"My dears," here interrupted Mrs. Pryor, "does it not strike you that your conversation for the last ten minutes has been rather fanciful?"

"My dears," here interrupted Mrs. Pryor, "does it not strike you that your conversation is rather fanciful?"


"But there is no harm in our fancies; is there, ma'am?"


"We are aware that mermaids do not exist; why speak of them as if they did?

"Mermaids do not exist; why speak of them as if they did?


How can you find interest in speaking of a nonentity?"


I heard a step in the lane while you were talking; and is not that the garden-gate which creaks?"

I heard a step in the lane while you were talking."


"Yes, there is some one," said she, turning quietly away; and as she resumed her seat a sensitive flush animated her face, while a trembling ray at once kindled and softened her eye.

"Yes, there is some one," said she, turning quietly away; a sensitive flush animated her face.


She raised her hand to her chin, cast her gaze down, and seemed to think as she waited.

She cast her gaze down, and seemed to think as she waited.


The servant announced Mr. Moore, and Shirley turned round when Mr. Moore appeared at the door.

The servant announced Mr. Moore, and Shirley turned.


His figure seemed very tall as he entered, and stood in contrast with the three ladies, none of whom could boast a stature much beyond the average.

He seemed very tall as he entered, and stood in contrast with the three ladies.


He was looking well, better than he had been known to look for the past twelve months.


A sort of renewed youth glowed in his eye and colour, and an invigorated hope and settled purpose sustained his bearing.

; a renewed youth and hope glowed in his eye.


Firmness his countenance still indicated, but not austerity.


It looked as cheerful as it was earnest.


"I am just returned from Stilbro'," he said to Miss Keeldar, as he greeted her; "and I thought I would call to impart to you the result of my mission."

"I am just returned from Stilbro'," he said to Miss Keeldar; "and I thought I would call to tell you the result of my mission."


"You did right not to keep me in suspense," she said, "and your visit is well timed.


Are you English enough to relish tea, or do you faithfully adhere to coffee?"

Are you English enough to enjoy tea, or do you faithfully adhere to coffee?"


"I am learning to be a naturalized Englishman," said he; "my foreign habits are leaving me one by one."


And now he paid his respects to Mrs. Pryor, and paid them well, with a grave modesty that became his age compared with hers.

, and paid his respects to Mrs. Pryor with grave modesty.


Then he looked at Caroline--not, however, for the first time: his glance had fallen upon her before.

Then he looked at Caroline - not, however, for the first time: his glance had fallen upon her before.


He bent towards her as she sat, gave her his hand, and asked her how she was.

He gave her his hand, and asked her how she was.


The light from the window did not fall upon Miss Helstone; her back was turned towards it.

Miss Helstone replied quietly. She was in the


A quiet though rather low reply, a still demeanour, and the friendly protection of early twilight kept out of view each traitorous symptom.

shadow, and the friendly protection of early twilight kept out of view each traitorous blush.


None could affirm that she had trembled or blushed, that her heart had quaked or her nerves thrilled; none could prove emotion; a greeting showing less effusion was never interchanged.


Moore took the empty chair near her, opposite Miss Keeldar.


His neighbour, screened by the very closeness of his vicinage from his scrutiny, and sheltered further by the dusk which deepened each moment, soon regained not merely _seeming_ but _real_ mastery of the feelings which had started into insurrection at the first announcement of his name.

Caroline, screened by his very closeness, and sheltered by the deepening dusk, soon regained mastery of her feelings.


He addressed his conversation to Miss Keeldar.


"I went to the barracks," he said, "and had an interview with Colonel Ryde.


He approved my plans, and promised the aid I wanted.


Indeed, he offered a more numerous force than I require--half a dozen will suffice.

Indeed, he offered more soldiers than I require - half a dozen will suffice.


I don't intend to be swamped by redcoats.


They are needed for appearance rather than anything else.


My main reliance is on my own civilians."


"And on their captain," interposed Shirley.


inquired Moore, slightly smiling, and not lifting his eyes.


The tone of raillery in which he said this was very respectful and suppressed.


"No," returned Shirley, answering the smile; "Captain Grard Moore, who trusts much to the prowess of his own right arm, I believe."

"No," returned Shirley, answering the smile; "Captain Grard Moore, who trusts to the prowess of his own right arm, I believe."


"Furnished with his counting-house ruler," added Moore.


Resuming his usual gravity, he went on: "I received by this evening's post a note from the Home Secretary in answer to mine.


It appears they are uneasy at the state of matters here in the north; they especially condemn the supineness and pusillanimity of the mill-owners.

It appears they are uneasy at the state of matters here in the north; they especially condemn the weakness of the mill-owners.


They say, as I have always said, that inaction, under present circumstances, is criminal, and that cowardice is cruelty, since both can only encourage disorder, and lead finally to sanguinary outbreaks.

They say, as I have always said, that inaction can only encourage disorder, and lead to bloodshed.


There is the note--I brought it for your perusal; and there is a batch of newspapers, containing further accounts of proceedings in Nottingham, Manchester, and elsewhere."

There is the note - I brought it for your perusal; and there is a batch of newspapers, containing further accounts of uprisings in Nottingham, Manchester, and elsewhere."


He produced letters and journals, and laid them before Miss Keeldar.


While she perused them he took his tea quietly; but though his tongue was still, his observant faculties seemed by no means off duty.

While she read them he took his tea quietly; but his eyes were busy,


Mrs. Pryor, sitting in the background, did not come within the range of his glance, but the two younger ladies had the full benefit thereof.


Miss Keeldar, placed directly opposite, was seen without effort.

Miss Keeldar, directly opposite, was easily seen.


She was the object his eyes, when lifted, naturally met first; and as what remained of daylight--the gilding of the west--was upon her, her shape rose in relief from the dark panelling behind.


Shirley's clear cheek was tinted yet with the colour which had risen into it a few minutes since.

Her clear cheek was tinted still with the colour which had risen into it a few minutes since.


The dark lashes of her eyes looking down as she read, the dusk yet delicate line of her eyebrows, the almost sable gloss of her curls, made her heightened complexion look fine as the bloom of a red wild flower by contrast.

Her dark lashes looking down as she read, the dusky yet delicate line of her eyebrows, the gloss of her curls, made her heightened complexion look like the bloom of a wild flower.


There was natural grace in her attitude, and there was artistic effect in the ample and shining folds of her silk dress--an attire simply fashioned, but almost splendid from the shifting brightness of its dye, warp and woof being of tints deep and changing as the hue on a pheasant's neck.

There was natural grace in her attitude, and her silk dress, though simply fashioned, was almost splendid in the shifting brightness of its tints.


A glancing bracelet on her arm produced the contrast of gold and ivory.

On her arm she wore a bracelet of gold and ivory.


There was something brilliant in the whole picture.


It is to be supposed that Moore thought so, as his eye dwelt long on it, but he seldom permitted his feelings or his opinions to exhibit themselves in his face.

It is to be supposed that Moore thought so, as his eye dwelt long on it, but he seldom permitted his feelings to show in his serious face.


His temperament boasted a certain amount of phlegm, and he preferred an undemonstrative, not ungentle, but serious aspect to any other.


He could not, by looking straight before him, see Caroline, as she was close at his side.


It was necessary, therefore, to manuvre a little to get her well within the range of his observation.


He leaned back in his chair, and looked down on her.


In Miss Helstone neither he nor any one else could discover brilliancy.


Sitting in the shade, without flowers or ornaments, her attire the modest muslin dress, colourless but for its narrow stripe of pale azure, her complexion unflushed, unexcited, the very brownness of her hair and eyes invisible by this faint light, she was, compared with the heiress, as a graceful pencil sketch compared with a vivid painting.

Sitting in the shade, without ornaments, her modest muslin dress colourless but for its narrow stripe of pale azure, the very brownness of her hair and eyes invisible by this faint light, she was, compared with the heiress, as a graceful pencil sketch compared with a vivid painting.


Since Robert had seen her last a great change had been wrought in her.


Whether he perceived it might not be ascertained.


"Very well; but she complains of being unemployed.


"Tell her that I miss her, and that I write and read a portion of French every day."

"Tell her that I miss her, and that I write and read some French every day."


"She will ask if you sent your love; she is always particular on that point.


And say to her that whenever she has time to write me a little note I shall be glad to hear from her."


I am not the surest messenger of compliments."


It is no compliment; it is in good earnest."


"And must, therefore, be delivered punctually."


She is tenderhearted on the subject of her pupil; yet she reproaches you sometimes for obeying your uncle's injunctions too literally.

She is tenderhearted about her pupil; yet she reproaches you sometimes for obeying your uncle's injunctions too literally.


Affection, like love, will be unjust now and then."


And Caroline made no answer to this observation; for indeed her heart was troubled, and to her eyes she would have raised her handkerchief if she had dared.

Caroline made no answer; for indeed her heart was troubled, and she would have raised her handkerchief to her eyes if she had dared.


If she had dared, too, she would have declared how the very flowers in the garden of Hollow's Cottage were dear to her; how the little parlour of that house was her earthly paradise; how she longed to return to it, as much almost as the first woman, in her exile, must have longed to revisit Eden.

If she had dared, too, she would have declared how the very flowers in the garden of Hollow's Cottage were dear to her; how the little parlour of that house was her earthly paradise; how she longed to return to it, as Eve, in her exile, must have longed to revisit Eden.


Not daring, however, to say these things, she held her peace; she sat quiet at Robert's side, waiting for him to say something more.

Not daring, however, to say these things, she held her peace, waiting for Robert to say something more.


It was long since this proximity had been hers--long since his voice had addressed her; could she, with any show of probability, even of possibility, have imagined that the meeting gave him pleasure, to her it would have given deep bliss.

It was long since his voice had addressed her; if she could have imagined that the meeting gave him pleasure, to her it would have been blissful.


Yet, even in doubt that it pleased, in dread that it might annoy him, she received the boon of the meeting as an imprisoned bird would the admission of sunshine to its cage.

Yet, even in doubt, the meeting was as welcome as sunshine to the cage of an imprisoned bird.


It was of no use arguing, contending against the sense of present happiness; to be near Robert was to be revived.


"And are you glad or sad for all these menacing tidings?"


"Not precisely either; but I certainly am instructed.

