Towhichthebird，balancinghimselfontiptoe，asitwere，andmovinghisbodyupanddowninasortofgravedance，rejoined，’I’madevil，I’madevil，I’madevil，’andflappedhiswingsagainsthissidesasifhewereburstingwithlaughter。Barnabyclappedhishands，andfairlyrolleduponthegroundinanecstasyofdelight。
　　’Strangecompanions，sir，’saidthelocksmith，shakinghishead，andlookingfromonetotheother。’Thebirdhasallthewit。’
　　’Strangeindeed！’saidEdward，holdingouthisforefingertotheraven，who，inacknowledgmentoftheattention，madeadiveatitimmediatelywithhisironbill。’Isheold？’
　　’Amereboy，sir，’repliedthelocksmith。’Ahundredandtwenty，orthereabouts。Callhimdown，Barnaby，myman。’
　　’Callhim！’echoedBarnaby，sittinguprightuponthefloor，andstaringvacantlyatGabriel，ashethrusthishairbackfromhisface。’Butwhocanmakehimcome！Hecallsme，andmakesmegowherehewill。Hegoesonbefore，andIfollow。He’sthemaster，andI’mtheman。Isthatthetruth，Grip？’
　　Theravengaveashort，comfortable，confidentialkindofcroak;——amostexpressivecroak，whichseemedtosay，’Youneedn’tletthesefellowsintooursecrets。Weunderstandeachother。It’sallright。’
　　’ImakeHIMcome？’criedBarnaby，pointingtothebird。’Him，whonevergoestosleep，orsomuchaswinks！——Why，anytimeofnight，youmayseehiseyesinmydarkroom，shiningliketwosparks。Andeverynight，andallnighttoo，he’sbroadawake，talkingtohimself，thinkingwhatheshalldoto-morrow，whereweshallgo，andwhatheshallsteal，andhide，andbury。ImakeHIMcome！
　　Hahaha！’
　　Onsecondthoughts，thebirdappeareddisposedtocomeofhimself。
　　Afterashortsurveyoftheground，andafewsidelonglooksattheceilingandateverybodypresentinturn，heflutteredtothefloor，andwenttoBarnaby——notinahop，orwalk，orrun，butinapacelikethatofaveryparticulargentlemanwithexceedinglytightbootson，tryingtowalkfastoverloosepebbles。Then，steppingintohisextendedhand，andcondescendingtobeheldoutatarm’slength，hegaveventtoasuccessionofsounds，notunlikethedrawingofsomeeightortendozenoflongcorks，andagainassertedhisbrimstonebirthandparentagewithgreatdistinctness。
　　Thelocksmithshookhishead——perhapsinsomedoubtofthecreature’sbeingreallynothingbutabird——perhapsinpityforBamaby，whobythistimehadhiminhisarms，andwasrollingabout，withhim，ontheground。Asheraisedhiseyesfromthepoorfellowheencounteredthoseofhismother，whohadenteredtheroom，andwaslookingoninsilence。
　　Shewasquitewhiteintheface，eventoherlips，buthadwhollysubduedheremotion，andworeherusualquietlook。Vardenfanciedasheglancedatherthatsheshrunkfromhiseye;andthatshebusiedherselfaboutthewoundedgentlemantoavoidhimthebetter。
　　Itwastimehewenttobed，shesaid。Hewastoberemovedtohisownhomeonthemorrow，andhehadalreadyexceededhistimeforsittingup，byafullhour。Actingonthishint，thelocksmithpreparedtotakehisleave。
　　’Bythebye，’saidEdward，asheshookhimbythehand，andlookedfromhimtoMrsRudgeandbackagain，’whatnoisewasthatbelow？
　　Iheardyourvoiceinthemidstofit，andshouldhaveinquiredbefore，butourotherconversationdroveitfrommymemory。Whatwasit？’
　　Thelocksmithlookedtowardsher，andbithislip。Sheleantagainstthechair，andbenthereyesupontheground。Barnabytoo——
　　hewaslistening——
　　’Somemadordrunkenfellow，sir，’Vardenatlengthmadeanswer，lookingsteadilyatthewidowashespoke。’Hemistookthehouse，andtriedtoforceanentrance。’
　　Shebreathedmorefreely，butstoodquitemotionless。Asthelocksmithsaid’Goodnight，’andBarnabycaughtupthecandletolighthimdownthestairs，shetookitfromhim，andchargedhim——
　　withmorehasteandearnestnessthansoslightanoccasionappearedtowarrant——nottostir。Theravenfollowedthemtosatisfyhimselfthatallwasrightbelow，andwhentheyreachedthestreet-
　　door，stoodonthebottomstairdrawingcorksoutofnumber。
　　Withatremblinghandsheunfastenedthechainandbolts，andturnedthekey。Asshehadherhanduponthelatch，thelocksmithsaidinalowvoice，’Ihavetoldalieto-night，foryoursake，Mary，andforthesakeofbygonetimesandoldacquaintance，whenIwouldscorntodosoformyown。IhopeImayhavedonenoharm，orledtonone。I
　　can’thelpthesuspicionsyouhaveforceduponme，andIamloth，I
　　tellyouplainly，toleaveMrEdwardhere。Takecarehecomestonohurt。Idoubtthesafetyofthisroof，andamgladheleavesitsosoon。Now，letmego。’
　　Foramomentshehidherfaceinherhandsandwept;butresistingthestrongimpulsewhichevidentlymovedhertoreply，openedthedoor——nowiderthanwassufficientforthepassageofhisbody——
　　andmotionedhimaway。Asthelocksmithstooduponthestep，itwaschainedandlockedbehindhim，andtheraven，infurtheranceoftheseprecautions，barkedlikealustyhouse-dog。
　　’Inleaguewiththatill-lookingfigurethatmighthavefallenfromagibbet——helisteningandhidinghere——Barnabyfirstuponthespotlastnight——canshewhohasalwaysbornesofairanamebeguiltyofsuchcrimesinsecret！’saidthelocksmith，musing。’HeavenforgivemeifIamwrong，andsendmejustthoughts;butsheispoor，thetemptationmaybegreat，andwedailyhearofthingsasstrange——Ay，barkaway，myfriend。Ifthere’sanywickednessgoingon，thatraven’sinit，I’llbesworn。’
　　Chapter7
　　MrsVardenwasaladyofwhatiscommonlycalledanuncertaintemper——aphrasewhichbeinginterpretedsignifiesatempertolerablycertaintomakeeverybodymoreorlessuncomfortable。
　　Thusitgenerallyhappened，thatwhenotherpeopleweremerry，MrsVardenwasdull;andthatwhenotherpeopleweredull，MrsVardenwasdisposedtobeamazinglycheerful。Indeedtheworthyhousewifewasofsuchacapriciousnature，thatshenotonlyattainedahigherpitchofgeniusthanMacbeth，inrespectofherabilitytobewise，amazed，temperateandfurious，loyalandneutralinaninstant，butwouldsometimesringthechangesbackwardsandforwardsonallpossiblemoodsandflightsinoneshortquarterofanhour;performing，asitwere，akindoftriplebobmajoronthepealofinstrumentsinthefemalebelfry，withaskilfulnessandrapidityofexecutionthatastonishedallwhoheardher。
　　Ithadbeenobservedinthisgoodladywhodidnotwantforpersonalattractions，beingplumpandbuxomtolookat，thoughlikeherfairdaughter，somewhatshortinstaturethatthisuncertaintyofdispositionstrengthenedandincreasedwithhertemporalprosperity;anddiverswisemenandmatrons，onfriendlytermswiththelocksmithandhisfamily，evenwentsofarastoassert，thatatumbledownsomehalf-dozenroundsintheworld’sladder——suchasthebreakingofthebankinwhichherhusbandkepthismoney，orsomelittlefallofthatkind——wouldbethemakingofher，andcouldhardlyfailtorenderheroneofthemostagreeablecompanionsinexistence。Whethertheywererightorwronginthisconjecture，certainitisthatminds，likebodies，willoftenfallintoapimpledill-conditionedstatefrommereexcessofcomfort，andlikethem，areoftensuccessfullycuredbyremediesinthemselvesverynauseousandunpalatable。
