Itdidnotenterthemindsoftheauthoritiesthatanyonesofortunateastobeadmittedintothathappyhavenwoulddeclinetostaythere。
　　Theunwillingguestdisappearedearlyonthemorrowofhisarrival，and，aftersomesearch，theyfollowedhimtotheoldspot。Hehadclimbedintohisbelovedretreat，and，havinglearnednothingfromexperience，hadmendedthewillowdoorasbesthecould，andlaidhimdowninpeace。
　　Theydraggedhimoutagain，andthistimemoreimpatiently;
　　foritwasexasperatingtoseeaman（evenifhewereafool）
　　fightagainstabedandthreemealsaday。
　　Thesecondattemptwaslittlemoresuccessfulthanthefirst。
　　Asaplaceofresidence，thepoor-farmdidnotseemanymoredesirableorattractiveonnearacquaintancethanitdidatlongrange。
　　Tomremainedaweek，becausehewaskeptincloseconfinement;
　　butwhentheyjudgedthathewasweanedfromhisoldhome，theyloosedhisbonds，and——backtotheplainshesped，likeanarrowshotfromthebow，orlikeabitofironleapingtothemagnet。
　　Whatshouldbedonewithhim？
　　Publicopinionwasdivided。Somepeopledeclaredthatthevillagehaddoneitsduty，andifthe"dog-gonedlunk-head"
　　wantedtostarveandfreeze，itwashisfuneral，nottheirs。
　　Othersthoughtthatthecommunityhadnoresourcebuttobeartheresponsibilityofitsirresponsiblechildren，howevertroublesometheymightbe。Therewasentireunanimityofviewsofarasthemainissueswereconcerned。
　　Itwasagreedthatnobodyatthepoor-farmhadleisuretostandguardoverTomnightandday，andthatthesheriffcouldnotbeexpectedtospendhistimeforcinghimoutofhishutontheblueberryplains。
　　Therewasbutonemoreexpedienttobetried，averysimpleandingeniousbutradicalandcomprehensiveone，which，inRubeHobson’sopinion，wouldstrikeattherootofthematter。
　　Tomhadfledfromcaptivityforthethirdtime。
　　Hehadstolenoutatdaybreak，and，byanunexpectedstrokeoffortune，themolassespailwashangingonanailbythesheddoor。
　　Theremainsofabatteredoldbushelbasketlayonthewood-pile：bottomithadnone，norhandles;rotundityofsidehadlongsincedisappeared，andnonebutitsmakerwouldhaveknownitforabasket。Tomcaughtitupinhisflight，and，seizingthefirstcrookedstickthatoffered，heslungthedearfamiliarburdenoverhisshoulderandstartedoffonajog-trot。
　　Heaven，howhappyhewas！ItwastherosydawnofanIndiansummerday，——
　　awarmjewelofaday，droppedintothebleakworldofyesterdaywithoutahintofbeneficentintention;oneofthoseenchantingweathersurpriseswithwhichDameNaturereconcilesustohersternNewEnglandrule。
　　Thejoythatcomesoffreedom，andthefreedomthatcomesofjoy，unbenttheoldman’sstiffenedjoints。
　　Herenewedhisyouthateverymile。Heranlikealapwing。
　　Whenhisfeetfirststruckthesandysoiloftheplains，hebrokeintooldsongofthe"bloom-in’gy-ar-ding"andthe"jollyswain，"
　　andinthemarvelousmentalandspiritualexhilarationbornofthesuprememomenthealmostgraspedthatimpossiblelastnote。Hisheardcouldhardlyholditsburdenofrapturewhenhecaughtthewell-knowngleamofthewhitebirches。
　　Heturnedintothefamiliarpath，boy’sbloodthumpinginoldman’sveins。Thepastweekhadbeenadreadfuldream。
　　Afewstepsmoreandhewouldbewithinsight，withintouchofhome，——homeatlast！No——whatwaswrong？
　　Hemusthavegonebeyondit，inhisrecklesshaste！
　　Strangethathecouldhaveforgottenthebelovedspot！
　　Canlovermistakethewaytosweetheart’swindow？
　　Canchildlosethepathtomother’sknee？
　　Heturned，——ranhitherandthither，likeonedistraught。
　　Anamelessdreadflittedthroughhisdullmind，chillinghiswarmblood，paralyzingtheactivityofthemomentbefore。
　　Atlast，withasoblikethatofafrightenedchildwhofliesfromsomeimaginedevillurkingindarkness，hedartedbacktothewhitebirchesandstartedanew。
　　Thistimehetrustedtoblindinstinct;hisfeetknewthepath，and，lefttothemselves，theytookhimthroughthetangleofdrybushesstraighttohis——
　　Ithadvanished！
　　Nothingbutashesremainedtomarkthespot，——nothingbutashes！
　　Andthese，eremanydays，theautumnwindswouldscatter，andtheleaflessbranchesonwhichtheyfellwouldshakethemofflightly，neverdreamingthattheyhidthesoulofahome。
　　Nothingbutashes！
　　PoorTomo’theblueb’ryplains！
　　——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
　　THENOONINGTREE。
　　Thegiantelmstoodinthecentreofthesquire’sfairgreenmeadows，andwasknowntoallthecountryroundaboutasthe"Beanellum。"
　　Theothertreeshadseeminglyretiredtoarespectfuldistance，asiftheywerenotworthyofcloserintimacy;andsoitstoodalone，kingofthemeadow，monarchofthevillage。
　　Itshotfromthegroundforaspace，straight，strong，andsuperb，andthenbustintoninesplendidbranches，eachatreeinitself，allgrowingsymmetricallyfromtheparenttrunk，andcastingagratefulshadowunderwhichalltheinhabitantsofthetinyvillagemighthavegathered。
　　Itwasnotaloneitssize，itsbeauty，itssymmetry，itsdensityoffoliage，thatmadeitthegloryoftheneighborhood，butthelowgrownofitsbranchesandtheextra-ordinarybreadthofitsshade。
　　Passers-byfromtheadjacenttownswerewonttohitchtheirteamsbythewayside，crawlthroughthestumpfenceandwalkacrossthefields，foranearerviewofitsmagnificence。
　　Oneman，indeed，wasknowntodrivebythetreeeverydayduringthesummer，andlifthishattoit，respectfully，eachtimehepassed;
　　buthewasapoetandhisintellectwasnotgreatlyesteemedinthevillage。
　　Theelmwasalmostasbeautifulinoneseasonasinanother。
　　Inthespringitrosefrommoistfieldsandmellowploughedground，itstinybrownleafbudsburstingwithprideatthethoughtofthelovelinesscoiledupinside。Insummeritstoodinthemidstofawavinggardenofbuttercupsandwhiteweed，atoweringmassofverdantleafage，ashelterfromthesunandarefugefromthestorm;acool，splendid，hospitabledome，underwhichthewearyfarmermightflinghimself，andgazeupwardasintotheheightsanddepthsofanemeraldheaven。
　　Asforthebirds，theymadeitafashionablesummerresort，themostcommodiousandattractiveinthewholecountry;withnolimittotheaccommodationsforthoseofagregariousturnofmind，likingtheadvantagesofselectsocietycombinedwithcountryair。
