MinniewasthinkingoftheresourcewhichCarrie’sboardwould，add。Itwouldpaytherentandwouldmakethesubjectof，expenditurealittlelessdifficulttotalkaboutwithher，husband。ButifCarriewasgoingtothinkofrunningaroundin，thebeginningtherewouldbeahitchsomewhere。UnlessCarrie，submittedtoasolemnroundofindustryandsawtheneedofhard，workwithoutlongingforplay，howwashercomingtothecityto，profitthem？，Thesethoughtswerenotthoseofacold，hard，natureatall。Theyweretheseriousreflectionsofamindwhich，invariablyadjusteditself，withoutmuchcomplaining，tosuch，surroundingsasitsindustrycouldmakeforit。
　　AtlastsheyieldedenoughtoaskHanson。Itwasahalf-hearted，procedurewithoutashadeofdesireonherpart。
　　“Carriewantsustogotothetheatre，“shesaid，lookinginupon，herhusband。Hansonlookedupfromhispaper，andtheyexchanged，amildlook，whichsaidasplainlyasanything：“Thisisn’twhat，weexpected。”
　　“Idon’tcaretogo，“hereturned。”Whatdoesshewanttosee？”
　　“H。R。Jacob’s，“saidMinnie。
　　Helookeddownathispaperandshookhisheadnegatively。
　　WhenCarriesawhowtheylookeduponherproposition，shegained，astillclearerfeelingoftheirwayoflife。Itweighedonher，buttooknodefiniteformofopposition。
　　“IthinkI’llgodownandstandatthefootofthestairs，“she，said，afteratime。
　　Minniemadenoobjectiontothis，andCarrieputonherhatand，wentbelow。
　　“WherehasCarriegone？”askedHanson，comingbackintothe，dining-roomwhenheheardthedoorclose。
　　“Shesaidshewasgoingdowntothefootofthestairs，“answered，Minnie。”Iguessshejustwantstolookoutawhile。”
　　“Sheoughtn’ttobethinkingaboutspendinghermoneyontheatres，already，doyouthink？”hesaid。
　　“Shejustfeelsalittlecurious，Iguess，“venturedMinnie。
　　“Everythingissonew。”
　　“Idon’tknow，“saidHanson，andwentovertothebaby，his，foreheadslightlywrinkled。
　　Hewasthinkingofafullcareerofvanityandwastefulnesswhich，ayounggirlmightindulgein，andwonderinghowCarriecould，contemplatesuchacoursewhenshehadsolittle，asyet，with，whichtodo。
　　OnSaturdayCarriewentoutbyherself——firsttowardtheriver，whichinterestedher，andthenbackalongJacksonStreet，which，wasthenlinedbytheprettyhousesandfinelawnswhich，subsequentlycausedittobemadeintoaboulevard。Shewas，struckwiththeevidencesofwealth，althoughtherewas，perhaps，notapersononthestreetworthmorethanahundredthousand，dollars。Shewasgladtobeoutoftheflat，becausealreadyshe，feltthatitwasanarrow，humdrumplace，andthatinterestand，joylayelsewhere。Herthoughtsnowwereofamoreliberal，character，andshepunctuatedthemwithspeculationsastothe，whereaboutsofDrouet。Shewasnotsurebutthathemightcall，anyhowMondaynight，and，whileshefeltalittledisturbedat，thepossibility，therewas，nevertheless，justtheshadeofa，wishthathewould。
　　OnMondayshearoseearlyandpreparedtogotowork。Shedressed，herselfinawornshirt-waistofdottedbluepercale，askirtof，light-brownsergeratherfaded，andasmallstrawhatwhichshe，hadwornallsummeratColumbiaCity。Hershoeswereold，and，hernecktiewasinthatcrumpled，flattenedstatewhichtimeand，muchwearingimpart。Shemadeaveryaveragelookingshop-girl，withtheexceptionofherfeatures。Thesewereslightlymoreeven，thancommon，andgaveherasweet，reserved，andpleasing，appearance。
　　Itisnoeasythingtogetupearlyinthemorningwhenoneis，usedtosleepinguntilsevenandeight，asCarriehadbeenat，home。ShegainedsomeinklingofthecharacterofHanson’slife，when，halfasleep，shelookedoutintothedining-roomatsix，o’clockandsawhimsilentlyfinishinghisbreakfast。Bythe，timeshewasdressedhewasgone，andshe，Minnie，andthebaby，atetogether，thelatterbeingjustoldenoughtositinahigh，chairanddisturbthedisheswithaspoon。Herspiritswere，greatlysubduednowwhenthefactofenteringuponstrangeand，untrieddutiesconfrontedher。Onlytheashesofallherfine，fancieswereremaining——ashesstillconcealing，nevertheless，a，fewredembersofhope。Sosubduedwasshebyherweakening，nerves，thatsheatequiteinsilencegoingoverimaginary，conceptionsofthecharacteroftheshoecompany，thenatureof，thework，heremployer’sattitude。Shewasvaguelyfeelingthat，shewouldcomeincontactwiththegreatowners，thatherwork，wouldbewheregrave，stylishlydressedmenoccasionallylookon。
　　“Well，goodluck，“saidMinnie，whenshewasreadytogo。They，hadagreeditwasbesttowalk，thatmorningatleast，toseeif，shecoulddoiteveryday——sixtycentsaweekforcarfarebeing，quiteanitemunderthecircumstances。
　　“I’lltellyouhowitgoesto-night，“saidCarrie。
　　Onceinthesunlitstreet，withlabourerstrampingbyineither，direction，thehorse-carspassingcrowdedtotherailswiththe，smallclerksandfloorhelpinthegreatwholesalehouses，and，menandwomengenerallycomingoutofdoorsandpassingaboutthe，neighbourhood，Carriefeltslightlyreassured。Inthesunshine，ofthemorning，beneaththewide，blueheavens，withafreshwind，astir，whatfears，exceptthemostdesperate，canfinda，harbourage？，Inthenight，orthegloomychambersoftheday，fearsandmisgivingswaxstrong，butoutinthesunlightthere，is，foratime，cessationevenoftheterrorofdeath。
　　Carriewentstraightforwarduntilshecrossedtheriver，and，thenturnedintoFifthAvenue。Thethoroughfare，inthispart，waslikeawalledcanonofbrownstoneanddarkredbrick。The，bigwindowslookedshinyandclean。Truckswererumblingin，increasingnumbers;menandwomen，girlsandboysweremoving，onwardinalldirections。Shemetgirlsofherownage，who，lookedatherasifwithcontemptforherdiffidence。She，wonderedatthemagnitudeofthislifeandattheimportanceof，knowingmuchinordertodoanythinginitatall。Dreadather，owninefficiencycreptuponher。Shewouldnotknowhow，she，wouldnotbequickenough。Hadnotalltheotherplacesrefused，herbecauseshedidnotknowsomethingorother？，Shewouldbe，scolded，abused，ignominiouslydischarged。
　　Itwaswithweakkneesandaslightcatchinherbreathingthat，shecameuptothegreatshoecompanyatAdamsandFifthAvenue，andenteredtheelevator。Whenshesteppedoutonthefourth，floortherewasnooneathand，onlygreataislesofboxespiled，totheceiling。Shestood，verymuchfrightened，awaitingsome，one。
　　PresentlyMr。Browncameup。Hedidnotseemtorecosniseher。
　　“Whatisityouwant？”heinquired。
　　Carrie’sheartsank。
　　“YousaidIshouldcomethismorningtoseeaboutwork——“
　　“Oh，“heinterrupted。”Um——yes。Whatisyourname？”
　　“CarrieMeeber。”
　　“Yes，“saidhe。”Youcomewithme。”
