Theywillnotgoinsideeachother。Itisnogoodpushingthem。
　　See!theyonlyrolloutagain。
　　Thevoicegrowswearilyfretful。Oh!whydotheypersistwhentheyseeitisimpossible？Whatfoolstheyallare!
　　Suddenlyherecollectsthevoice，andstartsupandstareswildlyabouthim，tryingtorememberwhereheis。Withafiercestrainingofhiswillhegripsthebrainthatisslippingawayfromhim，andholdsit。Assoonashefeelssureofhimselfhestealsoutoftheroomanddownthestairs。
　　Inthehallhestandslistening；thehouseisverysilent。Hegoestotheheadofthestairsleadingtothekitchenandcallssoftlytotheoldhousekeeper，andshecomesuptohim，pantingandgruntingassheclimbseachstep。Keepingsomedistancefromher，heasksinawhisperwhereAnneis。Thewomananswersthatsheisinthehospital。
　　"TellherIhavebeencalledawaysuddenlyonbusiness，"hesays，speakinginquick，lowtones："Ishallbeawayforsomedays。Tellhertoleavehereandreturnhomeimmediately。Theycandowithoutherherenow。Tellhertogobackhomeatonce。Iwilljoinherthere。"
　　Hemovestowardthedoorbutstopsandfacesroundagain。
　　"TellherIbegandentreathernottostopinthisplaceanhourlonger。Thereisnothingtokeephernow。Itisallover：thereisnothingthatcannotbedonebyanyone。Tellhershemustgohome——
　　thisverynight。Tellherifshelovesmetoleavethisplaceatonce。"
　　Thewoman，alittlebewilderedbyhisvehemence，promises，anddisappearsdownthestairs。Hetakeshishatandcloakfromthechaironwhichhehadthrownthem，andturnsoncemoretocrossthehall。Ashedoesso，thedooropensandAnneenters。
　　Hedartsbackintotheshadow，squeezinghimselfagainstthewall。
　　Annecallstohimlaughingly，then，ashedoesnotanswer，withafrightenedaccent：
　　"John，——John，dear。Wasnotthatyou？Arenotyouthere？"
　　Heholdshisbreath，andcrouchesstillcloserintothedarkcorner；
　　andAnne，thinkingshemusthavebeenmistakeninthedimlight，passeshimandgoesupstairs。
　　Thenhecreepsstealthilytothedoor，letshimselfoutandclosesitsoftlybehindhim。
　　AfterthelapseofafewminutestheoldhousekeeperplodsupstairsanddeliversJohn’smessage。Anne，findingitaltogetherincomprehensible，subjectsthepoordametosevereexamination，butfailstoelicitanythingfurther。Whatisthemeaningofit？What"business"canhavecompelledJohn，whofortenweekshasneverletthewordescapehislips，toleaveherlikethis——withoutaword!
　　withoutakiss!Thensuddenlysherememberstheincidentofafewmomentsago，whenshehadcalledtohim，thinkingshesawhim，andhedidnotanswer；andthewholetruthstrikesherfullintheheart。
　　Sherefastensthebonnet—stringsshehasbeenslowlyuntying，andgoesdownandoutintothewetstreet。
　　Shemakesherwayrapidlytothehouseoftheonlydoctorresidentintheneighbourhood——abig，brusque—manneredman，whothroughouttheseterribletwomonthshasbeentheirchiefstayandhelp。Hemeetsheronherentrancewithanembarrassedairthattellsitsowntale，andatoncerendersfutilehisclumsyattemptsatactingHowshouldheknowwhereJohnis？WhotoldherJohnhadthefever——agreat，strong，hulkingfellowlikethat？Shehasbeenworkingtoohard，andhasgotfeveronthebrain。Shemustgostraightbackhome，orshewillbehavingitherself。SheismorelikelytotakeitthanJohn。
　　Anne，waitingtillhehasfinishedjerkingoutsentenceswhilestampingupanddowntheroom，saysgently，takingnonoticeofhisdenials，——"IfyouwillnottellmeImustfindoutfromsomeoneelse——thatisall。"Then，herquickeyesnotinghismomentaryhesitation，shelaysherlittlehandonhisroughpaw，and，withtheshamelessnessofawomanwholovesdeeply，wheedleseverythingoutofhimthathehaspromisedtokeepsecret。
　　Hestopsher，however，assheisleavingtheroom。"Don’tgointohimnow，"hesays；"hewillworryaboutyou。Waittillto—morrow。"
　　So，whileJohnliescountingendlesscasksoftallow，Annesitsbyhisside，tendingherlast"case。"
　　Ofteninhisdeliriumhecallshername，andshetakeshisfeveredhandinhersandholdsit，andhefallsasleep。
　　Eachmorningthedoctorcomesandlooksathim，asksafewquestionsandgivesafewcommonplacedirections，butmakesnocomment。Itwouldbeidlehisattemptingtodeceiveher。
　　Thedaysmoveslowlythroughthedarkenedroom。Annewatcheshisthinhandsgrowthinner，hissunkeneyesgrowbigger；yetremainsstrangelycalm，almostcontented。
　　VeryneartheendtherecomesanhourwhenJohnwakesasfromadream，andremembersallthingsclearly。
　　Helooksatherhalfgratefully，halfreproachfully。
　　"Anne，whyareyouhere？"heasks，inalow，labouredvoice。"Didtheynotgiveyoumymessage？"
　　Foranswersheturnsherdeepeyesuponhim。
　　"Wouldyouhavegoneawayandleftmeheretodie？"shequestionshim，withafaintsmile。
　　Shebendsherheaddownnearertohim，sothathersofthairfallsabouthisface。
　　"Ourliveswereone，dear，"shewhisperstohim。"Icouldnothavelivedwithoutyou；Godknewthat。Weshallbetogetheralways。"
　　Shekisseshim，andlayinghisheaduponherbreast，softlystrokesitasshemightachild’s；andheputshisweakarmsaroundher。
　　Lateronshefeelsthemgrowingcoldabouther，andlayshimgentlybackuponthebed，looksforthelasttimeintohiseyes，thendrawsthelidsdownoverthem。
　　Hispeopleaskthattheymayburyhiminthechurchyardhardby，sothathemayalwaysbeamongthem；and，Anneconsenting，theydoallthingsneedfulwiththeirownhands，wishfulthatnounlovinglabourmaybemingledwiththeirwork。Theylayhimclosetotheporch，where，goinginandoutthechurch，theirfeetwillpassneartohim；
　　andoneamongthemwhoiscunningwiththegraver’schiselshapesthestone。
　　Attheheadhecarvesinbas—reliefthefigureofthegoodSamaritantendingthebrotherfallenbytheway，andunderneaththeletters，"InRemembranceofJohnIngerfield。"
