"Let’sstopatthefirsthouse，then，"saidCarry。
　　"Thefirsthouse，"saidAddy，peeringthroughthegatheringdarkness，"isSquireRobinson’s。"ShedartedamischievousglanceatCarry，that，eveninherdiscomfortandfear，broughtthequickbloodtohercheek。
　　"Oh，yes！"saidKatewithgloomyirony，"certainly；stopatthesquire’sbyallmeans，andbeinvitedtotea，andbedrivenhomeafterteabyyourdearfriendMr。Harry，withaformalapologyfromMrs。Robinson，andhopesthattheyoungladiesmaybeexcusedthistime。No！"continuedKatewithsuddenenergy。"ThatmaysuitYOU；
　　butI’mgoingbackasIcame，——bythewindow，ornotatall。"Thenshepouncedsuddenly，likeahawk，onCarry，whowasbetrayingatendencytositdownonasnowbank，andwhimper，andshookherbriskly。"You’llbegoingtosleepnext。Stay，holdyourtongues，allofyou，——what’sthat？"
　　Itwasthesoundofsleigh-bells。Comingdowntowardthemoutofthedarknesswasasleighwithasingleoccupant。"Holddownyourheads，girls：ifit’sanybodythatknowsus，we’relost。"Butitwasnot；foravoicestrangetotheirears，butwithalverykindlyandpleasant，askedifitsownercouldbeofanyhelptothem。Astheyturnedtowardhim，theysawitwasamanwrappedinahandsomesealskincloak，wearingasealskincap；hisface，halfconcealedbyamufflerofthesamematerial，disclosingonlyapairoflongmustaches，andtwokeendarkeyes。"It’sasonofoldSantaClaus！"whisperedAddy。Thegirlstitteredaudiblyastheytumbledintothesleigh：theyhadregainedtheirformerspirits。"WhereshallItakeyou？"saidthestrangerquietly。Therewasahurriedwhispering；andthenKatesaidboldly，"TotheInstitute。"Theydrovesilentlyupthehill，untilthelong，asceticbuildingloomedupbeforethem。Thestrangerreinedupsuddenly。"YouknowthewaybetterthanI，"hesaid。"Wheredoyougoin？"——"Throughtheback-window，"saidKatewithsuddenandappallingfrankness。"I
　　see！"respondedtheirstrangedriverquietly，and，alightingquickly，removedthebellsfromthehorses。"Wecandriveasnearasyoupleasenow，"headdedbywayofexplanation。"HecertainlyisasonofSantaClaus，"whisperedAddy。"Hadn’twebetteraskafterhisfather？""Hush！"saidKatedecidedly。"Heisanangel，Idaresay。"Sheaddedwithadeliciousirrelevance，whichwas，however，perfectlyunderstoodbyherfeminineauditors，"Wearelookinglikethreefrights。"
　　Cautiouslyskirtingthefences，theyatlastpulledupafewfeetfromadarkwall。Thestrangerproceededtoassistthemtoalight。
　　Therewasstillsomelightfromthereflectedsnow；and，ashehandedhisfaircompanionstotheground，eachwasconsciousofundergoinganintensethoughrespectfulscrutiny。Heassistedthemgravelytoopenthewindow，andthendiscreetlyretiredtothesleighuntilthedifficultandsomewhatdiscomposingingresswasmade。Hethenwalkedtothewindow，"Thankyouandgood-night！"
　　whisperedthreevoices。Asinglefigurestilllingered。Thestrangerleanedoverthewindow-sill。"Willyoupermitmetolightmycigarhere？itmightattractattentionifIstruckamatchoutside。"BytheupspringinglighthesawthefigureofKateverycharminglyframedinbythewindow。Thematchburntslowlyoutinhisfingers。Katesmiledmischievously。Theastuteyoungwomanhaddetectedthepitiablesubterfuge。Forwhatelsedidshestandattheheadofherclass，andhaddotingparentspaidthreeyears’
　　tuition？
　　Thestormhadpassed，andthesunwasshiningquitecheerilyintheeasternrecitation-roomthenextmorning，whenMissKate，whoseseatwasnearestthewindow，placingherhandpatheticallyuponherheart，affectedtofallinbashfulandextremeagitationupontheshoulderofCarryherneighbor。"HEhascome，"shegaspedinathrillingwhisper。"Who？"askedCarrysympathetically，whoneverclearlyunderstoodwhenKatewasinearnest。"Who？——why，themanwhorescueduslastnight！Isawhimdrivetothedoorthismoment。Don’tspeak：Ishallbebetterinamoment——there！"shesaid；andtheshamelesshypocritepassedherhandpatheticallyacrossherforeheadwithatragicair。
　　"Whatcanhewant？"askedCarry，whosecuriositywasexcited。
　　"Idon’tknow，"saidKate，suddenlyrelapsingintogloomycynicism。
　　"Possiblytoputhisfivedaughterstoschool；perhapstofinishhisyoungwife，andwarnheragainstus。"
　　"Hedidn’tlookold，andhedidn’tseemlikeamarriedman，"
　　rejoinedAddythoughtfully。
　　"Thatwashisart，youpoorcreature！"returnedKatescornfully。
　　"Youcannevertellanythingofthesemen，theyaresodeceitfulBesides，it’sjustmyfate！"
　　"Why，Kate，"beganCarry，inseriousconcern。
　　"Hush！MissWalkerissayingsomething，"saidKate，laughing。
　　"Theyoungladieswillpleasegiveattention，"saidaslow，perfunctoryvoice。"MissCarryTretherickiswantedintheparlor。"
