,frontispiece3 ,,no?+ ,,w\ld ,,pacify   
,,him ,,until ,i ,,gave ,,him ,a ,,tune4
       ,,dwell ,,deep   ,,or  ,,hilda   
,,?orn',s ,,life ,,/ory    ,,by  ,,amy  
,,le ,,feuvre   ,,au?or ,,( ,,probable  
,,sons1 ,,t$dy',s ,,button1   ,,eric',s 
,,good ,,news1 ,,odd1 ,,etc4            
,,london  ,,! ,,religi\s ,,tract        
,,society  ,,man*e/]1 ,,madrid1         
,,lisbon1 ,,budape/  #ahif     ,,cont5ts
   ,,*apt]       ,i  ,a ,,new ,,home    
,,ii  ,,tak+ ,a ,,/&    ,,iii  ,,!      
,,reason ,,:y     ,,iv  ,,an ,,op5+ ,,= 
,,"w      ,v  ,,opportunities     ,,vi  
,,only ,a ,,fri5d    ,,vii  ,a ,,fre%   
,,acqua9tance   ,,viii  ,,drawn ,,toge!r
     ,,ix  ,,quiet ,,days      ,x       
,,long ,,ago     ,,xi  ,a ,,diff]5t     
,,atmosph]e    ,,xii  ,a ,,te/   ,,xiii 
,,take ,,home    ,,xiv  ,,woo$ ,,& ,,won
     ,,xv  ,a ,,ga!r+ ,,cl\d    ,,xvi   
,,d>k ,,days   ,,xvii  ,,dawn  ,,xviii  
,,w$d$    ,,xix  ,,old ,,fri5ds         
,,dwell ,,deep   ,,*apt] ,i  ,a ,,new   
,,home    ',meet is x *anges %\ld       

control   ,our be+1 le/ we ru/ 9        
ease4'--,t5nyson4   ,a gold5 cornfield 9
 ! /ill sun%9e ( a w>m ,augu/ aft]noon4 
,9 "o corn] ( x1 bord]+ a gre5 lane1 a  
gr\p ( %ady elms1 & "u _! %ad[ a figure 
( a "y girl1 :o1 gaz+ dreamily be=e h]1 
sat lean+ h] head aga9/ an old gn>l$    
trunk 9 quiet cont5t4  ,a small-%ap$    
head1 ) d>k curly hair1 & a pair (      
blue-grey eyes ) black curv$ la%es1 ^! 7
 p]haps h] *ief *>act]i/ics2 m ,i _c    
say1 = x is difficult to describe       
oneself1 & x 0 ,i1 ,hilda ,?orn1 :o 0   
seat$ !re4  ,x 0 a beautiful sc5e be=e  
me4  ,beyond ! corn /ret*$ a gre5       
valley1 & f> 9 ! di/ance 7 blue mi/y    
hills & moorl&4  ,my s\l seem$ re/$ by !
 sweet /illness ar\nd1 b f ! beauties ( 
nature my eyes kept rev]t+ to ! ,bible  
on my knee1 & two words on ! op5 page 7 
occupy+ my ?\ghts--',dwell deep4'  ,i _h
 be5 left an orphan at ! age ( t51 bo?  
p>5ts dy+ 9 ,india :il/ ,i 0 at an      
,engli% bo>d+-s*ool4  ,!re ,i /ay$ till 
,i 0 n9ete51 :5 ,i w5t to an old c\s9 9 

,london1 & = ?ree ye>s ,i liv$ a quiet  
unev5tful life 9 a dull ,london squ>e1  
see+ v little society b t ( eld]ly      
ladies & a few cl]gym54  ,sudd5ly my    
:ole life 0 *ang$4  ,my gu>dian1 :o _h  
be5 liv+ abroad ) 8 wife & family1      
return$ to ,engl&1 & wi%$ me to make my 
home ) him4  ,& my c\s9 0 q will+ t x   
%\ld be s4  ',y are "y1 my de>1' %e said
 to me1 '& x is only "r = y to mix ) "y 
p & see ! _w4  ,i am gett+ to pref] be+ 
alone1 s ,i %all n miss y4'  ,x did n   
take long to settle matt]s1 & ,i soon   
left ,london = my gu>dian's lovely place
 9 ,h]t=d%ire1 feel+ bo? %y & curi\s at 
! /range future be=e me4  ,b dur+ my /ay
 9 ,london !re _h be5 ano!r & p]haps a  
great] *ange 9 my life ?an ?is4  ,i _h  
be5 br\ght up religi\sly1 _h said my    
pray]s night & morn+1 & _h read my      
,bible regul>ly once a day1 b ) ^!      
outw>d =ms my religion ceas$4  ,i       
suppose all my ?\ghts 7 9 ! _w & ( ! _w4
  ,i _h be5 a fav\rite ) my             
s*ool-fell[s1 :o assur$ me ,i _h m ?an  

my fair %>e ( beauty1 & ) all !         
ignorance & inexp]i5ce ( girlhood _h    
plann$ out gl[+ descriptions ( !        
brilliant (f]s ( m>riage ,i w\ld h1 & ! 
delightful times be=e me4  ,i li/5$ &   
laugh$ at !m1 yet _h *af$ at ! quiet    
monotony ( my c\s9's home1 & _h long$ = 
a break to come 9 ! dull r\t9e ( our    
daily life4  ,!n "o night ,i _h att5d$  
"s mission s]vices t 7 held 9 our *ur*1 
& = ! fir/ "t beheld life & dea? z !y   
are 9 reality4  ,= sev]al days ,i 0 9   
great di/ress ( m9d1 & turn$ ) real     
e>ne/ness to my ,bible = guidance &     
com=t4  ,! light came at la/1 & ,i saw  
h[ completely ,*ri/ _h tak5 my place z a
 s9n]1 & h[ z a little *ild ,i mu/ come 
& claim ! p>don t ,he _h di$ to procure1
 & 0 n[ hold+ out to me z a free gift4  
,?is br\ght a wond]ful joy into my life1
 & z ea* day seem$ to draw me ne>] to my
 ,savi\r1 ,i felt t no life c\ld be     
monoton\s ) all ! b\ndless opportunities
 ( speak+ & work+ = ,him4 ,my crav+ = a 
gay1 worldly life pass$ away1 & a deep1 

re/ful peace crept into my he>t & rema9$
 !re4  ,:5 ,i told my c\s9 ( my exp]i5ce
 %e look$ puzzl$1 & %ook h] head4  ',"y 
p n[adays always g to su* extremes2 b y 
look happy1 *ild1 & ,i %all n int]f]e ) 
y\r s]i\s views4'  ,& !n my gu>dian     
arriv$ on ! sc5e--a tall1 /]n-look+ man1
 ) iron-grey hair4  ,he _h j retir$ f an
 ,indian cavalry regim5t1 & /ill bore ^u
 him ! /amp ( an (fic] accu/om$ to      
comm&4  ,he only /ay$ ) u a few days1 & 
!n c>ri$ me (f to 8 c\ntry home4  ,x all
 seem$ v /range to me1 &1 ?\gh ,mrs4    
,=sy? gave me a w>m welcome1 ,i c\ld see
 ,i 0 an object ( curiosity & criticism 
on ! "p ( h] ?ree daught]s1 :o 7 all    
lively1 talkative girls4  ,two gr[n-up  
sons complet$ ! home circle1 bo? ( :om  
seem$ to be at home do+ no?+4  ,i le>nt 
aft]w>ds t ,hugh1 ! elde/1 wrote a great
 deal = "s sci5tific magaz9es1 & 0 up 9 
,london v con/antly engag$ 9 lit]>y     
pursuits4  ,my ?\ghts 7 p]plex$ & anxi\s
 z ,i laid my head d[n on my pill[ !    
fir/ night4  ,little z ,i _h z yet se5 (

 !m1 ,i knew f ! conv]sation ar\nd me t 
!re 0 no "o :o w\ld sympa?ise ) me 9    
religi\s matt]s4  ,h[ %\ld ,i1 a m]e    
beg9n] 9 ! ,*ri/ian life1 be able to    
take a /& among/ ?is happy1 c>eless     
family circle1 :o already 7 includ+ me 9
 dances & !atricals t 7 %ortly com+ (f 9
 ! neighb\rhood8  ,& !n ! next aft]noon1
 plead+ fatigue f my j\rney1 ,i saw !   
girls g (f to a t5nis p>ty ) _! "m &1   
tak+ my ,bible 9 h&1 crept out ( ! h\se 
& gr\nds1 & f\nd my way1 z ,i h already 
m5tion$1 into t quiet1 sun%9y cornfield4
  ,0 x by *ance t my eyes alight$ on ^? 
two little words 9 ,j]emiah8  ,i ?9k n4 
,i _h he>d a s]mon ^u !m1 & n[ ,i seiz$ 
hold ( !m ) a fre% realization ( _!     
/r5g? & beauty4  ',dwell deep6'  ,oh1 h[
 ,i sil5tly pray$1 z ,i sat !re look+ up
 into ! bright blue above me1 t ,i might
 d s day by day & h\r by h\r6  ,sil5tly 
c\ld ,i fea/ & refre% my s\l1 ev5 amid/ 
! gay laught] & talk ar\nd me1 = _h ,i n
 an unse5 ,fri5d always ) me1 ^u :om ,i 
c\ld lean = support & guidance ?r\gh e  

detail 9 my daily life8  ,& s ,i sat on1
 dr9k+ 9 ! sweet1 fre% c\ntry air1 &    
feel+ s ?ankful = ! quiet "t ,i 0 hav+4 
,sudd5ly ! b>k+ ( a dog & m5's voices   
r\s$ me f my m$itations1 & 9 ano!r mom5t
 ,k5ne? ,=sy? sprang ov] a /ile ne>1 &  
approa*$ me1 9 company ) ano!r "y fell[ 
ab\t ! same age4  ',halloo6' 0 8        
exclamation z he p]ceiv$ me2 'is x y1   
,miss ,?orn8  ,& all by y\rself1 too8   
,:at a %ame ( ! girls6  ,let me         
introduce my fri5d1 ,capta9 ,gates4  ,y 
c]ta9ly h select$ a cool spot4  ,may we 
%>e y\r retreat8  ,we 7 j lam5t+ ! heat1
 & long+ = a piece ( %ade4'  ,&1 )\t    
wait+ = my answ]1 he flung himself d[n  
on ! grass beside me1 :il/ ,capta9      
,gates l\ng$ aga9/ a tree close by4  ,i 
0 a little vex$ at ! int]ruption1 & did 
n feel incl9$ to /ay !re ) !m4  ,k5ne? 0
 at pres5t almo/ a /rang] to me4 ,he _h 
a mis*iev\s1 quizzical intonation 9 8   
voice :5 he spoke to me1 & ,violet1 8   
y\nge/ si/]1 a bright1 m]ry s*oolgirl ( 
f\rte51 _h confid$ 9 me ! previ\s night 

t ',k5ne? 0 nev] s happy z :5 he 0 teas+
 p1 & t he took /ock ( e "o1 & mimick$  
!m--v (t5 to _! faces4'  ,i clos$ my    
little ,bible quietly4  ,my fir/ impulse
 _h be5 to hide x1 b ,i conqu]$ t z be+ 
unwor?y ( a ,*ri/ian1 & !n ,i said      
brightly1--  ',i h enjoy$ ?is s mu*4  ,y
 don't "k :at a pleasure x is1 aft] !   
grime & smoke & ro> ( ,london1 to come  
to a place l ?is4  ,y\r si/]s want$ me  
to g ) !m ?is aft]noon1 b ,i 0 a little 
tir$1 s came out "h in/ead4'  ',& are y 
fond ( solitude8' inquir$ ,capta9       
,gates4  ',mo/ girls are n1 ,i fancy4'  
',i l x--sometimes1' ,i repli$ sl[ly4   
',?is aft]noon1 = in/ance1' ,k5ne? said1
 ) a laugh4  ',b too mu* solitude is bad
 = ! "y1 s we are break+ 9 ^u x = a good
 purpose4  ,x makes !m morbid &         
self-engross$4'  ,i saw t 8 quick eyes  
_h already not$ my ,bible1 & 0 vex$ to  
feel my *eeks flu%+4  ',miss ,?orn's    
appe>ance is c]ta9ly n morbid1' said    
,capta9 ,gates good-natur$ly2 & z ,i    
look$ up at him ,i met a frank1 k9dly   

glance f 8 d>k eyes4  ',no1 ,i am n     
morbid1' ,i said2 ',i am v happy4'      
',ah6' put 9 ,k5ne? ) a mock sigh1 'y   
are look+ out at life ) inexp]i5c$ eyes 
at pres5t1 & ev]y?+ has a roseate hue to
 y4  ,y\r exp]i5ce has yet to come6'  ,=
 "s little "t long] !y /ay$ !re ) me    
laugh+ & talk+1 & !n we all w5t back to 
! h\se toge!r1 & my quiet "t 0 ov]4  ,i 
lik$ ,k5ne? bett] ?an 8 bro!r ,hugh1 :o 
seem$ to me to be too s>ca/ic &         
sup]cili\s = any "o to be com=table 9 8 
pres5ce2 b !re 0 a look ( mis*ief 9     
,k5ne?'s eyes :i* puzzl$ me1 z aga9 &   
aga9 ?is aft]noon 8 glance met m9e4  ,at
 d9n] ,i 0 enlight5$4  ,x 0 a m]ry home 
p>ty t night4 ,capta9 ,gates & ano!r    
man1 a ,mr4 ,/r\d by "n1 _h come to /ay 
= a few days' %oot+1 & !y c]ta9ly prov$ 
lively additions to our ga!r+4  ,9 !    
mid/ ( a buzz ( conv]sation & laught]1  
!re 01 z s (t5 happ5s1 a sudd5 lull1 &  
!n ,k5ne? f ! o!r side ( ! table sudd5ly
 broke ! sil5ce3  ',miss ,?orn1 ,nell "h
 wants to "k ! "n ( ! book y 7 /udy+ s  

deeply ?is aft]noon 9 ! corn-field8'    
,my *eeks flu%$ a little2 = "o mom5t ,i 
hesitat$1 & e "o seem$ to be wait+ = my 
answ]2 !n ,i said 9 a tol]ably /eady    
voice1  ',x 0 my ,bible4'  ,i felt1 r   
?an saw1 ! a/oni%m5t depict$ on ! faces 
( ^? at ! table4  ,nelly1 :o 0 always   
ov]fl[+ ) fun1 bur/ out laugh+3  ',y    
don't mean to say t y are religi\s8' %e 
said2 b h] "m hu%$ h] r %>ply1 & *ang$ !
 subject at once4  ,i felt ,i _h        
difficult times com+4  ,lat] on 9 !     
ev5+1 :5 music 0 go+ on1 ,capta9 ,gates 
came ov] to me z ,i sat look+ out into !
 dusky g>d5 by "o ( ! long ,fr5* w9d[s1 
& said1  ',i see y h no difficulty 9 %[+
 y\r col\rs1 ,miss ,?orn4'  ,i look$ up 
at him gravely4  ',i ought to h no      
difficulty1' ,i said2 'x is no?+ to be  
a%am$ (4'  ,he smil$1 & lean+ aga9/ !   
half-op5 w9d[ seem$ to reg>d me ) "s    
amusem5t4  ',is x a rude "q to ask ) :om
 y h be5 liv+ be=e y came "h8'  ,i told 
him1 & !n he said reflectively1  ',x's a
 /range ?+ :y ! ,bible %\ld be ?\ght s  

out ( place sometimes2 b ,i wond] n[ if 
y read x out ( pure pleasure1 or only f 
a s5se ( duty8'  ',:y1 ,i love x6' ,i   
exclaim$2 !n a little impulsively ,i    
add$1  ',i don't m9d tell+ y1 ,capta9   
,gates1 or any "o else1 = t matt]1 x is 
only j lately t ,i h felt s diff]5tly   
ab\t x4  ,i us$ to ?9k x dull & t$i\s1 b
 x has *ang$ n[1 or r1 ,i h *ang$1 & !re
 is no?+ ,i l bett] ?an gett+ away alone
 some:]e & hav+ a nice read all by      
myself4'  ',y w n f9d mu* quiet "t 9 ?is
 h\se1' he rejo9$4  ',we are always on !
 g "h2 y h come into a diff]5t life4  ,i
 fancy y\r ,bible read+ w soon be a ?+ (
 ! pa/4'  ',nev]1 ,i hope6' ,i said a   
little w>mly4  ',i don't mean to lead a 
gay life1 ,capta9 ,gates2 ,i don't c>e =
 ^? k9d ( ?+s n[6'  ,he laugh$4         
',p]haps y h nev] tri$ x8'  ',i nev]    
mean to4'  ,our conv]sation 0 int]rupt$ 
"h1 & = ! re/ ( ! ev5+ ,i said v little 
to any "o2 b a %ort "t aft] ,i _h be5 9 
my b$room t night ,nelly1 knock$ at my  
door4  ',i'm com+ 9 = a talk1' %e said2 

',i'm v curi\s ab\t y4  ,d y "k t we h  
all be5 discuss+ y d[n/airs8'  ',i d>e  
say1' ,i said1 laugh+4  ,someh[1 ,i felt
 v mu* drawn to ,nelly2 %e seem$ su* a  
pleasant1 outspok5 girl4  ,con/ance1 !  
elde/ ( !m1 ?\gh full ( life & spirits1 
0 r cold & di/ant 9 mann] t[>ds me4  ,9 
fact1 %e _h giv5 me ! impression t my   
arrival _h n be5 welcome to h]4  ,nelly 
seat$ h]self 9 a l[ rock+-*air1 & scann$
 me r mis*iev\sly be=e %e proce$$3  ',y 
are su* a pretty1 bright little ?+ to   
look at1 t ,bible read+ seems s         
incongru\s6  ,( c\rse1 ,i read my ,bible
 9 ! ev5+ :5 ,i g to b$--at lea/1 :5 ,i 
am n too tir$--b t's a diff]5t matt]4   
,"m said we mu/n't take any notice ( y1 
& y w\ld soon %ake (f ^! notions2 b     
,capta9 ,gates said y told him y didn't 
int5d to lead a gay life z we d--y h    
evid5tly tak5 him into y\r confid5ce--& 
he said he w\ld back y aga9/ u = y\r    
det]m9ation ( purpose4  ,n[ w y take my 
advice1 ,hilda8  ,don't look s hot &    
uncom=table4  ,y hav5't come into a     

h\seful ( sa9ts1 y "k1 s y c't expect u 
to fall 9 ) y\r views at once4  ,"m1 (  
c\rse1 won't l x if y g aga9/ h] plans =
 y2 %e w be v vex$1 b %e w ev5tually    
give 92 b x's a diff]5t matt] ) fa!r1 & 
he is y\r gu>dian1 rememb]4  ,he hates  
cant1 z he calls x1 & he has great ideas
 ( y\r tak+ y\r position 9 society z y  
%\ld4  ,if y cross 8 w1 ,i w>n y y w br+
 ! h\se d[n ^u y\r e>s2 he nev] w /& any
 opposition4  ,& :at fa!r w d by 8      
au?ority1 ,k5ne? w d out ( %e] love (   
teas+4  ,he w lead y a life ( x1 ,i c   
tell y2 s ,i w>n y be=eh&4'  ',b1' ,i   
said1 flu%+ a little1 ?\gh ,i tri$ to   
speak quietly1 ',i h no int5tion ( sett+
 up my w 9 opposition to y\r fa!r's--,i 
w\ldn't dream ( x4  ,:at d y ?9k me l1  
,nelly8'  ,nelly laugh$4  ',i ?9k y are 
a curiosity1' %e said1 '& :e!r we %all  
cru% y\r orig9ality out ( y 9 a few     
weeks' "t1 rema9s to be prov$4  ,i ?\ght
 ,i w\ld give y a fri5dly intimation (  
:at to expect4  ,& n[ good-night6'  ,%e 
left me1 &1 p]plex$ & tr\bl$ by h]      

words1 ,i w5t to my w9d[1 &1 op5+ !     
casem5t1 leant out to cool my hot *eeks4
 ,su* a s(t1 /ill night x 06  ,z ,i     
rais$ my eyes to ! innum]able />s above1
 & felt ! hu% & solemnity ( ! d>kness1  
aga9 ! words came to me3 ',dwell deep4' 
,:at did x matt] if ,i f\nd ,i %\ld h a 
cross to take up1 if ,i _h to be> a     
little teas+ f o!rs :o did n ?9k z ,i   
did8  ,:5 ,i realiz$ 9 ! dep?s ( my he>t
 ! ri*es ,i _h1 & ! /ores ( hidd5 weal? 
( :i* !y knew no?+1 ,i c\ld re/ d[n ^u x
 ) su* com=t1 feel+ t my inn] life w\ld 
be su/a9$ & /r5g!n$ by ,"o :o nev] left 
me4  ,& s ,i w5t to sleep t night at    
p]fect peace 9 my new surr\nd+s4        
,,*apt] ,,ii  ,,tak+ ,a ,,/&    ',:o is 
n afraid to say 8 say1   ,?\gh a :ole   
t[n's aga9/ him4'--,longfell[4   ,i 0   
soon at home ) ! ,=sy?s4  ,nelly &      
,violet treat$ me z a si/]1 & ,con/ance 
0 too mu* engross$ at pres5t ) h] own   
conc]ns to take mu* notice ( me4  ,k5ne?
 0 ! only "o :o 0 cont9ually br++ =w>d  
s]i\s topics ( conv]sation 9 my pres5ce1

 & reque/+ me to give him my views on   
!m4  ,he nev] let me alone1 & ?\gh ,i   
tri$ to keep out ( 8 way1 & say z little
 z possible1 ,i f\nd x increas+ly       
difficult4  ,capta9 ,gates m ?an once   
came to my rescue2 b s9ce ,i felt he _h 
betray$ my confid5ce a few ev5+s be=e1  
,i c\ld n talk ) ! same fre$om to him4  
,i saw v little ( ,g5]al ,=sy?4  ,he    
sp5t ! great] "p ( 8 "t out ( doors1 & x
 0 only 9 ! ev5+ t he jo9$ u all4 ,8    
*ildr51 ?\gh fond ( him1 nev] seem$ to  
feel at ease 9 8 company1 & ,i soon f\nd
 t 8 w 0 law ) all4  ,"o aft]noon soon  
aft] my arrival ,i w5t out = a /roll    
across ! fields at ! back ( ! h\se4  ,i 
felt ,i want$ to be alone1 & away f !   
con/ant *att] & laught] ( ! girls4  ,s  
,i w&]$ on f>!r ?an ,i _h int5d$1 & f\nd
 myself at la/ on ! edge ( a wild moor4 
,my ?\ghts 7 grave ones1 b v happy ones2
 & z ,i gaz$ ov] ! broad expanse ( hea!r
 9 front ( me away into ! blue di/ance1 
:]e ! s(t fleecy cl\ds seem$ to /oop &  
kiss ! outl9es ( purple hills z !y swept

 g5tly by1 ,i c\ld n help ?ank+ ,god )  
all my he>t t ,he _h br\ght me into my  
pres5t surr\nd+s4  ,sudd5ly ,i 0 />tl$  
by he>+ close to me a *ild's sobs1 &    
aft] "s m9utes' se>* ,i came ^u a t9y   
boy cr\*$ among/ ! hea!r1 grasp+ a bun* 
( fad$ h>ebells 9 8 *ubby fi/1 & cry+ z 
if 8 he>t w\ld break4  ,z ,i b5t ov]    
him1 he look$ up into my face & sobb$   
out pitifully1--  ',cally me home1 lady2
 ,i wants my "m4'  ',y poor little      
mite6' ,i said4  ',:at is y\r "n8 & :]e 
d y live8'  ,b z ,i lift$ him up he     
utt]$ a %>p cry4  ',my foots is hurt$2  
,i tumbl$ d[n1 & ,i've lo/$ my boot4'   
,i saw t ?is 0 inde$ ! case2 8 little   
foot 0 cut & ble$+1 p]haps f com+ 9     
contact ) "s %>p /one1 & ,i 0 = a mom5t 
at a loss :at to d4  ,he seem$ ab\t ?ree
 or f\r ye>s old1 b a heavily built     
*ild1 & my he>t sank at ! prospect (    
c>ry+ him4  ,yet ?is 0 ! only           
alt]native1 & z he seem$ to h v little  
idea ( :]e he liv$1 ,i decid$ to br+ him
 back ) me to our village1 !re be+ no   

o!r h\ses 9 sight4  ,he 0 q will+ to be 
c>ri$1 & w\nd 8 fat little arms s       
tightly r\nd my neck t ,i ?\ght he w\ld 
?rottle me4  ,b my progress 0 pa9fully  
sl[2 ! sun blaz$ d[n ) fi]c5ess1 & !re 0
 no %ade on ! moor2 ev5 ! fre% breeze   
:i* ,i _h s enjoy$ 9 com+ seem$ to h    
disappe>$1 & e n[ & !n ,i _h to /op &   
re/4  ,! *ild himself soon dropp$ asleep
 9 my arms1 & ,i became s tir$ myself t 
,i 0 /rongly incl9$ to leave him ly+ on 
! hea!r1 & s5d "s "o to fet* him :5 ,i  
got home4  ,at la/1 to my great relief1 
z ,i 0 cross+ a field ,i saw a figure   
approa*+1 & ?is prov$ to be ,k5ne?4     
',halloo6' he said1 :5 he caught sight (
 me & my burd51 ':at on e>? h y got "h8 
,y are c]ta9ly ! mo/ extraord9>y "y     
p]son t we h _h 9 ^! p>ts = a long "t6  
,:]e h y pick$ up ?is small fry8  ,are y
 tak+ a pilgrimage & do+ p5ance = y\r   
s9s ) him8  ,if y only c\ld see y\r     
face6  ,x makes me burn to look at y6'  
',don't tease1' ,i said we>ily1 z ,i    
tri$ 9 va9 to dis5gage ! little fell['s 

arms f r\nd my neck4  ',i f\nd him cry+ 
among/ ! hea!r1 & he has hurt 8 foot &  
_c walk4  ,d take him f me1 w y8'  ,?is 
0 n su* an easy matt]4  ,! *ild woke up 
cross1 scream$ :5 ,k5ne? took him1 & ) 8
 little fi/ /ruck him full 9 ! face )   
all 8 *ildi% /r5g?1 cry+ out1--  ',i    
won't be calli$ by y2 ,i wants ! lady4' 
,k5ne? toss$ him across 8 %\ld] ) calm  
indiff]5ce to 8 cries4  ',i %all h a    
reckon+ ) y by-&-by1 "y man1 = ?is      
assault4  ,he is ! infant pickle ( our  
village1 ,miss ,?orn--commonly call$    
,roddy ,walt]s2 8 "m keeps ! small g5]al
 %op1 & ,roddy keeps h] pretty lively ) 
8 pranks4  ,8 la/ mania has be5 runn+   
away :5ev] he gets a *ance1 & if y int5d
 to c>ry him home f :]ev] y f9d him1 y w
 h en\gh to d1 ,i c tell y4'  ,i made no
 reply1 = ,i felt q exhau/$1 & 0 greatly
 reliev$ to f9d t ,k5ne? knew :]e to    
take him4  ,pres5tly ,i 0 ask$1--  ',be5
 hav+ a ,bible /udy on ! moor ?is       
aft]noon8'  ',no1' ,i said quietly1 ',i 
h n4'  ',t's a pity1 isn't x8  ,y h be5 

out all ! aft]noon2 x's r frivol\s1     
isn't x1 & a wa/e ( preci\s "t to be    
saunt]+ ov] ! moor do+ no?+8  ,a "t (   
m$itation1 p]haps8'  ,yes1' ,i answ]$1  
smil+ a little 9 spite ( myself1 ',i h  
be5 ?9k+1 z ,i walk$1 :at lovely c\ntry 
x is r\nd "h4'  ',we are go+ to h "s gr&
 do+s 9 our neighb\rhood soon1' ,k5ne?  
pursu$ aft] a few mom5ts' sil5ce2 '!    
autumn manoeuvres are com+ on1 & e "o   
r\nd "h keeps op5 h\se4  ,we g5]ally />t
 ! ball roll+ by a dance4  ,are y fond (
 danc+8'  ',i us$ to be fond ( x at     
s*ool1' ,i said1 'b ,i--,i don't c>e    
ab\t x n[4'  ,i felt he 0 try+ to draw  
me out1 & resolv$ to say z little z     
possible4  ',ah6 y wait till y're 9 !   
?ick ( x1 & see ! sc>let jackets fly+   
r\nd4  ,all ! girls "h lose _! heads1 & 
_! he>ts1 too1 = ! matt] ( t4  ,i 0     
tell+ t fell[ ,/r\d to-day t if he means
 any?+1 he _h bett] cut 9 at once & get 
x settl$1 = ,con/ance w h no?+ to say to
 him a few weeks lat]4'  ,i said no?+2  
,i _h notic$ ,mr4 ,/r\d's att5tions to  

,con/ance1 & _h drawn my own            
conclusions2 b :5 ,k5ne? w5t on 9 ! same
 /ra9 decl>+ t ,con/ance w\ld keep him  
hang+ on till %e saw any %e lik$ bett]1 
,i turn$ ^u him r %>ply1--  ',i am v    
?ankful y are n my bro!r4  ,i ?9k x is a
 %ame ( y to talk s1 & ,i won't li/5 to 
any m ( x6'  ,he laugh$1 & z we 7 n[    
ent]+ ! village !re 0 little m          
conv]sation betwe5 u till we _h rea*$ ! 
small g5]al %op4  ,mrs4 ,walt]s came out
 to u 9 a great /ate ( excitem5t1 &     
,roddy1 :o _h ne>ly fall5 asleep aga91  
woke up & began to cry at ! top ( 8     
voice4  ',i'm sure ,i don't "k :at to d 
) him1' %e compla9$2 'he runs away f    
s*ool :5ev] he get a *ance1 & la/       
,sunday he breaks into my neighb\r's    
*ick5-h\se1 & sma%es a :ole set ( eggs t
 0 be+ 'at*$6  ,s*ool d keep him a bit  
quiet 9 ! week1 b ,sundays he's j       
rampage\s6'  ',does he g to ,sunday     
,s*ool8' ,i ask$4  ',!re's no ,sunday   
,s*ool 9 our village1 miss2 ! bigg] ones
 !y goes to ! next p>i%2 b x's two good 

miles1 & my ,roddy he c't walk s fur4   
,n[ ?ank ! l$dy & g5tleman1 y scamp1 =  
br+9' y home6'  ,roddy turn$ 8 big blue 
eyes ^u u1 !n sudd5ly held out 8 arms to
 me4  ',i'll kiss h]1 = %e calli$ me mu*
 nic] nor ! gempleum6'  ,i gave ! little
 fell[ a hug4  ,he look$ su* a baby 9 8 
"m's arms1 & ,i felt q drawn to him4    
',i love little *ildr5 s1' ,i said to   
,k5ne? z we 7 walk+ home4 ',i wi% !re 0 
a ,sunday ,s*ool 9 ?is place4  ,i %\ld l
 ,roddy 9 my class4'  ',y might />t a   
,sunday ,s*ool1' sugge/$ ,k5ne? gravely4
  ',our old rector w let y d exactly z y
 l1 ,i am sure4'  ',i wond] if ,i c\ld1'
 ,i said reflectively2 'j a class = !   
little ones1 & ^? t c't walk z f> z !   
bigg]1 /rong] ones4  ,i %\ld be glad if 
,i c\ld d some?+ on ,sunday4'  ,!n      
rememb]+ to :om ,i 0 speak+1 ,i *eck$   
myself & said no m on ! subject1 ?\gh my
 ?\ghts 7 busy4  ,:5 we came up to !    
h\se we f\nd t aft]noon tea 0 go+ on "u 
! old elms on ! lawn4  ,mrs4 ,=sy? 0 9 a
 l[ wick]-*air ) h] "w1 ,con/ance 0 p\r+

 out tea1 & ,nelly 0 sw++ lazily 9 a    
hammock1 :il/ ,capta9 ,gates & ,mr4     
,/r\d 7 mak+ !mselves g5]ally agreeable4
  ',h y two be5 tak+ a walk toge!r8'    
ask$ ,nelly z we approa*$4 ',i h be5    
hunt+ = y ev]y:]e1 ,hilda4  ,lady ,walk]
 has be5 call+1 & want$ to see y2 %e us$
 to "k y\r "m4'  ',h[ w>m y look6'      
obs]v$ ,con/ance1 eye+ me1 ,i felt1 )   
disapproval4  ',:at h y be5 do+8'  ,i   
sat d[n on ! g>d5 seat1 glad to re/1 &  
,k5ne?1 lean+ aga9/ ! tree opposite1    
began3--  ',well n[1 ,i w give y a true 
acc\nt ( h]4  ,%e felt s disgu/$ ) our  
frivolity at lun*1 t %e w5t out to get  
away f u2 %e w&]$ on dream+ h] dreams & 
build+ h] ca/les 9 ! air1 m\rn+ ov] our 
depravity1 & lam5t+ t %e _h no scope ) u
 = all h] b5evol5t projects1 until %e   
f\nd h]self out ^u ! moor1 :]eupon %e   
look$ r\nd1 & aft] a "t f\nd ,roddy     
,walt]s asleep4  ,x 0 an opportunity to 
act ! ,good ,sam>itan2 %e hoi/$ him up  
into h] arms 9 spite ( 8 h[ls1 & insi/$ 
^u c>ry+ him home4  ,& ,i met h] pant+ &

 /ruggl+ ) him 9 old ,drake's mead[s4'  
',b :y didn't y let him walk1 ,hilda8'  
int]rupt$ ,nelly4  ',he _h hurt 8 foot1 
poor little fell[--x 0 impossible2 ev5  
y\r bro!r saw t1 = he c>ri$ him ! re/ ( 
! way himself4'  ',& n[1' pursu$ ,k5ne? 
gravely1 '! up%ot is t %e is s agha/ at 
! /ate ( hea!nism & wick$ness t !       
village *ildr5 are 91 t %e is go+ to />t
 a ,sunday ,s*ool h]self next ,sunday1 &
 ,i expect %e hopes to enli/ "s ( u z   
tea*]s4  ,w y g1 ,gates8 ,i w back y    
up4'  ',oh1 ,i w g z a s*ol>1' said     
,capta9 ,gates readily4  ',i ?9k1       
,k5ne?1 y are lett+ y\r tongue run on   
too fa/1' said ,mrs4 ,=sy? g5tly2 ',i am
 q sure ,hilda has no su* int5tions4'   
,i felt myself gett+ vex$ "u all ?is    
*aff+1 b x has always be5 my way to     
speak out1 & s1 turn+ to ,mrs4 ,=sy?1 ,i
 said1--  ',he is n repres5t+ x fairly1 
,mrs4 ,=sy?4  ,mrs4 ,walt]s 0 tell+ u %e
 wi%$ %e c\ld s5d ,roddy to ,sunday     
,s*ool1 & ,i said h[ mu* ,i wi%$ ,i c\ld
 h him to tea*4  ,x 0 ,mr4 ,k5ne? :o    

sugge/$ my hav+ a ,sunday ,s*ool4  ,i   
c]ta9ly lik$ ! idea1 & meant to speak to
 y ab\t x1 b n n[4'  ,k5ne? laugh$4  ',y
 meant to h a private confabulation ) ! 
mat] & ! p>son1 b we l ev]y?+ above bo>d
 "h4  ,we hav5't mu* to amuse u1 & s e  
"o likes to "k e "o else's bus9ess4  ,i 
c see y h an eye = re=m1 s ?9k x j z    
well to w>n o!rs ab\t y4'  ',hilda1'    
said ,mrs4 ,=sy?1 :o evid5tly wi%$ to   
*ange ! subject1 ',lady ,walk] has      
invit$ y to g to "s !atricals next      
,w$nesday ) ! girls4  ,i told h] y _h no
 engagem5t2 y w enjoy x1 ,i hope4  ,!y  
live a little di/ance (f 9 a beautiful  
old abbey1 & are v nice p4'  ,!re 0     
sil5ce2 ,i felt t difficulties 7 all    
r\nd me ?is aft]noon1 & p]haps be+ s    
tir$ help$ to make me less will+ to     
ass]t my views4  ,i sipp$ my cup ( tea  
be=e reply+1 & !n said quietly1--  ',x 0
 v k9d ( h] to ask me4'  ',x w be great 
fun1 ,hilda4  ,! ,walk]s are awfully    
good at t k9d ( ?+1 & !y are go+ to h ! 
/age out ( doors4  ,i wi% ,i 0 go+ to   

take "p 9 x1 b we %all f9i% up ) a dance
 aft]1 s ,i %all keep myself = t4'      
,sil5tly ,i put up a pray] = c\rage1 &  
!n repli$1--  ',i don't ?9k ,i %all g1  
,nelly2 ,i d n c>e ab\t !atricals nor   
danc+4'  ',i h accept$ = y1' said ,mrs4 
,=sy? quickly & decid$ly1 '= ,g5]al     
,=sy? wi%es y to g4  ,i am afraid y mu/ 
keep y\r likes & dislikes 9 ! backgr\nd 
:il/ ) u ab\t matt]s l ?is4' ,& tak+ up 
h] "w %e left u & w5t t[>ds ! h\se1 :il/
 ,i felt my *eeks burn1 z ,i realiz$ h[ 
displeas$ %e 0 at my spee*4  ,nelly     
began laugh+ & talk+ ) ,capta9 ,gates1  
,con/ance & ,mr4 ,/r\d soon /roll$ away1
 & ,i sat on1 consci\s t ,k5ne?'s eyes 7
 ^u me1 yet feel+ s unc]ta9 ( myself t  
,i d>$ n speak4 ,i ?9k ,i 0 v ne> te>s4 
,pres5tly ,nelly turn$ to me3 ',h y     
f9i%$ y\r tea1 ,hilda8 w y come & get "s
 fl[]s = ! d9n]-table8'  ,i jump$ up1   
tir$ ?\gh ,i 01 & :5 we 7 out ( he>+ ( !
 o!rs1 ,nelly put h] h& c>ess+ly on my  
arm3--  ',y poor little ?+1 y h be5 hav+
 a hot "t ( x s9ce y came back f y\r    

walk4  ,i feel awfully sorry = y4  ,"m  
is vex$1 ( c\rse1 b %e w h =gott5 all   
ab\t x by ! "t %e next sees y4  ,%e is  
nev] angry = long4  ,capta9 ,gates said 
to me j n[ t y 7 n want+ 9 c\rage or    
/raight=w>dness2 y spoke up well1       
,hilda2 b ,i h w>n$ y be=eh&1 y _h mu*  
bett]1 z "m says1 keep y\r likes &      
dislikes to y\rself4  ,z ,capta9 ,gates 
0 say+1 if a p]son feels 9 a =eign      
elem5t1 ! only cure is to adapt !mselves
 to x4  ,he is tak+ q an int]e/ 9 y1    
,hilda2 he told me y _h a true r+ ab\t  
y4  ,b x is awfully funny to me1 y\r /&+
 out aga9/ all innoc5t pleasure4'  ',i w
 talk to y ab\t x ano!r day1 ,nelly1' ,i
 said1 try+ to speak g5tly2 'don't ?9k  
me disoblig+ if ,i leave y n[4  ,i am s 
tir$ t ,i feel ,i _c walk ano!r /ep4  ,y
 don't m9d gett+ ! fl[]s by y\rself1 d  
y8'  ',( c\rse ,i don't4  ,g up to y\r  
room & h a nap2 y w h a quiet "t till   
d9n]4'  ,i left h]1 = ,i felt ,i mu/ be 
alone2 & :5 ,i rea*$ my room ,i took my 
,bible1 & sitt+ d[n 9 ! l[ w9d[ seat    

turn$ ov] its leaves = com=t & guidance4
  ,my ?\ghts 7 p]plex$ ones4  ,h[ ,i    
long$ to live at peace ) e "o6  ,h[ easy
 x w\ld be to slip along 9 ?is pleasant 
family life1 do+ z o!rs did ar\nd me2 h[
 increas+ly difficult ,i %\ld f9d x1 if 
,i 0 cont9ually sett+ myself up 9       
opposition to all _! plans & wi%es = me6
  ,& yet 9 my he>t ,i knew t unless ,i  
took a /& f ! fir/1 ,i %\ld be drawn    
into a :irl ( gaiety1 su* z ,i felt w\ld
 n be ! "r position = a true ,*ri/ian to
 be f\nd 94  ,!n ,i wond]$ :at claims my
 gu>dian _h ^u me1 h[ f> x w\ld be "r to
 obey him1 & :]e ,i mu/ draw ! l9e4     
',if only ,i _h "s "o to advise me6' ,i 
murmur$1 & ! next m9ute felt a%am$ ( !  
?\ght z ^! words met my eye1--  ',b !   
,com=t]1 :i* is ! ,holy ,gho/1 :om !    
,fa!r w s5d 9 ,my "n1 ,he %all tea* y   
all ?+s4'  ,i b[$ my head 9 pray]1 & :5 
a little lat] ,i turn$ aga9 to my ,bible
 ,i 0 n long left 9 d\bt4  ',be n con=m$
 to ?is _w1' ,i read 9 ,romans4  ,i     
turn$ up ! ref]5ces3 ',n fa%ion+        

y\rselves accord+ to ! =m] lu/s 9 y\r   
ignorance4'  ',love n ! _w1 nei!r ! ?+s 
t are 9 ! _w4'  ',:]e=e come out f among
 !m1 & be ye sep>ate1 sai? ! ,"l4'  ,z  
,i sat !re dr9k+ 9 ^! messages1 & dwell+
 ^u !m ea* 9 turn1 all d\bt & hesitation
 left me4  ,i 0 quiet$ & refre%$1 & :5 !
 ?\ght ( my gu>dian's possible ang]     
flitt$ across my m9d1 ,i 0 able to put x
 aside--',he %all tea* y all ?+s4'  ,& t
 took me to ano!r v]se1 ',take ye no    
?\ght h[ or :at ?+ ye %all answ]1 or :at
 ye %all say2 = ! ,holy ,gho/ %all tea* 
y 9 ! same h\r :at ye ought to say4'  ,)
 ?is ,i 0 q cont5t4     ,,*apt] ,,iii   
,,! ,,reason ,,:y    ,let u1 !n1 be :at 
we are1 & speak :at we ?9k1 &       9   
all ?+s   ,keep ourselves loyal to      
tru?4'--,longfell[4   ',g5]al ,=sy?1 may
 ,i speak to y = a few m9utes8'  ,x 0   
aft] breakfa/ ! next morn+ t ,i made ?is
 reque/4  ,i 0 det]m9$ to h ! matt]     
settl$ z soon z possible4  ',c]ta9ly1'  
my gu>dian said1 look+ at me 9 "s       
surprise4  ',come into ! libr>y1 = we   