　　Intheautumnithelditsown;forwhentheotherelmschangedtheirgreentodullertints，thenooningtreeputonagownofyellow，andstoodoutagainstthefarbackgroundofsombrepinewoodsabrilliantmassofgoldandbrown。
　　Inwinter，whentherewasnolongerdunofupturnedsod，norwavingdaisygardens，norruddyautumngrasses，itroseabovethedazzlingsnowcrust，liftingitsbare，shapelybranchesinsobereleganceanddignity，andseemingtosay，"Donotpityme;Ihavebeen，and，pleaseGod，Ishallbe！"
　　Whenevertheweatherwassufficientlymild，itwasusedasa"nooning"
　　treebyallthemenatworkinthesurroundingfields;butitwasinhayingtimethatitbecamethefavoritelunchingand"bangeing"placeforSquireBean’shandsandthoseofMissVildaCummins，whoownedtheadjoiningfarm。
　　Themencongregatedunderthespreadingbranchesattwelveo’theclock，andspentthenoonhourthere，eatingand"swapping"stories，astheyweredoingto-day。
　　Eachhadatinpail，andeachconsumedaquantityof"flourfood"
　　thatkeptthehousewivesbusyatthecookstovefrommorningtillnight。
　　AglanceatPittPackard’sluncheon，forinstance，mightsufficeasanillustration，for，asJabeSlocumsaid，"Pitttookafterbothhisparents;oneetagooddeal，’n’theotheragoodwhile。"
　　Hispailcontainedfourdoughnuts，aquartersectionofpie，sixbuttermilkbiscuits，sixgingercookies，abakedcupcustard，andaquartofcoldcoffee。Thisquantitywasatrifleunusual，buteverymaninthegroupwaslinedthroughoutwithpie，cementedwithbuttermilkbread，andrivetedwithdoughnuts。
　　JabeSlocumandBradGibsonlayextendedslouchingly，theircowhidebootsturneduptothesky;DaveMilliken，SteveWebster，andtheothersleanedbackagainstthetree-trunk，smokingclaypipes，orhuggingtheirkneesandchewingbladesofgrassreflectively。
　　Onemansatapartfromtherest，gloomilypuffingringsofsmokeintotheair。Afterawhilehelaydowninthegrasswithhisheadburiedinhishat，sleepingtoallappearances，whiletheotherstalkedandlaughed;forhehadnostories，thoughheputinanabsent-mindedwordortwowhenhewasdirectlyaddressed。ThiswasthemanfromTennessee，MattHenderson，dubbed"Dixie"forshort。Hewasagiantfellow，——
　　a"greatgormin’critter，"SamanthaAnnMillikencalledhim;
　　butifhehadhelduphisheadandstraightenedhisbroadshoulders，hewouldhavebeenthoughtamanofsplendidpresence。
　　Heseemedabeingfromanothersphereinsteadoffromanothersectionofthecountry。Itwasnotalonetheolivetintoftheskin，themassofwavydarkhairtossedbackfromahighforehead，thesombreeyes，andthesadmouth，——amouththathadnevergrownintolaughingcurvesthroughtellingYankeejokes，——itwasnotthesethatgavehimwhattheboyscalleda"kindofadowncastedlook。"
　　ThemanfromTennesseehadsomethingmorethanamelancholytemperament;
　　hehad，orphysiognomywasalie，asorrowtuggingathisheart。
　　"I’mgoin’todozeaspell，"drawledJabeSlocum，pullinghisstrawhatoverhiseyes。"I’vegottorenewmystrengthliketheeagle’s，’fI’mgoin’towalktothecircusthisafternoon。
　　Wakemeup，boys，whenyouthinkI’doughttoslingthatscythesomemore，forifIhevitonmymindIcan’tgitawinko’sleep。"
　　Thiswasapparentlyawitticism;atanyrate，itelicitedroarsoflaughter。
　　"It’soneofJabe’suselessdays;hetakes’emfromhisgreat-auntLyddy，"saidDavidMilliken。
　　"Youjestdryup，Dave。Efittookmeaslongtogittoworkin’asitdidyoutogitawife，Ibatethishaywouldn’tgitmoweddowntocracko’doom。Gorry！ain’tthisatree！
　　Itellyou，thesun’n’theairth，thedew’n’theshowers，’n’theLordGodo’creationjesttookholt’n’workedtogetheronthistree，’n’nomistake！"
　　"You’reright，Jabe。"（ThisfromSteveWebster，whowasabsentlycuttinga_D_inthebark。Hewasalwayscutting_D_’sthesedays。）
　　"Thisellumcan’tbebeatintheStateo’Maine，nornootherstate。
　　MybrotherthatlivesinCaliforniasaysthatthebigredwoods，bigastheyair，don’tthrownosechshade，norain’tsohan’some，’speciallyinthefallo’theyear，asourStateo’Mainetrees;
　　’assiduoustrees，’hecalled’em。"
　　"_Assidyus_trees？Whydon’tyoutalkUnitedStateswhileyou’reaboutit，’n’notfireyerlong-rangewordsroundhere？
　　_Assidyus！_Whatdoesitmean，anyhow？"
　　"Can’tproveitbyme。That’swhathecalled’em，’n’
　　Ineverforgotit。"
　　"Assidyus——assidyus——itdon’tsoundasifitmeantnothing’，tome。"
　　"Assiduousmeans’busy，’"saidthemanfromTennessee，whohadsuddenlywakedfromabrownstudy，anddroppedoffintoanotherassoonashehadgiventhedefinition。
　　"Busy，doesit？Wall，Iguessweain’tnobetteroffnow’nweeverwas。Onetree’s’bout’sbusyasanother，asfur’sIcansee。"
　　"Wall，thereiskindofameanin’inittome，butit’sturriblefarfetched，"remarkedJabeSlocum，rathersleepily。
　　"Yousee，ourellumsandmaples’n’allthemtreesspendsparto’
　　theyearinbuddin’’n’gittin’outtheirleaves’n’hangin’
　　emalloverthebranches;’n’then，nosoonerairtheyfullgrownthantheyhevtobegincolorin’of’emredoryellerorbrown，’n’thenshakin’’emoff;’n’thisisallextry，youmightsay，totheirevery-daychoreso’growin’’n’cirkerlatin’sap，’n’spreadin’
　　’n’thickenin’’n’shovin’outlimbs，’n’onething’n’’nother;
　　’n’itstan’storeasonthatthefirst’n’hemlocks’n’themCaliforniaredwoods，thatkeepstheirclo’esonrightthroughtheyear，can’tbesobusyasthemthatkeepsa-dressin’’n’ondressin’
　　allthetime。"
　　"Iguessyou’re’boutright，"allowedSteve，"butIshouldn’tnever’a’thoughtofitintheworld。
　　Whatyertakin’outo’thatbottle，Jabe？Ithoughtyouwasatemperanceman。"
　　"Iguesshe’slikethefellerovertoShandageeschoolhouse，thatsaidhewasinfavoro’thelaw，butaginitsenforcement！"
　　laughedPittPackard。
　　"Iain’tbreakin’nolaw;thisisyarbbitters，"Jabeanswered，withapullatthebottle。
　　"It’stocirkerlatehisblood，"saidObTarbox;
　　"he’stoodog-gonedlazytocirkerlateithimself。"
　　"I’mtakin’itferwhatailsme，"saidJabeoracularly;
　　"theheartknowethitsownbitterness，’n’it’sawisechildthatknowsitsowncomplaints’thoutgoin’toadoctor。"
　　"Ain’tyerscaredferfearit’llstartyergrowth，Laigs？"askedlittleBradGibson，lookingatJabe’stremendouslengthoflimbandfoot。
　　"Say，howdoyergitthemfeeto’yournuphill？Doyerstartoneahead，’n’side-tracktheother？"
