She，however，availedherselfofthatprivilegetheeveningafterherarrival。"Who’dhavethoughtofmeetingYOUhere？"shesaid，sweepingherskirtsawaytomakeroomforhimonasofa。"It’sacoon’sagesinceIsawyou——notsinceyougaveusthatlettertothosegenealogicalgentlemeninLondon。"
　　Theconsulhopedthatithadprovedsuccessful。
　　"Yes，butmawguessedwedidn’tcaretogobacktoHengistandHorsa，andwhentheyletloosealotof’Debboroughs’and’Daybrooks’uponus，mawkicked！We’vegotadrawingtenyardslong，thatlookslikeasourappletree，withlotsofDesboroughshanginguponthebrancheslikelastyear’spippins，andIguessaboutasworm-eaten。Wetookthatwellenough，butwhenitcametogivingusamapofstraightlinesanddasheswithnameswrittenunderthemlikeanoldMorsetelegraphslip，struckbylightning，thenmawandIguessedthatitmadeustired。
　　"Youknow，"shewenton，openinghercleargrayeyesontheconsul，withacharacteristicflashofshrewdgoodsensethroughherquainthumor，"weneverreckonedwherethisthingwouldlandus，andwefoundwewerepayingahundredpounds，notonlyfortheDesboroughs，butallthepeoplethey’dMARRIED，andtheirCHILDREN，andchildren’schildren，andtherewerealotofoutsiderswe’dneverheardof，norwantedtohearof。Mawoncethoughtshe’dgotonthetrailofaPlantagenet，andfolloweditkeen，untilshefoundshehadbeenreadingthedreadfulthingupsidedown。Thenweconcludedwewouldn’ttakeanymorestockinthefamilyuntilithadrisen。"
　　Duringthisspeechtheconsulcouldnothelpnoticingthat，althoughherattitudewasplayfullyconfidentialtohim，hervoicereallywaspitchedhighenoughtoreachtheearsofsmallergroupsaroundher，whowerenotonlyfollowingherwiththeintensestadmiration，buthadshamelesslyabandonedtheirownconversation，andhadevenfacedtowardsher。Wasshereallyposinginhernaivete？Therewasacertainmischievous，evenaggressive，consciousnessinherprettyeyelids。Thenshesuddenlydroppedbotheyesandvoice，andsaidtotheconsulinagenuineaside，"I
　　likethissortofthingmuchbetter。"
　　Theconsullookedpuzzled。"Whatsortofthing？"
　　"Why，alltheseswellpeople，don’tyousee？thosepicturesonthewalls！thiselegantroom！everythingthathascomedownfromthepast，allreadyandsettledforyou，youknow——agesago！Somethingyouhaven’ttopickupforyourselfandworryover。"
　　Butheretheconsulpointedoutthattheplaceitselfwasnot"ancestral"asregardedthepresentearl，andthateventheoriginaltitleofhispredecessorshadpassedawayfromit。"Infact，itcameintothefamilybyoneofthose’outsiders’youdeprecate。ButIdaresayyou’dfindtheplacequiteascomfortablewithLordBeverdaleforahostasyouwouldifyouhadfoundouthewereacousin，"headded。
　　"Better，"saidtheyoungladyfrankly。
　　"Isupposeyourmotherparticipatesinthesepreferences？"saidtheconsul，withasmile。
　　"No，"saidMissDesborough，withthesamefrankness，"Ithinkmaw’srathercutupatnotfindingaDesborough。Shewasinviteddownhere，butSHE’Sratherindependent，youknow，sosheallowedI
　　couldtakecareofmyself，whileshewentofftostaywiththeoldDowagerLadyMistowe，whothinksmawaveryproperwomanlyperson。
　　Imademawmadbytellingherthat’sjustwhatoldLadyMistowewouldsayofhercook——forIcan’tstandthesepeople’spatronage。
　　However，Ishouldn’twonderifIwasinvitedhereasa’mostoriginalperson。’"
　　ButhereLordAlgernoncameuptoimplorehertosingthemoneof"thoseplantationsongs；"andMissDesborough，withscarcelyachangeofvoiceormanner，allowedherselftobeledtothepiano。
　　Theconsulhadlittlechancetospeakwithheragain，buthesawenoughthateveningtoconvincehimnotonlythatLordAlgernonwasverymuchinlovewithher，butthatthefacthadbeenequallyandcomplacentlyacceptedbythefamilyandguests。Thatherpresentvisitwasonlyanopportunityforaformalengagementwascleartoeverywomaninthehouse——notexcepting，Ifear，eventhefairsubjectofgossipherself。Yetsheseemedsounconcernedandself-
　　containedthattheconsulwonderedifshereallycaredforLordAlgernon。Andhavingthuswondered，hecametotheconclusionthatitdidn’tmuchmatter，forthehappinessofsopracticallyorganizedayounglady，ifshelovedhimornot。
　　ItishighlyprobablethatMissSadieDesboroughhadnotevengonesofarastoaskherselfthatquestion。Sheawokethenextmorningwithasenseofeasyvictoryandcalmsatisfactionthathad，however，noneofthetransportsofaffection。Hertastewassatisfiedbytheloveofahandsomeyoungfellow，——atypicalEnglishman，——who，ifnotexactlyoriginalorideal，was，shefelt，ofanuniversallyaccepted，"hall-marked"standard，thelegitimateoutcomeofahighlyordered，carefullyguardedcivilization，whosereposewastheabsenceofstruggleorambition；amanwhoseregularfeatureswerenotyetdifferentiatedfromtherestofhisclassbyanyofthosedisturbinglineswhichpeoplecallcharacter。
　　Everythingwasmadereadyforher，withoutcareorpreparation；shehadnotevenanidealtorealizeortomodify。Shecouldslipwithoutanyjarordislocationintothislifewhichwasjustsavedfromself-indulgenceandsybariticluxurybycertainconventionalrulesofactivityandtheoccupationofamusementwhich，asobligationsofherposition，evenappearedtosuggestthenovelaspectofaDUTY！Shecouldacceptallthiswithoutthesenseofbeinganintruderinanunbrokenlineage——thankstotheconsul’saccountoftheBeverdales’inheritance。Shealreadypicturedherselfasthemistressofthisfairdomain，thecustodianofitstreasuresandtraditions，andthedispenserofitshospitalities，but——assheconscientiouslybelieved——withoutprideorvanity，inherposition；onlyanintenseandthoughtfulappreciationofit。
