She was nearly fainting: all her former habitual dread of her uncle was returning, and with it compassion for him and for almost every one of the party on the development before him, with solicitude on Edmund's account indescribable.

She was nearly fainting: all her habitual dread of her uncle was returning, and with it, compassion for him and for the others, with solicitude on Edmund's account indescribable.


She had found a seat, where in excessive trembling she was enduring all these fearful thoughts, while the other three, no longer under any restraint, were giving vent to their feelings of vexation, lamenting over such an unlooked-for premature arrival as a most untoward event, and without mercy wishing poor Sir Thomas had been twice as long on his passage, or were still in Antigua.

She sat, trembling, while the other three were giving vent to their feelings, lamenting over such an unlooked-for arrival, and wishing Sir Thomas were still in Antigua.


The Crawfords were more warm on the subject than Mr. Yates, from better understanding the family, and judging more clearly of the mischief that must ensue.

The Crawfords were more warm on the subject than Mr. Yates, from better understanding the family.


The ruin of the play was to them a certainty: they felt the total destruction of the scheme to be inevitably at hand; while Mr. Yates considered it only as a temporary interruption, a disaster for the evening, and could even suggest the possibility of the rehearsal being renewed after tea, when the bustle of receiving Sir Thomas were over, and he might be at leisure to be amused by it.

The ruin of the play was to them a certainty: while Mr. Yates considered it only as an interruption for the evening, and suggested the possibility of the rehearsal being renewed after tea.


The Crawfords laughed at the idea; and having soon agreed on the propriety of their walking quietly home and leaving the family to themselves, proposed Mr. Yates's accompanying them and spending the evening at the Parsonage.

The Crawfords laughed at the idea; and invited Mr. Yates to spend the evening with them at the Parsonage.


But Mr. Yates, having never been with those who thought much of parental claims, or family confidence, could not perceive that anything of the kind was necessary; and therefore, thanking them, said, "he preferred remaining where he was, that he might pay his respects to the old gentleman handsomely since he _was_ come; and besides, he did not think it would be fair by the others to have everybody run away."

But Mr. Yates, thanking them, said, "he preferred remaining, that he might pay his respects to the old gentleman; and besides, he did not think it would be fair by the others to have everybody run away."


Fanny was just beginning to collect herself, and to feel that if she staid longer behind it might seem disrespectful, when this point was settled, and being commissioned with the brother and sister's apology, saw them preparing to go as she quitted the room herself to perform the dreadful duty of appearing before her uncle.

Fanny was commissioned with the Crawfords' apology, and went to perform the dreadful duty of appearing before her uncle.


Too soon did she find herself at the drawing-room door; and after pausing a moment for what she knew would not come, for a courage which the outside of no door had ever supplied to her, she turned the lock in desperation, and the lights of the drawing-room, and all the collected family, were before her.

Too soon did she find herself at the drawing-room door. After pausing a moment for a courage which the outside of no door had ever supplied to her, she turned the lock in desperation, and the collected family were before her.


As she entered, her own name caught her ear.


Sir Thomas was at that moment looking round him, and saying, "But where is Fanny? Why do not I see my little Fanny?

Sir Thomas was looking round, and saying, "Why do not I see my little Fanny?


"-and on perceiving her, came forward with a kindness which astonished and penetrated her, calling her his dear Fanny, kissing her affectionately, and observing with decided pleasure how much she was grown!

"-and on perceiving her, came forward with a kindness which astonished her, calling her his dear Fanny, kissing her affectionately, and observing with pleasure how much she was grown!


Fanny knew not how to feel, nor where to look.


He had never been so kind, so _very_ kind to her in his life.

He had never been so kind to her in his life.


His manner seemed changed, his voice was quick from the agitation of joy; and all that had been awful in his dignity seemed lost in tenderness.

His manner seemed changed, his voice was joyful; and his awful dignity seemed lost in tenderness.


He led her nearer the light and looked at her again-inquired particularly after her health, and then, correcting himself, observed that he need not inquire, for her appearance spoke sufficiently on that point.

He led her nearer the light and looked at her again-inquired after her health, and then, correcting himself, observed that he need not inquire, for her appearance spoke sufficiently on that point.


A fine blush having succeeded the previous paleness of her face, he was justified in his belief of her equal improvement in health and beauty.


He inquired next after her family, especially William: and his kindness altogether was such as made her reproach herself for loving him so little, and thinking his return a misfortune; and when, on having courage to lift her eyes to his face, she saw that he was grown thinner, and had the burnt, fagged, worn look of fatigue and a hot climate, every tender feeling was increased, and she was miserable in considering how much unsuspected vexation was probably ready to burst on him.

He inquired next after her family, especially William: and his kindness made her reproach herself for loving him so little. When, on having courage to lift her eyes to his face, she saw that he was grown thinner, and looked worn and fatigued, every tender feeling was increased, and she was miserable in considering how much unsuspected vexation was ready to burst on him.


Sir Thomas was indeed the life of the party, who at his suggestion now seated themselves round the fire.

Sir Thomas was indeed the life of the party.


He had the best right to be the talker; and the delight of his sensations in being again in his own house, in the centre of his family, after such a separation, made him communicative and chatty in a very unusual degree; and he was ready to give every information as to his voyage, and answer every question of his two sons almost before it was put.

His delight in being in the centre of his family, after such a separation, made him unusually communicative and chatty; and he was ready to answer every question of his two sons almost before it was put.


His business in Antigua had latterly been prosperously rapid, and he came directly from Liverpool, having had an opportunity of making his passage thither in a private vessel, instead of waiting for the packet; and all the little particulars of his proceedings and events, his arrivals and departures, were most promptly delivered, as he sat by Lady Bertram and looked with heartfelt satisfaction on the faces around him-interrupting himself more than once, however, to remark on his good fortune in finding them all at home-coming unexpectedly as he did-all collected together exactly as he could have wished, but dared not depend on.

His business in Antigua had prospered, and he came directly from Liverpool, having had an opportunity of making his passage in a private vessel, instead of waiting for the packet.
As he sat by Lady Bertram, he looked with heartfelt satisfaction on the faces around him-interrupting himself more than once, to remark on his good fortune in finding them all at home-all collected together exactly as he could have wished.


Mr. Rushworth was not forgotten: a most friendly reception and warmth of hand-shaking had already met him, and with pointed attention he was now included in the objects most intimately connected with Mansfield.

Mr. Rushworth was not forgotten: a most friendly warmth of hand-shaking had already met him.


There was nothing disagreeable in Mr. Rushworth's appearance, and Sir Thomas was liking him already.


By not one of the circle was he listened to with such unbroken, unalloyed enjoyment as by his wife, who was really extremely happy to see him, and whose feelings were so warmed by his sudden arrival as to place her nearer agitation than she had been for the last twenty years. She had been _almost_ fluttered for a few minutes, and still remained so sensibly animated as to put away her work, move Pug from her side, and give all her attention and all the rest of her sofa to her husband.

By not one of the circle was he listened to with such unalloyed enjoyment as by his wife, who was really extremely happy to see him, and whose feelings were so warmed by his sudden arrival as to make her almost fluttered for a few minutes. She put away her work, moved Pug from her side, and gave all her attention to her husband.


She had no anxieties for anybody to cloud _her_ pleasure: her own time had been irreproachably spent during his absence: she had done a great deal of carpet-work, and made many yards of fringe; and she would have answered as freely for the good conduct and useful pursuits of all the young people as for her own.


It was so agreeable to her to see him again, and hear him talk, to have her ear amused and her whole comprehension filled by his narratives, that she began particularly to feel how dreadfully she must have missed him, and how impossible it would have been for her to bear a lengthened absence.

It was so agreeable to see him again, that she began to feel how dreadfully she must have missed him, and how impossible it would have been for her to bear a lengthened absence.


Mrs. Norris was by no means to be compared in happiness to her sister.

Mrs. Norris was not as happy as her sister.


Not that _she_ was incommoded by many fears of Sir Thomas's disapprobation when the present state of his house should be known, for her judgment had been so blinded that, except by the instinctive caution with which she had whisked away Mr. Rushworth's pink satin cloak as her brother-in-law entered, she could hardly be said to shew any sign of alarm; but she was vexed by the _manner_ of his return.

Not that she feared Sir Thomas's disapprobation when the present state of his house should be known, for her judgment had been so blinded that she had no alarm; but she was vexed by the manner of his return.


Instead of being sent for out of the room, and seeing him first, and having to spread the happy news through the house, Sir Thomas, with a very reasonable dependence, perhaps, on the nerves of his wife and children, had sought no confidant but the butler, and had been following him almost instantaneously into the drawing-room.

Instead of her seeing him first, and spreading the happy news through the house, Sir Thomas had sought no confidant but the butler.


Mrs. Norris felt herself defrauded of an office on which she had always depended, whether his arrival or his death were to be the thing unfolded; and was now trying to be in a bustle without having anything to bustle about, and labouring to be important where nothing was wanted but tranquillity and silence.

Mrs. Norris felt herself defrauded of an office on which she had depended, whether his arrival or his death were to be the thing unfolded; and was now trying to be in a bustle without having anything to bustle about, and when nothing was wanted but tranquillity and silence.


Would Sir Thomas have consented to eat, she might have gone to the housekeeper with troublesome directions, and insulted the footmen with injunctions of despatch; but Sir Thomas resolutely declined all dinner: he would take nothing, nothing till tea came-he would rather wait for tea.

Would Sir Thomas have consented to eat, she might have gone to the housekeeper with troublesome directions; but Sir Thomas resolutely declined all dinner: he would rather wait for tea.


Still Mrs. Norris was at intervals urging something different; and in the most interesting moment of his passage to England, when the alarm of a French privateer was at the height, she burst through his recital with the proposal of soup.

Still Mrs. Norris was at intervals urging something; and in the most interesting moment of his passage to England, when the alarm of a French privateer was at its height, she burst through his recital with the proposal of soup.


"Sure, my dear Sir Thomas, a basin of soup would be a much better thing for you than tea.


"Still the same anxiety for everybody's comfort, my dear Mrs. Norris," was his answer.


"But indeed I would rather have nothing but tea."


