HerrGommissioner，neferwouldIhave——"
　　TheCommissionerraisedonewhitehand，silently，Kampferdroppedhispipeandfled。
　　Withahandateachsideofhisface，andhiselbowsrestinguponthedesk，theCommissionersatstaringatthemapwhichwasspreadandfastenedthere——staringatthesweetandlivingprofileoflittleGeorgiadrawnthereupon——atherface，pensive，delicate，andinfantile，outlinedinaperfectlikeness。
　　Whenhismindatlengthcametoinquireintotherea-
　　sonofit，hesawthatitmusthavebeen，asKampferhadsaid，unpremeditated。TheolddraughtsmanhadbeenplattingintheEliasDennysurvey，andGeorgia'slikeness，strikingthoughitwas，wasformedbynothingmorethanthemeandersofChiquitoRiver。Indeed，Kampfer'sblotter，whereonhispreliminaryworkwasdone，showedthelaborioustracingsofthecallsandthecountlesspricksofthecompasses。Then，overhisfaintpencilling，KampferhaddrawninIndiainkwithafull，firmpenthesimilitudeofChiquitoRiver，andforthhadblossomedmysteriouslythedainty，patheticprofileofthechild。
　　TheCommissionersatforhalfanhourwithhisfaceinhishands，gazingdownward，andnonedaredapproachhim。Thenhearoseandwalkedout。InthebusinessofficehepausedlongenoughtoaskthattheDennyfilebebroughttohisdesk。
　　HefoundHamlinandAverystillrecliningintheirchairs，apparentlyobliviousofbusiness。Theywerelazilydiscussingsummeropera，itbeing，theirhabit——
　　perhapstheirpridealso——toappearsupernaturallyindifferentwhenevertheystoodwithlargeinterestsimperilled。Andtheystoodtowinmoreonthisstakethanmostpeopleknew。Theypossessedinsideinfor-
　　mationtotheeffectthatanewrailroadwould，withinayear，splitthisveryChiquitoRivervalleyandsendlandvaluesballooningallalongitsroute。Adollarunderthirtythousandprofitonthislocation，ifitshouldholdgood，wouldbealosstotheirexpectations。So，whiletheychattedlightlyandwaitedfortheCommissionertoopenthesubject，therewasaquick，sidelongsparkleintheireyes，evincingadesiretoreadtheirtitlecleartothosefairacresontheChiquito。
　　Aclerkbroughtinthefile。TheCommissionerseatedhimselfandwroteuponitinredink。Thenherosetohisfeetandstoodforawhilelookingstraightoutofthewindow。TheLandOfficecappedthesummitofaboldhill。TheeyesoftheCommissionerpassedovertheroofsofmanyhousessetinapackingofdeepgreen，thewholecheckeredbystripsofblindingwhitestreets。Thehorizon，wherehisgazewasfocussed，swelledtoafairwoodedeminencefleckedwithfaintdotsofshiningwhite。
　　Therewasthecemetery，wherelaymanywhowereforgot-
　　ten，andafewwhohadnotlivedinvain。Andonelaythere，occupyingverysmallspace，whosechildishhearthadbeenlargeenoughtodesire，whilenearitslastbeats，goodtoothers。TheCommissioner'slipsmovedslightlyashewhisperedtohimself:"Itwasherlastwillandtestament，andIhaveneglecteditsolong!"
　　ThebigbrowncigarsofHamlinandAverywerefireless，buttheystillgrippedthembetweentheirteethandwaited，whiletheymarvelledattheabsentexpressionupontheCommissioner'sface。
　　Byandbyhespokesuddenlyandpromptly。
　　"Gentlemen，IhavejustindorsedtheEliasDennysurveyforpatenting。Thisofficewillnotregardyourlocationuponapartofitaslegal。"Hepausedamoment，andthen，extendinghishandasthosedearold-timeonesusedtodoindebate，heenunciatedthespiritofthatRulingthatsubsequentlydrovetheland-sharkstothewall，andplacedthesealofpeaceandsecurityoverthedoorsoftenthousandhomes。
　　"And，furthermore，"hecontinued，withaclear，softlightuponhisface，"itmayinterestyoutoknowthatfromthistimeonthisofficewillconsiderthatwhenasurveyoflandmadebyvirtueofacertificategrantedbythisstatetothemenwhowresteditfromthewildernessandthesavage——madeingoodfaith，settledingoodfaith，andleftingoodfaithtotheirchildrenorinnocentpur-
　　chasers——whensuchasurvey，althoughoverrunningitscomplement，shallcallforanynaturalobjectvisibletotheeyeofman，tothatobjectitshallhold，andbegoodandvalid。Andthechildrenofthisstateshallliedowntosleepatnight，andrumoursofdisturbersoftitleshallnotdisquietthem。For，"concludedtheCommissioner，"ofsuchistheKingdomofHeaven。"
　　Inthesilencethatfollowed，alaughfloatedupfromthepatent-roombelow。ThemanwhocarrieddowntheDennyfilewasexhibitingitamongtheclerks。
　　"Lookhere，"hesaid，delightedly，"theoldmanhasforgottenhisname。He'swritten'Patenttooriginalgrantee，'andsignedit'GeorgiaSummerfield，Comr。"'
　　ThespeechoftheCommissionerreboundedlightlyfromtheimpregnableHamlinandAvery。Theysmiled，rosegracefully，spokeofthebaseballteam，andarguedfeelinglythatquiteaperceptiblebreezehadArisenfromtheeast。Theylitfreshfatbrowncigars，anddriftedcourteouslyaway。Butlatertheymadeanothertiger-
　　springfortheirquarryinthecourts。Butthecourts，accordingtoreportsinthepapers，"coollyroastedthem"aremarkableperformance，suggestiveofliquid-airdidoes，andsustainedtheCommissioner'sRuling。
　　AndthisRulingitselfgrewtobeaPrecedent，andtheActualSettlerframedit，andtaughthischildrentospellfromit，andtherewassoundsleepo'nightsfromthepinestothesage-brush，andfromthechaparraltothegreatbrownriverofthenorth。
