Beforenighttheywereathomeagain：WillieinhighdelightatalittlerattlingpaperwindmillthatMichaelhadboughtforhiminthestreet，andstrivingtoimitatethisnewsoundwithperpetualbuzzings。Michael，too，lookedpleased。Susanknewthelook，althoughafterwardssherememberedthathehadtriedtoveilitfromher，andhadassumedagraveappearanceofsorrowwheneverhecaughthereye。Heputuphishorse；for，althoughhehadthreemilesfurthertogo，themoonwasup——thebonnyharvest-moon——andhedidnotcarehowlatehehadtodriveonsucharoadbysuchalight。
　　AfterthesupperwhichSusanhadpreparedforthetravellerswasover，Peggywentup-stairstoseeWilliesafeinbed；forhehadtohavethesamecaretakenofhimthatalittlechildoffouryearsoldrequires。
　　MichaeldrewneartoSusan。
　　"Susan，"saidhe，"ItookWilltoseeDr。Preston，atKendal。He’sthefirstdoctorinthecounty。Ithoughtitwerebetterforus——foryou——toknowatoncewhatchancetherewereforhim。"
　　"Well！"saidSusan，lookingeagerlyup。Shesawthesamestrangeglanceofsatisfaction，thesameinstantchangetoapparentregretandpain。"Whatdidhesay？"saidshe。"Speak！can’tyou？"
　　"Hesaidhewouldnevergetbetterofhisweakness。"
　　"Never！"
　　"No；never。It’salongword，andhardtobear。Andthere’sworsetocome，dearest。Thedoctorthinkshewillgetbadderfromyeartoyear。Andhesaid，ifhewasus——you——hewouldsendhimoffintimetoLancasterAsylum。They’vewaystherebothofkeepingsuchpeopleinorderandmakingthemhappy。Ionlytellyouwhathesaid，"
　　continuedhe，seeingthegatheringstorminherface。
　　"Therewasnoharminhissayingit，"shereplied，withgreatself-
　　constraint，forcingherselftospeakcoldlyinsteadofangrily。
　　"Folkiswelcometotheiropinions。"
　　Theysatsilentforaminuteortwo，herbreastheavingwithsuppressedfeeling。
　　"He’scountedaverycleverman，"saidMichaelatlength。
　　"Hemaybe。He’snoneofmyclevermen，noramIgoingtobeguidedbyhim，whateverhemaythink。AndIdon’tthankthemthatwentandtookmypoorladtohavesuchharshnotionsformedabouthim。IfI’dbeenthere，Icouldhavecalledoutthesensethatisinhim。"
　　"Well！I’llnotsaymoreto-night，Susan。You’renottakingitrightly，andI’dbestbegone，andleaveyoutothinkitover。I’llnotdenytheyarehardwordstohear，butthere’ssenseinthem，asI
　　takeit；andIreckonyou’llhavetocometo’em。Anyhow，it’sabadwayofthankingmeformypains，andIdon’ttakeitwellinyou，Susan，"saidhe，gettingup，asifoffended。
　　"Michael，I’mbesidemyselfwithsorrow。Don’tblamemeifIspeaksharp。Heandmeistheonlyones，yousee。Andmotherdidsochargemetohaveacareofhim！Andthisiswhathe’scometo，poorlilechap！"Shebegantocry，andMichaeltocomfortherwithcaresses。
　　"Don’t，"saidshe。"It’snousetryingtomakemeforgetpoorWillieisanatural。Icouldhatemyselfforbeinghappywithyou，evenforjustalittleminute。Goaway，andleavemetofaceitout。"
　　"Andyou’llthinkitover，Susan，andrememberwhatthedoctorsays？"
　　"Ican’tforget，"saidshe。Shemeantshecouldnotforgetwhatthedoctorhadsaidaboutthehopelessnessofherbrother’scase；MichaelhadreferredtotheplanofsendingWillietoanasylum，ormadhouse，astheywerecalledinthatdayandplace。TheideahadbeengatheringforceinMichael’smindforsometime；hehadtalkeditoverwithhisfather，andsecretlyrejoicedoverthepossessionofthefarmandlandwhichwouldthenbehisinfact，ifnotinlaw，byrightofhiswife。HehadalwaysconsideredthegoodpennyherfathercouldgiveherinhiscatalogueofSusan’scharmsandattractions。ButoflatehehadgrowntoesteemherastheheiressofYewNook。He，too，shouldhavelandlikehisbrother——landtopossess，tocultivate，tomakeprofitfrom，tobequeath。ForsometimehehadwonderedthatSusanhadbeensomuchabsorbedinWillie’spresent，thatshehadneverseemedtolookforwardtohisfuture，state。Michaelhadlongfelttheboytobeatrouble；butoflatehehadabsolutelyloathedhim。Hisgibbering，hisuncouthgestures，hisloose，shamblinggait，allirritatedMichaelinexpressibly。HedidnotcomeneartheYewNookforacoupleofdays。Hethoughtthathewouldleavehertimetobecomeanxioustoseehimandreconciledtohisplan。TheywerestrangelonelydaystoSusan。Theywerethefirstshehadspentfacetofacewiththesorrowsthathadturnedherfromagirlintoawoman；forhithertoMichaelhadneverlettwenty-
　　fourhourspassbywithoutcomingtoseehersinceshehadhadthefever。Nowthathewasabsent，itseemedasthoughsomecauseofirritationwasremovedfromWill，whowasmuchmoregentleandtractablethanhehadbeenformanyweeks。Susanthoughtthatsheobservedhimmakingeffortsatherbidding，andtherewassomethingpiteousinthewayinwhichhecreptuptoher，andlookedwistfullyinherface，asifaskinghertorestorehimthefacultiesthathefelttobewanting。
　　"Ineverwilllettheego，lad。Never！There’snoknowingwheretheywouldtaketheeto，orwhattheywoulddowiththee。AsitsaysintheBible，’Noughtbutdeathshallparttheeandme！’"
　　Thecountry-sidewasfull，inthosedays，ofstoriesofthebrutaltreatmentofferedtotheinsane；storiesthatwere，infact，buttoowellfounded，andthetruthofoneofwhichonlywouldhavebeenasufficientreasonforthestrongprejudiceexistingagainstallsuchplaces。EachsucceedinghourthatSusanpassed，alone，orwiththepooraffectionateladforhersolecompanion，servedtodeepenhersolemnresolutionnevertopartwithhim。So，whenMichaelcame，hewasannoyedandsurprisedbythecalmwayinwhichshespoke，asiffollowingDr。Preston’sadvicewasutterlyandentirelyoutofthequestion。Hehadexpectednothinglessthanaconsent，reluctantitmightbe，butstillaconsent；andhewasextremelyirritated。Hecouldhaverepressedhisanger，buthechoserathertogivewaytoit；thinkingthathecouldthusbestworkuponSusan’saffection，soastogainhispoint。But，somehow，heover-reachedhimself；andnowhewasastonishedinhisturnatthepassionofindignationthatsheburstinto。
　　"Thouwiltnotbideinthesamehousewithhim，say’stthou？There’snoneedforthybiding，asfarasIcantell。There’ssolemnreasonwhyIshouldbidewithmyownfleshandbloodandkeeptothewordI
