"Thewhole。"
　　"Andastothoseinstructions，youhaveabsolutelymadeupyourmind，Mr。Wilding？"
　　"Absolutely，decidedly，finally。"
　　"Itonlyremains，"saidthelawyer，withoneshrugofhisshoulders，"togetthemintotechnicalandbindingform，andtoexecuteandattest。Now，doesthatpress？Isthereanyhurryaboutit？Youarenotgoingtodieyet，sir。"
　　"Mr。Bintrey，"answeredWilding，gravely，"whenIamgoingtodieiswithinotherknowledgethanyoursormine。Ishallbegladtohavethismatteroffmymind，ifyouplease。"
　　"Wearelawyerandclientagain，"rejoinedBintrey，who，forthenonce，hadbecomealmostsympathetic。"Ifthisdayweek——here，atthesamehour——willsuitMr。Vendaleandyourself，IwillenterinmyDiarythatIattendyouaccordingly。"
　　Theappointmentwasmade，andinduesequence，kept。Thewillwasformallysigned，sealed，delivered，andwitnessed，andwascarriedoffbyMr。Bintreyforsafestorageamongthepapersofhisclients，rangedintheirrespectiveironboxes，withtheirrespectiveowners’
　　namesoutside，onirontiersinhisconsulting—room，asifthatlegalsanctuarywereacondensedFamilyVaultofClients。
　　Withmoreheartthanhehadlatelyhadforformersubjectsofinterest，Wildingthensetaboutcompletinghispatriarchalestablishment，beingmuchassistednotonlybyMrs。GoldstrawbutbyVendaletoo：who，perhaps，hadinhismindthegivingofanObenreizerdinnerassoonaspossible。Anyhow，theestablishmentbeingreportedinsoundworkingorder，theObenreizers，GuardianandWard，wereaskedtodinner，andMadameDorwasincludedintheinvitation。IfVendalehadbeenoverheadandearsinlovebefore——
　　aphrasenottobetakenasimplyingthefaintestdoubtaboutit——
　　thisdinnerplungedhimdowninlovetenthousandfathomsdeep。
　　Yet，forthelifeofhim，hecouldnotgetonewordalonewithcharmingMarguerite。Sosurelyasablessedmomentseemedtocome，Obenreizer，inhisfilmystate，wouldstandatVendale’selbow，orthebroadbackofMadameDorwouldappearbeforehiseyes。Thatspeechlessmatronwasneverseeninafrontview，fromthemomentofherarrivaltothatofherdeparture——exceptatdinner。Andfromtheinstantofherretirementtothedrawing—room，afteraheartyparticipationinthatmeal，sheturnedherfacetothewallagain。
　　Yet，throughfourorfivedelightfulthoughdistractinghours，Margueritewastobeseen，Margueritewastobeheard，Margueritewastobeoccasionallytouched。Whentheymadetheroundoftheolddarkcellars，Vendaleledherbythehand;whenshesangtohiminthelightedroomatnight，Vendale，standingbyher，heldherrelinquishedgloves，andwouldhavebarteredagainstthemeverydropoftheforty—fiveyearold，thoughithadbeenforty—fivetimesforty—fiveyearsold，anditsnettpriceforty—fivetimesforty—fivepoundsperdozen。Andstill，whenshewasgone，andagreatgapofanextinguisherwasclappedonCrippleCorner，hetormentedhimselfbywondering，Didshethinkthatheadmiredher！Didshethinkthatheadoredher！Didshesuspectthatshehadwonhim，heartandsoul！Didshecaretothinkatallaboutit！Andso，DidsheandDidn’tshe，upanddownthegamut，andabovethelineandbelowtheline，dear，dear！Poorrestlessheartofhumanity！Tothinkthatthemenwhoweremummiesthousandsofyearsago，didthesame，andeverfoundthesecrethowtobequietafterit！
　　"Whatdoyouthink，George，"Wildingaskedhimnextday，"ofMr。
　　Obenreizer？（Iwon’taskyouwhatyouthinkofMissObenreizer。）"
　　"Idon’tknow，"saidVendale，"andIneverdidknow，whattothinkofhim。"
　　"Heiswellinformedandclever，"saidWilding。
　　"Certainlyclever。"
　　"Agoodmusician。"（Hehadplayedverywell，andsungverywell，overnight。）
　　"Unquestionablyagoodmusician。"
　　"Andtalkswell。"
　　"Yes，"saidGeorgeVendale，ruminating，"andtalkswell。Doyouknow，Wilding，itoddlyoccurstome，asIthinkabouthim，thathedoesn’tkeepsilencewell！"
　　"Howdoyoumean？Heisnotobtrusivelytalkative。"
　　"No，andIdon’tmeanthat。Butwhenheissilent，youcanhardlyhelpvaguely，thoughperhapsmostunjustly，mistrustinghim。Takepeoplewhomyouknowandlike。Takeanyoneyouknowandlike。"
　　"Soondone，mygoodfellow，"saidWilding。"Itakeyou。"
　　"Ididn’tbargainforthat，orforeseeit，"returnedVendale，laughing。"However，takeme。Reflectforamoment。Isyourapprovingknowledgeofmyinterestingfacemainlyfounded（howevervariousthemomentaryexpressionsitmayinclude）onmyfacewhenI
　　amsilent？"
　　"Ithinkitis，"saidWilding。
　　"Ithinksotoo。Now，yousee，whenObenreizerspeaks——inotherwords，whenheisallowedtoexplainhimselfaway——hecomesoutrightenough;butwhenhehasnottheopportunityofexplaininghimselfaway，hecomesoutratherwrong。Thereforeitis，thatI
　　sayhedoesnotkeepsilencewell。AndpassinghastilyinreviewsuchfacesasIknow，anddon’ttrust，Iaminclinedtothink，nowI
　　givemymindtoit，thatnoneofthemkeepsilencewell。"
　　ThispropositioninPhysiognomybeingnewtoWilding，hewasatfirstslowtoadmitit，untilaskinghimselfthequestionwhetherMrs。Goldstrawkeptsilencewell，andrememberingthatherfaceinreposedecidedlyinvitedtrustfulness，hewasasgladasmenusuallyaretobelievewhattheydesiretobelieve。
　　But，ashewasveryslowtoregainhisspiritsorhishealth，hispartner，asanothermeansofsettinghimup——andperhapsalsowithcontingentObenreizerviews——remindedhimofthosemusicalschemesofhisinconnectionwithhisfamily，andhowasinging—classwastobeformedinthehouse，andaChoirinaneighbouringchurch。Theclasswasestablishedspeedily，and，twoorthreeofthepeoplehavingalreadysomemusicalknowledge，andsingingtolerably，theChoirsoonfollowed。Thelatterwasled，andchieflytaught，byWildinghimself：whohadhopesofconvertinghisdependentsintosomanyFoundlings，inrespectoftheircapacitytosingsacredchoruses。
　　Now，theObenreizersbeingskilledmusicians，itwaseasilybroughttopassthattheyshouldbeaskedtojointhesemusicalunions。
　　GuardianandWardconsenting，orGuardianconsentingforboth，itwasnecessarilybroughttopassthatVendale’slifebecamealifeofabsolutethraldomandenchantment。For，inthemouldyChristopher—
　　WrenchurchonSundays，withitsdearlybelovedbrethrenassembledandmettogether，five—and—twentystrong，wasnotthatHervoicethatshotlikelightintothedarkestplaces，thrillingthewallsandpillarsasthoughtheywerepiecesofhisheart！Whattime，too，MadameDorinacornerofthehighpew，turningherbackuponeverybodyandeverything，couldnotfailtobeRitualisticallyrightatsomemomentoftheservice;likethemanwhomthedoctorsrecommendedtogetdrunkonceamonth，andwho，thathemightnotoverlookit，gotdrunkeveryday。