　　HethinkstoputaverseofScriptureimmediatelyafter；butthegruffdoctorsays，"Betterleaveaspace，incaseyouwanttoaddanothername。"
　　Sothestoneremainsalittlewhileunfinished；tillthesamehandcarvesthereon，afewweekslater，"AndofAnne，hisWife。"
　　THEWOMANOFTHESAETER。
　　Wild—reindeerstalkingishardlysoexcitingasportastheevening’sverandahtalkinNorrowayhotelswouldleadthetrustfultravellertosuppose。Underthechargeofyourguide，averyyoungmanwiththedreamy，wistfuleyesofthosewholiveinvalleys，youleavethefarmsteadearlyintheforenoon，arrivingtowardstwilightatthedesolatehutwhich，forsolongasyouremainupontheuplands，willbeyoursomewhatcheerlessheadquarters。
　　Nextmorning，inthechill，mist—ladendawn，yourise；and，afterabreakfastofcoffeeanddriedfish，shoulderyourRemington，andstepforthsilentlyintotheraw，dampair；theguidelockingthedoorbehindyou，thekeygratingharshlyintherustylock。
　　Forhourafterhouryoutoiloverthesteep，stonyground，orwindthroughthepines，speakinginwhispers，lestyourvoicereachthequickearsofyourprey，thatkeepsitsheadeverpressedagainstthewind。Hereandthere，inthehollowsofthehillsliewidefieldsofsnow，overwhichyoupickyourstepsthoughtfully，listeningtothesmotheredthunderofthetorrent，tunnellingitswaybeneathyourfeet，andwonderingwhetherthefrozenarchaboveitbeatallpointsasfirmasisdesirable。Nowandagain，asinsinglefileyouwalkcautiouslyalongsomejaggedridge，youcatchglimpsesofthegreenworld，threethousandfeetbelowyou；thoughyougazenotlongupontheview，foryourattentionischieflydirectedtowatchingthefootprintsoftheguide，lestbydeviatingtotherightorleftyoufindyourselfatonestridebackinthevalley——or，tobemorecorrect，arefoundthere。
　　Thesethingsyoudo，andasexercisetheyarehealthfulandinvigorating。Butareindeeryouneversee，andunless，overcomingtheprejudicesofyourBritish—bredconscience，youcaretotakeanoccasionalpopatafox，youhadbetterhaveleftyourrifleatthehut，and，instead，havebroughtastickwhichwouldhavebeenhelpful。Notwithstandingwhichtheguidecontinuessanguine，andinbrokenEnglish，helpedoutbystirringgesture，tellsoftheterribleslaughtergenerallydonebysportsmenunderhissuperintendence，andofthevastherdsthatgenerallyinfestthesefields；andwhenyougrowscepticaluponthesubjectofReinshewhispersalluringlyofBears。
　　Onceinawayyouwillcomeacrossatrack，andwillfollowitbreathlesslyforhours，anditwillleadtoasheerprecipice。
　　Whethertheexplanationissuicide，orareprehensibletendencyonthepartoftheanimaltowardspracticaljoking，youarelefttodecideforyourself。Then，withmanyroughmilesbetweenyouandyourrest，youabandonthechase。
　　ButIspeakfrompersonalexperiencemerely。
　　Alldaylongwehadtrampedthroughthepitilessrain，stoppingonlyforanhouratnoontoeatsomedriedvenisonandsmokeapipebeneaththeshelterofanoverhangingcliff。SoonafterwardsMichaelknockedoveraryper（abirdthatwillhardlytakethetroubletohopoutofyourway）withhisgun—barrel，whichincidentcheeredusalittle；and，lateron，ourflaggingspiritswerestillfurtherrevivedbythediscoveryofapparentlyveryrecentdeer—tracks。
　　Thesewefollowed，forgetful，inoureagerness，ofthelengtheningdistancebacktothehut，ofthefadingdaylight，ofthegatheringmist。Thetrackledushigherandhigher，fartherandfartherintothemountains，untilontheshoresofadesolaterock—boundvanditabruptlyended，andwestoodstaringatoneanother，andthesnowbegantofall。
　　Unlessinthenexthalf—hourwecouldchanceuponasaeter，thismeantpassingthenightuponthemountain。MichaelandIlookedattheguide；butthough，withcharacteristicNorwegiansturdiness，heputaboldfaceuponit，wecouldseethatinthatdeepeningdarknessheknewnomorethanwedid。Wastingnotimeonwords，wemadestraightforthenearestpointofdescent，knowingthatanyhumanhabitationmustbefarbelowus。
　　Downwescrambled，heedlessoftornclothesandbleedinghands，thedarknesspressingcloserroundus。Thensuddenlyitbecameblack——
　　blackaspitch——andwecouldonlyheareachother。Anotherstepmightmeandeath。Westretchedoutourhands，andfelteachother。
　　Whywespokeinwhispers，Idonotknow，butweseemedafraidofourownvoices。Weagreedtherewasnothingforitbuttostopwhereweweretillmorning，clingingtotheshortgrass；sowelaytheresidebyside，forwhatmayhavebeenfiveminutesormayhavebeenanhour。Then，attemptingtoturn，Ilostmygripandrolled。Imadeconvulsiveeffortstoclutchtheground，buttheinclinewastoosteep。HowfarIfellIcouldnotsay，butatlastsomethingstoppedme。Ifeltitcautiouslywithmyfoot：itdidnotyield，soI
　　twistedmyselfroundandtoucheditwithmyhand。Itseemedplantedfirmlyintheearth。Ipassedmyarmalongtotheright，thentotheleft。Ishoutedwithjoy。Itwasafence。
　　Risingandgropingaboutme，Ifoundanopening，andpassedthrough，andcreptforwardwithpalmsoutstretcheduntilItouchedthelogsofahut；then，feelingmywayround，discoveredthedoor，andknocked。
　　Therecamenoresponse，soIknockedlouder；thenpushed，andtheheavywoodworkyielded，groaning。Butthedarknesswithinwasevendarkerthanthedarknesswithout。Theothershadcontrivedtocrawldownandjoinme。Michaelstruckawaxvestaandhelditup，andslowlytheroomcameoutofthedarknessandstoodroundus。
　　Thensomethingratherstartlinghappened。Givingoneswiftglanceabouthim，ourguideutteredacry，andrushedoutintothenight。
　　Wefollowedtothedoor，andcalledafterhim，butonlyavoicecametousoutoftheblackness，andtheonlywordsthatwecouldcatch，shriekedbackinterror，were："Saetervronen!Saetervronen!"（"Thewomanofthesaeter"）。