　　Thetreerangwiththelaughterevokedbythissally，butthemanfromTennesseeneversmiled。
　　JabeSlocum’simperturbablegoodhumorwasnotshakenintheveryleastbythesepersonalremarks。"IfIthought’twasagoodgrowin’
　　medicine，I’drecommendittoyourfolks，Brad，"herepliedcheerfully。
　　"Yourmothersaysyouboysairallsoshortthatwhenyou’rediggin’
　　potatoes，yercan’tseehershakethedinnerrag’thoutgittin’
　　up’n’standingonthepotatohills！IfIwasasinikitinfellerlikeyou，Iwouldn’thectorfolksthathadmadeouttogrowsome。"
　　"Speakin’o’growin’，"saidSteveWebster，"whodoyouguessIseeninBoston，whenIwasworkin’there？ThattallSwatkinsgirlfromtheDuckPond，theonethatmarriedDanRobinson。
　　ItwasoneSunday，intheCatholicmeetin’-house。I’dallerswantedtogotoaCatholicmeetin’，an’Ideclareit’saboutthesolemnestonethereis。ImistrustedIwasgoin’toeverlastin’lygiggle，butItellyerIwastheawedestcutteryereversee。
　　Butanyway，theSwatkinsgirl——orMis’Robinson，sheisnow——
　　wasthereaslargeaslifeinthenextpewtome，jabberin’
　　Latin，pawin’beads，gettin’up’n’kneelin’down，’n’crossin’
　　herselfnorth，south，east，’n’west，withthebestof’em。PoorDan！
　　’Grinnin’Dan，’weusedtocallhim。Well，hedon’tgrinnowadays。
　　Heneverwasgoodformuch，buthe’shedmore’nhiscomeuppance！"
　　"Why，what’sthematterwithhim？Can’thegitworkinBoston？"
　　"Matter？Why，hiswife，thatIseemakin’believebesodreadfulpiousintheCatholicmeetin’，she’scarriedonwuss’ntheOldDriverfortwoyears，’n’nowshe’sup’n’lefthim，——
　　gonewithahan’somerman。"
　　DownonSteveWebster’shandcameJabeSlocum’simmensepawwithagraspthatmadehimcringe。
　　"Whatthe"——beganSteve，whenthemanfromTennesseetookuphisscytheandslouchedawayfromthegroupbythetree。
　　"Didn’tyerknownobetter’nthat，yerthunderin’fool？Can’tyerseeaholeinagrindstun’thoutit’shungonyernose？"
　　"WhathevIdone？"askedSteve，asifdumfounded。
　　"Done？Where’veyerben，thatyerdon’tknowDixie’swife’slefthim？"
　　"Where’veIben？Hain’tIbenworkin’inBostonferayear;’n’sinceIcomehomelastweek，hain’tIbentendin’
　　sickfolks，so’tIcouldn’tgitoutsidethedooryard？
　　Ineverseenthemaninmylifetillyesterday，inthefield，’n’Ithoughthewasoneo’themdark-skinnedFrenchiesfromGuildfordthathedcomeuphereferhayin’。"
　　"MebbeIspoketoosharp，"saidJabeapologetically;
　　"butwe’vebenscaredtotalkwives，orevenwomenfolks，feramontho’Sundays，ferfearDixie’dup’n’tumbleonhisscythe，ordosomethin’crazy。Youseeit’sthisway（I’druthertalkthanwork;’n’weain’tworkin’bytimeto-day，anyway，onaccountofthecircuscomin’）：’Boutayear’n’ahalfago，thistall，han’somefellerturneduphereinPleasantRiver。
　　HeinhailedfromdownSouthsomewheres，buthedidn’tlikehisworkthere，’n’driftedtoNewYork，’n’thentoBoston;’n’thenherememberedhismotherwasaStateo’
　　Mainewoman，’n’hecomeheretoseehowheliked。
　　Wedidn’ttakenostockinhimatfirst，——weneverhedoneo’
　　thatnigger-tradin’secedin’lotinamongstus，——buthewaspleasantspoken’n’asquare，all-roundfeller，’n’didn’tgitoffanyseceshnonsense，’n’itendedinourlikin’
　　himfirst-rate。Wall，hegotworkinthecannin’fact’ryoverontheButterfieldroad，’n’thenhefellinwiththeMaddoxes。
　　You’vehearntellof’em;they’rerelationtoPitthere。"
　　"Iwouldn’town’emifImet’emonJudgementBench！"
　　exclaimedPittPackardhotly。"Mystepfather’ssecondwifemarriedMis’
　　Maddox’sfirsthusbandafterhegotdivorcedfromher，’n’that’sallthereistoit;theyain’tnobloody-kino’mine，’n’Idon’tcall’emrelation。"
　　"Wall，Pitt’srelationsornot，they’reallwuss’ntheOldDriver，asyersaid’boutDanRobinson’swife。Dixiewenttoboardthere。
　　MisMaddoxwasallouto’husbandsjestthen，——she’djestdisposedofherfourth，somehowor’nother;shealwayshedaplenty’n’tospare，thoughthere’slotso’likelywomenfolksroundherethatneverhedonechance，letalonefour。
　　HerdaughterFidelitywasachipo’theoldblock。HerfatherhednamedherFidelityafterhismother，whenshewa’n’tnothin’
　　butatwo-days-oldbaby，’n’hedidn’tknowhowshewasgoin’toturnout;
　　ifhe’d’a’waitedtwomonths，IbelieveIcould’a’toldhim。
　　_In_fidelitywould’a’benamightysightmore’propriate;buteitherof’emistoolongferaname，sotheygottocallin’herFiddy。
　　Wall，Fiddydidn’twastenotime;shewasnighontoeighteenyearsoldwhenDixiewenttheretoboard，’n’shebegunhuneyfuglin’
　　him’ssoonaseversheseteyesonhim。Folkswarnedhim，but’twa’n’tnouse;hewaskindo’bewitchedwithherfromthefirst。
　　Shewa’n’tsohan’some，neither。Blamed’fIknowhowtheydoit;
　　let’emalone，’fyerknowwhenyer’rewelloff，’smymotter。
　　Shewasred-headed，butherhairbecomehersomehowwhenshecurled’n’frizzeditoverakarosenelamp，’n’thenwounditround’n’
　　roundherheadlikeropeso’carnelian。Shehedn’tanyparticularkindofanosenormouthnoreyes，butgorry！whenshelookedatyer，yerfeltkindasifyerwasturnin’toputtyinside。"
　　"Iknowwhatyermean，"saidSteveinterestedly。
　　"Shehedafiggerjestlikethemfashion-paperpicturesyou’veseen，an’theverydayanynewstylescometoBostonFiddyMaddoxwouldhev’embeforesundown;thebiggestbustles’n’
　　thehighesthats’n’thetightestskirts’n’thelongesttailsto’em;she’dgit’emsomehow，anyhow！Dixiewa’n’touto’
　　moneywhenhecomehere，an’aspellafterwardstherewasmore’nathousanddollarsfelltohimfromhisfather’sfolksdownSouth。Well，Fiddymadethatfly，Itellyou！
　　Dixieboughtatopbuggy’n’asorrelhoss，’n’theywasontheroadmosto’thetimewhenhewa’n’ttowork;’n’whenhewas，she’dgowithLemSimmons，’n’Dixienonethewiser。
　　MisMaddoxwaslookin’upanewhusbandjestthen，so’tshedidn’tinterfere"——
　　"Shewasthesamekindo’goods，anyhow，"interpolatedObTarbox。
　　"Yes，shewasoneofthemwomenfolksthatairsolight-mindedyoucan’tanchor’emdownwithasewin’-machine，noradishpan，norahusband’n’youngones，nornonamablekindofathing;
　　theleastwindblows’emhere’n’blows’emthere，likedandelionpuffs。
　　Astimewenton，thewiddergotherselfabeaunow’n’then;
　　butasfastasshehooked’em，Fiddyup’n’took’emawayfromher。