"Well, then, Lady Bertram, suppose you speak for tea directly; suppose you hurry Baddeley a little; he seems behindhand to-night."

"Well, then, Lady Bertram, suppose you order tea directly."


She carried this point, and Sir Thomas's narrative proceeded.

This done, Sir Thomas's narrative proceeded.


His immediate communications were exhausted, and it seemed enough to be looking joyfully around him, now at one, now at another of the beloved circle; but the pause was not long: in the elation of her spirits Lady Bertram became talkative, and what were the sensations of her children upon hearing her say, "How do you think the young people have been amusing themselves lately, Sir Thomas?

In her elation Lady Bertram became talkative, and what were the sensations of her children upon hearing her say, "How do you think the young people have been amusing themselves, Sir Thomas?


"The _all_ will soon be told," cried Tom hastily, and with affected unconcern; "but it is not worth while to bore my father with it now.

"The all will soon be told," cried Tom hastily; "but we will not bore my father with it now.


You will hear enough of it to-morrow, sir.


We have just been trying, by way of doing something, and amusing my mother, just within the last week, to get up a few scenes, a mere trifle.

We have just been trying, by way of amusing my mother, to get up a few scenes, a mere trifle.


We have had such incessant rains almost since October began, that we have been nearly confined to the house for days together.

We have had such incessant rains since October began, that we have been confined to the house for days together.


I have hardly taken out a gun since the 3rd.


Tolerable sport the first three days, but there has been no attempting anything since.


The first day I went over Mansfield Wood, and Edmund took the copses beyond Easton, and we brought home six brace between us, and might each have killed six times as many, but we respect your pheasants, sir, I assure you, as much as you could desire.

The first day I went over Mansfield Wood, and Edmund took the copses beyond Easton, and we brought home six brace between us, and might have killed six times as many, but we respect your pheasants, sir, as much as you could desire.


I do not think you will find your woods by any means worse stocked than they were.


_I_ never saw Mansfield Wood so full of pheasants in my life as this year.

I never saw Mansfield Wood so full of pheasants as this year.


I hope you will take a day's sport there yourself, sir, soon."


For the present the danger was over, and Fanny's sick feelings subsided; but when tea was soon afterwards brought in, and Sir Thomas, getting up, said that he found that he could not be any longer in the house without just looking into his own dear room, every agitation was returning.

For the present the danger was over, and Fanny's sick feelings subsided; but when tea was brought in, and Sir Thomas, getting up, said that he would just look into his own dear room, every agitation returned.


He was gone before anything had been said to prepare him for the change he must find there; and a pause of alarm followed his disappearance.

He was gone before anything had been said to prepare him for the change he must find; and a pause of alarm followed his disappearance.


Edmund was the first to speak-
"Something must be done," said he.


"It is time to think of our visitors," said Maria, still feeling her hand pressed to Henry Crawford's heart, and caring little for anything else.

"We must think of our visitors," said Maria, still feeling her hand pressed to Henry Crawford's heart.


"Where did you leave Miss Crawford, Fanny?"


Fanny told of their departure, and delivered their message.


"Then poor Yates is all alone," cried Tom.


He will be no bad assistant when it all comes out."


To the theatre he went, and reached it just in time to witness the first meeting of his father and his friend.


Sir Thomas had been a good deal surprised to find candles burning in his room; and on casting his eye round it, to see other symptoms of recent habitation and a general air of confusion in the furniture.

Sir Thomas had been a good deal surprised to find candles burning in his room; and on casting his eye round it, to see a general air of confusion in the furniture.


The removal of the bookcase from before the billiard-room door struck him especially, but he had scarcely more than time to feel astonished at all this, before there were sounds from the billiard-room to astonish him still farther.

The removal of the bookcase from before the billiard-room door struck him especially, but he had scarcely time to feel astonished, before there were sounds from the billiard-room to astonish him still farther.


Some one was talking there in a very loud accent; he did not know the voice-more than talking-almost hallooing.

Some one was talking there loudly; he did not know the voice.


He stepped to the door, rejoicing at that moment in having the means of immediate communication, and, opening it, found himself on the stage of a theatre, and opposed to a ranting young man, who appeared likely to knock him down backwards.

He stepped to the door, and, opening it, found himself on the stage of a theatre, opposite a ranting young man, who appeared likely to knock him down backwards.


At the very moment of Yates perceiving Sir Thomas, and giving perhaps the very best start he had ever given in the whole course of his rehearsals, Tom Bertram entered at the other end of the room; and never had he found greater difficulty in keeping his countenance.

At the very moment of Yates perceiving Sir Thomas, and giving perhaps the very best start he had ever given in the whole course of his rehearsals, Tom Bertram entered; and never had he found greater difficulty in keeping his countenance.


His father's looks of solemnity and amazement on this his first appearance on any stage, and the gradual metamorphosis of the impassioned Baron Wildenheim into the well-bred and easy Mr. Yates, making his bow and apology to Sir Thomas Bertram, was such an exhibition, such a piece of true acting, as he would not have lost upon any account.

The gradual metamorphosis of the impassioned Baron Wildenheim into the well-bred and easy Mr. Yates, making his bow and apology to Sir Thomas Bertram, was such a piece of true acting as he would not have lost upon any account.


It would be the last-in all probability-the last scene on that stage; but he was sure there could not be a finer.

It would probably be the last scene on that stage; but he was sure there could not be a finer.


The house would close with the greatest eclat.


There was little time, however, for the indulgence of any images of merriment.


It was necessary for him to step forward, too, and assist the introduction, and with many awkward sensations he did his best.

It was necessary for him to step forward and assist the introduction, and with awkward sensations he did his best.


Sir Thomas received Mr. Yates with all the appearance of cordiality which was due to his own character, but was really as far from pleased with the necessity of the acquaintance as with the manner of its commencement.

Sir Thomas received Mr. Yates with the appearance of cordiality, but was really far from pleased with the acquaintance.


Mr. Yates's family and connexions were sufficiently known to him to render his introduction as the "particular friend," another of the hundred particular friends of his son, exceedingly unwelcome; and it needed all the felicity of being again at home, and all the forbearance it could supply, to save Sir Thomas from anger on finding himself thus bewildered in his own house, making part of a ridiculous exhibition in the midst of theatrical nonsense, and forced in so untoward a moment to admit the acquaintance of a young man whom he felt sure of disapproving, and whose easy indifference and volubility in the course of the first five minutes seemed to mark him the most at home of the two.

Mr. Yates's family were sufficiently known to him to render his introduction as the "particular friend" exceedingly unwelcome; and it needed all the joy of being at home to save Sir Thomas from anger.


Tom understood his father's thoughts, and heartily wishing he might be always as well disposed to give them but partial expression, began to see, more clearly than he had ever done before, that there might be some ground of offence, that there might be some reason for the glance his father gave towards the ceiling and stucco of the room; and that when he inquired with mild gravity after the fate of the billiard-table, he was not proceeding beyond a very allowable curiosity.

Tom understood his father's thoughts, and began to see, more clearly than he had done before, that there might be some ground of offence, that there might be some reason for the glance his father gave towards the ceiling; and that when he inquired with mild gravity after the fate of the billiard-table, he was not proceeding beyond a very allowable curiosity.


A few minutes were enough for such unsatisfactory sensations on each side; and Sir Thomas having exerted himself so far as to speak a few words of calm approbation in reply to an eager appeal of Mr. Yates, as to the happiness of the arrangement, the three gentlemen returned to the drawing-room together, Sir Thomas with an increase of gravity which was not lost on all.

The three gentlemen returned to the drawing-room together, Sir Thomas with an increase of gravity which was not lost on all.


"I come from your theatre," said he composedly, as he sat down; "I found myself in it rather unexpectedly. Its vicinity to my own room-but in every respect, indeed, it took me by surprise, as I had not the smallest suspicion of your acting having assumed so serious a character.

"I come from your theatre," said he composedly, as he sat down; "It took me by surprise, as I had not the smallest suspicion of your acting having assumed so serious a character.


It appears a neat job, however, as far as I could judge by candlelight, and does my friend Christopher Jackson credit."

It appears a neat job, however, and does my friend Christopher Jackson credit."


And then he would have changed the subject, and sipped his coffee in peace over domestic matters of a calmer hue; but Mr. Yates, without discernment to catch Sir Thomas's meaning, or diffidence, or delicacy, or discretion enough to allow him to lead the discourse while he mingled among the others with the least obtrusiveness himself, would keep him on the topic of the theatre, would torment him with questions and remarks relative to it, and finally would make him hear the whole history of his disappointment at Ecclesford.

And then he would have changed the subject; but Mr. Yates, without discernment or discretion, would keep him on the topic of the theatre, would torment him with remarks about it, and finally would make him hear the whole history of his disappointment at Ecclesford.


Sir Thomas listened most politely, but found much to offend his ideas of decorum, and confirm his ill-opinion of Mr. Yates's habits of thinking, from the beginning to the end of the story; and when it was over, could give him no other assurance of sympathy than what a slight bow conveyed.

Sir Thomas listened most politely, but found much to confirm his ill-opinion of Mr. Yates.


"This was, in fact, the origin of _our_ acting," said Tom, after a moment's thought.

"This was, in fact, the origin of our acting," said Tom.


"My friend Yates brought the infection from Ecclesford, and it spread-as those things always spread, you know, sir-the faster, probably, from _your_ having so often encouraged the sort of thing in us formerly.

"My friend Yates brought the infection from Ecclesford, and it spread-as those things always spread, you know, sir-the faster, probably, from your having encouraged the sort of thing in us formerly.


Mr. Yates took the subject from his friend as soon as possible, and immediately gave Sir Thomas an account of what they had done and were doing: told him of the gradual increase of their views, the happy conclusion of their first difficulties, and present promising state of affairs; relating everything with so blind an interest as made him not only totally unconscious of the uneasy movements of many of his friends as they sat, the change of countenance, the fidget, the hem!

