Elbridgestoppedaminutetothink，afterAbelhadfinished。
　　“Who’stookcareo’themthingsthatwasonthehoss？“hesaid，gravely。
　　“Waal，Langden，heseemedtokin’o’thinkI’doughttohave’em，——
　　’n’theSquire；hedidn’seemtohaveno’bjection；’n’so，——waal，I
　　calc’lateIsh’lljes’holtonto’emmyself；theya’n’tgoodf’rmuch，butthey’recur’oust’keept’lookat。”
　　Mr。Veneer’smandidnotappearmuchgratifiedbythisarrangement，especiallyashehadashrewdsuspicionthatsomeoftheornamentsofthebridlewereofpreciousmetal，havingmadeoccasionalexaminationsofthemwiththeedgeofafile。Buthedidnotseeexactlywhattodoaboutit，excepttogetthemfromAbelinthewayofbargain。
　　“Waal，no，——theya’n’tgoodformuch’xcep’tolookat。’Fy’everridonthatseddleonce，y’wouldn’tryitag’in，veryspry，——not’fy’c’dhaalpy’rsaalf。
　　Itriedit，——darned’fIsotdaownf’rth’nex’week，——eatallmyvictualsstan’in’。Ish’dliket’hevthemthingswalenoughtohengup’nthestable；’fy’wantt’tradesomeday，fetch’emalongdaown。”
　　AbelratherexpectedthatElbridgewouldhavelaidclaimtothesaddleandbridleonthestrengthofsomepromiseorotherpresumptivetitle，andthoughthimselfluckytogetoffwithonlyofferingtothinkabaouttradin’。
　　WhenElbridgereturnedtothehouse，hefoundthefamilyinastateofgreatexcitement。Mr。VennerhadtoldOldSophy，andshehadinformedtheotherservants。Everybodyknewwhathadhappened，exceptingElsie。Herfatherhadchargedthemalltosaynothingaboutittoher；hewouldtellher，whenshecamedown。
　　Heheardherstepatlast，——alight，glidingstep，——solightthathercomingwasoftenunheard，exceptbythosewhoperceivedthefaintrustlethatwentwithit。Shewaspalerthancommonthismorning，asshecameintoherfather’sstudy。
　　Afterafewwordsofsalutation，hesaidquietly，“Elsie，mydear，yourcousinRichardhasleftus。”
　　Shegrewstillpaler，assheasked，“Ishedead？“
　　DudleyVennerstartedtoseetheexpressionwithwhichElsieputthisquestion。
　　“Heisliving，——butdeadtousfromthisdayforward。”saidherfather。
　　Heproceededtotellher，inageneralway，thestoryhehadjustheardfromAbel。Therecouldbenodoubtingit；——herememberedhimastheDoctor’sman；andasAbelhadseenallwithhisowneyes，asDick’schamber，whenunlockedwithasparekey，wasfoundempty，andhisbedhadnotbeensleptin，heacceptedthewholeaccountastrue。
　　WhenhetoldofDick’sattemptontheyoungschoolmaster，“YouknowMr。Langdonverywell，Elsie，——aperfectlyinoffensiveyoungman，asIunderstand。”Elsieturnedherfaceawayandslidalongbythewalltothewindowwhichlookedoutohthelittlegrass-plotwiththewhitestonestandinginit。Herfathercouldnotseeherface，butheknewbyhermovementsthatherdangerousmoodwasonher。Whensheheardthesequelofthestory，thediscomfitureandcaptureofDick，sheturnedroundforaninstant，withalookofcontemptandofsomethingliketriumphuponherface。Herfathersawthathercousinhadbecomeodioustoher：Heknewwell，byeverychangeofhercountenance，byhermovements，byeveryvaryingcurveofhergracefulfigure，thetransitionsfrontpassiontorepose，fromfierceexcitementtothedulllanguorwhichoftensucceededherthreateningparoxysms。
　　Sheremainedlookingoutatthewindow。Agroupofwhitefan-tailedpigeonshadlightedonthegreenplotbeforeitandclusteredaboutoneoftheircompanionswholayonhisback，flutteringinastrangeway，withoutspreadwingsandtwitchingfeet。Elsieutteredafaintcry；thesewereherspecialfavoritesandoftenfedfromherhand。
　　Shethrewopenthelongwindow，sprangout，caughtupthewhitefantail，andheldittoherbosom。Thebirdstretchedhimselfout，andthenlaystill，withopeneyes，lifeless。Shelookedathimamoment，and，slidinginthroughtheopenwindowandthroughthestudy，soughtherownapartment，whereshelockedherselfin，andbegantosobandmoanlikethosethatweep。Butthegracioussolaceoftearsseemedtobedeniedher，andhergrief，likeheranger，wasadullache，longing，likethat，tofinishitselfwithafierceparoxysm，butwantingitsnaturaloutlet。
　　Thisseeminglytriflingincidentofthedeathofherfavoriteappearedtochangeallthecurrentofherthought。Whetheritwerethesightofthedyingbird，orthethoughtthatherownagencymighthavebeepconcernedinit，orsomedeepergrief，whichtookthisoccasiontodeclareitself，——somedarkremorseorhopelesslonging，——
　　whateveritmightbe，therewasanunwontedtumultinhersoul。Towhomshouldshegoinhervaguemisery？OnlytoHimwhoknowsallHiscreatures’sorrows，andlistenstothefaintesthumancry。Sheknelt，asshehadbeentaughttokneelfromherchildhood，andtriedtopray。Butherthoughtsrefusedtoflowinthelanguageofsupplication。Shecouldnotpleadforherselfasotherwomenpleadintheirhoursofanguish。Sheroselikeonewhoshouldstooptodrink，andfinddustintheplaceofwater。Partlyfromrestlessness，partlyfromanattractionshehardlyavowedtoherself，shefollowedherusualhabitandstrolledlistlesslyalongtotheschool。
　　OfcourseeverybodyattheInstitutewasfulloftheterribleadventureoftheprecedingevening。Mr。Bernardfeltpoorlyenough；
　　buthehadmadeitapointtoshowhimselfthenextmorning，asifnothinghadhappened。HelenDarleyknewnothingofitalluntilshehardrisen，whenthegossipymatronoftheestablishmentmadeheracquaintedwithallitsdetails，embellishedwithsuchadditionalornamentalappendagesasithadcaughtupintransmissionfromliptolip。Shedidnotlovetobetrayhersensibilities，butshewaspaleandtremulousandverynearlytearfulwhenMr。Bernardenteredthesitting-room，showingonhisfeaturestracesoftheviolentshockhehadreceivedandtheheavyslumberfromwhichhehadrisenwiththrobbingbrows。Whatthepoorgirl’simpulsewas，onseeinghim，weneednotinquiretoocuriously。Ifhehadbeenherownbrother，shewouldhavekissedhimandcriedonhisneck；butsomethingheldherback。Thereisnogalvanisminkiss-your-brother；itiscopperagainstcopper：butalienbloodsdevelopstrangecurrents，whentheyflowclosetoeachother，withonlythefilmsthatcoverlipandcheekbetweenthem。Mr。Bernard，assomeofusmayremember，violatedtheproprietiesandlaidhimselfopentoreproachbyhisenterprisewithabouncingvillage-girl，towhoserosycheekanhonestsmackwasnotprobablyanabsolutenovelty。Hemadeitallupbyhisdiscretionandgoodbehaviornow。HesawbyHelen’smoisteyeandtremblinglipthatherwoman’sheartwasoffitsguard，andheknew，bytheinfallibleinstinctofsex，thatheshouldbeforgiven，ifhethankedherforhersisterlysympathiesinthemostnaturalway，——expressive，andatthesametimeeconomicalofbreathandutterance。Hewouldnotgiveafalselooktotheirfriendshipbyanysuchdemonstration。Helenwasalittleolderthanhimself，buttheaureoleofyoungwomanhoodhadnotyetbeguntofadefromaroundher。
　　Shewassurroundedbythatenchantedatmosphereintowhichthegirlwalkswithdreamyeyes，andoutofwhichthewomanpasseswithastorywrittenonherforehead。Somepeoplethinkverylittleoftheserefinements；theyhavenotstudiedmagnetismandthelawofthesquareofthedistance。
　　SoMr。BernardthankedHelenforherinterestwithouttheaidofthetwenty-seventhletterofthealphabet，——thelovelabial，——thelimpingconsonantwhichittakestwotospeakplain。Indeed，hescarcelylethersayaword，atfirst；forhesawthatitwashardforhertoconcealheremotion。Nowonder；hehadcomewithinahair’s-breadthoflosinghislife，andhehadbeenaverykindfriendandaverydearcompaniontoher。
　　Thereweresomecuriousspiritualexperiencesconnectedwithhislastevening’sadventurewhichwereworkingverystronglyinhismind。ItwasborneinuponhimirresistiblythathehadbeendeadsincehehadseenHelen，——asdeadasthesonoftheWidowofNainbeforethebierwastouchedandhesatupandbegantospeak。Therewasanintervalbetweentwoconsciousmomentswhichappearedtohimlikeatemporaryannihilation，andthethoughtsitsuggestedwereworryinghimwithstrangeperplexities。
　　Herememberedseeingthedarkfigureonhorsebackriseinthesaddleandsomethingleapfromitshand。Herememberedthethrillhefeltasthecoilsettledonhisshoulders，andthesuddenimpulsewhichledhimtofireashedid。Withthereportofthepistolallbecameblank，untilhefoundhimselfinastrange，bewilderedstate，gropingaboutfortheweapon，whichhehadavagueconsciousnessofhavingdropped。But，accordingtoAbel’saccount，theremusthavebeenanintervalofsomeminutesbetweentheserecollections，andhecouldnothelpasking，Wherewasthemind，thesoul，thethinkingprinciple，allthistime？
