The thought of the little child watching for her, and continually disappointed--from no forgetfulness on her part, but from sheer inability to leave home--was the last drop in poor Margaret's cup, and she was sobbing away as if her heart would break.

The thought of the child watching for her, and continually disappointed - from no forgetfulness on her part, but from sheer inability to leave home - was the last drop in poor Margaret's cup, and she was sobbing as if her heart would break.


He rose, and walked nervously up and down the room.


Margaret tried to check herself, but would not speak until she could do so with firmness.

Margaret tried to check herself, but could not yet speak.


She heard him talking, as if to himself.


I cannot bear to see the sufferings of others.


I think I could go through my own with patience.


"No, father," said Margaret, looking straight at him, and speaking low and steadily.

'No, father,' said Margaret, looking straight at him, and speaking low and steadily.


It would be infinitely worse to have known you a hypocrite."

, but it would be infinitely worse to think you a hypocrite.


She dropped her voice at the last few words, as if entertaining the idea of hypocrisy for a moment in connection with her father savoured of irreverence.


"Besides," she went on, "it is only that I am tired to-night; don't think that I am suffering from what you have done, dear papa.

It is only that I am tired tonight; I am not suffering from what you have done, dear papa.'


We can't either of us talk about it to-night, I believe," said she, finding that tears and sobs would come in spite of herself.

Finding that tears would come in spite of herself, she added,


"I had better go and take mamma up this cup of tea.

'I had better go and take mamma this cup of tea.'


She had hers very early, when I was too busy to go to her, and I am sure she will be glad of another now."


Railroad time inexorably wrenched them away from lovely, beloved Helstone, the next morning.

The next morning they were wrenched away from beloved Helstone.


They were gone; they had seen the last of the long low parsonage home, half-covered with China-roses and pyracanthus--more homelike than ever in the morning sun that glittered on its windows, each belonging to some well-loved room.

They had seen the last of the long low parsonage, half-covered with China-roses and pyracanthus.


Almost before they had settled themselves into the car, sent from Southampton to fetch them to the station, they were gone away to return no more.


A sting at Margaret's heart made her strive to look out to catch the last glimpse of the old church tower at the turn where she knew it might be seen above a wave of the forest trees; but her father remembered this too, and she silently acknowledged his greater right to the one window from which it could be seen.

Margaret strove to catch the last glimpse of the old church tower above the forest trees; but her father was looking for it too, and she silently acknowledged his greater right to the window from which it could be seen.


She leant back and shut her eyes, and the tears welled forth, and hung glittering for an instant on the shadowing eyelashes before rolling slowly down her cheeks, and dropping, unheeded, on her dress.

She leant back and shut her eyes, the tears rolling slowly down her cheeks.


They were to stop in London all night at some quiet hotel.


Poor Mrs. Hale had cried in her way nearly all day long; and Dixon showed her sorrow by extreme crossness, and a continual irritable attempt to keep her petticoats from even touching the unconscious Mr. Hale, whom she regarded as the origin of all this suffering.

Poor Mrs. Hale had cried nearly all day; and Dixon showed her sorrow by extreme crossness, and an irritable attempt to keep her skirts from touching Mr. Hale, whom she regarded as the cause of all this suffering.


They went through the well-known streets, past houses which they had often visited, past shops in which she had lounged, impatient, by her aunt's side, while that lady was making some important and interminable decision--nay, absolutely passed acquaintances in the streets; for though the morning had been of an incalculable length to them, and they felt as if it ought long ago to have closed in for the repose of darkness, it was the very busiest time of a London afternoon in November when they arrived there.

It was the very busiest time of a London afternoon in November when they arrived.


It was long since Mrs. Hale had been in London; and she roused up, almost like a child, to look about her at the different streets, and to gaze after and exclaim at the shops and carriages,--

It was long since Mrs. Hale had been in London; and she roused up, almost like a child, to look at the streets, and exclaim at the shops and carriages.


"Oh, there's Harrison's, where I bought so many of my wedding things.

'Oh, there's Harrison's, where I bought so many of my wedding-things.


They've got immense plate-glass windows, larger than Crawford's in Southampton.


Oh, and there, I declare--no, it is not--yes, it is--Margaret, we have just passed Mr. Henry Lennox.

Oh, I declare - Margaret, we have just passed Mr. Henry Lennox.


Where can he be going, among all these shops?"

Where can he be going, among all these shops?'


Margaret started forwards, and as quickly fell back, half-smiling at herself for the sudden motion.

Margaret started forwards, and then quickly fell back, half-smiling at herself.


They were a hundred yards away by this time; but he seemed like a relic of Helstone--he was associated with a bright morning, an eventful day, and she should have liked to have seen him, without his seeing her,--without the chance of their speaking.

They were a hundred yards away by this time; but he seemed like a relic of Helstone - he was associated with a bright morning, an eventful day, and she should have liked to have seen him, without his seeing her.


The evening, without employment, passed in a room high up in an hotel, was long and heavy.

The long evening was passed in an hotel.


Mr. Hale went out to his bookseller's, and to call on a friend or two.


Every one they saw, either in the house or out in the streets, appeared hurrying to some appointment, expected by, or expecting somebody.

Everyone they saw appeared hurrying to some appointment.


They alone seemed strange and friendless, and desolate.

They alone seemed friendless and desolate.


Yet within a mile, Margaret knew of house after house, where she for her own sake, and her mother for her aunt Shaw's, would be welcomed, if they came in gladness, or even in peace of mind.

Yet within a mile, Margaret knew of house after house where she and her mother would be welcomed, if they came in gladness.


If they came sorrowing, and wanting sympathy in a complicated trouble like the present, then they would be felt as a shadow in all these houses of intimate acquaintances, not friends.

But if they came sorrowing, and wanting sympathy in their complicated trouble, then they would be felt as a shadow in all these acquaintances' homes.


London life is too whirling and full to admit of even an hour of that deep silence of feeling which the friends of Job showed, when "they sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him; for they saw that his grief was very great."

London life is too whirling and full to allow that deep silence of feeling which the friends of Job showed, when 'they sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him; for they saw that his grief was very great.'


"Old and young, boy, let 'em all eat, I have it; Let 'em have ten tire of teeth a-piece, I care not.


Margaret went home so painfully occupied with what she had heard and seen that she hardly knew how to rouse herself up to the duties which awaited her; the necessity for keeping up a constant flow of cheerful conversation for her mother, who, now that she was unable to go out, always looked to Margaret's return from the shortest walk as bringing in some news.

Margaret went home so painfully occupied with what she had heard that she could hardly keep up a flow of cheerful conversation for her mother, who, now that she was unable to go out, always looked to Margaret to bring some news.


"And can your factory friend come on Thursday to see you dressed?"

'And can your factory friend come on Thursday to see you dressed?'


"She was so ill I never thought of asking her," said Margaret, dolefully.

'She was so ill I never thought of asking her,' said Margaret, dolefully.


Everybody is ill now, I think," said Mrs. Hale, with a little of the jealousy which one invalid is apt to feel of another.

Everybody is ill now, I think,' said Mrs. Hale, with a little of the jealousy which one invalid is apt to feel of another.


"But it must be very sad to be ill in one of those little back streets."

'But it must be very sad to be ill in one of those little back streets.'


(Her kindly nature prevailing, and the old Helstone habits of thought returning.)


Mr. Thornton has sent me some of his old port wine since you went out.

'Mr. Thornton has sent me some old port wine.


Would a bottle of that do her good, think you?"

Would a bottle of that do her good, think you?'


I don't believe they are very poor,--at least, they don't speak as if they were; and, at any rate, Bessy's illness is consumption--she won't want wine.

I don't believe they are very poor; and Bessy's illness is consumption - she won't want wine.


Perhaps, I might take her a little preserve, made of our dear Helstone fruit.

Perhaps I might take her a little fruit preserve.


there's another family to whom I should like to give--Oh mamma, mamma!

there's another family to whom I should like to give - Oh mamma!


how am I to dress up in my finery, and go off and away to smart parties, after the sorrow I've seen to-day?"

how am I to dress up in my finery, and go to smart parties, after the sorrow I have seen today?'


exclaimed Margaret, bursting the bounds she had preordained for herself before she came in, and telling her mother what she had seen and heard at Higgins's cottage.

exclaimed Margaret, bursting the bounds she had set for herself, and telling her mother about John Boucher.


It made her restlessly irritated till she could do something.


She directed Margaret to pack up a basket in the very drawing-room, to be sent there and then to the family; and was almost angry with her for saying, that it would not signify if it did not go till morning, as she knew Higgins had provided for their immediate wants, and she herself had left money with Bessy.

She told Margaret to pack up a basket, to be sent there and then to the family; and was almost angry with her for saying that it would wait till morning, as she knew Higgins had provided for their immediate wants, and she herself had left money with Bessy.


Mrs. Hale called her unfeeling for saying this; and never gave herself breathing-time till the basket was sent out of the house.

Mrs. Hale called her unfeeling, and ordered the basket to be sent out of the house.


"After all, we may have been doing wrong.

'After all, we may have been doing wrong.


It was only the last time Mr. Thornton was here that he said, those were no true friends who helped to prolong the struggle by assisting the turn-outs.

Mr. Thornton said, those were no true friends who helped to prolong the struggle by assisting the turn-outs.


And this Boucher-man was a turn-out, was he not?"

And this Boucher-man was a turn-out, was he not?'


The question was referred to Mr. Hale by his wife, when he came upstairs, fresh from giving a lesson to Mr. Thornton, which had ended in conversation, as was their wont.

She asked this of Mr. Hale when he came upstairs, after giving a lesson to Mr. Thornton.


Margaret did not care if their gifts had prolonged the strife; she did not think far enough for that, in her present excited state.


Mr. Hale listened, and tried to be as calm as a judge; he recalled all that had seemed so clear not half-an-hour before, as it came out of Mr. Thornton's lips; and then he made an unsatisfactory compromise.

Mr. Hale listened, and tried to judge calmly; he recalled all that had seemed so clear not half-an-hour before, as it came out of Mr. Thornton's lips; and then he made an unsatisfactory compromise.


His wife and daughter had not only done quite right in this instance, but he did not see for a moment how they could have done otherwise.

