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Title:TheWoodlanders

Author:ThomasHardy

PostingDate:August30,2008[EBook#482]

ReleaseDate:April,1996

Language:English

***STARTOFTHISPROJECTGUTENBERGEBOOKTHEWOODLANDERS***

THEWOODLANDERS

by

ThomasHardy

CONTENTS

CHAPTERI CHAPTERII CHAPTERIII CHAPTERIVCHAPTERV CHAPTERVI CHAPTERVII CHAPTERVIIICHAPTERIX CHAPTERX CHAPTERXI CHAPTERXIICHAPTERXIII CHAPTERXIV CHAPTERXV CHAPTERXVICHAPTERXVII CHAPTERXVIII CHAPTERXIX CHAPTERXXCHAPTERXXI CHAPTERXXII CHAPTERXXIII CHAPTERXXIVCHAPTERXXV CHAPTERXXVI CHAPTERXXVII CHAPTER

XXVIIICHAPTERXXIX CHAPTERXXX CHAPTERXXXI CHAPTERXXXIICHAPTERXXXIII

CHAPTERXXXIV CHAPTERXXXV CHAPTERXXXVI

CHAPTERXXXVII

CHAPTERXXXVIII

CHAPTERXXXIX

CHAPTERXL

CHAPTERXLI CHAPTERXLII CHAPTERXLIII CHAPTERXLIVCHAPTERXLV CHAPTERXLVI CHAPTERXLVII CHAPTER

XLVIII

CHAPTERI.

The rambler who, for old association or other reasons, should trace theforsaken coach-road running almost in a meridional line from Bristol to thesouthshoreofEngland,wouldfindhimselfduringthelatterhalfofhisjourneyin thevicinityof someextensivewoodlands, interspersedwith apple-orchards.Here the trees, timber or fruit-bearing, as the casemay be,make thewaysidehedges ragged by their drip and shade, stretching over the road with easefulhorizontality,asiftheyfoundtheunsubstantialairanadequatesupportfortheirlimbs.Atoneplace,whereahilliscrossed,thelargestofthewoodsshowsitselfbisectedbythehigh-way,astheheadofthickhairisbisectedbythewhitelineof

itsparting.Thespotislonely.

Thephysiognomyofadesertedhighwayexpressessolitudetoadegreethatisnot reached bymere dales or downs, and bespeaks a tomb-like stillnessmoreemphaticthanthatofgladesandpools.Thecontrastofwhatiswithwhatmightbe probably accounts for this. To step, for instance, at the place under notice,fromthehedgeoftheplantationintotheadjoiningpalethoroughfare,andpauseamiditsemptinessforamoment,wastoexchangebytheactofasinglestridethesimpleabsenceofhumancompanionshipforanincubusoftheforlorn.

Atthisspot,ontheloweringeveningofaby-gonewinter'sday,therestoodamanwhohadenteredupon thescenemuch in theaforesaidmanner.Alightingintotheroadfromastilehardby,he,thoughbynomeansa"chosenvessel"forimpressions,wastemporarilyinfluencedbysomesuchfeelingofbeingsuddenlymorealonethanbeforehehademergeduponthehighway.

Itcouldbeseenbyaglanceathisratherfinicalstyleofdressthathedidnotbelong to thecountryproper;and fromhisair,afterawhile, that though theremight be a sombre beauty in the scenery, music in the breeze, and a wanprocessionofcoachingghostsinthesentimentofthisoldturnpike-road,hewasmainlypuzzledabouttheway.Thedeadmen'sworkthathadbeenexpendedinclimbing thathill, theblisteredsoles thathad trodden it,and the tears thathadwetted it, were not his concern; for fate had given him no time for any butpracticalthings.

He looked north and south, andmechanically prodded the groundwith hiswalking-stick. A closer glance at his face corroborated the testimony of hisclothes. It was self-complacent, yet therewas small apparent ground for suchcomplacence.Nothingirradiatedit;totheeyeofthemagicianincharacter,ifnottotheordinaryobserver,theexpressionenthronedtherewasabsolutesubmissiontoandbeliefinalittleassortmentofformsandhabitudes.

Atfirstnotasoulappearedwhocouldenlightenhimashedesired,orseemedlikely toappear thatnight.Butpresentlya slightnoiseof laboringwheelsandthe steady dig of a horse's shoe-tips became audible; and there loomed in thenotchofthehillandplantationthattheroadformedhereatthesummitacarrier'svan drawn by a single horse.When it got nearer, he said,with some relief tohimself,"'TisMrs.Dollery's—thiswillhelpme."

Thevehiclewashalffullofpassengers,mostlywomen.Hehelduphisstickatitsapproach,andthewomanwhowasdrivingdrewrein.

"I'vebeentryingtofindashortwaytoLittleHintockthislasthalf-hour,Mrs.Dollery," he said. "But though I've been toGreatHintock andHintockHousehalfadozentimesIamatfaultaboutthesmallvillage.Youcanhelpme,Idaresay?"

Sheassuredhimthatshecould—thatasshewent toGreatHintockhervanpassednear it—that itwasonlyup the lane thatbranchedoutof the lane intowhichshewasabouttoturn—justahead."Though,"continuedMrs.Dollery,"'tissuchalittlesmallplacethat,asatowngentleman,you'dneedhaveacandleandlanterntofinditifyedon'tknowwhere'tis.Bedad!Iwouldn'tlivethereifthey'dpaymeto.NowatGreatHintockyoudoseetheworldabit."

Hemountedandsatbesideher,withhisfeetoutside,where theywereeverandanonbrushedoverbythehorse'stail.

This van, driven and owned by Mrs. Dollery, was rather a movableattachmentoftheroadwaythananextraneousobject,tothosewhoknewitwell.Theoldhorse,whosehairwasoftheroughnessandcolorofheather,whoseleg-joints, shoulders, and hoofs were distorted by harness and drudgery fromcolthood—though if all had their rights, he ought, symmetrical in outline, tohavebeenpickingtheherbageofsomeEasternplaininsteadoftugginghere—hadtroddenthisroadalmostdailyfortwentyyears.Evenhissubjectionwasnotmade congruous throughout, for the harness being too short, his tail was notdrawnthroughthecrupper,sothatthebreechingslippedawkwardlytooneside.He knew every subtle incline of the seven or eight miles of ground betweenHintock and Sherton Abbas—the market-town to which he journeyed—asaccuratelyasanysurveyorcouldhavelearneditbyaDumpylevel.

The vehicle had a square black tilt which nodded with the motion of thewheels,andatapointinitoverthedriver'sheadwasahooktowhichthereinswere hitched at times, when they formed a catenary curve from the horse'sshoulders. Somewhere about the axles was a loose chain, whose only knownpurposewastoclinkasitwent.Mrs.Dollery,havingtohopupanddownmanytimesintheserviceofherpassengers,wore,especiallyinwindyweather,shortleggingsunderhergownformodesty'ssake,and insteadofabonneta felthattied downwith a handkerchief, to guard against an earache towhich shewas

frequentlysubject.Intherearofthevanwasaglasswindow,whichshecleanedwithherpocket-handkerchief everymarket-daybefore starting.Lookingat thevanfromtheback,thespectatorcouldthusseethroughitsinteriorasquarepieceof the same sky and landscape that he saw without, but intruded on by theprofiles of the seated passengers, who, as they rumbled onward, their lipsmoving and heads nodding in animated private converse, remained in happyunconsciousness that their mannerisms and facial peculiarities were sharplydefinedtothepubliceye.

This hour of coming home from market was the happy one, if not thehappiest, of the week for them. Snugly ensconced under the tilt, they couldforget the sorrows of the world without, and survey life and recapitulate theincidentsofthedaywithplacidsmiles.

Thepassengersinthebackpartformedagrouptothemselves,andwhilethenew-comerspoketotheproprietress,theyindulgedinaconfidentialchatabouthim as about other people, which the noise of the van rendered inaudible tohimselfandMrs.Dollery,sittingforward.

"'TisBarberPercombe—hethat'sgotthewaxenwomaninhiswindowatthetopofAbbeyStreet,"saidone."Whatbusinesscanbringhimfromhisshopouthereatthistimeandnotajourneymanhair-cutter,butamaster-barberthat'sleftoffhispolebecause'tisnotgenteel!"

Theylistenedtohisconversation,butMr.Percombe,thoughhehadnoddedand spoken genially, seemed indisposed to gratify the curiosity which he hadaroused;andtheunrestrainedflowofideaswhichhadanimatedtheinsideofthevanbeforehisarrivalwascheckedthenceforward.

Thustheyrodeontilltheyturnedintoahalf-invisiblelittlelane,whence,asitreachedthevergeofaneminence,couldbediscernedinthedusk,abouthalfamile to the right, gardens and orchards sunk in a concave, and, as it were,snipped out of the woodland. From this self-contained place rose in stealthysilencetallstemsofsmoke,whichtheeyeofimaginationcouldtracedownwardtotheirrootonquiethearth-stonesfestoonedoverheadwithhamsandflitches.Itwas one of those sequestered spots outside the gates of theworldwheremayusually be found more meditation than action, and more passivity thanmeditation; where reasoning proceeds on narrow premises, and results ininferenceswildlyimaginative;yetwhere,fromtimetotime,nolessthaninother

places,dramasofagrandeurandunitytrulySophocleanareenactedinthereal,byvirtue of the concentrated passions and closely knit interdependenceof thelivestherein.

ThisplacewastheLittleHintockofthemaster-barber'ssearch.Thecomingnight gradually obscured the smoke of the chimneys, but the position of thesequesteredlittleworldcouldstillbedistinguishedbyafewfaintlights,winkingmore or less ineffectually through the leafless boughs, and the undiscernedsongsterstheybore,intheformofballsoffeathers,atroostamongthem.

Outofthelanefollowedbythevanbranchedayetsmallerlane,atthecornerofwhichthebarberalighted,Mrs.Dollery'svangoingonto the largervillage,whose superiority to the despised smaller one as an exemplar of the world'smovementswasnotparticularlyapparentinitsmeansofapproach.

"Averycleverandlearnedyoungdoctor,who,theysay,isinleaguewiththedevil, lives in theplaceyoubegoing to—notbecause there'sanybody for'n tocurethere,butbecause'tisthemiddleofhisdistrict."

Theobservationwasflungatthebarberbyoneofthewomenatparting,asalastattempttogetathiserrandthatway.

But he made no reply, and without further pause the pedestrian plungedtowardstheumbrageousnook,andpacedcautiouslyoverthedeadleaveswhichnearly buried the road or street of the hamlet. As very few people exceptthemselves passed this way after dark, a majority of the denizens of LittleHintock deemed window-curtains unnecessary; and on this account Mr.Percombemade it his business to stopopposite the casements of each cottagethat he came to, with a demeanor which showed that he was endeavoring toconjecture,fromthepersonsandthingsheobservedwithin,thewhereaboutsofsomebodyorotherwhoresidedhere.

Only the smaller dwellings interested him; one or two houses,whose size,antiquity, and rambling appurtenances signified that notwithstanding theirremoteness theymust formerly have been, if theywere not still, inhabited bypeopleof a certain social standing, beingneglectedbyhimentirely.Smells ofpomace, and the hiss of fermenting cider, which reached him from the backquarters of other tenements, revealed the recent occupation of some of theinhabitants, and joined with the scent of decay from the perishing leaves

underfoot.

Half a dozen dwellingswere passedwithout result. The next,which stoodopposite a tall tree, was in an exceptional state of radiance, the flickeringbrightnessfromtheinsideshiningupthechimneyandmakingaluminousmistoftheemergingsmoke.Theinterior,asseenthroughthewindow,causedhimtodraw up with a terminative air and watch. The house was rather large for acottage, and the door, which opened immediately into the living-room, stoodajar,sothataribbonoflightfellthroughtheopeningintothedarkatmospherewithout.Everynowandthenamoth,decrepitfromthelateseason,wouldflitforamomentacrosstheout-comingraysanddisappearagainintothenight.

CHAPTERII.

Intheroomfromwhichthischeerfulblazeproceeded,hebeheldagirlseatedonawillowchair,andbusilyoccupiedbythelightofthefire,whichwasampleandofwood.Withabill-hookinonehandandaleatherglove,muchtoolargeforher,ontheother,shewasmakingspars,suchasareusedbythatchers,withgreatrapidity.Sheworealeatherapronforthispurpose,whichwasalsomuchtoo large for her figure.On her left hand lay a bundle of the straight, smoothsticks called spar-gads—the raw material of her manufacture; on her right, aheap of chips and ends—the refuse—with which the fire was maintained; infront, a pile of the finished articles. To produce them she took up each gad,looked critically at it from end to end, cut it to length, split it into four, andsharpened each of the quarters with dexterous blows, which brought it to atriangularpointpreciselyresemblingthatofabayonet.

Besideher,incaseshemightrequiremorelight,abrasscandlestickstoodonalittleroundtable,curiouslyformedofanoldcoffin-stool,withadealtopnailedon,thewhitesurfaceofthelattercontrastingoddlywiththeblackcarvedoakofthesubstructure.Thesocialpositionofthehouseholdinthepastwasalmostasdefinitively shown by the presence of this article as that of an esquire ornoblemanbyhisoldhelmetsorshields.Ithadbeencustomaryforeverywell-to-do villager, whose tenure was by copy of court-roll, or in any way morepermanentthanthatofthemerecotter,tokeepapairofthesestoolsfortheuse

ofhisowndead;butforthelastgenerationortwoafeelingofcuibonohadledtothediscontinuanceofthecustom,andthestoolswerefrequentlymadeuseofinthemannerdescribed.

Theyoungwomanlaiddownthebill-hookforamomentandexaminedthepalmofherrighthand,which,unliketheother,wasungloved,andshowedlittlehardness or roughness about it. The palm was red and blistering, as if thispresent occupationwere not frequent enoughwith her to subdue it towhat itworkedin.Aswithsomanyrighthandsborntomanuallabor,therewasnothingin its fundamental shape to bear out the physiological conventionalism thatgradations of birth, gentle ormean, show themselves primarily in the formofthismember.Nothingbutacastof thedieofdestinyhaddecided that thegirlshouldhandlethetool;andthefingerswhichclaspedtheheavyashhaftmighthaveskilfullyguidedthepencilorsweptthestring,hadtheyonlybeensettodoitingoodtime.

Herfacehadtheusualfulnessofexpressionwhichisdevelopedbyalifeofsolitude.Wheretheeyesofamultitudebeatlikewavesuponacountenancetheyseem to wear away its individuality; but in the still water of privacy everytentacle of feeling and sentiment shoots out in visible luxuriance, to beinterpretedasreadilyasachild'slookbyanintruder.Inyearsshewasnomorethannineteenortwenty,butthenecessityoftakingthoughtatatooearlyperiodoflifehadforcedtheprovisionalcurvesofherchildhood'sfacetoaprematurefinality. Thus she had but little pretension to beauty, save in one prominentparticular—herhair.Itsabundancemadeitalmostunmanageable;itscolorwas,roughlyspeaking,andasseenherebyfirelight,brown,butcarefulnotice,oranobservation by day, would have revealed that its true shade was a rare andbeautifulapproximationtochestnut.

OnthisonebrightgiftofTimetotheparticularvictimofhisnowbeforeusthe new-comer's eyes were fixed; meanwhile the fingers of his right handmechanicallyplayedoversomethingstickingupfromhiswaistcoat-pocket—thebowsofapairofscissors,whosepolishmadethemfeeblyresponsivetothelightwithin.Inherpresentbeholder'smindthesceneformedbythegirlishspar-makercomposed itself intoapost-Raffaelitepictureofextremestquality,wherein thegirl's hair alone, as the focus of observation, was depicted with intensity anddistinctness, and her face, shoulders, hands, and figure in general, being ablurredmassofunimportantdetaillostinhazeandobscurity.

Hehesitatednolonger,buttappedatthedoorandentered.Theyoungwomanturnedatthecrunchofhisbootsonthesandedfloor,andexclaiming,"Oh,Mr.Percombe,howyoufrightenedme!"quitelosthercolorforamoment.

Hereplied,"Youshouldshutyourdoor—thenyou'dhearfolkopenit."

"I can't," she said; "the chimney smokes so. Mr. Percombe, you look asunnatural out of your shop as a canary in a thorn-hedge. Surely you have notcomeouthereonmyaccount—for—"

"Yes—tohaveyouranswerabout this."Hetouchedherheadwithhiscane,and shewinced. "Do you agree?" he continued. "It is necessary that I shouldknowatonce,astheladyissoongoingaway,andittakestimetomakeup."

"Don'tpressme—itworriesme.Iwasinhopesyouhadthoughtnomoreofit.IcanNOTpartwithit—sothere!"

"Now, look here,Marty," said the barber, sitting down on the coffin-stooltable."Howmuchdoyougetformakingthesespars?"

"Hush—father's up-stairs awake, and he don't know that I am doing hiswork."

"Well,nowtellme,"saidtheman,moresoftly."Howmuchdoyouget?"

"Eighteenpenceathousand,"shesaid,reluctantly.

"Whoareyoumakingthemfor?"

"Mr.Melbury,thetimber-dealer,justbelowhere."

"Andhowmanycanyoumakeinaday?"

"Inadayandhalfthenight,threebundles—that'sathousandandahalf."

"Twoand threepence."Thebarberpaused. "Well, lookhere,"hecontinued,with the remains of a calculation in his tone, which calculation had been thereductiontofiguresoftheprobablemonetarymagnetismnecessarytooverpowerthe resistant force of her present purse and the woman's love of comeliness,"here'sasovereign—agoldsovereign,almostnew."Hehelditoutbetweenhis

finger and thumb. "That's asmuch as you'd earn in aweek and a half at thatroughman'swork,andit'syoursforjustlettingmesnipoffwhatyou'vegottoomuchof."

Thegirl'sbosommovedaverylittle."Whycan'ttheladysendtosomeothergirlwhodon'tvalueherhair—nottome?"sheexclaimed.

"Why, simpleton, because yours is the exact shade of her own, and 'tis ashadeyoucan'tmatchbydyeing.ButyouarenotgoingtorefusemenowI'vecomeallthewayfromShertono'purpose?"

"IsayIwon'tsellit—toyouoranybody."

"Nowlisten,"andhedrewupalittlecloserbesideher."Theladyisveryrich,andwon'tbeparticulartoafewshillings;soIwilladvancetothisonmyownresponsibility—I'll make the one sovereign two, rather than go back empty-handed."

"No,no,no!"shecried,beginningtobemuchagitated."Youarea-temptingme,Mr.Percombe.YougoonliketheDeviltoDr.Faustusinthepennybook.ButIdon'twantyourmoney,andwon'tagree.Whydidyoucome?Isaidwhenyougotmeintoyourshopandurgedmesomuch,thatIdidn'tmeantosellmyhair!"Thespeakerwashotandstern.

"Marty,nowhearken.Theladythatwantsitwantsitbadly.And,betweenyouandme,you'dbetterletherhaveit.'Twillbebadforyouifyoudon't."

"Badforme?Whoisshe,then?"

Thebarberheldhistongue,andthegirlrepeatedthequestion.

"Iamnotatlibertytotellyou.Andassheisgoingabroadsoonitmakesnodifferencewhosheisatall."

"Shewantsittogoabroadwi'?"

Percombe assented by a nod. The girl regarded him reflectively. "BarberPercombe,"shesaid,"Iknowwho'tis.'TissheattheHouse—Mrs.Charmond!"

"That'smy secret. However, if you agree to letme have it, I'll tell you in

confidence."

"I'll certainly not let you have it unless you tell me the truth. It is Mrs.Charmond."

Thebarberdroppedhisvoice."Well—itis.Yousatinfrontofherinchurchthe other day, and she noticed how exactly your hair matched her own. Eversincethenshe'sbeenhankeringforit,andatlastdecidedtogetit.Asshewon'twearittillshegoesoffabroad,sheknowsnobodywillrecognizethechange.I'mcommissioned to get it for her, and then it is to bemade up. I shouldn't havevamped all these miles for any less important employer. Now, mind—'tis asmuchasmybusinesswithherisworthifitshouldbeknownthatI'veletouthername;buthonorbetweenustwo,Marty,andyou'llsaynothingthatwouldinjureme?"

"Idon'twishtotelluponher,"saidMarty,coolly."Butmyhair ismyown,andI'mgoingtokeepit."

"Now,that'snotfair,afterwhatI've toldyou,"said thenettledbarber."Yousee,Marty,asyouarein thesameparish,andinoneofhercottages,andyourfatherisill,andwouldn'tliketoturnout,itwouldbeaswelltoobligeher.Isaythatasafriend.ButIwon'tpressyoutomakeupyourmindto-night.You'llbecoming tomarket to-morrow, Idaresay,andyoucancall then. Ifyou think itoveryou'llbeinclinedtobringwhatIwant,Iknow."

"I'venothingmoretosay,"sheanswered.

Hercompanionsawfromhermannerthatitwasuselesstourgeherfurtherbyspeech."Asyouareatrustyyoungwoman,"hesaid,"I'llputthesesovereignsuphereforornament,thatyoumayseehowhandsometheyare.Bringthehairto-morrow,orreturnthesovereigns."Hestuckthemedgewiseintotheframeofasmallmantle looking-glass. "I hope you'll bring it, for your sake andmine. Ishouldhavethoughtshecouldhavesuitedherselfelsewhere;butasit'sherfancyitmustbeindulgedifpossible.Ifyoucutitoffyourself,mindhowyoudoitsoastokeepallthelocksoneway."Heshowedherhowthiswastobedone.

"But I sha'nt," she replied,with laconic indifference. "Ivaluemy looks toomuchtospoil'em.Shewantsmyhairtogetanotherloverwith;thoughifstoriesaretrueshe'sbroketheheartofmanyanoblegentlemanalready."

"Lord,it'swonderfulhowyouguessthings,Marty,"saidthebarber."I'vehaditfromthemthatknowthattherecertainlyissomeforeigngentlemaninhereye.However,mindwhatIask."

"She'snotgoingtogethimthroughme."

Percombehadretiredas faras thedoor;hecameback,plantedhiscaneonthe coffin-stool, and looked her in the face. "Marty South," he said, withdeliberate emphasis, "YOU'VE GOT A LOVER YOURSELF, and that's whyyouwon'tletitgo!"

Shereddenedsointenselyastopassthemildblushthatsufficestoheightenbeauty;sheputtheyellowleathergloveononehand,tookupthehookwiththeother,andsatdowndoggedlytoherworkwithoutturningherfacetohimagain.Heregardedherheadforamoment,wenttothedoor,andwithonelookbackather,departedonhiswayhomeward.

Martypursuedheroccupationforafewminutes,thensuddenlylayingdownthe bill-hook, she jumped up and went to the back of the room, where sheopenedadoorwhichdisclosedastaircasesowhitelyscrubbedthatthegrainofthewoodwaswellnigh sodden awayby such cleansing.At the top shegentlyapproached a bedroom, and without entering, said, "Father, do you wantanything?"

Aweakvoiceinsideansweredinthenegative;adding,"Ishouldbeallrightbyto-morrowifitwerenotforthetree!"

"Thetreeagain—alwaysthetree!Oh,father,don'tworrysoaboutthat.Youknowitcandoyounoharm."

"Whohaveyehadtalkingtoyedown-stairs?"

"A Sherton man called—nothing to trouble about," she said, soothingly."Father," shewent on, "canMrs. Charmond turn us out of our house if she'smindedto?"

"Turnusout?No.Nobodycanturnusouttillmypoorsoulisturnedoutofmy body. 'Tis life-hold, likeAmbroseWinterborne's. Butwhenmy life drops'twillbehers—nottillthen."Hiswordsonthissubjectsofarhadbeenrationalandfirmenough.Butnowhelapsedintohismoaningstrain:"Andthetreewill

doit—thattreewillsoonbethedeathofme."

"Nonsense, you know better. How can it be?" She refrained from furtherspeech,anddescendedtotheground-flooragain.

"ThankHeaven,then,"shesaidtoherself,"whatbelongstomeIkeep."

CHAPTERIII.

Thelightsinthevillagewentout,houseafterhouse,tillthereonlyremainedtwo in the darkness. One of these came from a residence on the hill-side, ofwhich there is nothing to say at present; the other shone from thewindow ofMartySouth.Preciselythesameoutwardeffectwasproducedhere,however,byher risingwhen theclockstruck tenandhangingupa thickclothcurtain.Thedoor itwasnecessary tokeepajar inhers, as inmost cottages,becauseof thesmoke;but sheobviated the effect of the ribbonof light through the chinkbyhangingaclothoverthatalso.Shewasoneofthosepeoplewho,iftheyhavetoworkharderthantheirneighbors,prefertokeepthenecessityasecretasfaraspossible; and but for the slight sounds of wood-splintering which came fromwithin,nowayfarerwouldhaveperceivedthatherethecottagerdidnotsleepaselsewhere.

Eleven,twelve,oneo'clockstruck;theheapofsparsgrewhigher,andthepileof chips and ends more bulky. Even the light on the hill had now beenextinguished;butstillsheworkedon.Whenthetemperatureofthenightwithouthadfallensolowastomakeherchilly,sheopenedalargeblueumbrellatowardoff the draught from the door. The two sovereigns confronted her from thelooking-glass in such amanner as to suggest a pair of jaundiced eyes on thewatchforanopportunity.Whenevershesighedforwearinesssheliftedhergazetowardsthem,butwithdrewitquickly,strokinghertresseswithherfingersforamoment,asiftoassureherselfthattheywerestillsecure.Whentheclockstruckthreeshearoseandtiedupthesparsshehadlastmadeinabundleresemblingthosethatlayagainstthewall.

Shewrappedroundheralongredwoollencravatandopenedthedoor.The

nightinall itsfulnessmetherflatlyonthethreshold, liketheverybrinkofanabsolute void, or the antemundane Ginnung-Gap believed in by her Teutonforefathers.Forhereyeswerefreshfromtheblaze,andheretherewasnostreet-lamporlanterntoformakindlytransitionbetweentheinnerglareandtheouterdark. A lingering wind brought to her ear the creaking sound of two over-crowdedbranchesintheneighboringwoodwhichwererubbingeachotherintowounds, andothervocalized sorrowsof the trees, togetherwith the screechofowls,and the fluttering tumbleof someawkwardwood-pigeon ill-balancedonitsroosting-bough.

But the pupils of her young eyes soon expanded, and she could see wellenoughforherpurpose.Takingabundleofsparsundereacharm,andguidedbythe serrated line of tree-tops against the sky, shewent some hundred yards ormoredownthelanetillshereachedalongopenshed,carpetedaroundwiththedead leaves that lay about everywhere. Night, that strange personality, whichwithin walls brings ominous introspectiveness and self-distrust, but under theopen skybanishes such subjective anxieties as too trivial for thought, inspiredMartySouthwithalessperturbedandbriskermannernow.Shelaidthesparsonthegroundwithintheshedandreturnedformore,goingtoandfrotillherwholemanufacturedstockweredepositedhere.

Thiserectionwas thewagon-houseof thechiefmanofbusinesshereabout,Mr. George Melbury, the timber, bark, and copse-ware merchant for whomMarty's father did work of this sort by the piece. It formed one of the manyramblingout-houseswhichsurroundedhisdwelling,anequally irregularblockof building,whose immense chimneys could just be discerned even now.Thefour huge wagons under the shed were built on those ancient lines whoseproportions have been ousted by modern patterns, their shapes bulging andcurving at the base and ends like Trafalgar line-of-battle ships, with whichvenerablehulks, indeed, thesevehiclesevidencedaconstructedspiritcuriouslyinharmony.Onewasladenwithsheep-cribs,anotherwithhurdles,anotherwithashpoles,andthefourth,atthefootofwhichshehadplacedherthatching-sparswashalffullofsimilarbundles.

Shewaspausingamomentwiththateasefulsenseofaccomplishmentwhichfollowsworkdonethathasbeenahardstruggleinthedoing,whensheheardawoman's voice on the other side of the hedge say, anxiously, "George!" In amoment the namewas repeated,with "Do come indoors!What are youdoingthere?"

The cart-house adjoined the garden, and beforeMarty hadmoved she sawenter the latter from the timber-merchant's back door an elderly womansheltering a candlewith her hand, the light fromwhich cast amoving thorn-patternof shadeonMarty's face. Its rays soon fell upon amanwhose clotheswere roughly thrown on, standing in advance of the speaker. He was a thin,slightlystoopingfigure,withasmallnervousmouthandafacecleanlyshaven;andhewalkedalongthepathwithhiseyesbentontheground.InthepairMartySouthrecognizedheremployerMelburyandhiswife.ShewasthesecondMrs.Melbury, the first having died shortly after the birth of the timber-merchant'sonlychild.

"'Tisnousetostayinbed,"hesaid,assoonasshecameuptowherehewaspacingrestlesslyabout."Ican'tsleep—Ikeepthinkingof things,andworryingabout the girl, till I'm quite in a fever of anxiety."Hewent on to say that hecouldnotthinkwhy"she(Martyknewhewasspeakingofhisdaughter)didnotanswerhisletter.Shemustbeill—shemust,certainly,"hesaid.

"No,no.'Tisallright,George,"saidhiswife;andsheassuredhimthatsuchthings always did appear so gloomy in the night-time, if people allowed theirmindstorunonthem;thatwhenmorningcameitwasseenthatsuchfearswerenothingbutshadows."GraceisaswellasyouorI,"shedeclared.

Buthepersistedthatshedidnotseeall—thatshedidnotseeasmuchashe.Hisdaughter'snotwritingwasonlyonepartofhisworry.Onaccountofherhewas anxious concerningmoney affairs,which hewould never alarm hismindaboutotherwise.Thereasonhegavewasthat,asshehadnobodytodependuponforaprovisionbuthimself,hewishedher,whenhewasgone,tobesecurelyoutofriskofpoverty.

TothisMrs.MelburyrepliedthatGracewouldbesuretomarrywell,andthathence a hundred pounds more or less from him would not make muchdifference.

Herhusbandsaidthatthatwaswhatshe,Mrs.Melbury,naturallythought;butthereshewaswrong,andinthatlaythesourceofhistrouble."Ihaveaplaninmyheadabouther,"hesaid;"andaccordingtomyplanshewon'tmarryarichman."

"Aplanforhernottomarrywell?"saidhiswife,surprised.

"Well,inonesenseitisthat,"repliedMelbury."Itisaplanforhertomarryaparticularperson,andashehasnotsomuchmoneyasshemightexpect,itmightbecalledasyoucallit.Imaynotbeabletocarryitout;andevenifIdo,itmaynotbeagoodthingforher.IwanthertomarryGilesWinterborne."

Hiscompanionrepeatedthename."Well, it isallright,"shesaid,presently."He adores the very ground shewalks on; only he's close, andwon't show itmuch."

MartySouthappearedstartled,andcouldnottearherselfaway.

Yes, the timber-merchant asserted, he knew thatwell enough.Winterbornehadbeeninterestedinhisdaughterforyears;thatwaswhathadledhimintothenotionof theirunion.Andheknewthatsheused tohavenoobjection tohim.Butitwasnotanydifficultyaboutthatwhichembarrassedhim.Itwasthat,sincehehadeducatedhersowell,andsolong,andsofarabovethelevelofdaughtersthereabout,itwas"wastingher"togivehertoamanofnohigherstandingthantheyoungmaninquestion.

"That'swhatIhavebeenthinking,"saidMrs.Melbury.

"Well, then, Lucy, now you've hit it," answered the timber-merchant, withfeeling."Thereliesmytrouble.Ivowedtolethermarryhim,andtomakeherasvaluableasIcouldtohimbyschoolingherasmanyyearsandasthoroughlyaspossible. Imean tokeepmyvow. Imade it because I didhis father a terriblewrong; and it was a weight on my conscience ever since that time till thisschemeofmakingamendsoccurredtomethroughseeingthatGileslikedher."

"Wrongedhisfather?"askedMrs.Melbury.

"Yes,grievouslywrongedhim,"saidherhusband.

"Well,don'tthinkofitto-night,"sheurged."Comeindoors."

"No,no,theaircoolsmyhead.Ishallnotstaylong."Hewassilentawhile;thenhetoldher,asnearlyasMartycouldgather,thathisfirstwife,hisdaughterGrace'smother,wasfirstthesweetheartofWinterborne'sfather,wholovedhertenderly, till he, the speaker, won her away from him by a trick, because hewanted to marry her himself. He sadly went on to say that the other man'shappinesswasruinedbyit;thatthoughhemarriedWinterborne'smother,itwas

butahalf-heartedbusinesswithhim.Melburyaddedthathewasafterwardsverymiserableatwhathehaddone;butthatastimewenton,andthechildrengrewup,andseemedtobeattachedtoeachother,hedeterminedtodoallhecouldtorightthewrongbylettinghisdaughtermarrythelad;notonlythat,buttogiveherthebesteducationhecouldafford,soastomakethegiftasvaluableaoneasitlayinhispowertobestow."Istillmeantodoit,"saidMelbury.

"Thendo,"saidshe.

"Butallthesethingstroubleme,"saidhe;"forIfeelIamsacrificingherformyownsin;andIthinkofher,andoftencomedownhereandlookatthis."

"Lookatwhat?"askedhiswife.

Hetookthecandlefromherhand,heldittotheground,andremovedatilewhichlayinthegarden-path."'Tisthetrackofhershoethatshemadewhensherandownherethedaybeforeshewentawayallthosemonthsago.Icovereditupwhenshewasgone;andwhenIcomehereandlookatit,Iaskmyselfagain,whyshouldshebesacrificedtoapoorman?"

"Itisnotaltogetherasacrifice,"saidthewoman."Heisinlovewithher,andhe'shonestandupright.Ifsheencourageshim,whatcanyouwishformore?"

"Iwishfornothingdefinite.Butthere'salotofthingspossibleforher.Why,Mrs.Charmond iswantingsomerefinedyoung lady, Ihear, togoabroadwithher—ascompanionorsomethingofthekind.She'djumpatGrace."

"That'salluncertain.Bettersticktowhat'ssure."

"True,true,"saidMelbury;"andIhopeitwillbeforthebest.Yes,letmeget'em married up as soon as I can, so as to have it over and done with." Hecontinuedlookingattheimprint,whileheadded,"Supposesheshouldbedying,andnevermakeatrackonthispathanymore?"

"She'llwrite soon, dependupon't.Come, 'tiswrong to stay here and broodso."

Headmittedit,butsaidhecouldnothelpit."Whethershewriteorno,Ishallfetchherinafewdays."Andthusspeaking,hecoveredthetrack,andprecededhiswifeindoors.

Melbury,perhaps,was anunluckyman inhavingwithinhim the sentimentwhich could indulge in this foolish fondness about the imprint of a daughter'sfootstep.Naturedoesnotcarryonhergovernmentwithaviewtosuchfeelings,andwhenadvancingyearsrendertheopenheartsofthosewhopossessthemlessdexterousthanformerlyinshuttingagainsttheblast,theymustsuffer"buffetingatwillbyrainandstorm"nolessthanLittleCelandines.

But her own existence, and not Mr. Melbury's, was the centre of Marty'sconsciousness, and it was in relation to this that thematter struck her as sheslowlywithdrew.

"That,then,isthesecretofitall,"shesaid."AndGilesWinterborneisnotforme,andthelessIthinkofhimthebetter."

She returned to her cottage. The sovereigns were staring at her from thelooking-glass as she had left them.With a preoccupied countenance, andwithtearsinhereyes,shegotapairofscissors,andbeganmercilesslycuttingoffthelonglocksofherhair,arrangingandtyingthemwiththeirpointsalloneway,asthe barber had directed.Upon the pale scrubbed deal of the coffin-stool tabletheystretchedlikewavingandropyweedsoverthewashedgravel-bedofaclearstream.

She would not turn again to the little looking-glass, out of humanity toherself,knowingwhatadefloweredvisagewouldlookbackather,andalmostbreakherheart;shedreadeditasmuchasdidherownancestralgoddessSifthereflection in the pool after the rape of her locks by Loke the malicious. Shesteadily stuck tobusiness,wrapped thehair in aparcel, and sealed it up, afterwhichsherakedoutthefireandwenttobed,havingfirstsetupanalarummadeofacandleandpieceofthread,withastoneattached.

Butsuchareminderwasunnecessaryto-night.Havingtossedtillaboutfiveo'clock,Martyheard thesparrowswalkingdown their longholes in the thatchaboveherslopingceilingtotheirorificeattheeaves;whereuponshealsoarose,anddescendedtotheground-flooragain.

Itwas still dark, but shebeganmoving about thehouse in those automaticinitiatoryactsandtoucheswhichrepresentamonghousewivestheinstallationofanother day. While thus engaged she heard the rumbling of Mr. Melbury'swagons,andknewthatthere,too,theday'stoilhadbegun.

Anarmful of gads thrownon the still hot embers caused them to blaze upcheerfully and bring her diminished head-gear into sudden prominence as ashadow.Atthisastepapproachedthedoor.

"Arefolkastirhereyet?"inquiredavoicesheknewwell.

"Yes, Mr. Winterborne," said Marty, throwing on a tilt bonnet, whichcompletelyhidtherecentravagesofthescissors."Comein!"

The door was flung back, and there stepped in upon the mat a man notparticularly young for a lover, nor particularlymature for a person of affairs.Therewasreserveinhisglance,andrestraintuponhismouth.Hecarriedahornlanternwhichhunguponaswivel,andwheelingasitdangledmarkedgrotesqueshapesupontheshadierpartofthewalls.

Hesaidthathehadlookedinonhiswaydown,totellherthattheydidnotexpectherfathertomakeuphiscontractifhewasnotwell.Mr.Melburywouldgivehimanotherweek,and theywouldgo their journeywithashort load thatday.

"Theyaredone,"saidMarty,"andlyinginthecart-house."

"Done!"herepeated."Yourfatherhasnotbeentooilltoworkafterall,then?"

Shemadesomeevasivereply."I'llshowyouwheretheybe,ifyouaregoingdown,"sheadded.

Theywentoutandwalkedtogether,thepatternoftheair-holesinthetopofthelanternbeingthrownuponthemistoverhead,wheretheyappearedofgiantsize, as if reaching the tent-shaped sky.Theyhadno remarks tomake toeachother, and they uttered none.Hardly anything could bemore isolated ormoreself-contained than the livesof these twowalkinghere in the lonelyantelucanhour,whengrayshades,materialandmental,aresoverygray.Andyet,lookedat in a certainway, their lonely courses formed no detached design at all, butwerepartofthepatterninthegreatwebofhumandoingsthenweavinginbothhemispheres,fromtheWhiteSeatoCapeHorn.

Theshedwasreached,andshepointedout thespars.Winterborneregardedthemsilently,thenlookedather.

"Now,Marty,Ibelieve—"hesaid,andshookhishead.

"What?"

"Thatyou'vedonetheworkyourself."

"Don'tyoutellanybody,willyou,Mr.Winterborne?"shepleaded,bywayofanswer."BecauseIamafraidMr.Melburymayrefusemyworkifheknowsitismine."

"Buthowcouldyoulearntodoit?'Tisatrade."

"Trade!"saidshe."I'dbeboundtolearnitintwohours."

"Ohno,youwouldn't,Mrs.Marty."Winterbornehelddownhislantern,andexamined the cleanly split hazels as they lay. "Marty," he said, with dryadmiration,"yourfatherwithhisfortyyearsofpracticenevermadeasparbetterthanthat.Theyaretoogoodforthethatchingofhouses—theyaregoodenoughforthefurniture.ButIwon'ttell.Letmelookatyourhands—yourpoorhands!"

He had a kindly manner of a quietly severe tone; and when she seemedreluctanttoshowherhands,hetookholdofoneandexamineditasifitwerehisown.Herfingerswereblistered.

"They'llgetharderintime,"shesaid."Foriffathercontinuesill,Ishallhavetogoonwi'it.NowI'llhelpput'emupinwagon."

Winterborne without speaking set down his lantern, lifted her as she wasabouttostoopoverthebundles,placedherbehindhim,andbeganthrowingupthebundleshimself."RatherthanyoushoulddoitIwill,"hesaid."Butthemenwillbeheredirectly.Why,Marty!—whateverhashappenedtoyourhead?Lord,ithasshrunktonothing—itlooksanappleuponagate-post!"

Herheartswelled,andshecouldnotspeak.Atlengthshemanagedtogroan,looking on the ground, "I'vemademyself ugly—and hateful—that'swhat I'vedone!"

"No,no,"heanswered."You'veonlycutyourhair—Iseenow."

"Thenwhymustyouneedssaythataboutapplesandgate-posts?"

"Letmesee."

"No,no!"Sheranoffintothegloomofthesluggishdawn.Hedidnotattemptto follow her.When she reached her father's door she stood on the step andlookedback.Mr.Melbury'smenhadarrived,andwereloadingupthespars,andtheirlanternsappearedfromthedistanceatwhichshestoodtohavewancirclesround them, like eyes weary with watching. She observed them for a fewsecondsastheysetaboutharnessingthehorses,andthenwentindoors.

CHAPTERIV.

Therewasnowadistinctmanifestationofmorning in theair,andpresentlytheblearedwhitevisageofasunlesswinterdayemergedlikeadead-bornchild.Thevillagerseverywherehadalreadybestirredthemselves,risingatthistimeoftheyearat the far lessdrearyhourofabsolutedarkness. Ithadbeenaboveanhourearlier,beforeasinglebirdhaduntuckedhishead,thattwentylightswerestruckinasmanybedrooms,twentypairsofshuttersopened,andtwentypairsofeyesstretchedtotheskytoforecasttheweatherfortheday.

Owls that had been catchingmice in the out-houses, rabbits that had beeneating the wintergreens in the gardens, and stoats that had been sucking thebloodof the rabbits,discerning that theirhumanneighborswereon themove,discreetlywithdrewfrompublicity,andwereseenandheardnomorethatday.

Thedaylight revealed thewholeofMr.Melbury'shomestead,ofwhich thewagon-sheds had been an outlying erection. It formed three sides of an openquadrangle, and consisted of all sorts of buildings, the largest and central onebeingthedwellingitself.Thefourthsideofthequadranglewasthepublicroad.

It was a dwelling-house of respectable, roomy, almost dignified aspect;which, takenwith the fact that therewere the remainsof other suchbuildingsthereabout, indicated that Little Hintock had at some time or other been ofgreater importance than now, as its old name of Hintock St. Osmond alsotestified.Thehousewasofnomarkedantiquity,yetofwell-advancedage;olderthanastalenovelty,butnocanonizedantique;faded,nothoary;lookingatyou

fromthestilldistinctmiddle-distanceoftheearlyGeorgiantime,andawakeningon that account the instincts of reminiscencemore decidedly than the remoterand far grander memorials which have to speak from the misty reaches ofmediaevalism.Thefaces,dress,passions,gratitudes,andrevenuesofthegreat-great-grandfathersandgrandmotherswhohadbeenthefirsttogazefromthoserectangularwindows, and had stood under that key-stoned doorway, could bedivinedandmeasuredbyhomelystandardsof to-day. Itwasahouse inwhosereverberationsqueeroldpersonaltaleswereyetaudibleifproperlylistenedfor;andnot,aswiththoseofthecastleandcloister,silentbeyondthepossibilityofecho.

The garden-front remained much as it had always been, and there was aporchandentrancethatway.Buttheprincipalhouse-dooropenedonthesquareyard or quadrangle towards the road, formerly a regular carriage entrance,thoughthemiddleoftheareawasnowmadeuseofforstackingtimber,fagots,bundles, and other products of the wood. It was divided from the lane by alichen-coatedwall, inwhich hung a pair of gates, flanked by piers out of theperpendicular,witharoundwhiteballonthetopofeach.

The building on the left of the enclosurewas a long-backed erection, nowused for spar-making, sawing, crib-framing, and copse-ware manufacture ingeneral.Oppositewerethewagon-shedswhereMartyhaddepositedherspars.

HereWinterbornehad remainedafter thegirl'sabruptdeparture, tosee thatthewagon-loadswere properlymade up.Winterbornewas connectedwith theMelbury family in various ways. In addition to the sentimental relationshipwhich arose from his father having been the first Mrs. Melbury's lover,Winterborne's aunt hadmarried and emigratedwith the brother of the timber-merchant many years before—an alliance that was sufficient to placeWinterborne, though the poorer, on a footing of social intimacy with theMelburys. As in most villages so secluded as this, intermarriages were ofHapsburgianfrequencyamongtheinhabitants,andtherewerehardlytwohousesinLittleHintockunrelatedbysomematrimonialtieorother.

For this reason a curious kind of partnership existed betweenMelbury andtheyoungerman—apartnershipbaseduponanunwrittencode,bywhicheachactedinthewayhethoughtfairtowardstheother,onagive-and-takeprinciple.Melbury,withhistimberandcopse-warebusiness,foundthattheweightofhislaborcameinwinterandspring.Winterbornewasintheappleandcidertrade,

andhisrequirementsincartageandotherworkcameintheautumnofeachyear.Hencehorses,wagons,andinsomedegreemen,werehandedovertohimwhentheapplesbegan to fall;he, in return, lendinghisassistance toMelbury in thebusiestwood-cuttingseason,asnow.

BeforehehadlefttheshedaboycamefromthehousetoaskhimtoremaintillMr.Melburyhadseenhim.Winterbornethereuponcrossedovertothespar-house where two or three men were already at work, two of them beingtravelling spar-makers from White-hart Lane, who, when this kind of workbegan,made their appearance regularly, andwhen it was over disappeared insilencetilltheseasoncameagain.

FirewoodwastheonethingabundantinLittleHintock;andablazeofgad-cudsmadetheouthousegaywithitslight,whichviedwiththatofthedayasyet.In the hollow shades of the roof could be seen dangling etiolated arms of ivywhichhadcreptthroughthejointsofthetilesandweregropinginvainforsomesupport,theirleavesbeingdwarfedandsicklyforwantofsunlight;otherswerepushinginwithsuchforceattheeavesastoliftfromtheirsupportstheshelvesthatwerefixedthere.

Besides the itinerant journey-workers therewere alsopresent JohnUpjohn,engagedinthehollow-turnerytrade,wholivedhardby;oldTimothyTangsandyoung Timothy Tangs, top and bottom sawyers, at work inMr.Melbury's pitoutside;FarmerBawtree,whokeptthecider-house,andRobertCreedle,anoldmanwhoworked forWinterborne, and stood warming his hands; these latterbeingenticedinbytheruddyblaze,thoughtheyhadnoparticularbusinessthere.Noneofthemcallforanyremarkexcept,perhaps,Creedle.Tohavecompletelydescribedhimitwouldhavebeennecessary towriteamilitarymemoir, forheworeunderhissmock-frockacast-offsoldier'sjacketthathadseenhotservice,its collar showing just above the flap of the frock; also a huntingmemoir, toinclude the top-boots that he had picked up by chance; also chronicles ofvoyagingandshipwreck,forhispocket-knifehadbeengivenhimbyaweather-beatensailor.ButCreedlecarriedaboutwithhimonhisuneventfulroundsthesesilent testimonies of war, sport, and adventure, and thought nothing of theirassociationsortheirstories.

Copse-work, as it was called, being an occupation which the secondaryintelligence of the hands and arms could carry on without requiring thesovereign attention of the head, the minds of its professors wandered

considerably from the objects before them; hence the tales, chronicles, andramifications of family history which were recounted here were of a veryexhaustivekind,andsometimessointerminableastodefydescription.

Winterborne,seeingthatMelburyhadnotarrived,steppedbackagainoutsidethe door; and the conversation interrupted by hismomentary presence flowedanew,reachinghisearsasanaccompanimenttotheregulardrippingofthefogfromtheplantationboughsaround.

The topic at present handled was a highly popular and frequent one—thepersonalcharacterofMrs.Charmond,theownerofthesurroundingwoodsandgroves.

"Mybrother-in-lawtoldme,andIhavenoreasontodoubtit,"saidCreedle,"that she'd sit down toher dinnerwith a frockhardlyhigher thanher elbows.'Oh, youwickedwoman!' he said to himselfwhenhe first see her, 'you go toyour church, and sit, and kneel, as if your knee-jints were greased with verysaint's anointment, and tell off your Hear-us-good-Lords like a business mancounting money; and yet you can eat your victuals such a figure as that!'Whethershe'sareformedcharacterbythistimeIcan'tsay;butIdon'tcarewhothemanis,that'showshewentonwhenmybrother-in-lawlivedthere."

"Didshedoitinherhusband'stime?"

"That I don't know—hardly, I should think, considering his temper. Ah!"HereCreedlethrewgrievedremembranceintophysicalformbyslowlyresigninghisheadtoobliquityandlettinghiseyeswater."Thatman!'Notiftheangelsofheavencomedown,Creedle,'hesaid,'shallyoudoanotherday'sworkforme!'Yes—he'dsayanything—anything;andwouldassoontakeawingedcreature'sname invain asyoursormine!Well, now Imustget these sparshome-along,andto-morrow,thankGod,Imustseeaboutusing'em."

Anoldwomannowentereduponthescene.ShewasMr.Melbury'sservant,andpassedagreatpartofhertimeincrossingtheyardbetweenthehouse-doorandthespar-shed,whithershehadcomenowforfuel.Shehadtwofacialaspects—one, of a soft and flexible kind, she used indoorswhen assisting about theparlororupstairs;theother,withstifflinesandcorners,whenshewasbustlingamongthemeninthespar-houseorout-of-doors.

"Ah,GrammerOliver,"saidJohnUpjohn,"itdodomyheartgoodtoseea

oldwomanlikeyousodapperandstirring,whenIbearinmindthatafterfiftyoneyear counts as twodid afore!Butyour smokedidn't rise thismorning tilltwentyminutespastsevenbymybeater;andthat'slate,GrammerOliver."

"Ifyouwasafull-sizedman,John,peoplemighttakenoticeofyourscornfulmeanings.Butyourgrowingupwas sucha scrimpedand scantybusiness thatreallyawomancouldn'tfeelhurtifyouweretospitfireandbrimstoneitselfather.Here,"sheadded,holdingoutaspar-gadtooneoftheworkmen,fromwhichdangleda longblack-pudding—"here's something for thybreakfast,and ifyouwantteayoumustfetchitfromin-doors."

"Mr.Melburyislatethismorning,"saidthebottom-sawyer.

"Yes.'Twasadarkdawn,"saidMrs.Oliver."EvenwhenIopenedthedoor,solateasIwas,youcouldn'thavetoldpoormenfromgentlemen,orJohnfromareasonable-sizedobject.AndIdon'tthinkmaister'ssleptatallwellto-night.He'sanxiousabouthisdaughter;andIknowwhatthatis,forI'vecriedbucketfulsformyown."

WhentheoldwomanhadgoneCreedlesaid,

"He'llfrethisgizzardgreenifhedon'tsoonhearfromthatmaidofhis.Well,learningisbetterthanhousesandlands.Buttokeepamaidatschooltillsheistalleroutofpattensthanhermotherwasin'em—'tistemptingProvidence."

"Itseemsnotimeagothatshewasalittleplaywardgirl,"saidyoungTimothyTangs.

"I canmind hermother," said the hollow-turner. "Always a teuny, delicatepiece; her touch upon your hand was as soft and cool as wind. She wasinoculatedforthesmall-poxandhaditbeautifullyfine,justaboutthetimethatIwasoutofmyapprenticeship—ay,andalongapprenticeship'twas.Iservedthatmasterofminesixyearsandthreehundredandfourteendays."

The hollow-turner pronounced the days with emphasis, as if, consideringtheirnumber,theywerearathermoreremarkablefactthantheyears.

"Mr.Winterborne's father walked with her at one time," said old TimothyTangs."ButMr.Melburywonher.Shewasachildofawoman,andwouldcrylikerainifsobehehuffedher.Wheneversheandherhusbandcametoapuddle

in theirwalkstogetherhe'd takeheruplikeahalf-pennydollandputheroverwithoutdirtingheraspeck.And ifhekeeps thedaughterso longatboarding-school,he'llmakeherasneshashermotherwas.Butherehecomes."

Just before thismomentWinterborne had seenMelbury crossing the courtfromhisdoor.Hewascarryinganopenletterinhishand,andcamestraighttoWinterborne.Hisgloomoftheprecedingnighthadquitegone.

"I'dnosoonermadeupmymind,Giles,togoandseewhyGracedidn'tcomeorwritethanIgetaletterfromher—'Clifton:Wednesday.Mydearfather,'saysshe, 'I'm coming home to-morrow' (that's to-day), 'but I didn't think it worthwhiletowritelongbeforehand.'Thelittlerascal,anddidn'tshe!Now,Giles,asyouaregoingtoShertonmarketto-daywithyourapple-trees,whynotjoinmeandGracethere,andwe'lldrivehomealltogether?"

Hemadetheproposalwithcheerfulenergy;hewashardlythesamemanasthemanofthesmalldarkhours.Everithappensthatevenamongthemoodiestthetendencytobecheeredisstrongerthanthetendencytobecastdown;andasoul's specific gravity stands permanently less than that of the sea of troublesintowhichitisthrown.

Winterborne, though not demonstrative, replied to this suggestion withsomething like alacrity. There was not much doubt that Marty's grounds forcuttingoffherhairweresubstantialenough,ifAmbrose'seyeshadbeenareasonforkeepingiton.Asforthetimber-merchant,itwasplainthathisinvitationhadbeengivensolelyinpursuanceofhisschemeforunitingthepair.Hehadmadeuphismindtothecourseasaduty,andwasstrenuouslybentuponfollowingitout.

AccompaniedbyWinterborne,henowturned towards thedoorof thespar-house,whenhisfootstepswereheardbythemenasaforesaid.

"Well,John,andLot,"hesaid,noddingasheentered."Arimymorning."

"'Tis, sir!" said Creedle, energetically; for, not having as yet been able tosummon force sufficient to go away and begin work, he felt the necessity ofthrowing some into his speech. "I don't care who the man is, 'tis the rimiestmorningwe'vehadthisfall."

"I heard you wondering why I've kept my daughter so long at boarding-

school,"resumedMr.Melbury,lookingupfromtheletterwhichhewasreadinganewbythefire,andturningtothemwiththesuddennessthatwasatraitinhim."Hey?"heasked,withaffectedshrewdness."Butyoudid,youknow.Well,now,thoughitismyownbusinessmorethananybodyelse's,I'lltellye.WhenIwasaboy,anotherboy—thepa'son'sson—alongwithalotofothers,askedme'WhodraggedWhomroundthewallsofWhat?'andIsaid,'SamBarrett,whodraggedhiswifeinachairroundthetowercornerwhenshewenttobechurched.'Theylaughed at me with such torrents of scorn that I went home ashamed, andcouldn'tsleepforshame;andIcriedthatnighttillmypillowwaswet:tillatlastI thought tomyself thereand then—'Theymay laughatme formy ignorance,butthatwasfather'sfault,andnoneo'mymaking,andImustbearit.Buttheyshallneverlaughatmychildren,ifIhaveany:I'llstarvefirst!'ThankGod,I'vebeenabletokeepheratschoolwithoutsacrifice;andherscholarshipissuchthatshe stayed on as governess for a time. Let 'em laugh now if they can: Mrs.CharmondherselfisnotbetterinformedthanmygirlGrace."

Therewassomethingbetweenhigh indifferenceandhumbleemotion inhisdelivery,whichmadeitdifficultforthemtoreply.Winterborne'sinterestwasofa kind which did not show itself in words; listening, he stood by the fire,mechanicallystirringtheemberswithaspar-gad.

"You'llbe, then,ready,Giles?"Melburycontinued,awakingfromareverie."Well,whatwasthelatestnewsatShottsfordyesterday,Mr.Bawtree?"

"Well, Shottsford is Shottsford still—you can't victual your carcass thereunlessyou'vegotmoney;andyoucan'tbuyacupofgenuinethere,whetherorno....Butasthesayingis,'Goabroadandyou'llhearnewsofhome.'Itseemsthatournewneighbor, thisyoungDr.What's-his-name,isastrange,deep,perusinggentleman; and there's good reason for supposing he has sold his soul to thewickedone."

"'Odnameitall,"murmuredthetimber-merchant,unimpressedbythenews,butremindedofotherthingsbythesubjectofit;"I'vegottomeetagentlemanthisverymorning?andyetI'veplannedtogotoShertonAbbasforthemaid."

"Iwon'tpraisethedoctor'swisdomtillIhearwhatsortofbargainhe'smade,"saidthetop-sawyer.

"'Tisonlyanoldwoman'stale,"saidBawtree."Butitseemsthathewanted

certain books on some mysterious science or black-art, and in order that thepeoplehereaboutshouldnotknowanythingabouthisdarkreadings,heordered'emdirect fromLondon,andnot fromtheShertonbook-seller.Theparcelwasdeliveredbymistakeatthepa'son's,andhewasn'tathome;sohiswifeopenedit,and went into hysterics when she read 'em, thinking her husband had turnedheathen,and 'twouldbe theruinof thechildren.Butwhenhecamehesaidheknew no more about 'em than she; and found they were this Mr. Fitzpier'sproperty.Sohewrote'Beware!'outside,andsent'emonbythesexton."

"Hemustbeacuriousyoungman,"musedthehollow-turner.

"Hemust,"saidTimothyTangs.

"Nonsense,"saidMr.Melbury,authoritatively,"he'sonlyagentlemanfondofscienceandphilosophyandpoetry,and, in fact, everykindofknowledge;andbeinglonelyhere,hepasseshistimeinmakingsuchmattershishobby."

"Well," said oldTimothy, "'tis a strange thing about doctors that theworsetheybethebettertheybe.Imeanthatifyouhearanythingofthissortabout'em,tentoonetheycancureyeasnobodyelsecan."

"True,"saidBawtree,emphatically."AndformypartIshalltakemycustomfromoldJonesandgotothisonedirectlyI'veanythingthematterwithme.ThatlastmedicineoldJonesgavemehadnotasteinitatall."

Mr.Melbury,asbecameawell-informedman,didnotlistentotheserecitals,beingmoreoverpreoccupiedwiththebusinessappointmentwhichhadcomeintohishead.Hewalkedupanddown,lookingonthefloor—hisusualcustomwhenundecided.Thatstiffnessaboutthearm,hip,andknee-jointwhichwasapparentwhenhewalkedwasthenetproductofthediverssprainsandover-exertionsthathadbeenrequiredofhiminhandlingtreesandtimberwhenayoungman,forhewasof the sort called self-made, andhadworkedhard.Heknew theoriginofevery one of these cramps: that in his left shoulder had come of carrying apollard,unassisted,fromTutcombeBottomhome;thatinonelegwascausedbythecrashofanelmagainstitwhentheywerefelling;thatintheotherwasfromlifting a bole.Onmany amorrow afterwearying himself by these prodigiousmuscular efforts, he had risen from his bed fresh as usual; his lassitude haddeparted, apparently forever; and confident in the recuperative power of hisyouth, he had repeated the strains anew.But treacherous Time had been only

hiding ill resultswhentheycouldbeguardedagainst, forgreateraccumulationwhen theycouldnot. Inhisdecliningyears thestorehadbeenunfolded in theform of rheumatisms, pricks, and spasms, in every one of which Melburyrecognizedsomeactwhich,haditsconsequencebeencontemporaneouslymadeknown,hewouldwiselyhaveabstainedfromrepeating.

OnasummonsbyGrammerOliver tobreakfast,he left theshed.Reachingthekitchen,where the familybreakfasted inwinter to savehouse-labor,he satdownbythefire,andlookedalongtimeatthepairofdancingshadowscastbyeachfire-ironanddog-knobonthewhitewashedchimney-corner—ayellowonefromthewindow,andablueonefromthefire.

"I don't quite know what to do to-day," he said to his wife at last. "I'verecollectedthatIpromisedtomeetMrs.Charmond'sstewardinRoundWoodattwelveo'clock,andyetIwanttogoforGrace."

"Why not let Giles fetch her by himself? 'Twill bring 'em together all thequicker."

"Icoulddothat—butIshouldliketogomyself.Ialwayshavegone,withoutfail,everytimehitherto.IthasbeenagreatpleasuretodriveintoSherton,andwaitandseeherarrive;andperhapsshe'llbedisappointedifIstayaway."

"Youmaybedisappointed,butIdon'tthinkshewill,ifyousendGiles,"saidMrs.Melbury,dryly.

"Verywell—I'llsendhim."

Melbury was often persuaded by the quietude of his wife's words whenstrenuousargumentwouldhavehadnoeffect.ThissecondMrs.Melburywasaplacidwoman,whohadbeennursetohischildGracebeforehermother'sdeath.After that melancholy event little Grace had clung to the nurse with muchaffection;andultimatelyMelbury, indread lest theonlywomanwhocaredforthegirlshouldbeinducedtoleaveher,persuadedthemildLucytomarryhim.The arrangement—for it was little more—had worked satisfactorily enough;Gracehadthriven,andMelburyhadnotrepented.

He returned to the spar-house and found Giles near at hand, to whom heexplainedthechangeofplan."Asshewon'tarrivetillfiveo'clock,youcangetyourbusinessverywellover in timetoreceiveher,"saidMelbury."Thegreen

gigwilldoforher;you'llspinalongquickerwiththat,andwon'tbelateupontheroad.Herboxescanbecalledforbyoneofthewagons."

Winterborne, knowing nothing of the timber-merchant's restitutory aims,quietlythoughtallthistobeakindlychance.Wishingevenmorethanherfatherto despatch his apple-tree business in the market before Grace's arrival, hepreparedtostartatonce.

Melburywascareful that the turnoutshouldbeseemly.Thegig-wheels, forinstance, were not always washed during winter-time before a journey, themuddy roads rendering that labor useless; but they were washed to-day. Theharnesswasblacked,andwhen the ratherelderlywhitehorsehadbeenput in,andWinterbornewasinhisseatreadytostart,Mr.Melburysteppedoutwithablacking-brush, andwith his own hands touched over the yellow hoofs of theanimal.

"Yousee,Giles,"hesaid,asheblacked,"comingfromafashionableschool,shemightfeelshockedatthehomelinessofhome;and'tistheselittlethingsthatcatch a daintywoman's eye if they are neglected.We, livinghere alone, don'tnoticehowthewhitey-browncreepsoutoftheearthoverus;butshe,freshfromacity—why,she'llnoticeeverything!"

"Thatshewill,"saidGiles.

"Andscornusifwedon'tmind."

"Notscornus."

"No,no,no—that'sonlywords.She'stoogoodagirltodothat.Butwhenweconsiderwhatsheknows,andwhatshehasseensinceshelastsawus,'tisaswelltomeetherviewsasnearlyaspossible.Why,'tisayearsinceshewasinthisoldplace,owingtohergoingabroadin thesummer,whichIagreedto, thinkingitbest forher; andnaturallywe shall look small, just at first—Ionly say just atfirst."

Mr. Melbury's tone evinced a certain exultation in the very sense of thatinferiorityheaffected todeplore; for thisadvancedandrefinedbeing,wasshenothisownallthetime?NotsoGiles;hefeltdoubtful—perhapsatriflecynical—forthatstrandwaswoundintohimwiththerest.Helookedathisclotheswithmisgiving,thenwithindifference.

Itwashiscustomduringtheplantingseasontocarryaspecimenapple-treeto

market with him as an advertisement of what he dealt in. This had been tiedacross the gig; and as itwould be left behind in the town, itwould cause noinconveniencetoMissGraceMelburycominghome.

Hedroveaway,thetwigsnoddingwitheachstepofthehorse;andMelburywent in-doors.Beforethegighadpassedoutofsight,Mr.Melburyreappearedandshoutedafter—

"Here,Giles," he said, breathlessly followingwith somewraps, "itmay beverychillyto-night,andshemaywantsomethingextraabouther.And,Giles,"headded,whentheyoungman,havingtakenthearticles,putthehorseinmotiononcemore,"tellherthatIshouldhavecomemyself,butIhadparticularbusinesswithMrs.Charmond'sagent,whichpreventedme.Don'tforget."

HewatchedWinterborneoutofsight,saying,withajerk—ashapeintowhichemotionwithhimoftenresolveditself—"There,now,Ihopethetwowillbringittoapointandhavedonewithit!'Tisapitytoletsuchagirlthrowherselfawayuponhim—athousandpities!...Andyet'tismydutyforhisfather'ssake."

CHAPTERV.

WinterbornespedonhiswaytoShertonAbbaswithoutelationandwithoutdiscomposure.Had he regarded his inner self spectacularly, as lovers are nowdaily more wont to do, he might have felt pride in the discernment of asomewhat rare power in him—that of keepingnot only judgment but emotionsuspended in difficult cases.But he noted it not.Neither did he observewhatwas also the fact, that though he cherished a true and warm feeling towardsGraceMelbury,hewasnotaltogetherherfooljustnow.Itmustberememberedthathehadnotseenherforayear.

Arrivedat theentrancetoalongflat lane,whichhadtakenthespiritoutofmanyapedestrianintimeswhen,withthemajority,totravelmeanttowalk,hesawbeforehim the trim figureof a youngwoman inpattens, journeyingwiththatsteadfastconcentrationwhichmeanspurposeandnotpleasure.HewassoonnearenoughtoseethatshewasMartySouth.Click,click,clickwentthepattens;

andshedidnotturnherhead.

She had, however, become aware before this that the driver of theapproachinggigwasGiles.Shehadshrunkfrombeingovertakenbyhimthus;butasitwasinevitable,shehadbracedherselfupforhisinspectionbyclosingher lips so as to make her mouth quite unemotional, and by throwing anadditionalfirmnessintohertread.

"Whydoyouwearpattens,Marty?The turnpike is cleanenough, althoughthelanesaremuddy."

"Theysavemyboots."

"Buttwelvemilesinpattens—'twilltwistyourfeetoff.Come,getupandridewithme."

Shehesitated, removedherpattens,knocked thegraveloutof themagainstthewheel,andmountedinfrontofthenoddingspecimenapple-tree.Shehadsoarrangedherbonnetwithafullborderandtrimmingsthatherlackoflonghairdid notmuch injure her appearance; thoughGiles, of course, saw that it wasgone, andmay have guessed hermotive in partingwith it, such sales, thoughinfrequent,beingnotunheardofinthatlocality.

But nature's adornmentwas still hard by—in fact, within two feet of him,thoughhedidnotknowit.InMarty'sbasketwasabrownpaperpacket,andinthe packet the chestnut locks, which, by reason of the barber's request forsecrecy,shehadnotventuredtointrusttootherhands.

Gilesasked,withsomehesitation,howherfatherwasgettingon.

Hewasbetter,shesaid;hewouldbeabletoworkinadayortwo;hewouldbequitewellbutforhiscrazeaboutthetreefallingonhim.

"You knowwhy I don't ask for him so often as I might, I suppose?" saidWinterborne."Ordon'tyouknow?"

"IthinkIdo."

"Becauseofthehouses?"

Shenodded.

"Yes.Iamafraiditmayseemthatmyanxietyisaboutthosehouses,whichIshouldlosebyhisdeath,morethanabouthim.Marty,Idofeelanxiousaboutthehouses,sincehalfmyincomedependsuponthem;butIdolikewisecareforhim;anditalmostseemswrongthathousesshouldbeleasedforlives,soastoleadtosuchmixedfeelings."

"Afterfather'sdeaththeywillbeMrs.Charmond's?"

"They'llbehers."

"Theyaregoingtokeepcompanywithmyhair,"shethought.

Thus talking, they reached the town.Bynopressurewould she rideup thestreet with him. "That's the right of another woman," she said, with playfulmalice,assheputonherpattens."Iwonderwhatyouarethinkingof!Thankyoufortheliftinthathandsomegig.Good-by."

Heblushedalittle,shookhisheadather,anddroveonaheadintothestreets—the churches, the abbey, and other buildings on this clear bright morninghaving the liny distinctness of architectural drawings, as if the original dreamand vision of the conceiving master-mason, some mediaeval Vilars or otherunknowntofame,wereforafewminutesflasheddownthroughthecenturiestoanunappreciativeage.Gilessawtheireloquentlookonthisdayoftransparency,butcouldnotconstrueit.Heturnedintotheinn-yard.

Marty,followingthesametrack,marchedpromptlytothehair-dresser's,Mr.Percombe's.PercombewasthechiefofhistradeinShertonAbbas.Hehadthepatronage of such county offshoots as had been obliged to seek the shelter ofsmall houses in that ancient town, of the local clergy, and so on, for some ofwhom he had made wigs, while others among them had compensated forneglectinghim in their lifetimebypatronizinghimwhen theyweredead, andlettinghimshavetheircorpses.Onthestrengthofallthishehadtakendownhispole,andcalledhimself"Perruquiertothearistocracy."

Nevertheless,thissortofsupportdidnotquitefillhischildren'smouths,andtheyhadtobefilled.So,behindhishousetherewasalittleyard,reachedbyapassagefromthebackstreet,andinthatyardwasapole,andunderthepoleashop of quite another description than the ornamental one in the front street.

Here on Saturday nights from seven till ten he took an almost innumerablesuccessionof twopences fromthe farm laborerswhoflocked thither incrowdsfromthecountry.Andthushelived.

Marty, of course, went to the front shop, and handed her packet to himsilently."Thankyou,"saidthebarber,quitejoyfully."Ihardlyexpecteditafterwhatyousaidlastnight."

She turned aside, while a tear welled up and stood in each eye at thisreminder.

"Nothingofwhat I toldyou,"hewhispered, therebeingothers in theshop."ButIcantrustyou,Isee."

Shehadnowreachedtheendofthisdistressingbusiness,andwentlistlesslyalongthestreettoattendtoothererrands.Theseoccupiedhertillfouro'clock,atwhich time she recrossed the market-place. It was impossible to avoidrediscoveringWinterborne every time shepassed thatway, for standing, as healwaysdidatthisseasonoftheyear,withhisspecimenapple-treeinthemidst,the boughs rose above the heads of the crowd, and brought a delightfulsuggestion of orchards among the crowded buildings there.When her eye felluponhimforthelasttimehewasstandingsomewhatapart,holdingthetreelikeanensign,andlookingonthegroundinsteadofpushinghisproduceasheoughtto have been doing.Hewas, in fact, not a very successful seller either of histrees or of his cider, his habit of speaking his mind, when he spoke at all,militatingagainstthisbranchofhisbusiness.

WhilesheregardedhimhesuddenlyliftedhiseyesinadirectionawayfromMarty, his face simultaneously kindling with recognition and surprise. Shefollowedhisgaze,andsawwalkingacross tohima flexibleyoungcreature inwhomsheperceivedthefeaturesofhershehadknownasMissGraceMelbury,but now looking glorified and refined above her former level. Winterborne,beingfixedtothespotbyhisapple-tree,couldnotadvancetomeether;heheldouthissparehandwithhishat in it,andwithsomeembarrassmentbeheldhercomingontiptoethroughthemudtothemiddleofthesquarewherehestood.

MissMelbury'sarrivalsoearlywas,asMartycouldsee,unexpectedbyGiles,whichaccounted forhisnotbeing ready to receiveher. Indeed,her fatherhadnamed five o'clock as her probable time, forwhich reason that hour hadbeen

loomingoutallthedayinhisforwardperspective,likeanimportantedificeonaplain. Now here shewas come, he knew not how, and his arrangedwelcomestultified.

Hisfacebecamegloomyathernecessityforsteppingintotheroad,andmorestill at the little look of embarrassment which appeared on hers at having toperformthemeetingwithhimunderanapple-treetenfeethighinthemiddleofthemarket-place.Havinghadoccasiontotakeoffthenewglovesshehadboughttocomehomein,sheheldouttohimahandgraduatingfrompinkatthetipsofthefingerstowhiteatthepalm;andthereceptionformedascene,withthetreeovertheirheads,whichwasnotbyanymeansanordinaryoneinShertonAbbasstreets.

Nevertheless, the greeting on her looks and lips was of a restrained type,whichperhapswasnotunnatural.For trueitwasthatGilesWinterborne,well-attiredandwell-manneredashewasforayeoman, lookedroughbesideher. Ithad sometimes dimly occurred to him, in his ruminating silence at LittleHintock, thatexternalphenomena—suchas the lownessorheightorcolorofahat,thefoldofacoat,themakeofaboot,orthechanceattitudeoroccupationofalimbattheinstantofview—mayhaveagreatinfluenceuponfeminineopinionof a man's worth—so frequently founded on non-essentials; but a certaincausticityofmentaltonetowardshimselfandtheworldingeneralhadpreventedto-day,asalways,anyenthusiasticactiononthestrengthofthatreflection;andhermomentaryinstinctofreserveatfirstsightofhimwasthepenaltyhepaidforhislaxness.

He gave away the tree to a by-stander, as soon as he could find onewhowouldaccept thecumbersomegift,andthe twainmovedontowardstheinnatwhichhehadputup.MartymadeasiftostepforwardforthepleasureofbeingrecognizedbyMissMelbury;butabruptlycheckingherself,sheglidedbehindacarrier's van, saying, dryly, "No; I baintwanted there," and critically regardedWinterborne'scompanion.

Itwouldhavebeenverydifficult todescribeGraceMelburywithprecision,either now or at any time. Nay, from the highest point of view, to preciselydescribe a human being, the focus of a universe—how impossible! But, apartfromtranscendentalism,thereneverprobablylivedapersonwhowasinherselfmorecompletelyareductioadabsurdumofattemptstoappraiseawoman,evenexternally,by itemsof faceandfigure.Speakinggenerally, itmaybesaid that

shewassometimesbeautiful,atothertimesnotbeautiful,accordingtothestateofherhealthandspirits.

In simple corporeal presentment she was of a fair and clear complexion,ratherpalethanpink,sliminbuildandelasticinmovement.Herlookexpressedatendencytowaitforothers'thoughtsbeforeutteringherown;possiblyalsotowaitforothers'deedsbeforeherowndoing.Inhersmall,delicatemouth,whichhadperhapshardly settleddown to itsmatured curves, therewas a gentlenessthat might hinder sufficient self-assertion for her own good. She had well-formed eyebrows which, had her portrait been painted, would probably havebeendoneinProut'sorVandykebrown.

Therewasnothingremarkableinherdressjustnow,beyondanaturalfitnessandastylethatwasrecentforthestreetsofSherton.But,indeed,haditbeenthereverse, andquite striking, itwouldhavemeant just as little.For there canbehardlyanything lessconnectedwithawoman'spersonality thandraperywhichshehasneitherdesigned,manufactured, cut, sewed,or even seen, exceptby aglanceofapprovalwhentoldthatsuchandsuchashapeandcolormustbehadbecauseithasbeendecidedbyothersasimperativeatthatparticulartime.

Whatpeople,therefore,sawofherinacursoryviewwasverylittle;intruth,mainly something that was not she. The woman herself was a shadowy,conjecturalcreaturewhohadlittle todowith theoutlinespresented toShertoneyes;ashapeinthegloom,whosetruedescriptioncouldonlybeapproximatedbyputtingtogetheramovementnowandaglancethen,inthatpatientandlong-continued attentiveness which nothing but watchful loving-kindness evertroublestogive.

Therewasalittledelayintheirsettingoutfromthetown,andMartySouthtookadvantageof it tohasten forward,with theviewofescaping themon theway, lest they should feel compelled to spoil their tete-a-tete by asking her toride.Shewalked fast, andone-thirdof the journeywasdone, and the eveningrapidly darkening, before she perceived any sign of them behind her. Then,whileascendingahill,shedimlysawtheirvehicledrawingnearthelowestpartof the incline, theirheadsslightlybent towardseachother;drawn together,nodoubt,bytheirsouls,astheheadsofapairofhorseswellinhandaredrawninbytherein.Shewalkedstillfaster.

Butbetweentheseandherself therewasacarriage,apparentlyabrougham,cominginthesamedirection,withlightedlamps.Whenitovertookher—whichwasnotsoon,onaccountofherpace—thescenewasmuchdarker,andthelightsglaredinhereyessufficientlytohidethedetailsoftheequipage.

ItoccurredtoMartythatshemighttakeholdbehindthiscarriageandsokeepalongwithit,tosaveherselfthemortificationofbeingovertakenandpickedupforpity'ssakebythecomingpair.Accordingly,asthecarriagedrewabreastofherinclimbingthelongascent,shewalkedclosetothewheels,theraysofthenearestlamppenetratingherverypores.Shehadonlyjustdroppedbehindwhenthe carriage stopped, and to her surprise the coachman asked her, over hisshoulder,ifshewouldride.Whatmadethequestionmoresurprisingwasthatitcameinobediencetoanorderfromtheinteriorofthevehicle.

Martygladlyassented,forshewasweary,veryweary,afterworkingallnightandkeeping afoot all day.Shemountedbeside the coachman,wonderingwhythisgood-fortunehadhappenedtoher.Hewasratheragreatmaninaspect,andshedidnotliketoinquireofhimforsometime.

Atlastshesaid,"Whohasbeensokindastoaskmetoride?"

"Mrs.Charmond,"repliedherstatuesquecompanion.

Marty was stirred at the name, so closely connected with her last night'sexperiences."Isthishercarriage?"shewhispered.

"Yes;she'sinside."

Martyreflected,andperceivedthatMrs.Charmondmusthaverecognizedherplodding up the hill under the blaze of the lamp; recognized, probably, herstubblypoll(sinceshehadkeptawayherface),andthoughtthatthosestubblesweretheresultofherowndesire.

MartySouthwasnotsoveryfarwrong. Inside thecarriageapairofbrighteyeslookedfromaripelyhandsomeface,andthoughbehindthosebrighteyeswasamindofunfathomedmysteries,beneaththemtherebeataheartcapableofquick extempore warmth—a heart which could, indeed, be passionately andimprudentlywarm on certain occasions.At present, after recognizing the girl,she had acted on a mere impulse, possibly feeling gratified at the denudedappearancewhichsignified thesuccessofheragent inobtainingwhatshehad

required.

"'Tiswonderfulthatsheshouldaskye,"observedthemagisterialcoachman,presently."Ihaveneverknownherdoitbefore,forasaruleshetakesnointerestinthevillagefolkatall."

Martysaidnomore,butoccasionallyturnedherheadtoseeifshecouldgetaglimpse of the Olympian creature who as the coachman had truly observed,hardlyeverdescendedfromhercloudsintotheTempeof theparishioners.Butshe could discern nothing of the lady. She also looked forMissMelbury andWinterborne. The nose of their horse sometimes came quite near the back ofMrs. Charmond's carriage. But they never attempted to pass it till the latterconveyanceturnedtowardstheparkgate,whentheyspedby.Herethecarriagedrew up that the gate might be opened, and in the momentary silenceMartyheardagentleoralsound,softasabreeze.

"What'sthat?"shewhispered.

"Mis'essyawning."

"Whyshouldsheyawn?"

"Oh,becauseshe'sbeenusedtosuchwonderfullygoodlife,andfindsitdullhere.She'llsoonbeoffagainonaccountofit."

"Sorichandsopowerful,andyettoyawn!"thegirlmurmured."Thenthingsdon'tfaywithsheanymorethanwithwe!"

Martynowalighted;thelampagainshoneuponher,andasthecarriagerolledon,asoftvoicesaidtoherfromtheinterior,"Good-night."

"Good-night, ma'am," said Marty. But she had not been able to see thewomanwhobegansogreatlytointeresther—thesecondpersonofherownsexwhohadoperatedstronglyonhermindthatday.

CHAPTERVI.

Meanwhile,WinterborneandGraceMelburyhadalsoundergone their littleexperiencesofthesamehomewardjourney.

Ashedroveoffwithheroutofthetowntheglancesofpeoplefelluponthem,the younger thinking that Mr. Winterborne was in a pleasant place, andwondering in what relation he stood towards her. Winterborne himself wasunconsciousof this.Occupied solelywith the ideaofhavingher incharge,hedidnotnoticemuchwithoutwardeye,neitherobservinghowshewasdressed,northeeffectofthepicturetheytogethercomposedinthelandscape.

Their conversation was in briefest phrase for some time, Grace beingsomewhat disconcerted, throughnot having understood till theywere about tostart thatGileswas tobeher soleconductor inplaceofher father.When theywereintheopencountryhespoke.

"Don'tBrownley's farm-buildings look strange to you, now theyhavebeenmovedbodilyfromthehollowwheretheoldonesstoodtothetopofthehill?"

Sheadmittedthattheydid,thoughsheshouldnothaveseenanydifferenceinthemifhehadnotpointeditout.

"They had a good crop of bitter-sweets; they couldn't grind them all"(nodding towards an orchardwhere some heaps of apples had been left lyingeversincetheingathering).

Shesaid"Yes,"butlookingatanotherorchard.

"Why, you are looking at John-apple-trees! You know bitter-sweets—youusedtowellenough!"

"IamafraidIhaveforgotten,anditisgettingtoodarktodistinguish."

Winterborne did not continue. It seemed as if the knowledge and interestwhich had formerly moved Grace's mind had quite died away from her. Hewonderedwhetherthespecialattributesofhisimageinthepasthadevaporatedliketheseotherthings.

Howeverthatmightbe,thefactatpresentwasmerelythis,thatwherehewasseeingJohn-applesandfarm-buildingsshewasbeholdingafarremoterscene—ascenenolessinnocentandsimple,indeed,butmuchcontrasting—abroadlawn

in the fashionable suburb of a fast city, the evergreen leaves shining in theeveningsun,amidwhichboundinggirls,gracefullycladinartisticarrangementsofblue,brown,red,black,andwhite,wereplayingatgames,withlaughterandchat,inalltheprideoflife,thenotesofpianoandharptremblingintheairfromthe open windows adjoining.Moreover, they were girls—and this was a factwhich Grace Melbury's delicate femininity could not lose sight of—whoseparentsGileswouldhaveaddressedwithadeferentialSirorMadam.Besidethisvisioned scene the homely farmsteads did not quite hold their own from herpresent twenty-year point of survey. For all hiswoodland sequestration,Gilesknewtheprimitivesimplicityofthesubjecthehadstarted,andnowsoundedadeepernote.

"'Twasveryoddwhatwesaid toeachotheryearsago; Ioften thinkof it. Imeanour saying that ifwe still liked eachotherwhenyouwere twenty and Itwenty-five,we'd—"

"Itwaschild'stattle."

"H'm!"saidGiles,suddenly.

"Imeanwewereyoung,"saidshe,moreconsiderately.Thatgruffmannerofhisinmakinginquiriesremindedherthathewasunalteredinmuch.

"Yes....Ibegyourpardon,MissMelbury;yourfatherSENTmetomeetyouto-day."

"Iknowit,andIamgladofit."

Heseemedsatisfiedwithhertoneandwenton:"Atthattimeyouweresittingbesidemeatthebackofyourfather'scoveredcar,whenwewerecominghomefromgypsying,all thepartybeingsqueezed in togetheras tightassheep inanauction-pen.Itgotdarkeranddarker,andIsaid—Iforgettheexactwords—butIputmyarmroundyourwaistandthereyouletitstaytillyourfather,sittinginfrontsuddenlystoppedtellinghisstorytoFarmerBollen,tolighthispipe.Theflashshoneintothecar,andshowedusallupdistinctly;myarmflewfromyourwaist like lightning; yet not so quickly but that some of 'em had seen, andlaughed at us.Yet your father, to our amazement, insteadof being angry,wasmild as milk, and seemed quite pleased. Have you forgot all that, or haven'tyou?"

She owned that she remembered it very well, now that he mentioned thecircumstances."But,goodness!Imusthavebeeninshortfrocks,"shesaid.

"Comenow,MissMelbury, thatwon't do!Short frocks, indeed!Youknowbetter,aswellasI."

Grace thereupon declared that shewould not arguewith an old friend shevaluedsohighlyasshevaluedhim,sayingthewordswiththeeasyelusivenessthatwillbepoliteatallcosts.Itmightpossiblybetrue,sheadded,thatshewasgettingoningirlhoodwhenthateventtookplace;butifitwereso,thenshewasvirtuallynolessthananoldwomannow,sofardidthetimeseemremovedfromherpresent."Doyoueverlookatthingsphilosophicallyinsteadofpersonally?"sheasked.

"I can't say that I do," answeredGiles, his eyes lingering far aheaduponadarkspot,whichprovedtobeabrougham.

"Ithinkyoumay,sometimes,withadvantage,"saidshe."Lookatyourselfasa pitcher drifting on the stream with other pitchers, and consider whatcontrivancesaremostdesirableforavoidingcracksingeneral,andnotonlyforsavingyourpoorone.ShallItellyouallaboutBathorCheltenham,orplacesontheContinentthatIvisitedlastsummer?"

"Withallmyheart."

Shethendescribedplacesandpersonsinsuchtermsasmighthavebeenusedfor that purpose by any woman to any man within the four seas, so entirelyabsent from that descriptionwas everything specially appertaining to her ownexistence.When she had done she said, gayly, "Nowdoyou tellme in returnwhathashappenedinHintocksinceIhavebeenaway."

"Anythingtokeeptheconversationawayfromherandme,"saidGileswithinhim.

ItwastruecultivationhadsofaradvancedinthesoilofMissMelbury'smindastoleadhertotalkbyroteofanythingsaveofthatsheknewwell,andhadthegreatestinterestindeveloping—thatistosay,herself.

Hehadnotproceededfarwithhissomewhatbaldnarrationwhentheydrewnear the carriage that had been preceding them for some time.MissMelbury

inquiredifheknewwhosecarriageitwas.

Winterborne, although he had seen it, had not taken it into account. Onexamination,hesaiditwasMrs.Charmond's.

Gracewatchedthevehicleanditseasyroll,andseemedtofeelmorenearlyakintoitthantotheoneshewasin.

"Pooh!We can polish off themileage as well as they, come to that," saidWinterborne, readinghermind; and rising to emulationatwhat it bespoke,hewhippedonthehorse.ThisitwaswhichhadbroughtthenoseofMr.Melbury'soldgrayclosetothebackofMrs.Charmond'smuch-eclipsingvehicle.

"There'sMartySouthsittingupwiththecoachman,"saidhe,discerningherbyherdress.

"Ah,poorMarty!Imustaskhertocometoseemethisveryevening.Howdoesshehappentoberidingthere?"

"Idon'tknow.Itisverysingular."

Thusthesepeoplewithconvergingdestinieswentalongtheroadtogether,tillWinterborne,leavingthetrackofthecarriage,turnedintoLittleHintock,wherealmost the first house was the timber-merchant's. Pencils of dancing lightstreamedoutofthewindowssufficientlytoshowthewhitelaurestinusflowers,andglanceoverthepolishedleavesoflaurel.Theinterioroftheroomscouldbeseendistinctly,warmedupbythefire-flames,whichintheparlorwerereflectedfromtheglassofthepicturesandbookcase,andinthekitchenfromtheutensilsandware.

"Letuslookatthedearplaceforamomentbeforewecallthem,"shesaid.

Inthekitchendinnerwaspreparing;forthoughMelburydinedatoneo'clockatothertimes,to-daythemealhadbeenkeptbackforGrace.Aricketyoldspitwasinmotion,itsendbeingfixedinthefire-dog,andthewholekeptgoingbymeans of a cord conveyed over pulleys along the ceiling to a large stonesuspendedinacorneroftheroom.OldGrammerOlivercameandwounditupwitharattlelikethatofamill.

IntheparloralargeshadeofMrs.Melbury'sheadfellonthewallandceiling;

but before the girl had regarded this roommanymoments their presencewasdiscovered,andherfatherandstepmothercameouttowelcomeher.

The character of theMelbury familywas of that kindwhich evinces someshyness in showing strong emotion among eachother: a trait frequent in ruralhouseholds, and onewhich stands in curiously inverse relation tomost of thepeculiaritiesdistinguishingvillagersfromthepeopleoftowns.Thushidingtheirwarmerfeelingsundercommonplacetalkallround,Grace'sreceptionproducedno extraordinary demonstrations. But that more was felt than was enactedappeared from the fact that her father, in taking her in-doors, quite forgot thepresenceofGileswithout,asdidalsoGraceherself.Hesaidnothing,but tookthe gig round to the yard and called out from the spar-house the man whoparticularly attended to thesematterswhen therewasno conversation todrawhimoffamongthecopse-workersinside.Winterbornethenreturnedtothedoorwiththeintentionofenteringthehouse.

The familyhadgone into theparlor,andwerestill absorbed in themselves.Thefirewas,asbefore,theonlylight,anditirradiatedGrace'sfaceandhandssoastomakethemlookwondrouslysmoothandfairbesidethoseofthetwoelders;shiningalsothroughtheloosehairabouthertemplesassunlightthroughabrake.Herfatherwassurveyingherinadazedconjecture,somuchhadshedevelopedandprogressedinmannerandstaturesincehelasthadseteyesonher.

Observing these things, Winterborne remained dubious by the door,mechanically tracing with his fingers certain time-worn letters carved in thejambs—initialsofby-gonegenerationsofhouseholderswhohadlivedanddiedthere.

No,hedeclaredtohimself,hewouldnotenterandjointhefamily;theyhadforgottenhim,anditwasenoughforto-daythathehadbroughtherhome.Still,hewasalittlesurprisedthatherfather'seagernesstosendhimforGraceshouldhaveresultedinsuchananticlimaxasthis.

Hewalked softly away into the lane towards his own house, looking backwhen he reached the turning, from which he could get a last glimpse of thetimber-merchant'sroof.HehazardedguessesastowhatGracewassayingjustatthatmoment, andmurmured,with someself-derision, "nothingaboutme!"Helookedalsointheotherdirection,andsawagainsttheskythethatchedhipandsolitarychimneyofMarty'scottage,and thoughtofher too,strugglingbravely

alongunderthathumbleshelter,amongherspar-gadsandpotsandskimmers.

Atthetimber-merchant's,inthemeantime,theconversationflowed;and,asGilesWinterbornehadrightlyenoughdeemed,onsubjects inwhichhehadnoshare. Among the excluding matters there was, for one, the effect upon Mr.Melburyofthewomanlymienandmannersofhisdaughter,whichtookhimsomuchunawaresthat,thoughitdidnotmakehimabsolutelyforgettheexistenceofher conductorhomeward, thrustGiles's imageback intoquite theobscurestcellarage of his brain.Anotherwas his interviewwithMrs.Charmond's agentthat morning, at which the lady herself had been present for a few minutes.Melburyhadpurchasedsomestandingtimberfromheralongtimebefore,andnowthat thedatehadcomefor felling ithewas left topursuealmosthisowncourse. This was what the household were actually talking of during Giles'scogitationwithout;andMelbury'ssatisfactionwiththeclearatmospherethathadarisenbetweenhimselfandthedeityofthegroveswhichenclosedhisresidencewasthecauseofacounterbalancingmistinessonthesidetowardsWinterborne.

"So thoroughlydoes she trustme," saidMelbury, "that Imight fell, top,orlop,onmyownjudgment,anysticko'timberwhateverinherwood,andfixtheprice o't, and settle the matter. But, name it all! I wouldn't do such a thing.However,itmaybeusefultohavethisgoodunderstandingwithher....Iwishshetookmoreinterestintheplace,andstayedherealltheyearround."

"Iamafraid'tisnotherregardforyou,butherdislikeofHintock,thatmakeshersoeasyaboutthetrees,"saidMrs.Melbury.

Whendinnerwasover,Gracetookacandleandbegantoramblepleasurablythrough the rooms of her old home, from which she had latterly becomewellnigh an alien. Each nook and each object revived a memory, andsimultaneouslymodifiedit.Thechambersseemedlowerthantheyhadappearedonanypreviousoccasionofher return, thesurfacesofbothwallsandceilingsstanding insuchrelations to theeye that itcouldnotavoid takingmicroscopicnote of their irregularities and old fashion. Her own bedroomwore at once alookmorefamiliarthanwhenshehadleftit,andyetafaceestranged.Theworldoflittlethingsthereingazedatherinhelplessstationariness,asthoughtheyhadtriedandbeenunabletomakeanyprogresswithoutherpresence.Overtheplacewherehercandlehadbeenaccustomed tostand,whenshehadused to read inbedtillthemidnighthour,therewasstillthebrownspotofsmoke.Shedidnotknowthatherfatherhadtakenespecialcaretokeepitfrombeingcleanedoff.

Having concluded her perambulation of this now uselessly commodiousedifice,Gracebegantofeelthatshehadcomealongjourneysincethemorning;andwhen her father had been up himself, aswell as hiswife, to see that herroomwascomfortableandthefireburning,shepreparedtoretireforthenight.Nosooner,however,wasshe inbed thanhermomentarysleepiness took itselfoff,andshewishedshehadstayeduplonger.Sheamusedherselfbylisteningtotheoldfamiliarnoisesthatshecouldheartobestillgoingondown-stairs,andbylookingtowardsthewindowasshelay.Theblindhadbeendrawnup,assheusedtohaveitwhenagirl,andshecouldjustdiscernthedimtree-topsagainstthe sky on the neighboring hill. Beneath this meeting-line of light and shadenothingwasvisible saveonesolitarypointof light,whichblinkedas the tree-twigswavedtoandfrobeforeitsbeams.Fromitspositionitseemedtoradiatefromthewindowofahouseon thehill-side.Thehousehadbeenemptywhenshewaslastathome,andshewonderedwhoinhabitedtheplacenow.

