 ,p]haps t expla9$ ! smile on ,tony's face1 ! smile !y c\ld n compreh5d4 ,,! ,,tramp4 ,a pretty t\gh look+ "*1 t6 ,b ,i suppose y see a great _m j su* specim5s 9 ?is qua9t little t[n ( y\rs4 ,fa!r ,antony's back 0 turn$ to ! speak] & = sev]al mom5ts he rema9$ /&+ at ! top ( ! v]&a /eps1 foll[+ ) 8 eyes ! sl\*+ figure t _h j pass$ ?r\gh ! gate & 0 tramp+ sl[ly along ! c\nty road4 ,!n1 ) a sigh he return$ to 8 seat &1 runn+ 8 f+]s ?r\gh 8 hair1 rem>k$ half abs5tly3 ,poor fell[1 he look$ almo/ exhau/$4 ,i tri$ to p]suade him to rema9 "h a little long] & re/ = a spell4 ,:at a life !irs is6 ,"s ( !m1 ( c\rse1 really enjoy x1 b o!rs----4 ,ah1 me6 ^? poor o!rs4 ,& someh[ t tramp :o has j left u seems to me to belong to ! latt] class r ?an to ! =m]4 ,b p>don me1 ,fa!r1 :at 0 x y 7 j say+8 ,i 0 s int]e/$ 9 my tramp t ,i fail$ to cat* y\r words4 ,i m]ely rem>k$1 return$ ! y\ng] prie/1 smil+1 t y mu/ see a great _m ( ^! nomadic individuals 9 ?is qua9t little t[n ( y\rs4 ,i h be5 "h b a week & t is ! six? villa9\s look+ rascal :o has pres5t$ himself & dem&$ some?+ to eat4 ,yes1 a l>ge numb] ( tramps pass ?r\gh "h 9 ! c\rse ( a ye>1 = we are on ! direct road betwe5 ! two l>ge/ cities ( ! ,/ate4 ,_m ( !m are1 z y say1 villa9\s look+1 b ,i d n ?9k !y are half z bad z !y look4 ,9 fact1 9 "s cases1 ,i h f\nd !m to be pretty good fell[s once y _h pass$ ! r\gh ext]ior & rea*$ ! real man und]nea?4 ,y mu/ h _h "s v int]e/+ exp]i5ces ) ^! tramps ( y\rs2 h y n1 ,fa!r8 ask$ ! y\ng] man curi\sly4 ,i wi% y w\ld tell me "s ( !m4 ,fa!r ,an?ony %ift$ 8 *air s z to comm& a bett] view ( ! road4 ,he wat*$ 9 m$itative sil5ce until ! tramp _h become a m]e blot ^u ! :it5ess ( ! du/y road & _h f9ally disappe>$ ov] ! br[ ( a di/ant hill4 ,!n he spoke 9 tones ( rem9isc5ce3 ,x 0 on j su* a ,may ev5+ z ?is1 cle> & beautiful only mu* cool]1 t ,i sat 9 ?is v *air & wat*$ ! road z ,i am do+ n[4 ,b on t ev5+ ,i wat*$ anxi\sly1 divid$ betwe5 hopes & fe>s1 = ! figure t 0 s long 9 com+2 ,i 0 wat*+ = ,jim1 ! tramp4 ,jim _h promis$ fai?fully1 b ) "s m5 promises are made only to be brok54 ,i began to fe> t ,jim 0 "o ( ^!4 ,/ill ,i pray$ f]v5tly & cont9u$ to hope1 ?\gh ! twilight deep5$ & br\ght no sign ( my vagrant4 ,my meet+ ) ,jim _h come ab\t 9 ?is way4 ,= "s "t ,i _h be5 play+ a game ( hide & seek ) a c]ta9 backslid+ memb] ( my congregation4 ,! hid+ 0 all on 8 side1 ! seek+ on m9e4 ,try z ,i w\ld ,i c\ld n seem to obta9 an int]view ) him4 ,he 0 nev] at home :5 ,i call$2 s ,i decid$ t my only *ance ( com+ to close qu>t]s ) ! enemy 0 to surprise him at 8 "w4 ,t aft]noon ,i _h gone to ! qu>ries & f\nd my man sup]9t5d+ ! gang 9 *>ge ( ! /one-cru%]4 ,he c]ta9ly 0 surpris$ & n v pleas$ to see me1 & all ,i c\ld obta9 f him aft] m ?an an h\r ( argum5t & plead+ 0 a promise t 'he w\ld ?9k ab\t x4' ,! 'x' ref]r$ to ! mak+ ( 8 ,ea/] duty1 ! "t = :i* _h ne>ly expir$4 ,bitt]ly disappo9t$1 & ) a feel+ ( utt] defeat1 ,i 0 turn+ away :5 my /eps 7 arre/$ by a n unpleasant voice3 ',:y don't y try y\r h& on me1 ,fa!r8 ,i'm a black en\gh %eep to keep y busy = a few mom5ts anyway4' ,i :eel$ ar\nd & f\nd myself confront$ by a %ort1 ?ick-set man ( mo/ unattractive appe>ance1 a man :om y w\ld sc>ce *oose z a companion along a lonely road at night4 ,at a glance ,i siz$ up my new acqua9tance3 a typical tramp :o _h tak5 a job at /ok+ ! eng9e to v>y ! monotony ( ! road4 ,he 0 no pr(essional 'hobo1' b belong$ to t class :o take to tramp+ f necessity r ?an f *oice--a too great love = ! bottle be+ ! necessity4 ,!y f9d an odd job "h & !re1 hold x until pay day1 squ&] ! mon?'s e>n+s 9 ! ne>e/ saloon1 !n on aga9 9 se>* ( a job some:]e else4 ,i am well acqua9t$ ) ^! m51 b !re 0 some?+ ab\t ! r\gh look+ specim5 be=e me1 a c]ta9 some?+ 9 8 mann]1 9 8 spee*1 9 ! tw9kle ( 8 eyes1 :i* set him ap>t f ! re/ ( 8 class4 ,a grizzl$ be>d ( iron grey conceal$ ! l[] half ( 8 face1 & ! "r temple & *eek 7 disfigur$ by a sc> :i* gave ! c\nt5ance a decid$ly s9i/] appe>ance4 ,9 spite ( t ,i felt t ! man be=e me _h at "o "t be5 accu/om$ to a v diff]5t life f ! "o he 0 lead+ n[4 ',:y don't y try y\r h& on me1 ,fa!r8' he repeat$1 & ! smile accompany+ ! words made ! ugly face almo/ pleas+4 ,!re 0 n "t = a l5g?y conv]sation1 ! eng9e requir+ con/ant att5tion1 b ! tramp volunte]$ ! in=mation t he answ]$ to ! "n ( ,jim1 & promis$ to report at ! rectory 9 ! ev5+ & give me a *ance to try my h& on him4 ,9 ! ev5+1 !n1 ,i sat & wait$1 half fe>+ t he _h *ang$ 8 m9d & w\ld n come4 ,b j z ! fir/ pale />s began to tw9kle 9 ! sky ,jim pu%$ op5 ! gate & ,i w5t to meet him ) bo? h&s ext5d$ 9 w>me/ welcome4 ,he gave me 8 left h&1 & = ! fir/ "t ,i notic$ t ! "r 0 gone--amputat$ at ! wri/4 ,jim saw my glance ( %ock$ pity & smil$ z he said calmly3 ',x 0 ! dr9k did x1 ,fa!r--! h& & ?is sc> on my face4 ,i'd be5 hitt+ x up pretty lively & didn't realize :]e ,i 0 walk+4 ,! track wasn't wide en\gh = me & ! tra94 ,"o ( u _h to get (f1 & z ! eng9e 0 ! /rong] ( ! two--well1 y see ! result be=e y4' ',h[ long h y be5 tramp+1 ,jim8' ,i ask$4 ',m ye>s ?an ,i c>e to ?9k ( n[1 ,fa!r4 ,! dr9k aga94 ,9 fact1 x's be5 ! dr9k at e turn2 x's ru9$ my life1 made a complete fool ( me4 ,b let's get d[n to bus9ess2 only1 y'll h to help me out1 x's s long s9ce ,i w5t to confession ,i've almo/ =gott5 h[4' ',come into ! h\se or ! confessional 9 ! *ur*1' ,i sugge/$4 ',! h\se or ! confessional 9 ! *ur*8 ,no1 ?ank y1 ,fa!r4 ,my little fri5ds up yond]1 ^? pretty1 sp>kl+ />s1 my only companions on _m a lonely night1 h be5 ! witnesses ( my degradation4 ,let !m n[ behold my re/oration to ! favor ( ! ,god :om ,i've (f5d$4' ,/range words1 ^?1 f a tramp1 & ,i m>vel$ at !m4 ,)\t m ado we 'got d[n to bus9ess1' & x 0 ne>ly two h\rs lat] :5 we p>t$ at ! gate4 ,9 answ] to a "q ( m9e1 ,jim repli$ :imsically3 ',:]e d ,i live :ile ,i'm work+ on ?is job8 ,well1 y see1 ,fa!r1 ,i am r p>ticul> ) reg>d to my lodg+s1 & z !re is no?+ ar\nd "h t q suits me1 ,i j crawl "u ! eng9e & sleep !re4' ',b :5 x ra9s1 ,jim8' ',well1 x j ra9s1 t's all4' ,! next morn+ ,jim att5d$ my ,mass & receiv$ ,holy ,communion1 & e morn+ aft] t :5 ,i ent]$ ! *ur* to (f] up ! ,holy ,sacrifice ! fir/ p]son ,i w\ld see w\ld be my "o-arm$ tramp kneel+ 9 a f> corn]1 8 ros>y slipp+ ?r\gh 8 f+]s4 ,! ros>y _h belong$ to 8 "m1 & dur+ all 8 ye>s ( tramp+ he _h gu>d$ x z 8 mo/ preci\s treasure4 ,he _h worn x 9 a little *amois bag susp5d$ f a /r+ ar\nd 8 neck1 b _h n us$ x 9 _m1 _m ye>s4 ,he came regul>ly "o ev5+ 9 ea* week to make 8 confession & to h a little *at ) me4 ,z ! summ] progress$ ,i wond]$ m & m at ?is /range new acqua9tance ( m9e2 ?is r\gh look+ tramp ) ! mann]s ( a g5tleman & ! spee*1 except = a few lapses 9 ! v]nacul> ( ! road1 ( a man ( consid]able education4 ,! odde/ ?+ ( all 0 ! feel+ ,i _h t some:]e1 at "s "t1 ,jim & ,i _h met be=e4 ,little tricks ( voice & expression w\ld seem /rangely famili>4 ,! summ] gradually fad$ into autumn1 & "o ev5+ 9 late ,septemb] :5 ,i /ood at ! gate to say good-night to my tramp1 he rem>k$ sadly3 ',?is is good-by z well z good-night1 ,fa!r4 ,i h giv5 up my "w "h & am (f e>ly 9 ! morn+4' ',n ! road aga96' ,i cri$1 & ! next second w\ld h giv5 any?+ to recall ! ?\ghtless words4 ,a pa9$ look cross$ ,jim's face1 b he answ]$ quietly3 ',no1 ,fa!r1 n ! road4 ,nev] aga9 %all ,i return to t life4 ,i h sav$ my wages ?is summ] & am go+ back into ! _w to beg9 life all ov] aga94 ,?is "t1 ) ,god's help1 ,i %all n make su* a muddle ( x z ,i did be=e4' ,! next day he 0 gone1 & _m a night z ,i sat ov] my /udy-fire read+ or try+ to "w up my s]mon = ,sunday1 my ?\ghts w\ld /ray f ! subject 9 h& & w&] out into ! _w 9 se>* ( my fri5d ! tramp4 ,i w\ld li/5 to ! w9try bla/s :i/l+ d[n my *imney & wond] :]e ,jim 01 & wond] /ill m at 8 complete sil5ce4 ,surely he might let me "k if all 7 well ) him4 ,_h he p]sev]$8 ,or _h he1 p]haps1 laps$ into 8 =m] ways1 & 0 he1 ev5 n[1 tramp+ ! highways & byways8 ,w9t] pass$ & spr+ came2 /ill no news ( ,jim4 ,ano!r summ]1 ano!r fall1 ano!r w9t]4 ,sil5ce1 absolute sil5ce on ! "p ( my tramp4 ,!n1 "o ev5+ 9 ,may1 exactly two ye>s f ! day :5 ,i fir/ met him1 ,jim /ood be=e me once aga94 ,i recogniz$ him by ! miss+ "r h& & ! sc> on ! temple4 ,aside f ^? two po9ts & ! old m]ry tw9kle 9 8 eye he bore absolutely no resemblance to my tramp ( two ye>s ago4 ,! face 0 smoo? %av51 ! bloat1 caus$ by ye>s ( dr9k+1 _h all disappe>$1 & he look$ at lea/ t5 ye>s y\ng] ?an my =m] fri5d4 ,8 ragg$ tramp's g>b _h be5 replac$ by neat g>m5ts su* z a fairly prosp]\s bus9ess man might we>4 ,8 :ole appe>ance seem$ to indicate t ,jim _h done well 9 ! _w to :i* he _h return$4 ,sitt+ 9 ! g>d51 he told me all ab\t x4 ,yes1 he _h done well4 ,x _h be5 h>d at fir/1 oh6 v h>d4 ,!re _h be5 a "t :51 8 sav+s all gone & no employm5t 9 sight1 he _h fac$ actual />vation4 ,b ! d>ke/ h\r comes be=e dawn1 & t _h be5 ,jim's d>ke/ h\r4 ,f !n on ?+s began to m5d4 ,he _h obta9$ a good situation & 0 happy 9 x4 ,he _h n writt5 because = long1 = s v long1 he _h no news b bad news to s5d4 ,!re 0 no?+ b ill-luck & mis=tune to report1 & he wait$ f day to day hop+ ?+s w\ld bright54 ,!n1 :5 ! unexpect$ /roke ( good luck came1 he decid$ to wait yet a little long] until he c\ld br+ me ! good news 9 p]son4 ,all ! "t he 0 talk+ ,i wat*$ 8 face c>efully4 ,t puzzl+1 baffl+ resemblance to "s "o :om ,i _h kn[n 0 /rong] ?an ev] s9ce ! be>d :i* conceal$ s mu* ( 8 face _h be5 remov$4 ,i became m & m conv9c$ t we _h met be=e1 b :5 & :]e8 ,i rack$ my memory1 b ! "n1 ! p]sonality ,i want$1 elud$ my grasp4 ,some?+ ( my ?\ghts mu/ h %[n 9 my face1 = :5 ,jim f9i%$ 8 n>rative he ?rew back 8 head1 laugh+ m]rily at my v evid5t p]plexity4 ',x is really too bad to keep y guess+ any long]1 ,fa!r1' he said4 ',let me help y to rememb] :5 & :]e we met be=e4 ,li/5 & ,i w tell y a little /ory4 ',x is ,comm5cem5t day at a c]ta9 l>ge college 9 a c]ta9 city :i* we ne$ n "n4 ,! graduat+ class h met toge!r = ! la/ "t 9 _! own p>ticul> class-room4 ,! sa9tly1 :ite-hair$ prie/ :o has wat*$ _! progress /ep by /ep f ! day !y fir/ ent]$ college /&s be=e !m4 ,he speaks words to !m :i* br+s te>s to ^? "y eyes1 accu/om$1 z a rule1 to look+ only on ! m]ry side ( life4 ,he speaks words ( true affection1 ( g5tle admonition & fa!rly advice4 ,he gives to ea* y\? a t9y silv] m$al ( our ,bless$ ,"m1 & exacts f ea* "o a promise t he w fai?fully c>ry t little m$al until ! day ( 8 dea?4' ,z ,jim spoke he took f an inn] pocket a small m$al ( our ,lady & laid x on ! palm ( 8 h&4 ,i drew =? my ros>y1 & !re1 beside ! crucifix1 hung a m$al ! c\nt]p>t ( ,jim's4 ,he smil$ z he cont9u$3 ',i see y rememb] n[1 ,fa!r1 b li/5 j a little long] = my /ory is n f9i%$4 ,f t class-room ^? lads w5t =? into ! busy _w ( m5 & ( affairs4 ,!y w5t _! sep>ate ways1 ea* "o to fill t position 9 life to :i* he felt himself call$1 mo/ ( !m fir$ by ambition & confid5t ( success4 ',"o ( ^? "y m5 left ! college t night ) 8 he>t z buoyant & hopeful z any ( 8 companions4 ,almo/ f ! fir/1 h[ev]1 ?+s seem$ to g wrong ) him4 ,he 0 an orphan1 fa!r & "m hav+ di$ a few ye>s be=e4 ,p]haps if ei!r p>5t _h be5 at h& to w>n him ( ! dang]s into :i* he 0 drift+1 8 life might h be5 diff]5t4 ,p]haps1 ev5 if "s "o _h w>n$ him1 ! w>n+ w\ld h pass$ unhe$$4 ,he tri$ law = a "t & did n l x2 tri$ bus9ess & gave t up2 drift$ f "o ?+ to ano!r1 always drift+ l[]1 l[]1 until at la/ he f\nd himself an outca/ & a w&]]4 ,= "s ye>s he liv$ ! life ( a vagrant4 ,if at times a long+ to return to bett] ways1 a long+ = all t might h be51 /irr$ fa9tly )9 him1 ! feel+ 0 quickly dr[n$ by rec\rse to ! "o ?+ to :i* he rema9$ fai?ful1 ! enemy t _h br\ght ab\t 8 ru91 dr9k4 ',dur+ 8 w&]+s he pick$ up odd jobs "h & !re1 & "o day he is tak5 on by ! boss ( ! /one-cru%] ov] !re 9 ^? qu>ries ( y\rs4 ,!y 7 badly 9 ne$ ( "s "o to /oke ! eng9e1 & ev5 a r\gh look+ tramp 0 welcome4 ,t same day !re comes to ! place a c]ta9 prie/ :o is se>*+ = "o ( ! /ray %eep f 8 own fold4 ,! tramp recognizes ! prie/ at once1 & ! sight ( t famili> face br+s back ! old1 happy days ( 8 innoc5t boyhood4 ,! prie/ comm5ces to speak2 he pleads1 he reasons ) ! boss ( ! /one-cru%]4 ,9 _s ! tramp is once m back 9 ! college *apel li/5+ to ! sa9tly old man :o _h be5 8 guide & confidant 9 y\?1 & :o _h long s9ce pass$ to 8 rew>d4 ,! vague1 discont5t$ long+ = bett] ?+s rises up 9 full /r5g?4 ,aft] all1 :y n8 ,! look on ! prie/'s face z he turns away decides him4 ,t look ( bitt] disappo9tm5t1 ( real grief1 on ! face ( 8 old college fri5d is m ?an ! tramp c /&4 ,he speaks1 ! prie/ turns to him1 &--well1 ! re/ ( ! /ory y "k = y\rself1 ,fa!r4 ,t is1 ! re/ z f> z any mortal c relate x4 ,! end is n yet1 b ,i tru/ t end w be "o :i* w satisfy ev5 y4' ,sil5ce reign$ = sev]al mom5ts1 ! fragrant sil5ce ( a w>m ,may night4 ,& !n3 ,i am sure x w1 ,i am sure x w1 mus$ ,fa!r ,an?ony1 smil+ confid5tly4 ,i h no fe> z to :at ! end w be = ,jim1 my "o-arm$ tramp4 ,b ! o!r man1 ,fa!r1 ! boss ( ! /one-cru%]8 ,:at has become ( him8 ,oh6 t little game ( hide & seek is /ill go+ on1 b ,i h n lo/ hope ev5 yet4 ,god's mills gr9d sl[ly & we mu/ abide ,8 own good "t1 ,8 own good "t4 ,,he ,,ha? ,,put ,,d[n ,,! ,,mighty4 ,magnificat anima mea ,dom9um4 ,! exquisite voice rose & fell da9tily on ! inc5se-lad5 air4 ,et exultavit spiritus meus 9 ,deo salut>i meo1 respond$ ! *orus 9 triumphant h>mony4 ,x 0 a ,sunday ev5+ 9 e>ly ,june & ! h\r = ,vesp] s]vice at ,sa9t ,zita's conv5t4 ,rev]5d ,"m m\nt$ ! /aircase lead+ to ! *apel1 !n paus$1 ) h] h& ^u ! door1 to li/5 z ! wond]ful soprano aga9 took up ! refra93 ,quia respexit humilitatem ancillae suae4 ,poor *ild1 poor *ild1 :isp]$ ,rev]5d ,"m1 op5+ ! door & glid+ noiselessly to h] /all1 :]e %e knelt ) b[$ head & pray$ z %e _h nev] pray$ be=e2 pray$ 9 fe> & trembl+ = ! future ( ! girl ^: voice _h e>n$ = h] ! title ( ! night+ale ( ,sa9t ,zita's4 ,rev]5d ,"m _h always dread$ ! day :5 %e mu/ "p ) ?is de>ly lov$ *ild :o _h be5 entru/$ to h] c>e "s t5 ye>s be=e4 ,a g5tleman _h come to ,sa9t ,zita's br++ ) him 8 little daught] ( six4 ,a man ( grave1 ev5 /]n aspect1 !re 0 yet a look 9 8 eyes :i* fill$ ! nun's he>t ) a great pity2 x 0 ! look ( "o :o _h suff]$ deeply & 9 sil5ce4 ,he 0 a man ( few words & 8 err& 0 quickly expla9$4 ,he 0 oblig$ to be abs5t f home ! great] "p ( ! "t & c\ld n att5d to ! education ( 8 little girl z he w\ld l to d4 ,8 wife 0 n ( our fai? & 0 also too busily occupi$ to look aft] ! *ild4 ,he did n m5tion t h] occupation 0 t ( society butt]fly1 :o sacrific$ homelife1 husb& & *ild 9 ! pursuit ( pleasure4 ,w\ld ,rev]5d ,"m k9dly und]take ! *>ge ( 8 little ,nita's education1 spiritual z well z intellectual8 ,w\ld %e be to ! *ild :at fa!r & "m ought to be & c\ld n8 ,rev]5d ,"m _h gladly und]tak5 ! task1 & s9ce !n ,nita _h nev] be5 sep>at$ f h] ev5 = a day4 ,dur+ ! vacations1 :5 o!r pupils scatt]$ f> & wide to _! v>i\s homes1 ,nita _h rema9$ at ! conv5t1 roam+ at w ?r\gh ! des]t$ class-room & beautiful gr\nds4 ,%e 0 ! pet & d>l+ ( ! entire community4 ,9 ! long summ] aft]noons :5 ! nuns c>ri$ _! sew+ out to ! or*>d beh9d ! h\se1 or to ! p9e grove on ! hill1 :]e "o c\ld obta9 su* a lovely view ( ! riv]1 ,nita w\ld flit ab\t among/ !m l a v]itable woodl& fairy4 ,h] snat*es ( song & m]ry laught] made sylvan e*oes r+ & br\ght smiles to ! faces ( ! simple wom5 :o wat*$ h] ) lov+ sympa!tic glances4 ,_m a "t1 especially ( late1 _h ,rev]5d ,"m look$ at h] ) anxi\s =ebod+ 9 h] eyes4 ,:at w\ld ! future hold = ?is *ild ( h]s1 end[$ z %e 0 ) s+ul> beauty & a wond]ful voice8 ,%e 0 a docile *ild1 sunny & sweet-temp]$1 & t v pliancy ( nature 0 :at caus$ ! nun _m a mom5t ( uneas9ess4 ,:at w\ld become ( h] once %e _h left ! %elt] ( h] conv5t home & 0 expos$ to ! influ5ce ( ! light-he>t$1 m]ry1 s\lless "m f :om %e _h inh]it$ h] beauty2 ! "m ^: only god 0 pleasure1 ^: "o ambition 0 to be ! be/ dress$1 ! mo/ popul>1 ! mo/ envi$ woman 9 h] set4 ,! only hope lay 9 keep+ ,nita at ! conv5t z long z possible1 or at lea/ until h] "* _h develop$ suffici5tly to enable h] to ent] h] "m's _w & hold h] own aga9/ x4 ,/ill1 ,rev]5d ,"m dread$ ! day :5 %e mu/ "p ) h] *ild1 & n[ t ! p>t+ _h come s unexpect$ly1 s mu* soon] ?an %e _h anticipat$1 x 0 d\bly h>d to be>4 ,! nun knelt 9 ! *apel t ,june ev5+ & pray$ ) all h] he>t1 n only = ! future ( ! girl ^: voice fill$ ! air ) su* exquisite melody1 b also = help to break to t girl z g5tly z possible ! sad news await+ h]4 ,^w _h j arriv$ t h] fa!r lay dang]\sly ill & ,nita mu/ ha/5 to 8 b$side if %e wi%$ to see him once m 9 ?is _w4 ,! c>riage 0 wait+ & ,nita mu/ g at once4 ,! ,b5$iction ov] & ! lights ext+ui%$1 all save ! t9y radiance ( ! ,sanctu>y lamp1 ) a f9al appeal+ glance t[>ds ! ,tab]nacle door1 ,rev]5d ,"m left ! *apel1 desc5d$ to h] (fice1 :]e %e 0 accu/om$ to int]view ! pupils ea* 9 turn1 & summon$ ,nita to h] pres5ce4 ,a little lat] %e /ood at ! foot ( ! conv5t /eps & wat*$ ! c>riage drive away ) a weep+1 =lorn little figure huddl$ 9 "o corn]1 :ile ! good lay-si/] :o accompani$ h] va9ly essay$ words ( *e] & consolation4 ,%e wat*$ ) te>-dimm$ eyes z ! c>riage roll$ rapidly d[n ! av5ue & out ?r\gh ! gate1 !n ent]$ ! h\se & repair$ at once to h] refuge 9 all trials & afflictions t might beset h] way1 ! conv5t *apel4 ,!re1 ) h] eyes on ! little gold5 door beh9d :i* ! de>e/ & be/ ( ,com=t]s is always wait+ = ! sorr[ful1 ! s9-lad51 ! we>y-he>t$1 to come to ,him1 %e f\nd consolation & peace4 ,h] *ild 0 9 ! ,"l's h&s & surely 9 ^? h&s %e w\ld be safe4 ,_m times h ! ,june roses blossom$ & fall5 s9ce ! night on :i* ,rev]5d ,"m /ood 9 ! conv5t doorway & wat*$ ! dep>ture ( ! c>riage :i* 0 be>+ h] *ild away f h] out into ! _w ( suff]+ & s94 ,once m1 ! ,june sun%9e is flood+ ! l& & ! air is heavy ) ! odor ( ,june blossoms4 ,9 a small t[n 9 ! s\? ( ,france1 a "y woman1 g[n$ 9 deepe/ m\rn+1 sits by h] own casem5t & gazes gloomily1 despair+ly1 out into ! ga!r+ twilight4 ,on a table at h] side is a small pile ( money :i* %e has c\nt$ ov] & ov] aga9 9 ! va9 hope t %e may h made a mi/ake & t1 p]haps1 aft] all1 ! am\nt is n q s small z %e has made x out to be4 ,t little pile ( money repres5ts h] entire worldly weal?1 & :5 x is gone :at is to become ( h]8 ,"w8 ,%e glances at ! s(t1 delicate h&s re/+ idly 9 h] lap4 ,_! :it5ess is dazzl+ z comp>$ ) ! black ( h] g[n1 & %e smiles r bitt]ly4 ,:at "w c\ld h&s l ^? p]=m8 ,!y are beautiful c]ta9ly1 b useless1 absolutely useless1 j z %e h]self is useless4 ,!re is n "o ?