He did not see how his wife and daughter could have done otherwise.


Nevertheless, as a general rule, it was very true what Mr. Thornton said, that as the strike, if prolonged, must end in the masters bringing hands from a distance (if, indeed, the final result were not, as it had often been before, the invention of some machine which would diminish the need of hands at all), why, it was clear enough that the kindest thing was to refuse all help which might bolster them up in their folly.

Nevertheless, it was very true what Mr. Thornton said; that the strike, if prolonged, must end in the masters' bringing hands from a distance, so the kindest thing was to refuse all help which might bolster them up in their folly.


But as to this Boucher, he would go and see him the first thing in the morning, and try and find out what could be done for him.

But, as to this Boucher, he would go and see him first thing in the morning, and try and find out what could be done for him.


Mr. Hale went the next morning, as he proposed.


He did not find Boucher at home, but he had a long talk with his wife; promised to ask for an Infirmary order for; and, seeing the plenty provided by Mrs. Hale, and somewhat lavishly used by the children, who were masters downstairs in their father's absence, he came back with a more consoling and cheerful account than Margaret had dared to hope for; indeed, what she had said the night before had prepared her father for so much worse a state of things that, by a re-action of his imagination, he described all as better than it really was.

He did not find Boucher at home, but he had a long talk with his wife; promised to ask for an Infirmary order for her; and, seeing the plenty provided by Mrs. Hale, and somewhat lavishly used by the children, who were masters in their father's absence, he came back with a more cheerful account than Margaret had hoped for.


"But I will go again, and see the man himself," said Mr. Hale.

'But I will go again, and see the man himself,' said Mr. Hale.


"I hardly know as yet how to compare one of these houses with our Helstone cottages.

'I hardly know how to compare these houses with our Helstone cottages.


I see furniture here which our labourers would never have thought of buying, and food commonly used which they would consider luxuries; yet for these very families there seems no other resource now that their weekly wages are stopped, but the pawn-shop.

I see furniture here which our labourers would never have thought of buying, and food which they would consider luxuries; yet for these very families there seems no other resource, now that their wages are stopped, but the pawn-shop.


One had need to learn a different standard, up here in Milton."

One needs to measure by a different standard, up here in Milton.'


Still she was so weak that she seemed to have entirely forgotten her wish to see Margaret dressed--if, indeed, that had not been the feverish desire of a half delirious state.

; although still so weak that she seemed to have entirely forgotten her wish to see Margaret dressed up.


Margaret could not help comparing this strange dressing of hers, to go where she did not care to be--her heart heavy with various anxieties--with the old, merry, girlish toilettes that she and Edith had performed scarcely more than a year ago.

Margaret could not help comparing this strange dressing of hers - her heart heavy with anxieties - with the old, merry preparations that she and Edith had performed scarcely more than a year ago.


Her only pleasure now in decking herself out was in thinking that her mother would take delight in seeing her dressed.


She blushed when Dixon, throwing the drawing-room door open, made an appeal for admiration.


"Miss Hale looks well, ma'am,--doesn't she?

'Miss Hale looks well, ma'am, doesn't she?


Mrs. Shaw's coral couldn't have come in better.


It just gives the right touch of colour, ma'am.


Otherwise, Miss Margaret, you would have been too pale."

Otherwise, Miss Margaret, you would have been too pale.'


Margaret's black hair was too thick to be plaited; it needed rather to be twisted round and round, and have its fine silkiness compressed into massive coils, that encircled her head like a crown, and then were gathered into a large spiral knot behind.

Margaret's black hair was too thick to be plaited; it needed rather to be twisted round into massive silky coils, that encircled her head like a crown, and then were gathered into a spiral knot behind.


She kept its weight together by two large coral pins, like small arrows for length.

She kept its weight together by two large coral pins.


Her white silk sleeves were looped up with strings of the same material, and on her neck, just below the base of her curved and milk-white throat, there lay heavy coral beads.

On her neck, just below her curved white throat, there lay heavy coral beads.


how I should like to be going with you to one of the old Barrington assemblies,--taking you as Lady Beresford used to take me."

how I should like to be going with you to one of the old Barrington assemblies.'


Margaret kissed her mother for this little burst of maternal vanity; but she could hardly smile at it, she felt so much out of spirits.


"I would rather stay at home with you,--much rather, mamma."

said, 'I would rather stay at home with you, mamma.'


I shall like to hear how they manage these things in Milton.'


Mrs. Hale would have been more than interested,--she would have been astonished, if she had seen the sumptuousness of the dinner-table and its appointments.

Mrs. Hale would have been astonished if she had seen the sumptuousness of the dinner-table.


Margaret, with her London cultivated taste, felt the number of delicacies to be oppressive; one half of the quantity would have been enough, and the effect tighter and more elegant.

Margaret felt the number of delicacies to be oppressive; half would have been enough, and the effect more elegant.


But it was one of Mrs. Thornton's rigorous laws of hospitality, that of each separate dainty enough should be provided for all the guests to partake, if they felt inclined.

But it was one of Mrs. Thornton's rigorous laws of hospitality that enough should be provided of each separate dainty for all the guests to partake, if they wished.


Careless to abstemiousness in her daily habits, it was part of her pride to set a feast before such of her guests as cared for it.

Abstemious herself, it was part of her pride to set a feast before her guests.


He had never known--though he might have imagined, and had the capability to relish--any kind of society but that which depended on an exchange of superb meals: and even now, though he was denying himself the personal expenditure of an unnecessary sixpence, and had more than once regretted that the invitations for this dinner had been sent out, still, as it was to be, he was glad to see the old magnificence of preparation.

He had never known any kind of society but that which depended on an exchange of superb meals; and even though he was denying himself any unnecessary personal expense, and had regretted that the invitations for this dinner had been sent out, still he was glad to see the old magnificence.


Mr. Hale was anxiously punctual, and Margaret and her father were the first to arrive.


Mr. Hale was anxiously punctual to the time specified.


There was no one upstairs in the drawing-room but Mrs. Thornton and Fanny.

There was no one in the drawing-room but Mrs. Thornton and Fanny.


Every cover was taken off, and the apartment blazed forth in yellow silk damask and a brilliantly flowered carpet.

The covers were taken off, and the apartment blazed forth in yellow silk damask and a brilliantly-flowered carpet.


Every corner seemed filled up with ornament, until it became a weariness to the eye, and presented a strange contrast to the bald ugliness of the look-out into the great mill-yard, where wide folding gates were thrown open for the admission of carriages.

Every corner seemed filled up with ornament, until it wearied the eye, and presented a strange contrast to the bald ugliness of the view into the great mill-yard, where the gates were thrown open to admit carriages.


The mill loomed high on the left-hand side of the windows, casting a shadow down from its many stories, which darkened the summer evening before its time.

The mill loomed high on the left, casting a long shadow which darkened the summer evening.


"My son was engaged up to the last moment on business.


Mr. Hale was standing at one of the windows as Mrs. Thornton spoke.


"Don't you find such close neighbourhood to the mill rather unpleasant at times?"

'Don't you find such close neighbourhood to the mill rather unpleasant at times?'


I am not become so fine as to desire to forget the source of my son's wealth and power.


Besides, there is not such another factory in Milton.

Besides, there is not another such factory in Milton.


One room alone is two hundred and twenty square yards."

One room alone is two hundred and twenty square yards.'


"I meant that the smoke and the noise--the constant going out and coming in of the workpeople, might be annoying!"

'I meant that the smoke and the noise - the constant going in and out of people, might be annoying.'


"There is a continual smell of steam and oily machinery--and the noise is perfectly deafening."

'There is a continual smell of steam and oil - and the noise is perfectly deafening.'


"I have heard noise that was called music far more deafening.

'I have heard noise that was called music far more deafening.


The engine-room is at the street-end of the factory; we hardly hear it, except in summer weather, when all the windows are open; and as for the continual murmur of the workpeople, it disturbs me no more than the humming of a hive of bees.

The engine-room is at the other end of the factory; we hardly hear it, except when all the windows are open. As for the work-people, they disturb me no more than the humming of a hive of bees.


If I think of it at all, I connect it with my son, and feel how all belongs to him, and that his is the head that directs it.


Just now, there are no sounds to come from the mill; the hands have been ungrateful enough to turn out, as perhaps you have heard.

Just now, there are no sounds from the mill; the hands have been ungrateful enough to turn out, as perhaps you have heard.


But the very business (of which I spoke when you entered), had reference to the steps he is going to take to make them learn their place."

But my son is going to make them learn their place.'


The expression on her face, always stern, deepened into dark anger, as she said this.

The expression on her face, always stern, deepened into dark anger as she said this.


Nor did it clear away when Mr. Thornton entered the room; for she saw in an instant, the weight of care and anxiety which he could not shake off, although his guests received from him a greeting that appeared both cheerful and cordial.

Nor did it clear when Mr. Thornton entered the room; for she saw, in an instant, the weight of care which he could not shake off, although his guests received a cheerful greeting.


He knew it was the first time their hands had met, though she was perfectly unconscious of the fact.


He inquired after Mrs. Hale, and heard Mr. Hale's sanguine, hopeful account; and, glancing to Margaret, to understand how far she agreed with her father, he saw that no dissenting shadow crossed her face.

He inquired after Mrs. Hale, and heard Mr. Hale's hopeful account; and glancing at Margaret, he saw that no dissenting shadow crossed her face.


And as he looked with this intention, he was struck anew with her great beauty.

As he looked, he was struck anew with her great beauty.


He had never seen her in such dress before; and yet now it appeared that such elegance of attire was so befitting her noble figure and lofty serenity of countenance that she ought to go always thus apparelled.

He had never seen her in such dress before; her elegant attire befitted her noble figure and serene face.


She was talking to Fanny; about what he could not hear; but he saw his sister's restless way of continually arranging some part of her gown, her wandering eyes, now glancing here, now there, but without any purpose in her observation; and he contrasted them uneasily with the large soft eyes that looked forth steadily at one object, as if from out their light beamed some gentle influence of repose: the curving lines of the red lips, just parted in the interest of listening to what her companion said--the head a little bent forwards, so as to make a long sweeping line from the summit, where the light caught on the glossy raven hair, to the smooth ivory tip of the shoulder; the round white arms, and taper hands, laid lightly across each other, but perfectly motionless in their pretty attitude.