　　Youseeshe’dgetheredinmostofherhusbandsaforeFiddywasoldenoughtohevherfingerinthepie;butshecuthereye-teethearly，Fiddydid，’n’therewa’n’tnokindofafellercometosetupwiththewidderbutshe’deverlastin’lygrabhim，ifshehedanyuseferhim，’n’thenthere’dbeHailColumby，Itellyer。
　　ButDixie，hewas’sblind’sabat’n’deef’sapost。Hecouldn’tseenothin’butFiddy，’n’hecouldn’tseeherveryplain。"
　　"Hehedwarnin’senough，"putinPittPackard，thoughJabeSlocumneverneededanyassistanceinspinningayarn。
　　"Warnin’s！Ishouldthinkhehed。TheSeventhDayBaptistministerwentsofurastopreachathim。’TheApostlePaulginheed，’
　　wasthetext。’Whydidheginheed？’sayshe。’Becauseheheerd。
　　Ifhehadn’t’a’heerd，hecouldn’t’a’ginheed，’n’’twouldn’t’a’donehimnogoodto’a’heerd’thoutheginheed！’Wall，ithelpedconsid’blemanyinthecongregation，’speciallythemthatwasinthehabitofhearin’
　　’n’heedin’，butitrolledrightoffDixielikewateroffaduck’sback。
　　He’n’Fiddywasseenovertotheballin’alleytoWarehamnextday，’n’theydidn’tcomebackforaweek。"
　　"’Heginherhishand，Andhemadeherhisown，’"
　　sanglittleBradGibson。
　　"Hehedginherhishand，butnoministernortrial-jesticenoreighteen-caratringnorstificatecould’a’
　　madeFiddyMaddoxanybody’sown’ceptin’thedevil’s，an’
　　hewouldn’t’a’marriedher;she’d’a’bentoonearkin。
　　We’dnever’spicionedshe’dgit’sfur’smarryin’anybody，’n’sheonlymarriedDixie’causehetoldherhe’dtakehertotheWarehamHousetodinner，’n’totheCountyFairafterwards;
　　ifanyotherfellerhedofferedtotakehertosupper，’n’thetheatreontopo’that，she’d’a’marriedhiminstid。"
　　"How’dtheoldwomantakeit？"askedSteve。
　　"Shedisownedherdaughter_punctilio：_inthefirstplace，ferrunnin’away’stido’hevin’achurchweddin’;’n’secondplace，fermarryin’apauper（thatwaswhatshecalledhim;’n’itwastrue，forthey’dspenteverycenthehed）;’n’thirdplace，feralienatin’
　　the’fectionsofatravelin’baker-manshehedhereyeonferherself。
　　Hewasakindofaflour-foodpeddler，thatusedtodriveacartroundbyHardScrabble，Moderation，’n’ScratchCornerway。Mis’Maddoxusedtobuyallherbakedvictualsofhim，’speciallyaftershefoundouthewasawidowerbeginnin’totakenotice。Hiscartusedtostandatherdoorsolongeverybodyontheroutwouldcomplaino’
　　stalebread。ButbimebyeFiddybeguntosetatherwinderwhenhedruvup，’n’bimebyeshepinnedablueribboninhercollar。
　　Whenshedonethat，Mis’Maddoxalleshedtotakeabackseat。
　　Theboysusedtocallitadangersignal。Itkindo’drawedyer’tentiontop’ints’boutherchin’n’mouth’n’neck，’n’onething’n’’nother，inawaythatwascal’latedtosnarlupthethoughtso’
　　perfessorso’religion’n’turn’emearthways。TherewasaspellIhedtosay，’_Remember__Rhapseny！__Remember__Rhapseny！_’
　　overtomyselfwheneverFiddyputonherblueribbons。Wall，asIsay，Fiddysetatthewinder，thebaker-manseentheblueribbons，’n’Mis’Maddox’scakewasdough。Sheputonaredribbon;
　　butland！hernecklooked’sifsomebody’dgoneoveritwithaharrer！
　　Thenshestompedround’n’slatthedish-rag，but’twa’n’tnouse。
　　’Gracious，mother，’saysFiddy，’Idon’tdonothin’butsetatthewinder。Thesunshinesforall。’’You’rerightitdoes，’
　　saysMis’Maddox，’’n’that’sjestwhatIcomplainof。
　　I’dliketogetachangetoshineonsomethingmyself。’
　　"Butthebaker-mankep’oncomin’，thoughwhenhegottotheMaddoxes’doorstepshecouldn’tmakechangeforaquarternortellpiefrombread;an’sure’syou’reborn，theverydayFiddywentawaytobemarriedtoDixie，thatmornin’
　　shedrawedthateverlastin’numheadofaflour-foodpeddleroutintotheorchard，’n’cutoffalocko’herhair，’n’tieditupwithapieceo’herblueribbon，’n’giveittohim;an’oldMis’Bascomsays，whenhewentpastherhousehewasgazin’atit’n’kissin’ofit，’n’hishorsemeanderin’
　　ononesidetheroad’n’theother，’n’thedooro’thecartopen’n’slammin’to’n’fro，’n’gingercookiesspillin’
　　outalloverthelot。HecomebacktotheMaddoxesnextmorning’
　　（’twa’n’thisday，buthishosscouldn’tpullonewaywhenFiddy’sribbonwaspullin’t’other）;an’whenhefoundoutshe’dgonewithDixie，hecussed’n’stomped’n’tookonlikealoontic;an’whenMis’MaddoxhintedshewasreadytohealthewowndsFiddy’dinflicted，hestomped’n’cussedwuss’n’ever，’n’theneighborssayhecalledherahomblyoldtrollop，an’firedthebreadloavesalloverthedooryard，hewassocrazyatbein’cheated。
　　"Wall，togobacktoDixie——I’llbecomin’rightalong，boys。"
　　（ThistoBradGibson，whowastakinghisfarewelldrinkofgingerteapreparatorytobeginningwork。）
　　"Ipityyou，Steve！"exclaimedBrad，betweendeepswallows。
　　"Ifyou’dknownwhenyouwaswelloff，you’d’a’stayedinBoston。
　　IfJabehedastorystarted，he’dtalkthreedaysafterhewasdead。"
　　"Go’long;leavemebe！Wall，asIwassayin’，DixiebroughtFiddyhome（’Dell，’hecalledher），an’they’pearedbride’n’groomatmeetin’
　　nextSunday。Thelasthundreddollarshehedintheworldhedgoneintotheweddin’tower’n’ontoFiddy’sback。Hehedanewsuit，’n’helookedlikeamajor。Youain’tgotnoideawhathewas，’causehiseyesisdullnow，’n’he’sbowedallover，’n’ain’tshavednorcombed，hardly;buttheywasthehan’somestcouplethateverwalkedupthebroadaisle。Shehedonagreensilkdress，an’alacecapethatwaslikeaskeeternettin’overherneckan’
　　showedherbareskinthrough，an’ahatlikeanappleorchardinfullbloom，hummin’-birdan’all。DixiekerriedhimselfasproudasLucifer。
　　Hedidn’tlookattheminister’n’hedidn’tlookatthecongregation;
　　hisgreateyeswasgluedonFiddy，asifhecouldn’thardlykeepfromeatin’
　　ofherup。An’shebehavedconsid’ablewellforafewmonths，aslong’sthenoveltylastedan’thesilkdresseswasnew。BeforeChristmas，though，shebegantopeterout’n’gitslack-twisted。Sheallershatedhouseworkasbadasapigwouldapenwiper，an’Dixiehedtogithisownbreakfastaforehewenttowork，orgooffonanemptystomach。
　　Many’sthetimehe’sgothermealsforher’n’took’emtoheronawaiter。
　　Themseceshfellers’llwaitonwomenfolkslongastheycanstan’up。
　　"Thenbimebyethebabycomealong;butthatmadethingswuss’stido’better。Shedidn’tpaynomore’tentiontoitthanifithedbelongedtothetown。
