ELINORwasallanxietytolearntheresultoftheinterview；andMaryVanAlstynealsonaturallyfeltmuchinterestinthesubject，asshe，too，wasacousinofWilliamStanley，theirmothershavingbeensisters。Elinorsoondiscoveredthatthesailorhadborneamuchbetterexaminationthaneitherofherfriendshadexpected；hehadmadenoglaringmistake，andhehadansweredtheirquestionsonsomepoints，withanaccuracyandreadinessthatwasquitestartling。HeevidentlyknewagreatdealabouttheStanleyfamily，theirhouse，andtheneighbourhood；whoeverhewas，therecouldhenodoubtthathehadknownMr。Stanleyhimself，andwasveryfamiliarwiththepartofthecountryinwhichhehadresided。Altogether，thepersonalresemblance，thehandwriting，thefactofhisbeingasailor，thepapershehadshown，theplausiblestatementhehadgiven，astohispastmovements，andhisintimateknowledgeofsomanyfacts，whichastrangercouldscarcelyhaveknown，madeupacombinationofcircumstances，quiteincomprehensibletothefriendsatWyllys-Roof。Still，inspiteofsomuchthatappearedinhisfavour，Mr。Wyllysdeclared，thatsofarashisownopinionwent，hehadtoomanydoubtsastothisman'scharacter，toreceivehimasthesonofhisfriend，upontheevidencehehadthusfarlaidbeforethem。Thecircumstancesunderwhichheappeared，weresoverysuspiciousineverypointofview，thatthestrongestpossibleevidencesofhisidentitywouldberequired，tocounteractthem。ThelengthoftimethathadpassedsincethewreckoftheJefferson，thelongperiodduringwhichhisfather'spropertyhadbeenleftinthehandsofothers，andthedoubtfulcharacterofthechannelthroughwhichtheclaimwasatlengthbroughtforward——allthesefactsunited，furnishedgoodgroundsforsuspectingsomethingwrong。Therewereotherpointstoo，uponwhichMr。Wyllyshadhisdoubts；althoughthegeneralresemblanceofthisindividualtoWilliamStanley，wassufficienttopasswithmostpeople，allowingforthenaturalchangesproducedbytime，yetthereweresomeminorpersonaltraits，whichdidnotcorrespondwithhisrecollectionofMr。Stanley'sson：thevoiceappearedtohimdifferentintone；hewasalsodisposedtobelievetheclaimantshorterandfullerthanWilliamStanley，intheformationofhisbodyandlimbs；astothisman'sgait，whichwasentirelydifferentfromthatofWilliamStanley，asaboy，nearerobservationhadincreasedMr。Wyllys'sfirstimpressiononthatsubject。Ontheseparticularpoints，Mrs。
StanleyandHazlehurstwerenojudges；forthefirsthadscarcelyseenherstep-son，thelasthadonlyachild'srecollectionofhim。NorcouldMissAgnes'sopinionhavemuchweight，sinceshehadseldomseentheboy，duringthelastyearshepassedonshore；for，atthattime，shehadbeenmuchdetainedathome，bytheillhealthofhermother。Hazlehursthadwatchedtheclaimantclosely，andtheinterviewhadsilencedhisfirstmisgivings，forhehadbeenmuchstruckwithtwothings：hehadalwaysheard，wheneverthesubjectofWilliamStanley'scharacterhadbeenalludedtobeforehim，thatthisunfortunateyoungmanwassullenintemper，anddullinmind。Now，thesailor'swholeexpressionandmanner，inhisopinion，hadshowntoomuchclevernessforWilliamStanley；hehadappeareddecidedlyquick-witted，andhiscountenancewascertainlyrathergood-naturedthanotherwise。Mr。
WyllysadmittedthatHarry'sviewswerejust；hewasstruckwithboththeseobservations；hethoughtthemcorrectandimportant。
ThenHazlehurstthoughthehadseensomesignsofintelligencebetweenClappandthesailoronceortwice，amereglance；hecouldnotbepositive，however，sinceitmighthavebeenhisownsuspicions。AstothevolumeoftheSpectator，hehadfeltatfirstmorallycertainthathehadreadthatveryvolumeatGreatwood，onlyfouryearsago，buthehadsincerememberedthathisbrotherhadthesameedition，andhemighthavereadthebookinPhiladelphia；inthemeantimehewouldtrytorecallthecircumstancesmoreclearlytohismind；forsolongashehadadoubt，hecouldnotsweartothefact。Heknewitwasnottheoctavoedition，atGreatwood，thathehadbeenreading，forhedistinctlyrememberedtheportraitofSteeleinthefrontispiece，andAddison'spapersontheParadiseLost，whichhehadbeenreading；thatveryportrait，andthosepapers，werecontainedinthevolumehandedtohimbyClapp。BothMr。WyllysandHazlehurstweregratifiedtofind，thatMrs。Stanleydifferedfromthemlessthantheyhadfeared。Sheconfessed，thatatonemomentherhearthadmisgivenher，butonlookingcloselyatthesailor，shethoughthimlesslikeherhusbandthanshehadexpected；andshehadbeenparticularlystruckbyhisembarrassment，whenshehadaskedhimtodescribethefurnitureofthedrawing-roomatGreatwood，theverylastsummerhehadbeenthere，forheoughtcertainlyundersuchcircumstances，tohaveremembereditaswellasherself；hehadlookedpuzzled，andhadglancedatMr。Clapp，andthelawyerhadimmediatelybrokenofftheexamination。Suchweretheopinionsofthefriendsatthisstageoftheproceedings。Stillitwasanalarmingtruth，thatiftherewereimprobabilities，minorfacts，andshadesofmanner，tostrengthentheirdoubts，therewas，ontheotherside，ashowofevidence，whichmightverypossiblyproveenoughtoconvinceajury。
Hazlehursthadathousandthingstoattendto，buthehaddecidedtowaitatWyllys-RoofuntilthearrivalofMr。Ellsworth。
{“Addison'spapersontheParadiseLost“=infact，Addison'sessaysonParadiseLostarecontainedinvolumesfourandfiveoftheSpectator}
LeavingthosemostinterestedinthisvexatiousaffairtoholdlongconsultationstogetherinMr。Wyllys'sstudy，wemustnowproceedtorecordavisitwhichMissAgnesreceivedfromoneofourLongbridgeacquaintances，andweshallthereforejointheladies。
“Iamsorry，mydear，thatthehouseisnotsoquietaswecouldwish，justnow，“saidMissAgnestoJane，onemorning，assheandElinorweresittingtogetherintheyoungwidow'sroom。
“Thankyou，Aunt；butitdoesnotdisturbme，andIknowitisnottobeavoidedjustnow，“saidJane，languidly。
“No，itcannotbehelped，withthistroublesomebusinessgoingon；andweshallhaveMrs。CreightonandMr。Ellsworthheresoon。“
“Pray，donotchangeyourplansonmyaccount。Ineednotseeanyofyourfriends；Ishallscarcelyknowtheyarehere，“saidJane，withadeepsigh。
“Ifitwerepossibletodefertheirvisit，Ishoulddoso；butsituatedaswearewithMr。Ellsworth——“addedMissWyllys。
“Certainly；donotletmeinterferewithhiscoming。Ifeelperfectlyindifferentastowhocomesorgoes；Icannevertakeanymorepleasureinsociety！”
“HereismyauntWyllysdrivinguptothedoor，“saidElinor，whowassittingnearawindow。“Doyoufeelequaltoseeingher？”
“Oh，no，notto-day，dear，“saidJaneinanimploringvoice；andElinoraccordinglyremainedwithhercousin，whileMissAgneswentdowntomeetMrs。GeorgeWyllys。ThisladywasstilllivingatLongbridge，althougheveryfewmonthsshetalkedofleavingtheplace。Heroldestboyhadjustreceivedamidshipman'swarrant，towhichhewascertainlyjustlyentitled——hisfatherhavinglosthislifeinthepublicservice。Therestofherchildrenwereathome；andratherspoiltandtroublesomelittlepeopletheywere。
