"Iamgladyouhavebroughtmehere，"shesaid;"Ishallnevergrumblenowatnotbeingabletoaffordafortnightinthecountry。Thisisbetterthananythingelse。"
　　"Ithasalwaysbeenmysummerholidaytocomehere，"hesaid。"WhenI
　　firstcameIwaslikeyou，youngandhopeful，andIhadwonderfulvisionsofwhatIintendedtodoandtobe。HereitwasImadeavowthatIwouldbecomeagreatpainter，andwinformyselfarestingplaceinthisveryabbey。Thereishumourinthesituation，istherenot？"
　　"Idon’tliketohearyousaythat，"sheanswered。"Itisnotalwayspossibleforustofulfilallourambitions。Still，itisbettertohavehadthem，andfailedofthem，thannottohavehadthematall。"
　　"Possibly，"hereplied，coldly。Thenheadded，"Iwishyouwouldtellmeaboutyourself。Youhavealwaysinterestedme。"
　　"Ihavenothingtotellyouaboutmyself，"sheanswered，frankly。"I
　　amaloneintheworld，withoutfriendsandwithoutrelations。TheverynameIuseisnotarealname。Iwasafoundling。AttimesIamsorryIdonotbelongtoanyone，andatothertimesIamglad。YouknowI
　　amfondofbooksandofart，somylifeisnotaltogetherempty;andI
　　findmypleasureinhardwork。WhenIsawyouatthegalleryIwishedtoknowyou，andIaskedoneofthestudentswhoyouwere。Hetoldmeyouwereamisanthrope。ThenIdidnotcaresomuchaboutknowingyou，untilonedayyouspoketomeaboutmypainting，andthatwasthebeginningofourfriendship。"
　　"Fortyyearsago，"hesaid，sadly，"thefriendofmyboyhooddeceivedme。Ihadnotthoughtitpossiblethathecouldbefalsetome。Hescreenedhimselfbehindme，andbecameprosperousandrespectedattheexpenseofmyhonour。IvowedIwouldneveragainmakeafriend。Afewyearslater，whenIwasbeginningtoholdupmyhead，thewomanwhomI
　　loveddeceivedme。ThenIputfrommeallaffectionandalllove。
　　Greaternaturesthanminearebetterabletobearthesetroubles，butmyheartcontractedandwitheredup。"
　　Hepausedforamoment，manyrecollectionsoverpoweringhim。Thenhewentontellingherthehistoryofhislife，unfoldingtoherthestoryofhishopesandambitions，describingtohertheveryhomewherehewasborn，andthedark-eyedsisterwhomhehadloved，andwithwhomhehadplayedoverthedaisiedfields，andthroughthecarpetedwoods，andallamongtherichlytintedbracken。Onedayhewastoldshewasdead，andthathemustneverspeakhername;buthespokeitallthedayandallthenight，——Beryl，nothingbutBeryl，——
　　andhelookedforherinthefieldsandinthewoodsandamongthebracken。Itseemedasifhehadunlockedthecasketofhisheart，closedforsomanyyears，andasifallthememoriesofthepastandallthesecretsofhislifewererushingout，gladtobefreeoncemore，andgratefulfortheopenairofsympathy。
　　"Berylwasasswiftasadeer！"heexclaimed。"Youwouldhavelaughedtoseeheronthemoor。Ah，itwashardtogiveupallthethoughtsofmeetingheragain。TheytoldmeIshouldseeherinheaven，butIdidnotcareaboutheaven。IwantedBerylonearth，asIknewher，amerrylaughingsister。Ithinkyouareright：wedon’tforget;webecomeresignedinadead，dullkindofway。"
　　Suddenlyhesaid，"Idon’tknowwhyIhavetoldyouallthis。Andyetithasbeensuchapleasuretome。YouaretheonlypersontowhomI
　　couldhavespokenaboutmyself，fornooneelsebutyouwouldhavecared。"
　　"Don’tyouthink，"shesaidgently，"thatyoumadeamistakeinlettingyourexperiencesembitteryou？Becauseyouhadbeenunluckyinoneortwoinstancesitdidnotfollowthatalltheworldwasagainstyou。Perhapsyouunconsciouslyputyourselfagainstalltheworld，andthereforesaweveryoneinanunfavourablelight。Itseemssoeasytodothat。Troublecomestomostpeople，doesn’tit？Andyourphilosophyshouldhavetaughtyoutomakethebestofit。Atleast，thatismynotionofthevalueofphilosophy。"
　　Shespokehesitatingly，asthoughshegaveutterancetothesewordsagainstherwill。
　　"Iamsureyouareright，child，"hesaid，eagerly。
　　Heputhishandstohiseyes，buthecouldnotkeepbackthetears。
　　"Ihavebeensuchalonelyoldman，"hesobbed;"noonecantellwhatalonely，lovelesslifeminehasbeen。IfIwerenotsooldandsotiredIshouldliketobeginalloveragain。"
　　Hesobbedformanyminutes，andshedidnotknowwhattosaytohimofcomfort;butshetookhishandwithinherown，andgentlycaressedit，asonemightdotoalittlechildinpain。Helookedupandsmiledthroughhistears。
　　"Youhavebeenverygoodtome，"hesaid，"andIdaresayyouhavethoughtmeungrateful。Youmendedmycoatformeonemorning，andnotadayhaspassedbutthatIhavelookedatthatdarnandthoughtofyou。Ilikedtorememberthatyouhaddoneitforme。Butyouhavedonefarmorethanthisforme：youhaveputsomesweetnessintomylife。Whateverbecomesofmehereafter，Ishallneverbeabletothinkofmylifeonearthasanythingbutbeautiful，becauseyouthoughtkindlyofmeandactedkindlyforme。Theothernight，whenthisterriblepaincameoverme，Iwishedyouwerenearme;Iwishedtohearyourvoice。Thereisverybeautifulmusicinyourvoice。"
　　"Iwouldhavecometoyougladly，"shesaid，smilingquietlyathim。
　　"Youmustmakeapromisethatwhenyoufeelillagainyouwillsendforme。ThenyouwillseewhatasplendidnurseIam，andhowsoonyouwillbecomestrongandwellundermycare，strongenoughtopaintmanymorepictures，eachonebetterthanthelast。Nowwillyoupromise？"
　　"Yes，"hesaid，andheraisedherhandreverentlytohislips。
　　"Youarenotangrywithmefordoingthat？"heasked，suddenly。"I
　　shouldnotliketovexyou。"
　　"Iamnotvexed，"sheanswered，kindly。
　　"ThenperhapsImaykissitoncemore？"heasked。
　　"Yes，"sheanswered;andagainheraisedherhandtohislips。
　　"Thankyou，"hesaidquietly;"thatwaskindofyou。Doyouseethatbrokensun-rayyonder？Isitnotgolden？Ifinditverypleasanttosithere;andIamquitehappy，andalmostfreefrompain。LatelyI
　　havebeentroubledwithadullthuddingpainnearmyheart;butnowI
　　feelsostrongthatIbelieveIshallfinishthatAndreadelSartoafterall。"
　　"Ofcourseyouwill，"sheanswered，cheerily，"andIshallhavetoconfessthatyoursisbetterthanmine！Iamquitewillingtoyieldthepalmtoyou。"
　　"Imustaltertheexpressionofthemouth，"hereplied。"Thatisthepartwhichhasworriedme。Idon’tthinkItoldyouthatIhavehadacommissiontocopyRembrandt’s’OldJew。’Imustsettoworkonthatnextweek。"
　　"Butyouhavegivenmeyourpaletteandbrushes！"shelaughed。
　　"Youmustbegenerousenoughtolendthemtome，"hesaid，smiling。
　　"Bytheway，Iintendtogiveyoumybooks，allofthem。SomedayI
　　mustshowthemtoyou。Iespeciallyvaluemyphilosophicalbooks;theyhavebeenmyfaithfulcompanionsthroughmanyyears。IbelieveyoudonotreadGreek。Thatisapity，becauseyouwouldsurelyenjoyAristotle。IthinkImustteachyouGreek;itwouldbeanagreeablelegacytoleaveyouwhenIpassawayintotheGreatSilence。"
　　"Ishouldliketolearn，"shesaid，wonderingtohearhimspeaksounreservedly。Itseemedasifsomevastbarrierhadbeenrolledaside，andasifsheweregettingtoknowhimbetter，havingbeenallowedtoglanceintohispastlife，tosympathisewithhispastmistakes，andwiththefailureofhisambitions，andwiththedeadeningofhisheart。
　　"YoumustreadAEschylus，"hecontinued，enthusiastically;"and，ifI
　　mistakenot，theAgamemnonwillbeanepochinyourlife。Youwillfindthatallthesestudieswillservetoennobleyourart，andyouwillbeabletoputmindintoyourwork，andnotmerelyformandcolour。Doyouknow，IfeelsowellthatIbelieveIshallnotonlylivetofinishAndreadelSarto，butalsotosmokeanotherpipe？"
