Shewasnotclumsy，andyetnoneofhermovementsseemedquite，THEmovement。Often，whenwipingthedishes，shewouldstand，inbewildermentandchagrinbecauseshehadpulledintwohalves，acuporatumbler。Itwasasif，inherfearandself-mistrust，sheputtoomuchstrengthintotheeffort。Therewasnolooseness，orabandonabouther。Everythingwasgrippedstiffwithintensity，andhereffort，overcharged，closedinonitself。
　　Sherarelyvariedfromherswinging，forward，intensewalk。
　　OccasionallysheranwithPauldownthefields。Thenhereyes，blazednakedinakindofecstasythatfrightenedhim。Butshewas，physicallyafraid。Ifsheweregettingoverastile，shegrippedhis，handsinalittlehardanguish，andbegantoloseherpresenceofmind。
　　Andhecouldnotpersuadehertojumpfromevenasmallheight。
　　Hereyesdilated，becameexposedandpalpitating。
　　“No！”shecried，halflaughinginterror——“no！”
　　“Youshall！”hecriedonce，and，jerkingherforward，hebrought，herfallingfromthefence。Butherwild“Ah！”ofpain，asifshe，werelosingconsciousness，cuthim。Shelandedonherfeetsafely，andafterwardshadcourageinthisrespect。
　　Shewasverymuchdissatisfiedwithherlot。
　　“Don’tyoulikebeingathome？”Paulaskedher，surprised。
　　“Whowould？”sheanswered，lowandintense。”Whatisit？
　　I’malldaycleaningwhattheboysmakejustasbadinfiveminutes。
　　Idon’tWANTtobeathome。”
　　“Whatdoyouwant，then？”
　　“Iwanttodosomething。Iwantachancelikeanybodyelse。
　　Whyshould1，becauseI’magirl，bekeptathomeandnotallowed，tobeanything？，WhatchanceHAVEI？”
　　“Chanceofwhat？”
　　“Ofknowinganything——oflearning，ofdoinganything。
　　It’snotfair，becauseI’mawoman。”
　　Sheseemedverybitter。Paulwondered。InhisownhomeAnnie，wasalmostgladtobeagirl。Shehadnotsomuchresponsibility;
　　thingswerelighterforher。Sheneverwantedtobeotherthanagirl。
　　ButMiriamalmostfiercelywishedshewereaman。Andyetshehated，menatthesametime。
　　“Butit’saswelltobeawomanasaman，“hesaid，frowning。
　　“Ha！Isit？，Menhaveeverything。”
　　“Ishouldthinkwomenoughttobeasgladtobewomenasmen，aretobemen，“heanswered。
　　“No！”——sheshookherhead——“no！Everythingthemenhave。”
　　“Butwhatdoyouwant？”heasked。
　　“Iwanttolearn。WhySHOULDitbethatIknownothing？”
　　“What！suchasmathematicsandFrench？”
　　“WhySHOULDN’TIknowmathematics？，Yes！”shecried，hereye，expandinginakindofdefiance。
　　“Well，youcanlearnasmuchasIknow，“hesaid。”I’llteachyou，ifyoulike。”
　　Hereyesdilated。Shemistrustedhimasteacher。
　　“Wouldyou？”heasked。
　　Herheadhaddropped，andshewassuckingherfingerbroodingly。
　　“Yes，“shesaidhesitatingly。
　　Heusedtotellhismotherallthesethings。
　　“I’mgoingtoteachMiriamalgebra，“hesaid。
　　“Well，“repliedMrs。Morel，“Ihopeshe’llgetfatonit。”
　　WhenhewentuptothefarmontheMondayevening，itwas，drawingtwilight。Miriamwasjustsweepingupthekitchen，andwas，kneelingatthehearthwhenheentered。Everyonewasoutbuther。
　　Shelookedroundathim，flushed，herdarkeyesshining，herfine，hairfallingaboutherface。
　　“Hello！”shesaid，softandmusical。”Iknewitwasyou。”
　　“How？”
　　“Iknewyourstep。Nobodytreadssoquickandfirm。”
　　Hesatdown，sighing。
　　“Readytodosomealgebra？”heasked，drawingalittlebook，fromhispocket。
　　“But——“
　　Hecouldfeelherbackingaway。
　　“Yousaidyouwanted，“heinsisted。
　　“To-night，though？”shefaltered。
　　“ButIcameonpurpose。Andifyouwanttolearnit，youmustbegin。”
　　Shetookupherashesinthedustpanandlookedathim，halftremulously，laughing。
　　“Yes，butto-night！Yousee，Ihaven’tthoughtofit。”
　　“Well，mygoodness！，Taketheashesandcome。”
　　Hewentandsatonthestonebenchintheback-yard，where，thebigmilk-canswerestanding，tippedup，toair。Themenwere，inthecowsheds。Hecouldhearthelittlesing-songofthemilk，spurtingintothepails。Presentlyshecame，bringingsomebig，greenishapples。
　　“Youknowyoulikethem，“shesaid。
　　Hetookabite。
　　“Sitdown，“hesaid，withhismouthfull。
　　Shewasshort-sighted，andpeeredoverhisshoulder。
　　Itirritatedhim。Hegaveherthebookquickly。
　　“Here，“hesaid。”It’sonlylettersforfigures。Youput，down’a’insteadof’2’or’6’。”
　　Theyworked，hetalking，shewithherheaddownonthebook。
　　Hewasquickandhasty。Sheneveranswered。Occasionally，whenhe，demandedofher，“Doyousee？”shelookedupathim，hereyeswide，withthehalf-laughthatcomesoffear。”Don’tyou？”hecried。
　　Hehadbeentoofast。Butshesaidnothing。Hequestioned，hermore，thengothot。Itmadehisbloodrousetoseeherthere，asitwere，athismercy，hermouthopen，hereyesdilatedwith，laughterthatwasafraid，apologetic，ashamed。ThenEdgarcame，alongwithtwobucketsofmilk。
　　“Hello！”hesaid。”Whatareyoudoing？”
　　“Algebra，“repliedPaul。
　　“Algebra！”repeatedEdgarcuriously。Thenhepassedonwith，alaugh。Paultookabiteathisforgottenapple，lookedatthe，miserablecabbagesinthegarden，peckedintolacebythefowls，andhewantedtopullthemup。ThenheglancedatMiriam。
　　Shewasporingoverthebook，seemedabsorbedinit，yettrembling，lestshecouldnotgetatit。Itmadehimcross。Shewasruddy，andbeautiful。Yethersoulseemedtobeintenselysupplicating。
　　Thealgebra-booksheclosed，shrinking，knowinghewasangered;
　　andatthesameinstanthegrewgentle，seeingherhurtbecauseshedid，notunderstand。
　　Butthingscameslowlytoher。Andwhensheheldherself，inagrip，seemedsoutterlyhumblebeforethelesson，itmadehis，bloodrouse。Hestormedather，gotashamed，continuedthelesson，andgrewfuriousagain，abusingher。Shelistenedinsilence。
　　Occasionally，veryrarely，shedefendedherself。Herliquiddark，eyesblazedathim。
　　“Youdon’tgivemetimetolearnit，“shesaid。
　　“Allright，“heanswered，throwingthebookonthetableandlighting，acigarette。Then，afterawhile，hewentbacktoherrepentant。
　　Sothelessonswent。Hewasalwayseitherinarageorverygentle。
　　“WhatdoyoutrembleyourSOULbeforeitfor？”hecried。
　　“Youdon’tlearnalgebrawithyourblessedsoul。Can’tyoulook，atitwithyourclearsimplewits？”
　　Often，whenhewentagainintothekitchen，Mrs。Leiverswould，lookathimreproachfully，saying：
　　“Paul，don’tbesohardonMiriam。Shemaynotbequick，butI’msureshetries。”
　　“Ican’thelpit，“hesaidratherpitiably。”Igoofflikeit。”
　　“Youdon’tmindme，Miriam，doyou？”heaskedofthegirllater。
　　“No，“shereassuredhiminherbeautifuldeeptones——“no，I
　　don’tmind。”
　　“Don’tmindme;it’smyfault。”
　　But，inspiteofhimself，hisbloodbegantoboilwithher。
　　Itwasstrangethatnooneelsemadehiminsuchfury。
　　Heflaredagainsther。Oncehethrewthepencilinherface。
　　Therewasasilence。Sheturnedherfaceslightlyaside。
　　“Ididn’t——“hebegan，butgotnofarther，feelingweakin，allhisbones。Sheneverreproachedhimorwasangrywithhim。