　　Amanisstunnedbyablowwithastickonthehead。Hebecomesunconscious。Anothermangetsaharderblowontheheadfromabiggerstick，anditkillshim。Doeshebecomeunconscious，too？Ifso，whendoeshecometohisconsciousness？Themanwhohashadaslightormoderateblowcomestohimselfwhentheimmediateshockpassesoffandtheorgansbegintoworkagain，orwhenabitoftheskullispriedup，ifthathappenstobebroken。Supposetheblowishardenoughtospoilthebrainandstoptheplayoftheorgans，whathappensthem？
　　ABritishcaptainwasstruckbyacannon-ballonthehead，justashewasgivinganorder，attheBattleoftheNile。FifteenmonthsafterwardshewastrephinedatGreenwichHospital，havingbeeninsensibleallthattime。Immediatelyaftertheoperationhisconsciousnessreturned，andheatoncebegancarryingouttheorderhewasgivingwhentheshotstruckhim。Supposehehadneverbeentrephined，whenwouldhisconsciousnesshavereturned？Whenhisbreathceasedandhisheartstoppedbeating？
　　WhenMr。BernardsaidtoHelen，“IhavebeendeadsinceIsawyou。”
　　itstartledhernotalittle；forhisexpressionwasthatofperfectgoodfaith，andshefearedthathismindwasdisordered。Whenheexplained，notashasbeendonejustnow，atlength，butinahurried，imperfectway，themeaningofhisstrangeassertion，andthefearfulSadduceeismswhichithadsuggestedtohismind，shelookedtroubledatfirst，andthenthoughtful。Shedidnotfeelabletoanswerallthedifficultiesheraised，butshemetthemwiththatfaithwhichisthestrengthaswellastheweaknessofwomen，——whichmakesthemweakinthehandsofman，butstronginthepresenceoftheUnseen。
　　“Itisastrangeexperience。”shesaid；“butIoncehadsomethinglikeit。Ifainted，andlostsomefiveortenminutesoutofmylife，asmuchasifIhadbeendead。ButwhenIcametomyself，I
　　wasthesamepersoneveryway，inmyrecollectionsandcharacter。SoIsupposethatlossofconsciousnessisnotdeath。AndifIwasbornoutofunconsciousnessintoinfancywithmanyfamily-traitsofmindandbody，Icanbelieve，frommyownreason，evenwithouthelpfromRevelation，thatIshallbebornagainoutoftheunconsciousnessofdeathwithmyindividualtraitsofmindandbody。Ifdeathis，asitshouldseemtobe，alossofconsciousness，thatdoesnotshakemyfaith；forIhavebeenputintoabodyoncealreadytofitmeforlivinghere，andIhopetobeinsomewayfittedafterthislifetoenjoyabetterone。ButitisalltrustinGodandinhisWord。
　　Theseareenoughforme；Ihopetheyareforyou。”
　　Helenwasaminister’sdaughter，andfamiliarfromherchildhoodwiththisclassofquestions，especiallywithallthedoubtsandperplexitieswhicharesuretoassaileverythinkingchildbredinanyinorganicornotthoroughlyvitalizedfaith，——asistoooftenthecasewiththechildrenofprofessionaltheologians。ThekindofdisciplinetheyaresubjectedtoislikethatoftheFlat-HeadIndianpappooses。Atfiveortenorfifteenyearsoldtheyputtheirhandsuptotheirforeheadsandask，Whataretheystrappingdownmybrainsinthiswayfor？SotheytearoffthesacredbandagesofthegreatFlat-Headtribe，andtherefollowsamightyrushofbloodtothelong-compressedregion。Thisaccounts，inthemostlucidmanner，forthosesuddenfreakswithwhichcertainchildrenofthisclassastonishtheirworthyparentsattheperiod，oflifewhentheyaregrowingfast，and，thefrontalpressurebeginningtobefeltassomethingintolerable，theytearofftheholycompresses。
　　Thehourforschoolcame，andtheywenttothegreathallforstudy。
　　ItwouldnothaveoccurredtoMr。SilasPeckhamtoaskhisassistantwhetherhefeltwellenoughtoattendtohisduties；andMr。Bernardchosetobeathispost。Alittleheadacheandconfusionwereallthatremainedofhissymptoms。
　　Later，inthecourseoftheforenoon，ElsieVennercameandtookherplace。Thegirlsallstaredather——naturallyenough；foritwashardlytohavebeenexpectedthatshewouldshowherself，aftersuchaneventinthehouseholdtowhichshebelonged。Herexpressionwassomewhatpeculiar，and，ofcourse，wasattributedtotheshockherfeelingshadundergoneonhearingofthecrimeattemptedbyhercousinanddailycompanion。Whenshewaslookingonherbook，oronanyindifferentobject，hercountenancebetrayedsomeinwarddisturbance，whichknittedherdarkbrows，andseemedtothrowadeepershadowoverherfeatures。But，fromtimetotime，shewouldlifthereyestowardMr。Bernard，andletthemrestuponhim，withoutathought，seemingly，thatsheherselfwasthesubjectofobservationorremark。Thentheyseemedtolosetheircoldglitter，andsoftenintoastrange，dreamytenderness。Thedeepinstinctsofwomanhoodwerestrivingtogropetheirwaytothesurfaceofherbeingthroughallthealieninfluenceswhichoverlaidthem。Shecouldbesecretandcunninginworkingoutanyofherdangerousimpulses，butshedidnotknowhowtomasktheunwontedfeelingwhichfixedhereyesandherthoughtsupontheonlypersonwhohadeverreachedthespringofherhiddensympathies。
　　ThegirlsalllookedatElsie，whenevertheycouldstealaglanceunperceived，andmanyofthemwerestruckwiththissingularexpressionherfeatureswore。Theyhadlongwhispereditaroundamongeachotherthatshehadalikingforthemaster；butthereweretoomanyofthemofwhomsomethinglikethiscouldbesaid，tomakeitveryremarkable。Now，however，whensomanylittleheartswereflutteringatthethoughtoftheperilthroughwhichthehandsomeyoungmasterhadsorecentlypassed，theyweremorealivethanevertothesupposedrelationbetweenhimandthedarkschool-girl。Somehadsupposedtherewasamutualattachmentbetweenthem；therewasastorythattheyweresecretlybetrothed，inaccordancewiththerumorwhichhadbeencurrentinthevillage。Atanyrate，someconflictwasgoingoninthatstill，remote，cloudedsoul，andallthegirlswholookeduponherfacewereimpressedandawedastheyhadneverbeenbeforebytheshadowsthatpassedoverit。
　　OneofthesegirlswasmorestronglyarrestedbyElsie’slookthantheothers。Thiswasadelicate，pallidcreature，withahighforehead，andwide-openpupils，whichlookedasiftheycouldtakeinalltheshapesthatflitinwhat，tocommoneyes，isdarkness，——agirlsaidtobeclairvoyantundercertaininfluences。Intherecess，asitwascalled，orintervalofsuspendedstudiesinthemiddleoftheforenoon，thisgirlcarriedherautograph-book，——forshehadoneofthoseindispensableappendagesoftheboarding-schoolmissofeverydegree，——andaskedElsietowritehernameinit。Shehadanirresistiblefeeling，that，soonerorlater，andperhapsverysoon，therewouldattachanunusualinteresttothisautograph。Elsietookthepenandwrote，inhersharpItalianhand，ElsieVenner，Infelix。
　　Itwasaremembrance，doubtless，oftheforlornqueenofthe“AEneid“；butitscomingtoherthoughtinthiswayconfirmedthesensitiveschool-girlinherfearsforElsie，andsheletfallatearuponthepagebeforesheclosedit。
　　Ofcourse，thekeenandpractisedobservationofHelenDarleycouldnotfailtonoticethechangeofElsie’smannerandexpression。Shehadlongseenthatshewasattractedtotheyoungmaster，andhadthought，astheoldDoctordid，thatanyimpressionwhichacteduponheraffectionsmightbethemeansofawakeninganewlifeinhersingularlyisolatednature。Now，however，theconcentrationofthepoorgirl’sthoughtsupontheoneobjectwhichhadhadpowertoreachherdeepersensibilitieswassopainfullyrevealedinherfeatures，thatHelenbegantofearoncemore，lestMr。Bernard，inescapingthetreacherousviolenceofanassassin，hadbeenlefttotheequallydangerousconsequencesofaviolent，engrossingpassioninthebreastofayoungcreaturewhoseloveitwouldberuintoadmitandmightbedeadlytoreject。Sheknewherownhearttoowelltofearthatanyjealousymightminglewithhernewapprehensions。ItwasunderstoodbetweenBernardandHelenthattheyweretoogoodfriendstotamperwiththesilencesandedgingproximitiesoflovemaking。Sheknew，too，thesimplyhuman，notmasculine，interestwhichMr。BernardtookinElsie；hehadbeenfrankwithHelen，andmorethansatisfiedherthatwithallthepityandsympathywhichoverflowedhissoul，whenhethoughtofthestrickengirl，thereminglednotonedropofsuchloveasayouthmayfeelforamaiden。
