Themanleftherwithoutfurtherspeech，andHettyheldonherway。Anotherdayhadrisen，andshemustwanderon。Itwasnousetothinkofdrowningherself——shecouldnotdoit，atleastwhileshehadmoneylefttobuyfoodandstrengthtojourneyon。
　　Buttheincidentonherwakingthismorningheightenedherdreadofthattimewhenhermoneywouldbeallgone；shewouldhavetosellherbasketandclothesthen，andshewouldreallylooklikeabeggarorawildwoman，asthemanhadsaid。Thepassionatejoyinlifeshehadfeltinthenight，afterescapingfromthebrinkoftheblackcolddeathinthepool，wasgonenow。Lifenow，bythemorninglight，withtheimpressionofthatman’shardwonderinglookather，wasasfullofdreadasdeath——itwasworse；itwasadreadtowhichshefeltchained，fromwhichsheshrankandshrankasshedidfromtheblackpool，andyetcouldfindnorefugefromit。
　　Shetookouthermoneyfromherpurse，andlookedatit。Shehadstilltwo-and-twentyshillings；itwouldserveherformanydaysmore，oritwouldhelphertogetonfastertoStonyshire，withinreachofDinah。ThethoughtofDinahurgeditselfmorestronglynow，sincetheexperienceofthenighthaddrivenhershudderingimaginationawayfromthepool。IfithadbeenonlygoingtoDinah——ifnobodybesidesDinahwouldeverknow——Hettycouldhavemadeuphermindtogotoher。Thesoftvoice，thepityingeyes，wouldhavedrawnher。Butafterwardstheotherpeoplemustknow，andshecouldnomorerushonthatshamethanshecouldrushondeath。
　　Shemustwanderonandon，andwaitforalowerdepthofdespairtogivehercourage。Perhapsdeathwouldcometoher，forshewasgettinglessandlessabletobeartheday’sweariness。Andyet——
　　suchisthestrangeactionofoursouls，drawingusbyalurkingdesiretowardstheveryendswedread——Hetty，whenshesetoutagainfromNorton，askedthestraightestroadnorthwardstowardsStonyshire，andkeptitallthatday。
　　PoorwanderingHetty，withtheroundedchildishfaceandthehard，unloving，despairingsoullookingoutofit——withthenarrowheartandnarrowthoughts，noroominthemforanysorrowsbutherown，andtastingthatsorrowwiththemoreintensebitterness！MyheartbleedsforherasIseehertoilingalongonherwearyfeet，orseatedinacart，withhereyesfixedvacantlyontheroadbeforeher，neverthinkingorcaringwhitherittends，tillhungercomesandmakesherdesirethatavillagemaybenear。
　　Whatwillbetheend，theendofherobjectlesswandering，apartfromalllove，caringforhumanbeingsonlythroughherpride，clingingtolifeonlyasthehuntedwoundedbruteclingstoit？
　　Godpreserveyouandmefrombeingthebeginnersofsuchmiserty！
　　TheQuestTHEfirsttendaysafterHetty’sdeparturepassedasquietlyasanyotherdayswiththefamilyattheHallFarm，andwithAdamathisdailywork。TheyhadexpectedHettytostayawayaweekortendaysatleast，perhapsalittlelongerifDinahcamebackwithher，becausetheremightthenbesomethungtodetainthematSnowfield。ButwhenafortnighthadpassedtheybegantofeelalittlesurprisethatHettydidnotreturn；shemustsurelyhavefounditpleasantertobewithDinahthananyonecouldhavesupposed。Adam，forhispart，wasgettingveryimpatienttoseeher，andheresolvedthat，ifshedidnotappearthenextdaySaturday，hewouldsetoutonSundaymorningtofetchher。
　　TherewasnocoachonaSunday，butbysettingoutbeforeitwaslight，andperhapsgettingaliftinacartbytheway，hewouldarriveprettyearlyatSnowfield，andbringbackHettythenextday——Dinahtoo，ifshewerecoming。ItwasquitetimeHettycamehome，andhewouldaffordtolosehisMondayforthesakeofbringingher。
　　HisprojectwasquiteapprovedattheFarmwhenhewentthereonSaturdayevening。Mrs。PoyserdesiredhimemphaticallynottocomebackwithoutHetty，forshehadbeenquitetoolongaway，consideringthethingsshehadtogetreadybythemiddleofMarch，andaweekwassurelyenoughforanyonetogooutfortheirhealth。AsforDinah，Mrs。Poyserhadsmallhopeoftheirbringingher，unlesstheycouldmakeherbelievethefolksatHayslopeweretwiceasmiserableasthefolksatSnowfield。
　　"Though，"saidMrs。Poyser，bywayofconclusion，"youmighttellhershe’sgotbutoneauntleft，andSHE’Swastedprettynightoashadder；andweshallp’rhapsallbegonetwentymilefartheroffhernextMichaelmas，andshalldieo’brokenheartsamongstrangefolks，andleavethechildrenfatherlessandmotherless。"
　　"Nay，nay，"saidMr。Poyser，whocertainlyhadtheairofamanperfectlyheart-whole，"itisnasobadasthat。Thee’tlookingrarelynow，andgettingflesheveryday。ButI’dbegladforDinaht’come，forshe’dhelptheewi’thelittleuns:theytookt’herwonderful。"
　　Soatdaybreak，onSunday，Adamsetoff。Sethwentwithhimthefirstmileortwo，forthethoughtofSnowfieldandthepossibilitythatDinahmightcomeagainmadehimrestless，andthewalkwithAdaminthecoldmorningair，bothintheirbestclothes，helpedtogivehimasenseofSundaycalm。ItwasthelastmorninginFebruary，withalowgreysky，andaslighthoar-
　　frostonthegreenborderoftheroadandontheblackhedges。
　　Theyheardthegurglingofthefullbrooklethurryingdownthehill，andthefainttwitteringoftheearlybirds。Fortheywalkedinsilence，thoughwithapleasedsenseofcompanionship。
　　"Good-bye，lad，"saidAdam，layinghishandonSeth’sshoulderandlookingathimaffectionatelyastheywereabouttopart。"Iwishtheewastgoingallthewaywi’me，andashappyasIam。"
　　"I’mcontent，Addy，I’mcontent，"saidSethcheerfully。"I’llbeanoldbachelor，belike，andmakeafusswi’thychildren。"
　　The’yturnedawayfromeachother，andSethwalkedleisurelyhomeward，mentallyrepeatingoneofhisfavouritehymns——hewasveryfondofhymns:
　　DarkandcheerlessisthemornUnaccompaniedbythee:
　　Joylessistheday’sreturnTillthymercy’sbeamsIsee:
　　Tillthouinwardlightimpart，Gladmyeyesandwarmmyheart。
　　Visit，then，thissoulofmine，Piercethegloomofsinandgrief——
　　Fillme，RadiancyDivine，Scatterallmyunbelief。
　　Moreandmorethyselfdisplay，Shiningtotheperfectday。
　　Adamwalkedmuchfaster，andanyonecomingalongtheOakbourneroadatsunrisethatmorningmusthavehadapleasantsightinthistallbroad-chestedman，stridingalongwithacarriageasuprightandfirmasanysoldier’s，glancingwithkeengladeyesatthedark-bluehillsastheybegantoshowthemselvesonhisway。
　　SeldominAdam’slifehadhisfacebeensofreefromanycloudofanxietyasitwasthismorning；andthisfreedomfromcare，asisusualwithconstructivepracticalmindslikehis，madehimallthemoreobservantoftheobjectsroundhimandallthemorereadytogathersuggestionsfromthemtowardshisownfavouriteplansandingeniouscontrivances。Hishappylove——theknowledgethathisstepswerecarryinghimnearerandnearertoHetty，whowassosoontobehis——wastohisthoughtswhatthesweetmorningairwastohissensations:itgavehimaconsciousnessofwell-beingthatmadeactivitydelightful。Everynowandthentherewasarushofmoreintensefeelingtowardsher，whichchasedawayotherimagesthanHetty；andalongwiththatwouldcomeawonderingthankfulnessthatallthishappinesswasgiventohim——thatthislifeofourshadsuchsweetnessinit。ForAdamhadadevoutmind，thoughhewasperhapsratherimpatientofdevoutwords，andhistendernesslayveryclosetohisreverence，sothattheonecouldhardlybestirredwithouttheother。Butafterfeelinghadwelledupandpoureditselfoutinthisway，busythoughtwouldcomebackwiththegreatervigour；andthismorningitwasintentonschemesbywhichtheroadsmightbeimprovedthatweresoimperfectallthroughthecountry，andonpicturingallthebenefitsthatmightcomefromtheexertionsofasinglecountrygentleman，ifhewouldsethimselftogettingtheroadsmadegoodinhisowndistrict。
