"Yo'd ha' been deaved out o' yo'r five wits, as well as me, if yo'd had one body after another coming in to ask for father, and staying to tell me each one their tale.

'Yo'd ha' been deaved out o' your five wits, as well as me, if yo'd heard father's friends telling their tales.


Some spoke o' deadly hatred, and made my blood run cold wi' the terrible things they said o' th' masters,--but more, being women, kept plaining, plaining (wi' the tears running down their cheeks, and never wiped away, nor heeded), of the price o' meat, and how their childer could na sleep at nights for th' hunger."

Some spoke o' deadly hatred, and made my blood run cold wi' the terrible things they said o' th' masters - but the women kept plaining, plaining (wi' the tears running down their cheeks) of the price o' meat, and how their childer could na sleep at nights for th' hunger.'


"And do they think the strike will mend this?"

'And do they think the strike will mend this?'


"They do say trade has been good for long, and the masters has made no end o' money; how much father doesn't know, but, in course, th' Union does; and, as it is natural, they wanted their share o' th' profits, now that food is getting dear; and th' Union says they'll not be doing their duty if they don't make th' masters give 'em their share.

'They do say trade has been good for long, and the masters has made no end o' money; and, as is natural, they want their share o' th' profits, now that food is getting dear; and th' Union says they should make the masters give 'em their share.


But masters has getten th' upper hand somehow; and I'm feared they'll keep it now and evermore.

But masters has getten th' upper hand somehow.


It's like th' great battle o' Armageddon, the way they keep on, grinning and fighting at each other, till even while they fight, they are picked off into the pit."

It's like th' great battle o' Armageddon, the way they keep on, grinning and fighting at each other, till even while they fight, they are picked off into the pit.'


and I'll fight on too; and I'll got it this time.


It'll not take long for to make 'em give in, for they've getten a pretty lot of orders, all under contract; and they'll soon find out they'd better give us our five per cent. than lose the profit they'll gain; let alone the fine for not fulfilling the contract.

It'll not take long to make 'em give in, for they've getten a pretty lot of orders; and they'll soon find out they'd better give us our five per cent than lose their profit.


Margaret fancied from his manner that he must have been drinking, not so much from what he said, as from the excited way in which he spoke; and she was rather confirmed in this idea by the evident anxiety Bessie showed to hasten her departure.

Margaret fancied from his excited manner that he must have been drinking; and she was confirmed in this idea by Bessy's anxiety for her to depart.


"The twenty-first--that's Thursday week. I may come and see yo' dressed for Thornton's, I reckon.

'I may come and see yo' dressed for Thornton's on th' twenty-first.


Before Margaret could answer, Higgins broke out,--
"Thornton's!


Ask him to give yo' a bumper to the success of his orders.

Ask him to drink to the success of his orders.


By th' twenty-first, I reckon, he'll be pottered in his brains how to get 'em done in time.

By th' twenty-first he'll be pottered in his brains how to get 'em done in time.


Tell him, there's seven hundred 'll come marching into Marlborough Mills, the morning after he gives the five per cent., and will help him through his contract in no time.

Tell him, as soon as he gives the five per cent, there's seven hundred men'll come marching into Marlborough Mills, and will help him through his contract.


Ne'er meets a man bout an oath or a curse; I should think he were going to die if he spoke me civil; but arter all, his bark's waur than his bite, and yo' may tell him one o' his turn-outs said so, if yo' like.


but yo'll have a lot of prize mill-owners at Thornton's!


I should like to get speech o' them, when they're a bit inclined to sit still after dinner, and could na run for the life on 'em.

I should like to talk to 'em, after dinner when they could na run.


I'd tell 'em my mind. I'd speak up again th' hard way they're driving on us!"

I'd tell 'em my mind about th' hard way they're driving on us!'


I shall look to see you on the twenty-first, if you're well enough."


The medicines and treatment which Dr. Donaldson had ordered for Mrs. Hale, did her so much good at first that not only she herself, but Margaret, began to hope that he might have been mistaken, and that she could recover permanently.

The medicines which Dr. Donaldson had ordered for Mrs. Hale did her so much good at first that not only she herself, but Margaret, began to hope that he might have been mistaken, and that she could recover permanently.


As for Mr. Hale, although he had never had an idea of the serious nature of their apprehensions, he triumphed over their fears with an evident relief, which proved how much his glimpse into the nature of them had affected him.

As for Mr. Hale, he triumphed over their fears with relief.


Only Dixon croaked for ever into Margaret's ear.


However, Margaret defied the raven, and would hope.


They needed this gleam of brightness in-doors, for out-of-doors, even to their uninstructed eyes, there was a gloomy brooding appearance of discontent.

They needed this gleam of brightness indoors, for out-of-doors there was a gloomy, brooding discontent.


Mr. Hale had his own acquaintances among the working men, and was depressed with their earnestly-told tales of suffering and long-endurance.

Mr. Hale had acquaintances among the working men, and was depressed with their tales of suffering.


They would have scorned to speak of what they had to bear to any one who might, from his position, have understood it without their words.


But here was this man, from a distant county, who was perplexed by the workings of a system into the midst of which he was thrown, and each was eager to make him a judge, and to bring witness of his own causes for irritation.


Then Mr. Hale brought all his budget of grievances, and laid it before Mr. Thornton, for him, with his experience as a master, to arrange them, and explain their origin; which he always did, on sound economical principles; showing that, as trade was conducted, there must always be a waxing and waning of commercial prosperity; and that in the waning a certain number of masters, as well as of men, must go down into ruin, and be no more seen among the ranks of the happy and prosperous.

Mr. Hale laid these grievances before Mr. Thornton, for him to explain their origin; which he did, on sound economical principles, showing that in trade there must always be a waxing and waning of commercial prosperity; and that in the waning a certain number of masters, as well as of men, must go down into ruin.


He spoke as if this consequence were so entirely logical, that neither employers nor employed had any right to complain if it became their fate: the employer to turn aside from the race he could no longer run, with a bitter sense of incompetency and failure--wounded in the struggle--trampled down by his fellows in their haste to get rich--slighted where he was once honoured--humbly asking for, instead of bestowing, employment with a lordly hand.

He spoke as if this consequence were so entirely logical, that no one had any right to complain if it became their fate.


Of course, speaking so of the fate that, as a master, might be his own in the fluctuations of commerce, he was not likely to have more sympathy with that of the workmen, who were passed by in the swift merciless improvement or alteration; who would fain lie down and quietly die out of the world that needed them not, but felt as they could never rest in their graves for the clinging cries of the beloved and helpless they would leave behind; who envied the power of the wild bird, that can feed her young with her very heart's blood.

He had no sympathy for the masters who might get trampled down, nor for the workmen who would fain lie down and die, but felt as if they could never rest in their graves for the cries of the beloved and helpless they would leave behind.


Margaret's whole soul rose up against him while he reasoned in this way--as if commerce were everything and humanity nothing.

Margaret's whole soul rose up against him while he reasoned in this way - as if commerce were everything and humanity nothing.


She could hardly thank him for the individual kindness, which brought him that very evening to offer her--for the delicacy which made him understand that he must offer her privately--every convenience for illness that his own wealth or his mother's foresight had caused them to accumulate in their household, and which, as he learnt from Dr. Donaldson, Mrs. Hale might possibly require.

She could hardly thank him for the kindness and delicacy which had brought him that evening to offer her every convenience for illness which Mrs. Hale might require.


His presence, after the way he had spoken--his bringing before her the doom, which she was vainly trying to persuade herself might yet be averted from her mother--all conspired to set Margaret's teeth on edge, as she looked at him, and listened to him.

His presence, his speech - his bringing before her the doom which she was trying to persuade herself might yet be averted from her mother - all set Margaret's teeth on edge.


What business had he to be the only person, except Dr. Donaldson and Dixon, admitted to the awful secret, which she held shut up in the most dark and sacred recess of her heart--not daring to look at it, unless she invoked heavenly strength to bear the sight--that, some day soon, she should cry aloud for her mother, and no answer would come out of the blank, dumb darkness?

What business had he to be admitted to the awful secret? She held it shut up in the most dark and sacred recess of her heart - not daring to look at it - the secret that, some day soon, she should cry aloud for her mother, and no answer would come out of the darkness.


She heard it in his grave and tremulous voice.


How reconcile those eyes, that voice, with the hard, reasoning, dry, merciless way in which he laid down axioms of trade, and serenely followed them out to their full consequences?

How reconcile those eyes, that voice, with the hard, dry, merciless way in which he laid down axioms of trade, and their consequences?


The discord jarred upon her inexpressibly. The more because of the gathering woe of which she heard from Bessy.

The discord jarred upon her - the more because of the gathering woe of which she heard from Bessy.


To be sure, Nicholas Higgins, the father, spoke differently.

To be sure, Nicholas Higgins spoke differently.


He had been appointed a committee-man, and said that he knew secrets of which the exoteric knew nothing.

He had been appointed a committee-man, and said that he knew secrets.


He said this more expressly and particularly, on the very day before Mrs. Thornton's dinner-party. When Margaret, going in to speak to Bessy, found him arguing the point with Boucher, the neighbour of whom she had frequently heard mention, as by turns exciting Higgins's compassion, as an unskilful workman with a large family depending upon him for support, and at other times enraging his more energetic and sanguine neighbour by his want of what the latter called spirit.

He said this expressly on the day before Mrs. Thornton's dinner-party, when Margaret, going to see Bessy, found him arguing with Boucher, the neighbour whom she had frequently heard him mention as an unskilful workman with a large family.


It was very evident that Higgins was in a passion when Margaret entered.


Boucher stood, with both hands on the rather high mantelpiece, swaying himself a little on the support which his arms, thus placed, gave him, and looking wildly into the fire, with a kind of despair that irritated Higgins, even while it went to his heart.

Boucher stood swaying a little and looking wildly into the fire, with a despair that irritated Higgins, even while it went to his heart.


Bessy was rocking herself violently backwards and forwards, as was her wont (Margaret knew by this time) when she was agitated.


Her sister Mary was tying on her bonnet (in great clumsy bows, as suited her great clumsy fingers), to go to her fustian-cutting, blubbering out loud the while, and evidently longing to be away from a scene that distressed her.

Her sister Mary was clumsily tying on her bonnet to go to her work of fustian-cutting, blubbering out loud, and evidently longing to be away from a scene that distressed her.