　　MrsVarden’schiefaiderandabettor，andatthesametimeherprincipalvictimandobjectofwrath，washersingledomesticservant，oneMissMiggs;orasshewascalled，inconformitywiththoseprejudicesofsocietywhichlopandtopfrompoorhand-
　　maidensallsuchgenteelexcrescences——Miggs。ThisMiggswasatallyounglady，verymuchaddictedtopattensinprivatelife;
　　slenderandshrewish，ofaratheruncomfortablefigure，andthoughnotabsolutelyill-looking，ofasharpandacidvisage。Asageneralprincipleandabstractproposition，Miggsheldthemalesextobeutterlycontemptibleandunworthyofnotice;tobefickle，false，base，sottish，inclinedtoperjury，andwhollyundeserving。
　　Whenparticularlyexasperatedagainstthemwhich，scandalsaid，waswhenSimTappertitslightedhermostshewasaccustomedtowishwithgreatemphasisthatthewholeraceofwomencouldbutdieoff，inorderthatthemenmightbebroughttoknowtherealvalueoftheblessingsbywhichtheysetsolittlestore;nay，herfeelingforherorderransohigh，thatshesometimesdeclared，ifshecouldonlyhavegoodsecurityforafair，roundnumber——saytenthousand——ofyoungvirginsfollowingherexample，shewould，tospitemankind，hang，drown，stab，orpoisonherself，withajoypastallexpression。
　　ItwasthevoiceofMiggsthatgreetedthelocksmith，whenheknockedathisownhouse，withashrillcryof’Who’sthere？’
　　’Me，girl，me，’returnedGabriel。
　　What，already，sir！’saidMiggs，openingthedoorwithalookofsurprise。’Wewerejustgettingonournightcapstositup，——meandmistress。Oh，shehasbeenSObad！’
　　Miggssaidthiswithanairofuncommoncandourandconcern;buttheparlour-doorwasstandingopen，andasGabrielverywellknewforwhoseearsitwasdesigned，heregardedherwithanythingbutanapprovinglookashepassedin。
　　’Master’scomehome，mim，’criedMiggs，runningbeforehimintotheparlour。’Youwaswrong，mim，andIwasright。Ithoughthewouldn’tkeepusupsolate，twonightsrunning，mim。Master’salwaysconsideratesofar。I’msoglad，mim，onyouraccount。I’malittle’——hereMiggssimpered——’alittlesleepymyself;I’llownitnow，mim，thoughIsaidIwasn’twhenyouaskedme。Itain’tofnoconsequence，mim，ofcourse。’
　　’Youhadbetter，’saidthelocksmith，whomostdevoutlywishedthatBarnaby’sravenwasatMiggs’sankles，’youhadbettergettobedatoncethen。’
　　’Thankingyoukindly，sir，’returnedMiggs，’Icouldn’ttakemyrestinpeace，norfixmythoughtsuponmyprayers，otherwaysthanthatIknewmistresswascomfortableinherbedthisnight;byrightssheoughttohavebeenthere，hoursago。’
　　’You’retalkative，mistress，’saidVarden，pullingoffhisgreatcoat，andlookingatheraskew。
　　’Takingthehint，sir，’criedMiggs，withaflushedface，’andthankingyouforitmostkindly，Iwillmakeboldtosay，thatifI
　　giveoffencebyhavingconsiderationformymistress，Idonotaskyourpardon，butamcontenttogetmyselfintotroubleandtobeinsuffering。’
　　HereMrsVarden，who，withhercountenanceshroudedinalargenightcap，hadbeenallthistimeintentupontheProtestantManual，lookedround，andacknowledgedMiggs’schampionshipbycommandinghertoholdhertongue。
　　EverylittleboneinMiggs’sthroatandneckdevelopeditselfwithaspitefulnessquitealarming，asshereplied，’Yes，mim，Iwill。’
　　’Howdoyoufindyourselfnow，mydear？’saidthelocksmith，takingachairnearhiswifewhohadresumedherbook，andrubbinghiskneeshardashemadetheinquiry。
　　’You’reveryanxioustoknow，an’tyou？’returnedMrsVarden，withhereyesupontheprint。’You，thathavenotbeennearmeallday，andwouldn’thavebeenifIwasdying！’
　　’MydearMartha——’saidGabriel。
　　MrsVardenturnedovertothenextpage;thenwentbackagaintothebottomlineoverleaftobequitesureofthelastwords;andthenwentonreadingwithanappearanceofthedeepestinterestandstudy。
　　’MydearMartha，’saidthelocksmith，’howcanyousaysuchthings，whenyouknowyoudon’tmeanthem？Ifyouweredying！Why，iftherewasanythingseriousthematterwithyou，Martha，shouldn’tI
　　beinconstantattendanceuponyou？’
　　’Yes！’criedMrsVarden，burstingintotears，’yes，youwould。I
　　don’tdoubtit，Varden。Certainlyyouwould。That’sasmuchastotellmethatyouwouldbehoveringroundmelikeavulture，waitingtillthebreathwasoutofmybody，thatyoumightgoandmarrysomebodyelse。’
　　Miggsgroanedinsympathy——alittleshortgroan，checkedinitsbirth，andchangedintoacough。Itseemedtosay，’Ican’thelpit。It’swrungfrommebythedreadfulbrutalityofthatmonstermaster。’
　　’Butyou’llbreakmyheartoneofthesedays，’addedMrsVarden，withmoreresignation，’andthenweshallbothbehappy。MyonlydesireistoseeDollycomfortablysettled，andwhensheis，youmaysettleMEassoonasyoulike。’
　　’Ah！’criedMiggs——andcoughedagain。
　　PoorGabrieltwistedhiswigaboutinsilenceforalongtime，andthensaidmildly，’HasDollygonetobed？’
　　’Yourmasterspeakstoyou，’saidMrsVarden，lookingsternlyoverhershoulderatMissMiggsinwaiting。
　　’No，mydear，Ispoketoyou，’suggestedthelocksmith。
　　’Didyouhearme，Miggs？’criedtheobduratelady，stampingherfootupontheground。’YOUarebeginningtodespisemenow，areyou？Butthisisexample！’
　　Atthiscruelrebuke，Miggs，whosetearswerealwaysready，forlargeorsmallparties，ontheshortestnoticeandthemostreasonableterms，fellacryingviolently;holdingbothherhandstightuponherheartmeanwhile，asifnothinglesswouldpreventitssplittingintosmallfragments。MrsVarden，wholikewisepossessedthatfacultyinhighperfection，wepttoo，againstMiggs;
　　andwithsucheffectthatMiggsgaveinafteratime，and，exceptforanoccasionalsob，whichseemedtothreatensomeremoteintentionofbreakingoutagain，lefthermistressinpossessionofthefield。Hersuperioritybeingthoroughlyasserted，thatladysoondesistedlikewise，andfellintoaquietmelancholy。
　　Thereliefwassogreat，andthefatiguingoccurrencesoflastnightsocompletelyoverpoweredthelocksmith，thathenoddedinhischair，andwoulddoubtlesshavesleptthereallnight，butforthevoiceofMrsVarden，which，afterapauseofsomefiveminutes，awokehimwithastart。
　　’IfIamever，’saidMrsV——notscolding，butinasortofmonotonousremonstrance——’inspirits，ifIamevercheerful，ifI
　　amevermorethanusuallydisposedtobetalkativeandcomfortable，thisisthewayIamtreated。’
　　’Suchspiritsasyouwasintoo，mim，buthalfanhourago！’criedMiggs。’Ineverseesuchcompany！’
　　’Because，’saidMrsVarden，’becauseIneverinterfereorinterrupt;becauseIneverquestionwhereanybodycomesorgoes;
　　becausemywholemindandsoulisbentonsavingwhereIcansave，andlabouringinthishouse;——therefore，theytrymeastheydo。’
　　’Martha，’urgedthelocksmith，endeavouringtolookaswakefulaspossible，’whatisityoucomplainof？Ireallycamehomewitheverywishanddesiretobehappy。Idid，indeed。’
　　’WhatdoIcomplainof！’retortedhiswife。’Isitachillingthingtohaveone’shusbandsulkingandfallingasleepdirectlyhecomeshome——tohavehimfreezingallone’swarm-heartedness，andthrowingcoldwateroverthefireside？Isitnatural，whenIknowhewentoutuponamatterinwhichIamasmuchinterestedasanybodycanbe，thatIshouldwishtoknowallthathashappened，orthatheshouldtellmewithoutmybeggingandprayinghimtodoit？Isthatnatural，orisitnot？’
