Thebedchamber，Nodoubt，wasachamberofverygreatandvariedexperience，asasceneofhumanlife:thejoyofbridalnightshadthrobbeditselfawayhere；newimmortalshadfirstdrawnearthlybreathhere；andhereoldpeoplehaddied。But——whetheritwerethewhiteroses，orwhateverthesubtileinfluencemightbe——apersonofdelicateinstinctwouldhaveknownatoncethatitwasnowamaiden’sbedchamber，andhadbeenpurifiedofallformerevilandsorrowbyhersweetbreathandhappythoughts。
　　Herdreamsofthepastnight，beingsuchcheerfulones，hadexorcisedthegloom，andnowhauntedthechamberinitsstead。
　　Afterarrangingmatterstohersatisfaction，Phoebeemergedfromherchamber，withapurposetodescendagainintothegarden。
　　Besidestherosebush，shehadobservedseveralotherspeciesofflowersgrowingthereinawildernessofneglect，andobstructingoneanother’sdevelopmentasisoftentheparallelcaseinhumansocietybytheiruneducatedentanglementandconfusion。Attheheadofthestairs，however，shemetHepzibah，who，itbeingstillearly，invitedherintoaroomwhichshewouldprobablyhavecalledherboudoir，hadhereducationembracedanysuchFrenchphrase。
　　Itwasstrewnaboutwithafewoldbooks，andawork-basket，andadustywriting-desk；andhad，ononeside，alargeblackarticleoffurniture，ofverystrangeappearance，whichtheoldgentlewomantoldPhoebewasaharpsichord。Itlookedmorelikeacoffinthananythingelse；and，indeed，——nothavingbeenplayedupon，oropened，foryears，——theremusthavebeenavastdealofdeadmusicinit，stifledforwantofair。HumanfingerwashardlyknowntohavetoucheditschordssincethedaysofAlicePyncheon，whohadlearnedthesweetaccomplishmentofmelodyinEurope。
　　Hepzibahbadeheryoungguestsitdown，and，herselftakingachairnearby，lookedasearnestlyatPhoebe’strimlittlefigureasifsheexpectedtoseerightintoitsspringsandmotivesecrets。
　　"CousinPhoebe，"saidshe，atlast，"Ireallycan’tseemywaycleartokeepyouwithme。"
　　Thesewords，however，hadnottheinhospitablebluntnesswithwhichtheymaystrikethereader；forthetworelatives，inatalkbeforebedtime，hadarrivedatacertaindegreeofmutualunderstanding。Hepzibahknewenoughtoenablehertoappreciatethecircumstancesresultingfromthesecondmarriageofthegirl’smotherwhichmadeitdesirableforPhoebetoestablishherselfinanotherhome。NordidshemisinterpretPhoebe’scharacter，andthegenialactivitypervadingit，——oneofthemostvaluabletraitsofthetrueNewEnglandwoman，——whichhadimpelledherforth，asmightbesaid，toseekherfortune，butwithaself-respectingpurposetoconferasmuchbenefitasshecouldanywisereceive。Asoneofhernearestkindred，shehadnaturallybetakenherselftoHepzibah，withnoideaofforcingherselfonhercousin’sprotection，butonlyforavisitofaweekortwo，whichmightbeindefinitelyextended，shoulditproveforthehappinessofboth。
　　ToHepzibah’sbluntobservation，therefore，Phoeberepliedasfrankly，andmorecheerfully。
　　"Dearcousin，Icannottellhowitwillbe，"saidshe。"ButIreallythinkwemaysuitoneanothermuchbetterthanyousuppose。"
　　"Youareanicegirl，——Iseeitplainly，"continuedHepzibah；"anditisnotanyquestionastothatpointwhichmakesmehesitate。
　　But，Phoebe，thishouseofmineisbutamelancholyplaceforayoungpersontobein。Itletsinthewindandrain，andtheSnow，too，inthegarretandupperchambers，inwinter-time，butitneverletsinthesunshine。Andasformyself，youseewhatIam，——adismalandlonesomeoldwomanforIbegintocallmyselfold，Phoebe，whosetemper，Iamafraid，isnoneofthebest，andwhosespiritsareasbadascanbeIcannotmakeyourlifepleasant，CousinPhoebe，neithercanIsomuchasgiveyoubreadtoeat。"
　　"Youwillfindmeacheerfullittle，body"answeredPhoebe，smiling，andyetwithakindofgentledignity。"andImeantoearnmybread。
　　YouknowIhavenotbeenbroughtupaPyncheon。AgirllearnsmanythingsinaNewEnglandvillage。"
　　"Ah！Phoebe，"saidHepzibah，sighing，"yourknowledgewoulddobutlittleforyouhere！Andthenitisawretchedthoughtthatyoushouldflingawayyouryoungdaysinaplacelikethis。
　　Thosecheekswouldnotbesorosyafteramonthortwo。Lookatmyface！"and，indeed，thecontrastwasverystriking，——"youseehowpaleIam！Itismyideathatthedustandcontinualdecayoftheseoldhousesareunwholesomeforthelungs。"
　　"Thereisthegarden，——theflowerstobetakencareof，"observedPhoebe。"Ishouldkeepmyselfhealthywithexerciseintheopenair。"
　　"And，afterall，child，"exclaimedHepzibah，suddenlyrising，asiftodismissthesubject，"itisnotformetosaywhoshallbeaguestorinhabitantoftheoldPyncheonHouse。Itsmasteriscoming。"
　　"DoyoumeanJudgePyncheon？"askedPhoebeinsurprise。
　　"JudgePyncheon！"answeredhercousinangrily。"HewillhardlycrossthethresholdwhileIlive！No，no！But，Phoebe，youshallseethefaceofhimIspeakof。"
　　Shewentinquestoftheminiaturealreadydescribed，andreturnedwithitinherhand。GivingittoPhoebe，shewatchedherfeaturesnarrowly，andwithacertainjealousyastothemodeinwhichthegirlwouldshowherselfaffectedbythepicture。
　　"Howdoyouliketheface？"askedHepzibah。
　　"Itishandsome！——itisverybeautiful！"saidPhoebeadmiringly。
　　"Itisassweetafaceasaman’scanbe，oroughttobe。Ithassomethingofachild’sexpression，——andyetnotchildish，——onlyonefeelssoverykindlytowardshim！Heoughtnevertosufferanything。Onewouldbearmuchforthesakeofsparinghimtoilorsorrow。Whoisit，CousinHepzibah？"
　　"Didyouneverhear，"whisperedhercousin，bendingtowardsher，"ofCliffordPyncheon？"
　　"Never。IthoughttherewerenoPyncheonsleft，exceptyourselfandourcousinJaffrey，"answeredPhoebe。"AndyetIseemtohaveheardthenameofCliffordPyncheon。Yes！——frommyfatherormymother。buthashenotbeenalongwhiledead？"
　　"Well，well，child，perhapshehas！"saidHepzibahwithasad，hollowlaugh；"but，inoldhouseslikethis，youknow，deadpeopleareveryapttocomebackagain！Weshallsee。And，CousinPhoebe，since，afterallthatIhavesaid，yourcouragedoesnotfailyou，wewillnotpartsosoon。Youarewelcome，mychild，forthepresent，tosuchahomeasyourkinswomancanofferyou。"
　　Withthismeasured，butnotexactlycoldassuranceofahospitablepurpose，Hepzibahkissedhercheek。
　　Theynowwentbelowstairs，wherePhoebe——notsomuchassumingtheofficeasattractingittoherself，bythemagnetismofinnatefitness——tookthemostactivepartinpreparingbreakfast。
　　Themistressofthehouse，meanwhile，asisusualwithpersonsofherstiffandunmalleablecast，stoodmostlyaside；willingtolendheraid，yetconsciousthathernaturalinaptitudewouldbelikelytoimpedethebusinessinhand。Phoebeandthefirethatboiledtheteakettlewereequallybright，cheerful，andefficient，intheirrespectiveoffices。Hepzibahgazedforthfromherhabitualsluggishness，thenecessaryresultoflongsolitude，asfromanothersphere。Shecouldnothelpbeinginterested，however，andevenamused，atthereadinesswithwhichhernewinmateadaptedherselftothecircumstances，andbroughtthehouse，moreover，andallitsrustyoldappliances，intoasuitablenessforherpurposes。Whatevershedid，too，wasdonewithoutconsciouseffort，andwithfrequentoutbreaksofsong，whichwereexceedinglypleasanttotheear。ThisnaturaltunefulnessmadePhoebeseemlikeabirdinashadowytree；
　　orconveyedtheideathatthestreamoflifewarbledthroughherheartasabrooksometimeswarblesthroughapleasantlittledell。
　　Itbetokenedthecheerinessofanactivetemperament，findingjoyinitsactivity，and，therefore，renderingitbeautiful；itwasaNewEnglandtrait，——thesternoldstuffofPuritanismwithagoldthreadintheweb。
　　HepzibahbroughtoutSomeoldsilverspoonswiththefamilycrestuponthem，andachinatea-setpaintedoverwithgrotesquefiguresofman，bird，andbeast，inasgrotesquealandscape。
　　Thesepicturedpeoplewereoddhumorists，inaworldoftheirown，——aworldofvividbrilliancy，sofarascolorwent，andstillunfaded，althoughtheteapotandsmallcupswereasancientasthecustomitselfoftea-drinking。