　　Itseemedaveryshortwalk，thetenmilestoOakbourne，thatprettytownwithinsightofthebluehills，wherehebreak-fasted。
　　Afterthis，thecountrygrewbarerandbarer:nomorerollingwoods，nomorewide-branchingtreesnearfrequenthomesteads，nomorebushyhedgerows，butgreystonewallsintersectingthemeagrepastures，anddismalwide-scatteredgreystonehousesonbrokenlandswheremineshadbeenandwerenolonger。"Ahungryland，"
　　saidAdamtohimself。"I’drathergosouth’ard，wheretheysayit’sasflatasatable，thancometolivehere；thoughifDinahlikestoliveinacountrywhereshecanbethemostcomforttofolks，she’si’therighttoliveo’thisside；forshemustlookasifshe’dcomestraightfromheaven，liketh’angelsinthedesert，tostrengthenthemasha’gotnothingt’eat。"AndwhenatlasthecameinsightofSnowfield，hethoughtitlookedlikeatownthatwas"fellowtothecountry，"thoughthestreamthroughthevalleywherethegreatmillstoodgaveapleasantgreennesstothelowerfields。Thetownlay，grim，stony，andunsheltered，upthesideofasteephill，andAdamdidnotgoforwardtoitatpresent，forSethhadtoldhimwheretofindDinah。Itwasatathatchedcottageoutsidethetown，alittlewayfromthemill——anoldcottage，standingsidewaystowardstheroad，withalittlebitofpotato-groundbeforeit。HereDinahlodgedwithanelderlycouple；andifsheandHettyhappenedtobeout，Adamcouldlearnwheretheyweregone，orwhentheywouldbeathomeagain。Dinahmightbeoutonsomepreachingerrand，andperhapsshewouldhaveleftHettyathome。Adamcouldnothelphopingthis，andasherecognizedthecottagebytheroadsidebeforehim，thereshoneoutinhisfacethatinvoluntarysmilewhichbelongstotheexpectationofanearjoy。
　　Hehurriedhisstepalongthenarrowcauseway，andrappedatthedoor。Itwasopenedbyaverycleanoldwoman，withaslowpalsiedshakeofthehead。
　　"IsDinahMorrisathome？"saidAdam。
　　"Eh？……no，"saidtheoldwoman，lookingupatthistallstrangerwithawonderthatmadeherslowerofspeechthanusual。"Willyoupleasetocomein？"sheadded，retiringfromthedoor，asifrecollectingherself。"Why，ye’rebrothertotheyoungmanascomeafore，arenaye？"
　　"Yes，"saidAdam，entering。"ThatwasSethBede。I’mhisbrotherAdam。Hetoldmetogivehisrespectstoyouandyourgoodmaster。"
　　"Aye，thesamet’him。Hewasagraciousyoungman。An’yefeaturehim，on’yye’redarker。Sityedowni’th’arm-chair。Mymanisnacomehomefrommeeting。"
　　Adamsatdownpatiently，notlikingtohurrytheshakingoldwomanwithquestions，butlookingeagerlytowardsthenarrowtwistingstairsinonecorner，forhethoughtitwaspossibleHettymighthaveheardhisvoiceandwouldcomedownthem。
　　"Soyou’recometoseeDinahMorris？"saidtheoldwoman，standingoppositetohim。"An’youdidn’knowshewasawayfromhome，then？"
　　"No，"saidAdam，"butIthoughtitlikelyshemightbeaway，seeingasit’sSunday。Buttheotheryoungwoman——issheathome，orgonealongwithDinah？"
　　TheoldwomanlookedatAdamwithabewilderedair。
　　"Gonealongwi’her？"shesaid。"Eh，Dinah’sgonetoLeeds，abigtownyemayha’hearedon，wherethere’samanyo’theLord’speople。She’sbeengonesin’Fridaywasafortnight:theysentherthemoneyforherjourney。Youmayseeherroomhere，"shewenton，openingadoorandnotnoticingtheeffectofherwordsonAdam。Heroseandfollowedher，anddartedaneagerglanceintothelittleroomwithitsnarrowbed，theportraitofWesleyonthewall，andthefewbookslyingonthelargeBible。HehadhadanirrationalhopethatHettymightbethere。Hecouldnotspeakinthefirstmomentafterseeingthattheroomwasempty；anundefinedfearhadseizedhim——somethinghadhappenedtoHettyonthejourney。Stilltheoldwomanwassoslowof；speechandapprehension，thatHettymightbeatSnowfieldafterall。
　　"It’sapityyedidnaknow，"shesaid。"Haveyecomefromyourowncountryo’purposetoseeher？"
　　"ButHetty——HettySorrel，"saidAdam，abruptly；"Whereisshe？"
　　"Iknownobodybythatname，"saidtheoldwoman，wonderingly。
　　"Isitanybodyye’vehearedonatSnowfield？"
　　"Didtherecomenoyoungwomanhere——veryyoungandpretty——Fridaywasafortnight，toseeDinahMorris？"
　　"Nay；I’nseennoyoungwoman。"
　　"Think；areyouquitesure？Agirl，eighteenyearsold，withdarkeyesanddarkcurlyhair，andaredcloakon，andabasketonherarm？Youcouldn’tforgetherifyousawher。"
　　"Nay；Fridaywasafortnight——itwasthedayasDinahwentaway——
　　therecomenobody。There’sne’erbeennobodyaskingforhertillyoucome，forthefolksaboutknowasshe’sgone。Ehdear，ehdear，istheresummatthematter？"
　　TheoldwomanhadseentheghastlylookoffearinAdam’sface。
　　Buthewasnotstunnedorconfounded:hewasthinkingeagerlywherehecouldinquireaboutHetty。
　　"Yes；ayoungwomanstartedfromourcountrytoseeDinah，Fridaywasafortnight。Icametofetchherback。I’mafraidsomethinghashappenedtoher。Ican’tstop。Good-bye。"
　　Hehastenedoutofthecottage，andtheoldwomanfollowedhimtothegate，watchinghimsadlywithhershakingheadashealmostrantowardsthetown。HewasgoingtoinquireattheplacewheretheOakbournecoachstopped。
　　No！NoyoungwomanlikeHettyhadbeenseenthere。Hadanyaccidenthappenedtothecoachafortnightago？No。AndtherewasnocoachtotakehimbacktoOakbournethatday。Well，hewouldwalk:hecouldn’tstayhere，inwretchedinaction。Buttheinnkeeper，seeingthatAdamwasingreatanxiety，andenteringintothisnewincidentwiththeeagernessofamanwhopassesagreatdealoftimewithhishandsinhispocketslookingintoanobstinatelymonotonousstreet，offeredtotakehimbacktoOakbourneinhisown"taxedcart"thisveryevening。Itwasnotfiveo’clock；therewasplentyoftimeforAdamtotakeamealandyettogettoOakbournebeforeteno’clock。TheinnkeeperdeclaredthathereallywantedtogotoOakbourne，andmightaswellgoto-night；heshouldhaveallMondaybeforehimthen。
　　Adam，aftermakinganineffectualattempttoeat，putthefoodinhispocket，and，drinkingadraughtofale，declaredhimselfreadytosetoff。Astheyapproachedthecottage，itoccurredtohimthathewoulddowelltolearnfromtheoldwomanwhereDinahwastobefoundinLeeds:iftherewastroubleattheHallFarm——heonlyhalf-admittedtheforebodingthattherewouldbe——thePoysersmightliketosendforDinah。ButDinahhadnotleftanyaddress，andtheoldwoman，whosememoryfornameswasinfirm，couldnotrecallthenameofthe"blessedwoman"whowasDinah’schieffriendintheSocietyatLeeds。
　　Duringthatlong，longjourneyinthetaxedcart，therewastimeforalltheconjecturesofimportunatefearandstrugglinghope。