　　Heledthewaythroughdark，box-linedaisleswhichhadthesmell，ofnewshoes，untiltheycametoanirondoorwhichopenedinto，thefactoryproper。Therewasalarge，low-ceiledroom，with，clacking，rattlingmachinesatwhichmeninwhiteshirtsleeves，andblueginghamapronswereworking。Shefollowedhim，diffidentlythroughtheclatteringautomatons，keepinghereyes，straightbeforeher，andflushingslightly。Theycrossedtoafar，cornerandtookanelevatortothesixthfloor。Outofthearray，ofmachinesandbenches，Mr。Brownsignalledaforeman。
　　“Thisisthegirl，“hesaid，andturningtoCarrie，“Yougowith，him。”，Hethenreturned，andCarriefollowedhernewsuperiorto，alittledeskinacorner，whichheusedasakindofofficial，centre。
　　“You’veneverworkedatanythinglikethisbefore，haveyou？”he，questioned，rathersternly。
　　“No，sir，“sheanswered。
　　Heseemedratherannoyedathavingtobotherwithsuchhelp，but，putdownhernameandthenledheracrosstowherealineof，girlsoccupiedstoolsinfrontofclackingmachines。Onthe，shoulderofoneofthegirlswhowaspunchingeye-holesinone，pieceoftheupper，bytheaidofthemachine，heputhishand。
　　“You，“hesaid，“showthisgirlhowtodowhatyou’redoing。
　　Whenyougetthrough，cometome。”
　　ThegirlsoaddressedrosepromptlyandgaveCarrieherplace。
　　“Itisn’thardtodo，“shesaid，bendingover。”Youjusttake，thisso，fastenitwiththisclamp，andstartthemachine。”
　　Shesuitedactiontoword，fastenedthepieceofleather，which，waseventuallytoformtherighthalfoftheupperofaman’s，shoe，bylittleadjustableclamps，andpushedasmallsteelrod，atthesideofthemachine。Thelatterjumpedtothetaskof，punching，withsharp，snappingclicks，cuttingcircularbitsof，leatheroutofthesideoftheupper，leavingtheholeswhich，weretoholdthelaces。Afterobservingafewtimes，thegirl，letherworkatitalone。Seeingthatitwasfairlywelldone，shewentaway。
　　Thepiecesofleathercamefromthegirlatthemachinetoher，right，andwerepassedontothegirlatherleft。Carriesawat，oncethatanaveragespeedwasnecessaryortheworkwouldpile，uponherandallthosebelowwouldbedelayed。Shehadnotime，tolookabout，andbentanxiouslytohertask。Thegirlsather，leftandrightrealisedherpredicamentandfeelings，and，ina，way，triedtoaidher，asmuchastheydared，byworkingslower。
　　Atthistaskshelabouredincessantlyforsometime，finding，relieffromherownnervousfearsandimaginingsinthehumdrum，mechanicalmovementofthemachine。Shefelt，astheminutes，passed，thattheroomwasnotverylight。Ithadathickodour，offreshleather，butthatdidnotworryher。Shefelttheeyes，oftheotherhelpuponher，andtroubledlestshewasnotworking，fastenough。
　　Once，whenshewasfumblingatthelittleclamp，havingmadea，slighterrorinsettingintheleather，agreathandappeared，beforehereyesandfastenedtheclampforher。Itwasthe，foreman。Herheartthumpedsothatshecouldscarcelyseetogo，on。
　　“Startyourmachine，“hesaid，“startyourmachine。Don’tkeep，thelinewaiting。”
　　Thisrecoveredhersufficientlyandshewentexcitedlyon，hardly，breathinguntiltheshadowmovedawayfrombehindher。Thenshe，heavedagreatbreath。
　　Asthemorningworeontheroombecamehotter。Shefelttheneed，ofabreathoffreshairandadrinkofwater，butdidnot，venturetostir。Thestoolshesatonwaswithoutabackor，foot-rest，andshebegantofeeluncomfortable。Shefound，after，atime，thatherbackwasbeginningtoache。Shetwistedand，turnedfromonepositiontoanotherslightlydifferent，butit，didnoteaseherforlong。Shewasbeginningtoweary。
　　“Standup，whydon’tyou？”saidthegirlatherright，without，anyformofintroduction。”Theywon’tcare。”
　　Carrielookedathergratefully。”IguessIwill，“shesaid。
　　Shestoodupfromherstoolandworkedthatwayforawhile，but，itwasamoredifficultposition。Herneckandshouldersached，inbendingover。
　　Thespiritoftheplaceimpresseditselfonherinaroughway。
　　Shedidnotventuretolookaround，butabovetheclackofthe，machineshecouldhearanoccasionalremark。Shecouldalsonote，athingortwooutofthesideofhereye。
　　“DidyouseeHarrylastnight？”saidthegirlatherleft，addressingherneighbour。
　　“No。”
　　“Yououghttohaveseenthetiehehadon。Gee，buthewasa，mark。”
　　“S-s-t，“saidtheothergirl，bendingoverherwork。Thefirst，silenced，instantlyassumedasolemnface。Theforemanpassed，slowlyalong，eyeingeachworkerdistinctly。Themomenthewas，gone，theconversationwasresumedagain。
　　“Say，“beganthegirlatherleft，“whatjehthinkhesaid？”
　　“Idon’tknow。”
　　“HesaidhesawuswithEddieHarrisatMartin’slastnight。”
　　“No！”Theybothgiggled。
　　Ayouthwithtan-colouredhair，thatneededclippingverybadly，cameshufflingalongbetweenthemachines，bearingabasketof，leatherfindingsunderhisleftarm，andpressedagainsthis，stomach。WhennearCarrie，hestretchedouthisrighthandand，grippedonegirlunderthearm。
　　“Aw，letmego，“sheexclaimedangrily。”Duffer。”
　　Heonlygrinnedbroadlyinreturn。
　　“Rubber！”hecalledbackasshelookedafterhim。Therewas，nothingofthegallantinhim。
　　Carrieatlastcouldscarcelysitstill。Herlegsbegantotire，andshewantedtogetupandstretch。Wouldnoonnevercome？，It，seemedasifshehadworkedanentireday。Shewasnothungryat，all，butweak，andhereyesweretired，strainingattheone，pointwheretheeye-punchcamedown。Thegirlattheright，noticedhersquirmingsandfeltsorryforher。Shewas，concentratingherselftoothoroughly——whatshedidreally，requiredlessmentalandphysicalstrain。Therewasnothingto，bedone，however。Thehalvesoftheupperscamepilingsteadily，down。Herhandsbegantoacheatthewristsandtheninthe，fingers，andtowardsthelastsheseemedonemassofdull，complainingmuscles，fixedinaneternalpositionandperforming，asinglemechanicalmovementwhichbecamemoreandmore，distasteful，untilaslastitwasabsolutelynauseating。When，shewaswonderingwhetherthestrainwouldevercease，adull-
　　soundingbellclangedsomewheredownanelevatorshaft，andthe，endcame。Inaninstanttherewasabuzzofactionand，conversation。Allthegirlsinstantlylefttheirstoolsand，hurriedawayinanadjoiningroom，menpassedthrough，coming，fromsomedepartmentwhichopenedontheright。Thewhirling，wheelsbegantosinginasteadilymodifyingkey，untilatlast，theydiedawayinalowbuzz。Therewasanaudiblestillness，in，whichthecommonvoicesoundedstrange。
　　Carriegotupandsoughtherlunchbox。Shewasstiff，alittle，dizzy，andverythirsty。Onthewaytothesmallspaceportioned，offbywood，whereallthewrapsandluncheswerekept，she，encounteredtheforeman，whostaredatherhard。
　　“Well，“hesaid，“didyougetalongallright？”
　　“Ithinkso，“shereplied，veryrespectfully。
　　“Um，“hereplied，forwantofsomethingbetter，andwalkedon。