%all be undi/urb$ !re4'  ,he l$ ! way1  
politely h&$ me a *air1 & !n /ood lean+ 
8 back aga9/ ! mantel-piece & /rok+ 8   
m\/a*e1 giv+ me at ! same "t a ke5      
glance f "u 8 %aggy eyebr[s4  ',well1'  
he said1 ':at is x8  ,d y want any      
money8'  ',no1' ,i said a little        
n]v\sly2 'x is q ano!r matt]2' !n ga!r+ 
c\rage1 ,i look$ him /raight 9 ! face & 
said1 ',g5]al ,=sy?1 ,i ?9k y expect me 
to g to ^? !atricals at ! ,walk]s' next 
week4  ,i _c d x4'  ',inde$6' he said   
lightly1 'is x a "q ( dress8  ,:at is ! 
difficulty8'  ',no1 x is n t4  ,i want  
to tell y n[1 = ,i ?9k x may save       
difficulties aft]w>ds4  ,i d n wi% to   
lead a gay life3 ,i _c g to dances or   
!atres ) an easy consci5ce4  ,don't ?9k 
x a m]e :im or pass+ fancy2 x is a matt]
 ( pr9ciple ) me4  ,i h giv5 myself to  
,god = ,8 s]vice1 & ,i look at ev]y?+ 9 
t light1 & f t /&po9t4'  ,g5]al ,=sy?   
look$ amus$4  ',don't put s mu* trag$y 9
 y\r tone1 *ild6  ,s9ce :5 h y tak5 up  
^! peculi> notions8'  ',ab\t two or ?ree

 mon?s ago1' ,i repli$4  ',x has made a 
great diff]5ce 9 my life4  ,i ?\ght if  
,i expla9$ my reason to y1 y w\ld n     
press me to g to ?+s :i* are ?or\ghly   
di/a/eful to me4'  ',if x is only a     
c\ple ( mon?s s9ce y =m$ ^! views1 ,i   
?9k y w f9d t "t w alt] !m1 ,hilda4  ,i 
%\ld l to /ate to y t1 accord+ to y\r   
fa!r's w1 ,i am to h full control ( y\r 
money until y m>ry1 or if t does n occur
 soon1 until y are ?irty ye>s ( age4    
,aft] t y are y\r own mi/ress4 ,are y   
aw>e ( ?is8'  ',i did n q und]/& x s1'  
,i said1 wond]+ at ! turn our           
conv]sation 0 tak+4  ',i tell y ?is     
because x expla9s our position t[>ds ea*
 o!r4 ,s mu* = ! t]ms ( ! w4  ,n[ = :at 
w t\* y clos]3 ,i 0 ) y\r fa!r :5 he di$
 9 ,india2 he 0 "o ( my de>e/ fri5ds1 z 
y "k1 & on 8 dy+ b$ he made me promise t
 :5 y\r education 0 f9i%$ ,i %\ld look  
aft] y z "o ( my own daught]s1 see t y 7
 giv5 e advantage due to ! position 9   
society t he meant y to occupy1 & 9 fact
 be to y :at he w\ld h be5 _h he liv$4  

,i "k :at 8 views 7 = y1 & ^? views ,i  
%all consci5ti\sly try to fur!r :il/ y  
are ) me4  ,i %all n c\nt5ance = a mom5t
 y\r hid+ away f fri5ds ( y\r p>5ts1 &  
o!rs ) :om ,i wi% y to associate4  ,a "t
 w come :5 y w ?ank me = my firmness n[1
 & = refus+ to all[ y to sacrifice all  
y\r prospects 9 life to "s morbid       
fancies t y mu/ h pick$ up 9 "s ,diss5t+
 *apel4'  ,i 0 sil5t = a mom5t1 !n ,i   
said1--  ',i ?9k my fa!r w\ld h wi%$ me 
to be happy1 ,g5]al ,=sy?2 ,i _c g aga9/
 my consci5ce 9 ?is matt]1 x w\ld make  
me wret*$4  ,i d feel v grateful to y = 
giv+ me a home2 b inde$ ,i w\ld r g away
 & e>n my own liv+ ?an lead ! life y h  
plann$ out = me4'  ',we w n discuss !   
matt] fur!r1' said ,g5]al ,=sy? icily2  
',i h told y my wi%es on ! subject4  ,if
 ,i am to treat y z "o ( my own         
daught]s1 y w accompany !m :]ev] !y g4  
,i am accu/om$ to be obey$ 9 my own     
h\se1 & ,i d n ?9k y w delib]ately      
oppose my wi%es = y4'  ',i am sorry to  
displease y1' ,i said 9 a l[ voice1 'b 9

 ?is "o respect ,i feel ,i am "r 9 act+ 
s'2 & !n ,i left ! room ) a heavy he>t4 
,i w5t out into ! g>d5 a little lat]1 & 
made my way to a quiet spot 9 a         
plantation ne> ! h\se1 :]e ,i _h f\nd a 
delightful little nook to sit 91 & !re  
,i took my ,bible & _h a quiet read &   
pray]4  ,g5]al ,=sy? 0 n 9 to lun*eon1 b
 ,i saw f ,mrs4 ,=sy?'s face t he _h    
told h] ( our int]view4 ,%e said v      
little to me1 & :5 ! !atricals 7 m5tion$
 at ! table %e *ang$ ! subject at once4 
,9 ! aft]noon ,i jo9$ ,violet & h]      
gov]ness 9 an exp$ition to a wood a     
little di/ance (f4  ,we took tea ) u1 & 
,i ?or\ghly enjoy$ x4  ,miss ,graham 0 a
 quiet woman1 b v clev]1 & %e & h] pupil
 7 ! be/ ( fri5ds4  ',i wi% y 7 9 !     
s*oolroom ) me1' said ,violet1 z we sat 
*att+ toge!r 9 ! cool %ade "u ! trees4  
',i ?9k we %\ld h great fun toge!r1 & d 
y "k1 ,i he>d "m say to ,con/ance ?is   
morn+ t %e wi%$ y 7 too1 = !n !         
difficulty w\ld be solv$4  ,:at did %e  
mean8'  ,i gave an involunt>y sigh1 &   

,miss ,graham look$ at me a little      
curi\sly2 !n1 z ,violet />t$ to h] feet 
9 pursuit ( a squirrel1 %e laid h] h&   
g5tly on my arm4  ',y look tr\bl$1 ,miss
 ,?orn2 ,i am afraid y are "o ( ^? :o   
try to g ?r\gh life too s]i\sly1 isn't x
 s8'  ',i don't ?9k s1' ,i said ) a     
smile2 ',i am a little tr\bl$ to-day    
because ,i am vex+ bo? ,g5]al & ,mrs4   
,=sy? v mu*1 ,i am afraid1 b ,i _c help 
x4'  ',ah6 don't d x1 my de>4  ,take _! 
advice1 & tru/ !m ab\t y\r life "h4  ,!y
 are old1 & y are "y4  ,i h he>d f      
,nelly a little ab\t y\r difficulty1 &  
,i am sorry = y1 = ,i admire y\r        
s9c]ity4  ,/ill1 we see ?+s diff]5tly :5
 we get old]1 & y w f9d t x is always   
be/ to give way to o!rs1 & keep y\r own 
op9ions 9 ! backgr\nd1 especially :5 y  
are "y4'  ',x isn't my op9ions t ,i want
 to br+ =w>d1' ,i said1 'b ,i am old    
en\gh to be responsible = my actions4'  
',!re 0 a "t :5 ,i _h su* ?\ghts1' said 
,miss ,graham2 ':5 ,i 0 q a "y girl ,i  
us$ to long to jo9 a ,si/]hood1 & devote

 myself to good works = ! re/ ( my life2
 b ,i 0 %[n h[ vision>y & unpractical   
su* ideas 71 & aft] a "t ,i ceas$ to    
ent]ta9 !m4'  ',:y did y want to give   
y\rself up to good works1 ,miss         
,graham8' ,i ask$ a little curi\sly4    
,%e laugh$4  ',well1 if y really want to
 "k1 x 0 p>tly because ,i _h met ) a    
disappo9tm5t4  ,"s "o ,i 0 v fond (--9  
fact1 to :om ,i 0 engag$1 left me to    
m>ry a girl ) money1 & ,i 0 = ! "t      
disgu/$ ) life4  ,!n ,i ?9k ,i did      
desire to live a useful life2 b n[ ,i h 
realiz$ !re are _m diff]5t ways ( do+   
t4'  ',i don't wond] y *ang$ y\r m9d1 if
 ^? 7 y\r motives = leav+ ! _w1' ,i said
 sl[ly4  ',:y1 :at o!r motives w\ld y h8
  ,:at is y\rs8  ,isn't x a desire to be
 good & fit y\rself = heav5 "o day8'    
',no1' ,i repli$ s(tly2 'x isn't to e>n 
my salvation t ,i want to keep cle> ( ! 
_w2 x is because ,i h _h t giv5 to me   
already1 & ,i want to %[ my love to !   
,savi\r by my life4  ,i d love ,him1 &  
,i am s afraid ( a :irl ( gaiety spoil+ 

! communion ,i h ) ,him day by day4'    
,miss ,graham look$ at me 9 a/oni%m5t1 &
 0 ab\t to speak1 :5 ,violet came back1 
& we *ang$ ! conv]sation4  ,i d n "k h[ 
x 0 t ,i spoke s op5ly to ,miss ,graham1
 = ,i g5]ally f\nd x v difficult to     
express my ?\ghts to any "o2 b ,i seem$ 
to h be5 l$ into x1 & z we walk$ back 9 
! cool ( ! ev5+ ,i j put up a pray] t %e
 might be made to see ?+s diff]5tly4  ,i
 0 r reliev$ to he> t ,g5]al & ,mrs4    
,=sy? 7 d9+ out t night4  ,p]haps _!    
abs5ce acc\nt$ = ! extra gaiety ( our   
p>ty2 ,i _h nev] se5 ,con/ance & ,nelly 
s full ( spirits1 & ,k5ne? & ,capta9    
,gates seem$ b5t ^u hav+ 'a real good "t
 ( x1' z !y express$ x4  ,hugh kept !m a
 little 9 *eck at d9n]2 b :5 !y jo9$ u 9
 ! draw+-room aft]w>ds1 ,i saw !y meant 
to be z good z _! ^w4  ,con/ance sat d[n
 to ! piano & began play+ "s waltzes1 & 
!n ,capta9 ,gates sprang up4  ',"h1     
,k5ne?1 give me a h&2 we w move "s ( ^! 
ob/acles1 & h a dance4'  ,9 a few       
m9utes1 *airs _h be5 pil$ up "o on top (

 ! o!r 9 a corn]1 tables & c\*es pu%$ to
 ! side1 & a cle> space left 9 ! middle 
( ! room4  ,hugh made 8 exit 9 disgu/1  
say+1 ',i ?9k x is a romp1 n a dance1 t 
y are want+6'  ,& ,mr4 ,/r\d1 a quiet   
little man1 said prote/+ly1 ',i ?9k y w 
f9d x v w>m "w 9 "h2 w\ld y n r take a  
/roll by ! riv]1 ,miss ,=sy?8'          
,con/ance %ook h] head1 & cont9u$ play+1
 & !n1 be=e ,i knew :]e ,i 01 ,nelly    
seiz$ hold ( me &1 :irl+ me r\nd1 waltz$
 away4  ,i c\ld n help enjoy+ x2 ,i _h  
always lov$ danc+ at s*ool1 s )\t a     
?\ght ,i gave myself up to x2 & :5      
,capta9 ,gates /opp$ u1 decl>+ t he w\ld
 n waltz ) ,k5ne?1 & we mu/ make a spe$y
 ex*ange1 ,i made no objection4  ,i     
danc$ ) him & ) ,k5ne? aft]w>ds1 & !n   
took ,con/ance's place at ! piano1 to   
let h] h a turn4  ,:5 we 7 all tir$ out 
& 7 re/+ ,k5ne? said1--  ',i ?9k we are 
9 good =m = ! ,walk]s' w9d-up n[4  ,:at 
d y ?9k1 ,miss ,?orn8  ,y h *ang$ y\r   
m9d ab\t go+1 hav5't y8'  ',no1' ,i said
 decid$ly1 ',i am n go+4'  ',nons5se6'  

,nelly exclaim$1 'y are4  ,"m said ?is  
morn+ t x 0 settl$1 & :y on e>? d y want
 to keep away8 y dance l----'  ',l a    
midsumm] elf1' put 9 ,capta9 ,gates2 ',i
 ?\ght y did n c>e ab\t danc+4  ,:y1 y  
love x1 y "k y d6'  ,i felt my *eeks    
flu%1 z ,i realiz$ h[ fooli% ,i _h be51 
& !n ,i said1 resolv+ to be tru?ful at  
all ev5ts1--  ',well1 ,i ?\ght ,i did n 
c>e = x4  ,i did n "k till ,nelly />t$  
me (f h[ enjoyable x is /ill to me4  ,b 
t does n alt] my decision at all ab\t   
go+ to ! !atricals next ,w$nesday4'  ',x
 is ^?1 !n1 t y dislike1 n ! danc+8'  ,i
 did n answ]4  ,k5ne? n[ spoke f ! dep? 
( a l>ge c\* ^u :i* he _h ?r[n himself4 
',n[ look "h1 ,goody ,two-,%oes1 j /& up
 & give u a disc\rse on ! iniquities (  
danc+ & su* l4  ,"h is y\r opportunity2 
five worldl+s be=e y6  ,%all ,i r+ !    
bell = ,tomk9s to fet* y\r ,bible8  ,i  
w\ld g myself1 only ,i'm j ab\t done up4
  ,y w want a text4  ,give u y\r views2 
x w be mo/ int]e/+ & edify+4  ,:o kn[s8 
,y may s conv9ce u ( ! awful s9 ( go+ to

 ! ,walk]s'1 t we %all all s5d 9 an     
apology = our abs5ce1 & f h5ce=? d our  
danc+ at home6'  ',jok+ ap>t1 we %\ld   
really l to "k y\r reasons = ab/a9+ f   
ev5+ p>ties1' said ,capta9 ,gates4      
,/ill ,i 0 sil5t1 feel+ ! difficulty (  
my position2 & !n1 aft] a swift pray] = 
guidance1 ,i said sl[ly3 ',i don't ?9k  
any ( y w und]/& me1 & ,i am v sorry ,i 
h be5 c>ri$ away to-night by ! music4   
,x isn't danc+ itself t's a s91 & ,i am 
n judg+ any ( y2 b ,i "k 9 my he>t t    
danc+ & !atricals are wrong = me2 !y are
 ! ess5tials ( worldl9ess1 ^? &         
horse-rac+1 & c>d-play+1 & o!r ?+s ( !  
same sort4  ,i want to keep cle> ( !m   
all1 z ,i "k if ,i g 9 = any ,i %all be 
gradually m & m engross$ 9 !m4  ,& ! v  
pro( ,i h _h to-night ( h[ my ta/e =    
danc+ has n gone1 w make me keep "r away
 f x = ! future4'  ',b :y is x su* a s9 
= y8' ask$ ,nelly wond]+ly4  ',because1'
 ,i said1 feel+ ! col\r rise to my *eeks
 ) ! ef=t ( speak+ out1--'because ,i h  
giv5 myself1 body & s\l1 to ,god1 & ,i  

want to live only = ,him4  ,y ask$ me = 
a text--"h is ! "o t has help$ me3 ,he  
di$ = all1 t !y :i* live %\ld n h5ce=?  
live unto !mselves1 b unto ,him :i* di$ 
= !m & rose aga94'  ,!re 0 sil5ce1 !n   
,con/ance said ) a light laugh3 ',to be 
consi/5t1 ,hilda1 y ought to g into a   
,si/]hood2 are y ?9k+ ( do+ x8'  ',no2  
:y %\ld ,i8  ,i only tell y ?is to %[ y 
h[ inconsi/5t ,i %\ld be if ,i ?rew     
myself into ! mid/ ( a gay life & ?\ght 
( no?+ b enjoy+ myself4'  ',l ! re/ ( u8
  ,give me "o ( y\r sort = p>ad+ _! own 
virtues at ! exp5se ( _! neighb\rs6'    
said ,k5ne?1 ) a yawn4  ',oh1 please    
don't say t6  ,y made me give my        
reasons4'  ',& s y h drawn out ?is      
h>d-&-fa/ l9e ( life = y\rself1 & ?9k y 
w be happy 9 /ifl+ all y\r natural      
in/9cts8' ask$ ,capta9 ,gates4  ',i am  
happy--,i don't want ^! ?+s ,i h some?+ 
mu* bett]6' ,!n1 w>m+ ) my subject1 ,i  
add$ impulsively1 ',i don't believe any 
( y "k :at x is to realize t religion is
 n an outw>d =m1 some?+ we he> & read   

ab\t1 b is a reality 9 "o's s\l4 ,x is  
liv+ in/ead ( m]ely exi/+1 x is be+ 9   
t\* ) ev]y?+ beautiful & ennobl+1 & ) a 
liv+ p]sonal ,fri5d1 ^: love is su* an  
utt]ly diff]5t ?+ f any?+ else on e>?6' 
',i ?9k we h _h en\gh1' ,k5ne? int]rupt$
 9 a drawl+ tone4 ',sp>e u any m        
rhapsodies4  ,c't we h a little music8  
,y might give u a song1 ,/r\d4'  ,mr4   
,/r\d compli$ ) ?is reque/ at once2 he  
seem$ nev] s happy z :5 ,con/ance 0     
play+ 8 accompanim5ts1 & = ! next tw5ty 
m9utes %e & he 7 s++ toge!r4  ,!n       
,capta9 ,gates ask$ me a little         
hesitat+ly if ,i w\ld play on my viol94 
,i _h n (t5 us$ x s9ce ,i _h be5 ) !    
,=sy?s1 b ,i _h always be5 v fond ( x1 &
 _h play$ = h\rs to my old c\s9 9       
,london4  ',i ?9k a viol9 is r worldly1'
 object$ ,k5ne? 9 8 mock+ tone2 ',i am  
sure x is n a fit conclusion to ! s]mon 
we h j be5 he>+4'  ',i don't ?9k x is at
 all worldly1' ,i said det]m9$ly1 z ,i  
mov$ across to "o ( ! long ,fr5* w9d[s &
 took my viol9 f ! case2 !n lean+ aga9/ 

! side ( ! w9d[ ,i look$ out into ! s(t 
summ] night1 & dreamily began to play4  
,p]haps x 0 ! abs5ce ( ,g5]al & ,mrs4   
,=sy? t made me feel m at ease1 b in/ead
 ( play+ any ( my classical pieces ,i   
drift$ into improvis+ z ,i w5t along1 & 
!n1 z my ?\ghts took me f> away1 ,i gave
 myself up to !m entirely4  ',dwell     
deep' 0 r++ s(tly b cle>ly 9 my e>s4    
,/orms c\ld come & /orms c\ld g1 b 9 all
 & ?r\gh all 7 ^? two little words (    
peace & quiet4  ,& my viol9 0 ) me1 &   
und]/ood my mood4  ,i don't "k h[ long  
,i play$1 b :5 ,i came to myself &      
surr\nd+s1 soo!d & com=t$ 9 _s1 ,i f\nd 
!m all />+ at me 9 a/oni%m5t4  ,i let my
 b[ fall 9 p]fect sil5ce1 & ,capta9     
,gates ask$ ) a long-drawn brea?1 ',:at 
is ! "n ( t8'  ',dwell deep6' ,i repli$ 
) a full he>t2 & !n putt+ my viol9 by1  
)\t ano!r ^w ,i left !m1 & w5t up to my 
room4  ,i did n g d[n aga9 t night4     
,,*apt] ,,iv  ,,an ,,op5+ ,,= ,,"w      
',:oev] fe>s ,god1 fe>s to sit at       
ease4'--,e4 ,b4 ,br[n+4   ',hilda1 "m   

wants to speak to y 9 h] b\doir4  ,we h 
j be5 hav+ a gr& discussion ab\t our    
dresses = ! ,walk]s' affair1 & %e wants 
to f9d out f y :e!r y are really go+ or 
n4'  ,i sigh$ z ,nelly f9i%$ speak+4  ,i
 0 pick+ "s roses on ! lawn1 & ,capta9  
,gates _h j saunt]$ out ( ! smok+-room1 
cig> 9 m\?4  ,x 0 su* a lovely morn+ t  
,i 0 m$itat+ sp5d+ x 9 my fav\rite nook 
9 ! plantation1 & = ! "t ,i _h =gott5   
ev]y?+ unpleasant4  ',y poor little     
creature6' said ,nelly sympa!tically1   
'ar5't y tir$ ( x8  ,y h discuss$ !     
subject ) fa!r1 giv5 u a long prea* la/ 
night1 & n[ !re /ill rema9s "m6  ,let me
 advise y1 don't be too outspok5 ) h]4  
,con/ance told h] ab\t our dance la/    
night1 & "m seems to ?9k t x mu/ be pure
 wilfulness on y\r "p if y /ill refuse  
to g ) u4'  ',i wi% ,i c\ld be left     
alone1' ,i said a little wi/fully2 ',i  
%all only make y\r "m angry4'  ',are y  
tir$ ( %[+ y\r col\rs8' que/ion$ ,capta9
 ,gates4  ',i hope n1' ,i said 9 a      
bright] tone1 & !n ,i w5t into ! h\se4  

,mrs4 ,=sy? 0 k9d at fir/1 b :5 %e saw t
 ,i 0 really det]m9$ %e became vex$4    
',x is plac+ me 9 a v awkw>d position1  
,hilda4  ,:at excuse c ,i make = y8  ,y 
h n ev5 delicacy ( heal? to acc\nt = y\r
 abs5ce4  ,i am anxi\s to take y ab\t ) 
my own daught]s1 & p w ?9k ,i am        
purposely keep+ y 9 ! backgr\nd4  ,i d  
wi% y _h giv5 u "s intimation ( ^!      
/range views be=e y came to live ) u4   
,x w be a cont9ual annoyance to u4'  ',d
 y ?9k ,i _h bett] g back to my c\s9's 9
 ,london8' ,i ask$4 ',i really d n want 
to be su* a tr\ble4  ,if y w\ld only let
 me be happy 9 my own way1 & /ay quietly
 at home1 ,i %\ld be s grateful1 because
 y h all be5 s k9d to me t ,i love to be
 "h4'  ',i really don't "k :at we %all d
 ) y1' ,mrs4 ,=sy? repli$1 9 a mild]    
tone4  ',i believe ,g5]al ,=sy? has 8   
own plans = y1 & if y w n fall 9 ) !m1 x
 w\ld be bett] = u all t y %\ld be away 
f u4  ,h[ev]1 ( c\rse1 we _c =ce y to g 
) u next ,w$nesday1 s ,i mu/ try &      
expla9 x z be/ ,i c to ,lady ,walk]4  ,i

 ne$ h>dly say t ,g5]al ,=sy? w n be at 
all pleas$ ab\t x4'  ,i left h] feel+ r 
d[nhe>t$4  ,look+ at x f _! po9t ( view1
 ,i mu/ be some:at ( a trial to !m1 &   
yet ,i knew ,i c\ld n act o!rwise4  ,z  
,i 0 /epp+ out into ! g>d5 aga91 deep 9 
?\ght1 ,i 0 />tl$ by ! sudd5 appe>ance (
 little ,roddy ,walt]s f beh9d a l>ge   
tree close to ! h\se4  ,8 h&s 7 full (  
yell[ m>% m>igolds & blue =get-me-nots4 
',roddy has br\ght !m = y1' 7 8 fir/    
words1 z he caught sight ( me4  ,i _h   
se5 ! little fell[ sev]al times s9ce our
 fir/ meet+1 b ?is 0 ! fir/ "t t he _h  
v5tur$ to come up to ! h\se to see me1  
?\gh :5ev] ,i pass$ ?r\gh ! village he  
w\ld run aft] me1 & ,i _h great         
difficulty 9 gett+ away f him4  ',h[    
lovely6' ,i exclaim$1 z ,i took ! bun* f
 8 hot little h&s2 'b1 ,roddy1 y ought  
to be at s*ool4  ,h y run away8'  ,he   
laugh$ & nodd$3 ',bess ,br[n did take me
 to s*ool1 b %e slapp$ me1 & ,i runn$   
away1 & ,jim took$ me d[n to ! wat]1 &  
we pick$ ^! bo(ul fl[]s1 & ,i loves y1 &

 ,jim said ,i might give 'em to y4'  ',&
 :o is ,jim8'  ',jim is wait+ = me1 ,jim
 is1 he's sitt9' on ! gate2 y come &    
,i'll %[ y him4'  ,he l$ me d[n ! av5ue 
z fa/ z 8 little legs c\ld c>ry him1 &  
!re on a side gate t l$ into "s fields 0
 a lad ab\t fifte54  ,he got d[n        
directly he saw me1 & ,i notic$ t he 0 a
 cripple & _h a crut* by 8 side4  ',are 
y ,jim8' ,i ask$4  ',yes1 mum6'  ',don't
 y "k t ,roddy ought to be at s*ool8  ,x
 isn't "r ( y to enc\rage him to play   
truant4'  ,jim laugh$4  ',he's su* a    
little 'un1 he is4'  ,& !n we drift$    
into talk4  ,jim told me he liv$ ) 8    
uncle1 :o 0 a cobbl]1 b he himself _h no
 occupation except t ( ga!r+ wild fl[]s1
 & tak+ !m into ! m>ket t[n ne>1 twice a
 week4  ,i f\nd to my surprise t he c\ld
 n read4  ',i 0 on my back = ye>s :5 ,i 
might 'a _h my s*ool9'1 & :5 ,i 0 able  
to get ab\t ) my crut* ,i 0 t '%am$ to  
g1 be+ su* a big 'un1 & su* a dunce4    
,uncle ,sam1 he has a tri$ to tea* me1 b
 he has a awful temp]1 & says ,i'm t sl[

 ,i aggrewate him into fits4'  ',h[ ,i  
wi% ,i c\ld tea* y6' ,i exclaim$2       
'w\ldn't y l to le>n8'  ',ay1 %\ldn't   
,i6 b ,i'm an awful dull>d4'  ,we talk$ 
a little long]4  ,i took a great fancy  
to ?is ?9 lanky lad1 ) 8 great d>k      
que/ion+ eyes--he seem$ lonely--& 8     
affection = little ,roddy 0 v t\*+4  ,t 
aft]noon ! old rector happ5$ to call    
:ile we 7 at tea1 & ,i took !           
opportunity ( ask+ him ab\t ! boy2 he   
seem$ q pleas$ at my int]e/ 9 him1 & !n 
( 8 own accord he broa*$ ! subject (    
,sunday ,s*ool4  ',i %\ld l to get "o ( 
y "y ladies to h a class ( ! little ones
 on ,sunday4  ,i am an old man myself1 &
 don't feel up to x4  ,i sometimes wi%  
,i _h a wife or daught] to help me ab\t 
^! ?+s4  ,mrs4 ,=sy?1 :at d y ?9k ab\t  
x8'  ',i h no d\bt ,miss ,?orn w\ld be  
delight$ to d :at y wi%4 ,%e has already
 express$ a desire1 ,i believe1 to d    
some?+ ( ! sort4'  ,mrs4 ,=sy?'s tone 0 
a little /iff1 b ,i 0 s glad t %e made  
no objection to ! sugge/ion t ,i felt q 

grateful to h]4  ,& be=e ! rector left u
 he _h settl$ t ,i %\ld />t a class !   
foll[+ ,sunday aft]noon f ?ree to f\r 9 
! ve/ry ( ! little *ur*4  ',i w g r\nd  
to my p>i%ion]s & let !m "k4  ,( c\rse y
 w be prep>$ = v little ones1 z ! bigg] 
ones att5d a s*ool a little di/ance (f4 
,& z = ,jim ,c>t]1 if y c give him a    
read+ lesson n[ & !n 9 ! week1 ,i %all  
be delight$4'  ,:5 ! rector _h gone1 ,i 
ran up to my room1 & j knelt d[n & ?ank$
 ,god = ! "w ,he _h already giv5 me4    
,only t morn+ ,i _h be5 pray+ = some?+  
to d1 & _h anticipat$ great difficulties
 9 ! way4  ,yet ! op5+ _h come1 & ev]y?+
 seem$ made easy = me4  ,& = ! re/ ( !  
day ?is fre% int]e/ made me =get my     
tr\bles1 until ,i 0 rem9d$ ( !m 9 !     
draw+-room t ev5+4  ,we 7 all !re1      
,g5]al ,=sy? read+ ! ev5+ pap]1 ,mrs4   
,=sy? ) h] "w1 & ! girls r\nd ! piano1  
:5 sudd5ly ,k5ne? said1 turn+ to me1--  
',:at k9d ( a mood are y 9 to-night8  ,a
 musical "o8  ,because if s1 please     
fav\r u ) a repetition ( la/ night's    

p]=mance4'  ',:at8  ,ano!r dance8' said 
,nelly laugh+4  ',%e is nev] go+ to     
dance aga91 %e says6'  ',wait & see1' & 
,k5ne?'s tone 0 a little scornful2 'b x 
0 ! viol9 ,i 0 allud+ to4'  ,!n ,g5]al  
,=sy? look$ up4  ',i hope y h ?\ght     
bett] ab\t go+ to ,lady ,walk]'s1       
,hilda4  ,i he> y 7 no?+ lo? to turn ?is
 room into *aos la/ night 9 ord] to     
enjoy a dance1 s ,i conclude y h ov]come
 y\r fooli% scruples ab\t x4'  ',i am   
sorry1 ,g5]al ,=sy?1' ,i said1 try+ to  
speak bravely1 'b ,i told ,mrs4 ,=sy?   
?is morn+ t ,i _c g4'  ',y h y\r fa!r's 
ob/9acy1 ,i see2' & ?r[+ d[n 8 pap]     
angrily1 ,g5]al ,=sy? got up & left !   
room4  ',nev] saw ! g5]al lose 8 temp]  
be=e1' murmur$ ,mr4 ,/r\d to ,con/ance2 
& %e repli$1 9 tones l\d en\gh = me to  
he>1 ',%e is a provok+ little ?+2 ,i    
believe x is no?+ b cant ) h]4 ,i hate  
^? k9d ( p4'  ,capta9 ,gates 0 sitt+    
close to me1 & 8 eyes met m9e z we      
caught ! sne]+ words4  ,he did n say    
any?+1 b got up f 8 seat & fet*$ my     

viol91 :i* he put into my h&s say+1--   
',give u ano!r treat1 = y make x speak6'
  ,i %ook my head1 !n1 z he begg$ me s  
h>d1 ,i felt ,i ought n to refuse1 b ,i 
c\ld n play z ,i _h done ! night be=e1 &
 :5 ,i _h f9i%$ he said1--  ',?ank y1 b 
t is r diff]5t to la/ night4'  ',x is r 
too classical1 p]haps4  ,i w try a      
little lullaby4 ,x's ,g]man1 & ,i ?9k y 
may l x4'  ',hilda1' said ,mrs4 ,=sy? :5
 ,i _h f9i%$1 'y ought to cultivate y\r 
gift = music1 = y h got a good t\*4  ,i 
am anxi\s = ,violet to play well1 b h]  
viol9 lessons ) ,miss ,graham are a     
s\rce ( con/ant tr\ble to me4  ,i wi% y 
c\ld give h] a few h9ts ab\t x4  ,miss  
,graham is a good musician1 b %e c]ta9ly
 does n h&le ! in/rum5t z y d4'  ',i    
%all be v glad to practise ) ,violet a  
little1' ,i said1 'if ,miss ,graham does
 n object4'  ,!n ,nelly call$ to me f ! 
balcony outside ! w9d[s1 & ,i jo9$ h] ) 
a s5se ( relief at gett+ out into !     
/ill1 cool ev5+ air4  ,capta9 ,gates    
jo9$ u1 & leant aga9/ "o ( ! /one pill>s

 enjoy+ a cig>4  ,we talk$ & laugh$ = "s
 "t1 !n z ,nelly mov$ (f a little f>!r  
to speak to ,hugh1 :o _h also come out1 
,capta9 ,gates turn$ to me & said1 ',y  
are hav+ r a hot "t ( x j n[1 ,miss     
,?orn1 ,i feel afraid4  ,:y are y s     
det]m9$ 9 y\r views8  ,i feel sorry = y1
 because y h e "o aga9/ y4'  ,8 tone 0  
sympa!tic4  ',i %all get accu/om$ to t1 
,i suppose1' ,i said2 b z ,i look$ away 
to ! /ill hills 9 ! di/ance1 my eyes    
sudd5ly fill$ ) te>s1 & ,i realiz$ h[   
lonely my position 04  ',i c't ?9k :y y 
hold out2 y are plann+ a dre>y life =   
y\rself1 don't y ?9k s8'  ',no1' ,i     
said1 ha/ily bru%+ away my te>s1 & smil+
 at 8 gloomy tone2 ',i %all n be a bit  
dre>y2 h[ c\ld ,i be6'  ',i wi% y w\ld  
expla9 a few ?+s to me1 & !n p]haps ,i  
%\ld und]/& bett]4  ,d y consid] u all  
dreadful s9n]s "h8'  ',i judge no "o1   
,capta9 ,gates4  ,x seems to me y mu/ h 
some?+ to fill y\r life & int]e/ &      
occupy y1 & if y hav5't got :at ,i h1 y 
mu/ h worldly amusem5ts4'  ',& :at h y  

got t we h n8'  ,i 0 sil5t = a mom5t1 !n
 ,i said1--  ',d y ev] read y\r ,bible1 
,capta9 ,gates8'  ',n (t54'  ',y w f9d a
 great deal ab\t ! ,*ri/ian's portion   
!re1 if y look2 b ,i suppose ! summ+ up 
( x all is j ,*ri/ ,himself4 ,if we h   
,him we want no?+ m4'  ,!re 0 ano!r     
sil5ce4  ,at l5g? he said m$itatively1  
',i %\ld l to be enlight5$4  ,w y come =
 a r[ on ! riv] to-morr[1 & let u ?ra% !
 subject out8'  ',i don't "k1' ,i said  
hesitat+ly2 ',i w see :at plans ! o!rs  
h4'  ,& !n ,i /epp$ back into !         
draw+-room1 leav+ him alone !re1 &      
wond]+ if he 0 really 9 e>ne/1 or only  
draw+ me out = 8 amusem5t4  ,:5 ,i w5t  
=w>d to wi% ,g5]al ,=sy? 'good-night' t 
ev5+1 he refus$ to take my h&1 say+     
coldly1 ',i %all h no?+ to say to y = ! 
pres5t2 y\r conduct is highly displeas+ 
to me4'  ,i felt ! blood ru% to my      
*eeks1 z he did n l[] 8 voice1 & all 9 !
 room he>d 8 words2 !n ,i left ! room   
sl[ly1 l a naughty *ild be+ s5t (f to b$
 9 disgrace4  ,nelly came ru%+ up/airs  

aft] me1 & l9k$ h] arm 9 m9e4  ',nev]   
m9d1 ,hilda4  ,y see fa!r is nev]       
accu/om$ to h any "o oppose him1 & he _c
 und]/& y4  ,y are a bold little ?+1 to 
say :at y d to him4  ,n[ tell me :at    
conspiracy 0 go+ on betwe5 y & ,capta9  
,gates ?is ev5+8  ,he is ask+ "m if we c
 h a picnic on ! riv] to-morr[4         
,con/ance & ,mr4 ,/r\d are delight$1 &  
"m has giv5 h] cons5t4  ,"m says %e     
won't />t ) u1 b may jo9 u lat] 9 ! day4
  ,he said we _h bett] h ?ree boats2 b  
,i wond] h[ we are go+ to pair (f4  ,i  
am n always go+ to be c\pl$ ) ,k5ne?1 he
 & ,i are sure to fight4 ,& ,i "k       
,capta9 ,gates w h y ) him if he c      
manage x2 he foll[s y ab\t ev]y:]e4     
,con/ance & ,mr4 ,/r\d are insep>able1 &
 no "o takes any notice ( me6'  ',oh1   
,nelly1 h[ y run on6' ,i exclaim$1 half 
laugh+1 half vex$4 ',i d>e say ,i %all n
 g ) y4'  ',b y mu/2 x w be great fun4  
,well1 good night2 ,i mu/ be go+4'      
,,*apt] ,v  ,,opportunities    ',draw   
?r\gh all failure to ! p]fect fl[]2     

,draw ?r\gh all d>kness to ! p]fect     
light4   ,yea1 let ! rapture ( ,?y      
spr+-tide ?rill   ,?r\gh me1 beyond me1 
till its ard\r fill   ,! ungr[+ s\ls t  
"k n ,!e aright1   ,t ,?y great love may
 make ( me1 e'en me1   ,"o add$ l9k to  
b9d ! _w to ,!e4'--,e4 ,s4 ,a4   ,we _h 
a v enjoyable day up ! riv]1 ,violet    
begg$ a holiday1 & came ) u4  ,we _h    
only two boats--,con/ance1 ,violet1 &   
,mr4 ,/r\d 9 "o1 & ,nelly1 ,k5ne?1      
,capta9 ,gates1 & ,i 9 ! o!r4  ,we took 
our lun* ) u1 & l&$ 9 a wood t came d[n 
to ! wat]'s edge4  ,& aft] our meal 0   
ov] ,capta9 ,gates ask$ me to come = a  
/roll ?r\gh ! woods ) him4  ,i did n    
feel incl9$ to d ?is at fir/1 yet h>dly 
lik$ to refuse1 & x 0 n long be=e he    
turn$ our conv]sation t[>ds s]i\s       
subjects4  ',i look$ into a ,bible :i* 0
 9 my room la/ night1 ,miss ,?orn1 b ,i 
c\ldn't see any?+ 9 x to make me wi% to 
alt] my life4  ,x seems to me t z long z
 we slip along1 & live dec5t1           
respectable lives1 t is all t is        

requir$4  ,god is m]ciful1 isn't ,he8   
,he won't require too mu* ( u4'  ',:at  
do? ! ,"l ?y ,god require ( !e1 b to fe>
 ! ,"l ?y ,god1 to walk 9 all ,8 ways & 
to love ,him1 & to s]ve ! ,"l ?y ,god ) 
all ?y he>t & ) all ?y s\l8'  ,i repeat$
 ?is v]se r sl[ly1 add+1--  ',i don't   
?9k _m ( u c say we come up to ,god's   
requirem5ts1 ,capta9 ,gates4  ,god w put
 up ) a great _m ?+s 9 ! human he>t1 b  
!re is "o ?+ ,he w n put up ) 9 x--a    
second place4  ,he :o (f]s ,god a second
 place (f]s ,him no place4  ,i ?9k t has
 be5 v truly said2 don't y ?9k s8'      
',well1 ,i mu/ plead guilty1 ( c\rse1 :5
 y br+ up a v]se l t1' he respond$      
lightly2 'b t is an impossible /&>d to  
set up = u poor human mortals4'  ',yes1'
 ,i said1 aft] a m9ute's sil5ce1 'judg+ 
u f t /&>d1 we h all fail$4  ,we are    
condemn$ already4  ,i don't believe1    
,capta9 ,gates1 t we c ev] be 9 real    
e>ne/ ab\t hav+ our s\ls sav$ till we   
realize our condemnation4  ,! v]se t    
made me mis]able 0 ?is "o3 ,he t        

believe? n ! ,son %all n see life1 b !  
wra? ( ,god abide? on him4'  ',7 y ev]  
an unbeliev]1 !n8' & ,capta9 ,gates     
look$ at me curi\sly z he spoke4  ',(   
c\rse ,i believ$ ab\t ,jesus ,*ri/1' ,i 
repli$ 9 a l[ voice1 'b ,i didn't       
believe 9 ,him4  ,i hadn't come to ,him 
& accept$ my p>don at ,8 h&s4  ,i didn't
 und]/& t1 h[ev] good ,i might try to   
be1 ,i c\ld nev] expect to ent] heav5   
unless ,i 0 wa%$ & cleans$ by ,him4'    
,!re 0 sil5ce1 & ,i 0 afraid ,i _h be5  
too outspok54  ,!n1 z we 7 pass+ a bu%1 
) ! mo/ lovely honeysuckle at ! top ( x1
 ,i /opp$ & ask$ him if he w\ld get me  
"s4  ,?is he will+ly did1 & z he h&$ me 
"s beautiful sprays ( x said1--  ',!re  
is no unc]ta9 s\nd ab\t y\r prea*+1     
,miss ,?orn4  ,i believe y c\ld d some?+
 ) me if y 7 to try1 b y\r doctr9es are 
/range to me1 & x w take me "s "t to get
 reconcil$ to !m4  ,y mu/ take me 9 h&2 
w y8'  ,i look$ up1 & our eyes met4     
,aga9 ,i wond]$ if he 7 s9c]e4  ',i ?9k 
y w f9d all y ne$ 9 ! ,bible1' ,i said2 

& !n ,i *ang$ ! conv]sation4  ,a few    
m9utes aft] we met "s ( ! o!rs1 & :5 we 
came d[n to ! riv]'s side ,violet seiz$ 
hold ( my arm4  ',hilda1 y come 9 our   
boat4  ,i _h an awfully dull "t ( x com+
 "h4  ,i ?9k ,i 0 put 9 to act          
gooseb]ry1 & ,i'm n go+ to d x aga94  ,d
 come6'  ',i w1 ( c\rse1 if ,con/ance   
likes4'  ,& t 0 ! ord] 9 :i* we came    
home1 = ,mrs4 ,=sy? nev] appe>$ at all4 
,i 0 n surpris$ :5 ,nelly came to me !  
la/ ?+ at night1 z %e 0 s fond ( do+1 & 
ann\nc$1--  ',well1 x is all settl$4    
,con/ance & ,mr4 ,/r\d are engag$1 & ,i 
wi% h] joy ( him4  ,"m is pleas$1       
because he has a nice little prop]ty2 b 
,i w\ldn't h him = all ! prop]ties 9    
creation4 ,he is a regul> /ick1 & hasn't
 a sp>k ( fun 9 him4  ,i only hope he   
won't /ay on "h aft] next week4  ,bo? he
 & ,capta9 ,gates said !y mu/ g :5 !    
,walk]s' !atricals are ov]4'  ',is      
,con/ance v happy ab\t x8' ,i ask$4     
',%e seems to be1 9 h] way4  ,( c\rse1  
ev]y?+ is rose col\r to-night4  ,hilda1 

d y l ,capta9 ,gates8'  ',yes1 ,i l him 
pretty well1' ,i said4  ,nelly came up &
 put bo? h&s on my %\ld]s4  ',n[1 look  
me /raight 9 ! face1 & say t aga94'  ',i
 don't "k :at y mean1' ,i said1         
confront+ h] /eadily4  ',sometimes ,i   
wond] if y are z innoc5t z y appe>1'    
,nelly cont9u$1 laugh+4  ',b let me w>n 
y ( ?is3 he is a great flirt1 & tries x 
on ) e girl he comes across4  ,k5ne?    
ask$ him to-night d[n/airs if he ?\ght a
 sa9t w\ld make any man a good wife1 &  
,i nev] saw him s put out4  ,he w5t (f 9
 a huff1 & ,k5ne? said he ?\ght he 0 hit
 at la/4  ,:at did y talk ab\t1 ,hilda1 
:5 y & he w5t (f = y\r solit>y ramble8' 
,i h always be5 told t ,i h an easy     
temp]1 b ,nelly 0 nev] ne>] mak+ me     
really angry ?an %e 0 t night4  ',i wi% 
y w\ld n speak s1 ,nelly1' ,i said1     
flu%+ a little z ,i turn$ away f h]2 ',i
 _c be> t k9d ( talk2 z if y _c be      
fri5dly to any "o )\t hav+ su* motives  
ascrib$ to y4  ,capta9 ,gates talks to  
me l any "o else2 he is a little m      

polite to me ?an y\r bro!rs are1 t is ! 
only diff]5ce4'  ',my de>1 h[ y\r eyes  
are fla%+6  ,i %all beg9 to be q        
fright5$ ( y4  ,i didn't ascribe any    
motives to y1 b ,i only w>n$ y to bew>e 
( ,capta9 ,gates4  ,he told ,k5ne? y 7 a
 bewit*+ little ?+ two days aft] he _h  
fir/ se5 y1 & ,i ?9k ! fact ( y\r be+ s 
diff]5t to ! usual run ( girls he sees  
fasc9ates him = ! "t4  ,i 0 go+ to      
advise y h[ to deal ) him1 b really ,i  
h>dly d>e n[4'  ',i don't mean to be    
cross1 ,nelly2 b ,i am tir$1 & ,i want  
to be left alone4'  ,%e laugh$1 gave me 
a kiss1 & dep>t$4  ,i sat d[n to my     
,bible ) my ?\ghts 9 a tumult4  ,i %\ld 
h be5 /upid inde$ if ,i _h n se5 t      
,capta9 ,gates lik$ to pay me little    
att5tions1 & 8 look z he h&$ me !       
honeysuckle t aft]noon 9 ! woods _h made
 me %r9k into myself1 = ,i realiz$ t he 
0 n only int]e/$ 9 ! subject ( our      
conv]sation1 b 9 me myself4  ,i _h      
hone/ly felt glad t he wi%$ to talk on  
s]i\s subjects1 & ,i _h be5 pray+ = him 

a great deal t day4  ,n[ ,nelly's *aff+ 
words _h left _! /+1 & ,i felt humiliat$
 by be+ discuss$ d[n/airs s freely be=e 
!m all4  ,my desires = ,capta9 ,gates'  
welf>e 7 at an end4  ,i felt ,i c\ld    
nev] talk to him aga94  ,b :5 ,i w5t d[n
 on my knees1 & j spread ! :ole matt]   
out 9 pray]1 & !n wait$ 9 sil5ce till ! 
quiet & peace came back into my he>t1 ! 
case look$ v diff]5t4  ,&1 turn+ ov] !  
leaves ( my ,bible1 ,i 0 guid$ to ?is   
v]se1 ',z e man ha? receiv$ ! gift1 ev5 
s m9i/] ! same "o to ano!r1 z good      
/ew>ds ( ! manifold grace ( ,god4'      
,yes2 ,i resolv$ t :5 opportunities 7   
giv5 to me ( speak+ a ^w = my ,ma/]1 ,i 
w\ld take !m gladly1 yet at ! same "t ,i
 w\ld n seek to make !m = myself1       
especially 9 connection ) ,capta9       
,gates4  ',dwell deep6' ,i said to      
myself4  ',i c let ^! little vexations &
 misund]/&+s pass unnotic$2 !y are l !  
breezes on ! surface ( a lake4  ,if ,i  
dwell bel[1 ,i %all enjoy ! calm4'  ,!  
next day 0 ,sunday1 & at ?ree o'clock 9 