Herconjectures,however,werenotintentlycarriedon,andshewaswatchingthelightquiteidly,whenitgraduallychangedcolor,andatlengthshoneblueassapphire.Thusitremainedseveralminutes,andthenitpassedthroughviolettored.

Hercuriositywassowidelyawakenedbythephenomenonthatshesatupinbed, and stared steadily at the shine. An appearance of this sort, sufficient toexciteattentionanywhere,wasno less thanamarvel inHintock,asGracehadknownthehamlet.Almosteverydiurnalandnocturnaleffect in thatwoodlandplace had hitherto been the direct result of the regular terrestrial roll whichproduced the season's changes;butherewas somethingdissociated from thesenormalsequences,andforeigntolocalhabitandknowledge.

ItwasaboutthismomentthatGraceheardthehouseholdbelowpreparingtoretire,themostemphaticnoiseintheproceedingbeingthatofherfatherboltingthe doors. Then the stairs creaked, and her father and mother passed herchamber.ThelasttocomewasGrammerOliver.

Graceslidoutofbed,ranacrosstheroom,andliftingthelatch,said,"Iamnotasleep,Grammer.Comeinandtalktome."

Before the oldwoman had entered,Gracewas again under the bedclothes.Grammer set down her candlestick, and seated herself on the edge of MissMelbury'scoverlet.

"IwantyoutotellmewhatlightthatisIseeonthehill-side,"saidGrace.

Mrs.Oliver looked across. "Oh, that," she said, "is from the doctor's.He'softendoingthingsofthatsort.Perhapsyoudon'tknowthatwe'veadoctorlivingherenow—Mr.Fitzpiersbyname?"

Graceadmittedthatshehadnotheardofhim.

"Well,then,miss,he'scomeheretogetupapractice.Iknowhimverywell,throughgoingtheretohelp'emscrubsometimes,whichyourfathersaidImightdo,ifIwantedto,inmysparetime.Beingabachelor-man,he'veonlyaladinthehouse.Ohyes,Iknowhimverywell.Sometimeshe'lltalktomeasifIwerehisownmother."

"Indeed."

"Yes.'Grammer,'hesaidoneday,whenIaskedhimwhyhecameherewherethere'shardlyanybodyliving,'I'lltellyouwhyIcamehere.Itookamap,andImarked on it whereDr. Jones's practice ends to the north of this district, andwhereMr.Taylor'sendsonthesouth,andlittleJimmyGreen'sontheeast,andsomebody else's to thewest. Then I took a pair of compasses, and found theexactmiddleofthecountrythatwasleftbetweenthesebounds,andthatmiddlewasLittleHintock;sohereIam....'But,Lord,there:pooryoungman!"

"Why?"

"Hesaid, 'GrammerOliver,I'vebeenherethreemonths,andalthoughthereareagoodmanypeopleintheHintocksandthevillagesround,andascatteredpracticeisoftenaverygoodone,Idon'tseemtogetmanypatients.Andthere'sno society at all; and I'm pretty near melancholy mad,' he said, with a greatyawn.'Ishouldbequiteifitwerenotformybooks,andmylab—laboratory,andwhatnot.Grammer,Iwasmadeforhigherthings.'Andthenhe'dyawnandyawnagain."

"Washereallymadeforhigherthings,doyouthink?Imean,isheclever?"

"Well,no.Howcanhebeclever?Hemaybeabletojineupabrokenmanorwomanafter a fashion, andput his fingerupon an ache if you tell himnearlywhere 'tis;but theseyoungmen—theyshouldlive tomytimeof life,andthenthey'dseehowclevertheywereatfive-and-twenty!Andyethe'saprojick,areal

projick,andsaystheoddestofrozums.'Ah,Grammer,'hesaid,atanothertime,'letmetellyouthatEverythingisNothing.There'sonlyMeandnotMeinthewholeworld.'Andhetoldmethatnoman'shandscouldhelpwhattheydid,anymorethanthehandsofaclock....Yes,he'samanofstrangemeditations,andhiseyesseemtoseeasfarasthenorthstar."

"Hewillsoongoaway,nodoubt."

"Idon'tthinkso."Gracedidnotsay"Why?"andGrammerhesitated.Atlastshewenton:"Don'ttellyourfatherormother,miss,ifIletyouknowasecret."

Gracegavetherequiredpromise.

"Well,hetalksofbuyingme;sohewon'tgoawayjustyet."

"Buyingyou!—how?"

"Notmysoul—mybody,whenI'mdead.OnedaywhenIwastherecleaning,hesaid,'Grammer,you'vealargebrain—averylargeorganofbrain,'hesaid.'Awoman'sisusuallyfourounceslessthanaman's;butyoursisman'ssize.'Well,then—hee,hee!—afterhe'dflatteredmeabitlikethat,hesaidhe'dgivemetenpoundstohavemeasanatomyaftermydeath.Well,knowingI'dnochicknorchielleft,andnobodywithanyinterestinme,Ithought,faith,ifIcanbeofanyusetomyfellow-creaturesafterI'mgonetheyarewelcometomyservices;soIsaidI'dthinkitover,andwouldmostlikelyagreeandtakethetenpounds.Nowthis isasecret,miss,betweenustwo.Themoneywouldbeveryuseful tome;andIseenoharminit."

"Ofcoursethere'snoharm.Butoh,Grammer,howcanyouthinktodoit?Iwishyouhadn'ttoldme."

"Iwish I hadn't—if youdon't like to know it,miss.But youneedn'tmind.Lord—hee,hee!—Ishallkeephimwaitingmanyayearyet,blessye!"

"Ihopeyouwill,Iamsure."

Thegirlthereuponfellintosuchdeepreflectionthatconversationlanguished,andGrammerOliver, takinghercandle,wishedMissMelburygood-night.Thelatter's eyes rested on the distant glimmer, around which she allowed herreasoning fancy to play in vague eddies that shaped the doings of the

philosopher behind that light on the lines of intelligence just received. It wasstrangetohertocomebackfromtheworldtoLittleHintockandfindinoneofitsnooks, likea tropicalplant inahedgerow,anucleusofadvanced ideasandpractices which had nothing in common with the life around. Chemicalexperiments, anatomical projects, and metaphysical conceptions had found astrangehomehere.

Thus she remained thinking, the imagined pursuits of the man behind thelightinterminglingwithconjecturalsketchesofhispersonality,tillhereyesfelltogetherwiththeirownheaviness,andsheslept.

CHAPTERVII.

Kaleidoscopic dreams of a weird alchemist-surgeon, Grammer Oliver'sskeleton, and the face of Giles Winterborne, brought Grace Melbury to themorning of the next day. It was fine. A north wind was blowing—that notunacceptable compromisebetween the atmospheric cutleryof the easternblastand the spongygales of thewest quarter. She looked fromherwindow in thedirectionofthelightofthepreviousevening,andcouldjustdiscernthroughthetreestheshapeofthesurgeon'shouse.Somehow,inthebroad,practicaldaylight,thatunknownandlonelygentlemanseemedtobeshornofmuchoftheinterestwhichhadinvestedhispersonalityandpursuitsinthehoursofdarkness,andasGrace'sdressingproceededhefadedfromhermind.

Meanwhile, Winterborne, though half assured of her father's favor, wasrendered a little restless by Miss Melbury's behavior. Despite his dry self-control, he could not help looking continually fromhis own door towards thetimber-merchant's, in the probability of somebody's emergence therefrom.Hisattentionwas at length justified by the appearance of two figures, that ofMr.Melburyhimself,andGracebesidehim.Theysteppedoutinadirectiontowardsthe densest quarter of the wood, and Winterborne walked contemplativelybehindthem,tillallthreeweresoonunderthetrees.

Although the time of bare boughs had now set in, there were shelteredhollowsamid theHintockplantationsandcopses inwhichamore tardy leave-

taking thanonwindy summitswas the rulewith the foliage.This causedhereand thereanapparentmixtureof the seasons; so that in someof thedells thattheypassedbyholly-berriesinfullredwerefoundgrowingbesideoakandhazelwhose leaves were as yet not far removed from green, and brambles whoseverdure was rich and deep as in the month of August. To Grace these well-knownpeculiaritieswereasanoldpaintingrestored.

Nowcouldbebeheldthatchangefromthehandsometothecuriouswhichthefeatures of awood undergo at the ingress of thewintermonths.Anglesweretakingtheplaceofcurves,andreticulationsofsurfaces—achangeconstitutingasudden lapse from the ornate to the primitive on Nature's canvas, andcomparabletoaretrogressivestepfromtheartofanadvancedschoolofpaintingtothatofthePacificIslander.

Winterbornefollowed,andkepthiseyeuponthetwofiguresastheythreadedtheirwaythroughthesesylvanphenomena.Mr.Melbury'slonglegs,andgaitersdrawn in to theboneat theankles,his slight stoop,hishabitofgetting lost inthoughtandarousinghimselfwithanexclamationof"Hah!"accompaniedwithanupwardjerkofthehead,composedapersonagerecognizablebyhisneighborsasfarashecouldbeseen.Itseemedasifthesquirrelsandbirdsknewhim.Oneof the formerwouldoccasionally run from thepath tohidebehind the armofsometree,whichthelittleanimalcarefullyedgedroundparipassuwithMelburyand his daughtersmovement onward, assuming amockmanner, as though heweresaying,"Ho,ho;youareonlyatimber-merchant,andcarrynogun!"

Theywentnoiselesslyovermatsofstarrymoss,rustledthroughinterspersedtractsof leaves, skirted trunkswithspreading roots,whosemossed rindsmadethem likehandswearinggreengloves; elbowedoldelmsandasheswithgreatforks, in which stood pools of water that overflowed on rainy days, and randowntheirstemsingreencascades.Onoldertreesstillthanthese,hugelobesoffungi grew like lungs. Here, as everywhere, the Unfulfilled Intention, whichmakeslifewhatitis,wasasobviousasitcouldbeamongthedepravedcrowdsof a city slum. The leafwas deformed, the curvewas crippled, the taperwasinterrupted;thelicheneatthevigorofthestalk,andtheivyslowlystrangledtodeaththepromisingsapling.

Theydivedamidbeechesunderwhichnothinggrew,theyoungerboughsstillretaining their hectic leaves, that rustled in the breeze with a sound almostmetallic, likethesheet-ironfoliageofthefabledJarnvidwood.Someflecksof

whiteinGrace'sdraperyhadenabledGilestokeepherandherfatherinviewtillthistime;butnowhelostsightofthem,andwasobligedtofollowbyear—nodifficultmatter,foronthelineoftheircourseeverywood-pigeonrosefromitsperch with a continued clash, dashing its wings against the branches withwellnighforceenoughtobreakeveryquill.Bytakingthetrackofthisnoisehesooncametoastile.

Wasitworthwhiletogofarther?Heexaminedthedoughysoilatthefootofthe stile, and saw among the large sole-and-heel tracks an impression of aslighterkindfromabootthatwasobviouslynotlocal,forWinterborneknewallthecobblers'patternsinthatdistrict,becausetheywereveryfewtoknow.Themud-picturewasenoughtomakehimswinghimselfoverandproceed.

Thecharacterofthewoodlandnowchanged.Thebasesofthesmallertreeswerenibbledbarebyrabbits,andatdiverspointsheapsoffresh-madechips,andthenewly-cutstoolofa tree, staredwhite through theundergrowth.Therehadbeen a large fall of timber this year, which explained the meaning of somesoundsthatsoonreachedhim.

Avoicewasshoutingintermittentlyinasortofhumanbark,whichremindedGiles that there was a sale of trees and fagots that very day.Melbury wouldnaturally be present. Thereupon Winterborne remembered that he himselfwantedafewfagots,andentereduponthescene.

A largegroupofbuyersstoodround theauctioneer,or followedhimwhen,between his pauses, he wandered on from one lot of plantation produce toanother,likesomephilosopherofthePeripateticschooldeliveringhislecturesintheshadygrovesoftheLyceum.Hiscompanionsweretimber-dealers,yeomen,farmers,villagers,andothers;mostlywoodlandmen,whoonthataccountcouldafford to be curious in their walking-sticks, which consequently exhibitedvariousmonstrositiesofvegetation, thechiefbeingcork-screwshapes inblackand white thorn, brought to that pattern by the slow torture of an encirclingwoodbineduring theirgrowth,as theChinesehavebeensaid tomouldhumanbeings into grotesque toys by continued compression in infancy.Twowomen,wearing men's jackets on their gowns, conducted in the rear of the haltingprocessionapony-cartcontainingatappedbarrelofbeer,fromwhichtheydrewand replenished horns that were handed round, with bread-and-cheese from abasket.

Theauctioneeradjustedhimselftocircumstancesbyusinghiswalking-stickasahammer,andknockeddownthelotonanyconvenientobjectthattookhisfancy,suchasthecrownofalittleboy'shead,ortheshouldersofaby-standerwhohadnobusinessthereexcepttotastethebrew;aproceedingwhichwouldhave been deemed humorous but for the air of stern rigidity which thatauctioneer'sfacepreserved,tendingtoshowthattheeccentricitywasaresultofthatabsenceofmindwhichisengenderedbythepressofaffairs,andnofreakoffancyatall.

Mr.MelburystoodslightlyapartfromtherestofthePeripatetics,andGracebeside him, clinging closely to his arm, hermodern attire looking almost oddwhere everything else was old-fashioned, and throwing over the familiargarnitureofthetreesahomelinessthatseemedtodemandimprovementbytheaddition of a few contemporary novelties also. Grace seemed to regard thesellingwiththeinterestwhichattachestomemoriesrevivedafteranintervalofobliviousness.

Winterbornewentandstoodclose to them; the timber-merchant spoke,andcontinued his buying; Grace merely smiled. To justify his presence thereWinterbornebeganbiddingfortimberandfagotsthathedidnotwant,pursuingtheoccupationinanabstractedmood,inwhichtheauctioneer'svoiceseemedtobecome one of the natural sounds of the woodland. A few flakes of snowdescended, at the sight of which a robin, alarmed at these signs of imminentwinter,andseeingthatnooffencewasmeantbythehumaninvasion,cameandperched on the tip of the fagots that were being sold, and looked into theauctioneer's face,whilewaitingforsomechancecrumbfromthebread-basket.StandingalittlebehindGrace,Winterborneobservedhowoneflakewouldsaildownwardand settleonacurlofherhair, andhowanotherwouldchoosehershoulder, and another the edge of her bonnet, which took up somuch of hisattentionthathisbiddingsproceededincoherently;andwhentheauctioneersaid,everynowandthen,withanodtowardshim,"Yours,Mr.Winterborne,"hehadnoideawhetherhehadboughtfagots,poles,orlogwood.

Heregretted,withsomecausticityofhumor,thatherfathershouldshowsuchinequalitiesoftemperamentastokeepGracetightlyonhisarmto-day,whenhehadquitelatelyseemedanxioustorecognizetheirbetrothalasafact.Andthusmusing,andjoining innoconversationwithotherbuyersexceptwhendirectlyaddressed, he followed the assemblage hither and thither till the end of theauction, when Giles for the first time realized what his purchases had been.

Hundredsoffagots,anddiverslotsoftimber,hadbeensetdowntohim,whenall he had required had been a few bundles of spray for his oddman RobertCreedle'suseinbakingandlightingfires.

Business being over, he turned to speak to the timber merchant. ButMelbury's manner was short and distant; and Grace, too, looked vexed andreproachful.Winterborne thendiscoveredthathehadbeenunwittinglybiddingagainstherfather,andpickinguphis favorite lots inspiteofhim.Withaveryfewwordstheyleftthespotandpursuedtheirwayhomeward.

Gileswasextremelysorryatwhathehaddone,andremainedstandingunderthetrees,alltheothermenhavingstrayedsilentlyaway.HesawMelburyandhisdaughter pass down a glade without looking back.While they moved slowlythroughita ladyappearedonhorseback in themiddledistance, the lineofherprogressconverginguponthatofMelbury's.Theymet,Melburytookoffhishat,andshereined inherhorse.Aconversationwasevidently inprogressbetweenGrace andher father and this equestrian, inwhomhewas almost sure that herecognizedMrs.Charmond,lessbyheroutlinethanbytheliveryofthegroomwhohadhaltedsomeyardsoff.

Theinterlocutorsdidnotparttillafteraprolongedpause,duringwhichmuchseemed to be said.WhenMelbury andGrace resumed theirwalk it waswithsomethingofalightertreadthanbefore.

Winterbornethenpursuedhisowncoursehomeward.HewasunwillingtoletcoldnessgrowupbetweenhimselfandtheMelburysforanytrivialreason,andintheeveninghewenttotheirhouse.Ondrawingnearthegatehisattentionwasattracted by the sight of one of the bedrooms blinking into a state ofillumination.InitstoodGracelightingseveralcandles,herrighthandelevatingthetaper,herlefthandonherbosom,herfacethoughtfullyfixedoneachwickasitkindled,asifshesawineveryflame'sgrowththeriseofalifetomaturity.Hewonderedwhatsuchunusualbrilliancycouldmeanto-night.Ongettingin-doorshefoundherfatherandstep-motherinastateofsuppressedexcitement,whichatfirsthecouldnotcomprehend.

"Iamsorryaboutmybiddingsto-day,"saidGiles."Idon'tknowwhatIwasdoing.Ihavecometosaythatanyofthelotsyoumayrequireareyours."

"Oh, never mind—never mind," replied the timber-merchant, with a slight

waveofhishand,"IhavesomuchelsetothinkofthatInearlyhadforgotit.Justnow,too,therearemattersofadifferentkindfromtradetoattendto,sodon'tletitconcernye."

Asthetimber-merchantspoke,asitwere,downtohimfromahighermoralplanethanhisown,GilesturnedtoMrs.Melbury.

"Grace isgoing to theHouse to-morrow,"shesaid,quietly."She is lookingout her things now. I dare say she is wanting me this minute to assist her."ThereuponMrs.Melburylefttheroom.

Nothing ismore remarkable than the independentpersonalityof the tonguenowand then.Mr.Melburyknew thathiswordshadbeena sort ofboast.Hedecriedboasting,particularlytoGiles;yetwheneverthesubjectwasGrace,hisjudgmentresignedtheministryofspeechinspiteofhim.

Winterbornefeltsurprise,pleasure,andalsoalittleapprehensionatthenews.HerepeatedMrs.Melbury'swords.

"Yes,"saidpaternalpride,notsorrytohavedraggedoutofhimwhathecouldnot in any circumstances have kept in. "Coming home from the woods thisafternoonwemetMrs. Charmond out for a ride. She spoke tome on a littlematter of business, and thengot acquaintedwithGrace. 'Twaswonderful howshe took toGrace in a fewminutes; that freemasonry of educationmade 'emcloseatonce.Naturallyenoughshewasamazedthatsuchanarticle—ha,ha!—couldcomeoutofmyhouse.AtlastitledontoMis'essGracebeingaskedtotheHouse. So she's busy hunting up her frills and furbelows to go in." AsGilesremained in thoughtwithout responding,Melbury continued: "But I'll call herdown-stairs."

"No,no;don'tdothat,sinceshe'sbusy,"saidWinterborne.

Melbury,feelingfromtheyoungman'smannerthathisowntalkhadbeentoomuchatGilesandtoolittletohim,repentedatonce.Hisfacechanged,andhesaid, in lower tones, with an effort, "She's yours, Giles, as far as I amconcerned."

"Thanks—mybestthanks....ButIthink,sinceitisallrightbetweenusaboutthebiddings,thatI'llnotinterrupthernow.I'llstephomeward,andcallanothertime."

Onleavingthehousehelookedupatthebedroomagain.Grace,surroundedbya sufficientnumberofcandles toanswerallpurposesof self-criticism,wasstandingbeforeacheval-glassthatherfatherhadlatelyboughtexpresslyforheruse;shewasbonneted,cloaked,andgloved,andglancedoverhershoulderintothemirror,estimatingheraspect.Her facewas litwith thenaturalelationofayounggirlhopingtoinaugurateonthemorrowanintimateacquaintancewithanew,interesting,andpowerfulfriend.

CHAPTERVIII.

TheinspiritingappointmentwhichhadledGraceMelburytoindulgeinasix-candleilluminationforthearrangementofherattire,carriedheroverthegroundthenextmorningwithaspringytread.Hersenseofbeingproperlyappreciatedonherownnativesoil seemed tobrighten theatmosphereandherbagearoundher,astheglowworm'slampirradiatesthegrass.Thusshemovedalong,avesselofemotiongoingtoemptyitselfonsheknewnotwhat.

Twentyminutes'walking through copses, over a stile, and along anuplandlawnbroughther to thevergeof adeepglen, at thebottomofwhichHintockHouse appeared immediately beneath her eye. To describe it as standing in ahollowwouldnot express the situationof themanor-house; it stood in ahole,notwithstandingthattheholewasfullofbeauty.FromthespotwhichGracehadreached a stone could easily have been thrown over or into, the birds'-nestedchimneysofthemansion.Itswallsweresurmountedbyabattlementedparapet;butthegrayleadroofswerequitevisiblebehindit,withtheirgutters,laps,rolls,and skylights, together with incised letterings and shoe-patterns cut by idlersthereon.

The front of the house exhibited an ordinary manorial presentation ofElizabethan windows, mullioned and hooded, worked in rich snuff-coloredfreestonefromlocalquarries.Theashlarofthewalls,wherenotovergrownwithivy andother creepers,was coatedwith lichenof every shade, intensifying itsluxuriancewith its nearness to the ground, till, below the plinth, itmerged inmoss.

Abovethehousetothebackwasadenseplantation,therootsofwhosetreeswereabovethelevelofthechimneys.ThecorrespondinghighgroundonwhichGrace stood was richly grassed, with only an old tree here and there. A fewsheep lay about, which, as they ruminated, looked quietly into the bedroomwindows.Thesituationofthehouse,prejudicialtohumanity,wasastimulustovegetation, onwhich account an endless shearingof the heavy-armed ivywasnecessary,andacontinualloppingoftreesandshrubs.Itwasanedificebuiltintimes when human constitutions were damp-proof, when shelter from theboisterous was all that men thought of in choosing a dwelling-place, theinsidiousbeingbeneaththeirnotice;anditshollowsitewasanocularreminder,by itsunfitnessformodern lives,of thefragility towhich thesehavedeclined.The highest architectural cunning could have done nothing to make HintockHousedryandsalubrious;andruthlessignorancecouldhavedonelittletomakeit unpicturesque. It was vegetable nature's own home; a spot to inspire thepainterandpoetofstill life—iftheydidnotsuffer toomuchfromtherelaxingatmosphere—and to draw groans from the gregariously disposed. Gracedescended the green escarpment by a zigzag path into the drive,which sweptroundbeneaththeslope.Theexteriorofthehousehadbeenfamiliartoherfromherchildhood,butshehadneverbeen inside,and theapproach toknowinganoldthinginanewwaywasalivelyexperience.Itwaswithalittleflutterthatshewasshownin;butsherecollectedthatMrs.Charmondwouldprobablybealone.Up to a few days before this time that lady had been accompanied in hercomings, stayings, and goings by a relative believed to be her aunt; latterly,however, these two ladieshad separated,owing, itwas supposed, toaquarrel,andMrs.Charmondhadbeenleftdesolate.Beingpresumablyawomanwhodidnot care for solitude, this deprivation might possibly account for her suddeninterestinGrace.

Mrs.CharmondwasattheendofagalleryopeningfromthehallwhenMissMelburywasannounced,andsawherthroughtheglassdoorsbetweenthem.Shecameforwardwithasmileonherface,andtoldtheyounggirlitwasgoodofhertocome.

"Ah! you have noticed those," she said, seeing that Grace's eyes wereattracted by some curious objects against thewalls. "They areman-traps.Myhusband was a connoisseur in man-traps and spring-guns and such articles,collecting them from all his neighbors. He knew the histories of all these—which gin had broken a man's leg, which gun had killed a man. That one, Irememberhissaying,hadbeensetbyagame-keeperinthetrackofanotorious

poacher; but the keeper, forgettingwhat he had done, went that way himself,receivedthechargeinthelowerpartofhisbody,anddiedofthewound.Idon'tlike themhere,but I'veneveryetgivendirectionsfor themtobe takenaway."She added, playfully, "Man-traps are of rather ominous significance where apersonofoursexlives,aretheynot?"

Gracewasboundtosmile;butthatsideofwomanlinesswasonewhichherinexperiencehadnogreatzestincontemplating.

"Theyare interesting,nodoubt,as relicsofabarbarous timehappilypast,"she said, looking thoughtfully at the varied designs of these instruments oftorture—some with semi-circular jaws, some with rectangular; most of themwith long, sharp teeth, but a fewwith none, so that their jaws looked like theblankgumsofoldage.

"Well,wemustnot take them too seriously," saidMrs.Charmond,with anindolentturnofherhead,andtheymovedoninward.Whenshehadshownhervisitordifferentarticlesincabinetsthatshedeemedlikelytointeresther,sometapestries,wood-carvings,ivories,miniatures,andsoon—alwayswithamienoflistlessnesswhichmighteitherhavebeenconstitutional,orpartlyowing to thesituationoftheplace—theysatdowntoanearlycupoftea.

"Willyoupour itout,please?Do," she said, leaningback inherchair, andplacingherhandaboveherforehead,whileheralmondeyes—thoselongeyessocommontotheangeliclegionsofearlyItalianart—becamelonger,andhervoicemorelanguishing.Sheshowedthatoblique-manneredsoftnesswhichisperhapsmostfrequentinwomenofdarkercomplexionandmorelymphatictemperamentthanMrs.Charmond'swas;wholingeringlysmiletheirmeaningstomenratherthan speak them, who inveigle rather than prompt, and take advantage ofcurrentsratherthansteer.

"IamthemostinactivewomanwhenIamhere,"shesaid."IthinksometimesIwasborntoliveanddonothing,nothing,nothingbutfloatabout,aswefancywedo sometimes indreams.But that cannotbe reallymydestiny, and Imuststruggleagainstsuchfancies."

"Iamsosorryyoudonotenjoyexertion—itisquitesad!IwishIcouldtendyouandmakeyouveryhappy."

Therewassomethingsosympathetic,soappreciative,inthesoundofGrace's

voice,thatitimpelledpeopletoplayhavocwiththeircustomaryreservationsintalking toher. "It is tenderandkindofyou to feel that," saidMrs.Charmond."PerhapsIhavegivenyouthenotionthatmylanguor ismorethanit really is.But thisplaceoppressesme,and Ihaveaplanofgoingabroadagooddeal. Iusedtogowitharelative,butthatarrangementhasdroppedthrough."RegardingGrace with a final glance of criticism, she seemed to make up her mind toconsidertheyounggirlsatisfactory,andcontinued:"NowIamoftenimpelledtorecordmy impressions of times and places. I have often thought ofwriting a'NewSentimentalJourney.'ButIcannotfindenergyenoughtodoitalone.WhenIamatdifferentplacesinthesouthofEuropeIfeelacrowdofideasandfanciesthronginguponmecontinually, but tounfoldwriting-materials, takeupa coldsteelpen,andputtheseimpressionsdownsystematicallyoncold,smoothpaper—that Icannotdo.SoIhave thought that if IalwayscouldhavesomebodyatmyelbowwithwhomIaminsympathy,Imightdictateanyideasthatcomeintomyhead.AnddirectlyIhadmadeyouracquaintancetheotherdayitstruckmethatyouwouldsuitmesowell.Wouldyouliketoundertakeit?Youmightreadtome,too,ifdesirable.Willyouthinkitover,andaskyourparentsif theyarewilling?"

"Ohyes,"saidGrace."Iamalmostsuretheywouldbeveryglad."

"You are so accomplished, I hear; I should be quite honored by suchintellectualcompany."

Grace,modestlyblushing,deprecatedanysuchidea.

"DoyoukeepupyourlucubrationsatLittleHintock?"

"Oh no. Lucubrations are not unknown at Little Hintock; but they are notcarriedonbyme."

"What—anotherstudentinthatretreat?"

"Thereisasurgeonlatelycome,andIhaveheardthathereadsagreatdeal—Iseehislightsometimesthroughthetreeslateatnight."

"Ohyes—adoctor—IbelieveIwastoldofhim.Itisastrangeplaceforhimtosettlein."

"Itisaconvenientcentreforapractice,theysay.Buthedoesnotconfinehis

studiestomedicine,itseems.Heinvestigatestheologyandmetaphysicsandallsortsofsubjects."

"Whatishisname?"

"Fitzpiers. He represents a very old family, I believe, the Fitzpierses ofBuckbury-Fitzpiers—notagreatmanymilesfromhere."

"Iamnotsufficientlylocaltoknowthehistoryofthefamily.Iwasneverinthe county tillmy husband broughtme here."Mrs.Charmond did not care topursue this line of investigation. Whatever mysterious merit might attach tofamily antiquity, it was one which, though she herself could claim it, heradaptable,wanderingweltburgerlichenaturehadgrowntiredofcaringabout—apeculiarity that made her a contrast to her neighbors. "It is of rather moreimportancetoknowwhatthemanishimselfthanwhathisfamilyis,"shesaid,"ifheisgoingtopractiseuponusasasurgeon.Haveyouseenhim?"

Gracehadnot."Ithinkheisnotaveryoldman,"sheadded.

"Hasheawife?"

"Iamnotawarethathehas."

"Well, Ihopehewillbeusefulhere. Imustget toknowhimwhen I comeback.Itwillbeveryconvenienttohaveamedicalman—ifheisclever—inone'sown parish. I get dreadfully nervous sometimes, living in such an outlandishplace;andShertonissofartosendto.NodoubtyoufeelHintocktobeagreatchangeafterwatering-placelife."

"Ido.Butitishome.Ithasitsadvantagesanditsdisadvantages."Gracewasthinkinglessofthesolitudethanoftheattendantcircumstances.

They chatted on for some time, Grace being set quite at her ease by herentertainer.Mrs.Charmondwasfartoowell-practisedawomannottoknowthatto showamarkedpatronage to a sensitive younggirlwhowouldprobablybeveryquicktodiscernit,wastodemolishherdignityratherthantoestablishitinthatyounggirl'seyes.So,beingviolentlypossessedwithherideaofmakinguseof thisgentle acquaintance, readyandwaitingatherowndoor, she tookgreatpainstowinherconfidenceatstarting.

JustbeforeGrace'sdeparturethetwochancedtopausebeforeamirrorwhichreflectedtheirfaces in immediate juxtaposition,soas tobringintoprominencetheirresemblancesandtheircontrasts.Bothlookedattractiveasglassedbackbythe faithful reflector; but Grace's countenance had the effect of makingMrs.Charmondappearmore thanherfullage.Therearecomplexionswhichsetoffeach other to great advantage, and there are those which antagonize, the onekillingordamagingitsneighborunmercifully.Thiswasunhappilythecasehere.Mrs. Charmond fell into a meditation, and replied abstractedly to a cursoryremarkofher companion's.However, sheparted fromheryoung friend in thekindliest tones, promising to send and let her know as soon as hermindwasmadeuponthearrangementshehadsuggested.

WhenGracehadascendednearlytothetopoftheadjoiningslopeshelookedback,andsawthatMrs.Charmondstillstoodatthedoor,meditativelyregardingher.

Oftenduringthepreviousnight,afterhiscallontheMelburys,Winterborne'sthoughtsranuponGrace'sannouncedvisittoHintockHouse.Whycouldhenothaveproposed towalkwithherpartof theway?Something toldhim that shemightnot,onsuchanoccasion,careforhiscompany.

Hewasstillmoreof thatopinionwhen,standinginhisgardennextday,hesaw her go past on the journey with such a pretty pride in the event. Hewondered if her father's ambition, which had purchased for her themeans ofintellectuallightandculturefarbeyondthoseofanyothernativeofthevillage,wouldconducetotheflightofherfutureinterestsaboveandawayfromthelocallifewhichwasoncetoherthemovementoftheworld.

Nevertheless,hehadherfather'spermissiontowinherifhecould;andtothisenditbecamedesirabletobringmatterssoontoacrisis,ifheeverhopedtodoso.Ifsheshouldthinkherselftoogoodforhim,hecouldlethergoandmakethebest of his loss; but until he had really tested her he could not say that shedespisedhissuit.Thequestionwashowtoquickeneventstowardsanissue.

Hethoughtandthought,andatlastdecidedthatasgoodawayasanywouldbe to give aChristmas party, and askGrace and her parents to come as chiefguests.

These ruminationswereoccupyinghimwhen therebecameaudibleaslightknockingat his frontdoor.Hedescended thepath and lookedout, andbeheldMartySouth,dressedforout-doorwork.

"Whydidn'tyoucome,Mr.Winterborne?"shesaid."I'vebeenwaitingtherehoursandhours,andatlastIthoughtImusttrytofindyou."

"Blessmysoul,I'dquiteforgot,"saidGiles.

What he had forgottenwas that therewas a thousand young fir-trees to beplantedinaneighboringspotwhichhadbeenclearedbythewood-cutters,andthat he had arranged to plant themwith his own hands.He had amarvellouspower ofmaking trees grow. Although he would seem to shovel in the earthquitecarelessly,therewasasortofsympathybetweenhimselfandthefir,oak,orbeechthathewasoperatingon,sothattherootstookholdofthesoilinafewdays.When, on the other hand, any of the journeymen planted, although theyseemed to go through an identically similar process, one quarter of the treeswoulddieawayduringtheensuingAugust.

HenceWinterborne founddelight in thework evenwhen, as at present, hecontracted to do it on portions of thewoodland inwhich he had no personalinterest. Marty, who turned her hand to anything, was usually the one whoperformed the part of keeping the trees in a perpendicular position while hethrewinthemould.

Heaccompaniedhertowardsthespot,beingstimulatedyetfurthertoproceedwiththeworkbytheknowledgethatthegroundwasclosetotheway-sidealongwhichGracemustpassonherreturnfromHintockHouse.

"You'veacoldinthehead,Marty,"hesaid,astheywalked."Thatcomesofcuttingoffyourhair."

"Isupposeitdo.Yes;I'vethreeheadachesgoingoninmyheadatthesametime."

"Threeheadaches!"

"Yes,arheumaticheadacheinmypoll,asickheadacheovermyeyes,andamiseryheadacheinthemiddleofmybrain.However,Icameout,forIthoughtyoumightbewaitingandgrumblinglikeanythingifIwasnotthere."

Theholeswerealreadydug,andtheysettowork.Winterborne'sfingerswereendowedwithagentleconjuror'stouchinspreadingtherootsofeachlittletree,resultinginasortofcaress,underwhichthedelicatefibresall laid themselvesoutintheirproperdirectionsforgrowth.Heputmostoftheserootstowardsthesouth-west; for,he said, in fortyyears' time,when somegreatgale isblowingfrom that quarter, the trees will require the strongest holdfast on that side tostandagainstitandnotfall.

"How they sigh directly we put 'em upright, though while they are lyingdowntheydon'tsighatall,"saidMarty.

"Dothey?"saidGiles."I'venevernoticedit."

Sheerectedoneoftheyoungpinesintoitshole,andheldupherfinger;thesoftmusicalbreathing instantlyset in,whichwasnot toceasenightorday tillthegrowntreeshouldbefelled—probablylongafterthetwoplantersshouldbefelledthemselves.

"It seems tome," thegirl continued, "as if they sighbecause theyareverysorrytobeginlifeinearnest—justaswebe."

"Justaswebe?"Helookedcriticallyather."Yououghtnottofeellikethat,Marty."

Her only reply was turning to take up the next tree; and they planted onthroughagreatpartoftheday,almostwithoutanotherword.Winterborne'smindranonhiscontemplatedevening-party,hisabstractionbeingsuchthathehardlywas conscious of Marty's presence beside him. From the nature of theiremployment, in which he handled the spade and she merely held the tree, itfollowedthathegotgoodexerciseandshegotnone.Butshewasanheroicgirl,andthoughherout-stretchedhandwaschillasastone,andhercheeksblue,andher cold worse than ever, she would not complain while he was disposed tocontinuework.Butwhenhepausedshesaid,"Mr.Winterborne,canIrundownthelaneandbacktowarmmyfeet?"

"Why,yes,ofcourse,"hesaid,awakeninganewtoherexistence."ThoughIwasjustthinkingwhatamilddayitisfortheseason.NowIwarrantthatcoldofyoursistwiceasbadasitwas.Youhadnobusinesstochopthathairoff,Marty;itservesyoualmostright.Lookhere,cutoffhomeatonce."

"Arundownthelanewillbequiteenough."

"No,itwon't.Yououghtnottohavecomeoutto-dayatall."

"ButIshouldliketofinishthe—"

"Marty,Itellyoutogohome,"saidhe,peremptorily."Icanmanagetokeeptherestofthemuprightwithastickorsomething."

She went away without saying any more. When she had gone down theorchardalittledistanceshelookedback.Gilessuddenlywentafterher.

"Marty,itwasforyourgoodthatIwasrough,youknow.Butwarmyourselfinyourownway,Idon'tcare."

Whenshehadrunoffhefanciedhediscernedawoman'sdress through theholly-busheswhichdivided thecoppicefromtheroad. ItwasGraceat last,onherwaybackfromtheinterviewwithMrs.Charmond.Hethrewdownthetreehe was planting, and was about to break through the belt of holly when hesuddenlybecameawareofthepresenceofanotherman,whowaslookingoverthe hedge on the opposite side of thewayupon the figure of the unconsciousGrace.Heappeared as ahandsomeandgentlemanlypersonageof sixor eightandtwenty,andwasquizzingherthroughaneye-glass.SeeingthatWinterbornewasnoticinghim,helethisglassdropwithaclickupontherailwhichprotectedthehedge,andwalkedawayintheoppositedirection.GilesknewinamomentthatthismustbeMr.Fitzpiers.Whenhewasgone,Winterbornepushedthroughthe hollies, and emerged close beside the interesting object of theircontemplation.

CHAPTERIX.

"IheardthebushesmovelongbeforeIsawyou,"shebegan."Isaidfirst,'itissometerriblebeast;'next,'itisapoacher;'next,'itisafriend!'"

He regarded her with a slight smile, weighing, not her speech, but the

questionwhetherheshouldtellherthatshehadbeenwatched.Hedecidedinthenegative.

"Youhavebeen to thehouse?"he said. "But Ineednot ask."The factwasthatthereshoneuponMissMelbury'sfaceaspeciesofexaltation,whichsawnoenvironingdetailsnorhisownoccupation;nothingmorethanhisbarepresence.

"Whyneedyounotask?"

"YourfaceislikethefaceofMoseswhenhecamedownfromtheMount."

She reddened a little and said, "How can you be so profane, GilesWinterborne?"

"Howcanyou thinksomuchof thatclassofpeople?Well, Ibegpardon; Ididn'tmeantospeaksofreely.Howdoyoulikeherhouseandher?"

"Exceedingly.IhadnotbeeninsidethewallssinceIwasachild,whenitusedtobelettostrangers,beforeMrs.Charmond'slatehusbandboughttheproperty.She isSOnice!"AndGrace fell intosuchanabstractedgazeat the imaginaryimageofMrs.Charmondandhernicenessthatitalmostconjuredupavisionofthatladyinmid-airbeforethem.

"She has only been here amonth or two, it seems, and cannot staymuchlonger,becauseshefindsitsolonelyanddampinwinter.Sheisgoingabroad.Onlythink,shewouldlikemetogowithher."

Giles'sfeaturesstiffenedalittleat thenews."Indeed;whatfor?ButIwon'tkeepyoustandinghere.Hoi,Robert!"hecriedtoaswayingcollectionofclothesinthedistance,whichwasthefigureofCreedlehisman."GoonfillingintheretillIcomeback."

"I'ma-coming,sir;I'ma-coming."

"Well, the reason is this," continued she, as theywent on together—"Mrs.Charmond has a delightful side to her character—a desire to record herimpressionsoftravel,likeAlexandreDumas,andMery,andSterne,andothers.But she cannot find energy enough to do it herself."AndGrace proceeded toexplainMrs.Charmond'sproposalatlarge."MynotionisthatMery'sstylewillsuitherbest,becausehewritesinthatsoft,emotional,luxuriouswayshehas,"

Gracesaid,musingly.

"Indeed!"saidWinterborne,withmockawe."Supposeyoutalkovermyheadalittlelonger,MissGraceMelbury?"

"Oh, Ididn'tmean it!" shesaid, repentantly, looking intohiseyes. "Andasfor myself, I hate French books. And I love dear old Hintock, AND THEPEOPLEINIT,fiftytimesbetterthanalltheContinent.Butthescheme;Ithinkitanenchantingnotion,don'tyou,Giles?"

"Itiswellenoughinonesense,butitwilltakeyouaway,"saidhe,mollified.

"Onlyforashorttime.WeshouldreturninMay."

"Well,MissMelbury,itisaquestionforyourfather."

Winterborne walked with her nearly to her house. He had awaited hercoming, mainly with the view of mentioning to her his proposal to have aChristmas party; but homelyChristmas gatherings in the venerable and jovialHintock style seemed soprimitive anduncouthbeside the loftymattersofherconverseandthoughtthatherefrained.

Assoonas shewasgonehe turnedback towards thesceneofhisplanting,andcouldnothelpsayingtohimselfashewalked, that thisengagementofhiswas a very unpromising business. Her outing to-day had not improved it. AwomanwhocouldgotoHintockHouseandbefriendlywithitsmistress,enterintotheviewsofitsmistress,talklikeher,anddressnotmuchunlikeher,why,she would hardly be contented with him, a yeoman, now immersed in tree-planting,eventhoughheplantedthemwell."Andyetshe'satrue-heartedgirl,"hesaid, thinkingofherwordsaboutHintock."Imustbringmatters toapoint,andthere'sanendofit."

When he reached the plantation he found thatMarty had come back, anddismissingCreedle,hewentonplantingsilentlywiththegirlasbefore.

"Suppose,Marty,"hesaid,afterawhile, lookingatherextendedarm,uponwhich old scratches from briers showed themselves purple in the cold wind—"suppose you know a person, and want to bring that person to a goodunderstanding with you, do you think a Christmas party of some sort is awarming-upthing,andlikelytobeusefulinhasteningonthematter?"

"Istheretobedancing?"

"Theremightbe,certainly."

"WillHedancewithShe?"

"Well,yes."

"Thenitmightbringthingstoahead,onewayortheother;Iwon'tbetheonetosaywhich."

"It shallbedone,"saidWinterborne,not toher, thoughhespoke thewordsquiteloudly.Andasthedaywasnearlyended,headded,"Here,Marty,I'llsendupamantoplanttherestto-morrow.I'veotherthingstothinkofjustnow."

She did not inquire what other things, for she had seen himwalkingwithGraceMelbury.Shelookedtowardsthewesternsky,whichwasnowaglowlikesome vast foundery wherein new worlds were being cast. Across it the bareboughofatreestretchedhorizontally,revealingeverytwigagainstthered,andshowingindarkprofileeverybeckandmovementofthreepheasantsthatweresettlingthemselvesdownonitinarowtoroost.

"Itwill be fine to-morrow," saidMarty, observing themwith the vermilionlightofthesuninthepupilsofhereyes,"fortheyarea-croupieddownnearlyattheendof thebough.If itweregoingtobestormythey'dsqueezeclosetothetrunk.Theweatherisalmostalltheyhavetothinkof,isn'tit,Mr.Winterborne?andsotheymustbelighter-heartedthanwe."

"Idaresaytheyare,"saidWinterborne.

Before taking a single step in the preparations,Winterborne,with no greathopes,went across that evening to the timber-merchant's to ascertain ifGraceand her parents would honor him with their presence. Having first to set hisnightlyginsinthegarden,tocatchtherabbitsthatatehiswinter-greens,hiscallwasdelayedtilljustaftertherisingofthemoon,whoseraysreachedtheHintockhousesbutfitfullyasyet,onaccountofthetrees.Melburywascrossinghisyardonhisway tocallonsomeoneat the largervillage,buthe readily turnedandwalkedupanddownthepathwiththeyoungman.

Giles,inhisself-deprecatorysenseoflivingonamuchsmallerscalethantheMelburys did, would not for the world imply that his invitation was to agatheringofanyimportance.Soheputitinthemildformof"Canyoucomeinfor anhour,whenyouhavedonebusiness, theday after to-morrow; andMrs.andMissMelbury,iftheyhavenothingmorepressingtodo?"

Melburywouldgivenoansweratonce."No,Ican'ttellyouto-day,"hesaid."Imust talkitoverwiththewomen.AsfarasIamconcerned,mydearGiles,youknowI'llcomewithpleasure.ButhowdoIknowwhatGrace'snotionsmaybe?Yousee,shehasbeenawayamongcultivatedfolksagoodwhile;andnowthisacquaintancewithMrs.Charmond—Well,I'llaskher.Icansaynomore."

WhenWinterbornewasgonethetimber-merchantwentonhisway.Heknewvery well that Grace, whatever her own feelings, would either go or not go,accordingashesuggested;andhisinstinctwas,forthemoment,tosuggestthenegative.Hiserrandtookhimpastthechurch,andthewaytohisdestinationwaseitheracrossthechurch-yardoralong-sideit,thedistancesbeingthesame.Forsomereasonorotherhechosetheformerway.

Themoonwasfaintlylightingupthegravestones,andthepath,andthefrontof the building. SuddenlyMr.Melbury paused, turned ill upon the grass, andapproached a particular headstone, where he read, "In memory of JohnWinterborne,"withthesubjoineddateandage.ItwasthegraveofGiles'sfather.

The timber-merchant laid his hand upon the stone, and was humanized."Jack, my wronged friend!" he said. "I'll be faithful to my plan of makingamendsto'ee."

Whenhereachedhomethatevening,hesaidtoGraceandMrs.Melbury,whowereworkingatalittletablebythefire,

"Gileswants us to go down and spend an hourwith him the day after to-morrow;andI'mthinking,thatas'tisGileswhoasksus,we'llgo."

They assented without demur, and accordingly the timber-merchant sentGilesthenextmorningananswerintheaffirmative.

Winterborne, in his modesty, or indifference, had mentioned no particular

hourinhisinvitation;andaccordinglyMr.Melburyandhisfamily,expectingnoother guests, chose their own time, which chanced to be rather early in theafternoon,byreasonofthesomewhatquickerdespatchthanusualofthetimber-merchant's business that day. To show their sense of the unimportance of theoccasion,theywalkedquiteslowlytothehouse,asiftheyweremerelyoutforaramble,andgoingtonothingspecialatall;oratmostintendingtopayacasualcallandtakeacupoftea.

At thishour stir andbustlepervaded the interiorofWinterborne'sdomicilefromcellartoapple-loft.Hehadplannedanelaboratehighteaforsixo'clockorthereabouts, and a good roaring supper to come on about eleven. Being abachelorof rather retiringhabits, thewholeof thepreparationsdevolveduponhimselfandhistrustymanandfamiliar,RobertCreedle,whodideverythingthatrequireddoing,frommakingGiles'sbedtocatchingmolesinhisfield.HewasasurvivalfromthedayswhenGiles'sfatherheldthehomestead,andGileswasaplayingboy.

These two, with a certain dilatoriousness which appertained to both, werenow in theheatofpreparation in thebake-house,expectingnobodybefore sixo'clock. Winterborne was standing before the brick oven in his shirt-sleeves,tossinginthornsprays,andstirringabouttheblazingmasswithalong-handled,three-prongedBeelzebubkindof fork, theheat shiningoutuponhisstreamingface and making his eyes like furnaces, the thorns crackling and sputtering;whileCreedle,havingrangedthepastrydishesinarowonthetabletilltheovenshouldbeready,waspressingoutthecrustofafinalapple-piewitharolling-pin.Agreatpotboiledonthefire,andthroughtheopendoorofthebackkitchenaboy was seen seated on the fender, emptying the snuffers and scouring thecandlesticks,arowofthelatterstandingupsidedownonthehobtomeltoutthegrease.

Lookingup from the rolling-pin,Creedle sawpassing thewindow first thetimber-merchant, in his second-best suit, Mrs. Melbury in her best silk, andGrace in the fashionable attirewhich, inpart brought homewithher from theContinent,shehadwornonhervisittoMrs.Charmond's.Theeyesofthethreehadbeenattractedtotheproceedingswithinbythefierceilluminationwhichtheoventhrewoutupontheoperatorsandtheirutensils.

"Lord,Lord!iftheybaintcomea'ready!"saidCreedle.

"No—hey?" said Giles, looking round aghast; while the boy in thebackgroundwavedareekingcandlestickinhisdelight.Astherewasnohelpforit,Winterbornewenttomeettheminthedoor-way.

"MydearGiles,Iseewehavemadeamistakeinthetime,"saidthetimber-merchant'swife,herfacelengtheningwithconcern.

"Oh,itisnotmuchdifference.Ihopeyou'llcomein."

"Butthismeansaregularrandyvoo!"saidMr.Melbury,accusingly,glancingroundandpointingtowardsthebake-housewithhisstick.

"Well,yes,"saidGiles.

"And—notGreatHintockband,anddancing,surely?"

"I told three of 'em theymight drop in if they'd nothing else to do,"Gilesmildlyadmitted.

"Now,whythenamedidn'tyetellus'twasgoingtobeaseriouskindofthingbefore?How should I knowwhat folkmean if they don't say?Now, shallwecomein,orshallwegohomeandcomebackalonginacoupleofhours?"

"Ihopeyou'llstay, ifyou'llbesogoodasnot tomind,nowyouarehere. Ishallhaveitallrightandtidyinaverylittle time.Ioughtnot tohavebeensobackward." Giles spoke quite anxiously for one of his undemonstrativetemperament; for he feared that if theMelburys oncewere back in their ownhousetheywouldnotbedisposedtoturnoutagain.

"'Tis we ought not to have been so forward; that's what 'tis," said Mr.Melbury, testily. "Don't keep us here in the sitting-room; lead on to thebakehouse,man. Nowwe are herewe'll help ye get ready for the rest. Here,mis'ess,takeoffyourthings,andhelphimoutinhisbaking,orhewon'tgetdoneto-night.I'll finishheatingtheoven,andsetyoufreetogoandskiverupthemducks."Hiseyehadpassedwithpitilessdirectnessofcriticismintoyetremoterecesses ofWinterborne's awkwardly built premises,where the aforesaid birdswerehanging.

"AndI'llhelpfinishthetarts,"saidGrace,cheerfully.

"Idon'tknowaboutthat,"saidherfather."'Tisn'tquitesomuchinyourlineasitisinyourmother-law'sandmine."

"OfcourseIcouldn'tletyou,Grace!"saidGiles,withsomedistress.

"I'lldoit,ofcourse,"saidMrs.Melbury,takingoffhersilktrain,hangingitup to anail, carefully rollingbackher sleeves, pinning them toher shoulders,andstrippingGilesofhisapronforherownuse.

SoGrace pottered idly about, while her father and his wife helped on thepreparations.A kindly pity of his householdmanagement,whichWinterbornesawinhereyeswheneverhecaught them,depressedhimmuchmore thanhercontemptwouldhavedone.

CreedlemetGiles at the pump after awhile,when each of the otherswasabsorbed in the difficulties of a cuisine based on utensils, cupboards, andprovisionsthatwerestrangetothem.Hegroanedtotheyoungmaninawhisper,"This isabrucklehet,maister, I'mmuchafeared!Who'dha' thought they'dha'comesosoon?"

ThebitterplacidityofWinterborne'slookadumbratedthemisgivingshedidnotcaretoexpress."Haveyougottheceleryready?"heasked,quickly.

"Nowthat'sathingInevercouldmind;no,notifyou'dpaidmeinsilverandgold. And I don't carewho theman is, I says that a stick of celery that isn'tscrubbedwiththescrubbing-brushisnotclean."

"Verywell, verywell! I'll attend to it.You go and get 'em comfortable in-doors."

Hehastened to thegarden,andsoonreturned, tossing thestalks toCreedle,whowasstill inatragicmood."Ifye'dha'married,d'yesee,maister,"hesaid,"thiscaddlecouldn'thavehappenedtous."

Everything being at last under way, the oven set, and all done that couldinsure thesupper turningupreadyatsometimeorother,Gilesandhis friendsentered the parlor,where theMelburys again dropped into position as guests,thoughtheroomwasnotnearlysowarmandcheerfulastheblazingbakehouse.Othersnowarrived,amongthemFarmerBawtreeandthehollow-turner,andteawentoffverywell.

Grace'sdispositiontomakethebestofeverything,andtowinkatdeficienciesinWinterborne'smenage,wassouniformandpersistentthathesuspectedherofseeingevenmoredeficienciesthanhewasawareof.Thatsuppressedsympathywhichhadshowedinherfaceeversinceherarrivaltoldhimasmuchtooplainly.

"Thismuddlingstyleofhouse-keepingiswhatyou'venotlatelybeenusedto,Isuppose?"hesaid,whentheywerealittleapart.

"No;butIlikeit;itremindsmesopleasantlythateverythinghereindearoldHintockisjustasitusedtobe.Theoilis—notquitenice;buteverythingelseis."

"Theoil?"

"Onthechairs,Imean;becauseitgetsonone'sdress.Still,mineisnotanewone."

GilesfoundthatCreedle,inhiszealtomakethingslookbright,hadsmearedthechairswithsomegreasykindoffurniture-polish,andrefrainedfromrubbingitdryinordernottodiminishthemirror-likeeffectthatthemixtureproducedaslaid on. Giles apologized and called Creedle; but he felt that the Fates wereagainsthim.

CHAPTERX.

Supper-timecame,andwithitthehot-bakedmeatsfromtheoven,laidonasnowyclothfreshfromthepress,andreticulatedwithfolds,asinFlemish"LastSuppers." Creedle and the boy fetched and carried with amazing alacrity, thelatter, to mollify his superior and make things pleasant, expressing hisadmirationofCreedle'sclevernesswhentheywerealone.

"I s'pose the timewhenyou learnedall theseknowing things,Mr.Creedle,waswhenyouwasinthemilitia?"

"Well,yes.Iseedtheworldatthattimesomewhat,certainly,andmanywaysof strange dashing life. Not but that Giles has worked hard in helpingme tobring things to such perfection to-day. 'Giles,' says I, thoughhe'smaister.Not

thatIshouldcall'nmaisterbyrights,forhisfathergrowedupsidebysidewithme,asifonemotherhadtwinnedusandbeenournourishing."

"Is'poseyourmemorycanreachalongwaybackintohistory,Mr.Creedle?"

"Oh yes.Ancient days,when therewas battles and famines and hang-fairsandother pomps, seem tome as yesterday.Ah,many's the patriarch I've seedcomeandgointhisparish!There,he'scallingformoreplates.Lord,whycan't'em turn theirplatesbottomupward forpudding, as theyused todo in formerdays?"

Meanwhile,intheadjoiningroomGileswaspresidinginahalf-unconsciousstate.Hecouldnotgetover the initialfailures inhisschemeforadvancinghissuit, and hence he did not know that he was eating mouthfuls of bread andnothing else, and continually snuffing the two candles next him till he hadreduced them to mere glimmers drowned in their own grease. Creedle nowappearedwithaspeciallyprepareddish,whichheservedbyelevatingthelittlethree-leggedpotthatcontainedit,andtiltingthecontentsintoadish,exclaiming,simultaneously,"Drawback,gentlemenandladies,please!"

A splash followed.Gracegave aquick, involuntarynodandblink, andputherhandkerchieftoherface.

"Goodheavens!whatdidyoudothatfor,Creedle?"saidGiles,sternly,andjumpingup.

"'TishowIdoitwhentheybainthere,maister,"mildlyexpostulatedCreedle,inanasideaudibletoallthecompany.

"Well,yes—but—"repliedGiles.HewentovertoGrace,andhopednoneofithadgoneintohereye.

"Ohno,"shesaid."Onlyasprinkleonmyface.Itwasnothing."

"Kissitandmakeitwell,"gallantlyobservedMr.Bawtree.

MissMelburyblushed.

The timber-merchant said, quickly, "Oh, it is nothing! Shemust bear theselittlemishaps."Buttherecouldbediscernedinhisfacesomethingwhichsaid"I

oughttohaveforeseenthis."

Gileshimself,sincetheuntowardbeginningofthefeast,hadnotquitelikedtoseeGracepresent.HewishedhehadnotaskedsuchpeopleasBawtreeandthehollow-turner.Hehaddoneit,indearthofotherfriends,thattheroommightnot appear empty. Inhismind's eye,before the event, theyhadbeen themerebackgroundorpaddingofthescene,butsomehowinrealitytheywerethemostprominentpersonagesthere.

Aftersuppertheyplayedcards,Bawtreeandthehollow-turnermonopolizingthe new packs for an interminable game, in which a lump of chalk wasincessantlyused—agamethosetwoalwaysplayedwherevertheywere,takingasolitarycandleandgoingtoaprivatetableinacornerwiththemienofpersonsbentonweightymatters.Therestofthecompanyonthisaccountwereobligedtoputupwitholdpacksfortheirroundgame,thathadbeenlyingbyinadrawerever since the time thatGiles's grandmotherwas alive. Each card had a greatstaininthemiddleofitsback,producedbythetouchofgenerationsofdampandexcited thumbs now fleshless in the grave; and the kings and queens wore adecayedexpressionoffeature,asiftheywereratheranimpecuniousdethronedraceofmonarchshidinginobscureslumsthanrealregalcharacters.EverynowandthenthecomparativelyfewremarksoftheplayersattheroundgamewereharshlyintrudedonbythemeasuredjingleofFarmerBawtreeandthehollow-turnerfromthebackoftheroom:

"AndI'willhold'awa'-gerwithyou'Thatall'thesemarks'arethirt'-ytwo!"

accompanied by rapping strokes with the chalk on the table; then anexclamation,anargument,adealingofthecards;thenthecommencementoftherhymesanew.

Thetimber-merchantshowedhisfeelingsbytalkingwithasatisfiedsenseofweight in his words, and by praising the party in a patronizing tone, whenWinterborneexpressedhisfearthatheandhiswerenotenjoyingthemselves.

"Ohyes,yes;prettymuch.Whathandsomeglassesthoseare!Ididn'tknowyouhadsuchglassesinthehouse.Now,Lucy"(tohiswife),"yououghttogetsome like them for ourselves." And when they had abandoned cards, andWinterbornewastalkingtoMelburybythefire,itwasthetimber-merchantwhostoodwithhisback to themantle inaproprietaryattitude, fromwhichpostof

vantage he critically regardedGiles's person, rather as a superficies than as asolidwithideasandfeelingsinsideit,saying,"Whatasplendidcoatthatoneisyouhaveon,Giles!Ican'tgetsuchcoats.YoudressbetterthanI."

After supper therewas a dance, the bandsmen fromGreat Hintock havingarrivedsometimebefore.Gracehadbeenawayfromhomesolongthatshehadforgotten theold figures, andhencedidnot join in themovement.ThenGilesfeltthatallwasover.Asforher,shewasthinking,asshewatchedthegyrations,ofaverydifferentmeasurethatshehadbeenaccustomedtotreadwithabevyofsylph-like creatures in muslin, in the music-room of a large house, most ofwhomwerenowmovinginsceneswidelyremovedfromthis,bothasregardedplaceandcharacter.

Awoman she did not know came and offered to tell her fortune with theabandonedcards.Grace assented to theproposal, and thewoman toldher taleunskilfully,forwantofpractice,asshedeclared.

Mr. Melbury was standing by, and exclaimed, contemptuously, "Tell herfortune,indeed!Herfortunehasbeentoldbymenofscience—whatdoyoucall'em?Phrenologists.Youcan'tteachheranythingnew.She'sbeentoofaramongthe wise ones to be astonished at anything she can hear among us folks inHintock."

At last the time came for breaking up, Melbury and his family being theearliest to leave, thetwocard-playersstillpursuingtheirgamedoggedlyin thecorner,where theyhad completely coveredGiles'smahogany tablewith chalkscratches.Thethreewalkedhome,thedistancebeingshortandthenightclear.

"Well,Giles isaverygood fellow,"saidMr.Melbury,as theystruckdownthelaneunderboughswhichformedablackfiligreeinwhichthestarsseemedset.

"Certainlyheis,"saidGrace,quickly,andinsuchatoneastoshowthathestoodnolower,ifnohigher,inherregardthanhehadstoodbefore.

When they were opposite an opening through which, by day, the doctor'shousecouldbeseen,theyobservedalightinoneofhisrooms,althoughitwasnowabouttwoo'clock.

"Thedoctorisnotabedyet,"saidMrs.Melbury.

"Hardstudy,nodoubt,"saidherhusband.

"Onewouldthinkthat,asheseemstohavenothingtodoaboutherebyday,hecouldatleastaffordtogotobedearlyatnight.'Tisastonishinghowlittleweseeofhim."

Melbury'smindseemedtoturnwithmuchrelieftothecontemplationofMr.Fitzpiersafterthescenesoftheevening."Itisnaturalenough,"hereplied."Whatcanamanof thatsort find to interesthiminHintock?Idon'texpecthe'll stayherelong."

HismindrevertedtoGiles'sparty,andwhentheywerenearlyhomehespokeagain,hisdaughterbeingafewstepsinadvance:"Itishardlythelineoflifefora girl likeGrace, afterwhat she's been accustomed to. I didn't foresee that insendinghertoboarding-schoolandlettinghertravel,andwhatnot,tomakehera good bargain for Giles, I should be really spoiling her for him. Ah, 'tis athousandpities!Butheoughttohaveher—heought!"

At this moment the two exclusive, chalk-mark men, having at last reallyfinishedtheirplay,couldbeheardcomingalongintherear,vociferouslysinginga song to march-time, and keeping vigorous step to the same in far-reachingstrides—

"Shemaygo,oh!Shemaygo,oh!Shemaygotothed——forme!"

Thetimber-merchantturnedindignantlytoMrs.Melbury."That'sthesortofsocietywe'vebeenaskedtomeet,"hesaid."Forusoldfolkitdidn'tmatter;butforGrace—Gilesshouldhaveknownbetter!"

Meanwhile, in theemptyhousefromwhich theguestshad justclearedout,the subject of their discourse was walking from room to room surveying thegeneral displacement of furniture with no ecstatic feeling; rather the reverse,indeed.Atlastheenteredthebakehouse,andfoundthereRobertCreedlesittingovertheembers,alsolostincontemplation.Winterbornesatdownbesidehim.

"Well,Robert,youmustbetired.You'dbettergetontobed."

"Ay,ay,Giles—whatdoIcallye?Maister,Iwouldsay.But'tiswelltothinkthedayISdone,when'tisdone."

Winterbornehadabstractedlytakenthepoker,andwithawrinkledforeheadwas ploughing abroad thewood-embers on the broad hearth, till itwas like avastscorchingSahara,withred-hotbowlderslyingabouteverywhere."Doyouthinkitwentoffwell,Creedle?"heasked.

"Thevictualsdid; thatIknow.Andthedrinkdid; thatIsteadfastlybelieve,from the holler sound of the barrels. Good, honest drink 'twere, the headiestmeadIeverbrewed;andthebestwinethatberriescouldriseto;andthebriskestHorner-and-Cleevescidereverwrungdown,leavingoutthespiceandsperritsIputintoit,whilethategg-flipwouldha'passedthroughmuslin,solittlecurdled'twere. 'Twas good enough to make any king's heart merry—ay, to make hiswhole carcass smile.Still, I don't deny I'mafeared some thingsdidn't gowellwith He and his." Creedle nodded in a direction which signified where theMelburyslived.

"I'mafraid,too,thatitwasafailurethere!"

"If so, 'tweredoomed tobe so.Notbutwhat that snailmight aswell havecomeuponanybodyelse'splateashers."

"Whatsnail?"

"Well, maister, there was a little one upon the edge of her plate when Ibroughtitout;andsoitmusthavebeeninherfewleavesofwintergreen."

"Howthedeucedidasnailgetthere?"

"ThatIdon'tknownomorethanthedead;buttheremygentlemanwas."

"But,Robert,ofallplaces,thatwaswhereheshouldn'thavebeen!"

"Well, 'twashisnativehome,cometothat;andwhereelsecouldweexpecthimtobe?Idon'tcarewhothemanis,snailsandcaterpillarsalwayswilllurkinclosetothestumpofcabbagesinthattantalizingway."

"Hewasn'talive,Isuppose?"saidGiles,withashudderonGrace'saccount.

"Oh no.Hewaswell boiled. Iwarrant himwell boiled.God forbid that aLIVE snail should be seed on any plate of victuals that's served by RobertCreedle....ButLord, there; Idon'tmind 'emmyself—themsmallones, for theywerebornoncabbage,and they've livedoncabbage,so theymustbemadeofcabbage.But she, theclose-mouthed little lady, shedidn't sayawordabout it;though 'twould have made good small conversation as to the nater of suchcreatures;especiallyaswitranshortamongussometimes."

"Ohyes—'tisallover!"murmuredGilestohimself,shakinghisheadovertheglooming plain of embers, and lining his forehead more than ever. "Do youknow,Robert,"hesaid,"thatshe'sbeenaccustomedtoservantsandeverythingsuperfinethesemanyyears?How,then,couldshestandourways?"

"Well,allIcansayis, then, thatsheoughttohob-and-nobelsewhere.Theyshouldn'thaveschooledhersomonstroushigh,orelsebachelormenshouldn'tgiverandys,oriftheydogive'em,onlytotheirownrace."

"Perhapsthat'strue,"saidWinterborne,risingandyawningasigh.

CHAPTERXI.

"'Tis a pity—a thousand pities!" her father kept saying next morning atbreakfast,Gracebeingstillinherbedroom.

Buthowcouldhe,with any self-respect, obstructWinterborne's suit at thisstage, and nullify a scheme he had labored to promote—was, indeed,mechanicallypromotingatthismoment?Acrisiswasapproaching,mainlyasaresultofhiscontrivances,anditwouldhavetobemet.

But herewas the fact,which could not be disguised: since seeingwhat animmense change her last twelve months of absence had produced in hisdaughter,aftertheheavysumperannumthathehadbeenspendingforseveralyearsuponhereducation,hewasreluctant to lethermarryGilesWinterborne,

indefinitelyoccupiedaswoodsman,cider-merchant,apple-farmer,andwhatnot,evenwereshewillingtomarryhimherself.

"Shewillbehiswifeifyoudon'tupsethernotionthatshe'sboundtoaccepthim as an understood thing," saidMrs.Melbury. "Bless ye, she'll soon shakedown here in Hintock, and be content withGiles's way of living, which he'llimprovewithwhatmoney she'll have from you. 'Tis the strangeness after hergenteellifethatmakesherfeeluncomfortableatfirst.Why,whenIsawHintockthe first time I thought Inever could like it.But thingsgraduallyget familiar,andstonefloorsseemnotsoverycoldandhard,andthehootingoftheowlsnotsoverydreadful,andlonelinessnotsoverylonely,afterawhile."

"Yes,Ibelieveye.That'sjustit.IKNOWGracewillgraduallysinkdowntoourlevelagain,andcatchourmannersandwayofspeaking,andfeeladrowsycontent inbeingGiles'swife.ButIcan'tbear the thoughtofdraggingdowntothatoldlevelaspromisingapieceofmaidenhoodaseverlived—fittoornamentapalacewi'—thatI'vetakensomuchtroubletoliftup.Fancyherwhitehandsgetting redder every day, and her tongue losing its pretty up-country curl intalking, and her bounding walk becoming the regular Hintock shail andwamble!"

"Shemayshail,butshe'llneverwamble,"repliedhiswife,decisively.

WhenGracecamedown-stairshecomplainedofherlyinginbedsolate;notso much moved by a particular objection to that form of indulgence asdiscomposedbytheseotherreflections.

Thecornersofherprettymouthdroppedalittledown."YouusedtocomplainwithjusticewhenIwasagirl,"shesaid."ButIamawomannow,andcanjudgeformyself....Butitisnotthat;itissomethingelse!"Insteadofsittingdownshewentoutsidethedoor.

Hewassorry.ThepetulancethatrelativesshowtowardseachotherisintruthdirectedagainstthatintangibleCausalitywhichhasshapedthesituationnolessfor the offenders than the offended, but is too elusive to be discerned andcornered by poor humanity in irritatedmood.Melbury followed her. She hadrambled on to the paddock, where the white frost lay, and where starlings inflocks of twenties and thirtieswerewalking about,watched by a comfortablefamily of sparrows perched in a line along the string-course of the chimney,

preeningthemselvesintheraysofthesun.

"Come in to breakfast, my girl," he said. "And as to Giles, use your ownmind.Whateverpleasesyouwillpleaseme."

"I am promised to him, father; and I cannot help thinking that in honor Ioughttomarryhim,wheneverIdomarry."

Hehad a strong suspicion that somewhere in thebottomofher heart therepulsedanoldsimpleindigenousfeelingfavorabletoGiles,thoughithadbecomeoverlaidwithimplantedtastes.Buthewouldnotdistinctlyexpresshisviewsonthepromise."Verywell,"hesaid."ButIhopeIsha'n'tloseyouyet.Comeintobreakfast.WhatdidyouthinkoftheinsideofHintockHousetheotherday?"

"Ilikeditmuch."

"DifferentfromfriendWinterborne's?"

She said nothing; but he who knew her was aware that she meant by hersilencetoreproachhimwithdrawingcruelcomparisons.

"Mrs.Charmondhasaskedyoutocomeagain—when,didyousay?"

"She thoughtTuesday, butwould send the day before to letme know if itsuitedher."Andwiththissubjectupontheirlipstheyenteredtobreakfast.

Tuesdaycame,butnomessagefromMrs.Charmond.NorwasthereanyonWednesday. In brief, a fortnight slipped by without a sign, and it lookedsuspiciously as if Mrs. Charmond were not going further in the direction of"takingup"Graceatpresent.

Herfatherreasonedthereon.Immediatelyafterhisdaughter'stwoindubitablesuccesses withMrs. Charmond—the interview in the wood and a visit to theHouse—she had attended Winterborne's party. No doubt the out-and-outjoviality of that gathering had made it a topic in the neighborhood, and thatevery one present as guests had been widely spoken of—Grace, with herexceptional qualities, above all.What, then, so natural as thatMrs.Charmondshould have heard the village news, and become quite disappointed in herexpectationsofGraceatfindingshekeptsuchcompany?

Fullofthisposthocargument,Mr.Melburyoverlookedtheinfinitethrongofother possible reasons and unreasons for a woman changing her mind. Forinstance,whileknowingthathisGracewasattractive,hequiteforgotthatMrs.Charmond had also great pretensions to beauty. In his simple estimate, anattractivewomanattractedallaround.

SoitwassettledinhismindthathersuddenminglingwiththevillagersattheunluckyWinterborne'swasthecauseofhermostgrievousloss,ashedeemedit,inthedirectionofHintockHouse.

"'Tis a thousand pities!" hewould repeat to himself. "I am ruining her forconscience'sake!"

Itwasonemorninglateron,whilethesethingswereagitatinghismind,that,curiously enough, something darkened the window just as they finishedbreakfast. Looking up, they saw Giles in person mounted on horseback, andstraininghisneck forward, ashehadbeendoing for some time, tocatch theirattention through the window. Grace had been the first to see him, andinvoluntarilyexclaimed,"Thereheis—andanewhorse!"

OntheirfacesastheyregardedGileswerewrittentheirsuspendedthoughtsandcompoundfeelingsconcerninghim,couldhehavereadthemthroughthoseoldpanes.Buthesawnothing:hisfeaturesjustnowwere,forawonder, litupwitharedsmileatsomeotheridea.Sotheyrosefrombreakfastandwenttothedoor, Grace with an anxious, wistful manner, her father in a reverie, Mrs.Melburyplacid and inquiring. "Wehave comeout to look at your horse," shesaid.

Itcouldbeseenthathewaspleasedattheirattention,andexplainedthathehadriddenamileortwototrytheanimal'spaces."Iboughther,"headded,withwarmth so severely repressed as to seem indifference, "because she has beenusedtocarryalady."

StillMr.Melburydidnotbrighten.Mrs.Melburysaid,"Andisshequiet?"

Winterborneassuredher that therewasnodoubtof it. "I tookcareof that.She'sfive-and-twenty,andverycleverforherage."

"Well,getoffandcomein,"saidMelbury,brusquely;andGilesdismountedaccordingly.

ThiseventwastheconcreteresultofWinterborne'sthoughtsduringthepastweekortwo.Thewantofsuccesswithhiseveningpartyhehadacceptedinasphilosophicamoodashewascapableof;buttherehadbeenenthusiasmenoughleft inhimonedayatShertonAbbasmarket topurchase thisoldmare,whichhadbelonged to aneighboringparsonwith severaldaughters, andwasofferedhim to carry either a gentleman or a lady, and to do odd jobs of carting andagricultureatapinch.Thisobligingquadrupedseemed to furnishGileswithameans of reinstating himself in Melbury's good opinion as a man ofconsideratenessbythrowingoutfuturepossibilitiestoGrace.

The latter lookedathimwith intensified interest thismorning, in themoodwhich is altogether peculiar towoman's nature, andwhich,when reduced intoplain words, seems as impossible as the penetrability of matter—that ofentertaininga tenderpity for theobjectofherownunnecessarycoldness.Theimperturbable poisewhichmarkedWinterborne in generalwas enlivened nowbyafreshnessandanimation thatsetabrightness inhiseyeandonhischeek.Mrs.Melburyaskedhimtohavesomebreakfast,andhepleasurablyrepliedthathewould join them,withhisusual lackof tacticalobservation,notperceivingthattheyhadallfinishedthemeal,thatthehourwasinconvenientlylate,andthatthenotepipedbythekettledenotedittobenearlyempty;sothatfreshwaterhadtobebrought in, trouble takentomakeitboil,andageneralrenovationof thetablecarriedout.Neitherdidheknow,sofullwasheofhistenderulteriorobjectin buying that horse, how many cups of tea he was gulping down one afteranother,norhowthemorningwasslipping,norhowhewaskeepingthefamilyfromdispersingabouttheirduties.

Thenhetoldthroughoutthehumorousstoryofthehorse'spurchase,lookingparticularlygrimatsomefixedobjectintheroom,awayhealwayslookedwhenhenarratedanythingthatamusedhim.Whilehewasstill thinkingofthescenehehaddescribed,Graceroseandsaid,"Ihavetogoandhelpmymothernow,Mr.Winterborne."

"H'm!"heejaculated,turninghiseyessuddenlyuponher.

She repeated her words with a slight blush of awkwardness; whereuponGiles,becomingsuddenlyconscious, tooconscious, jumpedup,saying,"Tobesure, to be sure!" wished them quickly good-morning, and bolted out of thehouse.

Neverthelesshehad,upon thewhole, strengthenedhisposition,withheratleast.Time,too,wasonhisside,for(asherfathersawwithsomeregret)alreadythehomelinessofHintocklifewasfastbecomingeffacedfromherobservationasa singularity; justas the first strangenessofa face fromwhichwehave foryearsbeenseparated insensiblypassesoffwith renewed intercourse,and tonesitselfdownintosimpleidentitywiththelineamentsofthepast.

ThusMr.Melburywentoutofthehousestillunreconciledtothesacrificeofthegemhehadbeenatsuchpainsinmounting.Hefaincouldhope,inthesecretnetherchamberofhismind,thatsomethingwouldhappen,beforethebalanceofherfeelinghadquiteturnedinWinterborne'sfavor,torelievehisconscienceandpreserveheronherelevatedplane.

He could not forget that Mrs. Charmond had apparently abandoned allinterest inhisdaughterassuddenlyasshehadconceived it,andwasasfirmlyconvincedaseverthatthecomradeshipwhichGracehadshownwithGilesandhiscrewbyattendinghispartyhadbeenthecause.

Matterslingeredonthus.Andthen,asahoopbygentleknocksonthissideand on that is made to travel in specific directions, the little touches ofcircumstanceinthelifeofthisyounggirlshapedthecurvesofhercareer.

CHAPTERXII.

Itwasadayofratherbrightweatherfortheseason.MissMelburywentoutfor a morning walk, and her ever-regardful father, having an hour's leisure,offered towalkwithher.Thebreezewasfreshandquitesteady, filtering itselfthroughthedenudedmassoftwigswithoutswayingthem,butmakingthepointofeachivy-leafonthetrunksscratchitsunderlyingneighborrestlessly.Grace'slipssuckedinthisnativeairofherslikemilk.Theysoonreachedaplacewherethe wood ran down into a corner, and went outside it towards comparativelyopen ground.Having looked round about, theywere intending to re-enter thecopse when a fox quietly emerged with a dragging brush, trotted past themtamely as adomestic cat, anddisappeared amid somedead fern.Theywalkedon, her fathermerely observing, afterwatching the animal, "They are hunting

somewherenear."

Fartheruptheysawinthemid-distancethehoundsrunninghitherandthither,as if there were little or no scent that day. Soon divers members of the huntappearedonthescene,anditwasevidentfromtheirmovementsthatthechasehad been stultified by general puzzle-headedness as to thewhereabouts of theintended victim. In aminute a farmer rode up to the two pedestrians, pantingwithacteonicexcitement,andGracebeingafewstepsinadvance,headdressedher,askingifshehadseenthefox.

"Yes,"saidshe."Wesawhimsometimeago—justoutthere."

"DidyoucryHalloo?"

"Wesaidnothing."

"Thenwhythed——didn'tyou,orgettheoldbuffertodoitforyou?"saidtheman,ashecanteredaway.

Shelookedratherdisconcertedat thisreply,andobservingherfather'sface,sawthatitwasquitered.

"Heoughtnottohavespokentoyelikethat!"saidtheoldman,inthetoneofonewhoseheartwasbruised,thoughitwasnotbytheepithetappliedtohimself."Andhewouldn'tifhehadbeenagentleman.'Twasnotthelanguagetousetoawomanofanyniceness.You,sowellreadandcultivated—howcouldheexpectyetoknowwhattom-boyfield-folkareinthehabitofdoing?Ifsobeyouhadjustcomefromtrimmingswedesormangolds—jokingwiththeroughwork-folkandallthat—Icouldhavestoodit.Buthasn'titcostmenearahundredayeartoliftyououtofallthat,soastoshowanexampletotheneighborhoodofwhatawomancanbe?Grace, shall I tellyou thesecretof it? 'Twasbecause Iwas inyour company. If a black-coated squire or pa'son had been walking with youinsteadofmehewouldn'thavespokenso."

"No,no,father;there'snothinginyouroughorill-mannered!"

"Itellyouitisthat!I'venoticed,andI'venoticeditmanytimes,thatawomantakes her color from the man she's walking with. The woman who looks anunquestionableladywhenshe'swithapolished-upfellow,looksameretawdryimitation article when she's hobbing and nobbing with a homely blade. You

sha'n't be treated like that for long, or at least your children sha'n't.You shallhavesomebodytowalkwithyouwholooksmoreofadandythanI—pleaseGodyoushall!"

"But,mydearfather,"shesaid,muchdistressed,"Idon'tmindatall.Idon'twishformorehonorthanIalreadyhave!"

"Aperplexingandticklishpossessionisadaughter,"accordingtoMenanderorsomeoldGreekpoet,andtonobodywasoneevermoresothantoMelbury,byreasonofherverydearnesstohim.AsforGrace,shebegantofeeltroubled;shedidnotperhapswishthereandthentounambitiouslydevoteherlifetoGilesWinterborne, but she was conscious of more and more uneasiness at thepossibilityofbeingthesocialhopeofthefamily.

"Youwould like tohavemorehonor, if itpleasesme?"askedher father, incontinuationofthesubject.

Despiteherfeelingsheassentedtothis.Hisreasoninghadnotbeenwithoutitsweightuponher.

"Grace,"hesaid, justbefore theyhadreachedthehouse,"if itcostsmemylifeyoushallmarrywell!To-dayhasshownmethatwhateverayoungwoman'sniceness,shestandsfornothingalone.Youshallmarrywell."

Hebreathedheavily,andhisbreathingwascaughtupby thebreeze,whichseemedtosighasoftremonstrance.

Shelookedcalmlyathim."AndhowaboutMr.Winterborne?"sheasked."Imention it, father, not as a matter of sentiment, but as a question of keepingfaith."

Thetimber-merchant'seyesfellforamoment."Idon'tknow—Idon'tknow,"hesaid."'Tisatryingstrait.Well,well;there'snohurry.We'llwaitandseehowhegetson."

Thateveninghecalledherintohisroom,asnuglittleapartmentbehindthelargeparlor.Ithadatonetimebeenpartofthebakehouse,withtheordinaryovalbrickoveninthewall;butMr.Melbury,inturningitintoanoffice,hadbuiltintothecavityanironsafe,whichheusedforholdinghisprivatepapers.Thedoorofthesafewasnowopen,andhiskeyswerehangingfromit.

"Sitdown,Grace,andkeepmecompany,"hesaid."Youmayamuseyourselfbylookingoverthese."Hethrewoutaheapofpapersbeforeher.

"Whatarethey?"sheasked.

"Securitiesofvarioussorts."Heunfoldedthemonebyone."Papersworthsomuchmoneyeach.Nowhere'salotofturnpikebondsforonething.Wouldyouthinkthateachofthesepiecesofpaperisworthtwohundredpounds?"

"No,indeed,ifyoudidn'tsayso."

"'Tis so, then. Now here are papers of another sort. They are for differentsumsinthethree-per-cents.NowthesearePortBreedyHarborbonds.Wehaveagreatstakeinthatharbor,youknow,becauseIsendofftimberthere.Opentherestatyourpleasure.They'llinterestye."

"Yes,Iwill,someday,"saidshe,rising.

"Nonsense, open them now.You ought to learn a little of suchmatters. Ayoung lady of education should not be ignorant of money affairs altogether.Supposeyoushouldbeleftawidowsomeday,withyourhusband'stitle-deedsandinvestmentsthrownuponyourhands—"

"Don'tsaythat,father—title-deeds;itsoundssovain!"

"It does not. Come to that, I have title-deeds myself. There, that piece ofparchmentrepresentshousesinShertonAbbas."

"Yes,but—"Shehesitated,lookedatthefire,andwentoninalowvoice:"Ifwhathasbeenarrangedaboutmeshouldcome toanything,myspherewillbequiteamiddlingone."

"Yoursphereoughtnottobemiddling,"heexclaimed,notinpassion,butinearnest conviction. "You said you never felt more at home, more in yourelement,anywherethanyoudidthatafternoonwithMrs.Charmond,whensheshowed you her house and all her knick-knacks, andmade you stay to tea sonicelyinherdrawing-room—surelyyoudid!"

"Yes,Ididsayso,"admittedGrace.

"Wasittrue?"

"Yes,Ifeltsoatthetime.Thefeelingislessstrongnow,perhaps."

"Ah!Now,thoughyoudon'tseeit,yourfeelingatthetimewastherightone,becauseyourmindandbodywerejustinfullandfreshcultivation,sothatgoingtherewithherwaslikemeetinglike.Sincethenyou'vebeenbidingwithus,andhavefallenbackalittle,andsoyoudon'tfeelyourplacesostrongly.Now,doasItellye,andlookoverthesepapersandseewhatyou'llbeworthsomeday.Forthey'llallbeyours,youknow;whohaveIgottoleave'emtobutyou?Perhapswhen your education is backed up by what these papers represent, and thatbackedupbyanothersuchasetand theirowner,mensuchas that fellowwasthismorningmaythinkyoualittlemorethanabuffer'sgirl."

Soshedidascommanded,andopenedeachofthefoldedrepresentativesofhardcashthatherfatherputbeforeher.Tosowinherheartcravingsforsocialpositionwasobviouslyhisstrongdesire,thoughindirectantagonismtoabetterfeelingwhichhadhithertoprevailedwithhim,andhad,indeed,onlysuccumbedthatmorningduringtheramble.

Shewished that shewas not hisworldly hope; the responsibility of such apositionwastoogreat.Shehadmadeitforherselfmainlybyherappearanceandattractivebehaviortohimsinceherreturn."IfIhadonlycomehomeinashabbydress, and tried to speak roughly, thismight not havehappened," she thought.Shedeploredlessthefactthanthesadpossibilitiesthatmightliehiddentherein.

Herfathertheninsisteduponherlookingoverhischeckbookandreadingthecounterfoils. This, also, she obediently did, and at last came to two or threewhichhadbeendrawntodefraysomeofthelateexpensesofherclothes,board,andeducation.

"I, too, cost a good deal, like the horses and wagons and corn," she said,lookingupsorrily.

"Ididn'twantyoutolookatthose;Imerelymeanttogiveyouanideaofmyinvestmenttransactions.Butifyoudocostasmuchasthey,nevermind.You'llyieldabetterreturn."

"Don'tthinkofmelikethat!"shebegged."Amerechattel."

"Awhat?Oh,adictionaryword.Well,asthat'sinyourlineIdon'tforbidit,evenifittellsagainstme,"hesaid,good-humoredly.Andhelookedherproudlyupanddown.

AfewminuteslaterGrammerOlivercametotellthemthatsupperwasready,andingivingtheinformationsheadded,incidentally,"Soweshallsoonlosethemistress ofHintockHouse for some time, I hear,MaisterMelbury.Yes, she'sgoingofftoforeignpartsto-morrow,fortherestofthewintermonths;andbe-chok'd if I don'twish I could do the same, formywynd-pipe is furred like aflue."

Whentheoldwomanhadlefttheroom,Melburyturnedtohisdaughterandsaid, "So,Grace,you've lostyournew friend, andyourchanceofkeepinghercompanyandwritinghertravelsisquitegonefromye!"

Gracesaidnothing.

"Now,"hewenton,emphatically,"'tisWinterborne'saffairhasdonethis.Ohyes, 'tis.Soletmesayoneword.Promisemethatyouwillnotmeethimagainwithoutmyknowledge."

"Ineverdomeethim,father,eitherwithoutyourknowledgeorwithit."

"Somuchthebetter.Idon'tlikethelookofthisatall.AndIsayitnotoutofharshness to him, poor fellow, but out of tenderness to you. For how could awoman,broughtupdelicatelyasyouhavebeen,beartheroughnessofalifewithhim?"

Shesighed;itwasasighofsympathywithGiles,complicatedbyasenseoftheintractabilityofcircumstances.

Atthatsamehour,andalmostatthatsameminute,therewasaconversationaboutWinterborneinprogressinthevillagestreet,oppositeMr.Melbury'sgates,whereTimothyTangstheelderandRobertCreedlehadaccidentallymet.

ThesawyerwasaskingCreedleifhehadheardwhatwasallovertheparish,theskinofhisfacebeingdrawntwowaysonthematter—towardsbrightnessinrespectofitasnews,andtowardsconcerninrespectofitascircumstance.

"Why, that poor little lonesome thing, Marty South, is likely to lose herfather.Hewasalmostwell,butismuchworseagain.Amanallskinandgriefheeverwere,and ifhe leaveLittleHintockforabetter land,won't itmakesomedifferencetoyourMaisterWinterborne,neighborCreedle?"

"CanIbeaprophetinIsrael?"saidCreedle."Won'tit!Iwasonlyshapingofsuch a thing yesterday in my poor, long-seeing way, and all the work of thehouseuponmyoneshoulders!Youknowwhatitmeans?ItisuponJohnSouth'slifethatallMr.Winterborne'shouseshang.IfsobeSouthdie,andsomakehisdecease, thereupon the law is that the houses fall without the least chance ofabsolution intoHER hands at theHouse. I told him so; but thewords of thefaithfulbeonlyaswind!"

CHAPTERXIII.

Thenewswas true.The life—theone fragile life—thathadbeenusedas ameasuring-tapeof timebylaw,wasindangerofbeingfrayedaway.Itwasthelast of a group of lives which had served this purpose, at the end of whosebreathings the small homestead occupied by South himself, the larger one ofGilesWinterborne, andhalf a dozenothers that hadbeen in the possessionofvariousHintockvillagefamiliesfor theprevioushundredyears,andwerenowWinterborne's,wouldfallinandbecomepartoftheencompassingestate.

Yet a short twomonths earlierMarty's father, aged fifty-five years, thoughsomething of a fidgety, anxious being, would have been looked on as a manwhoseexistencewassofarremovedfromhazardousasanyintheparish,andasbiddingfairtobeprolongedforanotherquarterofacentury.

Winterborne walked up and down his garden next day thinking of thecontingency. The sense that the paths he was pacing, the cabbage-plots, theapple-trees, his dwelling, cider-cellar, wring-house, stables, and weathercock,wereallslippingawayoverhisheadandbeneathhisfeet,asiftheywerepaintedonamagic-lanternslide,wascurious.InspiteofJohnSouth'slateindispositionhehadnotanticipateddanger.Toinquireconcerninghishealthhadbeentoshowless sympathy than to remain silent, considering the material interest he

possessed in the woodman's life, and he had, accordingly, made a point ofavoidingMarty'shouse.

Whilehewashereinthegardensomebodycametofetchhim.ItwasMartyherself,andsheshowedherdistressbyherunconsciousnessofacroppedpoll.

"Fatherisstillsomuchtroubledinhismindaboutthattree,"shesaid."YouknowthetreeImean,Mr.Winterborne?thetalloneinfrontofthehouse,thathethinkswillblowdownandkillus.Canyoucomeandsee ifyoucanpersuadehimoutofhisnotion?Icandonothing."

He accompanied her to the cottage, and she conducted him upstairs. JohnSouth was pillowed up in a chair between the bed and the window exactlyoppositethelatter,towardswhichhisfacewasturned.

"Ah,neighborWinterborne,"hesaid."Iwouldn'thavemindedifmylifehadonlybeenmyowntolose;Idon'tvallieitinmuchofitself,andcanletitgoif'tis requiredofme.But to thinkwhat 'tisworth toyou,ayoungman rising inlife, thatdo troubleme! It seemsa trickofdishonesty towardsye togooff atfifty-five! Icouldbearup, IknowIcould, if itwerenot for the tree—yes, thetree,'tisthat'skillingme.Therehestands,threateningmylifeeveryminutethatthewinddoblow.He'llcomedownuponusandsquatusdead;andwhatwillyedowhenthelifeonyourpropertyistakenaway?"

"Never you mind me—that's of no consequence," said Giles. "Think ofyourselfalone."

Helookedoutofthewindowinthedirectionofthewoodman'sgaze.Thetreewasatallelm,familiartohimfromchildhood,whichstoodatadistanceoftwo-thirds its own height from the front of South's dwelling.Whenever the windblew,asitdidnow,thetreerocked,naturallyenough;andthesightofitsmotionandsoundofitssighshadgraduallybredtheterrifyingillusioninthewoodman'smind that itwoulddescendandkillhim.Thushewouldsitallday, inspiteofpersuasion,watchingitseverysway,andlisteningtothemelancholyGregorianmelodieswhichtheairwrungoutofit.Thisfearitapparentlywas,ratherthananyorganicdiseasewhichwaseatingawaythehealthofJohnSouth.

As the tree waved, South waved his head, making it his flugel-man withabjectobedience."Ah,whenitwasquiteasmalltree,"hesaid,"andIwasalittleboy,I thoughtonedayofchoppingitoffwithmyhooktomakeaclothes-line

propwith.But I put off doing it, and then I again thought that Iwould; but Iforgotit,anddidn't.Andatlastitgottoobig,andnow'tismyenemy,andwillbethedeatho'me.LittledidIthink,whenIletthatsaplingstay,thatatimewouldcomewhenitwouldtormentme,anddashmeintomygrave."

"No, no," said Winterborne and Marty, soothingly. But they thought itpossiblethatitmighthastenhimintohisgrave,thoughinanotherwaythanbyfalling.

"Itellyouwhat,"addedWinterborne,"I'llclimbupthisafternoonandshroudoffthelowerboughs,andthenitwon'tbesoheavy,andthewindwon'taffectitso."

"Shewon'tallowit—astrangewomancomefromnobodyknowswhere—shewon'thaveitdone."

"YoumeanMrs.Charmond?Oh,shedoesn'tknowthere'ssuchatreeonherestate.Besides,shroudingisnotfelling,andI'llriskthatmuch."