“HowisJane？”askedMrs。Wyllys，assheenteredthehouse。
“Verysadandfeeble；butIhopetheairherewillstrengthenher，afteratime。“
“Poorthing！——nowondersheissad，indeed！Soyoung，andsuchanaffliction！Howisthechild？”
“Muchbetter；sheisquiteplayful，anddisturbsJaneverymuchbyaskingafterherfather。Whatawarmdriveyoumusthavehad，Harriet；youhadbetterthrowoffyourhat，andstaywithusuntilevening。“
“Thankyou；Imustgohomefordinner，andshallnotbeabletostaymorethanhalfanhour。Isyourfatherin？Iwishedtoseehim，aswellasyourself，onbusiness。“
“No，heisnotathome；hehasgoneoffsomemiles，tolookatsomeworkmenwhoareputtingupanewfarm-house。“
“Iamsorryheisnotathome，forIwanttoaskhisopinion。Andyethemusthavehishandsfulljustnow，withthatvexatiousStanleycase。Imustsay，IthinkClappdeservestobesenttothetread-mill！”
“Perhapshedoes，“repliedMissWyllys。“Itistobehopedatleast，thathewillreceivewhathedeserves，andnothingmore。“
“Ihopehewill，withallmyheart！ButasIhavenotmuchtimetospare，Imustproceedtolaymyaffairsbeforeyou。NowI
reallyandhonestlywantyouradvice，Agnes。“
“Youhavehaditoftenbefore，“repliedMissWyllys，smiling。“I
amquiteatyourservicenow，“sheadded，seeinghersister-in-lawlookalittleuneasy。Mrs。Wyllyswassilentforamoment。
“Iscarcelyknowwheretobegin，“shethensaid；“forhereIam，cometoconsultyouonasubjectwhichyoumaythinkbeneathyournotice；youaresuperiortosuchtriflingmatters，“shesaid，smiling——andthenadded：“Butseriously，Ihavetoomuchconfidenceinyourjudgmentandgoodsense，towishtoactwithoutyourapprobation。“
“WhatisthepointuponwhichIamtodecide？——foryouhavenotyettoldmeanything。“
“ItisasubjectuponwhichIhavebeenthinkingforsometime——severalmonths。Whatshouldyousaytomymarryingagain？”
askedMrs。Wyllysstoutly。
MissAgneswasamazed。Shehadknownhersister-in-law，whensomeyearsyounger，refusemorethanonegoodoffer；andhadneverforamomentdoubtedherintentiontoremainawidowforlife。
“Yousurpriseme，Harriet，“shesaid；“Ihadnoideayouthoughtofmarryingagain。“
“Certainly，Ineverthoughtoftakingsuchastepuntilquitelately。“
“Andwhoisthegentleman？”askedMissAgnes，insomeanxiety。
“Iknowyouwillatleastagreewithme，inthinkingthatIhavemadeaprudentchoice。Thewelfareofmychildrenisindeedmychiefconsideration。Ifind，Agnes，thattheyrequireastrongerhandthanminetomanagethem。LongbeforeEvertwenttosea，hewascompletelyhisownmaster；therewereonlytwopersonswhohadanyinfluenceoverhim，oneishisgrandfather，theother，agentlemanwhowill，Isuppose，beforelong，becomenearlyconnectedwithhim。IfranklyacknowledgethatIhavenocontroloverhimmyself；itisamortifyingfacttoconfess，butmysystemofeducation，thoughanexcellentoneintheory，hasnotsucceededinpractice。“
'Because，'thoughtMissAgnes，'thereistoomuchtheory，mygoodsister。'“Butyouhavenotyetnamedthegentleman，“sheadded，aloud。
“Oh，Ihavenodoubtofyourapprovingmychoice！Heisamostworthy，excellentman——ofcourse，atmytimeoflife，Ishallnotmakealove-match。Can'tyouguesstheindividual——oneofmyLongbridgeneighbours？”
“FromLongbridge，“saidMissWyllys，notalittlesurprised。
“EdwardTibbs，perhaps，“sheadded，smiling。Hewasanunmarriedman，andoneoftheLongbridgebeaux。
“Oh，no；howcanyouthinkmesosilly，Agnes！Iamashamedofyou！Itisaverydifferentperson；thefamilyaregreatfavouritesofyour's。“
“OneoftheVanHornes？”Mrs。Wyllysshookherhead。
“OneoftheHubbards？——IsitJohnHubbard，theprincipalofthenewAcademy？”inquiredMissAgnes，faintly。
“DoyousupposeIwouldmarryamanoftwo-or-three-and-twenty！”
exclaimedMrs。Wyllyswithindignation。“Itishisuncle；amanagainstwhomtherecanbenopossibleobjection——Mr。JamesHubbard。“
'UncleDozie，ofallmen！'thoughtMissAgnes。'Silent，sober，sleepyUncleDozie。Well，wemustbethankfulthatitisnoworse。'
“Mr。Hubbardiscertainlyarespectableman，amanofprinciples，“sheobservedaloud。“Buteverybodylookeduponhimasaconfirmedoldbachelor；Ididnotsuspecteitherofyouofhavinganythoughtsofmarrying，“continuedMissAgnes，smiling。
“Iamsometimessurprisedthatweshouldhavecometothatconclusion，myself。ButitischieflyforthesakeofmychildrenthatImarry；youmustknowmewellenough，Agnes，tobeconvincedthatIsacrificemyselfforthem！”
“Iwish，indeed，thatitmaybefortheirgood，Harriet！”
“Thankyou；Ihavenodoubtofit。IfeelperfectconfidenceinMr。Hubbard；heisamansomucholderthanmyself，andsomuchmoreexperienced，thatIshallbeentirelyguidedinfuturebyhiscounselandadvice。“
MissAgneshadsomedifficultyinrepressingasmileandasigh。
“Ofcourse，IamwellawarethatmanypeoplewillthinkIamtakingafoolishstep，“continuedMrs。Wyllys。Hubbard'sconnexions，aregenerallynotthoughtagreeable，perhaps；hehasverylittleproperty，andnoprofession。Iamnotblinded，yousee；butIamveryindifferentastotheopinionoftheworldingeneral；Iamveryindependentofallbutmyimmediatefriends，asyouwellknow，Agnes。“
MissWyllyswassilent。
“Infact，myattentionwasfirstfixeduponMr。Hubbard，byfindinghowlittlehewasappreciatedandunderstoodbyothers；I
regrettedthatIhadatfirstallowedmyselftobeguidedbygeneralopinion。NowIthinkitverypossiblethat，althoughMr。
Hubbardhasbeenyourneighbourforyears，evenyou，Agnes，mayhaveaverymistakenopinionofhim；youmayhaveunderratedhistalents，hisstrongaffections，andenergeticcharacter。Iwassurprisedmyselftofind，whataveryagreeablecompanionheis！”
“IhavealwaysbelievedMr。JamesHubbardamanofkindfeelings，asyouobserve，andamanofgoodprinciples；twoimportantpoints，certainly。“
“Iamgladyoudohimjustice。Butyouarenotawareperhaps，whataverypleasantcompanionheis，wherehefeelsathisease，andknowsthatheisunderstood。“
'Thatistosay，wherehecandoze，whileanotherpersonthinksandtalksforhim，'thoughtMissAgnes。
“ThetimeisfixedIsupposeforthewedding，Harriet？”sheinquiredaloud，withasmile。
“Nearlyso，Ibelieve。ItoldMr。HubbardthatIshouldbejustasreadytomarryhimnextweek，asnextyear；weagreedthatwhentwopersonsofourageshadcometoanunderstanding，theymightaswellsettlethematteratonce。Weshallbemarried，I
fancy，inthemorning，inchurch，withonlytwoorthreefriendspresent。Ihope，Agnes，thatyourfatherandyourselfwillbewithme。YouknowthatIshouldneverhavetakenthisstep，ifyouhadnotagreedwithmeinthinkingitforthegoodofmychildren。“
“Thankyou，Harriet；ofcourseweshallbepresent，ifyouwishit。“
“CertainlyIwishit。Ishallalwayslookuponyouasmybestfriendsandadvisers。“
“NexttoMr。Hubbard，infuture，“repliedMissAgnes，smiling。