　　pledgedmymotheronherdeath-bed；but，asforthee，there’snotiethatIknowontokeeptheefro’goingtoAmericaorBotanyBaythisverynight，ifthatwerethyinclination。Iwillhavenomoreofyourthreatstomakemesendmybairnaway。Ifthoumarryme，thou’lthelpmetotakechargeofWillie。Ifthoudoesn’tchoosetomarrymeonthoseterms——why，Icansnapmyfingersatthee，neverfear。I’mnotsofargoneinloveasthat。ButIwillnothavethee，ifthousay’stinsuchahectoringwaythatWilliemustgooutofthehouse——andthehousehisowntoo——beforethoul’tsetfootinit。Williebideshere，andIbidewithhim。"
　　"Thouhastmay-bespokenawordtoomuch，"saidMichael，palewithrage。"IfIamfree，asthousay’st，togotoCanada，orBotanyBay，IreckonI’mfreetolivewhereIlike，andthatwillnotbewithanaturalwhomayturnintoamadmansomeday，foraughtIknow。
　　Choosebetweenhimandme，Susy，forIsweartothee，thoushan’thaveboth。"
　　"Ihavechosen，"saidSusan，nowperfectlycomposedandstill。
　　"Whatevercomesofit，IbidewithWillie。"
　　"Verywell，"repliedMichael，tryingtoassumeanequalcomposureofmanner。"ThenI’llwishyouaverygoodnight。"Hewentoutofthehousedoor，half-expectingtobecalledbackagain；but，instead，heheardahastystepinside，andaboltdrawn。
　　"Whew！"saidhetohimself，"IthinkImustleavemyladyaloneforaweekortwo，andgivehertimetocometohersenses。She’llnotfinditsoeasyasshethinkstoletmego。"
　　Sohewentpastthekitchen-windowinnonchalantstyle，andwasnotseenagainatYewNookforsomeweeks。Howdidhepassthetime？
　　Forthefirstdayortwo，hewasunusuallycrosswithallthingsandpeoplethatcameathwarthim。Thenwheat-harvestbegan，andhewasbusy，andexultantabouthisheavycrop。Thenamancamefromadistancetobidfortheleaseofhisfarm，which，byhisfather’sadvice，hadbeenofferedforsale，ashehimselfwassosoonlikelytoremovetotheYewNook。HehadsolittleideathatSusanreallywouldremainfirmtoherdetermination，thatheatoncebegantohagglewiththemanwhocameafterhisfarm，showedhimthecropjustgotin，andmanagedskilfullyenoughtomakeagoodbargainforhimself。Ofcourse，thebargainhadtobesealedatthepublic-
　　house；andthecompanionshemetwiththeresoonbecamefriendsenoughtotempthimintoLangdale，whereagainhemetwithEleanorHebthwaite。
　　HowdidSusanpassthetime？Forthefirstdayorso，shewastooangryandoffendedtocry。Shewentaboutherhouseholddutiesinaquick，sharp，jerking，yetabsentway；shrinkingonemomentfromWill，overwhelminghimwithremorsefulcaressesthenext。ThethirddayofMichael’sabsence，shehadthereliefofagoodfitofcrying；
　　andafterthat，shegrewsofterandmoretender；shefelthowharshlyshehadspokentohim，andrememberedhowangryshehadbeen。Shemadeexcusesforhim。"Itwasnowonder，"shesaidtoherself，"thathehadbeenvexedwithher；andnowonderhewouldnotgivein，whenshehadnevertriedtospeakgentlyortoreasonwithhim。Shewastoblame，andshewouldtellhimso，andtellhimonceagainallthathermotherhadbadehertobetoWillie，andallthehorriblestoriesshehadheardaboutmadhouses，andhewouldbeonhersideatonce。"
　　Andsoshewatchedforhiscoming，intendingtoapologiseassoonasevershesawhim。Shehurriedoverherhouseholdwork，inordertositquietlyathersewing，andhearthefirstdistantsoundofhiswell-knownsteporwhistle。Buteventhesoundofherflyingneedleseemedtooloud——perhapsshewaslosinganexquisiteinstantofanticipation；soshestoppedsewing，andlookedlonginglyoutthroughthegeraniumleaves，inorderthathereyemightcatchthefirststirofthebranchesinthewood-pathbywhichhegenerallycame。Nowandthenabirdmightspringoutofthecovert；otherwisetheleaveswereheavilystillinthesultryweatherofearlyautumn。Thenshewouldtakeuphersewing，and，withaspasmofresolution，shewoulddeterminethatacertaintaskshouldbefulfilledbeforeshewouldagainallowherselfthepoignantluxuryofexpectation。Sickatheartwasshewhentheeveningclosedin，andthechancesofthatdaydiminished。Yetshestayeduplongerthanusual，thinkingthatifhewerecoming——ifhewereonlypassingalongthedistantroad——thesightofalightinthewindowmightencouragehimtomakehisappearanceevenatthatlatehour，whileseeingthehousealldarkenedandshutupmightquenchanysuchintention。
　　Verysickandwearyatheart，shewenttobed；toodesolateanddespairingtocry，ormakeanymoan。Butinthemorninghopecameafresh。Anotherday——anotherchance！Andsoitwentonforweeks。
　　Peggyunderstoodheryoungmistress’ssorrowfullwell，andrespecteditbyhersilenceonthesubject。WillieseemedhappiernowthattheirritationofMichael’spresencewasremoved；forthepooridiothadasortofantipathytoMichael，whichwasakindofheart’sechototherepugnanceinwhichthelatterheldhim。Altogether，justatthistime，Williewasthehappiestofthethree。
　　AsSusanwentintoConiston，tosellherbutter，oneSaturday，someinconsideratepersontoldherthatshehadseenMichaelHurstthenightbefore。Isaidinconsiderate，butImightratherhavesaidunobservant；foranyonewhohadspenthalf-an-hourinSusanDixon’scompanymighthaveseenthatshedislikedhavinganyreferencemadetothesubjectsnearestherheart，weretheyjoyousorgrievous。Nowshewentalittlepalerthanusual（andshehadneverrecoveredhercoloursinceshehadhadthefever），andtriedtokeepsilence。Butanirrepressiblepangforcedoutthequestion-
　　"Where？"
　　"AtThomasApplethwaite’s，inLangdale。Theyhadakindofharvest-
　　home，andhewerethereamongtheyoungfolk，andverythickwi’
　　NellyHebthwaite，oldThomas’sniece。Thou’lthavetolookafterhimabit，Susan！"
　　Sheneithersmilednorsighed。Theneighbourwhohadbeenspeakingtoherwasstruckwiththegraystillnessofherface。Susanherselffelthowwellherself-commandwasobeyedbyeverylittlemuscle，andsaidtoherselfinherSpartanmanner，"Icanbearitwithouteitherwincingorblenching。"Shewenthomeearly，atatearing，passionatepace，tramplingandbreakingthroughallobstaclesofbriarorbush。