"Neither; but I certainly am instructed.


I see that efficient preparation and a resolute attitude are the best means of averting bloodshed."

Efficient preparation and a resolute attitude are the best means of averting bloodshed."


He then inquired if she had observed some particular paragraph, to which she replied in the negative, and he rose to show it to her.

As the candles were brought in, he rose to show her a particular paragraph; it


He continued the conversation standing before her.


From the tenor of what he said, it appeared evident that they both apprehended disturbances in the neighbourhood of Briarfield, though in what form they expected them to break out was not specified.

seemed that he expected disturbances around Briarfield, though in what form was not specified.


Neither Caroline nor Mrs. Pryor asked questions.


The subject did not appear to be regarded as one ripe for free discussion; therefore the lady and her tenant were suffered to keep details to themselves, unimportuned by the curiosity of their listeners.


Miss Keeldar, in speaking to Mr. Moore, took a tone at once animated and dignified, confidential and self-respecting.


When, however, the candles were brought in, and the fire was stirred up, and the fullness of light thus produced rendered the expression of her countenance legible, you could see that she was all interest, life, and earnestness.

however, spoke with interest, life, and earnestness.


There was nothing coquettish in her demeanour; whatever she felt for Moore she felt it seriously.

There was nothing coquettish in her demeanour; whatever she felt for Moore, she felt it seriously.


And serious, too, were his feelings, and settled were his views, apparently, for he made no petty effort to attract, dazzle, or impress.

And serious, too, were his feelings, apparently, for he made no effort to dazzle or impress.


He contrived, notwithstanding, to command a little; because the deeper voice, however mildly modulated, the somewhat harder mind, now and then, though involuntarily and unintentionally, bore down by some peremptory phrase or tone the mellow accents and susceptible, if high, nature of Shirley.

Notwithstanding, his deeper voice and somewhat harder mind gave him an aspect of command.


Miss Keeldar looked happy in conversing with him, and her joy seemed twofold--a joy of the past and present, of memory and of hope.

Miss Keeldar looked happy in conversing with him, and her joy seemed twofold - joy of the past and present, of memory and of hope.


What I have just said are Caroline's ideas of the pair.

These were Caroline's ideas of the pair.


In thus feeling she tried not to suffer, but suffered sharply nevertheless.

She tried not to suffer, but suffered miserably nevertheless.


A few minutes before her famished heart had tasted a drop and crumb of nourishment, that, if freely given, would have brought back abundance of life where life was failing; but the generous feast was snatched from her, spread before another, and she remained but a bystander at the banquet.

A few minutes before, her famished heart had tasted a crumb of nourishment; but the feast was snatched from her, spread before another, and she remained a bystander at the banquet.


The clock struck nine; it was Caroline's time for going home.


She gathered up her work, put the embroidery, the scissors, the thimble into her bag.


She bade Mrs. Pryor a quiet good-night, receiving from that lady a warmer pressure of the hand than usual.

and bade Mrs. Pryor a quiet good-night, receiving from her a warmer pressure of the hand than usual.


You will come again to-morrow, and you will be happy to-night, will you not?

You will come again tomorrow, and be happy tonight, will you not?


"Yes," said Caroline; "I have not forgotten."


Her mind misgave her that neither those plans nor any other could permanently restore her mental tranquillity.

But she felt that no plans could permanently restore her mental tranquillity.


She turned to Robert, who stood close behind her.


As he looked up, the light of the candles on the mantelpiece fell full on her face.

As he looked up, the light of the candles fell full on her face.


All its paleness, all its change, all its forlorn meaning were clearly revealed.


Robert had good eyes, and might have seen it if he would; whether he did see it, nothing indicated.

Whether Robert saw it, nothing indicated.


she said, shaking like a leaf, offering her thin hand hastily, anxious to part from him quickly.

she said, shaking like a leaf, hastily offering her thin hand, anxious to depart quickly.


"I may as well accompany you a step of the way; not up to the rectory, though, lest my old friend Helstone should shoot me from the window."


Caroline spoke of unnecessary trouble; he told her to put on her bonnet and shawl.


She was quickly ready, and they were soon both in the open air.


Moore drew her hand under his arm, just in his old manner--that manner which she ever felt to be so kind.

Moore drew her hand under his arm, just in his old, kind manner.


"You may run on, Fanny," he said to the housemaid; "we shall overtake you."

"You may run on, Fanny," he said to the housemaid.


And when the girl had got a little in advance, he enclosed Caroline's hand in his, and said he was glad to find she was a familiar guest at Fieldhead.

When the girl had got a little in advance, he enclosed Caroline's hand in his, and said he was glad to find she was a familiar guest at Fieldhead.


He hoped her intimacy with Miss Keeldar would continue; such society would be both pleasant and improving.


Caroline replied that she liked Shirley.


"And there is no doubt the liking is mutual," said Moore.


"If she professes friendship, be certain she is sincere.


And, Caroline, are we never to see you at Hollow's Cottage again?"


"I suppose not, unless my uncle should change his mind."


I have little pleasure in any society but Miss Keeldar's."


Do you know I fancied you somewhat altered--a little fallen away, and pale.

I fancied you somewhat altered - a little fallen away, and pale.


"Not too tender, that is to say--not too protective and attentive.


"That is to say, nothing that you will tell me.


Separation is then quite to estrange us, is it?"


'Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and days o' lang syne?'"


"It is two months, I should think, Caroline, since you were at the cottage."


"Have you ever passed that way in your walk?"


"I have come to the top of the fields sometimes of an evening and looked down.


Once I saw Hortense in the garden watering her flowers, and I know at what time you light your lamp in the counting-house.


I have waited for it to shine out now and then, and I have seen you bend between it and the window.

now and then I have waited for your lamp to shine out from the counting-house, and I have seen your outline between it and the window.


I knew it was you; I could almost trace the outline of your form."


I occasionally walk to the top of the Hollow's fields after sunset."


I had almost spoken to you one night, you passed so near me."

"I almost spoke to you one night, you passed so near me."


"I saw you twice, and neither time were you alone."


Probably nothing but Joe Scott, or my own shadow by moonlight."


"No; neither Joe Scott nor your shadow, Robert.


The first time you were with Mr. Yorke; and the second time what you call your shadow was a shape with a white forehead and dark curls, and a sparkling necklace round its neck.

"The first time you were with Mr. Yorke; and the second time, somebody with dark curls, and a sparkling necklace.


But I only just got a glimpse of you and that fairy shadow; I did not wait to hear you converse."

But I only just got a glimpse of you both; I did not wait to hear you converse."


I noticed a ring on your hand this evening; can it be the ring of Gyges?


Henceforth, when sitting in the counting-house by myself, perhaps at dead of night, I shall permit myself to imagine that Caroline may be leaning over my shoulder reading with me from the same book, or sitting at my side engaged in her own particular task, and now and then raising her unseen eyes to my face to read there my thoughts."

Henceforth, when sitting in the counting-house at dead of night, I shall imagine that Caroline may be leaning over my shoulder reading with me from the same book, or sitting at my side."


I do not come near you; I only stand afar off, watching what may become of you."


"When I walk out along the hedgerows in the evening after the mill is shut, or at night when I take the watchman's place, I shall fancy the flutter of every little bird over its nest, the rustle of every leaf, a movement made by you; tree-shadows will take your shape; in the white sprays of hawthorn I shall imagine glimpses of you.

"When I walk out along the hedgerows in the evening, I shall fancy the flutter of every little bird over its nest is a movement made by you; tree-shadows will take your shape; in the white sprays of hawthorn I shall imagine glimpses of you.


"I will never be where you would not wish me to be, nor see nor hear what you would wish unseen and unheard."


"I shall see you in my very mill in broad daylight.


But a week ago I was standing at the top of one of my long rooms; girls were working at the other end, and amongst half a dozen of them, moving to and fro, I seemed to see a figure resembling yours.

A week ago, amongst the mill-girls, moving to and fro, I seemed to see a figure resembling yours.


It was some effect of doubtful light or shade, or of dazzling sunbeam.


What I sought had glided away; I found myself between two buxom lasses in pinafores."

, I found only buxom lasses in pinafores."


"I shall not follow you into your mill, Robert, unless you call me there."


"Nor is that the only occasion on which imagination has played me a trick.

"Nor is that the only time on which imagination has played me a trick.


One night, when I came home late from market, I walked into the cottage parlour thinking to find Hortense; but instead of her I thought I found you.

One night, when I came home late from market, I walked into the cottage parlour and thought I saw you.


There was no candle in the room; my sister had taken the light upstairs with her.


The window-blind was not drawn, and broad moonbeams poured through the panes.


There you were, Lina, at the casement, shrinking a little to one side in an attitude not unusual with you.


You were dressed in white, as I have seen you dressed at an evening party.


For half a second your fresh, living face seemed turned towards me, looking at me; for half a second my idea was to go and take your hand, to chide you for your long absence, and welcome your present visit.

For half a second your face seemed turned towards me; for half a second my idea was to go and take your hand, to welcome you.


The drapery of the dress changed outline; the tints of the complexion dissolved, and were formless.

The drapery of the dress changed; the face dissolved.


Positively, as I reached the spot, there was nothing left but the sweep of a white muslin curtain, and a balsam plant in a flower-pot, covered with a flush of bloom.

When I reached the spot, there was nothing but the sweep of a white muslin curtain, and a plant in a flower-pot.


"No; only gauze, crockery, and pink blossom--a sample of earthly illusions."


"I wonder you have time for such illusions, occupied as your mind must be."


But I find in myself, Lina, two natures--one for the world and business, and one for home and leisure.

But I find I have two natures - one for the world and business, and one for home and leisure.


Grard Moore is a hard dog, brought up to mill and market; the person you call your cousin Robert is sometimes a dreamer, who lives elsewhere than in Cloth-hall and counting-house."

Grard Moore is a hard dog, but your cousin Robert is sometimes a dreamer."


I think you are looking in good spirits and health.


You have quite lost that harassed air which it often pained one to see in your face a few months ago."

You have quite lost that harassed air of a few months ago."


"Certainly I am disentangled of some difficulties.


I have got clear of some shoals, and have more sea-room."


"And, with a fair wind, you may now hope to make a prosperous voyage?"

