DuringthisintervalBabemployedherself，muchtoherownsatisfaction，incross-questioningSusan。Shewasratherprovokedindeedthatshecouldnotlearnexactlyhoweachoftheladieswasdressed，andwhattherewastobefordinnerattheAbbey。andshewascuriousbeyondmeasuretofindoutwhatMissSomersmeant，bysayingthatshewouldcallatMr。Price’scottageatsixo’clockintheevening。Whatdoyouthinkshecouldmean？
　　Ithoughtshemeantwhatshesaid，repliedSusan，thatshewouldcomehereatsixo’clock。
　　Ay，that’sasplainasapike-staff，saidBarbara。butwhatelsedidshemean，thinkyou？People，youknow，don’talwaysmeanexactly，downright，neithermorenorlessthanwhattheysay。
　　Notalways，saidSusan，withanarchsmile，whichconvincedBarbarathatshewasnotquiteasimpleton。
　　NOTALWAYS，repeatedBarbaracolouring，——oh，thenIsupposeyouhavesomeguessatwhatMissSomersmeant。
　　No，saidSusan，IwasnotthinkingaboutMissSomers，whenIsaidnotalways。
　　Hownicethatbrothdoeslook，resumedBarbara，afterapause。
　　Susanhadnowpouredthebrothintoabasin，andasshestrewedoveritthebrightorangemarigolds，itlookedverytempting。Shetastedit，andaddednowalittlesalt，andnowalittlemore，tillshethoughtitwasjusttohermother’staste。
　　Oh！_I_musttasteit，saidBab，takingthebasinupgreedily。
　　Won’tyoutakeaspoon？saidSusan，tremblingatthelargemouthfulswhichBarbarasuckedupwithaterriblenoise。
　　Takeaspoonful，indeed！exclaimedBarbara，settingdownthebasininhighanger。ThenexttimeItasteyourbrothyoushallaffrontme，ifyoudare！ThenexttimeIsetmyfootinthishouse，youshallbeassaucytomeasyouplease。Andsheflouncedoutofthehouse，repeatingTAKEASPOON，PIG，waswhatyoumeanttosay。
　　Susanstoodinamazementatthebeginningofthisspeech。buttheconcludingwordsexplainedtoherthemystery。
　　Someyearsbeforethistime，whenSusanwasaverylittlegirl，andcouldscarcelyspeakplain，asshewaseatingabasinofbreadandmilkforhersupperatthecottagedoor，agreatpigcameup，andputhisnoseintothebasin。Susanwaswillingthatthepigshouldhavesomeshareofthebreadandmilk。butassheatewithaspoonandhewithhislargemouth，shepresentlydiscoveredthathewaslikelytohavemorethanhisshare。
　　andinasimpletoneofexpostulationshesaidtohim，TakeaPOON，pig。*Thesayingbecomeproverbialinthevillage。Susan’slittlecompanionsrepeatedit，andappliedituponmanyoccasions，wheneveranyoneclaimedmorethanhisshareofanythinggood。Barbara，whowasthennotMissBarbara，butplainBab，andwhohadplayedwithallthepoorchildrenintheneighbourhood，wasoftenreprovedinherunjustmethodsofdivisionbySusan’sproverb。Susan，asshegrewup，forgotthechildishsaying。buttheremembranceofitrankledinBarbara’smind，anditwastothisthatshesuspectedSusanhadalluded，whensherecommendedaspoontoher，whilstshewasswallowingthebasinofbroth。
　　*Thisisatrueanecdote。
　　La，miss，saidBarbara’smaid，whenshefoundhermistressinapassionuponherreturnfromSusan’s，Ionlywonderedyoudidherthehonourtosetyourfootwithinherdoors。WhatneedhaveyoutotroubleherfornewsabouttheAbbeyfolks，whenyourownpapahasbeenthereallthemorning，andisjustcomein，andcantellyoueverything？
　　BarbaradidnotknowthatherfathermeanttogototheAbbeythatmorning，forAttorneyCasewasmysteriouseventohisownfamilyabouthismorningrides。Heneverchosetobeaskedwherehewasgoing，orwherehehadbeen。andthismadehisservantsmorethancommonlyinquisitivetotracehim。
　　Barbara，againstwhoseapparentchildishnessandrealcunninghewasnotsufficientlyonhisguard，hadoftentheartofdrawinghimintoconversationabouthisvisits。Sheranintoherfather’sparlour。butsheknew，themomentshesawhisface，thatitwasnotimetoaskquestions。hispenwasacrosshismouth，andhisbrownwigpushedobliqueuponhiscontractedforehead。Thewigwasalwayspushedcrookedwheneverhewasinabrownorrather，ablackstudy。Barbara，whodidnot，likeSusan，bearwithherfather’stestyhumourfromaffectionandgentlenessofdisposition，butwhoalwayshumouredhimfromartifice，triedallherskilltofathomhisthoughts，andwhenshefoundthatitwouldnotdo，shewenttotellhermaidso，andtocomplainthatherfatherwassocrosstherewasnobearinghim。
　　ItistruethatAttorneyCasewasnotinthehappiestmoodpossible。forhewasbynomeanssatisfiedwithhismorning’sworkattheAbbey。SirArthurSomers，theNEWMAN，didnotsuithim，andhebegantoberatherapprehensivethatheshouldnotsuitSirArthur。Hehadsoundreasonsforhisdoubts。
　　SirArthurSomerswasanexcellentlawyer，andaperfectlyhonestman。
　　Thisseemedtoourattorneyacontradictioninterms。inthecourseofhispracticethecasehadnotoccurred。andhehadnoprecedentsreadytodirecthisproceedings。SirArthurwasalsoamanofwitandeloquence，yetofplaindealingandhumanity。Theattorneycouldnotpersuadehimselftobelievethathisbenevolencewasanythingbutenlightenedcunning，andhisplaindealingheoneminutedreadedasthemasterpieceofart，andthenextdespisedasthecharacteristicoffolly。Inshort，hehadnotyetdecidedwhetherhewasanhonestmanoraknave。Hehadsettledaccountswithhimforhislateagency，andhadtalkedaboutsundrymattersofbusiness。Heconstantlyperceived，however，thathecouldnotimposeuponSirArthur。buttheideathathecouldknowallthemazesofthelaw，andyetpreferthestraightroad，wasincomprehensible。
　　Mr。Case，havingpaidSirArthursomecomplimentsonhisgreatlegalabilities，andhishighreputationatthebar，hecoollyreplied，Ihaveleftthebar。Theattorneylookedinunfeignedastonishment，thatamanwhowasactuallymaking3，OOOpoundsperannumatthebarshouldleaveit。
　　Iamcome，saidSirArthur，toenjoythatkindofdomesticlifeinthecountrywhichIprefertoallothers，andamongstpeoplewhosehappinessIhopetoincrease。Atthisspeechtheattorneychangedhisground，flatteringhimselfthatheshouldfindhismanaversetobusiness，andignorantofcountryaffairs。Hetalkedofthevalueofland，andofnewleases。
　　SirArthurwishedtoenlargehisdomain，andtomakearideroundit。A
　　mapofitwaslyinguponthetable，andFarmerPrice’sgardencameexactlyacrossthenewroadfortheride。SirArthurlookeddisappointed。andthekeenattorneyseizedthemomenttoinformhimthatPrice’swholelandwasathisdisposal。
　　Atmydisposal！howso？criedSirArthur，eagerly。itwillnotbeoutoflease，Ibelieve，thesetenyears。I’lllookintotherentrollagain。perhapsIammistaken。
　　Youaremistaken，mygoodsir，andyouarenotmistaken，saidMr。Case，withashrewdsmile。Inonesense，thelandwillnotbeoutofleasethesetenyears，andinanotheritisoutofleaseatthispresenttime。
　　Tocometothepointatonce，theleaseis，aborigine，nullandvoid。I
　　havedetectedacapitalflawinthebodyofit。Ipledgemycredituponit，sir，itcan’tstandasingleterminlaworequity。
　　Theattorneyobserved，thatatthesewordsSirArthur’seyewasfixedwithalookofearnestattention。NowIhavehim，saidthecunningtemptertohimself。
　　Neitherinlawnorequity，repeatedSirArthur，withapparentincredulity。Areyousureofthat，Mr。Case？
　　Sure！AsItoldyoubefore，sir，I’dpledgemywholecredituponthething——I’dstakemyexistence。
　　THAT’SSOMETHING，saidSirArthur，asifhewasponderinguponthematter。