　　Nordidshedreamofeverdisplayingitostentatiouslybeforeherlessfortunatefellowcountrywomen；onthecontrary，shelookedforwardtotheirpossiblecriticismofhercastingoffalltransatlantictieswithanuneasyconsciousnessthatwasperhapshernearestapproachtopatriotism。Yet，again，shereasonedthat，asherfatherwasanEnglishman，shewasonlyreturningtoheroldhome。Astohermother，shehadalreadycomfortedherselfbynoticingcertaindiscrepanciesinthatlady’stemperament，whichledhertobelievethatsheherselfaloneinheritedherfather’snature——forhermotherwas，ofcourse，distinctlyAmerican！Solittleconsciouswassheofanypossiblesnobbishnessinthisbelief，thatinhersuperbnaiveteshewouldhavearguedthepointwiththeconsul，andemployedawitanddialectthatwerepurelyAmerican。
　　ShehadslippedoutofthePrioryearlythatmorningthatshemightenjoyalone，unattendedandunciceroned，theaspectofthatvastestatewhichmightbehersforthemereaccepting。PerhapstherewassomeinstinctofdelicacyinheravoidingLordAlgernonthatmorning；notwishing，assheherselfmighthavefranklyputit，"totakestock"ofhisinheritanceinhispresence。Asshepassedintothegardenthroughthelowposterndoor，sheturnedtolookalongthestretchingfacadeofthemainbuilding，withthehighstainedwindowsofitsbanqueting-hallandthestatechamberwhereakinghadslept。EveninthatcrispOctoberair，andwiththegreenofitsiviedbattlementsagainstthegoldofthedistantwood，itseemedtolieinthelanguidreposeofaneternalsummer。ShehurriedondowntheotherterraceintotheItaliangarden，aquaintsurvivalofpastgrandeur，passedthegreatorangeryandnumerousconservatories，makingacrystalhamletinthemselves——seeingeverywherethesameluxury。Butitwasaluxurythatshefanciedwasredeemedfromthevulgarityofostentationbythelongcustomofyearsandgenerations，sounlikethemillionairepalacesofherownland；and，inherenthusiasm，sheevenfancieditwasfurthersanctifiedbythegrimmonasticfounderswhohadoncebeencontentwithbreadandpulseinthecrumblinganddismantledrefectory。Intheplenitudeofherfeelingsshefeltaslightrecognitionofsomebeneficentbeingwhohadrolledthisgoldenappleatherfeet，andfeltasifshereallyshouldliketo"dogood"inhersphere。
　　Itsochancedthat，passingthroughasmallgateinthepark，shesawwalking，alittleaheadofher，ayounggirlwhomsheatoncerecognizedasaMissAmelyn，oneoftheguestsoftheeveningbefore。MissDesboroughrememberedthatsheplayedtheaccompanimentofoneortwosongsuponthepiano，andhadevenexecutedalongsoloduringthegeneralconversation，withoutattentionfromtheothers，andapparentlywithlittleirritationtoherself，subsidingafterwardsintoanarmchair，quiteonthefringeofotherpeople’sconversation。Shehadbeencalled"mydear"byoneortwodowagers，andbyherChristiannamebytheearl，andhadawayofimpalpablymeltingoutofsightattimes。ThesetriflesledMissDesboroughtoconcludethatshewassomekindofdependentorpoorrelation。Herewasanopportunitytobeginherworkof"doinggood。"ShequickenedherpaceandovertookMissAmelyn。
　　"Letmewalkwithyou，"shesaidgraciously。
　　TheyoungEnglishgirlsmiledassent，butlookedhersurpriseatseeingthecynosureoflastnight’seyesunattended。
　　"Oh，"saidSadie，answeringthemutequery，"Ididn’twanttobe’shownround’byanybody，andI’mnotgoingtoboreYOUwithaskingtoseesightseither。We’lljustwalktogether；whereverYOU’RE
　　goingisgoodenoughforme。"
　　"I’mgoingasfarasthevillage，"saidMissAmelyn，lookingdowndoubtfullyatSadie’ssmartFrenchshoes——"ifyoucaretowalksofar。"
　　Sadienoticedthathercompanionwasmoresolidlybooted，andthatherstraight，shortskirts，althoughlessstylishthanherown，hadacertaincharacter，betterfittedtothefreeroutdoorlifeofthecountry。Butsheonlysaid，however，"Thevillagewilldo，"andgaylytookhercompanion’sarm。
　　"ButI’mafraidyou’llfinditveryuninteresting，forIamgoingtovisitsomepoorcottages，"persistedMissAmelyn，withacertaintimidingenuousnessofmannerwhich，however，wasasdistinctasMissDesborough’sbolderfrankness。"Ipromisedtherector’sdaughtertotakeherplaceto-day。"
　　"AndIfeelasifIwasreadytopouroilandwinetoanyextent，"
　　saidMissDesborough，"socomealong！"
　　MissAmelynlaughed，andyetglancedaroundhertimidly，asifshethoughtthatMissDesboroughoughttohavealargerandmoreimportantaudience。Thenshecontinuedmoreconfidentiallyandboldly，"Butitisn’tatalllike’slumming，’youknow。Thesepoorpeopleherearenotverybad，andarenotatallextraordinary。"
　　"Nevermind，"saidSadie，hurryingheralong。Afterapauseshewenton，"YouknowthePrioryverywell，Iguess？"
　　"IlivedtherewhenIwasalittlegirl，withmyaunt，theDowagerLadyBeverdale，"saidMissAmelyn。"WhenmycousinFred，whowastheyoungheir，died，andthepresentLordBeverdalesucceeded，——HE
　　neverexpectedit，youknow，forthereweretwolives，histwoelderbrothers，besidespoorFred’s，between，buttheybothdied，——
　　wewenttoliveintheDowerHouse。"
　　"TheDowerHouse？"repeatedSadie。
　　"Yes，LadyBeverdale’sseparateproperty。"
　　"ButIthoughtallthisproperty——thePriory——cameintothefamilythroughHER。"
　　"Itdid——thiswastheAmelyns’place；buttheoldestsonornearestmaleheiralwayssucceedstothepropertyandtitle。"
　　"DoyoumeantosaythatthepresentLordBeverdaleturnedthatoldladyout？"
　　MissAmelynlookedshocked。"Imeantosay，"shesaidgravely，"LadyBeverdalewouldhavehadtogowhenherownsonbecameofage，hadhelived。"Shepaused，andthensaidtimidly，"Isn’titthatwayinAmerica？"