Mr. Yates immediately gave Sir Thomas an account of what they were doing: told him of the happy conclusion of their first difficulties, and present state of affairs; blind to the uneasy movements of his friends, the fidget, the hem!


of unquietness, but prevented him even from seeing the expression of the face on which his own eyes were fixed-from seeing Sir Thomas's dark brow contract as he looked with inquiring earnestness at his daughters and Edmund, dwelling particularly on the latter, and speaking a language, a remonstrance, a reproof, which _he_ felt at his heart.

of unquietness, and even to the expression of the face on which his own eyes were fixed. Sir Thomas's dark brow contracted as he looked with inquiring earnestness at his daughters and Edmund, dwelling particularly on the latter with reproof.


Not less acutely was it felt by Fanny, who had edged back her chair behind her aunt's end of the sofa, and, screened from notice herself, saw all that was passing before her.

Fanny, screened from notice herself, saw all that was passing.


Such a look of reproach at Edmund from his father she could never have expected to witness; and to feel that it was in any degree deserved was an aggravation indeed.

Such a look of reproach at Edmund from his father she could never have expected to witness; and to feel that it was in any way deserved was terrible indeed.


Sir Thomas's look implied, "On your judgment, Edmund, I depended; what have you been about?"


She knelt in spirit to her uncle, and her bosom swelled to utter, "Oh, not to _him_!


Look so to all the others, but not to _him_!"


"To own the truth, Sir Thomas, we were in the middle of a rehearsal when you arrived this evening.

"To own the truth, Sir Thomas, we were in the middle of a rehearsal when you arrived.


We were going through the three first acts, and not unsuccessfully upon the whole.


Our company is now so dispersed, from the Crawfords being gone home, that nothing more can be done to-night; but if you will give us the honour of your company to-morrow evening, I should not be afraid of the result.

Nothing more can be done to-night; but if you will give us the honour of your company to-morrow, I should not be afraid of the result.


We bespeak your indulgence, you understand, as young performers; we bespeak your indulgence."

We ask your indulgence as young performers."


"My indulgence shall be given, sir," replied Sir Thomas gravely, "but without any other rehearsal."


And with a relenting smile, he added, "I come home to be happy and indulgent."


Then turning away towards any or all of the rest, he tranquilly said, "Mr. and Miss Crawford were mentioned in my last letters from Mansfield.


Do you find them agreeable acquaintance?"


Tom was the only one at all ready with an answer, but he being entirely without particular regard for either, without jealousy either in love or acting, could speak very handsomely of both.

Tom was the only one ready with an answer.


"Mr. Crawford was a most pleasant, gentleman-like man; his sister a sweet, pretty, elegant, lively girl."


Mr. Rushworth could be silent no longer.


"I do not say he is not gentleman-like, considering; but you should tell your father he is not above five feet eight, or he will be expecting a well-looking man."

"You should tell your father he is not above five feet eight, or he will be expecting a well-looking man."


Sir Thomas did not quite understand this, and looked with some surprise at the speaker.


"If I must say what I think," continued Mr. Rushworth, "in my opinion it is very disagreeable to be always rehearsing.

Mr. Rushworth continued. "In my opinion it is very disagreeable to be always rehearsing.


I am not so fond of acting as I was at first.


I think we are a great deal better employed, sitting comfortably here among ourselves, and doing nothing."


Sir Thomas looked again, and then replied with an approving smile, "I am happy to find our sentiments on this subject so much the same.

Sir Thomas replied with an approving smile, "I am happy to find our sentiments so much the same.


That I should be cautious and quick-sighted, and feel many scruples which my children do _not_ feel, is perfectly natural; and equally so that my value for domestic tranquillity, for a home which shuts out noisy pleasures, should much exceed theirs.

That I should feel scruples which my children do not feel, is perfectly natural; and equally my love of domestic tranquillity should exceed theirs.


But at your time of life to feel all this, is a most favourable circumstance for yourself, and for everybody connected with you; and I am sensible of the importance of having an ally of such weight."

But at your time of life to feel all this, is a most favourable circumstance for yourself; and I am glad to have an ally of such weight."


Sir Thomas meant to be giving Mr. Rushworth's opinion in better words than he could find himself.


He was aware that he must not expect a genius in Mr. Rushworth; but as a well-judging, steady young man, with better notions than his elocution would do justice to, he intended to value him very highly.

Sir Thomas was aware that he must not expect a genius in Mr. Rushworth; but as a well-judging, steady young man, with better notions than his elocution would do justice to, he intended to value him very highly.


It was impossible for many of the others not to smile.


Mr. Rushworth hardly knew what to do with so much meaning; but by looking, as he really felt, most exceedingly pleased with Sir Thomas's good opinion, and saying scarcely anything, he did his best towards preserving that good opinion a little longer.

Mr. Rushworth hardly knew what to do with so much meaning; but by looking exceedingly pleased with Sir Thomas's good opinion, and saying scarcely anything, he did his best towards preserving that good opinion a little longer.


"Sleep on, my love, in thy cold bed, Never to be disquieted!


My last Good Night--thou wilt not wake Till I thy fate shall overtake."


Home seemed unnaturally quiet after all this terror and noisy commotion.

Home seemed unnaturally quiet after all this terror and noise.


Her father had seen all due preparation made for her refreshment on her return; and then sate down again in his accustomed chair, to fall into one of his sad waking dreams.

Her father sat in his usual chair, in one of his sad waking dreams.


Dixon had got Mary Higgins to scold and direct in the kitchen; and her scolding was not the less energetic because it was delivered in an angry whisper; for, speaking above her breath she would have thought irreverent, as long as there was any one lying dead in the house.

In the kitchen, Dixon was scolding Mary Higgins in an energetic, angry whisper, in deference to the dead one lying in the house.


Margaret had resolved not to mention the crowning and closing affright to her father.

Margaret had resolved not to mention her fright to her father.


There was no use in speaking about it; it had ended well; the only thing to be feared was lest Leonards should in some way borrow money enough to effect his purpose of following Frederick to London, and hunting him out there.

There was no use in speaking about it; it had ended well; the only thing to be feared was lest Leonards should manage to follow Frederick to London, and hunt him out there.


But there were immense chances against the success of any such plan; and Margaret determined not to torment herself by thinking of what she could do nothing to prevent.

But that was unlikely; and Margaret determined not to torment herself by thinking of what she could not prevent.


Frederick would be as much on his guard as she could put him; and in a day or two at most he would be safely out of England.

Frederick would be on his guard; and in a day or two he would be safely out of England.


"I suppose we shall hear from Mr. Bell to-morrow," said Margaret.

'I suppose we shall hear from Mr. Bell tomorrow,' she said to her father.


"If he can come, he will be here to-morrow evening, I should think."


"If he cannot come, I shall ask Mr. Thornton to go with me to the funeral.

'If he cannot come, I shall ask Mr. Thornton to go with me to the funeral.


Let me go with you," said Margaret, impetuously.

Let me go with you,' said Margaret, impetuously.


"No; because they can't control themselves. Women of our class don't go, because they have no power over their emotions, and yet are ashamed of showing them.

'No: women of our class don't go, because they have no control over their emotions, and yet are ashamed of showing them.


Poor women go, and don't care if they are seen overwhelmed with grief.


But I promise you, papa, that if you will let me go, I will be no trouble.

But I promise you, papa, I will be no trouble.


Don't have a stranger, and leave me out.


I won't urge my wish against your will, if he does."


It was a most affectionate letter, and expressed great and true regret for his inability to attend.

It was a most affectionate and regretful letter.


He hoped to come and pay them a visit soon, if they would have him; his Milton property required some looking after, and his agent had written to him to say that his presence was absolutely necessary; or else he had avoided coming near Milton as long as he could, and now the only thing that would reconcile him to this necessary visit was the idea that he should see, and might possibly be able to comfort his old friend.

He hoped to pay them a visit soon; his agent had told him that he needed to attend to his Milton property; otherwise he avoided coming near Milton, and now the only thing that would reconcile him to this necessary visit was the idea that he could see and comfort his old friend.


Margaret had all the difficulty in the world to persuade her father not to invite Mr. Thornton.

Margaret had great difficulty in persuading her father not to invite Mr. Thornton.


She had an indescribable repugnance to this step being taken.


The night before the funeral, came a stately note from Mrs. Thornton to Miss Hale, saying that, at her son's desire, their carriage should attend the funeral, if it would not be disagreeable to the family.

The night before the funeral, a stately note came from Mrs. Thornton, saying that, at her son's desire, their carriage should attend the funeral, if it was not disagreeable to the family.


"Oh, don't let us have these forms," said she.

'Oh, don't let us have these formalities,' said she.


They don't care for us, or else he would have offered to go himself, and not have proposed this sending an empty carriage."

They don't care for us, or else he would have offered to go himself, and not have proposed sending an empty carriage.'


"I thought you were so extremely averse to his going, Margaret," said Mr. Hale in some surprise.

'I thought you were averse to his going, Margaret,' said Mr. Hale in some surprise.


I don't want him to come at all; and I should especially dislike the idea of our asking him.


But this seems such a mockery of mourning that I did not expect it from him."

But this seems such a mockery of mourning that I did not expect it from him.'


She startled her father by bursting into tears.


She had been so subdued in her grief, so thoughtful for others, so gentle and patient in all things, that he could not understand her impatient ways to-night; she seemed agitated and restless; and at all the tenderness which her father in his turn now lavished upon her, she only cried the more.

She had been so subdued in her grief, so thoughtful and patient, that he could not understand her. She seemed agitated and restless; and at her father's tenderness, she only cried the more.


She passed so bad a night that she was ill prepared for the additional anxiety caused by a letter received from Frederick.

She passed so bad a night that she was ill prepared for the additional anxiety caused by a letter from Frederick.


Mr. Lennox was out of town; his clerk said that he would return by the following Tuesday at the latest; that he might possibly be home on Monday.

Mr. Lennox was out of town; his clerk said that he would return by the following Tuesday at the latest.


Consequently, after some consideration, Frederick had determined upon remaining in London a day or two longer.

Therefore Frederick had decided to stay in London a day or two longer.


He had thought of coming down to Milton again; the temptation had been very strong; but the idea of Mr. Bell domesticated in his father's house, and the alarm he had received at the last moment at the railway station, had made him resolve to stay in London. Margaret might be assured he would take every precaution against being tracked by Leonards.