　　Theattorneywentonwithalltheeagernessofakeenman，whoseesachanceatonestrokeofwinningarichfriend，andofruiningapoorenemy。Heexplained，withlegalvolubilityandtechnicalamplification，thenatureofthemistakeinMr。Price’slease。Itwas，sir，saidhe，aleaseforthelifeofPeterPrice，Susannahiswife，andtothesurvivororsurvivorsofthem，orforthefulltimeandtermoftwentyyears，tobecomputedfromthefirstdayofMaythennextensuing。Now，sir，this，yousee，isaleaseinreversion，whichthelateSirBenjaminSomershadnot，byhissettlement，arighttomake。Thisisacuriousmistake，yousee，SirArthur。andinfillingupthoseprintedleasesthere’salwaysagoodchanceofsomeflaw。Ifinditperpetually。butI
　　neverfoundabetterthanthisinthewholecourseofmypractice。
　　SirArthurstoodinsilence。
　　Mydearsir，saidtheattorney，takinghimbythebutton，youhavenoscrupleofstirringinthisbusiness？
　　Alittle，saidSirArthur。
　　Why，then，thatcanbedoneawayinamoment。Yournameshallnotappearinitatall。Youhavenothingtodobuttomakeovertheleasetome。Imakeallsafetoyouwithmybond。Now，beinginpossession，I
　　comeforwardinmyownproperperson。SHALLIPROCEED？
　　No——youhavesaidenough，repliedSirArthur。
　　Thecase，indeed，liesinanutshell，saidtheattorney，whohadbythistimeworkedhimselfuptosuchapitchofprofessionalenthusiasm，that，intentuponhisvisionofalawsuit，hetotallyforgottoobservetheimpressionhiswordsmadeuponSirArthur。
　　There’sonlyonethingwehaveforgottenallthistime，saidSirArthur。
　　Whatcanthatbe，sir？
　　Thatweshallruinthispoorman。
　　Casewasthunderstruckatthesewords，orrather，bythelookwhichaccompaniedthem。HerecollectedthathehadlaidhimselfopenbeforehewassureofSirArthur’sREALcharacter。Hesoftened，andsaidheshouldhavehadcertainlymoreCONSIDERATIONinthecaseofanybutalitigious，pig-headedfellow，asheknewPricetobe。
　　Ifhebelitigious，saidSirArthur，Ishallcertainlybegladtogethimfairlyoutoftheparishassoonaspossible。Whenyougohome，youwillbesogood，sir，astosendmehislease，thatImaysatisfymyselfbeforewestirinthisbusiness。
　　Theattorney，brighteningup，preparedtotakeleave。buthecouldnotpersuadehimselftotakehisdeparturewithoutmakingonepushatSirArthurabouttheagency。
　　Iwillnottroubleyou，SirArthur，withthisleaseofPrice’s，saidCase。I’llleaveitwithyouragent。WhomshallIapplyto？
　　TOMYSELF，sir，ifyouplease，repliedSirArthur。
　　ThecourtiersofLouistheFourteenthcouldnothavelookedmoreastoundedthanourattorney，whentheyreceivedfromtheirmonarchasimilaranswer。ItwasthisunexpectedreplyofSirArthur’swhichhadderangedthetemperofMr。Case，andcausedhiswigtostandsocrookeduponhisforehead，andwhichhadrenderedhimimpenetrablysilenttohisinquisitivedaughterBarbara。
　　Afterhavingwalkedupanddownhisroom，conversingwithhimself，forsometime，theattorneyconcludedthattheagencymustbegiventosomebodywhenSirArthurshouldhavetoattendhisdutyinParliament。
　　thattheagency，evenforthewinterseason，wasnotathingtobeneglected。andthat，ifhemanagedwell，hemightyetsecureitforhimself。Hehadoftenfoundthatsmalltimelypresentsworkedwonderfullyuponhisownmind，andhejudgedofothersbyhimself。Thetenantshadbeeninthereluctantbutconstantpracticeofmakinghimcontinualpettyofferings。andheresolvedtotrythesamecoursewithSirArthur，whoseresolutiontobehisownagent，hethought，arguedaclose，saving，avariciousdisposition。HehadheardthehousekeeperattheAbbeyinquiring，ashepassedthroughtheservants，whethertherewasanylambtobegotten？ShesaidthatSirArthurwasremarkablyfondoflamb，andthatshewishedshecouldgetaquarterforhim。Immediatelyhesalliedintohiskitchen，assoonastheideastruckhim，andaskedashepherd，whowaswaitingthere，whetherheknewofanicefatlambtobehadanywhereintheneighbourhood。
　　Iknowofone，criedBarbara。SusanPricehasapetlambthat’sasfatasfatcouldbe。Theattorneyeasilycaughtatthesewords，andspeedilydevisedaschemeforobtainingSusan’slambfornothing。
　　Itwouldbesomethingstrangeifanattorneyofhistalentsandstandingwasnotanover-matchforSimpleSusan。Heprowledforthinsearchofhisprey。HefoundSusanpackingupherfather’slittlewardrobe。andwhenshelookedupassheknelt，hesawthatshehadbeenintears。
　　Howisyourmotherto-day，Susan？inquiredtheattorney。
　　Worse，sir。Myfathergoesto-morrow。
　　That’sapity。
　　Itcan’tbehelped，saidSusan，withasigh。
　　Itcan’tbehelped——howdoyouknowthat？saidCase。
　　Sir，DEARsir！criedshe，lookingupathim，andasuddenrayofhopebeamedinheringenuouscountenance。
　　AndifYOUcouldhelpit，Susan？saidhe。Susanclaspedherhandsinsilence，moreexpressivethanwords。YouCANhelpit，Susan。Shestartedupinanecstasy。Whatwouldyougivenowtohaveyourfatherathomeforawholeweeklonger？
　　Anything！——butIhavenothing。
　　Yes，butyouhave，alamb，saidthehard-heartedattorney。
　　Mypoorlittlelamb！saidSusan。butwhatcanthatdo？
　　Whatgoodcananylambdo？Isnotlambgoodtoeat？Whydoyoulooksopale，girl？Arenotsheepkilledeveryday，anddon’tyoueatmutton？
　　Isyourlambbetterthananybodyelse’s，thinkyou？
　　Idon’tknow，saidSusan，butIloveitbetter。
　　Morefoolyou，saidhe。
　　Itfeedsoutofhand，itfollowsmeabout。Ihavealwaystakencareofit。mymothergaveittome。
　　Well，saynomoreaboutit，then，hecynicallyobserved。ifyouloveyourlambbetterthanbothyourfatherandyourmother，keepit，andgoodmorningtoyou。
　　Stay，ohstay！criedSusan，catchingtheskirtofhiscoatwithaneager，tremblinghand——awholeweek，didyousay？Mymothermaygetbetterinthattime。No，Idonotlovemylambhalfsowell。Thestruggleofhermindceased，andwithaplacidcountenanceandcalmvoice，takethelamb，saidshe。
　　Whereisit？saidtheattorney。
　　Grazinginthemeadow，bytheriverside。
　　Itmustbebroughtupbeforenight-fallforthebutcher，remember。
　　Ishallnotforgetit，saidSusan，steadily。
　　Assoon，however，asherpersecutorturnedhisbackandquittedthehouse，Susansatdown，andhidherfaceinherhands。Shewassoonarousedbythesoundofhermother’sfeeblevoice，whowascallingSusanfromtheinnerroomwhereshelay。Susanwentin。butdidnotundrawthecurtainasshestoodbesidethebed。
　　Areyouthere，love？Undrawthecurtain，thatImayseeyou，andtellme——IthoughtIheardsomestrangevoicejustnowtalkingtomychild。
　　Something’samiss，Susan，saidhermother，raisingherselfaswellasshewasableinthebed，toexamineherdaughter’scountenance。
　　Wouldyouthinkitamiss，then，mydearmother，saidSusan，stoopingtokissher——wouldyouthinkitamiss，ifmyfatherwastostaywithusaweeklonger？
　　Susan！youdon’tsayso？
　　Heis，indeed，awholeweek——buthowburninghotyourhandisstill。
　　Areyousurehewillstay？inquiredhermother。Howdoyouknow？Whotoldyouso？Tellmeallquick。
　　AttorneyCasetoldmeso。hecangethimaweek’slongerleaveofabsence，andhehaspromisedhewill。
　　Godblesshimforit，foreverandever！saidthepoorwoman，joiningherhands。Maytheblessingofheavenbewithhim！
　　Susanclosedthecurtains，andwassilent。SheCOULDNOTSAYAMEN。Shewascalledoutoftheroomatthismoment，foramessengerwascomefromtheAbbeyforthebread-bills。Itwasshewhoalwaysmadeoutthebills，forthoughshehadnotagreatnumberoflessonsfromthewriting-master，shehadtakensomuchpainstolearnthatshecouldwriteaveryneat，legiblehand，andshefoundthisveryuseful。Shewasnot，tobesure，particularlyinclinedtodrawoutalongbillatthisinstant，butbusinessmustbedone。Shesettowork，ruledherlinesforthepounds，shillingsandpence，madeoutthebillfortheAbbey，anddespatchedtheimpatientmessenger。Shethenresolvedtomakeoutallthebillsfortheneighbours，whohadmanyofthemtakenafewloavesandrollsofherbaking。Ihadbettergetallmybusinessfinished，saidshetoherself，beforeIgodowntothemeadowtotakeleaveofmypoorlamb。
