"However, there is nothing masculine about _her_?"


Do you consider her a contrast, in that respect, to yourself?"


"You do, no doubt; but that does not signify.


Caroline is neither masculine, nor of what they call the spirited order of women."

She is not what they call a spirited woman."


"I have seen her flash out," said Moore.


It was a short, vivid, trembling glow, that shot up, shone, vanished----"

It was a short, vivid, trembling glow, that shot up, shone, vanished-"


"The point I wish to establish is, that Miss Helstone, though gentle, tractable, and candid enough, is still perfectly capable of defying even Mr. Moore's penetration."

"The point I wish to make is, that Miss Helstone, though gentle and tractable, is still perfectly capable of defying even Mr. Moore's penetration."


"If you are hungry, Mrs. Gill will give you something to eat here.

Mrs. Gill will give you something to eat.


Step into the oak parlour, and ring the bell."


You will be served as if at an inn; or, if you like better, go back to the Hollow."


"The alternative is not open to me; I _must_ go back.


The first leisure I have I will see you again."

The first leisure I have, I will see you again."


She had native strength in her girl's heart, and she used it. Men and women never struggle so hard as when they struggle alone, without witness, counsellor, or confidant, unencouraged, unadvised, and unpitied.

She had strength in her girl's heart; and men and women never struggle so hard as when they struggle alone, unadvised and unpitied.


Her sufferings were her only spur, and being very real and sharp, they roused her spirit keenly.

Caroline's sufferings were her only spur, and being very real and sharp, they roused her spirit keenly.


Bent on victory over a mortal pain, she did her best to quell it.


Never had she been seen so busy, so studious, and, above all, so active.

Never had she been so busy, so studious, and, above all, so active.


She took walks in all weathers, long walks in solitary directions.


Day by day she came back in the evening, pale and wearied-looking, yet seemingly not fatigued; for still, as soon as she had thrown off her bonnet and shawl, she would, instead of resting, begin to pace her apartment.

Day by day she came back in the evening, pale and weary-looking, yet seemingly not fatigued; for as soon as she had thrown off her bonnet and shawl, she would, instead of resting, begin to pace her apartment.


Sometimes she would not sit down till she was literally faint.


She said she did this to tire herself well, that she might sleep soundly at night.

She said she did this to tire herself well, so that she might sleep soundly at night.


But if that was her aim it was unattained; for at night, when others slumbered, she was tossing on her pillow, or sitting at the foot of her couch in the darkness, forgetful, apparently, of the necessity of seeking repose.

But if that was her aim it was unattained; for at night, when others slumbered, she was tossing on her pillow, or sitting at the foot of her bed in the darkness.


she was crying--crying in a sort of intolerable despair, which, when it rushed over her, smote down her strength, and reduced her to childlike helplessness.

she was crying in a sort of intolerable despair, which smote down her strength, and reduced her to childlike helplessness.


When thus prostrate, temptations besieged her.


Weak suggestions whispered in her weary heart to write to Robert, and say that she was unhappy because she was forbidden to see him and Hortense, and that she feared he would withdraw his friendship (not love) from her, and forget her entirely, and begging him to remember her, and sometimes to write to her.

Weak suggestions whispered in her weary heart to write to Robert, and say that she was unhappy because she was forbidden to see him and Hortense, and beg him to remember her.


One or two such letters she actually indited, but she never sent them: shame and good sense forbade.

One or two such letters she actually wrote, but she never sent them: shame and good sense stopped her.


At last the life she led reached the point when it seemed she could bear it no longer, that she must seek and find a change somehow, or her heart and head would fail under the pressure which strained them.

At last she reached the point when it seemed she could bear her life no longer, that she must find a change somehow, or her heart and head would fail under the pressure.


She longed to leave Briarfield, to go to some very distant place.


She longed for something else--the deep, secret, anxious yearning to discover and know her mother strengthened daily; but with the desire was coupled a doubt, a dread--if she knew her, could she love her?

She longed for something else too: the deep, secret, anxious yearning to find and know her mother strengthened daily; but with the desire came doubt - if she knew her mother, would she love her?


There was cause for hesitation, for apprehension on this point.


Never in her life had she heard that mother praised; whoever mentioned her mentioned her coolly.

She had never heard that mother praised.


Her uncle seemed to regard his sister-in-law with a sort of tacit antipathy; an old servant, who had lived with Mrs. James Helstone for a short time after her marriage, whenever she referred to her former mistress, spoke with chilling reserve--sometimes she called her "queer," sometimes she said she did not understand her.

Her uncle seemed to regard her with antipathy; an old servant, who had lived with Mrs. James Helstone for a short time after her marriage, spoke of her with chilling reserve, and said she did not understand her.


These expressions were ice to the daughter's heart; they suggested the conclusion that it was perhaps better never to know her parent than to know her and not like her.

These expressions were ice to the daughter's heart.


But one project could she frame whose execution seemed likely to bring her a hope of relief: it was to take a situation, to be a governess; she could do nothing else.

But one plan seemed likely to bring her hope of relief. It was to take a situation as a governess; she could do nothing else.


A little incident brought her to the point, when she found courage to break her design to her uncle.

Eventually she found courage to speak of it to her uncle.


Her long and late walks lay always, as has been said, on lonely roads; but in whatever direction she had rambled--whether along the drear skirts of Stilbro' Moor or over the sunny stretch of Nunnely Common--her homeward path was still so contrived as to lead her near the Hollow.

Her long walks lay on lonely roads; but in whatever direction she had rambled, her homeward path always led her near the Hollow.


She rarely descended the den, but she visited its brink at twilight almost as regularly as the stars rose over the hillcrests. Her resting-place was at a certain stile under a certain old thorn.

She regularly visited its brink at twilight, and rested at a certain stile.


Thence she could look down on the cottage, the mill, the dewy garden-ground, the still, deep dam; thence was visible the well-known counting-house window, from whose panes at a fixed hour shot, suddenly bright, the ray of the well-known lamp.

From there she could look down on the cottage, the mill, the dewy garden: from there was visible the counting-house window, from whose panes at a fixed hour shone the ray of the lamp.


Her errand was to watch for this ray, her reward to catch it, sometimes sparkling bright in clear air, sometimes shimmering dim through mist, and anon flashing broken between slant lines of rain--for she came in all weathers.

Her errand was to watch for this ray, her reward to catch it.


There were nights when it failed to appear.


She knew then that Robert was from home, and went away doubly sad; whereas its kindling rendered her elate, as though she saw in it the promise of some indefinite hope.

She knew then that Robert was from home, and went away doubly sad; whereas its kindling elated her, like the promise of some indefinite hope.


If, while she gazed, a shadow bent between the light and lattice, her heart leaped.

If, while she gazed, a shadow appeared before the light, her heart leaped.


That eclipse was Robert; she had seen him.


She would return home comforted, carrying in her mind a clearer vision of his aspect, a distincter recollection of his voice, his smile, his bearing; and blent with these impressions was often a sweet persuasion that, if she could get near him, his heart might welcome her presence yet, that at this moment he might be willing to extend his hand and draw her to him, and shelter her at his side as he used to do.

She would return home comforted, and persuaded that, if she could get near him, he might welcome her yet, he might extend his hand and draw her to him, as he used to do.


That night, though she might weep as usual, she would fancy her tears less scalding; the pillow they watered seemed a little softer; the temples pressed to that pillow ached less.

That night, though she might weep, she would fancy her tears less scalding; her head ached less.


The shortest path from the Hollow to the rectory wound near a certain mansion, the same under whose lone walls Malone passed on that night-journey mentioned in an early chapter of this work--the old and tenantless dwelling yclept Fieldhead.

The shortest path from the Hollow to the rectory passed a certain mansion: the old and tenantless dwelling called Fieldhead.


Tenantless by the proprietor it had been for ten years, but it was no ruin.

Tenantless it had been for ten years, but it was no ruin.


Mr. Yorke had seen it kept in good repair, and an old gardener and his wife had lived in it, cultivated the grounds, and maintained the house in habitable condition.

Mr. Yorke had kept it in good repair, and an old gardener and his wife had lived in it, cultivated the grounds, and maintained the house.


If Fieldhead had few other merits as a building, it might at least be termed picturesque. Its regular architecture, and the gray and mossy colouring communicated by time, gave it a just claim to this epithet. The old latticed windows, the stone porch, the walls, the roof, the chimney-stacks, were rich in crayon touches and sepia lights and shades.

Fieldhead was picturesque, grey and mossy: the old latticed windows, the stone porch, the walls, the chimney-stacks, were rich in sepia lights and shades.


The trees behind were fine, bold, and spreading; the cedar on the lawn in front was grand; and the granite urns on the garden wall, the fretted arch of the gateway, were, for an artist, as the very desire of the eye.

The trees behind were fine and spreading; the cedar on the front lawn was grand; and the granite urns over the arch of the gateway were pleasing to the eye.


One mild May evening Caroline, passing near about moonrise, and feeling, though weary, unwilling yet to go home, where there was only the bed of thorns and the night of grief to anticipate, sat down on the mossy ground near the gate, and gazed through towards cedar and mansion.

One mild May evening Caroline, passing near about moonrise, and unwilling yet to go home, sat down on the mossy ground near the gate of Fieldhead, and gazed through it towards the cedar and the mansion.


It was a still night--calm, dewy, cloudless; the gables, turned to the west, reflected the clear amber of the horizon they faced; the oaks behind were black; the cedar was blacker.

It was a still, cloudless night; the gables, facing west, reflected the clear amber of the horizon; the cedar was black.


Under its dense, raven boughs a glimpse of sky opened gravely blue.


It was full of the moon, which looked solemnly and mildly down on Caroline from beneath that sombre canopy.

It was full of the moon, which looked solemnly down on Caroline.


She felt this night and prospect mournfully lovely.

She felt the view was mournfully lovely.


She wished she could be happy; she wished she could know inward peace; she wondered Providence had no pity on her, and would not help or console her.

She wished she could be happy and have peace.


Recollections of happy trysts of lovers, commemorated in old ballads, returned on her mind; she thought such tryst in such scene would be blissful.


Not at the Hollow; she had watched for his lamp long, and had not seen it.

Not at the Hollow; she had watched for his lamp, and had not seen it.


She questioned within herself whether she and Moore were ever destined to meet and speak again.


