"Shehasonlyfainted，"saidMr。McClosky。"Jinnydear，mygirl，speaktome！"
　　"Whatisthisonherdress？"saidRidgeway，kneelingbesideher，andliftinghissetandcolorlessface。Atthesoundofhisvoice，thecolorcamefaintlybacktohercheek：sheopenedhereyes，andsmiled。
　　"It’sonlyyourblood，dearboy，"shesaid；"butlookalittledeeper，andyou’llfindmyown。"
　　Sheputuphertwoyearninghands，anddrewhisfaceandlipsdowntoherown。WhenRidgewayraisedhisheadagain，hereyeswereclosed；buthermouthstillsmiledaswiththememoryofakiss。
　　Theyborehertothehouse，stillbreathing，butunconscious。Thatnighttheroadwasfilledwithclatteringhorsemen；andthesummonedskillofthecountrysideforleaguesawaygatheredathercouch。Thewound，theysaid，wasnotessentiallydangerous；buttheyhadgravefearsoftheshocktoasystemthatalreadyseemedsufferingfromsomestrangeandunaccountablenervousexhaustion。
　　ThebestmedicalskillofTuolumnehappenedtobeyoungandobserving，andwaitedpatientlyanopportunitytoaccountforit。
　　Hewaspresentlyrewarded。
　　Fortowardmorningsherallied，andlookedfeeblyaround。Thenshebeckonedherfathertowardher，andwhispered，"Whereishe？"
　　"Theytookhimaway，Jinnydear，inacart。Hewon’ttroubleyouagin。"Hestopped；forMissJennyhadraisedherselfonherelbow，andwaslevellingherblackbrowsathim。Buttwokicksfromtheyoungsurgeon，andasignificantmotiontowardsthedoor，sentMr。
　　McCloskyawaymuttering。"HowshouldIknowthat’HE’meantRidgeway？"hesaidapologetically，ashewentandreturnedwiththeyounggentleman。Thesurgeon，whowasstillholdingherpulse，smiled，andthoughtthat——withalittlecare——andattention——thestimulants——mightbe——diminished——and——-he——mightleave——thepatientforsomehourswithperfectsafety。HewouldgivefurtherdirectionstoMr。McClosky——downstairs。
　　Itwaswithgreatarchnessofmanner，that，halfanhourlater，Mr。
　　McCloskyenteredtheroomwithapreparatorycough；anditwaswithsomedisappointmentthathefoundRidgewaystandingquietlybythewindow，andhisdaughterapparentlyfallenintoalightdoze。Hewasstillmoreconcerned，when，afterRidgewayhadretired，noticingapleasantsmileplayingaboutherlips，hesaidsoftly：——
　　"Youwasthinkingofsomeone，Jinny？"
　　"Yes，father，"thegrayeyesmethissteadily，——"ofpoorJohnAshe！"
　　Herrecoverywasswift。Nature，thathadseemedtostandjealouslyalooffromherinhermentalanguish，waskindtothephysicalhurtofherfavoritechild。Thesuperbphysique，whichhadbeenhercharmandhertrial，nowstoodheringoodstead。Thehealingbalsamofthepine，thebalmofresinousgums，andtheraremedicamentsofSierranaltitudes，touchedherasitmighthavetouchedthewoundeddoe；sothatintwoweeksshewasabletowalkabout。Andwhen，attheendofthemonth，RidgewayreturnedfromaflyingvisittoSanFrancisco，andjumpedfromtheWingdamcoachatfouro’clockinthemorning，theRoseofTuolumne，withthedewypetalsofeithercheekfreshaswhenfirstunfoldedtohiskiss，confrontedhimontheroad。
　　Withacommoninstinct，theiryoungfeetbothclimbedthelittlehillnowsacredtotheirthought。Whentheyreacheditssummit，theywereboth，Ithink，alittledisappointed。Thereisafragranceintheunfoldingofapassion，thatescapestheperfectflower。Jennythoughtthenightwasnotasbeautiful；Ridgeway，thatthelongridehadbluntedhisperceptions。Buttheyhadthefranknesstoconfessittoeachother，withtheraredelightofsuchaconfession，andthecomparisonofdetailswhichtheythoughteachhadforgotten。Andwiththis，andanoccasionalpityingreferencetotheblankperiodwhentheyhadnotknowneachother，handinhandtheyreachedthehouse。
　　Mr。McCloskywasawaitingthemimpatientlyupontheveranda。WhenMissJennyhadslippedupstairstoreplaceacollarthatstoodsomewhatsuspiciouslyawry，Mr。McCloskydrewRidgewaysolemnlyaside。Heheldalargetheatreposterinonehand，andanopennewspaperintheother。
　　"Iallussaid，"heremarkedslowly，withtheairofmerelyrenewingasuspendedconversation，——"Iallussaidthatridingthreehorsestoonctwasn’texactlyinherline。Itwouldseemthatitain’t。
　　Fromremarksinthisyerpaper，itwouldappearthatshetrieditonatMarysvillelastweek，andbrokeherneck。"
　　APASSAGEINTHELIFEOFMR。JOHNOAKHURST。
　　Healwaysthoughtitmusthavebeenfate。CertainlynothingcouldhavebeenmoreinconsistentwithhishabitsthantohavebeeninthePlazaatseveno’clockofthatmidsummermorning。ThesightofhiscolorlessfaceinSacramentowasrareatthatseason，and，indeed，atanyseason，anywherepublicly，beforetwoo’clockintheafternoon。Lookingbackuponitinafter-yearsinthelightofachancefullife，hedetermined，withthecharacteristicphilosophyofhisprofession，thatitmusthavebeenfate。
　　Yetitismyduty，asastrictchronicleroffacts，tostatethatMr。Oakhurst’spresencetherethatmorningwasduetoaverysimplecause。Atexactlyhalf-pastsix，thebankbeingthenawinnertotheamountoftwentythousanddollars，hehadrisenfromthefaro-
　　table，relinquishedhisseattoanaccomplishedassistant，andwithdrawnquietly，withoutattractingaglancefromthesilent，anxiousfacesbowedoverthetable。Butwhenheenteredhisluxurioussleeping-room，acrossthepassage-way，hewasalittleshockedatfindingthesunstreamingthroughaninadvertentlyopenedwindow。Somethingintherarebeautyofthemorning，perhapssomethinginthenoveltyoftheidea，struckhimashewasabouttoclosetheblinds；andhehesitated。Then，takinghishatfromthetable，hesteppeddownaprivatestaircaseintothestreet。