"And, with a fair wind, you hope to make a prosperous voyage?"


"I may _hope_ it--yes--but hope is deceptive.

"I hope it - yes - but hope is deceptive.


Gusts and swells perpetually trouble the mariner's course; he dare not dismiss from his mind the expectation of tempest."

The mariner must always expect a tempest."


"But you are ready for a breeze; you are a good seaman, an able commander.


You are a skilful pilot, Robert; you will weather the storm."

"But you are a skilful pilot, Robert; you will weather the storm."


"My kinswoman always thinks the best of me, but I will take her words for a propitious omen.

"My kinswoman always thinks the best of me, but I will take her words for a good omen


I will consider that in meeting her to-night I have met with one of those birds whose appearance is to the sailor the harbinger of good luck."

, as if she is one of those birds that signifies good luck to the sailor."


"A poor harbinger of good luck is she who can do nothing, who has no power.

"I can do nothing for you. I have no power.


It is of no use saying I have the will to serve you when I cannot prove it.

It is of no use saying I have the will to serve you.


I wish you high fortune and true happiness."


"When did you ever wish me anything else?


We might have sat a few minutes in the church porch, if the girl had not been with us.


It is so fine a night, so summer-mild and still, I have no particular wish to return yet to the Hollow."

It is so fine a night, I have no particular wish to return yet to the Hollow.


"But we cannot sit in the porch now, Robert."


Caroline said this because Moore was turning her round towards it.


"My uncle will be coming out to take his usual sentinel round, and he always surveys the church and churchyard."

"My uncle will be coming out: he always surveys the church and churchyard at this hour."


If it were not for Fanny, who knows we are here, I should find pleasure in dodging and eluding him.


We could be under the east window when he is at the porch; as he came round to the north side we could wheel off to the south; we might at a pinch hide behind some of the monuments.

We could be under the east window when he is at the porch; as he came round to the north side we could wheel off to the south; we might even hide behind the monuments."


That tall erection of the Wynnes would screen us completely."


"I don't want to go; on the contrary, I want to stay."


"You know my uncle will be terribly angry.


He forbade me to see you because you are a Jacobin."


"Go, Robert, he is coming; I hear him cough."


It is strange--what a pertinacious wish I feel to stay!"

"It is strange how much I wish to stay!"


"You remember what he did to Fanny's--" began Caroline, and stopped abruptly short.

"You remember what he did to Fanny's-" began Caroline, and stopped abruptly short


"Sweetheart" was the word that ought to have followed, but she could not utter it.


It seemed calculated to suggest ideas she had no intention to suggest--ideas delusive and disturbing.


"He gave him a shower-bath under the pump, did he not?

"He gave him a shower under the pump, did he not?


He'd do as much for me, I dare say, with pleasure.


I should like to provoke the old Turk--not, however, against you.


But he would make a distinction between a cousin and a lover, would he not?"


"Oh, he would not think of you in that way, of course not; his quarrel with you is entirely political.

"Oh, he would not think of you in that way, of course not; his quarrel with you is political.


Yet I should not like the breach to be widened, and he is so testy.


For your own sake and mine, Robert, go!"


The beseeching words were aided by a beseeching gesture and a more beseeching look.


Moore covered her clasped hands an instant with his, answered her upward by a downward gaze, said "Good-night!"

Moore covered her clasped hands an instant with his, said "Good-night!"


Caroline was in a moment at the kitchen door behind Fanny.


The shadow of the shovel-hat at that very instant fell on a moonlit tomb.


The rector emerged, erect as a cane, from his garden, and proceeded in slow march, his hands behind him, down the cemetery.

The rector emerged, erect as a cane, from his garden, and proceeded his slow march through the cemetery.


He had to "dodge" after all, to coast round the church, and finally to bend his tall form behind the Wynnes' ambitious monument.

He had to "dodge" after all, around the church, and


There he was forced to hide full ten minutes, kneeling with one knee on the turf, his hat off, his curls bare to the dew, his dark eye shining, and his lips parted with inward laughter at his position; for the rector meantime stood coolly star-gazing, and taking snuff within three feet of him.

kneel for full ten minutes behind a monument, his hat off, his dark eye shining, and his lips parted with inward laughter at his position; for the rector meantime stood coolly star-gazing within three feet of him.


It happened, however, that Mr. Helstone had no suspicion whatever on his mind; for being usually but vaguely informed of his niece's movements, not thinking it worth while to follow them closely, he was not aware that she had been out at all that day, and imagined her then occupied with book or work in her chamber--where, indeed, she was by this time, though not absorbed in the tranquil employment he ascribed to her, but standing at her window with fast-throbbing heart, peeping anxiously from behind the blind, watching for her uncle to re-enter and her cousin to escape.

Mr. Helstone, however, had no suspicion on his mind. He was not aware that his niece had been out that day, and imagined her to be reading in her chamber - where, indeed, she was by this time, though not reading, but standing at her window with fast-throbbing heart, peeping anxiously from behind the blind.


She heard Mr. Helstone come in; she saw Robert stride the tombs and vault the wall; she then went down to prayers.

she heard Mr. Helstone come in; she saw Robert vault the churchyard wall; she then went down to prayers.


When she returned to her chamber, it was to meet the memory of Robert.


Long she sat at her lattice, long gazed down on the old garden and older church, on the tombs laid out all gray and calm, and clear in moonlight.

Long she sat at her window, long gazed down on the old garden and church, on the tombs laid out grey and calm in moonlight.


She followed the steps of the night, on its pathway of stars, far into the "wee sma' hours ayont the twal'."


She was with Moore, in spirit, the whole time; she was at his side; she heard his voice; she gave her hand into his hand; it rested warm in his fingers.

She was with Moore in spirit; she was at his side; she heard his voice; she gave her hand into his hand; it rested warm in his fingers.


When the church clock struck, when any other sound stirred, when a little mouse familiar to her chamber--an intruder for which she would never permit Fanny to lay a trap--came rattling amongst the links of her locket-chain, her one ring, and another trinket or two on the toilet-table, to nibble a bit of biscuit laid ready for it, she looked up, recalled momentarily to the real.

When the church clock struck, a little mouse familiar to her chamber - an intruder for which she would never permit Fanny to lay a trap - came rattling amongst the trinkets on the dressing-table, to nibble a bit of biscuit laid ready for it. Then Caroline looked up, recalled to the real world, and


Then she said half aloud, as if deprecating the accusation of some unseen and unheard monitor, "I am not cherishing love dreams; I am only thinking because I cannot sleep.

 said half aloud, as if to some unseen accuser:
"I am not cherishing love dreams; I am only thinking because I cannot sleep.


Of course, I know he will marry Shirley."


With returning silence, with the lull of the chime, and the retreat of her small untamed and unknown _protg_, she still resumed the dream, nestling to the vision's side--listening to, conversing with it.

She resumed the dream, nestling to the vision's side - listening to, conversing with it.


As dawn approached, the setting stars and breaking day dimmed the creation of fancy; the wakened song of birds hushed her whispers.


The tale full of fire, quick with interest, borne away by the morning wind, became a vague murmur.


The shape that, seen in a moonbeam, lived, had a pulse, had movement, wore health's glow and youth's freshness, turned cold and ghostly gray, confronted with the red of sunrise.


She crept to her couch, chill and dejected.


A clear air favoured the kindling of the stars.


"There will be just light enough to show me the way home," said Miss Keeldar, as she prepared to take leave of Caroline at the rectory garden door.

"There will be just light enough to show me the way home," said Miss Keeldar.


"You must not go alone, Shirley; Fanny shall accompany you."


Of what need I be afraid in my own parish?


I would walk from Fieldhead to the church any fine midsummer night, three hours later than this, for the mere pleasure of seeing the stars and the chance of meeting a fairy."

I would walk from Fieldhead to the church any fine midsummer night, for the mere pleasure of seeing the stars and the chance of meeting a fairy."


"But just wait till the crowd is cleared away."


There are the five Misses Armitage streaming by.


Here comes Mrs. Sykes's phaeton, Mr. Wynne's close carriage, Mrs. Birtwhistle's car.


I don't wish to go through the ceremony of bidding them all good-bye, so we will step into the garden and take shelter amongst the laburnums for an instant."

I don't wish to go through the ceremony of bidding them all good-bye, so we will step into the garden and take shelter."


The rectors, their curates, and their churchwardens now issued from the church porch.


There was a great confabulation, shaking of hands, congratulation on speeches, recommendation to be careful of the night air, etc.

There was a great shaking of hands, congratulation on speeches, recommendation to be careful of the night air, etc.


By degrees the throng dispersed, the carriages drove off.

By degrees the throng dispersed; the carriages drove off.


Miss Keeldar was just emerging from her flowery refuge when Mr. Helstone entered the garden and met her.

Miss Keeldar was just emerging from her flowery refuge when Mr. Helstone entered the garden.


"I was afraid you were already gone.--Caroline, come here."

"I was afraid you were already gone. - Caroline, come here."


Caroline came, expecting, as Shirley did, a lecture on not having been visible at church.

Caroline came, expecting a lecture on not having been in church.


Other subjects, however, occupied the rector's mind.


"I shall not sleep at home to-night," he continued.

"I shall not sleep at home tonight," he continued.


"I have just met with an old friend, and promised to accompany him.


I shall return probably about noon to-morrow.

I shall return probably about noon tomorrow.


Thomas, the clerk, is engaged, and I cannot get him to sleep in the house, as I usually do when I am absent for a night.

Thomas, the clerk, is engaged, and cannot sleep in the house as usual when I am absent for a night.


"Now," interrupted Shirley, "you want me as a gentleman--the first gentleman in Briarfield, in short--to supply your place, be master of the rectory and guardian of your niece and maids while you are away?"

"Now," interrupted Shirley, "you want me, as the first gentleman in Briarfield, to supply your place, be master of the rectory and guardian of your niece and maids while you are away?"


Will you favour Caroline so far as to be her guest for one night?

Will you be Caroline's guest for one night


Will you stay here instead of going back to Fieldhead?"


You and Caroline will enjoy each other's society, I doubt not."

You and Caroline will enjoy each other's society."


"I promise you, then, to stay with Caroline," replied Shirley.

"I promise, then, to stay with Caroline," replied Shirley.