“Whenyouknowhimbetter，youwillconfessthathedeservesahighplaceinmyconfidence。Youhavenoideahowmuchhisbrotherandniecesthinkofhim；butthatisnowonder，fortheyknowhisgoodsense，andhiscompanionablequalities。Heisreallyaveryagreeablecompanion，Agnes，forarationalwoman；
quiteacultivatedmind，too。“
VisionsofcabbagesandturnipsroseinMissAgnes'smind，astheonlycultivationeverconnected，tillnow，withUncleDozie'sname。
“Wepassedlasteveningcharmingly；IreadtheLayoftheLastMinstrelaloudtohim，andheseemedtoenjoyitverymuch，“
continuedMrs。Wyllys。
{“LayoftheLastMinstrel“=longnarrativepoem1805bySirWalterScott1771-1832}
'Hetookanap，Isuppose，'thoughtMissAgnes。“Heoughttobewellpleasedtohaveafairladyreadaloudtohim，“shereplied，smiling。
“ThebetterIknowhim，themoresatisfiedIamwithmychoice。I
have：foundamanuponwhomIcandependforsupportandadvice——andonewhoisatthesametimeaverypleasantcompanion。Doyouknow，hesometimesremindsmeofourexcellentfather，“
Thiswasreallygoingtoofar，inMissAgnes'sopinion；shequiteresentedacomparisonbetweenUncleDozieandMr。Wyllys。Thewidow，however，wastoomuchoccupiedwithherownaffairs，tonoticeMissAgnes'sexpression。
“Ifind，indeed，thatthewholefamilyaremoreagreeablethanI
hadsupposed；butyourathergavemeaprejudiceagainstthem。
Theyoungladiesimproveonacquaintance，theyarepretty，amiableyoungwomen；Ihaveseenthemquiteoftensincewehavebeennearneighbours。Well，Imustleaveyou，forMr。Hubbarddineswithmeto-day。Inthemeantime，Agnes，Icommitmyaffairstoyourhands。SinceIdidnotfindyourfatherathome，Ishallwritetohimthisevening。“
Theladiesparted；andasMrs。Wyllyspassedoutoftheroom，shemetElinor。
“Goodmorning，Elinor，“shesaid；“youraunthasnewsforyou，whichIwouldtellyoumyselfifIhadtime：“thennodding，sheleftthehouse，andhadsoondrivenoff。“MydearAunt，whatisthisnews？”askedElinor。
MissAgneslookedalittleannoyed，alittlemortified，andalittleamused。
Whenthemysterywasexplained，Elinor'samazementwasgreat。
“Itisincredible！”sheexclaimed。“MyAuntWyllysactuallygoingtomarrythatprosing，nappingMr。Hubbard；UncleDozie！”
“WhenIrememberherhusband，“saidMissAgnes，withfeeling，“itdoesseemincredible；mydear，warm-hearted，handsome，animatedbrotherGeorge！”
“Howextraordinary！”saidElinor，whocoulddonothingbutexclaim。
“No；notintheleastextraordinary，“addedMissAgnes；“suchmarriages，dear，seemquitecommon。“Mr。Wyllyswasnotatallastonishedattheintelligence。
“IhaveexpectedthatHarrietwouldmarry，allalong；shehasagreatmanygoodintentions，andsomegoodqualities；butIknewshewouldnotremainawidow。ItisratherstrangethatsheshouldhavechosenJamesHubbard；butshemighthavedoneworse。“
Withthesephilosophicalreflections，Mrs。Wyllys'sfriendslookedforwardtothehappyeventwhichwassoontotakeplace。
TheverysamemorningthatMissAgneswastakenintotheconfidenceofthebride，thefriendsofthegroomalsolearnedthenews，butinamoreindirectmanner。
Thecharmsofaparterrearedailybe-rhymedinverse，andvauntedinprose，butthebeautiesofavegetablegardenseldommeetwiththeadmirationtheymightclaim。Ifyoutalkofbeets，peoplefancythemslicedwithpepperandvinegar；ifyoumentioncarrots，theyareseenfloatinginsoup；cabbagefiguresintheformofcold-slaw，ordisguisedunderdrawn-butter；ifyourefertocorn，itappearstothemind'seyewraptinanapkintokeepitwarm，orcutupwithbeansinasuccatash{sic}。Halfthepeoplewhoseethesegoodthingsdailyspreadontheboardbeforethem，areonlyacquaintedwithvegetablesaftertheyhavebeenmutilatedanddisguisedbycookery。Theywouldnotknowtheleafofabeetfromthatofthespinach，thegreentuftofacarrotfromthedelicatesprigsofparsley。Now，abouquetofrosesandpinksiscertainlyaverybeautifulobject，butacollectionoffinevegetables，withtherichvarietyofshapeandcolour，inleaf，fruit，androot，suchasnaturehasgiventhemtous，isanoblesight。SothoughtUncleDozie，atleast。Therichtextureandshadingofthecommoncabbage-leafwasnonoveltytohim；hehadoftenwatchedthered，coral-likeveinsintheglossygreenofthebeet；thelong，wavingleafofthemaize，withthesilkytasselsofitsears，werebeautifulinhiseyes；andsoweretherich，whiteheadsofthecauliflower，delicateascarvedivory，thefeatherytuftofthecarrot，thepurplefruitoftheegg-plant，andthebrilliantscarlettomato。HecamenearerthanmostChristians，outofWeathersfield，tosympathywiththeoldEgyptiansintheironion-worship。
{“parterre“=ornamentalflowergarden；“outofWeathersfield“=
Wethersfieldthemodernspelling，Connecticut，wasfamousforitsonionsthereisstillaredonioncalled“RedWeathersfield“，untilstruckbyablightabout1840；“oldEgyptians“=ancientEgyptwasproverbialforworshipingtheonion}
Withsuchtastesandpartialities，UncleDoziewasgenerallytobefoundinhisgarden，betweenthehoursofsun-riseandsun-set；gardeninghavingbeenhissoleoccupationfornearlyfortyyears。Hisbrother，Mr。JosephHubbard，havingsomethingtocommunicate，wentthereinsearchofhim，onthemorningtowhichwerefer。ButUncleDoziewasnottobefound。Thegardener，however，thoughtthathecouldnothavegoneveryfar，forhehadpassednearhimnotfiveminutesbefore；andhesuggestedthat，perhapsMr。Hubbardwasgoingoutsomewhere，for“helookedkindo'spruceanddrestup。“Mr。Hubbardexpectedhisbrothertodineathome，andthoughtthemanmistaken。Inpassinganarbour，however，hecaughtaglimpseoftheindividualhewaslookingfor，andoncomingnearer，hefoundUncleDozie，dressedinanewsummersuit，sittingonthearbourseattakinganap，whileathisfeetwasaveryfinebasketofvegetables，arrangedwithmorethanusualcare。Unwillingtodisturbhim，hisbrother，whoknewthathisnapsseldomlastedmorethanafewminutesatatime，tookaturninthegarden，waitingforhimtoawake。Hehadhardlyleftthearbourhowever，beforeheheardUncleDoziemoving；turninginthatdirection，hewasgoingtojoinhim，when，tohisgreatastonishment，hesawhisbrotherstealfromthearbour，withthebasketofvegetablesonhisarm，anddisappearbetweentworowsofpea-brush。
“James！——Isay，James！——Whereareyougoing？Stopaminute，I
wanttospeaktoyou！”criedMr。JosephHubbard。
Hereceivednoanswer。