Hewentout,andwhenafternooncamehereturned,tookabillhookfromthewoodman'sshed,andwithaladderclimbedintothelowerpartofthetree,wherehe began lopping off—"shrouding," as they called it at Hintock—the lowestboughs.Eachofthesequiveredunderhisattack,bent,cracked,andfellintothehedge.Havingcutawaythelowesttier,hesteppedofftheladder,climbedafewsteps higher, and attacked those at the next level. Thus he ascendedwith theprogressofhisworkfarabovethetopoftheladder,cuttingawayhisperchesashewent,andleavingnothingbutabarestembelowhim.

Theworkwas troublesome, for the treewas large.The afternoonworeon,turningdarkandmistyaboutfouro'clock.FromtimetotimeGilescasthiseyesacross towards thebedroomwindowofSouth,where, by the flickering fire inthechamber,hecouldseetheoldmanwatchinghim,sittingmotionlesswithahanduponeacharmofthechair.BesidehimsatMarty,alsostraininghereyestowardstheskyeyfieldofhisoperations.

A curious question suddenly occurred toWinterborne, and he stopped hischopping.Hewasoperatingonanotherperson'spropertytoprolongtheyearsofa lease by whose termination that person would considerably benefit. In thataspectof the casehedoubted ifheought togoon.On theotherhandhewasworkingtosaveaman'slife,andthisseemedtoempowerhimtoadoptarbitrary

measures.

The wind had died down to a calm, and while he was weighing thecircumstanceshesawcomingalongtheroadthroughtheincreasingmistafigurewhich,indistinctasitwas,heknewwell.ItwasGraceMelbury,onherwayoutfrom the house, probably for a short evening walk before dark. He arrangedhimself for a greeting from her, since she could hardly avoid passingimmediatelybeneaththetree.

ButGrace,thoughshelookedupandsawhim,wasjustatthattimetoofullofthewordsofherfathertogivehimanyencouragement.Theyears-longregardthatshehadhadforhimwasnotkindledbyherreturnintoaflameofsufficientbrilliancytomakeherrebellious.Thinkingthatshemightnotseehim,hecried,"MissMelbury,hereIam."

Shelookedupagain.Shewasnearenoughtoseetheexpressionofhisface,and the nails in his soles, silver-brightwith constantwalking.But she did notreply;anddroppingherglanceagain,wenton.

Winterborne's face grew strange; he mused, and proceeded automaticallywith his work. Grace meanwhile had not gone far. She had reached a gate,whereonshehadleanedsadly,andwhisperedtoherself,"WhatshallIdo?"

A sudden fog came on, and she curtailed herwalk, passing under the treeagain on her return. Again he addressed her. "Grace," he said, when shewasclosetothetrunk,"speaktome."Sheshookherheadwithoutstopping,andwentontoalittledistance,whereshestoodobservinghimfrombehindthehedge.

Her coldness had been kindlymeant. If itwas to be done, she had said toherself, it should be begun at once.While she stood out of observationGilesseemed to recognizehermeaning;witha suddenstartheworkedon,climbinghigher, and cutting himself off more and more from all intercourse with thesublunaryworld.Atlasthehadworkedhimselfsohighuptheelm,andthemisthadsothickened,thathecouldonlyjustbediscernedasadark-grayspotonthelight-graysky:hewouldhavebeenaltogetheroutofnoticebutforthestrokeofhisbillhookandtheflightofaboughdownward,anditscrashuponthehedgeatintervals.

Itwasnottobedonethus,afterall:plainnessandcandorwerebest.Shewentbacka third time;hedidnot seehernow,and she lingeringlygazedupathis

unconsciousfigure,loathtoputanendtoanykindofhopethatmightliveoninhimstill."Giles—Mr.Winterborne,"shesaid.

Hewas so high amid the fog that he did not hear. "Mr.Winterborne!" shecriedagain,andthistimehestopped,lookeddown,andreplied.

"Mysilencejustnowwasnotaccident,"shesaid,inanunequalvoice."Myfather says it is best not to think too much of that—engagement, orunderstandingbetweenus,thatyouknowof.I,too,thinkthatuponthewholeheisright.Butwearefriends,youknow,Giles,andalmostrelations."

"Very well," he answered, as if without surprise, in a voice which barelyreached down the tree. "I have nothing to say in objection—I cannot sayanythingtillI'vethoughtawhile."

Sheadded,withemotioninhertone,"Formyself,Iwouldhavemarriedyou—someday—Ithink.ButIgiveway,forIseeitwouldbeunwise."

Hemadenoreply,butsatbackuponabough,placedhiselbowinafork,andrestedhisheaduponhishand.Thusheremained till thefogand thenighthadcompletelyenclosedhimfromherview.

Graceheavedadividedsigh,withatensepausebetween,andmovedonward,her heart feeling uncomfortably big and heavy, and her eyes wet. Had Giles,insteadof remainingstill, immediatelycomedownfromthe tree toher,wouldshe have continued in that filial acquiescent frame of mind which she hadannouncedtohimasfinal?Ifitbetrue,aswomenthemselveshavedeclared,thatoneoftheirsexisneversomuchinclinedtothrowinherlotwithamanforgoodand all as five minutes after she has told him such a thing cannot be, theprobabilities are that something might have been done by the appearance ofWinterborneonthegroundbesideGrace.ButhecontinuedmotionlessandsilentinthatgloomyNiflheimorfog-landwhichinvolvedhim,andsheproceededonherway.

The spot seemednow tobequite deserted.The light fromSouth'swindowmaderaysonthefog,butdidnotreachthetree.Aquarterofanhourpassed,andallwasblacknessoverhead.Gileshadnotyetcomedown.

Then the tree seemed to shiver, then to heave a sigh; a movement wasaudible, and Winterborne dropped almost noiselessly to the ground. He had

thought the matter out, and having returned the ladder and billhook to theirplaces,pursuedhiswayhomeward.Hewouldnotallowthisincidenttoaffecthisouterconductanymorethanthedangertohisleaseholdshaddone,andwenttobedasusual.Twosimultaneoustroublesdonotalwaysmakeadouble trouble;and thus it came topass thatGiles's practical anxiety about his houses,whichwouldhavebeenenoughtokeephimawakehalfthenightatanyothertime,wasdisplaced and not reinforced by his sentimental trouble aboutGraceMelbury.Thisseverancewasintruthmorelikeaburialofherthanarupturewithher;buthedidnotrealizesomuchatpresent;evenwhenhearoseinthemorninghefeltquitemoodyandstern:asyetthesecondnoteinthegamutofsuchemotions,atenderregretforhisloss,hadnotmadeitselfheard.

A loadofoak timberwas tobe sentaway thatmorning toabuilderwhoseworkswereinatownmanymilesoff.Theproudtrunksweretakenupfromthesilentspotwhichhadknownthemthroughthebuddingsandsheddingsoftheirgrowth for the foregoing hundred years; chained down like slaves to a heavytimber carriage with enormous red wheels, and four of the most powerful ofMelbury'shorseswereharnessedinfronttodrawthem.

Thehorsesworetheirbellsthatday.Thereweresixteentotheteam,carriedonaframeaboveeachanimal'sshoulders,andtunedtoscale,soastoformtwooctaves,runningfromthehighestnoteontherightoroff-sideoftheleadertothelowestontheleftornear-sideoftheshaft-horse.Melburywasamongthelasttoretainhorse-bells in thatneighborhood; for, livingatLittleHintock,where thelanesyetremainedasnarrowasbeforethedaysofturnpikeroads,thesesound-signalswere still as useful to him and his neighbors as they had ever been informer times.Muchbackingwassaved in thecourseofayearby thewarningnotestheycastahead;moreover, thetonesofall theteamsinthedistrictbeingknown to the carters of each, they could tell a long way off on a dark nightwhethertheywereabouttoencounterfriendsorstrangers.

Thefogofthepreviouseveningstilllingeredsoheavilyoverthewoodsthatthemorningcouldnotpenetratethetreestilllongafteritstime.Theloadbeingaponderousone,thelanecrooked,andtheairsothick,Winterbornesetout,asheoftendid,toaccompanytheteamasfarasthecorner,whereitwouldturnintoawiderroad.

Sotheyrumbledon,shakingthefoundationsoftheroadsidecottagesbytheweight of their progress, the sixteen bells chiming harmoniously over all, till

they had risen out of the valley andwere descending towards themore openroute, the sparks rising from their creaking skid and nearly setting fire to thedeadleavesalongside.

Then occurred one of the very incidents against which the bells were anendeavor toguard.Suddenly therebeamedinto theireyes,quiteclose to them,thetwolampsofacarriage,shornofraysbythefog.Itsapproachhadbeenquiteunheard,by reasonof their ownnoise.Thecarriagewas a coveredone,whilebehinditcouldbediscernedanothervehicleladenwithluggage.

Winterbornewenttotheheadoftheteam,andheardthecoachmantellingthecarterthathemustturnback.Thecarterdeclaredthatthiswasimpossible.

"Youcanturnifyouunhitchyourstring-horses,"saidthecoachman.

"Itismucheasierforyoutoturnthanforus,"saidWinterborne."We'vefivetonsoftimberonthesewheelsifwe'veanounce."

"ButI'veanothercarriagewithluggageatmyback."

Winterborneadmittedthestrengthoftheargument."Butevenwiththat,"hesaid, "youcanbackbetter thanwe.Andyouought to, foryoucouldhearourbellshalfamileoff."

"Andyoucouldseeourlights."

"Wecouldn't,becauseofthefog."

"Well, our time's precious," said the coachman, haughtily. "You are onlygoingtosometrumperylittlevillageorotherintheneighborhood,whilewearegoingstraighttoItaly."

"Drivingalltheway,Isuppose,"saidWinterborne,sarcastically.

The argument continued in these terms till a voice from the interior of thecarriageinquiredwhatwasthematter.Itwasalady's.

Shewas briefly informed of the timber people's obstinacy; and thenGilescouldhearhertellingthefootmantodirectthetimberpeopletoturntheirhorses'heads.

Themessagewasbrought,andWinterbornesentthebearerbacktosaythathe begged the lady's pardon, but that he could not do as she requested; thatthoughhewouldnotassertittobeimpossible,itwasimpossiblebycomparisonwiththeslightdifficultytoherpartytobacktheirlightcarriages.Asfatewouldhave it, the incidentwithGraceMelburyon thepreviousdaymadeGiles lessgentle thanhemight otherwisehave shownhimself, his confidence in the sexbeingrudelyshaken.

Infine,nothingcouldmovehim,and thecarriageswerecompelled tobacktill they reachedoneof the sidingsor turnouts constructed in thebank for thepurpose. Then the team came on ponderously, and the clanging of its sixteenbells as it passed the discomfited carriages, tilted up against the bank, lent aparticularly triumphant tone to the team's progress—a tonewhich, in point offact,didnotatallattachtoitsconductor'sfeelings.

Gileswalkedbehindthetimber,andjustashehadgotpasttheyetstationarycarriagesheheardasoftvoicesay,"Whoisthatrudeman?NotMelbury?"ThesexofthespeakerwassoprominentinthevoicethatWinterbornefeltapangofregret.

"No,ma'am.Ayoungerman,inasmallerwayofbusinessinLittleHintock.Winterborneishisname."

Thustheypartedcompany."Why,Mr.Winterborne,"saidthewagoner,whentheywereoutofhearing,"thatwasShe—Mrs.Charmond!Who'dha'thoughtit?Whatintheworldcanawomanthatdoesnothingbecock-watchingouthereatthis timeo'dayfor?Oh,goingtoItaly—yestobesure, Iheardshewasgoingabroad,shecan'tendurethewinterhere."

Winterborne was vexed at the incident; the more so that he knew Mr.Melbury,inhisadorationofHintockHouse,wouldbethefirsttoblamehimifitbecameknown.Butsayingnomore,heaccompaniedtheloadtotheendofthelane,andthenturnedbackwithanintentiontocallatSouth'stolearntheresultoftheexperimentoftheprecedingevening.

ItchancedthatafewminutesbeforethistimeGraceMelbury,whonowrosesoon enough to breakfastwith her father, in spite of the unwontedness of thehour,hadbeencommissionedbyhimtomakethesameinquiryatSouth's.Martyhad been standing at the doorwhenMissMelbury arrived.Almost before thelatterhadspoken,Mrs.Charmond'scarriages, releasedfromtheobstructionupthelane,camebowlingalong,andthetwogirlsturnedtoregardthespectacle.

Mrs.Charmonddidnot see them,but therewassufficient light for them todiscern her outline between the carriagewindows.A noticeable feature in hertournurewasamagnificentmassofbraidedlocks.

"Howwellshelooksthismorning!"saidGrace,forgettingMrs.Charmond'sslight in her generous admiration. "Her hair so becomes herworn thatway. Ihaveneverseenanymorebeautiful!"

"NorhaveI,miss,"saidMarty,dryly,unconsciouslystrokinghercrown.

Gracewatchedthecarriageswithlingeringregrettilltheywereoutofsight.ShethenlearnedofMartythatSouthwasnobetter.BeforeshehadcomeawayWinterborneapproachedthehouse,butseeingthatoneofthetwogirlsstandingon the door-step was Grace, he suddenly turned back again and sought theshelterofhisownhometillsheshouldhavegoneaway.

CHAPTERXIV.

TheencounterwiththecarriageshavingsprunguponWinterborne'smindtheimageofMrs.Charmond,histhoughtsbyanaturalchannelwentfromhertothefact that several cottages and other houses in the twoHintocks, nowhis own,wouldfallintoherpossessionintheeventofSouth'sdeath.Hemarvelledwhatpeople could have been thinking about in the past to invent such precarioustenuresas these; stillmore,whatcouldhave inducedhisancestorsatHintock,and other village people, to exchange their old copyholds for life-leases. Buthavingnaturally succeeded to theseproperties throughhis father, hehaddonehis best to keep them in order, though he was much struck with his father's

negligenceinnotinsuringSouth'slife.

After breakfast, stillmusing on the circumstances, hewent upstairs, turnedoverhisbed,anddrewoutaflatcanvasbagwhichlaybetweenthemattressandthesacking.Inthishekepthisleases,whichhadremainedthereunopenedeversincehisfather'sdeath.Itwastheusualhiding-placeamongrurallifeholdersforsuchdocuments.Winterbornesatdownonthebedandlookedthemover.Theywereordinaryleasesforthreelives,whichamemberoftheSouthfamily,somefifty years before this time, had accepted of the lord of the manor in lieu ofcertain copyholds and other rights, in consideration of having the dilapidatedhouses rebuiltby said lord.Theyhadcome intohis father'spossessionchieflythroughhismother,whowasaSouth.

Pinned to the parchment of one of the indentures was a letter, whichWinterbornehadneverseenbefore.Itborearemotedate,thehandwritingbeingthatofsomesolicitororagent,andthesignaturethelandholder's.Itwastotheeffectthatatanytimebeforethelastofthestatedlivesshoulddrop,Mr.GilesWinterborne, senior, or his representative, should have the privilege of addinghisownandhisson'slifetotheliferemainingonpaymentofamerelynominalsum;theconcessionbeinginconsequenceoftheelderWinterborne'sconsenttodemolishoneof thehousesand relinquish its site,whichstoodatanawkwardcornerofthelaneandimpededtheway.

The house had been pulled down years before.WhyGiles's father had nottaken advantage of his privilege to insert his own and his son's lives it wasimpossibletosay.Thelikelihoodwasthatdeathalonehadhinderedhimintheexecutionofhisproject,as it surelywas, theelderWinterbornehavingbeenamanwhotookmuchpleasureindealingwithhousepropertyinhissmallway.

Sinceoneof theSouthsstill survived, therewasnotmuchdoubt thatGilescoulddowhathisfatherhadleftundone,asfarashisownlifewasconcerned.This possibility cheered him much, for by those houses hung many things.Melbury'sdoubtoftheyoungman'sfitnesstobethehusbandofGracehadbeenbased not a little on the precariousness of his holdings in Little and GreatHintock.Heresolvedtoattendtothebusinessatonce,thefineforrenewalbeingasumthathecouldeasilymuster.Hisscheme,however,couldnotbecarriedoutinaday;andmeanwhilehewouldrunuptoSouth's,ashehadintendedtodo,tolearntheresultoftheexperimentwiththetree.

Martymethimatthedoor."Well,Marty,"hesaid;andwassurprisedtoreadinherfacethatthecasewasnotsohopefulashehadimagined.

"I amsorry foryour labor," she said. "It is all lost.He says the tree seemstallerthanever."

Winterborne looked round at it. Taller the tree certainly did seem, thegauntnessofitsnownakedstembeingmoremarkedthanbefore.

"It quite terrified him when he first saw what you had done to it thismorning,"sheadded."Hedeclaresitwillcomedownuponusandcleaveus,like'theswordoftheLordandofGideon.'"

"Well;canIdoanythingelse?"askedhe.

"Thedoctorsaysthetreeoughttobecutdown."

"Oh—you'vehadthedoctor?"

"Ididn'tsendforhim.Mrs.Charmond,beforesheleft,heardthatfatherwasill,andtoldhimtoattendhimatherexpense."

"Thatwasverygoodofher.Andhesaysitoughttobecutdown.Wemustn'tcutitdownwithoutherknowledge,Isuppose."

Hewentup-stairs.Theretheoldmansat,staringatthenowgaunttreeasifhis gazewere frozen on to its trunk. Unluckily the treewaved afresh by thistime,awindhavingsprungupandblownthefogaway,andhiseyesturnedwithitswavings.

They heard footsteps—aman's, but of a lighter type than usual. "There isDoctorFitzpiersagain,"shesaid,anddescended.Presentlyhistreadwasheardonthenakedstairs.

Mr.Fitzpiersenteredthesick-chamberjustasadoctorismoreorlesswonttodo on such occasions, and pre-eminently when the room is that of a humblecottager,lookingroundtowardsthepatientwiththatpreoccupiedgazewhichsoplainly reveals thathehaswellnigh forgottenall about thecaseand thewholecircumstances sincehedismissed them fromhismindathis last exit from thesameapartment.HenoddedtoWinterborne,withwhomhewasalreadyalittle

acquainted, recalled the case to his thoughts, and went leisurely on to whereSouthsat.

Fitzpierswas,onthewhole,afinelyformed,handsomeman.Hiseyesweredark and impressive, and beamed with the light either of energy or ofsusceptivity—itwasdifficult to saywhich; itmighthavebeena littleofboth.That quick, glittering, practical eye, sharp for the surface of things and fornothingbeneathit,hehadnot.Butwhetherhisapparentdepthofvisionwasreal,or only an artistic accident of his corporeal moulding, nothing but his deedscouldreveal.

His facewasrathersoft thanstern,charming thangrand,pale thanflushed;hisnose—ifasketchofhisfeaturesbederigueurforapersonofhispretensions—wasartisticallybeautifulenoughtohavebeenworthdoinginmarblebyanysculptor not over-busy, and was hence devoid of those knotty irregularitieswhichoftenmeanpower;whilethedouble-cymaorclassicalcurveofhismouthwas notwithout a looseness in its close.Nevertheless, either from his readilyappreciative mien, or his reflective manner, or the instinct towards profoundthings which was said to possess him, his presence bespoke the philosopherratherthanthedandyormacaroni—aneffectwhichwashelpedbytheabsenceoftrinketsorothertrivialitiesfromhisattire,thoughthiswasmorefinishedanduptodatethanisusuallythecaseamongruralpractitioners.

Strict people of thehighly respectable class, knowing a little about himbyreport,mighthavesaid thatheseemed likely toerr rather in thepossessionoftoomany ideas than too few; to be a dreamy 'ist of some sort, or too deeplysteepedinsomefalsekindof'ism.Howeverthismaybe,itwillbeseenthathewas undoubtedly a somewhat rare kind of gentleman and doctor to havedescended,asfromtheclouds,uponLittleHintock.

"This is an extraordinary case," he said at last to Winterborne, afterexaminingSouthby conversation, look, and touch, and learning that the crazeabouttheelmwasstrongerthanever."Comedown-stairs,andI'lltellyouwhatIthink."

Theyaccordinglydescended,andthedoctorcontinued,"Thetreemustbecutdown,orIwon'tanswerforhislife."

"'Tis Mrs. Charmond's tree, and I suppose we must get permission?" said

Giles."Ifso,assheisgoneaway,Imustspeaktoheragent."

"Oh—nevermindwhosetreeitis—what'satreebesidealife!Cutitdown.IhavenotthehonorofknowingMrs.Charmondasyet,butIamdisposedtoriskthatmuchwithher."

"'Tistimber,"rejoinedGiles,morescrupulousthanhewouldhavebeenhadnothisowninterestsstoodsocloselyinvolved."They'llneverfellastickaboutherewithoutitbeingmarkedfirst,eitherbyherortheagent."

"Thenwe'llinaugurateaneweraforthwith.Howlonghashecomplainedofthetree?"askedthedoctorofMarty.

"Weeksandweeks,sir.Theshapeofitseemstohaunthimlikeanevilspirit.Hesaysthatitisexactlyhisownage,thatithasgothumansense,andsproutedupwhenhewasbornonpurposetorulehim,andkeephimasitsslave.OthershavebeenlikeitaforeinHintock."

TheycouldhearSouth'svoiceup-stairs"Oh,he'srockingthisway;hemustcome!Andthenmypoorlife,that'sworthhousesuponhouses,willbesquashedouto'me.Oh!oh!"

"That'showhegoeson,"sheadded."Andhe'llneverlookanywhereelsebutoutofthewindow,andscarcelyhavethecurtainsdrawn."

"Downwithit,then,andhangMrs.Charmond,"saidMr.Fitzpiers."Thebestplanwill be towait till the evening,when it is dark, or early in themorningbeforeheisawake,sothathedoesn'tseeitfall,forthatwouldterrifyhimworsethanever.Keep theblinddown till Icome,and thenI'llassurehim,andshowhimthathistroubleisover."

Thedoctorthendeparted,andtheywaitedtilltheevening.Whenitwasdusk,and the curtainsdrawn,Winterbornedirected a coupleofwoodmen tobring acrosscut-saw, and the tall, threatening treewas soon nearly off at its base.Hewould not fell it completely then, on account of the possible crash, but nextmorning, before South was awake, they went and lowered it cautiously, in adirectionawayfromthecottage.Itwasabusinessdifficulttodoquitesilently;butitwasdoneatlast,andtheelmofthesamebirth-yearasthewoodman'slaystretchedupontheground.Theweakestidlerthatpassedcouldnowsetfootonmarks formerlymade in theupper forksby the shoesof adventurous climbers

only; once inaccessible nests could be examined microscopically; and onswayingextremitieswherebirdsalonehadperched,theby-standerssatdown.

Assoonas itwasbroaddaylight thedoctorcame,andWinterborneenteredthe housewith him.Marty said that her fatherwaswrapped up and ready, asusual,tobeputintohischair.Theyascendedthestairs,andsoonseatedhim.Hebegan at once to complain of the tree, and the danger to his life andWinterborne'shouse-propertyinconsequence.

The doctor signalled toGiles,whowent and drew back the printed cottoncurtains."'Tisgone,see,"saidMr.Fitzpiers.

Assoonastheoldmansawthevacantpatchofskyinplaceofthebranchedcolumnsofamiliartohisgaze,hesprangup,speechless,hiseyesrosefromtheirhollows till thewhites showed all round; he fell back, and a bluishwhitenessoverspreadhim.

Greatlyalarmed,theyputhimonthebed.Assoonashecamealittleoutofhisfit,hegasped,"Oh,itisgone!—where?—where?"

His whole system seemed paralyzed by amazement. They were thunder-struckattheresultoftheexperiment,anddidalltheycould.Nothingseemedtoavail.GilesandFitzpierswentandcame,butuselessly.Helingeredthroughtheday,anddiedthateveningasthesunwentdown.

"D—difmyremedyhasn'tkilledhim!"murmuredthedoctor.

CHAPTERXV.

When Melbury heard what had happened he seemed much moved, andwalked thoughtfully about the premises. On South's own account he wasgenuinely sorry; and on Winterborne's he was the more grieved in that thiscatastrophehadsocloselyfollowedthesomewhatharshdismissalofGilesasthebetrothedofhisdaughter.

HewasquiteangrywithcircumstancesforsoheedlesslyinflictingonGilesa

secondtroublewhentheneedfuloneinflictedbyhimselfwasallthattheproperorderofeventsdemanded."ItoldGiles'sfatherwhenhecameintothosehousesnottospendtoomuchmoneyonlifeholdpropertyheldneitherforhisownlifenorhisson's,"heexclaimed."Buthewouldn'tlistentome.AndnowGileshastosufferforit."

"PoorGiles!"murmuredGrace.

"Now,Grace,betweenustwo,itisvery,veryremarkable.ItisalmostasifIhadforeseenthis;andIamthankfulforyourescape,thoughIamsincerelysorryforGiles.Hadwenotdismissedhimalready,wecouldhardlyhavefoundit inourheartstodismisshimnow.SoIsay,bethankful.I'lldoallIcanforhimasafriend; but as a pretender to the position ofmy son-in law, that can never bethoughtofmore."

AndyetatthatverymomenttheimpracticabilitytowhichpoorWinterborne'ssuithadbeenreducedwastouchingGrace'shearttoawarmersentimentonhisbehalfthanshehadfeltforyearsconcerninghim.

He,meanwhile,wassittingdownaloneintheoldfamiliarhousewhichhadceased to be his, taking a calm if somewhat dismal survey of affairs. Thependulumoftheclockbumpedeverynowandthenagainstonesideofthecaseinwhichitswung,asthemuffleddrumtohisworldlymarch.LookingoutofthewindowhecouldperceivethataparalysishadcomeoverCreedle'soccupationofmanuringthegarden,owing,obviously,toaconvictionthattheymightnotbelivingtherelongenoughtoprofitbynextseason'scrop.

Helookedattheleasesagainandtheletterattached.Therewasnodoubtthathe had lost his houses by an accident which might easily have beencircumvented ifhehadknown the trueconditionsofhisholding.The timeforperformance had now lapsed in strict law; but might not the intention beconsideredbythelandholderwhenshebecameawareofthecircumstances,andhismoralrighttoretaintheholdingsforthetermofhislifebeconceded?

His heart sank within him when he perceived that despite all the legalreciprocities and safeguards prepared and written, the upshot of the matteramounted to this, that itdependedupon themerecaprice—goodor ill—of thewomanhehadmetthedaybeforeinsuchanunfortunateway,whetherhewastopossesshishousesforlifeorno.

While he was sitting and thinking a step came to the door, and Melburyappeared, lookingverysorryforhisposition.Winterbornewelcomedhimbyaword and a look, and went on with his examination of the parchments. Hisvisitorsatdown.

"Giles,"hesaid,"this isveryawkward,andIamsorryfor it.Whatareyougoingtodo?"

Gilesinformedhimoftherealstateofaffairs,andhowbarelyhehadmissedavailinghimselfofhischanceofrenewal.

"Whatamisfortune!Whywasthisneglected?Well,thebestthingyoucandoistowriteandtellherallaboutit,andthrowyourselfuponhergenerosity."

"Iwouldrathernot,"murmuredGiles.

"Butyoumust,"saidMelbury.

Inshort,hearguedsocogently thatGilesallowedhimself tobepersuaded,andthelettertoMrs.CharmondwaswrittenandsenttoHintockHouse,whence,asheknew,itwouldatoncebeforwardedtoher.

Melburyfeelingthathehaddonesogoodanactionincomingasalmost toextenuatehispreviousarbitraryconduct tonothing,wenthome;andGileswasleftalonetothesuspenseofwaitingforareplyfromthedivinitywhoshapedtheends of the Hintock population. By this time all the villagers knew of thecircumstances,andbeingwellnighlikeonefamily,akeeninterestwastheresultallround.

Everybody thought of Giles; nobody thought of Marty. Had any of themlookedinuponherduringthosemoonlightnightswhichprecededtheburialofherfather,theywouldhaveseenthegirlabsolutelyaloneinthehousewiththedeadman.Herownchamberbeingnearestthestairs,thecoffinhadbeenplacedthereforconvenience;andatacertainhourofthenight,whenthemoonarrivedopposite the window, its beams streamed across the still profile of South,sublimedby theaugustpresenceofdeath, andonwarda few feet fartheruponthefaceofhisdaughter,lyinginherlittlebedinthestillnessofareposealmostas dignified as that of her companion—the repose of a guileless soul that hadnothingmoreleftonearthtolose,exceptalifewhichshedidnotovervalue.

Southwasburied,andaweekpassed,andWinterbornewatchedforareplyfrom Mrs. Charmond. Melbury was very sanguine as to its tenor; butWinterbornehadnottoldhimoftheencounterwithhercarriage,when,ifeverhehadheardanaffrontedtoneonawoman'slips,hehadhearditonhers.

Thepostman'stimeforpassingwasjustafterMelbury'smenhadassembledin the spar-house; andWinterborne, who when not busy on his own accountwouldlendassistancethere,usedtogooutintothelaneeverymorningandmeetthepost-manattheendofoneofthegreenridesthroughthehazelcopse,inthestraight stretchofwhichhis laden figure couldbe seen a longwayoff.Gracealso was very anxious; more anxious than her father; more, perhaps, thanWinterbornehimself.Thisanxietyledherintothespar-houseonsomepretextorotheralmosteverymorningwhiletheywereawaitingthereply.

Fitzpierstoo,thoughhedidnotpersonallyappear,wasmuchinterested,andnot altogether easy in hismind; for he had been informed by an authority ofwhathehadhimselfconjectured,thatifthetreehadbeenallowedtostand,theold man would have gone on complaining, but might have lived for twentyyears.

EleventimeshadWinterbornegonetothatcorneroftheride,andlookedupits long straight slope through the wet grays of winter dawn. But though thepostman'sbowedfigureloomedinviewprettyregularly,hebroughtnothingforGiles.Onthetwelfthdaythemanofmissives,whileyetintheextremedistance,held uphis hand, andWinterborne saw a letter in it.He took it into the spar-housebeforehebroke the seal, and thosewhowere theregathered roundhimwhileheread,Gracelookinginatthedoor.

The letter was not fromMrs. Charmond herself, but her agent at Sherton.Winterborneglanceditoverandlookedup.

"It'sallover,"hesaid.

"Ah!"saidtheyaltogether.

"Her lawyer is instructed to say that Mrs. Charmond sees no reason fordisturbingthenaturalcourseof things,particularlyasshecontemplatespullingthehousesdown,"hesaid,quietly.

"Onlythinkofthat!"saidseveral.

Winterbornehadturnedaway,andsaidvehementlytohimself,"Thenletherpull'emdown,andbed—dtoher!"

Creedlelookedathimwithafaceofsevensorrows,saying,"Ah, 'twasthatsperritthatlost'emforye,maister!"

Winterborne subduedhis feelings, and from that hour,whatever theywere,kept them entirely to himself. There could be no doubt that, up to this lastmoment,hehadnourishedafeeblehopeofregainingGraceintheeventofthisnegotiation turning out a success. Not being aware of the fact that her fathercouldhavesettleduponherafortunesufficienttoenablebothtoliveincomfort,hedeemeditnowanabsurditytodreamanylongerofsuchavanityasmakingherhiswife,andsankintosilenceforthwith.

Yetwhatever thevalueof taciturnity toamanamongstrangers, it is apt toexpressmorethantalkativenesswhenhedwellsamongfriends.Thecountrymanwhoisobligedtojudgethetimeofdayfromchangesinexternalnatureseesathousandsuccessive tintsand traits in the landscapewhichareneverdiscernedby him who hears the regular chime of a clock, because they are never inrequest. In like manner do we use our eyes on our taciturn comrade. Theinfinitesimal movement of muscle, curve, hair, and wrinkle, which whenaccompaniedbyavoicegoesunregarded,iswatchedandtranslatedinthelackof it, tillvirtually thewholesurroundingcircleoffamiliars ischargedwith thereservedone'smoodsandmeanings.

ThiswastheconditionofaffairsbetweenWinterborneandhisneighborsafterhisstrokeofill-luck.Heheldhistongue;andtheyobservedhim,andknewthathewasdiscomposed.

Mr.Melbury, inhis compunction, thoughtmoreof thematter thananyoneelse, except his daughter. HadWinterborne been going on in the old fashion,Grace's father could have alluded to his disapproval of the alliance every daywiththegreatestfrankness;buttospeakanyfurtheronthesubjecthecouldnotfinditinhishearttodonow.HehopedthatGileswouldofhisownaccordmakesomefinalannouncementthatheentirelywithdrewhispretensionstoGrace,andso get the thing past and done with. For though Giles had in a measureacquiesced in thewish of her family, he couldmakematters unpleasant if hechose to work upon Grace; and hence, when Melbury saw the young manapproaching along the road one day, he kept friendliness and frigidity exactly

balancedinhiseyetillhecouldseewhetherGiles'smannerwaspresumptiveornot.

Hismannerwasthatofamanwhoabandonedallclaims."Iamgladtomeetye,Mr.Melbury,"hesaid,inalowvoice,whosequalityheendeavoredtomakeas practical as possible. "I am afraid I shall not be able to keep that mare Ibought,andasIdon'tcaretosellher,Ishouldlike—ifyoudon'tobject—togivehertoMissMelbury.Thehorseisveryquiet,andwouldbequitesafeforher."

Mr.Melburywas rather affected at this. "You sha'n't hurt your pocket likethatonouraccount,Giles.Graceshallhavethehorse,butI'llpayyouwhatyougaveforher,andanyexpenseyoumayhavebeenputtoforherkeep."

Hewouldnothearofanyother terms,andthusitwasarranged.TheywerenowoppositeMelbury'shouse,andthetimber-merchantpressedWinterbornetoenter,Gracebeingoutoftheway.

"Pullroundthesettle,Giles,"saidthetimber-merchant,assoonastheywerewithin."Ishouldliketohaveaserioustalkwithyou."

Thereupon he put the case toWinterborne frankly, and in quite a friendlyway. He declared that he did not like to be hard on a man when he was indifficulty;buthereallydidnotseehowWinterbornecouldmarryhisdaughternow,withoutevenahousetotakeherto.

Giles quite acquiesced in the awkwardness of his situation. But from amomentaryfeelingthathewouldliketoknowGrace'smindfromherownlips,he did not speak out positively there and then. He accordingly departedsomewhatabruptly,andwenthometoconsiderwhetherhewouldseektobringaboutameetingwithher.

In the evening, while he sat quietly pondering, he fancied that he heard ascraping on the wall outside his house. The boughs of amonthly rose whichgrewtheremadesuchanoisesometimes,butasnowindwasstirringheknewthat itcouldnotbetherose-tree.Hetookupthecandleandwentout.Nobodywasnear.Asheturned,thelightflickeredonthewhitewashedroughcaseofthefront,andhesawwordswrittenthereonincharcoal,whichhereadasfollows:

"OGiles,you'velostyourdwelling-place,Andtherefore,Giles,you'llloseyourGrace."

Gileswentin-doors.Hehadhissuspicionsastothescrawlerofthoselines,buthecouldnotbesure.Whatsuddenlyfilledhisheartfarmorethancuriosityabouttheirauthorshipwasaterriblebeliefthattheywereturningouttobetrue,try toseeGraceashemight.Theydecided thequestion forhim.HesatdownandwroteaformalnotetoMelbury,inwhichhebrieflystatedthathewasplacedinsuchapositionastomakehimsharetothefullMelbury'sviewofhisownandhis daughter's promise, made some years before; to wish that it should beconsideredascancelled,andtheythemselvesquitereleasedfromanyobligationonaccountofit.

Havingfastenedupthistheirplenaryabsolution,hedeterminedtogetitoutof his hands andhave donewith it; towhich endhewent off toMelbury's atonce.Itwasnowsolatethatthefamilyhadallretired;hecreptuptothehouse,thrustthenoteunderthedoor,andstoleawayassilentlyashehadcome.

Melburyhimselfwasthefirsttorisethenextmorning,andwhenhehadreadtheletterhisreliefwasgreat."VeryhonorableofGiles,veryhonorable,"hekeptsaying tohimself."Ishallnot forgethim.Nowtokeepherup toherowntruelevel."

It happened thatGracewent out for an early ramble thatmorning, passingthroughthedoorandgatewhileherfatherwas in thespar-house.Togoinhercustomary direction she could not avoid passing Winterborne's house. Themorningsunwasshiningflatuponitswhitesurface,andthewords,whichstillremained,were immediatelyvisible toher.She read them.Her face flushed tocrimson. She could see Giles and Creedle talking together at the back; thecharred spar-gad with which the lines had been written lay on the groundbeneaththewall.FeelingprettysurethatWinterbornewouldobserveheraction,she quicklywent up to thewall, rubbed out "lose" and inserted "keep" in itsstead. Then she made the best of her way home without looking behind her.Gilescoulddrawaninferencenowifhechose.

There couldnotbe the leastdoubt thatgentleGracewaswarming tomoresympathywith,andinterestin,GilesWinterbornethanevershehaddonewhilehewasherpromisedlover; thatsincehismisfortunethosesocialshortcomingsof his, which contrasted so awkwardly with her later experiences of life, hadbecomeobscuredbythegenerousrevivalofanoldromanticattachmenttohim.

Thoughmentally trainedand tilled into foreignnessofview,ascomparedwithheryouthfultime,Gracewasnotanambitiousgirl,andmight,iflefttoherself,have declined Winterborne without much discontent or unhappiness. Herfeelings justnowwere so far from latent that thewritingon thewallhad thusquickenedhertoanunusualrashness.

Havingreturnedfromherwalkshesatatbreakfastsilently.Whenherstep-motherhadlefttheroomshesaidtoherfather,"IhavemadeupmymindthatIshouldlikemyengagementtoGilestocontinue,forthepresentatanyrate,tillIcanseefurtherwhatIoughttodo."

Melburylookedmuchsurprised.

"Nonsense," he said, sharply. "Youdon't knowwhat you are talking about.Lookhere."

HehandedacrosstohertheletterreceivedfromGiles.

Shereadit,andsaidnomore.Couldhehaveseenherwriteonthewall?Shedidnotknow.Fate,itseemed,wouldhaveitthisway,andtherewasnothingtodobuttoacquiesce.

Itwas a fewhours after this thatWinterborne,who, curiously enough, hadNOT perceived Grace writing, was clearing away the tree from the front ofSouth's latedwelling.HesawMartystandinginherdoor-way,aslimfigure inmeagreblack,almostwithoutwomanlycontoursasyet.Hewentuptoherandsaid, "Marty,whydid youwrite that onmywall last night? ItWASyou, youknow."

"Because itwas the truth. I didn'tmean to let it stay,Mr.Winterborne;butwhenIwasgoingtorubitoutyoucame,andIwasobligedtorunoff."

"Having prophesied one thing, why did you alter it to another? Yourpredictionscan'tbeworthmuch."

"Ihavenotalteredit."

"Butyouhave."

"No."

"Itisaltered.Goandsee."

Shewent,andreadthat,inspiteoflosinghisdwelling-place,hewouldKEEPhisGrace.Martycamebacksurprised.

"Well,Inever,"shesaid."Whocanhavemadesuchnonsenseofit?"

"Who,indeed?"saidhe.

"Ihaverubbeditallout,asthepointofitisquitegone."

"You'dnobusiness to rub itout. Ididn't tellyou to. Imeant to let it stayalittlelonger."

"Someidleboydidit,nodoubt,"shemurmured.

As this seemed very probable, and the actual perpetratorwas unsuspected,Winterbornesaidnomore,anddismissedthematterfromhismind.

Fromthisdayofhislifeonwardforaconsiderabletime,Winterborne,thoughnotabsolutelyoutofhishouseasyet,retiredintothebackgroundofhumanlifeandactionthereabout—afeatnotparticularlydifficultofperformanceanywherewhen the doer has the assistance of a lost prestige. Grace, thinking thatWinterborne sawherwrite,madeno further sign,and the frailbarkof fidelitythatshehadthustimidlylaunchedwasstrandedandlost.

CHAPTERXVI.

Dr.Fitzpierslivedontheslopeofthehill,inahouseofmuchlesspretension,both as to architecture and as to magnitude, than the timber-merchant's. Thelatterhad,withoutdoubt,beenonce themanorial residenceappertaining to thesnugandmodestdomainofLittleHintock,ofwhich theboundarieswerenowlost by its absorptionwith others of its kind into the adjoining estate ofMrs.Charmond. Though theMelburys themselves were unaware of the fact, therewaseveryreasontobelieve—atleastsotheparsonsaid—thattheownersofthatlittlemanor had beenMelbury's own ancestors, the family name occurring in

numerous documents relating to transfers of land about the time of the civilwars.

Mr. Fitzpiers's dwelling, on the contrary, was small, cottage-like, andcomparativelymodern.Ithadbeenoccupied,andwasinpartoccupiedstill,byaretiredfarmerandhiswife,who,onthesurgeon'sarrivalinquestofahome,hadaccommodatedhimbyrecedingfromtheirfrontroomsintothekitchenquarter,whence they administered to his wants, and emerged at regular intervals toreceivefromhimanotunwelcomeadditiontotheirincome.

The cottage and its garden were so regular in their arrangement that theymighthavebeenlaidoutbyaDutchdesignerofthetimeofWilliamandMary.In a low, dense hedge, cut towedge-shape,was a door overwhich the hedgeformedanarch,and from the insideof thedoora straightpath,borderedwithclippedbox,ranuptheslopeofthegardentotheporch,whichwasexactlyinthemiddleofthehousefront,withtwowindowsoneachside.Rightandleftofthepathwere first abedofgooseberrybushes;nextof currant;nextof raspberry;next of strawberry; next of old-fashioned flowers; at the corners opposite theporchbeingspheresofboxresemblingapairofschoolglobes.Overtheroofofthe house could be seen the orchard, on yet higher ground, and behind theorchardtheforest-trees,reachinguptothecrestofthehill.

Opposite thegardendoorandvisible fromtheparlorwindowwasaswing-gateleadingintoafield,acrosswhichthereranafootpath.Theswing-gatehadjust been repainted, and on one fine afternoon, before the paint was dry, andwhilegnatswerestilldyingthereon,thesurgeonwasstandinginhissitting-roomabstractedly looking out at the different pedestrians who passed and repassedalongthatroute.Beingofaphilosophicalstamp,heperceivedthatthecharacterofeachofthesetravellersexhibiteditselfinasomewhatamusingmannerbyhisorhermethodofhandlingthegate.

Asregardedthemen,therewasnotmuchvariety:theygavethegateakickand passed through. The women were more contrasting. To them the stickywood-workwasabarricade,adisgust,amenace,atreachery,asthecasemightbe.

Thefirstthathenoticedwasabouncingwomanwithherskirtstuckedupandher hair uncombed. She grasped the gate without looking, giving it asupplementarypushwithhershoulder,whenthewhiteimprintdrewfromheran

exclamationinlanguagenot toorefined.Shewenttothegreenbank,satdownandrubbedherselfinthegrass,cursingthewhile.

"Ha!ha!ha!"laughedthedoctor.

The next was a girl, with her hair cropped short, in whom the surgeonrecognized the daughter of his late patient, the woodman South.Moreover, ablackbonnetthatsheworebywayofmourningunpleasantlyremindedhimthathe had ordered the felling of a tree which had caused her parent's death andWinterborne's losses. She walked and thought, and not recklessly; but herpreoccupation ledher tograspunsuspectingly thebarof thegate, and touch itwith her arm. Fitzpiers felt sorry that she should have soiled that new blackfrock,poorasitwas,foritwasprobablyheronlyone.Shelookedatherhandandarm,seemedbutlittlesurprised,wipedoffthedisfigurementwithanalmostunmoved face, and as if without abandoning her original thoughts. Thus shewentonherway.

Then there came over the green quite a different sort of personage. Shewalkedasdelicatelyasifshehadbeenbredintown,andasfirmlyasifshehadbeenbredinthecountry;sheseemedonewhodimlyknewherappearancetobeattractive,butwhoretainedsomeofthecharmofbeingignorantofthatfactbyforgetting it in a general pensiveness. She approached the gate. To let such acreaturetouchitevenwithatipofherglovewastoFitzpiersalmostlikelettingherproceedtotragicalself-destruction.Hejumpedupandlookedforhishat,butwasunabletofindtherightone;glancingagainoutofthewindowhesawthathewas too late.Havingcomeup,shestopped, lookedat thegate,pickedupalittlestick,andusingitasabayonet,pushedopentheobstaclewithouttouchingitatall.

Hesteadilywatchedher till shehadpassedoutofsight, recognizingherastheveryyoungladywhomhehadseenoncebeforeandbeenunabletoidentify.Whosecouldthatemotionalfacebe?AlltheothershehadseeninHintockasyetoppressedhimwith theircrude rusticity; thecontrastofferedby this suggestedthatshehailedfromelsewhere.

Precisely thesethoughtshadoccurredtohimat thefirst timeofseeingher;buthenowwentalittlefurtherwiththem,andconsideredthatastherehadbeennocarriageseenorheardlatelyinthatspotshecouldnothavecomeaverylongdistance. She must be somebody staying at Hintock House? Possibly Mrs.

Charmond, of whom he had heard so much—at any rate an inmate, and thisprobabilitywassufficienttosetamildradianceinthesurgeon'ssomewhatdullsky.

Fitzpierssatdowntothebookhehadbeenperusing.IthappenedtobethatofaGermanmetaphysician,forthedoctorwasnotapracticalman,exceptbyfits,andmuchpreferredtheidealworldtothereal,andthediscoveryofprinciplestotheir application. The young lady remained in his thoughts. He might havefollowedher;buthewasnotconstitutionallyactive,andpreferredaconjecturalpursuit.However,whenhewentoutforaramblejustbeforeduskheinsensiblytook the direction ofHintockHouse,whichwas theway thatGrace had beenwalking,ithavinghappenedthathermindhadrunonMrs.Charmondthatday,and she had walked to the brow of a hill whence the house could be seen,returningbyanotherroute.

Fitzpiers in his turn reached the edge of the glen, overlooking themanor-house.Theshutterswereshut,andonlyonechimneysmoked.ThemereaspectoftheplacewasenoughtoinformhimthatMrs.Charmondhadgoneawayandthatnobodyelsewasstayingthere.Fitzpiersfeltavaguedisappointmentthattheyoung lady was not Mrs. Charmond, of whom he had heard so much; andwithoutpausinglongertogazeatacarcassfromwhichthespirithadflown,hebenthisstepshomeward.

LaterintheeveningFitzpierswassummonedtovisitacottagepatientabouttwomilesdistant.Likethemajorityofyoungpractitionersinhispositionhewasfarfromhavingassumedthedignityofbeingdrivenhisroundsbyaservantinabroughamthatflashedthesunlightlikeamirror;hiswayofgettingaboutwasbymeansofagigwhichhedrovehimself,hitchingthereinofthehorsetothegatepost, shutterhook,orgardenpalingof thedomicileundervisitation,orgivingpennies to little boys to hold the animal during his stay—pennieswhichwerewellearnedwhen thecases tobeattendedwereofacertaincheerfulkind thatworeoutthepatienceofthelittleboys.

On this account of travelling alone, the night journeyswhichFitzpiers hadfrequently to takewere dismal enough, a serious apparent perversity in natureruling thatwhenever therewas to be a birth in a particularly inaccessible andlonelyplace,thateventshouldoccurinthenight.Thesurgeon,havingbeenoflate years a town man, hated the solitary midnight woodland. He was notaltogetherskilfulwiththereins,anditoftenoccurredtohismindthatifinsome

remotedepthsofthetreesanaccidentweretohappen,thefactofhisbeingalonemight be the death of him. Hence he made a practice of picking up anycountryman or lad whom he chanced to pass by, and under the disguise oftreatinghimtoanicedrive,obtainedhiscompanionshiponthejourney,andhisconvenientassistanceinopeninggates.

ThedoctorhadstartedonhiswayoutofthevillageonthenightinquestionwhenthelightofhislampsfelluponthemusingformofWinterborne,walkingleisurelyalong,asifhehadnoobjectinlife.Winterbornewasabetterclassofcompanionthanthedoctorusuallycouldget,andheatoncepulledupandaskedhimifhewouldlikeadrivethroughthewoodthatfinenight.

Gilesseemedrathersurprisedatthedoctor'sfriendliness,butsaidthathehadnoobjection,andaccordinglymountedbesideMr.Fitzpiers.

Theydrovealongundertheblackboughswhichformedanetworkuponthestars,allthetreesofaspeciesalikeinonerespect,andnotwoofthemalikeinanother. Looking up as they passed under a horizontal bough they sometimessaw objects like large tadpoles lodged diametrically across it, which Gilesexplainedtobepheasantsthereatroost;andtheysometimesheardthereportofa gun, which reminded him that others knew what those tadpole shapesrepresentedaswellashe.

Presentlythedoctorsaidwhathehadbeengoingtosayforsometime:

"Isthereayoungladystayinginthisneighborhood—averyattractivegirl—withalittlewhiteboaroundherneck,andwhitefurroundhergloves?"

Winterborneofcourseknew inamoment thatGrace,whomhehadcaughtthe doctor peering at, was represented by these accessaries. With a warygrimness,partlyinhischaracter,partlyinducedbythecircumstances,heevadedananswerbysaying,"I sawayoung lady talking toMrs.Charmond theotherday;perhapsitwasshe."

FitzpiersconcludedfromthisthatWinterbornehadnotseenhimlookingoverthehedge."Itmighthavebeen,"hesaid."Sheisquiteagentlewoman—theoneImean.ShecannotbeapermanentresidentinHintockorIshouldhaveseenherbefore.Nordoesshelooklikeone."

"SheisnotstayingatHintockHouse?"

"No;itisclosed."

"Thenperhapssheisstayingatoneofthecottages,orfarmhouses?"

"Ohno—youmistake.Shewasadifferentsortofgirlaltogether."AsGileswas nobody, Fitzpiers treated him accordingly, and apostrophized the night incontinuation:

"'Shemoveduponthisearthashapeofbrightness,Apower,thatfromitsobjectsscarcelydrewOneimpulseofherbeing—inherlightnessMostlikesomeradiantcloudofmorningdew,Whichwandersthroughthewasteair'spathlessblue,Tonourishsomefardesert:shedidseemBesideme,gatheringbeautyasshegrew,LikethebrightshadeofsomeimmortaldreamWhichwalks,whentempestssleep,thewaveoflife'sdarkstream.'"

The consummate charm of the lines seemed to Winterborne, though hedivined that theywereaquotation, tobe somehow the resultofhis lost love'scharmsuponFitzpiers.

"Youseemtobemightilyinlovewithher,sir,"hesaid,withasensationofheart-sickness,andmorethaneverresolvednottomentionGracebyname.

"Ohno—Iamnot that,Winterborne;people livinginsulated,asIdobythesolitude of this place, get charged with emotive fluid like a Leyden-jar withelectric, for want of some conductor at hand to disperse it. Human love is asubjective thing—the essence itself of man, as that great thinker Spinoza thephilosopher says—ipsa hominis essentia—it is joy accompanied by an ideawhichweprojectagainstanysuitableobjectinthelineofourvision,justastherainbowirisisprojectedagainstanoak,ash,orelmtreeindifferently.Sothatifanyotheryoungladyhadappearedinsteadoftheonewhodidappear,Ishouldhavefeltjustthesameinterestinher,andhavequotedpreciselythesamelinesfrom Shelley about her, as about this one I saw. Such miserable creatures ofcircumstanceareweall!"

"Well, it iswhatwecallbeing in lovedownin theseparts,whetherorno,"saidWinterborne.

"Youarerightenoughifyouadmit thatIamin lovewithsomethinginmyownhead,andnothinginitselfoutsideitatall."

"Isitpartofacountrydoctor'sdutiestolearnthatviewofthings,mayIask,sir?" saidWinterborne, adopting the Socratic {Greek word: irony} with suchwell-assumedsimplicitythatFitzpiersanswered,readily,

"Ohno.The real truth is,Winterborne, thatmedical practice in places likethis isavery rule-of-thumbmatter;abottleofbitter stuff for thisand thatoldwoman—the bitterer the better—compounded from a few simple stereotypedprescriptions; occasional attendance at births, where mere presence is almostsufficient,sohealthyandstrongarethepeople;andalanceforanabscessnowand then. Investigation and experiment cannot be carried on without moreappliancesthanonehashere—thoughIhaveattempteditalittle."

Gilesdidnotenter intothisviewofthecase;whathehadbeenstruckwithwas the curious parallelism between Mr. Fitzpiers's manner and Grace's, asshown by the fact of both of them straying into a subject of discourse soengrossingtothemselvesthatitmadethemforgetitwasforeigntohim.

Nothing furtherpassedbetweenhimselfand thedoctor in relation toGracetilltheywereontheirwayback.Theyhadstoppedataway-sideinnforaglassofbrandyandciderhot,andwhentheywereagaininmotion,Fitzpiers,possiblyalittlewarmedbytheliquor,resumedthesubjectbysaying,"Ishouldlikeverymuchtoknowwhothatyoungladywas."

"Whatdifferencecanitmake,ifshe'sonlythetreeyourrainbowfallson?"

"Ha!ha!True."

"Youhavenowife,sir?"

"Ihavenowife,andnoideaofone.Ihopetodobetterthingsthanmarryandsettle inHintock.Notbut that it iswell for amedicalman tobemarried, andsometimes, begad, 'twould be pleasant enough in this place, with the windroaring round thehouse,and the rainand theboughsbeatingagainst it. Ihearthatyoulostyourlife-holdsbythedeathofSouth?"

"Idid.Ilostinmorewaysthanone."

TheyhadreachedthetopofHintockLaneorStreet,ifitcouldbecalledsuchwherethree-quartersoftheroad-sideconsistedofcopseandorchard.Oneofthefirst houses to be passedwasMelbury's.A lightwas shining from a bedroomwindowfacinglengthwiseofthelane.Winterborneglancedatit,andsawwhatwas coming. He hadwithheld an answer to the doctor's inquiry to hinder hisknowledgeofGrace;but,ashethoughttohimself,"whohathgatheredthewindinhisfists?whohathboundthewatersinagarment?"hecouldnothinderwhatwasdoomedtoarrive,andmightjustaswellhavebeenoutspoken.Astheycameup to the house, Grace's figure was distinctly visible, drawing the two whitecurtainstogetherwhichwereusedhereinsteadofblinds.

"Why,theresheis!"saidFitzpiers."Howdoesshecomethere?"

"In themost naturalway in theworld. It is her home.Mr.Melbury is herfather."

"Oh, indeed—indeed—indeed! How comes he to have a daughter of thatstamp?"

Winterbornelaughedcoldly."Won'tmoneydoanything,"hesaid,"ifyou'vepromising material to work upon?Why shouldn't a Hintock girl, taken earlyfromhome, andputunderproper instruction, becomeas finishedas anyotheryounglady,ifshe'sgotbrainsandgoodlookstobeginwith?"

"Noreasonatallwhysheshouldn't,"murmuredthesurgeon,withreflectivedisappointment."OnlyIdidn'tanticipatequitethatkindoforiginforher."

"Andyouthinkaninchortwolessofhernow."TherewasalittletremorinWinterborne'svoiceashespoke.

"Well,"saidthedoctor,withrecoveredwarmth,"IamnotsosurethatIthinklessofher.Atfirstitwasasortofblow;but,dammy!I'llstickupforher.She'scharming,everyinchofher!"

"Sosheis,"saidWinterborne,"butnottome."

From this ambiguous expression of the reticentwoodlander's,Dr. Fitzpiersinferred thatGiles dislikedMissMelbury because of some haughtiness in herbearing towards him, and had, on that account, withheld her name. Thesuppositiondidnottendtodiminishhisadmirationforher.

CHAPTERXVII.

Grace'sexhibitionofherself,intheactofpulling-tothewindow-curtains,hadbeen the result of an unfortunate incident in the house that day—nothing lessthantheillnessofGrammerOliver,awomanwhohadnevertillnowlaindownforsuchareasoninherlife.Likeotherstowhomunbrokenyearsofhealthhasmadetheideaofkeepingtheirbedalmostasrepugnantasdeathitself,shehadcontinuedonfoottillsheliterallyfellonthefloor;andthoughshehad,asyet,beenscarcelyadayoffduty,shehadsickened intoquiteadifferentpersonagefrom the independentGrammerof the yard and spar-house. Ill as shewas, ononepointshewasfirm.Onnoaccountwouldsheseeadoctor;inotherwords,Fitzpiers.

TheroominwhichGracehadbeendiscernedwasnotherown,but theoldwoman's.Onthegirl'swaytobedshehadreceivedamessagefromGrammer,totheeffectthatshewouldmuchliketospeaktoherthatnight.

Graceentered,andset thecandleona lowchairbeside thebed,so that theprofileofGrammeras she laycast itself in akeen shadowupon thewhitenedwall,herlargeheadbeingstillfurthermagnifiedbyanenormousturban,whichwas, really, her petticoatwound in awreath round her temples.Grace put theroom a little in order, and approaching the sick woman, said, "I am come,Grammer,asyouwish.Doletussendforthedoctorbeforeitgetslater."

"Iwillnothavehim,"saidGrammerOliver,decisively.

"Thensomebodytositupwithyou."

"Can't abear it! No; I wanted to see you, Miss Grace, because 'ch havesomething onmymind.DearMissGrace, I TOOKTHATMONEYOFTHEDOCTOR,AFTERALL!"

"Whatmoney?"

"Thetenpounds."

Gracedidnotquiteunderstand.

"The ten pounds he offeredme for my head, because I've a large brain. Isignedapaperwhen I took themoney,not feeling concernedabout it at all. Ihavenotlikedtotellyethatitwasreallysettledwithhim,becauseyoushowedsuchhorrorat thenotion.Well,havingthought itovermoreat length,IwishIhadn'tdoneit;anditweighsuponmymind.JohnSouth'sdeathoffearaboutthetreemakesme think that I shall die of this....'Ch have been going to ask himagaintoletmeoff,butIhadn'ttheface."

"Why?"

"I've spent some of the money—more'n two pounds o't. It do wherrit meterribly;andIshalldieo'thethoughtofthatpaperIsignedwithmyholycross,asSouthdiedofhistrouble."

"Ifyouaskhimtoburnthepaperhewill,I'msure,andthinknomoreofit."

"'Chhavedoneitoncealready,miss.Buthelaughedcruellike.'Yoursissuchafinebrain,Grammer,''ersaid,'thatsciencecouldn'taffordtoloseyou. Besides, you've taken my money.'...Don't let your father know of this,please,onnoaccountwhatever!"

"No,no.Iwillletyouhavethemoneytoreturntohim."

Grammer rolled her head negatively upon the pillow. "Even if I should bewell enough to take it to him, he won't like it. Though why he should soparticularwant to look into theworks of a poor oldwoman's head-piece likeminewhen there's somany other folks about, I don't know. I know how he'llanswerme:'Alonelypersonlikeyou,Grammer,'erwollsay.'Whatdifferenceisit to youwhat becomes of yewhen the breath's out of your body?'Oh, it dotroubleme! If youonlyknewhowhedo chevyme round the chimmer inmydreams,you'dpityme.HowIcoulddo it I can't think!But 'chwasalwayssorackless!...IfIonlyhadanybodytopleadforme!"

"Mrs.Melburywould,Iamsure."

"Ay; but hewouldn't hearken to she! It wants a younger face than hers toworkuponsuchashe."

Gracestartedwithcomprehension."Youdon'tthinkhewoulddoitforme?"shesaid.

"Oh,wouldn'the!"

"Icouldn'tgotohim,Grammer,onanyaccount.Idon'tknowhimatall."

"Ah,ifIwereayounglady,"saidtheartfulGrammer,"andcouldsaveapooroldwoman's skellington from a heathen doctor instead of aChristian grave, Iwoulddoit,andbegladto.Butnobodywilldoanythingforapooroldfamiliarfriendbutpushheroutoftheway."

"Youareveryungrateful,Grammer,tosaythat.Butyouareill,Iknow,andthat's why you speak so. Now believe me, you are not going to die yet.Remember you toldme yourself that youmeant to keep himwaitingmany ayear."

"Ay, one can jokewhenone iswell, even in old age; but in sickness one'sgayety falters togrief; and thatwhich seemed small looks large; and thegrimfar-offseemsnear."

Grace'seyeshadtearsinthem."Idon'tliketogotohimonsuchanerrand,Grammer,"shesaid,brokenly."ButIwill,toeaseyourmind."

Itwaswithextremereluctance thatGracecloakedherselfnextmorning forthe undertaking. Shewas all themore indisposed to the journey by reason ofGrammer'sallusion to theeffectofapretty faceuponDr.Fitzpiers;andhenceshemost illogicallydid thatwhich,had thedoctorneverseenher,wouldhaveoperated to stultify the solemotiveofher journey; that is to say, sheputonawoollenveil,whichhidallherfaceexceptanoccasionalsparkofhereyes.

Herownwish that nothing shouldbeknownof this strange andgrewsomeproceeding,nolessthanGrammerOliver'sowndesire,ledGracetotakeeveryprecaution against being discovered. She went out by the garden door as thesafestway,allthehouseholdhavingoccupationsattheotherside.Themorninglookedforbiddingenoughwhenshestealthilyopenedit.Thebattlebetweenfrostandthawwascontinuinginmid-air:thetreesdrippedonthegarden-plots,wherenovegetableswouldgrowforthedripping,thoughtheywereplantedyearafteryear with that curious mechanical regularity of country people in the face ofhopelessness; the moss which covered the once broad gravel terrace was

swamped;andGracestoodirresolute.Thenshe thoughtofpoorGrammer,andherdreamsofthedoctorrunningafterher,scalpelinhand,andthepossibilityofa case so curiously similar to South's ending in the sameway; thereupon shesteppedoutintothedrizzle.

Thenatureofhererrand,andGrammerOliver'saccountofthecompactshehadmade,lentafascinatinghorrortoGrace'sconceptionofFitzpiers.Sheknewthathewasayoungman;buthersingleobjectinseekinganinterviewwithhimputallconsiderationsofhisageandsocialaspectfromhermind.Standingasshestood, in Grammer Oliver's shoes, he was simply a remorseless Jove of thesciences,whowouldnothavemercy, andwouldhave sacrifice; amanwhom,savefor this,shewouldhavepreferred toavoidknowing.Butsince, insuchasmall village, it was improbable that any long time could pass without theirmeeting,therewasnotmuchtodeploreinherhavingtomeethimnow.

But,asneedhardlybesaid,MissMelbury'sviewofthedoctorasamerciless,unwavering,irresistiblescientistwasnotquiteinaccordancewithfact.TherealDr.Fitzpierswasamanoftoomanyhobbiestoshowlikelihoodofrisingtoanygreat eminence in the profession he had chosen, or even to acquire anywidepractice in the rural district he hadmarked out as his field of survey for thepresent.Inthecourseofayearhismindwasaccustomedtopassinagrandsolarsweepthroughallthezodiacalsignsoftheintellectualheaven.Sometimesitwasin the Ram, sometimes in the Bull; one month he would be immersed inalchemy,anotherinpoesy;onemonthintheTwinsofastrologyandastronomy;thenintheCrabofGermanliteratureandmetaphysics.Injusticetohimitmustbe stated that he took such studies as were immediately related to his ownprofessioninturnwiththerest,andithadbeeninamonthofanatomicalardorwithoutthepossibilityofasubjectthathehadproposedtoGrammerOliverthetermsshehadmentionedtohermistress.

Asmaybe inferred fromthe toneofhisconversationwithWinterborne,hehadlatelyplungedintoabstractphilosophywithmuchzest;perhapshiskeenlyappreciative,modern,unpracticalmindfoundthisarealmmoretohistastethananyother.Thoughhis aimsweredesultory,Fitzpiers'smental constitutionwasnot without its admirable side; a keen inquirer he honestly was, even if themidnight rays of his lamp, visible so far through the trees ofHintock, lightedrankliteraturesofemotionandpassionasoftenas,oroftenerthan,thebooksandmatérielofscience.

Butwhether hemeditated theMuses or the philosophers, the loneliness ofHintock lifewasbeginning to tell uponhis impressionablenature.Winter in asolitaryhouse in thecountry,without society, is tolerable,nay, evenenjoyableanddelightful,givencertainconditions,but thesearenot theconditionswhichattach to the life of a professionalmanwho drops down into such a place bymere accident. They were present to the lives of Winterborne, Melbury, andGrace;butnot to thedoctor's.Theyareoldassociation—analmost exhaustivebiographical or historical acquaintance with every object, animate andinanimate,withintheobserver'shorizon.Hemustknowallaboutthoseinvisibleones of the days gone by,whose feet have traversed the fieldswhich look sograyfromhiswindows;recallwhosecreakingploughhasturnedthosesodsfromtimetotime;whosehandsplantedthetreesthatformacresttotheoppositehill;whosehorsesandhoundshave torn through thatunderwood;whatbirdsaffectthat particular brake; what domestic dramas of love, jealousy, revenge, ordisappointmenthavebeenenactedinthecottages,themansion,thestreet,oronthegreen.Thespotmayhavebeauty,grandeur,salubrity,convenience;butifitlack memories it will ultimately pall upon him who settles there withoutopportunityofintercoursewithhiskind.

Insuchcircumstances,maybe,anoldmandreamsofanidealfriend, tillhethrowshimselfintothearmsofanyimpostorwhochoosestowearthattitleonhisface.Ayoungmanmaydreamofanidealfriendlikewise,butsomehumorofthe blood will probably lead him to think rather of an ideal mistress, and atlengththerustleofawoman'sdress,thesoundofhervoice,orthetransitofherformacrossthefieldofhisvision,willenkindlehissoulwithaflamethatblindshiseyes.

The discovery of the attractive Grace's name and familywould have beenenoughinothercircumstancestoleadthedoctor,ifnottoputherpersonalityoutofhishead, tochange thecharacterofhis interest inher. Insteadof treasuringherimageasararity,hewouldatmosthaveplayedwithitasatoy.Hewasthatkindofaman.Butsituatedherehecouldnotgosofarasamativecruelty.Hedismissed all reverential thought about her, but he could not help taking herseriously.

Hewentontoimaginetheimpossible.Sofar,indeed,didhegointhisfutiledirectionthat,asothersarewont todo,heconstructeddialoguesandscenes inwhich Grace had turned out to be the mistress of Hintock Manor-house, themysterious Mrs. Charmond, particularly ready and willing to be wooed by

himselfandnobodyelse."Well,sheisn'tthat,"hesaid,finally."Butshe'saverysweet,nice,exceptionalgirl."

Thenextmorninghebreakfastedalone,asusual.Itwassnowingwithafine-flaked desultoriness just sufficient to make the woodland gray, without everachievingwhiteness.TherewasnotasingleletterforFitzpiers,onlyamedicalcircularandaweeklynewspaper.

Tositbeforealargefireonsuchmornings,andread,andgraduallyacquireenergy till the evening came, and then, with lamp alight, and feeling full ofvigor, to pursue some engrossing subject or other till the small hours, hadhithertobeenhispractice.Butto-dayhecouldnotsettleintohischair.Thatself-containedpositionhehadlatelyoccupied,inwhichtheonlyattentiondemandedwas the concentrationof the inner eye, all outer regardbeingquitegratuitous,seemedtohavebeentakenbyinsidiousstratagem,andforthefirsttimehehadan interest outside the house. He walked from one window to another, andbecame aware that the most irksome of solitudes is not the solitude ofremoteness,butthatwhichisjustoutsidedesirablecompany.

The breakfast hourwent by heavily enough, and the next followed, in thesamehalf-snowy,half-rainystyle, theweathernowbeingtheinevitablerelapsewhichsoonerorlatersucceedsatimetooradiantfortheseason,suchastheyhadenjoyed in the late midwinter at Hintock. To people at home there thesechangeful trickshadtheir interests; thestrangemistakesthatsomeof themoresanguine trees had made in budding before their month, to be incontinentlygluedupbyfrozenthawingsnow;thesimilarsanguineerrorsofimpulsivebirdsin framing nests that were now swamped by snow-water, and other suchincidents,preventedanysenseofwearisomenessinthemindsofthenatives.ButthesewerefeaturesofaworldnotfamiliartoFitzpiers,andtheinnervisionstowhichhehadalmostexclusivelyattendedhavingsuddenlyfailedintheirpowertoabsorbhim,hefeltunutterablydreary.

He wondered how longMissMelbury was going to stay in Hintock. Theseason was unpropitious for accidental encounters with her out-of-doors, andexceptbyaccidenthesawnothowtheyweretobecomeacquainted.Onethingwasclear—anyacquaintancewithhercouldonly,withadueregardtohisfuture,be casual, atmostof thenatureof a flirtation; forhehadhighaims, and theywouldsomedayleadhimintootherspheresthanthis.

Thusdesultorilythinkingheflunghimselfdownuponthecouch,which,asinmanydraughtyoldcountryhouses,wasconstructedwithahood,beinginfactalegitimate development from the settle. He tried to read as he reclined, buthavingsatuptillthreeo'clockthatmorning,thebookslippedfromhishandandhefellasleep.

CHAPTERXVIII.

ItwasatthistimethatGraceapproachedthehouse.Herknock,alwayssoftinvirtueofhernature,wassofterto-daybyreasonofherstrangeerrand.However,itwasheardbythefarmer'swifewhokeptthehouse,andGracewasadmitted.Openingthedoorofthedoctor'sroomthehousewifeglancedin,andimaginingFitzpiersabsent,askedMissMelburytoenterandwaitafewminuteswhilesheshouldgoandfindhim,believinghimtobesomewhereonthepremises.Graceacquiesced,wentin,andsatdownclosetothedoor.

As soon as the door was shut upon her she looked round the room, andstarted at perceiving ahandsomeman snugly ensconced in the couch, like therecumbent figure within some canopied mural tomb of the fifteenth century,exceptthathishandswerebynomeansclaspedinprayer.Shehadnodoubtthatthis was the doctor. Awaken him herself she could not, and her immediateimpulsewastogoandpullthebroadribbonwithabrassrosettewhichhungatonesideofthefireplace.Butexpectingthelandladytore-enterinamomentsheabandoned this intention, and stood gazing in great embarrassment at therecliningphilosopher.

The windows of Fitzpiers's soul being at present shuttered, he probablyappearedlessimpressivethaninhishoursofanimation;butthelightabstractedfrom his material presence by sleep was more than counterbalanced by themysterious influence of that state, in a stranger, upon the consciousness of abeholdersosensitive.Sofarasshecouldcriticiseatall,shebecameawarethatshehadencountereda specimenofcreationaltogetherunusual in that locality.TheoccasionsonwhichGracehadobservedmenofthisstampwerewhenshehadbeenfarremovedawayfromHintock,andeventhensuchexamplesashadmethereyewereatadistance,andmainlyofcoarserfibrethantheonewhonow

confrontedher.

Shenervouslywonderedwhythewomanhadnotdiscoveredhermistakeandreturned, and went again towards the bell-pull. Approaching the chimney herbackwastoFitzpiers,butshecouldseehimintheglass.Anindescribablethrillpassed throughher as she perceived that the eyes of the reflected imagewereopen, gazingwonderingly at her, andunder the curious unexpectedness of thesightshebecameasifspellbound,almostpowerlesstoturnherheadandregardthe original.However, by an effort she did turn,when there he lay asleep thesameasbefore.

Herstartledperplexityastowhathecouldbemeaningwassufficienttoleadhertoprecipitatelyabandonhererrand.Shecrossedquicklytothedoor,openedandcloseditnoiselessly,andwentoutofthehouseunobserved.Bythetimethatshehadgonedownthepathandthroughthegardendoorintothelaneshehadrecoveredherequanimity.Here,screenedbythehedge,shestoodandconsideredawhile.

Drip,drip,drip,felltherainuponherumbrellaandaround;shehadcomeoutonsuchamorningbecauseoftheseriousnessofthematterinhand;yetnowshehad allowed her mission to be stultified by a momentary tremulousnessconcerninganincidentwhichperhapshadmeantnothingafterall.

In themean timeherdeparture from the room, stealthyas ithadbeen,hadrousedFitzpiers, andhe sat up. In the reflection from themirrorwhichGracehadbeheldtherewasnomystery;hehadopenedhiseyesforafewmoments,buthad immediately relapsed into unconsciousness, if, indeed, he had ever beenpositivelyawake.Thatsomebodyhadjustlefttheroomhewascertain,andthatthelovelyformwhichseemedtohavevisitedhiminadreamwasnolessthantherealpresentationofthepersondepartedhecouldhardlydoubt.

Lookingoutofthewindowafewminuteslater,downthebox-edgedgravel-pathwhichledtothebottom,hesawthegardendoorgentlyopen,andthroughitenter the young girl of his thoughts, Grace having just at this juncturedetermined to returnandattempt the interviewasecond time.Thathesawhercominginsteadofgoingmadehimaskhimselfifhisfirstimpressionofherwerenotadreamindeed.Shecamehesitatinglyalong,carryingherumbrellasolowover her head that he could hardly see her face.When she reached the pointwhere the raspberry bushes ended and the strawberry bed began, shemade a

littlepause.

Fitzpiers feared thatshemightnotbecoming tohimevennow,andhastilyquittingtheroom,herandownthepathtomeether.Thenatureofhererrandhecouldnotdivine,buthewaspreparedtogiveheranyamountofencouragement.

"I beg pardon,MissMelbury," he said. "I saw you from the window, andfanciedyoumight imagine that Iwasnotathome—if it is Iyouwerecomingfor."

"Iwascomingtospeakonewordtoyou,nothingmore,"shereplied."AndIcansayithere."

"No,no.Pleasedocomein.Well,then,ifyouwillnotcomeintothehouse,comeasfarastheporch."

Thus pressed she went on to the porch, and they stood together inside it,Fitzpiersclosingherumbrellaforher.

"Ihavemerelyarequestorpetitiontomake,"shesaid."Myfather'sservantisill—awomanyouknow—andherillnessisserious."

"Iamsorrytohearit.Youwishmetocomeandseeheratonce?"

"No;Iparticularlywishyounottocome."

"Oh,indeed."

"Yes; and she wishes the same. It wouldmake her seriously worse if youweretocome.Itwouldalmostkillher....Myerrandisofapeculiarandawkwardnature. It is concerninga subjectwhichweighsonhermind—thatunfortunatearrangementshemadewithyou,thatyoumighthaveherbody—afterdeath."

"Oh! Grammer Oliver, the old womanwith the fine head. Seriously ill, isshe!"

"AndSOdisturbedbyher rashcompact! Ihavebrought themoneyback—willyoupleasereturntohertheagreementshesigned?"Graceheldouttohimacoupleoffive-poundnoteswhichshehadkeptreadytuckedinherglove.

Without replyingorconsidering thenotes,Fitzpiersallowedhis thoughts tofollow his eyes, and dwell upon Grace's personality, and the sudden closerelation inwhichhestood toher.Theporchwasnarrow; the rain increased. Itranoff theporchanddrippedon thecreepers, and from thecreepersupon theedgeofGrace'scloakandskirts.

"Therainiswettingyourdress;pleasedocomein,"hesaid."Itreallymakesmyheartachetoletyoustayhere."

Immediatelyinsidethefrontdoorwasthedoorofhissitting-room;heflungitopen,andstoodinacoaxingattitude.Tryhowshewould,Gracecouldnotresistthe supplicatory mandate written in the face and manner of this man, anddistressfulresignationsatonherassheglidedpasthimintotheroom—brushinghiscoatwithherelbowbyreasonofthenarrowness.

He followed her, shut the door—which she somehow had hoped hewouldleaveopen—andplacingachairforher,satdown.TheconcernwhichGracefeltat the development of these commonplace incidents was, of course, mainlyowing to the strange effect upon her nerves of that viewof him in themirrorgazingatherwithopeneyeswhenshehad thoughthimsleeping,whichmadeherfancythathisslumbermighthavebeenafeintbasedoninexplicablereasons.

Sheagainprofferedthenotes;heawokefromlookingatherasatapieceoflive statuary, and listened deferentially as she said, "Will you then reconsider,andcancelthebondwhichpoorGrammerOliversofoolishlygave?"

"I'llcancelitwithoutreconsideration.Thoughyouwillallowmetohavemyownopinionaboutherfoolishness.Grammerisaverywisewoman,andshewasaswiseinthatasinotherthings.Youthinktherewassomethingveryfiendishinthecompact,doyounot,MissMelbury?Butrememberthatthemosteminentofoursurgeonsinpasttimeshaveenteredintosuchagreements."

"Notfiendish—strange."

"Yes,thatmaybe,sincestrangenessisnotinthenatureofathing,butinitsrelationtosomethingextrinsic—inthiscaseanunessentialobserver."

Hewenttohisdesk,andsearchingawhilefoundapaper,whichbeunfoldedandbroughttoher.Athickcrossappearedininkatthebottom—evidentlyfromthehandofGrammer.Graceput thepaper inher pocketwith a lookofmuch

relief.

AsFitzpiersdidnottakeupthemoney(halfofwhichhadcomefromGrace'sownpurse),shepusheditalittlenearertohim."No,no.Ishallnottakeitfromtheoldwoman,"hesaid."Itismorestrangethanthefactofasurgeonarrangingtoobtainasubjectfordissectionthatouracquaintanceshouldbeformedoutofit."

"Iamafraidyouthinkmeuncivilinshowingmydisliketothenotion.ButIdidnotmeantobe."

"Ohno,no."Helookedather,ashehaddonebefore,withpuzzledinterest."Icannotthink,Icannotthink,"hemurmured."Somethingbewildersmegreatly."Hestillreflectedandhesitated."LastnightIsatupverylate,"heatlastwenton,"andonthataccountIfellintoalittlenaponthatcouchabouthalfanhourago.AndduringmyfewminutesofunconsciousnessIdreamed—whatdoyouthink?—thatyoustoodintheroom."

Shouldshetell?Shemerelyblushed.

"Youmayimagine,"Fitzpierscontinued,nowpersuadedthat ithad, indeed,been a dream, "that I should not have dreamed of you without considerablethinkingaboutyoufirst."

Hecouldnotbeacting;ofthatshefeltassured.

"Ifanciedinmyvisionthatyoustoodthere,"hesaid,pointingtowhereshehadpaused."Ididnotseeyoudirectly,butreflectedintheglass.Ithought,whatalovelycreature!Thedesignisforoncecarriedout.Naturehasatlastrecoveredher lost unionwith the Idea!My thoughts ran in that direction because I hadbeenreadingtheworkofatranscendentalphilosopherlastnight;andIdaresayitwasthedoseofIdealismthatIreceivedfromitthatmademescarcelyabletodistinguishbetween realityand fancy. Ialmostweptwhen Iawoke,and foundthatyouhadappearedtomeinTime,butnotinSpace,alas!"

At moments there was something theatrical in the delivery of Fitzpiers'seffusion;yetitwouldhavebeeninexacttosaythatitwasintrinsicallytheatrical.Itoftenhappensthatinsituationsofunrestraint,wherethereisnothoughtoftheeye of criticism, real feeling glides into a mode of manifestation not easilydistinguishable from rodomontade. A veneer of affectation overlies a bulk of

truth,withtheevilconsequence,ifperceived,thatthesubstanceisestimatedbythesuperficies,andthewholerejected.

Grace, however, was no specialist in men's manners, and she admired thesentiment without thinking of the form. And she was embarrassed: "lovelycreature"madeexplanationawkwardtohergentlemodesty.

"Butcanitbe,"saidhe,suddenly,"thatyoureallywerehere?"

"I have to confess that I have been in the roomonce before," faltered she."The woman showedme in, and went away to fetch you; but as she did notreturn,Ileft."

"And you saw me asleep," he murmured, with the faintest show ofhumiliation.

"Yes—IFyouwereasleep,anddidnotdeceiveme."

"Whydoyousayif?"

"I sawyour eyesopen in theglass, but as theywere closedwhen I lookedrounduponyou,Ithoughtyouwereperhapsdeceivingme.

"Never,"saidFitzpiers,fervently—"nevercouldIdeceiveyou."

Foreknowledge to thedistanceofayearorso ineitherof themmighthavespoiled the effect of that pretty speech. Never deceive her! But they knewnothing,andthephrasehaditsday.

Gracebegannowtobeanxioustoterminatetheinterview,butthecompellingpower of Fitzpiers's atmosphere still held her there. She was like aninexperienced actresswho, having at last takenup her position on the boards,and spoken her speeches, does not know how to move off. The thought ofGrammer occurred to her. "I'll go at once and tell poor Grammer of yourgenerosity,"shesaid."Itwillrelieveheratonce."

"Grammer's a nervous disease, too—how singular!" he answered,accompanying her to the door. "One moment; look at this—it is somethingwhichmayinterestyou."

Hehadthrownopenthedoorontheothersideofthepassage,andshesawamicroscopeonthetableoftheconfrontingroom."Lookintoit,please;you'llbeinterested,"herepeated.

Sheappliedhereye,andsawtheusualcircleoflightpatternedalloverwithacellular tissue of some indescribable sort. "What do you think that is?" saidFitzpiers.

Shedidnotknow.

"That'safragmentofoldJohnSouth'sbrain,whichIaminvestigating."

Shestartedback,notwithaversion,butwithwonderastohowitshouldhavegotthere.Fitzpierslaughed.

"HereamI,"he said, "endeavoring tocarryon simultaneously the studyofphysiologyandtranscendentalphilosophy,thematerialworldandtheideal,soastodiscoverifpossibleapointofcontrastbetweenthem;andyourfinersenseisquiteoffended!"

"Ohno,Mr.Fitzpiers,"saidGrace,earnestly."Itisnotsoatall.Iknowfromseeing your light at night how deeply you meditate and work. Instead ofcondemningyouforyourstudies,Iadmireyouverymuch!"

Her face, upturned from the microscope, was so sweet, sincere, and self-forgetful in its aspect that the susceptible Fitzpiers more than wished toannihilatethelinealyardwhichseparateditfromhisown.Whetheranythingofthekindshowedinhiseyesornot,Graceremainednolongeratthemicroscope,butquicklywentherwayintotherain.

CHAPTERXIX.

InsteadofresuminghisinvestigationofSouth'sbrain,whichperhapswasnotso interesting under the microscope as might have been expected from theimportance of that organ in life, Fitzpiers reclined and ruminated on theinterview.Grace'scurioussusceptibilitytohispresence, thoughitwasasif thecurrentsofherlifeweredisturbedratherthanattractedbyhim,addedaspecialinteresttohergeneralcharm.Fitzpierswasinadistinctdegreescientific,beingreadyandzealoustointerrogateallphysicalmanifestations,butprimarilyhewasanidealist.Hebelievedthatbehindtheimperfectlaytheperfect;thatrarethingswere tobediscoveredamidabulkof commonplace; that results inanewanduntriedcasemightbedifferent from those inother caseswhere the conditionshadbeenpreciselysimilar.Regardinghisownpersonalityasoneofunboundedpossibilities,becauseitwashisown—notwithstandingthatthefactorsofhislifehadworked out a sorry product for thousands—he saw nothing butwhatwasregular in his discovery at Hintock of an altogether exceptional being of theothersex,whofornobodyelsewouldhavehadanyexistence.

OnehabitofFitzpiers's—commonerindreamersofmoreadvancedagethaninmenofhisyears—was thatof talking tohimself.Hepaced roundhis roomwith a selective tread upon the more prominent blooms of the carpet, andmurmured, "This phenomenal girl will be the light of my life while I am atHintock;andthespecialbeautyofthesituationisthatourattitudeandrelationsto each other will be purely spiritual. Socially we can never be intimate.Anythinglikematrimonialintentionstowardsher,charmingassheis,wouldbeabsurd. Theywould spoil the ethereal character ofmy regard. And, indeed, Ihaveotheraimsonthepracticalsideofmylife."

Fitzpiersbestowedaregulationthoughtontheadvantageousmarriagehewasboundtomakewithawomanoffamilyasgoodashisown,andofpursemuchlonger. But as an object of contemplation for the present, as objective spiritrather than corporeal presence, Grace Melbury would serve to keep his soulalive,andtorelievethemonotonyofhisdays.

Hisfirstnotion—acquiredfromthemeresightofherwithoutconverse—thatofanidleandvulgarflirtationwitha timber-merchant'sprettydaughter,gratedpainfullyuponhimnowthathehadfoundwhatGraceintrinsicallywas.Personalintercourse with such as she could take no lower form than intellectualcommunion,andmutualexplorationsoftheworldofthought.Sincehecouldnotcallatherfather's,havingnopracticalviews,cursoryencountersinthelane,inthewood, coming and going to and from church, or in passing her dwelling,werewhattheacquaintancewouldhavetofeedon.

Such anticipated glimpses of her now and then realized themselves in theevent. Rencounters of notmore than aminute's duration, frequently repeated,willbuildupmutualinterest,evenanintimacy,inalonelyplace.Theirsgrewasimperceptiblyasthetree-twigsbudded.Thereneverwasaparticularmomentatwhich it could be said they became friends; yet a delicate understanding nowexistedbetweentwowhointhewinterhadbeenstrangers.

Springweathercameonrathersuddenly,theunsealingofbudsthathadlongbeenswollenaccomplishingitself in thespaceofonewarmnight.Therushofsapintheveinsofthetreescouldalmostbeheard.TheflowersoflateApriltookup a position unseen, and looked as if they had been blooming a longwhile,thoughtherehadbeennotraceofthemthedaybeforeyesterday;birdsbegannottomindgettingwet.In-doorpeoplesaidtheyhadheardthenightingale,towhichout-door people replied contemptuously that they had heard him a fortnight

before.

Theyoungdoctor'spracticebeingscarcelysolargeasaLondonsurgeon's,hefrequentlywalkedinthewood.Indeedsuchpracticeashehadhedidnotfollowup with the assiduity that would have been necessary for developing it toexceptionalproportions.Oneday,bookinhand,hewalkedinapartofthewoodwhere the trees were mainly oaks. It was a calm afternoon, and there waseverywhere around that sign of great undertakings on the part of vegetablenaturewhichisapttofillreflectivehumanbeingswhoarenotundertakingmuchthemselveswithasuddenuneasinessatthecontrast.Heheardinthedistanceacurious sound, something like the quack of a duck, which, though it wascommonenoughhereaboutthistime,wasnotcommontohim.

Looking through the trees Fitzpiers soon perceived the origin of the noise.Thebarkingseasonhadjustcommenced,andwhathehadheardwasthetearoftherippingtoolasitplougheditswayalongthestickypartingbetweenthetrunkandtherind.Melburydidalargebusinessinbark,andashewasGrace'sfather,and possiblymight be found on the spot, Fitzpierswas attracted to the sceneevenmorethanhemighthavebeenbyitsintrinsicinterest.WhenhegotnearerherecognizedamongtheworkmenthetwoTimothys,andRobertCreedle,whoprobablyhadbeen"lent"byWinterborne;MartySouthalsoassisted.

EachtreedoomedtothisflayingprocesswasfirstattackedbyCreedle.Withasmallbillhookhecarefullyfreedthecollarofthetreefromtwigsandpatchesofmosswhich incrusted it to a height of a foot or two above the ground, anoperationcomparabletothe"littletoilet"oftheexecutioner'svictim.Afterthisitwasbarkedinitserectpositiontoapointashighasamancouldreach.Ifafineproductofvegetablenaturecouldeverbesaidtolookridiculousitwasthecasenow,whentheoakstoodnaked-legged,andasifashamed,tilltheaxe-mancameand cut a ring round it, and the two Timothys finished the work with thecrosscut-saw.

Assoonasithadfallenthebarkersattackeditlikelocusts,andinashorttimenotaparticleofrindwasleftonthetrunkandlargerlimbs.MartySouthwasanadeptatpeelingtheupperparts,andthereshestoodencagedamidthemassoftwigs and buds like a great bird, running her tool into the smallest branches,beyond the farthest points towhich the skill and patience of themen enabledthemtoproceed—brancheswhich,intheirlifetime,hadswayedhighabovethebulkof thewood, and caught the latest and earliest raysof the sun andmoon

whilethelowerpartoftheforestwasstillindarkness.

"Youseemtohaveabetterinstrumentthanthey,Marty,"saidFitzpiers.

"No, sir," she said, holding up the tool—a horse's leg-bone fitted into ahandleandfiledtoanedge—"'tisonlythatthey'velesspatiencewiththetwigs,becausetheirtimeisworthmorethanmine."

A little shed had been constructed on the spot, of thatched hurdles andboughs,andinfrontofitwasafire,overwhichakettlesung.Fitzpierssatdowninside the shelter, andwentonwithhis reading, exceptwhenhe lookedup toobserve the scene and the actors. The thought that he might settle here andbecomeweldedinwiththissylvanlifebymarryingGraceMelburycrossedhismindforamoment.Whyshouldhegofartherintotheworldthanwherehewas?The secret of quiet happiness lay in limiting the ideas and aspirations; thesemen's thoughtswere conterminouswith themarginof theHintockwoodlands,andwhyshouldnothisbelikewiselimited—asmallpracticeamongthepeoplearoundhimbeingtheboundofhisdesires?

Presently Marty South discontinued her operations upon the quiveringboughs,cameoutfromtherecliningoak,andpreparedtea.Whenitwasreadythemenwerecalled;andFitzpiersbeinginamoodtojoin,satdownwiththem.

Thelatentreasonofhislingeringheresolongrevealeditselfwhenthefaintcreaking of the joints of a vehicle became audible, and one of the men said,"Here'she."TurningtheirheadstheysawMelbury'sgigapproaching,thewheelsmuffledbytheyieldingmoss.

The timber-merchantwas on foot leading the horse, looking back at everyfewstepstocautionhisdaughter,whokeptherseat,whereandhowtoduckherheadsoas toavoid theoverhangingbranches.Theystoppedat thespotwherethebark-rippinghadbeen temporarily suspended;Melburycursorily examinedtheheapsofbark,anddrawingnear towhere theworkmenweresittingdown,accepted their shouted invitation to have a dish of tea, for which purpose hehitchedthehorsetoabough.Gracedeclinedtotakeanyoftheirbeverage,andremainedinherplaceinthevehicle,lookingdreamilyatthesunlightthatcameinthinthreadsthroughthehollieswithwhichtheoakswereinterspersed.

WhenMelburysteppedupclosetotheshelter,heforthefirsttimeperceivedthat thedoctorwaspresent,andwarmlyappreciatedFitzpiers's invitation tosit

downonthelogbesidehim.

"Bless my heart, who would have thought of finding you here," he said,obviously much pleased at the circumstance. "I wonder now if my daughterknowsyouaresonighathand.Idon'texpectshedo."

HelookedouttowardsthegigwhereinGracesat,herfacestillturnedintheoppositedirection."Shedoesn'tseeus.Well,nevermind:letherbe."

Grace was indeed quite unconscious of Fitzpiers's propinquity. She wasthinkingof somethingwhichhad little connectionwith the scenebeforeher—thinkingofherfriend,lostassoonasfound,Mrs.Charmond;ofhercapriciousconduct, and of the contrasting scenes shewas possibly enjoying at that verymomentinotherclimes,towhichGraceherselfhadhopedtobeintroducedbyher friend's means. She wondered if this patronizing lady would return toHintock during the summer, and whether the acquaintance which had beennippedonthelastoccasionofherresidencetherewoulddeveloponthenext.

Melbury told ancient timber-stories as he sat, relating them directly toFitzpiers, and obliquely to themen,who had heard themoften before.Marty,whopouredouttea,wasjustsaying,"IthinkI'lltakeoutacuptoMissGrace,"whentheyheardaclashingofthegig-harness,andturningroundMelburysawthat thehorsehadbecomerestless,andwasjerkingabout thevehicle inawaywhich alarmed its occupant, though she refrained from screaming. Melburyjumped up immediately, but not more quickly than Fitzpiers; and while herfather ran to thehorse'sheadandspeedilybegan tocontrolhim,FitzpierswasalongsidethegigassistingGracetodescend.Hersurpriseathisappearancewasso great that, far frommaking a calm and independent descent, shewas verynearly lifteddown inhis arms.He relinquishedherwhen she touchedground,andhopedshewasnotfrightened.

"Ohno, notmuch," shemanaged to say. "Therewasnodanger—unlesshehadrununderthetreeswheretheboughsarelowenoughtohitmyhead."

"Which was by no means an impossibility, and justifies any amount ofalarm."

Hereferredtowhathethoughthesawwritteninherface,andshecouldnottell him that this had little to do with the horse, but much with himself. Hiscontiguityhad, in fact, the sameeffect uponher as on those formeroccasions

when he had come closer to her than usual—that of producing in her anunaccountabletendencytotearfulness.Melburysoonputthehorsetorights,andseeing that Grace was safe, turned again to the work-people. His daughter'snervousdistresshadpassedoff ina fewmoments, andshe saidquitegayly toFitzpiersasshewalkedwithhimtowardsthegroup,"There'sdestinyinit,yousee.Iwasdoomedtojoininyourpicnic,althoughIdidnotintendtodoso."