"As you say, we shall enjoy each other's society.


Now, rejoin your old friend, and fear nothing for us."


"If there should chance to be any disturbance in the night, captain; if you should hear the picking of a lock, the cutting out of a pane of glass, a stealthy tread of steps about the house (and I need not fear to tell _you_, who bear a well-tempered, mettlesome heart under your girl's ribbon sash, that such little incidents are very possible in the present time), what would you do?"

"If there should chance to be any disturbance in the night, captain; if you should hear the picking of a lock, a stealthy tread of steps about the house (and I need not fear to tell you, who bear a mettlesome heart, that such incidents are very possible at present), what would you do?"


"Don't know; faint, perhaps--fall down, and have to be picked up again.

"Don't know; faint, perhaps - fall down, and have to be picked up again.


But, doctor, if you assign me the post of honour, you must give me arms.


What weapons are there in your stronghold?"


"No; I could manage the carving-knife better."


"You will find a good one in the dining-room sideboard--a lady's knife, light to handle, and as sharp-pointed as a poniard."

"You will find a good one in the dining-room sideboard - light and sharp."


But you must give me a brace of pistols.


You will find them suspended over the mantelpiece of my study in cloth cases."

"You will find a pair hanging over the mantelpiece of my study."


It is paying you a great compliment, captain, to lend you these."


Were you one of the awkward squad you should not have them."


You may go now.--He is gracious to me to lend me his pistols," she remarked, as the rector passed out at the garden gate.

- He is gracious to me to lend me his pistols," she remarked, as the rector departed.


"But come, Lina," she continued, "let us go in and have some supper.

"But come, Lina, let us go in and have supper."


I was too much vexed at tea with the vicinage of Mr. Sam Wynne to be able to eat, and now I am really hungry."


Entering the house, they repaired to the darkened dining-room, through the open windows of which apartment stole the evening air, bearing the perfume of flowers from the garden, the very distant sound of far-retreating steps from the road, and a soft, vague murmur whose origin Caroline explained by the remark, uttered as she stood listening at the casement, "Shirley, I hear the beck in the Hollow."

Entering the house, they went to the darkened dining-room. Through the open windows stole the evening air, bearing the perfume of flowers, and a soft, vague murmur.
Caroline said, "I hear the beck in the Hollow."


Then she rang the bell, asked for a candle and some bread and milk--Miss Keeldar's usual supper and her own.

She rang the bell, and asked for a candle, and bread and milk for supper.


Fanny, when she brought in the tray, would have closed the windows and the shutters, but was requested to desist for the present.


The twilight was too calm, its breath too balmy to be yet excluded.


Caroline rose once to remove to the window-sill a glass of flowers which stood on the sideboard, the exhalation from the blossoms being somewhat too powerful for the sultry room.


In returning she half opened a drawer, and took from it something that glittered clear and keen in her hand.


"You assigned this to me, then, Shirley, did you?


It is bright, keen-edged, finely tapered; it is dangerous-looking.


I never yet felt the impulse which could move me to direct this against a fellow-creature.

I never yet felt the impulse to wound a fellow-creature."


It is difficult to fancy that circumstances could nerve my arm to strike home with this long knife."


"I should hate to do it," replied Shirley, "but I think I could do it, if goaded by certain exigencies which I can imagine."

"I should hate to do it," replied Shirley, "but I think I could, if goaded sufficiently."


And Miss Keeldar quietly sipped her glass of new milk, looking somewhat thoughtful and a little pale; though, indeed, when did she not look pale?

And Miss Keeldar quietly sipped her glass of milk, looking somewhat thoughtful and a little pale; though, indeed, when did she not look pale?


The milk sipped and the bread eaten, Fanny was again summoned.


She and Eliza were recommended to go to bed, which they were quite willing to do, being weary of the day's exertions, of much cutting of currant-buns, and filling of urns and teapots, and running backwards and forwards with trays.

She and Eliza were recommended to go to bed, which they were quite willing to do, being weary of the day's exertions.


Ere long the maids' chamber door was heard to close.


Caroline took a candle and went quietly all over the house, seeing that every window was fast and every door barred.


She did not even evade the haunted back kitchen nor the vault-like cellars.


"There is neither spirit nor flesh in the house at present," she said, "which should not be there.


It is now near eleven o'clock, fully bedtime; yet I would rather sit up a little longer, if you do not object, Shirley.

It is now near eleven o'clock," she said on her return, "yet I would rather sit up a little longer, if you do not object, Shirley.


Here," she continued, "I have brought the brace of pistols from my uncle's study.

I have brought the pistols from my uncle's study."


She placed them on the table before her friend.


asked Miss Keeldar, taking up the firearms, examining them, and again laying them down.

asked Miss Keeldar, taking up the firearms, examining them, and laying them down.


"Because I have a strange, excited feeling in my heart."


"Is this state of sleeplessness and restlessness caused by something electrical in the air, I wonder?"

"Is this restlessness caused by something electrical in the air, I wonder?"


"No; the sky is clear, the stars numberless.


I hear the water fret over its stony bed in Hollow's Copse as distinctly as if it ran below the churchyard wall."


A moaning wind or rushing rain would vex me to fever just now."


"Because it would baffle my efforts to listen."


"Yes; it is the only quarter whence we can hear a sound just now."


They both sat near the window, and both leaned their arms on the sill, and both inclined their heads towards the open lattice.

They both sat near the window, and leaned their arms on the sill by the open lattice.


They saw each other's young faces by the starlight and that dim June twilight which does not wholly fade from the west till dawn begins to break in the east.


"Mr. Helstone thinks we have no idea which way he is gone," murmured Miss Keeldar, "nor on what errand, nor with what expectations, nor how prepared.

"Mr. Helstone thinks we have no idea where he is gone," murmured Miss Keeldar, "nor on what errand.


"All those gentlemen--your cousin Moore included--think that you and I are now asleep in our beds, unconscious."

"All those gentlemen - your cousin Moore included - think that we are now asleep in our beds."


"Caring nothing about them--hoping and fearing nothing for them," added Caroline.

"Caring nothing about them," added Caroline.


The night was silent too; only the church clock measured its course by quarters.


Some words were interchanged about the chill of the air.


They wrapped their scarves closer round them, resumed their bonnets, which they had removed, and again watched.

They wrapped their scarves closer round them in the chill air, and again watched.


Towards midnight the teasing, monotonous bark of the house-dog disturbed the quietude of their vigil.

Towards midnight the bark of the house-dog disturbed their vigil.


Caroline rose, and made her way noiselessly through the dark passages to the kitchen, intending to appease him with a piece of bread.

Caroline rose, and made her way noiselessly through the dark passages to the kitchen to appease him with a piece of bread.


On returning to the dining-room she found it all dark, Miss Keeldar having extinguished the candle.

On returning to the dining-room she found it dark, Miss Keeldar having extinguished the candle.


The outline of her shape was visible near the still open window, leaning out.

The outline of her shape was visible near the open window, leaning out.


Miss Helstone asked no questions; she stole to her side.


Suddenly he stopped, and seemed to listen.


The occupants of the dining-room listened too, and not merely now to the flow of the mill-stream.

The occupants of the dining-room listened too.


There was a nearer, though a muffled, sound on the road below the churchyard--a measured, beating, approaching sound--a dull tramp of marching feet.

There was a muffled sound on the road below the churchyard - a measured, beating tramp of marching feet.


Those who listened by degrees comprehended its extent.


It was not the tread of two, nor of a dozen, nor of a score of men; it was the tread of hundreds.

It was not the tread of two, nor of a dozen men; it was the tread of hundreds.


They could see nothing; the high shrubs of the garden formed a leafy screen between them and the road.


To hear, however, was not enough, and this they felt as the troop trod forwards, and seemed actually passing the rectory.

The troop marched forwards, and seemed actually passing the rectory


They felt it more when a human voice--though that voice spoke but one word--broke the hush of the night.

when a voice broke the hush of the night.


Then came a low conference, of which no word was distinguishable from the dining-room.


She turned, took her pistols from the table, silently passed out through the middle window of the dining-room, which was, in fact, a glass door, stole down the walk to the garden wall, and stood listening under the lilacs.

She took her pistols from the table, silently passed out through the full-length French window of the dining-room, stole down the walk to the garden wall, and stood listening under the lilacs.


Caroline would not have quitted the house had she been alone, but where Shirley went she would go.


She glanced at the weapon on the sideboard, but left it behind her, and presently stood at her friend's side.

She glanced at the knife, but left it behind her, and presently stood at her friend's side.


They dared not look over the wall, for fear of being seen; they were obliged to crouch behind it.


Who lives in it besides the damned parson?"


"Only three women--his niece and two servants."

"Only three women - his niece and two servants."


"The lasses behind; the niece in a front room."


He was burning a light, but I see none now."


"If I were ordered to do his job--and he desarves it--I'd try yond' long window; it opens to the dining-room.

"I'd try t' long window; it opens to the dining-room.


I could grope my way upstairs, and I know his chamber."


"How would you manage about the women folk?"


"Let 'em alone except they shrieked, and then I'd soon quieten 'em.


I could wish to find the old chap asleep.


Moore would be on us before we could turn round.


One of the party dropped some weapon, which rang on the stone causeway.


At this sound the rectory dog barked again furiously--fiercely.

At this sound the rectory dog barked again, furiously.


Forward they went--tramp, tramp--with mustering, manifold, slow-filing tread.


Shirley stood erect, looked over the wall, along the road.

Shirley stood up and looked over the wall, along the road.


Caroline repeated the ejaculation--not in so steady a tone.

Caroline repeated, "Thank God," not in so steady a tone.


Her heart was beating fast and thick; her face was cold, her forehead damp.

Her heart was beating fast; her face was cold, her forehead damp.


They have passed us by that they may make sure of others."

she asked. "They have passed us so that they may make sure of others."


"They have done well," returned Shirley, with composure.


"The others will defend themselves," returned Shirley.


My finger was on the trigger of this pistol.


I was quite ready to give that man, if he had entered, such a greeting as he little calculated on; but behind him followed three hundred.


I had neither three hundred hands nor three hundred weapons.


I could not have effectually protected either you, myself, or the two poor women asleep under that roof.

I could not have protected us against three hundred men.


