It was time it came down when parsons took to swaggering amang soldiers, blazing away wi' bullet and gunpowder, taking the lives of far honester men than themselves."

, when parsons take to swaggering among soldiers, blazing away wi' bullet and gunpowder."


"What would Moore have done if nobody had helped him?"


"Drunk as he'd brewed, eaten as he'd baked."


"Which means you would have left him by himself to face that mob.


He has plenty of courage, but the greatest amount of gallantry that ever garrisoned one human breast could scarce avail against two hundred."

"He has plenty of courage, but even his gallantry alone could scarce avail against two hundred."


"He had the soldiers, those poor slaves who hire out their own blood and spill other folk's for money."

"He had the soldiers, those poor slaves who hire out their own blood and spill other folks' for money."


"You abuse soldiers almost as much as you abuse clergymen.


All who wear red coats are national refuse in your eyes, and all who wear black are national swindlers.


Mr. Moore, according to you, did wrong to get military aid, and he did still worse to accept of any other aid.


Your way of talking amounts to this: he should have abandoned his mill and his life to the rage of a set of misguided madmen, and Mr. Helstone and every other gentleman in the parish should have looked on, and seen the building razed and its owner slaughtered, and never stirred a finger to save either."

Your way of talking amounts to this: Mr. Moore should have abandoned his mill and his life to the rage of misguided madmen, and Mr. Helstone and every other gentleman should have looked on, and seen the building razed and its owner slaughtered, and never stirred a finger."


"If Moore had behaved to his men from the beginning as a master ought to behave, they never would have entertained their present feelings towards him."

"If Moore had behaved to his men from the beginning as a master ought to behave, they wouldn't have their present feelings towards him."


"Easy for you to talk," exclaimed Miss Keeldar, who was beginning to wax warm in her tenant's cause--"you, whose family have lived at Briarmains for six generations, to whose person the people have been accustomed for fifty years, who know all their ways, prejudices, and preferences--easy, indeed, for _you_ to act so as to avoid offending them.

"Easy for you to talk," exclaimed Miss Keeldar warmly, "you, whose family have lived at Briarmains for six generations, who knows all the people's ways and prejudices - easy, indeed, for you to avoid offending them.


But Mr. Moore came a stranger into the district; he came here poor and friendless, with nothing but his own energies to back him, nothing but his honour, his talent, and his industry to make his way for him.

But Mr. Moore came a stranger into the district, poor and friendless, with nothing but his own energies and talent to back him.


A monstrous crime indeed that, under such circumstances, he could not popularize his naturally grave, quiet manners all at once; could not be jocular, and free, and cordial with a strange peasantry, as you are with your fellow-townsmen!

A monstrous crime indeed that he could not become popular all at once; could not be jocular and free with strangers!


An unpardonable transgression that when he introduced improvements he did not go about the business in quite the most politic way, did not graduate his changes as delicately as a rich capitalist might have done!

Unpardonable that he did not introduce improvements as gradually as a rich capitalist might have done!


For errors of this sort is he to be the victim of mob outrage?

For these errors is he to be the victim of mob outrage?


Is he to be denied even the privilege of defending himself?

Is he to be denied the privilege of defending himself?


Are those who have the hearts of men in their breasts (and Mr. Helstone, say what you will of him, has such a heart) to be reviled like malefactors because they stand by him, because they venture to espouse the cause of one against two hundred?"

Are brave men to be reviled because they stand by him, and support the cause of one against two hundred?"


"Come, come now, be cool," said Mr. Yorke, smiling at the earnestness with which Shirley multiplied her rapid questions.

"Come now, be cool," said Mr. Yorke, smiling at Shirley's earnestness.


Must I listen coolly to downright nonsense--to dangerous nonsense?

Must I listen coolly to dangerous nonsense?


I like you very well, Mr. Yorke, as you know, but I thoroughly dislike some of your principles.

I like you very well, Mr. Yorke, but I thoroughly dislike some of your principles.


All that cant--excuse me, but I repeat the word--all that _cant_ about soldiers and parsons is most offensive in my ears.

All that cant about soldiers and parsons is most offensive in my ears.


All ridiculous, irrational crying up of one class, whether the same be aristocrat or democrat--all howling down of another class, whether clerical or military--all exacting injustice to individuals, whether monarch or mendicant--is really sickening to me; all arraying of ranks against ranks, all party hatreds, all tyrannies disguised as liberties, I reject and wash my hands of.

All irrational crying up of one class, and howling down of another class, is really sickening to me; all arraying of ranks against ranks, all party hatreds, I reject.


_You_ think you are a philanthropist; _you_ think you are an advocate of liberty; but I will tell you this--Mr. Hall, the parson of Nunnely, is a better friend both of man and freedom than Hiram Yorke, the reformer of Briarfield."

You think you are a philanthropist; you think you are an advocate of liberty; but I will tell you this - Mr. Hall is a better friend both of man and freedom than Hiram Yorke."


From a man Mr. Yorke would not have borne this language very patiently, nor would he have endured it from some women; but he accounted Shirley both honest and pretty, and her plain-spoken ire amused him.

From a man Mr. Yorke would not have borne this language patiently, nor would he have endured it from some women; but he thought Shirley both honest and pretty, and her plain-spoken ire amused him.


Besides, he took a secret pleasure in hearing her defend her tenant, for we have already intimated he had Robert Moore's interest very much at heart.

Besides, he took a secret pleasure in hearing her defend her tenant, for he had Robert Moore's interest at heart.


Moreover, if he wished to avenge himself for her severity, he knew the means lay in his power: a word, he believed, would suffice to tame and silence her, to cover her frank forehead with the rosy shadow of shame, and veil the glow of her eye under down-drooped lid and lash.

If he wished to revenge himself for her severity, he knew how: a word, he believed, would tame and silence her, would cover her with the rosy shadow of shame, and make her drop her gaze.


he inquired, as she paused, rather, it appeared, to take breath than because her subject or her zeal was exhausted.


was the answer, the speaker meantime walking fast from wall to wall of the oak parlour--"say?


I have a great deal to say, if I could get it out in lucid order, which I never _can_ do.

I have a great deal to say, if I could get it out in lucid order, which I never can do.


I have to say that your views, and those of most extreme politicians, are such as none but men in an irresponsible position _can_ advocate; that they are purely opposition views, meant only to be talked about, and never intended to be acted on.

I believe your views, and those of most extreme politicians, are purely opposition views, meant only to be talked about, and never intended to be acted on.


Make you Prime Minister of England to-morrow, and you would have to abandon them.


Had you been in Moore's place you could not with honour or sense have acted otherwise than he acted.

Had you been in Moore's place you could not have acted otherwise than he acted.


You abuse Mr. Helstone for everything he does.


Mr. Helstone has his faults; he sometimes does wrong, but oftener right.


Were you ordained vicar of Briarfield, you would find it no easy task to sustain all the active schemes for the benefit of the parish planned and persevered in by your predecessor.

If you were vicar of Briarfield, you would find it no easy task to sustain all the schemes for the benefit of the parish.


I wonder people cannot judge more fairly of each other and themselves.


When I hear Messrs. Malone and Donne chatter about the authority of the church, the dignity and claims of the priesthood, the deference due to them as clergymen; when I hear the outbreaks of their small spite against Dissenters; when I witness their silly, narrow jealousies and assumptions; when their palaver about forms, and traditions, and superstitions is sounding in my ear; when I behold their insolent carriage to the poor, their often base servility to the rich--I think the Establishment is indeed in a poor way, and both she and her sons appear in the utmost need of reformation.

When I hear Messrs. Malone and Donne chatter about the authority of the church and the deference due to them as clergymen; when I hear their spite against Dissenters; when I behold their insolent manner to the poor - I think the Establishment is indeed in a poor way, and needs reforming.


Turning away distressed from minster tower and village spire--ay, as distressed as a churchwarden who feels the exigence of white-wash and has not wherewithal to purchase lime--I recall your senseless sarcasms on the 'fat bishops,' the 'pampered parsons,' 'old mother church,' etc.


I remember your strictures on all who differ from you, your sweeping condemnation of classes and individuals, without the slightest allowance made for circumstances or temptations; and then, Mr. Yorke, doubt clutches my inmost heart as to whether men exist clement, reasonable, and just enough to be entrusted with the task of reform.

I remember your strictures on all who differ from you, your sweeping condemnation of classes and individuals, without the slightest allowance made for circumstance; and then, Mr. Yorke, I doubt whether men exist who are reasonable and just enough to be entrusted with the task of reform.


I don't believe _you_ are of the number."


"You have an ill opinion of me, Miss Shirley.


You never told me so much of your mind before."


But I have sat on Jessy's stool by your chair in the back-parlour at Briarmains, for evenings together, listening excitedly to your talk, half admiring what you said, and half rebelling against it.

But I have sat in the back-parlour at Briarmains for evenings together, listening to your talk, half admiring what you said, and half rebelling against it.


I think you a fine old Yorkshireman, sir.


I am proud to have been born in the same county and parish as yourself.

I am proud to have been born in the same county as yourself.


Truthful, upright, independent you are, as a rock based below seas; but also you are harsh, rude, narrow, and merciless."

Truthful, upright, independent you are; but also you are harsh, rude, narrow, and merciless."


"Not to the poor, lass, nor to the meek of the earth; only to the proud and high-minded."

"Not to the poor, lass; only to the proud and high-minded."


"And what right have you, sir, to make such distinctions?


A prouder, a higher-minded man than yourself does not exist.


You find it easy to speak comfortably to your inferiors; you are too haughty, too ambitious, too jealous to be civil to those above you.


Moore, though juster and more considerate than either you or the rector, is still haughty, stern, and, in a public sense, selfish.

Moore, though juster than either you or the rector, is still haughty and stern.


It is well there are such men as Mr. Hall to be found occasionally--men of large and kind hearts, who can love their whole race, who can forgive others for being richer, more prosperous, or more powerful than they are.

It is well there are such men as Mr. Hall - men of large hearts, who can love their whole race, who can forgive others for being richer or more powerful than they are.


Such men may have less originality, less force of character than you, but they are better friends to mankind."

Such men may have less force of character than you, but they are better friends to mankind."


"Only that of Robert Grard Moore, Esq., of Hollow's Cottage, with Miss Keeldar, daughter and heiress of the late Charles Cave Keeldar of Fieldhead Hall."