! aft]noon ,i f\nd myself wait+ 9 !     
ve/ry = my s*ol>s4  ,!y 7 n long aft]   
me4  ,fir/ ,roddy1 ) a %9+ face & a l>ge
 bun* ( a/]s f 8 "m's g>d51 :i* he      
pres5t$ to me ) great pride2 !n two     
little girls 9 huge sun-bonnets1 & v    
br[n arms & legs1 nam$ ,hetty & ,polly  
,tyke2 a v heavy1 sleepy-look+ boy ab\t 
f\r ye>s old1 suck+ a l>ge piece (      
sug>-c&y2 & la/ly ,jim ,c>t] & a big    
girl ab\t 8 own age1 :om he held by !   
h&4  ',we ?\ght y'd l if ,kitty 0 to    
come2 %e's bl9d1 y see1 & has nev] be5  
to no ,sunday ,s*ool1 because no "o w   
take *>ge ( h]2 !y runs (f aft] a "t1 & 
!n %e comes to grief1 %e d6'  ,i 0 a    
little nonpluss$1 z ,i _h only expect$ q
 an infant class2 b ,i made ! be/ ( x1 &
 aft] s++ a hymn t !y all seem$ to "k ,i
 _h a %ort pray]1 & !n settl$ d[n to a  
,bible /ory4  ,i took ,samuel's fir/    
call1 made !m ea* le>n a little v]se    
ab\t x1 & !n began to talk to !m4  ,!y 7
 v quiet & li/5$ almo/ brea?lessly1 b we
 _h a few int]ruptions3 ,roddy sudd5ly  

nodd$ 8 head v viol5tly t[>ds me1 & bur/
 =? 9 ! middle ( my talk1--',i'll br+ y 
a rob9's egg to-morr]1 a bo(ul little   
egg = y\r breakfus6  ,i'll g 9 at ! big 
gates all by myself1 & ,i'll knock at ! 
big door ) my /ick1 & !n won't y be v   
'/oni%$6'  ,i hu%$ him1 & a few m9utes  
aft] little ,tommy ,evans dropp$ 8 piece
 ( sug>-c&y1 & 9 b5d+ d[n to pick x up1 
ov]balanc$ himself & fell ) a cra% to ! 
gr\nd2 ( c\rse he h[l$1 & ,i _h to take 
him on my knee to pacify him4  ,b ^!    
little incid5ts did n less5 _! int]e/ 9 
! ,bible /ory1 & :5 ,i gave !m ea* a    
little rew>d ticket at ! close _!       
delight$ faces %[$ _! appreciation ( x  
all4  ,! h\r ov]1 ,i dismiss$ !m1 & aft]
 promis+ to come aga9 ! next ,sunday )  
sev]al fre% s*ol>s1 ! little ones       
scamp]$ (f4  ,jim politely (f]$ to put !
 room tidy aga91 & :il/ he 0 do+ x ,i   
drew ! bl9d girl out into ! *ur* por* & 
_h a little talk ) h]4  ,%e told me h]  
"m took 9 wa%+1 & %e help$ h] z mu* z %e
 c\ld4 ',= fa!r's be5 dead ?is five     

ye>s1 & gr&fa!r's an old man1 & has     
rheumatics s bad 9 8 knee he c't d no   
"w1 s "m %e keeps him2 ,i wasn't always 
bl9d1 ,i _h sc>let fev] :5 ,i 0 j on    
?ree ye>s old1 b oh1 ,i does wi% = my   
sight 9 ! summ]6'  ',y poor *ild6' ,i   
said pity+ly1 'y mu/ long to see !      
fl[]s1 ,i feel sure4'  ',tea*]1' %e said
 e>ne/ly1 ',i l t ab\t ,samuel2 ,i %all 
try & say s(tly sometimes1 ,speak1 ,"l1 
= ,?y s]vant he>e?4  ,he w speak1 won't 
,he8  ,i %\ld l to he> ,8 voice4'  ',y  
w1 ,kitty1 ,i "k y w4  ,god wants to h y
 = ,8 s]vant4  ,y give y\rself to ,him1 
& ask = ,8 ,holy ,_s to tea* y day by   
day4'  ,?is %ort conv]sation s5t me home
 ) a happy he>t4  ,i felt ?ankful t ,i  
_h f\nd "s "w1 & ,i resolv$ to visit !  
p>5ts ( ea* *ild dur+ ! week4  ,x 0 a v 
diff]5t atmosph]e ,i came into a %ort "t
 lat]4  ,tea on ,sunday aft]noon 0 a "t 
= visitors to drop 91 & ! conv]sation   
seem$ to me always on ! mo/ frivol\s    
subjects4  ,con/ance & ,mr4 ,/r\d _h    
escap$ & gone away into ! g>d5 by       

!mselves1 & ( c\rse _! engagem5t 0 be+  
discuss$ z well z ! gaieties ( ! com+   
week4  ,i got into a quiet corn] & took 
my tea 9 sil5ce1 hop+ ,i might be left  
unmole/$1 b ?is 0 n to be4  ,a ,miss    
,gordon1 ) a magnific5t voice1 0 s++ z  
,i ent]$1 & :5 %e _h f9i%$ ,k5ne? turn$ 
to me3 ',n[1 ,goody ,two-,%oes1 give u  
some?+ f y\r viol94'  ,he inv>iably     
address$ me by t "n n[1 & ,i knew h[ va9
 x w\ld be to prote/ aga9/ x4  ',oh yes1
 ,miss ,?orn1' said ,miss ,gordon1 'we h
 he>d wond]ful ?+s ( y\r play+2 y are q 
a g5ius1 ar5't y8'  ',no1' ,i said1     
col\r+ a little1 ',i am c]ta9ly n t1    
?\gh ,i am v fond ( x2 ,i mu/ ask y1 ,i 
am afraid1 to excuse my play+ ?is       
aft]noon4'  ',oh1 please play2 :y won't 
y oblige u8'  ',i nev] use my viol9 on  
,sunday4'  ,!re 0 dead sil5ce2 !n a     
,mrs4 ,p>k]1 a "y wid[ :o _h come )     
,miss ,gordon1 said1 ',b1 my de> ,miss  
,?orn1 play u some?+ sacr$1 ( c\rse4  ,i
 always consid] ! viol9 q a ,sunday     
in/rum5t4  ,9 our village ! *apel p h   

two go+ at e s]vice !y hold4  ,y surely 
_c ?9k x wick$ to play x on ,sunday8'   
,no1' ,i said1 ',i don't ?9k x is wick$1
 b ,i w\ld r n d x4  ,i am sure y w n   
press me4'  ',%e has j come back f      
,sunday ,s*ool1' said ,k5ne?1 look+     
across at me ) a tw9kle 9 8 eye1 '& s %e
 is d\bly %ock$ ) our levity4  ,i assure
 y1 ,mrs4 ,p>k]1 h] religi\s scruples   
are su* t ,i don't ?9k %e w\ld pick a   
fl[] 9 ! g>d5 if y 7 to ask h] to on !  
,sabba?6  ,i rose f my seat1 = ,i _h    
f9i%$ my tea1 & po9t+ to a crimson rose 
9 my wai/-belt ,i said half laugh+2 ',i 
pick$ ?is z ,i came 9 ?is aft]noon1' &  
!n ,i left ! room & w5t up/airs1 :]e ,i 
_h a nice quiet h\r by myself4  ,i felt 
quiet times alone 7 q ess5tial to me n[1
 o!rwise ,i seem$ to almo/ lose t\* ) ! 
unse5 ?+s t 7 s de> to me4     ,,*apt]  
,,vi  ,,only ,a ,,fri5d        ',surely 
a woman's affection   ,is n a ?+ to be  
ask$ =1     & _h = only !               
ask+8--,longfell[4   ,w$nesday ev5+     
came1 & all w5t (f to ,lady ,walk]'s    

except ,hugh & myself4  ,he seem$ v     
r>ely to g out ) ! o!rs1 & 0 g5]ally up 
9 ,london sev]al nights a week4  ,i _h  
help$ ! girls to dress1 & _h done all ,i
 c\ld = !m be=e !y w5t1 b x _h be5 a    
try+ "t4  ,g5]al ,=sy? _h h>dly spok5 to
 me s9ce he knew my decision 0 f9al1 &  
,mrs4 ,=sy? 0 cont9ually ref]r+ to my   
fooli%ness4  ,s ,i 0 reliev$ :5 !y 7 out
 ( ! h\se1 & q enjoy$ ! quiet d9n] )    
,hugh4  ,he c]ta9ly ex]t$ himself to be 
agreeable1 & ask$ me if ,i w\ld come    
up/airs & sit 9 8 /udy aft] d9n]4  ',br+
 y\r viol91' he said1 '& if y w play    
nicely to me ,i w treat y to a glimpse (
 ! heav5s ?r\gh my telescope4  ,x is a  
beautiful />ry night4'  ,8 /udy 0 a v   
com=table-look+ room1 ) a l>ge bay w9d[ 
ov]look+ ! op5 c\ntry1 & ,i took up my  
position 9 front ( x z ,i play$ to him4 
,i did n "k he 0 s fond ( music2 b z ,i 
laid my viol9 d[n ,i notic$ h[ he 0     
lean+ back 9 8 *air ) a dreamy smile ^u 
8 face1 & draw+ 9 a long brea?1 he      
said1--  ',?ank y4  ,i ?9k t's a bett]  

class ( ent]ta9m5t ?an :at is go+ on at 
! ,walk]s' at pres5t4  ,a l[-level life 
!re1 ,i consid]1 & "o only m>vels at m5 
& wom5 sp5d+ _! :ole exi/5ce 9 su*      
trifles3 "t & tal5ts utt]ly wa/$1 & p[]s
 ( intellect us$ & abus$ 9 ! fooli%     
*it-*at ( society6'  ,he spoke s        
contemptu\sly t ,i look$ up 9 surprise4 
',i ?9k1' ,i said1 'e "o mu/ h some?+ to
 fill _! life4 ,!y are z mu* occupi$ 9  
_! gay sph]e z y are 9 y\r lit]>y "o4'  
',or z y 9 y\r pi\s "o6  ,q true2 & ,i  
suppose we ea* ?9k our own sph]e        
immeasurably sup]ior to any o!r4  ,i    
tell y hone/ly1 ,i h a contempt = !     
frivol\s "o1 & a pity = ! religi\s4  ,i 
look at bo? f a high] plat=m4'  ',y     
place all y\r fai? 9 man's intellect1'  
,i said sl[ly2 'b religi\s p1 z y call  
!m1 place _! fai? 9 ! ,creator ( man's  
intellect4  ,i don't ?9k y are on a     
high] plat=m ?an !y2 y hav5't got q high
 en\gh4'  ,he made a movem5t ( impati5ce
 9 8 *air1 !n relaps$ into 8 natural    
sup]cili\s mann]4  ',x is amus+ to he> y

 air y\r views s dogmatically2 if y 7   
v]s$ 9 "s ( ! lit]ature ( ! pres5t day1 
& knew h[ _m old-"t notions &           
sup]/itions are disappe>+ "u ! full cle>
 light ( reason & sci5ce1 y w\ld n speak
 s positively4 ,y mu/ let me l5d y a few
 books t may enl>ge y\r ?\ghts &        
enlight5 y on ^! subjects4'  ',no1 ?ank 
y1' ,i said quietly2 'y mu/n't be vex$  
if ,i say aga91 y don't rise high en\gh2
 y read & /udy ! works & production (   
m5's bra9s1 b ,i g by ,god's own ,book1 
& t is beyond & above !m all4'  ,hugh   
laugh$4  ',i nev] argue ) wom51 or ,i   
w\ld %[ y h[ faulty y\r /atem5ts are4   
,b nev] m9d4  ,i w\ld r see a girl take 
s]i\s views ( life ?an fritt] x away z  
mo/ d4  ,y mean well1 & live up to y\r  
light4  ,n[ w\ld y l to h a look ?r\gh  
my telescope8'  ,i ass5t$2 b ,i c\ld n  
help wond]+ h[ mu* or h[ little ,hugh   
really did believe4  ,no?+ c\ld be k9d] 
?an 8 explanations ( ! diff]5t planets &
 />s t we look$ out ^u1 & = a full h\r  
,i 0 engross$ 9 gaz+ at v>i\s           

con/ellations above4  ,i _h always be5  
int]e/$ 9 a/ronomy1 & ,hugh 0 v lucid z 
well z pati5t 9 giv+ me a great deal (  
fre% in=mation4  ,i li/5$ & gaz$        
brea?lessly1 & at la/ came away f !     
telescope ) a deep-drawn brea? ( regret4
  ',x is s lovely2 x seems to c>ry "o q 
away f e>? altoge!r3 ! inf9ite space    
/ret*+ away & away4  ,oh1 ,mr4 ,=sy?1 y 
d n d\bt ! exi/5ce ( ,god1 d y8'  ',no2 
,i believe 9 a ,supreme ,be+4  ,i am n  
su* an utt] unbeliev] z t4'  ',i %\ld   
h>dly ?9k any "o :o /udi$ a/ronomy c\ld 
believe t ! univ]se 0 made by *ance4    
,isn't !re "s spot 9 ! ,pleiades :i* is 
! c5tre ( ! :ole sol> sy/em8  ,i rememb]
 see+ "s article ab\t x once1 & ,i l to 
?9k ( heav5 !re4'  ,he smil$1 b *ang$ ! 
conv]sation1 & we did n t\* on s]i\s    
subjects aga94  ,:5 ,i pray$ t night1 ,i
 especially rememb]$ ,hugh2 x seem$ s   
sad to me t he 0 only us+ 8 intellect to
 try & discov] flaws 9 ! ,bible1 & prove
 to himself & o!rs t "s ( ! mo/         
important tru?s 9 ,*ri/ianity 7 only    

popul> sup]/itions4  ,nelly _h told me  
mu* ab\t him2 = ?\gh he kept himself    
alo( a great deal f ! girls1 e n[ & !n  
he w\ld unb5d1 &1 z he _h done ?is      
night1 w\ld take !m into 8 /udy & int]e/
 !m ) 8 telescope & conv]sation4  ,b ,i 
resolv$ n to read any ( 8 books4  ,i    
felt ,i d>$ n wilfully g into su*       
temptation2 & :51 z ,i 0 leav+ him1 he  
ask$ me if ,i w\ld l ! loan ( a few1 ,i 
answ]$1 ',no1 ?ank y1 ,i w\ld r n4  ,i  
am n a dissatisfi$1 re/less s\l t is    
seek+ = ! tru?4  ,i h f\nd x1 & am happy
 9 x4'  ',y are a v self-satisfi$ s\l1  
at all ev5ts1' he said4  ,i col\r$ up1 =
 ,i _h be5 feel+ a little self-righte\s 
z ,i m5tally condemn$ him = 8 free-?9k+ 
op9ions4  ',i ought n to be satisfi$1'  
,i said 9 a contrite voice1 ') self2 b  
,i am satisfi$ ) ,*ri/4'  ,& !n ,i left 
him4  ,nelly 0 v full ( ! delightful    
ev5+ !y _h sp5t1 :5 ,i saw h] ! next    
morn+1 & ,i li/5$ & tri$ to take an     
int]e/ 9 h] acc\nt1 = ,i knew h[ %e lov$
 to talk ab\t su* ?+s2 b ,i he>d no?+ to

 make me regret my *oice4  ',capta9     
,gates left u t aft]noon4  ,z he 0 wi%+ 
u all good-bye1 he turn$ to me & said3  
',y w see me ov] "h 9 ano!r ?ree weeks1 
= ,i am com+ to ! dance "h !n1 s ?is w n
 be a long good-bye4'  ,!n1 z he %ook   
h&s ) me1 he l[]$ 8 voice1 & said       
e>ne/ly1 ',i %all n =get our talks      
toge!r1 ,miss ,?orn4  ,i h be5 mo/      
int]e/$1 & ,i hone/ly tell y1 ,i %\ld l 
to h ! happ9ess & satisfaction t y get  
out ( y\r religion4  ,i don't "k if ,i  
%all ev] get x2 b y w give me a ?\ght   
sometimes1 won't y8'  ',if y read !     
,bible1 ,i am sure y w f9d :at y ne$    
!re1' ,i said4  ,we 7 v quiet = ! next  
week or two2 ,i began visit+ my ,sunday 
s*ol>s 9 _! homes1 & />t$ read+-lessons 
) ,jim4  ,we w5t out into ! fields1 & "u
 ! %ade ( "s old tree w\ld sp5d _m a    
quiet half-h\r4  ,he 0 s anxi\s & eag]  
to le>n t ,i did n f9d 8 dullness try+1 
& ?\gh progress seem$ v sl[1 x 0 sure1 =
 :at he once le>nt he did n easily =get4
  ,jim's uncle1 ,rog] ,c>t]1 0 q a "*1 &

 he de>ly lov$ me to drop 9 & h a *at ) 
him4  ,he 0 a good old man1 & g5]ally   
ask$ me to h a bit ( read+ or a pray] ) 
him be=e ,i left4 ,& :5 he discov]$ t ,i
 play$ on ! viol91 no?+ w\ld pacify him 
until ,i _h br\ght x d[n & giv5 him a   
tune4  ',ah1' he said1 draw+ a long     
brea?1 't's some?+ l moosic1 t is4  ,i  
"k ! "r sort :5 ,i he]s x4  ,i've got a 
e> = x1 ?\gh ,i've n ! h&s4  ,i plays my
 toones on ^! 'ere boots & %oes4'  ,& he
 laugh$ z he look$ up at me ?r\gh 8     
%aggy eyebr[s4  ,! day came = ! ,=sy?s' 
dance4  ,i _h ask$ ,mrs4 ,=sy? quietly  
if %e w\ld m9d my keep+ 9 my own room & 
n appe>+ at all2 b ?is %e w\ld n he> (1 
& ,i felt myself t x w\ld be a difficult
 ?+ to d4  ,i long$ to g away some:]e = 
a few days1 & s miss x2 b my old c\s9 9 
,london _h gone abroad1 & ,i _h v few   
old fri5ds4  ,s ,i det]m9$ to make no   
fuss ab\t x1 & tru/$ t ,i %\ld be able  
to escape notice 9 ! cr[d1 & slip away  
by myself :5 ! danc+ began4  ,i told    
,nelly positively t if ,i 0 pres5t ,i   

w\ld n dance4  ,%e laugh$ at me1 &      
assur$ me ,i w\ld *ange my m9d :5 ! "t  
came4  ,i did n realize :at a l>ge      
affair x w\ld be1 & ,i mu/ hone/ly      
confess z ! "t drew ne> ,i felt a c]ta9 
pleasurable excitem5t 9 all !           
prep>ations = x4  ,a l>ge m>quee 0 put  
up on ! lawn1 & ,i ) ! o!rs help$ 9     
decorat+ & drap+ x inside4 ,a regim5tal 
b& 0 com+1 & ,nelly assur$ me ) pride1--
  ',our autumn ball is ! ev5t ( ! ye>4  
,y w see t ev]ybody w be "h4'  ,& s at  
la/ ! ev5+ arriv$4  ,bo? ,nelly & ,i 7 9
 s(t :ite silk2 & :5 ,mrs4 ,=sy? came   
into my room to inspect my dress be=e   
go+ d[n1 %e said k9dly1--  ',y look v   
nice1 *ild4  ,n[ ,i hope y are go+ to   
enjoy y\rself l o!r girls1 & n let silly
 scruples lead y into do+ any?+ t w     
displease ,g5]al ,=sy?4'  ',i am n go+  
to dance1 ,mrs4 ,=sy?1' ,i said1 flu%+ z
 ,i spoke4  ,%e left my room )\t reply+1
 & !n kneel+ d[n1 ,i ask$ to be kept &  
guid$ ?r\gh\t ! ev5+4  ,i f\nd great    
com=t 9 ! v]se1 ',i pray n t ,?\ %\lde/ 

take !m out ( ! _w1 b t ,?\ %\lde/ keep 
!m f ! evil4'  ,& on my knees ,i ask$ t 
,i might n only be kept f jo9+ 9 !      
gaiety1 b f wi%+ to jo9 9 x1 = ,i felt  
h[ little ,i knew my own he>t4 ,all t   
day ,i _h _h long+s to ?r[ myself he>t &
 s\l into ev]y?+1 z ,nelly int5d$ do+2 &
 ,i f\nd myself wond]+ if !re w\ld be v 
mu* h>m 9 do+ s4  ,an h\r lat] & ,i 0 9 
! mid/ ( x4  ,! fir/ "o :o made 8 way to
 me 0 ,capta9 ,gates4  ',i want y to    
give me a waltz1' he said4  ',we h danc$
 toge!r be=e1 s don't say ,no4  ,i h be5
 look+ =w>d to x4'  ,i %ook my head4    
',i c see f y\r face1 ,capta9 ,gates1 t 
y "k :at my answ] w be4  ,i ?9k y w\ld  
be v surpris$ if ,i 7 to d x4'  ',i     
assure y ,i %\ldn't be1' he respond$2   
'!re's no e>?ly diff]5ce 9 danc+ n[ &   
danc+ a week or two ago4  ,x is ! same  
p>tn] & ! same place4  ,come1 don't make
 my ev5+ an unpleasant "o by refus+6'   
',i %\ld n d t 9 any case1' ,i answ]$2  
'!re are pl5ty ( o!r p>tn]s 9 ! room =  
y4'  ',i w n dance ) any ( !m if ,i _c  

dance ) y4'  ,i look$ up 9 surprise2 !re
 0 suppress$ vehem5ce 9 8 tone2 he w5t  
on1--  ',w y come out ^u ! t]race ) me8 
,i--,i want to speak to y4'  ,i         
hesitat$1 & want$ to refuse1 b ,i _h a  
long+ to get out into ! cool air1 & ,i  
did n realize at ! "t :at x might lead  
to4  ,s ?r[+ a light %awl ov] my head ,i
 /epp$ out ^u ! t]race1 & !n sudd5ly he 
ov]:elm$ me ) surprise & con/]nation by 
tell+ me t he c>$ = me1 & ask+ if ,i    
c\ld return 8 love4  ',i am v1 v sorry1'
 ,i falt]$2 'b y h kn[n me su* a little 
:ile t ,i nev] dreamt ( su* a ?+4  ,i c 
h>dly believe y are 9 e>ne/ ev5 n[4'    
',d ,i look z if ,i 7 trifl+8' he said  
e>ne/ly4  ',miss ,?orn1 y h ! mak+ ( me 
9 y\r h&s4  ,i h l$ a useless k9d ( life
 up to ! pres5t1 & ,i h = a long "t be5 
dissatisfi$ & re/less ab\t x4  ,i see y 
h :at ,i h n1 & ,i want y\r help4  ,i d 
want a good woman z my wife--,i feel %e 
c\ld raise my life to a high] level1 & y
 c\ld d ?is = me4'  ',i _c1' ,i said    
gravely4  ',no "o c d t b ,god4'  ,he   

w5t on )\t he$+ me1--  ',don't ?9k ,i am
 ask+ y only to be my re=m]--,i w\ld    
give y love 9 return4  ,y don't "k :at y
 are to me6  ,i _c get y\r image out (  
my he>t4  ,don't /eel y\rself aga9/ me1 
b try1 d j try1 to l me4'  ',i l y z a  
fri5d v mu*1' ,i repli$1 try+ to speak  
g5tly1 = ,i c\ld see he 0 v mu* mov$4   
',y h be5 mo/ k9d to me ev] s9ce ,i     
came2 ,i am only s sorry t ,i _c ?9k ( y
 9 any o!r light4'  ',a fri5d6' he      
exclaim$ impetu\sly2 ',i don't want t4  
,ah6 ,miss ,?orn1 y are s desir\s ( do+ 
good & sp5d+ y\r life 9 m9i/]+ to o!rs1 
& yet :5 an opportunity comes ( really  
b5efit+ a human creature & ( mak+ him   
into a good man1 y turn away 9 scorn4   
,if y w h no?+ to say to me1 y w s5d me 
f bad to worse6'  ',oh1 ,capta9 ,gates6'
 & te>s t ,i c\ld n keep back />t$ to my
 eyes1 'y "k x is n 9 scorn ,i am act+  
s4  ,b x w\ldn't be = our good if ,i 7  
to say ,yes4  ,i h n any love to give y1
 & ,i "k myself bett] ?an y d4  ,if ,i  
lov$ y1 ,i w\ld n d>e to l9k my life )  

y\rs4  ,=give me = say+ x4  ,i am n     
/rong en\gh to lead y2 ,i %\ld be l$ by 
y4  ,y d n "k :at a weak creature ,i am4
  ,z x is1 ,i feel ,i am safe1 = ,i put 
my tru/ 9 ,god1 & ,he keeps me2 b ,i    
w\ld n d>e to place myself 9 a position 
( temptation & !n expect ,him to keep me
 9 x4'  ',really y mu/ h a v l[ op9ion (
 me4  ,:at k9d ( a life d y ?9k ,i lead8
  ,i want to d bett]1 ,i want to be an  
out-&-out ,*ri/ian4  ,& ,i want y to    
help me to become "o4'  ',hilda6 out "h8
  ,i am s w>m t ,i %all come & jo9 y4   
,h[ delici\s ! air is6'  ,x 0 ,nelly :o 
cut our conv]sation %ort1 & ,i 0 v      
?ankful to make my escape4  ,i felt ,i  
mu/ be alone1 & ha/5$ away to my own    
room4     ,,*apt] ,,vii  ,a ,,fre%      
,,acqua9tance    ',i say   ,j :at ,i    
?9k1 &   ,no?+ m or less4'--,longfell[4 
,i 0 n miss$ t night1 & no "o came ne>  
me4  ,) my ,bible on my knees1 ,i felt q
 conv9c$ t ,i _h act$ rightly1 & ,i 0   
?ankful t beyond a s9c]e lik+ = ,capta9 
,gates z a fri5d ,i _h no o!r feel+ to  

make my decision a h>d matt]4           
,inexp]i5c$ z ,i 01 ,i knew no ,*ri/ian 
ought to yoke !mselves ) ano!r1 ) only !
 hope ( help+ !m heav5w>ds 9 view4  ,&  
,i felt t if ,i 7 to love any "o1 x mu/ 
be "o :o c\ld help & lead me 9 ! "r way1
 & :o 0 an old] & a bett] ,*ri/ian ?an  
,i 0 myself4  ,b ,i 0 sorry = ,capta9   
,gates1 & wrote him a little note t same
 night1 = ,i 0 afraid le/ ! int]ruption 
to our conv]sation %\ld give him !      
excuse = cont9u+ ! subject :5 ano!r     
opportunity (f]$ itself1 & t ,i want$ to
 avoid4  ,! next morn+ ,i w5t to ,mrs4  
,=sy?'s b\doir1 & f9d+ h] alone told h] 
( :at _h pass$ ! night be=e4  ,%e 0 mu* 
surpris$1 & n altoge!r pleas$4  ',i     
ought to h look$ aft] y bett]1' %e said1
 'b ,capta9 ,gates has seem$ m l a bro!r
 to my girls4  ,he 0 br\ght up ) ! boys1
 & has look$ ^u ?is z 8 second home4  ,i
 notic$1 ( c\rse1 h[ att5tive he 0 to y2
 b x is 8 way ) mo/ fre% acqua9tances1 &
 ,i nev] dream$ ( x lead+ to any?+      
s]i\s4 ,:y1 he has no prospects beyond 8

 pay & a trifl+ all[ance f 8 fa!r6  ,:at
 c\ld he be dream+ (8'  ,i li/5$1 b said
 no?+1 only wond]$ at ! diff]5t views p 
took ( ?+s4  ,mrs4 ,=sy?'s reason = my  
refusal ( him 0 s v f> ap>t f m9e4  ,!  
ball 0 a !me ( conv]sation = _m days    
aft]1 & ,i 0 ?ankful t my abs5ce f x _h 
be5 s little notic$4  ,b1 z "t w5t on1  
my life seem$ to get v difficult4  ,i   
?9k ,i _h naturally a bright            
disposition1 & s 9 ! fir/ fre%ness ( my 
surr\nd+s did n m9d ! little            
disagreeables att5d+ my '/rait-lac$     
views1' z ,nelly call$ !m4  ,:5 ,capta9 
,gates _h left u1 our gaiety did n      
cease2 ,i seem$ to be cont9ually 9      
opposition to my gu>dian1 & aft] be>+ a 
good deal ( grave displeasure f him1 &  
light scorn f ! re/1 ,i 0 f9ally left 9 
peace to g my way alone1 ) ! s5se ( be+ 
9 p]petual disgrace1 & be+ %unn$ &      
avoid$ by mo/ ( ! girls' fri5ds4  ,?is  
,i c\ld n help feel+ acutely--,i long$  
to be fri5ds ) e "o2 & _m a te> 0 %$ 9 !
 privacy ( my own room1 z ,i w\ld see a 

m]ry p>ty leave ! h\se b\nd on "s       
excursion--p]haps a simple wat]         
picnic--to :i* ,i _h n be5 ask$1 on     
acc\nt ( my 'peculi> ideas4'  ,!n x 0 ,i
 s\ght to 'dwell deep1' & f\nd increas+ 
com=t 9 /udy+ my little ,bible4  ,i 0 n 
dull1 = ,i visit$ mu* 9 ! village4  ,my 
,sunday class increas$1 & my little     
s*ol>s 7 a p]petual s\rce ( enjoym5t to 
me4  ,i w5t = walks ) ,violet & h]      
gov]ness1 & :5 feel+ lonely w\ld (t5    
take my viol9 up to my room & enjoy an  
h\r or two !re 9 quiet4  ,sometimes     
,hugh w\ld ask me to come 9 & play to   
him1 & z ! ev5+s drew 9 ,i (t5 w5t to   
him = an h\r be=e d9n]4  ,he really 0   
fond ( music1 & w\ld lean back 9 8 *air 
& ?or\ghly enjoy x4  ,i tri$ to make    
myself z pleasant to e "o z ,i c\ld3 ,i 
help$ ,mrs4 ,=sy? 9 h] g>d5+1 :i* 0 h]  
p>ticul> hobby2 ,i ran err&s = ! girls1 
& made a po9t ( oblig+ !m 9 e way       
possible2 ,i practis$ my viol9 )        
,violet1 & 0 always ready = an outdoor  
scramble ) h] :5 ,miss ,graham 0 n able 

to accompany u2 & 9 fill+ up my days )  
^! occupations ,i le>nt to be cont5t &  
happy4  ',y are a good little ?+1       
,hilda1' ,nelly said "o day to me1 z ,i 
0 h&+ h] back a pair ( gloves ,i _h be5 
m5d+ = h]4  ',i sometimes ?9k we are v  
horrid to y4  ,i wi% y w]5't s awfully  
religi\s2 b ,i w say ?is = y1 t y       
practise :at y prea*1 & y\r religion    
seems to suit y4  ,i am sure1 ?\gh y    
hav5't half ! fun t ,i h1 y always look 
z bright & jolly z y c be4  ,h[ d y     
manage x8'  ',i try to dwell deep1' ,i  
said2 & ,nelly laugh+ly rejo9$ z %e left
 me1--  ',i am sure y are deep] ?an ,i  
am4  ,i l to skim ! surface z ,i g ?r\gh
 life2 "o gets ! cream t way4'  ,x 0 a  
bright ,octob] morn+4  ,i _h be5 pick+  
"s late roses on ! lawn close to ! h\se1
 & ) my h&s full ( ^? & "s lovely sprays
 ( r$ & gold-col\r$ leaves 0 j ent]+ !  
hall door1 :5 a /range voice made me    
turn r\nd4  ',is ,mrs4 ,=sy? at home8'  
,x 0 a lady :o spoke1 9 cle>1 brisk     
tones2 %e 0 n v "y1 & wore a sev]ely    

pla9 dress3 a r\nd felt hat l a man's1 )
 two or ?ree cr['s fea!rs /uck 9        
c>elessly at ! side1 a ?ick pair ( lea!r
 gauntlets1 & c>ri$ a walk+ /ick 9 h]   
h&4  ,i 0 answ]+ 9 ! affirmative1 :5    
sudd5ly d[n came h] h& on my %\ld]4     
',are y ,hilda ,?orn8'  ',yes1' ,i said1
 quietly meet+ a se>*+ look f two ke5   
d>k eyes "u v ?ick eyebr[s4  ',& y are  
inde$1 ,i he>1 a v]itable ?orn 9 ! side 
( my poor si/]4  ,i am glad to h met y4 
,n[ take me to h]4'  ,h] quick1         
imp]ative tones aw$ me4  ,i _h he>d     
,nelly talk ab\t an aunt ( !irs1 a ,miss
 ,rayn]1 :o 0 a /rong-m9d$ & peculi>    
woman1 & ,i rightly conjectur$ t ?is mu/
 be %e4  ,we f\nd ,mrs4 ,=sy? 9 h] own  
sitt+-room1 busy ) acc\nts1 & ,i fanci$ 
%e did n look well pleas$ at ! adv5t ( !
 visitor4  ',well1 ,hel51' %e said1 ris+
 f h] seat1 'y are home aga91 !n4 ,i    
?\ght y 7 /ill 9 ,am]ica4  ,?is is q a  
surprise4'  ',i don't take long ov]     
bus9ess1 & ,i am n "o to let ! grass gr[
 "u my feet4  ,i h be5 mak+ acqua9tance 

) ?is "y p]son4 ,:y1 ,m>ia1 %e is a m]e 
baby6'  ,i beat a retreat ha/ily1 & f9d+
 ,nelly practis+ a song 9 ! draw+-room1 
told h] ( ! arrival4  ',aunt ,hel56 my  
goodness6 won't "m be 9 a fuss6  ,%e    
pays u p]iodical visits to set u all    
/raight4  ,isn't %e a cure1 ,hilda8     
,i'm always expect+ to see h] walk 9    
rigg$ out 9 a sport+                    
co/ume--knick]bock]s & all4  ,%e we>s a 
greatcoat 9 w9t] exactly l a man's4'    
',%e has a h&some face1' ,i said1 '& ,i 
l h] %ort grey hair2 x seems to suit h]4
  ,%e mu/ be q six foot1 ,nelly1 isn't  
%e8'  ',yes1 half an in* ov]1 ,i ?9k4   
,:at did %e say to y8'  ',%e told y\r "m
 ,i 0 a m]e baby4'  ,nelly bur/ out     
laugh+4  ',t's bett] ?an be+ call$ an   
empty-pat$ noodle1 z ,i 01 ! la/ "t ,i 0
 address$ by h]4  ,n[ ,i wond] if %e is 
go+ to /ay to lun*2 did %e say8'  ',i   
did n he> h]4  ,:]e does %e live8'      
',only ab\t fifte5 miles f "h1 b we d n 
(t5 meet4  ,%e is q a "*4  ,d y "k :at  
h] hobby is8  ,re>+ p\ltry4  ,%e keeps  

:at %e calls a *ick5 f>m1 & s5ds h] eggs
 & f[ls up to ,london4  ,9 ! w9t] %e    
uses incubators1 & has broods ( *ick5s  
all ! ye> r\nd4  ,h] f>m is q a sight   
wor? see+4  ,i believe %e has lots (    
visitors f all p>ts1 & %e prides h]self 
^u hav+ all ! late/ improvem5ts4  ,%e   
has j be5 ov] to ,*icago ab\t an        
incubator2 !y are always add+           
improvem5ts1 %e says1 & %e w5t ov] to   
see x prop]ly work$4'  ',b does %e d ?is
 f m]c5>y motives8' ,i ask$4  ',oh no4  
,%e is v com=tably (f2 x is j h] hobby1 
b ,i believe %e makes money ov] x4  ,%e 
is a clev] woman1 & hates society4  ,%e 
mu/ d some?+ ) h] life1 ,i suppose4  ,i 
believe %e has a love /ory1 b "m w nev] 
tell2 %e always says1 ,x 0 n = ! lack ( 
suitors t y\r aunt has rema9$ s+le4'  ,i
 0 int]e/$ 9 ?is acc\nt ( ,miss ,rayn]1 
& :5 we met at lun*eon ,i f\nd my eyes  
cont9ually w&]+ 9 h] direction4  ,%e    
talk$ well1 & 0 mo/ amus+1 ?\gh h]      
s>ca/ic spee*es & scornful curl ( ! lip 
r spoilt ! conv]sation1 ,i ?\ght4  ,%e  

took no notice ( me1 & s ,i 0 greatly   
a/oni%$1 :5 %e 0 bidd+ u all good-bye   
%ortly aft] lun*1 to see h] give a quick
 nod at me & say1  ',i %all see y       
%ortly4  ,y are com+ ov] to /ay ) me !  
end ( next week4  ,don't br+ a lot (    
ev5+ togg]y1 = y w n see a s\l except   
myself4'  ,see+ my surpris$ looks1 ,mrs4
 ,=sy? said1--  ',i h n ask$ h] if %e   
w\ld l to g yet4'  ',oh1 %e w come fa/  
en\gh1' respond$ ,miss ,rayn] %>ply4    
',%e has be5 li/5+ quietly & draw+ h]   
own conclusions ab\t me dur+ lun*eon1 & 
%e ?9ks ,i am que]1 b t ,i am diff]5t to
 mo/ folks4  ,novelty has a *>m = ! "y4 
,au revoir1 ,miss ,?orn4'  ,%e gave me a
 little mock+ b[1 kiss$ ,mrs4 ,=sy?1    
wav$ h] h& to ! o!rs1 & 0 gone be=e ,i  
c\ld recov] f my surprise at ?is sudd5  
ann\ncem5t4  ,i turn$ to ,mrs4 ,=sy? =  
an explanation1 b %e m]ely said1  ',miss
 ,rayn] has invit$ y ov] to h] place = a
 week or two4  ,( c\rse x rema9s ) y    
:e!r y w\ld l to g or n4  ,nelly has    
/ay$ ) h] once or twice2 s %e c tell y  

:e!r y w be likely to enjoy y\rself     
!re4'  ',b %e nev] ask$ me1 "m1' said   
,nelly4  ',i only w5t !re 9 a           
convalesc5t /ate aft] an attack (       
measles4  ,%e mu/ h tak5 a wond]ful     
fancy to ,hilda to ask h]4'  ,visions ( 
my ,sunday s*ol>s float$ be=e me1 & ,i  
said hesitat+ly1--  ',i don't "k t ,i   
c>e ab\t go+1 ,mrs4 ,=sy?4  ,%e is a    
p]fect /rang] to me1 & ,i am q happy    
"h4'  ',i ?9k ! *ange w be good = y1'   
said ,mrs4 ,=sy?1 '& x has come at ! "r 
"t1 = ,i ?9k ( tak+ ! two girls up to   
,london = ?ree weeks4  ,miss ,=sy?1 _!  
aunt1 has ask$ u4  ,%e ext5d$ !         
invitation to y2 b unless y behave      
diff]5tly !re to :at y d ) u1 ,i really 
c\ld n und]take to h ! *>ge ( y4 ,%e    
lays h]self out = ! pleasure ( "y p 9 h]
 h\se1 & y c\ld h>dly accept h]         
hospitality if y refus$ to take "p 9 e  
ent]ta9m5t t 0 provid$ = y4'  ',no1' ,i 
said quietly1 ',i am afraid ,i %\ld only
 be a wet blanket if ,i w5t4  ,i w g to 
,miss ,rayn]'s if y wi%1 ,mrs4 ,=sy?4   

,p]haps y w\ld r ,i w5t to h] ?an /ay   
quietly at home8'  ',i c]ta9ly %\ld6'   
,& s ! matt] 0 settl$4  ,mrs4 ,=sy? & ! 
girls left ! room1 b ,i /ood = a mom5t  
at ! w9d[ look+ out into ! g>d54  ,i    
felt ! /+ ( ,mrs4 ,=sy?'s words2 %e did 
n (t5 h9t s pla9ly :at a tr\ble ,i 0 to 
h]1 & ?\gh ,i knew x 0 true1 x gave me a
 lonely1 desolate feel+1 & ,i wond]$ h[ 
,i c\ld always be> x4 ,te>s came to my  
eyes1 & !n sudd5ly ,k5ne?'s voice broke 
91  ',cry+1 ,goody8  ,:at's ! matt]8'   
,i _h n notic$ he 0 9 ! room1 & ha/ily  
controll$ myself4  ,8 light1 bant]+ tone
 j>r$ ^u me1 b ,i answ]$1 try+ to laugh1
 ',no?+2 ,i am silly1 t is all4'  ',i   
don't ?9k y c want to g to wick$        
,london1 d y8' he pursu$1 z he ?rew     
himself back into an easy *air & survey$
 me m$itatively4 ',d y ?9k y are be+    
bani%$ to ,miss ,rayn]'s z a puni%m5t8' 
',( c\rse n4  ,i--,i am only sorry t ,i 
vex y\r "m s4'  ',y h ! rem$y 9 y\r own 
h&s4  ,b ,i suppose y get a good deal ( 
pleasure out ( ! consci\sness ( y\r own 

sup]iority to u all1 & t solaces &      
supports y ?r\gh ev]y?+4'  ',y "k t is n
 s6' ,i said1 & my tone 0 indignant4    
,he laugh$4  ',y mu/n't get angry1 y "k2
 t is n sa9tly4  ,are y fright5$ ( our  
respect$ aunt8'  ',no1 n fright5$1 b ,i 
am n fond ( mak+ fre% acqua9tances1 &   
sometimes ,i feel t !re is no place = me
 "h2 if only ,i _h a home ( my own6'    
',i ?9k ,i c manage t = y1' 0 ,k5ne?'s  
reply4  ',let me s5d a l9e to ,gates2 ,i
 w tell him y are rel5t+4'  ,i ignor$   
?is spee*1 & cont9u$3 ',y "k :at ,i     
mean4  ,if my p>5ts _h liv$1 x w\ld h   
be5 s diff]5t4  ,n t ,i h any?+ to      
compla9 (4  ,no "o c\ld be k9d] ?an     
,g5]al & ,mrs4 ,=sy?4  ,i am only sorry 
t ,i h disappo9t$ !m s6'  ,k5ne? 0 sil5t
 = a mom5t1 !n he said *e]fully1 ',look 
"h6  ,i am n go+ up to t[n1 s ,i promise
 to ride ov] & see y :ile y are ) my    
aunt4  ,!n y c tell me if %e is bully+  
y4  ,y ne$ n /ay !re if y d n l x4'  ,i 
laugh$4  ',p]haps ,i %all l h] s mu* t  
,i %all n want to come back "h4  ,b ,i  