　　MeantimeMr。JackPrince，thenamegivenonthecard，andvariouslettersandcredentialssubmittedtotheRev。Mr。Crammer，pacedthesomewhatsevereapartmentknownpubliclyasthe"receptionparlor，"andprivatelytothepupilsas"purgatory。"Hiskeeneyeshadtakeninthevariousrigiddetails，fromtheflatsteam"radiator，"likeanenormousjapannedsoda-cracker，thatheatedoneendoftheroom，tothemonumentalbustofDr。Crammer，thathopelesslychilledtheother；fromtheLord’sPrayer，executedbyaformerwriting-masterinsuchgratuitousvarietyofelegantcalligraphictriflingastoconsiderablyabatetheseriousvalueofthecomposition，tothreeviewsofGenoafromtheInstitute，whichnobodyeverrecognized，takenonthespotbythedrawing-teacher；
　　fromtwoilluminatedtextsofScriptureinanEnglishLetter，sogratuitouslyandhideouslyremoteastochillallhumaninterest，toalargephotographoftheseniorclass，inwhichtheprettiestgirlswereEthiopianincomplexion，andsat，apparently，oneachother’sheadsandshoulders。Hisfingershadturnedlistlesslytheleavesofschool-catalogues，the"Sermons"ofDr。Crammer，the"Poems"ofHenryKirkeWhite，the"LaysoftheSanctuary"and"LivesofCelebratedWomen。"Hisfancy，anditwasanervouslyactiveone，hadgoneoverthepartingsandgreetingsthatmusthavetakenplacehere，andwonderedwhytheapartmenthadyetcaughtsolittleoftheflavorofhumanity；indeed，Iamafraidhehadalmostforgottentheobjectofhisvisit，whenthedooropened，andCarryTretherickstoodbeforehim。
　　Itwasoneofthosefaceshehadseenthenightbefore，prettiereventhanithadseemedthen；andyetIthinkhewasconsciousofsomedisappointment，withoutknowingexactlywhy。Herabundantwavinghairwasofaguinea-goldentint，hercomplexionofapeculiarflower-likedelicacy，herbrowneyesofthecolorofseaweedindeepwater。Itcertainlywasnotherbeautythatdisappointedhim。
　　Withoutpossessinghissensitivenesstoimpression，Carrywas，onherpart，quiteasvaguelyillatease。Shesawbeforeheroneofthosemenwhomthesexwouldvaguelygeneralizeas"nice，"thatistosay，correctinallthesuperficialappointmentsofstyle，dress，mannersandfeature。Yettherewasadecidedlyunconventionalqualityabouthim：hewastotallyunlikeanythingoranybodythatshecouldremember；and，astheattributesoforiginalityareoftenasapttoalarmastoattractpeople，shewasnotentirelyprepossessedinhisfavor。
　　"Icanhardlyhope，"hebeganpleasantly，"thatyourememberme。
　　Itiselevenyearsago，andyouwereaverylittlegirl。IamafraidIcannotevenclaimtohaveenjoyedthatfamiliaritythatmightexistbetweenachildofsixandayoungmanoftwenty-one。
　　Idon’tthinkIwasfondofchildren。ButIknewyourmotherverywell。Iwaseditorof’TheAvalanche’inFiddletown，whenshetookyoutoSanFrancisco。"
　　"Youmeanmystepmother：shewasn’tmymother，youknow，"
　　interposedCarryhastily。
　　Mr。Princelookedathercuriously。"Imeanyourstepmother，"hesaidgravely。"Ineverhadthepleasureofmeetingyourmother。"
　　"No：MOTHERhasn’tbeeninCaliforniathesetwelveyears。"
　　Therewasanintentionalemphasizingofthetitleandofitsdistinction，thatbegantocoldlyinterestPrinceafterhisfirstastonishmentwaspast。
　　"AsIcomefromyourstepmothernow，"hewentonwithaslightlaugh，"Imustaskyoutogobackforafewmomentstothatpoint。
　　Afteryourfather’sdeath，yourmother——Imeanyourstepmother——
　　recognizedthefactthatyourmother，thefirstMrs。Tretherick，waslegallyandmorallyyourguardian，and，althoughmuchagainstherinclinationandaffections，placedyouagaininhercharge。"
　　"Mystepmothermarriedagainwithinamonthafterfatherdied，andsentmehome，"saidCarrywithgreatdirectness，andthefaintesttossofherhead。
　　Mr。Princesmiledsosweetly，andapparentlysosympathetically，thatCarrybegantolikehim。Withnoothernoticeoftheinterruptionhewenton，"Afteryourstepmotherhadperformedthisactofsimplejustice，sheenteredintoanagreementwithyourmothertodefraytheexpensesofyoureducationuntilyoureighteenthyear，whenyouweretoelectandchoosewhichofthetwoshouldthereafterbeyourguardian，andwithwhomyouwouldmakeyourhome。Thisagreement，Ithink，youarealreadyawareof，and，Ibelieve，knewatthetime。"
　　"Iwasamerechildthen，"saidCarry。
　　"Certainly，"saidMr。Prince，withthesamesmile。"Stilltheconditions，Ithink，haveneverbeenoppressivetoyounoryourmother；andtheonlytimetheyarelikelytogiveyoutheleastuneasinesswillbewhenyoucometomakeupyourmindinthechoiceofyourguardian。Thatwillbeonyoureighteenthbirthday，——the20th，Ithink，ofthepresentmonth。"
　　Carrywassilent。
　　"PraydonotthinkthatIamheretoreceiveyourdecision，evenifitbealreadymade。Ionlycametoinformyouthatyourstepmother，Mrs。Starbottle，willbeintownto-morrow，andwillpassafewdaysatthehotel。Ifitisyourwishtoseeherbeforeyoumakeupyourmind，shewillbegladtomeetyou。Shedoesnot，however，wishtodoanythingtoinfluenceyourjudgment。"
　　"Doesmotherknowsheiscoming？"saidCarryhastily。
　　"Idonotknow，"saidPrincegravely。"Ionlyknow，that，ifyouconcludetoseeMrs。Starbottle，itwillbewithyourmother’spermission。Mrs。Starbottlewillkeepsacredlythispartoftheagreement，madetenyearsago。Butherhealthisverypoor；andthechangeandcountryquietofafewdaysmaybenefither。"Mr。