“James！——Waitamomentforme！Whereareyou？”addedthemerchant；andwalkingquicklytothepea-rows，hesawhisbrotherleavethemanddexterouslymakeforthetallIndian-corn。NowUncleDoziewasnotintheleastdeaf；andhisbrotherwasutterlyatalosstoaccountforhisevadinghiminthefirstplace，andforhisnotansweringinthesecond。Hethoughtthemanhadlosthissenses：hewasmistaken，UncleDoziehadonlylosthisheart。Determinednottogiveupthechase，stillcallingtheretreatingUncleDozie，hepursuedhimfromthepea-rowsintothewindingsofthecorn-hills，acrossthewalktoanothergrowthofpeasnearthegardenpaling。Here，strangetosay，inamannerquiteinexplicabletohisbrother，UncleDozieandhisvegetablessuddenlydisappeared！Mr。Hubbardwascompletelyatfault：hecouldscarcelybelievethathewasinhisowngarden，andthatitwashisownbrotherJameswhomhehadbeenpursuing，andwhoseemedatthatinstanttohavevanishedfrombeforehiseyes——throughthefence，heshouldhavesaid，hadsuchathingbeenpossible。Mr。Hubbardwasaresoluteman；hedeterminedtosiftthemattertothebottom。Stillcallinguponthefugitive，hemadehiswaytothegardenpalingthroughthedefileofthepeas。Noonewasthere——abroad，openbedlayoneitherhand，andbeforehimthefence。Atlastheobservedafoot-printintheearthnearthepaling，andarustlingsoundbeyond。Headvancedandlookedover，andtohisunspeakableamazement，sawhisbrother，JamesHubbard，busilyengagedthere，incollectingthescatteredvegetableswhichhadfallenfromhisbasket。
“Jem！——Ihavecaughtyouatlast，haveI？Whatinthenameofcommonsenseareyouaboutthere？”
Noreplywasmade，butUncleDozieproceededtogatheruphiscauliflowers，peasandtomatoes，tothebestofhisability。
“Didyouflyoverthefence，orthroughit？”askedhisbrother，quitesurprised。
“Neitheronenortheother，“repliedUncleDozie，sulkily。“I
camethroughthegate。“
“Gate！——whythereneverwasagatehere！”
“Thereisonenow。“
Andsotherewas；partofthepalinghadbeenturnedintoanarrowgate。
“Why，whocutthisgate，Ishouldliketoknow？”
“Idid。“
“Youdid，Jem？Whatfor？——Whatistheuseofit？”
“Togothrough。“
“Togowhere？ItonlyleadsintoMrs。Wyllys'sgarden。“
UncleDoziemadenoanswer。
“Whatareyoudoingwiththosevegetables？Iamreallycurioustoknow。“
“Goingtocarrythemdownthere，“saidUncleDozie。
“Downwhere？”repeatedUncleJosie，lookingonthegroundstrewedwithvegetables。
“Overthere。“
“Overwhere？”askedthemerchant，raisinghiseyestowardsaneighbouringbarnbeforehim。
“Yonder，“addedUncleDozie，makingasortofindescribablenodbackwardwithhishead。
“Yonder！——Inthestreetdoyoumean？Areyougoingtothrowthemaway？”
“Throwawaysuchacauliflowerasthis！”exclaimedUncleDozie，withgreatindignation。
“Whatareyougoingtodowiththem，then？”
“Carrythemtothehousethere。“
“Whathouse？”
“Mrs。Wyllys's，tobesure，“repliedUncleDozie，boldly。
“WhatistheuseofcarryingvegetablestoMrs。Wyllys？Shehasagardenofherown“saidhisbrother，veryinnocently。
“Miserablegarden——poor，thinsoil，“mutteredUncleDozie。
“Isit？Well，then，Icanunderstandit；butyoumightuswellsendthembythegardener。“
UncleDoziemadenoreply，butproceededtoarrangehisvegetablesinthebasket，withaneyetoappearances；hehadgatheredthemallupagain，butanotherobjectwhichhadfallenonthegrasslayunnoticed。
“Whatisthat——abook？”askedhisbrother。
UncleDozieturnedround，sawthevolume，pickeditup，andthrustitinhispocket。
“Didyoudropit？Ididn'tknowyouevercarriedabookaboutyou，“repliedhisbrother，withsomesurprise。“Whatisit？”
“Abookofpoetry。“
“Whosepoetry？”
“IamsureI'veforgotten，“repliedUncleDozie，takingalookaskanceatthetitle，asithalf-projectedfromhispocket。“It'sColeridge'sAncientMariner，“headded。
{“Coleridge's……“=“TheRimeoftheAncientMariner“1798bytheEnglishpoetSamuelTaylorColeridge1772-1834。Anumberofchapterepigraphsin“ElinorWyllys“aretakenfromthisfamouspoem}
“Whatintheworldareyougoingtodowithit？”saidhisbrother，withincreasingsurprise。
“Iwantedavolumeofpoetry。“
“You——JemHubbard！Why，IthoughtYankee-Doodlewastheonlypoetryyoucaredfor！”
“Idon'tcareforit，butshedoes。“
“She！——WhatSHE？”askedUncleJosie，withlivelycuriosity，butverylittletact，itwouldseem。
“Mrs。Wyllys，“wasthelaconicreply。
“Oh，Mrs。Wyllys；Itoldhersometimeagothatshewasverywelcometoanyofourbooks。“
“Itisn'toneofyourbooks；it'smine；Iboughtit。“
“Itwasn'tworthwhiletobuyit，Jem，“saidhisbrother；“IdaresayEmmelinehasgotitinthehouse。IfMrs。Wyllysaskedtoborrowit，yououghttohavetakenEmmeline's，thoughsheisn'tathome；shejustkeepsherbookstoshowoffonthecentre-table，youknow。Ourneighbour，Mrs。Wyllys，seemsquiteareader。“
“Shedoesn'twantthistoreadherself，“observedUncleDozie。
“No？——Whatdoesshewantitfor？”
“Shewantsmetoreaditaloud。“
UncleJosieopenedhiseyesinmuteastonishment。UncleDoziecontinued，asiftoexcusehimselfforthisunusualoffence：“Sheaskedforafavouritevolumeofmine；butIhadn'tanyfavourite；
soIboughtthis。Itlookspretty，andthebooksellersaiditwascalledagoodarticle。“
“Why，Jem，areyoucrazy，man！——YOUgoingtoreadpoetryaloud！”
“Whynot？”saidUncleDozie，growingbolderastheconversationcontinued，andhefinishedarranginghisbasket。
“Ibelieveyouareoutofyourhead，Jem；Idon'tunderstandyouthismorning。Whatisthemeaningofthis？——whatareyouabout？”
“Goingtobemarried，“repliedUncleDozie，notwaitingforanyfurtherquestions，butsettingoffatabrisksteptowardsMrs。
Wyllys'sdoor。
Mr。JosephHubbardremainedlookingoverthefenceinsilentamazement；hecouldscarcelybelievehissenses，soentirelywashetakenbysurprise。Ingoodsooth，UncleDoziehadmanagedmattersveryslily，throughthatlittlegateinthegardenpaling；notahumanbeinghadsuspectedhim。UncleJosie'sdoubtsweresoonentirelyremoved，however；hewasconvincedoftherealityofallhehadheardandseenthatmorning，whenheobservedhisbrotherstandingonMrs。Wyllys'ssteps，andthewidowcomingouttoreceivehim，withadegreeofeleganceinherdress，andgraciousnessinhermanner，quiteperceptibleacrossthegarden：thefairladyadmiredthevegetables，orderedthemcarriedintothecellar，andreceivedColeridge'sAncientMarinerfromUncleDozie'shands，whiletheywerestillstandingbeneaththerose-coveredporch，lookingsufficientlylover-liketoremoveanylingeringdoubtsofUncleJosie。Afterthehappycouplehadenteredthehouse，themerchantlefthisstationatthepaling，andreturnedtohisownsolitarydinner，laughingheartilywheneverthemorningscenerecurredtohim。WehavesaidthatUncleDoziehadmanagedhisloveaffairsthusfarsoslyly，thatnoonesuspectedhim；thatveryafternoon，however，oneofthemostdistinguishedgossipsofLongbridge，Mrs。Tibbs'smother，sawhimnappinginMrs。Wyllys'sparlour，witharose-budinhisbutton-hole，andtheAncientMarinerinhishand。Shewasquitetooexperiencedinhervocation，nottodrawherownconclusions；
andasuspicion，onceexcited，wasinstantlycommunicatedtoothers。Thenewsspreadlikewild-fire；andwhentheevening-bellrang，ithadbecomeaconfirmedfactinmanyhouses，thatMrs。
WyllysandMr。JamesHubbardhadalreadybeenprivatelymarriedsixmonths。
CHAPTERXIV。{XXXVII}
“Nowtellme，brotherClarence，whatthinkyouOfthis——？”
HenryVI。
{WilliamShakespeare，“3HenryVI“，IV。i。1-2}