　　ThepeoplewhowereabroadatthatearlyhourwereofaclassquiteunknowntoMr。Oakhurst。Thereweremilkmenandhuckstersdeliveringtheirwares，smalltradespeopleopeningtheirshops，housemaidssweepingdoorsteps，andoccasionallyachild。TheseMr。
　　Oakhurstregardedwithacertaincoldcuriosity，perhapsquitefreefromthecynicaldisfavorwithwhichhegenerallylookeduponthemorepretentiousofhisracewhomhewasinthehabitofmeeting。
　　Indeed，Ithinkhewasnotaltogetherdispleasedwiththeadmiringglanceswhichthesehumblewomenthrewafterhishandsomefaceandfigure，conspicuouseveninacountryoffine-lookingmen。Whileitisveryprobablethatthiswickedvagabond，intheprideofhissocialisolation，wouldhavebeencoldlyindifferenttotheadvancesofafinelady，alittlegirlwhoranadmiringlybyhissideinaraggeddresshadthepowertocallafaintflushintohiscolorlesscheek。Hedismissedheratlast，butnotuntilshehadfoundout——what，soonerorlater，herlarge-heartedanddiscriminatingsexinevitablydid——thathewasexceedinglyfreeandopen-handedwithhismoney，andalso——what，perhaps，noneotherofhersexeverdid——thattheboldblackeyesofthisfinegentlemanwereinrealityofabrownishandeventendergray。
　　Therewasasmallgardenbeforeawhitecottageinaside-street，thatattractedMr。Oakhurst’sattention。Itwasfilledwithroses，heliotrope，andverbena，——flowersfamiliarenoughtohimintheexpensiveandmoreportableformofbouquets，but，asitseemedtohimthen，neverbeforesonotablylovely。Perhapsitwasbecausethedewwasyetfreshuponthem；perhapsitwasbecausetheywereunplucked：butMr。Oakhurstadmiredthem——notasapossiblefuturetributetothefascinatingandaccomplishedMissEthelinda，thenperformingattheVarieties，forMr。Oakhurst’sespecialbenefit，asshehadoftenassuredhim；noryetasadouceurtotheinthrallingMissMontmorrissy，withwhomMr。Oakhurstexpectedtosupthatevening；butsimplyforhimself，and，mayhap，fortheflowers’sake。Howbeithepassedon，andsooutintotheopenPlaza，where，findingabenchunderacottonwood-tree，hefirstdustedtheseatwithhishandkerchief，andthensatdown。
　　Itwasafinemorning。Theairwassostillandcalm，thatasighfromthesycamoresseemedlikethedeep-drawnbreathofthejustawakeningtree，andthefaintrustleofitsboughsastheoutstretchingofcrampedandrevivinglimbs。FarawaytheSierrasstoodoutagainstaskysoremoteastobeofnopositivecolor，——
　　soremote，thateventhesundespairedofeverreachingit，andsoexpendeditsstrengthrecklesslyonthewholelandscape，untilitfairlyglitteredinawhiteandvividcontrast。Withaveryrareimpulse，Mr。Oakhursttookoffhishat，andhalfreclinedonthebench，withhisfacetothesky。Certainbirdswhohadtakenacriticalattitudeonasprayabovehim，apparentlybeganananimateddiscussionregardinghispossiblemalevolentintentions。
　　Oneortwo，emboldenedbythesilence，hoppedonthegroundathisfeet，untilthesoundofwheelsonthegravel-walkfrightenedthemaway。
　　Lookingup，hesawamancomingslowlytowardhim，wheelinganondescriptvehicle，inwhichawomanwaspartlysitting，partlyreclining。Withoutknowingwhy，Mr。Oakhurstinstantlyconceivedthatthecarriagewastheinventionandworkmanshipoftheman，partlyfromitsoddity，partlyfromthestrong，mechanicalhandthatgraspedit，andpartlyfromacertainprideandvisibleconsciousnessinthemannerinwhichthemanhandledit。ThenMr。
　　Oakhurstsawsomethingmore：theman’sfacewasfamiliar。Withthatregalfacultyofnotforgettingafacethathadevergivenhimprofessionalaudience，heinstantlyclassifieditunderthefollowingmentalformula："At’Frisco，PolkaSaloon。Losthisweek’swages。Ireckon——seventydollars——onred。Nevercameagain。"Therewas，however，notraceofthisinthecalmeyesandunmovedfacethatheturneduponthestranger，who，onthecontrary，blushed，lookedembarrassed，hesitatedandthenstoppedwithaninvoluntarymotionthatbroughtthecarriageanditsfairoccupantfacetofacewithMr。Oakhurst。
　　Ishouldhardlydojusticetothepositionshewilloccupyinthisveraciouschroniclebydescribingtheladynow，if，indeed，Iamabletodoitatall。Certainlythepopularestimatewasconflicting。ThelateCol。Starbottle——towhoselargeexperienceofacharmingsexIhavebeforebeenindebtedformanyvaluablesuggestions——had，Iregrettosay，depreciatedherfascinations。
　　"Ayellow-facedcripple，bydash！asickwoman，withmahoganyeyes；
　　oneofyourblankedspiritualcreatures——withnofleshonherbones。"Ontheotherhand，however，sheenjoyedlatermuchcomplimentarydisparagementfromherownsex。MissCelestinaHoward，secondleaderintheballetattheVarieties，had，withgreatalliterativedirectness，inafter-years，denominatedherasan"aquilineasp。"Mlle。Brimborionrememberedthatshehadalwayswarned"Mr。Jack"thatthiswomanwould"empoison"him。ButMr。