Martypreparedheracomfortableplace,andshesatdowninthecircle,andlistenedtoFitzpierswhilehedrewfromherfatherandthebark-ripperssundrynarrativesoftheirfathers',theirgrandfathers',andtheirownadventuresinthesewoods; of the mysterious sights they had seen—only to be accounted for bysupernaturalagency;ofwhitewitchesandblackwitches;andthestandardstoryof the spirits of the two brotherswho had fought and fallen, and had hauntedHintockHousetilltheywereexorcisedbythepriest,andcompelledtoretreattoaswampinthisverywood,whencetheywerereturningtotheiroldquartersatthe rate of a cock's stride every New-year's Day, old style; hence the localsaying,"OnNew-year'stide,acock'sstride."

Itwas a pleasant time.The smoke from the little fire of peeled sticks rosebetweenthesittersandthesunlight,andbehinditsblueveilstretchedthenakedarms of the prostrate trees. The smell of the uncovered sapmingledwith thesmell of the burningwood, and the sticky inner surface of the scattered barkglistenedasitrevealeditspalemadderhuestotheeye.MelburywassohighlysatisfiedathavingFitzpiersasasortofguestthathewouldhavesatonforanylengthoftime,butGrace,onwhomFitzpiers'seyesonlytoofrequentlyalighted,seemedtothinkitincumbentuponhertomakeashowofgoing;andherfatherthereuponaccompaniedhertothevehicle.

As the doctor had helped her out of it he appeared to think that he hadexcellent reasons for helping her in, and performed the attention lingeringlyenough.

"Whatwereyoualmostintearsaboutjustnow?"heasked,softly.

"Idon'tknow,"shesaid:andthewordswerestrictlytrue.

Melburymountedontheotherside,andtheydroveonoutofthegrove,theirwheelssilentlycrushingdelicate-patternedmosses,hyacinths,primroses, lords-and-ladies, and other strange and ordinary plants, and cracking up little sticks

thatlayacrossthetrack.Theirwayhomewardranalongthecrestofaloftyhill,whence on the right they beheld a wide valley, differing both in feature andatmosphere fromthatof theHintockprecincts. Itwas thecidercountry,whichmetthewoodlanddistrictontheaxisofthishill.Overthevaletheairwasblueassapphire—suchablueasoutsidethatapple-valleywasneverseen.Undertheblue theorchardswere in a blazeof bloom, someof the richly flowered treesrunningalmostuptowheretheydrovealong.Overagatewhichopeneddowntheinclineamanleanedonhisarms,regardingthisfairpromisesointentlythathedidnotobservetheirpassing.

"ThatwasGiles,"saidMelbury,whentheyhadgoneby.

"Wasit?PoorGiles,"saidshe.

"Allthatbloothmeansheavyautumnworkforhimandhishands.Ifnoblighthappensbefore thesetting theappleyieldwillbesuchaswehavenothadforyears."

Meanwhile,inthewoodtheyhadcomefrom,themenhadsatonsolongthattheywere indisposed tobeginworkagain that evening; theywerepaidby theton,andtheirtimeforlaborwasastheychose.Theyplacedthelastgatheringsofbark in rows for the curers,which led them farther and farther away from theshed;andthustheygraduallywithdrewasthesunwentdown.

Fitzpierslingeredyet.Hehadopenedhisbookagain,thoughhecouldhardlysee aword in it, and sat before the dying fire, scarcely knowing of themen'sdeparture.Hedreamedandmused tillhisconsciousness seemed tooccupy thewholespaceofthewoodlandaround,solittlewasthereofjarringsightorsoundtohinderperfectunitywith thesentimentof theplace.Theideareturneduponhimofsacrificingallpracticalaimstoliveincalmcontentmenthere,andinsteadof going on elaborating new conceptions with infinite pains, to accept quietdomesticity according to oldest and homeliest notions. These reflectionsdetainedhimtill thewoodwasembrownedwiththecomingnight,andtheshylittle bird of this dusky time had begun to pour out all the intensity of hiseloquencefromabushnotveryfaroff.

Fitzpiers's eyes commanded as much of the ground in front as was open.Enteringuponthishesawafigure,whosedirectionofmovementwas towardsthespotwherehesat.Thesurgeonwasquiteshroudedfromobservationbythe

recessedshadowofthehut,andtherewasnoreasonwhyheshouldmovetillthestranger had passed by. The shape resolved itself into a woman's; she waslookingontheground,andwalkingslowlyasifsearchingforsomethingthathadbeen lost, her course being precisely that ofMr.Melbury's gig. Fitzpiers by asort of divination jumped to the idea that the figure was Grace's; her nearerapproachmadetheguessacertainty.

Yes, she was looking for something; and she came round by the prostratetreesthatwouldhavebeeninvisiblebutforthewhitenakednesswhichenabledhertoavoidthemeasily.Thussheapproachedtheheapofashes,andactinguponwhatwassuggestedbyastillshiningemberortwo,shetookastickandstirredthe heap,which thereupon burst into a flame.On looking around by the lightthusobtainedsheforthefirsttimesawtheilluminedfaceofFitzpiers,preciselyinthespotwhereshehadlefthim.

Gracegaveastartandascream: theplacehadbeenassociatedwithhiminherthoughts,butshehadnotexpectedtofindhimtherestill.Fitzpierslostnotamomentinrisingandgoingtoherside.

"Ifrightenedyoudreadfully,Iknow,"hesaid."Ioughttohavespoken;butIdidnotatfirstexpectittobeyou.Ihavebeensittinghereeversince."

Hewasactuallysupportingherwithhisarm,asthoughundertheimpressionthat she was quite overcome, and in danger of falling. As soon as she couldcollectherideasshegentlywithdrewfromhisgrasp,andexplainedwhatshehadreturnedfor:ingettingupordownfromthegig,orwhensittingbythehutfire,shehaddroppedherpurse.

"Nowwewillfindit,"saidFitzpiers.

Hethrewanarmfuloflastyear'sleavesontothefire,whichmadetheflameleap higher, and the encompassing shades to weave themselves into a densercontrast,turningeveintonightinamoment.Bythisradiancetheygropedaboutontheirhandsandknees,tillFitzpiersrestedonhiselbow,andlookedatGrace."Wemust alwaysmeet inoddcircumstances," he said; "and this is oneof theoddest.Iwonderifitmeansanything?"

"Ohno,Iamsureitdoesn't,"saidGraceinhaste,quicklyassuminganerectposture."Praydon'tsayitanymore."

"Ihopetherewasnotmuchmoneyinthepurse,"saidFitzpiers,risingtohisfeetmoreslowly,andbrushingtheleavesfromhistrousers.

"Scarcelyany.Icaredmostabout thepurse itself,becauseitwasgivenme.Indeed,money isof littlemoreuseatHintock thanonCrusoe's island; there'shardlyanywayofspendingit."

TheyhadgivenupthesearchwhenFitzpiersdiscernedsomethingbyhisfoot."Hereitis,"hesaid,"sothatyourfather,mother,friend,orADMIRERwillnothavehisorherfeelingshurtbyasenseofyournegligenceafterall."

"Oh,heknowsnothingofwhatIdonow."

"Theadmirer?"saidFitzpiers,slyly.

"Idon'tknowifyouwouldcallhimthat,"saidGrace,withsimplicity."Theadmirerisasuperficial,conditionalcreature,andthispersonisquitedifferent."

"Hehasallthecardinalvirtues."

"Perhaps—thoughIdon'tknowthemprecisely."

"Youunconsciouslypractisethem,MissMelbury,whichisbetter.AccordingtoSchleiermacher theyareSelf-control,Perseverance,Wisdom,andLove;andhisisthebestlistthatIknow."

"Iamafraidpoor—"ShewasgoingtosaythatshefearedWinterborne—thegiverofthepurseyearsbefore—hadnotmuchperseverance,thoughhehadallthe other three; but she determined to go no further in this direction, andwassilent.

Thesehalf-revelationsmadeaperceptibledifferenceinFitzpiers.Hissenseofpersonalsuperioritywastedaway,andGraceassumedinhiseyesthetrueaspectofamistressinherlover'sregard.

"Miss Melbury," he said, suddenly, "I divine that this virtuous man youmentionhasbeenrefusedbyyou?"

Shecoulddonootherwisethanadmitit.

"I do not inquire without good reason. God forbid that I should kneel inanother'splaceatanyshrineunfairly.But,mydearMissMelbury,nowthatheisgone,mayIdrawnear?"

"I—Ican'tsayanythingaboutthat!"shecried,quickly."Becausewhenamanhasbeenrefusedyoufeelpityforhim,andlikehimmorethanyoudidbefore."

ThisincreasingcomplicationaddedstillmorevaluetoGraceinthesurgeon'seyes:itrenderedheradorable."Butcannotyousay?"hepleaded,distractedly.

"I'drathernot—IthinkImustgohomeatonce."

"Ohyes,"saidFitzpiers.Butashedidnotmoveshefeltitawkwardtowalkstraight away from him; and so they stood silently together. A diversion wascreatedby the accident of twobirds, that had either been roosting above theirheads or nesting there, tumbling one over the other into the hot ashes at theirfeet,apparentlyengrossedinadesperatequarrel thatpreventedtheuseoftheirwings.Theyspeedilyparted,however,andflewup,andwereseennomore.

"That'stheendofwhatiscalledlove!"saidsomeone.

The speaker was neither Grace nor Fitzpiers, but Marty South, whoapproachedwithherfaceturneduptotheskyinherendeavortotracethebirds.Suddenly perceiving Grace, she exclaimed, "Oh, Miss Melbury! I have beenfollowing they pigeons, and didn't see you.And here'sMr.Winterborne!" shecontinued,shyly,asshelookedtowardsFitzpiers,whostoodinthebackground.

"Marty,"Grace interrupted. "Iwant you towalkhomewithme—will you?Comealong."AndwithoutlingeringlongershetookholdofMarty'sarmandledheraway.

They went between the spectral arms of the peeled trees as they lay, andonwardamong thegrowing trees,byapathwhere therewerenooaks,andnobarking, and no Fitzpiers—nothing but copse-wood, between which theprimrosescouldbediscerned inpalebunches. "Ididn'tknowMr.Winterbornewas there," said Marty, breaking the silence when they had nearly reachedGrace'sdoor.

"Norwashe,"saidGrace.

"But,MissMelbury,Isawhim."

"No," said Grace. "It was somebody else. GilesWinterborne is nothing tome."

CHAPTERXX.

The leaves overHintockgrewdenser in their substance, and thewoodlandseemed to change from an open filigree to a solid opaque body of infinitelylarger shape and importance. The boughs cast green shades, which hurt thecomplexionofthegirlswhowalkedthere;andafringeofthemwhichoverhungMr. Melbury's garden dripped on his seed-plots when it rained, pitting theirsurfacealloveraswithpock-marks,tillMelburydeclaredthatgardensinsuchaplacewerenogoodatall.Thetwotreesthathadcreakedallthewinterleftoffcreaking, the whir of the night-jar, however, forming a very satisfactorycontinuationofuncannymusicfromthatquarter.Exceptatmid-daythesunwasnot seen complete by theHintock people, but rather in the form of numerouslittlestarsstaringthroughtheleaves.

SuchanappearanceithadonMidsummerEveof thisyear,andasthehourgrew later, and nine o'clock drew on, the irradiation of the daytime becamebroken up byweird shadows and ghostly nooks of indistinctness. Imaginationcouldtraceuponthetrunksandboughsstrangefacesandfiguresshapedbythedying lights; the surfaces of the holly-leaves would here and there shine likepeepingeyes,whilesuchfragmentsoftheskyaswerevisiblebetweenthetrunksassumed the aspect of sheeted forms and cloven tongues.Thiswas before themoonrise.Lateron,whenthatplanetwasgettingcommandoftheupperheaven,andconsequentlyshiningwithanunbrokenfaceintosuchopengladesastherewere in theneighborhoodof thehamlet, itbecameapparent that themarginofthewoodwhichapproachedthetimber-merchant'spremiseswasnottobelefttothecustomarystillnessofthatreposefultime.

Fitzpiershavingheardavoiceorvoices,waslookingoverhisgardengate—wherehenowlookedmorefrequentlythanintohisbooks—fancyingthatGracemightbeabroadwithsomefriends.Hewasnowirretrievablycommittedinheart

to Grace Melbury, though he was by no means sure that she was so farcommitted tohim.That the Ideahad foroncecompletely fulfilled itself in theobjective substance—which he had hitherto deemed an impossibility—hewasenchantedenough to fancymustbe thecaseat last. ItwasnotGracewhohadpassed, however, but several of the ordinary village girls in a group—somesteadilywalking,someinamoodofwildgayety.Hequietlyaskedhislandlady,whowasalsoin thegarden,what thesegirlswereintending,andsheinformedhimthatitbeingOldMidsummerEve,theywereabouttoattemptsomespellorenchantmentwhichwouldaffordthemaglimpseoftheirfuturepartnersforlife.Shedeclared it tobe anungodlyperformance, andonewhich she forherpartwould never countenance; sayingwhich, she entered her house and retired tobed.

Theyoungman litacigarandfollowed thebevyofmaidensslowlyup theroad.TheyhadturnedintothewoodatanopeningbetweenMelbury'sandMartySouth's; but Fitzpiers could easily track them by their voices, low as theyendeavoredtokeeptheirtones.

InthemeantimeotherinhabitantsofLittleHintockhadbecomeawareofthenocturnalexperimentabouttobetried,andwerealsosaunteringstealthilyafterthefriskymaidens.MissMelburyhadbeeninformedbyMartySouthduringthedayof theproposedpeep into futurity, and,beingonlyagirl like the rest, shewassufficientlyinterestedtowishtoseetheissue.Themoonwassobrightandthe night so calm that she had no difficulty in persuading Mrs. Melbury toaccompany her; and thus, joined by Marty, these went onward in the samedirection.

Passing Winterborne's house, they heard a noise of hammering. Martyexplained it. Thiswas the last night onwhich his paternal roofwould shelterhim, the days of grace since it fell into hand having expired; and Giles wastaking down his cupboards and bedsteads with a view to an early exit nextmorning.HisencounterwithMrs.Charmondhadcosthimdearly.

When they had proceeded a little farther Marty was joined by GrammerOliver(whowasasyoungastheyoungestinsuchmatters),andGraceandMrs.Melburywentonby themselves till theyhadarrivedat thespotchosenby thevillagedaughters,whoseprimary intentionofkeeping theirexpeditionasecrethadbeenquitedefeated.Graceandherstep-motherpausedbyaholly-tree;andat a little distance stood Fitzpiers under the shade of a young oak, intently

observingGrace,whowasinthefullraysofthemoon.

He watched her without speaking, and unperceived by any butMarty andGrammer,whohaddrawnuponthedarksideofthesamehollywhichshelteredMrs. andMissMelbury on its bright side. The two former conversed in lowtones.

"IftheytwocomeupinWoodnextMidsummerNightthey'llcomeasone,"saidGrammer, signifyingFitzpiers andGrace. "Insteadofmyskellingtonhe'llcarryhomeherlivingcarcassbeforelong.Butthoughshe'saladyinherself,andworthyof any suchashe, it do seem tome thatheought tomarry somebodymoreofthesortofMrs.Charmond,andthatMissGraceshouldmakethebestofWinterborne."

Martyreturnednocomment;andatthatminutethegirls,someofwhomwerefromGreatHintock,wereseenadvancingtoworktheincantation,itbeingnowaboutmidnight.

"Directlyweseeanythingwe'llrunhomeasfastaswecan,"saidone,whosecouragehadbeguntofailher.Tothistherestassented,notknowingthatadozenneighborslurkedinthebushesaround.

"Iwishwehadnot thoughtof tryingthis,"saidanother,"buthadcontentedourselveswiththehole-diggingto-morrowattwelve,andhearingourhusbands'trades.ItistoomuchlikehavingdealingswiththeEvilOnetotrytoraisetheirforms."

However,theyhadgonetoofartorecede,andslowlybegantomarchforwardinaskirmishinglinethroughthetreestowardsthedeeperrecessesofthewood.As far as the listeners could gather, the particular form of black-art to bepractisedon thisoccasionwasoneconnectedwith thesowingofhemp-seed,ahandfulofwhichwascarriedbyeachgirl.Atthemomentoftheiradvancetheylooked back, and discerned the figure ofMissMelbury,who, alone of all theobservers, stood in the full face of the moonlight, deeply engrossed in theproceedings.Bycontrastwithherlifeoflateyearstheymadeherfeelasifshehad receded a couple of centuries in the world's history. She was rendereddoublyconspicuousbyherlightdress,andafterafewwhisperedwords,oneofthegirls—abouncingmaiden,plighted toyoungTimothyTangs—askedher ifshewouldjoinin.Grace,withsomeexcitement,saidthatshewould,andmoved

onalittleintherearoftherest.

Soonthelistenerscouldhearnothingoftheirproceedingsbeyondthefaintestoccasionalrustleofleaves.GrammerwhisperedagaintoMarty:"Whydidn'tyegoandtryyourluckwiththerestofthemaids?"

"Idon'tbelieveinit,"saidMarty,shortly.

"Why,halftheparishishere—thesillyhussiesshouldhavekeptitquiet.IseeMr.Winterborne through the leaves, justcomeupwithRobertCreedle.Marty,weoughttoacttheparto'Providencesometimes.Dogoandtellhimthatifhestands just behind the bush at the bottom of the slope,MissGracemust passdownitwhenshecomesback,andshewillmostlikelyrushintohisarms;forassoonastheclockstrikes,they'llbundlebackhome—alonglikehares.I'veseensuchlarriesbefore."

"DoyouthinkI'dbetter?"saidMarty,reluctantly.

"Ohyes,he'llblessyeforit."

"Idon'twant thatkindofblessing."Butafteramoment's thoughtshewentanddeliveredtheinformation;andGrammerhadthesatisfactionofseeingGileswalk slowly to the bend in the leafy defile alongwhichGracewould have toreturn.

Meanwhile Mrs. Melbury, deserted by Grace, had perceived Fitzpiers andWinterborne, and also themove of the latter. An improvement onGrammer'sidea entered themind ofMrs.Melbury, for she had lately discernedwhat herhusbandhadnot—thatGracewasrapidlyfascinatingthesurgeon.ShethereforedrewneartoFitzpiers.

"You should be where Mr. Winterborne is standing," she said to him,significantly."Shewillrundownthroughthatopeningmuchfasterthanshewentupit,ifsheisliketherestofthegirls."

Fitzpiersdidnotrequiretobetoldtwice.HewentacrosstoWinterborneandstoodbesidehim.Eachknewtheprobablepurposeoftheotherinstandingthere,andneither spoke,Fitzpiers scorning to lookuponWinterborneasa rival, andWinterborneadhering to theoff-handmannerof indifferencewhichhadgrownuponhimsincehisdismissal.

NeitherGrammernorMartySouthhad seen the surgeon'smanoeuvre, and,still to help Winterborne, as she supposed, the old woman suggested to thewood-girl that she should walk forward at the heels of Grace, and "tole" herdown the requiredway if she showed a tendency to run in another direction.PoorMarty, always doomed to sacrifice desire to obligation, walked forwardaccordingly,andwaitedasabeacon,stillandsilent,fortheretreatofGraceandhergiddycompanions,nowquiteoutofhearing.

The first sound to break the silencewas the distant note ofGreatHintockclockstrikingthesignificanthour.Aboutaminutelaterthatquarterofthewoodtowhichthegirlshadwanderedresoundedwiththeflappingofdisturbedbirds;then two or three hares and rabbits bounded down the glade from the samedirection, and after these the rustling and crackling of leaves and dead twigsdenoted the hurried approach of the adventurers,whose fluttering gowns soonbecamevisible.MissMelbury,havinggoneforwardquiteintherearoftherest,was one of the first to return, and the excitement being contagious, she ranlaughing towards Marty, who still stood as a hand-post to guide her; then,passingon,sheflewroundthefatalbushwheretheundergrowthnarrowedtoagorge.Marty arrived at her heels just in time to see the result. Fitzpiers hadquickly stepped forward in front ofWinterborne, who, disdaining to shift hisposition, had turned on his heel, and then the surgeon didwhat hewould nothavethoughtofdoingbutforMrs.Melbury'sencouragementandthesentimentof an evewhich effaced conventionality. Stretching out his arms as thewhitefigureburstuponhim,hecapturedherinamoment,asifshehadbeenabird.

"Oh!"criedGrace,inherfright.

"Youareinmyarms,dearest,"saidFitzpiers,"andIamgoingtoclaimyou,andkeepyouthereallourtwolives!"

She rested on him like one utterly mastered, and it was several secondsbefore she recovered from this helplessness. Subdued screams and struggles,audible from neighboring brakes, revealed that there had been other lurkersthereabout for a similar purpose. Grace, unlike most of these companions ofhers,insteadofgaspingandwrithing,saidinatremblingvoice,"Mr.Fitzpiers,willyouletmego?"

"Certainly,"hesaid,laughing;"assoonasyouhaverecovered."

Shewaitedanotherfewmoments,thenquietlyandfirmlypushedhimaside,andglidedonherpath,themoonwhiteningherhotblushaway.Butithadbeenenough—newrelationsbetweenthemhadbegun.

Thecaseoftheothergirlswasdifferent,ashasbeensaid.Theywrestledandtittered, only escaping after a desperate struggle. Fitzpiers could hear theseenactmentsstillgoingonafterGracehadlefthim,andheremainedonthespotwherehehadcaughther,Winterbornehavinggoneaway.OnasuddenanothergirlcameboundingdownthesamedescentthathadbeenfollowedbyGrace—afine-framedyoungwomanwithnakedarms.SeeingFitzpiersstandingthere,shesaid,withplayfuleffrontery,"May'stkissmeif'canstcatchme,Tim!"

FitzpiersrecognizedherasSukeDamson,ahoydenishdamselofthehamlet,whowasplainlymistakinghim for her lover.Hewas impulsivelydisposed toprofitbyhererror,andassoonasshebeganracingawayhestartedinpursuit.

Onshewentundertheboughs,nowinlight,nowinshade,lookingoverhershoulder at him every few moments and kissing her hand; but so cunninglydodgingaboutamongthetreesandmoon-shadesthatsheneverallowedhimtogetdangerouslynearher.Thustheyrananddoubled,Fitzpierswarmingwiththechase,tillthesoundoftheircompanionshadquitediedaway.Hebegantolosehope of ever overtaking her,when all at once, byway of encouragement, sheturnedtoafenceinwhichtherewasastileandleapedoverit.Outsidethescenewasachangedone—ameadow,wherethehalf-madehaylayaboutinheaps,intheuninterruptedshineofthenowhighmoon.

Fitzpierssawinamomentthat,havingtakentoopenground,shehadplacedherselfathismercy,andhepromptlyvaultedoverafterher.She flitteda littlewaydownthemead,whenallatonceherlightformdisappearedasifithadsunkintotheearth.Shehadburiedherselfinoneofthehay-cocks.

Fitzpiers,nowthoroughlyexcited,wasnotgoingtoletherescapehimthus.Heapproached,andsetaboutturningovertheheapsonebyone.Assoonashepaused,tantalizedandpuzzled,hewasdirectedanewbyanimitativekisswhichcame from her hiding-place, and by snatches of a local ballad in the smallestvoiceshecouldassume:

"Ocomeinfromthefoggy,foggydew."

Inaminuteortwoheuncoveredher.

"Oh,'tisnotTim!"saidshe,buryingherface.

Fitzpiers, however, disregarded her resistance by reason of its mildness,stoopedandimprintedthepurposedkiss,thensunkdownonthenexthay-cock,pantingwithhisrace.

"WhomdoyoumeanbyTim?"heasked,presently.

"Myyoungman,TimTangs,"saidshe.

"Now,honorbright,didyoureallythinkitwashe?"

"Ididatfirst."

"Butyoudidn'tatlast?"

"Ididn'tatlast."

"Doyoumuchmindthatitwasnot?"

"No,"sheanswered,slyly.

Fitzpiersdidnotpursuehisquestioning.InthemoonlightSukelookedverybeautiful, the scratches and blemishes incidental to her out-door occupationbeinginvisibleunderthesepalerays.Whiletheyremainsilentthecoarsewhiroftheeternalnight-jarburstsarcasticallyfromthetopofatreeatthenearestcornerofthewood.Besidesthisnotasoundofanykindreachedtheirears,thetimeofnightingales being now past, and Hintock lying at a distance of twomiles atleast.Intheoppositedirectionthehay-fieldstretchedawayintoremotenesstillitwaslosttotheeyeinasoftmist.

CHAPTERXXI.

WhenthegeneralstampedeoccurredWinterbornehadalsobeenlookingon,

andencounteringoneofthegirls,hadaskedherwhatcausedthemalltofly.

She said with solemn breathlessness that they had seen something verydifferent fromwhat they had hoped to see, and that she for onewould neverattempt such unholy ceremonies again. "We saw Satan pursuing us with hishour-glass.Itwasterrible!"

This accountbeinga little incoherent,Gileswent forward towards the spotfromwhichthegirlshadretreated.Afterlisteningthereafewminutesheheardslowfootstepsrustlingovertheleaves,andlookingthroughatangledscreenofhoneysucklewhichhungfromabough,hesawintheopenspacebeyondashortstoutmaninevening-dress,carryingononearmalightovercoatandalsohishat,so awkwardly arranged as possibly to have suggested the "hour-glass" to histimidobservers—ifthiswerethepersonwhomthegirlshadseen.Withtheotherhand he silently gesticulated and the moonlight falling upon his bare browshowedhimtohavedarkhairandahighforeheadoftheshapeseenoftenerinoldprintsandpaintingsthaninreallife.Hiscuriousandaltogetheralienaspect,hisstrangegestures,likethoseofonewhoisrehearsingascenetohimself,andtheunusualplaceandhour,weresufficienttoaccountforanytrepidationamongtheHintockdaughtersatencounteringhim.

He paused, and looked round, as if he had forgotten where he was; notobservingGiles,whowasof thecolorofhisenvironment.Thelatteradvancedintothelight.ThegentlemanhelduphishandandcametowardsGiles,thetwomeetinghalf-way.

"Ihavelostmyway,"saidthestranger."Perhapsyoucanputmeinthepathagain."Hewipedhis foreheadwith theairofone sufferingunder anagitationmorethanthatofsimplefatigue.

"Theturnpike-roadisoverthere,"saidGiles

"I don't want the turnpike-road," said the gentleman, impatiently. "I camefromthat.IwantHintockHouse.Istherenotapathtoitacrosshere?"

"Well,yes,asortofpath.Butitishardtofindfromthispoint.I'llshowyoutheway,sir,withgreatpleasure."

"Thanks, my good friend. The truth is that I decided to walk across thecountryafterdinnerfromthehotelatSherton,whereIamstayingforadayor

two.ButIdidnotknowitwassofar."

"Itisaboutamiletothehousefromhere."

Theywalkedontogether.Astherewasnopath,Gilesoccasionallysteppedinfront and bent aside the underboughs of the trees to give his companion apassage, saying every now and then when the twigs, on being released, flewbacklikewhips,"Mindyoureyes,sir."Towhichthestrangerreplied,"Yes,yes,"inapreoccupiedtone.

So theywent on, the leaf-shadows running in their usual quick successionovertheformsofthepedestrians,tillthestrangersaid,

"Isitfar?"

"Notmuchfarther,"saidWinterborne."Theplantationrunsupintoacornerhere,closebehindthehouse."Headdedwithhesitation,"Youknow,Isuppose,sir,thatMrs.Charmondisnotathome?"

"Youmistake," said theother, quickly. "Mrs.Charmondhasbeen away forsometime,butshe'sathomenow."

Giles did not contradict him, though he felt sure that the gentleman waswrong.

"Youareanativeofthisplace?"thestrangersaid.

"Yes."

"Well,youarehappyinhavingahome.ItiswhatIdon'tpossess."

"Youcomefromfar,seemingly?"

"IcomenowfromthesouthofEurope."

"Oh, indeed, sir. You are an Italian, or Spanish, or French gentleman,perhaps?"

"Iamnoteither."

Gilesdidnotfillthepausewhichensued,andthegentleman,whoseemedof

anemotionalnature,unabletoresistfriendship,atlengthansweredthequestion.

"IamanItalianizedAmerican,aSouthCarolinianbybirth,"hesaid."I leftmynativecountryonthefailureoftheSoutherncause,andhaveneverreturnedtoitsince."

He spokenomoreabouthimself, and theycame to thevergeof thewood.Here,stridingoverthefenceoutupontheuplandsward,theycouldatonceseethe chimneys of the house in the gorge immediately beneath their position,silent,still,andpale.

"Canyoutellmethetime?"thegentlemanasked."Mywatchhasstopped."

"Itisbetweentwelveandone,"saidGiles.

His companion expressed his astonishment. "I thought it between nine andtenatlatest!Dearme—dearme!"

HenowbeggedGiles to return,andofferedhimagoldcoin,which lookedlikeasovereign,fortheassistancerendered.Gilesdeclinedtoacceptanything,tothesurpriseofthestranger,who,onputtingthemoneybackintohispocket,said, awkwardly, "I offered it because Iwant you to utter noword about thismeetingwithme.Willyoupromise?"

Winterborne promised readily. He thereupon stood still while the otherascended the slope. At the bottom he looked back dubiously. Giles would nolongerremainwhenhewassoevidentlydesiredtoleave,andreturnedthroughtheboughstoHintock.

Hesuspectedthatthisman,whoseemedsodistressedandmelancholy,mightbe that lover and persistent wooer ofMrs. Charmondwhom he had heard sofrequently spokenof, andwhom itwas said shehad treatedcavalierly.ButhereceivednoconfirmationofhissuspicionbeyondareportwhichreachedhimafewdayslaterthatagentlemanhadcalleduptheservantswhoweretakingcareofHintockHouseatanhourpastmidnight;andonlearningthatMrs.Charmond,thoughreturnedfromabroad,wasasyetinLondon,hehadswornbitterly,andgoneawaywithoutleavingacardoranytraceofhimself.

The girlswho related the story added that he sighed three times before heswore, but this part of the narrative was not corroborated. Anyhow, such a

gentlemanhaddrivenawayfromthehotelatShertonnextdayinacarriagehiredatthatinn.

CHAPTERXXII.

Thesunny,leafyweekwhichfollowedthetenderdoingsofMidsummerEvebroughtavisitortoFitzpiers'sdoor;avoicethatheknewsoundedinthepassage.Mr.Melburyhadcalled.Atfirsthehadaparticularobjectiontoentertheparlor,becausehisbootsweredusty,butasthesurgeoninsistedhewaivedthepointandcamein.

Lookingneithertotherightnortotheleft,hardlyatFitzpiershimself,heputhishatunderhischair,andwithapreoccupiedgazeat the floor,hesaid,"I'vecalled to ask you, doctor, quite privately, a question that troubles me. I've adaughter,Grace,anonlydaughter,asyoumayhaveheard.Well,she'sbeenoutin the dew—onMidsummerEve in particular shewent out in thin slippers towatch some vagary of the Hintock maids—and she's got a cough, a distincthemmingandhacking,thatmakesmeuneasy.Now,Ihavedecidedtosendherawaytosomeseasideplaceforachange—"

"Sendheraway!"Fitzpiers'scountenancehadfallen.

"Yes.Andthequestionis,wherewouldyouadvisemetosendher?"

Thetimber-merchanthadhappenedtocallatamomentwhenFitzpierswasatthe spring-tideofa sentiment thatGracewasanecessityofhisexistence.Thesudden pressure of her form upon his breast as she came headlong round thebushhadneverceasedtolingerwithhim,eversinceheadoptedthemanoeuvreforwhichthehourandthemoonlightandtheoccasionhadbeentheonlyexcuse.Nowshewastobesentaway.Ambition?itcouldbepostponed.Family?cultureand reciprocity of tastes had taken the place of family nowadays.He allowedhimselftobecarriedforwardonthewaveofhisdesire.

"Howstrange,howverystrangeitis,"hesaid,"thatyoushouldhavecometomeaboutherjustnow.Ihavebeenthinkingeverydayofcomingtoyouonthe

verysameerrand."

"Ah!—youhavenoticed,too,thatherhealth——"

"Ihavenoticednothingthematterwithherhealth,becausethereisnothing.But,Mr.Melbury, Ihaveseenyourdaughterseveral timesbyaccident. Ihaveadmired her infinitely, and I was coming to ask you if I may become betteracquaintedwithher—paymyaddressestoher?"

Melburywas looking down as he listened, and did not see the air of half-misgivingathisownrashness thatspreadoverFitzpiers's faceashemade thisdeclaration.

"Youhave—gottoknowher?"saidMelbury,aspellofdeadsilencehavingprecededhisutterance,duringwhichhisemotionrosewithalmostvisibleeffect.

"Yes,"saidFitzpiers.

"Andyouwishtobecomebetteracquaintedwithher?Youmeanwithaviewtomarriage—ofcoursethatiswhatyoumean?"

"Yes,"saidtheyoungman."Imean,getacquaintedwithher,withaviewtobeing her accepted lover; and if we suited each other, what would naturallyfollow."

The timber-merchant was much surprised, and fairly agitated; his handtrembledashelaidbyhiswalking-stick."Thistakesmeunawares,"saidhe,hisvoicewellnighbreakingdown."Idon'tmeanthatthereisanythingunexpectedinagentlemanbeingattractedbyher;but itdidnotoccur tomethat itwouldbeyou. I always said," continued he, with a lump in his throat, "that my Gracewouldmakeamarkatherownlevelsomeday.ThatwaswhyIeducatedher.Isaid tomyself, 'I'll do it, costwhat itmay;' thoughhermother-lawwasprettyfrightenedatmypayingoutsomuchmoneyyearafteryear.Iknewitwouldtellintheend. 'Whereyou'venotgoodmaterial toworkon,suchdoingswouldbewasteandvanity,'Isaid.'Butwhereyouhavethatmaterialitissuretobeworthwhile.'"

"I amgladyoudon'tobject," saidFitzpiers, almostwishing thatGracehadnotbeenquitesocheapforhim.

"IfsheiswillingIdon'tobject,certainly.Indeed,"addedthehonestman,"itwouldbedeceit if Iwere topretend to feel anythingelse thanhighlyhonoredpersonally;anditisagreatcredittohertohavedrawntoheramanofsuchgoodprofessional station and venerable old family. That huntsman-fellow littlethoughthowwronghewasabouther!Takeherandwelcome,sir."

"I'llendeavortoascertainhermind."

"Yes,yes.Butshewillbeagreeable,Ishouldthink.Sheoughttobe."

"Ihopeshemay.Well,nowyou'llexpecttoseemefrequently."

"Ohyes.But,nameitall—abouthercough,andhergoingaway.IhadquiteforgotthatthatwaswhatIcameabout."

"Iassureyou,"saidthesurgeon,"thathercoughcanonlybetheresultofaslightcold,anditisnotnecessarytobanishhertoanyseasideplaceatall."

Melbury lookedunconvinced,doubtingwhetherheought to takeFitzpiers'sprofessionalopinion incircumstanceswhichnaturally ledhim towish tokeepherthere.Thedoctorsawthis,andhonestlydreadingtolosesightofher,hesaid,eagerly, "Between ourselves, if I am successfulwith her Iwill take her awaymyself for amonth or two, as soon aswe aremarried, which I hopewill bebeforethechillyweathercomeson.Thiswillbesoverymuchbetterthanlettinghergonow."

The proposal pleasedMelburymuch. There could be hardly any danger inpostponinganydesirablechangeofairaslongasthewarmweatherlasted,andfor such a reason. Suddenly recollecting himself, he said, "Your timemust beprecious,doctor.I'llgethome-along.Iammuchobligedtoye.Asyouwillseeheroften,you'lldiscoverforyourselfifanythingseriousisthematter."

"I can assure you it is nothing," said Fitzpiers,who had seenGracemuchofteneralreadythanherfatherknewof.

WhenhewasgoneFitzpierspaused,silent,registeringhissensations,likeamanwhohasmadeaplungeforapearl intoamediumofwhichheknowsnotthedensityortemperature.Buthehaddoneit,andGracewasthesweetestgirlalive.

Asforthedepartedvisitor,hisownlastwordslingeredinMelbury'searsashewalkedhomeward;hefeltthatwhathehadsaidintheemotionofthemomentwas very stupid, ungenteel, and unsuited to a dialogue with an educatedgentleman,thesmallnessofwhosepracticewasmorethancompensatedbytheformer greatness of his family. He had uttered thoughts before they wereweighed,andalmostbeforetheywereshaped.TheyhadexpressedinacertainsensehisfeelingatFitzpiers'snews,butyettheywerenotright.Lookingontheground,andplantinghisstickateachtreadasifitwereaflag-staff,hereachedhis own precincts, where, as he passed through the court, he automaticallystoppedtolookatthemenworkingintheshedandaround.Oneofthemaskedhimaquestionaboutwagon-spokes.

"Hey?"saidMelbury,lookinghardathim.Themanrepeatedthewords.

Melbury stood; then turning suddenlyawaywithout answering,hewentupthe court and entered the house.As timewas no objectwith the journeymen,exceptasathingtogetpast,theyleisurelysurveyedthedoorthroughwhichhehaddisappeared.

"What maggot has the gaffer got in his head now?" said Tangs the elder."Sommittodowiththatchielofhis!Whenyou'vegotamaidofyerown,JohnUpjohn,thatcostsyewhatshecostshim,thatwill takethesqueakoutofyourSundayshoes,John!Butyou'llneverbetallenoughtoaccomplishsuchasshe;and'tisaluckythingforye,John,asthingsbe.Well,heoughttohaveadozen—thatwouldbringhimtoreason.Isee'emwalkingtogetherlastSunday,andwhentheycametoapuddleheliftedheroverlikeahalfpennydoll.Heoughttohaveadozen;he'dlet'emwalkthroughpuddlesforthemselvesthen."

MeanwhileMelburyhadenteredthehousewiththelookofamanwhoseesavisionbeforehim.Hiswifewas in theroom.Without takingoffhishathesatdownatrandom.

"Luce—we'vedoneit!"hesaid."Yes—thethingisasIexpected.Thespell,that I foresawmight beworked, hasworked. She's done it, and done it well.Whereisshe—Grace,Imean?"

"Upinherroom—whathashappened!"

Mr.Melburyexplained thecircumstancesascoherentlyashecould. "I toldyouso,"hesaid."Amaidlikehercouldn'tstayhidlong,eveninaplacelikethis.

ButwhereisGrace?Let'shaveherdown.Here—Gra-a-ace!"

Sheappearedafterareasonableinterval,forshewassufficientlyspoiledbythis father of hers not to put herself in a hurry, however impatient his tones."Whatisit,father?"saidshe,withasmile.

"Why,youscamp,what'sthisyou'vebeendoing?Nothomeheremorethansix months, yet, instead of confining yourself to your father's rank, makinghavocintheeducatedclasses."

Though accustomed to show herself instantly appreciative of her father'smeanings,Gracewasfairlyunabletolookanyhowbutatalossnow.

"No,no—ofcourseyoudon'tknowwhatImean,oryoupretendyoudon't;though, for my part, I believe women can see these things through a doublehedge.But I suppose Imust tell ye.Why, you've flung your grapnel over thedoctor,andhe'scomingcourtingforthwith."

"Onlythinkofthat,mydear!Don'tyoufeelitatriumph?"saidMrs.Melbury.

"Comingcourting!I'vedonenothingtomakehim,"Graceexclaimed.

"'Twasn't necessary that you should, 'Tis voluntary that rules in thesethings....Well, he has behaved very honorably, and asked my consent. You'llknowwhattodowhenhegetshere,Idaresay.Ineedn'ttellyoutomakeitallsmoothforhim."

"Youmean,toleadhimontomarryme?"

"Ido.Haven'tIeducatedyouforit?"

Gracelookedoutofthewindowandatthefireplacewithnoanimationinherface."Whyisitsettledoff-handinthisway?"saidshe,coquettishly."You'llwaittillyouhearwhatIthinkofhim,Isuppose?"

"Ohyes,ofcourse.Butyouseewhatagoodthingitwillbe."

Sheweighedthestatementwithoutspeaking.

"Youwillberestoredtothesocietyyou'vebeentakenawayfrom,"continued

herfather;"forIdon'tsupposehe'llstayherelong."

Sheadmittedtheadvantage;butitwasplainthatthoughFitzpiersexercisedacertain fascination over her when he was present, or even more, an almostpsychic influence, and though his impulsive act in the wood had stirred herfeelings indescribably, she had never regarded him in the light of a destinedhusband."Idon'tknowwhattoanswer,"shesaid."Ihavelearnedthatheisveryclever."

"He'sallright,andhe'scomingheretoseeyou."

Apremonitionthatshecouldnotresisthimifhecamestrangelymovedher."Ofcourse,father,yourememberthatitisonlylatelythatGiles—"

"Youknowthatyoucan'tthinkofhim.Hehasgivenupallclaimtoyou."

She could not explain the subtleties of her feeling as he could state hisopinion, even though she had skill in speech, and her father had none. ThatFitzpiers acted upon her like a dram, exciting her, throwing her into a novelatmospherewhichbiassedherdoingsuntiltheinfluencewasover,whenshefeltsomethingofthenatureofregretforthemoodshehadexperienced—stillmoreifshereflectedonthesilent,almostsarcastic,criticismapparentinWinterborne'sairtowardsher—couldnotbetoldtothisworthycoupleinwords.

ItsohappenedthatonthisverydayFitzpierswascalledawayfromHintockbyanengagementtoattendsomemedicalmeetings,andhisvisits,therefore,didnot begin at once. A note, however, arrived from him addressed to Grace,deploring his enforced absence.As amaterial object this notewas pretty andsuperfine,anoteofasortthatshehadbeenunaccustomedtoseesinceherreturntoHintock, exceptwhena school friendwrote toher—a rare instance, for thegirls were respecters of persons, and many cooled down towards the timber-dealer'sdaughterwhenshewasoutofsight.Thusthereceiptof itpleasedher,andsheafterwardswalkedaboutwithareflectiveair.

Intheeveningherfather,whoknewthatthenotehadcome,said,"Whybeyenotsittingdowntoansweryourletter?That'swhatyoungfolksdidinmytime."

Sherepliedthatitdidnotrequireananswer.

"Oh, you know best," he said. Nevertheless, he went about his business

doubtingifshewererightinnotreplying;possiblyshemightbesomismanagingmattersastoriskthelossofanalliancewhichwouldbringhermuchhappiness.

Melbury's respect for Fitzpierswas based less on his professional position,whichwasnotmuch,thanonthestandingofhisfamilyinthecountyinby-gonedays. That implicit faith in members of long-established families, as such,irrespectiveoftheirpersonalconditionorcharacter,whichisstillfoundamongold-fashionedpeople in the ruraldistricts reached its full intensity inMelbury.His daughter's suitor was descended from a family he had heard of in hisgrandfather's timeasbeingoncegreat, a familywhichhad conferred its nameuponaneighboringvillage;how,then,couldanythingbeamissinthisbetrothal?

"I must keep her up to this," he said to his wife. "She sees it is for herhappiness;butstillshe'syoung,andmaywantalittlepromptingfromanoldertongue."

CHAPTERXXIII.

Withthisinviewhetookheroutforawalk,acustomofhiswhenhewishedto say anything specially impressive.Theirwaywasover the topof that loftyridge dividing their woodland from the cider district, whence they had in thespringbeheld themilesofapple-trees inbloom.Allwasnowdeepgreen.Thespot recalled toGrace'smind the last occasion of her presence there, and shesaid, "The promise of an enormous apple-crop is fulfilling itself, is it not? IsupposeGilesisgettinghismillsandpressesready."

This was just what her father had not come there to talk about. Withoutreplying he raised his arm, and moved his finger till he fixed it at a point."There,"hesaid,"youseethatplantationreachingoverthehilllikeagreatslug,andjustbehindthehillaparticularlygreenshelteredbottom?That'swhereMr.Fitzpiers'sfamilywerelordsofthemanorforIdon'tknowhowmanyhundredyears,andtherestandsthevillageofBuckburyFitzpiers.Awonderfulproperty'twas—wonderful!"

"Buttheyarenotlordsofthemanortherenow."

"Why,no.Butgoodandgreatthingsdieaswellaslittleandfoolish.Theonlyones representing the familynow, I believe, areourdoctor and amaiden ladylivingIdon'tknowwhere.Youcan'thelpbeinghappy,Grace,inallyingyourselfwithsucharomanticalfamily.You'llfeelasifyou'vesteppedintohistory."

"We'vebeenatHintockaslongasthey'vebeenatBuckbury;isitnotso?Yousayournameoccursinolddeedscontinually."

"Ohyes—asyeomen,copyholders,andsuchlike.Butthinkhowmuchbetterthis will be for 'ee. You'll be living a high intellectual life, such as has nowbecomenatural toyou; and though thedoctor's practice is small here, he'll nodoubt go to a dashing town when he's got his hand in, and keep a stylishcarriage,andyou'llbebroughttoknowagoodmanyladiesofexcellentsociety.Ifyoushouldevermeetmethen,Grace,youcandrivepastme,lookingtheotherway. I shouldn't expect you to speak to me, or wish such a thing, unless ithappened to be in some lonely, private placewhere 'twouldn't lower ye at all.Don't think such men as neighbor Giles your equal. He and I shall be goodfriendsenough,buthe'snotforthelikeofyou.He'slivedourroughandhomelylifehere,andhiswife'slifemustberoughandhomelylikewise."

Somuchpressurecouldnotbutproducesomedisplacement.AsGracewasleftverymuchtoherself,shetookadvantageofonefinedaybeforeFitzpiers'sreturn to drive into the aforesaid vale where stood the village of BuckburyFitzpiers.Leavingherfather'smanattheinnwiththehorseandgig,sherambledonwardtotheruinsofacastle,whichstoodinafieldhardby.ShehadnodoubtthatitrepresentedtheancientstrongholdoftheFitzpiersfamily.

The remains were few, and consisted mostly of remnants of the lowervaulting,supportedon lowstoutcolumnssurmountedby thecrochetcapitaloftheperiod.Thetwoorthreearchesofthesevaultsthatwerestillinpositionwereutilizedbytheadjoiningfarmerasshelterforhiscalves,thefloorbeingspreadwithstraw,amidwhichtheyoungcreaturesrustled,coolingtheirthirstytonguesbylickingthequaintNormancarving,whichglistenedwiththemoisture.Itwasadegradationofevensucharudeformofartasthistobetreatadsogrossly,shethought,andforthefirsttimethefamilyofFitzpiersassumedinherimaginationthehuesofamelancholyromanticism.

It was soon time to drive home, and she traversed the distance with apreoccupiedmind.Theideaofsomodernamaninscienceandaestheticsasthe

youngsurgeonspringingoutofrelicssoancientwasakindofnoveltyshehadnever before experienced. The combination lent him a social and intellectualinterestwhichshedreaded,somuchweightdiditaddtothestrangeinfluenceheexerciseduponherwheneverhecamenearher.

In an excitement which was not love, not ambition, rather a fearfulconsciousnessofhazardintheair,sheawaitedhisreturn.

Meanwhileher fatherwasawaitinghimalso. Inhishouse therewasanoldwork on medicine, published towards the end of the last century, and to puthimselfinharmonywitheventsMelburyspreadthisworkonhiskneeswhenhehaddonehisday'sbusiness,andreadaboutGalen,Hippocrates,andHerophilus—of thedogmatic, theempiric, thehermetical, andother sectsofpractitionersthathaveariseninhistory;andthenceproceededtotheclassificationofmaladiesandtherulesfortheirtreatment,aslaiddowninthisvaluablebookwithabsoluteprecision.Melburyregrettedthatthetreatisewassoold,fearingthathemightinconsequencebeunabletoholdascompleteaconversationashecouldwishwithMr.Fitzpiers,primed,nodoubt,withmorerecentdiscoveries.

Theday ofFitzpiers's return arrived, and he sent to say that hewould callimmediately.Inthelittletimethatwasaffordedforputtingthehouseinorderthesweeping of Melbury's parlor was as the sweeping of the parlor at theInterpreter'swhichwellnighchokedthePilgrim.AttheendofitMrs.Melburysatdown,foldedherhandsandlips,andwaited.Herhusbandrestlesslywalkedinandoutfromthetimber-yard,staredattheinterioroftheroom,jerkedout"ay,ay," and retreated again. Between four and five Fitzpiers arrived, hitching hishorsetothehookoutsidethedoor.

AssoonashehadwalkedinandperceivedthatGracewasnotintheroom,heseemedtohaveamisgiving.Nothinglessthanheractualpresencecouldlongkeep him to the level of this impassioned enterprise, and that lacking heappearedasonewhowishedtoretracehissteps.

Hemechanicallytalkedatwhatheconsideredawoodlandmatron's levelofthoughttillarustlingwasheardonthestairs,andGracecamein.Fitzpierswasfor once as agitated as she. Over and above the genuine emotion which sheraised in his heart there hung the sense that hewas casting a die by impulsewhichhemightnothavethrownbyjudgment.

Mr.Melburywasnotintheroom.Havingtoattendtomattersintheyard,hehad delayed putting on his afternoon coat and waistcoat till the doctor'sappearance,when,notwishingtobebackwardinreceivinghim,heenteredtheparlor hastily buttoning up those garments. Grace's fastidiousness was a littledistressedthatFitzpiersshouldseebythisactionthestrainhisvisitwasputtingupon her father; and to make matters worse for her just then, old Grammerseemed tohaveapassionfor incessantlypumping in thebackkitchen, leavingthedoorsopensothatthebangingandsplashingweredistinctabovetheparlorconversation.

WheneverthechatovertheteasankintopleasantdesultorinessMr.Melburybrokeinwithspeechesoflaboredprecisiononveryremotetopics,asifhefearedtoletFitzpiers'sminddwellcriticallyonthesubjectnearesttheheartsofall.Intruth a constrained manner was natural enough in Melbury just now, for thegreatest interest of his life was reaching its crisis. Could the real have beenbeheld insteadof thecorporealmerely, thecornerof the room inwhichhesatwould have been filled with a form typical of anxious suspense, large-eyed,tight-lipped,awaitingtheissue.Thatpaternalhopesandfearssointenseshouldbeboundupinthepersonofonechildsopeculiarlycircumstanced,andnothavedispersedthemselvesoverthelargerfieldofawholefamily,involveddangerousriskstofuturehappiness.

Fitzpiers did not stay more than an hour, but that time had apparentlyadvanced his sentiments towards Grace, once and for all, from a vaguelyliquescenttoanorganicshape.Shewouldnothaveaccompaniedhimtothedoorinresponsetohiswhispered"Come!"ifhermotherhadnotsaidinamatter-of-fact way, "Of course, Grace; go to the door withMr. Fitzpiers." AccordinglyGracewent,bothherparentsremainingintheroom.Whentheyoungpairwereinthegreatbrick-flooredhallthelovertookthegirl'shandinhis,drewitunderhisarm,andthusledherontothedoor,wherehestealthilykissedher.

She broke from him trembling, blushed and turned aside, hardly knowinghowthingshadadvancedtothis.Fitzpiersdroveoff,kissinghishandtoher,andwavingittoMelburywhowasvisiblethroughthewindow.Herfatherreturnedthesurgeon'sactionwithagreatflourishofhisownhandandasatisfiedsmile.

TheintoxicationthatFitzpiershad,asusual,producedinGrace'sbrainduringthevisitpassedoffsomewhatwithhiswithdrawal.Shefelt likeawomanwhodidnotknowwhatshehadbeendoingfortheprevioushour,butsupposedwith

trepidationthat theafternoon'sproceedings, thoughvague,hadamountedtoanengagementbetweenherselfandthehandsome,coercive,irresistibleFitzpiers.

Thisvisitwasatypeofmanywhichfolloweditduringthelongsummerdaysofthatyear.Gracewasbornealonguponastreamofreasonings,arguments,andpersuasions,supplemented,itmustbeadded,byinclinationsofherownattimes.Nowomaniswithoutaspirations,whichmaybeinnocentenoughwithincertainlimits;andGracehadbeensotrainedsocially,andeducatedintellectually,astoseeclearlyenoughapleasureinthepositionofwifetosuchamanasFitzpiers.Hismaterialstandingofitself,eitherpresentorfuture,hadlittleinittogiveherambition, but the possibilities of a refined and cultivated inner life, of subtlepsychological intercourse, had their charm. It was this rather than any vulgarideaofmarryingwellwhichcausedhertofloatwiththecurrent,andtoyieldtotheimmenseinfluencewhichFitzpiersexercisedoverherwhenevershesharedhissociety.

Anyobserverwouldshrewdlyhaveprophesiedthatwhetherornotshelovedhimasyetintheordinarysense,shewasprettysuretodosointime.

Oneeveningjustbeforedusktheyhadtakenaratherlongwalktogether,andfor a short cut homeward passed through the shrubberies ofHintockHouse—stilldeserted,andstillblanklyconfrontingwithitssightlessshutteredwindowsthe surrounding foliage and slopes. Gracewas tired, and they approached thewall,andsattogetherononeofthestonesills—stillwarmwiththesunthathadbeenpouringitsraysuponthemalltheafternoon.

"Thisplacewouldjustdoforus,woulditnot,dearest,"saidherbetrothed,astheysat,turningandlookingidlyattheoldfacade.

"Ohyes," saidGrace, plainly showing that no such fancyhad ever crossedhermind."Sheisawayfromhomestill,"Graceaddedinaminute,rathersadly,forshecouldnotforgetthatshehadsomehowlostthevaluablefriendshipoftheladyofthisbower.

"Who is?—oh, youmeanMrs. Charmond.Do you know, dear, that at onetimeIthoughtyoulivedhere."

"Indeed!"saidGrace."Howwasthat?"

Heexplained,asfarashecoulddosowithoutmentioninghisdisappointmentat finding itwas otherwise; and thenwent on: "Well, nevermind that.Now Iwanttoaskyousomething.ThereisonedetailofourweddingwhichIamsureyou will leave to me.My inclination is not to be married at the horrid littlechurch here, with all the yokels staring round at us, and a droning parsonreading."

"Where,then,canitbe?Atachurchintown?"

"No.Notatachurchatall.Ataregistryoffice.It isaquieter,snugger,andmoreconvenientplaceineveryway."

"Oh," said she,with realdistress. "Howcan Ibemarriedexcept at church,andwithallmydearfriendsroundme?"

"YeomanWinterborneamongthem."

"Yes—whynot?Youknowtherewasnothingseriousbetweenhimandme."

"Yousee,dear,anoisybell-ringingmarriageatchurchhas thisobjectioninourcase:itwouldbeathingofreportalongwayround.NowIwouldgently,asgentlyaspossible,indicatetoyouhowinadvisablesuchpublicitywouldbeifweleave Hintock, and I purchase the practice that I contemplate purchasing atBudmouth—hardlymorethantwentymilesoff.Forgivemysayingthatitwillbefarbetterifnobodythereknowswhereyoucomefrom,noranythingaboutyourparents. Your beauty and knowledge andmannerswill carry you anywhere ifyouarenothamperedbysuchretrospectivecriticism."

"Butcoulditnotbeaquietceremony,evenatchurch?"shepleaded.

"I don't see the necessity of going there!" he said, a trifle impatiently."Marriage is a civil contract, and the shorter and simpler it ismade thebetter.Peopledon'tgo to churchwhen they takeahouse,or evenwhen theymakeawill."

"Oh,Edgar—Idon'tliketohearyouspeaklikethat."

"Well,well—Ididn'tmeanto.ButIhavementionedasmuchtoyourfather,whohasmadenoobjection;andwhyshouldyou?"

Shegaveway,deemingthepointoneonwhichsheoughttoallowsentimentto give way to policy—if there were indeed policy in his plan. But she wasindefinablydepressedastheywalkedhomeward.

CHAPTERXXIV.

Heleftheratthedoorofherfather'shouse.Ashereceded,andwasclaspedout of sight by the filmy shades, he impressed Grace as a man who hardlyappertainedtoherexistenceatall.Cleverer,greaterthanherself,oneoutsidehermentalorbit, as she consideredhim,he seemed tobeher ruler rather thanher

equal,protector,anddearfamiliarfriend.

Thedisappointmentshehadexperiencedathiswish,theshockgiventohergirlish sensibilities by his irreverent views ofmarriage, togetherwith the sureand near approach of the day fixed for committing her future to his keeping,madehersorestlessthatshecouldscarcelysleepatallthatnight.Sherosewhenthesparrowsbegantowalkoutoftheroof-holes,satonthefloorofherroominthedimlight,andby-and-bypeepedoutbehindthewindow-curtains.Itwasevennowdayout-of-doors,thoughthetonesofmorningwerefeebleandwan,anditwaslongbeforethesunwouldbeperceptibleinthisovershadowedvale.Notasoundcamefromanyoftheout-housesasyet.Thetree-trunks,theroad,theout-buildings,thegarden,everyobjectworethataspectofmesmericfixitywhichthesuspensive quietude of daybreak lends to such scenes. Outside her windowhelpless immobility seemed to be combined with intense consciousness; ameditativeinertnesspossessedallthings,oppressivelycontrastingwithherownactive emotions.Beyond the roadwere some cottage roofs andorchards; overtheseroofsandovertheapple-treesbehind,highuptheslope,andbackedbytheplantationon thecrest,was thehouseyetoccupiedbyher futurehusband, therough-cast front showing whitely through its creepers. The window-shutterswere closed, the bedroom curtains closely drawn, and not the thinnest coil ofsmokerosefromtheruggedchimneys.

Somethingbrokethestillness.Thefrontdoorofthehouseshewasgazingatopenedsoftly,andtherecameout into theporchafemalefigure,wrappedinalargeshawl,beneathwhichwasvisiblethewhiteskirtofalongloosegarment.Agrayarm,stretchingfromwithintheporch,adjustedtheshawloverthewoman'sshoulders;itwaswithdrawnanddisappeared,thedoorclosingbehindher.

Thewomanwentquicklydownthebox-edgedpathbetweentheraspberriesandcurrants,andasshewalkedherwell-developedformandgaitbetrayedherindividuality. It was Suke Damson, the affianced one of simple young TimTangs.Atthebottomofthegardensheenteredtheshelterofthetallhedge,andonly the top of her head could be seen hastening in the direction of her owndwelling.

Gracehadrecognized,orthoughtsherecognized,inthegrayarmstretchingfrom the porch, the sleeve of a dressing-gown whichMr. Fitzpiers had beenwearing on her ownmemorable visit to him.Her face fired red. She had justbefore thoughtofdressingherselfand takinga lonelywalkunder the trees, so

coollygreenthisearlymorning;butshenowsatdownonherbedandfellintoreverie. It seemed as if hardly any time had passed when she heard thehouseholdmoving briskly about, and breakfast preparing down-stairs; though,onrousingherselftorobeanddescend,shefoundthatthesunwasthrowinghisrays completely over the tree-tops, a progress of natural phenomena denotingthatatleastthreehourshadelapsedsinceshelastlookedoutofthewindow.

Whenattiredshesearchedabout thehouse forher father; she foundhimatlastinthegarden,stoopingtoexaminethepotatoesforsignsofdisease.Hearingherrustle,hestoodupandstretchedhisbackandarms,saying,"Morningt'ye,Gracie.Icongratulateye.Itisonlyamonthto-daytothetime!"

Shedidnotanswer,but,without liftingherdress,wadedbetweenthedewyrowsoftallpotato-greenintothemiddleoftheplotwherehewas.

"Ihavebeenthinkingverymuchaboutmypositionthismorning—eversinceitwaslight,"shebegan,excitedly,andtremblingsothatshecouldhardlystand."AndIfeelitisafalseone.IwishnottomarryMr.Fitzpiers.Iwishnottomarryanybody;butI'llmarryGilesWinterborneifyousayImustasanalternative."

Her father's face settled into rigidity, he turnedpale, and camedeliberatelyoutoftheplotbeforeheansweredher.Shehadneverseenhimlooksoincensedbefore.

"Now,hearkentome,"hesaid."There'satimeforawomantoalterhermind;andthere'satimewhenshecannolongeralterit,ifshehasanyrighteyetoherparents'honorandtheseemlinessofthings.Thattimehascome.Iwon'tsaytoye,youSHALLmarryhim.ButIwillsaythat ifyourefuse,Ishallforeverbeashamedanda-wearyofyeasadaughter,andshalllookuponyouasthehopeofmylifenomore.Whatdoyouknowaboutlifeandwhatitcanbringforth,andhowyouought toact to leaduptobestends?Oh,youareanungratefulmaid,Grace; you've seen that fellowGiles, and he has got over ye; that'swhere thesecretlies,I'llwarrantme!"

"No,father,no!ItisnotGiles—itissomethingIcannottellyouof—"

"Well,makefoolsofusall;makeuslaughing-stocks;breakitoff;haveyourownway."

"But who knows of the engagement as yet? how can breaking it disgrace

you?"

Melburythenbydegreesadmittedthathehadmentionedtheengagementtothisacquaintanceandtothat,tillsheperceivedthatinhisrestlessnessandpridehehadpublishediteverywhere.Shewentdismallyawaytoaboweroflaurelatthetopofthegarden.Herfatherfollowedher.

"ItisthatGilesWinterborne!"hesaid,withanupbraidinggazeather.

"No, it is not; though for thatmatter you encouraged him once," she said,troubledtothevergeofdespair."ItisnotGiles,itisMr.Fitzpiers."

"You'vehadatiff—alovers'tiff—that'sall,Isuppose!"

"Itissomewoman—"

"Ay,ay;youarejealous.Theoldstory.Don'ttellme.Nowdoyoubidehere.I'llsendFitzpierstoyou.Isawhimsmokinginfrontofhishousebutaminuteby-gone."

Hewentoffhastilyoutofthegarden-gateanddownthelane.Butshewouldnot staywhere shewas;andedging througha slit in thegarden-fence,walkedaway into thewood. Just about here the treeswere large andwide apart, andtherewasnoundergrowth,sothatshecouldbeseentosomedistance;asylph-like,greenish-whitecreature,as tonedbythesunlightandleafage.Sheheardafoot-fall crushing dead leaves behind her, and found herself reconnoitered byFitzpiershimself,approachinggayandfreshasthemorningaroundthem.

Hisremotegazeatherhadbeenoneofmild interest rather thanofrapture.But she looked so lovely in the green world about her, her pink cheeks, hersimple light dress, and the delicate flexibility of hermovement acquired suchrarityfromtheirwild-woodsetting,thathiseyeskindledashedrewnear.

"Mydarling,what is it?Your father saysyouare in thepouts,and jealous,and I don't knowwhat. Ha! ha! ha! as if therewere any rival to you, exceptvegetablenature,inthishomeofrecluses!Weknowbetter."

"Jealous;ohno,it isnotso,"saidshe,gravely."That'samistakeofhisandyours,sir.Ispoketohimsocloselyaboutthequestionofmarriagewithyouthathedidnotapprehendmystateofmind."

"But there's something wrong—eh?" he asked, eying her narrowly, andbendingtokissher.Sheshrankaway,andhispurposedkissmiscarried.

"Whatisit?"hesaid,moreseriouslyforthislittledefeat.

Shemadenoanswerbeyond,"Mr.Fitzpiers,Ihavehadnobreakfast,Imustgoin."

"Come,"heinsisted,fixinghiseyesuponher."Tellmeatonce,Isay."

Itwasthegreaterstrengthagainstthesmaller;butshewasmasteredlessbyhismannerthanbyherownsenseoftheunfairnessofsilence."Ilookedoutofthe window," she said, with hesitation. "I'll tell you by-and-by. I must go in-doors.Ihavehadnobreakfast."

Byasortofdivinationhisconjecturewentstraighttothefact."NorI,"saidhe, lightly. "Indeed, I rose late to-day. I have had a broken night, or rathermorning.Agirlof thevillage—Idon'tknowhername—cameand rangatmybell as soon as it was light—between four and five, I should think it was—perfectlymaddenedwithanachingtooth.Asno-bodyheardherring,shethrewsomegravelatmywindow, tillat lastIheardherandslippedonmydressing-gownandwentdown.Thepoorthingbeggedmewithtearsinhereyestotakeouther tormentor, if Idraggedherheadoff.Downshesatandout it came—alovelymolar,notaspeckuponit;andoffshewentwithitinherhandkerchief,muchcontented,thoughitwouldhavedonegoodworkforherforfiftyyearstocome."

It was all so plausible—so completely explained. Knowing nothing of theincidentinthewoodonoldMidsummer-eve,Gracefeltthathersuspicionswereunworthyandabsurd, andwith the readinessofanhonestheart she jumpedattheopportunityofhonoringhisword.Atthemomentofhermentalliberationthebushes about the garden had moved, and her father emerged into the shadyglade."Well,Ihopeitismadeup?"hesaid,cheerily.

"Ohyes,"saidFitzpiers,withhiseyesfixedonGrace,whoseeyeswereshylybentdownward.

"Now,"saidherfather,"tellme,thepairofye,thatyoustillmeantotakeoneanotherforgoodandall;andonthestrengtho'tyoushallhaveanothercoupleofhundredpaiddown.Iswearitbythename."

Fitzpierstookherhand."Wedeclareit,dowenot,mydearGrace?"saidhe.

Relievedofherdoubt,somewhatoverawed,andeveranxioustoplease,shewasdisposedtosettlethematter;yet,womanlike,shewouldnotrelinquishheropportunity of asking a concession of some sort. "If our wedding can be atchurch,Isayyes,"sheanswered,inameasuredvoice."Ifnot,Isayno."

Fitzpierswas generous in his turn. "It shall be so," he rejoined, gracefully."Toholychurchwe'llgo,andmuchgoodmayitdous."

They returned through the bushes indoors, Grace walking, full of thoughtbetween the other two, somewhat comforted, both by Fitzpiers's ingeniousexplanation and by the sense that she was not to be deprived of a religiousceremony."Soletitbe,"shesaidtoherself."PrayGoditisforthebest."

From this hour there was no serious attempt at recalcitration on her part.Fitzpierskepthimselfcontinuallynearher,dominatingany rebellious impulse,andshapingherwillintopassiveconcurrencewithallhisdesires.Apartfromhislover-likeanxietytopossessher,thefewgoldenhundredsofthetimber-dealer,readytohand,formedawarmbackgroundtoGrace'slovelyface,andwentsomewaytoremovehisuneasinessattheprospectofendangeringhisprofessionalandsocialchancesbyanalliancewiththefamilyofasimplecountryman.

Theinterimclosedupitsperspectivesurelyandsilently.WheneverGracehadanydoubtsofherposition, thesenseofcontracting timewas likeashorteningchamber:atothermomentsshewascomparativelyblithe.Dayafterdaywaxedandwaned; theoneor twowoodmenwhosawed, shaped, spokeshavedonherfather'spremisesatthisinactiveseasonoftheyear,regularlycameandunlockedthedoorsinthemorning,lockedthemintheevening,supped,leanedovertheirgarden-gatesforawhiffofeveningair,andtocatchanylastandfarthestthrobofnewsfromtheouterworld,whichenteredandexpiredatLittleHintockliketheexhaustedswellofawaveinsomeinnermostcavernofsomeinnermostcreekofan embayed sea; yet no news interfered with the nuptial purpose at theirneighbor'shouse.Thesappygreen twig-tipsof the season'sgrowthwouldnot,shethought,beappreciablywoodieronthedayshebecameawife,sonearwasthetime;thetintsofthefoliagewouldhardlyhavechanged.Everythingwassomuchasusualthatnoitinerantstrangerwouldhavesupposedawoman'sfateto

behanginginthebalanceatthatsummer'sdecline.

But there were preparations, imaginable readily enough by those who hadspecial knowledge. In the remote and fashionable town of Sandbournesomethingwasgrowingupunder thehandsof several personswhohadneverseen Grace Melbury, never would see her, or care anything about her at all,though their creation had such interesting relation to her life that it wouldencloseherveryheartatamomentwhenthatheartwouldbeat,ifnotwithmoreemotional ardor, at leastwithmore emotional turbulence than at any previoustime.

WhydidMrs.Dollery'svan,insteadofpassingalongattheendofthesmallervillagetoGreatHintockdirect,turnoneSaturdaynightintoLittleHintockLane,and never pull up till it reached Mr. Melbury's gates? The gilding shine ofevening fell upona large, flat boxnot less thanayard square, and safely tiedwithcord,asitwashandedoutfromunderthetiltwithagreatdealofcare.Butitwasnotheavyforitssize;Mrs.Dolleryherselfcarrieditintothehouse.TimTangs, thehollow-turner,Bawtree,SukeDamson,andothers, lookedknowing,andmaderemarkstoeachotherastheywatcheditsentrance.Melburystoodatthedoorofthetimber-shedintheattitudeofamantowhomsuchanarrivalwasatriflingdomesticdetailwithwhichhedidnotcondescendtobeconcerned.Yethe well divined the contents of that box, and was in truth all the while in apleasantexaltationattheproofthatthusfar,atanyrate,nodisappointmenthadsupervened. While Mrs. Dollery remained—which was rather long, from hersenseoftheimportanceofhererrand—hewentintotheout-house;butassoonas she had had her say, been paid, and had rumbled away, he entered thedwelling,tofindtherewhatheknewheshouldfind—hiswifeanddaughterinaflutterofexcitementoverthewedding-gown,justarrivedfromtheleadingdress-makerofSandbournewatering-placeaforesaid.

DuringtheseweeksGilesWinterbornewasnowheretobeseenorheardof.AtthecloseofhistenureinHintockhehadsoldsomeofhisfurniture,packedup the rest—a few pieces endeared by associations, or necessary to hisoccupation—inthehouseofafriendlyneighbor,andgoneaway.Peoplesaidthata certain laxity had crept into his life; that he had never gone near a churchlatterly,andhadbeensometimesseenonSundayswithunblackedboots, lyingonhis elbowundera tree,withacynicalgazeat surroundingobjects.Hewaslikely to return to Hintock when the cider-making season came round, hisapparatusbeingstored there,and travelwithhismillandpressfromvillage to

village.

Thenarrow interval that stoodbefore thedaydiminishedyet.Therewas inGrace's mind sometimes a certain anticipative satisfaction, the satisfaction offeelingthatshewouldbetheheroineofanhour;moreover,shewasproud,asacultivated woman, to be the wife of a cultivated man. It was an opportunitydenied very frequently to youngwomen in her position, nowadays not a few;thoseinwhomparentaldiscoveryofthevalueofeducationhasimplantedtasteswhichparentalcirclesfailtogratify.Butwhatanattenuationwasthiscoldprideof the dream of her youth, inwhich she had pictured herselfwalking in statetowards the altar, flushed by the purple light and bloom of her own passion,withoutasinglemisgivingastothesealingofthebond,andferventlyreceivingasherdue

"Thehomageofathousandhearts;thefond,deeploveofone."

Everything had been clear then, in imagination; now something wasundefined.Shehadlittlecarkinganxieties;acuriousfatefulnessseemedtoruleher,andsheexperiencedamournfulwantofsomeonetoconfidein.

Thedayloomedsobigandnighthatherpropheticearcould,infancy,catchthe noise of it, hear the murmur of the villagers as she came out of church,imaginethejangleofthethreethin-tonedHintockbells.Thedialoguesseemedto grow louder, and the ding-ding-dong of those three crazed bells morepersistent.Sheawoke:themorninghadcome.

FivehourslatershewasthewifeofFitzpiers.

CHAPTERXXV.

The chief hotel at Sherton-Abbas was an old stone-fronted inn with ayawningarch,underwhichvehiclesweredrivenbystoopingcoachmentobackpremises of wonderful commodiousness. The windows to the street weremullioned into narrow lights, and only commanded a view of the opposite

houses;hence,perhaps,itarosethatthebestandmostluxuriousprivatesitting-roomthattheinncouldaffordover-lookedthenetherpartsoftheestablishment,wherebeyondtheyardweretobeseengardensandorchards,nowbossed,nayincrusted, with scarlet and gold fruit, stretching to infinite distance under aluminouslavendermist.Thetimewasearlyautumn,

"Whenthefairapples,redaseveningsky,Dobendthetreeuntothefruitfulground,Whenjuicypears,andberriesofblackdye,Dodanceinair,andcalltheeyesaround."

Thelandscapeconfrontingthewindowmight, indeed,havebeenpartoftheidenticalstretchofcountrywhichtheyouthfulChattertonhadinhismind.

InthisroomsatshewhohadbeenthemaidenGraceMelburytillthefingeroffatetouchedherandturnedhertoawife.Itwastwomonthsafterthewedding,and shewas alone. Fitzpiers hadwalked out to see the abbey by the light ofsunset,butshehadbeentoofatiguedtoaccompanyhim.Theyhadreachedthelaststageofalongeight-weeks'tour,andweregoingontoHintockthatnight.

Intheyard,betweenGraceandtheorchards,thereprogressedascenenaturaltothelocalityatthistimeoftheyear.Anapple-millandpresshadbeenerectedonthespot,towhichsomemenwerebringingfruitfromdiverspointsinmawn-baskets,whileothersweregrindingthem,andotherswringingdownthepomace,whosesweetjuicegushedforthintotubsandpails.Thesuperintendentoftheseproceedings, to whom the others spoke as master, was a young yeoman ofprepossessingmannerandaspect,whoseformsherecognizedinamoment.Hehad hung his coat to a nail of the out-house wall, and wore his shirt-sleevesrolled up beyond his elbows, to keep them unstained while he rammed thepomace into thebagsofhorse-hair.Fragmentsofapple-rindhadalighteduponthebrimofhishat—probablyfromtheburstingofabag—whilebrownpipsofthesamefruitwerestickingamongthedownuponhisfine,roundarms.

Sherealizedinamomenthowhehadcomethere.Downintheheartoftheapplecountrynearlyeveryfarmerkeptupacider-makingapparatusandwring-houseforhisownuse,buildingupthepomaceingreatstraw"cheeses,"astheywere called; but here, on themargin of Pomona's plain,was a debatable landneither orchard nor sylvan exclusively, where the apple produce was hardly

sufficienttowarranteachproprietorinkeepingamillofhisown.Thiswasthefield of the travelling cider-maker. His press and mill were fixed to wheelsinsteadofbeingsetup inacider-house;andwithacoupleofhorses,buckets,tubs, strainers, and an assistant or two, he wandered from place to place,derivingverysatisfactoryreturnsforhistroubleinsuchaprolificseasonasthepresent.

Thebackpartsofthetownwerejustnowaboundingwithapple-gatherings.Theystoodintheyardsincarts,baskets,andlooseheaps;andtheblue,stagnantairofautumnwhichhungovereverythingwasheavywithasweetciderysmell.Cakesofpomacelayagainstthewallsintheyellowsun,wheretheyweredryingtobeusedas fuel.Yet itwasnot thegreatmakeof theyearasyet;before thestandard crop came in there accumulated, in abundant times like this, a largesuperfluityofearlyapples,andwindfallsfromthetreesof laterharvest,whichwouldnot keep long.Thus, in thebaskets, andquivering in thehopper of themill,shesawspecimensofmixeddates, includingthemellowcountenancesofstreaked-jacks, codlins, costards, stubbards, ratheripes, and other well-knownfriendsofherravenousyouth.

Grace watched the head-manwith interest. The slightest sigh escaped her.Perhaps she thought of the day—not so far distant—when that friend of herchildhoodhadmetherbyherfather'sarrangementinthissametown,warmwithhope, thoughdiffident,and trusting inapromise rather implied thangiven.Orshemighthavethoughtofdaysearlieryet—daysofchildhood—whenhermouthwassomewhatmorereadytoreceiveakissfromhisthanwashistobestowone.However, all that was over. She had felt superior to him then, and she feltsuperiortohimnow.

Shewonderedwhyhenever looked towardsheropenwindow.Shedidnotknow that in the slight commotion caused by their arrival at the inn thatafternoonWinterbornehadcaughtsightofherthroughthearchway,hadturnedred,andwascontinuinghisworkwithmoreconcentratedattentionontheveryaccountofhisdiscovery.RobertCreedle,too,whotravelledwithGiles,hadbeenincidentallyinformedbythehostlerthatDr.Fitzpiersandhisyoungwifewereinthehotel,afterwhichnewsCreedlekeptshakinghisheadandsayingtohimself,"Ah!"veryaudibly,betweenhisthrustsatthescrewofthecider-press.

"Whythedeucedoyousighlikethat,Robert?"askedWinterborne,atlast.

"Ah,maister—'tismythoughts—'tismythoughts!...Yes,ye'velostahundredload o' timber well seasoned; ye've lost five hundred pound in good money;ye'velost thestone-winderedhousethat'sbigenoughtoholdadozenfamilies;ye'velostyourshareofhalfadozengoodwagonsandtheirhorses—alllost!—throughyourlettingslipshethatwasonceyerown!"

"GoodGod,Creedle,you'lldrivememad!"saidGiles,sternly."Don'tspeakofthatanymore!"

Thusthesubjecthadendedintheyard.Meanwhile,thepassivecauseofallthislossstillregardedthescene.Shewasbeautifullydressed;shewasseatedinthemostcomfortableroomthattheinnafforded;herlongjourneyhadbeenfullof variety, and almost luxuriously performed—for Fitzpiers did not studyeconomywherepleasurewasinquestion.HenceitperhapsarosethatGilesandallhisbelongingsseemedsorryandcommontoherforthemoment—movinginaplanesofarremovedfromherownoflatethatshecouldscarcelybelieveshehad ever found congruity therein. "No—Icouldneverhavemarriedhim!" shesaid, gently shaking her head. "Dear fatherwas right. Itwould have been toocoarsealifeforme."AndshelookedattheringsofsapphireandopaluponherwhiteandslenderfingersthathadbeengiftsfromFitzpiers.

Seeing thatGiles still kept his back turned, andwith a little of the above-described pride of life—easily to be understood, and possibly excused, in ayoung, inexperienced womanwho thought she hadmarried well—she said atlast,withasmileonherlips,"Mr.Winterborne!"

Heappearedtotakenoheed,andshesaidasecondtime,"Mr.Winterborne!"

Evennowheseemednottohear,thoughapersoncloseenoughtohimtoseetheexpressionofhisfacemighthavedoubtedit;andshesaidathirdtime,withatimid loudness, "Mr.Winterborne!What, have you forgotten my voice?" Sheremainedwithherlipspartedinawelcomingsmile.

Heturnedwithoutsurprise,andcamedeliberatelytowardsthewindow."Whydoyoucallme?"hesaid,withasternnessthattookhercompletelyunawares,hisface being now pale. "Is it not enough that you see me here moiling andmuddlingformydailybreadwhileyouaresittingthereinyoursuccess,thatyoucan'trefrainfromopeningoldwoundsbycallingoutmyname?"

She flushed, andwas struck dumb for somemoments; but she forgave his

unreasoning anger, knowing so well in what it had its root. "I am sorry Ioffendedyoubyspeaking,"shereplied,meekly."Believeme,Ididnotintendtodothat.Icouldhardlysitheresonearyouwithoutawordofrecognition."

Winterborne'shearthadswollenbig,andhiseyesgrownmoistbythistime,somuchhadthegentleanswerofthatfamiliarvoicemovedhim.Heassuredherhurriedly,andwithoutlookingather,thathewasnotangry.Hethenmanagedtoaskher,inaclumsy,constrainedway,ifshehadhadapleasantjourney,andseenmanyinterestingsights.Shespokeofafewplaces thatshehadvisited,andsothe time passed till he withdrew to take his place at one of the levers whichpulledroundthescrew.

Forgottenhervoice!Indeed,hehadnotforgottenhervoice,ashisbitternessshowed.Butthoughintheheatofthemomenthehadreproachedherkeenly,hissecond mood was a far more tender one—that which could regard herrenunciation of such as he as her glory and her privilege, his own fidelitynotwithstanding.Hecouldhavedeclaredwithacontemporarypoet—

"IfIforget,

Thesaltcreekmayforgettheocean;

IfIforget

Theheartwhenceflowsmyheart'sbrightmotion,

MayIsinkmeanlierthantheworst

Abandoned,outcast,crushed,accurst,

IfIforget.

"Thoughyouforget,

Nowordofmineshallmaryourpleasure;

Thoughyouforget,

Youfilledmybarrenlifewithtreasure,

Youmaywithdrawthegiftyougave;

Youstillarequeen,Istillamslave,

Thoughyouforget."

Shehadtearsinhereyesatthethoughtthatshecouldnotremindhimofwhathe ought to have remembered; that not herself but the pressure of events haddissipatedthedreamsoftheirearlyyouth.Gracewasthusunexpectedlyworstedinher encounterwithherold friend.Shehadopened thewindowwith a faintsenseoftriumph,buthehadturneditintosadness;shedidnotquitecomprehendthereasonwhy.Intruthitwasbecauseshewasnotcruelenoughinhercruelty.Ifyouhavetousetheknife,useit,saythegreatsurgeons;andforherownpeaceGraceshouldhavecontemnedWinterborne thoroughlyornotatall.As itwas,onclosingthewindowanindescribable,somemighthavesaiddangerous,pityquaveredinherbosomforhim.

Presentlyherhusbandenteredtheroom,andtoldherwhatawonderfulsunsettherewastobeseen.

"Ihavenotnoticedit.ButIhaveseensomebodyouttherethatweknow,"shereplied,lookingintothecourt.

Fitzpiers followed the direction of her eyes, and said he did not recognizeanybody.

"Why,Mr.Winterborne—there he is, cider-making.He combines thatwithhisotherbusiness,youknow."

"Oh—thatfellow,"saidFitzpiers,hiscuriositybecomingextinct.

She,reproachfully:"What,callMr.Winterborneafellow,Edgar?ItistrueIwasjustsayingtomyselfthatInevercouldhavemarriedhim;butIhavemuchregardforhim,andalwaysshall."

"Well, do by all means, my dear one. I dare say I am inhuman, andsupercilious,andcontemptiblyproudofmypooroldramshacklefamily;butIdohonestlyconfesstoyouthatIfeelasifIbelongedtoadifferentspeciesfromthepeoplewhoareworkinginthatyard."

"Andfrommetoo,then.Formybloodisnobetterthantheirs."

He lookedat herwith adroll sort of awakening. Itwas, indeed, a startlinganomaly that thiswoman of the tribewithout should be standing there besidehimashiswife, ifhissentimentswereashehadsaid. In their travels togethershehadrangedsounerringlyathislevelinideas,tastes,andhabitsthathehadalmostforgottenhowhishearthadplayedhavocwithhisprinciplesintakinghertohim.

"AhYOU—youarerefinedandeducatedintosomethingquitedifferent,"hesaid,self-assuringly.

"Idon'tquiteliketothinkthat,"shemurmuredwithsoftregret."AndIthinkyouunderestimateGilesWinterborne.Remember,IwasbroughtupwithhimtillIwassentawaytoschool,soIcannotberadicallydifferent.Atanyrate,Idon'tfeelso.Thatis,nodoubt,myfault,andagreatblemishinme.ButIhopeyouwillputupwithit,Edgar."

Fitzpierssaidthathewouldendeavortodoso;andasitwasnowgettingonfordusk,theypreparedtoperformthelaststageoftheirjourney,soastoarriveatHintockbeforeitgrewverylate.

In less than half an hour they started, the cider-makers in the yard havingceased their labors and gone away, so that the only sounds audible there nowwerethetricklingofthejuicefromthetightlyscrewedpress,andthebuzzofasinglewasp,whichhaddrunkitselfsotipsythatitwasunconsciousofnightfall.Gracewasverycheerful at the thoughtofbeing soon inher sylvanhome,butFitzpiers sat beside her almost silent. An indescribable oppressiveness hadovertakenhimwiththenearapproachofthejourney'sendandtherealitiesoflifethatlaythere.

"Youdon'tsayaword,Edgar,"sheobserved."Aren'tyougladtogetback?Iam."

"Youhavefriendshere.Ihavenone."

"Butmyfriendsareyours."

"Ohyes—inthatsense."

Theconversationlanguished,andtheydrewneartheendofHintockLane.Ithadbeendecidedthattheyshould,atleastforatime,takeuptheirabodeinherfather'sroomyhouse,onewingofwhichwasquiteattheirservice,beingalmostdisused by the Melburys. Workmen had been painting, papering, andwhitewashingthissetofroomsintheweddedpair'sabsence;andsoscrupuloushadbeenthetimber-dealerthatthereshouldoccurnohitchordisappointmentontheir arrival, that not the smallest detail remained undone. To make it allcomplete a ground-floor room had been fitted up as a surgery, with anindependentouterdoor,towhichFitzpiers'sbrassplatewasscrewed—formereornament, such a sign being quite superfluous where everybody knew thelatitudeandlongitudeofhisneighborsformilesround.

Melburyandhiswifewelcomed the twainwithaffection,andall thehousewithdeference.Theywentuptoexploretheirrooms,thatopenedfromapassageonthelefthandofthestaircase,theentrancetowhichcouldbeshutoffonthelandingby a door thatMelburyhadhung for thepurpose.A friendly firewasburninginthegrate,althoughitwasnotcold.Fitzpierssaiditwastoosoonforanysortofmeal,theyonlyhavingdinedshortlybeforeleavingSherton-Abbas.

Hewouldwalkacrosstohisoldlodging,tolearnhowhislocumtenenshadgotoninhisabsence.

InleavingMelbury'sdoorhelookedbackatthehouse.Therewaseconomyin livingunder that roof,andeconomywasdesirable,but insomewayhewasdissatisfiedwiththearrangement; it immersedhimsodeeplyinson-in-lawshipto Melbury. He went on to his former residence. His deputy was out, andFitzpiersfellintoconversationwithhisformerlandlady.

"Well, Mrs. Cox, what's the best news?" he asked of her, with cheeryweariness.

Shewasalittlesouredatlosingbyhismarriagesoprofitableatenantasthesurgeonhadprovedtobeduringhisresidenceunderherroof;andthemoresointherebeinghardlytheremotestchanceofhergettingsuchanothersettlerintheHintocksolitudes."'TiswhatIdon'twishtorepeat,sir;leastofalltoyou,"shemumbled.

"Nevermindme,Mrs.Cox;goahead."

"Itiswhatpeoplesayaboutyourhastymarrying,Dr.Fitzpiers.Whereastheywon'tbelieveyouknowsuchcleverdoctrinesinphysicastheyoncesupposedofye,seeingasyoucouldmarryintoMr.Melbury'sfamily,whichisonlyHintock-born,suchasme."

"They are kindly welcome to their opinion," said Fitzpiers, not allowinghimselftorecognizethathewinced."Anythingelse?"

"Yes;SHE'Scomehomeatlast."

"Who'sshe?"

"Mrs.Charmond."

"Oh,indeed!"saidFitzpiers,withbutslightinterest."I'veneverseenher."

"Shehasseenyou,sir,whetherorno."

"Never."

"Yes;shesawyouinsomehotelorstreetforaminuteortwowhileyouwereaway travelling, and accidentally heard your name; andwhen shemade someremark about you, Miss Ellis—that's her maid—told her you was on yourwedding-tower withMr.Melbury's daughter; and she said, 'He ought to havedonebetterthanthat.Ifearhehasspoiledhischances,'shesays."

Fitzpiers did not talkmuch longer to this cheering housewife, andwalkedhomewithnoverybriskstep.Heenteredthedoorquietly,andwentstraightup-stairstothedrawing-roomextemporizedfortheirusebyMelburyinhisandhisbride's absence, expecting to find her there as he had left her. The fire wasburningstill,buttherewerenolights.Helookedintothenextapartment,fittedup as a little dining-room, but no supperwas laid. Hewent to the top of thestairs, and heard a chorus of voices in the timber-merchant's parlor below,Grace'sbeingoccasionallyintermingled.

Descending,andlookingintotheroomfromthedoor-way,hefoundquitealarge gathering of neighbors and other acquaintances, praising andcongratulatingMrs. Fitzpiers on her return, among them being the dairyman,FarmerBawtree,andthemaster-blacksmithfromGreatHintock;alsothecooper,thehollow-turner, theexciseman,andsomeothers,withtheirwives,wholivedhardby.Grace, girl that shewas, hadquite forgottenher newdignity andherhusband's; she was in the midst of them, blushing, and receiving theircomplimentswithallthepleasureofold-comradeship.

Fitzpiers experienced a profound distaste for the situation. Melbury wasnowhere in the room,butMelbury'swife, perceiving thedoctor, came tohim."Wethought,GraceandI,"shesaid,"thatastheyhavecalled,hearingyouwerecome,wecoulddono less than ask them to supper; and thenGraceproposedthatweshouldallsuptogether,asitisthefirstnightofyourreturn."

By this time Grace had come round to him. "Is it not good of them towelcomeme sowarmly?" she exclaimed,with tears of friendship in her eyes."AftersomuchgoodfeelingIcouldnotthinkofourshuttingourselvesupawayfromtheminourowndining-room."

"Certainlynot—certainlynot,"saidFitzpiers;andheentered theroomwiththeheroicsmileofamartyr.

As soon as they sat down to tableMelbury came in, and seemed to see at

once that Fitzpiers would much rather have received no such demonstrativereception.Hethereuponprivatelychidhiswifeforherforwardnessinthematter.Mrs.Melburydeclared that itwas asmuchGrace's doing ashers, afterwhichtherewasnomoretobesaidbythatyoungwoman'stenderfather.BythistimeFitzpiers was making the best of his position among the wide-elbowed andgenial companywho sat eating and drinking and laughing and joking aroundhim;andgettingwarmedhimselfbythegoodcheer,wasobligedtoadmitthat,afterall,thesupperwasnottheleastenjoyablehehadeverknown.

At times, however, the words about his having spoiled his opportunities,repeatedtohimasthoseofMrs.Charmond,hauntedhimlikeahandwritingonthewall.Thenhismannerwouldbecomesuddenlyabstracted.Atonemomenthe would mentally put an indignant query whyMrs. Charmond or any otherwomanshouldmakeitherbusinesstohaveopinionsabouthisopportunities;atanotherhethoughtthathecouldhardlybeangrywithherfortakinganinterestinthedoctorofherownparish.Thenhewoulddrinkaglassofgrogandsogetridofthemisgiving.ThesehitchesandquaffingsweresoonperceivedbyGraceaswellasbyherfather;andhencebothofthemweremuchrelievedwhenthefirstof theguests todiscoverthat thehourwasgrowinglateroseanddeclaredthathemustthinkofmovinghomeward.AtthewordsMelburyroseasalertlyasifliftedbyaspring,andintenminutestheyweregone.

"Now,Grace,"saidherhusbandassoonashefoundhimselfalonewithherintheirprivateapartments,"we'vehadaverypleasantevening,andeverybodyhasbeenverykind.Butwemustcometoanunderstandingaboutourwayoflivinghere.Ifwecontinueintheseroomstheremustbenomixinginwithyourpeoplebelow.Ican'tstandit,andthat'sthetruth."

Shehadbeensadlysurprisedatthesuddennessofhisdistasteforthoseold-fashioned woodland forms of life which in his courtship he had professed toregardwithsomuchinterest.Butsheassentedinamoment.

"Wemustbesimplyyourfather'stenants,"hecontinued,"andourgoingsandcomingsmustbeasindependentasifwelivedelsewhere."

"Certainly,Edgar—Iquiteseethatitmustbeso."

"But you joined in with all those people in my absence, without knowingwhetherIshouldapproveordisapprove.WhenIcameIcouldn'thelpmyselfat

all."

She, sighing: "Yes—I see I ought to have waited; though they cameunexpectedly,andIthoughtIhadactedforthebest."

Thusthediscussionended,andthenextdayFitzpierswentonhisoldroundsasusual.Butitwaseasyforsosuper-subtleaneyeashistodiscern,ortothinkhe discerned, that he was no longer regarded as an extrinsic, unfathomedgentleman of limitless potentiality, scientific and social; but asMr.Melbury'scompeer, and therefore in a degree only one of themselves. The Hintockwoodlandlersheldwithallthestrengthofinheritedconvictiontothearistocraticprinciple,andassoonas theyhaddiscovered thatFitzpierswasoneof theoldBuckburyFitzpierses they had accorded to him for nothing a touchingof hat-brims,promptnessofservice,anddeferenceofapproach,whichMelburyhadtodowithout,thoughhepaidforitoverandover.Butnow,havingprovedatraitorto his own cause by this marriage, Fitzpiers was believed in no more as asuperior hedged by his own divinity;while as doctor he began to be rated nohigherthanoldJones,whomtheyhadsolongdespised.

His few patients seemed in his two months' absence to have dwindledconsiderablyinnumber,andnosoonerhadhereturnedthantherecametohimfromtheBoardofGuardiansacomplaintthatapauperhadbeenneglectedbyhissubstitute. In a fit of pride Fitzpiers resigned his appointment as one of thesurgeonstotheunion,whichhadbeenthenucleusofhispracticehere.