　　Williewasmopinginherabsence——hanginglistlesslyonthefarm-yardgatetowatchforher。Whenhesawher，hesetuponeofhisstrange，inarticulatecries，ofwhichshewasnowlearningthemeaning，andcametowardsherwithhisloose，gallopingrun，headandlimbsallshakingandwaggingwithpleasantexcitement。Suddenlysheturnedfromhim，andburstintotears。Shesatdownonastonebythewayside，notahundredyardsfromhome，andburiedherfaceinherhands，andgavewaytoapassionofpent-upsorrow；soterribleandfullofagonywereherlowcries，thattheidiotstoodbyher，aghastandsilent。Allhisjoygoneforthetime，butnot，likeherjoy，turnedintoashes。Somethoughtstruckhim。Yes！thesightofherwoemadehimthink，greatastheexertionwas。Heran，andstumbled，andshambledhome，buzzingwithhislipsallthetime。Shenevermissedhim。Hecamebackinatrice，bringingwithhimhischerishedpaperwindmill，boughtonthatfataldaywhenMichaelhadtakenhimintoKendaltohavehisdoomofperpetualidiocypronounced。HethrustitintoSusan’sface，herhands，herlap，regardlessoftheinjuryhisfrailplaythingtherebyreceived。Heleaptbeforehertothinkhowhehadcuredallheart-sorrow，buzzinglouderthanever。Susanlookedupathim，andthatglanceofhersadeyessoberedhim。Hebegantowhimper，heknewnotwhy：andshenow，comforterinherturn，triedtosoothehimbytwirlinghiswindmill。Butitwasbroken；itmadenonoise；itwouldnotgoround。ThisseemedtoafflictSusanmorethanhim。Shetriedtomakeitright，althoughshesawthetaskwashopeless；andwhileshedidso，thetearsraineddownunheededfromherbentheadonthepapertoy。
　　"Itwon’tdo，"saidshe，atlast。"Itwillneverdoagain。"And，somehow，shetooktheaccidentandherwordsasomensofthelovethatwasbroken，andthatshefearedcouldneverbepiecedtogethermore。SheroseupandtookWillie’shand，andthetwowentslowlyintothehouse。
　　Tohersurprise，MichaelHurstsatinthehouse-place。House-placeisasortofbetterkitchen，wherenocookeryisdone，butwhichisreservedforstateoccasions。Michaelhadgoneintherebecausehewasaccompaniedbyhisonlysister，awomanolderthanhimself，whowaswellmarriedbeyondKeswick，andwhonowcameforthefirsttimetomakeacquaintancewithSusan。MichaelhadprimedhissisterwithhiswishesregardingWill，andthepositioninwhichhestoodwithSusan；andarrivingatYewNookintheabsenceofthelatter，hehadnotscrupledtoconducthissisterintotheguest-room，asheheldMrs。Gale’sworldlypositioninrespectandadmiration，andthereforewishedhertobefavourablyimpressedwithallthesignsofpropertywhichhewasbeginningtoconsiderasSusan’sgreatestcharms。Hehadsecretlysaidtohimself，thatifEleanorHebthwaiteandSusanDixonwereequalinpointofriches，hewouldsoonerhaveEleanorbyfar。HehadbeguntoconsiderSusanasatermagant；andwhenhethoughtofhisintercoursewithher，recollectionsofhersomewhatwarmandhastytempercamefarmorereadilytohismindthananyremembranceofhergenerous，lovingnature。
　　Andnowshestoodfacetofacewithhim；hereyestear-swollen，hergarmentsdusty，andhereandtheretorninconsequenceofherrapidprogressthroughthebushyby-paths。Shedidnotmakeafavourableimpressiononthewell-cladMrs。Gale，dressedinherbestsilkgown，andthereforeunusuallysusceptibletotheappearanceofanother。
　　NorwereSusan’smannersgraciousorcordial。Howcouldtheybe，whensherememberedwhathadpassedbetweenMichaelandherselfthelasttimetheymet？Forherpenitencehadfadedawayunderthedailydisappointmentoftheselastwearyweeks。
　　Butshewashospitableinsubstance。ShebadePeggyhurryonthekettle，andbusiedherselfamongthetea-cups，thankfulthatthepresenceofMrs。Gale，asastranger，wouldpreventtheimmediaterecurrencetotheonesubjectwhichshefeltmustbepresentinMichael’smindaswellasinherown。ButMrs。Galewaswithheldbynosuchfeelingsofdelicacy。Shehadcomeready-primedwiththecase，andhadundertakentobringthegirltoreason。Therewasnotimetobelost。Ithadbeenprearrangedbetweenthebrotherandsisterthathewastostrolloutintothefarm-yardbeforehissisterintroducedthesubject；butshewassoconfidentinthesuccessofherarguments，thatshemustneedshavethetriumphofavictoryassoonaspossible；and，accordingly，shebroughtahail-stormofgoodreasonstobearuponSusan。Susandidnotreplyforalongtime；shewassoindignantatthisintermeddlingofastrangerinthedeepfamilysorrowandshame。Mrs。Galethoughtshewasgainingtheday，andurgedherargumentsmorepitilessly。EvenMichaelwincedforSusan，andwonderedathersilence。Heshrankoutofsight，andintotheshadow，hopingthathissistermightprevail，butannoyedatthehardwayinwhichshekeptputtingthecase。
　　SuddenlySusanturnedroundfromtheoccupationshehadpretendedtobeengagedin，andsaidtohiminalowvoice，whichyetnotonlyvibrateditself，butmadeitshearersthrillthroughalltheirobtuseness：
　　"MichaelHurst！doesyoursisterspeaktruth，thinkyou？"
　　Bothwomenlookedathimforhisanswer；Mrs。Galewithoutanxiety，forhadshenotsaidtheverywordstheyhadspokentogetherbefore？
　　hadshenotusedtheveryargumentsthathehimselfhadsuggested？
　　Susan，onthecontrary，lookedtohisanswerassettlingherdoomforlife；andinthegloomofhereyesyoumighthavereadmoredespairthanhope。
　　Heshuffledhisposition。Heshuffledinhiswords。
　　"Whatisityouask？Mysisterhassaidmanythings。"
　　"Iaskyou，"saidSusan，tryingtogiveacrystalclearnessbothtoherexpressionsandherpronunciation，"if，knowingasyoudohowWillisafflicted，youwillhelpmetotakethatchargeofhimwhichIpromisedmymotheronherdeath-bedthatIwoulddo；andwhichmeans，thatIshallkeephimalwayswithme，anddoallinmypowertomakehislifehappy。Ifyouwilldothis，Iwillbeyourwife；ifnot，Iremainunwed。"
　　"Buthemaygetdangerous；hecanbebutatrouble；hisbeinghereisapaintoyou，Susan，notapleasure。"
　　"Iaskyouforeitheryesorno，"saidshe，alittlecontemptathisevadingherquestionminglingwithhertone。Heperceivedit，anditnettledhim。
　　"AndIhavetoldyou。IansweredyourquestionthelasttimeIwashere。IsaidIwouldne’erkeephousewithanidiot；nomoreIwill。
　　Sonowyou’vegottenyouranswer。"
　　"Ihave，"saidSusan。Andshesigheddeeply。
　　"Come，now，"saidMrs。Gale，encouragedbythesigh；"onewouldthinkyoudon’tloveMichael，Susan，tobesostubborninyieldingtowhatI’msurewouldbebestforthelad。"
　　"Oh！shedoesnotcareforme，"saidMichael。"Idon’tbelievesheeverdid。"
