HAZLEHURSThadgoneoutwithhisfriends，andcontinuedwalkingonthepiazza，firstwithCharlieandthenwithEllsworth；atlengthMrs。Stanleycalledhimfromthewindowtosaygood-bye，asshedidnotexpecttoseehimagainbeforethecruise；theotherladiesalsowishedhimapleasantexcursionatthesamemoment。
　　“Goodfishingandnomusquitoes{sic}——which，Itakeit，isallthatisdesirableonsuchanoccasion，“saidMrs。Creighton，smilingbrightlybutcarelessly，assheofferedherhand。
　　“Thankyou；IsupposeyouhavenocommandsforCapeCod？”
　　“Noneatall，Ibelieve，unlessyoucanbringusthetrueYankeereceiptforchowder，whichMr。Strykerwasexplainingthisevening。“
　　“Youwillbeoffsoearlyto-morrowthatweshallscarcelyseeyou，Harry，“saidMissWyllys。“Youmustcomebacktous，however，andfallintotheoldhabitofconsideringWyllys-Roofashome，wheneveryouplease，“sheaddedkindly。
　　Harry'sthankswereexpressedwithfeeling。
　　“AndinthemeantimeIhopeyouwillhaveapleasantcruise，“
　　saidElinor。“Fairwindsandbetterprospectsattendyou！”——andassheraisedhereyes，Harryobservedtheyhadfilledwithtearswhenshemadethisallusiontohisdifficulties。PerhapsEllsworthmadethesameremark，andappreciatedherkindness；forwhenElinorturnedtowishhimgood-nightwestronglysuspectthathiscountenancesaidso；therecouldbenodoubtatleast，thatsheblushedatthetime，thoughpalebutamomentbefore。
　　Aftertheladieshadgone，Mr。WyllysandEllsworthwentofftogether，andHarryreturnedtothepiazza。
　　ItwasperhapsinconsiderateinHazlehursttocontinuewalkingsolate，forthesoundofhisfootstepsfellregularlyonthestillnessofthenight，longafterthefamilyhadgonetorest，andmaypossiblyhavedisturbedsomeofhisfriends；butmanybusythoughtsofthepastandthefuturecrowdedonhismind，whilepacingthatfamiliarspot，thepiazzaofWyllys-Roof。Itistimethatthesethoughtsshouldbepartiallyrevealedtothereader，andforthatpurposewemustpauseamoment，inordertolookbackward。
　　Longsince，Harry'shearthadwarmedagaintowardshisoldplayfellow，Elinor。AssoonasthefirstnoveltyofalifeatRiohadwornoff，Harry，whoseaffectionswerestrong，begantomisshisoldfriends；themoreso，sinceMr。Henley，althoughhisprinciplesandtalentsentirelycommandedhissecretary'sesteem，wasnotapleasantcompanioninevery-daylife。Hazlehurstsoonbegantocontrasttheminister'sformal，oldbachelorestablishmentwiththepleasanthouseofhisfriendEllsworth，whereMrs。Creightondidthehonourscharmingly，andwiththecheerfulhomeofhisbrother，wherehissister-in-lawalwaysreceivedhimkindly：stilloftenerbecomparedthecold，statelyatmospherewhichseemedtofillMr。Henley'shouse，withthepleasant，genialspiritwhichprevailedatWyllys-Roof，whereeverythingexcellentworesoamiableanaspect。Untillatelyhehadalwaysbeensocloselyconnectedwiththefamilythere，thatheaccusedhimselfofnothavingdonefulljusticetoalltheirworth。HetookapleasureindwellingonMr。Wyllys'shighmoralcharacter，sohappilytemperedbythebenevolenceofcheerfuloldage；herememberedthequiet，unpretendingvirtuesofMissWyllys，alwaysmingledwithunvaryingkindnesstohimself；andcouldheforgetElinor，whosewholecharacterwassoengaging；
　　unitingstrengthofprincipleandintelligence，withadispositionsolovely，soendearing？Aplaceinthisfamilyhadbeenhis，hisforlife，andhehadtrifledwithit，rejectedit；
　　worsethanthat——wellheknewthatthebestplaceinElinor'sgeneroushearthadoncebeenwhollyhis；hehadappliedforit，hehadwonit；andwhatreturnhadhemadeforherwarmestaffections？Hehadtrifledwithher；theworldsaidhehadjiltedher，jiltedthetrue-heartedElinor，hisfriendandcompanionfromchildhood！Knowingheraswellashedid，hehadtreatedherasifshewereamereball-roomcoquette；hehadforgottenherassoonasifithadbeenamereholidayfancyofaboyoffifteen。
　　Hehadbeencompletelyinfatuated，dazzled，blindedbyabeautifulface。Thatitwassheerinfatuationwasnowevident；
　　for，absentfrombothElinorandJane，allfeelingforthelatterseemedtohavevanishedlikeadream。Itissaidthatlovewithouthopecannotlive：thequestionmustbesettledbythosewhohavesufferedmostfrequentlyfromthewoundsofCupid；butitseemsevident，atleastfromHarry'sexperience，thatlovewhichhasfedplentifullyuponhopesforsomemonths，whensuddenlyputuponachangeofdiet，andreceivingalargedoseofmortificationtoboot，fallsimmediatelyintoarapiddecline。
　　TherecollectionofhisfancyforJanewasnowunpleasantundereveryaspect，butwhereitwasconnectedwithElinorhesoonbegantoconsideritasparticularlypainful。HeregrettedthathehadengagedElinorinthehasty，boyishmannerhehaddone，beforegoingabroad；hadhenottakenthisstep，themomentarymortificationofarefusalbyJanewouldhavebeentheonlyevil；
　　Elinorwouldnothavesuffered，andallmighthavegonewell。
　　Graduallytheideagaineduponhim，thatitwasnotimpossibletorepairthepast。Hisconducthadbeenunpardonable，nodoubt；
　　yet，perhapsitmightbeforgiven。ButevenifElinorcouldforgethisinexcusablefickleness，wouldherfriendseverconsenttoriskherfuturepeacewithonewhohadsorecklesslytrifledwithheralready？Mr。Wyllyshadbeendeeplyindignantathisconduct；hiswholemannerhadchanged，therehadbeenacoldcivilityinitwhentheyhadmet，whichHarryhadfeltkeenly——itamountedalmosttocontempt。MissWyllys，too，wasnolongerthekind，indulgentAuntAgnesofhisboyhood；therewasaverydecidedcoldnessandreserveinherwholeexpression，whichitseemedallbutimpossibletoovercome。Hewished，however，thathehaditinhispowertomakeadvancestowardsareconciliation；
　　hewaspreparedformeritedcoldnessatfirst，buthewouldwillinglysubmittoitasajustpenance，ifhecouldbuthopeeventuallytoregainhispositionwithElinor。SuchawifeasElinorwouldbe，wasworthaseriousstruggletoobtain。Then，atothermoments，thisideaappearedpreposteroustohim；howcouldtheWyllyseseverforgivehimaftersokeenaninsult，socruelablow？No，itwasadream；hewouldnotindulgeinitanylonger；
　　hewouldnotthinkofmarrying；hewouldturnoutanoldbachelordiplomatist，likeMr。Henley。ItisnottobesupposedthatMrs。