%all be v glad to see y if y come4'     
,,*apt] ,,viii  ,,drawn ,,toge!r    ',z 
we meet & t\* ea* day   ,! _m travell]s 
on our way1   ,let e su* brief contact  
be   ,a glori\s helpful m9i/ry4'   ,i h 
a v pleasant recollection ( my arrival  
at ,miss ,rayn]'s home4  ,x 0 a lovely  
aft]noon1 bright & sunny1 ) a t\* ( fro/
 9 ! air1 :5 ,i rea*$ ! little c\ntry   
/ation4  ,!re 0 a trap wait+ = me       
outside1 9 *>ge ( a g>rul\s old coa*man 
:o 0 q a "*4  ,:5 he _h se5 to my       
luggage & wrapp$ a fur rug r\nd me1 ,i  
notic$ him tak+ a sidelong glance at me1
 & !n he comm5c$1 ',y're a fre%         
h'arrival "h1 ,i reckon1 miss4  ,we     
don't s h'(t5 h "y lady visitors4'  ',y 
h _h "o ( ! ,miss ,=sy?s1' ,i said4     
',well--yes1 we h1 h'& ,i don't see mu* 
h>m 9 h]4  ,%e's flighty1 b %e's "y1 h'&
 "t w m5d t4  ,h'are y closely          
h'intimat$ ) ! mi/ress8'  ,i smil$4     
',no1 ,i _c say t1' ,i answ]$1 'b ,i    
hope to be soon4'  ,he %ook 8 head      
d\btfully4  ',%e's no h'ord9>y female4  

,hi'm no great lov] ( ! weak] sex1 b    
hi'll say ?is = ,miss ,hel51 h'& ,i've  
kn[n h] f ! "t ,i took h] h'out h'on h] 
fir/ pony1 %e's a deal m s5sibility ?an 
_m h'( h'u m56  ,i h'(t5 says to ,susan1
 :o h'is a poor h'useless body ) a v    
long tongue1 h'& x's h'only ! mi/ress's 
k9dness to keep su* h'an h'old pott]+   
body h'on1 = %e's h'always mak+ an h'ado
 ab\t no?+4  ,i says1 ,susan1 ! mi/ress 
h'is h'almo/ h'equal to a ma/]1 & t's   
say+ a good deal4  ,%e holds h]self     
high1 & %e's h'impati5t l ( wom5 folks2 
b %e has a prop] respect = me t has be5 
9 ! family s long1 & ?\gh x is laughable
 h[ %e ?9ks %e has me 9 lead+-/r+s &    
manages me h'entirely1 ,i h'af=ds h] t  
pleasure1 h'& goes my h'own way4  ,ah6  
,%e's a f9e woman1 ,miss ,hel5 is6'  ,) 
^! & simil> rem>ks he beguil$ my drive1 
& ?\gh ,i smil$ at ! self-importance ( 8
 tone1 ,i c\ld tell t he 0 an atta*$ &  
fai?ful s]vant4  ,we /opp$ at l5g? at a 
gate1 drove ?r\gh x up a %ort av5ue (   
limes1 & !n came to "o ( ! prettie/     

old-fa%ion$ f>mh\ses t ,i h ev] be5 94  
,x 0 a long1 l[ gable-ro($ h\se1 )      
lattic$ casem5ts1 & autumn-t9t$ creep]s 
cov]+ ! old grey /one & por*4  ,! door 0
 op51 & two l>ge dogs d>t$ out to       
welcome u4  ,:5 ,i /epp$ inside a       
*e]y-look+ old woman appe>$ 9 a v l>ge  
cap & apron4  ',miss ,?orn1 isn't x1 my 
de>8  ,! mi/ress 0 call$ out on a matt] 
( bus9ess1 & %e ask$ me to make y       
com=table4  ,come ?is way1 miss2 y'll be
 glad ( a bit ( a fire aft] y\r cold    
drive8'  ,%e l$ me ?r\gh ! squ>e hall1  
wa9scot$ up to ! ceil+ ) old oak1 & hav+
 an oak5 /aircase ) v ?ick balu/rades on
 ei!r side go+ up f ! middle ( x1 into a
 long1 l[ room :i*1 ) crimson drugget+  
on ! floor1 & ! same col\r$ curta9s to !
 w9d[s1 look$ v cosy & bright 9 !       
firelight4  ,%e left me say+ %e w\ld br+
 9 tea1 & ,i1 seat+ myself 9 an easy    
*air by ! fire1 spread out my feet 9    
front ( ! blaze1 & look$ ab\t me        
curi\sly4  ,com=t c]ta9ly 0 m /udi$ ?an 
elegance 9 ?is room4  ,no flimsy        

drap]ies or works ( art adorn$ ! *airs &
 c\*es4  ,a small squ>e oak table /ood 9
 ! c5tre ( ! room4  ,on x 0 a beautiful 
*rysan!mum1 "s magaz9es & pap]s1 & a    
pair ( rid+ gloves ?r[n c>elessly d[n4  
,two l>ge crimson-cov]$ c\*es occupi$ ! 
deep recesses on ei!r side ( ! fire     
place4  ,a well-fill$ bookcase /ood     
opposite betwe5 ! pretty casem5t w9d[s1 
& a /& ( f]ns at ! end ( ! room 0 9     
front ( ano!r w9d[1 ?r\gh :i* ,i c\ld   
cat* a glimpse ( "s di/ant hills & !    
sett+ sun disappe>+ beh9d !m4 ,! walls1 
l ! hall1 7 wa9scot$ ) old oak1 b "s    
beautiful wat]-col\rs & old *9a reliev$ 
_! some:at sombre hue4  ,! old s]vant   
soon return$1 :eel+ 9 a r\nd table up to
 ! fire1 & br++ 9 a tempt+-look+ tea )  
pl5ty ( hot cakes & scones4  ',help     
y\rself1 miss1' %e said1 9 a mo!rly sort
 ( tone2 '! mi/ress may be out "s "t    
yet4  ,i hope y didn't f9d ! op5 trap   
cold4  ,john1 he w h 8 way sometimes1 b 
,i said to him y w\ld h be5 bett] ) !   
clos$ wagonette4  ,i hope ,john didn't  

make too free1 miss8  ,he has a long]   
tongue1 ,i tell him1 ?an any woman's2 b 
he has se5 a deal ( life6  ,he 0 ,london
 born & br$1 & goes up e ye> to visit 8 
fri5ds !re4  ,he's gett+ old n[1 z ,i am
 myself2 b ?\gh he speaks %>p1 he's z   
easy to be manag$ z a baby4  ,any "o c  
twi/ him r\nd ) _! little f+]1 s long z 
!y j flatt] him a bit4'  ,h[ ,i laugh$  
to myself :5 %e left me1 & wond]$ :5 !y 
bo? got toge!r ^: tongue 0 ! longe/6  ,i
 enjoy$ ! tea provid$ = me1 & lik$ !    
quiet & solitude--su* a contra/ to !    
,=sy?s' aft]noon meal4  ,!n1 z no "o    
came1 a sudd5 long+ took possession ( me
 to try my viol94  ,! dusky twilight1 & 
! fire flick]+ ov] ! qua9t1 old-fa%ion$ 
room1 seem$ to br+ me into a _w ( fancy4
  ,i _h my viol9 ) me1 z ,i w\ld nev]   
tru/ my case 9 any o!r h& b m9e1 & s1   
slipp+ (f my jacket1 ,i 0 soon 9 a      
dream1 play+ on & on )\t a ?\ght ( my   
pres5t surr\nd+s4  ,i don't "k h[ long  
,i play$1 b z ! la/ note di$ away a     
brisk voice said f ! fur!r side ( !     

room1--  ',bravo6  ,i l to he> any "o   
play )\t be+ consci\s ( li/5]s4'  ,i    
/>t$4  ,x 0 ,miss ,rayn]1 lean+ back 9  
an easy *air1 :o spoke2 b :5 ,i         
apologis$ = mak+ myself s at home1 %e   
said %>ply1 ',tut1 *ild6  ,no company   
mann]s "h1 or ,i %all wi% y away4  ,n[  
,i want "s tea4  ,h[ long h y be5 "h8'  
,i told h]1 & !n %e said1  ',& :at d y  
?9k ( my invitation8  ,are y pleas$ to  
be "h8'  ',yes1 ,i ?9k ,i am1' ,i said  
hone/ly4  ',i 0 a little %y ab\t x at   
fir/2 b n[ ,i h come1 x seems s re/ful &
 quiet4'  ',t's because ,i 0 out1' %e   
said1 ) a %ort laugh2 'b ,i w all[ x is 
a quiet] h\se ?an ! "o y h left4  ,:5 d 
!y leave = t[n8'  ',to-morr[4'  ',& are 
y long+ to be ) !m8'  ,!re 0 a quizzical
 gleam 9 h] eye1 z my gaze met h]s4     
',no1' ,i said a little gravely2 '!y    
w\ld r be )\t me1 & ,i %\ld n be happy )
 !m4'  ',y evid5tly d n %ake 9 well )   
!m4  ,ah1 well6  ,i w n cate*ise y too  
closely ! fir/ ev5+4  ,i %all soon f9d  
out :at y\r special fads & crot*ets are4

  ,n[1 w\ld y l to come up/airs to y\r  
room8  ,i d9e at half-pa/ sev51 & x is  
ne>ly sev5 n[4  ,h y made fri5ds )      
,susan8  ,i call h] my maid-(-all-"w--%e
 0 my "m's maid ye>s ago1 & has /uck to 
me ev] s9ce4  ,i h a v small e/abli%m5t1
 z y p]ceive4 ,susan is h\se1 p>l\r1 &  
lady's-maid all 9 "o1 ) only a "y girl  
to help h]4  ,john is coa*man1 groom1 & 
g>d5] comb9$1 & an old cook completes   
our h\sehold4'  ',b :o helps 9 !--!     
p\ltry f>m8' ,i ask$1 z ,i foll[$ h] up 
! old-fa%ion$ /aircase4  ',i keep a man 
& a boy = t "p ( ! bus9ess2 !y sleep out
 ( ! h\se4'  ,%e l$ me into a pretty    
little room ) a v deep w9d[ seat4  ,x 0 
furni%$ simply1 b com=tably1 ?\gh q     
devoid ( all knick-knacks4  ,:5 ,i 0    
alone1 ,i j knelt d[n & ask$ t ev5 "h ,i
 might be giv5 "s "w to d1 &1 above all1
 t ,i might n be a%am$ to own my ,ma/]4 
,miss ,rayn] appe>$ at d9n] 9 a sev]e   
black silk made p]fectly pla92 %e glanc$
 at my light] co/ume z we took our seats
 at ! table1 & said1--  ',h[ _m ( ^?    

flimsy g[ns h y br\ght ) y8  ,i told y  
,i %\ld h no company4'  ',i h only "o   
o!r ) me1' ,i repli$ meekly4  ',i ?9k   
girls sp5d m money on ev5+ dresses ?an  
any o!r object1 & g5]ally look ! worse =
 !m1' %e cont9u$4  ',:y on e>? wom5     
%\ldn't h a univ]sal dress suit1 l ! m51
 ,i c't imag9e4'  ',y d n mean ! same z 
! m5's8' ,i said1 laugh+4  ',! same 9   
col\r1 if n 9 cut1' %e said briskly4    
',black & :ite w\ld be suitable = "y &  
old1 & ! v>iety ( face w\ld be m        
noticeable1 in/ead ( z n[1 ! v>iety (   
dress4'  ,& !n %e turn$ to o!r subjects1
 giv+ me an amus+ acc\nt ( h] la/ visit 
to ,*icago1 & ! p %e _h be5 introduc$ to
 !re4  ,:5 d9n] 0 ov] we w5t back to !  
draw+-room1 & )\t fur!r preface %e      
said1--  ',& n[ j tell me :y y are giv+ 
my poor de> si/] su* tr\ble8  ,x's en\gh
 to turn h] hair grey1 f h] own acc\nt6'
  ,h] tone 0 mock+1 & ,i hesitat$ 9     
comply+ ) h] reque/4  ',are y afraid (  
me8' %e said1 ) a little laugh1 aft] a  
m9ute's sil5ce4  ,i look$ h] full 9 !   

face4  ',no1 ,i don't ?9k ,i am2 b ,i am
 afraid y w n und]/&4'  ',my intellect  
may n be q s ke5 & bright z y\rs1 b if y
 try to use v simple language1 p]haps ,i
 may be able to grasp y\r mean+4'  ,i   
col\r$1 & said confus$ly1 ',i am v sorry
 ,i am vex+ ,mrs4 ,=sy? s4  ,i did n "k 
:5 ,i came to live ) ,g5]al ,=sy? t x   
w\ld be s difficult4  ,i don't c>e =    
gaiety1 & don't wi% to be drawn into x2 
& !y want me to be ! same z _! daught]s4
  ,x is _! k9dness t makes x s h>d to   
hold out aga9/ _! wi%es4'  ',& are y    
liv+ only to please y\rself8'  ',i hope 
n1' ,i said sl[ly1 z ,i took 9 ! drift (
 h] "q2 'x is because ,i don't want to  
live = self t ,i feel x "r to act s4'   
,miss ,rayn] smil$ a little             
contemptu\sly1 ,i fanci$4  ',oh1 y "y   
girls6' 0 all %e said2 b h] tone sil5c$ 
me4  ,aft] a few m9utes1 %e said3 ',& :5
 did y come to ! conclusion t y _h a s\l
 above ! frivolities ( ?is _w8'  ',does 
t conclusion seem v absurd to y1 ,miss  
,rayn]8'  ,%e look$ at me ) an odd k9d (

 smile4  ',i believe y c\ld be a little 
spitfire if y lik$1' %e said4  ',y mu/  
rememb] ,i h liv$ a little long] 9 ! _w 
?an y h4  ,& ,i h met ) "y girls (      
some?+ ! same /amp z y\rself1 :o ran    
away f home duties to visit 9 ! slums1 &
 because !y despise m5 ( ! _w1 lavi% all
 _! love & adoration on a wi%y-wa%y     
curate1 :o v (t5 enc\rages !m1 & !n     
gives !m ! slip 9 ! end1 s5d+ !m back to
 _! homes sadd] & wis] wom54  ,my si/]  
has cause = ?ankfulness t !re is no     
curate 9 h] p>i%4'  ',miss ,rayn]1 ,i   
don't ?9k ,i q des]ve t1' ,i said4  ,%e 
laugh$4  ',i am v rude & pla9-spok54  ,y
 mu/ put up ) t if y come to /ay ) me4  
,i did promise n to cate*ise y ! fir/   
ev5+1 didn't ,i8  ,b ! temptation proves
 too /rong4  ,i h _h a lot (            
disagreeable bus9ess to-day1 & n[ ,i    
feel ,i want relaxation & amusem5t4'    
',:y h y giv5 up go+ out into society8' 
,i ask$4  ',ah6  ,n[ y are turn+ !      
tables on me4  ,b ,i h liv$ my life--y h
 y\rs yet to come4  ,c y give me any    

cle> reason :y y %\ld be diff]5t to !   
,=sy?s8  ,is x a matt] ( pr9ciple8 ,if  
s1 :at is ! pr9ciple8'  ',be n con=m$ to
 ?is _w1' ,i said1 9 a l[ voice1 b a    
/eady "o2 ',come out f among !m1 & be ye
 sep>ate4  ,^? are two comm&s ,i am try+
 to obey1 ,miss ,rayn]4'  ',:y8' 0 !    
curt inquiry4  ',because ,i belong to   
,*ri/1 & ,i want to c>ry out ,8 wi%es4' 
',i don't ?9k ,*ri/ %unn$ society4  ,if 
,i rememb] my ,bible rightly1 ,he did q 
! rev]se4'  ',he w\ld n h be5 f\nd 9 !  
fa%ionable ,roman ,c\rt society1' ,i    
said4  ',i don't "k mu* ( ! _w1 ,miss   
,rayn]2 p]haps t is :y ,i feel1 if ,i   
w5t "r into e sort ( gaiety ,i %\ld n be
 able to /op myself4  ,i "k ,i %\ld     
become s fasc9at$ & engross$ t ,i %\ld  
?9k ( no?+ else4  ,don't y ?9k x v      
engross+8  ,:5 y w5t out y\rself1 didn't
 y f9d x s8'  ',i don't believe ,i h be5
 put ?r\gh my cate*ism s = ye>s1' 0     
,miss ,rayn]'s reply4  ',i res]ve to    
myself ! "r ( ask+ que/ions4  ,& s y try
 to make y\r life "o ( rigid self-d5ial8

 ,x won't la/ long1 *ild4  ,y are only  
human l ! re/ ( u1 & ! reaction w come1 
z ,i h se5 x 9 scores ( cases be=e4'  ,i
 said no?+4  ,%e cont9u$1 aft] a        
pause3--  ',y c't be happy lead+ su* a  
life4  ,x is n natural2 & x mu/ be a    
con/ant s\rce ( fret to y\rself & ^? )  
:om y live4'  ',b ,i am v happy1 ,miss  
,rayn]--,i really am4  ,i h :at         
satisfies my he>t1 & any am\nt ( worldly
 pleasure nev] does t1 does x8 ,x is a  
difficult life to lead ) ! ,=sy?s1 b ,i 
am help$ to dwell deep1 & ,i am q       
cont5t4'  ',& :at fri5ds h y8' ,miss    
,rayn] ask$1 h] d>k1 pi]c+ eyes fix$    
int5tly on my face4  ',well1' ,i said   
sl[ly1 ',i h no special fri5ds4  ,i l   
,nelly & ,violet v mu*1 b ,nelly has h] 
own fri5ds1 & ,violet is busy ) h]      
lessons4  ,mo/ ( ! girls :o come to !   
h\se ( c\rse f9d me r sl[1 & leave me   
alone1 b ,i am gett+ accu/om$ to t4'    
',x won't la/1' ,miss ,rayn] said aga92 
& !n %e ask$ me to play to h] on my     
viol94  ,i did s1 & %e lay back 9 h]    

*air1 li/5+ ) half-clos$ eyes2 b :5 ,i  
put my in/rum5t d[n ,i aga9 enc\nt]$ h] 
e>ne/ gaze4  ',y are a pretty little    
?+1' %e said abruptly2 ',i suppose t is 
no news to y8'  ',i h n (t5 be5 told s1'
 ,i said1 flu%+1 & half laugh+ at h]    
bluntness4  ',x is no ?anks to y t y are
 made s1' %e said4  ',i h no pati5ce ) p
 :o are possess$ ) good looks2 !y       
inv>iably take ! cr$it ( _! beauty to   
!mselves1 & are q insuff]able ) all _!  
airs & graces4  ,i don't say ?is is !   
case ) y1 = ,i h n se5 en\gh ( y to tell
 yet4  ,n[ ,i am go+ to read1 s y w be  
left 9 peace = a little4  ,w\ld y l a   
magaz9e8'  ,!re 0 no m talk betwe5 u t  
night4  ,at half-pa/ t5 ,miss ,rayn]    
rose & wi%$ me good-night4  ',i breakfa/
 at half-pa/ eight punctually1' %e said2
 's y w l to retire n[1 ,i expect4'  ,& 
?is ,i did1 wond]+1 :5 ,i rea*$ my room1
 :at x 0 t s attract$ me t[>ds ,miss    
,rayn]2 =1 9 spite ( h] blunt mann] &   
tone1 ,i really _h tak5 a lik+ to h]1 & 
0 glad t ,i 0 go+ to see m ( h]4        

,,*apt] ,,ix  ,,quiet ,,days  ',! sl[1  
sweet h\rs t br+ u all ?+s              
good4'--,t5nyson4   ,! next morn+1 aft] 
breakfa/1 ,miss ,rayn] took me all ov]  
h] *ick5 f>m4  ,x 0 mo/ int]e/+ to me1 z
 ,i _h nev] se5 any?+ ( ! sort be=e4    
,all ! h\ses & contrivances = ! *ick5s1 
f ! "t !y left _! egg-%ells1 7 s p]fect 
9 e little detail1 & ! incubators ,i    
?\ght *>m+4  ,a brood ( little *icks 7 j
 hat*$1 b ,i c\ld n help express+ my    
regret to ,miss ,rayn] t !y _h no prop] 
"m4  ',!y mu/ miss su* a lot1' ,i said2 
'x seems su* a desolate /ate to be 94'  
',we nev] miss :at we h n be5 accu/om$  
to1' ,miss ,rayn] said briskly4  ',mu*  
bett] h no "m ?an a bad "o1 & h5s are n 
bett] ?an mo/ folks--!y v (t5 ill-treat 
_! "y4'  ,i saw1 f ! way %e w5t ab\t &  
sup]9t5d$ ev]y?+1 t h] :ole he>t 0 ) h] 
p\ltry1 & %e 0 "o to d all t came to h] 
h& bo? ?or\ghly & well4  ,h] s]vants    
seem$ devot$ to h]1 ?\gh ,i he>d h]     
scold+ h] outdoor man s sev]ely t ,i    
wond]$ he /ood x z meekly z he did4  ,i 

soon became q at home1 & enjoy$ my new  
life imm5sely4  ,i 0 left pretty mu* to 
myself 9 ! morn+1 b 9 ! aft]noon ,miss  
,rayn] w\ld (t5 invite me out = a long  
walk or drive4  ,%e rode a great deal1 &
 p]suad$ me to accompany h] on a v quiet
 *e/nut m>e4  ,i _h tak5 rid+ lessons at
 s*ool1 b _h n _h mu* opportunity ( rid+
 s9ce1 & ! ,=sy?s nev] seem$ to h a     
horse to sp>e4  ,x 0 a great pleasure to
 me n[1 & ,i c\ld n b enjoy ,miss       
,rayn]'s society4  ,%e 0 a cultivat$1   
well-read woman1 & h] conv]sation 0 v   
diff]5t to t to :i* ,i _h be5 accu/om$4 
,%e made me feel my own ignorance on _m 
subjects1 & ,i 0 glad to read ! books & 
reviews %e plac$ 9 my h&s4  ,"o ev5+ %e 
_h giv5 me a fre% book1 deal+ ) "s ( !  
que/ions ( ! pres5t day1 & _h said t %e 
w\ld l me to /udy x1 = ! writ] 0 a clev]
 & ris+ au?or4  ,i read on = "s "t 9    
sil5ce1 & !n ,i put x d[n4  ',is x too  
deep = y8' %e ask$4  ',no1' ,i repli$2  
'b ,i don't l x4'  ',i am surpris$4     
,!re is su* a decid$ religi\s tone 9 x t

 ,i ?\ght x w\ld j suit y4'  ',x is j t 
tone ,i don't l4  ,x repres5ts "s ( !   
,bible tru?s s unfairly4'  ',9 :at way8'
  ',9 speak+ ( ,god's ju/ice----'       
',please expla91' %e said1 z ,i falt]$4 
',ju/ice is n cruelty1 ,miss ,rayn]4  ,i
 suppose he holds ! same views t s _m   
seem to hold4  ,& ev5 9 novels n[ t y   
get at a circulat+ libr>y y con/antly   
come across ! same ?+--a k9d ( contempt 
= ! old1 n>r[ doctr9es1 z !y call !m1   
br++ d[n ,god's /&>d to !irs1 & condemn+
 :at !y _c und]/&4'  ,miss ,rayn]       
laugh$4  ',y are gett+ hot ov] _!       
iniquities4  ,i did n "k y 7 su* a      
critical "y p]son4'  ',i c't be> !      
,bible be+ made light (1' ,i said4  ',!y
 cut away & put _! own int]pretation on 
! mo/ solemn tru?s4  ,d y agree ) ?is   
man1 ,miss ,rayn]8'  ',9 ! face ( su*   
sev]e criticism1 ,i %\ld be bold to say 
,i did1' 0 ! laugh+ reply2 !n %e add$1 m
 s]i\sly1 ',i don't really "k :at ,i d  
believe4  ,p]haps y w\ld be %ock$ at "s 
( my !ories4  ,i nev] tr\ble my head    

ab\t doctr9es2 a man's life is m        
important ?an 8 cre$4'  ',& :at k9d ( a 
life d y believe 98' ,i ask$4  ',an     
upright1 hon\rable life1 9 :i* all ly+ &
 humbug w\ld n f9d a place4  ,a life    
sp5t = ! good ( "o's fell[-creatures is 
! noble/ "o1 b few atta9 to t4  ,i ?9k  
we ought to leave "s ! bett] = our      
influ5ce :5 we dep>t ?is life4'  ',&    
!n8' ,i ask$4  ,%e %rugg$ h] %\ld]s4    
',suffici5t unto ! day is ! evil !re(4  
,! pres5t is :at we h to deal )1 n !    
future4 ,don't look s %ock$1 *ild4  ,if 
y "q me s closely1 :at am ,i to d8  ,i  
am n an unbeliev]4  ,i g to *ur* e      
,sunday morn+1 &1 z y see1 ,i keep up ! 
old cu/om ( family pray]s once a day4   
,don't judge o!r p z hea!n because !y   
may n ?9k exactly ! same z y\rself4'  ,i
 said no m4  ,i felt too "y & inexp]i5c$
 to argue ) a woman ( su* a /amp z ,miss
 ,rayn]4  ,%e w\ld lean back 9 h] *air1 
& look & li/5 to me ) an amus$ tw9kle 9 
h] eyes2 b z = be+ conv9c$ ( ! tru? by  
any?+ t ,i said1 t1 ,i knew1 0 a moral  

impossibility4  ,yet1 :5 ,i w5t to my   
room t night1 ,i pray$ e>ne/ly = h]1 &  
felt m ?an ev] ! com=t t :at 0          
impossible to man 0 easy & possible to  
,god1 & ! ,holy ,_s ,himself c\ld       
conv9ce h] ( h] ne$ ( a ,savi\r4  ,i 0 a
 little tr\bl$ le/1 ?r\gh c[>dice1 ,i _h
 n made z good a use ( ! opportunity z  
,i might h done2 s ! next morn+1 at     
breakfa/1 ,i said to h]1--  ',miss      
,rayn]1 ,i h be5 ?9k+ ov] our           
conv]sation la/ night4 ,d y ?9k do+ good
 to our fell[-creatures is all t ,god   
requires ( u8  ,is ,he ,himself n to h a
 place 9 our life8  ,:at d y ?9k ( words
 l ^!1 ,?\ ha/ creat$ all ?+s1 & = ,?y  
pleasure !y are & 7 creat$8'  ',n[1 look
 "h1' %e said good-natur$ly1 ',i am n   
go+ to be prea*$ to4  ,! *ief ?+ t made 
me take to y 01 t y 7 n a prig1 ) all   
y\r extreme devot$ness4  ,& ,i w n ent] 
into religi\s discussions4  ,i might    
di/urb y\r fai?1 & ,i don't want to d t4
  ,keep y\r religion to y\rself1 & live 
x out1 *ild1 if y want to impress o!rs4 

,i am sick ( cant & humbug--be real &   
true1 & y are sure to comm5d y\r views  
to o!rs1 b y w nev] d x by prea*+ at    
!m4'  ,i col\r$ up4  ',i didn't mean to 
prea*1' ,i began4  ',y felt x 0 on y\r  
consci5ce to say m to me4  ,oh1 ,i "k   
all ab\t x6  ,i c read y\r face l a     
book1 & y took ab\t t5 m9utes to make up
 y\r m9d to d x4'  ,i c\ld n help laugh+
 at h] tone1 b said no m1 z ,i saw h[   
useless x w\ld be4  ,x 0 a few days aft]
 ?is t ,k5ne? made 8 appe>ance4  ,he    
rode up to ! door j z we 7 sitt+ d[n to 
lun*eon4  ',:at d y want8' ask$ ,miss   
,rayn] %>ply1 z %e made him welcome at !
 table4  ',i am n accu/om$ to visits f  
y4'  ',no1' ,k5ne? said1 laugh+2 ',i    
only came to see h[ ,goody ,two-,%oes 0 
gett+ on1 & :e!r %e wants to come home  
aga94'  ',i am v happy "h1 ?ank y1' ,i  
said4  ',i 0 n aw>e t ! arrangem5t ( h] 
affairs 0 9 y\r h&s1' ,miss ,rayn]      
rem>k$ drily4  ,k5ne? laugh$ aga9       
good-hum\r$ly4  ',well1 y see1 my fa!r  
is away1 & ,i am act+ z 8 repres5tative4

  ,:at d y ?9k ( h]1 aunt8  ,has %e be5 
try+ to conv]t y yet8'  ,miss ,rayn]'s  
eyes sp>kl$ a little z %e look$ across  
at me4  ',i am n go+ to tell tales1' %e 
said4  ',we und]/& ea* o!r1 ,i ?9k--at  
any rate1 we are try+ to4'  ',i am      
afraid %e has n _h suffici5t scope at   
our h\se1 = we are too _m = h]1' ,k5ne? 
pursu$2 '! only "o :o 0 am5able to h]   
influ5ce 0 ,capta9 ,gates4  ,i really   
believe he 0 q will+1 only %e w\ldn't d 
x = him1 :5 x came to ! po9t4'  ',oh1   
hu%1 ,k5ne?6' ,i exclaim$4  ',please    
don't talk s2 y "k h[ ,i dislike x4'    
',i am afraid ,gates has lo/ 8 *ance1'  
,k5ne? cont9u$1 ) "o ( 8 provok+ smiles4
  ',i met him la/ week1 ,goody1 & :at d 
y ?9k he 0 do+8  ,n[ don't look s       
indiff]5t1 =1 rememb]1 if he goes to !  
dogs1 x w be y :o has driv5 him !re4    
,he 0 pack+ 8 ?+s up = ,monte ,c>lo4  ,&
 he is go+ to propose to ! fir/ heiress 
t he comes across1 = he is desp]ately   
h>d up j n[4'  ,i felt my *eeks get hot1
 & ,i knew t ,miss ,rayn]'s eyes 7      

scann+ me closely4  ',h[ is ,violet8' ,i
 ask$4  ',isn't %e feel+ r lonely8'  ',i
 nev] set eyes on h]1' 0 ! bro!rly      
reply1 'except t be=e ,i got (f ?is     
morn+ %e came ru%+ out ) all sorts (    
messages to y4  ,i told h] ,i %\ldn't   
rememb] half4  ,"o 0 t %e want$ y back1 
,i ?9k2 ! o!r1 t ,miss ,graham _h tak5  
y\r preci\s ,sunday class1 & _h f\nd x s
 ent]ta9+ t %e 0 go+ to try x aga94'    
',oh1 ,i am s glad6' ,i exclaim$4  ',i 0
 hop+ %e w\ld2 & is %e go+ to give ,jim 
a read+-lesson 9 ! week1 d y "k8'  ',t  
,i c't tell y4'  ,aft] lun*eon1 ,miss   
,rayn] w5t d[n to ! village on "s err&1 
& !n ,k5ne? inquir$1 ',is %e treat+ y   
well8'  ',( c\rse1' ,i repli$2 '%e is   
mo/ k9d1 & ,i am enjoy+ myself v mu*4'  
',:at on e>? d y d ) y\rself all day 9  
?is out-(-!-way hole8  ,h y se5 a s+le  
visitor s9ce y h be5 "h8'  ',n "o1' ,i  
said1 laugh+2 '& = myself1 ,i w\ld j z  
soon be )\t !m4'  ',we are awfully sl[  
at home j n[1' ,k5ne? said2 ',hugh is z 
grumpy & cross z two /icks4  ,i d9e out 

:5ev] ,i c1 & %oot ev]y?+ ,i come across
 9 ! day-"t4  ,i ev5 condesc5d to       
rabbits1 if !re's no?+ bett] on h&4  ,i 
?9k we %all h ! h\se pretty full :5 !   
girls come back4  ,among/ o!r p1 ,hugh  
is ask+ a new crony ( 81 "s sci5tific   
fell[ :om he raves ab\t4'  ',i nev] he>d
 him rave ab\t anybody or any?+6' ,i    
rem>k$4  ',x is rav+ = him1 :5 he tells 
y t 8 *um is ?\ght no end ( by diff]5t  
celebrities1 & t he consid]s x an hon\r 
to h him "u our unwor?y ro(--or words to
 t effect4  ,"m w be delight$ to h him1 
z he is unm>ri$1 & has a big e/ate      
some:]e4'  ',h y he>d f ,nelly8' ,i     
ask$1 *ang+ ! subject1 z ,i did n l 8   
sne]+ tone4  ',_h a lett] f h] ye/]day2 
%e & ,con/ance are go+ at x night & day4
  ,i say1 ,goody1 h[ mu* long] are y go+
 to /ay "h8  ,c\ldn't y tell ! aunt y h 
_h en\gh ( x1 & come back8  ,x is too   
sl[ = any?+ j n[4  ,i promise y "s nice 
little treats if y come4  ,we w g up !  
riv]--y & ,i--& we %all h x all our own 
way1 = !re w be nobody to int]f]e ) u4' 

',i h promis$ to /ay "h till ,mrs4 ,=sy?
 comes back1' ,i said4  ',oh1 bo!r y\r  
promise6  ,say y f\nd x too sl[1 &      
c\ldn't /& x any long]4'  ',b ,i don't  
f9d x sl[1' ,i said1 look+ at him full 9
 ! face4 ',i ?9k ,i l ,miss ,rayn]'s    
society bett] ?an y\rs4'  ,k5ne? look$ q
 tak5 aback at fir/1 & !n we bo? laugh$ 
toge!r4  ',x's true1' ,i p]si/$4  ',i   
don't believe x2 ,i %all give y a dose (
 my society to-day1 = ,i %all /ay on to 
d9n] "h4  ,:at %all we d ?is aft]noon8' 
',miss ,rayn] does n expect y to /ay    
on1' ,i said1 '= %e wi%$ y good-bye be=e
 %e w5t out j n[4'  ',i "k %e did1 b ,i 
int5d to /ay1 all ! same4'  ,& ?is he   
did1 tell+ ,miss ,rayn] :5 %e came 9 t  
!re 0 no d9n] at home1 ,hugh 0 9 t[n1 & 
he 0 sure %e w\ld (f] him fur!r         
hospitality4  ,k5ne? c\ld be v amus+ :5 
he lik$1 & he c]ta9ly br\ght a fre%     
elem5t into our quiet life4  ,he ask$ me
 to play on my viol9 aft] d9n]1 & :5 ,i 
_h f9i%$ he turn$ to ,miss ,rayn] &     
said1 ',t is ,goody's /rong =te--t      

in/rum5t ( h]s4  ,%e c\ld *>m a man's   
s\l away by "s ( h] /ra9s6'  ,& !n he   
took 8 leave4  ,!re 0 sil5ce betwe5 u = 
"s "t aft] 8 dep>ture4  ,i ?\ght ,miss  
,rayn] 0 read+1 & ?\gh ,i 0 pr(ess$ly   
do+ ! same1 my ?\ghts kept w&]+ (f to   
,capta9 ,gates4  ,i wond]$ if ,i 0      
responsible = 8 go+ back to 8 old       
reckless life4  ,he _h told me once :at 
a sn>e gambl+ _h be5 to him1 & h[ mu* he
 want$ to give x up4  ,?is visit to     
,monte ,c>lo w\ld plunge him into ! mid/
 ( x aga94  ,i 0 />tl$ out ( my rev]ie  
by ,miss ,rayn]'s voice say+1 ',:at     
pictures are y see+ 9 ! fire1 *ild8'  ,i
 look$ up4  ',i 0 only ?9k+1' ,i said4  
',s ,i suppose4  ,:o is ?is ,capta9     
,gates t ,k5ne? m5tion$8'  ,i col\r$4   
,h[ (t5 %e seem$ to read my ?\ghts6  ',a
 fri5d ( ,k5ne? :o (t5 comes to /ay ) ! 
,=sy?s4'  ',& :at has he to d ) y1 or y 
) him8'  ,i hesitat$1 !n said 9 a l[    
voice1 ',he want$ me to m>ry him1 & ,i  
c\ldn't6'  ',:y n8'  ',i--,i didn't c>e 
en\gh = him1 & we %\ld n h suit$ ea*    

o!r4  ,he leads a v gay life4'  ',b ,i  
suppose he v[$ he w\ld give all t up8'  
',yes1 he did2 b ,i don't ?9k he w\ld h 
done s4'  ,& !n1 enc\rag$ by a s(t5+ 9  
h] tone & mann]1 ,i told ,miss ,rayn]   
all1 ask+ h] at ! end if %e did n ?9k ,i
 _h act$ rightly4  ',q "r1' %e said     
emphatically2 'b be ?ankful y 7 n head  
ov] e>s 9 love ) him1 = y\r decision    
w\ld h co/ y some?+ !n4'  ,%e spoke )   
su* int5se feel+ t ,i c\ld n help ?9k+  
!re mu/ be some?+ beh9d h] words1       
especially :5 %e cont9u$ 9 l[1 e>ne/    
tones3 ',bett] g ?r\gh life lonely &    
s+le1 ?an tie y\rself to a man ^: aim & 
object 9 life is directly contr>y to    
y\rs4  ,!re c be only mis]y = bo? if y  
act o!rwise4  ,& cut ! connection at    
once = 8 sake1 m ?an = y\r own4  ,x is  
only prolong+ ! agony4'  ,i did n speak1
 & !n1 ) a %ort laugh1 ,miss ,rayn]     
seem$ to recov] h]self4  ',:at am ,i    
say+8  ,p]haps "s day ,i may tell y a   
*apt] 9 my life1 *ild--b n n[4  ,y h n  
_h to g ?r\gh su* a %>p ordeal z ,i h4  

,i am afraid !re is no?+ = x b a curate 
= y4  ,hold+ y\r pres5t views1 y w\ld   
f9d no pleasure 9 a man ( ! _w4'        
',surely e "o is n b\nd to h a husb&8'  
,i said1 half laugh+1 half vex$ ) h]    
light1 mock+ tone4  ',i %\ld say y 7    
sure to h "o1' %e retort$2 'p]haps y\r  
views w melt away :5 y come across "s "o
 t y really fancy4'  ,i %ook my head1 b 
dropp$ ! subject1 wond]+1 ) a girli%    
curiosity1 :at ,miss ,rayn]'s life /ory 
04     ,,*apt] ,x  ,,long ,,ago    ',ah6
 *angeless ?r\gh ! *ang+ ve9   ,! gho/ly
 :isp] r+s betwe5   ,! d>k refra9 (     
might h be54'   ,circum/ances help$ to  
br+ ab\t ! recital ( t /ory soon] ?an ,i
 _h expect$4  ,ab\t t5 days lat]1 ,i    
/>t$ out "o aft]noon ) ,miss ,rayn] = a 
ride4  ,i 0 n on ! *e/nut m>e ?is "t1 b 
on ,rawdon1 ,miss ,rayn]'s special      
fav\rite1 & ! "o %e always rode h]self4 
,x 0 a m>k ( great fav\r h] all[+ me to 
try him4  ,x 0 a pleasant day = a ride1 
& :5 we got up on a bit ( ! moor x      
delight$ me4  ,sudd5ly1 )\t any w>n+1 a 

pack ( h\nds da%$ by1 foll[$ closely by 
! huntsm54  ',pull y\r horse 91 *ild6'  
,miss ,rayn] exclaim$ excit$ly2 'he is  
an old hunt]4'  ,x 0 easy to say1 b q   
impossible1 ,i f\nd1 to act ^u4  ,rawdon
 ?rew up 8 head1 8 no/rils quiv]+ )     
excitem5t1 & !n bolt$1 & ,i f\nd myself 
utt]ly p[]less to *eck 8 c\rse4  ',keep 
y\r seat1 & give him 8 head1' 7 ! words 
,i he>d f ,miss ,rayn] z ,i rapidly left
 h] 9 ! di/ance4  ',& keep cool1' ,i    
said to myself1 kn[+ ,i %\ld require all
 my n]ve4  ,9 a few m9utes ,i 0 9 ! mid/
 ( ! hunt1 to my great p]plexity1 &1    
pass+ mo/ ( ! rid]s1 ,rawdon gallop$ on 
to ! front4  ,x _h be5 a =tunate ?+ = me
 t ! bit ( moor we 7 on 0 on ! level2 b 
n[ ,i saw1 to my con/]nation1 ! h\nds 7 
mak+ = "s fields adjo9+1 & ,rawdon 0    
c>ry+ me /raight t[>ds a five-b>r$ gate4
  ,i _h practis$ leaps 9 a rid+-s*ool1 b
 nev] s9ce1 & my he>t sank )9 me4  ,i   
put up a quick pray] z we rea*$ x2      
,rawdon took x )\t ! slighte/           
difficulty1 & to my surprise ,i f\nd    

myself /ill on 8 back4  ',x w be ! f9i% 
at t next copse1 ,i expect1' a g5tleman 
call$ out excit$ly1 z 8 horse va9ly tri$
 to keep up ) m9e4 ',look out = t h$ge 9
 front1' he add$2 'x's a na/y leap--!re 
is a wide dit* ! o!r side4'  ,:at c\ld  
,i say or d8  ,he evid5tly did n see t  
my horse _h obta9$ complete ma/]y ( me4 
,i set my tee?1 & drew my brea? z we    
approa*$ x4  ,0 ,i go+ to be c>ri$ ov]  
?is 9 safety8  ,a mom5t lat]1 &1 giddy &
 confus$1 ,i f\nd myself n only ov]1 b  
br\ght to a dead /op by ,rawdon1 :o1    
quiv]+ all ov] ) excitem5t1 _h br\ght me
 "r to ! f9i%2 only ?ree o!r g5tlem5 7  
!re besides ! ma/] ( ! h\nds4  ,i felt 9
 an extremely awkw>d position4  ,"o (   
!m1 ,sir ,*>les ,c\rt5ay1 ,i slightly   
knew1 z he 0 a great fri5d ( ,g5]al     
,=sy?4  ,:5 he recognis$ me1 he came    
=w>d at once4  ',miss ,?orn1 ,i         
congratulate y4  ,?is is ! fir/ meet ( !
 season1 & we h _h ! mo/ spl5did run1   
?\gh a long "o4  ,h y ev] receiv$ a bru%
 be=e8'  ',x is all a mi/ake my be+ "h1'