　　"Don’tI？Haven’tI？"askedSusan，hereyesblazingoutfire。Shelefttheroomdirectly，andsentPeggyintomakethetea；andcatchingatWill，whowasloungingaboutinthekitchen，shewentup-
　　stairswithhimandboltedherselfin，strainingtheboytoherheart，andkeepingalmostbreathless，lestanynoiseshemademightcausehimtobreakoutintothehowlsandsoundswhichshecouldnotbearthatthosebelowshouldhear。
　　Aknockatthedoor。ItwasPeggy。
　　"Hewantsfortoseeyou，towishyougood-bye。"
　　"Icannotcome。Oh，Peggy，sendthemaway。"
　　Itwasheronlycryforsympathy；andtheoldservantunderstoodit。
　　Shesentthemaway，somehow；notpolitely，asIhavebeengiventounderstand。
　　"Goodgowiththem，"saidPeggy，asshegrimlywatchedtheirretreatingfigures。"We’reridofbadrubbish，anyhow。"Andsheturnedintothehouse，withtheintentionofmakingreadysomerefreshmentforSusan，afterherharddayatthemarket，andherharderevening。Butinthekitchen，towhichshepassedthroughtheemptyhouse-place，makingafaceofcontemptuousdislikeattheusedtea-cupsandfragmentsofamealyetstandingthere，shefoundSusan，withhersleevestuckedupandherworkingapronon，busiedinpreparingtomakeclap-bread，oneofthehardestandhottestdomestictasksofaDaleswoman。Shelookedup，andfirstmet，andthenavoidedPeggy’seye；itwastoofullofsympathy。Herowncheekswereflushed，andherowneyesweredryandburning。
　　"Where’stheboard，Peggy？Weneedclap-bread；and，Ireckon，I’vetimetogetthroughwithitto-night。"Hervoicehadasharp，drytoneinit，andhermotionsajerkingangularityaboutthem。
　　Peggysaidnothing，butfetchedherallthatsheneeded。Susanbeathercakesthinwithvehementforce。Asshestoopedoverthem，regardlessevenofthetaskinwhichsheseemedsomuchoccupied，shewassurprisedbyatouchonhermouthofsomething——whatshedidnotseeatfirst。Itwasacupoftea，delicatelysweetenedandcooled，andheldtoherlips，whenexactlyready，bythefaithfuloldwoman。
　　Susanhelditoffahand’sbreath，andlookedintoPeggy’seyes，whileherownfilledwiththestrangereliefoftears。
　　"Lass！"saidPeggy，solemnly，"thouhastdonewell。Itisnotlongtobide，andthentheendwillcome。"
　　"Butyouareveryold，Peggy，"saidSusan，quivering。
　　"Itisbutadaysin’Iwereyoung，"repliedPeggy；butshestoppedtheconversationbyagainpushingthecupwithgentleforcetoSusan’sdryandthirstylips。Whenshehaddrunkenshefellagaintoherlabour，Peggyheatingthehearth，anddoingallthatsheknewwouldberequired，butneverspeakinganotherword。Williebaskedclosetothefire，enjoyingtheanimalluxuryofwarmth，fortheautumneveningswerebeginningtobechilly。Itwasoneo’clockbeforetheythoughtofgoingtobedonthatmemorablenight。
　　CHAPTERIV。
　　ThevehemencewithwhichSusanDixonthrewherselfintooccupationcouldnotlastforever。Timesoflanguorandremembrancewouldcome——timeswhensherecurredwithapassionateyearningtobygonedays，therecollectionofwhichwassovividanddelicious，thatitseemedasthoughitwerethereality，andthepresentbleakbarenessthedream。Shesmiledanewatthemagicalsweetnessofsometouchortonewhichinmemoryshefeltandheard，anddrankthedeliciouscupofpoison，althoughattheverytimesheknewwhattheconsequencesofrackingpainwouldbe。
　　"Thistime，lastyear，"thoughtshe，"wewentnuttingtogether——thisverydaylastyear；justsuchadayasto-day。Purpleandgoldwerethelightsonthehills；theleaveswerejustturningbrown；hereandthereonthesunnyslopesthestubble-fieldslookedtawny；downinacleftofyonpurpleslate-rockthebeckfelllikeasilverglancingthread；alljustasitisto-day。Andheclimbedtheslender，swayingnut-trees，andbentthebranchesformetogather；ormadeapassagethroughthehazelcopses，fromtimetotimeclaimingatoll。
　　Whocouldhavethoughthelovedmesolittle？——who？——who？"
　　Or，astheeveningclosedin，shewouldallowherselftoimaginethatsheheardhiscomingstep，justthatshemightrecalltimefeelingofexquisitedelightwhichhadpassedbywithoutthedueandpassionaterelishatthetime。Thenshewouldwonderhowshecouldhavehadstrength，thecruel，self-piercingstrength，tosaywhatshehaddone；tostabhimselfwiththatsternresolution，ofwhichthesearwouldremaintillherdyingday。Itmighthavebeenright；but，asshesickened，shewishedshehadnotinstinctivelychosentheright。
　　Howluxuriousalifehauntedbynosternsenseofdutymustbe！Andmanyledthiskindoflife；whycouldnotshe？O，foronehouragainofhissweetcompany！Ifhecamenow，shewouldagreetowhateverheproposed。
　　Itwasafeverofthemind。Shepassedthroughit，andcameouthealthy，ifweak。Shewascapableoncemoreoftakingpleasureinfollowinganunseenguidethroughbriarandbrake。ShereturnedwithtenfoldaffectiontoherprotectingcareofWillie。Sheacknowledgedtoherselfthathewastoheherall-in-allinlife。Shemadehimherconstantcompanion。Forhissake，astherealownerofYewNook，andsheashisstewardandguardian，shebeganthatcourseofcarefulsaving，andthatloveofacquisition，whichafterwardsgainedforherthereputationofbeingmiserly。Shestillthoughtthathemightregainascantyportionofsense——enoughtorequiresomesimplepleasuresandexcitement，whichwouldcostmoney。Andmoneyshouldnotbewanting。Peggyratherassistedherintheformationofherparsimonioushabitsthanotherwise；economywastheorderofthedistrict，andacertaindegreeofrespectableavaricethecharacteristicofherage。OnlyWilliewasneverstintednorhinderedofanythingthatthetwowomenthoughtcouldgivehimpleasure，forwantofmoney。
　　TherewasonegratificationwhichSusanfeltwasneededfortherestorationofhermindtoitsmorehealthystate，aftershehadpassedthroughthewhirlingfever，whendutywasasnothing，andanarchyreigned；agratificationthat，somehow，wastobeherlastburstofunreasonableness；ofwhichsheknewandrecognisedpainasthesureconsequence。Shemustseehimoncemore，——herselfunseen。