She was talking to Fanny; about what, he could not hear. He saw his sister's restless way of constantly re-arranging her gown, her eyes wandering without any purpose; and he contrasted them uneasily with the large soft eyes that looked steadily at one object; the curving red lips, just parted in listening - the head a little bent forwards, so as to make a long sweeping line from the glossy raven hair to the smooth ivory tip of the shoulder; the round white arms, and hands laid lightly across each other.


Mr. Thornton sighed as he took in all this with one of his sudden comprehensive glances.

Mr. Thornton sighed as he took in all this with a sudden comprehensive glance.


And then he turned his back to the young ladies, and threw himself, with an effort, but with all his heart and soul, into a conversation with Mr. Hale.

And then he turned his back on the young ladies, and threw himself, with an effort, into a conversation with Mr. Hale.


Fanny left Margaret's side and helped her mother to receive her guests.

Fanny left Margaret's side, and helped her mother to receive her guests.


Mr. Thornton felt that in this influx no one was speaking to Margaret, and was restless under this apparent neglect.

Mr. Thornton felt that no one was speaking to Margaret, and was restless


But he never went near her himself; he did not look at her.


Only, he knew what she was doing--or not doing--better than he knew the movements of any one else in the room.

Only, he knew what she was doing better than he knew the movements of anyone else in the room.


Margaret was so unconscious of herself, and so much amused by watching other people, that she never thought whether she was left unnoticed or not.

Margaret was so unconscious of herself, and so much amused by watching other people, that she never thought whether she was left unnoticed.


Somebody took her down to dinner; she did not catch the name; nor did he seem much inclined to talk to her.


There was a very animated conversation going on among the gentlemen; the ladies, for the most part, were silent, employing themselves in taking notes of the dinner and criticising each other's dresses.


Margaret caught the clue to the general conversation, grew interested and listened attentively.

Margaret grew interested and listened attentively.


Mr. Horsfall, the stranger, whose visit to the town was the original germ of the party, was asking questions relative to the trade and manufactures of the place; and the rest of the gentlemen--all Milton men--were giving him answers and explanations.

Mr. Horsfall, a stranger to the town, was asking about Milton's trade and manufactures; and the rest of the gentlemen were giving him answers and explanations.


Some dispute arose, which was warmly contested; it was referred to Mr. Thornton, who had hardly spoken before; but who now gave an opinion, the grounds of which were so clearly stated that even the opponents yielded.

Some dispute arose, and was referred to Mr. Thornton, who had hardly spoken; but who now gave an opinion so clearly that the opponents yielded.


Margaret's attention was thus called to her host; his whole manner, as master of the house, and entertainer of his friends, was so straightforward, yet simple and modest, as to be thoroughly dignified.

His whole manner as master of the house, and entertainer of his friends, was so straightforward, yet simple and modest, as to be thoroughly dignified.


Margaret thought she had never seen him to so much advantage.


When he had come to their house, there had been always something, either of over-eagerness or of that kind of vexed annoyance which seemed ready to pre-suppose that he was unjustly judged, and yet felt too proud to try and make himself better understood.

When he had come to their house, there had been always some over-eagerness or vexed annoyance which seemed ready to pre-suppose that he was unjustly judged.


But now, among his fellows, there was no uncertainty as to his position.


He was regarded by them as a man of great force of character; of power in many ways.


There was no need to struggle for their respect.


He had it, and he knew it; and the security of this gave a fine grand quietness to his voice and ways, which Margaret had missed before.

, and he knew it; and the security of this gave a fine grand quietness to his voice and manner.


He was not in the habit of talking to ladies; and what he did say was a little formal.


To Margaret herself he hardly spoke at all.


She was surprised to think how much she enjoyed this dinner.

was surprised at how much she enjoyed this dinner.


She knew enough now to understand many local interests--nay, even some of the technical words employed by the eager millowners.

She knew enough now to understand many local interests - even some of the technical words used by the eager mill-owners.


She silently took a very decided part in the question they were discussing.


At any rate, they talked in desperate earnest,--not in the used-up style that wearied her so in the old London parties.

They talked in desperate earnest, not in the used-up style that wearied her so in the old London parties.


She wondered that, with all this dwelling on the manufacturers and trade of the place, no allusion was made to the strike then pending.

She wondered that no one mentioned the strike.


She did not yet know how coolly such things were taken by the masters, as having only one possible end.


To be sure, the men were cutting their own throats, as they had done many a time before; but if they would be fools, and put themselves into the hands of a rascally set of paid delegates, they must take the consequence.

To be sure, the men were cutting their own throats; but if they would be fools, they must take the consequence.


One or two thought Thornton looked out of spirits; and, of course, he must lose by this turn-out.

One or two thought Thornton looked out of spirits; of course, he must lose by this turn-out.


But it was an accident that might happen to themselves any day; and Thornton was as good to manage a strike as any one; for he was as iron a chap as any in Milton.

But Thornton could manage a strike, for he was as iron a chap as any in Milton.


The hands had mistaken their man in trying that dodge on him.


And they chuckled inwardly at the idea of the workmen's discomfiture and defeat, in their attempt to alter one iota of what Thornton had decreed.


It was rather dull for Margaret after dinner.


She was glad when the gentlemen came, not merely because she caught her father's eye to brighten her sleepiness up; but because she could listen to something larger and grander than the petty interests which the ladies had been talking about.

She was glad when the gentlemen came, because she could listen to something larger than the petty interests which the ladies had been talking about.


She liked the exultation in the sense of power which these Milton men had.


It might be rather rampant in its display, and savour of boasting; but still they seemed to defy the old limits of possibility, in a kind of fine intoxication, caused by the recollection of what had been achieved, and what yet should be.

It might savour of boasting; but still they seemed to defy the old limits of possibility, in a kind of fine intoxication caused by what had been achieved, and what yet should be.


If in her cooler moments she might not approve of the spirit in all things, still there was much to admire in their forgetfulness of themselves and the present, in their anticipated triumphs over all inanimate matter at some future time which none of them would live to see.

If she might not approve of their spirit in all things, still there was much to admire in their forgetfulness of themselves and the present, in their anticipated triumphs over all inanimate matter at some future time.


She was rather startled when Mr. Thornton spoke to her close at her elbow:

She was rather startled when Mr. Thornton spoke to her, close at her elbow:


"I could see you were on our side in our discussion at dinner,--were you not, Miss Hale?"

'I could see you were on our side in our discussion at dinner - were you not, Miss Hale?'


I was surprised, however, to find from what Mr. Horsfall said, that there were others who thought in so diametrically opposite a manner, as the Mr. Morison he spoke about.

I was surprised, however, to find from what Mr. Horsfall said, that there were others who thought so differently, like the Mr. Morison he mentioned.


"I am not quite the person to decide on another's gentlemanliness, Miss Hale.

'I cannot decide on another's gentlemanliness, Miss Hale.


I mean, I don't quite understand your application of the word.


But I should say that this Morison is no true man.


I don't know who he is; I merely judge him from Mr. Horsfall's account."

I don't know him; I merely judge him from Mr. Horsfall's account.'


"I suspect my 'gentleman' includes your 'true man.'"

'I suspect my "gentleman" includes your "true man."'


"And a great deal more, you would imply.

'And a great deal more, you would imply.


A man is to me a higher and a completer being than a gentleman."

A man is to me a higher and a completer being than a gentleman.'


"We must understand the words differently."


"I take it that 'gentleman' is a term that only describes a person in his relation to others; but when we speak of him as 'a man,' we consider him not merely with regard to his fellow-men, but in relation to himself,--to life--to time--to eternity.

'I take it that "gentleman" is a term that only describes a person in his relation to others; but when we speak of him as "a man," we consider him not merely with regard to his fellow-men, but in relation to himself - to life - to eternity.


A cast-away lonely as Robinson Crusoe--a prisoner immured in a dungeon for life--nay, even a saint in Patmos, has his endurance, his strength, his faith, best described by being spoken of as 'a man.'


I am rather weary of this word 'gentlemanly,' which seems to me to be often inappropriately used, and often, too, with such exaggerated distortion of meaning, while the full simplicity of the noun 'man,' and the adjective 'manly' are acknowledged--that I am induced to class it with the cant of the day."

I am rather weary of this word "gentlemanly," which seems to me to be often inappropriately used, and with much distortion of meaning, while the full simplicity of "man" and "manly" are unacknowledged.'


Margaret thought a moment--but before she could speak her slow conviction, he was called away by some of the eager manufacturers, whose speeches she could not hear, though she could guess at their import by the short clear answers Mr. Thornton gave, which came steady and firm as the boom of a distant minute gun.

Margaret thought a moment - but before she could speak, he was called away by the eager manufacturers. Although she could not hear their questions, she could guess at them by the short, firm answers Mr. Thornton gave.


They were evidently talking of the turn-out, and suggesting what course had best be pursued.

They were evidently talking of the turn-out, and suggesting what course to take.


Then came a hurried murmur, in which two or three joined.


"All those arrangements have been made."


Some doubts were implied, some difficulties named by Mr. Slickson, who took hold of Mr. Thornton's arm, the better to impress his words.

Some doubts were implied by Mr. Slickson, who took hold of Mr. Thornton's arm.


Mr. Thornton moved slightly away, lifted his eyebrows a very little, and then replied:

Mr. Thornton moved slightly away, lifted his eyebrows, and replied:


You need not join in it unless you choose."


"I'm not afraid of anything so dastardly as incendiarism.


We are open enemies; and I can protect myself from any violence that I apprehend.

; I can protect myself from any violence.


And I will assuredly protect all others who come to me for work.


They know my determination by this time, as well and as fully as you do."

They know my determination by this time.'


Mr. Horsfall took him a little on one side, as Margaret conjectured, to ask him some other question about the strike; but, in truth, it was to inquire who she herself was--so quiet, so stately, and so beautiful.

Mr. Horsfall took him on one side. Margaret assumed it was to ask him some question about the strike; but, in truth, it was to inquire who she herself was - so quiet, so stately, and so beautiful.


from the south of England--Hampshire, I believe," was the cold, indifferent answer.

from the south - Hampshire, I believe,' was the cold, indifferent answer.