　　"Youhavebeentoorashto-day，"shelaughed，"givingawayyourpipeandpouch，yourpaletteandbrushes，inthisrecklessmanner！Imustgetyouanewpipeto-morrow。IwonderyoudidnotpartwithyourvenerableLucretius。"
　　"Thatremindsme，"hesaid，fumblinginhispocket;"IthinkIhavedroppedmyLucretius。IfancyIleftitsomewhereinthePoets’
　　Corner。Itwouldgrievemetolosethatbook。"
　　"Letmegoandlookforit，"shesaid，andsheadvancedafewsteps，andthencamebacktohim。
　　"Youhavebeensayingmanykindwordstome，"shesaid，assheputherhandonhisarm，"andIhavenottoldyouthatIvalueyourfriendship，andamgratefultoyouforlettingmebemorethanamerestrangertoyou。Ihavebeenverylonelyinmylife，forIamnotonetomakefriendseasily，andithasbeenagreatprivilegetometotalkwithyou。Iwantyoutoknowthis：forifIhavebeenanythingtoyou，youhavebeenagreatdealtome。Ihavenevermetwithmuchsympathyfromthoseofmyownage：Ihavefoundthemnarrowandunyielding，andtheyfoundmedullanduninteresting。Theyhadpassedthroughfewexperiencesandknewnothingaboutfailureorsuccess，andsomeofthemdidnotevenunderstandtheearnestnessofendeavour，andlaughedatmewhenIspokeofahighideal。SoIwithdrewintomyself，andshouldprobablyhavegrownstillmoreisolatedthanIwasbefore，butthatImetyou，and，astimewenton，webecamefriends。Ishallalwaysrememberyourteaching，andIwilltrytokeeptoahighidealoflifeandartandendeavour，andIwillnotletdespaircreepintomyheart，andIwillnotlosemyfaithinhumanity。"
　　Asshespokealingeringrayofsunshinelitupherfaceandgentlycaressedhersoftbrownhair;slightthoughherform，sombreherclothes，andunlovelyherfeatures，sheseemedagraciouspresencebecauseofherearnestness。
　　"Now，"shesaid，cheerily，"youresthereuntilIcomebackwithyourLucretius，andthenIthinkImustbegettingonmywayhome。ButyoumustfixatimeforourfirstGreeklesson，forwemustbeginto-morrow。"
　　Whenshehadgonehewalkedinthecloisters，holdinghishatinhishandandhisstickunderhisarm。Therewasaquietsmileonhisface，whichwascalledforthbypleasantthoughtsinhismind，andhedidnotlookquitesoshrunkenandshrivelledasusual。Hiseyeswerefixedontheground，butheraisedthem，andobservedawhitecatcreepingtowardhim。Itcameandrubbeditselfagainsthisfoot，and，purringwithallitsmight，seemeddeterminedtowinsomekindofnoticefromhim。Theoldmanstoopeddowntostrokeit，andwasjusttouchingitssleekcoatwhenhesuddenlywithdrewhishandandgroaneddeeply。Hestruggledtotherecess，andsankback。Thestickfellonthestonewithaclatter，andthebatteredhatrolleddownbesideit，andthewhitecatfledawayinterror;butrealisingthattherewasnocauseforalarm，itcamebackandcrouchednearthesilentfigureoftheoldman，watchinghimintently。Thenitstretchedoutitspawandplayedwithhishand，doingitsutmosttocoaxhimintoalittlefun;
　　buthewouldnotbecoaxed，andthecatlostallpatiencewithhim，andlefthimtohimself。
　　MeanwhileHelenStanleywaslookingforthelostLucretiusinthePoets’Corner。ShefounditlayingnearChaucer’stomb，andwasjustgoingtotakeittoherfriendwhenshesawtheworkmantowhomtheyhadspokeninTrafalgarSquare。Herecognisedheratonce，andcametowardher。
　　"I’vebeenhavingaquiethalf-hourhere，"hesaid。"Itdoesmeasightofgoodtositintheabbey。"
　　"Youshouldgointothecloisters，"shesaid，kindly。"Ihavebeensittingtherewithmyfriend。Hewillbeinterestedtohearthatyoulovethisbeautifulabbey。"
　　"Ishouldliketoseehimagain，"saidtheworkman。"Hehadakindwayabouthim，andthatpipehegavemeisanuncommongoodone。Still，I
　　amsorryIsmashedthelittleclaypipe。I’dgrownusedtoit。I’dsmokediteversincemylittlegirldiedandleftmealoneintheworld。Iusedtobringmylittlegirlhere，andnowIcomealone。Butitisn’tthesamething。"
　　"No，itcouldnotbethesamething，"saidHelen，gently。"Butyoufindsomecomforthere？"
　　"Somelittlecomfort，"heanswered。"Onecan’texpectmuch。"
　　Theywenttogetherintothecloisters，andastheycameneartherecesswheretheoldmanrestedHelensaid：
　　"Why，hehasfallenasleep！Hemusthavebeenverytired。Andhehasdroppedhishatandstick。Thankyou。Ifyouwillputthemdownthere，Iwillwatchbyhissideuntilhewakesup。Idon’tsupposehewillsleepforlong。"
　　Theworkmanstoopeddowntopickupthehatandstick，andglancedatthesleeper。Somethinginthesleeper’scountenancearrestedhisattention。Heturnedtothegirl，andsawthatshewaswatchinghim。
　　"Whatisit？"sheaskedanxiously。"Whatisthematterwithyou？"
　　Hetriedtospeak，buthisvoicefailedhim，andallhecoulddowastopointwithtremblinghandtotheoldman。
　　Helenlooked，andaloudcrybrokefromherlips。Theoldmanwasdead。
　　THEOMNIBUS
　　BY
　　QUILLER-COUCH
　　Allthatfollowswasspokeninasmalltavern，astone’sthrowfromCheapside，thedaybeforeIleftLondon。Itwasspokeninadullvoice，acrossagreasytable-cloth，andamidanatmospheresothickwiththereekofcookingthatonelongedtochangeitforthetorridstreetagain，tobroilinanamplerfurnace。OldTomPickfordspokeit，whohasbeenaclerkforfifty-twoyearsinTweedy’sEastIndiawarehouse，andinallthattimehasneverbeenoutofLondon，butwhenhetakesaholidayspendsitinhangingaboutTweedy’s，andobservingthatunlovelyplaceofbusinessfromtheoutside。Thedust，ifnottheiron，ofTweedy’shasenteredintohissoul;andTweedy’syoungmenknowhimas"theMastodon。"Heisathin，baldseptuagenarian，withslopingshoulders，andahabitofregardingthepavementwhenhewalks，sothatheseemstosteerhiswaybyinstinctratherthansight。Ingeneralhekeepssilencewhileeatinghischop;andonthisoccasiontherewassomethingunnaturalinhisutterance，adivorceofmannerbetweenthespeakerandhiswords，suchasonewouldexpectinasibyldisclaimingunderstressofthegod。Ifanciedithadsomethingtodowithablacknecktiethatheworeinsteadofthebluebird’s-eyecravatfamiliartoTweedy’s，andwithhisextraordinaryconductinrefusingto-daythechopthatthewaiterbrought，andlimitinghislunchtocheeseandlettuce。
　　Havingpulledthelettucetopieces，hepushedhimselfbackalittlefromthetable，lookedoverhisspectaclesatme，thenatthetable-
　　cloth，andbeganinadreamyvoice：
　　"OldGabrielisdead。Iheardthenewsattheofficethismorning，andwentoutandboughtablacktie。IamtheoldestmaninTweedy’snow——
　　olderbysixyearsthanSamCollins，whocomesnext;sothereisnomistakeaboutit。Samislookingfortheplace;Isawitinhiseyewhenhetoldme，andIexpecthe’llgetit。ButI’mtheoldestclerkinTweedy’s。OnlyGodAlmightycanalterthat，andit’sverysatisfactorytome。Idon’tcareaboutthemoney。SamCollinswillbestuckupoverit，likeenough;buthe’llneverwriteahandlikeGabriel’s，notifhelivestobeahundred;andheknowsit，andknowsI’llbetheretoremindhimofit。Gabriel’swasabeautifulfist——sosmall，too，ifhechose。Why，once，inhissparehours，hewroteoutallthePsalms，withtheheadings，ononesideofafoliosheet，andhaditframedandhungupinhisparlour，outatShepherd’sBush。Hediedinthenight——ohyes，quiteeasily。Hewasdownattheofficeallyesterday，andspoketomeasbriskasabird。Theyfoundhimdeadinhisbedthismorning。
　　"Iseemcutupaboutit？Well，notexactly。Ah，younoticedthatI
　　refusedmychopto-day。Blessyoursoul，that’snotonGabriel’saccount。Iamwelloninyears，andIsupposeitwouldbenaturalofmetopityoldmen，andexpectpity。ButIcan’t;no，/it’sonlytheyoungthatIpity/。Ifyou/must/know，Ididn’ttakethechopto-daybecauseIhaven’tthemoneyinmypockettopayforit。Yousee，therewasthisblacktiethatIgaveeighteenpencefor;butsomethingelsehappenedthismorningthatI’lltellyouabout。