She stood for a moment at the door--then, her finger on her lips, she stole to a seat on the squab near Bessy.

Margaret stood for a moment at the door - then she stole to a seat near Bessy.


Nicholas saw her come in, and greeted her with a gruff, but not unfriendly nod.

Nicholas saw her, and greeted her with a gruff, but not unfriendly nod.


Mary hurried out of the house, catching gladly at the open door, and crying aloud when she got away from her father's presence.


It was only John Boucher that took no notice whatever who came in and who went out.

John Boucher took no notice of who came in and who went out.


Hoo's just sinking away--not for want o' meat hersel'--but because hoo cannot stand th' sight o' the little ones clemming.

Hoo's just sinking away - not for want o' meat hersel' - but because hoo cannot stand th' sight o' the little ones clemming.


Five shilling a week may do well enough for thee, wi' but two mouths to fill, and one on 'em a wench who can well earn her own meat.

Five shilling a week may do well enough for thee, wi' only two mouths to fill.


An' I tell thee plain--if hoo dies, as I'm 'feard hoo will afore we've getten th' five per cent., I'll fling the money back i' th' master's face, and say, 'Be domned to yo'; be domned to th' whole cruel world o' yo'; that could na leave me th' best wife that ever bore childer to a man.

An' I tell thee plain - if hoo dies afore we've getten th' five per cent, I'll fling th' money back i' th' master's face, and say, "Be domned to yo'; that could na leave me th' best wife that ever bore childer to a man!"


An' look thee lad, I'll hate thee, and th' whole pack o' th' Union. Ay, an' chase yo' through heaven wi' my hatred,--I will, lad!

An' look thee, lad, I'll hate thee, and th' Union - I will, lad!


I will,--if yo're leading me astray i' this matter.


Thou saidst, Nicholas, on Wednesday sennight--and it's now Tuesday i' th' second week--that afore a fortnight we'd ha' the masters coming a-begging to us to take back our work, at our own wage--and time's nearly up,--and there's our lile Jack lying a-bed, too weak to cry, but just every now and then sobbing up his heart for want o' food,--our lile Jack, I tell thee, lad!

Thou saidst, Nicholas, near two weeks ago, that afore a fortnight we'd ha' the masters begging us to come back, at our own wage. Time's nearly up - and there's our Jack lying a-bed, too weak to cry - I tell thee, lad!


Hoo's never looked up sin' he were born, and hoo loves him as if he were her very life,--as he is,--for I reckon he'll ha' cost me that precious price,--our lile Jack, who wakened me each morn wi' putting his sweet little lips to my great rough fou' face, a-seeking a smooth place to kiss,--an' he lies clemming."

Hoo loves him as if he were her very life - our lile Jack, who wakened me each morn wi' putting his sweet little lips to kiss my great rough face - an' he lies clemming.'


Here the deep sobs choked the poor man and Nicholas looked up, with eyes brimful of tears, to Margaret, before he could gain courage to speak.

Here deep sobs choked the poor man, and Nicholas looked up, with eyes brimful of tears.


I ha' gotten brass, and we'll go buy the chap a sup o' milk an' a good four-pounder this very minute.

I have brass, and we'll go buy the chap a sup o' milk an' a loaf this very minute.


What's mine's thine, sure enough, i' thou'st i' want.


continued he, as he fumbled in a tea-pot for what money he had.

continued he, fumbling in a tea-pot for money.


"I lay yo my heart and soul we'll win for a' this: it's but bearing on one more week, and yo' just see th' way th' masters 'll come round, praying on us to come back to our mills.

'Just one more week, and yo'll see how th' masters'll come round, praying us to come back to our mills.


An' the Union--that's to say, I--will take care yo've enough for th' childer and th' missus.

An' th' Union - that's to say, I will take care yo've enough for th' childer and th' missus.'


So dunnot turn faint-heart, and go to th' tyrants a-seeking work."


The man turned round at these words,--turned round a face so white, and gaunt, and tear-furrowed, and hopeless, that its very calm forced Margaret to weep.

The man turned a face so white, and gaunt, and tear-furrowed, and hopeless, that its very calm forced Margaret to weep.


"Yo' know well, that a worser tyrant than e'er th' masters were says, 'Clem to death, and see 'em a' clem to death, ere yo' dare go again th' Union.'

'Yo' know well that the Union's a worser tyrant than th' masters. It says "Clem to death, before yo' dare go against th' Union."


Yo' know it well, Nicholas, for a' yo're one on e'm.


Yo' may be kind hearts, each separate; but once banded together, yo've no more pity for a man than a wild hunger-maddened wolf."

Yo' may be kind hearts separately; but banded together, yo've no more pity than a wolf.'


Nicholas had his hand on the lock of the door--he stopped and turned round on Boucher, close following:


man alive--if I think not I'm doing best for thee, and for all on us.

said Nicholas, 'I think I'm doing best for thee.


If I'm going wrong when I think I'm going right, it's their sin, who ha' left me where I am, in my ignorance.

If I'm going wrong when I think I'm going right, it's their sin, who ha' left me in ignorance.


I ha' thought till my brains ached,--Beli' me, John, I have.


An' I say again, there's no help for us but having faith i' th' Union.


They'll win the day, see if they dunnot!"

They'll win the day, see if they dunnot!'


They both went out. Not one word had Margaret or Bessy spoken.


They had hardly uttered the sighing, that the eyes of each called to the other to bring up from the depths of her heart.


"I never thought to hear father call on God again.

'I never thought to hear father call on God again.


But yo' heard him say, 'So help me God!'"

But yo' heard him say, "So help me God!"'


"Let me bring you what money I can spare,--let me bring you a little food for that poor man's children.

'Let me bring you what money I can spare, and some food for that poor man's children.


Don't let them know it comes from any one but your father.

Don't let them know it comes from anyone but your father.'


Bessy lay back without taking any notice of what Margaret said. She did not cry--she only quivered up her breath.


"My heart's drained dry o' tears," she said.

'My heart's drained dry o' tears,' she said.


"Boucher's been in these days past, a telling me of his fears and his troubles.

'Boucher's been a telling me of his fears and troubles.


He's but a weak kind of chap, I know, but he's a man for a' that; and tho' I've been angry, many a time afore now, wi' him an' his wife, as knew no more nor him how to manage, yet yo' see, all folks isn't wise, yet God lets 'em live--ay, an' gives 'em some one to love, and be loved by, just as good as Solomon.

He's but a weak chap, I know, but he's a man for a' that; and tho' I've been angry many a time wi' him an' his wife, as knew no more than him how to manage - yet, yo' see, all folks isn't wise, yet God lets 'em live - ay, an' gives 'em some one to love, and be loved by, just as good as Solomon.


An' if sorrow comes to them they love, it hurts 'em as sore as e'er it did Solomon.

An' if sorrow comes to them they love, it hurts 'em as sore as it did Solomon.


Perhaps it's as well such a one as Boucher has th' Union to see after him.

Perhaps it's as well Boucher has th' Union to see after him.


But I'd just like for to see th' men as make th' Union, and put 'em one by one face to face wi' Boucher.

But I'd just like for to see th' Union men face to face wi' Boucher.


I reckon, if they heard him, the'd tell him (if I cotched 'em one by one), he might go back and get what he could for his work, even if it weren't so much as they ordered."

I reckon they'd tell him he might go back to work.'


How was she ever to go away into comfort and forget that man's voice, with the tone of unutterable agony, telling more by far than his words of what he had to suffer?

How was she to go away into comfort and forget that man's agonised voice?


She took out her purse; she had not much in it of what she could call her own, but what she had she put into Bessy's hands without speaking.

She took out her purse; what little money she had, she put into Bessy's hand.


There's many on 'em gets no more, and is not so bad off,--leastways does not show it as he does.

There's many on 'em gets no more, and is not so bad off.


But father won't let 'em want, now he knows.


Yo' see, Boucher's been pulled down wi' his childer,--and her being so cranky, and a' they could pawn has gone this last twelvemonth.

Yo' see, Boucher's been pulled down wi' his childer - and her being so cranky, and all they could pawn has gone.


Yo're not to think we'd ha' letten 'em clem, for all we're a bit pressed oursel'; if neighbours doesn't see after neighbours, I dunno who will."

You're not to think we'd let 'em clem; if neighbours doesn't see after neighbours, I dunno who will.'


Bessy seemed almost afraid lest Margaret should think they had not the will, and, to a certain degree, the power of helping one whom she evidently regarded as having a claim upon them.

Bessy seemed almost afraid lest Margaret should think they had not the will and the power of helping Boucher.


"Besides," she went on, "father is sure and positive the masters must give in within these next few days,--that they canna hould on much longer.

'Besides,' she went on, 'father is sure the masters must give in soon - they canna hould on much longer.


But I thank yo' all the same,--I thank yo' for mysel', as much as for Boucher, for it jus makes my heart warm to yo' more and more."

But I thank yo' all the same; it just makes my heart warm to yo' more and more.'


Bessy seemed much quieter to-day, but fearfully languid and exhausted. As she finished speaking, she looked so faint and weary that Margaret became alarmed.

As she finished speaking, Bessy looked so faint and exhausted that Margaret became alarmed.


I had a fearfu' night wi' dreams--or somewhat like dreams, for I were wide awake--and I'm all in a swounding daze to-day,--only yon poor chap made me alive again.

I had a fearfu' night wi' dreams - or somewhat like dreams, for I were wide awake - and I'm all in a daze today, only yon poor chap made me alive again.


it's not death yet, but death is not far off.


Cover me up, and I'll may be sleep, if th' cough will let me.

I'll maybe sleep, if th' cough will let me.


Good night--good afternoon, m'appen I should say--but th' light is dim an' misty to-day."


"Which when his mother saw, she in her mind Was troubled sore, he wist well what to ween."


Margaret had not been gone five minutes when Mr. Thornton came in, his face all a-glow.

Margaret had not been gone five minutes when Mr. Thornton came in, his face a-glow.


"I could not come sooner: the superintendent would---- Where is she?"

'I could not come sooner: the superintendent would - where is she?'


He looked round the dining-room, and then almost fiercely at his mother, who was quietly re-arranging the disturbed furniture, and did not instantly reply.

He looked round the dining-room, and then almost fiercely at his mother.