　　"Dearno！"MissDesboroughhadafaintrecollectionthattherewassomethingintheConstitutionortheDeclarationofIndependenceagainstprimogeniture。"No！themenhaven’titALLtheirownwayTHERE——notmuch！"
　　MissAmelynlookedasifshedidnotcaretodiscussthisproblem。
　　AfterafewmomentsSadiecontinued，"YouandLordAlgernonareprettyoldfriends，Iguess？"
　　"No，"repliedMissAmelyn。"HecameonceortwicetothePrioryfortheholidays，whenhewasquiteaboyatMarlborough——forthefamilyweren’tverywelloff，andhisfatherwasinIndia。Hewasaveryshyboy，andofcoursenooneeverthoughtofhimsucceeding。"
　　MissDesboroughfelthalfinclinedtobepleasedwiththis，andyethalfinclinedtoresentthispossiblesnubbingofherfuturehusband。Buttheywerenearingthevillage，andMissAmelynturnedtheconversationtotheobjectofhervisit。Itwasanewvillage——
　　anunhandsomevillage，forallthatitstoodnearoneofthegatesofthepark。Ithadbeengivenovertosomeminesthatwerestillworkedinitsvicinity，andtotherailway，whichtheuncleofthepresentearlhadresisted；buttherailwayhadtriumphed，andthestationforScroobyPriorywasthere。Therewasagrimchurch，ofablackenedorweather-beatenstone，onthehill，withafewgrimAmelynsreposingcross-leggedinthechancel，butthecharacterofthevillagewasasdifferentfromthePrioryasifitwereinanothercounty。Theystoppedattherectory，whereMissAmelynprovidedherselfwithcertaindolesandgifts，whichtheAmericangirlwouldhaveaugmentedwithafive-poundnotebutforMissAmelyn’shorrifiedconcern。"Asmanyshillingswoulddo，andtheywouldbeasgrateful，"shesaid。"Moretheywouldn’tunderstand。"
　　"Thenkeepit，anddoleitoutasyoulike，"saidSadiequickly。
　　"ButIdon’tthinkthat——thatLordBeverdalewouldquiteapprove，"
　　hesitatedMissAmelyn。
　　Theprettybrowofhercompanionknit，andhergrayeyesflashedvivaciously。"WhathasHEtodowithit？"shesaidpertly；
　　"besides，yousaythesearenotHISpoor。Takethatfive-poundnote——or——I’llDOUBLEit，getitchangedintosovereignsatthestation，andhand’emroundtoeveryman，woman，andchild。"
　　MissAmelynhesitated。TheAmericangirllookedcapableofdoingwhatshesaid；perhapsitwasanationalwayofalmsgiving！Shetookthenote，withthementalreservationofmakingafullconfessiontotherectorandLordBeverdale。
　　ShewasrightinsayingthatthepoorofScroobyvillagewerenotinteresting。Therewasverylittlesqualorordegradation；theirpovertyseemednotadescent，butaconditiontowhichtheyhadbeenborn；thefaceswhichSadiesawweredulledandapatheticratherthansullenorrebellious；theystoodupwhenMissAmelynentered，payingHERthedeference，buttakinglittlenoteoftheprettybutterflywhowaswithher，orrathersubmittingtoherfrankcuriositywiththatdullconsentofthepoor，asiftheyhadlosteventhesenseofprivacy，orarighttorespect。ItseemedtotheAmericangirlthattheirpovertywasmoreindicatedbywhattheywereSATISFIEDwiththanwhatshethoughttheyMISSED。ItistobefearedthatthisdidnotaddtoSadie’ssympathy；allthebeggarsshehadseeninAmericawantedalltheycouldget，andshefeltasifshewereconfrontedwithaninferioranimal。
　　"There’sawonderfuloldmanliveshere，"saidMissAmelyn，astheyhaltedbeforeastoneandthatchcottagequiteontheoutskirtsofthevillage。"Wecan’tcallhimoneofourpoor，forhestillworks，althoughovereighty，andit’shispridetokeepoutofthepoorhouse，and，ashecallsit，’off’thehandsofhisgranddaughters。ButwemanagetodosomethingforTHEM，andwehopeheprofitsbyit。OneofthemisatthePriory；they’retryingtomakeamaidofher，butherqueeraccent——they’refromthenorth——isagainstherwiththeservants。Iamafraidwewon’tseeoldDebs，forhe’satworkagainto-day，thoughthedoctorhaswarnedhim。"
　　"Debs！Whatafunnyname！"
　　"Yes，butasmanyofthesepeoplecannotreadorwrite，thenameiscarriedbytheear，andnotalwayscorrectly。Someoftherailwaynavvies，whocomefromthenorthashedoes，callhim’Debbers。’"
　　Theywereobligedtodescendintothecottage，whichwassolowthatitseemedtohavesunkintotheearthuntilitsdroopingeavesofthatchmingledwiththestrawheapbesideit。Debswasnotathome。Buthisgranddaughterwasthere，who，afterapreliminary"bob，"continuedthestirringofthepotbeforethefireintentativesilence。
　　"Iamsorrytofindthatyourgrandfatherhasgonetoworkagaininspiteofthedoctor’sorders，"saidMissAmelyn。
　　Thegirlcontinuedtostirthepot，andthensaidwithoutlookingup，butasifalsocontinuingatrainofaggressivethoughtswithheroccupation："Eay，but’e’ssosetoopin’issen’eedoan’ttakeordersfromnobbut——leastwaysdoctor。Moinds’emnowmoornorafloy。Says’eeknawstherenowtwrongwi’’is’eart。Moutberoight——how’siver，sartensewer，’is’EAD’Sa’inamuddle！Toims’eegoesoffstamrin’andstarin’atnowt，asif’eea’ntan’aportho’sense。How’siverIbedoingmydutyby’em——and’ere’s’isporritchwhena’cooms——’gina’besickormaad。"
　　WhattheAmericanunderstoodofthegirl’sspeechandmannerstruckherashavingverylittlesympathywitheitherheragedrelativeorherpresentvisitor。AndtherewasacertaindoggedselfishindependenceaboutherthatMissDesboroughhalflikedandhalfresented。However，MissAmelyndidnotseemtonoticeit，and，afterleavingabottleofportforthegrandfather，shetookherleaveandledSadieaway。Astheypassedintothevillageacarriage，returningtothePriory，filledwiththeirfellowguests，dashedby，butwasinstantlypulledupatawordfromLordAlgernon，wholeapedfromthevehicle，hatinhand，andimploredthefairtruantandhercompaniontojointhem。