　　Princebenthiskeen，brighteyesupontheyounggirl，andalmostheldhisbreathuntilshespokeagain。
　　"Mother’scomingupto-dayorto-morrow，"shesaid，lookingup。
　　"Ah！"saidMr。Princewithasweetandlanguidsmile。
　　"IsCol。Starbottleheretoo？"askedCarry，afterapause。
　　"Col。Starbottleisdead。Yourstepmotherisagainawidow。"
　　"Dead！"repeatedCarry。
　　"Yes，"repliedMr。Prince。"Yourstep-motherhasbeensingularlyunfortunateinsurvivingheraffections。"
　　Carrydidnotknowwhathemeant，andlookedso。Mr。Princesmiledre-assuringly。
　　PresentlyCarrybegantowhimper。
　　Mr。Princesoftlysteppedbesideherchair。
　　"Iamafraid，"hesaidwithaverypeculiarlightinhiseye，andasingulardroppingofthecornersofhismustache，——"Iamafraidyouaretakingthistoodeeply。Itwillbesomedaysbeforeyouarecalledupontomakeadecision。Letustalkofsomethingelse。I
　　hopeyoucaughtnocoldlastevening。"
　　Carry’sfaceshoneoutagainindimples。
　　"Youmusthavethoughtussoqueer！Itwastoobadtogiveyousomuchtrouble。"
　　"None，whatever，Iassureyou。Mysenseofpropriety，"headdeddemurely，"whichmighthavebeenoutraged，hadIbeencalledupontohelpthreeyoungladiesoutofaschoolroomwindowatnight，wasdeeplygratifiedatbeingabletoassisttheminagain。"Thedoor-
　　bellrangloudly，andMr。Princerose。"Takeyourowntime，andthinkwellbeforeyoumakeyourdecision。"ButCarry’searandattentionweregiventothesoundofvoicesinthehall。Atthesamemoment，thedoorwasthrownopen，andaservantannounced，"Mrs。TretherickandMr。Robinson。"
　　TheafternoontrainhadjustshriekedoutitsusualindignantprotestatstoppingatGenoaatall，asMr。JackPrinceenteredtheoutskirtsofthetown，anddrovetowardshishotel。Hewasweariedandcynical。Adriveofadozenmilesthroughunpicturesqueoutlyingvillages，pastsmalleconomicfarmhouses，andhideousvillasthatviolatedhisfastidioustaste，had，Ifear，leftthatgentlemaninacaptiousstateofmind。Hewouldhaveevenavoidedhistaciturnlandlordashedroveuptothedoor；butthatfunctionarywaylaidhimonthesteps。"There’saladyinthesittin’-room，waitin’forye。"Mr。Princehurriedupstairs，andenteredtheroomasMrs。Starbottleflewtowardshim。
　　Shehadchangedsadlyinthelasttenyears。Herfigurewaswastedtohalfitssize。Thebeautifulcurvesofherbustandshoulderswerebrokenorinverted。Theoncefull，roundedarmwasshrunkeninitssleeve；andthegoldenhoopsthatencircledherwanwristsalmostslippedfromherhandsasherlong，scantfingersclosedconvulsivelyaroundJack’s。Hercheek-boneswerepaintedthatafternoonwiththehecticoffever：somewhereinthehollowsofthosecheekswereburiedthedimplesoflongago；buttheirgraveswereforgotten。Herlustrouseyeswerestillbeautiful，thoughtheorbitsweredeeperthanbefore。Hermouthwasstillsweet，althoughthelipspartedmoreeasilyoverthelittleteeth，andeveninbreathing，andshowedmoreofthemthanshewaswonttodobefore。Thegloryofherblondehairwasstillleft：itwasfiner，moresilkenandethereal，yetitfailedeveninitsplenitudetocoverthehollowsoftheblue-veinedtemples。
　　"Clara！"saidJackreproachfully。
　　"Oh，forgiveme，Jack！"shesaid，fallingintoachair，butstillclingingtohishand，"forgiveme，dear；butIcouldnotwaitlonger。Ishouldhavedied，Jack，——diedbeforeanothernight。
　　Bearwithmealittlelonger（itwillnotbelong），butletmestay。Imaynotseeher，Iknow；Ishallnotspeaktoher：butit’ssosweettofeelthatIamatlastnearher，thatIbreathethesameairwithmydarling。Iambetteralready，Jack，Iamindeed。Andyouhaveseenherto-day？Howdidshelook？Whatdidshesay？Tellmeall，everything，Jack。Wasshebeautiful？Theysaysheis。Hasshegrown？Wouldyouhaveknownheragain？Willshecome，Jack？Perhapsshehasbeenherealready；perhaps，"shehadrisenwithtremulousexcitement，andwasglancingatthedoor，——
　　"perhapssheisherenow。Whydon’tyouspeak，Jack？Tellmeall。"
　　Thekeeneyesthatlookeddownintoherswereglisteningwithaninfinitetendernessthatnone，perhaps，butshewouldhavedeemedthemcapableof。"Clara，"hesaidgentlyandcheerily，"tryandcomposeyourself。Youaretremblingnowwiththefatigueandexcitementofyourjourney。IhaveseenCarry：sheiswellandbeautiful。Letthatsufficeyounow。"
　　Hisgentlefirmnesscomposedandcalmedhernow，asithadoftendonebefore。Strokingherthinhand，hesaid，afterapause，"DidCarryeverwritetoyou？"
　　"Twice，thankingmeforsomepresents。Theywereonlyschool-girlletters，"sheadded，nervouslyansweringtheinterrogationofhiseyes。
　　"Didsheeverknowofyourowntroubles？ofyourpoverty，ofthesacrificesyoumadetopayherbills，ofyourpawningyourclothesandjewels，ofyour"——
　　"No，no！"interruptedthewomanquickly："no！Howcouldshe？I
　　havenoenemycruelenoughtotellherthat。"