Indeed, I don't believe it was so very much of a hurt; only some people faint at the least thing."

Indeed, I don't believe it was much of a hurt; only some people faint at the least thing.'


"I am sorry she has gone home," said he, walking uneasily about.

'I am sorry she is gone home,' said he, uneasily.


"She said she was; and Mr. Lowe said she was.

'She said she was; and Mr. Lowe said she was.


He stopped, and partly held out his hand to give her a grateful shake.


"What have you done with your Irish people?"

'What have you done with your Irish people?'


"Sent to the Dragon, for a good meal for them, poor wretches.

'Sent to the Dragon for a good meal for them, poor wretches.


And then, luckily, I caught Father Grady, and I've asked him in to speak to them, and dissuade them from going off in a body.

And I've asked Father Grady in to speak to them, and dissuade them from going off.


Everything was done properly, even to the paying.


"I don't know where I should have been but for her."

'I don't know where I should have been but for her.'


"Are you become so helpless as to have to be defended by a girl?"

'Are you become so helpless as to have to be defended by a girl?'


"Not many girls would have taken the blows on herself which were meant for me;--meant with right down goodwill, too."

'Not many girls would have taken the blows on herself which were meant for me.'


"A girl in love will do a good deal," replied Mrs. Thornton, shortly.

'A girl in love will do a good deal,' replied Mrs. Thornton.


He made a step forwards; stood still; heaved with passion.


She was a little startled at the evident force he used to keep himself calm.


She was not sure of the nature of the emotions she had provoked.


It was only their violence that was clear.


His eyes glowed, his figure was dilated, his breath came thick and fast.

His eyes glowed, his breath came thick and fast.


It was a mixture of joy, of anger, of pride, of glad surprise, of panting doubt; but she could not read it.

It was a mixture of joy, anger, pride, of glad surprise, of panting doubt; but she could not read it.


Still it made her uneasy,--as the presence of all strong feeling, of which the cause is not fully understood or sympathised in, always has this effect.


She went to the side-board, opened a drawer, and took out a duster, which she kept there for any occasional purpose. She had seen a drop of eau de Cologne on the polished arm of the sofa, and instinctively sought to wipe it off. But she kept her back turned to her son much longer than was necessary; and when she spoke, her voice seemed unusual and constrained.

She went to the sideboard, keeping her back turned to her son much longer than was necessary; and when she spoke, her voice seemed unusual and constrained.


"You have taken some steps about the rioters, I suppose?

'You have taken some steps about the rioters, I suppose?


You don't apprehend anymore violence, do you?


"On the contrary, I saw three or four of them, when the gates gave way, struggling and beating about in fine fashion; and more came running up just when the yard was clearing.

'On the contrary, I saw three or four of them, when the gates gave way, beating about in fine fashion; and more came running up just when the yard was clearing.'


I might have given some of the fellows in charge then, if I had had my wits about me.


But there will be no difficulty, plenty of people can identify them."


'But won't the rioters come back tonight?'


"I'm going to see about a sufficient guard for the premises.

'I'm going to see about a guard for the premises.


I have appointed to meet Captain Hanbury in half an hour at the station."

I am to meet Captain Hanbury in half an hour.'


It's half-past six, and I may be out for some time.


"You expect me to go to bed before I have seen you safe, do you?"

'You expect me to go to bed before I have seen you safe, do you?'


"But if I've time, I shall go round by Crampton, after I've arranged with the police and seen Hamper and Clarkson."

'But if I've time, I shall go round by Crampton, after I've arranged with the police and seen Hamper and Clarkson.'


Their eyes met; they looked at each other intently for a minute.


Williams must take the water-bed she came to ask for.


I want to thank her for the way in which she stood between me and the mob."

I want to thank her for the way in which she stood between me and the mob.'


It was putting your head into the lion's mouth!"

It was putting your head into the lion's mouth!'


He glanced sharply at her; saw that she did not know what had passed between him and Margaret in the drawing-room: and replied by another question:

He glanced sharply at her; saw that she did not know what had passed between him and Margaret in the drawing-room; and replied with another question:


"Shall you be afraid to be left without me, until I can get some of the police; or had we better send Williams for them now, and they could be here by the time we have done tea?

'Shall you be afraid to be left without me until the police arrive, or had we better send Williams for them now?


Her servants wondered at her directions, usually so sharply-cut and decided, now confused and uncertain.


Mr. Thornton remained in the dining-room, trying to think of the business he had to do at the police-office, and in reality thinking of Margaret.

Mr. Thornton remained in the dining-room, thinking of Margaret.


Everything seemed dim and vague beyond--behind--besides the touch of her arms round his neck--the soft clinging which made the dark colour come and go in his cheek as he thought of it.

Everything seemed dim and vague beyond the touch of her arms round his neck - the soft clinging which made the dark colour come and go in his cheek as he thought of it.


The tea would have been very silent, but for Fanny's perpetual description of her own feelings; how she had been alarmed--and then thought they were gone--and then felt sick and faint and trembling in every limb.

The tea would have been very silent, but for Fanny's perpetual description of her own feelings; how she had been alarmed - and thought they were gone - and then felt sick and faint and trembling.


"There, that's enough," said her brother, rising from the table.

'That's enough,' said her brother, rising from the table.


He was going to leave the room, when his mother stopped him with her hand upon his arm.

He was going to leave the room, when his mother stopped him.


"You will come back here before you go to the Hales'," said she, in a low, anxious voice.

'You will come back here before you go to the Hales',' said she, in a low voice.


"I know what I know," said Fanny to herself.

'I know what I know,' said Fanny to herself.


"John, come back to me for this one evening.


To-morrow, you will---- Come back to-night, John!"


She had seldom pleaded with her son at all--she was too proud for that; but she had never pleaded in vain.

She had seldom pleaded with her son at all; she was too proud.


"I will return straight here after I have done my business.

'I will return straight here after I have done my business,' said he.


You will be sure to enquire after them?--after her?"

'You will be sure to inquire after them? - after her?'


Mrs. Thornton was by no means a talkative companion to Fanny, nor yet a good listener while her son was absent.

Mrs. Thornton was by no means a talkative companion to Fanny that day, nor a good listener.


But on his return, her eyes and ears were keen to see and to listen to all the details which he could give, as to the steps he had taken to secure himself, and those whom he chose to employ, from any repetition of the day's outrages.

But on her son's return, she was keen to hear him list the steps he had taken to secure himself from any repetition of the day's outrages.


Punishment and suffering, were the natural consequences to those who had taken part in the riot.

Punishment and suffering were the natural consequences to the rioters.


All that was necessary, in order that property should be protected, and that the will of the proprietor might cut to his end, clean and sharp as a sword.

That was necessary, in order that property should be protected, and that the will of the proprietor might cut as clean and sharp as a sword.


You know what I have got to say to Miss Hale, to-morrow?"

You know what I have got to say to Miss Hale, tomorrow?'


The question came upon her suddenly, during a pause in which she, at least, had forgotten Margaret.


"I mean that, after allowing her feelings so to overcome her, I consider you bound in honour--"

'I mean that, after allowing her feelings so to overcome her, I consider you bound in honour-'


"I'm afraid honour has nothing to do with it.

'I'm afraid honour has nothing to do with it.


"Nay, John, there is no need to be angry.


Did she not rush down and cling to you to save you from danger?"

Did she not rush down, and cling to you to save you from danger?'


"But, mother," continued he, stopping short in his walk right in front of her. "I dare not hope.

But, mother,' continued he, stopping in front of her, 'I dare not hope.


I never was faint-hearted before; but I cannot believe such a creature cares for me."

I never was fainthearted before; but I cannot believe such a creature cares for me.'


Why, she might be a duke's daughter, to hear you speak.


And what proof more would you have, I wonder, of her caring for you?

And what proof more would you have of her caring for you?


I can believe she has had a struggle with her aristocratic way of viewing things; but I like her the better for seeing clearly at last.

I can believe she felt herself too aristocratic for you; but I like her the better for seeing clearly at last.


It is a good deal for me to say," said Mrs. Thornton, smiling slowly, while the tears stood in her eyes; "for after to-night, I stand second.

It is a good deal for me to say,' said Mrs. Thornton, smiling slowly, with tears in her eyes; 'for after tonight, I stand second with you.


It was to have you to myself, all to myself, a few hours longer, that I begged you not to go till to-morrow."

It was to have you to myself for a few hours longer, that I begged you not to go till tomorrow!'


(Still love is selfish, and in an instant he reverted to his own hopes and fears in a way that drew the cold creeping shadow over Mrs. Thornton's heart.)


I shall put myself at her feet - I must.


If it were but one chance in a thousand--or a million--I should do it."

If it were but one chance in a thousand - or a million - I should do it.'


said his mother, crushing down her own personal mortification at the little notice he had taken of the rare ebullition of her maternal feelings--of the pang of jealousy that betrayed the intensity of her disregarded love.

said his mother, crushing down her mortification at the little notice he had taken of her rare outburst of maternal feeling.


"As far as love may go she may be worthy of you.

'As far as love goes she may be worthy of you.


It must have taken a good deal to overcome her pride.'


Don't be afraid, John," said she, kissing him, as she wished him good-night. And she went slowly and majestically out of the room.

Kissing him, she wished him good-night, and went slowly and majestically out of the room.


But when she got into her own, she locked the door, and sate down to cry unwonted tears.

But once in her own room, she locked the door, and sat down to cry unwonted tears.


Margaret entered the room (where her father and mother still sat, holding low conversation together), looking very pale and white.

Margaret, on arriving home, had entered looking very pale and white.


She came close up to them before she could trust herself to speak.

She came close up to her parents before she could trust herself to speak.


"Mrs. Thornton will send the water-bed, mamma."

'Mrs. Thornton will send the water-bed, mamma.'


"Very hot, and the streets are rather rough with the strike."

'Very hot, and the streets are rather rough with the strike.'


Margaret's colour came back vivid and bright as ever; but it faded away instantly.


"Here has been a message from Bessy Higgins, asking you to go to her," said Mrs. Hale.

'There has been a message from Bessy Higgins, asking you to go to her,' said Mrs. Hale.


She was very silent and trembling while she made tea.


She was thankful to see her father so much occupied with her mother as not to notice her looks.


Even after her mother went to bed, he was not content to be absent from her, but undertook to read her to sleep.

When her mother went to bed, he undertook to read her to sleep.