　　IntheveryfirstshockofdiscoveringthatHettyhadnotbeentoSnowfield，thethoughtofArthurhaddartedthroughAdamlikeasharppang，buthetriedforsometimetowardoffitsreturnbybusyinghimselfwithmodesofaccountingforthealarmingfact，quiteapartfromthatintolerablethought。Someaccidenthadhappened。Hettyhad，bysomestrangechance，gotintoawrongvehiclefromOakbourne:shehadbeentakenill，anddidnotwanttofrightenthembylettingthemknow。Butthisfrailfenceofvagueimprobabilitieswassoonhurleddownbyarushofdistinctagonizingfears。Hettyhadbeendeceivingherselfinthinkingthatshecouldloveandmarryhim:shehadbeenlovingArthurallthewhile；andnow，inherdesperationatthenearnessoftheirmarriage，shehadrunaway。Andshewasgonetohim。Theoldindignationandjealousyroseagain，andpromptedthesuspicionthatArthurhadbeendealingfalsely——hadwrittentoHetty——hadtemptedhertocometohim——beingunwilling，afterall，thatsheshouldbelongtoanothermanbesideshimself。Perhapsthewholethinghadbeencontrivedbyhim，andhehadgivenherdirectionshowtofollowhimtoIreland——forAdamknewthatArthurhadbeengonethitherthreeweeksago，havingrecentlylearntitattheChase。EverysadlookofHetty’s，sinceshehadbeenengagedtoAdam，returneduponhimnowwithalltheexaggerationofpainfulretrospect。Hehadbeenfoolishlysanguineandconfident。Thepoorthinghadn’tperhapsknownherownmindforalongwhile；hadthoughtthatshecouldforgetArthur；hadbeenmomentarilydrawntowardsthemanwhoofferedheraprotecting，faithfullove。Hecouldn’tbeartoblameher:shenevermeanttocausehimthisdreadfulpain。Theblamelaywiththatmanwhohadselfishlyplayedwithherheart——hadperhapsevendeliberatelyluredheraway。
　　AtOakbourne，theostlerattheRoyalOakrememberedsuchayoungwomanasAdamdescribedgettingoutoftheTreddlestoncoachmorethanafortnightago——wasn’tlikelytoforgetsuchaprettylassasthatinahurry——wassureshehadnotgoneonbytheBuxtoncoachthatwentthroughSnowfield，buthadlostsightofherwhilehewentawaywiththehorsesandhadneverseteyesonheragain。
　　AdamthenwentstraighttothehousefromwhichtheStonitioncoachstarted:StonitonwasthemostobviousplaceforHettytogotofirst，whatevermightbeherdestination，forshewouldhardlyventureonanybutthechiefcoach-roads。Shehadbeennoticedheretoo，andwasrememberedtohavesatontheboxbythecoachman；butthecoachmancouldnotbeseen，foranothermanhadbeendrivingonthatroadinhissteadthelastthreeorfourdays。HecouldprobablybeseenatStoniton，throughinquiryattheinnwherethecoachputup。Sotheanxiousheart-strickenAdammustofnecessitywaitandtrytoresttillmorning——nay，tilleleveno’clock，whenthecoachstarted。
　　AtStonitonanotherdelayoccurred，fortheoldcoachmanwhohaddrivenHettywouldnotbeinthetownagaintillnight。WhenhedidcomeherememberedHettywell，andrememberedhisownjokeaddressedtoher，quotingitmanytimestoAdam，andobservingwithequalfrequencythathethoughttherewassomethingmorethancommon，becauseHettyhadnotlaughedwhenhejokedher。Buthedeclared，asthepeoplehaddoneattheinn，thathehadlostsightofHettydirectlyshegotdown。Partofthenextmorningwasconsumedininquiriesateveryhouseinthetownfromwhichacoachstarted——allinvain，foryouknowHettydidnotstartfromStonitionbycoach，butonfootinthegreymorning——andtheninwalkingouttothefirsttoll-gatesonthedifferentlinesofroad，intheforlornhopeoffindingsomerecollectionofherthere。No，shewasnottobetracedanyfarther；andthenexthardtaskforAdamwastogohomeandcarrythewretchedtidingstotheHallFarm。Astowhatheshoulddobeyondthat，hehadcometotwodistinctresolutionsamidstthetumultofthoughtandfeelingwhichwasgoingonwithinhimwhilehewenttoandfro。
　　HewouldnotmentionwhatheknewofArthurDonnithorne’sbehaviourtoHettytilltherewasaclearnecessityforit:itwasstillpossibleHettymightcomeback，andthedisclosuremightbeaninjuryoranoffencetoher。Andassoonashehadbeenhomeanddonewhatwasnecessarytheretoprepareforhisfurtherabsence，hewouldstartofftoIreland:ifhefoundnotraceofHettyontheroad，hewouldgostraighttoArthurDonnithorneandmakehimselfcertainhowfarhewasacquaintedwithhermovements。
　　SeveraltimesthethoughtoccurredtohimthathewouldconsultMr。Irwine，butthatwouldbeuselessunlesshetoldhimall，andsobetrayedthesecretaboutArthur。ItseemsstrangethatAdam，intheincessantoccupationofhismindaboutHetty，shouldneverhavealightedontheprobabilitythatshehadgonetoWindsor，ignorantthatArthurwasnolongerthere。PerhapsthereasonwasthathecouldnotconceiveHetty’sthrowingherselfonArthuruncalled；heimaginednocausethatcouldhavedrivenhertosuchastep，afterthatletterwritteninAugust。Therewerebuttwoalternativesinhismind:eitherArthurhadwrittentoheragainandenticedheraway，orshehadsimplyfledfromherapproachingmarriagewithhimselfbecauseshefound，afterall，shecouldnotlovehimwellenough，andyetwasafraidofherfriends’angerifsheretracted。
　　Withthislastdeterminationonhismind，ofgoingstraighttoArthur，thethoughtthathehadspenttwodaysininquirieswhichhadprovedtobealmostuseless，wastorturingtoAdam；andyet，sincehewouldnottellthePoysershisconvictionastowhereHettywasgone，orhisintentiontofollowherthither，hemustbeabletosaytothemthathehadtracedherasfaraspossible。
　　Itwasaftertwelveo’clockonTuesdaynightwhenAdamreachedTreddleston；and，unwillingtodisturbhismotherandSeth，andalsotoencountertheirquestionsatthathour，hethrewhimselfwithoutundressingonabedatthe"WaggonOverthrown，"andslepthardfrompureweariness。Notmorethanfourhours，however，forbeforefiveo’clockhesetoutonhiswayhomeinthefaintmorningtwilight。Healwayskeptakeyoftheworkshopdoorinhispocket，sothathecouldlethimselfin；andhewishedtoenterwithoutawakinghismother，forhewasanxioustoavoidtellingherthenewtroublehimselfbyseeingSethfirst，andaskinghimtotellherwhenitshouldbenecessary。Hewalkedgentlyalongtheyard，andturnedthekeygentlyinthedoor；but，asheexpected，Gyp，wholayintheworkshop，gaveasharpbark。
　　ItsubsidedwhenhesawAdam，holdinguphisfingerathimtoimposesilence，andinhisdumb，taillessjoyhemustcontenthimselfwithrubbinghisbodyagainsthismaster’slegs。
　　Adamwastooheart-sicktotakenoticeofGyp’sfondling。Hethrewhimselfonthebenchandstareddullyatthewoodandthesignsofworkaroundhim，wonderingifheshouldevercometofeelpleasureinthemagain，whileGyp，dimlyawarethattherewassomethingwrongwithhismaster，laidhisroughgreyheadonAdam’skneeandwrinkledhisbrowstolookupathim。Hitherto，sinceSundayafternoon，Adamhadbeenconstantlyamongstrangepeopleandinstrangeplaces，havingnoassociationswiththedetailsofhisdailylife，andnowthatbythelightofthisnewmorninghewascomebacktohishomeandsurroundedbythefamiliarobjectsthatseemedforeverrobbedoftheircharm，thereality——thehard，inevitablerealityofhistroublespresseduponhimwithanewweight。Rightbeforehimwasanunfinishedchestofdrawers，whichhehadbeenmakinginsparemomentsforHetty’suse，whenhishomeshouldbehers。
　　SethhadnotheardAdam’sentrance，buthehadbeenrousedbyGyp’sbark，andAdamheardhimmovingaboutintheroomabove，dressinghimself。Seth’sfirstthoughtswereabouthisbrother:
　　hewouldcomehometo-day，surely，forthebusinesswouldbewantinghimsadlybyto-morrow，butitwaspleasanttothinkhehadhadalongerholidaythanhehadexpected。AndwouldDinahcometoo？Sethfeltthatthatwasthegreatesthappinesshecouldlookforwardtoforhimself，thoughhehadnohopeleftthatshewouldeverlovehimwellenoughtomarryhim；buthehadoftensaidtohimself，itwasbettertobeDinah’sfriendandbrotherthananyotherwoman’shusband。Ifhecouldbutbealwaysnearher，insteadoflivingsofaroff！