　　ItmayhelpthereadertogainsomeunderstandingoftheanomalousnatureofElsieVeneer，ifwelookwithHelenintoMr。Bernard’sopinionsandfeelingswithreferencetoher，astheyhadshapedthemselvesinhisconsciousnessattheperiodofwhichwearespeaking。
　　Atfirsthehadbeenimpressedbyherwildbeauty，andthecontrastofallherlooksandwayswiththoseofthegirlsaroundher。
　　Presentlyasenseofsomeill-definedpersonalelement，whichhalf-
　　attractedandhalf-repelledthosewholookeduponher，andespeciallythoseonwhomshelooked，begantomakeitselfobvioustohim，ashesoonfounditwaspainfullysensibletohismoresusceptiblecompanion，thelady-teacher。Itwasnotmerelyinthecoldlightofherdiamondeyes，butinallhermovements，inhergracefulposturesasshesat，inhercostume，and，hesometimesthought，eveninherspeech，thatthisobscureandexceptionalcharacterbetrayeditself。
　　WhenHelenhadsaid，that，iftheywerelivingintimeswhenhumanbeingsweresubjecttopossession，sheshouldhavethoughttherewassomethingnothumanaboutElsie，itstruckanunsuspectedveinofthoughtinhisownmind，whichhehatedtoputinwords，butwhichwascontinuallytryingtoarticulateitselfamongthedumbthoughtswhichlieundertheperpetualstreamofmentalwhispers。
　　Mr。Bernard’sprofessionaltraininghadmadehimslowtoacceptmarvellousstoriesandmanyformsofsuperstition。Yet，asamanofscience，hewellknewthatjustonthevergeofthedemonstrablefactsofphysicsandphysiologythereisanebulousborder-landwhichwhatiscalled“commonsense“perhapsdoeswiselynottoenter，butwhichuncommonsense，orthefineapprehensionofprivilegedintelligences，maycautiouslyexplore，andinsodoingfinditselfbehindthesceneswhichmakeupforthegazingworldtheshowwhichiscalledNature。
　　Itwaswithsomethingofthisfinerperception，perhapswithsomedegreeofimaginativeexaltation，thathesethimselftosolvingtheproblemofElsie’sinfluencetoattractandrepelthosearoundher。
　　Hisletteralreadysubmittedtothereaderhintsinwhatdirectionhisthoughtsweredisposedtoturn。Herewasamagnificentorganization，superbinvigorouswomanhood，withabeautysuchasnevercomesbutaftergenerationsofculture；yetthroughallthisrichnaturethereransomealiencurrentofinfluence，sinuousanddark，aswhenacloudedstreakseamsthewhitemarbleofaperfectstatue。
　　Itwouldbeneedlesstorepeattheparticularsuggestionswhichhadcomeintohismind，astheymustprobablyhavecomeintothatofthereaderwhohasnotedthesingularitiesofElsie’stastesandpersonaltraits。Theimageswhichcertainpoetshaddreamedofseemedtohavebecomearealitybeforehisowneyes。ThencamethatunexplainedadventureofTheMountain，——almostlikeadreaminrecollection，yetassuredlyrealinsomeofitsmainincidents，——withallthatitrevealedorhinted。Thisgirldidnotfeartovisitthedreadedregion，wheredangerlurkedineverynookandbeneatheverytuftofleaves。Didthetenantsofthefatalledgerecognizesomemysteriousaffinitywhichmadethemtributarytothecoldglitterofherdiamondeyes，？Wasshefromherbirthoneofthosefrightfulchildren，suchashehadreadabout，andtheProfessorhadtoldhimof，whoformunnaturalfriendshipswithcold，writhingophidians？Therewasnoneedofsounwelcomeathoughtasthis；shehaddrawnhimawayfromthedarkopeningintherockatthemomentwhenheseemedtobethreatenedbyoneofitsmalignantdenizens；thatwasallhecouldbesureof；thecounter-fascinationmighthavebeenadream，afancy，acoincidence。Allwonderfulthingssoongrowdoubtfulinourownminds，asdoevencommonevents，ifgreatinterestsprovesuddenlytoattachtotheirtruthorfalsehood——
　　I，whoamtellingoftheseoccurrences，sawafriendinthegreatcity，onthemorningofamostmemorabledisaster，hoursafterthetimewhenthetrainwhichcarrieditsvictimstotheirdoomhadleft。
　　Italkedwithhim，andwasforsomeminutes，atleast，inhiscompany。WhenIreachedhome，Ifoundthatthestoryhadgonebeforethathewasamongthelost，andIalonecouldcontradictittohisweepingfriendsandrelatives。Ididcontradictit；but，alas！I
　　begansoontodoubtmyself，penetratedbythecontagionoftheirsolicitude；myrecollectionbegantoquestionitself；theorderofeventsbecamedislocated；andwhenIheardthathehadreachedhomeinsafety，thereliefwasalmostasgreattomeastothosewhohadexpectedtoseetheirownbrother’sfacenomore。
　　Mr。Bernardwasdisposed，then，nottoacceptthethoughtofanyodiouspersonalrelationshipofthekindwhichhadsuggesteditselftohimwhenhewrotetheletterreferredto。Thatthegirlhadsomethingoftheferalnature，herwild，lawlessramblesinforbiddenandblastedregionsofTheMountainatallhours，herfamiliaritywiththelonelyhauntswhereanyotherhumanfootwassorarelyseen，provedclearlyenough。Butthemorehethoughtofallherstrangeinstinctsandmodesofbeing，themorehebecameconvincedthatwhateveralienimpulseswayedherwillandmodulatedordivertedordisplacedheraffectionscamefromsomeimpressionthatreachedfarbackintothepast，beforethedayswhenthefaithfulOldSophyhadrockedherinthecradle。Hebelievedthatshehadbroughtherrulingtendency，whateveritwas，intotheworldwithher。
　　Whentheschoolwasoverandthegirlshadallgone，HelenlingeredintheschoolroomtospeakwithMr。Bernard。
　　“DidyouremarkElsie’swaysthisforenoon？“shesaid。
　　“No，notparticularly；IhavenotnoticedanythingassharplyasI
　　commonlydo；myheadhasbeenalittlequeer，andIhavebeenthinkingoverwhatweweretalkingabout，andhownearIcametosolvingthegreatproblemwhicheverydaymakescleartosuchmultitudesofpeople。WhataboutElsie？“
　　“Bernard，herlikingforyouisgrowingintoapassion。Ihavestudiedgirlsforalongwhile，andIknowthedifferencebetweentheirpassingfanciesandtheirrealemotions。Itoldyou，youremember，thatRosawouldhavetoleaveus；webarelymissedascene，Ithink，ifnotawholetragedy，byhergoingattherightmoment。
　　ButElsieisinfinitelymoredangeroustoherselfandothers。
　　Women’sloveisfierceenough，ifitoncegetsthemasteryofthem，always；butthispoorgirldoesnotknowwhattodowithapassion。”
　　Mr。BernardhadnevertoldHelenthestoryoftheflowerinhisVirgil，orthatotheradventure——whichhewouldhavefeltawkwardlytoreferto；butithadbeenperfectlyunderstoodbetweenthemthatElsieshowedinherownsingularwayawell-markedpartialityfortheyoungmaster。
　　“Whydon’ttheytakeherawayfromtheschool，ifsheisinsuchastrange，excitablestate？“saidMr。Bernard。
　　“Ibelievetheyareafraidofher。”Helenanswered。“Itisjustoneofthosecasesthataretenthousandthousandtimesworsethaninsanity。Idon’tthinkfromwhatIhear，thatherfatherhasevergivenuphopingthatshewilloutgrowherpeculiarities。Oh，thesepeculiarchildrenforwhomparentsgoonhopingeverymorninganddespairingeverynight！IfIcouldtellyouhalfthatmothershavetoldme，youwouldfeelthattheworstofalldiseasesofthemoralsenseandthewillarethosewhichalltheBedlamsturnawayfromtheirdoorsasnotbeingcasesofinsanity！“
　　“Doyouthinkherfatherhastreatedherjudiciously？“saidMr。
　　Bernard。
　　“Ithink。”saidHelen，withalittlehesitation，whichMr。Bernarddidnothappentonotice，——“Ithinkhehasbeenverykindandindulgent，andIdonotknowthathecouldhavetreatedherotherwisewithabetterchanceofsuccess。”
　　“Hemustofcoursebefondofher。”Mr。Bernardsaid；“thereisnothingelseintheworldforhimtolove。”
　　Helendroppedabooksheheldinherhand，and，stoopingtopickitup，thebloodrushedintohercheeks。
　　“Itisgettinglate。”shesaid；“youmustnotstayanylongerinthiscloseschoolroom。Pray，goandgetalittlefreshairbeforedinner-
　　time。”
　　CHAPTERXXVII。
　　ASOULINDISTRESS。
　　Theeventstoldinthelasttwochaptershadtakenplacetowardthecloseoftheweek。OnSaturdayeveningtheReverendChauncyFairweatherreceivedanotewhichwasleftathisdoorbyanunknownpersonwhodepartedwithoutsayingaword。Itswordswerethese：
　　“OnewhoisindistressofmindrequeststheprayersofthiscongregationthatGodwouldbepleasedtolookinmercyuponthesoulthathehasafflicted。”
　　Therewasnothingtoshowfromwhomthenotecame，orthesexorageorspecialsourceofspiritualdiscomfortoranxietyofthewriter。