　　"Butifshe——orifMrs。Tretherick——hadheardofit？IfCarrythoughtyouwerepoor，andunabletosupportherproperly，itmightinfluenceherdecision。Younggirlsarefondofthepositionthatwealthcangive。Shemayhaverichfriends，maybealover。"
　　Mrs。Starbottlewincedatthelastsentence。"But，"shesaideagerly，graspingJack’shand，"whenyoufoundmesickandhelplessatSacramento，whenyou——Godblessyouforit，Jack！——offeredtohelpmetotheEast，yousaidyouknewofsomething，youhadsomeplan，thatwouldmakemeandCarryindependent。"
　　"Yes，"saidJackhastily；"butIwantyoutogetstrongandwellfirst。And，nowthatyouarecalmer，youshalllistentomyvisittotheschool。"
　　ItwasthenthatMr。JackPrinceproceededtodescribetheinterviewalreadyrecorded，withasingularfelicityanddiscretionthatshamesmyownaccountofthatproceeding。Withoutsuppressingasinglefact，withoutomittingawordordetail，heyetmanagedtothrowapoeticveiloverthatprosaicepisode，toinvesttheheroinewitharomanticroseateatmosphere，which，thoughnotperhapsentirelyimaginary，still，Ifear，exhibitedthatgeniuswhichtenyearsagohadmadethecolumnsof"TheFiddletownAvalanche"atoncefascinatingandinstructive。Itwasnotuntilhesawtheheighteningcolor，andheardthequickbreathing，ofhiseagerlistener，thathefeltapangofself-reproach。"Godhelpherandforgiveme！"hemutteredbetweenhisclinchedteeth，"buthowcanItellherALLnow！"
　　Thatnight，whenMrs。Starbottlelaidherwearyheaduponherpillow，shetriedtopicturetoherselfCarryatthesamemomentsleepingpeacefullyinthegreatschoolhouseonthehill；anditwasararecomforttothisyearning，foolishwomantoknowthatshewassonear。ButatthismomentCarrywassittingontheedgeofherbed，halfundressed，poutingherprettylips，andtwistingherlong，leoninelocksbetweenherfingers，asMissKateVanCorlear——
　　dramaticallywrappedinalongwhitecounterpane，herblackeyessparkling，andherthorough-brednosethrownhighinair，——stoodoverherlikeawrathfulandindignantghost；forCarryhadthateveningimpartedherwoesandherhistorytoMissKate，andthatyoungladyhad"provedherselfnofriend"byfallingintoastateoffieryindignationoverCarry’s"ingratitude，"andopenlyandshamelesslyespousingtheclaimsofMrs。Starbottle。"Why，ifthehalfyoutellmeistrue，yourmotherandthoseRobinsonsaremakingofyounotonlyalittlecoward，butalittlesnob，miss。
　　Respectability，forsooth！Lookyou，myfamilyarecenturiesbeforetheTrethericks；butifmyfamilyhadevertreatedmeinthisway，andthenaskedmetoturnmybackonmybestfriend，I’dwhistlethemdownthewind；"andhereKatesnappedherfingers，bentherblackbrows，andglaredaroundtheroomasifinsearchofarecreantVanCorlear。
　　"Youjusttalkthisway，becauseyouhavetakenafancytothatMr。
　　Prince，"saidCarry。
　　Inthedebasingslangoftheperiod，thathadevenfounditswayintothevirgincloistersoftheCrammerInstitute，MissKate，assheafterwardsexpressedit，instantly"wentforher。"
　　First，withashakeofherhead，shethrewherlongblackhairoveroneshoulder，then，droppingoneendofthecounterpanefromtheotherlikeavestaltunic，shesteppedbeforeCarrywithapurposely-exaggeratedclassicstride。"AndwhatifIhave，miss！
　　WhatifIhappentoknowagentlemanwhenIseehim！WhatifI
　　happentoknow，thatamongathousandsuchtraditional，conventional，feebleeditionsoftheirgrandfathersasMr。HarryRobinson，youcannotfindoneoriginal，independent，individualizedgentlemanlikeyourPrince！Gotobed，miss，andpraytoHeaventhathemaybeYOURPrinceindeed。Asktohaveacontriteandgratefulheart，andthanktheLordinparticularforhavingsentyousuchafriendasKateVanCorlear。"Yet，afteranimposingdramaticexit，shere-appearedthenextmomentasastraightwhiteflash，kissedCarrybetweenthebrows，andwasgone。
　　ThenextdaywasawearyonetoJackPrince。HewasconvincedinhismindthatCarrywouldnotcome；yettokeepthisconsciousnessfromMrs。Starbottle，tomeethersimplehopefulnesswithanequaldegreeofapparentfaith，wasahardanddifficulttask。Hewouldhavetriedtodiverthermindbytakingheronalongdrive；butshewasfearfulthatCarrymightcomeduringherabsence；andherstrength，hewasobligedtoadmit，hadfailedgreatly。Ashelookedintoherlargeandawe-inspiringcleareyes，asomethinghetriedtokeepfromhismind——toputoffdaybydayfromcontemplation——keptassertingitselfdirectlytohisinnerconsciousness。Hebegantodoubttheexpediencyandwisdomofhismanagement。HerecalledeveryincidentofhisinterviewwithCarry，andhalfbelievedthatitsfailurewasduetohimself。YetMrs。Starbottlewasverypatientandconfident：herveryconfidenceshookhisfaithinhisownjudgment。Whenherstrengthwasequaltotheexertion，shewasproppedupinherchairbythewindow，whereshecouldseetheschoolandtheentrancetothehotel。Intheintervalsshewouldelaboratepleasantplansforthefuture，andwouldsketchacountryhome。Shehadtakenastrangefancy，asitseemedtoPrince，tothepresentlocation；butitwasnotablethatthefuture，alwaysthusoutlined，wasoneofquietandrepose。