Mrs. Slickson was catechising Fanny on the same subject.

Mrs. Slickson was questioning Fanny on the same subject.


"Who is that fine distinguished-looking girl?

'Who is that fine distinguished-looking girl?'


That is Mr. Hale, her father, talking now to Mr. Stephens.


He gives lessons; that is to say, he reads with young men.


My brother John goes to him twice a week, and so he begged mamma to ask them here, in hopes of getting him known.

my brother John goes to him twice a week, and so he begged mamma to ask them here, in hopes of getting him known.'


I believe we have some of their prospectuses, if you would like to have one."


Does he really find time to read with a tutor, in the midst of all his business,--and this abominable strike in hand as well?"

'Does Mr. Thornton really find time to read with a tutor, in the midst of all his business - and this abominable strike as well?'


Fanny was not sure, from Mrs. Slickson's manner, whether she ought to be proud or ashamed of her brother's conduct; and, like all people who try and take other people's "ought" for the rule of their feelings, she was inclined to blush for any singularity of action.

Fanny was not sure, from Mrs. Slickson's manner, whether she ought to be proud or ashamed of her brother; she was inclined to blush.


Her shame was interrupted by the dispersion of the guests.


"My heart revolts within me, and two voices Make themselves audible within my bosom."


On Margaret's return home she found two letters on the table: one was a note for her mother,--the other, which had come by the post, was evidently from her aunt Shaw--covered with foreign post-marks--thin, silvery, and rustling.

On Margaret's return home she found two letters on the table. One was a note for her mother; the other was from her Aunt Shaw, covered with foreign post-marks.


She took up the other, and was examining it, when her father came in suddenly:

She was examining it when her father came in.


"So your mother is tired, and gone to bed early!

'So your mother is tired, and gone to bed early!


I'm afraid, such a thundery day was not the best in the world for the doctor to see her.

I'm afraid such a thundery day was not the best for the doctor to see her.


Dixon tells me he spoke to you about her."


Her father's looks became more grave and anxious:


'He does not think her seriously ill?' asked her father.


"Not at present; she needs care, he says; he was very kind, and he said he would call again, and see how his medicines worked."

'Not at present; she needs care, he says; he was very kind, and said he would call again.'


"Only care?--he did not recommend change of air?--he did not say this smoky town was doing her any harm, did he, Margaret?"

'He did not recommend change of air? - he did not say this smoky town was doing her any harm, did he, Margaret?'


"Doctors have that anxious manner; its professional," said he.

'Doctors have that anxious manner; it's professional.'


Margaret saw, in her father's nervous ways, that the first impression of possible danger was made upon his mind, in spite of all his making light of what she told him.

Margaret saw that the first impression of possible danger was made upon his mind, in spite of his making light of what she told him.


He could not forget the subject,--could not pass from it to other things; he kept recurring to it through the evening, with an unwillingness to receive even the slightest unfavourable idea, which made Margaret inexpressibly sad.

He kept recurring to the subject through the evening, with an unwillingness to receive even the slightest unfavourable idea, which made Margaret inexpressibly sad.


She has got to Naples, and finds it too hot, so she has taken apartments at Sorrento.

She has got to Naples, and finds it too hot.


"He did not say anything about diet, did he?"

'He did not say anything about diet, did he?'


"It was to be nourishing, and digestible.


Mamma's appetite is pretty good, I think."

Mamma's appetite is pretty good, I think.'


and that makes it all the more strange he should have thought of speaking about diet."

that makes it all the more strange he should have spoken about diet.'


Then Margaret went on: "Aunt Shaw says she has sent me some coral ornaments, papa: but," added Margaret, half smiling, "she's afraid the Milton dissenters won't appreciate them.

Margaret went on: 'Aunt Shaw says, she has sent me some coral ornaments, papa; but she's afraid the Milton Dissenters won't appreciate them.'


She has got all her ideas of Dissenters from the Quakers, has she not?"


"If ever you hear or notice that your mother wishes for anything, be sure you let me know.

'If ever you hear that your mother wishes for anything, be sure you let me know.


I am so afraid she does not tell me always what she would like.

I am afraid she does not always tell me what she would like.


Pray, see after that girl Mrs. Thornton named.

Pray, see about that girl Mrs. Thornton named.


If we had a good, efficient house-servant, Dixon could be constantly with her, and I'd answer for it we'd soon set her up amongst us, if care will do it.

If we had a good house-servant, Dixon could be constantly with your mother. We could soon set her up.


She's been very much tired of late, with the hot weather, and the difficulty of getting a servant.

She's been very tired of late, with the hot weather,


A little rest will put her quite to rights--eh, Margaret?"

but a little rest will put her to rights - eh, Margaret?'


"I hope so," said Margaret,--but so sadly, that her father took notice of it.

'I hope so,' said Margaret sadly. Her father


"Come; if you look so pale as this, I must rouge you up a little.


Take care of yourself, child, or you'll be wanting the doctor next."

take care of yourself, child, or you'll be wanting the doctor next.'


But he could not settle to anything that evening.


He was continually going backwards and forwards, on laborious tiptoe, to see if his wife was still asleep.


Margaret's heart ached at his restlessness--his trying to stifle and strangle the hideous fear that was looming out of the dark places of his heart.

Margaret's heart ached at his restlessness.


He came back at last, somewhat comforted.


She quite smiled as she saw me standing by her.


And she says she feels refreshed, and ready for tea.


I'll read it to her while you make tea."


The note proved to be a formal invitation from Mrs. Thornton, to Mr., Mrs., and Miss Hale to dinner, on the twenty-first instant.

The note was a formal invitation from Mrs. Thornton, to dinner on the twenty-first.


Margaret was surprised to find an acceptance contemplated, after all she had learnt of sad probabilities during the day.

Margaret was surprised to find an acceptance was contemplated.


The idea of her husband's and daughter's going to this dinner had quite captivated Mrs. Hale's fancy, even before Margaret had heard the contents of the note.

The idea of her husband's and daughter's going to this dinner quite captivated Mrs. Hale's fancy.


It was an event to diversify the monotony of the invalid's life; and she clung to the idea of their going, with even fretful pertinacity, when Margaret objected.

She clung to the idea of their going, even when Margaret objected.


"Nay, Margaret: if she wishes it, I'm sure we'll both go willingly.


She never would wish it unless she felt herself really stronger--really better than we thought she was, eh, Margaret?"

'She wouldn't wish it unless she really felt stronger - would she, Margaret?'


said Mr. Hale, anxiously, as she prepared to write the note of acceptance, the next day.

said Mr. Hale anxiously, as she prepared to write the note of acceptance the next day.


questioned he, with a nervous motion of his hands.


It seemed cruel to refuse him the comfort he craved for.


And besides, his passionate refusal to admit the existence of fear, almost inspired Margaret herself with hope.


"I do think she is better since last night," said she.

'I do think she is better since last night,' said she.


"Her eyes look brighter, and her complexion clearer."

'Her eyes look brighter, and her complexion clearer.'


"God bless you," said her father earnestly.

'God bless you,' said her father, earnestly.


Yesterday was so sultry every one felt ill.

'Yesterday was so sultry everyone felt ill.


It was a most unlucky day for Mr. Donaldson to see her on."

It was a most unlucky day for Mr. Donaldson to see her.'


So he went away to his day's duties, now increased by the preparation of some lectures he had promised to deliver to the working people at a neighbouring Lyceum.

So he went away to his day's duties, which were now increased by some lectures he had promised to deliver


He had chosen Ecclesiastical Architecture as his subject, rather more in accordance with his own taste and knowledge than as falling in with the character of the place or the desire for particular kinds of information among those to whom he was to lecture.


And the institution itself, being in debt, was only too glad to get a gratis course from an educated and accomplished man like Mr. Hale, let the subject be what it might.


"Well, mother," asked Mr. Thornton that night, "who have accepted your invitations for the twenty-first?"

'Well, mother,' asked Mr. Thornton that night, 'who have accepted your invitations for the twenty-first?'


The Slicksons accept, Collingbrooks accept, Stephenses accept, Browns decline.


Hales--father and daughter come--mother too great an invalid--Macphersons come, and Mr. Horsfall, and Mr. Young.

Hales - father and daughter come - mother too great an invalid - Macphersons come, and Mr. Horsfall, and Mr. Young.'


I was thinking of asking the Porters, as the Browns can't come."


Do you know, I'm really afraid Mrs. Hale is very far from well, from what Dr. Donaldson says."

Do you know, I'm really afraid Mrs. Hale is very far from well, from what Dr. Donaldson says.'


"It's strange of them to accept a dinner-invitation if she's very ill," said Fanny.

'It's strange of them to accept a dinner-invitation if she's very ill,' said Fanny.


"I didn't say very ill," said her brother, rather sharply.

'I didn't say very ill,' said her brother, rather sharply.


And then he suddenly remembered that, from what Dr. Donaldson had told him, Margaret, at any rate, must be aware of the exact state of the case.

Then he remembered that, from what Dr. Donaldson had told him, Margaret, at any rate, must be aware of the exact state of the case.


"Very probably they are quite aware of what you said yesterday, John--of the great advantage it would be to them--to Mr. Hale, I mean, to be introduced to such people as the Stephenses and the Collingbrooks."

'Very probably they know the great advantage it would be to them, to be introduced to such people as the Stephenses and the Collingbrooks.'


"I'm sure that motive would not influence them.

'I'm sure that motive would not influence them.


said Fanny, laughing in her little, weak, nervous way.


"How you profess to understand these Hales, and how you never will allow that we can know anything about them.

'How you profess to understand these Hales, and


Are they really so very different to most people one meets with?"

yet make out they are so different to most people.'


She did not mean to vex him; but if she had intended it, she could not have done it more thoroughly.

She did not mean to vex him; but she could not have done it more thoroughly.


He chafed in silence, however, not deigning to reply to her question.


"They do not seem to me out of the common way," said Mrs. Thornton.

'They do not seem to me out of the common way,' said Mrs. Thornton.


"He appears a worthy kind of man enough; rather too simple for trade--so it's perhaps as well he should have been a clergyman first, and now a teacher.

'He appears a worthy kind of man enough.