　　Thehandwritingwasdelicateandmightwellbeawoman’s。Theclergymanwasnotawareofanyparticularafflictionamonghisparishionerswhichwaslikelytobemadethesubjectofarequestofthiskind。SurelyneitheroftheVennerswouldadvertisetheattemptedcrimeoftheirrelativeinthisway。Butwhoelsewasthere？Themorehethoughtaboutit，themoreitpuzzledhim，andashedidnotliketoprayinthedark，withoutknowingforwhomhewaspraying，hecouldthinkofnothingbetterthantostepintooldDoctorKittredge’sandseewhathehadtosayaboutit。
　　TheoldDoctorwassittingaloneinhisstudywhentheReverendMr。
　　Fairweatherwasusheredin。Hereceivedhisvisitorverypleasantly，expecting，asamatterofcourse，thathewouldbeginwithsomenewgrievance，dyspeptic，neuralgic，bronchitic，orother。Theminister，however，beganwithquestioningtheoldDoctoraboutthesequeloftheothernight’sadventure；forhewasalreadygettingalittleJesuitical，andkeptbacktheobjectofhisvisituntilitshouldcomeupasifaccidentallyinthecourseofconversation。
　　“Itwasaprettyboldthingtogooffalonewiththatreprobate，asyoudid。”saidtheminister。
　　“Idon’tknowwhattherewasboldaboutit。”theDoctoranswered。
　　“Allhewantedwastogetaway。Hewasnotquiteareprobate，yousee；hedidn’tlikethethoughtofdisgracinghisfamilyorfacinghisuncle。Ithinkhewasashamedtoseehiscousin，too，afterwhathehaddone。”
　　“Didhetalkwithyouontheway？“
　　“Notmuch。Forhalfanhourorsohedidn’tspeakaword。ThenheaskedwhereIwasdrivinghim。Itoldhim，andheseemedtobesurprisedintoasortofgratefulfeeling。Badenough，nodoubt，butmightbeworse。Hassomehumanityleftinhimyet。Lethimgo。Godcanjudgehim，——Ican’t。”
　　“Youaretoocharitable，Doctor。”theministersaid。“Icondemnhimjustasifhehadcarriedouthisproject，which，theysay，wastomakeitappearasiftheschoolmasterhadcommittedsuicide。That’swhatpeoplethinktheropefoundbyhimwasfor。Hehassavedhisneck，——buthissoulisalostone，Iamafraid，beyondquestion。”
　　“Ican’tjudgemen’ssouls。”theDoctorsaid。“Icanjudgetheiracts，andholdthemresponsibleforthose，——butIdon’tknowmuchabouttheirsouls。IfyouorIhadfoundoursoulinahalf-breedbody；andbeenturnedloosetorunamongtheIndians，wemighthavebeenplayingjustsuchtricksasthisfellowhasbeentrying。WhatifyouorIhadinheritedallthetendenciesthatwerebornwithhiscousinElsie？“
　　“Oh，thatremindsme。”——theministersaid，inasuddenway，——“Ihavereceivedanote，whichIamrequestedtoreadfromthepulpittomorrow。Iwishyouwouldjusthavethekindnesstolookatitandseewhereyouthinkitcamefrom。”
　　TheDoctorexamineditcarefully。Itwasawoman’sorgirl’snote，hethought。Mightcomefromoneoftheschool-girlswhowasanxiousaboutherspiritualcondition。Handwritingwasdisguised；lookedalittlelikeElsieVeneer’s，butnotcharacteristicenoughtomakeitcertain。Itwouldbeanewthing，ifshehadaskedpublicprayersforherself，andaveryfavorableindicationofachangeinhersingularmoralnature。ItwasjustpossibleElsiemighthavesentthatnote。Nobodycouldforetellheractions。Itwouldbewelltoseethegirlandfindoutwhetheranyunusualimpressionhadbeenproducedonhermindbytherecentoccurrenceorbyanyothercause。
　　TheReverendMr。Fairweatherfoldedthenoteandputitintohispocket。
　　“Ihavebeenagooddealexercisedinmindlately，myself。”hesaid。
　　TheoldDoctorlookedathimthroughhisspectacles，andsaid，inhisusualprofessionaltone，“Putoutyourtongue。”
　　Theministerobeyedhiminthatfeeblewaycommonwithpersonsofweakcharacter，——forpeopledifferasmuchintheirmodeofperformingthistriflingactasGideon’ssoldiersintheirwayofdrinkingatthebrook。TheDoctortookhishandandplacedafingermechanicallyonhiswrist。
　　“Itismorespiritual，Ithink，thanbodily。”saidtheReverendMr。
　　Fairweather。
　　“Isyourappetiteasgoodasusual？“theDoctorasked。
　　“Prettygood。”theministeranswered；“butmysleep，mysleep，Doctor，——Iamgreatlytroubledatnightwithlyingawakeandthinkingofmyfuture，Iamnotateaseinmind。”
　　Helookedroundatallthedoors，tobesuretheywereshut，andmovedhischairupclosetotheDoctor’s。
　　“YoudonotknowthementaltrialsIhavebeengoingthroughforthelastfewmonths。”
　　“IthinkIdo。”theoldDoctorsaid。“Youwanttogetoutofthenewchurchintotheoldone，don’tyou？“
　　Theministerblusheddeeply；hethoughthehadbeengoingoninaveryquietway，andthatnobodysuspectedhissecret。AstheoldDoctorwashiscounsellorinsickness，andalmosteverybody’sconfidantintrouble，hehadintendedtoimpartcautiouslytohimsomehintsofthechangeofsentimentsthroughwhichhehadbeenpassing。Hewastoolatewithhisinformation，itappeared，andtherewasnothingtobedonebuttothrowhimselfontheDoctor’sgoodsenseandkindness，whicheverybodyknew，andgetwhathintshecouldfromhimastothepracticalcourseheshouldpursue。Hebegan，afteranawkwardpause，“YouwouldnothavemestayinacommunionwhichIfeeltobealientothetruechurch，wouldyou？“
　　“Haveyoustay，myfriend？“saidtheDoctor，withapleasant，friendlylook，——“haveyoustay？Notamonth，noraweek，noraday，ifIcouldhelpit。Youhavegotintothewrongpulpit，andIhaveknownitfromthefirst。Thesooneryougowhereyoubelong，thebetter。AndI’mverygladyoudon’tmeantostophalf-way。Don’tyouknowyou’vealwayscometomewhenyou’vebeendyspepticorsickanyhow，andwantedtoputyourselfwhollyintomyhands，sothatI
　　mightorderyoulikeachildjustwhattodoandwhattotake？That’sexactlywhatyouwantinreligion。Idon’tblameyouforit。Youneverlikedtotaketheresponsibilityofyourownbody；Idon’tseewhyyoushouldwanttohavethechargeofyourownsoul。ButI’mgladyou’regoingtotheOldMotherofall。Youwouldn’thavebeencontentedshortofthat。”
　　TheReverendMr。Fairweatherbreathedwithmorefreedom。TheDoctorsawintohissoulthroughthoseawfulspectaclesofhis，——intoitandbeyondit，asoneseesthroughathinfog。Butitwaswitharealhumankindness，afterall。Hefeltlikeachildbeforeastrongman；
　　butthestrongmanlookedonhimwithafather’sindulgence。Manyandmanyatime，whenhehadcomedespondingandbemoaninghimselfonaccountofsomecontemptiblebodilyinfirmity，theoldDoctorhadlookedathimthroughhisspectacles，listenedpatientlywhilehetoldhisailments，andthen，inhislargeparentalway，givenhimafewwordsofwholesomeadvice，andcheeredhimupsothathewentoffwithalightheart，thinkingthattheheavenhewassomuchafraidofwasnotsoverynear，afterall。Itwasthesamethingnow。Hefelt，asfeeblenaturesalwaysdointhepresenceofstrongones，overmastered，circumscribed，shutin，humbled；butyetitseemedasiftheoldDoctordidnotdespisehimanymoreforwhatheconsideredweaknessofmindthanheusedtodespisehimwhenhecomplainedofhisnervesorhisdigestion。
　　Menwhoseeintotheirneighborsareveryapttobecontemptuous；butmenwhoseethroughthemfindsomethinglyingbehindeveryhumansoulwhichitisnotforthemtositinjudgmenton，ortoattempttosneeroutoftheorderofGod’smanifolduniverse。
　　LittleastheDoctorhadsaidoutofwhichcomfortcouldbeextracted，hisgenialmannerhadsomethinggratefulinit。Afilmofgratitudecameoverthepoorman’scloudy，uncertaineye，andalookoftremulousreliefandsatisfactionplayedabouthisweakmouth。Hewasgravitatingtothemajority，wherehehopedtofind“rest“；buthewasdreadfullysensitivetotheopinionsoftheminorityhewasonthepointofleaving。
　　TheoldDoctorsawplainlyenoughwhatwasgoingoninhismind。
　　“Isha’n’tquarrelwithyou。”hesaid，——“youknowthatverywell；butyoumustn’tquarrelwithme，ifItalkhonestlywithyou；itisn’teverybodythatwilltakethetrouble。Youflatteryourselfthatyouwillmakeagoodmanyenemiesbyleavingyouroldcommunion。Notsomanyasyouthink。Thisisthewaythecommonsortofpeoplewilltalk：——’Youhavegotyourtickettothefeastoflife，asmuchasanyothermanthateverlived。Protestantismsays，——“Helpyourself；
　　here’sacleanplate，andaknifeandforkofyourown，andplentyoffreshdishestochoosefrom。”TheOldMothersays，——“Givemeyourticket，mydear，andI’llfeedyouwithmygoldspoonoffthesebeautifuloldwoodentrenchers。Suchnicebitsasthosegoodoldgentlemenhaveleftforyou！“Thereisnoquarrellingwithamanwhoprefersbrokenvictuals。’That’swhattheroughersortwillsay；andthen，whereonescolds，tenwilllaugh。But，mindyou，Idon’teitherscoldorlaugh。Idon’tfeelsurethatyoucouldverywellhavehelpeddoingwhatyouwillsoondo。Youknowyouwerenevereasywithoutsomemedicinetotakewhenyoufeltillinbody。I’mafraidI’vegivenyoutrashystuffsometimes，justtokeepyouquiet。