　　"Yourgreat-great-great-great-grandmotherhadthesecups，whenshewasmarried，"saidHepzibahtoPhoebe。"ShewasaDavenport，ofagoodfamily。Theywerealmostthefirstteacupseverseeninthecolony；andifoneofthemweretobebroken，myheartwouldbreakwithit。ButitisNonsensetospeaksoaboutabrittleteacup，whenIrememberwhatmyhearthasgonethroughwithoutbreaking。"
　　Thecups——nothavingbeenused，perhaps，sinceHepzibah’syouth——hadcontractednosmallburdenofdust，whichPhoebewashedawaywithsomuchcareanddelicacyastosatisfyeventheproprietorofthisinvaluablechina。
　　"Whatanicelittlehousewifeyou。are"exclaimedthelatter，smiling，andattheSametimefrowningsoprodigiouslythatthesmilewassunshineunderathunder-cloud。"Doyoudootherthingsaswell？Areyouasgoodatyourbookasyouareatwashingteacups？"
　　"Notquite，Iamafraid，"saidPhoebe，laughingattheformofHepzibah’squestion。"ButIwasschoolmistressforthelittlechildreninourdistrictlastsummer，andmighthavebeensostill。"
　　"Ah！’tisallverywell！"observedthemaidenlady，drawingherselfup。"Butthesethingsmusthavecometoyouwithyourmother’sblood。IneverknewaPyncheonthathadanyturnforthem。"
　　Itisveryqueer，butnotthelesstrue，thatpeoplearegenerallyquiteasvain，orevenmoreso，oftheirdeficienciesthanoftheiravailablegifts；aswasHepzibahofthisnativeinapplicability，sotospeak，ofthePyncheonstoanyusefulpurpose。Sheregardeditasanhereditarytrait；andso，perhaps，itwas，butunfortunatelyamorbidone，suchasisoftengeneratedinfamiliesthatremainlongabovethesurfaceofsociety。
　　Beforetheyleftthebreakfast-table，theshop-bellrangsharply，andHepzibahsetdowntheremnantofherfinalcupoftea，withalookofsallowdespairthatwastrulypiteoustobehold。Incasesofdistastefuloccupation，theseconddayisgenerallyworsethanthefirst。wereturntotherackwithallthesorenessoftheprecedingtortureinourlimbs。Atallevents，Hepzibahhadfullysatisfiedherselfoftheimpossibilityofeverbecomingwontedtothispeevishlyobstreperouslittlebell。Ringasoftenasitmight，thesoundalwayssmoteuponhernervoussystemrudelyandsuddenly。
　　Andespeciallynow，while，withhercrestedteaspoonsandantiquechina，shewasflatteringherselfwithideasofgentility，shefeltanunspeakabledisinclinationtoconfrontacustomer。
　　"Donottroubleyourself，dearcousin！"criedPhoebe，startinglightlyup。"Iamshop-keepertoday。"
　　"You，child！"exclaimedHepzibah。"Whatcanalittlecountrygirlknowofsuchmatters？"
　　"Oh，Ihavedonealltheshoppingforthefamilyatourvillagestore，"saidPhoebe。"AndIhavehadatableatafancyfair，andmadebettersalesthananybody。Thesethingsarenottobelearnt；
　　theydependuponaknackthatcomes，Isuppose，"addedshe，smiling，"withone’smother’sblood。YoushallseethatIamasnicealittlesaleswomanasIamahousewife！"
　　TheoldgentlewomanstolebehindPhoebe，andpeepedfromthepassagewayintotheshop，tonotehowshewouldmanageherundertaking。Itwasacaseofsomeintricacy。Averyancientwoman，inawhiteshortgownandagreenpetticoat，withastringofgoldbeadsaboutherneck，andwhatlookedlikeanightcaponherhead，hadbroughtaquantityofyarntobarterforthecommoditiesoftheshop。Shewasprobablytheverylastpersonintownwhostillkeptthetime-honoredspinning-wheelinconstantrevolution。Itwasworthwhiletohearthecroakingandhollowtonesoftheoldlady，andthepleasantvoiceofPhoebe，minglinginonetwistedthreadoftalk；andstillbettertocontrasttheirfigures，——solightandbloomy，——sodecrepitanddusky，——withonlythecounterbetwixtthem，inonesense，butmorethanthreescoreyears，inanother。Asforthebargain，itwaswrinkledslynessandcraftpittedagainstnativetruthandsagacity。
　　"Wasnotthatwelldone？"askedPhoebe，laughing，whenthecustomerwasgone。
　　"Nicelydone，indeed，child！"answeredHepzibah。"Icouldnothavegonethroughwithitnearlysowell。Asyousay，itmustbeaknackthatbelongstoyouonthemother’sside。"
　　Itisaverygenuineadmiration，thatwithwhichpersonstooshyortooawkwardtotakeaduepartinthebustlingworldregardtherealactorsinlife’sstirringscenes；sogenuine，infact，thattheformerareusuallyfaintomakeitpalatabletotheirself-love，byassumingthattheseactiveandforciblequalitiesareincompatiblewithothers，whichtheychoosetodeemhigherandmoreimportant。Thus，HepzibahwaswellcontenttoacknowledgePhoebe’svastlysuperiorgiftsasashop-keeper’——shelistened，withcompliantear，tohersuggestionofvariousmethodswherebytheinfluxoftrademightbeincreased，andrenderedprofitable，withoutahazardousoutlayofcapital。Sheconsentedthatthevillagemaidenshouldmanufactureyeast，bothliquidandincakes；
　　andshouldbrewacertainkindofbeer，nectareoustothepalate，andofrarestomachicvirtues；and，moreover，shouldbakeandexhibitforsalesomelittlespice-cakes，whichwhosoevertastedwouldlonginglydesiretotasteagain。Allsuchproofsofareadymindandskilfulhandiworkwerehighlyacceptabletothearistocratichucksteress，solongasshecouldmurmurtoherselfwithagrimsmile，andahalf-naturalsigh，andasentimentofmixedwonder，pity，andgrowingaffection，——
　　"Whatanicelittlebodysheis！Ifsheonlycouldbealady；
　　too——butthat’simpossible！PhoebeisnoPyncheon。Shetakeseverythingfromhermother。"
　　AstoPhoebe’snotbeingalady，orwhethershewerealadyorno，itwasapoint，perhaps，difficulttodecide，butwhichcouldhardlyhavecomeupforjudgmentatallinanyfairandhealthymind。OutofNewEngland，itwouldbeimpossibletomeetwithapersoncombiningsomanyladylikeattributeswithsomanyothersthatformnonecessaryifcompatiblepartofthecharacter。Sheshockednocanonoftaste；shewasadmirablyinkeepingwithherself，andneverjarredagainstsurroundingcircumstances。Herfigure，tobesure，——sosmallastobealmostchildlike，andsoelasticthatmotionseemedaseasyoreasiertoitthanrest，wouldhardlyhavesuitedone’sideaofacountess。
　　Neitherdidherface——withthebrownringletsoneitherside，andtheslightlypiquantnose，andthewholesomebloom，andtheclearshadeoftan，andthehalfdozenfreckles，friendlyremembrancesoftheAprilsunandbreeze——preciselygiveusarighttocallherbeautiful。Buttherewasbothlustreanddepthinhereyes。Shewasverypretty；asgracefulasabird，andgracefulmuchinthesameway；aspleasantaboutthehouseasagleamofsunshinefallingonthefloorthroughashadowoftwinklingleaves，orasarayoffirelightthatdancesonthewallwhileeveningisdrawingnigh。Insteadofdiscussingherclaimtorankamongladies，itwouldbepreferabletoregardPhoebeastheexampleoffemininegraceandavailabilitycombined，inastateofsociety，iftherewereanysuch，whereladiesdidnotexist。Thereitshouldbewoman’sofficetomoveinthemidstofpracticalaffairs，andtogildthemall，theveryhomeliest，——wereiteventhescouringofpotsandkettles，——withanatmosphereoflovelinessandjoy。
　　SuchwasthesphereofPhoebe。Tofindthebornandeducatedlady，ontheotherhand，weneedlooknofartherthanHepzibah，ourforlornoldmaid，inherrustlingandrustysilks，withherdeeplycherishedandridiculousconsciousnessoflongdescent，hershadowyclaimstoprincelyterritory，and，inthewayofaccomplishment，herrecollections，itmaybe，ofhavingformerlythrummedonaharpsichord，andwalkedaminuet，andworkedanantiquetapestry-stitchonhersampler。ItwasafairparallelbetweennewPlebeianismandoldGentility。
　　ItreallyseemedasifthebatteredvisageoftheHouseoftheSevenGables，blackandheavy-browedasitstillcertainlylooked，musthaveshownakindofcheerfulnessglimmeringthroughitsduskywindowsasPhoebepassedtoandfrointheinterior。
　　Otherwise，itisimpossibletoexplainhowthepeopleoftheneighborhoodsosoonbecameawareofthegirl’spresence。Therewasagreatrunofcustom，settingsteadilyin，fromaboutteno’
　　clockuntiltowardsnoon，——relaxing，somewhat，atdinner-time，butrecommencingintheafternoon，and，finally，dyingawayahalfanhourorsobeforethelongday’ssunset。OneofthestanchestpatronswaslittleNedHiggins，thedevourerofJimCrowandtheelephant，whoto-daysignalizedhisomnivorousprowessbyswallowingtwodromedariesandalocomotive。Phoebelaughed，asshesummedupheraggregateofsalesupontheslate；whileHepzibah，firstdrawingonapairofsilkgloves，reckonedoverthesordidaccumulationofcoppercoin，notwithoutsilverintermixed，thathadjingledintothetill。