　　"We’rejustmakingatouraroundWindoverHill，andbacktoluncheon，"hesaid，witharisingcolor。"Wemissedyouawfully！
　　Ifwehadknownyouweresokeenon’goodworks，’andsoearlyatit，byJove！we’dhavegotupa’slummin’party，’andalljoined！"
　　"Andyouhaven’tseenhalf，"saidLordBeverdalefromthebox。
　　"MissAmelyn’stoopartialtothevillage。There’sanolddrunkenretiredpoachersomewhereinahutinCrawleyWoods，whomit’sdeathtoapproach，exceptwithalargeparty。There’smalignantdiphtheriaoverattheSouthFarm，eightdownwithmeaslesatthekeeper’s，andanoldwomanwhohasbeenbedriddenforyears。"
　　ButMissDesboroughwasadamant，thoughsparkling。Shethankedhim，butsaidshehadjustseenanoldwoman"whohadbeenlyinginbedfortwentyyears，andhadn’tspokenthetruthonce！"Sheproposed"goingoutsideofLordBeverdale’sownpreservesofgrain-
　　fedpoor，"andstartingupherowngame。Shewouldreturnintimeforluncheon——ifshecould；ifnot，she"shouldannexthegruelofthefirstkindincapableshemet。"
　　Yet，actually，shewasfarfromdispleasedatbeingaccidentallydiscoveredbythesepeoplewhilefollowingouthercapriciouswhimofthemorning。Oneortwoelderladies，whohadfoughtshyofherfrocksandherfranknesstheeveningbefore，werequitetouchednowbythisbutterflywhowaswillingtoforegothesunlightofsociety，andsoilherprettywingsonthehauntsoftheimpoverished，withonlyasinglecompanion，——ofherownsex！——andsmiledapprovingly。
　　Andinherpresentstateofmind，rememberinghercompanion’stimidattitudetowardsLordBeverdale’sopinions，shewasnotaboveadministeringthisslightsnubtohiminherpresence。
　　Whentheyhaddrivenaway，withmanyregrets，MissAmelynwasdeeplyconcerned。"Iamafraid，"shesaid，withtimidconscientiousness，"Ihavekeptyoufromgoingwiththem。Andyoumustbeboredwithwhatyouhaveseen，Iknow。Idon’tbelieveyoureallycareonebitforit——andyouareonlydoingittopleaseme。"
　　"Trotouttherestofyourshow，"saidSadiepromptly，"andwe’llwindupbylunchingwiththerector。"
　　"He’dbetoodelighted，"saidMissAmelyn，withdisasterwrittenalloverhergirlish，truthfulface，"but——but——youknow——itreallywouldn’tbequiterighttoLordBeverdale。You’rehisprincipalguest——youknow，and——they’dthinkIhadtakenyouoff。"
　　"Well，"saidMissDesboroughimpetuously，"what’sthematterwiththatinn——theRedLion？Wecangetasandwichthere，Iguess。I’mnotVERYhungry。"
　　MissAmelynlookedhorrifiedforamoment，andthenlaughed；butimmediatelybecameconcernedagain。"No！listentome，REALLYnow！
　　Letmefinishmyroundalone！You’llhaveampletimeifyougoNOW
　　toreachthePrioryforluncheon。Do，please！Itwouldbeeversomuchbetterforeverybody。Ifeelquiteguiltyasitis，andI
　　supposeIamalreadyinLordBeverdale’sblackbooks。"
　　Thetroubleintheyounggirl’sfacewasunmistakable，andasitsuitedMissDesborough’spurposejustaswelltoshowherindependencebyreturning，asshehadsetout，alone，sheconsentedtogo。MissAmelynshowedherashortcutacrossthepark，andtheyseparated——tomeetatdinner。Inthisbrieffellowship，theAmericangirlhadkeptacertainsupremacyandhalf-fascinationovertheEnglishgirl，evenwhileshewasconsciousofaninvinciblecharacterinMissAmelynentirelydifferentfromandsuperiortoherown。Certainlytherewasadifferenceinthetwopeoples。WhyelsethisinheritedconscientiousreverenceforLordBeverdale’sposition，shownbyMissAmelyn，whichshe，anAmericanalivetoitspracticalbenefits，couldnotunderstand？WouldMissAmelynandLordAlgernonhavemadeabettermatch？Thethoughtirritatedher，evenwhilesheknewthatsheherselfpossessedtheyoungman’saffections，thepowertomarryhim，and，asshebelieved，keptherownindependenceinthematter。
　　Assheenteredtheirongatesatthelowerendofthepark，andglancedattheinterwovencipherandcrestoftheAmelynsstillabove，shewasconsciousthatthewindwasblowingmorechill，andthatafewcloudshadgathered。Asshewalkedondownthelongwindingavenue，theskybecameovercast，and，inoneofthosestrangecontrastsoftheEnglishclimate，thegloryofthewholedaywentoutwiththesunshine。Thewoodssuddenlybecamewrinkledandgray，thedistanthillssombre，theveryEnglishturfbeneathherfeetgrewbrown；amileandahalfaway，throughtheopeningofthetrees，thewestpartofthePriorylookedacrumbling，ivy-
　　eatenruin。Afewdropsofrainfell。Shehurriedon。Suddenlysherememberedthattheavenuemadealongcircuitbeforeapproachingthehouse，andthatitslowerend，whereshewaswalking，wasbutafringeofthepark。ConsequentlytheremustbeashortcutacrosssomefieldsandfarmbuildingstothebackoftheparkandthePriory。Sheatoncedivergedtotheright，presentlyfoundalowfence，whichsheclamberedover，andagainfoundafootpathwhichledtoastile。Crossingthat，shecouldseethefootpathnowleddirectlytothePriory，——nowagrimandausterelookingpileinthesuddenlydejectedlandscape，——andthatitwasprobablyusedonlybytheservantsandfarmers。Agustofwindbroughtsomeswiftneedlesofraintohercheek；shecouldseethesadhillsbeyondthePrioryalreadyveilingtheirfaces；shegatheredherskirtsandran。Thenextfieldwasalongone，butbesidethefurtherstilewasasmallclumpoftrees，theonlyonesbetweenherandthepark。Hurryingontothatshelter，shesawthatthestilewasalreadyoccupiedbyatallbutbentfigure，holdingalongstickinhishand，whichgavehimtheappearance，againstthehorizon，ofthefigureofTimeleaningonhisscythe。