"Only that of Robert Grard Moore, Esq., of Hollow's Cottage, with Miss Keeldar, heiress of Fieldhead Hall."


Shirley gazed at the questioner with rising colour.


But the light in her eye was not faltering; it shone steadily--yes, it burned deeply.

But the light in her eye was not faltering; it shone steadily.


"That is your revenge," she said slowly; then added, "Would it be a bad match, unworthy of the late Charles Cave Keeldar's representative?"

"That is your revenge," she said slowly; then added, "Would it be a bad match, unworthy of my family?"


"My lass, Moore is a gentleman; his blood is pure and ancient as mine or thine."


We have family pride, though one of us at least is a republican?"


His lips were mute, but his eye confessed the impeachment.


Yes, he had family pride; you saw it in his whole bearing.


"Moore _is_ a gentleman," echoed Shirley, lifting her head with glad grace.

"Moore is a gentleman," echoed Shirley, lifting her head with glad grace.


She would not give them utterance; but her look spoke much at the moment.

She would not give them utterance; but her look spoke much.


What, Yorke tried to read, but could not.


The language was there, visible, but untranslatable--a poem, a fervid lyric, in an unknown tongue.


It was not a plain story, however, no simple gush of feeling, no ordinary love-confession--that was obvious.

It was not a plain story, however, no simple gush of feeling, no ordinary love-confession - that was obvious.


It was something other, deeper, more intricate than he guessed at.

It was something deeper, more intricate than he guessed at.


He felt his revenge had not struck home.


She held him at fault, baffled, puzzled.


"And if Moore _is_ a gentleman, you _can_ be only a lady; therefore----"

"And if Moore is a gentleman, you can be only a lady-"


"Therefore there would be no inequality in our union."

"So there would be no inequality in our union."


Will you give me away when I relinquish the name of Keeldar for that of Moore?"


Mr. Yorke, instead of replying, gazed at her much puzzled.


He could not divine what her look signified--whether she spoke in earnest or in jest.

He could not tell whether she spoke in earnest or jest.


There were purpose and feeling, banter and scoff, playing, mingled, on her mobile lineaments.


"I don't understand thee," he said, turning away.


"Take courage, sir; you are not singular in your ignorance.

"Take courage, sir; you are not the only one."


But I suppose if Moore understands me that will do, will it not?"


"Moore may settle his own matters henceforward for me; I'll neither meddle nor make with them further."

"Moore may settle his own matters; I'll not meddle with them further."


With a sudden darkening of the eye and austere fixing of the features she demanded, "Have you been asked to interfere?

With a sudden austere darkening of the eye she demanded, "Have you been asked to interfere?


Are you questioning me as another's proxy?"


Keep all your questions for Robert; I'll answer no more on 'em.

Keep all your questions for Robert; I'll answer no more.


The day being fine, or at least fair--for soft clouds curtained the sun, and a dim but not chill or waterish haze slept blue on the hills--Caroline, while Shirley was engaged with her callers, had persuaded Mrs. Pryor to assume her bonnet and summer shawl, and to take a walk with her up towards the narrow end of the Hollow.

While Shirley was engaged with her callers, Caroline had persuaded Mrs. Pryor to put on her shawl, and take a walk with her up towards the end of the Hollow.


Here the opposing sides of the glen, approaching each other and becoming clothed with brushwood and stunted oaks, formed a wooded ravine, at the bottom of which ran the mill-stream, in broken, unquiet course, struggling with many stones, chafing against rugged banks, fretting with gnarled tree-roots, foaming, gurgling, battling as it went.

Here the opposing sides of the glen, clothed with brushwood and stunted oaks, formed a wooded ravine, at the bottom of which ran the mill-stream, struggling with many stones and tree-roots, foaming, gurgling, battling as it went.


Here, when you had wandered half a mile from the mill, you found a sense of deep solitude--found it in the shade of unmolested trees, received it in the singing of many birds, for which that shade made a home.

Half a mile from the mill, you found deep solitude.


The freshness of the wood flowers attested that foot of man seldom pressed them; the abounding wild roses looked as if they budded, bloomed, and faded under the watch of solitude, as if in a sultan's harem.

The wood flowers were fresh underfoot: wild roses bloomed abundantly.


Here you saw the sweet azure of blue-bells, and recognized in pearl-white blossoms, spangling the grass, a humble type of some starlit spot in space.

The sweet azure of blue-bells and pearl-white blossoms spangled the grass.


She ever shunned high-roads, and sought byways and lonely lanes.

She shunned high-roads, and sought lonely lanes.


One companion she preferred to total solitude, for in solitude she was nervous; a vague fear of annoying encounters broke the enjoyment of quite lonely rambles.


When once she got away from human habitations, and entered the still demesne of nature accompanied by this one youthful friend, a propitious change seemed to steal over her mind and beam in her countenance.

When once she got away from human habitations, and entered the still demesne of nature with her young friend, a change seemed to come over her.


When with Caroline--and Caroline only--her heart, you would have said, shook off a burden, her brow put aside a veil, her spirits too escaped from a restraint.

When with Caroline, her heart, you would have said, shook off a burden, her brow put aside a veil.


With her she was cheerful; with her, at times, she was tender; to her she would impart her knowledge, reveal glimpses of her experience, give her opportunities for guessing what life she had lived, what cultivation her mind had received, of what calibre was her intelligence, how and where her feelings were vulnerable.

With her she was cheerful, even tender; to her she would reveal glimpses of her experience and learning, give her opportunities for guessing what life she had lived, and where her feelings were vulnerable.


To-day, for instance, as they walked along, Mrs. Pryor talked to her companion about the various birds singing in the trees, discriminated their species, and said something about their habits and peculiarities.

Today, for instance, as they walked along, Mrs. Pryor talked about the various birds singing in the trees, and described their species and habits.


English natural history seemed familiar to her.


All the wild flowers round their path were recognized by her; tiny plants springing near stones and peeping out of chinks in old walls--plants such as Caroline had scarcely noticed before--received a name and an intimation of their properties.

She recognised all the wild flowers, even tiny plants peeping out of chinks in old walls - plants such as Caroline had scarcely noticed before


It appeared that she had minutely studied the botany of English fields and woods.


Having reached the head of the ravine, they sat down together on a ledge of gray and mossy rock jutting from the base of a steep green hill which towered above them.

At the head of the ravine, they sat down together on a ledge of mossy rock.


She looked round her, and spoke of the neighbourhood as she had once before seen it long ago.

Mrs. Pryor looked round, and spoke of the neighbourhood as she had once seen it long ago.


She alluded to its changes, and compared its aspect with that of other parts of England, revealing in quiet, unconscious touches of description a sense of the picturesque, an appreciation of the beautiful or commonplace, a power of comparing the wild with the cultured, the grand with the tame, that gave to her discourse a graphic charm as pleasant as it was unpretending.

She described its changes, comparing it to other parts of England with a sense of the picturesque, and an appreciation of the beautiful and commonplace, that gave her discourse a charm as pleasant as it was unpretending.


The sort of reverent pleasure with which Caroline listened--so sincere, so quiet, yet so evident--stirred the elder lady's faculties to gentle animation.

The sincere pleasure with which Caroline listened animated the elder lady.


Rarely, probably, had she, with her chill, repellent outside, her diffident mien, and incommunicative habits, known what it was to excite in one whom she herself could love feelings of earnest affection and admiring esteem.

With her chill, diffident manner, and incommunicative habits, she had seldom known what it was to stir affection in another.


Delightful, doubtless, was the consciousness that a young girl towards whom it seemed, judging by the moved expression of her eyes and features, her heart turned with almost a fond impulse, looked up to her as an instructor, and clung to her as a friend.

It seemed that her heart was moved with a fond impulse towards Caroline, who looked up to her as an instructor, and clung to her as a friend.


With a somewhat more marked accent of interest than she often permitted herself to use, she said, as she bent towards her youthful companion, and put aside from her forehead a pale brown curl which had strayed from the confining comb, "I do hope this sweet air blowing from the hill will do you good, my dear Caroline.

With more marked interest than usual, she said, as she put aside from Caroline's forehead a straying curl, "I do hope this sweet breeze will do you good, my dear Caroline.


I wish I could see something more of colour in these cheeks; but perhaps you were never florid?"

I wish I could see more colour in these cheeks; but perhaps you were never florid?"


"I had red cheeks once," returned Miss Helstone, smiling.


"I remember a year--two years ago--when I used to look in the glass, I saw a different face there to what I see now--rounder and rosier.

"A year - two years ago - when I used to look in the glass, I saw a rounder, rosier face.


But when we are young," added the girl of eighteen, "our minds are careless and our lives easy."


"Do you," continued Mrs. Pryor, mastering by an effort that tyrant timidity which made it difficult for her, even under present circumstances, to attempt the scrutiny of another's heart--"do you, at your age, fret yourself with cares for the future?

"Do you," continued Mrs. Pryor, mastering her timidity with an effort, "do you fret over cares for the future?


Let the morrow take thought for the things of itself."


The evil of the day is sometimes oppressive--too oppressive--and I long to escape it."

The evil of the day is sometimes oppressive, and I long to escape it."


"That is--the evil of the day--that is--your uncle perhaps is not--you find it difficult to understand--he does not appreciate----"

"The evil of the day - that is - your uncle perhaps is not - he does not appreciate-"


Mrs. Pryor could not complete her broken sentences; she could not manage to put the question whether Mr. Helstone was too harsh with his niece.

Mrs. Pryor could not complete her broken sentences; she could not ask whether Mr. Helstone was too harsh with his niece.


my uncle and I get on very well," she replied.


We never quarrel--I don't call him harsh--he never scolds me.


Sometimes I wish somebody in the world loved me, but I cannot say that I particularly wish him to have more affection for me than he has.

Sometimes I wish somebody in the world loved me, but I cannot say that I particularly wish him to have more affection for me.


As a child, I should perhaps have felt the want of attention, only the servants were very kind to me; but when people are long indifferent to us, we grow indifferent to their indifference.

As a child, I should perhaps have felt the lack of attention, only the servants were very kind to me; but when people are long indifferent to us, we grow indifferent to their indifference.


It is my uncle's way not to care for women and girls, unless they be ladies that he meets in company.