　　Underbettermaterialconditions，thiskindofworkwouldnot，havebeensobad，butthenewsocialismwhichinvolvespleasant，workingconditionsforemployeeshadnotthentakenholdupon，manufacturingcompanies。
　　Theplacesmelledoftheoilofthemachinesandthenewleather——
　　acombinationwhich，addedtothestaleodoursofthebuilding，wasnotpleasantevenincoldweather。Thefloor，though，regularlyswepteveryevening，presentedalitteredsurface。Not，theslightestprovisionhadbeenmadeforthecomfortofthe，employees，theideabeingthatsomethingwasgainedbygiving，themaslittleandmakingtheworkashardandunremunerativeas，possible。Whatweknowoffoot-rests，swivel-backchairs，dining-roomsforthegirls，cleanapronsandcurlingirons，suppliedfree，andadecentcloakroom，wereunthoughtof。The，washroomsweredisagreeable，crude，ifnotfoulplaces，andthe，wholeatmospherewassordid。
　　Carrielookedabouther，aftershehaddrunkatinfulofwater，fromabucketinonecorner，foraplacetositandeat。The，othergirlshadrangedthemselvesaboutthewindowsorthework-
　　benchesofthoseofthemenwhohadgoneout。Shesawnoplace，whichdidnotholdacoupleoragroupofgirls，andbeingtoo，timidtothinkofintrudingherself，shesoughtouthermachine，and，seateduponherstool，openedherlunchonherlap。There，shesatlisteningtothechatterandcommentabouther。Itwas，forthemostpart，sillyandgracedbythecurrentslang。
　　Severalofthemenintheroomexchangedcomplimentswiththe，girlsatlongrange。
　　“Say，Kitty，“calledonetoagirlwhowasdoingawaltzstepin，afewfeetofspacenearoneofthewindows，“areyougoingto，theballwithme？”
　　“Lookout，Kitty，“calledanother，“you’lljaryourbackhair。”
　　“Goon，Rubber，“washeronlycomment。
　　AsCarrielistenedtothisandmuchmoreofsimilarfamiliar，badinageamongthemenandgirls，sheinstinctivelywithdrewinto，herself。Shewasnotusedtothistype，andfeltthattherewas，somethinghardandlowaboutitall。Shefearedthattheyoung，boysaboutwouldaddresssuchremarkstoher——boyswho，beside，Drouet，seemeduncouthandridiculous。Shemadetheaverage，femininedistinctionbetweenclothes，puttingworth，goodness，anddistinctioninadresssuit，andleavingalltheunlovely，qualitiesandthosebeneathnoticeinoverallsandjumper。
　　Shewasgladwhentheshorthalfhourwasoverandthewheels，begantowhirragain。Thoughwearied，shewouldbe，inconspicuous。Thisillusionendedwhenanotheryoungmanpassed，alongtheaisleandpokedherindifferentlyintheribswithhis，thumb。Sheturnedabout，indignationleapingtohereyes，buthe，hadgoneonandonlyonceturnedtogrin。Shefounditdifficult，toconqueraninclinationtocry。
　　Thegirlnexthernoticedherstateofmind。”Don’tyoumind，“
　　shesaid。”He’stoofresh。”
　　Carriesaidnothing，butbentoverherwork。Shefeltasthough，shecouldhardlyenduresuchalife。Herideaofworkhadbeen，soentirelydifferent。Allduringthelongafternoonshethought，ofthecityoutsideanditsimposingshow，crowds，andfine，buildings。ColumbiaCityandthebettersideofherhomelife，cameback。Bythreeo’clockshewassureitmustbesix，andby，fouritseemedasiftheyhadforgottentonotethehourandwere，lettingallworkovertime。Theforemanbecameatrueogre，prowlingconstantlyabout，keepinghertieddowntohermiserable，task。Whatsheheardoftheconversationaboutheronlymadeher，feelsurethatshedidnotwanttomakefriendswithanyof，these。Whensixo’clockcameshehurriedeagerlyaway，herarms，achingandherlimbsstifffromsittinginoneposition。
　　Asshepassedoutalongthehallaftergettingherhat，ayoung，machinehand，attractedbyherlooks，madeboldtojestwithher。
　　“Say，Maggie，“hecalled，“ifyouwait，I’llwalkwithyou。”
　　Itwasthrownsostraightinherdirectionthatsheknewwhowas，meant，butneverturnedtolook。
　　Inthecrowdedelevator，anotherdusty，toil-stainedyouthtried，tomakeanimpressiononherbyleeringinherface。
　　Oneyoungman，waitingonthewalkoutsidefortheappearanceof，another，grinnedatherasshepassed。
　　“Ain’tgoingmyway，areyou？”hecalledjocosely。
　　Carrieturnedherfacetothewestwithasubduedheart。Asshe，turnedthecorner，shesawthroughthegreatshinywindowthe，smalldeskatwhichshehadapplied。Therewerethecrowds，hurryingwiththesamebuzzandenergy-yieldingenthusiasm。She，feltaslightrelief，butitwasonlyatherescape。Shefelt，ashamedinthefaceofbetterdressedgirlswhowentby。She，feltasthoughsheshouldbebetterserved，andherheart，revolted。
　　ChapterV
　　AGLITTERINGNIGHTFLOWER——THEUSEOFANAME
　　Drouetdidnotcallthatevening。Afterreceivingtheletter，he，hadlaidasideallthoughtofCarrieforthetimebeingandwas，floatingaroundhavingwhatheconsideredagaytime。Onthis，particulareveninghedinedat“Rector’s，“arestaurantofsome，localfame，whichoccupiedabasementatClarkandMonroe，Streets。There——afterhevisitedtheresortofFitzgeraldand，Moy’sinAdamsStreet，oppositetheimposingFederalBuilding。
　　Thereheleanedoverthesplendidbarandswallowedaglassof，plainwhiskeyandpurchasedacoupleofcigars，oneofwhichhe，lighted。Thistohimrepresentedinparthighlife——afair，sampleofwhatthewholemustbe。Drouetwasnotadrinkerin，excess。Hewasnotamoneyedman。Heonlycravedthebest，as，hismindconceivedit，andsuchdoingsseemedtohimapartof，thebest。Rector’s，withitspolishedmarblewallsandfloor，itsprofusionoflights，itsshowofchinaandsilverware，and，aboveall，itsreputationasaresortforactorsandprofessional，men，seemedtohimtheproperplaceforasuccessfulmantogo。
　　Helovedfineclothes，goodeating，andparticularlythecompany，andacquaintanceshipofsuccessfulmen。Whendining，itwasa，sourceofkeensatisfactiontohimtoknowthatJosephJefferson，waswonttocometothissameplace，orthatHenryE。Dixie，a，well-knownperformeroftheday，wasthenonlyafewtablesoff。
　　AtRector’shecouldalwaysobtainthissatisfaction，forthere，onecouldencounterpoliticians，brokers，actors，somerichyoung，“rounders“ofthetown，alleatinganddrinkingamidabuzzof，popularcommonplaceconversation。
　　“That’sSo-and-sooverthere，“wasacommonremarkofthese，gentlemenamongthemselves，particularlyamongthosewhohadnot，yetreached，buthopedtodoso，thedazzlingheightwhichmoney，todineherelavishlyrepresented。
　　“Youdon’tsayso，“wouldbethereply。
　　“Why，yes，didn’tyouknowthat？，Why，he’smanageroftheGrand，OperaHouse。”
　　WhenthesethingswouldfalluponDrouet’sears，hewould，straightenhimselfalittlemorestifflyandeatwithsolid，comfort。Ifhehadanyvanity，thisaugmentedit，andifhehad，anyambition，thisstirredit。Hewouldbeabletoflasharoll，ofgreenbackstoosomeday。Asitwas，hecouldeatwhereTHEY
　　did。