BEFOREtheendoftheweek，thefriendsatWyllys-Roof，aftercarefullyexaminingallthefactswithintheirknowledge，wereconfirmedintheirfirstopinion，thattheindividualclaimingtobeWilliamStanleywasanimpostor。Mrs。Stanleywasthelastofthethreetomakeupherminddecidedly，onthepoint；butatlength，shealsowasconvinced，thatMr。Clappandthissailorhadunitedinaconspiracytoobtainpossessionofherhusband'sestate。Thechiefreasonsforbelievingthistobethecase，consistedinthedifferenceofCHARACTERandEXPRESSIONbetweentheclaimantandWilliamStanley：themoreMr。Wyllysexaminedthispoint，thecleareritappearedtohim，whohadknownhisfriend'sonlysonfromaninfant，andhadalwaysfeltmuchinterestedinhim。Asachild，andaboy，WilliamStanleyhadbeenofamorosetemper，andofasluggish，inactivemind——notpositivelystupid，butcertainlyfarfromclever；thisclaimant，onthecontrary，hadalltheexpressionandmannerofashrewd，quick-wittedman，whomightbepassionate，butwholookedlikeagood-naturedperson，althoughhiscountenancewaspartiallydisfiguredbytracesofintemperance。Thesefacts，addedtothelengthoftimewhichhadelapsedsincethereporteddeathoftheindividual，theneglecttoclaimhisinheritance，thesuspiciouscircumstancesunderwhichthissailornowappeared，undertheauspicesofanobscurecountrylawyer，whoboreanindifferentcharacter，andtowhomthepeculiarcircumstancesoftheStanleyestatewereprobablywellknown，allunitedinproducingthebeliefinaconspiracy。Therewasnodoubt，however，butthatastrongcasecouldbemadeoutontheotherhandbytheclaimant；
itwasevidentthatMr。Reedwasconvincedofhisidentity；hisresemblancetoWilliamStanley，andtoMr。Stanley，thefather，couldnotbedenied；thesimilarityofthehandwritingwasalsoremarkable；hisprofession，hisapparentage，hispossessionoftheletters，hisaccurateknowledgeofpersonsandplacesconnectedwiththefamily，altogetheramountedtoanimportantbodyofevidenceinhisfavour。
Itwouldrequireavolumeinitself，togivethedetailsofthissingularcase；butthegeneralreaderwillprobablycareforlittlemorethananoutlineoftheproceedings。Itwouldindeed，demandalegalhandtodofulljusticetothesubject；thosewhoaredisposedtoinquiremoreparticularlyintothematter，havinganaturalpartiality，oracquiredtastefortheintricateuncertaintiesofthelaw，willprobablyhaveitintheirpowererelong，tofollowthecasethroughout，inprint；itisunderstoodatLongbridge，thatMr。JamesBernard，sonofJudgeBernard，isengagedinwritingaregularreport，which，itissupposed，willshortlybepublished。Inthemeantime，weshallbecompelledtoconfineourselveschieflytoageneralstatementofthemostimportantproceedings，moreparticularlyconnectedwithournarrative。
“HereisaletterfromClapp，sir，proposingacompromise，“saidHazlehurst，handingthepapertoMr。Wyllys。ItwasdatedtwodaysaftertheinterviewatWyllys-Roof；thetonewasamicableandrespectful，thoughwordedinMr。Clapp'speculiarstyle。Wehavenotspacefortheletteritself，butitspurportwas，anofferonthepartofMr。Stanleytoforgiveallarrears，andoverlookthepast，providedhisfather'sestate，initsactualcondition，wasimmediatelyplacedinhishands。Hewasurgedtotakethisstep，hesaid，byrespectforhisopponents，andtheconvictionthattheyhadactedconscientiously，whilehehimselfbyhisownneglecttoappearearlier，hadnaturallygivenrisetosuspicion。Hewasthereforereadytoreceivethepropertyasitstoodatpresent，engagingthatneitherexecutorsnorlegateeshouldbemolestedforarrears；thesumsadvancedtoHazlehurst，hewaswillingshouldbeconsideredequivalenttothelegacybequeathedtohimbyMr。Stanley，thefather，incaseofhisson'sreturn，althoughinfacttheyamountedtoamuchlargersum。
ThisofferofacompromisemerelyconfirmedthesuspicionsofallpartiesatWyllys-Roof。TheofferwasrejectedinthesameletterwhichannouncedtoMr。Reed，thatthedefendantshadseenasyetnogoodreasonforbelievingintheidentityoftheindividualclaimingthenameofWilliamStanley，andconsequently，thattheyshouldcontesthisclaimtotheStanleyestate。
Afterthisstep，itbecamenecessarytomakeeverypreparationforatrial；asitwasalreadyevident，fromtheusuallegalnoticesoftheplaintiffs，thattheyintendedtocarrythecaseintoacourtofjustice，withaslittledelayaspossible。ItwasthefirstobjectofMr。WyllysandHazlehurst，toobtainasmuchtestimonyaslaywithintheirreach，uponthepointsofthecapacityandnaturaltemperamentofWilliamStanley；letterswerewritten，inthehopeofdiscoveringsomethingthroughtheoldfamilyphysician，theschool-master，andcompanionsoftheyoungmanbeforehewenttosea；andMrs。Stanleyevenbelievedthatthenurseofherstep-sonwasstillliving。Agentswerealsoemployed，tosearchoutsomeclue，whichmighthelptotracethepastlifeandcharacteroftheindividualbearingthenameofWilliamStanley。HarrywasonlyawaitingtheexpectedarrivalofMr。Ellsworth，beforehesetouthimselfforthelittletownintheneighbourhoodofGreatwood，wherehehopedtogathermuchusefulevidence。TowhatdegreehewasalsodesirousofthepleasureofmeetingMrs。Creightonagain，wecannotsay；buthisfriendsatWyllys-Roofbelievedthathewasquiteasanxioustoseethesisterasthebrother。Hehadnotlongtowait，for，punctualtotheappointedday，theearliestpossible，Mr。
Ellswortharrived，accompaniedbyMrs。Creighton。
“Now，Mr。Hazlehurst，comehereandtellmeallaboutthesevexatiousproceedings，“saidMrs。CreightontoHarry，asthewholepartyleftthedining-roomforthepiazza，thedayMr。
EllsworthandhissisterarrivedatWyllys-Roof。“IhopeyouandFrankfoundout，inthatlongconsultationyouhadthismorning，thatitwouldnotbedifficulttosettlethematterasitoughttobesettled？”
“Onthecontrary，weagreedthattherewereagreatmanyseriousdifficultiesbeforeus。“
“Youdon'tsurelythinkthereisanyrealdangerastotheresult？”askedtheladywithgreatinterest。“YoucannotsupposethatthismanisreallyWilliamStanley，cometolifeagain！”
“No；Ibelievehimtobeanimpostor；andsodoesEllsworth——sodoweall；buthemakesoutquiteaplausiblestory，nevertheless。“
“Butwhatareyougoingtodo？Come，sitdownhere，andtellmeaboutit。“
“Youforget，Josephine，“saidMr。Ellsworth，smiling，“thatwelawyersdarenottrusttheladieswithoursecrets；youmustcontrivetorestrainyourcuriosity，orinterest——whicheveryouchoosetocallit——untilthetrial。“
“Nonsense！——Iamquitetoomuchinterestedforthat；Ishallexpecttohearagreatdealbeforethetrial。Isitpossibleyourstockofpatiencewilllasttillthen，MissWyllys？”addedthelady，turningtoElinor。
“Well，Idon'tknow；Iconfessmyselfveryanxiousastotheresult，“saidElinor，blushingalittle。