My uncle does not care for women and girls, apart from ladies that he meets in company.


He could not alter, and I have no wish that he should alter, as far as I am concerned.


I believe it would merely annoy and frighten me were he to be affectionate towards me now.

It would merely annoy and frighten me were he to be affectionate towards me now.


But you know, Mrs. Pryor, it is scarcely _living_ to measure time as I do at the rectory.

But you know, Mrs. Pryor, it is scarcely living to measure time as I do at the rectory.


The hours pass, and I get them over somehow, but I do not _live_.

The hours pass, and I get through them somehow, but I do not live.


I endure existence, but I rarely enjoy it.


Since Miss Keeldar and you came I have been--I was going to say happier, but that would be untrue."

Since Miss Keeldar and you came I have been - I was going to say happier, but that would be untrue."


You are fond of Miss Keeldar, are you not, my dear?"


For a reason I cannot explain I want to go away from this place, and to forget it."

For a reason I cannot explain I want to go away from this place."


"You told me before you wished to be a governess; but, my dear, if you remember, I did not encourage the idea.

"You told me before, you wished to be a governess; but, my dear, if you remember, I did not encourage the idea.


I have been a governess myself great part of my life.

I have been a governess myself for much of my life.


In Miss Keeldar's acquaintance I esteem myself most fortunate.


Her talents and her really sweet disposition have rendered my office easy to me; but when I was young, before I married, my trials were severe, poignant.

talents and her sweet disposition have made my position easy; but when I was young, before I married, my trials were severe.


I should not like a---- I should not like you to endure similar ones.

I should not like you to endure similar trials.


It was my lot to enter a family of considerable pretensions to good birth and mental superiority, and the members of which also believed that 'on them was perceptible' an unusual endowment of the 'Christian graces;' that all their hearts were regenerate, and their spirits in a peculiar state of discipline.

I worked for a family of good birth, whose members believed that they were unusually good Christians; that all their hearts were reborn, and their spirits perfectly disciplined.


I was early given to understand that 'as I was not their equal,' so I could not expect 'to have their sympathy.'

I was early given to understand that 'as I was not their equal,' so I could not expect to have their sympathy.


It was in no sort concealed from me that I was held a 'burden and a restraint in society.'


The gentlemen, I found, regarded me as a 'tabooed woman,' to whom 'they were interdicted from granting the usual privileges of the sex,' and yet 'who annoyed them by frequently crossing their path.'

The gentlemen, I found, regarded me as a 'tabooed woman,' who annoyed them by crossing their path.


The ladies too made it plain that they thought me 'a bore.'

The ladies made it plain that they thought me 'a bore


The servants, it was signified, 'detested me;' _why_, I could never clearly comprehend.

,' and the servants, I was told, 'detested me;' why, I could never clearly comprehend.


My pupils, I was told, 'however much they might love me, and how deep soever the interest I might take in them, could not be my friends.'

My pupils, I was informed, 'however much they might love me, could not be my friends.'


It was intimated that I must 'live alone, and never transgress the invisible but rigid line which established the difference between me and my employers.'

It was made clear that I must never cross the invisible but rigid line which separated me from my employers.'


My life in this house was sedentary, solitary, constrained, joyless, toilsome.

My life was solitary, joyless, toilsome.


The dreadful crushing of the animal spirits, the ever-prevailing sense of friendlessness and homelessness consequent on this state of things began ere long to produce mortal effects on my constitution.

The sense of friendlessness and homelessness it caused began to affect my health.


The lady of the house told me coolly I was the victim of 'wounded vanity.'

The lady of the house told me coolly I was the victim of wounded vanity.


She hinted that if I did not make an effort to quell my 'ungodly discontent,' to cease 'murmuring against God's appointment,' and to cultivate the profound humility befitting my station, my mind would very likely 'go to pieces' on the rock that wrecked most of my sisterhood--morbid self-esteem--and that I should die an inmate of a lunatic asylum.

She hinted that if I did not make an effort to quell my 'ungodly discontent,' and to cultivate the humility befitting my station, I would very likely 'go to pieces', and die an inmate of a lunatic asylum.


"I said nothing to Mrs. Hardman--it would have been useless; but to her eldest daughter I one day dropped a few observations, which were answered thus.

"I said nothing to Mrs. Hardman - it would have been useless; but her eldest daughter,


There were hardships, she allowed, in the position of a governess.

visiting my bedside, allowed that there were hardships in the position of a governess.


'Doubtless they had their trials; but,' she averred, with a manner it makes me smile now to recall--'but it must be so.


_She_' (Miss H.) 'had neither view, hope, nor _wish_ to see these things remedied; for in the inherent constitution of English habits, feelings, and prejudices there was no possibility that they should be.

However, these things, she said, were as they must be.


Governesses,' she observed, 'must ever be kept in a sort of isolation.

'Governesses,' she observed, 'must ever be kept in isolation


It is the only means of maintaining that distance which the reserve of English manners and the decorum of English families exact.'

, to maintain that distance which decorum requires.'


"I remember I sighed as Miss Hardman quitted my bedside.


She caught the sound, and turning, said severely, 'I fear, Miss Grey, you have inherited in fullest measure the worst sin of our fallen nature--the sin of pride.

Miss Hardman said severely, 'I fear, Miss Grey, you have inherited the sin of pride, and


You are proud, and therefore you are ungrateful too.


Mamma pays you a handsome salary, and if you had average sense you would thankfully put up with much that is fatiguing to do and irksome to bear, since it is so well made worth your while.'

Mamma pays you a handsome salary, and if you had sense you would thankfully put up with much that is fatiguing and irksome, since it is made well worth your while.'


"Miss Hardman, my love, was a very strong-minded young lady, of most distinguished talents.


The aristocracy are decidedly a very superior class, you know, both physically, and morally, and mentally; as a high Tory I acknowledge that.

The aristocracy are decidedly a very superior class, you know; as a high Tory I acknowledge that.


I could not describe the dignity of her voice and mien as she addressed me thus; still, I fear she was selfish, my dear.

She was most dignified as she addressed me thus; still, I fear she was


I would never wish to speak ill of my superiors in rank, but I think she was a little selfish."


"I remember," continued Mrs. Pryor, after a pause, "another of Miss H.'s observations, which she would utter with quite a grand air.


'WE,' she would say--'WE need the imprudences, extravagances, mistakes, and crimes of a certain number of fathers to sow the seed from which WE reap the harvest of governesses.

She would say: 'We need the imprudences, mistakes, and crimes of a certain number of fathers to sow the seed from which we reap the harvest of governesses.


The daughters of trades-people, however well educated, must necessarily be underbred, and as such unfit to be inmates of OUR dwellings, or guardians of OUR children's minds and persons.

The daughters of trades-people, however well educated, must necessarily be underbred, and unfit to be guardians of our children.


WE shall ever prefer to place those about OUR offspring who have been born and bred with somewhat of the same refinement as OURSELVES.'"

We shall ever prefer to place about our offspring those who have been born and bred with somewhat of the same refinement as ourselves.'"


"Miss Hardman must have thought herself something better than her fellow-creatures, ma'am, since she held that their calamities, and even crimes, were necessary to minister to her convenience.

"Miss Hardman must have thought herself something better than her fellow-creatures, ma'am," said Caroline, "since she held that their calamities, and even crimes, were necessary to minister to her convenience.


Her religion must have been that of the Pharisee who thanked God that he was not as other men are, nor even as that publican."

Her religion must have been that of the Pharisee who thanked God that he was not as other men are."


"My dear, we will not discuss the point.


I should be the last person to wish to instil into your mind any feeling of dissatisfaction with your lot in life, or any sentiment of envy or insubordination towards your superiors.

I should be the last person to wish to make you dissatisfied with your lot in life.


Implicit submission to authorities, scrupulous deference to our betters (under which term I, of course, include the higher classes of society), are, in my opinion, indispensable to the well-being of every community.

Submission to authorities, scrupulous deference to our betters are, in my opinion, indispensable to the well-being of every community.


All I mean to say, my dear, is that you had better not attempt to be a governess, as the duties of the position would be too severe for your constitution.

All I mean to say, my dear, is that you had better not attempt to be a governess, as the duties would be too severe for you.


Not one word of disrespect would I breathe towards either Mrs. or Miss Hardman; only, recalling my own experience, I cannot but feel that, were you to fall under auspices such as theirs, you would contend a while courageously with your doom, then you would pine and grow too weak for your work; you would come home--if you still had a home--broken down.

Not one word of disrespect would I breathe towards the Hardmans; only I feel that, were you to live with such a family, you would contend a while courageously, then you would pine and grow too weak for your work; you would come home - if you still had a home - broken down.


Those languishing years would follow of which none but the invalid and her immediate friends feel the heart-sickness and know the burden.


Consumption or decline would close the chapter.


My dear, we will now walk about a little, if you please."


They both rose, and slowly paced a green natural terrace bordering the chasm.

They both rose, and paced a green terrace bordering the chasm.


"My dear," ere long again began Mrs. Pryor, a sort of timid, embarrassed abruptness marking her manner as she spoke, "the young, especially those to whom nature has been favourable, often--frequently--anticipate--look forward to--to marriage as the end, the goal of their hopes."

"My dear," again began Mrs. Pryor, with a timid, embarrassed abruptness, "the young often - frequently - anticipate - look forward to - to marriage as the goal of their hopes."


Caroline came to her relief with promptitude, showing a great deal more self-possession and courage than herself on the formidable topic now broached.

Caroline came promptly to her relief with self-possession and courage.


"They do, and naturally," she replied, with a calm emphasis that startled Mrs. Pryor.

"They do, and naturally," she replied with calmness.


"They look forward to marriage with some one they love as the brightest, the only bright destiny that can await them.

"They look forward to marriage with someone they love as the brightest destiny that can await them.


exclaimed Mrs. Pryor, clasping her hands; and again she paused.


Caroline turned a searching, an eager eye on the face of her friend: that face was much agitated.

Caroline turned a searching eye on her agitated face.


"My dear," she murmured, "life is an illusion."


Love is real--the most real, the most lasting, the sweetest and yet the bitterest thing we know."

"Love is the most real, the most lasting, the sweetest and yet the bitterest thing we know."


It is said to be strong--strong as death!

It is said to be strong - strong as death!


Most of the cheats of existence are strong.