　　"Icamedownina’bus，asusual。Yourememberwhatmuggyweatheritwasuptoteno’clock——thoughyouwouldn’tthinkit，tofeeltheheatnow。Well，the’buswaspacked，insideandout。Atleast，therewasjustroomforonemoreinsidewhenwepulledupbyCharingCross，andtherehegotin——aboywithastickandabundleinabluehandkerchief。
　　"Hewasn’tmorethanthirteen;boundforthedocks，youcouldtellataglance;andbythewayhelookedaboutyoucouldtellaseasilythatinsteppingoutsideCharingCrossstationhe’dsetfootonLondonstonesforthefirsttime。Godknowshowitstruckhim——theslushanddrizzle，theuglyshop-fronts，thehorsesslippinginthebrownmud，thecrowdonthepavementpushinghimthissideandthat。Thepoorlittlechapwasstandinginthemiddleofitwithdazedeyes，likeahare’s，whenthe’buspulledup。Hiseyelidswerepinkandswollen;
　　buthewasn’tcrying，thoughhewantedto。Instead，hegaveagulpashecameonboardwithstickandbundle，andtriedtolookbraveasalion。
　　"I’dhavegivenworldstospeaktohim，butIcouldn’t。Onmyword，sir，Ishouldhavecried。Itwasn’tsomuchthelittlechap’slook。
　　Buttotheknotofhisbundletherewastiedabunchofcottageflowers，——sweet-williams，boy’s-love，andaroseortwo，——andthesightandsmelloftheminthatstuffyomnibuswereliketearsonthirstyeyelids。It’stheyoungthatIpity，sir。ForGabriel，inhisbedupatShepherd’sBush，there’snomoretobesaid，asfarasIcansee;andasforme，I’mtheoldestclerkinTweedy’s，whichisverysatisfactory。It’stheyoungfaces，settowardtheroadalongwhichwehavetravelled，thattroubleme。Sometimes，sir，Ilieawakeinmylodgingsandlisten，andthewholeofthisLondonseemsfilledwiththesoundofchildren’sfeetrunning，andIcansobaloud。Youmaysaythatitisonlyselfishness，andwhatIreallypityismyownboyhood。
　　Idaresayyou’reright。It’scertainthat，asIkeptglancingattheboyandhisseakitandhisbunchofflowers，mymindwentbacktotheJanuarymorning，sixty-fiveyearsback，whenthecoachtookmeoffforthefirsttimefromthevillagewhereIwasborntoaLondoncharity-
　　school。Iwasworseoffthantheboyintheomnibus，forIhadjustlostfatherandmother。Yetitwasthesticksandstonesandflower-
　　bedsthatImostlythoughtof。Iwentroundandsaidgood-byetothelilacs，andtoldthemtobeinflowerbythetimeIcameback。Isaidtotherose-bush，’YoumustbeashighasmywindownextMay;youknowyouonlymisseditbythreeincheslastsummer。’ThenIwenttothecow-house，andkissedthecows，onebyone。Theyweretobesoldbyauctiontheverynextweek，butIguessednothingofit，andorderedthemnottoforgetme。AndlastIlookedattheswallows’nestsunderthethatch，——thelastyear’snests，——andtoldmyselfthattheywouldbefilledagainwhenIreturned。Irememberedthis，andhowI
　　stretchedoutmyhandstotheplacefromthecoach-top;andhowatReading，wherewestopped，IspentthetwoshillingsthatIpossessedinacocoanutandabrightclasp-knife;andhow，whenIopenedit，thenutwassour;andhowIcriedmyselftosleep，andwokeinLondon。
　　"TheyoungmeninTweedy’s，thoughtheyrespectmylongstandingthere，makefunofmeattimesbecauseInevertakeaholidayinthecountry。Why，sir，/Idarenot/。Ishouldwanderbacktomyoldvillage，and——Well，Iknowhowitwouldbethen。Ishouldfinditsmallerandmeaner;Ishouldsearchaboutfortheflowersandnests，andlistenforthemusicthatIknewsixty-fiveyearsago，andremember;andtheywouldnotbediscoverable。Alsoeveryfacewouldstareatme，forallthefacesIknowaredead。ThenIshouldthinkI
　　hadmissedmywayandcometothewrongplace;or（worse）thatnosuchspoteverexisted，andIhavebeencheatingmyselfalltheseyears;
　　that，infact，Iwasmadallthewhile，andhavenostablereasonforexisting——I，theoldestclerkinTweedy’s！Tobesure，therewouldbemyparents’headstonesinthechurchyard。Butwhatarethey，ifthechurchyarditselfischanged？
　　"Asitis，withthreehundredpoundsperannum，andenoughlaidbytokeephim，ifIfail，anoldbachelorhasnoreasontogrumble。Butthesightofthatlittlechap’snosegay，andthethoughtofthemotherwhotieditthere，mademyheartswellasIfancytheearthmustswellwhenrainiscoming。Hiseyesfilledonce，andhebrushedthemunderthepretenceofpullinghiscapforward，andstoleaglanceroundtoseeifanyonehadnoticedhim。Theotherpassengerswerebusywiththeirownthoughts，andIpretendedtostareoutofthewindowopposite;buttherewasthedrop，sureenough，onhishandashelaiditonhislapagain。
　　"Hewasboundforthedocks，andthencefortheopensea，andI，thatwasboundforTweedy’sonly，hadtogetoutatthetopofCheapside。I
　　knowthe’busconductor，——averyhonestman，——and，ingettingout，I
　　slippedhalfacrownintohishandtogivetotheboy，withmyblessing，athisjourney’send。WhenIpicturehisface，sir，IwishI
　　hadmadeitfiveshillings，andgonewithoutanewtieanddinneraltogether。"
　　THEHIREDBABY
　　BY
　　MARIECORELLI
　　Adark，desolateDecembernight，anightthatclungtothemetropolislikeawetblackshroud，anightinwhichtheheavy，low-hangingvapoursmeltedeverynowandthenintoaslow，reluctantrain，coldasicicle-dropsinarockcavern。Peoplepassedandrepassedinthestreetslikeghostsinabaddream;thetwinklinggas-lightshowedthematonemomentrisingoutofthefog，andthendisappearingfromviewasthoughsuddenlyengulfedinavaporousebonsea。Withmuffled，angryshrieks，themetropolitantrainsdepositedtheirshoalsofshivering，coughingtravelersattheseveralstations，wheresleepyofficials，renderedviciousbytheweather，snatchedtheticketsfromtheirhandswithoffensivehasteandroughness。Omnibusconductorsgrewill-temperedandabusivewithoutanyseeminglyadequatereason;
　　shopkeepersbecameflippant，disobliging，andcarelessofcustom;
　　cabmenshoutedderisiveordenunciatorylanguageaftertheirrapidlyretreatingfares;inshort，everybodywasinadiscontented，almostspitefulhumour，withtheexceptionofthosefewaggressivelycheerfulpersonswhoareinthehabitofalwaysmakingthebestofeverything，evenbadweather。DownthelongwidevistaoftheCromwellRoad，Kensington，thefoghaditallitsownway;itsweptonsteadily，likethicksmokefromahugefire，chokingthethroatsandblindingtheeyesoffoot-passengers，stealingthroughthecranniesofthehouses，andchillingthebloodofeventhoseluxuriousindividualswho，seatedinelegantdrawing-roomsbeforeblazingfires，easilyforgotthatthereweresuchbitterthingsascoldandpovertyinthatoutsideworldagainstwhichtheyhadbarredtheirwindows。Atonehouseinparticular——ahousewithgaudyglassdoorsandsomewhatspoiledyellowsilkcurtainsatthewindows，ahousethatplainlysaidtoitself，"Doneupforshow！"toallwhocaredtoexamineitsexterior——therestoodaclosedbrougham，drawnbyaprancingpairoffathorses。A