　　Shebelievedshewouldgetwellsoon：infact，shethoughtshewasnowmuchbetterthanshehadbeen；butitmightbelongbeforesheshouldbequitestrongagain。ShewouldwhisperoninthiswayuntilJackwoulddashmadlydownintothebar-room，orderliquorsthathedidnotdrink，lightcigarsthathedidnotsmoke，talkwithmenthathedidnotlistento，andbehavegenerallyasourstrongersexisapttodoinperiodsofdelicatetrialsandperplexity。
　　Thedayclosedwithacloudedskyandabitter，searchingwind。
　　Withthenightfellafewwanderingflakesofsnow。Shewasstillcontentandhopeful；and，asJackwheeledherfromthewindowtothefire，sheexplainedtohim，how，that，astheschool-termwasdrawingnearitsclose，Carrywasprobablykeptcloselyatherlessonsduringtheday，andcouldonlyleavetheschoolatnight。
　　Soshesatupthegreaterpartoftheevening，andcombedhersilkenhair，and，asfarasherstrengthwouldallow，madeanundresstoilettoreceiveherguest。"Wemustnotfrightenthechild，Jack，"shesaidapologetically，andwithsomethingofheroldcoquetry。
　　Itwaswithafeelingofrelief，that，atteno’clock，Jackreceivedamessagefromthelandlord，sayingthatthedoctorwouldliketoseehimforamomentdownstairs。AsJackenteredthegrim，dimly-lightedparlor，heobservedthehoodedfigureofawomannearthefire。Hewasabouttowithdrawagain，whenavoicethatherememberedverypleasantlysaid，——
　　"Oh，it’sallright！I’mthedoctor。"
　　Thehoodwasthrownback；andPrincesawtheshiningblackhair，andblack，audaciouseyes，ofKateVanCorlear。
　　"Don’taskanyquestions。I’mthedoctorandthere’smyprescription，"andshepointedtothehalf-frightened，half-sobbingCarryinthecorner——"tobetakenatonce。"
　　"ThenMrs。Tretherickhasgivenherpermission？"
　　"Notmuch，ifIknowthesentimentsofthatlady，"repliedKatesaucily。
　　"Thenhowdidyougetaway？"askedPrincegravely。
　　"BYTHEWINDOW。"
　　WhenMr。PrincehadleftCarryinthearmsofherstepmother，hereturnedtotheparlor。
　　"Well？"demandedKate。
　　"Shewillstay——YOUwill，Ihope，also——to-night。"
　　"AsIshallnotbeeighteen，andmyownmistressonthe20th，andasIhaven’tasickstepmother，Iwon’t。"
　　"Thenyouwillgivemethepleasureofseeingyousafelythroughthewindowagain？"
　　WhenMr。Princereturnedanhourlater，hefoundCarrysittingonalowstoolatMrs。Starbottle’sfeet。Herheadwasinherstepmother’slap；andshehadsobbedherselftosleep。Mrs。
　　Starbottleputherfingertoherlip。"Itoldyoushewouldcome。
　　Godblessyou，Jack！andgood-night。"
　　ThenextmorningMrs。Tretherick，indignant，theRev。AsaCrammer，principal，injured，andMr。JoelRobinson，sen。，complacentlyrespectable，calleduponMr。Prince。Therewasastormymeeting，endinginademandforCarry。"Wecertainlycannotadmitofthisinterference，"saidMrs。Tretherick，afashionablydressed，indistinctivelookingwoman。"Itisseveraldaysbeforetheexpirationofouragreement；andwedonotfeel，underthecircumstances，justifiedinreleasingMrs。Starbottlefromitsconditions。""Untiltheexpirationoftheschool-term，wemustconsiderMissTretherickascomplyingentirelywithitsrulesanddiscipline，"imposedDr。Crammer。"Thewholeproceedingiscalculatedtoinjuretheprospects，andcompromisetheposition，ofMissTretherickinsociety，"suggestedMr。Robinson。
　　InvainMr。PrinceurgedthefailingconditionofMrs。Starbottle，herabsolutefreedomfromcomplicitywithCarry’sflight，thepardonableandnaturalinstinctsofthegirl，andhisownassurancethattheywerewillingtoabidebyherdecision。Andthenwitharisingcolorinhischeek，adangerouslookinhiseye，butasingularcalmnessinhisspeech，headded，——
　　"Onewordmore。Itbecomesmydutytoinformyouofacircumstancewhichwouldcertainlyjustifyme，asanexecutorofthelateMr。
　　Tretherick，infullyresistingyourdemands。AfewmonthsafterMr。Tretherick’sdeath，throughtheagencyofaChinamaninhisemployment，itwasdiscoveredthathehadmadeawill，whichwassubsequentlyfoundamonghispapers。Theinsignificantvalueofhisbequest——mostlyland，thenquitevalueless——preventedhisexecutorsfromcarryingouthiswishes，orfromevenprovingthewill，ormakingitotherwisepubliclyknown，untilwithinthelasttwoorthreeyears，whenthepropertyhadenormouslyincreasedinvalue。Theprovisionsofthatbequestaresimple，butunmistakable。
　　ThepropertyisdividedbetweenCarryandherstepmother，withtheexplicitconditionthatMrs。Starbottleshallbecomeherlegalguardian，provideforhereducation，andinalldetailsstandtoherinlocoparentis。"
　　"Whatisthevalueofthisbequest？"askedMr。Robinson。"Icannottellexactly，butnotfarfromhalfamillion，Ishouldsay，"
　　returnedPrince。"Certainly，withthisknowledge，asafriendofMissTretherick，Imustsaythatherconductisasjudiciousasitishonorabletoher，"respondedMr。Robinson。"Ishallnotpresumetoquestionthewishes，orthrowanyobstaclesinthewayofcarryingouttheintentions，ofmydeadhusband，"addedMrs。
