Mr. Hale spoke of him as always the same; indeed, the very rarity of their intercourse seemed to make Mr. Hale set only the higher value on it.

Mr. Hale spoke of him always with the same high regard.


And from what Margaret could gather of what Mr. Thornton had said, there was nothing in the cessation of his visits which could arise from any umbrage or vexation. His business affairs had become complicated during the strike, and required closer attention than he had given to them last winter.

And from what Margaret could gather, he had ceased to visit not from any umbrage, but because his business affairs had required close attention since the strike.


Nay, Margaret could even discover that he spoke from time to time of her, and always, as far as she could learn, in the same calm friendly way, never avoiding and never seeking any mention of her name.

Nay, Margaret discovered that he even spoke from time to time of her, always in the same calm, friendly way.


She was not in spirits to raise her father's tone of mind.


The dreary peacefulness of the present time had been preceded by so long a period of anxiety and care--even intermixed with storms--that her mind had lost its elasticity.

The dreary peacefulness of this time had been preceded by so long a period of anxiety and care that her mind had lost its elasticity.


She tried to find herself occupation in teaching the two younger Boucher children, and worked hard at goodness; hard, I say most truly, for her heart seemed dead to the end of all her efforts; and though she made them punctually and painfully, yet she stood as far off as ever from any cheerfulness; her life seemed still bleak and dreary.

She occupied herself in teaching the two younger Boucher children, and worked hard at goodness; worked hard, I say truly, for despite her efforts, her heart seemed dead; her life seemed bleak and dreary.


The only thing she did well, was what she did out of unconscious piety, the silent comforting and consoling of her father.

The only thing she did well was the silent comforting of her father.


Not a mood of his but what found a ready sympathiser in Margaret; not a wish of his that she did not strive to forecast, and to fulfil.

There was not a wish of his that she did not strive to foresee, and to fulfil.


They were quiet wishes to be sure, and hardly named without hesitation and apology.

They were quiet wishes to be sure, and hardly named without apology.


All the more complete and beautiful was her meek spirit of obedience.

All the more beautiful was her meek spirit of obedience.


March brought the news of Frederick's marriage.


He and Dolores wrote; she in Spanish-English, as was but natural, and he with little turns and inversions of words which proved how far the idioms of his bride's country were infecting him.

He and Dolores wrote; she in Spanish-English, as was only natural, and he with little Spanish turns of phrase.


On the receipt of Henry Lennox's letter, announcing how little hope there was of his ever clearing himself at a court-martial, in the absence of the missing witnesses, Frederick had written to Margaret a pretty vehement letter, containing his renunciation of England as his country; he wished he could unnative himself, and declared that he would not take his pardon if it were offered him, nor live in the country if he had permission to do so.

Frederick had received a letter from Henry Lennox, announcing how little hope there was of his ever clearing himself at a court-martial, in the absence of the missing witnesses. At this, Frederick wrote Margaret a pretty vehement letter, renouncing England as his country; he declared that he would not take a pardon if it were offered him, nor live in England if he had permission to do so.


All of which made Margaret cry sorely, so unnatural did it seem to her at the first opening; but on consideration, she saw rather in such expression the poignancy of the disappointment which had thus crushed his hopes; and she felt that there was nothing for it but patience.

All of which made Margaret cry sorely at first; but on consideration, she saw in such expression his sharp disappointment; and she felt that there was nothing for it but patience.


In the next letter Frederick spoke so joyfully of the future that he had no thought for the past; and Margaret found a use in herself for the patience she had been craving for him.

In the next letter, Frederick spoke so joyfully of the future that he had no thought for the past; and Margaret needed patience herself.


But the pretty, timid, girlish letters of Dolores were beginning to have a charm for both Margaret and her father.


The young Spaniard was so evidently anxious to make a favourable impression upon her lover's English relations, that her feminine care peeped out at every erasure; and the letters announcing the marriage, were accompanied by a splendid black lace mantilla, chosen by Dolores herself for her unseen sister-in-law, whom Frederick had represented as a paragon of beauty, wisdom and virtue.

She was so evidently anxious to make a favourable impression upon her lover's English relations, that her care peeped out at every erasure; and the letters announcing the marriage were accompanied by a splendid black lace mantilla, chosen by Dolores herself for her unseen sister-in-law.


Frederick's worldly position was raised by this marriage on to as high a level as they could desire.

Frederick's position was raised by this marriage to as high a level as they could desire.


Barbour and Co. was one of the most extensive Spanish houses, and into it he was received as a junior partner.