　　Thiswassoonersaidthandone，forshefoundthatshehadagreatnumberofbillstowrite，andtheslateonwhichshehadenteredtheaccountwasnotimmediatelytobefound。andwhenitwasfoundthefigureswerealmostrubbedout。Barbarahadsatdownuponit。Susanporedoverthenumberofloaves，andthenamesofthepersonswhotookthem。andshewroteandcastupsums，andcorrectedandre-correctedthem，tillherheadgrewquitepuzzled。
　　Thetablewascoveredwithlittlesquarebitsofpaper，onwhichshehadbeenwritingbillsoverandoveragain，whenherfathercameinwithabillinhishand。How’sthis，Susan？saidhe。Howcanyebesocareless，child？Whatisyourheadrunningupon？Here，lookatthebillyouweresendinguptotheAbbey？Imetthemessenger，andluckilyaskedtoseehowmuchitwas。Lookatit。
　　Susanlookedandblushed。itwaswritten，SirArthurSomers，toJohnPrice，debtor，sixdozenLAMBS，somuch。Shealteredit，andreturnedittoherfather。buthehadtakenupsomeofthepaperswhichlayuponthetable。Whatareallthese，child？
　　Someofthemarewrong，andI’vewrittenthemoutagain，saidSusan。
　　Someofthem！Allofthem，Ithink，seemtobewrong，ifIcanread，
　　saidherfather，ratherangrily，andhepointedouttohersundrystrangemistakes。Herhead，indeed，hadbeenrunninguponherpoorlamb。Shecorrectedallthemistakeswithsomuchpatience，andboretobeblamedwithsomuchgoodhumour，thatherfatheratlastsaid，thatitwasimpossibleevertoscoldSusan，withoutbeinginthewrongatthelast。
　　Assoonasallwassetright，Pricetookthebills，andsaidhewouldgoroundtotheneighbours，andcollectthemoneyhimself。forthatheshouldbeveryproudtohaveittosaytothem，thatitwasallearnedbyhisownlittledaughter。
　　Susanresolvedtokeepthepleasureoftellinghimofhisweek’sreprievetillheshouldcomehometosup，ashehadpromisedtodo，inhermother’sroom。Shewasnotsorrytohearhimsighashepassedtheknapsack，whichshehadbeenpackingupforhisjourney。Howdelightedhewillbewhenhehearsthegoodnews！saidshe，toherself。butI
　　knowhewillbealittlesorrytooformypoorlamb。
　　AsSusanhadnowsettledallherbusiness，shethoughtshecouldhavetimetogodowntothemeadowbytheriversidetoseeherfavourite。butjustasshehadtiedonherstrawhatthevillageclockstruckfour，andthiswasthehouratwhichshealwayswenttofetchherlittlebrothershomefromadame-schoolnearthevillage。Sheknewthattheywouldbedisappointed，ifshewaslaterthanusual，andshedidnotliketokeepthemwaiting，becausetheywereverypatient，goodboys。sosheputoffthevisittoherlamb，andwentimmediatelyforherbrothers。
　　CHAPTERII。
　　Ev’ninthespringandplaytimeoftheyear，Thatcallsth’unwontedvillagerabroad，Withallherlittleones，asportivetrain，Togatherking-cupsintheyellowmead，Andprinktheirheadswithdaisies。
　　Cowper。
　　Thedame-school，whichwasaboutamilefromthehamlet，wasnotashowyedifice。butitwasreverencedasmuchbytheyoungraceofvillagescholarsasifithadbeenthemoststatelymansionintheland。itwasalowroofed，long，thatchedtenement，shelteredbyafewreverendoaks，underwhichmanygenerationsofhopefulchildrenhadgambolledintheirturn。
　　Thecloseshavengreen，whichslopeddownfromthehatch-dooroftheschoolroom，waspaledroundwitharudepaling，which，thoughdecayedinsomepartsbytime，wasnotinanyplacebrokenbyviolence。
　　Theplacebespokeorderandpeace。Thedamewhogovernedwaswellobeyed，becauseshewasjustandwellbeloved，andbecauseshewasevergladtogivewellearnedpraiseandpleasuretoherlittlesubjects。
　　Susanhadoncebeenunderhergentledominion，andhadbeendeservedlyherfavouritescholar。Thedameoftencitedherasthebestexampletothesucceedingtribeofemulousyoungsters。Shehadscarcelyopenedthewicketwhichseparatedthegreenbeforetheschoolroomdoorfromthelane，whensheheardthemerryvoicesofthechildren，andsawthelittletroupissuingfromthehatchway，andspreadingoverthegreen。
　　Oh，there’sSusan！criedhertwolittlebrothers，running，leaping，andboundinguptoher。andmanyoftheotherrosygirlsandboyscrowdedroundher，totalkoftheirplays。forSusanwaseasilyinterestedinallthatmadeothershappy。butshecouldnotmakethemcomprehend，that，iftheyallspokeatonceitwasnotpossiblethatshecouldhearwhatwassaid。
　　Thevoiceswerestillraisedoneaboveanother，alleagertoestablishsomeimportantobservationaboutninepins，ormarbles，ortops，orbowsandarrows，whensuddenlymusicwasheardandthecrowdwassilenced。
　　Themusicseemedtobenearthespotwherethechildrenwerestanding，andtheylookedroundtoseewhenceitcouldcome。Susanpointedtothegreatoak-tree，andtheybeheld，seatedunderitsshade，anoldmanplayinguponhisharp。Thechildrenallapproached——atfirsttimidly，forthesoundsweresolemn。butastheharperheardtheirlittlefootstepscomingtowardshim，hechangedhishandandplayedoneofhismostlivelytunes。Thecircleclosed，andpressednearerandnearertohim。somewhowereintheforemostrowwhisperedtoeachother，Heisblind！Whatapity！andHelooksverypoor，——whataraggedcoathewears！saidothers。Hemustbeveryold，forallhishairiswhite。
　　andhemusthavetravelledagreatway，forhisshoesarequitewornout，observedanother。
　　Alltheseremarksweremadewhilsthewastuninghisharp，forwhenheoncemorebegantoplay，notawordwasuttered。Heseemedpleasedbytheirsimpleexclamationsofwonderanddelight，and，eagertoamusehisyoungaudience，heplayednowagayandnowapatheticair，tosuittheirseveralhumours。
　　Susan’svoice，whichwassoftandsweet，expressiveofgentlenessandgoodnature，caughthisearthemomentshespoke。Heturnedhisfaceeagerlytotheplacewhereshestood。anditwasobserved，thatwhenevershesaidthatshelikedanytuneparticularlyheplayeditoveragain。
　　Iamblind，saidtheoldman，andcannotseeyourfaces。butIknowyouallasunderbyyourvoices，andIcanguessprettywellatallyourhumoursandcharactersbyyourvoices。
　　Canyouso，indeed？criedSusan’slittlebrotherWilliam，whohadstationedhimselfbetweentheoldman’sknees。ThenyouheardMYsisterSusanspeakjustnow。Canyoutelluswhatsortofpersonsheis？
　　ThatIcan，Ithink，withoutbeingaconjurer，saidtheoldman，liftingtheboyuponhisknee。YOURsisterSusanisgood-natured。Theboyclappedhishands。Andgood-tempered。RIGHT，saidlittleWilliam，withalouderclapofapplause。Andveryfondofthelittleboywhositsuponmyknee。Oright！right！quiteright！exclaimedthechild，andquiterightechoedonallsides。
　　Buthowcameyoutoknowsomuch，whenyouareblind？saidWilliam，examiningtheoldmanattentively。
　　Hush，saidJohn，whowasayearolderthanhisbrother，andverysage，youshouldnotputhiminmindofhisbeingblind。
　　ThoughIamblind，saidtheharper，Icanhear，youknow，andIheardfromyoursisterherselfallthatItoldyouofher，thatshewasgood-
　　temperedandgood-naturedandfondofyou。
　　Oh，that’swrong——youdidnothearallthatfromherself，I’msure，
　　saidJohn，fornobodyeverhearsherpraisingherself。
　　DidnotIhearhertellyou，saidtheharper，whenyoufirstcameroundme，thatshewasinagreathurrytogohome，butthatshewouldstayalittlewhile，sinceyouwisheditsomuch？Wasnotthatgood-
　　natured？Andwhenyousaidyoudidnotlikethetuneshelikedbest，shewasnotangrywithyou，butsaid，’ThenplayWilliam’sfirst，ifyouplease，’——wasnotthatgood-tempered？
　　Oh，interruptedWilliam，it’salltrue。buthowdidyoufindoutthatshewasfondofme？