　　HispreferenceforFitzgeraldandMoy’sAdamsStreetplacewas，anotheryardoffthesamecloth。Thiswasreallyagorgeous，saloonfromaChicagostandpoint。LikeRector’s，itwasalso，ornamentedwithablazeofincandescentlights，heldinhandsome，chandeliers。Thefloorswereofbrightlycolouredtiles，the，wallsacompositionofrich，dark，polishedwood，whichreflected，thelight，andcolouredstucco-work，whichgavetheplaceavery，sumptuousappearance。Thelongbarwasablazeoflights，polishedwoodwork，colouredandcutglassware，andmanyfancy，bottles。Itwasatrulyswellsaloon，withrichscreens，fancy，wines，andalineofbargoodsunsurpassedinthecountry。
　　AtRector’s，DrouethadmetMr。G。W。Hurstwood，managerof，FitzgeraldandMoy’s。Hehadbeenpointedoutasavery，successfulandwell-knownmanabouttown。Hurstwoodlookedthe，part，for，besidesbeingslightlyunderforty，hehadagood，stoutconstitution，anactivemanner，andasolid，substantial，air，whichwascomposedinpartofhisfineclothes，hisclean，linen，hisjewels，and，aboveall，hisownsenseofhis，importance。Drouetimmediatelyconceivedanotionofhimas，beingsomeoneworthknowing，andwasgladnotonlytomeethim，buttovisittheAdamsStreetbarthereafterwheneverhewanteda，drinkoracigar。
　　Hurstwoodwasaninterestingcharacterafterhiskind。Hewas，shrewdandcleverinmanylittlethings，andcapableofcreating，agoodimpression。Hismanagerialpositionwasfairlyimportant——
　　akindofstewardshipwhichwasimposing，butlackedfinancial，control。Hehadrisenbyperseveranceandindustry，throughlong，yearsofservice，fromthepositionofbarkeeperinacommonplace，saloontohispresentaltitude。Hehadalittleofficeinthe，place，setoffinpolishedcherryandgrill-work，wherehekept，inaroll-topdesk，therathersimpleaccountsoftheplace——
　　suppliesorderedandneeded。Thechiefexecutiveandfinancial，functionsdevolvedupontheowners——Messrs。FitzgeraldandMoy——
　　anduponacashierwholookedafterthemoneytakenin。
　　Forthemostpartheloungedabout，dressedinexcellenttailored，suitsofimportedgoods，asolitairering，afinebluediamondin，histie，astrikingvestofsomenewpattern，andawatch-chain，ofsolidgold，whichheldacharmofrichdesign，andawatchof，thelatestmakeandengraving。Heknewbyname，andcouldgreet，personallywitha“Well，oldfellow，“hundredsofactors，merchants，politicians，andthegeneralrunofsuccessful，charactersabouttown，anditwaspartofhissuccesstodoso。
　　Hehadafinelygraduatedscaleofinformalityandfriendship，whichimprovedfromthe“Howdoyoudo？”addressedtothe，fifteen-dollar-a-weekclerksandofficeattaches，who，bylong，frequentingoftheplace，becameawareofhisposition，tothe，“Why，oldman，howareyou？”whichheaddressedtothosenotedor，richindividualswhoknewhimandwereinclinedtobefriendly。
　　Therewasaclass，however，toorich，toofamous，ortoo，successful，withwhomhecouldnotattemptanyfamiliarityof，address，andwiththesehewasprofessionallytactful，assuminga，graveanddignifiedattitude，payingthemthedeferencewhich，wouldwintheirgoodfeelingwithoutintheleastcompromising，hisownbearingandopinions。Therewere，inthelastplace，a，fewgoodfollowers，neitherrichnorpoor，famous，noryet，remarkablysuccessful，withwhomhewasfriendlyonthescoreof，good-fellowship。Thesewerethekindofmenwithwhomhewould，converselongestandmostseriously。Helovedtogooutandhave，agoodtimeonceinawhile——togototheraces，thetheatres，thesportingentertainmentsatsomeoftheclubs。Hekepta，horseandneattrap，hadhiswifeandtwochildren，whowerewell，establishedinaneathouseontheNorthSidenearLincolnPark，andwasaltogetheraveryacceptableindividualofourgreat，Americanupperclass——thefirstgradebelowtheluxuriouslyrich。
　　HurstwoodlikedDrouet。Thelatter’sgenialnatureanddressy，appearancepleasedhim。HeknewthatDrouetwasonlya，travellingsalesman——andnotoneofmanyyearsatthat——butthe，firmofBartlett，Caryoe&Companywasalargeandprosperous，house，andDrouetstoodwell。HurstwoodknewCaryoequitewell，havingdrunkaglassnowandthenwithhim，incompanywith，severalothers，whentheconversationwasgeneral。Drouethad，whatwasahelpinhisbusiness，amoderatesenseofhumour，and，couldtellagoodstorywhentheoccasionrequired。Hecould，talkraceswithHurstwood，tellinterestingincidentsconcerning，himselfandhisexperienceswithwomen，andreportthestateof，tradeinthecitieswhichhevisited，andsomanagedtomake，himselfalmostinvariablyagreeable。To-nighthewas，particularlyso，sincehisreporttothecompanyhadbeen，favourablycommentedupon，hisnewsampleshadbeen，satisfactorilyselected，andhistripmarkedoutforthenextsix，weeks。
　　“Why，hello，Charlie，oldman，“saidHurstwood，asDrouetcamein，thateveningabouteighto’clock。”Howgoesit？”Theroomwas，crowded。
　　Drouetshookhands，beaminggoodnature，andtheystrolled，towardsthebar。
　　“Oh，allright。”
　　“Ihaven’tseenyouinsixweeks。Whendidyougetin？”
　　“Friday，“saidDrouet。”Hadafinetrip。”
　　“Gladofit，“saidHurstwood，hisblackeyeslitwithawarmth，whichhalfdisplacedthecoldmake-believethatusuallydweltin，them。”Whatareyougoingtotake？”headded，asthebarkeeper，insnowyjacketandtie，leanedtowardthemfrombehindthebar。
　　“OldPepper，“saidDrouet。
　　“Alittleofthesameforme，“putinHurstwood。
　　“Howlongareyouintownthistime？”inquiredHurstwood。
　　“OnlyuntilWednesday。I’mgoinguptoSt。Paul。”
　　“GeorgeEvanswasinhereSaturdayandsaidhesawyouin，Milwaukeelastweek。”
　　“Yes，IsawGeorge，“returnedDrouet。”Greatoldboy，isn’the？
　　Wehadquiteatimetheretogether。”
　　Thebarkeeperwassettingouttheglassesandbottlebeforethem，andtheynowpouredoutthedraughtastheytalked，Drouet，fillinghistowithinathirdoffull，aswasconsideredproper，andHurstwoodtakingthebarestsuggestionofwhiskeyand，modifyingitwithseltzer。
　　“What’sbecomeofCaryoe？”remarkedHurstwood。”Ihaven’tseen，himaroundhereintwoweeks。”
　　“Laidup，theysay，“exclaimedDrouet。”Say，he’sagoutyold，boy！”
　　“Madealotofmoneyinhistime，though，hasn’the？”
　　“Yes，wadsofit，“returnedDrouet。”Hewon’tlivemuchlonger。
　　Barelycomesdowntotheofficenow。”
　　“Justoneboy，hasn’the？”askedHurstwood。
　　“Yes，andaswift-pacer，“laughedDrouet。
　　“Iguesshecan’thurtthebusinessverymuch，though，withthe，othermembersallthere。”
　　“No，hecan’tinjurethatany，Iguess。”
　　Hurstwoodwasstanding，hiscoatopen，histhumbsinhispockets，thelightonhisjewelsandringsrelievingthemwithagreeable，distinctness。Hewasthepictureoffastidiouscomfort。
　　Toonenotinclinedtodrink，andgiftedwithamoreseriousturn，ofmind，suchabubbling，chattering，glitteringchambermust，everseemananomaly，astrangecommentaryonnatureandlife。