Suddenly the door within the stone porch of the hall opened, and two men came out--one elderly and white-headed, the other young, dark-haired, and tall.

Suddenly the door within the stone porch of the hall opened, and two men came out - one elderly and white-headed, the other young, dark-haired, and tall.


They passed across the lawn, out through a portal in the garden wall.

They walked across the lawn and through a gate in the garden wall.


Caroline saw them cross the road, pass the stile, descend the fields; she saw them disappear.

Caroline saw them pass the stile, descend the fields and disappear.


Robert Moore had passed before her with his friend Mr. Yorke.


The apparition had been transient--scarce seen ere gone; but its electric passage left her veins kindled, her soul insurgent.

The apparition was fleeting; but at its electric passage her veins kindled, her soul surged.


It found her despairing, it left her desperate--two different states.


He would have shown some token of affection.


In his eye, on his lips, I should have read comfort; but the chance is lost.


The wind, the cloud's shadow, does not pass more silently, more emptily than he.


I have been mocked, and Heaven is cruel!"


Thus, in the utter sickness of longing and disappointment, she went home.


The next morning at breakfast, where she appeared white-cheeked and miserable-looking as one who had seen a ghost, she inquired of Mr. Helstone, "Have you any objection, uncle, to my inquiring for a situation in a family?"

The next morning at breakfast, where she appeared white-faced and miserable-looking, she asked Mr. Helstone:
"Have you any objection, uncle, to my inquiring for a situation in a family?"


Her uncle, ignorant as the table supporting his coffee-cup of all his niece had undergone and was undergoing, scarcely believed his ears.

Her uncle, ignorant of all his niece was undergoing, scarcely believed his ears.


"I am not well, and need a change," she said.


He discovered she had _experienced_ a change, at any rate. Without his being aware of it, the rose had dwindled and faded to a mere snowdrop; bloom had vanished, flesh wasted; she sat before him drooping, colourless, and thin.

He saw that the rose had faded to a snowdrop; her bloom had vanished, her flesh wasted; she sat before him drooping, colourless, and thin.


But for the soft expression of her brown eyes, the delicate lines of her features, and the flowing abundance of her hair, she would no longer have possessed a claim to the epithet pretty.

But for the soft expression of her brown eyes, the delicate lines of her features, and the flowing abundance of her hair, she would no longer have any claim to be called pretty.


No answer; only the brown eyes filled, the faintly-tinted lips trembled.

No answer; only the brown eyes filled, the pale lips trembled.


They have the strangest knack of startling you with unpleasant surprises.


To-day you see them bouncing, buxom, red as cherries, and round as apples; to-morrow they exhibit themselves effete as dead weeds, blanched and broken down.

Today you see them bouncing, red as cherries, and round as apples; tomorrow they look as feeble as dead weeds.


She has her meals, her liberty, a good house to live in, and good clothes to wear, as usual.

She has her meals, her liberty, a good house to live in, and good clothes to wear.


A while since that sufficed to keep her handsome and cheery, and there she sits now a poor, little, pale, puling chit enough.

Yet there she sits a poor, little, pale, puling chit.


Then comes the question, What is to be done?


"Well, if that be the caprice, it shall be gratified.


"But, uncle, some day I must do something for myself; I have no fortune.


"While I live, you shall not turn out as a governess, Caroline.

"While I live, you shall not be a governess, Caroline.


I will not have it said that my niece is a governess."


"But the later in life one makes a change of that sort, uncle, the more difficult and painful it is.


I should wish to get accustomed to the yoke before any habits of ease and independence are formed."

I should wish to get accustomed to the work."


"I beg you will not harass me, Caroline.


I am but fifty-five; my health and constitution are excellent.

I am only fifty-five; my health is excellent.


There is plenty of time to save and take measures.

There is plenty of time to take measures.


Don't make yourself anxious respecting the future.

Don't make yourself anxious about the future.


"But it is not fantasy and whim, uncle."


She feels weak, and _therefore_ she should be set to hard labour--'clair comme le jour,' as Moore--confound Moore!

She feels weak, and therefore she should be set to hard labour.


You shall go to Cliff Bridge; and there are two guineas to buy a new frock.

There are two guineas to buy a new frock.


"Uncle, I wish you were less generous and more----"

"Uncle, I wish you were less generous and more-"


Sympathizing was the word on Caroline's lips, but it was not uttered. She checked herself in time.

Sympathizing was the word on Caroline's lips, but she checked herself.


Her uncle would indeed have laughed if that namby-pamby word had escaped her.

Her uncle would have laughed at that namby-pamby word.


Finding her silent, he said, "The fact is, you don't know precisely what you want."


Ring the bell. Put all crotchets out of your head, and run away and amuse yourself."

Ring the bell, and then run away and amuse yourself."


asked Caroline to herself as she quitted the room.


A week or two passed; her bodily and mental health neither grew worse nor better.


She was now precisely in that state when, if her constitution had contained the seeds of consumption, decline, or slow fever, those diseases would have been rapidly developed, and would soon have carried her quietly from the world.

She was now precisely in that state when, if her constitution had contained the seeds of consumption or slow fever, those diseases would have rapidly developed, and would soon have carried her quietly from the world.


People never die of love or grief alone, though some die of inherent maladies which the tortures of those passions prematurely force into destructive action. The sound by nature undergo these tortures, and are racked, shaken, shattered; their beauty and bloom perish, but life remains untouched. They are brought to a certain point of dilapidation; they are reduced to pallor, debility, and emaciation. People think, as they see them gliding languidly about, that they will soon withdraw to sick-beds, perish there, and cease from among the healthy and happy. This does not happen. They live on; and though they cannot regain youth and gaiety, they may regain strength and serenity.

People never die of love or grief alone. If they have no other malady, they may become pale and thin, but they live on; and though they cannot regain youth and gaiety, they may regain strength and serenity.


The blossom which the March wind nips, but fails to sweep away, may survive to hang a withered apple on the tree late into autumn: having braved the last frosts of spring, it may also brave the first of winter.


Every one noticed the change in Miss Helstone's appearance, and most people said she was going to die.

Everyone noticed the change in Miss Helstone's appearance, and most people said she was going to die.


She felt in no dying case; she had neither pain nor sickness.


Her appetite was diminished; she knew the reason. It was because she wept so much at night.

Her appetite was diminished; she knew it was because she wept so much at night.


Her strength was lessened; she could account for it.


Sleep was coy and hard to be won; dreams were distressing and baleful.

Sleep was hard, and her dreams were distressing.


In the far future she still seemed to anticipate a time when this passage of misery should be got over, and when she should once more be calm, though perhaps never again happy.

But she felt that in the far future this time of misery should be got over, and she should once more be calm, though perhaps never again happy.


Meanwhile her uncle urged her to visit, to comply with the frequent invitations of their acquaintance.

Meanwhile her uncle urged her to visit their acquaintance.


She could not be cheerful in company; she felt she was observed there with more curiosity than sympathy.

She could not be cheerful in company; she felt she was observed with more curiosity than sympathy.


Old ladies were always offering her their advice, recommending this or that nostrum; young ladies looked at her in a way she understood, and from which she shrank.

Old ladies were always offering her their advice, recommending remedies; young ladies looked at her in a way from which she shrank.


Their eyes said they knew she had been "disappointed," as custom phrases it; by whom, they were not certain.

Their eyes said they knew she had been "disappointed"; by whom, they were not certain.


Commonplace young ladies can be quite as hard as commonplace young gentlemen--quite as worldly and selfish.

Commonplace young ladies can be quite as worldly and hard as commonplace young gentlemen.


Those who suffer should always avoid them.


Grief and calamity they despise; they seem to regard them as the judgments of God on the lowly.

Grief and calamity they despise; they regard them as the judgments of God on the lowly.


With them, to "love" is merely to contrive a scheme for achieving a good match; to be "disappointed" is to have their scheme seen through and frustrated.

With them, to "love" is merely to contrive a scheme for achieving a good match; to be "disappointed" is to have their scheme frustrated.


They think the feelings and projects of others on the subject of love similar to their own, and judge them accordingly.


All this Caroline knew, partly by instinct, partly by observation. She regulated her conduct by her knowledge, keeping her pale face and wasted figure as much out of sight as she could.

All this Caroline knew, and she kept her pale face and wasted figure as much out of sight as she could.


Living thus in complete seclusion, she ceased to receive intelligence of the little transactions of the neighbourhood.

Living thus in seclusion, she ceased to hear news of the little events of the neighbourhood.


One morning her uncle came into the parlour, where she sat endeavouring to find some pleasure in painting a little group of wild flowers, gathered under a hedge at the top of the Hollow fields, and said to her in his abrupt manner, "Come, child, you are always stooping over palette, or book, or sampler; leave that tinting work.

One morning her uncle came into the parlour, where she sat trying to find some pleasure in painting wild flowers, and said to her in his abrupt manner, "Come, child, leave that work.


By-the-bye, do you put your pencil to your lips when you paint?"


"Then it is that which is poisoning you.


There is white lead and red lead, and verdigris, and gamboge, and twenty other poisons in those colour cakes.


This question was asked in a tone of surprise. She was not accustomed to make calls with her uncle.

She was surprised; she was not accustomed to make calls with her uncle.


She never rode or walked out with him on any occasion.


She hurriedly gathered up her materials, asking, meantime, where they were going.
"To Fieldhead."


What! to see old James Booth, the gardener? Is he ill?"


"We are going to see Miss Shirley Keeldar."


Is she at Fieldhead?"
"She is. She has been there a week.


I met her at a party last night--that party to which you would not go.

I met her at a party last night - that party to which you would not go.


I choose that you shall make her acquaintance.


"She is now twenty-one and come of age, I suppose?"


"She is come of age, and will reside for a time on her property.

"Yes, and will reside for a time on her property.


I lectured her on the subject; I showed her her duty.


She is rather a fine girl; she will teach you what it is to have a sprightly spirit. Nothing lackadaisical about _her_."

She is rather a fine girl; nothing lackadaisical about her."


"I don't think she will want to see me, or to have me introduced to her.


You hardly imagine she would show her pride to me, I suppose?


A chit like that would scarcely presume to give herself airs with the rector of her parish, however rich she might be."


But how did she behave to other people?"