　　CreightonwasentirelyforgotteninthesereveriesofHarry's，whichformedoccasionalinterludestohisdiplomaticlabourswhileatRio。Onthecontraryshewasrememberedquitefrequently；andeveryonewhoknewhermustalwaysthinkoftheprettywidowasacharmingwoman；clever，graceful，gay，andwell-bred。NorhadHazlehurstbeenblindtoherpeculiarlyflatteringmannertowardshimself。TheladywashisfriendEllsworth'ssister，whichwasanotherclaim；shewasgenerallyadmiredtoo，andthisalone，withsomemen，wouldhavegivenheradecidedadvantage：sincewearerevealingHarry'sfoibles，however，wemustdohimthejusticetosay，thathewasnotoneoftheclassreferredto。Whenheliked，helikedhonestly，forgoodreasonsofhisown。AtthetimehelefthomewithMr。
　　Henley，hehadnotbeenabletodecideentirelytohisownsatisfaction，whetherMrs。Creightonreallyhadanypartialityforhimornot；hewaitedwithalittleinterestandalittlecuriosity，toknowwhatshewoulddoafterheleftPhiladelphia。
　　Newssoonreachedhimthattheladywasgayandcharmingasever，muchadmired，andtakingmuchpleasureinadmiration，asusual。
　　HehadknownMrs。Creightonfromagirl；shewasayearortwoolderthanhimself，andhadbeenamarriedwomanwhilehewasstillaboy，andhehadbeenlongawareofherreputationasacoquette；thishadnodoubtputhimonhisguard。Ashadoccasionallyremarkedherconducthimself；andhavingbeensointimatewithwomenofverydifferentcharacter——hisbrother'swife，MissWyllys，andElinor——heknewverywellthatallwomenwerenotcoquettes；hehadreceivedahigherstandardoffemaledelicacyandfemaletruththanmanyyoungmen。Solong，therefore，ashebelievedMrs。Creightonadecidedflirt，hewasinlittledangerfromher：thelady，however，wasnocommoncoquette——cleverness，tact，goodtaste，gaveherverygreatadvantages；shewasgenerallyadmired，andHazlehurstexpecteddailytohearthatshewasmarried。
　　HehadbecomeverytiredofRioJaneiro，andverydesirousofreturninghome，longbeforeMr。HenleywasrecalledtoexchangethecourtofBrazilforthatofSt。Petersburgh。SincererespectforMr。HenleyhadalonekepthimatRio；andwhenhearrivedatNorfolk，hewasstillundecidedwhetherheshouldcontinueinthelegationornot。HefoundthatallhisfriendswereatSaratoga，andhehastenedthere；hewasanxioustoseetheWyllyses，anxioustoseeElinor，andyethedreadedthefirstmeeting——hehadalreadydeterminedtobeguidedentirelyinhisfuturestepsbytheirmannertowardshimself；iftheydidnotabsolutelyshunhim，hewouldmakeaneffortforacompletereconciliation。HeknewElinorwasunmarried；hehadneverheardofanyengagement，andhemightthenhopetoregainallhehadlost。Hearrived，hewasreceivedkindly，andthesightofElinor'splainfacedidnotchangehisdetermination；onthecontrary，hefoundherjustwhatherememberedher，justwhathehadalwaysknownhertobe——everythingthatwasnaturallyfeminineandamiable。ButifElinorwerestillherself，Harrysoonfoundthatherpositionhadverymateriallyalteredoflate；shewasnowanheiress，itseemed。Whatacontemptibleinterpretationmightbeplacedonhisadvancesundersuchcircumstances！ThencamethediscoveryofMr。
　　Ellsworth'sviewsandhopes；andhisfriendwasevidentlysanguineofsuccess。Thuseverythingwaschanged；hewascompelledtoremainintheback-ground，toavoidcarefullyanyinterferencewithhisfriend。
　　ThereappearednoreasontodoubtthatElinorwould，erelong，marryEllsworth；sheherselfcertainlylikedhim，andherfriendsveryevidentlyfavouredhissuit。Ontheotherhand，Mrs。
　　Creightonseemedparticularlywellpleasedwithhisownreturn；
　　shewascertainlyverycharming，anditwasbynomeansanunpleasanttasktoplaycavaliertohisfriend'ssister。Stillhelookedonwithgreatinterest，asEllsworthpursuedhiscourtship；andheoftenfoundhimselfmakingobservationsuponElinor'smovements。“Nowshewilldothis“——“Iamsureshethinksthat“——“IknowherbetterthanEllsworth“——“Shecan'tendureStryker“——andotherremarksofthekind，whichkepthisattentionfixeduponhisoldplayfellow；themorecloselyheobservedherthemorehesawtoloveandadmire；fortheirformerlongintimacyhadgivenhimakeytohercharacter，andgreaterknowledgeoftheworldenabledhimfullytoappreciateherpurityofprinciple，hernativegraceandmodesty，thegeneroustoneofhermind，theunaffectedsweetnessofherdisposition。Itappearedstrangeandunpleasanttohim，thathemustnowdrawbackandseeherengrossedbyEllsworth，whenshehadsolongbeenhisownfavouritecompanion；stillhehadnorighttocomplain，itwashisownfaultthatmattersweresomuchchanged。
　　AsforMrs。Creighton，Harrycouldnotsatisfyhimselfwithregardtoherrealfeelings；thereweretimeswhenhethoughtshewasattachedtohim，butjustasitbegantoappearclearthatshewasnotmerelycoquetting，justashebegantoinquireifhecouldeverofferhimselftoawomanwhomheadmiredverymuch，butwhomhedidnotentirelyrespect，theprettywidowwouldrunoff；apparentlyinspiteofherself，intosomeveryevidentflirtationwithStryker，withdeVaux，withMr。Wyllys，infactwithanymanwhocameinherway。Generallyhefeltrelievedbythesecaprices，sincetheyleftperfectlibertyofactiontohimself；occasionallyhewasvexedwithhercoquetry，vexedwithhimselfforadmiringherinspiteofitall。HadHarryneverknownMrs。Creightonpreviously，hewoulddoubtlesshavefallenverydecidedlyinlovewithherinashorttime；buthehadknownhertoolong，andhalfmistrustedher；hadheneverknownElinorsothoroughly，hewouldnothaveunderstoodMrs。Creighton。Heinvoluntarilycomparedthetwotogether；bothwereparticularlyclever，well-bred，andgraceful；butHarryfeltthatonewasingenuous，amiable，andnatural，whileheknewthattheotherwasworldly，bright，butcold，andinterestedinallherviewsandactions。Elinor'scharmlayintheperfectconfidenceonereposedinthefirmnessofherprinciples，thestrengthofheraffections，softenedastheywerebyfemininegraceofmindandperson。Mrs。Creightonfascinatedbythebrilliantglossoftheworld，theperfectionofart，inspiredbythenaturalinstinctsofaclever，educatedcoquette。TherehadbeenmomentswhenHazlehurstwasallbutdeceivedintobelievinghimselfunjusttowardsMrs。Creighton，socharminglypiquant，sogracefullyflatteringwashermanner；butheowedhiseventualescapetotheonlytalismanwhichcaneversaveayoungman，oranoldoneeither，fromthewilesofapretty，artfulcoquette；hecarriedaboutwithhimthereflectionofapurermodelofwomanlyvirtue，onegraduallyformedfromboyhooduponElinor'smould，andwhichatlasthadentirelyfilledhismindandhisheart。