　　Hewasoftencruellyashamed。Butstillagainhisangerburst，likeabubblesurcharged;andstill，whenhesawhereager，silent，asitwere，blindface，hefelthewantedtothrowthepencil，init;andstill，whenhesawherhandtremblingandhermouth，partedwithsuffering，hisheartwasscaldedwithpainforher。
　　Andbecauseoftheintensitytowhichsherousedhim，hesoughther。
　　ThenheoftenavoidedherandwentwithEdgar。Miriamand，herbrotherwerenaturallyantagonistic。Edgarwasarationalist，whowascurious，andhadasortofscientificinterestinlife。
　　ItwasagreatbitternesstoMiriamtoseeherselfdesertedbyPaul，forEdgar，whoseemedsomuchlower。Buttheyouthwasveryhappy，withherelderbrother。Thetwomenspentafternoonstogether，onthelandorintheloftdoingcarpentry，whenitrained。
　　Andtheytalkedtogether，orPaultaughtEdgarthesongshehimself，hadlearnedfromAnnieatthepiano。Andoftenallthemen，Mr。Leiversaswell，hadbitterdebatesonthenationalizingoftheland，andsimilarproblems。Paulhadalreadyheardhismother’sviews，andasthesewereasyethisown，hearguedforher。Miriamattended，andtookpart，butwasallthetimewaitinguntilitshouldbeover，andapersonalcommunicationmightbegin。
　　“Afterall，“shesaidwithinherself，“iftheland，werenationalized，EdgarandPaulandIwouldbejustthesame。”
　　Soshewaitedfortheyouthtocomebacktoher。
　　Hewasstudyingforhispainting。Helovedtositathome，alonewithhismother，atnight，workingandworking。Shesewed，orread。Then，lookingupfromhistask，hewouldresthiseyes，foramomentonherface，thatwasbrightwithlivingwarmth，andhereturnedgladlytohiswork。
　　“Icandomybestthingswhenyousitthereinyour，rocking-chair，mother，“hesaid。
　　“I’msure！”sheexclaimed，sniffingwithmockscepticism。
　　Butshefeltitwasso，andherheartquiveredwithbrightness。
　　Formanyhoursshesatstill，slightlyconsciousofhimlabouringaway，whilstsheworkedorreadherbook。Andhe，withallhissoul’s，intensitydirectinghispencil，couldfeelherwarmthinsidehim，likestrength。Theywerebothveryhappyso，andbothunconscious，ofit。Thesetimes，thatmeantsomuch，andwhichwererealliving，theyalmostignored。
　　Hewasconsciousonlywhenstimulated。Asketchfinished，healwayswantedtotakeittoMiriam。Thenhewasstimulated，intoknowledgeoftheworkhehadproducedunconsciously。
　　IncontactwithMiriamhegainedinsight;hisvisionwentdeeper。
　　Fromhismotherhedrewthelife-warmth，thestrengthtoproduce;
　　Miriamurgedthiswarmthintointensitylikeawhitelight。
　　Whenhereturnedtothefactorytheconditionsofworkwerebetter。
　　HehadWednesdayafternoonofftogototheArtSchool——
　　MissJordan’sprovision——returningintheevening。Thenthefactory，closedatsixinsteadofeightonThursdayandFridayevenings。
　　OneeveninginthesummerMiriamandhewentoverthefields，byHerod’sFarmontheirwayfromthelibraryhome。Soitwas，onlythreemilestoWilleyFarm。Therewasayellowglowoverthe，mowing-grass，andthesorrel-headsburnedcrimson。Gradually，asthey，walkedalongthehighland，thegoldinthewestsankdowntored，theredtocrimson，andthenthechillbluecreptupagainsttheglow。
　　TheycameoutuponthehighroadtoAlfreton，whichran，whitebetweenthedarkeningfields。TherePaulhesitated。
　　Itwastwomileshomeforhim，onemileforwardforMiriam。
　　Theybothlookeduptheroadthatraninshadowrightunderthe，glowofthenorth-westsky。Onthecrestofthehill，Selby，withitsstarkhousesandtheup-prickedheadstocksofthepit，stoodinblacksilhouettesmallagainstthesky。
　　Helookedathiswatch。
　　“Nineo’clock！”hesaid。
　　Thepairstood，lothtopart，huggingtheirbooks。
　　“Thewoodissolovelynow，“shesaid。”Iwantedyoutoseeit。”
　　Hefollowedherslowlyacrosstheroadtothewhitegate。
　　“TheygrumblesoifI’mlate，“hesaid。
　　“Butyou’renotdoinganythingwrong，“sheansweredimpatiently。
　　Hefollowedheracrossthenibbledpastureinthedusk。
　　Therewasacoolnessinthewood，ascentofleaves，ofhoneysuckle，andatwilight。Thetwowalkedinsilence。Nightcamewonderfullythere，amongthethrongofdarktree-trunks。Helookedround，expectant。
　　Shewantedtoshowhimacertainwild-rosebushshe，haddiscovered。Sheknewitwaswonderful。Andyet，tillhehadseenit，shefeltithadnotcomeintohersoul。
　　Onlyhecouldmakeitherown，immortal。Shewasdissatisfied。
　　Dewwasalreadyonthepaths。Intheoldoak-woodamist，wasrising，andhehesitated，wonderingwhetheronewhiteness，wereastrandoffogoronlycampion-flowerspallidinacloud。
　　Bythetimetheycametothepine-treesMiriamwasgettingvery，eagerandverytense。Herbushmightbegone。Shemightnotbe，abletofindit;andshewanteditsomuch。Almostpassionately，shewantedtobewithhimwhenbestoodbeforetheflowers。
　　Theyweregoingtohaveacommuniontogether——somethingthat，thrilledher，somethingholy。Hewaswalkingbesideherinsilence。
　　Theywereveryneartoeachother。Shetrembled，andhelistened，vaguelyanxious。
　　Comingtotheedgeofthewood，theysawtheskyinfront，likemother-of-pearl，andtheearthgrowingdark。Somewhereonthe，outermostbranchesofthepine-woodthehoneysucklewasstreamingscent。
　　“Where？”heasked。
　　“Downthemiddlepath，“shemurmured，quivering。
　　Whentheyturnedthecornerofthepathshestoodstill。
　　Inthewidewalkbetweenthepines，gazingratherfrightened，shecoulddistinguishnothingforsomemoments;thegreyinglight，robbedthingsoftheircolour。Thenshesawherbush。
　　“Ah！”shecried，hasteningforward。
　　Itwasverystill。Thetreewastallandstraggling。
　　Ithadthrownitsbriersoverahawthorn-bush，anditslong，streamerstrailedthick，rightdowntothegrass，splashingthe，darknesseverywherewithgreatspiltstars，purewhite。Inbosses，ofivoryandinlargesplashedstarstherosesgleamedonthe，darknessoffoliageandstemsandgrass。PaulandMiriamstood，closetogether，silent，andwatched。Pointafterpointthesteady，rosesshoneouttothem，seemingtokindlesomethingintheirsouls。
　　Theduskcamelikesmokearound，andstilldidnotputouttheroses。
　　PaullookedintoMiriam’seyes。Shewaspaleandexpectant，withwonder，herlipswereparted，andherdarkeyeslayopentohim。
　　Hislookseemedtotraveldownintoher。Hersoulquivered。
　　Itwasthecommunionshewanted。Heturnedaside，asifpained。
　　Heturnedtothebush。
　　“Theyseemasiftheywalklikebutterflies，andshakethemselves，“
　　hesaid。
　　Shelookedatherroses。Theywerewhite，someincurvedandholy，othersexpandedinanecstasy。Thetreewasdarkasashadow。
　　Sheliftedherhandimpulsivelytotheflowers;shewentforward，andtouchedtheminworship。
　　“Letusgo，“hesaid。
　　Therewasacoolscentofivoryroses——awhite，virginscent。
　　Somethingmadehimfeelanxiousandimprisoned。Thetwowalked，insilence。
　　“TillSunday，“hesaidquietly，andlefther;andshewalked，homeslowly，feelinghersoulsatisfiedwiththeholinessofthenight。
　　Hestumbleddownthepath。Andassoonashewasoutofthewood，inthefreeopenmeadow，wherehecouldbreathe，hestartedtorun，asfastashecould。Itwaslikeadeliciousdeliriuminhisveins。