She holds her head high, and probably can be saucy enough where she dare.

She holds her head high, and probably can be saucy enough.


Not naturally very confident, a failure of physical strength and a depression of spirits had not tended to increase Caroline's presence of mind and ease of manner, or to give her additional courage to face strangers, and she quailed, in spite of self-remonstrance, as she and her uncle walked up the broad, paved approach leading from the gateway of Fieldhead to its porch.

Caroline was not naturally very confident, and her depression of spirits had not increased her courage to face strangers. She quailed as she and her uncle walked up the broad approach to Fieldhead.


She followed Mr. Helstone reluctantly through that porch into the sombre old vestibule beyond.

She followed Mr. Helstone reluctantly into the sombre old hallway.


Very sombre it was--long, vast, and dark; one latticed window lit it but dimly.

Very sombre it was - long, vast, and dark; one window lit it dimly.


The wide old chimney contained now no fire, for the present warm weather needed it not; it was filled instead with willow-boughs.

The wide old chimney contained no fire; it was filled instead with willow-boughs.


The gallery on high, opposite the entrance, was seen but in outline, so shadowy became this hall towards its ceiling.

The high gallery, opposite the entrance, was in shadow.


Carved stags' heads, with real antlers, looked down grotesquely from the walls.


This was neither a grand nor a comfortable house; within as without it was antique, rambling, and incommodious.

This was neither a grand nor a comfortable house; it was antique, rambling, and inconvenient.


A property of a thousand a year belonged to it, which property had descended, for lack of male heirs, on a female.

A property of a thousand a year belonged to it, which had descended, for lack of male heirs, on a female.


There were mercantile families in the district boasting twice the income, but the Keeldars, by virtue of their antiquity, and their distinction of lords of the manor, took the precedence of all.

There were richer families in the district, but the Keeldars were the oldest family, and as lords of the manor, took precedence.


Mr. and Miss Helstone were ushered into a parlour. Of course, as was to be expected in such a Gothic old barrack, this parlour was lined with oak: fine, dark, glossy panels compassed the walls gloomily and grandly.

Mr. and Miss Helstone were ushered into a gloomy, oak-lined parlour, furnished in old style.


Very handsome, reader, these shining brown panels are, very mellow in colouring and tasteful in effect, but--if you know what a "spring clean" is--very execrable and inhuman.


Whoever, having the bowels of humanity, has seen servants scrubbing at these polished wooden walls with beeswaxed cloths on a warm May day must allow that they are "intolerable and not to be endured;" and I cannot but secretly applaud the benevolent barbarian who had painted another and larger apartment of Fieldhead--the drawing-room, to wit, formerly also an oak-room--of a delicate pinky white, thereby earning for himself the character of a Hun, but mightily enhancing the cheerfulness of that portion of his abode, and saving future housemaids a world of toil.


The brown-panelled parlour was furnished all in old style, and with real old furniture.


On each side of the high mantelpiece stood two antique chairs of oak, solid as silvan thrones, and in one of these sat a lady.

On each side of the high mantelpiece stood two antique chairs of oak, solid as thrones, and in one of these sat a lady.


But if this were Miss Keeldar, she must have come of age at least some twenty years ago.

But if this were Miss Keeldar, she must have come of age at least twenty years ago.


She was of matronly form, and though she wore no cap, and possessed hair of quite an undimmed auburn, shading small and naturally young-looking features, she had no youthful aspect, nor apparently the wish to assume it. You could have wished her attire of a newer fashion. In a well-cut, well-made gown hers would have been no uncomely presence. It puzzled you to guess why a garment of handsome materials should be arranged in such scanty folds, and devised after such an obsolete mode. You felt disposed to set down the wearer as somewhat eccentric at once.

She was matronly, and her attire was plain and old-fashioned to the point of eccentricity.


This lady received the visitors with a mixture of ceremony and diffidence quite English.

This lady received the visitors with a mixture of ceremony and diffidence.


No middle-aged matron who was not an Englishwoman _could_ evince precisely the same manner--a manner so uncertain of herself, of her own merits, of her power to please, and yet so anxious to be proper, and, if possible, rather agreeable than otherwise. In the present instance, however, more embarrassment was shown than is usual even with diffident Englishwomen.

She seemed anxious to be proper, yet uncertain and embarrassed.


Miss Helstone felt this, sympathized with the stranger, and knowing by experience what was good for the timid, took a seat quietly near her, and began to talk to her with a gentle ease, communicated for the moment by the presence of one less self-possessed than herself.

Miss Helstone felt this, sympathized with the stranger, and knowing by experience what was good for the timid, took a seat quietly and began to talk to her with a gentle ease, made confident for the moment by the presence of one less self-possessed than herself.


She and this lady would, if alone, have at once got on extremely well together.

She and this lady would, if alone, have got on extremely well together.


The lady had the clearest voice imaginable--infinitely softer and more tuneful than could have been reasonably expected from forty years--and a form decidedly inclined to _embonpoint_. This voice Caroline liked; it atoned for the formal, if correct, accent and language.

The lady had a soft and tuneful voice, which Caroline liked; it atoned for the formal manner.


The lady would soon have discovered she liked it and her, and in ten minutes they would have been friends.

In ten minutes they would have been friends.


But Mr. Helstone stood on the rug looking at them both, looking especially at the strange lady with his sarcastic, keen eye, that clearly expressed impatience of her chilly ceremony, and annoyance at her want of _aplomb_.

But Mr. Helstone stood on the rug looking at the strange lady with his keen, sarcastic eye, impatient at her lack of aplomb.


His hard gaze and rasping voice discomfited the lady more and more.


She tried, however, to get up little speeches about the weather, the aspect of the country, etc.; but the impracticable Mr. Helstone presently found himself somewhat deaf.

She tried to make little speeches about the weather, etc.; but Mr. Helstone found himself somewhat deaf.


Whatever she said he affected not to hear distinctly, and she was obliged to go over each elaborately-constructed nothing twice.

Whatever she said he pretended not to hear distinctly, and she was obliged to go over each elaborately-constructed nothing twice.


The effort soon became too much for her.


She was just rising in a perplexed flutter, nervously murmuring that she knew not what detained Miss Keeldar, that she would go and look for her, when Miss Keeldar saved her the trouble by appearing.

She was just rising in a perplexed flutter, nervously murmuring that she would go and look for Miss Keeldar, when Miss Keeldar saved her the trouble by appearing.


It was to be presumed at least that she who now came in through a glass door from the garden owned that name.

It was to be presumed at least that this was she who now came in from the garden.


There is real grace in ease of manner, and so old Helstone felt when an erect, slight girl walked up to him, retaining with her left hand her little silk apron full of flowers, and, giving him her right hand, said pleasantly, "I knew you would come to see me, though you _do_ think Mr. Yorke has made me a Jacobin.

There is real grace in ease of manner, and so old Helstone felt when an erect, slight girl walked up to him, holding with her left hand her little silk apron full of flowers; and, giving him her right hand, said pleasantly, "I knew you would come to see me, though you do think Mr. Yorke has made me a Jacobin.


"But we'll not have you a Jacobin," returned he.


"No, Miss Shirley; they shall not steal the flower of my parish from me. Now that you are amongst us, you shall be my pupil in politics and religion; I'll teach you sound doctrine on both points."

"No, Miss Shirley; now that you are amongst us, I'll teach you sound doctrine."


"Mrs. Pryor has anticipated you," she replied, turning to the elder lady.


"Mrs. Pryor, you know, was my governess, and is still my friend; and of all the high and rigid Tories she is queen; of all the stanch churchwomen she is chief.

"Mrs. Pryor, you know, was my governess, and is still my friend.


I have been well drilled both in theology and history, I assure you, Mr. Helstone."

She has drilled me well in both theology and history, I assure you, Mr. Helstone."


The rector immediately bowed very low to Mrs. Pryor, and expressed himself obliged to her.

The rector immediately bowed very low to Mrs. Pryor.


The ex-governess disclaimed skill either in political or religious controversy, explained that she thought such matters little adapted for female minds, but avowed herself in general terms the advocate of order and loyalty, and, of course, truly attached to the Establishment.

The ex-governess disclaimed skill either in political or religious controversy, explained that she thought such matters little adapted for female minds, but assured him she was truly attached to the Establishment.


She added she was ever averse to change under any circumstances, and something scarcely audible about the extreme danger of being too ready to take up new ideas closed her sentence.

She added that she was averse to change, and said something scarcely audible about the danger of new ideas.


"Miss Keeldar thinks as you think, I hope, madam."


"Difference of age and difference of temperament occasion difference of sentiment," was the reply.


"It can scarcely be expected that the eager and young should hold the opinions of the cool and middle-aged."


we are independent; we think for ourselves!"


"We are a little Jacobin, for anything I know--a little freethinker, in good earnest.

"We are a little Jacobin, for anything I know - a little freethinker.


Let us have a confession of faith on the spot."


And he took the heiress's two hands--causing her to let fall her whole cargo of flowers--and seated her by him on the sofa.

And he took the heiress's two hands - causing her to let fall her cargo of flowers - and seated her by him on the sofa.


Here is Tartar coming; he will tread upon them."


Tartar was a rather large, strong, and fierce-looking dog, very ugly, being of a breed between mastiff and bulldog, who at this moment entered through the glass door, and posting directly to the rug, snuffed the fresh flowers scattered there.

Tartar was a rather large, strong, ugly and fierce-looking dog, of a breed between mastiff and bulldog, who at this moment entered through the glass door, and snuffed the fresh flowers scattered on the rug.


He seemed to scorn them as food; but probably thinking their velvety petals might be convenient as litter, he was turning round preparatory to depositing his tawny bulk upon them, when Miss Helstone and Miss Keeldar simultaneously stooped to the rescue.

As he was turning round preparatory to lying down upon them, Miss Helstone and Miss Keeldar simultaneously stooped to the rescue.


"Thank you," said the heiress, as she again held out her little apron for Caroline to heap the blossoms into it.


Miss Keeldar shook hands with her, and then looked at her. Caroline also looked at her hostess.

Miss Keeldar shook hands with her, and they looked at each other.


Shirley Keeldar (she had no Christian name but Shirley: her parents, who had wished to have a son, finding that, after eight years of marriage, Providence had granted them only a daughter, bestowed on her the same masculine family cognomen they would have bestowed on a boy, if with a boy they had been blessed)--Shirley Keeldar was no ugly heiress.