　　TheweekbeforetheChristmasofthismemorableyear，shewentoutintheduskoftheearlywinterevening，wrappedcloseinshawlandcloak。Sheworeherdarkshawlunderhercloak，puttingitoverherheadinlieuofabonnet；forsheknewthatshemighthavetowaitlonginconcealment。Thenshetrampedoverthewetfell-path，shutinbymistyrainformilesandmiles，tillshecametotheplacewherehewaslodging；afarm-houseinLangdale，withasteep，stonylaneleadinguptoit：thislanewasenteredbyagateoutofthemainroad，andbythegatewereafewbushes——thorns；butofthemtheleaveshadfallen，andtheyofferednoconcealment：anoldwreckofayew-treegrewamongthem，however，andunderneaththatSusancowereddown，shroudingherface，ofwhichthecolourmightbetrayher，withacornerofhershawl。Longdidshewait；coldandcrampedshebecame，toodampandstifftochangeherposturereadily。Andafterall，hemightnevercome！But，shewouldwaittilldaylight，ifneedwere；andshepulledoutacrust，withwhichshehadprovidentlysuppliedherself。Therainhadceased，——adull，still，broodingweatherhadsucceeded；itwasanighttoheardistantsounds。Sheheardhorses’hoofsstrikingandsplashinginthestones，andinthepoolsoftheroadatherback。Twohorses；notwell-ridden，orevenlyguided，asshecouldtell。
　　MichaelHurstandacompaniondrewnear：nottipsy，butnotsober。
　　Theystoppedatthegatetobideachotheramaudlinfarewell。
　　Michaelstoopedforwardtocatchthelatchwiththehookofthestickwhichhecarried；hedroppedthestick，anditfellwithoneendclosetoSusan，——indeed，withtheslightestchangeofpostureshecouldhaveopenedthegateforhim。Hesworeagreatoath，andstruckhishorsewithhisclosedfist，asifthatanimalhadbeentoblame；thenhedismounted，openedthegate，andfumbledaboutforhisstick。Whenhehadfoundit（Susanhadtouchedtheotherend）hisfirstuseofitwastofloghishorsewell，andshehadmuchadotoavoiditskicksandplunges。Then，stillswearing，hestaggeredupthelane，foritwasevidenthewasnotsoberenoughtoremount。
　　BydaylightSusanwasbackandatherdailylaboursatYewNook。
　　Whenthespringcame，MichaelHurstwasmarriedtoEleanorHebthwaite。Others，too，weremarried，andchristeningsmadetheirfiresidesmerryandglad；ortheytravelled，andcamebackafterlongyearswithmanywondroustales。Morerarely，perhaps，aDalesmanchangedhisdwelling。ButtoallhouseholdsmorechangecamethantoYewNook。Theretheseasonscameroundwithmonotonoussameness；or，iftheybroughtmutation，itwasofaslow，anddecaying，anddepressingkind。OldPeggydied。Hersilentsympathy，concealedundermuchroughness，wasalosstoSusanDixon。Susanwasnotyetthirtywhenthishappened，butshelookedamiddle-aged，nottosayanelderlywoman。Peopleaffirmedthatshehadneverrecoveredhercomplexionsincethatfever，adozenyearsago，whichkilledherfather，andleftWillDixonanidiot。Butbesideshergraysallowness，thelinesinherfacewerestrong，anddeep，andhard。
　　Themovementsofhereyeballswereslowandheavy；thewrinklesatthecornersofhermouthandeyeswereplantedfirmandsure；notanounceofunnecessaryfleshwasthereonherbones——everymusclestartedstrongandreadyforuse。Sheneededallthisbodilystrength，toadegreethatnohumancreature，nowPeggywasdead，knewof：forWilliehadgrownuplargeandstronginbody，and，ingeneral，docileenoughinmind；but，everynowandthen，hebecamefirstmoody，andthenviolent。Theseparoxysmslastedbutadayortwo；anditwasSusan’sanxiouscaretokeeptheirveryexistencehiddenandunknown。Itistrue，thatoccasionalpassers-byonthatlonelyroadheardsoundsatnightofknockingaboutoffurniture，blows，andcries，asofsometearingdemonwithinthesolitaryfarm-
　　house；butthesefitsofviolenceusuallyoccurredinthenight；andwhateverhadbeentheirconsequence，Susanhadtidiedandreddedupallsignsofaughtunusualbeforethemorning。For，aboveall，shedreadedlestsomeonemightfindoutinwhatdangerandperilsheoccasionallywas，andmightassumearighttotakeawayherbrotherfromhercare。Theoneideaoftakingchargeofhimhaddeepenedanddeepenedwithyears。Itwasgravenintohermindastheobjectforwhichshelived。Thesacrificeshehadmadeforthisobjectonlymadeitmoreprecioustoher。Besides，sheseparatedtheideaofthedocile，affectionate，loutish，indolentWill，andkeptitdistinctfromtheterrorwhichthedemonthatoccasionallypossessedhiminspiredherwith。Theonewasherfleshandherblood——thechildofherdeadmother；theotherwassomefiendwhocametotortureandconvulsethecreatureshesoloved。Shebelievedthatshefoughtherbrother’sbattleinholdingdownthosetearinghands，inbindingwhenevershecouldthoseupliftedrestlessarmspromptandpronetodomischief。Allthetimeshesubduedhimwithhercunningorherstrength，shespoketohiminpityingmurmurs，orabusedthethirdperson，thefiendishenemy，innounmeasuredtones。Towardsmorningtheparoxysmwasexhausted，andhewouldfallasleep，perhapsonlytowakenwithevilandrenewedvigour。Butwhenhewaslaiddown，shewouldsallyouttotastethefreshair，andtoworkoffherwildsorrowincriesandmutteringstoherself。Theearlylabourerssawhergesturesatadistance，andthoughtherascrazedastheidiot-
　　brotherwhomadetheneighbourhoodahauntedplace。ButdidanychancepersoncallatYewNooklateronintheday，hewouldfindSusanDixoncold，calm，collected；hermannercurt，herwitskeen。
　　Oncethisfitofviolencelastedlongerthanusual。Susan’sstrengthbothofmindandbodywasnearlywornout；shewrestledinprayerthatsomehowitmightendbeforeshe，too，wasdrivenmad；or，worse，mightbeobligedtogiveuplife’saim，andconsignWillietoamadhouse。Fromthatmomentofprayer（assheafterwardssuperstitiouslythought）Williecalmed——andthenhedrooped——andthenhesank——and，lastofall，hediedinrealityfromphysicalexhaustion。
　　Buthewassogentleandtenderashelayonhisdyingbed；suchstrange，child-likegleamsofreturningintelligencecameoverhisface，longafterthepowertomakehisdull，inarticulatesoundshaddeparted，thatSusanwasattractedtohimbyastrongertiethanshehadeverfeltbefore。Itwassomethingtohaveevenanidiotlovingherwithdumb，wistful，animalaffection；somethingtohaveanycreaturelookingatherwithsuchbeseechingeyes，imploringprotectionfromtheinsidiousenemystealingon。Andyetsheknewthattohimdeathwasnoenemy，butatruefriend，restoringlightandhealthtohispoorcloudedmind。Itwastoherthatdeathwasanenemy；toher，thesurvivor，whenWilliedied；therewasnoonetoloveher。