　　Now，letmetellyou，thereisjustthesamedifferenceinspiritualpatientsthatthereisinbodilyones。Onesetbelievesinwholesomewaysofliving，andanothermusthaveagreatlistofspecificsforallthesoul’scomplaints。Youbelongwiththelast，andgotaccidentallyshuffledinwiththeothers。”
　　Theministersmiledfaintly，butdidnotreply。Ofcourse，heconsideredthatwayoftalkingastheresultoftheDoctor’sprofessionaltraining。Itwouldnothavebeenworthwhiletotakeoffenceathisplainspeech，ifhehadbeensodisposed；forhemightwishtoconsulthimthenextdayasto“whatheshouldtake“forhisdyspepsiaorhisneuralgia。
　　HelefttheDoctorwithahollowfeelingatthebottomofhissoul，asifagoodpieceofhismanhoodhadbeenscoopedoutofhim。Hishollowachingdidnotexplainitselfinwords，butitgrumbledandworrieddownamongtheunshapedthoughtswhichliebeneaththem。Heknewthathehadbeentryingtoreasonhimselfoutofhisbirthrightofreason。Heknewthattheinspirationwhichgavehimunderstandingwaslosingitsthroneinhisintelligence，andthealmightyMajority-
　　Votewasproclaimingitselfinitsstead。Heknewthatthegreatprimaltruths，whicheachsuccessiverevelationonlyconfirmed，werefastbecominghiddenbeneaththemechanicalformsofthought，which，aswithallnewconverts，engrossedsolargeashareofhisattention。The“peace。”the“rest。”whichhehadpurchasedweredearlyboughttoonewhohadbeentrainedtothearmsofthought，andwhosenobleprivilegeitmighthavebeentoliveinperpetualwarfarefortheadvancingtruthwhichthenextgenerationwillclaimasthelegacyofthepresent。
　　TheReverendMr。Fairweatherwasgettingcarelessabouthissermons。
　　Hemustwaitthefittingmomenttodeclarehimself；andinthemeantimehewaspreachingtoheretics。Itdidnotmattermuchwhathepreached，undersuchcircumstances。Hepulledouttwooldyellowsermonsfromaheapofsuch，andbeganlookingoverthatfortheforenoon。Naturallyenough，hefellasleepoverit，and，sleeping，hebegantodream。
　　Hedreamedthathewasunderthehigharchesofanoldcathedral，amidstathrongofworshippers。Thelightstreamedinthroughvastwindows，darkwiththepurplerobesofroyalsaints，orblazingwithyellowgloriesaroundtheheadsofearthlymartyrsandheavenlymessengers。Thebillowsofthegreatorganroaredamongtheclusteredcolumns，astheseabreaksamidstthebasalticpillarswhichcrowdthestormycavernoftheHebrides。Thevoiceofthealternatechoirsofsingingboysswungbackandforward，asthesilvercenserswunginthehandsofthewhiterobedchildren。Thesweetcloudofincenseroseinsoft，fleecymists，fullofpenetratingsuggestionsoftheEastanditsperfumedaltars。Thekneesoftwentygenerationshadwornthepavement；theirfeethadhollowedthesteps；theirshouldershadsmoothedthecolumns。Deadbishopsandabbotslayunderthemarbleofthefloorintheircrumbledvestments；deadwarriors，inrustedarmor，werestretchedbeneaththeirsculpturedeffigies。Andallatoncealltheburiedmultitudeswhohadeverworshippedtherecamethronginginthroughtheaisles。Theychokedeveryspace，theyswarmedintoallthechapels，theyhunginclustersovertheparapetsofthegalleries，theyclungtotheimagesineveryniche，andstillthevastthrongkeptflowingandflowingin，untilthelivingwerelostintherushofthereturningdeadwhohadreclaimedtheirown。Then，ashisdreambecamemorefantastic，thehugecathedralitselfseemedtochangeintothewreckofsomemightyantediluvianvertebrate；itsflying-buttressesarchedroundlikeribs，itspiersshapedthemselvesintolimbs，andthesoundoftheorgan-blastchangedtothewindwhistlingthroughitsthousand-jointedskeleton。
　　Andpresentlythesoundlulled，andsoftenedandsoftened，untilitwasasthemurmurofadistantswarmofbees。Aprocessionofmonkswoundalongthroughanoldstreet，chanting，astheywalked。Inhisdreamheglidedinamongthemandborehispartintheburdenoftheirsong。Heenteredwiththelongtrainunderalowarch，andpresentlyhewaskneelinginanarrowcellbeforeanimageoftheBlessedMaidenholdingtheDivineChildinherarms，andhislipsseemedtowhisper，SanctaMaria，orapronobis！
　　Heturnedtothecrucifix，and，prostratinghimselfbeforethespare，agonizingshapeoftheHolySufferer，fellintoalongpassionoftearsandbrokenprayers。Heroseandflunghimself，worn-out，uponhishardpallet，and，seemingtoslumber，dreamedagainwithinhisdream。Oncemoreinthevastcathedral，withthrongsofthelivingchokingitsaisles，amidstjubilantpealsfromthecavernousdepthsofthegreatorgan，andchoralmelodiesringingfromtheflutythroatsofthesingingboys。Adayofgreatrejoicings，——foraprelatewastobeconsecrated，andthebonesofthemightyskeleton-
　　minsterwereshakingwithanthems，asiftherewerelifeofitsownwithinitsbuttressedribs。Helookeddownathisfeet；thefoldsofthesacredrobewereflowingaboutthem：heputhishandtohishead；
　　itwascrownedwiththeholymitre。Alongsigh，asofperfectcontentintheconsummationofallhisearthlyhopes，breathedthroughthedreamer’slips，andshapeditself，asitescaped，intotheblissfulmurmur，EgosumEpiscopus！
　　Onegrinninggargoylelookedinfrombeneaththeroofthroughanopeninginastainedwindow。Itwasthefaceofamockingfiend，suchastheoldbuilderslovedtoplaceundertheeavestospouttherainthroughtheiropenmouths。Itlookedathim，ashesatinhismitredchair，withitshideousgringrowingbroaderandbroader，untilitlaughedoutaloud，suchahard，stony，mockinglaugh，thatheawokeoutofhisseconddreamthroughhisfirstintohiscommonconsciousness，andshivered，asheturnedtothetwoyellowsermonswhichhewastopickoverandweedofthelittlethoughttheymightcontain，forthenextday’sservice。
　　TheReverendChauncyFairweatherwastoomuchtakenupwithhisownbodilyandspiritualconditiontobedeeplymindfulofothers。Hecarriedthenoterequestingtheprayersofthecongregationinhispocketallday；andthesoulindistress，whichasingletenderpetitionmighthavesoothed，andperhapshavesavedfromdespairorfatalerror，foundnovoiceinthetempletopleadforitbeforetheThroneofMercy！
　　CHAPTERXXVIII。
　　THESECRETISWHISPERED。
　　TheReverendChauncyFairweather’scongregationwasnotlarge，butselect。Thelinesofsocialcleavagerunthroughreligiouscreedsasiftheywereofapiecewithpositionandfortune。Itisexpectedofpersonsofacertainbreeding，insomepartsofNewEngland，thattheyshallbeeitherEpiscopaliansorUnitarians。Themansion-housegentryofRocklandwereprettyfairlydividedbetweenthelittlechapel，withthestainedwindowandthetrainedrector，andthemeeting-housewheretheReverendMr。Fairweatherofficiated。
　　ItwasinthelatterthatDudleyVennerworshipped，whenheattendedserviceanywhere，——whichdependedverymuchonthecapriceofElsie。
　　Hesawplainlyenoughthatagenerousandliberallycultivatednaturemightfindarefugeandcongenialsoulsineitherofthesetwopersuasions，butheobjectedtosomepointsoftheformalcreedoftheolderchurch，andespeciallytothemechanismwhichrendersithardtogetfreefromitsoutwornandoffensiveformulae，——
　　rememberinghowArchbishopTillotsonwishedinvainthatitcouldbe“wellridof“theAthanasianCreed。This，andthefactthatthemeeting-housewasnearerthanthechapel，determinedhim，whenthenewrector，whowasnotquiteuptohismarkineducation，wasappointed，totakeapewinthe“liberal“worshippers’edifice。
　　Elsiewasveryuncertaininherfeelingaboutgoingtochurch。Insummer，shelovedrathertostrolloverTheMountain，onSundays。
　　Therewasevenastory，thatshehadoneofthecavesbeforementionedfittedupasanoratory，andthatshehadherownwildwayofworshippingtheGodwhomshesoughtinthedarkchasmsofthedreadedcliffs。Merefables，doubtless；buttheyshowedthecommonbelief，thatElsie，withallherstrangeanddangerouselementsofcharacter，hadyetstrongreligiousfeelingmingledwiththem。Thehymn-bookwhichDickhadfound，inhismidnightinvasionofherchamber，openedtofavoritehymns，especiallysomeoftheMethodistandQuietistcharacter。Manyhadnoticed，thatcertaintunes，assungbythechoir，seemedtoimpressherdeeply；andsomesaid，thatatsuchtimesherwholeexpressionwouldchange，andherstormylookwouldsoftensoastoremindthemofherpoor，sweetmother。