　　Herecomethemoths，inendlessprocession，tobaskinthelight，oftheflame。Suchconversationasonemayhearwouldnotwarrant，acommendationofthesceneuponintellectualgrounds。Itseems，plainthatschemerswouldchoosemoresequesteredquartersto，arrangetheirplans，thatpoliticianswouldnotgatherherein，companytodiscussanythingsaveformalities，wherethesharp-
　　earedmayhear，anditwouldscarcelybejustifiedonthescore，ofthirst，forthemajorityofthosewhofrequentthesemore，gorgeousplaceshavenocravingforliquor。Nevertheless，the，factthatheremengather，herechatter，herelovetopassand，rubelbows，mustbeexplaineduponsomegrounds。Itmustbethat，astrangebundleofpassionsandvaguedesiresgiverisetosuch，acurioussocialinstitutionoritwouldnotbe。
　　Drouet，forone，wasluredasmuchbyhislongingforpleasureas，byhisdesiretoshineamonghisbetters。Themanyfriendshemet，heredroppedinbecausetheycraved，without，perhaps，consciouslyanalysingit，thecompany，theglow，theatmosphere，whichtheyfound。Onemighttakeit，afterall，asanaugurof，thebettersocialorder，forthethingswhichtheysatisfied，here，thoughsensory，werenotevil。Noevilcouldcomeoutof，thecontemplationofanexpensivelydecoratedchamber。Theworst，effectofsuchathingwouldbe，perhaps，tostirupinthe，material-mindedanambitiontoarrangetheirlivesupona，similarlysplendidbasis。Inthelastanalysis，thatwould，scarcelybecalledthefaultofthedecorations，butratherof，theinnatetrendofthemind。Thatsuchascenemightstirthe，lessexpensivelydressedtoemulatethemoreexpensivelydressed，couldscarcelybelaidatthedoorofanythingsavethefalse，ambitionofthemindsofthosesoaffected。Removetheelement，sothoroughlyandsolelycomplainedof——liquor——andtherewould，notbeonetogainsaythequalitiesofbeautyandenthusiasm，whichwouldremain。Thepleasedeyewithwhichourmodern，restaurantsoffashionarelookeduponisproofofthis，assertion。
　　Yet，hereisthefactofthelightedchamber，thedressy，greedy，company，thesmall，self-interestedpalaver，thedisorganized，aimless，wanderingmentalactionwhichitrepresents——theloveof，lightandshowandfinerywhich，tooneoutside，undertheserene，lightoftheeternalstars，mustseemastrangeandshinything。
　　Underthestarsandsweepingnightwinds，whatalamp-flowerit，mustbloom;astrange，glitteringnight-flower，odour-yielding，insect-drawing，insect-infestedroseofpleasure。
　　“Seethatfellowcominginthere？”saidHurstwood，glancingata，gentlemanjustentering，arrayedinahighhatandPrinceAlbert，coat，hisfatcheekspuffedandredaswithgoodeating。
　　“No，where？”saidDrouet。
　　“There，“saidHurstwood，indicatingthedirectionbyacastof，hiseye，“themanwiththesilkhat。”
　　“Oh，yes，“saidDrouet，nowaffectingnottosee。”Whoishe？”
　　“That’sJulesWallace，thespiritualist。”
　　Drouetfollowedhimwithhiseyes，muchinterested。
　　“Doesn’tlookmuchlikeamanwhoseesspirits，doeshe？”said，Drouet。
　　“Oh，Idon’tknow，“returnedHurstwood。”He’sgotthemoney，all，right，“andalittletwinklepassedoverhiseyes。
　　“Idon’tgomuchonthosethings，doyou？”askedDrouet。
　　“Well，younevercantell，“saidHurstwood。”Theremaybe，somethingtoit。Iwouldn’tbotheraboutitmyself，though。By，theway，“headded，“areyougoinganywhereto-night？”
　　“’TheHoleintheGround，’“saidDrouet，mentioningthepopular，farceofthetime。
　　“Well，you’dbetterbegoing。It’shalfaftereightalready，“
　　andhedrewouthiswatch。
　　Thecrowdwasalreadythinningoutconsiderably——someboundfor，thetheatres，sometotheirclubs，andsometothatmost，fascinatingofallthepleasures——forthetypeofmanthere，represented，atleast——theladies。
　　“Yes，Iwill，“saidDrouet。
　　“Comearoundaftertheshow。IhavesomethingIwanttoshow，you，“saidHurstwood。
　　“Sure，“saidDrouet，elated。
　　“Youhaven’tanythingonhandforthenight，haveyou？”added，Hurstwood。
　　“Notathing。”
　　“Well，comeround，then。”
　　“IstruckalittlepeachcominginonthetrainFriday，“remarked，Drouet，bywayofparting。”ByGeorge，that’sso，Imustgoand，callonherbeforeIgoaway。”
　　“Oh，nevermindher，“Hurstwoodremarked。
　　“Say，shewasalittledandy，Itellyou，“wentonDrouet，confidentially，andtryingtoimpresshisfriend。
　　“Twelveo’clock，“saidHurstwood。
　　“That’sright，“saidDrouet，goingout。
　　ThuswasCarrie’snamebandiedaboutinthemostfrivolousand，gayofplaces，andthatalsowhenthelittletoilerwasbemoaning，hernarrowlot，whichwasalmostinseparablefromtheearly，stagesofthis，herunfoldingfate。
　　ChapterVI
　　THEMACHINEANDTHEMAIDEN——AKNIGHTOFTO-DAY
　　AttheflatthateveningCarriefeltanewphaseofits，atmosphere。Thefactthatitwasunchanged，whileherfeelings，weredifferent，increasedherknowledgeofitscharacter。
　　Minnie，afterthegoodspiritsCarriemanifestedatfirst，expectedafairreport。HansonsupposedthatCarriewouldbe，satisfied。
　　“Well，“hesaid，ashecameinfromthehallinhisworking，clothes，andlookedatCarriethroughthedining-roomdoor，“how，didyoumakeout？”
　　“Oh，“saidCarrie，“it’sprettyhard。Idon’tlikeit。”
　　Therewasanairaboutherwhichshowedplainerthananywords，thatshewasbothwearyanddisappointed。
　　“Whatsortofworkisit？”heasked，lingeringamomentashe，turneduponhisheeltogointothebathroom。
　　“Runningamachine，“answeredCarrie。
　　Itwasveryevidentthatitdidnotconcernhimmuch，savefrom，thesideoftheflat’ssuccess。Hewasirritatedashadebecause，itcouldnothavecomeaboutinthethrowoffortuneforCarrie，tobepleased。
　　MinnieworkedwithlesselationthanshehadjustbeforeCarrie，arrived。Thesizzleofthemeatfryingdidnotsoundquiteso，pleasingnowthatCarriehadreportedherdiscontent。ToCarrie，theonereliefofthewholedaywouldhavebeenajollyhome，a，sympatheticreception，abrightsuppertable，andsomeoneto，say：“Oh，well，standitalittlewhile。Youwillgetsomething，better，“butnowthiswasashes。Shebegantoseethatthey，lookeduponhercomplaintasunwarranted，andthatshewas，supposedtoworkonandsaynothing。Sheknewthatshewasto，payfourdollarsforherboardandroom，andnowshefeltthatit，wouldbeanexceedinglygloomyround，livingwiththesepeople。
　　Minniewasnocompanionforhersister——shewastooold。Her，thoughtswerestaidandsolemnlyadaptedtoacondition。If，Hansonhadanypleasantthoughtsorhappyfeelingsheconcealed，them。Heseemedtodoallhismentaloperationswithouttheaid，ofphysicalexpression。Hewasasstillasadesertedchamber。