Margaret smiled a little and then sighed as she remembered afresh her old tirades against trade.

Margaret smiled a little, and then sighed as she remembered her old tirades against trade.


Here was her preux chevalier of a brother turned merchant, trader!

Here was her chevalier of a brother turned merchant, trader!


But then she rebelled against herself, and protested silently against the confusion implied between a Spanish merchant and a Milton millowner.


Well, trade or no trade, Frederick was very, very happy.

Trade or no trade, Frederick was very, very happy.


Dolores must be charming, and the mantilla was exquisite!


And then she returned to the present life.


Her father had occasionally experienced a difficulty in breathing this spring, which had for the time distressed him exceedingly.

Her father had occasionally experienced a distressing difficulty in breathing.


Margaret was less alarmed, as this difficulty went off completely in the intervals; but she still was so desirous of his shaking off the liability altogether, as to make her very urgent that he should accept Mr. Bell's invitation to visit him at Oxford this April.

This made Margaret urge him to accept Mr. Bell's invitation to visit him at Oxford in April.


Mr. Bell's invitation included Margaret. Nay more, he wrote a special letter commanding her to come; but she felt as if it would be a greater relief to her to remain quietly at home, entirely free from any responsibility whatever, and so to rest her mind and heart in a manner which she had not been able to do for more than two years past.

The invitation included Margaret; but she felt that it would be a greater relief to her to remain quietly at home, entirely free from any responsibility, and so rest her mind and heart in a manner which she had not been able to do for more than two years.


When her father had driven off on his way to the railroad, Margaret felt how great and long had been the pressure on her time and her spirits.

When her father had gone, Margaret felt how great had been the pressure on her time and spirits.


It was astonishing, almost stunning, to feel herself so much at liberty; no one depending on her for cheering care, if not for positive happiness; no invalid to plan and think for; she might be idle, and silent and forgetful,--and what seemed worth more than all the other privileges--she might be unhappy if she liked.

It was almost stunning to feel herself so much at liberty; no one depending on her for cheering care; no invalid to plan for; she might be idle, and silent - and she might be unhappy if she liked.


For months past, all her own personal cares and troubles had had to be stuffed away into a dark cupboard; but now she had leisure to take them out, and mourn over them, and study their nature, and seek the true method of subduing them into the elements of peace.

For months, all her own personal troubles had had to be stuffed away into a dark cupboard; but now she had leisure to take them out, and mourn over them, and seek the true method of subduing them into the elements of peace.


All these weeks she had been conscious of their existence in a dull kind of way, though they were hidden out of sight.


Now, once for all she would consider them and appoint to each of them its right work in her life.


So she sat almost motionless for hours in the drawing-room, going over the bitterness of every remembrance with an unwincing resolution.


Only once she cried aloud, at the stinging thought of the faithlessness which gave birth to that abasing falsehood.

Only once she cried aloud, at the stinging thought of the faithlessness which led to that falsehood.


She now would not even acknowledge the force of the temptation; her plans for Frederick had all failed, and the temptation lay there a dead mockery,--a mockery which had never had life in it; the lie had been so despicably foolish, seen by the light of the ensuing events, and faith in the power of truth so infinitely the greater wisdom!

Her plans for Frederick had all failed, and the temptation to lie seemed now a dead mockery. The lie had been so despicably foolish, and faith in the power of truth would have been so infinitely wiser!


In her nervous agitation, she unconsciously opened a book of her father's that lay upon the table,--the words that caught her eye in it, seemed almost made for her present state of acute self-abasement:--

In her nervous agitation, she unconsciously opened a book of her father's that lay upon the table. The words that caught her eye seemed made for her state:


"Je ne voudrois pas reprendre mon cur en ceste sorte: meurs de honte, aveugle, impudent, traistre et desloyal ton Dieu, et sembables choses; mais je voudrois le corriger par voye de compassion.

'"Now, my poor heart, we are falling into the pit, which we had resolved to escape.


Or sus, mon pauvre cur, nous voil tombe dans la fosse, laquelle nous avions tant resolu d'eschapper.


revelons-nous, et quittons-la pour jamais, reclamons la misericorde de Dieu, et esperons en elle qu'elle nous assistera pour desormais estra plus fermes; et remettons-nous au chemin de l'humilit.

Let us rise again, and leave it for ever. Let us claim the mercy of God, and hope that it will help us to be firmer henceforth; let us return to the way of humility.


Courage, soyons meshuy sur nos gardes, Dieu nous aydera."

Courage! Let us be on our guard, and God will help us."'


"The way of humility. Ah," thought Margaret, "that is what I have missed!