Attheendofafortnighthecamein-doorsoneeveningtoGracemorebrisklythanusual."TheyhavewrittentomeagainaboutthatpracticeinBudmouththatI once negotiated for," he said to her. "The premium asked is eight hundredpounds, and I think thatbetweenyour father andmyself it ought tobe raised.Thenwecangetawayfromthisplaceforever."

The question had been mooted between them before, and she was notunpreparedtoconsiderit.Theyhadnotproceededfarwiththediscussionwhenaknockcametothedoor,andinaminuteGrammerranuptosaythatamessagehadarrivedfromHintockHouserequestingDr.Fitzpierstoattendthereatonce.Mrs.Charmond hadmetwith a slight accident through the overturning of hercarriage.

"Thisissomething,anyhow,"saidFitzpiers,risingwithaninterestwhichhe

couldnothavedefined."IhavehadapresentimentthatthismysteriouswomanandIweretobebetteracquainted."

Thelatterwordsweremurmuredtohimselfalone.

"Good-night," said Grace, as soon as he was ready. "I shall be asleep,probably,whenyoureturn."

"Good-night,"hereplied,inattentively,andwentdown-stairs.Itwasthefirsttimesincetheirmarriagethathehadleftherwithoutakiss.

CHAPTERXXVI.

Winterborne'shousehadbeenpulleddown.Onthisaccounthisfacehadbeenseenbutfitfully inHintock;andhewouldprobablyhavedisappearedfromtheplacealtogetherbutforhisslightbusinessconnectionwithMelbury,onwhosepremisesGileskepthiscider-makingapparatus,nowthathehadnoplaceofhisowntostowitin.Cominghereoneeveningonhiswaytoahutbeyondthewoodwhere he now slept, he noticed that the familiar brown-thatched pinion of hispaternal roof had vanished from its site, and that the walls were levelled. Inpresentcircumstanceshehadafeelingforthespotthatmighthavebeencalledmorbid,andwhenhehadsuppedinthehutaforesaidhemadeuseofthesparehourbeforebedtimetoreturntoLittleHintockin the twilightandrambleoverthepatchofgroundonwhichhehadfirstseentheday.

Herepeatedthiseveningvisitonseverallikeoccasions.Eveninthegloomhecould tracewhere the different rooms had stood; couldmark the shape of thekitchen chimney-corner, in which he had roasted apples and potatoes in hisboyhood,casthisbullets,andburnedhisinitialsonarticlesthatdidanddidnotbelong to him. The apple-trees still remained to show where the garden hadbeen,theoldestofthemevennowretainingthecrippledslanttonorth-eastgiventhembythegreatNovembergaleof1824,whichcarriedabrigbodilyovertheChesilBank.Theywereatpresentbenttostillgreaterobliquitybytheheavinessof their produce.Apples bobbed against his head, and in the grass beneath hecrunchedscoresofthemashewalked.Therewasnobodytogatherthemnow.

Itwasontheeveningundernoticethat,halfsitting,halfleaningagainstoneoftheseinclinedtrunks,Winterbornehadbecomelostinhisthoughts,asusual,tillonelittlestarafteranotherhadtakenupapositioninthepieceofskywhichnow confronted him where his walls and chimneys had formerly raised theiroutlines.Thehousehadjuttedawkwardlyintotheroad,andtheopeningcausedbyitsabsencewasverydistinct.

In the silence the trot of horses and the spin of carriage-wheels becameaudible;andthevehiclesoonshapeditselfagainsttheblanksky,bearingdownuponhimwiththebendinthelanewhichhereoccurred,andofwhichthehousehad been the cause. He could discern the figure of a woman high up on thedriving-seatofaphaeton,agroombeingjustvisiblebehind.Presentlytherewasaslightscrape, thenascream.Winterbornewentacross to thespot,and foundthephaetonhalfoverturned,itsdriversittingontheheapofrubbishwhichhadoncebeenhisdwelling,andthemanseizingthehorses'heads.TheequipagewasMrs.Charmond's,andtheunseatedcharioteerthatladyherself.

Tohisinquiryifshewerehurtshemadesomeincoherentreplytotheeffectthat she did not know. The damage in other respects was little or none: thephaeton was righted, Mrs. Charmond placed in it, and the reins given to theservant. It appeared that she had been deceived by the removal of the house,imaginingthegapcausedbythedemolitiontobetheopeningoftheroad,sothatsheturnedinupontheruinsinsteadofatthebendafewyardsfartheron.

"Drivehome—drivehome!"cried the lady, impatiently;andtheystartedontheirway. They had not, however, gonemany paceswhen, the air being still,Winterborneheardhersay"Stop;tellthatmantocallthedoctor—Mr.Fitzpiers—andsendhimontotheHouse.IfindIamhurtmoreseriouslythanIthought."

Winterbornetookthemessagefromthegroomandproceededtothedoctor'satonce.Havingdeliveredit,hesteppedbackintothedarkness,andwaitedtillhehad seen Fitzpiers leave the door. He stood for a fewminutes looking at thewindowwhichbyitslightrevealedtheroomwhereGracewassitting,andwentawayunderthegloomytrees.

FitzpiersdulyarrivedatHintockHouse,whosedoorshenowsawopenforthe first time. Contrary to his expectation there was visible no sign of that

confusionoralarmwhichaseriousaccidenttothemistressoftheabodewouldhaveoccasioned.Hewas shown intoa roomat the topof the staircase, cosilyandfemininelydraped,where,bythelightoftheshadedlamp,hesawawomanoffullroundfigurereclininguponacouchinsuchapositionasnottodisturbapileofmagnificenthaironthecrownofherhead.Adeeppurpledressing-gownformedanadmirablefoiltothepeculiarlyrichbrownofherhair-plaits;herleftarm, which was naked nearly up to the shoulder, was thrown upward, andbetween the fingers of her right hand she held a cigarette, while she idlybreathedfromherplumplipsathinstreamofsmoketowardstheceiling.

Thedoctor'sfirstfeelingwasasenseofhisexaggeratedprevisioninhavingbroughtappliancesforaseriouscase;thenext,somethingmorecurious.Whilethesceneandthemomentwerenewtohimandunanticipated,thesentimentandessenceofthemomentwereindescribablyfamiliar.Whatcouldbethecauseofit?Probablyadream.

Mrs.Charmonddidnotmovemorethantoraisehereyestohim,andhecameandstoodbyher.Sheglancedupathisfaceacrossherbrowsandforehead,andthenheobservedablushcreepslowlyoverherdecidedlyhandsomecheeks.Hereyes, which had lingered upon him with an inquiring, conscious expression,werehastilywithdrawn,andshemechanicallyappliedthecigaretteagaintoherlips.

For a moment he forgot his errand, till suddenly arousing himself headdressed her, formally condoled with her, and made the usual professionalinquiriesaboutwhathadhappenedtoher,andwhereshewashurt.

"That'swhat Iwantyou to tellme," shemurmured, in tonesof indefinablereserve."Iquitebelieveinyou,forIknowyouareveryaccomplished,becauseyoustudysohard."

"I'lldomybest tojustifyyourgoodopinion,"saidtheyoungman,bowing."AndnonethelessthatIamhappytofindtheaccidenthasnotbeenserious."

"Iamverymuchshaken,"shesaid.

"Ohyes,"hereplied;andcompletedhisexamination,whichconvincedhimthat therewas really nothing thematterwith her, andmore than ever puzzledhim as to why he had been fetched, since she did not appear to be a timidwoman."Youmustrestawhile,andI'llsendsomething,"hesaid.

"Oh,Iforgot,"shereturned."Lookhere."Andsheshowedhimalittlescrapeon her arm—the full round arm thatwas exposed. "Put some court-plaster onthat,please."

Heobeyed."Andnow,"shesaid,"beforeyougoIwanttoputaquestiontoyou.Sitroundthereinfrontofme,onthatlowchair,andbringthecandles,orone, to the little table.Doyou smoke?Yes?That's right—Iam learning.Takeoneofthese;andhere'salight."Shethrewamatchboxacross.

Fitzpiers caught it, and having lit up, regarded her from his new position,which,withtheshiftingofthecandles,forthefirsttimeaffordedhimafullviewofherface."Howmanyyearshavepassedsincefirstwemet!"sheresumed,inavoicewhichshemainlyendeavoredtomaintainatitsformerpitchofcomposure,andeyinghimwithdaringbashfulness.

"WEmet,doyousay?"

She nodded. "I saw you recently at an hotel in London, when you werepassingthrough,Isuppose,withyourbride,andIrecognizedyouasoneIhadmetinmygirlhood.Doyouremember,whenyouwerestudyingatHeidelberg,anEnglishfamilythatwasstayingthere,whousedtowalk—"

"Andtheyoungladywhoworealongtailofrare-coloredhair—ah,Iseeitbeforemy eyes!—who lost her gloves on the Great Terrace—whowas goingbackinthedusktofindthem—towhomIsaid, 'I'llgoforthem,'andyousaid,'Oh, theyarenotworthcomingall thewayupagainfor.' IDOremember,andhowverylongwestayedtalkingthere!Iwentnextmorningwhilethedewwasonthegrass:theretheylay—thelittlefingersstickingoutdampandthin.Iseethemnow!Ipickedthemup,andthen—"

"Well?"

"Ikissedthem,"herejoined,rathershamefacedly.

"Butyouhadhardlyeverseenmeexceptinthedusk?"

"Nevermind.Iwasyoungthen,andIkissedthem.IwonderedhowIcouldmakethemostofmytrouvaille,anddecidedthatIwouldcallatyourhotelwiththemthatafternoon.Itrained,andIwaitedtillnextday.Icalled,andyouweregone."

"Yes," answered she, with dry melancholy. "My mother, knowing mydisposition,saidshehadnowishforsuchachitasmetogofallinginlovewithanimpecuniousstudent,andspiritedmeawaytoBaden.AsitisalloverandpastI'lltellyouonething:IshouldhavesentyoualinepassingwarmhadIknownyourname.ThatnameIneverknewtillmymaidsaid,asyoupassedupthehotelstairsamonthago,'There'sDr.Fitzpiers.'"

"GoodHeaven!"saidFitzpiers,musingly."Howthetimecomesbacktome!Theevening,themorning,thedew,thespot.WhenIfoundthatyoureallyweregoneitwasasifacoldironhadbeenpasseddownmyback.IwentuptowhereyouhadstoodwhenIlastsawyou—Iflungmyselfonthegrass,and—beingnotmuchmore than a boy—my eyeswere literally blindedwith tears.Nameless,unknowntomeasyouwere,Icouldn'tforgetyourvoice."

"Forhowlong?"

"Oh—eversolong.Daysanddays."

"Days and days!ONLYdays and days?Oh, the heart of aman!Days anddays!"

"But,mydearmadam,Ihadnotknownyoumorethanadayortwo.Itwasnotafull-blownlove—itwasthemerestbud—red,fresh,vivid,butsmall.Itwasacolossalpassioninposse,agiantinembryo.Itnevermatured."

"Somuchthebetter,perhaps."

"Perhaps. But see how powerless is the humanwill against predestination.Wewerepreventedmeeting;wehavemet.Onefeatureofthecaseremainsthesameamidmanychanges.Youarestillrich,andIamstillpoor.Betterthanthat,youhave(judgingbyyourlastremark)outgrownthefoolish,impulsivepassionsofyourearlygirl-hood.Ihavenotoutgrownmine."

"Ibegyourpardon,"saidshe,withvibrationsofstrongfeelinginherwords."I have been placed in a positionwhich hinders such outgrowings. Besides, Idon't believe that the genuine subjects of emotion do outgrow them; I believethattheoldersuchpeoplegettheworsetheyare.Possiblyatninetyorahundredtheymayfeeltheyarecured;butamerethreescoreandtenwon'tdoit—atleastforme."

Hegazedatherinundisguisedadmiration.Herewasasoulofsouls!

"Mrs.Charmond, you speak truly," he exclaimed. "But you speak sadly aswell.Whyisthat?"

"IalwaysamsadwhenIcomehere,"shesaid,droppingtoalowtonewithasenseofhavingbeentoodemonstrative.

"ThenmayIinquirewhyyoucame?"

"Aman broughtme.Women are always carried about like corks upon thewavesofmasculinedesires....IhopeIhavenotalarmedyou;butHintockhasthecuriouseffectofbottlinguptheemotionstillonecannolongerholdthem;Iamoftenobligedtoflyawayanddischargemysentimentssomewhere,orIshoulddieoutright."

"Thereisverygoodsocietyinthecountyforthosewhohavetheprivilegeofenteringit."

"Perhapsso.Butthemiseryofremotecountrylifeisthatyourneighborshaveno toleration for difference of opinion and habit.My neighbors think I am anatheist, except those who think I am a Roman Catholic; and when I speakdisrespectfullyoftheweatherorthecropstheythinkIamablasphemer."

Shebrokeintoalowmusicallaughattheidea.

"Youdon'twishmetostayanylonger?"heinquired,whenhefoundthatsheremainedmusing.

"No—Ithinknot."

"ThentellmethatIamtobegone."

"Why?Cannotyougowithout?"

"Imayconsultmyownfeelingsonly,iflefttomyself."

"Well,ifyoudo,whatthen?Doyousupposeyou'llbeinmyway?"

"Ifeareditmightbeso."

"Thenfearnomore.Butgood-night.Cometo-morrowandseeifIamgoingonright.Thisrenewalofacquaintance touchesme.Ihavealreadyafriendshipforyou."

"Ifitdependsuponmyselfitshalllastforever."

"Mybesthopesthatitmay.Good-by."

Fitzpierswentdown the stairs absolutelyunable todecidewhether shehadsentforhiminthenaturalalarmwhichmighthavefollowedhermishap,orwiththesingleviewofmakingherselfknowntohimasshehaddone,forwhichthecapsizehadaffordedexcellentopportunity.Outsidethehousehemusedoverthespotunderthelightofthestars.Itseemedverystrangethatheshouldhavecometheremore than oncewhen its inhabitantwas absent, and observed the housewithanamelessinterest;thatheshouldhaveassumedoff-handbeforeheknewGracethatitwashereshelived;that, inshort,atsundrytimesandseasonstheindividuality of Hintock House should have forced itself upon him asappertainingtosomeexistencewithwhichhewasconcerned.

TheintersectionofhistemporalorbitwithMrs.Charmond'sforadayortwointhepasthadcreatedasentimentalinterestinheratthetime,butithadbeensoevanescentthatintheordinaryonwardrollofaffairshewouldscarceeverhaverecalled it again. To find her here, however, in these somewhat romanticcircumstances,magnifiedthatby-goneandtransitorytendernesstoindescribableproportions.

OnenteringLittleHintockhefoundhimselfregardingitinanewway—fromtheHintockHousepoint of view rather than fromhis ownand theMelburys'.Thehouseholdhadallgonetobed,andashewentup-stairsheheardthesnoreof the timber-merchant from his quarter of the building, and turned into thepassage communicatingwithhisown rooms in a strange accessof sadness.Alightwas burning for him in the chamber; butGrace, though in bed,was notasleep.Inamomenthersympatheticvoicecamefrombehindthecurtains.

"Edgar,issheveryseriouslyhurt?"

FitzpiershadsoentirelylostsightofMrs.Charmondasapatientthathewasnotontheinstantreadywithareply.

"Ohno,"hesaid."Therearenobonesbroken,butsheisshaken.Iamgoing

againto-morrow."

Anotherinquiryortwo,andGracesaid,

"Didsheaskforme?"

"Well—I think she did—I don't quite remember; but I am under theimpressionthatshespokeofyou."

"Cannotyourecollectatallwhatshesaid?"

"Icannot,justthisminute."

"At any rate she did not talk much about me?" said Grace withdisappointment.

"Ohno."

"Butyoudid,perhaps,"sheadded,innocentlyfishingforacompliment.

"Ohyes—youmaydependupon that!" repliedhe,warmly, thoughscarcelythinking ofwhat hewas saying, so vividlywas there present to hismind thepersonalityofMrs.Charmond.

CHAPTERXXVII.

Thedoctor'sprofessionalvisit toHintockHousewaspromptlyrepeated thenextdayandthenext.HealwaysfoundMrs.Charmondrecliningonasofa,andbehavinggenerallyasbecameapatientwhowas innogreathurry to lose thattitle.Oneachoccasionhelookedgravelyatthelittlescratchonherarm,asifithadbeenaseriouswound.

Hehadalso,tohisfurthersatisfaction,foundaslightscaronhertemple,anditwasveryconvenienttoputapieceofblackplasteronthisconspicuouspartofherpersoninpreferencetogold-beater'sskin,sothatitmightcatchtheeyesofthe servants, andmake his presence appear decidedly necessary, in case there

shouldbeanydoubtofthefact.

"Oh—youhurtme!"sheexclaimedoneday.

Hewaspeelingoffthebitofplasteronherarm,underwhichthescrapehadturnedthecolorofanunripeblackberryprevioustovanishingaltogether."Waitamoment,then—I'lldampit,"saidFitzpiers.Heputhislipstotheplaceandkeptthemtheretilltheplastercameoffeasily."ItwasatyourrequestIputiton,"saidhe.

"Iknowit,"shereplied."Isthatblueveinstillinmytemplethatusedtoshowthere?Thescarmustbejustuponit.Ifthecuthadbeenalittledeeperitwouldhave spiltmyhotblood indeed!"Fitzpiersexaminedsoclosely thathisbreathtouched her tenderly, atwhich their eyes rose to an encounter—hers showingthemselves as deep and mysterious as interstellar space. She turned her faceawaysuddenly."Ah!noneofthat!noneofthat—Icannotcoquetwithyou!"shecried. "Don't suppose I consent to for onemoment. Our poor, brief, youthfulhouroflove-makingwastoolongagotobearcontinuingnow.Itisaswellthatweshouldunderstandeachotheronthatpointbeforewegofurther."

"Coquet!NorIwithyou.AsitwaswhenIfoundthehistoricgloves,soitisnow.Imighthavebeenandmaybefoolish;butIamnotrifler.Inaturallycannotforgetthat littlespaceinwhichIflittedacrossthefieldofyourvisioninthosedaysofthepast,andtherecollectionopensupallsortsofimaginings."

"Supposemymother had not takenme away?" shemurmured, her dreamyeyesrestingontheswayingtipofadistanttree.

"Ishouldhaveseenyouagain."

"Andthen?"

"Then the fire would have burned higher and higher. What would haveimmediatelyfollowedIknownot;butsorrowandsicknessofheartatlast."

"Why?"

"Well—that's the end of all love, according to Nature's law. I can give nootherreason."

"Oh,don'tspeaklike that,"sheexclaimed."Sinceweareonlypicturingthepossibilitiesofthattime,don't,forpity'ssake,spoilthepicture."Hervoicesankalmosttoawhisperassheadded,withanincipientpoutuponherfulllips,"Letmethinkatleastthatifyouhadreallylovedmeatallseriously,youwouldhavelovedmeforeverandever!"

"Youareright—thinkitwithallyourheart,"saidhe."Itisapleasantthought,andcostsnothing."

Sheweighedthatremarkinsilenceawhile."Didyoueverhearanythingofmefromthentillnow?"sheinquired.

"Notaword."

"Somuchthebetter.Ihadtofightthebattleoflifeaswellasyou.Imaytellyouabout it someday.Butdon't ever askme todo it, andparticularlydonotpressmetotellyounow."

ThusthetwoorthreedaysthattheyhadspentintenderacquaintanceontheromanticslopesabovetheNeckarwerestretchedoutinretrospecttothelengthandimportanceofyears;madetoformacanvasforinfinitefancies,idledreams,luxuriousmelancholies, and sweet, alluring assertions which could neither beprovednordisproved.Gracewasnevermentionedbetweenthem,butarumorofhisproposeddomesticchangessomehowreachedherears.

"Doctor, you are going away," she exclaimed, confronting him withaccusatoryreproachinherlargedarkeyesnolessthaninherrichcooingvoice."Ohyes,youare," shewenton, springing toher feetwith anairwhichmightalmosthavebeencalledpassionate."Itisnousedenyingit.YouhaveboughtapracticeatBudmouth.Idon'tblameyou.NobodycanliveatHintock—leastofallaprofessionalmanwhowantstokeepabreastofrecentdiscovery.Andthereisnobodyheretoinducesuchaonetostayforotherreasons.That'sright,that'sright—goaway!"

"Butno,Ihavenotactuallyboughtthepracticeasyet,thoughIamindeedintreatyforit.And,mydearfriend,ifIcontinuetofeelaboutthebusinessasIfeelatthismoment—perhapsImayconcludenevertogoatall."

"But you hate Hintock, and everybody and everything in it that you don'tmeantotakeawaywithyou?"

Fitzpiers contradicted this idea in hismost vibratory tones, and she lapsedintothefrivolousarchnessunderwhichshehidpassionsofnomeanstrength—strange,smouldering,erraticpassions,keptdownlikeastifledconflagration,butbursting out now here, now there—the only certain element in their directionbeing itsunexpectedness. Ifonewordcouldhaveexpressedher itwouldhavebeen Inconsequence. Shewas a woman of perversities, delighting in frequentcontrasts.Shelikedmystery,inherlife,inherlove,inherhistory.Tobefairtoher,therewasnothinginthelatterwhichshehadanygreatreasontobeashamedof,andmanythingsofwhichshemighthavebeenproud;butithadneverbeenfathomed by the honest minds of Hintock, and she rarely volunteered herexperiences. As for her capricious nature, the people on her estates grewaccustomed to it, andwith thatmarvellous subtlety of contrivance in steeringroundodd tempers, that is found in sonsof the soil anddependants generally,theymanagedtogetalongunderhergovernmentratherbetter thantheywouldhavedonebeneathamoreequablerule.

Now,withregardtothedoctor'snotionofleavingHintock,hehadadvancedfurther towards completing the purchase of theBudmouth surgeon's good-willthanhehadadmittedtoMrs.Charmond.Thewholematterhunguponwhathemight do in the ensuing twenty-four hours. The evening after leaving her hewentoutintothelane,andwalkedandponderedbetweenthehighhedges,nowgreenish-white with wild clematis—here called "old-man's beard," from itsaspectlaterintheyear.

Theletterofacceptancewastobewrittenthatnight,afterwhichhisdeparturefromHintockwouldbe irrevocable.Butcouldhegoaway, rememberingwhathad just passed? The trees, the hills, the leaves, the grass—each had beenendowedandquickenedwithasubtlecharmsincehehaddiscoveredthepersonand history, and, above all, mood of their owner. There was every temporalreason for leaving; itwouldbeenteringagain intoaworldwhichhehadonlyquittedinapassionforisolation,inducedbyafitofAchilleanmoodinessafteranimaginedslight.Hiswifeherselfsawtheawkwardnessoftheirpositionhere,and cheerfullywelcomed the purposed change, towardswhich every step hadbeentakenbutthelast.Butcouldhefinditinhisheart—ashefounditclearlyenoughinhisconscience—togoaway?

He drew a troubled breath, and went in-doors. Here he rapidly penned aletter, wherein he withdrew once for all from the treaty for the Budmouthpractice.As thepostmanhadalready leftLittleHintock for thatnight,he sent

oneofMelbury'smento interceptamail-cartonanother turnpike-road,andsogottheletteroff.

Themanreturned,metFitzpiersinthelane,andtoldhimthethingwasdone.Fitzpierswentbacktohishousemusing.Whyhadhecarriedoutthisimpulse—taken suchwild trouble to effect a probable injury to his own and his youngwife's prospects? His motive was fantastic, glowing, shapeless as the fierysceneryaboutthewesternsky.Mrs.Charmondcouldovertlybenothingmoretohimthanapatientnow,andtohiswife,attheoutside,apatron.Intheunattachedbachelordaysofhisfirstsojourningherehowhighlyproperanemotionalreasonforlingeringonwouldhaveappearedtotroublesomedubiousness.Matrimonialambitionissuchanhonorablething.

"Myfatherhastoldmethatyouhavesentoffoneofthemenwithalateletterto Budmouth," cried Grace, coming out vivaciously to meet him under thedeclininglightofthesky,whereinhung,solitary,thefoldingstar."Isaidatoncethat you had finally agreed to pay the premium they ask, and that the tediousquestionhadbeensettled.Whendowego,Edgar?"

"Ihavealteredmymind,"saidhe."Theywanttoomuch—sevenhundredandfiftyistoolargeasum—andinshort,Ihavedeclinedtogofurther.Wemustwaitforanotheropportunity.IfearIamnotagoodbusiness-man."Hespokethelastwordswithamomentaryfalteringat thegreat foolishnessofhisact; for,ashelookedinherfairandhonorableface,hisheartreproachedhimforwhathehaddone.

Hermannerthateveningshowedherdisappointment.Personallyshelikedthehomeofherchildhoodmuch,andshewasnotambitious.Butherhusbandhadseemedsodissatisfiedwiththecircumstanceshereaboutsincetheirmarriagethatshehadsincerelyhopedtogoforhissake.

ItwastwoorthreedaysbeforehevisitedMrs.Charmondagain.Themorninghadbeenwindy,andlittleshowershadsowedthemselveslikegrainagainstthewalls andwindow-panes of theHintock cottages. Hewent on foot across thewilder recesses of the park, where slimy streams of green moisture, exudingfromdecayedholescausedbyoldamputations, randown thebarkof theoaksand elms, the rind below being coated with a lichenous wash as green asemerald. They were stout-trunked trees, that never rocked their stems in thefiercestgale,respondingtoitentirelybycrookingtheirlimbs.Wrinkledlikean

oldcrone'sface,andantleredwithdeadbranchesthatroseabovethefoliageoftheir summits, theywere nevertheless still green—though yellow had invadedtheleavesofothertrees.

Shewas in a little boudoir orwriting-roomon the first floor, andFitzpierswas much surprised to find that the window-curtains were closed and a red-shaded lamp and candles burning, though out-of-doors it was broad daylight.Moreover,alargefirewasburninginthegrate,thoughitwasnotcold.

"Whatdoesitallmean?"heasked.

Shesatinaneasy-chair,herfacebeingturnedaway."Oh,"shemurmured,"itisbecausetheworldissodrearyoutside.Sorrowandbitternessinthesky,andfloodsofagonizedtearsbeatingagainstthepanes.Ilayawakelastnight,andIcouldhearthescrapeofsnailscreepingupthewindow-glass;itwassosad!MyeyesweresoheavythismorningthatIcouldhaveweptmylifeaway.Icannotbearyoutoseemyface;Ikeepitawayfromyoupurposely.Oh!whywerewegivenhungryheartsandwilddesiresifwehavetoliveinaworldlikethis?WhyshouldDeathonly lendwhatLife is compelled toborrow—rest?Answer that,Dr.Fitzpiers."

"Youmust eat of a second tree of knowledge before you can do it, FeliceCharmond."

"Then,whenmyemotionshaveexhaustedthemselves,Ibecomefulloffears,till I think I shall die for very fear. The terrible insistencies of society—howseveretheyare,andcoldandinexorable—ghastlytowardsthosewhoaremadeofwaxandnotofstone.Oh,Iamafraidofthem;astabforthiserror,andastabforthat—correctivesandregulationsframedthatsocietymaytendtoperfection—anendwhichIdon'tcareforintheleast.Yetforthis,allIdocareforhastobestuntedandstarved."

Fitzpiers had seated himself near her. "What sets you in this mournfulmood?"heasked,gently. (In realityheknewthat itwas the resultofa lossoftonefromstayingin-doorssomuch,buthedidnotsayso.)

"My reflections.Doctor, youmust not comehere anymore.Theybegin tothink it a farce already. I sayyoumust comenomore.There—don't be angrywithme;"andshejumpedup,pressedhishand,andlookedanxiouslyathim."Itisnecessary.Itisbestforbothyouandme."

"But,"saidFitzpiers,gloomily,"whathavewedone?"

"Done—wehavedonenothing.Perhapswehavethoughtthemore.However,itisallvexation.IamgoingawaytoMiddletonAbbey,nearShottsford,wherearelativeofmylatehusbandlives,whoisconfinedtoherbed.TheengagementwasmadeinLondon,andIcan'tgetoutofit.PerhapsitisforthebestthatIgotheretillallthisispast.Whenareyougoingtoenteronyournewpractice,andleaveHintockbehindforever,withyourprettywifeonyourarm?"

"Ihaverefusedtheopportunity.Ilovethisplacetoowelltodepart."

"YouHAVE?" she said, regardinghimwithwilduncertainty. "Whydoyouruinyourselfinthatway?GreatHeaven,whathaveIdone!"

"Nothing.Besides,youaregoingaway."

"Ohyes;butonlytoMiddletonAbbeyforamonthortwo.YetperhapsIshallgain strength there—particularly strength of mind—I require it. And when IcomebackIshallbeanewwoman;andyoucancomeandseemesafelythen,and bring your wife with you, andwe'll be friends—she and I. Oh, how thisshuttingupofone's selfdoes lead to indulgence in idle sentiments. I shallnotwishyoutogiveyourattendancetomeafterto-day.ButIamgladthatyouarenotgoingaway—ifyourremainingdoesnotinjureyourprospectsatall."

Assoonashehadlefttheroomthemildfriendlinessshehadpreservedinhertone at parting, the playful sadness with which she had conversed with him,equallydepartedfromher.Shebecameasheavyas lead—justasshehadbeenbeforehearrived.Herwholebeingseemedtodissolveinasadpowerlessnesstodoanything,andthesenseofitmadeherlipstremulousandherclosedeyeswet.Hisfootstepsagainstartledher,andsheturnedround.

"Ireturnedforamomenttotellyouthattheeveningisgoingtobefine.Thesunisshining;sodoopenyourcurtainsandputoutthoselights.ShallIdoitforyou?"

"Please—ifyoudon'tmind."

Hedrewbackthewindow-curtains,whereupontheredglowofthelampandthe two candle-flames became almost invisible with the flood of late autumnsunlightthatpouredin."ShallIcomeroundtoyou?"heasked,herbackbeingtowardshim.

"No,"shereplied.

"Whynot?"

"BecauseIamcrying,andIdon'twanttoseeyou."

He stood a moment irresolute, and regretted that he had killed the rosy,passionatelamplightbyopeningthecurtainsandlettingingarishday.

"ThenIamgoing,"hesaid.

"Verywell,"sheanswered,stretchingonehandroundtohim,andpattinghereyeswithahandkerchiefheldintheother.

"ShallIwritealinetoyouat—"

"No,no."Agentlereasonablenesscameintohertoneassheadded,"Itmustnotbe,youknow.Itwon'tdo."

"Verywell.Good-by."Thenextmomenthewasgone.

Intheevening,withlistlessadroitness,sheencouragedthemaidwhodressedherfordinnertospeakofDr.Fitzpiers'smarriage.

"Mrs.FitzpierswasoncesupposedtofavorMr.Winterborne,"saidtheyoungwoman.

"Andwhydidn'tshemarryhim?"saidMrs.Charmond.

"Because,yousee,ma'am,helosthishouses."

"Losthishouses?Howcamehetodothat?"

"The houses were held on lives, and the lives dropped, and your agentwouldn't renew them, though it is said thatMr.Winterborne had a very goodclaim.That's as I'veheard it,ma'am, and itwas through it that thematchwasbrokeoff."

Beingjustthendistractedbyadozenemotions,Mrs.Charmondsunkintoamood of dismal self-reproach. "In refusing that poor man his reasonablerequest,"shesaidtoherself,"Iforedoomedmyrejuvenatedgirlhood'sromance.Who would have thought such a business matter could have nettled my ownheartlikethis?Nowforawinterofregretsandagoniesanduselesswishes,tillIforgethiminthespring.Oh!IamgladIamgoingaway."

She lefther chamberandwentdown todinewitha sigh.On the stairs shestoodoppositethelargewindowforamoment,andlookedoutuponthelawn.Itwasnotyetquitedark.Half-wayupthesteepgreenslopeconfrontingherstoodoldTimothyTangs,whowasshorteninghiswayhomewardbyclamberingherewheretherewasnoroad,andinoppositiontoexpressordersthatnopathwastobe made there. Tangs had momentarily stopped to take a pinch of snuff; butobservingMrs.Charmondgazingathim,hehastenedtogetoverthetopoutofhail.Hisprecipitancymadehimmisshisfooting,andherolledlikeabarrel tothebottom,hissnuffboxrollinginfrontofhim.

Herindefinite,idle,impossiblepassionforFitzpiers;herconstitutionalcloudofmisery;thesorrowfuldropsthatstillhunguponhereyelashes,allmadewayfortheincursivemoodstartedbythespectacle.Sheburstintoanimmoderatefitof laughter,herverygloomoftheprevioushourseemingtorenderit themoreuncontrollable.Ithadnotdiedoutofherwhenshereachedthedining-room;andeven here, before the servants, her shoulders suddenly shook as the scenereturned upon her; and the tears of her hilaritymingledwith the remnants ofthoseengenderedbyhergrief.

Sheresolvedtobesadnomore.Shedranktwoglassesofchampagne,andalittlemorestillafterthose,andamusedherselfintheeveningwithsinginglittleamatorysongs.

"ImustdosomethingforthatpoormanWinterborne,however,"shesaid.

CHAPTERXXVIII.

Aweekhadpassed,andMrs.CharmondhadleftHintockHouse.MiddletonAbbey, the place of her sojourn, was about twenty miles distant by road,eighteenbybridle-pathsandfootways.

Grace observed, for the first time, that her husband was restless, that atmoments he evenwas disposed to avoid her. The scrupulous civility ofmereacquaintanceship crept into hismanner; yet,when sitting atmeals, he seemedhardly to hear her remarks. Her little doings interested him no longer, whiletowardsherfatherhisbearingwasnotfarfromsupercilious.Itwasplainthathismindwasentirelyoutsideherlife,whereaboutsoutsideitshecouldnot tell; insomeregionofscience,possibly,orofpsychologicalliterature.Butherhopethathewasagainimmersinghimselfinthoselucubrationswhichbeforehermarriagehadmadehis light a landmark inHintock,was founded simplyon the slenderfactthatheoftensatuplate.

OneeveningshediscoveredhimleaningoveragateonRub-DownHill,thegate atwhichWinterborne had once been standing, andwhich opened on thebrinkofasteep,slantingdowndirectlyintoBlackmoorVale,ortheValeoftheWhiteHart,extendingbeneaththeeyeatthispointtoadistanceofmanymiles.Hisattentionwasfixedonthelandscapefaraway,andGrace'sapproachwassonoiseless thathedidnothearher.Whenshecamecloseshecouldseehis lipsmovingunconsciously,astosomeimpassionedvisionarytheme.

Shespoke,andFitzpiersstarted."Whatareyoulookingat?"sheasked.

"Oh! Iwas contemplating our old place ofBuckbury, inmy idleway," hesaid.

Ithadseemedtoherthathewaslookingmuchtotherightofthatcradleandtombofhisancestraldignity;butshemadenofurtherobservation,andtakinghisarmwalkedhomebesidehimalmostinsilence.ShedidnotknowthatMiddletonAbbeylayinthedirectionofhisgaze."AreyougoingtohaveoutDarlingthisafternoon?" she asked, presently. Darling being the light-gray mare whichWinterbornehadboughtforGrace,andwhichFitzpiersnowconstantlyused,theanimalhaving turnedout awonderful bargain, in combining aperfect docility

withanalmosthumanintelligence;moreover,shewasnottooyoung.Fitzpierswasunfamiliarwithhorses,andhevaluedthesequalities.

"Yes,"hereplied,"butnottodrive.Iamridingher.IpractisecrossingahorseasoftenasIcannow,forIfindthatIcantakemuchshortercutsonhorseback."

Hehad,infact,takentheseridingexercisesforaboutaweek,onlysinceMrs.Charmond'sabsence,hisuniversalpracticehithertohavingbeentodrive.

Some few days later, Fitzpiers started on the back of this horse to see apatient in theaforesaidVale. Itwasabout fiveo'clock in theeveningwhenhewent away, and at bedtimehehadnot reachedhome.Therewasnothingverysingularinthis,thoughshewasnotawarethathehadanypatientmorethanfiveorsixmilesdistant in thatdirection.TheclockhadstruckonebeforeFitzpiersentered thehouse,andhecame tohis roomsoftly,as ifanxiousnot todisturbher.

Thenextmorningshewasstirringconsiderablyearlierthanhe.

Intheyardtherewasaconversationgoingonaboutthemare;themanwhoattendedtothehorses,Darlingincluded,insistedthatthelatterwas"hag-rid;"forwhen he had arrived at the stable thatmorning shewas in such a state as nohorse couldbe inbyhonest riding. Itwas true that thedoctor had stabledherhimselfwhenhegothome,sothatshewasnotlookedafterasshewouldhavebeenifhehadgroomedandfedher;butthatdidnotaccountfortheappearanceshepresented,ifMr.Fitzpiers'sjourneyhadbeenonlywherehehadstated.ThephenomenalexhaustionofDarling,as thus related,wassufficient todevelopawhole series of tales about ridingwitches anddemons, thenarrationofwhichoccupiedaconsiderabletime.

Gracereturnedin-doors.Inpassingthroughtheouterroomshepickedupherhusband's overcoat which he had carelessly flung down across a chair. Aturnpiketicketfelloutofthebreast-pocket,andshesawthatithadbeenissuedat Middleton Gate. He had therefore visited Middleton the previous night, adistanceofatleastfive-and-thirtymilesonhorseback,thereandback.

During thedayshemadesome inquiries,and learned for the first time thatMrs. Charmond was staying at Middleton Abbey. She could not resist aninference—strangeasthatinferencewas.

Afewdayslaterhepreparedtostartagain,atthesametimeandinthesamedirection.Sheknewthatthestateofthecottagerwholivedthatwaywasamerepretext;shewasquitesurehewasgoingtoMrs.Charmond.Gracewasamazedat themildnessof thepassionwhich thesuspicionengendered inher.Shewasbutlittleexcited,andherjealousywaslanguideventodeath.Ittoldtalesofthenatureofheraffectionforhim.Intruth,herantenuptialregardforFitzpiershadbeen rather of the quality of awe towards a superior being than of tendersolicitude for a lover. It had been based upon mystery and strangeness—themystery of his past, of his knowledge, of his professional skill, of his beliefs.When thisstructureof idealswasdemolishedby the intimacyofcommonlife,and she foundhimasmerelyhumanas theHintockpeople themselves, anewfoundationwasindemandforanenduringandstanchaffection—asympatheticinterdependence, wherein mutual weaknesses were made the grounds of adefensive alliance. Fitzpiers had furnished none of that single-mindedconfidenceandtruthoutofwhichalonesuchasecondunioncouldspring;henceitwaswithacontrollableemotionthatshenowwatchedthemarebroughtround.

"I'llwalkwithyoutothehillifyouarenotinagreathurry,"shesaid,ratherloath,afterall,tolethimgo.

"Do; there'splentyof time," repliedherhusband.Accordinglyhe ledalongthe horse, and walked beside her, impatient enough nevertheless. Thus theyproceededtotheturnpikeroad,andascendedRub-DownHilltothegatehehadbeenleaningoverwhenshesurprisedhimtendaysbefore.Thiswastheendofherexcursion.Fitzpiersbadeheradieuwithaffection,evenwithtenderness,andsheobservedthathelookedweary-eyed.

"Whydoyougoto-night?"shesaid."Youhavebeencalleduptwonightsinsuccessionalready."

"I must go," he answered, almost gloomily. "Don't wait up for me."Withthesewords hemounted his horse, passed through the gatewhichGrace heldopenforhim,andambleddownthesteepbridle-tracktothevalley.

Sheclosed thegate andwatchedhisdescent, and thenhis journeyonward.Hiswaywas east, the evening sunwhich stood behind her back beaming fulluponhimassoonashegotoutfromtheshadeofthehill.Notwithstandingthisuntowardproceedingshewasdeterminedtobeloyalifheprovedtrue;andthedetermination to loveone'sbestwill carryaheart a longway towardsmaking

that best an ever-growing thing. The conspicuous coat of the active thoughblanchingmaremadehorseandridereasyobjectsforthevision.ThoughDarlinghadbeenchosenwithsuchpainsbyWinterborneforGrace,shehadneverriddenthe sleek creature; but her husband had found the animal exceedinglyconvenient, particularlynow thathehad taken to the saddle, plentyof stayingpower being left in Darling yet. Fitzpiers, like others of his character, whiledespising Melbury and his station, did not at all disdain to spend Melbury'smoney, or appropriate to his own use the horsewhich belonged toMelbury'sdaughter.

And so the infatuated young surgeon went along through the gorgeousautumnlandscapeofWhiteHartVale,surroundedbyorchardslustrouswiththeredsofapple-crops,berries,andfoliage,thewholeintensifiedbythegildingofthe declining sun. The earth this year had been prodigally bountiful, and nowwas the suprememoment of her bounty. In the poorest spots the hedgeswerebowed with haws and blackberries; acorns cracked underfoot, and the bursthusksofchestnutslayexposingtheirauburncontentsasifarrangedbyanxioussellers in a fruit-market. In all thisproud showsomekernelswereunsoundasher own situation, and she wondered if there were one world in the universewherethefruithadnoworm,andmarriagenosorrow.

HerrTannhauserstillmovedon,hisploddingsteedrenderinghimdistinctlyvisible yet. Could she have heard Fitzpiers's voice at thatmoment shewouldhavefoundhimmurmuring—

"...TowardstheloadstarofmyonedesireIflitted,evenasadizzymothintheowletlight."

Buthewasasilentspectacletohernow.Soonheroseoutofthevalley,andskirtedahighplateauofthechalkformationonhisright,whichrestedabruptlyupon the fruity district of loamy clay, the character and herbage of the twoformationsbeingsodistinctthatthecalcareousuplandappearedbutasadepositofafewyears'antiquityuponthelevelvale.Hekeptalongtheedgeofthishigh,unenclosedcountry,andtheskybehindhimbeingdeepviolet,shecouldstillseewhiteDarlinginreliefuponit—amerespecknow—aWouvermanseccentricityreduced to microscopic dimensions. Upon this high ground he graduallydisappeared.

Thusshehadbeheldthepetanimalpurchasedforherownuse,inpureloveofher,byonewhohadalwaysbeentrue,impressedtoconveyherhusbandawayfrom her to the side of a new-found idol. While she was musing on thevicissitudes of horses and wives, she discerned shapes moving up the valleytowards her, quite near at hand, though till nowhidden by the hedges. SurelytheywereGilesWinterborne,withhistwohorsesandcider-apparatus,conductedby Robert Creedle. Up, upward they crept, a stray beam of the sun alightingeverynowandthenlikeastaronthebladesofthepomace-shovels,whichhadbeenconvertedtosteelmirrorsbytheactionofthemalicacid.Sheopenedthegate when he came close, and the panting horses rested as they achieved theascent.

"Howdoyoudo,Giles?"saidshe,underasuddenimpulsetobefamiliarwithhim.

He replied with much more reserve. "You are going for a walk, Mrs.Fitzpiers?"headded."Itispleasantjustnow."

"No,Iamreturning,"saidshe.

Thevehiclespassedthrough,thegateslammed,andWinterbornewalkedbyhersideintherearoftheapple-mill.

Helookedandsmelt likeAutumn'sverybrother,hisfacebeingsunburnt towheat-color, his eyes blue as corn-flowers, his boots and leggings dyed withfruit-stains,hishandsclammywith thesweet juiceofapples,hishatsprinkledwithpips,andeverywhereabouthimthatatmosphereofciderwhichatitsfirstreturneachseasonhassuchanindescribablefascinationforthosewhohavebeenborn andbred among the orchards.Her heart rose from its late sadness like areleased spring; her senses revelled in the sudden lapse back to natureunadorned.Theconsciousnessofhavingtobegenteelbecauseofherhusband'sprofession,theveneerofartificialitywhichshehadacquiredat thefashionableschools,were thrownoff,andshebecamethecrude,countrygirlofher latent,earliestinstincts.

Naturewas bountiful, she thought.No sooner had she been starved off byEdgarFitzpiersthananotherbeing,impersonatingbareandundilutedmanliness,had arisen out of the earth, ready to hand. This was an excursion of theimaginationwhichshedidnotencourage,andshesaidsuddenly,todisguisethe

confusedregardwhichhadfollowedherthoughts,"Didyoumeetmyhusband?"

Winterborne,withsomehesitation,"Yes."

"Wheredidyoumeethim?"

"AtCalfhayCross.IcomefromMiddletonAbbey;Ihavebeenmakingthereforthelastweek."

"Haven'ttheyamilloftheirown?"

"Yes,butit'soutofrepair."

"Ithink—IheardthatMrs.Charmondhadgonetheretostay?"

"Yes.Ihaveseenheratthewindowsonceortwice."

Gracewaitedanintervalbeforeshewenton:"DidMr.FitzpierstakethewaytoMiddleton?"

"Yes...ImethimonDarling."Asshedidnotreply,headded,withagentlerinflection,"Youknowwhythemarewascalledthat?"

"Ohyes—ofcourse,"sheanswered,quickly.

Theyhadrisensofarover thecrestof thehill that thewholewestskywasrevealed. Between the broken clouds they could see far into the recesses ofheaven,theeyejourneyingonunderaspeciesofgoldenarcades,andpastfieryobstructions, fancied cairns, logan-stones, stalactites and stalagmite of topaz.Deeper than this theirgazepassed thin flakesof incandescence, till it plungedintoabottomlessmediumofsoftgreenfire.

Herabandonmenttotheluscioustimeafterhersenseofill-usage,herrevoltfor the nonce against social law, her passionate desire for primitive life, mayhaveshowedinherface.Winterbornewaslookingather,hiseyeslingeringonaflower that she wore in her bosom. Almost with the abstraction of asomnambulisthestretchedouthishandandgentlycaressedtheflower.

She drew back. "What are you doing, GilesWinterborne!" she exclaimed,withalookofseveresurprise.Theevidentabsenceofallpremeditationfromthe

act,however,speedilyledhertothinkthatitwasnotnecessarytostanduponherdignityhereandnow."Youmustbearinmind,Giles,"shesaid,kindly,"thatweare not aswewere; and some peoplemight have said thatwhat you didwastakingaliberty."

Itwasmorethansheneedhavetoldhim;hisactionofforgetfulnesshadmadehimsoangrywithhimselfthatheflushedthroughhistan."Idon'tknowwhatIamcomingto!"heexclaimed,savagely."Ah—Iwasnotoncelikethis!"Tearsofvexationwereinhiseyes.

"No,now—itwasnothing.Iwastooreproachful."

"Itwouldnothaveoccurred tome if Ihadnot seensomething like itdoneelsewhere—atMiddletonlately,"hesaid,thoughtfully,afterawhile.

"Bywhom?"

"Don'taskit."

She scanned him narrowly. "I know quite well enough," she returned,indifferently. "It was by my husband, and the woman was Mrs. Charmond.Associationof ideas remindedyouwhenyou sawme....Giles—tellmeall youknow about that—please do, Giles! But no—I won't hear it. Let the subjectcease.Andasyouaremyfriend,saynothingtomyfather."

Theyreachedaplacewheretheirwaysdivided.Winterbornecontinuedalongthehighwaywhichkeptoutsidethecopse,andGraceopenedagatethatenteredit.

CHAPTERXXIX.

Shewalkedup the softgrassy ride, screenedoneitherhandbynut-bushes,justnowheavywithclustersof twosandthreesandfours.Alittlewayon, thetrack she pursued was crossed by a similar one at right angles. Here Gracestopped; some fewyards up the transverse ride the buxomSukeDamsonwasvisible—hergowntuckeduphighthroughherpocket-hole,andnobonnetonher

head—in the act of pulling down boughs from which she was gathering andeatingnutswithgreatrapidity,herloverTimTangsstandingnearherengagedinthesamepleasantmeal.

Crack,crackwentSuke'sjawseverysecondortwo.Byanautomaticchainofthought Grace's mind reverted to the tooth-drawing scene described by herhusband;and for the first timeshewondered if thatnarrativewere really true,Susan'sjawsbeingsoobviouslysoundandstrong.Graceturneduptowardsthenut-gatherers,andconqueredherreluctancetospeaktothegirlwhowasalittleinadvanceofTim."Good-evening,Susan,"shesaid.

"Good-evening,MissMelbury"(crack).

"Mrs.Fitzpiers."

"Ohyes,ma'am—Mrs.Fitzpiers,"saidSuke,withapeculiarsmile.

Grace, not to be daunted, continued: "Take care of your teeth, Suke. Thataccountsforthetoothache."

"Idon'tknowwhatanacheis,eitherintooth,ear,orhead,thanktheLord"(crack).

"Northelossofone,either?"

"See foryourself,ma'am."Shepartedher red lips,andexhibited thewholedoublerow,fullupandunimpaired.

"Youhaveneverhadonedrawn?"

"Never."

"So much the better for your stomach," said Mrs. Fitzpiers, in an alteredvoice.Andturningawayquickly,shewenton.

Asherhusband'scharacterthusshapeditselfunderthetouchoftime,Gracewasalmoststartled tofindhowlittleshesufferedfromthat jealousexcitementwhichisconventionallyattributedtoallwivesinsuchcircumstances.Butthoughpossessed by none of that feline wildness which it was her moral duty toexperience,shedidnotfailtoknowthatshehadmadeafrightfulmistakeinher

marriage.Acquiescence inher father'swisheshadbeendegradation toherself.People are not given premonitions for nothing; she should have obeyed herimpulseonthatearlymorning,andsteadfastlyrefusedherhand.

Oh,thatplausibletalewhichherthenbetrothedhadtoldheraboutSuke—thedramaticaccountofherentreatiestohimtodrawtheachingenemy,andthefineartistictouchhehadgiventothestorybyexplainingthatitwasalovelymolarwithoutaflaw!

Shetracedtheremainderofthewoodlandtrackdazedbythecomplicationsofherposition.Ifhisprotestationstoherbeforetheirmarriagecouldbebelieved,her husband had felt affection of some sort for herself and this womansimultaneously; and was now again spreading the same emotion over Mrs.Charmondandherselfconjointly,hismannerbeingstillkindandfondattimes.But surely, rather than that, hemust have played the hypocrite towards her ineachcasewithelaboratecompleteness;andthethoughtofthissickenedher,forit involved the conjecture that if he had not loved her, his only motive formakingher hiswifemust havebeenher little fortune.Yet hereGracemade amistake,fortheloveofmenlikeFitzpiersisunquestionablyofsuchqualityastobeardivisionandtransference.Hehadindeed,oncedeclared,thoughnottoher,that on one occasion he had noticed himself to be possessed by five distinctinfatuationsatthesametime.Thereinitdifferedfromthehighestaffectionasthelower orders of the animal world differ from advanced organisms, partitioncausing,notdeath,butamultipliedexistence.Hehad lovedher sincerely, andhadbynomeansceased to lovehernow.Butsuchdoubleand treblebarrelledheartswerenaturallybeyondherconception.

OfpoorSukeDamson,Gracethoughtnomore.Shehadhadherday.

"IfhedoesnotlovemeIwillnotlovehim!"saidGrace,proudly.Andthoughtheseweremerewords,itwasasomewhatformidablethingforFitzpiersthatherheartwasapproximating toastate inwhich itmightbepossible tocarry themout.Thatveryabsenceofhotjealousywhichmadehiscoursessoeasy,andonwhich, indeed, he congratulated himself, meant, unknown to either wife orhusband,moremischiefthantheinconvenientwatchfulnessofajaundicedeye.

Hersleepthatnightwasnervous.Thewingallottedtoherandherhusbandhadneverseemedso lonely.At lastshegotup,putonherdressing-gown,andwentdown-stairs.Herfather,whosleptlightly,heardherdescend,andcameto

thestair-head.

"Isthatyou,Grace?What'sthematter?"hesaid.

"Nothing more than that I am restless. Edgar is detained by a case atOwlscombeinWhiteHartVale."

"But how's that? I saw the woman's husband at Great Hintock just aforebedtime;andshewasgoingonwell,andthedoctorgonethen."

"Thenhe'sdetainedsomewhereelse," saidGrace."Nevermindme;hewillsoonbehome.Iexpecthimaboutone."

Shewentbacktoherroom,anddozedandwokeseveraltimes.Oneo'clockhadbeenthehourofhisreturnonthelastoccasion;butitpassednowbyalongway,andFitzpiersdidnotcome.Justbeforedawnsheheardthemenstirringintheyard;andtheflashesoftheirlanternsspreadeverynowandthenthroughherwindow-blind.Sherememberedthatherfatherhadtoldhernottobedisturbedifshenoticedthem,astheywouldberisingearlytosendofffourloadsofhurdlesto a distant sheep-fair. Peeping out, she saw them bustling about, the hollow-turner among the rest; he was loading his wares—wooden-bowls, dishes,spigots, spoons, cheese-vats, funnels, and so on—upon one of her father'swagons, who carried them to the fair for him every year out of neighborlykindness.

Thesceneand theoccasionwouldhaveenlivenedherbut thatherhusbandwasstillabsent;thoughitwasnowfiveo'clock.Shecouldhardlysupposehim,whateverhisinfatuation,tohaveprolongedtoalaterhourthantenanostensiblyprofessional call on Mrs. Charmond at Middleton; and he could have riddenhomeintwohoursandahalf.What,then,hadbecomeofhim?Thathehadbeenoutthegreaterpartofthetwoprecedingnightsaddedtoheruneasiness.

Shedressedherself,descended,andwentout,theweirdtwilightofadvancingdaychillingtheraysfromthelanterns,andmakingthemen'sfaceswan.AssoonasMelburysawherhecameround,showinghisalarm.

"Edgar is not come," she said. "And I have reason to know that he's notattendinganybody.Hehashadnorestfortwonightsbeforethis.Iwasgoingtothetopofthehilltolookforhim."

"I'llcomewithyou,"saidMelbury.

Shebeggedhimnottohinderhimself;butheinsisted,forhesawapeculiarandrigidgloominherfaceoverandaboveheruneasiness,anddidnotlikethelookofit.Tellingthemenhewouldbewiththemagainsoon,hewalkedbesideher into the turnpike-road, and partly up the hill whence she had watchedFitzpiers the night before across the Great White Hart or Blackmoor Valley.Theyhaltedbeneathahalf-deadoak,hollow,anddisfiguredwithwhitetumors,itsrootsspreadingoutlikeaccipitrineclawsgraspingtheground.Achillywindcircled round them,uponwhosecurrents the seedsof aneighboring lime-tree,supported parachute-wise by the wing attached, flew out of the boughsdownward like fledglings from their nest. The vale was wrapped in a dimatmosphere of unnaturalness, and the eastwas like a livid curtain edgedwithpink.TherewasnosignnorsoundofFitzpiers.

"It is no use standing here," said her father. "He may come home fiftyways...why,lookhere!—herebeDarling'stracks—turnedhomewardandnearlyblowndryandhard!Hemusthavecomeinhoursagowithoutyourseeinghim."

"Hehasnotdonethat,"saidshe.

Theywentbackhastily.Onenteringtheirowngatestheyperceivedthatthemenhadleftthewagons,andwerestandingroundthedoorofthestablewhichhadbeenappropriated to thedoctor'suse."Is thereanything thematter?"criedGrace.

"Oh no, ma'am. All's well that ends well," said old Timothy Tangs. "I'veheard of such things before—amongworkfolk, though not among your gentlepeople—that'strue."

They entered the stable, and saw the pale shape ofDarling standing in themiddle of her stall, with Fitzpiers on her back, sound asleep. Darling wasmunching hay as well as she could with the bit in her month, and the reins,whichhadfallenfromFitzpiers'shand,hunguponherneck.

Gracewentandtouchedhishand;shookitbeforeshecouldarousehim.Hemoved,started,openedhiseyes,andexclaimed,"Ah,Felice!...Oh, it'sGrace.Icouldnotseeinthegloom.What—amIinthesaddle?"

"Yes,"saidshe."Howdoyoucomehere?"

He collected his thoughts, and in a fewminutes stammered, "I was ridingalonghomewardthroughthevale,very,verysleepy,havingbeenupsomuchoflate.WhenIcameoppositeHolywellspringthemareturnedherheadthatway,as if shewanted to drink. I let her go in, and she drank; I thought shewouldnever finish.While shewas drinking, the clock ofOwlscombeChurch strucktwelve. I distinctly remember counting the strokes. From that moment IpositivelyrecollectnothingtillIsawyouherebymyside."

"The name! If it had been any other horse he'd have had a broken neck!"murmuredMelbury.

"'Tiswonderful,sure,howaquiethosswillbringamanhomeatsuchtimes!"saidJohnUpjohn."Andwhat'smorewonderfulthankeepingyourseatinadeep,slumbering sleep? I've knowed men drowze off walking home from randieswhere themeadandother liquorshavegoneroundwell,andkeepwalkingformorethanamileonendwithoutwaking.Well,doctor,Idon'tcarewhothemanis, 'tisamercyyouwasn'tadrownded,orasplintered,orahangeduptoatreelikeAbsalom—alsoahandsomegentlemanlikeyerself,astheprophetssay."

"True,"murmuredoldTimothy."Fromthesoulofhisfoottothecrownofhisheadtherewasnoblemishinhim."

"Or leastwise you might ha' been a-wownded into tatters a'most, and nodoctortojineyourfewlimbstogetherwithinsevenmile!"

While this grim address was proceeding, Fitzpiers had dismounted, andtakingGrace'sarmwalkedstifflyin-doorswithher.Melburystoodstaringatthehorse,which, in addition to being veryweary,was spatteredwithmud.Therewas no mud to speak of about the Hintocks just now—only in the clammyhollowsofthevalebeyondOwlscombe,thestiffsoilofwhichretainedmoistureforweeksaftertheuplandsweredry.Whiletheywererubbingdownthemare,Melbury'smind coupledwith the foreign quality of themud the name he hadheard unconsciously muttered by the surgeon when Grace took his hand—"Felice."WhowasFelice?Why,Mrs.Charmond; and she, asheknew,wasstayingatMiddleton.

Melbury had indeed pounced upon the image that filled Fitzpiers's half-awakened soul—wherein there had been a picture of a recent interview on alawnwith a capriciouslypassionatewomanwhohadbeggedhimnot to come

again in tones whose vibration incited him to disobey. "What are you doinghere?Whydoyoupursueme?Anotherbelongstoyou.Iftheyweretoseeyouthey would seize you as a thief!" And she had turbulently admitted to hiswringingquestionsthathervisittoMiddletonhadbeenundertakenlessbecauseof the invalid relative than in shamefaced fear of her own weakness if sheremainednearhishome.AtriumphthenitwastoFitzpiers,poorandhamperedashehadbecome,torecognizehisrealconquestofthisbeauty,delayedsomanyyears. His was the selfish passion of Congreve's Millamont, to whom love'ssupremedelightlayin"thatheartwhichothersbleedfor,bleedforme."

WhenthehorsehadbeenattendedtoMelburystooduneasilyhereandthereabouthispremises;hewasrudelydisturbedinthecomfortableviewswhichhadlatelypossessedhimonhis domestic concerns. It is true that hehad for somedays discerned that Grace more and more sought his company, preferredsupervisinghiskitchenandbakehousewithherstep-mothertooccupyingherselfwiththelighterdetailsofherownapartments.Sheseemednolongerabletofindinherownhearthanadequatefocusforherlife,andhence,likeaweakqueen-beeafterleadingofftoanindependenthome,hadhoveredagainintotheparenthive.Buthehadnotconstruedtheseandotherincidentsofthekindtillnow.

Somethingwaswrongin thedove-cot.Aghastlysense thathealonewouldberesponsibleforwhateverunhappinessshouldbebroughtuponherforwhomhealmostsolelylived,whomtoretainunderhisroofhehadfacedthenumerousinconveniences involved in giving up the best part of his house to Fitzpiers.Therewasno room fordoubt that, hadheallowedevents to take theirnaturalcourse, she would have acceptedWinterborne, and realized his old dream ofrestitutiontothatyoungman'sfamily.

ThatFitzpierscouldallowhimselftolookonanyothercreatureforamomentthanGrace filledMelburywithgriefandastonishment. In thepureandsimplelifehehadledithadscarcelyoccurredtohimthataftermarriageamanmightbefaithless.Thathe could sweep to theheightsofMrs.Charmond'sposition, lifttheveilof Isis, so tospeak,wouldhaveamazedMelburyby itsaudacity ifhehad not suspected encouragement from that quarter. What could he and hissimpleGracedo tocountervail thepassionsofsuchas those twosophisticatedbeings—versedintheworld'sways,armedwitheveryapparatusforvictory?Insuchanencounterthehomelytimber-dealerfeltasinferiorasabow-and-arrowsavagebeforethepreciseweaponsofmodernwarfare.

Gracecameoutofthehouseasthemorningdrewon.Thevillagewassilent,most of the folkhavinggone to the fair.Fitzpiers had retired tobed, andwassleepingoffhisfatigue.ShewenttothestableandlookedatpoorDarling:inallprobabilityGilesWinterborne,byobtainingforherahorseofsuchintelligenceanddocility,hadbeenthemeansofsavingherhusband's life.Shepausedoverthestrangethought;andthenthereappearedherfatherbehindher.Shesawthatheknew thingswerenotas theyought tobe, from the troubleddulnessofhiseye, and from his face, different points of which had independent motions,twitchings,andtremblings,unknowntohimself,andinvoluntary.

"Hewasdetained,Isuppose,lastnight?"saidMelbury.

"Ohyes;abadcaseinthevale,"shereplied,calmly.

"Nevertheless,heshouldhavestayedathome."

"Buthecouldn't,father."

Herfatherturnedaway.Hecouldhardlybeartoseehiswhilomtruthfulgirlbroughttothehumiliationofhavingtotalklikethat.

ThatnightcarkingcaresatbesideMelbury'spillow,andhisstifflimbstossedat its presence. "I can't lie here any longer," hemuttered. Striking a light, hewanderedabout the room."Whathave Idone—whathave Idone forher?"hesaid to his wife, who had anxiously awakened. "I had long planned that sheshouldmarrythesonofthemanIwantedtomakeamendsto;doyemindhowItoldyouallaboutit,Lucy,thenightbeforeshecamehome?Ah!butIwasnotcontentwithdoingright,Iwantedtodomore!"

"Don't raftyourselfwithoutgoodneed,George,"she replied."Iwon'tquitebelieve that thingsaresomuchamiss. Iwon'tbelieve thatMrs.Charmondhasencouragedhim.Evensupposingshehasencouragedagreatmany,shecanhavenomotive to do it now.What so likely as that she is not yet quite well, anddoesn'tcaretoletanotherdoctorcomenearher?"

Hedidnotheed."Graceusedtobesobusyeveryday,withfixingacurtainhereanddrivingatin-tackthere;butshecaresfornoemploymentnow!"

"DoyouknowanythingofMrs.Charmond'spasthistory?Perhapsthatwouldthrow some light upon things. Before she came here as the wife of old

Charmondfourorfiveyearsago,notasoulseemstohaveheardaughtofher.Whynotmakeinquiries?Andthendoyewaitandseemore;there'llbeplentyofopportunity.Timeenoughtocrywhenyouknow'tisacryingmatter;and'tisbadtomeettroubleshalf-way."

Therewassomegood-senseinthenotionofseeingfurther.Melburyresolvedtoinquireandwait,hopingstill,butoppressedbetween-whileswithmuchfear.

CHAPTERXXX.

ExamineGraceasherfathermight,shewouldadmitnothing.Forthepresent,therefore,hesimplywatched.

The suspicion that his darling child was being slighted wrought almost amiraculous change inMelbury's nature.Noman so furtive for the time as theingenuous countryman who finds that his ingenuousness has been abused.Melbury's heretofore confidential candor towards his gentlemanly son-in-lawwasdisplacedbyafelinestealththatdidinjurytohiseveryaction,thought,andmood.Heknewthatawomanoncegiventoamanforlifetook,asarule,herlotasitcameandmadethebestofit,withoutexternalinterference;butforthefirsttimeheaskedhimselfwhy this sogenerally shouldbeso.Moreover, thiscasewasnot,heargued,likeordinarycases.LeavingoutthequestionofGracebeinganything but an ordinary woman, her peculiar situation, as it were inmid-airbetweentwoplanesofsociety, togetherwiththelonelinessofHintock,madeahusband'sneglectafarmoretragicalmattertoherthanitwouldbetoonewhohadalargecircleoffriendstofallbackupon.Wiselyorunwisely,andwhateverotherfathersdid,heresolvedtofighthisdaughter'sbattlestill.

Mrs.Charmondhadreturned.ButHintockHousescarcelygaveforthsignsoflife, so quietly had she reentered it. Hewent to church at Great Hintock oneafternoonasusual,therebeingnoserviceatthesmallervillage.Afewminutesbeforehisdeparture,hehadcasuallyheardFitzpiers,whowasnochurch-goer,tellhiswifethathewasgoingtowalkinthewood.Melburyenteredthebuildingand sat down in his pew; the parson came in, thenMrs. Charmond, thenMr.Fitzpiers.

The service proceeded, and the jealous fatherwas quite sure that amutualconsciousness was uninterruptedly maintained between those two; he fanciedthatmorethanoncetheireyesmet.Attheend,FitzpierssotimedhismovementintotheaislethatitexactlycoincidedwithFeliceCharmond'sfromtheoppositeside,andtheywalkedoutwiththeirgarmentsincontact,thesurgeonbeingjustthattwoorthreeinchesinherrearwhichmadeitconvenientforhiseyestorestuponhercheek.Thecheekwarmeduptoarichertone.

Thiswas aworse feature in the flirtation than he had expected. If she hadbeenplayingwithhiminanidlefreakthegamemightsoonhaveweariedher;butthesmallestgermofpassion—andwomenoftheworlddonotchangecolorfornothing—wasathreateningdevelopment.ThemerepresenceofFitzpiersinthe building, after his statement, was wellnigh conclusive as far as he wasconcerned;butMelburyresolvedyettowatch.

Hehadtowaitlong.Autumndrewshiveringlytoitsend.Onedaysomethingseemed to be gone from the gardens; the tenderer leaves of vegetables hadshrunkunderthefirstsmartfrost,andhunglikefadedlinenrags;thentheforestleaves, which had been descending at leisure, descended in haste and inmultitudes,andallthegoldencolorsthathadhungoverheadwerenowcrowdedtogetherinadegradedmassunderfoot,wherethefallenmyriadsgotredderandhornier, and curled themselves up to rot.The only suspicious features inMrs.Charmond's existenceat this seasonwere two: the first, that she livedwithnocompanionorrelativeabouther,which,consideringherageandattractions,wassomewhat unusual conduct for a youngwidow in a lonely country-house; theother,thatshedidnot,asinpreviousyears,startfromHintocktowinterabroad.In Fitzpiers, the only change from his last autumn's habits lay in hisabandonment of night study—his lampnever shone fromhis newdwelling asfromhisold.

If the suspected ones met, it was by such adroit contrivances that evenMelbury's vigilance could not encounter them together. A simple call at herhousebythedoctorhadnothingirregularaboutit,andthathehadpaidtwoorthree such callswas certain.What had passed at those interviewswas knownonlytothepartiesthemselves;butthatFeliceCharmondwasundersomeone'sinfluenceMelburysoonhadopportunityofperceiving.

Winterhadcomeon.Owlsbegantobenoisyinthemorningsandevenings,and flocks of wood-pigeons made themselves prominent again. One day in

February, about six months after the marriage of Fitzpiers, Melbury wasreturningfromGreatHintockonfootthroughthelane,whenhesawbeforehimthe surgeon also walking. Melbury would have overtaken him, but at thatmomentFitzpiersturnedinthroughagatetooneoftheramblingdrivesamongthe trees at this side of thewood,which led to nowhere in particular, and thebeautyofwhoseserpentinecurveswastheonlyjustificationof theirexistence.Felicealmostsimultaneouslytrotteddownthelanetowardsthetimber-dealer,ina little basket-carriage which she sometimes drove about the estate,unaccompanied by a servant. She turned in at the same placewithout havingseen either Melbury or apparently Fitzpiers. Melbury was soon at the spot,despite his aches and his sixty years. Mrs. Charmond had come up with thedoctor,whowas standing immediately behind the carriage. She had turned tohim,herarmbeingthrowncarelesslyoverthebackoftheseat.Theylookedineachother'sfaceswithoututteringaword,anarchyetgloomysmilewreathingherlips.Fitzpiersclaspedherhanginghand,and,whileshestillremainedinthesamelistlessattitude,lookingvolumesintohiseyes,hestealthilyunbuttonedherglove,andstrippedherhandofitbyrollingbackthegauntletoverthefingers,sothat it came off inside out. He then raised her hand to his month, she stillreclining passively, watching him as she might have watched a fly upon herdress.Atlastshesaid,"Well,sir,whatexcuseforthisdisobedience?"

"Imakenone."

"Then go your way, and let me go mine." She snatched away her hand,touched the pony with the whip, and left him standing there, holding thereversedglove.

Melbury's first impulsewas to revealhispresence toFitzpiers, andupbraidhimbitterly.Butamoment's thoughtwassufficient toshowhimthefutilityofany such simpleproceeding.Therewasnot, after all, somuch inwhathehadwitnessedas inwhat that scenemightbe thesurfaceand frothof—probablyastateofmindonwhichcensureoperatesasanaggravationratherthanasacure.Moreover, he said to himself that the point of attack should be thewoman, ifeither.He thereforekeptoutofsight,andmusingsadly,even tearfully—forhewas meek as a child in matters concerning his daughter—continued his waytowardsHintock.

The insight which is bred of deep sympathy was never more finelyexemplified than in this instance. Through her guardedmanner, her dignified

speech,herplacidcountenance,hediscernedtheinteriorofGrace'slifeonlytootruly,hiddenaswereitsincidentsfromeveryoutereye.

Theseincidentshadbecomepainfulenough.Fitzpiershadlatterlydevelopedan irritable discontent which vented itself in monologues when Grace waspresenttohearthem.Theearlymorningofthisdayhadbeendull,afteranightof wind, and on looking out of the window Fitzpiers had observed some ofMelbury'smendraggingawayalargelimbwhichhadbeensnappedoffabeech-tree.Everythingwascoldandcolorless.

"MygoodHeaven!"hesaid,ashestoodinhisdressing-gown."Thisislife!"HedidnotknowwhetherGracewasawakeornot, andhewouldnot turnhishead to ascertain. "Ah, fool," hewent on to himself, "to clip your ownwingswhenyouwere free to soar!...But I couldnot rest till Ihaddone it.Whydo IneverrecognizeanopportunitytillIhavemissedit,northegoodorillofasteptillitisirrevocable!...Ifellinlove....Love,indeed!—

"'Love'sbutthefrailtyofthemindWhen'tisnotwithambitionjoined;Asicklyflamewhichifnotfed,expires,Andfeeding,wastesinself-consumingfires!'

Ah,oldauthorof'TheWayoftheWorld,'youknew—youknew!"Gracemoved.Hethoughtshehadheardsomepartofhissoliloquy.Hewassorry—thoughhehadnottakenanyprecautiontopreventher.

Heexpectedasceneatbreakfast,butsheonlyexhibitedanextremereserve.Itwasenough,however,tomakehimrepentthatheshouldhavedoneanythingtoproducediscomfort;forheattributedhermannerentirelytowhathehadsaid.ButGrace'smannerhadnotitscauseeitherinhissayingsorinhisdoings.Shehadnotheardasinglewordofhisregrets.Somethingevennearerhomethanherhusband's blighted prospects—if blighted they were—was the origin of hermood, amood thatwas themere continuation ofwhat her father had noticedwhenhewouldhavepreferredapassionatejealousyinher,asthemorenatural.

Shehadmadeadiscovery—onewhichtoagirlofhonestnaturewasalmostappalling. She had looked into her heart, and found that her early interest inGilesWinterbornehadbecomerevitalizedintoluxuriantgrowthbyherwideningperceptions of what was great and little in life. His homeliness no longeroffendedheracquired tastes;hiscomparativewantofso-calledculturedidnot

now jar on her intellect; his country dress even pleased her eye; his exteriorroughness fascinated her. Having discovered bymarriage howmuch that washumanlynotgreatcouldco-existwithattainmentsofanexceptionalorder,therewasarevulsioninhersentimentsfromallthatshehadformerlyclungtointhiskind:honesty,goodness,manliness,tenderness,devotion,forheronlyexistedintheirpuritynowinthebreastsofunvarnishedmen;andherewasonewhohadmanifestedthemtowardsherfromhisyouthup.

There was, further, that never-ceasing pity in her soul for Giles as a manwhom she had wronged—a man who had been unfortunate in his worldlytransactions;while,notwithoutatouchofsublimity,hehad,likeHoratio,bornehimselfthroughouthisscathing

"Asone,insufferingall,thatsuffersnothing."

Itwas theseperceptions, andno subtlecatchingofherhusband'smurmurs,thathadbredtheabstractionvisibleinher.

WhenherfatherapproachedthehouseafterwitnessingtheinterviewbetweenFitzpiers and Mrs. Charmond, Grace was looking out of her sitting-roomwindow,asifshehadnothingtodo,orthinkof,orcarefor.Hestoodstill.

"Ah,Grace,"hesaid,regardingherfixedly.

"Yes,father,"shemurmured.

"Waitingforyourdearhusband?"heinquired,speakingwiththesarcasmofpitifulaffection.

"Ohno—notespecially.Hehasagreatmanypatientstoseethisafternoon."

Melburycamequiteclose."Grace,what's theuseof talking like that,whenyouknow—Here,comedownandwalkwithmeoutinthegarden,child."

He unfastened the door in the ivy-laced wall, and waited. This apparentindifferencealarmedhim.Hewouldfarratherthatshehadrushedinallthefireof jealousy to Hintock House, regardless of conventionality, confronted andattacked Felice Charmond unguibus et rostro, and accused her even in

exaggerated shape of stealing away her husband. Such a storm might haveclearedtheair.

Sheemergedinaminuteortwo,andtheywentinsidetogether."YouknowaswellasIdo,"heresumed,"thatthereissomethingthreateningmischieftoyourlife;andyetyoupretendyoudonot.DoyousupposeIdon'tseethetroubleinyourfaceeveryday?Iamverysurethatthisquietudeiswrongconductinyou.Youshouldlookmoreintomatters."

"Iamquietbecausemysadnessisnotofanaturetostirmetoaction."

Melburywantedtoaskheradozenquestions—didshenotfeeljealous?wasshenotindignant?butanaturaldelicacyrestrainedhim."Youareverytameandlet-alone,Iamboundtosay,"heremarked,pointedly.

"IamwhatIfeel,father,"sherepeated.

Heglancedather,andtherereturneduponhismindthesceneofherofferingtowedWinterborneinsteadofFitzpiersinthelastdaysbeforehermarriage;andheaskedhimselfifitcouldbethefactthatshelovedWinterborne,nowthatshehadlosthim,morethanshehadeverdonewhenshewascomparativelyfreetochoosehim.

"Whatwouldyouhavemedo?"sheasked,inalowvoice.

Herecalledhismindfromtheretrospectivepaintothepracticalmatterbeforethem."IwouldhaveyougotoMrs.Charmond,"hesaid.

"GotoMrs.Charmond—whatfor?"saidshe.

"Well—if Imust speak plain, dearGrace—to ask her, appeal to her in thenameofyourcommonwomanhood, andyourmany like sentimentson things,nottomakeunhappinessbetweenyouandyourhusband.Itlieswithherentirelytodooneortheother—thatIcansee."

Grace'sfacehadheatedatherfather'swords,andtheveryrustleofherskirtsuponthebox-edgingbespokehauteur."Ishallnotthinkofgoingtoher,father—ofcourseIcouldnot!"sheanswered.

"Why—don't 'eewant tobehappier thanyoubeatpresent?" saidMelbury,

moremovedonheraccountthanshewasherself.

"Idon'twishtobemorehumiliated.IfIhaveanythingtobearIcanbearitinsilence."

"But,my dearmaid, you are too young—you don't knowwhat the presentstateofthingsmayleadto.Justseetheharmdonea'ready!Yourhusbandwouldhave gone away toBudmouth to a bigger practice if it had not been for this.Althoughithasgonesuchalittleway,itispoisoningyourfutureevennow.Mrs.Charmond is thoughtlesslybad,notbadbycalculation; and just aword tohernowmightsave'eeapeckofwoes."

"Ah, I loved her once," said Grace, with a broken articulation, "and shewouldnotcareformethen!NowIno longer loveher.Letherdoherworst: Idon'tcare."

"Yououghttocare.Youhavegotintoaverygoodpositiontostartwith.Youhave been well educated, well tended, and you have become the wife of aprofessionalmanofunusuallygoodfamily.Surelyyououghttomakethebestofyourposition."

"Idon'tseethatIought.IwishIhadnevergotintoit.Iwishyouhadnever,neverthoughtofeducatingme.IwishIworkedinthewoodslikeMartySouth.Ihategenteellife,andIwanttobenobetterthanshe."

"Why?"saidheramazedfather.

"Becausecultivationhasonlybroughtmeinconveniencesandtroubles.Isayagain, Iwishyouhadneversentme to thosefashionableschoolsyousetyourmindon. It all aroseoutof that, father. If I had stayedathome I shouldhavemarried—"Shecloseduphermouthsuddenlyandwassilent;andhesaw thatshewasnotfarfromcrying.

Melburywasmuchgrieved."What,andwouldyouliketohavegrownupaswebehereinHintock—knowingnomore,andwithnomorechanceofseeinggoodlifethanwehavehere?"

"Yes. IhavenevergotanyhappinessoutsideHintock that Iknowof,and Ihave suffered many a heartache at being sent away. Oh, the misery of thoseJanuarydayswhenIhadgotbacktoschool,andleftyouallhereinthewoodso

happy.IusedtowonderwhyIhadtobearit.AndIwasalwaysalittledespisedbytheothergirlsatschool,becausetheyknewwhereIcamefrom,andthatmyparentswerenotinsogoodastationastheirs."

Her poor father was much hurt at what he thought her ingratitude andintractability.Hehadadmittedtohimselfbitterlyenoughthatheshouldhaveletyoungheartshave theirway,or rather shouldhavehelpedonheraffection forWinterborne,andgivenhertohimaccordingtohisoriginalplan;buthewasnotpreparedforherdeprecationofthoseattainmentswhosecompletionhadbeenalaborofyears,andaseveretaxuponhispurse.

"Verywell,"hesaid,withmuchheavinessofspirit."Ifyoudon'tliketogotoherIdon'twishtoforceyou."

And so the question remained for him still: how should he remedy thisperilous state of things? For days he sat in a moody attitude over the fire, apitcher of cider standing on the hearth beside him, and his drinking-horninverteduponthetopofit.Hespentaweekandmorethuscomposingalettertothechiefoffender,whichhewouldeverynowandthenattempttocomplete,andsuddenlycrumpleupinhishand.

CHAPTERXXXI.

AsFebruarymergedinMarch,and lightereveningsbroke thegloomof thewoodmen'shomewardjourney,theHintocksGreatandLittlebegantohaveearsforarumoroftheeventsoutofwhichhadgrownthetimber-dealer'stroubles.Ittooktheformofawidesprinklingofconjecture,whereinnomanknewtheexacttruth. Tantalizing phenomena, at once showing and concealing the realrelationship of the persons concerned, caused a diffusion of excited surprise.Honestpeopleas thewoodlanderswere, itwashardlytobeexpectedthat theycould remain immersed in the study of their trees and gardens amid suchcircumstances,orsitwiththeirbacksturnedlikethegoodburghersofCoventryatthepassageofthebeautifullady.

Rumor,forawonder,exaggeratedlittle.Therewere,infact,inthiscaseasin

thousands, the well-worn incidents, old as the hills, which, with individualvariations,madeamournerofAriadne,aby-wordofVashti,andacorpseoftheCountess Amy. There were rencounters accidental and contrived, stealthycorrespondence, suddenmisgivingsonone side, suddenself-reproacheson theother.Theinnerstateofthetwainwasoneasofconfusednoisethatwouldnotallow the accents of calmer reason to be heard. Determinations to go in thisdirection, and headlong plunges in that; dignified safeguards, undignifiedcollapses;notasinglerashstepbydeliberateintention,andallagainstjudgment.

It was all thatMelbury had expected and feared. It was more, for he hadoverlookedthepublicitythatwouldbelikelytoresult,asitnowhaddone.Whatshould he do—appeal toMrs.Charmond himself, sinceGracewould not?Hebethought himself of Winterborne, and resolved to consult him, feeling thestrongneedofsomefriendofhisownsextowhomhemightunburdenhismind.

Hehadentirely lost faith inhisownjudgment.That judgmentonwhichhehadreliedforsomanyyearsseemedrecently,likeafalsecompanionunmasked,to have disclosed unexpected depths of hypocrisy and speciousness where allhadseemedsolidity.Hefeltalmostafraidtoformaconjectureontheweather,orthetime,orthefruit-promise,sogreatwashisself-abasement.

ItwasarimyeveningwhenhesetouttolookforGiles.Thewoodsseemedtobeinacoldsweat;beadsofperspirationhungfromeverybaretwig;theskyhadnocolor,andthetreesrosebeforehimashaggard,grayphantoms,whosedaysof substantiality were passed. Melbury seldom sawWinterborne now, but hebelieved him to be occupying a lonely hut just beyond the boundary ofMrs.Charmond'sestate, thoughstillwithin thecircuitof thewoodland.The timber-merchant'sthinlegsstalkedonthroughthepale,dampscenery,hiseyesonthedeadleavesoflastyear;whileeverynowandthenahasty"Ay?"escapedhislipsinreplytosomebitterproposition.

Hisnoticewas attractedby a thinbluehazeof smoke, behindwhich arosesoundsofvoicesandchopping:bendinghisstepsthatway,hesawWinterbornejustinfrontofhim.ItjustnowhappenedthatGiles,afterbeingforalongtimeapathetic and unemployed, had become one of the busiest men in theneighborhood. It is often thus; fallen friends, lost sight of, we expect to findstarving; we discover them going on fairly well. Without any solicitation, ordesire forprofitonhispart,hehadbeenasked toexecuteduring thatwinteravery large order for hurdles and other copse-ware, for which purpose he had

beenobligedtobuyseveralacresofbrushwoodstanding.Hewasnowengagedinthecuttingandmanufactureofthesame,proceedingwiththeworkdailylikeanautomaton.

Thehazel-treedidnotbelie its name to-day.Thewholeof the copse-woodwhere the mist had cleared returned purest tints of that hue, amid whichWinterbornehimselfwasintheactofmakingahurdle,thestakesbeingdrivenfirmlyintothegroundinarow,overwhichhebentandwovethetwigs.Besidehimwasasquare,compactpilelikethealtarofCain,formedofhurdlesalreadyfinished,whichbristledonall sideswith the sharppointsof their stakes.At alittledistancethemeninhisemploywereassistinghimtocarryouthiscontract.Rows of copse-wood lay on the ground as it had fallen under the axe; and ashelter had been constructed near at hand, in front of which burned the firewhosesmokehadattractedhim.Theairwassodankthatthesmokehungheavy,andcreptawayamidthebusheswithoutrisingfromtheground.

After wistfully regarding Winterborne a while, Melbury drew nearer, andbriefly inquired of Giles how he came to be so busily engaged, with anundertoneofslightsurprisethatWinterbornecouldseemsothrivingafterbeingdeprivedofGrace.Melburywasnotwithoutemotionatthemeeting;forGrace'saffairshaddividedthem,andendedtheirintimacyofoldtimes.

Winterborne explained just as briefly, without raising his eyes from hisoccupationofchoppingaboughthatheheldinfrontofhim.

"'TwillbeupinAprilbeforeyougetitallcleared,"saidMelbury.

"Yes,thereorthereabouts,"saidWinterborne,achopofthebillhookjerkingthelastwordintotwopieces.

There was another interval; Melbury still looked on, a chip fromWinterborne's hook occasionally flying against the waistcoat and legs of hisvisitor,whotooknoheed.

"Ah, Giles—you should have beenmy partner. You should have beenmyson-in-law,"theoldmansaidatlast."Itwouldhavebeenfarbetterforherandforme."

Winterbornesawthatsomethinghadgonewrongwithhisformerfriend,andthrowingdown the switch hewas about to interweave, he respondedonly too

readilytothemoodofthetimber-dealer."Issheill?"hesaid,hurriedly.

"No, no."Melbury stoodwithout speaking for someminutes, and then, asthoughhecouldnotbringhimselftoproceed,turnedtogoaway.

WinterbornetoldoneofhismentopackupthetoolsforthenightandwalkedafterMelbury.

"Heaven forbid that I should seem too inquisitive, sir," he said, "especiallysincewedon'tstandasweusedtostandtooneanother;butIhopeitiswellwiththemalloveryourway?"

"No," said Melbury—"no." He stopped, and struck the smooth trunk of ayoungash-treewith the flatofhishand. "Iwould thathisearhadbeenwherethatrindis!"heexclaimed;"Ishouldhavetreatedhimtolittlecomparedwiwhathedeserves."

"Now,"saidWinterborne,"don'tbeinahurrytogohome.I'veputsomeciderdowntowarminmyshelterhere,andwe'llsitanddrinkitandtalkthisover."

Melbury turnedunresistingly asGiles took his arm, and theywent back towhere the firewas,andsatdownunder thescreen, theotherwoodmenhavinggone.Hedrewoutthecider-mugfromtheashesandtheydranktogether.

"Giles,yououghttohavehadher,asIsaidjustnow,"repeatedMelbury."I'lltellyouwhyforthefirsttime."

HethereupontoldWinterborne,aswithgreatrelief,thestoryofhowhewonawayGiles'sfather'schosenone—bynothingworsethanalover'scajoleries,itistrue,butbymeanswhich,exceptinlove,wouldcertainlyhavebeenpronouncedcruelandunfair.HeexplainedhowhehadalwaysintendedtomakereparationtoWinterborne the father by giving Grace toWinterborne the son, till the deviltemptedhiminthepersonofFitzpiers,andhebrokehisvirtuousvow.

"Howhighly I thought of thatman, to be sure!Who'd have supposed he'dhavebeensoweakandwrong-headedasthis!Yououghttohavehadher,Giles,andthere'sanendon't."

Winterborneknewhowtopreservehiscalmunder thisunconsciouslycrueltearingofahealingwoundtowhichMelbury'sconcentrationonthemorevital

subject had blinded him. The youngman endeavored tomake the best of thecaseforGrace'ssake.

"She would hardly have been happy with me," he said, in the dry,unimpassionedvoice underwhich he hid his feelings. "Iwas notwell enougheducated: too rough, in short. I couldn't have surrounded her with therefinementsshelookedfor,anyhow,atall."

"Nonsense—youarequitewrongthere,"saidtheunwiseoldman,doggedly."Shetoldmeonlythisdaythatshehatesrefinementsandsuchlike.Allthatmytrouble andmoneybought for her in thatway is thrownawayuponherquite.She'd fain be likeMarty South—think o' that! That's the top of her ambition!Perhapsshe'sright.Giles,shelovedyou—undertherind;and,what'smore,shelovesyestill—worseluckforthepoormaid!"

IfMelburyonlyhadknownwhatfireshewasrecklesslystirringuphemighthave held his peace. Winterborne was silent a long time. The darkness hadclosed in round them, and themonotonous drip of the fog from the branchesquickenedasitturnedtofinerain.

"Oh,shenevercaredmuchforme,"Gilesmanagedtosay,ashestirredtheemberswithabrand.

"Shedid,anddoes,Itellye,"saidtheother,obstinately."However,allthat'svaintalkingnow.WhatIcometoaskyouaboutisamorepracticalmatter—howtomake the best of things as they are. I am thinking of a desperate step—ofcallingonthewomanCharmond.Iamgoingtoappealtoher,sinceGracewillnot.'Tisshewhoholdsthebalanceinherhands—nothe.Whileshe'sgotthewillto leadhimastrayhewill follow—poor,unpractical, lofty-notioneddreamer—and how long she'll do it depends upon herwhim.Did ye ever hear anythingabouthercharacterbeforeshecametoHintock?"

"She'sbeenabitofacharmerinhertime,Ibelieve,"repliedGiles,withthesamelevelquietude,asheregarded theredcoals."Onewhohassmiledwhereshehasnot lovedand lovedwhereshehasnotmarried.BeforeMr.Charmondmadeherhiswifeshewasaplay-actress."

"Hey?Buthowcloseyouhavekeptallthis,Giles!Whatbesides?"

"Mr.Charmondwasarichman,engagedintheirontradeinthenorth,twenty

orthirtyyearsolderthanshe.Hemarriedherandretired,andcamedownhereandboughtthisproperty,astheydonowadays."

"Yes,yes—Iknowallaboutthat;buttheotherIdidnotknow.Ifearitbodesno good. For how can I go and appeal to the forbearance of awoman in thismatterwhohasmadecross-lovesandcrookedentanglementshertradeforyears?I thank ye,Giles, for finding it out; but itmakesmy plan the harder that sheshouldhavebelongedtothatunstabletribe."

Anotherpauseensued,andtheylookedgloomilyatthesmokethatbeataboutthehurdleswhichshelteredthem,throughwhoseweavingsalargedropofrainfellatintervalsandspatsmartlyintothefire.Mrs.Charmondhadbeennofriendto Winterborne, but he was manly, and it was not in his heart to let her becondemnedwithoutatrial.

"She is said tobegenerous,"heanswered."Youmightnotappeal toher invain."

"It shall be done," said Melbury, rising. "For good or for evil, to Mrs.CharmondI'llgo."

CHAPTERXXXII.

At nine o'clock the next morning Melbury dressed himself up in shiningbroadcloth, creased with folding and smelling of camphor, and started forHintockHouse.Hewas themore impelled togoatonceby theabsenceofhisson-in-law in London for a few days, to attend, really or ostensibly, someprofessionalmeetings.HesaidnothingofhisdestinationeithertohiswifeortoGrace, fearing that theymight entreat him to abandon so risky a project, andwentoutunobserved.Hehadchosenhis timewith aview, ashe supposed,ofconvenientlycatchingMrs.Charmondwhenshehadjustfinishedherbreakfast,before any other business people should be about, if any came. Ploddingthoughtfullyonward,hecrossedagladelyingbetweenLittleHintockWoodsandthe plantation which abutted on the park; and the spot being open, he wasdiscernedtherebyWinterbornefromthecopseonthenexthill,whereheandhis

menwereworking.Knowinghismission,theyoungermanhasteneddownfromthecopseandmanagedtointerceptthetimber-merchant.

"Ihavebeenthinkingofthis,sir,"hesaid,"andIamofopinionthatitwouldbebesttoputoffyourvisitforthepresent."

ButMelburywouldnotevenstop tohearhim.Hismindwasmadeup, theappealwas to bemade; andWinterborne stood andwatched him sadly till heenteredthesecondplantationanddisappeared.

Melbury rangat the tradesmen'sdoorof themanor-house, andwasatonceinformedthattheladywasnotyetvisible,asindeedhemighthaveguessedhadhebeenanybodybutthemanhewas.Melburysaidhewouldwait,whereupontheyoungmaninformedhiminaneighborlywaythat,betweenthemselves,shewasinbedandasleep.

"Nevermind,"saidMelbury,retreatingintothecourt,"I'llstandabouthere."Chargedsofullywithhismission,heshrankfromcontactwithanybody.

Buthewalkedaboutthepavedcourttillhewastired,andstillnobodycametohim.Atlastheenteredthehouseandsatdowninasmallwaiting-room,fromwhich he got glimpses of the kitchen corridor, and of thewhite-cappedmaidsflittingjauntilyhitherandthither.Theyhadheardofhisarrival,buthadnotseenhim enter, and, imagining him still in the court, discussed freely the possiblereason of his calling. Theymarvelled at his temerity; for thoughmost of thetongues which had been let loose attributed the chief blame-worthiness toFitzpiers,theseofherhouseholdpreferredtoregardtheirmistressasthedeepersinner.

Melbury satwith his hands restingon the familiar knobbed thornwalking-stick,whosegrowinghehadseenbeforeheenjoyed itsuse.Thescene tohimwasnotthematerialenvironmentofhisperson,butatragicvisionthattravelledwithhimlikeanenvelope.Throughthisvisiontheincidentsofthemomentbutgleamed confusedly here and there, as an outer landscape through the high-coloredscenesofastainedwindow.Hewaitedthusanhour,anhourandahalf,twohours.Hebegan to lookpale and ill,whereupon thebutler,whocame in,askedhimtohaveaglassofwine.Melburyrousedhimselfandsaid,"No,no.Isshealmostready?"

"Sheisjustfinishingbreakfast,"saidthebutler."Shewillsoonseeyounow.I

amjustgoinguptotellheryouarehere."