　　Carrie，ontheotherhand，hadthebloodofyouthandsome，imagination。Herdayofloveandthemysteriesofcourtshipwere，stillahead。Shecouldthinkofthingsshewouldliketodo，of，clothesshewouldliketowear，andofplacesshewouldliketo，visit。Thesewerethethingsuponwhichhermindran，anditwas，likemeetingwithoppositionateveryturntofindnoonehereto，callforthorrespondtoherfeelings。
　　Shehadforgotten，inconsideringandexplainingtheresultof，herday，thatDrouetmightcome。Now，whenshesawhow，unreceptivethesetwopeoplewere，shehopedhewouldnot。She，didnotknowexactlywhatshewoulddoorhowshewouldexplain，toDrouet，ifhecame。Aftersuppershechangedherclothes。
　　Whenshewastrimlydressedshewasratherasweetlittlebeing，withlargeeyesandasadmouth。Herfaceexpressedthemingled，expectancy，dissatisfaction，anddepressionshefelt。She，wanderedaboutafterthedisheswereputaway，talkedalittle，withMinnie，andthendecidedtogodownandstandinthedoorat，thefootofthestairs。IfDrouetcame，shecouldmeethimthere。
　　Herfacetookonthesemblanceofalookofhappinessassheput，onherhattogobelow。
　　“Carriedoesn’tseemtolikeherplaceverywell，“saidMinnieto，herhusbandwhenthelattercameout，paperinhand，tositin，thedining-roomafewminutes。
　　“Sheoughttokeepitforatime，anyhow，“saidHanson。“Hasshe，gonedownstairs？”
　　“Yes，“saidMinnie。
　　“I’dtellhertokeepitifIwereyou。Shemightbehereweeks，withoutgettinganotherone。”
　　Minniesaidshewould，andHansonreadhispaper。
　　“IfIwereyou，“hesaidalittlelater，“Iwouldn’tlether，standinthedoordownthere。Itdon’tlookgood。”
　　“I’lltellher，“saidMinnie。
　　Thelifeofthestreetscontinuedforalongtimetointerest，Carrie。Sheneverweariedofwonderingwherethepeopleinthe，carsweregoingorwhattheirenjoymentswere。Herimagination，trodaverynarrowround，alwayswindingupatpointswhich，concernedmoney，looks，clothes，orenjoyment。Shewouldhavea，far-offthoughtofColumbiaCitynowandthen，oranirritating，rushoffeelingconcerningherexperiencesofthepresentday，but，onthewhole，thelittleworldaboutherenlistedherwhole，attention。
　　Thefirstfloorofthebuilding，ofwhichHanson’sflatwasthe，third，wasoccupiedbyabakery，andtothis，whileshewas，standingthere，Hansoncamedowntobuyaloafofbread。Shewas，notawareofhispresenceuntilhewasquitenearher。
　　“I’mafterbread，“wasallhesaidashepassed。
　　Thecontagionofthoughtheredemonstrateditself。WhileHanson，reallycameforbread，thethoughtdweltwithhimthatnowhe，wouldseewhatCarriewasdoing。Nosoonerdidhedrawnearher，withthatinmindthanshefeltit。Ofcourse，shehadno，understandingofwhatputitintoherhead，but，nevertheless，it，arousedinherthefirstshadeofrealantipathytohim。She，knewnowthatshedidnotlikehim。Hewassuspicious。
　　Athoughtwillcolouraworldforus。TheflowofCarrie’s，meditationshadbeendisturbed，andHansonhadnotlonggone，upstairsbeforeshefollowed。Shehadrealisedwiththelapseof，thequarterhoursthatDrouetwasnotcoming，andsomehowshe，feltalittleresentful，alittleasifshehadbeenforsaken——
　　wasnotgoodenough。Shewentupstairs，whereeverythingwas，silent。Minniewassewingbyalampatthetable。Hansonhad，alreadyturnedinforthenight。Inherwearinessand，disappointmentCarriedidnomorethanannouncethatshewas，goingtobed。
　　“Yes，you’dbetter，“returnedMinnie。”You’vegottogetup，early，youknow。”
　　Themorningwasnobetter。Hansonwasjustgoingoutthedooras，Carriecamefromherroom。Minnietriedtotalkwithherduring，breakfast，buttherewasnotmuchofinterestwhichtheycould，mutuallydiscuss。Asonthepreviousmorning，Carriewalkeddown，town，forshebegantorealisenowthatherfour-fiftywouldnot，evenallowhercarfareaftershepaidherboard。Thisseemeda，miserablearrangement。Butthemorninglightsweptawaythe，firstmisgivingsoftheday，asmorninglightiseverwonttodo。
　　Attheshoefactorysheputinalongday，scarcelysowearisome，asthepreceding，butconsiderablylessnovel。Theheadforeman，onhisround，stoppedbyhermachine。
　　“Wheredidyoucomefrom？”heinquired。
　　“Mr。Brownhiredme，“shereplied。
　　“Oh，hedid，eh！”andthen，“Seethatyoukeepthingsgoing。”
　　Themachinegirlsimpressedherevenlessfavourably。Theyseemed，satisfiedwiththeirlot，andwereinasense“common。”Carrie，hadmoreimaginationthanthey。Shewasnotusedtoslang。Her，instinctinthematterofdresswasnaturallybetter。She，dislikedtolistentothegirlnexttoher，whowasrather，hardenedbyexperience。
　　“I’mgoingtoquitthis，“sheheardherremarktoherneighbour。
　　“Whatwiththestipendandbeinguplate，it’stoomuchforme，health。”
　　Theywerefreewiththefellows，youngandold，abouttheplace，andexchangedbanterinrudephrases，whichatfirstshockedher。
　　Shesawthatshewastakentobeofthesamesortandaddressed，accordingly。
　　“Hello，“remarkedoneofthestout-wristedsole-workerstoherat，noon。”You’readaisy。”Hereallyexpectedtohearthecommon，“Aw！gochaseyourself！”inreturn，andwassufficientlyabashed，byCarrie’ssilentlymovingaway，toretreat，awkwardlygrinning。
　　Thatnightattheflatshewasevenmorelonely——thedull，situationwasbecominghardertoendure。Shecouldseethatthe，Hansonsseldomorneverhadanycompany。Standingatthestreet，doorlookingout，sheventuredtowalkoutalittleway。Her，easygaitandidlemannerattractedattentionofanoffensivebut，commonsort。Shewasslightlytakenbackattheoverturesofa，well-dressedmanofthirty，whoinpassinglookedather，reduced，hispace，turnedback，andsaid：
　　“Outforalittlestroll，areyou，thisevening？”
　　Carrielookedathiminamazement，andthensummonedsufficient，thoughttoreply：“Why，Idon’tknowyou，“backingawayasshe，didso。
　　“Oh，thatdon’tmatter，“saidtheotheraffably。
　　Shebandiednomorewordswithhim，buthurriedaway，reaching，herowndoorquiteoutofbreath。Therewassomethinginthe，man’slookwhichfrightenedher。
　　Duringtheremainderoftheweekitwasverymuchthesame。One，ortwonightsshefoundherselftootiredtowalkhome，and，expendedcarfare。Shewasnotverystrong，andsittingallday，affectedherback。ShewenttobedonenightbeforeHanson。
　　Transplantationisnotalwayssuccessfulinthematterofflowers，ormaidens。Itrequiressometimesarichersoil，abetter，atmospheretocontinueevenanaturalgrowth。Itwouldhavebeen，betterifheracclimatizationhadbeenmoregradual——lessrigid。
　　Shewouldhavedonebetterifshehadnotsecuredapositionso，quickly，andhadseenmoreofthecitywhichsheconstantly，troubledtoknowabout。
　　Onthefirstmorningitrainedshefoundthatshehadno，umbrella。Minnieloanedheroneofhers，whichwaswornand，faded。TherewasthekindofvanityinCarriethattroubledat，this。Shewenttooneofthegreatdepartmentstoresandbought，herselfone，usingadollarandaquarterofhersmallstoreto，payforit。