　　Tretherick；andtheinterviewwasclosed。
　　WhenitsresultwasmadeknowntoMrs。Starbottle，sheraisedJack’shandtoherfeverishlips。"ItcannotaddtoMYhappinessnow，Jack；buttellme，whydidyoukeepitfromher？"Jacksmiled，butdidnotreply。
　　Withinthenextweekthenecessarylegalformalitieswereconcluded；andCarrywasrestoredtoherstepmother。AtMrs。
　　Starbottle’srequest，asmallhouseintheoutskirtsofthetownwasprocured；andthithertheyremovedtowaitthespring，andMrs。
　　Starbottle’sconvalescence。Bothcametardilythatyear。
　　Yetshewashappyandpatient。Shewasfondofwatchingthebuddingofthetreesbeyondherwindow，——anovelsighttoherCalifornianexperience，——andofaskingCarrytheirnamesandseasons。Evenatthistimesheprojectedforthatsummer，whichseemedtohersomysteriouslywithheld，longwalkswithCarrythroughtheleafywoods，whosegray，mistyranksshecouldseealongthehilltop。Sheeventhoughtshecouldwritepoetryaboutthem，andrecalledthefactasevidenceofhergainingstrength；
　　andthereis，Ibelieve，stilltreasuredbyoneofthemembersofthislittlehouseholdalittlecarolsojoyous，sosimple，andsoinnocent，thatitmighthavebeenanechooftherobinthatcalledtoherfromthewindow，asperhapsitwas。
　　Andthen，withoutwarning，theredroppedfromHeavenadaysotender，somysticallysoft，sodreamilybeautiful，sothrobbing，andalivewiththeflutteringofinvisiblewings，sorepleteandbounteouslyoverflowingwithanawakeningandjoyousresurrectionnottaughtbymanorlimitedbycreed，thattheythoughtitfittobringherout，andlayherinthatglorioussunshinethatsprinkledlikethedroppingsofabridaltorchthehappylintelsanddoors。
　　Andthereshelaybeatifiedandcalm。
　　Weariedbywatching，Carryhadfallenasleepbyherside；andMrs。
　　Starbottle’sthinfingerslaylikeabenedictiononherhead。
　　PresentlyshecalledJacktoherside。
　　"Whowasthat，"shewhispered，"whojustcamein？"
　　"MissVanCorlear，"saidJack，answeringthelookinhergreatholloweyes。
　　"Jack，"shesaid，afteramoment’ssilence，"sitbymeamoment，dearJack：I’vesomethingImustsay。IfIeverseemedhard，orcold，orcoquettishtoyouintheolddays，itwasbecauseIlovedyou，Jack，toowelltomaryourfuturebylinkingitwithmyown。
　　Ialwayslovedyou，dearJack，evenwhenIseemedleastworthyofyou。Thatisgonenow。ButIhadadreamlately，Jack，afoolishwoman’sdream，——thatyoumightfindwhatIlackedinHER，"andsheglancedlovinglyatthesleepinggirlatherside；"thatyoumightloveherasyouhavelovedme。Buteventhatisnottobe，Jack，isit？"andsheglancedwistfullyinhisface。Jackpressedherhand，butdidnotspeak。Afterafewmoments’silence，sheagainsaid，"Perhapsyouarerightinyourchoice。Sheisagood-heartedgirl，Jack——butalittlebold。"
　　Andwiththislastflickeroffoolish，weakhumanityinherstrugglingspirit，shespokenomore。Whentheycametoheramomentlater，atinybirdthathadlituponherbreastflewaway；
　　andthehandthattheyliftedfromCarry’sheadfelllifelessatherside。
　　AJERSEYCENTENARIAN
　　Ihaveseenheratlast。Sheisahundredandsevenyearsold，andremembersGeorgeWashingtonquitedistinctly。Itissomewhatconfusing，however，thatshealsoremembersacontemporaneousJosiahW。PerkinsofBaskingRidge，N。J。，and，Ithink，hastheimpressionthatPerkinswasthebetterman。Perkins，atthecloseofthelastcentury，paidhersomelittleattention。Thereareafewthingsthatareallynoblewomanofahundredandsevenneverforgets。
　　ItwasPerkins，whosaidtoherin1795，inthestreetsofPhiladelphia，"ShallIshowtheeGen。Washington？"Thenshesaidcareless-like（foryouknow，child，atthattimeitwasn’twhatitisnowtoseeGen。Washington），shesaid，"Sodo，Josiah，sodo！"
　　Thenhepointedtoatallmanwhogotoutofacarriage，andwentintoalargehouse。Hewaslargerthanyoube。Heworehisownhair——notpowdered；hadafloweredchintzvest，withyellowbreechesandbluestockings，andabroad-brimmedhat。Insummerheworeawhitestrawhat，andathisfarmatBaskingRidgehealwaysworeit。Atthispoint，itbecametooevidentthatshewasdescribingtheclothesoftheall-fascinatingPerkins：soIgentlybutfirmlyledherbacktoWashington。Thenitappearedthatshedidnotrememberexactlywhathewore。Toassisther，Isketchedthegeneralhistoricdressofthatperiod。Shesaidshethoughthewasdressedlikethat。Emboldenedbymysuccess，IaddedahatofCharlesII。，andpointedshoesoftheeleventhcentury。Sheindorsedthesewithsuchcheerfulalacrity，thatIdroppedthesubject。
　　ThehouseuponwhichIhadstumbled，or，rather，towhichmyhorse——