　　But，eventhoseseraphicSundaysweresurpassedbytheWednesdayconcertsestablishedforthepatriarchalfamily。Atthoseconcertsshewouldsitdowntothepianoandsingthem，inherowntongue，songsofherownland，songscallingfromthemountain—topstoVendale，"Riseabovethegrovellinglevelcountry;comefarawayfromthecrowd;pursuemeasImounthigher;higher，higher，meltingintotheazuredistance;risetomysupremestheightofall，andlovemehere！"Thenwouldtheprettybodice，theclockedstocking，andthesilver—buckledshoebe，likethebroadforeheadandthebrighteyes，fraughtwiththespringofaverychamois，untilthestrainwasover。
　　NotevenoverVendalehimselfdidthesesongsofherscastamorepotentspellthanoverJoeyLadleinhisdifferentway。Steadilyrefusingtomuddletheharmonybytakinganyshareinit，andevincingthesupremestcontemptforscalesandsuch—likerudimentsofmusic——which，indeed，seldomcaptivatemerelisteners——Joeydidatfirstgiveupthewholebusinessforabadjob，andthewholeoftheperformersforasetofhowlingDervishes。But，descryingtracesofunmuddledharmonyinapart—songoneday，hegavehistwoundercellarmenfainthopesofgettingontowardssomethingincourseoftime。AnanthemofHandel’sledtofurtherencouragementfromhim：thoughheobjectedthatthatgreatmusicianmusthavebeendowninsomeofthemforeigncellarsprettymuch，fortogoandsaythesamethingsomanytimesover;which，tookitinhowyoumight，heconsideredacertainsignofyourhavingtookitinsomehow。Onathirdoccasion，thepublicappearanceofMr。Jarviswithaflute，andofanoddmanwithaviolin，andtheperformanceofaduetbythetwo，didsoastonishhimthat，solelyofhisownimpulseandmotion，hebecameinspiredwiththewords，"AnnKoar！"
　　repeatedlypronouncingthemasifcallinginafamiliarmannerforsomeladywhohaddistinguishedherselfintheorchestra。Butthiswashisfinaltestimonytothemeritsofhismates，for，theinstrumentalduetbeingperformedatthefirstWednesdayconcert，andbeingpresentlyfollowedbythevoiceofMargueriteObenreizer，hesatwithhismouthwideopen，entranced，untilshehadfinished;
　　when，risinginhisplacewithmuchsolemnity，andprefacingwhathewasabouttosaywithabowthatspeciallyincludedMr。Wildinginit，hedeliveredhimselfofthegratifyingsentiment："Arterthat，yemayallonyegettobed！"Andeverafterwardsdeclinedtorenderhomageinanyotherwordstothemusicalpowersofthefamily。
　　ThusbeganaseparatepersonalacquaintancebetweenMargueriteObenreizerandJoeyLadle。Shelaughedsoheartilyathiscompliment，andyetwassoabashedbyit，thatJoeymadeboldtosaytoher，aftertheconcertwasover，hehopedhewasn’tsomuddledinhisheadastohavetookaliberty？Shemadehimagraciousreply，andJoeyduckedinreturn。
　　"You’llchangethelucktimeabout，Miss，"saidJoey，duckingagain。
　　"It’ssuchasyouintheplacethatcanbringroundtheluckoftheplace。"
　　"CanI？Roundtheluck？"sheanswered，inherprettyEnglish，andwithaprettywonder。"IfearIdonotunderstand。Iamsostupid。"
　　"YoungMasterWilding，Miss，"Joeyexplainedconfidentially，thoughnotmuchtoherenlightenment，"changedtheluck，aforehetookinyoungMasterGeorge。SoIsay，andsothey’llfind。Lord！Onlycomeintotheplaceandsingovertheluckafewtimes，Miss，anditwon’tbeabletohelpitself！"
　　Withthis，andwithawholebroodofducks，Joeybackedoutofthepresence。ButJoeybeingaprivilegedperson，andevenaninvoluntaryconquestbeingpleasanttoyouthandbeauty，Margueritemerrilylookedoutforhimnexttime。
　　"WhereismyMr。Joey，please？"sheaskedVendale。
　　SoJoeywasproduced，andshakenhandswith，andthatbecameanInstitution。
　　AnotherInstitutionaroseinthiswise。Joeywasalittlehardofhearing。Hehimselfsaiditwas"Wapours，"andperhapsitmighthavebeen;butwhateverthecauseoftheeffect，theretheeffectwas，uponhim。Onthisfirstoccasionhehadbeenseentosidlealongthewall，withhislefthandtohisleftear，untilhehadsidledhimselfintoaseatprettynearthesinger，inwhichplaceandpositionhehadremained，untiladdressingtohisfriendstheamateursthecomplimentbeforementioned。ItwasobservedonthefollowingWednesdaythatJoey’sactionasaPeckingMachinewasimpairedatdinner，anditwasrumouredaboutthetablethatthiswasexplainablebyhishigh—strungexpectationsofMissObenreizer’ssinging，andhisfearsofnotgettingaplacewherehecouldheareverynoteandsyllable。TherumourreachingWilding’sears，heinhisgoodnaturecalledJoeytothefrontatnightbeforeMargueritebegan。ThustheInstitutioncameintobeingthatonsucceedingnights，Marguerite，runningherhandsoverthekeysbeforesinging，alwayssaidtoVendale，"WhereismyMr。Joey，please？"andthatVendalealwaysbroughthimforth，andstationedhimnearby。Thatheshouldthen，whenalleyeswereuponhim，expressinhisfacetheutmostcontemptfortheexertionsofhisfriendsandconfidenceinMargueritealone，whomhewouldstandcontemplating，notunliketherhinocerousoutofthespelling—book，tamedandonhishindlegs，wasapartoftheInstitution。Alsothatwhenheremainedafterthesinginginhismostecstaticstate，someboldspiritfromthebackshouldsay，"Whatdoyouthinkofit，Joey？"andheshouldbegoadedtoreply，ashavingthatinstantconceivedtheretort，"Arterthatyemayallonyegettobed！"ThesewereotherpartsoftheInstitution。
　　But，thesimplepleasuresandsmalljestsofCrippleCornerwerenotdestinedtohavealonglife。Underlyingthemfromthefirstwasaseriousmatter，whicheverymemberofthepatriarchalfamilyknewof，butwhich，bytacitagreement，allforboretospeakof。Mr。
　　Wilding’shealthwasinabadway。
　　Hemighthaveovercometheshockhehadsustainedintheonegreataffectionofhislife，orhemighthaveovercomehisconsciousnessofbeingintheenjoymentofanotherman’sproperty;butthetwotogetherweretoomuchforhim。Amanhauntedbytwinghosts，hebecamedeeplydepressed。Theinseparablespectressatattheboardwithhim，atefromhisplatter，drankfromhiscup，andstoodbyhisbedsideatnight。Whenherecalledhissupposedmother’slove，hefeltasthoughhehadstolenit。Whenheralliedalittleundertherespectandattachmentofhisdependants，hefeltasthoughhewereevenfraudulentinmakingthemhappy，forthatshouldhavebeentheunknownman’sdutyandgratification。
　　Gradually，underthepressureofhisbroodingmind，hisbodystooped，hissteplostitselasticity，hiseyeswereseldomliftedfromtheground。Heknewhecouldnothelpthedeplorablemistakethathadbeenmade，butheknewhecouldnotmendit;forthedaysandweekswentby，andnooneclaimedhisnameorhispossessions。