　　coachmanofdistinguishedappearancesatonthebox;afootmanofirreproachablefigurestoodwaitingonthepavement，hisyellow-glovedhandrestingelegantlyonthepolishedsilverknobofthecarriagedoor。Boththesegentlemenwereresoluteandinflexibleofface;theylookedasiftheyhaddeterminedonsomegreatdeedthatshouldmovetheworldtowildapplause;but，truthtotell，theyhadonlyjustfinishedahighlysatisfactory"meat-tea，"andbeforethisgravesilencehadfallenuponthem，theyhadbeendiscussingtheadvisabilityofbroiledsteakandonionsforsupper。Thecoachmanhadinclinedtoplainmutton-chopsasbeingeasierofdigestion;thefootmanhadearnestlyasseveratedhisbeliefinthesuperiorsucculenceandsweetnessofthesteakandonions，andintheendhehadgainedhispoint。Thisweightyquestionbeingsettled，theyhadgraduallygrownreflectiveonthepast，present，andfuturejoysofeatingatsomeoneelse’sexpense，andinthisblandandpleasingstateofmeditationtheywerestillabsorbed。Thehorseswereimpatient，andpawedthemuddygroundwithmanyatossoftheirlongmanesandtails，thesteamfromtheirglossycoatsminglingwiththeever-thickeningdensityofthefog。Onthewhitestonestepsoftheresidencebeforewhichtheywaitedwasanalmostinvisiblebundle，apparentlyshapelessandimmovable。Neitherofthetwogorgeouspersonagesinliveryobservedit;itwastoofarbackinadimcorner，toounobtrusive，forthecasualregardoftheirloftyeyes。Suddenlytheglassdoorsbeforementionedwerethrownapartwithaclatteringnoise，awarmthandradiancefromtheentrance-hallthusdisplayedstreamedintothefoggystreet，andatthesameinstantthefootman，stillwithgraveandimperturbablecountenance，openedthebrougham。
　　Anelderlylady，richlydressed，withdiamondssparklinginhergrayhair，camerustlingdownthesteps，bringingwithherfaintodoursofpatchoulyandviolet-powder。Shewasfollowedbyagirlofdoll-likeprettiness，withasnubnoseandpetulantlittlemouth，whohelduphersatin-and-laceskirtswithasortoffastidiousdisdain，asthoughshescornedtosetfootonearththatwasnotcarpetedwiththebestvelvetpile。Astheyapproachedtheircarriagetheinertdarkbundle，crouchedinthecorner，startedintolife——awoman，withwildhairandwildereyes，whosepalelipsquiveredwithsuppressedweepingasherpiteousvoicebrokeintosuddenclamour：
　　"Oh，lady！"shecried，"fortheloveofGod，atrifle！Oh，lady，lady！"
　　Butthe"lady，"withacontemptuoussniffandashakeofherscentedgarments，passedherbeforeshecouldcontinueherappeal，andsheturnedwithasortoffainthopetothesofterfaceofthegirl。
　　"Oh，mydear，dohavepity！Justthesmallestlittlething，andGodwillblessyou！Youarerichandhappy——andIamstarving！Onlyapenny！Forthebaby——thepoorlittlebaby！"Andshemadeasthoughshewouldopenhertatteredshawlandrevealsometreasurehiddentherein，butshrunkback，repelledbythecold，mercilessgazethatfelluponherfromthoseeyes，inwhichyouthdweltwithouttenderness。
　　"Youhavenobusinessonourdoorstep，"saidthegirl，harshly。"Goawaydirectly，orIshalltellmyservanttocallapoliceman。"
　　Then，assheenteredthebroughamafterhermother，sheaddressedtherespectablefootmanangrily，givinghimthebenefitofastrongnasalintonation。
　　"Howard，whydoyouletsuchdirtybeggarscomenearthecarriage？
　　Whatareyoupaidfor，Ishouldliketoknow？Itisperfectlydisgracefultothehouse！"
　　"Verysorry，miss！"saidthefootman，gravely。"Ididn’tseethe——thepersonbefore。"Thenshuttingthebroughamdoor，heturnedwithadignifiedairtotheunfortunatecreature，whostilllingerednear，and，withasweepinggestureofhisgold-embroideredcoat-sleeve，saidmajestically：
　　"Doyou’ear？Behoff！"
　　Then，havingthusperformedhisduty，hemountedtheboxbesidehisfriendthecoachman，andtheequipagerattledquicklyaway，itsgleaminglightssoonlostinthesmoke-ladenvapoursthatdroopeddownwardlikefuneralhangingsfromtheinvisibleskytothescarcelyvisibleground。Lefttoherself，thewomanwhohadvainlysoughtcharityfromthoseinwhomnocharityexisted，lookedupdespairingly，asonedistraught，andseemedasthoughshewouldhavegivenventtosomefierceexclamation，whenafeeblewailcamepitifullyforthfromtheshelteringfoldsofhershawl。Sherestrainedherselfinstantly，andwalkedonatarapidpace，scarcelyheedingwhithershewent，tillshereachedtheCatholicchurchknownasthe"Oratory。"Itsunfinishedfacadeloomeddarklyoutofthefog;therewasnothingpicturesqueorinvitingaboutit，yettherewerepeoplepassingsoftlyinandout，andthroughtheswingingtoandfrooftheredbaize-covereddoorstherecameacomfortingwarmglimmeroflight。Thewomanpaused，hesitated，andthen，havingapparentlymadeuphermind，ascendedthebroadsteps，lookedin，andfinallyentered。Theplacewasstrangetoher;sheknewnothingofitsreligiousmeaning，anditscold，uncompletedappearanceoppressedher。Therewereonlysomehalf-dozenpersonsscatteredabout，likeblackspecks，initsvastwhiteinterior，andthefoghungheavilyinthevaulteddomeanddarklittlechapels。Onecorneraloneblazedwithbrilliancyandcolour;thiswasthealtaroftheVirgin。Towarditthetiredvagrantmadeherway，andonreachingitsankonthenearestchairasthoughexhausted。Shedidnotraisehereyestothemarblesplendoursoftheshrine——oneofthemasterpiecesofoldItalianart;shehadbeenmerelyattractedtothespotbytheglitterofthelampsandcandles，andtooknothoughtastothereasonoftheirbeinglighted，thoughshewassensibleofacertaincomfortinthesoftlustreshedaroundher。Sheseemedstillyoung;herface，renderedhaggardbylongandbitterprivation，showedtracesofpastbeauty，andhereyes，fulloffeverishtrouble，werelarge，dark，andstilllustrous。Hermouthalone——thatsensitivebetrayerofthelife’sgoodandbadactions——revealedthatallhadnotbeenwellwithher;itslineswerehardandvicious，andtheresentfulcurveoftheupperlipspokeoffoolishpride，notunmixedwithrecklesssensuality。Shesatforamomentortwomotionless;then，withexceedingcareandtenderness，shebegantounfoldherthin，tornshawlbygentledegrees，lookingdownwithanxioussolicitudeattheobjectconcealedwithin。Onlyababy——andwithalababysotinyandwhiteandfrailthatitseemedasthoughitmustmeltlikeasnowflakebeneaththelightesttouch。Asitswrappingswerelooseneditopenedapairoflarge，solemnblueeyes，andgazedatthewoman’sfacewithastrange，pitifulwistfulness。Itlayquiet，withoutmoan，apinched，paleminiatureofsufferinghumanity——aninfantwithsorrow’smarkpainfullyimpresseduponitsdrawn，smallfeatures。Presentlyitstretchedforthapunyhandandfeeblycaresseditsprotectress，andthis，too，withthefaintestglimmerofasmile。Thewomanrespondedtoitsaffectionwithasortofrapture;shecaughtitfondlytoherbreastandcovereditwithkisses，rockingittoandfrowithbrokenwordsofendearment。"Mylittledarling！"shewhispered，softly。"Mylittlepet！Yes，yes，Iknow！Sotired，socoldandhungry！Nevermind，baby，nevermind！Wewillrestherealittle;thenwewillsingasongpresently，andgetsomemoneytotakeushome。Sleepawhilelonger，deary！There！nowwearewarmandcoseyagain。"
　　Sosaying，sherearrangedhershawlincloserandtighterfolds，soastoprotectthechildmorethoroughly。Whileshewasengagedinthisoperationaladyindeepmourningpassedclosebyher，and，advancingtotheverystepsofthealtar，kneltdown，hidingherfacewithherclaspedhands。Thetiredwayfarer’sattentionwasattractedbythis;
　　shegazedwithasortofdullwonderatthekneelingfigurerobedinrichrustlingsilkandcrape，andgraduallyhereyeswanderedupward，upward，tilltheyrestedonthegravelysweetandserenelysmilingmarbleimageoftheVirginandChild。Shelookedandlookedagain——
　　surprised——incredulous;thensuddenlyrosetoherfeetandmadeherwaytothealtarrailing。Thereshepaused，staringvaguelyatabasketofflowers，whiteandodorous，thathadbeenlefttherebysomereverentworshipper。Sheglanceddoubtfullyattheswingingsilverlamps，thetwinklingcandles;shewasconscious，too，ofasubtle，strangefragranceintheair，asthoughabasketfullofspringvioletsanddaffodilshadjustbeencarriedby;then，asherwanderinggazecamebacktothesolitarywomaninblack，whostillkneltmotionlessnearher，asortofchokingsensationcameintoherthroatandastingingmoisturestruggledinhereyes。Shestrovetoturnthishystericalsensationtoalowlaughofdisdain。