　　Asshecamenearershesawitwas，indeed，anoldman，halfrestingonhisrake。Hewasveryruggedandweather-beaten，andalthoughneartheshelterofthetrees，apparentlyunmindfuloftherainthatwasfallingonhisbaldhead，andthelimpcaphewasholdinguselesslyinonehand。Hewasstaringather，yetapparentlyunconsciousofherpresence。Asuddeninstinctcameuponher——itwas"Debs"！
　　Shewentdirectlyuptohim，andwiththatfrankcommonsensewhichordinarilydistinguishedher，tookhiscapfromhishandandputitonhishead，graspedhisarmfirmly，andledhimtotheshelterofthetree。Thenshewipedtheraindropsfromhisfacewithherhandkerchief，shookoutherowndressandherwetparasol，and，proppinghercompanionagainstthetree，said：——
　　"There，Mr。Debs！I’veheardofpeoplewhodidn’tknowenoughtocomeinwhenitrained，butInevermetonebefore。"
　　Theoldmanstarted，liftedhishairy，sinewyarm，baredtotheelbow，andwipedhisbarethroatwiththedrysideofit。Thenalookofintelligence——albeithalfaggressive——cameintohisface。
　　"Wheerbeestthagoing？"heasked。
　　SomethinginhisvoicestruckSadielikeavagueecho。Perhapsitwasonlythequeerdialect——orsomeresemblancetohisgranddaughter’svoice。Shelookedathimalittlemorecloselyasshesaid：——
　　"TothePriory。"
　　"Whaat？"
　　Shepointedwithherparasoltothegraypileinthedistance。Itwaspossiblethatthisdementedpeasantdidn’tevenUNDERSTAND
　　English。
　　"Thehall。Oh，ay！"Suddenlyhisbrowsknitominouslyashefacedher。"An’wassistthadoin’drestoopinthisfoinery？Wheergettisttheethatgoawn？Thissen，orthymaester？Nowtevenanapron，fitforthywarkasmaaidatserviss；an’parsonagettin’
　　thaplaaceatHall！Sothou’ltbehighandmoitywilltha！thou’ltnotwalkwi’maaids，buttraipsebythissenlikeaslutinthetoon——dangtha！"
　　AlthoughitwasplaintoSadiethattheoldman，inhiswanderingperception，hadmistakenherforhisgranddaughterinserviceatthePriory，therewasstillenoughrudenessinhisspeechforhertohaveresentedit。But，strangetosay，therewasakindofauthorityinitthattouchedherwithanuneasinessandrepulsionthatwasstrongerthananyotherfeeling。"Ithinkyouhavemistakenmeforsomeoneelse，"shesaidhurriedly，yetwonderingwhyshehadadmittedit，andevenirritatedattheadmission。"I
　　amastrangerhere，avisitoratthePriory。IcalledwithMissAmelynatyourcottage，andsawyourothergranddaughter；that’showIknewyourname。"
　　Theoldman’sfacechanged。Asad，senilesmileofhopelessbewildermentcreptintohishardmouth；hepluckedhislimpcapfromhisheadandletithangsubmissivelyinhisfingers，asifitwerehissoleapology。Thenhetriedtostraightenhimself，andsaid，"Nawoffins，miss，nawoffins！Ifthaknawsmeatha’llknawI’mgrandfeythertotwogallsasmoightbethaowernage；tha’lltell’eethatoldDebsathaatyyears’aswarkedandniverlostadayasmanorboy；hasnivercoomeoopen’emforn’aporth。An’
　　’e’llkeepouto’warkustillhedoy。An’’ee’sputbyenowtobywi’hisownfeythersinLanksheer，an’notliggenaloaneinparson’schoorchyard。"
　　Itwaspartofheruneasinessthat，scarcelyunderstandingor，indeed，feelinganyinterestinthesemaunderingdetails，shestillseemedtohaveanoddcomprehensionofhischaracterandsomereminiscentknowledgeofhim，asifsheweregoingthroughtherepetitionofsomeunpleasantdream。Evenhiswrinkledfacewasbecomingfamiliartoher。Someweirdattractionwasholdingher；
　　shewantedtogetawayfromitasmuchasshewantedtoanalyzeit。
　　Sheglancedostentatiouslyatthesky，preparedtoopenherparasol，andbegantoedgecautiouslyaway。
　　"Thenthabeantfromthesepearts？"hesaidsuddenly。
　　"No，no，"shesaidquicklyandemphatically，——"no，I’manAmerican。"
　　Theoldmanstartedandmovedtowardsher，eagerly，hiskeeneyesbreakingthroughthefilmthatattimesobscuredthem。"’Merrikan！
　　thabaist’Merrikan？ThenthaknawsmasonJohn，’eewarnowtbutabairnwhenbretherDicktookunto’Merriky！Naw！Now！thatworfiftyyearssen！——niverwroatetohisoldfeyther——nivercoomedback，’Eewortall-loike，an’theasaid’efeavoredmea。"Hestopped，threwuphishead，andwithhisskinnyfingersdrewbackhislong，stragglinglocksfromhissunkencheeks，andstaredinherface。Thequicktransitionoffascination，repulsion，shock，andindefinableapprehensionmadeherlaughhysterically。Toherterrorhejoinedinit，andeagerlyclaspedherwrists。"Eh，lass！
　　thaknawsJohn——thacoomesfromuntoolegrandfeyther。Who-rr-u！
　　Eay！butthatho’ttofoolmea，didtha，lass？Whoy，Iknoawedthavoice，fora’thafoinepeacockfeathers。SothabeJohn’sgellcoomfromAmeriky。Dear！adear！Coomneaur，lass！let’sseewhattha’sloike。Eh，butthou’ltkissthagrandfather，sewerly？"
　　Awildterrorandundefinedconsternationhadcompletelyoverpoweredher！Butshemadeadesperateefforttofreeherwrists，andburstoutmadly：——
　　"Letmego！Howdareyou！Idon’tknowyouoryours！I’mnothingtoyouoryourkin！MynameisDesborough——doyouunderstand——doyouhearme，Mr。Debs？——DESBOROUGH！"
　　Atthewordtheoldman’sfingersstiffenedlikesteelaroundherwrists，asheturneduponherahard，invincibleface。
　　"Sothou’ltcallthissenDes-borough，wilttha？Letmetelltha，then，that’Debs，’’Debban，’’Debbrook，’and’Des-borough’areallaseame！Ay！thyfeytherandthyfeyther’sfeyther！Thou’ltbeaDes-borough，willtha？Dangtha！andlookdoononthakin，anddressthisseninsilkso’shame！Tell’eethou’rtanass，gell！
　　Don’tthahear？Anass！forallthabeanJohn’sbairn！Anass！
　　that’swhatthabeast！"