　　ButIthink，andIamsuretheCommissionerneverthoughtotherwise，thatwhetherKampferwasasnuffyoldinstrumentofdestiny，orwhetherthemeandersoftheChiquitoaccidentallyplattedthemselvesintothatmemo-
　　rablesweetprofileornot，therewasbroughtabout"some-
　　thinggoodforawholelotofchildren，"andtheresultoughttobecalled"Georgia'sRuling。"
　　BLINDMAN'SHOLIDAY
　　Alasforthemanandfortheartistwiththeshiftingpointofperspective!Lifeshallbeaconfusionofwaystotheone；thelandscapeshallriseupandconfoundtheother。TakethecaseofLorison。Atonetimeheappearedtohimselftobethefeeblestoffools；atanotherheconceivedthathefollowedidealssofinethattheworldwasnotyetreadytoacceptthem。Duringonemoodhecursedhisfolly；possessedbytheother，heborehimselfwithaserenegrandeurakintogreatness:inneitherdidheattaintheperspective。
　　Generationsbefore，thenamehadbeen"Larsen。"
　　Hisracehadbequeathedhimitsfine-strung，melancholytemperament，itssavingbalanceofthriftandindustry。
　　Fromhispointofperspectivehesawhimselfanoutcastfromsociety，forevertobeashadyskulkeralongtheraggededgeofrespectability；adenizendestrois-quartzdemonde，thatpatheticspheroidlyingbetweenthehautandthedemi，whoseinhabitantsenvyeachoftheirneigh-
　　bours，andarescornedbyboth。Hewasself-condemnedtothisopinion，ashewasself-exiled，throughit，tothisquaintSoutherncityathousandmilesfromhisformerhome。Herehehaddweltforlongerthanayear，know-
　　ingbutfew，keepinginasubjectiveworldofshadowswhichwasinvadedattimesbytheperplexingbulksofjarringrealities。Thenhefellinlovewithagirlwhomhemetinacheaprestaurant，andhisstorybegins。
　　TheRueChartres，inNewOrleans，isastreetofghosts。
　　ItliesinthequarterwheretheFrenchman，inhisprime，setuphistranslatedprideandglory；where，also，thearrogantdonhadswaggered，anddreamedofgoldandgrantsandladies'gloves。Everyflagstonehasitsgrooveswornbyfootstepsgoingroyallytothewooingandthefighting。Everyhousehasaprincelyheartbreak；eachdoorwayitsuntoldtaleofgallantpromiseandslowdecay。
　　BynighttheRueChartresisnowbutamurkyfissure，fromwhichthegropingwayfarersees，flungagainstthesky，thetangledfiligreeofMoorishironbalconies。Thsoldhousesofmonsieurstandyet，indomitableagainstthecentury，buttheiressenceisgone。Thestreetisoneofghoststowhosoevercanseethem。
　　Afaintheartbeatofthestreet'sancientglorystillsur-
　　vivesinacorneroccupiedbytheCaf？Carabined'Or。
　　Oncemengatheredtheretoplotagainstkings，andtowarnpresidents。Theydosoyet，buttheyarenotthesamekindofmen。Abrassbuttonwillscatterthese；
　　thosewouldhavesettheirfacesagainstanarmy。Abovethedoorhangsthesignboard，uponwhichhasbeendepictedavastanimalofunfamiliarspecies。Intheactoffiringuponthismonsterisrepresentedanunobtrusivehumanlevellinganobtrusivegun，oncethecolourofbrightgold。Nowthelegendabovethepictureisfadedbeyondconjecture；thegun'srelationtothetitleisamatteroffaith；themenacedanimal，weariedofthelongaimofthehunter，hasresolveditselfintoashapelessblot。
　　Theplaceisknownas"Antonio's，"asthename，whiteuponthered-littransparency，andgiltuponthewindows，attests。Thereisapromisein"Antonio"；ajustifiableexpectancyofsavourythingsinoilandpepperandwine，andperhapsanangel'swhisperofgarlic。Buttherestofthenameis"O'Riley。"AntonioO'Riley!
　　TheCarabined'OrisanignominiousghostoftheRueChartres。Thecaf？whereBienvilleandContidined，whereaprincehasbrokenbread，isbecomea"familyristaurant。"
　　Itscustomersareworkingmenandwomen，almosttoaunit。Occasionallyyouwillseechorusgirlsfromthecheapertheatres，andmenwhofollowavocationssub-
　　jecttoquickvicissitudes；butatAntonio's——namerichinBohemianpromise，buttameinfulfillment——mannersdebonairandgayaretoneddowntothe"family"stand-
　　ard。Shouldyoulightacigarette，minehostwilltouchyouonthe"arrum"andremindyouthattheproprietiesaremenaced。"Antonio"enticesandbeguilesfromfierylegendwithout，but"O'Riley"teachesdecorumwithin。
　　ItwasatthisrestaurantthatLorisonfirstsawthegirl。
　　Aflashyfellowwithapredatoryeyehadfollowedherin，andhadadvancedtotaketheotherchairatthelittletablewhereshestopped，butLorisonslippedintotheseatbeforehim。Theiracquaintancebegan，andgrew，andhowfortwomonthstheyhadsatatthesametableeachevening，notmeetingbyappointment，butasifbyaseriesoffortuitousandhappyaccidents。Afterdining，theywouldtakeawalktogetherinoneofthelittlecityparks，oramongthepanoramicmarketswhereexhibitsacon-
　　tinuousvaudevilleofsightsandsounds。Alwaysateighto'clocktheirstepsledthemtoacertainstreetcorner，wheresheprettilybutfirmlybadehimgoodnightandlefthim。"Idonotlivefarfromhere，"shefrequentlysaid，"andyoumustletmegotherestofthewayalone。"
　　ButnowLorisonhaddiscoveredthathewantedtogotherestofthewaywithher，orhappinesswoulddepart，leaving，himonaverylonelycorneroflife。Andatthesametimethathemadethediscovery，thesecretofhisbanishmentfromthesocietyofthegoodlaiditsfingerinhisfaceandtoldhimitmustnotbe。