"Now I will think of it--now I will remember it all.

'Now I will think of it - now I will remember it all.


She sat still in her chair, her hands clasped on her knees, her lips compressed, her eyes fixed as one who sees a vision.

She sat still in her chair, her hands clasped on her knees, her eyes fixed as one who sees a vision.


"I, who hate scenes--I, who have despised people for showing emotion--who have thought them wanting in self-control--I went down and must needs throw myself into the mele, like a romantic fool!

'I, who hate scenes - who have despised people for showing emotion - who have thought them wanting in self-control - I must needs throw myself into the melee, like a romantic fool!


They would have gone away without me, I dare say."

They would have gone away without me, I dare say.'


But this was overleaping the rational conclusion,--as in an instant her well-poised judgment felt.

But this was over-leaping the rational conclusion, as in an instant her well-poised judgement felt.


But what possessed me to defend that man as if he were a helpless child!


said she, clenching her hands together, "it is no wonder those people thought I was in love with him, after disgracing myself in that way.

said she, clenching her hands together, 'it is no wonder those people thought I was in love with him, after disgracing myself in that way.


Her pale cheeks suddenly became one flame of fire; and she covered her face with her hands.


When she took them away, her palms were wet with scalding tears.

When she took them away, her palms were wet with tears.


"Oh how low I am fallen that they should say that of me!

'Oh, how low I am fallen that they should say that of me!


I could not have been so brave for any one else, just because he was so utterly indifferent to me--if, indeed, I do not positively dislike him.

I could be so brave for him, just because he was so utterly indifferent to me - if, indeed, I do not positively dislike him.


It made me the more anxious that there should be fair play on each side; and I could see what fair play was. It was not fair," said she vehemently, "that he should stand there--sheltered, awaiting the soldiers, who might catch those poor maddened creatures as in a trap--without an effort on his part, to bring them to reason.

It made me anxious that there should be fair play on each side; and it was not fair,' said she, vehemently, 'that he should stand there awaiting the soldiers, who might catch those poor maddened creatures as in a trap - without any effort on his part to bring them to reason.


And it was worse than unfair for them to set on him as they threatened.

And it was worse than unfair for them to attack him.


I would do it again, let who will say what they like of me.


If I saved one blow, one cruel, angry action that might otherwise have been committed, I did a woman's work.

If I saved one blow, one cruel, angry action, I did a woman's work.


Let them insult my maiden pride as they will--I walk pure before God!"

Let them insult me as they will - I walk pure before God!'


She looked up, and a noble peace seemed to descend and calm her face, till it was "stiller than chiselled marble."

She looked up, and a noble peace seemed to calm her face.


"If you please, Miss Margaret, here's the water-bed from Mrs. Thornton's.

'If you please, Miss Margaret, here's the water-bed from Mrs. Thornton's.


It's too late for to-night, I'm afraid, for missus is nearly asleep: but it will do nicely for to-morrow."

It's too late for tonight, I'm afraid, for missus is nearly asleep: but it will do nicely for tomorrow.'


"If you please, Miss Margaret, he says he's to ask particular how you are.

'If you please, Miss Margaret, he says he's to ask particular how you are.


I think he must mean missus; but he says his last words were, to ask how Miss Hale was."

I think he must mean missus; but he says to ask how Miss Hale was.'


But her complexion was as deadly white as her handkerchief; and her head ached intensely.

But her complexion was as white as her handkerchief; and her head ached intensely.


He had left his sleeping wife; and wanted, as Margaret saw, to be amused and interested by something that she was to tell him.

He had left his sleeping wife; and wanted, as Margaret saw, to be amused.


With sweet patience did she bear her pain, without a word of complaint; and rummaged up numberless small subjects for conversation--all except the riot, and that she never named once. It turned her sick to think of it.

With sweet patience she bore her pain, without a word of complaint, and rummaged up numberless small subjects for conversation - all except the riot, for it turned her sick to think of it.


I have every chance of a good night myself, and you are looking very pale with your watching.


I shall call Dixon if your mother needs anything.


Do you go to bed and sleep like a top; for I'm sure you need it, poor child!"

Do go to bed and sleep like a top; for I'm sure you need it, poor child!'


She let her colour go--the false smile fade away--the eyes grow dull with heavy pain. She released her strong will from its laborious task.

She let the forced smile fade away, releasing her strong will from its laborious task.


Till morning she might feel ill and weary.


To move hand or foot, or even so much as one finger, would have been beyond the powers of either volition or motion.

To move hand or foot, or even one finger, would have been beyond her power.


She was so tired, so stunned, that she thought she never slept at all; her feverish thoughts passed and repassed the boundary between sleeping and waking, and kept their own miserable identity.


She could not be alone, prostrate, powerless as she was,--a cloud of faces looked up at her, giving her no idea of fierce vivid anger, or of personal danger, but a deep sense of shame that she should thus be the object of universal regard--a sense of shame so acute that it seemed as if she would fain have burrowed into the earth to hide herself, and yet she could not escape out of that unwinking glare of many eyes.

A cloud of faces looked up at her, giving her a deep sense of shame - a sense so acute that she would fain have burrowed into the earth to hide herself, and yet she could not escape that unwinking glare of many eyes.


"That doubt and trouble, fear and pain, And anguish, all, are shadows vain, That death itself shall not remain;


That weary deserts we may tread, A dreary labyrinth may thread.


Yet, if we will one Guide obey, The dreariest path, the darkest way Shall issue out in heavenly day;


And we, on divers shores now cast, Shall meet, our perilous voyage past, All in our Father's house at last!"


Margaret flew up stairs as soon as their visitors were gone, and put on her bonnet and shawl, to run and inquire how Betsy Higgins was, and sit with her as long as she could before dinner.

Margaret flew upstairs as soon as the visitors were gone, and put on her bonnet and shawl, to go and sit with Bessy Higgins before dinner.


As she went along the crowded narrow streets, she felt how much of interest they had gained by the simple fact of her having learnt to care for a dweller in them.

As she went along the crowded narrow streets, she felt how much more interesting they seemed now that she cared for a dweller in them.


Mary Higgins, the slatternly younger sister, had endeavoured as well as she could to tidy up the house for the expected visit.

Mary Higgins, the slatternly younger sister, had tried to tidy up the house for the expected visit.


There had been rough-stoning done in the middle of the floor, while the flags under the chairs and table and round the walls retained their dark unwashed appearance.

The middle of the floor had been scoured, while the flagstones under the chairs and table remained unwashed.


Although the day was hot, there burnt a large fire in the grate, making the whole place feel like an oven; Margaret did not understand that the lavishness of coals was a sign of hospitable welcome to her on Mary's part, and thought that perhaps the oppressive heat was necessary for Bessy.

Although the day was hot, a large fire burnt in the grate, making the place feel like an oven. Margaret did not understand that the lavishness of coals was a sign of welcome to her, and thought that perhaps the heat was necessary for Bessy.


Bessy herself lay on a squab, or short sofa, placed under the window.

Bessy herself lay on a sofa under the window.


She was very much more feeble than on the previous day, and tired with raising herself at every step to look out and see if it was Margaret coming.

She was very much more feeble than on the previous day, and tired with getting up to look for Margaret coming.


And now that Margaret was there, and had taken a chair by her, Bessy lay back silent, and content to look at Margaret's face, and touch her articles of dress, with a childish admiration of their fineness of texture.

Now that Margaret was there, and had taken a chair by her, Bessy lay back silent, content to look at Margaret's face, and touch her dress with childish admiration.


"I never knew why folk in the Bible cared for soft raiment afore.

'I never knew why folk in the Bible cared for soft raiment before.


But it must be nice to go dressed as yo' do.


Most fine folk tire my eyes out wi' their colours; but some how yours rest me.

Most fine folk tire my eyes out wi' their colours; but somehow yours rest me.


"In London," said Margaret, much amused.

'In London,' said Margaret, much amused.


But my home was in a forest; in the country."

But my home was in a forest; in the country.'


"I like to hear speak of the country, and trees, and such like things."

'I like to hear speak of the country and trees.'


She leant back, and shut her eyes, and crossed her hands over her breast, lying at perfect rest, as if to receive all the ideas Margaret could suggest.


Margaret had never spoken of Helstone since she left it, except just naming the place incidentally. She saw it in dreams more vivid than life, and as she fell away to slumber at nights her memory wandered in all its pleasant places.

Margaret had barely spoken of Helstone since she left it, although she saw it in vivid dreams at night, when her memory wandered in its pleasant places.


But her heart was opened to this girl: "Oh, Bessy, I loved the home we have left so dearly!

But her heart was opened to this girl.
'Oh, Bessy, I loved my home!


There are great trees standing all about it, with their branches stretching long and level, and making a deep shade of rest even at noonday.

There are great trees standing all about, with their branches stretching long and level, and making a deep shade of rest even at noonday.


And yet, though every leaf may seem still, there is a continual rushing sound of movement all around--not close at hand.

And though every leaf may seem still, there is a continual rushing sound of movement.


Then sometimes the turf is as soft and fine as velvet; and sometimes quite lush with the perpetual moisture of a little, hidden, tinkling brook near at hand.

Then sometimes the turf is as soft and fine as velvet; and sometimes quite lush with the moisture of a little, hidden, tinkling brook.


And then in other parts there are billowy ferns--whole stretches of fern; some in the green shadow; some with long streaks of golden sunlight lying on them--just like the sea."

In other parts there are stretches of billowy ferns, some in the green shadow, some with long streaks of golden sunlight lying on them - just like the sea.'


"I have never seen the sea," murmured Bessy.

'I have never seen the sea,' murmured Bessy.


"Then here and there, there are wide commons, high up as if above the very tops of the trees--"

'Then, here and there, there are wide commons, high up as if above the very tops of the trees-'


When I have gone for an out, I've always wanted to get high up and see far away, and take a deep breath o' fulness in that air.

When I have gone for an outing, I've always wanted to get high up and see far away.


I get smothered enough in Milton, and I think the sound yo' speak of among the trees, going on for ever and ever, would send me dazed; it's that made my head ache so in the mill.

I get smothered enough in Milton, and I think the sound of the trees would send me dazed; it's that made my head ache so in the mill.


Now on these commons, I reckon, there is but little noise?"

Now on these commons I reckon there is little noise?'


"No," said Margaret; "nothing but here and there a lark high in the air.