She's a bit of a fine lady, with her invalidism; and as for the girl--she's the only one who puzzles me when I think about her,--which I don't often do.

She's a bit of a fine lady, with her invalidism; and as for the girl - she's the one who puzzles me.


She seems to have a great notion of giving herself airs; and I can't make out why.


I could almost fancy she thinks herself too good for her company at times.

I could almost fancy she thinks herself too good for her company.


And yet they're not rich; from all I can hear they never have been."


What else; does she want to bring her up to your standard?"

What else does she want to bring her up to your standard?'


John," said his mother, "that speech of Fanny's did no harm.


'I myself heard Miss Hale say she could not play.


If you would let us alone, we could perhaps like her, and see her merits."

If you would let us alone, we could perhaps like her, and see her merits.'


murmured Fanny, protected by her mother.


Mr. Thornton heard, but did not care to reply.

Mr. Thornton heard her, but did not reply.


He was walking up and down the dining-room, wishing that his mother would order candles, and allow him to set to work at either reading or writing, and so put a stop to the conversation.

He walked up and down the dining-room, wishing that his mother would order candles, and allow him to read or write, and so end the conversation.


But he never thought of interfering in any of the small domestic regulations that Mrs. Thornton observed, in habitual remembrance of her old economies.

But he never thought of interfering in any of the small domestic rules that Mrs. Thornton observed, in remembrance of her old economies.


"Mother," said he, stopping, and bravely speaking out the truth, "I wish you would like Miss Hale."

'Mother,' said he, stopping, and bravely speaking out the truth, 'I wish you would like Miss Hale.'


"Why," asked she, startled by his earnest, yet tender manner.

'Why?' asked she, startled by his earnest, yet tender manner.


"You're never thinking of marrying her?--a girl without a penny."

'You're never thinking of marrying her? - a girl without a penny.'


"She would never have me," said he, with a short laugh.

'She would never have me,' said he, with a short laugh.


"No, I don't think she would," answered his mother.

'No, I don't think she would,' answered his mother.


"She laughed in my face, when I praised her for speaking out something Mr. Bell had said in your favour.

'She laughed in my face, when I praised her for repeating something Mr. Bell had said in your favour.


I liked the girl for doing so frankly, for it made me sure she had no thought of you; and the next minute she vexed me so by seeming to think---- Well, never mind!

I liked the girl for doing it so frankly, for it made me sure she had no thought of you; and the next minute she vexed me so by- Well, never mind!


Only you're right in saying she's too good an opinion of herself to think of you!

But she's too good an opinion of herself to think of you.


I should like to know where she'd find a better!"

I should like to know where she'd find a better!'


"Well, as I'm just as much convinced of the truth of what you have been saying as you can be; and as I have no thought or expectation of ever asking her to be my wife, you'll believe me for the future that I'm quite disinterested in speaking about her.

If these words hurt her son, the dusky light prevented him from showing it. He came up quite cheerfully to his mother, and putting one hand on her shoulder, said:
'Well, as I have no thought of ever asking her to be my wife, you'll believe that I'm quite disinterested in speaking about her.


I foresee trouble for that girl--perhaps, want of motherly care--and I only wish you to be ready to be a friend to her, in case she needs one.

I foresee trouble for that girl - perhaps want of motherly care. I only wish you to be ready to be a friend to her, if she needs one.


Now, Fanny," said he, "I trust you have delicacy enough to understand, that it is as great an injury to Miss Hale as to me--in fact, she would think it a greater--to suppose that I have any reason, more than I now give, for begging you and my mother to show her every kindly attention."

Now, Fanny, I trust you understand that I have no other reason for begging you and my mother to be kind to her.'


"I cannot forgive her her pride," said his mother; "I will befriend her, if there is need, for your asking, John.

'I cannot forgive her pride,' said his mother. 'I will befriend her, if there is need, John.


I would befriend Jezebel herself if you asked me.


But this girl, who turns up her nose at us all--who turns up her nose at you----"

But this girl, who turns up her nose at us-'


"Nay, mother; I have never yet put myself, and I mean never to put myself, within reach of her contempt."


--(One of Mrs. Thornton's expressive snorts.)


--"Don't go on speaking of Miss Hale, John, if I've to be kind to her.


When I'm with her, I don't know if I like or dislike her most; but when I think of her, and hear you talk of her, I hate her.


I can see she's given herself airs to you as well as if you'd told me out."


"And if she has," said he--and then he paused for a moment--then went on: "I'm not a lad, to be cowed by a proud look from a woman, or to care for her misunderstanding me and my position.

'If she does,' said he, 'I'm not a lad to be cowed by a proud look from a woman, or to care for her misunderstanding me.


and at her too, with her fine notions, and haughty tosses!"


"I only wonder why you talk so much about her, then," said Fanny.

'I only wonder why you talk so much about her, then,' said Fanny.


"I'm sure, I'm tired enough of the subject."


said her brother, with a shade of bitterness.


"Suppose we find some more agreeable subject.

'Suppose we find some more agreeable subject


What do you say to a strike, by way of something pleasant to talk about?"


asked Mrs. Thornton, with vivid interest.


Mine are working out their week, through fear of being prosecuted for breach of contract.


I'd have had every one of them up and punished for it, that left his work before his time was out."

I'd have had every one of them up for that, if they left their work before time.'


"The law expenses would have been more than the hands themselves were worth--a set of ungrateful naughts!"

'The law fees would have been more than the hands themselves were worth - the ungrateful naughts!'


But I'd have shown them how to keep my word, and how I mean them to keep their's.

But I'd have shown them how I keep my word, and how I mean them to keep theirs.


Slickson's men are off--pretty certain he won't spend money in getting them punished.


"I hope there are not many orders in hand?"

'I hope there are not many orders in hand?'


But they don't quite understand all, though they think they do."

But they don't quite understand all, though they think they do.'


Candles had been brought, and Fanny had taken up her interminable piece of worsted-work, over which she was yawning; throwing herself back in her chair, from time to time to gaze at vacancy, and think of nothing at her ease.

Candles had been brought, and Fanny was sewing and yawning in turn; throwing herself back in her chair, from time to time, to gaze at vacancy, and think of nothing.


"Why," said he, "the Americans are getting their yarns so into the general market, that our only chance is producing them at a lower rate.

'Why,' said he, 'the Americans are selling so many yarns, that our only chance is producing them at a lower rate.


If we can't, we may shut up shop at once, and hands and masters alike go on tramp.

If we can't, we may shut up shop at once.


Yet these fools go back to the prices paid three years ago--nay, some of their leaders quote Dickinson's price now--though they know as well as we do that, what with fines pressed out of their wages, as no honourable man would extort them, the real rate of wage paid at Dickinson's is less than at ours.

Yet these fools go back to the prices paid three years ago - nay, some of their leaders quote Dickinson's prices now, though they know as well as we do that, what with fines taken out of their wages, and other fees, the real rate of wage paid at Dickinson's is less than at ours.


Upon my word, mother, I wish the old combination laws were in force.


It is too bad to find out that fools--ignorant, wayward men like these--just by uniting their silly heads, are to rule over the fortunes of those who bring all the wisdom that knowledge and experience, and often painful thought and anxiety, can give.

Upon my word, mother, it is too bad to find that ignorant fools like these are to rule over the fortunes of those with knowledge and experience.


The next thing will be--indeed, we've all but come to it now--that we shall have to go and ask--stand hat in hand--and humbly ask the secretary of the Spinner's Union to be so kind as to furnish us with labour at their own price.

The next thing, we shall have to go hat in hand and humbly ask the Spinners' Union to kindly give us labour at their own price.


That's what they want--they, who haven't the sense to see that, if we don't get a fair share of the profits to compensate us for our wear and tear here in England, we can move off to some other country; and that, what with home and foreign competition, we are none of us likely to make above a fair share, and may be thankful enough if we can get that, in an average number of years."

That's what they want. They haven't the sense to see that, if we don't get enough profit here in England, we can move off to some other country.'


I'd teach them that I was master, and could employ what servants I liked."

I'd teach them that I could employ what servants I liked.'


to be sure, I can; and will, too, if they go on long.

to be sure, I can; and I will, too, if they go on long.


It will be trouble and expense, and I fear there will be some danger; but I will do it, rather than give in."

It will be trouble and expense; but I will do it, rather than give in.'


"If there is to be all this extra expense, I'm sorry we're giving a dinner just now."

'If there is to be all this extra expense, I'm sorry we're giving a dinner just now.'


"So am I,--not because of the expense, but because I shall have much to think about, and many unexpected calls on my time.

'So am I - not because of the expense, but because I shall have much to think about, and many calls on my time.


But we must have had Mr. Horsfall, and he does not stay in Milton long.


And as for the others, we owe them dinners, and it's all one trouble."


He kept on with his restless walk--not speaking any more, but drawing a deep breath from time to time, as if endeavouring to throw off some annoying thought.

He kept on with his restless walk, drawing a deep breath from time to time, as if trying to throw off some annoying thought.


Fanny asked her mother numerous small questions, all having nothing to do with the subject, which a wiser person would have perceived was occupying her attention.


Consequently, she received many short answers.


She was not sorry when, at ten o'clock, the servants filed in to prayers.

Fanny was not sorry when, at ten o'clock, the servants filed in to prayers


These her mother always read,--first reading a chapter.


They were now working steadily through the Old Testament.


When prayers were ended, and his mother had wished him good-night, with that long steady look of hers which conveyed no expression of the tenderness that was in her heart, but yet had the intensity of a blessing, Mr. Thornton continued his walk.

When prayers were ended, his mother wished him goodnight, with a long steady look which conveyed none of the tenderness in her heart, but yet had the intensity of a blessing. Mr. Thornton continued his walk.


All his business plans had received a check, a sudden pull-up, from this approaching turn-out.

All his business plans had received a check from this approaching turn-out.


The forethought of many anxious hours was thrown away, utterly wasted by their insane folly, which would injure themselves even more than him, though no one could set any limit to the mischief they were doing.

The forethought of many anxious hours was thrown away, utterly wasted by their insane folly, which would injure themselves even more than him.