　　Manistoothoroughlyanegoistnottobealsoanegotist；
　　ifhelove，theobjectshallknowit。Duringalifetimehemayconcealitthroughstressofexpediencyandhonour，butitshallbubblefromhisdyinglips，thoughitdisruptaneighbourhood。Itisknown，however，thatmostmendonotwaitsolongtodisclosetheirpassion。InthecaseofLorison，hisparticularethicspositivelyforbadehimtodeclarehissentiments，buthemustneedsdallywiththesubject，andwoobyinnuendoatleast。
　　Onthisnight，aftertheusualmealattheCarabined'Or，hestrolledwithhiscompaniondownthedimoldstreettowardtheriverTheRueChartresperishesintheoldPlaced'Armes。
　　TheancientCabildo，whereSpanishjusticefelllikehail，facesit，andtheCathedral，anotherprovincialghost，overlooksit。Itscentreisalittle，iron-railedparkofflowersandimmaculategravelledwalks，wherecitizenstaketheairofevenings。Pedestalledhighaboveit，thegeneralsitshiscavortingsteed，withhisfaceturnedstonilydowntherivertowardEnglishTurn，whencecomenomoreBritonstobombardhiscottonbales。
　　Oftenthetwosatinthissquare，butto-nightLorisonguidedherpastthestone-steppedgate，andstillriverward。
　　Astheywalked，hesmiledtohimselftothinkthatallheknewofher——exceptthatbelovedher——washername，NorahGreenway，andthatshelivedwithherbrother。Theyhadtalkedabouteverythingexceptthemselves。Perhapsherreticencehadbeencausedbyhis。
　　Theycame，atlength，uponthelevee，andsatuponagreat，prostratebeam。Theairwaspungentwiththedustofcommerce。Thegreatriverslippedyellowlypast。AcrossitAlgierslay，alongitudinousblackbulkagainstavibrantelectrichazesprinkledwithexactstars。
　　Thegirlwasyoungandofthepiquantorder。Acertainbrightmelancholypervadedher；shepossessedanuntarnished，paleprettinessdoomedtoplease。Hervoice，whenshespoke，dwarfedhertheme。Itwasthevoicecapableofinvestinglittlesubjectswithalargeinterest。Shesatatease，bestowingherskirtswiththelittlewomanlytouch，sereneasifthebegrimedpierwereasummergarden。Lorisonpokedtherottingboardswithhiscane。
　　Hebeganbytellingherthathewasinlovewithsomeonetowhomhedurstnotspeakofit。"Andwhynot？"
　　sheasked，acceptingswiftlyhisfatuouspresentationofathirdpersonofstraw。"Myplaceintheworld，"heanswered，"isnonetoaskawomantoshare。Iamanoutcastfromhonestpeople；Iamwronglyaccusedofonecrime，andam，Ibelieve，guiltyofanother。"
　　Thenceheplungedintothestoryofhisabdicationfromsociety。Thestory，prunedofhismoralphilosophy，deservesnomorethantheslightesttouch。Itisnonewtale，thatofthegambler'sdeclension。Duringonenight'ssittinghelost，andthenhadimperilledacertainamountofhisemployer'smoney，which，byaccident，hecarriedwithhim。Hecontinuedtolose，tothelastwager，andthenbegantogain，leavingthegamewinnertoasomewhatformidablesum。Thesamenighthisemployer'ssafewasrobbed。Asearchwashad；thewinningsofLorisonwerefoundinhisroom，theirtotalforminganaccusativenearnesstothesumpurloined。
　　Hewastaken，triedand，throughincompleteevidence，released，smutchedwiththesinisterdevoirsofadis-
　　agreeingjury。
　　"Itisnotintheunjustaccusation，"hesaidtothegirl，"thatmyburdenlies，butintheknowledgethatfromthemomentIstakedthefirstdollarofthefirm'smoneyI
　　wasacriminal——nomatterwhetherIlostorwon。Youseewhyitisimpossibleformetospeakoflovetoher。"
　　"Itisasadthing，"saidNorah，afteralittlepause。
　　"tothinkwhatverygoodpeoplethereareintheworld。"
　　"Good？"saidLorison。
　　"Iwasthinkingofthissuperiorpersonwhomyousayyoulove。Shemustbeaverypoorsortofcreature。"
　　"Idonotunderstand。"
　　"Nearly，"shecontinued，"aspoorasortofcreatureasyourself。"
　　"Youdonotunderstand，"saidLorison，removinghishatandsweepingbackhisfine，lighthair。"Supposeshelovedmeinreturn，andwerewillingtomarryme。
　　Think，ifyoucan，whatwouldfollow。NeveradayWouldpassbutshewouldberemindedofhersacrifice。
　　Iwouldreadacondescensioninhersmile，apityeveninheraffection，thatwouldmaddenme。No。Thethingwouldstandbetweenusforever。Onlyequalsshouldmate。Icouldneveraskhertocomedownuponmylowerplane。"
　　AnarclightfaintlyshoneuponLorison'sface。Anilluminationfromwithinalsopervadedit。Thegirlsawtherapt，asceticlook；itwasthefaceeitherofSirGalahadorSirFool。
　　"Quitestarlike，"shesaid，"isthisunapproachableangel。Reallytoohightobegrasped。"
　　"Byme，yes。"
　　Shefacedhimsuddenly。"Mydearfriend，wouldyoupreferyourstarfallen？"Lorisonmadeawidegesture。
　　"Youpushmetothebaldfact，"hedeclared；"youarenotinsympathywithmyargument。ButIwillansweryouso。IfIcouldreachmyparticularstar，todragitdown，Iwouldnotdoit；butifitwerefallen，I
　　wouldpickitup，andthankHeavenfortheprivilege。"
　　Theyweresilentforsomeminutes。Norahshivered，andthrustherhandsdeepintothepocketsofherjacket。
　　Lorisonutteredaremorsefulexclamation。
　　"I'mnotcold，"shesaid。"Iwasjustthinking。I
　　oughttotellyousomething。Youhaveselectedastrangeconfidante。Butyoucannotexpectachanceacquain-