　　Andnowtherebegantocreepoverhimacloudyconsciousnessofoften—recurringconfusioninhishead。Hewouldunaccountablylose，sometimeswholehours，sometimesawholedayandnight。Once，hisremembrancestoppedashesatattheheadofthedinner—table，andwasblankuntildaybreak。Anothertime，itstoppedashewasbeatingtimetotheirsinging，andwentonagainwhenheandhispartnerwerewalkinginthecourtyardbythelightofthemoon，halfthenightlater。HeaskedVendale（alwaysfullofconsideration，work，andhelp）howthiswas？Vendaleonlyreplied，"Youhavenotbeenquitewell;that’sall。"Helookedforexplanationintothefacesofhispeople。Buttheywouldputitoffwith"Gladtoseeyoulookingsomuchbetter，sir;"or"Hopeyou’redoingnicelynow，sir;"inwhichwasnoinformationatall。
　　Atlength，whenthepartnershipwasbutfivemonthsold，WalterWildingtooktohisbed，andhishousekeeperbecamehisnurse。
　　"Lyinghere，perhapsyouwillnotmindmycallingyouSally，Mrs。
　　Goldstraw？"saidthepoorwine—merchant。
　　"Itsoundsmorenaturaltome，sir，thananyothername，andIlikeitbetter。"
　　"Thankyou，Sally。Ithink，Sally，Imustoflatehavebeensubjecttofits。Isthatso，Sally？Don’tmindtellingmenow。"
　　"Ithashappened，sir。"
　　"Ah！Thatistheexplanation！"hequietlyremarked。"Mr。
　　Obenreizer，Sally，talksoftheworldbeingsosmallthatitisnotstrangehowoftenthesamepeoplecometogether，andcometogetheratvariousplaces，andinvariousstagesoflife。Butitdoesseemstrange，Sally，thatIshould，asImaysay，comeroundtotheFoundlingtodie。"
　　Heextendedhishandtoher，andshegentlytookit。
　　"Youarenotgoingtodie，dearMr。Wilding。"
　　"SoMr。Bintreysaid，butIthinkhewaswrong。Theoldchild—
　　feelingiscomingbackuponme，Sally。Theoldhushandrest，asI
　　usedtofallasleep。"
　　Afteranintervalhesaid，inaplacidvoice，"Pleasekissme，Nurse，"and，itwasevident，believedhimselftobelyingintheoldDormitory。
　　Asshehadbeenusedtobendoverthefatherlessandmotherlesschildren，Sallybentoverthefatherlessandmotherlessman，andputherlipstohisforehead，murmuring：
　　"Godblessyou！"
　　"Godblessyou！"hereplied，inthesametone。
　　Afteranotherinterval，heopenedhiseyesinhisowncharacter，andsaid："Don’tmoveme，Sally，becauseofwhatIamgoingtosay;I
　　liequiteeasily。Ithinkmytimeiscome，Idon’tknowhowitmayappeartoyou，Sally，but——"
　　Insensibilityfelluponhimforafewminutes;heemergedfromitoncemore。
　　"——Idon’tknowhowitmayappeartoyou，Sally，butsoitappearstome。"
　　Whenhehadthusconscientiouslyfinishedhisfavouritesentence，histimecame，andhedied。
　　ACTII——VENDALEMAKESLOVE
　　Thesummerandtheautumnpassed。ChristmasandtheNewYearwereathand。
　　Asexecutorshonestlybentonperformingtheirdutytowardsthedead，VendaleandBintreyhadheldmorethanoneanxiousconsultationonthesubjectofWilding’swill。Thelawyerhaddeclared，fromthefirst，thatitwassimplyimpossibletotakeanyusefulactioninthematteratall。Theonlyobviousinquiriestomake，inrelationtothelostman，hadbeenmadealreadybyWildinghimself;withthisresult，thattimeanddeathtogetherhadnotleftatraceofhimdiscoverable。Toadvertisefortheclaimanttotheproperty，itwouldbenecessarytomentionparticulars——acourseofproceedingwhichwouldinvitehalftheimpostorsinEnglandtopresentthemselvesinthecharacterofthetrueWalterWilding。"Ifwefindachanceoftracingthelostman，wewilltakeit。Ifwedon’t，letusmeetforanotherconsultationonthefirstanniversaryofWilding’sdeath。"SoBintreyadvised。Andso，withthemostearnestdesiretofulfilhisdeadfriend’swishes，Vendalewasfaintoletthematterrestforthepresent。
　　Turningfromhisinterestinthepasttohisinterestinthefuture，Vendalestillfoundhimselfconfrontingadoubtfulprospect。MonthsonmonthshadpassedsincehisfirstvisittoSohoSquare——andthroughallthattime，theonelanguageinwhichhehadtoldMargueritethathelovedherwasthelanguageoftheeyes，assisted，atconvenientopportunities，bythelanguageofthehand。
　　Whatwastheobstacleinhisway？Theoneimmovableobstaclewhichhadbeeninhiswayfromthefirst。Nomatterhowfairlytheopportunitieslooked，Vendale’seffortstospeakwithMargueritealoneendedinvariablyinoneandthesameresult。Underthemostaccidentalcircumstances，inthemostinnocentmannerpossible，Obenreizerwasalwaysintheway。
　　WiththelastdaysoftheoldyearcameanunexpectedchanceofspendinganeveningwithMarguerite，whichVendaleresolvedshouldbeachanceofspeakingprivatelytoheraswell。AcordialnotefromObenreizerinvitedhim，onNewYear’sDay，toalittlefamilydinnerinSohoSquare。"Weshallbeonlyfour，"thenotesaid。"Weshallbeonlytwo，"Vendaledetermined，"beforetheeveningisout！"
　　NewYear’sDay，amongtheEnglish，isassociatedwiththegivingandreceivingofdinners，andwithnothingmore。NewYear’sDay，amongtheforeigners，isthegrandopportunityoftheyearforthegivingandreceivingofpresents。Itisoccasionallypossibletoacclimatiseaforeigncustom。InthisinstanceVendalefeltnohesitationaboutmakingtheattempt。HisonedifficultywastodecidewhathisNewYear’sgifttoMargueriteshouldbe。Thedefensiveprideofthepeasant’sdaughter——morbidlysensitivetotheinequalitybetweenhersocialpositionandhis——wouldbesecretlyrousedagainsthimifheventuredonarichoffering。Agift，whichapoorman’spursemightpurchase，wastheonegiftthatcouldbetrustedtofinditswaytoherheart，forthegiver’ssake。Stoutlyresistingtemptation，intheformofdiamondsandrubies，Vendaleboughtabroochofthefilagree—workofGenoa——thesimplestandmostunpretendingornamentthathecouldfindinthejeweller’sshop。
　　HeslippedhisgiftintoMarguerite’shandasshehelditouttowelcomehimonthedayofthedinner。
　　"ThisisyourfirstNewYear’sDayinEngland，"hesaid。"WillyouletmehelptomakeitlikeaNewYear’sDayathome？"
　　Shethankedhim，alittleconstrainedly，asshelookedatthejeweller’sbox，uncertainwhatitmightcontain。Openingthebox，anddiscoveringthestudiouslysimpleformunderwhichVendale’slittlekeepsakeoffereditselftoher，shepenetratedhismotiveonthespot。Herfaceturnedonhimbrightly，withalookwhichsaid，"Iownyouhavepleasedandflatteredme。"Neverhadshebeensocharming，inVendale’seyes，asshewasatthatmoment。Herwinterdress——apetticoatofdarksilk，withabodiceofblackvelvetrisingtoherneck，andenclosingitsoftlyinalittlecircleofswansdown——heightened，byalltheforceofcontrast，thedazzlingfairnessofherhairandhercomplexion。Itwasonlywhensheturnedasidefromhimtotheglass，and，takingoutthebroochthatshewore，puthisNewYear’sgiftinitsplace，thatVendale’sattentionwanderedfarenoughawayfromhertodiscoverthepresenceofotherpersonsintheroom。HenowbecameconsciousthatthehandsofObenreizerwereaffectionatelyinpossessionofhiselbows。