　　SincethecommencementoftheStanleysuit，HazlehursthadbecomequitedisgustedwithMrs。Creighton'sconduct；artmayreachagreatway，butitcannevercoverthewholeground，andtheprettywidowinvoluntarilybetrayedtoomanyvariationsofmanner，graduatedbyHarry'svaryingprospects；hiseyeswerecompletelyopened；hewasashamedofhimselfforhavingbeenhalf-persuadedthatshewasattachedtohim。HowdifferenthadbeenElinor'sconduct！shehadshownthroughoutawarm，unwaveringinterestinhisdifficulties，alwaysmorefranklyexpressedinhisleastencouragingmoments；indeedshehadsometimesblushed，fromthefearthathersympathymighthemistakenforsomethingmorethanfriendlyregardforherkinsman。
　　Harrysawitall；heunderstoodtheconductofboth，andhefeltElinor'skindnessdeeply；hewasnolongerungrateful，andhelongedtotellherso。True，shewoulderelongbecomehisfriend'swife，butmighthenot，underthecircumstances，bepermittedfirsttodeclarehisfeelings？Itwould，perhaps，beonlyajustatonementforthepast——onlywhatwasduetoElinor。
　　Harrytriedtopersuadehimselfintothisviewofthecase，ashelookeduptowardsherwindow，invokingablessingonhergentlehead。
　　Hazlehurst'sreflections，whileonthepiazza，hadcommencedwithhispecuniarydifficulties，andtheconsequencesofhislatedefeat，buttheygraduallycenteredonElinorinaverylover-likemanner，muchintheshapewehavegiventhem。Butatlengththemoonwentdownbehindthewood，andthosewhoseroomswereonthatsideofthehousefoundthatthesoundofhisfootstepshadceased；andnothingfartherdisturbedthestillnessofthenight。
　　“DidyouseethePetrelthismorning，grandpapa？”saidElinor，asshewaspouringoutthecoffeeatthebreakfast-table。
　　“No，Ididnot，mychild；Itookitforgrantedtheywereoffbeforesun-rise，anddidnotlookforthem。“
　　“Theywerebehindtheirtime；theywereinsightfrommywindowaboutanhoursince。“
　　“Someoftheyoungstershavebeenlazy，Isuppose；IhopeHarrywasnotthedelinquent。“
　　“Iheardhimpassmydoorquiteearly，“observedMissAgnes。
　　“WhenIsawthem，“saidElinor，“theyhaddrawnofffromthewharf，andwerelyingintheriver，asiftheywerewaitingforsomethingthathadbeenforgotten；theboatlookedbeautifully，fortherewasverylittleair，andshelaymotionlessonthewater，withhersailshalf-furled。“
　　“PerhapstheystoppedforMr。Hubbardtomakeasketch，“saidEllsworthtoElinor。
　　“Hardly，Ishouldthink；timeandtide，youknow；waitfornoman——noteventobesketched。“
　　“ButHazlehursttoldmehisfriendHubbardhadpromisedtoimmortalizethePetrelandhercrewbyapicture；perhapshechosethemomentofdeparture；yousaysheappearedtogreatadvantagethen。“
　　“Ishouldthinkhewouldpreferwaitingforsomemorestrikingmoment。Whoknowswhatadventurestheymaymeetwith！Mr。deVauxexpectstowinarace；perhapstheymaycatchawhale，orseethesea-serpent。“
　　“NodoubtMr。Strykerwouldtrytocatchthemonster，iftheyweretomeetwithhim；hisfishingambitionisboundless，“saidMrs。Creighton。
　　“Butthereisnofashionableapparatusforcatchingsea-serpents，“observedElinor；“andMr。Stryker'sambitionisallfashionable。“
　　“StrykerisnotmuchofanIzaakWalton，certainly，“remarkedEllsworth。“Hecallsitmurder，tocatchatroutwithacommonrodandanaturalfly。Hewillscarcelybethemantobringinthesea-serpent；hewouldgoafteritthough，inamoment，ifaregularEuropeansportsmanweretoproposeittohim。“
　　“IalmostwonderwehavenotyethadanEnglishyachtoverhere，whale-hunting，orsea-serpent-hunting，“saidMrs。Creighton；
　　“theyaresofondofnoveltyandwild-goosechasingofanykind。“
　　“Itwouldmakealionofadandy，atonce，“saidEllsworth，“ifhecouldcatchthesea-serpent。“
　　{“lion“=socialcelebrity}
　　“Asinglefinwouldbegloryenoughforonelion，“saidElinor；
　　rememberhowmanyyardsthereareofhim。“
　　“IfStrykershouldcatchasliceoftheserpent，nodoubthewillthrowitintohischowder-pot，andaddittothereceipt，“saidMr。Wyllys。
　　“Well，MissWyllys，IthinkyouandImightengagetoeatallthemonstershecatches，asBeatricedidBenedict'sslain，“saidMrs。
　　Creighton。
　　{“BeatriceandBenedict……“=charactersinShakespeare'splay“MuchAdoaboutNothing“}
　　“DoyouintendtomakeupwithStryker，alaBeatrice？”askedthelady'sbrother。“Itissometimenowthatyouhavecarriedonthewarofwitwithhim。“
　　“No，indeed；Ihavenosuchintentions。IleavehimentirelytoMissWyllys；allbuthischowder，whichIlikenowandthen，“
　　saidthelady，carelessly。
　　“Iamsorryyouwillnotbehere，Mrs。Creighton，forthepic-nictotheladies，whichdeVauxistogivewhenhecomesback，“saidMr。Wyllys；“Mr。Strykerwillgiveusafinechowder，nodoubt。“
　　“Thankyou，sir；Ishouldenjoythepartyexceedingly。Imustnotthinktoomuchofit，orImightbetemptedtobreakmyengagementwiththeRamsays。“
　　“Haveyoureallydecidedtogososoon？——Iwasinhopesweshouldbeabletokeepyoumuchlonger，“saidMissWyllys。
　　“Ishouldbedelightedtostay；butinadditiontomyvisittotheRamsays，whoaregoingtotownexpresslyforme，Imustalsopickupmylittleniece。“
　　MissWyllysthenmadesomeinquiriesaboutMr。Ellsworth'slittlegirl。
　　“Shewasverywellandhappy，withhercousins，whenIheardfrommyeldestsister，adayortwosince，“hereplied。“Shehasbeenwithmeverylittlethissummer；Ihopeweshallbeabletomakesomepleasanterarrangementforthefuture，“headded，withahalf-glanceatElinor。
　　“Mybrotherhasaverypooropinionofmyabilities，MissWyllys；
　　becauseIhavenochildrenofmyown，hefanciesthatIcannotmanagehislittlegirl。“
　　“Iammuchobligedtoyou，Josephine，forwhatyouhavedoneforher，asyouverywellknow。“
　　“Oh，yes；youaremuchobligedtome，andsoforth；butyouthinkMaryisinbetterhandswithMrs。Ellis，andsodoI；Icannotkeepthelittlethinginverygoodorder，Iacknowledge。“