As to their sweetness, nothing is so transitory; its date is a moment, the twinkling of an eye.

As to the sweetness, nothing is so fleeting; but its


It may perish with the dawn of eternity, but it tortures through time into its deepest night."

It tortures through time into its deepest night."


"Yes, it tortures through time," agreed Caroline, "except when it is mutual love."


My dear, romantic novels are pernicious.


"Sometimes--whenever I can get them, indeed.

"Sometimes - whenever I can get them, indeed.


But romance-writers might know nothing of love, judging by the way in which they treat of it."


"Nothing whatever, my dear," assented Mrs. Pryor eagerly, "nor of marriage; and the false pictures they give of those subjects cannot be too strongly condemned.


They show you only the green, tempting surface of the marsh, and give not one faithful or truthful hint of the slough underneath."

They show you only the green, tempting surface of the marsh, and give not one truthful hint of the slough underneath."


"But it is not always slough," objected Caroline.


Where affection is reciprocal and sincere, and minds are harmonious, marriage _must_ be happy."

Where affection is shared and sincere, and minds are harmonious, marriage must be happy."


Two people can never literally be as one.


There is, perhaps, a possibility of content under peculiar circumstances, such as are seldom combined; but it is as well not to run the risk--you may make fatal mistakes.

There is, perhaps, a possibility of contentment under some rare circumstances; but it is as well not to risk


Let all the single be satisfied with their freedom."

Let the single be satisfied with their freedom."


exclaimed Caroline, in a tone of dismay.


"You speak like Mrs. Yorke in her most gloomy moments, like Miss Mann when she is most sourly and hypochondriacally disposed.

"You speak like Mrs. Yorke in her gloomy moments, like Miss Mann at her most sour.


O child, you have only lived the pleasant morning time of life; the hot, weary noon, the sad evening, the sunless night, are yet to come for you.

O child, you have only lived the pleasant morning of life; the hot, weary noon, the sad evening, the sunless night, are yet to come for you.


Mr. Helstone, you say, talks as I talk; and I wonder how Mrs. Matthewson Helstone would have talked had she been living.

Mr. Helstone, you say, talks as I talk; and I wonder how his wife would have talked had she been living!"


my own mother and father----" exclaimed Caroline, struck by a sombre recollection.

my own mother and father-" exclaimed Caroline.


"Did I never tell you that they were separated?"


"They must, then, have been very miserable."


"You see all _facts_ go to prove what I say."

"You see all facts go to prove what I say."


"In this case there ought to be no such thing as marriage."


"There ought, my dear, were it only to prove that this life is a mere state of probation, wherein neither rest nor recompense is to be vouchsafed."

"There ought, my dear, if only to prove that in this life there is neither rest nor recompense."


Mrs. Pryor shrank and shuddered as if a rude finger had pressed a naked nerve.

Mrs. Pryor shrank and shuddered as if she had pressed a naked nerve.


Caroline felt she had touched what would not bear the slightest contact.


"My marriage was unhappy," said the lady, summoning courage at last; "but yet----" She hesitated.

"My marriage was unhappy," said she, summoning courage at last; "but yet-" She hesitated.


"But yet," suggested Caroline, "not immitigably wretched?"

"But yet," suggested Caroline, "not entirely wretched?"


No," she added, in a softer tone; "God mingles something of the balm of mercy even in vials of the most corrosive woe.

No," she added, in a softer tone; "God mingles the balm of mercy with the most corrosive woe.


He can so turn events that from the very same blind, rash act whence sprang the curse of half our life may flow the blessing of the remainder.


Then I am of a peculiar disposition--I own that--far from facile, without address, in some points eccentric.

I confess I am of a peculiar disposition - in some points eccentric.


Mine is not the nature easily to find a duplicate or likely to assimilate with a contrast.


I was quite aware of my own ineligibility; and if I had not been so miserable as a governess, I never should have married; and then----"

I was quite aware of it; and if I had not been so miserable as a governess, I never should have married; and then


They entreated her to break the thick cloud of despair which her previous words had seemed to spread over life.


"And then, my dear, Mr.--that is, the gentleman I married--was, perhaps, rather an exceptional than an average character.

- and then, my dear, the gentleman I married was, perhaps, an exceptional character.


I hope, at least, the experience of few has been such as mine was, or that few have felt their sufferings as I felt mine.

I hope, at least, that few have had such an experience as mine was, or have felt my sufferings.


They nearly shook my mind; relief was so hopeless, redress so unattainable.


But, my dear, I do not wish to dishearten; I only wish to warn you, and to prove that the single should not be too anxious to change their state, as they may change for the worse."

But, my dear, I do not wish to dishearten; I only wish to warn you that the single should not be too anxious to change their state, as they may change for the worse."


I quite understand your kind intentions, but there is no fear of my falling into the error to which you allude.


I, at least, have no thoughts of marriage, and for that reason I want to make myself a position by some other means."

I have no thoughts of marriage, and for that reason I want to support myself by some other means."


On what I am going to say I have carefully deliberated, having, indeed, revolved the subject in my thoughts ever since you first mentioned your wish to obtain a situation.

I have revolved this subject in my thoughts ever since you first mentioned your wish to obtain a situation.


You know I at present reside with Miss Keeldar in the capacity of companion.

You know I reside with Miss Keeldar as her companion.


Should she marry (and that she _will_ marry ere long many circumstances induce me to conclude), I shall cease to be necessary to her in that capacity.

Should she marry (and I believe that she will before long), I shall cease to be necessary to her in that capacity.


I must tell you that I possess a small independency, arising partly from my own savings, and partly from a legacy left me some years since.


Whenever I leave Fieldhead I shall take a house of my own.

When I leave Fieldhead I shall take a house of my own.


I have no relations whom I care to invite to close intimacy; for, as you must have observed, and as I have already avowed, my habits and tastes have their peculiarities.

, but I have no relations whom I care to invite to close intimacy. As you must have observed, my habits and tastes have their peculiarities.


To you, my dear, I need not say I am attached; with you I am happier than I have ever been with any living thing" (this was said with marked emphasis).

But with you, my dear, I am happier than I have ever been with any living thing.


"Your society I should esteem a very dear privilege--an inestimable privilege, a comfort, a blessing.

I should esteem it a great privilege - a comfort, a blessing - if you would come to me then.


And with these two abrupt questions she stopped.


"Indeed, I _do_ love you," was the reply.


"All I have," went on Mrs. Pryor, "I would leave to you.


"But, my dear madam--this generosity--I have no claim----"

"But, my dear madam - this generosity - I have no claim-"


There are some things we cannot bear to hear.


it is late to begin, but I may yet live a few years.


I can never wipe out the past, but perhaps a brief space in the future may yet be mine."


Large tears trembled in her eyes and rolled down her cheeks.


Caroline kissed her, in her gentle, caressing way, saying softly, "I love you dearly.

Caroline kissed her gently, saying, "I love you dearly.


But the lady's whole frame seemed shaken.


She sat down, bent her head to her knee, and wept aloud.


Nothing could console her till the inward storm had had its way.


she murmured, returning Caroline's kiss, "poor lonely lamb!

she murmured, returning Caroline's kiss.


But come," she added abruptly--"come; we must go home."


For a short distance Mrs. Pryor walked very fast.


By degrees, however, she calmed down to her wonted manner, fell into her usual characteristic pace--a peculiar one, like all her movements--and by the time they reached Fieldhead she had re-entered into herself.

By degrees, however, she grew calm and fell into her normal pace; and by the time they reached Fieldhead she had re-entered into herself,


The outside was, as usual, still and shy.


One fine summer day that Caroline had spent entirely alone (her uncle being at Whinbury), and whose long, bright, noiseless, breezeless, cloudless hours (how many they seemed since sunrise!)

One fine summer day that Caroline had spent entirely alone (her uncle being at Whinbury), and whose long, bright, cloudless hours


had been to her as desolate as if they had gone over her head in the shadowless and trackless wastes of Sahara, instead of in the blooming garden of an English home, she was sitting in the alcove--her task of work on her knee, her fingers assiduously plying the needle, her eyes following and regulating their movements, her brain working restlessly--when Fanny came to the door, looked round over the lawn and borders, and not seeing her whom she sought, called out, "Miss Caroline!"

had been to her as desolate as if they had been spent in the shadowless wastes of the Sahara, she was sitting in the alcove, sewing, her brain working restlessly - when Fanny came to the door and called, "Miss Caroline!"


It issued from the alcove, and thither Fanny hastened, a note in her hand, which she delivered to fingers that hardly seemed to have nerve to hold it.

, Fanny hastened over, a note in her hand.


Miss Helstone did not ask whence it came, and she did not look at it; she let it drop amongst the folds of her work.

Miss Helstone did not ask whence it came, and she did not even look at it; she let it drop amongst the folds of her work.


"Joe Scott's son, Harry, brought it," said Fanny.

"Joe Scott's son brought it from the Hollow," said Fanny.


The girl was no enchantress, and knew no magic spell; yet what she said took almost magical effect on her young mistress.

This had an almost magical effect on her young mistress.


She lifted her head with the quick motion of revived sensation; she shot, not a languid, but a lifelike, questioning glance at Fanny.


The dropped note was snatched up eagerly, the seal was broken--it was read in two seconds.

The dropped note was snatched up eagerly, the seal was broken - it was read in two seconds.


An affectionate billet from Hortense, informing her young cousin that she was returned from Wormwood Wells; that she was alone to-day, as Robert was gone to Whinbury market; that nothing would give her greater pleasure than to have Caroline's company to tea, and the good lady added, she was quite sure such a change would be most acceptable and beneficial to Caroline, who must be sadly at a loss both for safe guidance and improving society since the misunderstanding between Robert and Mr. Helstone had occasioned a separation from her "meilleure amie, Hortense Grard Moore."

It was an affectionate note from Hortense, informing her young cousin that she was returned from Wormwood Wells; that she was alone today, as Robert was gone to Whinbury market; that nothing would give her greater pleasure than to have Caroline's company for tea. The good lady added, she was sure such a change would be most beneficial to Caroline, who must be sadly at a loss for improving society since the separation from her dear friend, Hortense Grard Moore.


In a postscript she was urged to put on her bonnet and run down directly.