“Tobesure；weareallanxious；andIexpecttobetakenintoyourconfidence，Mr。Hazlehurst，quiteasfarasyoulegalgentlementhinkitsafetoadmitalady。Frankhasaverybadhabitofnevertrustingmewithhisbusinessmatters，MissWyllys；wemustcurehimofthat。“
“Iaminclinedtothink，Mrs。Creighton，yourpatiencewouldscarcelyheartherecitalofevenonecaseofRichardRoeversusJohnDoe，“saidMr。Wyllys。
“Perhapsnot；forIcarenotastrawforRichardRoe，orJohnDoe，either。“
“Wouldyoureallyliketoseetheaccountwhichthisnewcomergivesofhimself？”askedHazlehurst。
“Certainly；Ispeakseriously，Iassureyou。“
“Youshallseeitthisevening，“saidHarry。“Ithinkyouwillagreewithme，thatitisastrangestory。“
“But，Mrs。Creighton，“saidMr。Wyllys，“wehavehadourheadssofulloflaw，andconspiracies，andimpostors，lately，thatIwasinhopesyouwouldbringussomethingmoreagreeabletothinkandtalkabout。WhatwerethepeopledoingatNahantwhenyouleftthere？”
“Itwasverydullthere；atleastIthoughtso；IwasinagreathurryforFranktobringmeaway。“
“Whatwaswanting，pray？”askedMr。Wyllys。“Wasitthefaultoftheweather，thewater，orthecompany？”
“Ofalltogether，sir；nothingwasoftherightkind；itwasnothalfsopleasantasSaratogathisyear。Eventheflirtationswerenotasamusingasusual。“
“Ishouldhavethoughtyoumighthavebeenamusedinsomeotherway，“saidMr。Ellsworth。
“Flirtation，Iwouldhaveyoubelieve，mygoodbrother，issometimesquiteanagreeableandexcitingpastime。“
“Fautedemieux，“saidHarry，smiling。
{“fautedemieux“=forwantofanythingbetterFrench}
“Yousurpriseme，Josephine，bysayingso，asyouarenoflirtyourself，“observedherbrother，withaperfectlyhonestandnaturalexpression。
“Well，Idon'tknow；certainlyIneverflirtintentionally；butI
won'tbesuremyspiritshavenotcarriedmeawaysometimes。Haveyounever，MissWyllys，inmomentsofgaietyorexcitement，saidmorethanyouintendedto？”
“HaveIneverflirted，doyoumean？”askedElinor，smiling。
“Butthoughyousayityourself，Idon'tbelieveyouareabitofaflirt，Mrs。Creighton，“saidtheunsuspiciousMr。Wyllys。
“Oh，no，sir；Iwouldnothaveyoubelievemearegularflirtfortheworld。Ionlyacknowledgetoalittletrifling，nowandthen。
MissWyllysknowswhatImean；wewomenaremoreobservantofeachother。Now，haven'tyoususpectedmeofflirtingmorethanonce？”
“Youhadbetteraskme，“saidMaryVanAlstyne；“Elinorisnothalfsuspiciousenough。“
“Theacquittalofthegentlemenoughttosatisfyyou，“saidElinor。“Theyaresupposedtobethebestjudges。Areyousure，however，thatyoudidnotflirtwithMr。Hopkins？——hewasatNahantwithyou，Ibelieve。“
“IamafraiditsurpassesthepowerofwomantodistractMr。
Hopkins'sattentionfromasheepsheadorapaugee。“
{“sheepshead“and“paugee“porgy=namesappliedtoanumberofAmericanfishesteemedbyanglers}
“Youhavereallyaveryprettyviewhere，MissWyllys，althoughthereisnothingboldorcommandinginthecountry；itmakesaverypleasanthomepicture，“observedMr。Ellsworth，whohadbeenlookingabouthim。“Thatreachintheriverhasaverygoodeffect；thelittlehamlet，too，lookswellinthedistance；andthewoodandmeadowopposite，areaswellplacedasonecouldwish。“
“Iamgladyoulikeit；butwereallythinkthat，forsuchsimplescenery，itisuncommonlypretty，“repliedElinor。
“Yes；evenyourfastidiousfriend，Mr。Stryker，pronouncedthelandscapeaboutWyllys-Rooftobeverywellputtogether，“saidMrs。Creighton。
“Mr。Stryker，however，professestohavenoeyeforanythingofthekind，“repliedElinor。
“Thatisonlyoneoftheman'saffectations；hiseyesaremorelikethoseofotherpeoplethanheiswillingtoconfess。ThoughMr。Strykerpretendstobeoneofyourmenoftheworld，whosenotionsareallpractical，yetonesoondiscoversthathecherisheshisuselessfoibles，likeotherpeople，“saidthelady，withanairofcarelessfrankness；thoughintendingthespeechforthebenefitofHazlehurstandMr。Wyllys，whobothstoodnearher。
“Perhapsyoudon'tknowthatMr。Strykerhasprecededyouintoourneighbourhood，“saidMaryVanAlstyne。“HeisstayingatMr。
deVaux's。“
“Oh，yes；Iknewhewastobehereaboutthesetimes。Pray，tellmewhichisMr。deVaux'splace。Itisafinehouse，Iamtold。“
“Agreatdealtoofine，“saidHarry。“Itisallfinery，orratheritwasafewyearssince。“
“Itismuchimprovednow，“observedElinor；“hetalksoftakingdownhalfthecolumns。Thatisthehouse，Mrs。Creighton，“sheadded，showingthespotwherethewhitepillarsofColonnadeManorwerepartlyvisiblethroughanopeninginthewood。
“Whatacolonnadeitseemstobe！ItputsoneinmindoftheItalianepigramonsomebadarchitecture，“saidMr。Ellsworth：
“'Carecolonnechefatequa？
Nonsappiamo，inverita！'“
{“Carecolonne……“=Dearcolumns，whatareyoudoinghere？Wereallydon'tknow！Italian}
“Iunderstand，MissWyllys，thatyourfriend，Mr。Stryker，callsitthe'cafedemillecolonnes，'“saidMrs。Creighton。
{“cafedemilecolonnes“=coffee-houseofathousandcolumnsFrench}
“DoesMrs。Creighton'sfriend，Mr。Stryker，treatitsodisrespectfully？Mr。deVauxhasgivenitaverygoodname，I
think。ItisBroadlawnnow；lastyearitwasColonnadeManor。“
“And，pray，whatdidMr。Taylor'smanorialrightsconsistin？”
askedMr。Ellsworth。
“IntheprivilegeofputtingupasmanyGreciansummer-housesashepleased，Isuppose，“saidHarry；“theplacepromisedtobecoveredwiththematonetime。“
“Mr。deVauxhastakenthemdown；allbuttwoatleast，“saidElinor。
“ItwasfortunatethatMr。Taylorhadalongpurse，“remarkedMrs。Creighton；“forheseemstohavedelightedinsuperfluitiesofallkinds。“
“Isupposeyouareaware，Mrs。Creighton，thatfalsetasteisalwaysaveryexpensivefoible，“saidMr。Wyllys；“foritlooksuponornamentandimprovementasthesamething。Myneighbour，Mr。Taylor，certainlyhasasmuchofthatspiritasanymanI
everknew。“
“Thenamehegavehisplaceisagoodproofofthat，“saidHarry。
“IfhehadcalledittheColonnade，thatwouldhavebeenatleastdescriptiveandappropriate；buthetackedontheManor，whichhadneitherrhymenorreasontorecommendit。“
“WasitnotaManorbeforetherevolution？”inquiredMrs。
Creighton。
“Oh，no；onlyafarmbelongingtotheVanHornes。ButTaylorwouldnothaveitcalledafarm，fortheworld；hedelightsinbigwords，“saidMr。Wyllys。
“Thatisonlynatural，Isuppose，for'DonPompey，'asMr。
Strykercallshim，“observedMr。Ellsworth。
Thefollowingmorningwasthehappyoccasion，whichwastomakeMrs。GeorgeWyllysthewifeofUncleDozie。Inthecourseoftheweek，whichintervenedbetweenherannouncingthefactatWyllys-Roof，andtheweddingitself，shehadonlyconsultedherfriendstwice，andchangedhermindasoften。Atfirstitwassettledthatshewastobemarriedattwoo'clock，inchurch，withfourwitnessespresent，andthatfromchurchshewastoreturnquietlytoherownhouse，wherethepartyweretoeatafamilydinnerwithher。Anote，however，informedherfriendsthatitwasfinallydecided，thattheweddingshouldtakeplaceearlyinthemorning，atherownhouse，inthepresenceofsomedozenfriends。Thedinnerwasalsopostponedforafortnight，asthehappycoupleintendedtosetoutforBoston，themorningtheywereunited。