Margaret might be assured that after their alarm at the railway station, he would take every precaution against being tracked by Leonards.


Margaret was thankful that she received this letter while her father was absent in her mother's room.

Margaret was thankful that she received this letter while her father was absent.


If he had been present, he would have expected her to read it aloud to him, and it would have raised in him a state of nervous alarm which she would have found it impossible to soothe away.

If he had been present, he would have expected her to read it aloud to him, and it would have worried him greatly.


There was not merely the fact, which disturbed her excessively, of Frederick's detention in London, but there were allusions to the recognition at the last moment at Milton, and the possibility of a pursuit, which made her blood run cold; and how then would it have affected her father?

There was not merely the fact of Frederick's delay in London, but allusions to the recognition at Milton, and the possibility of a pursuit, which made her blood run cold; how then would it have affected her father?


Many a time did Margaret repent of having suggested and urged on the plan of consulting Mr. Lennox.

Many a time did Margaret repent of having urged the plan of consulting Mr. Lennox.


At the moment, it had seemed as if it would occasion so little delay--add so little to the apparently small chances of detection; and yet everything that had since occurred had tended to make it so undesirable.

At the time, it had seemed as if it would cause so little delay - and now it seemed so undesirable.


Margaret battled hard against this regret of hers for what could not now be helped; this self-reproach for having said what at the time appeared to be wise, but which after events were proving to have been so foolish.


But her father was in too depressed a state of mind and body to struggle healthily; he would succumb to all these causes for morbid regret over what could not be recalled.


Margaret summoned up all her forces to her aid.


Her father seemed to have forgotten that they had any reason to expect a letter from Frederick that morning.

Her father had forgotten that they had any reason to expect a letter from Frederick that morning.


He was absorbed in one idea--that the last visible token of the presence of his wife was to be carried away from him, and hidden from his sight.

He was absorbed only in the coming funeral, and the final removal of his wife from his sight.


He trembled pitifully as the undertaker's man was arranging his crape draperies around him.


He looked wistfully at Margaret; and, when released, he tottered towards her, murmuring, "Pray for me, Margaret.


Pray for me, Margaret, that I may have faith to pray.


Margaret sat by him in the coach, almost supporting him in her arms; and repeating all the noble verses of holy comfort, or texts expressive of faithful resignation, that she could remember.

Margaret sat by him in the coach, almost supporting him in her arms; and repeating all the noble verses of holy comfort that she could remember.


Her voice never faltered; and she herself gained strength by doing this.


Her father's lips moved after her, repeating the well-known texts as her words suggested them; it was terrible to see the patient struggling effort to obtain the resignation which he had not strength to take into his heart as part of himself.

Her father's lips moved after her, repeating the well-known texts; it was terrible to see his patient struggle for resignation.


Margaret's fortitude nearly gave way as Dixon, with a slight motion of her hand, directed her notice to Nicholas Higgins and his daughter, standing a little aloof, but deeply attentive to the ceremonial.

At the church, Margaret's fortitude nearly gave way when she noticed Nicholas Higgins and his daughter, standing a little aloof.


Nicholas wore his usual fustian clothes, but had a bit of black stuff sown round his hat--a mark of mourning which he had never shown to his daughter Bessy's memory.

Nicholas wore his usual fustian clothes, but had a bit of black stuff sewn round his hat - a mark of mourning which he had never shown to his daughter Bessy's memory.


He went on repeating to himself, mechanically as it were, all the funeral service as it was read by the officiating clergyman; he sighed twice or thrice when all was ended; and then, putting his hand on Margaret's arm, he mutely entreated to be led away, as if he were blind, and she his faithful guide.

He went on mechanically repeating to himself all the funeral service as it was read by the clergyman; he sighed when all was ended; and then, putting his hand on Margaret's arm, he mutely entreated to be led away, as if he were blind.


Dixon sobbed aloud; she covered her face with her handkerchief, and was so absorbed in her own grief that she did not perceive that the crowd, attracted on such occasions, was dispersing, till she was spoken to by some one close at hand.

Dixon sobbed aloud; she covered her face with her handkerchief, and did not perceive that the crowd was dispersing, till she was spoken to by someone close at hand.


He had been present all the time, standing, with bent head, behind a group of people, so that, in fact, no one had recognised him.

He had been present all the time, standing with bent head behind a group of people, so that no one had seen him.


"I beg your pardon,--but, can you tell me how Mr. Hale is?

'I beg your pardon - but can you tell me how Mr. Hale is?


I should like to know how they both are."


Mr. Thornton would rather have heard that she was suffering the natural sorrow.

Mr. Thornton would rather have heard that she was suffering natural sorrow.


In the first place, there was selfishness enough in him to have taken pleasure in the idea that his great love might come in to comfort and console her; much the same kind of passionate pleasure which comes stinging through a mother's heart, when her drooping infant nestles close to her, and is dependent upon her for everything.

In the first place, there was selfishness enough in him to have taken pleasure in the idea that his great love might come in to comfort and console her; much the same kind of strange passionate pleasure which stings a mother's heart when her drooping infant nestles close to her.


But this delicious vision of what might have been--in which, in spite of all Margaret's repulse, he would have indulged only a few days ago--was miserably disturbed by the recollection of what he had seen near the Outwood station.

But this delicious vision of what might have been was miserably disturbed by the recollection of what he had seen near the Outwood station.


He was haunted by the remembrance of the handsome young man, with whom she stood in an attitude of such familiar confidence; and the remembrance shot through him like an agony, till it made him clench his hands tight in order to subdue the pain.

He was haunted by the remembrance of the handsome young man, with whom she stood in such a familiar attitude; and the remembrance shot through him like an agony, till it made him clench his hands tight to subdue the pain.


It took a great moral effort to galvanise his trust--erewhile so perfect--in Margaret's pure and exquisite maidenliness into life; as soon as the effort ceased, his trust dropped down dead and powerless: and all sorts of wild fancies chased each other like dreams, through his mind.

It took a great moral effort to rouse his trust in Margaret's pure maidenliness; as soon as the effort ceased, his trust dropped down dead: and wild fancies chased each other like dreams through his mind.


Here was a little bit of miserable, gnawing confirmation.

Here was a little piece of miserable, gnawing confirmation.


"She bore up better than likely" under this grief.


She had then some hope to look to, so bright that even in her affectionate nature it could come in to lighten the dark hours of a daughter newly made motherless.

She had then some hope to look to, so bright that it could lighten the dark hours of a daughter newly made motherless.


He had not loved her without gaining that instinctive knowledge of what capabilities were in her.


Her soul would walk in glorious sunlight if any man was worthy, by his power of loving, to win back her love.

Her soul would walk in glorious sunlight if any man was worthy to win back her love.


Even in her mourning she would rest with a peaceful faith upon his sympathy.


And that it was another was enough to make Mr. Thornton's pale grave face grow doubly wan and stern at Dixon's answer.

And Mr. Thornton's pale grave face grow doubly wan and stern at Dixon's answer.


He will perhaps admit me after to-morrow or so."


He spoke as if the answer were a matter of indifference to him.

He spoke as if it were a matter of indifference to him.


For all his pain, he longed to see the author of it.


Although he hated Margaret at times, when he thought of that gentle, familiar attitude and all the attendant circumstances, he had a restless desire to renew her picture in his mind--a longing for the very atmosphere she breathed.

Although he hated Margaret at times, he had a restless desire to renew her picture in his mind - a longing for the very atmosphere she breathed.


He was in the Charybdis of passion, and must perforce circle and circle ever nearer round the fatal centre.


He was very sorry to have to deny you the other day; but circumstances was not agreeable just then."


For some reason or other, Dixon never named this interview that she had had with Mr. Thornton to Margaret.

For some reason or other, Dixon never mentioned this interview with Mr. Thornton to Margaret.


It might have been mere chance, but so it was that Margaret never heard that he had attended her poor mother's funeral.


"But work grew scarce, while bread grew dear, And wages lessened, too; For Irish hordes were bidders here, Our half-paid work to do."


Margaret was shown into the drawing-room.


It had returned into its normal state of bag and covering.


The windows were half open because of the heat, and the Venetian blinds covered the glass,--so that a gray grim light, reflected from the pavement below, threw all the shadows wrong, and combined with the green-tinged upper light to make even Margaret's own face, as she caught it in the mirrors, look ghastly and wan.

The windows were half open because of the heat, and Venetian blinds covered the glass, giving the light a green tinge that made her face in the mirrors look ghastly and wan.


Every now and then, the wind seemed to bear the distant multitudinous sound nearer; and yet there was no wind! It died away into profound stillness between whiles.

Every now and then, the distant multitudinous sound drew nearer; and then died away into profound stillness.


She desired me to apologise to you as it is.


Perhaps you know my brother has imported hands from Ireland, and it has irritated the Milton people excessively--as if he hadn't a right to get labour where he could; and the stupid wretches here wouldn't work for him; and now they've frightened these poor Irish starvelings so with their threats, that we daren't let them out.

Perhaps you know my brother has imported hands from Ireland, and it has irritated the Milton people excessively - as if he hadn't a right to get labour where he could; and now they've frightened these poor Irish starvelings so with their threats, that we daren't let them out.


You may see them huddled in that top room in the mill,--and they're to sleep there, to keep them safe from those brutes, who will neither work or let them work.

They're huddled in that top room in the mill - and they're to sleep there, to keep them safe from those brutes.


And mamma is seeing about their food, and John is speaking to them, for some of the women are crying to go back.

Mamma is seeing about their food, and John is speaking to them.


Mrs. Thornton came in with a look of black sternness on her face, which made Margaret feel she had arrived at a bad time to trouble her with her request.

Mrs. Thornton came in with a look of black sternness on her face, which made Margaret feel she had arrived at a bad time to trouble her.


However, it was only in compliance with Mrs. Thornton's expressed desire, that she would ask for whatever they might want in the progress of her mother's illness. Mrs. Thornton's brow contracted, and her mouth grew set, while Margaret spoke with gentle modesty of her mother's restlessness, and Dr. Donaldson's wish that she should have the relief of a water-bed.