"What!haven'tyoutoldherbefore?"saidMelbury.

"Ohno,"saidtheother."Youseeyoucamesoveryearly."

At last the bell rang: Mrs. Charmond could see him. She was not in herprivate sitting-roomwhen he reached it, but in aminute he heard her comingfromthefrontstaircase,andsheenteredwherehestood.

At this timeof themorningMrs.Charmond lookedher full age andmore.Shemightalmosthavebeen takenfor the typical femmede trenteans, thoughshewasreallynotmorethansevenoreightandtwenty.Therebeingnofire inthe room, she came inwith a shawl thrown loosely round her shoulders, andobviouslywithout the least suspicion thatMelbury had called upon any othererrand than timber.Felicewas, indeed, theonlywoman in theparishwhohadnotheardtherumorofherownweaknesses;shewasatthismomentlivinginafool'sparadiseinrespectofthatrumor,thoughnotinrespectoftheweaknessesthemselves,which,ifthetruthbetold,causedhergravemisgivings.

"Do sit down, Mr. Melbury. You have felled all the trees that were to bepurchasedbyyouthisseason,excepttheoaks,Ibelieve."

"Yes,"saidMelbury.

"Howverynice!Itmustbesocharmingtoworkinthewoodsjustnow!"

Shewastoocarelesstoaffectaninterestinanextraneousperson'saffairssoconsummatelyastodeceiveinthemanneroftheperfectsocialmachine.Henceherwords"verynice,""socharming,"wereutteredwithaperfunctoriness thatmadethemsoundabsurdlyunreal.

"Yes,yes,"saidMelbury, inareverie.Hedidnot takeachair,andshealsoremained standing.Resting upon his stick, he began: "Mrs.Charmond, I havecalled upon a more serious matter—at least to me—than tree-throwing. AndwhatevermistakesImakeinmymannerofspeakinguponittoyou,madam,dome the justice to set 'emdown tomywantofpractice,andnot tomywantofcare."

Mrs. Charmond looked ill at ease. She might have begun to guess his

meaning; but apart from that, she had such dread of contact with anythingpainful, harsh, or even earnest, that his preliminaries alone were enough todistressher."Yes,whatisit?"shesaid.

"Iamanoldman,"saidMelbury,"whom,somewhatlateinlife,Godthoughtfittoblesswithonechild,andsheadaughter.Hermotherwasaverydearwifetome,butshewastakenawayfromuswhenthechildwasyoung,andthechildbecamepreciousastheappleofmyeyetome,forshewasallIhadlefttolove.ForhersakeentirelyImarriedassecondwifeahomespunwomanwhohadbeenkindasamothertoher.Induetimethequestionofhereducationcameon,andIsaid,'Iwilleducatethemaidwell,ifIliveuponbreadtodoit.'Ofherpossiblemarriage I could not bear to think, for it seemed like a death that she shouldcleavetoanotherman,andgrowtothinkhishouseherhomeratherthanmine.But I saw itwas the lawof nature that this should be, and that itwas for themaid'shappinessthatsheshouldhaveahomewhenIwasgone;andImadeupmymindwithoutamurmurtohelpitonforhersake.InmyyouthIhadwrongedmydeadfriend,andtomakeamendsIdeterminedtogiveher,mymostpreciouspossession, tomy friend's son, seeing that they liked each other well. Thingscameaboutwhichmademedoubtifitwouldbeformydaughter'shappinesstodo this, inasmuch as the youngmanwas poor, and shewas delicately reared.Another man came and paid court to her—one her equal in breeding andaccomplishments;ineverywayitseemedtomethatheonlycouldgiveherthehomewhichher traininghadmadeanecessityalmost. Iurgedheron,andshemarried him. But, ma'am, a fatal mistake was at the root of my reckoning. Ifoundthatthiswell-borngentlemanIhadcalculatedonsosurelywasnotstanchofheart,andthatthereinlayadangerofgreatsorrowformydaughter.Madam,hesawyou,andyouknowtherest....Ihavecometomakenodemands—toutternothreats;Ihavecomesimplyasafatheringreatgriefaboutthisonlychild,andIbeseechyoutodealkindlywithmydaughter,andtodonothingwhichcanturnher husband's heart away fromher forever. Forbid himyour presence,ma'am,andspeaktohimonhisdutyasonewithyourpoweroverhimwellcando,andIamhopefulthattherentbetweenthemmaybepatchedup.Foritisnotasifyouwould losebysodoing;yourcourse is farhigher than thecoursesofasimpleprofessionalman,andthegratitudeyouwouldwinfrommeandminebyyourkindnessismorethanIcansay."

Mrs. Charmond had first rushed into a mood of indignation oncomprehending Melbury's story; hot and cold by turns, she had murmured,"Leaveme, leaveme!"But as he seemed to take no notice of this, hiswords

begantoinfluenceher,andwhenheceasedspeakingshesaid,withhurried,hotbreath, "What has led you to think this of me? Who says I have won yourdaughter's husband away from her? Somemonstrous calumnies are afloat—ofwhichIhaveknownnothinguntilnow!"

Melburystarted,andlookedathersimply."Butsurely,ma'am,youknowthetruthbetterthanI?"

Her features became a little pinched, and the touches of powder on herhandsomefacefor thefirst timeshowed themselvesasanextrinsic film."Willyou leaveme tomyself?" she said,with a faintnesswhich suggested a guiltyconscience. "This is so utterly unexpected—you obtain admission to mypresencebymisrepresentation—"

"AsGod'sinheaven,ma'am,that'snottrue.Imadenopretence;andIthoughtinreasonyouwouldknowwhyIhadcome.Thisgossip—"

"Ihaveheardnothingofit.Tellmeofit,Isay."

"Tellyou,ma'am—notI.What thegossip is,nomatter.What really is,youknow.Setfactsright,andthescandalwillrightofitself.Butpardonme—Ispeakroughly;andIcametospeakgently, tocoaxyou,begyoutobemydaughter'sfriend.Shelovedyouonce,ma'am;youbeganbylikingher.Thenyoudroppedherwithoutareason,andithurtherwarmheartmorethanIcantellye.Butyouwerewithinyourrightasthesuperior,nodoubt.Butifyouwouldconsiderherpositionnow—surely,surely,youwoulddohernoharm!"

"Certainly I would do her no harm—I—"Melbury's eye met hers. It wascurious,buttheallusiontoGrace'sformerloveforherseemedtotouchhermorethan all Melbury's other arguments. "Oh,Melbury," she burst out, "you havemademesounhappy!Howcouldyoucometomelikethis!It is toodreadful!Nowgoaway—go,go!"

"Iwill,"hesaid,inahuskytone.

As soon ashewasout of the room shewent to a corner and there sat andwrithedunderanemotioninwhichhurtprideandvexationmingledwithbettersentiments.

Mrs.Charmond'smobile spiritwas subject to these fierce periods of stressandstorm.Shehadneversoclearlyperceivedtillnowthathersoulwasbeingslowly invaded by a delirium which had brought about all this; that she waslosing judgment and dignity under it, becoming an animated impulse only, apassionincarnate.Afascinationhadledheron;itwasasifshehadbeenseizedbyahandofvelvet;andthiswaswhereshefoundherself—overshadowedwithsuddennight,asifatornadohadpassedby.

While she sat, or rather crouched, unhinged by the interview, lunch-timecame,and then theearlyafternoon,almostwithoutherconsciousness.Then"astrangegentlemanwhosaysitisnotnecessarytogivehisname,"wassuddenlyannounced.

"Icannotseehim,whoeverhemaybe.Iamnotathometoanybody."

Sheheardnomoreofhervisitor;andshortlyafter, inanattempttorecoversomementalserenitybyviolentphysicalexercise,sheputonherhatandcloakandwentout-of-doors, takingapathwhichledheruptheslopestothenearestspurofthewood.Shedislikedthewoods,buttheyhadtheadvantageofbeingaplaceinwhichshecouldwalkcomparativelyunobserved.

CHAPTERXXXIII.

Therewasagitationto-dayinthelivesofallwhomthesemattersconcerned.ItwasnottilltheHintockdinner-time—oneo'clock—thatGracediscoveredherfather'sabsencefromthehouseafteradepartureinthemorningundersomewhatunusualconditions.Byalittlereasoningandinquiryshewasabletocometoaconclusiononhisdestination,andtodivinehiserrand.

Herhusbandwasabsent,andherfatherdidnotreturn.Hehad,intruth,goneon toShertonafter the interview,but thisGracedidnotknow.Inan indefinitedreadthatsomethingseriouswouldariseoutofMelbury'svisitbyreasonoftheinequalitiesoftemperandnervousirritationtowhichhewassubject,somethingpossiblythatwouldbringhermuchmoremiserythanaccompaniedherpresentnegativestateofmind,sheleftthehouseaboutthreeo'clock,andtookaloiteringwalkinthewoodlandtrackbywhichsheimaginedhewouldcomehome.Thistrackunder thebare treesandover thecrackingsticks, screenedand roofed infromtheouterworldofwindandcloudbyanet-workofboughs,ledherslowlyontill intimeshehadleft thelargertreesbehindherandsweptroundintothecoppicewhereWinterborneandhismenwereclearingtheundergrowth.

Had Giles's attention been concentrated on his hurdles he would not haveseen her; but ever since Melbury's passage across the opposite glade in themorninghehadbeenasuneasyandunsettledasGraceherself;andheradventnowwastheoneappearancewhich,sinceherfather'savowal,couldarresthimmorethanMelbury'sreturnwithhistidings.Fearingthatsomethingmightbethematter,hehasteneduptoher.

Shehadnotseenheroldloverforalongtime,and,tooconsciousofthelatepranksofherheart,shecouldnotbeholdhimcalmly."Iamonlylookingformy

father,"shesaid,inanunnecessarilyapologeticintonation.

"Iwaslookingforhimtoo,"saidGiles."Ithinkhemayperhapshavegoneonfarther."

"Then you knew hewas going to theHouse,Giles?" she said, turning herlargetendereyesanxiouslyuponhim."Didhetellyouwhatfor?"

Winterborneglanceddoubtinglyather,andthensoftlyhintedthatherfatherhad visited him the evening before, and that their old friendship was quiterestored,onwhichsheguessedtherest.

"Oh,Iamglad,indeed,thatyoutwoarefriendsagain!"shecried.Andthenthey stood facing each other, fearing each other, troubling each other's souls.Grace experienced acute misery at the sight of these wood-cutting scenes,because she had estranged herself from them, craving, even to its defects andinconveniences,thathomelysylvanlifeofherfatherwhichinthebestprobablesuccessionofeventswouldshortlybedeniedher.

At a little distance, on the edge of the clearing,Marty Southwas shapingspar-gadstotakehomeformanufactureduringtheevenings.WhileWinterborneandMrs.Fitzpiers stood looking at her in theirmutual embarrassment at eachother'spresence,theybeheldapproachingthegirlaladyinadarkfurmantleandablackhat,havingawhiteveiltiedpicturesquelyroundit.ShespoketoMarty,who turnedandcourtesied,and the lady fell intoconversationwithher. ItwasMrs.Charmond.

Onleavingherhouse,Mrs.Charmondhadwalkedonandonwardunderthefretandfeverofhermindwithmorevigorthanshewasaccustomedtoshowinhernormalmoods—afeverwhichthesolaceofacigarettedidnotentirelyallay.Reaching the coppice, she listlessly observedMarty at work, threw away hercigarette, and came near. Chop, chop, chop, wentMarty's little billhook withnevermoreassiduity,tillMrs.Charmondspoke.

"WhoisthatyoungladyIseetalkingtothewoodmanyonder?"sheasked.

"Mrs.Fitzpiers,ma'am,"saidMarty.

"Oh," said Mrs. Charmond, with something like a start; for she had notrecognizedGraceatthatdistance."Andthemansheistalkingto?"

"That'sMr.Winterborne."

ArednessstoleintoMarty'sfaceasshementionedGiles'sname,whichMrs.Charmonddidnotfailtonoticeinformedherofthestateofthegirl'sheart."Areyouengagedtohim?"sheasked,softly.

"No,ma'am,"saidMarty."SHEwasonce;andIthink—"

ButMarty could not possibly explain the complications of her thoughts onthismatter—whichwerenothinglessthanoneofextraordinaryacutenessforagirl so young and inexperienced—namely, that she saw danger to two heartsnaturallyhonest inGracebeing thrownback intoWinterborne's societyby theneglectofherhusband.Mrs.Charmond,however,withthealmostsupersensorymeans to knowledgewhichwomen have on such occasions, quite understoodwhatMartyhadintendedtoconvey,andthepicturethusexhibitedtoheroflivesdriftingaway,involvingthewreckofpoorMarty'shopes,promptedhertomoregenerousresolvesthanallMelbury'sremonstranceshadbeenabletostimulate.

Fullof thenewfeeling,shebadethegirlgood-afternoon,andwentonoverthestumpsofhazel towhereGraceandWinterbornewerestanding.Theysawherapproach,andWinterbornesaid,"Sheiscomingtoyou;it isagoodomen.Shedislikesme,soI'llgoaway."HeaccordinglyretreatedtowherehehadbeenworkingbeforeGracecame,andGrace'sformidablerivalapproachedher,eachwomantakingtheother'smeasureasshecamenear.

"Dear—Mrs. Fitzpiers," said Felice Charmond, with some inward turmoilwhichstoppedherspeech."Ihavenotseenyouforalongtime."

Sheheldout her hand tentatively,whileGrace stood like awild animal onfirstconfrontingamirrororotherpuzzlingproductofcivilization.WasitreallyMrs.Charmond speaking toher thus? If itwas, she couldno longer formanyguessastowhatitsignified.

"Iwanttotalkwithyou,"saidMrs.Charmond, imploringly,for thegazeoftheyoungwomanhadchilledherthrough."Canyouwalkonwithmetillwearequitealone?"

Sickwith distaste,Grace nevertheless complied, as by clockwork and theymoved evenly side by side into the deeper recesses of thewoods. Theywentfarther,much farther thanMrs.Charmondhadmeant togo; but she couldnot

beginherconversation,andindefaultofitkeptwalking.

"Ihaveseenyourfather,"sheatlengthresumed."And—Iammuchtroubledbywhathetoldme."

"What did he tell you? I have not been admitted to his confidence onanythinghemayhavesaidtoyou."

"Nevertheless,whyshouldIrepeattoyouwhatyoucaneasilydivine?"

"True—true,"returnedGrace,mournfully."Whyshouldyourepeatwhatwebothknowtobeinourmindsalready?"

"Mrs. Fitzpiers, your husband—" The moment that the speaker's tonguetouched the dangerous subject a vivid look of self-consciousness flashed overher, in which her heart revealed, as by a lightning gleam, what filled it tooverflowing.Sotransitorywastheexpressionthatnonebutasensitivewoman,and she in Grace's position, would have had the power to catch its meaning.Uponherthephasewasnotlost.

"ThenyouDOlovehim!"sheexclaimed,inatoneofmuchsurprise.

"Whatdoyoumean,myyoungfriend?"

"Why,"criedGrace,"Ithoughttillnowthatyouhadonlybeencruellyflirtingwith my husband, to amuse your idle moments—a rich lady with a poorprofessionalgentlemanwhominherheartshedespisednotmuchless thanherwho belongs to him. But I guess from your manner that you love himdesperately,andIdon'thateyouasIdidbefore."

"Yes,indeed,"continuedMrs.Fitzpiers,withatremblingtongue,"sinceitisnotplayinginyourcaseatall,butREAL.Oh,Idopityyou,morethanIdespiseyou,foryouwills-s-suffermost!"

Mrs.Charmondwasnowasmuch agitated asGrace. "I ought not to allowmyselftoarguewithyou,"sheexclaimed."Idemeanmyselfbydoingit.ButIlikedyouonce,andforthesakeofthattimeItrytotellyouhowmistakenyouare!" Much of her confusion resulted from her wonder and alarm at findingherselfinasensedominatedmentallyandemotionallybythissimpleschool-girl."Idonotlovehim,"shewenton,withdesperateuntruth."Itwasakindness—my

making somewhat more of him than one usually does of one's doctor. I waslonely;Italked—well,Itrifledwithhim.Iamverysorryifsuchchild'splayingout of pure friendship has been a serious matter to you. Who could haveexpectedit?Buttheworldissosimplehere."

"Oh,that'saffectation,"saidGrace,shakingherhead."Itisnouse—youlovehim. Icansee inyour face that in thismatterofmyhusbandyouhavenot letyouractsbelieyourfeelings.Duringtheselastfourorsixmonthsyouhavebeenterriblyindiscreet;butyouhavenotbeeninsincere,andthatalmostdisarmsme."

"I HAVE been insincere—if you will have the word—I mean I HAVEcoquetted,anddoNOTlovehim!"

ButGrace clung to her position like a limpet. "Youmay have trifledwithothers,buthimyouloveasyouneverlovedanotherman."

"Oh,well—Iwon'targue,"saidMrs.Charmond,laughingfaintly."Andyoucometoreproachmeforit,child."

"No,"saidGrace,magnanimously."Youmaygoonlovinghimifyoulike—Idon'tmindatall.You'll find it, letme tellyou,abittererbusiness foryourselfthanformeintheend.He'llgettiredofyousoon,astiredascanbe—youdon'tknowhimsowellasI—andthenyoumaywishyouhadneverseenhim!"

Mrs.Charmondhadgrownquitepaleandweakunder thisprophecy.ItwasextraordinarythatGrace,whomalmosteveryonewouldhavecharacterizedasagentlegirl,shouldbeofstrongerfibrethanherinterlocutor."Youexaggerate—cruel, silly young woman," she reiterated, writhing with little agonies. "It isnothingbutplayfulfriendship—nothing!Itwillbeprovedbymyfutureconduct.Ishallatoncerefuse toseehimmore—sinceitwillmakenodifferencetomyheart,andmuchtomyname."

"I question if youwill refuse to see him again," saidGrace, dryly, aswitheyesaskanceshebentasaplingdown."ButIamnotincensedagainstyouasyouare against me," she added, abandoning the tree to its natural perpendicular."BeforeIcameIhadbeendespisingyouforwantoncruelty;nowIonlypityyouformisplacedaffection.WhenEdgarhasgoneoutofthehouseinhopeofseeingyou,atseasonablehoursandunseasonable;whenIhavefoundhimridingmilesand miles across the country at midnight, and risking his life, and gettingcoveredwithmud,togetaglimpseofyou,Ihavecalledhimafoolishman—the

playthingofafinishedcoquette.Ithoughtthatwhatwasgettingtobeatragedytomewasacomedytoyou.ButnowIseethattragedyliesonYOURsideofthesituation no less than on MINE, and more; that if I have felt trouble at myposition,youhavefeltanguishatyours;thatifIhavehaddisappointments,youhavehaddespairs.Heavenmayfortifyme—Godhelpyou!"

"I cannot attempt to reply to your raving eloquence," returned the other,strugglingtorestoreadignitywhichhadcompletelycollapsed."Myactswillbemyproofs. In theworldwhichyouhave seennothingof, friendships betweenmenandwomenarenotunknown,and itwouldhavebeenbetterbothforyouandyourfatherifyouhadeachjudgedmemorerespectfully,andleftmealone.AsitisIwishnevertoseeorspeaktoyou,madam,anymore."

Grace bowed, and Mrs. Charmond turned away. The two went apart indirectly opposite courses, and were soon hidden from each other by theirumbrageoussurroundingsandbytheshadowsofeve.

In the excitement of their long argument they had walked onward andzigzagged about without regarding direction or distance. All sound of thewoodcuttershadlongsincefadedintoremoteness,andevenhadnottheintervalbeen too great for hearing them they would have been silent and homewardboundatthistwilighthour.ButGracewentonhercoursewithoutanymisgiving,though therewasmuchunderwoodhere,withonly thenarrowest passages forwalking,acrosswhichbrambleshung.Shehadnot,however, traversedthisthewildestpartofthewoodsinceherchildhood,andthetransformationofoutlineshadbeengreat;oldtreeswhichoncewerelandmarkshadbeenfelledorblowndown,and thebusheswhich thenhadbeensmall andscrubbywerenow largeandoverhanging.Shesoonfoundthatherideasastodirectionwerevague—thatshe had indeed no ideas as to direction at all. If the evening had not beengrowingsodark,andthewindhadnotputonitsnightmoansodistinctly,Gracewouldnothaveminded;butshewasratherfrightenednow,andbegantostrikeacrosshitherandthitherinrandomcourses.

Denser grew the darkness, more developed the wind-voices, and still norecognizablespotoroutletofanykindappeared,noranysoundoftheHintocksfloatednear,thoughshehadwanderedprobablybetweenoneandtwohours,andbegantobeweary.Shewasvexedatherfoolishness,sincethegroundshehadcovered,ifinastraightline,mustinevitablyhavetakenheroutofthewoodtosomeremotevillageorother;butshehadwastedherforcesincountermarches;

andnow,inmuchalarm,wonderedifshewouldhavetopassthenighthere.Shestood still tomeditate, and fancied that between the soughingof thewind sheheard shuffling footsteps on the leaves heavier than those of rabbits or hares.Thoughfearingatfirsttomeetanybodyonthechanceofhisbeingafriend,shedecided that the fellownight-rambler, even if a poacher,wouldnot injure her,andthathemightpossiblybesomeonesenttosearchforher.Sheaccordinglyshoutedarathertimid"Hoi!"

Thecrywasimmediatelyreturnedbytheotherperson;andGracerunningatonceinthedirectionwhenceitcamebeheldanindistinctfigurehasteninguptoherasrapidly.Theywerealmostineachother'sarmswhensherecognizedinhervis-a-vistheoutlineandwhiteveilofherwhomshehadpartedfromanhourandahalfbefore—Mrs.Charmond.

"Ihavelostmyway,Ihavelostmyway,"criedthatlady."Oh—isitindeedyou?Iamsogladtomeetyouoranybody.Ihavebeenwanderingupanddowneversinceweparted,andamnearlydeadwithterrorandmiseryandfatigue!"

"SoamI,"saidGrace."Whatshallwe,shallwedo?"

"Youwon'tgoawayfromme?"askedhercompanion,anxiously.

"No,indeed.Areyouverytired?"

"Icanscarcelymove,andIamscratcheddreadfullyabouttheankles."

Gracereflected."Perhaps,asit isdryunderfoot,thebestthingforustodowould be to sit down for half an hour, and then start again when we havethoroughly rested. By walking straight we must come to a track leadingsomewherebeforethemorning."

Theyfoundaclumpofbushyhollieswhichaffordedashelterfromthewind,andsatdownunderit,sometuftsofdeadfern,crispanddry,thatremainedfromthe previous season forming a sort of nest for them. But it was cold,nevertheless,onthisMarchnight,particularlyforGrace,whowiththesanguineprematurenessof youth inmatters of dress, had considered it spring-time, andhencewasnotsowarmlycladasMrs.Charmond,whostillworeherwinterfur.ButaftersittingawhilethelatterladyshiverednolessthanGraceasthewarmthimpartedbyherhastywalkingbegantogooff,andtheyfeltthecoldairdrawingthrough theholly leaveswhichscratched theirbacksandshoulders.Moreover,

theycouldhearsomedropsofrainfallingonthetrees,thoughnonereachedthenookinwhichtheyhadensconcedthemselves.

"Ifwewere toclingclose together,"saidMrs.Charmond,"weshouldkeepeach other warm. But," she added, in an uneven voice, "I suppose youwon'tcomenearmefortheworld!"

"Whynot?"

"Because—well,youknow."

"Yes.Iwill—Idon'thateyouatall."

Theyconsequentlycreptuptooneanother,andbeinginthedark,lonelyandweary, didwhat neither had dreamed of doing beforehand, clasped each otherclosely,Mrs.Charmond'sfursconsolingGrace'scoldface,andeachone'sbodyasshebreathedalternatelyheavingagainstthatofhercompanion.

When a few minutes had been spent thus,Mrs. Charmond said, "I am sowretched!"inaheavy,emotionalwhisper.

"Youarefrightened,"saidGrace,kindly."Butthereisnothingtofear;Iknowthesewoodswell."

"Iamnotatallfrightenedatthewood,butIamatotherthings."

Mrs. Charmond embraced Grace more and more tightly, and the youngerwomancouldfeelherneighbor'sbreathingsgrowdeeperandmorespasmodic,asthoughuncontrollablefeelingsweregerminating.

"AfterIhadleftyou,"shewenton,"IregrettedsomethingIhadsaid.Ihavetomakeaconfession—Imustmakeit!"shewhispered,brokenly,theinstincttoindulgeinwarmthofsentimentwhichhadledthiswomanofpassionstorespondto Fitzpiers in the first place leading her now to find luxurious comfort inopeningherhearttohiswife."IsaidtoyouIcouldgivehimupwithoutpainordeprivation—thathehadonlybeenmypastime.Thatwasuntrue—itwassaidtodeceiveyou.Icouldnotdoitwithoutmuchpain;and,whatismoredreadful,Icannotgivehimup—evenifIwould—ofmyselfalone."

"Why?Becauseyoulovehim,youmean."

FeliceCharmonddenotedassentbyamovement.

"IknewIwasright!"saidGrace,exaltedly."Butthatshouldnotdeteryou,"shepresentlyadded, inamoral tone. "Oh,do struggleagainst it, andyouwillconquer!"

"You are so simple, so simple!" cried Felice. "You think, because youguessed my assumed indifference to him to be a sham, that you know theextremes thatpeoplearecapableofgoing to!Butagooddealmoremayhavebeengoingon thanyouhave fathomedwithallyour insight. ICANNOTgivehimupuntilhechoosestogiveupme."

"Butsurelyyouarethesuperiorinstationandineveryway,andthecutmustcomefromyou."

"Tchut!MustItellverbatim,yousimplechild?Oh,IsupposeImust!IshalleatawaymyheartifIdonotletoutall,aftermeetingyoulikethisandfindinghowguilelessyouare."She thereuponwhisperedafewwords in thegirl'sear,andburstintoaviolentfitofsobbing.

Gracestartedroughlyawayfromtheshelterofthefur,andsprangtoherfeet.

"Oh,myGod!"sheexclaimed,thunderstruckatarevelationtranscendingherutmostsuspicion."Canitbe—canitbe!"

Sheturnedasiftohastenaway.ButFeliceCharmond'ssobscametoherear:deep darkness circled her about, the funereal trees rocked and chanted theirdirigesandplacebosaroundher,andshedidnotknowwhichwaytogo.Afteramomentofenergyshefeltmildagain,andturnedtothemotionlesswomanatherfeet.

"Areyourested?"sheasked, inwhatseemedsomething likeherownvoicegrowntenyearsolder.

WithoutananswerMrs.Charmondslowlyrose.

"Youmeantobetrayme!"shesaidfromthebitterestdepthsofhersoul."Ohfool,foolI!"

"No,"saidGrace,shortly."Imeannosuchthing.Butletusbequicknow.We

haveaseriousundertakingbeforeus.Thinkofnothingbutgoingstraighton."

Theywalkedoninprofoundsilence,pullingbackboughsnowgrowingwet,and treading downwoodbine, but still keeping a pretty straight course.Gracebegan tobe thoroughlywornout, andher companion too,when,ona sudden,theybroke into thedesertedhighwayat thehill-toponwhich theShertonmanhad waited forMrs. Dollery's van. Grace recognized the spot as soon as shelookedaroundher.

"HowwehavegothereIcannottell,"shesaid,withcoldcivility."WehavemadeacompletecircuitofLittleHintock.Thehazelcopseisquiteontheotherside.Nowwehaveonlytofollowtheroad."

They dragged themselves onward, turned into the lane, passed the track toLittleHintock,andsoreachedthepark.

"HereIturnback,"saidGrace,inthesamepassionlessvoice."Youarequitenearhome."

Mrs.Charmondstoodinert,seemingappalledbyherlateadmission.

"Ihavetoldyousomethinginamomentofirresistibledesiretounburdenmysoulwhichallbutafoolwouldhavekeptsilentasthegrave,"shesaid."Icannothelpitnow.Isittobeasecret—ordoyoumeanwar?"

"Asecret,certainly,"saidGrace,mournfully."Howcanyouexpectwarfromsuchahelpless,wretchedbeingasI!"

"AndI'lldomybestnottoseehim.Iamhisslave;butI'lltry."

Gracewasnaturallykind;butshecouldnothelpusingasmalldaggernow.

"Praydon'tdistressyourself,"shesaid,withexquisitelyfinescorn."Youmaykeephim—forme."Hadshebeenwounded insteadofmortifiedshecouldnothaveusedthewords;butFitzpiers'sholduponherheartwasslight.

They parted thus and there, and Grace went moodily homeward. PassingMarty's cottage she observed through the window that the girl was writinginsteadofchoppingasusual,andwonderedwhathercorrespondencecouldbe.Directly afterwards shemet people in search of her, and reached the house to

findallinseriousalarm.Shesoonexplainedthatshehadlostherway,andhergeneraldepressionwasattributedtoexhaustiononthataccount.

Could she have known what Marty was writing she would have beensurprised.

The rumorwhichagitated theother folkofHintockhad reached theyounggirl, and shewaspenninga letter toFitzpiers, to tellhim thatMrs.Charmondworeherhair.ItwaspoorMarty'sonlycard,andsheplayedit,knowingnothingoffashion,andthinkingherrevelationafataloneforalover.

CHAPTERXXXIV.

ItwasatthebeginningofApril,afewdaysafterthemeetingbetweenGraceandMrs.Charmondinthewood,thatFitzpiers,justreturnedfromLondon,wastravelling fromSherton-Abbas toHintock in a hired carriage. In his eye therewas a doubtful light, and the lines of his refined face showed a vaguedisquietude. He appeared now like one of thosewho impress the beholder ashavingsufferedwronginbeingborn.

Hispositionwasintruthgloomy,andtohisappreciativeminditseemedevengloomier than itwas.Hispracticehadbeenslowlydwindlingof late,andnowthreatenedtodieoutaltogether,theirrepressibleoldDr.Jonescapturingpatientsup toFitzpiers'sverydoor.Fitzpiersknewonly toowell the latestandgreatestcauseofhisunpopularity;andyet,soillogicalisman,thesecondbranchofhissadness grew out of a remedial measure proposed for the first—a letter fromFelice Charmond imploring him not to see her again. To bring about theirseverancestillmoreeffectually,sheadded,shehaddecidedduringhisabsenceuponalmostimmediatedeparturefortheContinent.

The timewas thatdull interval inawoodlander's lifewhichcoincideswithgreatactivityinthelifeofthewoodlanditself—aperiodfollowingthecloseofthewintertree-cutting,andprecedingthebarkingseason,whenthesapsarejustbeginning toheavewith the forceofhydraulic lifts insideall the trunksof theforest.

Winterborne'scontractwascompleted,and theplantationsweredeserted. Itwasdusk;therewerenoleavesasyet;thenightingaleswouldnotbegintosingforafortnight;and"theMotheroftheMonths"wasinhermostattenuatedphase—starved and bent to amere bowed skeleton, which glided along behind thebaretwigsinFitzpiers'scompany.

When he reached home he went straight up to his wife's sitting-room. Hefound it deserted, andwithout a fire.Hehadmentionednoday forhis return;nevertheless, hewonderedwhy shewas not therewaiting to receive him.Ondescending to the otherwing of the house and inquiring ofMrs.Melbury, helearnedwithmuchsurprisethatGracehadgoneonavisittoanacquaintanceatShottsford-Forumthreedaysearlier;thattidingshadonthismorningreachedherfather of her being very unwell there, in consequence ofwhich he had riddenovertoseeher.

Fitzpierswentup-stairsagain,andthelittledrawing-room,nowlightedbyasolitary candle, was not rendered more cheerful by the entrance of GrammerOliverwithanapronfulofwood,whichshethrewonthehearthwhilesherakedout the grate and rattled about the fire-irons, with a view to making thingscomfortable. Fitzpiers considered that Grace ought to have let him know herplans more accurately before leaving home in a freak like this. He wentdesultorily to thewindow, the blind ofwhich had not been pulled down, andlookedout at the thin, fast-sinkingmoon, and at the tall stalkof smoke risingfromthetopofSukeDamson'schimney,signifyingthattheyoungwomanhadjustlitherfiretopreparesupper.

Hebecameconsciousofadiscussioninprogressontheoppositesideofthecourt.Somebodyhadlookedoverthewalltotalktothesawyers,andwastellingtheminaloudvoicenewsinwhichthenameofMrs.Charmondsoonarrestedhisears.

"Grammer, don'tmake somuchnoisewith that grate," said the surgeon; atwhichGrammerrearedherselfuponherkneesandheldthefuelsuspendedinherhand,whileFitzpiershalfopenedthecasement.

"She is off to foreign lands again at last—hev made up her mind quitesudden-like—anditisthoughtedshe'llleaveinadayortwo.She'sbeenallasifhermindwerelowforsomedayspast—withasortofsorrowinherface,asifshe reproached her own soul. She's the wrong sort of woman for Hintock—

hardlyknowingabeechfromawoak—thatIown.ButIdon'tcarewhothemanis,she'sbeenaverykindfriendtome.

"Well,thedayafterto-morrowistheSabbathday,andwithoutcharitywearebuttinklingsimples;butthisIdosay,thathergoingwillbeablessedthingforacertainmarriedcouplewhoremain."

Thefirewaslighted,andFitzpierssatdowninfrontofit,restlessasthelastleaf upon a tree. "A sort of sorrow in her face, as if she reproached her ownsoul."PoorFelice.HowFelice'sframemustbepulsingundertheconditionsofwhichhehadjustheardthecaricature;howherfairtemplesmustache;whatamoodofwretchednessshemustbein!Butforthemixingupofhisnamewithhers, and her determination to sunder their too close acquaintance on thataccount, she would probably have sent for him professionally. She was nowsittingalone,suffering,perhapswishingthatshehadnotforbiddenhimtocomeagain.

Unable to remain in this lonely room any longer, or to wait for the mealwhichwasincourseofpreparation,hemadehimselfreadyforriding,descendedtotheyard,stoodbythestable-doorwhileDarlingwasbeingsaddled,androdeoff down the lane.Hewould have preferredwalking, butwaswearywith hisday'stravel.

AsheapproachedthedoorofMartySouth'scottage,whichitwasnecessarytopassonhisway,shecamefromtheporchasifshehadbeenawaitinghim,andmethiminthemiddleoftheroad,holdingupaletter.Fitzpierstookitwithoutstopping,andaskedoverhisshoulderfromwhomitcame.

Martyhesitated."Fromme,"shesaid,shyly,thoughwithnoticeablefirmness.

This letter contained, in fact,Marty's declaration that shewas the originalownerofMrs.Charmond'ssupplementarylocks,andenclosedasamplefromthenative stock, which had grown considerably by this time. It was her longcontemplatedappleofdiscord,andmuchherhand trembledasshehanded thedocumentuptohim.

But itwas impossibleonaccountof thegloomforFitzpiers to read it then,whilehehadthecuriositytodoso,andheputitinhispocket.HisimaginationhavingalreadycentreditselfonHintockHouse,inhispockettheletterremainedunopened and forgotten, all the while that Marty was hopefully picturing its

excellentweaningeffectuponhim.

HewasnotlonginreachingtheprecinctsoftheManorHouse.Hedrewreinunder a group of dark oaks commanding a view of the front, and reflected awhile.Hisentrywouldnotbealtogetherunnatural in thecircumstancesofherpossibleindisposition;butuponthewholehethoughtitbesttoavoidridinguptothedoor.Bysilentlyapproachinghecouldretreatunobservedintheeventofhernot being alone. Thereupon he dismounted, hitched Darling to a stray boughhanginga littlebelow thegeneralbrowsing lineof the trees,andproceeded tothedooronfoot.

In themean timeMelbury had returned from Shottsford-Forum. The greatcourtorquadrangleofthetimber-merchant'shouse,dividedfromtheshadylanebyanivy-coveredwall,wasenteredbytwowhitegates,onestandingneareachextremity of the wall. It so happened that at themoment when Fitzpiers wasriding out at the lower gate on his way to the Manor House, Melbury wasapproaching theuppergate toenter it.Fitzpiersbeing infrontofMelburywasseenby the latter,but the surgeon,never turninghishead,didnotobservehisfather-in-law,amblingslowlyandsilentlyalongunderthetrees,thoughhishorsetoowasagrayone.

"HowisGrace?"saidhiswife,assoonasheentered.

Melbury looked gloomy. "She is not at all well," he said. "I don't like thelooksofheratall.Icouldn'tbearthenotionofherbidingawayinastrangeplaceanylonger,andIbeggedhertoletmegetherhome.Atlastsheagreedtoit,butnot till after much persuading. I was then sorry that I rode over instead ofdriving;butIhavehiredanicecomfortablecarriage—theeasiest-goingIcouldget—andshe'llbehereinacoupleofhoursorless.Irodeonaheadtotellyoutogetherroomready;butIseeherhusbandhascomeback."

"Yes," saidMrs.Melbury.She expressedher concern that her husbandhadhiredacarriageallthewayfromShottsford."Whatitwillcost!"shesaid.

"Idon'tcarewhatitcosts!"heexclaimed,testily."Iwasdeterminedtogetherhome.WhyshewentawayIcan'tthink!Sheactsinawaythatisnotatalllikelyto mend matters as far as I can see." (Grace had not told her father of herinterviewwithMrs.Charmond, and the disclosure that hadbeenwhispered inherstartledear.)"SinceEdgariscome,"hecontinued,"hemighthavewaitedin

tillIgothome,toaskmehowshewas,ifonlyforacompliment.Isawhimgoout;whereishegone?"

Mrs.Melbury did not knowpositively; but she told her husband that therewasnotmuchdoubtabouttheplaceofhisfirstvisitafteranabsence.Shehad,infact,seenFitzpierstakethedirectionoftheManorHouse.

Melburysaidnomore. Itwasexasperating tohim that justat thismoment,whentherewaseveryreasonforFitzpierstostayindoors,oratanyratetoridealongtheShottsfordroadtomeethisailingwife,heshouldbedoingdespitetoher by going elsewhere. The oldmanwent out-of-doors again; and his horsebeinghardlyunsaddledasyet,he toldUpjohn to retighten thegirths,whenheagainmounted,androdeoffattheheelsofthesurgeon.

BythetimethatMelburyreachedthepark,hewaspreparedtogoanylengthsincombatingthisrankandrecklesserrantryofhisdaughter'shusband.HewouldfetchhomeEdgarFitzpiers to-nightbysomemeans, roughor fair: inhisviewtherecouldcomeofhisinterferencenothingworsethanwhatexistedatpresent.Andyettoeverybadthereisaworse.

Hehadenteredbythebridle-gatewhichadmittedtotheparkonthisside,andcanteredoverthesoftturfalmostinthetracksofFitzpiers'shorse,tillhereachedtheclumpoftreesunderwhichhisprecursorhadhalted.ThewhitishobjectthatwasindistinctlyvisiblehereinthegloomoftheboughshefoundtobeDarling,asleftbyFitzpiers.

"D—n him!why did he not ride up to the house in an honest way?" saidMelbury.

HeprofitedbyFitzpiers'sexample;dismounting,he tiedhishorseunderanadjoiningtree,andwentontothehouseonfoot,astheotherhaddone.Hewasnolongerdisposedtostickattriflesinhisinvestigation,anddidnothesitatetogentlyopenthefrontdoorwithoutringing.

Thelargesquarehall,withitsoakfloor,staircase,andwainscot,waslightedbyadimlamphangingfromabeam.Notasoulwasvisible.Hewent into thecorridorand listenedatadoorwhichheknewtobe thatof thedrawing-room;therewasnosound,andonturningthehandlehefoundtheroomempty.Afireburning low in thegratewas thesole lightof theapartment; itsbeamsflashedmockingly on the somewhat showy Versaillese furniture and gilding here, in

styleasunlikethatofthestructuralpartsofthebuildingasitwaspossibletobe,andprobably introducedbyFelice tocounteract the fineold-Englishgloomoftheplace.Disappointedinhishopeofconfrontinghisson-in-lawhere,hewenton to the dining-room; thiswaswithout light or fire, and pervaded by a coldatmosphere,whichsignifiedthatshehadnotdinedtherethatday.

By this timeMelbury'smoodhada littlemollified.Everythingherewassopacific,sounaggressiveinitsrepose,thathewasnolongerincitedtoprovokeacollision with Fitzpiers or with anybody. The comparative stateliness of theapartmentsinfluencedhimtoanemotion,ratherthantoabelief, thatwhereallwas outwardly so good and proper there could not be quite that delinquencywithinwhichhehadsuspected.Itoccurredtohim,too,thatevenifhissuspicionwerejustified,hisabrupt,ifnotunwarrantable,entryintothehousemightendinconfoundingitsinhabitantattheexpenseofhisdaughter'sdignityandhisown.Any ill result would be pretty sure to hit Grace hardest in the long-run. Hewould, after all, adopt the more rational course, and plead with Fitzpiersprivately,ashehadpleadedwithMrs.Charmond.

Heaccordinglyretreatedassilentlyashehadcome.Passingthedoorofthedrawing-roomanew,hefanciedthatheheardanoisewithinwhichwasnotthecracklingof the fire.Melburygently reopened thedoor to adistanceof a fewinches,andsawattheoppositewindowtwofiguresintheactofsteppingout—amanandawoman—inwhomherecognizedtheladyofthehouseandhisson-in-law.Inamomenttheyhaddisappearedamidthegloomofthelawn.

Hereturned into thehall,and lethimselfoutby thecarriage-entrancedoor,coming round to the lawn front in time to see the two figures parting at therailing which divided the precincts of the house from the open park. Mrs.CharmondturnedtohastenbackimmediatelythatFitzpiershadleftherside,andhewasspeedilyabsorbedintotheduskinessofthetrees.

Melbury waited tillMrs. Charmond had re-entered the drawing-room, andthen followed afterFitzpiers, thinking that hewould allow the latter tomountandrideaheadalittlewaybeforeovertakinghimandgivinghimapieceofhismind.Hisson-in-lawmightpossiblyseethesecondhorsenearhisown;butthatwoulddohimnoharm,andmightpreparehimforwhathewastoexpect.

Theevent,however,wasdifferentfromtheplan.Onplungingintothethickshadeoftheclumpofoaks,hecouldnotperceivehishorseBlossomanywhere;

but feeling his way carefully along, he by-and-by discerned Fitzpiers's mareDarlingstillstandingasbeforeundertheadjoiningtree.ForamomentMelburythoughtthathisownhorse,beingyoungandstrong,hadbrokenawayfromherfastening;butonlisteningintentlyhecouldhearheramblingcomfortablyalonga littleway ahead, and a creaking of the saddlewhich showed that she had arider.Walking on as far as the small gate in the corner of the park, hemet alaborer,who,inreplytoMelbury'sinquiryifhehadseenanypersononagrayhorse,saidthathehadonlymetDr.Fitzpiers.

Itwas justwhatMelbury had begun to suspect: Fitzpiers hadmounted themarewhichdidnotbelongtohiminmistakeforhisown—anoversighteasilyexplicable, inamaneverunwitting inhorse-flesh,by thedarknessof the spotand the near similarity of the animals in appearance, though Melbury's wasreadily enough seen tobe thegrayerhorsebyday.Hehastenedback, anddidwhatseemedbestinthecircumstances—gotuponoldDarling,androderapidlyafterFitzpiers.

Melbury had just entered the wood, and was winding along the cart-waywhichledthroughit,channelleddeepintheleaf-mouldwithlargerutsthatwereformedbythetimber-wagonsinfetchingthespoiloftheplantations,whenallatoncehedescriedinfront,atapointwheretheroadtookaturningroundalargechestnut-tree,theformofhisownhorseBlossom,atwhichMelburyquickenedDarling'space,thinkingtocomeupwithFitzpiers.

Nearer view revealed that thehorsehadno rider.AtMelbury's approach itgalloped friskily away under the trees in a homeward direction. Thinkingsomethingwaswrong, the timber-merchant dismounted as soon as he reachedthe chestnut, and after feeling about for aminute or two discovered Fitzpierslyingontheground.

"Here—help!"criedthelatterassoonashefeltMelbury'stouch;"Ihavebeenthrownoff,butthere'snotmuchharmdone,Ithink."

SinceMelburycouldnotnowverywellreadtheyoungermanthelecturehehadintended,andasfriendlinesswouldbehypocrisy,his instinctwastospeaknotasinglewordtohisson-in-law.HeraisedFitzpiersintoasittingposture,andfound that he was a little stunned and stupefied, but, as he had said, nototherwise hurt. How this fall had come about was readily conjecturable:Fitzpiers, imagining there was only old Darling under him, had been taken

unawaresbytheyoungerhorse'ssprightliness.

Melbury was a traveller of the old-fashioned sort; having just come fromShottsford-Forum,hestillhadinhispocketthepilgrim'sflaskofrumwhichhealways carried on journeys exceeding a dozenmiles, though he seldom drankmuch of it. He poured it down the surgeon's throat, with such effect that hequicklyrevived.Melburygothimonhis legs;but thequestionwaswhat todowithhim.Hecouldnotwalkmorethanafewsteps,andtheotherhorsehadgoneaway.

WithgreatexertionMelburycontrivedtogethimastrideDarling,mountinghimself behind, and holding Fitzpiers round his waist with one arm. Darlingbeing broad, straight-backed, and high in the withers, was well able to carrydouble,atanyrateasfarasHintock,andatagentlepace.

CHAPTERXXXV.

ThemarepacedalongwithfirmandcautioustreadthroughthecopsewhereWinterborne hadworked, and into the heavier soilwhere the oaks grew; pastGreatWilly,thelargestoakinthewood,andthencetowardsNellcombeBottom,intenselydarknowwithovergrowth,andpopularlysupposed tobehauntedbythespiritsofthefratricidesexorcisedfromHintockHouse.

BythistimeFitzpierswasquiterecoveredastophysicalstrength.Buthehadeaten nothing since making a hasty breakfast in London that morning, hisanxiety about Felice having hurried him away from home before dining; as aconsequence, the old rum administered by his father-in-law flew to the youngman'sheadandloosenedhistongue,withouthiseverhavingrecognizedwhoitwasthathadlenthimakindlyhand.Hebegantospeakindesultorysentences,Melburystillsupportinghim.

"I've come all theway fromLondon to-day," saidFitzpiers. "Ah, that's theplacetomeetyourequals.IliveatHintock—worse,atLittleHintock—andIamquite lost there. There's not a man within ten miles of Hintock who cancomprehend me. I tell you, Farmer What's-your-name, that I'm a man of

education.Iknowseverallanguages;thepoetsandIarefamiliarfriends;Iusedto readmore inmetaphysics thananybodywithin fiftymiles;andsince Igavethat up there's nobody can match me in the whole county of Wessex as ascientist.YetIandoomedtolivewithtradespeopleinamiserablelittleholelikeHintock!"

"Indeed!"mutteredMelbury.

Fitzpiers, increasingly energized by the alcohol, here reared himself upsuddenlyfromthebowedposturehehadhithertoheld,thrustinghisshoulderssoviolentlyagainstMelbury'sbreastastomakeitdifficultfortheoldmantokeepaholdon thereins."Peopledon'tappreciatemehere!" thesurgeonexclaimed;lowering his voice, he added, softly and slowly, "except one—except one!...Apassionatesoul,aswarmassheisclever,asbeautifulassheiswarm,andasrichassheisbeautiful.Isay,oldfellow,thoseclawsofyoursclutchmerathertight—ratherliketheeagle's,youknow,thatateouttheliverofPro—Pre—themanonMountCaucasus.Peopledon'tappreciateme,Isay,exceptHER.Ah,gods,Iam an unlucky man! She would have been mine, she would have taken myname;butunfortunatelyitcannotbeso.Istoopedtomatebeneathme,andnowIrueit."

Thepositionwasbecomingavery tryingone forMelbury, corporeally andmentally.HewasobligedtosteadyFitzpierswithhisleftarm,andhebegantohatethecontact.Hehardlyknewwhattodo.ItwasuselesstoremonstratewithFitzpiers, in his intellectual confusion from the rum and from the fall. Heremainedsilent,hisholduponhiscompanion,however,beingsternratherthancompassionate.

"You hurtme a little, farmer—though I ammuch obliged to you for yourkindness.Peopledon'tappreciateme,Isay.Betweenourselves,Iamlosingmypractice here; and why? Because I see matchless attraction where matchlessattractionis,bothinpersonandposition.Imentionnonames,sonobodywillbethewiser.ButIhavelosther,inalegitimatesense,thatis.IfIwereafreemannow,thingshavecometosuchapassthatshecouldnotrefuseme;whilewithherfortune(whichIdon'tcovetforitself)Ishouldhaveachanceofsatisfyinganhonorableambition—achanceIhaveneverhadyet,andnownever,nevershallhave,probably!"

Melbury, his heart throbbing against theother's backbone, andhis brainon

firewithindignation,venturedtomutterhuskily,"Why?"

ThehorseambledonsomestepsbeforeFitzpiersreplied,"BecauseIamtiedandboundtoanotherbylaw,astightlyasIamtoyoubyyourarm—notthatIcomplain of your arm—I thank you for helpingme.Well,where arewe?Notnearly homeyet?...Home, say I. It is a home!When Imight have been at theotherhouseoverthere."Inastupefiedwayheflunghishandinthedirectionofthepark."Iwasjusttwomonthstooearlyincommittingmyself.HadIonlyseentheotherfirst—"

Here the oldman's arm gave Fitzpiers a convulsive shake. "What are youdoing?"continued the latter. "Keepstill,please,orputmedown. IwassayingthatIlostherbyamerelittletwomonths!Thereisnochanceformenowinthisworld, and it makes me reckless—reckless! Unless, indeed, anything shouldhappentotheotherone.Sheisamiableenough;butifanythingshouldhappentoher—andIhearsheisill—well,ifitshould,Ishouldbefree—andmyfame,myhappiness,wouldbeinsured."

These were the last words that Fitzpiers uttered in his seat in front of thetimber-merchant.Unablelongertomasterhimself,Melbury,theskinofhisfacecompressed,whippedawayhissparearmfromFitzpiers'swaist,andseizedhimbythecollar.

"Youheartlessvillain—afterall thatwehavedoneforye!"hecried,withaquivering lip. "And the money of hers that you've had, and the roof we'veprovided to shelter ye! It is tome,GeorgeMelbury, that youdare to talk likethat!" The exclamation was accompanied by a powerful swing from theshoulder,whichflungtheyoungmanhead-longintotheroad,Fitzpiersfellwithaheavythuduponthestumpsofsomeundergrowthwhichhadbeencutduringthewinter preceding.Darling continued herwalk for a few paces farther andstopped.

"Godforgiveme!"Melburymurmured,repentingofwhathehaddone."Hetriedmetoosorely;andnowperhapsI'vemurderedhim!"

HeturnedroundinthesaddleandlookedtowardsthespotonwhichFitzpiershad fallen. To his great surprise he beheld the surgeon rise to his feet with abound,asifunhurt,andwalkawayrapidlyunderthetrees.

Melbury listened till the rustle of Fitzpiers's footsteps died away. "Itmight

havebeenacrime,butfor themercyofProvidenceinprovidingleavesforhisfall,"hesaid tohimself.And thenhismindreverted to thewordsofFitzpiers,andhisindignationsomountedwithinhimthathealmostwishedthefallhadputanendtotheyoungmanthereandthen.

Hehadnotriddenfarwhenhediscernedhisowngraymarestandingundersomebushes.LeavingDarlingforamoment,Melburywentforwardandeasilycaughttheyoungeranimal,nowdisheartenedatitsfreak.Hethenmadethepairof them fast to a tree, and turning back, endeavored to find some trace ofFitzpiers, feeling pitifully that, after all, he had gone further than he intendedwiththeoffender.

Butthoughhethreadedthewoodhitherandthither,histoesploughinglayerafterlayerofthelittlehornyscrollsthathadoncebeenleaves,hecouldnotfindhim.Hestoodstilllisteningandlookinground.Thebreezewasoozingthroughthenetworkofboughsasthroughastrainer;thetrunksandlargerbranchesstoodagainst the light of the sky in the formsofwrithingmen, gigantic candelabra,pikes,halberds,lances,andwhateverbesidesthefancychosetomakeofthem.Giving up the search, Melbury came back to the horses, and walked slowlyhomeward,leadingoneineachhand.

It happened that on this self-same evening a boy had been returning fromGreattoLittleHintockaboutthetimeofFitzpiers'sandMelbury'spassagehomealongthatroute.Ahorse-collarthathadbeenleftattheharness-mender'stoberepairedwasrequiredforuseatfiveo'clocknextmorning,andinconsequencethe boy had to fetch it overnight. He put his head through the collar, andaccompaniedhiswalkbywhistlingtheonetuneheknew,asanantidotetofear.

Theboysuddenlybecameawareofahorsetrottingratherfriskilyalongthetrack behind him, and not knowingwhether to expect friend or foe, prudencesuggestedthatheshouldceasehiswhistlingandretreatamongthetreestillthehorse andhis rider hadgoneby; a course towhichhewas stillmore inclinedwhenhefoundhownoiselesslytheyapproached,andsawthatthehorselookedpale, and remembered what he had read about Death in the Revelation. Hethereforedepositedthecollarbyatree,andhidhimselfbehindit.Thehorsemancame on, and the youth, whose eyes were as keen as telescopes, to his greatreliefrecognizedthedoctor.

As Melbury surmised, Fitzpiers had in the darkness taken Blossom forDarling,andhehadnotdiscoveredhismistakewhenhecameupopposite theboy, though hewas somewhat surprised at the liveliness of his usually placidmare. The only other pair of eyes on the spot whose vision was keen as theyoung carter's were those of the horse; and, with that strongly conservativeobjectiontotheunusualwhichanimalsshow,Blossom,oneyingthecollarunderthetree—quiteinvisibletoFitzpiers—exercisednoneofthepatienceoftheolderhorse, but shied sufficiently to unseat so second-rate an equestrian as thesurgeon.

Hefell,anddidnotmove,lyingasMelburyafterwardsfoundhim.Theboyranaway,salvinghisconscienceforthedesertionbythinkinghowvigorouslyhewould spread the alarm of the accident when he got to Hintock—which heuncompromisingly did, incrusting the skeleton event with a load of dramatichorrors.

Grace had returned, and the fly hired on her account, though not by herhusband, at the Crown Hotel, Shottsford-Forum, had been paid for anddismissed.Thelongdrivehadsomewhatrevivedher,herillnessbeingafeverishintermittent nervousnesswhich hadmore to dowithmind than body, and shewalkedabouther sitting-room in somethingof ahopefulmood.Mrs.MelburyhadtoldherassoonasshearrivedthatherhusbandhadreturnedfromLondon.Hehadgoneout,shesaid,toseeapatient,asshesupposed,andhemustsoonbeback, since he had had no dinner or tea. Grace would not allow hermind toharbor any suspicion of hiswhereabouts, and her step-mother said nothing ofMrs.Charmond'srumoredsorrowsandplansofdeparture.

Sotheyoungwifesatbythefire,waitingsilently.ShehadleftHintockinaturmoiloffeelingaftertherevelationofMrs.Charmond,andhadintendednottobeathomewhenherhusbandreturned.Butshehadthoughtthematterover,andhad allowed her father's influence to prevail and bring her back; and nowsomewhatregrettedthatEdgar'sarrivalhadprecededhers.

By-and-by Mrs. Melbury came up-stairs with a slight air of flurry andabruptness.

"Ihavesomethingtotell—somebadnews,"shesaid."Butyoumustnotbealarmed,asitisnotsobadasitmighthavebeen.Edgarhasbeenthrownoffhishorse.Wedon'tthinkheishurtmuch.Ithappenedinthewoodtheothersideof

NellcombeBottom,where'tissaidtheghostsofthebrotherswalk."

Shewentontogiveafewoftheparticulars,butnoneoftheinventedhorrorsthathadbeencommunicatedbytheboy."Ithoughtitbettertotellyouatonce,"sheadded,"incaseheshouldnotbeverywellabletowalkhome,andsomebodyshouldbringhim."

Mrs.Melbury really thoughtmattersmuchworse than she represented, andGraceknewthatshethoughtso.Shesatdowndazedforafewminutes,returninga negative to her step-mother's inquiry if she could do anything for her. "Butpleasego into thebedroom,"Gracesaid,onsecondthoughts,"andsee ifall isreadythere—incaseitisserious."Mrs.MelburythereuponcalledGrammer,andtheydidasdirected,supplyingtheroomwitheverythingtheycouldthinkoffortheaccommodationofaninjuredman.

Nobodywas left in the lower part of the house.Notmanyminutes passedwhenGraceheardaknockatthedoor—asingleknock,notloudenoughtoreachthe ears of those in the bedroom. She went to the top of the stairs and said,faintly,"Comeup,"knowingthatthedoorstood,asusualinsuchhouses,wideopen.

Retreating into thegloomof thebroad landing she saw rise up the stairs awomanwhomatfirstshedidnotrecognize,tillhervoicerevealedhertobeSukeDamson, ingreat fright and sorrow.Astreakof light from thepartiallycloseddoorofGrace'sroomfelluponherfaceasshecameforward,anditwasdrawnandpale.

"Oh, Miss Melbury—I would say Mrs. Fitzpiers," she said, wringing herhands."Thisterriblenews.Ishedead?Ishehurtedverybad?Tellme;Icouldn'thelpcoming;pleaseforgiveme,MissMelbury—Mrs.FitzpiersIwouldsay!"

Gracesankdownon theoakchestwhichstoodon the landing,andputherhandstohernowflushedfaceandhead.CouldsheorderSukeDamsondown-stairs andoutof thehouse?Herhusbandmightbebrought in at anymoment,and what would happen? But could she order this genuinely grieved womanaway?

Therewasadeadsilenceofhalfaminuteorso,tillSukesaid,"Whydon'tyespeak?Ishehere?Ishedead?Ifso,whycan'tIseehim—woulditbesoverywrong?"

BeforeGracehadansweredsomebodyelsecametothedoorbelow—afoot-fall lightasa roe's.Therewasahurried tappingupon thepanel,as ifwith theimpatienttipsoffingerswhoseownerthoughtnotwhetheraknockerwerethereorno.Withoutapause, andpossiblyguidedby the straybeamof lighton thelanding, thenewcomerascended thestaircaseas the firsthaddone.Gracewassufficientlyvisible,andthelady,foraladyitwas,cametoherside.

"I could make nobody hear down-stairs," said Felice Charmond, with lipswhosedrynesscouldalmostbeheard,andpanting,asshestoodlikeonereadytosinkonthefloorwithdistress."Whatis—thematter—tellmetheworst!Canhelive?" She looked at Grace imploringly, without perceiving poor Suke, who,dismayedatsuchapresence,hadshrunkawayintotheshade.

Mrs. Charmond's little feet were covered with mud; she was quiteunconsciousofherappearancenow."Ihaveheardsuchadreadful report,"shewenton;"Icametoascertainthetruthofit.Ishe—killed?"

"Shewon'ttellus—he'sdying—he'sinthatroom!"burstoutSuke,regardlessof consequences, as she heard the distant movements of Mrs. Melbury andGrammerinthebedroomattheendofthepassage.

"Where?"saidMrs.Charmond;andonSukepointingout thedirection,shemadeasiftogothither.

Gracebarredtheway."Heisnot there,"shesaid."Ihavenotseenhimanymorethanyou.Ihaveheardareportonly—notsobadasyouthink.Itmusthavebeenexaggeratedtoyou."

"Pleasedonotconcealanything—letmeknowall!"saidFelice,doubtingly.

"You shall know all I know—you have a perfect right to know—who canhaveabetterthaneitherofyou?"saidGrace,withadelicatestingwhichwaslostuponFeliceCharmondnow."Irepeat,Ihaveonlyheardalessalarmingaccountthan youhave heard; howmuch itmeans, and how little, I cannot say. I prayGodthatitmeansnotmuch—incommonhumanity.Youprobablypraythesame—forotherreasons."

Sheregardedthemboththereinthedimlightawhile.

Theystooddumb in their trouble,notstingingbackather;notheedingher

mood. A tenderness spread over Grace like a dew. It was well, very well,conventionally, to address either one of them in thewife's regulation terms ofvirtuous sarcasm, as woman, creature, or thing, for losing their hearts to herhusband.Butlife,whatwasit,andwhowasshe?Shehad,likethesingerofthepsalmofAsaph,beenplaguedandchastenedallthedaylong;butcouldshe,byretributivewords,inordertopleaseherself—theindividual—"offendagainstthegeneration,"ashewouldnot?

"He is dying, perhaps," blubbered Suke Damson, putting her apron to hereyes.

Intheirgesturesandfacestherewereanxieties,affection,agonyofheart,allforamanwhohadwrongedthem—hadneverreallybehavedtowardseitherofthemanyhowbutselfishly.Neitheronebutwouldhavewellnighsacrificedhalfher life tohim,evennow.The tearswhichhispossiblycritical situationcouldnotbring tohereyessurgedoverat thecontemplationof thesefellow-women.Sheturnedtothebalustrade,bentherselfuponit,andwept.

Thereupon Felice began to cry also, without using her handkerchief, andlettingthetearsrundownsilently.Whilethesethreepoorwomenstoodtogetherthus,pityinganotherthoughmosttobepitiedthemselves,thepacingofahorseor horses became audible in the court, and in amomentMelbury's voicewasheardcallingtohisstableman.Graceatoncestartedup,randownthestairsandoutintothequadrangleasherfathercrossedittowardsthedoor."Father,whatisthematterwithhim?"shecried.

"Who—Edgar?" saidMelbury, abruptly. "Matter?Nothing.What,my dear,andhaveyougothomesafe?Why,youarebetteralready!Butyououghtnottobeoutintheairlikethis."

"Buthehasbeenthrownoffhishorse!"

"Iknow;Iknow.Isawit.Hegotupagain,andwalkedoffaswellasever.Afallontheleavesdidn'thurtaspryfellowlikehim.Hedidnotcomethisway,"headded,significantly."Isupposehewenttolookforhishorse.Itriedtofindhim, but could not. But after seeing him go away under the trees I found thehorse,andhaveledithomeforsafety.Sohemustwalk.Now,don'tyoustayouthereinthisnightair."

She returned to thehousewithher father.Whenshehadagainascended to

thelandingandtoherownroomsbeyonditwasagreatrelieftohertofindthatbothPetticoat theFirst andPetticoat theSecondofherBien-aimehad silentlydisappeared. They had, in all probability, heard the words of her father, anddepartedwiththeiranxietiesrelieved.

PresentlyherparentscameuptoGrace,andbusiedthemselvestoseethatshewas comfortable. Perceiving soon that she would prefer to be left alone theywentaway.

Gracewaitedon.Theclock raised itsvoicenowand then,butherhusbanddidnotreturn.Atherfather'susualhourforretiringheagaincameintoseeher."Donotstayup,"shesaid,assoonasheentered."Iamnotatalltired.Iwillsitupforhim."

"Ithinkitwillbeuseless,Grace,"saidMelbury,slowly.

"Why?"

"Ihavehadabitterquarrelwithhim;andon thataccountIhardly thinkhewillreturnto-night."

"Aquarrel?Wasthatafterthefallseenbytheboy?"

Melburynoddedanaffirmative,withouttakinghiseyesoffthecandle.

"Yes;itwasaswewerecominghometogether,"hesaid.

Something had been swelling up in Grace while her father was speaking."How could youwant to quarrelwith him?" she cried, suddenly. "Why couldyounot lethimcomehomequietly ifhewere inclined to?He ismyhusband;and now you have married me to him surely you need not provoke himunnecessarily. First you induceme to accept him, and thenyoudo things thatdivideusmorethanweshouldnaturallybedivided!"

"Howcanyouspeaksounjustlytome,Grace?"saidMelbury,withindignantsorrow."Idivideyoufromyourhusband,indeed!Youlittlethink—"

Hewas inclined to saymore—to tell her thewhole storyof the encounter,and that the provocation he had received had lain entirely in hearing herdespised. But it would have greatly distressed her, and he forbore. "You had

betterliedown.Youaretired,"hesaid,soothingly."Good-night."

Thehouseholdwenttobed,andasilencefelluponthedwelling,brokenonlyby the occasional skirr of a halter in Melbury's stables. Despite her father'sadviceGracestillwaitedup.Butnobodycame.

ItwasacriticaltimeinGrace'semotionallifethatnight.Shethoughtofherhusbandagooddeal,andforthenonceforgotWinterborne.

"HowtheseunhappywomenmusthaveadmiredEdgar!"shesaidtoherself."How attractive he must be to everybody; and, indeed, he is attractive." Thepossibility is that, piqued by rivalry, these ideasmight have been transformedintotheircorrespondingemotionsbyashowoftheleastreciprocityinFitzpiers.Therewas, intruth,a love-birdyearningtoflyfromherheart;anditwantedalodgingbadly.

Butnohusbandcame.The factwas thatMelburyhadbeenmuchmistakenabout the condition of Fitzpiers. People do not fall headlong on stumps ofunderwood with impunity. Had the old man been able to watch Fitzpiersnarrowly enough, hewouldhaveobserved that on rising andwalking into thethickethedroppedbloodashewent;thathehadnotproceededfiftyyardsbeforeheshowedsignsofbeingdizzy,and,raisinghishandstohishead,reeledandfelldown.

CHAPTERXXXVI.

GracewasnottheonlyonewhowatchedandmeditatedinHintockthatnight.FeliceCharmondwasinnomoodtoretiretorestatacustomaryhour;andoverherdrawing-roomfireattheManorHouseshesatasmotionlessandinasdeepareverieasGraceinherlittleapartmentatthehomestead.

HavingcaughtearofMelbury'sintelligencewhileshestoodonthelandingathishouse,andbeeneasedofmuchofhermentaldistress,hersenseofpersonaldecorum returned upon herwith a rush. She descended the stairs and left thedoorlikeaghost,keepingclosetothewallsofthebuildingtillshegotroundto

thegateofthequadrangle, throughwhichshenoiselesslypassedalmostbeforeGraceandherfatherhadfinished theirdiscourse.SukeDamsonhad thought itwell to imitate her superior in this respect, and, descending the back stairs asFelicedescendedthefront,wentoutatthesidedoorandhometohercottage.

OnceoutsideMelbury's gatesMrs.Charmond ranwith all her speed to theManorHouse,withoutstoppingorturningherhead,andsplittingherthinbootsinherhaste.Sheenteredherowndwelling,asshehademergedfromit,bythedrawing-roomwindow.Inothercircumstancesshewouldhavefeltsometimidityat undertaking such an unpremeditated excursion alone; but her anxiety foranotherhadcastoutherfearforherself.

Everythinginherdrawing-roomwasjustasshehadleftit—thecandlesstillburning,thecasementclosed,andtheshuttersgentlypulledto,soastohidethestateofthewindowfromthecursoryglanceofaservantenteringtheapartment.She had been gone about three-quarters of an hour by the clock, and nobodyseemedtohavediscoveredherabsence.Tiredinbodybuttenseinmind,shesatdown,palpitating,round-eyed,bewilderedatwhatshehaddone.

She had been betrayed by affrighted love into a visit which, now that theemotioninstigatingithadcalmeddownunderherbeliefthatFitzpierswasinnodanger,was thesaddest surprise toher.Thiswashowshehadsetaboutdoingher best to escape her passionate bondage to him! Somehow, in declaring toGrace and to herself the unseemliness of her infatuation, she had grown aconverttoitsirresistibility.IfHeavenwouldonlygiveherstrength;butHeavenneverdid!Onethingwasindispensable;shemustgoawayfromHintockifshemeant to withstand further temptation. The struggle was too wearying, toohopeless,whilesheremained.Itwasbutacontinualcapitulationofconsciencetowhatshedarednotname.

Bydegrees, as she sat,Felice'smind—helpedperhapsby the anticlimaxoflearning that her lover was unharmed after all her fright about him—grewwondrouslystrong inwise resolve.For themoment shewas inamood, in thewords ofMrs. ElizabethMontagu, "to run mad with discretion;" and was sopersuadedthatdiscretionlayindeparturethatshewishedtosetaboutgoingthatveryminute.Jumpingupfromherseat,shebegantogathertogethersomesmallpersonal knick-knacks scattered about the room, to feel that preparationswerereallyintrain.

Whilemovinghereandthereshefanciedthatsheheardaslightnoiseout-of-doors,andstoodstill.Surelyitwasatappingatthewindow.Athoughtenteredhermind,andburnedhercheek.Hehadcometothatwindowbefore;yetwasitpossiblethatheshoulddaretodosonow!Alltheservantswereinbed,andintheordinarycourseofaffairsshewouldhaveretiredalso.Thensherememberedthat on stepping in by the casement and closing it, she had not fastened thewindow-shutter,sothatastreakoflightfromtheinterioroftheroommighthaverevealedhervigiltoanobserveronthelawn.HowallthingsconspiredagainstherkeepingfaithwithGrace!

The tapping recommenced, light as from the bill of a little bird; herillegitimate hope overcame her vow; she went and pulled back the shutter,determining,however,toshakeherheadathimandkeepthecasementsecurelyclosed.

What she saw outside might have struck terror into a heart stouter than ahelplesswoman'satmidnight. In thecentreof the lowestpaneof thewindow,closetotheglass,wasahumanface,whichshebarelyrecognizedasthefaceofFitzpiers.Itwassurroundedwiththedarknessofthenightwithout,corpse-likeinitspallor,andcoveredwithblood.AsdisclosedinthesquareareaofthepaneitmetherfrightenedeyeslikeareplicaoftheSudariumofSt.Veronica.

He moved his lips, and looked at her imploringly. Her rapid mind piecedtogetherinaninstantapossibleconcatenationofeventswhichmighthaveledtothistragicalissue.Sheunlatchedthecasementwithaterrifiedhand,andbendingdown to where he was crouching, pressed her face to his with passionatesolicitude.Sheassistedhim into the roomwithout aword, todowhich itwasalmostnecessary to lift himbodily.Quickly closing thewindowand fasteningtheshutters,shebentoverhimbreathlessly.

"Areyouhurtmuch—much?"shecried,faintly."Oh,oh,howisthis!"

"Rathermuch—butdon'tbefrightened,"heansweredinadifficultwhisper,and turning himself to obtain an easier position if possible. "A little water,please."

She ran across into the dining-room, and brought a bottle and glass, fromwhichheeagerlydrank.Hecouldthenspeakmuchbetter,andwithherhelpgotuponthenearestcouch.

"Areyoudying,Edgar?"shesaid."Dospeaktome!"

"Iamhalfdead,"saidFitzpiers."ButperhapsIshallgetoverit....Itischieflylossofblood."

"ButIthoughtyourfalldidnothurtyou,"saidshe."Whodidthis?"

"Felice—myfather-in-law!...Ihavecrawled toyoumore thanamileonmyhandsandknees—God,IthoughtIshouldneverhavegothere!...Ihavecometoyou—be-causeyouare theonlyfriend—Ihave in theworldnow....Icannevergo back to Hintock—never—to the roof of the Melburys! Not poppy normandragorawillevermedicinethisbitterfeud!...IfIwereonlywellagain—"

"Letmebindyourhead,nowthatyouhaverested."

"Yes—butwaitamoment—ithasstoppedbleeding, fortunately,or Ishouldbeadeadmanbeforenow.WhileinthewoodImanagedtomakeatourniquetofsomehalf-penceandmyhandkerchief,aswellasIcouldinthedark....Butlisten,dearFelice!CanyouhidemetillIamwell?Whatevercomes,IcanbeseeninHintocknomore.Mypracticeisnearlygone,youknow—andafterthisIwouldnotcaretorecoveritifIcould."

Bythis timeFelice's tearsbegantoblindher.Wherewerenowherdiscreetplans for sundering their lives forever? To administer to him in his pain, andtrouble,andpoverty,washersinglethought.Thefirststepwastohidehim,andsheaskedherselfwhere.Aplaceoccurredtohermind.

Shegothimsomewinefromthedining-room,whichstrengthenedhimmuch.Then she managed to remove his boots, and, as he could now keep himselfuprightbyleaninguponherononesideandawalking-stickontheother, theywentthusinslowmarchoutoftheroomandupthestairs.Atthetopshetookhimalongagallery,pausingwheneverherequiredrest,andthenceupasmallerstaircasetotheleastusedpartofthehouse,wheresheunlockedadoor.Withinwasalumber-room,containingabandonedfurnitureofalldescriptions,builtupin piles which obscured the light of the windows, and formed between themnooksand lairs inwhichapersonwouldnotbediscernedeven shouldaneyegaze in at the door. The articles were mainly those that had belonged to thepreviousownerofthehouse,andhadbeenboughtinbythelateMr.Charmondattheauction;butchangingfashion,andthetastesofayoungwife,hadcausedthemtoberelegatedtothisdungeon.

Here Fitzpiers sat on the floor against the wall till she had hauled outmaterialsforabed,whichshespreadonthefloorinoneoftheaforesaidnooks.Sheobtainedwaterandabasin,andwashedthedriedbloodfromhisfaceandhands; and when he was comfortably reclining, fetched food from the larder.While he ate her eyes lingered anxiously on his face, following its everymovementwithsuchloving-kindnessasonlyafondwomancanshow.

Hewasnowinbettercondition,anddiscussedhispositionwithher.

"WhatIfancyIsaidtoMelburymusthavebeenenoughtoenrageanyman,ifutteredincoldblood,andwithknowledgeofhispresence.ButIdidnotknowhim,andIwasstupefiedbywhathehadgivenme,sothatIhardlywasawareofwhatIsaid.Well—theveilofthattempleisrentintwain!...AsIamnotgoingtobeseenagaininHintock,myfirsteffortsmustbedirectedtoallayanyalarmthatmay be felt atmy absence, before I am able to get clear away.NobodymustsuspectthatIhavebeenhurt,ortherewillbeacountrytalkaboutme.Felice,Imustatonceconcoctalettertocheckallsearchforme.IthinkifyoucanbringmeapenandpaperImaybeabletodoitnow.Icouldrestbetterifitweredone.Poorthing!howItireherwithrunningupanddown!"

Shefetchedwritingmaterials,andhelduptheblotting-bookasasupport tohishand,whilehepennedabriefnotetohisnominalwife.

"Theanimosityshowntowardsmebyyourfather,"hewrote,inthiscoldestofmaritalepistles,"issuchthatIcannotreturnagaintoaroofwhichishis,eventhoughitsheltersyou.Apartingisunavoidable,asyouaresuretobeonhissideinthisdivision.IamstartingonajourneywhichwilltakemealongwayfromHintock,andyoumustnotexpecttoseemethereagainforsometime."

Hethengaveherafewdirectionsbearinguponhisprofessionalengagementsand other practical matters, concluding without a hint of his destination, or anotionofwhenshewouldseehimagain.Heofferedtoreadthenote toFelicebefore he closed it up, but she would not hear or see it; that side of hisobligations distressed her beyond endurance. She turned away from Fitzpiers,andsobbedbitterly.

"If you can get this posted at a place some miles away," he whispered,exhaustedbytheeffortofwriting—"atShottsfordorPort-Bredy,orstillbetter,Budmouth—it will divert all suspicion from this house as the place of myrefuge."

"I will drive to one or other of the places myself—anything to keep itunknown,"shemurmured,hervoiceweightedwithvagueforeboding,nowthattheexcitementofhelpinghimhadpassedaway.

Fitzpierstoldherthattherewasyetonethingmoretobedone."Increepingover the fenceon to the lawn," he said, "Imade the rail bloody, and it showsrather much on the white paint—I could see it in the dark. At all hazards itshouldbewashedoff.Couldyoudothatalso,Felice?"

Whatwillnotwomendoonsuchdevotedoccasions?wearyasshewasshewentallthewaydowntheramblingstaircasestotheground-floor,thentosearchforalantern,whichshelightedandhidunderhercloak;thenforawetsponge,andnextwentforthintothenight.Thewhiterailingstaredoutinthedarknessatherapproach,anda ray from theenshrouded lantern fellupon theblood—justwherehehadtoldheritwouldbefound.Sheshuddered.Itwasalmosttoomuchto bear in one day—but with a shaking hand she sponged the rail clean, andreturnedtothehouse.

Thetimeoccupiedbytheseseveralproceedingswasnotmuchlessthantwohours.When all was done, and she had smoothed his extemporized bed, andplacedeverythingwithinhisreachthatshecouldthinkof,shetookherleaveofhim,andlockedhimin.

CHAPTERXXXVII.

When her husband's letter reached Grace's hands, bearing upon it thepostmark of a distant town, it never once crossed hermind that Fitzpierswaswithinamileofherstill.Shefeltrelievedthathedidnotwritemorebitterlyofthequarrelwithherfather,whateveritsnaturemighthavebeen;butthegeneralfrigidity of his communicationquenched in her the incipient spark that eventshadkindledsoshortlybefore.

FromthiscentreofinformationitwasmadeknowninHintockthatthedoctorhadgoneaway,andasnonebut theMelburyhouseholdwasaware thathedidnot return on the night of his accident, no excitementmanifested itself in thevillage.

Thus the early days of May passed by. None but the nocturnal birds andanimals observed that late one evening, towards the middle of the month, acloselywrapped figure, with a crutch under one arm and a stick in his hand,creptoutfromHintockHouseacrossthelawntotheshelterofthetrees,takingthenceaslowandlaboriouswalktothenearestpointoftheturnpike-road.Themysterious personage was so disguised that his own wife would hardly haveknown him. Felice Charmond was a practised hand at make-ups, as well shemightbe;andshehaddoneherutmostinpaddingandpaintingFitzpierswiththeoldmaterialsofherartintherecessesofthelumber-room.

In the highway hewasmet by a covered carriage,which conveyed him toSherton-Abbas,whenceheproceededtothenearestportonthesouthcoast,andimmediatelycrossedtheChannel.

ButitwasknowntoeverybodythatthreedaysafterthistimeMrs.Charmondexecuted her long-deferred plan of setting out for a long term of travel andresidence on the Continent. She went off one morning as unostentatiously ascouldbe,andtooknomaidwithher,having,shesaid,engagedonetomeetherat a point farther on in her route. After that, Hintock House, so frequentlydeserted,wasagaintobelet.Springhadnotmergedinsummerwhenaclinchingrumor, foundedon thebestof evidence, reached theparish andneighborhood.Mrs. Charmond and Fitzpiers had been seen together in Baden, in relationswhichsetat rest thequestion thathadagitated the littlecommunityever sincethewinter.

MelburyhadenteredtheValleyofHumiliationevenfartherthanGrace.Hisspiritseemedbroken.

Butonceaweekhemechanicallywent tomarket asusual, andhere, ashewaspassingby theconduitoneday,hismentalconditionexpressed largelybyhisgait,heheardhisnamespokenbyavoiceformerlyfamiliar.HeturnedandsawacertainFredBeaucock—onceapromisinglawyer'sclerkandlocaldandy,whohadbeencalled thecleverest fellow inSherton,withoutwhosebrains thefirmofsolicitorsemployinghimwouldbenowhere.ButlateronBeaucockhadfallenintothemire.Hewasinvitedoutagooddeal,sangsongsatagriculturalmeetings and burgesses' dinners; in sum, victualled himself with spirits morefrequently than was good for the clever brains or body either. He lost hissituation,andafteranabsencespentintryinghispowerselsewhere,camebacktohisnativetown,where,atthetimeoftheforegoingeventsinHintock,hegavelegaladviceforastonishinglysmallfees—mostlycarryingonhisprofessiononpublic-house settles, in whose recesses he might often have been overheardmakingcountry-people'swillsforhalfacrown;callingwithalearnedvoiceforpen-and-inkandahalfpennysheetofpaper,onwhichhedrewupthetestamentwhilerestingitinalittlespacewipedwithhishandonthetableamidtheliquidcirclesformedbythecupsandglasses.Anideaimplantedearlyinlifeisdifficultto uproot, and many elderly tradespeople still clung to the notion that FredBeaucockknewagreatdealoflaw.

It was he who had called Melbury by name. "You look very down, Mr.Melbury—very,ifImaysayasmuch,"heobserved,whenthetimber-merchantturned."ButIknow—Iknow.Averysadcase—very.Iwasbredtothelaw,asyou know, and am professionally no stranger to such matters. Well, Mrs.Fitzpiershasherremedy."

"How—what—aremedy?"saidMelbury.

"Underthenewlaw,sir.Anewcourtwasestablishedlastyear,andunderthenewstatute,twentyandtwenty-oneVic.,cap.eighty-five,unmarryingisaseasyasmarrying.NomoreActsofParliamentnecessary;nolongeronelawfor therich and another for the poor. But come inside—I was just going to have anibleykinofrumhot—I'llexplainitalltoyou."

TheintelligenceamazedMelbury,whosawlittleofnewspapers.Andthoughhewasaseverelycorrectmaninhishabits,andhadnotasteforenteringatavern

with Fred Beaucock—nay, would have been quite uninfluenced by such acharacteronanyothermatter in theworld—suchfascination lay in the ideaofdeliveringhispoorgirlfrombondage,thatitdeprivedhimofthecriticalfaculty.Hecouldnotresisttheex-lawyer'sclerk,andenteredtheinn.

Heretheysatdowntotherum,whichMelburypaidforasamatterofcourse,Beaucock leaning back in the settle with a legal gravity which would hardlyallow him to be conscious of the spirits before him, though they neverthelessdisappearedwithmysteriousquickness.

How much of the exaggerated information on the then new divorce lawswhichBeaucock imparted tohis listenerwas the result of ignorance, andhowmuchofdupery,wasneverascertained.Butherelatedsuchaplausiblestoryofthe ease with which Grace could become a free woman that her father wasirradiated with the project; and though he scarcely wetted his lips, Melburyneverknewhowhecameoutoftheinn,orwhenorwherehemountedhisgigtopursuehiswayhomeward.Buthomehefoundhimself,hisbrainhavingallthewayseemed to ringsonorouslyasagong in the intensityof its stir.Beforehehad seenGrace, hewas accidentallymet byWinterborne,who found his faceshiningasifhehad,liketheLaw-giver,conversedwithanangel.

He relinquished his horse, and tookWinterborne by the arm to a heap ofrendlewood—asbarkedoakwasherecalled—whichlayunderaprivet-hedge.

"Giles,"hesaid,whentheyhadsatdownuponthelogs,"there'sanewlawintheland!Gracecanbefreequiteeasily.Ionlyknewitbythemerestaccident.Imightnothavefounditoutforthenexttenyears.Shecangetridofhim—d'yehear?—getridofhim.Thinkofthat,myfriendGiles!"

He related what he had learned of the new legal remedy. A subduedtremulousnessaboutthemouthwasalltheresponsethatWinterbornemade;andMelburyadded,"Myboy,youshallhaveheryet—ifyouwanther."Hisfeelingshad gathered volume as he said this, and the articulate sound of the old ideadrownedhissightinmist.

"Areyousure—aboutthisnewlaw?"askedWinterborne,sodisquietedbyagiganticexultationwhich loomedalternatelywith fearfuldoubt thatheevadedthefullacceptanceofMelbury'slaststatement.

Melbury said that he had no manner of doubt, for since his talk with

Beaucock it had come into his mind that he had seen some time ago in theweeklypaperanallusiontosuchalegalchange;but,havingnointerestinthosedesperateremediesatthemoment,hehadpasseditover."ButI'mnotgoingtolet the matter rest doubtful for a single day," he continued. "I am going toLondon.Beaucockwillgowithme,andweshallgetthebestadviceassoonaswepossiblycan.Beaucockisa thoroughlawyer—nothingthematterwithhimbutafierypalate.IknewhimasthestayandrefugeofShertoninknotsoflawatonetime."

Winterborne's replieswere of the vaguest. The new possibilitywas almostunthinkablebyhimatthemoment.HewaswhatwascalledatHintock"asolid-goingfellow;"hemaintainedhisabeyantmood,notfromwantofreciprocity,butfromataciturnhesitancy,taughtbylifeasheknewit.

"But,"continuedthe timber-merchant,a temporarycreaseor twoofanxietysupplementingthosealreadyestablishedinhisforeheadbytimeandcare,"Graceisnotatallwell.Nothingconstitutional,youknow;butshehasbeenina low,nervousstateeversincethatnightoffright.Idon'tdoubtbutthatshewillbeallrightsoon....Iwonderhowsheisthisevening?"Herosewiththewords,asifhehad too long forgotten her personality in the excitement of her previsionedcareer.

They had sat till the eveningwas beginning to dye the garden brown, andnow went towards Melbury's house, Giles a few steps in the rear of his oldfriend, who was stimulated by the enthusiasm of the moment to outstep theordinarywalkingofWinterborne.HefeltshyofenteringGrace'spresenceasherreconstituted lover—which was how her father's manner would be sure topresenthim—beforedefiniteinformationastoherfuturestatewasforthcoming;itseemedtoonearlyliketheactofthosewhorushinwhereangelsfeartotread.

A chill to counterbalance all the glowing promise of the day was promptenoughincoming.Nosoonerhadhefollowedthetimber-merchantinatthedoorthan he heardGrammer inform him thatMrs. Fitzpierswas stillmore unwellthanshehadbeeninthemorning.OldDr.Jonesbeingintheneighborhoodtheyhad called him in, and he had instantly directed them to get her to bed.Theywerenot,however,toconsiderherillnessserious—afeverish,nervousattacktheresult of recent events, was what she was suffering from, and she woulddoubtlessbewellinafewdays.

Winterborne, therefore, did not remain, and his hope of seeing her thateveningwasdisappointed.Even this aggravationofhermorningconditiondidnotgreatlydepressMelbury.Heknew,he said, thathisdaughter's constitutionwas sound enough. It was only these domestic troubles that were pulling herdown.Once free shewould be blooming again.Melburydiagnosed rightly, asparentsusuallydo.

HesetoutforLondonthenextmorning,Joneshavingpaidanothervisitandassured him that he might leave home without uneasiness, especially on anerrandofthatsort,whichwouldthesoonerputanendtohersuspense.

The timber-merchanthadbeenawayonlyadayor twowhen itwas told inHintock thatMr. Fitzpiers's hat had been found in the wood. Later on in theafternoon the hatwas brought toMelbury, and, by a piece of ill-fortune, intoGrace'spresence.Ithaddoubtless lain in thewoodeversincehisfall fromthehorse, but it looked so clean and uninjured—the summer weather and leafyshelter havingmuch favored its preservation—that Grace could not believe ithad remained so long concealed. A very little of fact was enough to set herfeveredfancyatworkatthisjuncture;shethoughthimstillintheneighborhood;she feared his sudden appearance; and her nervous malady developedconsequencessogravethatDr.Jonesbeganto lookserious,andthehouseholdwasalarmed.

It was the beginning of June, and the cuckoo at this time of the summerscarcelyceasedhiscryformore than twoor threehoursduring thenight.Thebird'snote,sofamiliartoherearsfrominfancy,wasnowabsolutetorturetothepoorgirl.On theFriday following theWednesdayofMelbury'sdeparture,andthedayafterthediscoveryofFitzpiers'shat,thecuckoobeganattwoo'clockinthemorningwithasuddencryfromoneofMelbury'sapple-trees,notthreeyardsfromthewindowofGrace'sroom.

"Oh,heiscoming!"shecried,andinherterrorsprangcleanfromthebedoutuponthefloor.

Thesestartsandfrightscontinuedtillnoon;andwhenthedoctorhadarrivedandhadseenher,andhadtalkedwithMrs.Melbury,hesatdownandmeditated.That ever-present terror it was indispensable to remove from her mind at allhazards;andhethoughthowthismightbedone.

Without saying a word to anybody in the house, or to the disquietedWinterbornewaiting in the lanebelow,Dr. Joneswenthomeandwrote toMr.Melburyat theLondonaddresshehadobtained fromhiswife.Thegistofhiscommunicationwas thatMrs. Fitzpiers should be assured as soon as possiblethatstepswerebeingtakentoseverthebondwhichwasbecomingatorturetoher;thatshewouldsoonbefree,andwaseventhenvirtuallyso."IfyoucansayitATONCE itmay be themeans of avertingmuch harm," he said. "Write toherself;nottome."

On Saturday he drove over to Hintock, and assured her with mysteriouspacifications that in a day or two she might expect to receive some assuringnews.Soitturnedout.WhenSundaymorningcametherewasaletterforGracefromherfather.Itarrivedatseveno'clock,theusualtimeatwhichthetoddlingpostmanpassedbyHintock;ateightGraceawoke,havingsleptanhourortwoforawonder,andMrs.Melburybroughtuptheletter.

"Canyouopenityourself?"saidshe.

"Oh yes, yes!" said Grace, with feeble impatience. She tore the envelope,unfoldedthesheet,andread;whenacreepingblushtincturedherwhiteneckandcheek.

Her father had exercised a bold discretion. He informed her that she needhavenofurtherconcernaboutFitzpiers'sreturn;thatshewouldshortlybeafreewoman; and therefore, if she should desire to wed her old lover—which hetrustedwasthecase,sinceitwashisowndeepwish—shewouldbeinapositiontodoso. In thisMelburyhadnotwrittenbeyondhisbelief.Butheverymuchstretched the facts in adding that the legal formalities fordissolvingherunionwere practically settled.The truthwas that on the arrival of the doctor's letterpoorMelburyhadbeenmuchagitated,andcouldwithdifficultybepreventedbyBeaucockfromreturningtoherbedside.WhatwastheuseofhisrushingbacktoHintock?Beaucockhadaskedhim.Theonly thing thatcoulddoheranygoodwasabreakingofthebond.Thoughhehadnotasyethadaninterviewwiththeeminentsolicitortheywereabouttoconsult,hewasonthepointofseeinghim;andthecasewasclearenough.ThusthesimpleMelbury,urgedbyhisparentalalarmatherdangerbytherepresentationsofhiscompanion,andbythedoctor'sletter,hadyielded,andsatdowntotellherroundlythatshewasvirtuallyfree.

"And you'd betterwrite also to the gentleman," suggestedBeaucock,who,

scentingnotorietyandthegermofalargepracticeinthecase,wishedtocommitMelbury to it irretrievably; to effectwhich he knew that nothingwould be sopotent as awakening the passion of Grace forWinterborne, so that her fathermight not have the heart to withdraw from his attempt to make her lovelegitimatewhenhediscoveredthatthereweredifficultiesintheway.

Thenervous,impatientMelburywasmuchpleasedwiththeideaof"startingthematonce,"ashecalledit.Toputhislong-delayedreparativeschemeintrainhad become a passionwith him now. He added to the letter addressed to hisdaughter a passage hinting that she ought to begin to encourageWinterborne,lest she should lose him altogether; and he wrote to Giles that the path wasvirtually open for him at last. Life was short, he declared; there were slipsbetwixt thecupand the lip;her interest inhimshouldbe reawakenedatonce,thatallmightbereadywhenthegoodtimecameforunitingthem.

CHAPTERXXXVIII.

AtthesewarmwordsWinterbornewasnotlessdazedthanhewasmovedinheart.Thenoveltyoftheavowalrenderedwhatitcarriedwithitinapprehensiblebyhiminitsentirety.

Only a few short months ago completely estranged from this family—beholding Grace going to and fro in the distance, clothed with the alienatingradiance of obvious superiority, the wife of the then popular and fashionableFitzpiers,hopelesslyoutsidehis socialboundarydown to so recenta time thatflowersthenfoldedwerehardlyfadedyet—hewasnowaskedbythatjealouslyguardingfatherofherstotakecourage—togethimselfreadyforthedaywhenheshouldbeabletoclaimher.

The old times came back to him in dim procession. How he had beensnubbed;howMelburyhaddespisedhisChristmasparty;how that sweet, coyGraceherselfhadlookeddownuponhimandhishouseholdarrangements,andpoorCreedle'scontrivances!

Well,hecouldnotbelieveit.Surelytheadamantinebarrierofmarriagewith

anothercouldnotbepiercedlikethis!Itdidviolencetocustom.Yetanewlawmight do anything. But was it at all within the bounds of probability that awomanwho,overandaboveherownattainments,hadbeenaccustomedtothoseofacultivatedprofessionalman,couldeverbethewifeofsuchashe?

Sincethedateofhisrejectionhehadalmostgrowntoseethereasonablenessof that treatment. He had said to himself again and again that her father wasright; that the poor ceorl, GilesWinterborne, would never have been able tomakesuchadaintygirlhappy.Yet,nowthatshehadstoodinapositionfartherremovedfromhisownthanatfirst,hewasaskedtopreparetowooher.Hewasfullofdoubt.