　　AlwayswhenhewentwithMiriam，anditgrewratherlate，heknew，hismotherwasfrettingandgettingangryabouthim——why，hecould，notunderstand。Ashewentintothehouse，flingingdownhiscap，hismotherlookedupattheclock。Shehadbeensittingthinking，becauseachilltohereyespreventedherreading。Shecouldfeel，Paulbeingdrawnawaybythisgirl。AndshedidnotcareforMiriam。
　　“Sheisoneofthosewhowillwanttosuckaman’ssoulouttill，hehasnoneofhisownleft，“shesaidtoherself;“andheisjust，suchagabyastolethimselfbeabsorbed。Shewillneverlethim，becomeaman;sheneverwill。”，So，whilehewasawaywithMiriam，Mrs。Morelgrewmoreandmoreworkedup。
　　Sheglancedattheclockandsaid，coldlyandrathertired：
　　“Youhavebeenfarenoughto-night。”
　　Hissoul，warmandexposedfromcontactwiththegirl，shrank。
　　“Youmusthavebeenrighthomewithher，“hismothercontinued。
　　Hewouldnotanswer。Mrs。Morel，lookingathimquickly，sawhishairwasdamponhisforeheadwithhaste，sawhimfrowning，inhisheavyfashion，resentfully。
　　“Shemustbewonderfullyfascinating，thatyoucan’tgetaway，fromher，butmustgotrailingeightmilesatthistimeofnight。”
　　HewashurtbetweenthepastglamourwithMiriamandthe，knowledgethathismotherfretted。Hehadmeantnottosayanything，torefusetoanswer。Buthecouldnothardenhishearttoignore，hismother。
　　“IDOliketotalktoher，“heansweredirritably。
　　“Istherenobodyelsetotalkto？”
　　“Youwouldn’tsayanythingifIwentwithEdgar。”
　　“YouknowIshould。Youknow，whoeveryouwentwith，Ishouldsayitwastoofarforyoutogotrailing，lateatnight，whenyou’vebeentoNottingham。Besides“——hervoicesuddenlyflashed，intoangerandcontempt——“itisdisgusting——bits，ofladsandgirlscourting。”
　　“ItisNOTcourting，“hecried。
　　“Idon’tknowwhatelseyoucallit。”
　　“It’snot！，DoyouthinkweSPOONanddo？，Weonlytalk。”
　　“Tillgoodnessknowswhattimeanddistance，“wasthe，sarcasticrejoinder。
　　Paulsnappedatthelacesofhisbootsangrily。
　　“Whatareyousomadabout？”heasked。”Becauseyoudon’t，likeher。”
　　“Idon’tsayIdon’tlikeher。ButIdon’tholdwithchildren，keepingcompany，andneverdid。”
　　“Butyoudon’tmindourAnniegoingoutwithJimInger。”
　　“They’vemoresensethanyoutwo。”
　　“Why？”
　　“OurAnnie’snotoneofthedeepsort。”
　　Hefailedtoseethemeaningofthisremark。Buthismother，lookedtired。ShewasneversostrongafterWilliam’sdeath;
　　andhereyeshurther。
　　“Well，“hesaid，“it’ssoprettyinthecountry。Mr。Sleath，askedaboutyou。Hesaidhe’dmissedyou。Areyouabitbetter？”
　　“Ioughttohavebeeninbedalongtimeago，“shereplied。
　　“Why，mother，youknowyouwouldn’thavegonebefore，quarter-pastten。”
　　“Oh，yes，Ishould！”
　　“Oh，littlewoman，you’dsayanythingnowyou’redisagreeable，withme，wouldn’tyou？”
　　Hekissedherforeheadthatheknewsowell：，thedeepmarks，betweenthebrows，therisingofthefinehair，greyingnow，andthe，proudsettingofthetemples。Hishandlingeredonhershoulder，afterhiskiss。Thenhewentslowlytobed。HehadforgottenMiriam;
　　heonlysawhowhismother’shairwasliftedbackfromherwarm，broadbrow。Andsomehow，shewashurt。
　　ThenthenexttimehesawMiriamhesaidtoher：
　　“Don’tletmebelateto-night——notlaterthanteno’clock。My，mothergetssoupset。”
　　Miriamdroppedherbead，brooding。
　　“Whydoesshegetupset？”sheasked。
　　“BecauseshesaysIoughtn’ttobeoutlatewhenIhavetoget，upearly。”
　　“Verywell！”saidMiriam，ratherquietly，withjustatouch，ofasneer。
　　Heresentedthat。Andhewasusuallylateagain。
　　ThattherewasanylovegrowingbetweenhimandMiriamneither，ofthemwouldhaveacknowledged。Hethoughthewastoosanefor，suchsentimentality，andshethoughtherselftoolofty。Theybothwere，lateincomingtomaturity，andpsychicalripenesswasmuchbehind，eventhephysical。Miriamwasexceedinglysensitive，ashermother，hadalwaysbeen。Theslightestgrossnessmadeherrecoilalmost，inanguish。Herbrotherswerebrutal，butnevercoarseinspeech。
　　Themendidallthediscussingoffarmmattersoutside。But，perhaps，becauseofthecontinualbusinessofbirthandofbegettingwhichgoes，onuponeveryfarm，Miriamwasthemorehypersensitivetothematter，andherbloodwaschastenedalmosttodisgustofthefaintest，suggestionofsuchintercourse。Paultookhispitchfromher，andtheirintimacywentoninanutterlyblanchedandchastefashion。
　　Itcouldneverbementionedthatthemarewasinfoal。
　　Whenhewasnineteen，hewasearningonlytwentyshillingsaweek，buthewashappy。Hispaintingwentwell，andlifewentwellenough。
　　OntheGoodFridayheorganisedawalktotheHemlockStone。
　　Therewerethreeladsofhisownage，thenAnnieandArthur，MiriamandGeoffrey。Arthur，apprenticedasanelectrician，inNottingham，washomefortheholiday。Morel，asusual，wasupearly，whistlingandsawingintheyard。Atseveno’clockthefamilyheard，himbuythreepennyworthofhot-crossbuns;hetalkedwithgusto，tothelittlegirlwhobroughtthem，callingher“mydarling“。He，turnedawayseveralboyswhocamewithmorebuns，tellingthem，theyhadbeen“kested“byalittlelass。ThenMrs。Morelgotup，andthefamilystraggleddown。Itwasanimmenseluxurytoeverybody，thislyinginbedjustbeyondtheordinarytimeonaweekday。
　　AndPaulandArthurreadbeforebreakfast，andhadthemealunwashed，sittingintheirshirt-sleeves。Thiswasanotherholidayluxury。
　　Theroomwaswarm。Everythingfeltfreeofcareandanxiety。
　　Therewasasenseofplentyinthehouse。
　　Whiletheboyswerereading，Mrs。Morelwentintothegarden。
　　Theywerenowinanotherhouse，anoldone，neartheScargill，Streethome，whichhadbeenleftsoonafterWilliamhaddied。
　　Directlycameanexcitedcryfromthegarden：
　　“Paul！，Paul！，comeandlook！”
　　Itwashismother’svoice。Hethrewdownhisbookandwentout。
　　Therewasalonggardenthatrantoafield。Itwasagrey，coldday，withasharpwindblowingoutofDerbyshire。Twofieldsaway，Bestwoodbegan，withajumbleofroofsandredhouse-ends，outofwhich，rosethechurchtowerandthespireoftheCongregationalChapel。
　　Andbeyondwentwoodsandhills，rightawaytothepalegreyheights，ofthePennineChain。
　　Paullookeddownthegardenforhismother。Herheadappeared，amongtheyoungcurrant-bushes。
　　“Comehere！”shecried。
　　“Whatfor？”heanswered。
　　“Comeandsee。”
　　Shehadbeenlookingatthebudsonthecurranttrees。
　　Paulwentup。
　　“Tothink，“shesaid，“thathereImightneverhaveseenthem！”
　　Hersonwenttoherside。Underthefence，inalittlebed，wasaravelofpoorgrassyleaves，suchascomefromveryimmaturebulbs，andthreescyllasinbloom。Mrs。Morelpointedtothedeepblueflowers。
　　“Now，justseethose！”sheexclaimed。”Iwaslookingat，thecurrantbushes，when，thinksItomyself，’There’ssomething，veryblue;isitabitofsugar-bag？’andthere，beholdyou！
　　Sugar-bag！Threegloriesofthesnow，andsuchbeauties！
　　Butwhereonearthdidtheycomefrom？”
　　“Idon’tknow，“saidPaul。