 ,i said ) a little laugh1 z ,i realiz$ 
! humor\s side ( ! situation4  ',i am n 
"o ( y\r numb]2 ,i 0 tak+ a quiet ride  
on ! moor ) a fri5d1 :5 my horse1 an old
 hunt]1 bolt$ ) me1 & has c>ri$ me "h   
ov] e ob/acle1 9 spite ( my wi%es4'  ',x
 is a good horse1 b a good rid] too1'   
said ! old g5tleman4 ',v few ladies w\ld
 h tak5 t la/ leap4  ,let me introduce !
 ma/] ( ! h\nds to y4'  ,! introduction 
took place1 &1 9 spite ( my             
prote/ations1 ! bru% 0 pres5t$1 & !n1 "o
 by "o1 o!r rid]s came ^u ! sc5e4  ,x 0 
a great relief to me :51 turn+ my horse 
r\nd1 ,i came face to face ) ,k5ne?4    
',goody ,two-,%oes6  ,:at on e>? are y  
do+ "h8  ,0 x y1 !n1 t took ! lead s8   
,we c\ldn't imag9e :at lady x 06  ,i ?9k
 ,i mu/ be dream+4'  ,& ,k5ne? really   
look$ z if he c\ld n believe 8 eyes4  ,i
 expla9$ x all ha/ily1 add+1 ',d ride   
back ) me away f all ^! p to meet ,miss 
,rayn]4  ,%e w be anxi\s ab\t me4'  ,b  
,k5ne? only %ook 8 head ) mock          
solemnity4  ',oh6  ,goody1 ,goody1 ,i'm 

afraid y are a sad humbug6  ,y won't    
make ev]ybody believe t pat*$-up /ory4  
,y didn't b>ga9 = meet+ me "h4 ,no wond]
 y don't want to come back to u j yet6  
,i mu/ write & tell ! girls y are enjoy+
 y\rself 9 ! hunt+-field4  ,d y "k t x  
is "o ( ! gov]nor's fads t girls are out
 ( place 9 a hunt8  ,nell has always be5
 refus$ p]mission to come ) me4 ,x w be 
amus+ :5 ?is gets to ! gov]nor's e>s6   
,com+ (f by y\rself on ! sly1 & gett+ ! 
bru%6'  ,& ,k5ne? gave a delight$ *uckle
 at ! end ( 8 spee*4  ,i rode /raight   
away f him )\t a ^w1 feel+ ready to cry 
) vexation4  ,!n1 to my great delight1  
,miss ,rayn] rode up4  ,h] eyes 7 tw9kl+
 ) suppress$ mir?4  ',my de> girl1 ,i am
 afraid ,rawdon has giv5 y a fright4  ,i
 wat*$ y ov] ! gate & h$ge2 y took !m   
well4  ,i almo/ wi%$ to be 9 y\r place1 
?\gh my hunt+ days are ov]4  ,i am pr\d 
( ,rawdon6'  ',i want to get away1 ,miss
 ,rayn]1' ,i said implor+ly4  ,%e look$ 
at me1 & 0 ab\t to speak1 :5 a g5tleman 
rode up to h]4  ',miss ,rayn]1 ,i hav5't

 se5 y = ye>s4  ,i am glad to meet y 9 !
 field aga94'  ',l ?is "y lady :o is    
/ay+ ) me1 ,i h come into x accid5tally4
  ,we 7 out rid+1 :5 h] horse bolt$ )   
h]1 & ,i h only j come ^u ! sc5e4  ,i h 
giv5 up hunt+ = _m ye>s n[4  ,let me    
introduce y1 ,miss ,?orn2 ?is is        
,colonel ,hawkes1 an old fri5d4'  ,= "s 
m9utes he & ,miss ,rayn] c>ri$ on an    
animat$ conv]sation ) "o ano!r4  ,!y    
seem$ to h kn[n ea* o!r 9 ! pa/ v       
intimately4  ,pres5tly ,miss ,rayn]     
ask$1--  ',& :]e are y /ay+ n[8'  ,he   
hesitat$2 !n said1 sl[ly1 ',)           
,ratcliffe--,*>lie ,ratcliffe4 ,y       
rememb] him8'  ,miss ,rayn] turn$ :ite  
to h] lips2 !n said1 9 a cold1 h>d      
voice1 ',i ?\ght he 0 9 ! wilds (       
,africa8'  ',he return$ ! end ( la/ ye>4
  ,he f9i%$ ! piece ( "w out !re s      
satisfactorily = ! ,gov]nm5t t !y want  
to s5d him out to ano!r "p1 b he has    
refus$4  ,he says he wants to settle d[n
 quietly n[1 & has j b\ght a h\se       
some:]e 9 ,surrey4  ,he is a good fell[1

 b odd1 y "k4  ,s9ce 8 return he has be5
 slumm+ 9 ! ,ea/ ,end ( ,london l a     
p>son4  ,i am /ay+ ) him at 8 *amb]s 9  
t[n4  ,we are su* v old *ums t ,i put up
 ) 8 religi\s crot*ets4  ,he doesn't =ce
 !m d[n "o's ?roat1 t's "o com=t1 &1    
,i'm b\nd to admit1 he lives !m out4'   
,miss ,rayn] *ang$ ! subject1 & a few   
m9utes aft] we rode away1 v sil5t bo? ( 
u1 & we h>dly ex*ang$ a ^w till we rea*$
 home4  ,all ! ev5+ ,miss ,rayn] 0 v    
subdu$ & unlike h]self4 ,susan _h v     
truly describ$ h] to me z 'a fre% breeze
 com+ 9 & out4'  ,f ! m9ute %e set foot 
9 a place1 y 7 consci\s ( h] *e]y       
pres5ce4  ,sometimes :i/l+ to h] dogs1  
*att+ briskly to any 9 h] pa?1 & always 
full ( en]gy & _s2 b n[ %e sat ) a      
dreamy1 abs5t look 9 h] eyes1 & />t$ if 
,i address$ h] on any topic4  ,lat] 9 ! 
ev5+1 z we sat ov] ! draw+-room fire )  
our books1 %e sudd5ly look$ up & said1  
',play to me1 *ild2 ,i am out ( sorts4  
,colonel ,hawkes br\ght up old sc5es &  
memories :i* are be/ =gott54  ,y\r music

 has always a soo?+ effect on me4'  ,i  
took my viol9 up1 & lean+ aga9/ !       
mantle-piece opposite to h]1 ,i began to
 play 9 ! firelight4  ,i play$1 z ,i    
lov$ to play1 )\t notes be=e me1 & soon 
,i 0 9 a dream myself4  ,my fav\rite    
v]se runn+ ?r\gh my head1 ,i s\ght to   
br+ x out ( my viol91 & z ! la/ note di$
 away ,i became consci\s t ,miss        
,rayn]'s eyes 7 gli/5+ ) te>s4  ,kn[+ h[
 utt]ly devoid ( s5tim5t %e g5]ally     
seem$1 ,i 0 ! m surpris$1 only1 ( c\rse1
 did n let h] see ,i _h notic$ x4  ',y h
 nev] play$ t be=e1' %e said brusquely1 
z %e recov]$ h] composure4  ',& ,i don't
 "k t ,i c\ld play x aga91' ,i said4    
',i nev] get x j ! same4  ,i 0 try+ to  
br+ out a ?\ght t ,i am v fond (4'  ',& 
:at ?\ght is t8'  ',d y "k a v]se l ?is8
    ,^! surface tr\bles come & g1     ,l
 ruffl+s ( ! sea2   ,! deep] dep? is out
 ( rea*     ,to all1 my ,god1 b ,!e4    
,!re are two words 9 ,j]emiah t ,i try &
 take = my life's motto3 ,dwell deep4   
,i love to br+ x out ( my viol94'  ,miss

 ,rayn] smil$4  ',i %\ld n h ?\ght !re  
_h be5 mu* occasion 9 y\r life at pres5t
 = y to put ^? words into practice4'  ,i
 0 sil5t4  ,no d\bt my small tr\bles    
seem$ v insignificant to h] :o _h p]haps
 se5 & gone ?r\gh f> heavi] ones h]self4
  ,aft] a little1 %e said ?\ghtfully1 z 
%e gaz$ into ! gl[+ coals be=e h]1 ',"o 
sometimes wond]s1 if c]ta9 passages 9   
our lives 7 giv5 u aga91 :e!r we w\ld   
act diff]5tly2 b ,i am incl9$ to ?9k z a
 rule we %\ld n4'  ,!n1 turn+ to me     
abruptly1 %e said1 ',w\ld y l to he> :y 
,i h nev] m>ri$8 ,i am n a%am$ (        
any?+--!re is no ne$ :y y %\ld n        
"k--only ,i d n c>e to discuss bygone   
tales too (t52 s ,i %all n expect y to  
ref] to x aga94  ,i 0 engag$ to ,*>les  
,ratcliffe = six ye>s4  ,he1 ,colonel   
,hawkes1 & ,i 7 always toge!r2 we hunt$1
 danc$1 & amus$ ourselves z ! re/ ( !   
_w4  ,*>lie--,mr4 ,ratcliffe--0 !n a    
/ruggl+ "y b>ri/]1 & we wait$ = m       
prosp]\s times4  ,ab\t a ye> be=e we 7  
to h be5 m>ri$1 he'--%e paus$ & gave a  

h>d little laugh1 'well--he got conv]t$1
 z y w\ld express x4  ,i tri$ to laugh  
him out ( x at fir/1 b x 0 ( no use2 he 
gradually )drew f amusem5ts1 & tri$ to  
make me d ! same4  ,we pull$ toge!r a   
little :ile long]1 & !n ,i saw x w\ldn't
 d1 & ,i told him s4  ,h[ c two walk    
toge!r1 except !y be agre$8  ,!re is no 
tru] v]se ?an t 9 ! ,bible4  ,& s we    
p>t$1 & ,i h nev] se5 him f t day to    
?is4'  ',i am s sorry6' ,i murmur$1 z %e
 paus$ z abruptly z %e comm5c$4  ',oh1  
,i am n an object ( pity1 ,i assure y6' 
%e said1 laugh+3 'x 0 odd runn+ up aga9/
 ,colonel ,hawkes to-day4  ,did y see   
,k5ne? !re1 too8  ,i fanci$ ,i saw him 9
 ! di/ance4'  ',yes1' ,i said1 see+ %e  
wi%$ to turn to o!r subjects2 ',i am    
afraid he w nev] let me =get x4  ,i wi% 
he 7 n su* a tease4  ,he w\ld misund]/& 
me1 or pret5d to d s4  ,i %all n he> !  
la/ ( x = a long "t1 ,i "k4'  ,miss     
,rayn] laugh$4  ',i suppose he c\ld n   
und]/& see+ y act+ su* a diff]5t rle f  
y\r usual "o4  ,nev] m9d1 *ild4 ,words d

 n break bones4  ,let him h ! enjoym5t (
 x4  ,p]haps ?is aft]noon's exploit may 
h giv5 y a ta/e = ! hunt+-field8  ,is x 
s8'  ,i %ook my head4  ',no1 ,i don't   
?9k ,i %all want to m\nt ,rawdon aga9   
:ile ,i am "h4  ,i c\ld nev] tru/ him4' 
,t night ,i c\ld n sleep1 or get ,miss  
,rayn]'s /ory out ( my head4  ,%e only  
gave me ! b>e facts1 b ,i c\ld supply   
mu* t 0 n told4  ,i c\ld see t all h]   
likes & dislikes 7 /rong ones4  ,h]     
affection = him _h be5 no light girli%  
fancy1 b _h deep5$1 ,i c\ld n help ?9k+1
 s9ce sep>ation4  ,i wond]$ if he /ill  
?\ght ( h]1 & :e!r ! blank _h be5 z     
great 9 8 life z 9 h]s4  ,b !n ,i       
rememb]$ t he _h :at %e _h n--a satisfi$
 s\l & an unse5 p]sonal ,fri5d4  ,i felt
 a great pity = h]4  ,i knew f :at ,i _h
 he>d f o!rs t %e _h )drawn h]self f    
society = _m ye>s1 & rightly conjectur$ 
t :5 ! "o %e really c>$ ab\t 0 no long] 
to be met !re1 x fail$ to satisfy or    
amuse h]4  ,& ,i long$ t ev5 yet %e     
might f9d ! same ,savi\r z he _h1 &     

become satisfi$ 9 ! same way4 ,e>ne/ly  
did ,i pray t %e might be l$ to seek =  
?is1 & t if x 0 ,god's w t e>?ly        
happ9ess %\ld be d5i$ h]1 %e /ill might 
be fill$ ) ! joy & peace ':i* passes    
und]/&+' f above4     ,,*apt] ,,xi  ,a  
,,diff]5t ,,atmosph]e    ',& ,i %\ld    
fe>1 b lo6 amid ! press1   ,! :irl & hum
 & pressure ( my day1   ,i he> ,?y      
g>m5ts sweep1 ,?y seamless dress1   ,&  
close beside my "w & we>9ess   ,disc]n  
,?y graci\s =m1 n f> away1   ,b v ne>1  
,o ,"l1 to help & bless4'--,susan       
,coolidge4   ,my visit to ,miss ,rayn]  
n[ drew to a close4  ,i 0 really sorry  
to leave h]1 & ,i ?9k %e 0 sorry to "p )
 me4  ,x 0 a /range fri5d%ip betwe5 u4  
,%e 0 f> beyond me 9 k ( ! _w & 9       
intellect1 & yet ,i "k %e said ?+s to me
 t %e w\ld n say to any "o else4  ,%e   
w\ld laugh at me1 tease me1 & nev] sp>e 
my blu%es ( emb>rassm5t & discomfiture2 
b z %e 0 wi%+ me good-bye ! la/         
aft]noon1 %e put bo? h] h&s on my %\ld]s
 & /ood look+ d[n ^u me ) a /range s(t5+

 ( face & mann]4  ',i h lik$ hav+ y "h1 
*ild2 ,i knew ,i %\ld f ! fir/ mom5t ,i 
saw y1 & ,i %all miss y aft] y h gone4  
,b ,i d n mean to lose sight ( y1 & :5 y
 want advice1--or %all ,i say           
com=t8--come ov] & take advantage ( my  
quiet re/+-place "h to soo! & solace    
y\rself4  ,x is /range advice to give y1
 b ?\gh ,i may h *aff$ y ab\t y\r       
religi\s views1 keep a firm grip ( !m1 &
 g on y\r own way /raight-=w>d1 )\t b5d+
 or relax+ 9 ! slighte/4  ,i believe y h
 got hold ( ! real ?+1 & if y h1 ,i %\ld
 ?9k x 0 wor? keep+4'  ,te>s 7 9 my     
eyes1 & ,i laid my h& on h] arm4  ',i am
 pray+ t y may f9d x too1 ,miss         
,rayn]--or r ,him1 = x is ,*ri/ ,himself
 t fills my life4'  ,%e /oop$ & kiss$   
me1 b did n say ano!r ^w1 only !re 0 a  
wi/ful look 9 h] eyes t haunt$ me = long
 aft]w>ds4  ,old ,john _h 8 say1 too1 :5
 p>t+ ) me at ! /ation3 ',i hope y h    
h'enjoy$ y\r visit1 miss1 & h _h an     
h'edify+ "t2 ! mi/ress wants "s "o ( h] 
h'own sex to talk to h'on h'occasions1  

?\gh1 h'z ,i h'(t5 say1 %e c hold h]    
h'equal ) h'any man if %e *ooses4  ,h'& 
h'if ,i make bold to say s1 h'if y want 
a m\nt h'at h'any "t1 ,rawdon %all be   
h'at y\r disposal2 y did him cr$it !    
h'o!r day ) ! h\nds1 h'& ,i %all nev]   
raise h'any h'objection to h'all[+ y to 
ride him6'  ,x 0 c]ta9ly a diff]5t k9d (
 life to :i* ,i return$4  ,! h\se 0 full
 ( visitors1 & all *ance ( quiet seem$  
gone4  ,i ?9k ,violet & ,nelly 7 g5u9ely
 glad to see me4  ,k5ne?1 ( c\rse1 did n
 sp>e me2 he col\r$ ! /ory s ( ! way ,i 
_h jo9$ ! h\nds1 z to make ,g5]al ,=sy? 
q vex$1 & ,mrs4 ,=sy? did n seem to     
believe my true v]sion ( x4  ',:y d y   
love to make p uncom=table if y c8' ,i  
said 9 desp]ation to him1 aft] he _h be5
 *aff+ me unm]cifully on ! same subject 
be=e a lot ( p 9 ! draw+-room "o        
aft]noon4  ',because x is my nature to1 
,i suppose1' he retort$4  ',i don't ?9k 
any?+ w\ld make y uncom=table1 ,goody6  
,y g s]5ely on y\r way1 wrapp$ 9 a cloak
 ( supreme self-cont5t & satisfaction4  

,except = br++ a little extra p9k col\r 
into y\r *eeks1 :i* ,i l to see1 no     
words ( m9e c ev] /ir y4'  ',i h        
feel+s1' ,i said1 '?\gh ,i d try n to %[
 !m4  ,i am n a piece ( /one4  ,& if ,i 
did %[ !m1 y w\ld be ! fir/ to blame me 
= x4'  ',i d>e say ,i %\ld1 = x w\ld be 
highly inconsi/5t ) ! pr(ession t y make
 to lose y\r temp] l ord9>y mortals4'   
',s t ,i _c act rightly 9 any case 9 y\r
 eyes1' ,i said1 half laugh+1 half vex$4
  ',i am j good z a k9d ( t>get t y c   
fire (f volleys ( ridicule at3 if ,i    
res5t x1 x w be %[+ ang]2 if ,i be> x1 x
 w be because ,i am wrapp$ 9 a cloak (  
supreme self-cont5t & satisfaction4'    
',^u my ^w1 ,goody1 ,i ?9k y are %[+ too
 mu* feel+ n[1' 0 ! laugh+ rejo9d]2 ',i 
?9k ,i mu/ make myself sc>ce till y are 
calm]4'  ,& he walk$ away & left me4    
,he 0 ! only "o ( ! ,=sy?s t ,i did n q 
und]/&4  ,no "o said unk9d] ?+s to my   
face ?an he did1 & yet beh9d my back ,i 
knew t _m a "t he _h made ?+s smoo!r =  
me ) 8 p>5ts4  ,he laugh$ & sc(f$ op5ly 

at ! weaknesses & ins9c]ity ( society1  
yet m+l$ freely 9 x1 & 0 a fav\rite     
:]ev] he w5t4  ,i felt no eye 9 !       
h\sehold 0 s ke5 z 8 on my words &      
actions2 he 0 always want+ me to d ?+s =
 him & g to places ) him2 yet :5 ,i 0 ) 
him he w\ld be unsp>+ 9 8 sc(f+ rem>ks  
on any subject t w\ld t\* me mo/ deeply4
  ,i f\nd x be/ to take all he said z   
quietly z possible1 only n[ & !n        
prote/+1 z ,i _h done ^u ?is aft]noon4  
,hugh's fri5d1 a ,mr4 ,/anton1 arriv$ a 
week aft] my return4  ,he 0 r a         
grave-look+ man1 tall & broad-%\ld]$1 ) 
d>k eyes :i* seem$ quick to take 9 e "o 
& ev]y?+1 & yet :i* _h a k9dly gleam 9  
!m4  ,we did n see mu* ( him1 = ,hugh & 
he sp5t mo/ ( _! days 9 ! /udy toge!r2 b
 he prov$ v ent]ta9+ 9 ! ev5+1 = he _h  
travell$ a great deal & c\ld talk well1 
& someh[ or o!r w\ld raise ! conv]sation
 to a high] level ?an usual4  ,g5]al    
,=sy? w\ld discuss que/ions ( ! day )   
him1 ) a ke5] int]e/ ?an 0 8 cu/om ) a  
y\ng] man2 & ,nelly came gu%+ly to      

confide 9 me ! fir/ night ( 8 arrival3  
',i l him awfully1 ,hilda6  ,he is s    
diff]5t to mo/ ( ,hugh's fri5ds4  ,!y   
seem s h>d & cynical1 & h su* a contempt
 = wom51 ,i always fancy4  ,mr4 ,/anton 
takes z mu* tr\ble to talk to me z he   
does to fa!r1 & he is awfully           
good-look+6'  ,"o ev5+1 soon aft] he    
arriv$1 ,g5]al & ,mrs4 ,=sy? & ,con/ance
 wore d9+ out4  ,a ,miss ,will\ghby & h]
 bro!r 7 /ay+ 9 ! h\se2 !y 7 c\s9s ( !  
,=sy?s1 & _h return$ f ,london ) !m1 b  
,i _h always kept away f !m1 z ,miss    
,will\ghby's mann] & ways grat$ on me4  
,%e seem$ utt]ly devoid ( all religion1 
& 0 always ready to sc(f & je] at s]i\s 
subjects4  ,%e 0 a clev] woman ( ! _w1 &
 look$ ^u me z a m]e *ild4  ,z we 7 9 ! 
draw+-room toge!r1 be=e ! g5tlem5 jo9$ u
 aft] d9n]1 %e call$ to me f h] seat by 
! fire1 ',come "h1 y little piece (     
innoc5ce1 ,i want to talk to y2 :y d y  
always creep into a remote corn] ( !    
room away f ev]ybody8  ,is x mode/y1 or 
misan?ropy1 t drives y f y\r            

fell[-creatures8'  ',nei!r1' ,i said1 z 
,i sl[ly mov$ t[>ds ! fireplace & took a
 seat ne> h]4  ',nelly 0 ent]ta9+ y1 s y
 did n require me4'  ',b ,i d want y4   
,i ?9k y c\ld be f> m ent]ta9+ ?an      
,nelly "h1 because y h tak5 up an       
orig9al rle1 & ,i l orig9ality4'  ,i    
made no reply4  ,!re 0 a mis*iev\s light
 9 h] eyes :i* w>n$ me %e meant to enjoy
 h]self at my exp5se4  ,%e lay back 9 h]
 *air1 put up h] p9ce-nez1 & reg>d$ me =
 "s m9utes 9 sil5ce4  ,!n %e gave a mock
 sigh4  ',i don't see ! halo1 ,nelly2 x 
ought to be !re--r\nd h] head1 y "k4  ,i
 hope %e isn't a %am sa9t6'  ',y %all n 
tease h]1' ,nelly said w>mly2 '%e gets q
 en\gh ( t f ,k5ne? )\t y\r tak+ x up4' 
',my de> *ild1 ,i h no int5tion ( teas+ 
h]4  ,i w\ld n presume to d s on su*    
%ort acqua9tance4  ,beyond ,good-night &
 ,good-morn+1 ,i don't believe ,miss    
,?orn & ,i h ex*ang$ half a doz5 words4 
,we are go+ to conv]se agreeably toge!r 
n[1 if y w all[ u4'  ',i don't ?9k we   
%all f9d t we h mu* 9 common1 ,miss     

,will\ghby1' ,i said1 try+ to speak     
pleasantly4  ',i d>e say n4  ,i am a    
wick$ s9n] accord+ to y\r /&>d1 & y are 
a righte\s sa9t2 b may n s9n]s sometimes
 speak to sa9ts8  ,h[ else are !y to be 
made bett]1 ,i want to "k1 z ! ,am]icans
 say8  ,d y att5d *apel1 ,miss ,?orn8'  
',no1' ,i answ]$ a little %ortly4  ',i  
w5t into a *apel once1' %e pursu$1 look+
 gravely at me1 '& !re 0 a revival go+  
on1 ,i 0 told4  ,t is :at l$ me 9       
!re--,i want$ to see a revival6  ,aft] !
 s]mon 0 ov]1 an old :ite-hair$ man came
 /umbl+ into ! seat :]e ,i 01 & sat d[n 
beside me4  ,"y pusson1 he said1 d y    
want to be conv>t$8 ,:at does x feel l8 
,i ask$4  ,he rose up1 & /ood swell+ out
 8 wai/coat visibly4  ,x feels z if e>? 
c't conta9 y] at times1 & 'ev5's only   
big en\gh = y]4  ,?ank y1 ,i said2 ,i   
%\ldn't c>e to feel t size4  ,e>? is big
 en\gh = me at pres5t1 & ,i walk$ out4' 
,a bur/ ( laught] f beh9d ann\nc$ t !   
g5tlem5 _h ent]$ ! room4  ,k5ne? came up
 to u1 & plant$ himself on ! he>?rug 9  

front ( u4  ',are y treat+ ,goody       
,two-,%oes to "o ( y\r /ories8' he ask$4
  ',we are hav+ a v s]i\s conv]sation1' 
said ,miss ,will\ghby1 9 h] cle>1 l\d   
voice1 '& d n wi% to be int]rupt$4  ,n[1
 ,miss ,?orn1 is y\r exp]i5ce l t ( !   
old *apel sa9t8  ,i h always he>d t !   
godly 7 v big 9 _! own e/imation1 b nev]
 q s big z t ,i ,h[ big d y feel8  ,tell
 u4  ,i h a fancy1 if ,i 7 to try to    
atta9 to x1 t x w\ld be ! old fable ( ! 
toad & ! ox aga9 be+ enact$4  ,:at is   
y\r op9ion8'  ',x is n a subject =      
je/+1' ,i said gravely2 & ,i rose f my  
seat to move away4  ,%e laugh+ly caught 
hold ( bo? my h&s & deta9$ me4  ',n[ y  
are my prison]1 & ,i %all n let y escape
 till y h answ]$ a few que/ions4  ,i h  
be5 do+ my be/ to become acqua9t$ ) y1 b
 y li/5 & reply 9 monosyllables1 :i* is 
mo/ unsociable4  ,y leave me to d all ! 
talk+1 & ,i want to he> y\r side ( ! "q4
  ,is %e always s sil5t1 ,k5ne?8'       
',sil5ce m>ks h] displeasure1' ,k5ne?   
repli$1 laugh+4  ',i don't l sulky      

natures1' ,miss ,will\ghby w5t on       
provok+ly1 )\t giv+ me "t to speak4  ',i
 don't ?9k %e is %y1 & ,i h said no?+ to
 displease h]4  ,my object has be5 to   
become fri5ds ) h]1 b ,i'm afraid %e    
?9ks me too unwor?y ( h] fri5d%ip4 ,n[1 
,miss ,?orn1--:at a baby face x is1 to  
be sure6--look up & speak4  ,y don't    
seem s glib on ! subject z y ought to   
be4  ,:at is conv]sion8  ,enlight5 u4'  
,i look$ up at my torm5tor4  ',y w f9d !
 be/ def9ition ( x 9 ! diction>y1 if y  
are anxi\s to "k1' ,i said4  ',t is     
evad+ my "q4  ,i beg9 to ?9k y h a good 
deal ( c[>dice 9 y\r composition4  ,y   
are afraid to %[ y\r col\rs4 ,n[ ,i am  
go+ to ask y a /raight=w>d "q1 & ,i     
expect a /raight=w>d reply4  ,are y     
conv]t$8'  ,hugh & ,mr4 ,/anton at ?is  
juncture jo9$ our gr\p1 & !re 0 a sudd5 
lull 9 ! conv]sation4  ,miss ,will\ghby1
 )\t rel9qui%+ h] hold ( me1 turn$ t[>ds
 !m ) a face brimful ( fun4  ',x's a    
case be+ tri$1' %e said to !m4  ',i am  
cross-exam9+ a witness4'  ',a prison]1  

,i %\ld say1' obs]v$ ,hugh drily4  ',i  
%all n run away1 ,miss ,will\ghby1' ,i  
said1 try+ to speak amicably4  ,%e      
dropp$ my h&s at once1 & ,i hop$ !      
subject w\ld be *ang$2 b su* 0 n h]     
int5tion4  ',i am wait+ = y\r answ]1' %e
 pursu$4  ',are y conv]t$8'  ,i held my 
head erect & look$ h] /raight 9 ! face4 
',yes1 ,i am4'  ',good6  ,:5 7 y        
conv]t$8  ,no hesitation4  ,y are b\nd 9
 hon\r n to run away f me1 & ,i h sev]al
 m que/ions yet to ask4'  ',ab\t six    
mon?s ago 9 ,london1'  ,my tone 0 grave4
  ,i did n "k h[ ?is 0 go+ to end4      
',describe ! process4'  ',t ,i refuse to
 d1 ,miss ,will\ghby4'  ',!n ,i %all n  
believe 9 y1 = ,i expect y c't d x4  ,& 
x is a selfi%1 unk9d _s to refuse to    
enlight5 an inquir]4  ,my old *apel     
fri5d 0 f> k9d]4  ,y good p say         
conv]sion is a bless+2 yet1 :5 ,i want  
to "k h[ to get x1 y refuse to assi/    
me4'  ',if y want to "k ! way1 ! ,bible 
w %[ y1' ,i said 9 a l[ voice4  ',!     
,bible6  ,i he>d a cl]gyman say once t !

 ,bible did n tea* conv]sion6'  ',b our 
,"l did4  ,except ye be conv]t$1 &      
become z little *ildr51 ye %all n ent]  
into ! k+dom ( heav54'  ,x 0 ,mr4       
,/anton :o spoke1 & e "o look$ up       
a/oni%$4  ',d y "k all ab\t ^! ?+s1 ,mr4
 ,/anton8' que/ion$ ,miss ,will\ghby1 z 
%e look$ at him curi\sly4  ',i am glad  
to say ,i d1' he repli$1 '& %all be     
pleas$ at any "t to h a quiet talk ) y  
ab\t !m4'  ,%e %rugg$ h] %\ld]s ) a     
comic look ( dismay at ,k5ne?4  ',he    
looks z if he c\ld be aggressive--x's a 
revelation to me2 ,i _c get ov] x6  ,let
 u h "s music to refre% u aft] su*      
topics6'  ,%e mov$ across to ! piano1 & 
left me 9 peace = ! rema9d] ( ! ev5+4   
,,*apt] ,,xii  ,a ,,te/    ',z woods1 :5
 %ak5 by ! breeze1     ,take deep]1     
firm] root2   ,z w9t]'s fro/s b make !  
trees     ,ab\nd 9 summ] fruit2   ,s e  
bitt] pang & ?roe     ,t ,*ri/ian       
firmness tries1   ,b n]ves u = our "w   
bel[1     ,& =ms u = ! skies4'--,h5ry   
,francis ,lyte4   ,x 0 n to be wond]$ at

 t my ?\ghts dwelt mu* ^u ,mr4 ,/anton =
 ! next few days4  ,x 0 s /range to feel
 t !re 0 ano!r n[ 9 ! h\se :o 0 a foll[]
 ( ,*ri/1 & ,i wond]$ if he w\ld h a    
good influ5ce ov] ,hugh4  ,"o aft]noon  
,i 0 com+ back f ! village1 :]e ,i _h   
be5 to give ,jim 8 read+ lesson1 :5 ,mr4
 ,/anton ov]took me1 & we walk$ home    
toge!r4  ,i _h nev] z yet se5 him alone1
 & felt a little %y ( him2 b he soon    
made me feel at ease by 8 ready sympa?y1
 & ,i f\nd myself tell+ him ( my diff]5t
 int]e/s 9 ! village4  ,& !n he pres5tly
 said1 ',d y f9d y\r life difficult at  
times 9 su* surr\nd+s8'  ',sometimes ,i 
d1' ,i respond$1 'b nev] too difficult4'
  ',no1' he said2 'we are nev] plac$ 9  
circum/ances :]e x is impossible to s]ve
 our ,ma/]4  ,i sometimes wi% a little m
 ( ! m>tial _s c\ld be in/ill$ into _m  
,*ri/ians4  ,a true soldi] does n %irk  
or %r9k f ! front 9 battle1 b a ,*ri/ian
 is v apt to hide 8 col\rs if he gets ^u
 ! enemy's gr\nd4'  ',x is a puzzle to  
me sometimes1' ,i said1 ':5 x is be/ to 

keep sil5t & :5 to speak4  ,"o's life   
ought to tell mo/ among/ unconv]t$ p1 & 
yet t tempts "o sometimes to hide "o's  
light4  ,x is easy to g on "o's way     
quietly )\t say+ a ^w to any "o1 b      
p]haps x is n be+ fai?ful4  ,:at d y ?9k
 ab\t x1 ,mr4 ,/anton8'  ',i ?9k1' he   
said1 'if we are liv+ close to ! ,ma/]1 
,he w nev] leave u 9 d\bt z to :5 !     
opportunity = speak+ occurs4 ,if we are 
ready & wait+ on ,him1 we %all be l$ to 
d ! "r ?+4  ,_m good p d m h>m ?an good 
by mak+ up _! m9ds t !y are b\nd to     
deliv] a message1 :e!r ! occasion       
w>rants x or n4  ,& !n x is (t5 done 9  
_! own /r5g?1 & n 9 ! p[] ( ! ,_s4  ,i  
?9k ! answ] to all su* difficulties is3 
,live close to ,*ri/1 & let ,him give y 
y\r ord]s--no "o else4  ,! long] ,i     
live1 ! m /rongly ,i feel h[ useless x  
is to g by o!r ,*ri/ians' exp]i5ces4    
,god leads u all 9 diff]5t ways4  ,let u
 /rive to le>n ! s\nd ( ,8 slighte/     
:isp]1 & take ,8 ,^w only z our guide4  
,we _c g wrong !n4'  ,we talk$ on till  

we rea*$ home4  ,i c\ld n help feel+ !  
com=t ( hav+ "s "o to speak to on !     
subjects t 7 s de> to me4  ,i _h _h s   
few to help or advise me1 & ?\gh ,i knew
 ! tru? ( :at ,mr4 ,/anton said1 t we   
c\ld n frame our lives by o!rs'         
exp]i5ces1 yet1 z a "y ,*ri/ian1 ,i felt
 refre%$ & /r5g!n$ by 8 words4  ,:5 ,i  
said some?+ ( ?is sort to him1 he smil$4
  ',y h n suff]$ by ! lonel9ess ( y\r   
position1 ,miss ,?orn2 x has only br\ght
 y to "k ,*ri/ m intimately1 & to lean  
^u ,him h>d]4  ,i h se5 a good deal ( "y
 ,*ri/ians p9n+ _! fai? to a human be+3 
9 "s cases a fri5d :o has be5 ! means ( 
_! conv]sion1 or a fav\rite prea*]4  ,x 
is natural1 b ,satan (t5 uses x z a     
sn>e4  ,! ,ma/] is n appeal$ to s (t5 z 
! fri5d4  ,he s9ks into ! backgr\nd1 &  
:5 ! fri5d is remov$ !y feel utt]ly     
/r&$1 & 9 "s cases fall back 9 _!       
,*ri/ian life4'  ,:5 we rea*$ ! h\se1 we
 f\nd e "o 9 ! draw+-room at tea4  ,miss
 ,will\ghby 0 9 high spirits4  ,%e 0    
organiz+ "s tableaux t ! ,=sy?s 7 try+  

to get up1 & 0 press+ e "o into h]      
s]vice4  ',n[1 ,hilda ,?orn1' %e said   
laugh+ly1 z ,i ent]$ ! room1 ',i am go+ 
to ask y a great fav\r4  ,don't purse up
 t little m\? ( y\rs 9 anticipation4  ,x
 is no?+ s9ful1 ^u my hon\r x is n4'    
',y %all n torm5t h] till %e has _h a   
cup ( tea1' said ,nelly good-natur$ly4  
',come & sit d[n by me1 ,hilda4'  ',w y 
give h] pl5ty ( sug> !n1 please1 ,mrs4  
,=sy?8' ,miss ,will\ghby pursu$2 ',i    
want h] temp] sweet5$4'  ',i don't ?9k  
%e possesses a temp]1' put 9 ,k5ne?4    
',i "k = a fact t ,i (t5 lose m9e 9 try+
 to make h] lose h]s6'  ',if %e nev]    
loses x1 %e mu/ h x 9 h] possession1'   
said ,miss ,will\ghby drily2 & e "o     
laugh$4  ',:at is x y want8' ,i ask$ a  
few mom5ts aft]1 hav+ dispos$ ( my tea4 
',j at pres5t we want a little soo?+4   
,!re is an ea/ w9d to-day1 & n be+ a    
piece ( p]fection l y\rself1 ,i feel on 
edge6  ,i h n be5 treat$ well4  ,i _h my
 eye on ,mr4 ,/anton = ,k+ ,ar?ur1 &    
,hugh tells me !y are d9+ 9 t[n on !    

#f?1 :i* is ! date we h fix$4  ,i       
suspect !y h arrang$ x betwe5 !m4  ,!n  
,con/ance & ,i want to pose = ! same "*2
 %e ?9ks %e is bett] suit$ to x ?an ,i1 
& %e likes h] own way4  ,i ?9k !        
contr>y1 & ,i l m9e4  ,& ! fact is t    
,i've be5 told t y are a great          
viol9i/--,music ha? p[] to soo! ! savage
 brea/4  ,w y d u ! fav\r ( play+ to u  
n[8  ,we %all feel m peaceably dispos$  
t[>ds ea* o!r aft]w>ds1 ,i "k4'  ,i     
will+ly compli$1 & play$ "o ?+ aft]     
ano!r4  ,:5 ,i put d[n my viol91 ,i saw 
,miss ,will\ghby give an approv+ nod    
t[>ds ,mrs4 ,=sy?1 & !n %e said1 ',?ank 
y--t is a great treat4 ,n[ ,i feel at   
peace ) all mank9d2 d y8'  ',i ?9k ,i   
g5]ally d1' ,i repli$4  ',well1 n[1 :at 
,i want to ask y is ?is1--& ,i am sure y
 w n be s ill-natur$ z to refuse1--w\ld 
y m9d play+ a little l t j beh9d a scre5
 = u8  ,y won't be se5 at all1 & no "o w
 "k :o x is4  ,nelly says y h scruples  
ab\t tak+ "p 9 tableaux2 b ( c\rse ?is  
c\ld n be an objection4'  ,miss         

,will\ghby dropp$ ! half-mock+ tone 9   
:i* %e usually address$ me1 & = an      
in/ant ,i felt ,i c\ld n refuse4  ,nelly
 saw my hesitation1 & took advantage (  
x4  ',d say ,yes1 ,hilda2 we want a     
viol91 & ,violet does play s atroci\sly2
 !re is no "o ab\t "h t c d x z well z  
y4  ,x w only be = ab\t t5 m9utes4'     
',:y d y want x8' ,i ask$4  ',i w tell  
y1' said ,k5ne?2 'we are to h "s mov+   
tableaux1 illu/rat+ c]ta9 pi?y say+s4   
,miss ,will\ghby has m5tion$ ! "o we    
want y =1--,music ha? *>ms1 etc4  ,i ?9k
 ,i am to pose z "o ( ! villa9s4  ,we   
are divid$ z to :e!r x is to be a duel  
or a cold-blood$ murd]2 b ,i "k my "p is
 to trans=m my face f t 9 :i* diabolical
 hatr$ & fi5di% rage is depict$1 into a 
gradual /ate ( simp]+1 smil+ imbecility1
 & ,i ?9k ! curta9 w fall ^u me & my    
rival lock$ 9 ea* o!r's arms1 %$d+      
maudl9 te>s ( love into our respective  
%irt-fronts6'  ',! moral is s awfully   
good1' urg$ ,nelly2 'd be oblig+ j ?is  
once1 ,hilda4'  ',( c\rse %e is go+ to d

 x1' said ,miss ,will\ghby4  ',i w give 
y an answ] to-morr[1' ,i said sl[ly1 &  
tak+ up my hat & cloak ,i left ! room4  
,x 0 h>d sometimes to keep cle> ( !     
gaiety ar\nd me1 & ?is 0 "o ( ! cases 9 
:i* ,i mu* wi%$ = advice4  ,i felt      
incl9$ to appeal to ,mr4 ,/anton2 he _h 
/ood a little ap>t f ! o!rs talk+ to    
,g5]al ,=sy?1 b ,i felt sure t he _h be5
 )9 e>%ot ( ! :ole conv]sation4  ,yet 8 
words t aft]noon came back to me4  ,i   
mu/ get my ord]s f my ,ma/]1 & n f him4 
,&1 z s (t5 be=e1 ,i w5t d[n on my knees
 9 my room1 & ) my ,bible be=e me s\ght 
! advice ,i ne$$4  ,i felt1 :5 ,i at    
l5g? rose1 t ,i 0 be/ out ( x altoge!r4 
,i knew my wi% to oblige !m & %[ !m t ,i
 _h no ill-feel+ ab\t x might l& me into
 fur!r difficulties4  ,x w\ld be ! ?9   
end ( ! w$ge4  ,& ?\gh ,i dread$ ! sc(f+
 rem>ks ( ,miss ,will\ghby1 & knew %e   
w\ld be really put out by my refusal1 my
 m9d 0 q made up1 & meet+ h] on ! /airs 
go+ d[n to d9n] two h\rs lat]1 ,i told  
h] ,i c\ld n d x4  ,%e only laugh$ at   

me4  ',nons5se1 *ild6 y w ?9k bett] ( x2
 don't be 9 su* a hurry to refuse4'     
,!n1 draw+ my arm )9 h]s1 %e w5t on 9 a 
coax+ tone z we desc5d$ ! /airs toge!r3 
',i h tak5 a lik+ to y1 ,hilda1 = ,i    
feel y h a true r+ ab\t y4  ,i am afraid
 ,i am a dreadful tease1 b ,i tell y    
hone/ly ,i admire & respect y\r religi\s
 views4  ,mu* bett] be "o ?+ or ! o!r--&
 !re is no unc]ta9 s\nd ab\t y4  ,b     
don't y ?9k x a pity 9 ! pres5t in/ance 
if1 9 y\r mi/ak5 zeal1 y w\ld lose !    
opportunity ( r5d]+ u a little s]vice1 &
 s comm5d+ y\r religion practically to  
u8  ,i 0 talk+ to a g5tleman ! o!r day  
:o said1 ,:at ,i object to s mu* 9 ^!   
s-call$ good p is _! extreme selfi%ness 
& indiff]5ce to ! likes & dislikes ( ^? 
) :om !y live2 good nature & ! ord9>y   
common little c\rtesies ( life seem     
altoge!r lack+ 9 _! composition4  ,?is  
isn't mu* we are ask+ ( y1 & ,i don't   
?9k y w refuse4  ,five m9utes only we   
want f y4  ,y ne$n't be pres5t at !     
tableaux at all2 p w ?9k x is "s hir$   

musician 9 ! backgr\nd1 & y c escape to 
y\r room imm$iately aft]w>ds4  ,if y    
refuse1 d y ?9k x w br+ cr$it on y\r    
religion8  ,x's ! only fav\r ,i h ev]   
ask$ ( y1 & x is su* a little k9dness to
 d4'  ,x 0 h>d1 9 ! face ( ?is1 to adh]e
 to my resolve4  ,if ,i _h n come       
/raight f pray]1 ,i don't believe ,i    
c\ld h )/ood h]4  ',i am afraid y w ?9k 
me v disagreeable1' ,i said z g5tly z ,i
 c\ld2 'b ,i h ?\ght ov] x1 & h made up 
my m9d t x is be/ = me n to take "p 9 ! 
tableaux at all4  ,i ?9k ) a little     
practice ,violet w d :at y require4'    
,miss ,will\ghby's face 0 n a pleasant  
"o to see :5 %e saw ,i really 0 9 e>ne/4
  ,%e dropp$ my arm at once1 & see+     
,k5ne? hov]+ ab\t 9 ! hall %e w5t up to 
him1 ',take me out into ! balcony2 ,i   
want a *ange ( atmosph]e4  ,y\r conv]t$ 
p are all alike4  ,a na/y1 spiteful1    
ill-natur$ set ( cant+ hypocrites6'     
',x's w> to ! knife betwe5 y two n[1'   
:isp]$ ,k5ne? to me z we w5t 9 to d9n]2 
'& ,i w>n y %e w give y no qu>t]4 ,%e is

 n accu/om$ to h h] plans ?w>t$4  ,y _h 
bett] give 96'  ,i wond]$ :y ,miss      
,will\ghby %\ld h set h] he>t s ^u my   
help+ !m2 b t night1 :5 ,i w5t to b$1 ,i
 0 enlight5$4  ,miss ,graham tapp$ at my
 door1 & ask$ if %e might come 9 = a few
 m9utes4  ,%e v (t5 _h a firelight talk 
) me at b$time4  ,i 0 n feel+ incl9$ = x
 n[1 = ,miss ,will\ghby1 ?\gh purposely 
ignor+ me 9 ! draw+-room aft] d9n]1 _h  
be5 lavi% ) h] bit+ s>casm on           
,*ri/ianity & "s ( its foll[]s4  ,mr4   
,/anton _h in/antly come =w>d1 ^u he>+  
"s ( h] rem>ks1 & 9 ! discussion t      
foll[$ %e _h be5 decid$ly wor/$4  ,mr4  
,/anton 0 n a man to be trifl$ )1 & he  
told h] "s v pla9 tru?s4  ,f gett+      
excit$1 %e f9ally lo/ h] temp]1 & ! ev5+
 _h end$ unpleasantly = u all4  ,i felt 
,i _h be5 ! innoc5t cause ( x1 & 0 too  
mu* p]turb$ 9 _s to reli% a long *at )  
,miss ,graham4  ,%e surpris$ me by      
allud+ at once to ! subject ( my ?\ghts4
 ',h y cons5t$ to play = !m at !        
tableaux8'  ',no1' ,i said a little     

we>ily z ,i sat d[n1 & drew a *air =w>d 
= h]4  ',i h told ,miss ,will\ghby ,i _c
 d x4'  ',is t y\r f9al decision8  ,does
 %e "k x is8'  ',yes1 & %e is v vex$    
ab\t x4'  ',( c\rse %e is4  ,my de>     
,hilda1 ,i am glad4  ,i ?9k ,i mu/ tell 
y n[ ab\t x4  ,%e is a clev] woman1 b n 
a good "o4  ,d y "k t x has be5 a regul>
 trap = y8  ,gov]nesses are n suppos$ to
 h e>s--& ye/]day ,i 0 giv+ ,violet a   
music lesson1 :5 %e & ,mr4 ,k5ne? &     
,miss ,=sy? came 94  ,!y w5t ov] to !   
w9d[ seat1 & !re began talk+ ov] ^!     
tableaux4  ,!y did n l[] _! voices1 & %e
 made a bet ) ,mr4 ,k5ne? t %e w\ld make
 y take "p 9 !m4  ,he laugh$ at h]1 b %e
 said %e 0 9 e>ne/1 & !n :5 he _h left !
 room %e prop\nd$ h] plan to ,con/ance4 
,if y _h agre$ to play = !m1--:i* %e    
said %e 0 pretty sure %e w\ld make y    
d1--%e 0 go+ to arrange t j be=e !      
curta9 fell ! scre5 %\ld be sudd5ly     
%ift$ f 9 front ( y1 & y w\ld !n be 9   
full view ( ! audi5ce4  ,y 71 9 fact1 to
 p]sonify ! girl = :om ! two rivals 7   

fight+4'  ',b1' ,i said1 q bewild]$1 ',i
 %\ld n h be5 dress$ = ! occasion4  ,h[ 
c\ld %e imag9e su* a plan w\ld succe$8' 
',x 0 all to be arrang$4  ,%e said y\r  
cream silk w\ld be j ! ?+1 & ,mr4 ,=sy? 
0 to tell y to we> x t night = d9n]4  ,i
 assure y ,miss ,will\ghby 0 q det]m9$ t
 %e %\ld succe$4  ,i am v glad %e has   
fail$1 = x w\ld be a %abby trick to play
 any "o1 & ,i 0 v vex$ t x %\ld be play$
 on y4'  ,i 0 sil5t4  ,miss ,graham's   
words 7 a revelation to me1 & ,i wond]$ 
:at ,i _h done to cause ,miss ,will\ghby
 to act s4  ,& ,i und]/ood h] ang] at   
hav+ _h h] plans s fru/rat$4  ,h[       
?ankful ,i 0 t ,i _h n yield$ to h]     
entreaties6  ,aft] a pause1 ,miss       
,graham said1 ',y mu/ h a wond]ful grip 
( unse5 ?+s1 ,hilda1 to live y\r life "h
 s *e]ily & brightly1 :5 y h su* con/ant
 difficulties & disagreeables aris+     
betwe5 y & ! girls4'  ,i look$ up at h]4
  ',x is a happy life1 ,miss ,graham1 & 
no circum/ances c ev] make x o!rwise4'  
,%e leant =w>d 9 ! firelight1 &1 tak+ "o