Nevertheless,itwasnotinhimtoshowbackwardness.ToactsopromptlyasMelbury desired him to act seemed, indeed, scarcely wise, because of theuncertaintyofevents.Gilesknewnothingof legalprocedure,buthedidknowthatforhimtostepuptoGraceasaloverbeforethebondwhichboundherwasactuallydissolvedwassimplyanextravagantdreamofherfather'soverstrainedmind.He pitiedMelbury for his almost childish enthusiasm, and saw that theagingmanmusthavesufferedacutelytobeweakenedtothisunreasoningdesire.

Winterbornewasfartoomagnanimoustoharboranycynicalconjecturethatthe timber-merchant, inhis intense affection forGrace,was courtinghimnowbecausethatyounglady,whendisunited,wouldbeleftinananomalousposition,toescapewhichabadhusbandwasbetterthannone.HefeltquitesurethathisoldfriendwassimplyontenterhooksofanxietytorepairthealmostirreparableerrorofdividingtwowhomNaturehadstrivento join together inearlierdays,and that in his ardor to do this he was oblivious of formalities. The cautioussupervisionof his past years hadoverleaped itself at last.Hence,Winterborneperceived that, in this new beginning, the necessary care not to compromiseGracebytooearlyadvancesmustbeexercisedbyhimself.

PerhapsWinterbornewasnotquitesoardentasheretofore.Thereisnosuchthingasastationarylove:menareeitherlovingmoreorlovingless.ButGileshimself recognized no decline in his sense of her dearness. If the flame didindeedburn lowernow thanwhenhehad fetchedher fromShertonather lastreturnfromschool, themarvelwassmall.Hehadbeen laboringeversincehisrejectionandhermarriage to reducehis formerpassion to adocile friendship,outofpureregardtoitsexpediency;andtheirseparationmayhavehelpedhimtoapartialsuccess.

Aweekandmorepassed,andtherewasnofurthernewsofMelbury.Buttheeffect of the intelligence he had already transmitted upon the elastic-nerveddaughterofthewoodshadbeenmuchwhattheoldsurgeonJoneshadsurmised.It had soothed her perturbed spirit better than all the opiates in thepharmacopoeia. She had slept unbrokenly awhole night and a day. The "newlaw"wastoheramysterious,beneficent,godlikeentity, latelydescendeduponearth,thatwouldmakeherassheoncehadbeenwithouttroubleorannoyance.Herpositionfrettedher,itsabstractfeaturesrousinganaversionwhichwasevengreater than her aversion to the personality of himwho had caused it. It wasmortifying, productive of slights, undignified. Him she could forget; hercircumstancesshehadalwayswithher.

ShesawnothingofWinterborneduringthedaysofherrecovery;andperhapsonthataccountherfancywoveabouthimamoreromantictissuethanitcouldhavedone ifhehadstoodbeforeherwithall thespecksandflaws inseparablefromcorporeity.Heroseuponhermemoryasthefruit-godandthewood-godinalternation;sometimesleafy,andsmearedwithgreenlichen,asshehadseenhimamong the sappyboughsof theplantations; sometimes cider-stained, andwithapple-pipsinthehairofhisarms,asshehadmethimonhisreturnfromcider-makinginWhiteHartVale,withhisvatsandpressesbesidehim.Inhersecretheart she almost approximated to her father's enthusiasm in wishing to showGilesonce forallhowshe still regardedhim.Thequestionwhether the futurewouldindeedbringthemtogetherforlifewasastandingwonderwithher.Sheknewthatitcouldnotwithanyproprietydosojustyet.Butreverentlybelievinginherfather'ssoundjudgmentandknowledge,asgoodgirlsarewonttodo,sheremembered what he had written about her giving a hint toWinterborne lestthereshouldberiskindelay,andherfeelingswerenotaversetosuchastep,sofarasitcouldbedonewithoutdangeratthisearlystageoftheproceedings.

Frombeingafrailphantomofherformerequableselfshereturnedinboundsto a condition of passable philosophy. She bloomed again in the face in thecourseofafewdays,andwaswellenoughtogoaboutasusual.OnedayMrs.MelburyproposedthatforachangesheshouldbedriveninthegigtoShertonmarket, whither Melbury's man was going on other errands. Grace had nobusinesswhatever inSherton; but it crossedhermind thatWinterbornewouldprobablybethere,andthismadethethoughtofsuchadriveinteresting.

Onthewayshesawnothingofhim;butwhenthehorsewaswalkingslowlythrough the obstructions ofSheepStreet, she discerned the youngmanon the

pavement.Shethoughtofthattimewhenhehadbeenstandingunderhisapple-treeonherreturnfromschool,andofthetenderopportunitythenmissedthroughher fastidiousness. Her heart rose in her throat. She abjured all suchfastidiousnessnow.Nordidsheforgetthelastoccasiononwhichshehadbeheldhim in that town,making cider in the court-yardof theEarl ofWessexHotel,whileshewasfiguringasafineladyinthebalconyabove.

Gracedirectedthemantosetherdownthereinthemidst,andimmediatelywent up to her lover. Giles had not before observed her, and his eyes nowsuppressedly lookedhispleasure,without theembarrassment thathadformerlymarkedhimatsuchmeetings.

Whenafewwordshadbeenspoken,shesaid,archly,"Ihavenothingtodo.Perhapsyouaredeeplyengaged?"

"I?Not abit.Mybusinessnowat thebestof times is small, I amsorry tosay."

"Well,then,IamgoingintotheAbbey.Comealongwithme."

The proposition had suggested itself as a quick escape from publicity, formanyeyeswere regardingher.Shehadhoped that sufficient timehadelapsedfortheextinctionofcuriosity;butitwasquiteotherwise.Thepeoplelookedather with tender interest as the deserted girl-wife—without obtrusiveness, andwithoutvulgarity;butshewasillpreparedforscrutinyinanyshape.

TheywalkedabouttheAbbeyaisles,andpresentlysatdown.Notasoulwasinthebuildingsavethemselves.Sheregardedastainedwindow,withherheadsideways,andtentativelyaskedhimifherememberedthelasttimetheywereinthattownalone.

Heremembereditperfectly,andremarked,"Youwereaproudmissthen,andasdaintyasyouwerehigh.Perhapsyouarenow?"

Graceslowlyshookherhead. "Afflictionhas takenall thatoutofme," sheanswered,impressively."PerhapsIamtoofartheotherwaynow."Astherewassomethinglurkinginthisthatshecouldnotexplain,sheadded,soquicklyasnottoallowhimtimetothinkofit,"Hasmyfatherwrittentoyouatall?"

"Yes,"saidWinterborne.

Sheglancedponderinglyupathim."Notaboutme?"

"Yes."

Hismouthwaslinedwithcharacterywhichtoldherthathehadbeenbiddento take the hint as to the future which she had been bidden to give. Theunexpected discovery sent a scarlet pulsation through Grace for the moment.However,itwasonlyGileswhostoodthere,ofwhomshehadnofear;andherself-possessionreturned.

"HesaidIwastosoundyouwithaviewto—whatyouwillunderstand,ifyoucareto,"continuedWinterborne,inalowvoice.Havingbeenputonthistrackbyherself,hewasnotdisposedtoabandonitinahurry.

Theyhadbeenchildrentogether,andtherewasbetweenthemthatfamiliarityas to personal affairswhich only such acquaintanceship can give. "Youknow,Giles,"sheanswered,speakinginaverypracticaltone,"thatthatisallverywell;but Iaminaveryanomalouspositionatpresent,andIcannotsayanything tothepointaboutsuchthingsasthose."

"No?"hesaid,withastrayairasregardedthesubject.Hewaslookingatherwithacuriousconsciousnessofdiscovery.Hehadnotbeenimaginingthattheirrenewedintercoursewouldshowhertohimthus.Forthefirst timeherealizedanunexpectednessinher,which,afterall,shouldnothavebeenunexpected.ShebeforehimwasnotthegirlGraceMelburywhomheusedtoknow.Ofcourse,hemighteasilyhaveprefiguredasmuch;butithadneveroccurredtohim.Shewasawomanwhohadbeenmarried;shehadmovedon;andwithouthavinglosthergirlishmodesty,shehadlosthergirlishshyness.Theinevitablechange,thoughknowntohim,hadnotbeenheeded;anditstruckhimintoamomentaryfixity.Thetruthwasthathehadnevercomeintoclosecomradeshipwithhersinceherengagement toFitzpiers,with the brief exception of the evening encounter onRubdownHill,when shemethimwithhis cider apparatus; and that interviewhadbeenoftoocursoryakindforinsight.

Winterbornehadadvanced,too.Hecouldcriticiseher.Timeshadbeenwhento criticise a single trait inGraceMelburywould have lain as far beyond hispowersastocriticiseadeity.Thisthingwassure:itwasanewwomaninmanywayswhomhehadcomeouttosee;acreatureofmoreideas,moredignity,and,aboveall,moreassurance,thantheoriginalGracehadbeencapableof.Hecould

notat firstdecidewhetherhewerepleasedordispleasedat this.Butupon thewholethenoveltyattractedhim.

She was so sweet and sensitive that she feared his silence betokenedsomethinginhisbrainofthenatureofanenemytoher."Whatareyouthinkingofthatmakesthoselinescomeinyourforehead?"sheasked."Ididnotmeantooffendyoubyspeakingofthetimebeingprematureasyet."

Touchedbythegenuineloving-kindnesswhichhadlainatthefoundationofthesewords,andmuchmoved,Winterborneturnedhisfaceaside,ashetookherbythehand.Hewasgrievedthathehadcriticisedher.

"You are very good, dearGrace," he said, in a low voice. "You are better,muchbetter,thanyouusedtobe."

"How?"

Hecouldnotverywelltellherhow,andsaid,withanevasivesmile,"Youareprettier;" which was not what he really had meant. He then remained stillholdingherrighthandinhisownright,sothattheyfacedinoppositeways;andashedidnotletgo,sheventureduponatenderremonstrance.

"Ithinkwehavegoneasfarasweoughttogoatpresent—andfarenoughtosatisfymypoorfatherthatwearethesameasever.Yousee,Giles,mycaseisnot settled yet, and if—Oh, suppose INEVERget free!—there should be anyhitchorinformality!"

She drew a catching breath, and turned pale. The dialogue had beenaffectionatecomedyuptothispoint.Thegloomyatmosphereofthepast,andthestillgloomyhorizonofthepresent,hadbeenfortheintervalforgotten.Nowthewhole environment came back, the due balance of shade among the lightwasrestored.

"Itissuretobeallright,Itrust?"sheresumed,inuneasyaccents."Whatdidmyfathersaythesolicitorhadtoldhim?"

"Oh—thatallissureenough.Thecaseissoclear—nothingcouldbeclearer.Butthelegalpartisnotyetquitedoneandfinished,asisnatural."

"Ohno—ofcoursenot,"shesaid,sunkinmeekthought."Butfathersaid it

was ALMOST—did he not? Do you know anything about the new law thatmakesthesethingssoeasy?"

"Nothing—except the general fact that it enables ill-assorted husbands andwivestopartinawaytheycouldnotformerlydowithoutanActofParliament."

"Haveyoutosignapaper,orswearanything?Isitsomethinglikethat?"

"Yes,Ibelieveso."

"Howlonghasitbeenintroduced?"

"Aboutsixmonthsorayear,thelawyersaid,Ithink."

TohearthesetwopoorArcadianinnocentstalkofimperial lawwouldhavemade a humane person weep who should have known what a dangerousstructuretheywerebuildingupontheirsupposedknowledge.Theyremainedinthought,likechildreninthepresenceoftheincomprehensible.

"Giles,"shesaid,atlast,"itmakesmequitewearywhenIthinkhowseriousmysituationis,orhasbeen.Shallwenotgooutfromherenow,asitmayseemratherfastofme—ourbeingsolongtogether,Imean—ifanybodyweretoseeus?Iamalmostsure,"sheadded,uncertainly,"thatIoughtnot toletyouholdmy hand yet, knowing that the documents—orwhatever itmay be—have notbeensigned;so that I—amstillasmarriedasever—oralmost.Mydear fatherhasforgottenhimself.NotthatIfeelmorallyboundtoanyoneelse,afterwhathastakenplace—nowomanofspiritcould—now,too,thatseveralmonthshavepassed.ButIwishtokeeptheproprietiesaswellasIcan."

"Yes,yes.Still,yourfatherremindsusthatlifeisshort.Imyselffeelthatitis;thatiswhyIwishedtounderstandyouinthisthatwehavebegun.Attimes,dearGrace,sincereceivingyourfather'sletter,Iamasuneasyandfearfulasachildatwhathesaid.Ifoneofusweretodiebeforetheformalsigningandsealingthatistoreleaseyouhavebeendone—ifweshoulddropoutoftheworldandneverhavemade themostof this little, short, but real opportunity, I should think tomyselfasIsunkdowndying,'WouldtomyGodthatIhadspokenoutmywholeheart—givenheronepoorlittlekisswhenIhadthechancetogiveit!ButIneverdid, although she had promised to be mine some day; and now I never can.'That'swhatIshouldthink."

Shehadbegunbywatchingthewordsfromhislipswithamournfulregard,asthoughtheirpassagewerevisible;butashewentonshedroppedherglance."Yes,"shesaid,"Ihavethoughtthat,too.And,becauseIhavethoughtit,Ibynomeansmeant,inspeakingoftheproprieties,tobereservedandcoldtoyouwholovedmeso longago,or tohurtyourheartas Iused todoat that thoughtlesstime.Oh,notatall, indeed!But—oughtI toallowyou?—oh,it is tooquick—surely!"Hereyesfilledwithtearsofbewildered,alarmedemotion.

Winterborne was too straightforward to influence her further against herbetter judgment."Yes—Isupposeit is,"hesaid,repentantly."I'llwait tillall issettled.Whatdidyourfathersayinthatlastletter?"

He meant about his progress with the petition; but she, mistaking him,franklyspokeofthepersonalpart."Hesaid—whatIhaveimplied.ShouldItellmoreplainly?"

"Ohno—don't,ifitisasecret."

"Notatall.Iwill telleveryword,straightout,Giles,ifyouwish.HesaidIwastoencourageyou.There.ButIcannotobeyhimfurtherto-day.Come,letusgonow."Shegentlyslidherhandfromhis,andwentinfrontofhimoutoftheAbbey.

"Iwas thinkingof getting somedinner," saidWinterborne, changing to theprosaic,astheywalked."Andyou,too,mustrequiresomething.DoletmetakeyoutoaplaceIknow."

Gracewasalmostwithoutafriendintheworldoutsideherfather'shouse;herlifewithFitzpiershadbroughthernosociety;hadsometimes, indeed,broughther deeper solitude and inconsideration than any she had ever known before.Henceitwasatreattohertofindherselfagaintheobjectofthoughtfulcare.Butshe questioned if to go publicly to dine with Giles Winterborne were not aproposal,duerathertohisunsophisticationthantohisdiscretion.Shesaidgentlythat she would much prefer his ordering her lunch at some place and thencoming to tellher itwas ready,while she remained in theAbbeyporch.Gilessaw her secret reasoning, thought how hopelessly blind to propriety he wasbesideher,andwenttodoasshewished.

Hewasnotabsentmorethantenminutes,andfoundGracewherehehadlefther."Itwillbequitereadybythetimeyougetthere,"hesaid,andtoldherthe

nameoftheinnatwhichthemealhadbeenordered,whichwasonethatshehadneverheardof.

"I'llfinditbyinquiry,"saidGrace,settingout.

"AndshallIseeyouagain?"

"Ohyes—come tome there. Itwillnotbe likegoing together. I shallwantyoutofindmyfather'smanandthegigforme."

Hewaitedon some tenminutesor aquarterof anhour, till he thoughtherlunchended,andthathemightfairlytakeadvantageofherinvitationtostartheronherwayhome.HewentstraighttoTheThreeTuns—alittletaverninasidestreet, scrupulously clean, buthumble and inexpensive.Onhiswayhehad anoccasionalmisgivingas towhether theplacehadbeenelegantenoughforher;andassoonasheenteredit,andsawherensconcedthere,heperceivedthathehadblundered.

Gracewasseatedintheonlydining-roomthatthesimpleoldhostelrycouldboastof,whichwasalsoageneralparloronmarket-days;along,lowapartment,withasandedfloorherring-bonedwithabroom;awide,red-curtainedwindowto the street, and another to the garden.Grace had retreated to the end of theroomlookingoutuponthe latter, thefrontpartbeingfullofamixedcompanywhichhaddroppedinsincehewasthere.

Shewasinamoodofthegreatestdepression.Onarriving,andseeingwhatthetavernwaslike,shehadbeentakenbysurprise;buthavinggonetoofar toretreat, she had heroically entered and sat down on the well-scrubbed settle,oppositethenarrowtablewithitsknivesandsteelforks,tinpepper-boxes,bluesalt-cellars,andpostersadvertisingthesaleofbullocksagainstthewall.ThelasttimethatshehadtakenanymealinapublicplaceithadbeenwithFitzpiersatthegrandnewEarlofWessexHotel in that town,aftera twomonths' roamingand sojourning at the gigantic hotels of the Continent. How could she haveexpectedanyotherkindofaccommodation inpresentcircumstances thansuchasGileshadprovided?Andyethowunprepared shewas for thischange!ThetastesthatshehadacquiredfromFitzpiershadbeenimbibedsosubtlythatshehardly knew she possessed them till confronted by this contrast. The elegantFitzpiers, infact,at thatverymomentowedalongbillat theabove-mentionedhotelfortheluxuriousstyleinwhichheusedtoputheruptherewheneverthey

drove to Sherton. But such is social sentiment, that she had been quitecomfortableunderthosedebt-impendingconditions,whileshefelthumiliatedbyherpresentsituation,whichWinterbornehadpaidforhonestlyonthenail.

Hehadnoticed in amoment that she shrunk fromher position, and all hispleasurewasgone.ItwasthesamesusceptibilityoveragainwhichhadspoiledhisChristmaspartylongago.

But he did not know that this recrudescencewas only the casual result ofGrace's apprenticeship to what she was determined to learn in spite of it—aconsequence of one of those sudden surpriseswhich confront everybody bentuponturningoveranewleaf.Shehadfinishedherlunch,whichhesawhadbeenaverymincingperformance;andhebroughtheroutofthehouseassoonashecould.

"Now," he said, with great sad eyes, "you have not finished at all well, Iknow. Come round to the Earl of Wessex. I'll order a tea there. I did notrememberthatwhatwasgoodenoughformewasnotgoodenoughforyou."

Her face faded into an aspect of deep distress when she saw what hadhappened."Ohno,Giles,"shesaid,withextremepathos;"certainlynot.Whydoyou—saythatwhenyouknowbetter?YouEVERwillmisunderstandme."

"Indeed,that'snotso,Mrs.Fitzpiers.CanyoudenythatyoufeltoutofplaceatTheThreeTuns?"

"Idon'tknow.Well,sinceyoumakemespeak,Idonotdenyit."

"And yet I have felt at home there these twenty years.Your husband usedalwaystotakeyoutotheEarlofWessex,didhenot?"

"Yes," she reluctantly admitted. How could she explain in the street of amarket-town that it was her superficial and transitory taste which had beenoffended, and not her nature or her affection?Fortunately, or unfortunately, atthatmomenttheysawMelbury'smandrivingvacantlyalongthestreetinsearchof her, the hour having passed at which he had been told to take her up.Winterbornehailedhim, and shewaspowerless then toprolong thediscourse.Sheenteredthevehiclesadly,andthehorsetrottedaway.

CHAPTERXXXIX.

AllnightdidWinterbornethinkoverthatunsatisfactoryendingofapleasanttime,forgettingthepleasanttimeitself.Hefearedanewthattheycouldneverbehappytogether,evenshouldshebefreetochoosehim.Shewasaccomplished;hewas unrefined. Itwas the original difficulty,which hewas too sensitive torecklesslyignore,assomemenwouldhavedoneinhisplace.

Hewasoneofthosesilent,unobtrusivebeingswhowantlittlefromothersinthewayoffavororcondescension,andperhapsonthatveryaccountscrutinizethoseothers'behaviortooclosely.Hewasnotversatile,butoneinwhomahopeorbeliefwhichhadoncehaditsrise,meridian,anddeclineseldomagainexactlyrecurred, as in thebreastsofmore sanguinemortals.Hehadonceworshippedher, laid out his life to suit her, wooed her, and lost her. Though it waswithalmostthesamezest,itwaswithnotquitethesamehope,thathehadbeguntotread theold tracksagain,andallowedhimself tobesocharmedwithher thatday.

Moveanothersteptowardsherhewouldnot.Hewouldevenrepulseher—asatributetoconscience.Itwouldbesheersintoletherprepareapitfallforherhappiness notmuch smaller than the first by inveigling her into a unionwithsuch as he. Her poor father was now blind to these subtleties, which he hadformerlybeheldas innoontidelight. Itwashisowndutytodeclare them—forherdearsake.

Grace,too,hadaveryuncomfortablenight,andhersolicitousembarrassmentwasnotlessenedthenextmorningwhenanotherletterfromherfatherwasputintoherhands. Its tenorwasan intenserstrainof theone thathadpreceded it.Afterstatinghowextremelygladhewastohearthatshewasbetter,andabletogetout-of-doors,hewenton:

"Thisisawearisomebusiness,thesolicitorwehavecometoseebeingoutoftown.IdonotknowwhenIshallgethome.Mygreatanxietyinthisdelayisstilllestyou should loseGilesWinterborne. I cannot rest atnight for thinking that

whileourbusiness ishangingfirehemaybecomeestranged,orgoawayfromtheneighborhood.Ihavesetmyheartuponseeinghimyourhusband,ifyoueverhaveanother.Do, then,Grace,givehimsome temporaryencouragement, eventhoughitisover-early.ForwhenIconsiderthepastIdothinkGodwillforgivemeandyouforbeingalittleforward.Ihaveanotherreasonforthis,mydear.Ifeelmyselfgoingrapidlydownhill,andlateaffairshavestillfurtherhelpedmethatway.AnduntilthisthingisdoneIcannotrestinpeace."

Headdedapostscript:

"I have just heard that the solicitor is to be seen to-morrow. Possibly,therefore,Ishallreturnintheeveningafteryougetthis."

The paternal longing ran on all fours with her own desire; and yet inforwarding it yesterday she had been on the brink of giving offence. Whilecravingtobeacountrygirlagainjustasherfatherrequested;toputofftheoldEve, the fastidiousmiss—or rathermadam—completely, her first attempt hadbeen beaten by the unexpected vitality of that fastidiousness. Her father onreturningandseeingthetriflingcoolnessofGileswouldbesuretosaythatthesameperversitywhichhadledhertomakedifficultiesaboutmarryingFitzpierswasnowpromptinghertoblowhotandcoldwithpoorWinterborne.

If the latter had been the most subtle hand at touching the stops of herdelicate soul instead of onewho had just bound himself to let her drift awayfromhimagain(ifshewould)onthewindofherestrangingeducation,hecouldnot have acted more seductively than he did that day. He chanced to besuperintendingsometemporaryworkinafieldoppositeherwindows.Shecouldnot discoverwhat hewas doing, but she read hismood keenly and truly: shecould see in his coming and going an air of determined abandonment of thewholelandscapethatlayinherdirection.

Oh,howshelongedtomakeitupwithhim!Herfathercomingintheevening—whichmeant,shesupposed,thatallformalitieswouldbeintrain,hermarriagevirtuallyannulled,andshebefreetobewonagain—howcouldshelookhiminthefaceifheshouldseethemestrangedthus?

ItwasafairgreeneveninginJune.Shewasseatedinthegarden,intherusticchairwhich stood under the laurel-bushes—made of peeled oak-branches that

cametoMelbury'spremisesasrefuseafterbarking-time.Themassoffull-juicedleafageontheheightsaroundherwasjustswayedintofaintgesturesbyanearlyspentwindwhich,eveninitsenfeebledstate,didnotreachhershelter.AlldayshehadexpectedGilestocall—toinquirehowshehadgothome,orsomethingorother;buthehadnotcome.Andhestilltantalizedherbygoingathwartandacrossthatorchardopposite.Shecouldseehimasshesat.

AslightdiversionwaspresentlycreatedbyCreedlebringinghimaletter.SheknewfromthisthatCreedlehadjustcomefromSherton,andhadcalledasusualat thepost-office foranything thathadarrivedby theafternoonpost,ofwhichtherewasnodeliveryatHintock.Sheponderedonwhatthelettermightcontain—particularly whether it were a second refresher for Winterborne from herfather,likeherownofthemorning.

But it appeared to have no bearing upon herself whatever. Giles read itscontents; and almost immediately turned away to a gap in the hedge of theorchard—if that could be called a hedgewhich, owing to the drippings of thetrees,waslittlemorethanabankwithabushuponithereandthere.Heenteredtheplantation,andwasnodoubtgoingthatwayhomewardtothemysterioushutheoccupiedontheothersideofthewoodland.

ThesadsandswererunningswiftlythroughTime'sglass;shehadoftenfeltitintheselatterdays;and,likeGiles,shefeltitdoublynowafterthesolemnandpatheticreminderinherfather'scommunication.Herfreshnesswouldpass, thelong-sufferingdevotionofGilesmightsuddenlyend—mightendthatveryhour.Menweresostrange.Thethoughttookawayfromherallherformerreticence,andmadeheractionbold.Shestartedfromherseat.Ifthelittlebreach,quarrel,orwhateveritmightbecalled,ofyesterday,wastobehealedupitmustbedonebyheron the instant.Shecrossed into theorchard,andclambered through thegapafterGiles,justashewasdiminishingtoafaun-likefigureunderthegreencanopyandoverthebrownfloor.

Gracehadbeenwrong—veryfarwrong—inassumingthattheletterhadnoreference to herself because Giles had turned away into the wood after itsperusal.Itwas,sadtosay,becausethemissivehadsomuchreferencetoherselfthathehadthusturnedaway.Hefearedthathisgrieveddiscomfituremightbeobserved. The letter was from Beaucock, written a few hours later thanMelbury'stohisdaughter.Itannouncedfailure.

Gileshadoncedonethatthriftlessmanagoodturn,andnowwasthemomentwhenBeaucockhadchosentorememberitinhisownway.DuringhisabsenceintownwithMelbury,thelawyer'sclerkhadnaturallyheardagreatdealofthetimber-merchant'sfamilyschemeofjusticetoGiles,andhiscommunicationwasto informWinterborne at the earliest possible moment that their attempt hadfailed, inorderthat theyoungmanshouldnotplacehimself inafalsepositiontowardsGrace in thebeliefof itscomingsuccess.Thenewswas, in sum, thatFitzpiers'sconducthadnotbeensufficientlycrueltoGracetoenablehertosnapthebond.Shewasapparentlydoomedtobehiswifetilltheendofthechapter.

Winterbornequiteforgothissuperficialdifferenceswith thepoorgirlunderthe warm rush of deep and distracting love for her which the almost tragicalinformationengendered.

Torenounceherforever—thatwasthentheendofitforhim,afterall.Therewas no longer any question about suitability, or room for tiffs on petty tastes.Thecurtainhadfallenagainbetweenthem.Shecouldnotbehis.Thecrueltyoftheirlaterevivedhopewasnowterrible.Howcouldtheyallhavebeensosimpleastosupposethisthingcouldbedone?

Itwasatthismomentthat,hearingsomeonecomingbehindhim,heturnedandsawherhasteningonbetweenthe thickets.Heperceived inan instant thatshedidnotknowtheblightingnews.

"Giles,whydidn'tyoucomeacross tome?" sheasked,witharch reproach."Didn'tyouseemesittingthereeversolong?"

"Oh yes," he said, in unprepared, extemporized tones, for her unexpectedpresence caught himwithout the slightest plan of behavior in the conjuncture.Hismannermadeher think thatshehadbeen toochiding inherspeech;andamildscarletwavepassedoverherassheresolvedtosoftenit.

"I have had another letter frommy father," she hastened to continue. "Hethinks he may come home this evening. And—in view of his hopes—it willgrievehimifthereisanylittledifferencebetweenus,Giles."

"Thereisnone,"hesaid,sadlyregardingherfromthefacedownwardasheponderedhowtolaythecrueltruthbare.

"Still—Ifearyouhavenotquiteforgivenmeaboutmybeinguncomfortable

attheinn."

"Ihave,Grace,I'msure."

"Butyouspeakinquiteanunhappyway,"shereturned,comingupclosetohimwiththemostwinningofthemanyprettyairsthatappertainedtoher."Don'tyouthinkyouwilleverbehappy,Giles?"

Hedidnotreplyforsomeinstants."WhenthesunshinesonthenorthfrontofShertonAbbey—that'swhenmyhappinesswillcometome!"saidhe,staringasitwereintotheearth.

"But—thenthatmeansthatthereissomethingmorethanmyoffendingyouinnotlikingTheThreeTuns.IfitisbecauseI—didnotliketoletyoukissmeinthe Abbey—well, you know, Giles, that it was not on account of my coldfeelings,butbecauseIdidcertainly,justthen,thinkitwasratherpremature,inspite ofmy poor father.Thatwas the true reason—the sole one.But I do notwant to be hard—God knows I do not," she said, her voice fluctuating. "Andperhaps—asIamonthevergeoffreedom—Iamnotright,afterall,inthinkingthereisanyharminyourkissingme."

"OhGod!"saidWinterbornewithinhimself.Hisheadwasturnedaskanceashestillresolutelyregardedtheground.Forthelastseveralminuteshehadseenthis great temptation approaching him in regular siege; and now it had come.Thewrong,thesocialsin,ofnowtakingadvantageoftheofferofherlipshadamagnitude, in the eyes of one whose life had been so primitive, so ruled bypuresthouseholdlaws,asGiles's,whichcanhardlybeexplained.

"Didyousayanything?"sheasked,timidly.

"Ohno—onlythat—"

"Youmean that itmustBE settled, sincemy father is coming home?" shesaid,gladly.

Winterborne,thoughfightingvaliantlyagainsthimselfallthiswhile—thoughhewould have protected Grace's good repute as the apple of his eye—was aman; and, as Desdemona said, men are not gods. In face of the agonizingseductiveness shown by her, in her unenlightened school-girl simplicity aboutthelawsandordinances,hebetrayedaman'sweakness.Sinceitwasso—sinceit

hadcometothis,thatGrace,deemingherselffreetodoit,wasvirtuallyaskinghim to demonstrate that he loved her—since he could demonstrate it only tootruly—sincelifewasshortandlovewasstrong—hegavewaytothetemptation,notwithstanding that he perfectly well knew her to be wedded irrevocably toFitzpiers. Indeed, he cared for nothing past or future, simply accepting thepresentandwhatitbrought,desiringonceinhislifetoclaspinhisarmsherhehadwatchedoverandlovedsolong.

She started back suddenly from his embrace, influenced by a sort ofinspiration."Oh,Isuppose,"shestammered,"thatIamreallyfree?—thatthisisright? Is thereREALLYa new law?Father cannot have been too sanguine insaying—"

Hedidnotanswer,andamomentafterwardsGraceburstintotearsinspiteofherself."Oh,whydoesnotmyfathercomehomeandexplain,"shesobbed,"andletmeknowclearlywhatIam?Itistootrying,this,toaskmeto—andthentoleavemesolonginsovagueastatethatIdonotknowwhattodo,andperhapsdowrong!"

WinterbornefeltlikeaveryCain,overandabovehisprevioussorrow.Howhehadsinnedagainstherinnottellingherwhatheknew.Heturnedaside;thefeelingofhiscrueltymountedhigherandhigher.Howcouldhehavedreamedofkissingher?Hecouldhardlyrefrainfromtears.Surelynothingmorepitiablehadeverbeenknownthantheconditionofthispooryoungthing,nowasheretoforethevictimofherfather'swell-meantbutblunderingpolicy.

EveninthehourofMelbury'sgreatestassuranceWinterbornehadharboredasuspicion that no law, new or old, could undo Grace's marriage without herappearance in public; though hewas not sufficiently sure ofwhatmight havebeenenactedtodestroybyhisownwordsherpleasingideathatameredashofthepen,onherfather'stestimony,wasgoingtobesufficient.Buthehadneversuspectedthesadfactthatthepositionwasirremediable.

PoorGrace,perhapsfeeling thatshehad indulged in toomuchfluster foramerekiss,calmedherselfatfindinghowgravehewas."Iamgladwearefriendsagain anyhow," she said, smiling through her tears. "Giles, if you had onlyshownhalf theboldnessbefore Imarried thatyoushownow,youwouldhavecarriedmeoffforyourownfirstinsteadofsecond.Ifwedomarry,Ihopeyouwillnever thinkbadlyofme forencouragingyoua little,butmy father isSO

impatient,youknow,ashisyearsand infirmities increase, thathewillwish toseeusalittleadvancedwhenhecomes.Thatismyonlyexcuse."

ToWinterborneallthiswassadderthanitwassweet.Howcouldshesotrusther father's conjectures?Hedidnotknowhow to tell her the truth and shamehimself.Andyethe felt that itmustbedone. "Wemayhavebeenwrong,"hebegan,almostfearfully,"insupposingthatitcanallbecarriedoutwhilewestayhereatHintock. I amnot surebut thatpeoplemayhave toappear in apubliccourt even under the new Act; and if there should be any difficulty, and wecannotmarryafterall—"

Hercheeksbecameslowlybloodless."Oh,Giles,"shesaid,graspinghisarm,"youhaveheardsomething!What—cannotmyfatherconcludeitthereandnow?Surelyhehasdoneit?Oh,Giles,Giles,don'tdeceiveme.WhatterriblepositionamIin?"

Hecouldnot tellher, tryashewould.Thesenseofher implicit trust inhishonorabsolutelydisabledhim."Icannotinformyou,"hemurmured,hisvoiceashuskyas thatof the leavesunderfoot."Yourfatherwillsoonbehere.Thenweshallknow.Iwilltakeyouhome."

Inexpressiblydearas shewas tohim,heofferedherhisarmwith themostreserved air, as he added, correctingly, "I will take you, at any rate, into thedrive."

Thus they walked on together. Grace vibrating between happiness andmisgiving.Itwasonlyafewminutes'walktowherethedriveran,andtheyhadhardlydescendedintoitwhentheyheardavoicebehindthemcry,"Takeoutthatarm!"

For amoment they did not heed, and the voice repeated,more loudly andhoarsely,

"Takeoutthatarm!"

ItwasMelbury's.Hehadreturnedsoonerthantheyexpected,andnowcameuptothem.Grace'shandhadbeenwithdrawnlikelightningonherhearingthesecondcommand."Idon'tblameyou—Idon'tblameyou,"hesaid,inthewearycadenceofonebrokendownwithscourgings."Butyoutwomustwalktogethernomore—Ihavebeensurprised—Ihavebeencruellydeceived—Giles,don'tsay

anythingtome;butgoaway!"

HewasevidentlynotawarethatWinterbornehadknownthetruthbeforehebroughtit;andGileswouldnotstaytodiscussitwithhimthen.WhentheyoungmanhadgoneMelbury tookhis daughter in-doors to the roomheused as hisoffice.Therehesatdown,andbentovertheslopeofthebureau,herbewilderedgazefixeduponhim.

When Melbury had recovered a little he said, "You are now, as ever,Fitzpiers'swife. Iwasdeluded.HehasnotdoneyouENOUGHharm.Youarestillsubjecttohisbeckandcall."

"Then let it be, andnevermind, father," she said,withdignified sorrow. "Icanbearit.Itisyourtroublethatgrievesmemost."Shestoopedoverhim,andputherarmroundhisneck,whichdistressedMelburystillmore."Idon'tmindatallwhatcomestome,"Gracecontinued;"whosewifeIam,orwhoseIamnot.IdoloveGiles;Icannothelpthat;andIhavegonefurtherwithhimthanIshouldhavedoneifIhadknownexactlyhowthingswere.ButIdonotreproachyou."

"ThenGilesdidnottellyou?"saidMelbury.

"No,"saidshe."Hecouldnothaveknownit.Hisbehaviortomeprovedthathedidnotknow."

Her father said nothingmore, andGracewent away to the solitude of herchamber.

Her heavy disquietude hadmany shapes; and for a time she put aside thedominant fact to thinkofher too freeconduct towardsGiles.His love-makinghad been brief as it was sweet; but would he on reflection contemn her forforwardness?How could she have been so simple as to suppose shewas in aposition to behave as shehaddone!Thus shementally blamedher ignorance;and yet in the centre of her heart she blessed it a little for what it hadmomentarilybroughther.

CHAPTERXL.

Lifeamongthepeopleinvolvedintheseeventsseemedtobesuppressedandhide-boundforawhile.Graceseldomshowedherselfoutside thehouse,neveroutside thegarden; for she fearedshemightencounterGilesWinterborne;andthatshecouldnotbear.

Thispensiveintramuralexistenceoftheself-constitutednunappearedlikelytocontinueforanindefinitetime.Shehadlearnedthattherewasonepossibilityinwhichherformerlyimaginedpositionmightbecomereal,andonlyone;thather husband's absence should continue long enough to amount to positivedesertion.Butsheneverallowedhermindtodwellmuchuponthethought;stilllessdidshedeliberatelyhopeforsucharesult.HerregardforWinterbornehadbeenrarefiedby theshockwhichfolloweditsavowal intoanetherealemotionthathadlittletodowithlivinganddoing.

As for Giles, he was lying—or rather sitting—ill at his hut. A feverishindispositionwhichhadbeenhangingabouthimforsometime, theresultofachillcaughtthepreviouswinter,seemedtoacquirevirulencewiththeprostrationofhishopes.Butnotasoulknewofhislanguor,andhedidnotthinkthecaseseriousenoughtosendforamedicalman.Afterafewdayshewasbetteragain,andcreptabouthishomeinagreatcoat,attendingtohissimplewantsasusualwithhisownhands.SomattersstoodwhenthelimpidinertionofGrace'spool-likeexistencewasdisturbedasbyageyser.ShereceivedaletterfromFitzpiers.

Such a terrible letter it was in its import, though couched in the gentlestlanguage.InhisabsenceGracehadgrowntoregardhimwithtoleration,andherrelation to him with equanimity, till she had almost forgotten how trying hispresencewouldbe.Hewrotebrieflyandunaffectedly;hemadenoexcuses,butinformedherthathewaslivingquitealone,andhadbeenledtothinkthattheyoughttobetogether,ifshewouldmakeuphermindtoforgivehim.HethereforepurportedtocrosstheChanneltoBudmouthbythesteameronadayhenamed,whichshefoundtobethreedaysafterthetimeofherpresentreading.

He said that he could not come toHintock for obvious reasons,which herfatherwouldunderstandevenbetterthanherself.Astheonlyalternativeshewastobeonthequaytomeet thesteamerwhenitarrivedfromtheoppositecoast,probablyabouthalfanhourbeforemidnight,bringingwithheranyluggageshemightrequire;joinhimthere,andpasswithhimintothetwinvessel,whichleftimmediately the other entered the harbor; returning thus with him to hiscontinental dwelling-place, which he did not name. He had no intention of

showinghimselfonlandatall.

ThetroubledGracetookthelettertoherfather,whonowcontinuedforlonghoursbythefirelesssummerchimney-corner,asifhethoughtitwerewinter,thepitcherofciderstandingbesidehim,mostlyuntasted,andcoatedwithafilmofdust.Afterreadingithelookedup.

"Yousha'n'tgo,"saidhe.

"IhadfeltIwouldnot,"sheanswered."ButIdidnotknowwhatyouwouldsay."

"IfhecomesandlivesinEngland,nottoonearhereandinarespectableway,andwantsyoutocometohim,IamnotsurethatI'llopposehiminwishingit,"mutteredMelbury. "I'd stintmyself to keep you both in a genteel and seemlystyle.Butgoabroadyounevershallwithmyconsent."

Therethequestionrestedthatday.Gracewasunabletoreplytoherhusbandin theabsenceofanaddress,and themorrowcame,and thenextday,and theeveningonwhichhehadrequestedhertomeethim.Throughoutthewholeofitsheremainedwithinthefourwallsofherroom.

The sense of her harassment, carking doubt of what might be impending,hunglikeacowlofblacknessovertheMelburyhousehold.Theyspokealmostinwhispers,andwonderedwhatFitzpierswoulddonext.Itwasthehopeofeveryonethat,findingshedidnotarrive,hewouldreturnagaintoFrance;andasforGrace,shewaswillingtowritetohimonthemostkindlytermsifhewouldonlykeepaway.

The night passed, Grace lying tense andwide awake, and her relatives, ingreat part, likewise. When they met the next morning they were pale andanxious, though neither speaking of the subject which occupied all theirthoughts.Thedaypassedasquietlyasthepreviousones,andshebegantothinkthatintherankcapriceofhismoodshehadabandonedtheideaofgettinghertojoinhimasquicklyasitwasformed.Allonasudden,somepersonwhohadjustcomefromShertonenteredthehousewiththenewsthatMr.FitzpierswasonhiswayhometoHintock.HehadbeenseenhiringacarriageattheEarlofWessexHotel.

HerfatherandGracewerebothpresentwhentheintelligencewasannounced.

"Now,"saidMelbury,"wemustmakethebestofwhathasbeenaverybadmatter.Themanisrepenting;thepartnerofhisshame,Ihear,isgoneawayfromhimtoSwitzerland,sothatchapterofhislifeisprobablyover.Ifhechoosestomake a home for ye I think you should not say him nay,Grace.Certainly hecannotverywellliveatHintockwithoutablowtohispride;butifhecanbearthat,andlikesHintockbest,why,there'stheemptywingofthehouseasitwasbefore."

"Oh,father!"saidGrace,turningwhitewithdismay.

"Whynot?"saidhe,a littleofhis formerdoggedness returning.Hewas, intruth,disposed tosomewhatmore leniency towardsherhusband justnowthanhehadshownformerly,fromaconvictionthathehadtreatedhimover-roughlyin his anger. "Surely it is themost respectable thing to do?" he continued. "Idon'tlikethisstatethatyouarein—neithermarriednorsingle.Ithurtsme,andithurts you, and itwill alwaysbe remembered against us inHintock.Therehasneverbeenanyscandallikeitinthefamilybefore."

"Hewillbehereinlessthananhour,"murmuredGrace.Thetwilightoftheroom prevented her father seeing the despondentmisery of her face. The oneintolerablecondition,theconditionshehaddeprecatedaboveallothers,wasthatof Fitzpiers's reinstatement there. "Oh, I won't, I won't see him," she said,sinkingdown.Shewasalmosthysterical.

"Tryifyoucannot,"hereturned,moodily.

"Ohyes,Iwill, Iwill,"shewenton, inconsequently."I'll try;"andjumpingupsuddenly,shelefttheroom.

Inthedarknessoftheapartmenttowhichsheflewnothingcouldhavebeenseenduringthenexthalf-hour;butfromacorneraquickbreathingwasaudiblefrom this impressible creature, who combined modern nerves with primitiveemotions, and was doomed by such coexistence to be numbered among thedistressed,andtotakeherscourgingstotheirexquisiteextremity.

Thewindowwasopen.Onthisquiet,latesummerevening,whateversoundarose in so secluded a district—the chirp of a bird, a call from a voice, theturning of awheel—extended over bush and tree to unwonted distances.Veryfewsoundsdidarise.ButasGraceinvisiblybreathedinthebrowngloomsofthechamber,thesmallremotenoiseoflightwheelscameintoher,accompaniedby

the trotofahorseon the turnpike-road.Thereseemed tobeasuddenhitchorpauseintheprogressofthevehicle,whichwaswhatfirstdrewherattentiontoit. She knew the point whence the sound proceeded—the hill-top over whichtravellers passed on their way hitherward from Sherton Abbas—the place atwhichshehademerged from thewoodwithMrs.Charmond.Graceslidalongthefloor,andbentherheadoverthewindow-sill, listeningwithopenlips.Thecarriagehadstopped,andsheheardamanuseexclamatorywords.Thenanothersaid,"Whatthedevilisthematterwiththehorse?"Sherecognizedthevoiceasherhusband's.

Theaccident,suchasithadbeen,wassoonremedied,andthecarriagecouldbe heard descending the hill on the Hintock side, soon to turn into the laneleadingoutofthehighway,andthenintothe"drong"whichledoutofthelanetothehousewhereshewas.

AspasmpassedthroughGrace.TheDaphneaninstinct,exceptionallystrongin her as a girl, had been revived by her widowed seclusion; and it was notlessened by her affronted sentiments towards the comer, and her regard foranotherman.Sheopenedsomelittleivorytabletsthatlayonthedressing-table,scribbledinpencilononeofthem,"Iamgonetovisitoneofmyschool-friends,"gatheredafewtoiletnecessariesintoahand-bag,andnotthreeminutesafterthatvoicehadbeenheard,herslimform,hastilywrappedupfromobservation,mighthave been seen passing out of the back door ofMelbury's house. Thence sheskimmedupthegarden-path, throughthegapinthehedge,andintothemossycart-trackunderthetreeswhichledintothedepthofthewoods.

The leavesoverheadwerenow in their lattergreen—soopaque, that itwasdarkeratsomeofthedensestspotsthaninwinter-time,scarceacreviceexistingbywhicharaycouldgetdowntotheground.Butinopenplacesshecouldseewellenough.Summerwasending:inthedaytimesinginginsectshungineverysunbeam;vegetationwasheavynightlywithglobesofdew;andafter showerscreepingdamps and twilight chills cameup from thehollows.Theplantationswere alwaysweird at this hour of eve—more spectral far than in the leaflessseason,when therewere fewermasses andmoreminute lineality.The smoothsurfaces of glossy plants came out likeweak, lidless eyes; therewere strangefaces and figures from expiring lights that had somehow wandered into thecanopiedobscurity;whilenowandthenlowpeepsoftheskybetweenthetrunkswerelikesheetedshapes,andonthetipsofboughssatfaintcloventongues.

ButGrace's fear just nowwas not imaginative or spiritual, and she heededthese impressionsbut little.Shewentonas silentlyas shecould, avoiding thehollowswhereinleaveshadaccumulated,andsteppinguponsoundlessmossandgrass-tufts. She paused breathlessly once or twice, and fancied that she couldhear, above the beat of her strumming pulse, the vehicle containing Fitzpiersturninginatthegateofherfather'spremises.Shehastenedonagain.

The Hintock woods owned byMrs. Charmondwere presently left behind,andthose intowhichshenextplungedweredividedfromthe latterbyabank,fromwhose top the hedge had long ago perished—starved forwant of sun. ItwaswithsomecautionthatGracenowwalked,thoughshewasquitefreefromany of the commonplace timidities of her ordinary pilgrimages to such spots.She feared no lurking harms, but that her effortwould be all in vain, and herreturntothehouserenderedimperative.

Shehadwalkedbetweenthreeandfourmileswhenthatprescriptivecomfortand relief to wanderers in woods—a distant light—broke at last upon hersearchingeyes.Itwassoverysmallastobealmostsinistertoastranger,buttoher it was what she sought. She pushed forward, and the dim outline of adwellingwasdisclosed.

Thehousewas a square cot of one story only, slopingupon all sides to achimney in themidst. It had formerly been the home of a charcoal-burner, intimeswhenthatfuelwasstillusedinthecountyhouses.Itsonlyappurtenancewasapaledenclosure,therebeingnogarden,theshadeofthetreespreventingthegrowthofvegetables.Sheadvancedtothewindowwhencetheraysoflightproceeded, and the shuttersbeingasyetunclosed, shecould survey thewholeinteriorthroughthepanes.

The room within was kitchen, parlor, and scullery all in one; the naturalsandstonefloorwaswornintohillsanddalesbylongtreading,sothatnoneofthefurniturestoodlevel,andthetableslantedlikeadesk.Afireburnedonthehearth,infrontofwhichrevolvedtheskinnedcarcassofarabbit,suspendedbyastringfromanail.Leaningwithonearmonthemantle-shelfstoodWinterborne,his eyes on the roasting animal, his face so rapt that speculation could buildnothing on it concerning his thoughts, more than that they were not with thescene before him. She thought his features had changed a little since she sawthemlast.Thefire-lightdidnotenablehertoperceivethattheywerepositivelyhaggard.

Grace's throatemittedagaspof reliefat finding the result sonearlyas shehadhoped.Shewenttothedoorandtappedlightly.

He seemed to be accustomed to the noises of woodpeckers, squirrels, andsuchsmallcreatures, forhe tooknonoticeofher tinysignal,andsheknockedagain.Thistimehecameandopenedthedoor.Whenthelightoftheroomfelluponherfacehestarted,and,hardlyknowingwhathedid,crossedthethresholdtoher,placinghishandsuponhertwoarms,whilesurprise,joy,alarm,sadness,chased through him by turns.WithGrace itwas the same: even in this stresstherewasthefondfactthattheyhadmetagain.Thustheystood,

"Longtearsupontheirfaces,waxenwhite

Withextremesaddelight."

Hebrokethesilencebysayinginawhisper,"Comein."

"No,no,Giles!"sheanswered,hurriedly,steppingyetfartherbackfromthedoor."Iampassingby—andIhavecalledonyou—Iwon'tenter.Willyouhelpme?Iamafraid.IwanttogetbyaroundaboutwaytoSherton,andsotoExbury.Ihaveaschool-fellowthere—butIcannotgettoShertonalone.Oh,ifyouwillonlyaccompanymealittleway!Don'tcondemnme,Giles,andbeoffended!Iwasobligedtocometoyoubecause—Ihavenootherhelphere.Threemonthsagoyouweremylover;nowyouareonlymyfriend.Thelawhassteppedin,andforbiddenwhatwethoughtof.Itmustnotbe.Butwecanacthonestly,andyetyoucanbemyfriendforonelittlehour?Ihavenoother—"

Shecouldgetno further.Coveringher eyeswithonehand,byaneffortofrepressionsheweptasilenttrickle,withoutasighorsob.Winterbornetookherotherhand."Whathashappened?"hesaid.

"Hehascome."

There was a stillness as of death, tillWinterborne asked, "Youmean this,Grace—thatIamtohelpyoutogetaway?"

"Yes," said she. "Appearance is nomatter,when the reality is right. I havesaidtomyselfIcantrustyou."

Giles knew from this that she did not suspect his treachery—if it could becalled such—earlier in the summer,when theymet for the last timeas lovers;and in the intensity of his contrition for that tender wrong, he determined todeserveherfaithnowatleast,andsowipeoutthatreproachfromhisconscience."I'llcomeatonce,"hesaid."I'lllightalantern."

He unhooked a dark-lantern from a nail under the eaves and she did notnoticehowhishandshookwith the slight strain,ordream that inmaking thisoffer hewas taxing a convalescencewhich could ill afford such self-sacrifice.Thelanternwaslit,andtheystarted.

CHAPTERXLI.

The first hundred yards of their course lay under motionless trees, whoseupper foliage began to hiss with falling drops of rain. By the time that theyemergeduponagladeitrainedheavily.

"Thisisawkward,"saidGrace,withanefforttohideherconcern.

Winterbornestopped."Grace,"hesaid,preservingastrictlybusinessmannerwhichbeliedhim,"youcannotgotoShertonto-night."

"ButImust!"

"Why?Itisninemilesfromhere.Itisalmostanimpossibilityinthisrain."

"True—WHY?" she replied, mournfully, at the end of a silence. "What isreputationtome?"

"Nowhearken,"saidGiles."Youwon't—gobacktoyour—"

"No,no,no!Don'tmakeme!"shecried,piteously.

"Then letus turn."Theyslowlyretraced theirsteps,andagainstoodbeforehisdoor. "Now, thishouse from thismoment isyours,andnotmine,"hesaid,deliberately."IhaveaplacenearbywhereIcanstayverywell."

Herfacehaddrooped."Oh!"shemurmured,asshesawthedilemma."WhathaveIdone!"

Therewasa smellof somethingburningwithin, andhe looked through thewindow. The rabbit that he had been cooking to coax a weak appetite wasbeginning to char. "Pleasego in andattend to it," he said. "Dowhatyou like.NowIleave.Youwillfindeverythingaboutthehutthatisnecessary."

"But,Giles—yoursupper,"sheexclaimed."Anout-housewoulddoforme—anything—tillto-morrowatday-break!"

Hesignifiedanegative."Itellyoutogoin—youmaycatchaguesouthereinyourdelicatestate.Youcangivememysupperthroughthewindow,ifyoufeelwellenough.I'llwaitawhile."

Hegentlyurgedhertopassthedoor-way,andwasrelievedwhenhesawherwithin the room sitting down. Without so much as crossing the thresholdhimself,heclosedthedooruponher,andturnedthekeyinthelock.Tappingatthewindow,hesignifiedthatsheshouldopenthecasement,andwhenshehaddonethishehandedinthekeytoher.

"Youarelockedin,"hesaid;"andyourownmistress."

Even in her trouble she could not refrain from a faint smile at hisscrupulousness,asshetookthedoor-key.

"Doyoufeelbetter?"hewenton."Ifso,andyouwish togivemesomeofyoursupper,pleasedo.Ifnot,itisofnoimportance.Icangetsomeelsewhere."

Thegratefulsenseofhiskindnessstirredhertoaction,thoughsheonlyknewhalfwhat that kindness reallywas.At the end of some tenminutes she againcametothewindow,pusheditopen,andsaidinawhisper,"Giles!"Heatonceemergedfromtheshade,andsawthatshewaspreparingtohandhimhisshareofthemealuponaplate.

"Idon't like to treatyou sohardly," shemurmured,withdeep regret inherwordsassheheardtherainpatteringontheleaves."But—Isupposeitisbesttoarrangelikethis?"

"Ohyes,"hesaid,quickly.

"IfeelthatIcouldneverhavereachedSherton."

"Itwasimpossible."

"Areyousureyouhaveasnugplaceoutthere?"(Withrenewedmisgiving.)

"Quite.Haveyoufoundeverythingyouwant?Iamafraidit isratherroughaccommodation."

"CanInoticedefects?Ihavelongpassedthatstage,andyouknowit,Giles,

oryououghtto."

His eyes sadly contemplated her face as its pale responsivenessmodulatedthroughacrowdofexpressionsthatshowedonlytooclearlytowhatapitchshewasstrung.IfeverWinterborne'sheartfrettedhisbosomitwasatthissightofaperfectlydefencelesscreatureconditionedbysuchcircumstances.Heforgothisownagonyinthesatisfactionofhavingatleastfoundherashelter.Hetookhisplateandcupfromherhands,saying,"NowI'llpushtheshutterto,andyouwillfindanironpinontheinside,whichyoumustfixintothebolt.DonotstirinthemorningtillIcomeandcallyou."

Sheexpressedanalarmedhopethathewouldnotgoveryfaraway.

"Ohno—Ishallbequitewithinhail,"saidWinterborne.

Sheboltedthewindowasdirected,andheretreated.Hissnugplaceprovedtobeawretchedlittleshelteroftheroughestkind,formedoffourhurdlesthatchedwith brake-fern. Underneath were dry sticks, hay, and other litter of the sort,uponwhich he sat down; and there in the dark tried to eat hismeal. But hisappetitewasquitegone.Hepushed theplate aside, and shookup thehayandsacks,soastoformarudecouch,onwhichheflunghimselfdowntosleep,foritwasgettinglate.

Butsleephecouldnot,formanyreasons,ofwhichnottheleastwasthoughtofhischarge.Hesatup,andlookedtowardsthecotthroughthedampobscurity.Withallitsexternalfeaturesthesameasusual,hecouldscarcelybelievethatitcontainedthedearfriend—hewouldnotuseawarmername—whohadcometohimsounexpectedly,and,hecouldnothelpadmitting,sorashly.

Hehadnot ventured to askher anyparticulars; but thepositionwasprettyclear without them. Though social law had negatived forever their openingparadiseof thepreviousJune, itwasnotwithoutstoicalpride thatheacceptedthe present trying conjuncture. There was one man on earth in whom shebelievedabsolutely,andhewas thatman.That thiscrisiscouldend innothingbutsorrowwasaviewforamomenteffacedbythistriumphantthoughtofhertrustinhim;andthepurityoftheaffectionwithwhichherespondedtothattrustrenderedhimmorethanproofagainstanyfrailtythatbesiegedhiminrelationtoher.

The rain,which had never ceased, nowdrew his attention by beginning to

drop through the meagre screen that covered him. He rose to attempt someremedyforthisdiscomfort,butthetremblingofhiskneesandthethrobbingofhispulsetoldhimthatinhisweaknesshewasunabletofenceagainstthestorm,andhelaydowntobearitasbesthemight.Hewasangrywithhimselfforhisfeebleness—hewhohadbeensostrong.Itwasimperativethatsheshouldknownothingofhispresentstate,andtodothatshemustnotseehisfacebydaylight,foritscolorwouldinevitablybetrayhim.

Thenextmorning,accordingly,whenitwashardlylight,heroseanddraggedhisstifflimbsabouttheprecincts,preparingforhereverythingshecouldrequirefor getting breakfast within. On the bench outside the window-sill he placedwater,wood,andothernecessaries,writingwithapieceofchalkbesidethem,"ItisbestthatIshouldnotseeyou.Putmybreakfastonthebench."

Atseveno'clockhetappedatherwindow,ashehadpromised,retreatingatonce, that she might not catch sight of him. But from his shelter under theboughshecouldseeherverywell,when,inresponsetohissignal,sheopenedthewindowand the light felluponherface.The languid largenessofhereyesshowed that her sleep had been littlemore than his own, and the pinkness oftheirlids,thatherwakinghourshadnotbeenfreefromtears.

She read the writing, seemed, he thought, disappointed, but took up thematerialshehadprovided, evidently thinkinghimsomewayoff.Gileswaitedon,assuredthatagirlwho,inspiteofherculture,knewwhatcountrylifewas,wouldfindnodifficultyinthesimplepreparationoftheirfood.

Withinthecotitwasallverymuchasheconjectured,thoughGracehadsleptmuchlongerthanhe.Afterthelonelinessofthenight,shewouldhavebeengladtoseehim;butappreciatinghisfeelingwhenshereadthewriting,shemadenoattempttorecallhim.Shefoundabundanceofprovisionslaidin,hisplanbeingtoreplenishhisbutteryweekly,andthisbeingthedayafter thevictuallingvanhad called fromSherton.When themealwas ready, she putwhat he requiredoutside,asshehaddonewiththesupper;and,notwithstandingherlongingtoseehim,withdrewfromthewindowpromptly,andlefthimtohimself.

Ithadbeenaleadendawn,andtherainnowsteadilyreneweditsfall.AssheheardnomoreofWinterborne,sheconcludedthathehadgoneawaytohisdailywork, and forgotten that he had promised to accompany her to Sherton; anerroneousconclusion,forheremainedallday,byforceofhiscondition,within

fiftyyardsofwhereshewas.Themorningworeon;and inherdoubtwhen tostart,andhowtotravel,shelingeredyet,keepingthedoorcarefullybolted,lestan intruder should discover her. Locked in this place, she was comparativelysafe,atanyrate,anddoubtedifshewouldbesafeelsewhere.

Thehumidgloomofanordinarywetdaywasdoubledbytheshadeanddripof the leafage. Autumn, this year, was coming in with rains. Gazing, in herenforced idleness, from the one window of the living-room, she could seevarioussmallmembersoftheanimalcommunitythatlivedunmolestedthere—creatures of hair, fluff, and scale, the toothed kind and the billed kind;undergroundcreatures,jointedandringed—circumambulatingthehut,undertheimpression that, Giles having gone away, nobody was there; and eying itinquisitively with a view to winter-quarters. Watching these neighbors, whoknew neither law nor sin, distracted her a little from her trouble; and shemanagedtowhileawaysomeportionoftheafternoonbyputtingGiles'shomeinorder andmaking little improvementswhich she deemed that hewould valuewhenshewasgone.

Once or twice she fancied that she heard a faint noise amid the trees,resemblingacough;butasitnevercameanynearersheconcludedthatitwasasquirrelorabird.

Atlastthedaylightlessened,andshemadeupalargerfirefortheeveningswere chilly. As soon as it was too dark—which was comparatively early—todiscern the human countenance in this place of shadows, there came to thewindow tohergreat delight, a tappingwhich sheknew from itsmethod tobeGiles's.

Sheopenedthecasementinstantly,andputoutherhandtohim,thoughshecouldonlyjustperceivehisoutline.Heclaspedherfingers,andshenoticedtheheatofhispalmanditsshakiness.

"Hehasbeenwalking fast, inorder togetherequickly," she thought.Howcouldsheknowthathehadjustcrawledoutfromthestrawoftheshelterhardby;andthattheheatofhishandwasfeverishness?

"Mydear,goodGiles!"sheburstout,impulsively.

"Anybodywouldhavedone it foryou," repliedWinterborne,withasmuchmatter-of-factashecouldsummon.

"AboutmygettingtoExbury?"shesaid.

"Ihavebeenthinking,"respondedGiles,withtenderdeference,"thatyouhadbetterstaywhereyouareforthepresent,ifyouwishnottobecaught.Ineednottellyouthattheplaceisyoursaslongasyoulike;andperhapsinadayortwo,findingyouabsent,hewillgoaway.Atanyrate,intwoorthreedaysIcoulddoanythingtoassist—suchasmakeinquiries,orgoagreatwaytowardsSherton-Abbaswithyou;fortheciderseasonwillsoonbecomingon,andIwanttorundownto theVale toseehowthecropsare,andIshallgobytheShertonroad.ButforadayortwoIambusyhere."Hewashopingthatbythetimementionedhewouldbestrongenoughtoengagehimselfactivelyonherbehalf."Ihopeyoudonotfeelover-muchmelancholyinbeingaprisoner?"

Shedeclaredthatshedidnotmindit;butshesighed.

From long acquaintance they could read each other's heart-symptoms likebooksof large type."Ifearyouaresorryyoucame,"saidGiles,"andthatyouthinkIshouldhaveadvisedyoumorefirmlythanIdidnottostay."

"Oh no, dear, dear friend," answeredGrace,with a heaving bosom. "Don'tthinkthatthatiswhatIregret.WhatIregretismyenforcedtreatmentofyou—dislodgingyou, excludingyou fromyour ownhouse.Why should I not speakout?Youknowwhat I feel foryou—what Ihave felt fornoother livingman,whatIshallneverfeelforamanagain!ButasIhavevowedmyselftosomebodyelse thanyou,andcannotbereleased, ImustbehaveasIdobehave,andkeepthatvow.Iamnotboundtohimbyanydivinelaw,afterwhathehasdone;butIhavepromised,andIwillpay."

The rest of the evening was passed in his handing her such things as shewouldrequirethenextday,andcasualremarksthereupon,anoccupationwhichdiverted hermind to some degree frompathetic views of her attitude towardshim,andofherlifeingeneral.Theonlyinfringement—ifinfringementitcouldbecalled—ofhispredeterminedbearingtowardsherwasaninvoluntarypressingofherhand tohis lipswhensheput it through thecasement tobidhimgood-night.Heknewshewasweeping,thoughhecouldnotseehertears.

Sheagainentreatedhisforgivenessforsoselfishlyappropriatingthecottage.Butitwouldonlybeforadayortwomore,shethought,sincegoshemust.

Hereplied,yearningly,"I—Idon'tlikeyoutogoaway."

"Oh,Giles,"saidshe,"Iknow—Iknow!But—Iamawoman,andyouareaman. I cannot speak more plainly. 'Whatsoever things are pure, whatsoeverthingsareofgoodreport'—youknowwhatisinmymind,becauseyouknowmesowell."

"Yes,Grace,yes. Idonotat allmean that thequestionbetweenushasnotbeen settled by the fact of yourmarriage turning out hopelessly unalterable. Imerelymeant—well,afeelingnomore."

"Inaweek,attheoutside,IshouldbediscoveredifIstayedhere:andIthinkthatbylawhecouldcompelmetoreturntohim."

"Yes;perhapsyouareright.Gowhenyouwish,dearGrace."

Hislastwordsthateveningwereahopefulremarkthatallmightbewellwithheryet; thatMr.Fitzpierswouldnot intrudeuponher life, ifhe found thathispresence cost her so much pain. Then the window was closed, the shuttersfolded,andtherustleofhisfootstepsdiedaway.

Nosoonerhadsheretiredtorestthatnightthanthewindbegantorise,and,after a few prefatory blasts, to be accompanied by rain. Thewind grewmoreviolent,andasthestormwenton,itwasdifficulttobelievethatnoopaquebody,butonlyaninvisiblecolorlessthing,wastramplingandclimbingovertheroof,makingbranchescreak,springingoutofthetreesuponthechimney,poppingitsheadintotheflue,andshriekingandblasphemingateverycornerofthewalls.Asintheoldstory,theassailantwasaspectrewhichcouldbefeltbutnotseen.Shehadneverbeforebeensostruckwiththedevilryofagustynightinawood,because she had never been so entirely alone in spirit as she was now. Sheseemedalmost tobe apart fromherself—avacuousduplicateonly.The recentselfofphysicalanimationandclearintentionswasnotthere.

Sometimesaboughfromanadjoiningtreewasswayedsolowastosmitetheroofinthemannerofagigantichandsmitingthemouthofanadversary, tobefollowedbyatrickleofrain,asbloodfromthewound.ToallthisweatherGilesmustbemoreorlessexposed;howmuch,shedidnotknow.

At lastGracecouldhardlyendure the ideaofsuchahardship inrelation tohim.Whateverhewas suffering, itwas shewhohadcaused it;hevacatedhishouseonaccountofher.Shewasnotworthsuchself-sacrifice;sheshouldnothave accepted it of him. And then, as her anxiety increased with increasing

thought,therereturneduponhermindsomeincidentsofherlateintercoursewithhim,whichshehadheededbutlittleatthetime.Thelookofhisface—whathadtherebeenabouthisfacewhichseemeddifferentfromitsappearanceasofyore?Was it not thinner, less rich in hue, less like that of ripe autumn's brother towhomshehadformerlycomparedhim?Andhisvoice;shehaddistinctlynoticedachangeintone.Andhisgait;surelyithadbeenfeebler,stiffer,morelikethegaitofawearyman.Thatslightoccasionalnoiseshehadheardintheday,andattributedtosquirrels,itmighthavebeenhiscoughafterall.

ThusconvictiontookrootinherperturbedmindthatWinterbornewasill,orhadbeenso,andthathehadcarefullyconcealedhisconditionfromherthatshemighthavenoscruplesaboutacceptingahospitalitywhichbythenatureofthecaseexpelledherentertainer.

"Myown,own,truel——,mydearkindfriend!"shecriedtoherself."Oh,itshallnotbe—itshallnotbe!"

Shehastilywrappedherselfup,andobtainedalight,withwhichsheenteredtheadjoiningroom, thecotpossessingonlyonefloor.Settingdownthecandleonthetablehere,shewenttothedoorwiththekeyinherhand,andplaceditinthelock.Beforeturningitshepaused,herfingersstillclutchingit;andpressingherotherhandtoherforehead,shefellintoagitatingthought.

A tattoo on the window, caused by the tree-droppings blowing against it,broughtherindecisiontoaclose.Sheturnedthekeyandopenedthedoor.

Thedarknesswasintense,seemingtotouchherpupilslikeasubstance.Sheonlynowbecameawarehowheavytherainfallhadbeenandwas;thedrippingof theeaves splashed likea fountain.She stood listeningwithparted lips, andholdingthedoorinonehand,tillhereyes,growingaccustomedtotheobscurity,discernedthewildbrandishingoftheirboughsbytheadjoiningtrees.Atlastshecriedloudlywithaneffort,"Giles!youmaycomein!"

There was no immediate answer to her cry, and overpowered by her owntemerity,Graceretreatedquickly,shutthedoor,andstoodlookingonthefloor.But it was not for long. She again lifted the latch, and with far moredeterminationthanatfirst.

"Giles,Giles!"shecried,withthefullstrengthofhervoice,andwithoutanyoftheshamefacednessthathadcharacterizedherfirstcry."Oh,comein—come

in!Whereareyou?Ihavebeenwicked.Ihavethoughttoomuchofmyself!Doyouhear?Idon'twanttokeepyououtanylonger.Icannotbearthatyoushouldsufferso.Gi-i-iles!"

Areply!Itwasareply!Throughthedarknessandwindavoicereachedher,floatingupontheweatherasthoughapartofit.

"HereIam—allright.Don'ttroubleaboutme."

"Don'tyouwanttocomein?Areyounotill?Idon'tmindwhattheysay,orwhattheythinkanymore."

"Iamallright,"herepeated."Itisnotnecessaryformetocome.Good-night!good-night!"

Gracesighed,turnedandshutthedoorslowly.Couldshehavebeenmistakenabouthishealth?Perhaps,afterall,shehadperceivedachangeinhimbecauseshehadnotseenhimforsolong.Timesometimesdidhisageingworkinjerks,assheknew.Well,shehaddoneallshecould.Hewouldnotcomein.Sheretiredtorestagain.

CHAPTERXLII.

ThenextmorningGracewasatthewindowearly.Shefeltdeterminedtoseehimsomehowthatday,andpreparedhisbreakfasteagerly.Eighto'clockstruck,andshehadrememberedthathehadnotcometoarouseherbyaknocking,asusual,herownanxietyhavingcausedhertostir.

Thebreakfastwassetinitsplacewithout.Buthedidnotarrivetotakeit;andshewaitedon.Nineo'clockarrived,and thebreakfastwascold;andstill therewasnoGiles.Athrush,thathadbeenrepeatingitselfagooddealonanoppositebushforsometime,cameandtookamorselfromtheplateandboltedit,waited,looked around, and took another. At ten o'clock she drew in the tray, and satdown to her own solitary meal. He must have been called away on businessearly,therainhavingclearedoff.

Yet she would have liked to assure herself, by thoroughly exploring theprecincts of the hut, that he was nowhere in its vicinity; but as the day wascomparatively fine, the dread lest some stray passenger or woodman shouldencounterherinsuchareconnoitreparalyzedherwish.Thesolitudewasfurtheraccentuatedto-daybythestoppingoftheclockforwantofwinding,andthefallinto the chimney-corner of flakes of soot loosened by the rains. At noon sheheardaslightrustlingoutsidethewindow,andfoundthatitwascausedbyaneftwhichhadcreptoutoftheleavestobaskinthelastsun-raysthatwouldbeworthhavingtillthefollowingMay.

Shecontinuallypeepedout through the lattice,but could see little. In frontlaythebrownleavesoflastyear,anduponthemsomeyellowish-greenonesofthisseasonthathadbeenprematurelyblowndownbythegale.Abovestretchedan old beech, with vast armpits, and great pocket-holes in its sides wherebrancheshadbeenamputatedinpasttimes;ablackslugwastryingtoclimbit.Deadboughswere scattered about like ichthyosauri in amuseum, andbeyondthemwereperishingwoodbinestemsresemblingoldropes.

From the other window all she could see were more trees, jacketed withlichenandstockingedwithmoss.Attheirrootswerestemlessyellowfungilikelemonsandapricots,andtallfungiwithmorestemthanstool.Nextweremoretrees close together, wrestling for existence, their branches disfigured withwounds resulting from their mutual rubbings and blows. It was the strugglebetweentheseneighborsthatshehadheardinthenight.Beneaththemweretherottingstumpsof thoseof thegroupthathadbeenvanquished longago, risingfrom theirmossy setting likedecayed teeth fromgreengums.Fartheronwereothertuftsofmossinislandsdividedbytheshedleaves—varietyuponvariety,dark green and pale green;moss-like little fir-trees, like plush, likemalachitestars,likenothingonearthexceptmoss.

ThestrainuponGrace'smindinvariouswayswassogreatonthisthemostdesolatedayshehadpassedtherethatshefeltitwouldbewell-nighimpossibletospendanotherinsuchcircumstances.Theeveningcameatlast;thesun,whenitschinwasontheearth,foundanopeningthroughwhichtopiercetheshade,and stretched irradiated gauzes across the damp atmosphere, making the wettrunksshine,andthrowingsplotchesofsuchruddinessontheleavesbeneaththebeechthattheywereturnedtogoryhues.Whennightatlastarrived,andwithitthetimeforhisreturn,shewasnearlybrokendownwithsuspense.

The simple evening meal, partly tea, partly supper, which Grace hadprepared,stoodwaitinguponthehearth;andyetGilesdidnotcome.Itwasnownearlytwenty-fourhourssinceshehadseenhim.Astheroomgrewdarker,andonlythefirelightbrokeagainstthegloomofthewalls,shewasconvincedthatitwouldbebeyondherstayingpowertopassthenightwithouthearingfromhimor fromsomebody.Yeteighto'clockdrewon,andhis format thewindowdidnotappear.

The meal remained untasted. Suddenly rising from before the hearth ofsmoulderingembers,whereshehadbeencrouchingwithherhandsclaspedoverherknees,shecrossedtheroom,unlockedthedoor,andlistened.Everybreathofwind had ceasedwith the decline of day, but the rain had resumed the steadydrippingof thenight before.Gracemight have stood there fiveminuteswhenshefanciedsheheard thatoldsound,acough,atnogreatdistance;and itwaspresentlyrepeated.IfitwereWinterborne's,hemustbenearher;why,then,hadhenotvisitedher?

AhorridmisgivingthathecouldnotvisithertookpossessionofGrace,andshelookedupanxiouslyforthelantern,whichwashangingaboveherhead.Tolightitandgointhedirectionofthesoundwouldbetheobviouswaytosolvethedreadproblem;buttheconditionsmadeherhesitate,andinamomentacoldsweatpervadedheratfurthersoundsfromthesamequarter.

Theywerelowmutterings;atfirstlikepersonsinconversation,butgraduallyresolving themselves intovarietiesofonevoice. Itwasanendlessmonologue,likethatwesometimeshearfrominanimatenatureindeepsecretplaceswherewater flows, or where ivy leaves flap against stones; but by degrees she wasconvinced that the voicewasWinterborne's.Yetwho could be his listener, somute and patient; for though he argued so rapidly and persistently, nobodyreplied.

AdreadfulenlightenmentspreadthroughthemindofGrace."Oh,"shecried,inheranguish,asshehastilypreparedherselftogoout,"howselfishlycorrectIamalways—too,toocorrect!Cruelproprietyiskillingthedearestheartthateverwomanclaspedtoherown."

While speaking thus to herself she had lit the lantern, and hastening outwithoutfurtherthought,tookthedirectionwhencethemutteringshadproceeded.Thecoursewasmarkedbyalittlepath,whichendedatadistanceofaboutforty

yardsinasmallerectionofhurdles,notmuchlargerthanashockofcorn,suchaswerefrequentinthewoodsandcopseswhenthecuttingseasonwasgoingon.Itwas too slight even to be called a hovel, andwasnot high enough to standupright in; appearing, in short, to be erected for the temporary shelter of fuel.The side towardsGracewas open, and turning the light upon the interior, shebeheldwhatherprescientfearhadpicturedinsnatchesallthewaythither.

Upon the strawwithin,Winterborne lay inhisclothes, just as shehadseenhimduringthewholeofherstayhere,exceptthathishatwasoff,andhishairmattedandwild.

Bothhisclothesandthestrawweresaturatedwithrain.Hisarmswereflungover his head; his face was flushed to an unnatural crimson. His eyes had aburningbrightness,andthoughtheymetherown,sheperceivedthathedidnotrecognizeher.

"Oh,myGiles,"shecried,"whathaveIdonetoyou!"

But she stopped no longer even to reproach herself. She saw that the firstthingtobethoughtofwastogethimindoors.

HowGraceperformedthatlaborshenevercouldhaveexactlyexplained.Butbydintofclaspingherarmsroundhim, rearinghimintoasittingposture,andstrainingherstrengthtotheuttermost,sheputhimononeofthehurdlesthatwasloosealongside,and taking theendof it inbothherhands,draggedhimalongthepathtotheentranceofthehut,and,afterapauseforbreath,inatthedoor-way.

Itwas somewhat singular thatGiles in his semi-conscious state acquiescedunresistingly in all that she did.But he never for amoment recognized her—continuinghis rapidconversation tohimself, and seeming to lookuponher assome angel, or other supernatural creature of the visionaryworld inwhich hewasmentally living.Theundertakingoccupiedhermore than tenminutes;butby that time, tohergreat thankfulness,hewas in the inner room, lyingon thebed,hisdampouterclothingremoved.

ThentheunhappyGraceregardedhimbythelightofthecandle.Therewassomething in his look which agonized her, in the rush of his thoughts,acceleratingtheirspeedfromminutetominute.Heseemedtobepassingthroughtheuniverseofideaslikeacomet—erratic,inapprehensible,untraceable.

Grace'sdistractionwasalmostasgreatashis. Inafewmomentsshefirmlybelievedhewasdying.Unabletowithstandherimpulse,shekneltdownbesidehim,kissedhishandsandhisfaceandhishair,exclaiming,inalowvoice,"HowcouldI?HowcouldI?"

Hertimidmoralityhad, indeed,underratedhischivalrytillnow,thoughsheknew him so well. The purity of his nature, his freedom from the grosserpassions,hisscrupulousdelicacy,hadneverbeenfullyunderstoodbyGracetillthisstrangeself-sacrificeinlonelyjuxtapositiontoherownpersonwasrevealed.The perception of it added something thatwas little short of reverence to thedeepaffection forhimofawomanwho,herself,hadmoreofArtemis thanofAphroditeinherconstitution.

All that a tender nurse could do, Grace did; and the power to express hersolicitudeinaction,unconsciousthoughthesuffererwas,broughthermournfulsatisfaction.Shebathedhishothead,wipedhisperspiringhands,moistenedhislips, cooled his fiery eyelids, sponged his heated skin, and administeredwhatever she could find in the house that the imagination could conceive aslikely to be in any way alleviating. That she might have been the cause, orpartiallythecause,ofallthis,interfusedmiserywithhersorrow.

Sixmonthsbefore thisdate a scene, almost similar in itsmechanicalparts,had been enacted at Hintock House. It was between a pair of persons mostintimatelyconnected in their liveswith these.Outwardly likeas ithadbeen, itwas yet infinite in spiritual difference, though a woman's devotion had beencommontoboth.

Gracerosefromherattitudeofaffection,and,bracingherenergies,sawthatsomethingpracticalmustimmediatelybedone.Muchasshewouldhaveliked,intheemotionofthemoment,tokeephimentirelytoherself,medicalassistancewasnecessarywhilethereremainedapossibilityofpreservinghimalive.Suchassistance was fatal to her own concealment; but even had the chance ofbenefitinghimbeenlessthanitwas,shewouldhaverunthehazardforhissake.Thequestionwas,whereshouldshegetamedicalman,competentandnear?

Therewas one suchman, and only one,within accessible distance; amanwho,if itwerepossibletosaveWinterborne'slife,hadthebrainmostlikelytodo it. Ifhumanpressurecouldbringhim, thatmanought tobebrought to thesickGiles'sside.Theattemptshouldbemade.

Yetshedreadedtoleaveherpatient,andtheminutesracedpast,andyetshepostponedherdeparture.Atlast,whenitwasaftereleveno'clock,Winterbornefellintoafitfulsleep,anditseemedtoaffordheranopportunity.

Shehastilymadehimascomfortableas shecould,putonher things, cut anewcandle fromthebunchhanging in thecupboard,andhavingset itup,andplaced it so that the light did not fall upon his eyes, she closed the door andstarted.

ThespiritofWinterborneseemedtokeephercompanyandbanishallsenseof darkness from hermind. The rains had imparted a phosphorescence to thepieces of touchwood and rotting leaves that lay about her path, which, asscatteredbyherfeet,spreadabroadlikespiltmilk.Shewouldnotrunthehazardof losing herway by plunging into any short, unfrequented track through thedenser parts of the woodland, but followed a more open course, whicheventually brought her to the highway. Once here, she ran along with greatspeed,animatedbyadevotedpurposewhichhadmuchaboutitthatwasstoical;anditwaswithscarcelyanyfalteringofspiritthat,afteranhour'sprogress,shepassed over Rubdown Hill, and onward towards that same Hintock, and thatsamehouse,outofwhich shehad fleda fewdaysbefore in irresistiblealarm.Butthathadhappenedwhich,aboveallotherthingsofchanceandchange,couldmakeherdeliberatelyfrustrateherplanofflightandsinkallregardofpersonalconsequences.

One speciality of Fitzpiers'swas respected byGrace asmuch as ever—hisprofessionalskill.Inthisshewasright.Hadhispersistenceequalledhisinsight,instead of being the spasmodic and fitful thing itwas, fame and fortune needneverhaveremainedawishwithhim.Hisfreedomfromconventionalerrorsandcrustedprejudiceshad,indeed,beensuchastoretardratherthanacceleratehisadvance inHintockand itsneighborhood,wherepeoplecouldnotbelieve thatnatureherselfeffectedcures,andthatthedoctor'sbusinesswasonlytosmooththeway.

It was past midnight when Grace arrived opposite her father's house, nowagain temporarilyoccupiedbyher husband, unlesshehad alreadygone away.Ever since her emergence from the denser plantations about Winterborne'sresidenceapervasivelightnesshadhunginthedampautumnsky,inspiteofthevaultofcloud,signifyingthatamoonofsomeagewasshiningaboveitsarch.The twowhite gateswere distinct, and thewhite balls on the pillars, and the

puddles and damp ruts left by the recent rain, had a cold, corpse-eyedluminousness.Sheenteredbythelowergate,andcrossedthequadrangletothewingwhereintheapartmentsthathadbeenherssincehermarriageweresituate,tillshestoodunderawindowwhich,ifherhusbandwereinthehouse,gavelighttohisbedchamber.

Shefaltered,andpausedwithherhandonherheart,inspiteofherself.Couldshecalltoherpresencetheverycauseofallherforegoingtroubles?Alas!—oldJoneswassevenmilesoff;Gileswaspossiblydying—whatelsecouldshedo?

It was in a perspiration, wrought even more by consciousness than byexercise,thatshepickedupsomegravel,threwitatthepanes,andwaitedtoseetheresult.Thenight-bellwhichhadbeenfixedwhenFitzpiersfirsttookuphisresidencetherestillremained;butasithadfallenintodisusewiththecollapseofhispractice,andhiselopement,shedidnotventuretopullitnow.

Whoever slept in the roomhad heard her signal, slight as itwas. In half aminute the window was opened, and a voice said "Yes?" inquiringly. Gracerecognizedherhusband in thespeakeratonce.Hereffortwasnowtodisguiseherownaccents.

"Doctor," she said, in as unusual a tone as she could command, "aman isdangerouslyillinOne-chimneyHut,outtowardsDelborough,andyoumustgotohimatonce—inallmercy!"

"Iwill,readily."

Thealacrity, surprise, andpleasureexpressed inhis replyamazedher foramoment.But,intruth,theydenotedthesuddenreliefofamanwho,havinggotbackinamoodofcontrition,fromerraticabandonmenttofearfuljoys,foundthesoothingroutineofprofessionalpracticeunexpectedlyopeninganewtohim.Thehighestdesireofhis soul justnowwas fora respectable lifeofpainstaking. Ifthis,hisfirstsummonssincehisreturn,hadbeentoattenduponacatordog,hewouldscarcelyhaverefuseditinthecircumstances.

"Doyouknowtheway?"sheasked.

"Yes,"saidhe.

"One-chimneyHut,"sherepeated."And—immediately!"

"Yes,yes,"saidFitzpiers.

Grace remained no longer. She passed out of the white gate withoutslammingit,andhastenedonherwayback.Herhusband, then,hadre-enteredherfather'shouse.Howhehadbeenabletoeffectareconciliationwiththeoldman,whatwerethetermsofthetreatybetweenthem,shecouldnotsomuchasconjecture. Some sort of truce must have been entered into, that was all shecouldsay.Butcloseasthequestionlaytoherownlife,therewasamoreurgentonewhich banished it; and she traced her steps quickly along themeanderingtrack-ways.

Meanwhile,Fitzpierswaspreparingtoleavethehouse.Thestateofhismind,over and above his professional zeal,was peculiar.AtGrace's first remark hehad not recognized or suspected her presence; but as she went on, he wasawakenedto thegreat resemblanceof thespeaker'svoice tohiswife's.Hehadtakeninsuchgoodfaith thestatementof thehouseholdonhisarrival, thatshehadgoneonavisitforatimebecauseshecouldnotatoncebringhermindtobereconciledtohim,thathecouldnotquiteactuallybelievethiscomertobeshe.Itwas one of the features of Fitzpiers's repentant humor at this date that, onreceivingtheexplanationofherabsence,hehadmadenoattempttooutrageherfeelings by followingher; thoughnobodyhad informedhimhowvery shortlyher departure hadprecededhis entry, andof all thatmight havebeen inferredfromherprecipitancy.

Melbury,aftermuchalarmandconsideration,haddecidednottofollowhereither.He sympathizedwith her flight,much as he deplored it;moreover, thetragiccoloroftheantecedenteventsthathehadbeenagreatmeansofcreatingcheckedhisinstincttointerfere.Heprayedandtrustedthatshehadgotintonodanger on herway (as he supposed) to Sherton, and thence toExbury, if thatweretheplaceshehadgoneto,forbearingallinquirywhichthestrangenessofher departure would have made natural. A few months before this time aperformance byGrace of one-tenth themagnitude of thiswould have arousedhimtounwontedinvestigation.

ItwasinthesamespiritthathehadtacitlyassentedtoFitzpiers'sdomicilationthere.The twomenhadnotmet face to face, butMrs.Melburyhadproposedherself as an intermediary, whomade the surgeon's re-entrance comparativelyeasytohim.Everythingwasprovisional,andnobodyaskedquestions.Fitzpiershad come in the performance of a plan of penitence,which had originated in

circumstances hereafter to be explained; his self-humiliation to the very bass-stringwasdeliberate;andas soonasacall reachedhimfrom thebedsideofadyingmanhisdesirewastosettoworkanddoasmuchgoodashecouldwiththe least possible fuss or show. He therefore refrained from calling up astableman to get ready anyhorse or gig, and set out forOne-chimneyHut onfoot,asGracehaddone.

CHAPTERXLIII.

She re-entered thehut, flungoff her bonnet and cloak, and approached thesufferer.Hehadbegunanewthoseterriblemutterings,andhishandswerecold.As soon as she saw him there returned to her that agony of mind which thestimulusofherjourneyhadthrownoffforatime.

Couldhereallybedying?Shebathedhim,kissedhim,forgotall thingsbutthefactthatlyingtherebeforeherwashewhohadlovedhermorethanthemereloverwouldhave loved;hadmartyredhimself forhercomfort,caredmore forher self-respect than she had thought of caring. This mood continued till sheheardquick,smartfootstepswithout;sheknewwhosefootstepstheywere.

Gracesatontheinsideof thebedagainst thewall,holdingGiles'shand,sothatwhenherhusbandenteredthepatientlaybetweenherselfandhim.Hestoodtransfixed at first, noticing Grace only. Slowly he dropped his glance anddiscernedwhotheprostratemanwas.Strangelyenough,thoughGrace'sdistastefor her husband's company had amounted almost to dread, and culminated inactual flight, at thismoment her last and least feelingwas personal. Sensitivefemininitywaseclipsedbyself-effacingpurpose,andthatitwasahusbandwhostood there was forgotten. The first look that possessed her face was relief;satisfaction at the presence of the physician obliterated thought of the man,which only returned in the form of a sub-consciousness that did not interferewithherwords.

"Ishedying—isthereanyhope?"shecried.

"Grace!"saidFitzpiers, inan indescribablewhisper—more than invocating,

ifnotquitedeprecatory.

He was arrested by the spectacle, not so much in its intrinsic character—thoughthatwasstrikingenoughtoamanwhocalledhimselfthehusbandofthesufferer'sfriendandnurse—butinitscharacterasthecounterpartofonethathadits hourmanymonths before, inwhich he had figured as the patient, and thewomanhadbeenFeliceCharmond.

"Isheingreatdanger—canyousavehim?"shecriedagain.

Fitzpiersarousedhimself,camealittlenearer,andexaminedWinterborneashe stood.His inspectionwas concluded in amere glance.Before he spoke helookedathercontemplativelyastotheeffectofhiscomingwords.

"Heisdying,"hesaid,withdryprecision.

"What?"saidshe.

"Nothingcanbedone,bymeoranyotherman.Itwillsoonbeallover.Theextremities are dead already." His eyes still remained fixed on her; theconclusion towhichhehadcomeseemingtoendhis interest,professionalandotherwise,inWinterborneforever.

"Butitcannotbe!Hewaswellthreedaysago."

"Notwell,Isuspect.Thisseemslikeasecondaryattack,whichhasfollowedsome previous illness—possibly typhoid—it may have been months ago, orrecently."

"Ah—hewasnotwell—youareright.Hewasill—hewasillwhenIcame."

Therewasnothingmoretodoorsay.Shecroucheddownat thesideofthebed, and Fitzpiers took a seat. Thus they remained in silence, and long as itlasted she never turned her eyes, or apparently her thoughts, at all to herhusband. He occasionally murmured, with automatic authority, some slightdirections for alleviating the pain of the dying man, which she mechanicallyobeyed,bendingoverhimduringtheintervalsinsilenttears.

Winterborneneverrecoveredconsciousnessofwhatwaspassing;andthathewasgoingbecamesoonperceptiblealsotoher.Inlessthananhourthedelirium

ceased;thentherewasanintervalofsomnolentpainlessnessandsoftbreathing,attheendofwhichWinterbornepassedquietlyaway.

ThenFitzpiersbrokethesilence."Haveyoulivedherelong?"saidhe.

Grace was wild with sorrow—with all that had befallen her—with thecruelties that had attacked her—with life—with Heaven. She answered atrandom."Yes.Bywhatrightdoyouask?"

"Don'tthinkIclaimanyright,"saidFitzpiers,sadly."Itisforyoutodoandsaywhatyouchoose.Iadmit,quiteasmuchasyoufeel,thatIamavagabond—abrute—notworthytopossessthesmallestfragmentofyou.ButhereIam,andIhavehappenedtotakesufficientinterestinyoutomakethatinquiry."

"Heiseverythingtome!"saidGrace,hardlyheedingherhusband,andlayingher hand reverently on the deadman's eyelids,where she kept it a long time,pressingdown their lasheswithgentle touches, as if shewere stroking a littlebird.

Hewatchedherawhile,andthenglancedroundthechamberwherehiseyesfelluponafewdressingnecessariesthatshehadbrought.

"Grace—if I may call you so," he said, "I have been already humiliatedalmosttothedepths.Ihavecomebacksinceyourefusedtojoinmeelsewhere—I have entered your father's house, and borne all that that cost me withoutflinching, because I have felt that I deserved humiliation. But is there a yetgreaterhumiliationinstoreforme?Yousayyouhavebeenlivinghere—thatheis everything to you. Am I to draw from that the obvious, the extremestinference?"

Triumph at any price is sweet tomen andwomen—especially the latter. Itwasherfirstandlastopportunityofrepayinghimforthecruelcontumelywhichshehadborneathishandssodocilely.

"Yes," she answered; and there was that in her subtly compounded naturewhichmadeherfeelathrillofprideasshedidso.

Yet the moment after she had so mightily belied her character she half

repented.Herhusbandhadturnedaswhiteasthewallbehindhim.Itseemedasifallthatremainedtohimoflifeandspirithadbeenabstractedatastroke.Yethedidnotmove,andinhiseffortsatself-controlclosedhismouthtogetherasavice.His determinationwas fairly successful, though she sawhowverymuchgreaterthanshehadexpectedhertriumphhadbeen.PresentlyhelookedacrossatWinterborne.

"Woulditstartleyoutohear,"hesaid,asifhehardlyhadbreathtoutterthewords,"thatshewhowastomewhathewastoyouisdeadalso?"

"Dead—SHEdead?"exclaimedGrace.

"Yes.FeliceCharmondiswherethisyoungmanis."

"Never!"saidGrace,vehemently.

Hewentonwithoutheedingtheinsinuation:"AndIcamebacktotrytomakeitupwithyou—but—"

Fitzpiers rose, andmoved across the room to go away, looking downwardwith the droop of amanwhose hopewas turned to apathy, if not despair. Ingoingroundthedoorhiseyefelluponheroncemore.ShewasstillbendingoverthebodyofWinterborne,herfaceclosetotheyoungman's.

"Haveyoubeenkissinghimduringhisillness?"askedherhusband.

"Yes."

"Sincehisfeveredstatesetin?"

"Yes."

"Onhislips?"

"Yes."

"Then you will do well to take a few drops of this in water as soon aspossible."Hedrewasmallphialfromhispocketandreturnedtoofferittoher.

Graceshookherhead.

"Ifyoudon'tdoasItellyouyoumaysoonbelikehim."

"Idon'tcare.Iwishtodie."

"I'llputithere,"saidFitzpiers,placingthebottleonaledgebesidehim."Thesinofnothavingwarnedyouwillnotbeuponmyheadatanyrate,amongmyothersins.Iamnowgoing,andIwillsendsomebodytoyou.Yourfatherdoesnotknowthatyouarehere,soIsupposeIshallbeboundtotellhim?"