Shirley Keeldar (she had no Christian name but Shirley: her parents, who had wished to have a son, bestowed on her the family name they would have bestowed on a boy) - Shirley Keeldar was no ugly heiress.


Her height and shape were not unlike Miss Helstone's; perhaps in stature she might have the advantage by an inch or two.

She was perhaps an inch or two taller than Miss Helstone, and gracefully made.


She was gracefully made, and her face, too, possessed a charm as well described by the word grace as any other.

Her face, too, possessed a graceful charm.


It was pale naturally, but intelligent, and of varied expression.


Clear and dark were the characteristics of her aspect as to colour.


Her face and brow were clear, her eyes of the darkest gray (no green lights in them--transparent, pure, neutral gray), and her hair of the darkest brown.

Her eyes were of the darkest grey, and her hair of the darkest brown.


Her features were distinguished--by which I do not mean that they were high, bony, and Roman, being indeed rather small and slightly marked than otherwise, but only that they were, to use a few French words, "fins, gracieux, spirituels"--mobile they were and speaking; but their changes were not to be understood nor their language interpreted all at once.

Her features were distinguished - by which I do not mean that they were high, bony, and Roman, being indeed rather small and slight; but only that they were spirited and mobile.


She examined Caroline seriously, inclining her head a little to one side, with a thoughtful air.

She examined Caroline seriously, her head a little on one side, with a thoughtful air.


"You see she is only a feeble chick," observed Mr. Helstone.


"She looks young--younger than I.--How old are you?"

"She looks younger than I. How old are you?"


she inquired in a manner that would have been patronizing if it had not been extremely solemn and simple.

she inquired in a manner that would have been patronizing if it had not been solemn and simple.


She said no more. She had now placed her flowers on the table, and was busied in arranging them.

She said no more, but busied herself in arranging her flowers.


I will give you a nosegay, Mr. Helstone, when I have given your niece one."


She had selected a little bouquet of one brilliant and two or three delicate flowers, relieved by a spray of dark verdure.

She selected a little bouquet of delicate flowers, relieved by a spray of dark greenery.


She tied it with silk from her work-box, and placed it on Caroline's lap; and then she put her hands behind her, and stood bending slightly towards her guest, still regarding her, in the attitude and with something of the aspect of a grave but gallant little cavalier.

Tying it with silk from her work-box, she placed it on Caroline's lap; and then she put her hands behind her, and stood bending slightly towards her guest, in the attitude of a grave but gallant little cavalier.


This temporary expression of face was aided by the style in which she wore her hair, parted on one temple, and brushed in a glossy sweep above the forehead, whence it fell in curls that looked natural, so free were their wavy undulations.

This effect was aided by the style in which she wore her hair, parted on one temple, and brushed in a glossy sweep above the forehead, whence it fell freely in natural-looking curls.


"No--not in the least. It is but a short distance--but a mile."


"You look pale.--Is she always so pale?"


"She used to be as rosy as the reddest of your flowers."


Meantime, I intend her to make acquaintance with you, if you have no objection."


"I am sure Miss Keeldar will have no objection," here observed Mrs. Pryor.


"I think I may take it upon me to say that Miss Helstone's frequent presence at Fieldhead will be esteemed a favour."

"I think I may say that Miss Helstone's frequent presence at Fieldhead will be esteemed a favour."


"You speak my sentiments precisely, ma'am," said Shirley, "and I thank you for anticipating me.--Let me tell you," she continued, turning again to Caroline, "that you also ought to thank my governess. It is not every one she would welcome as she has welcomed you.

"You speak my sentiments precisely, ma'am," said Shirley, "and I thank you. Let me tell you," she continued, turning again to Caroline, "that my governess does not welcome everyone as she has welcomed you.


You are distinguished more than you think.


This morning, as soon as you are gone, I shall ask Mrs. Pryor's opinion of you. I am apt to rely on her judgment of character, for hitherto I have found it wondrous accurate.

As soon as you are gone, I shall ask Mrs. Pryor's opinion of you, for I have found her judgment of character wondrous accurate.


Already I foresee a favourable answer to my inquiries.--Do I not guess rightly, Mrs. Pryor?"

Already I foresee a favourable answer. Do I not guess rightly, Mrs. Pryor?"


"My dear, you said but now you would ask my opinion when Miss Helstone was gone. I am scarcely likely to give it in her presence."

"My dear, you said you would ask my opinion when Miss Helstone was gone, not in her presence."


"No; and perhaps it will be long enough before I obtain it.--I am sometimes sadly tantalized, Mr. Helstone, by Mrs. Pryor's extreme caution.

"No; and perhaps it will be long before I obtain it. - I am sometimes sadly tantalized, Mr. Helstone, by Mrs. Pryor's extreme caution.


Her judgments ought to be correct when they come, for they are often as tardy of delivery as a Lord Chancellor's.


On some people's characters I cannot get her to pronounce a sentence, entreat as I may."


"Yes," said her pupil, "I know what that smile means.


You are thinking of my gentleman-tenant.--Do you know Mr. Moore of the Hollow?"

You are thinking of Mr. Moore of the Hollow. Do you know him?"


You have seen a good deal of him, no doubt, since you came?"


Really the word makes me conscious I am indeed no longer a girl, but quite a woman and something more.

Really the word makes me conscious I am indeed no longer a girl.


Shirley Keeldar, Esquire, ought to be my style and title.

Shirley Keeldar, Esquire, ought to be my title.


They gave me a man's name; I hold a man's position.


It is enough to inspire me with a touch of manhood; and when I see such people as that stately Anglo-Belgian--that Grard Moore--before me, gravely talking to me of business, really I feel quite gentlemanlike.

And when I see such people as that stately Anglo-Belgian - that Grard Moore - before me, gravely talking to me of business, really I feel quite gentlemanlike.


You must choose me for your churchwarden, Mr. Helstone, the next time you elect new ones.


They ought to make me a magistrate and a captain of yeomanry.


Tony Lumpkin's mother was a colonel, and his aunt a justice of the peace.


If you choose to get up a requisition on the subject, I promise to head the list of signatures with my name.


I find it a little difficult to understand Mr. Moore, to know what to think of him, whether to like him or not.

But I find it a little difficult to understand Mr. Moore, whether to like him or not.


He seems a tenant of whom any proprietor might be proud--and proud of him I am, in that sense; but as a neighbour, what is he?


Again and again I have entreated Mrs. Pryor to say what she thinks of him, but she still evades returning a direct answer.

I have entreated Mrs. Pryor to say what she thinks of him, but she still avoids returning a direct answer.


I hope you will be less oracular, Mr. Helstone, and pronounce at once. Do you like him?"


His name is entirely blotted from my good books."


"My uncle and he disagree on politics," interposed the low voice of Caroline.


She had better not have spoken just then.


Having scarcely joined in the conversation before, it was not apropos to do it now.


She felt this with nervous acuteness as soon as she had spoken, and coloured to the eyes.

At once she felt with nervous acuteness that she had better not have spoken, and coloured to the eyes.


"Those of a tradesman," returned the rector--"narrow, selfish, and unpatriotic.

"Those of a tradesman," returned the rector; "narrow, selfish, and unpatriotic.


The man is eternally writing and speaking against the continuance of the war.

The man is eternally speaking against the continuance of the war.


I remember he remarked that only yesterday.


But what other objection have you to him?"


"He looks the gentleman, in my sense of the term," pursued Shirley, "and it pleases me to think he is such."

"He looks the gentleman," pursued Shirley, "and it pleases me to think he is such."


Caroline rent the Tyrian petals of the one brilliant flower in her bouquet, and answered in distinct tones, "Decidedly he is."

Caroline, shredding a flower, answered in distinct tones, "Decidedly he is."


Shirley, hearing this courageous affirmation, flashed an arch, searching glance at the speaker from her deep, expressive eyes.

Shirley flashed an arch, searching glance at her.


"_You_ are his friend, at any rate," she said.

"You are his friend, at any rate," she said.


"I am both his friend and his relative," was the prompt reply.


"Oh, then, you can tell me all about him.

"Oh, then you can tell me all about him.


Just give me a sketch of his character."


Insuperable embarrassment seized Caroline when this demand was made.


She could not, and did not, attempt to comply with it.

She could not, and did not, attempt to comply.


Her silence was immediately covered by Mrs. Pryor, who proceeded to address sundry questions to Mr. Helstone regarding a family or two in the neighbourhood, with whose connections in the south she said she was acquainted.

Her silence was immediately covered by Mrs. Pryor, who asked Mr. Helstone about various families in the neighbourhood, with whose connections she was acquainted.


Shirley soon withdrew her gaze from Miss Helstone's face.

Shirley soon withdrew her gaze from Miss Helstone.


She did not renew her interrogations, but returning to her flowers, proceeded to choose a nosegay for the rector.

She did not renew her interrogations, but proceeded to make a nosegay of flowers for the rector.


She presented it to him as he took leave, and received the homage of a salute on the hand in return.


"Be sure you wear it for my sake," said she.


"Next my heart, of course," responded Helstone.--"Mrs.


Pryor, take care of this future magistrate, this churchwarden in perspective, this captain of yeomanry, this young squire of Briarfield, in a word.

"Mrs. Pryor, take care of this young squire of Briarfield.


Don't let him exert himself too much; don't let him break his neck in hunting; especially, let him mind how he rides down that dangerous hill near the Hollow."


"I like a descent," said Shirley; "I like to clear it rapidly; and especially I like that romantic Hollow with all my heart."

"I like a descent," said Shirley; "and I like that romantic Hollow with all my heart."


The old mill and the white cottage are each admirable in its way."

The old mill and the white cottage are each admirable in their way."


"The counting-house is better than my bloom-coloured drawing-room.


The cloth, the greasy wool, the polluting dyeing-vats?"

The greasy wool, the polluting dyeing-vats?"


"The trade is to be thoroughly respected."


Mischief, spirit, and glee sparkled all over her face as she thus bandied words with the old Cossack, who almost equally enjoyed the tilt.

Mischief and glee sparkled all over her face as she bandied words with the old Cossack, who almost equally enjoyed the contest.