　　"Wemustrenewourstock，CousinHepzibah！"criedthelittlesaleswoman。"Thegingerbreadfiguresareallgone，andsoarethoseDutchwoodenmilkmaids，andmostofourotherplaythings。
　　Therehasbeenconstantinquiryforcheapraisins，andagreatcryforwhistles，andtrumpets，andjew’s-harps；andatleastadozenlittleboyshaveaskedformolasses-candy。Andwemustcontrivetogetapeckofrussetapples，lateintheseasonasitis。But，dearcousin，whatanenormousheapofcopper！
　　Positivelyacoppermountain！"
　　"Welldone！welldone！welldone！"quothUncleVenner，whohadtakenoccasiontoshuffleinandoutoftheshopseveraltimesinthecourseoftheday。"Here’sagirlthatwillneverendherdaysatmyfarm！Blessmyeyes，whatabrisklittlesoul！"
　　"Yes，Phoebeisanicegirl！"saidHepzibah，withascowlofaustereapprobation。"But，UncleVenner，youhaveknownthefamilyagreatmanyyears。CanyoutellmewhetherthereeverwasaPyncheonwhomshetakesafter？"
　　"Idon’tbelievethereeverwas，"answeredthevenerableman。
　　"Atanyrate，itneverwasmylucktoseeherlikeamongthem，nor，forthatmatter，anywhereelse。I’veseenagreatdealoftheworld，notonlyinpeople’skitchensandback-yardsbutatthestreet-corners，andonthewharves，andinotherplaceswheremybusinesscallsme；andI’mfreetosay，MissHepzibah，thatIneverknewahumancreaturedoherworksomuchlikeoneofGod’sangelsasthischildPhoebedoes！"
　　UncleVenner’seulogium，ifitappearrathertoohigh-strainedforthepersonandoccasion，had，nevertheless，asenseinwhichitwasbothsubtileandtrue。TherewasaspiritualqualityinPhoebe’sactivity。Thelifeofthelongandbusyday——spentinoccupationsthatmightsoeasilyhavetakenasqualidanduglyaspect——hadbeenmadepleasant，andevenlovely，bythespontaneousgracewithwhichthesehomelydutiesseemedtobloomoutofhercharacter；sothatlabor，whileshedealtwithit，hadtheeasyandflexiblecharmofplay。Angelsdonottoil，butlettheirgoodworksgrowoutofthem；andsodidPhoebe。
　　Thetworelatives——theyoungmaidandtheoldone——foundtimebeforenightfall，intheintervalsoftrade，tomakerapidadvancestowardsaffectionandconfidence。Arecluse，likeHepzibah，usuallydisplaysremarkablefrankness，andatleasttemporaryaffability，onbeingabsolutelycornered，andbroughttothepointofpersonalintercourse；liketheangelwhomJacobwrestledwith，sheisreadytoblessyouwhenonceovercome。
　　TheoldgentlewomantookadrearyandproudsatisfactioninleadingPhoebefromroomtoroomofthehouse，andrecountingthetraditionswithwhich，aswemaysay，thewallswerelugubriouslyfrescoed。Sheshowedtheindentationsmadebythelieutenant-governor’ssword-hiltinthedoor-panelsoftheapartmentwhereoldColonelPyncheon，adeadhost，hadreceivedhisaffrightedvisitorswithanawfulfrown。Theduskyterrorofthatfrown，Hepzibahobserved，wasthoughttobelingeringeversinceinthepassageway。ShebadePhoebestepintooneofthetallchairs，andinspecttheancientmapofthePyncheonterritoryattheeastward。Inatractoflandonwhichshelaidherfinger，thereexistedasilvermine，thelocalityofwhichwaspreciselypointedoutinsomememorandaofColonelPyncheonhimself，butonlytobemadeknownwhenthefamilyclaimshouldberecognizedbygovernment。ThusitwasfortheinterestofallNewEnglandthatthePyncheonsshouldhavejusticedonethem。Shetold，too，howthattherewasundoubtedlyanimmensetreasureofEnglishguineashiddensomewhereaboutthehouse，orinthecellar，orpossiblyinthegarden。
　　"Ifyoushouldhappentofindit，Phoebe，"saidHepzibah，glancingasideatherwithagrimyetkindlysmile，"wewilltieuptheshop-bellforgoodandall！"
　　"Yes，dearcousin，"answeredPhoebe；"but，inthemeantime，Ihearsomebodyringingit！"
　　Whenthecustomerwasgone，Hepzibahtalkedrathervaguely，andatgreatlength，aboutacertainAlicePyncheon，whohadbeenexceedinglybeautifulandaccomplishedinherlifetime，ahundredyearsago。Thefragranceofherrichanddelightfulcharacterstilllingeredabouttheplacewhereshehadlived，asadriedrosebudscentsthedrawerwhereithaswitheredandperished。ThislovelyAlicehadmetwithsomegreatandmysteriouscalamity，andhadgrownthinandwhite，andgraduallyfadedoutoftheworld。But，evennow，shewassupposedtohaunttheHouseoftheSevenGables，and，agreatmanytimes，——especiallywhenoneofthePyncheonswastodie，——shehadbeenheardplayingsadlyandbeautifullyontheharpsichord。
　　Oneofthesetunes，justasithadsoundedfromherspiritualtouch，hadbeenwrittendownbyanamateurofmusic；itwassoexquisitelymournfulthatnobody，tothisday，couldbeartohearitplayed，unlesswhenagreatsorrowhadmadethemknowthestillprofoundersweetnessofit。
　　"Wasitthesameharpsichordthatyoushowedme？"inquiredPhoebe。
　　"Theverysame，"saidHepzibah。"ItwasAlicePyncheon’sharpsichord。WhenIwaslearningmusic，myfatherwouldneverletmeopenit。So，asIcouldonlyplayonmyteacher’sinstrument，Ihaveforgottenallmymusiclongago。"
　　Leavingtheseantiquethemes，theoldladybegantotalkaboutthedaguerreotypist，whom，asheseemedtobeawell-meaningandorderlyyoungman，andinnarrowcircumstances，shehadpermittedtotakeuphisresidenceinoneofthesevengables。
　　But，onseeingmoreofMr。Holgrave，shehardlyknewwhattomakeofhim。Hehadthestrangestcompanionsimaginable；menwithlongbeards，anddressedinlinenblouses，andothersuchnew-fangledandill-fittinggarments；reformers，temperancelecturers，andallmannerofcross-lookingphilanthropists；
　　community-men，andcome-outers，asHepzibahbelieved，whoacknowledgednolaw，andatenosolidfood，butlivedonthescentofotherpeople’scookery，andturneduptheirnosesatthefare。Asforthedaguerreotypist，shehadreadaparagraphinapennypaper，theotherday，accusinghimofmakingaspeechfullofwildanddisorganizingmatter，atameetingofhisbanditti-likeassociates。Forherownpart，shehadreasontobelievethathepractisedanimalmagnetism，and，ifsuchthingswereinfashionnowadays，shouldbeapttosuspecthimofstudyingtheBlackArtupthereinhislonesomechamber。
　　"But，dearcousin，"saidPhoebe，"iftheyoungmanissodangerous，whydoyoulethimstay？Ifhedoesnothingworse，hemaysetthehouseonfire！"
　　"Why，sometimes，"answeredHepzibah，"Ihaveseriouslymadeitaquestion，whetherIoughtnottosendhimaway。But，withallhisoddities，heisaquietkindofaperson，andhassuchawayoftakingholdofone’smind，that，withoutexactlylikinghimforIdon’tknowenoughoftheyoungman，Ishouldbesorrytolosesightofhimentirely。AwomanclingstoslightacquaintanceswhenshelivessomuchaloneasIdo。"
　　"ButifMr。Holgraveisalawlessperson！"remonstratedPhoebe，apartofwhoseessenceitwastokeepwithinthelimitsoflaw。
　　"Oh！"saidHepzibahcarelessly，——for，formalasshewas，still，inherlife’sexperience，shehadgnashedherteethagainsthumanlaw，——"Isupposehehasalawofhisown！"
　　VIMAULE’SWELL
　　AFTERanearlytea，thelittlecountry-girlstrayedintothegarden。Theenclosurehadformerlybeenveryextensive，butwasnowcontractedwithinsmallcompass，andhemmedabout，partlybyhighwoodenfences，andpartlybytheoutbuildingsofhousesthatstoodonanotherstreet。Initscentrewasagrass-plat，surroundingaruinouslittlestructure，whichshowedjustenoughofitsoriginaldesigntoindicatethatithadoncebeenasummer-house。Ahop-vine，springingfromlastyear’sroot，wasbeginningtoclamberoverit，butwouldbelongincoveringtheroofwithitsgreenmantle。Threeofthesevengableseitherfrontedorlookedsideways，withadarksolemnityofaspect，downintothegarden。
　　Theblack，richsoilhadfeditselfwiththedecayofalongperiodoftime；suchasfallenleaves，thepetalsofflowers，andthestalksandseed——vesselsofvagrantandlawlessplants，moreusefulaftertheirdeaththaneverwhileflauntinginthesun。