　　“Itmustbedifficultnottospoilher，Mrs。Creighton，“remarkedMr。Wyllys。“Sheisaveryprettyandengagingchild——justthesizeandageforapet。“
　　“Thatisthemisfortune；sheissoprettythatFrankthinksI
　　makealittledollofher；thatIdresshertoomuch。IbelievehethinksIweartoomanyflowersandribbonsmyself；hehasbecomeveryfastidiousinhistasteaboutsuchmatterslately；hewisheshisdaughtertodresswithelegantsimplicity；nowIhaveadecidedfancyforelegantornament。“
　　“Hemustbeverybold，Mrs。Creighton，ifheproposesanyalterationtoyou。“
　　“Iagreewithyou，entirely，“saidthelady，laughing；“forthelastyearortwoIhavebeenevenlesssuccessfulinsuitinghimthanofold。Heseemstohavesomeverysuperiormodelinhismind'seye。Butitisratherannoyingtohaveone'stasteindresscriticised，afterhavingbeenaccustomedtohearitcommendedandconsulted，eversinceIwasfifteen。“
　　“Youmusttoleratemylessbrilliantnotionsforthesakeofvariety，“saidherbrother，smiling。
　　“IshallhopetomakeoverMary'swardrobetosomeotherdirection，beforeshegrowsup，“saidMrs。Creighton；“foryouandIwouldcertainlyquarreloverit。“
　　Thepartyrosefromtable。Elinorfeltatouchofnervousnesscomeuponher，assheremarkedthatMr。Ellsworthseemedtobewatchinghermovements；whilehisfacehadwornratherapre-occupiedexpressionallthemorning，seemingtothreatensomethingimportant。
　　Thedaywasverypleasant；andasMr。WyllyshadsomebusinessatcertainmillsonChewattanLake，heproposedarideonhorsebacktohisfriends，offeringaseatinhisold-fashionedchairtoanyladywhochosetotakeit。
　　{“chair“=alight，one-horsecarriage}
　　Mrs。Creightonacceptedtheofferveryreadily。
　　“Ihavenotbeeninanycarriagesorusticandfarmer-likethesetwentyyears，“shesaid。
　　“Ishallbehappytodriveyou，ifyoucanbesatisfiedwithasoberoldwhiplikemyself，andasoberoldponylikeTimo。“
　　“Itissettledthen；yourideIsuppose，MissWyllys。“
　　Elinorassented；MaryVanAlstynewasalsotogoonhorseback。
　　Mr。Ellsworththoughtthathewouldhavepreferredescortingoneladyinsteadoftwoonthatoccasion。Heseemeddestinedthatmorningtodiscover，thatalover'scourseisnotonlyimpededbyimportantobstacles，butoftenobstructedbythingstriflinginthemselves。Beforethechairandhorsesappearedatthedoor，therewasanarrivalfromLongbridge。Mr。Taylorandhisdaughter，MissEmma，hadcomefromNewYorkthepreviousevening，andnowappearedatWyllys-Roof；themerchanthadcomeoverwiththedoubleobjectofblessinghisgrandchild，andtakinghisshareinaspeculationthengoingonintheneighbourhood。TheTaylorshadbeenaskedtoWyllys-Roof，atanytimewhentheywishedtoseeJane，andtheyhadnowcomefortwenty-fourhours，inaccordancewiththeinvitation。AtfirstMr。EllsworthsupposedtheridetoChewattanLakemustbeabandoned，butitwasonlydeferredforanhour。MissEmmaTaylor，everreadyforanenterpriseofliveliness，hadnosoonerembracedhersister-in-law，andlearnedthatsomeofthefamilyhadproposedriding，thansheimmediatelyexpressedagreatdesiretojointhem。MaryVanAlstyneveryreadilygaveupherhorseandhabittotheyounglady；andMr。EllsworthwalkedovertoBroadlawn，toinviteBobdeVaux，aboyofsixteen，tobeherespecialescort。
　　Hethoughtthisaveryclevermanoeuvreofhisown。Whilethesearrangementsweregoingon，andtheTaylorsweretakingsomerefreshment，Mr。Taylorhadfoundtimetoexpresshisregretsattheresultofthelaw-suit。
　　“Iwasmuchdisposed，however，toanticipatesuchaverdict，“heobserved；“Mr。Clappisaverytalentedlawyerforsoyoungaman；thiscause，whichhasattractedsomuchattention，willprobablymakehisfortuneatthebar。ButIwasfearful，sir，fromthebeginning，thatneitheryourselfnoryourfriend，Mr。
　　Hazlehurst，wasfullyawareofMr。Clapp'sabilities。“
　　“Idonotconceive，however，thatthecausewaswonbyMr。
　　Clapp'slegalacumen，“observedMr。Wyllys，drily。
　　“Perhapsnot；still，Iunderstandthathesucceededinmakingoutaverystrongcaseinbehalfofhisclient。“
　　“Ofthatthereisnodoubt。“
　　“Andthelessfoundationhehadtoworkon，thegreaterhistalentsmustappear，“saidMr。Taylor，withalook，whichexpressedbothadmirationforMr。Clapp，andthesuspicionthathehadbeenassistinganimpostor。
　　“Thekindoftalentyourefertoisnotofaveryenviablecharacter，Ithink，“saidMr。Wyllys。
　　“Idon'tknowthat，mydearsir，“addedMr。Taylor，ashedrankoffaglassofwine；“itisatalentwhichhasgainedafinepropertyatleast。Iregret，however，thatmyfriend，Mr。
　　Hazlehurst，shouldhavesufferedsoheavyaloss。“
　　Mr。Wyllysbowed；andwellawarethathisownviewsofthecaseandthoseofMr。Taylorwouldnotagree，hechangedtheconversation。
　　“Youwillfindyouroldplacemuchchanged，“observedMissWyllystothemerchant。
　　“Yes，madam；Iunderstandconsiderablealterationshavebeenmadeatmyformermansion。Ihadalmostforgottenthismorningthattheestatewasnolongermine，andwashalf-inclinedtoenterthegateaswepassedit。“
　　“Iamdelighted，pa，thatitisnotyoursanylonger！”exclaimedMissEmma，withalivelinesswhichaccordedparticularlyillwithherdeepmourning-dress。“WeshallhavetentimesmorefunatRockaway；ColonnadeManorwasthestupidestplaceincreation；wewereoftenawholedaywithoutseeingabeau！”
　　Atlength，MissEmmahavingdeclaredherselfmorethansufficientlyrested，sheputonthehabit；andthechairandhorseswerebroughttothedoor。Mr。Taylorwastosetoutshortlyafter，inanotherdirection，togooverthemanufactoryinwhichhewasabouttobecomeinterested。
　　Allagreedthatthedaywasdelightful。Therewasafineair，thedusthadbeenlaidbyashower，andastheroadledthroughseveralwoods，theyhadnottoomuchsun。Forawhilethefourequestrianskepttogether，andcommon-placemattersonlyweretalkedover；thePetrelwasnotforgotten。MissEmmaTaylordeclaredshewouldhavegonealong，ifshehadbeenonthespotwhentheysailed。BobdeVauxsaidhisbrotherHuberthadofferedtotakehim，buthedidnotcaretogo；hehadratherridethansail，anyday。
　　“Here'sforagallopthen！”exclaimedtheyounglady，andoffthetwosetatarapidpace。
　　“Howdoesthatflirtationcomeon？”askedMissEmma，whentheylessenedtheirpaceatsomedistanceinadvanceoftherestoftheparty。
　　“Allsettled，Ibelieve，“repliedtheyouth。