"Captain Keeldar, you have no mercantile blood in your veins. Why are you so fond of trade?"

"Captain Keeldar, why are you so fond of trade?"


Half my income comes from the works in that Hollow."


"Don't enter into partnership--that's all."

"Don't enter into partnership - that's all."


And waving her hand, white as a lily and fine as a fairy's, she vanished within the porch, while the rector and his niece passed out through the arched gateway.

And waving her white hand, she vanished within the porch, while the rector and his niece passed out through the arched gateway.


The evening was pitch dark: star and moon were quenched in gray rain-clouds--gray they would have been by day; by night they looked sable.

The evening was pitch dark: star and moon were quenched in black rain-clouds.


Malone was not a man given to close observation of nature; her changes passed, for the most part, unnoticed by him. He could walk miles on the most varying April day and never see the beautiful dallying of earth and heaven--never mark when a sunbeam kissed the hill-tops, making them smile clear in green light, or when a shower wept over them, hiding their crests with the low-hanging, dishevelled tresses of a cloud.

Malone was not an observer of nature; he could walk miles and never notice when a sunbeam kissed the hill-tops, or when a shower wept over them.


He did not, therefore, care to contrast the sky as it now appeared--a muffled, streaming vault, all black, save where, towards the east, the furnaces of Stilbro' ironworks threw a tremulous lurid shimmer on the horizon--with the same sky on an unclouded frosty night.

He did not, therefore, observe the black vault of the sky, with the furnaces of Stilbro' ironworks throwing a lurid shimmer on the eastern horizon.


He did not trouble himself to ask where the constellations and the planets were gone, or to regret the "black-blue" serenity of the air-ocean which those white islets stud, and which another ocean, of heavier and denser element, now rolled below and concealed.


He just doggedly pursued his way, leaning a little forward as he walked, and wearing his hat on the back of his head, as his Irish manner was. "Tramp, tramp," he went along the causeway, where the road boasted the privilege of such an accommodation; "splash, splash," through the mire-filled cart ruts, where the flags were exchanged for soft mud.

He just tramped doggedly along the causeway, splashing through the mire-filled cart ruts.


He looked but for certain landmarks--the spire of Briarfield Church; farther on, the lights of Redhouse.

He looked only for certain landmarks - the spire of Briarfield Church, and the lights of Redhouse Inn.


This was an inn; and when he reached it, the glow of a fire through a half-curtained window, a vision of glasses on a round table, and of revellers on an oaken settle, had nearly drawn aside the curate from his course.

When he reached the inn, the glow of a fire through a half-curtained window, a vision of glasses on a round table, and of revellers on an oak settle, nearly drew the curate from his course.


He thought longingly of a tumbler of whisky-and-water. In a strange place he would instantly have realized the dream; but the company assembled in that kitchen were Mr. Helstone's own parishioners; they all knew him.

He thought longingly of whisky-and-water; but the company in the inn were Mr. Helstone's parishioners; they all knew him.


The highroad was now to be quitted, as the remaining distance to Hollow's Mill might be considerably reduced by a short cut across fields. These fields were level and monotonous. Malone took a direct course through them, jumping hedge and wall.

He now left the high road to take a short cut to Hollow's Mill across level fields, jumping hedge and wall.


He passed but one building here, and that seemed large and hall-like, though irregular.

He passed only one building here; large and hall-like, though irregular.


You could see a high gable, then a long front, then a low gable, then a thick, lofty stack of chimneys.

You could see a high gable, then a long front, and a lofty stack of chimneys.


It was dark; not a candle shone from any window.


It was absolutely still; the rain running from the eaves, and the rather wild but very low whistle of the wind round the chimneys and through the boughs were the sole sounds in its neighbourhood.

It was absolutely still. The rain and the low whistle of the wind were the sole sounds in its neighbourhood.


This building passed, the fields, hitherto flat, declined in a rapid descent.

Beyond this building, the fields descended rapidly.


Evidently a vale lay below, through which you could hear the water run. One light glimmered in the depth.

You could hear the water run in a vale below: one light glimmered in the depth.


He came to a little white house--you could see it was white even through this dense darkness--and knocked at the door.

He came to a little white house - white even through this dense darkness - and knocked at the door.


By the candle she held was revealed a narrow passage, terminating in a narrow stair.

By her candle he saw a passage, leading to two doors and a narrow stair with a strip of crimson carpet.


Two doors covered with crimson baize, a strip of crimson carpet down the steps, contrasted with light-coloured walls and white floor, made the little interior look clean and fresh.

The little interior looked clean and fresh.


"Mr. Moore is at home, I suppose?"
"Yes, sir, but he is not in."
"Not in! Where is he then?"
"At the mill--in the counting-house."

"Is Mr. Moore in?"
"No, sir, he is at the mill - in the counting-house."


asked a female voice, and a female head at the same time was apparent.

asked a female voice, and a female head appeared.


It might not be the head of a goddess--indeed a screw of curl-paper on each side the temples quite forbade that supposition--but neither was it the head of a Gorgon; yet Malone seemed to take it in the latter light.

It might not be the head of a goddess - indeed, screws of curl-paper quite forbade that idea - but neither was it the head of a Gorgon, as Malone seemed to think.


Big as he was, he shrank bashfully back into the rain at the view thereof, and saying, "I'll go to him," hurried in seeming trepidation down a short lane, across an obscure yard, towards a huge black mill.

He shrank bashfully back into the rain, and saying, "I'll go to him," hurried down a short lane towards a huge black mill.


The work-hours were over; the "hands" were gone.

The work-hours were over; the "hands", or workers, were gone.


The machinery was at rest, the mill shut up.


Somewhere in its great sooty flank he found another chink of light; he knocked at another door, using for the purpose the thick end of his shillelah, with which he beat a rousing tattoo.

Somewhere in its great sooty flank he found a chink of light; he knocked at another door, using his shillelagh to beat a rousing tattoo.


The voice in uttering this name had the slightest possible cadence of disappointment.

The voice had the slightest possible tone of disappointment.


After a moment's pause it continued, politely but a little formally,--

After a moment's pause it continued, politely but formally:


I regret extremely Mr. Helstone should have thought it necessary to trouble you so far.

I regret Mr. Helstone should have troubled you.


There was no necessity--I told him so--and on such a night; but walk forwards."


Through a dark apartment, of aspect undistinguishable, Malone followed the speaker into a light and bright room within--very light and bright indeed it seemed to eyes which, for the last hour, had been striving to penetrate the double darkness of night and fog; but except for its excellent fire, and for a lamp of elegant design and vivid lustre burning on a table, it was a very plain place.

Malone followed the speaker into a light room - very bright indeed it seemed, after the darkness; but except for its excellent fire, and an elegant lamp on a table, it was a very plain place.


The boarded floor was carpetless; the three or four stiff-backed, green-painted chairs seemed once to have furnished the kitchen of some farm-house; a desk of strong, solid formation, the table aforesaid, and some framed sheets on the stone-coloured walls, bearing plans for building, for gardening, designs of machinery, etc., completed the furniture of the place.

The boarded floor was carpetless; the stiff-backed chairs might have come from some farm-house. The only other furnishings were a desk, the table, and some framed plans for buildings and machinery.


Plain as it was, it seemed to satisfy Malone, who, when he had removed and hung up his wet surtout and hat, drew one of the rheumatic-looking chairs to the hearth, and set his knees almost within the bars of the red grate.

Malone hung up his wet coat and hat, drew one of the rheumatic-looking chairs to the hearth, and set his knees almost against the grate.


"Comfortable quarters you have here, Mr. Moore; and all snug to yourself."

"Comfortable quarters you have here, Mr. Moore; all snug to yourself."


"Yes, but my sister would be glad to see you, if you would prefer stepping into the house."


The ladies are best alone, I never was a lady's man. You don't mistake me for my friend Sweeting, do you, Mr. Moore?"
"Sweeting! Which of them is that?

I never was a lady's man, not like my friend Sweeting."
"Sweeting! Which one is that?" asked Moore.


The gentleman in the chocolate overcoat, or the little gentleman?"

"The one with the chocolate overcoat, or the little gentleman?"


"The little one--he of Nunnely; the cavalier of the Misses Sykes, with the whole six of whom he is in love, ha!

"The little one - the cavalier of the Misses Sykes, with the whole six of whom he is in love, ha!


"Better be generally in love with all than specially with one, I should think, in that quarter."

"Better be in love with all than specially with one, I should think, in that family."


"But he is specially in love with one besides, for when I and Donne urged him to make a choice amongst the fair bevy, he named--which do you think?"

"But he is specially in love with one - which one do you think?"


With a queer, quiet smile Mr. Moore replied, "Dora, of course, or Harriet."

With a quiet smile Mr. Moore replied, "Dora, of course."


"Because they are the tallest, the handsomest, and Dora, at least, is the stoutest; and as your friend Mr. Sweeting is but a little slight figure, I concluded that, according to a frequent rule in such cases, he preferred his contrast."


"What has Mr. Sweeting besides his curacy?"


This question seemed to tickle Malone amazingly.


He laughed for full three minutes before he answered it.


Why, David has his harp, or flute, which comes to the same thing.

Why, David has his harp, or rather, his flute.


He has a sort of pinchbeck watch; ditto, ring; ditto, eyeglass.


"How would he propose to keep Miss Sykes in gowns only?"

"How would he propose to keep Miss Sykes in gowns?"


But no doubt he expects old Christopher Sykes would do something handsome. He is rich, is he not?

But old Christopher Sykes is rich, is he not?"


"Sykes carries on an extensive concern."


"Therefore he must have plenty to do with his wealth, and in these times would be about as likely to think of drawing money from the business to give dowries to his daughters as I should be to dream of pulling down the cottage there, and constructing on its ruins a house as large as Fieldhead."

But he would be about as likely to take money from the business to give dowries to his daughters as I should be to pull down the cottage there, and build a house as large as Fieldhead."


"Do you know what I heard, Moore, the other day?"


Perhaps that I _was_ about to effect some such change.


Your Briarfield gossips are capable of saying that or sillier things."


"That you were going to take Fieldhead on a lease (I thought it looked a dismal place, by-the-bye, to-night, as I passed it), and that it was your intention to settle a Miss Sykes there as mistress--to be married, in short, ha!