　　Theevilofthesedepartedyearswouldnaturallyhavesprungupagain，insuchrankweedssymbolicofthetransmittedvicesofsocietyasarealwayspronetorootthemselvesabouthumandwellings。PhoebeSaw，however，thattheirgrowthmusthavebeencheckedbyadegreeofcarefullabor，bestoweddailyandsystematicallyonthegarden。Thewhitedoublerose-bushhadevidentlybeenproppedupanewagainstthehousesincethecommencementoftheseason；andapear-treeandthreedamson-trees，which，exceptarowofcurrant-bushes，constitutedtheonlyvarietiesoffruit，boremarksoftherecentamputationofseveralsuperfluousordefectivelimbs。Therewerealsoafewspeciesofantiqueandhereditaryflowers，innoveryflourishingcondition，butscrupulouslyweeded；asifsomeperson，eitheroutofloveorcuriosity，hadbeenanxioustobringthemtosuchperfectionastheywerecapableofattaining。Theremainderofthegardenpresentedawell-selectedassortmentofesculentvegetables，inapraiseworthystateofadvancement。Summersquashesalmostintheirgoldenblossom；cucumbers，nowevincingatendencytospreadawayfromthemainstock，andramblefarandwide；twoorthreerowsofstring-beansandasmanymorethatwereabouttofestoonthemselvesonpoles；tomatoes，occupyingasitesoshelteredandsunnythattheplantswerealreadygigantic，andpromisedanearlyandabundantharvest。
　　Phoebewonderedwhosecareandtoilitcouldhavebeenthathadplantedthesevegetables，andkeptthesoilsocleanandorderly。
　　NotsurelyhercousinHepzibah’s，whohadnotastenorspiritsforthelady-likeemploymentofcultivatingflowers，and——withherreclusehabits，andtendencytoshelterherselfwithinthedismalshadowofthehouse——wouldhardlyhavecomeforthunderthespeckofopenskytoweedandhoeamongthefraternityofbeansandsquashes。
　　Itbeingherfirstdayofcompleteestrangementfromruralobjects，Phoebefoundanunexpectedcharminthislittlenookofgrass，andfoliage，andaristocraticflowers，andplebeianvegetables。TheeyeofHeavenseemedtolookdownintoitpleasantly，andwithapeculiarsmile，asifgladtoperceivethatnature，elsewhereoverwhelmed，anddrivenoutofthedustytown，hadherebeenabletoretainabreathing-place。Thespotacquiredasomewhatwildergrace，andyetaverygentleone，fromthefactthatapairofrobinshadbuilttheirnestinthepear-tree，andweremakingthemselvesexceedinglybusyandhappyinthedarkintricacyofitsboughs。Bees，too，——strangetosay，——hadthoughtitworththeirwhiletocomehither，possiblyfromtherangeofhivesbesidesomefarm-housemilesaway。Howmanyaerialvoyagesmighttheyhavemade，inquestofhoney，orhoney-laden，betwixtdawnandsunset！Yet，lateasitnowwas，therestillaroseapleasanthumoutofoneortwoofthesquash-blossoms，inthedepthsofwichthesebeeswereplyingtheirgoldenlabor。TherewasoneotherobjectinthegardenwhichNaturemightfairlyclaimasherinalienableproperty，inspiteofwhatevermancoulddotorenderithisown。Thiswasafountain，setroundwitharimofoldmossystones，andpaved，initsbed，withwhatappearedtobeasortofmosaic-workofvariouslycoloredpebbles。Theplayandslightagitationofthewater，initsupwardgush，wroughtmagicallywiththesevariegatedpebbles，andmadeacontinuallyshiftingapparitionofquaintfigures，vanishingtoosuddenlytobedefinable。Thence，swellingovertherimofmoss-grownstones，thewaterstoleawayunderthefence，throughwhatweregrettocallagutter，ratherthanachannel。Normustweforgettomentionahen-coopofveryreverendantiquitythatstoodinthefarthercornerofthegarden，notagreatwayfromthefountain。ItnowcontainedonlyChanticleer，histwowives，andasolitarychicken。AllofthemwerepurespecimensofabreedwhichhadbeentransmitteddownasanheirloominthePyncheonfamily，andweresaid，whileintheirprime，tohaveattainedalmostthesizeofturkeys，and，onthescoreofdelicateflesh，tobefitforaprince’stable。Inproofoftheauthenticityofthislegendaryrenown，Hepzibahcouldhaveexhibitedtheshellofagreategg，whichanostrichneedhardlyhavebeenashamedof。Bethatasitmight，thehenswerenowscarcelylargerthanpigeons，andhadaqueer，rusty，witheredaspect，andagoutykindofmovement，andasleepyandmelancholytonethroughoutallthevariationsoftheircluckingandcackling。
　　Itwasevidentthattheracehaddegenerated，likemanyanobleracebesides，inconsequenceoftoostrictawatchfulnesstokeepitpure。Thesefeatheredpeoplehadexistedtoolongintheirdistinctvariety；afactofwhichthepresentrepresentatives，judgingbytheirlugubriousdeportment，seemedtobeaware。
　　Theykeptthemselvesalive，unquestionably，andlaidnowandthenanegg，andhatchedachicken；notforanypleasureoftheirown，butthattheworldmightnotabsolutelylosewhathadoncebeensoadmirableabreedoffowls。Thedistinguishingmarkofthehenswasacrestoflamentablyscantygrowth，intheselatterdays，butsooddlyandwickedlyanalogoustoHepzibah’sturban，thatPhoebe——tothepoignantdistressofherconscience，butinevitably——wasledtofancyageneralresemblancebetwixttheseforlornbipedsandherrespectablerelative。
　　Thegirlranintothehousetogetsomecrumbsofbread，coldpotatoes，andothersuchscrapsasweresuitabletotheaccommodatingappetiteoffowls。Returning，shegaveapeculiarcall，whichtheyseemedtorecognize。Thechickencreptthroughthepalesofthecoopandran，withsomeshowofliveliness，toherfeet；whileChanticleerandtheladiesofhishouseholdregardedherwithqueer，sidelongglances，andthencroakedonetoanother，asifcommunicatingtheirsageopinionsofhercharacter。Sowise，aswellasantique，wastheiraspect，astogivecolortotheidea，notmerelythattheywerethedescendantsofatime-honoredrace，butthattheyhadexisted，intheirindividualcapacity，eversincetheHouseoftheSevenGableswasfounded，andweresomehowmixedupwithitsdestiny。Theywereaspeciesoftutelarysprite，orBanshee；althoughwingedandfeathereddifferentlyfrommostotherguardianangels。
　　"Here，youoddlittlechicken！"saidPhoebe；"herearesomenicecrumbsforyou！"
　　Thechicken，hereupon，thoughalmostasvenerableinappearanceasits，mother——possessing，indeed，thewholeantiquityofitsprogenitorsinminiature，——musteredvivacityenoughtoflutterupwardandalightonPhoebe’sshoulder。
　　"Thatlittlefowlpaysyouahighcompliment！"saidavoicebehindPhoebe。
　　Turningquickly，shewassurprisedatsightofayoungman，whohadfoundaccessintothegardenbyadooropeningoutofanothergablethanthatwhenceshehademerged。Heheldahoeinhishand，and，whilePhoebewasgoneinquestofthecrumbs，hadbeguntobusyhimselfwithdrawingupfreshearthabouttherootsofthetomatoes。
　　"Thechickenreallytreatsyoulikeanoldacquaintance，"
　　continuedheinaquietway，whileasmilemadehisfacepleasanterthanPhoebeatfirstfanciedit。"Thosevenerablepersonagesinthecoop，too，seemveryaffablydisposed。Youareluckytobeintheirgoodgracessosoon！Theyhaveknownmemuchlonger，butneverhonormewithanyfamiliarity，thoughhardlyadaypasseswithoutmybringingthemfood。MissHepzibah，Isuppose，willinterweavethefactwithherothertraditions，andsetitdownthatthefowlsknowyoutobeaPyncheon！"
　　"Thesecretis，"saidPhoebe，smiling，"thatIhavelearnedhowtotalkwithhensandchickens。"
　　"Ah，butthesehens，"answeredtheyoungman，——"thesehensofaristocraticlineagewouldscorntounderstandthevulgarlanguageofabarn-yardfowl。Iprefertothink——andsowouldMissHepzibah——thattheyrecognizethefamilytone。ForyouareaPyncheon？"
　　"MynameisPhoebePyncheon，"saidthegirl，withamannerofsomereserve；forshewasawarethathernewacquaintancecouldbenootherthanthedaguerreotypist，ofwhoselawlesspropensitiestheoldmaidhadgivenheradisagreeableidea。"IdidnotknowthatmycousinHepzibah’sgardenwasunderanotherperson’scare。"
　　"Yes，"saidHolgrave，"Idig，andhoe，andweed，inthisblackoldearth，forthesakeofrefreshingmyselfwithwhatlittlenatureandsimplicitymaybeleftinit，aftermenhavesolongsownandreapedhere。Iturnuptheearthbywayofpastime。
　　Mysoberoccupation，sofarasIhaveany，iswithalightermaterial。Inshort，Imakepicturesoutofsunshine；and，nottobetoomuchdazzledwithmyowntrade，IhaveprevailedwithMissHepzibahtoletmelodgeinoneoftheseduskygables。Itislikeabandageoverone’seyes，tocomeintoit。Butwouldyouliketoseeaspecimenofmyproductions？"
　　"Adaguerreotypelikeness，doyoumean？"askedPhoebewithlessreserve；