'No,' said Margaret; 'nothing but larks high in the air.


Sometimes I used to hear a farmer speaking sharp and loud to his servants; but it was so far away that it only reminded me pleasantly that other people were hard at work in some distant place, while I just sat on the heather and did nothing."

Sometimes I used to hear a farmer speaking sharp and loud; but so far away that it only reminded me pleasantly that other people were hard at work in some distant place, while I sat on the heather and did nothing.'


"I used to think once that if I could have a day of doing nothing, to rest me--a day in some quiet place like that yo' speak on--it would maybe set me up.

'I used to think once that if I could have a day of doing nothing, to rest me, it would maybe set me up.


But now I've had many days o' idleness, and I'm just as weary 'o them as I was o' my work.

But now I've had many days o' idleness, and I'm just as weary o' them as I was o' my work.


Sometimes I'm so tired out I think I cannot enjoy heaven without a piece of rest first.

Sometimes I'm so tired I think I cannot enjoy heaven without a piece of rest first.


I'm rather afeard o' going straight there without getting a good sleep in the grave to set me up."

I'm rather afeard o' going straight there without getting a good sleep in the grave to set me up.'


"Don't be afraid, Bessy," said Margaret, laying her hand on the girl's hand; "God can give you more perfect rest than even idleness on earth, or the dead sleep of the grave can do."

'Don't be afraid, Bessy,' said Margaret, laying her hand on the girl's; 'God can give you more perfect rest than any other.'


"I wish father would not speak to me as he does.

'I wish father would not speak as he does.


He means well, as I telled yo' yesterday, and tell yo' again and again.


But yo' see, though I don't believe him a bit by day, yet by night--when I'm in a fever, half asleep and half awake--it comes back upon me--oh!

But yo' see, though I don't believe him by day, yet by night - when I'm in a fever, half-asleep - it comes back upon me - oh!


And I think, if this should be th' end of all, and if all I've been born for is just to work my heart and my life away, and to sicken i' this dree place, wi' them mill-noises in my ears for ever, until I could scream out for them to stop, and let me have a little piece o' quiet--and wi' the fluff filling my lungs, until I thirst to death for one long deep breath o' the clear air yo' speak on--and my mother gone, and I never able to tell her again how I loved her, and o' all my troubles--I think if this life is th' end, and there's no God to wipe away all tears from all eyes--yo' wench, yo'!"

And I think, if this should be th' end of everything, and if all I've been born for is just to work my heart and my life away i' this dreary place, wi' them mill-noises in my ears for ever, until I could scream out for them to stop and let me have a little quiet - and wi' the fluff filling my lungs, until I long for one deep breath o' clear air - and my mother gone, and I never able to tell her again how I loved her - I think if this life is th' end, and that there's no God to wipe away all tears from all eyes-' She sat up, clutching violently at Margaret's hand.


said she, sitting up, and clutching violently, almost fiercely, at Margaret's hand, "I could go mad, and kill yo, I could."

'I could go mad, and kill yo', I could.'


She fell back completely worn out with her passion.

She fell back, worn out with her passion.


I know it," moaned she, turning her head uneasily from side to side.


don't be frightened by me and never come again.


And," opening her eyes, and looking earnestly at Margaret, "I believe, perhaps, more than yo' do o' what's to come.

And I believe, perhaps, more than yo' do what's to come.


I read the book o' Revelations until I know it off by heart, and I never doubt when I'm waking, and in my senses, of all the glory I'm to come to."

I know the book o' Revelations off by heart, and I never doubt, when I'm in my senses, of all the glory I'm to come to.'


"Don't let us talk of what fancies come into your head when you are feverish.

'Don't let us talk about when you are feverish.


I would rather hear something about what you used to do when you were well."

I would rather hear something about what you used to do when you were well.'


"I think I was well when mother died, but I have never been rightly strong sin' somewhere about that time.

'I think I was well when mother died, but I have never been rightly strong since then.


I began to work in a carding-room soon after, and the fluff got into my lungs, and poisoned me."

I began to work in a carding-room soon after, and the fluff got into my lungs and poisoned me.'


"Little bits, as fly off fro' the cotton, when they're carding it, and fill the air till it looks all fine white dust.

'Little bits, as fly off fro' the cotton when they're carding it, and fill the air with fine white dust.


They say it winds rounds the lungs, and tightens them up.


Anyhow, there's many a one as works in a carding-room, that falls into a waste, coughing and spitting blood, because they're just poisoned by the fluff."

There's many a one as works in a carding-room, that falls into a waste, coughing and spitting blood, because they're poisoned by the fluff.'


Some folk have a great wheel at one end o' their carding-rooms to make a draught, and carry off th' dust; but that wheel costs a deal of money--five or six hundred pounds, maybe, and brings in no profit; so it's but a few of th' masters as will put 'em up; and I've heard tell o' men who didn't like working in places where there was a wheel, because they said as how it made 'em hungry, at after they'd been long used to swallowing fluff, to go without it, and that their wages ought to be raised if they were to work in such places.

Some folk have a great wheel at one end o' their carding-rooms to make a draught, and carry off th' dust; but that wheel costs a deal o' money - five or six hundred pound, maybe, and brings in no profit; so only a few of th' masters will put 'em up. And I've heard o' men who didn't like working where there was a wheel, because they said it made 'em hungry, after they'd been long used to swallowing fluff, to go without it, and that their wage ought to be raised if they were to work in such places.


So between masters and men th' wheels fall through.


I know I wish there'd been a wheel in our place, though."

I wish there'd been a wheel in our place, though.'


But our factory were a good one on the whole; and a steady likely set o' people; and father was afeard of letting me go to a strange place, for though yo' would na think it now, many a one then used to call me a gradely lass enough.

But our factory were a good one on the whole; and a steady set o' people; and father was afeard of letting me go to a strange place.


And I did na like to be reckoned nesh and soft, and Mary's schooling were to be kept up, mother said, and father he were always liking to buy books, and go to lectures o' one kind and another--all which took money--so I just worked on till I shall ne'er get the whirr out o' my ears, or the fluff out o' my throat i' this world.

And I did na like to be reckoned nesh and weak, and Mary's schooling were to be kept up, mother said, and father he were always liking to buy books and go to lectures - all which took money - so I just worked on.


She thought more sorrowfully than Bessy did, of the contrast between them. She could not speak for a moment or two for the emotion she was trying to keep down.

Margaret thought sorrowfully of the contrast between them, and could not speak for a moment or two.


"I wanted to ask yo' to be a friend to her.

'I wanted to ask yo' to be a friend to her.


She's seventeen, but she's th' last on us. And I don't want her to go to th' mill, and yet I dunno what she's fit for."

She's seventeen, and I don't want her to go to th' mill, and yet I dunno what she's fit for.'


"She could not do"--Margaret glanced unconsciously at the uncleaned corners of the room--"She could hardly undertake a servant's place, could she?

Margaret glanced at the uncleaned corners of the room. 'She could hardly fill a servant's place, could she?


We have an old faithful servant, almost a friend, who wants help, but who is very particular; and it would not be right to plague her with giving her any assistance that would really be an annoyance and an irritation."

We have an old faithful servant who wants help, but who is very particular; and it would not be right to plague her with giving her any assistance that would really be an annoyance.'


Our Mary's a good wench; but who has she had to teach her what to do about a house?

Our Mary's a good wench; but she's had no one to teach her what to do about a house.


No mother, and me at the mill till I was good for nothing but scolding her for doing badly what I didn't know how to do a bit.


But I wish she could ha' lived wi' yo', for all that."

But I wish she could ha' lived wi' yo', for all that.'


"But even though she may not be exactly fitted to come and live with us as a servant--and I don't know about that--I will always try to be a friend to her for your sake, Bessy.

'Even though she may not be exactly fitted to live with us as a servant, I will always try and be a friend to her, Bessy.


I will come again as soon as I can; but if it should not be to-morrow, or the next day, or even a week or a fortnight hence, don't think I've forgotten you.

I will come again as soon as I can; but if it should not be tomorrow, or the next day, or even a week or a fortnight hence, don't think I've forgotten you.


But remember, in a week or a fortnight I may be dead and buried!"

But remember, in a week or a fortnight I may be dead and buried!'


"I'll come again as soon as I can, Bessy," said Margaret, squeezing her hand tight.

'I'll come as soon as I can, Bessy,' said Margaret, squeezing her hand tight.


"But you'll let me know if you get worse."


"Ay, that will I," said Bessy, returning the pressure.


From that day forwards Mrs. Hale became more and more of a suffering invalid.


It was now drawing near to the anniversary of Edith's marriage, and looking back upon the year's accumulated heap of troubles, Margaret wondered how they had been borne.

It was now drawing near to the anniversary of Edith's marriage; and, looking back upon the year's troubles, Margaret wondered how they had been borne.


If she could have anticipated them, how she would have shrunk away and hid herself from the coming time!


And yet day by day had, of itself, and by itself, been very endurable--small, keen, bright little spots of positive enjoyment having come sparkling into the very middle of sorrows.

And yet day by day had, of itself, been very endurable - small, bright spots of enjoyment having come sparkling into the middle of sorrows.


A year ago, or when she first went to Helstone, and first became silently conscious of the querulousness in her mother's temper, she would have groaned bitterly over the idea of a long illness to be borne in a strange, desolate, noisy, busy place, with diminished comforts on every side of the home life.

When she first went to Helstone, and became conscious of her mother's querulous temper, she would have groaned at the idea of a long illness to be borne in a strange place.


But with the increase of serious and just ground of complaint, a new kind of patience had sprung up in her mother's mind.

But a new patience had sprung up in her mother.


She was gentle and quiet in intense bodily suffering, almost in proportion as she had been restless and depressed when there had been no real cause for grief.

She was gentle and quiet in her intense pain, just as much as she had been restless and depressed when there was no real cause for grief.


Mr. Hale was in exactly that stage of apprehension which, in men of his stamp, takes the shape of wilful blindness.

Mr. Hale's apprehension took the shape of wilful blindness.


He was more irritated than Margaret had ever known him at his daughter's expressed anxiety.

When Margaret expressed her anxiety, he was more irritated than she had ever known him.


"Indeed, Margaret, you are growing fanciful!

'Indeed, Margaret, you are growing fanciful!