　　Thatissuchadifficultquestion，saidtheharper，thatImusttaketimetoconsider。Theharpertunedhisinstrument，ashepondered，orseemedtoponder：andatthisinstant，twoboyswhohadbeensearchingforbirds’nestsinthehedges，andwhohadheardthesoundoftheharp，cameblusteringup，andpushingtheirwaythroughthecircle，oneofthemexclaimed，What’sgoingonhere？Whoareyou，myoldfellow？Ablindharper！Well，playusatune，ifyoucanplayeveragoodone——playme——
　　let’ssee，whatshallheplay，Bob？addedheturningtohiscompanion。
　　BumperSquireJones。
　　Theoldman，thoughhedidnotseemquitepleasedwiththeperemptorymanneroftherequest，played，ashewasdesired，BumperSquireJones。
　　andseveralothertuneswereafterwardsbespokebythesameroughandtyrannicalvoice。
　　Thelittlechildrenshrunkbackintimidsilence，andeyedthebrutalboywithdislike。ThisboywasthesonofAttorneyCase。andashisfatherhadneglectedtocorrecthistemperwhenhewasachild，ashegrewupitbecameinsufferable。Allwhowereyoungerandweakerthanhimself，dreadedhisapproach，anddetestedhimasatyrant。
　　Whentheoldharperwassotiredthathecouldplaynomore，alad，whousuallycarriedhisharpforhim，andwhowaswithincall，cameup，andheldhismaster’shattothecompany，saying，Willyoubepleasedtorememberus？Thechildrenreadilyproducedtheirhalfpence，andthoughttheirwealthwellbestoweduponthispoor，good-naturedman，whohadtakensomuchpainstoentertainthem，bettereventhanuponthegingerbreadwoman，whosestalltheylovedtofrequent。Thehatwasheldsometimetotheattorney’ssonbeforehechosetoseeit。Atlastheputhishandsurlilyintohiswaistcoatpocketandpulledoutashilling。
　　Thereweresixpennyworthofhalfpenceinthehat。I’lltakethesehalfpence，saidhe，andhere’sashillingforyou。
　　Godblessyou，sir，saidthelad。butashetooktheshillingwhichtheyounggentlemanhadslilyputINTOTHEBLINDMAN’SHAND，hesawthatitwasnotworthonefarthing。Iamafraiditisnotgood，sir，saidthelad，whosebusinessitwastoexaminethemoneyforhismaster。
　　Iamafraid，then，you’llgetnoother，saidyoungCase，withaninsultinglaugh。
　　Itneverwilldo，sir，persistedthelad。lookatityourself。theedgesareallyellow！youcanseethecopperthroughitquiteplain。
　　Sir，nobodywilltakeitfromus。
　　That’syouraffair，saidthebrutalboy，pushingawayhishand。Youmaypassit，youknow，aswellasIdo，ifyoulooksharp。Youhavetakenitfromme，andIshan’ttakeitbackagain，Ipromiseyou。
　　Awhisperofthat’sveryunjust，washeard。Thelittleassembly，thoughunderevidentconstraint，couldnolongersuppresstheirindignation。
　　Whosaysit’sunjust？criedthetyrant，sternly，lookingdownuponhisjudges。
　　Susan’slittlebrothershadheldhergownfast，topreventherfrommovingatthebeginningofthiscontest，andshewasnowsomuchinterestedtoseetheendofit，thatshestoodstill，withoutmakinganyresistance。
　　Isanyonehereamongstyourselvesajudgeofsilver？saidtheoldman。
　　Yes，here’sthebutcher’sboy，saidtheattorney’sson。showittohim。Hewasasickly-lookingboy，andofaremarkablypeacefuldisposition。YoungCasefanciedthathewouldbeafraidtogivejudgmentagainsthim。However，aftersomemoments’hesitation，andafterturningtheshillingroundseveraltimes，hepronounced，that，asfarashisjudgmentwent，buthedidnotpretendtobeadownrightCERTAINSUREofit，theshillingwasnotoverandabovegood。ThentoSusan，toscreenhimselffrommanifestdanger，fortheattorney’ssonlookeduponhimwithavengefulmien，Buthere’sSusanhere，whounderstandssilveragreatdealbetterthanIdo。shetakesapowerofitforbread，youknow。
　　I’llleaveittoher，saidtheoldharper。ifshesaystheshillingisgood，keepit，Jack。TheshillingwashandedtoSusan，who，thoughshehadwithbecomingmodestyforborneallinterference，didnothesitate，whenshewascalledupon，tospeakthetruth：Ithinkthatthisshillingisabadone，saidshe。andthegentlebutfirmtoneinwhichshepronouncedthewords，foramomentawedandsilencedtheangryandbrutalboy。There’sanother，then，criedhe。Ihavesixpencesandshillingstooinplenty，thankmystars。
　　Susannowwalkedawaywithhertwolittlebrothers，andalltheotherchildrenseparatedtogototheirseveralhomes。TheoldharpercalledtoSusan，andbegged，that，ifshewasgoingtowardsthevillage，shewouldbesokindastoshowhimtheway。Hisladtookuphisharp，andlittleWilliamtooktheoldmanbythehand。I’llleadhim，Icanleadhim，saidhe。andJohnranonbeforethem，togatherking-cupsinthemeadow。
　　Therewasasmallrivulet，whichtheyhadtocross，andasaplankwhichservedforabridgeoveritwasrathernarrow，Susanwasafraidtotrusttheoldblindmantohislittleconductor。shethereforewentonthetotteringplankfirstherself，andthenledtheoldharpercarefullyover。Theywerenowcometoagate，whichopeneduponthehighroadtothevillage。Thereisthehighroadstraightbeforeyou，saidSusantothelad，whowascarryinghismaster’sharp。youcan’tmissit。NowI
　　mustbidyouagoodevening。forI’minagreathurrytogethome，andmustgotheshortwayacrossthefieldshere，whichwouldnotbesopleasantforyou，becauseofthestiles。Good-bye。Theoldharperthankedher，andwentalongthehighroad，whilstsheandherbrotherstrippedonasfastastheycouldbytheshortwayacrossthefields。
　　MissSomers，Iamafraid，willbewaitingforus，saidSusan。Youknowshesaidshewouldcallatsix。andbythelengthofourshadowsI’msureitislate。
　　Whentheycametotheirowncottage-door，theyheardmanyvoices，andtheysaw，whentheyentered，severalladiesstandinginthekitchen。
　　Comein，Susan。wethoughtyouhadquiteforsakenus，saidMissSomerstoSusan，whoadvancedtimidly。Ifancyyouforgotthatwepromisedtopayyouavisitthisevening，butyouneednotblushsomuchaboutthematter。thereisnogreatharmdone。wehaveonlybeenhereaboutfiveminutes。andwehavebeenwellemployedinadmiringyourneatgarden，andyourorderlyshelves。Isityou，Susan，whokeepsthesethingsinsuchniceorder？continuedMissSomers，lookingroundthekitchen。
　　BeforeSusancouldreply，littleWilliampushedforward，andanswered，Yes，ma’am，itisMYsisterSusanthatkeepseverythingneat。andshealwayscomestoschoolforus，too，whichwaswhatcausedhertobesolate。
　　Becauseashow，continuedJohn，shewaslothtorefuseusthehearingablindmanplayontheharp。Itwaswekepther，andwehopes，ma’am，asyouARE——asyouSEEMsogood，youwon’ttakeitamiss。
　　MissSomersandhersistersmiledattheaffectionatesimplicitywithwhichSusan’slittlebrothersundertookherdefence，andtheywere，fromthisslightcircumstance，disposedtothinkyetmorefavourablyofafamilywhichseemedsowellunited。TheytookSusanalongwiththemthroughthevillage。Manyneighbourscametotheirdoors，andfarfromenvying，theyallsecretlywishedSusanwellasshepassed。
　　Ifancyweshallfindwhatwewanthere，saidMissSomers，stoppingbeforeashop，whereunfoldedsheetsofpinsandglassbuttonsglistenedinthewindow，andwhererollsofmanycolouredribbonsappearedrangedintemptingorder。Shewentin，andwasrejoicedtoseetheshelvesatthebackofthecounterwell-furnishedwithglossytiersofstuffs，andgay，neatprintedlinensandcalicoes。
　　Now，Susan，chooseyourselfagown，saidMissSomers。yousetanexampleofindustryandgoodconduct，ofwhichwewishtotakepublicnotice，forthebenefitofothers。
　　Theshopkeeper，whowasfathertoSusan’sfriendRose，lookedmuchsatisfiedbythisspeech，andasifacomplimenthadbeenpaidtohimself，bowedlowtoMissSomers，andthenwithalertness，whichaLondonlinen-drapermighthaveadmired，producedpieceafterpieceofhisbestgoodstohisyoungcustomer——unrolled，unfolded，heldthebrightstuffsandcalenderedcalicoesinvariouslights。Nowstretchedhisarmtothehighestshelves，andbroughtdowninatricewhatseemedtobebeyondthereachofanybutagiant’sarm。nowdivedintosomehiddenrecessbeneaththecounter，andbroughttolightfreshbeautiesandfreshtemptations。