　　"Somefoolishsuperstitionabouttheplace，Isuppose，"saidMichael。
　　"Inthesemountainsolitudesmenbreedghostsforcompany。Letusmakeafire。Perhaps，whenheseesthelight，hisdesireforfoodandsheltermaygetthebetterofhisfears。"
　　Wefeltaboutinthesmallenclosureroundthehouse，andgatheredjuniperandbirch—twigs，andkindledafireupontheopenstovebuiltinthecorneroftheroom。Fortunately，wehadsomedriedreindeerandbreadinourbag，andonthatandtheryperandthecontentsofourflaskswesupped。Afterwards，towhileawaythetime，wemadeaninspectionofthestrangeeyriewehadlightedon。
　　Itwasanoldlog—builtsaeter。Someofthesemountainfarmsteadsareasoldasthestoneruinsofothercountries。Carvingsofstrangebeastsanddemonswereuponitsblackenedrafters，andonthelintel，inrunicletters，ranthislegend："HundbuildedmeinthedaysofHaarfager。"Thehouseconsistedoftwolargeapartments。
　　Originally，nodoubt，thesehadbeenseparatedwellingsstandingbesideoneanother，buttheywerenowconnectedbyalong，lowgallery。Mostofthescantyfurniturewasalmostasancientasthewallsthemselves，butmanyarticlesofacomparativelyrecentdatehadbeenadded。Allwasnow，however，rottingandfallingintodecay。
　　Theplaceappearedtohavebeendesertedsuddenlybyitslastoccupants。Householdutensilslayastheywereleft，rustanddirtencrustedonthem。Anopenbook，limpandmildewed，layfacedownwardsonthetable，whilemanyotherswerescatteredaboutbothrooms，togetherwithmuchpaper，scoredwithfadedink。Thecurtainshunginshredsaboutthewindows；awoman’scloak，ofanantiquatedfashion，droopedfromanailbehindthedoor。Inanoakchestwefoundatumbledheapofyellowletters。Theywereofvariousdates，extendingoveraperiodoffourmonths；andwiththem，apparentlyintendedtoreceivethem，layalargeenvelope，inscribedwithanaddressinLondonthathassincedisappeared。
　　Strongcuriosityovercomingfaintscruples，wereadthembythedullglowoftheburningjunipertwigs，and，aswelayasidethelastofthem，thererosefromthedepthsbelowusawailingcry，andallnightlongitroseanddiedaway，androseagain，anddiedawayagain；whetherbornofourbrainorofsomehumanthing，Godknows。
　　Andthese，alittlealteredandshortened，aretheletters：—
　　Extractfromfirstletter：
　　"Icannottellyou，mydearJoyce，whatahavenofpeacethisplaceistomeaftertheracketandfretoftown。Iamalmostquiterecoveredalready，andamgrowingstrongereveryday；and，joyofjoys，mybrainhascomebacktome，fresherandmorevigorous，I
　　think，foritsholiday。Inthissilenceandsolitudemythoughtsflowfreely，andthedifficultiesofmytaskaredisappearingasifbymagic。Wearepercheduponatinyplateauhalfwayupthemountain。Ononesidetherockrisesalmostperpendicularly，piercingthesky；whileontheother，twothousandfeetbelowus，thetorrenthurlsitselfintotheblackwatersofthefiord。Thehouseconsistsoftworooms——or，rather，itistwocabinsconnectedbyapassage。Thelargeroneweuseasalivingroom，andtheotherisoursleepingapartment。Wehavenoservant，butdoeverythingforourselves。IfearsometimesMurielmustfinditlonely。Thenearesthumanhabitationiseightmilesaway，acrossthemountain，andnotasoulcomesnearus。IspendasmuchtimeasIcanwithher，however，duringtheday，andmakeupforitbyworkingatnightaftershehasgonetosleep；andwhenIquestionher，sheonlylaughs，andanswersthatshelovestohavemealltoherself。（Hereyouwillsmilecynically，Iknow，andsay，’Humph，Iwonderwillshesaythesamewhentheyhavebeenmarriedsixyearsinsteadofsixmonths。’）AttherateIamworkingnowIshallhavefinishedmyfirstvolumebythespring，andthen，mydearfellow，youmusttryandcomeover，andwewillwalkandtalktogether’amidthesestorm—rearedtemplesofthegods。’IhavefeltanewmansinceIarrivedhere。Insteadofhavingto’cudgelmybrains，’aswesay，thoughtscrowduponme。
　　Thisworkwillmakemyname。"
　　Partofthethirdletter，thesecondbeingmeretalkaboutthebook（ahistoryapparently）thatthemanwaswriting：
　　"MYDEARJOYCE，——Ihavewrittenyoutwoletters——thiswillmakethethird——buthavebeenunabletopostthem。EverydayIhavebeenexpectingavisitfromsomefarmerorvillager，fortheNorwegiansarekindlypeopletowardsstrangers——tosaynothingoftheinducementsoftrade。Afortnighthavingpassed，however，andthecommissariatquestionhavingbecomeserious，Iyesterdaysetoutbeforedawn，andmademywaydowntothevalley；andthisgivesmesomethingtotellyou。Nearingthevillage，Imetapeasantwoman。
　　Tomyintensesurprise，insteadofreturningmysalutation，shestaredatme，asifIweresomewildanimal，andshrankawayfrommeasfarasthewidthoftheroadwouldpermit。Inthevillagethesameexperienceawaitedme。Thechildrenranfromme，thepeopleavoidedme。Atlastagrey—hairedoldmanappearedtotakepityonme，andfromhimIlearnttheexplanationofthemystery。Itseemsthereisastrangesuperstitionattachingtothishouseinwhichweareliving。MythingswerebroughtupherebythetwomenwhoaccompaniedmefromDrontheim，butthenativesareafraidtogoneartheplace，andprefertokeepasfaraspossiblefromanyoneconnectedwithit。
　　"ThestoryisthatthehousewasbuiltbyoneHund，’amakerofrunes’（oneoftheoldsagawriters，nodoubt），wholivedherewithhisyoungwife。Allwentpeacefullyuntil，unfortunatelyforhim，acertainmaidenstationedataneighbouringsaetergrewtolovehim。
　　"ForgivemeifIamtellingyouwhatyouknow，buta’saeter’isthenamegiventotheuplandpasturestowhich，duringthesummer，aresentthecattle，generallyunderthechargeofoneormoreofthemaids。Hereforthreemonthsthesegirlswillliveintheirlonelyhuts，entirelyshutofffromtheworld。Customschangelittleinthisland。Twoorthreesuchstationsarewithinclimbingdistanceofthishouse，atthisday，lookedafterbythefarmers’daughters，asinthedaysofHund，’makerofrunes。’