　　’Iamverysorry，Martha，’saidthegood-naturedlocksmith。’Iwasreallyafraidyouwerenotdisposedtotalkpleasantly;I’lltellyoueverything;Ishallonlybetooglad，mydear。’
　　’No，Varden，’returnedhiswife，risingwithdignity。’Idaresay——
　　thankyou！I’mnotachildtobecorrectedoneminuteandpettedthenext——I’malittletoooldforthat，Varden。Miggs，carrythelight——YOUcanbecheerful，Miggs，atleast’
　　Miggs，who，tothismoment，hadbeenintheverydepthsofcompassionatedespondency，passedinstantlyintothelivelieststateconceivable，andtossingherheadassheglancedtowardsthelocksmith，boreoffhermistressandthelighttogether。
　　’Now，whowouldthink，’thoughtVarden，shrugginghisshouldersanddrawinghischairnearertothefire，’thatthatwomancouldeverbepleasantandagreeable？Andyetshecanbe。Well，well，allofushaveourfaults。I’llnotbeharduponhers。Wehavebeenmanandwifetoolongforthat。’
　　Hedozedagain——notthelesspleasantly，perhaps，forhisheartytemper。Whilehiseyeswereclosed，thedoorleadingtotheupperstairswaspartiallyopened;andaheadappeared，which，atsightofhim，hastilydrewbackagain。
　　’Iwish，’murmuredGabriel，wakingatthenoise，andlookingroundtheroom，’IwishsomebodywouldmarryMiggs。Butthat’simpossible！Iwonderwhetherthere’sanymadmanalive，whowouldmarryMiggs！’
　　Thiswassuchavastspeculationthathefellintoadozeagain，andsleptuntilthefirewasquiteburntout。Atlastherousedhimself;andhavingdouble-lockedthestreet-dooraccordingtocustom，andputthekeyinhispocket，wentofftobed。
　　Hehadnotlefttheroomindarknessmanyminutes，whentheheadagainappeared，andSimTappertitentered，bearinginhishandalittlelamp。
　　’Whatthedevilbusinesshashetostopupsolate！’mutteredSim，passingintotheworkshop，andsettingitdownupontheforge。
　　’Here’shalfthenightgonealready。There’sonlyonegoodthathasevercometome，outofthiscursedoldrustymechanicaltrade，andthat’sthispieceofironmongery，uponmysoul！’
　　Ashespoke，hedrewfromtherighthand，orratherrightlegpocketofhissmalls，aclumsylarge-sizedkey，whichheinsertedcautiouslyinthelockhismasterhadsecured，andsoftlyopenedthedoor。Thatdone，hereplacedhispieceofsecretworkmanshipinhispocket;andleavingthelampburning，andclosingthedoorcarefullyandwithoutnoise，stoleoutintothestreet——aslittlesuspectedbythelocksmithinhissounddeepsleep，asbyBarnabyhimselfinhisphantom-haunteddreams。
　　Chapter8
　　Clearofthelocksmith’shouse，SimTappertitlaidasidehiscautiousmanner，andassuminginitssteadthatofaruffling，swaggering，rovingblade，whowouldratherkillamanthanotherwise，andeathimtooifneedful，madethebestofhiswayalongthedarkenedstreets。
　　Halfpausingforaninstantnowandthentosmitehispocketandassurehimselfofthesafetyofhismasterkey，hehurriedontoBarbican，andturningintooneofthenarrowestofthenarrowstreetswhichdivergedfromthatcentre，slackenedhispaceandwipedhisheatedbrow，asiftheterminationofhiswalkwerenearathand。
　　Itwasnotaverychoicespotformidnightexpeditions，beingintruthoneofmorethanquestionablecharacter，andofanappearancebynomeansinviting。Fromthemainstreethehadentered，itselflittlebetterthananalley，alow-broweddoorwayledintoablindcourt，oryard，profoundlydark，unpaved，andreekingwithstagnantodours。Intothisill-favouredpit，thelocksmith’svagrant’prenticegropedhisway;andstoppingatahousefromwhosedefacedandrottenfronttherudeeffigyofabottleswungtoandfrolikesomegibbetedmalefactor，struckthriceuponanirongratingwithhisfoot。Afterlisteninginvainforsomeresponsetohissignal，MrTappertitbecameimpatient，andstruckthegratingthriceagain。
　　Afurtherdelayensued，butitwasnotoflongduration。Thegroundseemedtoopenathisfeet，andaraggedheadappeared。
　　’Isthatthecaptain？’saidavoiceasraggedasthehead。
　　’Yes，’repliedMrTappertithaughtily，descendingashespoke，’whoshoulditbe？’
　　’It’ssolate，wegaveyouup，’returnedthevoice，asitsownerstoppedtoshutandfastenthegrating。’You’relate，sir。’
　　’Leadon，’saidMrTappertit，withagloomymajesty，’andmakeremarkswhenIrequireyou。Forward！’
　　Thislatterwordofcommandwasperhapssomewhattheatricalandunnecessary，inasmuchasthedescentwasbyaverynarrow，steep，andslipperyflightofsteps，andanyrashnessordeparturefromthebeatentrackmusthaveendedinayawningwater-butt。ButMrTappertitbeing，likesomeothergreatcommanders，favourabletostrongeffects，andpersonaldisplay，cried’Forward！’again，inthehoarsestvoicehecouldassume;andledtheway，withfoldedarmsandknittedbrows，tothecellardownbelow，wheretherewasasmallcopperfixedinonecorner，achairortwo，aformandtable，aglimmeringfire，andatruckle-bed，coveredwitharaggedpatchworkrug。
　　’Welcome，noblecaptain！’criedalankyfigure，risingasfromanap。
　　Thecaptainnodded。Then，throwingoffhisoutercoat，hestoodcomposedinallhisdignity，andeyedhisfollowerover。
　　’Whatnewsto-night？’heasked，whenhehadlookedintohisverysoul。
　　’Nothingparticular，’repliedtheother，stretchinghimself——andhewassolongalreadythatitwasquitealarmingtoseehimdoit——
　　’howcomeyoutobesolate？’
　　’Nomatter，’wasallthecaptaindeignedtosayinanswer。’Istheroomprepared？’
　　’Itis，’repliedthefollower。
　　’Thecomrade——ishehere？’
　　’Yes。Andasprinklingoftheothers——youhear’em？’
　　’Playingskittles！’saidthecaptainmoodily。’Light-heartedrevellers！’
　　Therewasnodoubtrespectingtheparticularamusementinwhichtheseheedlessspiritswereindulging，foreveninthecloseandstiflingatmosphereofthevault，thenoisesoundedlikedistantthunder。Itcertainlyappeared，atfirstsight，asingularspottochoose，forthatoranyotherpurposeofrelaxation，iftheothercellarsansweredtotheoneinwhichthisbriefcolloquytookplace;forthefloorswereofsoddenearth，thewallsandroofofdampbarebricktapestriedwiththetracksofsnailsandslugs;theairwassickening，tainted，andoffensive。Itseemed，fromonestrongflavourwhichwasuppermostamongthevariousodoursoftheplace，thatithad，atnoverydistantperiod，beenusedasastorehouseforcheeses;acircumstancewhich，whileitaccountedforthegreasymoisturethathungaboutit，wasagreeablysuggestiveofrats。Itwasnaturallydampbesides，andlittletreesoffungussprungfromeverymoulderingcorner。
　　Theproprietorofthischarmingretreat，andowneroftheraggedheadbeforementioned——forheworeanoldtie-wigasbareandfrowzyasastuntedhearth-broom——hadbythistimejoinedthem;andstoodalittleapart，rubbinghishands，wagginghishoarybristledchin，andsmilinginsilence。Hiseyeswereclosed;buthadtheybeenwideopen，itwouldhavebeeneasytotell，fromtheattentiveexpressionofthefaceheturnedtowardsthem——paleandunwholesomeasmightbeexpectedinoneofhisundergroundexistence——andfromacertainanxiousraisingandquiveringofthelids，thathewasblind。