Glad was she to lay by the brown holland child's slip she was trimming with braid for the Jew's basket, to hasten upstairs, cover her curls with her straw bonnet, and throw round her shoulders the black silk scarf, whose simple drapery suited as well her shape as its dark hue set off the purity of her dress and the fairness of her face; glad was she to escape for a few hours the solitude, the sadness, the nightmare of her life; glad to run down the green lane sloping to the Hollow, to scent the fragrance of hedge flowers sweeter than the perfume of moss-rose or lily.

Glad was Caroline to lay aside her sewing, to cover her curls with her straw bonnet, and throw round her shoulders the black silk scarf; glad was she to escape for a few hours the solitude, the sadness, the nightmare of her life; glad to run down the fragrant green lane to the Hollow.


True, she knew Robert was not at the cottage; but it was delight to go where he had lately been.

True, she knew Robert was not there; but it was delight to go where he had lately been


So long, so totally separated from him, merely to see his home, to enter the room where he had that morning sat, felt like a reunion.

, to enter the room where he had that morning sat.


As such it revived her; and then Illusion was again following her in Peri mask.


The soft agitation of wings caressed her cheek, and the air, breathing from the blue summer sky, bore a voice which whispered, "Robert may come home while you are in his house, and then, at least, you may look in his face--at least you may give him your hand; perhaps, for a minute, you may sit beside him."

And then, her thoughts whispered, "Robert may come home while you are there; you may give him your hand; perhaps, for a minute, you may sit beside him."


was her austere response; but she loved the comforter and the consolation.

was her austere response; but she loved the consolation.


Miss Moore probably caught from the window the gleam and flutter of Caroline's white attire through the branchy garden shrubs, for she advanced from the cottage porch to meet her.

Miss Moore advanced from the cottage to meet her,


Straight, unbending, phlegmatic as usual, she came on.


No haste or ecstasy was ever permitted to disorder the dignity of _her_ movements; but she smiled, well pleased to mark the delight of her pupil, to feel her kiss and the gentle, genial strain of her embrace.

No haste or joy was ever permitted to disorder her dignity; but she smiled, pleased to see the delight of her pupil, to feel her kiss.


She led her tenderly in, half deceived and wholly flattered.


had it not been so she would in all probability have put her to the wicket, and shut her out.


Had she known clearly to whose account the chief share of this childlike joy was to be placed, Hortense would most likely have felt both shocked and incensed.

Had she known on whose account most of this joy was felt, Hortense would have been both shocked and incensed.


Sisters do not like young ladies to fall in love with their brothers.


It seems, if not presumptuous, silly, weak, a delusion, an absurd mistake.


_They_ do not love these gentlemen--whatever sisterly affection they may cherish towards them--and that others should, repels them with a sense of crude romance.


The first movement, in short, excited by such discovery (as with many parents on finding their children to be in love) is one of mixed impatience and contempt.


Reason--if they be rational people--corrects the false feeling in time; but if they be irrational, it is never corrected, and the daughter or sister-in-law is disliked to the end.


"You would expect to find me alone, from what I said in my note," observed Miss Moore, as she conducted Caroline towards the parlour; "but it was written this morning: since dinner, company has come in."

"You would expect to find me alone, from what I said in my note," observed Miss Moore, as she led Caroline towards the parlour; "but since I wrote it, company has come in."


And opening the door she made visible an ample spread of crimson skirts overflowing the elbow-chair at the fireside, and above them, presiding with dignity, a cap more awful than a crown.

And opening the door she made visible an ample spread of crimson skirts overflowing the chair at the fireside, and above them a cap more awful than a crown.


That cap had never come to the cottage under a bonnet; no, it had been brought in a vast bag, or rather a middle-sized balloon of black silk, held wide with whalebone.


The screed, or frill of the cap, stood a quarter of a yard broad round the face of the wearer.

The cap's frill stood a quarter of a yard broad round the face of the wearer,


The ribbon, flourishing in puffs and bows about the head, was of the sort called love-ribbon.


There was a good deal of it, I may say, a very great deal.


Mrs. Yorke wore the cap--it became her; she wore the gown also--it suited her no less.


That great lady was come in a friendly way to take tea with Miss Moore.

That great lady was come to take tea with Miss Moore.


It was almost as great and as rare a favour as if the queen were to go uninvited to share pot-luck with one of her subjects.

It was almost as great and rare a favour as if the queen were to go uninvited to share pot-luck with one of her subjects.


A higher mark of distinction she could not show--she who in general scorned visiting and tea-drinking, and held cheap and stigmatized as "gossips" every maid and matron of the vicinage.

Mrs. Yorke in general scorned visiting and tea-drinking.


There was no mistake, however; Miss Moore _was_ a favourite with her.

However, Miss Moore was a favourite with her.


She had evinced the fact more than once--evinced it by stopping to speak to her in the churchyard on Sundays; by inviting her, almost hospitably, to come to Briarmains; evinced it to-day by the grand condescension of a personal visit.


Her reasons for the preference, as assigned by herself, were that Miss Moore was a woman of steady deportment, without the least levity of conversation or carriage; also that, being a foreigner, she must feel the want of a friend to countenance her.

She had decided that Miss Moore was a woman of steady deportment, without the least levity; also that, being a foreigner, she must feel the want of a friend.


She might have added that her plain aspect, homely, precise dress, and phlegmatic, unattractive manner were to her so many additional recommendations.

She might have added that her plain appearance, homely dress, and phlegmatic manner were additional recommendations.


It is certain, at least, that ladies remarkable for the opposite qualities of beauty, lively bearing, and elegant taste in attire were not often favoured with her approbation.

Certainly ladies of beauty, elegance and lively bearing were not often favoured with her approval.


Whatever gentlemen are apt to admire in women, Mrs. Yorke condemned; and what they overlook or despise, she patronized.


Caroline advanced to the mighty matron with some sense of diffidence.

Caroline advanced diffidently to the mighty matron.


She knew little of Mrs. Yorke, and, as a parson's niece, was doubtful what sort of a reception she might get.


She got a very cool one, and was glad to hide her discomfiture by turning away to take off her bonnet.


Nor, upon sitting down, was she displeased to be immediately accosted by a little personage in a blue frock and sash, who started up like some fairy from the side of the great dame's chair, where she had been sitting on a footstool, screened from view by the folds of the wide red gown, and running to Miss Helstone, unceremoniously threw her arms round her neck and demanded a kiss.

Upon sitting down, she was immediately accosted by a little personage in a blue frock, who started up from the side of the great dame's chair, where she had been sitting on a footstool, screened from view by the wide red gown. Running to Miss Helstone, she threw her arms round her neck and demanded a kiss.


"My mother is not civil to you," said the petitioner, as she received and repaid a smiling salute, "and Rose there takes no notice of you; it is their way.

"My mother is not civil to you," said this personage, "and Rose there takes no notice of you; it is their way.


If, instead of you, a white angel, with a crown of stars, had come into the room, mother would nod stiffly, and Rose never lift her head at all; but I will be your friend--I have always liked you."

If a white angel crowned with stars had come into the room, mother would nod stiffly, and Rose never lift her head; but I will be your friend."


"Jessie, curb that tongue of yours, and repress your forwardness!"


"Miss Helstone has never done you any harm; why can't you be kind to her?


You sit so stiff, and look so cold, and speak so dry--what for?


That's just the fashion in which you treat Miss Shirley Keeldar and every other young lady who comes to our house.

- that's how you treat every young lady who comes to our house.


And Rose there is such an aut--aut--I have forgotten the word, but it means a machine in the shape of a human being.

And Rose there is such an aut - aut - I have forgotten the word, but it means a machine in the shape of a human being."


However, between you, you will drive every soul away from Briarmains; Martin often says so."


Let me alone, then," said Rose, speaking from a corner where she was sitting on the carpet at the foot of a bookcase, with a volume spread open on her knee.--"Miss Helstone, how do you do?"

Let me alone, then," said Rose, from a corner where she was sitting with a book open on her knee. "Miss Helstone, how do you do?"


she added, directing a brief glance to the person addressed, and then again casting down her gray, remarkable eyes on the book and returning to the study of its pages.

she added, before again casting down her eyes to study the pages.


Caroline stole a quiet gaze towards her, dwelling on her young, absorbed countenance, and observing a certain unconscious movement of the mouth as she read--a movement full of character.

Caroline gazed at her young, absorbed countenance, full of character


Caroline had tact, and she had fine instinct.


She felt that Rose Yorke was a peculiar child--one of the unique; she knew how to treat her.

, she felt that Rose Yorke was a unique child.


Approaching quietly, she knelt on the carpet at her side, and looked over her little shoulder at her book.

Approaching quietly, she knelt on the carpet at her side, and looked over her shoulder at her book.


It was a romance of Mrs. Radcliffe's--"The Italian."

It was a romance of Mrs. Radcliffe's: "The Italian."


Caroline read on with her, making no remark.


Presently Rose showed her the attention of asking, ere she turned the leaf, "Are you ready?"


"Long since, when I read it as a child, I was wonderfully taken with it."

"Long ago, when I was a child, I was wonderfully taken with it."


"It seemed to open with such promise--such foreboding of a most strange tale to be unfolded."

"It seemed to open with such promise - such foreboding of a strange tale to be unfolded."


"And in reading it you feel as if you were far away from England--really in Italy--under another sort of sky--that blue sky of the south which travellers describe."

"And in reading it you feel as if you were really in Italy - under another sort of sky.


"It makes me long to travel, Miss Helstone."


"When you are a woman, perhaps, you may be able to gratify your wish."


"I mean to make a way to do so, if one is not made for me.


The whole world is not very large compared with creation.


I must see the outside of our own round planet, at least."


"First this hemisphere where we live; then the other.


I am resolved that my life shall be a life.


Not a black trance like the toad's, buried in marble; nor a long, slow death like yours in Briarfield rectory."


"Might you not as well be tediously dying as for ever shut up in that glebe-house--a place that, when I pass it, always reminds me of a windowed grave?

"That house always reminds me of a windowed grave.


I never see any movement about the door.


I believe smoke never issues from the chimneys.

it, or see any smoke coming from the chimneys.


"Should I be happy wandering alone in strange countries as you wish to do?"

"Should I be happy wandering alone in strange countries?"


"Much happier, even if you did nothing but wander.


Remember, however, that I shall have an object in view; but if you only went on and on, like some enchanted lady in a fairy tale, you might be happier than now.