 ( my h&s 9 h]s1 said r brok5ly1 ) te>s 
gli/5+ 9 h] eyes1--  ',i h want$ to tell
 y--,i mu/ to-night2 ,i ?9k x w *e] y to
 "k t ,i h f\nd :at y h4  ,d y rememb]  
^? few words y said to me 9 ! wood soon 
aft] y fir/ came8  ,i c\ld nev] =get !m4
  ,& ,i 0 tr\bl$ = long aft]w>ds4  ,b ,i
 see x all s diff]5tly n[2 salvation is 
n to be e>n$1 z y said to me1 b to be   
receiv$4  ,& ,i ?9k :5 "o receives      
salvation1 "o receives ! ,giv] ) x4  ,i 
"k ,i h f\nd x s--x does inde$ make life
 diff]5t4'  ',oh1 ,miss ,graham1 ,i am s
 glad6' ,i said1 &1 unable to *eck      
myself1 ,i bur/ into te>s4  ,i ?9k ,i 0 
ov]wr\ght1 & ?is com+ on ! top ( my o!r 
tr\ble1 prov$ too mu* = me4  ',h[ long h
 y--h y kn[n ?is8' ,i ask$1 & 9 !       
fulness ( my he>t ,i leant ov] & kiss$  
h]4  ',i don't "k1' %e said ) a smile2  
',i h be5 seek+ = x on my knees & ) my  
,bible night aft] night4  ,sometimes ,i 
fanci$ ,i _h ! assurance ( x1 & !n x    
seem$ to leave me4  ,i ?9k :5 y 7 at    
,miss ,rayn]'s ,i seem$ to d\bt less &  

tru/ m4  ,& n[ ,i don't ?9k ,i h a d\bt 
at all4  ,i am /ak+ my assurance on     
v]ses l ,john vi4 #cg4  ,x 0 see+ y live
 y\r life "h t %[$ me y mu/ h ! real ?+1
 & made me long to h x too4'  ,%e left  
me soon aft]1 & ,i sat on by my fire )  
sil5t ?anks 9 my he>t = ?is news4  ,god 
_h inde$ be5 good to me1 & ,i felt      
especially grateful t ,i _h be5 s5t su* 
com=t & *e] aft] a r try+ ev5+4         
,,*apt] ,,xiii  ,,tak5 ,,home    ',b ,i 
l to ?9k ( him pass+1   ,l a cle> e>ly  
/>1   ,into t quiet region 4 4 4   ,i l 
to ?9k ( 8 little feet   ,climb+ !      
heav5ly /air1   ,( 8 eyes 9 _! wond]+   
meekness   ,wak+ to glory !re4'   ,!    
next morn+ ,i 0 out 9 ! g>d5 pick+ a few
 late *rysan!mums1 :5 ,mr4 ,/anton pass$
 by me4  ,he /opp$ = a mom5t4  ',:at    
answ] h y giv5 ab\t ! tableaux8' he     
ask$1 ) a smile4  ',i h decl9$ to play1'
 ,i said4  ',i told ,miss ,will\ghby s  
ye/]day ev5+ be=e d9n]4'  ,he look$ away
 ?\ghtfully into ! di/ance1 & !n said   
quietly1 ',t acc\nt$ = h] vexation la/  

night4  ,i wond]$ :y %e 0 s bitt]4      
,poor girl6 "o feels sorry = a life l   
t4'  ,!n look+ at me r int5tly1 he ask$1
 ',is ! viol9 consecrat$ to ,god1 ,miss 
,?orn8'  ',i don't "k1' ,i /amm]$2 ',i  
hope s1 b ,i don't keep x = sacr$ music 
only4  ,i play to !m :5 !y want me to4  
,is t wrong8 ,surely n6  ,& ,i love x s 
myself2 x seems to raise my ?\ghts      
heav5w>ds4  ,d y ?9k ,i ought to play   
no?+ b hymns on x8'  ,he laugh$4  ',no1 
,i d n2 & if ,i did1 y ought n to take  
my words z a lead+ to y4  ,= myself1 ,i 
believe t music is a gift entru/$ to u  
by our ,fa!r1 & if we give innoc5t      
pleasure to o!rs by our tal5t we are n  
us+ x 9 va94  ,only ,i ?9k y 7 wise 9   
keep+ cle> ( ! tableaux4  ,if y m+le 9  
"o ?+1 y mu/ 9 ano!r1 & a ,*ri/ian has  
to walk v c>efully if he wi%es to       
pres]ve unbrok5 communion ) 8 ,god4'    
,he said no m1 & left me4  ,z ,i came   
into our morn+ room a little "t aft]1 ,i
 he>d ,miss ,will\ghby's animat$        
voice1--  ',i %\ld l to cle> !m bo? out 

( ! h\se4  ,he is ! lea/ objectionable1 
z he c be ent]ta9+ :5 he *ooses1 b ,i   
c't imag9e :y %e %\ld take up h] abode  
"h4  ,x is n a "q ( *>ity4'  ,"h %e     
notic$ my entrance1 b calmly w5t on     
talk+ to ,con/ance z if ,i 7 n !re4     
',let h] take h]self (f to "s nurs+     
,si/]hood or slum "w 9 ! ,ea/ ( ,london4
  ,i hate a half-&-half k9d ( p]son4    
,if !y are too good to live our life &  
m+le 9 our society1 let !m take up a    
religi\s vocation1 in/ead ( be+ a       
p]petual s\rce ( annoyance & aggravation
 to ^? !y are )4'  ,con/ance gave a     
slight laugh1 !n *ang$ ! conv]sation4   
,i put my fl[]s 9 wat]1 !n left ! room  
)\t a ^w4  ,i f\nd ,k5ne?'s words v     
true4  ,miss ,will\ghby c\ld n =give me1
 & ,i 0 con/antly rem9d$ ( h] dislike to
 my pres5ce4  ,con/ance sid$ ) h]2 %e _h
 nev] lik$ me1 & ,nelly1 ?\gh n[ & !n   
w>m 9 my def5ce1 seem$ to be a little   
afraid ( disagree+ ) h]1 & r kept out ( 
my way :5 h] c\s9 0 ne>4  ,x 0 try+ to  
be> & h] words n[ set me ?9k+1 z ,i _h  

sometimes ?\ght be=e4  ,%\ld ,i be wis] 
to leave ! ,=sy?s1 & g into "w ( "s sort
 t w\ld be m cong5ial8  ,if my pres5ce 9
 ! h\se 0 a trial to !m1 :y %\ld ,i n   
relieve !m ( x8  ,& yet at pres5t ,i    
h>dly saw ! way pla9 be=e me4  ',dwell  
deep1' ,i said to myself4  ',miss       
,will\ghby w n be "h always1 & ,i h _h !
 *e] ( ,miss ,graham4  ,i h mu* to be   
?ankful =4'  ,x 0 inde$ a com=t to me to
 be able to talk ov] ?+s ) ,miss        
,graham4  ,we began hav+ a little ,bible
 read+ & pray] toge!r at night1 & x     
refre%$ & /r5g!n$ u bo?4  ,%e seem$ to h
 tak5 su* a firm hold ( ! tru?1 & to h  
su* a fre%ness 9 h] enjoym5t ( h]       
,bible1 t x did me good to he> h] talk4 
,n[ & !n1 too1 ,i enjoy$ a few words )  
,mr4 ,/anton1 b n v (t54  ,he & ,hugh 7 
mu* up 9 t[n1 & he 0 v busy writ+ "s    
sci5tific book 9 :i* ,hugh 0 help+4     
,once ,hugh _h ask$ me to g 9 & play on 
my viol9 to !m 9 ! dusk be=e d9n]2 b    
,mrs4 ,=sy? _h told me aft]w>ds %e w\ld 
r ,i did n d x aga91 & ,i took c>e n to 

repeat x4  ,i 0 left v mu* to myself    
:ile ! prep>ations = ! tableaux 7 go+   
on1 & :5 ! night came ,i f\nd t ,mrs4   
,=sy? _h no objection to my hav+ a      
s*oolroom tea ) ,violet & ,miss ,graham1
 & s keep+ out ( ! way ( x all4  ,violet
 0 all[$ 9 to see !m1 b ,miss ,graham   
did n c>e to g1 & %e & ,i sp5t a v      
pleasant ev5+ toge!r4 ,miss ,will\ghby &
 h] bro!r left a few days aft]2 b up to 
! la/ day %e 0 unsp>+ 9 h] comm5ts &    
gibes on ev]y?+ s]i\s4  ,%e 0 ridicul+  
me on ! morn+ ( ! day %e left1 :5 we 7  
ga!r$ r\nd ! draw+-room fire j be=e     
lun*eon4 ,i c\ld n well make my escape1 
s bore x z quietly z ,i c\ld2 b to my   
surprise ,k5ne? turn$ ^u h]4  ',n[ look 
"h1 ,flor5ce1' he said1 'y h _h x all   
y\r own way s9ce ,goody made y lose y\r 
bet2 don't y ?9k y c "p f h] 9 peace8   
,%e has /ood y\r fire well4  ,i l to see
 fair play1 & ,i ?9k y h _h y\r inn+s4  
,^u my ^w1 ,i give h] a good dose on    
occasions1 j to keep h] f gett+ too     
uppi% & try+ to ride x ) a high h& ov]  

u2 b y beat me altoge!r6'  ,miss        
,will\ghby laugh$ a little scornfully1 b
 %e took ! h9t1 & :5 %e said good-bye h]
 bett] nature ov]came h]4  ',well1 we w 
"p z fri5ds1 ,miss ,?orn4  ,y\r face is 
! be/ "p ( y2 y\r views are odi\s1 b no 
d\bt y mean well4  ,i be> no malice2 d  
y8'  ',no1' ,i said1 look+ up at h]     
gravely2 'b ,i d wi% y und]/ood my      
motives bett]4'  ,%e laugh$ & turn$     
away1 & s we p>t$4  ,i f\nd ev]y?+ easi]
 aft] h] dep>ture4  ,"o ev5+ we 7 j go+ 
9 to d9n]1 :5 "o ( ! s]vants came up to 
me4  ',if y please1 miss1 a message has 
come f ! village t ,jim ,c>t] is ill1 & 
wants to see y at once4'  ,i knew ! boy 
_h be5 poorly1 = two days be=e ,i _h    
f\nd him 9 b$ ) a bad sore ?roat1 & we  
_h _h to po/pone ! read+ lesson4  ,8    
uncle said x 0 a cold1 b ,i _h ?\ght !n 
x 0 a sev]e "o4  ,i turn$ to ask ,mrs4  
,=sy? if %e w\ld excuse my com+ 9 to    
d9n]1 b %e w\ld n he> ( ?is4  ',x is    
great imp]t95ce to s5d up at our d9n]   
h\r ) su* a reque/4  ,i _c agree to y\r 

runn+ d[n to ! village z late z ?is4  ,!
 boy mu/ wait till to-morr[4'  ',oh1 let
 me j run d[n aft] d9n]1 !n6' ,i plead$4
  ',i am afraid he mu/ really be v ill4'
  ',:at is ! matt] ) him8  ,if x is     
any?+ infecti\s1 y mu/ n g ne> him4'    
',i ?9k x is a bad cold4'  ',come 9 to  
d9n] at once4  ,we _c keep e "o wait+4' 
,i obey$1 b 0 v sil5t ?r\gh ! meal4  ,my
 ?\ghts 7 ) ,jim1 & ,i long$ to be )    
him4  ,hugh1 :o 0 sitt+ next me1 ask$ :y
 ,i 0 s grave4  ,:5 ,i told him1 he     
said1 ',i am go+ out = a smoke aft]     
d9n]1 s ,i w take y if y l4  ,! "m won't
 h any objection !n1 ,i fancy4'  ,i     
?ank$ him1 & ,mrs4 ,=sy? giv+ h] cons5t1
 an h\r lat] we left ! h\se toge!r4  ,z 
we 7 walk+ d[n ! lane1 ,hugh said       
abruptly1 ',h[ d y l ,/anton8'  ',v     
mu*1' ,i said2 'is he go+ to /ay mu*    
long]8'  ',i h j p]suad$ him to /ay ov] 
,*ri/mas4  ,he has no belong+s ( 8 own1 
& ,i fancy f9ds 8 c\ntry h\se r dre>y4' 
',i wond] he doesn't m>ry4'  ,hugh look$
 at me r curi\sly1 !n said1 ',he is too 

p>ticul>4 ,y good p are h>d to please6' 
',h y kn[n him long8'  ',no1 ,i 0       
introduc$ to him la/ spr+ 9 t[n2 b we h 
se5 a good bit ( ea* o!r s9ce4  ,he is  
"o ( ! few ,i "k :o reconcile sci5ce &  
religion toge!r4  ,& ,i w ackn[l$ge he  
has made me *ange "s ( my op9ions ab\t  
^? matt]s4  ,he is r a big man 9 !      
lit]>y _w4'  ',i am always ?ankful :5   
clev] m5 are true ,*ri/ians1' ,i said2  
's _m p ?9k t ! two c nev] co-exi/4'    
,:5 we rea*$ ,jim's home1 ,hugh said he 
w\ld wait outside = me4  ,i f\nd old    
,rog] sitt+ by ! boy's b$1 ) real tr\ble
 9 8 face4  ,jim himself lay back almo/ 
motionless1 except = a slight movem5t ( 
8 lips4  ,at ! bottom ( 8 small b$      
little ,roddy 0 p]*$1 8 r\nd eyes look+ 
full ( int]e/ & curiosity1 & ,roddy's "m
 0 bu/l+ ab\t1 e n[ & !n putt+ h] apron 
to h] eyes4  ,i b5t ov] ,jim1 & call$   
him by "n4  ,he op5$ 8 eyes1 & smil$    
feebly2 !n ,i caught ! murmur$ words1   
',read me ab\t ! city4'  ',he's v ill1' 
:isp]$ old ,rog] to me2 'an' we c't get 

no doctor--b we've s5t = 'un n[4  ,i    
?\ght ,i c\ld a doctor$ him myself2 b   
x's no good4  ,he's 'ad no food =       
f\r-&-tw5ty h\rs4'  ',x's inflammation (
 ! ?roat or w9dpipe1 ,i ?9k1' put 9     
,roddy's "m4  ',i only knew he 0 s bad  
to-day1 or ,i'd h be5 up soon]4'  ,!    
sick boy's eyes look$ at me wi/fully1 & 
aga9 ,i caught ! words1 ',! city--,i ?9k
 ,i'm go+ !re4'  ,i turn$ to my little  
,bible1 :i* ,i _h br\ght ) me1 & read a 
few v]ses f ! sev5? & two la/ *apt]s 9  
,revelation4  ,8 eyes bright5$2 he      
repeat$ sl[ly & ) great difficulty1     
',wa%$--made :ite 9 ! blood ( ! ,lamb4' 
',yes1' ,i said g5tly1 z ,i laid my h&  
on 8 fev]$ br[2 '& y h be5 wa%$1 h y n1 
,jim8'  ,he nodd$2 & "h little ,roddy   
bur/ =? eag]ly1 ',is ,jim go9' to       
heav58'  ',we don't "k1' ,i said2 'b he 
is q ready to g if ,jesus wants him4'   
',:at "t w he get !re8' dem&$ ,roddy4   
',w he get !re to-morr[ day8'  ,8 "m    
hu%$ him1 & !n old ,rog] ask$ me to pray
 ) !m1 :i* ,i did z simply z ,i c\ld1 = 

,i saw ,jim's eyes foll[+ my e movem5t1 
& knew he 0 q consci\s4  ',i ?9k ,i w   
take ,roddy home to b$1 & /ep up aga91' 
said ,mrs4 ,walt]s1 'if y're s good z to
 /ay "h ) ! old man1 miss4 ,! doctor    
won't be long n[1 ,i'm ?9k9'4'  ,roddy  
/\tly resi/$ be+ tak5 away at fir/4  ',i
 wants to see ,jim g4  ,i wants to see !
 angels come = him6'  ,:5 he 0 f9ally   
pacifi$1 & ab\t to be l$ away1 he trott$
 up to ,jim1 & putt+ 8 rosy m\? aga9/ 8 
*eek1 said 9 a l\d :isp]1 ',i s5ds my   
love to ,jesus1 ,jim4  ,w y 'memb]8'  ,&
 :5 ,jim smil$ & nodd$1 he dep>t$ ) 8   
"m1 look+ back ) a %9+ face to say1--   
',good-bye1 ,jim4  ,y s5d me a po/ lett]
 :5 y get to heav51 l uncle does to "m6'
  ,i sat on quietly = a little :ile1 )  
,jim's hot h& clasp$ 9 m9e1 repeat+ "s  
v]ses to him1 & !n ! doctor arriv$1 &   
,hugh put 8 head 9 r impati5tly at !    
door4  ,jim w\ld n leave g ( my h& at   
fir/1 b ! doctor r r\ghly put me aside4 
',nev] b5d ov] a sick p]son s1' he said 
to me2 'especially if x's a case ( a bad

 ?roat4'  ,i w5t to ! door to ,hugh4    
',i am s sorry1' ,i said1 'b ,i promis$ 
,mrs4 ,walt]s to /ay till %e return$1 & 
,i %\ld l to he> :at ! doctor says4     
,w\ld y m9d wait+ a %ort "t long]8'  ,he
 grumbl$ a little1 b all[$ me t5 m9utes 
m4  ,! doctor did n /ay v long1 & !n he 
came to me ) a grave face4  ',!re is    
no?+ to be done = him n[1' he said2 'x  
is too late4  ,i don't want to al>m y1 b
 x is diph!ria4  ,if ,i _h be5 call$ 9  
e>li]1 ,i might h sav$ him4  ,y _h bett]
 n /ay4  ,i d\bt if ! poor lad w la/    
?r\gh ! night4  ,is !re any "o besides  
?is old man8'  ',a neighb\r is com+ back
 directly1' ,i answ]$1 my he>t s9k+ )9  
me at ! tid+s4  ',y w j let me wi% him  
good-bye8'  ',if y h be5 ) him mu*      
already x w n matt]4  ,n too close to   
him1 please4'  ,i /ood at ! bottom ( !  
b$1 & ,jim's eyes at once s\ght m9e     
que/ion+ly4  ,i tri$ to smile4  ',i     
mu/n't /ay1 ,jim2 y are 9 ! arms (      
,jesus1 rememb]4  ,good-bye4'  ,8 lips  
mov$1 b ,i c\ld cat* no s\nd2 only a    

fa9t smile cross$ 8 face1 & ,i turn$ to 
! door to hide ! te>s already spr++ to  
my eyes4  ,i _h se5 a great deal ( ,jim 
lately1 & our read+ lessons _h drawn u v
 close toge!r4  ,he seem$ to h grasp$ ! 
tru? z a little *ild1 & ,i _h no fe>s   
ab\t 8 be+ "o ( ! ,"l's flock4  ,mrs4   
,walt]s ent]$ ! h\se directly aft] ,i _h
 left ,jim4  ,%e 0 v conc]n$ :5 %e le>nt
 :at x 01 & anxi\s ab\t ,roddy1 b       
promis$ to /ay all night4  ,"o ^w ,i _h 
) old ,rog] be=e ,i left4  ',ah6' he    
said1 ) a %ake ( 8 head1 9 response to !
 bit ( com=t ,i tri$ to give him2 ',i   
might a kn[n ! boy w\ld be tak54 ,he has
 be5 gett9' s fond ( spell9' out ( my   
big ,bible lately1 & mo/ly 8 talk has   
be5 ( heav51 & ! beautiful city1 z he   
calls x4  ,well1 ! ,"l wants him1 & ,i'm
 n ! "o to say naught aga9/ ! ,"l's     
deal9's4  ,he's allays m]ciful1 ! ,"l   
is1 & maybe my "t w be com9' soon4'  ,:5
 ,i jo9$ ,hugh outside ,i f\nd ,mr4     
,/anton ) him4  ,he told me ,mrs4 ,=sy? 
0 gett+ anxi\s at my long /ay1 & wi%$ me

 to return imm$iately4  ,he _h volunte]$
 to come d[n ) ! message4  ,i told !m a 
little ab\t ,jim1 b my he>t 0 too full  
to say mu*1 & we walk$ home v sil5tly4  
,j z we 7 rea*+ ! hall door1 ,hugh      
happ5$ to ask :at 0 ! matt] ) him1 & :5 
,i told him1 bo? he & ,mr4 ,/anton look$
 mu* conc]n$4  ,mrs4 ,=sy? 0 really     
angry :5 %e knew4  ',i wi% ,i _h prev5t$
 y\r go+ altoge!r4  ,i c't conceive :at 
made y /ay su* a "t ) him2 x 0 mo/      
inconsid]ate ( y4 ,i wi% y _h nev] tak5 
up ) ^! village boys2 x is a con/ant    
anxiety to me t y may br+ back infecti\s
 diseases f _! homes4'  ,i told h] h[ x 
0 ,i _h /ay$ s long1 & !n ask$ to be    
excus$ com+ into ! draw+-room t ev5+4   
,i want$ to be alone2 x _h all seem$ s  
sudd5 & unexpect$ t ,i c\ld h>dly       
realize x4  ,e>ly ! next morn+ ! village
 *ur* bell began to toll1 & ,i knew t my
 elde/ s*ol> _h gone home4  ,x 0 a real 
grief to me1 & yet = 8 sake ,i c\ld n   
regret x4  ,h[ ?ankful ,i 0 n[ t ,i _h  
tak5 him into my ,sunday class1 9 spite 

( 8 age6  ,x seem$ z if x 0 a special   
bit ( "w t ,god ,himself _h giv5 me1 &  
,i ?ank$ ,him = x on my knees 9 ! mid/ (
 my te>s4  ,i he>d aft]w>ds t he _h n   
spok5 to any "o aft]w>ds1 or tak5 !     
slighte/ notice ( any?+1 b _h pass$     
peacefully away ab\t f\r o'clock 9 !    
morn+4  ,roddy rem>k$ *e]fully1 :5 he   
he>d x1 ',jim w be glad n[1 won't he1   
"m8  ,i wi% ! angels w\ld come = me1    
too6'     ,,*apt] ,,xiv  ,,woo$ ,,&     
,,won    ',belov$6 let u love s well1   
our "w %all       /ill be bett] = our   
love1   ,& /ill our love be sweet] = our
 "w2   ,& bo? comm5d$ = ! sake ( ea*1   
,by all true work]s1 & true lov]s       
born4'--,e4 ,b4 ,br[n+4   ,x seem$ z if 
,roddy's wi% might be realiz$1 = two    
days aft] he sick5$ ) ! same compla9t4  
,mrs4 ,=sy? w\ld n he> ( my go+ ne> him1
 & ,i _h to be cont5t ) news f "t to "t 
?r\gh ! diff]5t villag]s4  ,i 0 n anxi\s
 ab\t myself1 b ,i did n feel well1 & :5
 my ?roat began to pa9 me ,i felt pretty
 sure t ,i 0 go+ to h x1 too4  ,i 0     

m$itat+ :e!r ,i %\ld tell ,mrs4 ,=sy? "o
 aft]noon1 z ,i sat by ! morn+-room     
fire1 :5 ,nelly & ,k5ne? came 9 f a walk
 gl[+ ) heal? & spirits4  ',n[1' said   
,k5ne?1 ?r[+ himself full l5g? on ! s(a1
 'we are v tir$1 & want a re/4  ,get y\r
 fiddle & play to u 9 ! gloam+1 ,goody6'
  ,i did n feel mu* 9 ! mood = x1 b ,i  
?\ght x w\ld take (f my ?\ghts f myself1
 s ,i began to play4  ,& 9 ! firelight1 
) ! flick]+ %ad[s ov] ! room1 ,i lo/ all
 s5se ( my audi5ce4  ,i seem$ to see !  
gold5 gates ( ! ,beautiful ,city1 & ,jim
 beckon+ to bo? ,roddy & myself4  ',!   
,lamb :i* is 9 ! mid/ ( ! ?rone %all fe$
 !m1 & %all lead !m unto liv+ f\nta9s ( 
wat]s1 & ,god %all wipe away all te>s f 
_! eyes4'  ,^! words came to me ) a fre%
 realization ( _! beauty4  ,:5 ,i /opp$ 
play+1 ,nelly 0 reg>d+ me ) r\nd op5    
eyes1 & ,k5ne? took me q aback by say+1 
) cool delib]ation1 ',!re are mom5ts1   
,goody ,two-,%oes1 :5 y & y\r fiddle are
 be=e my eyes1 t ,i ?9k ,i %\ld l to    
m>ry y & take y away ) me some:]e :]e y 

%\ld *>m me ) ^? /ra9s cont9ually4      
,don't look s fright5$4  ,we und]/& ea* 
o!r4  ,i "k y w\ldn't dream ( hav+ me1 s
 ,i am nev] go+ to ask y4 ,y h c]ta9ly a
 fit ( inspiration on y to-night4  ,i   
don't ?9k ,i h ev] he>d y play bett]4'  
',miss ,?orn has tir$ h]self ,i ?9k1'   
said a voice ne> ! door2 & look+ r\nd1  
,i saw t ,mr4 ,/anton _h be5 an unse5   
li/5]4  ,i sat d[n 9 my *air by ! fire4 
',i am tir$1' ,i said4  ',i ?9k ,i %all 
g to b$1 ,nelly4'  ,in/antly ,mr4       
,/anton came =w>d & gave me 8 arm4  ',y 
are trembl+ all ov]1' he said v g5tly2  
'lean on me4  ,i am afraid x is y\r     
?roat4'  ,i look$ up at him4  ',yes1' ,i
 said4  ',w y ask ,mrs4 ,=sy? to come to
 me8  ,i am s sorry to give h] !        
anxiety1 b ,i am afraid ,i am go+ to be 
ill4'  ,!re 0 a /range look 9 8 eyes z 8
 glance met m9e--a look t haunt$ me     
?r\gh h\rs ( we>9ess & pa9 aft]w>ds4  ,x
 seem$ s full ( t5d] conc]n & anxiety2 b
 all he said 0 9 a l[ tone z we left !  
room toge!r1 ',! et]nal ,god is ?y      

refuge1 & und]nea? are ! ev]la/+ arms4' 
,nelly came ) me to my room1 & 9 a v few
 mom5ts h] "m foll[$4  ,i fe>$ :at ,mrs4
 ,=sy? might say1 & began half apologis+
 = ! tr\ble ,i might give h]2 b %e cut  
me %ort1 & no?+ c\ld h be5 k9d] or m    
re/ful ?an h] words4  ,%e told ,nelly to
 leave ! room1 help$ me to b$ h]self1   
say+1 ',don't talk or worry y\rself1    
*ild4  ,i h s5t = ! doctor4  ,x may be a
 v slight attack1 & ! quiet] y keep !   
bett]4  ,!re is no?+ = y to be anxi\s   
ab\t4  ,i %all s5d my maid to y         
pres5tly2 %e is v good 9 sickness4  ,n[ 
lie /ill1 & don't talk to any "o4  ,i   
only wi% y _h told me y 7 n feel+ well  
be=e4'  ,! next week or t5 days seem$ l 
a dream2 ,i h>dly knew h[ ill ,i 0 till 
aft]w>ds2 b !y _h fe>$ at "o "t t ,i    
w\ld n pull ?r\gh4  ,! v]se t ,mr4      
,/anton gave me kept runn+ ?r\gh my head
 z a cont9ual refra93 ',und]nea? are !  
ev]la/+ arms4' ,& ,i f\nd x a wond]ful  
pill[ to re/ ^u4  ,z ,i gradually       
recov]$ my heal? & /r5g?1 ,i 0 a/oni%$  

at ! extreme k9dness ( all 9 ! h\se4    
,my room 0 suppli$ ) fre% fl[]s e day1 &
 all v>ieties ( books & magaz9es 7      
con/antly mak+ _! appe>ance4  ,mrs4     
,=sy? 0 9 & out ( my room ! :ole "t1    
?\gh %e w\ld n all[ h] daught]s to come 
ne> me1 & no?+ c\ld h exce$$ h] k9dness 
& att5tion4  ',h[ is ,roddy8' 0 "o ( !  
fir/ que/ions ,i ask$4  ,lyle1 ,mrs4    
,=sy?'s maid1 answ]$ me4  ',he is gett+ 
well1 miss4 ,8 "m has be5 9 a sore /ate 
( fright ab\t him1 b ! doctor 0 hopeful 
ab\t him f ! fir/4'  ,:5 ,*ri/mas ,day  
came1 x f\nd me /ill 9 my room2 b on    
,new ,ye>'s ,day ,i made my fir/        
appe>ance d[n/airs4  ,i 0 surpris$ to   
f9d h[ weak ,i felt1 & 0 glad to re/ on 
! c\* :i* ,k5ne? :eel$ up t[>ds ! fire 9
 ! draw+-room = me4  ',we h miss$ y v   
mu*1' said ,k5ne?1 ) a tw9kle 9 8 eye t 
inv>iably came !re :5 he spoke to me2   
',i fell to qu>rell+ ) ,nell f lack (   
occupation2 %e doesn't /& fire l y6     
,hav5't y miss$ me8  ,i am sure y mu/   
h4'  ',i don't ?9k ,i h ?\ght ( y once1'

 ,i repli$ ) tru?4  ',& :o d y ?9k s5t y
 ^? beautiful fl[]s e day if ,i did n8' 
',i don't ?9k x 0 y1' ,i said decid$ly4 
,he laugh$1 & ,nelly put 91 ',( c\rse he
 didn't4  ,mr4 ,/anton 0 con/antly br++ 
"s back f ,london1 if he fail$ to coax  
old ,br[n to cut him "s f ! h\ses4  ,i  
?9k he has be5 ! mo/ att5tive "o all    
?r\gh6'  ',( c\rse he has4  ,i ?9k he 0 
long+ to g 9 & read ! ,bible to y1 if ! 
"m _h let him4  ,m9i/ration ( ! sick1   
don't y call x8  ,he w be v att5tive    
yet1 ,i assure y4  ,we "k ! way ! w9d   
lies1 don't we1 ,nell8'  ',i "k ?is1 t y
 are n go+ to bully ,hilda ! v fir/ day 
%e comes d[n4'  ,k5ne? turn$ away ) 8 l[
 *uckle1 & ,nelly came up1 & sitt+ d[n  
by me1 put h] h& on m9e c>ess+ly4  ',y  
look z :ite & fragile z a piece ( *9a1  
,hilda4  ,i am s glad y are bett]4  ,y  
don't "k h[ we h miss$ y1 & :5 ,i ?\ght 
we 7 go+ to lose y altoge!r ,i 0        
mis]able4  ,i ?\ght ov] all ! na/y ?+s  
we _h said to y1 & h[ y _h borne x l an 
angel1 & !n ,i ?\ght y 7 go+ to be tak5 

away because y 7 too good = u1 & ,i 0   
wret*$6'  ,h] eyes 7 full ( te>s4  ,%e  
add$ impulsively1 ',i pray$ t y might be
 sp>$ to u4  ,i promis$ ,god ,i w\ld    
turn ov] a new leaf & be m s]i\s1 & ,i  
want to keep t promise4  ,y w help me1 w
 y n8  ,i s (t5 wi% ,i 0 m l y6'  ',de> 
,nelly1' ,i said1 te>s com+ to my own   
eyes1 ',i w d :at ,i c to help y4  ,i "k
 y w nev] regret x if y d keep t        
promise6'  ,m we c\ld n say !n1 = o!rs  
came up1 ,mr4 ,/anton among/ !m4  ,he   
smil$ z he took my h&4  ',welcome back1 
,miss ,?orn4  ,are y glad to be among/ u
 aga98'  ',yes1' ,i said1 look+ up at   
him1 ',i ?9k ,i am1 ?\gh at "o "t ,i    
?\ght ,i %\ld l to g4  ,i did n ?9k ,i  
w\ld be miss$4'  ,he did n answ] = a    
m9ute1 !n he said 9 a l[ voice1 ',i ?9k 
! ,"l has m "w = y to d yet 9 ?is corn] 
( ,8 v9ey>d4'  ,i ?\ght ( ,nelly1 &     
wond]$ if t 0 to be my "w4  ,h[ (t5 ,i  
_h pray$ t %e might h ! desire giv5 to  
h] to be diff]5t6  ,%e _h always appe>$ 
s p]fectly cont5t ) h] life1 t ,i wond]$

 if any?+ w\ld ev] conv9ce h] ( its     
empt9ess4  ,i saw a great deal ( ,mr4   
,/anton dur+ my convalesc5ce2 he w\ld   
sometimes come into ! morn+-room :]e    
,nelly & ,i sp5t mo/ ( our "t1 & br+ me 
a book or pap] to read1 (t5 sitt+ d[n & 
read+ x himself to u4  ,& ,i soon lo/   
all s5se ( con/ra9t ) him1 & c\ld talk  
to him z unre/ra9$ly z ,i c\ld to any   
"o4  ,miss ,graham w\ld (t5 jo9 u 9 h]  
sp>e "t1 & ! days pass$ s pleasantly t  
,i dread$ a *ange 9 !m4  ,"o aft]noon ,i
 0 ly+ back 9 an easy *air by ! fire    
alone1 :5 ,mr4 ,/anton came 94  ',i     
?\ght ,i w\ld enjoy a little *at ) y    
be=e d9n]1' he said4  ',i am go+ away 9 
two days' "t1 s may n h ano!r           
opportunity4'  ,my he>t sank )9 me1 b ,i
 knew t x mu/ come1 & /eadi$ my voice z 
,i repli$ simply1 ',i am sorry4'  ',are 
y8' he said1 b5d+ d[n ov] me ) a look 9 
8 eyes t ,i c\ld n meet4  ',w y miss me 
:5 ,i am gone8  ,i h su* a long+ to /ay 
& surr\nd y ) ! love & t5d]ness t ,i    
feel = y--to h ! "r ( protect+ & %ield+ 

y f s _m ?+s t mu/ di/ress y 9 y\r life 
"h4  ,i wond] :at y\r feel+s are t[>ds  
me8  ,c\ld y tru/ me ) y\r de> little   
self1 or am ,i too old1 & too grave to  
suit y8  ,d y c>e = me j a              
little--,hilda8'  ,i c\ld n answ]4      
,someh[ or o!r ,i _h nev] expect$ ?is or
 look$ = x4  ,to h him z a fri5d 0 z mu*
 z ,i _h ev] hop$1 & ,i felt confus$ &  
bewild]$ by ! ?\ghts ( any?+ m4  ,he    
seem$ to read my ?\ghts4  ',i h tak5 y  
by surprise2 d n give me y\r answ] n[4  
,i w wait till to-morr[4  ,i ?9k ,i c\ld
 make y happy1 my *ild1' & !re 0 a      
little wi/fulness 9 8 tone4  ',i "k h[  
happy y w\ld make me4'  ,i tri$ to      
speak1 b c\ld n4  ,he /ood up by !      
fireplace1 look+ d[n at me sil5tly = a  
mom5t1 !n said1 ',d n di/ress y\rself2 x
 is no light ?+ ,i am ask+ y--to give   
y\rself away = life to "o y "k s        
comp>atively little4  ,if ,i 7 a y\ng]  
man1 ,i %\ld n hesitate s4  ,b ,i d ?9k 
we h a bond toge!r :i* _m h n--t ( be+  
fell[-work]s & s]vants ( ! same ,ma/]4  

,&1' "h 8 voice broke a little1 ',hilda1
 de> *ild1 y h my love2 %all ,i be able 
to w9 y\rs8'  ,!n1 z ,i 0 /ill sil5t1 he
 made a movem5t z if ab\t to leave me4  
',i w n press y--give me an answ]       
to-morr[4'  ,b by ?is "t ,i knew my own 
he>t4  ,i rais$ ply head & put my h& on 
8 arm4  ',don't g1' ,i murmur$2 ',i w   
give y ! answ] n[4'  ,& ! answ] nev] got
 put into words1 = ) 8 /rong arm r\nd me
 all d\bts vani%$1 & ,i knew t no "o on 
e>? occupi$ su* a position 9 my he>t z  
he did4  ',i don't "k :at ,g5]al ,=sy? w
 say1' ,i said1 a little "t aft]1 :5 ,i 
he>d ! fir/ gong s\nd = d9n]4  ',i _h 8 
p]mission to come to y1' 0 ! reply4  ,i 
w5t into ,mrs4 ,=sy?'s b\doir be=e d9n]1
 b %e seem$ to "k all ab\t x1 & kiss$ me
 9 a mo/ mo!rly fa%ion4  ',i c see :at y
 h come to tell me1 *ild1 & y h ! be/   
wi%es ( bo? ! g5]al & myself4  ,y are   
exactly suit$ to ea* o!r 9 all y\r      
peculi> views1 & he is able to give y a 
com=table home4  ,i ?\ght :5 y 7 fir/   
tak5 ill h[ x w\ld end1 he 0 s conc]n$  

ab\t y6'  ,x c]ta9ly 0 a surprise to me 
t all 9 ! h\se seem$ to h expect$ x b   
myself4  ',x /&s to reason1 my de>      
,goody1' obs]v$ ,k5ne? :5 he he>d x1 't 
birds ( a fea!r flock toge!r4  ,i ?9k   
myself he has ! be/ ( ! b>ga94  ,t is ! 
fir/ complim5t ,i h ev] paid y1 ,i      
believe6'  ,i seem$ to live 9 a dream = 
! next few days1 = ,mr4 ,/anton--or     
,philip1 z ,i soon le>nt to call        
him--po/pon$ 8 dep>ture = a week4  ,he  
took me out = drives on w>m1 bright     
days1 & 0 cont9ually ) me4  ,x seem$ to 
*ange my :ole life1 & ,i c\ld only ?ank 
,god aga9 & aga9 = ,8 goodness4  ,i     
suppose ,i _h be5 s accu/om$ to live my 
life alone )\t receiv+ sympa?y or help f
 any1 t ,i _h ceas$ to expect x1 &      
,philip's t5d]1 wat*ful c>e ov] me seem$
 sometimes m ?an ,i c\ld be>4  ,i broke 
d[n "o aft]noon altoge!r1 & x 0 only "s 
trifl+ little piece ( att5tion on 8 "p t
 did x4  ',y spoil me1' ,i cri$2 ',i h  
nev] _h any "o to c>e = my likes or     
dislikes be=e4  ,y w make me selfi%1    

,philip4  ,don't be s good to me4'  ',i 
%all n spoil y1' he respond$1 ) a smile4
  ',i want to make y\r life bright]4  ,y
 h _h pl5ty ( lonel9ess 9 x1 & n[ ,i h !
 pleasure ( alt]+ all t4  ,de> *ild1 a  
little love & c>e w n make y selfi%4'   
,,*apt] ,,xv  ,a ,,ga!r+ ,,cl\d    ',o  
fri5d6  ,o be/ ( fri5ds6  ,?y abs5ce m  
,?an ! imp5d+ night d>k5s ! l&scape     
o'er6'--,longfell[4   ',miss ,rayn] is 9
 ! draw+-room1 & w\ld l to see y1 miss1'
 0 ! message br\ght to me "o aft]noon4  
,i ha/5$ 94  ,%e _h be5 to see me twice 
:il/ ,i 0 ill1 b nei!r "t 0 ,i well     
en\gh to enjoy h] visit4  ,i _h writt5  
to tell h] ( my engagem5t1 & 0 a little 
d\btful z to h[ %e w\ld receive ! news4 
,i _h n he>d f h] s9ce4  ',well1' %e    
said1 draw+ me t[>ds h] by bo? h&s1 'y  
hav5't be5 long ab\t ?is affair1 *ild6  
,y did n "k su* a p]son 0 9 exi/5ce a   
c\ple ( mon?s ago4  ,& x isn't a curate1
 aft] all6'  ',w\ld y r x _h be51 ,miss 
,rayn]8' ,i ask$1 laugh+4  ',i abom9ate 
! tribe1 z y "k1 b1 z f> z ,i am        

conc]n$1 ?is ,mr4 ,/anton may n be mu*  
bett]4  ,:o is he1 & :at is he8 ,he is  
an unkn[n quantity to me6'  ',he is a   
,*ri/ian & a g5tleman1' ,i said w>mly '&
 "o ( ,hugh's lit]>y fri5ds4'  ',a      
dreamy book-worm l ,hugh8  ,t does n    
comm5d him to me2 ,i %\ld wi% y some?+  
bett]4  ,n[ don't try to cru% me ) t    
fi]y look4  ,h[ d ,i "k :at he is l8  ,i
 only "k t y mu/ h _h v %ort acqua9tance
 ) him1 & y c\ld af=d to wait4  ,y are q
 a *ild /ill4'  ',%all ,i call him &    
introduce him to y8  ,he is 9 ! h\se1'  
,i ask$ v quietly1 = ,i knew ,miss      
,rayn] 0 only try+ to draw me out4  ',n 
j yet2 my call is on y ?is aft]noon4    
,are y feel+ /rong aga98  ,h[ t attack  
has pull$ y d[n6  ,are !y fe$+ y up     
well8'  ',yes1 ,i am gett+ well fa/4'   
,%e sat d[n & talk$ to me = "s "t1 & !n 
all[$ me to g & fet* ,philip4  ,i ne$ n 
h be5 afraid ( ! result1 ?\gh ,i _h     
prep>$ him = h] extremely blunt way (   
speak+4  ,z %e %ook h&s ) him1 %e       
said1--  ',i h come ov] to see :at y are

 l4  ,i take an int]e/ 9 ?is *ild "h1 & 
,i 0 n be/ pleas$ at ! news4  ,i hope y 
mean to be good to h]4  ,are y sure y   
are suit$ to ea* o!r8'  ,philip 0 n 9 ! 
slighte/ disconc]t$ by ?is spee*1 only a
 gleam ( hum\r 0 9 8 eye z he repli$1   
',t rema9s to be se54 ,( c\rse we ?9k we
 are at pres5t1 b t is always ! case4   
,i ?9k y w all[ ,i am /rong en\gh to    
protect h]1 & old en\gh to "k my own    
m9d4  ,i d\bt if ,i am good en\gh = h]1 
b ,i am go+ to try to d my be/4'  ,miss 
,rayn] 0 sil5t = a m9ute4  ,he add$1 ',i
 am really glad to meet ) any "o :o     
takes an int]e/ 9 ,hilda4  ,h] fri5ds   
seem to be few & f> betwe54  ,%e has    
spok5 to me ( y1 & ( h[ mu* %e enjoy$ h]
 visit to y4'  ,& !n !y drift$ into an  
easy1 amicable conv]sation "o ) ! o!r1  
:il/ ,i = ! mo/ "p 0 sil5t1 only putt+ 9
 a ^w n[ & !n4  ,aft]w>ds ,mrs4 ,=sy?   
came 91 & !n ,miss ,rayn] did n /ay mu* 
long]4  ,i _h "o ^w alone ) h] 9 ! hall4
  ',i see by y\r anxi\s eyes :at y want 
to ask1' %e said good-natur$ly1 p9*+ my 