That you were going to rent Fieldhead (I thought it looked dismal tonight, as I passed it), and that you intended to settle a Miss Sykes there as your wife, ha!


"I wonder how often it has been settled that I was to be married since I came to Briarfield.


They have assigned me every marriageable single woman by turns in the district.

They have assigned me every single woman in the district by turns.


Now it was the two Misses Wynns--first the dark, then the light one; now the red-haired Miss Armitage; then the mature Ann Pearson.

First it was the two Misses Wynne; then Miss Armitage; then Ann Pearson.


At present you throw on my shoulders all the tribe of the Misses Sykes. On what grounds this gossip rests God knows.

At present you throw on my shoulders all the tribe of the Misses Sykes - why, God knows.


I visit nowhere; I seek female society about as assiduously as you do, Mr. Malone.

I visit nowhere; I do not seek female company.


If ever I go to Whinbury, it is only to give Sykes or Pearson a call in their counting-house, where our discussions run on other topics than matrimony, and our thoughts are occupied with other things than courtships, establishments, dowries. The cloth we can't sell, the hands we can't employ, the mills we can't run, the perverse course of events generally, which we cannot alter, fill our hearts, I take it, pretty well at present, to the tolerably complete exclusion of such figments as love-making, etc."

If ever I go to Whinbury, it is only to call on Sykes or Pearson in their counting-houses, where we discuss not courtship, but the cloth we can't sell, the hands we can't employ, and the mills we can't run."


If there is one notion I hate more than another, it is that of marriage--I mean marriage in the vulgar weak sense, as a mere matter of sentiment--two beggarly fools agreeing to unite their indigence by some fantastic tie of feeling.

If there is one notion I hate, it is that of a sentimental marriage - two beggarly fools agreeing to unite their poverty by some fantastic tie of feeling.


But an advantageous connection, such as can be formed in consonance with dignity of views and permanency of solid interests, is not so bad--eh?"

But an advantageous connection is not so bad - eh?"


"No," responded Moore, in an absent manner.


The subject seemed to have no interest for him; he did not pursue it.

The subject seemed to have no interest for him.


After sitting for some time gazing at the fire with a preoccupied air, he suddenly turned his head.

After gazing at the fire with a preoccupied air, he suddenly turned his head.


Rising, he went to the window, opened it, and listened.

He went to open the window, and listened.


"It is only the sound of the wind rising," he remarked, "and the rivulet a little swollen, rushing down the hollow.

"It is only the wind rising, and the stream rushing.


I expected those wagons at six; it is near nine now."


"Seriously, do you suppose that the putting up of this new machinery will bring you into danger?"

"Seriously, do you suppose that putting in this new machinery will bring you into danger?"


"I only wish the machines--the frames--were safe here, and lodged within the walls of this mill.

"I only wish the machines - the frames - were safe here, within the walls of this mill.


Once in place, I defy the frame-breakers.


Let them only pay me a visit and take the consequences.


"One despises such low scoundrels," observed Malone, in a profound vein of reflection.

"One despises such low scoundrels," observed Malone.


"I almost wish a party would call upon you to-night; but the road seemed extremely quiet as I came along.

"I almost wish some would call upon you tonight; but the road seemed extremely quiet.


It is in the direction of Stilbro' the risk lies."


"What these fellows have done to others they may do to me.


There is only this difference: most of the manufacturers seem paralyzed when they are attacked.

But most of the manufacturers seem paralysed when they are attacked.


Sykes, for instance, when his dressing-shop was set on fire and burned to the ground, when the cloth was torn from his tenters and left in shreds in the field, took no steps to discover or punish the miscreants: he gave up as tamely as a rabbit under the jaws of a ferret.

Sykes, for instance, when his place was burned to the ground, took no steps to discover or punish the miscreants: he gave up as tamely as a rabbit to a ferret.


Now I, if I know myself, should stand by my trade, my mill, and my machinery."

Now I should stand by my trade, my mill, and my machinery."


"Helstone says these three are your gods; that the 'Orders in Council' are with you another name for the seven deadly sins; that Castlereagh is your Antichrist, and the war-party his legions."


"Yes; I abhor all these things because they ruin me.


I cannot execute my plans because of them.


I see myself baffled at every turn by their untoward effects."


You should step into my warehouse yonder, and observe how it is piled to the roof with pieces. Roakes and Pearson are in the same condition. America used to be their market, but the Orders in Council have cut that off."

My warehouse is piled to the roof, since the Orders in Council cut off the American market.


Malone did not seem prepared to carry on briskly a conversation of this sort.


He began to knock the heels of his boots together, and to yawn.


"And then to think," continued Mr. Moore who seemed too much taken up with the current of his own thoughts to note the symptoms of his guest's _ennui_--"to think that these ridiculous gossips of Whinbury and Briarfield will keep pestering one about being married!

And to think that these ridiculous gossips will keep pestering one about being married!


As if there was nothing to be done in life but to 'pay attention,' as they say, to some young lady, and then to go to church with her, and then to start on a bridal tour, and then to run through a round of visits, and then, I suppose, to be 'having a family.'

As if there was nothing to be done in life but to court some young lady, and go visiting.


He broke off the aspiration into which he was launching with a certain energy, and added, more calmly, "I believe women talk and think only of these things, and they naturally fancy men's minds similarly occupied."

He broke off and added, more calmly, "I believe women think only of these things, and they naturally fancy men's minds similarly occupied."


"Of course--of course," assented Malone; "but never mind them."

"Of course," assented Malone; "but never mind them."


And he whistled, looked impatiently round, and seemed to feel a great want of something.

He looked impatiently round, as if something was lacking.


This time Moore caught and, it appeared, comprehended his demonstrations.


"Mr. Malone," said he, "you must require refreshment after your wet walk.

"Mr. Malone," said Moore, "you must require refreshment after your wet walk."


"Not at all," rejoined Malone; but he looked as if the right nail was at last hit on the head, nevertheless.

"Not at all," rejoined Malone; but he looked as if the right nail was hit on the head, nevertheless.


"It is my fancy," said he, "to have every convenience within myself, and not to be dependent on the feminity in the cottage yonder for every mouthful I eat or every drop I drink.


I often spend the evening and sup here alone, and sleep with Joe Scott in the mill.

"I keep food and drink here, for I often spend the evening here alone, and sleep in the mill.


I require little sleep, and it pleases me on a fine night to wander for an hour or two with my musket about the hollow.


Mr. Malone, can you cook a mutton chop?"


I've done it hundreds of times at college."


"There's a dishful, then, and there's the gridiron.


You know the secret of keeping the juices in?"


The curate turned up his coat-cuffs, and applied himself to the cookery with vigour.


The manufacturer placed on the table plates, a loaf of bread, a black bottle, and two tumblers.

On the table Moore placed plates, a loaf of bread, a black bottle, and two tumblers.


He then produced a small copper kettle--still from the same well-stored recess, his cupboard--filled it with water from a large stone jar in a corner, set it on the fire beside the hissing gridiron, got lemons, sugar, and a small china punch-bowl; but while he was brewing the punch a tap at the door called him away.

He filled a small copper kettle from a large stone jar in a corner, set it on the fire beside the hissing gridiron, got lemons, sugar, and a small china punch-bowl; but while he was brewing the punch a tap at the door called him away.


"No; I shall not be in to-night; I shall sleep in the mill.


So lock the doors, and tell your mistress to go to bed."


"You have your household in proper order," observed Malone approvingly, as, with his fine face ruddy as the embers over which he bent, he assiduously turned the mutton chops.

"You have your household in proper order," observed Malone approvingly, as he turned the mutton chops.


"You are not under petticoat government, like poor Sweeting, a man--whew!

"You are not under petticoat government, like poor Sweeting.


it has burnt my hand--destined to be ruled by women.


Now you and I, Moore--there's a fine brown one for you, and full of gravy--you and I will have no gray mares in our stables when we marry."

Now you and I, Moore - there's a fine chop for you, full of gravy - you and I will have no grey mares in our stables when we marry."


If the gray mare is handsome and tractable, why not?"

If the grey mare is handsome and tractable, why not?"


When Joe Scott and his minions return they shall have a share of this, provided they bring home the frames intact."

When Joe Scott and his assistants return they shall have a share, provided they bring the frames intact."


Malone waxed very exultant over the supper.


He laughed aloud at trifles, made bad jokes and applauded them himself, and, in short, grew unmeaningly noisy.

He laughed at trifles, made bad jokes and applauded them himself, and, in short, grew unmeaningly noisy.


His host, on the contrary, remained quiet as before.


It is time, reader, that you should have some idea of the appearance of this same host.


I must endeavour to sketch him as he sits at table.

I shall try to sketch him as he sits at table.


He is what you would probably call, at first view, rather a strange-looking man; for he is thin, dark, sallow, very foreign of aspect, with shadowy hair carelessly streaking his forehead.

You would probably call him, at first view, a strange-looking man; for he is thin, dark, and foreign-looking, with shadowy hair carelessly streaking his forehead.


It appears that he spends but little time at his toilet, or he would arrange it with more taste.


He seems unconscious that his features are fine, that they have a southern symmetry, clearness, regularity in their chiselling; nor does a spectator become aware of this advantage till he has examined him well, for an anxious countenance and a hollow, somewhat haggard, outline of face disturb the idea of beauty with one of care.

He seems unconscious that his features are fine, clear and regular; but they hold an anxious expression and have a somewhat haggard appearance.


His eyes are large, and grave, and gray; their expression is intent and meditative, rather searching than soft, rather thoughtful than genial.

His eyes are large, and grave, and grey; they are searching and thoughtful rather than genial.


When he parts his lips in a smile, his physiognomy is agreeable--not that it is frank or cheerful even then, but you feel the influence of a certain sedate charm, suggestive, whether truly or delusively, of a considerate, perhaps a kind nature, of feelings that may wear well at home--patient, forbearing, possibly faithful feelings.

When he smiles, his face is agreeable - not that it is frank or cheerful even then, but it suggests a considerate nature, patient and forbearing.


He is still young--not more than thirty; his stature is tall, his figure slender.

He is not more than thirty; his figure is tall and slender.


He has an outlandish accent, which, notwithstanding a studied carelessness of pronunciation and diction, grates on a British, and especially on a Yorkshire, ear.