　　"Lord，Lord！"shemutteredbeneathherbreath，"whatsortofplaceisthis，wheretheypraytoawomanandababy？"
　　Atthatmomentthewomaninblackrose;shewasyoung，withaproud，fair，butwearyface。Hereyeslightedonhersoiledandpoverty-
　　strickensister，andshepausedwithapityinglook。Thestreetwanderermadeuseoftheopportunitythusoffered，andinanurgentwhisperimploredcharity。Theladydrewoutapurse，thenhesitated，lookingwistfullyatthebundleintheshawl。
　　"Youhaveachildthere？"sheasked，ingentleaccents。"MayIseeit？"
　　"Yes，lady，"andthewrapperwasturneddownsufficientlytodisclosethetinywhiteface，nowmoreinfinitelytouchingthaneverinthepathosofsleep。
　　"Ilostmylittleoneaweekago，"saidthelady，simply，asshelookedatit。"HewasallIhad。"Hervoicetrembled;sheopenedherpurse，andplacedahalf-crowninthehandofherastonishedsupplicant。"YouarehappierthanIam;perhapsyouwillprayforme。
　　Iamverylonely！"
　　Thendroppingherlongcrapeveilsothatitcompletelyhidherfeatures，shebentherheadandmovedsoftlyaway。Thewomanwatchedhertillhergracefulfigurewascompletelylostinthegloomofthegreatchurch，andthenturnedagainvaguelytothealtar。
　　"Prayforher！"shethought。"I！AsifIcouldpray！"Andshesmiledbitterly。Againshelookedatthestatueintheshrine;ithadnomeaningatallforher。ShehadneverheardofChristianitysavethroughthemediumofatract，whoseconsolingtitlehadbeen"Stop！
　　YouareGoingtoHell！"Religionofeverysortwasmockedatbythoseamongwhomherlotwascast，thenameofChristwasonlyusedasaconveniencetoswearby，andthereforethismysterious，smiling，gentlyinvitingmarblefigurewasincomprehensibletohermind。
　　"AsifIcouldpray！"sherepeated，withasortofderision。Thenshelookedatthebroadsilvercoininherhandandthesleepingbabyinherarms。Withasuddenimpulseshedroppedonherknees。
　　"Whoeveryouare，"shemuttered，addressingthestatueaboveher，"itseemsyou’vegotachildofyourown;perhapsyou’llhelpmetotakecareofthisone。Itisn’tmine;Iwishitwas！Anyway，Iloveitmorethanitsownmotherdoes。Idaresayyouwon’tlistentothelikesofme，butiftherewasGodanywhereaboutI’daskHimtoblessthatgoodsoulthat’slostherbaby。Iblessherwithallmyheart，butmyblessingain’tgoodformuch。Ah！"andshesurveyedanewtheVirgin’sserenewhitecountenance，"youjustlookasifyouunderstoodme;butIdon’tbelieveyoudo。Nevermind，I’vesaidallIwantedtosaythistime。"
　　Herstrangepetition，orratherdiscourse，concluded，sheroseandwalkedaway。Thegreatdoorsofthechurchswungheavilybehindherasshesteppedoutandstoodoncemoreinthemuddystreet。Itwasrainingsteadily——afine，cold，penetratingrain。Butthecoinsheheldwasatalismanagainstouterdiscomforts，andshecontinuedtowalkontillshecametoaclean-lookingdairy，whereforacoupleofpenceshewasabletoreplenishtheinfant’slongagoemptiedfeedingbottle;butshepurchasednothingforherself。Shehadstarvedallday，andwasnowtoofainttoeat。Soonsheenteredanomnibus，andwasdriventoCharingCross，andalightingatthegreatstation，brilliantwithitselectriclight，shepacedupanddownoutsideit，accostingseveralofthepassers-byandimploringtheirpity。Onemangaveherapenny;another，youngandhandsome，withaflushed，intemperateface，andalookofhisfast-fadingboyhoodstillabouthim，puthishandinhispocketanddrewoutalltheloosecoppersitcontained，amountingtothreepenniesandanoddfarthing，and，droppingthemintoheroutstretchedpalm，said，halfgaily，halfboldly："Yououghttodobetterthanthatwiththosebigeyesofyours！"Shedrewbackandshuddered;hebrokeintoacoarselaugh，andwenthisway。Standingwherehehadlefther，sheseemedforatimelostinwretchedreflections;thefretful，wailingcryofthechildshecarriedrousedher，andhushingitsoftly，shemurmured，"Yes，yes，darling，itistoowetandcoldforyou;wehadbettergo。"Andactingsuddenlyonherresolve，shehailedanotheromnibus，thistimeboundforTottenhamCourtRoad，andwas，aftersomedrearyjolting，setdownatherfinaldestination——adirtyalleyintheworstpartofSevenDials。Enteringit，shewashailedwithashoutofderisivelaughterfromsomerough-lookingmenandwomen，whowerestandinggroupedroundalowgin-shopatthecorner。
　　"Here’sLiz！"criedone。"Here’sLizandthebloomin’kid！"
　　"Now，oldgel，forkout！Howmuch’aveyougot，Liz？Treatustoadropallround！"
　　Lizwakedpastthemsteadily;theconspicuouscurveofherupperlipcameintofullplay，andhereyesflasheddisdainfully，butshesaidnothing。Hersilenceexasperatedatangle-haired，cat-facedgirlofseventeenyears，who，morethanhalfdrunk，satontheground，claspingherkneeswithbotharmsandrockingherselflazilytoandfro。
　　"MotherMawks！"criedshe，"MotherMawks！You’rewanted！Here’sLizcomebackwithyourbabby！"
　　Asifherwordshadbeenapowerfulincantationtosummonforthanevilspirit，adoorinoneofthemiserablehouseswasthrownopen，andastoutwoman，nearlynakedtothewaist，withaswollen，blotched，andmosthideouscountenance，rushedoutfuriously，anddartingatLiz，shookherviolentlybythearm。
　　"Where’smyshullin’？"sheyelled，"where’smygin？Outwithit！Outwithmyshullin’an’fourpence！Noneofyersneakin’wayswithme;abargain’sabargainalltheworldover！Yer’remakingafortin’withmybabby——yerknowy’are;paysyeragooddealbetterthanyeroldtrade！Don’tsayitdon’t——yerknowitdo。Yer’llnotfindsuchasicklykidanywheres，an’it’sthesicklykidswotpaysan’movesthe’artsofthekyindladiesan’goodgentlemen"——thiswithanimitativewhinethatexcitedthelaughterandapplauseofherhearers。"Yer’vegotitcheap，Ikintellyer，an’ifyerdon’tpayupreg’lar，there’sothersthat’lltakethechance，an’thankfultoo！"
　　Shestoppedforlackofbreath，andLizspokequietly：
　　"It’sallright，MotherMawks，"shesaid，withanattemptatasmile;
　　"here’syourshilling，here’sthefourpenniesforthegin。Idon’toweyouanythingforthechildnow。"Shestoppedandhesitated，lookingdowntenderlyatthefrailcreatureinherarms;thenadded，almostpleadingly，"It’sasleepnow。MayItakeitwithmeto-night？"
　　MotherMawks，whohadbeentestingthecoinsLizhadgivenherbybitingthemferociouslywithherlargeyellowteeth，brokeintoaloudlaugh。
　　"Takeitwithyer！Ilikethat！Wotimperence！Takeitwithyer！"
　　Then，withherhugeredarmsakimbo，sheadded，withagrin，"Tellyerwot，ifyerlikestopayme’arfacrown，yercan’aveittocuddle，an’welcome！"
　　Anothershoutofapprovingmerrimentburstfromthedrink-soddenspectatorsofthelittlescene，andthegirlcrouchedonthegroundremovedherencirclinghandsfromherkneestoclapthemloudly，assheexclaimed：
　　"Welldone，MotherMawks！Onedoesn’tletoutkidsatnightfornothing！’Toughttobemoreexpensivethandaytime！"
　　ThefaceofLizhadgrownwhiteandrigid。
　　"YouknowIcan’tgiveyouthatmoney，"shesaid，slowly。"Ihavenottastedbitordropallday。Imustlive，thoughitdoesn’tseemworthwhile。Thechild"——andhervoicesoftenedinvoluntarily——"isfastasleep;it’sapitytowakeit，that’sall。Itwillcryandfretallnight，and——andIwillmakeitwarmandcomfortableifyou’dletme。"
　　Sheraisedhereyeshopefullyandanxiously。"Willyou？"