　　for，inspiteofprejudice，herownyouthfulnesssprangforwardtomeethis。"Idon’tmuchlikepicturesofthatsort，——theyaresohardandstern；besidesdodgingawayfromtheeye，andtryingtoescapealtogether。
　　Theyareconsciousoflookingveryunamiable，Isuppose，andthereforehatetobeseen。"
　　"Ifyouwouldpermitme，"saidtheartist，lookingatPhoebe，"Ishouldliketotrywhetherthedaguerreotypecanbringoutdisagreeabletraitsonaperfectlyamiableface。Buttherecertainlyistruthinwhatyouhavesaid。Mostofmylikenessesdolookunamiable；buttheverysufficientreason，Ifancy，is，becausetheoriginalsareso。ThereisawonderfulinsightinHeaven’sbroadandsimplesunshine。Whilewegiveitcreditonlyfordepictingthemerestsurface，itactuallybringsoutthesecretcharacterwithatruththatnopainterwouldeverventureupon，evencouldhedetectit。Thereis，atleast，noflatteryinmyhumblelineofart。Now，hereisalikenesswhichIhavetakenoverandoveragain，andstillwithnobetterresult。Yettheoriginalwears，tocommoneyes，averydifferentexpression。
　　Itwouldgratifymetohaveyourjudgmentonthischaracter。"
　　Heexhibitedadaguerreotypeminiatureinamoroccocase。
　　Phoebemerelyglancedatit，andgaveitback。
　　"Iknowtheface，"shereplied；"foritssterneyehasbeenfollowingmeaboutallday。ItismyPuritanancestor，whohangsyonderintheparlor。Tobesure，youhavefoundsomewayofcopyingtheportraitwithoutitsblackvelvetcapandgraybeard，andhavegivenhimamoderncoatandsatincravat，insteadofhiscloakandband。Idon’tthinkhimimprovedbyyouralterations。"
　　"Youwouldhaveseenotherdifferenceshadyoulookedalittlelonger，"saidHolgrave，laughing，yetapparentlymuchstruck。
　　"Icanassureyouthatthisisamodernface，andonewhichyouwillveryprobablymeet。Now，theremarkablepointis，thattheoriginalwears，totheworld’seye，——and，foraughtIknow，tohismostintimatefriends，——anexceedinglypleasantcountenance，indicativeofbenevolence，opennessofheart，sunnygood-humor，andotherpraiseworthyqualitiesofthatcast。Thesun，asyousee，tellsquiteanotherstory，andwillnotbecoaxedoutofit，afterhalfadozenpatientattemptsonmypart。Herewehavetheman，sly，subtle，hard，imperious，and，withal，coldasice。Lookatthateye！Wouldyouliketobeatitsmercy？Atthatmouth！Coulditeversmile？Andyet，ifyoucouldonlyseethebenignsmileoftheoriginal！ItissomuchtheMoreunfortunate，asheisapubliccharacterofsomeeminence，andthelikenesswasintendedtobeengraved。"
　　"Well，Idon’twishtoseeitanymore，"observedPhoebe，turningawayhereyes。"Itiscertainlyveryliketheoldportrait。ButmycousinHepzibahhasanotherpicture，——aminiature。Iftheoriginalisstillintheworld，Ithinkhemightdefythesuntomakehimlooksternandhard。"
　　"Youhaveseenthatpicture，then！"exclaimedtheartist，withanexpressionofmuchinterest。"Ineverdid，buthaveagreatcuriositytodoso。Andyoujudgefavorablyoftheface？"
　　"Thereneverwasasweeterone，"saidPhoebe。"Itisalmosttoosoftandgentleforaman’s。"
　　"Istherenothingwildintheeye？"continuedHolgrave，soearnestlythatitembarrassedPhoebe，asdidalsothequietfreedomwithwhichhepresumedontheirsorecentacquaintance。"Istherenothingdarkorsinisteranywhere？Couldyounotconceivetheoriginaltohavebeenguiltyofagreatcrime？"
　　"Itisnonsense，"saidPhoebealittleimpatiently，"forustotalkaboutapicturewhichyouhaveneverseen。Youmistakeitforsomeother。Acrime，indeed！SinceyouareafriendofmycousinHepzibah’s，youshouldaskhertoshowyouthepicture。"
　　"Itwillsuitmypurposestillbettertoseetheoriginal，"repliedthedaguerreotypistcoolly。"Astohischaracter，weneednotdiscussitspoints；theyhavealreadybeensettledbyacompetenttribunal，oronewhichcalleditselfcompetent。But，stay！Donotgoyet，ifyouplease！Ihaveapropositiontomakeyou。"
　　Phoebewasonthepointofretreating，butturnedback，withsomehesitation；forshedidnotexactlycomprehendhismanner，although，onbetterobservation，itsfeatureseemedrathertobelackofceremonythananyapproachtooffensiverudeness。Therewasanoddkindofauthority，too，inwhathenowproceededtosay，ratherasifthegardenwerehisownthanaplacetowhichhewasadmittedmerelybyHepzibah’scourtesy。
　　"Ifagreeabletoyou，"heobserved，"itwouldgivemepleasuretoturnovertheseflowers，andthoseancientandrespectablefowls，toyourcare。Comingfreshfromcountryairandoccupations，youwillsoonfeeltheneedofsomesuchout-of-dooremployment。
　　Myownspheredoesnotsomuchlieamongflowers。Youcantrimandtendthem，therefore，asyouplease；andIwillaskonlytheleasttrifleofablossom，nowandthen，inexchangeforallthegood，honestkitchenvegetableswithwhichIproposetoenrichMissHepzibah’stable。Sowewillbefellow-laborers，somewhatonthecommunitysystem。"
　　Silently，andrathersurprisedatherowncompliance，Phoebeaccordinglybetookherselftoweedingaflower-bed，butbusiedherselfstillmorewithcogitationsrespectingthisyoungman，withwhomshesounexpectedlyfoundherselfontermsapproachingtofamiliarity。Shedidnotaltogetherlikehim。Hischaracterperplexedthelittlecountry-girl，asitmightamorepractisedobserver；for，whilethetoneofhisconversationhadgenerallybeenplayful，theimpressionleftonhermindwasthatofgravity，and，exceptashisyouthmodifiedit，almoststernness。Sherebelled，asitwere，againstacertainmagneticelementintheartist’snature，whichheexercisedtowardsher，possiblywithoutbeingconsciousofit。
　　Afteralittlewhile，thetwilight，deepenedbytheshadowsofthefruit-treesandthesurroundingbuildings，threwanobscurityoverthegarden。
　　"There，"saidHolgrave，"itistimetogiveoverwork！Thatlaststrokeofthehoehascutoffabeanstalk。Good-night，MissPhoebePyncheon！Anybrightday，ifyouwillputoneofthoserosebudsinyourhair，andcometomyroomsinCentralStreet，Iwillseizethepurestrayofsunshine，andmakeapictureofthefloweranditswearer。"Heretiredtowardshisownsolitarygable，butturnedhishead，onreachingthedoor，andcalledtoPhoebe，withatonewhichcertainlyhadlaughterinit，yetwhichseemedtobemorethanhalfinearnest。
　　"BecarefulnottodrinkatMaule’swell！"saidhe。"Neitherdrinknorbatheyourfaceinit！"
　　"Maule’swell！"answeredPhoebe。"Isthatitwiththerimofmossystones？Ihavenothoughtofdrinkingthere，——butwhynot？"
　　"Oh，"rejoinedthedaguerreotypist，"because，likeanoldlady’scupoftea，itiswaterbewitched！"
　　Hevanished；andPhoebe，lingeringamoment，sawaglimmeringlight，andthenthesteadybeamofalamp，inachamberofthegable。OnreturningintoHepzibah’sapartmentofthehouse，shefoundthelow-studdedparlorsodimandduskythathereyescouldnotpenetratetheinterior。Shewasindistinctlyaware，however，thatthegauntfigureoftheoldgentlewomanwassittinginoneofthestraight-backedchairs，alittlewithdrawnfromthewindow，thefaintgleamofwhichshowedtheblanchedpalenessofhercheek，turnedsidewaystowardsacorner。
　　"ShallIlightalamp，CousinHepzibah？"sheasked。
　　"Do，ifyouplease，mydearchild，"answeredHepzibah。"Butputitonthetableinthecornerofthepassage。Myeyesareweak；
　　andIcanseldombearthelamplightonthem。"
　　Whataninstrumentisthehumanvoice！Howwonderfullyresponsivetoeveryemotionofthehumansoul！InHepzibah’stone，atthatmoment，therewasacertainrichdepthandmoisture，asifthewords，commonplaceastheywere，hadbeensteepedinthewarmthofherheart。Again，whilelightingthelampinthekitchen，Phoebefanciedthathercousinspoketoher。
　　"Inamoment，cousin！"answeredthegirl。"Thesematchesjustglimmer，andgoout。"
　　But，insteadofaresponsefromHepzibah，sheseemedtohearthemurmurofanunknownvoice。Itwasstrangelyindistinct，however，andlesslikearticulatewordsthananunshapedsound，suchaswouldbetheutteranceoffeelingandsympathy，ratherthanoftheintellect。
　　Sovaguewasit，thatitsimpressionorechoinPhoebe’smindwasthatofunreality。Sheconcludedthatshemusthavemistakensomeothersoundforthatofthehumanvoice；orelsethatitwasaltogetherinherfancy。