　　“Well，that’samarvel，now！，ITHOUGHTIkneweveryweed，andbladeinthisgarden。ButHAVEN’Ttheydonewell？，Yousee，thatgooseberry-bushjustsheltersthem。Notnipped，nottouched！”
　　Hecroucheddownandturnedupthebellsofthelittle，blueflowers。
　　“They’reagloriouscolour！”hesaid。
　　“Aren’tthey！”shecried。”IguesstheycomefromSwitzerland，wheretheysaytheyhavesuchlovelythings。Fancythemagainst，thesnow！，Butwherehavetheycomefrom？，Theycan’thaveBLOWNhere，canthey？”
　　Thenherememberedhavingsetherealotoflittletrash，ofbulbstomature。
　　“Andyounevertoldme，“shesaid。
　　“No！，IthoughtI’dleaveittilltheymightflower。”
　　“Andnow，yousee！，Imighthavemissedthem。AndI’venever，hadagloryofthesnowinmygardeninmylife。”
　　Shewasfullofexcitementandelation。Thegardenwas，anendlessjoytoher。Paulwasthankfulforhersakeatlast，tobeinahousewithalonggardenthatwentdowntoafield。
　　Everymorningafterbreakfastshewentoutandwashappypottering，aboutinit。Anditwastrue，shekneweveryweedandblade。
　　Everybodyturnedupforthewalk。Foodwaspacked，andthey，setoff，amerry，delightedparty。Theyhungoverthewallofthe，mill-race，droppedpaperinthewaterononesideofthetunnel，andwatcheditshootoutontheother。Theystoodonthefoot-bridge，overBoathouseStationandlookedatthemetalsgleamingcoldly。
　　“YoushouldseetheFlyingScotsmancomethroughathalf-pastsix！”
　　saidLeonard，whosefatherwasasignalman。”Lad，butshedoesn’t，halfbuzz！”andthelittlepartylookedupthelinesoneway，toLondon，andtheotherway，toScotland，andtheyfeltthetouch，ofthesetwomagicalplaces。
　　InIlkestonthecollierswerewaitingingangsforthe，public-housestoopen。Itwasatownofidlenessandlounging。
　　AtStantonGatetheironfoundryblazed。Overeverythingtherewere，greatdiscussions。AtTrowelltheycrossedagainfromDerbyshire，intoNottinghamshire。TheycametotheHemlockStoneatdinner-time。
　　ItsfieldwascrowdedwithfolkfromNottinghamandIlkeston。
　　Theyhadexpectedavenerableanddignifiedmonument。
　　Theyfoundalittle，gnarled，twistedstumpofrock，somethinglikea，decayedmushroom，standingoutpatheticallyonthesideofafield。
　　LeonardandDickimmediatelyproceededtocarvetheirinitials，“L。W。”and“R。P。”，intheoldredsandstone;butPauldesisted，becausehehadreadinthenewspapersatiricalremarksabout，initial-carvers，whocouldfindnootherroadtoimmortality。
　　Thenalltheladsclimbedtothetopoftherocktolookround。
　　Everywhereinthefieldbelow，factorygirlsandladswereeating，lunchorsportingabout。Beyondwasthegardenofanoldmanor。
　　Ithadyew-hedgesandthickclumpsandborders，ofyellowcrocusesroundthelawn。
　　“See，“saidPaultoMiriam，“whataquietgarden！”
　　Shesawthedarkyewsandthegoldencrocuses，thenshe，lookedgratefully。Hehadnotseemedtobelongtoheramongall，theseothers;hewasdifferentthen——notherPaul，whounderstood，theslightestquiverofherinnermostsoul，butsomethingelse，speakinganotherlanguagethanhers。Howithurther，anddeadened，herveryperceptions。Onlywhenhecamerightbacktoher，leavinghisother，hislesserself，asshethought，wouldshe，feelaliveagain。Andnowheaskedhertolookatthisgarden，wantingthecontactwithheragain。Impatientofthesetinthefield，sheturnedtothequietlawn，surroundedbysheavesofshut-upcrocuses。
　　Afeelingofstillness，almostofecstasy，cameoverher。
　　Itfeltalmostasifshewerealonewithhiminthisgarden。
　　Thenheleftheragainandjoinedtheothers。Soonthey，startedhome。Miriamloiteredbehind，alone。Shedidnot，fitinwiththeothers;shecouldveryrarelygetintohuman，relationswithanyone：，soherfriend，hercompanion，herlover，wasNature。Shesawthesundecliningwanly。Inthedusky，coldhedgerowsweresomeredleaves。Shelingeredtogatherthem，tenderly，passionately。Theloveinherfinger-tipscaressed，theleaves;thepassioninherheartcametoaglowupontheleaves。
　　Suddenlysherealisedshewasaloneinastrangeroad，andshehurriedforward。Turningacornerinthelane，shecame，uponPaul，whostoodbentoversomething，hismindfixedonit，workingawaysteadily，patiently，alittlehopelessly。Shehesitated，inherapproach，towatch。
　　Heremainedconcentratedinthemiddleoftheroad。Beyond，oneriftofrichgoldinthatcolourlessgreyeveningseemedtomake，himstandoutindarkrelief。Shesawhim，slenderandfirm，asifthesettingsunhadgivenhimtoher。Adeeppaintookhold，ofher，andsheknewshemustlovehim。Andshehaddiscoveredhim，discoveredinhimararepotentiality，discoveredhisloneliness。
　　Quiveringasatsome“annunciation“shewentslowlyforward。
　　Atlasthelookedup。
　　“Why，“heexclaimedgratefully，“haveyouwaitedforme！”
　　Shesawadeepshadowinhiseyes。
　　“Whatisit？”sheasked。
　　“Thespringbrokenhere;“andheshowedherwherehisumbrella，wasinjured。
　　Instantly，withsomeshame，sheknewhehadnotdone，thedamagehimself，butthatGeoffreywasresponsible。
　　“Itisonlyanoldumbrella，isn’tit？”sheasked。
　　Shewonderedwhyhe，whodidnotusuallytroubleovertrifles，madesuchamountainofthismolehill。
　　“ButitwasWilliam’san’mymothercan’thelpbutknow，“
　　hesaidquietly，stillpatientlyworkingattheumbrella。
　　ThewordswentthroughMiriamlikeablade。This，then，wasthe，confirmationofhervisionofhim！，Shelookedathim。Butthere，wasabouthimacertainreserve，andshedarednotcomforthim，notevenspeaksoftlytohim。
　　“Comeon，“hesaid。”Ican’tdoit;“andtheywentinsilence，alongtheroad。
　　Thatsameeveningtheywerewalkingalongunderthetrees，byNetherGreen。Hewastalkingtoherfretfully，seemedtobe，strugglingtoconvincehimself。
　　“Youknow，“hesaid，withaneffort，“ifonepersonloves，theotherdoes。”
　　“Ah！”sheanswered。”LikemothersaidtomewhenIwaslittle，’Lovebegetslove。’“
　　“Yes，somethinglikethat，IthinkitMUSTbe。”
　　“Ihopeso，because，ifitwerenot，lovemightbeavery，terriblething，“shesaid。
　　“Yes，butitIS——atleastwithmostpeople，“heanswered。
　　AndMiriam，thinkinghehadassuredhimself，feltstrong，inherself。Shealwaysregardedthatsuddencominguponhim，inthelaneasarevelation。Andthisconversationremained，graveninhermindasoneofthelettersofthelaw。
　　Nowshestoodwithhimandforhim。When，aboutthistime，heoutragedthefamilyfeelingatWilleyFarmbysomeoverbearinginsult，shestucktohim，andbelievedhewasright。Andatthistimeshe，dreameddreamsofhim，vivid，unforgettable。Thesedreamscame，againlateron，developedtoamoresubtlepsychologicalstage。
　　OntheEasterMondaythesamepartytookanexcursion，toWingfieldManor。ItwasgreatexcitementtoMiriamtocatcha，trainatSethleyBridge，amidallthebustleoftheBankHolidaycrowd。
　　TheyleftthetrainatAlfreton。Paulwasinterestedinthe，streetandinthecollierswiththeirdogs。Herewasanewrace，ofminers。Miriamdidnotlivetilltheycametothechurch。