　　MotherMawkswasevidentlyaladyofanexcitabledisposition。Thesimplerequestseemedtodrivehernearlyfrantic。Sheraisedhervoicetoanabsolutescream，thrustingherdirtyhandsthroughherstilldirtierhairastheproperaccompanyinggesturetohervituperativeoratory。
　　"WillI！WillI！"shescreeched。"WillIletoutmyhownbabbyforthenightfornuthin’？WillI？No，Iwon’t！I’llseeyerblowedintothemiddleofnextweekfust！Lor’’a’mussey！’ow’ighan’mightywearegittin’，tobesure！Thebabby’llbequietwithyou，MissLiz，willit，hindeed！An’itwillcryan’fretwithitshownmother，willit，hindeed！"AndateverysentencesheapproachedLizmorenearly，increasinginfuryassheadvanced。"Yerlowhussy！D’yethinkI’dletye’avemybabbyforahourunlessyerpaidfor’it？Asitis，yerpaysfartoolittle。I’manhonestwomanasworksformylivin’an’
　　wotdrinksreasonable，betterthanyoubyalongsight，withyerstuck-upairs！Aprettydrabyouare！Gi’methebabby;ye’a’n’tnobusinesstokeepitaminitlonger。"AndshemadeagrabatLiz’sshelteringshawl。
　　"Oh，don’thurtit！"pleadedLiz，tremblingly。"Suchalittlething——
　　don’thurtit！"
　　MotherMawksstaredsowildlythatherblood-shoteyesseemedprotrudingfromherhead。
　　"’Urtit！Hain’tIarighttodowotIlikeswithmyhownbabby？’Urtit！Well，Inever！Look’ere！"——andsheturnedroundontheassembledneighbours——"hain’tsheareg’larone？Shedon’tcareforthelaw，notshe！She’skeepin’backachildfromitshownmother！"Andwiththatshemadeafierceattackontheshawl，andsucceededindraggingtheinfantfromLiz’sreluctantarms。Wakenedthusroughlyfromitsslumbers，thepoormitesetupafeeblewailing;itsmother，enragedatthesound，shookitviolentlytillitgaspedforbreath。
　　"Dratthelittlebeast！"shecried。"Whydon’titchokean’’avedonewithit！"
　　And，withoutheedingtheterrifiedremonstrancesofLiz，sheflungthechildroughly，asthoughitwereaball，throughtheopendoorofherlodgings，whereitfellonaheapofdirtyclothes，andlaymotionless;itswailinghadceased。
　　"Oh，baby，baby！"exclaimedLiz，inaccentsofpoignantdistress。"Oh，youhavekilledit，Iamsure！Oh，youarecruel，cruel！Oh，baby，baby！"
　　Andshebrokeintoatempestuouspassionofsobsandtears。Thebystanderslookedoninunmovedsilence。MotherMawksgatheredhertorngarmentsroundherwithagestureofdefiance，andsniffedtheairasthoughshesaid，"Anyonewhowantstomeddlewithmewillgettheworstofit。"Therewasabriefpause;suddenlyamanstaggeredoutofthegin-shop，smearingthebackofhishandacrosshismouthashecame——amassivelybuilt，ill-favouredbrute，withashockofuncombedredhairandsmallferret-likeeyes。HestaredstupidlyattheweepingLiz，thenatMotherMawks，finallyfromonetotheotheroftheloaferswhostoodby。"Wot’stherow？"hedemanded，quickly。
　　"Wot’sup？’Aveitoutfair！JoeMawks’llstandbyandseefairgame。
　　Fireaway，myhearties！fire，fireaway！"And，withachucklingidiotlaugh，hedivedintothepocketofhistorncorduroytrousersandproducedapipe。Fillingthisleisurelyfromagreasypouch，withsuchunsteadyfingersthatthetobaccodroppedalloverhim，helightedit，repeating，withincreasedthicknessofutterance，"Wot’stherow！’Aveitoutfair！"
　　"It’saboutyourbabby，Joe！"criedthegirlbeforementioned，jumpingupfromherseatonthegroundwithsuchforcethatherhaircametumblingallaboutherinadark，dankmist，throughwhichherthin，eagerfacespitefullypeered。"Lizhasgonecrazy！Shewantsyourbabbytocuddle！"Andshescreamedwithsuddenlaughter。"Eh，eh，fancy！Wantsababbytocuddle！"
　　ThestupefiedJoeblinkeddrowsilyandsuckedthestemofhispipewithapparentrelish。Them，asifhehadbeenengagedindeepmeditationonthesubject，heremovedhissmokyconsolerfromhismouth，andsaid，"W’ynot？Wantsababbytocuddle？Allright！Let’er’aveit——w’ynot？"
　　AtthesewordsLizlookeduphopefullythroughhertears，butMotherMawksdartedforwardinravingindignation。
　　"Yergreatdrunkenfool！"sheyelledtoherbesottedspouse，"aren’tyerashamedofyerself？Wot！letoutbabbyforawholenightfornuthin’？It’sluckyI’vemywitsaboutme，an’IsayLizsha’n’t’aveit！There，now！"
　　Themanlookedather，andadoggedresolutiondarkenedhisrepulsivecountenance。Heraisedhisbigfist，clinchedit，andhitstraightout，givinghisinfuriatedwifeablackeyeinmuchlessthanaminute。"An’Isaysheshall’aveit。Whereareyenow？"
　　InanswertothequeryMotherMawksmighthavesaidthatshewas"allthere，"forshereturnedherhusband’sblowwithinterestandforce，andinacoupleofsecondsthehappypairwereengagedina"stand-up"
　　fight，totheintenseadmirationandexcitementofalltheinhabitantsofthelittlealley。Everyoneintheplacethrongedtowatchthecombatants，andtoheartheblasphemousoathsandcurseswithwhichthebattlewasaccompanied。
　　Inthemidstoftheaffrayawizened，bentoldman，whohadbeensittingathisdoorsortingragsinabasket，andapparentlytakingnoheedoftheclamouraroundhim，madeasigntoLiz。
　　"Takethekidnow，"hewhispered。"Nobody’llnotice。I’llseetheydon’tcryarterye。"
　　Lizthankedhimmutelybyalook，andrushingtothehousewherethechildstilllay，seeminglyinanimate，ontheflooramongthesoiledclothes，shecaughtitupeagerly，andhurriedawaytoherownpoorgarretinatumble-downtenementatthefarthestendofthealley。Theinfanthadbeenstunnedbyitsfall，butunderhertendercare，androckedinthewarmthofhercaressingarms，itsoonrecovered，thoughwhenitsblueeyesopenedtheywerefullofabewilderedpain，suchasmaybeseenintheeyesofashotbird。
　　"Mypet！mypoorlittledarling！"shemurmuredoverandoveragain，kissingitsweewhitefaceandsofthands;IwishIwasyourmother——
　　LordknowsIdo！Asitis，you’reallI’vegottocarefor。Andyoudoloveme，baby，don’tyou？justalittle，littlebit！"Andassherenewedherfondlingembraces，thetiny，sad-visagedcreatureutteredalow，crooningsoundofbabysatisfactioninresponsetoherendearments——asoundmoresweettoherearsthanthemostexquisitemusic，andwhichbroughtasmiletohermouthandapathostoherdarkeyes，renderingherfaceforthemomentalmostbeautiful。Holdingthechildcloselytoherbreast，shelookedcautiouslyoutofhernarrowwindow，andperceivedthattheconnubialfightwasover。Fromtheshoutsoflaughterandplauditsthatreachedherears，JoeMawkshadevidentlywontheday;hiswifehaddisappearedfromthefield。Shesawthelittlecrowddispersing，mostofthosewhocomposeditenteredthegin-shop，andverysoonthealleywascomparativelyquietanddeserted。By-and-byesheheardhernamecalledinalowvoice："Liz！
　　Liz！"
　　ShelookeddownandsawtheoldmanwhohadpromisedherhisprotectionincaseMotherMawksshouldpersecuteher。"Isthatyou，Jim？Comeupstairs;it’sbetterthantalkingoutthere。"Heobeyed，andstoodbeforeherinthewretchedroom，lookingcuriouslybothatherandthebaby。Awiry，wolfish-facedbeingwasJimDuds，ashewasfamiliarlycalled，thoughhisownnamewasthearistocraticandsingularlyinappropriateoneofJamesDouglas。Hewasmorelikeananimalthanahumancreature，withhisstragglinggrayhair，bushybeard，andsharpteethprotrudinglikefangsfrombeneathhisupperlip。Hisprofessionwasthatofanareathief，andheconsidereditasufficientlyrespectablecalling。
　　"MotherMawkshasgotitthistime，"hesaid，withagrinwhichwasmorelikeasnarl。"Joe’sbloodwasup，andhepoundedhernighintoajelly。She’llleaveyequietnow;solongasyepaythehirereg’larye’llhaveJoeonyerside。Ifsobeasthere’sabadday，ye’dbetternotcomehomeatall。"