　　Worsedoomstill，therewasnooneleftonearthforhertolove。
　　Younowknowwhynowanderingtouristcouldpersuadehertoreceivehimasalodger；whynotiredtravellercouldmeltherhearttoaffordhimrestandrefreshment；whylonghabitsofseclusionhadgivenheramorosenessofmanner，andhowcarefortheinterestsofanotherhadrenderedherkeenandmiserly。
　　Buttherewasathirdactinthedramaofherlife。
　　CHAPTERV。
　　InspiteofPeggy’sprophecythatSusan’slifeshouldnotseemlong，itdidseemwearisomeandendless，astheyearsslowlyuncoiledtheirmonotonouscircles。Tobesure，shemighthavemadechangeforherself，butshedidnotcaretodoit。Itwas，indeed，morethan"notcaring，"whichmerelyimpliesacertaindegreeofvisinertiaetobesubduedbeforeanobjectcanbeattained，andthattheobjectitselfdoesnotseemtobeofsufficientimportancetocallouttherequisiteenergy。Onthecontrary，Susanexertedherselftoavoidchangeandvariety。Shehadamorbiddreadofnewfaces，whichoriginatedinherdesiretokeeppoordeadWillie’sstateaprofoundsecret。Shehadacontemptfornewcustoms；and，indeed，heroldwaysprosperedsowellunderheractivehandandvigilanteye，thatitwasdifficulttoknowhowtheycouldbeimprovedupon。ShewasregularlypresentinConistonmarketwiththebestbutterandtheearliestchickensoftheseason。Thosewerethecommonfarmproducethateveryfarmer’swifeabouthadtosell；butSusan，aftershehaddisposedofthemorefemininearticles，turnedtoontheman’sside。
　　Abetterjudgeofahorseorcowtherewasnotinallthecountryround。Yorkshireitselfmighthaveattemptedtojockeyher，andwouldhavefailed。Hercornwassoundandclean；herpotatoeswellpreservedtothelatestspring。PeoplebegantotalkofthehoardsofmoneySusanDixonmusthavelaidupsomewhere；andoneyoungne’er-do-weelofafarmer’ssonundertooktomakelovetothewomanofforty，wholookedfifty-five，ifaday。Hemadeuptoherbyopeningagateontheroad-pathhome，asshewasridingonabare-
　　backedhorse，herpurchasenotanhourago。Shewasoffbeforehim，refusinghiscivility；buttheremountingwasnotsoeasy，andratherthanfailshedidnotchoosetoattemptit。Shewalked，andhewalkedalongside，improvinghisopportunity，which，ashevainlythought，hadbeenconsciouslygrantedtohim。AstheydrewnearYewNook，heventuredonsomeexpressionofawishtokeepcompanywithher。Hiswordswerevagueandclumsilyarranged。Susanturnedroundandcoollyaskedhimtoexplainhimself，hetookcourage，ashethoughtofherreputedwealth，andexpressedhiswishesthissecondtimeprettyplainly。Tohissurprise，thereplyshemadewasinaseriesofsmartstrokesacrosshisshoulders，administeredthroughthemediumofasupplehazel-switch。
　　"Takethat！"saidshe，almostbreathless，"toteachtheehowthoudarestmakeafoolofanhonestwomanoldenoughtobethymother。
　　Ifthoucom’stastepnearerthehouse，there’sagoodhorse-pool，andthere’stwostoutfellowswho’lllikenobetterfunthanduckingthee。Beoffwi’thee！"
　　Andshestrodeintoherownpremises，neverlookingroundtoseewhetherheobeyedherinjunctionornot。
　　SometimesthreeorfouryearswouldpassoverwithoutherhearingMichaelHurst’snamementioned。Sheusedtowonderatsuchtimeswhetherheweredeadoralive。Shewouldsitforhoursbythedyingembersofherfireonawinter’sevening，tryingtorecallthescenesofheryouth；tryingtobringuplivingpicturesofthefacesshehadthenknown——Michael’smostespecially。Shethoughtitwaspossible，solonghadbeenthelapseofyears，thatshemightnowpassbyhiminthestreetunknowingandunknown。Hisoutwardformshemightnotrecognize，buthimselfsheshouldfeelinthethrillofherwholebeing。Hecouldnotpassherunawares。
　　Whatlittleshedidhearabouthim，alltestifiedadownwardtendency。Hedrank——notatstatedtimeswhentherewasnootherworktobedone，butcontinually，whetheritwasseed-timeorharvest。
　　Hischildrenwereallillatthesametime；thenonedied，whiletheothersrecovered，butwerepoorsicklythings。NoonedaredtogiveSusananydirectintelligenceofherformerlover；manyavoidedallmentionofhisnameinherpresence；butafewspokeouteitherinindifferenceto，orignoranceof，thosebygonedays。Susanheardeveryword，everywhisper，everysoundthatrelatedtohim。Buthereyeneverchanged，nordidamuscleofherfacemove。
　　LateoneNovembernightshesatoverherfire；notahumanbeingbesidesherselfinthehouse；nonebutshehadeverslepttheresinceWillie’sdeath。Thefarm-labourershadfodderedthecattleandgonehomehoursbefore。Therewerecricketschirpingallroundthewarmhearth-stones；therewastheclocktickingwiththepeculiarbeatSusanhadknownfromherchildhood，andwhichthenandeversinceshehadoddlyassociatedwithintheideaofamotherandchildtalkingtogether，oneloudtick，andquick——afeeble，sharponefollowing。
　　Thedayhadbeenkeen，andpiercinglycold。Thewholeliftofheavenseemedadomeofiron。Blackandfrost-boundwastheearthunderthecrueleastwind。Nowthewindhaddropped，andasthedarknesshadgatheredin，theweather-wiseoldlabourersprophesiedsnow。Thesoundsintheairaroseagain，asSusansatstillandsilent。Theywereofadifferentcharactertowhattheyhadbeenduringtheprevalenceoftheeastwind。Thentheyhadbeenshrillandpiping；
　　nowtheywerelikelowdistantgrowling；notunmusical，butstrangelythreatening。Susanwenttothewindow，anddrewasidethelittlecurtain。Thewholeworldwaswhite——theairwasblindedwiththeswiftandheavyfallofsnow。Atpresentitcamedownstraight，butSusanknewthosedistantsoundsinthehollowsandgulleysofthehillsportendedadrivingwindandamorecruelstorm。Shethoughtofhersheep；weretheyallfolded？thenew-borncalf，wasitbeddedwell？Beforethedriftswereformedtoodeepforhertopassinandout——andbythemorningshejudgedthattheywouldbesixorsevenfeetdeep——shewouldgooutandseeafterthecomfortofherbeasts。