　　ance，pickedupinadoubtfulrestaurant，tobeanangel。"
　　"Norah!"criedLorison。
　　"Letmegoon。Youhavetoldmeaboutyourself。
　　Wehavebeensuchgoodfriends。ImusttellyounowwhatIneverwantedyoutoknow。Iam——worsethanyouare。Iwasonthestage……Isanginthechorus……Iwasprettybad，Iguess……I
　　stolediamondsfromtheprimadonna……theyarrestedme……Igavemostofthemup，andtheyletmego……Idrankwineeverynight……agreatdeal……Iwasverywicked，but——"
　　Lorisonkneltquicklybyhersideandtookherhands。
　　"DearNorah!"hesaid，exultantly。"Itisyou，itisyouIlove!Youneverguessedit，didyou？'TisyouImeantallthetime。NowIcanspeak。Letmemakeyouforgetthepast。Wehavebothsuffered；letusshutouttheworld，andliveforeachother。Norah，doyouhearmesayIloveyou？"
　　"Inspiteof——"
　　"Rathersaybecauseofit。Youhavecomeoutofyourpastnobleandgood。Yourheartisanangel's，Giveittome。"
　　"Alittlewhileagoyoufearedthefuturetoomuchtoevenspeak。"
　　"Butforyou；notformyself。Canyouloveme？"
　　Shecastherself，wildlysobbing，uponhisbreast。
　　"Betterthanlife——thantruthitself——thanevery-
　　thing。"
　　"Andmyownpast，"saidLorison，withanoteofsolicitude——"canyouforgiveand——"
　　"Iansweredyouthat，"shewhispered，"whenItoldyouIlovedyou。"Sheleanedaway，andlookedthought-
　　fullyathim。"IfIhadnottoldyouaboutmyself，wouldyouhave——wouldyou——"
　　"No，"heinterrupted；"IwouldneverhaveletyouknowIlovedyou。Iwouldneverhaveaskedyouthis——Norah，willyoubemywife？"
　　Sheweptagain。
　　"Oh，believeme；Iamgoodnow——Iamnolongerwicked!Iwillbethebestwifeintheworld。Don'tthinkIam——badanymore。IfyoudoIshalldie，I
　　shalldie!"
　　Whilehewasconsoling，her，shebrightenedup，eagerandimpetuous。"Willvoumarrymeto-night？"shesaid。"Willyouproveitthatway。Ihaveareasonforwishingittobeto-night。Willyou？"
　　Ofoneoftwothingswasthisexceedingfranknesstheoutcome:eitherofimportunatebrazennessorofutterinnocence。Thelover'sperspectivecontainedonlytheone。
　　"Thesooner，"saidLorison，"thehappierIshallbe。"
　　"Whatistheretodo？"sheasked。"Whatdoyouhavetoget？Come!Youshouldknow。"
　　Herenergystirredthedreamertoaction。
　　"Acitydirectoryfirst，"hecried，gayly，"tofindwherethemanliveswhogiveslicensestohappiness。Wewillgotogetherandrouthimout。Cabs，cars，policemen，telephonesandministersshallaidus。"
　　"FatherRoganshallmarryus，"saidthegirl，withardour。"Iwilltakeyoutohim。"
　　Anhourlaterthetwostoodattheopendoorwayofanimmense，gloomybrickbuildinginanarrowandlonelystreet。ThelicensewastightinNorah'shand。
　　"Waithereamoment，"shesaid，"tillIfindFatherRogan。"
　　Sheplungedintotheblackhallway，andtheloverwasleftstanding，asitwere，ononeleg，outside。Hisimpa-
　　tiencewasnotgreatlytaxed。GazingcuriouslyintowhatseemedthehallwaytoErebus，hewaspresentlyreassuredbyastreamoflightthatbisectedthedarkness，fardownthepassage。Thenheheardhercall，andflutteredlampward，likethemoth。Shebeckonedhimthroughadoorwayintotheroomwhenceemanatedthelight。Theroomwasbareofnearlyeverythingexceptbooks，whichhadsubjugatedallitsspace。Hereandtherelittlespotsofterritoryhadbeenreconquered。Anelderly，baldman，withasuperlativelycalm，remoteeye，stoodbyatablewithabookinhishand，hisfingerstillmarkingapage。Hisdresswassombreandappertainedtoareligiousorder。Hiseyedenotedanacquaintancewiththeperspective。
　　"FatherRogan，"saidNorah，"thisishe。"
　　"Thetwoofye，"saidFatherRogan，"wanttogetmarried？"
　　Theydidnotdenyit。Hemarriedthem。Thecere-
　　monywasquicklydone。Onewhocouldhavewitnessedit，andfeltitsscope，mighthavetrembledattheterribleinadequacyofittorisetothedignityofitsendlesschainofresults。
　　Afterwardthepriestspakebriefly，asifbyrote，ofcertainothercivilandlegaladdendathateithermightorshould，atalatertime，captheceremony。Lorisontenderedafee，whichwasdeclined，andbeforethedoorclosedafterthedepartingcoupleFatherRogan'sbookpoppedopenagainwherehisfingermarkedit。
　　InthedarkhallNorahwhirledandclungtohercom-
　　panion，tearful。
　　"Willyounever，neverbesorry？"
　　Atlastshewasreassured。
　　Atthefirstlighttheyreacheduponthestreet，sheaskedthetime，justasshehadeachnight。Lorisonlookedathiswatch。Half-pasteight。
　　Lorisonthoughtitwasfromhabitthatsheguidedtheirstepstowardthecornerwheretheyalwaysparted。But，arrivedthere，shehesitated，andthenreleasedhisarm。
　　Adrugstorestoodonthecorner；itsbright，softlightshoneuponthem。
　　"Pleaseleavemehereasusualto-night，"saidNorah，sweetly。"Imust——Iwouldratheryouwould。Youwillnotobject？Atsixto-morroweveningIwillmeetyouatAntonio's。Iwanttositwithvouthereoncemore。
　　Andthen——Iwillgowhereyousay。"Shegavehimabewildering，brightsmile，andwalkedswiftlyaway。
　　Surelyitneededallthestrengthofhercharmtocarryoffthisastoundingbehaviour。ItwasnodiscredittoLorison'sstrengthofmindthathisheadbegantowhirl。
　　Pocketinghishands，herambledvacuouslyovertothedruggist'swindows，andbeganassiduouslytospelloverthenamesofthepatentmedicinesthereindisplayed。