　　"Iknow，"saidLiz;"butshe’salwayshadthemoneyforthechild，andsurelyitwasn’tmuchtoaskhertoletmekeepitwarmonsuchacoldnightasthis。"
　　JimDudslookedmeditative。"Wotmakesyercareforthatbabbysomuch？"heasked。"’Tain’tyourn。"
　　Lizsighed。
　　"No，"shesaid，sadly。"That’strue。Butitseemssomethingtoholdonto，like。Seewhatmylifehasbeen！"Shestopped，andawaveofcolourflushedherpallidfeatures。"Fromalittlegirl，nothingbutthestreets——thelong，cruelstreets！andIjustabitofdirtonthepavement——nomore;flunghere，flungthere，andatlastsweptintothegutter。Alldark——alluseless！"Shelaughedalittle。"Fancy，Jim！
　　I’veneverseenthecountry！"
　　"NorI，"saidJim，bitingapieceofstrawreflectively。"Itmustbepowerfulfine，withnaughtbutgreentreesan’posiesa-blowin’an’agrowin’everywheres。Thereain’tmanykitchingareasthere，though，I’mtold。"
　　Lizwenton，scarcelyheedinghim："Thebabyseemstomelikewhatthecountrymustbe——allharmlessandsweetandquiet;whenIholditso，myheartgetspeacefulsomehow——Idon’tknowwhy。"
　　AgainJimlookedspeculative。Hewavedhisbittenstrawexpressively。
　　"Ye’vehad’sperience，Liz。Hain’tyemetnomanlikewotyecouldcarefur？"
　　Liztrembled，andhereyesgrewwild……
　　"Men！"shecried，withbitterestscorn——"nomenhavecomemyway，onlybrutes！"
　　Jimstared，butwassilent;hehadnofitanswerready。PresentlyLizspokeagain，moresoftly：
　　"Jim，doyouknowIwentintoagreatchurchto-day？"
　　"Worseluck！"saidJim，sententiously。"Churchain’tnousenohowasfarasIcansee。"
　　"Therewasafigurethere，Jim，"wentonLiz，earnestly，"ofaWomanholdingupaBaby，andpeoplekneltdownbeforeit。Whatdoyous’poseitwas？"
　　"Can’tsay！"repliedthepuzzledJim。"Areyesure’twasachurch？
　　Mostlike’twasamooseum。"
　　"No，no！"saidLiz。"’Twasachurchforcertain;therewerefolksprayinginit。"
　　"Ah，well，"growledJim，gruffly，"muchgooditmaydo’em！I’mnotoftheprayin’sort。Awomanan’ababby，didyesay？Don’tyegetsuchcrankynotionsintoyerhead，Liz！Womenan’babbiesarecommonenough——toocommon，byalongchalk;an’asforprayin’to’em——"Jim’suttercontemptandincredulityweretoogreatforfurtherexpression，andheturnedaway，wishingheracurt"Good-night！"
　　"Good-night！"saidLiz，softly;andlongafterhehadlefthershestillsatsilent，thinking，thinking，withthebabyasleepinherarms，listeningtotherainasitdripped，drippedheavily，likeclodsfallingonacoffinlid。Shewasnotagoodwoman——farfromit。Herverymotiveinhiringtheinfantatsomuchadaywasentirelyinexcusable;itwassimplytogainmoneyuponfalsepretences——byexcitingmorepitythanwouldotherwisehavebeenbestowedonherhadshebeggedforherselfalone，withoutachildinherarms。Atfirstshehadcarriedthebabyabouttoserveasameretrickofhertrade，butthewarmfeelofitslittlehelplessbodyagainstherbosomdayafterdayhadsoftenedherhearttowarditsinnocenceandpitifulweakness，andatlastshehadgrowntoloveitwithastrange，intensepassion——somuchthatshewouldwillinglyhavesacrificedherlifeforitssake。Sheknewthatitsownparentscarednothingforit，exceptforthemoneyitbroughtthemthroughherhands;andoftenwildplanswouldforminherpoortiredbrain——plansofrunningawaywithitaltogetherfromtheroaring，devouringcity，tosomesweet，humblecountryvillage，theretoobtainworkanddevoteherselftomakingthislittlechildhappy。PoorLiz！Poor，bewildered，heart-brokenLiz！
　　IgnorantLondonheathenasshewas，therewasonefragrantflowerblossominginthedesertofhersoiledandwastedexistence——theflowerofapureandguilelessloveforoneofthose"littleones，"ofwhomithathbeensaidbyanall-pityingDivinityunknowntoher，"SufferthemtocomeuntoMe，andforbidthemnot：forofsuchisthekingdomofheaven。"
　　Thedrearywinterdayscreptonapace，and，astheydrewnearChristmas，dwellersinthestreetsleadingofftheStrandgrewaccustomedofnightstoheartheplaintivevoiceofawoman，singinginapeculiarlythrillingandpatheticmannersomeoftheoldsongsandballadsfamiliaranddeartotheheartofeveryEnglishman——"TheBanksofAllanWater，""TheBailiff’sDaughter，""SallyinourAlley，"
　　"TheLastRoseofSummer。"Allthesewell-loveddittiesshesangoneaftertheother，and，thoughhernoteswereneitherfreshnorpowerful，theyweretrueandoftentender，moreparticularlyinthehackneyed，butstillcaptivating，melodyof"Home，SweetHome。"
　　Windowswereopened，andpenniesfreelyshoweredonthestreetvocalist，whowasaccompaniedinallherwanderingsbyafragileinfant，whichsheseemedtocarrywithespecialcareandtenderness。
　　Sometimes，too，inthebleakafternoons，shewouldbeseenwendingherwaythroughmudandmire，settingherwearyfaceagainstthebittereastwind，andpatientlysingingon;andmotherlywomen，comingfromthegayshopsandstores，wheretheyhadbeenpurchasingChristmastoysfortheirownchildren，wouldoftenstoptolookatthebaby’spinched，whitefeatureswithpity，andwouldsay，whilegivingtheirsparepennies，"Poorlittlething！Isitnotveryill？"AndLiz，herheartfreezingwithsuddenterror，wouldexclaim，hurriedly，"Oh，no，no！Itisalwayspale;itisjustalittlebitweak，that’sall！"Andthekindlyquestioners，touchedbythelargedespairofherdarkeyes，wouldpassonandsaynomore。AndChristmascame——thebirthdayoftheChildChrist——afeastthesacredmeaningofwhichwasunknowntoLiz;
　　sheonlyrecognizeditasasortoflargeandsomewhatdullbank-
　　holiday，whenallLondondevoteditselftochurch-goingandtheeatingofroastbeefandplum-pudding。Thewholethingwasincomprehensibletohermind，butevenhersadcountenancewasbrighterthanusualonChristmaseve，andshefeltalmostgay，forhadshenot，bymeansofalittleextrastarvationonherownpart，beenabletobuyawondrousgold-and-crimsonworstedbirdsuspendedfromanelasticstring，abirdwhichbobbedupanddowntocommandinthemostlivelyandartisticmanner？Andhadnotherhiredbabyactuallylaughedattheclumsytoy——laughedanelfishandweirdlaugh，thefirstithadeverindulgedin？AndLizhadlaughedtoo，forpuregladnessinthechild’smirth，andtheworstedbirdbecameasortofuncouthcharmtomakethembothmerry。
　　ButafterChristmashadcomeandgone，andthemelancholydays，thelastbeatingofthefailingpulseoftheOldYear，throbbedslowlyandheavilyaway，thebabytookuponitswanvisageastrangeexpression——
　　thesolemnexpressionofworn-outandsufferingage。Itsblueeyesgrewmoresolemnlyspeculativeanddreamy，andafterawhileitseemedtolosealltasteforthepettythingsofthisworldandthelowdesiresofmerehumanity。ItlayveryquietinLiz’sarms;itnevercried，andwasnolongerfretful，anditseemedtolistenwithasortofmildapprovaltothetonesofhervoiceastheyrangoutinthedrearystreets，throughwhich，bydayandnight，shepatientlywandered。By-and-bytheworstedbird，too，felloutoffavour;itjumpedandglitteredinvain;thebabysurveyeditwithanunmovedairofsuperiorwisdom，justasifithadsuddenlyfoundoutwhatrealbirdswerelike，andwasnottobedeceivedintoacceptingsopooranimitationofnature。Lizgrewuneasy，butshehadnooneinwhomtoconfideherfears。ShehadbeenveryregularinherpaymentstoMotherMawks，andthatiratelady，keptinorderbyherbull-dogofahusband，hadbeenoflateverycontentedtoletherhavethechildwithoutfurtherinterference。Lizknewwellenoughthatnooneinthemiserablealleywhereshedweltwouldcarewhetherthebabywereillornot。Theywouldtellher，"Themoresicklythebetterforyourtrade。"Besides，shewasjealous;shecouldnotenduretheideaofanyonetendingitortouchingitbutherself。Childrenwereoftenailing，shethought，andiflefttothemselveswithoutdoctor’sstufftheyrecoveredsometimesmorequicklythantheyhadsickened。Thussoothingherinwardtremorsasbestshemight，shetookmorecarethaneverofherfrailcharge，stintingherselfthanshemightnourishit，thoughthebabyseemedtocarelessandlessformundanenecessities，andonlysubmittedtobefed，asitwere，underpatientandsilentprotest。