　　’EvenStagghathbeenasleep，’saidthelongcomrade，noddingtowardsthisperson。
　　’Sound，captain，sound！’criedtheblindman;’whatdoesmynoblecaptaindrink——isitbrandy，rum，usquebaugh？Isitsoakedgunpowder，orblazingoil？Giveitaname，heartofoak，andwe’dgetitforyou，ifitwaswinefromabishop’scellar，ormeltedgoldfromKingGeorge’smint。’
　　’See，’saidMrTappertithaughtily，’thatit’ssomethingstrong，andcomesquick;andsolongasyoutakecareofthat，youmaybringitfromthedevil’scellar，ifyoulike。’
　　’Boldlysaid，noblecaptain！’rejoinedtheblindman。’Spokenlikethe’Prentices’Glory。Ha，ha！Fromthedevil’scellar！Abravejoke！Thecaptainjoketh。Ha，ha，ha！’
　　’I’lltellyouwhat，myfinefeller，’saidMrTappertit，eyeingthehostoverashewalkedtoacloset，andtookoutabottleandglassascarelesslyasifhehadbeeninfullpossessionofhissight，’ifyoumakethatrow，you’llfindthatthecaptain’sveryfarfromjoking，andsoItellyou。’
　　’He’sgothiseyesonme！’criedStagg，stoppingshortonhiswayback，andaffectingtoscreenhisfacewiththebottle。’Ifeel’emthoughIcan’tsee’em。Take’emoff，noblecaptain。Remove’em，fortheypiercelikegimlets。’
　　MrTappertitsmiledgrimlyathiscomrade;andtwistingoutonemorelook——akindofocularscrew——undertheinfluenceofwhichtheblindmanfeignedtoundergogreatanguishandtorture，badehim，inasoftenedtone，approach，andholdhispeace。
　　’Iobeyyou，captain，’criedStagg，drawingclosetohimandfillingoutabumperwithoutspillingadrop，byreasonthatheheldhislittlefingeratthebrimoftheglass，andstoppedattheinstanttheliquortouchedit，’drink，noblegovernor。Deathtoallmasters，lifetoall’prentices，andlovetoallfairdamsels。
　　Drink，bravegeneral，andwarmyourgallantheart！’
　　MrTappertitcondescendedtotaketheglassfromhisoutstretchedhand。Staggthendroppedononeknee，andgentlysmoothedthecalvesofhislegs，withanairofhumbleadmiration。
　　’ThatIhadbuteyes！’hecried，’tobeholdmycaptain’ssymmetricalproportions！ThatIhadbuteyes，tolookuponthesetwininvadersofdomesticpeace！’
　　’Getout！’saidMrTappertit，glancingdownwardathisfavouritelimbs。’Goalong，willyou，Stagg！’
　　’WhenItouchmyownafterwards，’criedthehost，smitingthemreproachfully，’Ihate’em。Comparativelyspeaking，they’venomoreshapethanwoodenlegs，besidethesemodelsofmynoblecaptain’s。’
　　’Yours！’exclaimedMrTappertit。’No，Ishouldthinknot。Don’ttalkaboutthosepreciousoldtoothpicksinthesamebreathwithmine;that’srathertoomuch。Here。Taketheglass。Benjamin。
　　Leadon。Tobusiness！’
　　Withthesewords，hefoldedhisarmsagain;andfrowningwithasullenmajesty，passedwithhiscompanionthroughalittledoorattheupperendofthecellar，anddisappeared;leavingStaggtohisprivatemeditations。
　　Thevaulttheyentered，strewnwithsawdustanddimlylighted，wasbetweentheouteronefromwhichtheyhadjustcome，andthatinwhichtheskittle-playersweredivertingthemselves;aswasmanifestedbytheincreasednoiseandclamouroftongues，whichwassuddenlystopped，however，andreplacedbyadeadsilence，atasignalfromthelongcomrade。Then，thisyounggentleman，goingtoalittlecupboard，returnedwithathigh-bone，whichinformertimesmusthavebeenpartandparcelofsomeindividualatleastaslongashimself，andplacedthesameinthehandsofMrTappertit;
　　who，receivingitasasceptreandstaffofauthority，cockedhisthree-corneredhatfiercelyonthetopofhishead，andmountedalargetable，whereonachairofstate，cheerfullyornamentedwithacoupleofskulls，wasplacedreadyforhisreception。
　　Hehadnosoonerassumedthisposition，thananotheryounggentlemanappeared，bearinginhisarmsahugeclaspedbook，whomadehimaprofoundobeisance，anddeliveringittothelongcomrade，advancedtothetable，andturninghisbackuponit，stoodthereAtlas-wise。Then，thelongcomradegotuponthetabletoo;
　　andseatinghimselfinalowerchairthanMrTappertit’s，withmuchstateandceremony，placedthelargebookontheshouldersoftheirmutecompanionasdeliberatelyasifhehadbeenawoodendesk，andpreparedtomakeentriesthereinwithapenofcorrespondingsize。
　　Whenthelongcomradehadmadethesepreparations，helookedtowardsMrTappertit;andMrTappertit，flourishingthebone，knockedninetimestherewithupononeoftheskulls。Attheninthstroke，athirdyounggentlemanemergedfromthedoorleadingtotheskittleground，andbowinglow，awaitedhiscommands。
　　’Prentice！’saidthemightycaptain，’whowaitswithout？’
　　The’prenticemadeanswerthatastrangerwasinattendance，whoclaimedadmissionintothatsecretsocietyof’PrenticeKnights，andafreeparticipationintheirrights，privileges，andimmunities。ThereuponMrTappertitflourishedtheboneagain，andgivingtheotherskullaprodigiousraponthenose，exclaimed’Admithim！’Atthesedreadwordsthe’prenticebowedoncemore，andsowithdrewashehadcome。
　　Theresoonappearedatthesamedoor，twoother’prentices，havingbetweenthemathird，whoseeyeswerebandaged，andwhowasattiredinabag-wig，andabroad-skirtedcoat，trimmedwithtarnishedlace;andwhowasgirdedwithasword，incompliancewiththelawsoftheInstitutionregulatingtheintroductionofcandidates，whichrequiredthemtoassumethiscourtlydress，andkeptitconstantlyinlavender，fortheirconvenience。Oneoftheconductorsofthisnoviceheldarustyblunderbusspointedtowardshisear，andtheotheraveryancientsabre，withwhichhecarvedimaginaryoffendersashecamealonginasanguinaryandanatomicalmanner。
　　Asthissilentgroupadvanced，MrTappertitfixedhishatuponhishead。Thenovicethenlaidhishanduponhisbreastandbentbeforehim。Whenhehadhumbledhimselfsufficiently，thecaptainorderedthebandagetoberemoved，andproceededtoeyehimover。
　　’Ha！’saidthecaptain，thoughtfully，whenhehadconcludedthisordeal。’Proceed。’
　　Thelongcomradereadaloudasfollows:——’MarkGilbert。Age，nineteen。BoundtoThomasCurzon，hosier，GoldenFleece，Aldgate。
　　LovesCurzon’sdaughter。CannotsaythatCurzon’sdaughterloveshim。Shouldthinkitprobable。CurzonpulledhisearslastTuesdayweek。’
　　’How！’criedthecaptain，starting。
　　’Forlookingathisdaughter，pleaseyou，’saidthenovice。
　　’WriteCurzondown，Denounced，’saidthecaptain。’PutablackcrossagainstthenameofCurzon。’
　　’Sopleaseyou，’saidthenovice，’that’snottheworst——hecallshis’prenticeidledog，andstopshisbeerunlessheworkstohisliking。HegivesDutchcheese，too，eatingCheshire，sir，himself;
　　andSundaysout，areonlyonceamonth。’
　　’This，’saidMrTappert;tgravely，’isaflagrantcase。PuttwoblackcrossestothenameofCurzon。’
　　’Ifthesociety，’saidthenovice，whowasanill-looking，one-
　　sided，shamblinglad，withsunkeneyessetclosetogetherinhishead——’ifthesocietywouldburnhishousedown——forhe’snotinsured——orbeathimashecomeshomefromhisclubatnight，orhelpmetocarryoffhisdaughter，andmarryherattheFleet，whethershegaveconsentorno——’
　　MrTappertitwavedhisgrizzlytruncheonasanadmonitiontohimnottointerrupt，andorderedthreeblackcrossestothenameofCurzon。