+ by :i* %e c e>n h] daily bread1 & e>n x %e mu/ or />ve4 ,to :at a pass has %e come2 %e1 :o at "o "t _h weal? at h] comm& & ! _w at h] feet4 ,z %e sits !re1 brok5 9 _s1 brok5 9 heal?1 a middle-ag$ woman 9 appe>ance1 :ile 9 ye>s n mu* beyond h] fir/ y\?1 %e recalls ^? triumphs ( h] pa/4 ,h] success _h be5 m>vel\s ?\gh %ort-liv$4 ,h] m9d w&]s back to ! days :5 %e 0 ! pet & idol ( musical ,europe4 ,! m]e ann\ncem5t t %e 0 to s+ w\ld pack ! l>ge/ op]a h\se to ! v doors4 ,ah6 ^? days ( triumph1 :5 %e _h pass$ f "o success to ano!r1 :5 ! mighty ones ( ! e>? 7 pleas$ to d h] honor1 :5 ! inc5se ( praise & flatt]y 0 burn$ day & night ^u ! %r9e ( h] greatness4 ,h] "m 0 ) h] !n1 ! beautiful1 fairylike little "m = :om h] love _h be5 almo/ wor%ip4 ,h] voice _h be5 ) h]1 too1 t voice at :i* two cont95ts _h m>vel$4 ,bo? are gone n[1 ! beautiful "m1 ! wond]ful voice2 gone1 gone =ev]1 & %e is alone 9 ! _w1 alone & poor & fri5dless4 ,%e recalls ! fir/ & only "t :5 %e appe>$ 9 public 9 ,am]ica1 h] native l&4 ,%e did n want to s+ t night1 = h] "m1 :o _h be5 slightly ail+ = "s "t1 seem$ v mu* worse4 ,%e _h decid$ n to appe> at all1 b _h f9ally yield$ to ! "m's entreaties & driv5 to ! op]a h\se4 ,:at an ovation %e _h receiv$ t night6 ,%e c\ld see x all aga93 ! lights1 ! fl[]s1 ! music1 ! va/ audi5ce simply frantic ) delight at h] p]=mance4 ,at ! close %e _h be5 recall$ aga9 & aga91 & ^? en?usia/ic plaudits /ill rang 9 h] e>s4 ,h[ little %e _h dream$ z %e smil$ & b[$ h] ?anks1 & h[ little ^? :o wat*$ h] _h dream$ t nev] aga9 0 t wond]ful voice to be he>d by mortal e>s1 t voice :i* _h /irr$ millions ( he>ts & made its own] "o ( ! =emo/ s+]s ( h] day4 ,%e _h driv5 home f t sc5e ( triumph to f9d t h] "m's condition _h become al>m+ly worse 9 ! few h\rs ( h] abs5ce1 & be=e morn+ %e _h /ood beside a dea?b$ ! recollection ( :i* makes h] %udd] ev5 n[4 ,! poor1 pretty butt]fly1 h] %ort summ] ov]1 f\ght frantically b va9ly aga9/ ! annihilation :i* 0 com+ ^u h]4 ,! memory ( h] e>ly tra9+ at ,sa9t ,zita's1 ! memory too ( t o!r dea?-sc5e %e _h witness$ :5 h] fa!r _h pass$ away s calmly1 s peacefully1 ) 8 eyes ^u ! crucifix & ! words ( ,god's m9i/] r++ 9 8 e>s1 came to ! girl & %e _h begg$ to be all[$ to s5d = a prie/4 ,h] "m _h nev] pr(ess$ any belief1 b x seem$ t]rible to ,nita to h h] die )\t ev5 a pray] to help h] 9 t la/ awful mom5t4 ,entreaties 7 ( no avail4 ,! idea ( a prie/1 ( religion1 ( ev5 a f9al pray]1 0 laugh$ to scorn4 ,besides1 %e 0 n dy+4 ,%e 0 "y yet & 0 go+ to h _m m ye>s ( sun%9e & pleasure be=e s9k+ into ! oblivion ( ! cold1 d>k grave4 ,no1 no1 let !m n speak ( dea?1 t fe>some1 awful spectre4 ,%e 0 go+ to live4 ,take x away1 take x away1 t dreadful ?+ /&+ !re beside h]1 lay+ its icy h& ^u h] =ehead4 ,its t\* 0 turn+ h] to /one4 ,%e 0 cold1 & x 0 gr[+ s d>k %e c\ld see no?+4 ,:y did !y n br+ lights2 :y did !y n take away ! dreadful ?+ beside h] b$8 ,! f9al /ruggle 0 fe>ful to behold1 & ev5 n[ ,nita is haunt$ day & night by ! sc5e4 ,ev5 n[1 !re are times :5 %e spr+s f h] sleep ) a cry ( t]ror1 ?9k+ %e is aga9 assi/+ at ! dep>ture ( t poor s\l :o f\ght s frantically aga9/ ! p[] ( dea?4 ,) h] "m1 a l>ge "p ( _! income di$ also1 b %e /ill _h suffici5t money to supply h] wants4 ,h] voice1 too1 0 a =tune 9 itself2 manag]s all ov] ! c\ntry 7 eag] & anxi\s to sign a contract on any t]ms %e *ose to dictate4 ,! %ock ( h] "m's dea? s unn]v$ h] t %e decid$ to sp5d a ye> 9 re/ & travel be=e return+ to ! /age4 ,%e _h come abroad aga91 b _h sc>cely rea*$ ,london :5 %e 0 attack$ by a sev]e ?roat tr\ble4 ,! mo/ em95t physicians 7 consult$1 v>i\s treatm5ts tri$1 b ! disease w\ld n yield4 ,! s\? ( ,france 0 recomm5d$1 & hi!r %e _h come 9 a la/ va9 ef=t to save ! voice :i* _h *>m$ all ,europe4 ,at fir/ %e 0 incr$ul\s4 ,!n1 %e hop$ aga9/ hope t "t w\ld prove !m wrong & t ! lo/ voice w\ld return "s day ev5 bett] & ri*] ?an x 0 be=e4 ,n[1 all h] hopes are gone1 all h] delusions swept away4 ,%e kn[s %e w nev] s+ aga91 & "h 9 h] h& %e holds ! cable message :i* =ms ! la/ 9 ?is s]ies ( dire mis=tunes :i* h come ^u h] )9 ! la/ two ye>s4 ,x is ! message :i* tells h] t h] inve/m5ts h fail$ & t %e is p5niless4 ,%e sits by h] w9d[ 9 ! ,june twilight1 ! numbness ( despair tak+ possession ( h]4 ,on ! table lies all ! money %e owns 9 ! _w4 ,x is suffici5t to cov] ! few bills %e owes1 ! sal>y ( ! woman :o has travel$ ) h] z maid & companion1 & pay h] passage back to h] native l&4 ,b :at !n8 ,am]ica once rea*$1 :]e c %e g1 to :om c %e turn8 ,! di/ant relatives1 ! fri5ds :o cr[d$ ar\nd h] 9 h] days ( success1 anxi\sly seek+ a smile1 a ^w1 a tok5 ( h] favor1 h[ w !y receive h] if %e goes to !m a paup]1 a dep5d5t ^u _! *>ity8 ,!re is no "o to :om %e c turn1 no place to :i* %e c g1 & z ! twilight deep5s a heavi] blackness settles ^u ! s\l ( ! girl4 ,pres5tly ! s\nd ( music breaks 9 on ! ev5+ /illness1 ! s\nd ( an organ respond+ to ! t\* ( skill$ f+]s & bl5d$ ) x ! tones ( wom5's voices4 ,! nuns 9 a neighbor+ conv5t are *ant+ ! ev5+ (fice4 ,! s\nd recalls ! *apel at ,sa9t ,zita's1 ! or*>d1 ! nuns1 de> k9d ,rev]5d ,"m4 ,:at peaceful1 happy h\rs ^? 78 ,has %e ev] kn[n real happ9ess s9ce %e quitt$ ! quiet conv5t home ( h] *ildhood8 ,ev5 9 ! days ( h] greate/ triumphs1 0 !re n always some?+ %e c\ld n atta91 ! little bit m :i* 0 always want+8 ,b at ,sa9t ,zita's1 h[ diff]5t1 oh6 h[ diff]5t6 ,happ9ess su* z ! _w c\ld n dream ( rul$ )9 its walls4 ,%e wond]s :at !y are do+ n[1 ! de> nuns & ,rev]5d ,"m4 ,!y1 too1 are probably 9 ! *apel recit+ ! (fice2 "s ( !m ?9k+ ( h] p]haps4 ,:at w\ld !y say if !y knew h[ false %e has prov5 to all _! tea*+s1 h[ c>eless %e has gr[n 9 ! practice ( t religion :i* is de>] to !m ?an life itself8 ,a s5t5ce 9 ! la/ lett] %e receiv$ f ,rev]5d ,"m comes n[ to h] m9d4 ,! lett] rea*$ h] ye>s be=e & has nev] be5 answ]$4 ,! words are ^!3 ,de> *ild1 y are successful & happy n[1 ) ! _w at y\r feet1 b if ! day ev] comes :5 all ^! ?+s fall away f y & y /& 9 ne$ ( a true fri5d or ( any assi/ance we c r5d]1 rememb] ,sa9t ,zita's is /ill y\r home & y\r old "m's he>t is sick ) long+ = a sight ( h] *ild4 ,worldly joys mu/ vani%1 worldly hopes decay1 b ,sa9t ,zita's & ,rev]5d ,"m w be "h wait+ = y4 ,h[ %e longs = ! peace & quiet ( ! old home & ! com=t+ t\* ( ,rev]5d ,"m's k9d arms ab\t h]6 ,:at is x t ! nuns are s++6 ,! ,magnificat4 ,%e li/5s 9 sil5ce = a few mom5ts1 !n1 a /range smile curv+ h] lips1 %e recites 9 unison ) ! *oir3 ,deposuit pot5tes de s$e4 ,yea1 ,"l1 ,?\ ha/ inde$ put d[n ! mighty4 ,x is n until aft] ! voices are /ill$1 long aft] ! _w is wrapp$ 9 slumb]1 t ! girl turns f h] op5 w9d[ & ga!rs toge!r ! small /ore ( money on ! table beside h]1 repeat+ to h]self ! :ile1 sl[ly1 half abs5tly3 ,i wond]2 ,i wond]4 99 99 99 99 99 ,ano!r ye> has roll$ ar\nd & aga9 ! ,june roses 9 ! g>d5 at ,sa9t ,zita's fill ! summ] air ) _! heavy fragrance4 ,! conv5t door op5s & ,rev]5d ,"m /eps out into ! portico accompani$ by a call]1 "o ( ! old girls come back to pay a fleet+ visit to ! home ( h] *ildhood4 ,! nun has *ang$ b little ) ! pass+ ( ! ye>s1 b ^? :o love h] be/ note ) anxi\s eyes ! slight /oop ( ! %\ld]s & feebl5ess ( gait4 ,! visitor glances idly at a lay-si/] :o is busily engag$ sweep+ ! long flight ( /one /eps lead+ f ! portico to ! driveway bel[4 ,h] glance passes ov] ! insignificant figure ( ! lay-si/]1 &1 look+ across to ! p9e grove on ! hill1 %e speaks to ,rev]5d ,"m4 ,d y "k1 ,"m1 e "t ,i /& "h & look at ^? trees ,i am rem9d$ ( ,nita1 '! night+ale ( ,sa9t ,zita's1' z we us$ to call h]4 ,t grove 0 ev] h] favorite resort & ev5 ! odor ( p9es makes me ?9k ( h]4 ,i wi% ,i knew :at _h become ( h]4 ,i witness$ h] p]=mance ! only "t %e sang "h 9 ,am]ica1 & truly1 x 0 wond]ful4 ,!n %e disappe>$ completely f ! face ( ! e>?1 z completely z if ! gr\nd _h op5$ & swall[$ h]4 ,rumors came ( h] travels 9 ,engl& & ! s\? ( ,france & aft] t no news ( h] c\ld be obta9$4 ,occasionally1 my de> ,"m1 & ! visitor smil$ kn[+ly2 occasionally ,i h fanci$ t y knew h] :]eab\ts & c\ld tell u ( h]4 ,y are "r1 de> *ild1 ,i c\ld tell y1 b ,i may n4 ,at lea/1 ,"m1 tell me ?is3 ,%e is well & happy8 ,%e is well1 inde$1 & ,i ?9k ,i may safely say happi] ?an %e has ev] be5 be=e4 ,?ank y1 ,"m1 & ! visitor desc5ds ! /eps & is gone4 ,si/] ,gabrielle1 calls ,rev]5d ,"m g5tly4 ,! lay-si/] approa*es1 h] broom /ill 9 h] h&4 ,y he>d our conv]sation1 ,si/]8 ,yes1 my ,"m4 ,i spoke truly1 did ,i n1 de>e/ *ild8 & ! old eyes pe] anxi\sly into ! dep?s ( ! y\ng] & smil+ eyes rais$ to meet h] gaze4 ,y spoke truly1 my ,"m4 ,nev] be=e h ,i kn[n :at real peace & real happ9ess 74 ,nev]1 did ,i dream t life on e>? c\ld be z m9e is1 s happy t x seems to me a little =eta/e ( ! joy ! angels mu/ "k 9 heav54 ,deposuit pot5tes de s$e1 et exaltavit humiles4 ,a ,,memorable ,,*ri/mas ,,morn+4 ,on ! outskirts ( "o ( our l>ge mill t[ns1 at ! v end ( a n>r[ /reet l9$ on ea* side by a r[ ( dwell+ h\ses ( ! poor] class1 /ood a t9y cottage4 ,x 0 a humble1 unpret5ti\s abode ( only f\r rooms1 b x 0 home to ! we>y girl /ruggl+ up ! hillside4 ,! tir$ eyes bright5$ & lagg+ /eps quick5$ involunt>ily z %e turn$ ! corn] & saw ! welcom+ light /ream+ f ! kit*5 w9d[4 ,x 0 v late on ! eve ( ,*ri/mas day & ! /reet 0 des]t$ save = ! solit>y figure ha/5+ t[>ds t beacon light ( home4 ,d>kness & sil5ce reign$ 9 mo/ ( ! h\ses %e pass$1 & %e sigh$ z %e said to h]self3 ,poor "m6 ,/ill up & /ill at "w4 ,i wi% %e w\ld n "w s h>d2 !re is no ne$ = x n[4 ,rea*+ ! kit*5 w9d[1 %e /ood = a mom5t to take note ( ! little sc5e )94 ,by ! table h] "m sat sew+1 h] head b5t ov] h] "w & f+]s fly+ z %e pli$ ! ne$le 9 & out4 ,z ! girl wat*$1 ! "m look$ up at ! clock on ! %elf above ! /ove1 %ook h] head sadly1 & ha/ily bru%+ away ! te>s :i* spr+ to h] eyes1 resum$ h] sew+4 ,poor "m6 aga9 sigh$ ! girl4 ,worry+ ab\t ,tim1 z usual1 ,i suppose4 ,!n op5+ ! kit*5 door1 %e /epp$ into ! welcome w>m? & light ( home4 ,well1 little "m1 %e cri$ *e]ily2 "h ,i am at la/1 & ,i suppose y ?\ght ,i 0 nev] com+4 ,y see1 de>1 we _h to "w v late to-night to f9i% a l>ge ord]4 ,!n !re 0 confession & ,i 0 delay$ !re q a :ile4 ,i 0 almo/ ! la/ to be he>d & x 0 consid]ably aft] t5 by ! "t ,i left ! *ur*4 ,ev]yone 9 t[n seem$ to be go+ to confession to-night4 ,n ev]yone1 said h] "m sadly4 ,!re is "o :o has n be5 9 spite ( 8 promise to u & to ! ,fa!r4 ,! girl glanc$ quickly at ! table on :i* plates = two 7 laid1 !n at ! supp] keep+ hot ^u ! /ove1 & exclaim$ r bitt]ly3 ,s ,tim is away aga91 z usual1 is he8 ,& he promis$ fai?fully to come home e>ly to-night & g to confession = ,*ri/mas4 ,b !n1 he promis$ ! same la/ ,ea/] & e ,fir/ ,friday s9ce1 & has brok5 8 ^w e "t4 ,"m1 h[ long is x n[ s9ce ,tim has be5 to ,mass or to confession8 ,i d n l to ?9k1 *ild2 x's a pretty long "t4 ,i c't und]/& :at has come ov] him4 ,he us$ to be su* a good boy1 su* a help & com=t to me1 & n[ he is sl[ly break+ my he>t4 ,i've _h trials en\gh1 trials en\gh1 z y "k1 b ,i nev] compla9$4 ,i nev] murmur$ till n[4 ,i 0 always ready to say3 ',god's w be done4' ,b ?is1 ?is is diff]5t4 ,long ago1 :5 y & ,tim 7 *ildr51 & ! tw9s up/airs 7 b a few weeks old1 & y\r fa!r met ) t accid5t t crippl$ him = life1 ,i only said3 ',god's w be done4' ,all ?r\gh ! ye>s he l+]$ 9 sickness & suff]+ & ,i _h to "w day & night1 day & night to support y all1 ,i /ill said only3 ',god's w be done4' ,all ?r\gh t long1 h>d fight to keep />vation f ! door1 :5 ,i saw my little *ildr5 cry+ at times ) cold & hung]1 & wat*$ my husb& sl[ly dy+ & 0 unable to give him any ( ^? little com=ts & luxuries :i* ! sick require1 my only words 73 ',8 holy w be done4' ,b 9 ?is1 ! wor/ ( all ! trials t h come to me1 :5 ,i see my boy drift+ away f u all1 turn+ 8 back on ,god & 8 religion & w&]+ away night aft] night ) c>eless1 jovial companions1 int5t only on ! pursuits ( pleasure & folly2 ,god help me1 ,i simply _c b[ my head & say3 ',god's w be done'2 & te>s /ream$ unhe$$ f ! "m's eyes4 ,! girl /epp$ quickly to h] "m's side & drew ! gray head g5tly to h] %\ld]1 :isp]+ com=t+ly3 ,!re1 !re1 little "m1 don't cry s4 ,y are frett+ y\rself to dea? ov] ,tim1 & surely1 surely1 ?+s w come "r 9 ! end4 ,tim is n a bad boy1 "m de>1 only a little wild j n[4 ,rememb] h[ good he us$ to be1 h[ k9d1 h[ helpful1 9 t h>d "t y 7 j speak+ ab\t4 ,rememb] h[ good he 0 :5 fa!r di$1 & h[ "y he 0 :5 he fir/ w5t to "w to help y support u all4 ,tim's a good boy at he>t1 "m1 & he's b\nd to come back be=e long4 ,yes1 de>ie1 t's :at ! ,fa!r says1 return$ h] "m1 sl[ly dry+ h] eyes & ris+ to lay ! girl's supp] ^u ! table4 ,he says n to worry b j pray1 pray1 pray1 & ,tim w surely come back be=e long4 ,b !re1 de>1 sit d[n & eat y\r supp]2 !n we'll fill ! *ildr5's /ock+s = ,i c guess :at is 9 all ^? p>cels y br\ght home4 ,poor little ?+s1 x w\ld n be ,*ri/mas = !m unless !y hung _! /ock+s4 ,?ank ,god1 ,i've always manag$ to f9d some?+ to put into !m if x 0 only an orange or an apple & a little c&y4 ,inde$1 t's ab\t all x 0 :5 y & ,tim 7 y\ng]1 b life is s mu* easi] n[ t y are help+ me4 ,& x is go+ to be easi] /ill1 "m de>1 & y w be ! happie/ little woman 9 ! _w "o ( ^! days4 ,?is wild spell ( ,tim's is b\nd to pass & !n he w settle d[n & be 8 own old self aga94 ,!re1 de>1 ! girl cont9u$1 a few mom5ts lat]2 my supp] is f9i%$ & n[ ,i'll cle> away ^! di%es & fill ! *ildr5's /ock+s4 ,j see all ! pretty ?+s ,i've br\ght = !m4 ,won't _! little eyes dance :5 !y see !m6 ,!n1 "m de>1 be=e we g to sleep1 y & ,i w say ! ros>y = ,tim4 ,x is too late = him to g to confession to-night1 b :]ev] he is1 & ,god alone kn[s :]e he may be1 he ne$s our pray]s & he w h !m4 ,z ! good ,fa!r said1 we w pray1 pray1 pray4 ,if we only pray h>d en\gh & tru/ h>d en\gh1 ?+s are b\nd to come "r 9 ! end4 ,! aft]noon & ev5+ _h be5 unusually busy ones = ,fa!r ,xavi]4 ,h\r aft] h\r he _h sat 9 ! confessional li/5+ to ! tales ( s9 & sorr[ t 7 p\r$ into 8 e>s4 ,h\r aft] h\r he _h sp5t be/[+ ! prie/ly absolution on ! rep5tant s9n]1 giv+ fa!rly advice & consolation to ! sorr[ful1 s5d+ all ^? tr\bl$ s\ls away light] & happi] = 8 m9i/rations4 ,h\r aft] h\r he _h wait$1 hop+ aga9/ hope1 = ! s\nd ( ! "o voice above all o!rs :i* he mo/ desir$ to he>4 ,9 a t[n l t :i* =m$ ,fa!r ,xavi]'s p>i%1 ! pa/or is inde$ ! fa!r ( 8 flock4 ,e man1 woman & *ild is kn[n to him p]sonally1 & he takes a direct int]e/ 9 ea* "o's welf>e4 ,z ,fa!r ,xavi] sat t ,*ri/mas eve & li/5$ to ! confessions ( 8 p1 8 he>t grew sad & hope gradually di$ away z he wait$ 9 va9 = ! voice ( "o :om he 0 /riv+ to br+ back to ,god & to 8 duty4 ,! cr[d ( p5it5ts melt$ away "o by "o1 ! few la/ /raggl]s _h be5 he>d1 & /ill ! prie/ wait$ 9 8 confessional4 ,! boy might possibly come ev5 yet1 8 boy :om he _h lov$ ) a special affection ev] s9ce he 0 a t9y little *ap fir/ le>n+ 8 pray]s 9 ! baby class ( ! ,sunday-s*ool4 ,:y 0 x he _h n be5 able to hold ! boy8 ,:y _h he n be5 able to prev5t 8 w&]+ away ) bad companions1 ?is absolute neglect ( all religi\s duties on ! "p ( 8 boy8 ,:y c\ld he n succe$ 9 br++ him back aga9 ev5 ?