　　Hecamedownstairsandopenedtheinnerdoorleadingfromthekitchenintotheworkshop，intendingtoletoutGyp；buthestoodstillinthedoorway，smittenwithasuddenshockatthesightofAdamseatedlistlesslyonthebench，pale，unwashed，withsunkenblankeyes，almostlikeadrunkardinthemorning。ButSethfeltinaninstantwhatthemarksmeant——notdrunkenness，butsomegreatcalamity。Adamlookedupathimwithoutspeaking，andSethmovedforwardtowardsthebench，himselftremblingsothatspeechdidnotcomereadily。
　　"Godhavemercyonus，Addy，"hesaid，inalowvoice，sittingdownonthebenchbesideAdam，"whatisit？"
　　Adamwasunabletospeak。Thestrongman，accustomedtosuppressthesignsofsorrow，hadfelthisheartswelllikeachild’satthisfirstapproachofsympathy。HefellonSeth’sneckandsobbed。
　　Sethwaspreparedfortheworstnow，for，eveninhisrecollectionsoftheirboyhood，Adamhadneversobbedbefore。
　　"Isitdeath，Adam？Isshedead？"heasked，inalowtone，whenAdamraisedhisheadandwasrecoveringhimself。
　　"No，lad；butshe’sgone——goneawayfromus。She’sneverbeentoSnowfield。Dinah’sbeengonetoLeedseversincelastFridaywasafortnight，theverydayHettysetout。Ican’tfindoutwhereshewentaftershegottoStoniton。"
　　Sethwassilentfromutterastonishment:heknewnothingthatcouldsuggesttohimareasonforHetty’sgoingaway。
　　"Hastanynotionwhatshe’sdoneitfor？"hesaid，atlast。
　　"Shecan’tha’lovedme。Shedidn’tlikeourmarriagewhenitcamenigh——thatmustbeit，"saidAdam。Hehaddeterminedtomentionnofurtherreason。
　　"IhearMotherstirring，"saidSeth。"Mustwetellher？"
　　"No，notyet，"saidAdam，risingfromthebenchandpushingthehairfromhisface，asifhewantedtorousehimself。"Ican’thavehertoldyet；andImustsetoutonanotherjourneydirectly，afterI’vebeentothevillageandth’HallFarm。Ican’ttelltheewhereI’mgoing，andtheemustsaytoherI’mgoneonbusinessasnobodyistoknowanythingabout。I’llgoandwashmyselfnow。"Adammovedtowardsthedooroftheworkshop，butafterasteportwoheturnedround，and，meetingSeth’seyeswithacalmsadglance，hesaid，"Imusttakeallthemoneyouto’thetinbox，lad；butifanythinghappenstome，alltherest’llbethine，totakecareo’Motherwith。"
　　Sethwaspaleandtrembling:hefelttherewassometerriblesecretunderallthis。"Brother，"hesaid，faintly——henevercalledAdam"Brother"exceptinsolemnmoments——"Idon’tbelieveyou’lldoanythingasyoucan’taskGod’sblessingon。"
　　"Nay，lad，"saidAdam，"don’tbeafraid。I’mfordoingnoughtbutwhat’saman’sduty。"
　　Thethoughtthatifhebetrayedhistroubletohismother，shewouldonlydistresshimbywords，halfofblunderingaffection，halfofirrepressibletriumphthatHettyprovedasunfittobehiswifeasshehadalwaysforeseen，broughtbacksomeofhishabitualfirmnessandself-command。Hehadfeltillonhisjourneyhome——
　　hetoldherwhenshecamedown——hadstayedallnightatTredddlestonforthatreason；andabadheadache，thatstillhungabouthimthismorning，accountedforhispalenessandheavyeyes。
　　Hedeterminedtogotothevillage，inthefirstplace，attendtohisbusinessforanhour，andgivenoticetoBurgeofhisbeingobligedtogoonajourney，whichhemustbeghimnottomentiontoanyone；forhewishedtoavoidgoingtotheHallFarmnearbreakfast-time，whenthechildrenandservantswouldbeinthehouse-place，andtheremustbeexclamationsintheirhearingabouthishavingreturnedwithoutHetty。Hewaiteduntiltheclockstruckninebeforeheleftthework-yardatthevillage，andsetoff，throughthefields，towardstheFarm。Itwasanimmenserelieftohim，ashecameneartheHomeClose，toseeMr。Poyseradvancingtowardshim，forthiswouldsparehimthepainofgoingtothehouse。Mr。PoyserwaswalkingbrisklythisMarchmorning，withasenseofspringbusinessonhismind:hewasgoingtocastthemaster’seyeontheshoeingofanewcart-horse，carryinghisspudasausefulcompanionbytheway。HissurprisewasgreatwhenhecaughtsightofAdam，buthewasnotamangiventopresentimentsofevil。
　　"Why，Adam，lad，is’tyou？Haveyebeenallthistimeawayandnotbroughtthelassesback，afterall？Wherearethey？"
　　"No，I’venotbrought’em，"saidAdam，turninground，toindicatethathewishedtowalkbackwithMr。Poyser。
　　"Why，"saidMartin，lookingwithsharperattentionatAdam，"yelookbad。Isthereanythinghappened？"
　　"Yes，"saidAdam，heavily。"Asadthing’shappened。IdidnafindHettyatSnowfield。"
　　Mr。Poyser’sgood-naturedfaceshowedsignsoftroubledastonishment。"Notfindher？What’shappenedtoher？"hesaid，histhoughtsflyingatoncetobodilyaccident。
　　"ThatIcan’ttell，whetheranything’shappenedtoher。SheneverwenttoSnowfield——shetookthecoachtoStoniton，butIcan’tlearnnothingofheraftershegotdownfromtheStonitoncoach。"
　　"Why，youdonnameanshe’srunaway？"saidMartin，standingstill，sopuzzledandbewilderedthatthefactdidnotyetmakeitselffeltasatroublebyhim。
　　"Shemustha’done，"saidAdam。"Shedidn’tlikeourmarriagewhenitcametothepoint——thatmustbeit。She’dmistookherfeelings。"
　　Martinwassilentforaminuteortwo，lookingonthegroundandrootingupthegrasswithhisspud，withoutknowingwhathewasdoing。Hisusualslownesswasalwaystrebledwhenthesubjectofspeechwaspainful。Atlasthelookedup，rightinAdam’sface，saying，"Thenshedidnadeservet’ha’ye，mylad。An’Ifeeli’
　　faultmyself，forshewasmyniece，andIwasallayshotforhermarr’ingye。There’snoamendsIcanmakeye，lad——themore’sthepity:it’sasadcut-upforye，Idoubt。"
　　Adamcouldsaynothing；andMr。Poyser，afterpursuinghiswalkforalittlewhile，wenton，"I’llbeboundshe’sgoneaftertryingtogetalady’smaid’splace，forshe’dgotthatinherheadhalfayearago，andwantedmetogi’myconsent。ButI’dthoughtbetteronher"——headded，shakinghisheadslowlyandsadly——"I’dthoughtbetteronher，nortolookforthis，aftershe’dgi’eny’herword，an’everythingbeengotready。"
　　AdamhadthestrongestmotivesforencouragingthissuppositioninMr。Poyser，andheeventriedtobelievethatitmightpossiblybetrue。HehadnowarrantforthecertaintythatshewasgonetoArthur。
　　"Itwasbetteritshouldbeso，"hesaid，asquietlyashecould，"ifshefeltshecouldn’tlikemeforahusband。Betterrunawaybeforethanrepentafter。Ihopeyouwon’tlookharshlyonherifshecomesback，asshemaydoifshefindsithardtogetonawayfromhome。"
　　"IcannalookonherasI’vedonebefore，"saidMartindecisively。
　　"She’sactedbadbyyou，andbyallofus。ButI’llnotturnmybackonher:she’sbutayoungun，andit’sthefirstharmI’veknowedonher。It’llbeahardjobformetotellheraunt。WhydidnaDinahcomebackwi’ye？She’dha’helpedtopacifyherauntabit。"
　　"Dinahwasn’tatSnowfield。She’sbeengonetoLeedsthisfortnight，andIcouldn’tlearnfromth’oldwomananydirectionwheresheisatLeeds，elseIshouldha’broughtityou。"
　　"She’dadealbetterbestayingwi’herownkin，"saidMr。Poyser，indignantly，"thangoingpreachingamongstrangefolksa-that’n。"
　　"Imustleaveyounow，Mr。Poyser，"saidAdam，"forI’veadealtoseeto。"
　　"Aye，you’dbestbeafteryourbusiness，andImusttellthemissiswhenIgohome。It’sahardjob。"
　　"But，"saidAdam，"Ibegparticular，you’llkeepwhat’shappenedquietforaweekortwo。I’venottoldmymotheryet，andthere’snoknowinghowthingsmayturnout。"