　　“What，actuallyengaged？Ihavebeenquiteexercisedaboutallyourdoingsoverhere，thissummer；youmusthavehadalivelytime，threeorfourflirtationsallgoingonatonce。But，doyouknowIambentonspitingMr。Ellsworththismorning。Hemeanttohaveatete-a-tete，Iknow，andonlyaskedYOUjusttogetridofME。Butheshan'thaveamoment'speacetopayforit；let'sturnroundandgobackagainatfullspeed。“
　　BobdeVauxhadnottheleastobjections；helikedmotionandmischiefalmostasmuchasdidthelivelybelle；theybothenjoyedthejokeexceedingly，andsucceededinprovokingMr。
　　Ellsworthnotalittle。MissEmmaandhercompanionwereinhighgleeattheirsuccess；theywouldfirstridehalfamilebythesideoftheothers，thengallopofftoadistance，andatasignalfromtheyounglady，suddenlyfacingabouttheywouldreturn，justintime，asMissEmmathought，tocutshortanytenderspeech。
　　“Thatyoungladyseemstohavegonetwiceovereveryfootoftheroad，“innocentlyobservedMr。Wyllys，littleawareofherobject。
　　“Whatarestlesscreatureitis！”repliedMrs。Creighton；“shemustworryherhorseasmuchassheannoysherrationalcompanions。“
　　“MissTaylorisaperfectrattle，“remarkedMr。Ellsworth。“Quiteinferiortohersister，Mrs。Hunter，Ishouldsay。“
　　{“arattle“=achatterbox}
　　“Herexcessofspiritswillwearitselfoutoneofthesedays，I
　　daresay，“repliedElinor。
　　“Itistobehopedso，“saidthegentleman，drily。
　　Whentheyreachedthelaketheydismounted，andpassedhalfanhouratafarm-house，torest，andlunchuponicedmilkanddew-berries，whichthefarmer'swifekindlyofferedthem。Mrs。
　　CreightonprofessedherselfratherdisappointedwithChewattanLake；theshoreswerequitelow，therewasonlyonegoodhill，andonepretty，projectingpoint，withafinegroupofelmsstandingingracefulreliefagainstthesky；shethoughtMr。
　　Hubbard'spaintinghadflatterednature。Mr。EllsworthwouldnotallowthatCharlieeverflattered；butremarkedthatitwashispeculiarmerit，tothrowacharmaboutthesimplestwaterscene；
　　andhislastviewofChewattanLakewascertainlyoneofhishappiestpictures。
　　{“dew-berries“=blackberries；“happiest“=mostsuccessful}
　　Ontheirwayhome，MissEmmaandhercompanionagaincommencedtheirquizzingsystem。Towardstheendoftheride，however，theyoungladyrelaxedalittleinhervigilance；whentheyreachedaturnpike-gate，abouttwomilesfromWyllys-Roof，shesuddenlyproposedtoBobdeVauxtorunaracewithElinorandMr。
　　Ellsworth。
　　“Whatdoyousaytoit，MissWyllys？”
　　“Excuseme；Ihadmuchrathernot。“
　　“Oh，butyoudon'tknowwhatImean。Now，youandMr。Ellsworthgocanteringandtrottingalong，insuchasober，DarbyandJoanfashion，thatIamsureMr。deVauxandIcanturnoffhere，takethisby-road，whichyouknowcomesinnearlyoppositeyourgate，andalthoughitistwiceasfarround，IbetyouapairofglovesweareatWyllys-Roofbeforeyou。“
　　{“DarbyandJoanfashion“=likeanoldmarriedcouple}
　　“Done！”exclaimedMr。Ellsworth，delightedwiththeidea；andofftheyoungladygallopped{sic}withhercompanion。
　　Itisnottobesupposedthatthegentlemanallowedthehalf-hourthatfollowedtopassunimproved。Hecouldspeakatlast，andheadmiredElinortoosincerely，nottoexpresshimselfintermsbothwarmandrespectful。AlthoughElinorhadbeenforsometimefullypreparedforthisdeclaration，yetshedidnotreceiveitwithoutbetrayingfeelingandembarrassment。Emotioninwoman，atsuchmoments，orinconnexionwithsimilarsubjects，isgenerallytracedtoonecausealone；andyethalfthetimeitshouldratherbeattributedtosomeothersource。Anxiety，modesty，merenervousness，orevenvexationatthisverymisinterpretation，oftenraisethecolour，andmakethevoicefalter。Elinorhadfullymadeuphermind，andshefeltthatafrankexplanationwasduetoMr。Ellsworth，butherregardforhimwastoosincerenottomakethemomentapainfulonetoher。Hewasrejected；butrejectedwithsomuchconsideration，somuchmodestyandfeeling，somuchgoodsense，thattheveryactonlyincreasedhisregret。
　　Hewasmuchdisappointed，forhehadbeenahopefulsuitor。
　　Elinorhadalwayslikedhim，andhehadthoughthermannerencouraging；Mr。WyllysandMissAgneshadnotconcealedtheirapprobation；andMrs。Creightonhadoftentoldhimshehadnodoubtofhissuccess。Hewasmorethanmortified，however，bytherefusal，hewaspained。Elinorrepeatedassurancesofrespectandfriendship，andregretthatshefeltherselfunabletoreturnhisregardasitdeserved。Sheevenalludedtohisgenerosityinoverlookingherwantofpersonalattractions；shesaidshehad，onthataccount，beenslowtobelievethathehadanyseriousobjectinview。Atthetimehehadfirstproposed，throughhergrandfather，sheherselfhadwishedtopreventhisgoinganyfarther，butherfriendshaddesiredhertodefertheanswer；hehimselfhadbeggedhertodoso，andnamedthetimefixed——shehadreluctantlyconsentedtothisarrangement；and，althoughthemoresheknewofMr。Ellsworth，themorehighlysheesteemedandrespectedhim，yettheresulthadbeenwhatshefirstforesaw；
　　shecouldnotconscientiouslyofferhimthefullattachmenthehadarighttoexpectfromawife。
　　Mr。Ellsworthrodeoninsilenceforamoment。
　　“Isitthentrue，MissWyllys，thatImustgiveupallideaofobtainingamoreindulgenthearing，atsomefutureday？”
　　“JudgeforyourselfifIamcapricious，Mr。Ellsworth。DonotimaginethatIhavelightlyrejectedtheregardofamanwhomI
　　esteemsohighlyasyourself。Icouldscarcelynameanotherinmywholeacquaintance，forwhomIshouldhavehesitatedsolong；
　　but——“Elinorpaused，suddenlybecameveryred，andthendeadlypale。
　　“But——whatwouldyousay，MissWyllys？——goon，Ientreat！”
　　exclaimedMr。Ellsworth。
　　ItwasamomentbeforeElinorrallied。Shethencontinued，inalowvoice，andinanagitated，hesitatingmanner：
　　“Mr。Ellsworth，Ishallspeakwithperfectfrankness；yourkindnessandforbearancedeserveit。WhenIconsentedtowaitsolongbeforegivingyouafinalanswer，itwaschieflythatI
　　mightdiscoverifIcouldregainentirecommandoverfeelingswhichhavenotalwaysbeenmyown。Iamafraidyouarenotawareofthis。ThefeelingitselftowhichIalludeischanged；butbeitweaknessornot，ithaslefttracesforlife。Iwaswillingtomakeanexperimentinfavourofonewhodeservedthefullconfidenceofmyfriendsandmyself；butthetrialhasnotsucceeded；ifIknowmyself，itcanneversucceed——Ishallnevermarry。“