　　Shesetthelightedlampinthepassage，andagainenteredtheparlor。Hepzibah’sform，thoughitssableoutlinemingledwiththedusk，wasnowlessimperfectlyvisible。Intheremoterpartsoftheroom，however，itswallsbeingsoilladaptedtoreflectlight，therewasnearlythesameobscurityasbefore。
　　"Cousin，"saidPhoebe，"didyouspeaktomejustnow？"
　　"No，child！"repliedHepzibah。
　　Fewerwordsthanbefore，butwiththesamemysteriousmusicinthem！Mellow，melancholy，yetnotmournful，thetoneseemedtogushupoutofthedeepwellofHepzibah’sheart，allsteepedinitsprofoundestemotion。Therewasatremorinit，too，that——asallstrongfeelingiselectric——partlycommunicateditselftoPhoebe。Thegirlsatsilentlyforamoment。Butsoon，hersensesbeingveryacute，shebecameconsciousofanirregularrespirationinanobscurecorneroftheroom。Herphysicalorganization，moreover，beingatoncedelicateandhealthy，gaveheraperception，operatingwithalmosttheeffectofaspiritualmedium，thatsomebodywasnearathand。
　　"Mydearcousin，"askedshe，overcominganindefinablereluctance，"istherenotsomeoneintheroomwithus？"
　　"Phoebe，mydearlittlegirl，"saidHepzibah，afteramoment’spause，"youwereupbetimes，andhavebeenbusyallday。Praygotobed；forIamsureyoumustneedrest。Iwillsitintheparlorawhile，andcollectmythoughts。Ithasbeenmycustomformoreyears，child，thanyouhavelived！"Whilethusdismissingher，themaidenladysteptforward，kissedPhoebe，andpressedhertoherheart，whichbeatagainstthegirl’sbosomwithastrong，high，andtumultuousswell。Howcametheretobesomuchloveinthisdesolateoldheart，thatitcouldaffordtowelloverthusabundantly？
　　"Goodnight，cousin，"saidPhoebe，strangelyaffectedbyHepzibah’smanner。"Ifyoubegintoloveme，Iamglad！"
　　Sheretiredtoherchamber，butdidnotsoonfallasleep，northenveryprofoundly。Atsomeuncertainperiodinthedepthsofnight，and，asitwere，throughthethinveilofadream，shewasconsciousofafootstepmountingthestairsheavily，butnotwithforceanddecision。ThevoiceofHepzibah，withahushthroughit，wasgoingupalongwiththefootsteps；and，again，responsivetohercousin’svoice，Phoebeheardthatstrange，vaguemurmur，whichmightbelikenedtoanindistinctshadowofhumanutterance。
　　VIITheGuestWHENPhoebeawoke，——whichshedidwiththeearlytwitteringoftheconjugalcoupleofrobinsinthepear-tree，——sheheardmovementsbelowstairs，and，hasteningdown，foundHepzibahalreadyinthekitchen。Shestoodbyawindow，holdingabookinclosecontiguitytohernose，asifwiththehopeofgaininganolfactoryacquaintancewithitscontents，sinceherimperfectvisionmadeitnotveryeasytoreadthem。Ifanyvolumecouldhavemanifesteditsessentialwisdominthemodesuggested，itwouldcertainlyhavebeentheonenowinHepzibah’shand；
　　andthekitchen，insuchanevent，wouldforthwithhavestreamedwiththefragranceofvenison，turkeys，capons，lardedpartridges，puddings，cakes，andChristmaspies，inallmannerofelaboratemixtureandconcoction。Itwasacookerybook，fullofinnumerableoldfashionsofEnglishdishes，andillustratedwithengravings，whichrepresentedthearrangementsofthetableatsuchbanquetsasitmighthavebefittedanoblemantogiveinthegreathallofhiscastle。And，amidtheserichandpotentdevicesoftheculinaryartnotoneofwhich，probably，hadbeentested，withinthememoryofanyman’sgrandfather，poorHepzibahwasseekingforsomenimblelittletitbit，which，withwhatskillshehad，andsuchmaterialsaswereathand，shemighttossupforbreakfast。
　　Soon，withadeepsigh，sheputasidethesavoryvolume，andinquiredofPhoebewhetheroldSpeckle，asshecalledoneofthehens，hadlaidaneggtheprecedingday。Phoeberantosee，butreturnedwithouttheexpectedtreasureinherhand。Atthatinstant，however，theblastofafish-dealer’sconchwasheard，announcinghisapproachalongthestreet。Withenergeticrapsattheshop-window，Hepzibahsummonedthemanin，andmadepurchaseofwhathewarrantedasthefinestmackerelinhiscart，andasfataoneaseverhefeltwithhisfingersoearlyintheseason。
　　RequestingPhoebetoroastsomecoffee，——whichshecasuallyobservedwastherealMocha，andsolongkeptthateachofthesmallberriesoughttobeworthitsweightingold，——themaidenladyheapedfuelintothevastreceptacleoftheancientfireplaceinsuchquantityassoontodrivethelingeringduskoutofthekitchen。Thecountry-girl，willingtogiveherutmostassistance，proposedtomakeanIndiancake，afterhermother’speculiarmethod，ofeasymanufacture，andwhichshecouldvouchforaspossessingarichness，and，ifrightlyprepared，adelicacy，unequalledbyanyothermodeofbreakfast-cake。
　　Hepzibahgladlyassenting，thekitchenwassoonthesceneofsavorypreparation。Perchance，amidtheirproperelementofsmoke，whicheddiedforthfromtheill-constructedchimney，theghostsofdepartedcook-maidslookedwonderinglyon，orpeepeddownthegreatbreadthoftheflue，despisingthesimplicityoftheprojectedmeal，yetineffectuallypiningtothrusttheirshadowyhandsintoeachinchoatedish。Thehalf-starvedrats，atanyrate，stolevisiblyoutoftheirhiding-places，andsatontheirhind-legs，snuffingthefumyatmosphere，andwistfullyawaitinganopportunitytonibble。
　　Hepzibahhadnonaturalturnforcookery，and，tosaythetruth，hadfairlyincurredherpresentmeagrenessbyoftenchoosingtogowithoutherdinnerratherthanbeattendantontherotationofthespit，orebullitionofthepot。Herzealoverthefire，therefore，wasquiteanheroictestofsentiment。Itwastouching，andpositivelyworthyoftearsifPhoebe，theonlyspectator，excepttheratsandghostsaforesaid，hadnotbeenbetteremployedthaninsheddingthem，toseeherrakeoutabedoffreshandglowingcoals，andproceedtobroilthemackerel。Herusuallypalecheekswereallablazewithheatandhurry。Shewatchedthefishwithasmuchtendercareandminutenessofattentionasif，——weknownothowtoexpressitotherwise，——asifherownheartwereonthegridiron，andherimmortalhappinesswereinvolvedinitsbeingdonepreciselytoaturn！
　　Life，withindoors，hasfewpleasanterprospectsthananeatlyarrangedandwell-provisionedbreakfast-table。Wecometoitfreshly，inthedewyyouthoftheday，andwhenourspiritualandsensualelementsareinbetteraccordthanatalaterperiod；
　　sothatthematerialdelightsofthemorningmealarecapableofbeingfullyenjoyed，withoutanyverygrievousreproaches，whethergastricorconscientious，foryieldingevenatrifleovermuchtotheanimaldepartmentofournature。Thethoughts，too，thatrunaroundtheringoffamiliarguestshaveapiquancyandmirthfulness，andoftentimesavividtruth，whichmorerarelyfindtheirwayintotheelaborateintercourseofdinner。Hepzibah’ssmallandancienttable，supportedonitsslenderandgracefullegs，andcoveredwithaclothoftherichestdamask，lookedworthytobethesceneandcentreofoneofthecheerfullestofparties。Thevaporofthebroiledfisharoselikeincensefromtheshrineofabarbarianidol，whilethefragranceoftheMochamighthavegratifiedthenostrilsofatutelaryLar，orwhateverpowerhasscopeoveramodernbreakfast-table。
　　Phoebe’sIndiancakeswerethesweetestofferingofall，——intheirhuebefittingtherusticaltarsoftheinnocentandgoldenage，——or，sobrightlyyellowwerethey，resemblingsomeofthebreadwhichwaschangedtoglisteninggoldwhenMidastriedtoeatit。Thebuttermustnotbeforgotten，——butterwhichPhoebeherselfhadchurned，inherownruralhome，andbroughtittohercousinasapropitiatorygift，——smellingofclover-blossoms，anddiffusingthecharmofpastoralscenerythroughthedark-panelledparlor。Allthis，withthequaintgorgeousnessoftheoldchinacupsandsaucers，andthecrestedspoons，andasilvercream-jugHepzibah’sonlyotherarticleofplate，andshapedliketherudestporringer，setoutaboardatwhichthestateliestofoldColonelPyncheon’sguestsneednothavescornedtotakehisplace。ButthePuritan’sfacescowleddownoutofthepicture，asifnothingonthetablepleasedhisappetite。
　　Bywayofcontributingwhatgraceshecould，Phoebegatheredsomerosesandafewotherflowers，possessingeitherscentorbeauty，andarrangedtheminaglasspitcher，which，havinglongagolostitshandle，wassomuchthefitterforaflower-vase。