However, Mrs. Thornton had expressed the wish that she would ask for whatever they might need for her mother; though her brow contracted while Margaret spoke with gentle modesty of her mother's restlessness, and Dr. Donaldson's wish that she should have a water-bed.


Mrs. Thornton did not reply immediately.


Call John, Fanny,--call him in from the mill!


And simultaneously, the gathering tramp--to which she had been listening, instead of heeding Margaret's words--was heard just right outside the wall, and an increasing din of angry voices raged behind the wooden barrier, which shook as if the unseen maddened crowd made battering rams of their bodies, and retreated a short space only to come with more united steady impetus against it, till their great beats made the strong gates quiver, like reeds before the wind.

And the gathering tramp - to which she had been listening, instead of Margaret's words - was heard right outside the wall. An increasing din of angry voices raged behind the gates, which shook as if the unseen maddened crowd made battering-rams of their bodies, with a steady rhythm which made the strong gates quiver.


The women gathered round the windows, fascinated to look on the scene which terrified them. Mrs. Thornton, the women-servants, Margaret,--all were there.

The women, servants and all, gathered round the windows, fascinated and terrified.


Fanny had returned, screaming upstairs as if pursued at every step, and had thrown herself in hysterical sobbing on the sofa.

Fanny had returned, screaming as if pursued at every step, and had thrown herself in hysterical sobbing on the sofa.


Mrs. Thornton watched for her son, who was still in the mill.


He came out, looked up at them--the pale cluster of faces--and smiled good courage to them, before he locked the factory door.

He came out, looked up at the pale cluster of faces - and smiled good courage to them, before he locked the factory-door.


Then he called to one of the women to come down and undo his own door, which Fanny had fastened behind her in her mad flight.

Then he called for someone to come down and undo his own door, which Fanny had fastened behind her in her mad flight.


And the sound of his well-known and commanding voice, seemed to have been like the taste of blood to the infuriated multitude outside.

The sound of his well-known and commanding voice seemed to infuriate the mob outside.


Hitherto they had been voiceless, wordless, needing all their breath for their hard-laboured efforts to break down the gates.

Hitherto they had been voiceless, needing all their breath for their efforts to break down the gates.


But now, hearing him speak inside, they set up such a fierce, unearthly groan, that even Mrs. Thornton was white with fear as she preceded him into the room.

But now, hearing him speak inside, they set up such a fierce unearthly groan, that even Mrs. Thornton was white with fear as she preceded him into the room.


He came in a little flushed, but his eyes gleamed, as in answer to the trumpet-call of danger, and with a proud look of defiance on his face, that made him a noble, if not a handsome man.

He came in a little flushed, but with his eyes gleaming, and a proud and noble look of defiance on his face.


Margaret had always dreaded lest her courage should fail her in any emergency, and she should be proved to be, what she dreaded lest she was--a coward.

Margaret had always dreaded lest her courage should fail her in any emergency, and she should be proved a coward.


But now, in this real great time of reasonable fear and nearness of terror, she forgot herself, and felt only an intense sympathy--intense to painfulness--in the interests of the moment.

But now, in this real nearness of terror, she forgot herself, and felt only an intense sympathy in the interests of the moment.


"I'm sorry, Miss Hale, you have visited us at this unfortunate moment, when, I fear, you may be involved in whatever risk we have to bear.

'I'm sorry, Miss Hale, you have visited us at this unfortunate moment, when I fear you may be at risk.


hadn't you better go into the back rooms?


I'm not sure whether they may not have made their way from Pinner's Lane into the stable-yard; but if not, you will be safer there than here.

I'm not sure whether they have got into the stable-yard; but if not, you will be safer there than here.'


continued he, addressing the upper-servant.


And indeed, retreat into the back rooms was of no avail; the crowd had surrounded the outbuildings at the rear, and were sending forth their awful threatening roar behind.

And indeed, retreat into the back rooms was useless; the crowd had surrounded the outbuildings, and were sending forth their awful threatening roar.


The servants retreated into the garrets, with many a cry and shriek.

The servants retreated up into the garrets, with many a cry.


Mr. Thornton smiled scornfully as he heard them.


He glanced at Margaret, standing all by herself at the window nearest the factory.

He glanced at Margaret, standing at the window.


Her eyes glittered, her colour was deepened on cheek and lip.

Her eyes glittered; her colour was deepened.


As if she felt his look, she turned to him and asked a question that had been for some time in her mind:

As if she felt his look, she turned to him and asked:


"Where are the poor imported workpeople?

'Where are the poor imported work-people?


I left them cowed up in a small room, at the head of a back flight of stairs; bidding them run all risks, and escape down there, if they heard any attack made on the mill doors.

I left them cowering in a small room, at the top of a back flight of stairs; bidding them escape down there, if they heard any attack made on the mill-doors.


But it is not them--it is me they want."


asked his mother, in a low but not unsteady voice.

asked his mother, in a low but steady voice.


He took out his watch with the same steady composure with which he did everything.

He took out his watch with measured composure.


"Supposing Williams got straight off when I told him, and hadn't to dodge about amongst them--it must be twenty minutes yet."

'Supposing Williams managed to get straight off when I told him - it must be twenty minutes yet.'


said his mother, for the first time showing her terror in the tones of her voice.

said his mother, her voice showing her terror for the first time.


"Shut down the windows instantly, mother," exclaimed he: "the gates won't bear such another shock.

'Shut down the windows, mother. The gates won't bear such another shock.


Margaret shut down her window, and then went to assist Mrs. Thornton's trembling fingers.

Margaret shut down her window, and went to assist Mrs. Thornton's trembling fingers.


From some cause or other, there was a pause of several minutes in the unseen street.

There was a pause of several minutes in the unseen street.


Mrs. Thornton looked with wild anxiety at her son's countenance, as if to gain the interpretation of the sudden stillness from him. His face was set into rigid lines of contemptuous defiance; neither hope nor fear could be read there.

Mrs. Thornton looked with wild anxiety at her son's face, which was set into rigid lines of contemptuous defiance. Neither hope nor fear could be read there.


She did listen; they all could hear the one great straining breath; the creak of wood slowly yielding; the wrench of iron; the mighty fall of the ponderous gates.

She listened. They all could hear the great straining breath; the creak of wood slowly yielding; the wrench of iron; the mighty fall of the gates.


Fanny stood up tottering--made a step or two towards her mother, and fell forwards into her arms in a fainting fit.

Fanny stood up tottering - and fell into her mother's arms in a fainting fit.


Mrs. Thornton lifted her up with a strength that was as much that of the will as of the body, and carried her away.


said Mr. Thornton, as he watched her out.


"Had you not better go upstairs, Miss Hale?"

'Had you not better go upstairs, Miss Hale?'


--but he could not hear her speak, for the tramp of innumerable steps right under the very wall of the house, and the fierce growl of low deep angry voices that had a ferocious murmur of satisfaction in them, more dreadful than their baffled cries not many minutes before.

- but he could not hear her speak for the tramp of many steps right under the wall of the house, and the fierce growl of deep angry voices that had a ferocious murmur of satisfaction in them.


"I am very sorry that you should have been entrapped into all this alarm; but it cannot last long now; a few minutes more, and the soldiers will be here."

'I am very sorry you have been entrapped into all this alarm; but it cannot last long now; a few minutes more, and the soldiers will be here.'


cried Margaret, suddenly; "there is Boucher.

cried Margaret, suddenly; 'there is Boucher.


I know his face, though he is livid with rage,--he is fighting to get to the front--look!

He is livid with rage, and fighting to get to the front - look!


asked Mr. Thornton coolly, and coming close to the window to discover the man in whom Margaret took such an interest.

asked Mr. Thornton coolly, coming close to the window to see.


As soon as they saw Mr. Thornton, they set up a yell, to call it not human is nothing,--it was as the demoniac desire of some terrible wild beast for the food that is withheld from his ravening.

As soon as the men saw him, they set up a yell like the demoniac desire of some terrible wild beast for the food that is withheld from his ravening.


Even he drew back for a moment, dismayed at the intensity of hatred he had provoked.


I only hope my poor Irishmen are not terrified out of their wits by such a fiendlike noise.

'I only hope my poor Irishmen are not terrified out of their wits.


Keep up your courage for five minutes, Miss Hale."

Keep up your courage for five minutes, Miss Hale.'


"Don't be afraid for me," she said hastily.

'Don't worry about me,' she said hastily.


Can you do nothing to soothe these poor creatures?


"The soldiers will be here directly, and that will bring them to reason."

'The soldiers will be here directly, and that will bring them to reason.'


"The only reason that does with men that make themselves into wild beasts.

'The only reason that works with men that make themselves into wild beasts.


"Mr. Thornton," said Margaret, shaking all over with her passion, "go down this instant, if you are not a coward.

'Mr. Thornton,' said Margaret, shaking all over with passion, 'go down this instant, if you are not a coward.


Save these poor strangers, whom you have decoyed here.


Speak to your workmen as if they were human beings.


Don't let the soldiers come in and cut down poor creatures who are driven mad.


If you have any courage or noble quality in you, go out and speak to them, man to man!"

If you have any courage or noble quality in you, go out and speak to them, man to man.'


He turned and looked at her while she spoke. A dark cloud came over his face while he listened.

He turned and looked at her, a dark cloud coming over his face.


Perhaps I may ask you to accompany me downstairs, and bar the door behind me; my mother and sister will need that protection."

Perhaps I may ask you to accompany me downstairs, and bar the door behind me, for my family's protection.'


But he was gone; he was downstairs in the hall; he had unbarred the front door; all she could do, was to follow him quickly, and fasten it behind him, and clamber up the stairs again with a sick heart and a dizzy head.

But he was gone downstairs; he had unbarred the front door; all she could do was to follow him quickly, and fasten it behind him, and clamber up the stairs again with a sick heart.


Again she took her place by the farthest window.


He was on the steps below; she saw that by the direction of a thousand angry eyes; but she could neither see nor hear anything save the savage satisfaction of the rolling angry murmur.

He was on the steps below; she knew that by the direction of a thousand angry eyes; but she could neither see nor hear anything except the savage, rolling murmur.


Many in the crowd were mere boys; cruel and thoughtless,--cruel because they were thoughtless; some were men, gaunt as wolves, and mad for prey.