And these were the men who thought themselves fitted to direct the masters in the disposal of their capital; Hamper had said, only this very day, that if he were ruined by the strike, he would start life again, comforted by the conviction that those who had brought it on were in a worse predicament than he himself,--for he had head as well as hands, while they had only hands; and if they drove away their market, they could not follow it, nor turn to anything else.

And these were the men who thought themselves fitted to direct the masters in the use of their money! Hamper had said that if he were ruined by the strike, he would start again, comforted by the conviction that the strikers were in a worse predicament - for he had head as well as hands, while they had only hands, and could turn to nothing else.


But this thought was no consolation to Mr. Thornton.


It might be that revenge gave him no pleasure; it might be that he valued the position he had earned with the sweat of his brow, so much that he keenly felt its being endangered by the ignorance or folly of others,--so keenly that he had no thoughts to spare for what would be the consequences of their conduct to themselves.

It might be that revenge gave him no pleasure; it might be that he felt keenly that all his efforts were endangered by the folly of others - so keenly that he had no thoughts to spare for what would happen to them.


He paced up and down, setting his teeth now and then.


The candles were flickering in their sockets.


He lighted his own, muttering to himself:


"Once for all they shall know whom they have got to deal with.

'Once for all, they shall know whom they have got to deal with.


If they don't see their madness before the end of that time, I must have hands from Ireland.


I believe it's Slickson's doing,--confound him and his dodges!


He thought he was overstocked; so he seemed to yield at first, when the deputation came to him,--and of course, he only confirmed them in their folly, as he meant to do.


"Revenge may have her own; Roused discipline aloud proclaims their cause, And injured navies urge their broken laws."


Margaret began to wonder whether all offers were as unexpected beforehand,--as distressing at the time of their occurrence, as the two she had had.

Margaret began to wonder whether all offers were as unexpected and distressing as the two she had had.


An involuntary comparison between Mr. Lennox and Mr. Thornton arose in her mind.

She compared Mr. Lennox and Mr. Thornton in her mind.


She had been sorry, that an expression of any other feeling than friendship had been lured out by circumstances from Henry Lennox.


That regret was the predominant feeling, on the first occasion of her receiving a proposal.

her main feeling had been regret that he had expressed a feeling other than friendship.


She had not felt so stunned--so impressed as she did now, when echoes of Mr. Thornton's voice yet lingered about the room.

She had not felt so stunned - so impressed as she did now, when echoes of Mr. Thornton's voice yet lingered about the room.


In Lennox's case, he seemed for a moment to have slid over the boundary between friendship and love; and the instant afterwards, to regret it nearly as much as she did, although for different reasons.

In Lennox's case, he seemed for a moment to have slid over the boundary between friendship and love; and the instant afterwards, to regret it nearly as much as she did.


In Mr. Thornton's case, as far as Margaret knew, there was no intervening stage of friendship.

In Mr. Thornton's case there was no stage of friendship,


Their intercourse had been one continued series of opposition.


Their opinions clashed; and indeed, she had never perceived that he had cared for her opinions, as belonging to her, the individual.

Their opinions clashed; and indeed, she had never perceived that he had cared for her opinions.


As far as they defied his rock-like power of character, his passion-strength, he seemed to throw them off from him with contempt, until she felt the weariness of the exertion of making useless protests; and now, he had come, in this strange wild passionate way, to make known his love!

He seemed to throw them off with contempt, until she felt weary of the exertion of making useless protests; and now he had come, in this strange wild passionate way, to make known his love.


For, although at first it had struck her, that his offer was forced and goaded out of him by sharp compassion for the exposure she had made of herself,--which he, like others, might misunderstand--yet, even before he left the room,--and certainly not five minutes after, the clear conviction dawned upon her, shined bright upon her, that he did love her; that he had loved her; that he would love her.

For, although at first it had struck her that his offer was forced out of him by sharp compassion for the exposure she had made of herself - which he, like others, might misunderstand - yet five minutes after, the clear conviction dawned upon her that he did love her.


And she shrank and shuddered as under the fascination of some great power, repugnant to her whole previous life.


To parody a line out of Fairfax's Tasso--


"His strong idea wandered through her thought."


She disliked him the more for having mastered her inner will.


How dared he say that he would love her still, even though she shook him off with contempt?

How dared he say that he would love her still, even though she shook him off?


She wished she had spoken more--stronger.

She wished she had spoken more strongly.


Sharp, decisive speeches came thronging into her mind, now that it was too late to utter them.

Sharp, decisive speeches came into her mind, now that it was too late to say them.


The deep impression made by the interview, was like that of a horror in a dream; that will not leave the room although we waken up, and rub our eyes, and force a stiff rigid smile upon our lips.

The deep impression made by the interview was like that of a horror in a dream, that will not leave when we waken.


It is there--there, cowering and gibbering, with fixed ghastly eyes, in some corner of the chamber, listening to hear whether we dare to breathe of its presence to any one.

It is there, cowering with fixed ghastly eyes, in some corner of the room, listening to hear whether we dare to breathe of its presence to anyone.


And we dare not; poor cowards that we are!


And so she shuddered away from the threat of his enduring love.


It was more daring than became a man to threaten her so.


Did he ground it upon the miserable yesterday?


If need were, she would do the same to-morrow,--by a crippled beggar, willingly and gladly,--but by him, she would do it, just as bravely, in spite of his deductions, and the cold slime of woman's impertinence.

If need were, she would do the same tomorrow, for a crippled beggar, or for him, in spite of his deductions


She did it because it was right, and simple, and true to save where she could save; even to try to save.

; because it was right to try to save where she could save.


"Fais ce que dois, advienne que pourra."


Hitherto she had not stirred from where he had left her; no outward circumstances had roused her out of the trance of thought in which she had been plunged by his last words, and by the look of his deep intent passionate eyes, as their flames had made her own fall before them.

Hitherto she had not stirred. Nothing had roused her out of the trance of thought in which she had been plunged by his words, and the look of his deep intent passionate eyes.


She went to the window, and threw it open, to dispel the oppression which hung around her.

Now she went to the window, and threw it open,


Then she went and opened the door, with a sort of impetuous wish to shake off the recollection of the past hour, in the company of others, or in active exertion.

and opened the door, with an impetuous wish to shake off the recollection of the past hour.


But all was profoundly hushed in the noonday stillness of a house, where an invalid catches the unrefreshing sleep that is denied to the night-hours.

But all was profoundly hushed in the noonday stillness of the invalid's house.


"Go and see Bessy Higgins, of course," thought she, as the recollection of the message sent the night before flashed into her mind.

'Go and see Bessy Higgins, of course,' thought she


When she got there, she found Bessy lying on the settle, moved close to the fire, though the day was sultry and oppressive.

When she got there, she found Bessy lying on the settle close to the fire, though the day was warm and oppressive.


She was laid down quite flat, as if resting languidly after some paroxysm of pain.

She was laid down flat, as if resting after some paroxysm of pain.


Margaret felt sure she ought to have the greater freedom of breathing which a more sitting posture would procure; and, without a word, she raised her up, and so arranged the pillows, that Bessy was more at ease, though very languid.

Margaret felt sure she would breathe more easily in a sitting posture; and she raised her up, and arranged the pillows, until Bessy was more at ease, though very languid.


"I thought I should na' ha' seen yo' again," said she, at last, looking wistfully in Margaret's face.

'I thought I should na' ha' seen yo' again,' said she, wistfully.


But I could not have come yesterday, my mother was so ill--for many reasons," said Margaret, colouring.

But I could not come yesterday, my mother was so ill - and other reasons,' said Margaret, colouring.


"Yo'd m'appen think I went beyond my place in sending Mary for yo'.

'Yo' may think I went beyond my place in sending Mary for yo'.


But the wraglin' and the loud voices had just torn me to pieces, and I thought when father left, oh!

But the wranglin' and the loud voices had just torn me to pieces, and when father left, I thought oh!


if I could just hear her voice, reading me some words o' peace and promise, I could die away into the silence and rest o' God, just as a baby is hushed up to sleep by its mother's lullaby."

if I could just hear her voice, reading me some words o' peace, I could die away into the silence o' God, like a babby is hushed to sleep by its mother's lullaby.'


M'appen I shan't listen to th' sense, at first; it will seem far away--but when yo' come to words I like--to th' comforting texts--it'll seem close in my ear, and going through me as it were."

Happen I shan't listen to th' sense, at first; but when yo' come to th' comforting texts, it'll seem close in my ear, and going through me as it were.'


If, by an effort, she attended for one moment, it seemed as though she were convulsed into double restlessness the next.

If she attended for one moment, she was convulsed into restlessness the next.


At last, she burst out: "Don't go on reading.

At last, she burst out:
'Don't go on reading.


I'm blaspheming all the time in my mind, wi' thinking angrily on what canna be helped.--Yo'd hear of th' riot, m'appen, yesterday at Marlborough Mills?

I'm blaspheming all the time in my mind, thinking angrily on what canna be helped. Yo' heard of th' riot yesterday at Marlborough Mills?'


He'd ya' given his right hand if it had never come to pass.

He'd ha' given his right hand if it had never come to pass.


He's fairly knocked down in his mind by it.


It's no use telling him, fools will always break out o' bounds.


Yo' never saw a man so downhearted as he is."


"Why, yo' see, he's a committee-man on this special strike.

'Yo' see, he's a committee-man on this strike.


Th' Union appointed him because, though I say it as shouldn't say it, he's reckoned a deep chap, and true to th' back-bone.

Th' Union appointed him because he's reckoned true to th' back-bone.


And he and t'other committee-men laid their plans.


They were to hou'd together through thick and thin; what the major part thought, t'others were to think, whether they would or no.

, to hold together through thick and thin; what the major part thought, t'others were to think, whether they would or no.


And above all there was to be no going again the law of the land.


Folk would go with them if they saw them striving and starving wi' dumb patience; but if there was once any noise o' fighting and struggling--even wi' knobsticks--all was up, as they know by th' experience of many, and many a time before.

Folk would go with them if they saw them striving patiently; but if there was any fighting, all was up, as they knew from many a time before.


They would try and get speech o' th' knobsticks, and coax 'em, and reason wi' 'em, and m'appen warn 'em off; but whatever came, the Committee charged all members o' th' Union to lie down and die, if need were, without striking a blow; and then they reckoned they were sure o' carrying th' public with them.