　　Susanlookedonwithmoreindifferencethanmostofthespectators。Shewasthinkingmuchofherlamb，andmoreofherfather。
　　MissSomershadputabrightguineaintoherhand，andhadbidherpayforherowngown。butSusan，asshelookedattheguinea，thoughtitwasagreatdealofmoneytolayoutuponherself，andshewished，butdidknowliketoask，thatshemightkeepitforabetterpurpose。
　　Somepeoplearewhollyinattentivetothelesserfeelings，andincapableofreadingthecountenancesofthoseonwhomtheybestowtheirbounty。
　　MissSomersandhersisterwerenotofthisroughlycharitableclass。
　　Shedoesnotlikeanyofthesethings，whisperedMissSomerstohersister。Hersisterobserved，thatSusanlookedasifherthoughtswerefardistantfromgowns。
　　Ifyoudon’tfancyanyofthese，saidthecivilshopkeepertoSusan，weshallhaveanewassortmentofcalicoesforthespringseason，soonfromtown。
　　Oh，interruptedSusan，withasmileandablush。theseareallpretty，andtoogoodforme，but——
　　BUTwhat，Susan？saidMissSomers。Telluswhatispassinginyourlittlemind。Susanhesitated。Wellthen，wewillnotpressyou，youarescarcelyacquaintedwithusyet。whenyouare，youwillnotbeafraid，Ihope，tospeakyourmind。Putthisshiningyellowcounter，
　　continuedshe，pointingtotheguinea，inyourpocket，andmakewhatuseofityouplease。Fromwhatweknow，andfromwhatwehaveheardofyou，wearepersuadedthatyouwillmakeagooduseofit。
　　Ithink，madam，saidthemasteroftheshop，withashrewd，goodnaturedlook，Icouldgiveaprettygoodguessmyselfwhatwillbecomeofthatguinea。butIsaynothing。
　　No，thatisright，saidMissSomers。weleaveSusanentirelyatliberty。andnowwewillnotdetainheranylonger。Goodnight，Susan，weshallsooncomeagaintoyourneatcottage。Susancurtsied，withanexpressivelookofgratitude，andwithamodestfranknessinhercountenance，whichseemedtosay，Iwouldtellyou，andwelcome，whatI
　　wanttodowiththeguinea。butIamnotusedtospeakbeforesomanypeople。Whenyoucometoourcottageagainyoushallknowall。
　　WhenSusanhaddeparted，MissSomersturnedtotheobligingshopkeeper，whowasfoldingupallthethingshehadopened。Youhavehadagreatdealoftroublewithus，sir，saidshe。andsinceSusanwillnotchooseagownforherself，Imust。Sheselectedtheprettiest。andwhilstthemanwasrollingitinpaper，sheaskedhimseveralquestionsaboutSusanandherfamily，whichhewasdelightedtoanswer，becausehehadnowallopportunityofsayingasmuchashewishedinherpraise。
　　Nolaterback，ma’am，thanlastMaymorning，saidhe，asmydaughterRosewastellingus，Susandidaturn，inherquietway，byhermother，thatwouldnotdispleaseyouifyouweretohearit。ShewastohavebeenQueenoftheMay，whichinourlittlevillage，amongsttheyoungertribe，isathingthatisthoughtofagooddeal。butSusan’smotherwasill，andSusan，aftersittingupwithherallnight，wouldnotleaveherinthemorning，evenwhentheybroughtthecrowntoher。SheputthecrownuponmydaughterRose’sheadwithherownhands。and，tobesure，Roselovesheraswellasifshewasherownsister。ButIdon’tspeakfrompartiality。forIamnorelationwhatevertothePrices——onlyawell-wisher，aseveryone，Ibelieve，whoknowsthemis。I’llsendtheparceluptotheAbbey，shallI，ma’am？
　　Ifyouplease，saidMissSomers，and，assoonasyoureceiveyournewthingsfromtown，letusknow。Youwill，Ihope，findusgoodcustomersandwell-wishers，addedshe，withasmile。forthosewhowishwelltotheirneighbourssurelydeservetohavewell-wishersthemselves。
　　Afewwordsmayencouragethebenevolentpassions，andmaydisposepeopletoliveinpeaceandhappiness。afewwordsmaysetthematvariance，andmayleadtomiseryandlawsuits。AttorneyCaseandMissSomerswerebothequallyconvincedofthis，andtheirpracticewasuniformlyconsistentwiththeirprinciples。
　　ButnowtoreturntoSusan。Sheputthebrightguineacarefullyintotheglovewiththetwelveshillings，whichshehadreceivedfromhercompanionsonMayday。Besidesthistreasure，shecalculatedthattheamountofthebillsforbreadcouldnotbelessthaneightornineandthirtyshillings。andasherfatherwasnowsureofaweek’sreprieve，shehadgreathopesthat，bysomemeansorother，itwouldbepossibletomakeupthewholesumnecessarytopayforasubstitute。Ifthatcouldbutbedone，saidshetoherself，howhappywouldmymotherbe。Shewouldbequitestoutagain，forshecertainlyisagreatdealbetter，sinceItoldherthatfatherwouldstayaweeklonger。Ah！butshewouldnothaveblessedAttorneyCase，though，ifshehadknownaboutmypoorDaisy。
　　Susantookthepaththatledtothemeadowbythewaterside，resolvedtogobyherself，andtakeleaveofherinnocentfavourite。Butshedidnotpassbyunperceived。Herlittlebrotherswerewatchingforherreturn，and，assoonastheysawher，theyranafterher，andovertookherasshereachedthemeadow。
　　Whatdidthatgoodladywantwithyou？criedWilliam。but，lookingupinhissister’sface，hesawtearsinhereyes，andhewassilent，andwalkedonquietly。Susansawherlambbythewater-side。Whoarethosetwomen？saidWilliam。WhataretheygoingtodowithDAISY？ThetwomenwereAttorneyCaseandthebutcher。Thebutcherwasfeelingwhetherthelambwasfat。
　　Susansatdownuponthebankinsilentsorrow。herlittlebrothersranuptothebutcher，anddemandedwhetherhewasgoingtoDOANYHARMtothelamb。Thebutcherdidnotanswer，buttheattorneyreplied，Itisnotyoursister’slambanylonger。it’smine——minetoallintentsandpurposes。
　　Yours！criedthechildren，withterror。andwillyoukillit？
　　That’sthebutcher’sbusiness。
　　Thelittleboysnowburstintopiercinglamentations。Theypushedawaythebutcher’shand。theythrewtheirarmsroundtheneckofthelamb。
　　theykisseditsforehead——itbleated。Itwillnotbleatto-morrow！
　　saidWilliam，andheweptbitterly。Thebutcherlookedaside，andhastilyrubbedhiseyeswiththecornerofhisblueapron。
　　Theattorneystoodunmoved。hepulleduptheheadofthelamb，whichhadjuststoopedtocropamouthfulofclover。Ihavenotimetowaste，
　　saidhe。butcher，you’llaccountwithme。Ifit’sfat——thesoonerthebetter。I’venomoretosay。Andhewalkedoff，deaftotheprayersofthepoorchildren。
　　Assoonastheattorneywasoutofsight，Susanrosefromthebankwhereshewasseated，cameuptoherlamb，andstoopedtogathersomeofthefreshdewytrefoil，toletiteatoutofherhandforthelasttime。
　　PoorDaisylickedherwellknownhand。
　　Now，letusgo，saidSusan。
　　I’llwaitaslongasyouplease，saidthebutcher。Susanthankedhim，butwalkedawayquickly，withoutlookingagainatherlamb。Herlittlebrothersbeggedthemantostayafewminutes，fortheyhadgatheredahandfulofbluespeedwellandyellowcrowsfoot，andtheyweredeckingthepooranimal。Asitfollowedtheboysthroughthevillage，thechildrencollectedastheypassed，andthebutcher’sownsonwasamongstthenumber。Susan’ssteadinessaboutthebadshillingwasfullinthisboy’smemory。ithadsavedhimabeating。HewentdirectlytohisfathertobegthelifeofSusan’slamb。
　　Iwasthinkingaboutit，boy，myself，saidthebutcher。it’sasintokillaPETLAMB，I’mthinking——anyway，it’swhatI’mnotusedto，anddon’tfancydoing，andI’llgoandsayasmuchtoAttorneyCase。buthe’sahardman。there’sbutonewaytodealwithhim，andthat’sthewayI