　　Theearlysunshine——asfreshasthatwhichpeepedintoEve’sbowerwhilesheandAdamsatatbreakfastthere——cametwinklingthroughthebranchesofthepear-tree，andfellquiteacrossthetable。
　　Allwasnowready。Therewerechairsandplatesforthree。
　　AchairandplateforHepzibah，——thesameforPhoebe，——butwhatotherguestdidhercousinlookfor？
　　ThroughoutthispreparationtherehadbeenaconstanttremorinHepzibah’sframe；anagitationsopowerfulthatPhoebecouldseethequiveringofhergauntshadow，asthrownbythefirelightonthekitchenwall，orbythesunshineontheparlorfloor。Itsmanifestationsweresovarious，andagreedsolittlewithoneanother，thatthegirlknewnotwhattomakeofit。Sometimesitseemedanecstasyofdelightandhappiness。Atsuchmoments，Hepzibahwouldflingoutherarms，andinfoldPhoebeinthem，andkisshercheekastenderlyaseverhermotherhad；sheappearedtodosobyaninevitableimpulse，andasifherbosomwereoppressedwithtenderness，ofwhichshemustneedspouroutalittle，inordertogainbreathing-room。Thenextmoment，withoutanyvisiblecauseforthechange，herunwontedjoyshrankback，appalled，asitwere，andclotheditselfinmourning；
　　oritranandhiditself，sotospeak，inthedungeonofherheart，whereithadlonglainchained，whileacold，spectralsorrowtooktheplaceoftheimprisonedjoy，thatwasafraidtobeenfranchised，——asorrowasblackasthatwasbright。Sheoftenbrokeintoalittle，nervous，hystericlaugh，moretouchingthananytearscouldbe；
　　andforthwith，asiftotrywhichwasthemosttouching，agushoftearswouldfollow；orperhapsthelaughterandtearscamebothatonce，andsurroundedourpoorHepzibah，inamoralsense，withakindofpale，dimrainbow。TowardsPhoebe，aswehavesaid，shewasaffectionate，——fartendererthaneverbefore，intheirbriefacquaintance，exceptforthatonekissontheprecedingnight，——yetwithaContinuallyrecurringpettishnessandirritability。Shewouldspeaksharplytoher；
　　then，throwingasideallthestarchedreserveofherordinarymanner，askpardon，andthenextinstantrenewthejust-forgiveninjury。
　　Atlast，whentheirmutuallaborwasallfinished，shetookPhoebe’shandinherowntremblingone。
　　"Bearwithme，mydearchild，"shecried；"fortrulymyheartisfulltothebrim！Bearwithme；forIloveyou，Phoebe，thoughIspeaksoroughly。Thinknothingofit，dearestchild！Byandby，Ishallbekind，andonlykind！"
　　"Mydearestcousin，cannotyoutellmewhathashappened？"askedPhoebe，withasunnyandtearfulsympathy。"Whatisitthatmovesyouso？"
　　"Hush！hush！Heiscoming！"whisperedHepzibah，hastilywipinghereyes。"Lethimseeyoufirst，Phoebe；foryouareyoungandrosy，andcannothelplettingasmilebreakoutwhetherorno。Healwayslikedbrightfaces！Andmineisoldnow，andthetearsarehardlydryonit。Henevercouldabidetears。There；drawthecurtainalittle，sothattheshadowmayfallacrosshissideofthetable！Butlettherebeagooddealofsunshine，too；forheneverwasfondofgloom，assomepeopleare。Hehashadbutlittlesunshineinhislife，——poorClifford，——and，oh，whatablackshadow。Poor，poorClifford！"
　　Thusmurmuringinanundertone，asifspeakingrathertoherownheartthantoPhoebe，theoldgentlewomansteppedontiptoeabouttheroom，makingsucharrangementsassuggestedthemselvesatthecrisis。
　　Meanwhiletherewasastepinthepassage-way，abovestairs。
　　Phoeberecognizeditasthesamewhichhadpassedupward，asthroughherdream，inthenight-time。Theapproachingguest，whoeveritmightbe，appearedtopauseattheheadofthestaircase；
　　hepausedtwiceorthriceinthedescent；hepausedagainatthefoot。
　　Eachtime，thedelayseemedtobewithoutpurpose，butratherfromaforgetfulnessofthepurposewhichhadsethiminmotion，orasiftheperson’sfeetcameinvoluntarilytoastand-stillbecausethemotive-powerwastoofeebletosustainhisprogress。Finally，hemadealongpauseatthethresholdoftheparlor。Hetookholdoftheknobofthedoor；thenloosenedhisgraspwithoutopeningit。
　　Hepzibah，herhandsconvulsivelyclasped，stoodgazingattheentrance。
　　"DearCousinHepzibah，praydon’tlookso！"saidPhoebe，trembling；
　　forhercousin’semotion，andthismysteriouslyreluctantstep，madeherfeelasifaghostwerecomingintotheroom。"Youreallyfrightenme！Issomethingawfulgoingtohappen？"
　　"Hush！"whisperedHepzibah。"Becheerful！whatevermayhappen，benothingbutcheerful！"
　　Thefinalpauseatthethresholdprovedsolong，thatHepzibah，unabletoendurethesuspense，rushedforward，threwopenthedoor，andledinthestrangerbythehand。Atthefirstglance，Phoebesawanelderlypersonage，inanold-fashioneddressing-gownoffadeddamask，andwearinghisgrayoralmostwhitehairofanunusuallength。Itquiteovershadowedhisforehead，exceptwhenhethrustitback，andstaredvaguelyabouttheroom。Afteraverybriefinspectionofhisface，itwaseasytoconceivethathisfootstepmustnecessarilybesuchanoneasthatwhich，slowlyandwithasindefiniteanaimasachild’sfirstjourneyacrossafloor，hadjustbroughthimhitherward。Yettherewerenotokensthathisphysicalstrengthmightnothavesufficedforafreeanddeterminedgait。Itwasthespiritofthemanthatcouldnotwalk。Theexpressionofhiscountenance——while，notwithstandingithadthelightofreasoninit——seemedtowaver，andglimmer，andnearlytodieaway，andfeeblytorecoveritselfagain。Itwaslikeaflamewhichweseetwinklingamonghalf-extinguishedembers；wegazeatitmoreintentlythanifitwereapositiveblaze，gushingvividlyupward，——moreintently，butwithacertainimpatience，asifitoughteithertokindleitselfintosatisfactorysplendor，orbeatonceextinguished。
　　Foraninstantafterenteringtheroom，thegueststoodstill，retainingHepzibah’shandinstinctively，asachilddoesthatofthegrownpersonwhoguidesit。HesawPhoebe，however，andcaughtanilluminationfromheryouthfulandpleasantaspect，which，indeed，threwacheerfulnessabouttheparlor，likethecircleofreflectedbrilliancyaroundtheglassvaseofflowersthatwasstandinginthesunshine。Hemadeasalutation，or，tospeaknearerthetruth，anill-defined，abortiveattemptatcurtsy。Imperfectasitwas，however，itconveyedanidea，or，atleast，gaveahint，ofindescribablegrace，suchasnopractisedartofexternalmannerscouldhaveattained。Itwastooslighttoseizeuponattheinstant；yet，asrecollectedafterwards，seemedtotransfigurethewholeman。
　　"DearClifford，"saidHepzibah，inthetonewithwhichonesoothesawaywardinfant，"thisisourcousinPhoebe，——littlePhoebePyncheon，——Arthur’sonlychild，youknow。Shehascomefromthecountrytostaywithusawhile；forouroldhousehasgrowntobeverylonelynow。"
　　"Phoebe——PhoebePyncheon？——Phoebe？"repeatedtheguest，withastrange，sluggish，ill-definedutterance。"Arthur’schild！Ah，Iforget！Nomatter。Sheisverywelcome！"
　　"Come，dearClifford，takethischair，"saidHepzibah，leadinghimtohisplace。"Pray，Phoebe，lowerthecurtainaverylittlemore。
　　Nowletusbeginbreakfast。"
　　Theguestseatedhimselfintheplaceassignedhim，andlookedstrangelyaround。Hewasevidentlytryingtograpplewiththepresentscene，andbringithometohismindwithamoresatisfactorydistinctness。Hedesiredtobecertain，atleast，thathewashere，inthelow-studded，cross-beamed，oaken-panelledparlor，andnotinsomeotherspot，whichhadstereotypeditselfintohissenses。Buttheeffortwastoogreattobesustainedwithmorethanafragmentarysuccess。Continually，aswemayexpressit，hefadedawayoutofhisplace；or，inotherwords，hismindandconsciousnesstooktheirdeparture，leavinghiswasted，gray，andmelancholyfigure——asubstantialemptiness，amaterialghost——tooccupyhisseatattable。Again，afterablankmoment，therewouldbeaflickeringtaper-gleaminhiseyeballs。Itbetokenedthathisspiritualparthadreturned，andwasdoingitsbesttokindletheheart’shouseholdfire，andlightupintellectuallampsinthedarkandruinousmansion，whereitwasdoomedtobeaforlorninhabitant。
　　Atoneofthesemomentsoflesstorpid，yetstillimperfectanimation，Phoebebecameconvincedofwhatshehadatfirstrejectedastooextravagantandstartlinganidea。ShesawthatthepersonbeforehermusthavebeentheoriginalofthebeautifulminiatureinhercousinHepzibah’spossession。Indeed，withafeminineeyeforcostume，shehadatonceidentifiedthedamaskdressing-gown，whichenvelopedhim，asthesameinfigure，material，andfashion，withthatsoelaboratelyrepresentedinthepicture。