　　aJerseyhack，accustomedtohistoricresearch——hadbroughtme，waslowandquaint。Likemostoldhouses，ithadtheappearanceofbeingencroacheduponbythesurroundingglebe，asifitwerealreadyhalfinthegrave，withasodortwo，intheshapeofmossthrownonit，likeashesonashes，anddustondust。Awoodenhouse，insteadofacquiringdignitywithage，isapttoloseitsyouthandrespectabilitytogether。Aporch，withscant，slopingseats，fromwhicheventhewinter’ssnowmusthavesliduncomfortably，projectedfromadoorwaythatopenedmostunjustifiablyintoasmallsitting-room。Therewasnovestibule，orlocuspoenitentiae，fortheembarrassedorbashfulvisitor：hepassedatoncefromthesecurityofthepublicroadintoshamefulprivacy。Andhere，inthemellowautumnalsunlight，that，streamingthroughthemaplesandsumachontheoppositebank，flickeredanddanceduponthefloor，shesatanddiscoursedofGeorgeWashington，andthoughtofPerkins。Shewasquiteinkeepingwiththehouseandtheseason，albeitalittleinadvanceofboth；herskinbeingofafadedrusset，andherhandssolikedeadNovemberleaves，thatIfanciedtheyevenrustledwhenshemovedthem。
　　Forallthat，shewasquitebrightandcheery；herfacultiesstillquitevigorous，althoughperformingirregularlyandspasmodically。
　　Itwassomewhatdiscomposing，Iconfess，toobserve，thatattimesherlowerjawwoulddrop，leavingherspeechless，untiloneofthefamilywouldnoticeit，andraiseitsmartlyintoplacewithaslightsnap，——anoperationalwaysperformedinsuchanhabitual，perfunctorymanner，generallyinpassingtoandfrointheirhouseholdduties，thatitwasverytryingtothespectator。Itwasstillmoreembarrassingtoobservethatthedearoldladyhadevidentlynoknowledgeofthis，butbelievedshewasstilltalking，andthat，onresumingheractualvocalutterance，shewasoftenabruptandincoherent，beginningalwaysinthemiddleofasentence，andofteninthemiddleofaword。"Sometimes，"saidherdaughter，agiddy，thoughtlessyoungthingofeighty-five，——
　　"sometimesjustmovingherheadsortofunhitchesherjaw；and，ifwedon’thappentoseeit，she’llgoontalkingforhourswithoutevermakingasound。"AlthoughIwasconvinced，afterthis，thatduringmyinterviewIhadlostseveralimportantrevelationsregardingGeorgeWashingtonthroughthesepeculiarlapses，IcouldnothelpreflectinghowbeneficentweretheseprovisionsoftheCreator，——how，ifproperlystudiedandapplied，theymightbefraughtwithhappinesstomankind，——howaslightjostleorjaratadinner-partymightmakethepost-prandialeloquenceofgarruloussenilitysatisfactorytoitself，yetharmlesstoothers，——howamoreintimateknowledgeofanatomy，introducedintothedomesticcircle，mightmakeahometolerableatleast，ifnothappy，——howalong-sufferinghusband，underthepretenceofaconjugalcaress，mightsounhookhiswife’scondyloidprocessastoallowtheflowofexpostulation，criticism，ordenunciation，togoonwithgratificationtoher，andperfectimmunitytohimself。
　　ButthiswasnotgettingbacktoGeorgeWashingtonandtheearlystrugglesoftheRepublic。SoIreturnedtothecommander-in-
　　chief，butfound，afteroneortwoleadingquestions，thatshewasratherinclinedtoresenthisre-appearanceonthestage。Herreminiscencesherewerechieflysocialandlocal，andmoreorlessflavoredwithPerkins。WegotbackasfarastheRevolutionaryepoch，or，rather，herimpressionsofthatepoch，whenitwasstillfreshinthepublicmind。AndhereIcameuponanincident，purelypersonalandlocal，but，withal，sonovel，weird，anduncanny，thatforawhileIfearitquitedisplacedGeorgeWashingtoninmymind，andtingedtheautumnalfieldsbeyondwitharedthatwasnotofthesumach。Idonotremembertohavereadofitinthebooks。I
　　donotknowthatitisentirelyauthentic。Itwasattestedtomebymotheranddaughter，asanuncontradictedtradition。
　　Inthelittlefieldbeyond，wheretheploughstillturnsupmusket-
　　ballsandcartridge-boxes，tookplaceoneofthoseirregularskirmishesbetweenthemilitiamenandKnyphausen’sstragglers，thatmadetheretreathistorical。AHessiansoldier，woundedinbothlegsandutterlyhelpless，draggedhimselftothecoverofahazel-
　　copse，andlaytherehiddenfortwodays。Onthethirdday，maddenedbythirst，hemanagedtocreeptotherail-fenceofanadjoiningfarm-house，butfoundhimselfunabletomountitorpassthrough。Therewasnooneinthehousebutalittlegirlofsixorsevenyears。Hecalledtoher，andinafaintvoiceaskedforwater。Shereturnedtothehouse，asiftocomplywithhisrequest，but，mountingachair，tookfromthechimneyaheavily-
　　loadedQueenAnnemusket，and，goingtothedoor，tookdeliberateaimatthehelplessintruder，andfired。Themanfellbackdead，withoutagroan。Shereplacedthemusket，and，returningtothefence，coveredthebodywithboughsandleaves，untilitwashidden。Twoorthreedaysafter，sherelatedtheoccurrenceinacareless，casualway，andleadingthewaytothefence，withapieceofbreadandbutterinherguilelesslittlefingers，pointedouttheresultofhersimple，unsophisticatedeffort。TheHessianwasdecentlyburied，butIcouldnotfindoutwhatbecameofthelittlegirl。Nobodyseemedtoremember。Itrust，that，inafter-