　　AndsothesandsinTime’shour-glassranslowlybutsurelyaway，anditwasNew-Year’seve。Lizhadwanderedaboutallday，singingherlittlerepertoireofballadsintheteethofacruel，snow-ladenwind——socruelthatpeopleotherwisecharitablydisposedhadshutclosetheirdoorsandwindows，andhadnotevenheardhervoice。ThusthelastspanoftheOldYearhadprovedmostunprofitableanddreary;shehadgainednomorethansixpence;howcouldshereturnwithonlythathumbleamounttofaceMotherMawksandhervituperativefury？Herthroatached;shewasverytired，and，asthenightdarkenedfrompaletodeepandstarlessshadows，shestrolledmechanicallyfromtheStrandtotheEmbankment，andafterwalkingsomelittledistanceshesatdowninacornerclosetoCleopatra’sNeedle——thatmockingobeliskthathaslookeduponthedecayofempires，itselfimpassive，andthatstillappearstosay，"Passon，yepunygenerations！I，amerecarvenblockofstone，shalloutliveyouall！"Forthefirsttimeinallherexperiencethechildinherarmsseemedaheavyburden。Sheputasidehershawlandsurveyedittenderly;itwasfastasleep，asmall，peacefulsmileonitsthin，quietface。Thoroughlywornoutherself，sheleanedherheadagainstthedampstonewallbehindher，andclaspingtheinfanttightlytoherbreast，shealsoslept——theheavy，dreamlesssleepofutterfatigueandphysicalexhaustion。Thesolemnnightmovedon，anightofblackvapours;thepageantoftheOldYear’sdeathbedwasunbrightenedbysomuchasasinglestar。Noneofthehurryingpassers-byperceivedthewearywomanwhereshesleptinthatobscurecorner，andforalongwhilesherestedthereundisturbed。Suddenlyavividglareoflightdazzledhereyes;shestartedtoherfeethalfasleep，butstillinstinctivelyretainingtheinfantinhercloseembrace。Adarkform，buttonedtothethroatandholdingabrilliantbull’s-eyelantern，stoodbeforeher。
　　"Comenow，"saidthispersonage，"thiswon’tdo！Moveon！"
　　Lizsmiledfaintlyandapologetically。
　　"Allright！"sheanswered，strivingtospeakcheerfully，andraisinghereyestothepoliceman’sgood-naturedcountenance。"Ididn’tmeantofallasleephere。Idon’tknowhowIcametodoit。Imustgohome，ofcourse。"
　　"Ofcourse，"saidthepoliceman，somewhatmollifiedbyherevidenthumility，andtouchedinspiteofhimselfbythepathosofhereyes。
　　Thenturninghislampmorefullyuponher，hecontinued，"Isthatababyyou’vegotthere？"
　　"Yes，"saidLiz，halfproudly，halftenderly。"Poorlittledear！it’sbeenailingsadly——butIthinkit’sbetternowthanitwas。"
　　And，encouragedbyhisfriendlytone，sheopenedthefoldsofhershawltoshowhimheronetreasure。Thebulls-eyecameintostillcloserrequisitionasthekindlyguardianofthepeacepeeredinquiringlyatthetinybundle。Hehadscarcelylookedwhenhestartedbackwithanexclamation：
　　"Godblessmysoul！"hecried，"it’sdead！"
　　"Dead！"shriekedLiz;"oh，no，no！Notdead！Don’tsayso，oh，don’t，don’tsayso！Oh，youcan’tmeanit！Oh，forGod’slove，sayyoudidn’tmeanit！Itcan’tbedead，notreallydead！——no，no，indeed！
　　Oh，baby，baby！Youarenotdead，mypetmyangel，notdead，ohno！"
　　Andbreathless，franticwithfear，shefeltthelittlething’shandsandfeetandface，kisseditwildly，andcalleditbyathousandendearingnames，invain——invain！Itstinybodywasalreadystiffandrigid;ithadbeenacorpsemorethantwohours。
　　Thepolicemancoughed，andbrushedhisthickgauntletgloveacrosshiseyes。Hewasanemissaryofthelaw，buthehadaheart。Hethoughtofhisbright-eyedwifeathome，andofthesoft-cheeked，cuddlinglittlecreaturethatclungtoherbosomandcrowedwithrapturewheneverhecamenear。
　　"Lookhere，"hesaid，verygently，layingonehandonthewoman’sshoulderasshecrouchedshiveringagainstthewall，andstaringpiteouslyatthemotionlesswaxenforminherarms;"it’snousefrettingaboutit。"Hepaused;therewasanuncomfortablelumpinhisthroat，andhehadtocoughagaintogetitdown。"Thepoorlittlecreature’sgone——there’snohelpforit。Thenextworld’sabetterplacethanthis，youknow！There，there，don’ttakeonsoaboutit"——
　　thisasLizshudderedandsighed;asighofsuchcompletedespairthatitwentstraighttohishonestsoul，andshowedhimhowfutilewerehiseffortsatconsolation。Buthehadhisdutytoattendto，andhewentoninfirmertones："Now，likeagoodwoman，youjustmoveofffromhereandgohome。IfIleaveyouherebyyourselfabit，willyoupromisemetogostraighthome？Imustn’tfindyouherewhenIcomebackonthisbeat，d’yeunderstand？"Liznodded。"That’sright！"heresumed，cheerily。"I’llgiveyoujusttenminutes;youjustgostraighthome。"
　　Andwitha"Good-night，"utteredinaccentsmeanttobecomforting，heturnedawayandpacedon，hismeasuredtreadechoingonthesilenceatfirstloudly，thenfainterandfainter，tillitaltogetherdiedaway，ashisbulkyfiguredisappearedinthedistance。Lefttoherself，Lizrosefromhercrouchingposture;rockingthedeadchildinherarms，shesmiled。
　　"Gostraighthome！"shemurmured，halfaloud。"Home，sweethome！Yes，baby;yes，mydarling，wewillgohometogether！"
　　Andcreepingcautiouslyalongintheshadows，shereachedaflightofthebroadstonestepsleadingdowntotheriver。Shedescendedthem，onebyone;theblackwaterlappedagainstthemheavily，heavily;thetidewasfullup。Shepaused;asonorous，deep-tonedironvoicerangthroughtheairwithreverberating，solemnmelody。ItwasthegreatbellofSt。Paul’stollingmidnight——theOldYearwasdead。
　　"Straighthome！"sherepeated，withabeautiful，expectantlookinherwild，wearyeyes。"Mylittledarling！Yes，wearebothtired;wewillgohome！Home，sweethome！Wewillgo！"
　　Kissingthecoldfaceofthebabycorpsesheheld，shethrewherselfforward;therefollowedasullen，deepsplash——aslightstruggle——andallwasover！Thewaterlappedagainstthestepsheavily，heavily，asbefore;thepolicemanpassedoncemore，andsawtohissatisfactionthatthecoastwasclear;throughthedarkveiloftheskyonestarlookedoutandtwinkledforabriefinstant，thendisappearedagain。A
　　clashandclamourofbellsstartledthebroodingnight，hereandthereawindowwasopened，andfiguresappearedinbalconiestolisten。TheywereringingintheNewYear——thefestivalofhope，thebirthdayoftheworld！ButwhatwereNewYearstoher，who，withwhite，upturnedface，andarmsthatembracedaninfantinthetenaciousgripofdeath，wentdrifting，driftingsolemnlydownthedarkriver，unseen，unpitiedbyallthosewhoawoketonewhopesandaspirationsonthatfirstmorningofanotherlife-probation！Lizhadgone;gonetomakeherpeacewithGod——perhapsthroughtheaidofher"hired"baby，thelittlesinlesssoulshehadsofondlycherished;gonetothatsweetest"home"wedreamofandprayfor，wherethelostandbewilderedwanderersofthisearthshallfindtruewelcomeandrestfromgriefandexile;gonetothatfair，farglory-worldwherereignsthedivineMaster，whosewordsstillringabovethetumultofages："Seethatyedespisenotoneoftheselittleones;forIsayuntoyou，thattheirangelsdoalwaysbeholdthefaceofMyFatherwhoisinheaven。"