　　musttake，thoughsobeIshallbetheloserthereby。butwe’llsaynothingtotheboys，forfearitmightbethethingwouldnottake。andthenitwouldbeworseagaintopoorSusan，whoisagoodgirl，andalwayswas，aswellasshemay，beingofagoodbreed，andwellrearedfromthefirst。
　　Come，lads，don’tkeepacrowdandascandalaboutmydoor，continuedhe，aloud，tothechildren。turnthelambinhere，John，inthepaddock，forto-night，andgoyourwayshome。
　　Thecrowddispersed，butmurmured，andthebutcherwenttotheattorney。
　　Seeingthatallyouwantisagood，fat，tenderlamb，forapresentforSirArthur，asyoutoldme，saidthebutcher，Icouldletyouhavewhat’sasgoodorbetterforyourpurpose。
　　Better——ifit’sbetter，I’mreadytohearreason。
　　Thebutcherhadchoice，tenderlamb，hesaid，fittoeatthenextday。
　　andasMr。CasewasimpatienttomakehisofferingtoSirArthur，heacceptedthebutcher’sproposal，thoughwithsuchseemingreluctance，thatheactuallysqueezedoutofhim，beforehewouldcompletethebargain，abribeofafinesweetbread。
　　InthemeantimeSusan’sbrothersranhometotellherthatherlambwasputintothepaddockforthenight。thiswasalltheyknew，andeventhiswassomecomforttoher。Rose，hergoodfriend，waswithher，andshehadbeforeherthepleasureoftellingherfatherofhisweek’sreprieve。
　　Hermotherwasbetter，andevensaidshewasdeterminedtosituptosupperinherwickerarmchair。
　　Susanwasgettingthisreadyforsupper，whenlittleWilliam，whowasstandingatthehousedoor，watchingintheduskforhisfather’sreturn，suddenlyexclaimed，Susan！ifhereisnotouroldman！
　　Yes，saidtheoldharper，Ihavefoundmywaytoyou。Theneighbourswerekindenoughtoshowmewhereaboutsyoulived。for，thoughIdidn’tknowyourname，theyguessedwhoImeantbywhatIsaidofyouall。
　　Susancametothedoor，andtheoldmanwasdelightedtohearherspeakagain。Ifitwouldnotbetoobold，saidhe，I’mastrangerinthispartofthecountry，andcomefromafaroff。Myboyhasgotabedforhimselfhereinthevillage。butIhavenoplace。Couldyoubesocharitableastogiveanoldblindmananight’slodging？Susansaidshewouldstepinandaskhermother。andshesoonreturnedwithananswer，thathewasheartilywelcome，ifhecouldsleepuponthechildren’sbed，whichwasbutsmall。
　　Theoldmanthankfullyenteredthehospitablecottage。Hestruckhisheadagainstthelowroof，ashesteppedoverthedoorsill。Manyroofsthataretwiceashigharenothalfsogood，saidhe。OfthishehadjusthadexperienceatthehouseoftheAttorneyCase，whilehehadasked，buthadbeenroughlyrefusedallassistancebyMissBarbara，whowas，accordingtoherusualcustom，standingstaringatthehalldoor。
　　Theoldman’sharpwassetdowninFarmerPrice’skitchen，andhepromisedtoplayatunefortheboysbeforetheywenttobed。theirmothergivingthemleavetosituptosupperwiththeirfather。Hecamehomewithasorrowfulcountenance。buthowsoondiditbrighten，whenSusan，withasmile，saidtohim，Father，we’vegoodnewsforyou！goodnewsforusall！——Youhaveawholeweeklongertostaywithus。andperhaps，continuedshe，puttingherlittlepurseintohishands，——
　　perhapswithwhat’shere，andthebreadbills，andwhatmaysomehowbegottogetherbeforeaweek’satanend，wemaymakeupthenineguineasforthesubstitute，astheycallhim。Whoknows，dearestmother，butwemaykeephimwithusforever！Asshespoke，shethrewherarmsroundherfather，whopressedhertohisbosomwithoutspeaking，forhisheartwasfull。Hewassomelittletimebeforehecouldperfectlybelievethatwhatheheardwastrue。buttherevivedsmilesofhiswife，thenoisyjoyofhislittleboys，andthesatisfactionthatshoneinSusan’scountenance，convincedhimthathewasnotinadream。
　　Astheysatdowntosupper，theoldharperwasmadewelcometohisshareofthecheerfulthoughfrugalmeal。
　　Susan’sfather，assoonassupperwasfinished，evenbeforehewouldlettheharperplayatuneforhisboys，openedthelittlepurse，whichSusanhadgivenhim。Hewassurprisedatthesightofthetwelveshillings，andstillmore，whenhecametothebottomofthepurse，toseethebrightgoldenguinea。
　　Howdidyoucomebyallthismoney，Susan？saidhe。
　　Honestlyandhandsomely，thatI’msureofbeforehand，saidherproudmother。buthowIcan’tmakeout，exceptbythebaking。Hey，Susanisthisyourfirstbaking？
　　Oh，no，no，saidherfather，Ihaveherfirstbakingsnughere，besides，inmypocket。Ikeptitforasurprise，todoyourmother’sheartgood，Susan。Here’stwenty-nineshillings，andtheAbbeybill，whichisnotpaidyet，comestotenmore。Whatthinkyouofthis，wife？
　　HavewenotarighttobeproudofourSusan？Why，continuedhe，turningtotheharper，Iaskyourpardonforspeakingoutsofreebeforestrangersinpraiseofmyown，whichIknowisnotmannerly。butthetruthisthefittestthingtobespoken，asIthink，atalltimes。
　　therefore，here’syourgoodhealth，Susan。why，by-and-byshe’llbeworthherweightingold——insilveratleast。Buttellus，child，howcameyoubyallthisriches？andhowcomesitthatIdon’tgoto-morrow？Allthishappynewsmakesmesogayinmyself，I’mafraidIshallhardlyunderstanditrightly。Butspeakon，child——firstbringingusabottleofthegoodmeadyoumadelastyearfromyourownhoney。
　　Susandidnotmuchliketotellthehistoryofherguinea-hen——ofthegownandofherpoorlamb。Partofthiswouldseemasifshewasvauntingofherowngenerosity，andpartofitshedidnotliketorecollect。Buthermotherpressedtoknowthewhole，andsherelateditassimplyasshecould。Whenshecametothestoryofherlamb，hervoicefaltered，andeverybodypresentwastouched。Theoldharpersighedonce，andclearedhisthroatseveraltimes。Hethenaskedforhisharp，and，aftertuningitforaconsiderabletime，herecollected——forhehadoftenfitsofabsence——thathesentforittoplaythetunehehadpromisedtotheboys。
　　Thisharpercamefromagreatdistance，fromthemountainsofWales，tocontendwithseveralothercompetitorsforaprize，whichhadbeenadvertisedbyamusicalsocietyaboutayearbeforethistime。TherewastobeasplendidballgivenupontheoccasionatShrewsbury，whichwasaboutfivemilesfromourvillage。Theprizewastenguineasforthebestperformerontheharp，andtheprizewasnowtobedecidedinafewdays。
　　AllthisintelligenceBarbarahadlongsincegainedfromhermaid，whooftenpaidvisitstothetownofShrewsbury，andshehadlonghadherimaginationinflamedwiththeideaofthissplendidmusic-meetingandball。Oftenhadshesighedtobethere，andoftenhadsherevolvedinhermindschemesforintroducingherselftosomeGENTEELneighbours，whomighttakehertotheballINTHEIRCARRIAGE。Howrejoiced，howtriumphantwasshe，whenthisveryevening，justaboutthetimewhenthebutcherwasbargainingwithherfatheraboutSusan’slamb，aservantfromtheAbbeyrappedatthedoor，andleftacardforMr。andMissBarbaraCase。
　　There，criedBab，_I_andPAPAaretodineanddrinkteaatTheAbbeytomorrow。Whoknows？Idaresay，whentheyseethatI’mnotavulgarperson，andallthat。andifIgocunninglytoworkwithMissSomers，asIshall，tobesure，Idaresay，she’lltakemetotheballwithher。
　　Tobesure，saidthemaid。it’stheleastonemayexpectfromaladywhoDEMEANSherselftovisitSusanPrice，andgoesabouta-shoppingforher。Theleastshecandoforyouistotakeyouinhercarriage，WHICH
　　costsnothing，butisjustacommoncivility，toaball。
　　Thenpray，Betty，continuedMissBarbara，don’tforgetto-morrow，thefirstthingyoudo，tosendofftoShrewsburyformynewbonnet。ImusthaveittoDINEIN，attheAbbey，ortheladieswillthinknothingofme。