\gh ! boy _h w&]$ f> afield8 ,fa!r ,xavi] _h hop$ mu* f ?is ,*ri/mas eve1 = ,tim _h promis$ fai?fully to make 8 confession & to />t anew 9 ! pa? f :i* 8 feet _h /ray$4 ,tim _h promis$ x z 8 ,*ri/mas gift to ! ,fa!r4 ,yes1 ,tim _h promis$1 b ,tim _h brok5 8 promise4 ,) a sigh ( utt] we>9ess1 we>9ess ( body1 we>9ess ( m9d1 ,fa!r ,xavi] rose & left ! confessional4 ,he glanc$ ov] ! *ur*2 x 0 empty4 ,he glanc$ t[>ds ! alt> & 8 eyes re/$ on ! sanctu>y lamp :i* appe>$ to be burn+ ) unwont$ brightness4 ,! h\r 0 late1 mu* lat] ?an he 0 accu/om$ to keep ! *ur* op51 /ill he l+]$1 unwill+ to give up a la/ =lorn hope t 8 boy might yet keep 8 promise4 ,) eyes fix$ on ! ,tab]nacle door1 ! prie/ knelt & comm5c$ to recite ! ros>y1 plead+1 plead+ = 8 boy4 ,! joyful my/]ies 7 f9i%$ & no "o came2 ! sorr[ful1 /ill no "o2 f9ally1 ! glori\s my/]ies1 & /ill ! prie/ 0 alone4 ,) "o la/ appeal = ! welf>e ( t w&]+ s\l1 ,fa!r ,xavi] rose f 8 knees & walk$ to ! door ( ! *ur* to close x = ! night4 ,he pass$ out on ! /eps & /ood = a mom5t li/5+ to a b& ( roi/]]s t 7 com+ up ! /reet di/urb+ ! peaceful quiet ( ! night ) _! noisy songs & laught]4 ,:]e 0 8 boy at t mom5t8 ,he might possibly be ) ?is v b& ( half-drunk5 revell]s :o 7 ev5 n[ pass+ by & w\ld soon be swall[$ up 9 ! d>kness ( ! /reet4 ,if n ) ?is b&1 he 0 probably w&]+ some:]e ) ano!r j l x4 ,:]e 0 8 boy at t mom5t8 ,! prie/ turn$1 re-ent]$ ! *ur*1 & lock+ ! door1 pass$ up ! aisle ext+ui%+ ! lights z he w5t along4 ,he /ood be=e ! alt> & once m look$ at ! sanctu>y lamp4 ,x 0 c]ta9ly burn+ ) unusual brightness to-night4 ,x set weird1 fanta/ic %ad[s danc+ along ! walls & peopl$ ! dim recesses ( ! *ur* ) gobl9 %apes4 ,x seem$ beckon+ to him1 call+ to him1 draw+ him gradually to ! /eps ( ! alt>1 :]e he sank ^u 8 knees to pray once m = 8 w&]+ boy4 ,= yet an h\r ! prie/ l+]$ be=e ! ,tab]nacle4 ,!n1 utt]ly worn out 9 m9d & body1 he pass$ ?r\gh ! sacri/y1 lock$ ! door1 & m\nt$ ! /eps ( 8 own h\se to seek a few h\rs ( re/ be=e comm5c+ ! ardu\s duties ( ,*ri/mas day4 ,! *ur* & rectory 7 situat$ on a hill & ! prie/ /ood 9 8 doorway & look$ d[n ^u ! t[n bel[4 ,x 0 n[ aft] midnight1 b _m lights 7 /ill burn+ & ! fa9t s\nd ( di/ant m]ry-mak+ rea*$ ! prie/'s e>s4 ,0 8 boy d[n !re among ! revell]s8 ,beyond ! t[n lay ! riv]1 froz51 d>k & /ill2 & beyond t aga9 %one ! lights ( ! neighbor+ city4 ,0 8 boy ov] !re beyond t d>k1 sil5t riv]8 ,0 he ov] !re 9 ! city 9 "s "o ( ^? d5s ( iniquity :i* _h lur$ s _m "y m5 to _! ru98 ,well1 :]ev] ! boy 0 he mu/ be left n[ to ! c>e ( ,god & 8 angel = ,fa!r ,xavi] _h done all he c\ld t night2 & ! prie/ w5t 9 & clos$ ! door4 ,at t same mom5t1 9 a little cottage at ! o!r end ( ! t[n1 a sleepless "m rose f h] knees beside ! kit*5 table & pass$ sl[ly up ! /airs to h] own room4 ,! *ildr5 & ! elde/ girl 7 long s9ce asleep1 b ! "m c\ld n re/ = ?9k+ ( h] wayw>d boy4 ,:]e 0 he to-night2 :]e at ?is v mom5t8 ,& he _h promis$1 promis$ fai?fully to turn ov] a new leaf ) ?is ,*ri/mas eve4 ,*ri/mas eve 0 "h1 nay1 x 0 come & gone = midnight _h s\nd$ & x 0 n[ ,*ri/mas morn+4 ,/ill1 ?is night mu/ be = h] z all ^? o!r nights :5 %e _h la9 awake h\r aft] h\r li/5+ 9 sil5t angui% = ! foot/ep t did n come4 ,%e _h hop$ mu* f t promise ( 8 to ,fa!r ,xavi] & to h]1 & h] disappo9tm5t 0 proportionately bitt]4 ,! "m walk$ to ! w9d[ & look$ out ^u ! sil5t1 fro/y night4 ,l[ d[n ^u ! horizon myriads ( />s 7 tw9kl+ m]rily1 b high up 9 ! heav5s ! moon %one ) a brilliant radiance t totally eclips$ all less] lights4 ,! night 0 v /ill1 v beautiful1 b ! sil5ce & ! beauty fail$ to br+ peace to ! "m's he>t4 ,%e look$ up into ! heav5s4 ,h[ placidly cold ! moon look$ back at h]1 ! same moon t 0 probably %$d+ its beams ^u h] boy at t mom5t & c\ld tell h] :]e he 0 if x c\ld b speak4 ,:y1 oh :y1 c\ld ^? beams n speak & tell h] :at !y saw2 :y c\ld !y n br+ h] "s message f ! abs5t "o6 ,%e _h nev] felt l ?is be=e1 %e _h nev] felt s re/less1 s uneasy4 ,x 0 impossible to ?9k ( sleep2 %e w\ld pray /ill long]4 ,p]haps ! boy ne$$ h] pray]s2 p]haps he 0 9 dang]1 dang] ( body1 dang] ( s\l1 & ne$$ h] help4 ,h] ros>y 9 h] f+]s1 %e knelt by ! w9d[ pray+1 pray+1 :ile ! moonbeams danc$ & play$ ar\nd ! kneel+ figure4 ,p]haps x 0 j z well !y c\ld n speak & tell h] :at !y saw out !re ^u ! riv]4 ,p]haps !y 7 try+ to tell h] & c\ld n2 try+ to tell h] ( ! ?ree m51 "o ( :om 0 sc>ce m ?an a boy1 /ruggl+ out !re 9 ! icy wat]1 /ruggl+ = life z ! curr5t s\ght to drag !m d[n b5ea? ! froz5 surface4 ,_! f+]s clut*$ desp]ately at ! ragg$ edges ( ! ice t _h brok5 ?r\gh ) !m & crack$ & crumbl$ away at _! t\*4 ,n[ b two figures 7 visible to ! wat*+ moonbeams2 "o _h be5 dragg$ d[n into ! black wat]s1 d[n to 8 dea? 9 ! freez+ dep?s bel[4 ,= a mom5t a cl\d cov]$ ! moon's face obscur+ its view ( ?+s t]re/rial4 ,:5 x pass$ & t sc5e ^u ! riv] 0 once m visible1 only "o figure rema9$ /ill /ruggl+ bravely2 /ill clut*+ at ! slipp]y1 crackl+ ice2 /ill fight+1 n = life alone1 b = 8 s\l's salvation4 ,:at ?\ghts mu/ h pass$ ?r\gh 8 m9d 9 ^? dreadful1 despair+ mom5ts6 ,?\ghts ( s9s committ$1 ( graces neglect$2 ?\ghts ( all t might h be5 & ( all t 04 ,:o c "k ( ! sorr[ & remorse t fill$ 8 he>t1 ( ! wild cry = help & p>don t w5t up f ! riv] t night8 ,mean:ile1 ! moon %one calmly1 /eadily1 on ! boy /ill fight+ = 8 life1 on ! "m pray+ at h] *amb] w9d[1 & on good ,fa!r ,xavi] sleep+ ! sleep ( ! exhau/$4 ,some:at lat]1 b /ill be=e ! dawn1 he 0 summon$ f t sleep to answ] a sick call f ! hospital j across ! riv]1 to :i* he 0 *apla94 ,?ree "y m5 com+ home f ! city %ortly aft] midnight _h attempt$ to cross ! froz5 riv]1 ?\gh w>n$ ( ! dang] ( do+ s4 ,! ice _h brok5 ?r\gh1 two 7 dr[n$1 "o sav$1 & ! doctors ?\ght he w\ld live ?\gh unconsci\s at pres5t4 ,no1 ! names ( ! "y m5 7 n kn[n z yet4 ,! si/]s at ! hospital s5t = ! prie/ because ! boy br\ght !re wore a scapul> & !y knew he mu/ be a ,ca?olic4 ,aside f t no?+ 0 kn[n ab\t him4 ,fa!r ,xavi]'s he>t /ood /ill4 ,some?+ told him t 8 boy _h be5 "o ( ^? ?ree4 ,two dr[n$1 "o sav$6 ,:i*1 oh1 :i* 0 ! "o sav$8 ,! hospital rea*$1 x 0 ) rapidly beat+ he>t he foll[$ ! nurse ?r\gh ! w>d & /ood beside ! b$ at ! f>!r end4 ,! night light burn$ l[ & ! features ( ! boy ^u ! b$ 7 sc>cely visible4 ,/oop+ l[1 a f]v5t ,?ank ,god broke f ! prie/'s lips z he recogniz$ 9 ! sil5t figure1 ! boy = :om 8 he>t _h be5 ye>n+4 ,8 boy _h be5 ! "o t 0 sav$4 ,yes1 sav$ f dea?1 sav$ f worse ?an dea?1 sav$ to c>ry out ! resolutions he _h made :ile /ruggl+ 9 ! icy riv] t ,*ri/mas morn+4 ,,nancy',s ,,tale4 ,de>1 de>6 b ,god's ways are wond]ful1 !re's no d5y9' t4 ,_m a "t we poor mortals ?9k if we only _h ! h&l9' ( ?+s1 ! _w w\ld be a pleasant] place = "s ( u1 b ,i reckon ! ,"l kn[s ,8 own bus9ess be/4 ,he usually manages to br+ ?+s out "r 9 ! end1 s ,he does4 ,nancy sat be=e ! kit*5 /ove1 rock+ to & fro1 & gaz+ ab/ract$ly be=e h]4 ,h] mood 0 a rem9isc5t "o & ,i knew if ,i gave h] "t en\gh %e w\ld laun* =? into "o ( ! int]e/+ n>ratives ( :i* %e possess$ a goodly /ore4 ,to h int]rupt$ h] tra9 ( ?\ght by ev5 a :isp] w\ld h be5 fatal2 sil5ce & pati5ce mu/ be my wat*-words4 ,pres5tly %e turn$ to me ) ! qu]y3 ',memb] ,mona1 ! old apple-woman y met "h ab\t a ye> ago8 ,rememb] ! apple-woman8 ,inde$ ,i did2 once hav+ met ,mona x 0 impossible to =get h]4 ,besides1 %e 01 "o might say1 "o ( ! l&m>ks ( ! t[n1 ! frail1 %ad[y little woman :o sold h] apples & peanuts & c&y f h] /& on ! /reet-corn]4 ,nancy's words rem9d$ me t ,i _h n se5 ,mona lately at h] usual place ( bus9ess4 ,well1 resum$ ,nancy1 ,mona's gone1 gone =ev]4 ,poor ,mona6 ,x's ! h>d life %e's _h1 & ,i'm aft] ?9k9' %e's n sorry t x's ov] & %e's f\nd peace an' happ9ess at la/4 ,want to "k h] /ory8 ,well1 ,i'll tell x to y1 = x's me t c1 hav9' kn[n h] s9ce we 0 wee scraps ( babies play9' on ! floor toge!r back !re 9 ! old c\ntry4 ,yes1 inde$1 we 7 babies toge!r1 we grew up toge!r1 an' we come out "h to ,am]ica on ! same %ip4 ,de>1 de>1 h[ long ago t 01 an' x don't seem mu* m ?an ye/]day4 ,well1 z ,i 0 say9'1 times 0 mighty h>d 9 ,irel& t ye>1 specially 9 ! little t[n :]e me an' ,mona 0 born an' re>$4 ,crops fail$1 "w 0 slack2 f9ally1 fam9e an' pe/il5ce took possession ( ! l&4 ,ah6 *ild1 *ild1 y _c dream :at !m words mean1 fam9e an' pe/il5ce4 ,to see ! ri* gr[9' poor1 ! poor />v9' an' dy9' on e h&2 ! little *ildr5 cry9' ) cold an' hung]1 an' ! fa!rs an' mo!rs ) ne'er a scrap ( food to give 'em4 ,t 0 ! /ate ( ?+s 9 ,irel& ! ye> we left x4 ,! plague _h c>ri$ (f my fa!r an' "m1 my bro!rs 0 all m>ri$ an' mov$ away1 an' my only si/] 0 at s]vice 9 ,london1 s :5 ,mona begg$ me to come to ,am]ica ) h] an' ,mi*ael an' ! little ones1 ,i j jump$ at ! *ance4 ,mi*ael 0 a good fell[1 sob] an' indu/ri\s1 b !re 0 no "w to be _h at home & he _h he>d su* wond]s ( ! l& across ! sea4 ,!re1 a man t 0 a man _h no tr\ble 9 f9d9' "w an' mak+ a com=table liv9' = himself an' family4 ,he want$ to leave ,mona ) 8 si/] 9 ,dubl91 :o (f]$ to c>e = h] an' ! *ildr5 until he'd made a home = 'em 9 ! c\ntry he 0 go9' to4 ,b no1 ,mona w\ldn't he> to t4 ,%e'd promis$ at ,god's alt> to take him = bett] or worse an' to cl+ to him till dea?4 ,because ! worse _h come1 %e wasn't go9' to des]t him an' let him g out alone to ! cold l& ( ! /rang] to fight 8 battle all by himself4 ,%e'd g ) him an' /& by him & help an' com=t him 9 8 /ruggles4 ,%e knew %e c\ld help him4 ,%e'd be5 taught by ! nuns an' c\ld d all sorts ( f9e sew9'4 ,9 ,am]ica1 z 9 ,dubl91 !re mu/ be ri* ladies :o w\ld pay well = a bit ( f9e embroid]y or h&-made lace4 ,no1 no1 ,mona w\ldn't be left beh9d2 he mu/ take h] an' ! little ones1 no matt] :at 0 be=e !m4 ,x 0 settl$ at la/ t we 0 all to g toge!r1 an' s1 "o bright morn9' we /ood on ! deck ( ! %ip t 0 c>ry9' u f> away f home an' all we lov$1 f> away to ! /range l& across ! sea4 ,) ! te>s runn9' d[n our faces1 we wav$ f>ewell to ! %ores ( ,irel&1 an' ,mona1 ?\gh %e didn't "k x1 0 wav9' f>ewell to happ9ess 9 ?is _w4 ,poor girl1 x's little %e knew f t day on b grief an' tr\ble an' suff]9'4 ,well1 *ild1 z ,i 0 say9'1 x 0 ! f9e1 bright morn9' t we left ,irel&1 b ! good wea!r held = only a few days aft]4 ,!n1 !re blew up su* a /orm z ,i nev] see be=e an' hope nev] to see aga94 ,x 0 fe>ful1 fe>ful4 ,i c\ldn't describe x to y if ,i tri$4 ,we j lay 9 our b]?s1 e "o ( u1 our backs ag9 ! wall1 our knees brac$ ag9 ! bo>d 9 front1 an' we hold9' on = de> life expect9' e mom5t to be da%$ out on to ! floor an' h all our bones brok54 ,we 0 too fright5$ to say a ^w1 b we pray$1 oh1 my6 h[ we did pray1 e "m's son ( u4 ,= nigh onto ?ree days t poor boat /ruggl$ on bravely ag9 ! rag9' /orm1 b ! %ip wasn't built t c\ld live 9 t sea1 an' ! end 0 b\nd to come soon] or lat]4 ,come1 x did1 at la/4 ,an (fic] /ood on ! /airs ord]9' u all up onto ! deck2 ! %ip _h sprung a leak1 ! wat] 0 p\r9' 9 fa/] ?an !y c\ld pump x out1 an' we mu/ take to ! boats at once4 ,i nev] c rememb] rightly :at happ5$ !n4 ,x seems n[ su* a confus9' jumble ( m51 wom5 & *ild]1 all scream9' an' ru%9' = ! /airs1 & all ! "t ! w9d 0 a h[l9' an' ! vessel 0 groan9' an' pit*9' s y _h to cl+ to :atev] 0 ne>e/ to keep on y\r feet at all4 ,i don't "k h[ we got !re1 b ! next ?+ ,i rememb] 0 /&9' on ! deck an' hang9' on to some?+ to keep f be9' wa%$ ov]bo>d by ! great waves t broke ov] ! %ip an' flood$ h] f /em to /]n4 ,mona /ood ne> me ) ! baby on h] arm an' hold9' tight to ! h& ( little ,g]ald :o hid 8 face 9 h] skirt an' sobb$ 9 t]ror4 ,mi*ael 0 beside h]1 "o arm hold9' h] close :ile ) ! o!r he hung onto ! rail9' j z ,i 0 do9'4 ,pretty soon1 ! boats 0 l[]$ an' ev]yone made a ru% = 'em4 ,!re 0 a %\t (3 ',/& back1 !re1 /& back6 ,wom5 an' *ildr5 fir/2 only ! wom5 an' *ildr54' ,! %ip's (fic]s an' sailors beat back ! m5 an' comm5c$ putt9' ! wom5 into ! boats z fa/ z !y c\ld4 ,"o ( 'em caught ,mona by ! arm an' tri$ to hurry h] away4 ,%e /ruggl$ ) him an' begg$ to be left ) ,mi*ael4 ,! sailor swore at h] an' !n ,i he>d ,mi*ael's voice1 calm an' /eady1 above ! d9 ( ! /orm3 ',g at once1 a/hore1' say he2 '= ! sake ( ! *ild]1 g at once4 ,sure1 de>ie1' says he1 'we're 9 ! ,"l's h&s anyway6 c't ye tru/ ,him on ! wat] j ! same z on ! l&8' ,! sailor lift$ ,mona an' ! baby 9 8 arm 7x's ! wee bit ( a ?+ %e 0 always7 an' pass$ h] on to ano!r to be l[]$ into ! boat4 ,mi*ael caught up little ,g]ald an' cri$ out to me3 ',take ! boy ) y1 ,nancy2 take him quick1 girl4' ,b be=e ,i c\ld lay my h& on ! *ild ,i 0 seiz$ & put into ! boat beside ,mona4 ,! poor girl scream$ & held out h] arms = ! little lad1 b ! boat 0 %ov$ (f an' ! la/ ?+ ,i c rememb]1 z a m\nta9 ( wat] roll$ up betwe5 u an' ! %ip1 0 see9' ,mi*ael /ill cl+9' to ! rail an' hold9' little ,g]ald on 8 arm4 ,!n ,mona fa9t$ ag9 my %\ld] & ,i _h my h&s full t5d9' h] an' ! baby4 ,x 0 ne>ly dusk :5 we took to ! boat1 an' pretty soon x 0 s d>k y c\ld sc>ce see y\r h& be=e y4 ,i'll nev] =get ! horrors ( t night1 inde$ !n ,i won't1 toss9' on top ( waves z big z m\nta9s an' ! next m9ute go9' d[n1 d[n1 d[n1 till ,i ?\ght sure we'd /rike bottom be=e ev] we come up aga94 ,b ev5 ! longe/ night mu/ we> away1 an' :5 day broke we se5 a big vessel com9' t[>ds u an' 9 ! c\rse ( an h\r or s we 0 all transf]r$ to h] decks4 ,%e cruis$ ar\nd = a "t1 hop9' to pick up "s ( ! o!r boats1 b c\ldn't f9d none ( 'em4 ,!re 0 no tell9' h[ f> away f ! wreck an' ! boats we'd drift$ 9 ! night4 ,! vessel t pick$ u up 0 b\nd = ,am]ica an' s we cont9u$ our voyage to ?is c\ntry4 ,i've (t5 he>d p compla9 ( ! coldness an' h>dness ( ! _w2 by '! _w1' always mean9' ! folks t live 9 x1 ,i suppose4 ,to my way ( ?9k9' !re's a deal m k9dness 9 ! _w ?an !re is selfi%ness an' badness1 an' ! p on t /eam] prov$ me "r 9 "o case anyway4 ,!y made up a purse among 'em an' give a %>e to ea* ( u t _h be5 pick$ out ( ! sea1 z y might say4 ,s1 :5 we l&$1 we ea* _h a little money to />t 9 )4 ,i soon f\nd "w 9 a mill1 an' my poor ,mona manag$ to keep h]self an' ! baby by do9' f9e sew9'4 ,= a long "t we kep' h\se toge!r1 me an' ,mona1 !n ,i m>ri$ an' mov$ away to ano!r t[n4 ,my own tr\bles come on me ?ick an' fa/ aft] t an' :at ) "o ?+ an' ano!r1 an' mov9' "h an' !re1 x 0 ye>s be=e ,i set eyes on h] aga94 ,!n we met q by accid5t an' ,i f\nd %e 0 liv9' n f> f "h ) an old woman :o p$dl$ %oe/r+s an' p5cils on ! /reet4 ,mona h]self kep' a /& on a corn] :]e %e sold apples an' peanuts an' su* /uff4 ,t night %e come to see me "h an' we talk$ ov] old times an' all t _h happ5$ s9ce la/ we met4 ,%e'd done well at h] sew9'1 %e said1 & br\ght up ! baby 9 tol]able com=t4 ,!n1 j z ! *ild 0 gr[9' into a woman t c\ld be ( help to h] "m an' pay h] back = h] ye>s ( work9' an' /ruggl9'1 %e 0 took d[n ) consumption4 ,all ! little poor ,mona _h manag$ to save w5t 9 c>9' = h] sick daught] an' bury9' h] :5 %e di$4 ,by t "t1 ,mona's heal? 0 pretty well broke up1 h] eyes 0 n z good z !y us$ to be1 an' %e _h to give up ! sew9'4 ,%e fell 9 ) ! old woman :o p$dl$ %oe/r+s1 &1 by h] advice1 />t$ 9 ) h] apple-/&4 ,!y'd be5 toge!r ev] s9ce an' manag$ to e>n a liv9' betwe5 'em4 ,we talk$ an' we talk$ t night1 an' :5 ,mona 0 go9' %e turn$ to me an' says3 ',nancy1' says %e1 ',i c't tell y h[ ?ankful ,i am to h se5 y aga94 ,an' ,i c't tell y h[ mu* good y've done me4 ,nancy1' says %e1 ',i've be5 a wick$ woman1 a wick$1 rebelli\s woman1' says %e4 ',i've said dreadful ?+s 9 my he>t an' felt h>d an' bitt] at times aga9/ ,almighty ,god = all ! trials an' suff]9' ,he s5t me4 ,:5 ,i look at y1 ,i'm a%am$ ( myself4 ,i've lo/ a husb&1 s h y2 ,i lo/ a daught]1 y lo/ two2 my son sleeps at ! bottom ( ! sea1 b y\r son--4,nancy1 ,nancy1 :5 ,i g home to-night1 ,i'll get d[n on my knees an' ?ank ,god t my boy is sleep9' at ! bottom ( ! sea in/ead ( w&]9' ! e>? a %ame an' a disgrace to me4' ,y see1 *ild1 t 0 be=e my ,danny come back to me to be reconcil$ to ,8 ,god4 ,x 0 :ile he 0 /ill w&]9' ,i didn't "k :]e1 an' go9' f "o piece ( villa9y to ! next4 ,poor ,mona1 ,i don't believe %e 0 half z bad z %e made h]self out to be1 an' c]ta9ly f t day to ?is ,i've nev] he>d a compla9t or a murmur cross h] lips4 ,%e's be5 sick1 too1 mo/ all ! "t1 an' !re's be5 _m a day :5 %e'd ought to be home 9 b$ b (f %e'd g an' /& on h] corn] an' p$dle h] apples because ! old woman t liv$ ) h] 0 sick] ?an %e an' !y w\ldn't h no money1 come r5t day1 unless ,mona w5t out an' e>n$ x = 'em4 ,talk ab\t ! h]oes t done su* wond]ful ?