He has an outlandish accent, which grates on a British, and especially on a Yorkshire, ear.


Mr. Moore, indeed, was but half a Briton, and scarcely that.

Mr. Moore, indeed, was scarcely half a Briton.


He came of a foreign ancestry by the mother's side, and was himself born and partly reared on a foreign soil.

He came of foreign ancestry by the mother's side, and had grown up on foreign soil.


A hybrid in nature, it is probable he had a hybrid's feeling on many points--patriotism for one; it is likely that he was unapt to attach himself to parties, to sects, even to climes and customs; it is not impossible that he had a tendency to isolate his individual person from any community amidst which his lot might temporarily happen to be thrown, and that he felt it to be his best wisdom to push the interests of Robert Grard Moore, to the exclusion of philanthropic consideration for general interests, with which he regarded the said Grard Moore as in a great measure disconnected.

He cared little for patriotism; he did not attach himself to political parties, to sects, or even to customs. He had a tendency to withdraw from any community he happened to be living in, and considered the interests of Robert Grard Moore to be more relevant to him than any general philanthropy.


Trade was Mr. Moore's hereditary calling: the Grards of Antwerp had been merchants for two centuries back.

Trade was Mr. Moore's calling: the Grards of Antwerp had been merchants for two centuries back.


Once they had been wealthy merchants; but the uncertainties, the involvements, of business had come upon them; disastrous speculations had loosened by degrees the foundations of their credit.

Once they had been wealthy, but the uncertainties of business had loosened the foundations of their credit.


The house had stood on a tottering base for a dozen years; and at last, in the shock of the French Revolution, it had rushed down a total ruin.

The house had stood on a tottering base for a dozen years; and at last, in the shock of the French Revolution, it had fallen, a total ruin.


In its fall was involved the English and Yorkshire firm of Moore, closely connected with the Antwerp house, and of which one of the partners, resident in Antwerp, Robert Moore, had married Hortense Grard, with the prospect of his bride inheriting her father Constantine Grard's share in the business.

In its fall was involved the Yorkshire firm of Moore, closely connected with the Antwerp house: one of the Antwerp partners, Robert Moore, had married Hortense Grard, who was to inherit her father's share in the business.


She inherited, as we have seen, but his share in the liabilities of the firm; and these liabilities, though duly set aside by a composition with creditors, some said her son Robert accepted, in his turn, as a legacy, and that he aspired one day to discharge them, and to rebuild the fallen house of Grard and Moore on a scale at least equal to its former greatness.

She inherited only debts - which her son Robert accepted, in his turn, as a legacy, saying that one day he would discharge them, and rebuild the fallen house of Grard and Moore.


It was even supposed that he took by-past circumstances much to heart; and if a childhood passed at the side of a saturnine mother, under foreboding of coming evil, and a manhood drenched and blighted by the pitiless descent of the storm, could painfully impress the mind, _his_ probably was impressed in no golden characters.


If, however, he had a great end of restoration in view, it was not in his power to employ great means for its attainment.

If, however, he had a great aim of restoration, he had no money to attain it.


He was obliged to be content with the day of small things.


When he came to Yorkshire, he--whose ancestors had owned warehouses in this seaport, and factories in that inland town, had possessed their town-house and their country-seat--saw no way open to him but to rent a cloth-mill in an out-of-the-way nook of an out-of-the-way district; to take a cottage adjoining it for his residence, and to add to his possessions, as pasture for his horse, and space for his cloth-tenters, a few acres of the steep, rugged land that lined the hollow through which his mill-stream brawled.

When he came to Yorkshire, he - whose ancestors had owned warehouses and factories, a town-house and a country-seat - saw no way open to him but to rent a cloth-mill in an out-of-the-way district; and to take an adjoining cottage to live in, along with a few acres of the steep, rugged land that lined the hollow through which his mill-stream brawled.


All this he held at a somewhat high rent (for these war times were hard, and everything was dear) of the trustees of the Fieldhead estate, then the property of a minor.

All this he held at a somewhat high rent (for times were hard, and everything was dear) from the Fieldhead estate.


At the time this history commences, Robert Moore had lived but two years in the district, during which period he had at least proved himself possessed of the quality of activity.

At the time this history commences, Robert Moore had lived two years in the district.


The dingy cottage was converted into a neat, tasteful residence. Of part of the rough land he had made garden-ground, which he cultivated with singular, even with Flemish, exactness and care.

The dingy cottage had been converted into a neat, tasteful residence: part of the rough land had been made into a garden, which he cultivated with singular care.


As to the mill, which was an old structure, and fitted up with old machinery, now become inefficient and out of date, he had from the first evinced the strongest contempt for all its arrangements and appointments.

As to the mill, which was an old structure, and fitted up with old machinery, inefficient and out of date, he had from the first held its arrangements in contempt.


His aim had been to effect a radical reform, which he had executed as fast as his very limited capital would allow; and the narrowness of that capital, and consequent check on his progress, was a restraint which galled his spirit sorely.

He aimed for a radical reform, which he had carried out as fast as his limited funds would allow; and the shortage of those funds, and of progress, was a restraint which galled him sorely.


"Forward" was the device stamped upon his soul; but poverty curbed him.


Sometimes (figuratively) he foamed at the mouth when the reins were drawn very tight.


In this state of feeling, it is not to be expected that he would deliberate much as to whether his advance was or was not prejudicial to others.


Not being a native, nor for any length of time a resident of the neighbourhood, he did not sufficiently care when the new inventions threw the old workpeople out of employ.

Not being a native, he did not sufficiently care when the new inventions threw the old workpeople out of employ.


He never asked himself where those to whom he no longer paid weekly wages found daily bread; and in this negligence he only resembled thousands besides, on whom the starving poor of Yorkshire seemed to have a closer claim.

He never asked himself where the jobless found daily bread; and in this negligence he only resembled thousands of others.


The period of which I write was an overshadowed one in British history, and especially in the history of the northern provinces.

The period of which I write was an overshadowed one in British history.


War was then at its height. Europe was all involved therein.

War with Napoleon was at its height: all Europe was involved.


England, if not weary, was worn with long resistance--yes, and half her people were weary too, and cried out for peace on any terms.

England was worn with long resistance, and her weary people cried out for peace on any terms.


National honour was become a mere empty name, of no value in the eyes of many, because their sight was dim with famine; and for a morsel of meat they would have sold their birthright.


The "Orders in Council," provoked by Napoleon's Milan and Berlin decrees, and forbidding neutral powers to trade with France, had, by offending America, cut off the principal market of the Yorkshire woollen trade, and brought it consequently to the verge of ruin.

The "Orders in Council," forbidding neutral powers to trade with France, had offended America, the principal market of the Yorkshire woollen trade, and brought it consequently to the verge of ruin.


Minor foreign markets were glutted, and would receive no more.

Minor foreign markets were glutted, and would receive no more wool.


The Brazils, Portugal, Sicily, were all overstocked by nearly two years' consumption.


At this crisis certain inventions in machinery were introduced into the staple manufactures of the north, which, greatly reducing the number of hands necessary to be employed, threw thousands out of work, and left them without legitimate means of sustaining life.

At this crisis, inventions in machinery were introduced into the northern factories, which, greatly reducing the number of hands needed, threw thousands out of work, and left them penniless.


Endurance, overgoaded, stretched the hand of fraternity to sedition.


The throes of a sort of moral earthquake were felt heaving under the hills of the northern counties.


But, as is usual in such cases, nobody took much notice.


When a food-riot broke out in a manufacturing town, when a gig-mill was burnt to the ground, or a manufacturer's house was attacked, the furniture thrown into the streets, and the family forced to flee for their lives, some local measures were or were not taken by the local magistracy.

When a food-riot broke out, when a mill was burnt down, or a manufacturer's house was attacked, and the family forced to flee, few measures were taken.


A ringleader was detected, or more frequently suffered to elude detection; newspaper paragraphs were written on the subject, and there the thing stopped.

A ringleader was detected, or more frequently escaped detection; newspaper paragraphs were written, and there the thing stopped.


As to the sufferers, whose sole inheritance was labour, and who had lost that inheritance--who could not get work, and consequently could not get wages, and consequently could not get bread--they were left to suffer on, perhaps inevitably left.

As to the sufferers, who could not get work, and consequently could not buy food - they were left to suffer on.


It would not do to stop the progress of invention, to damage science by discouraging its improvements; the war could not be terminated; efficient relief could not be raised.

It would not do to stop the progress of invention.


There was no help then; so the unemployed underwent their destiny--ate the bread and drank the waters of affliction.

There was no help; so the unemployed ate the bread and drank the waters of affliction.


These sufferers hated the machines which they believed took their bread from them; they hated the buildings which contained those machines; they hated the manufacturers who owned those buildings.

These sufferers hated the machines; they hated the buildings which contained those machines; they hated the manufacturers who owned those buildings.


In the parish of Briarfield, with which we have at present to do, Hollow's Mill was the place held most abominable; Grard Moore, in his double character of semi-foreigner and thorough-going progressist, the man most abominated.

In the parish of Briarfield, Hollow's Mill was the place held most abominable; Grard Moore, as a semi-foreigner and progressive mill-owner, was the man most abominated.


And it perhaps rather agreed with Moore's temperament than otherwise to be generally hated, especially when he believed the thing for which he was hated a right and an expedient thing; and it was with a sense of warlike excitement he, on this night, sat in his counting-house waiting the arrival of his frame-laden wagons.

And it perhaps rather agreed with Moore's temperament to be hated, especially when he believed the thing for which he was hated to be right. It was with a sense of warlike excitement that he sat in his counting-house on this night, awaiting the arrival of his frame-laden wagons.


Malone's coming and company were, it may be, most unwelcome to him.


He would have preferred sitting alone; for he liked a silent, sombre, unsafe solitude. His watchman's musket would have been company enough for him; the full-flowing beck in the den would have delivered continuously the discourse most genial to his ear.

He would have preferred sitting alone, with his musket for company.


With the queerest look in the world had the manufacturer for some ten minutes been watching the Irish curate, as the latter made free with the punch, when suddenly that steady gray eye changed, as if another vision came between it and Malone. Moore raised his hand.

For some ten minutes, Moore had been watching the Irish curate make free with the punch, when suddenly his steady grey eye changed. He raised his hand.


he said in his French fashion, as Malone made a noise with his glass.