　　HenowheardthevoiceofObenreizerthankinghimforhisattentiontoMarguerite，withthefaintestpossibleringofmockeryinitstone。（"Suchasimplepresent，dearsir！andshowingsuchnicetact！"）Henowdiscovered，forthefirsttime，thattherewasoneotherguest，andbutone，besideshimself，whomObenreizerpresentedasacompatriotandfriend。Thefriend’sfacewasmouldy，andthefriend’sfigurewasfat。Hisagewassuggestiveoftheautumnalperiodofhumanlife。Inthecourseoftheeveninghedevelopedtwoextraordinarycapacities。Onewasacapacityforsilence;theotherwasacapacityforemptyingbottles。
　　MadameDorwasnotintheroom。Neitherwasthereanyvisibleplacereservedforherwhentheysatdowntotable。Obenreizerexplainedthatitwas"thegoodDor’ssimplehabittodinealwaysinthemiddleoftheday。Shewouldmakeherexcuseslaterintheevening。"VendalewonderedwhetherthegoodDorhad，onthisoccasion，variedherdomesticemploymentfromcleaningObenreizer’sglovestocookingObenreizer’sdinner。Thisatleastwascertain——
　　thedishesservedwere，oneandall，asachievementsincookery，highabovethereachoftherudeelementaryartofEngland。Thedinnerwasunobtrusivelyperfect。Asforthewine，theeyesofthespeechlessfriendrolledoverit，asinsolemnecstasy。Sometimeshesaid"Good！"whenabottlecameinfull;andsometimeshesaid"Ah！"whenabottlewentoutempty——andtherehiscontributionstothegaietyoftheeveningended。
　　Silenceisoccasionallyinfectious。Oppressedbyprivateanxietiesoftheirown，MargueriteandVendaleappearedtofeeltheinfluenceofthespeechlessfriend。ThewholeresponsibilityofkeepingthetalkgoingrestedonObenreizer’sshoulders，andmanfullydidObenreizersustainit。Heopenedhisheartinthecharacterofanenlightenedforeigner，andsangthepraisesofEngland。Whenothertopicsrandry，hereturnedtothisinexhaustiblesource，andalwayssetthestreamrunningagainascopiouslyasever。Obenreizerwouldhavegivenanarm，aneye，oralegtohavebeenbornanEnglishman。
　　OutofEnglandtherewasnosuchinstitutionasahome，nosuchthingasafireside，nosuchobjectasabeautifulwoman。HisdearMissMargueritewouldexcusehim，ifheaccountedforHER
　　attractionsonthetheorythatEnglishbloodmusthavemixedatsomeformertimewiththeirobscureandunknownancestry。SurveythisEnglishnation，andbeholdatall，clean，plump，andsolidpeople！
　　Lookattheircities！Whatmagnificenceintheirpublicbuildings！
　　Whatadmirableorderandproprietyintheirstreets！Admiretheirlaws，combiningtheeternalprincipleofjusticewiththeothereternalprincipleofpounds，shillings，andpence;andapplyingtheproducttoallcivilinjuries，fromaninjurytoaman’shonour，toaninjurytoaman’snose！Youhaveruinedmydaughter——pounds，shillings，andpence！Youhaveknockedmedownwithablowinmyface——pounds，shillings，andpence！WherewasthematerialprosperityofsuchacountryasTHATtostop？Obenreizer，projectinghimselfintothefuture，failedtoseetheendofit。
　　Obenreizer’senthusiasmentreatedpermissiontoexhaleitself，Englishfashion，inatoast。Hereisourmodestlittledinnerover，hereisourfrugaldessertonthetable，andhereistheadmirerofEnglandconformingtonationalcustoms，andmakingaspeech！A
　　toasttoyourwhitecliffsofAlbion，Mr。Vendale！toyournationalvirtues，yourcharmingclimate，andyourfascinatingwomen！toyourHearths，toyourHomes，toyourHabeasCorpus，andtoallyourotherinstitutions！Inoneword——toEngland！Heep—heep—heep！hooray！
　　Obenreizer’svoicehadbarelychantedthelastnoteoftheEnglishcheer，thespeechlessfriendhadbarelydrainedthelastdropoutofhisglass，whenthefestiveproceedingswereinterruptedbyamodesttapatthedoor。Awoman—servantcamein，andapproachedhermasterwithalittlenoteinherhand。Obenreizeropenedthenotewithafrown;and，afterreadingitwithanexpressionofgenuineannoyance，passeditontohiscompatriotandfriend。Vendale’sspiritsroseashewatchedtheseproceedings。Hadhefoundanallyintheannoyinglittlenote？Wasthelong—looked—forchanceactuallycomingatlast？
　　"Iamafraidthereisnohelpforit？"saidObenreizer，addressinghisfellow—countryman。"Iamafraidwemustgo。"
　　Thespeechlessfriendhandedbacktheletter，shruggedhisheavyshoulders，andpouredhimselfoutalastglassofwine。Hisfatfingerslingeredfondlyroundtheneckofthebottle。Theypresseditwithalittleamatorysqueezeatparting。Hisglobulareyeslookeddimly，asthroughaninterveninghaze，atVendaleandMarguerite。Hisheavyarticulationlaboured，andbroughtforthawholesentenceatabirth。"Ithink，"hesaid，"Ishouldhavelikedalittlemorewine。"Hisbreathfailedhimafterthateffort;hegasped，andwalkedtothedoor。
　　ObenreizeraddressedhimselftoVendalewithanappearanceofthedeepestdistress。
　　"Iamsoshocked，soconfused，sodistressed，"hebegan。"A
　　misfortunehashappenedtooneofmycompatriots。Heisalone，heisignorantofyourlanguage——Iandmygoodfriend，here，havenochoicebuttogoandhelphim。WhatcanIsayinmyexcuse？HowcanIdescribemyafflictionatdeprivingmyselfinthiswayofthehonourofyourcompany？"
　　Hepaused，evidentlyexpectingtoseeVendaletakeuphishatandretire。Discerninghisopportunityatlast，Vendaledeterminedtodonothingofthekind。HemetObenreizerdexterously，withObenreizer’sownweapons。
　　"Praydon’tdistressyourself，"hesaid。"I’llwaitherewiththegreatestpleasuretillyoucomeback。"
　　Margueriteblusheddeeply，andturnedawaytoherembroidery—frameinacornerbythewindow。ThefilmshoweditselfinObenreizer’seyes，andthesmilecamesomethingsourlytoObenreizer’slips。TohavetoldVendalethattherewasnoreasonableprospectofhiscomingbackingoodtime，wouldhavebeentoriskoffendingamanwhosefavourableopinionwasofsolidcommercialimportancetohim。
　　Acceptinghisdefeatwiththebestpossiblegrace，hedeclaredhimselftobeequallyhonouredanddelightedbyVendale’sproposal。
　　"Sofrank，sofriendly，soEnglish！"Hebustledabout，apparentlylookingforsomethinghewanted，disappearedforamomentthroughthefolding—doorscommunicatingwiththenextroom，camebackwithhishatandcoat，andprotestingthathewouldreturnattheearliestpossiblemoment，embracedVendale’selbows，andvanishedfromthesceneincompanywiththespeechlessfriend。