God knows I should be the first to take the alarm if your mother were really ill; we always saw when she had her headaches at Helstone, even without her telling us.

God knows I should be the first to take alarm if your mother were really ill.


She looks quite pale and white when she is ill; and now she has a bright healthy colour in her cheeks, just as she used to have when I first knew her."

But she looks quite pale when she is ill; and now she has a bright healthy colour in her cheeks.'


"But papa," said Margaret, with hesitation, "do you know I think that is the flush of pain."

'But, papa,' said Margaret, with hesitation, 'I think that is the flush of pain.'


Send for the doctor to-morrow for yourself; and then, if it will make your mind easier, he can see your mother."

Send for the doctor tomorrow for yourself; and then, if it will make your mind easier, he can see your mother.'


But he pushed her away--gently enough, but still as if she had suggested unpleasant ideas, which he should be glad to get rid of as readily as he could of her presence.

But he pushed her away - gently enough, but still as if she had suggested unpleasant ideas.


He walked uneasily up and down the room.


said he, half soliloquising, "I wish one could do right without sacrificing others.

said he, half to himself. 'I wish one could do right without sacrificing others.


I shall hate this town, and myself too, if she----. Pray, Margaret, does your mother often talk to you of the old places: of Helstone, I mean."

I shall hate this town, and myself too, if she- Pray, Margaret, does your mother often talk to you of Helstone?'


"Then, you see, she can't be fretting after them, eh?

'Then, you see, she can't be fretting after it, eh?


It has always been a comfort to me to think that your mother was so simple and open that I knew every little grievance she had. She never would conceal anything seriously affecting her health from me: would she, eh, Margaret?

Your mother would never conceal anything seriously affecting her health from me: would she, Margaret?


So don't let me hear of these foolish morbid ideas.

So don't let me hear these foolish morbid ideas.


Come, give me a kiss, and run off to bed."

Come, give me a kiss, and run off to bed.'


But she heard him pacing about (racooning, as she and Edith used to call it) long after her slow and languid undressing was finished--long after as she began to listen as she lay in bed.

But as she lay in bed, she heard him pacing about long afterwards.


"I have no wrong, where I can claim no right, Naught ta'en me fro, where I have nothing had, Yet of my woe I cannot so be quite; Namely, since that another may be glad With that, that thus in sorrow makes me sad."


Margaret had not expected much pleasure to herself from Mr. Bell's visit--she had only looked forward to it on her father's account, but when her godfather came, she at once fell into the most natural position of friendship in the world.

Margaret had not expected much pleasure to herself from Mr. Bell's visit; but when her godfather came, they fell naturally into friendship.


He said she had no merit in being what she was, a girl so entirely after his own heart: it was an hereditary power which she had, to walk in and take possession of his regard; while she, in reply, gave him much credit for being so fresh and young under his Fellow's cap and gown.

He seemed fresh and young under his Fellow's cap and gown, as she told him:


"Fresh and young in warmth and kindness, I mean.

'Fresh and young in warmth and kindness, I mean.


I'm afraid I must own, that I think your opinions are the oldest and mustiest I have met with this long time."

I'm afraid I think your opinions are the oldest and mustiest I have met with this long time.'


Her residence in Milton has quite corrupted her.


She's a democrat, a red republican, a member of the Peace Society, a socialist--"

She's a democrat, a red republican, a socialist-'


"Papa, it's all because I'm standing up for the progress of commerce.

'Papa, it's all because I'm standing up for the progress of commerce.


Mr. Bell would have had it keep still at exchanging wild-beast skins for acorns."

Mr. Bell would have us still exchanging wild-beast skins for acorns.'


And I'd shave the wild-beast skin and make the wool into broadcloth.


Everybody rushing over everybody, in their hurry to get rich."


"It is not everyone who can sit comfortably in a set of college rooms and let his riches grow without any exertion of his own. No doubt there is many a man here who would be thankful if his property would increase as yours has done, without his taking any trouble about it," said Mr. Hale.

'It is not everyone who can sit comfortably in a set of college rooms, and let his riches grow without any exertion,' said Mr. Hale.


It's the bustle and the struggle they like.

'The men here like the bustle and the struggle.


As for sitting still, and learning from the past, or shaping out the future by faithful work done in a prophetic spirit--Why!


I don't believe there's a man in Milton who knows how to sit still; and it is a great art."

I don't believe there's a man in Milton who knows how to sit still; and it is a great art.'


"Milton people, I suspect, think Oxford men don't know how to move.

'Milton people, I suspect, think Oxford men don't know how to move.


It would be a very good thing if they mixed a little more."

It would be a very good thing if they mixed a little more.'


Many things might be good for them which would be very disagreeable for other people."


"I should have thought you would have been proud of your town."

'I should have thought you would have been proud of your town.'


"I confess, I don't see what there is to be proud of.

'I confess, I don't see what there is to be proud of.


If you'll only come to Oxford, Margaret, I will show you a place to glory in."

If you'll only come to Oxford, Margaret, I will show you a place to glory in.'


said Mr. Hale, "Mr. Thornton is coming to drink tea with us to-night, and he is as proud of Milton as you of Oxford.

said Mr. Hale, 'Mr. Thornton is coming to see us tonight, and he is as proud of Milton as you of Oxford.


You two must try and make each other a little more liberal-minded."

You two must try and make each other a little more liberal-minded.'


"I don't want to be more liberal-minded, thank you," said Mr. Bell.

'I don't want to be more liberal-minded, thank you,' said Mr. Bell.


Mr. Thornton had determined that he would make no inquiry of his mother as to how far she had put her project into execution of speaking to Margaret about the impropriety of her conduct.

Mr. Thornton had determined not to ask his mother about her interview with Margaret.


He felt pretty sure that, if this interview took place, his mother's account of what passed at it would only annoy and chagrin him, though he would all the time be aware of the colouring which it received by passing through her mind.

He felt pretty sure that his mother's account would only annoy him.


He shrank from hearing Margaret's very name mentioned; he, while he blamed her--while he was jealous of her--while he renounced her--he loved her sorely, in spite of himself.

He shrank from hearing Margaret's name mentioned. While he blamed her - was jealous of her - renounced her - he loved her sorely, in spite of himself.


He dreamt of her; he dreamt she came dancing towards him with outspread arms, and with a lightness and gaiety which made him loathe her, even while it allured him.


But the impression of this figure of Margaret--with all Margaret's character taken out of it, as completely as if some evil spirit had got possession of her form--was so deeply stamped upon his imagination, that when he wakened he felt hardly able to separate the Una from the Duessa; and the dislike he had to the latter seemed to envelop and disfigure the former.

The impression of this figure of Margaret, with all her character taken out of it, was deeply stamped upon his imagination when he wakened.


Yet he was too proud to acknowledge his weakness by avoiding the sight of her.


He would neither seek an opportunity of being in her company nor avoid it.

He would neither seek to be in her company nor avoid it.


To convince himself of his power of self-control, he lingered over every piece of business this afternoon; he forced every movement into unnatural slowness and deliberation; and it was consequently past eight o'clock before he reached Mr. Hale's.

To convince himself of his power of self-control, he lingered over every piece of business that afternoon; so it was past eight o'clock before he reached Mr. Hale's.


Then there were business arrangements to be transacted in the study with Mr. Bell; and the latter kept on, sitting over the fire, and talking wearily, long after all business was transacted, and when they might just as well have gone upstairs.

Then there was business to be discussed in the study with Mr. Bell, who kept talking long after it was done, when they might just as well have gone upstairs.


But Mr. Thornton would not say a word about moving their quarters; he chafed and chafed, and thought Mr. Bell a most prosy companion; while Mr. Bell returned the compliment in secret, by considering Mr. Thornton about as brusque and curt a fellow as he had ever met with, and terribly gone off both in intelligence and manner.

Mr. Thornton chafed, and thought Mr. Bell a most prosy companion; while Mr. Bell considered Mr. Thornton as brusque a fellow as he had ever met with.


At last some slight noise in the room above suggested the desirableness of moving there. They found Margaret with a letter open before her, eagerly discussing its contents with her father.

At last they went upstairs, and found Margaret with a letter open before her, eagerly discussing its contents with her father.


On the entrance of the gentlemen, it was immediately put aside; but Mr. Thornton's eager senses caught some few words of Mr. Hale's to Mr. Bell.

It was immediately put aside; but Mr. Thornton's keen senses caught some words of Mr. Hale's to Mr. Bell.


Margaret was red as a rose when Mr. Thornton looked at her.


He had the greatest mind in the world to get up and go out of the room that very instant, and never set foot in the house again.


"We were thinking," said Mr. Hale, "that you and Mr. Thornton had taken Margaret's advice, and were each trying to convert the other, you were so long in the study."

'We were thinking,' said Mr. Hale, 'that you and Mr. Thornton were each trying to convert the other, you were so long in the study.


"And you thought there would be nothing left of us but an opinion, like the Kilkenny cat's tail.


Pray whose opinion did you think would have the most obstinate vitality?"


Mr. Thornton had not a notion what they were talking about, and disdained to inquire.


"Mr. Thornton, we were accusing Mr. Bell this morning of a kind of Oxonian medival bigotry against his native town; and we--Margaret, I believe--suggested that it would do him good to associate a little with Milton manufacturers."

Mr. Thornton, we were accusing Mr. Bell this morning of bigotry against his native town; and we - Margaret, I believe - suggested that it would do him good to associate with Milton manufacturers.'


Margaret thought it would do the Milton manufacturers good to associate a little more with Oxford men.


"I believe I thought it would do both good to see a little more of the other,--I did not know it was my idea any more than papa's."

'I believe we thought it would do both good to see a little more of the other.'


"And so you see, Mr. Thornton, we ought to have been improving each other down-stairs, instead of talking over vanished families of Smith's and Harrison's.

'So you see, Mr. Thornton, we ought to have been improving each other downstairs.


However, I am willing to do my part now.


I wonder when you Milton men intend to live.


All your lives seem to be spent in gathering together the materials for life."

All your lives seem to be spent in gathering together the materials for life.'


"By living, I suppose you mean enjoyment."

'By living, I suppose you mean enjoyment.'


"Yes, enjoyment,--I don't specify of what, because I trust we should both consider mere pleasure as very poor enjoyment."


"I would rather have the nature of the enjoyment defined."


enjoyment or leisure--enjoyment of the power and influence which money gives.