Many in the crowd were mere boys, cruel and thoughtless - cruel because they were thoughtless; some were men, gaunt as wolves, and mad for prey.


She knew how it was; they were like Boucher,--with starving children at home--relying on ultimate success in their efforts to get higher wages, and enraged beyond measure at discovering that Irishmen were to be brought in to rob their little ones of bread.

She knew they were like Boucher, with starving children at home, enraged at discovering that Irishmen were brought in to rob their little ones of bread.


Margaret knew it all; she read it in Boucher's face, forlornly desperate and livid with rage.

Margaret knew it all; she read it in Boucher's desperate face.


If Mr. Thornton would but say something to them--let them hear his voice only--it seemed as if it would be better than this wild beating and raging against the stony silence that vouchsafed them no word, even of anger or reproach.

If Mr. Thornton would only speak to them - it would be better than the stony silence that gave them no word, even of anger or reproach.


But perhaps he was speaking now; there was a momentary hush of their noise, inarticulate as that of a troop of animals.

But perhaps he was speaking now; there was a momentary hush.


She tore her bonnet off, and bent forward to hear. She could only see; for if Mr. Thornton had indeed made the attempt to speak, the momentary instinct to listen to him was past and gone, and the people were raging worse than ever. He stood with his arms folded; still as a statue; his face pale with repressed excitement.

She bent forwards to hear, but she could only see Mr. Thornton standing with his arms folded, still as a statue, his face pale with repressed excitement.


They were trying to intimidate him--to make him flinch; each was urging the other on to some immediate act of personal violence.

They were trying to intimidate him - to make him flinch; each was urging the other on to some act of personal violence.


Margaret felt intuitively, that in an instant all would be uproar; the first touch would cause an explosion, in which, among such hundreds of infuriated men and reckless boys, even Mr. Thornton's life would be unsafe,--that in another instant the stormy passions would have passed their bounds, and swept away all barriers of reason, or apprehension of consequence.

Margaret felt intuitively that in an instant all would be uproar. The first touch would cause an explosion, in which even Mr. Thornton's life would be unsafe - in another instant, the stormy passions would have passed their bounds, and swept away all barriers of reason.


Even while she looked, she saw lads in the background stooping to take off their heavy wooden clogs--the readiest missile they could find; she saw it was the spark to the gunpowder, and, with a cry, which no one heard, she rushed out of the room, down stairs,--she had lifted the great iron bar of the door with an imperious force--had thrown the door open wide--and was there, in face of that angry sea of men, her eyes smiting them with flaming arrows of reproach.

Even while she looked, she saw lads at the back stooping to take off their heavy wooden clogs - the readiest missiles they could find. She saw it was the spark to the gunpowder, and with a cry, she rushed out of the room, down the stairs - had lifted the great iron bar of the door with imperious force - had thrown the door open - and was there, facing that angry sea of men, her eyes smiting them with reproach.


The clogs were arrested in the hands that held them--the countenances, so fell not a moment before, now looked irresolute, and as if asking what this meant.

The clogs were arrested in the hands that held them. The faces looked irresolute, as if asking what this meant.


For she stood between them and their enemy.


She could not speak, but held out her arms towards them till she could recover breath.


He is one man, and you are many;" but her words died away, for there was no tone in her voice; it was but a hoarse whisper.

He is one man, and you are many"; but her words died away, for her voice was only a hoarse whisper.


Mr. Thornton stood a little on one side; he had moved away from behind her, as if jealous of anything that should come between him and danger.

Mr. Thornton moved away from behind her, as if jealous of anything that should come between him and danger.


said she, once more (and now her voice was like a cry).


'The soldiers are sent for - are coming.


You shall have relief from your complaints, whatever they are."

You shall have relief from your complaints, whatever they are.'


"Shall them Irish blackguards be packed back again?"

'Shall them Irish blackguards be packed back again?'


asked one from out the crowd, with fierce threatening in his voice.


The hootings rose and filled the air,--but Margaret did not hear them.

Hootings rose and filled the air, but Margaret did not hear them.


Her eye was on the group of lads who had armed themselves with their clogs some time before.

Her eye was on the lads who had armed themselves with their clogs.


She saw their gesture--she knew its meaning--she read their aim.

She saw their gesture - she knew its meaning - she read their aim.


Another moment, and Mr. Thornton might be smitten down,--he whom she had urged and goaded to come to this perilous place.

Another moment, and Mr. Thornton might be smitten down - he whom she had urged to come to this perilous place.


She only thought how she could save him.


She threw her arms around him; she made her body into a shield from the fierce people beyond.


Still, with his arms folded, he shook her off.


If she thought her sex would be a protection,--if, with shrinking eyes she had turned away from the terrible anger of these men, in any hope that ere she looked again they would have paused and reflected, and slunk away, and vanished,--she was wrong.

If she thought her sex would be a protection, and that the men would slink away, then she was wrong.


Their reckless passion had carried them too far to stop--at least had carried some of them too far; for it is always the savage lads, with their love of cruel excitement, who head the riot--reckless to what bloodshed it may lead.

Their reckless passion had carried them too far to stop - at least had carried some of them too far; for it is always the reckless savage lads, with their love of cruel excitement, who head the riot.


Margaret's fascinated eyes watched its progress; it missed its aim, and she turned sick with affright, but changed not her position, only hid her face on Mr. Thornton's arm.

Margaret's fascinated eyes watched; it missed its aim, and she turned sick with fright, but did not move, only hid her face on Mr. Thornton s arm.


Then she turned and spoke again:
"For God's sake! do not damage your cause by this violence. You do not know what you are doing." She strove to make her words distinct.

Then she turned and spoke again, trying to make her voice distinct:
'For God's sake! do not damage your cause by this violence. You do not know what you are doing.'


A sharp pebble flew by her, grazing forehead and cheek, and drawing a blinding sheet of light before her eyes.


She lay like one dead on Mr. Thornton's shoulder.


Then he unfolded his arms, and held her encircled in one for an instant:


"You come to oust the innocent stranger.


You fall--you hundreds--on one man; and when a woman comes before you, to ask you for your own sakes to be reasonable creatures, your cowardly wrath falls upon her!

'You fall - you hundreds - on one man; and when a woman comes before you, to ask you for your own sakes to be reasonable, your cowardly wrath falls upon her!


They were watching, open-eyed and open-mouthed, the thread of dark-red blood which wakened them up from their trance of passion.

They were silent, watching - open-eyed and open-mouthed - the thread of dark-red blood which wakened them from their trance of passion.


Those nearest the gate stole out ashamed; there was a movement through all the crowd--a retreating movement.

Those nearest the gate stole out ashamed; there was a retreating movement through all the crowd.


"Th' stone was meant for thee; but thou wert sheltered behind a woman!"

'Th' stone were meant for thee; but thou wert sheltered behind a woman!'


The blood-flowing had made Margaret conscious--dimly, vaguely conscious.


He placed her gently on the door-step, her head leaning against the frame.


But without waiting for her answer, he went slowly down the steps right into the middle of the crowd.


"Now kill me, if it is your brutal will.


You may beat me to death--you will never move me from what I have determined upon--not you!"

You may beat me to death - but you will never move me from what I have determined upon!'


He stood amongst them with his arms folded, in precisely the same attitude as he had been in on the steps.


But the retrograde movement towards the gate had begun--as unreasoningly, perhaps as blindly, as the simultaneous anger.

But the withdrawal towards the gate had begun.


Or, perhaps, the idea of the approach of the soldiers, and the sight of that pale, upturned face, with closed eyes, still and sad as marble, though the tears welled out of the long entanglement of eyelashes, and dropped down; and, heavier, slower plash than even tears, came the drip of blood from her wound.

Perhaps it was the idea of the soldiers' approach; perhaps the sight of that pale, upturned face, with closed eyes, though the tears welled beneath the long eyelashes; and, heavier, slower than tears, came the drip of blood from her wound.


Even the most desperate--Boucher himself--drew back, faltered away, scowled, and finally went off, muttering curses on the master, who stood in his unchanging attitude, looking after their retreat with defiant eyes.

Even the most desperate faltered, scowled, and finally went off, muttering curses on the master, who stood in his unchanging attitude.


The moment that retreat had changed into a flight (as it was sure from its very character to do), he darted up the steps to Margaret.

The moment the retreat had changed into a flight, he darted up the steps to Margaret.


"It is nothing," she said, with a sickly smile.

'It is nothing,' she said, with a sickly smile.


"The skin is grazed, and I was stunned at the moment.

'The skin is grazed, and I was stunned for the moment.


His anger had not abated; it was rising the more as his sense of immediate danger was passing away.

His anger had not abated; it was rather rising as the immediate danger passed.


The distant clank of the soldiers was heard: just five minutes too late to make this vanished mob feel the power of authority and order.

The distant clank of the soldiers was heard, five minutes too late to make this vanished mob feel the power of authority.


He hoped they would see the troops, and be quelled by the thought of their narrow escape.


While these thoughts crossed his mind, Margaret clung to the doorpost to steady herself: but a film came over her eyes--he was only just in time to catch her.

While these thoughts crossed his mind, Margaret clung to the doorpost to steady herself: but a film came over her eyes - he was only just in time to catch her.


cried he; "Come down--they are gone, and Miss Hale is hurt!"

cried he; 'Come down - they are gone, and Miss Hale is hurt!'


He bore her into the dining-room, and laid her on the sofa there; laid her down softly, and looking on her pure white face, the sense of what she was to him came upon him so keenly that he spoke it out in his pain:

He bore her into the dining-room, and laid her on the sofa there. Looking on her pure white face, the sense of what she was to him came upon him so keenly that he spoke it out in his pain:


Dead--cold as you lie there, you are the only woman I ever loved!

Cold as you lie there, you are the only woman I ever loved!'


Inarticulately as he spoke, kneeling by her, and rather moaning than saying the words, he started up, ashamed of himself, as his mother came in.

Inarticulately as he spoke, kneeling by her, he started up, ashamed of himself, as his mother came in.


She saw nothing, but her son a little paler, a little sterner than usual.

She saw nothing but her son, a little paler and sterner than usual.