　　Shetookalantern，andtiedashawloverherhead，andwentoutintotheopenair。Shehadtenderlyprovidedforallheranimals，andwasreturning，when，borneontheblastasifsomespirit-cry——foritseemedtocomeratherdownfromtheskiesthanfromanycreaturestandingonearth’slevel——sheheardavoiceofagony；shecouldnotdistinguishwords；itseemedratherasifsomebirdofpreywasbeingcaughtinthewhirloftheicywind，andtornandtorturedbyitsviolence。Againuphighabove！Susanputdownherlantern，andshoutedloudinreturn；itwasaninstinct，forifthecreaturewerenothuman，whichshehaddoubtedbutamomentbefore，whatgoodcouldherrespondingcrydo？Andhercrywasseizedonbythetyrannouswind，andbornefartherawayintheoppositedirectiontothatfromwhichthecallofagonyhadproceeded。Againshelistened；nosound：
　　thenagainitrangthroughspace；andthistimeshewassureitwashuman。Sheturnedintothehouse，andheapedturfandwoodonthefire，which，carelessofherownsensations，shehadallowedtofadeandalmostdieout。Sheputanewcandleinherlantern；shechangedhershawlforamaud，andleavingthedooronlatch，shesalliedout。
　　Justatthemomentwhenherearfirstencounteredtheweirdnoisesofthestorm，onissuingforthintotheopenair，shethoughtsheheardthewords，"OGod！Ohelp！"Theywereaguidetoher，ifwordstheywere，fortheycamestraightfromarocknotaquarterofamilefromYewNook，butonlytobereached，onaccountofitsprecipitouscharacter，byaround-aboutpath。Thithershesteered，defyingwindandsnow；guidedbyhereathorn-tree，thereanold，dodderedoak，whichhadnotquitelesttheiridentityunderthewhelmingmaskofsnow。Nowandthenshestoppedtolisten；butneverawordorsoundheardshe，tillrightfromwherethecopse-woodgrewthickandtangledatthebaseoftherock，roundwhichshewaswinding，sheheardamoan。Intothebrake——allsnowinappearance——almostaplainofsnowlookedonfromthelittleeminencewhereshestood——sheplunged，breakingdownthebush，stumbling，bruisingherself，fightingherway；herlanternheldbetweenherteeth，andsheherselfusingheadaswellashandstobuttawayapassage，atwhatevercostofbodilyinjury。Assheclimbedorstaggered，owingtotheunevennessofthesnow-coveredground，wherethebriarsandweedsofyearsweretangledandmattedtogether，herfootfeltsomethingstrangelysoftandyielding。Sheloweredherlantern；therelayaman，proneonhisface，nearlycoveredbythefast-fallingflakes；hemusthavefallenfromtherockabove，as，notknowingofthecircuitouspath，hehadtriedtodescenditssteep，slipperyface。
　　Whocouldtell？itwasnotimeforthinking。Susanliftedhimupwithherwirystrength；hegavenohelp——nosignoflife；butforallthathemightbealive：hewasstillwarm；shetiedhermaudroundhim；shefastenedthelanterntoherapron-string；sheheldhimtight：half-carrying，half-dragging——whatdidafewbruisessignifytohim，comparedtodearlife，topreciouslife！Shegothimthroughthebrake，anddownthepath。There，foraninstant，shestoppedtotakebreath；but，asifstungbytheFuries，shepushedonagainwithalmostsuperhumanstrength。Claspinghimroundthewaist，andleaninghisdeadweightagainstthelintelofthedoor，shetriedtoundothelatch；butnow，justatthismoment，atremblingfaintnesscameoverher，andafearfuldreadtookpossessionofher——thathere，ontheverythresholdofherhome，shemightbefounddead，andburiedunderthesnow，whenthefarm-servantscameinthemorning。
　　Thisterrorstirredheruptoonemoreeffort。Thensheandhercompanionwereinthewarmthofthequiethavenofthatkitchen；shelaidhimonthesettle，andsankonthefloorbyhisside。Howlongsheremainedinthisswoonshecouldnottell；notverylongshejudgedbythefire，whichwasstillredandsullenlyglowingwhenshecametoherself。Shelightedthecandle，andbentoverherlateburdentoascertainifindeedheweredead。Shestoodlonggazing。
　　Themanlaydead。Therecouldbenodoubtaboutit。Hisfilmyeyesglaredather，unshut。ButSusanwasnotonetobeaffrightedbythestonyaspectofdeath。Itwasnotthat；itwasthebitter，woefulrecognitionofMichaelHurst！
　　Shewasconvincedhewasdead；butafterawhilesherefusedtobelieveinherconviction。Shestrippedoffhiswetouter-garmentswithtrembling，hurriedhands。Shebroughtablanketdownfromherownbed；shemadeupthefire。Sheswathedhiminfresh，warmwrappings，andlaidhimontheflagsbeforethefire，sittingherselfathishead，andholdingitinherlap，whileshetenderlywipedhisloose，wethair，curlystill，althoughitscolourhadchangedfromnut-browntoiron-graysinceshehadseenitlast。Fromtimetotimeshebentoverthefaceafresh，sick，andfaintobelievethattheflickerofthefire-lightwassomeslightconvulsivemotion。Butthedim，staringeyesstruckchilltoherheart。Atlastsheceasedherdelicate，busycares：butshestillheldtheheadsoftly，asifcaressingit。Shethoughtoverallthepossibilitiesandchancesinthemingledyarnoftheirlivesthatmight，bysoslightaturn，haveendedfarotherwise。Ifhermother’scoldhadbeenearlytended，sothattheresponsibilityastoherbrother’swealorwoehadnotfallenuponher；ifthefeverhadnottakensuchrough，cruelholdonWill；nay，ifMrs。Gale，thathard，worldlysister，hadnotaccompaniedhimonhislastvisittoYewNook——hisverylastbeforethisfatal，stormymight；ifshehadheardhiscry，——cryutteredbythesepale，deadlipswithsuchwild，despairingagony，notyetthreehoursago！——O！ifshehadbuthearditsooner，hemighthavebeensavedbeforethatblind，falsestephadprecipitatedhimdowntherock！Ingoingoverthiswearychainofunrealizedpossibilities，SusanlearnttheforceofPeggy’swords。Lifewasshort，lookingbackuponit。Itseemedbutyesterdaysincealltheloveofherbeinghadbeenpouredout，andruntowaste。Theinterveningyears——
　　thelongmonotonousyearsthathadturnedherintoanoldwomanbeforehertime——werebutadream。
　　Thelabourerscominginthedawnofthewinter’sdayweresurprisedtoseethefire-lightthroughthelowkitchen-window。Theyknocked，andhearingamoaninganswer，theyentered，fearingthatsomethinghadbefallentheirmistress。Forallexplanationtheygotthesewords"ItisMichaelHurst。Hewasbelated，andfelldowntheRaven’sCrag。WheredoesEleanor，hiswife，live？"
　　HowMichaelHurstgottoYewNooknoonebutSusaneverknew。Theythoughthehaddraggedhimselfthere，withsomesoreinternalbruisesappingawayhisminutedlife。Theycouldnothavebelievedthesuperhumanexertionwhichhadfirstsoughthimout，andthendraggedhimhither。OnlySusanknewofthat。