Therefore I again earnestly thank God for insult and peril escaped."


After a second pause she continued: "What is it my duty and wisdom to do next?


Not to stay here inactive, I am glad to say, but, of course, to walk over to the Hollow."

Not to stay here inactive, but to walk over to the Hollow.


"They have taken the highway; we should not encounter them.

"They have taken the highway; we should not meet them.


The road over the fields is as safe, silent, and solitary as a path through the air would be.

The road over the fields is as safe and solitary as a path through the air.


"Yes," was the answer, given mechanically, not because the speaker wished or was prepared to go, or, indeed, was otherwise than scared at the prospect of going, but because she felt she could not abandon Shirley.

"Yes," was the answer, given mechanically, not because Caroline wished to go, but because she felt she could not abandon Shirley.


"Then we must fasten up these windows, and leave all as secure as we can behind us.

"Then we must fasten up these windows, and leave all secure behind us.


Do you know what we are going for, Cary?"


And are you so obedient to a mere caprice of mine?


What a docile wife you would make to a stern husband!


The moon's face is not whiter than yours at this moment, and the aspen at the gate does not tremble more than your busy fingers; and so, tractable and terror-struck, and dismayed and devoted, you would follow me into the thick of real danger!

The moon's face is not whiter than yours at this moment; and so, terror-struck and devoted, you would follow me into the thick of danger!


Cary, let me give your fidelity a motive.


We are going for Moore's sake--to see if we can be of use to him, to make an effort to warn him of what is coming."

we are going for Moore's sake - to try to warn him of what is coming."


I am a blind, weak fool, and you are acute and sensible, Shirley.


I will go with you; I will gladly go with you!"


You would die blindly and meekly for me, but you would intelligently and gladly die for Moore.


But, in truth, there is no question of death to-night; we run no risk at all."


Caroline rapidly closed shutter and lattice.

Caroline rapidly closed shutter and window.


"Do not fear that I shall not have breath to run as fast as you can possibly run, Shirley.


"You are afraid of hedges, and the beck which we shall be forced to cross?"


Many a wall checked but did not baffle them.


Shirley was surefooted and agile; she could spring like a deer when she chose.


Caroline, more timid and less dexterous, fell once or twice, and bruised herself; but she rose again directly, saying she was not hurt.

Caroline fell once or twice, and bruised herself; but she rose again directly, saying she was not hurt.


A quickset hedge bounded the last field; they lost time in seeking a gap in it.

A quickset hedge surrounded the last field; they lost time in seeking a gap


The aperture, when found, was narrow, but they worked their way through.


The long hair, the tender skin, the silks and the muslins suffered; but what was chiefly regretted was the impediment this difficulty had caused to speed.

The long hair, the tender skin, the silks and the muslins suffered; but what was chiefly regretted was the loss of speed.


On the other side they met the beck, flowing deep in a rough bed.


At this point a narrow plank formed the only bridge across it.

, a narrow plank the only bridge across it.


Shirley had trodden the plank successfully and fearlessly many a time before; Caroline had never yet dared to risk the transit.

Shirley had trodden the plank fearlessly many a time; Caroline had never yet dared.


"I will carry you across," said Miss Keeldar.


"If I fall in, you may fish me out," was the answer, as a grateful squeeze compressed her hand.

"If I fall in, you may fish me out," was the answer.


Caroline, without pausing, trod forward on the trembling plank as if it were a continuation of the firm turf.

Caroline, without pausing, walked across the trembling plank as if it were firm ground.


Shirley, who followed, did not cross it more resolutely or safely.

Shirley, who followed, did not cross it more resolutely.


In their present humour, on their present errand, a strong and foaming channel would have been a barrier to neither.


At the moment they were above the control either of fire or water.


All Stilbro' Moor, alight and aglow with bonfires, would not have stopped them, nor would Calder or Aire thundering in flood.

all Stilbro' Moor alight with bonfires would not have stopped them, nor would the river Aire thundering in flood.


Scarce had they set foot on the solid opposite bank when a shot split the air from the north.


Further off burst a like note in the south.

; another shot burst further off in the south.


Within the space of three minutes similar signals boomed in the east and west.

Within three minutes, similar signals boomed in the east and west.


"I thought we were dead at the first explosion," observed Shirley, drawing a long breath.


"I felt myself hit in the temples, and I concluded your heart was pierced; but the reiterated voice was an explanation.


Those are signals--it is their way--the attack must be near.


Our feet have not borne us swiftly enough."


A portion of the copse was now to clear.


When they emerged from it the mill lay just below them.

They now emerged from the copse; the mill lay just below them


They could look down upon the buildings, the yard; they could see the road beyond.


And the first glance in that direction told Shirley she was right in her conjecture.

And the first glance told Shirley she was right.


They were already too late to give warning.


It had taken more time than they calculated on to overcome the various obstacles which embarrassed the short cut across the fields.


The road, which should have been white, was dark with a moving mass.


The rioters were assembled in front of the closed yard gates, and a single figure stood within, apparently addressing them.


The mill itself was perfectly black and still.


There was neither life, light, nor motion around it.


"Surely that is not Moore meeting them alone?"


"There _is_ a small entrance at the back, besides the gates in front.


It opens by a secret method which I know.


Miss Keeldar clasped her round the waist with both arms and held her back.

Miss Keeldar clasped her round the waist with both arms and held her.


"Not one step shall you stir," she went on authoritatively.


"At this moment Moore would be both shocked and embarrassed if he saw either you or me.


Men never want women near them in time of real danger."


"I would not trouble--I would help him," was the reply.


It is not a tilt at a tournament we are going to behold, but a struggle about money, and food, and life."

it is not a tilt at a tournament, but a struggle about money and food, and life."


"It is natural that I should be at his side."


Backed by his factory and his frames, he has all the encouragement he wants or can know.


It is not for love or beauty, but for ledger and broadcloth, he is going to break a spear.

It is not for love or beauty, but for ledger and broadcloth that he is going to fight.


Don't be sentimental; Robert is not so."


"I _could_ help him; I _will_ seek him."


Caroline sped like levelled shaft from bent bow; after her rang a jesting, gibing laugh.


The figure had suddenly retreated from the gate, and was running back hastily to the mill.

The figure had retreated from the gate, and was running back to the mill.


cried Shirley; "meet him before he enters."


"It has neither his height, form, nor bearing."


"I saw it was not Robert when I let you go.


It is a shabby little figure of a private soldier; they had posted him as sentinel.


Our warning would have been superfluous; and now I am thankful we came too late to give it.


How fine to have entered the counting-house _toute perdue_, and to have found oneself in presence of Messrs. Armitage and Ramsden smoking, Malone swaggering, your uncle sneering, Mr. Sykes sipping a cordial, and Moore himself in his cold man-of-business vein!

How fine to have entered the counting-house, and to have found oneself in the presence of Malone swaggering, your uncle sneering, Mr. Sykes sipping a cordial, and Moore himself in his cold man-of-business vein!


"I wonder if there are many in the mill, Shirley!"


The soldiers we have twice seen to-day were going there, no doubt, and the group we noticed surrounding your cousin in the fields will be with him."

The soldiers we have twice seen today were going there, no doubt.


"Hatchets and crowbars against the yard gates.

The crowd is trying to force the gates, using hatchets and crowbars


We shall see what transpires with our own eyes.


We are here on the spot, and none know it."


Instead of amazing the curate, the clothier, and the corn-dealer with a romantic rush on the stage, we stand alone with the friendly night, its mute stars, and these whispering trees, whose report our friends will not come to gather."


That crash was like the felling of great trees.


They will break down the mill doors as they have broken the gate.


Would to God I were a little nearer him--could hear him speak--could speak to him!

Would to God I were nearer him - could speak to him!


With my will--my longing to serve him--I could not be a useless burden in his way; I could be turned to some account."

I long to serve him - surely I could be of some use."


I will not say there is courage--hundreds against tens are no proof of that quality--but" (she dropped her voice) "there is suffering and desperation enough amongst them.

I will not say there is courage, but there is desperation enough


"Forwards against Robert; and they hate him."


Shirley, is there much danger they will win the day?"


Moore and Helstone are of 'earth's first blood'--no bunglers--no cravens----"


A crash--smash--shiver--stopped their whispers.


A simultaneously hurled volley of stones had saluted the broad front of the mill, with all its windows; and now every pane of every lattice lay in shattered and pounded fragments.

A volley of stones had saluted the broad front of the mill, with all its windows; and now every pane lay in shattered fragments.


A yell followed this demonstration--a rioters' yell--a north-of-England, a Yorkshire, a West-Riding, a West-Riding-clothing-district-of-Yorkshire rioters' yell.


You never heard that sound, perhaps, reader?


So much the better for your ears--perhaps for your heart, since, if it rends the air in hate to yourself, or to the men or principles you approve, the interests to which you wish well, wrath wakens to the cry of hate; the lion shakes his mane, and rises to the howl of the hyena; caste stands up, ireful against caste; and the indignant, wronged spirit of the middle rank bears down in zeal and scorn on the famished and furious mass of the operative class.


It is difficult to be tolerant, difficult to be just, in such moments.


Caroline rose; Shirley put her arm round her: they stood together as still as the straight stems of two trees.

Caroline rose; Shirley put her arm round her: they stood together like two straight trees.


That yell was a long one, and when it ceased the night was yet full of the swaying and murmuring of a crowd.

When the yell ceased, the night was yet full of the murmuring of a crowd.


"I would stake all I have that he is as little alone as he is alarmed," responded Shirley.

"He is neither alone nor alarmed," responded Shirley.


Had the defenders waited for this signal?


The hitherto inert and passive mill woke; fire flashed from its empty window-frames; a volley of musketry pealed sharp through the Hollow.

And now the mill awoke; fire flashed from its empty window-frames; a volley of musketry pealed through the Hollow.


said Shirley, "and he seems to have the gift of tongues.


No one can accuse him of rashness," alleged Caroline.

No-one can accuse him of rashness," said Caroline.


They fired at his garrison before he repelled them."


It seemed difficult, in the darkness, to distinguish; but something terrible, a still-renewing tumult, was obvious--fierce attacks, desperate repulses.

It seemed difficult, in the darkness, to distinguish; but a tumult was obvious - fierce attacks, desperate repulses.