　　Withflashingeyesandburningcheeksshemadeonemoresupremeeffort，liftingherarms，freeingherwrists，andthrowingtheoldmanstaggeringfromher。Thensheleapedthestile，turned，andfledthroughtherain。Butbeforeshereachedtheendofthefieldshestopped！Shehadfreedherself——shewasstrongerthanhe——whathadshetofear？Hewascrazy！Yes，heMUSTbecrazy，andhehadinsultedher，buthewasanoldman——andGodknowswhat！Herheartwasbeatingrapidly，herbreathwashurried，butsheranbacktothestile。
　　Hewasnotthere。Thefieldslopedawayoneithersideofit。Butshecoulddistinguishnothinginthepouringrainabovethewind-
　　sweptmeadow。Hemusthavegonehome。RelievedforamomentsheturnedandhurriedontowardsthePriory。
　　Butateverystepshewasfollowed，notbytheoldman’spresence，butbywhathehadsaidtoher，whichshecouldnotshakeoffasshehadshakenoffhisdetainingfingers。Wasittheravingsofinsanity，orhadshestumbledunwittinglyuponsomesecret——wasitafterallaSECRET？Perhapsitwassomethingtheyallknew，orwouldknowlater。Andshehadcomedownhereforthis。Forbackofherindignation，backevenofherdisbeliefinhisinsanity，therewasanawfulsenseoftruth！Thenameshehadflungout，of"Debs，""Debban，"and"Debbrook"nowflasheduponherassomethingshehadseenbefore，buthadnotunderstood。Untilshesatisfiedherselfofthis，shefeltshecouldnotliveorbreathe！SheloathedthePriory，withitsaustereexclusiveness，asitrosebeforeher；shewishedshehadneverenteredit；butitcontainedthatwhichshemustknow，andknowatonce！Sheenteredthenearestdoorandranupthegrandstaircase。Herflushedfaceanddisorderedappearancewereeasilyaccountedforbyherexposuretothesuddenstorm。Shewenttoherbedroom，senthermaidtoanotherroomtoprepareachangeofdress，andsinkingdownbeforehertraveling-desk，gropedforadocument。Ah！thereitwas——theexpensivetoythatshehadplayedwith！Shehastilyranoveritsleavestothepageshealreadyremembered。Andthere，amongthedashesandperpendicularlinesshehadjestedoverlastnight，onwhichshehadthoughtwasacollateralbranchoftheline，stoodherfather’snameandthatofRichard，hisuncle，withthebracketednoteinredink，"seeDebbrook，Daybrook，Debbers，andDebs。"Yes！thisgaunt，half-crazy，overworkedpeasant，contenttorakethedeadleavesbeforetherollingchariotsoftheBeverdales，washergrandfather；thatpoorlycladgirlinthecottage，andeventhemenialinthesculleryofthisveryhousethatmightbeHERS，wereherCOUSINS！Sheburstintoalaugh，andthenrefoldedthedocumentandputitaway。
　　Atluncheonshewasradiantandsparkling。Herdrenchedclotheswereanexcuseforanewandravishingtoilette。Shehadneverlookedsobeautifulbefore，andsignificantglanceswereexchangedbetweensomeoftheguests，whobelievedthattheexpectedproposalhadalreadycome。Butthosewhowereofthecarriagepartyknewotherwise，andofLordAlgernon’sdisappointment。LordBeverdalecontentedhimselfwithrallyinghisfairguestonthebecomingnessof"goodworks。"Buthecontinued，"You’reofferingadreadfulexampletotheseladies，MissDesborough，andIknowIshallneverhereafterbeabletocontentthemwithanyfrivolousmorningamusementatthePriory。Formyself，whenIamgrowngoutyandhideous，IknowIshallbloomagainasadistrictvisitor。"
　　YetunderthissurfacesparkleandnervousexaltationSadieneverlostconsciousnessofthegravityofthesituation。Ifhersenseofhumorenabledhertoseeonesideofitsgrimirony；ifsheexperiencedawickedsatisfactioninacceptingtheadmirationandeasyconfidenceofthehigh-bornguests，knowingthathercousinhadassistedinpreparingthemealtheywereeating，shehadneverlostsightofthepracticaleffectofthediscoveryshehadmade。
　　Andshehadcometoafinalresolution。SheshouldleavethePrioryatonce，andabandonallideaofamatrimonialalliancewithitsheir！Inconsistentasthismightseemtoherselfish，worldlynature，itwasneverthelessinkeepingwithacertainprideandindependencethatwasinherblood。ShedidnotloveLordAlgernon，neitherdidshelovehergrandfather；shewasequallywillingtosacrificeeitherorboth；sheknewthatneitherLordAlgernonnorhisfatherwouldmakeherconnectionsanobjection，howevertheymightwishtokeepthefactasecret，orotherwisedisposeofthembypensionsoremigration，butshecouldnotbeartoKNOWITHERSELF！ShenevercouldbehappyasthemistressofScroobyPriorywiththatknowledge；shedidnotidealizeitasaprinciple！Carefullyweighingitbyherownpracticalcommonsense，shesaidtoherselfthat"itwouldn’tpay。"Thehighestindependenceisoftenakintothelowestselfishness；shedidnotdreamthatthesamepridewhichkepthergrandfatherfromtheworkhouseandsupportbyhisdaughters，andhadevenkepthimfromcommunicatingwithhisownson，nowkeptherfromacknowledgingthem，evenforthegiftofatitleanddomain。Therewasonlyonequestionbeforeher：shouldshestaylongenoughtoreceivetheproposalofLordAlgernon，andthendeclineit？Whyshouldshenotsnatchthatsinglefemininejoyoutoftheashesofherburnt-upillusion？Sheknewthatanopportunitywouldbeofferedthatafternoon。ThepartyweretotaketeaatBroxbyHall，andLordAlgernonwastodriveherthereinhisdogcart。MissDesboroughhadgoneuptoherbedroomtoputonawarmercloak，andhadrungtwiceorthriceimpatientlyforhermaid。
　　Whenthegirlmadeherappearance，apologetic，voluble，andexcited，MissDesboroughscarcelylistenedtoherexcuses，untilasinglewordsuddenlyarrestedherattention。Itwas"oldDebs。"
　　"WhatAREyoutalkingabout？"saidSadie，pausingintheadjustmentofherhatonherbrownhair。