　　Theywereallrathertimidofentering，withtheirbagsoffood，forfearofbeingturnedout。Leonard，acomic，thinfellow，wentfirst;Paul，whowouldhavediedratherthanbesentback，wentlast。TheplacewasdecoratedforEaster。Inthefonthundreds，ofwhitenarcissiseemedtobegrowing。Theairwasdimandcoloured，fromthewindowsandthrilledwithasubtlescentoflilies，andnarcissi。InthatatmosphereMiriam’ssoulcameintoaglow。
　　Paulwasafraidofthethingshemustn’tdo;andhewassensitive，tothefeeloftheplace。Miriamturnedtohim。Heanswered。
　　Theyweretogether。HewouldnotgobeyondtheCommunion-rail。She，lovedhimforthat。Hersoulexpandedintoprayerbesidehim。
　　Hefeltthestrangefascinationofshadowyreligiousplaces。
　　Allhislatentmysticismquiveredintolife。Shewasdrawntohim。
　　Hewasaprayeralongwithher。
　　Miriamveryrarelytalkedtotheotherlads。Theyatonce，becameawkwardinconversationwithher。Sousuallyshewassilent。
　　Itwaspastmiddaywhentheyclimbedthesteeppathtothemanor。
　　Allthingsshonesoftlyinthesun，whichwaswonderfullywarm，andenlivening。Celandinesandvioletswereout。Everybodywas，tip-topfullwithhappiness。Theglitteroftheivy，thesoft，atmosphericgreyofthecastlewalls，thegentlenessofeverything，neartheruin，wasperfect。
　　Themanorisofhard，palegreystone，andtheotherwalls，areblankandcalm。Theyoungfolkwereinraptures。Theywent，intrepidation，almostafraidthatthedelightofexploringthis，ruinmightbedeniedthem。Inthefirstcourtyard，withinthehigh，brokenwalls，werefarm-carts，withtheirshaftslyingidleon，theground，thetyresofthewheelsbrilliantwithgold-redrust。
　　Itwasverystill。
　　Alleagerlypaidtheirsixpences，andwenttimidlythrough，thefinecleanarchoftheinnercourtyard。Theywereshy。
　　Hereonthepavement，wherethehallhadbeen，anoldthorntree，wasbudding。Allkindsofstrangeopeningsandbrokenroomswere，intheshadowaroundthem。
　　Afterlunchtheysetoffoncemoretoexploretheruin。
　　Thistimethegirlswentwiththeboys，whocouldactasguides，andexpositors。Therewasonetalltowerinacorner，rathertottering，wheretheysayMaryQueenofScotswasimprisoned。
　　“ThinkoftheQueengoinguphere！”saidMiriaminalowvoice，assheclimbedthehollowstairs。
　　“Ifshecouldgetup，“saidPaul，“forshehadrheumatism，likeanything。Ireckontheytreatedherrottenly。”
　　“Youdon’tthinkshedeservedit？”askedMiriam。
　　“No，Idon’t。Shewasonlylively。”
　　Theycontinuedtomountthewindingstaircase。Ahighwind，blowingthroughtheloopholes，wentrushinguptheshaft，andfilledthegirl’sskirtslikeaballoon，sothatshewasashamed，untilhetookthehemofherdressandhelditdownforher。
　　Hediditperfectlysimply，ashewouldhavepickedupherglove。
　　Sherememberedthisalways。
　　Roundthebrokentopofthetowertheivybushedout，oldandhandsome。Also，therewereafewchillgillivers，inpalecoldbud。Miriamwantedtoleanoverforsomeivy，buthewouldnotlether。Instead，shehadtowaitbehindhim，andtakefromhimeachsprayashegathereditandheldittoher，eachoneseparately，inthepurestmannerofchivalry。Thetower，seemedtorockinthewind。Theylookedovermilesandmiles，ofwoodedcountry，andcountrywithgleamsofpasture。
　　Thecryptunderneaththemanorwasbeautiful，andin，perfectpreservation。Paulmadeadrawing：，Miriamstayedwithhim。
　　ShewasthinkingofMaryQueenofScotslookingwithherstrained，hopelesseyes，thatcouldnotunderstandmisery，overthehills，whencenohelpcame，orsittinginthiscrypt，beingtoldofaGod，ascoldastheplaceshesatin。
　　Theysetoffagaingaily，lookingroundontheirbelovedmanor，thatstoodsocleanandbigonitshill。
　　“SupposingyoucouldhaveTHATfarm，“saidPaultoMiriam。
　　“Yes！”
　　“Wouldn’titbelovelytocomeandseeyou！”
　　Theywerenowinthebarecountryofstonewalls，whichheloved，andwhich，thoughonlytenmilesfromhome，seemedsoforeign，toMiriam。Thepartywasstraggling。Astheywerecrossinga，largemeadowthatslopedawayfromthesun，alongapathembedded，withinnumerabletinyglitteringpoints，Paul，walking，alongside，lacedhisfingersinthestringsofthebagMiriam，wascarrying，andinstantlyshefeltAnniebehind，watchfulandjealous。
　　Butthemeadowwasbathedinagloryofsunshine，andthepath，wasjewelled，anditwasseldomthathegaveheranysign。
　　Sheheldherfingersverystillamongthestringsofthebag，hisfingerstouching;andtheplacewasgoldenasavision。
　　AtlasttheycameintothestragglinggreyvillageofCrich，thatlieshigh。BeyondthevillagewasthefamousCrichStand，thatPaulcouldseefromthegardenathome。Thepartypushedon。
　　Greatexpanseofcountryspreadaroundandbelow。Theladswere，eagertogettothetopofthehill。Itwascappedbyaroundknoll，halfofwhichwasbynowcutaway，andonthetopofwhichstood，anancientmonument，sturdyandsquat，forsignallinginolddaysfar，downintothelevellandsofNottinghamshireandLeicestershire。
　　Itwasblowingsohard，highupthereintheexposedplace，thattheonlywaytobesafewastostandnailedbythewind，tothewanofthetower。Attheirfeetfelltheprecipice，wherethelimestonewasquarriedaway。Belowwasajumbleof，hillsandtinyvillages——Mattock，Ambergate，StoneyMiddleton。
　　TheladswereeagertospyoutthechurchofBestwood，faraway，amongtherathercrowdedcountryontheleft。Theyweredisgusted，thatitseemedtostandonaplain。TheysawthehillsofDerbyshire，fallintothemonotonyoftheMidlandsthatsweptawaySouth。
　　Miriamwassomewhatscaredbythewind，buttheladsenjoyedit。
　　Theywenton，milesandmiles，toWhatstandwell。Allthefood，waseaten，everybodywashungry，andtherewasverylittlemoneytoget，homewith。Buttheymanagedtoprocurealoafandacurrant-loaf，whichtheyhackedtopieceswithshut-knives，andatesittingon，thewallnearthebridge，watchingthebrightDerwentrushingby，andthebrakesfromMatlockpullingupattheinn。
　　Paulwasnowpalewithweariness。Hehadbeenresponsible，forthepartyallday，andnowhewasdone。Miriamunderstood，andkeptclosetohim，andhelefthimselfinherhands。
　　TheyhadanhourtowaitatAmbergateStation。Trainscame，crowdedwithexcursionistsreturningtoManchester，Birmingham，andLondon。
　　“Wemightbegoingthere——folkeasilymightthinkwe’regoing，thatfar，“saidPaul。
　　Theygotbackratherlate。Miriam，walkinghomewithGeoffrey，watchedthemoonrisebigandredandmisty。Shefeltsomething，wasfulfilledinher。
　　Shehadaneldersister，Agatha，whowasaschool-teacher。
　　Betweenthetwogirlswasafeud。MiriamconsideredAgathaworldly。
　　Andshewantedherselftobeaschool-teacher。
　　OneSaturdayafternoonAgathaandMiriamwereupstairsdressing。
　　Theirbedroomwasoverthestable。Itwasalowroom，notverylarge，andbare。MiriamhadnailedonthewallareproductionofVeronese’s，“St。Catherine“。Shelovedthewomanwhosatinthewindow，dreaming。
　　Herownwindowsweretoosmalltositin。Butthefrontonewas，drippedoverwithhoneysuckleandvirginiacreeper，andlooked，uponthetree-topsoftheoak-woodacrosstheyard，whilethe，littlebackwindow，nobiggerthanahandkerchief，wasaloophole，totheeast，tothedawnbeatingupagainstthebelovedroundhills。