*eek z %e spoke4  ',i am sl[ to make    
fri5ds1 b he looks hone/ & good1 & is   
pres5table2 y might d worse1 ,i suppose2
 only don't be hurri$ into a ha/y       
m>riage1 ,i implore y4  ,get to "k ea*  
o!r ?r\gh & ?r\gh fir/4  ,ah6 well1 y h 
knock$ d[n "o ( my ca/les 9 ! air1 b ,i 
might h expect$ x6  ,i am sure ,i wi% y 
e happ9ess1 *ild4'  ,a quick sigh foll[$
 h] words1 & !n %e call$ out brightly to
 u z %e got into h] trap1--  ',come ov] 
& d9e ) me bo? ( y "o night2 if n n[1 :5
 next y come d[n1 ,mr4 ,/anton4  ,i     
suppose y w be cont9ually hov]+ ab\t ?is
 neighb\rhood n[6'  ,! la/ day (        
,philip's visit soon came4  ,i drove d[n
 to ! /ation to see him (f1 b ,i dread$ 
! p>t+4  ',y mu/ write to me (t51 & tell
 me all ab\t y\rself1' he said1 try+ to 
speak *e]fully2 '& :5 ,ea/] comes ,i h a
 plan 9 my head4  ,i %all get a c\s9 (  
m9e to come d[n ) h] husb& to ,cobham   
,hall1 & !n %e w help me ent]ta9 my     
visitors4  ,i %all invite all ( y d[n1 =
 ,i want y to see y\r future home1      

*ildie4  ,mean:ile1 ,i %all d\btless be 
able to run d[n "h = a day or two & see 
y4  ,mrs4 ,=sy? has k9dly ask$ me to d s
 :5ev] ,i c4'  ',yes1' ,i said2 '!      
future looks v bright to me1 almo/ too  
bright sometimes1 ,i ?9k4  ,oh1 h[ good 
,god has be56'  ,!n aft] a mom5t's      
sil5ce ,i said1 ',i %all miss y s1      
,philip4  ,x w seem l a dream4'  ',y w  
dwell deep1' he said1 smil+ z he quot$  
my fav\rite v]se4  ',we are n solely    
dep5d5t on ea* o!r's pres5ce = happ9ess1
 are we8  ,we %all be able to /r5g!n ea*
 o!r's h&s by pray]4'  ,he w5t2 & ,i ?9k
 o!rs besides me miss$ him4  ,8 pres5ce 
made itself felt :]ev] x 04  ,hugh _h   
behav$ v well ab\t our engagem5t4  ,he  
said to me1 ) a grave smile1 :5 fir/ he 
he>d ( x1--  ',y h ga9$ a fri5d1 & ,i h 
lo/ "o4  ,i ought to be vex$1 ,i        
suppose4'  ',oh no1' ,i repli$2 'y\r    
fri5d%ip ) him rema9s un*ang$4  ,y w f9d
 !re w be no diff]5ce4  ,i _c be to him 
:at y are1 & if he does n sp5d q s mu*  
"t ) y n[ z he has done1 x w n always be

 s4'  ,b he turn$ away ) a laugh & a    
%ake ( 8 head4  ,we 7 v quiet = "s "t   
aft] ,philip's dep>ture4  ,con/ance w5t 
away on a visit to ,mr4 ,/r\d's         
relatives4  ,k5ne? w5t up to ,london1 & 
z ,i 0 /ill f> f /rong1 ,i 0 left to d v
 mu* z ,i lik$1 ,nelly accompany+ h] "m 
:5 %e w5t out4  ,g5]al ,=sy? call$ me   
into 8 /udy "o morn+ to h a talk ov] my 
future4  ',h y any idea 9 y\r own head  
:5 y\r m>riage is to be8  ,has ,/anton  
said any?+ to y ab\t x8'  ',i--,i don't 
wi% to hurry ab\t x1' ,i said confus$ly2
 'he is will+ to wait4'  ',h[ long8'    
dem&$ my gu>dian %ortly4  ',are y want+ 
to get rid ( me8' ,i ask$1 a little vex$
 by 8 tone4  ',d n be s fooli%6' 0 !    
reply4  ',i int5d1 z ,i h told y be=e1  
to treat y z ,i %\ld "o ( my daught]s2 b
 x seems to me t !re is no?+ to wait =4 
,con/ance is go+ to be m>ri$ ab\t ,ea/]4
  ,i d n see :y t "t %\ld n suit y4'    
',oh no1' ,i cri$2 & ?\gh ,i _h res5t$  
!m at ! "t1 ,miss ,rayn]'s words came   
be=e me4  ',i w\ld r wait long]2 please 

let me1 if x is n inconv5i5t to y4'  ,he
 said no m1 b ,i wond]$ mu* if ! ,=sy?s 
7 reliev$ at ! possibility ( my leav+ !m
 soon4  ,i said some?+ ( ! sort to      
,nelly1 :o1 ( c\rse1 eag]ly disclaim$ x4
  ',:y1 ,hilda1 we %all miss y awfully6 
,i don't "k :at ,i %all d1 unless ,i get
 engag$ be=e y g4  ,fancy me be+ left "h
 alone1 ! old maid ( ! family6  ,i d>e  
say ,i %all n m>ry4  ,i h nev] se5 a    
s+le man t ,i c>e = yet4  ,"s "o ask$ me
 ! o!r day if ,i wasn't jeal\s ( y6  ,s 
ridicul\s6  ,i am sure ,i w\ld be       
fright5$ out ( my life by ,mr4 ,/anton4 
,i am v glad he pick$ ^u y4  ,y are j   
made = ea* o!r1 y two6  ,i w\ldn't h him
 = my husb& = worlds6  ,sometimes :5 he 
is ?9k+1 he looks s sev]e & cold t he   
makes me %iv]4  ,grace ,dawk9 said ! o!r
 day t he look$ l a man ) a d>k pa/4  ,h
 y ev] ask$ him ab\t 8 pa/1 ,hilda8     
,because1 really1 we "k v little ab\t   
him4  ,hugh seems to "k h>dly any?+4    
,"m is satisfi$1 because %e kn[s he     
comes ( a good family2 b he may h murd]$

 "s "o1 or done any?+1 = all we "k6'  ,i
 knew x 0 ( no use be+ angry ) ,nelly1  
or ,i c\ld h scold$ h] well = h] way (  
talk+2 %e always said out any?+ & ev]y?+
 t came into h] head )\t a ?\ght ( :e!r 
h] he>]s w\ld l x or n4  ,!re 0 a little
 difficulty at fir/ ab\t my tak+ my     
,sunday class aga94  ,mrs4 ,=sy? _h an  
objection to x1 b %e f9ally cons5t$1 &  
only =bade me to visit 9 any ( !        
cottages if !re 0 sickness4  ,roddy 0   
well aga91 & no o!r cases ( diph!ria _h 
be5 he>d (4  ,i promis$ h] ,i w\ld be   
c>eful1 & joyfully took up my "w aga91 b
 f\nd ,i miss$ ,jim mu* m ?an ,i c\ld h 
imag9$4  ,he _h always be5 s helpful at 
! class1 arrang+ ! seats1 keep+ an eye  
on ! v little ones1 & guid+ ,kitty ,br[n
 to & fro4  ,poor ,kitty miss$ him      
dreadfully4 ',he nev] teas$ me1 tea*]1 l
 ! o!r boys d2 he nev] said a cross ^w4 
,i wi% sometimes x _h be5 me t 0 took2 b
 ,i 'spose ,i'm n good en\gh4'  ',i ?9k 
,jesus1 p]haps1 wants y to d "s "w =    
,him t ,jim c\ldn't1' ,i repli$1 answ]+ 

h] 9 mu* ! same way ,i _h be5 answ]$    
myself a %ort "t be=e4  ,"h ,roddy broke
 94  ',:at's ,jim do+1 tea*]8  ,"m says 
s+9' hymns4  ,won't he nev] get "t to   
write a lett] to me8  ,i ask$ him to4'  
',he is do+ j :at ,jesus wants him to1  
,roddy4  ,y mu/n't expect a lett]1 b y w
 see him aga9 "o day1 & t w be bett] ?an
 a lett]4'  ,s ! "t slipp$ on1 & writ+ s
 con/antly to ,philip & he>+ f him 9    
return1 0 my greate/ consolation dur+ 8 
abs5ce4 ,twice he manag$ to come d[n = a
 c\ple ( days1 :i* 7 mu* enjoy$ by u    
bo?2 & !n ,ea/] drew ne>1 & ) x all !   
bu/le att5d+ ! prep>ations = ,con/ance's
 w$d+4  ,aft] x 0 ov] we 7 to g d[n to  
,cobham ,hall1 :i* 0 ,philip's place1 & 
/ay !re = ?ree or f\r weeks1 & ,nelly z 
well z myself 0 greatly look+ =w>d to x4
  ,two days be=e ! w$d+ we 7 ga!r$1 a   
l>ge & m]ry p>ty1 9 ! draw+-room aft]   
d9n]4  ,philip _h come d[n t aft]noon1 b
 9 spite ( 8 pleasure at be+ ) u aga91  
,i fanci$ he 0 ill at ease1 & wond]$ at 
! cause4  ',n[1 ,goody ,two-,%oes1'     

,k5ne? cri$1 :5 music 0 go+ on1 'give u 
some?+ extra nice f y\r fiddle4  ,get   
into a dream ov] x1 & make u all z      
dreamy z y\rself4'  ,i took my viol9 up1
 & /&+ 9 my fav\rite position aga9/ "o (
 ! ,fr5* w9d[s ,i began to play4        
,ev]y?+ t ev5+ is /amp$ vividly ^u my   
memory4  ,i c see n[ ! yell[ jasm9e     
outside ! w9d[s flutt]+ to & fro 9 !    
breeze1 ! lilacs & laburnums on ! lawn  
s5d+ "s ( _! sweet fragrance ?r\gh "o ( 
! half-op5$ doors1 & ! la/ rays ( !     
sett+ sun gild+ ! tops ( ! di/ant hills4
  ,z ,i turn$ my eyes inw>ds1 ,i saw a  
bright fire1 ,g5]al ,=sy? on "o side    
read+ ! ev5+ pap]1 ,mrs4 ,=sy? on ! o!r1
 busy ) h] fancy "w & little table be=e 
h]4  ,at ! piano1 l\ng+ ab\t 9 diff]5t  
attitudes1 7 ,nelly & sev]al girl c\s9s1
 ,k5ne? & two o!r g5tlem5 9 ! backgr\nd1
 :il/ at ! f>!r w9d[ /ood ,con/ance )   
,mr4 ,/r\d4  ,philip 0 b5d+ ov] a book )
 ,hugh at a small table ne>1 b :5 ,i    
began to play he ?rew himself into an   
easy *air1 & re/+ 8 head ^u 8 h&1 prep>$

 himself to li/54  ,i not$ an ab/ract$1 
moody look 9 8 eyes1 & x 0 9 va9 t he   
tri$ to hide x4  ,i began to play "o (  
,bee?ov5's sonatas1 b drift$ on f t to  
my own fancies1 & glanc+ out into !     
dusky twilight1 seem$ to feel1 r ?an    
see1 great banks ( heavy1 gloomy cl\ds  
roll up & envelop u 9 _! d>kness4  ,a   
/range depression seem$ to take         
possession ( me1 a heavy weight to      
settle d[n ^u my spirits4  ,i play$ on  
dreamily1 until sudd5ly ,i 0 /opp$ by a 
cry f ,con/ance1 ',d = pity's sake /op t
 wail1 ,hilda2 "o w\ld ?9k y 7 play+ our
 fun]al dirge6'  ,h] %>p tone s />tl$ me
 t my viol9 fell to ! gr\nd ) a cra%4   
,i gave a %iv]1 & ,k5ne? said1 ',has an 
evil _s tak5 possession ( y1 ,goody8  ,y
 h put u all into ! blues by ! uncanny  
cries & moans t h proce$$ f y\r fiddle6 
,:at is ! matt] ) y8'  ,i c\ld n answ]  
him1 ,philip 0 pick+ up & replac+ my    
viol9 9 its case1 aft] :i* he laid 8 h& 
on my arm4  ',come into ! libr>y ) me4' 
,i foll[$ him2 he /irr$ up ! fire1 :i* 0

 ne>ly out1 & !n drew me to him4  ',:at 
is ! matt]1 *ildie8'  ,no?+ c\ld h be5 m
 t5d] ?an 8 tone4  ,! te>s came to my   
eyes1 & ,i re/$ my head aga9/ 8 %\ld] ) 
a sigh4  ',i don't "k1' ,i said4  ',:at 
is ! matt] ) y1 ,philip8'  ',y h %>p    
eyes to see t any?+ is ! matt]1' he     
repli$1 smil+2 !n1 9 a grav] tone1 he   
add$1 ',i h some?+ worry+ me--a matt] ( 
bus9ess t ,i _c speak ( at pres5t to y4 
,y mu/ tru/ me1 ,hilda4  ,c y d ?is1 d y
 ?9k1 ev5 if appe>ances are aga9/ me8'  
,he rais$ my face to 8 z he spoke1 & our
 eyes met4  ,tru/ him6  ,i felt z ,i met
 8 cle>1 op5 gaze t ,i w\ld tru/ him    
?r\gh any am\nt ( d\bt or my/]y1 & ,i   
told him z mu* z we /ood by ! firelight 
toge!r4  ',i wi%1' he said pres5tly1 't 
x 0 our w$d+ t 0 go+ to take place      
to-morr[2 & yet ,i don't "k--p]haps x w 
be be/ = y t x is n4'  ,a heavy sigh    
foll[$1 & !n we 7 bo? />tl$ by !        
appe>ance ( a s]vant4  ',a telegram1    
sir4'  ,philip took x & turn$ to me4    
',i mu/ leave y4  ,d>l+ *ild1 don't look

 s di/ress$4  ,i am vex$ t ,i %\ld h to 
g be=e ! w$d+1 b x is imp]ative t ,i    
%\ld4  ,i mu/ write & tell y my movem5ts
 :5 ,i "k !m4  ,i %all j cat* ! #aj4cj  
tra9 to t[n if ,i g at once4 ,hilda1 say
 good-bye to me "h be=e ,i g to !       
draw+-room4  ,tru/ me1 little "o1 & pray
 = me4'  ,i clung to him1 = ,i /ill felt
 ! %ad[ ( a d>k cl\d hov]+ ov] u4  ',:y 
ne$ y g8  ,:]e are y go+8  ,:5 are y    
com+ back aga98  ,we 7 to h travell$ to 
y\r home toge!r4  ,don't g till y h told
 me m1 ,philip4  ,y mu/ n leave me l    
?is6'  ,he look$ surpris$ at my         
vehem5ce4  ',de> *ild1 y are ov]wr\ght4 
,i %all be back 9 a few days at ! mo/1  
,i hope4  ,good-bye1 my d>l+2 ,god bless
 y & keep y6'  ,& tak+ me 9 8 arms1 he  
kiss$ me ov] & ov] aga94  ,i said no m1 
my tongue seem$ ti$1 & he left me /&+ by
 ! fire1 feel+ z if a great unkn[n      
tr\ble 0 settl+ d[n ^u me4  ,i /ay$ !re1
 he>d 8 voice 9 ! hall1 & !n a confus$  
babel ( que/ions & exclamations f !     
o!rs4  ,:51 a few m9utes lat]1 ,i he>d  

him leave ! h\se1 ,i flew up/airs to my 
room2 ,i knew f my w9d[ ,i %\ld see a   
b5d ( ! road along :i* he mu/ pass1 & z 
,i saw ! trap driv+ rapidly along ,i    
leant out & wav$ my h&k]*ief4  ,he saw  
my signal4  ,i suppose ! light 9 my room
 & ! unclos$ %utt]s to ! w9d[s help$ him
 to d s1 & tak+ up ! lant]n 9 front ( ! 
trap he wav$ x to me4  ,!n came a knock 
at my door1 & ,mrs4 ,=sy? appe>$4  ',d y
 "k ! reason ( ?is sudd5 disappe>ance1  
,hilda8  ,i d wi% sometimes ,mr4 ,/anton
 7 a little m communicative4'  ',x 0 a  
telegram1' ,i said1 try+ to speak       
quietly2 'only a matt] ( bus9ess1 he    
said1 b x oblig$ him to g to ,london    
imm$iately4'  ',x is v annoy+4  ,i 0 q  
c\nt+ on 8 pres5ce to-morr[4 ,we seem to
 h su* a sc>city ( m54  ,are y n com+   
d[n to ! draw+-room aga98'  ',i w\ld r  
n1 please1' ,i said2 = ,i felt ,i c\ld n
 g ?r\gh all ! que/ions & rem>ks t w\ld 
assail me4  ,mrs4 ,=sy? did n /ay1 & ,i1
 try+ to fight ) ! nameless fe>s 9 my   
he>t1 took refuge & com=t 9 pray]4      

,,*apt] ,,xvi  ,,d>k ,,days    ',re/ ?\ 
9 ,god1 amid all *anges2   ,be pleas$ ) 
all ,he may orda92   ,wait pati5t till  
:at ,he arranges1   ,= ?y be/ welf>e    
%all be pla92   ,god :o has *os5 u z ,81
   ,kn[s be/ :at our true welf>e        
is4'--,neum>k4   ,! w$d+ pass$ (f       
successfully4  ,i ?9k ,i 0 ! only "o :o 
felt out ( h>mony ) ! brightness &      
gaiety all ar\nd4  ,?\gh ! ,=sy?s felt !
 loss ( _! elde/ daught]1 !re 0 mu* to  
s(t5 _! regret at p>t+ ) h]4  ,%e 0 n   
go+ v f> away f !m2 %e & h] husb& seem$ 
exactly suit$ to ea* o!r 9 _m ways1 & %e
 0 go+ to a com=table1 luxuri\s home4   
,i ?9k too t ,nelly occupi$ a w>m] place
 9 _! he>ts ?an ,con/ance4  ,! latt]    
seem$ to live s entirely = h]self1 & h] 
nature 0 s cold & unsympa!tic t h]      
pres5ce did n always make home ! happi] 
= x4  ,nelly 0 ! sun%9e ( ! h\se1 & x 0 
%e :o up to ! la/ kept up an atmosph]e (
 sp>kl+ brightness :i* none c\ld )/&4   
,we felt r 'flat1' z ,k5ne? express$ x1 
:5 all 0 ov] & ! gue/s _h dep>t$4  ,my  

?\ghts 7 ) ,philip1 & :51 two days aft] 
8 dep>ture1 ! po/ br\ght me a lett] 9 8 
h&writ+1 ,i op5$ x ) trembl+ f+]s4  ,x 0
 v %ort4   ',,my ,,d>l+1--  ',i am (f to
 ,am]ica on ?is bus9ess t ,i spoke to y 
ab\t4  ,w s5d y my address lat] on1 b my
 movem5ts are q unc]ta94  ,s sorry t y\r
 visit to ,cobham ,hall mu/ be po/pon$4 
,god bless y6  ',y\rs   ',,philip4'   ,i
 _h expect$ some?+ ( ?is sort1 & 0 h>dly
 surpris$1 ?\gh ,i did wi% he _h writt5 
m fully4  ,:5 ,i told ! o!rs1 ,i _h to  
be> a great deal ( comm5t &             
commis]ation4  ',i _c be> my/]ies1' said
 ,g5]al ,=sy?2 ':y c't ! fell[ tell 8   
bus9ess in/ead ( be+ s vague ab\t x8'   
',he is s exce$+ly retic5t ab\t 8       
affairs1' said ,mrs4 ,=sy?1 't "o seems 
to "k v little m ab\t him n[ ?an "o did 
at fir/4  ,are y 9 8 confid5ce1 ,hugh8' 
',if ,i 71 ,i w\ld be h>dly likely to   
betray :at he sees be/ to )hold4'       
,hugh's tone 0 haughty4  ,i look$ across
 ! breakfa/ table at him ) a smile1     
feel+ ,i _h "o on my side to d battle = 

! abs5t "o4  ',x's awfully disappo9t+1' 
grumbl$ ,nelly4  ',i 0 look+ =w>d to our
 visit at 8 place1 & h refus$ sev]al    
invitations t ,i might h _h in/ead ( x4 
,:5 p g (f to ,am]ica !y g5]ally /ay !re
 = ye>s1 & are nev] he>d ( any m4'  ',t 
is *e]ful = me1' ,i said1 =c+ a laugh2  
'b ,am]ica is n v f> (f1 ,nelly1 !      
passage takes next to no "t1 x is only a
 "q ( a few weeks4'  ',x is well to keep
 up y\r spirits1 ,goody1 b x looks      
bad--v bad6' & ,k5ne? %ook 8 head ) mock
 solemnity z he spoke4  ',we all notic$ 
8 gloom & uneas9ess ! la/ ev5+ he 0 "h4 
,i am afraid he has a d>k pa/1 & 8      
consci5ce is tr\bl+ him4 ,be prep>$ = ! 
wor/4  ,x may be a case ( ano!r woman1  
,goody4 ,9 ! /yle ( ! p5ny dreadfuls1 a 
wife t he ?\ght dead may h turn$ up     
aga91 & !n :]e w\ld y be8  ,he may h be5
 m>ri$ two or ?ree times be=e1 = all we 
"k6'  ',t w d1' ,g5]al ,=sy? said /]nly2
 'su* jokes are extremely out ( place1 &
 we w h no m ( !m4'  ,& ,k5ne? subsid$1 
to my great relief4  ,i felt ,i c\ld be>

 v little m1 & 0 glad to get away alone 
& be> my disappo9tm5t z be/ ,i c\ld4  ,b
 ! next few weeks 7 v try+ ones4  ,n =  
an in/ant did ,i d\bt ,philip1 b o!rs   
did1 & ! rem>ks & conjectures on 8 sudd5
 dep>ture 7 h>d = me to sit & li/5 to4  
,i did n he> f him aga91 except a       
po/-c>d to ann\nce 8 arrival 9 ,new     
,york4  ,i wrote to him !re1 b receiv$  
no answ]1 & ! "t ( wait+ & susp5se seem$
 int]m9able4  ,if ,i _h n le>nt ! secret
 ( 'dwell+ deep' 9 d>k times1 ,i        
sometimes ?9k ,i %\ld n h be5 able to   
live ?r\gh t "t4 ,! ,=sy?s 7 k9d1 & felt
 = me1 ,i knew2 b my gu>dian 0 angry by 
! sudd5ness ( x all1 & p]si/$ 9 look+ ^u
 me z be+ ill-treat$ 9 ! matt]4  ,nelly 
took ! v blacke/ view1 & decl>$ ,i w\ld 
nev] he> ( or see him aga91 :il/ ,k5ne? 
sp5t 8 "t 9 concoct+ ! mo/ elaborate    
/ories & br++ !m out = my b5efit1 (     
diff]5t p :o my/]i\sly disappe>$1 & !   
causes ( _! do+ s4  ,hugh 0 ! only "o :o
 ) me felt x mu/ be "r1 & he (t5 *e]$ me
 by assurances ( 8 spe$y return4  ',x is

 mo/ likely money matt]s1' he said "o   
day to me2 ',i "k a good deal ( 8 income
 is 9 "s funds 9 ,new ,york4  ,he has "s
 c\s9 9 bus9ess !re1 :o manages ?+s =   
him4'  ,& ?is 0 ! mo/ likely solution ,i
 c\ld obta94  ,b :y did he n write8  ,z 
"t w5t on ,i grew m & m anxi\s4  ,i said
 v little to any "o1 & tri$ to be       
*e]ful1 & g on ) my daily life z be=e1 b
 x 0 a h>d matt]4  ,i c\ld n br+ myself 
to t\* my viol94  ,t la/ ev5+ rose up   
be=e me1 & ! dim =ebod+ ( evil t _h s   
ov]%ad[$ me4 ,i felt a /range %r9k+ f ! 
v ?+ t us$ to be su* a com=t & delight  
to me4  ,"o aft]noon ,i 0 />tl$ by a    
message be+ br\ght to me by ,miss       
,rayn]'s old coa*man1 say+ %e 0 ill &   
want$ to see me4  ,mrs4 ,=sy? _h gone up
 to ,london = a =tnight1 s ,i w5t at    
once to my gu>dian4  ',hel5 ill6' he    
exclaim$4  ',i %\ld n ?9k %e has _h a   
day's illness 9 h] life4  ,:at is !     
matt] ) h]8'  ',john says %e fell into !
 riv] try+ to =d x rid+1 & did n *ange  
h] wet ?+s4  ,he says %e got a viol5t   

*ill la/ week1 & has _h a great deal (  
fev]4  ,?is is h] note to me4'  ,i gave 
him a little slip ( pap]1 on :i* 0      
scrawl$1 9 lett]s v unlike ,miss        
,rayn]'s usually firm h&3--   ',,de>    
,,hilda1--  ',i am ill4  ,w y come &    
help ,susan to nurse me8  ',y\rs        
affectionately1   ',,hel5 ,,rayn]4'     
,g5]al ,=sy? gave 8 cons5t to my go+1 & 
,i return$ t aft]noon ) ,john1 :o 0 full
 ( g>rul\s acc\nts ( ,miss ,rayn]'s     
illness4  ,he w\nd up ) say+1--  ',&    
h'x's j my do+ t hi'm tak+ y back4  ,i  
said to ,susan ?is morn+1--,i won't be a
 p>ty to hid+ h'x h'any long]4  ,i'll g 
/raight ov] to ! g5]al's & get "s "o to 
come h'& see to h] :ile %e's yet        
h'alive1 & y may tell ! mi/ress t hi'm  
do+ x4  ,s ,susan %e sees hi'm n to be  
trifl$ )1 h'& %e tells ,miss ,hel51 h'& 
%e s5ds ?is note = y4  ,y w f9d h] v    
h'ill1 miss4  ,%e's be5 at dea?'s door1 
h'& %e's n turn$ ! corn] yet6'  ,! h\se 
0 v /ill :5 we ent]$ x4  ,ev5 ! dogs    
seem$ to "k some?+ 0 ! matt]1 = !re 0 no

 b\nd+ =w>d & b>k+ :5 ,i appe>$2 !y only
 crept up to me1 & look$ ) mute1 wi/ful 
appeal into my face1 z if to ask = _!   
abs5t mi/ress4  ,z ,i w5t quietly up !  
/airs ,i met ! doctor com+ d[n4  ,he    
look$ grave1 &1 9 answ] to my inquiries1
 said1--  ',i hope %e w pull ?r\gh2 !   
wor/ has pass$1 b %e is v weak4  ,if y  
are go+ to be ) h]1 d n let h] talk too 
mu*4 ,%e mu/ n be excit$2 & see t %e has
 n\ri%m5t at ! times ,i h ord]$4  ,i    
%all be 9 e>ly to-morr[ morn+4'  ,a     
m9ute aft] & ,i /ood by h] b$side1 b ,i 
0 %ock$ to see h[ h] illness _h pull$ h]
 d[n4  ,%e lay motionless1 b n asleep1 &
 :5 ,i laid my h& s(tly ^u h]s %e look$ 
up4  ',d y "k me8' %e ask$1 ) a fa9t    
smile4  ',i feel a wreck1 & z helpless z
 a baby6'  ',i wi% we _h kn[n ab\t x    
be=e1' ,i said1 ',i w\ld h come ov] at  
once4'  ',i 0 too ill to c>e1' %e       
respond$4  ',i hate p fuss+ r\nd4 ,i    
?\ght ,i %\ld l to see y1 & s s5t ,john 
ov]4'  ,%e clos$ h] eyes1 & ,i1 quietly 
remov+ my hat & jacket1 came & took up  

my position at ! b$side4  ,susan & ,i _h
 "s anxi\s days aft] ?is1 &1 beyond say+
 a v]se or two f ! ,bible to h]1 ,i c\ld
 d no?+ b pray = h]4  ,%e seem$ too weak
 to be able to he> or und]/&4  ,b at    
l5g? %e really began to m5d1 & !n h]    
recov]y 0 rapid4  ,"o aft]noon1 ! fir/  
"t ,i felt ,i c\ld ) safety let h] talk 
a little to me1 %e turn$ to me & said   
abruptly1--  ',hilda1 ,i c't face dea?4 
,i am n prep>$ = x4'  ,i did n answ] = a
 m9ute1 !n ,i said1--  ',god has be5 v  
good 9 sav+ y f t1 hasn't ,he8'  ',b ,i 
h be5 on ! br9k ( x1 *ild1 & ,i c't =get
 x4  ,x has made me see ?+s s           
diff]5tly--my wa/$ life1 & my self-w &  
self-pleas+1 my rejection ( s mu* ,bible
 tru? t 0 di/a/eful to me4  ,i h ?\ght &
 ?\ght ov] ^! ?+s till ,i wond] ,i did n
 g crazy4  ,x 0 t t made me s5d = y4  ,i
 felt y 7 ! only "o t c\ld help me4'    
',i am afraid ,i h n be5 able to d mu*1'
 ,i respond$4  ',y h be5 too ill to talk
 to1 b ,i h be5 pray+ = y4'  ',y said "o
 v]se to me soon aft] y came t has be5  

r++ 9 my head ev] s9ce4  ,wasn't x      
some?+ l ?is1 ,!re is "o ,m$iator betwe5
 ,god & m51 ! man ,*ri/ ,jesus1 9 :om we
 h r$emption ?r\gh ,8 blood1 ev5 !      
=giv5ess ( s9s8'  ',yes1' ,i repli$2 'b 
^? are bits ( v]ses y h put toge!r4 ,i  
repeat$ bo? ( !m to y4'  ,i took my     
,bible & read !m to h] aga91 !n %e      
said1--  ',n[ !n1 take ^? v]ses z y\r   
text1 & give me a little disc\rse on !m1
 j z y d to y\r little ,sunday s*ol>s4' 
,i hesitat$4  ,nev] _h ,i be5 ask$ to d 
any?+ t seem$ z difficult z ?is4  ,yet  
,i d>$ n refuse su* an opportunity1 &1 )
 an e>ne/ pray] = ! ,holy ,_s's         
guidance1 ,i began1 falt]+ly en\gh at   
fir/1 to talk ab\t x4  ,i d n rememb] n[
 :at ,i said2 ,i 0 only consci\s at ! "t
 ( ,miss ,rayn]'s e>ne/ gaze1 & ( a     
long+ desire t %e might obta9 bo? p>don 
& peace4  ,%e li/5$ 9 sil5ce1 !n said1--
  ',n[ ,i want to he> y pray4  ,don't   
look s fright5$4  ,y pray ) ! old       
villag]s y g to see1 & ,i h a s\l z mu* 
z !y h4  ,kneel d[n & pray = me4'  ,i   

knelt1 & :5 ,i rose %e _h te>s 9 h]     
eyes4  ',y are a de> little ?+6' %e said
 9 a s(t5$ tone2 '"o w\ld ?9k my welf>e 
0 z preci\s to y z y\r own1 to he> y6   
,n[1 t is en\gh = to-day4  ,suppose y   
leave me1 & g out into ! g>d5 = a brea? 
( fre% air4  ,y c s5d ,susan to me4'  ,i
 /oop$ & kiss$ h] be=e ,i left1 say+    
s(tly1--  ',de> ,miss ,rayn]1 ,i "k y w 
f9d ,him if y seek ,him4  ,he is v ne> y
 n[4'  ,we _h sev]al talks toge!r aft]  
t4  ,i c\ld n help ?ank+ ,god aga9 &    
aga9 = hav+ giv5 me ?is bit ( "w 9 !    
mid/ ( my own tr\ble4  ,& x 0 t\*+ to   
see h[1 ) all h] p[] ( intellect & w1   
,miss ,rayn]'s illness _h humbl$ h] l a 
little *ild4  ,%e seem$ to realize      
deeply h] s9 9 reject+ ! tru? = s long4 
,x 0 :5 %e 0 beg9n+ to sit up a little t
 "o day %e turn$ to me & said1 ',i h n  
ask$ aft] ,mr4 ,/anton once yet4 ,:5 are
 y go+ to ,cobham ,hall8'  ,%e evid5tly 
knew no?+ ( :at _h tak5 place1 & 0      
greatly surpris$ :5 ,i told h] all4  ',d
 y mean to say y h nev] he>d f him s9ce 

he left8' %e exclaim$4  ',yes1 once--f  
,new ,york4  ,t is ne>ly two mon?s ago4'
  ',i wi% y hadn't be5 s quick ab\t x1  
*ild4  ,i felt f ! comm5cem5t t x 0 a   
risky ?+1 y\r kn[+ s v little ab\t him6'
  ',i "k him well en\gh to be able to   
tru/ him1' ,i said quietly4  ,%e look$  
at me & smil$4  ',!n y are n anxi\s1 at 
all ev5ts8'  ',yes1 ,i am anxi\s1' ,i   
repli$1 '= ,i d n und]/& 8 sil5ce4 ,he  
mu/ be ill1 or some?+ mu/ h happ5$ to   
him2 b o!r p d n ?9k s1 & _! ins9uations
 & rem>ks ab\t x are almo/ m ?an ,i c   
be>4'  ,miss ,rayn] 0 sil5t4  ,i add$   
impulsively1 ',i _h m ?an once ?\ght (  
writ+ to y1 & ask+ y to h me = a little4
  ,i felt x w\ld be su* a relief to get 
away f all ! talk4  ,?is 0 be=e ,i knew 
y 7 ill1 ( c\rse4'  ',& :y did y n8'    
',i ?\ght x w\ld be r selfi% ( me4  ,n[ 
,con/ance is m>ri$1 ,nelly seems to cl+ 
m to me1 & !re is my "w 9 ! village4 ,x 
is r c[>dly to run away f "o's duties if
 ! way is n smoo?1 don't y ?9k s8'      
,miss ,rayn] did n answ]1 only said ) a 

sigh a mom5t aft]1 ',i hope he w n      
disappo9t y4'     ,,*apt] ,,xvii  ,,dawn
    ',! night is "m ( ! day1   ,! w9t] (
 ! spr+4'   ,mrs4 ,=sy? came to see h]  
si/] directly %e return$ f t[n1 & 0 vex$
 t %e _h n be5 s5t = be=e4  ,%e 0 q     
will+ t ,i %\ld rema9 :]e ,i 01 & s aft]
 %e _h return$ home aga9 ,i _h "s quiet1
 re/ful weeks dur+ ,miss ,rayn]'s       
convalesc5ce4  ,i call !m re/ful1 b ?\gh
 ,i _h ! s5se ( peace & re/ deep d[n 9  
my he>t1 ,i am afraid on ! surface ,i 0 
re/less & ill at ease4  ,e po/ awak5$   
fre% expectation & hope1 only to be     
foll[$ by ! depression ( disappo9tm5t4  
,i pray$ mu* to be giv5 a quiet m9d1 &  
,i d ?9k1 to "s ext5t1 my pray] 0       
answ]$4  ,& ,i _h ! int5se joy ( see+   
,miss ,rayn]'s :ole life *ange1 h]      
int]e/s & ?\ghts n[ c5tr$ on ?+s above4 
,%e did n say mu*1 b h] ,bible 0 n[ h]  
con/ant companion1 & ,i felt by h]      
conv]sation h[ real & deep ! *ange 0 9  
h]4  ,x 0 "o ev5+ 9 ! beg9n+ ( ,july t  
we 7 sitt+ out 9 a l[ v]&ah t ran along 

"o side ( ! h\se4  ,! sun 0 sett+ 9     
front ( u1 & a glori\s sunset x 02 ! sky
 0 illum9at$ ) rosy light f ! deepe/    
crimson to ! mo/ delicate p9k1 & !      
fleecy cl\ds t pass$ by seem$ ba!d 9 its
 gold5 spl5d\r4  ',x always makes me ?9k
 ( heav5's gates1' ,i 0 say+ to ,miss   
,rayn]2 b be=e %e _h "t to reply we 7   
/>tl$ by ! sudd5 appe>ance ( ,hugh4  ,9 
a mom5t ,i 0 on my feet1 & ,i felt e    
ve/ige ( col\r leave my face4  ',y h "s 
news6' ,i cri$4  ,= answ] he quietly put
 a lett] 9 my h&1 & :5 ,i saw !         
well-kn[n writ+ ! reaction 0 too mu*1 ,i
 sat d[n & bur/ into a flood ( te>s4    
,miss ,rayn] wisely left me alone4  ,%e 
drew ,hugh away1 & took him inside !    
draw+-room1 say+1 ',x has be5 a /ra9 to 
! *ild--?is "t ( susp5se1 ?\gh %e has   
tak5 x s quietly4  ,%e w be bett] left  
to h]self4'  ,& !n :5 !y _h left me ,i  
op5$ my lett]4  ,x _h evid5tly met ) "s 
delay on ! road1 = x 0 writt5 a long "t 
pa/4 ,only "o %eet z foll[s3--   ',,my  
,,de>e/1--  ',h[ y mu/ h wond]$ at my   

sil5ce1 & h[ little ,i ?\ght :at a te/  
y\r love & tru/ w\ld be put to dur+ ?is 
long "t6 ,:5 ,i rea*$ ,new ,york ,i f\nd
 x imp]ative to pu% on some:]e 9 ^!     
remote regions1 f :]e ,i date ?is lett]4
  ,i _h only "t to s5d y a c>d1 b ,i    
little ?\ght h[ long x w\ld be be=e y   
w\ld he> f me aga94  ,a bad accid5t     
result$ 9 my be+ /ret*$ on a sick-b$ =  
two :ole mon?s1 & ,i am only n[ able to 
write4  ,b ,i am on ! way to spe$y      
recov]y n[1 & z soon z ,i c be mov$ ,i  
%all make ! be/ ( my way home to y4  ,! 
bus9ess ,i 0 call$ out "h ab\t is at an 
end4  ,circum/ances h made me wond]1 z  
,i lie on my b$1 :e!r x is /ill "r to   
all[ y to l9k y\r life ) m9e4  ,b ,i _c 
write x4  ,i mu/ see y face to face1 if 
,god p]mits1 & !n we mu/ talk x ov]4  ,i
 am hop+ to be 9 ,engl& soon aft] y     
receive ?is4  ,till !n1 d>l+1 good-bye4 
',ev] y\rs1   ',p4 ,,/anton4'   ,i sat )
 ! lett] 9 my h&1 "o ?\ght aft] ano!r   
foll[+ 9 rapid succession4  ,b :at      
really fill$ me ) anxiety & dismay 0 !  

date on :i* ! lett] 0 po/$4  ,accord+ to
 8 /atem5t he ought to h arriv$ 9 ,engl&
 long be=e ?is1 & :y _h he n done s8  ,i
 rose f my seat & call$ ,miss ,rayn]1 :o
 came to my side at once4  ',well8      
,good news1 ,i hope6' %e said *e]ily4   
',:y isn't he "h8' ,i said1 & ,i h&$ h] 
! lett]4  ,%e read x1 & told ,hugh its  
cont5ts1 z ,i did n seem to h ! voice to
 speak4  ',he may h be5 delay$1' ,hugh  
said at once1 ',i w g up to 8 ag5ts aga9
 9 t[n1 & f9d out if !y "k any?+ ( 8    
movem5ts4'  ',aga96' ,i exclaim$4  ',h y
 be5 be=e !n8'  ',yes1' he said         
hesitat+ly2 '!re 0 no?+ to tell y1 or ,i
 w\ld h done s4  ,!y _h lo/ sight ( him 
!mselves4'  ',:5 did y g8' ,i dem&$1 '& 
:at did !y say8  ,oh6  ,hugh6 y might h 
told me4  ,i didn't "k he _h any ag5ts 9
 t[n1 or ,i w\ld h gone myself4  ,let me
 come ) y n[--tonight4'  ,miss ,rayn]   
laid h] h& on my arm4  ',don't be s     
excit$1 *ild4  ,use a little ( y\r      
common s5se4  ,d y ?9k !re is any *ance 
( gett+ up to t[n at ?is "t ( night1 or 

if !re 71 w\ld y be likely to get !     
in=mation y ne$8  ,hugh c sleep "h1 & g 
up ! fir/ ?+ tomorr[ morn+4'  ,to ?is   
,hugh agre$ at once4  ,he seem$ almo/ z 
anxi\s z ,i = ! welf>e ( 8 fri5d4  ,!   
lett] _h br\ght little com=t to me1 b ,i
 c\ld see x _h greatly reliev$ ,miss    
,rayn]'s m9d4  ,my "o fe> n[ 0 t x 0    
illness1 p]haps dea?1 t 0 ! cause ( 8   
abs5ce4  ',he says s little1' ,i rem>k$ 
pres5tly2 'he does n tell me ! nature ( 
! accid5t1 or h[ badly he has be5 hurt4 
,& :y %\ld ! lett] h be5 delay$8'  ',t  
is easily acc\nt$ =1' said ,hugh1 tak+  
up ! envelope & exam9+ ! po/-m>k4  ',he 
0 evid5tly at "s r\gh m\nta9 place :5 he
 wrote1 & po/s are few & f> betwe54  ,if
 y tru/ y\r lett]s to a mess5g] or a    
pass]-by1 y may ?9k y\rself =tunate if  
he rememb]s to po/ !m at all1 & !y may  
(t5 lie 9 8 coat pocket = weeks be=e he 
?9ks ( !m4'  ,t 0 an anxi\s ev5+ to me4 
,z ,i 0 wi%+ ,hugh 'good-night' ,i said1
 ',i h nev] ?ank$ y yet = com+ ov] to me
 at once ) ! lett]4  ,x 0 v good ( y4'  

',! gov]nor sugge/$ po/+ x1 b ,i ?\ght y
 w\ld l to get x z soon z possible4     
,nell 0 dy+ to op5 x2 %e told me to tell
 y %e want$ y home aga94  ,:5 are y go+ 
to "p ) h]1 aunt8'  ,& he turn$ t[>ds   
,miss ,rayn] z he spoke4  ',:5 %e wants 
to g1' 0 ! blunt reply4  ,i w5t to b$   
soon aft]1 b ,i c\ld n sleep4  ,i read &
 re-read ! lett]1 & wi%$ mu* t fur!r    
details _h be5 giv54  ,yet :5 ,i ?\ght (
 him p5n+ ^? l9es on a sick-b$1 p]haps )
 ! greate/ difficulty & pa91 ,i c\ld wi%
 he _h n tr\bl$ to write s mu*4         
,e>ne/ly did ,i pray t 8 heal? & /r5g?  
might be giv5 back to him4  ,i felt x   
su* a com=t to p\r out all my d\bts &   
fe>s to ,god1 kn[+ t ,he 0 n only will+ 
to li/51 b able to control all ,himself1
 & wat* ov] & protect1 yes1 & heal !    
abs5t "o4  ,i fell asleep1 repeat+ to   
myself1 ',! /eps ( a good man are ord]$ 
by ! ,"l1' & x br\ght com=t to my s\l4  
,hugh 0 (f ! fir/ ?+ ! next morn+1 b    
,miss ,rayn] w\ld n all[ me to g up to  
t[n ) him1 & x seem$ ! longe/ day t ,i  