　　"OldDebs，miss，——that’swhattheycallhim；anoldpark-keeper，justfounddeadinapoolofwaterinthefields；thegrandfatherofoneoftheservantshere；andthere’ssuchanexcitementintheservants’hall。Thegentlemenallknewit，too，forIheardLordAlgernonsaythathewaslookingveryqueerlately，andmighthavehadafit；andLordBeverdalehassentwordtothecoroner。Andonlythink，thepeopleherearesuchfoolsthattheydaren’ttouchormovethepoorman，andhimlyin’thereintherainallthetime，untilthecoronercomes！"
　　MissDesboroughhadbeensteadilyregardingherselfintheglasstoseeifshehadturnedpale。Shehad。Shesetherteethtogetheruntilthecolorpartlyreturned。Butshekeptherfaceawayfromthemaid。"That’lldo，"shesaidquietly。"Youcantellmealllater。Ihavesomeimportantnewsmyself，andImaynotgooutafterall。Iwantyoutotakeanoteforme。"Shewenttohertable，wrotealineinpencil，foldedit，scribbledanaddressuponit，handedittothegirl，andgentlypushedherfromtheroom……
　　Theconsulwaslingeringontheterracebesideoneofthecarriages；atalittledistanceagroomwasholdingthenervousthoroughbredofLordAlgernon’sdog-cart。Suddenlyhefeltatouchonhisshoulder，andMissDesborough’smaidputanoteinhishand。
　　Itcontainedonlyaline：——
　　Pleasecomeandseemeinthelibrary，butwithoutmakinganyfussaboutit——atonce。S。D。
　　Theconsulglancedaroundhim；noonehadapparentlynoticedtheincident。Heslippedbackintothehouseandmadehiswaytothelibrary。Itwasalonggallery；atthefurtherendMissDesboroughstoodcloaked，veiled，andcoquettishlyhatted。Shewaslookingverybeautifulandanimated。"Iwantyoutopleasedomeagreatfavor，"shesaid，withanadorablesmile，"asyourowncountrywoman，youknow——forthesakeofFourthofJulyandPumpkinPieandtheOldFlag！Idon’twanttogotothiscircusto-day。Iamgoingtoleavehereto-night！Iam！HonestInjin！IwantYOUtomanageit。
　　Iwantyoutosaythatasconsulyou’vereceivedimportantnewsforme：thedeathofsomerelative，ifyoulike；orbetter，somethingAFFECTINGMYPROPERTY，youknow，"withalittlesatiricallaugh。
　　"Iguessthatwouldfetch’em！Sogoatonce。"
　　"Butreally，MissDesborough，doletustalkthisoverbeforeyoudecide！"imploredthebewilderedconsul。"Thinkwhatadisappointmenttoyourhostandtheseladies。LordAlgernonexpectstodriveyouthere；heisalreadywaiting！Thepartywasgotupforyou！"MissDesboroughmadeaslightgrimace。"Imeanyououghttosacrificesomething——butItrustthereisreallynothingserious——tothem！"
　　"IfYOUdonotspeaktothem，Iwill！"saidMissDesboroughfirmly。
　　"IfyousaywhatItellyou，itwillcomethemoreplausiblyfromyou。Come！Mymindismadeup。Oneofusmustbreakthenews！
　　ShallitbeyouorI？"Shedrewhercloakoverhershouldersandmadeastepforwards。
　　Theconsulsawshewasdetermined。"ThenwaitheretillIreturn，butkeepyourselfoutofsight，"hesaid，andhurriedaway。
　　Betweenthelibraryandtheterraceheconceivedaplan。Hisperplexitylenthimaseriousnesswhichbefittedthegravityofthenewshehadtodisclose。"Iamsorrytohavetotellyou，"hesaid，takingLordBeverdaleaside，"thatIwastheunluckybearerofsomesadnewstoMissDesboroughthismorning，throughmyconsularletters——somematterconcerningthedeathofarelationofhers，andsomewearisomequestionofproperty。Ithoughtthatitwasoflittleimportance，andthatshewouldnottakeitseriously，butIfindIwasmistaken。ItmayevenobligehertocatchtheLondontrainto-night。Ipromisedtomakeherexcusestoyouforthepresent，andI’mafraidImustaddmyowntothem，asshewishesmetostayandadviseherinthismatter，whichrequiressomepromptaction。"
　　MissDesboroughwasright：themagicword"property"changedtheslightannoyanceontheearl’sfacetoasympatheticconcern。
　　"Dearme！Itrustitisnothingreallyserious，"hesaid。"Ofcourse，youwilladviseher，and，bytheway，ifmysolicitor，Withers，who’llbehereto-morrow，candoanything，youknow，callhimin。Ihopeshe’llbeabletoseemelater。ItcouldnotbeaNEARrelationwhodied，Ifancy；shehasnobrothersorsisters，I
　　understand。"
　　"Acousin，Ithink；anoldfriend，"saidtheconsulhastily。HeheardLordBeverdalesayafewwordstohiscompanions，sawwithatingeofremorseacloudsettleuponLordAlgernon’sfreshface，asheappealedinawhispertooldLadyMesthyn，wholeanedforwardfromthecarriage，andsaid，"IfthedearchildthoughtIcouldbeofanyservice，Ishouldonlybetoogladtostaywithher。"
　　"IknewshewouldappreciateLadyMesthyn’ssympathy，"saidtheingeniousconsulquickly，"butIreallythinkthequestionismoreabusinessone——and"——
　　"Ah，yes，"saidtheoldlady，shakingherhead，"it’sdreadful，ofcourse，butwemustallthinkofTHAT！"
　　Asthecarriagedroveaway，theconsulhurriedbackalittleviciouslytohisfaircountrywoman。"There！"hesaid，"Ihavedoneit！IfIhavemanagedtoconveyeithertheideathatyouareapennilessorphan，orthatIhaveofficialinformationthatyouaresuspectedofadynamiteconspiracy，don’tblameme！Andnow，"hesaid，"asIhaveexcusedmyselfonthegroundthatImustdevotemyselftothisdreadfulbusinessofyours，perhapsyou’lltellmeWHATitreallyis。"
　　"Notawordmore，"saidMissDesborough；"except，"sheadded，——
　　checkinghersmilewithawearygesture，——"exceptthatIwanttoleavethisdreadfulplaceatonce！There！don’taskmeanymore！"
　　Therecouldbenodoubtofthegirl’ssincerity。Norwasittheextravagantcapriceofapettedidol。Whathadhappened？Hemighthavebelievedinalovers’quarrel，butheknewthatsheandLordAlgernoncouldhavehadnoprivateinterviewthatevening。Hemustperforceaccepthersilence，yethecouldnothelpsaying：——
　　"Youseemedtoliketheplacesomuchlastnight。Isay，youhaven’tseenthePrioryghost，haveyou？"
　　"ThePrioryghost，"shesaidquickly。"What’sthat？"
　　"Theoldmonkwhopassesthroughthecloisterswiththesacredoil，thebell，andthesmellofincensewheneveranyoneistodiehere。