+s t folks has to write :ole books ab\t 'em6 ,i tell y :at1 *ild1 !re's _m a h]o hid away 9 ! dirty little side-/reets & alley-ways ( e big city2 only folks don't "k ab\t 'em4 ,to my m9d1 ,mona 0 "o ( !m h]oes2 s sweet an' pati5t1 pretty well on 9 ye>s h]self1 an' all crippl$ ) ! rheumatism1 b go9' out day aft] day to sell h] apples2 a slav9' an' a kill9' h]self = a woman a little old] an' a little sick] ?an %e 04 ,an' all ?is because ! old woman _h be5 k9d to h] 9 h] h\r ( greate/ ne$4 ,well1 aft] f9d9' h] aga91 ,i se5 ,mona e day2 %e us$ to come "h 9 ! ev59' an' we'd sit an' talk ( !m t 0 gone4 ,%e 0 ) me :5 my ,danny di$1 an' %e ?ank$ ,god ) me = hav9' br\ght him back to me 9 ! end4 ,!n1 "o night1 ,mona didn't come1 b !y br\ght me a message say9' %e 0 9 ! hospital1 dy9' f an accid5t1 an' want$ to see me "r away4 ,i didn't let ! grass gr[ "u my feet y may be sure1 an' be=e long ,i /ood beside ! b$ :]e %e 0 ly9'1 h] poor1 pale face all drawn ) suff]9'4 ,i've call$ h] a h]o = ! life %e'd l$1 an' h] end 0 sure en\gh a h]o's end4 ,t aft]noon a *ild _h />t$ to run across ! /reet at ! corn] :]e ,mona's apple-/& 04 ,he didn't see ! horse an' team t come te>9' up ! /reet1 an' ! driv] 0 too busy la%9' ! horse to see ! *ild4 ,9 spite ( h] rheumatism1 ,mona da%$ 9 front ( ! team1 & ) a quick %ove1 s5t ! *ild fly9' out ( h>m's away4 ,he roll$ ov] an' ov] on ! /reet1 b beyond a scrat* or two wasn't hurt4 ,b ,mona fell an' ! team pass$ ov] h] ankles cru%9' bo? ( 'em badly4 ,h] age an' ! %ock1 toge!r ) h] injury1 made 'em sure %e c\ldn't live long4 ,! *apla9 _h be5 s5t =1 !y told me1 an' w\ld come at any mom5t n[4 ,%e 0 sleep9' :5 ,i rea*$ h]1 s ,i sat d[n beside ! b$ an' wait$4 ,! prie/ come an' /ood look9' d[n at h]1 an' ! k9dness an' pity on 8 face 0 wond]ful to see4 ,he look$ at me an' ,i fair jump$ out ( my *air ) ! %ock 8 eyes s5t ?r\gh me4 ',glory be to ,god6' ,i says1 bless9' myself1 = ,i 0 all a tremble ) ! fright ( x4 ',sure x's ,mi*ael ,conn]s himself come back f ! dead4' ,t v m9ute ,mona's eyes op5$ sl[ly an' fix$ !mselves on ! prie/'s face4 ,a smile t br\ght ! te>s to my eyes1 x 0 t beautiful1 cross$ h] face an' %e held out h] ?91 :ite h& to him1 :isp]9'1 ',mi*ael4' ,!n %e clos$ h] eyes aga9 an' 0 (f unconsci\s once m4 ,! prie/ look$ fir/ at h]1 !n at me1 an' 8 face 0 all puzzl$ an' amaz$ l4 ',h[ d y "k t my "n is ,mi*ael ,conn]s8' says he4 ',h[ d y "k x y\rself1 ,fa!r8' says ,i1 = ,i _h my suspicions by t "t4 ',because ( ?is1' says he1 %[9' me a /rangely c>v$ little black wood5 crucifix atta*$ to 8 beads4 ',?is 0 on my neck :5 ,i 0 sav$ f ! wreck 9 :i* my fa!r an' "m p]i%$4' ',well1' says ,i1 'y're wrong4 ',ta9't ,mi*ael1 b ,g]ald1 is y\r "n1 an' praise be ! ,"l b ?is'll be ! happy day = my poor ,mona :5 %e f9ds out ! tru?4 ,t crucifix ) ! "n ( ,mi*ael ,conn]s on x 0 giv5 to y\r fa!r on 8 m>riage day by ! prie/ t m>ri$ him4 ,"h's ! mate to x t he give y\r "m on ! same day1' an' ,i pick$ up ,mona's ros>y ly9' on ! b$ an' %[$ him ! cross on x4 ,!y 0 z l z two peas1 only on ! back ( h]s 0 c>v$ ! "n ( ,mona ,conn]s4 ,well1 we _h to break ! news to h] g5tly1 an' x's ! happy woman %e 0 = ! next few days 9 spite ( all ! pa9 %e suff]$4 ,%e'd j lie !re hold9' ,g]ald's h& an' gaz9' at him an' mak9' him tell ov] an' ov] aga9 ( h[ he'd be5 sav$ f ! wreck4 ,he 0 only a wee lad ( ?ree at ! "t1 b he c\ld /ill rememb] ( 8 fa!r /&9' !re on ! deck ( ! s9k9' %ip an' hold9' him 9 8 arms4 ,he c\ld /ill he> ! words 8 fa!r spoke to him an' feel ! fa!r's h& slipp9' ! ros>y ov] 8 head an' clasp9' ! little f+]s ar\nd ! cross z x lay on 8 brea/4 ,mi*ael _h pass$ him to a sailor an' he 0 l[]$ into "o ( ! boats1 :]e a k9d-he>t$ woman took compassion on 8 lonel9ess an' c>$ = him4 ,!y'd be5 pick$ up by a sail9' vessel b\nd = ,france1 an' ! woman :o fir/ c>$ = him1 took him ) h] f ,france to ,am]ica an' f9ally adopt$ him4 ,%e br\ght him up1 educat$ him1 an' at la/ he became a prie/ ( ,god4 ,he 0 ) 8 "m to ! v end1 an' x 0 8 h& t give h] ! la/ bless9' ( ! ,*ur* an' 8 voice recit$ ! pray]s t s5d ! dep>t9' s\l safe on its j\rney to ! ?rone ( ,god4 ,x's ! happy woman my ,mona 0 9 !m la/ few days ^u e>?1 an' x's ! happy woman %e is ?is day1 all h] tr\bles ov]1 all h] suff]9's gone1 an' %e 9 ,p>adise = ev] an' ev]4 ,dur+ ,nancy's recital1 ! %ad[s ( twilight _h ga!r$ & deep5$1 & n[ h] little kit*5 0 wrapp$ 9 d>kness4 ,/ill1 %e sat = sev]al mom5ts buri$ 9 ?\ght :i* ,i c>$ n to int]rupt4 ,!n1 ) a sigh1 %e rose to light ! lamp & ,i notic$ t te>s fill$ h] eyes ?\gh ! brave lips 7 smil+4 ,yes1 yes1 %e repeat$4 ,god's ways are wond]ful1 !y are t4 ,ev5 if we don't und]/& ?+s 9 ?is _w1 we're sure to 9 ! next1 = ! ,"l kn[s ,8 own bus9ess be/ e "t4 ,,patsy4 ,patsy 0 wide awake 9 a second4 ,:at 0 x ^? m5 7 talk+ ab\t2 :at 0 x !y 7 plann+ to d8 ,t "n1 & ! br[n h\se on ! hill6 ,by a /rong ef=t1 he kept 8 eyes clos$ & brea!d regul>ly & deeply z ?\gh /ill sleep+4 ,he mu/ n let !m suspect t he 0 li/5+1 b he mu/ cat* e ^w !y said1 e ^w4 ,h[ he hat$ !m1 ?is b& ( rascals t _h gott5 8 ,david into _! clut*es & 7 sl[ly b surely mak+ him z bad z !y6 ,8 ,david bad8 ,no1 no6 ,david 0 k9d & good & g5tle to him always4 ,david 0 n bad1 he w\ld n li/5 to _! dreadful s*eme4 ,he w\ld refuse to help !m2 surely he w\ld4 ,8 ,david a ?ief8 ,x 0 impossible4 ,b t dreadful plan !y 7 discuss+6 ,! br[n h\se on ! hill2 to-morr[ night2 & ,david 0 promis+ to g ) !m4 ,patsy %iv]$ b5ea? ! b$clo!s & bitt] te>s ga!r$ 9 8 eyes & trickl$ d[n ! pale1 sunk5 *eeks4 ,! m5 7 leav+ & ,david 0 r5ew+ 8 promise to accompany ! exp$ition to ! br[n h\se on ! hill to-morr[ night4 ,9 fact1 he 0 to act z guide to ! man appo9t$ to commit ! de$1 = :o1 s well z ,david1 c\ld %[ !m ! way to ! libr>y 9 :i* 0 ! safe t !y 7 go+ to rob8 ,!y _h gone n[ & ,patsy felt t ,david 0 /&+ beside ! b$ & look+ d[n at him4 ,he op5$ 8 eyes & two m te>s escap$1 :i* he ha/ily bru%$ away4 ,imm$iately ,david 0 on 8 knees1 ! little cripple's h& clasp$ t5d]ly 9 84 ,:at's ! tr\ble1 kid8 he que/ion$ anxi\sly4 ,is x ! pa9 t's bad to-night8 ',ta9't ! pa91 ,davy1 'ta9't ! pa9 at all1 sobb$ ! *ild4 ,:at is x !n1 y\ng/]8 ,come n[1 tell y\r own ,davy :at's tr\bl+ y1 !re's a good boy4 ,david1 h[ long is x s9ce "m 0 tak5 away f u8 ,x seems s long4 ,i 0 ?9k9' ( "m1 ,davy1 & wi%+ %e 0 "h ) u ?is night4 ,y poor kid1 poor little crippl$ kid1 mutt]$ ,david1 patt+ ! small1 ?9 h&4 ,x's natural1 ,i suppose1 = y to p9e = y\r "m1 b a9't ,davy be5 almo/ l a "m to y1 ,patsy8 ,he's tri$ h>d1 t he has1 to be fa!r & "m & big bro!r all 9 "o4 ,& ! man smil$ some:at wi/fully4 ,y've be5 all t & m too1 ,davy4 ',twasn't on my acc\nt ,i 0 wi%9' = "m1 'twas on y\rs4 ,if %e 0 "h1 %e'd "k h[ to keep y f go+ ) !m m5 to-morr[ night4 ,%e'd "k h[ to keep y to home1 & ,i don't "k :at to say or to d to /op y f go+4 ,david's face d>k5$ slightly & !re 0 a note ( /]nness 9 8 voice z he said3 ,s y 0 li/5+1 0 y1 & he>d :at we 0 talk9' ab\t8 ,i didn't li/5 a purpose1 ,david2 at lea/1 n at fir/4 ,i happ5$ to wake & he>d 'em speak ( ! br[n h\se on ! hill4 ,!n ,i want$ to he> ev]y?+ & ,i li/5$ a purpose aft] t4 ,oh1 ,davy6 ,davy6 ! *ild cri$ implor+ly1 sitt+ up 9 ! b$ & clasp+ 8 h&s 9 petition2 don't d x1 ,davy2 don't be a ?ief to please ^? wick$ m52 don't g robb+ ! br[n h\se on ! hill4 ,a fe>ful fit ( c\gh+ rack$ ! little =m & ,david held him g5tly 9 8 arms until ! p>oxysm _h pass$4 ,!n1 lay+ ! boy back ^u ! pill[s1 he said quietly3 ,y mu/n't get excit$1 ,patsy1 x's bad = y4 ,we'll n talk no m to-night4 ,9 ! morn+ ,i'll tell y ! /ory ( ! h\se on ! hill & y'll see ,i'm n tackl9' ?is job to please anyone b myself4 ,g to sleep n[1 kid1 = ,i'll n say ano!r ^w to-night1 n ano!r ^w4 ,:5 ,david spoke 9 t tone ( voice ,patsy knew !re 0 no?+ = him to d b to obey4 ,turn+ 8 face to ! wall1 he clos$ 8 eyes1 b sleep did n visit him t night4 ,he lay li/5+ = ! /roke ( ! t[n clock z x s\nd$1 "o aft] ano!r1 ! sl[ly dragg+ h\rs2 he lay li/5+ to ,david's regul> brea?+ & wond]$ h[ a man c\ld sleep s calmly ) su* a de$ 9 prospect2 he lay anxi\sly turn+ ov] 9 8 m9d v>i\s s*emes by :i* he c\ld fru/rate ! plan 9 case he fail$ 9 p]suad+ ,david to ab&on x altoge!r4 ,sev]al times fits ( c\gh+ %ook him ne>ly to pieces1 & at ^? times ! pa9 9 8 poor little *e/ 0 well-nigh unbe>able4 ,he smo!r$ ! c\gh z well z he c\ld b5ea? ! b$clo!s = fe> ( di/urb+ ,david4 ,z = ! pa9--well1 pa9 & ,patsy _h be5 companions s long n[ t he _h gr[n q accu/om$ to x4 ,! next day 0 cold & dismal1 ) a lead5 sky ?reat5+ sn[1 & a bitt] w9d bl[+ t se>*$ ! v m>r[ ( "o's bones4 ,! few neighbors :o *anc$ to glance out ( _! w9d[s at an e>ly h\r 9 ! aft]noon 7 surpris$ to see ,patsy mak+ 8 way along ! /reet1 sl[ly & pa9fully1 ) ! aid ( 8 crut*es4 ,!y _h nev] kn[n him to be abroad on a day l ?is2 inde$1 x 0 _m a day s9ce he _h attempt$ go+ ^u ! /reet at all4 ,poor little ,patsy1 8 crut*es 7 once a famili> sight go+ up & d[n ! pavem5ts on pleasant days 9 ! summ] "t1 b !y _h ?\ght nev] to see him leave 8 room aga94 ,did ,david "k8 ,"s "o %\ld /op ! *ild2 he 0 too weak to w&] out alone l t4 ,b !n1 x 0 no affair ( !irs2 ,david c\ld probably be tru/$ to look aft] ! boy4 ,z no "o 0 will+ to make x 8 bus9ess to int]f]e1 ,patsy w5t on 8 way unmole/$4 ,a /range look ( det]m9ation battl$ ) ! pa9 on ! sickly1 *ildi% face z he made 8 way bravely aga9/ ! bit+ w9d t s\ght to drive him back4 ,he _h le>n$ ! my/]y ( ! h\se on ! hill2 he knew n[ :y ,david hat$ s bitt]ly t h\se & all connect$ ) x2 he knew :y ,david 0 will+ & eag] to help ! m5 9 ! plan !y 7 to c>ry out t night4 ,david _h told him all ab\t x1 & = ! fir/ "t 9 8 life he _h felt afraid ( ?is de>ly lov$ bro!r ( 84 ,x _h be5 a revelation to ,pa/y4 ,surely1 ?is bitt]1 un=giv+1 rev5geful man c\ld n be ! same :o _h be5 fa!r1 "m & big bro!r to ! little cripple = :om he _h c>$ s t5d]ly s9ce _! "m _h be5 tak5 f !m4 ,x _h s\nd$ l a fairy tale to ,patsy2 he c\ld sc>cely believe 8 own e>s4 ,j to ?9k ( x2 t br[n h\se on ! hill _h once be5 _! "m's home1 & ! man :o liv$ !re1 ! man :om ,david hat$ ) undy+ hatr$1 0 _! "m's bro!r & _! uncle4 ,on ! day %e m>ri$1 %e _h left h] home =ev]1 h] bro!r v[+ t nev] z long z he liv$ w\ld he set eyes ^u h] face aga92 to him %e w\ld be z ?\gh dead4 ,once1 :5 fa!r lay dy+ 7,patsy c\ld n rememb] x1 b ,david _h told him ( x71 "m _h writt5 to _! uncle implor+ a little help 9 _! mis]y4 ,x 0 n = h]self %e _h ask$ b = ! dy+ husb& & sickly baby4 ,h] lett] _h be5 return$ to h] ) ^! h>% words writt5 on ! back3 ,"s mi/ake "h4 ,no woman has ! "r to call me bro!r4 ,my only si/] di$ ye>s ago4 ,david _h kept ! lett] ev] s9ce2 he _h be5 old en\gh at ! "t to und]/&4 ,he _h v[$ !n to h rev5ge "s day & he kept ! lett] to rem9d him ( ! v[ %\ld he ev] be 9 dang] ( =gett+ x4 ,patsy knew n[ :y 8 bro!r s hat$ ! h\se on ! hill1 & :y ,david _h be5 s cross on t day la/ summ] :5 he1 ,patsy1 _h come home & told ( ! "y lady :o _h be5 s k9d to him1 ! lady :o liv$ 9 ! h\se on ! hill4 ,z a rule1 e "o 0 good to ,patsy4 ,ev5 ! *ildr5 on ! /reet1 :o qu>rell$ among !mselves1 /rik+1 revil+1 pelt+ "o ano!r ) /ones1 _h1 no?+ b k9d words & smiles = ,patsy4 ,b t day la/ summ] he _h w&]$ f>!r f home ?an usual & a cr[d ( r\gh boys _h /opp$ & comm5c$ torm5t+ him1 laugh+ at him1 call+ him names1 je]+ at 8 de=mity1 & ev5 pull+ 8 hair & p9*+ 8 e>s4 ,! *ild _h tri$ to pu% pa/ !m1 b !y clos$ 9 on him & x might h f>$ ill ) ,patsy b = ! timely arrival on ! sc5e ( ! "y lady f ! h\se on ! hill4 ,%e quickly scatt]$ ! b& ( hoodlums & !n walk$ ) ,patsy until he 0 well on 8 way home & safe f fur!r attack4 ,%e _h be5 k9d to him1 & made him promise to come & see h]4 ,t 0 h[ he knew h] "n & :]e %e liv$4 ,he _h want$ to see h] aga9 & _h ?\ght ( h] s (t5 b ,david w\ld n let him g4 ,_m a night1 :5 ! pa9 kept him f sleep+1 he w\ld :ile away ! long h\rs by ?9k+ ( ! g5tle1 beautiful girl1 & he nev] said 8 pray]s at night & morn+1 z "m _h taught him1 t he did n add a petition = 8 lovely lady4 ,& to ?9k t %e 0 8 own c\s91 8 uncle's daught]2 %e liv$ 9 ! h\se on ! hill & x 0 h] h\se t ,david & ^? m5 7 plann+ to rob4 ,= h] sake z well z ,david's ! de$ mu/ be prev5t$2 h] fa!r mu/ n be robb$2 ,david mu/ n become a ?ief4 ,patsy _h det]m9$ t la/ night :5 he fir/ he>d !m m5tion ! s*eme4 ,if no "o else w\ld /op !m1 he w\ld1 ?\gh he c\ld n imag9e h[ he 0 go+ to d x4 ,he _h ?\ght & ?\ght until 8 head a*$ s t he c\ld h>dly see1 b no plan sugge/$ itself to 8 m9d4 ,he pray$1 too1 long & e>ne/ly1 = ! prie/ at ! ,sunday-s*ool told !m ,god w\ld always answ] little boys' pray]s if :at !y ask$ = 0 good = !m4 ,& 0 x n a good ?+ = :i* he 0 plead+8 ,simply t he might f9d a way to keep 8 lady f be+ robb$ & save ,david f becom+ a ?ief8 ,at la/1 ! idea he want$ _h come to him2 he knew j :at he mu/ d to secure 8 end4 ,!re 0 dang] 9 ! plan1 to himself1 b he mu/ risk t4 ,x matt]$ little :at happ5$ to him if he c\ld only save 8 ,david1 8 de>1 k9d big bro!r1 :o w\ld nev] h ?\ght ( do+ wrong _h x n be5 = ^? wick$ m5 :o _h l$ him a/ray4 ,patsy fe>$ ^? m5 mightily4 ,he knew _! ang] w\ld be t]rible %\ld !y discov] h[ _! plan _h be5 fru/rat$4 ,!y might ev5 kill him if !y f\nd him out1 b he hop$ !y ne$ n "k4 ,he w\ld confess to ,david alone at supp] "t t ev5+2 no matt] h[ angry1 ,david w\ld n hurt 8 little bro!r4 ,( t ,patsy 0 c]ta94 ,anyway1 :atev] ! risk1 he mu/ take x to save ,david & to save ! lady4 ,! e>ly w9t] twilight 0 clos+ 9 :5 ,patsy rea*$ 8 home aga9 & dragg$ himself up ! /airs to ! "o room :i* he & ,david occupi$4 ,he 0 almo/ exhau/$ & 8 brea? came 9 %ort1 %>p gasps :i* cut him l knives4 ,he w\ld h lik$ to crawl into 8 b$1 close 8 eyes & nev] op5 !m aga91 he 0 s tir$4 ,b he mu/ n give 9 yet2 8 task 0 b half accompli%$4 ,david mu/ be told ( :at he _h done1 & at t ?\ght a spasm ( fe> contract$ 8 he>t4 ,%iv]+1 he drew a *air ne> ! /ove & wait$ ) clos$ eyes & pa9-drawn face = ! s\nd ( ,david's foot ^u ! /airs4 ,twilight pass$ & d>kness fill$ ! little room1 /ill ,david did n come4 ,patsy light$ ! lamp ^u ! table1 wond]+ anxi\sly :y 8 bro!r 0 s late4 ,he put m coals ^u ! fire1 :i* 0 burn+ l[1 & made ! tea = ,david's supp]4 ,he set out ! loaf ( bread1 ! cold meat1 ! *eese1 ^u ! table1 !n resum$ 8 *air & 8 eag] li/5+ = foot/eps t 7 s long 9 com+4 ,x seem$ to ,patsy he _h wait$ = h\rs & h\rs1 & sudd5ly 8 he>t /opp$ beat+ & 8 eyes di/5d$ 9 t]ror z a ?\ght occurr$ to him4 ,suppose ,david did n come at all6 ,:at1 :at w\ld happ5 !n8 ,b !re1 t 0 ,david's /ep & all w\ld be well n[4 ,! *ild look$ up eag]ly z 8 bro!r ent]$ ! room1 !n1 ne>ly cri$ al\d 9 8 bitt] disappo9tm5t4 ,david 0 n alone4 ,"o ( ! gang 0 ) him1 & ?is 0 a cont+5cy = :i* ,patsy _h made no all[ance4 ,:at 0 he to d n[8 ,h[ c\ld he tell 8 bro!r1 h[ w>n him1 9 ! pres5ce ( t dreadful man8 ,= ! fir/ "t 9 8 life ,david 0 s preoccupi$ t he paid no he$ to ! little cripple :o _h n[ )drawn to ! d>ke/ corn] ( ! room & cr\*$ !re 9 abject t]ror4 ,! two m5 made a ha/y meal & !n sat by ! table talk+ 9 tones s l[ t ,patsy he>d sc>cely a ^w ( :at 0 said4 ,anyway1 he c>$ no?+ = _! plans n[2 he _h spoil$ ev]y?+ = !m4 ,b h[ 0 he to tell ,david1 h[ 0 he to tell ,david8 ,by & by1 a ?ird man jo9$ !m & !re 0 m :isp]+ ) heads close toge!r4 ,at la/1 ! ?ree arose & made prep>ations = go+ out4 ,!y mov$ t[>ds ! door & 7 a/oni%$ to f9d !mselves confront$ by a small1 crippl$ figure1 t /ood sway+ on 8 crut*es1 directly 9 _! way4 ,a bright r$ spot burn$ on ei!r *eek1 ! eyes 7 brilliant ) fev]1 & ! *ild 0 pant+ = brea?4 ,b he said v quietly1 8 eyes fix$ /eadily on 8 bro!r's face3 ,y mu/n't g out to-night1 ,david4 ,! m5 gasp$ & look$ at "o ano!r 9 amazem5t4 ,y mu/n't g out to-night1 ,david1 ! *ild repeat$4 ,y mu/n't none ( y g to ! h\se on ! hill to-night4 ,we mu/n't g out1 mu/n't we1 exclaim$ "o ( ! m5 r\ghly4 ,:o's to /op u go+1 ,i'd l to "k8 ,/& aside1 kid1 be=e h>m comes to y4 ,:o's to /op y8 ,i am4 ,i h /opp$ y4 ,a laugh ( d]ision greet$ ?is /atem5t4 ,yes1 ,patsy repeat$2 ,i've /opp$ y4 ,i pea*$ on y2 ,i w>n$ 'em y 0 com9'4 ,david's face 0 t]rible to see4 ,:at's t y're say+1 ,patsy8 ,y :at8 ,i w>n$ 'em ?is aft]noon4 ,i w5t to ! h\se on ! hill & told 'em y 0 com9'4 ,y mu/n't g1 ,david1 y mu/n't g4 ,! police'll be !re wait9' = y1 'cos ,i told 'em y 0 com9'4 ,i didn't want y to be a ?ief1 ,david2 ,i done x = y\r sake4 ,oh1 ,david1 ,david6 ,david's face 0 livid & 8 cl5*$ fi/ 0 rais$ to /rike1 b ,patsy & 8 crut*es lay 9 a little huddl$ heap at ,david's feet4 ,:5 ! *ild op5$ 8 eyes aga91 ! m5 7 gone & he & 8 bro!r 7 alone4 ,he look$ into ! face b5d+ above him & gave a sigh ( relief4 ,all ! ang] 0 gone1 only anxi\s solicitude re/$ !re4 ,patsy tri$ to speak1 b 8 voice 0 s weak & l[ t ,david _h difficulty 9 und]/&+ :at he said4 ,he lean$ ov] to cat* ! fa9tly :isp]$ words3 ,y a9't mad at me n[1 are y1 ,davy8 ,i'm s glad4 ,i'd hate to g away ?9k9' y 0 mad at me4 ,i _h to d x1 ,davy1 ,i _h to tell2 !re wasn't no o!r way to keep y f be+ a ?ief4 ,i'm sorry to leave y alone1 ,davy1 b ,i guess "m wants me 9 ,heav54 ,y "k ! doctor said ,i'd be go+ soon anyway4 ,"m said %e'd be wait9' = y & me & ,i guess %e wants me n[4 ,i'm sorry to leave y1 b ,i'm afe>$ ,i mu/ g4 ,x'll be lonesome = y :5 ,i'm gone4 ,y'll h no "o to light ! lamp & make ! tea = y 9 ! ev5+s4 ,y'll come home "h at night & x'll be all d>k & lonely ) no ,patsy to meet y4 ,b rememb]1 ,david1 ,i'll be look9' at y f ,heav54 ,"m & ,i'll be wait9' = y !re & ,i'm ?9k9' ev5 ,heav5 won't be j "r till y've come to u4 ,promise me y'll come to u "s day2 promise y'll nev] g ) !m wick$ m5 no m4 ,let 'em alone or !y'll make y z bad z !y be1 & !n y won't nev] see "m & me4 ,promise y'll let 'em alone1 ,davy2 promise y'll be good & come to u 9 ,heav5 "s day4 ,i promise1 kid1 ,i promise1 :isp]$ ,david brok5ly4 ,) ,god's help ,i'll turn ov] a new leaf & ,i'll come to y "s day4 ,a smile bright5$ ! pale1 p9*$ face1 a smile ( absolute cont5t & tru/ful affection4 ,god bless y1 my ,davy1 ,god bless y1 murmur$ ! fa9t voice halt+ly4 ,good-by--until we meet--9 ,heav54 ,,?ree ,,ev5+s ,,9 ,a ,,life4 ,i4 ,"o by "o ! city clocks *im$ ! h\r ( midnight4 ,"o by "o ,jane c\nt$ ! /rokes & sigh$ despair+ly z %e glanc$ at ! w9d[ 9 :i* ! light /ill burn$ s brightly4 ,! air 0 bitt] cold1 a f9e sn[ 0 fall+1 & %e _h be5 trudg+ up & d[n1 up & d[n1 = ages x seem$ to h]4 ,ri*>d 0 gr[+ s heavy & h] arms a*$ s %e c\ld sc>cely hold him4 ,/ill1 !re 0 no?+ = x b to tramp up & d[n1 up & d[n ! n>r[ /reet1 ! baby 9 h] arms1 until "m %\ld give ! welcome signal4 ,:5 t lamp 9 ! w9d[ opposite 0 put out & ! h\se 9 d>kness1 %e w\ld "k t x 0 safe = h] to creep up ! /airs & into ! b$ 9 ! kit*5 :i* %e %>$ ) ! baby bro!r n[ sleep+ 9 h] arms4 ,seat+ h]self ^u a door/ep %e 0 pass+1 ,jane %ift$ ! baby to a m com=table position & lean$ h] head aga9/ ! r\gh woodwork ( ! t5em5t h\se4 ,h[ tir$1 %e 01 h[ v tir$6 ,h] head a*$1 h] back a*$1 %e a*$ all ov]4 ,day aft] day1 %e work$ 9 ! factory f e>ly morn+ until nightfall4 ,night aft] night1 %e walk$ ! /reet ) ,ri*>d 9 h] arms1 n d>+ to ent] ! h\se until fa!r 0 safely sleep+4 ,( c\rse x did n happ5 e night4 ,j once 9 a :ile fa!r w\ld come home sob] & !n !re 0 no fe> ( h>m to ! baby or h]self4 ,_m a night1 too1 he did n come home at all1 b on ^? occasions %e & "m sc>ce d>$ to close an eye4 ,!y knew n at :at mom5t he might return1 possibly 9 ev5 an ugli] mood ?an usual4 ,"m 0 nev] afraid = h]self4 ,%e c\ld usually manage him1 al?