　　andBetty，rememberthemantua-makertoo。Imustseeandcoaxpapatobuymeanewgownagainsttheball。Icansee，youknow，somethingofthefashionsto-morrowattheAbbey。IshallLOOKTHELADIESWELLOVER，Ipromiseyou。And，Betty，IhavethoughtofthemostcharmingpresentforMissSomers，aspapasaysit’sgoodnevertogoempty-handedtoagreathouse，I’llmakeMissSomers，whoisfond，ashermaidtoldyou，ofsuchthings——I’llmakeMissSomersapresentofthatguinea-henofSusan’s。it’sofnousetome，sodoyoucarryitupearlyinthemorningtotheAbbey，withmycompliments。That’sthething。
　　Infullconfidencethatherpresentandherbonnetwouldoperateeffectuallyinherfavour，MissBarbarapaidherfirstvisitattheAbbey。Sheexpectedtoseewonders。Shewasdressedinallthefinerywhichshehadheardfromhermaid，whohadheardfromthe’prenticeofaShrewsburymilliner，wasTHETHINGinLondon。andshewasmuchsurprisedanddisappointed，whenshewasshownintotheroomwheretheMissSomersesandtheladiesoftheAbbeyweresitting，toseethattheydidnot，inanyonepartoftheirdress，agreewiththepictureherimaginationhadformedoffashionableladies。Shewasembarrassedwhenshesawbooksandworkanddrawingsuponthetable，andshebegantothinkthatsomeaffrontwasmeanttoher，becausetheCOMPANYdidnotsitwiththeirhandsbeforethem。
　　WhenMissSomersendeavouredtofindoutconversationthatwouldinteresther，andspokeofwalksandflowersandgardening，ofwhichshewasherselffond，MissBarbarastillthoughtherselfundervalued，andsooncontrivedtoexposeherignorancemostcompletely，bytalkingofthingswhichshedidnotunderstand。
　　Thosewhoneverattempttoappearwhattheyarenot——thosewhodonotintheirmannerspretendtoanythingunsuitedtotheirhabitsandsituationinlife，neverareindangerofbeinglaughedatbysensible，wellbredpeopleofanyrank。butaffectationistheconstantandjustobjectofridicule。
　　MissBarbaraCase，withhermistakenairsofgentility，aimingtobethoughtawoman，andafinelady，whilstshewas，inreality，achildandavulgarattorney’sdaughter，renderedherselfsothoroughlyridiculous，thatthegoodnatured，yetdiscerningspectatorswerepainfullydividedbetweentheirsenseofcomicabsurdityandafeelingofshameforonewhocouldfeelnothingforherself。
　　Onebyonetheladiesdroppedoff。MissSomerswentoutoftheroomforafewminutestoalterherdress，asitwasthecustomofthefamily，beforedinner。Sheleftaportfolioofprettydrawingsandgoodprints，forMissBarbara’samusement。butMissBarbara’sthoughtsweresointentupontheharpers’ball，thatshecouldnotbeentertainedwithsuchTRIFLES。Howunhappyarethosewhospendtheirtimeinexpectation！
　　Theycanneverenjoythepresentmoment。WhilstBarbarawascontrivingmeansofinterestingMissSomersinherfavour，sherecollected，withsurprise，thatnotonewordhadyetbeensaidofherpresentoftheguinea-hen。Mrs。Betty，inthehurryofherdressingheryoungladyinthemorning，hadforgottenit。butitcamejustwhilstMissSomerswasdressing。andthehousekeepercameintohermistress’roomtoannounceitsarrival。
　　Ma’am，saidshe，here’sabeautifulguinea-henjustcome，withMissBarbaraCase’scomplimentstoyou。
　　MissSomersknew，bythetonewhichthehousekeeperdeliveredthismessage，thattherewassomethinginthebusinesswhichdidnotperfectlypleaseher。Shemadenoanswer，inexpectationthatthehousekeeper，whowasawomanofaveryopentemper，wouldexplainhercauseofdissatisfaction。Inthisshewasnotmistaken。Thehousekeepercamecloseuptothedressingtable，andcontinued，IneverliketospeaktillI’msure，ma’am，andI’mnotquitesure，tosaycertain，inthiscase，ma’am，butstillIthinkitrighttotellyou，whichcan’twronganybody，whatcameacrossmymindaboutthissameguinea-hen，ma’am。andyoucaninquireintoit，anddoasyoupleaseafterwards，ma’am。Sometimeagowehadfineguinea-fowlsofourown，andImadebold，notthinking，tobesure，thatallourownwoulddieawayfromus，astheyhavedone，togiveafinecouplelastChristmastoSusanPrice，andveryfondandpleasedshewasatthetime，andI’msurewouldneverhavepartedwiththehenwithhergood-will。butifmyeyesdon’tstrangelymistake，thishen，thatcomesfromMissBarbara，istheselfsameidenticalguinea-henthatIgavetoSusan。AndhowMissBabcamebyitisthethingthatpuzzlesme。IfmyboyPhilipwasathome，maybe，ashe’softenatMrs。Price’swhichIdon’tdisapprove，hemightknowthehistoryoftheguinea-hen。Iexpecthimhomethisnight，andifyouhavenoobjection，Iwillsifttheaffair。
　　Theshortestway，Ithink，saidHenrietta，wouldbetoaskMissCaseherselfaboutit，whichIwilldothisevening。
　　Ifyouplease，ma’am，saidthehousekeeper，coldly。forsheknewthatMissBarbarawasnotfamousinthevillageforspeakingtruth。
　　Dinnerwasnowserved。AttorneyCaseexpectedtosmellmintsauce，and，asthecoversweretakenfromoffthedishes，lookedaroundforlamb。butnolambappeared。Hehadadexterousknackoftwistingtheconversationtohispoint。SirArthurwasspeaking，whentheysatdowntodinner，ofanewcarvingknife，whichhelatelyhadhadmadeforhissister。Theattorneyimmediatelywentfromcarving-knivestopoultry。thencetobutcher’smeat。Somejoints，heobserved，weremuchmoredifficulttocarvethanothers。Heneversawamancarvebetterthanthegentlemanoppositehim，whowasthecurateoftheparish。But，sir，saidthevulgarattorney，Imustmakeboldtodifferwithyouinonepoint，andI’llappealtoSirArthur。SirArthur，praymayIask，whenyoucarveaforequarteroflamb，doyou，whenyouraisetheshoulder，throwinsalt，ornot？ThiswellpreparedquestionwasnotlostuponSirArthur。Theattorneywasthankedforhisintendedpresent。butmortifiedandsurprisedtohearSirArthursaythatitwasaconstantruleofhisnevertoacceptofanypresentsfromhisneighbours。Ifweweretoacceptalambfromarichneighbouronmyestate，saidhe，Iamafraidweshouldmortifymanyofourpoortenants，whocanhavelittletooffer，though，perhaps，theymaybearusthoroughgood-willnotwithstanding。
　　Aftertheladiesleftthedining-room，astheywerewalkingupanddownthelargehall，MissBarbarahadafairopportunityofimitatingherkeenfather’smethodofconversing。Oneoftheladiesobserved，thatthishallwouldbeacharmingplaceformusic。Babbroughtinharpsandharpers，andtheharpers’ball，inabreath。Iknowsomuchaboutit，——
　　abouttheballImean，saidshe，becausealadyinShrewsbury，afriendofpapa’s，offeredtotakemewithher。butpapadidnotliketogiveherthetroubleofsendingsofarforme，thoughshehasacoachofherown。
　　BarbarafixedhereyesuponMissSomersasshespoke。butshecouldnotreadhercountenanceasdistinctlyasshewished，becauseMissSomerswasatthismomentlettingdowntheveilofherhat。
　　Shallwewalkoutbeforetea？saidMissSomerstohercompanions。I
　　haveaprettyguinea-hentoshowyou。Barbara，secretlydrawingpropitiousomensfromtheguinea-hen，followedwithaconfidentialstep。
　　Thepheasantrywaswellfilledwithpheasants，peacocks，etc。，andSusan’sprettylittleguinea-henappearedwell，eveninthishighcompany。Itwasmuchadmired。Barbarawasinglory。butherglorywasofshortduration。
　　JustasMissSomerswasgoingtoinquireintotheguinea-hen’shistory，Philipcameup，toaskpermissiontohaveabitofsycamore，toturnanutmegboxforhismother。Hewasaningeniouslad，andagoodturnerforhisage。SirArthurhadputbyabitofsycamore，onpurposeforhim。andMissSomerstoldhimwhereitwastobefound。Hethankedher：
　　butinthemidstofhisbowofthankshiseyewasstruckbythesightoftheguinea-hen，andheinvoluntarilyexclaimed，Susan’sguinea-hen，I
　　declare！No，it’snotSusan’sguinea-hen，saidMissBarbara，colouringfuriously。itismine，andIhavemadeapresentofittoMissSomers。