The Committee charged all members o' th' Union not to strike a blow;


And besides all that, Committee knew they were right in their demand, and they didn't want to have right all mixed up wi' wrong, till folk can't separate it, no more nor I can the physic-powder from th' jelly yo' gave me to mix it in; jelly is much the biggest, but powder tastes it all through.

they didn't want to have right mixed up wi' wrong.


Well, I've told yo' at length about this'n, but I am tired out.


Yo' just think for yor'sel, what it mun be for father to have a' his work undone, and by such a fool as Boucher, who must needs go right again the orders of Committee, and ruin th' strike, just as bad as if he meant to be a Judas.

'Well, yo' just think what it must be for father to have his work undone, and by such a fool as Boucher, who must needs go right again the orders of Committee, and ruin th' strike as if he meant to be a Judas.


He went so far as to say, he'd go and tell police where they might find th' ringleader o' th' riot; he'd give him up to th' mill-owners to do what they would wi' him.

He even said he'd go and tell police where they might find th' ringleader; he'd give him up to th' mill-owners to do what they would wi' him.


He'd show the world that th' real leaders o' the strike were not such as Boucher, but steady thoughtful men; good hands, and good citizens, who were friendly to law and judgment, and would uphold order; who only wanted their right wage, and wouldn't work, even though they starved, till they got 'em; but who would ne'er injure property or life.

He'd show the world that th' real leaders o' the strike were not such as Boucher, but steady thoughtful men; good hands, and good citizens, who would uphold order; who only wanted their right wages, and would ne'er injure property or life.


For," dropping her voice, "they do say, that Boucher threw a stone at Thornton's sister, that welly killed her."

For they do say, that Boucher threw a stone at Thornton's sister, that nearly killed her.'


'That's not true,' said Margaret, flushing.


"It was not Boucher that threw the stone"--she went first red, then white.

'It was not Boucher that threw the stone.'


asked Bessie languidly: for indeed, she had spoken with many pauses, as if speech was unusually difficult to her.


Only it was not Boucher that threw the stone.


What did Boucher answer to your father?'


He were all in such a tremble wi' spent passion, I could na' bear to look at him.

He were all in such a tremble, I could na' bear to look at him.


I heard his breath coming quick, and at one time I thought he were sobbing.


But when father said he'd give him up to police, he gave a great cry, and struck father on th' face wi' his closed fist, and he off like lightning.

But when father said he'd give him up to the police, he gave a great cry, and struck father on th' face wi' his fist, and be off like lightning.


Father were stunned wi' the blow at first, for all Boucher were weak wi' passion and wi' clemming.

Father were stunned wi' the blow at first.


He sat down a bit, and put his hand afore his eyes; and then made for th' door.

He sat down, and put his hand afore his eyes; and then made for th' door.


I dunno' where I got strength, but I threw mysel' oh th' settle and clung to him.

I dunno' where I got strength, but I threw mysel' off th' settle and clung to him.


'Thou'll never go peach on that poor clemmed man.

"Thou'll never go tell on that poor clemmed man.


I'll never leave go on thee, till thou sayst thou wunnot.'

I'll never leave go, till thou sayst thou wunnot."


'Dunnot be a fool,' says he, 'words come readier than deeds to most men.


I never thought o' telling th' police on him; though by G--, he deserves it, and I should na' ha' minded if some one else had done the dirty work, and got him clapped up.

"I never thought o' telling th' police on him; though by G-, he deserves it.


But now he has strucken me, I could do it less nor ever, for it would be getting other men to take up my quarrel.


But if ever he gets well o'er this clemming, and is in good condition, he and I'll have an up and down fight, purring an' a', and I'll see what I can do for him.'

But if ever he gets well o'er this clemming, he and I'll have a fight."


And so father shook me off,--for indeed I was low and faint enough, and his face was all clay white, where it weren't bloody, and turned me sick to look at.

And father shook me off, and his face was all clay white, where it weren't bloody, and turned me sick to look at.


And I know not if I slept or waked, or were in a dead swoon, till Mary come in; and I telled her to fetch yo' to me.

'And I know not if I slept or waked, or were in a dead swoon, till Mary come in; and I telled her to fetch yo'.


And now dunnot talk to me, but just read out th' chapter.

And now dunnot talk to me, but just read.


I'm easier in my mind for having spit it out; but I want some thoughts of the world that's far away to take the weary taste of it out of my mouth.

I'm easier in my mind for having spit it out; but I want some thoughts of the world that's far away to take the weary taste of it out o' my mouth.


Read me not a sermon chapter, but a story chapter; they've pictures in them, which I see when my eyes are shut.


Read about the New Heavens, and the New Earth; and m'appen I'll forget this."

read about the New Heavens, and the New Earth; and 'appen I'll forget this.'


Though Bessy's eyes were shut, she was listening for some time, for the moisture of tears gathered heavy on her eyelashes.

Though Bessy's eyes were shut, she was listening, for tears gathered heavy on her eyelashes.


At last she slept; with many starts, and muttered pleadings.

At last she slept, with many starts, and muttered pleadings.


Margaret covered her up, and left her, for she had an uneasy consciousness that she might be wanted at home, and yet, until now, it seemed cruel to leave the dying girl.

Margaret covered her up, and left her, uneasily aware that she might be wanted at home; and yet it seemed cruel to leave the dying girl.


Mrs. Hale was in the drawing-room on her daughter's return.


It was one of her better days, and she was full of praises of the water-bed.


It had been more like the beds at Sir John Beresford's than anything she had slept on since.


She did not know how it was, but people seemed to have lost the art of making the same kind of beds as they used to do in her youth.

It was like the feather-beds of her youth at Sir John Beresford's.


One would think it was easy enough; there was the same kind of feathers to be had, and yet somehow, till this last night she did not know when she had had a good sound resting sleep.


Mr. Hale suggested, that something of the merits of the feather-beds of former days might be attributed to the activity of youth, which gave a relish to rest; but this idea was not kindly received by his wife.


"No, indeed, Mr. Hale, it was those beds at Sir John's.


Now, Margaret, you're young enough, and go about in the day; are the beds comfortable?

'Margaret,' she said, 'are the beds today comfortable?


Do they give you a feeling of perfect repose when you lie down upon them; or rather, don't you toss about, and try in vain to find an easy position, and wake in the morning as tired as when you went to bed?"

Don't you toss about, and try in vain to find an easy position, and waken in the morning as tired as when you went to bed?'


"To tell the truth, mamma, I've never thought about my bed at all, what kind it is.

'To tell the truth, mamma, I've never thought about my bed at all.


I'm so sleepy at night, that if I only lie down anywhere, I nap off directly.

If I lie down anywhere, I go to sleep directly.


So I don't think I'm a competent witness.


But then, you know, I never had the opportunity of trying Sir John Beresford's beds.

But then, you know, I never tried Sir John Beresford's beds.


It was poor darling Fred I took with me, I remember.


I only went to Oxenham once after I was married,--to your Aunt Shaw's wedding; and poor little Fred was the baby then.


And I know Dixon did not like changing from lady's maid to nurse, and I was afraid that if I took her near her old home, and amongst her own people, she might want to leave me.


But poor baby was taken ill at Oxenham, with his teething; and, what with my being a great deal with Anna just before her marriage, and not being very strong myself, Dixon had more of the charge of him than she ever had before; and it made her so fond of him, and she was so proud when he would turn away from every one and cling to her, that I don't believe she ever thought of leaving me again; though it was very different from what she'd been accustomed to.

But poor baby Fred was taken ill at Oxenham, with his teething, and Dixon had charge of him; and it made her so fond of him that she was proud when he would turn away from everyone and cling to her.


He was born with the gift of winning hearts.


It makes me think very badly of Captain Reid when I know that he disliked my own dear boy.


I think it a certain proof he had a bad heart.


Tell me all you like; you never can tell me too much.


"Why, Margaret, you must not be hurt, but he was much prettier than you were.

'Why, Margaret, you must not be hurt, but he was much prettier than you were.


I remember, when I first saw you in Dixon's arms, I said, 'Dear, what an ugly little thing!'

I remember, when I first saw you in Dixon's arms, I said, "Dear, what an ugly little thing!"


And she said, 'It's not every child that's like Master Fred, bless him!'

And she said, "It's not every child that's like Master Fred, bless him!"


Then I could have had Fred in my arms every minute of the day, and his cot was close by my bed; and now, now--Margaret--I don't know where my boy is, and sometimes I think I shall never see him again."

I could have had Fred in my arms every minute of the day, and his cot was by my bed; and now - I don't know where my boy is, and sometimes I think I shall never see him again.'


Margaret sat down by her mother's sofa on a little stool, and softly took hold of her hand, caressing it and kissing it, as if to comfort.

Margaret sat down by her mother, and softly took her hand, caressing and kissing it.


At last, she sat straight, stiff up on the sofa, and turning round to her daughter, she said with tearful, almost solemn earnestness, "Margaret, if I can get better,--if God lets me have a chance of recovery, it must be through seeing my son Frederick once more.

At last she sat up, and said with tearful earnestness, 'Margaret, if I can get better, it must be through seeing Frederick once more.'


It will waken up all the poor springs of health left in me."


She paused, and seemed to try and gather strength for something more yet to be said.


Her voice was choked as she went on--was quavering as with the contemplation of some strange, yet closely-present idea.

; as she went on, her voice was choked and quavering.


"And, Margaret, if I am to die--if I am one of those appointed to die before many weeks are over--I must see my child first.

'And, Margaret, if I am to die - I must see my child first.


I cannot think how it must be managed; but I charge you, Margaret, as you yourself hope for comfort in your last illness, bring him to me that I may bless him.

I cannot think how it may be managed; but, Margaret, bring him to me so that I may bless him.


There could be no danger in five minutes.


Oh, Margaret, let me see him before I die!"

Oh, Margaret, let me see him before I die!'


Margaret did not think of anything that might be utterly unreasonable in this speech: we do not look for reason or logic in the passionate entreaties of those who are sick unto death; we are stung with the recollection of a thousand slighted opportunities of fulfilling the wishes of those who will soon pass away from among us: and do they ask us for the future happiness of our lives, we lay it at their feet, and will it away from us.