　　Vendaleturnedtothecornerbythewindow，inwhichMargueritehadplacedherselfwithherwork。There，asifshehaddroppedfromtheceiling，orcomeupthroughthefloor——there，intheoldattitude，withherfacetothestove——satanObstaclethathadnotbeenforeseen，inthepersonofMadameDor！Shehalfgotup，halflookedoverherbroadshoulderatVendale，andplumpeddownagain。Wassheatwork？Yes。CleaningObenreizer’sgloves，asbefore？No;
　　darningObenreizer’sstockings。
　　Thecasewasnowdesperate。TwoseriousconsiderationspresentedthemselvestoVendale。WasitpossibletoputMadameDorintothestove？Thestovewouldn’tholdher。WasitpossibletotreatMadameDor，notasalivingwoman，butasanarticleoffurniture？
　　Couldthemindbebroughttocontemplatethisrespectablematronpurelyinthelightofachestofdrawers，withablackgauzeheld—
　　dressaccidentallyleftonthetopofit？Yes，themindcouldbebroughttodothat。Withacomparativelytriflingeffort，Vendale’sminddidit。Ashetookhisplaceontheold—fashionedwindow—seat，closebyMargueriteandherembroidery，aslightmovementappearedinthechestofdrawers，butnoremarkissuedfromit。Letitberememberedthatsolidfurnitureisnoteasytomove，andthatithasthisadvantageinconsequence——thereisnofearofupsettingit。
　　Unusuallysilentandunusuallyconstrained——withthebrightcolourfastfadingfromherface，withafeverishenergypossessingherfingers——theprettyMargueritebentoverherembroidery，andworkedasifherlifedependedonit。Hardlylessagitatedhimself，Vendalefelttheimportanceofleadingherverygentlytotheavowalwhichhewaseagertomake——totheothersweeteravowalstill，whichhewaslongingtohear。Awoman’sloveisnevertobetakenbystorm;ityieldsinsensiblytoasystemofgradualapproach。Itventuresbytheroundaboutway，andlistenstothelowvoice。
　　VendaleledhermemorybacktotheirpastmeetingswhentheyweretravellingtogetherinSwitzerland。Theyrevivedtheimpressions，theyrecalledtheevents，ofthehappybygonetime。Littlebylittle，Marguerite’sconstraintvanished。Shesmiled，shewasinterested，shelookedatVendale，shegrewidlewithherneedle，shemadefalsestitchesinherwork。Theirvoicessanklowerandlower;theirfacesbentnearerandnearertoeachotherastheyspoke。AndMadameDor？MadameDorbehavedlikeanangel。Sheneverlookedround;sheneversaidaword;shewentonwithObenreizer’sstockings。Pullingeachstockinguptightoverherleftarm，andholdingthatarmaloftfromtimetotime，tocatchthelightonherwork，thereweremoments——delicateandindescribablemoments——whenMadameDorappearedtobesittingupsidedown，andcontemplatingoneofherownrespectablelegs，elevatedintheair。
　　Astheminutesworeon，theseelevationsfollowedeachotheratlongerandlongerintervals。Nowandagain，theblackgauzehead—
　　dressnodded，droppedforward，recovereditself。AlittleheapofstockingsslidsoftlyfromMadameDor’slap，andremainedunnoticedonthefloor。Aprodigiousballofworstedfollowedthestockings，androlledlazilyunderthetable。Theblackgauzehead—dressnodded，droppedforward，recovereditself，noddedagain，droppedforwardagain，andrecovereditselfnomore。Acompositesound，partlyasofthepurringofanimmensecat，partlyasoftheplaningofasoftboard，roseoverthehushedvoicesofthelovers，andhummedatregularintervalsthroughtheroom。NatureandMadameDorhadcombinedtogetherinVendale’sinterests。Thebestofwomenwasasleep。
　　Margueriterosetostop——notthesnoring——letussay，theaudiblereposeofMadameDor。Vendalelaidhishandonherarm，andpressedherbackgentlyintoherchair。
　　"Don’tdisturbher，"hewhispered。"Ihavebeenwaitingtotellyouasecret。Letmetellitnow。"
　　Margueriteresumedherseat。Shetriedtoresumeherneedle。Itwasuseless;hereyesfailedher;herhandfailedher;shecouldfindnothing。
　　"Wehavebeentalking，"saidVendale，"ofthehappytimewhenwefirstmet，andfirsttravelledtogether。Ihaveaconfessiontomake。Ihavebeenconcealingsomething。WhenwespokeofmyfirstvisittoSwitzerland，ItoldyouofalltheimpressionsIhadbroughtbackwithmetoEngland——exceptone。Canyouguesswhatthatoneis？"
　　Hereyeslookedstedfastlyattheembroidery，andherfaceturnedalittleawayfromhim。Signsofdisturbancebegantoappearinherneatvelvetbodice，roundtheregionofthebrooch。Shemadenoreply。Vendalepressedthequestionwithoutmercy。
　　"CanyouguesswhattheoneSwissimpressioniswhichIhavenottoldyouyet？"
　　Herfaceturnedbacktowardshim，andafaintsmiletrembledonherlips。
　　"Animpressionofthemountains，perhaps？"shesaidslyly。
　　"No;amuchmorepreciousimpressionthanthat。"
　　"Ofthelakes？"
　　"No。Thelakeshavenotgrowndeareranddearerinremembrancetomeeveryday。Thelakesarenotassociatedwithmyhappinessinthepresent，andmyhopesinthefuture。Marguerite！allthatmakeslifeworthhavinghangs，forme，onawordfromyourlips。
　　Marguerite！Iloveyou！"
　　Herheaddroopedashetookherhand。Hedrewhertohim，andlookedather。Thetearsescapedfromherdowncasteyes，andfellslowlyoverhercheeks。
　　"O，Mr。Vendale，"shesaidsadly，"itwouldhavebeenkindertohavekeptyoursecret。Haveyouforgottenthedistancebetweenus？Itcannever，neverbe！"
　　"Therecanbebutonedistancebetweenus，Marguerite——adistanceofyourmaking。Mylove，mydarling，thereisnohigherrankingoodness，thereisnohigherrankinbeauty，thanyours！Come！
　　whispertheonelittlewordwhichtellsmeyouwillbemywife！"
　　Shesighedbitterly。"Thinkofyourfamily，"shemurmured;"andthinkofmine！"
　　Vendaledrewheralittlenearertohim。
　　"Ifyoudwellonsuchanobstacleasthat，"hesaid，"Ishallthinkbutonethought——IshallthinkIhaveoffendedyou。"
　　Shestarted，andlookedup。"O，no！"sheexclaimedinnocently。Theinstantthewordspassedherlips，shesawtheconstructionthatmightbeplacedonthem。Herconfessionhadescapedherinspiteofherself。Alovelyflushofcolouroverspreadherface。Shemadeamomentaryefforttodisengageherselffromherlover’sembrace。Shelookedupathimentreatingly。Shetriedtospeak。ThewordsdiedonherlipsinthekissthatVendalepressedonthem。"Letmego，Mr。Vendale！"shesaidfaintly。
　　"CallmeGeorge。"
　　Shelaidherheadonhisbosom。Allherheartwentouttohimatlast。"George！"shewhispered。
　　"Sayyouloveme！"
　　Herarmstwinedthemselvesgentlyroundhisneck。Herlips，timidlytouchinghischeek，murmuredthedeliciouswords——"Iloveyou！"
　　Inthemomentofsilencethatfollowed，thesoundoftheopeningandclosingofthehouse—doorcamecleartothemthroughthewintrystillnessofthestreet。
　　Margueritestartedtoherfeet。
　　"Letmego！"shesaid。"Hehascomeback！"