She has lost a good deal of blood, I'm afraid."

She has lost a good deal of blood, I'm afraid.'


"She looks very seriously hurt,--I could almost fancy her dead," said Mrs. Thornton, a good deal alarmed.

'She looks very seriously hurt,' said Mrs. Thornton, alarmed.


But all the blood in his body seemed to rush inwards to his heart as he spoke, and he absolutely trembled.

But all the blood in his body seemed to rush inwards to his heart as he spoke, and he trembled.


"Go and call Jane,--she can find me the things I want; and do you go to your Irish people, who are crying and shouting as if they were mad with fright."

'Go and call Jane,' she said, 'and you go to your Irish people, who are crying and shouting, mad with fright.'


He went away as if weights were tied to every limb that bore him from her.

He went away as if weights were tied to every limb.


She should have all womanly care, all gentle tendance.


But every pulse beat in him as he remembered how she had come down and placed herself in foremost danger--could it be to save him?

But every pulse beat in him as he remembered how she had placed herself in foremost danger - could it be to save him?


At the time, he had pushed her aside, and spoken gruffly; he had seen nothing but the unnecessary danger she had placed herself in.


He went to his Irish people, with every nerve in his body thrilling at the thought of her, and found it difficult to understand enough of what they were saying to soothe and comfort away their fears.

He went to his Irish people, with every nerve in his body thrilling at the thought of her, and found it difficult to understand enough of what they were saying to soothe away their fears.


There, they declared, they would not stop; they claimed to be sent back.

They declared they would not stay; they wanted to be sent back.


And so he had to think, and talk, and reason.


Mrs. Thornton bathed Margaret's temples with eau de Cologne.


As the spirit touched the wound, which till then neither Mrs. Thornton nor Jane had perceived, Margaret opened her eyes; but it was evident she did not know where she was, nor who they were.

As it touched the wound, which till then neither Mrs. Thornton nor Jane had perceived, Margaret opened her eyes; but it was evident she did not know where she was, nor who they were.


The dark circles deepened, the lips quivered and contracted, and she became insensible once more.

The lips quivered, and she became insensible once more.


"She has had a terrible blow," said Mrs. Thornton.

'She has had a terrible blow,' said Mrs. Thornton.


"Is there any one who will go for a doctor?"

'Is there anyone who will go for a doctor?'


"Not me, ma'am, if you please," said Jane, shrinking back.

'Not me, ma'am, if you please,' said Jane, shrinking back.


"Them rabble may be all about; I don't think the cut is so deep, ma'am, as it looks."

'Them rabble may be all about; I don't think the cut is so deep as it looks.'


If you are a coward, Jane, I am not. I will go."


"Pray, ma'am, let me send one of the police.


There's ever so many come up, and soldiers too."


I will not have their time taken up with our errands.


They'll have enough to do to catch some of the mob.


You will not be afraid to stop in this house," she asked contemptuously, "and go on bathing Miss Hale's forehead, shall you?

You will not be afraid to stay in this house,' Mrs. Thornton asked contemptuously, 'and go on bathing Miss Hale's forehead, shall you?'


Mrs. Thornton went first to the room in which she had left Fanny stretched on the bed.

She went first to the room in which she had left Fanny on the bed.


I thought you were a man that had got into the house."

I thought you were a man that had got into the house.'


There are soldiers all round the place, seeking for their work now it is too late.

There are soldiers everywhere, now it is too late.


Miss Hale is lying on the dining-room sofa badly hurt.


Mrs. Thornton wrenched it away with no gentle hand.


"Find me some one else to go; but that girl must not bleed to death."


Go down to her, Fanny, and do try to make yourself of use.


Jane is with her; and I trust it looks worse than it is.


Jane has refused to leave the house, cowardly woman!


And I won't put myself in the way of any more refusals from my servants, so I am going myself."


said Fanny, crying, and preparing to go down rather than be left alone, with the thought of wounds and bloodshed in the very house.

said Fanny, crying with the thought of wounds and bloodshed in the house.


said she, creeping into the dining-room, "What is the matter?

said she, creeping into the dining-room, 'how did she get hurt?


Did they throw stones into the drawing-room?"

Did they throw stones into the drawing-room?'


Margaret did indeed look white and wan, although her senses were beginning to return to her.

Margaret did indeed look white and wan, although her senses were beginning to return.


But the sickly daze of the swoon made her still miserably faint.


She was conscious of movement around her, and of refreshment from the eau de Cologne, and a craving for the bathing to go on without intermission; but when they stopped to talk, she could no more have opened her eyes, or spoken to ask for more bathing, than the people who lie in death-like trance can move, or utter sound, to arrest the awful preparations for their burial, while they are yet fully aware, not merely of the actions of those around them, but of the idea that is the motive for such actions.

She was conscious of movement around her, and of the eau de Cologne; but when they stopped bathing her head, she could neither move her eyes nor speak.


Jane paused in her bathing, to reply to Miss Thornton's question.


"She'd have been safe enough, miss, if she'd stayed in the drawing-room, or come up to us; we were in the front garret, and could see it all, out of harm's way."

'She'd have been safe enough, miss, if she'd stayed in the drawing-room; we were in the front garret, and could see it all.'


said Fanny, drawing nearer by slow degrees, as she became accustomed to the sight of Margaret's pale face.


"Just before the front door--with master!"

'Just before the front door - with master!'


"Nay, miss, that's not for me to say," answered Jane, with a slight toss of her head.

'Nay, miss, that's not for me to say,' answered Jane, with a slight toss of her head.


said Fanny, with impatient curiosity.
Jane resumed her bathing, as if what Sarah did or said was not exactly the thing she liked to repeat.
"Sarah what?" asked Fanny, sharply.

said Fanny, with impatient curiosity, and then more sharply. 'Sarah what?


"Don't speak in these half sentences, or I can't understand you."


"Well, miss, since you will have it--Sarah, you see, was in the best place for seeing, being at the right-hand window; and she says, and said at the very time too, that she saw Miss Hale with her arms about master's neck, hugging him before all the people."

'Well, miss, Sarah says that she saw Miss Hale with her arms about master's neck, hugging him before all the people.'


"I know she cares for my brother; any one can see that; and I dare say, she'd give her eyes if he'd marry her,--which he never will, I can tell her.

'I know she cares for my brother; any one can see that; and I dare say, she'd give her eyes if he'd marry her - which he never will, I can tell her.


But I don't believe she'd be so bold and forward as to put her arms round his neck."

But I don't believe she'd be so bold as to put her arms round his neck.'


It's my belief, that the blow has given her such an ascendancy of blood to the head as she'll never get the better from.


"I never was in the room with a dead person before."

'I never was in the room with a dead person before.'


She's not dead: her eye-lids are quivering, and here's wet tears a-coming down her cheeks.

She's not dead: her eyelids are quivering, and here's tears a-coming down her cheeks.


No answer; no sign of recognition; but a faint pink colour returned to her lips, although the rest of her face was ashen pale.


Mrs. Thornton came hurriedly in, with the nearest surgeon she could find.


as Margaret opened her filmy eyes, and gazed dreamily at her.


Mrs. Thornton spoke loudly and distinctly, as to a deaf person.


Margaret tried to rise, and drew her ruffled, luxuriant hair instinctively over the cut.

Margaret tried to rise, and drew her ruffled hair instinctively over the cut.


"I am better now," said she, in a very low, faint voice.

'I am better now,' said she, in a very low voice.


She let him take her hand and feel her pulse.

She let the doctor take her hand and feel her pulse.


The bright colour came for a moment into her face, when he asked to examine the wound in her forehead; and she glanced up at Jane, as if shrinking from her inspection more than from the doctor's.

When he asked to examine the wound in her forehead, she shrank from the inspection.


"Not until I have applied some strips of plaster, and you have rested a little."

'Not until I have applied some strips of plaster; and you have rested a little.'


She sat down hastily, without another word, and allowed it to be bound up.

She sat down, and allowed it to be bound up.


"Now, if you please," said she, "I must go.

'Now, if you please,' said she, 'I must go.


"But you must not go," said Mrs. Thornton, impatiently.

'But you are not fit to go,' said Mrs. Thornton.


If they should hear---- Besides, I must go," said she, vehemently. "I cannot stay here.

If they should hear - I cannot stay here.


"You are quite flushed and feverish," observed Mr. Lowe.

'You are quite flushed and feverish,' observed Mr. Lowe.


"It is only with being here, when I do so want to go.


The air--getting away, would do me more good than anything," pleaded she.

The air would do me more good than anything.'


"I really believe it is as she says," Mr. Lowe replied.


"If her mother is so ill as you told me on the way here, it may be very serious if she hears of this riot, and does not see her daughter back at the time she expects.

'If her mother is so ill as you told me on the way here, it may be very serious if she hears of this riot, and does not see her daughter back at the time she expects.


I will fetch a cab, if your servants are still afraid to go out."


It is the air of this room that makes me feel so miserable."


She leant back on the sofa, and closed her eyes.


Fanny beckoned her mother out of the room, and told her something that made her equally anxious with Margaret for the departure of the latter.

Fanny beckoned her mother out of the room, and told her something that made her equally anxious for Margaret to leave.


Not that she fully believed Fanny's statement; but she credited enough to make her manner to Margaret appear very much constrained, at wishing her good-bye.

Not that she fully believed Fanny's statement; but she believed enough to make her manner to Margaret appear very much constrained.


Mr. Lowe returned in the cab.
"If you will allow me, I will see you home, Miss Hale.

Mr. Lowe returned with the cab, saying, 'If you will allow me, I will see you home, Miss Hale.


Margaret's thoughts were quite alive enough to the present to make her desirous of getting rid of both Mr. Lowe and the cab before she reached Crampton Crescent, for fear of alarming her father and mother.

Margaret thought only of getting home without alarming her father and mother.


That ugly dream of insolent words spoken about herself, could never be forgotten--but could be put aside till she was stronger--for, oh!

That ugly dream of insolent words spoken about herself could be put aside till she was stronger - for, oh!


she was very weak; and her mind sought for some present fact to steady itself upon, and keep it from utterly losing consciousness in another hideous, sickly swoon.

she was very weak; and her mind sought for some fact to steady itself upon, and keep it from utterly losing consciousness in another hideous, sickly swoon.