In a day's wandering you would pass many a hill, wood, and watercourse, each perpetually altering in aspect as the sun shone out or was overcast; as the weather was wet or fair, dark or bright.

You would pass many a hill, wood, and river, each perpetually changing with the weather.


The plaster of the parlour ceilings, the paper on the walls, the curtains, carpets, chairs, are still the same."


"Is change necessary to happiness?" asked Caroline.


"I don't know; but I feel monotony and death to be almost the same."

I feel monotony and death to be almost the same thing."


"But, Rose," pursued Caroline, "I fear a wanderer's life, for me at least, would end like that tale you are reading--in disappointment, vanity, and vexation of spirit."

"But, Rose," pursued Caroline, "I fear a wanderer's life, for me at least, would end like that tale you are reading - in disappointment and vexation of spirit."


"Better to try all things and find all empty than to try nothing and leave your life a blank.

"Better to try all things and find all empty, than to try nothing and leave your life a blank."


To do this is to commit the sin of him who buried his talent in a napkin--despicable sluggard!"


"Rose," observed Mrs. Yorke, "solid satisfaction is only to be realized by doing one's duty."


And if my Master has given me ten talents, my duty is to trade with them, and make them ten talents more.

And if my Master has given me ten talents, my duty is to trade with them, and make ten talents more.


Not in the dust of household drawers shall the coin be interred.

Not in the dust of household drawers shall the coin be buried.


I will _not_ deposit it in a broken-spouted teapot, and shut it up in a china closet among tea-things.

Not in a broken-spouted teapot, or in a china closet among tea-things.


I will _not_ commit it to your work-table to be smothered in piles of woollen hose.


I will _not_ prison it in the linen press to find shrouds among the sheets.

Not in the linen press among shrouds of sheets.


And least of all, mother" (she got up from the floor)--"least of all will I hide it in a tureen of cold potatoes, to be ranged with bread, butter, pastry, and ham on the shelves of the larder."

And least of all, mother" (she got up from the floor) - "least of all will I hide it in a tureen of cold potatoes in the larder.


She stopped, then went on, "Mother, the Lord who gave each of us our talents will come home some day, and will demand from all an account.

Mother, the Lord who gave each of us our talents will some day demand from all an account.


The teapot, the old stocking-foot, the linen rag, the willow-pattern tureen will yield up their barren deposit in many a house.

The teapot, the old stocking-foot, the tureen will yield up their barren deposit in many a house.


Suffer your daughters, at least, to put their money to the exchangers, that they may be enabled at the Master's coming to pay Him His own with usury."

Let your daughters, at least, increase their talents, so that they may pay the Master's His own with interest."


"Rose, did you bring your sampler with you, as I told you?"

"Rose, did you bring your sampler, as I told you?"


Rose sat down promptly, and wrought according to orders.

Rose sat down promptly, and sewed as ordered.


After a busy pause of ten minutes, her mother asked, "Do you think yourself oppressed now--a victim?"

After ten minutes, her mother asked, "Do you think yourself oppressed now - a victim?"


"Yet, as far as I understood your tirade, it was a protest against all womanly and domestic employment."


You do right to teach me, and to make me work."


"Even to the mending of your brothers' stockings and the making of sheets?"


"Where is the use of ranting and spouting about it, then?"

"Where is the use of ranting about it, then?"


I will do that, and then I will do more.


I am twelve years old at present, and not till I am sixteen will I speak again about talents.

I am twelve years old, and not till I am sixteen will I speak again about talents.


For four years I bind myself an industrious apprentice to all you can teach me."


"You see what my daughters are, Miss Helstone," observed Mrs. Yorke; "how precociously wise in their own conceits!

"You see what my daughters are, Miss Helstone," observed Mrs. Yorke; "how precociously wise in their own idea!


'I would rather this, I prefer that'--such is Jessie's cuckoo song; while Rose utters the bolder cry, 'I _will_, and I will _not_!'"

'I would rather this, I prefer that' - such is Jessie's cuckoo song; while Rose utters the bolder cry, 'I will, and I will not!'"


"I render a reason, mother; besides, if my cry is bold, it is only heard once in a twelvemonth.

"I give a reason, mother; besides, my cry is only heard once a year."


About each birthday the spirit moves me to deliver one oracle respecting my own instruction and management.


I utter it and leave it; it is for you, mother, to listen or not."


"I would advise all young ladies," pursued Mrs. Yorke, "to study the characters of such children as they chance to meet with before they marry and have any of their own to consider well how they would like the responsibility of guiding the careless, the labour of persuading the stubborn, the constant burden and task of training the best."

"I would advise all young ladies," pursued Mrs. Yorke, "to study the characters of such children before they marry and have any of their own; to consider well how they would like the constant burden and task of training them."


"But with love it need not be so very difficult," interposed Caroline.

"But with love it need not be so very difficult," said Caroline.


"Mothers love their children most dearly--almost better than they love themselves."

"Mothers love their children almost better than they love themselves."


There is the rough, practical part of life yet to come for you, young miss."

The practical part of life is yet to come for you, young miss."


"But, Mrs. Yorke, if I take a little baby into my arms--any poor woman's infant, for instance--I feel that I love that helpless thing quite peculiarly, though I am not its mother.

"But, Mrs. Yorke, if I take any woman's baby into my arms, I feel that I love it, though I am not its mother.


I could do almost anything for it willingly, if it were delivered over entirely to my care--if it were quite dependent on me."

I could do almost anything for it willingly, if it were dependent on me."


You are led a great deal by your _feelings_, and you think yourself a very sensitive personage, no doubt.

You are led a great deal by your feelings, and you think yourself a very sensitive person, no doubt.


Are you aware that, with all these romantic ideas, you have managed to train your features into an habitually lackadaisical expression, better suited to a novel-heroine than to a woman who is to make her way in the real world by dint of common sense?"

Are you aware that, with all these romantic ideas, you have managed to train your features into a lackadaisical expression, better suited to a novel-heroine than a woman who is to make her way in the real world by dint of common sense?"


"No; I am not at all aware of that, Mrs. Yorke."

"No; I am not aware of that, Mrs. Yorke."


Compare the face you see there with that of any early-rising, hard-working milkmaid."

Compare the face you see there with that of any hard-working milkmaid."


"My face is a pale one, but it is _not_ sentimental; and most milkmaids, however red and robust they may be, are more stupid and less practically fitted to make their way in the world than I am.

"My face is pale, but it is not sentimental; and most milkmaids, however red and robust they may be, are more stupid and less practically fitted to make their way in the world than I am.


I think more, and more correctly, than milkmaids in general do; consequently, where they would often, for want of reflection, act weakly, I, by dint of reflection, should act judiciously."

I think more, and more correctly, than milkmaids in general do. Where they would often act weakly, I should act judiciously."


you would be influenced by your feelings; you would be guided by impulse."

you would be influenced by your feelings."


"Of course I should often be influenced by my feelings.


Whom my feelings teach me to love I _must_ and _shall_ love; and I hope, if ever I have a husband and children, my feelings will induce me to love them.

I hope, if ever I have a husband and children, my feelings will induce me to love them."


I hope, in that case, all my impulses will be strong in compelling me to love."


Caroline had a pleasure in saying this with emphasis; she had a pleasure in daring to say it in Mrs. Yorke's presence.

Caroline had a pleasure in saying this to Mrs. Yorke.


She did not care what unjust sarcasm might be hurled at her in reply.


She flushed, not with anger but excitement, when the ungenial matron answered coolly, "Don't waste your dramatic effects.

She flushed, not with anger but excitement, when the matron answered coolly, "


That was well said--it was quite fine; but it is lost on two women--an old wife and an old maid.

That was well said - it was quite fine; but it is lost on an old wife and an old maid.


There should have been a disengaged gentleman present.--Is Mr. Robert nowhere hid behind the curtains, do you think, Miss Moore?"

There should have been a gentleman present. - Is Mr. Robert nowhere hid behind the curtains, do you think, Miss Moore?"


Hortense, who during the chief part of the conversation had been in the kitchen superintending the preparations for tea, did not yet quite comprehend the drift of the discourse.

Hortense, who during much of the conversation had been in the kitchen superintending the preparations for tea, did not understand.


She answered, with a puzzled air, that Robert was at Whinbury.


Mrs. Yorke laughed her own peculiar short laugh.


"It is like you to understand my question so literally and answer it so simply.

"It is like you to understand my question so literally.


_Your_ mind comprehends nothing of intrigue.


Strange things might go on around you without your being the wiser; you are not of the class the world calls sharp-witted."

You are not of the class the world calls sharp-witted."


These equivocal compliments did not seem to please Hortense.


She drew herself up, puckered her black eyebrows, but still looked puzzled.

drew herself up and puckered her black eyebrows, but still looked puzzled.


"I have ever been noted for sagacity and discernment from childhood," she returned; for, indeed, on the possession of these qualities she peculiarly piqued herself.

"I have been noted for sagacity and discernment from childhood," she returned.


"You never plotted to win a husband, I'll be bound," pursued Mrs. Yorke; "and you have not the benefit of previous experience to aid you in discovering when others plot."

"You never plotted to win a husband, I'll be bound," pursued Mrs. Yorke; "and you have no experience to aid you in discovering when others plot."


Caroline felt this kind language where the benevolent speaker intended she should feel it--in her very heart.

Caroline felt this language where the speaker intended she should feel it - in her very heart.


She could not even parry the shafts; she was defenceless for the present.


To answer would have been to avow that the cap fitted.

to answer would have been to avow that the cap fitted.


Mrs. Yorke, looking at her as she sat with troubled, downcast eyes, and cheek burning painfully, and figure expressing in its bent attitude and unconscious tremor all the humiliation and chagrin she experienced, felt the sufferer was fair game.

Mrs. Yorke, looking at her as she sat with troubled, downcast eyes, and cheek burning painfully, felt the sufferer was fair game.


The strange woman had a natural antipathy to a shrinking, sensitive character--a nervous temperament; nor was a pretty, delicate, and youthful face a passport to her affections.

The woman had a natural antipathy to a shrinking, sensitive character; nor was a pretty face a passport to her affections.


It was seldom she met with all these obnoxious qualities combined in one individual; still more seldom she found that individual at her mercy, under circumstances in which she could crush her well.