　　Oakhurst，whoseimpressionsareperhapsthemostimportant，onlysawapale，thin，deep-eyedwoman，raisedabovethelevelofhercompanionbytherefinementoflongsufferingandisolation，andacertainshyvirginityofmanner。Therewasasuggestionofphysicalpurityinthefoldsofherfresh-lookingrobe，andacertainpicturesquetastefulnessinthedetails，that，withoutknowingwhy，madehimthinkthattherobewasherinventionandhandiwork，evenasthecarriagesheoccupiedwasevidentlytheworkofhercompanion。Herownhand，atrifletoothin，butwell-
　　shaped，subtle-fingered，andgentle-womanly，restedonthesideofthecarriage，thecounterpartofthestrongmechanicalgraspofhercompanion’s。
　　Therewassomeobstructiontotheprogressofthevehicle；andMr。
　　Oakhurststeppedforwardtoassist。Whilethewheelwasbeingliftedoverthecurbstone，itwasnecessarythatsheshouldholdhisarm；andforamomentherthinhandrestedthere，lightandcoldasasnowflake，andthen，asitseemedtohim，likeasnow-
　　flakemeltedaway。Thentherewasapause，andthenconversation，theladyjoiningoccasionallyandshyly。
　　Itappearedthattheyweremanandwife；thatforthepasttwoyearsshehadbeenagreatinvalid，andhadlosttheuseofherlowerlimbsfromrheumatism；thatuntillatelyshehadbeenconfinedtoherbed，untilherhusband——whowasamaster-carpenter——
　　hadbethoughthimselftomakeherthiscarriage。Hetookheroutregularlyforanairingbeforegoingtowork，becauseitwashisonlytime，and——theyattractedlessattention。Theyhadtriedmanydoctors，butwithoutavail。TheyhadbeenadvisedtogototheSulphurSprings；butitwasexpensive。Mr。Decker，thehusband，hadoncesavedeightydollarsforthatpurpose，butwhileinSanFranciscohadhispocketpicked——MrDeckerwassosenseless！（Theintelligentreaderneednotbetoldthatitistheladywhoisspeaking。）Theyhadneverbeenabletomakeupthesumagain，andtheyhadgivenuptheidea。Itwasadreadfulthingtohaveone’spocketpicked。Didhenotthinkso？
　　Herhusband’sfacewascrimson；butMr。Oakhurst’scountenancewasquitecalmandunmoved，ashegravelyagreedwithher，andwalkedbyhersideuntiltheypassedthelittlegardenthathehadadmired。HereMr。Oakhurstcommandedahalt，and，goingtothedoor，astoundedtheproprietorbyapreposterouslyextravagantofferforachoiceoftheflowers。Presentlyhereturnedtothecarriagewithhisarmsfullofroses，heliotrope，andverbena，andcasttheminthelapoftheinvalid。Whileshewasbendingoverthemwithchildishdelight，Mr。Oakhursttooktheopportunityofdrawingherhusbandaside。
　　"Perhaps，"hesaidinalowvoice，andamannerquitefreefromanypersonalannoyance，——"perhapsit’sjustaswellthatyouliedtoherasyoudid。Youcansaynowthatthepick-pocketwasarrestedtheotherday，andyougotyourmoneyback。"Mr。Oakhurstquietlyslippedfourtwenty-dollargold-piecesintothebroadhandofthebewilderedMr。Decker。"Saythat——oranythingyoulike——butthetruth。Promisemeyouwon’tsaythat。"
　　Themanpromised。Mr。Oakhurstquietlyreturnedtothefrontofthelittlecarriage。Thesickwomanwasstilleagerlyoccupiedwiththeflowers，and，assheraisedhereyestohis，herfadedcheekseemedtohavecaughtsomecolorfromtheroses，andhereyessomeoftheirdewyfreshness。ButatthatinstantMr。Oakhurstliftedhishat，andbeforeshecouldthankhimwasgone。
　　IgrievetosaythatMr。Deckershamelesslybrokehispromise。
　　Thatnight，intheverygoodnessofhisheartanduxoriousself-
　　abnegation，he，likealldevotedhusbands，notonlyofferedhimself，buthisfriendandbenefactor，asasacrificeonthefamily-altar。Itisonlyfair，however，toaddthathespokewithgreatfervorofthegenerosityofMr。Oakhurst，anddweltwithanenthusiasmquitecommonwithhisclassonthemysteriousfameandprodigalvicesofthegambler。
　　"Andnow，Elsiedear，saythatyou’llforgiveme，"saidMr。Decker，droppingononekneebesidehiswife’scouch。"Ididitforthebest。Itwasforyou，dearey，thatIputthatmoneyonthemcardsthatnightin’Frisco。Ithoughttowinaheap——enoughtotakeyouaway，andenoughlefttogetyouanewdress。"
　　Mrs。Deckersmiled，andpressedherhusband’shand。"Idoforgiveyou，Joedear，"shesaid，stillsmiling，witheyesabstractedlyfixedontheceiling；"andyououghttobewhippedfordeceivingmeso，youbadboy！andmakingmemakesuchaspeech。There，saynomoreaboutit。Ifyou’llbeverygoodhereafter，andwilljustnowhandmethatclusterofroses，I’llforgiveyou。"Shetookthebranchinherangers，liftedtherosestoherface，andpresentlysaid，behindtheirleaves，——
　　"Joe！"
　　"Whatisit，lovey？"
　　"DoyouthinkthatthisMr。——whatdoyoucallhim？——JackOakhurstwouldhavegiventhatmoneybacktoyou，ifIhadn’tmadethatspeech？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Ifhehadn’tseenmeatall？"
　　Mr。Deckerlookedup。Hiswifehadmanagedinsomewaytocoverupherwholefacewiththeroses，excepthereyes，whichweredangerouslybright。
　　"No！Itwasyou，Elsie——itwasallalongofseeingyouthatmadehimdoit。"
　　"Apoorsickwomanlikeme？"
　　"Asweet，little，lovely，pootyElsie——Joe’sownlittlewifey！howcouldhehelpit？"
　　Mrs。Deckerfondlycastonearmaroundherhusband’sneck，stillkeepingtherosestoherfacewiththeother。Frombehindthemshebegantomurmurgentlyandidiotically，"Dear，olesquareJoey。
　　Elsie’soneyboofulbigbear。"But，really，Idonotseethatmydutyasachronicleroffactscompelsmetocontinuethislittlelady’sspeechanyfurther；and，outofrespecttotheunmarriedreader，Istop。