　　OntheSundaymorningafterthetalkrecordedinthelastchapter，Elsiemadeherselfreadytogotomeeting。Shewasdressedmuchasusual，exceptingthatsheworeathickveil，turnedaside，butreadytoconcealherfeatures。Itwasnaturalenoughthatsheshouldnotwishtobelookedinthefacebycuriouspersonswhowouldbestaringtoseewhateffecttheoccurrenceofthepastweekhadhadonherspirits。Herfatherattendedherwillingly；andtheytooktheirseatsinthepew，somewhattothesurpriseofmany，whohadhardlyexpectedtoseethem，aftersohumiliatingafamilydevelopmentastheattemptedcrimeoftheirkinsmanhadjustbeenfurnishingfortheastonishmentofthepublic。
　　TheReverendMr。Fairweatherwasnowinhiscoldestmood。Hehadpassedthroughtheperiodoffeverishexcitementwhichmarksachangeofreligiousopinion。Atfirst，whenhehadbegantodoubthisowntheologicalpositions，hehaddefendedthemagainsthimselfwithmoreingenuityandinterest，perhaps，thanhecouldhavedoneagainstanother；becausemenrarelytakethetroubletounderstandanybody’sdifficultiesinaquestionbuttheirown。Afterthis，ashebegantodrawofffromdifferentpointsofhisoldbelief，thecautiousdisentanglingofhimselffromonemeshafteranothergavesharpnesstohisintellect，andthetremulouseagernesswithwhichheseizeduponthedoctrinewhich，piecebypiece，undervariouspretextsandwithvariousdisguises，hewasappropriating，gaveinterestandsomethinglikepassiontohiswords。Butwhenhehadgraduallyaccustomedhispeopletohisnewphraseology，andwasreallyadjustinghissermonsandhisservicetodisguisehisthoughts，helostatonceallhisintellectualacutenessandallhisspiritualfervor。
　　Elsiesatquietlythroughthefirstpartoftheservice，whichwasconductedinthecold，mechanicalwaytobeexpected。Herfacewashiddenbyherveil；butherfatherknewherstateoffeeling，aswellbyhermovementsandattitudesasbytheexpressionofherfeatures。
　　Thehymnhadbeensung，theshortprayeroffered，theBibleread，andthelongprayerwasabouttobegin。Thiswasthetimeatwhichthe“notes“ofanywhowereinafflictionfromlossoffriends，thesickwhoweredoubtfulofrecovery，thosewhohadcausetobegratefulforpreservationoflifeorothersignalblessing，werewonttoberead。
　　JustthenitwasthatDudleyVeneernoticedthathisdaughterwastrembling，——athingsorare，sounaccountable，indeed，underthecircumstances，thathewatchedherclosely，andbegantofearthatsomenervousparoxysm，orothermalady，mighthavejustbeguntoshowitselfinthiswayuponher。
　　Theministerhadinhispockettwonotes。One，inthehandwritingofDeaconSoper，wasfromamemberofthiscongregation，returningthanksforhispreservationthroughaseasonofgreatperil，supposedtobetheexposurewhichhehadsharedwithothers，whenstandinginthecirclearoundDickVeneer。Theotherwastheanonymousone，inafemalehand，whichhehadreceivedtheeveningbefore。Heforgotthemboth。Histhoughtswerealtogethertoomuchtakenupwithmoreimportantmatters。Heprayedthroughallthefrozenpetitionsofhisexpurgatedformofsupplication，andnotasingleheartwassoothedorlifted，orremindedthatitssorrowswerestrugglingtheirwayuptoheaven，borneonthebreathfromahumansoulthatwaswarmwithlove。
　　Thepeoplesatdownasifrelievedwhenthedrearyprayerwasfinished。Elsiealoneremainedstandinguntilherfathertouchedher。Thenshesatdown，liftedherveil，andlookedathimwithablank，sadlook，asifshehadsufferedsomepainorwrong，butcouldnotgiveanynameorexpressiontohervaguetrouble。Shedidnottrembleanylonger，butremainedominouslystill，asifshehadbeenfrozenwhereshesat——
　　Canamanlovehisownsoultoowell？Who，onthewhole，constitutethenoblerclassofhumanbeings？thosewhohavelivedmainlytomakesureoftheirownpersonalwelfareinanotherandfutureconditionofexistence，ortheywhohaveworkedwithalltheirmightfortheirrace，fortheircountry，fortheadvancementofthekingdomofGod，andleftallpersonalarrangementsconcerningthemselvestothesolechargeofHimwhomadethemandisresponsibletohimselffortheirsafe-keeping？Isananchoritewhohaswornthestonefloorofhiscellintobasinswithhiskneesbentinprayer，moreacceptablethanthesoldierwhogiveshislifeforthemaintenanceofanysacredrightortruth，withoutthinkingwhatwillspeciallybecomeofhiminaworldwheretherearetwoorthreemillioncolonistsamonth，fromthisoneplanet，tobecaredfor？
　　Thesearegravequestions，whichmustsuggestthemselvestothosewhoknowthattherearemanyprofoundlyselfishpersonswhoaresincerelydevoutandperpetuallyoccupiedwiththeirownfuture，whilethereareotherswhoareperfectlyreadytosacrificethemselvesforanyworthyobjectinthisworld，butarereallytoolittleoccupiedwiththeirexclusivepersonalitytothinksomuchasmanydoaboutwhatistobecomeoftheminanother。
　　TheReverendChauncyFairweatherdidnot，mostcertainly，belongtothislatterclass。Thereareseveralkindsofbelievers，whosehistorywefindamongtheearlyconvertstoChristianity。
　　Therewasthemagistrate，whosesocialpositionwassuchthathepreferredaprivateinterviewintheeveningwiththeTeachertofollowinghim——withthestreet-crowd。HehadseenextraordinaryfactswhichhadsatisfiedhimthattheyoungGalileanhadadivinecommission。Butstillhecross-questionedtheTeacherhimself。Hewasnotreadytoacceptstatementswithoutexplanation。Thatwastherightkindofman。SeehowhestoodupforthelegalrightsofhisMaster，whenthepeoplewereforlayinghandsonhim！
　　Andagain，therewasthegovernmentofficial，intrustedwithpublicmoney，which，inthosedays，impliedthathewassupposedtobehonest。Asinglelookofthatheavenlycountenance，andtwowordsofgentlecommand，wereenoughforhim。Neitherofthesemen，theearlydisciple，northeevangelist，seemstohavebeenthinkingprimarilyabouthisownpersonalsafety。
　　Butnowlookatthepoor，miserableturnkey，whoseoccupationshowswhathewasliketobe，andwhohadjustbeenthrustingtworespectablestrangers，takenfromthehandsofamob，coveredwithstripesandstrippedofclothing，intotheinnerprison，andmakingtheirfeetfastinthestocks。Histhought，inthemomentofterror，isforhimself：first，suicide；then，whatheshalldo，——nottosavehishousehold，——nottofulfilhisdutytohisoffice，——nottorepairtheoutragehehasbeencommitting，——buttosecurehisownpersonalsafety。Truly，charactershowsitselfasmuchinaman’swayofbecomingaChristianasinanyother！——
　　Elsiesat，statue-like，throughthesermon。Itwouldnotbefairtothereadertogiveanabstractofthat。Whenamanwhohasbeenbredtofreethoughtandfreespeechsuddenlyfindshimselfsteppingabout，likeadanceramidsthiseggs，amongtheoldaddledmajority-
　　voteswhichhemustnottreadupon，heisaspectacleformenandangels。Submissiontointellectualprecedentandauthoritydoesverywellforthosewhohavebeenbredtoit；weknowthattheundergroundcoursesoftheirmindsarelaidintheRomancementoftradition，andthatstatelyandsplendidstructuresmayberearedonsuchafoundation。Buttoseeonelayingaplatformoverhereticalquicksands，thirtyorfortyorfiftyyearsdeep，andthenbeginningtobuilduponit，isasorrysight。Anewconvertfromthereformedtotheancientfaithmaybeverystronginthearms，buthewillalwayshaveweaklegsandshakyknees。Hemayusehishandswell，andhithardwithhisfists，buthewillneverstandonhislegsinthewaythemandoeswhoinheritshisbelief。
　　Theserviceswereoveratlast，andDudleyVennerandhisdaughterwalkedhometogetherinsilence。Healwaysrespectedhermoods，andsawclearlyenoughthatsomeinwardtroublewasweighinguponher。
　　Therewasnothingtobesaidinsuchcases，forElsiecouldnevertalkofhergriefs。Anhour，oraday，oraweekofbrooding，withperhapsasuddenflashofviolence：thiswasthewayinwhichtheimpressionswhichmakeotherwomenweep，andtelltheirgriefsbywordorletter，showedtheireffectsinhermindandacts。
　　ShewanderedoffupintotheremoterpartsofTheMountain，thatday，aftertheirreturn。Noonesawjustwhereshewent，——indeed，nooneknewitsforest-recessesandrockyfastnessesasshedid。Shewasgoneuntillateatnight；andwhenOldSophy，whohadwatchedforher，boundupherlonghairforhersleep，itwasdampwiththecolddews。