"Certainly."

Fitzpiers left the cot, and the stroke of his feet was soon immersed in thesilencethatpervadedthespot.Graceremainedkneelingandweeping,shehardlyknew how long, and then she sat up, covered poorGiles's features, andwenttowards the door where her husband had stood. No sign of any other comergreetedherear,theonlyperceptiblesoundsbeingthetinycracklingsofthedeadleaves,which, likea feather-bed,hadnotyetdone rising to theirnormal levelwhereindentedbythepressureofherhusband'srecedingfootsteps.Itremindedher that she had been struck with the change in his aspect; the extremelyintellectuallookthathadalwaysbeeninhisfacewaswroughttoafinerphasebythinness, and a care-worn dignity had been superadded. She returned toWinterborne'sside,andduringhermeditationsanothertreaddrewnearthedoor,enteredtheouterroom,andhaltedattheentranceofthechamberwhereGracewas.

"What—Marty!"saidGrace.

"Yes.Ihaveheard,"saidMarty,whosedemeanorhadlostall itsgirlishnessunderthestrokethatseemedalmostliterallytohavebruisedher.

"Hediedforme!"murmuredGrace,heavily.

Martydidnotfullycomprehend;andsheanswered,"Hebelongstoneitherofusnow,andyourbeautyisnomorepowerfulwithhimthanmyplainness.Ihavecometohelpyou,ma'am.Henevercaredforme,andhecaredmuchforyou;buthecaresforusbothalikenow."

"Ohdon't,don't,Marty!"

Martysaidnomore,butkneltoverWinterbornefromtheotherside.

"Didyoumeetmyhus—Mr.Fitzpiers?"

"No!"

"Thenwhatbroughtyouhere?"

"Icomethiswaysometimes.Ihavegottogotothefarthersideofthewoodthis time of the year, and am obliged to get there before four o'clock in themorning, tobeginheatingtheovenfor theearlybaking.Ihavepassedbyhereoftenatthistime."

Gracelookedatherquickly."ThendidyouknowIwashere?"

"Yes,ma'am."

"Didyoutellanybody?"

"No.Iknewyoulivedinthehut,thathehadgiedituptoye,andlodgedouthimself."

"Didyouknowwherehelodged?"

"No.ThatIcouldn'tfindout.WasitatDelborough?"

"No.Itwasnotthere,Marty.Wouldithadbeen!Itwouldhavesaved—saved—"Tocheckhertearssheturned,andseeingabookonthewindow-bench,tookitup."Look,Marty,thisisaPsalter.Hewasnotanoutwardlyreligiousman,buthewaspureandperfectinhisheart.Shallwereadapsalmoverhim?"

"Ohyes—wewill—withallmyheart!"

Graceopenedthethinbrownbook,whichpoorGileshadkeptathandmainlyfortheconvenienceofwhettinghispen-knifeuponitsleathercovers.Shebegantoreadinthatrich,devotionalvoicepeculiartowomenonlyonsuchoccasions.Whenitwasover,Martysaid,"Ishouldliketoprayforhissoul."

"SoshouldI,"saidhercompanion."Butwemustnot."

"Why?Nobodywouldknow."

Grace couldnot resist the argument, influencedas shewasby the senseof

making amends for having neglected him in the body; and their tender voicesunited and filled the narrow roomwith supplicatorymurmurs that a Calvinistmighthaveenvied.Theyhadhardlyendedwhennowandmorenumerousfoot-fallswereaudible,alsopersonsinconversation,oneofwhomGracerecognizedasherfather.

Sherose,andwenttotheouterapartment,inwhichtherewasonlysuchlightasbeamedfromtheinnerone.MelburyandMrs.Melburywerestandingthere.

"Idon'treproachyou,Grace,"saidherfather,withanestrangedmanner,andin a voice not at all like his old voice. "What has come upon you and us isbeyondreproach,beyondweeping,andbeyondwailing.PerhapsIdroveyoutoit. But I am hurt; I am scourged; I am astonished. In the face of this there isnothingtobesaid."

Without replying, Grace turned and glided back to the inner chamber."Marty,"shesaid,quickly,"Icannot lookmyfather in thefaceuntilheknowsthetruecircumstancesofmylifehere.Goandtellhim—whatyouhavetoldme—whatyousaw—thathegaveuphishousetome."

Shesatdown,herfaceburiedinherhands,andMartywent,andafterashortabsencereturned.ThenGracerose,andgoingoutaskedherfatherifhehadmetherhusband.

"Yes,"saidMelbury.

"Andyouknowallthathashappened?"

"Ido.Forgiveme,Grace,forsuspectingyeofworsethanrashness—Ioughttoknowyebetter.Areyoucomingwithmetowhatwasonceyourhome?"

"No.IstayherewithHIM.Takenoaccountofmeanymore."

The unwonted, perplexing, agitating relations in which she had stood toWinterbornequitelately—broughtaboutbyMelbury'sowncontrivance—couldnot fail to soften thenatural angerof aparent athermore recentdoings. "Mydaughter,thingsarebad,"herejoined."Butwhydoyouperseveretomake'emworse?WhatgoodcanyoudotoGilesbystayingherewithhim?Mind,Iasknoquestions.Idon'tinquirewhyyoudecidedtocomehere,oranythingastowhatyour course would have been if he had not died, though I know there's no

deliberateharminye.Asforme,Ihavelostallclaimuponyou,andImakenocomplaint.ButIdosaythatbycomingbackwithmenowyouwillshownolesskindnesstohim,andescapeanysoundofshame.

"ButIdon'twishtoescapeit."

"If you don't on your own account, cannot youwish to onmine and hers?Nobodyexceptourhouseholdknowsthatyouhavelefthome.Thenwhyshouldyou,byapieceofperverseness,bringdownmygrayhairswith sorrow to thegrave?"

"Ifitwerenotformyhusband—"shebegan,movedbyhiswords."Buthowcan Imeethim there?Howcananywomanwho isnot amereman's creaturejoinhimafterwhathastakenplace?"

"Hewouldgoawayagainratherthankeepyououtofmyhouse."

"Howdoyouknowthat,father?"

"Wemethimonourwayhere,andhe toldus so," saidMrs.Melbury. "Hehadsaidsomethinglikeitbefore.Heseemsverymuchupsetaltogether."

"Hedeclaredtoherwhenhecametoourhousethathewouldwaitfortimeand devotion to bring about his forgiveness," said her husband. "That was it,wasn'tit,Lucy?"

"Yes.Thathewouldnotintrudeuponyou,Grace,tillyougavehimabsolutepermission,"Mrs.Melburyadded.

This antecedent considerateness inFitzpierswas aswelcome toGraceas itwasunexpected;andthoughshedidnotdesirehispresence,shewassorrythatbyherretaliatoryfictionshehadgivenhimadifferentreasonforavoidingher.Shemadeno furtherobjections toaccompanyingherparents, taking themintotheinnerroomtogiveWinterbornealastlook,andgatheringupthetwoorthreethingsthatbelongedtoher.WhileshewasdoingthisthetwowomencamewhohadbeencalledbyMelbury,andattheirheelspoorCreedle.

"Forgive me, but I can't rule my mourning nohow as a man should, Mr.Melbury,"hesaid."Iha'n'tseenhimsinceThursdayse'night,andhavewonderedfordaysanddayswherehe'sbeenkeeping.TherewasIexpectinghimtocome

andtellmetowashoutthecider-barrelsagainstthemaking,andherewashe—Well,I'veknowedhimfromtable-high;Iknowedhisfather—usedtobideaboutupon two sticks in the sun afore he died!—and now I've seen the end of thefamily, whichwe can ill afford to lose, wi' such a scanty lot of good folk inHintockaswe'vegot.AndnowRobertCreedlewillbenailedupinparishboards'ab'lieve;andnobobywillglutchdownasighforhe!"

They started for home, Marty and Creedle remaining behind. For a timeGraceandherfatherwalkedsidebysidewithoutspeaking.Itwasjustintheblueofthedawn,andthechillingtoneoftheskywasreflectedinhercold,wetface.Thewholewoodseemedtobeahouseofdeath,pervadedbylosstoitsuttermostlengthandbreadth.Winterbornewasgone,andthecopsesseemedtoshowthewantofhim;thoseyoungtrees,somanyofwhichhehadplanted,andofwhichhehadspokensotrulywhenhesaidthatheshouldfallbeforetheyfell,wereatthatverymomentsendingouttheirrootsinthedirectionthathehadgiventhemwithhissubtlehand.

"Onethingmadeittolerabletousthatyourhusbandshouldcomebacktothehouse,"saidMelburyatlast—"thedeathofMrs.Charmond."

"Ah,yes,"saidGrace,arousingslightlytotherecollection,"hetoldmeso."

"Didhetellyouhowshedied?ItwasnosuchdeathasGiles's.Shewasshot—by a disappointed lover. It occurred inGermany. The unfortunateman shothimself afterwards. Hewas that South Carolina gentleman of very passionatenaturewhousedtohauntthisplacetoforcehertoaninterview,andfollowedherabouteverywhere.SoendsthebrilliantFeliceCharmond—onceagoodfriendtome—butnofriendtoyou."

"Icanforgiveher,"saidGrace,absently."DidEdgartellyouofthis?"

"No; but he put a London newspaper, giving an account of it, on the halltable,foldedinsuchawaythatweshouldseeit.ItwillbeintheShertonpaperthisweek, no doubt.Tomake the eventmore solemn still to him, he had justbeforehadsharpwordswithher,andlefther.HetoldLucythis,asnothingabouthimappears in thenewspaper.Andthecauseof thequarrelwas,ofallpeople,shewe'veleftbehindus."

"Do you mean Marty?" Grace spoke the words but perfunctorily. For,pertinentandpointedasMelbury'sstorywas,shehadnoheartforitnow.

"Yes.MartySouth."Melburypersistedinhisnarrative,todivertherfromherpresentgrief,ifpossible."Beforehewentawayshewrotehimaletter,whichhekeptinhis,pocketalongwhilebeforereading.HechancedtopullitoutinMrs.Charmond's,presence,andreaditoutloud.Itcontainedsomethingwhichteasedherverymuch,andthatledtotherupture.Shewasfollowinghimtomakeitupwhenshemetwithherterribledeath."

Melburydidnotknowenoughtogivethegistoftheincident,whichwasthatMartySouth'sletterhadbeenconcerningacertainpersonaladornmentcommonto herself andMrs. Charmond.Her bullet reached its billet at last. The scenebetweenFitzpiersandFelicehadbeensharp,asonlyascenecanbewhicharisesout of themortification of onewoman by another in the presence of a lover.True,Martyhadnoteffecteditbywordofmouth;thechargeaboutthelocksofhairwasmadesimplybyFitzpiersreadingherlettertohimaloudtoFeliceintheplayfully ironical tonesofonewhohadbecomea littlewearyofhis situation,andwasfindinghisfriend,inthephraseofGeorgeHerbert,a"flatdelight."Hehadstrokedthosefalsetresseswithhishandmanyatimewithoutknowingthemto be transplanted, and itwas impossiblewhen the discoverywas so abruptlymadetoavoidbeingfinelysatirical,despitehergenerousdisposition.

That was how it had begun, and tragedy had been its end. On his abruptdeparture she had followed him to the station but the train was gone; and intravellingtoBadeninsearchofhimshehadmethisrival,whosereproachesledtoanaltercation,andthedeathofboth.Ofthatprecipitatesceneofpassionandcrime Fitzpiers had known nothing till he saw an account of it in the papers,where, fortunatelyforhimself,nomentionwasmadeofhisprioracquaintancewith the unhappy lady; nor was there any allusion to him in the subsequentinquiry, the double death being attributed to somegambling losses, though, inpointoffact,neitheroneofthemhadvisitedthetables.

Melburyandhisdaughterdrewneartheirhouse,havingseenbutonelivingthingon theirway, a squirrel,whichdidnot runup its tree, but, dropping thesweetchestnutwhichitcarried,criedchut-chut-chut,andstampedwithitshindlegs on the ground.When the roofs and chimneys of the homestead began toemerge from the screen of boughs, Grace started, and checked herself in herabstractedadvance.

"You clearly understand," she said to her step-mother some of her oldmisgivingreturning,"thatIamcomingbackonlyonconditionofhisleavingas

hepromised?Willyoulethimknowthis,thattheremaybenomistake?"

Mrs.Melbury,whohadsomelongprivatetalkswithFitzpiers,assuredGracethatsheneedhavenodoubtsonthatpoint,andthathewouldprobablybegonebytheevening.GracethenenteredwiththemintoMelbury'swingofthehouse,andsatdownlistlesslyintheparlor,whileherstep-motherwenttoFitzpiers.

Thepromptobediencetoherwisheswhichthesurgeonshoweddidhonortohim, if anything could.BeforeMrs.Melbury had returned to the roomGrace,whowassittingontheparlorwindow-bench,sawherhusbandgofromthedoorunder the increasing light ofmorning, with a bag in his hand.While passingthrough thegatehe turnedhishead.Thefirelightof theroomshesat in threwherfigureintodarkreliefagainstthewindowasshelookedthroughthepanes,andhemusthaveseenherdistinctly.Inamomenthewenton,thegatefell to,andhedisappeared.Atthehutshehaddeclaredthatanotherhaddisplacedhim;andnowshehadbanishedhim.

CHAPTERXLIV.

FitzpiershadhardlybeengoneanhourwhenGracebegantosicken.Thenextdayshekeptherroom.OldJoneswascalledin;hemurmuredsomestatementsin which the words "feverish symptoms" occurred. Grace heard them, andguessedthemeansbywhichshehadbroughtthisvisitationuponherself.

Oneday,whileshestilllaytherewithherheadthrobbing,wonderingifshewerereallygoingtojoinhimwhohadgonebefore,GrammerOlivercametoherbedside."Idon'tknowwhe'rthisismeantforyoutotake,ma'am,"shesaid,"butIhave found iton the table. Itwas leftbyMarty, I think,whenshecame thismorning."

GraceturnedherhoteyesuponwhatGrammerheldup.Itwasthephialleftat the hut by her husbandwhen he had begged her to take some drops of itscontents if shewished to preserve herself from falling a victim to themaladywhichhadpulleddownWinterborne.Sheexamineditaswellasshecould.Theliquidwasofanopalinehue,andborealabelwithaninscriptioninItalian.He

had probably got it in hiswanderings abroad. She knew but little Italian, butcouldunderstand that thecordialwasa febrifugeof somesort.Her father,hermother,andallthehouseholdwereanxiousforherrecovery,andsheresolvedtoobeyherhusband'sdirections.Whatevertherisk,ifany,shewaspreparedtorunit.Aglassofwaterwasbrought,andthedropsdroppedin.

Theeffect,thoughnotmiraculous,wasremarkable.Inlessthananhourshefeltcalmer,cooler,betterabletoreflect—lessinclinedtofretandchafeandwearherselfaway.Shetookafewdropsmore.Fromthattimethefeverretreated,andwentoutlikeadampedconflagration.

"Howcleverheis!"shesaid,regretfully."Whycouldhenothavehadmoreprinciple,soastoturnhisgreat talents togoodaccount?Perhapshehassavedmyuselesslife.Buthedoesn'tknowit,anddoesn'tcarewhetherhehassaveditornot;andonthataccountwillneverbetoldbyme!Probablyheonlygaveittome in the arroganceofhis skill, to show thegreatnessof his resourcesbesidemine,asElijahdrewdownfirefromheaven."

As soon as she had quite recovered from this foiled attack upon her life,Grace went toMarty South's cottage. The current of her being had again settowardsthelostGilesWinterborne.

"Marty,"shesaid,"webothlovedhim.Wewillgotohisgravetogether."

Great Hintock church stood at the upper part of the village, and could bereachedwithoutpassingthroughthestreet.IntheduskofthelateSeptemberdaytheywent thitherby secretways,walkingmostly in silence sideby side, eachbusied with her own thoughts. Grace had a trouble exceeding Marty's—thathauntingsenseofhavingputout the lightofhis lifebyherownhastydoings.Shehadtriedtopersuadeherselfthathemighthavediedofhisillness,evenifshe had not taken possession of his house. Sometimes she succeeded in herattempt;sometimesshedidnot.

Theystoodby thegrave together,and though thesunhadgonedown, theycould seeover thewoodland formiles, anddown to thevale inwhichhehadbeen accustomed to descend every year, with his portable mill and press, tomakecideraboutthistime.

PerhapsGrace'sfirstgrief,thediscoverythatifhehadlivedhecouldneverhaveclaimedher,hadsomepowerinsofteningthis,thesecond.OnMarty'spart

there was the same consideration; never would she have been his. As noanticipationofgratifiedaffectionhadbeeninexistencewhilehewaswiththem,therewasnonetobedisappointednowthathehadgone.

Gracewasabasedwhen,bydegrees,shefoundthatshehadneverunderstoodGilesasMartyhaddone.MartySouthalone,ofall thewomeninHintockandthe world, had approximated to Winterborne's level of intelligent intercoursewithnature.Inthatrespectshehadformedthecomplementtohimintheothersex,hadlivedashiscounterpart,hadsubjoinedherthoughttohisasacorollary.

The casual glimpses which the ordinary population bestowed upon thatwondrousworldofsapandleavescalledtheHintockwoodshadbeenwiththesetwo, Giles and Marty, a clear gaze. They had been possessed of its finermysteriesasofcommonplaceknowledge;hadbeenabletoreaditshieroglyphsasordinarywriting;tothemthesightsandsoundsofnight,winter,wind,storm,amidthosedenseboughs,whichhadtoGraceatouchoftheuncanny,andeventhesupernatural,weresimpleoccurrenceswhoseorigin,continuance,and lawstheyforeknew.Theyhadplantedtogether,andtogethertheyhadfelled;togethertheyhad,with therunof theyears,mentallycollected thoseremotersignsandsymbolswhich, seen in few,wereof runicobscurity, but all togethermadeanalphabet. From the light lashing of the twigs upon their faces,when brushingthrough them in the dark, they could pronounce upon the species of the treewhencetheystretched;fromthequalityofthewind'smurmurthroughaboughthey could in likemanner name its sort afar off. They knew by a glance at atrunkifitsheartweresound,ortaintedwithincipientdecay,andbythestateofitsupper twigs, thestratumthathadbeenreachedby its roots.Theartificesoftheseasonswereseenby themfromtheconjuror'sownpointofview,andnotfromthatofthespectator's.

"HeoughttohavemarriedYOU,Marty,andnobodyelseintheworld!"saidGrace,withconviction,afterthinkingsomewhatintheabovestrain.

Martyshookherhead."Inallourout-doordaysandyearstogether,ma'am,"shereplied,"theonethingheneverspokeoftomewaslove;norItohim."

"Yetyouandhecould speak ina tongue thatnobodyelseknew—notevenmyfather, thoughhecamenearestknowing—thetongueofthetreesandfruitsandflowersthemselves."

ShecouldindulgeinmournfulfancieslikethistoMarty;butthehardcoretoher grief—which Marty's had not—remained. Had she been sure that Giles'sdeathresultedentirelyfromhisexposure,itwouldhavedrivenherwell-nightoinsanity; but therewas always that bare possibility that his exposure had onlyprecipitatedwhatwasinevitable.Shelongedtobelievethatithadnotdoneeventhis.

Therewasonlyonemanwhoseopiniononthecircumstancesshewouldbeatall disposed to trust. Her husband was that man. Yet to ask him it would benecessary todetail the trueconditions inwhichsheandWinterbornehad livedduring these three or four critical days that followed her flight; and inwithdrawing her original defiant announcement on that point, there seemed aweakness she did not care to show. She never doubted that Fitzpiers wouldbelieve her if she made a clean confession of the actual situation; but tovolunteerthecorrectionwouldseemlikesignallingforatruce,andthat, inherpresentframeofmind,waswhatshedidnotfeeltheneedof.

Itwillprobablynotappearasurprisingstatement,afterwhathasbeenalreadydeclaredofFitzpiers,thatthemanwhomGrace'sfidelitycouldnotkeepfaithfulwasstungintopassionatethrobsofinterestconcerningherbyheravowalofthecontrary.

Hedeclaredtohimselfthathehadneverknownherdangerouslyfullcompassifshewerecapableofsuchareprisal;and,melancholyasitmaybetoadmitthefact,hisownhumiliationandregretengenderedasmoulderingadmirationofher.

Hepassedamonthor twoofgreatmiseryatExbury, theplacetowhichhehadretired—quiteasmuchmiseryindeedasGrace,couldshehaveknownofit,wouldhavebeeninclinedtoinflictuponanylivingcreature,howmuchsoeverhemighthavewrongedher.Thenasuddenhopedawneduponhim;hewonderedifheraffirmationwere true.Heaskedhimselfwhether itwerenot theactofawomanwhosenaturalpurityandinnocencehadblindedhertothecontingenciesofsuchanannouncement.Hiswideexperienceofthesexhadtaughthimthat,inmany cases, women who ventured on hazardous matters did so because theylacked an imagination sensuous enough to feel their full force. In this lightGrace'sboldavowalmightmerelyhavedenotedthedesperationofonewhowasachildtotherealitiesofobliquity.

Fitzpiers'smentalsufferingsandsuspenseledhimatlasttotakeamelancholyjourney to the neighborhood ofLittleHintock; and here he hovered for hoursaroundthesceneofthepurestemotionalexperiencesthathehadeverknowninhis life.Hewalkedabout thewoods thatsurroundedMelbury'shouse,keepingoutofsightlikeacriminal.Itwasafineevening,andonhiswayhomewardhepassednearMartySouth'scottage.Asusualshehadlightedhercandlewithoutclosinghershutters;hesawherwithinashehadseenhermanytimesbefore.

Shewaspolishingtools,andthoughhehadnotwishedtoshowhimself,hecould not resist speaking in to her through the half-open door. "What are youdoingthatfor,Marty?"

"BecauseIwanttocleanthem.Theyarenotmine."Hecouldsee,indeed,thattheywerenothers,foronewasaspade,largeandheavy,andanotherwasabill-hookwhichshecouldonlyhaveusedwithbothhands.Thespade,thoughnotanewone,hadbeensocompletelyburnishedthatitwasbrightassilver.

FitzpierssomehowdivinedthattheywereGilesWinterborne's,andheputthequestiontoher.

Sherepliedintheaffirmative."Iamgoingtokeep'em,"shesaid,"butIcan'tgethisapple-millandpress.Iwishcould;itisgoingtobesold,theysay."

"ThenIwillbuyitforyou,"saidFitzpiers."Thatwillbemakingyouareturnfor a kindness you did me." His glance fell upon the girl's rare-colored hair,whichhadgrownagain."Oh,Marty,thoselocksofyours—andthatletter!Butitwasakindnesstosendit,nevertheless,"headded,musingly.

Afterthistherewasconfidencebetweenthem—suchconfidenceastherehadneverbeenbefore.Martywasshy,indeed,ofspeakingabouttheletter,andhermotivesinwritingit;butshethankedhimwarmlyforhispromiseofthecider-press.Shewouldtravelwithit intheautumnseason,ashehaddone,shesaid.Shewouldbequitestrongenough,witholdCreedleasanassistant.

"Ah! there was one nearer to him than you," said Fitzpiers, referring toWinterborne."Onewholivedwherehelived,andwaswithhimwhenhedied."

ThenMarty,suspectingthathedidnotknowthetruecircumstances,fromthefact that Mrs. Fitzpiers and himself were living apart, told him of Giles'sgenerosity toGrace ingivinguphishouse toher at the risk, andpossibly the

sacrifice,ofhisownlife.WhenthesurgeonheardithealmostenviedGileshischivalrouscharacter.HeexpressedawishtoMartythathisvisittohershouldbekept secret, andwenthome thoughtful, feeling that inmore thatone sensehisjourneytoHintockhadnotbeeninvain.

HewouldhavegivenmuchtowinGrace'sforgivenessthen.Butwhateverhedaredhope for in thatkind from the future, therewasnothing tobedoneyet,whileGilesWinterborne'smemorywasgreen.Towaitwas imperative.A littletimemightmeltherfrozenthoughts,andleadhertolookonhimwithtoleration,ifnotwithlove.

CHAPTERXLV.

WeeksandmonthsofmourningforWinterbornehadbeenpassedbyGraceinthesoothingmonotonyofthememorialacttowhichsheandMartyhaddevotedthemselves.TwiceaweekthepairwentinthedusktoGreatHintock,and,likethetwomournersinCymbeline,sweetenedhissadgravewiththeirflowersandtheirtears.SometimesGracethoughtthatitwasapityneitheroneofthemhadbeenhiswifeforalittlewhile,andgiventheworldacopyofhimwhowassovaluableintheireyes.Nothingeverhadbroughthometoherwithsuchforceasthis death how little acquirements and culture weigh beside sterling personalcharacter.Whilehersimplesorrowforhislosstookasofteredgewiththelapseof the autumn andwinter seasons, her self-reproach at having had a possiblehandincausingitknewlittleabatement.

LittleoccurredatHintockduring thesemonthsof the fall anddecayof theleaf.DiscussionofthealmostcontemporaneousdeathofMrs.Charmondabroadhad waxed and waned. Fitzpiers had had a marvellous escape from beingdraggedintotheinquirywhichfollowedit,throughtheaccidentoftheirhavingparted just before under the influence of Marty South's letter—the tinyinstrumentofacausedeepinnature.

Her body was not brought home. It seemed to accord well with the fitfulfeverofthatimpassionedwoman'slifethatsheshouldnothavefoundanativegrave.Shehad enjoyedbut a life-interest in the estate,which, after her death,passed to a relative of her husband's—one who knew not Felice, one whosepurposeseemedtobetoblotouteveryvestigeofher.

Onacertainday inFebruary—thecheerfuldayofSt.Valentine, in fact—a

letter reachedMrs. Fitzpiers, which had been mentally promised her for thatparticulardayalongtimebefore.

ItannouncedthatFitzpierswas livingatsomemidlandtown,wherehehadobtained a temporary practice as assistant to some local medical man, whosecurativeprincipleswereallwrong, thoughhedarednotset themright.Hehadthoughtfittocommunicatewithheronthatdayoftendertraditionstoinquireif,intheeventofhisobtainingasubstantialpracticethathehadinviewelsewhere,shecouldforgetthepastandbringherselftojoinhim.

Therethepracticalpartended;hethenwenton—

"Mylastyearofexperiencehasaddedtenyears tomyage,dearGraceanddearestwifethatevererringmanundervalued.YoumaybeabsolutelyindifferenttowhatIsay,butletmesayit:IhaveneverlovedanywomanaliveordeadasIlove, respect, andhonoryouat thispresentmoment.Whatyou toldme in theprideandhaughtinessofyourheartIneverbelieved[this,bytheway,wasnotstrictlytrue];butevenifIhadbelievedit,itcouldneverhaveestrangedmefromyou.Isthereanyuseintellingyou—no,thereisnot—thatIdreamofyourripelipsmore frequently than I saymyprayers; that theold familiar rustleofyourdressoftenreturnsuponmymind till itdistractsme?Ifyoucouldcondescendevenonlytoseemeagainyouwouldbebreathinglifeintoacorpse.Mypure,pureGrace,modest as a turtledove, how came I ever to possess you?For thesakeofbeingpresent inyourmindon this lovers' day, I think Iwouldalmostrather have youhateme a little than not think ofme at all.Youmay callmyfancieswhimsical;butremember,sweet,lostone,that'natureisoneinlove,andwhere 'tis fine it sends some instance of itself.' I will not intrude upon youfurthernow.Makemealittlebithappybysendingbackonelinetosaythatyouwillconsent,atanyrate,toashortinterview.Iwillmeetyouandleaveyouasamereacquaintance,ifyouwillonlyaffordmethisslightmeansofmakingafewexplanations,andofputtingmypositionbeforeyou.Believeme,inspiteofallyoumaydoorfeel,

Yourloveralways(onceyourhusband),"E."

Itwas,oddlyenough, the firstoccasion,ornearly the firstonwhichGracehadeverreceivedalove-letterfromhim,hiscourtshiphavingtakenplaceunderconditionswhichrenderedletter-writingunnecessary.Itsperusal,therefore,hadacertainnoveltyforher.Shethoughtthat,uponthewhole,hewrotelove-lettersverywell.ButthechiefrationalinterestofthelettertothereflectiveGracelayinthechance that suchameetingasheproposedwouldaffordherof settingherdoubtsatrest,onewayortheother,onheractualshareinWinterborne'sdeath.Thereliefofconsultingaskilledmind,theoneprofessionalmanwhohadseenGilesatthattime,wouldbeimmense.Asforthatstatementthatshehadutteredinherdisdainfulgrief,whichat the timeshehad regardedasher triumph, shewas quite prepared to admit to him that his belief was the true one; for inwrongingherselfasshedidwhenshemadeit,shehaddonewhattoherwasafarmoreseriousthing,wrongedWinterborne'smemory.

Without consulting her father, or any one in the house or out of it, Gracerepliedtotheletter.SheagreedtomeetFitzpiersontwoconditions,ofwhichthefirstwasthattheplaceofmeetingshouldbethetopofRubdownHill,thesecondthathewouldnotobjecttoMartySouthaccompanyingher.

Whatever part,much or little, theremay have been in Fitzpiers's so-calledvalentinetohiswife,hefeltadelightasoftheburstingofspringwhenherbriefreplycame.Itwasoneofthefewpleasuresthathehadexperiencedoflateyearsatallresemblingthoseofhisearlyyouth.Hepromptlyrepliedthatheacceptedtheconditions,andnamedthedayandhouratwhichhewouldbeonthespotshementioned.

A fewminutes before three on the appointed day found him climbing thewell-knownhill,whichhadbeentheaxisofsomanycriticalmovementsintheirlivesduringhisresidenceatHintock.

Thesightofeachhomelyandwell-rememberedobjectswelledtheregretthatseldomlefthimnow.Whateverpathsmightlieopentohisfuture,thesoothingshadesofHintockwereforbiddenhimforeverasapermanentdwelling-place.

HelongedforthesocietyofGrace.Buttolayofferingsonherslightedaltarwashisfirstaim,anduntilherpropitiationwascompletehewouldconstrainherinnoway to return tohim.The least reparation thathecouldmake, in a casewhere he would gladly have made much, would be to let her feel herselfabsolutelyfreetochoosebetweenlivingwithhimandwithouthim.

Moreover,asubtlist inemotions,hecultivatedasunderglassesstrangeandmournfulpleasures thathewouldnotwillingly letdie justatpresent.ToshowanyforwardnessinsuggestingamodusvivenditoGracewouldbetoputanendtotheseexotics.Tobethevassalofhersweetwillforatime,hedemandednomore,andfoundsolaceinthecontemplationofthesoftmiseriesshecausedhim.

Approaching the hill-top with a mind strung to these notions, Fitzpiersdiscernedagayprocessionofpeoplecomingoverthecrest,andwasnotlonginperceivingittobeawedding-party.

Thoughthewindwaskeenthewomenwereinlightattire,andthefloweredwaistcoats of themenhad apleasingvividnessof pattern.Eachof thegentleronesclungtothearmofherpartnersotightlyastohavewithhimonestep,rise,swing, gait, almost one centre of gravity. In the buxom bride FitzpiersrecognizednootherthanSukeDamson,whoinherlightgownlookedagiantess;thesmallhusbandbesideherhesawtobeTimTangs.

Fitzpierscouldnotescape,fortheyhadseenhim;thoughofallthebeautiesoftheworldwhomhedidnotwishtomeetSukewasthechief.Butheputthebest face on thematter that he could and came on, the approaching companyevidentlydiscussinghimandhisseparationfromMrs.Fitzpiers.Asthecouplescloseduponhimheexpressedhiscongratulations.

"Webe justwalking round theparishes to showourselvesabit," saidTim."FirstwehetacrosstoDelborough,thenathwarttohere,andfromherewegotoRubdownandMillshot,andthenroundbythecross-roadshome.HomesaysI,butitwon'tbethatlong!Webeoffnextmonth."

"Indeed.Whereto?"

Tim informed him that they were going to New Zealand. Not but that hewouldhavebeencontentedwithHintock,buthiswifewasambitiousandwantedtoleave,sohehadgivenway.

"Thengood-by,"saidFitzpiers;"Imaynotseeyouagain."HeshookhandswithTimandturnedtothebride."Good-by,Suke,"hesaid,takingherhandalso."Iwishyouandyourhusbandprosperityinthecountryyouhavechosen."Withthisheleftthem,andhastenedontohisappointment.

Thewedding-partyre-formedandresumedmarchlikewise.But inrestoring

his arm to Suke, Tim noticed that her full and blooming countenance hadundergoneachange."Holloa!medear—what'sthematter?"saidTim.

"Nothing tospeako',"saidshe.But togive the lie toherassertionshewasseizedwithlachrymosetwitches,thatsoonproducedadribblingface.

"How—whatthedevil'sthisabout!"exclaimedthebridegroom.

"She's a little wee bit overcome, poor dear!" said the first bridesmaid,unfoldingherhandkerchiefandwipingSuke'seyes.

"Ineverdidlikepartingfrompeople!"saidSuke,assoonasshecouldspeak.

"Whyhiminparticular?"

"Well—he'ssuchacleverdoctor,that'tisathousandpitieswesha'n'tseehimanymore!There'llbenosuchcleverdoctorashe inNewZealand, if I shouldrequireone;andthethoughto'tgotthebetterofmyfeelings!"

Theywalked on, but Tim's face had grown rigid and pale, for he recalledslight circumstances, disregarded at the time of their occurrence. The formerboisterous laughter of the wedding-party at the groomsman's jokes was heardringingthroughthewoodsnomore.

BythistimeFitzpiershadadvancedonhiswaytothetopofthehill,wherehesaw twofiguresemerging from thebankon the righthand.Thesewere theexpectedones,GraceandMartySouth,whohadevidentlycometherebyashortandsecretpaththroughthewood.Gracewasmuffledupinherwinterdress,andhe thought that she had never looked so seductive as at this moment, in thenoontide bright but heatless sun, and the keen wind, and the purplish-graymassesofbrushwoodaround.

Fitzpierscontinued to regard thenearingpicture, till at length theirglancesmetforamoment,whenshedemurelysentoffhersata tangentandgavehimthe benefit of her three-quarter face, while with courteous completeness ofconduct he lifted his hat in a large arc. Marty dropped behind; and whenFitzpiersheldouthishand,Gracetoucheditwithherfingers.

"I have agreed to be here mostly because I wanted to ask you somethingimportant,"saidMrs.Fitzpiers,herintonationmodulatinginadirectionthatshe

hadnotquitewishedittotake.

"I am most attentive," said her husband. "Shall we take to the wood forprivacy?"

Gracedemurred,andFitzpiersgavein,andtheykeptthepublicroad.

At any rate shewould take his arm? This alsowas gravely negatived, therefusalbeingaudibletoMarty.

"Whynot?"heinquired.

"Oh,Mr.Fitzpiers—howcanyouask?"

"Right,right,"saidhe,hiseffusivenessshrivelledup.

Astheywalkedonshereturnedtoherinquiry."Itisaboutamatterthatmayperhapsbeunpleasanttoyou.ButIthinkIneednotconsiderthattoocarefully."

"Notatall,"saidFitzpiers,heroically.

ShethentookhimbacktothetimeofpoorWinterborne'sdeath,andrelatedthe precise circumstances amid which his fatal illness had come upon him,particularizingthedampnessofthesheltertowhichhehadbetakenhimself,hisconcealment fromherof thehardships thathewasundergoing,all thathehadputupwith,allthathehaddoneforherinhisscrupulousconsiderateness.Theretrospect brought her to tears as she asked him if he thought that the sin ofhavingdrivenhimtohisdeathwasuponher.

Fitzpiers could hardly help showing his satisfaction at what her narrativeindirectlyrevealed,theactualharmlessnessofanescapadewithherlover,whichhadatfirst,byherownshowing,lookedsograve,andhedidnotcaretoinquirewhetherthatharmlessnesshadbeentheresultofaimorofaccident.Withregardtoherquestion,hedeclaredthatinhisjudgmentnohumanbeingcouldanswerit. He thought that upon the whole the balance of probabilities turned in herfavor.Winterborne's apparent strength,during the lastmonthsofhis life,musthavebeendelusive.Ithadoftenoccurredthatafterafirstattackofthatinsidiousdiseaseaperson'sapparentrecoverywasaphysiologicalmendacity.

ThereliefwhichcametoGracelayalmostasmuchinsharingherknowledge

oftheparticularswithanintelligentmindasintheassurancesFitzpiersgaveher."Well, then, to put this casebefore you, andobtainyour professional opinion,was chiefly why I consented to come here to-day," said she, when he hadreachedtheaforesaidconclusion.

"Fornootherreasonatall?"heasked,ruefully.

"Itwasnearlythewhole."

Theystoodandlookedoveragateattwentyorthirtystarlingsfeedinginthegrass,andhestartedthetalkagainbysaying,inalowvoice,"AndyetIloveyoumorethaneverIlovedyouinmylife."

Gracedidnotmovehereyesfromthebirds,andfoldedherdelicatelipsasiftokeeptheminsubjection.

"It is a different kind of love altogether," said he. "Less passionate; moreprofound.Ithasnothing todowith thematerialconditionsof theobjectatall;muchtodowithhercharacterandgoodness,asrevealedbycloserobservation.'Lovetalkswithbetterknowledge,andknowledgewithdearerlove.'"

"That'soutof'MeasureforMeasure,'"saidshe,slyly.

"Ohyes—Imeantitasacitation,"blandlyrepliedFitzpiers."Well,then,whynotgivemeaverylittlebitofyourheartagain?"

Thecrashofafelledtreeintheremotedepthsofthewoodrecalledthepastatthatmoment,andallthehomelyfaithfulnessofWinterborne."Don'taskit!MyheartisinthegravewithGiles,"shereplied,stanchly.

"Mineiswithyou—innolessdeepagrave,Ifear,accordingtothat."

"Iamverysorry;butitcannotbehelped."

"Howcanyoubesorryforme,whenyouwilfullykeepopenthegrave?"

"Ohno—that'snotso,"returnedGrace,quickly,andmovedtogoawayfromhim.

"But, dearest Grace," said he, "you have condescended to come; and I

thoughtfromitthatperhapswhenIhadpassedthroughalongstateofprobationyouwouldbegenerous.But if therecanbenohopeofourgettingcompletelyreconciled,treatmegently—wretchthoughIam."

"Ididnotsayyouwereawretch,norhaveIeversaidso."

"But you have such a contemptuousway of looking atme that I fear youthinkso."

Grace'sheartstruggledbetweenthewishnottobeharshandthefearthatshemightmislead him. "I cannot look contemptuous unless I feel contempt," shesaid,evasively."AndallIfeelislovelessness."

"Ihavebeenverybad,Iknow,"hereturned."Butunlessyoucanreallylovemeagain,Grace,Iwouldrathergoawayfromyouforever.Idon'twantyoutoreceivemeagainforduty'ssake,oranythingofthatsort.IfIhadnotcaredmoreforyouraffectionandforgivenessthanmyownpersonalcomfort,Ishouldneverhavecomebackhere. I couldhaveobtainedapracticeatadistance,andhavelivedmyownlifewithoutcoldnessorreproach.ButIhavechosentoreturntotheonespotonearthwheremynameistarnished—toenterthehouseofamanfromwhomIhavehadworsetreatmentthanfromanyothermanalive—allforyou!"

Thiswas undeniably true, and it had itsweightwithGrace,who began tolookasifshethoughtshehadbeenshockinglysevere.

"Beforeyougo,"he continued, "Iwant toknowyourpleasure aboutme—whatyouwishmetodo,ornottodo."

"You are independent ofme, and it seems amockery to ask that. Far be itfrommetoadvise.ButIwillthinkitover.Iratherneedadvicemyselfthanstandinapositiontogiveit."

"YOUdon'tneedadvice,wisest,dearestwomanthateverlived.Ifyoudid—"

"Wouldyougiveittome?"

"WouldyouactuponwhatIgave?"

"That'snotafairinquiry,"saidshe,smilingdespitehergravity."Idon'tmind

hearingit—whatyoudoreallythinkthemostcorrectandpropercourseforme."

"Itissoeasyformetosay,andyetIdarenot,foritwouldbeprovokingyoutoremonstrances."

Knowing,ofcourse,whattheadvicewouldbe,shedidnotpresshimfurther,andwasabouttobeckonMartyforwardandleavehim,whenheinterruptedherwith,"Oh,onemoment,dearGrace—youwillmeetmeagain?"

Sheeventuallyagreedtoseehimthatdayfortnight.Fitzpiersexpostulatedattheinterval,but thehalf-alarmedearnestnesswithwhichsheentreatedhimnotto come sooner made him say hastily that he submitted to her will—that hewould regard her as a friend only, anxious for his reform andwell-being, tillsuchtimeasshemightallowhimtoexceedthatprivilege.

All this was to assure her; it was only too clear that he had not won herconfidence yet. It amazed Fitzpiers, and overthrew all his deductions frompreviousexperience,tofindthatthisgirl, thoughshehadbeenmarriedtohim,couldyetbesocoy.Notwithstandingacertainfascinationthatitcarriedwithit,his reflectionsweresombreashewenthomeward;hesawhowdeephadbeenhis offence to produce so great a wariness in a gentle and once unsuspicioussoul.

He was himself too fastidious to care to coerce her. To be an object ofmisgivingordislike to awomanwho sharedhishomewaswhathe couldnotendurethethoughtof.Lifeasitstoodwasmoretolerable.

When he was gone, Marty joined Mrs. Fitzpiers. She would fain haveconsultedMartyonthequestionofPlatonicrelationswithherformerhusband,as she preferred to regard him. But Marty showed no great interest in theiraffairs,soGracesaidnothing.Theycameonward,andsawMelburystandingatthesceneofthefellingwhichhadbeenaudibletothem,when,tellingMartythatshewishedhermeetingwithMr.Fitzpierstobekeptprivate,sheleftthegirltojoin her father. At any rate, she would consult him on the expediency ofoccasionallyseeingherhusband.

Her fatherwas cheerful, andwalked by her side as he had done in earlierdays."Iwasthinkingofyouwhenyoucameup,"hesaid."Ihaveconsideredthatwhathashappenedisforthebest.Sinceyourhusbandisgoneaway,andseemsnot towish to trouble you,why, let him go, and drop out of your life.Many

women are worse off. You can live here comfortably enough, and he canemigrate, or do what he likes for his good. I wouldn't mind sending him thefurthersumofmoneyhemightnaturallyexpecttocometohim,sothatyoumaynotbebotheredwithhimanymore.Hecouldhardlyhavegoneon livingherewithout speaking to me, or meeting me; and that would have been veryunpleasantonbothsides."

These remarks checked her intention. There was a sense of weakness infollowing them by saying that she had justmet her husband by appointment."Thenyouwouldadvisemenottocommunicatewithhim?"sheobserved.

"I shallneveradviseyeagain.Youareyourownmistress—doasyou like.Butmyopinion is that if youdon't livewithhim,youhadbetter livewithouthim, andnot go shilly-shallying and playing bopeep.You sent him away; andnowhe'sgone.Verywell;troublehimnomore."

Gracefeltaguiltiness—shehardlyknewwhy—andmadenoconfession.

CHAPTERXLVI.

Thewoodswereuninteresting, andGrace stayed in-doors agreatdeal.Shebecamequiteastudent,readingmorethanshehaddonesincehermarriageButherseclusionwasalwaysbrokenfortheperiodicalvisit toWinterborne'sgravewithMarty,whichwaskeptupwithpiousstrictness,forthepurposeofputtingsnow-drops,primroses,andothervernalflowersthereonastheycame.

One afternoon at sunset she was standing just outside her father's garden,which, like the rest of theHintockenclosures, abutted into thewood.A slightfoot-pathledalonghere,formingasecretwaytoeitherofthehousesbygettingthrough its boundaryhedge.Gracewas just about to adopt thismodeof entrywhenafigureapproachedalongthepath,andhelduphishandtodetainher.Itwasherhusband.

"I am delighted," he said, coming up out of breath; and there seemed noreasontodoubthiswords."Isawyousomewayoff—Iwasafraidyouwouldgo

inbeforeIcouldreachyou."

"Itisaweekbeforethetime,"saidshe,reproachfully."Isaidafortnightfromthelastmeeting."

"Mydear,youdon'tsupposeIcouldwaitafortnightwithouttryingtogetaglimpseofyou,eventhoughyouhaddeclinedtomeetme!WoulditmakeyouangrytoknowthatIhavebeenalongthispathatduskthreeorfourtimessinceourlastmeeting?Well,howareyou?"

Shedidnotrefuseherhand,butwhenheshowedawishtoretainitamomentlongerthanmereformalityrequired,shemadeitsmaller,sothatitslippedawayfrom him, with again that same alarmed look which always followed hisattemptsinthisdirection.Hesawthatshewasnotyetoutoftheelusivemood;not yet to be treated presumingly; and he was correspondingly careful totranquillizeher.

Hisassertionhadseemedtoimpresshersomewhat."Ihadnoideayoucamesooften,"shesaid."Howfardoyoucomefrom?"

"FromExbury.IalwayswalkfromSherton-Abbas,for ifIhire,peoplewillknowthatIcome;andmysuccesswithyousofarhasnotbeengreatenoughtojustifysuchovertness.Now,mydearone—asIMUSTcallyou—Iputittoyou:willyouseemealittleoftenerasthespringadvances?"

Grace lapsed into unwonted sedateness, and avoiding the question, said, "Iwish you would concentrate on your profession, and give up those strangestudiesthatusedtodistractyousomuch.Iamsureyouwouldgeton."

"ItistheverythingIamdoing.Iwasgoingtoaskyoutoburn—or,atleast,getridof—allmyphilosophicalliterature.Itisinthebookcasesinyourrooms.Thefactis,Inevercaredmuchforabstrusestudies."

"Iamsogladtohearyousaythat.Andthoseotherbooks—thosepilesofoldplays—whatgoodaretheytoamedicalman?"

"Nonewhatever!"hereplied,cheerfully."SellthematShertonforwhattheywillfetch."

"AndthosedreadfuloldFrenchromances,withtheirhorridspellingsof'filz'

and'ung'and'ilz'and'mary'and'mafoy?'"

"Youhaven'tbeenreadingthem,Grace?"

"Ohno—Ijustlookedintothem,thatwasall."

"Makeabonfireof'emdirectlyyougethome.Imeanttodoitmyself.Ican'tthinkwhat possessedme ever to collect them. I have only a few professionalhand-booksnow,andamquiteapracticalman. I am inhopesofhavingsomegood news to tell you soon, and then do you think you could—come to meagain?"

"Iwouldratheryoudidnotpressmeonthatjustnow,"shereplied,withsomefeeling. "You have said you mean to lead a new, useful, effectual life; but Ishouldliketoseeyouputitinpracticeforalittlewhilebeforeyouaddressthatquerytome.Besides—Icouldnotlivewithyou."

"Whynot?"

Gracewassilentafewinstants."IgowithMartytoGiles'sgrave.Wesworewewouldshowhimthatdevotion.AndImeantokeepitup."

"Well,Iwouldn'tmindthatatall.Ihavenorighttoexpectanythingelse,andIwillnotwishyoutokeepaway.IlikedthemanaswellasanyIeverknew.Inshort,Iwouldaccompanyyouapartofthewaytotheplace,andsmokeacigaronthestilewhileIwaitedtillyoucameback."

"Thenyouhaven'tgivenupsmoking?"

"Well—ahem—no.Ihavethoughtofdoingso,but—"

His extreme complacence had rather disconcerted Grace, and the questionabout smoking had been to effect a diversion. Presently she said, firmly, andwithamoisture inhereye thathecouldnot see,ashermind returned topoorGiles's "frustrate ghost," "I don't like you—to speak lightly on that subject, ifyoudidspeaklightly.Tobefrankwithyou—quitefrank—Ithinkofhimasmybetrothed loverstill. Icannothelp it.So that itwouldbewrongformeto joinyou."

Fitzpierswasnowuneasy."Yousayyourbetrothedloverstill,"herejoined.

"When, then, were you betrothed to him, or engaged, as we common peoplesay?"

"Whenyouwereaway."

"Howcouldthatbe?"

Gracewould have avoided this; but her natural candor led her on. "Itwaswhen Iwas under the impression thatmymarriagewith youwas about to beannulled,andthathecouldthenmarryme.SoIencouragedhimtoloveme."

Fitzpierswincedvisibly;andyet,uponthewhole,shewasrightintellingit.Indeed, his perception that shewas right in her absolute sincerity kept up hisaffectionateadmirationforherunderthepainoftherebuff.Timehadbeenwhenthe avowal thatGrace had deliberately taken steps to replace himwould havebroughthimnosorrow.Butshesofardominatedhimnowthathecouldnotbeartohearherwords,althoughtheobjectofherhighregardwasnomore.

"It is roughuponme—that!"he said, bitterly. "Oh,Grace—Ididnotknowyou—triedtogetridofme!Isupposeitisofnouse,butIask,cannotyouhopeto—findalittleloveinyourheartformeagain?"

"IfIcouldIwouldobligeyou;butIfearIcannot!"shereplied,withillogicalruefulness. "And I don't see why you should mind my having had one loverbesidesyourselfinmylife,whenyouhavehadsomany."

"But I can tell you honestly that I love you better than all of them puttogether,andthat'swhatyouwillnottellme!"

"Iamsorry;butIfearIcannot,"shesaid,sighingagain.

"Iwonderifyoueverwill?"Helookedmusinglyintoherindistinctface,asifhewouldreadthefuturethere."Nowhavepity,andtellme:willyoutry?"

"Toloveyouagain?"

"Yes;ifyoucan."

"Idon't knowhow to reply," she answered,her embarrassmentprovinghertruth. "Willyoupromise to leavemequite free as to seeingyouornot seeing

you?"

"Certainly.HaveIgivenanygroundforyoutodoubtmyfirstpromiseinthatrespect?"

Shewasobligedtoadmitthathehadnot.

"ThenIthinkthatyoumightgetyourheartoutofthatgrave,"saidhe,withplayfulsadness."Ithasbeentherealongtime."

Shefaintlyshookherhead,butsaid,"I'lltrytothinkofyoumore—ifIcan."

WiththisFitzpierswascompelledtobesatisfied,andheaskedherwhenshewouldmeethimagain.

"Aswearranged—inafortnight."

"Ifitmustbeafortnightitmust!"

"Thistimeatleast.I'llconsiderbythedayIseeyouagainifIcanshortentheinterval."

"Well,be that as itmay, I shall comeat least twiceaweek to lookatyourwindow."

"Youmustdoasyoulikeaboutthat.Good-night."

"Say'husband.'"

Sheseemedalmostinclinedtogivehimtheword;butexclaiming,"No,no;Icannot,"slippedthroughthegarden-hedgeanddisappeared.

Fitzpiers did not exaggerate when he told her that he should haunt theprecinctsofthedwelling.Buthispersistenceinthiscoursedidnotresultinhisseeing hermuch oftener than at the fortnightly intervalwhich she had herselfmarkedoutasproper.Atthesetimes,however,shepunctuallyappeared,andasthe springworeon themeetingswerekeptup, though their character changedbutlittlewiththeincreaseintheirnumber.

Thesmallgardenof thecottageoccupiedby theTangsfamily—father,son,andnowson'swife—alignedwiththelargeroneofthetimber-dealeratitsupperend;andwhenyoungTim,afterleavingworkatMelbury's,stoodatduskinthelittle bower at the corner of his enclosure to smoke a pipe, he frequentlyobserved the surgeon pass along the outside track before-mentioned. Fitzpiersalwayswalkedloiteringly,pensively, lookingwithasharpeyeintothegardensoneafter anotherasheproceeded; forFitzpiersdidnotwish to leave thenowabsorbingspottooquickly,aftertravellingsofartoreachit;hopingalwaysforaglimpseofherwhomhepassionatelydesiredtotaketohisarmsanew.

NowTimbegantobestruckwiththeseloiteringprogressesalongthegardenboundaries in the gloaming, andwonderedwhat theyboded. Itwas, naturally,quite out of his power to divine the singular, sentimental revival inFitzpiers'sheart;thefinenessoftissuewhichcouldtakeadeep,emotional—almostalsoanartistic—pleasure in being the yearning inamorato of a woman he once haddeserted,would have seemed an absurdity to the young sawyer.Mr. andMrs.Fitzpiers were separated; therefore the question of affection as between themwas settled. But his Suke had, since that meeting on their marriage-day,repentantlyadmitted,totheurgencyofhisquestioning,agooddealconcerningher past levities. Putting all things together, he could hardly avoid connectingFitzpiers'smysteriousvisitstothisspotwithSuke'sresidenceunderhisroof.Buthemade himself fairly easy: the vessel inwhich theywere about to emigratesailedthatmonth;andthenSukewouldbeoutofFitzpiers'swayforever.

Theintervalatlastexpired,andtheeveoftheirdeparturearrived.TheywerepausingintheroomofthecottageallottedtothembyTim'sfather,afterabusyday of preparation, which left them weary. In a corner stood their boxes,crammed and corded, their large case for the hold having already been sentaway.ThefirelightshoneuponSuke's finefaceandformasshestood lookinginto it, andupon the faceofTimseated inacorner,andupon thewallsofhisfather'shouse,whichhewasbeholdingthatnightalmostforthelasttime.

TimTangswasnothappy.Thisschemeofemigrationwasdividinghimfromhis father—foroldTangswouldonno account leaveHintock—andhad it notbeen forSuke's reputationandhisowndignity,Timwouldat the lastmomenthaveabandonedtheproject.Ashesatinthebackpartoftheroomheregardedhermoodily, and the fire and theboxes.One thinghehadparticularlynoticedthis evening—she was very restless; fitful in her actions, unable to remainseated,andinamarkeddegreedepressed.

"Sorrythatyoubegoing,afterall,Suke?"hesaid.

She sighed involuntarily. "I don't know but that I be," she answered. "'Tisnatural,isn'tit,whenoneisgoingaway?"

"Butyouwasn'tbornhereasIwas."

"No."

"There'sfolkleftbehindthatyou'dfainhavewith'ee,Ireckon?"

"Whydoyouthinkthat?"

"I'veseenthingsandI'veheardthings;and,Suke,Isay'twillbeagoodmoveforme toget 'eeaway. Idon'tmindhis leavingsabroad,but Idomind 'emathome."

Suke's facewas not changed from its aspect of listless indifference by thewords.She answerednothing; and shortly afterhewentout forhis customarypipeoftobaccoatthetopofthegarden.

The restlessnessofSukehad indeedowed itspresence to thegentlemanofTim's suspicions, but in a different—and itmust be added in justice to her—more innocent sense than he supposed, judging from former doings. She hadaccidentallydiscoveredthatFitzpierswasinthehabitofcomingsecretlyonceortwiceaweek toHintock,andknewthat thiseveningwasafavoriteoneof theseven for his journey. As she was going next day to leave the country, Sukethoughttherecouldbenogreatharmingivingwaytoalittlesentimentalitybyobtaining aglimpseof himquite unknown tohimself or to anybody, and thustakingasilentlastfarewell.AwarethatFitzpiers'stimeforpassingwasathandshethusbetrayedherfeeling.Nosooner,therefore,hadTimlefttheroomthanshe let herself noiselessly out of the house, and hastened to the corner of thegarden,whenceshecouldwitness thesurgeon's transit across the scene—ifhehadnotalreadygoneby.

HerlightcottondresswasvisibletoTimlounginginthearboroftheoppositecorner, though he was hidden from her. He saw her stealthily climb into thehedge,andsoensconceherselftherethatnobodycouldhavetheleastdoubtherpurposewastowatchunseenforapasser-by.

Hewentacrosstothespotandstoodbehindher.Sukestarted,havinginherblunderingwayforgottenthathemightbenear.Sheatoncedescendedfromthehedge.

"Sohe'scomingto-night,"saidTim,laconically."Andwebealwaysanxioustoseeourdears."

"HeIScomingto-night,"shereplied,withdefiance."AndweBEanxiousforourdears."

"Thenwill you step in-doors,whereyourdearwill soon jine 'ee?We've tomousterbyhalf-pastthreeto-morrow,andifwedon'tgettobedbyeightatlatestourfaceswillbeaslongasclock-casesallday."

She hesitated for a minute, but ultimately obeyed, going slowly down thegardentothehouse,whereheheardthedoor-latchclickbehindher.

Tim was incensed beyond measure. His marriage had so far been a totalfailure,asourceofbitterregret;andtheonlycourseforimprovinghiscase,thatof leaving thecountry,wasasorry,andpossiblymightnotbeaveryeffectualone.Dowhathewould,hisdomesticskywaslikelytobeovercasttotheendoftheday.Thushebrooded,andhisresentmentgatheredforce.Hecravedameansofstrikingoneblowbackatthecauseofhischeerlessplight,whilehewasstillonthesceneofhisdiscomfiture.Forsomeminutesnomethodsuggesteditself,andthenhehadanidea.

Comingtoasuddenresolution,hehastenedalongthegarden,andenteredtheone attached to the next cottage, which had formerly been the dwelling of agame-keeper.Timdescended thepath to thebackof thehouse,whereonlyanold woman lived at present, and reaching the wall he stopped. Owing to theslopeofthegroundtheroof-eavesofthelinhaywereherewithintouch,andhethrusthisarmupunderthem,feelingaboutinthespaceonthetopofthewall-plate.

"Ah,Ithoughtmymemorydidn'tdeceiveme!"helippedsilently.

Withsomeexertionhedrewdownacobwebbedobjectcuriously framed iniron,whichclankedashemovedit.Itwasaboutthreefeetinlengthandhalfaswide. Tim contemplated it as well as he could in the dying light of day, andrakedoffthecobwebswithhishand.

"Thatwillspoilhisprettyshinsfor'n,Ireckon!"hesaid.

Itwasaman-trap.

CHAPTERXLVII.

Were the inventors of automatic machines to be ranged according to theexcellenceoftheirdevicesforproducingsoundartistictorture,thecreatoroftheman-trapwouldoccupyaveryrespectableifnotaveryhighplace.

Itshouldrather,however,besaid,theinventoroftheparticularformofman-trap of which this found in the keeper's out-housewas a specimen. For therewereothershapesandothersizes,instrumentswhich,ifplacedinarowbesideoneof the typedisinterredbyTim,wouldhavewornthesubordinateaspectofthebears,wildboars,orwolvesinatravellingmenagerie,ascomparedwiththeleadinglionortiger.Inshort,thoughmanyvarietieshadbeeninuseduringthosecenturieswhichweareaccustomedtolookbackuponasthetrueandonlyperiodofmerryEngland—intheruraldistrictsmoreespecially—andonwarddowntothe thirddecadeof thenineteenthcentury, thismodelhadborne thepalm,andhad been most usually followed when the orchards and estates required newones.

Therehadbeen the toothlessvarietyusedby the softer-hearted landlords—quitecontemptibleintheirclemency.Thejawsoftheseresembledthejawsofanold woman to whom time has left nothing but gums. There were also theintermediate or half-toothed sorts, probably devised by the middle-naturedsquires, or those under the influenceof theirwives: two inches ofmercy, twoinches of cruelty, two inches of mere nip, two inches of probe, and so on,through the whole extent of the jaws. There were also, as a class apart, thebruisers,whichdidnotlaceratetheflesh,butonlycrushedthebone.

Thesightofoneof theseginswhensetproducedavivid impression that itwasendowedwithlife.Itexhibitedthecombinedaspectsofashark,acrocodile,andascorpion.Eachtoothwasintheformofataperingspine,twoandaquarterinches long,which,when the jawswere closed, stood in alternation from this

side and from that.When theywere open, the two halves formed a completecirclebetweentwoandthreefeetindiameter,theplateortreading-placeinthemidst being about a foot square, while from beneath extended in oppositedirections the soul of the apparatus, the pair of springs, each one being of astiffness to render necessary a lever or the whole weight of the body whenforcingitdown.

ThereweremenatthistimestilllivingatHintockwhorememberedwhentheginandotherslikeitwereinuse.TimTangs'sgreat-unclehadenduredanightofsixhoursinthisverytrap,whichlamedhimforlife.OnceakeeperofHintockwoods set it on the trackof apoacher, and afterwards, comingback thatway,forgetful ofwhat he had done,walked into it himself. Thewound brought onlockjaw, ofwhich he died.This event occurred during the thirties, and by theyear 1840 the use of such implements was well-nigh discontinued in theneighborhood.Butbeingmadeentirelyof iron, theybynomeansdisappeared,andinalmosteveryvillageonecouldbefoundinsomenookorcornerasreadilyasthiswasfoundbyTim.Ithad,indeed,beenafearfulamusementofTimandother Hintock lads—especially those who had a dim sense of becomingrenownedpoacherswhentheyreachedtheirprime—todragoutthistrapfromitshiding, set it, and throw itwithbilletsofwood,whichwerepenetratedby theteethtothedepthofnearaninch.

Assoonashehadexaminedthetrap,andfoundthatthehingesandspringswere still perfect, he shouldered it without more ado, and returned with hisburdentohisowngarden,passingonthroughthehedgetothepathimmediatelyoutsidetheboundary.Here,bythehelpofastoutstake,hesetthetrap,andlaidit carefully behind a bushwhile hewent forward to reconnoitre.As has beenstated,nobodypassedthiswayfordaystogethersometimes;buttherewasjustapossibilitythatsomeotherpedestrianthantheoneinrequestmightarrive,anditbehoovedTimtobecarefulastotheidentityofhisvictim.

Goingaboutahundredyardsalongtherisinggroundtotheright,hereachedaridgewhereonalargeandthickhollygrew.Beyondthisforsomedistancethewoodwasmoreopen,andthecoursewhichFitzpiersmustpursuetoreachthepoint,ifhecameto-night,wasvisiblealongwayforward.

For some time therewasno signofhimorof anybody.Then there shapeditselfaspotoutof thedimmid-distance,betweenthemassesofbrushwoodoneitherhand.And itenlarged,andTimcouldhear thebrushingof feetover the

tuftsofsour-grass.TheairygaitrevealedFitzpiersevenbeforehisexactoutlinecouldbeseen.

TimTangsturnedabout,andrandowntheoppositesideofthehill,tillhewasagainattheheadofhisowngarden.Itwastheworkofafewmomentstodragouttheman-trap,verygently—thattheplatemightnotbedisturbedsufficientlytothrowit—toaspacebetweenapairofyoungoakswhich,rootedincontiguity,grewapartupward,formingaV-shapedopeningbetween;and,beingbackedupbybushes,leftthisastheonlycourseforafoot-passenger.Inithelaidthetrapwith thesamegentlenessofhandling, locked thechain roundoneof the trees,and finally slid back the guard which was placed to keep the gin fromaccidentallycatchingthearmsofhimwhoset it,or, tousethelocalandbetterword,"toiled"it.

Having completed these arrangements, Tim sprang through the adjoininghedgeofhisfather'sgarden,randownthepath,andsoftlyenteredthehouse.

Obedienttohisorder,Sukehadgonetobed;andassoonashehadboltedthedoor,Timunlacedandkickedoffhisbootsat thefootof thestairs,andretiredlikewise,withoutlightingacandle.Hisobjectseemedtobetoundressassoonaspossible.Before,however,hehadcompletedtheoperation,alongcryresoundedwithout—penetrating,butindescribable.

"What'sthat?"saidSuke,startingupinbed.

"Soundsasifsomebodyhadcaughtahareinhisgin."

"Ohno,"saidshe."Itwasnotahare,'twaslouder.Hark!"

"Do'eegettosleep,"saidTim."Howbeyougoingtowakeathalf-pastthreeelse?"

Shelaydownandwassilent.Timstealthilyopenedthewindowandlistened.Abovethelowharmoniesproducedbytheinstrumentationofthevariousspeciesoftreesaroundthepremiseshecouldhearthetwitchingofachainfromthespotwhereonhehadsettheman-trap.Butfurtherhumansoundtherewasnone.

Timwaspuzzled.Inthehasteofhisprojecthehadnotcalculateduponacry;butifone,whynotmore?Hesoonceasedtoessayananswer,forHintockwasdeadtohimalready.Inhalfadozenhourshewouldbeoutof itsprecinctsfor

life,onhiswaytotheantipodes.Heclosedthewindowandlaydown.

The hour which had brought these movements of Tim to birth had beenoperating actively elsewhere.Awaiting in her father's house theminute of herappointment with her husband, Grace Fitzpiers deliberated on many things.Shouldshe informher fatherbeforegoingout that theestrangementofherselfandEdgarwasnot socomplete ashehad imagined, anddeemeddesirable forherhappiness?Ifshedidsoshemustinsomemeasurebecometheapologistofherhusband,andshewasnotpreparedtogosofar.

As forhim,hekepther in amoodof considerategravity.Hecertainlyhadchanged.Hehadat hisworst times alwaysbeengentle inhismanner towardsher.Coulditbethatshemightmakeofhimatrueandworthyhusbandyet?Shehadmarried him; therewas no getting over that; and ought she any longer tokeephimatadistance?Hissuavedeferencetoherlightestwhimonthequestionofhiscomingsandgoings,whenasher lawfulhusbandhemightshowa littleindependence,wasa trait inhischaracterasunexpectedas itwasengaging. Ifshehadbeenhisempress,andheherthrall,hecouldnothaveexhibitedamoresensitivecaretoavoidintrudinguponheragainstherwill.

Impelledbyaremembranceshetookdownaprayer-bookandturnedto themarriage-service.Reading it slowly through, she became quite appalled at herrecentoff-handedness,whensherediscoveredwhatawfullysolemnpromisesshehadmadehimatthosechancelstepsnotsoverylongago.

Shebecamelostinlongponderingsonhowfaraperson'sconsciencemightbeboundbyvowsmadewithoutatthetimeafullrecognitionoftheirforce.Thatparticular sentence, beginning "Whom God hath joined together," was astaggerer for a gentlewoman of strong devotional sentiment. She wonderedwhetherGodreallydidjointhemtogether.Beforeshehaddonedeliberatingthetimeofherengagementdrewnear,andshewentoutofthehousealmostatthemomentthatTimTangsretiredtohisown.

Thepositionofthingsatthatcriticaljuncturewasbrieflyasfollows.

TwohundredyardstotherightoftheupperendofTangs'sgardenFitzpierswasstilladvancing,havingnownearlyreachedthesummitofthewood-clothedridge, the path being the actual onewhich further on passed between the two

young oaks. Thus far it was according to Tim's conjecture. But about twohundredyardstotheleft,orratherless,wasarisingaconditionwhichhehadnotdivined, the emergence of Grace as aforesaid from the upper corner of herfather's garden, with the view of meeting Tim's intended victim. Midwaybetweenhusbandandwifewasthediabolicaltrap,silent,open,ready.

Fitzpiers'swalk thatnighthadbeencheerful, forhewasconvinced that theslow and gentle method he had adopted was promising success. The veryrestraint that he was obliged to exercise upon himself, so as not to kill thedelicate budof returning confidence, fed his flame.Hewalked somuchmorerapidlythanGracethat,iftheycontinuedadvancingastheyhadbegun,hewouldreachthetrapagoodhalf-minutebeforeshecouldreachthesamespot.

Buthereanewcircumstancecamein;toescapetheunpleasantnessofbeingwatchedorlistenedtobylurkers—naturallycuriousbyreasonoftheirstrainedrelations—they had arranged that their meeting for to-night should be at theholm-treeontheridgeabovenamed.Sosoon,accordingly,asFitzpiersreachedthetreehestoodstilltoawaither.

Hehadnotpausedunderthepricklyfoliagemorethantwominuteswhenhethoughtheheardascreamfromtheothersideoftheridge.Fitzpierswonderedwhat it couldmean; but suchwind as therewas just now blew in an adversedirection,andhismoodwaslight.Hesetdowntheoriginofthesoundtooneofthesuperstitiousfreaksorfrolicsomescrimmagesbetweensweetheartsthatstillsurvived inHintockfromold-English times;andwaitedonwherehestood tilltenminutes had passed. Feeling then a little uneasy, hismind reverted to thescream;andhewentforwardoverthesummitanddowntheemboweredincline,tillhereachedthepairofsisteroakswiththenarrowopeningbetweenthem.

Fitzpiersstumbledandallbutfell.Stretchingdownhishandtoascertaintheobstruction,itcameincontactwithaconfusedmassofsilkendraperyandiron-workthatconveyedabsolutelynoexplanatoryideatohismindatall.Itwasbutthe work of a moment to strike a match; and then he saw a sight whichcongealedhisblood.

The man-trap was thrown; and between its jaws was part of a woman'sclothing—apatternedsilkskirt—grippedwithsuchviolence that the iron teethhadpassedthroughit,skeweringitstissueinascoreofplaces.Heimmediatelyrecognizedtheskirtas thatofoneofhiswife'sgowns—thegownthatshehad

wornwhenshemethimontheverylastoccasion.

Fitzpiers had often studied the effect of these instrumentswhen examiningthe collection at HintockHouse, and the conception instantly flashed throughhimthatGracehadbeencaught,takenoutmangledbysomechancepasser,andcarriedhome,someofherclothesbeing leftbehind in thedifficultyofgettingherfree.Theshockofthisconviction,strikingintotheverycurrentofhighhope,was so great that he cried out like one in corporal agony, and in his miserybowedhimselfdowntotheground.

Ofall thedegreesandqualitiesofpunishment thatFitzpiershadundergonesincehissinsagainstGracefirstbegan,notanyevenapproximatedinintensitytothis.

"Oh,myown—mydarling!Oh,cruelHeaven—itistoomuch,this!"hecried,writhingandrockinghimselfoverthesorryaccessariesofherhedeplored.

Thevoiceofhisdistresswassufficientlyloudtobeaudibletoanyonewhomighthavebeentheretohearit;andonetherewas.Rightandleftofthenarrowpassbetweentheoaksweredensebushes;andnowfrombehindtheseafemalefigure glided, whose appearance even in the gloom was, though graceful inoutline,noticeablystrange.

Shewasinwhiteuptothewaist,andfiguredabove.Shewas,inshort,Grace,hiswife,lackingtheportionofherdresswhichtheginretained.

"Don'tbegrievedaboutme—don't,dearEdgar!"sheexclaimed,rushingupandbendingoverhim."Iamnothurtabit!IwascomingontofindyouafterIhadreleasedmyself,butIheardfootsteps;andIhidaway,becauseIwaswithoutsomeofmyclothing,andIdidnotknowwhothepersonmightbe."

Fitzpiershadsprungtohisfeet,andhisnextactwasnolessunpremeditatedbyhimthanitwasirresistiblebyher,andwouldhavebeensobyanywomannotofAmazonianstrength.Heclaspedhisarmscompletelyround,pressedhertohisbreast,andkissedherpassionately.

"You are not dead!—you are not hurt! Thank God—thank God!" he said,almost sobbing in his delight and relief from the horror of his apprehension."Grace,mywife,mylove,howisthis—whathashappened?"

"I was coming on to you," she said as distinctly as she could in the half-smothered state of her face against his. "I was trying to be as punctual aspossible,andas Ihadstartedaminute late I ranalong thepathveryswiftly—fortunately for myself. Just when I had passed between these trees I feltsomethingclutchatmydressfrombehindwithanoise,andthenextmomentIwas pulled backward by it, and fell to the ground. I screamed with terror,thinking itwas aman lyingdown there tomurderme, but the nextmoment Idiscovered itwas iron,and thatmyclotheswerecaught ina trap. Ipulled thiswayand that,but the thingwouldnot letgo,drag it as Iwould,and Ididnotknowwhat to do. I did notwant to alarmmy father or anybody, as Iwishednobody toknowof thesemeetingswithyou;so Icould thinkofnootherplanthan slipping off my skirt, meaning to run on and tell you what a strangeaccidenthadhappened tome.ButwhenIhad just freedmyselfby leaving thedressbehind, Iheardsteps,andnotbeingsure itwasyou, Ididnot like tobeseeninsuchapickle,soIhidaway."

"Itwasonlyyourspeedthatsavedyou!Oneorbothofyourlegswouldhavebeenbrokenifyouhadcomeatordinarywalkingpace."

"Oryours,ifyouhadgotherefirst,"saidshe,beginningtorealizethewholeghastlinessofthepossibility."Oh,Edgar, therehasbeenanEyewatchingoverusto-night,andweshouldbethankfulindeed!"

Hecontinuedtopresshisfacetohers."Youaremine—mineagainnow."

Shegentlyowned that shesupposedshewas. "Iheardwhatyousaidwhenyou thought Iwas injured," shewent on, shyly, "and I know that amanwhocouldsufferasyouweresufferingmusthavea tender regard forme.Buthowdoesthisawfulthingcomehere?"

"I suppose it has something to do with poachers." Fitzpiers was still soshakenbythesenseofherdangerthathewasobligedtositawhile,anditwasnot until Grace said, "If I could only get my skirt out nobody would knowanythingaboutit,"thathebestirredhimself.

Bytheirunitedefforts,eachstandingononeofthespringsofthetrap,theypressed them down sufficiently to insert across the jaws a billet which theydraggedfromafaggotnearathand;anditwasthenpossibletoextractthesilkmouthfulfromthemonster'sbite,creasedandpiercedwithmanyholes,butnot

torn.Fitzpiersassistedhertoputitonagain;andwhenhercustomarycontourswerethusrestoredtheywalkedontogether,Gracetakinghisarm,tillheeffectedanimprovementbyclaspingitroundherwaist.

Theicehavingbeenbrokeninthisunexpectedmanner,shemadenofurtherattemptatreserve."Iwouldaskyoutocomeintothehouse,"shesaid,"butmymeetingswith youhave beenkept secret frommy father, and I should like topreparehim."

"Nevermind, dearest. I could not verywell have accepted the invitation. Ishallneverlivehereagain—asmuchforyoursakeasformine.Ihavenewstotellyouonthisverypoint,butmyalarmhadputitoutofmyhead.Ihaveboughtapractice,orratherapartnership,intheMidlands,andImustgothereinaweektotakeuppermanentresidence.Mypooroldgreat-auntdiedabouteightmonthsago, and leftme enough to do this. I have taken a little furnishedhouse for atime,tillwecangetoneofourown."

He described the place, and the surroundings, and the view from thewindows,andGracebecamemuchinterested."Butwhyareyounottherenow?"shesaid.

"BecauseIcannottearmyselfawayfromheretillIhaveyourpromise.Now,darling,youwillaccompanymethere—willyounot?To-nighthassettledthat."

Grace's tremblings had gone off, and she did not say nay. They went ontogether.

The adventure, and the emotions consequent upon the reunion which thateventhadforcedon,combinedtorenderGraceobliviousofthedirectionoftheirdesultoryramble,tillshenoticedtheywereinanencircledgladeinthedensestpartofthewood,whereonthemoon,thathadimperceptiblyaddeditsraystothescene, shonealmostvertically. Itwasanexceptionally soft,balmyevening forthe timeof year,whichwas just that transient period in theMaymonthwhenbeech-treeshavesuddenlyunfolded large limpyoung leavesof the softnessofbutterflies'wings.Boughsbearingsuchleaveshunglowaround,andcompletelyenclosed them, so that itwasas if theywere inagreatgreenvase,whichhadmossforitsbottomandleafsides.

Thecloudshavingbeenpacked in thewest that evening soas to retain thedepartingglarealongwhile,thehourhadseemedmuchearlierthanitwas.But

suddenlythequestionoftimeoccurredtoher.

"I must go back," she said; and without further delay they set their facestowardsHintock.Astheywalkedheexaminedhiswatchbytheaidofthenowstrongmoonlight.

"Bythegods,IthinkIhavelostmytrain!"saidFitzpiers.

"Dearme—whereaboutsarewe?"saidshe.

"TwomilesinthedirectionofSherton."

"Thendoyouhastenon,Edgar.Iamnotintheleastafraid.IrecognizenowthepartofthewoodweareinandIcanfindmywaybackquiteeasily.I'lltellmyfatherthatwehavemadeitup.IwishIhadnotkeptourmeetingssoprivate,foritmayvexhimalittletoknowIhavebeenseeingyou.Heisgettingoldandirritable,thatwaswhyIdidnot.Good-by."

"But,asImuststayattheEarlofWessexto-night,forIcannotpossiblycatchthetrain,Ithinkitwouldbesaferforyoutoletmetakecareofyou."

"Butwhatwillmyfatherthinkhasbecomeofme?HedoesnotknowintheleastwhereIam—hethinksIonlywentintothegardenforafewminutes."

"Hewillsurelyguess—somebodyhasseenmeforcertain.I'llgoallthewaybackwithyouto-morrow."

"Butthatnewlydone-upplace—theEarlofWessex!"

"If you are so very particular about the publicity I will stay at the ThreeTuns."

"Oh no—it is not that I am particular—but I haven't a brush or comb oranything!"

CHAPTERXLVIII.

All the eveningMelbury had been coming to his door, saying, "I wonderwhereintheworldthatgirlis!NeverinallmyborndaysdidIknowherbideoutlikethis!Shesurelysaidshewasgoingintothegardentogetsomeparsley."

Melburysearchedthegarden,theparsley-bed,andtheorchard,butcouldfindno trace of her, and then he made inquiries at the cottages of such of hisworkmenashadnotgonetobed,avoidingTangs'sbecauseheknewtheyoungpeople were to rise early to leave. In these inquiries one of the men's wivessomewhatincautiouslyletoutthefactthatshehadheardascreaminthewood,thoughfromwhichdirectionshecouldnotsay.

ThissetMelbury'sfearsonend.Hetoldthementolightlanterns,andheadedbyhimselftheystarted,Creedlefollowingatthelastmomentwithquiteaburdenofgrapnelsandropes,whichhecouldnotbepersuadedtoleavebehind,andthecompany being joined by the hollow-turner and theman who kept the cider-houseastheywentalong.

Theyexplored theprecinctsof thevillage,and inashort time lightedupontheman-trap. Its discovery simply addedan itemof factwithouthelping theirconjectures;butMelbury'sindefinitealarmwasgreatlyincreasedwhen,holdingacandletotheground,hesawintheteethoftheinstrumentsomefrayingsfromGrace's clothing. No intelligence of any kind was gained till they met awoodman of Delborough, who said that he had seen a lady answering to thedescriptionherfathergaveofGrace,walkingthroughthewoodonagentleman'sarminthedirectionofSherton.

"Washeclutchinghertight?"saidMelbury.

"Well—rather,"saidtheman.

"Didshewalklame?"

"Well,'tistrueherheadhungovertowardshimabit."

Creedlegroanedtragically.

Melbury,notsuspectingthepresenceofFitzpiers,coupledthisaccountwiththeman-trapandthescream;hecouldnotunderstandwhatitallmeant;butthesinister event of the trap made him follow on. Accordingly, they bore awaytowards the town, shoutingas theywent, and induecourseemergedupon the

highway.

Nearing Sherton-Abbas, the previous information was confirmed by otherstrollers, though the gentleman's supporting arm had disappeared from theselater accounts. At last they were so near Sherton that Melbury informed hisfaithful followers that hedidnotwish todrag them farther at so late anhour,sincehecouldgoonaloneand inquire if thewomanwhohadbeenseenwerereallyGrace. But theywould not leave him alone in his anxiety, and trudgedonwardtillthelamplightfromthetownbegantoilluminatetheirfronts.AttheentrancetotheHighStreettheygotfreshscentofthepursued,butcoupledwiththenewconditionthattheladyinthecostumedescribedhadbeengoingupthestreetalone.

"Faith!—Ibelieveshe'smesmerized,orwalkinginhersleep,"saidMelbury.

However,theidentityofthiswomanwithGracewasbynomeanscertain;butthey plodded along the street. Percombe, the hair-dresser, who had despoiledMartyofhertresses,wasstandingathisdoor,andtheydulyputinquiriestohim.

"Ah—how'sLittleHintock folk by now?" he said, before replying. "NeverhaveIbeenovertheresinceonewinternightsomethreeyearago—andthenIlostmyselffindingit.Howcanyeliveinsuchaone-eyedplace?GreatHintockis bad enough—hut Little Hintock—the bats and owls would drive memelancholy-mad!It took twodays toraisemysperrits to their truepitchagainafterthatnightIwentthere.Mr.Melbury,sir,asaman'sthatputbymoney,whynotretireandlivehere,andseesomethingoftheworld?"

The responses at last given by him to their queries guided them to thebuildingthatofferedthebestaccommodationinSherton—havingbeenenlargedcontemporaneously with the construction of the railway—namely, the Earl ofWessexHotel.

Leaving the otherswithout,Melburymade prompt inquiry here.His alarmwas lessened, though his perplexity was increased, when he received a briefreplythatsuchaladywasinthehouse.

"Doyouknowifitismydaughter?"askedMelbury.

Thewaiterdidnot.

"Doyouknowthelady'sname?"

Of this, too, the household was ignorant, the hotel having been taken bybrand-newpeoplefromadistance.Theyknewthegentlemanverywellbysight,andhadnotthoughtitnecessarytoaskhimtoenterhisname.

"Oh, the gentleman appears again now," saidMelbury to himself. "Well, Iwanttoseethelady,"hedeclared.

Amessagewastakenup,andaftersomedelaytheshapeofGraceappeareddescendingroundthebendofthestair-case,lookingasifshelivedthere,butinotherrespectsratherguiltyandfrightened.

"Why—what thename—"beganher father. "I thoughtyouwentout togetparsley!"

"Oh,yes—Idid—butitisallright,"saidGrace,inaflurriedwhisper."Iamnotalonehere.IamherewithEdgar.Itisentirelyowingtoanaccident,father."

"Edgar!Anaccident!Howdoeshecomehere?Ithoughthewastwohundredmileoff."

"Yes,soheis—Imeanhehasgotabeautifulpracticetwohundredmilesoff;hehasbought itwithhisownmoney,somethatcametohim.Buthetravelledhere,andIwasnearlycaughtinaman-trap,andthat'showitisIamhere.Wewerejustthinkingofsendingamessengertoletyouknow."

Melburydidnotseemtobeparticularlyenlightenedbythisexplanation.

"Youwerecaughtinaman-trap?"

"Yes;mydresswas.That'showitarose.Edgarisup-stairsinhisownsitting-room,"shewenton."Hewouldnotmindseeingyou,Iamsure."

"Oh,faith,Idon'twanttoseehim!Ihaveseenhimtoooftena'ready.I'llseehimanothertime,perhaps,if'tistooblige'ee."

"Hecametoseeme;hewantedtoconsultmeabout this largepartnershipIspeakof,asitisverypromising."

"Oh,Iamgladtohearit,"saidMelbury,dryly.

Apauseensued,duringwhichtheinquiringfacesandwhity-brownclothesofMelbury'scompanionsappearedinthedoor-way.

"Thenbain'tyoucominghomewithus?"heasked.

"I—Ithinknot,"saidGrace,blushing.

"H'm—verywell—youareyourownmistress,"he returned, in toneswhichseemed to assert otherwise. "Good-night;" andMelbury retreated towards thedoor.

"Don'tbeangry,father,"shesaid,followinghimafewsteps."Ihavedoneitforthebest."

"Iamnotangry,thoughitistrueIhavebeenalittlemisledinthis.However,good-night.Imustgethomealong."

He left the hotel, not without relief, for to be under the eyes of strangerswhileheconversedwithhis lostchildhadembarrassedhimmuch.Hissearch-party,too,hadlookedawkwardthere,havingrushedtothetaskofinvestigation—someintheirshirtsleeves,othersintheirleatheraprons,andallmuchstained—just as they had come from theirwork of barking, and not in their Shertonmarketing attire; while Creedle, with his ropes and grapnels and air ofimpendingtragedy,hadaddedmelancholytogawkiness.

"Now,neighbors,"saidMelbury,onjoiningthem,"asitisgettinglate,we'lllegithomeagainasfastaswecan.Ioughttotellyouthattherehasbeensomemistake—somearrangemententeredintobetweenMr.andMrs.FitzpierswhichI didn't quite understand—an important practice in the Midland counties hascometohim,whichmadeitnecessaryforhertojoinhimto-night—soshesays.That'sallitwas—andI'msorryIdraggedyouout."

"Well," said thehollow-turner, "herebewesixmile fromhome,andnight-time,andnotahossorfour-footedcreepingthingtoourname.Isay,we'llhaveamosselandadropo'summattostrengthenournervesaforewevampallthewaybackagain?Mythroat'sasdryasakex.Whatd'yesayso's?"

Theyallconcurredintheneedforthiscourse,andproceededtotheantique

andlamplessbackstreet,inwhichtheredcurtainoftheThreeTunswastheonlyradiant object. As soon as they had stumbled down into the room Melburyorderedthemtobeserved,whentheymadethemselvescomfortablebythelongtable, and stretched out their legs upon the herring-boned sand of the floor.Melburyhimself,restlessasusual,walkedtothedoorwhilehewaitedforthem,andlookedupanddownthestreet.

"I'dgieheragoodshakingifsheweremymaid;pretendingtogooutinthegarden, and leading folk a twelve-mile traipse that have got to get up at fiveo'clocktomorrow,"saidabark-ripper;who,notworkingregularlyforMelbury,couldaffordtoindulgeinstrongopinions.

"Idon't speaksowarmas that," said thehollow-turner, "but if 'tis right forcouplestomakeacountrytalkabouttheirseparating,andexcitetheneighbors,andthenmakefoolsof'emlikethis,why,Ihaven'tstoodupononelegforfive-and-twentyyear."

All his listeners knew that when he alluded to his foot-lathe in theseenigmatic terms, the speaker meant to be impressive; and Creedle chimed inwith, "Ah, youngwomendowaxwanton in these days!Why couldn't she ha'bodewithher father,andbeen faithful?"PoorCreedlewas thinkingofhisoldemployer.

"But this deceivingof folks is nothingunusual inmatrimony," saidFarmerBawtree."Iknowedamanandwife—faith, Idon'tmindowning,as there'snostrangershere,thatthepairweremyownrelations—they'dbeatitthathotonehourthatyou'dhearthepokerandthetongsandthebellowsandthewarming-panfleeacrossthehousewiththemovementsoftheirvengeance;andthenexthouryou'dhear'emsinging'TheSpottedCow'togetheraspeaceableastwoholytwins;yes—andverygoodvoicestheyhad,andwouldstrikeinlikeprofessionalballet-singerstooneanother'ssupportinthehighnotes."

"And I knowed awoman, and the husband o' herwent away for four-and-twentyyear,"saidthebark-ripper."Andonenighthecamehomewhenshewassittingby the fire, and thereuponhe satdownhimselfon theother sideof thechimney-corner.'Well,'saysshe,'haveyegotanynews?''Don'tknowasIhave,'says he; 'have you?' 'No,' says she, 'except that my daughter by my secondhusbandwasmarriedlastmonth,whichwasayearafterIwasmadeawidowbyhim.' 'Oh!Anything else?' he says. 'No,' says she.And there they sat, one on

each side of that chimney-corner, and were found by their neighbors soundasleepintheirchairs,nothavingknownwhattotalkaboutatall."

"Well,Idon'tcarewhothemanis,"saidCreedle,"theyrequiredagooddealtotalkabout,andthat'strue.Itwon'tbethesamewiththese."

"No.Heissuchaprojick,yousee.Andsheisawonderfulscholartoo!"

"Whatwomendoknownowadays!"observed thehollow-turner. "Youcan'tdeceive'emasyoucouldinmytime."

"Whattheyknowedthenwasnotsmall,"saidJohnUpjohn."Alwaysagooddealmore than themen!Why,when Iwent courtingmywife that isnow, theskilfulnessthatshewouldshowinkeepingmeonherprettysideasshewalkedwasbeyondallbelief.Perhapsyou'venoticedthatshe'sgotaprettysidetoherfaceaswellasaplainone?"

"Ican'tsayI'venoticeditparticularmuch,"saidthehollow-turner,blandly.

"Well,"continuedUpjohn,notdisconcerted,"shehas.Allwomenunder thesunbeprettieronesidethant'other.And,asIwassaying,thepainsshewouldtaketomakemewalkontheprettysidewereunending!Iwarrantthatwhetherweweregoingwiththesunoragainstthesun,uphillordownhill,inwindorinlewth,thatwartofherswasalwaystowardsthehedge,andthatdimpletowardsme.TherewasI,toosimpletoseeherwheelingsandturnings;andshesoartful,though twoyears younger, that she could leadmewith a cotton thread, like ablindram;forthatwasinthethirdclimateofourcourtship.No;Idon'tthinkthewomenhavegotcleverer,fortheywasneverotherwise."

"How many climates may there be in courtship, Mr. Upjohn?" inquired ayouth—thesamewhohadassistedatWinterborne'sChristmasparty.

"Five—fromthecoolesttothehottest—leastwisetherewasfiveinmine."

"Canyegiveusthechronicleof'em,Mr.Upjohn?"

"Yes—Icould. Icouldcertainly.But 'tisquiteunnecessary.They'llcome toyebynater,youngman,toosoonforyourgood."

"At present Mrs. Fitzpiers can lead the doctor as your mis'ess could lead

you,"thehollow-turnerremarked."She'sgothimquitetame.Buthowlong'twilllastIcan'tsay.Ihappenedtobesettingawireonthetopofmygardenonenightwhenhemetherontheothersideofthehedge;andthewayshequeenedit,andfenced,andkeptthatpoorfelleratadistance,wasenoughtofreezeyerblood.Ishouldneverhavesupposeditofsuchagirl."

Melburynowreturnedtotheroom,andthemenhavingdeclaredthemselvesrefreshed, they all started on the homeward journey, whichwas by nomeanscheerlessunder the raysof thehighmoon.Having towalk thewholedistancetheycamebyafoot-pathrathershorterthanthehighway,thoughdifficultexceptto those who knew the country well. This brought them by way of GreatHintock;andpassingthechurch-yardtheyobserved,astheytalked,amotionlessfigurestandingbythegate.

"IthinkitwasMartySouth,"saidthehollow-turner,parenthetically.

"Ithink'twas;'awasalwaysalonelymaid,"saidUpjohn.Andtheypassedonhomeward,andthoughtofthematternomore.

ItwasMarty,astheyhadsupposed.Thateveninghadbeentheparticularoneof the week uponwhich Grace and herself had been accustomed to privatelydepositflowersonGiles'sgrave,andthiswasthefirstoccasionsincehisdeath,eightmonthsearlier,onwhichGracehadfailedtokeepherappointment.MartyhadwaitedintheroadjustoutsideLittleHintock,whereherfellow-pilgrimhadbeenwont to joinher, till shewasweary; and at last, thinking thatGracehadmissedherandgoneonalone,shefollowedthewaytoGreatHintock,butsawno Grace in front of her. It got later, and Marty continued her walk till shereached thechurch-yardgate;butstillnoGrace.Yethersenseofcomradeshipwouldnotallowhertogoontothegravealone,andstillthinkingthedelayhadbeenunavoidable,shestoodtherewithherlittlebasketofflowersinherclaspedhands, and her feet chilled by the dampground, tillmore than two hours hadpassed.

ShethenheardthefootstepsofMelbury'smen,whopresentlypassedontheirreturnfromthesearch.InthesilenceofthenightMartycouldnothelphearingfragmentsoftheirconversation,fromwhichsheacquiredageneralideaofwhathadoccurred,andwhereMrs.Fitzpiersthenwas.

Immediately they had dropped down the hill she entered the church-yard,going toa secludedcornerbehind thebushes,where rose theunadornedstonethatmarked the last bed ofGilesWinterborne.As this solitary and silent girlstoodthereinthemoonlight,astraightslimfigure,clothedinaplaitlessgown,the contours ofwomanhood so undeveloped as to be scarcely perceptible, themarks of poverty and toil effaced by themisty hour, she touched sublimity atpoints, and looked almost like a beingwho had rejectedwith indifference theattributeofsexfor the loftierqualityofabstracthumanism.ShestoopeddownandclearedawaythewitheredflowersthatGraceandherselfhadlaidtherethepreviousweek,andputherfreshonesintheirplace.

"Now,myown,ownlove,"shewhispered,"youaremine,andon'ymine;forshehasforgot'eeatlast,althoughforheryoudied.ButI—wheneverIgetupI'llthink of 'ee, and whenever I lie down I'll think of 'ee.Whenever I plant theyounglarchesI'llthinkthatnonecanplantasyouplanted;andwheneverIsplitagad,andwhenever I turn thecider-wring, I'll saynonecoulddo it likeyou. IfeverIforgetyourname,letmeforgethomeandHeaven!—Butno,no,mylove,Inevercanforget'ee;foryouwasaGOODman,anddidgoodthings!"

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