\gh !re _h be5 times :5 bad cuts & bruises bore te/imony to ! treatm5t to :i* %e _h be5 subject$4 ,= ,jane & little ,ri*>d1 _! only *ance lay 9 keep+ out ( ! way1 s ,jane w\ld tramp ! /reet1 ,ri*>d 9 h] arms1 despite a*es & pa9s & we>9ess4 ,! *ild on ! door/ep anxi\sly wat*$ ! w9d[ across ! way4 ,w\ld ! light nev] g out8 ,fa!r mu/ be unusually bad to-night1 & %e 0 s tir$4 ,! day _h be5 a h>d "o at ! factory & e bone 9 h] body a*$4 ,well1 !re 0 "o com=t2 to-morr[ w\ld be ,sunday & %e c\ld /ay at home all day4 ,to-morr[8 ,to-day1 r1 = midnight _h already pass$4 ,%e w\ld h "o long day to re/ & help "m4 ,%e felt n[ z if %e c\ld sleep ! :ole day ?r\gh4 ,%e w\ld l to sleep = a week at lea/1 & ev5 !n %e w\ld n be re/$ q en\gh4 ,!re 7 mom5ts ( unusual fatigue & depression 9 :i* %e c\ld almo/ wi% t %e might fall asleep & sleep =ev] z ! o!r little ones _h done4 ,?ree ( !m !re 71 delicate1 sickly little creatures1 :o _h /ruggl$ = a "t aga9/ ! ills ( human exi/5ce & !n giv5 up ! unequal conflict4 ,at times1 %e c\ld almo/ f9d x 9 h] he>t to envy !m 7 x n = "m & ,ri*>d1 especially ,ri*>d4 ,!re1 at la/6 ,! light 0 gone1 ! w9d[ 9 d>kness1 & x 0 safe = h] to return to ! t5em5t across ! way4 ,,ii4 ,! same /reet1 ! same t5em5t h\se1 b gr[n ev5 ugli] & d+i] ) ! pass+ ( ! ye>s4 ,9 a small room on ! second floor1 ,jane sits beside ! b$ on :i* h] "m tosses 9 ! delirium ( fev]4 ,h] he>t is sl[ly break+ z %e li/5s to ! moan+1 insi/5t cry :i* issues f ^? p>*$ lips4 ,all ?r\gh ! days & nights ( anxi\s wat*+1 t cry has be5 r++ 9 h] e>s1 ! call = ,ri*>d1 ,ri*>d1 ,ri*>d4 ,t h] "m is dy+ %e kn[s full well1 & h[ %e longs = "o lov+ glance1 = "o ^w ( affection1 to c>ry ) h] 9 ! lonely ye>s to come4 ,b no look ( recognition comes to ! sightless eyes & no ^w escapes ! lips save t nev] ceas+ cry ( ,ri*>d1 ,ri*>d1 ,ri*>d4 ,a :ite-capp$ nurse flits s(tly ab\t1 b ,jane pays no he$ to h]4 ,! doctor ent]s & hold :isp]$ consultation ) ! nurse4 ,jane does n ev5 glance at him4 ,%e is tir$ ( he>+ him say ! same old ?+ "t aft] "t3 ,:ile !re is life1 !re is hope4 ,%e kn[s !re is no hope1 ?\gh ev]y?+ possible has be5 done to save ! preci\s life n[ ebb+ s swiftly4 ,?ank ,god1 !y are no long] poor z :5 %e 0 a *ild4 ,h] sal>y is a spl5did "o & %e has be5 able to h ! be/ advice1 ! be/ c>e possible1 = h] dy+ "m4 ,no1 !y are no long] poor1 b ( :at avail is money n[8 ,x _c br+ back ! days t are gone1 ! happy days be=e ,ri*>d w5t away4 ,& !y 7 happy1 !n1 s happy4 ,aft] h] fa!r's dea?1 :i* _h occurr$ :ile %e 0 /ill a m]e *ild1 %e & "m _h devot$ !mselves to ! task ( c>+ = little ,ri*>d4 ,!y toil$2 !y />v$1 !y sav$--all = ,ri*>d4 ,!y pray$ & plann$ & hop$--= ,ri*>d4 ,he mu/ g to s*ool1 he mu/ g to college1 he mu/ become a p[] 9 ! _w4 ,= !mselves1 poor food1 poor clo!s1 ! old t5em5t 7 good en\gh1 = e c5t !y sav$ meant s mu* ! m = ,ri*>d :5 he %\ld h come to man's e/ate4 ,& ,ri*>d8 ,oh6 he _h be5 well cont5t to take all !y (f]$ him4 ,he w5t to s*ool1 he w5t to college2 only1 someh[1 ! reports ( 8 do+s !re 7 any?+ b enc\rag+4 ,!y seem$ to be m]ely a s]ies ( pranks & mis*ief1 b ! devot$ "m 0 v ready to make all[ances4 ,! boy 0 "y1 he w\ld gr[ /eadi] z he grew old]4 ,!y mu/ h pati5ce ) him = a few ye>s yet4 ,at times ,jane d\bt$ ! wisdom ( _! c\rse1 & :5 ! dem&s1 n only ^u _! pati5ce b ^u _! purse1 became great] & great]1 ,jane _h c\nsel$ remov+ him f college & sett+ him to "w4 ,n s ! "m4 ,h] cry 0 ev]3 ,pati5ce1 pati5ce1 & all w yet be well4 ,s !y bore ) him a :ile long] to _! nev] ceas+ sorr[4 ,8 escapades grew wild]1 ! reprim&s ( ! faculty m sev]e4 ,at la/ came ! f9al prank1 :i* _h result$ 9 8 disgrace & expulsion4 ,ev5 !n1 %e & "m 0 ready to =give & _h writt5 him to come home4 ,no answ] f ,ri*>d _h ev] be5 receiv$4 ,in/ead1 came ! news t ! boy _h disappe>$1 run away2 ! la/ se5 ( him 0 bo>d+ a tra9 = ! ,we/4 ,all ef=ts at trac+ him _h prov$ futile1 & to ?is day !y knew n :]e he 04 ,"m _h nev] smil$ aga9 b _h droop$ & fad$ day by day4 ,"t & aga9 ,jane _h urg$ mov+ to m cong5ial surr\nd+s1 to a flat or cottage 9 ! suburbs1 to fre% air & sun%9e4 ,b no1 "m w\ld n h x s2 ,ri*>d might come back "s day & h[ c\ld he f9d !m if !y mov$ away f ! old home 9 ! t5em5t h\se8 ,ev5 n[1 :5 %e is dy+1 h] la/ ?\ght is n = ! girl beside h]1 ! girl :o has toil$ s pati5tly1 wat*$ s fai?fully1 sacrific$ all s g5]\sly1 = "m & = ,ri*>d4 ,ev5 9 delirium1 h] ?\ghts are only = ! abs5t "o2 h] words1 t insi/5t1 he>tr5d+ cry = ,ri*>d1 ,ri*>d1 ,ri*>d4 ,jane b[s h] head 9 angui% b :isp]s l[3 ,?y w be done4 ,,iii4 ,long s9ce1 ! factory :i/le has s\nd$ ! signal = release f ! day's toil4 ,! work]s 9 ! factory1 a small army ( m5 & wom51 boys & girls1 p\r$ =? f ! doorways ( ! huge build+s1 sw>m$ up ! /reet1 laugh+ & *att]+1 & disp]s$ to _! sev]al homes4 ,! buzz & j>r+ ( ! ma*9]y h ceas$ & sil5ce fills ! place4 ,ev5 ! (fices are des]t$1 ) ! exception ( "o f :i* issues ! /eady click1 click1 ( a typewrit]4 ,jane ,horton1 private secret>y & confid5tial cl]k to ! millionaire presid5t ( ! company1 is a v busy z well z a v important individual4 ,! s\nd ( t :i/le means release = ! work]s 9 ! rooms above1 ! toil]s at ! ma*9es :]e %e h]self labor$ s _m ye>s ago2 x means release = /5ograph]s1 bookkeep]s1 cl]ks1 9 ! g5]al (fice )\t2 b = h]1 !re yet rema9 _m ?+s to be att5d$ to be=e %e c take advantage ( ! half holiday & seek ! seclusion ( h] small suburban home4 ,important lett]s mu/ be writt51 private lett]s :i* _c be entru/$ to ! c>e ( an ord9>y /5ograph]4 ,= "s "t long] ,jane's typewrit] clicks unceas+ly1 & x is ne>ly dusk be=e h] task is f9i%$ & %e is free to lock h] (fice door & leave ! build+ = ! night4 ,%e walks rapidly along ! d>k5+ /reets1 sorry t %e is s late4 ,%e fe>s ,m>ie w h be5 wat*+ = h] all ! aft]noon & worry+ p]haps1 little ,m>ie1 ! lame factory girl :om %e has befri5d$1 ! girl ) eyes s /rangely l to ,ri*>d's4 ,! resemblance is />tl+ at times1 ?\gh ,ri*>d's eyes 7 ev] m]ry1 ev] danc+ ) fun & mis*ief1 :ile ,m>ie's are grave & sweet & sad4 ,/ill1 ! lik5ess is !re1 & probably t is ! reason t ,jane has be5 s anxi\s to help ?is girl1 sc>ce m ?an a *ild1 :o _h appeal$ to h] = aid4 ,m>ie 0 by no means ! fir/ to seek h] assi/ance 9 "t ( ne$1 = ,miss ,horton's "n /&s = all t is k9d & graci\s & helpful 9 e dep>tm5t ( ! factory4 ,! woman :o has succe$$1 :o has work$ h] way up1 /ep by /ep1 to a position ( tru/ & confid5ce1 does n =get ! "t :5 %e /ood1 z ,m>ie does n[1 ) h] foot ^u ! l[e/ r\nd ( ! ladd]4 ,%e nev] =gets ! days :5 %e work$ z !y "w1 & is ev] ready to ext5d a help+ h& to ^? :o ne$ x4 ,to h]1 !n1 ,m>ie _h come1 z _h s _m o!rs be=e h]1 9 h] h\r ( trial & di/ress4 ,ha/5+ along ! /reet1 ,jane smiles z %e recalls ! day ,m>ie _h fir/ tapp$ ^u h] (fice door &1 ent]+ timidly1 wait$ = p]mission to speak4 ,jane _h be5 unusually busy & fr[n$ impati5tly at ! int]ruption4 ,! eyes1 s l to ,ri*>d's1 _h quell$ h] ang] & %e li/5$ to ! girl's /ory4 ,x 0 ,jackie 0 ! tr\ble ?is "t1 ,jackie :o came next to h] & :o help$ 9 ! support ( ! family4 ,he'd j brok5 8 leg & 0 9 ! hospital & !re 0 no tell+ :5 he w\ld be out aga94 ,! tw9s 7 sick1 too1 & !re 7 ,nellie & ,m9nie & ! little baby1 & "m n /rong en\gh to "w ev5 if %e _h "t to leave ! *ildr54 ,fa!r8 ,well1 t's j :]e ,miss ,horton's help 0 ne$$4 ,fa!r _h work$ "h 9 ! factory1 out 9 ! %ipp+-room1 b !y'd dis*>g$ him sev]al weeks ago4 ,yes1 fa!r _h be5 dis*>g$ be=e1 _m times be=e1 & _h be5 tak5 back aga94 ,?is "t !y w\ld n let him come back ?\gh he _h begg$ & plead$ & promis$ fai?fully nev] to t\* ! dr9k aga94 ,no1 no1 fa!r did n get drunk v (t51 only once 9 a :ile1 & he 0 nev] cross or ugly4 ,he 0 ! k9de/ & be/ ( fa!rs only he drank a little j once 9 a :ile4 ,w\ldn't ,miss ,horton please2 please1 say a ^w = fa!r & get !m to take him back8 ,miss ,horton hesitat$ = a mom5t1 look$ into ! eyes s l ,ri*>d's1 !n promis$ t %e w\ld4 ,%e c]ta9ly kept h] promise & said1 n "o ^w1 b _m1 9 h] ef=ts to h ,m>ie's fa!r re9/at$ 9 8 =m] position4 ,! man 0 a /rang] to h]1 %e _h nev] se5 him1 nev] ev5 he>d 8 "n be=e1 b = ,m>ie's sake %e plead$ 8 cause mo/ e>ne/ly4 ,! same reply met h] e turn3 ,n a bett] man 9 ! place :5 he 0 sob]1 ! v be/ work] we've got4 ,b j :5 we're busie/ & ne$ him mo/1 (f he goes & gets drunk4 ,n s v (t51 oh6 no1 b always :5 he's ne$$ mo/4 ,we've =giv5 him "t aga91 b he's _h 8 la/ *ance4 ,we'll n take him back4 ,jane _h ev5 appeal$ to ! presid5t himself1 b ! appeal 0 useless4 ,he nev] int]f]$ 9 su* matt]s1 left !m entirely to ! dep>tm5t heads4 ,! eyes l ,ri*>d's fill$ ) te>s z ,m>ie 0 told ( ! utt] failure ( all appeals4 ,! pale face grew pal] day by day & ! ?9 figure droop$ we>ily4 ,jane _h1 m ?an once1 (f]$ pecuni>y help1 :i* _h be5 g5tly b firmly refus$4 ,!y'd manage someh[1 ,m>ie ?\ght1 until ,jackie 0 well aga9 & able to help1 ?\gh x 0 h>d to fe$ s _m on j "o girl's pay4 ,if !y w\ld only take fa!r back1 t 0 all ! help %e ne$$2 j = !m to take fa!r back4 ,he'd n t\*$ a drop n[ = six mon?s & v[$ he nev] w\ld aga94 ,he'd tak5 ! pl$ge & 0 mak+ ! ,fir/ ,fridays4 ,he'd n miss$ "o s9ce he began five mon?s ago1 & oh6 if !y'd only give him "o m *ance4 ,t's :at fa!r said himself1 t's all he want$1 j "o m *ance to make good4 ,he meant x ?is "t1 too1 ,m>ie 0 q sure ( t4 ,if !y'd only give him t "o *ance he'd make ! mo/ ( x4 ,jane ,horton _h promis$ to make "o m attempt & %e is n[ c>ry+ to ,m>ie ! good news t h] ef=ts h be5 cr[n$ ) success4 ,foll[+ ! directions giv5 h]1 %e passes f ! broad1 well-light$ /reets to small]1 d>k] ones4 ,f9ally %e turns d[n a n>r[1 crook$ alley & ent]s a tumble-d[n h\se at ! f>!r end4 ,bad z 0 ! t5em5t home ( h] e>ly *ildhood1 ?is place is f> worse1 & a wave ( pity fills ,jane's he>t z %e ?9ks ( t delicate1 pati5t *ild gr[+ up 9 surr\nd+s l ^!4 ,m>ie h]self op5s ! door 9 response to ,jane's knock1 h] eyes anxi\sly ask+ ! "q h] lips d>e n utt]4 ,good news1 little "o1 good news1 cri$ ,jane joy\sly1 advanc+ into ! room & tak+ 9 at a glance ! t]rible pov]ty ( ! place1 ! %abb9ess ( ! woman lay+ ! table = supp]1 & ( ! b>efoot$1 ragg$ *ildr5 :o />e at h] 9 op5-m\!d a/oni%m5t4 ,:]e is y\r fa!r1 ,m>ie8 ,take me to him at once = ,i br+ him :at he ask$ =--"o m *ance to make good4 ,9 answ] to ,m>ie's call1 ! door lead+ into an adjo9+ room op5s & a man /eps =?4 ,! light ( ! lamp %9es full ^u 8 face1 & = "o brea?less mom5t !y face ea* o!r 9 sil5ce1 ! woman :o has succe$$ 9 life1 ! man :o has fail$1 & to :om %e br+s "o la/ *ance ( r$eem+ 8 failure4 ,despite ! *ange ( "n & ! great] *anges wr\ght by ! h& ( "t1 %e kn[s him at once4 ,x is ,ri*>d1 h] bro!r4 ,,! ,,elev5? ,,h\r4 ,x 0 an ord9>y t5em5t h\se ( ! poore/ class1 exactly l its neighbors1 :i* l9$ bo? sides ( ! d+y /reet4 ,! door 0 always op51 m ?an half ! "t hang+ by "o h+e1 ! /airways 7 d>k & crook$1 ! rooms small & dirty4 ,9 a back kit*5 on ! topmo/ floor1 a man sat1 or r huddl$1 9 a *air drawn close to ! /ove4 ,8 eyes 7 clos$ & 8 head droop$ we>ily aga9/ ! back ( ! *air4 ,t la/ spell ( c\gh+ _h be5 unusually sev]e & _h left him weak & brea?less4 ,a plague on ! c\gh1 anyway4 ,:y 0 x he c\ld n get rid ( x8 ,! doctor f ! disp5s>y1 ! di/rict nurse1 ev5 ,maggie1 _h assur$ him t ) ! com+ ( summ] ?is cold ( 8 w\ld be bett]4 ,summ] 0 "h1 ?\gh y w\ld n ?9k s to-day ) ?is raw ea/ w9d & drizzl+ ra91 & in/ead ( be+ bett] he 0 worse1 decid$ly worse4 ,c\ld x be t !y 7 all wrong & ,nancy alone 0 9 ! "r8 ,nancy1 :o1 ( all t approa*$ him1 0 ! only "o :o d>$ to tell him ! tru?4 ,! tru?8 ,no1 x 0 a lie1 a lie2 he 0 n dy+1 he 0 go+ to be well & /rong aga9 z soon z he c\ld %ake ?is cold t _h settl$ ^u him4 ,nancy 0 a m$dlesome old woman4 ,he _h told h] s n m ?an an h\r ago & _h s5t h] (f ab\t h] bus9ess4 ,he _h be5 h>% to h] & rude1 & aft] all %e 0 old & _h probably meant to d him a k9dness4 ,b1 !n1 he 0 n sorry2 %e'd n come bo!r+ him any m n[ ) h] dismal croak+s ( dea? & et]nity4 ,dea?8 ,he defi$ x4 ,et]nity8 ,"t en\gh to ?9k ( t4 ,he op5$ 8 eyes & !y re/$ ^u ! *air :i* ,nancy _h occupi$ "o h\r ago1 :i* %e _h occupi$ s frequ5tly dur+ ! pa/ few mon?s4 ,%e _h be5 almo/ a daily visitor s9ce he & ,maggie _h be5 liv+ 9 ^! wret*$ lodg+s 9 ,nancy's ,alley1 z x 0 call$4 ,evid5tly1 ! old woman seem$ to ?9k ! entire /reet 0 h] p]sonal prop]ty & t %e 0 responsible = ! welf>e ( all ! dwell]s !reon4 ,well1 he guess$ he _h taught h] n to come m$dl+ 9 8 affairs4 ,he hop$ he _h anyway4 ,dy+8 ,! idea ( su* a ?+2 h[ d>$ %e tell him he 0 dy+ :5 ev]yone else f$ him ) ! hope t he w\ld be bett] to-morr[1 next week1 next mon?4 ,ah6 yes1 b to-morr[ nev] came2 or r1 :5 x did come1 x 0 no long] to-morr[ ) its promise ( r5ew$ heal?4 ,x 0 to-day1 ) ! same disappo9tm5t1 ! same pa9s1 ! same rack+ c\gh1 :i* he _h endur$ on s _m o!r to-days t _h come & gone be=e x4 ,wat*+ ! *air %e _h s lately occupi$1 he c\ld see once m ! figure ( ,nancy1 h] bright eyes & *e]y smile1 & he> ! nimble tongue :i* *att]$ s m]rily or soo!d s g5tly accord+ to ! ne$s ( h] li/5]4 ,he c\ld see ! little1 /oop$ figure 9 its ragg$ g[n1 ! "w-worn h&s1 ! smoo?1 grey hair4 ,he w\ld miss h] visits2 yes1 inde$1 he w\ld miss !m sorely4 ,b :at "r _h %e to g talk+ to him ( dea?8 ,/ill1 %e 0 old1 %e _h be5 k9d to him1 & he _h driv5 h] away 9 ang]4 ,he _h call$ h] a m$dlesome busybody :o w5t ab\t pok+ & pry+ into o!r p's affairs & _h ord]$ h] to leave ! h\se & nev] ent] x aga94 ,pok9' an' pry9' is x8 %e _h answ]$ quietly z %e made h] way t[>ds ! door4 ,he rememb]$ n[ h[ difficult x _h be5 = h] to walk ev5 on ! level floor2 :at a task x mu/ h be5 = h] to climb ^? ?ree long flights ( /airs z %e _h be5 do+ e day = ^! mon?s pa/4 ,pok9' an' pry9' is x8 ,maybe s1 maybe s4 ,b ,nancy didn't mean x t way1 no1 lad1 inde$ %e didn't4 ,nancy 0 ?9k9' ( h] own boy ly9' at re/ out yond] ) ! gre5 grass gr[9' ov] him1 h] own boy t w5t ! same way y're a go9' n[4 ,he'd be ab\t ! same age z y1 too1 an' !re's ! look on y\r face t ,i se5 on 8 s (t51 ! desp]ate1 despair9' look t x breaks my he>t to see4 ,i figur$ t if y 0 my boy1 ,i'd be glad = "s "o to tell y ! tru? an' try to br+ y back to ,god be=e x's too late4 ,i'd figur$1 too1 t mo/ likely y _h a "m some:]es4 ,%e may be /ill on ! e>? pray9' = y an' long9' = y1 same z ,i pray$ an' long$ = my ,danny = s _m ye>s4 ,%e may be 9 heav5 look9' d[n on u n[1 b :]ev] %e is %e'll be glad to "k t ,i tri$ to br+ y back4 ,x's = h] sake t ,i'm do+ ?is1 = ! sake ( y\r poor "m :]ev] %e may be4 ,8 "m6 ,:at memories t "n conjur$ up6 ,8 "m :o _h kiss$ & bless$ him z %e clos$ h] eyes =ev] s _m1 _m ye>s ago4 ,he 0 /ill look+ at ! *air :i* ,nancy _h occupi$ b he saw x n4 ,he 0 a boy once m /&+ by 8 "m's b$side1 h] s(t1 :ite h& 9 81 & 0 promis+ h]--ah6 h[ _m promises he _h made hold+ t de> h& = ! la/ "t1 & h[ readily he _h brok5 ^? promises e "o6 ,8 m9d w&]$ on & he saw himself a boy at s*ool1 a y\? at college1 a gr[n man fill+ a position ( tru/ 9 a l>ge bus9ess conc]n4 ,9 ^? days1 :]ev] he might turn1 !re 0 "o figure /&+ out be=e all o!rs1 "o fri5d1 tri$ & true4 ,:5 boys at s*ool ?is fri5d _h sav$ 8 life2 :5 "y m5 at college1 x 0 to ?is fri5d's cont9u$ help he ow$ any little success he may h atta9$4 ,aft] leav+ college1 8 position 0 secur$ ?r\gh ! k9dly (fices ( ?is same fri5d ^: desk 0 next 8 own 9 ! (fice 9 :i* !y 7 employ$4 ,8 gaze /ill re/$ on ! vacant *air b he saw only a pretty little suburban cottage ) fl[] g>d5 & smoo? gre5 lawn & box-bord]$ gravel pa?s4 ,once ^u a "t t cottage 0 81 & ! sweet-fac$ girl1 :o trod ^? pa?s s da9tily1 tripp+ to ! gate to meet him on 8 return 9 ! ev5+1 0 8 wife4 ,up/airs 9 ! nurs]y _! *ildr5 slept1 two fair little girls ) _! "m's pretty eyes & da9ty ways4 ,all t _h be5 81 once ^u a "t4 ,he /ill wat*$ t vacant *air b he saw only ! day !y discov]$ ! loss ( t money :i* _h disappe>$ s my/]i\sly f ! firm's safe4 ,suspicion re/$ ^u t "o true fri5d ( 81 ! fri5d to :om he ow$ all he 01 all he _h4 ,!re 0 n suffici5t evid5ce to prove t he 0 ! ?ief1 b 9 ! m9ds ( 8 employ]s !re 0 no d\bt z to 8 guilt4 ,! suppos$ del9qu5t 0 dismiss$ & ! cl\d ( suspicion re/$ ^u him :]ev] he w5t !reaft]4 ,only two p _h kn[n ! tru?1 ! man n[ sitt+ by ! /ove 9 ! t5em5t h\se kit*5 & ! fri5d :o _h suff]$ 9 sil5ce r ?an betray him4 ,!y _h nev] met aga91 & n long aft] ! robb]y1 ! man n[ sitt+ by ! /ove _h he>d ( 8 fri5d's dea?2 ! physicians said x 0 typhoid1 b he knew bett]4 ,disappo9tm5t1 anxiety1 he>tbreak1 7 ! real causes ( 8 fri5d's e>ly tak+ (f4 ,he /ill gaz$ at ! empty *air b he saw only ! s]ies ( mis=tunes t _h befall5 him s9ce ! day 8 fri5d di$4 ,he _h laun*$ into bus9ess on 8 own acc\nt2 ! result 0 dire disa/]4 ,8 home 0 burn$ 9 ! dead ( night2 !y b>ely escap$ ) _! lives4 ,ev]y?+ 0 gone2 !re 0 no insurance & ru9 & despair confront$ !m4 ,8 *ildr5 di$ sudd5ly ( a malignant fev] & ! he>tbrok5 "m _h foll[$ !m to ! grave )9 a few weeks4 ,he 0 alone1 all alone1 & f t day to ?is _h gone /eadily d[nw>d until n[ he f\nd himself 9 ?is dirty t5em5t dep5d+ = 8 daily bread ^u ! fad$1 ragg$ little woman :o 0 n[ 8 wife4 ,poor ,maggie1 h[ %e irritat$ him at times & yet %e _h be5 a good fai?ful wife to him4 ,b = h]1 !y w\ld n h ev5 ?is mis]able apology = a home4 ,yes1 ev5 ,maggie1 ) h] wat]y eyes & ?91 unkempt hair1 ,maggie1 :o scrubb$ floors = a liv+ & c\ld n write s mu* z h] own "n nor read ! simple/ *ild's prim]2 ev5 ,maggie 0 f> too good = ! worn-out drunk>d & gambl] :om %e t5d$ s fai?fully4 ,a light tap ^u ! door1 b ! man by ! /ove 0 too mu* occupi$ ) ^? phantoms ( ! pa/ to pay he$ to x4 ,! door op5$ quietly & a prie/ /epp$ into ! room4 ,! man's gaze %ift$ f ! vacant *air to ! black-rob$ figure /&+ by ! door & look+ at him 9 puzzl$ amazem5t4 ,phantoms ( ! pa/8 ,yes1 inde$1 & "h 0 "o m come to torm5t him & to mock at him4 ,! two wat*$ ea* o!r 9 sil5ce = a mom5t4 ,!n1 ! man cr\*+ 9 8 *air by ! fire f\nd voice at la/3 ,:at br+s y "h1 y1 ( all m58 ,h y come to taunt me1 to upbraid me1 to delight y\r eyes ) ! sight ( my mis]y8 ,h y come to laugh at me 9 my d[nfall8 ,nay1 fri5d1 return$ ! prie/ g5tly1 none ( ^? ?