　　years，shewashappilymarried；thatnoJerseyLovelaceattemptedtotriflewithaheartwhoseimpulsesweresoprompt，andwhosepurposesweresosincere。Theydidnotseemtoknowifshehadmarriedornot。Yetitdoesnotseemprobablethatsuchsimplicityofconception，franknessofexpression，anddeftnessofexecution，werelosttoposterity，orthattheyfailed，intheirtimeandseason，togiveflavortothedomesticfelicityoftheperiod。
　　Beyondthis，thestoryperhapshaslittlevalue，exceptasanoffsettotheusualanecdotesofHessianatrocity。
　　TheyhadtheirfinancialpanicseveninJersey，intheolddays。
　　SherememberedwhenDr。WhitemarriedyourcousinMary——orwasitSusan？——yes，itwasSusan。SheremembersthatyourUncleHarrybroughtinanarmfulofbank-notes，——papermoney，youknow，——andthrewtheminthecorner，sayingtheywerenogoodtoanybody。Sherememberedplayingwiththem，andgivingthemtoyourAuntAnna——
　　no，child，itwasyourownmother，blessyourheart！Someofthemwasmarkedashighasahundreddollars。Everybodykeptgoldandsilverinastocking，orina"chaney"vase，likethat。Youneverusedmoneytobuyanything。WhenJosiahwenttoSpringfieldtobuyanything，hetookacartloadofthingswithhimtoexchange。
　　Thatyallerpicture-framewaspaidforingreenings。Butthenpeopleknewjestwhattheyhad。Theydidn’tfrittertheirsubstanceawayinunchristiantrifles，likeyourfather，ElizaJane，whodoesn’tknowthatthereisaGodwhowillsmitehimhipandthigh；forvengeanceismine，andthosethatbelieveinme。
　　Buthere，singularlyenough，theinferiormaxillariesgaveout，andherjawdropped。（Inoticedthathergiddydaughterofeighty-fivewassittingnearher；butIdonotpretendtoconnectthisfactwiththearrestedflowofpersonaldisclosure。）Howbeit，whensherecoveredherspeechagain，itappearedthatshewascomplainingoftheweather。
　　Theseasonshadchangedverymuchsinceyourfatherwenttosea。
　　Thewintersusedtobeterribleinthosedays。WhenshewentovertoSpringfield，inJune，shesawthesnowstillonWatson’sRidge。
　　Therewerewholedayswhenyoucouldn’tgitovertoWilliamHenry’s，theirnextneighbor，aquarterofamileaway。ItwasthatdreffulwinterthattheSpanishsailorwasfound。Youdon’tremembertheSpanishsailor，ElizaJane——itwasbeforeyourtime。
　　Therewasalittlepersonalskirmishinghere，whichIfeared，atfirst，mightendinasuspensionofmaxillaryfunctions，andthelossofthestory；buthereitis。Ah，me！itisapurewhitewinteridyl：howshallIsingitthisbright，gayautumnalday？
　　Itwasaterriblenight，thatwinter’snight，whensheandthecenturywereyoungtogether。Thesunwaslostatthreeo’clock：
　　thesnowynightcamedownlikeawhitesheet，thatflappedaroundthehouse，beatatthewindowswithitsedges，andatlastwrappeditinacloseembrace。Inthemiddleofthenight，theythoughttheyheardabovethewindavoicecrying，"Christus，Christus！"inaforeigntongue。Theyopenedthedoor，——noeasytaskinthenorthwindthatpresseditsstrongshouldersagainstit，——butnothingwastobeseenbutthedriftingsnow。Thenextmorningdawnedonfenceshidden，andalandscapechangedandobliteratedwithdrift。
　　Duringtheday，theyagainheardthecryof"Christus！"thistimefaintandhidden，likeachild’svoice。Theysearchedinvain：thedriftedsnowhiditssecret。Onthethirddaytheybrokeapathtothefence，andthentheyheardthecrydistinctly。Diggingdown，theyfoundthebodyofaman，——aSpanishsailor，darkandbearded，withear-ringsinhisears。Astheystoodgazingdownathiscoldandpulselessfigure，thecryof"Christus！"againroseuponthewintryair；andtheyturnedandfledinsuperstitiousterrortothehouse。Andthenoneofthechildren，bolderthantherest，kneltdown，andopenedthedeadman’sroughpea-jacket，andfound——whatthinkyou？——alittleblue-and-greenparrot，nestlingagainsthisbreast。Itwasthebirdthathadechoedmechanicallythelastdespairingcryofthelifethatwasgiventosaveit。Itwasthebird，thateverafter，amidoutlandishoathsandwildersailor-
　　songs，thatIfearoftenshockedthepureearsofitsgentlemistress，andbroughtscandalintotheJerseys，stillretainedthatoneweirdandmournfulcry。
　　Thesunmeanwhilewassinkingbehindthesteadfastrangebeyond，andIcouldnothelpfeelingthatImustdepartwithmywantsunsatisfied。Ihadbroughtawaynohistoricfragment：IabsolutelyknewlittleornothingnewregardingGeorgeWashington。Ihadbeenaddressedvariouslybythenamesofdifferentmembersofthefamilywhoweredeadandforgotten；Ihadstoodforanhourinthepast：
　　yetIhadnotaddedtomyhistoricalknowledge，northepracticalbenefitofyourreaders。IspokeoncemoreofWashington，andsherepliedwithareminiscenceofPerkins。
　　Standforth，OJosiahW。PerkinsofBaskingRidge，N。J。Thouwastoflittleaccountinthylife，Iwarrant；thoudidstnotevenfeelthegreatnessofthydayandtime；thoudidstcriticisethysuperiors；thouwastsmallandnarrowinthyways；thyverynameandgraveareunknownanduncaredfor：butthouwastoncekindtoawomanwhosurvivedthee，and，lo！thynameisagainspokenofmen，andforamomentliftedupabovethybetters。