　　Andthenafteramoment'ssilenceshegentlycontinued，inacalmertone：
　　“Butyouwillsoonforgetallthis，Itrust。Youwillfindelsewheresomeonemoreworthyofyou；onewhocanbetterrepayyourkindness。“
　　Mr。Ellsworthchafedalittleunderthissuggestion；thoughnotsomuchasamorepassionatemanmighthavedone。
　　“Toforgetoneofsomuchwomanlyexcellenceasyourself，MissWyllys，isnottheeasytaskyouseemtosuppose。“
　　Elinorcouldhavesighedandsmiledasthethoughtrecurredtoher，thatHarryhadnotfounditverydifficulttoforgether。
　　Theyhadnowreachedthegate，ontheirwayhome，andturningtowardshercompanionastheyentered，shesaid：
　　“Ihope，indeed，youwillalwaysrememberthatyouhaveverysincerefriendsatWyllys-Roof，Mr。Ellsworth；believeme，friendscapableofappreciatingyourmerits，andawareofwhatistheirdue。“
　　Mr。Ellsworththankedher，buthelookedveryevidentlydisturbed。WhentheyreachedthepiazzahehelpedElinorfromherhorse，perhapsmorecarefullythanusual；MissEmmaTaylorandhercavalierhadalreadyarrived；andtheyoungladyimmediatelyattackedMr。Ellsworth，biddinghimrememberhisbet。WhenMrs。
　　Creightonsteppedfromthechair，shelookedforherbrotherandElinor，alittlecurioustodiscoverifanythingdecisivehadpassed，butbothhadalreadyenteredthehouse。
　　Mr。Wyllyslearnedinthecourseoftheday，fromEllsworthhimself，thathehadbeenrejected；hewasverymuchdisappointed，andmoredisposedtofindfaultwithElinorthanhehadeverbeenbefore。
　　“Iamafraidyouhavenotactedwisely，Elinor，“saidhergrandfather；wordsmorelikeareproofthananythatElinorcouldremembertohaveheardfallfromhislips，addressedtoherself。
　　MissAgnesalsoevidentlyregrettedherniece'sdecision；butshesaidnothingonthesubject。AsforMrs。Creighton，shethoughtitalleasytobeunderstood。
　　“Youmaysaywhatyouplease，Frank，aboutMissWyllys，butyouwillneverpersuademesheisnotacoquette。“
　　ButthisMr。Ellsworthwouldbynomeansallow。
　　Elinorlaidherheadonherpillowthatnightwiththeunpleasantreflection，thatfourpersonsunderthesameroofwerereproachingherforthestepshehadtakenthatday。Butsheherselfknewthatshehadactedconscientiously。
　　CHAPTERXXI。{XLIV}
　　“Suchnews，mylord，asgrievesmetounfold。“
　　HenryIV。{sic}
　　{WilliamShakespeare，“RichardIII“，II。iv。39}
　　THEPetrelwasaveryprettylittleschooner，pronouncedacrackcraftbytheknowingones。Shesatsobuoyantlyonthewaterwhenmotionless，andglidedalongsogracefullywhenunderway，thatevenlandsmenandlandswomenmusthaveadmiredher。Letitnotbesupposedthatthewordlandswomenishereusedunadvisedly：
　　althoughtheNavyDepartmentisdecidedlyungallantinitsgeneralcharacter，andseldomallowsladiestoappearonboardship，exceptingatacollationoraball，yetitiswellknownthatinsomeofthesmallersea-porttowns，thefemaleportionofthepopulationaresomuchinterestedinnauticalmatters，andgivesomuchtimeandattentiontothesubject，thattheyarelookeduponasverygoodjudgesofsparsandrigging；anditisevenaffirmed，thatsomeofthesecharmingyoung“salts“arequitecapableofexaminingamidshipmanonpointsofseamanship。
　　Iffamehasnotbeliedthem，sucharetheaccomplishmentsofthebellesofNorfolkandPensacola；whilethewivesanddaughtersofthewhalersatNantucket，aresaidtohavealsoacriticaleyeforthecutofajibandtheshapeofahull。HubertdeVauxhopedtheyhad，forhethoughtitapitythatthePetrel'sbeautiesshouldbethrownaway。
　　Onthemorningtheysailed，whenElinorhadwatchedtheboatasshelayintheriver，theyhadbeenwaitingforBruno。Harrywishedtocarrythedogwithhim；butafterfollowingHazlehursttotheboat，hehadreturnedhomeagain；hewas，however，enticedonboard，andtheyhoistedsail，andslowlymovedoutofsight。
　　Inspiteofsomelittledelay，thePetrelmadeaverygoodday'swork。Thatnightandthefollowingthepartysleptonboard，andseemedverywellsatisfiedwiththeirquarters；theyintendedtorunoutofsightoflandbeforetheendoftheircruise，butasyettheyhadlandedeveryfewhoursforfreshwater，vegetables，milk，&c。；asitdidnotenteratallintotheircalculationstobeputonashortallowanceofanythingdesirable。Ontheafternoonofthethirdday，thePetrelreachedthewharfofacountryplaceonLong-Island，wherethepartylanded，accordingtoapreviousinvitation，andjoinedsomefriendsforacoupleofdays'shooting，whichprovedapleasantvarietyintheexcursion；
　　thesportwaspronouncedgood，andthegentlemenmadethemostofit。Mr。Stryker，however，complainedthatthepompandcircumstanceofsportingwaswantedinthiscountry。
　　“Solongaswehavetheimportantitemsofgoodguns，goodmarksmen，andrealwild-game，weneednotfindfault，“saidHarry。
　　Manylamentationssucceeded，however，upontherapiddisappearanceofgamefromallpartsofthecountry。
　　“ThereIhavethebestofit，“saidMr。Strykertohishost。“Inthenexttwentyyearsyoumayexpecttofindyouroccupationgone；butIshallatleasthavefishinginabundanceallmydays；
　　thoughattimesIamnotquitesosureofthebrook-trout。“
　　“Idon'tthinkJonathanwillbeabletoexterminateallthetroutintheland，“saidHazlehurst，althoughheisashamefullywastefulfellow；butIreallythinkthereissomedangerfortheoysters；ifthepopulationincreases，andcontinuestoeatthem，inthesameproportiontheydonow，IamafraidJonathanofthenextgenerationwilldevourthewholespecies。“
　　“Jonathan“=theAmericanfrom“BrotherJonathan“}
　　>FromGlen-CovethePetrelmadeareachacrosstheSoundtoSachem's-Head，whereMr。Strykerenjoyedtoperfectiontheluxuriesofclam-soup，lobster-salad，andchowder。