　　’Whichmeans，’hesaidingraciousexplanation，’vengeance，completeandterrible。’Prentice，doyoulovetheConstitution？’
　　Towhichthenovicebeingtothatendinstructedbyhisattendantsponsorsreplied’Ido！’
　　’TheChurch，theState，andeverythingestablished——butthemasters？’quoththecaptain。
　　Againthenovicesaid’Ido。’
　　Havingsaidit，helistenedmeeklytothecaptain，whoinanaddresspreparedforsuchoccasions，toldhimhowthatunderthatsameConstitutionwhichwaskeptinastrongboxsomewhere，butwhereexactlyhecouldnotfindout，orhewouldhaveendeavouredtoprocureacopyofit，the’prenticeshad，intimesgoneby，hadfrequentholidaysofright，brokenpeople’sheadsbyscores，defiedtheirmasters，nay，evenachievedsomegloriousmurdersinthestreets，whichprivilegeshadgraduallybeenwrestedfromthem，andinallwhichnobleaspirationstheywerenowrestrained;howthedegradingchecksimposeduponthemwereunquestionablyattributabletotheinnovatingspiritofthetimes，andhowtheyunitedthereforetoresistallchange，exceptsuchchangeaswouldrestorethosegoodoldEnglishcustoms，bywhichtheywouldstandorfall。Afterillustratingthewisdomofgoingbackward，byreferencetothatsagaciousfish，thecrab，andthenotunfrequentpracticeofthemuleanddonkey，hedescribedtheirgeneralobjects;whichwerebrieflyvengeanceontheirTyrantMastersofwhosegrievousandinsupportableoppressionno’prenticecouldentertainamoment’sdoubtandtherestoration，asaforesaid，oftheirancientrightsandholidays;forneitherofwhichobjectsweretheynowquiteripe，beingbarelytwentystrong，butwhichtheypledgedthemselvestopursuewithfireandswordwhenneedful。
　　Thenhedescribedtheoathwhicheverymemberofthatsmallremnantofanoblebodytook，andwhichwasofadreadfulandimpressivekind;bindinghim，atthebiddingofhischief，toresistandobstructtheLordMayor，sword-bearer，andchaplain;todespisetheauthorityofthesheriffs;andtoholdthecourtofaldermenasnought;butnotonanyaccount，incasethefulnessoftimeshouldbringageneralrisingof’prentices，todamageorinanywaydisfigureTempleBar，whichwasstrictlyconstitutionalandalwaystobeapproachedwithreverence。Havinggoneovertheseseveralheadswithgreateloquenceandforce，andhavingfurtherinformedthenovicethatthissocietyhaditsorigininhisownteemingbrain，stimulatedbyaswellingsenseofwrongandoutrage，MrTappertitdemandedwhetherhehadstrengthofhearttotakethemightypledgerequired，orwhetherhewouldwithdrawwhileretreatwasyetinhispower。
　　Tothisthenovicemaderejoinder，thathewouldtakethevow，thoughitshouldchokehim;anditwasaccordinglyadministeredwithmanyimpressivecircumstances，amongwhichthelightingupofthetwoskullswithacandle-endinsideofeach，andagreatmanyflourisheswiththebone，werechieflyconspicuous;nottomentionavarietyofgraveexerciseswiththeblunderbussandsabre，andsomedismalgroaningbyunseen’prenticeswithout。Allthesedarkanddirefulceremoniesbeingatlengthcompleted，thetablewasputaside，thechairofstateremoved，thesceptrelockedupinitsusualcupboard，thedoorsofcommunicationbetweenthethreecellarsthrownfreelyopen，andthe’PrenticeKnightsresignedthemselvestomerriment。
　　ButMrTappertit，whohadasoulabovethevulgarherd，andwho，onaccountofhisgreatness，couldonlyaffordtobemerrynowandthen，threwhimselfonabenchwiththeairofamanwhowasfaintwithdignity。Helookedwithanindifferenteye，alikeonskittles，cards，anddice，thinkingonlyofthelocksmith’sdaughter，andthebasedegeneratedaysonwhichhehadfallen。
　　’Mynoblecaptainneithergames，norsings，nordances，’saidhishost，takingaseatbesidehim。’Drink，gallantgeneral！’
　　MrTappertitdrainedtheprofferedgoblettothedregs;thenthrusthishandsintohispockets，andwithaloweringvisagewalkedamongtheskittles，whilehisfollowerssuchistheinfluenceofsuperiorgeniusrestrainedtheardentball，andheldhislittleshinsindumbrespect。
　　’IfIhadbeenbornacorsairorapirate，abrigand，genteelhighwaymanorpatriot——andthey’rethesamething，’thoughtMrTappertit，musingamongthenine-pins，’Ishouldhavebeenallright。Buttodragoutaignobleexistenceunbeknowntomankindingeneral——patience！Iwillbefamousyet。AvoicewithinmekeepsonwhisperingGreatness。Ishallburstoutoneofthesedays，andwhenIdo，whatpowercankeepmedown？Ifeelmysoulgettingintomyheadattheidea。Moredrinkthere！’
　　’Thenovice，’pursuedMrTappertit，notexactlyinavoiceofthunder，forhistones，tosaythetruthwererathercrackedandshrill——butveryimpressively，notwithstanding——’whereishe？’
　　’Here，noblecaptain！’criedStagg。’OnestandsbesidemewhoI
　　feelisastranger。’
　　’Haveyou，’saidMrTappertit，lettinghisgazefallonthepartyindicated，whowasindeedthenewknight，bythistimerestoredtohisownapparel;’Haveyoutheimpressionofyourstreet-doorkeyinwax？’
　　Thelongcomradeanticipatedthereply，byproducingitfromtheshelfonwhichithadbeendeposited。
　　’Good，’saidMrTappertit，scrutinisingitattentively，whileabreathlesssilencereignedaround;forhehadconstructedsecretdoor-keysforthewholesociety，andperhapsowedsomethingofhisinfluencetothatmeanandtrivialcircumstance——onsuchslightaccidentsdoevenmenofminddepend！——’Thisiseasilymade。Comehither，friend。’
　　Withthat，hebeckonedthenewknightapart，andputtingthepatterninhispocket，motionedtohimtowalkbyhisside。
　　’Andso，’hesaid，whentheyhadtakenafewturnsupanddown，you——youloveyourmaster’sdaughter？’
　　’Ido，’saidthe’prentice。’Honourbright。Nochaff，youknow。’
　　’Haveyou，’rejoinedMrTappertit，catchinghimbythewrist，andgivinghimalookwhichwouldhavebeenexpressiveofthemostdeadlymalevolence，butforanaccidentalhiccupthatratherinterferedwithit;’haveyoua——arival？’
　　’NotasIknowon，’repliedthe’prentice。
　　’Ifyouhadnow——’saidMrTappertit——’whatwouldyou——eh？——’
　　The’prenticelookedfierceandclenchedhisfists。
　　’Itisenough，’criedMrTappertithastily，’weunderstandeachother。Weareobserved。Ithankyou。’
　　Sosaying，hecasthimoffagain;andcallingthelongcomradeasideaftertakingafewhastyturnsbyhimself，badehimimmediatelywriteandpostagainstthewall，anotice，proscribingoneJosephWilletcommonlyknownasJoeofChigwell;forbiddingall’PrenticeKnightstosuccour，comfort，orholdcommunionwithhim;andrequiringthem，onpainofexcommunication，tomolest，hurt，wrong，annoy，andpickquarrelswiththesaidJoseph，whensoeverandwheresoeverthey，oranyofthem，shouldhappentoencounterhim。
　　Havingrelievedhismindbythisenergeticproceeding，hecondescendedtoapproachthefestiveboard，andwarmingbydegrees，atlengthdeignedtopreside，andeventoenchantthecompanywithasong。Afterthis，herosetosuchapitchastoconsenttoregalethesocietywithahornpipe，whichbeactuallyperformedtothemusicofafiddleplayedbyaningeniousmemberwithsuchsurpassingagilityandbrilliancyofexecution，thatthespectatorscouldnotbesufficientlyenthusiasticintheiradmiration;andtheirhostprotested，withtearsinhiseyes，thathehadnevertrulyfelthisblindnessuntilthatmoment。