　　Thetwosistersdidnottalkmuchtoeachother。Agatha，whowasfairandsmallanddetermined，hadrebelledagainst，thehomeatmosphere，againstthedoctrineof“theothercheek“。
　　Shewasoutintheworldnow，inafairwaytobeindependent。
　　Andsheinsistedonworldlyvalues，onappearance，onmanners，onposition，whichMiriamwouldfainhaveignored。
　　Bothgirlslikedtobeupstairs，outoftheway，whenPaulcame。
　　Theypreferredtocomerunningdown，openthestair-footdoor，andseehimwatching，expectantofthem。Miriamstoodpainfully，pullingoverherheadarosaryhehadgivenher。Itcaught，inthefinemeshofherhair。Butatlastshehaditon，andthe，red-brownwoodenbeadslookedwellagainsthercoolbrownneck。
　　Shewasawell-developedgirl，andveryhandsome。Butinthelittle，looking-glassnailedagainstthewhitewashedwallshecouldonlysee，afragmentofherselfatatime。Agathahadboughtalittlemirror，ofherown，whichsheproppeduptosuitherself。Miriamwasnear，thewindow。Suddenlysheheardthewell-knownclickofthechain，andshesawPaulflingopenthegate，pushhisbicycleintotheyard。
　　Shesawhimlookatthehouse，andsheshrankaway。Hewalked，inanonchalantfashion，andhisbicyclewentwithhimasifit，werealivething。
　　“Paul’scome！”sheexclaimed。
　　“Aren’tyouglad？”saidAgathacuttingly。
　　Miriamstoodstillinamazementandbewilderment。
　　“Well，aren’tyou？”sheasked。
　　“Yes，butI’mnotgoingtolethimseeit，andthinkIwantedhim。”
　　Miriamwasstartled。Sheheardhimputtinghisbicycleinthe，stableunderneath，andtalkingtoJimmy，whohadbeenapit-horse，andwhowasseedy。
　　“Well，Jimmymylad，howareter？，Nobbutsickan’
　　sadly，like？，Why，then，it’sashame，myowdlad。”
　　Sheheardtheroperunthroughtheholeasthehorseliftedits，headfromthelad’scaress。Howshelovedtolistenwhenhethought，onlythehorsecouldhear。ButtherewasaserpentinherEden。
　　ShesearchedearnestlyinherselftoseeifshewantedPaulMorel。
　　Shefelttherewouldbesomedisgraceinit。Fulloftwistedfeeling，shewasafraidshedidwanthim。Shestoodself-convicted。Then，cameanagonyofnewshame。Sheshrankwithinherselfinacoil，oftorture。DidshewantPaulMorel，anddidheknowshewantedhim？
　　Whatasubtleinfamyuponher。Shefeltasifherwholesoulcoiled，intoknotsofshame。
　　Agathawasdressedfirst，andrandownstairs。Miriamheard，hergreettheladgaily，knewexactlyhowbrillianthergrey，eyesbecamewiththattone。Sheherselfwouldhavefeltitbold，tohavegreetedhiminsuchwise。Yetthereshestoodunderthe，self-accusationofwantinghim，tiedtothatstakeoftorture。
　　Inbitterperplexityshekneeleddownandprayed：
　　“OLord，letmenotlovePaulMorel。Keepmefromlovinghim，ifIoughtnottolovehim。”
　　Somethinganomalousintheprayerarrestedher。Shelifted，herheadandpondered。Howcoulditbewrongtolovehim？，Lovewas，God’sgift。Andyetitcausedhershame。Thatwasbecauseofhim，PaulMorel。But，then，itwasnothisaffair，itwasherown，betweenherselfandGod。Shewastobeasacrifice。Butitwas，God’ssacrifice，notPaulMorel’sorherown。Afterafewminutes，shehidherfaceinthepillowagain，andsaid：
　　“But，Lord，ifitisThywillthatIshouldlovehim，makemelovehim——asChristwould，whodiedforthesoulsofmen。
　　Makemelovehimsplendidly，becauseheisThyson。”
　　Sheremainedkneelingforsometime，quitestill，anddeeplymoved，herblackhairagainsttheredsquaresandthelavender-sprigged，squaresofthepatchworkquilt。Prayerwasalmostessentialtoher。
　　Thenshefellintothatraptureofself-sacrifice，identifyingherselfwithaGodwhowassacrificed，whichgives，tosomanyhumansoulstheirdeepestbliss。
　　WhenshewentdownstairsPaulwaslyingbackinanarmchair，holdingforthwithmuchvehemencetoAgatha，whowasscorningalittle，paintinghehadbroughttoshowher。Miriamglancedatthetwo，andavoidedtheirlevity。Shewentintotheparlourtobealone。
　　Itwastea-timebeforeshewasabletospeaktoPaul，andthen，hermannerwassodistanthethoughthehadoffendedher。
　　MiriamdiscontinuedherpracticeofgoingeachThursdayevening，tothelibraryinBestwood。AftercallingforPaulregularly，duringthewholespring，anumberoftriflingincidentsandtiny，insultsfromhisfamilyawakenedhertotheirattitudetowardsher，andshedecidedtogonomore。SosheannouncedtoPauloneevening，shewouldnotcallathishouseagainforhimonThursdaynights。
　　“Why？”heasked，veryshort。
　　“Nothing。OnlyI’drathernot。”
　　“Verywell。”
　　“But，“shefaltered，“ifyou’dcaretomeetme，wecouldstill，gotogether。”
　　“Meetyouwhere？”
　　“Somewhere——whereyoulike。”
　　“Ishan’tmeetyouanywhere。Idon’tseewhyyoushouldn’t，keepcallingforme。Butifyouwon’t，Idon’twanttomeetyou。”
　　SotheThursdayeveningswhichhadbeensoprecioustoher，andtohim，weredropped。Heworkedinstead。Mrs。Morelsniffed，withsatisfactionatthisarrangement。
　　Hewouldnothaveitthattheywerelovers。Theintimacy，betweenthemhadbeenkeptsoabstract，suchamatterofthesoul，allthoughtandwearystruggleintoconsciousness，thathesawitonly，asaplatonicfriendship。Hestoutlydeniedtherewasanythingelse，betweenthem。Miriamwassilent，orelsesheveryquietlyagreed。
　　Hewasafoolwhodidnotknowwhatwashappeningtohimself。
　　Bytacitagreementtheyignoredtheremarksandinsinuationsof，theiracquaintances。
　　“Wearen’tlovers，wearefriends，“hesaidtoher。”WEknowit。
　　Letthemtalk。Whatdoesitmatterwhattheysay。”
　　Sometimes，astheywerewalkingtogether，sheslippedherarm，timidlyintohis。Buthealwaysresentedit，andsheknewit。
　　Itcausedaviolentconflictinhim。WithMiriamhewasalways，onthehighplaneofabstraction，whenhisnaturalfireoflovewas，transmittedintothefinestreamofthought。Shewouldhaveitso。
　　Ifhewerejollyand，assheputit，flippant，shewaitedtillhecame，backtoher，tillthechangehadtakenplaceinhimagain，andhe，waswrestlingwithhisownsoul，frowning，passionateinhisdesire，forunderstanding。Andinthispassionforunderstandinghersoul，layclosetohis;shehadhimalltoherself。Buthemustbemade，abstractfirst。
　　Then，ifsheputherarminhis，itcausedhimalmosttorture。
　　Hisconsciousnessseemedtosplit。Theplacewhereshewastouching，himranhotwithfriction。Hewasoneinternecinebattle，andhe，becamecrueltoherbecauseofit。
　　OneeveninginmidsummerMiriamcalledatthehouse，warmfromclimbing。Paulwasaloneinthekitchen;hismother，couldbeheardmovingaboutupstairs。
　　“Comeandlookatthesweet-peas，“hesaidtothegirl。
　　Theywentintothegarden。Theskybehindthetownletandthe，churchwasorange-red;theflower-gardenwasfloodedwithastrange，warmlightthatliftedeveryleafintosignificance。Paulpassed，alongafinerowofsweet-peas，gatheringablossomhereandthere，allcreamandpaleblue。Miriamfollowed，breathingthefragrance。