　　"Everynight，bydeviousmountainpaths，thewomanwouldcomeandtaplightlyatHund’sdoor。Hundhadbuilthimselftwocabins，onebehindtheother（thesearenow，asIthinkIhaveexplainedtoyou，connectedbyapassage）；thesmalleronewasthehomestead；intheotherhecarvedandwrote，sothatwhiletheyoungwifesleptthe’makerofrunes’andthesaeterwomansatwhispering。
　　"Onenight，however，thewifelearntallthings，butsaidnoword。
　　Then，asnow，theravineinfrontoftheenclosurewascrossedbyaslightbridgeofplanks，andoverthisbridgethewomanofthesaeterpassedandrepassedeachnight。OnadaywhenHundhadgonedowntofishinthefiord，thewifetookanaxe，andhackedandhewedatthebridge，yetitstilllookedfirmandsolid；andthatnight，asHundsatwaitinginhisworkshop，therestruckuponhisearsapiercingcry，andacrashingoflogsandrollingrock，andthenagainthedullroaringofthetorrentfarbelow。
　　"Butthewomandidnotdieunavenged；forthatwinteraman，skatingfardownthefiord，noticedacuriousobjectembeddedintheice；andwhen，stooping，helookedcloser，hesawtwocorpses，onegrippingtheotherbythethroat，andthebodieswerethebodiesofHundandhisyoungwife。
　　"Sincethen，theysay，thewomanofthesaeterhauntsHund’shouse，andifsheseesalightwithinshetapsuponthedoor，andnomanmaykeepherout。Many，atdifferenttimes，havetriedtooccupythehouse，butstrangetalesaretoldofthem。’MendonotliveatHund’ssaeter，’saidmyoldgrey—hairedfriend，concludinghistale，—
　　—’theydiethere。’
　　"Ihavepersuadedsomeofthebraverofthevillagerstobringwhatprovisionsandothernecessarieswerequireuptoaplateauaboutamilefromthehouseandleavethemthere。ThatisthemostIhavebeenabletodo。Itcomessomewhatasashocktoonetofindmenandwomen——fairlyeducatedandintelligentasmanyofthemare——slavestofearsthatonewouldexpectachildtolaughat。Butthereisnoreasoningwithsuperstition。"
　　Extractfromthesameletter，butfromapartseeminglywrittenadayortwolater：
　　"AthomeIshouldhaveforgottensuchataleanhourafterIhadheardit，butthesemountainfastnessesseemstrangelyfittobethelaststrongholdofthesupernatural。Thewomanhauntsmealready。
　　Atnightinsteadofworking，Ifindmyselflisteningforhertappingatthedoor；andyesterdayanincidentoccurredthatmakesmefearformyowncommonsense。Ihadgoneoutforalongwalkalone，andthetwilightwasthickeningintodarknessasInearedhome。Suddenlylookingupfrommyreverie，Isaw，standingonaknolltheothersideoftheravine，thefigureofawoman。Sheheldacloakaboutherhead，andIcouldnotseeherface。Itookoffmycap，andcalledoutagood—nighttoher，butshenevermovedorspoke。Then——Godknowswhy，formybrainwasfullofotherthoughtsatthetime——aclammychillcreptoverme，andmytonguegrewdryandparched。I
　　stoodrootedtothespot，staringatheracrosstheyawninggorgethatdividedus；andslowlyshemovedaway，andpassedintothegloom，andIcontinuedmyway。IhavesaidnothingtoMuriel，andshallnot。Theeffectthestoryhashaduponmyselfwarnsmenottodoso。"
　　Fromaletterdatedelevendayslater：
　　"Shehascome。Ihaveknownshewould，sincethateveningIsawheronthemountain；andlastnightshecame，andwehavesatandlookedintoeachother’seyes。Youwillsay，ofcourse，thatIammad——thatIhavenotrecoveredfrommyfever——thatIhavebeenworkingtoohard——thatIhaveheardafoolishtale，andthatithasfilledmyoverstrungbrainwithfoolishfancies：Ihavetoldmyselfallthat。
　　Butthethingcame，nevertheless——acreatureoffleshandblood？acreatureofair？acreatureofmyownimagination？——whatmatter？itwasrealtome。
　　"Itcamelastnight，asIsatworking，alone。EachnightIhavewaitedforit，listenedforit——longedforit，Iknownow。Iheardthepassingofitsfeetuponthebridge，thetappingofitshanduponthedoor，threetimes——tap，tap，tap。Ifeltmyloinsgrowcold，andaprickingpainaboutmyhead；andIgrippedmychairwithbothhands，andwaited，andagaintherecamethetapping——tap，tap，tap。
　　Iroseandslippedtheboltofthedoorleadingtotheotherroom，andagainIwaited，andagaintherecamethetapping——tap，tap，tap。
　　ThenIopenedtheheavyouterdoor，andthewindrushedpastme，scatteringmypapers，andthewomanenteredin，andIclosedthedoorbehindher。Shethrewherhoodbackfromherhead，andunwoundakerchieffromaboutherneck，andlaiditonthetable。Thenshecrossedandsatbeforethefire，andInoticedherbarefeetweredampwiththenightdew。
　　"Istoodoveragainstherandgazedather，andshesmiledatme——astrange，wickedsmile，butIcouldhavelaidmysoulatherfeet。
　　Sheneverspokeormoved，andneitherdidIfeeltheneedofspokenwords，forIunderstoodthemeaningofthoseupontheMountwhentheysaid，’Letusmakeheretabernacles：itisgoodforustobehere。’
　　"HowlongatimepassedthusIdonotknow，butsuddenlythewomanheldherhandup，listening，andtherecameafaintsoundfromtheotherroom。Thenswiftlyshedrewherhoodaboutherfaceandpassedout，closingthedoorsoftlybehindher；andIdrewbacktheboltoftheinnerdoorandwaited，andhearingnothingmore，satdown，andmusthavefallenasleepinmychair。
　　"Iawoke，andinstantlythereflashedthroughmymindthethoughtofthekerchiefthewomanhadleftbehindher，andIstartedfrommychairtohideit。Butthetablewasalreadylaidforbreakfast，andmywifesatwithherelbowsonthetableandherheadbetweenherhands，watchingmewithalookinhereyesthatwasnewtome。