　　Nevertheless，thenextmorningMrs。DeckerbetrayedsomeslightandapparentlyuncalledforirritabilityonreachingthePlaza，andpresentlydesiredherhusbandtowheelherbackhome。Moreover，shewasverymuchastonishedatmeetingMr。Oakhurstjustastheywerereturning，andevendoubtedifitwerehe，andquestionedherhusbandastohisidentitywiththestrangerofyesterdayasheapproached。HermannertoMr。Oakhurst，also，wasquiteincontrastwithherhusband’sfrankwelcome。Mr。Oakhurstinstantlydetectedit。"Herhusbandhastoldherall，andshedislikesme，"
　　hesaidtohimself，withthatfatalappreciationofthehalf-truthsofawoman’smotivesthatcausesthewisestmasculinecritictostumble。Helingeredonlylongenoughtotakethebusinessaddressofthehusband，andthenliftinghishatgravely，withoutlookingatthelady，wenthisway。Itstruckthehonestmaster-carpenterasoneofthecharminganomaliesofhiswife’scharacter，that，althoughthemeetingwasevidentlyverymuchconstrainedandunpleasant，instantlyafterwardhiswife’sspiritsbegantorise。
　　"Youwashardonhim，aleetlehard；wasn’tyou，Elsie？"saidMr。
　　Deckerdeprecatingly。"I’mafraidhemaythinkI’vebrokemypromise。"——"Ah，indeed！"saidtheladyindifferently。Mr。Deckerinstantlysteppedroundtothefrontofthevehicle。"YoulooklikeanA1first-classladyridingdownBroadwayinherowncarriage，Elsie，"saidhe。"Ineverseedyoulookin’sopeartandsassybefore。"
　　Afewdayslater，theproprietoroftheSanIsabelSulphurSpringsreceivedthefollowingnoteinMr。Oakhurst’swell-known，daintyhand：——
　　"DEARSTEVE，——I’vebeenthinkingoveryourpropositiontobuyNichols’squarter-interest，andhaveconcludedtogoin。ButI
　　don’tseehowthethingwillpayuntilyouhavemoreaccommodationdownthere，andforthebestclass，——ImeanMYcustomers。Whatwewantisanextensiontothemainbuilding，andtwoorthreecottagesputup。Isenddownabuildertotakeholdofthejobatonce。Hetakeshissickwifewithhim；andyouaretolookafterthemasyouwouldforoneofus。
　　"Imayrundowntheremyselfaftertheraces，justtolookafterthings；butIsha’n’tsetupanygamethisseason。
　　"Yoursalways，"JOHNOAKHURST。"
　　Itwasonlythelastsentenceofthisletterthatprovokedcriticism。"Icanunderstand，"saidMr。Hamlin，aprofessionalbrother，towhomMr。Oakhurst’sletterwasshown，——"IcanunderstandwhyJackgoesinheavyandbuilds；forit’sasurespec，andisboundtobeamightysoftthingintime，ifhecomeshereregularly。Butwhyinblankhedon’tsetupabankthisseason，andtakethechanceofgettingsomeofthemoneybackthatheputsintocirculationinbuilding，iswhatgetsme。Iwondernow，"hemuseddeeply，"whatIShislittlegame。"
　　TheseasonhadbeenaprosperousonetoMrOakhurst，andproportionallydisastroustoseveralmembersofthelegislature，judges，colonels，andotherswhohadenjoyedbutbrieflythepleasureofMr。Oakhurst’smidnightsociety。AndyetSacramentohadbecomeverydulltohim。Hehadlatelyformedahabitofearlymorningwalks，sounusualandstartlingtohisfriends，bothmaleandfemale，astooccasiontheintensestcuriosity。Twoorthreeofthelattersetspiesuponhistrack；buttheinquisitionresultedonlyinthediscoverythatMr。OakhurstwalkedtothePlaza，satdownupononeparticularbenchforafewmoments，andthenreturnedwithoutseeinganybody；andthetheorythattherewasawomaninthecasewasabandoned。Afewsuperstitiousgentlemenofhisownprofessionbelievedthathediditfor"luck。"Someothers，morepractical，declaredthathewentoutto"studypoints。"
　　AftertheracesatMarysville，Mr。OakhurstwenttoSanFrancisco；
　　fromthatplacehereturnedtoMarysville，butafewdaysafterwasseenatSanJose，SantaCruz，andOakland。Thosewhomethimdeclaredthathismannerwasrestlessandfeverish，andquiteunlikehisordinarycalmnessandphlegm。Col。Starbottlepointedoutthefact，thatatSanFrancisco，attheclub，Jackhaddeclinedtodeal。"Handshaky，sir；dependuponit。Don’tstimulateenough——blankhim！"
　　FromSanJosehestartedtogotoOregonbylandwitharatherexpensiveoutfitofhorsesandcampequipage；but，onreachingStockton，hesuddenlydiverged，andfourhourslaterfoundhimwithasinglehorseenteringthecanyonoftheSanIsabelWarmSulphurSprings。
　　Itwasaprettytriangularvalleylyingatthefootofthreeslopingmountains，darkwithpines，andfantasticwithmadronoandmanzanita。Nestlingagainstthemountain-side，thestragglingbuildingsandlongpiazzaofthehotelglitteredthroughtheleaves，andhereandthereshoneawhitetoy-likecottage。Mr。
　　OakhurstwasnotanadmirerofNature；buthefeltsomethingofthesamenovelsatisfactionintheview，thatheexperiencedinhisfirstmorningwalkinSacramento。Andnowcarriagesbegantopasshimontheroadfilledwithgayly-dressedwomen；andthecoldCaliforniaoutlinesofthelandscapebegantotakeuponthemselvessomewhatofahumanwarmthandcolor。Andthenthelonghotelpiazzacameinview，efflorescentwiththefull-toilettedfair。
　　Mr。Oakhurst，agoodrideraftertheCaliforniafashion，didnotcheckhisspeedasheapproachedhisdestination，butchargedthehotelatagallop，threwhishorseonhishauncheswithinafootofthepiazza，andthenquietlyemergedfromthecloudofdustthatveiledhisdismounting。