He listened a moment, then rose, put his hat on, and went out at the counting-house door.

He listened a moment, then rose and went out.


The night was still, dark, and stagnant: the water yet rushed on full and fast; its flow almost seemed a flood in the utter silence.

The night was still, dark, and stagnant: the water rushed on full and fast, sounding like a flood in the silence.


Moore's ear, however, caught another sound, very distant but yet dissimilar, broken and rugged--in short, a sound of heavy wheels crunching a stony road.

Moore's ear, however, caught another sound, very distant, broken and rugged - a sound of heavy wheels crunching a stony road.


He returned to the counting-house and lit a lantern, with which he walked down the mill-yard, and proceeded to open the gates.

He lit a lantern, walked down the mill-yard, and opened the gates.


The big wagons were coming on; the dray-horses' huge hoofs were heard splashing in the mud and water.

The wagons were coming; the dray-horses' huge hoofs were heard splashing in the mud and water.


Probably Joe Scott was yet at too great a distance to hear the inquiry.

Probably Joe Scott was still too distant to hear.


again asked Moore, when the elephant-like leader's nose almost touched his.


Some one jumped out from the foremost wagon into the road; a voice cried aloud, "Ay, ay, divil; all's raight!

Some one jumped out from the first wagon into the road; a voice cried aloud, "Ay, ay, divil; all's raight!


The wagons stood still; they were now deserted.


Mr. Moore lifted his lantern and looked into the vehicles.


There was neither man nor machinery; they were empty and abandoned.

They held neither man nor machinery; they were empty and abandoned.


He had risked the last of his capital on the purchase of these frames and shears which to-night had been expected.

He had risked the last of his money on the purchase of these frames.


Speculations most important to his interests depended on the results to be wrought by them.


The words "we've smashed 'em" rang in his ears.


By the light of the lantern he held were his features visible, relaxing to a singular smile--the smile the man of determined spirit wears when he reaches a juncture in his life where this determined spirit is to feel a demand on its strength, when the strain is to be made, and the faculty must bear or break.

His features relaxed into a singular smile - the smile a determined man wears when his spirit feels a demand on its strength, which it must bear or break.


Yet he remained silent, and even motionless; for at the instant he neither knew what to say nor what to do.

Yet he remained silent, and motionless; for he knew not what to say nor do.


He placed the lantern on the ground, and stood with his arms folded, gazing down and reflecting.

He placed the lantern on the ground, and stood with his arms folded, reflecting.


An impatient trampling of one of the horses made him presently look up.

An impatient trampling of one of the horses made him look up.


His eye in the moment caught the gleam of something white attached to a part of the harness.

His eye caught the gleam of something white attached to the harness.


Examined by the light of the lantern this proved to be a folded paper--a billet.


It bore no address without; within was the superscription:--


We will not copy the rest of the orthography, which was very peculiar, but translate it into legible English.


"Your hellish machinery is shivered to smash on Stilbro' Moor, and your men are lying bound hand and foot in a ditch by the roadside.


Take this as a warning from men that are starving, and have starving wives and children to go home to when they have done this deed.

Take this as a warning from men that are starving, and have starving wives and children.


If you get new machines, or if you otherwise go on as you have done, you shall hear from us again.

If you get new machines, you shall hear from us again.


Yes, I'll hear from you again, and you shall hear from me.


On Stilbro' Moor you shall hear from me in a moment."


Having led the wagons within the gates, he hastened towards the cottage.


Opening the door, he spoke a few words quickly but quietly to two females who ran to meet him in the passage.

Opening the door, he spoke a few words quickly but quietly to the two females who ran to meet him in the passage.


He calmed the seeming alarm of one by a brief palliative account of what had taken place; to the other he said, "Go into the mill, Sarah--there is the key--and ring the mill-bell as loud as you can.

He calmed the alarm of one; to the other, the maid-servant, he said,
"Go into the mill, Sarah, and ring the mill-bell as loud as you can.


Afterwards you will get another lantern and help me to light up the front."

Then get another lantern and help me to light up the front."


Returning to his horses, he unharnessed, fed, and stabled them with equal speed and care, pausing occasionally, while so occupied, as if to listen for the mill-bell.

Returning to his horses, he unharnessed and stabled them with speed and care.


It clanged out presently, with irregular but loud and alarming din.

Presently the mill-bell clanged out, with an irregular but loud and alarming din.


The hurried, agitated peal seemed more urgent than if the summons had been steadily given by a practised hand.


On that still night, at that unusual hour, it was heard a long way round.

On that still night, it was heard a long way away.


The guests in the kitchen of the Redhouse were startled by the clamour, and declaring that "there must be summat more nor common to do at Hollow's Miln," they called for lanterns, and hurried to the spot in a body.

The guests in the Redhouse Inn were startled by the clamour, and declaring that "there must be summat to do at Hollow's Miln," they called for lanterns, and hurried there.


And scarcely had they thronged into the yard with their gleaming lights, when the tramp of horses was heard, and a little man in a shovel hat, sitting erect on the back of a shaggy pony, "rode lightly in," followed by an aide-de-camp mounted on a larger steed.

Scarcely had they thronged into the yard, when the tramp of horses was heard, and a little man in a shovel hat, sitting erect on a shaggy pony, rode in, followed by another rider on a larger steed.


Mr. Moore, meantime, after stabling his dray-horses, had saddled his hackney, and with the aid of Sarah, the servant, lit up his mill, whose wide and long front now glared one great illumination, throwing a sufficient light on the yard to obviate all fear of confusion arising from obscurity.

Mr. Moore, meantime, had saddled his own horse, and had lit up his mill, whose long front was now illuminated.


Already a deep hum of voices became audible.


Mr. Malone had at length issued from the counting-house, previously taking the precaution to dip his head and face in the stone water-jug; and this precaution, together with the sudden alarm, had nearly restored to him the possession of those senses which the punch had partially scattered. He stood with his hat on the back of his head, and his shillelah grasped in his dexter fist, answering much at random the questions of the newly-arrived party from the Redhouse.

Mr. Malone had at last emerged from the counting-house, and stood with his shillelagh grasped in his fist.


Mr. Moore now appeared, and was immediately confronted by the shovel hat and the shaggy pony.

Mr. Moore appeared, and was immediately confronted by Mr. Helstone of the shovel hat and shaggy pony.


"Well, Moore, what is your business with us?


I thought you would want us to-night--me and the hetman here (patting his pony's neck), and Tom and his charger.

I thought you would want us tonight - me and Tom here.


When I heard your mill-bell I could sit still no longer, so I left Boultby to finish his supper alone.


I do not see a mask or a smutted face present; and there is not a pane of glass broken in your windows.

There is not a pane of glass broken in your windows.


Have you had an attack, or do you expect one?"


"I have neither had one nor expect one," answered Moore coolly.


"I only ordered the bell to be rung because I want two or three neighbours to stay here in the Hollow while I and a couple or so more go over to Stilbro' Moor."

"I only ordered the bell to be rung because I want two or three neighbours to stay here in the Hollow while I and a few others go over to Stilbro' Moor."


"They came home empty; and Joe Scott and company are left on the moor, and so are the frames.


Mr. Helstone received and perused the document of which the contents have before been given.


They've only served you as they serve others.


But, however, the poor fellows in the ditch will be expecting help with some impatience.


Malone may stay behind and take care of the mill.


His eyes seem starting out of his head."


"Indeed!--Peter Augustus, be on your guard.

"Indeed! - Peter Augustus Malone, be on your guard.


You are left here in command of these premises--an honourable post!"

You are left in command of these premises!"


"As many of the present assemblage as choose.--My lads, how many of you will remain here, and how many will go a little way with me and Mr. Moore on the Stilbro' road, to meet some men who have been waylaid and assaulted by frame-breakers?"

"As many of those present as choose. - My lads, how many of you will remain here, and how many will go with me and Mr. Moore on the Stilbro' road, to meet some men who have been assaulted by frame-breakers?"


The small number of three volunteered to go; the rest preferred staying behind.

Three volunteered to go; the rest preferred staying behind.


As Mr. Moore mounted his horse, the rector asked him in a low voice whether he had locked up the mutton chops, so that Peter Augustus could not get at them?


The manufacturer nodded an affirmative, and the rescue-party set out.

Moore nodded, and the rescue-party set out.


Mademoiselle Moore had that morning a somewhat absent-minded pupil.


Caroline forgot, again and again, the explanations which were given to her.


However, she still bore with unclouded mood the chidings her inattention brought upon her.

However, she bore her teacher's chidings cheerfully.


Sitting in the sunshine near the window, she seemed to receive with its warmth a kind influence, which made her both happy and good. Thus disposed, she looked her best, and her best was a pleasing vision.

Sitting in the sunshine near the window, she felt both happy and good; and looked at her best.


To her had not been denied the gift of beauty.


It was not absolutely necessary to know her in order to like her; she was fair enough to please, even at the first view.


Her shape suited her age: it was girlish, light, and pliant; every curve was neat, every limb proportionate; her face was expressive and gentle; her eyes were handsome, and gifted at times with a winning beam that stole into the heart, with a language that spoke softly to the affections.

Her figure was light and neat; her face was expressive and gentle; her eyes were handsome, with a winning beam that stole into the heart.


Her mouth was very pretty; she had a delicate skin, and a fine flow of brown hair, which she knew how to arrange with taste; curls became her, and she possessed them in picturesque profusion.

Her mouth was very pretty; she had delicate skin, and a fine flow of curling brown hair, arranged with taste.


Her style of dress announced taste in the wearer--very unobtrusive in fashion, far from costly in material, but suitable in colour to the fair complexion with which it contrasted, and in make to the slight form which it draped.

Her style of dress was unobtrusive and inexpensive, but suited her fair complexion.


Her present winter garb was of merino--the same soft shade of brown as her hair; the little collar round her neck lay over a pink ribbon, and was fastened with a pink knot.

Her present winter dress was of merino wool - the same soft shade of brown as her hair, with a pink ribbon at the collar.


So much for Caroline Helstone's appearance.


As to her character or intellect, if she had any, they must speak for themselves in due time.


She was the child of parents separated soon after her birth, in consequence of disagreement of disposition.

As to her family, she was the child of parents separated soon after her birth.