+s has br\ght me to y to-day4 ,i come only on a mission ( m]cy1 to br+ y peace & p>don4 ,b h[ did y f9d me2 :o s5t y to me8 dem&$ ! man by ! fire4 ,a little old woman1 ,nancy by "n1 told me !re 0 "o "h sadly 9 ne$ ( ! m9i/rations ( a prie/4 ,i did n dream t ,i %\ld f9d y4 ,y "k me !n2 y rememb] me8 ,i rememb] y p]fectly & recogniz$ y at once1 ?\gh y h *ang$ almo/ beyond recognition4 ,y say y "k me1 b y d n1 y d n4 ,y may "k :o ,i am1 b y don't "k :at ,i am4 ,y don't "k t ,i'm a ?ief4 ,yes1 a ?ief1 = x 0 ,i :o took t money he 0 accus$ ( /eal+4 ,d y "k t8 ,i "k x1 answ]$ ! prie/ calmly1 & /ill ,i say ,i br+ y peace & p>don4 ,p]haps y "k1 too1 t ,i am a murd]]1 = x 0 grief1 he>tbreak1 :i* weak5$ him s t :5 disease attack$ him he _h n suffici5t /r5g? to combat ! fev]4 ,d y n[ t1 y :o talk to me s easily ( peace & p>don8 ,i "k t1 too1 & x is 9 8 "n t ,i (f] y =giv5ess = y\r s9s4 ,y "k all !n8 ,he told y8 ,he told me 9 ! delirium ( fev]4 ,he nev] knew he told2 he di$ ?9k+ he c>ri$ ! secret ) him to ! grave4 ,he 0 fai?ful ev5 unto dea?4 ,fai?ful ev5 unto dea?4 ,& y1 8 bro!r1 come to me n[ &1 kn[+ all1 d>e to hold out to me ! hope ( =giv5ess & ( peace8 & ! man />$ incr$ul\sly into ! k9d1 pity+ eyes b5t ^u him4 ,i1 8 bro!r1 (f] y n[ =giv5ess ( all y\r s9s & peace :i* surpasse? all und]/&+4 ,! sick man 0 seiz$ ) a viol5t fit ( c\gh+ & :5 x _h pass$1 he lay back 9 8 *air exhau/$1 ) clos$ eyes & :ite1 pa9-drawn face4 ,! prie/1 wi%+ to give him a mom5t to re/ & recov] 8 brea?1 walk$ to ! w9d[ & look$ out4 ,9 ! field bel[ m ?an a score ( ragg$ m51 wom5 & *ildr5 7 scrat*+ & digg+ among piles ( a%es1 eag]ly se>*+ = & ga!r+ up ! half-burn$ c9d]s2 se>*+1 too1 9 ! =lorn hope ( f9d+ some?+ ( great] value t might h be5 ?r[n away by accid5t4 ,! ra9 beat noisily on ! w9d[ pane & ! prie/ %iv]$ z he look$ at ^? scantily-clad little *ildr51 n "o ( :om c\ld boa/ ( %oes & /ock+s1 & at ! :ite heads & b5t figures ( old wom5 on ^: unprotect$ %\ld]s ! ra9 fell s pitilessly4 ,:at matt]$ ! inclem5cy ( ! wea!r to !m8 ,w9t] w\ld be "h by & by2 !y mu/ ga!r 9 all ! fuel possible be=e x 0 ^u !m ) its sn[ & sleet & icy bla/s4 ,9 fact1 ev5 :5 w9t] came1 _m ( ^! same little *ildr5 & old wom51 ev5 gr[n m5 :o ei!r c\ld n f9d o!r "w to d or did n c>e to seek x1 _m ( ^! same p w\ld be se5 day aft] day scrat*+ & digg+ 9 ?is same field ( a%es4 ,! prie/ turn$ f ! w9d[ ) a sigh ( pity = ! mis]able creatures bel[4 ,8 glance /ray$ ov] ! untidy kit*5 :i* bore all ! m>ks ( ! mo/ extreme pov]ty & he gave ano!r sigh ( pity = ! man :o _h be5 br\ght s l[ 9 ! la/ days ( 8 life1 ! man :om he _h kn[n 9 ! "t ( 8 success & prosp]ity4 ,he approa*$ ! *air beside ! /ove & ! tir$ eyes op5$ sl[ly & look$ at him4 ,unaccu/om$ te>s fill$ ^? eyes & ! h>d voice s(t5$ m>vel\sly4 ,nancy 0 "r1 t *ang$ voice 0 say+4 ,i am dy+4 ,fa!r1 y say y br+ me =giv5ess 9 8 "n1 =giv5ess = ! great wrong ,i did him4 ,9 8 "n1 ,i w accept ! gift4 ,fa!r1 ,i w confess my s9s to y & beg ,god's p>don = !m4 ,two h\rs lat]1 :5 poor1 tir$ ,maggie1 ) a*+ arms & a*+ back1 return$ f h] day's "w1 %e 0 surpris$ at ! g5tl5ess ) :i* he greet$ h]4 ,nev] _h he be5 s k9d be=e3 %e 0 m accu/om$ to h>% words & ev5 curses ?an k9dness f him4 ,%e set ab\t prep>+ _! ev5+ meal & he actually ate :at %e put be=e him )\t ev5 once f9d+ fault ) ! food or ) h]4 ,%e c\ld n und]/& x & felt vaguely al>m$4 ,aga9 ! door op5$ & a face pe]$ 9 anxi\sly4 ,x w\ld look z if ! own] ( ! face 0 fully prep>$ to slam ! door & take to h] heels at a second's notice4 ,! man 9 ! *air by ! /ove smil$ fa9tly & call$3 ,come 91 ,nancy2 x's all "r4 ,! little /oop$ figure sidl$ into ! room b /ood ) h] h& ^u ! door ready = flight at any mom5t4 ,%e c\ld n tru/ h] eyes & e>s1 %e knew !y mu/ be deceiv+ h]4 ,come 91 ,nancy1 ! man repeat$4 ,come 9 & sit d[n !re 9 ! *air y occupi$ ?is aft]noon :5 y d>$ to tell me ! tru? t all o!rs fe>$ to tell4 ,y're a brave little woman1 ,nancy1 &1 ?anks to y1 all is well ) me at la/4 ,z he said1 he br\ght me =giv5ess = my s9s & peace :i* surpasse? all und]/&+4 ,?anks to y1 ,nancy1 ?anks to y4 ,?anks to me is x1 lad8 ,n a bit ( x1 n a bit ( x4 ,?anks be to ,god6 ejaculat$ ,nancy f]v5tly4 ,?anks be to ,god6 :isp]$ ,maggie1 z a te> roll$ d[n h] worn & fad$ *eek & spla%$ into ! pan ( wat] 9 :i* %e 0 wa%+ ! supp] di%es4 ,?anks be to ,god = br+9' him back ev5 at ! elev5? h\r6 ,,! ,,/ory ,,( ,,julie ,,b5oit4 ,julie lean$ aga9/ ! door ( ! room f :i* %e _h j be5 summon$4 ,h] black eyes fla%$ defiance into ! eyes ( ! woman wat*+ h] 9 sorr[ful sil5ce4 ,:y y come "h8 %e cri$4 ,:y y n leave me alone8 ,i n want to see y nor anyone4 ,y no "r to come "h2 y n my =ewoman n[4 ,y dismiss me 9 disgrace a week ago1 y & t sup]9t5d5t 9 y\r factory ov] !re4 ,:at y come =2 to puni% me "s m8 ,my poor *ild1 return$ ! o!r g5tly1 y mu/ n hate me s4 ,believe me1 ,i love y1 ,julie1 & ,i've come "h z y\r fri5d4 ,y a fri5d to me2 me1 ,julie ,b5oit :o is s5t away f ! factory because ,i /eal all t money6 ,no1 no1 ,i "k bett] ?an t1 y no fri5d to me1 y despise me4 ,all ! girls po9t _! f+] at me1 = ,i /eal t money4 ,b ,i give x all back1 d ,i n8 ,& ! sup]9t5d5t he say x is my fir/ (f5se & he w n s5d me to prison4 ,oh yes6 he is v k9d4 ,julie h give back ! money1 ,julie is =giv51 b %e is a ?ief & _c "w ) hone/ p4 ,%e mu/ g1 & )\t a ref]5ce4 ,no "o c\ld recomm5d a ?ief4 ,well1 ,julie does g1 s :y y n let h] alone8 ,julie1 ,julie1 li/5 to me1 cri$ ! =ewoman almo/ 9 despair4 ,believe x or n z y please1 ,i h come "h to-day to help y if ,i c4 ,i h come because !re 0 some?+ 9 y\r face1 a look 9 y\r eyes1 t day y left u t has haunt$ me ev] s9ce4 ,i h come because ,i fe>$ y 7 9 tr\ble & 7 too pr\d to tell u s4 ,julie1 = tw5ty ye>s ,i h be5 =ewoman ( my dep>tm5t ov] !re 9 ! factory4 ,_m1 _m girls h work$ ) me1 new ones com+1 old ones go+ all ! "t4 ,"s h left = "o reason1 "s = ano!r1 b nev] be=e has "o gone f me 9 ang] or disgrace4 ,all my girls h lov$ me1 ,julie1 & ,i lov$ !m4 ,:y 0 x ,i nev] c\ld w9 y1 w9 y\r tru/ & confid5ce4 ,0 ,i n k9d to y1 *ild8 ,i tri$ to be = ,i want$ y\r love & tru/4 ,! fla%+ eyes & angry face ( ! girl s(t5$ a little z ! woman cont9u$3 ,i "k y are n a bad girl1 ,julie4 ,i "k t y nev] be=e /ole any?+4 ,i h be5 ?9k+ ( y all ?is week & worry+ ab\t y1 = x mu/ h be5 "s great tr\ble :i* induc$ y to take t money4 ,:y did y take x1 *ild8 ,won't y please tell me8 ,y ask me :y ,i take x8 ,well1 ,i w tell y4 ,d y "k :at is 9 t room j beh9d ?is v door ,i lean aga9/8 ,x is my "m4 ,%e w nev] move aga91 nev] speak to me aga92 %e is dead4 ,yes1 %e di$ la/ night b ,i n tell no "o4 ,if ,i tell1 !y w take h] away & bury h] ,i n "k :]e4 ,i h no money to bury h] myself4 ,pretty soon ,i w h to tell1 !n !y bury h] 9 a paup]'s grave ) o!r p poor l u4 ,i n "k :]e !y put h]2 ,i nev] c g & kneel at h] grave & :isp] to h] t ,i h n =gott54 ,y want to "k :y ,i /eal t money8 ,well1 a week ago poor "m %e is s v sick4 ,!y tell me %e _c live _m days2 b ,i ?9k if only ,i h money ,i c save h] yet4 ,i c h doctors to see h]1 big doctors :o w g to sick p only = v mu* money4 ,i c buy h] food & m$ic9e & p]haps s5d h] away to "s place :]e ! sun w %9e = h]1 :]e %e c brea! ,god's pure air4 ,:y ev5 /rong p c sc>ce live 9 a place l ?is :]e ! sun%9e nev] come1 :]e x is cold & damp all ! "t4 ,h[ c ! poor little "m hope to gr[ well aga9 9 su* a place1 )\t good food1 (t5 )\t a fire1 ! air n fit = anyone to brea!4 ,i ?9k ( x all ! "t4 ,i lie awake at night & ?9k ( x1 x is be=e me all day at my "w4 ,money1 money1 if only ,i h a little money1 ,i c save my "m yet4 ,!n ! *ance come1 ! money is !re be=e me4 ,i look at x1 ,i take x4 ,t is all4 ,y ask me :y ,i /eal t money4 ,i /eal x = h]1 my "m2 to save h] life4 ,yes1 & = h]1 too1 ! bl9d gr&mo!r1 & = !m1 & %e po9t$ to a v old woman sitt+ close to ! /ove & hold+ 9 h] arms a :imp]+ *ild ( f\r4 ,at h] side cr\*$ two m *ildr51 some:at old]1 huddl$ toge!r 9 a ragg$ %awl4 ,!y wore nei!r %oes nor /ock+s & ! small feet 7 blue ) cold4 ,oh1 y poor *ild1 exclaim$ ! =ewoman1 h] eyes fill+ ) te>s4 ,:y did y n tell me a week ago in/ead ( tak+ t money1 = "o wrong c nev] "r ano!r2 :y did y n tell me8 ,we might n h be5 able to save y\r "m1 b we c\ld h help$ y4 ,ev5 aft] y took ! money1 if y _h told me all1 some?+ might h be5 done = y4 ,i wi% y _h told me1 ,julie1 ,i wi% y _h told me4 ,! %ock$ grief ( ! woman's face & voice _h _! effect ^u ! girl1 & x 0 9 a mu* m g5tle tone t %e cont9u$3 ,y c see = y\rself h[ x is ) u n[1 b we are n always l ?is4 ,if y c>e to li/5 & w sit d[n1 ,i tell y all ab\t x4 ,no1 inde$1 we are n always l ?is4 ,i c rememb] :5 fa!r is alive h[ happy we all are4 ,he is a mason1 good & /eady1 & he "w = u all ! "t4 ,we live 9 a pretty little flat1 x is bright & clean & "m keep x s & make ev]y?+ look nice = u4 ,%e s+ & %e laugh & %e look s pretty 9 ^? days4 ,i g to s*ool & ,m>ie also1 de> ,m>ie :o di$ "o ye> ago4 ,anto9e1 too1 he g to s*ool ) ,m>ie & me4 ,lorra9e !re1 %e too little2 %e /ay at home ) "m & ) gr&mo!r4 ,well1 we are all s happy until "o day fa!r is br\ght home to u4 ,he is dead1 kill$ at 8 "w by a fall+ d]rick4 ,t same day poor little ,bapti/e1 him !re on gr&mo!r's lap1 he come into ?is cruel _w4 ,"m is sick1 s v sick = a long "t aft]4 ,x is weeks & weeks be=e %e c walk ar\nd aga94 ,by ! "t %e does1 ! little money %e _h sav$ is all gone2 !re is n a c5t 9 ! h\se & ! l&lord puts u out into ! /reet4 ,i am only twelve at ! "t b ,i g to "w 9 a factory--n y\r factory1 b "o away (f ! o!r side ( ! riv]4 ,i h to walk long1 long di/ance 9 ! cold1 d>k morn+1 & walk back aga9 at night1 b ,i am happy = ,i e>n money to help at home4 ,"m %e g to "w too1 9 a great /eam laundry :]e %e /& all day at a big ma*9e4 ,%e v ?9 & pale1 & s tir$ at night %e c h>dly walk home4 ,b %e1 too1 is cont5t2 = %e h "w to d & "w means money to buy food = ! little ones & = ! bl9d gr&mo!r4 ,we get along pretty well = almo/ ?ree ye>s4 ,!n1 j a ye> ago1 ! factory ,i "w = %uts d[n4 ,times are h>d1 !re is no m "w = u1 we mu/ g4 ,we d g4 ,we try fir/ "o place1 !n ano!r1 to f9d "w4 ,x is ! same /ory ev]y:]e1 times are h>d & !re is no "w = u4 ,!n "m gets t dreadful cold4 ,! laundry :]e %e works is always s v hot4 ,%e come out at night into ! cold air2 h] coat is ?9 = %e _c buy a w>m "o & %e get a dreadful *ill "o night z %e comes home4 ,%e c\gh all ! "t aft] t4 ,x %ake h] ne>ly all to pieces2 b %e /ill g to h] "w till "o day %e fall beside h] ma*9e4 ,!y br+ h] home & we put h] into b$ & %e nev] leave x aga94 ,:at to d !n we "k n4 ,"o1 two1 ?ree days pass2 at la/ !re is a day :5 gr&mo!r & ,i eat no?+4 ,we give ! la/ scraps ( bread to ! *ildr5 & sp5d ! la/ two p5nies on milk = "m4 ,!re is no?+ left = u4 ,we n sleep t night2 we sit by ! empty /ove & we ?9k all night4 ,gr&mo!r is pray+ all ! "t2 %e is1 oh s good1 t gr&mo!r4 ,%e pray & %e pray1 & %e tell me ,god is k9d & good1 ,he w %[ u a way4 ,me1 ,i am n good l t4 ,i say to h] ,god _c be k9d & m]ciful1 or he w\ld n treat u s4 ,:at h we done t ,he puni% u l t8 ,%e say to me3 ',hu%1 *ild1 hu%2 y v bad1 v wick$4 ,god is good & k9d & lov+4 ,he n try u any m ?an we c be>2 ,he s5d u help soon if we tru/ 9 ,him4' ,next morn+ is cold1 v cold2 we h no fire & no food4 ,i h be5 ev]y:]e to look = "w & f9d no?+4 ,b ,i put on my hat to g out & try once m4 ,gr&mo!r ask me :at ,i d4 ,i tell h] ,i g aga9 to look = "w4 ,%e say3 ',no1 *ild1 y /ay "h ) y\r "m to-day2 x is my turn n[4' ,%e is old2 %e is bl9d & ,i fe> to h h] g out alone1 b %e is firm & w g4 ,%e take h] /ick & %e g out4 ,%e come back lat] ) bread = ! *ildr5 & a little money to buy coal4 ,i n ask h] :]e %e get x2 ,i "k4 ,%e beg x on ! /reet4 ,e day %e g out l t1 & :5 %e br+ back food & money %e n say "o ^w & ,i n ask h] :]e %e get x2 ,i "k4 ,%e keeps u f />v+ = a few weeks & !n1 at la/1 ,i f9d "w 9 y\r factory4 ,= a "t1 ,i am almo/ happy aga91 = n[ gr&mo!r ne$ beg no m2 my pay w keep u 9 food & fire4 ,ev5 "m seems bett] = a little :ile1 & ,i ?9k p]haps %e w get well & we w all be happy once aga94 ,b "m is soon v1 v sick1 & ,i see h] dy+ day by day & c d no?+ to help h]4 ,!n1 t day la/ week1 a p>ty ( ladies come to visit ! factory4 ,! wife ( ! sup]9t5d5t is ) !m4 ,%e v h&some1 v ri*2 %e beautifully dress$4 ,%e /op ne> my table to take (f h] coat1 ! room is w>m & ! fur coat heavy4 ,%e lay h] purse d[n on my table :ile %e remove ! g>m5t2 "o ( ! ladies call to h] & %e g away1 leav+ ! purse beh9d h] on my table4 ,"m is v sick t morn+2 %e n sleep all night1 b c\gh1 c\gh1 c\gh4 ,!re is ! purse be=e me4 ,no "o is look+2 ,i pick x up & op5 x4 ,x is fill$ ) money1 ! money t may save my "m's life4 ,t lady w nev] miss x4 ,i slip ! purse inside my dress & g on ) my "w4 ,i c h>dly keep f scream+ ) joy ,i am s happy to ?9k ,i h ! money :i* is go+ to save my "m's life4 ,! ladies g away & ,i feel t ,i am safe2 %e has =get ab\t h] purse4 ,i want to ru% away at once1 b ,i mu/ /ay at my "w s no "o w suspect4 ,pres5tly ! sup]9t5d5t he come 9 & he talk to y & y look v grave4 ,!n he say "o ( ! ladies h left h] purse on a table 9 ?is room4 ,w ! girls be k9d en\gh to /op "w & se>* = x8 ,he w give five doll>s rew>d to ! "o :o f9ds x4 ,we all se>* b no purse is f\nd1 & he g away aga94 ,pretty soon he come back & ! lady ) him4 ,%e look ar\nd = a few mom5ts1 !n %e walk /raight ov] to my table4 ,! sup]9t5d5t ask is %e sure1 q sure4 ,%e say %e is p]fectly sure4 ,%e lay h] purse on t table 9 ord] to remove h] coat1 !n =get to take x up aga9 :5 %e g away2 & %e look v h>d at me4 ,! sup]9t5d5t ask me if ,i h se5 ! purse & ,i say no4 ,i suppose he "k by my face t ,i am ly+ = he tell y to take me to ! dress+-room & se>*4 ,!n ,i "k !re is no hope = me2 if y se>* y f9d ! purse1 s ,i take x out & h& x to him4 ,he talk to me ab\t my wick$ness b ,i n answ] him4 ,he dis*>ge me1 b ,i n say "o ^w4 ,y talk to me1 b ,i n speak to y ei!r1 ,i am too he>tbrok51 too despair+4 ,my "m %e w die n[1 %e w surely die2 & gr&mo!r %e w h to g out begg+ once aga94 ,i come home & ,i tell !m ,i am dis*>g$4 ,i n tell !m :y1 = !y v good & /eal+ is a s94 ,!y be s %ock$ & sorry4 ,i sit beside my "m1 despair 9 my he>t1 & ,i wat* h] dy+1 dy+1 dy+4 ,h] pa9 is all ov] n[2 %e leave me la/ night & %e nev] come back aga94 ,i wat* ) h] 9 !re :5 y come4 ,i wat* ) h] "s m :5 y g2 !n ,i mu/ tell t %e is gone1 t %e is dead1 & !y come & take h] away1 & %e ?rew h]self on ! floor by ! door ( h] "m's room 9 a p]fect agony ( grief4 ,9 a mom5t ! k9d-he>t$ woman 0 on h] knees beside ! he>tbrok5 girl1 :om %e ga!r$ into h] mo!rly arms1 murmur+ words ( com=t all ! :ile4 ,gradually ! dreadful sobb+ subsid$1 & aft] a "t ! girl 0 once m /&+ be=e t door %e gu>d$ s jeal\sly4 ,see+ t %e 0 h] own calm self aga91 ! =ewoman said g5tly3 ,my poor *ild1 aga9 ,i say t ,i wi% y _h told me a week ago4 ,s mu* suff]+ w\ld h be5 sav$4 ,h[ev]1 ?is is no "t = va9 regrets1 x is ! "t = action4 ,i mu/ leave y at once1 ,julie1 b ,i w be back1 & w1 ,i hope1 br+ y good news4 ,9 ! meantime d y say no?+ to anyone ab\t y\r "m4 ,y w believe t ,i w help y8 ,y w d z ,i say8 ,y v good1 repli$ ,julie simply1 lay+ h] h& 9 t ( ! =ewoman2 :5 y want me1 y f9d me !re1 & %e po9t$ to ! door beh9d :i* h] "m's sil5t =m 0 re/+4 ,two days lat]1 ! =ewoman1 seat$ at h] desk1 0 app>5tly absorb$ 9 ! newspap] %e 0 read+ :ile leisurely dispos+ ( h] noonday lun*4 ,9 reality %e 0 cov]tly wat*+ an excit$ gr\p ( girls on ! o!r side ( ! room :o 7 discuss+ "s matt] ( evid5t importance4 ,)\t d\bt1 some?+ 0 wrong4 ,! =ewoman r surmis$ :at ! tr\ble 0 & smil$ beh9d ! %elt] ( h] newspap]4 ,%e knew ^! girls & 0 q sure t ! difficulty1 :atev] x 01 w\ld be br\ght to h] = settlem5t4 ,z %e _h said to ,julie1 %e lov$ h] girls1 & !y 9 turn lov$ & tru/$ h]4 ,9 ?is in/ance %e _h n long to wait4 ,pres5tly ! girls ca/ aside napk9s & lun* boxes & mov$ t[>d ! corn] ( ! room :]e _! =ewoman 0 wait+4 ,%e wat*$ _! approa* 9 smil+ sil5ce4 ,slightly 9 advance ( ! o!rs came a small1 impetu\s figure1 a pa9fully ?91 cross-ey$ girl ( fifte51 ^: abundant crop ( freckles _h e>n$ = h] ! sobriquet ( ,speckles4 ,%e _h answ]$ to t "n = s long n[ t %e _h almo/ =gott5 %e ev] own$ any o!r4 ,%e 0 impulsive1 good-he>t$1 & a g5]al favorite 9 spite ( h] r %>p little tongue4 ,ru%+ up to ! =ewoman's desk1 %e said excit$ly3 ,miss ,m]ton1 x c't be true1 :at ,l\ise has j be5 tell+ u1 t y are go+ to let t horrid ,julie ,b5oit come back aga94 ,y surely w\ldn't take h] back1 w\ld y1 ,miss ,m]ton8 ,yes1 x is p]fectly true1 repli$ ! =ewoman calmly4 ,julie w return to u next ,monday1 & ,i hope all my girls w d ev]y?