　　Theoldblackwomanlookedatherwithoutspeaking，butquestioningherwitheveryfeatureastothesorrowthatwasweighingonher。
　　SuddenlysheturnedtoOldSophy。
　　“Youwanttoknowwhatthereistroublingme；“shesaid。“Nobodylovesme。Icannotloveanybody。Whatislove，Sophy？“
　　“It’swhatpoorOl’Sophy’sgotforherElsie。”theoldwomananswered。“Tellme，darlin’，——don’youlovesomebody？——don’youlove？youknow，——oh，tellme，darlin’，don’youlovetoseethegen’l’manthatkeepsupattheschoolwhereyougo？Theysayhe’sthepootiestgen’l’manthatwaseverinthetownhere。Don’be’fraidofpoorOl’Sophy，darlin’，——shelovedamanonce，——seehere！
　　Oh，I’veshowedyouthisoftenenough！“
　　ShetookfromherpocketahalfofoneoftheoldSpanishsilvercoins，suchaswerecurrentintheearlierpartofthiscentury。Theotherhalfofithadbeenlyinginthedeepsea-sandformorethanfiftyyears。
　　Elsielookedherintheface，butdidnotanswerinwords。Whatstrangeintelligencewasthatwhichpassedbetweenthemthroughthediamondeyesandthelittlebeadyblackones？——whatsubtileintercommunication，penetratingsomuchdeeperthanarticulatespeech？ThiswasthenearestapproachtosympatheticrelationsthatElsieeverhad：akindofdumbintercourseoffeeling，suchasoneseesintheeyesofbrutemotherslookingontheiryoung。But，subtileasitwas，itwasnarrowandindividual；whereasanemotionwhichcanshapeitselfinlanguageopensthegateforitselfintothegreatcommunityofhumanaffections；foreverywordwespeakisthemedalofadeadthoughtorfeeling，struckinthedieofsomehumanexperience，wornsmoothbyinnumerablecontacts，andalwaystransferredwarmfromonetoanother。Bywordswesharethecommonconsciousnessoftherace，whichhasshapeditselfinthesesymbols。
　　Bymusicwereachthosespecialstatesofconsciousnesswhich，beingwithoutform，cannotbeshapedwiththemosaicsofthevocabulary。
　　Thelanguageoftheeyesrunsdeeperintothepersonalnature，butitispurelyindividual，andperishesintheexpression。
　　Ifweconsiderthemallasgrowingoutoftheconsciousnessastheirroot，languageistheleaf，musicistheflower；butwhentheeyesmeetandsearcheachother，itistheuncoveringoftheblanchedstemthroughwhichthewholeliferuns，butwhichhasnevertakencolororformfromthesunlight。
　　ForthreedaysElsiedidnotreturntotheschool。Muchofthetimeshewasamongthewoodsandrocks。Theseasonwasnowbeginningtowane，andtheforesttoputonitsautumnalglory。Thedreamyhazewasbeginningtosoftenthelandscape，andthemastdeliciousdaysoftheyearwerelendingtheirattractiontothesceneryofTheMountain。ItwasnotverysingularthatElsieshouldbelingeringinheroldhaunts，fromwhichthechangeofseasonmustsoondriveher。
　　ButOldSophysawclearlyenoughthatsomeinternalconflictwasgoingon，andknewverywellthatitmusthaveitsownwayandworkitselfoutasitbestcould。AsmuchaslookscouldtellElsiehadtoldher。Shehadsaidinwords，tobesure，thatshecouldnotlove。Somethingwarpedandthwartedtheemotionwhichwouldhavebeenloveinanother，nodoubt；butthatsuchanemotionwasstrivingwithheragainstallmaligninfluenceswhichinterferedwithittheoldwomanhadaperfectcertaintyinherownmind。
　　Everybodywhohasobservedtheworkingofemotionsinpersonsofvarioustemperamentsknowswellenoughthattheyhaveperiodsofincubation，whichdifferwiththeindividual，andwiththeparticularcauseanddegreeofexcitement，yetevidentlygothroughastrictlyself-limitedseriesofevolutions，attheendofwhich，theirresult——anactofviolence，aparoxysmoftears，agradualsubsidenceintorepose，orwhateveritmaybe——declaresitself，likethelaststageofanattackoffeverandague。Noonecanobservechildrenwithoutnoticingthatthereisapersonalequation，tousetheastronomer’slanguage，intheirtempers，sothatonesulksanhouroveranoffencewhichmakesanotherafuryforfiveminutes，andleaveshimorheranangelwhenitisover。
　　Attheendofthreedays，Elsiebraidedherlong，glossy，blackhair，andshotagoldenarrowthroughit。Shedressedherselfwithmorethanusualcare，andcamedowninthemorningsuperbinherstormybeauty。Thebroodingparoxysmwasover，oratleastherpassionhadchangeditsphase。Herfathersawitwithgreatrelief；hehadalwaysmanyfearsforherinherhoursanddaysofgloom，but，forreasonsbeforeassigned，hadfeltthatshemustbetrustedtoherself，withoutappealingtoactualrestraint，oranyothersupervisionthansuchasOldSophycouldexercisewithoutoffence。
　　Shewentoffattheaccustomedhourtotheschool。Allthegirlshadtheireyesonher。Nonesokeenastheseyoungmissestoknowaninwardmovementbyanoutwardsignofadornment：iftheyhavenotasmanysignalsastheshipsthatsailthegreatseas，thereisnotanendofribbonoraturnofaringletwhichisnotahieroglyphicwithahiddenmeaningtotheselittlecruisersovertheoceanofsentiment。
　　ThegirlsalllookedatElsiewithanewthought；forshewasmoresumptuouslyarrayedthanperhapseverbeforeattheschool；andtheysaidtothemselvesthatshehadcomemeaningtodrawtheyoungmaster’seyesuponher。Thatwasit；whatelsecoulditbe？Thebeautifulcoldgirlwiththediamondeyesmeanttodazzlethehandsomeyounggentleman。Hewouldbeafraidtoloveher；itcouldn’tbetrue，thatwhichsomepeoplehadsaidinthevillage；shewasn’tthekindofyoungladytomakeMr。Langdonhappy。Thosedarkpeopleareneversafe：sooneoftheyoungblondessaidtoherself。
　　Elsiewasnotliteraryenoughforsuchascholar：sothoughtMissCharlotteAnnWood，theyoungpoetess。Shecouldn’thave，agoodtemper，withthosescowlingeyebrows：thiswastheopinionofseveralbroad-faced，smilinggirls，whothought，eachinherownsnuglittlementalsanctum，that，if，etc。，etc。，shecouldmakehimsohappy！
　　Elsiehadnoneofthestill，wickedlightinhereyes，thatmorning。
　　Shelookedgentle，butdreamy；playedwithherbooks；didnottroubleherselfwithanyoftheexercises，——whichinitselfwasnotveryremarkable，asshewasalwaysallowed，undersomepretextorother，tohaveherownway。
　　Theschool-hourswereoveratlength。Thegirlswentout，butshelingeredtothelast。ShethencameuptoMr。Bernard，withabookinherhand，asiftoaskaquestion。
　　“Willyouwalktowardsmyhomewithmetoday？“shesaid，inaverylowvoice，littlemorethanawhisper。
　　Mr。Bernardwasstartledbytherequest，putinsuchaway。Hehadapresentimentofsomepainfulsceneorother。Buttherewasnothingtobedonebuttoassureherthatitwouldgivehimgreatpleasure。
　　SotheywalkedalongtogetherontheirwaytowardtheDudleymansion。
　　“Ihavenofriend。”Elsiesaid，allatonce。“Nothinglovesmebutoneoldwoman。Icannotloveanybody。Theytellmethereissomethinginmyeyesthatdrawspeopletomeandmakesthemfaint：
　　Lookintothem，willyou？“
　　Sheturnedherfacetowardhim。Itwasverypale，andthediamondeyeswereglitteringwithafilm，suchasbeneathotherlidswouldhaveroundedintoatear。
　　“Beautifuleyes，Elsie。”hesaid，——“sometimesverypiercing，——butsoftnow，andlookingasifthereweresomethingbeneaththemthatfriendshipmightdrawout。Iamyourfriend，Elsie。TellmewhatI
　　candotorenderyourlifehappier。”
　　“Loveme！“saidElsieVenner。
　　Whatshallamando，whenawomanmakessuchademand，involvingsuchanavowal？Itwasthetenderest，cruellest，humblestmomentofMr。
　　Bernard’slife。Heturnedpale，hetrembledalmost，asifhehadbeenawomanlisteningtoherlover’sdeclaration。
　　“Elsie。”hesaid，presently，“Isolongtobeofsomeusetoyou，tohaveyourconfidenceandsympathy，thatImustnotletyousayordoanythingtoputusinfalserelations。Idoloveyou，Elsie，asasufferingsisterwithsorrowsofherown，——asonewhomIwouldsaveattheriskofmyhappinessandlife，——asonewhoneedsatruefriendmorethan——anyofalltheyounggirlsIhaveknown。Morethanthisyouwouldnotaskmetosay。Youhavebeenthroughexcitementandtroublelately，andithasmadeyoufeelsuchaneedmorethanever。
　　Givemeyourhand，dearElsie，andtrustmethatIwillbeastrueafriendtoyouasifwewerechildrenofthesamemother。”
　　Elsiegavehimherhandmechanically。Itseemedtohimthatacoldaurashotfromitalonghisarmandchilledthebloodrunningthroughhisheart。Hepresseditgently，lookedatherwithafacefullofgravekindnessandsadinterest，thensoftlyrelinquishedit。