　　Whateverfeverishexcitementmighthaveragedwithin，allhishabitualcalmreturnedashesteppeduponthepiazza。Withtheinstinctoflonghabit，heturnedandfacedthebatteryofeyeswiththesamecoldindifferencewithwhichhehadforyearsencounteredthehalf-hiddensneersofmenandthehalf-frightenedadmirationofwomen。Onlyonepersonsteppedforwardtowelcomehim。Oddlyenough，itwasDickHamilton，perhapstheonlyonepresent，whobybirth，education，andposition，mighthavesatisfiedthemostfastidioussocialcritic。HappilyforMr。
　　Oakhurst’sreputation，hewasalsoaveryrichbankerandsocialleader。"Doyouknowwhothatisyouspoketo？"askedyoungParkerwithanalarmedexpression。"Yes，"repliedHamiltonwithcharacteristiceffrontery。"Themanyoulostathousanddollarstolastweek。IonlyknowhimSOCIALLY。""Butisn’theagambler？"
　　queriedtheyoungestMissSmith。"Heis，"repliedHamilton；"butI
　　wish，mydearyounglady，thatweallplayedasopenandhonestagameasourfriendyonder，andwereaswillingasheistoabidebyitsfortunes。"
　　ButMr。Oakhurstwashappilyoutofhearingofthiscolloquy，andwaseventhenlounginglistlesslyyetwatchfullyalongtheupperhall。Suddenlyheheardalightfootstepbehindhim，andthenhisnamecalledinafamiliarvoicethatdrewthebloodquicklytohisheart。Heturned，andshestoodbeforehim。
　　Buthowtransformed！IfIhavehesitatedtodescribethehollow-
　　eyedcripple，thequaintly-dressedartisan’swife，afewpagesago，whatshallIdowiththisgraceful，shapely，elegantly-attiredgentlewomanintowhomshehasbeenmergedwithinthesetwomonths？
　　Ingoodfaithshewasverypretty。YouandI，mydearmadam，wouldhavebeenquicktoseethatthosecharmingdimplesweremisplacedfortruebeauty，andtoofixedintheirqualityforhonestmirthfulness；thatthedelicatelinesaroundtheseaquilinenostrilswerecruelandselfish；thatthesweetvirginalsurpriseoftheselovelyeyeswereasapttobeopenedonherplateasuponthegallantspeechesofherdinnerpartner；thathersympatheticcolorcameandwentmorewithherownspiritsthanyours。ButyouandIarenotinlovewithher，dearmadam，andMr。Oakhurstis。
　　And，eveninthefoldsofherParisiangown，Iamafraidthispoorfellowsawthesamesubtlestrokesofpuritythathehadseeninherhomespunrobe。Andthentherewasthedelightfulrevelationthatshecouldwalk，andthatshehaddearlittlefeetofherowninthetiniestslippersofherFrenchshoemaker，withsuchpreposterousbluebows，andChappell’sownstamp——Ruedesomethingorother，Paris——onthenarrowsole。
　　Herantowardherwithaheightenedcolorandoutstretchedhands。
　　Butshewhippedherownbehindher，glancedrapidlyupanddownthelonghall，andstoodlookingathimwithahalf-audacious，half-
　　mischievousadmiration，inuttercontrasttoheroldreserve。
　　"I’veagreatmindnottoshakehandswithyouatall。Youpassedmejustnowonthepiazzawithoutspeaking；andIranafteryou，asIsupposemanyanotherpoorwomanhasdone。"
　　Mr。Oakhurststammeredthatshewassochanged。
　　"Themorereasonwhyyoushouldknowme。Whochangedme？You。
　　Youhavere-createdme。Youfoundahelpless，crippled，sick，poverty-strickenwoman，withonedresstoherback，andthatherownmake，andyougaveherlife，health，strength，andfortune。
　　Youdid；andyouknowit，sir。Howdoyoulikeyourwork？"Shecaughttheside-seamsofhergownineitherhand，anddroppedhimaplayfulcourtesy。Then，withasudden，relentinggesture，shegavehimbothherhands。
　　Outrageousasthisspeechwas，andunfeminineasItrusteveryfairreaderwilldeemit，IfearitpleasedMr。Oakhurst。Notbutthathewasaccustomedtoacertainfrankfemaleadmiration；butthenitwasofthecoulisse，andnotofthecloister，withwhichhealwayspersistedinassociatingMrs。Decker。TobeaddressedinthiswaybyaninvalidPuritan，asicksaintwiththeausterityofsufferingstillclothingher，awomanwhohadaBibleonthedressing-table，whowenttochurchthreetimesaday，andwasdevotedtoherhusband，completelybowledhimover。Hestillheldherhandsasshewenton，——
　　"Whydidn’tyoucomebefore？WhatwereyoudoinginMarysville，inSanJose，inOakland？YouseeIhavefollowedyou。Isawyouasyoucamedownthecanyon，andknewyouatonce。IsawyourlettertoJoseph，andknewyouwerecoming。Whydidn’tyouwritetome？
　　Youwillsometime！——Good-evening，Mr。Hamilton。"
　　Shehadwithdrawnherhands，butnotuntilHamilton，ascendingthestaircase，wasnearlyabreastofthem。Heraisedhishattoherwithwell-bredcomposure，noddedfamiliarlytoOakhurst，andpassedon。Whenhehadgone，Mrs。DeckerliftedhereyestoMr。Oakhurst。
　　"SomedayIshallaskagreatfavorofyou。"
　　Mr。Oakhurstbeggedthatitshouldbenow。
　　"No，notuntilyouknowmebetter。Then，someday，Ishallwantyouto——killthatman！"
　　Shelaughedsuchapleasantlittleringinglaugh，suchadisplayofdimples，——albeitalittlefixedinthecornersofhermouth，——suchaninnocentlightinherbrowneyes，andsuchalovelycolorinhercheeks，thatMr。Oakhurst（whoseldomlaughed）wasfaintolaughtoo。Itwasasifalambhadproposedtoafoxaforayintoaneighboringsheepfold。
　　Afeweveningsafterthis，Mrs。Deckerarosefromacharmedcircleofheradmirersonthehotelpiazza，excusedherselfforafewmoments，laughinglydeclinedanescort，andranovertoherlittlecottage——oneofherhusband’screation——acrosstheroad。Perhapsfromthesuddenandunwontedexerciseinherstillconvalescentstate，shebreathedhurriedlyandfeverishlyassheenteredherboudoir，andonceortwiceplacedherhanduponherbreast。Shewasstartledonturningupthelighttofindherhusbandlyingonthesofa。