　　She’dgoofftodances，an’leaveDixietohometendin’
　　cradle;butthatwa’n’tnohardshiptohimforhewas’boutasmuchwroppedupinthechildashewasinFiddy。
　　Wall，sir，’boutamonthagosheup’n’disappearedoffthefaceo’
　　theairth’thoutsayin’awordorleavin’aletter。
　　Shetookherclo’es，butsheneverthoughto’takin’thebaby;
　　onebabymoreorlessdidn’tmakenooddstohers’long’sshehedthatskeeter-nettin’cape。Dixiesarchedferherhighan’
　　lowferafortnight，butafterthathegiveitupasabadjob。
　　Hefoundoutenough，Iguess，tokeephimprettybusythinkin’
　　whathe’ddonext。Butdaybeforeyesterdaythesamecircusthatplaysherethisafternoonwasplayin’toWareham。
　　Alotofuswentoverontheevenin’train，an’wecoaxedDixieintogoin’，so’stotakehismindoffhistrouble。
　　Butland！hedidn’tseenothin’。He’dwalkrightupthelions’n’tigersinthemenagerieasiftheywascats’n’chickens，an’allthetimetheclownwassingin’
　　helookedlikeadumbanimilethat’shedabulletputinhim。
　　Therewaslotso’sideshows，mermaids’n’six-leggedcalves’n’
　　spottedgirls，’n’onething’n’’nother，an’therewasoneo’
　　themwhirligigmachineswithamesso’rocking’-hossesgoin’
　　round’n’round，’n’anorganinthemiddleplayin’likesixty。
　　Iwishwe’d’a’keptclearo’thething，butasbadluckwouldhevit，westoppedtolook，an’thereontopo’twohigh-steppin’
　　whitewoodenhosses，setMis’Fiddyan’thatdod-gastedlight-complectedbaker-man！Ifevershewassuitedtoadot，itwasjestthen’n’there。Shecould’a’goneprancin’
　　roundthatthereringforever’n’forever，withthewhoopin’
　　’n’hollerin’’n’whizzin’’n’whirlin’soundin’inherears，’n’themusicplayin’likemad，’n’shewithnothin’
　　todobutstickon’n’letsomefellerfootthebills。
　　Somebodymust’a’benthinkin’o’FiddyMaddoxwhentheinventedthemwhirl-a-go-rounds。Shewaslaughin’’n’carryin’
　　onliketheoldScratch;herapple-blossomhatdomeoff，’n’thebaker-manputiton，’n’tookconsid’abletimeoverit，’n’pulledherear’n’pinchedhercheekwhenhegotthrough;
　　an’thatwasjesttheblamedminuteweketchedsightof’em。
　　IpulledDixieoff，butIwastoolate。HegiveagroanIshallremembertomydyin’day，’n’thenheplungedouto’thecrowd’n’throughthegatelikeastreako’lightnin’。Wefollered，butland！wecouldn’tfindhim，an’trueasIsethere，Ineverexpectedtoseehimaliveagin。ButIdid;
　　Iforgotallaboutonething，yousee，’n’thatwasthebaby。
　　Ifitwa’n’tnoattractiontoitsmother，Iguesshecal’lateditneededafatherallthemore。Anyhow，heturnedupinthefieldyesterdaymornin’，readyforwork，butlookin’
　　asifhe’dhedhisheartcutout’n’apieceo’leadputintheplaceofit。"
　　"Idon’tseemasifshe’d’a’benbrazenenoughtocomebacksonearhim，"saidSteve。
　　"Wall，Idon’ts’poseshehedanyideao’Dixie’sbein’
　　atacircusoverWarehamjestthen;an’tentooneshedidn’tcareifthewholetownseenher。Shewantedtogetridofhim，’n’shedidn’tmindhowshedidit。
　　Dixieain’toneoftheshootin’kinds，an’anyhow，FiddyMaddoxwa’n’tonetolookahead;whatevershewantedtodo，thatshedone，fromthetimeshewaskneehightoagrasshopper。
　　I’veseenhersetdownbyapeckbasketofapples，’n’takeacoupleo’bitesouto’one，’n’thenheaveitfur’sshecouldheaveit’n’startinonanother，’n’thenanother;
　　’n’’twa’n’tagoodappleyear，neither。She’deverlastin’lyspile’boutadozenof’em’n’smaller’bouttwomouthfuls。
　　DoxyMorton，now，wouldeatanapplecleandowntothecore，’n’thencounttheseeds’n’put’emonthewindow-silltodry，’n’getup’n’putthecoreinthestove，’n’wipeherhandsontherollertowel，’n’takeuphersewin’agin;’n’ifyou’vegottobecuttin’’nitialsintreebarkan’writin’
　　of’eminthegrasswithasticklikeyou’vebendoin’
　　forthelasthalf-hour，you’reblamedluckytobedoin’
　　_D_’snot_F_’s，likeDixiethere！"
　　***
　　Itwasthreeo’clockintheafternoon。Themenhaddroppedworkandgonetothecircus。Thehaywaspronouncedtobeinaconditionwhereitcouldbeleftwithoutmuchdanger;but，forthatmatter，nomanwouldhavestayedinthefieldtoattendtoanotherman’shaywhentherewasacircusintheneighborhood。
　　Dixiewasmowingonalone，listeningasinadreamtothatsubtlesomethingintheswishofthescythethatmakesoneseektoknowthesongitissingingtothegrasses。
　　"Hush，ah，hush，thescythesaresaying，Hush，andheednot，andfallasleep;
　　Hush，theysaytothegrassesswaying，Hush，theysingtothecloverdeep;
　　Hush，——’tisthelullabyTimeissinging，——
　　Hush，andheednot，forallthingspass。
　　Hush，ah，hush！andthescythesareswingingOvertheclover，overthegrass。"
　　Andnow，spentwithfatigueandwatchingandcareandgrief，——
　　heartsick，mindsick，bodysick，sickwithpastsuspenseandpresentcertaintyandfuturedread，——hesatunderthecoolshadeofthenooningtree，andburiedhisfaceinhishands。
　　Hewasgladtobeleftalonewithhismiseries，——
　　gladthattheothermen，friendlyashefeltthemtobe，hadgonetothecircus，wherehewouldnotseeorhearthemforhourstocome。
　　Howclearlyhecouldconjureupthescenethattheywereenjoyingwithsuchkeenrelish！
　　Onlytwodaysbefore，hehadwalkedamongthesametents，staringathorsesandgaytrappingsandpaintedAmazonsasonewhonotednothing;yettheagonyofthethinghenowsawatlastlitupalltherestaswithalightningflash，andburnedthesceneforeveronhisbrainandheart。
　　ItwasatWareham，too，——Wareham，whereshehadpromisedtobehiswife，whereshehadmarriedhimonlyayearbefore。
　　Howwellherememberedthenight！Theylefttheparsonage;
　　theyhadtenmilestodriveinthemoonlightbeforereachingtheirstopping-place，——tenmilesofsuchjoyasonlyamancouldknow，hethought，whohadhadthewarmfruitoflifehangingwithinfullvision，butjustoutofreach，——justabovehislonginglips;
　　andthen，inanunlooked-for，graciousmoment，his！
　　Hecouldswearshehadlovedhimthatnight，ifneveragain。
　　Butthispicturepassedaway，andhesawthatmaddeningcirclewiththecaracolingsteeds。Heheadthediscordantmusic，themonotonouscreakofthemachinery，thestridentlaughteroftheexcitedriders。