The mill-yard, the mill itself, was full of battle movement.

The mill-yard was full of battle movement.


There was scarcely any cessation now of the discharge of firearms; and there was struggling, rushing, trampling, and shouting between.

There were frequent shots; there was struggling, rushing, trampling, and shouting.


The aim of the assailants seemed to be to enter the mill, that of the defenders to beat them off.


They heard the rebel leader cry, "To the back, lads!"


They heard a voice retort, "Come round; we will meet you."


And accordingly the fiercest blaze that had yet glowed, the loudest rattle that had yet been heard, burst from the counting-house front when the mass of rioters rushed up to it.

And accordingly the fiercest blaze that had yet glowed, the loudest rattle that had yet been heard, burst from the counting-house when the mass of rioters rushed up to it.


The voice that had spoken was Moore's own voice.


They could tell by its tones that his soul was now warm with the conflict; they could guess that the fighting animal was roused in every one of those men there struggling together, and was for the time quite paramount above the rational human being.

, warm with the conflict; they could tell that the fighting animal was roused in every one of those men there struggling.


Both the girls felt their faces glow and their pulses throb; both knew they would do no good by rushing down into the _mle_.

The girls felt their faces glow and their pulses throb; but knew they would do no good by rushing down into the mle.


They desired neither to deal nor to receive blows; but they could not have run away--Caroline no more than Shirley; they could not have fainted; they could not have taken their eyes from the dim, terrible scene--from the mass of cloud, of smoke, the musket-lightning--for the world.

They could not take their eyes from the dim, terrible scene - from the mass of cloud, of smoke, the musket-lightning.


was the demand throbbing in their throbbing pulses.


"Would a juncture arise in which they could be useful?"


was what they waited to see; for though Shirley put off their too-late arrival with a jest, and was ever ready to satirize her own or any other person's enthusiasm, she would have given a farm of her best land for a chance of rendering good service.

They wondered both how it would end, and whether they could yet be useful; for Shirley would have given a farm of her best land for a chance of rendering good service.


The chance was not vouchsafed her; the looked-for juncture never came.


Moore had expected this attack for days, perhaps weeks; he was prepared for it at every point.

Moore had expected this attack, and was prepared for it.


He had fortified and garrisoned his mill, which in itself was a strong building.


He was a cool, brave man; he stood to the defence with unflinching firmness.


Those who were with him caught his spirit, and copied his demeanour.

Those who were with him caught his spirit.


The rioters had never been so met before.


At other mills they had attacked they had found no resistance; an organized, resolute defence was what they never dreamed of encountering.

At other mills they had attacked they had found no resistance.


When their leaders saw the steady fire kept up from the mill, witnessed the composure and determination of its owner, heard themselves coolly defied and invited on to death, and beheld their men falling wounded round them, they felt that nothing was to be done here.

When their leaders saw the steady fire kept up from the mill, witnessed the composure and determination of its owner, heard themselves coolly invited on to death, and beheld their men falling wounded, they


In haste they mustered their forces, drew them away from the building.

hastily mustered their forces and drew them away.


A roll was called over, in which the men answered to figures instead of names.


They dispersed wide over the fields, leaving silence and ruin behind them.

They dispersed wide over the fields, leaving silence and ruin behind.


The attack, from its commencement to its termination, had not occupied an hour.


Day was by this time approaching; the west was dim, the east beginning to gleam.

Day was by this time approaching; the east was beginning to gleam.


It would have seemed that the girls who had watched this conflict would now wish to hasten to the victors, on whose side all their interest had been enlisted; but they only very cautiously approached the now battered mill, and when suddenly a number of soldiers and gentlemen appeared at the great door opening into the yard, they quickly stepped aside into a shed, the deposit of old iron and timber, whence they could see without being seen.

The girls very cautiously approached the now battered mill. When soldiers suddenly appeared at the great door opening into the yard, they quickly stepped aside into a shed, where they could see without being seen.


These premises were now a mere blot of desolation on the fresh front of the summer dawn.


All the copse up the Hollow was shady and dewy, the hill at its head was green; but just here, in the centre of the sweet glen, Discord, broken loose in the night from control, had beaten the ground with his stamping hoofs, and left it waste and pulverized.


The mill yawned all ruinous with unglazed frames; the yard was thickly bestrewn with stones and brickbats; and close under the mill, with the glittering fragments of the shattered windows, muskets and other weapons lay here and there.

The mill yawned ruinous with broken windows; the yard was thickly strewn with stones; and close under the mill, with the glittering fragments of glass, lay muskets and other weapons.


More than one deep crimson stain was visible on the gravel, a human body lay quiet on its face near the gates, and five or six wounded men writhed and moaned in the bloody dust.


Miss Keeldar's countenance changed at this view.


It was the after-taste of the battle, death and pain replacing excitement and exertion.


It was the blackness the bright fire leaves when its blaze is sunk, its warmth failed, and its glow faded.


"This is what I wished to prevent," she said, in a voice whose cadence betrayed the altered impulse of her heart.

"This is what I wished to prevent," she said, in a low voice.


"But you could not prevent it; you did your best--it was in vain," said Caroline comfortingly.

"But you could not prevent it; you did your best," said Caroline.


"I am sorry for those poor fellows," was the answer, while the spark in her glance dissolved to dew.

"I am sorry for those poor fellows," was the answer.


"Are any within the mill hurt, I wonder?


"It is, and there is Mr. Malone; and, O Shirley, there is Robert!"


"Well" (resuming her former tone), "don't squeeze your fingers quite into my hand.


We knew he, at least, was here, whoever might be absent."


"He is coming here towards us, Shirley!"


"Towards the pump, that is to say, for the purpose of washing his hands and his forehead, which has got a scratch, I perceive."

"Towards the pump, rather, to wash his hands and his forehead, which has got a scratch, I perceive."


"To speak to him, to ask how he is, and what I can do for him."

to him, to ask how he is, and see what I can do."


"To tease and annoy him; to make a spectacle of yourself and him before those soldiers, Mr. Malone, your uncle, et cetera.

"To tease and annoy him; to make a spectacle of yourself before those soldiers, Mr. Malone, and your uncle.


Would you like to remember it a week hence?"


"Am I always to be curbed and kept down?"


demanded Caroline, a little passionately.


"For his sake, yes; and still more for your own.


I tell you, if you showed yourself now you would repent it an hour hence, and so would Robert."


"You think he would not like it, Shirley?"


"Far less than he would like our stopping him to say good-night, which you were so sore about."


"But that was all play; there was no danger."


"And this is serious work; he must be unmolested."


"I only wish to go to him because he is my cousin--you understand?"

"I only wish to go to him because he is my cousin - you understand?"


He has bathed his forehead, and the blood has ceased trickling.

look: he has bathed his forehead, and the blood has ceased trickling.


His hurt is really a mere graze; I can see it from hence.


He is going to look after the wounded men."


Accordingly Mr. Moore and Mr. Helstone went round the yard, examining each prostrate form.


They then gave directions to have the wounded taken up and carried into the mill.

They gave directions to have the wounded taken up and carried into the mill.


This duty being performed, Joe Scott was ordered to saddle his master's horse and Mr. Helstone's pony, and the two gentlemen rode away full gallop, to seek surgical aid in different directions.

Horses were saddled, and Moore and Mr. Helstone rode away full gallop, in different directions, to seek surgical aid.


"Shirley, Shirley, I should have liked to speak one word to him before he went," she murmured, while the tears gathered glittering in her eyes.

"Shirley, Shirley, I should have liked to speak one word to him before he went," she murmured, while tears gathered glittering in her eyes.


Robert has escaped any serious harm; he is victorious; he has been cool and brave in combat; he is now considerate in triumph.

Robert has escaped any serious harm; he is victorious; he has been brave in combat; he is now considerate in triumph.


Is this a time--are these causes for weeping?"


"You do not know what I have in my heart," pleaded the other--"what pain, what distraction--nor whence it arises.

"You do not know what I have in my heart," pleaded the other.


I can understand that you should exult in Robert's greatness and goodness; so do I, in one sense, but in another I feel _so_ miserable.

"I understand that you exult in Robert's greatness and goodness; so do I, in one sense, but in another I feel so miserable.


Do let me cry a few minutes; it relieves me."


Miss Keeldar, feeling her tremble in every limb, ceased to expostulate with her.


She went out of the shed, and left her to weep in peace.


In a few minutes Caroline rejoined her, much calmer.


She said, with her natural, docile, gentle manner, "Come, Shirley, we will go home now.

She said, with her natural, gentle manner, "Come, Shirley, we will go home now.


I promise not to try to see Robert again till he asks for me.


I thank you for restraining me just now."


"I did it with a good intention," returned Miss Keeldar.


"Now, dear Lina," she continued, "let us turn our faces to the cool morning breeze, and walk very quietly back to the rectory.

"Now, dear Lina," returned Shirley, "let us walk very quietly back to the rectory.


None shall know where we have been or what we have seen to-night; neither taunt nor misconstruction can consequently molest us.


To-morrow we will see Robert, and be of good cheer; but I will say no more, lest I should begin to cry too.

Tomorrow we will see Robert, and be of good cheer; but I will say no more, lest I should begin to cry too.


I seem hard towards you, but I am not so."


Caroline Helstone was just eighteen years old, and at eighteen the true narrative of life is yet to be commenced.

Caroline Helstone was just eighteen years old, and at eighteen the true narrative of life is yet to begin.


Before that time we sit listening to a tale, a marvellous fiction, delightful sometimes, and sad sometimes, almost always unreal.

Before that age we sit listening to a tale, a marvellous fiction


Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

: our world is heroic, its scenes are dream-scenes, with darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, wider plains, and sunnier fields than are found in nature.


What a moon we gaze on before that time!


How the trembling of our hearts at her aspect bears witness to its unutterable beauty!


As to our sun, it is a burning heaven--the world of gods.


At that time, at eighteen, drawing near the confines of illusive, void dreams, Elf-land lies behind us, the shores of Reality rise in front.

At eighteen, Elf-land lies behind us, the shores of Reality rise ahead.


These shores are yet distant; they look so blue, soft, gentle, we long to reach them.

These shores are still distant; they look so blue, soft, and gentle, we long to reach them.