　　"Aye，aye；leastsaid，soonestmended。We’nnoneedtosaywhythematchisbrokeoff，an’wemayhearofherafterabit。Shakehandswi’me，lad:IwishIcouldmaketheeamends。"
　　TherewassomethinginMartinPoyser’sthroatatthatmomentwhichcausedhimtobringoutthosescantywordsinratherabrokenfashion。YetAdamknewwhattheymeantallthebetter，andthetwohonestmengraspedeachother’shardhandsinmutualunderstanding。
　　TherewasnothingnowtohinderAdamfromsettingoff。HehadtoldSethtogototheChaseandleaveamessageforthesquire，sayingthatAdamBedehadbeenobligedtostartoffsuddenlyonajourney——andtosayasmuch，andnomore，toanyoneelsewhomadeinquiriesabouthim。IfthePoyserslearnedthathewasgoneawayagain，AdamknewtheywouldinferthathewasgoneinsearchofHetty。
　　HehadintendedtogorightonhiswayfromtheHallFarm，butnowtheimpulsewhichhadfrequentlyvisitedhimbefore——togotoMr。
　　Irwine，andmakeaconfidantofhim——recurredwiththenewforcewhichbelongstoalastopportunity。Hewasabouttostartonalongjourney——adifficultone——bysea——andnosoulwouldknowwherehewasgone。Ifanythinghappenedtohim？Or，ifheabsolutelyneededhelpinanymatterconcerningHetty？Mr。Irwinewastobetrusted；andthefeelingwhichmadeAdamshrinkfromtellinganythingwhichwashersecretmustgivewaybeforetheneedtherewasthatsheshouldhavesomeoneelsebesideshimselfwhowouldbepreparedtodefendherintheworstextremity。
　　TowardsArthur，eventhoughhemighthaveincurrednonewguilt，AdamfeltthathewasnotboundtokeepsilencewhenHetty’sinterestcalledonhimtospeak。
　　"Imustdoit，"saidAdam，whenthesethoughts，whichhadspreadthemselvesthroughhoursofhissadjourneying，nowrusheduponhiminaninstant，likeawavethathadbeenslowlygathering；
　　"it’stherightthing。Ican’tstandaloneinthiswayanylonger。"
　　TheTidingsADAMturnedhisfacetowardsBroxtonandwalkedwithhisswifteststride，lookingathiswatchwiththefearthatMr。Irwinemightbegoneout——hunting，perhaps。Thefearandhastetogetherproducedastateofstrongexcitementbeforehereachedtherectorygate，andoutsideithesawthedeepmarksofarecenthoofonthegravel。
　　Butthehoofswereturnedtowardsthegate，notawayfromit，andthoughtherewasahorseagainstthestabledoor，itwasnotMr。
　　Irwine’s:ithadevidentlyhadajourneythismorning，andmustbelongtosomeonewhohadcomeonbusiness。Mr。Irwinewasathome，then；butAdamcouldhardlyfindbreathandcalmnesstotellCarrollthathewantedtospeaktotherector。Thedoublesufferingofcertainanduncertainsorrowhadbeguntoshakethestrongman。Thebutlerlookedathimwonderingly，ashethrewhimselfonabenchinthepassageandstaredabsentlyattheclockontheoppositewall。Themasterhadsomebodywithhim，hesaid，butheheardthestudydooropen——thestrangerseemedtobecomingout，andasAdamwasinahurry，hewouldletthemasterknowatonce。
　　Adamsatlookingattheclock:theminute-handwashurryingalongthelastfiveminutestotenwithaloud，hard，indifferenttick，andAdamwatchedthemovementandlistenedtothesoundasifhehadhadsomereasonfordoingso。Inourtimesofbittersufferingtherearealmostalwaysthesepauses，whenourconsciousnessisbenumbedtoeverythingbutsometrivialperceptionorsensation。Itisasifsemi-idiocycametogiveusrestfromthememoryandthedreadwhichrefusetoleaveusinoursleep。
　　Carroll，comingback，recalledAdamtothesenseofhisburden。
　　Hewastogointothestudyimmediately。"Ican’tthinkwhatthatstrangeperson’scomeabout，"thebutleradded，frommereincontinenceofremark，asheprecededAdamtothedoor，"he’sgonei’thedining-room。Andmasterlooksunaccountable——asifhewasfrightened。"Adamtooknonoticeofthewords:hecouldnotcareaboutotherpeople’sbusiness。ButwhenheenteredthestudyandlookedinMr。Irwine’sface，hefeltinaninstantthattherewasanewexpressioninit，strangelydifferentfromthewarmfriendlinessithadalwayswornforhimbefore。Aletterlayopenonthetable，andMr。Irwine’shandwasonit，butthechangedglancehecastonAdamcouldnotbeowingentirelytopreoccupationwithsomedisagreeablebusiness，forhewaslookingeagerlytowardsthedoor，asifAdam’sentrancewereamatterofpoignantanxietytohim。
　　"Youwanttospeaktome，Adam，"hesaid，inthatlowconstrainedlyquiettonewhichamanuseswhenheisdeterminedtosuppressagitation。"Sitdownhere。"Hepointedtoachairjustoppositetohim，atnomorethanayard’sdistancefromhisown，andAdamsatdownwithasensethatthiscoldmannerofMr。
　　Irwine’sgaveanadditionalunexpecteddifficultytohisdisclosure。ButwhenAdamhadmadeuphismindtoameasure，hewasnotthemantorenounceitforanybutimperativereasons。
　　"Icometoyou，sir，"hesaid，"asthegentlemanIlookuptomostofanybody。I’vesomethingverypainfultotellyou——somethingasit’llpainyoutohearaswellasmetotell。ButifIspeako’
　　thewrongotherpeoplehavedone，you’llseeIdidn’tspeaktillI’dgoodreason。"
　　Mr。Irwinenoddedslowly，andAdamwentonrathertremulously，"Youwast’ha’marriedmeandHettySorrel，youknow，sir，o’thefifteentho’thismonth。Ithoughtshelovedme，andIwasth’
　　happiestmani’theparish。Butadreadfulblow’scomeuponme。"
　　Mr。Irwinestartedupfromhischair，asifinvoluntarily，butthen，determinedtocontrolhimself，walkedtothewindowandlookedout。
　　"She’sgoneaway，sir，andwedon’tknowwhere。ShesaidshewasgoingtoSnowfieldo’Fridaywasafortnight，andIwentlastSundaytofetchherback；butshe’dneverbeenthere，andshetookthecoachtoStoniton，andbeyondthatIcan’ttraceher。ButnowI’mgoingalongjourneytolookforher，andIcan’ttrustt’
　　anybodybutyouwhereI’mgoing。"
　　Mr。Irwinecamebackfromthewindowandsatdown。
　　"Haveyounoideaofthereasonwhyshewentaway？"hesaid。
　　"It’splainenoughshedidn’twanttomarryme，sir，"saidAdam。
　　"Shedidn’tlikeitwhenitcamesonear。Butthatisn’tall，I
　　doubt。There’ssomethingelseImusttellyou，sir。There’ssomebodyelseconcernedbesidesme。"
　　Agleamofsomething——itwasalmostlikerelieforjoy——cameacrosstheeageranxietyofMr。Irwine’sfaceatthatmoment。
　　Adamwaslookingontheground，andpausedalittle:thenextwordswerehardtospeak。Butwhenhewenton，helifteduphisheadandlookedstraightatMr。Irwine。Hewoulddothethinghehadresolvedtodo，withoutflinching。
　　"Youknowwho’sthemanI’vereckonedmygreatestfriend，"hesaid，"andusedtobeproudtothinkasIshouldpassmylifei’
　　workingforhim，andhadfeltsoeversincewewerelads……"
　　Mr。Irwine，asifallself-controlhadforsakenhim，graspedAdam’sarm，whichlayonthetable，and，clutchingittightlylikeamaninpain，said，withpalelipsandalowhurriedvoice，"No，Adam，no——don’tsayit，forGod’ssake！"
　　Adam，surprisedattheviolenceofMr。Irwine’sfeeling，repentedofthewordsthathadpassedhislipsandsatindistressedsilence。Thegrasponhisarmgraduallyrelaxed，andMr。Irwinethrewhimselfbackinhischair，saying，"Goon——Imustknowit。"
　　"ThatmanplayedwithHetty’sfeelings，andbehavedtoherashe’dnorighttodotoagirlinherstationo’life——madeherpresentsandusedtogoandmeetherouta-walking。Ifounditoutonlytwodaysbeforehewentaway——foundhima-kissingherastheywerepartingintheGrove。There’dbeennothingsaidbetweenmeandHettythen，thoughI’dlovedherforalongwhile，andsheknewit。ButIreproachedhimwithhiswrongactions，andwordsandblowspassedbetweenus；andhesaidsolemnlytome，afterthat，asithadbeenallnonsenseandnomorethanabito’flirting。