　　TheirnextportwasNantucket。Theyhappenedtoarrivetherejustbeforeathunder-shower，andCharlieHubbardwasmuchstruckwiththewild，desolatelookoftheisland。HepointedouttoHazlehurstthefinevarietyofneutraltintstobetracedinthewaves，inthelowsand-banks，andthedarkskyformingtheback-ground。Nantucketisabarrenspot，indeed，allbutbareofvegetation；scarcelyashrubwillgrowthere，andeventhetoughbeach-grassisoftensweptawayinlargetracts；whiletheformsofthesand-hillsvarywitheverystorm。Thetownitself，however，isabusy，livelylittlespot——oneofthemostnauticalinfeelingandcharactertobefoundontheglobe。Thechiefinterestsoftheinhabitantscentreintheocean；andeventheveryornamentsoftheirhousesarespoilsofthedeep，shellsandfish-bonesfromdistantlatitudes，andsailor'sfancy-workinvariousmaterials，allconnectedinsomewaywiththesea。
　　Charliemadeasketchoftheisland，anddeterminedtoreturnthereandpaintapictureofsomesize。Thenextday，whichwasSunday，theyremainedatNantucket；thereisaprettylittlechurchinthetown，andCharlie，Harry，andMr。Smithattendedservicethere；therestofthegentlemenpreferringtoidleawaythemorninginalesspraiseworthymanner。
　　OneofyoungdeVaux'screwwastakensickhere，andhewasobligedtosecureanothermanbeforeleavingtheisland；itwaseasytodoso，however，asonewhowaswaitingforapassagetoNewYorksoonoffered，andthematterwassettled。
　　EarlyonMondaymorningtheyagainmadesail，forMartha'sVineyard；fromthencethePetrel'sheadwastobeturnedsouthward，andaftercoastingtheeasternshoreofLong-Island，theyexpectedtoreturntothewharfatBroadlawn，asfastasthewindswouldcarrythem。TheVineyard，owingtoamoreshelteredposition，bearsadifferentaspectfromthebarrensandsofNantucket；partsoftheislandarewellwooded。Choosingapleasantbayknowntotheirpilot，wherearudewharfhadbeenbuilt，thepartylandedandpreparedtodine，andpasssomehoursthere。TheywerenosooneronshorethanMr。Strykermadehisarrangementsforfishing；havingsecuredbait，Dr。VanHorneandhimself，withoneofthemen，tookthePetrel'sboatandrowedofffromshore，changingtheirgroundoccasionally，untiltheyhadturnedthepointwhichformedthebayononeside，andwerenolongerinsight。DeVauxandSmithtooktheirgunsandwentintothewood；Charliebroughtouthissketchbook，andwassoonengagedintakingsometints，inwatercolours，fromaheavybankofcloudswhichhadbeenslowlyrisinginthewestforseveralhours。Hazlehurstwaslyingonthegrassnearhim，withaspy-glass，watchingacoupleofsloopsinthedistance：turninghisheadaccidentallytowardsthespotwheretheywerecommencingpreparationsfordinner，Harrysawoneofthemen，thenewrecruit，whomhehadnotyetremarked，lookingathimclosely。ItstruckHazlehurstthathehadmetthismanbefore；thesailorsawthathewasobserved，andafteramoment'shesitationheapproached，touchinghishatwiththecommonsalutationofaseaman，andlookingasifhewishedtospeak，butscarcelyknewhowtobegin。
　　“Haveyouanythingtosaytome，myfriend？——ItstrikesmeIhaveseenyourfacesomewherelately。“
　　“IfyouareMr。Hazlehurst，Iguess，sir，youseedmenotlongsince，“repliedtheman，alittleembarrassed。
　　ItsuddenlyflasheduponHarry'smind，thatitwasduringtheStanleytrialthathehadseenthisperson；yes，hecouldnotbemistaken，hewasoneofthewitnessesfortheplaintiffonthatoccasion。Hazlehurstgavehimakeenlook；thefellowfalteredalittle，butbeggedHarrytostepasideforamoment，ashewishedtospeakalonewithhim。Theymovedtotheadjoiningbank，withintheedgeofthewood，andaconversationfollowedofsomeconsequencetoHazlehurst，certainly。Afterafewprefatoryremarks，thismanofferedtomakeimportantrevelations，uponconditionthatheshouldbescreenedfromjustice——beingconsideredasstate'sevidence——andrewardedbyHarryforvolunteeringhisservices；towhichHazlehurstreadilyagreed。
　　Weshalltellhisstoryforhim，ratherasitappearedatalaterday，thanintheprecisewordsinwhichitwasfirstgivenatMartha'sVineyard。Byhisdisclosures，thevillany{sic}ofClappandhisclientwereplacedbeyondadoubt；andhehimselfwasgoodauthority，forhewasRobertStebbins，thewitnesswhohadsworntohavingreturnedthepocket-bookandtheaccompanyingdocumentstotheplaintiff，astheirrightfulowner；henowconfessedthathehadperjuredhimselfforaheavybribe，butstoodreadytoturnstate'sevidence，andrevealallheknewoftheplot。Thosepapershadactuallybeenplacedinhiscarethirteenyearssincebyhisownbrother，JonathanStebbins，whohaddiedofsmall-poxinanhospitalatMarseilles。ThisbrotherhadbeenafavouritecompanionofWilliamStanley'sfromhisfirstvoyage；theyhadshippedtogetherintheJefferson，andbeforesailing，Stanleyhadplacedapackageofpapersandotherarticles，forsafe-keeping，inanoldchestofStebbins's，whichwasleftwiththesailor'smotherinMassachusetts。TheywerewreckedintheJeffersononthecoastofAfrica，ashadbeenalreadyreported；buttheywerenotdrowned，theybothsucceededinreachingtheshore，havinglashedthemselvestothesamespar。
　　Itwasadesert，sandycoast，andtheywerealmoststarvedafterhavingreachedtheland；theironlyshelterwasasmallcaveinalowledgeofrocksnearthebeach；theyfeduponhalf-putridshell-fishthrownuponthesandsbythegale，andtheydrankfromthepoolsofrain-waterthathadformedontherockduringthestorm；fortheyhadsavednothingfromthewreckbutasealedbottle，containingtheirprotectionsasAmericansailors，somemoneyinanoldglove，andafewotherpapers。WilliamStanleyhadbeenillbeforethegale，andhehadnotstrengthtobearupagainstthesehardships；hedeclinedrapidly，andawarethathecouldnotlive，theyoungmanchargedhiscompanion，ifheeverreturnedtoAmerica，toseekhisfamily，relatethecircumstancesofhisdeath，andshowthepapersinthebottle——anoldlettertohimself，andwithinitthenoticeofhisfather'smarriage，whichhehadcutfromapaper，obtainedfromanAmericanvesselspokenonthevoyage——andalsothepackageleftonshoreintheoldchest，asthesedocumentswouldbeconsideredtestimonialsofhisveracity。HefartherchargedStebbinstosaythatheaskedhisfather'sforgiveness，acknowledgingthathediedrepentingofhispastmisconduct。Thethirddayafterthegaletheyoungmanexpired，andStebbinsburiedhiminthesandnearthecave。Thesurvivorhadahardstruggleforlife；therain-waterhadsoondriedaway，andhesetoutatnightinsearchofaspringtorelievehisthirst，stillkeepinginsightoftheshore。Asthemorningsunrose，whenallbutexhausted，hediscoveredonthebeachseveralobjectsfromthewreck，whichhaddriftedinthatdirection，thewindhavingchangedafterthegale。