In sunshine we see a greenness beneath the azure, as of spring meadows; we catch glimpses of silver lines, and imagine the roll of living waters.


Could we but reach this land, we think to hunger and thirst no more; whereas many a wilderness, and often the flood of death, or some stream of sorrow as cold and almost as black as death, is to be crossed ere true bliss can be tasted.

There, we think, we would hunger and thirst no more; whereas many a wilderness or stream of sorrow is to be crossed before true bliss can be tasted.


Every joy that life gives must be earned ere it is secured; and how hardly earned, those only know who have wrestled for great prizes.

Every joy that life gives must be earned; and earned with hardship.


The heart's blood must gem with red beads the brow of the combatant, before the wreath of victory rustles over it.


Hope, when she smiles on us, and promises happiness to-morrow, is implicitly believed; Love, when he comes wandering like a lost angel to our door, is at once admitted, welcomed, embraced.

Hope, when she smiles on us, and promises happiness, is believed; Love, when he comes wandering like a lost angel to our door, is at once welcomed and embraced.


His quiver is not seen; if his arrows penetrate, their wound is like a thrill of new life.

If his arrows penetrate, their wound is like a thrill of new life.


There are no fears of poison, none of the barb which no leech's hand can extract.


That perilous passion--an agony ever in some of its phases; with many, an agony throughout--is believed to be an unqualified good.

That perilous passion - even agony - is believed to be an unqualified good.


In short, at eighteen the school of experience is to be entered, and her humbling, crushing, grinding, but yet purifying and invigorating lessons are yet to be learned.

In short, at eighteen the school of experience is yet to be entered, and her humbling, crushing, grinding, but purifying lessons are yet to be learned.


No other mentor has so wasted and frozen a face as yours, none wears a robe so black, none bears a rod so heavy, none with hand so inexorable draws the novice so sternly to his task, and forces him with authority so resistless to its acquirement.

No other teacher has so wasted and frozen a face as yours, none wears a robe so black, none bears a rod so heavy.


It is by your instructions alone that man or woman can ever find a safe track through life's wilds; without it, how they stumble, how they stray!

It is by your lessons alone that man or woman can ever find a safe track through life's wilds.


On what forbidden grounds do they intrude, down what dread declivities are they hurled!


Caroline, having been convoyed home by Robert, had no wish to pass what remained of the evening with her uncle.

Caroline, having walked home with Robert, had no wish to pass the rest of the evening with her uncle


The room in which he sat was very sacred ground to her; she seldom intruded on it; and to-night she kept aloof till the bell rang for prayers.

, and kept aloof till the bell rang for prayers.


Part of the evening church service was the form of worship observed in Mr. Helstone's household.

Mr. Helstone read part of the evening church service


He read it in his usual nasal voice, clear, loud, and monotonous.


The rite over, his niece, according to her wont, stepped up to him.

Afterwards, his niece, as usual, stepped up to him.


You've been gadding abroad all day--visiting, dining out, and what not!"

You've been gadding abroad all day - visiting, dining out, and what not!"


Stick to the needle, learn shirt-making and gown-making and piecrust-making, and you'll be a clever woman some day.

Stick to the needle, and you'll be a clever woman some day.


Presently the niece was enclosed in her small bedroom, the door bolted, her white dressing-gown assumed, her long hair loosened and falling thick, soft, and wavy to her waist; and as, resting from the task of combing it out, she leaned her check on her hand and fixed her eyes on the carpet, before her rose, and close around her drew, the visions we see at eighteen years.

Presently the niece was in her small bedroom, in her white dressing-gown, her long hair loosened and falling thick and soft to her waist. As she leaned her cheek on her hand and fixed her eyes on the carpet, before her rose the visions we see at eighteen years.


Her thoughts were speaking with her, speaking pleasantly, as it seemed, for she smiled as she listened.

Her thoughts were pleasant, it seemed, for she smiled.


She looked pretty meditating thus; but a brighter thing than she was in that apartment--the spirit of youthful Hope.


According to this flattering prophet, she was to know disappointment, to feel chill no more; she had entered on the dawn of a summer day--no false dawn, but the true spring of morning--and her sun would quickly rise.

flattering prophet Hope told her that she had entered on the dawn of a summer day, and her sun would quickly rise.


Impossible for her now to suspect that she was the sport of delusion; her expectations seemed warranted, the foundation on which they rested appeared solid.

Her expectations seemed based on a solid foundation.


"When people love, the next step is they marry," was her argument.

"When people love, the next step is they marry," she thought.


"Now, I love Robert, and I feel sure that Robert loves me.


I have thought so many a time before; to-day I _felt_ it.


When I looked up at him after repeating Chnier's poem, his eyes (what handsome eyes he has!)

When I looked up at him after repeating Chnier's poem, his handsome eyes


Sometimes I am afraid to speak to him, lest I should be too frank, lest I should seem forward--for I have more than once regretted bitterly overflowing, superfluous words, and feared I had said more than he expected me to say, and that he would disapprove what he might deem my indiscretion; now, to-night I could have ventured to express any thought, he was so indulgent.

Sometimes I am afraid to speak to him, lest I should be too frank and forward; but tonight I could have dared to express any thought, he was so indulgent.


How kind he was as we walked up the lane!


He does not flatter or say foolish things; his love-making (friendship, I mean; of course I don't yet account him my lover, but I hope he will be so some day) is not like what we read of in books,--it is far better--original, quiet, manly, sincere.

He does not flatter or say foolish things; his love-making (friendship, I mean; I don't account him my lover, but I hope he will be so some day) is not like what we read of in books. It is quiet, manly, sincere.


I _do_ like him; I would be an excellent wife to him if he did marry me; I would tell him of his faults (for he has a few faults), but I would study his comfort, and cherish him, and do my best to make him happy.

I do like him; I would be an excellent wife to him; I would tell him of his faults (for he has a few faults), but I would study his comfort, and cherish him, and do my best to make him happy.


Now, I am sure he will not be cold to-morrow.


I feel almost certain that to-morrow evening he will either come here, or ask me to go there."

I feel almost certain that tomorrow evening he will either come here, or ask me to go there."


She recommenced combing her hair, long as a mermaid's.


Turning her head as she arranged it she saw her own face and form in the glass.

Turning her head she saw herself in the glass.


Such reflections are soberizing to plain people: their own eyes are not enchanted with the image; they are confident then that the eyes of others can see in it no fascination.


But the fair must naturally draw other conclusions: the picture is charming, and must charm.


Caroline saw a shape, a head, that, daguerreotyped in that attitude and with that expression, would have been lovely.


She could not choose but derive from the spectacle confirmation to her hopes.


It was then in undiminished gladness she sought her couch.

in undiminished gladness she sought her bed.


And in undiminished gladness she rose the next day.


As she entered her uncle's breakfast-room, and with soft cheerfulness wished him good-morning, even that little man of bronze himself thought, for an instant, his niece was growing "a fine girl."

As she entered her uncle's breakfast-room, and with soft cheerfulness wished him good-morning, even that little man of bronze thought, for an instant, that his niece was growing "a fine girl."


Generally she was quiet and timid with him--very docile, but not communicative; this morning, however, she found many things to say.

Generally she was quiet and timid with him, but this morning she found many things to say.


Slight topics alone might be discussed between them; for with a woman--a girl--Mr. Helstone would touch on no other.

Only slight topics might be discussed; for with a woman Mr. Helstone would touch on no other.


She had taken an early walk in the garden, and she told him what flowers were beginning to spring there; she inquired when the gardener was to come and trim the borders; she informed him that certain starlings were beginning to build their nests in the church-tower (Briarfield church was close to Briarfield rectory); she wondered the tolling of the bells in the belfry did not scare them.

She had taken an early walk in the garden, and she told him what flowers were beginning to spring there; she inquired when the gardener was to trim the borders; she informed him that starlings were beginning to build their nests in the nearby church-tower, and she wondered that the tolling of the church bells did not scare them.


Mr. Helstone opined that "they were like other fools who had just paired--insensible to inconvenience just for the moment."

Mr. Helstone opined that "they were like other fools who had just paired - insensible."


Caroline, made perhaps a little too courageous by her temporary good spirits, here hazarded a remark of a kind she had never before ventured to make on observations dropped by her revered relative.

Caroline, made perhaps a little too courageous by her good spirits, here hazarded a remark of a kind she had never before ventured to make.


"Uncle," said she, "whenever you speak of marriage you speak of it scornfully.

"Uncle," said she, "you always speak of marriage scornfully.


"It is decidedly the wisest plan to remain single, especially for women."

"It is decidedly the wisest plan to remain single."


If everybody confessed the truth, perhaps all are more or less so."


"You are always vexed when you are asked to come and marry a couple.

"You are always vexed when you are asked to marry a couple.


"Because one does not like to act as accessory to the commission of a piece of pure folly."

"Because one does not like to act as accessory to a piece of pure folly."


Mr. Helstone spoke so readily, he seemed rather glad of the opportunity to give his niece a piece of his mind on this point.

Mr. Helstone seemed rather glad of the opportunity to give his niece a piece of his mind on this point.


Emboldened by the impunity which had hitherto attended her questions, she went a little further.


"But why," said she, "should it be pure folly?


If two people like each other, why shouldn't they consent to live together?"

If two people like each other, why shouldn't they live together?"


"They tire of each other--they tire of each other in a month.


A yokefellow is not a companion; he or she is a fellow-sufferer."

They are not companions, but fellow-sufferers."


It was by no means nave simplicity which inspired Caroline's next remark; it was a sense of antipathy to such opinions, and of displeasure at him who held them.

It was not navet which inspired Caroline's next remark; it was a sense of antipathy to such opinions, and displeasure.


"One would think you had never been married, uncle.


One would think you were an old bachelor."


Why were you so inconsistent as to marry?"


"Every man is mad once or twice in his life."


"So you tired of my aunt, and my aunt of you, and you were miserable together?"


Mr. Helstone pushed out his cynical lip, wrinkled his brown forehead, and gave an inarticulate grunt.

Mr. Helstone pushed out his cynical lip, wrinkled his forehead, and gave an inarticulate grunt.