We do not look for reason or logic in the passionate entreaties of the dying; if they ask us for the future happiness of our lives, we lay it at their feet.


But this wish of Mrs. Hale's was so natural, so just, so right to both parties, that Margaret felt as if, on Frederick's account as well as on her mother's, she ought to overlook all intermediate chances of danger, and pledge herself to do everything in her power for its realization.

But this wish of Mrs. Hale's was so natural, so just, that Margaret felt as if she ought to overlook any danger, and pledge to do everything in her power to fulfil it.


The large, pleading, dilated eyes were fixed upon her wistfully, steady in their gaze, though the poor white lips quivered like those of a child.

The large, pleading eyes were fixed upon her wistfully, and the poor white lips quivered like a child's.


Margaret gently rose up and stood opposite to her frail mother; so that she might gather the secure fulfilment of her wish from the calm steadiness of her daughter's face.

Margaret gently rose up and faced her frail mother with calm steadiness.


"Mamma, I will write to-night, and tell Frederick what you say.

'Mamma, I will write tonight, and tell Frederick what you say.


I am as sure that he will come directly to us, as I am sure of my life.

I am sure that he will come directly to us.'


Be easy, mamma, you shall see him as far as anything earthly can be promised."


the post goes out at five--you will write by it, won't you?


I have so few hours left--I feel dear, as if I should not recover, though sometimes your father over-persuades me into hoping; you will write directly, won't you?


Don't lose a single post; for just by that very post I may miss him."


Do you mean that he would deny me this last wish, Margaret?


Why, I should not be ill, be dying--if he had not taken me away from Helstone, to this unhealthy, smoky, sunless place."

Why, I should not be ill if he had not taken me away from Helstone, to this unhealthy, smoky place.'


He knows it himself; he has said so many a time.

He knows it; he has said so many a time.


He would do anything for me; you don't mean he would refuse me this last wish--prayer, if you will.

He would do anything for me; he would not refuse me this last wish.


And, indeed, Margaret, the longing to see Frederick stands between me and God.


I cannot pray till I have this one thing; indeed, I cannot.

I cannot pray till I have this one thing.


Then he may be here--here in twenty-two days!


She fell back, and for a short time she took no notice of the fact that Margaret sat motionless, her hand shading her eyes.

She fell back, and for a short time took no notice of Margaret.


"Bring me some pens and paper; I will try and write myself."

'Bring me pens and paper; I will try and write myself.'


She sat up, trembling all over with feverish eagerness.

She sat up, trembling with feverish eagerness.


Margaret took her hand down, and looked at her mother sadly.


"You promised, Margaret, not a quarter of an hour ago,--you said he should come."

'You promised, Margaret - you said he should come.'


"And so he shall, mamma; don't cry, my own dear mother.

'And so he shall; don't cry, my own dear mother.


I'll write here, now--you shall see me write--and it shall go by this very post; and if papa thinks fit he can write again when he comes in--it is only a day's delay.

I'll write here, now - you shall see me write - and it shall go by this very post. If papa thinks fit, he can write again when he comes in; it is only a day's delay.


Oh, mamma, don't cry so pitifully, it cuts me to the heart."

Oh, mamma, don't cry so - it cuts me to the heart.'


Mrs. Hale could not stop her tears; they came hysterically; and, in truth, she made no effort to control them, but rather called up all the pictures of the happy past, and the probable future--painting the scene when she should lie a corpse, with the son she had longed to see in life weeping over her, and she unconscious of his presence--till she was melted by self-pity into a state of sobbing and exhaustion that made Margaret's heart ache.

In truth, Mrs. Hale made no effort to control her tears, but rather called up all the pictures of the happy past, and the sad future - when she might lie a corpse, with her son weeping over her - till she was melted by self-pity into a state of sobbing exhaustion.


But at last she was calm, and greedily watched her daughter, as she began her letter; wrote it with swift urgent entreaty; sealed it up hurriedly, for fear her mother should ask to see it: and then to make security most sure, at Mrs. Hale's own bidding, took it herself to the post-office.

But at last she was calm, and greedily watched her daughter as she wrote the letter, and sealed it up hurriedly.
Margaret took it herself to the post-office.


She was coming home when her father overtook her.


"And where have you been, my pretty maid?"

'And where have you been, my pretty maid?'


"To the post-office--with a letter; a letter to Frederick.

'To the post-office with a letter; a letter to Frederick.


Oh, papa, perhaps I have done wrong: but mamma was seized with such a passionate yearning to see him--she said it would make her well again--and then she said that she must see him before she died--I cannot tell you how urgent she was!

Oh, papa, perhaps I have done wrong: but mamma so longed to see him - she said it would make her well again - and she said that she must see him before she died.


"You should have waited till I came in, Margaret."


"I tried to persuade her--" and then she was silent.


"I don't know," said Mr. Hale, after a pause.


"She ought to see him if she wishes it so much; for I believe it would do her much more good than all the doctor's medicine--and, perhaps, set her up altogether; but the danger to him, I'm afraid, is very great."

She ought to see him if she wishes it so much, for I believe it would do her more good than all the doctor's medicine; but the danger to him, I'm afraid, is very great.'


"All these years since the mutiny, papa?"

'All these years since the mutiny, papa?'


"Yes; it is necessary, of course, for government to take very stringent measures for the repression of offences against authority, more particularly in the navy, where a commanding officer needs to be surrounded in his men's eyes with a vivid consciousness of all the power there is at home to back him, and take up his cause, and avenge any injuries offered to him, if need be.

'Yes; the government must uphold authority in the navy, and avenge any injuries to its officers.


it's no matter to them how far their authorities have tyrannised--galled hasty tempers to madness--or, if that can be any excuse afterwards, it is never allowed for in the first instance; they spare no expense, they send out ships--they scour the seas to lay hold of the offenders--the lapse of years does not wash out the memory of the offence--it is a fresh and vivid crime on the Admiralty books till it is blotted out by blood."

it's no matter to them how far their authorities have tyrannised; they spare no expense, they scour the seas to lay hold of the offenders. The lapse of years does not wash out the memory of the offence. It is a fresh and vivid crime on the Admiralty books till it is blotted out by blood.'


I'm sure Frederick himself, would run the risk."

I'm sure Frederick himself would run the risk.'


Nay, Margaret, I'm glad it is done, though I durst not have done it myself.


I'm thankful it is as it is; I should have hesitated till, perhaps, it might have been too late to do any good.

I would have hesitated myself, till, perhaps, it might have been too late.


Dear Margaret, you have done what is right about it; and the end is beyond our control."

Dear Margaret, you have done what is right; and the end is beyond our control.'


It was all very well; but her father's account of the relentless manner in which mutinies were punished made Margaret shiver and creep.

It was all very well; but her father's words made Margaret shiver.


If she had decoyed her brother home to blot out the memory of his error by his blood!

If she had decoyed her brother home to pay for his error by his blood!


She saw her father's anxiety lap deeper than the source of his latter cheering words.


She took his arm and walked home pensively and wearily by his side.


"The steps of the bearers, heavy and slow, The sobs of the mourners, deep and low."


At the time arranged the previous day, they set out on their walk to see Nicholas Higgins and his daughter.

At the time arranged, they set out on their walk to see Nicholas Higgins and his daughter.


They both were reminded of their recent loss, by a strange kind of shyness in their new habiliments, and in the fact that it was the first time, for many weeks, that they had deliberately gone out together.

They both felt a strange kind of shyness in their mourning clothes, and


They drew very close to each other in unspoken sympathy.

drew close to each other in unspoken sympathy.


Nicholas was sitting by the fire-side in his accustomed corner; but he had not his accustomed pipe.


He was leaning his head upon his hand, his arm resting on his knee.

, leaning his head upon his hand, his arm resting on his knee.


He did not get up when he saw them, though Margaret could read the welcome in his eye.


Fire's welly out," said he, giving it a vigorous poke, as if to turn attention away from himself.

Fire's nearly out,' said he, giving it a vigorous poke, as if to turn attention away from himself.


He was rather disorderly, to be sure, with a black unshaven beard of several days' growth, making his pale face look yet paler, and a jacket which would have been all the better for patching.

He was rather disorderly, to be sure, with several days' black growth of beard making his pale face look yet paler, and a well-worn jacket.


"We thought we should have a good chance of finding you, just after dinner-time," said Margaret.

'We thought we should have a good chance of finding you just after dinner-time,' said Margaret.


"We have had our sorrows too, since we saw you," said Mr. Hale.

'We have had our sorrow too, since we saw you,' said Mr. Hale.


Sorrows is more plentiful than dinners just now; I reckon, my dinner hour stretches all o'er the day; yo're pretty sure of finding me."

Sorrows is more plentiful than dinners just now; and my dinner hour stretches all day long; yo're pretty sure of finding me.'


Then, after a moment's silence, he added, looking up for the first time: "I'm not wanting brass.

Then, after a moment's silence, he added, looking up for the first time: 'I'm not wanting brass.


Bess, poor lass, had a little stock under her pillow, ready to slip into my hand, last moment, and Mary is fustian-cutting.

Bess, poor lass, had a little stock under her pillow ready to give me, and Mary is fustian-cutting.'


"We owe Mary some money," said Mr. Hale, before Margaret's sharp pressure on his arm could arrest the words.

'We owe Mary some money,' said Mr. Hale.


"If hoo takes it, I'll turn her out o' doors.

'If hoo takes it, I'll turn her out o' doors.'


I'll bide inside these four walls, and she'll bide out.


"But we owe her many thanks for her kind service," began Mr. Hale again.

'But we owe her many thanks for her kind service,' began Mr. Hale again.


"I ne'er thanken your daughter theer for her deeds o' love to my poor wench.

'I ne'er thanked your daughter there for her deeds o' love to my poor wench.


I'se have to begin to try now, if yo' start making an ado about what little Mary could sarve yo'."


"Is it because of the strike you're out of work?"

'Is it because of the strike you're out of work?'


I'm out o' work because I ne'er asked for it.


And I ne'er asked for it, because good words is scarce, and bad words is plentiful."

And I ne'er asked for it, because good words is scarce, and bad words is plentiful.'


He was in a mood to take a surly pleasure in giving answers that were like riddles.