Hefoundakegofspiritsandsomehalf-spoiledbiscuit，andbythesemeanshislifewasprolonged。Hemadeabagofhisshirt，boundafewthingsonhisback，andburiedothersinthesand，toreturntoifnecessary，andthencontinuedtofollowtheshorenorthward，insearchofsomespringorstream。Fortunately，hesooncametoawoodytractwhichpromisedwater，andclimbingatreehewatchedthewildanimals，hopingtodiscoverwheretheydrank；atlength，followingaflockofantelopes，hecamesuddenlyuponthebankofastreamofsomesize；andtohisunspeakablejoy，sawontheoppositebankapartyofwhitemen，thefirsthumanbeingshehadbeheldsinceStanley'sdeath；theyprovedtobeSwedesbelongingtoashipintheoffing；andimmediatelytookhimintotheirboat。ThevesselwasboundtoStockholm，whereshecarriedyoungStanley'sshipmate；fromtherehewenttoSt。Petersburgh，wherehemetwiththebrotherwhorelatedhisstorytoHazlehurst，andbothsoonafterenlistedintheRussiannavy。
　　TheyweresenttotheBlackSea，andkeptthereandintheMediterraneanforfiveyears，untiltheelderbrother，JonathanStebbins，diedofsmall-poxinahospitalatMarseilles，havingneverreturnedtoAmericasincethewreckoftheJefferson。
　　Beforehisdeath，however，heleftallhiseffectsandWilliamStanley'spaperstohisbrother。Thisman，RobertStebbins，seemedtohavepaidverylittleattentiontothedocuments；itwasbymerechancethathepreservedtheoldletter，andthemarriagenoticewithinit，forheconfessedthathehadtornuptheprotection，oncewhenhewantedabitofpaper：hehadneverknownWilliamStanleyhimself，theinquiriesabouttheyoungmanhadceasedbeforehereturnedtoAmerica，andhehadattachednoimportancewhatevertothesepapers。Hehadleftthemwheretheyhadfirstbeenplaced，intheoldsea-chestathismother'shouse，nearNewBedford，whileheledtheusualwanderinglifeofasailor。HetoldHarrythathehadatlastquiteforgottenthispackage，untilheaccidentallyfellinwithamancallinghimselfWilliamStanley，atalowtavern，onlysomefiveorsixyearssince，and，tohisamazement，heardhimdeclarehehadbeenwreckedintheJefferson。
　　{“protection“=apapertestifyingtotheAmericancitizenshipofaseaman，carriedtoprotecthimagainstbeingforcedintotheBritishNavyasanEnglishman。Stebbins'survivalreflectsdescriptionsofashipwreckontheAtlanticcoastofNorthAfricainJamesFenimoreCooper's“HomewardBound“1838}
　　“Thefellowwashalf-drunk，“saidStebbins；“butIknewhisyarnwasalieallthetime，forIhadsailedwithhiminanothership，atthetimemybrotherJonathanwaswreckedintheJefferson。HeshippedthenunderthenameofBenson，butIknewhisrealnamewasEdwardHopgood——“
　　“EdwardHopgood！”exclaimedHarry，passinghishandoverhisforehead——“surelyIhaveheardthatnamebefore。Waitamoment，“
　　headded，toStebbins；whileheendeavouredtorecollectwhythatname，singularinitself，hadafamiliarsoundtohim。Atlengthhiseyebrightened，thewholematterbecamemoreclear；herecollectedwhenamerechild，ayearortwobeforeMr。Stanley'sdeath，whilestayingatGreatwoodduringavacation，tohaveheardofthebadconductofayoungmannamedEdwardHopgood，alawyer'sclerkintheadjoiningvillage，whohadcommittedforgeryandthenrunaway。ThecircumstanceshadoccurredwhileHarrywasatGreatwood，andhadbeensomuchtalkedofinaquiet，countryneighbourhood，astomakeadecidedimpressiononhimself，childashewas。HarryalsorememberedtohaveheardMr。
　　StanleytellMr。WyllysthatthisHopgoodwasverydistantlyrelatedtohimself，throughthemother，whohadmadeaverybadconnexion；adding，thatthisladhadbeenatGreatwood，andwouldhavebeenassistedbyhimself，hadhenotbehavedverybadly，anddonesomuchtoinjurehisownsonthathehadbeenforbiddenthehouse。Harryfartherremembered，thatClapphadbelongedtothesameofficefromwhichthisHopgoodhadrunaway。Therewas，however，onepointwhichhedidnotunderstand；hethoughthehadsinceheardthatthisHopgoodhadturnedactor，anddiedlongsinceofyellow-fever，atNewOrleans。Still，hefeltconvincedthattherewasagoodfoundationforStebbins'sstory，andhehopedsoontounravelthewholeplot，fromthecluethusplacedinhishands。
　　“Goon，“saidHarry，afterthispause。“Yousaythisman，whomyouknewtobeHopgood，calledhimselfWilliamStanley。Whatbecameofhim？”
　　“Itisthesamechapthathoistedyourcolours，Mr。Hazlehurst；
　　himthatthejurygavetheverdicttoinPhiladelphia。“
　　“Yes；Iknewitmustbethesameindividualbeforeyouspoke，“
　　saidHarry，withaviewtokeephisinformantaccurate。“ButhowdidyouknowthathisnamewasHopgood？foryousayhehadshippedunderanother。“
　　“Iknewitbecausehehadtoldmesohimself。Hetoldmehowhehadrunawayfromalawyer'sofficeinPennsylvany，gonetoNewOrleansandturnedplay-actorawhile，thenshammeddead，andhadhisnameprintedinthepapersamongthemthatdiedofyellow-fever。Hetoldmeallthatinhisfirstvoyage，whenwewereshipmates，andthatwasjustthetimethatmybrotherJonathanwaswreckedintheJefferson。“
　　“WhenyouafterwardsheardhimsayhewasWilliamStanley，didyoutellhimyouknewhisrealname？”
　　“Yes；ItoldhimIknewhelied；formybrotherhadburiedStanleywithhisownhands，andthatIhadhispapersathome。
　　Thenhetoldme，hewasonlylaughingatthegreen-horns。“
　　“DidyoumentiontoanyoneatthetimethatyouknewthismanwasnotWilliamStanley？”
　　“No，sir，forIdidn'tspeaktohimuntilwewerealone；andwepartedcompanynextmorning，forIwenttosea。“
　　“WhendidyounextseeHopgood？”
　　“Well，Ididn'tfallinwithhimagainforalongwhile，untilthislastspring。WhenIcamehomefromavoyagetoChinaintheMandarin，lastMay，Iwenttomymother's，nearNewBedford，andthenIfoundachaphadbeentoseeherinthewinter，andpersuadedhertogivehimallthepapersintheoldchest，thathadbelongedtoWilliamStanley，makingouthewasoneoftheyoungman'srelations。ItwasthatlawyerClapp；andHopgoodhadputhimonthetrackofthem'erepapers。“
　　“Whatwerethedocumentsinyourchest？”
　　“Mostofwhattheyhadtoshowcamefromme：tobesure，Hopgoodhadgotsomelettersandpapers，writtentohimselfoflateyearsunderthenameofWilliamStanley；butalltheyhadbeforethewreckoftheJeffersoncamefromme。“