'Yes, enjoyment of the power and influence which money gives.


I shall have to lay myself open to such a catechist, and I am not sure that I am prepared to do it."

I am not sure I am prepared to lay myself open to such a catechism.'


said Mr. Hale; "don't let us be personal in our catechism.

said Mr. Hale; 'don't let us be personal in our catechism.


You are neither of you representative men; you are each of you too individual for that."

You are each of you too individual to represent a city.'


"I am not sure whether to consider that as a compliment or not.

'I am not sure whether to consider that as a compliment or not,' said Mr. Bell.


I should like to be the representative of Oxford, with its beauty and its learning, and its proud old history.

'I should like to be the representative of Oxford, with its beauty and its learning, and its proud history.


What do you say, Margaret; ought I to be flattered?"

What do you say, Margaret; ought I to be flattered?'


But there is a difference between being the representative of a city and the representative man of its inhabitants."

But there is a difference between being the representative of a city and the representative man of its inhabitants.'


Now I remember, you were against me this morning, and were quite Miltonian and manufacturing in your preferences."

Now I remember, you were against me this morning, and were quite Miltonian in your preferences.'


Margaret saw the quick glance of surprise that Mr. Thornton gave her, and she was annoyed at the construction which he might put on this speech of Mr. Bell's.

Margaret saw the quick glance of surprise that Mr. Thornton gave her.


I wish I could show you our High Street--our Radcliffe Square.

I wish I could show you our High Street - our Radcliffe Square.


I am leaving out our colleges, just as I give Mr. Thornton leave to omit his factories in speaking of the charms of Milton.


Mr. Thornton was annoyed more than he ought to have been at all that Mr. Bell was saying. He was not in a mood for joking.

Mr. Thornton was not in a mood for joking.


At another time, he could have enjoyed Mr. Bell's half testy condemnation of a town where the life was so at variance with every habit he had formed; but now, he was galled enough to attempt to defend what was never meant to be seriously attacked.

He was annoyed enough to attempt to defend what was never meant to be seriously attacked.


"I don't set up Milton as a model of a town."

'I don't set up Milton as a model of a town.'


We've been too busy to attend to mere outward appearances."


"Don't say _mere_ outward appearances," said Mr. Hale, gently.


"They impress us all, from childhood upward--every day of our life."


"Wait a little while," said Mr. Thornton. "Remember we are of a different race from the Greeks, to whom beauty was everything, and to whom Mr. Bell might speak of a life of leisure and serene enjoyment, much of which entered in through their outward senses.

Remember, we are of a different race from the Greeks, to whom beauty was everything,' said Mr. Thornton.


I don't mean to despise them, any more than I would ape them.


But I belong to Teutonic blood; it is little mingled in this part of England to what it is in others; we retain much of their language; we retain more of their spirit; we do not look upon life as a time for enjoyment, but as a time for action and exertion.

'I belong to Teutonic blood; it is little mingled in this part of England. We retain much of their language, and more of their spirit; we do not look upon life as a time for enjoyment, but for action and exertion.


Our glory and our beauty arise out of our outward strength, which makes us victorious over material resistance, and over greater difficulties still.

Our glory and our beauty arise out of inward strength, which makes us victorious over difficulties.


We are Teutonic up here in Darkshire in another way. We hate to have laws made for us at a distance.

And in Darkshire, we hate to have laws made for us at a distance.


We wish people would allow us to right ourselves, instead of continually meddling, with their imperfect legislation.


We stand up for self-government, and oppose centralisation."

We stand up for self-government, and oppose centralisation.'


"In short, you would like the Heptarchy back again.


Well, at any rate, I revoke what I said this morning--that you Milton people did not reverence the past.

'Well, at any rate, I revoke what I said this morning - that you Milton people did not reverence the past.


"If we do not reverence the past as you do in Oxford, it is because we want something which can apply to the present more directly.

'If we do not reverence the past as you do in Oxford, it is because we want something which can apply to the present.


It is fine when the study of the past leads to a prophecy of the future.


But to men groping in new circumstances, it would be finer if the words of experience could direct us how to act in what concerns us most intimately and immediately; which is full of difficulties to be encountered; and upon the mode in which they are met and conquered--not merely pushed aside for the time--depends our future.

It would be finer if the words of experience could direct us how to act in the difficulties that must be encountered. The way in which they are met and conquered - not merely pushed aside for the time - decides our future.


People can speak of Utopia much more easily than of the next day's duty; and yet when that duty is all done by others, who so ready to cry, 'Fie, for shame!'"

Some people can speak of Utopia much more easily than of the next day's duty; and yet when that duty is all done by others, they are ready to cry, "Fie, for shame!"'


"And all this time I don't see what you are talking about.


Would you Milton men condescend to send up your to-day's difficulty to Oxford?

'Would you Milton men condescend to send up your today's difficulty to Oxford?


"I believe I was talking with reference to a good deal that has been troubling us of late; I was thinking of the strikes we have gone through, which are troublesome and injurious things enough, as I am finding to my cost.

'I was thinking of the strikes we have gone through, which are troublesome enough, as I am finding to my cost.


And yet this last strike, under which I am smarting, has been respectable."

And yet this last strike, under which I am smarting, has been respectable.'


"That sounds as if you were far gone in the worship of Thor."

'That sounds as if you were far gone in the worship of Thor.'


Margaret felt, rather than saw, that Mr. Thornton was chagrined by the repeated turning into jest of what he was feeling as very serious.


She tried to change the conversation from a subject about which one party cared little, while, to the other, it was deeply, because personally, interesting. She forced herself to say something.

She tried to change the conversation, and forced herself to say something.


"Edith says she finds the printed calicoes in Corfu better and cheaper than in London."

'Edith says she finds the printed calicoes in Corfu better and cheaper than in London.'


said her father, "I think that must be one of Edith's exaggerations.

said her father. 'I think that must be one of Edith's exaggerations.'


"Then I am sure of the fact," said Mr. Bell. "Margaret, I go so far in my idea of your truthfulness, that it shall cover your cousin's character. I don't believe a cousin of yours could exaggerate."

'I don't believe a cousin of Margaret's could exaggerate,' said Mr. Bell.


The moment he had done so, he could have bitten his tongue out.


And why should he stab her with her shame in this way?

Why should he stab her with her shame in this way?


How evil he was to-night: possessed by ill-humour at being detained so long from her; irritated by the mention of some name, because he thought it belonged to a more successful lover; now ill-tempered because he had been unable to cope, with a light heart, against one who was trying, by gay and careless speeches, to make the evening pass pleasantly away,--the kind old friend to all parties, whose manner by this time might be well known to Mr. Thornton, who had been acquainted with him for many years.

How evil he was tonight; possessed by ill-humour, unable to cope light-heartedly with one who was trying, by gay and careless speeches, to make the evening pass pleasantly.


And then to speak to Margaret as he had done!

And to speak to Margaret as he had done!


She did not get up and leave the room, as she had done in former days, when his abruptness or his temper had annoyed her.

She did not get up and leave the room, as she had done formerly, when his abruptness had annoyed her.


She sat quite still, after the first momentary glance of grieved surprise, that made her eyes look like some child's who has met with an unexpected rebuff; they slowly dilated into mournful, reproachful sadness; and then they fell, and she bent over her work, and did not speak again.

She sat quite still, after the first momentary glance of grieved surprise. Her eyes looked like some child's who has met with a rebuff, full of reproachful sadness; and then they fell, and she bent over her work, and did not speak again.


But he could not help looking at her, and he saw a sigh tremble over her body, as if she quivered in some unwonted chill.

But he saw a sigh tremble over her body, as if she quivered in some unwonted chill.


He felt as the mother would have done, in the midst of "her rocking it, and rating it," had she been called away before her slow confiding smile, implying perfect trust in mother's love, had proved the renewing of its love.


He gave short sharp answers; he was uneasy and cross, unable to discern between jest and earnest; anxious only for a look, a word of hers, before which to prostrate himself in penitent humility.

He gave short sharp answers to the others; he was uneasy and cross, unable to discern between jest and earnest; anxious only for a look, a word of hers.


Her round taper fingers flew in and out of her sewing, as steadily and swiftly as if that were the business of her life.

Her tapered fingers flew in and out of her sewing as if that were the business of her life.


She could not care for him, he thought, or else the passionate fervour of his wish would have forced her to raise those eyes, if but for an instant, to read the late repentance in his.

She could not care for him, he thought, or else the passionate fervour of his wish would have forced her to raise those eyes, to read the repentance in his.


He could have struck her before he left, in order that by some strange overt act of rudeness, he might earn the privilege of telling her the remorse that gnawed at his heart.

He could have struck her before he left, in order that by some strange act of rudeness, he might earn the privilege of telling her the remorse that gnawed at his heart.


It was well that the long walk in the open air wound up this evening for him.

The long walk in the open air sobered him.


It sobered him back into grave resolution that henceforth he would see as little of her as possible,--since the very sight of that face and form, the very sounds of that voice (like the soft winds of pure melody) had such power to move him from his balance.

He gravely resolved that henceforth he would see as little of her as possible, since the sight and sound of her threw him so off-balance.


He had known what love was--a sharp pang, a fierce experience, in the midst of whose flames he was struggling!

He had known what love was - a sharp, fierce pang, a fire through which he was struggling!


but, through the furnace he would fight his way out into the serenity of middle age,--all the richer and more human for having known this great passion.

but through that furnace he would fight his way out into the serenity of middle age, all the richer and more human for having known this great passion.


When he had somewhat abruptly left the room, Margaret rose from her seat, and began silently to fold up her work.

When he had left, Margaret rose from her seat, and began silently to fold up her work.


The long seams were heavy, and had an unusual weight for her languid arms.


The round lines in her face took a lengthened, straighter form, and her whole appearance was that of one who had gone through a day of great fatigue.

She looked like one who had gone through a day of great fatigue.


As the three prepared for bed, Mr. Bell muttered a little condemnation of Mr. Thornton.


"I never saw a fellow so spoiled by success.

'I never saw a fellow so spoiled by success.


He can't bear a word; a jest of any kind.


Everything seems to touch on the soreness of his high dignity.

Everything seems to touch on his high dignity.


Formerly, he was as simple and noble as the open day; you could not offend him, because he had no vanity."

Formerly, he was as simple as the day; you could not offend him, because he had no vanity.'