　　ButImadehimwritealettertotellHettyhe’dmeantnothing，forIsawclearenough，sir，byseveralthingsasIhadn’tunderstoodatthetime，ashe’dgotholdofherheart，andI
　　thoughtshe’dbelikegoonthinkingofhimandnevercometoloveanothermanaswantedtomarryher。AndIgavehertheletter，andsheseemedtobearitallafterawhilebetterthanI’dexpected……andshebehavedkinderandkindertome……Idaresayshedidn’tknowherownfeelingsthen，poorthing，andtheycamebackuponherwhenitwastoolate……Idon’twanttoblameher……I
　　can’tthinkasshemeanttodeceiveme。ButIwasencouragedtothinkshelovedme，and——youknowtherest，sir。Butit’sonmymindashe’sbeenfalsetome，and’ticedheraway，andshe’sgonetohim——andI’mgoingnowtosee，forIcannevergotoworkagaintillIknowwhat’sbecomeofher。"
　　DuringAdam’snarrative，Mr。Irwinehadhadtimetorecoverhisself-masteryinspiteofthepainfulthoughtsthatcrowdeduponhim。Itwasabitterremembrancetohimnow——thatmorningwhenArthurbreakfastedwithhimandseemedasifhewereonthevergeofaconfession。Itwasplainenoughnowwhathehadwantedtoconfess。Andiftheirwordshadtakenanotherturn……ifhehimselfhadbeenlessfastidiousaboutintrudingonanotherman’ssecrets……itwascrueltothinkhowthinafilmhadshutoutrescuefromallthisguiltandmisery。Hesawthewholehistorynowbythatterribleilluminationwhichthepresentshedsbackuponthepast。Buteveryotherfeelingasitrusheduponhiswasthrownintoabeyancebypity，deeprespectfulpity，forthemanwhosatbeforehim——alreadysobruised，goingforthwithsadblindresignednesstoanunrealsorrow，whilearealonewascloseuponhim，toofarbeyondtherangeofcommontrialforhimevertohavefearedit。Hisownagitationwasquelledbyacertainawethatcomesoverusinthepresenceofagreatanguish，fortheanguishhemustinflictonAdamwasalreadypresenttohim。Againheputhishandonthearmthatlayonthetable，butverygentlythistime，ashesaidsolemnly:
　　"Adam，mydearfriend，youhavehadsomehardtrialsinyourlife。
　　Youcanbearsorrowmanfully，aswellasactmanfully。Godrequiresbothtasksatourhands。Andthereisaheaviersorrowcominguponyouthananyyouhaveyetknown。Butyouarenotguilty——youhavenottheworstofallsorrows。Godhelphimwhohas！"
　　Thetwopalefaceslookedateachother；inAdam’stherewastremblingsuspense，inMr。Irwine’shesitating，shrinkingpity。
　　Buthewenton。
　　"IhavehadnewsofHettythismorning。Sheisnotgonetohim。
　　SheisinStonyshire——atStoniton。"
　　Adamstartedupfromhischair，asifhethoughthecouldhaveleapedtoherthatmoment。ButMr。Irwinelaidholdofhisarmagainandsaid，persuasively，"Wait，Adam，wait。"Sohesatdown。
　　"Sheisinaveryunhappyposition——onewhichwillmakeitworseforyoutofindher，mypoorfriend，thantohavelostherforever。"
　　Adam’slipsmovedtremulously，butnosoundcame。Theymovedagain，andhewhispered，"Tellme。"
　　"Shehasbeenarrested……sheisinprison。"
　　ItwasasifaninsultingblowhadbroughtbackthespiritofresistanceintoAdam。Thebloodrushedtohisface，andhesaid，loudlyandsharply，"Forwhat？"
　　"Foragreatcrime——themurderofherchild。"
　　"ItCAN’TBE！"Adamalmostshouted，startingupfromhiscnairandmakingastridetowardsthedoor；butheturnedroundagain，settinghisbackagainstthebookcase，andlookingfiercelyatMr。
　　Irwine。"Itisn’tpossible。Sheneverhadachild。Shecan’tbeguilty。WHOsaysit？"
　　"Godgrantshemaybeinnocent，Adam。Wecanstillhopesheis。"
　　"Butwhosayssheisguilty？"saidAdamviolently。"Tellmeeverything。"
　　"Hereisaletterfromthemagistratebeforewhomshewastaken，andtheconstablewhoarrestedherisinthedining-room。Shewillnotconfesshernameorwhereshecomesfrom；butIfear，I
　　fear，therecanbenodoubtitisHetty。Thedescriptionofherpersoncorresponds，onlythatsheissaidtolookverypaleandill。Shehadasmallred-leatherpocket-bookinherpocketwithtwonameswritteninit——oneatthebeginning，’HettySorrel，Hayslope，’andtheotherneartheend，’DinahMorris，Snowfield。’
　　Shewillnotsaywhichisherownname——shedenieseverything，andwillanswernoquestions，andapplicationhasbeenmadetome，asamagistrate，thatImaytakemeasuresforidentifyingher，foritwasthoughtprobablethatthenamewhichstandsfirstisherownname。"
　　"Butwhatproofhavetheygotagainsther，ifitISHetty？"saidAdam，stillviolently，withaneffortthatseemedtoshakehiswholeframe。"I’llnotbelieveit。Itcouldn’tha’been，andnoneofusknowit。"
　　"Terribleproofthatshewasunderthetemptationtocommitthecrime；butwehaveroomtohopethatshedidnotreallycommitit。
　　Tryandreadthatletter，Adam。"
　　Adamtooktheletterbetweenhisshakinghandsandtriedtofixhiseyessteadilyonit。Mr。Irwinemeanwhilewentouttogivesomeorders。Whenhecameback，Adam’seyeswerestillonthefirstpage——hecouldn’tread——hecouldnotputthewordstogetherandmakeoutwhattheymeant。Hethrewitdownatlastandclenchedhisfist。
　　"It’sHISdoing，"hesaid；"ifthere’sbeenanycrime，it’sathisdoor，notathers。HEtaughthertodeceive——HEdeceivedmefirst。Let’emputHIMonhistrial——lethimstandincourtbesideher，andI’lltell’emhowhegotholdofherheart，and’ticedhert’evil，andthenliedtome。IsHEtogofree，whiletheylayallthepunishmentonher……soweakandyoung？"
　　TheimagecalledupbytheselastwordsgaveanewdirectiontopoorAdam’smaddenedfeelings。Hewassilent，lookingatthecorneroftheroomasifhesawsomethingthere。Thenheburstoutagain，inatoneofappealinganguish，"Ican’tbearit……O
　　God，it’stoohardtolayuponme——it’stoohardtothinkshe’swicked。"
　　Mr。Irwinehadsatdownagaininsilence。Hewastoowisetouttersoothingwordsatpresent，andindeed，thesightofAdambeforehim，withthatlookofsuddenagewhichsometimescomesoverayoungfaceinmomentsofterribleemotion——thehardbloodlesslookoftheskin，thedeeplinesaboutthequiveringmouth，thefurrowsinthebrow——thesightofthisstrongfirmmanshatteredbytheinvisiblestrokeofsorrow，movedhimsodeeplythatspeechwasnoteasy。Adamstoodmotionless，withhiseyesvacantlyfixedinthiswayforaminuteortwo；inthatshortspacehewaslivingthroughallhisloveagain。
　　"Shecan’tha’doneit，"hesaid，stillwithoutmovinghiseyes，asifhewereonlytalkingtohimself:"itwasfearmadeherhideit……Iforgiveherfordeceivingme……Iforgivethee，Hetty……theewastdeceivedtoo……it’sgonehardwi’thee，mypoorHetty……butthey’llnevermakemebelieveit。"
　　Hewassilentagainforafewmoments，andthenhesaid，withfierceabruptness，"I’llgotohim——I’llbringhimback——I’llmakehimgoandlookatherinhermisery——heshalllookathertillhecan’tforgetit——itshallfollowhimnightandday——aslongashelivesitshallfollowhim——heshan’tescapewi’liesthistime——
　　I’llfetchhim，I’lldraghimmyself。"
　　Intheactofgoingtowardsthedoor，Adampausedautomaticallyandlookedaboutforhishat，quiteunconsciouswherehewasorwhowaspresentwithhim。Mr。Irwinehadfollowedhim，andnowtookhimbythearm，saying，inaquietbutdecidedtone，"No，Adam，no；I’msureyouwillwishtostayandseewhatgoodcanbedoneforher，insteadofgoingonauselesserrandofvengeance。