　　Assoonasbehadrecoveredhiswits，heproceededalongthestreetinanaimlessfashion。Afterdriftingfortwoorthreesquares，heflowedintoasomewhatmorepretentiousthoroughfare，awaymuchfrequentedbyhiminhissolitaryramblings。Forherewasarowofslopsdevotedtotrafficingoodsofthewidestrangeofchoice——
　　handiworksofart，skillandfancy，productsofnatureandlabourfromeveryzone。
　　Here，foratime，heloiteredamongtheconspicuouswindows，wherewasset，emphasizedbvcongestedfloodsoflight，thecunningestspoiloftheinteriors。Therewerefewpassers，andofthisLorisonwasglad。Hewasnotoftheworld。Foralongtimehehadtouchedhisfellowmanonlyatthegearofalevelledcog-wheel——atrightangles，anduponadifferentaxis。Hehaddroppedintoadistinctlyneworbit。Thestrokeofillfortunehadacteduponhim，ineffect，asablowdeliveredupontheapexofacertainingenioustoy，themusicaltop，which-
　　whenthusbuffetedwhilespinning，givesforth，withscarcelyretardedmotion，acompletechangeofkeyandchord。
　　Strollingalongthepacificavenue，heexperiencedsingular，supernaturalcalm，accompaniedbyanunusualaactivityofbrain。Reflectinguponrecentaffairs，beassuredhimselfofhishappinessinhavingwonforabridetheonehehadsogreatlydesired，yethewonderedmildlyathisdearthofactiveemotion。Herstrangebehaviourinabandoninghimwithoutvalidexcuseonhisbridalevearousedinhimonlyavagueandcuriousspeculation。
　　Again，hefoundhimselfcontemplating，withcomplaisantserenity，theincidentsofhersomewhatlivelycareer。Hisperspectiveseemedtohavebeenqueerlyshifted。
　　Ashestoodbeforeawindownearacorner，hisearswereassailedbyawaxingclamourandcommotion。Hestoodclosetothewindowtoallowpassagetothecauseofthehubbub——aprocessionofhumanbeings，whichroundedthecorneraidheadedinhisdirection。Heperceivedasalienthueofblueandaglitterofbrassaboutacentralfigureofdazzlingwhiteandsilver，andaraggedwakeofblack，bobbingfigures。
　　TwoponderouspolicemenWereconductingbetweenthemawomandressedasifforthestage，inashort，white，satinyskirtreachingtotheknees，pinkstockings，andasortofsleevelessbodicebrightwithrelucent，armour-likescales。Uponhercurly，lighthairwasperched，atarollickingangle，ashiningtinhelmet。Thecostumewastobeinstantlyrecognizedasoneofthoseamazingcon-
　　ceptionstowhichcompetitionhasharriedtheinventorsofthespectacularballet。Oneoftheofficersborealongcloakuponhisaxm，which，doubtless，hadbeenintendedtoveiltheIcandidattractionsoftheireffulgentprisoner，but，forsomereason，ithadnotbeencalledintouse，tothevociferousdelightofthetailoftheprocession。
　　Compelledbyasuddenandvigorousmovementofthewoman，theparadehaltedbeforethewindowbywhichLorisonstood。Hesawthatshewasyoung，and，atthefirstglance，wasdeceivedbyasophisticalprettinessofherface，whichwanedbeforeamorejudiciousscrutiny。
　　Herlookwasboldandreckless，anduponhercountenance，whereyetthecontoursofyouthsurvived，werethefinger-
　　marksofoldage'scredentialedcourier，LateHours。
　　TheyoungwomanfixedherunshrinkinggazeuponLorison，andcalledtohiminthevoiceofthewrongedheroineinstraits:
　　"Say!Youlooklikeagoodfellow；comeandputupthebail，won'tyou？I'vedonenothingtogetpinchedfor。It'sallamistake。Seehowthey'retreatingme!
　　Youwon'tbesorry，ifyou'llhelpmeoutofthis。Thinkofyoursisteroryourgirlbeingdraggedalongthestreetsthisway!Isay，comealongnow，likeagoodfellow。"
　　ItmaybethatLorison，inspiteoftheunconvincingbathosofthisappeal，showedasympatheticface，foroneoftheofficersleftthewoman'sside，andwentovertohim。
　　"It'sallright，Sir，"hesaid，inahusky，confidentialtone；"she'stherightparty。WetookherafterthefirstactattheGreenLightTheatre，onawirefromthechiefofpoliceofChicago。It'sonlyasquareortwotothestation。Herrig'sprettybad，butsherefusedtochangeclothes——or，rather，"addedtheofficer，withasmile，"toputonsome。IthoughtI'dexplainmatterstoyousoyouwouldn'tthinkshewasbeingimposedupon。"
　　"Whatisthecharge？"askedLorison。
　　"Grandlarceny。Diamonds。HerhusbandisajewellerinChicago。Shecleanedhisshowcaseofthesparklers，andskippedwithacomic-operatroupe。"
　　Thepoliceman，perceivingthattheinterestoftheentiregroupofspectatorswascentreduponhimselfandLorison——theirconferencebeingregardedasapossiblenewcom-
　　plication——wasfaintoprolongthesituation——whichreflectedhisownimportance——byalittleafterpieceofphilosophicalcomment。
　　"Agentlemanlikeyou，Sir，"hewentonaffably，"wouldnevernoticeit，butitcomesinmylinetoobservewhatanimmenseamountoftroubleismadebythatcom-
　　bination——Imeanthestage，diamondsandlight-headedwomenwhoaren'tsatisfiedwithgoodhomes。Itellyou，Sir，amanthesedaysandnightswantstoknowwhathiswomenfolksareupto。"
　　Thepolicemansmiledagoodnight，andreturnedtothesideofhischarge，whohadbeenintentlywatchingLorison'sfaceduringtheconversation，nodoubtforsomeindicationofhisintentiontorendersuccour。Now，atthefailureofthesign，andatthemovementmadetocontinuetheignominiousprogress，sheabandonedhope，andaddressedhimthus，pointedly:
　　"Youdamnchalk-facedquitter!Youwasthinkingofgivingmeahand，butyouletthecoptalkyououtofitthefirstword。You'readandytotieto。Say，ifyouevergetagirl，she'llhaveapicnic。Won'tsheworkyoutothequeen'staste!Oh，my!"Sheconcludedwithataunting，shrilllaughthatraspedLorisonlikeasaw。Thepolicemenurgedherforward；thedelightedtrainofgapingfollowerscloseduptherear；andthecaptiveAmazon，acceptingherfate，extendedthescopeofhermaledictionssothatnoneinhearingmightseemtobeslighted。
　　ThentherecameuponLorisonanoverwhelmingrevulsionofhisperspective。Itmaybethathehadbeenripeforit，thattheabnormalconditionofmindinwhichhehadforsolongexistedwasalreadyabouttoreverttoitsbalance；however，itiscertainthattheeventsofthelastfewminuteshadfurnishedthechannel，ifnottheimpetus，forthechange。
　　Theinitialdetermininginfluencehadbeensosmallathingasthefactandmannerofhishavingbeenapproachedbytheofficer。Thatagenthad，bythestyleofhisaccost，restoredtheloiterertohisformerplaceinsociety。Inaninstanthehadbeentransformedfromasomewhatrancidprowleralongthefishysidestreetsofgentilityintoanhonestgentleman，withwhomevensolordlyaguardianofthepeacemightagreeablyexchangethecompliments。
　　This，then，firstbrokethespell，andsetthrillinginhimaresurrectedlongingforthefellowshipofhiskind，andtherewardsofthevirtuous。Towhatend，hevehementlyaskedhimself，wasthisfancifulself-accusation，thisemptyrenunciation，thismoralsqueamishnessthroughwhichhehadbeenledtoabandonwhatwashisheritageinlife，andnotbeyondhisdeserts？Technically，hewasuncondemned；hissoleguiltyspotwasinthoughtratherthandeed，andcognizanceofitunsharedbyothers。Forwhatgood，moralorsentimental，didheslink，retreatinglikethehedgehogfromhisownshadow，toandfrointhismustyBohemiathatlackedeventhepicturesque？
　　ButthethingthatstruckhomeandsethimragingwasthepartplayedbytheAmazonianprisoner。Tothecounterpartofthatastoundingbelligerent——identicalatleast，inthewayofexperience——toone，byherownconfession，thusfarfallen，hadhe，notthreehourssince，beenunitedinmarriage。Howdesirableandnaturalithadseemedtohimthen，andhowmonstrousitseemednow!Howthewordsofdiamondthiefnumbertwoyetburnedinhisears:"Ifyouevergetacirl，she'llhaveapicnic。Whatdidthatthatthiswomeninstinc-
　　tivelyknewhimforonetheycouldhoodwink？Stillagain，therereverberatedthepoliceman'ssapientcontributiontohisagony:"Amanthesedaysandnightswantstoknowwhathiswomenfolksareupto。"Oh，yes，hehadbeenafool；hehadlookedatthingsfromthewrongstandpoint。
　　Butthewildestnoteinalltheclamourwasstruckbypain'sforefinger，jealousy。Now，atleast，hefeltthatkeeneststing——amountingloveunworthilybestowed。
　　Whatevershemightbe，helovedher；heboreinhisownbreasthisdoom。Agrating，comicflavourtohispre-
　　dicamentstruckhimsuddenly，andhelaughedcreakinglyasheswungdowntheechoingpavement。Animpetuousdesiretoact，tobattlewithhisfate，seizedhim。Hestoppeduponhisheel，andsmotehispalmstogethertriumphantly。Hiswifewas——where？Buttherewasatangiblelink；anoutletmoreorlessnavigable，throughwhichhisderelictshipofmatrimonymightyetbesafelytowed——thepriest!
　　Likeallimaginativemenwithpliablenatures，Lorisonwas，whenthoroughlystirred，apttobecometempest-
　　uous。Withahighandstubbornindignationuponhim，beretracedhisstepstotheintersectingstreetbywhichhehadcome。Downthishehurriedtothecornerwherehehadpartedwith——anastringentgrimacetincturedthethought——hiswife。Thencestillbackheharked，follow-
　　ingthroughanunfamiliardistricthisstimulatedrecollec-
　　tionsofthewaytheyhadcomefromthatpreposterouswedding。Manytimeshewentabroad，andnosedhiswaybackto，thetrail，furious。
　　Atlast，whenhereachedthedark，calamitousbuildinginwhichhismadnesshadculminated，andfoundtheblackhallway，hedasheddownit，perceivingnolightorsound。Butheraisedhisvoice，hailingloudly；recklessofeverythingbutthatheshouldfindtheoldmischief-
　　makerwiththeeyesthatlookedtoofarawavtoseethedisasterhehadwrought。Thedooropened，andinthestreamoflightFatherRoganstood，hisbookinhand，withhisfingermarkingtheplace。
　　"Ah!"criedLorison。"YouarethemanIwant。I
　　hadawifeofyouafewhoursago。Iwouldnottroubleyou，butIneglectedtonotehowitwasdone。Willyouobligemewiththeinformationwhetherthebusinessisbeyondremedy？"
　　"Comeinside，"saidthepriest；"thereareotherlodgersinthehouse，whomightprefersleeptoevenagratifiedcuriosity。"
　　Lorisonenteredtheroomandtookthechairofferedhim。Thepriest'seyeslookedacourteousinterrogation。
　　"Imustapologizeagain，"saidtheyoungman，"forsosoonintrudinguponyouwithmymaritalinfelicities，but，asmywifehasneglectedtofurnishmewithheraddress，Iamdeprivedofthelegitimaterecourseofafamilyrow。"
　　"Iamquiteaplainman，"saidFatherRogan，pleas-
　　antly；"butIdonotseehowIamtoaskyouquestions。"