　　Shehurriedfromtheroom，andtouchedMadameDor’sshoulderinpassing。MadameDorwokeupwithaloudsnort，lookedfirstoveroneshoulderandthenovertheother，peereddownintoherlap，anddiscoveredneitherstockings，worsted，nordarning—needleinit。Atthesamemoment，footstepsbecameaudibleascendingthestairs。
　　"MonDieu！"saidMadameDor，addressingherselftothestove，andtremblingviolently。Vendalepickedupthestockingsandtheball，andhuddledthemallbackinaheapoverhershoulder。"MonDieu！"
　　saidMadameDor，forthesecondtime，astheavalancheofworstedpouredintohercapaciouslap。
　　Thedooropened，andObenreizercamein。HisfirstglanceroundtheroomshowedhimthatMargueritewasabsent。
　　"What！"heexclaimed，"mynieceisaway？Mynieceisnotheretoentertainyouinmyabsence？Thisisunpardonable。Ishallbringherbackinstantly。"
　　Vendalestoppedhim。
　　"IbegyouwillnotdisturbMissObenreizer，"hesaid。"Youhavereturned，Isee，withoutyourfriend？"
　　"Myfriendremains，andconsolesourafflictedcompatriot。Aheart—
　　rendingscene，Mr。Vendale！Thehouseholdgodsatthepawnbroker’s—
　　—thefamilyimmersedintears。Weallembracedinsilence。Myadmirablefriendalonepossessedhiscomposure。Hesentout，onthespot，forabottleofwine。"
　　"CanIsayawordtoyouinprivate，Mr。Obenreizer？"
　　"Assuredly。"HeturnedtoMadameDor。"Mygoodcreature，youaresinkingforwantofrepose。Mr。Vendalewillexcuseyou。"
　　MadameDorrose，andsetforthsidewaysonherjourneyfromthestovetobed。Shedroppedastocking。Vendalepickeditupforher，andopenedoneofthefolding—doors。Sheadvancedastep，anddroppedthreemorestockings。Vendalestoopingtorecoverthemasbefore，Obenreizerinterferedwithprofuseapologies，andwithawarninglookatMadameDor。MadameDoracknowledgedthelookbydroppingthewholeofthestockingsinaheap，andthenshufflingawaypanic—strickenfromthesceneofdisaster。Obenreizersweptupthecompletecollectionfiercelyinbothhands。"Go！"hecried，givinghisprodigioushandfulapreparatoryswingintheair。
　　MadameDorsaid，"MonDieu，"andvanishedintothenextroom，pursuedbyashowerofstockings。
　　"Whatmustyouthink，Mr。Vendale，"saidObenreizer，closingthedoor，"ofthisdeplorableintrusionofdomesticdetails？Formyself，Iblushatit。WearebeginningtheNewYearasbadlyaspossible;everythinghasgonewrongto—night。Beseated，pray——andsay，whatmayIofferyou？ShallwepayourbestrespectstoanotherofyournobleEnglishinstitutions？Itismystudytobe，whatyoucall，jolly。Iproposeagrog。"
　　Vendaledeclinedthegrogwithallneedfulrespectforthatnobleinstitution。
　　"IwishtospeaktoyouonasubjectinwhichIamdeeplyinterested，"hesaid。"Youmusthaveobserved，Mr。Obenreizer，thatIhave，fromthefirst，feltnoordinaryadmirationforyourcharmingniece？"
　　"Youareverygood。Inmyniece’sname，Ithankyou。"
　　"Perhapsyoumayhavenoticed，latterly，thatmyadmirationforMissObenreizerhasgrownintoatendereranddeeperfeeling——？"
　　"Shallwesayfriendship，Mr。Vendale？"
　　"Saylove——andweshallbenearertothetruth。"
　　Obenreizerstartedoutofhischair。Thefaintlydiscerniblebeat，whichwashisnearestapproachtoachangeofcolour，showeditselfsuddenlyinhischeeks。
　　"YouareMissObenreizer’sguardian，"pursuedVendale。"Iaskyoutoconferuponmethegreatestofallfavours——Iaskyoutogivemeherhandinmarriage。"
　　Obenreizerdroppedbackintohischair。"Mr。Vendale，"hesaid，"youpetrifyme。"
　　"Iwillwait，"rejoinedVendale，"untilyouhaverecoveredyourself。"
　　"OnewordbeforeIrecovermyself。Youhavesaidnothingaboutthistomyniece？"
　　"Ihaveopenedmywholehearttoyourniece。AndIhavereasontohope——"
　　"What！"interposedObenreizer。"Youhavemadeaproposaltomyniece，withoutfirstaskingformyauthoritytopayyouraddressestoher？"Hestruckhishandonthetable，andlosthisholdoverhimselfforthefirsttimeinVendale’sexperienceofhim。"Sir！"
　　heexclaimed，indignantly，"whatsortofconductisthis？Asamanofhonour，speakingtoamanofhonour，howcanyoujustifyit？"
　　"IcanonlyjustifyitasoneofourEnglishinstitutions，"saidVendalequietly。"YouadmireourEnglishinstitutions。Ican’thonestlytellyou，Mr。Obenreizer，thatIregretwhatIhavedone。
　　IcanonlyassureyouthatIhavenotactedinthematterwithanyintentionaldisrespecttowardsyourself。Thissaid，mayIaskyoutotellmeplainlywhatobjectionyouseetofavouringmysuit？"
　　"Iseethisimmenseobjection，"answeredObenreizer，"thatmynieceandyouarenotonasocialequalitytogether。Mynieceisthedaughterofapoorpeasant;andyouarethesonofagentleman。Youdousanhonour，"headded，loweringhimselfagaingraduallytohiscustomarypolitelevel，"whichdeserves，andhas，ourmostgratefulacknowledgments。Buttheinequalityistooglaring;thesacrificeistoogreat。YouEnglishareaproudpeople，Mr。Vendale。Ihaveobservedenoughofthiscountrytoseethatsuchamarriageasyouproposewouldbeascandalhere。Notahandwouldbeheldouttoyourpeasant—wife;andallyourbestfriendswoulddesertyou。"
　　"Onemoment，"saidVendale，interposingonhisside。"Imayclaim，withoutanygreatarrogance，toknowmoreofmycountrypeopleingeneral，andofmyownfriendsinparticular，thanyoudo。Intheestimationofeverybodywhoseopinionisworthhaving，mywifeherselfwouldbetheonesufficientjustificationofmymarriage。
　　IfIdidnotfeelcertain——observe，Isaycertain——thatIamofferingherapositionwhichshecanacceptwithoutsomuchastheshadowofahumiliation——Iwouldnever（costmewhatitmight）haveaskedhertobemywife。Isthereanyotherobstaclethatyousee？
　　Haveyouanypersonalobjectiontome？"
　　Obenreizerspreadoutbothhishandsincourteousprotest。
　　"Personalobjection！"heexclaimed。"Dearsir，thebarequestionispainfultome。"
　　"Wearebothmenofbusiness，"pursuedVendale，"andyounaturallyexpectmetosatisfyyouthatIhavethemeansofsupportingawife。
　　Icanexplainmypecuniarypositionintwowords。Iinheritfrommyparentsafortuneoftwentythousandpounds。InhalfofthatsumI
　　haveonlyalife—interest，towhich，ifIdie，leavingawidow，mywidowsucceeds。IfIdie，leavingchildren，themoneyitselfisdividedamongthem，astheycomeofage。Theotherhalfofmyfortuneisatmyowndisposal，andisinvestedinthewine—business。
　　Iseemywaytogreatlyimprovingthatbusiness。Asitstandsatpresent，Icannotstatemyreturnfrommycapitalembarkedatmorethantwelvehundredayear。Addtheyearlyvalueofmylife—
　　interest——andthetotalreachesapresentannualincomeoffifteenhundredpounds。Ihavethefairestprospectofsoonmakingitmore。
　　Inthemeantime，doyouobjecttomeonpecuniarygrounds？"