　　"Youlookhotandexcited，Elsielove，"saidMr。Decker。"Youain’ttookworse，areyou？"
　　MrsDecker’sfacehadpaled，butnowflushedagain。"No，"shesaid；"onlyalittlepainhere，"assheagainplacedherhanduponhercorsage。
　　"CanIdoanythingforyou？"saidMr。Decker，risingwithaffectionateconcern。
　　"Runovertothehotelandgetmesomebrandy，quick！"
　　Mr。Deckerran。MrsDeckerclosedandboltedthedoor，andthen，puttingherhandtoherbosom，drewoutthepain。Itwasfoldedfoursquare，andwas，Igrievetosay，inMr。Oakhurst’shandwriting。
　　Shedevoureditwithburningeyesandcheeksuntiltherecameastepupontheporch；thenshehurriedlyreplaceditinherbosom，andunboltedthedoor。Herhusbandentered。Sheraisedthespiritstoherlips，anddeclaredherselfbetter。
　　"Areyougoingoverthereagainto-night？"askedMr。Deckersubmissively。
　　"No，"saidMrs。Decker，withhereyesfixeddreamilyonthefloor。
　　"Iwouldn’tifIwasyou，"saidMr。Deckerwithasighofrelief。
　　Afterapause，hetookaseatonthesofa，and，drawinghiswifetohisside，said，"DoyouknowwhatIwasthinkingofwhenyoucamein，Elsie？"Mrs。Deckerranherfingersthroughhisstiffblackhair，andcouldn’timagine。
　　"Iwasthinkingofoldtimes，Elsie：IwasthinkingofthedayswhenIbuiltthatkerridgeforyou，Elsie，——whenIusedtotakeyououttoride，andwasbothhossanddriver。Wewaspoorthen，andyouwassick，Elsie；butwewashappy。We’vegotmoneynow，andahouse；andyou’requiteanotherwoman。Imaysay，dear，thatyou’reaNEWwoman。Andthat’swherethetroublecomesin。I
　　couldbuildyouakerridge，Elsie；Icouldbuildyouahouse，Elsie——butthereIstopped。Icouldn’tbuildupYOU。You’restrongandpretty，Elsie，andfreshandnew。Butsomehow，Elsie，youain’tnoworkofmine！"
　　Hepaused。Withonehandlaidgentlyonhisforehead，andtheotherpresseduponherbosom，asiftofeelcertainofthepresenceofherpain，shesaidsweetlyandsoothingly，——
　　"Butitwasyourwork，dear。"
　　Mr。Deckershookhisheadsorrowfully。"No，Elsie，notmine。I
　　hadthechancetodoitonce，andIletitgo。It’sdonenow——butnotbyme。"
　　Mrs。Deckerraisedhersurprised，innocenteyestohis。Hekissedhertenderly，andthenwentoninamorecheerfulvoice，——
　　"Thatain’tallIwasthinkingof，Elsie。IwasthinkingthatmaybeyougivetoomuchofyourcompanytothatMr。Hamilton。Notthatthere’sanywronginit，toyouorhim；butitmightmakepeopletalk。You’retheonlyonehere，Elsie，"saidthemaster-
　　carpenter，lookingfondlyathiswife，"whoisn’ttalkedabout，whoseworkain’tinspectedorcondemned。"
　　Mrs。Deckerwasgladhehadspokenaboutit。Shehadthoughtsotoo。ButshecouldnotwellbeunciviltoMr。Hamilton，whowasafinegentleman，withoutmakingapowerfulenemy。"Andhe’salwaystreatedmeasifIwasabornladyinhisowncircle，"addedthelittlewoman，withacertainpridethatmadeherhusbandfondlysmile。"ButIhavethoughtofaplan。HewillnotstayhereifI
　　shouldgoaway。If，forinstance，IwenttoSanFranciscotovisitmaforafewdays，hewouldbegonebeforeIshouldreturn。"
　　Mr。Deckerwasdelighted。"Byallmeans，"hesaid，"goto-morrow。
　　JackOakhurstisgoingdown；andI’llputyouinhischarge。"
　　Mrs。Deckerdidnotthinkitwasprudent。"Mr。Oakhurstisourfriend，Joseph；butyouknowhisreputation。"Infact，shedidnotknowthatsheoughttogonow，knowingthathewasgoingthesameday；but，withakiss，Mr。Deckerovercameherscruples。Sheyieldedgracefully。Fewwomen，infact，knewhowtogiveupapointascharminglyasshe。
　　ShestaidaweekinSanFrancisco。Whenshereturned，shewasatriflethinnerandpalerthanshehadbeen。Thissheexplainedastheresultofperhapstooactiveexerciseandexcitement。"Iwasoutofdoorsnearlyallthetime，asmawilltellyou，"shesaidtoherhusband，"andalwaysalone。Iamgettingquiteindependentnow，"sheaddedgayly。"Idon’twantanyescort。Ibelieve，Joeydear，Icouldgetalongevenwithoutyou，I’msobrave！"
　　Buthervisit，apparently，hadnotbeenproductiveofherimpellingdesign。Mr。Hamiltonhadnotgone，buthadremained，andcalleduponthemthatveryevening。"I’vethoughtofaplan，Joeydear，"
　　saidMrs。Decker，whenhehaddeparted。"PoorMr。Oakhursthasamiserableroomatthehotel。Supposeyouaskhim，whenhereturnsfromSanFrancisco，tostopwithus。Hecanhaveourspare-room。
　　Idon’tthink，"sheaddedarchly，"thatMr。Hamiltonwillcalloften。"Herhusbandlaughed，intimatedthatshewasalittlecoquette，pinchedhercheek，andcomplied。"Thequeerthingaboutawoman，"hesaidafterwardconfidentiallytoMr。Oakhurst，"is，that，withouthavinganyplanofherown，she’lltakeanybody’s，andbuildahouseonitentirelydifferenttosuitherself。Anddernmyskinifyou’llbeabletosaywhetherornotyoudidn’tgivethescaleandmeasurementsyourself！That’swhatgetsme！"
　　ThenextweekMr。OakhurstwasinstalledintheDeckers’cottage。
　　Thebusinessrelationsofherhusbandandhimselfwereknowntoall，andherownreputationwasabovesuspicion。Indeed，fewwomenweremorepopular。Shewasdomestic，shewasprudent，shewaspious。Inacountryofgreatfemininefreedomandlatitude，sheneverrodeorwalkedwithanybodybutherhusband。Inanepochofslangandambiguousexpression，shewasalwayspreciseandformalinherspeech。Inthemidstofafashionofostentatiousdecoration，sheneverworeadiamond，norasinglevaluablejewel。