　　Thepunishmentwillsurelyfallwithoutyouraid。Besides，heisnolongerinIreland。Hemustbeonhiswayhome——orwouldbe，longbeforeyouarrived，forhisgrandfather，Iknow，wroteforhimtocomeatleasttendaysago。IwantyounowtogowithmetoStoniton。Ihaveorderedahorseforyoutoridewithus，assoonasyoucancomposeyourself。"
　　WhileMr。Irwinewasspeaking，Adamrecoveredhisconsciousnessoftheactualscene。Herubbedhishairoffhisforeheadandlistened。
　　"Remember，"Mr。Irwinewenton，"thereareotherstothinkof，andactfor，besidesyourself，Adam:thereareHetty’sfriends，thegoodPoysers，onwhomthisstrokewillfallmoreheavilythanI
　　canbeartothink。Iexpectitfromyourstrengthofmind，Adam——
　　fromyoursenseofdutytoGodandman——thatyouwilltrytoactaslongasactioncanbeofanyuse。"
　　Inreality，Mr。IrwineproposedthisjourneytoStonitonforAdam’sownsake。Movement，withsomeobjectbeforehim，wasthebestmeansofcounteractingtheviolenceofsufferinginthesefirsthours。
　　"YouwillgowithmetoStoniton，Adam？"hesaidagain，afteramoment’spause。"WehavetoseeifitisreallyHettywhoisthere，youknow。"
　　"Yes，sir，"saidAdam，"I’lldowhatyouthinkright。Butthefolksatth’HallFarm？"
　　"IwishthemnottoknowtillIreturntotellthemmyself。I
　　shallhaveascertainedthingsthenwhichIamuncertainaboutnow，andIshallreturnassoonaspossible。Comenow，thehorsesareready。"
　　TheBitterWatersSpreadMR。IRWINEreturnedfromStonitoninapost-chaisethatnight，andthefirstwordsCarrollsaidtohim，asheenteredthehouse，were，thatSquireDonnithornewasdead——founddeadinhisbedatteno’clockthatmorning——andthatMrs。IrwinedesiredhimtosaysheshouldbeawakewhenMr。Irwinecamehome，andshebeggedhimnottogotobedwithoutseeingher。
　　"Well，Dauphin，"Mrs。Irwinesaid，ashersonenteredherroom，"you’recomeatlast。Sotheoldgentleman’sfidgetinessandlowspirits，whichmadehimsendforArthurinthatsuddenway，reallymeantsomething。IsupposeCarrollhastoldyouthatDonnithornewasfounddeadinhisbedthismorning。Youwillbelievemyprognosticationsanothertime，thoughIdaresayIshan’tlivetoprognosticateanythingbutmyowndeath。"
　　"WhathavetheydoneaboutArthur？"saidMr。Irwine。"SentamessengertoawaithimatLiverpool？"
　　"Yes，Ralphwasgonebeforethenewswasbroughttous。DearArthur，IshalllivenowtoseehimmasterattheChase，andmakinggoodtimesontheestate，likeagenerous-heartedfellowasheis。He’llbeashappyasakingnow。"
　　Mr。Irwinecouldnothelpgivingaslightgroan:hewaswornwithanxietyandexertion，andhismother’slightwordswerealmostintolerable。
　　"Whatareyousodismalabout，Dauphin？Isthereanybadnews？
　　OrareyouthinkingofthedangerforArthurincrossingthatfrightfulIrishChannelatthistimeofyear？"
　　"No，Mother，I’mnotthinkingofthat；butI’mnotpreparedtorejoicejustnow。"
　　"You’vebeenworriedbythislawbusinessthatyou’vebeentoStonitonabout。Whatintheworldisit，thatyoucan’ttellme？"
　　"Youwillknowbyandby，mother。Itwouldnotberightformetotellyouatpresent。Good-night:you’llsleepnowyouhavenolongeranythingtolistenfor。"
　　Mr。IrwinegaveuphisintentionofsendingalettertomeetArthur，sinceitwouldnotnowhastenhisreturn:thenewsofhisgrandfather’sdeathwouldbringhimassoonashecouldpossiblycome。Hecouldgotobednowandgetsomeneedfulrest，beforethetimecameforthemorning’sheavydutyofcarryinghissickeningnewstotheHallFarmandtoAdam’shome。
　　AdamhimselfwasnotcomebackfromStoniton，forthoughheshrankfromseeingHetty，hecouldnotbeartogotoadistancefromheragain。
　　"It’snouse，sir，"hesaidtotherector，"it’snouseformetogoback。Ican’tgotoworkagainwhileshe’shere，andI
　　couldn’tbearthesighto’thethingsandfolksroundhome。I’lltakeabitofaroomhere，whereIcanseetheprisonwalls，andperhapsIshallget，intime，tobearseeingher。"
　　AdamhadnotbeenshakeninhisbeliefthatHettywasinnocentofthecrimeshewaschargedwith，forMr。Irwine，feelingthatthebeliefinherguiltwouldbeacrushingadditiontoAdam’sload，hadkeptfromhimthefactswhichleftnohopeinhisownmind。
　　TherewasnotanyreasonforthrustingthewholeburdenonAdamatonce，andMr。Irwine，atparting，onlysaid，"Iftheevidenceshouldtelltoostronglyagainsther，Adam，wemaystillhopeforapardon。Heryouthandothercircumstanceswillbeapleaforher。"
　　"Ah，andit’srightpeopleshouldknowhowshewastemptedintothewrongway，"saidAdam，withbitterearnestness。"It’srighttheyshouldknowitwasafinegentlemanmadelovetoher，andturnedherheadwi’notions。You’llremember，sir，you’vepromisedtotellmymother，andSeth，andthepeopleatthefarm，whoitwasasledherwrong，elsethey’llthinkharderofherthanshedeserves。You’llbedoingherahurtbysparinghim，andI
　　holdhimtheguiltiestbeforeGod，letherha’donewhatshemay。
　　Ifyousparehim，I’llexposehim！"
　　"Ithinkyourdemandisjust，Adam，"saidMr。Irwine，"butwhenyouarecalmer，youwilljudgeArthurmoremercifully。Isaynothingnow，onlythathispunishmentisinotherhandsthanours。"
　　Mr。IrwinefeltitharduponhimthatheshouldhavetotellofArthur’ssadpartinthestoryofsinandsorrow——hewhocaredforArthurwithfatherlyaffection，whohadcaredforhimwithfatherlypride。Buthesawclearlythatthesecretmustbeknownbeforelong，evenapartfromAdam’sdetermination，sinceitwasscarcelytobesupposedthatHettywouldpersisttotheendinherobstinatesilence。HemadeuphismindtowithholdnothingfromthePoysers，buttotellthemtheworstatonce，fortherewasnotimetorobthetidingsoftheirsuddenness。Hetty’strialmustcomeonattheLentassizes，andtheyweretobeheldatStonitonthenextweek。ItwasscarcelytobehopedthatMartinPoysercouldescapethepainofbeingcalledasawitness，anditwasbetterheshouldknoweverythingaslongbeforehandaspossible。
　　Beforeteno’clockonThursdaymorningthehomeattheHallFarmwasahouseofmourningforamisfortunefelttobeworsethandeath。Thesenseoffamilydishonourwastookeeneveninthekind-heartedMartinPoysertheyoungertoleaveroomforanycompassiontowardsHetty。Heandhisfatherweresimple-mindedfarmers，proudoftheiruntarnishedcharacter，proudthattheycameofafamilywhichhadheldupitsheadandpaiditswayasfarbackasitsnamewasintheparishregister；andHettyhadbroughtdisgraceonthemall——disgracethatcouldneverbewipedout。Thatwastheall-conqueringfeelinginthemindbothoffatherandson——thescorchingsenseofdisgrace，whichneutralisedallothersensibility——andMr。IrwinewasstruckwithsurprisetoobservethatMrs。Poyserwaslessseverethanherhusband。Weareoftenstartledbytheseverityofmildpeopleonexceptionaloccasions；thereasonis，thatmildpeoplearemostliabletobeundertheyokeoftraditionalimpressions。
　　"I’mwillingtopayanymoneyasiswantedtowardstryingtobringheroff，"saidMartintheyoungerwhenMr。Irwinewasgone，whiletheoldgrandfatherwascryingintheoppositechair，"butI’llnotgonighher，noreverseeheragain，bymyownwill。She’smadeourbreadbittertousforallourlivestocome，an’weshallne’erholdupourheadsi’thisparishnori’anyother。
　　Theparsontalkso’folkspityingus:it’spooramendspity’ullmakeus。"
　　"Pity？"saidthegrandfather，sharply。"Ine’erwantedfolks’spityi’MYlifeafore……an’Imunbegintobelookeddownonnow，an’meturnedseventy-twolastSt。Thomas’s，an’allth’
　　underbearersandpall-bearersasI’npickedformyfuneralarei’