　　"Shekissedme，thoughherlipswerecold；andIarguedtomyselfthatthewholethingmusthavebeenadream。Butlaterintheday，passingtheopendoorwhenherbackwastowardsme，Isawhertakethekerchieffromalockedchestandlookatit。
　　"Ihavetoldmyselfitmusthavebeenakerchiefofherown，andthatalltheresthasbeenmyimagination；that，ifnot，thenmystrangevisitantwasnospirit，butawoman；andthat，ifhumanthingknowshumanthing，itwasnocreatureoffleshandbloodthatsatbesidemelastnight。Besides，whatwomanwouldshebe？Thenearestsaeterisathree—hours’climbtoastrongman，andthepathsaredangerousevenindaylight：whatwomanwouldhavefoundtheminthenight？
　　Whatwomanwouldhavechilledtheairaroundher，andhavemadethebloodflowcoldthroughallmyveins？YetifshecomeagainIwillspeaktoher。Iwillstretchoutmyhandandseewhethershebemortalthingoronlyair。"
　　Thefifthletter：
　　"MYDEARJOYCE，——Whetheryoureyeswilleverseetheselettersisdoubtful。FromthisplaceIshallneversendthem。Theywouldreadtoyouastheravingsofamadman。IfeverIreturntoEnglandImayonedayshowthemtoyou，butwhenIdoitwillbewhenI，withyou，canlaughoverthem。AtpresentIwritethemmerelytohideaway，——
　　puttingthewordsdownonpapersavesmyscreamingthemaloud。
　　"Shecomeseachnightnow，takingthesameseatbesidetheembers，andfixinguponmethoseeyes，withthehell—lightinthem，thatburnintomybrain；andatraretimesshesmiles，andallmybeingpassesoutofme，andishers。Imakenoattempttowork。Isitlisteningforherfootstepsonthecreakingbridge，fortherustlingofherfeetuponthegrass，forthetappingofherhanduponthedoor。Nowordisutteredbetweenus。EachdayIsay：’Whenshecomesto—
　　nightIwillspeaktoher。Iwillstretchoutmyhandandtouchher。’Yetwhensheenters，allthoughtandwillgoesoutfromme。
　　"Lastnight，asIstoodgazingather，mysoulfilledwithherwondrousbeautyasalakewithmoonlight，herlipsparted，andshestartedfromherchair；and，turning，IthoughtIsawawhitefacepressedagainstthewindow，butasIlookeditvanished。Thenshedrewhercloakabouther，andpassedout。IslidbacktheboltI
　　alwaysdrawnow，andstoleintotheotherroom，and，takingdownthelantern，helditabovethebed。ButMuriel’seyeswereclosedasifinsleep。"
　　Extractfromthesixthletter：
　　"ItisnotthenightIfear，buttheday。IhatethesightofthiswomanwithwhomIlive，whomIcall’wife。’Ishrinkfromtheblowofhercoldlips，thecurseofherstonyeyes。Shehasseen，shehaslearnt；Ifeelit，Iknowit。Yetshewindsherarmsaroundmyneck，andcallsmesweetheart，andsmoothesmyhairwithhersoft，falsehands。Wespeakmockingwordsoflovetooneanother，butIknowhercrueleyesareeverfollowingme。Sheisplottingherrevenge，andI
　　hateher，Ihateher，Ihateher!"
　　Partoftheseventhletter：
　　"ThismorningIwentdowntothefiord。ItoldherIshouldnotbebackuntiltheevening。Shestoodbythedoorwatchingmeuntilweweremerespeckstooneanother，andapromontoryofthemountainshutmefromview。Then，turningasidefromthetrack，Imademyway，runningandstumblingoverthejaggedground，roundtotheothersideofthemountain，andbegantoclimbagain。Itwasslow，wearywork。OftenIhadtogomilesoutofmyroadtoavoidaravine，andtwiceIreachedahighpointonlytohavetodescendagain。ButatlengthIcrossedtheridge，andcreptdowntoaspotfromwhere，concealed，Icouldspyuponmyownhouse。She——mywife——stoodbytheflimsybridge。Ashorthatchet，suchasbutchersuse，wasinherhand。Sheleantagainstapinetrunk，withherarmbehindher，asonestandswhosebackacheswithlongstoopinginsomecrampedposition；andevenatthatdistanceIcouldseethecruelsmileaboutherlips。
　　"ThenIrecrossedtheridge，andcrawleddownagain，and，waitinguntilevening，walkedslowlyupthepath。AsIcameinviewofthehouseshesawme，andwavedherhandkerchieftome，andinanswerI
　　wavedmyhat，andshoutedcursesatherthatthewindwhirledawayintothetorrent。Shemetmewithakiss，andIbreathednohinttoherthatIhadseen。Letherdevil’sworkremainundisturbed。Letitprovetomewhatmannerofthingthisisthathauntsme。Ifitbeaspirit，thenthebridgewiltbearitsafely；ifitbewoman—
　　"ButIdismissthethought。Ifitbehumanthing，whydoesitsitgazingatme，neverspeaking？whydoesmytonguerefusetoquestionit？whydoesallpowerforsakemeinitspresence，sothatIstandasinadream？Yetifitbespirit，whydoIhearthepassingofherfeet？andwhydoesthenight—rainglistenonherhair？
　　"Iforcemyselfbackintomychair。Itisfarintothenight，andI
　　amalone，waiting，listening。Ifitbespirit，shewillcometome；
　　andifitbewoman，Ishallhearhercryabovethestorm——unlessitbeademonmockingme。
　　"Ihaveheardthecry。Itrose，piercingandshrill，abovethestorm，abovetherivingandrendingofthebridge，abovethedownwardcrashingofthelogsandloosenedstones。IhearitasIlistennow。
　　Itiscleavingitswayupwardfromthedepthsbelow。ItiswailingthroughtheroomasIsitwriting。
　　"Ihavecrawleduponmybellytotheutmostedgeofthestillstandingpier，untilIcouldfeelwithmyhandthejaggedsplintersleftbythefallenplanks，andhavelookeddown。Butthechasmwasfulltothebrimwithdarkness。Ishouted，butthewindshookmyvoiceintomockinglaughter。Isithere，feeblystrikingatthemadnessthatiscreepingnearerandnearertome。Itellmyselfthewholethingisbutthefeverinmybrain。Thebridgewasrotten。
　　Thestormwasstrong。Thecryisbutasingleoneamongthemanyvoicesofthemountain。YetstillIlisten；anditrises，clearandshrill，abovethemoaningofthepines，abovethesobbingofthewaters。Itbeatslikeblowsuponmyskull，andIknowthatshewillnevercomeagain。"
　　Extractfromthelastletter：
　　"Ishalladdressanenvelopetoyou，andleaveitamongtheseletters。Then，shouldInevercomeback，somechancewanderermayonedayfindandpostthemtoyou，andyouwillknow。