　　"Pardonmyindirectness，"saidLorison；"Iwillaskone。Inthisroomto-nightyoupronouncedmetobeahusband。Youafterwardspokeofadditionalritesorperformancesthateithershouldorcouldbeeffected。I
　　paidlittleattentiontoyourwordsthen，butIamhungrytohearthemrepeatednow。Asmattersstand，amI
　　marriedpastallhelp？"
　　"Youareaslegallyandasfirmlybound，"saidthepriest，"asthoughithadbeendoneinacathedral，inthepresenceofthousands。TheadditionalobservancesI
　　referredtoarenotnecessarytothestrictestlegalityoftheact，butwereadvisedasaprecautionforthefuture——
　　forconvenienceofproofinsuchcontingenciesaswills，inheritancesandthelike。"
　　Lorisonlaughedharshly。
　　"Manythanks，"hesaid。"Thenthereisnomistake，andIamthehappybenedict。IsupposeIshouldgostanduponthebridalcorner，andwhenmywifegetsthroughwalkingthestreetsshewilllookmeup。"
　　FatherRoganregardedhimcalmly。
　　"Myson，"hesaid，"whenamanandwomancometometobemarriedIalwaysmarrythem。Idothisforthesakeofotherpeoplewhomtheymightgoawayandmarryiftheydidnotmarryeachother。Asyousee，Idonotseekyourconfidence；butyourcaseseemstometobeonenotaltogetherdevoidofinterest。Veryfewmarriagesthathavecometomynoticehavebroughtsuchwell-
　　expressedregretwithinsoshortatime。Iwillhazardonequestion:wereyounotundertheimpressionthatyoulovedtheladyyoumarried，atthetimeyoudidso；"
　　"Lovedher!"criedLorison，wildly。"Neversowellasnow，thoughshetoldmeshedeceivedandsinnedandstole。Nevermorethannow，when，perhaps，sheislaughingatthefoolshecajoledandleft，withscarcelyaword，toreturntoGodonlyknowswhatparticularlineofherformerfolly。"
　　FatherRooananswerednothing。Duringthesilencethatsucceeded，hesatwithaquietexpectationbeaminginhisfull，lambenteye。
　　"Ifyouwouldlisten——"beganLorison。Thepriesthelduphishand。
　　"AsIhoped，"hesaid。"Ithoughtyouwouldtrustme。Waitbutamoment。"Hebroughtalongclaypipe，filledandlightedit。
　　"Now，myson，"hesaid。
　　Lorisonpouredatwelvemonth'saccumulatedcon-
　　fidenceintoFatherRogan'sear。Hetoldall；notsparinghimselforomittingthefactsofhispast，theeventsofthenight，orhisdisturbingconjecturesandfears。
　　"Themainpoint，"saidthepriest，whenhehadcon-
　　cluded，"seemstometobethis——areyoureasonablysurethatyoulovethiswomanwhomyouhavemarried？"
　　"Why，"exclaimedLorisoii，risingimpulsivelytohisfeet-"whyshouldIdenyit？Butlookatme——amfish，fleshorfowl？Thatisthemainpointtome，assureyou。"
　　"Iunderstandyou，"saidthepriest，alsorisino，，andlayingdownhispipe。"Thesituationisonethathastaxedtheenduranceofmucholdermenthanyou——infact，especiallymucholdermenthanyou。Iwilltrytorelieveyoufromit，andthisnight。Youshallseeforyourselfintoexactlywhatpredicamentyouhavefallen，andhowyoushall，possibly，beextricated。Thereisnoevidencesocredibleasthatoftheeyesight。"
　　FatherRoganmovedabouttheroom，anddonnedasoftblackhat。Buttoninghiscoattohisthroat，helaidhishandonthedoorknob。"Letuswalk，"
　　hesaid。
　　Thetwowentoutuponthestreet。Thepriestturnedhisfacedownit，andLorisonwalkedwithhimthroughasqualiddistrict，wherethehousesloomed，awryanddesoiate-looking，highabovethem。Presentlytheyturnedintoalessdismalsidestreet，wherethehousesweresmaller，and，thoughhintingofthemostmeagrecomfort，lackedtheconcentratedwretchednessofthemorepopulousbyways。
　　Atasegregated，two-storyhouseFatherRoganhalted，andmountedthestepswiththeconfidenceofafamiliarvisitor。HeusheredLorisonintoanarrowhallway，faintlylightedbyacobwebbedhanginglamp。AlmostimmediatelyadoortotherightopenedandadingyIrish-
　　womanprotrudedherhead。
　　"Goodeveningtoye，MistressGeehan，"saidthepriest，unconsciously，itseemed，fallingintoadelicatelyflavouredbrogue。"AndisityourselfcantellmeifNorahhasgoneoutagain，thenight，maybe？"
　　"Oh，it'syerblissidreverence!SureandIcantellyethesame。Thepurtydarlin'wintout，asusual，butabitlater。Andshesays:'MotherGeehan，'saysshe，'it'smelastnoightout，praisethesaints，thisnoightis!'And，oh，yerreverence，theswate，beautifuldrameofadressshehadthistoime!Whitesatinandsilkandribbons，andlaceabouttheneckandarrums——'twasasin，yerreverence，thegoldwasspintuponit。"
　　ThepriestheardLorisoncatchhisbreathpainfully，andafaintsmileflickeredacrosshisownclean-cutmouth。
　　"Well，then，MistressGeehan，"saidhe，"I'lljuststepupstairsandseethebitboyforaminute，andI'lltakethisGentlemanupwithme。"
　　"He'sawake，thin，"saidthewoman。'I'vejustcomedownfromsittingwidhimthelasthour，tillinghimfineshtoriesofouldCountyTyrone。'Tisagreedygos-
　　soon，itis，yerriverence，formeshtories。"
　　"Smallthedoubt，"saidFatherRogan。"There'snorockingwouldputhimtoslapethequicker，I'mthinking。"
　　Amidthewoman'sshrillprotestagainsttheretort，thetwomenascendedthesteepstairway。Thepriestpushedopenthedoorofaroomnearitstop。
　　"Isthatyoualready，sister？"drawledasweet，childishvoicefromthedarkness。
　　"It'sonlyouldFatherDennycometoseeye，darlin'；
　　andafoinegentlemanI'vebroughttomakeyeagr-r-andcall。Andyeresavesusfastaslapeinbed!Shameonyezmanners!"