She happened this afternoon to be specially bilious and morose--as much disposed to gore as any vicious "mother of the herd."


Lowering her large head she made a new charge.


"Your cousin Hortense is an excellent sister, Miss Helstone.


Such ladies as come to try their life's luck here at Hollow's Cottage may, by a very little clever female artifice, cajole the mistress of the house, and have the game all in their own hands.

Such ladies as come to try their life's luck here at Hollow's Cottage may, by a little clever artifice, cajole the mistress of the house, and have the game all in their own hands.


You are fond of your cousin's society, I dare say, miss?"


"Hortense is, and always has been, most kind to me."


"Every sister with an eligible single brother is considered most kind by her spinster friends."


"Mrs. Yorke," said Caroline, lifting her eyes slowly, their blue orbs at the same time clearing from trouble, and shining steady and full, while the glow of shame left her cheek, and its hue turned pale and settled--"Mrs. Yorke, may I ask what you mean?"

"Mrs. Yorke," said Caroline, lifting her eyes slowly, while the glow of shame left her cheek, and its hue turned pale - "Mrs. Yorke, may I ask what you mean?"


"To give you a lesson on the cultivation of rectitude, to disgust you with craft and false sentiment."


"Most young ladies of the present day need it.


You are quite a modern young lady--morbid, delicate, professing to like retirement; which implies, I suppose, that you find little worthy of your sympathies in the ordinary world.

You are quite a modern young lady - morbid, delicate, professing to like retirement; which implies, I suppose, that you find little worthy of your sympathies in the ordinary world.


The ordinary world--every-day honest folks--are better than you think them, much better than any bookish, romancing chit of a girl can be who hardly ever puts her nose over her uncle the parson's garden wall."

The ordinary world - everyday honest folks - are much better than any bookish, romancing chit of a girl who hardly ever puts her nose over her uncle's garden wall."


Excuse me--indeed, it does not matter whether you excuse me or not--you have attacked me without provocation; I shall defend myself without apology.

Excuse me - indeed, it does not matter whether you excuse me or not - you have attacked me without provocation; I shall defend myself without apology.


Of my relations with my two cousins you are ignorant.


In a fit of ill-humour you have attempted to poison them by gratuitous insinuations, which are far more crafty and false than anything with which you can justly charge me.

In a fit of ill-humour you have attempted to poison them by insinuations which are far more crafty and false than anything with which you can justly charge me.


That I happen to be pale, and sometimes to look diffident, is no business of yours; that I am fond of books, and indisposed for common gossip, is still less your business; that I am a 'romancing chit of a girl' is a mere conjecture on your part.

That I happen to be pale, and sometimes to look diffident, is no business of yours; that I am fond of books, and dislike gossip, is still less your business; that I am a 'romancing chit of a girl' is a mere conjecture on your part.


I never romanced to you nor to anybody you know.


That I am the parson's niece is not a crime, though you may be narrow-minded enough to think it so.


You have no just reason for disliking me; therefore keep the expression of your aversion to yourself.

, but for no just reason; therefore keep the expression of your dislike to yourself.


If at any time in future you evince it annoyingly, I shall answer even less scrupulously than I have done now."

Otherwise I shall answer even less scrupulously than I have done now."


She ceased, and sat in white and still excitement.


She had spoken in the clearest of tones, neither fast nor loud; but her silver accents thrilled the ear.

She had spoken clearly, neither fast nor loud; but her silver accents thrilled the ear.


The speed of the current in her veins was just then as swift as it was viewless.


Mrs. Yorke was not irritated at the reproof, worded with a severity so simple, dictated by a pride so quiet.

Mrs. Yorke was not irritated at the reproof.


Turning coolly to Miss Moore, she said, nodding her cap approvingly, "She has spirit in her, after all.--Always speak as honestly as you have done just now," she continued, "and you'll do."

Turning coolly to Miss Moore, she said, nodding approvingly, "She has spirit, after all. - Always speak as honestly as you have done just now," she continued, "and you'll do."


"I repel a recommendation so offensive," was the answer, delivered in the same pure key, with the same clear look.

"I repel a recommendation so offensive," was the answer, delivered with the same clear look.


"I reject counsel poisoned by insinuation.


It is my right to speak as I think proper; nothing binds me to converse as you dictate.

I shall speak as I think proper; not as you dictate.


So far from always speaking as I have done just now, I shall never address any one in a tone so stern or in language so harsh, unless in answer to unprovoked insult."

So far from always speaking as I have done just now, I shall never address anyone in a tone so stern or in language so harsh, unless in answer to unprovoked insult."


"Mother, you have found your match," pronounced little Jessie, whom the scene appeared greatly to edify.

"Mother, you have found your match," pronounced little Jessie.


Rose had heard the whole with an unmoved face.


She now said, "No; Miss Helstone is not my mother's match, for she allows herself to be vexed.


My mother would wear her out in a few weeks.


Shirley Keeldar manages better.--Mother, you have never hurt Miss Keeldar's feelings yet.

Shirley Keeldar manages better. Mother, you have never hurt Miss Keeldar's feelings yet.


She wears armour under her silk dress that you cannot penetrate."

She wears armour that you cannot penetrate."


Mrs. Yorke often complained that her children were mutinous.


It was strange that with all her strictness, with all her "strong-mindedness," she could gain no command over them.

It was strange that with all her strictness and "strong-mindedness," she could gain no command over them.


A look from their father had more influence with them than a lecture from her.

A look from their father had more influence than a lecture from her.


Miss Moore--to whom the position of witness to an altercation in which she took no part was highly displeasing, as being an unimportant secondary post--now rallying her dignity, prepared to utter a discourse which was to prove both parties in the wrong, and to make it clear to each disputant that she had reason to be ashamed of herself, and ought to submit humbly to the superior sense of the individual then addressing her.

Miss Moore, now rallying her dignity, prepared to utter a speech which was to prove both parties in the wrong, and to make it clear to each that she should be ashamed of herself, and ought to submit humbly to the superior sense of her hostess.


Fortunately for her audience, she had not harangued above ten minutes when Sarah's entrance with the tea-tray called her attention, first to the fact of that damsel having a gilt comb in her hair and a red necklace round her throat, and secondly, and subsequently to a pointed remonstrance, to the duty of making tea.

Fortunately Sarah's entrance with the tea-tray called her attention to the duty of making tea.


After the meal Rose restored her to good-humour by bringing her guitar and asking for a song, and afterwards engaging her in an intelligent and sharp cross-examination about guitar-playing and music in general.

After the meal Rose restored her to good-humour by bringing her guitar and asking for a song, and afterwards engaging her in an intelligent discussion about music.


Jessie, meantime, directed her assiduities to Caroline.


Sitting on a stool at her feet, she talked to her, first about religion and then about politics.

, first about religion and then politics.


Jessie was accustomed at home to drink in a great deal of what her father said on these subjects, and afterwards in company to retail, with more wit and fluency than consistency or discretion, his opinions, antipathies, and preferences.

Jessie was accustomed at home to drink in a great deal of what her father said on these subjects, and afterwards in company to repeat his opinions.


She rated Caroline soundly for being a member of the Established Church, and for having an uncle a clergyman.

She berated Caroline soundly for being a member of the Established Church, and for having an uncle who was a clergyman.


She informed her that she lived on the country, and ought to work for her living honestly, instead of passing a useless life, and eating the bread of idleness in the shape of tithes.

She informed her that she ought to work for her living honestly, instead of passing a useless life, and eating the bread of idleness.


Thence Jessie passed to a review of the ministry at that time in office, and a consideration of its deserts.

Thence Jessie passed to a review of the ministry, and


She made familiar mention of the names of Lord Castlereagh and Mr. Perceval.

mentioned Lord Castlereagh and Mr. Perceval


Each of these personages she adorned with a character that might have separately suited Moloch and Belial.


She denounced the war as wholesale murder, and Lord Wellington as a "hired butcher."


Her auditress listened with exceeding edification.


Jessie had something of the genius of humour in her nature.


It was inexpressibly comic to hear her repeating her sire's denunciations in his nervous northern Doric; as hearty a little Jacobin as ever pent a free mutinous spirit in a muslin frock and sash.

It was comic to hear her repeating her sire's denunciations; as hearty a little mutineer as ever wore a muslin frock and sash.


Not malignant by nature, her language was not so bitter as it was racy, and the expressive little face gave a piquancy to every phrase which held a beholder's interest captive.

Her expressive little face gave a piquancy to every phrase.


Caroline chid her when she abused Lord Wellington; but she listened delighted to a subsequent tirade against the Prince Regent.


Jessie quickly read, in the sparkle of her hearer's eye and the laughter hovering round her lips, that at last she had hit on a topic that pleased.

Jessie quickly read, in the sparkle of her hearer's eye and the laughter hovering round her lips, that she had hit on a topic that pleased.


Many a time had she heard the fat "Adonis of fifty" discussed at her father's breakfast-table, and she now gave Mr. Yorke's comments on the theme--genuine as uttered by his Yorkshire lips.


But, Jessie, I will write about you no more.


This is an autumn evening, wet and wild.


There is only one cloud in the sky, but it curtains it from pole to pole.


The wind cannot rest; it hurries sobbing over hills of sullen outline, colourless with twilight and mist.


Rain has beat all day on that church tower.


It rises dark from the stony enclosure of its graveyard.


The nettles, the long grass, and the tombs all drip with wet.


This evening reminds me too forcibly of another evening some years ago--a howling, rainy autumn evening too--when certain who had that day performed a pilgrimage to a grave new-made in a heretic cemetery sat near a wood fire on the hearth of a foreign dwelling.

reminds me too forcibly of another howling, rainy evening some years ago, when certain people made a pilgrimage to a new grave in a heretic cemetery.


They were merry and social, but they each knew that a gap, never to be filled, had been made in their circle.


They knew they had lost something whose absence could never be quite atoned for so long as they lived; and they knew that heavy falling rain was soaking into the wet earth which covered their lost darling, and that the sad, sighing gale was mourning above her buried head.

The heavy rain was soaking into the wet earth which covered their lost darling, and the sad, sighing gale was mourning.


The fire warmed them; life and friendship yet blessed them; but Jessie lay cold, coffined, solitary--only the sod screening her from the storm.

Jessie lay cold, coffined, solitary - only the earth screening her from the storm.