　　"Mybooksandwritingsremainuntouched。Wesittogetherofanight—
　　—thiswomanIcall’wife’andI——sheholdinginherhandssomeknittedthingthatnevergrowslongerbyasinglestitch，andIwithavolumebeforemethatiseveropenatthesamepage。Anddayandnightwewatcheachotherstealthily，movingtoandfroaboutthesilenthouse；andattimes，lookingroundswiftly，Icatchthesmileuponherlipsbeforeshehastimetosmoothitaway。
　　"Wespeaklikestrangersaboutthisandthat，makingtalktohideourthoughts。Wemakeapretenceofbusyingourselvesaboutwhateverwillhelpustokeepapartfromoneanother。
　　"Atnight，sittingherebetweentheshadowsandthedullglowofthesmoulderingtwigs，IsometimesthinkIhearthetappingIhavelearnttolistenfor，andIstartfrommyseat，andsoftlyopenthedoorandlookout。ButonlytheNightstandsthere。ThenIclose—tothelatch，andshe——thelivingwoman——asksmeinherpurringvoicewhatsoundIheard，hidingasmileasshestoopslowoverherwork；andI
　　answerlightly，and，movingtowardsher，putmyarmabouther，feelinghersoftnessandhersuppleness，andwondering，supposingI
　　heldherclosetomewithonearmwhilepressingherfrommewiththeother，howlongbeforeIshouldhearthecrackingofherbones。
　　"Forhere，amidthesesavagesolitudes，Ialsoamgrownsavage。Theoldprimevalpassionsofloveandhatestirwithinme，andtheyarefierceandcruelandstrong，beyondwhatyoumenofthelateragescouldunderstand。Thecultureofthecenturieshasfallenfrommeasaflimsygarmentwhirledawaybythemountainwind；theoldsavageinstinctsoftheraceliebare。OnedayIshalltwinemyfingersaboutherfullwhitethroat，andhereyeswillslowlycometowardsme，andherlipswillpart，andtheredtonguecreepout；andbackwards，stepbystep，Ishallpushherbeforeme，gazingthewhileuponherbloodlessface，anditwillbemyturntosmile。Backwardsthroughtheopendoor，backwardsalongthegardenpathbetweenthejuniperbushes，backwardstillherheelsareoverhangingtheravine，andshegripslifewithnothingbutherlittletoes，Ishallforceher，stepbystep，beforeme。ThenIshallleanforward，closer，closer，tillIkissherpurplinglips，anddown，down，down，pastthestartledsea—birds，pastthewhitesprayofthefoss，pastthedownwardpeepingpines，down，down，down，wewillgotogether，tillwefindthethingthatliessleepingbeneaththewatersofthefiord。"
　　Withthesewordsendedthelastletter，unsigned。Atthefirststreakofdawnweleftthehouse，and，aftermuchwandering，foundourwaybacktothevalley。Butofourguideweheardnonews。
　　Whetherheremainedstilluponthemountain，orwhetherbysomefalsestephehadperisheduponthatnight，weneverlearnt。
　　VARIETYPATTER。
　　MyfirstappearanceataMusicHallwasintheyearonethousandeighthundredands——。Well，Iwouldrathernotmentiontheexactdate。Iwasfourteenatthetime。ItwasduringtheChristmasholidays，andmyaunthadgivenmefiveshillingstogoandseePhelps——IthinkitwasPhelps——inCoriolanus——IthinkitwasCoriolanus。Anyhow，itwastoseeahigh—classandimprovingentertainment，Iknow。
　　IsuggestedthatIshouldinduceyoungSkegson，wholivedinourroad，togowithme。Skegsonisabarristernow，andcouldnottellyouthedifferencebetweenaknaveofclubsandaclubofknaves。A
　　fewyearshencehewill，ifheworkshard，beinnocentenoughforajudge。ButattheperiodofwhichIspeakhewasared—hairedboyofworldlytastes，notwithstandingwhichIlovedhimasabrother。Mydearmotherwishedtoseehimbeforeconsentingtothearrangement，soastobeabletoformherownopinionastowhetherhewasafitandpropercompanionforme；and，accordingly，hewasinvitedtotea。
　　Hecame，andmadeamostfavourableimpressionuponbothmymotherandmyaunt。Hehadawayoftalkingabouttheadvantagesofapplicationtostudyinearlylife，andthedutiesofyouthtowardsthoseplacedinauthorityoverit，thatwonforhimmuchesteemingrown—upcircles。ThespiritoftheBarhaddescendeduponSkegsonataveryearlyperiodofhiscareer。
　　Myaunt，indeed，wassomuchpleasedwithhimthatshegavehimtwoshillingstowardshisownexpenses（"sprunghalfadollar"washowheexplainedthetransactionwhenwewereoutside），andcommendedmetohisespecialcare。
　　Skegsonwasverysilentduringthejourney。Anideawasevidentlymaturinginhismind。AttheAngelhestoppedandsaid："Lookhere，I’lltellyouwhatwe’lldo。Don’tlet’sgoandseethatrot。Let’sgotoaMusicHall。"
　　Igaspedforbreath。IhadheardofMusicHalls。Astoutladyhaddenouncedthemacrossourdinnertableononeoccasion——fixingthewhileasteelyeyeuponherhusband，whosatoppositeandseemeduncomfortable——aslow，horridplaces，wherepeoplesmokedanddrank，andworeshortskirts，andhadaddedanopinionthattheyoughttobeputdownbythepolice——whethertheskirtsorthehallsshedidnotexplain。Ialsorecollectedthatourcharwoman，whosesonhadlatelyleftLondonforaprotractedstayinDevonshire，had，inconversationwithmymother，datedhisdownfallfromthedaywhenhefirstvisitedoneoftheseplaces；andlikewisethatMrs。Philcox’snursemaid，uponherconfessingthatshehadspentaneveningatonewithheryoungman，hadbeencalledashamelesshussy，andsummarilydismissedasbeingnolongerafitassociateforthebaby。
　　Butthespiritoflawlessnesswasstrongwithinmeinthosedays，sothatIhearkenedtothevoiceofSkegson，thetempter，andheluredmyfeetfromthepathsthatledtovirtueandSadler’sWells，andwewanderedintothebroadandcrowdedwaysthatbranchofffromtheAngeltowardsMerryIslington。
　　Skegsoninsistedthatweshoulddothethinginstyle，sowestoppedatashopneartheAgriculturalHallandpurchasedsomebigcigars。