　　Butthehostwithdrawing——probablytoweepinsecret——soonreturnedwiththeinformationthatitwantedlittlemorethananhourofday，andthatallthecocksinBarbicanhadalreadybeguntocrow，asiftheirlivesdependedonit。Atthisintelligence，the’PrenticeKnightsaroseinhaste，andmarshallingintoaline，filedoffonebyoneanddispersedwithallspeedtotheirseveralhomes，leavingtheirleadertopassthegratinglast。
　　’Goodnight，noblecaptain，’whisperedtheblindmanashehelditopenforhispassageout;’Farewell，bravegeneral。Bye，bye，illustriouscommander。Goodluckgowithyoufora——conceited，bragging，empty-headed，duck-leggedidiot。’
　　Withwhichpartingwords，coollyaddedashelistenedtohisrecedingfootstepsandlockedthegrateuponhimself，hedescendedthesteps，andlightingthefirebelowthelittlecopper，prepared，withoutanyassistance，forhisdailyoccupation;whichwastoretailatthearea-headabovepennyworthsofbrothandsoup，andsavourypuddings，compoundedofsuchscrapsasweretobeboughtintheheapfortheleastmoneyatFleetMarketintheeveningtime;andforthesaleofwhichhehadneedtohavedependedchieflyonhisprivateconnection，forthecourthadnothoroughfare，andwasnotthatkindofplaceinwhichmanypeoplewerelikelytotaketheair，ortofrequentasanagreeablepromenade。
　　Chapter9
　　Chronicler’sareprivilegedtoenterwheretheylist，tocomeandgothroughkeyholes，torideuponthewind，toovercome，intheirsoaringsupanddown，allobstaclesofdistance，time，andplace。
　　Thriceblessedbethislastconsideration，sinceitenablesustofollowthedisdainfulMiggsevenintothesanctityofherchamber，andtoholdherinsweetcompanionshipthroughthedrearywatchesofthenight！
　　MissMiggs，havingundonehermistress，asshephraseditwhichmeans，assistedtoundressher，andhavingseenhercomfortablytobedinthebackroomonthefirstfloor，withdrewtoherownapartment，intheatticstory。Notwithstandingherdeclarationinthelocksmith’spresence，shewasinnomoodforsleep;so，puttingherlightuponthetableandwithdrawingthelittlewindowcurtain，shegazedoutpensivelyatthewildnightsky。
　　Perhapsshewonderedwhatstarwasdestinedforherhabitationwhenshehadrunherlittlecoursebelow;perhapsspeculatedwhichofthoseglimmeringspheresmightbethenatalorbofMrTappertit;
　　perhapsmarvelledhowtheycouldgazedownonthatperfidiouscreature，man，andnotsickenandturngreenaschemists’lamps;
　　perhapsthoughtofnothinginparticular。Whatevershethoughtabout，thereshesat，untilherattention，alivetoanythingconnectedwiththeinsinuating’prentice，wasattractedbyanoiseinthenextroomtoherown——hisroom;theroominwhichheslept，anddreamed——itmightbe，sometimesdreamedofher。
　　Thathewasnotdreamingnow，unlesshewastakingawalkinhissleep，wasclear，foreverynowandthentherecameashufflingnoise，asthoughhewereengagedinpolishingthewhitewashedwall;
　　thenagentlecreakingofhisdoor;thenthefaintestindicationofhisstealthyfootstepsonthelanding-placeoutside。Notingthislattercircumstance，MissMiggsturnedpaleandshuddered，asmistrustinghisintentions;andmorethanonceexclaimed，belowherbreath，’Oh！whataProvidenceitis，asIamboltedin！’——which，owingdoubtlesstoheralarm，wasaconfusionofideasonherpartbetweenaboltanditsuse;forthoughtherewasoneonthedoor，itwasnotfastened。
　　MissMiggs’ssenseofhearing，however，havingassharpanedgeashertemper，andbeingofthesamesnappishandsuspiciouskind，verysooninformedherthatthefootstepspassedherdoor，andappearedtohavesomeobjectquiteseparateanddisconnectedfromherself。Atthisdiscoveryshebecamemorealarmedthanever，andwasabouttogiveutterancetothosecriesof’Thieves！’and’Murder！’whichshehadhithertorestrained，whenitoccurredtohertolooksoftlyout，andseethatherfearshadsomegoodpalpablefoundation。
　　Lookingoutaccordingly，andstretchingherneckoverthehandrail，shedescried，tohergreatamazement，MrTappertitcompletelydressed，stealingdownstairs，onestepatatime，withhisshoesinonehandandalampintheother。Followinghimwithhereyes，andgoingdownalittlewayherselftogetthebetterofaninterveningangle，shebeheldhimthrusthisheadinattheparlour-door，drawitbackagainwithgreatswiftness，andimmediatelybeginaretreatupstairswithallpossibleexpedition。
　　’Here’smysteries！’saidthedamsel，whenshewassafeinherownroomagain，quiteoutofbreath。’Oh，gracious，here’smysteries！’
　　Theprospectoffindinganybodyoutinanything，wouldhavekeptMissMiggsawakeundertheinfluenceofhenbane。Presently，sheheardthestepagain，asshewouldhavedoneifithadbeenthatofafeatherendowedwithmotionandwalkingdownontiptoe。Thenglidingoutasbefore，sheagainbeheldtheretreatingfigureofthe’prentice;againhelookedcautiouslyinattheparlour-door，butthistimeinsteadofretreating，hepassedinanddisappeared。
　　Miggswasbackinherroom，andhadherheadoutofthewindow，beforeanelderlygentlemancouldhavewinkedandrecoveredfromit。Outhecameatthestreet-door，shutitcarefullybehindhim，trieditwithhisknee，andswaggeredoff，puttingsomethinginhispocketashewentalong。AtthisspectacleMiggscried’Gracious！’
　　again，andthen’Goodnessgracious！’andthen’Goodnessgraciousme！’andthen，candleinhand，wentdownstairsashehaddone。
　　Comingtotheworkshop，shesawthelampburningontheforge，andeverythingasSimhadleftit。
　　’WhyIwishImayonlyhaveawalkingfuneral，andneverbeburieddecentwithamourning-coachandfeathers，iftheboyhasn’tbeenandmadeakeyforhisownself！’criedMiggs。’Ohthelittlevillain！’
　　Thisconclusionwasnotarrivedatwithoutconsideration，andmuchpeepingandpeeringabout;norwasitunassistedbytherecollectionthatshehadonseveraloccasionscomeuponthe’prenticesuddenly，andfoundhimbusyatsomemysteriousoccupation。LestthefactofMissMiggscallinghim，onwhomshestoopedtocastafavourableeye，aboy，shouldcreatesurpriseinanybreast，itmaybeobservedthatsheinvariablyaffectedtoregardallmalebipedsunderthirtyasmerechitsandinfants;
　　whichphenomenonisnotunusualinladiesofMissMiggs’stemper，andisindeedgenerallyfoundtobetheassociateofsuchindomitableandsavagevirtue。
　　MissMiggsdeliberatedwithinherselfforsomelittletime，lookinghardattheshop-doorwhileshedidso，asthoughhereyesandthoughtswerebothuponit;andthen，takingasheetofpaperfromadrawer，twisteditintoalongthinspiraltube。Havingfilledthisinstrumentwithaquantityofsmallcoal-dustfromtheforge，sheapproachedthedoor，anddroppingononekneebeforeit，dexterouslyblewintothekeyholeasmuchofthesefineashesasthelockwouldhold。Whenshehadfilledittothebriminaveryworkmanlikeandskilfulmanner，shecreptupstairsagain，andchuckledasshewent。
　　’There！’criedMiggs，rubbingherhands，’nowlet’sseewhetheryouwon’tbegladtotakesomenoticeofme，mister。He，he，he！