　　Asfirstthethingwasablur，akaleidoscopeofwhirlingcolors，intowhichtherepresentlycreptformandorder……Aboywhohadcriedtogeton，andwasnowcryingtogetoff……OldRubeHobsonandhisyoungwife;Rubelookingwhiteandscared，partlybythewhizzingmotion，andpartlybytheprospectofpayingouttencentsforthedoubtfulpleasure……PrettyHettyDunnellwiththatyoungfellowfromPortland;
　　shetootimidtomountoneofthemettle-somechargers，andsnugglingclosetohiminoneofthecirclingseats。The，goodGot！——
　　Dell！sittingonaprancingwhitehorse，withthemanheknew，themanhefeared，ridingbesideher;amanwhokeptholdingonherhatwithfingersthattrembled，——theveryhatshe"’pearedbridein"
　　amanwhobrushedagrasshopperfromhershoulderwithanairofownership，and，whensheslappedhishandcoquettishly，evendaredtopinchherpinkcheek，——hiswife’scheek，——
　　beforethatcrowdofon-lookers！Merry-go-round，indeed！
　　Thehorriblethingwaswellnamed;andlifewasjustlikeit，——
　　awhirlofhappinessandmisery，inwhichthemusiccannotplayloudenoughtodrownthecreakofthemachinery，inwhichonesoulcriesoutinpain，anotherinterror，andtherestlaugh;
　　buttheprancingsteedsgallopon，gallopon，andoncemounted，thereisnogettingoff，unless……
　　Thereweresomethingsitwasnotpossibleforameantobear！
　　Theriver！Theriver！Hecouldhearitripplingoverthesunnysands，swirlingamongthelogs，dashingandroaringunderthebridge，rushingtothesea’sembrace。Couldittellwhitheritwashurrying？NO;butitwasescapingfromitspresentbonds;
　　itwouldneverhavetopassoverthesesamejaggedrocksagain。
　　"On，ontotheunknown！"calledtheriver。"Icome！Icome！"
　　herousedhimselftorespond，whenafaint，faint，helplessvoicebrokeinuponthemadclatterinhisbrain，cleavinghistornheartintwain;
　　notarealvoice，——thehalf-forgottenmemoryofone;atenderwailthathadaddedfreshmiserytohisnight’svigil，——thebaby！
　　Butthefeeblepipewasbornedownbytheswirlofthewaterasitdashedbetweentherockybanks，stillcallingtohim。
　　Ifhecouldonlyclosehisearstoit！Butitstillcalled——
　　calledstill——theriver！Andstillthechild’svoicepiercedtherushofsoundwithitspitifulflutenote，untilthetworesolvedthemselvesintocontestingstrains，answeringeachotherantiphonally。Theriver——thebaby——
　　theriver——thebaby;andinandthrough，andbetwixtandbetween，therespunthewhirlingmerry-go-round，withitscurvetingwoodenhorses，itsdiscordantorgan，anditscreakingmachinery。
　　Butgraduallythechild’svoicegainedinstrength，andashehearditmoreplainlytheothersoundsgrewfainter，tillatlast，thankGod！theywerehushed。Thedin，thewhirlwind，andthetempestinhisbrainwerelulledintosilence，asundera"Peace，bestill！"and，wornoutwiththecontest，themanfromTennesseefellasleepunderthegratefulshadeofthenooningtree。Sodeepwastheslumberthatsettledoverexhaustedbodyandtroubledspiritthatthegatheringclouds，thesuddendarkness，thedistantmutteringofthunder，thefrightenedtwitterofthebirds，passedunnoticed。
　　Aheavydropofrainpiercedthethickfoliageandfellonhisface，butthestormwithinhadbeentoofierceforhimtoheedthestormwithout。Heslepton。
　　***
　　Almosteveryman，woman，andchildinthevicinityofPleasantRiverwasonthewaytothecircus，——Boomer’sGrandSix-in-OneUniversalConsolidatedShow;BrilliantConstellationsofFixedStarsshininginthesameVastFirmament;GlitteringGalaxiesofWorld-FamousEquestrianArtists;thebiggestelephants，thefunniestclowns，thepluckiestriders，thestubbornestmules，themostamazingacrobats，thetallestmanandtheshortestman，thethinnestwomanandthethickestwoman，onthehabitableglobe;
　　andnoconnectionwithanyothershowonearth，especiallySypher’sTwo-in-OneShownowdevastatingthesameState。
　　Iftheadvertisementssettingforththeseattractionswerecouchedinlanguagesomewhatrosierthanthefactswouldwarrant，therewerefewpersonscalmenoughtoperceiveit，whenoncetheglamourofthevillageparadeandthesmellofthemenageriehadintoxicatedthesenses。
　　Thecircushadbeenthesoletopicofconversationforafortnight。
　　JotBascomcouldalwaysbereliedonforthelatestandmostauthenticnewsofitstriumphantprogressfromonetowntoanother。Jotwasasortoftowncrier;andwhenevertheapproachofacaravanwasannounced，hewouldgooverontheLibertyroadtofindoutjustwhereitwasandwhatwereitsimmediateplans，forthethrillingpleasureofcallingateveryoneoftheneighbors’onhiswayhome，anddeliveringhisbudgetofnews。
　　Hewasanattendantateveryfuneral，andasfaraspossibleateverywedding，inthevillage;ateveryflag-raisingandhusking，andtownandcountyfair。
　　Whenmorepressingdutiesdidnothinder，heendeavoredtomeetthetwodailytrainsthatpassedthroughMilliken’sMills，amileortwofromPleasantRiver。Heaccompaniedthesheriffonalljourneysentailingservingofpapersandotherembarrassingdutiescommontothelaw。
　　Ononeoccasion，whenthetwolawyersofthevillageheldaninvestigationbeforeTrialJusticeSimeonPorter，theywaitedanhourbecauseJotBascomdidnotcome。Theyknewthatsomethingwasamiss，butitwasonlyonreflectionthattheyrememberedthatJotwasnotindispensable。
　　HewentwithallpauperstothePoorFarm，andnevermissedatownmeeting。
　　Heknewalltheconditionsattendinganyswappingofhorsesthatoccurredwithinaradiusoftwentymiles，——thetermsofthetradeandtheamountpaidtoboot。Heknewwhoowedthefish-manandwhoowedthemeat-man，andwhocouldnotgettrustedbyeitherofthem。
　　Infact，sofarasthedivineattributesofomniscienceandomnipresencecouldbevestedinafaultyhumancreature，theywerepresentinJotBascom。
　　Thathewasquiteunabletoattendconscientiouslytohomeduties，whenoverbornebypressofpublicservice，wastrue。WhenDiademaBascomwantedkindlingsplit，woodbroughtin，thecowsmilked，orthepigsfed，shecommonlyfoundherspouseservinghumanityinbulk。
　　AllthedetailsoftheapproachoftheGrandSix-in-OneShowhad，therefore，beenheraldedtothosework-soddenandunambitiouspersonswhotiedthemselvestotheirownwood-pilesorhaying-fields。
　　Thesewerethebulletinsissues：——
　　ThemenweremakingacircleintheWidowBuzzell’sfield，inthesameplacewheretheoldonehadbeen，——theoldone，viewedwithaweforfiveyearsbyallthevillagesmallboys。