_h ev] sp5t4  ,miss ,rayn] ask$ me if ,i
 w\ld l to return to ! ,=sy?s at once1 b
 ,i %ook my head4  ',y are n q /rong    
yet1' ,i said to h]1 '& ,i d l be+ "h4  
,i feel z if !y w be s full ( que/ions1 
& w pick my lett] to pieces1 if ,i g    
back4  ,g5]al ,=sy? always imag9es !    
wor/ ab\t p4  ,none ( !m believ$ x mu/  
be illness t caus$ 8 sil5ce1 ?\gh ,i    
felt myself x mu/ be4  ,!y all ascrib$ !
 wor/ motives !y c\ld ?9k ( = x4  ,&--& 
sometimes ,i feel ,i c't =give !m =     
d\bt+ & mi/ru/+ him s4'  ',y don't mean 
t8' ,miss ,rayn] said1 look+ at me      
/eadily4  ',no1' ,i said1 col\r+ a      
little1 ',i h no ill-feel+ really1 ,i   
ought n to h h>b\r$ x = an in/ant1 b x  
w\ld come4  ,i try & look at x f _!     
side1 & ( c\rse ,i "k t :at y all say is
 true4  ,a few mon?s ago he 0 a /rang]2 
oh6 ,miss ,rayn]1 tell me1 d y fe> !    
wor/8  ,if he is dead1 ,i ?9k my he>t w 
break6'  ',he>ts are n s easily brok51' 
,miss ,rayn] repli$1 ) a little sigh2   
'my de>1 y mu/ h pati5ce & wait4  ,i ?9k

 mo/ likely he has only be5 delay$4  ,y 
w\ld h he>d be=e n[ if ! wor/ _h        
happ5$4'  ,hugh return$ ab\t eight      
o'clock t ev5+1 b he _h little news to  
give u4  ,philip's ag5ts _h kn[n only q 
rec5tly ( 8 illness1 & 7 expect+ to he> 
( 8 arrival 9 ,engl& e day4  ,s !re 0   
no?+ = me to d b wait pati5tly4  ,i left
 ,miss ,rayn] soon aft]1 = ! ,=sy?s     
want$ me back4  ',i %all miss y1 *ild1' 
%e said1 z we 7 p>t+1 '& y mu/ pray =   
me4  ,i f9d t ! habits ( a lifetime are 
n easily uproot$2 if ,i get into a      
tangle1 ,i %all s5d = my little m9i/] to
 put me /raight aga94'  ',no2 y don't   
want any "o to come betwe5 y & ,god1' ,i
 said ) a smile2 b ,i left h] ) a heavy 
he>t4  ,we _h gr[n1 9 spite ( ! disp>ity
 betwe5 our ages1 to be su* v close     
fri5ds s9ce h] illness4  ,& !n ,i took  
up my old life aga91 hop+ e day to he>  
fre% tid+s1 & try+ to be> ! disappo9tm5t
 z brightly & bravely z ,i c\ld4  ,"o   
aft]noon ,i w&]$ out by myself to !     
moor4  ,x 0 a hot day 9 ,augu/1 b !re 0 

always a breeze up !re1 & ,i lov$ to get
 away f e "o2 ! lovel9ess & /illness    
soo!d & com=t$ me4  ,i _h my ,bible )   
me1 & ! h\rs slipp$ by s quickly t :5 ,i
 began to retrace my way homew>ds ,i    
f\nd x 0 mu* lat] ?an ,i _h imag9$4  ,at
 ! entrance to ! village ,i met ,k5ne?4 
',well1 y are a nice "o6' 0 8 rem>k :5  
he saw me2 'd y "k we h be5 sc\r+ !     
c\ntry = y all ! aft]noon8  ,a telegram 
came = y ab\t a qu>t] ( an h\r aft] y _h
 left ! h\se--,goodness graci\s6 are y  
go+ to fa9t8  ,!re's no?+ wrong--all[ me
 to f9i% my s5t5ce--& n[ !re's some?+   
bett] ?an a telegram arriv$ 9 ! %ape ( a
 two-legg$ specim5----'  ',he has come  
!n6' ,i exclaim$4  ',oh1 ,k5ne?1 tell   
me6'  ',:o has come8  ,:o are y expect+8
  ,y int]rupt me s t ,i h lo/ ! ?read ( 
my disc\rse1 & =get :at ,i 0 go+ to     
say4'  ,!n see+ t ,i 0 n 9 a /ate to /& 
mu* m jok+1 he alt]$ 8 tone4  ',yes1 he 
has arriv$1 look+ r se$y1 b he is alive4
  ,he has be5 closet$ ) ! gov]nor = !   
la/ two h\rs1 giv+ an acc\nt ( himself4 

,i hope x is all fair & squ>e1 b he     
won't let u into 8 secrets1 ?\gh ,i told
 him 8 conduct _h be5 r fi%y 9 our eyes4
  ,:at are y go+ to d8  ,run away f me8 
,y are su* a dignifi$ little s\l        
g5]ally1 t ,i expect$ we %\ld h a saunt]
 up to ! h\se toge!r2 b ,i =got t love  
l5ds w+s1 isn't t ! say+8  ,i w race y  
if y l4  ,n[1 "o1 two1 ?ree1 & away6'   
,& 9 ano!r m9ute we 7 te>+ ?r\gh !      
village & up ! av5ue to ! h\se 9 a /yle 
t w\ld h greatly %ock$ ,mrs4 ,=sy?1 _h  
%e se5 u4  ,k5ne? gave a l\d ':oop' :5  
we ent]$ ! hall1 :i* br\ght e "o out at 
once1 b ,i 0 only consci\s ( "o =m1 "o  
greet+1 & ! next m9ute ,i f\nd myself   
drawn into ! empty libr>y4  ,!n my      
composure gave way3 cl++ hold ( him1 ,i 
c\ld d no?+ b sob1 & = "s m9utes !re 0  
p]fect sil5ce betwe5 u4  ,i c\ld only   
feel ! t\* ( 8 f+]s on my hair1 & !     
/rong beat+ ( 8 he>t1 aga9/ :i* my head 
0 re/+4  ,& !n ,i controll$ myself1 &   
look$ up into 8 face4  ',oh1 ,philip1 h[
 ill y mu/ h be56  ,h[ worn & ill y     

look6  ,are y well aga98'  ',v ne>ly    
well1 ?ank ,god6' 0 ! reply4  ',& n[    
come & sit d[n1 *ildie1 "h by me1 & let 
me tell y ev]y?+4  ,y h nev] d\bt$ me1 h
 y8  ,i ne$ n ask y1 = y\r eyes tell me4
 ,only y are look+ :ite & ?91 d>l+4  ,! 
susp5se mu/ h tri$ y6'  ',x is all "r   
n[1' ,i said4  ',i am long+ to he> x    
all4'  ,b ,philip's explanation _h to be
 po/pon$--! gong rang = d9n]1 & ,i knew 
we mu/ n keep ! o!rs wait+4  ,z ,i w5t  
up to my room to *ange my dress1 ,nelly 
seiz$ hold ( me4 ',oh1 ,hilda1 ,i'm s   
glad = y6  ,& x w come all "r1 ?\gh fa!r
 is %ak+ 8 head d[n/airs1 & say+ to "m  
he d\bts :e!r he ought to c\nt5ance y\r 
engagem5t proce$+4  ,:at is x8 has he   
lo/ money8'  ',i don't "k1' ,i answ]$1' 
& ,i don't c>e4  ,i only "k he is safe  
home aga91 t is q en\gh = me at pres5t6'
     ,,*apt] ,,xviii  ,,w$d$    ',my    
wife1 my life4  ,o we w walk ?is _w     
,yok$1 9 all ex]cise ( noble end1   4 4 
4 4 ,inde$ ,i love !e1 come   ,yield    
?yself up3 my hopes & ?9e are           

"o4'--,t5nyson4   ,x 0 aft] d9n]1 w&]+  
arm-9-arm ?r\gh ! dusky g>d51 t ,philip 
told me ! :ole /ory4  ,x appe>$ t a "y  
c\s9 ( 8 :om he _h promis$ a dy+ "m to  
befri5d1 _h fall5 into bad company out 9
 ,new ,york1 & _h accompli%$ sev]al     
successful =g]ies = v l>ge am\nts 9     
,philip's "n4  ,he 0 cl]k 9 a h\se (    
bus9ess out !re ) :i* ,philip 0         
connect$2 9 fact1 he _h obta9$ !        
situation = him4  ,! =g]ies 7 discov]$  
:il/ ,philip 0 ) u1 & ?\gh he =bade any 
proce$+s to be tak5 until he _h         
inve/igat$ ! matt] himself1 ,ronald     
,/anton1 ! culprit1 took fright &       
abscond$1 tak+ ) him a great deal (     
money f ! firm 9 :i* he 04  ,& ,philip  
on ! impulse ( ! mom5t det]m9$ to foll[ 
8 track & save him if possible f worse  
ru94  ,x 0 ! wi% to %ield ?is c\s9 t    
kept him sil5t1 & made him leave u ) s  
little explanation4  ,:5 he arriv$ at   
,new ,york1 he told ! manag]s ( ! firm t
 he w\ld be responsible = ! miss+ sums1 
& />t$ ) a confid5tial s]vant 9 que/ ( !

 runaway4  ,he w5t ?r\gh a v>iety (     
adv5tures be=e he came on 8 track1 & !n 
at l5g? :5 he met him 9 ! dep?s ( "s    
backwoods1 ! "y fell[ turn$ ^u him 9    
desp]ation1 & be=e ,philip c\ld expla9 t
 x 0 on an err& ( m]cy & n ( ju/ice t he
 _h foll[$ him1 9 ! heat ( ! mom5t      
,ronald drew 8 revolv] & %ot him4  ',x 0
 v ne>ly prov+ fatal = me1' said ,philip
 z he told ! /ory1 'b ,god 9 ,8 m]cy    
prev5t$ ! s9 ( murd] be+ laid to ! poor 
lad's *>ge4  ,he 0 9 su* a /ate ( m9d :5
 he f\nd :at he _h done1 t if x _h n be5
 = my s]vant's re/ra9+ h&1 he w\ld h    
made an attempt on 8 own life4  ,i c\ld 
j manage to say1 ,i h come to save y1 & 
!n ,i rememb]$ no m2 b :5 ,i recov]$    
consci\sness ,i f\nd t he _h become my  
wat*ful1 untir+ nurse4  ,i ?9k x 0 due  
to 8 indefatigable c>e t ,i recov]$4    
,bo? he & my man ,dawson nev] left me   
night or day4  ,poor fell[6 x 0 z ,i    
fe>$4  ,he _h be5 a m]e tool 9 ! h&s (  
o!rs1 :o _h decamp$1 leav+ him to be> ! 
consequ5ces ( 8 s94'  ',b1 ,philip1 h[  

long 7 y ill8  ,& 7 y hurt mu*8  ,i h no
 pity = y\r c\s9--no1 none2 h[ c\ld he1 
oh1 h[ c\ld he treat y s8'  ',p]haps ,i 
_h bett] tell y no m4  ,let u talk ( o!r
 ?+s4'  ',no1 no1 ,i want to he> ev]y?+2
 please g on4'  ',i tri$ to write to y  
:5 ,i got bett]1 = ,i ?\ght y w\ld be   
less al>m$ ?an if a /rang] wrote to y2 b
 9 illness "o does n take mu* c\nt ( "t1
 & ,i _h no idea t ,i _h left y s long  
)\t a l9e4  ,at la/ ,i 0 able to manage1
 & !n ,i did hope ,i %\ld get home4     
,ronald1 poor boy1 wait$ to come back & 
give himself up to ! h&s ( ju/ice1 & 9  
tell+ y\r gu>dian ab\t x he ?9ks ,i 0   
wrong 9 n lett+ ! law take its c\rse4   
,b ,i w\ld be ! only suff]]1 x 0 my     
money he _h made away )1 & ,i c\ld be> !
 loss4  ,he 0 s ?or\ghly & truly        
rep5tant t ,i did n regret x4  ,i made  
arrangem5ts = him to g & />t life afre% 
out !re on a f>m4  ,x is 8 det]m9ation  
to pay back gradually z he c all he     
owes2 b ?is w\ld be ! "w ( a lifetime4  
,x 0 ?r\gh gambl+ t he 0 tempt$ fir/ (  

all4'  ',b :y did y n come home at      
once8'  ',i _h a relapse1 & f\nd :5 ,i  
rea*$ ! ne>e/ t[n ,i mu/ g into hospital
 to h ! bullet extract$1 :i* _h nev] be5
 done4 ,i did s5d y a lett] f !re1 :i* y
 ought to h _h1 b an accid5t happ5$ to  
"s mail bags ab\t t "t2 !y got burnt1 & 
,i c only conclude y\rs mu/ h be5 among/
 !m4'  ',& 7 y v ill 9 hospital8'  ',i  
_h r a bad "t ( x4  ,if ,i _h be5 able  
to h a prop] doctor at ! "t1 x w\ld h   
sav$ me a good deal4  ,z x is1 my "r    
lung has be5 injur$1 & ,i %all h to be  
c>eful = a long "t4'  ',i feel z if ,i c
 nev] =give t c\s9 ( y\rs1 nev]6  ,oh6  
,philip1 :y 7 y s good to him8'  ,&     
unn]v$ by ! acc\nt he _h giv5 me1 ,i    
bur/ into te>s4  ',x has be5 too mu* = y
 to-night1 *ildie1' & ,philip drew me   
clos] to him4  ',y w feel diff]5tly     
t[>ds him to-morr[4  ,i h told y all1 = 
y h a "r to "k1 & ,i f\nd ,i 0 oblig$ to
 tell y\r gu>dian2 b ,i did x 9 !       
/ricte/ confid5ce1 & ,i "k he w respect 
my wi%es ab\t x4  ,o!rs ne$ n "k        

p>ticul>s1 & y mu/ try to =get x4  ,n[  
to come to ! subject t w conc]n u mu* m 
closely4  ,?is has made a diff]5ce 9 my 
prospects4  ,i h n gone ?or\ghly into my
 affairs yet1 b ,i see no?+ = x b to let
 ,cobham = a few ye>s4  ,i w n g into   
debt1 nei!r w ,i mortgage x1 & ,i _c n[ 
af=d to keep ! place up z x %\ld be4  ,i
 ?9k ev5tually ,i %all be able to g back
 to x1 b n at pres5t4  ,w y be cont5t ) 
a small h\se some:]e ne> t[n1 :ile ,i   
foll[ my lit]>y pursuits1 z mu* n[ = ga9
 z =m]ly = pleasure8'  ',:y d y ask me  
su* a "q8 y "k h[ satisfi$ ,i %all be4' 
',! g5]al is n4  ,he is v di/ress$ ab\t 
x1 & !n !re is ano!r objection n[--my   
heal?4'  ,he /opp$1 & 8 face look$ grave
 & worn 9 !'1 dusky twilight4  ,i /ood  
/ill & fac$ him1 a dreadful fe> tak+    
possession ( me4  ',philip1 tell me     
truly1 is y\r life 9 dang]8 are !       
doctors afraid ( any?+ s]i\s8'  ,he took
 my h&s 9 bo? 81 z he answ]$1 ',!re is  
no?+ to be anxi\s ab\t1 my d>l+1 at     
pres5t4  ,i %all ne$ c>e & nurs+1       

p]haps4  ,!y give me hope t "t w outgr[ 
! mis*ief1 b p]haps x may %ort5 my life4
  ,i tell y ?is because ,i want y to see
 :at is be=e u4  ,i h no "r to expect y 
to l9k y\r life ) m9e "u ^!             
circum/ances1 & y\r gu>dian is v d\btful
 z to ! wisdom & exp$i5cy ( x4'  ',does 
he ?9k1' ,i said1 ! blood ru%+ to my    
*eeks ) indignation1 't ?is w make any  
diff]5ce 9 my feel+ t[>ds y8  ,x w      
c]ta9ly 9 "o way2 x w make me t5 times m
 consci\s ( ! hon\r x w be to become y\r
 wife4  ,x w make me realize m & m y\r  
unselfi% devotion & goodness t[>ds ! "o 
:o has m>r$ & spoilt y\r life1 & make me
 "k :at a noble----'  ',hu%6 hu%6' he   
said1 half laugh+1 z he dropp$ my h&s1 &
 put 8 arm r\nd me1 'y may ?9k me a h]o 
to-night1 b 9 ! calm light ( to-morr[   
morn+ y may ?9k diff]5tly4  ,& yet ,i am
 s confid5t ( y\r love & tru/ t ,i h    
nev] d\bt$ h[ y w\ld act4  ,i w\ld n let
 y sacrifice y\rself1 if ,i 7 sure 9 my 
own he>t t my heal? 0 s]i\sly injur$2 b 
,i d n ?9k x is4  ,i believe ! doctors  

are "r :5 !y say t "t w heal ! mis*ief4 
,i d n ?9k we %all be call$ to give ea* 
o!r up1 if y are cont5t to take me z ,i 
am4'  ,mu* m we said to ea* o!r on t    
calm1 /ill ev5+2 & be=e we came indoors 
we gave ?anks toge!r to our ,heav5ly    
,fa!r = ,8 goodness 9 br++ u toge!r     
aga94  ,i 0 oblig$ to h an int]view ) my
 gu>dian ! next morn+4 ,he 0 v k9d1 b   
said he 0 d\btful :e!r1 "u ! pres5t     
circum/ances1 ,i ought n to look at ?+s 
) a diff]5t eye4 ,:5 he f\nd1 z ,i ?9k  
he mu/ h expect$ to f9d1 my op9ions on !
 subject 7 totally un*ang$1 he end$ up  
by say+1 ',( c\rse ,i h tri$ to act     
t[>ds y z ,i %\ld t[>ds my own daught]s4
  ,x is a disappo9tm5t to me t y w n be 
z com=tably (f ) ,/anton z ,i _h suppos$
 y w\ld be at fir/1 & !re is 8 /ate (   
heal? t is a drawback2 b /ill ,i _c     
press y to break (f ! engagem5t1 hav+   
giv5 my sanction to x4  ,i only wi% he  
_h n act$ 9 ! extraord9>y quixotic way  
he has4  ,!n all ?is tr\ble might h be5 
sp>$ y bo?4  ,= a man ( 8 age & /amp1 ,i

 consid] he has be5 mo/ fooli%1 if n to 
say culpable1 9 ! mann] he has treat$ t 
"y sc\ndrel ( a c\s96'  ,two ev5+s aft] 
?is we 7 9 ! draw+-room aft] d9n]1 :5   
,philip ask$ me if ,i w\ld play to !m4  
,!re 0 sil5ce among/ ! o!rs :il/ ,i op5$
 my viol9 case1 & !n ,k5ne? rem>k$1 z ,i
 began to tight5 ! /r+s1 ',c x ev] be   
us$ aga98  ,don't y "k1 ,/anton1 t x 0 n
 only a brok5 he>t1 b a brok5 fiddle y  
left beh9d y1 :5 y dep>t$ s sudd5ly la/ 
"t y 7 "h8  ,x's a/oni%+ h[ soon he>ts  
get m5d$1 & fiddles too1 x appe>s4      
,goody has %udd]$ at ! sight ( t        
in/rum5t ev] s9ce4  ,i ?\ght ! epitaph  
on h] tomb/one w\ld be1 ,%e nev] play$  
aga96'  ,i f\nd a difficulty 9 play+ t  
night 9 ! mid/ ( ?is nons5se4  ,i seem$ 
to h liv$ a lifetime s9ce la/ ,i _h t\*$
 my viol92 b :5 ,i _h once />t$1 ,i z   
usual =got ev]y?+ b j ! com=t & soo?+ x 
br\ght me4  ,& :5 ,i _h f9i%$1 ,nelly   
said1 impulsively1 ',!re6 n[ y look l   
y\r old self1 ,hilda4  ,y hav5't be5 !  
same s9ce t night ,k5ne? 0 speak+ (4    

,don't y love y\r viol98  ,i am sure y  
d1 f ! way y h&le x6'  ',( c\rse ,i love
 x1' ,i respond$ w>mly4  ,k5ne? laugh$4 
',y h a rival1 ,/anton4  ,i tell y1 :5  
%e /&s up !re1 h] eyes gett+ bigg] &    
bigg]1 & h] preci\s fiddle hugg$ tight] 
& tight]1 y are absolutely n[h]e--out ( 
h] affections & ?\ghts altoge!r6  ,i    
?9k1 if ,i 7 9 y\r place1 ,i %\ld       
quietly make away ) x :5 y h an         
opportunity4 ,x w br+ discord into y\r  
life1 ,i w>n y2 x is capable ( x6'  ,we 
all laugh$2 b ,philip said to me        
aft]w>ds1 ',ev]y?+ t ,i see & he> makes 
me realize afre% :at an anxiety & /ra9  
,i h br\ght into y\r life4  ,c y =give  
me8'  ',is !re any?+ to =give8' ,i ask$4
  ',i h be5 anxi\s1 ,philip--x 0 no     
wond]1 b ,i ?9k ! tr\ble & anxiety has  
only made me realize ! =ce & /r5g? ( t  
v]se 9 ! ,psalms1 z ,i nev] %\ld h done 
o!rwise3 ,god is our refuge & /r5g?1 a v
 pres5t help 9 tr\ble4'  ',& x is wor?  
go+ ?r\gh ! d>kness to exp]i5ce ,8      
t5d]ness & c>e1' 0 ! rejo9d]4  ,philip  

_h a great deal ( bus9ess to d = ! next 
mon? or two1 & !n x 0 settl$ t our      
m>riage %\ld take place ! latt] end (   
,novemb]4  ,a dre>y mon? = a w$d+       
g5]ally1 b x 0 n s 9 our case1 & x 0 a  
sun%9y1 fro/y morn+ :5 we /ood toge!r 9 
! little village *ur* z man & wife4  ,i 
c\ld n h believ$1 if any "o _h told me a
 twelvemon? be=e1 h[ mu* ,i %\ld h felt 
! p>t+ ) ! ,=sy?s--,nelly especially lay
 v ne> to my he>t2 we _h _h _m a talk   
toge!r ( ?+s above1 & ,i sometimes d>$  
to hope t %e _h grasp$ hold ( ! tru?1   
?\gh %e 0 fe>ful ( lett+ o!rs "k ab\t x4
  ,! night be=e our w$d+ %e came to me &
 ask$ me to pray ) h]1 :i* ,i did2 & !n 
) te>s 9 h] eyes %e said1 ',i %all miss 
y s dreadfully1 ,hilda2 y h help$ me to 
see ?+s s diff]5tly1 & ,i don't ?9k ,i  
%all ev] be satisfi$ n[ ) j a :irl (    
gaiety4'  ',y h promis$ to take my      
,sunday class1 s t w give y an int]e/1' 
,i said1 try+ to speak brightly2 '& oh6 
,nelly1 if y get to "k ! ,"l z y\r      
p]sonal ,fri5d1 y won't miss me4  ,he w 

be q suffici5t4'  ',i am try+ to1' %e   
said s(tly2 ',i w\ld l to "k ,him z y   
d4'  ,!n 9 a brisk] tone %e said1 ',& y 
w ask me to /ay ) y soon1 won't y8  ,:5 
y are 9 t[n1 y "k6  ,i %\ld l to come1 &
 ,i won't ask to g to any !atres1 or ev5
 to a picture gall]y1 or a ride 9 ! ,r[1
 if y ?9k x worldly6  ,b d let me come j
 to be ) y4'  ,miss ,graham bid me      
good-bye ) mu* grief2 b ,i felt happy   
ab\t h]2 %e 0 /eadfa/ly sett+ h] face   
heav5w>ds1 & pray+ & influ5c+ h] pupil  
into ! same pa? too4  ,i ?9k ,mrs4 ,=sy?
 0 g5u9ely sorry = me to leave1 & :5 ,i 
said some?+ to h] ab\t be+ s sorry t my 
views _h cla%$ ) h]s1 & hop+ %e w\ld    
und]/& h[ x 01 %e gave me a w>m kiss1   
say+1 ',nev] m9d ! pa/1 my de>4  ,p]haps
 if ,i _h be5 br\ght up diff]5tly1 ,i   
%\ld h se5 m ) y4  ,we %all miss y v    
mu*1 = y h be5 a great help & com=t to u
 :il/ y h be5 "h4'  ,miss ,rayn] appe>$ 
at ! w$d+1 to e "o's great a/oni%m5t4   
,h] p>t+ words caus$ me mu* ?\ght &     
consid]ation3 ',don't be surpris$ if y  

he> soon t ,i h giv5 up my *icks1 &     
dep>t$ to ! wilds ( ,africa z a         
mission>y4  ,i mu/ d some?+ ) my bit (  
wa/$ life left me4'  ,my little ,sunday 
s*ol>s 7 9 full =ce at ! *ur* gate z we 
w5t ?r\gh1 & irrepressible ,roddy d>t$  
up to me & clut*$ hold ( my dress1--',y 
isn't go+ away to heav51 is y1 l ,jim8' 
',n yet1 ,i ?9k1' ,i answ]$1 try+ to    
deta* 8 *ubby f+]s f my skirt4  ',i     
?\ght y 01 9 t bo(ul angel dress6'  ,&  
he fell back ) a trace ( disappo9tm5t on
 8 rosy face4  ,kitty 0 by 8 side op5ly 
weep+4  ,z ,i came d[n ! pa? aft] x 0   
all ov]1 ,i c\ld n help giv+ h] a       
special 'good-bye4'  ,h] sad little face
 flu%$ ) pleasure z ,i did s1 & %e      
murmur$1 ',i nev] %all =get y1 tea*]1   
y've taught me to love ,jesus'2 & my own
 eyes fill$ ) te>s at h] words4  ,z we  
drove away to ! /ation on our way to !  
,cont95t = a mon? or six weeks1 & ,i    
felt ,i 0 on ! ?re%old ( a new life1 ,i 
said to ,philip1 ',i feel z if ,i c\ld  
put to ?is *apt] ( my life1 ,n "o ?+ ha?

 fail$ ( all ! good ?+s :i* ! ,"l ,god  
spake conc]n+ y6'     ,,*apt] ,,xix     
,,old ,,fri5ds    ',"o 9 he>t1 9 int]e/ 
& design1   ,gird up ea* o!r to ! race  
div9e4'--,c[p]4   ',hilda1 ,i h an old  
fri5d com+ to d9e ) u to-night4  ,i came
 across him 9 t[n to-day2 y are sure to 
l him1 he is a g5]al fav\rite :]ev] he  
goes4'  ',:at is 8 "n8'                 
',ratcliffe--,*>les ,ratcliffe4  ,i h   
kn[n him a long "t1 be=e he c>$ = s]i\s 
?+s4  ,x 0 a meet+ 9 t[n to :i* ,i took 
him t 01 9 ,god's h&s1 ! means ( 8      
conv]sion4  ,t 0 _m ye>s ago1 :5 ,i 0 j 
beg9n+ to und]/& ^! ?+s2 ,i 0 q a "y    
fell[ myself1 & he is my s5ior by _m    
ye>s4  ,i %all l y to "k him1 & ,i want 
him to "k my wife4'  ,we 7 at breakfa/1 
& x 0 a cold morn+ 9 ,febru>y4  ,philip 
_h tak5 a flat 9 ,s\? ,k5s+ton1 & ?\gh 9
 _m ways we %\ld h pref]r$ a h\se ( our 
own1 we 7 p]fectly happy ) ?is          
arrangem5t4  ,! only anxiety ,i _h 0    
,philip's heal?2 8 lung t _h be5 s      
affect$ /ill gave him tr\ble1 & he 0 (t5

 conf9$ to ! h\se = weeks at a "t4  ,all
 day long ,i kept repeat+ ! "n ( ,*>les 
,ratcliffe ov] to myself1 & wond]+ :]e  
,i _h he>d x be=e1 b x 0 n until our    
gue/ 0 actually 9 our draw+-room1 & %ak+
 h&s ) me1 t x fla%$ across me4 ,miss   
,rayn] _h be5 engag$ to a ,mr4          
,ratcliffe4  ,c\ld ?is be ! same1 ,i    
wond]$8  ,& ,i det]m9$ pres5tly to f9d  
out4  ,he 0 a tall1 h&some man ) an     
iron-grey m\/a*e & cle> blue eyes4  ,i  
c\ld n keep my gaze (f him4  ,h[ (t5 ,i 
_h long$ t someh[ or o!r ,i might be    
p]mitt$ to br+ ^? two toge!r aga96  ,x  
w\ld be /range if ,i 7 to discov] t he 0
 ! id5tical man4  ,our conv]sation got  
r\nd to ! ,=sy?s & _! "p ( ! c\ntry1 &  
!n ,i said boldly1 ',"o ( ! prettie/    
p>ts is :]e ,mrs4 ,=sy?'s si/] lives1 a 
,miss ,rayn]4  ,%e lives 9 an old       
f>mh\se close to ! moor4  ,i sp5t "s (  
my happie/ days ) h]4'  ,he did n />t or
 %[ any emotion at ! "n1 z ,i hop$ he   
w\ld2 b he said sl[ly1 aft] a m9ute's   
pause1 ',i us$ to "k a ,miss ,rayn] long

 ago--,hel5 ,rayn] h] "n 04  ,i suppose 
x is ! same1 z ,i he>d %e _h settl$ d[n 
!re some:]e4'  ',%e is a v great fri5d (
 m9e1' ,i said w>mly2 'b ,i d n ?9k %e w
 be !re mu* long] n[1 %e talks ( giv+ ! 
place up4  ,9 fact1 %e is com+ up to t[n
 to /ay ) u next week = a few days1 :il/
 %e is m$itat+ an int]view ) "s         
mission>y society2 %e wants to g abroad 
z a mission>y4  ,p]haps1 z y are old    
fri5ds1 ,mr4 ,ratcliffe1 y w\ld l to    
meet h]4  ,won't y come & d9e ) u aga9  
:il/ %e is "h8  ,w\ld next ,friday suit 
y8'  ,i saw ,philip glance across at me 
) slight surprise2 b ,i 0 too int5t on  
my own plan to m9d1 & he at once add$ 8 
invitation to m9e4  ,mr4 ,ratcliffe     
hesitat$ a little1 & !n ask$ if he might
 leave x an op5 "q = t night1 z he h>dly
 knew :at 8 engagem5ts 74  ,& hav+ ga9$ 
my po9t ,i *ang$ ! subject1 & ,miss     
,rayn]'s "n 0 n m5tion$ aga94  ,we _h a 
pleasant ev5+ ) our gue/4  ,& :5 he _h  
gone ,philip turn$ to me4  ',i ne$ n ask
 y h[ y l him1' he said1 ) an amus$     

sp>kle 9 8 eye2 ',i nev] saw my little  
wife m det]m9$ on mak+ acqua9tance ) any
 ( my fri5ds1 or ( improv+ !            
opportunity4 ,:o else is to be invit$ to
 y\r d9n]-p>ty on ,friday1 may ,i ask8' 
',y mu/n't tease me1' ,i rejo9$1' = y   
don't "k my motives4 ,come & sit d[n "h1
 & let me tell y all ab\t x4'  ,he did n
 seem z int]e/$ 9 my /ory z ,i 01 ?\gh  
he laugh$ at my 'mat*-mak+' prop5sity1 z
 he call$ x4  ',i recollect n[1' he     
said1 't he 0 engag$ to "s girl at ! "t 
,i fir/ knew him4  ,x is /range t x %\ld
 h be5 to ,miss ,rayn]4  ,i rememb] h[  
glad ,i 0 :5 he told me x 0 brok5 (f1 = 
,i fe>$ %e w\ld be a /umbl+-block to    
him4  ,i %\ld let matt]s alone if ,i 7  
y1 little woman4  ,!y are v happy n[1   
bo? ( !m4  ,x's too late 9 ! day to alt]
 ?+s1 & nei!r ( !m w\ld wi% x1 ,i am    
sure6'  ',y m5 nev] und]/& ^! ?+s1' ,i  
said1 laugh+2 b at ! same "t ,i felt v  
d\btful z to :e!r my exp]im5t w\ld      
succe$4  ,mr4 ,ratcliffe did accept =   
,friday1 & n[ ,i grew v n]v\s ab\t tell+

 ,miss ,rayn]4  ,%e arriv$1 & _h be5 two
 days ) u be=e ,i c\ld pluck up c\rage  
to broa* ! subject1 & x 0 ,philip :o    
ev5tually did x = me4  ',by ! bye1 ,miss
 ,rayn]1' he said at breakfa/ on ,friday
 morn+1 'a fri5d ( m9e is com+ 9 to d9n]
 to-night4  ,i hope y won't object4     
,ratcliffe is 8 "n4'  ,%e gave a little 
/>t1 b answ]$1 ',( c\rse ,i h no        
objection2 b ,i told ,hilda ,i w\ld n be
 drawn into society :il/ up "h4  ,i came
 up solely on bus9ess1 & :5 t is ov] ,i 
%all g home4'  ,%e did n ask any        
que/ions ab\t him1 & ,i said no?+4  ,:5 
he 0 ann\nc$ t ev5+ %e & ,i 7 alone 9 ! 
draw+-room4 ,c]ta9ly ( ! two ,mr4       
,ratcliffe 0 ! coole/4  ',we h met be=e1
 ,miss ,rayn]1 s ne$ no introduction1'  
he said1 hold+ out 8 h&4  ,%e took x4   
',yes1' %e said1 'x 0 a surprise :5 ,i  
he>d y\r "n m5tion$4  ,:at cold wea!r we
 are hav+6' & we drift$ into g5]al      
topics ( conv]sation z easily z         
possible4  ,!re 0 no con/ra9t at !      
d9n]-table4  ,miss ,rayn] c\ld always   

talk well1 & ,i nev] he>d h] talk bett] 
?an on ?is night2 m ?an once ,i saw ,mr4
 ,ratcliffe look+ r furtively across !  
table at h]1 b no?+ c\ld h be5 m        
indiff]5t ?an 8 tone :5 address+ h]4    
,!n we began to talk on mission "w at   
home & abroad4  ,mr4 ,ratcliffe seem$   
?or\ghly at home ) ?is subject1 :il/    
,miss ,rayn] grew m & m sil5t4  ,i 0    
long+ = an opportunity to leave !m      
alone1 & hop$ t we might succe$ 9 do+ s 
aft] d9n]1 b ,i c\ld n manage x4  ,:5 he
 0 tak+ 8 leave he turn$ to ,miss ,rayn]
 & said1 ',w\ld y c>e to come d[n & see 
ov] ! premises ( ! ,ea/ ,end ,mission ,i
 am int]e/$ 98  ,if y h nev] se5 ,london
 slum "w1 ,i ?9k ?is w\ld give y an     
insight into x4'  ,& to my great delight
 ,miss ,rayn] respond$ 9 ! affirmative4 
,!y arrang$ a "t1 & tri$ to include me 9
 ! visit1 b ,i decl9$2 & :5 ! next morn+
 ,i saw ! two walk (f toge!r1 ,i turn$  
to ,philip ) a beam+ face4  ',!re6' ,i  
exclaim$4  ',i consid] ,i h manag$ t4   
,n[ if !y don't make x up1 x won't be my

 fault4'  ',y are a fooli% *ild1'       
,philip respond$1 z he turn$ r\nd f 8   
writ+ to draw me to him4  ',:y %\ld y be
 s anxi\s to br+ !m toge!r8'            
',because1' ,i said1 z ,i laid my *eek  
lightly aga9/ 81 ',i want !m to be z    
happy z we are1 ,philip1 & ,i believe !y
 w be4'  ,miss ,rayn] return$ f h] morn+
 9 ! ,ea/ ,end v quiet & preoccupi$4  ,i
 ask$ no que/ions1 b 0 surpris$ :5 lat] 
9 ! day %e said to me1 ',i mu/ leave y  
to-morr[1 ,hilda4  ,i h done my bus9ess1
 & am long+ to get out ( ,london4  ,x   
nev] suits me4  ,i feel z if ,i _c brea!
 "h4'  ',y promis$ to /ay till ! end ( !
 week1' ,i said reproa*fully4           
',circum/ances alt] cases1' %e rejo9$   
briefly4  ,?is did n s\nd v hopeful4  ,i
 0 sil5t1 n kn[+ v well :at to say4     
,pres5tly %e said1 ) a %ort little      
laugh1 ',i am always outspok51 ,hilda1 s
 ,i'll tell y frankly t if y _h n ,mr4  
,ratcliffe hang+ ab\t ?is "p ,i might h 
l5g!n$ my visit4 ,i _c /& ! *ance (     
meet+ him aga94'  ',:y8' ,i ask$        

innoc5tly4  ',:y8' %e repeat$4  ',y "k  
my /ory1 & he w n let bygones be        
bygones1 b insi/$ ?is morn+ ^u dragg+ up
 old memories t are be/ left buri$4  ,9 
fact1 he wants ?+s to be z !y once 71 & 
!y _c4'  ',oh1 ,miss ,rayn]1 :y n8' ,i  
aga9 exclaim$4  ',because we are old &  
grey1' %e said1 laugh+2 'because he has 
drift$ into ways ( 8 own1 & into m9e4   
,x w\ld be ridicul\s & besides ,i--,i   
%\ld be no help to him4  ,i am su* a    
beg9n]4'  ,%e turn$ f me quickly & left 
! room4  ,i 0 p]plex$ & di/urb$4  ,i _h 
felt sure t my little plan 0 go+ to     
succe$1 & ,i 0 v disappo9t$ at its      
app>5t failure4 ,i knew t %e /ill c>$ = 
him1 & :y %e w\ld p]si/ 9 /&+ 9 h] own  
light1 & putt+ su* happ9ess f h]1 ,i    
c\ld n imag9e6  ,t ev5+ ,miss ,rayn] &  
,i 7 d9+ alone z ,philip _h an engagem5t
 out4  ,i 0 a little anxi\s ab\t him1 z 
he 0 only j recov]+ f a bad cold1 & made
 him wrap up v w>mly be=e he w5t4  ,miss
 ,rayn] said to me at d9n]1 ',i am      
afraid y\r husb&'s heal? is a great     

anxiety to y4'  ',x is a little cl\d to 
our happ9ess1' ,i said1 'b we are n     
tr\bl$4  ,i always feel ,he is 9 ,god's 
h&s2 ,i suppose we %all nev] h uncl\d$  
sun%9e on e>?1 & ,i don't ?9k ,i w\ld h 
x s1 o!rwise we %\ld p]haps lose !      
exp]i5ce ( dwell+ deep1 & ,i w\ld n wi% 
t4'  ',h y se5 ,k5ne? at all lately8'   
,miss ,rayn] ask$4  ',i he>d he 0 up 9  
t[n4  ,d y "k1 ,i us$ to fancy t he 0 v 
p>tial to y4'  ,i laugh$4  ',he says he 
is /ill2 b ,k5ne? is j ,k5ne?1 ,miss    
,rayn]6  ,i look ^u him z a bro!r4  ,he 
0 call+ "h ! o!r aft]noon & br\ght      
,capta9 ,gates ) him4'  ',0 t y\r       
fri5d8'  ',yes2 b he got ov] t a long "t
 ago4  ,he is engag$ to a v nice girl1  
,i believe1 & told me he 0 /eady+ d[n4  
,i wi% he _h ! real ?+ 9 8 life2 b      
p]haps x may come yet4'  ,a %ort "t aft]
 d9n] ,i 0 surpris$ by ,mr4 ,ratcliffe  
be+ ann\nc$4  ,miss ,rayn] did n happ5  
to be 9 ! room4  ,he look$ a little     
awkw>d1 ,i ?\ght1 & said1 ',i meant to h
 giv5 ,miss ,rayn] a ,report ( our      

,mission ?is morn+1 & ?\ght ,i w\ld br+ 
x r\nd1 z ,i und]/ood %e 0 leav+ y      
to-morr[ morn+4'  ',yes1' ,i said       
gravely2 ',i am afraid %e is4  ,i wi% y 
c\ld p]suade h] to /ay a little long]4' 
,i h no influ5ce ov] h]1' he said1 a    
little sadly4  ',b y once _h1' ,i said  
s(tly4  ',d y "k ab\t u1 ,mrs4 ,/anton8'
 & !re 0 a slight eag]ness 9 8 tone4    
',h[ ,i wi% y c\ld help me n[6  ,all ^! 
ye>s1 ?\gh ,i h /eadfa/ly put x 9 !     
backgr\nd1 h] face--9 fact1 h] self--has
 be5 haunt+ me4  ,!re has only be5 "o   
woman 9 ! _w = me2 & n[1 :5 ,i f9d h] s 
*ang$1 ,i ?\ght t p]haps %e might--ev5  
?\gh ,i am no long] "y--be will+ to come
 to me4  ,h] p>t+ words ye>s ago 71 ,x  
is n y t ,i dislike1 b y\r views2 & ^?  
,i _c /&4  ,n[ %e loves ^? v ?+s t 7 s  
di/a/eful to h]1 & yet %e w n li/5 to   
me4  ,i c only conclude h] affection =  
me di$ out long ago1 & is a ?+ ( ! pa/4'
  ',no1 no1' ,i cri$2 'x is n s4  ,i    
believe y h always be5 z mu* 9 h] ?\ghts
 z %e has be5 9 y\rs4  ,i _c q und]/& h]

 n[4  ,%e seems z if %e is afraid (     
lett+ y see :at is 9 h] he>t4  ,i %\ld  
p]sev]e1 if ,i 7 y1 & make h] li/5 to   
y4'  ,i c\ld say no m1 = ! door op5$ &  
,miss ,rayn] came 94  ,i saw f ! det]m9$
 set ( h] lips1 & ! di/ant1 fro/y tones 
9 :i* %e spoke to him1 t %e _h no       
int5tion ( rel5t+2 & ,i knew x 0 only a 
cloak to hide h] real feel+s1 & long$ to
 te> x aside4  ,i tri$ all 9 my p[] to  
make conv]sation easy betwe5 !m4  ,i    
c\ld n be> to see ! tr\bl$1 pa!tic look 
9 ,mr4 ,ratcliffe's eyes4  ,miss ,rayn] 
0 9 h] wor/ mood--cynical & h>d4  ,%e   
did n seem to c>e h[ %e 0 w\nd+ by h]   
words1 & ,i felt %e 0 purposely         
repres5t+ h]self 9 ! wor/ light         
possible4  ,sudd5ly a ?\ght /ruck me4   
,i knew h[ music s(t5$ h]1 & quietly    
tak+ out my viol91 ,i ask$ !m if !y w\ld
 l me to play4  ,!y ass5t$1 & mov+ to a 
di/ant corn] ( ! room ,i began4  ,i ?9k 
,i put all my s\l into x1 = ,i 0 long+ !
 sweet s\nds %\ld soo! & s(t5 h]1 z !y  
_h s (t5 be=e4  ,i play$ on4  ,!re 0    

p]fect sil5ce 9 ! room4  ,%e 0 sitt+ 9 !
 firelight1 & he1 lean+ aga9/ !         
*imney-piece1 nev] took 8 eyes (f h]    
face4  ,:5 ,i at la/ paus$ ,i saw h]    
eyes 7 moi/1 & all ! h>d l9es ab\t h]   
face _h entirely disappe>$4  ,)\t a ^w  
,i slipp$ s(tly out ( ! room1 & go+ into
 ,philip's /udy1 ,i knelt d[n & ask$ t !
 two he>ts & lives t _h be5 s long sev]$
 might be br\ght toge!r aga94  ,!n ,i   
wait$1 & ! "t seem$ long be=e ,i he>d ! 
draw+-room door op51 & ,mr4 ,ratcliffe's
 voice inquire1 ',:]e is ,mrs4 ,/anton8'
  ,i w5t out1 & receiv$ a grasp ( ! h& t
 ,i felt = long aft]4  ',god bless y =  
:at y h done = me to-night6' he said1 9 
an agitat$ tone2 & )\t ano!r ^w he      
dep>t$4  ,i w5t 9 to ,miss ,rayn]4  ,%e 
0 sitt+ :]e ,i _h left h]1 b no         
explanation 0 ne$$ to see f ! expression
 ( h] face :at _h tak5 place4  ,i j w5t 
up to h]1 & put my arms r\nd h] neck4   
',i am s glad & ?ankful1' ,i :isp]$1 '& 
,i d hope t y w be happy4'  ,miss ,rayn]
 did n speak = a m9ute1 & !n %e said1 9 

a brok5 voice1--  ',y h br\ght two      
bless+s into my life1 *ild4  ,?is pres5t
 "o is big en\gh1 b ! o!r outweighs x by
 f>1 & my he>t is too full to speak ( x4
  ,z = ,mr4 ,ratcliffe1 ,i only hope ,i 
%all be a help to him n[1 & n a         
h9drance4'  ',x is all "r1 ,philip1' ,i 
said1 z ,i met my husb& an h\r lat] 9 ! 
hall2 '!y h come toge!r at la/6'  ,he   
put 8 arm r\nd me1 & said g5tly1--  ',i 
hope ,ratcliffe w be z mu* help$ &      
bless$ by 8 wife z ,i h be5 by m9e4  ,i 
h exp]i5c$ ! tru? ( ?is1 ,he t gette? a 
wife beg9ne? a possession1 a help l unto
 himself1 & a pill> ( re/4'   ,,! ,,end