　　Toher，flowersappealedwithsuchstrengthshefeltshemust，makethempartofherself。Whenshebentandbreathedaflower，itwasasifsheandtheflowerwerelovingeachother。Paulhated，herforit。Thereseemedasortofexposureabouttheaction，somethingtoointimate。
　　Whenhehadgotafairbunch，theyreturnedtothehouse。
　　Helistenedforamomenttohismother’squietmovementupstairs，thenhesaid：
　　“Comehere，andletmepintheminforyou。”，Hearrangedthem，twoorthreeatatimeinthebosomofherdress，steppingback，nowandthentoseetheeffect。”Youknow，“hesaid，takingthepin，outofhismouth，“awomanoughtalwaystoarrangeherflowers，beforeherglass。”
　　Miriamlaughed。Shethoughtflowersoughttobepinned，inone’sdresswithoutanycare。ThatPaulshouldtakepains，tofixherflowersforherwashiswhim。
　　Hewasratheroffendedatherlaughter。
　　“Somewomendo——thosewholookdecent，“hesaid。
　　Miriamlaughedagain，butmirthlessly，tohearhimthusmix，herupwithwomeninageneralway。Frommostmenshewouldhave，ignoredit。Butfromhimithurther。
　　Hehadnearlyfinishedarrangingtheflowerswhenheheard，hismother’sfootsteponthestairs。Hurriedlyhepushed，inthelastpinandturnedaway。
　　“Don’tletmaterknow，“hesaid。
　　Miriampickedupherbooksandstoodinthedoorwaylooking，withchagrinatthebeautifulsunset。ShewouldcallforPaul，nomore，shesaid。
　　“Good-evening，Mrs。Morel，“shesaid，inadeferentialway。
　　Shesoundedasifshefeltshehadnorighttobethere。
　　“Oh，isityou，Miriam？”repliedMrs。Morelcoolly。
　　ButPaulinsistedoneverybody’sacceptinghisfriendship，withthegirl，andMrs。Morelwastoowisetohaveanyopenrupture。
　　Itwasnottillhewastwentyyearsoldthatthefamilycould，everaffordtogoawayforaholiday。Mrs。Morelhadneverbeenaway，foraholiday，excepttoseehersister，sinceshehadbeenmarried。
　　NowatlastPaulhadsavedenoughmoney，andtheywereallgoing。
　　Therewastobeaparty：，someofAnnie’sfriends，onefriendofPaul’s，ayoungmaninthesameofficewhereWilliamhadpreviouslybeen，andMiriam。
　　Itwasgreatexcitementwritingforrooms。Paulandhis，motherdebateditendlesslybetweenthem。Theywantedafurnished，cottagefortwoweeks。Shethoughtoneweekwouldbeenough，butheinsistedontwo。
　　AtlasttheygotananswerfromMablethorpe，acottagesuchasthey，wishedforthirtyshillingsaweek。Therewasimmensejubilation。
　　Paulwaswildwithjoyforhismother’ssake。Shewouldhave，arealholidaynow。Heandshesatateveningpicturingwhatit，wouldbelike。Anniecamein，andLeonard，andAlice，andKitty。
　　Therewaswildrejoicingandanticipation。PaultoldMiriam。
　　Sheseemedtobroodwithjoyoverit。ButtheMorel’shouserang，withexcitement。
　　TheyweretogoonSaturdaymorningbytheseventrain。
　　PaulsuggestedthatMiriamshouldsleepathishouse，becauseit，wassofarforhertowalk。Shecamedownforsupper。
　　EverybodywassoexcitedthatevenMiriamwasacceptedwithwarmth。
　　Butalmostassoonassheenteredthefeelinginthefamilybecamecloseandtight。
　　HehaddiscoveredapoembyJeanIngelowwhichmentionedMablethorpe，andsohemustreadittoMiriam。Hewouldneverhavegotsofarin，thedirectionofsentimentalityastoreadpoetrytohisownfamily。
　　Butnowtheycondescendedtolisten。Miriamsatonthesofa，absorbedinhim。Shealwaysseemedabsorbedinhim，andbyhim，whenhewaspresent。Mrs。Morelsatjealouslyinherownchair。
　　Shewasgoingtohearalso。AndevenAnnieandthefatherattended，Morelwithhisheadcockedononeside，likesomebodylistening，toasermonandfeelingconsciousofthefact。Paulduckedhishead，overthebook。Hehadgotnowalltheaudiencehecaredfor。
　　AndMrs。MorelandAnniealmostcontestedwithMiriamwhoshouldlisten，bestandwinhisfavour。Hewasinveryhighfeather。
　　“But，“interruptedMrs。Morel，“whatISthe’BrideofEnderby’
　　thatthebellsaresupposedtoring？”
　　“It’sanoldtunetheyusedtoplayonthebellsforawarning，againstwater。IsupposetheBrideofEnderbywasdrownedinaflood，“
　　hereplied。Hehadnotthefaintestknowledgewhatitreallywas，buthewouldneverhavesunksolowastoconfessthattohiswomenfolk。
　　Theylistenedandbelievedhim。Hebelievedhimself。
　　“Andthepeopleknewwhatthattunemeant？”saidhismother。
　　“Yes——justliketheScotchwhentheyheard’TheFlowerso’
　　theForest’——andwhentheyusedtoringthebellsbackwardforalarm。”
　　“How？”saidAnnie。”Abellsoundsthesamewhetherit’srung，backwardsorforwards。”
　　“But，“hesaid，“ifyoustartwiththedeepbellandringup，tothehighone——der——der——der——der——der——der——der——der！”
　　Heranupthescale。Everybodythoughtitclever。Hethought，sotoo。Then，waitingaminute，hecontinuedthepoem。
　　“Hm！”saidMrs。Morelcuriously，whenhefinished。”ButI
　　wisheverythingthat’swrittenweren’tsosad。”
　　“Icannaseewhattheywantdrownin’theirselvesfor，“
　　saidMorel。
　　Therewasapause。Anniegotuptoclearthetable。
　　Miriamrosetohelpwiththepots。
　　“LetMEhelptowashup，“shesaid。
　　“Certainlynot，“criedAnnie。”Yousitdownagain。
　　Therearen’tmany。”
　　AndMiriam，whocouldnotbefamiliarandinsist，satdown，againtolookatthebookwithPaul。
　　Hewasmasteroftheparty;hisfatherwasnogood。Andgreat，tortureshesufferedlestthetinboxshouldbeputoutatFirsby，insteadofatMablethorpe。Andhewasn’tequaltogettingacarriage。
　　Hisboldlittlemotherdidthat。
　　“Here！”shecriedtoaman。”Here！”
　　PaulandAnniegotbehindtherest，convulsedwithshamedlaughter。
　　“HowmuchwillitbetodrivetoBrookCottage？”saidMrs。Morel。
　　“Twoshillings。”
　　“Why，howfarisit？”
　　“Agoodway。”
　　“Idon’tbelieveit，“shesaid。
　　Butshescrambledin。Therewereeightcrowdedinoneold，seasidecarriage。
　　“Yousee，“saidMrs。Morel，“it’sonlythreepenceeach，andifitwereatramcar——“
　　Theydrovealong。Eachcottagetheycameto，Mrs。Morelcried：
　　“Isitthis？，Now，thisisit！”
　　Everybodysatbreathless。Theydrovepast。Therewas，auniversalsigh。
　　“I’mthankfulitwasn’tthatbrute，“saidMrs。Morel。
　　“IWASfrightened。”，Theydroveonandon。
　　Atlasttheydescendedatahousethatstoodaloneover，thedykebythehighroad。Therewaswildexcitementbecausethey，hadtocrossalittlebridgetogetintothefrontgarden。
　　Buttheylovedthehousethatlaysosolitary，withasea-meadow，ononeside，andimmenseexpanseoflandpatchedinwhitebarley，yellowoats，redwheat，andgreenroot-crops，flatandstretching，leveltothesky。
　　Paulkeptaccounts。Heandhismotherrantheshow。
　　Thetotalexpenses——lodging，food，everything——wassixteenshillings，aweekperperson。HeandLeonardwentbathinginthemornings。
　　Morelwaswanderingabroadquiteearly。
　　“You，Paul，“hismothercalledfromthebedroom，“eatapiece，ofbread-and-butter。”
　　“Allright，“heanswered。
　　Andwhenhegotbackhesawhismotherpresidinginstateat，thebreakfast-table。Thewomanofthehousewasyoung。Herhusband，wasblind，andshedidlaundrywork。SoMrs。Morelalwayswashed，thepotsinthekitchenandmadethebeds。
　　“Butyousaidyou’dhavearealholiday，“saidPaul，“andnow，youwork。”