　　“Whatdidyoudothatfor，Carrie？”askedMinniewhenshesawit。
　　“Oh，Ineedone，“saidCarrie。
　　“Youfoolishgirl。”
　　Carrieresentedthis，thoughshedidnotreply。Shewasnot，goingtobeacommonshop-girl，shethought;theyneednotthink，it，either。
　　OnthefirstSaturdaynightCarriepaidherboard，fourdollars。
　　Minniehadaquaverofconscienceasshetookit，butdidnot，knowhowtoexplaintoHansonifshetookless。Thatworthygave，upjustfourdollarslesstowardthehouseholdexpenseswitha，smileofsatisfaction。HecontemplatedincreasinghisBuilding，andLoanpayments。AsforCarrie，shestudiedovertheproblem，offindingclothesandamusementonfiftycentsaweek。She，broodedoverthisuntilshewasinastateofmentalrebellion。
　　“I’mgoingupthestreetforawalk，“shesaidaftersupper。
　　“Notalone，areyou？”askedHanson。
　　“Yes，“returnedCarrie。
　　“Iwouldn’t，“saidMinnie。
　　“IwanttoseeSOMETHING，“saidCarrie，andbythetonesheput，intothelastwordtheyrealisedforthefirsttimeshewasnot，pleasedwiththem。
　　“What’sthematterwithher？”askedHanson，whenshewentinto，thefrontroomtogetherhat。
　　“Idon’tknow，“saidMinnie。
　　“Well，sheoughttoknowbetterthantowanttogooutalone。”
　　Carriedidnotgoveryfar，afterall。Shereturnedandstoodin，thedoor。ThenextdaytheywentouttoGarfieldPark，butit，didnotpleaseher。Shedidnotlookwellenough。Intheshop，nextdaysheheardthehighlycolouredreportswhichgirlsgive，oftheirtrivialamusements。Theyhadbeenhappy。Onseveral，daysitrainedandsheusedupcarfare。Onenightshegot，thoroughlysoaked，goingtocatchthecaratVanBurenStreet。
　　Allthateveningshesataloneinthefrontroomlookingoutupon，thestreet，wherethelightswerereflectedonthewetpavements，thinking。Shehadimaginationenoughtobemoody。
　　OnSaturdayshepaidanotherfourdollarsandpocketedherfifty，centsindespair。Thespeakingacquaintanceshipwhichsheformed，withsomeofthegirlsattheshopdiscoveredtoherthefact，thattheyhadmoreoftheirearningstouseforthemselvesthan，shedid。Theyhadyoungmenofthekindwhomshe，sinceher，experiencewithDrouet，feltabove，whotookthemabout。She，cametothoroughlydislikethelight-headedyoungfellowsofthe，shop。Notoneofthemhadashowofrefinement。Shesawonly，theirworkdayside。
　　Therecameadaywhenthefirstpremonitoryblastofwinterswept，overthecity。Itscuddedthefleecycloudsintheheavens，trailedlong，thinstreamersofsmokefromthetallstacks，and，racedaboutthestreetsandcornersinsharpandsuddenpuffs。
　　Carrienowfelttheproblemofwinterclothes。Whatwassheto，do？Shehadnowinterjacket，nohat，noshoes。Itwasdifficult，tospeaktoMinnieaboutthis，butatlastshesummonedthe，courage。
　　“Idon’tknowwhatI’mgoingtodoaboutclothes，“shesaidone，eveningwhentheyweretogether。”Ineedahat。”
　　Minnielookedserious。
　　“Whydon’tyoukeeppartofyourmoneyandbuyyourselfone？”she，suggested，worriedoverthesituationwhichthewithholdingof，Carrie’smoneywouldcreate。
　　“I’dliketoforaweekorso，ifyoudon’tmind，“ventured，Carrie。
　　“Couldyoupaytwodollars？”askedMinnie。
　　Carriereadilyacquiesced，gladtoescapethetryingsituation，andliberalnowthatshesawawayout。Shewaselatedandbegan，figuringatonce。Sheneededahatfirstofall。HowMinnie，explainedtoHansonsheneverknew。Hesaidnothingatall，but，therewerethoughtsintheairwhichleftdisagreeable，impressions。
　　Thenewarrangementmighthaveworkedifsicknesshadnot，intervened。Itblewupcoldafterarainoneafternoonwhen，Carriewasstillwithoutajacket。Shecameoutofthewarmshop，atsixandshiveredasthewindstruckher。Inthemorningshe，wassneezing，andgoingdowntownmadeitworse。Thatdayher，bonesachedandshefeltlight-headed。Towardseveningshefelt，veryill，andwhenshereachedhomewasnothungry。Minnie，noticedherdroopingactionsandaskedheraboutherself。
　　“Idon’tknow，“saidCarrie。”Ifeelrealbad。”
　　Shehungaboutthestove，sufferedachatteringchill，andwent，tobedsick。Thenextmorningshewasthoroughlyfeverish。
　　Minniewastrulydistressedatthis，butmaintainedakindly，demeanour。Hansonsaidperhapsshehadbettergobackhomefora，while。Whenshegotupafterthreedays，itwastakenfor，grantedthatherpositionwaslost。Thewinterwasnearathand，shehadnoclothes，andnowshewasoutofwork。
　　“Idon’tknow，“saidCarrie;“I’llgodownMondayandseeifI
　　can’tgetsomething。”
　　Ifanything，hereffortsweremorepoorlyrewardedonthistrial，thanthelast。Herclotheswerenothingsuitableforfall，wearing。Herlastmoneyshehadspentforahat。Forthreedays，shewanderedabout，utterlydispirited。Theattitudeoftheflat，wasfastbecomingunbearable。Shehatedtothinkofgoingback，thereeachevening。Hansonwassocold。Sheknewitcouldnot，lastmuchlonger。Shortlyshewouldhavetogiveupandgohome。
　　Onthefourthdayshewasdowntownallday，havingborrowedten，centsforlunchfromMinnie。Shehadappliedinthecheapest，kindofplaceswithoutsuccess。Sheevenansweredforawaitress，inasmallrestaurantwhereshesawacardinthewindow，but，theywantedanexperiencedgirl。Shemovedthroughthethick，throngofstrangers，utterlysubduedinspirit。Suddenlyahand，pulledherarmandturnedherabout。
　　“Well，well！”saidavoice。Inthefirstglanceshebeheld，Drouet。Hewasnotonlyrosy-cheeked，butradiant。Hewasthe，essenceofsunshineandgood-humour。”Why，howareyou，Carrie？”
　　hesaid。”You’readaisy。Wherehaveyoubeen？”
　　Carriesmiledunderhisirresistiblefloodofgeniality。
　　“I’vebeenouthome，“shesaid。
　　“Well，“hesaid，“Isawyouacrossthestreetthere。Ithoughtit，wasyou。Iwasjustcomingouttoyourplace。Howareyou，anyhow？”
　　“I’mallright，“saidCarrie，smiling。
　　Drouetlookedheroverandsawsomethingdifferent。
　　“Well，“hesaid，“Iwanttotalktoyou。You’renotgoing，anywhereinparticular，areyou？”
　　“Notjustnow，“saidCarrie。
　　“Let’sgouphereandhavesomethingtoeat。George！butI’m，gladtoseeyouagain。”
　　Shefeltsorelievedinhisradiantpresence，somuchlooked，afterandcaredfor，thatsheassentedgladly，thoughwiththe，slightestairofholdingback。
　　“Well，“hesaid，ashetookherarm——andtherewasanexuberance，ofgood-fellowshipinthewordwhichfairlywarmedthecocklesof，herheart。
　　TheywentthroughMonroeStreettotheoldWindsordining-room，whichwasthenalarge，comfortableplace，withanexcellent，cuisineandsubstantialservice。Drouetselectedatablecloseby，thewindow，wherethebusyroutofthestreetcouldbeseen。He，lovedthechangingpanoramaofthestreet——toseeandbeseenas，hedined。
　　“Now，“hesaid，gettingCarrieandhimselfcomfortablysettled，“whatwillyouhave？”