Theweatherwaspropitious；andafteranearlybreakfastthepartyfromWyllys-Roofsetout。ItincludedMr。EllsworthandMrs。Creighton，whowereconnexionsofthebride，aswellasHarry，andthefamily；MaryVanAlstyneremainingathomewithJane。
TheysoonreachedLongbridge，afterapleasant，earlydrive。OnbeingusheredintoMrs。Wyllys'sdrawing-room，theywerereceivedinaveryinformalmannerbythebrideherself。AsElinorhadrecommendedagreysilkforthewedding-dress，shewasnotatallsurprisedtofindherauntwearingacolouredmuslin。Ononepoint，however，itwasevidentshehadnotchangedhermind；forthehappyman，UncleDozie，wasthereinfullmatrimonials，withanewwig，andawhitewaistcoat。Thegroomelectlookedmuchlikeavictimabouttobesacrificed；hewasasmiserablysheepishandfidgetyaseveroldbachelorcouldbeundersimilarcircumstances。Mrs。Creightonpaidhercomplimentstothebrideverygracefully；andshetriedtolookasiftheaffairwerenotaparticularlygoodjoke。Mr。Wyllyssummonedupasortofresignedcheerfulness；MissAgnesandElinoralsoendeavouredtolookasbecamewedding-guests。Thechildren，whohadallreceivedpresentsfromthebridegroom，evidentlythoughttheoccasionaholiday。Theclergymanhavingappeared，Mrs。Wyllysgaveherhandtothetremblinggroom，andtheimportanttransactionwassoonover。
'Thereis，atleast，nodangerofUncleDozie'stakinganap，'
thoughtHarry，'helookstoonervousanduncomfortableforthat。'
Congratulationsandgoodwishesweredulyoffered；theyservedonlytoincreasethebridegroom'sdistress，whilethebrideappearedperfectlysatisfied，andinverygoodspirits。Shefeltdisposedtomakeacheerfulsacrificeforthebenefitofherchildren，towhomshehadsecuredanefficientprotector，whileatthesametime，shewasnowsureofaprudentfriendandcounsellorforlife：soatleastsheinformedMrs。Creighton。
“Iamsorryyourbrotherisnothere，Mr。Hubbard。“
“HewenttoNewYork，onbusiness，lastnight，“saidthegroom。
“IhopeyouwillhaveapleasanttriptoBoston，“continuedMr。
Wyllys。
“Thankyouforthewish，sir，“interposedthebride，“butwedeterminedlasteveningtogotoNiagara，aswehavebothbeentoBostonalready。“
'WeshallhearofyouatNewOrleans，yet，'thoughtHarry。
Refreshmentswerebroughtin，andeverybody，ofcourse，receivedtheirusualshareofthewedding-cake。
“YouseeIhavesetyouanexcellentexample，“saidthebridetoMrs。CreightonandElinor。
“Wemusthopethattheseladieswillsoonfollowit，“saidMr。
Ellsworth，withaglanceatElinor。
“Shallwethankhim，MissWyllys？”saidMrs。Creighton。“Itwaskindlymeant，Idaresay。“
Mr。Wyllys，whowasstandingnearthem，smiled。
“Itwasonlyyesterday，Elinor，“addedthenewMrs。Hubbard，“thatBlackBess，whomadethecakeyouareeating，toldmewhenshebroughtithome，thatshehopedsoontomakeyourownwedding-cake。“
“ShehashadthepromiseofiteversinceIwasfiveyearsold，“
saidElinor，“IsitpossiblethatBlackBessisstilllivingandbaking？”saidHarry。“Icanrememberhergingerbread，aslongasIcanrecollectanything。IonceoverheardsomeLongbridgeladiesdeclare，thattheycouldtellBlackBess'scakeasfarastheycouldseeit；whichstruckmeassomethingverywonderful。“
“Sheseemstobeapersonofgreatimportance，“saidMrs。
Creighton；“Ishallhopesoontomakeheracquaintance。MydearMissElinor，Iwishyouwouldbearinmindthatyourwedding-cakehasbeenorderedthesedozenyears。Iamafraidyouforgethowmanyofusareinterestedinit，aswellasBlackBess。“
“Ournotablehousekeepersyouknow，tellusthatwedding-cakewillbearkeepinghalf-a-century，“saidElinor，smiling。
“ThatisaftertheceremonyIamsure，notbefore，“saidMrs。
Creighton。
Elinorseemedatlastannoyedbytheseperseveringallusions，andseveralpersonsleftthegroup。HazlehursttookaseatbyMissPatsey；hewasanxioustoshowherthatherbrother-in-law'sbehaviour，hadinnomannerchangedhisregardforherselfandherfamily。
“WhereisCharlie，“heasked。
“HehasgoneofftoLakeChamplainnow。IhopeyouandCharliewillbothsoongettiredoftravellingabout，Mr。Hazlehurst；yououghttostayathomewithyourfriends。“
“ButIdon'tseemtohaveanyhome；CharlieandIarebothbynature，home-bred，home-stayingyouths，butweseemfatedtowanderabout。Howishecomingonwithhispictures？——hashenearlydonehisworkonthelakes？”
“Yes，Ibelieveso；hehaspromisedtocometoLongbridgenextmonth，fortherestofthesummer。Hehasbeendistressed，quiteasmuchastherestofus，Mr。Hazlehurst，bythesedifficulties——“
“Donotspeakofthem，MissPatsey；itisabadbusiness；butonewhichwillneverinterferebetweenmeandmyoldfriends，I
trust。“
MissPatseylookedherthanks，hermortification，andhersympathy，butsaidnothingmore。
Thecarriagewhichwastoconveythebrideandgroomtothesteamboat，soondrovetothedoor；andtakingleaveoftheirfriends，thehappycouplesetoff。Theyturnedback，however，beforetheywereoutofsight，asMrs。Hubbardwishedtochangethetravelling-shawlshehadfirstselectedforanother。Mr。
Wyllys，Elinor，andHarryaccompaniedthemtotheboat；andtheyallthreeagreed，thatthegroomhadnotyetbeenguiltyofnapping；althoughHazlehurstdeclared，thatastheseatsondeckwerecoolandshady，hehadlittledoubtthathewouldbedozingbeforetheboatwasoutofsight。
Thosewhofeelthesameanxietyforthewelfareofthechildren，duringtheirmother'sabsence，whichweigheduponthemindofMissAgnes，willbegladtohearthattheywereallthreecarriedtoWyllys-Roof，underthechargeofanexperiencednurse。Anditmustbeconfessed，thatitwaslongsincelittleGeorge，ariotouschild，somesevenyearsold，hadbeenkeptundersuchsteady，butkinddiscipline，asthatunderwhichhelived，duringthisvisittohisgrandfather。
Mr。EllsworthandHarrypassedthemorningatLongbridge，engagedwiththeirlegalaffairs；andintheeveningHazlehurstleftWyllys-RoofforPhiladelphia；andMrs。Stanleyaccompaniedhim，onherwaytoGreatwood。
CHAPTERXV。{XXXVIII}
“——ButbythestealthOfourownvanity，we'releftsopoor。“
HABINGTON。
{WilliamHabingtonEnglishpoetanddramatist，1605-1664，“Castara“I。20-21}
NowthatHarryhadleftthehouse，Mrs。Creighton'sattentionwaschieflygiventoMr。Wyllys；althoughshehadasusual，smiles，botharchandsweet，sayings，bothpiquantandagreeable，foreachandallofthegentlemenfromBroadlawn，whowerefrequentvisitersatWyllys-Roof。Mr。Stryker，indeed，wastherehalfthetime。ItwasevidentthattheladywasextremelyinterestedinHazlehurst'sdifficulties；shewasconstantinherinquiriesastotheprogressofaffairs，andlistenedanxiouslytothemanydifferentprognosticsastotheresult。MissAgnesremarkedindeed，oneday，whenMr。Ellsworththoughthehadsucceededinobtaininganall-importantclue，intracingthepreviouscareerofHarry'sopponent，thathissisterseemedmuchelated——shesentanextremelyamiablemessagetoHazlehurstinherbrother'sletter。Itafterwardsappeared，however，onfartherinquiry，thatthisverypointturnedoutentirelyinfavourofthesailor，actuallyprovingthatnineyearspreviouslyhehadsailedinoneoftheHavrepackets，underthenameofWilliamStanley。Mrs。