　　Ahugecardinthewindowclaimedforthesethattheywere"themostsatisfactorytwopennysmokesinLondon。"Ismokedtwoofthemduringtheevening，andneverfeltmoresatisfied——usingthewordinitstruesense，asimplyingthatapersonhashadenoughofathing，anddoesnotdesireanymoreofit，justthen——inallmylife。Wherewewent，andwhatwesaw，mymemoryisnotveryclearupon。Wesatatalittlemarbletable。Iknowitwasmarblebecauseitwassohard，andcooltothehead。Fromoutofthesmokymistaponderouscreatureofstrange，undefinedshapefloatedheavilytowardsus，anddepositedasquattumblerinfrontofmecontainingapaleyellowishliquor，whichsubsequentinvestigationhasledmetobelievemusthavebeenScotchwhisky。ItseemedtomethenthemostnauseousstuffIhadeverswallowed。Itiscurioustolookbackandnoticehowone’stasteschange。
　　Ireachedhomeverylateandverysick。Thatwasmyfirstdissipation，and，asalesson，ithasbeenofmorepracticalusetomethanallthegoodbooksandsermonsintheworldcouldhavebeen。
　　Icanremembertothisdaystandinginthemiddleoftheroominmynight—shirt，tryingtocatchmybedasitcameround。
　　NextmorningIconfessedeverythingtomymother，and，forseveralmonthsafterwards，wasareformedcharacter。Indeed，thependulumofmyconscienceswungtoofartheotherway，andIgrewexaggeratedlyremorsefulandunhealthilymoral。
　　Therewaspublishedinthosedays，fortheedificationofyoungpeople，asingularlypessimisticperiodical，entitledTheChildren’sBandofHopeReview。Itwasamagazinemuchinfavouramonggrown—uppeople，andaboundcopyofVol。IX。hadlatelybeenwonbymysisterasaprizeforpunctuality（Ifancyshemusthaveexhaustedallthevirtuesheeverpossessed，inthatdirection，uponthewinningofthatprize。Atallevents，Ihavenoticednoostentatiousdisplayofthequalityinherlaterlife。）Ihadformerlyexpressedcontemptforthisbook，butnow，inmyregeneratestate，Itookamorbidpleasureinporingoveritsdenunciationsofsinandsinners。Therewasonepictureinitthatappearedpeculiarlyapplicabletomyself。
　　Itrepresentedagaudilycostumedyoungman，standingonthetopmostofthreesteepsteps，smokingalargecigar。Behindhimwasaverysmallchurch，andbelow，abrightandnotaltogetheruninvitinglookinghell。Thepicturewasheaded"TheThreeStepstoRuin，"andthethreestairswerelabelledrespectively"Smoking，""Drinking，"
　　"Gambling。"Ihadalreadytravelledtwo—thirdsoftheroad!WasI
　　goingalltheway，orshouldIbeabletoretracethosesteps？I
　　usedtolieawakeatnightandthinkaboutittillIgrewhalfcrazy。
　　Alas!sincethenIhavecompletedthedescent，sowheremyfuturewillbespentIdonotcaretothink。
　　Anotherpictureinthebookthattroubledmewasthefrontispiece。
　　Thiswasahighly—colouredprint，illustratingthebroadandnarrowways。ThenarrowwayledupwardpastaSunday—schoolandaliontoacityintheclouds。Thiscitywasreferredtointheaccompanyingletterpressasaplaceof"RestandPeace，"butinasmuchasthetownwasrepresentedintheillustrationassurroundedbyaperfectmobofangels，eachoneblowingatrumpettwicehisownsize，andobviouslyblowingitforallhewasworth，acertainconfusionofideaswouldseemtohavecreptintotheallegory。
　　Theotherpath——the"broadway"——whichendedinwhatatfirstglanceappearedtobeahighlysuccessfuldisplayoffireworks，startedfromthedoorofatavern，andledpastaMusicHall，onthestepsofwhichstoodagentlemansmokingacigar。Allthewickedpeopleinthisbooksmokedcigars——allexceptoneyoungmanwhohadkilledhismotheranddiedravingmad。Hehadgoneastrayonshortpipes。
　　ThismadeituncomfortablycleartomewhichdirectionIhadchosen，andIwasgreatlyalarmed，until，onexaminingthepicturemoreclosely，Inoticed，withmuchsatisfaction，thataboutmidwaythetwopathswereconnectedbyahandylittlebridge，bytheuseofwhichitseemedfeasible，startingontheonepathandendingupontheother，tocombinethepracticaladvantagesofbothroads。FromsubsequentobservationIhavecometotheconclusionthatagoodmanypeoplehavemadeanoteofthatlittlebridge。
　　Myownbeliefinthepossibilityofsuchconvenientcompromisemust，Ifear，haveledtoanethicalrelapse，forthererecurstomymindasomewhatpainfulsceneofafewmonths’laterdate，inwhichIamseekingtoconvinceasingularlyunresponsivelandedproprietorthatmypresenceinhisorchardissolelyandentirelyduetomyhavingunfortunatelylostmyway。
　　ItwasnotuntilIwasnearlyseventeenthattheideaoccurredtometovisitaMusicHallagain。Then，havingregardtomydoublecapacityof"ManAboutTown"andjournalist（forIhadwrittenalettertoTheEra，complainingofthewaypitdoorsweremadetoopen，andithadbeeninserted），IfeltIhadnolongeranyrighttoneglectacquaintanceshipwithsoimportantafeatureinthelifeofthepeople。Accordingly，oneSaturdaynight，Iwendedmywaytothe"Pav。"；andtherethefirstpersonthatIranagainstwasmyuncle。
　　Helaidaheavyhanduponmyshoulder，andaskedme，inseveretones，whatIwasdoingthere。Ifeltthistobeanawkwardquestion，foritwouldhavebeenuselesstryingtomakehimunderstandmyrealmotives（one’sownrelationsareneversympathetic），andIwassomewhatnonplussedforananswer，untilthereflectionoccurredtome：WhatwasHEdoingthere？ThisriddleI，inmyturn，propoundedtohim，withtheresultthatweenteredintotreaty，bythetermsofwhichitwasagreedthatnofuturereferenceshouldbemadetothemeetingbyeitherofus——especiallynotinthepresenceofmyaunt——
　　andthecompactwasratifiedaccordingtotheusualcustom，myunclepayingthenecessaryexpenses。
　　Inthosedays，wesat，somefourorsixofus，roundalittletable，onwhichwereplacedourdrinks。Nowwehavetobalancethemuponanarrowledge；andladies，astheypass，diptheendsoftheircloaksintothem，andgentlemenstirthemupforuswiththeferrulesoftheirumbrellas，orelsesweepthemoffintoourlapswiththeircoattails，sayingastheydoso，"Oh，Ibegyourpardon。"