　　Sheneverpermittedanindecoruminpublic。ShenevercountenancedthefamiliaritiesofCaliforniasociety。Shedeclaimedagainsttheprevailingtoneofinfidelityandscepticisminreligion。FewpeoplewhowerepresentwilleverforgetthedignifiedyetstatelymannerwithwhichsherebukedMr。Hamiltoninthepublicparlorforenteringuponthediscussionofaworkonmaterialism，latelypublished；andsomeamongthem，also，willnotforgettheexpressionofamusedsurpriseonMr。Hamilton’sface，thatgraduallychangedtosardonicgravity，ashecourteouslywaivedhispoint；certainlynotMr。Oakhurst，who，fromthatmoment，begantobeuneasilyimpatientofhisfriend，andeven——ifsuchatermcouldbeappliedtoanymoralqualityinMr。Oakhurst——tofearhim。
　　ForduringthistimeMr。Oakhursthadbeguntoshowsymptomsofachangeinhisusualhabits。Hewasseldom，ifever，seeninhisoldhaunts，inabar-room，orwithhisoldassociates。Pinkandwhitenotes，indistractedhandwriting，accumulatedonthedressing-tableinhisroomsatSacramento。ItwasgivenoutinSanFranciscothathehadsomeorganicdiseaseoftheheart，forwhichhisphysicianhadprescribedperfectrest。Hereadmore；hetooklongwalks；hesoldhisfasthorses；hewenttochurch。
　　Ihaveaveryvividrecollectionofhisfirstappearancethere。HedidnotaccompanytheDeckers，nordidhegointotheirpew，butcameinastheservicecommenced，andtookaseatquietlyinoneoftheback-pews。Bysomemysteriousinstinct，hispresencebecamepresentlyknowntothecongregation，someofwhomsofarforgotthemselves，intheircuriosity，astofacearound，andapparentlyaddresstheirresponsestohim。Beforetheservicewasover，itwasprettywellunderstoodthat"miserablesinners"meantMr。
　　Oakhurst。Nordidthismysteriousinfluencefailtoaffecttheofficiatingclergyman，whointroducedanallusiontoMr。Oakhurst’scallingandhabitsinasermononthearchitectureofSolomon’stemple，andinamannersopointed，andyetlabored，astocausetheyoungestofustoflamewithindignation。Happily，however，itwaslostuponJack：Idonotthinkheevenheardit。Hishandsome，colorlessface，albeitatriflewornandthoughtful，wasinscrutable。
　　Onlyonce，duringthesingingofahymn，atacertainnoteinthecontralto’svoice，therecreptintohisdarkeyesalookofwistfultenderness，soyearningandyetsohopeless，thatthosewhowerewatchinghimfelttheirownglisten。YetIretainaveryvividremembranceofhisstandinguptoreceivethebenediction，withthesuggestion，inhismannerandtightly-buttonedcoat，oftakingthefireofhisadversaryattenpaces。Afterchurch，hedisappearedasquietlyashehadentered，andfortunatelyescapedhearingthecommentsonhisrashact。Hisappearancewasgenerallyconsideredasanimpertinence，attributableonlytosomewantonfancy，orpossiblyabet。Oneortwothoughtthatthesextonwasexceedinglyremissinnotturninghimoutafterdiscoveringwhohewas；andaprominentpew-holderremarked，thatifhecouldn’ttakehiswifeanddaughterstothatchurch，withoutexposingthemtosuchaninfluence，hewouldtrytofindsomechurchwherehecould。AnothertracedMr。
　　Oakhurst’spresencetocertainBroadChurchradicaltendencies，whichheregrettedtosayhehadlatelynotedintheirpastor。
　　DeaconSawyer，whosedelicately-organized，sicklywifehadalreadybornehimelevenchildren，anddiedinanambitiousattempttocompletethedozen，avowedthatthepresenceofapersonofMr。
　　Oakhurst’svariousandindiscriminategallantrieswasaninsulttothememoryofthedeceased，that，asaman，hecouldnotbrook。
　　ItwasaboutthistimethatMr。Oakhurst，contrastinghimselfwithaconventionalworldinwhichhehadhithertorarelymingled，becameawarethattherewassomethinginhisface，figure，andcarriagequiteunlikeothermen，——something，that，ifitdidnotbetrayhisformercareer，atleastshowedanindividualityandoriginalitythatwassuspicious。Inthisbelief，heshavedoffhislong，silkenmustache，andreligiouslybrushedouthisclusteringcurlseverymorning。Heevenwentsofarastoaffectanegligenceofdress，andhidhissmall，slim，archedfeetinthelargestandheaviestwalking-shoes。ThereisastorytoldthathewenttohistailorinSacramento，andaskedhimtomakehimasuitofclotheslikeeverybodyelse。Thetailor，familiarwithMr。Oakhurst’sfastidiousness，didnotknowwhathemeant。"Imean，"saidMr。
　　Oakhurstsavagely，"somethingRESPECTABLE，——somethingthatdoesn’texactlyfitme，youknow。"But，howeverMr。Oakhurstmighthidehisshapelylimbsinhomespunandhomemadegarments，therewassomethinginhiscarriage，somethingintheposeofhisbeautifulhead，somethinginthestrongandfinemanlinessofhispresence，somethingintheperfectandutterdisciplineandcontrolofhismuscles，somethinginthehighreposeofhisnature，——areposenotsomuchamatterofintellectualrulingasofhisverynature，——
　　that，gowherehewould，andwithwhom，hewasalwaysanotablemanintenthousand。PerhapsthiswasneversoclearlyintimatedtoMr。Oakhurst，aswhen，emboldenedbyMr。Hamilton’sadviceandassistance，andhisownpredilections，hebecameaSanFranciscobroker。EvenbeforeobjectionwasmadetohispresenceintheBoard，——theobjection，Iremember，wasurgedveryeloquentlybyWattSanders，whowassupposedtobetheinventorofthe"freezing-