　　Drivenbacktohislastentrenchment，Obenreizerrose，andtookaturnbackwardsandforwardsintheroom。Forthemoment，hewasplainlyatalosswhattosayordonext。
　　"BeforeIanswerthatlastquestion，"hesaid，afteralittlecloseconsiderationwithhimself，"IbegleavetorevertforamomenttoMissMarguerite。Yousaidsomethingjustnowwhichseemedtoimplythatshereturnsthesentimentwithwhichyouarepleasedtoregardher？"
　　"Ihavetheinestimablehappiness，"saidVendale，"ofknowingthatshelovesme。"
　　Obenreizerstoodsilentforamoment，withthefilmoverhiseyes，andthefaintlyperceptiblebeatbecomingvisibleagaininhischeeks。
　　"Ifyouwillexcusemeforafewminutes，"hesaid，withceremoniouspoliteness，"Ishouldliketohavetheopportunityofspeakingtomyniece。"Withthosewords，hebowed，andquittedtheroom。
　　Leftbyhimself，Vendale’sthoughts（asanecessaryresultoftheinterview，thusfar）turnedinstinctivelytotheconsiderationofObenreizer’smotives。Hehadputobstaclesinthewayofthecourtship;hewasnowputtingobstaclesinthewayofthemarriage——
　　amarriageofferingadvantageswhichevenhisingenuitycouldnotdispute。Onthefaceofit，hisconductwasincomprehensible。Whatdiditmean？
　　Seeking，underthesurface，fortheanswertothatquestion——andrememberingthatObenreizerwasamanofabouthisownage;also，thatMargueritewas，strictlyspeaking，hishalf—nieceonly——Vendaleaskedhimself，withalover’sreadyjealousy，whetherhehadarivaltofear，aswellasaguardiantoconciliate。Thethoughtjustcrossedhismind，andnomore。ThesenseofMarguerite’skissstilllingeringonhischeekremindedhimgentlythateventhejealousyofamomentwasnowatreasontoHER。
　　Onreflection，itseemedmostlikelythatapersonalmotiveofanotherkindmightsuggestthetrueexplanationofObenreizer’sconduct。Marguerite’sgraceandbeautywerepreciousornamentsinthatlittlehousehold。Theygaveitaspecialsocialattractionandaspecialsocialimportance。TheyarmedObenreizerwithacertaininfluenceinreserve，whichhecouldalwaysdependupontomakehishouseattractive，andwhichhemightalwaysbringmoreorlesstobearontheforwardingofhisownprivateends。Washethesortofmantoresignsuchadvantagesaswerehereimplied，withoutobtainingthefullestpossiblecompensationfortheloss？A
　　connectionbymarriagewithVendaleofferedhimsolidadvantages，beyondalldoubt。ButtherewerehundredsofmeninLondonwithfargreaterpowerandfarwiderinfluencethanVendalepossessed。Wasitpossiblethatthisman’sambitionsecretlylookedhigherthanthehighestprospectsthatcouldbeofferedtohimbythealliancenowproposedforhisniece？AsthequestionpassedthroughVendale’smind，themanhimselfreappeared——toanswerit，ornottoanswerit，astheeventmightprove。
　　AmarkedchangewasvisibleinObenreizerwhenheresumedhisplace。
　　Hismannerwaslessassured，andtherewereplaintracesabouthismouthofrecentagitationwhichhadnotbeensuccessfullycomposed。
　　Hadhesaidsomething，referringeithertoVendaleortohimself，whichhadraisedMarguerite’sspirit，andwhichhadplacedhim，forthefirsttime，facetofacewitharesoluteassertionofhisniece’swill？Itmightormightnotbe。Thisonlywascertain——helookedlikeamanwhohadmetwitharepulse。
　　"Ihavespokentomyniece，"hebegan。"Ifind，Mr。Vendale，thatevenyourinfluencehasnotentirelyblindedhertothesocialobjectionstoyourproposal。"
　　"MayIask，"returnedVendale，"ifthatistheonlyresultofyourinterviewwithMissObenreizer？"
　　AmomentaryflashleaptoutthroughtheObenreizerfilm。
　　"Youaremasterofthesituation，"heanswered，inatoneofsardonicsubmission。"Ifyouinsistonmyadmittingit，Idoadmititinthosewords。Myniece’swillandmineusedtobeone，Mr。
　　Vendale。Youhavecomebetweenus，andherwillisnowyours。Inmycountry，weknowwhenwearebeaten，andwesubmitwithourbestgrace。Isubmit，withmybestgrace，oncertainconditions。Letusreverttothestatementofyourpecuniaryposition。Ihaveanobjectiontoyou，mydearsir——amostamazing，amostaudaciousobjection，fromamaninmypositiontoamaninyours。"
　　"Whatisit？"
　　"Youhavehonouredmebymakingaproposalformyniece’shand。Forthepresent（withbestthanksandrespects），Ibegtodeclineit。"
　　"Why？"
　　"Becauseyouarenotrichenough。"
　　Theobjection，asthespeakerhadforeseen，tookVendalecompletelybysurprise。Forthemomenthewasspeechless。
　　"Yourincomeisfifteenhundredayear，"pursuedObenreizer。"InmymiserablecountryIshouldfallonmykneesbeforeyourincome，andsay，’Whataprincelyfortune！’InwealthyEngland，IsitasIam，andsay，’Amodestindependence，dearsir;nothingmore。Enough，perhaps，forawifeinyourownrankoflifewhohasnosocialprejudicestoconquer。Notmorethanhalfenoughforawifewhoisameanlybornforeigner，andwhohasallyoursocialprejudicesagainsther。’Sir！ifmynieceisevertomarryyou，shewillhavewhatyoucalluphillworkofitintakingherplaceatstarting。
　　Yes，yes;thisisnotyourview，butitremains，immovablyremains，myviewforallthat。Formyniece’ssake，Iclaimthatthisuphillworkshallbemadeassmoothaspossible。Whatevermaterialadvantagesshecanhavetohelpher，ought，incommonjustice，tobehers。Now，tellme，Mr。Vendale，onyourfifteenhundredayearcanyourwifehaveahouseinafashionablequarter，afootmantoopenherdoor，abutlertowaitathertable，andacarriageandhorsestodriveaboutin？Iseetheanswerinyourface——yourfacesays，No。Verygood。Tellmeonemorething，andIhavedone。Takethemassofyoureducated，accomplished，andlovelycountry—women，isit，orisitnot，thefactthataladywhohasahouseinafashionablequarter，afootmantoopenherdoor，abutlertowaitathertable，andacarriageandhorsestodriveaboutin，isaladywhohasgainedfoursteps，infemaleestimation，atstarting？Yes？
　　orNo？"
　　"Cometothepoint，"saidVendale。"Youviewthisquestionasaquestionofterms。Whatareyourterms？"
　　"Thelowestterms，dearsir，onwhichyoucanprovideyourwifewiththosefourstepsatstarting。Doubleyourpresentincome——themostrigideconomycannotdoitinEnglandonless。Yousaidjustnowthatyouexpectedgreatlytoincreasethevalueofyourbusiness。
　　Towork——andincreaseit！Iamagooddevilafterall！Onthedaywhenyousatisfyme，byplainproofs，thatyourincomehasrisentothreethousandayear，askmeformyniece’shand，anditisyours。"
　　"MayIinquireifyouhavementionedthisarrangementtoMissObenreizer？"
　　"Certainly。Shehasalastlittlemorselofregardstillleftforme，Mr。Vendale，whichisnotyoursyet;andsheacceptsmyterms。