　　Thisold，fadedgarment，withallitspristinebrilliancyextinct，seemed，insomeindescribableway，totranslatethewearer’suntoldmisfortune，andmakeitperceptibletothebeholder’seye。Itwasthebettertobediscerned，bythisexteriortype，howwornandoldwerethesoul’smoreimmediategarments；thatformandcountenance，thebeautyandgraceofwhichhadalmosttranscendedtheskillofthemostexquisiteofartists。Itcouldthemoreadequatelybeknownthatthesoulofthemanmusthavesufferedsomemiserablewrong，fromitsearthlyexperience。Thereheseemedtosit，withadimveilofdecayandruinbetwixthimandtheworld，butthroughwhich，atflittingintervals，mightbecaughtthesameexpression，sorefined，sosoftlyimaginative，whichMalbone——venturingahappytouch，withsuspendedbreath——hadimpartedtotheminiature！Therehadbeensomethingsoinnatelycharacteristicinthislook，thatalltheduskyyears，andtheburdenofunfitcalamitywhichhadfallenuponhim，didnotsufficeutterlytodestroyit。
　　Hepzibahhadnowpouredoutacupofdeliciouslyfragrantcoffee，andpresentedittoherguest。Ashiseyesmethers，heseemedbewilderedanddisquieted。
　　"Isthisyou，Hepzibah？"hemurmuredsadly。then，moreapart，andperhapsunconsciousthathewasoverheard，"Howchanged！
　　howchanged！Andissheangrywithme？Whydoesshebendherbrowso？"
　　PoorHepzibah！Itwasthatwretchedscowlwhichtimeandhernear-sightedness，andthefretofinwarddiscomfort，hadrenderedsohabitualthatanyvehemenceofmoodinvariablyevokedit。Butattheindistinctmurmurofhiswordsherwholefacegrewtender，andevenlovely，withsorrowfulaffection；theharshnessofherfeaturesdisappeared，asitwere，behindthewarmandmistyglow。
　　"Angry！sherepeated；"angrywithyou，Clifford！"
　　Hertone，assheutteredtheexclamation，hadaplaintiveandreallyexquisitemelodythrillingthroughit，yetwithoutsubduingacertainsomethingwhichanobtuseauditormightstillhavemistakenforasperity。
　　Itwasasifsometranscendentmusicianshoulddrawasoul-thrillingsweetnessoutofacrackedinstrument，whichmakesitsphysicalimperfectionheardinthemidstofetherealharmony，——sodeepwasthesensibilitythatfoundanorganinHepzibah’svoice！
　　"Thereisnothingbutlove，here，Clifford，"sheadded，——"nothingbutlove！Youareathome！"
　　Theguestrespondedtohertonebyasmile，whichdidnothalflightuphisface。Feebleasitwas，however，andgoneinamoment，ithadacharmofwonderfulbeauty。Itwasfollowedbyacoarserexpression；oronethathadtheeffectofcoarsenessonthefinemouldandoutlineofhiscountenance，becausetherewasnothingintellectualtotemperit。Itwasalookofappetite。
　　Heatefoodwithwhatmightalmostbetermedvoracity；andseemedtoforgethimself，Hepzibah，theyounggirl，andeverythingelsearoundhim，inthesensualenjoymentwhichthebountifullyspreadtableafforded。Inhisnaturalsystem，thoughhigh-wroughtanddelicatelyrefined，asensibilitytothedelightsofthepalatewasprobablyinherent。Itwouldhavebeenkeptincheck，however，andevenconvertedintoanaccomplishment，andoneofthethousandmodesofintellectualculture，hadhismoreetherealcharacteristicsretainedtheirvigor。Butasitexistednow，theeffectwaspainfulandmadePhoebedroophereyes。
　　Inalittlewhiletheguestbecamesensibleofthefragranceoftheyetuntastedcoffee。Hequaffediteagerly。Thesubtleessenceactedonhimlikeacharmeddraught，andcausedtheopaquesubstanceofhisanimalbeingtogrowtransparent，or，atleast，translucent；sothataspiritualgleamwastransmittedthroughit，withaclearerlustrethanhitherto。
　　"More，more！"hecried，withnervoushasteinhisutterance，asifanxioustoretainhisgraspofwhatsoughttoescapehim。"ThisiswhatIneed！Givememore！"
　　Underthisdelicateandpowerfulinfluencehesatmoreerect，andlookedoutfromhiseyeswithaglancethattooknoteofwhatitrestedon。Itwasnotsomuchthathisexpressiongrewmoreintellectual；this，thoughithaditsshare，wasnotthemostpeculiareffect。Neitherwaswhatwecallthemoralnaturesoforciblyawakenedastopresentitselfinremarkableprominence。
　　Butacertainfinetemperofbeingwasnownotbroughtoutinfullrelief，butchangeablyandimperfectlybetrayed，ofwhichitwasthefunctiontodealwithallbeautifulandenjoyablethings。
　　Inacharacterwhereitshouldexistasthechiefattribute，itwouldbestowonitspossessoranexquisitetaste，andanenviablesusceptibilityofhappiness。Beautywouldbehislife；hisaspirationswouldalltendtowardit；and，allowinghisframeandphysicalorganstobeinconsonance，hisowndevelopmentswouldlikewisebebeautiful。Suchamanshouldhavenothingtodowithsorrow；nothingwithstrife；nothingwiththemartyrdomwhich，inaninfinitevarietyofshapes，awaitsthosewhohavetheheart，andwill，andconscience，tofightabattlewiththeworld。
　　Totheseheroictempers，suchmartyrdomistherichestmeedintheworld’sgift。Totheindividualbeforeus，itcouldonlybeagrief，intenseindueproportionwiththeseverityoftheinfliction。Hehadnorighttobeamartyr；and，beholdinghimsofittobehappyandsofeebleforallotherpurposes，agenerous，strong，andnoblespiritwould，methinks，havebeenreadytosacrificewhatlittleenjoymentitmighthaveplannedforitself，——itwouldhaveflungdownthehopes，sopaltryinitsregard，——iftherebythewintryblastsofourrudespheremightcometemperedtosuchaman。
　　Nottospeakitharshlyorscornfully，itseemedClifford’snaturetobeaSybarite。Itwasperceptible，eventhere，inthedarkoldparlor，intheinevitablepolaritywithwhichhiseyeswereattractedtowardsthequiveringplayofsunbeamsthroughtheshadowyfoliage。Itwasseeninhisappreciatingnoticeofthevaseofflowers，thescentofwhichheinhaledwithazestalmostpeculiartoaphysicalorganizationsorefinedthatspiritualingredientsaremouldedinwithit。ItwasbetrayedintheunconscioussmilewithwhichheregardedPhoebe，whosefreshandmaidenlyfigurewasbothsunshineandflowers，——theiressence，inaprettierandmoreagreeablemodeofmanifestation。NotlessevidentwasthisloveandnecessityfortheBeautiful，intheinstinctivecautionwithwhich，evensosoon，hiseyesturnedawayfromhishostess，andwanderedtoanyquarterratherthancomeback。ItwasHepzibah’smisfortune，——notClifford’sfault。
　　Howcouldhe，——soyellowasshewas，sowrinkled，sosadofmien，withthatodduncouthnessofaturbanonherhead，andthatmostperverseofscowlscontortingherbrow，——howcouldhelovetogazeather？But，didheowehernoaffectionforsomuchasshehadsilentlygiven？Heowedhernothing。AnaturelikeClifford’scancontractnodebtsofthatkind。Itis——wesayitwithoutcensure，norindiminutionoftheclaimwhichitindefeasiblypossessesonbeingsofanothermould——itisalwaysselfishinitsessence；andwemustgiveitleavetobeso，andheapupourheroicanddisinterestedloveuponitsomuchthemore，withoutarecompense。PoorHepzibahknewthistruth，or，atleast，actedontheinstinctofit。SolongestrangedfromwhatwaslovelyasCliffordhadbeen，sherejoiced——rejoiced，thoughwithapresentsigh，andasecretpurposetoshedtearsinherownchamberthathehadbrighterobjectsnowbeforehiseyesthanheragedanduncomelyfeatures。Theyneverpossessedacharm；andiftheyhad，thecankerofhergriefforhimwouldlongsincehavedestroyedit。
　　Theguestleanedbackinhischair。Mingledinhiscountenancewithadreamydelight，therewasatroubledlookofeffortandunrest。Hewasseekingtomakehimselfmorefullysensibleofthescenearoundhim；or，perhaps，dreadingittobeadream，oraplayofimagination，wasvexingthefairmomentwithastruggleforsomeaddedbrilliancyandmoredurableillusion。
　　"Howpleasant！——Howdelightful！"hemurmured，butnotasifaddressinganyone。"Willitlast？Howbalmytheatmospherethroughthatopenwindow！Anopenwindow！Howbeautifulthatplayofsunshine！Thoseflowers，howveryfragrant！Thatyounggirl’sface，howcheerful，howblooming！——aflowerwiththedewonit，andsunbeamsinthedew-drops！Ah！thismustbealladream！