"He is not vain now," said Margaret, turning round from the table, and speaking with quiet distinctness.

'He is not vain now,' said Margaret, turning round.


Something must have annoyed him before he came here."

Something must have annoyed him before he came here.'


Mr. Bell gave her one of his sharp glances from above his spectacles.


She stood it quite calmly; but, after she had left the room, he suddenly asked,--


did it ever strike you that Thornton and your daughter have what the French call a tendresse for each other?"

did it ever strike you that Thornton and your daughter have a tendresse for each other?'


said Mr. Hale, first startled and then flurried by the new idea.


"No, I am sure you are wrong, I am almost certain you are mistaken.


If there is anything, it is all on Mr. Thornton's side.

If there is anything, it is on Mr. Thornton's side.


I hope and trust he is not thinking of her, for I am sure she would not have him."

I hope he is not thinking of her, for I am sure she would not have him.'


I'm a bachelor, and have steered clear of love affairs all my life; so perhaps my opinion is not worth having.

I'm a bachelor, so perhaps my opinion is not worth having.


Or else I should say there were very pretty symptoms about her!"

Or else I should say she showed some pretty symptoms!'


"Then I am sure you are wrong," said Mr. Hale.


"He may care for her, though she really has been almost rude to him at times.


But she!--why, Margaret would never think of him, I'm sure.

'Margaret would never think of him, I'm sure!


Such a thing has never entered her head."

Such a thing has never entered her head.'


But I merely threw out a suggestion of what might be.


And whether I was wrong or right, I'm very sleepy; so, having disturbed your night's rest (as I can see) with my untimely fancies, I'll betake myself with an easy mind to my own."

And I'm very sleepy; so I'll take myself off to bed.'


But Mr. Hale resolved that he would not be disturbed by any such nonsensical idea; so he lay awake, determining not to think about it.


Mr. Bell took his leave the next day, bidding Margaret look to him as one who had a right to help and protect her in all her troubles, of whatever nature they might be.

Mr. Bell left the next day, telling Margaret to look on him as one who had a right to help her in all her troubles.


"That Margaret of yours has gone deep into my heart.

'That Margaret of yours has gone deep into my heart.


Take care of her, for she is a very precious creature,--a great deal too good for Milton--only fit for Oxford, in fact.

Take care of her, for she is very precious - a great deal too good for Milton - only fit for Oxford, in fact.


When I can, I shall bring my young man to stand side by side with your young woman, just as the genii in the Arabian Nights brought Prince Caralmazan to match with the fairy's Princess Badoura."


Remember the misfortunes that ensued; and besides, I can't spare Margaret."


"No; on second thoughts, we'll have her to nurse us ten years hence, when we shall be two cross old invalids.


I wish you'd leave Milton; which is a most unsuitable place for you, though it was my recommendation in the first instance.

I wish you'd leave Milton, which is a most unsuitable place for you, though it was my recommendation.


If you would, I'd swallow my shadows of doubts, and take a college living; and you and Margaret should come and live at the parsonage--you to be a sort of lay curate, and take the unwashed off my hands; and she to be our housekeeper--the village Lady Bountiful--by day; and read us to sleep in the evenings.

If you could swallow your doubts, you could take a college living; and you and Margaret should come and live at the parsonage - you as a sort of lay curate, and she to be our housekeeper - the village Lady Bountiful.


"My one great change has been made and my price of suffering paid.

'My one great change has been made, and my price paid.


Here I stay out my life; and here will I be buried, and lost in the crowd."


Only I won't bait you with it any more just now.


Come, Margaret, give me a farewell kiss; and remember, my dear, where you may find a true friend, as far as his capability goes.

Come, Margaret, give me a farewell kiss; and remember, my dear, where you may find a true friend.


So they fell back into the monotony of the quiet life they would henceforth lead.

So they fell back into the monotony of their quiet life.


There was no invalid to hope and fear about; even the Higginses--so long a vivid interest--seemed to have receded from any need of immediate thought.

There was no invalid to care for; even the Higginses seemed to have receded from any need of immediate thought.


The Boucher children, left motherless orphans, claimed what of Margaret's care she could bestow; and she went pretty often to see Mary Higgins, who had charge of them.

The Boucher children claimed Margaret's care; and she went pretty often to see Mary Higgins, who had charge of them.


The two families were living in one house: the elder children were at humble schools, the younger ones were tended, in Mary's absence at her work, by the kind neighbour whose good sense had struck Margaret at the time of Boucher's death.

The two families were living in one house: the elder children were at humble schools, while the younger ones were tended, in Mary's absence at work, by the kind neighbour.


Of course she was paid for her trouble; and, indeed, in all his little plans and arrangements for these orphan children, Nicholas showed a sober judgment, and regulated method of thinking, which were at variance with his former more eccentric jerks of action.

She was paid for her trouble. Indeed, in all his arrangements for these orphan children, Nicholas showed a sober judgment at variance with his former more eccentric jerks of action.


He was so steady at his work, that Margaret did not often see him during these winter months; but when she did, she saw that he winced away from any reference to the father of those children, whom he had so fully and heartily taken under his care.

He was so steady at his work, that Margaret did not often see him during these winter months; but when she did, he winced away from any reference to Boucher.


He did not speak easily of Mr. Thornton.


"To tell the truth," said he, "he fairly bamboozles me.

'To tell the truth,' said he, 'he fairly bamboozles me.


One chap I knowed of old as were measter all o'er.

One chap I knowed of old as measter all o'er.


T'other chap hasn't an ounce of measter's flesh about him.

T'other chap hasn't an ounce of measter about him.


How them two chaps is bound up in one body, is a craddy for me to find out.


Meanwhile he comes here pretty often; that's how I know the chap that's a man, not a measter.

He comes here pretty often; that's how I know the chap that's a man, not a measter.


And I reckon he's taken aback by me pretty much as I am by him; for he sits and listens and stares, as if I were some strange beast newly caught in some of the zones.

And I reckon he's taken aback by me pretty much as I am by him; for he sits and listens and stares, as if I were some strange beast.


It would take a deal to daunt me in my own house, as he sees.


And I tell him some of my mind that I reckon he'd ha' been the better of hearing when he were a younger man."

And I tell him some of my mind that I reckon he'd ha' been the better of hearing when he were a younger man.'


"And does he not answer you," asked Mr. Hale.

'And does he answer you?' asked Mr. Hale.


I'll not say th' advantage is all on his side, for all I take credit for improving him above a bit.

I'll not say th' advantage is all on his side, for all I take credit for improving him.


Sometimes he says a rough thing or two, which is not agreeable to look at at first, but has a queer smack o' truth in it when yo' come to chew it.

Sometimes he says a rough thing or two, which has a queer smack o' truth in it when yo' come to chew it.


He'll be coming to-night, I reckon, about them childer's schooling.

He'll be coming tonight, I reckon, about them childer's schooling.


He's not satisfied wi' the make of it, and wants for t' examine 'em."

He's not satisfied wi' it, and wants for t' examine 'em.'


"What are they"--began Mr. Hale; but Margaret, touching his arm, showed him her watch.

'What are they-' began Mr. Hale; but Margaret, touching his arm, showed him her watch.


She did not breathe freely till they were some distance from the house.

She did not breathe freely till they were away from the house.


Then, as she became more calm, she wished that she had not been in so great a hurry; for, somehow, they saw Mr. Thornton but very seldom now; and he might have come to see Higgins, and for the old friendship's sake she should like to have seen him to-night.

Then, as she became calmer, she wished that she had not been in so great a hurry; for they saw Mr. Thornton very seldom now; and for the old friendship's sake she should like to have seen him tonight.


he came very seldom, even for the dull cold purpose of lessons.


Mr. Hale was disappointed in his pupil's lukewarmness about Greek literature, which had but a short time ago so great an interest for him.

Mr. Hale was disappointed in his pupil's sudden lukewarmness about Greek literature.


And now it often happened that a hurried note from Mr. Thornton would arrive, just at the last moment, saying that he was so much engaged that he could not come to read with Mr. Hale that evening.

And often a hurried note from Mr. Thornton would arrive at the last moment, saying that he could not come to read with Mr. Hale that evening.


And though other pupils had taken more than his place as to time, no one was like his first scholar in Mr. Hale's heart.

Though other pupils had taken his place, no one was like his first scholar in Mr. Hale's heart.


He was depressed and sad at this partial cessation of an intercourse which had become dear to him; and he used to sit pondering over the reason that could have occasioned this change.

He was saddened, and used to sit pondering the reasons for this change.


He startled Margaret, one evening as she sate at her work, by suddenly asking:

He startled Margaret one evening by suddenly asking:


had you ever any reason for thinking that Mr. Thornton cared for you?"

had you ever any reason for thinking that Mr. Thornton cared for you?'


He almost blushed as he put this question; but Mr. Bell's scouted idea recurred to him, and the words were out of his mouth before he well knew what he was about.


Margaret did not answer immediately; but by the bent drooping of her head, he guessed what her reply would be.

Margaret did not answer immediately; but by the drooping of her head, he guessed what her reply would be.


"Yes; I believe--oh, papa, I should have told you."

'Yes; I believe - oh papa, I should have told you.'


And she dropped her work, and hid her face in her hands.


"No, dear; don't think that I am impertinently curious.


'No, dear; I am sure you would have told me if you had felt that you could return his regard.


No answer at first; but by-and-by a little gentle reluctant "Yes."


A long sigh: a more helpless, nerveless attitude, and another "Yes."


But before her father could speak, Margaret lifted up her face, rosy with some beautiful shame, and, fixing her eyes upon him, said:

But before her father could speak, Margaret lifted up her face, rosy with beautiful shame, and said:


"Now, papa, I have told you all this, and I cannot tell you more; and then the whole thing is so painful to me; every word and action connected with it is so unspeakably bitter, that I cannot bear to think of it.

'Now, papa, I cannot tell you more; and the whole thing is so painful to me that I cannot bear to think of it.


Oh, papa, I am sorry to have lost you this friend, but I could not help it--but oh!

Oh, papa, I am sorry to have lost you this friend, but I could not help it. Oh!


She sate down on the ground, and laid her head on his knees.

She sat down on the floor, and laid her head on his knees.


Mr. Bell quite startled me when he said, some idea of the kind--"

Mr. Bell quite startled me when he said some idea of the kind-'