+ !y c to make h] feel t we are glad to h h] back4 ,b we're n glad4 ,we don't want h] back1 cri$ "o girl4 ,:y x's impossible aft] :at %e did1 add$ ano!r4 ,i1 = "o1 w\ldn't "w 9 ! same room ) a girl l t1 said a ?ird1 ) a toss ( h] head4 ,i w\ldn't d>e leave any ( my belong+s out ( my sight = a s+le in/ant4 ,t's j ! tr\ble1 *im$ sev]al all at once4 ,we w\ldn't feel safe = a mom5t kn[+ !re 0 a ?ief among/ u4 ,dur+ ?is outbur/ ! =ewoman sat quietly wat*+ ! indignant faces be=e h]4 ,!n %e said v gravely3 ,girls1 ,i ?9k we all misjudg$ ,julie1 & really almo/ owe h] an apology4 ,i h ask$ h] p>don1 & ?\gh ,i d n expect y to d ! same1 ,i d ask y to receive h] back ) k9dness4 ,misjudg$ h]6 ,apology6 gasp$ ,speckles4 ,%e took t money1 didn't %e8 ,yes4 ,& a p]son :o takes money t belongs to someone else is a ?ief1 isn't %e8 ,yes1 c]ta9ly4 ,well !n1 ,i say a ?ief is a ?ief1 & ,i don't see :]e any misjudg+ comes 91 & ,speckles look$ defiantly f "o to ano!r4 ,a tall blonde ^: ?\ghtful blue eyes _h be5 /udy+ ! =ewoman's face1 laid h] h& on ! excit$ girl's arm1 rem>k+ g5tly3 ,let's n judge too ha/ily1 ,speckles de>4 ,i ?9k ,miss ,m]ton has some?+ to tell u4 ,= my "p ,i us$ to pity ,julie1 %e seem$ s weak & sickly & s t]ribly alone4 ,%e 0 ) u b %e 0 n "o ( u4 ,pity y\r gr&mo!r1 cri$ ,speckles ! irrepressible4 ,if %e 0 alone all ! "t1 x 0 h] own fault4 ,%e 0 a /uck-up old ?+ & w\ldn't make fri5ds ) any ( u4 ,if y'd speak to h] %e'd only />e at y ) ^? fi]ce black eyes ( h]s & answ] yes or no j z %ort & snappy z y please4 ,i d\bt if we tri$ v h>d1 any ( u1 to w9 h] fri5d%ip1 ! poor little ?+4 ,& %e did seem s =lorn & lonely at times1 answ]$ ! blonde4 ,b !re1 girls1 let's all keep quiet if we c = ,i "k ,miss ,m]ton has some?+ to tell u4 ,y are "r1 ,l\ise1 ,i h a little /ory to tell y1 ! /ory ( ,julie ,b5oit1 & %e told !m ,julie's /ory z %e _h he>d x f ,julie h]self4 ,9 conclusion1 %e add$3 ,:5 ,i left t poor *ild beside h] dead "m1 ,i w5t at once to ! sup]9t5d5t & told him ! :ole /ory4 ,y girls "k h[ k9d he is2 _m ( y h _h p]sonal exp]i5ce ( 8 *>ity4 ,he call$ 9 8 wife & toge!r !y plann$ to bury ,julie's "m z a ,ca?olic %\ld be buri$1 !y to /& all ! exp5se4 ,!y h also und]tak5 to see t ! y\ng] *ildr5 are s5t to s*ool & ! gr&mo!r prop]ly c>$ =1 & ,julie is to return to h] place "h on ,monday4 ,i wi% y c\ld h se5 h] face :5 ,i w5t back to ^? two dreadful rooms 9 ! alley :]e %e lives & told h] :at ! sup]9t5d5t & 8 wife _h said4 ,%e />$ at me1 amaz$1 incr$ul\s2 !n said sl[ly 9 an aw$ :isp]3 ',!y d all t = me1 ,julie ,b5oit ! ?ief6 ,y tell ! lady x is ,i :o /eal h] money b %e =give & h my "m buri$ l a ,*ri/ian4 ,%e h h] tak5 into *ur* :]e ! prie/ w bless h] & pray ov] h]4 ,%e h h] buri$ :]e ,i c g & kneel beside h] grave & tell h] t ,i love h] /ill & t ,i =get h] nev]1 no nev]4 ,! lady d all t = me :o /eal h] money4 ,b %e is good1 %e is k9d to =give me4' ,aft] a mom5t's ?\ght1 %e add$3 ',y ?9k ,god w =give me too8 ,i v bad1 v wick$2 ,i say all ^? dreadful ?+s ab\t ,him1 b ,he w =give me1 is x n s8 ,gr&mo!r say ,he good & k9d4 ,y ?9k ,he w =give me if ,i ask ,him8' ,x 0 a v diff]5t ,julie t ,i left t night2 oh6 v diff]5t f ! girl :o met me ) su* fi]c5ess e>li] 9 ! ev5+4 ,j z ,i 0 leav+1 %e said to me v humbly3 ',! girls at ! factory1 y ?9k !y w =give me also8 ,i v rude to !m2 ,i say ,i hate !m all4 ,y ?9k !y w =give me8' ,s n[1 my girls1 y\r welcome to ,julie on ,monday morn+ w be ! be/ answ] to t "q4 ,w we =give h]1 ! poor girl6 cri$ ,speckles impulsively4 ,y bet we w4 ,if !re's any "o "h :o won't be k9d to t poor little ,julie1 %e'll j h to reckon ) me4 ,i ?9k x is we :o %\ld ask h] to =give u1 = ,i mu/ admit we 7 all r hateful to h]4 ,oh1 ,i say1 girls6 ,i've j got an idea1 %e cont9u$4 ,"h1 ,l\ise1 j h& me "o ( ^? empty boxes f t %elf ov] y\r head4 ,!re y are4 ,n[ !n1 ?is is a hat & ,i pass x ar\nd to ea* "o ( y1 s4 ,i say to ea* "o ( y3 ',did y notice t poor ,julie has be5 we>+ a ?9 summ] coat all ?is bitt] w9t] wea!r8 ,x us$ to make me %iv] j to look at h]4 ,did any ( y notice t h] %oes 7 all brok5 ?r\gh & ev5 9 ra9 or sn[ /orms %e nev] _h any rubb]s to we> ov] !m8' ,suppose ea* "o ( u *ip 9 a few p5nies1 we c all sp>e a little1 & h ,miss ,m]ton give x to h] to buy %oes or some?+ = h]self4 ,i'll />t ) fifty c5ts4 ,! box 0 pass$ f "o to ano!r1 ea* contribut+ :at %e c\ld1 & ea* contribution mean+ m or less ( a sacrifice to ! donor4 ,9 ?is way a goodly sum 0 collect$ & laid on ,miss ,m]ton's table4 ,!re1 girls1 said ! triumphant ,speckles4 ,t w %[ ,julie :e!r we h =giv5 h] or n4 ,& n[1 d y he> t musical :i/le call+ u back to our places8 ,we'd bett] hu/le = ! ma*9es w />t up 9 a m9ute or two4 ,ma*9es are l "t & ! tide1 !y wait = no man4 ,nor woman1 ei!r1 n ev5 = ,julie ,b5oit1 & ) a laugh1 ,speckles 0 (f l ! w9d4 ,z ! girls dep>t$1 ea* to h] own ma*9e or "w-table1 ,miss ,m]ton look$ aft] !m1 a te> 9 h] eye & a smile ^u h] lips4 ,god bless my girls1 %e said to h]self4 ,_! he>ts are 9 ! "r place1 e "o ( !m4 ,i ne$ h no fe> ( ! welcome !y w give my poor little ,julie ,b5oit4 ,,pet]4 ,pet] 0 ?9k+4 ,n t x 0 an unusual ev5t = ,pet] to ?9k4 ,q ! contr>y6 ,to ,pet] himself x seem$ t life 0 "o cont9u\s r\nd ( ?9k+ & plann+ & worry+4 ,x c]ta9ly 0 = him1 especially s9ce ! adv5t ( ! baby1 t wond]ful baby si/] ( 84 ,someh[ ?+s _h n matt]$ s mu* be=e1 :5 !re 0 no "o to be consid]$ b himself4 ,n[ x 0 diff]5t1 ) 8 baby to be ?\ght ( & c>$ =4 ,pet] 0 worri$ & anxi\s4 ,he felt t a great responsibility re/$ ^u 8 %\ld]s4 ,!y 7 "y %\ld]s1 too1 f> too "y to be burd5$ ) ! c>es & tr\bles ( life4 ,! w9t] w9d came te>+ d[n ! /reet1 /++ 8 face & pi]c+ ?r\gh 8 ?9 g>m5ts4 ,%iv]+1 he turn$ up ! coll> ( 8 worn & ragg$ coat & ?ru/ 8 h&s deep into ! pockets4 ,!n he ha/5$ on ) eyes on ! gr\nd & b5t d[n head1 = ,pet] 0 ?9k+4 ,a mighty problem confront$ him1 a problem :i* mu/ be solv$ at once4 ,he turn$ into ! dirty1 n>r[ alley 9 :i* he liv$1 op5$ ! door ( a t5em5t h\se1 &1 runn+ quickly up a flight ( /airs1 ent]$ ,mrs4 ,dempsey's kit*54 ,! savory odor ( fry+ ham greet$ 8 no/rils & rem9d$ him t he _h _h no?+ to eat s9ce morn+4 ,well1 nev] m9d t1 he w\ld h supp] soon n[1 he & baby toge!r4 ,bless me1 ,pet]1 is t y home s e>ly8 cri$ *e]y ,mrs4 ,dempsey turn+ ar\nd f ! /ove1 fry+-pan 9 "o h&1 a l>ge =k 9 ! o!r4 ,y mu/ h _h good luck to-night to be back s e>ly4 ,pet] caught up 9 8 arms ! pretty *ild :o toddl$ across ! floor & ?rew h]self ^u him ) a %riek ( delight4 ,) a gravity befitt+ 8 great responsibility1 he seat$ himself ^u a ne>by *air1 hold+ ! baby close to him & smoo?+ back ! tangl$ yell[ curls4 ,yes1 ,mrs4 ,dempsey1 ,i _h real good luck to-night4 ,0 all sold out long a=e ! o!r fell]s1 !n hu/l$ "r home to baby4 ,i hope %e wasn't no bo!r to ye1 ,mrs4 ,dempsey4 ,bo!r is x8 ,! d>l9'1 an' %e z quiet z a little lamb4 ,x's an angel %e is entirely an' ye'd ?9k s y]self if ye c\ld h se5 ! nice supp] ( bread & milk %e ate along ) my own "y ones4 ,does angels eat bread & milk1 ,mrs4 ,dempsey8 ,pet] ask$ ! "q 9 all s9c]ity4 ,he _h (t5 wond]$ ab\t angels & he really want$ to "k4 ,oh1 ,i guess !y does1 repli$ ! good woman abs5tly1 too busy ) h] cook+ to pay mu* he$ to :at ,pet] 0 say+4 ,go9'1 ,pet]8 ,wi% ye c\ld /ay & h a bite y]self1 b ,i suppose if t preci\s fa!r ( y\r'n come home & 8 supp] w>n't ready he'd make x pretty hot = y1 poor *ild4 ,well1 good-night1 ,pet]4 ,br+ ! baby back 9 ! morn+4 ,by ! way1 ,pet]1 %e call$ aft] him j z he 0 clos+ ! door4 ,to-morr['s ,*ri/mas day ye "k4 ,don't =get to drop into ! *ur* on y] way home & he> ,mass1 l a good boy4 ,pet]'s ideas on ! subject ( religion 7 v vague4 ,mrs4 ,dempsey _h told him he mu/ always att5d ,mass on ,sunday & rem9d$ him ( ! fact e ,saturday night :5 he w\ld come to claim ! baby4 ,p]haps ,*ri/mas 0 ano!r sort ( ,sunday1 ?\ght ,pet]4 ,to him ,*ri/mas _h always meant a "t :5 o!r boys & girls talk$ ( no?+ b ,*ri/mas trees & turkey & wond]ful pres5ts !y _h receiv$4 ,no "o _h ev] giv5 ,pet] any?+4 ,he wond]$ if ,mrs4 ,dempsey w\ld4 ,he _h n kn[n ,mrs4 ,dempsey la/ ,*ri/mas2 %e came to ! alley only a few mon?s ago4 ,life _h be5 some:at easi] = ,pet] s9ce h] com+ = %e help$ s mu* 9 c>+ = baby :ile he 0 out4 ,he wi%$ ,mrs4 ,dempsey w\ld give baby some?+ = ,*ri/mas4 ,he _h hop$ to d s himself1 b someh[ he nev] c\ld f9d a c5t = any?+ except ! absolute necessities ( life4 ,sometimes he c\ld d no m ?an provide bread & milk = ! baby & g hungry himself4 ,t 0 :5 fa!r w\ld beat him & take away ! few p5nies he 0 sav+ to buy food = ! little si/] & himself4 ,) baby held c>efully 9 8 arms1 ,pet] desc5d$ ! two flights ( /airs to 8 home 9 ! cell>4 ,z he pu%$ op5 ! door ( ! room :i* s]v$ z kit*5 & liv+ room 9 ! daytime & z sleep+ ap>tm5t = himself & baby at night1 ! damp *ill ( ! place /ruck him z x nev] _h done be=e4 ,grop+ 8 way to ! table he light$ ! c&le ^u x4 ,!n1 aft] wrapp+ baby 9 8 "m's old %awl & deposit+ h] ^u _! b$ 9 ! corn]1 he proce$$ to make a fire 9 ! crack$ & ru/y /ove4 ,pet] 0 only elev51 b ! *ildr5 ( ! slums are little m5 & wom5 almo/ f _! cradles1 & ,pet] 0 really ! man ( ! family4 ,he x 0 :o c>$ = ! baby & prep>$ _! frugal meals2 he x 0 :o cri$ 8 pap]s ^u ! /reet 9 ! cold d>kness ( ! w9t] morn+s1 :o ran err&s all day = ! groc] on ! next corn] & aga9 9 ! ev5+ salli$ =? ) 8 pap]s "u 8 arm 9 ord] to procure food to keep ! life 9 _! bodies4 ,if fa!r ev] e>n$ any money b little ( x 0 contribut$ to ! family support4 ,z ,pet] wre/l$ ) ! fire1 :i* positively refus$ to k9dle1 he 0 /ill revolv+ 9 8 m9d ! problem :i* tr\bl$ him4 ,he _h be5 ?9k+ ( x all day1 & ! only ?+ he c\ld decide 0 t some?+ mu/ be done at once1 b :at t some?+ 0 to be he c\ld n imag9e4 ,?+s _h be5 go+ f bad to worse lately1 & aft] la/ night he w\ld nev] "k an easy mom5t :ile baby 0 "u ! same ro( ) fa!r & "m4 ,= himself he did n c>e4 ,he _h gr[n accu/om$ to ! beat+s1 to ! drunk5 qu>rels & fe>ful language2 9 fact1 he _h nev] kn[n any?+ diff]5t4 ,b la/ night fa!r _h tri$ to hurt baby4 ,he might try aga9 & p]haps next "t no ,pet] w\ld be at h& to save h]4 ,!y 7 unusually bad la/ night1 bo? fa!r & "m2 ! *ild 0 fright5$ & _h begun to :imp]4 ,ang]$ /ill fur!r by ! s\nd1 ! man _h seiz$ a /ove-lift] & flung x /raight at baby's head4 ,b ,pet] _h already sprung betwe5 & ! missile /ruck him full on ! =ehead1 caus+ a wick$-look+ bruise4 ,he _h la9 /unn$ = a "t1 !n crept into b$ ) baby & li/5$ 9 t]ror z ! qu>rel betwe5 8 fa!r & "m progress$ f words to bl[s4 ,he _h n m9d$ ^! ?+s be=e1 b :at w\ld he d if fa!r %\ld ev] beat baby z he1 ,pet]1 _h be5 beat5 s _m times8 ,& ,pet] felt ! "t 0 com+ :5 fa!r w\ld surely d x4 ,la/ night 0 b ! beg9n+4 ,a noise f ! next room told him t "m mu/ be wak+ f ! drunk5 sleep 9 :i* %e _h la9 = sev]al h\rs4 ,at any mom5t %e might op5 t door & ent] ! kit*51 & h] temp] 0 always t]rible :5 %e w\ld fir/ awak5 f ^? long sleeps :i* foll[$ a c>\sal4 ,9 a few mom5ts1 too1 fa!r w\ld come home4 ,! fire refus$ to burn2 s supp] w\ld n be ready1 & ) "m 9 a temp] & no supp] at h&1 some?+ w\ld surely happ54 ,pet] look$ at ! sleep+ baby & %udd]$4 ,= h] sake he d>$ n face ano!r night l la/ night4 ,yet1 :at c\ld he d8 ,a volley ( imprecations f ! next room decid$ him3 he mu/ take baby away f "h & at once4 ,yes1 he w\ld take h] away1 b :]e1 :]e c\ld he g8 ,:]e 9 all ! great city c\ld he f9d a %elt] = 8 baby on ?is cold w9t] night8 ,if he did take h] away x might be only to h h] freeze to dea? on ! /reet4 ,well1 !y mu/ g1 anyway4 ,no matt] :at happ5$ to !m lat] !y mu/ leave "h at once4 ,re>rang+ ! %awl s t "p ( x cov]$ ! gold5 head1 he /oop$ & ga!r$ ! baby into 8 arms4 ,!n x all came to him 9 a sudd5 fla% ( inspiration & he almo/ laugh$ al\d 9 8 joy z he hurri$ f ! room & out into ! /reet4 ,he knew exactly :]e to g & wond]$ :y he _h n ?\ght ( x be=e4 ,h[ fooli% he _h be5 n to ?9k ( x at once6 ,"o day la/ summ] he _h /ood outside a tall iron rail+ & wat*$ a cr[d ( happy *ildr5 at play 9 ! gr\nds :i* ! rail+ enclos$4 ,he c\ld see x all n[1 ! y>d1 ! romp+ *ildr5 & ! great brick build+ on ! o!r side ( t rail+ ?r\gh :i* he wat*$ envi\sly4 ,!y 7 hav+ su* a good "t1 he did wi% he might g 9 & jo9 9 ! fun4 ,b he c\ld n sp>e ! "t1 he _h wa/$ too mu* already1 & ! groc] w\ld scold him = be+ s long on ! err& :i* _h br\ght him into ! neighborhood ( ! y>d & ! *ildr54 ,z he turn$ reluctantly away1 two ladies pass$ & he he>d "o say 9 answ] to a "q f h] companion3 ,t build+8 ,:y1 t is ,/4 ,t]esa's ,orphanage1 a home = poor *ildr5 :o h no p>5ts or else h bad ones :o neglect or ill treat !m4 ,! good si/]s ga!r 9 all su* ne$y *ildr5 :om !y c f9d1 c>e = !m1 educate !m & tea* !m a trade s t !y may---- ,! re/ ,pet] _h n he>d1 b ^? few words1 spok5 by ! pass+ lady on t day la/ summ]1 _h sudd5ly recurr$ to 8 m9d4 ,/4 ,t]esa's ,orphanage1 a home = *ildr5 ) bad p>5ts :o neglect or ill treat !m4 ,t 0 _! case exactly1 baby's & 84 ,to ,/4 ,t]esa's1 !n1 !y mu/ g 9 se>* ( a home4 ,he 0 q sure he c\ld f9d x aga94 ,x 0 ev] s f> away1 ov] on ! o!r side ( ! city1 b he rememb]$ ! way p]fectly1 & w\ld h no difficulty 9 rea*+ ! orphanage4 ,= "s "t ,pet] trudg$ bravely along ! city /reets4 ,x 0 q d>k n[ & lights /ream$ f ! w9d[s ( %ops & h\ses z he pass$4 ,?rongs ( p hurri$ by anxi\s to escape f ! cold night to ! firesides ( home4 ,all ^! p c>ri$ my/]i\s-look+ p>cels2 ,*ri/mas pres5ts = "s happy little boy or girl1 ?\ght ,pet]4 ,twice he /opp$ to %ift ! baby f "o %\ld] to ! o!r4 ,he nev] knew be=e t %e 0 s heavy2 8 half froz5 little arms almo/ refus$ to c>ry _! burd5 any long]4 ,he 0 t]ribly tir$1 & he wond]$ :y ! lights 7 danc+ s4 ,!y 7 turn+ r\nd & r\nd & made him s dizzy he c\ld sc>ce see :]e he 0 go+4 ,he did n ?9k1 t day la/ summ]1 t ! way 0 q s long z ?is4 ,surely1 he mu/ h be5 walk+ = h\rs & h\rs4 ,oh6 :y 0 baby s heavy & :y w\ld ^? lights p]si/ 9 danc+ s8 ,he wond]$ if !y c\ld be lo/ & :at w\ld happ5 to !m if !y 74 ,he 0 almo/ c]ta9 he _h tak5 ! "r turn+s e "t1 b he might h made a mi/ake4 ,at t la/ corn] he 0 n q sure :e!r he %\ld turn to ! left or ! "r4 ,if !y 7 lo/1 :at w\ld become ( !m8 ,! lights 7 act+ v /rangely to-night2 !y _h /opp$ danc+ n[ b 7 all turn+ black1 & :at 0 ?is funny feel+ t 0 creep+ ov] him8 ,he sat d[n hurri$ly on "s /eps he 0 pass+ & lean$ 8 head aga9/ ! rail+ = support4 ,he felt baby slipp+ f 8 arms onto ! /ep beside him b 0 p[]less to hold h]4 ,once m t funny feel+ 0 creep+ ov] him & he wond]$ if he c\ld be dy+4 ,mr4 ,dempsey's ,tim _h di$4 ,pet] _h gone up/airs to see him4 ,!y _h put him into a funny-look+ :ite box t 0 ne>ly cov]$ ) fl[]s1 & he look$ s /range ly+ !re all :ite & /ill among ! blossoms4 ,! next day ! :ite box1 ! fl[]s & poor little ,tim 7 c>ri$ away4 ,! neighbors said ,tim 0 dead2 ,mrs4 ,dempsey said he _h gone to heav54 ,pet] wond]$ if he di$ w\ld anyone put him 9 a :ite box & cov] him ) fl[]s2 if he di$1 w\ld he g to heav5 & see ,tim !re8 ,pet] _h (t5 be5 v anxi\s z to :at heav5 0 l4 ,he _h ask$ ,mrs4 ,dempsey4 ,h] answ] _h n be5 q satisfactory1 b !n %e c\ld n "k exactly s9ce %e _h nev] be5 !re4 ,& ! angels1 :at 7 !y l8 ,aga9 ,mrs4 ,dempsey _h be5 ref]r$ to & aga9 ! reply 0 mo/ disappo9t+4 ,beautiful be+s ) w+s8 ,:y1 birds _h w+s & "s ( !m 7 v beautiful4 ,z = s++ be=e ! ?rone ( ,god2 well1 ,pet] c\ld n ev5 guess :at ! ?rone ( ,god meant4 ,he guess$ he mu/ be dy+2 he felt dead already1 all except 8 head4 ,t w\ld g soon & !n he w\ld see ! angels he _h wond]$ s mu* ab\t4 ,b if he di$1 :at w\ld become ( baby8 ,:o w\ld look aft] 8 preci\s baby8 ,t dreadful ?\ght caus$ him to op5 8 eyes sudd5ly4 ,) a great ef=t he rais$ 8 head & ! sight ( ! iron rail+ aga9/ :i* he 0 lean+ made 8 he>t b\nd ) a sudd5 ?rill ( hope & put new life into ! exhau/$ little frame4 ,x 0 ! rail+ ?r\gh :i* he _h wat*$ ! *ildr5 on t day la/ summ]1 & ! /eps on :i* he sat 7 ! /eps ( ,/4 ,t]esa's ,orphanage4 ,he _h tak5 ! "r turn+ aft] all & _h rea*$ 8 de/9ation )\t kn[+ x4 ,) difficulty4 ,pet] got ^u 8 feet1 lift$ ! baby & essay$ to drag himself up t long flight ( /eps4 ,pant+1 exhau/$1 he rea*$ ! top & laid 8 burd5 d[n at ! ?re%old ( t door :i* always op5$ s gladly to receive su* waifs z he4 ,9 ! d>kness ,pet] felt ar\nd = ! bell4 ,surely1 !re mu/ be a bell some:]e4 ,he mu/ f9d x quickly = t dreadful feel+ 0 creep+ ov] him & he knew 9 ano!r mom5t he w\ld fall4 ,:]e 0 x2 oh6 :y c\ld he n f9d x8 ,at la/ ! despair+ f+]s t\*$ ! button ( an electric bell2 !y press$ x h>d1 & a l\d peal rang ?r\gh ! hall inside4 ,!n ,pet] sank d[n to ! gr\nd beside ! baby & ev5 8 head w5t ?is "t4 ,a mom5t lat] 7or s x seem$ to ,pet]7 he op5$ 8 eyes & saw b5d+ ov] him ! mo/ beautiful face he _h ev] beheld4 ,he knew n[ t he 0 9 heav5 0 look+ on ! face ( an angel4 ,x 0 j :at he %\ld ?9k an angel's face ought to be1 s sweet & k9d & g5tle1 ! s(t eyes fill$ ) heav5ly love & pity4 ,& !re 7 ! w+s1 too1 all :ite & %9+1 b ,mrs4 ,dempsey _h neglect$ to m5tion t angels' w+s grew out ( _! heads4 ,someh[1 ,pet] _h suppos$ _! w+s grew f _! %\ld]s2 he 0 sure ,mrs4 ,dempsey _h said s4 ,he w\ld l to s5d h] a message & tell h] h[ mi/ak5 %e _h be54 ,he wond]$ if he c\ld4 ,he felt a g5tle h& slip b5ea? 8 %\ld]s & raise him a little & ! angel comm5c$ to fe$ him ) some?+ w>m & sweet ^u a spoon4 ,x ta/$ bett] ?an any?+ he _h ev] eat5 be=e4 ,sudd5ly he ?