"Caroline," said Mr. Helstone, bringing his hand slowly down to within an inch or two of the table, and then smiting it suddenly on the mahogany, "understand this: it is vulgar and puerile to confound generals with particulars.

"Caroline," said Mr. Helstone, bringing his hand slowly down to within an inch of the table, and then smiting it suddenly on the mahogany, "


In every case there is the rule and there are the exceptions.

in every case there is the rule and there are exceptions.


Ring the bell, if you have done breakfast."


The breakfast was taken away, and that meal over, it was the general custom of uncle and niece to separate, and not to meet again till dinner; but to-day the niece, instead of quitting the room, went to the window-seat, and sat down there.

The breakfast was taken away. Usually uncle and niece would now separate until dinner; but today the niece, instead of quitting the room, went to the window-seat, and sat there.


Mr. Helstone looked round uneasily once or twice, as if he wished her away; but she was gazing from the window, and did not seem to mind him: so he continued the perusal of his morning paper--a particularly interesting one it chanced to be, as new movements had just taken place in the Peninsula, and certain columns of the journal were rich in long dispatches from General Lord Wellington.

Mr. Helstone looked round uneasily once or twice, as if he wished her away; but she was gazing from the window, and did not seem to mind him. So he continued reading his morning paper - a particularly interesting one, as it contained long dispatches from General Lord Wellington.


He little knew, meantime, what thoughts were busy in his niece's mind--thoughts the conversation of the past half-hour had revived but not generated; tumultuous were they now, as disturbed bees in a hive, but it was years since they had first made their cells in her brain.

He little knew what tumultuous thoughts were busy in his niece's mind, like disturbed bees in a hive.


She was reviewing his character, his disposition, repeating his sentiments on marriage.

She was reviewing his character and his sentiments on marriage.


Many a time had she reviewed them before, and sounded the gulf between her own mind and his; and then, on the other side of the wide and deep chasm, she had seen, and she now saw, another figure standing beside her uncle's--a strange shape, dim, sinister, scarcely earthly--the half-remembered image of her own father, James Helstone, Matthewson Helstone's brother.

Many a time had she reviewed them before, and sounded the gulf between her own mind and his; and then, on the other side of the chasm, she had seen, and now saw, another figure standing beside her uncle: a strange, sinister shape - the half-remembered image of her own father, James Helstone, Matthewson Helstone's brother.


Rumours had reached her ear of what that father's character was; old servants had dropped hints; she knew, too, that he was not a good man, and that he was never kind to her.

She had heard rumours of that father's character; old servants had dropped hints; she knew that he was not a good man, and that he was never kind to her.


She recollected--a dark recollection it was--some weeks that she had spent with him in a great town somewhere, when she had had no maid to dress her or take care of her; when she had been shut up, day and night, in a high garret-room, without a carpet, with a bare uncurtained bed, and scarcely any other furniture; when he went out early every morning, and often forgot to return and give her her dinner during the day, and at night, when he came back, was like a madman, furious, terrible, or--still more painful--like an idiot, imbecile, senseless.

She recollected some dismal weeks that she had spent with him in a great town somewhere, with no maid to take care of her. She had been shut up, day and night, in a high garret-room, without a carpet, with a bare bed, and scarcely any other furniture. He went out early every morning, and often forgot to return and give her dinner during the day; and at night, when he came back, was like a madman, furious, terrible, or - still more painful - like an idiot, senseless.


She knew she had fallen ill in this place, and that one night, when she was very sick he had come raving into the room, and said he would kill her, for she was a burden to him.

She knew she had fallen ill in this place, and that one night, when she was very sick, he had come raving into the room, and said he would kill her, for she was a burden to him.


Her screams had brought aid; and from the moment she was then rescued from him she had never seen him, except as a dead man in his coffin.

Her screams had brought aid; and from the moment she was rescued from him she had never seen him again, except as a dead man in his coffin.


Also she had a mother, though Mr. Helstone never spoke to her of that mother, though she could not remember having seen her; but that she was alive she knew.

Also she had a mother, of whom Mr. Helstone never spoke. Caroline could not remember having seen her; but she knew that she was alive.


This mother was then the drunkard's wife.


Caroline, turning from the lattice, whence she had been watching the starlings (though without seeing them), in a low voice, and with a sad, bitter tone, thus broke the silence of the room,--

Turning from the window, she said in a low, sad voice:


"You term marriage miserable, I suppose, from what you saw of my father and mother's.

"You call marriage miserable, I suppose, from what you saw of my father and mother's.


If my mother suffered what I suffered when I was with papa, she must have had a dreadful life."


Mr. Helstone, thus addressed, wheeled about in his chair, and looked over his spectacles at his niece.

Mr. Helstone wheeled about in his chair, and looked over his spectacles at his niece.


What had put it into her head to mention her father and mother, of whom he had never, during the twelve years she had lived with him, spoken to her?

What had put them into her head? During the twelve years she had lived with him, he had never mentioned them.


That the thoughts were self-matured, that she had any recollections or speculations about her parents, he could not fancy.

That she had any recollections or ideas about her parents, he could not imagine.


Who has been talking to you about them?"


"Nobody; but I remember something of what papa was, and I pity mamma.


had been on Caroline's lips hundreds of times before, but till now she had never uttered it.


"I hardly know," returned Mr. Helstone; "I was little acquainted with her.


"I have not heard from her for years: but wherever she is, she thinks nothing of you; she never inquires about you.


I have reason to believe she does not wish to see you.


You go to your cousin at ten, don't you?"


Perhaps Caroline would have said more; but Fanny, coming in, informed her master that the churchwardens wanted to speak to him in the vestry.

Perhaps Caroline would have said more, but Fanny came in with a message for the rector;


He hastened to join them, and his niece presently set out for the cottage.


The road from the rectory to Hollow's Mill inclined downwards; she ran, therefore, almost all the way.

The road from the rectory to Hollow's Mill led downwards; she ran almost all the way.


Exercise, the fresh air, the thought of seeing Robert, at least of being on his premises, in his vicinage, revived her somewhat depressed spirits quickly.

Exercise, the fresh air, and the thought of seeing Robert revived her somewhat depressed spirits.


Arriving in sight of the white house, and within hearing of the thundering mill and its rushing watercourse, the first thing she saw was Moore at his garden gate.

Arriving in sight of the white house, the first thing she saw was Moore at his garden gate.


There he stood, in his belted Holland blouse, a light cap covering his head, which undress costume suited him.

He stood in his belted Holland shirt, a light cap on,


He was looking down the lane, not in the direction of his cousin's approach.


She stopped, withdrawing a little behind a willow, and studied his appearance.

She stopped behind a willow, and studied him.


"He is as handsome as he is intelligent.


What clearly-cut, spirited features--thin and serious, but graceful!

What clearly-cut, thin and serious features!


I do like his face, I do like his aspect, I do like him so much--better than any of those shuffling curates, for instance--better than anybody; bonny Robert!"

I do like his face. I do like him so much - better that those shuffling curates - better than anybody; bonny Robert!"


She sought "bonny Robert's" presence speedily.


For his part, when she challenged his sight, I believe he would have passed from before her eyes like a phantom, if he could; but being a tall fact, and no fiction, he was obliged to stand the greeting.

For his part, I believe he would have disappeared like a phantom, if he could; but he was obliged to stay.


It was cousin-like, brother-like, friend-like, anything but lover-like.


The nameless charm of last night had left his manner: he was no longer the same man: or, at any rate, the same heart did not beat in his breast.

The charm of last night had left his manner: he was no longer the same man.


At first the eager girl would not believe in the change, though she saw and felt it.

At first the eager girl would not believe in the change.


It was difficult to withdraw her hand from his, till he had bestowed at least something like a kind pressure; it was difficult to turn her eyes from his eyes, till his looks had expressed something more and fonder than that cool welcome.

It was difficult to withdraw her hand from his; it was difficult to turn her eyes from his eyes, till he had expressed something fonder than that cool welcome.


A lover masculine so disappointed can speak and urge explanation, a lover feminine can say nothing; if she did, the result would be shame and anguish, inward remorse for self-treachery.

A masculine lover can urge explanation: a feminine lover can say nothing - if she did, the result would be shame and anguish.


Nature would brand such demonstration as a rebellion against her instincts, and would vindictively repay it afterwards by the thunderbolt of self-contempt smiting suddenly in secret.


Take the matter as you find it: ask no questions, utter no remonstrances; it is your best wisdom.

Take the matter as you find it: ask no questions, utter no remonstrance.


You expected bread, and you have got a stone: break your teeth on it, and don't shriek because the nerves are martyrized; do not doubt that your mental stomach--if you have such a thing--is strong as an ostrich's; the stone will digest.

You expected bread, and you have got a stone: break your teeth on it, and don't shriek.


You held out your hand for an egg, and fate put into it a scorpion.

You held out your hand for an egg, and you were given a scorpion.


Show no consternation: close your fingers firmly upon the gift; let it sting through your palm.

Show no consternation: close your fingers firmly upon the gift; let it sting you.


Never mind; in time, after your hand and arm have swelled and quivered long with torture, the squeezed scorpion will die, and you will have learned the great lesson how to endure without a sob.

Never mind; in time, after your hand has quivered long with torture, the scorpion will die, and you will have learned the great lesson - how to endure without a sob.


For the whole remnant of your life, if you survive the test--some, it is said, die under it--you will be stronger, wiser, less sensitive.

For the rest of your life, if you survive the test - some, it is said, die under it - you will be stronger, wiser, less sensitive.


This you are not aware of, perhaps, at the time, and so cannot borrow courage of that hope.


Nature, however, as has been intimated, is an excellent friend in such cases, sealing the lips, interdicting utterance, commanding a placid dissimulation--a dissimulation often wearing an easy and gay mien at first, settling down to sorrow and paleness in time, then passing away, and leaving a convenient stoicism, not the less fortifying because it is half-bitter.

You will pretend an easy and placid manner at first, settling down to sorrow and paleness in time, and then a half-bitter stoicism.


No; it should be bitter: bitterness is strength--it is a tonic.

No; it should be bitter: bitterness is strength - it is a tonic.


Sweet, mild force following acute suffering you find nowhere; to talk of it is delusion.


There may be apathetic exhaustion after the rack.


If energy remains, it will be rather a dangerous energy--deadly when confronted with injustice.