　　thisparishandthenextto’t……It’so’nousenow……Imunbeta’entothegravebystrangers。"
　　"Don’tfretso，father，"saidMrs。Poyser，whohadspokenverylittle，beingalmostoverawedbyherhusband’sunusualhardnessanddecision。"You’llhaveyourchildrenwi’you；an’there’stheladsandthelittleun’ullgrowupinanewparishaswellasi’
　　th’oldun。"
　　"Ah，there’snostayingi’thiscountryforusnow，"saidMr。
　　Poyser，andthehardtearstrickledslowlydownhisroundcheeks。
　　"Wethoughtit’udbebadluckiftheoldsquiregaveusnoticethisLadyday，butImustgi’noticemyselfnow，an’seeiftherecananybodybegottocomean’taketothecropsasI’nputi’theground；forIwonnastayupo’thatman’slandadaylongernorI’mforcedto’t。An’me，asthoughthimsuchagooduprightyoungman，asIshouldbegladwhenhecometobeourlandlord。I’llne’erliftmyhattohimagain，norsiti’thesamechurchwi’
　　him……amanashasbroughtshameonrespectablefolks……an’
　　pretendedtobesuchafriendt’everybody……PoorAdamthere……afinefriendhe’sbeent’Adam，makingspeechesan’talkingsofine，an’allthewhilepoisoningthelad’slife，asit’smuchifhecanstayi’thiscountryanymorenorwecan。"
　　"An’yout’ha’togointocourt，andownyou’reakint’her，"
　　saidtheoldman。"Why，they’llcastituptothelittleun，asisn’tfour’earold，someday——they’llcastitupt’herasshe’dacousintriedatthe’sizesformurder。"
　　"It’llbetheirownwickedness，then，"saidMrs。Poyser，withasobinhervoice。"Butthere’sOneabove’ulltakecareo’theinnicentchild，elseit’sbutlittletruththeytellusatchurch。
　　It’llbehardernorevertodiean’leavethelittleuns，an’
　　nobodytobeamotherto’em。"
　　"We’dbetterha’sentforDinah，ifwe’dknownwheresheis，"saidMr。Poyser；"butAdamsaidshe’dleftnodirectionwhereshe’dbeatLeeds。"
　　"Why，she’dbewi’thatwomanaswasafriendt’herAuntJudith，"
　　saidMrs。Poyser，comfortedalittlebythissuggestionofherhusbands。"I’veoftenheardDinahtalkofher，butIcan’trememberwhatnameshecalledherby。Butthere’sSethBede；he’slikeenoughtoknow，forshe’sapreachingwomanastheMethodiststhinkadealon。"
　　"I’llsendtoSeth，"saidMr。Poyser。"I’llsendAlicktotellhimtocome，orelsetosendupwordo’thewoman’sname，an’theecanstwritealetterreadytosendofftoTreddles’onassoonaswecanmakeoutadirection。"
　　"It’spoorworkwritingletterswhenyouwantfolkstocometoyoui’trouble，"saidMrs。Poyser。"Happenit’llbeeversolongontheroad，an’neverreachheratlast。"
　　BeforeAlickarrivedwiththemessage，Lisbeth’sthoughtstoohadalreadyflowntoDinah，andshehadsaidtoSeth，"Eh，there’snocomfortforusi’thisworldanymore，wi’outtheecouldstgetDinahMorristocometous，asshedidwhenmyoldmandied。I’dlikehertocomeinan’takemebyth’handagain，an’talktome。
　　She’dtellmetherightson’t，belike——she’dhappenknowsomegoodi’allthistroublean’heart-breakcomin’upo’thatpoorlad，asne’erdoneabito’wrongin’slife，butwarbetternoranybodyelse’sson，pickthecountryround。Eh，mylad……Adam，mypoorlad！"
　　"Theewouldstnalikemetoleavethee，togoandfetchDinah？"
　　saidSeth，ashismothersobbedandrockedherselftoandfro。
　　"Fetchher？"saidLisbeth，lookingupandpausingfromhergrief，likeacryingchildwhohearssomepromiseofconsolation。"Why，whatplaceis’tshe’sat，dotheysay？"
　　"It’sagoodwayoff，mother——Leeds，abigtown。ButIcouldbebackinthreedays，iftheecouldstspareme。"
　　"Nay，nay，Icannasparethee。Theemustgoan’seethybrother，an’bringmewordwhathe’sa-doin’。MesterIrwinesaidhe’dcomean’tellme，butIcannamakeoutsowellwhatitmeanswhenhetellsme。Theemustgothysen，sin’Adamwonnaletmegotohim。
　　WritealettertoDinahcanstna？Thee’tfondenougho’writin’
　　whennobodywantsthee。"
　　"I’mnotsurewhereshe’dbei’thatbigtown，"saidSeth。"IfI’dgonemyself，Icouldha’foundoutbyaskingthememberso’
　　theSociety。ButperhapsifIputSarahWilliamson，Methodistpreacher，Leeds，o’th’outside，itmightgettoher；formostlikeshe’dbewi’SarahWilliamson。"
　　Alickcamenowwiththemessage，andSeth，findingthatMrs。
　　PoyserwaswritingtoDinah，gaveuptheintentionofwritinghimself；buthewenttotheHallFarmtotellthemallhecouldsuggestabouttheaddressoftheletter，andwarnthemthattheremightbesomedelayinthedelivery，fromhisnotknowinganexactdirection。
　　OnleavingLisbeth，Mr。IrwinehadgonetoJonathanBurge，whohadalsoaclaimtobeacquaintedwithwhatwaslikelytokeepAdamawayfrombusinessforsometime；andbeforesixo’clockthateveningtherewerefewpeopleinBroxtonandHayslopewhohadnotheardthesadnews。Mr。IrwinehadnotmentionedArthur’snametoBurge，andyetthestoryofhisconducttowardsHetty，withallthedarkshadowscastuponitbyitsterribleconsequences，waspresentlyaswellknownasthathisgrandfatherwasdead，andthathewascomeintotheestate。ForMartinPoyserfeltnomotivetokeepsilencetowardstheoneortwoneighbourswhoventuredtocomeandshakehimsorrowfullybythehandonthefirstdayofhistrouble；andCarroll，whokepthisearsopentoallthatpassedattherectory，hadframedaninferentialversionofthestory，andfoundearlyopportunitiesofcommunicatingit。
　　OneofthoseneighbourswhocametoMartinPoyserandshookhimbythehandwithoutspeakingforsomeminuteswasBartleMassey。Hehadshutuphisschool，andwasonhiswaytotherectory，wherehearrivedabouthalf-pastsevenintheevening，and，sendinghisdutytoMr。Irwine，beggedpardonfortroublinghimatthathour，buthadsomethingparticularonhismind。Hewasshownintothestudy，whereMr。Irwinesoonjoinedhim。
　　"Well，Bartle？"saidMr。Irwine，puttingouthishand。Thatwasnothisusualwayofsalutingtheschoolmaster，buttroublemakesustreatallwhofeelwithusverymuchalike。"Sitdown。"
　　"YouknowwhatI’mcomeaboutaswellasIdo，sir，Idaresay，"
　　saidBartle。
　　"Youwishtoknowthetruthaboutthesadnewsthathasreachedyou……aboutHettySorrel？"
　　"Nay，sir，whatIwishtoknowisaboutAdamBede。IunderstandyoulefthimatStoniton，andIbegthefavourofyoutotellmewhat’sthestateofthepoorlad’smind，andwhathemeanstodo。
　　Forasforthatbito’pink-and-whitethey’vetakenthetroubletoputinjail，Idon’tvalueherarottennut——notarottennut——
　　onlyfortheharmorgoodthatmaycomeoutofhertoanhonestman——aladI’vesetsuchstoreby——trustedto，thathe’dmakemybito’knowledgegoagoodwayintheworld……Why，sir，he’stheonlyscholarI’vehadinthisstupidcountrythateverhadthewillorthehead-pieceformathematics。Ifhehadn’thadsomuchhardworktodo，poorfellow，hemighthavegoneintothehigherbranches，andthenthismightneverhavehappened——mightneverhavehappened。"
　　Bartlewasheatedbytheexertionofwalkingfastinanagitatedframeofmind，andwasnotabletocheckhimselfonthisfirstoccasionofventinghisfeelings。Buthepausednowtorubhismoistforehead，andprobablyhismoisteyesalso。
　　"You’llexcuseme，sir，"hesaid，whenthispausehadgivenhimtimetoreflect，"forrunningoninthiswayaboutmyownfeelings，likethatfoolishdogofminehowlinginastorm，whenthere’snobodywantstolistentome。Icametohearyouspeak，nottotalkmyself——ifyou’lltakethetroubletotellmewhatthepoorlad’sdoing。"
　　"Don’tputyourselfunderanyrestraint，Bartle，"saidMr。Irwine。
　　"Thefactis，I’mverymuchinthesameconditionasyoujustnow；