　　Carrielookedoverthelargebilloffarewhichthewaiterhanded，herwithoutreallyconsideringit。Shewasveryhungry，andthe，thingsshesawthereawakenedherdesires，butthehighprices，heldherattention。“Halfbroiledspringchicken——seventy-five。
　　Sirloinsteakwithmushrooms——onetwenty-five。”Shehaddimly，heardofthesethings，butitseemedstrangetobecalledto，orderfromthelist。
　　“I’llfixthis，“exclaimedDrouet。”Sst！waiter。”
　　Thatofficeroftheboard，afull-chested，round-facednegro，approached，andinclinedhisear。
　　“Sirloinwithmushrooms，“saidDrouet。”Stuffedtomatoes。”
　　“Yassah，“assentedthenegro，noddinghishead。
　　“Hashedbrownpotatoes。”
　　“Yassah。”
　　“Asparagus。”
　　“Yassah。”
　　“Andapotofcoffee。”
　　DrouetturnedtoCarrie。”Ihaven’thadathingsincebreakfast。
　　JustgotinfromRockIsland。IwasgoingofftodinewhenIsaw，you。”
　　Carriesmiledandsmiled。
　　“Whathaveyoubeendoing？”hewenton。”Tellmeallabout，yourself。Howisyoursister？”
　　“She’swell，“returnedCarrie，answeringthelastquery。
　　Helookedatherhard。
　　“Say，“hesaid，“youhaven’tbeensick，haveyou？”
　　Carrienodded。
　　“Well，now，that’sabloomingshame，isn’tit？，Youdon’tlook，verywell。Ithoughtyoulookedalittlepale。Whathaveyou，beendoing？”
　　“Working，“saidCarrie。
　　“Youdon’tsayso！，Atwhat？”
　　Shetoldhim。
　　“Rhodes，MorgenthauandScott——why，Iknowthathouse。overhere，onFifthAvenue，isn’tit？，They’reaclose-fistedconcern。What，madeyougothere？”
　　“Icouldn’tgetanythingelse，“saidCarriefrankly。
　　“Well，that’sanoutrage，“saidDrouet。”Yououghtn’ttobe，workingforthosepeople。Havethefactoryrightbackofthe，store，don’tthey？”
　　“Yes，“saidCarrie。
　　“Thatisn’tagoodhouse，“saidDrouet。”Youdon’twanttowork，atanythinglikethat，anyhow。”
　　Hechattedonatagreatrate，askingquestions，explaining，thingsabouthimself，tellingherwhatagoodrestaurantitwas，untilthewaiterreturnedwithanimmensetray，bearingthehot，savourydisheswhichhadbeenordered。Drouetfairlyshonein，thematterofserving。Heappearedtogreatadvantagebehindthe，whitenaperyandsilverplattersofthetableanddisplayinghis，armswithaknifeandfork。Ashecutthemeathisringsalmost，spoke。Hisnewsuitcreakedashestretchedtoreachtheplates，breakthebread，andpourthecoffee。HehelpedCarrietoa，rousingplatefulandcontributedthewarmthofhisspirittoher，bodyuntilshewasanewgirl。Hewasasplendidfellowinthe，truepopularunderstandingoftheterm，andcaptivatedCarrie，completely。
　　Thatlittlesoldieroffortunetookhergoodturninaneasyway。
　　Shefeltalittleoutofplace，butthegreatroomsoothedher，andtheviewofthewell-dressedthrongoutsideseemedasplendid，thing。Ah，whatwasitnottohavemoney！，Whatathingitwas，tobeabletocomeinhereanddine！，Drouetmustbefortunate。
　　Herodeontrains，dressedinsuchniceclothes，wassostrong，andateinthesefineplaces。Heseemedquiteafigureofaman，andshewonderedathisfriendshipandregardforher。
　　“Soyoulostyourplacebecauseyougotsick，eh？”hesaid。
　　“Whatareyougoingtodonow？”
　　“Lookaround，“shesaid，athoughtoftheneedthathungoutside，thisfinerestaurantlikeahungrydogatherheelspassinginto，hereyes。
　　“Oh，no，“saidDrouet，“thatwon’tdo。Howlonghaveyoubeen，looking？”
　　“Fourdays，“sheanswered。
　　“Thinkofthat！”hesaid，addressingsomeproblematical，individual。”Yououghtn’ttobedoinganythinglikethat。These，girls，“andhewavedaninclusionofallshopandfactorygirls，“don’tgetanything。Why，youcan’tliveonit，canyou？”
　　Hewasabrotherlysortofcreatureinhisdemeanour。Whenhehad，scoutedtheideaofthatkindoftoil，hetookanothertack。
　　Carriewasreallyverypretty。Eventhen，inhercommonplace，garb，herfigurewasevidentlynotbad，andhereyeswerelarge，andgentle。Drouetlookedatherandhisthoughtsreachedhome。
　　Shefelthisadmiration。Itwaspowerfullybackedbyhis，liberalityandgood-humour。Shefeltthatshelikedhim——that，shecouldcontinuetolikehimeversomuch。Therewassomething，evenricherthanthat，runningasahiddenstrain，inhermind。
　　Everylittlewhilehereyeswouldmeethis，andbythatmeansthe，interchangingcurrentoffeelingwouldbefullyconnected。
　　“Whydon’tyoustaydowntownandgotothetheatrewithme？”he，said，hitchinghischaircloser。Thetablewasnotverywide。
　　“Oh，Ican’t，“shesaid。
　　“Whatareyougoingtodoto-night？”
　　“Nothing，“sheanswered，alittledrearily。
　　“Youdon’tlikeouttherewhereyouare，doyou？”
　　“Oh，Idon’tknow。”
　　“Whatareyougoingtodoifyoudon’tgetwork？”
　　“Gobackhome，Iguess。”
　　Therewastheleastquaverinhervoiceasshesaidthis。
　　Somehow，theinfluencehewasexertingwaspowerful。Theycame，toanunderstandingofeachotherwithoutwords——heofher，situation，sheofthefactthatherealisedit。
　　“No，“hesaid，“youcan’tmakeit！”genuinesympathyfillinghis，mindforthetime。”Letmehelpyou。Youtakesomeofmy，money。”
　　“Oh，no！”shesaid，leaningback。
　　“Whatareyougoingtodo？”hesaid。
　　Shesatmeditating，merelyshakingherhead。
　　Helookedatherquitetenderlyforhiskind。Thereweresome，loosebillsinhisvestpocket——greenbacks。Theyweresoftand，noiseless，andhegothisfingersaboutthemandcrumpledthemup，inhishand。
　　“Comeon，“hesaid，“I’llseeyouthroughallright。Getyourself，someclothes。”
　　Itwasthefirstreferencehehadmadetothatsubject，andnow，sherealisedhowbadoffshewas。Inhiscrudewayhehadstruck，thekey-note。Herlipstrembledalittle。
　　Shehadherhandoutonthetablebeforeher。Theywerequite，aloneintheircorner，andheputhislarger，warmerhandover，it。
　　“Aw，come，Carrie，“hesaid，“whatcanyoudoalone？Letmehelp，you。”
　　Hepressedherhandgentlyandshetriedtowithdrawit。Atthis，hehelditfast，andshenolongerprotested。Thenheslipped，thegreenbackshehadintoherpalm，andwhenshebeganto，protest，hewhispered：
　　“I’llloanittoyou——that’sallright。I’llloanittoyou。”
　　Hemadehertakeit。Shefeltboundtohimbyastrangetieof，affectionnow。Theywentout，andhewalkedwithherfarout，southtowardPolkStreet，talking。
　　“Youdon’twanttolivewiththosepeople？”hesaidinoneplace，abstractedly。Carrieheardit，butitmadeonlyaslight，impression。
　　“Comedownandmeetmetomorrow，“hesaid，“andwe’llgotothe，matinee。Willyou？”
　　Carrieprotestedawhile，butacquiesced。
　　“You’renotdoinganything。Getyourselfanicepairofshoes，andajacket。”
　　Shescarcelygaveathoughttothecomplicationwhichwould，troubleherwhenhewasgone。Inhispresence，shewasofhis，ownhopeful，easy-way-outmood。
　　“Don’tyoubotheraboutthosepeopleoutthere，“hesaidat，parting。”I’llhelpyou。”
　　Carrielefthim，feelingasthoughagreatarmhadslippedout，beforehertodrawofftrouble。Themoneyshehadacceptedwas，twosoft，green，handsometen-dollarbills。