\ght ( baby4 ,:at _h happ5$ to h]8 ,0 %e 9 heav5 too8 ,he tri$ to ask ! angel1 b f\nd he c\ld n utt] a ^w2 he 0 too weak & tir$4 ,! k9d eyes wat*+ him int]pret$ rightly ! anxi\s look t cross$ 8 face2 !y 7 well accu/om$ to div9+ ! unspok5 tr\bles ( worri$ little m9ds4 ,! angel spoke & to ,pet] ! voice s\nd$ l heav5ly music3 ,y mu/ n try to talk1 de>4 ,j f9i% ?is gruel l a good boy & !n g to sleep aga94 ,y\r baby si/] is q safe1 & is sleep+ sweetly 9 h] crib ov] 9 ! little "o's dormitory4 ,y %all see h] 9 ! morn+ if y are good n[ & d z ,i tell y4 ,z he f9i%$ ! gruel 8 eyes clos$ we>ily = a mom5t1 & :5 he op5$ !m aga9 !re 7 two angels lean+ ov] him4 ,! second 0 n ne>ly s lovely z ! fir/1 b h] face1 too1 bore t same look ( heav5ly sweetness :i* ,pet] felt in/9ctively none b angels' faces c\ld we>4 ,x 0 ! look :i* old] p ?an ,pet] h (t5 m>vel$ at2 ! look "o sees ^u ! faces ( ^? :o h di$ to ! _w & to !mselves & giv5 _! entire be+ to ,god 9 a life ( *>ity & self-sacrifice4 ,! second angel laid h] f+]s on 8 wri/ & seem$ to be c\nt+ some?+ z %e kept h] eyes on a small silv] wat* %e held 9 h] h&4 ,!n %e p\r$ a spoonful ( bright-color$ liquid f a bottle1 &1 lift+ 8 head1 bade him swall[ ! m$ic9e4 ,unque/ion+ly he obey$1 & z 8 head 0 laid back ^u ! pill[ he felt himself slipp+ away into ! l& ( oblivion4 ,j z consci\sness 0 leav+ him1 he he>d a voice1 seem+ly f> away1 say+3 ,he w d v nicely n[1 ,si/] ,agnes4 ,x 0 simply a case ( />vation & complete exhau/ion4 ,vaguely he wond]$ :at %e meant4 ,,god',s ,,way4 ,we h rea*$ ! summit at la/1 ,cecile8 ,! hill seem$ unusually /eep to-night & ! way unusually long4 ,yes1 "m1 we h rea*$ ! top at la/ & "h is ! ru/ic b5* on :i* we usually sit & wat* ! sun g d[n beh9d ^? blue & mi/y hills 9 ! di/ance4 ,ah6 ^? hills1 ,cecile4 ,h[ ,i h always lov$ !m4 ,to me ?is has ev] seem$ ! faire/ spot on e>?1 & ! view f ?is hill j at sunset ! mo/ beautiful ,i h ev] se54 ,x is t5 long ye>s s9ce my eyes h beheld x1 b 9 my m9d ,i /ill see x all s cle>ly4 ,tell me x is all !re1 ,cecile1 j z x 0 on t ev5+ s _m1 _m ye>s ago :5 ,i fir/ look$ ^u its beauties4 ,y\r de> fa!r _h j br\ght me1 a happy bride1 "h to 8 nor!rn home4 ,we walk$ up ! hill toge!r to wat* ! sun set & ,i ?\ght !n ,i _h nev] se5 a loveli] view3 ! gre5 fields ( wav+ corn1 & ! apple or*>ds all 9 blossom1 slop+ d[n gradually to ! riv]2 ! riv] itself tumbl+ & toss+ madly ov] ! wat]fall f> up !re to ! left1 !n swirl+ & eddy+ on = a space1 only to gr[ calm once m quietly1 /eadily1 resume its placid j\rney to ! ocean4 ,beyond ! riv]1 ^? wond]ful =e/s1 d>k1 my/]i\s & sil5t4 ,!y rise & rise1 high]1 ev] high]1 & t]m9ate at la/ 9 ! blue & mi/y hills ( :i* y 7 j speak+4 ,i love x all1 ,cecile1 & ,i c\ld n be> to ?9k t any "p ( x _h *ang$ ) ! advanc+ ye>s4 ,tell me x is j ! same2 tell me x is all !re z x 0 s long ago4 ,yes1 "m de>1 answ]$ ! y\ng] woman1 x is all !re j z x has ev] be52 ! fields & ! riv]1 ! =e/s & ! hills beyond4 ,cecile neglect$ to m5tion t ! fields 7 n[ m]e b>r5 /ubble & t ! riv] 0 visible only "h & !re z x peep$ ?r\gh betwe5 ! _m build+s l9+ its banks2 imm5se build+s ( factory & mill1 small] /ructures1 cottages & t5em5t h\ses occupi$ by ! work]s 9 factory & mill4 ,%e suppos$ ! =e/s 7 /ill !re b ! day _h be5 v sultry ) sc>ce a brea? ( air /irr+ & a heavy pall ( smoke f ! huge *imneys hung ov] ! valley1 hid+ ev]y?+ :i* lay beyond4 ,only ! tops ( ! di/ant hills rose 9 triumph above x4 ,i am glad to ?9k x is all un*ang$1 said ! "m ) a sigh ( cont5t4 ,i "k x is fooli% to feel z ,i d ab\t x1 b x w\ld be a real grief to me to ?9k t my beautiful valley _h be5 sacrific$ to ! ne$ or ! gre$ ( advanc+ civilization4 ,god has be5 v good to me1 ,cecile1 & ,i ?ank ,him ) all my he>t = ! bless+s ,he has s5t me to comp5sate = t "o dreadful calamity1 y\r de> fa!r's sudd5 dea? t5 ye>s ago & my long illness & subsequ5t bl9dness4 ,z ,i sat to-day 9 my little g>d5 li/5+ to ! twitt]+ ( ! birds1 & inhal+ ! fragrance ( my fl[]s1 ,i 0 ?9k+ h[ peaceful & happy my life is & h[ grateful ,i %\ld be4 ,y "k1 de>1 j occasionally ,i long to be able to see aga91 to see ! birds & ! fl[]s1 to see ! beautiful _w ar\nd me4 ,t is v wrong & wick$ ,i "k1 & ,i *ase ! rebelli\s wi% away by ?9k+ ( my _m bless+s1 especially ( y & my ,philippe4 ,y h bo? be5 my com=t & consolation4 ,by ! way1 de>1 no lett] has come f ,philippe to-day8 ,no1 "m1 n yet4 ,x is /range t we h n he>d f him4 ,?is is ! fir/ "t he has n writt5 to me = my bir?day4 ,b he did n =get y1 "m4 ,are y n we>+ 8 beautiful gift to y :i* arriv$ ?is morn+8 ,no1 he did n =get1 repli$ ! old] woman1 z h] f+]s /ray$ lov+ly ov] ! lace sc>f re/+ s lightly on h] sn[-:ite hair4 ,my ,philippe nev] =gets & t is :y ,i worri$ j a little ?is morn+ :5 8 usual bir?day lett] did n come4 ,!n1 ?is aft]noon1 a sudd5 idea occurr$ to me :i* made me v happy4 ,%all ,i tell y :at x 01 ,cecile8 ,i am q sure ,i h discov]$ ! reason :y ,philippe did n write me = my bir?day4 ,x 0 well ! bl9d eyes c\ld n see ! look ( />tl$ fe> :i* fla%$ across ,cecile's face4 ,y h discov]$ :y he did n write8 %e exclaim$1 & h] voice trembl$ slightly4 ,! "m laugh$ happily4 ,yes1 ,i am q sure ,i h discov]$ ! reason4 ,i h a feel+1 & ,i "k x is a true feel+1 t be=e my bir?day is q ov] ,philippe w be "h ) u4 ,he is com+1 ,cecile2 he is n f> away at ?is v mom5t1 & be=e ! ev5+ is ov] he w be ) u4 ,te>s fill$ ,cecile's eyes b %e rose quietly & said1 try+ to speak lightly3 ,! night mi/ is ris+ f ! riv]1 "m de>4 ,_h we n bett] turn our faces t[>d ! ea/ & home8 ,y are "r1 *ild1 x w be z well = u to g home a little e>ly to-night4 ,i am feel+ unacc\ntably we>y ?\gh v1 v happy4 ,x w be be/ = me to g home & re/ a little be=e ! ev5+ tra9 arrives br++ my ,philippe back to me4 ,cecile said no?+1 b v g5tly1 v t5d]ly guid$ ! bl9d "m's /eps z !y w5d$ _! way homew>d 9 ! sweet summ] twilight4 ,half an h\r lat] ,cecile pac$ re/lessly up & d[n ! broad v]&a ( h] home4 ,%e _h left h] "m sleep+ on ! c\* 9 h] pretty sitt+-room up/airs & c\ld n[ face ! problems & difficulties :i* confront$ h]4 ,9 h] m9d %e review$ ! ye>s t _h come & gone s9ce t sad night :5 h] dy+ fa!r _h :isp]$ almo/ ) 8 la/ brea?3 ,y\r "m1 ,cecile2 ,i tru/ h] to y4 ,take c>e ( h] = me :5 ,i am no long] "h to wat* ov] h] myself4 ,promise me y w %ield h] f e worry1 t y w /& betwe5 h] & all tr\bles z ,i h always done4 ,! girl _h promis$ & "r fai?fully _h %e kept h] ^w1 b at :at a co/ to h]self6 ,%e 0 ?9k+ n[ ( h] promise & ( h[ %e _h kept x4 ,%e 0 ?9k+1 too1 ( h] "m's s]i\s illness :i* _h foll[$ t night1 an illness f :i* %e _h recov]$1 x is true1 b :i* left h] bl9d = life4 ,:at a t]rible calamity h] "m's bl9dness _h appe>$ to be at t "t1 & yet1 !re came a day1 t dreadful day two ye>s ago1 :5 %e _h ?ank$ ,god on h] knees = ! affliction :i* enabl$ h] to conceal ! tr\ble :i* _h come ^u !m4 ,once m %e liv$ ?r\gh t day two ye>s ago1 ! day :5 ^? awful lett]s _h come1 "o f ,philippe1 "o f ! lawy]s4 ,%e _h read !m at fir/ )\t compreh5d+ _! mean+4 ,!n z ! tru? began to dawn ^u h]1 %e cri$ to h]self t x c\ld n be true1 x c\ld n be4 ,!re 0 "s t]rible mi/ake some:]e4 ,b !re x 0 be=e h] 9 black & :ite2 ,philippe's own confession1 ! lawy]s' lett] confirm+ all ! facts4 ,!y 7 ru9$1 p5niless1 & ,philippe _h done ?is ?+2 ,philippe1 h] tall h&some bro!r1 ! pride & d>l+ ( _! "m's he>t4 ,b worse ?an pov]ty1 worse ?an ru9 fac$ !m4 ,philippe 0 a disgrac$ man1 s5t5c$ to jail = fifte5 ye>s4 ,x 0 an old1 old /ory2 %e _h he>d ( su* cases be=e b paid little he$ to !m4 ,n[ x 0 ,philippe1 h] bro!r1 & oh6 h[ diff]5t x all seem$4 ,x 0 simply ! /ory ( an ambiti\s "y man1 mak+ 8 way 9 ! _w1 w9n+ "n & fame among ! able/ f9anci]s ( ! ,we/]n city 9 :i* he _h elect$ to live 8 life4 ,x 0 simply ! /ory ( "o :o _h mu* & :o want$ m1 :o /ra9$ e n]ve to w9 9 ! great game he 0 play+1 ! game ( money-gett+4 ,x 0 ! /ory ( "o :o risk$ all 9 "o gr& f9al c\p1 :o risk$ all & lo/ all4 ,& :at 0 risk$ & lo/ 0 n 8 alone2 ev]y?+ belong+ to 8 "m & si/] _h gone too4 ,worse /ill1 he _h made use ( money :i* 0 n !irs1 funds ( ! bank ( :i* he 0 treasur]4 ,( c\rse1 he _h only borr[$ !m1 he _h be5 s sure ( success1 & he int5d$ replac+ ! money 9 a few days4 ,he _h reason$ z s _m m5 be=e him _h reason$1 z m5 w cont9ue to reason z long z ?is _w %all be4 ,su* _h be5 ! trial :i* fac$ ,cecile t day two ye>s ago4 ,h] "o ?\ght _h be5 t "m mu/ nev] "k2 h] he>t _h always be5 weak & ! %ock w\ld kill h]1 simply kill h]4 ,words h] "m _h once spok5 to h] return$ to h] m9d z %e _h f9i%$ read+ ^? lett]s4 ,! rem>k _h be5 caus$ by "s little act ( ?\ghtfulness on ,philippe's "p1 "s little gift he _h s5t h]1 = ,philippe _h always be5 c>eful to rememb] all ! little h\sehold fea/ days ) beautiful & (t5 co/ly gifts4 ,cecile1 h] "m _h said1 y h bo? be5 good *ildr5 to me1 y & ,philippe1 good & k9d & ?\ghtful4 ,i ?9k x w\ld break my he>t if my *ildr5 %\ld ev] =get me1 ev] cease to love me4 ,i c imag9e b "o ?+ worse1 to h !m =get _! ,god1 to "k t !y _h committ$ any griev\s wrong4 ,i h sometimes he>d ( mo!rs ^: sons h be5 l$ a/ray into ways ( wick$ness & prov$ a disgrace to !mselves & to _! families1 & ,i h said to myself3 ',poor woman1 h[ c %e be> x1 h[ c %e g on liv+ kn[+ :at h] boy has become8 ,x w\ld kill me1 ,i "k x w\ld4 ,?ank ,god1 my ,philippe is a good boy1 brave & upright l 8 fa!r2 ,i %all nev] h cause to worry ab\t him4' ,^? words kept r++ ?r\gh ,cecile's bra9 z %e _h read ! lett]s ov]1 & ov] aga91 & %e _h det]m9$ !n & !re1 at all co/s1 h] "m %\ld nev] "k4 ,b h[ 0 %e go+ to conceal ! fact ( _! pov]ty1 ( _! absolute ru98 ,!y _h always liv$ 9 com=t & :]e 0 %e to f9d ! money to supply _! daily ne$s8 ,s9ce h] fa!r's dea? & h] "m's affliction1 !y _h liv$ 9 ! utmo/ seclusion4 ,! few fri5ds ( h] e>li] life _h drift$ away "o by "o & !re 0 no "o to :om %e c\ld turn = help or advice 9 h] h\r ( ne$4 ,%e mu/ manage alone someh[1 %e & fai?ful black ,m&y to :om h] "m 0 /ill ! li'l ,missy ( long ye>s ago1 ! l'il ,missy ( ! happy days on ! s\!rn plantation4 ,= two ye>s !y _h succe$$1 b by :at sacrifices to !mselves no "o w\ld ev] "k4 ,_m a "t !y _h be5 r$uc$ almo/ to ! v]ge ( />vation 9 ord] to provide = ! bl9d "m ! little delicacies to :i* %e _h be5 accu/om$4 ,gradually1 articles ( furniture disappe>$ f _! accu/om$ places2 co/ly pieces ( bric-a-brac1 r>e old *9a1 ev]y?+ ( value :i* ,cecile ?\ght h] "m w\ld n be likely to miss4 ,cecile's own ap>tm5t _h be5 r$uc$ to f\r walls1 a b>e floor1 "o *air & ! b$ ^u :i* %e slept4 ,! "m's rooms & ,philippe's alone rema9$ unt\*$4 ,!n ,cecile f\nd employm5t 9 ! (fice ( "o ( ^? new factories :i* _h rec5tly be5 erect$ ov] !re beyond ! t[n4 ,?is /ep _h be5 ! cause ( ! fir/ disagreem5t betwe5 h] "m & h]self4 ,:y1 ,cecile1 :at d y mean8 ! poor "m _h gasp$ 9 h] utt] bewild]m5t :5 in=m$ ( h] daught]'s int5tion4 ,surely1 ,i misund]/ood :at y j said4 ,bookkeep] 9 ! (fice ( a factory6 ,e>n y\r own liv+6 ,:at are y talk+ ab\t6 ,:at /range je/ is ?is1 my de>8 ,= y c]ta9ly _c be 9 e>ne/4 ,inde$ ,i am n je/+1 "m de>1 b am v mu* 9 e>ne/4 ,i really want to e>n money ( my own1 & %all be s mu* happi] if ,i h a regul> occupation4 ,& y want me to be happy1 d y n8 ,i _c und]/& y at all1 ,cecile4 ,i really _c4 ,9 my y\?1 we ( ! s\? consid]$ x a disgrace = a "y lady to ev5 dream ( e>n+ h] liv+4 ,y\r fa!r left u pl5ty ( money4 ,i d n "k j h[ x 0 inve/$1 = ,i nev] c>$ to tr\ble my head ab\t money matt]s4 ,i pref]r$ to leave all t to y & ! lawy]s4 ,/ill1 ,i "k my income is q suffici5t = our wants4 ,ev5 if we %\ld lose our money1 !re is ,philippe to provide = u4 ,he w\ld agree ) me1 ,i "k4 ,he w\ld nev]1 nev] all[ 8 si/] to "w = a liv+4 ,( c\rse ,cecile _h p]si/$ 9 h] resolution1 & x griev$ h] to feel t h] "m _h nev] become reconcil$ to :at %e consid]$ a m]e :im4 ,lett]s f ,philippe came at occasional int]vals1 lett]s :i* 7 c>efully edit$ be=e %e read !m al\d to h] "m4 ,gifts f ,philippe came too1 j z !y _h always done1 b n[ ea* gift meant "s add$ sacrifice = poor ,cecile4 ,h] v la/ bit ( jewelry1 a gift f h] fa!r on ! ,*ri/mas be=e he di$1 _h be5 sold to pur*ase ! lace sc>f :i* _h come t morn+ 9 ,philippe's "n4 ,( all ?is ,cecile 0 ?9k+ z %e pac$ ! v]&a t summ] night4 ,x _h all be5 v h>d to be> b x 0 z no?+ comp>$ ) t la/ bl[ :i* _h fall5 two nights ago4 ,%e _h be5 to ! t[n = necess>y supplies & 0 return+ r late 9 ! ev5+4 ,! road 0 lonely1 des]t$1 & %e c\ld n suppress ! cry ( fright :i* rose to h] lips z a man sprang f a little ?icket :i* %e 0 pass+ & /ood directly be=e h]1 b>r+ h] pa?4 ,h] second cry 0 "o1 n ( fe>1 b ( />tl$ recognition4 ,! man 0 ,philippe1 no long] h] h&some ,philippe1 b a ragg$1 wild-ey$1 desp]ate man4 ,8 /ory 0 told 9 a few words4 ,he _h gr[n re/ive "u ! conf9em5t ( prison life1 !n frantic1 simply frantic1 & _h made up 8 m9d to escape4 ,h[1 he did n "k1 b he s*em$ & plann$ & wat*$ 8 *ance & f9ally succe$$ 9 gett+ away4 ,he _h manag$ to make 8 way to h]1 & n[ %e mu/ give him money to enable him to get out ( ! c\ntry4 ,money8 ,:]e 0 %e to f9d money to give him8 ,b y mu/1 ,cecile2 y mu/ give me e c5t y c lay h&s on1 he _h cri$ savagely4 ,!y are aft] me1 ,i tell y1 & if ,i am tak5 back x w be to answ] to a *>ge ( murd]4 ,( c\rse1 ,i didn't mean x1 y und]/&4 ,"o ( ! gu>ds 0 9 my way1 &--well1 !re's "o gu>d less 9 ! _w1 t's all4 ,he _h come to ! h\se late t night & %e _h giv5 him food1 "s ( 8 own clo!s :i* /ill hung 9 8 room & :i* ! "m _h nev] all[$ anyone to t\*1 & all ! money %e c\ld lay h&s on4 ,x 0 n mu* b x 0 e c5t %e _h4 ,%e _h he>d no?+ f him s9ce1 & ! susp5se ( ! la/ two days _h be5 agoniz+1 ! alt]nate hopes & fe>s1 ! wond]+1 wond]+ :]e he 01 :at 0 happ5+ to him at t v mom5t4 ,! click ( ! g>d5 gate & a foot/ep ^u ! gravel walk caus$ h] to turn ha/ily & desc5d ! v]&a /eps4 ,at fir/1 %e ?\ght x 0 ,philippe come back to h]1 b a second glance %[$ t ! figure approa*+ ?r\gh ! dusk 0 t ( good ,fa!r ,anselm1 h] p>i% prie/4 ,he 0 a "y man1 only rec5tly appo9t$ to ! t[n1 b he knew h] /ory & _h frequ5tly help$ h] ) k9dly advice & sympa?y4 ,h] he>t /ood /ill z %e wat*$ 8 approa*4 ,some?+ 9 8 mann]1 some?+ 9 8 face se5 dimly ?r\gh ! ga!r+ d>kness1 told h] t he 0 ! be>] ( evil tid+s4 ,:at is x1 ,fa!r8 %e ask$ tremul\sly4 ,is x t !y h tak5 him8 ,yes1 my *ild1 !y h tak5 him4 ,!y are br++ him "h4 ,br++ him "h6 ,b :y1 :y %\ld !y br+ him "h8 ,a sudd5 dreadful ?\ght fla%$ ?r\gh h] m9d4 ,fa!r1 y h n told me all2 !re is some?+ else4 ,my poor *ild1 !re is some?+ else to tell y4 ,y ne$ n tell x1 ,fa!r1 ,i "k4 ,!y h tak5 him1 b n--alive4 ,my poor ,philippe is gone1 dead4 ,tell me h[ x happ5$1 ,fa!r1 w y please8 ,! girl's unnatural calm 0 m pitiful ?an any outbur/ ( grief c\ld h be51 & an immeasurable compassion spoke 9 ! prie/'s voice z he told ! /ory ( ,philippe's dea?4 ,he 0 hid+ 9 ! des]t$ hut 9 ,plant]'s ,wood 7y "k ! spot1 ,cecile7 & !y discov]$ 8 place ( concealm5t4 ,!y _h be5 foll[+ aft] him = days b he ?\ght he w\ld be safe !re & c\ld come out at night & procure food f y4 ,!re 0 a %ort1 %>p /ruggle 9 :i* he receiv$ a mortal w\nd4 ,doctors 7 s5t =2 ,i1 too1 0 summon$4 ,?ank ,god1 he 0 consci\s up to ! v la/ & ,i arriv$ 9 "t to reconcile him ) ! ,ma/] ^: love he _h outrag$1 ^: comm&s he _h brok54 ,8 end 0 v quiet & peaceful1 he simply clos$ 8 eyes & fell asleep z a little baby might4 ,b we mu/ n /& "h talk+1 my *ild4 ,we h a duty to p]=m1 y & ,i1 & we mu/ be brave & p]=m t duty at once1 difficult ?\gh x may be4 ,:]e is y\r "m1 ,cecile8 ,%e w h to be told be=e--be=e !y arrive4 ,i came on ahead = t v purpose4 ,we _c tell h]1 ,fa!r1 we _c4 ,x w kill h]4 ,we mu/ tell h]2 x w be impossible to hide x4 ,take me to h] & we w tell h] toge!r4 ,god w be ) u & w help u1 my *ild4 ,oh6 if ,god w\ld only sp>e h]1 if ,he w\ld only sp>e h]6 ,if ,he w\ld only op5 a way s we ne$ n tell h]6 ,h] bra9 0 9 a :irl z %e m\nt$ ! /airs2 %e 0 /unn$1 brok54 ,( "o ?+ only 0 %e p]fectly consci\s4 ,philippe 0 com+ & 8 "m mu/ be awak5$4 ,t "m's la/ words z %e _h clos$ h] eyes 73 ,i am /rangely we>y1 ,cecile1 we>y & v dr[sy4 ,i ?9k ,i %all sleep a little1 b be sure & wake me :5 ,philippe comes4 ,wake h] :5 ,philippe comes6 ,yes1 = ,philippe is com+ & 8 "m mu/ be wak5$4 ,!y /ood beside ! c\* & look$ d[n ^u ! sleep+ woman4 ,h[ quietly %e re/$ !re1 h[ /ill %e 0 & peaceful6 ,b h[ v /ill %e 01 & :at 0 t sc>cely palpable %ad[ re/+ on ! sweet1 calm face8 ,0 x only a %ade ca/ by ! lamp :i* ,cecile _h br\ght 9 & plac$ ^u a table beh9d !m1 or 0 x----8 ,) a cry ( al>m1 ! girl fell on h] knees & caught frantically at h] "m's h&4 ,x lay 9 h]s absolutely passive & cold1 s cold4 ,! prie/ rais$ ! lamp till ! light %one full ^u ! face ( ! sleep]4 ,sleep+ %e 0 inde$1 ! la/ long sleep f :i* n !y1 n ,philippe1 n anyone c\ld wak5 h]4 ,fa!r ,anselm laid 8 h& on ! head ( ! /rick5 girl & said g5tly3 ,a mom5t ago1 my *ild1 y pray$ t ,god might sp>e h]4 ,he _h grant$ y\r pray] ev5 be=e x 0 utt]$4 ,we ne$ n tell h] n[ = %e has le>n$ x all f ,"o :o c\ld tell x f> m g5tly1 f> m m]cifully ?an we c\ld4 ,! s\nd ( %uffl+ /eps1 z ( m5 :o c>ri$ a heavy burd51 came up to !m f ! gravel walk bel[4 ,requiescant 9 pace1 :isp]$ ! prie/4 ,cecile knelt z if turn$ to /one4 ,me*anically1 %e li/5$ to ! voice ( ! prie/ recit+ ! ,de ,pr(undis2 %e li/5$ to ! call ( ! crickets %rill+ ?r\gh ! summ] night )\t2 %e li/5$ to ! he>t-break+ sobs ( fai?ful black ,m&y cr\*+ on ! floor by ! side ( h] li'l ,missy2 %e li/5$ to ^? %uffl+ foot/eps z !y ent]$ ! h\se1 sl[ly m\nt$ ! /aircase & paus$ at ! door ( :at _h once be5 ,philippe's room4 ,yet aga9 ! prie/'s voice recit$3 ,requiescant 9 pace4 ,& ?is "t1 ,cecile1 lay+ h] *eek ^u ! de> cold h& %e held 9 h]s1 respond$ brok5ly3 ,am54