　　“Work！”sheexclaimed。”Whatareyoutalkingabout！”
　　Helovedtogowithheracrossthefieldstothevillage，andthesea。Shewasafraidoftheplankbridge，andheabusedher，forbeingababy。OnthewholehestucktoherasifhewereHERman。
　　Miriamdidnotgetmuchofhim，except，perhaps，whenallthe，otherswenttothe“Coons“。CoonswereinsufferablystupidtoMiriam，sohethoughttheyweretohimselfalso，andhepreachedpriggishly，toAnnieaboutthefatuityoflisteningtothem。Yethe，too，knewalltheirsongs，andsangthemalongtheroadsroisterously。
　　Andifhefoundhimselflistening，thestupiditypleasedhimverymuch。
　　YettoAnniehesaid：
　　“Suchrot！thereisn’tagrainofintelligenceinit。Nobodywith，moregumptionthanagrasshoppercouldgoandsitandlisten。”
　　AndtoMiriamhesaid，withmuchscornofAnnieandtheothers：
　　“Isupposethey’reatthe’Coons’。”
　　ItwasqueertoseeMiriamsingingcoonsongs。Shehadastraight，chinthatwentinaperpendicularlinefromthelowerliptotheturn。
　　ShealwaysremindedPaulofsomesadBotticelliangelwhenshesang，evenwhenitwas：
　　“Comedownlover’slane，Forawalkwithme，talkwithme。”
　　Onlywhenhesketched，orateveningwhentheotherswereat，the“Coons“shehadhimtoherself。Hetalkedtoherendlessly，abouthisloveofhorizontals：，howthey，thegreatlevelsofsky，andlandinLincolnshire，meanttohimtheeternalityofthewill，justasthebowedNormanarchesofthechurch，repeatingthemselves，meantthedoggedleapingforwardofthepersistenthumansoul，onandon，nobodyknowswhere;incontradictiontotheperpendicular，linesandtotheGothicarch，which，hesaid，leaptupatheavenand，touchedtheecstasyandlostitselfinthedivine。Himself，hesaid，wasNorman，MiriamwasGothic。Shebowedinconsenteventothat。
　　Oneeveningheandshewentupthegreatsweepingshore，ofsandtowardsTheddlethorpe。Thelongbreakersplungedandran，inahissoffoamalongthecoast。Itwasawarmevening。
　　Therewasnotafigurebutthemselvesonthefarreachesofsand，nonoisebutthesoundofthesea。Paullovedtoseeitclanging，attheland。Helovedtofeelhimselfbetweenthenoiseofit，andthesilenceofthesandyshore。Miriamwaswithhim。
　　Everythinggrewveryintense。Itwasquitedarkwhenthey，turnedagain。Thewayhomewasthroughagapinthesandhills，andthenalongaraisedgrassroadbetweentwodykes。Thecountry，wasblackandstill。Frombehindthesandhillscamethewhisper，ofthesea。PaulandMiriamwalkedinsilence。Suddenlyhestarted。
　　Thewholeofhisbloodseemedtoburstintoflame，andhecould，scarcelybreathe。Anenormousorangemoonwasstaringatthem，fromtherimofthesandhills。Hestoodstill，lookingatit。
　　“Ah！”criedMiriam，whenshesawit。
　　Heremainedperfectlystill，staringattheimmenseandruddy，moon，theonlythinginthefar-reachingdarknessofthelevel。
　　Hisheartbeatheavily，themusclesofhisarmscontracted。
　　“Whatisit？”murmuredMiriam，waitingforhim。
　　Heturnedandlookedather。Shestoodbesidehim，forever，inshadow。Herface，coveredwiththedarknessofherhat，waswatching，himunseen。Butshewasbrooding。Shewasslightlyafraid——deeply，movedandreligious。Thatwasherbeststate。Hewasimpotent，againstit。Hisbloodwasconcentratedlikeaflameinhischest。
　　Buthecouldnotgetacrosstoher。Therewereflashesinhisblood。
　　Butsomehowsheignoredthem。Shewasexpectingsomereligious，stateinhim。Stillyearning，shewashalfawareofhispassion，andgazedathim，troubled。
　　“Whatisit？”shemurmuredagain。
　　“It’sthemoon，“heanswered，frowning。
　　“Yes，“sheassented。”Isn’titwonderful？”Shewascurious，abouthim。Thecrisiswaspast。
　　Hedidnotknowhimselfwhatwasthematter。Hewasnaturally，soyoung，andtheirintimacywassoabstract，hedidnotknowhe，wantedtocrushherontohisbreasttoeasetheachethere。
　　Hewasafraidofher。Thefactthathemightwantherasamanwants，awomanhadinhimbeensuppressedintoashame。Whensheshrank，inherconvulsed，coiledtorturefromthethoughtofsuch，athing，hehadwincedtothedepthsofhissoul。Andnowthis，“purity“preventedeventheirfirstlove-kiss。Itwasasifshecould，scarcelystandtheshockofphysicallove，evenapassionatekiss，andthenhewastooshrinkingandsensitivetogiveit。
　　Astheywalkedalongthedarkfen-meadowhewatchedthemoon，anddidnotspeak。Sheploddedbesidehim。Hehatedher，forshe，seemedinsomewaytomakehimdespisehimself。Lookingahead——hesaw，theonelightinthedarkness，thewindowoftheirlamp-litcottage。
　　Helovedtothinkofhismother，andtheotherjollypeople。
　　“Well，everybodyelsehasbeeninlongago！”saidhismother，astheyentered。
　　“Whatdoesthatmatter！”hecriedirritably。”Icangoawalk，ifIlike，can’tI？”
　　“AndIshouldhavethoughtyoucouldgetintosupperwith，therest，“saidMrs。Morel。
　　“Ishallpleasemyself，“heretorted。”It’snotLATE。
　　IshalldoasIlike。”
　　“Verywell，“saidhismothercuttingly，“thenDOasyoulike。”
　　Andshetooknofurthernoticeofhimthatevening。Whichhe，pretendedneithertonoticenortocareabout，butsatreading。
　　Miriamreadalso，obliteratingherself。Mrs。Morelhatedher，formakinghersonlikethis。ShewatchedPaulgrowingirritable，priggish，andmelancholic。ForthissheputtheblameonMiriam。
　　Annieandallherfriendsjoinedagainstthegirl。Miriamhadno，friendofherown，onlyPaul。Butshedidnotsuffersomuch，becauseshedespisedthetrivialityoftheseotherpeople。
　　AndPaulhatedherbecause，somehow，shespoilthisease，andnaturalness。Andhewrithedhimselfwithafeelingofhumiliation。
　　CHAPTERVIII
　　STRIFEINLOVE
　　ARTHURfinishedhisapprenticeship，andgotajobontheelectrical，plantatMintonPit。Heearnedverylittle，buthadagoodchance，ofgettingon。Buthewaswildandrestless。Hedidnotdrink，norgamble。Yethesomehowcontrivedtogetintoendlessscrapes，alwaysthroughsomehot-headedthoughtlessness。Eitherhewent，rabbitinginthewoods，likeapoacher，orhestayedinNottingham，allnightinsteadofcominghome，orhemiscalculatedhisdive，intothecanalatBestwood，andscoredhischestintoonemass，ofwoundsontherawstonesandtinsatthebottom。
　　Hehadnotbeenathisworkmanymonthswhenagainhedid，notcomehomeonenight。
　　“DoyouknowwhereArthuris？”askedPaulatbreakfast。
　　“Idonot，“repliedhismother。
　　“Heisafool，“saidPaul。”AndifheDIDanythingI
　　shouldn’tmind。Butno，hesimplycan’tcomeawayfromagame，ofwhist，orelsehemustseeagirlhomefromtheskating-rink——quite，proprietously——andsocan’tgethome。He’safool。”
　　“Idon’tknowthatitwouldmakeitanybetterifhedid，somethingtomakeusallashamed，“saidMrs。Morel。
　　“Well，Ishouldrespecthimmore，“saidPaul。
　　“Iverymuchdoubtit，“saidhismothercoldly。
　　Theywentonwithbreakfast。
　　“Areyoufearfullyfondofhim？”Paulaskedhismother。
　　“Whatdoyouaskthatfor？”
　　“Becausetheysayawomanalwaysliketheyoungestbest。”
　　“Shemaydo——butIdon’t。No，heweariesme。”
　　“Andyou’dactuallyratherhewasgood？”
　　“I’dratherheshowedsomeofaman’scommonsense。”