　　ItwasalloverwithpoorElsie。Theywalkedalmostinsilencetherestoftheway。Mr。Bernardleftheratthegateofthemansion-
　　house，andreturnedwithsadforebodings。Elsiewentatoncetoherownroom，anddidnotcomefromitattheusualhours。AtlastOldSophybegantobealarmedabouther，wenttoherapartment，and，findingthedoorunlocked，enteredcautiously。ShefoundElsielyingonherbed，herbrowsstronglycontracted，hereyesdull，herwholelookthatofgreatsuffering。Herfirstthoughtwasthatshehadbeendoingherselfaharmbysomedeadlymeansorother。ButElsie，sawherfear，andreassuredher。
　　“No。”shesaid，“thereisnothingwrong，suchasyouarethinkingof；
　　Iamnotdying。YoumaysendfortheDoctor；perhapshecantakethepainfrommyhead。ThatisallIwanthimtodo。Thereisnouseinthepain，thatIknowof；ifhecanstopit，lethim。”
　　SotheysentfortheoldDoctor。ItwasnotlongbeforethesolidtrotofCaustic，theoldbayhorse，andthecrashingofthegravelunderthewheels，gavenoticethatthephysicianwasdrivinguptheavenue。
　　TheoldDoctorwasamodelforvisitingpractitioners。Healwayscameintothesick-roomwithaquiet，cheerfullook，asifhehadaconsciousnessthathewasbringingsomesurereliefwithhim。Thewayapatientsnatcheshisfirstlookathisdoctor’sface，toseewhetherheisdoomed，whetherheisreprieved，whetherheisunconditionallypardoned，hasreallysomethingterribleaboutit。Itisonlytobemetbyanimperturbablemaskofserenity，proofagainstanythingandeverythinginapatient’saspect。Thephysicianwhosefacereflectshispatient’sconditionlikeamirrormaydowellenoughtoexaminepeopleforalife-insuranceoffice，butdoesnotbelongtothesickroom。TheoldDoctordidnotkeeppeoplewaitingindreadsuspense，whilehestayedtalkingaboutthecase，——thepatientallthetimethinkingthatheandthefriendsarediscussingsomealarmingsymptomorformidableoperationwhichhehimselfisby-
　　and-by——tohearof。
　　HewasinElsie’sroomalmostbeforesheknewhewasinthehouse。
　　Hecametoherbedsideinsuchanatural，quietway，thatitseemedasifhewereonlyafriendwhohaddroppedinforamomenttosayapleasantword。YethewasveryuneasyaboutElsieuntilhehadseenher；heneverknewwhatmighthappentoherorthoseabouther，andcamepreparedfortheworst。
　　“Sick，mychild？“hesaid，inaverysoft，lowvoice。
　　Elsienodded，withoutspeaking。
　　TheDoctortookherhand，——whetherwithprofessionalviews，oronlyinafriendlyway，itwouldhavebeenhardtotell。Sohesatafewminutes，lookingatherallthetimewithakindoffatherlyinterest，butwithitallnotinghowshelay，howshebreathed，hercolor，herexpression，allthatteachesthepractisedeyesomuchwithoutasinglequestionbeingasked。Hesawshewasinsuffering，andsaidpresently，“Youhavepainsomewhere；whereisit？“
　　Sheputherhandtoherhead。
　　Asshewasnotdisposedtotalk，hewatchedherforawhile，questionedOldSophyshrewdlyafewminutes，andsomadeuphismindastotheprobablecauseofdisturbanceandtheproperremediestobeused。
　　SomeverysillypeoplethoughttheoldDoctordidnotbelieveinmedicine，becausehegavelessthancertainpoorhalf-taughtcreaturesinthesmallerneighboringtowns，whotookadvantageofpeople’ssicknesstodisgustanddisturbthemwithallmannerofill-
　　smellingandill-behavingdrugs。Intruth，hehatedtogiveanythingnoxiousorloathsometothosewhowereuncomfortableenoughalready，unlesshewasverysureitwoulddogood，——inwhichcase，heneverplayedwithdrugs，butgavegood，honest，efficientdoses。Sometimeshelostafamilyofthemoreboorishsort，becausetheydidnotthinktheygottheirmoney’sworthoutofhim，unlesstheyhadsomethingmorethanatasteofeverythinghecarriedinhissaddlebags。
　　HeorderedsomeremedieswhichhethoughtwouldrelieveElsie，andlefther，sayinghewouldcallthenextday，hopingtofindherbetter。Butthenextdaycame，andthenext，andstillElsiewasonherbed，feverish，restless，wakeful，silent。Atnightshetossedaboutandwandered，anditbecameatlengthapparentthattherewasasettledattack，somethinglikewhattheycalled，formerly，a“nervousfever。”
　　Onthefourthdayshewasmorerestlessthancommon。Oneofthewomenofthehousecameintohelptotakecareofher；butsheshowedanaversiontoherpresence。
　　“SendmeHelenDarley。”shesaid，atlast。
　　TheoldDoctortoldthem，that，ifpossible，theymustindulgethisfancyofhers。Thecapricesofsickpeoplewerenevertobedespised，leastofallofsuchpersonsasElsie，whenrenderedirritableandexactingbypainandweakness。
　　SoamessagewassenttoMr。SilasPeckhamattheApollineanInstitute，toknowifhecouldnotspareMissHelenDarleyforafewdays，ifrequired，togiveherattentiontoayoungladywhoattendedhisschoolandwhowasnowlyingill，——nootherpersonthanthedaughterofDudleyVenner。
　　Ameanmanneveragreestoanythingwithoutdeliberatelyturningitover，sothathemayseeitsdirtyside，and，ifhecan，sweatingthecoinhepaysforit。Ifanarchangelshouldoffertosavehissoulforsixpence，hewouldtrytofindasixpencewithaholeinit。A
　　gentlemansaysyestoagreatmanythingswithoutstoppingtothink：
　　ashabbyfellowisknownbyhiscautioninansweringquestions，forfearof，compromisinghispocketorhimself。
　　Mr。SilasPeckhamlookedverygraveattherequest。ThedootiesofMissDarleyattheInstitootwereimportant，veryimportant。Hepaidherlargesumsofmoneyforhertime，——morethanshecouldexpecttogetinanyotherinstitootionfortheedoocationoffemaleyouth。A
　　deductionfromherselarywouldbenecessary，incasesheshouldretirefromthesphereofherdootiesforaseason。Heshouldbeputtoextryexpense，andhavetoperformadditionallaborshimself。Hewouldconsiderofthematter。Ifanyarrangementcouldbemade，hewouldsendwordtoSquireVenner’sfolks。
　　“MissDarley。”saidSilasPeckham，“the’’samessagefromSquireVenner’sthathisdaughterwantsyoudownatthemansion-housetoseeher。She’sgotafever，sotheyinformme。Ifit’sanykindofketchin’fever，ofcourseyouwon’tthinkofgoin’nearthemansion-
　　house。IfDoctorKittredgesaysit’ssafe，perfec’lysafe，Ican’tobjecttoyourgoin’，onsechconditionsasseemtobefairtoall’
　　concerned。Youwillgiveupyourpayforthewholetimeyouare。
　　absent，——portionsofdaystobecaountedaswholedays。Youwillbechargedwithboardthesameasifyoueatyourvictualswiththehousehold。Thevictualsareofnouseafterthey’recookedbuttobeeat，andyourbein’awayisnosavin’toourfolks。Ishallchargeyouareasonablecompensationforthedemagetotheschoolbytheabsenceofateacher。IfMissCrabsundertakesanydootiesbelongin’
　　toyourdepartmentofinstruction，shewilllooktoyouforsechpecooniaryconsiderationsasyoumayagreeuponbetweenyou。OntheseconditionsIamwillin’togivemyconsenttoyourtemporaryabsencefromthepostofdooty。IwillstepdowntoDoctorKittredge’smyself，andmakeinquiriesastothenatur’ofthecomplaint。”
　　Mr。Peckhamtookuparustyandverynarrow-brimmedhat，whichhecockedupononesideofhishead，withanairpeculiartotheruralgentry。ItwasthehourwhentheDoctorexpectedtobeinhisoffice，unlesshehadsomespecialcallwhichkepthimfromhome。
　　HefoundtheReverendChauncyFairweatherjusttakingleaveoftheDoctor。Hishandwasonthepitofhisstomach，andhiscountenancewasexpressiveofinwarduneasiness。
　　“Shakeitbeforeusing。”saidtheDoctor；“andthesooneryoumakeupyourmindtospeakrightout，thebetteritwillbeforyourdigestion。”
　　“Oh，Mr。Peckham！Walkin，Mr。Peckham！Nobodysickupattheschool，Ihope？“
　　“Thehaalthoftheschoolisfust-rate。”repliedMr。Peckham。“Thesitooationisuncommonlyfavorabletosaloobrity。”TheselastwordswerefromtheAnnualReportofthepastyear。“Providencehassparedourfemaleyouthinaremarkablemeasure。I’vecomewithreferencetoanotherconsideration。Dr。Kittredge，isthereanyketchin’
　　complaintgoin’aboutinthevillage？“
　　“Well，yes。”saidtheDoctor，“Ishouldsaytherewassomethingofthatsort。Measles。Mumps。AndSin，——that’salwayscatching。”
　　TheoldDoctor’seyetwinkled；onceinawhilehehadhislittletouchofhumor。
　　SilasPeckhamslantedhiseyeupsuspiciouslyattheDoctor，asifhewasgettingsomekindofadvantageoverhim。Thatisthewaypeopleofhisconstitutionareapttotakeabitofpleasantry。