　　out"systemofdisposingofpoorstockholders，andwhoalsoenjoyedthereputationofhavingbeentheimpellingcauseofBriggsofTuolumne’sruinandsuicide，——evenbeforethisformalprotestofrespectabilityagainstlawlessness，theaquilinesuggestionsofMr。
　　Oakhurst’smienandcountenance，notonlyprematurelyflutteredthepigeons，butabsolutelyoccasionedmuchuneasinessamongthefish-
　　hawkswhocircledbelowhimwiththeirbooty。"Dashme！buthe’saslikelytogoafterusasanybody，"saidJoeFielding。
　　ItwantedbutafewdaysbeforethecloseofthebriefsummerseasonatSanIsabelWarmSprings。Alreadytherehadbeensomemigrationofthemorefashionable；andtherewasanuncomfortablesuggestionofdregsandleesinthesociallifethatremained。Mr。
　　Oakhurstwasmoody。ItwashintedthateventhesecurereputationofMrs。Deckercouldnolongerprotectherfromthegossipwhichhispresenceexcited。Itisbutfairtohertosay，that，duringthelastfewweeksofthistryingordeal，shelookedlikeasweet，palemartyr，andconductedherselftowardhertraducerswiththegentle，forgivingmannerofonewhoreliednotupontheidlehomageofthecrowd，butuponthesecurityofaprinciplethatwasdearerthanpopularfavor。"TheytalkaboutmyselfandMr。Oakhurst，mydear，"shesaidtoafriend；"butheavenandmyhusbandcanbestanswertheircalumny。Itnevershallbesaidthatmyhusbandeverturnedhisbackuponafriendinthemomentofhisadversity，becausethepositionwaschanged，——becausehisfriendwaspoor，andhewasrich。"ThiswasthefirstintimationtothepublicthatJackhadlostmoney，althoughitwasknowngenerallythattheDeckershadlatelyboughtsomevaluablepropertyinSanFrancisco。
　　Afeweveningsafterthis，anincidentoccurredwhichseemedtounpleasantlydiscordwiththegeneralsocialharmonythathadalwaysexistedatSanIsabel。Itwasatdinner；andMr。OakhurstandMr。Hamilton，whosattogetherataseparatetable，wereobservedtoriseinsomeagitation。Whentheyreachedthehall，byacommoninstincttheysteppedintoalittlebreakfast-roomwhichwasvacant，andclosedthedoor。ThenMr。Hamiltonturnedwithahalf-amused，half-serioussmiletowardhisfriend，andsaid，——
　　"Ifwearetoquarrel，JackOakhurst，——youandI，——inthenameofallthatisridiculous，don’tletitbeabouta"——
　　Idonotknowwhatwastheepithetintended。Itwaseitherunspokenorlost；foratthatveryinstantMr。Oakhurstraisedawineglass，anddasheditscontentsintoHamilton’sface。
　　Astheyfacedeachother，themenseemedtohavechangednatures。
　　Mr。Oakhurstwastremblingwithexcitement，andthewineglassthathereturnedtothetableshiveredbetweenhisfingers。Mr。Hamiltonstoodthere，grayishwhite，erect，anddripping。Afterapause，hesaidcoldly，——
　　"Sobeit。Butremember，ourquarrelcommenceshere。IfIfallbyyourhand，youshallnotuseittoclearhercharacter：ifyoufallbymine，youshallnotbecalledamartyr。Iamsorryithascometothis；butamen，thesoonernow，thebetter。"
　　Heturnedproudly，droppedhislidsovercoldsteel-blueeyes，asifsheathingarapierbowed，andpassedcoldlyout。
　　Theymet，twelvehourslater，inalittlehollowtwomilesfromthehotel，ontheStocktonroad。AsMr。OakhurstreceivedhispistolfromCol。Starbottle’shands，hesaidtohiminalowvoice，"Whateverturnsupordown，Ishallnotreturntothehotel。Youwillfindsomedirectionsinmyroom。Gothere"——Buthisvoicesuddenlyfaltered，andheturnedhisglisteningeyesaway，tohissecond’sintenseastonishment。"I’vebeenoutadozentimeswithJackOakhurst，"saidCol。Starbottleafterward，"andIneversawhimanywayscutbefore。BlankmeifIdidn’tthinkhewaslosinghissand，tillhewalkedtoposition。"
　　Thetworeportswerealmostsimultaneous。Mr。Oakhurst’srightarmdroppedsuddenlytohisside，andhispistolwouldhavefallenfromhisparalyzedfingers；butthedisciplineoftrainednerveandmuscleprevailed，andhekepthisgraspuntilhehadshiftedittotheotherhand，withoutchanginghisposition。Thentherewasasilencethatseemedinterminable，agatheringoftwoorthreedarkfigureswhereasmoke-curlstilllazilyfloated，andthenthehurried，husky，pantingvoiceofCol。Starbottleinhisear，"He’shithard——throughthelungsyoumustrunforit！"
　　Jackturnedhisdark，questioningeyesuponhissecond，butdidnotseemtolisten，——ratherseemedtohearsomeothervoice，remoterinthedistance。Hehesitated，andthenmadeastepforwardinthedirectionofthedistantgroup。Thenhepausedagainasthefiguresseparated，andthesurgeoncamehastilytowardhim。
　　"Hewouldliketospeakwithyouamoment，"saidtheman。"Youhavelittletimetolose，Iknow；but，"headdedinalowervoice，"itismydutytotellyouhehasstillless。"
　　Alookofdespair，sohopelessinitsintensity，sweptoverMr。
　　Oakhurst’susuallyimpassiveface，thatthesurgeonstarted。"Youarehit，"hesaid，glancingatJack’shelplessarm。
　　"Nothing——amerescratch，"saidJackhastily。Thenheaddedwithabitterlaugh，"I’mnotinluckto-day。Butcome：we’llseewhathewants。"
　　Hislong，feverishstrideoutstrippedthesurgeon’s；andinanothermomenthestoodwherethedyingmanlay，——likemostdyingmen，——theonecalm，composed，centralfigureofananxiousgroup。Mr。
　　Oakhurst’sfacewaslesscalmashedroppedononekneebesidehim，andtookhishand。"Iwanttospeakwiththisgentlemanalone，"
　　saidHamilton，withsomethingofhisoldimperiousmanner，asheturnedtothoseabouthim。Whentheydrewback，helookedupinOakhurst’sface。