　　Theforerunners，outriders，proprietors，whatevertheymightbe，hadarrivedandgonetothetavern。
　　Anelephantwasquarteredinthetavernshed！
　　Theelephanthadsteppedthroughthefloor！！
　　Theadvanceguardofperformersandpartoftheshowitselfhadcome！
　　Andthe"Cheriot"！！
　　Thisfar-famedvehiclehadpausedontopofDeaconChute’shill，toprepareforthestreetparade。LittleJimChutehadbeengloatingoverthefactthatitmustpassbyhishouse，andwhenitstoppedshortundertheelmsinthedooryardhisheartalmostbrokeforjoy。
　　Hepinchedthetwenty-five-centpieceinhispockettoassurehimselfthathewasaliveandinhisrightmind。Thepreciouscoinhadbeentheresultofcarefulsaving，andhishot，excitedhandshadalmostwornitthin。Butalasforthevanityofhumanhopes！
　　Whenthemagnificentred-and-gold"Cheriot"wasuncovered，thatitsgloriesmightshineuponthewaitingworld，thedooropened，andahuddleofpaintedIndianstumbledout，readytoleadtheprocession，or，ifsodisposed，toscalptheneighborhood。
　　LittleJimgaveonepanic-strickenlookastheyleapedoverthechariotsteps，andthenfledtothebarnchamber，whencehehadtobedraggedbyhismother，andcuffedintowillingnesstoattendthespectaclethathadoncesodazzledhisimagination。
　　Ontheeventfulafternoonoftheperformancetheroadwasgaywithteams。DavidandSamanthaMillikendrovebyinMissCummin’sneatcarryall，twochildrenonthebackseat，awill-o’-the-wispbabygirlhelddownbyaseriousboy。
　　SteveWebsterwasdrivingDoxyMortoninhismother’sbuggy。
　　JabeSlocum，PittPackard，BradGibson，CyseHiggins，andscoresofotherswereriding"shank’smare，"astheywouldhavesaid。
　　Ithadbeenaclose，warmday，andastheafternoonworeawayitgrewhotterandcloser。Therewasadeadcalmintheair，athreateningblacknessinthewestthatmadethefarmersthinkanxiouslyoftheirhay。Presentlythethunderheadsrantogetherintobigblackclouds，whichmeltedinturnintomoltenmassesofsmokyorange，sothattheheavenswerelikeburnishedbrass。
　　Driverswhippeduptheirhorses，andpedestrianshastenedtheirsteps。
　　SteveWebsterdecidednottoruneventhesmallestriskofinjuringsopreciousacommodityasDoxyMortonbyashowerofrain，sohedroveintoafriend’syard，putuphishorse，andwaitedtillthestormshouldpassby。
　　BradGibsonstoopedtodrinkatawaysidebrook，andashebentoverthewaterheheardalow，murmuring，mutteringsoundthatseemedtomaketheearthtremble。
　　Thenfromhilltohill"leaptthelivethunder。"
　　Eventhedistantmountainsseemedtohave"foundatongue。"
　　Azigzagchainoflightningflashedintheluridsky，andafteranappreciableintervalanotherpeal，louderthanthefirst，andnearer。
　　Therainbegantofall，theforkedflashesofflamedartedhitherandthitherintheclouds，andtheboomofheaven’sartillerygrewheavierandheavier。Theblindingsheetsoflightandthetumultuousroarofsoundnowfollowedeachothersoquicklythattheyseemedalmostsimultaneous。
　　Flash——crash——flash——crash——flash——crash;blindinganddeafeningeyeandearatonce。Everybodywhocouldfindashelterofanysorthastenedtoit。
　　Thewomenathomesettheirchildreninthemidstoffeatherbeds，andsomeofthemevenhuddledtherethemselves，theirbabiesclingingtotheminsympatheticfear，asthelividshaftsoflightilluminatedthedarkroomswithmorethannoondayglare。
　　Theairwasfullofgloom;anamelessterrorlurkedwithinit;theelementsseemedatwarwitheachother。
　　Horseswhinniedinthestables，andcoltsdashedaboutthepastures。
　　Thecattlesoughtshelteredplaces;thecowsamblingclumsilytowardssomerefuge，theirfullbagsdrippingmilkastheyswungheavilytoandfro。Thebirdsflewtowardstheorchardsandthedeepwoods;
　　theswallowsswoopedrestlesslyroundthebarns，andhidthemselvesundertheeavesorintheshadowofdesertednests。
　　Therainnowfellinsheets。
　　"Hurryup’n’gitundercover，Jabe，"saidBradGibson;
　　"you’rejestthekindofapoletodrawlightnin’！"
　　"Youhain’t，then！"retortedJabe。"Thereain’tenougho’
　　youferlightnin’toketchholtof！"
　　Suddenlyaghastlystreakoflightleapedoutofacloud，andthenanother，tilltheskyseemedlitupbycataractsofflame。Abreathofwindsprangintothestillair。
　　Thenadeafeningcrash，clap，crack，roar，peal！andasJabeSlocumlookedoutofaprotectingsheddoor，hesawafieryballburstfromtheclouds，shootingbrazenarrowsasitfell。
　　Withintheinstantthemeeting-housesteeplebrokeintoatongueofflame，andthen，lookingtowardshome，hefanciedthatthefireballdroppedtoearthinSquireBean’smeadow。
　　Thewindblewmorefiercelynow。Therewasasuddencracklingofwood，fallingofoldtimers，andbreakingofglass。
　　Thedeadlyfluidraninawindingcoursedownagreatmaplebytheshed，leavinganarrowcharredchannelthroughthebarktotellhowitpassedtoearth。Asombrepinestoodup，blackandburned，itsheartgapingthroughaghastlywoundinthesplittrunk。
　　Therainnowsubsided;therewasonlyanoccasionalfaintrumblingofthunder，asifitweremurmuringoverthedistantsea;
　　thecloudsbrokeawayinthewest;thesunpeepedout，asiftoseewhathadbeengoingonintheworldsincehehidhimselfanhourbefore。
　　Adelicaterainbowbridgestretchedfromtheblackenedchurchsteepletotheglitteringweathercockonthesquire’sbarn;
　　andthere，inthecentreofthefairgreenmeadowsfromwhichithadriseningloriousstrengthandbeautyforacenturyormore，laythenooningtree。
　　Thefireball，ifballoffireindeedtherewere，hadstruckintheverycentreofitssplendiddome，andplougheditswayfromfeathertiptosturdyroot，rivingthetreeintwain，cleavingitsgreatboughsleftandright，layingonemajestichalflevelwiththeearth，andbendingtheothertilltheproudheadalmosttouchedthegrass。
　　Therainbowwasreflectedinthemilliondropsglitteringuponthebowedbranches，turningeachintoatearofliquidopal。
　　Thebirdshoppedonthepronemagnificence，andeyedtimorouslyastrangeobjectunderneath。
　　Therehadbeenoneswift，pitiless，mercifulstroke！
　　Themonarchofthemeadowwouldneveragainfeelthemagicthrillofthesapinitsveins，northeburstingofbrownbudintogreenleaf。
　　Thebirdswouldbuildtheirnestsandsingtheiridylsinotherboughs。