Mrs. Yorke folded up her knitting, cut short the music lesson and the lecture on politics, and concluded her visit to the cottage, at an hour early enough to ensure her return to Briarmains before the blush of sunset should quite have faded in heaven, or the path up the fields have become thoroughly moist with evening dew.

Mrs. Yorke folded up her knitting, cut short the lecture on politics, and concluded her visit before the path up the fields should have become thoroughly moist with evening dew.


The lady and her daughters being gone, Caroline felt that she also ought to resume her scarf, kiss her cousin's cheek, and trip away homeward.

The lady and her daughters being gone, Caroline felt that she also ought to go home.


If she lingered much later dusk would draw on, and Fanny would be put to the trouble of coming to fetch her.

If she lingered much later, dusk would draw on, and Fanny would be put to the trouble of coming to fetch her.


It was both baking and ironing day at the rectory, she remembered--Fanny would be busy.


Still, she could not quit her seat at the little parlour window.


From no point of view could the west look so lovely as from that lattice with the garland of jessamine round it, whose white stars and green leaves seemed now but gray pencil outlines--graceful in form, but colourless in tint--against the gold incarnadined of a summer evening--against the fire-tinged blue of an August sky at eight o'clock p.m.

Her eyes turned west towards the fire-tinged August sky.


Caroline looked at the wicket-gate, beside which holly-oaks spired up tall.


She looked at the close hedge of privet and laurel fencing in the garden; her eyes longed to see something more than the shrubs before they turned from that limited prospect.


They longed to see a human figure, of a certain mould and height, pass the hedge and enter the gate.

, longing to see a human figure, of a certain shape and height, pass the hedge and enter the gate.


A human figure she at last saw--nay, two.

A human figure she at last saw - nay, two.


Frederick Murgatroyd went by, carrying a pail of water; Joe Scott followed, dangling on his forefinger the keys of the mill.

Frederick Murgatroyd went by, carrying a pail of water; Joe Scott followed, carrying the keys of the mill.


They were going to lock up mill and stables for the night, and then betake themselves home.

They were going to lock up for the night, and then go home.


"So must I," thought Caroline, as she half rose and sighed.


"This is all folly--heart-breaking folly," she added.


"In the first place, though I should stay till dark there will be no arrival; because I feel in my heart, Fate has written it down in to-day's page of her eternal book, that I am not to have the pleasure I long for.

In the first place, even if I should stay till dark there will be no arrival; I feel in my heart that I am not fated to have the pleasure I long for.


In the second place, if he stepped in this moment, my presence here would be a chagrin to him, and the consciousness that it must be so would turn half my blood to ice.

In the second place, if he stepped in at this moment, my presence here would annoy him, and that would turn my blood to ice.


His hand would, perhaps, be loose and chill if I put mine into it; his eye would be clouded if I sought its beam.


I should look up for that kindling, something I have seen in past days, when my face, or my language, or my disposition had at some happy moment pleased him; I should discover only darkness.


She took her bonnet from the table where it lay, and was just fastening the ribbon, when Hortense, directing her attention to a splendid bouquet of flowers in a glass on the same table, mentioned that Miss Keeldar had sent them that morning from Fieldhead; and went on to comment on the guests that lady was at present entertaining, on the bustling life she had lately been leading; adding divers conjectures that she did not very well like it, and much wonderment that a person who was so fond of her own way as the heiress did not find some means of sooner getting rid of this _cortge_ of relatives.

She took up her bonnet, and was just fastening the ribbon, when Hortense, directing her attention to a splendid bouquet of flowers in a vase, mentioned that Miss Keeldar had sent them that morning from Fieldhead. She went on to comment on the guests that lady was at present entertaining, expressing her wonder that a person who was so fond of her own way did not find some means of getting rid of all these relatives.


"But they say she actually will not let Mr. Sympson and his family go," she added.


"They wanted much to return to the south last week, to be ready for the reception of the only son, who is expected home from a tour.

"They wanted to return south last week, to be ready to receive their only son, who is expected home from a tour.


She insists that her cousin Henry shall come and join his friends here in Yorkshire.


I dare say she partly does it to oblige Robert and myself."


Don't you know--you must often have heard----"

Don't you know - you must often have heard-"


"Please, ma'am," said Sarah, opening the door, "the preserves that you told me to boil in treacle--the congfiters, as you call them--is all burnt to the pan."

"Please, ma'am," said Sarah, opening the door, "the preserves that you told me to boil in treacle - the congfiters, as you call them - is all burnt to the pan."


Coquine de cuisinire, fille insupportable!"


And mademoiselle, hastily taking from a drawer a large linen apron, and tying it over her black apron, rushed _perdue_ into the kitchen, whence, to speak truth, exhaled an odour of calcined sweets rather strong than savoury.

And mademoiselle rushed into the kitchen, whence came a strong odour of charcoaled sweets.


The mistress and maid had been in full feud the whole day, on the subject of preserving certain black cherries, hard as marbles, sour as sloes.

The mistress and maid had been feuding the whole day on the subject of preserving sour black cherries.


Sarah held that sugar was the only orthodox condiment to be used in that process; mademoiselle maintained--and proved it by the practice and experience of her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother--that treacle, "mlasse," was infinitely preferable.

Sarah held that sugar should be used; mademoiselle maintained that treacle was far better.


She had committed an imprudence in leaving Sarah in charge of the preserving-pan, for her want of sympathy in the nature of its contents had induced a degree of carelessness in watching their confection, whereof the result was--dark and cindery ruin.

She had imprudently left Sarah in charge of the preserving-pan; and the maid's lack of sympathy for its contents had induced a degree of carelessness, whose result was dark and cindery ruin.


Hubbub followed; high upbraiding, and sobs rather loud than deep or real.

Hubbub followed; high upbraiding, and sobs more loud than real.


Caroline, once more turning to the little mirror, was shading her ringlets from her cheek to smooth them under her cottage bonnet, certain that it would not only be useless but unpleasant to stay longer, when, on the sudden opening of the back-door, there fell an abrupt calm in the kitchen.

On the sudden opening of the back-door, there fell an abrupt calm in the kitchen.


The tongues were checked, pulled up as with bit and bridle.


He often--almost always--entered by the kitchen way on his return from market.


No; it was only Joe Scott, who, having hemmed significantly thrice--every hem being meant as a lofty rebuke to the squabbling womankind--said, "Now, I thowt I heerd a crack?"

No; it was only Joe Scott, who, having cleared his throat significantly. as a lofty rebuke to the squabbling womankind, said, "Now, I thowt I heerd a crack?


"And," he continued pragmatically, "as t' maister's comed, and as he'll enter through this hoyle, I _con_sidered it desirable to step in and let ye know.

As t' maister's comed, I considered it desirable to let ye know.


A household o' women is nivver fit to be comed on wi'out warning.


They war playing up queerly, but I think I've quietened 'em."

They war playing up, but I think I've quietened 'em."


Another person, it was now audible, entered.


"What d'ye mean by being all i' darkness?


Sarah, thou quean, canst t' not light a candle?


He'll brak his shins agean some o' yer pots, and tables, and stuff.--Tak tent o' this baking-bowl, sir; they've set it i' yer way, fair as if they did it i' malice."


To Joe's observations succeeded a confused sort of pause, which Caroline, though she was listening with both her ears, could not understand.

There followed a confused sort of pause, which Caroline, listening hard, could not understand.


A cry broke it--a sound of surprise, followed by the sound of a kiss; ejaculations, but half articulate, succeeded.

A cry of surprise broke it, followed by the sound of a kiss, and exclamations.


were the words chiefly to be distinguished.


"Et tu te portes toujours bien, bonne sur?"


inquired another voice--Robert's, certainly.

inquired another voice - Robert's, certainly.


Obeying an impulse the wisdom of which she had not time to question, she escaped from the little parlour, by way of leaving the coast clear, and running upstairs took up a position at the head of the banisters, whence she could make further observations ere presenting herself.

She ran upstairs to leave the coast clear, and stopped at the head of the banisters, where she could watch without being seen.


It was considerably past sunset now; dusk filled the passage, yet not such deep dusk but that she could presently see Robert and Hortense traverse it.

It was past sunset now; dusk filled the passage, yet she saw Robert and Hortense cross it.


called Hortense, a moment afterwards, "venez voir mon frre!"

called Hortense, "come and see my brother!"


"Strange," commented Miss Helstone, "passing strange!


What does this unwonted excitement about such an every-day occurrence as a return from market portend?

"Why this excitement about such an everyday occurrence as a return from market?


Surely the burnt treacle has not crazed her?"


Yet more was she fluttered when Hortense seized her hand at the parlour door, and leading her to Robert, who stood in bodily presence, tall and dark against the one window, presented her with a mixture of agitation and formality, as though they had been utter strangers, and this was their first mutual introduction.

She was still more fluttered when Hortense seized her hand at the parlour door, and leading her to Robert, who stood tall and dark against the window, presented her with a mixture of agitation and formality, as though they had been utter strangers.


He bowed rather awkwardly, and turning from her with a stranger's embarrassment, he met the doubtful light from the window.

He bowed rather awkwardly, and as he turned from her with a stranger's embarrassment, the dim light from the window fell on his face.


It fell on his face, and the enigma of the dream (a dream it seemed) was at its height.

The enigma of the dream was at its height.


She saw a visage like and unlike--Robert, and no Robert.

She saw a visage like and unlike - Robert, and no Robert.


"Certainly it is your cousin," asserted Hortense.


Then who was this now coming through the passage--now entering the room?

Then who was this now coming through the passage - now entering the room?


Caroline, looking round, met a new Robert--the real Robert, as she felt at once.

Caroline, looking round, met a new Robert - the real Robert, as she felt at once.


"Well," said he, smiling at her questioning, astonished face, "which is which?"

"Well," said he, smiling at her astonished face, "which is which?"


You never saw him before, but you have heard of him."


"It _can_ be only one person--your brother, since it is so like you; my other cousin, Louis."

"It can only be your brother; my cousin Louis."


But now, see us together.--Change places; change again, to confuse her, Louis.--Which is the old love now, Lina?"

"Now, see us together. - Change places, and again, Louis. Which is the old love now, Lina?"


"As if it were possible to make a mistake when you speak!


It is only your height, your figure, and complexion that are so similar."