　　You’llhaveeyesforsomebodybesidesMissDollynow，Ithink。A
　　fat-facedpusssheis，aseverIcomeacross！’
　　Assheutteredthiscriticism，sheglancedapprovinglyathersmallmirror，aswhoshouldsay，Ithankmystarsthatcan’tbesaidofme！——asitcertainlycouldnot;forMissMiggs’sstyleofbeautywasofthatkindwhichMrTappertithimselfhadnotinaptlytermed，inprivate，’scraggy。’
　　’Idon’tgotobedthisnight！’saidMiggs，wrappingherselfinashawl，anddrawingacoupleofchairsnearthewindow，flouncingdownuponone，andputtingherfeetupontheother，’tillyoucomehome，mylad。Iwouldn’t，’saidMiggsviciously，’no，notforfive-and-fortypound！’
　　Withthat，andwithanexpressionoffaceinwhichagreatnumberofoppositeingredients，suchasmischief，cunning，malice，triumph，andpatientexpectation，wereallmixeduptogetherinakindofphysiognomicalpunch，MissMiggscomposedherselftowaitandlisten，likesomefairogresswhohadsetatrapandwaswatchingforanibblefromaplumpyoungtraveller。
　　Shesatthere，withperfectcomposure，allnight。Atlength，justuponbreakofday，therewasafootstepinthestreet，andpresentlyshecouldhearMrTappertitstopatthedoor。Thenshecouldmakeoutthathetriedhiskey——thathewasblowingintoit——
　　thatheknockeditonthenearestposttobeatthedustout——thathetookitunderalamptolookatit——thathepokedbitsofstickintothelocktoclearit——thathepeepedintothekeyhole，firstwithoneeye，andthenwiththeother——thathetriedthekeyagain——
　　thathecouldn’tturnit，andwhatwasworse，couldn’tgetitout——
　　thathebentit——thatthenitwasmuchlessdisposedtocomeoutthanbefore——thathegaveitamightytwistandagreatpull，andthenitcameoutsosuddenlythathestaggeredbackwards——thathekickedthedoor——thatheshookit——finally，thathesmotehisforehead，andsatdownonthestepindespair。
　　Whenthiscrisishadarrived，MissMiggs，affectingtobeexhaustedwithterror，andtoclingtothewindow-sillforsupport，putouthernightcap，anddemandedinafaintvoicewhowasthere。
　　MrTappertitcried’Hush！’and，backingtotheroad，exhortedherinfrenziedpantomimetosecrecyandsilence。
　　’Tellmeonething，’saidMiggs。’Isitthieves？’
　　’No——no——no！’criedMrTappertit。
　　’Then，’saidMiggs，morefaintlythanbefore，’it’sfire。Whereisit，sir？It’snearthisroom，Iknow。I’veagoodconscience，sir，andwouldmuchratherdiethangodownaladder。AllIwishis，respectingmylovetomymarriedsister，GoldenLionCourt，numbertwenty-sivin，secondbell-handleontheright-handdoor-
　　post。’
　　’Miggs！’criedMrTappertit，’don’tyouknowme？Sim，youknow——
　　Sim——’
　　’Oh！whatabouthim！’criedMiggs，claspingherhands。’Isheinanydanger？Isheinthemidstofflamesandblazes！Ohgracious，gracious！’
　　’WhyI’mhere，an’tI？’rejoinedMrTappertit，knockinghimselfonthebreast。’Don’tyouseeme？Whatafoolyouare，Miggs！’
　　’There！’criedMiggs，unmindfulofthiscompliment。’Why——soit——
　　Goodness，whatisthemeaningof——Ifyouplease，mim，here’s——’
　　’No，no！’criedMrTappertit，standingontiptoe，asifbythatmeanshe，inthestreet，wereanynearerbeingabletostopthemouthofMiggsinthegarret。’Don’t！——I’vebeenoutwithoutleave，andsomethingoranother’sthematterwiththelock。Comedown，andundotheshopwindow，thatImaygetinthatway。’
　　’Idursn’tdoit，Simmun，’criedMiggs——forthatwasherpronunciationofhisChristianname。’Idursn’tdoit，indeed。
　　Youknowaswellasanybody，howparticularIam。Andtocomedowninthedeadofnight，whenthehouseiswrappedinslumbersandweiledinobscurity。’Andthereshestoppedandshivered，forhermodestycaughtcoldattheverythought。
　　’ButMiggs，’criedMrTappertit，gettingunderthelamp，thatshemightseehiseyes。’MydarlingMiggs——’
　　Miggsscreamedslightly。
　　’——ThatIlovesomuch，andnevercanhelpthinkingof，’anditisimpossibletodescribetheusehemadeofhiseyeswhenhesaidthis——’do——formysake，do。’
　　’OhSimmun，’criedMiggs，’thisisworsethanall。IknowifI
　　comedown，you’llgo，and——’
　　’Andwhat，myprecious？’saidMrTappertit。
　　’Andtry，’saidMiggs，hysterically，’tokissme，orsomesuchdreadfulness;Iknowyouwill！’
　　’IswearIwon’t，’saidMrTappertit，withremarkableearnestness。
　　’UponmysoulIwon’t。It’sgettingbroadday，andthewatchman’swakingup。AngelicMiggs！Ifyou’llonlycomeandletmein，I
　　promiseyoufaithfullyandtrulyIwon’t。’
　　MissMiggs，whosegentleheartwastouched，didnotwaitfortheoathknowinghowstrongthetemptationwas，andfearinghemightforswearhimself，buttrippedlightlydownthestairs，andwithherownfairhandsdrewbacktheroughfasteningsoftheworkshopwindow。Havinghelpedthewayward’prenticein，shefaintlyarticulatedthewords’Simmunissafe！’andyieldingtoherwoman’snature，immediatelybecameinsensible。
　　’IknewIshouldquenchher，’saidSim，ratherembarrassedbythiscircumstance。’OfcourseIwascertainitwouldcometothis，buttherewasnothingelsetobedone——ifIhadn’teyedherover，shewouldn’thavecomedown。Here。Keepupaminute，Miggs。Whataslipperyfiguresheis！There’snoholdingher，comfortably。Dokeepupaminute，Miggs，willyou？’
　　AsMiggs，however，wasdeaftoallentreaties，MrTappertitleantheragainstthewallasonemightdisposeofawalking-stickorumbrella，untilhehadsecuredthewindow，whenhetookherinhisarmsagain，and，inshortstagesandwithgreatdifficulty——arisingfromherbeingtallandhisbeingshort，andperhapsinsomedegreefromthatpeculiarphysicalconformationonwhichhehadalreadyremarked——carriedherupstairs，andplantingher，inthesameumbrellaandwalking-stickfashion，justinsideherowndoor，lefthertoherrepose。
　　’Hemaybeascoolashelikes，’saidMissMiggs，recoveringassoonasshewasleftalone;’butI’minhisconfidenceandhecan’thelphimself，norcouldn’tifhewastwentySimmunses！’
　　Chapter10
　　Itwasononeofthosemornings，commoninearlyspring，whentheyear，fickleandchangeableinitsyouthlikeallothercreatedthings，isundecidedwhethertostepbackwardintowinterorforwardintosummer，andinitsuncertaintyinclinesnowtotheoneandnowtotheother，andnowtobothatonce——wooingsummerinthesunshine，andlingeringstillwithwinterintheshade——itwas，inshort，ononeofthosemornings，whenitishotandcold，wetanddry，brightandlowering，sadandcheerful，witheringandgenial，inthecompassofoneshorthour，thatoldJohnWillet，whowasdroppingasleepoverthecopperboiler，wasrousedbythesoundofahorse’sfeet，andglancingoutatwindow，beheldatravellerofgoodlypromise，checkinghisbridleattheMaypoledoor。
　　Hewasnoneofyourflippantyoungfellows，whowouldcallforatankardofmulledale，andmakethemselvesasmuchathomeasiftheyhadorderedahogsheadofwine;noneofyouraudaciousyoungswaggerers，whowouldevenpenetrateintothebar——thatsolemnsanctuary——and，smitingoldJohnupontheback，inquireiftherewasneveraprettygirlinthehouse，andwherehehidhislittlechambermaids，withahundredotherimpertinencesofthatnature;