　　Inotherwords，shesubmitstobeguidedbyherguardian’sregardforherwelfare，andbyherguardian’ssuperiorknowledgeoftheworld。"Hethrewhimselfbackinhischair，infirmrelianceonhisposition，andinfullpossessionofhisexcellenttemper。
　　Anyopenassertionofhisowninterests，inthesituationinwhichVendalewasnowplaced，seemedtobe（forthepresentatleast）
　　hopeless。Hefoundhimselfliterallyleftwithnogroundtostandon。WhetherObenreizer’sobjectionswerethegenuineproductofObenreizer’sownviewofthecase，orwhetherhewassimplydelayingthemarriageinthehopeofultimatelybreakingitoffaltogether——
　　ineitheroftheseevents，anypresentresistanceonVendale’spartwouldbeequallyuseless。Therewasnohelpforitbuttoyield，makingthebesttermsthathecouldonhisownside。
　　"Iprotestagainsttheconditionsyouimposeonme，"hebegan。
　　"Naturally，"saidObenreizer;"IdaresayIshouldprotest，myself，inyourplace。"
　　"Say，however，"pursuedVendale，"thatIacceptyourterms。Inthatcase，Imustbepermittedtomaketwostipulationsonmypart。Inthefirstplace，Ishallexpecttobeallowedtoseeyourniece。"
　　"Aha！toseemyniece？andtomakeherinasgreatahurrytobemarriedasyouareyourself？SupposeIsay，No？youwouldseeherperhapswithoutmypermission？"
　　"Decidedly！"
　　"Howdelightfullyfrank！HowexquisitelyEnglish！Youshallseeher，Mr。Vendale，oncertaindays，whichwewillappointtogether。
　　Whatnext？"
　　"Yourobjectiontomyincome，"proceededVendale，"hastakenmecompletelybysurprise。Iwishtobeassuredagainstanyrepetitionofthatsurprise。Yourpresentviewsofmyqualificationformarriagerequiremetohaveanincomeofthreethousandayear。CanIbecertain，inthefuture，asyourexperienceofEnglandenlarges，thatyourestimatewillrisenohigher？"
　　"InplainEnglish，"saidObenreizer，"youdoubtmyword？"
　　"DoyoupurposetotakeMYwordforitwhenIinformyouthatIhavedoubledmyincome？"askedVendale。"Ifmymemorydoesnotdeceiveme，youstipulated，aminutesince，forplainproofs？"
　　"Wellplayed，Mr。Vendale！YoucombinetheforeignquicknesswiththeEnglishsolidity。Acceptmybestcongratulations。Accept，also，mywrittenguarantee。"
　　Herose;seatedhimselfatawriting—deskataside—table，wroteafewlines，andpresentedthemtoVendalewithalowbow。Theengagementwasperfectlyexplicit，andwassignedanddatedwithscrupulouscare。
　　"Areyousatisfiedwithyourguarantee？"
　　"Iamsatisfied。"
　　"Charmedtohearit，Iamsure。Wehavehadourlittleskirmish——wehavereallybeenwonderfullycleveronbothsides。Forthepresentouraffairsaresettled。Ibearnomalice。Youbearnomalice。
　　Come，Mr。Vendale，agoodEnglishshakehands。"
　　Vendalegavehishand，alittlebewilderedbyObenreizer’ssuddentransitionsfromonehumourtoanother。
　　"WhenmayIexpecttoseeMissObenreizeragain？"heasked，asherosetogo。
　　"Honourmewithavisitto—morrow，"saidObenreizer，"andwewillsettleitthen。Dohaveagrogbeforeyougo！No？Well！well！wewillreservethegrogtillyouhaveyourthreethousandayear，andarereadytobemarried。Aha！Whenwillthatbe？"
　　"Imadeanestimate，somemonthssince，ofthecapacitiesofmybusiness，"saidVendale。"Ifthatestimateiscorrect，Ishalldoublemypresentincome——"
　　"Andbemarried！"addedObenreizer。
　　"Andbemarried，"repeatedVendale，"withinayearfromthistime。
　　Good—night。"
　　VENDALEMAKESMISCHIEF
　　WhenVendaleenteredhisofficethenextmorning，thedullcommercialroutineatCrippleCornermethimwithanewface。
　　Margueritehadaninterestinitnow！ThewholemachinerywhichWilding’sdeathhadsetinmotion，torealisethevalueofthebusiness——thebalancingofledgers，theestimatingofdebts，thetakingofstock，andtherestofit——wasnowtransformedintomachinerywhichindicatedthechancesforandagainstaspeedymarriage。Afterlookingoverresults，aspresentedbyhisaccountant，andcheckingadditionsandsubtractions，asrenderedbytheclerks，Vendaleturnedhisattentiontothestock—takingdepartmentnext，andsentamessagetothecellars，desiringtoseethereport。
　　TheCellarman’sappearance，themomentheputhisheadinatthedoorofhismaster’sprivateroom，suggestedthatsomethingveryextraordinarymusthavehappenedthatmorning。TherewasanapproachtoalacrityinJoeyLadle’smovements！TherewassomethingwhichactuallysimulatedcheerfulnessinJoeyLadle’sface"What’sthematter？"askedVendale。"Anythingwrong？"
　　"Ishouldwishtomentiononething，"answeredJoey。"YoungMr。
　　Vendale，Ihaveneversetmyselfupforaprophet。"
　　"Whoeversaidyoudid？"
　　"Noprophet，asfarasI’veheardItellofthatprofession，"
　　proceededJoey，"everlivedprincipallyunderground。Noprophet，whateverelsehemighttakeinatthepores，evertookinwinefrommorningtonight，foranumberofyearstogether。WhenIsaidtoyoungMasterWilding，respectinghischangingthenameofthefirm，thatoneofthesedayshemightfindhe’dchangedtheluckofthefirm——didIputmyselfforwardasaprophet？No，Ididn’t。HaswhatIsaidtohimcometrue？Yes，ithas。InthetimeofPebblesonNephew，YoungMr。Vendale，nosuchthingwaseverknownasamistakemadeinaconsignmentdeliveredatthesedoors。There’samistakebeenmadenow。PleasetoremarkthatithappenedbeforeMissMargaretcamehere。Forwhichreasonitdon’tgoagainstwhatI’vesaidrespectingMissMargaretsingingroundtheluck。Readthat，sir，"concludedJoey，pointingattentiontoaspecialpassageinthereport，withaforefingerwhichappearedtobeinprocessoftakinginthroughtheporesnothingmoreremarkablethandirt。
　　"It’sforeigntomynaturetocrowoverthehouseIserve，butI
　　feelitakindofsolemndutytoaskyoutoreadthat。"
　　Vendalereadasfollows：—"Note，respectingtheSwisschampagne。AnirregularityhasbeendiscoveredinthelastconsignmentreceivedfromthefirmofDefresnierandCo。"Vendalestopped，andreferredtoamemorandum—bookbyhisside。"ThatwasinMr。Wilding’stime，"
　　hesaid。"Thevintagewasaparticularlygoodone，andhetookthewholeofit。TheSwisschampagnehasdoneverywell，hasn’tit？"
　　"Idon’tsayit’sdonebadly，"answeredtheCellarman。"Itmayhavegotsickinourcustomers’bins，oritmayhavebustinourcustomers’hands。ButIdon’tsayit’sdonebadlywithus。"
　　Vendaleresumedthereadingofthenote："Wefindthenumberofthecasestobequitecorrectbythebooks。Butsixofthem，whichpresentaslightdifferencefromtherestinthebrand，havebeenopened，andhavebeenfoundtocontainaredwineinsteadofchampagne。Thesimilarityinthebrands，wesuppose，causedamistaketobemadeinsendingtheconsignmentfromNeuchatel。Theerrorhasnotbeenfoundtoextendbeyondsixcases。"
　　"Isthatall！"exclaimedVendale，tossingthenoteawayfromhim。