CreightonthateveningexpressedhergoodwishesforHarry，inamuchcalmertone，beforearoomfull{sic}ofcompany。
“Ladies，haveyounosympathizingmessageforHazlehurst？”
inquiredMr。Ellsworth，ashefoldedaletterhehadbeenwriting。
“Oh，certainly；weweresorrytohearthebadnews；“andshethenturnedimmediately，andbeganananimated，laughingconversationwithHubertdeVaux。
'Whatadifferenceincharacterbetweenthebrotherandsister，'
thoughtMissAgnes，whosegoodopinionofMr。Ellsworthhadbeenraisedhigherthanever，bytheearnestdevotiontohisfriend'sinterest，whichappearedthroughouthiswholemanagementofthecase。
ThefamilyatWyllys-Roofwerecarefultoshow，bytheirfriendlyattentiontotheHubbards，thattheirrespectandregardforthemhadnotsufferedatallbythestepsMr。Clapphadtaken。MissAgnesandElinorvisitedthecottageasfrequentlyasever。Onemorning，shortlyafterthewedding，MissWyllyswenttoinquireafterMrs。Hubbard，asshewasinthehabitofdoing。ShefoundMaryHubbard，theyoungestdaughter，there，andwasstruckonentering，bytheexpressionofMissPatsey'sface——verydifferentfromherusualcalm，pleasantaspect。
“Oh，MissWyllys！”sheexclaimed，inanswertoaninquiryofMissAgnes's——“IamjustgoingtoLongbridge！Mypoor，kinduncleJoseph！——buthewasalwaystooweakandindulgenttothosegirls！”
“Whathashappened？”askedMissWyllys，anxiously。
“Dreadfulnews，indeed；Mrs。Hilsonhasdisgracedherself！——Herhusbandhasleftherandappliedforadivorce！ButIdonotbelieveitishalfasbadasmostpeoplethink；Juliannahasbeenshamefullyimprudent，butIcannotthinkherguilty！”
{“Herhusbandhaslefther……“=thisincidentseemstoreflecttheunhappymarriagebetweenHenryNicholasCruger1800-1867——
aclosefriendoftheCooperfamily——andthefree-wheelingHarrietDouglas1790-1872。Aftertheir1833marriage，HarrietDouglasinsistedonlivingherownlife——ofteninEurope；
Crugereventuallyleftherandin1843beganalengthyandhighlypublicdivorceactionbasedondesertion。TheCooperfamilystronglydisapprovedofHarrietDouglas，andsheisbelievedtohavebeenaninspirationforthefree-wheelingMaryMonsoninJamesFenimoreCooper'slastnovel，“TheWaysoftheHour“
1850}
MissWyllyswasgrievedtohearsuchabadaccountofheroldneighbour'sdaughter。
“Herhusbandhaslefther，yousay；whereisshenow？”
“Herfatherbroughtherhomewithhim。HewentafterhertoNewport，whereshehadgoneinthesamepartywiththisman——thisMr。deMontbrun，andapersonwholivesinthesameboarding-house，aMrs。Bagman，whohasdoneagreatdealofharmtoJulianna。“
“Sad，indeed！”exclaimedMissAgnes。
“Charlessaysitisheart-rending，toseemypooruncle，whowassoproudofhisgoodname——thoughtsomuchofhisdaughters！
OftenhaveIheardhimsay：'Letthemenjoylife，Patsey，whiletheyareyoung；girlscan'tdomuchharm；Ilovetoseethemlookprettyandmerry。'Theyneverreceivedanysolidinstruction，andsincehermarriage，Juliannaseemstohavebeeninbadcompany。
Shehadnochildrentothinkabout，andMr。Hilson'stimeisalwaysgiventohisbusiness；herheadwasfullofnonsensefrommorningtillnight；Iwasafraidnogoodwouldcomeofit。“
“Itisatleastagreatpoint，thatsheshouldhavecomebackwithherfather。“
“Yes，indeed；Iamthankfulforit，fromthebottomofmyheart。
Oh，MissWyllys，whatadreadfulthingitis，toseeyoungpeoplegoingon，fromonebadwaytoanother！”exclaimedMissPatsey。
“Wemusthopethathereyeswillbeopened，now。“
“IfshehadonlytakenwarningfromwhatCharlestoldheraboutthisMr。deMontbrun；hehadseenhimatRome，andthoughhehadnopositiveproofs，knewhewasabadman，andtoldMrs。Hilsonso。Itissurelywrong，MissWyllys，toletallkindsofstrangersfromforeigncountriesintoourfamilies，withoutknowinganythingaboutthem。“
“Ihaveoftenthoughtitverywrong，“saidMissAgnes，earnestly。
“ButMrs。Hilsonwouldn'tbelieveawordCharlessaid。Shetalkedagreatdealaboutaristocraticfashions；saidshewouldn'tbeaslavetoprudishnotions——justasshealwaystalks。“
“Wherewasherhusband，allthistime？”
“HewasinNewYork。Theyhadnotagreedwellforsometime，onaccountofherspendingsomuchmoney，andflirtingwitheverybody。Atlastheheardhowhiswifewasbehaving，andwenttoSaratoga。Hefoundeverybodywhoknewher，wastalkingaboutJuliannaandthisFrenchman。Theyhadaviolentquarrel，andhebroughtherbacktotown，butgaveherwarning，ifevershespokeagaintothatmanhewouldleaveher。Wouldyoubelieveit！——inlessthanaweek，shewenttothetheatrewithhimandthisMrs。
Bagman！YouknowMr。Hilsonisaquietmaningeneral，butwhenhehasmadeuphismindtoanything，heneverchangesit：whenhecameinfromhisbusiness，andfoundwherehiswifehadgone，hewrotealettertoUncleJoseph，andleftthehouse。“
“ButwhatdoesMrs。Hilsonsay？Doessheshowanyfeeling？”
“Shecriesagreatdeal，buttalksjustasusual；sayssheisavictimtoherhusband'sbrutalityandjealousy。Itseemsimpossibletomakeherseethingsintheirrightlight。Ihopeandpraythathereyesmaybeopened，butIamafraiditwillbealongtimebeforetheyare。Butitishard，MissWyllys，toopentheeyesoftheblindanddeluded！Itismorethanmortalmancando！”
“Yes；wefeelatsuchtimesourmiserableweakness，andtheinfluenceofeviluponhumannature，more，perhaps，thanatanyothermoment！”
“Thatistrue，indeed。Ihaveoftenthought，MissWyllys，thatthosewhohavewatchedoveralargefamilyofchildrenandyoungpeople，havebetternotionsaboutthetruestateofhumannature，thanyourgreatphilosophers。ThathasbeenthedifficultywithUncleHubbard；hesaidgirlsinarespectablefamilywereinnodangerofdoingwhatwaswrong；thathehatedpreachingandscolding，andcouldnotbeartomakeyoungpeoplegloomy，bytalkingtothemaboutserioussubjects。Myfatheralwaystaughtmetothinkverydifferently；hebelievedthattheonlywaytohelpyoungpeopletobereallyhappyandcheerful，wastoteachthemtodotheirduty。“
“Itwouldbewell，ifallthosewhohavechargeofyoungpersonsthoughtso！”exclaimedMissAgnes。
“But，oh，MissWyllys，Idreadseeingmypooruncle！Charleswritesmewordthatheisquitechanged——paleandcare-worn——sodifferentfromhisusuallook；hesaysmyunclehasgrowntenyearsolderinthelastweek。Andsuchakind，indulgentfatherashehasbeen！”
TearsfilledMissWyllys'seyes。“IshisdaughterEmmelineathome？”sheasked。
“Yes；andEmmelineseemsmoresoberedbythisterriblebusiness，thanMrs。Hilsonherself。Shesentforme，thinkingImightbeofsomeservicetoJulianna，andpersuadehertostayathome，andnotreturntoMrs。Bagman，asshethreatenstodo。“