　　"Oh，FatherDenny，isthatyou？I'mglad。Andwillyoulightthelamp，please？It'sonthetablebythedoor。AndquittalkinglikeMotherGeehan，FatherDenny。"
　　Thepriestlitthelamp，andLorisonsawatiny，towsled-
　　hairedboy，withathin，delicateface，sittingupinasmallbedinacorner。Quickly，also，hisrapidglancecon-
　　sideredtheroomanditscontents。Itwasfurnishedwithmorethancomfort，anditsadornmentsplainlyindicatedawoman'sdiscerningtaste。Anopendoorbeyondrevealedtheblacknessofanadjoiningroom'sinterior。
　　TheboyclutchedbothofFatherRogan'shands。"I'msogladyoucame，"hesaid；"butwhydidyoucomeinthenight？Didsistersendyou？"
　　"Offwidye!AmItobesintabout，atmeage，aswasTerenceMcShane，ofBallymahone？Icomeonmeownr-r-responsibility。"
　　Lorisonhadalsoadvancedtotheboy'sbedside。Hewasfondofchildren；andtheweefellow，lavinghimselfdowntosleepaloneillthatdarkroom，stirred-hisheart。
　　"Aren'tyouafraid，littleman？"heasked，stoopingdownbesidehim。
　　"Sometimes，"answeredtheboy，withashysmile，"whentheratsmaketoomuchnoise。Butnearlyeverynight，whensistergoesout，Molt-herGeehanstaysawhilewithme，andtellsmefunnystories。I'mnotoftenafraid，sir。"
　　"Thisbravelittlegentleman，"saidFatherRogan，"isascholarofmine。Everydayfromhalf-pastsixtohalf-
　　pasteight——whensistercomesforhim——hestopsinmystudy，andwefindoutwhat'sintheinsideofbooks。
　　Heknowsmultiplication，divisionandfractions；andhe'stroublingmetobeginwidthechroniclesofCiaranofClonmaciioise，CoruracMcCullenanandCuanO'Loc-
　　hain，thegr-r-reatIrishhisthorians。"Theboywasevidentlyaccustomedtothepriest'sCelticpleasantries。
　　Alittle，appreciativegrinwasalltheattentiontheinsin-
　　nationofpedantryreceived。
　　Lorison，tohavesavedhislife，couldnothaveputtothechildoneofthosevitalquestionsthatwerewildlybeatingabout，unanswered，inhisownbrain。ThelittlefellowwasverylikeNorah；hehadthesameshininghairandcandideyes。
　　"Oh，FatherDenny，"criedtheboy，suddenly，"I
　　forgottotellyou!Sisterisnotgoingawayatnightanymore!Shetoldmesowhenshekissedmegoodnightasshewasleaving。Andshesaidshewassohappy，andthenshecried。Wasn'tthatqueer？ButI'mglad；
　　aren'tyou？"
　　"Yes，lad。Andnow，yeomadhaun，gotosleep，andsaygoodnight；wemustbegoing。"
　　"WhichshallIdofirst，FatherDenny？"
　　"Faith，he'scaughtmeagain!WaittillIgetthesassenachintotheannalsofTageruach，thehagiographer；
　　I'llgivehimenoughoftheIrishidiomtomakehimmorerespectful。"
　　Thelightwasout，andthesmall，bravevoicebiddingthemgoodnightfromthedarkroom。Theygropeddownstairs，andtoreawayfromthegarrulityofMotherGeehan。
　　Againtheprieststeeredthemthroughthedimways，butthistimeinanotherdirection。Hisconductorwasserenelysilent，andLorisonfollowedhisexampletotheextentofseldomspeaking。Serenehecouldnotbe。Hisheartbeatsuffocatinglyinhisbreast。Thefollowingofthisblind，menacingtrailwaspregnantwithheknewnotwhathumiliatingrevelationtobedeliveredatitsend。
　　Theycameintoamorepretentiousstreet，wheretrade，itcouldbesurmised，flourishedbyday。Andagainthepriestpaused；thistimebeforealoftybuilding，whosegreatdoorsandwindowsinthelowestfloorwerecarefullyshutteredandbarred。Itshigheraperturesweredark，saveinthethirdstory，thewindowsofwhichwerebril-
　　liantlylighted。Lorison'searcaughtadistant，regular，pleasingthrumming，asofmusicabove。Theystoodatanangleofthebuilding。Up，alongthesidenearestthem，mountedanironstairway。Atitstopwasanupright，illuminatedparallelogram。FatherRoganhadstopped，andstood，musing。
　　"Iwillsaythismuch，"heremarked，thoughtfully:
　　"Ibelieveyoutobeabettermanthanyouthinkyourselftobe，andabettermanthanIthoughtsomehoursago。
　　Butdonottakethis，"headded，withasmile，"asmuchpraise。Ipromisedyouapossibledeliverancefromanunhappyperplexity。Iwillhavetomodifythatpromise。
　　Icanonlyremovethemysterythatenhancedthatper-
　　plexity。Yourdeliverancedependsuponyourself。
　　Come。"
　　Heledhiscompanionupthestairway。Halfwayup，Lorisoncaughthimbythesleeve。"Remember，"hegasped，"Ilovethatwoman。"
　　"Youdesiredtoknow。
　　"I——Goon。"
　　Thepriestreachedthelandingatthetopofthestairway。
　　Lorison，behindhim，sawthattheilluminatedspacewastheglassupperhalfofadooropeningintothelightedroom。Therhythmicmusicincreasedastheynearedit；thestairsshookwiththemellowvibrations。
　　Lorisonstoppedbreathingwhenhesetfootuponthehigheststep，fortheprieststoodaside，andmotionedhimtolookthroughtheglassofthedoor。