　　The"timeofpleasureandlove"wasoverwiththenooningtree;overtoo，withhimwhosleptbeneath;forunderitsfallenbranches，withthelightofagreatpeaceinhisupturnedface，laythemanfromTennessee。
　　——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
　　THEFORE-ROOMRUG。
　　Diadema，wifeofJotBascom，wassittingatthewindowofthevillagewatch-tower，socalledbecauseitcommandedaviewofnearlyeverythingthathappenedinPleasantRiver;
　　thosedetailsescapingthephysicaleyebeingsuppliedbyfaithandimaginationworkinginthelightofpastexperience。
　　Shesatinthechairofhonor，thechairofchoice，thehigh-backedrockerbythesouthernwindow，inwhichherhusband’smother，oldMrs。Bascom，hadsatforthirtyyears，applyingastillmorepowerfulintellectualtelescopetothedoingsofherneighbors。
　　Diadema’sseathadformerlybeenonthelessdesirablesideofthelittlelight-stand，wherePriscillaHolliswasnowinstalled。
　　Mrs。Bascomwasatworkonanewfore-roomrug，theformeronehavingbeentransferredtoMissHollis’schamber;for，astheteacheratthebrickschoolhouse，agraduateofaMassachusettsnormalschool，andthedaughterofadeceasedjudge，shewasaboarderofconsiderableconsequence。
　　ItwasarainySaturdayafternoon，andthetwowomenwerealone。
　　Itwasapleasant，peacefulsitting-room，asneataswaxineverypart。
　　Thefloorwascoveredbyacheerfulpatrioticragcarpetwovenentirelyofred，white，andbluerags，andprotectedinvariousexposedlocalitiesbybuttonrugs，——red，white，andbluediskssuperimposedoneontheother。
　　DiademaBascomwasapersonofsomesentiment。Whenheroldfather，CaptainDennett，wasdying，hedrewawalletfromunderhispillow，andhandedheratwenty-dollarbilltogetsomethingtorememberhimby。
　　Thisunwontedoccurrenceburneditselfintothedaughter’simagination，andwhenshecameasabridetotheBascomhousesherefurnishedthesitting-roomasakindofmonumenttothedepartedsoldier，whoseswordandmusketwerenowtiedtothewallwithneatlyhemmedbowsofbrightredcotton。
　　Thechaircushionswereofred-and-whiteglazedpatch，theturkeywingsthatservedashearthbrusheswerehungagainstthewhite-paintedchimney-piecewithblueskirtbraid，andthewhiteshadeswerefinishedwithhome-madescarlet"tossels。"
　　Alittlewhatnotinonecornerwasladenwiththetrophiesofbattle。
　　Thewarrior’sbrassbuttonswerestrungonaredpicturecordandhungoverhisdaguerreotypeontheuppershelf;therewasatarnishedshoulderstrap，andaflattenedbulletthatthecaptain’sjealouscontemporariesswore_he_neverstopped，unlesshegotitintherearwhenhewasflyingfromthefoe。Therewasalsoalittletincanisterinwhichachargeofpowderhadbeensacredlypreserved。
　　Thescoffers，again，saidthat"thecap’nputitinhismusketwhenhewentintothewar，andkep’ittheretillhecomeout。"
　　Theseobjectsweretastefullydecoratedwiththenationalcolors。
　　Infact，nomodernaesthetecouldhavearrangedasymbolicsymphonyofgriefandglorywithanymorefidelitytoanidealthanDiademaBascom，inworkingoutherschemeofred，white，andblue。
　　Rowsofripeningtomatoeslayalongtheledgesofthewindows，andatortoise-shellcatsnoozedononeofthebroadsills。
　　Thetallclockinthecornertickedpeacefully。PriscillaHollisnevertiredoflookingatthejollyred-cheekedmoon，thegroupofstarsonablueground，thetriglittleship，theoldhouse，andthejollymoonagain，creepingoneafteranotheracrosstheopenspaceatthetop。
　　JotBascomwasout，asusual，gatheringstatisticsofthelasthorsetrade;littleJotwasbuilding"stickin’"housesinthebarn;Priscillawassewinglongstripsforbraiding;
　　whileDiademasatatthedrawing-inframe，hookinhand，andalargebasketofcutragsbyherside。
　　Notmanyweeksbeforeshehadpaidoneofherperiodicalvisitstotheattic。NohousekeeperinPleasantRiversaveMrs。JonathanBascomwouldhavethoughtofdustingagarret，washingthewindowandsweepingdownthecobwebsonceamonth，andrenewingthecamphorbagsinthecheststwiceayear;
　　butnotwithstandingthiszealouscarethemothshadmadetheirwayintooneofhertreasure-houses，themostpreciousofall，——
　　theoldhairtrunkthathadbelongedtohersisterLovice。
　　Onceensconcedthere，theyhadeatenthroughitshoardedrelics，andreducedthefadedfinerytoastatebestdescribedbyDiademaas"reg’larriddlin’sieves。"Shehadbroughtthetatteredpiledownintothekitchen，andhadspentatearfulafternoonincuttingthegoodpiecesfromtheperforatedgarments。
　　Threeheaped-upbasketsandafulldish-panweretheresult;
　　andasshehadsnippedandcutandsorted，oneofhersentimentalprojectshadenteredhermindandtakencompletepossessionthere。
　　"Ideclare，"shesaid，asshedrewherhooking-needleinandout，"Iwouldn’tsetintheroomwithsomefolksandworkonthesepieces;foreverytimeIdrawinascrapofclothLovicecomesuptomeforalltheworldasifshewassettin’
　　onthesofythere。Iain’ttoldyoumyplan，MissHollis，andthereain’tmanyIshalltell;butthisrugisgoingtobeakindofahist’ryofmylifeandLovey’swroughtintogether，justaswewasboundupinoneanotherwhenshewasalive。
　　Herthingsandminewaslaidinonetrunk，andthemothssha’n’tcheatmeoutof’emaltogether。IfIcan’tlookat’emwetSundays，andshake’emout，andhaveagoodcryover’em，I’llmake’emupintoakindofdumbshowthatwillmeansomethingtome，ifitdon’ttoanybodyelse。
　　"Wewastheyoungestofthirteen，LoveyandI，andwewastwins。There’sneverbeenmore’nhalfo’
　　meleftsenceshedied。Wewasborntogether，playedandwenttoschooltogether，gotengagedandmarriedtogether，andweallbutdiedtogether，yetwewa’n’tamitealike。
　　Therewasanoldladycometoourhouseoncethatusedtosay，’There’ssisterNabby，now：she’n’Iain’tnomorealike’nifwewa’n’ttwo;she’sjestasdiff’rentasIamt’
　　otherway。’Well，IknowwhatIwanttoputintomyragstory，MissHollis，butIdon’thardlyknowhowtobegin。"
　　Priscilladroppedherneedle，andbentovertheframewithinterest。
　　"Asprayoftworosesinthecentre，——there’sthebeginning;
　　why，don’tyousee，dearMrs。Bascom？"
　　"CourseIdo，"saidDiadema，divingtothebottomofthedish-pan。"I’vegotmystartnow，anddon’tyousayawordforaminute。Thetworosesgrowoutofonestalk;they’llbeLoveyandme，thoughI’mconsid’ablemorelikeapotatoblossom。