　　Shegavehimintothechargeofherservants，andwentoutandsaddledherhorse。Wherethewindhaddriftedthesnowononeside，andtheroadwasclearandbare，sherode，androdefast；wherethesoft，deceitfulheapsweremassedup，shedismountedandledhersteed，plungingindeep，withfierceenergy，thepainatherhearturgingheronwardswithasharp，diggingspur。
　　Thegray，solemn，winter’snoonwasmorenight-likethanthedepthofsummer’snight；dim-purplebroodedthelowskiesoverthewhiteearth，asSusanrodeuptowhathadbeenMichaelHurst’sabodewhileliving。Itwasasmallfarm-housecarelesslykeptoutside，slatternlytendedwithin。TheprettyNellyHebthwaitewasprettystill；herdelicatefacehadneversufferedfromanylong-enduringfeeling。Ifanything，itsexpressionwasthatofplaintivesorrow；
　　butthesoft，lighthairhadscarcelyatingeofgray；thewood-rosetintofcomplexionyetremained，ifnotsobrilliantasinyouth；thestraightnose，thesmallmouthwereuntouchedbytime。Susanfeltthecontrastevenatthatmoment。Sheknewthatherownskinwasweather-beaten，furrowed，brown，——thatherteethweregone，andherhairgrayandragged。AndyetshewasnottwoyearsolderthanNelly，——shehadnotbeen，inyouth，whenshetookaccountofthesethings。Nellystoodwonderingatthestrange-enoughhorse-woman，whostoppedandpantedatthedoor，holdingherhorse’sbridle，andrefusingtoenter。
　　"WhereisMichaelHurst？"askedSusan，atlast。
　　"Well，Ican’trightlysay。Heshouldhavebeenathomelastnight，buthewasoff，seeingafterapublic-housetobeletatUlverstone，forourfarmdoesnotanswer，andwewerethinking——"
　　"Hedidnotcomehomelastnight？"saidSusan，cuttingshortthestory，andhalf-affirming，half-questioning，bywayoflettinginarayoftheawfullightbeforesheletitfullin，initsconsumingwrath。
　　"No！he’llbestoppingsomewhereoutUlverstoneways。I’msurewe’veneedofhimathome，forI’venoonebutlileTommytohelpmetendthebeasts。Thingshavenotgonewellwithus，andwedon’tkeepaservantnow。Butyou’retremblingallover，ma’am。You’dbettercomein，andtakesomethingwarm，whileyourhorserests。That’sthestable-door，toyourleft。"
　　Susantookherhorsethere；loosenedhisgirths，andrubbedhimdownwithawispofstraw。Thenshehookedaboutherforhay；buttheplacewasbareoffeed，andsmeltdampandunused。Shewenttothehouse，thankfulfortherespite，andgotsomeclap-bread，whichshemashedupinapailfuloflukewarmwater。Everymomentwasarespite，andyeteverymomentmadeherdreadthemorethetaskthatlaybeforeher。Itwouldbelongerthanshethoughtatfirst。Shetookthesaddleoff，andhungaboutherhorse，whichseemed，somehow，morelikeafriendthananythingelseintheworld。Shelaidhercheekagainstitsneck，andrestedthere，beforereturningtothehouseforthelasttime。
　　Eleanorhadbroughtdownoneofherowngowns，whichhungonachairagainstthefire，andhadmadeherunknownvisitoracupofhottea。
　　Susancouldhardlybearalltheselittleattentions：theychokedher，andyetshewassowet，soweakwithfatigueandexcitement，thatshecouldneitherresistbyvoiceorbyaction。Twochildrenstoodawkwardlyabout，puzzledatthescene，andevenEleanorbegantowishforsomeexplanationofwhoherstrangevisitorwas。
　　"You’ve，maybe，heardhimspeakingofme？I’mcalledSusanDixon。"
　　Nellycoloured，andavoidedmeetingSusan’seye。
　　"I’veheardotherfolkspeakofyou。Henevernamedyourname。"
　　ThisrespectofsilencecamelikebalmtoSusan：balmnotfeltorheededatthetimeitwasapplied，butverygratefulinitseffectsforallthat。
　　"Heisatmyhouse，"continuedSusan，determinednottostoporquaverintheoperation——thepainwhichmustbeinflicted。
　　"Atyourhouse？YewNook？"questionedEleanor，surprised。"Howcamehethere？"——halfjealously。"Didhetakeshelterfromthecomingstorm？Tellme，——thereissomething——tellme，woman！"
　　"Hetooknoshelter。WouldtoGodhehad！"
　　"O！wouldtoGod！wouldtoGod！"shriekedoutEleanor，learningallfromthewofulimportofthosedrearyeyes。Hercriesthrilledthroughthehouse；thechildren’spipingwailingsandpassionatecrieson"Daddy！Daddy！"piercedintoSusan’sverymarrow。Butsheremainedasstillandtearlessasthegreatroundfaceupontheclock。
　　Atlast，inalullofcrying，shesaid，——notexactlyquestioning，butasifpartlytoherself-
　　"Youlovedhim，then？"
　　"Lovedhim！hewasmyhusband！HewasthefatherofthreebonnybairnsthatliedeadinGrasmerechurchyard。Iwishyou’dgo，SusanDixon，andletmeweepwithoutyourwatchingme！Iwishyou’dnevercomeneartheplace。"
　　"Alas！alas！itwouldnothavebroughthimtolife。Iwouldhavelaiddownmyowntosavehis。Mylifehasbeensoverysad！NoonewouldhavecaredifIhaddied。Alas！alas！"
　　ThetoneinwhichshesaidthiswassoutterlymournfulanddespairingthatitawedNellyintoquietforatime。Butby-and-byshesaid，"Iwouldnotturnadogouttodoitharm；butthenightisclear，andTommyshallguideyoutotheRedCow。But，oh，Iwanttobealone！Ifyou’llcomebackto-morrow，I’llbebetter，andI’llhearall，andthankyouforeverykindnessyouhaveshownhim，——andI
　　dobelieveyou’veshowedhimkindness，——thoughIdon’tknowwhy。"
　　Susanmovedheavilyandstrangely。
　　Shesaidsomething——herwordscamethickandunintelligible。Shehadhadaparalyticstrokesinceshehadlastspoken。Shecouldnotgo，evenifshewould。NordidEleanor，whenshebecameawareofthestateofthecase，wishhertoleave。Shehadherlaidonherownbed，andweepingsilentlyallthewhileforherlesthusband，shenursedSusanlikeasister。Shedidnotknowwhatherguest’sworldlypositionmightbe；andshemightneverberepaid。ButshesoldmanyalittletrifletopurchasesuchsmallcomfortsasSusanneeded。Susan，lyingstillandmotionless，learntmuch。Itwasnotaseverestroke；itmightbetheforerunnerofothersyettocome，butatsomedistanceoftime。Butforthepresentsherecovered，andregainedmuchofherformerhealth。Onhersick-bedshematuredherplans。WhenshereturnedtoYewNook，shetookMichaelHurst’swidowandchildrenwithhertolivethere，andfillupthehauntedhearthwithlivingformsthatshouldbanishtheghosts。
　　AndsoitfelloutthatthelatterdaysofSusanDixon’slifewerebetterthantheformer。