　　Also，inthosedays，therewere"chairmen"——affablegentlemen，whowoulddrinkanythingatanybody’sexpense，anddrinkanyquantityofit，andneverseemtogetanyfuller。IwasintroducedtoaMusicHallchairmanonce，andwhenIsaidtohim，"Whatisyourdrink？"hetookupthe"listofbeverages"thatlaybeforehim，and，openingit，wavedhishandlightlyacrossitsentirecontents，fromclarets，pastchampagnesandspirits，downtoliqueurs。"That’smydrink，myboy，"
　　saidhe。Therewasnothingnarrow—mindedorexclusiveabouthistastes。
　　Itwasthechairman’sdutytointroducetheartists。"Ladiesandgentlemen，"hewouldshout，inavoicethatunitedthemusicalcharacteristicsofafoghornandasteamsaw，"Miss’EneriettaMontressor，thepopularserio—comic，willnowhappear。"Theseannouncementswereinvariablyreceivedwithgreatapplausebythechairmanhimself，andgenerallywithchillingindifferencebytherestoftheaudience。
　　Itwasalsotheprivilegeofthechairmantomaintainorder，andreprimandevil—doers。Thisheusuallydidveryeffectively，employingforthepurposelanguagebothfitandforcible。OnechairmanthatIrememberseemed，however，tobecuriouslydeficientinthenecessaryqualitiesforthispartofhisduty。Hewasamildandsleepylittleman，and，unfortunately，hehadtopresideoveranexceptionallyrowdyaudienceatasmallhallintheSouth—Eastdistrict。OnthenightthatIwaspresent，thereoccurredagreatdisturbance。"JossJessop，theMonarchofMirth，"agentlemanevidentlyhighinlocalrequestwas，forsomereasonorother，notforthcoming，andinhisplacethemanagementproposedtoofferafemaleperformeronthezithern，oneSignorinaBallatino。
　　Thelittlechairmanmadetheannouncementinanervous，deprecatorytone，asifhewereratherashamedofithimself。"Ladiesandgentlemen，"hebegan，——thepoorarestaunchsticklersforetiquette：
　　IoverheardasmallchildexplainingtohermotheronenightinThreeColtsStreet，Limehouse，thatshecouldnotgetintothehousebecausetherewasa"lady"onthedoorstep，drunk，——"SignorinaBallatino，theworld—renowned——"
　　Hereavoicefromthegalleryrequestedtoknowwhathadbecomeof"OldJoss，"andwasgreetedbyloudcriesof"’Ear，’ear。"
　　Thechairman，ignoringtheinterruption，continued：
　　"——theworld—renownedperformeronthezither——"
　　"Onthewhoter？"cameintonesofplaintiveinquiryfromthebackofthehall。
　　"HONthezither，"retortedthechairman，waxingmildlyindignant；hemeantzithern，buthecalleditazither。"Ahinstrumentwell—knowntoanybodyas’as’adanylearning。"
　　Thissallywasreceivedwithmuchfavour，andagentlemanwhoclaimedtobeacquaintedwiththefamilyhistoryoftheinterrupterbeggedthechairmantoexcusethatill—bredpersononthegroundthathismotherusedtogetdrunkwiththetwopenceaweekandneversenthimtoschool。
　　Cheeredbythisbreathofpopularity，ourlittlepresidentendeavouredtocompletehisintroductionoftheSignorina。Heagainrepeatedthatshewastheworld—renownedperformeronthezithern；
　　and，undeterredbytheaudibleremarkofaladyinthepittotheeffectthatshe’d"never’eardon’er，"added：
　　"Shewillnow，ladiesandgentlemen，withyourkindpermission，giveyouexamplesofthe——"
　　"Blowyerzither!"herecriedoutthegentlemanwhohadstartedtheagitation；"wewantJossJessop。"
　　Thiswasthesignalformuchcheeringandshrillwhistling，inthemidstofwhichawagwithapipingvoicesuggestedasareasonforthefavourite’snon—appearancethathebadnotbeenpaidhislastweek’ssalary。
　　Atemporarylulloccurredatthispoint；andthechairman，seizingtheopportunitytocompletehisoft—impededspeech，suddenlyremarked，"songsoftheSunnySouth"；andimmediatelysatdownandbeganhammeringuponthetable。
　　ThenSignoraBallatino，clothedinthecostumeoftheSunnySouth，whereclothesarelessessentialthaninthesecolderclimes，skippedairilyforward，andwasmostungallantlygreetedwithastormofgroansandhisses。Herbelovedinstrumentwasunfeelinglyalludedtoasapie—dish，andshewasadvisedtotakeitbackandgetthepennyonit。Thechairman，addressedbyhisChristiannameof"Jimmee，"
　　wastoldtoliedownandlethersinghimtosleep。Everytimesheattemptedtostartplaying，shoutswereraisedforJoss。
　　Atlengththechairman，overcominghisevidentdisinclinationtotakeanysortofhandwhateverinthegame，roseandgentlyhintedatthedesirabilityofsilence。Thesuggestionnotmeetingwithanysupport，heproceededtoadoptsternermeasures。Headdressedhimselfpersonallytotheringleaderoftherioters，themanwhohadfirstchampionedthecauseoftheabsentJoss。Thispersonwasabrawnyindividual，who，judgingfromappearances，followedinhisbusinesshoursthecallingofacoalheaver。"Yes，sir，"saidthechairman，pointingafingertowardshim，wherehesatinthefrontrowofthegallery；"you，sir，intheflannelshirt。Icanseeyou。
　　Willyouallowthisladytogiveherentertainment？"
　　"No，"answeredheofthecoalheavingprofession，instentoriantones。
　　"Then，sir，"saidthelittlechairman，workinghimselfupintoastatesuggestiveofJoveabouttolaunchathunderbolt——"then，sir，allIcansayisthatyouarenogentleman。"
　　Thiswasalittletoomuch，orratheragooddealtoolittle，fortheSignoraBallatino。Shehadhithertobeenstandinginameekattitudeofpatheticappeal，wearingafixedsmileofineffablesweetnessbutsheevidentlyfeltthatshecouldgoabitfartherthanthatherself，evenifshewasalady。Callingthechairman"anoldmesser，"andtellinghimforGawd’ssaketoshutupifthatwasallhecoulddoforhisliving，shecamedowntothefront，andtookthecaseintoherownhands。