　　noneofyourfree-and-easycompanions，whowouldscrapetheirbootsuponthefiredogsinthecommonroom，andbenotatallparticularonthesubjectofspittoons;noneofyourunconscionableblades，requiringimpossiblechops，andtakingunheard-ofpicklesforgranted。Hewasastaid，grave，placidgentleman，somethingpasttheprimeoflife，yetuprightinhiscarriage，forallthat，andslimasagreyhound。Hewaswell-mounteduponasturdychestnutcob，andhadthegracefulseatofanexperiencedhorseman;
　　whilehisridinggear，thoughfreefromsuchfopperiesasweretheninvogue，washandsomeandwellchosen。Heworeariding-coatofasomewhatbrightergreenthanmighthavebeenexpectedtosuitthetasteofagentlemanofhisyears，withashort，blackvelvetcape，andlacedpocket-holesandcuffs，allofajauntyfashion;hislinen，too，wasofthefinestkind，workedinarichpatternatthewristsandthroat，andscrupulouslywhite。Althoughheseemed，judgingfromthemudhehadpickedupontheway，tohavecomefromLondon，hishorsewasassmoothandcoolashisowniron-greyperiwigandpigtail。Neithermannorbeasthadturnedasinglehair;andsavingforhissoiledskirtsandspatter-dashes，thisgentleman，withhisbloomingface，whiteteeth，exactly-ordereddress，andperfectcalmness，mighthavecomefrommakinganelaborateandleisurelytoilet，tositforanequestrianportraitatoldJohnWillet’sgate。
　　ItmustnotbesupposedthatJohnobservedtheseseveralcharacteristicsbyotherthanveryslowdegrees，orthathetookinmorethanhalfaoneatatime，orthatheevenmadeuphisminduponthat，withoutagreatdealofveryseriousconsideration。
　　Indeed，ifhehadbeendistractedinthefirstinstancebyquestioningsandorders，itwouldhavetakenhimattheleastafortnighttohavenotedwhatisheresetdown;butithappenedthatthegentleman，beingstruckwiththeoldhouse，orwiththeplumppigeonswhichwereskimmingandcurtseyingaboutit，orwiththetallmaypole，onthetopofwhichaweathercock，whichhadbeenoutoforderforfifteenyears，performedaperpetualwalktothemusicofitsowncreaking，satforsomelittletimelookingroundinsilence。HenceJohn，standingwithhishanduponthehorse’sbridle，andhisgreateyesontherider，andwithnothingpassingtodiverthisthoughts，hadreallygotsomeoftheselittlecircumstancesintohisbrainbythetimehewascalledupontospeak。
　　’Aquaintplacethis，’saidthegentleman——andhisvoicewasasrichashisdress。’Areyouthelandlord？’
　　’Atyourservice，sir，’repliedJohnWillet。
　　’Youcangivemyhorsegoodstabling，canyou，andmeanearlydinnerIamnotparticularwhat，sothatitbecleanlyserved，andadecentroomofwhichthereseemstobenolackinthisgreatmansion，’saidthestranger，againrunninghiseyesovertheexterior。
　　’Youcanhave，sir，’returnedJohnwithareadinessquitesurprising，’anythingyouplease。’
　　’It’swellIameasilysatisfied，’returnedtheotherwithasmile，’orthatmightproveahardypledge，myfriend。’Andsayingso，hedismounted，withtheaidoftheblockbeforethedoor，inatwinkling。
　　’Halloathere！Hugh！’roaredJohn。’Iaskyourpardon，sir，forkeepingyoustandingintheporch;butmysonhasgonetotownonbusiness，andtheboybeing，asImaysay，ofakindofusetome，I’mratherputoutwhenhe’saway。Hugh！——adreadfulidlevagrantfellow，sir，halfagipsy，asIthink——alwayssleepinginthesuninsummer，andinthestrawinwintertime，sir——Hugh！DearLord，tokeepagentlemanawaitingherethroughhim！——Hugh！Iwishthatchapwasdead，Idoindeed。’
　　’Possiblyheis，’returnedtheother。’Ishouldthinkifhewereliving，hewouldhaveheardyoubythistime。’
　　’Inhisfitsoflaziness，hesleepssodesperatehard，’saidthedistractedhost，’thatifyouweretofireoffcannon-ballsintohisears，itwouldn’twakehim，sir。’
　　Theguestmadenoremarkuponthisnovelcurefordrowsiness，andrecipeformakingpeoplelively，but，withhishandsclaspedbehindhim，stoodintheporch，verymuchamusedtoseeoldJohn，withthebridleinhishand，waveringbetweenastrongimpulsetoabandontheanimaltohisfate，andahalfdispositiontoleadhimintothehouse，andshuthimupintheparlour，whilehewaitedonhismaster。
　　’Pillorythefellow，hereheisatlast！’criedJohn，intheveryheightandzenithofhisdistress。’Didyouhearmeacalling，villain？’
　　Thefigureheaddressedmadenoanswer，butputtinghishanduponthesaddle，sprungintoitatabound，turnedthehorse’sheadtowardsthestable，andwasgoneinaninstant。
　　’Briskenoughwhenheisawake，’saidtheguest。
　　’Briskenough，sir！’repliedJohn，lookingattheplacewherethehorsehadbeen，asifnotyetunderstandingquite，whathadbecomeofhim。’Hemelts，Ithink。Hegoeslikeadropoffroth。Youlookathim，andthereheis。Youlookathimagain，and——thereheisn’t。’
　　Having，intheabsenceofanymorewords，putthissuddenclimaxtowhathehadfaintlyintendedshouldbealongexplanationofthewholelifeandcharacterofhisman，theoracularJohnWilletledthegentlemanuphiswidedismantledstaircaseintotheMaypole’sbestapartment。
　　Itwasspaciousenoughinallconscience，occupyingthewholedepthofthehouse，andhavingateitherendagreatbaywindow，aslargeasmanymodernrooms;inwhichsomefewpanesofstainedglass，emblazonedwithfragmentsofarmorialbearings，thoughcracked，andpatched，andshattered，yetremained;attesting，bytheirpresence，thattheformerownerhadmadetheverylightsubservienttohisstate，andpressedthesunitselfintohislistofflatterers;biddingit，whenitshoneintohischamber，reflectthebadgesofhisancientfamily，andtakenewhuesandcoloursfromtheirpride。
　　Butthosewereolddays，andnoweverylittleraycameandwentasitwould;tellingtheplain，bare，searchingtruth。Althoughthebestroomoftheinn，ithadthemelancholyaspectofgrandeurindecay，andwasmuchtoovastforcomfort。Richrustlinghangings，wavingonthewalls;and，betterfar，therustlingofyouthandbeauty’sdress;thelightofwomen’seyes，outshiningthetapersandtheirownrichjewels;thesoundofgentletongues，andmusic，andthetreadofmaidenfeet，hadoncebeenthere，andfilleditwithdelight。Buttheyweregone，andwiththemallitsgladness。
　　Itwasnolongerahome;childrenwereneverbornandbredthere;
　　thefiresidehadbecomemercenary——asomethingtobeboughtandsold——averycourtezan:letwhowoulddie，orsitbeside，orleaveit，itwasstillthesame——itmissednobody，caredfornobody，hadequalwarmthandsmilesforall。Godhelpthemanwhosehearteverchangeswiththeworld，asanoldmansionwhenitbecomesaninn！
　　Noefforthadbeenmadetofurnishthischillywaste，butbeforethebroadchimneyacolonyofchairsandtableshadbeenplantedonasquareofcarpet，flankedbyaghostlyscreen，enrichedwithfigures，grinningandgrotesque。Afterlightingwithhisownhandsthefaggotswhichwereheapeduponthehearth，oldJohnwithdrewtoholdgravecouncilwithhiscook，touchingthestranger’sentertainment;whiletheguesthimself，seeingsmallcomfortintheyetunkindledwood，openedalatticeinthedistantwindow，andbaskedinasicklygleamofcoldMarchsun。
　　Leavingthewindownowandthen，torakethecracklinglogstogether，orpacetheechoingroomfromendtoend，hecloseditwhenthefirewasquiteburntup，andhavingwheeledtheeasiestchairintothewarmestcorner，summonedJohnWillet。
　　’Sir，’saidJohn。