"On earth is known to none The smile that is not sister to a tear."


The night was fine, the streets clean, and with her pretty white silk, like Leezie Lindsay's gown o' green satin, in the ballad, "kilted up to her knee," she was off with her father--ready to dance along with the excitement of the cool, fresh night air.

The night was fine, and with her pretty white silk hitched up, she was ready to dance along with the excitement of the cool, fresh night air.


"I rather think Thornton is not quite easy in his mind about this strike.

'I rather think Thornton is not easy in his mind about this strike,' said Mr. Hale.


But he spoke with his usual coolness to the others, when they suggested different things, just before we came away."


It would take a good deal to stir him from his cool manner of speaking; but his face strikes me as anxious."

'It would take a good deal to stir him from his cool manner; but his face strikes me as anxious.'


He must know of the growing anger and hardly smothered hatred of his workpeople, who all looked upon him as what the Bible calls a 'hard man,'--not so much unjust as unfeeling; clear in judgment, standing upon his 'rights' as no human being ought to stand, considering what we and all our petty rights are in the sight of the Almighty.

'He must know of the growing anger and hatred of his workpeople, who look upon him as what the Bible calls a "hard man" - not so much unjust as unfeeling; standing upon his "rights" as no human being ought to stand, considering what our petty rights are in the sight of the Almighty.


When I remember Boucher's half mad words and ways, I cannot bear to think how coolly Mr. Thornton spoke."

When I remember Boucher's half mad words, I cannot bear to think how coolly Mr. Thornton spoke.'


"In the first place, I am not so convinced as you are about that man Boucher's utter distress; for the moment, he was badly off, I don't doubt.

'I am not so convinced about that man Boucher's utter distress. For the moment, he was badly off, I don't doubt.


But there is always a mysterious supply of money from these Unions; and, from what you said, it was evident the man was of a passionate, demonstrative nature, and gave strong expression to all he felt."

But there is always a mysterious supply of money from these Unions; and it was evident the man was of a passionate nature, and gave strong expression to all he felt.'


I only want you to do justice to Mr. Thornton, who is, I suspect, of an exactly opposite nature--a man who is far too proud to show his feelings.

I only want you to do justice to Mr. Thornton, who is, I suspect, exactly opposite - a man too proud to show his feelings.


Just the character I should have thought beforehand, you would have admired, Margaret."

I should have thought you would admire that, Margaret.'


"So I do--so I should; but I don't feel quite so sure as you do of the existence of those feelings.

'So I do; but I don't feel quite so sure as you do of the existence of those feelings.


He is a man of great strength of character--of unusual intellect, considering the few advantages he has had."

He is a man of great strength of character - of unusual intellect, considering the few advantages he has had.'


He has led a practical life from a very early age, has been called upon to exercise judgment and self-control.

He has led a practical life from a very early age; has been called upon to exercise judgment and self-control.


All that developes one part of the intellect.


To be sure, he needs some of the knowledge of the past, which gives the truest basis for conjecture as to the future; but he knows this need--he perceives it, and that is something.

To be sure, he needs some knowledge of the past, which gives the truest basis for conjecture as to the future; but he perceives this need.


You are quite prejudiced against Mr. Thornton, Margaret."

You are quite prejudiced against Mr. Thornton, Margaret.'


"He is the first specimen of a manufacturer--of a person engaged in trade--that I had ever the opportunity of studying, papa.

'He is the first specimen of a manufacturer that I had ever the opportunity of studying, papa.


He is my first olive: let me make a face while I swallow it.


I know he is good of his kind, and by and by I shall like the kind.


I rather think I am already beginning to do so.

I think I am already beginning to do so.


I was very much interested by what the gentlemen were talking about, although I did not understand half of it.


I was quite sorry when Miss Thornton came to take me to the other end of the room, saying she was sure I should be uncomfortable at being the only lady among so many gentlemen.

I was quite sorry when Miss Thornton took me to the other end of the room, saying she was sure I was uncomfortable at being the only lady among so many gentlemen.


I had never thought about it, I was so busy listening; and the ladies were so dull, papa--oh, so dull!

I had never thought about it, I was so busy listening; and the ladies were so dull, papa!


Yet I think it was clever too. It reminded me of our old game of having each so many nouns to introduce into a sentence."

Yet clever too, at seeing how many nouns they could put into a sentence.'


"Why, they took nouns that were signs of things which gave evidence of wealth,--housekeepers, under-gardeners, extent of glass, valuable lace, diamonds, and all such things; and each one formed her speech so as to bring them all in, in the prettiest accidental manner possible."

'Why, they took nouns that indicated wealth: housekeepers, under-gardeners, glass, lace, diamonds, and so on; and brought them all into their speches, in the prettiest accidental manner possible.'


"You will be as proud of your one servant when you get her, if all is true about her that Mrs. Thornton says."

'You will be as proud of your one servant when you get her.'


I felt like a great hypocrite to-night, sitting there in my white silk gown, with my idle hands before me, when I remembered all the good, thorough, house-work they had done to-day.

I felt like a great hypocrite tonight, sitting idle in my white silk gown, when I remembered all the house-work I had done today.


They took me for a fine lady, I'm sure."

They took me for a fine lady, I'm sure.'


"Even I was mistaken enough to think you looked like a lady, my dear," said Mr. Hale, quietly smiling.

'Even I thought you looked like a lady, my dear,' said Mr. Hale, smiling.


But smiles were changed to white and trembling looks when they saw Dixon's face, as she opened the door.

But smiles were changed to white and trembling looks, when they saw Dixon's face as she opened the door.


The servant next door went for him, for the charwoman is gone home.


Mr. Hale caught Margaret's arm to steady himself from falling.

Mr. Hale caught Margaret's arm to steady himself.


He looked at her face, and saw an expression upon it of surprise and extremest sorrow, but not the agony of terror that contracted his own unprepared heart.

He looked at her face, and saw upon it surprise and extreme sorrow, but not the agony of terror that contracted his own heart.


She knew more than he did, and yet she listened with that hopeless expression of awed apprehension.


I should not have left her--wicked daughter that I am!"

I should not have left her - wicked daughter that I am!'


moaned forth Margaret, as she supported her trembling father's hasty steps upstairs.

she moaned as she supported her trembling father's steps.


The spasms were very bad: no wonder they frightened your maid; but she'll rally this time."

The spasms were very bad; but she'll rally this time.'


Half an hour ago Mr. Hale was a middle-aged man; now his sight was dim, his senses wavering, his walk tottering, as if he were seventy years of age.

Mr. Hale tottered as if he were seventy.


Dr. Donaldson took his arm, and led him into the bedroom.


There lay her mother, with an unmistakeable look on her face.

There lay her mother, with an unmistakable look on her face.


She might be better now; she was sleeping, but Death had signed her for his own, and it was clear that ere long he would return to take possession.

She was sleeping, but Death had signed her for his own, and it was clear that before long he would return to take possession.


Mr. Hale looked at her for some time without a word.


Then he began to shake all over, and, turning away from Dr. Donaldson's anxious care, he groped to find the door; he could not see it, although several candles, brought in the sudden affright, were burning and flaring there.

Then he began to shake all over, and, turning away from Dr. Donaldson, he groped blindly for the door.


He staggered into the drawing-room, and felt about for a chair. Dr. Donaldson wheeled one to him, and placed him in it. He felt his pulse.

He staggered into the drawing-room, where Dr. Donaldson brought him a chair and felt his pulse.


said Margaret, with a crying voice that was wild with pain.

said Margaret, her voice wild with pain.


The speculation came again into his eyes, and he made a great effort.


replied Dr. Donaldson, with quick decision.


There may have been a mistake, but it was not cruel.


Your wife will be a different creature to-morrow, I trust.

Your wife will be a different creature tomorrow, I trust.


She has had spasms, as I anticipated, though I did not tell Miss Hale of my apprehensions.


She has taken the opiate I brought with me; she will have a good long sleep; and to-morrow that look which has alarmed you so much will have passed away."

She will have a good long sleep; and tomorrow, that alarming look will have passed.'


Her bent head, her face raised with no appeal for a temporary reprieve, showed that quick observer of human nature that she thought it better that the whole truth should be told.

Her bent head showed him that she thought it better that the whole truth should be told.


We cannot touch the disease, with all our poor vaunted skill.


We can only delay its progress--alleviate the pain it causes.

We can only delay its progress and alleviate the pain.


Have faith in the immortality of the soul, which no pain, no mortal disease, can assail or touch!"

Have faith in the immortality of the soul, which no disease can touch!'


But all the reply he got was in the choked words, "You have never been married, Dr. Donaldson; you don't know what it is," and in the deep, manly sobs, which went through the stillness of the night like heavy pulses of agony.

'You have never been married, Dr. Donaldson; you do not know what it is.' Deep, manly sobs went through the stillness of the night like heavy pulses of agony.


Margaret knelt by him, caressing him with tearful caresses.

Margaret knelt by her father, caressing him tearfully.


No one, not even Dr. Donaldson, knew how the time went by.


Mr. Hale was the first to dare to speak of the necessities of the present moment.


Dr. Donaldson gave his clear, sensible directions.


No fear for to-night--nay, even peace for to-morrow, and for many days yet.

No fear for tonight - nay, even peace for many days yet.


He advised Mr. Hale to go to bed, and leave only one to watch the slumber, which he hoped would be undisturbed.

He advised Mr. Hale to go to bed, and leave only one person to watch the slumber, which he hoped would be undisturbed.


He promised to come again early in the morning.


And, with a warm and kindly shake of the hand, he left them.

And with a kindly shake of the hand, he left them.


They spoke but few words; they were too much exhausted by their terror to do more than decide upon the immediate course of action.

They spoke but few words; they were too exhausted by their terror to do more than decide upon the immediate course of action.


Mr. Hale was resolved to sit up through the night, and all that Margaret could do was to prevail upon him to rest on the drawing-room sofa.

Mr. Hale was resolved to sit up through the night, and all that Margaret could do was to persuade him to rest on the drawing-room sofa.