　　AtthesoundofBab’svoice，Philipturned——sawher——andindignation，unrestrainedbythepresenceofalltheamazedspectators，flashedinhiscountenance。
　　Whatisthematter，Philip？saidMissSomers，inapacifyingtone。butPhilipwasnotinclinedtobepacified。Why，ma’am，saidhe，mayI
　　speakout？and，withoutwaitingforpermission，hespokeout，andgaveafull，true，andwarmaccountofRose’sembassy，andofMissBarbara’scruelandavariciousproceedings。
　　Barbaradenied，prevaricated，stammered，andatlastwasovercomewithconfusion。forwhicheventhemostindulgentspectatorscouldscarcelypityher。
　　MissSomers，however，mindfulofwhatwasduetoherguest，wasanxioustodispatchPhilipforhispieceofsycamore。Babrecoveredherselfassoonashewasoutofsight。butshefurtherexposedherselfbyexclaiming，I’msureIwishthispitifulguinea-henhadnevercomeintomypossession。IwishSusanhadkeptitathome，assheshouldhavedone！
　　Perhapsshewillbemorecarefulnowthatshehasreceivedsostrongalesson，saidMissSomers。Shallwetryher？continuedshe。Philipwill，Idaresay，taketheguinea-henbacktoSusan，ifwedesireit。
　　Ifyouplease，ma’am，saidBarbara，sullenly。Ihavenothingmoretodowithit。
　　Sotheguinea-henwasdeliveredtoPhilip，whosetoffjoyfullywithhisprize，andwassooninsightofFarmerPrice’scottage。Hestoppedwhenhecametothedoor。HerecollectedRoseandhergenerousfriendshipforSusan。Hewasdeterminedthatsheshouldhavethepleasureofrestoringtheguinea-hen。Heranintothevillage。AllthechildrenwhohadgivenuptheirlittlepurseonMaydaywereassembledontheplay-green。Theyweredelightedtoseetheguinea-henoncemore。Philiptookhispipeandtabor，andtheymarchedininnocenttriumphtowardsthewhitewashedcottage。
　　Letmecomewithyou——letmecomewithyou，saidthebutcher’sboytoPhilip。Stoponeminute！myfatherhassomethingtosaytoyou。Hedartedintohisfather’shouse。Thelittleprocessionstopped，andinafewminutesthebleatingofalambwasheard。Throughabackpassage，whichledintothepaddockbehindthehouse，theysawthebutcherleadingalamb。
　　ItisDaisy！exclaimedRose——It’sDaisy！repeatedallhercompanions。
　　Susan’slamb！Susan’slamb！andtherewasauniversalshoutofjoy。
　　Well，formypart，saidthegoodbutcher，assoonashecouldbeheard，——formypart，IwouldnotbesocruelasAttorneyCaseforthewholeworld。Thesepoorbrutebeastsdon’tknowaforehandwhat’sgoingtohappentothem。andasfordying，it’swhatwemustalldosometimeoranother。buttokeepwringingtheheartsoftheliving，thathaveasmuchsenseasone’sself，iswhatIcallcruel。andisnotthiswhatAttorneyCasehasbeendoingbypoorSusanandherwholefamily，eversincehetookaspiteagainstthem？But，atanyrate，here’sSusan’slambsafeandsound。I’dhavetakenitbacksooner，butIwasoffbeforedaytothefair，andambutjustcomeback。Daisy，however，hasbeenaswelloffinmypaddockashewouldhavebeeninthefieldbythewaterside。
　　Theobligingshopkeeper，whoshowedtheprettycalicoestoSusan，wasnowathisdoor，andwhenhesawthelamb，andheardthatitwasSusan’s，andlearneditshistory，hesaidthathewouldaddhismite。andhegavethechildrensomeendsofnarrowriband，withwhichRosedecoratedherfriend’slamb。
　　Thepipeandtabornowoncemorebegantoplay，andtheprocessionmovedoninjoyfulorder，aftergivingthehumanebutcherthreecheers。threecheerswhichwerebetterdeservedthanloudhuzzasusuallyare。
　　Susanwasworkinginherarbour，withherlittledealtablebeforeher。
　　Whensheheardthesoundofthemusic，sheputdownherworkandlistened。Shesawthecrowdofchildrencomingnearerandnearer。TheyhadclosedroundDaisy，sothatshedidnotseeit。butastheycameuptothegardengateshesawthatRosebeckonedtoher。Philipplayedasloudashecould，thatshemightnothear，tillthepropermoment，thebleatingofthelamb。Susanopenedthegarden-wicket，andatthissignalthecrowddivided，andthefirstthingthatSusansaw，inthemidstofhertallerfriends，waslittlesmilingMary，withtheguinea-heninherarms。
　　Comeon！Comeon！criedMary，asSusanstartedwithjoyfulsurprise。
　　youhavemoretosee。
　　Atthisinstantthemusicpaused，Susanheardthebleatingofalamb，andscarcelydaringtobelievehersenses，shepressedeagerlyforward，andbeheldpoorDaisy！——sheburstintotears。IdidnotshedonetearwhenIpartedwithyou，mydearlittleDaisy！saidshe。Itwasformyfatherandmother。Iwouldnothavepartedwithyouforanythingelseinthewholeworld。Thankyou，thankyouall，addedshe，tohercompanions，whosympathizedinherjoy，evenmorethantheyhadsympathizedinhersorrow。Now，ifmyfatherwasnottogoawayfromusnextweek，andifmymotherwasquitestout，Ishouldbethehappiestpersonintheworld！
　　AsSusanpronouncedthesewords，avoicebehindthelittlelisteningcrowdcried，inabrutaltone，Letuspass，ifyouplease。youhavenorighttostopupthepublicroad！ThiswasthevoiceofAttorneyCase，whowasreturningwithhisdaughterBarbarafromhisvisittotheAbbey。
　　Hesawthelamb，andtriedtowhistleashewenton。Barbaraalsosawtheguinea-hen，andturnedherheadanotherway，thatshemightavoidthecontemptuous，reproachfullooksofthosewhomsheonlyaffectedtodespise。Evenhernewbonnet，inwhichshehadexpectedtobesomuchadmired，wasnowonlyserviceabletohideherfaceandconcealhermortification。
　　Iamgladshesawtheguinea-hen，criedRose，whonowhelditinherhands。
　　Yes，saidPhilip，she’llnotforgetMaydayinahurry。
　　NorIneither，Ihope，saidSusan，lookingrounduponhercompanionswithamostaffectionatesmile：Ihope，whilstIlive，IshallneverforgetyourgoodnesstomelastMayday。NowI’vemyprettyguinea-hensafeoncemore，Ishouldthinkofreturningyourmoney。
　　No！no！no！wasthegeneralcry。Wedon’twantthemoney——keepit，keepit——youwantitforyourfather。
　　Well，saidSusan，Iamnottooproudtobeobliged。IWILLkeepyourmoneyformyfather。PerhapssometimeorotherImaybeabletoearn——
　　Oh，interruptedPhilip，don’tletustalkofearning。don’tletustalktoherofmoneynow。shehasnothadtimehardlytolookatpoorDaisyandherguinea-hen。Come，wemustgoaboutourbusiness，andletherhavethemalltoherself。
　　ThecrowdmovedawayinconsequenceofPhilip’sconsiderateadvice：butitwasobservedthathewastheverylasttostirfromthegarden-wickethimself。Hestayed，first，toinformSusanthatitwasRosewhotiedtheribandsonDaisy’shead。Thenhestayedalittlelongertoletherintothehistoryoftheguinea-hen，andtotellherwhoitwasthatbroughtthehenhomefromtheAbbey。
　　Roseheldthesieve，andSusanwasfeedingherlonglostfavourite，whilstPhilipleanedoverthewicket，prolonginghisnarration。Now，myprettyguinea-hen，saidSusan——mynaughtyguinea-hen，thatflewawayfromme，youshallneverservemesoagain。Imustcutyournicewings。
　　butIwon’thurtyou。
　　Takecare，criedPhilip。you’dbetter，indeedyou’dbetterletmeholdherwhilstyoucutherwings。
　　Whenthisoperationwassuccessfullyperformed，whichitcertainlycouldneverhavebeenifPhiliphadnotheldthehenforSusan，herecollectedthathismotherhadsenthimwithamessagetoMrs。Price。Thismessageledtoanotherquarterofanhour’sdelay。forhehadthewholehistoryoftheguinea-hentotelloveragaintoMrs。Price，andthefarmerhimselfluckilycameinwhilstitwasgoingon，soitwasbutciviltobeginitafresh。andthenthefarmerwassorejoicedtoseehisSusansohappyagainwithhertwolittlefavouritesthathedeclaredhemustseeDaisyfedhimself。andPhilipfoundthathewaswantedtoholdthejugfullofmilk，outofwhichFarmerPricefilledthepanforDaisy？HappyDaisy！wholappedathisease，whilstSusancaressedhim，andthankedherfondfatherandherpleasedmother。