　　ByJove！itwouldhavebeenagoodstorytotellinsteadofthiscock-and-bulloneaboutyourproperty。AndthereWASadeathhereto-day。You’dhaveaddedthesibyl’sgiftstoyourothercharms。"
　　"Tellmeaboutthatoldman，"shesaid，lookingpasthimoutofthewindow。"Iwasathiscottagethismorning。But，no！firstletusgoout。Youcantakemeforawalk，ifyoulike。YouseeIamallready，andI’mjuststiflinghere。"
　　Theydescendedtotheterracetogether。"Wherewouldyouliketogo？"heasked。
　　"Tothevillage。Imaywanttotelegraph，youknow。"
　　Theyturnedintotheavenue，butMissDesboroughstopped。
　　"Istherenotashortercutacrossthefields，"sheasked，"overthere？"
　　"Thereis，"saidtheconsul。
　　Theybothturnedintothefootpathwhichledtothefarmandstile。
　　Afterapauseshesaid，"Didyouevertalkwiththatpooroldman？"
　　"No。"
　　"Thenyoudon’tknowifhereallywascrazy，astheythink。"
　　"No。Buttheymayhavethoughtanoldman’sforgetfulnessofpresentthingsandhishabitofcommuningwiththepastwasinsanity。Forallthathewasaplucky，independentoldfellow，withagrimpurposethatwascertainlyrational。"
　　"Isupposeinhisindependencehewouldnothavetakenfavorsfromthesepeople，oranybody？"
　　"Ishouldthinknot。"
　　"Don’tyouthinkitwasjusthorrid——theirleavinghimaloneintherain，whenhemighthavebeenonlyinafit？"
　　"Thedoctorsayshediedsuddenlyofheartdisease，"saidtheconsul。"Itmighthavehappenedatanymomentandwithoutwarning。"
　　"Ah，thatwasthecoroner’sverdict，then，"saidMissDesboroughquickly。
　　"ThecoronerdidnotthinkitnecessarytohaveanyinquestafterLordBeverdale’sstatement。Itwouldn’thavebeenveryjoyousforthePrioryparty。AndIdaresayhethoughtitmightnotbeverycheerfulforYOU。"
　　"Howverykind！"saidtheyounggirl，withaquicklaugh。"Butdoyouknowthatit’sabouttheonlythinghuman，original，andstrikingthathashappenedinthisplacesinceI’vebeenhere！Andsounexpected，consideringhowcomfortablyeverythingisorderedherebeforehand。"
　　"Yetyouseemedtolikethatkindofthingverywell，lastevening，"
　　saidtheconsulmischievously。
　　"Thatwaslastnight，"retortedMissDesborough；"andyouknowtheline，’Colorsseenbycandlelightdonotlookthesamebyday。’
　　ButI’mgoingtobeveryconsistentto-day，forIintendtogoovertothatpoorman’scottageagain，andseeifIcanbeofanyservice。Willyougowithme？"
　　"Certainly，"saidtheconsul，mystifiedbyhiscompanion’sextraordinaryconduct，yetapparentcoolnessofpurpose，andhopingforsomefurtherexplanation。Wassheonlyaninexperiencedflirtwhohadfoundherselfonthepointofaseriousentanglementshehadnotcontemplated？Yeteventhenheknewshewascleverenoughtoextricateherselfinsomeotherwaythanthisabruptandbrutaltearingthroughthemeshes。Orwasitpossiblethatshereallyhadanyintelligenceaffectingherproperty？HereflectedthatheknewverylittleoftheDesboroughs，butontheotherhandheknewthatBeverdaleknewthemmuchbetter，andwasaprudentman。Hehadnorighttodemandherconfidenceasarewardforhissecrecy；hemustwaitherpleasure。Perhapsshewouldstillexplain；womenseldomcouldresistthetriumphoftellingthesecretthatpuzzledothers。
　　WhentheyreachedthevillageshehaltedbeforethelowroofofDebs’scottage。"Ihadbettergoinfirst，"shesaid；"youcancomeinlater，andinthemeantimeyoumightgotothestationformeandfindouttheexacttimethattheexpresstrainleavesforthenorth。"
　　"But，"saidtheastonishedconsul，"IthoughtyouweregoingtoLondon？"
　　"No，"saidMissDesboroughquietly，"IamgoingtojoinsomefriendsatHarrogate。"
　　"Butthattraingoesmuchearlierthanthetrainsouth，and——andI’mafraidLordBeverdalewillnothavereturnedsosoon。"
　　"Howsad！"saidMissDesborough，withafaintsmile，"butwemustbearupunderit，and——I’llwritehim。Iwillbehereuntilyoureturn。"
　　Sheturnedawayandenteredthecottage。Thegranddaughtershehadalreadyseenandhersister，theservantatthePriory，werebothchattingcomfortably，butceasedassheentered，andbothrosewithawkwardrespect。Therewaslittletosuggestthatthebodyoftheirgrandfather，alreadyinaroughoakshell，waslyingupontrestlesbesidethem。
　　"Youhavecarriedoutmyorders，Isee，"saidMissDesborough，layingdownherparasol。
　　"Ay，miss；butitwasmainhaardgettin’etdooansosoon，andetcooast"——
　　"Nevermindthecost。I’vegivenyoumoneyenough，Ithink，andifIhaven’t，IguessIcangiveyoumore。"
　　"Ay，miss！Abbutthepa’son’eadgi’unafuneralfornowt。"
　　"ButIunderstoodyoutosay，"saidMissDesborough，withanimpatientflashofeye，"thatyourgrandfatherwishedtobeburiedwithhiskindredinthenorth？"
　　"Ay，miss，"saidthegirlapologetically，"annaw’eessavitth’
　　munny。Abbute’dbeantickled’ad’eeknowedit！Dear！dear！’eeniverthowtet’udbegi’enbystrangeran’not’esowntfammaly。"
　　"Forallthat，youneedn’ttellanybodyitwasgivenbyME，"saidMissDesborough。"Andyou’llbesuretobereadytotakethetrainthisafternoon——withoutdelay。"TherewasacertainperemptorinessinhervoiceveryunlikeMissAmelyn’s，yetapparentlymuchmoreeffectivewiththegranddaughter。
　　"Ay，miss。Then，iftha’llexcoosemea，I’llgostreightto’ooryoopsexten。"
　　Shebustledaway。"Now，"saidMissDesborough，turningtotheothergirl，"Ishalltakethesametrain，andwillprobablyseeyouontheplatformatYorktogivemyfinaldirections。That’sall。
　　Goandseeifthegentlemanwhocamewithmehasreturnedfromthestation。"
　　Thegirlobeyed。Leftentirelyalone，MissDesboroughglancedaroundtheroom，andthenwentquietlyuptotheunliddedcoffin。