'The way of humility,' thought Margaret. 'That is what I have missed!


We will turn back, and by God's help we may find the lost path."

By God's help we may find the lost path.'


So she rose up, and determined at once to set to on some work which should take her out of herself.


To begin with, she called in Martha, as she passed the drawing-room door in going up-stairs, and tried to find out what was below the grave, respectful, servant-like manner, which crusted over her individual character with an obedience which was almost mechanical.

To begin with, she called in Martha, and tried to find out what was below her grave, respectful, servant-like manner.


She found it difficult to induce Martha to speak of any of her personal interests; but at last she touched the right chord, in naming Mrs. Thornton.


Martha's whole face brightened, and, on a little encouragement, out came a long story, of how her father had been in early life connected with Mrs. Thornton's husband--nay, had even been in a position to show him some kindness; what, Martha hardly knew, for it had happened when she was quite a little child; and circumstances had intervened to separate the two families until Martha was nearly grown up, when, her father having sunk lower and lower from his original occupation as clerk in a warehouse, and her mother being dead, she and her sister, to use Martha's own expression, would have been "lost" but for Mrs. Thornton; who sought them out, and thought for them, and cared for them.

Martha's whole face brightened, and, on a little encouragement, out came a long story. Her father had been connected with Mrs. Thornton's husband, but circumstances had separated the two families until Martha was nearly grown up. Then, her father having sunk lower and lower from his original occupation as a clerk, and her mother being dead, she and her sister, to use Martha's own expression, would have been 'lost' but for Mrs. Thornton; who sought them out and cared for them.


"I had had the fever, and was but delicate; and Mrs. Thornton and Mr. Thornton too, they never rested till they had nursed me up in their own house, and sent me to the sea and all.

'I had the fever, and was delicate; and Mrs. Thornton, and Mr. Thornton too, had me nursed in their own house, and sent me to the sea and all.


The doctor said the fever was catching, but they cared none for that--only Miss Fanny, and she went a-visiting these folk that she is going to marry into.

The doctors said the fever was catching, but they cared none for that - only Miss Fanny, and she went a-visiting these folk that she is going to marry into.'


So though she was afraid at the time, it has all ended well."


"Yes; and to a rich gentleman, too, only he's a deal older than she is.

'Yes; and to a rich gentleman, only he's a deal older than she is.


His name is Watson; and his mills are somewhere out beyond Hayleigh; it's a very good marriage, for all he's got such gray hair."

His name is Watson; and his mills are somewhere out beyond Hayleigh; it's a very good marriage.'


At this piece of information, Margaret was silent long enough for Martha to recover her propriety, and, with it, her habitual shortness of answer.

At this piece of information, Margaret was silent long enough for Martha to recover her propriety.


She swept up the hearth, asked at what time she should prepare tea, and quitted the room with the same wooden face with which she had entered it.

She swept up the hearth and quitted the room with the same wooden face with which she had entered it.


Margaret had to pull herself up from indulging a bad trick, which she had lately fallen into, of trying to imagine how every event that she heard of in relation to Mr. Thornton would affect him: whether he would like it or dislike it.

Margaret had to pull herself up from indulging a bad trick, which she had lately fallen into - of trying to imagine how every event would affect Mr. Thornton: whether he would like it or dislike it.


The next day she had the little Boucher children for their lessons, and took a long walk, and ended by a visit to Mary Higgins.


Somewhat to Margaret's surprise, she found Nicholas already come home from his work; the lengthening light had deceived her as to the lateness of the evening.

She found Nicholas already come home from his work.


He too seemed, by his manners, to have entered a little more on the way of humility; he was quieter, and less self-asserting.

He too seemed to have entered a little more on the way of humility; he was quieter, and less self-asserting.


"So th' oud gentleman's away on his travels, is he?"

'So th' oud gentleman's away on his travels, is he?'


but the're sharp 'uns they are; I a'most think they beat my own wenches for sharpness, though mappen it's wrong to say so, and one on 'em in her grave.


There's summut in th' weather, I reckon, as sets folk a-wandering.


My measter, him at th' shop yonder, is spinning about th' world somewhere."

My measter is spinning about th' world somewhere.'


"Is that the reason you're so soon at home to-night?"

'Is that the reason you're so early home tonight?'


"Thou know'st nought about it, that's all," said he, contemptuously.

'Thou know'st nought about it,' said he contemptuously.


"I'm not one wi' two faces--one for my measter, and t'other for his back.

'I'm not one wi' two faces - one for my measter, and t'other for his back.


I counted a' th' clocks in the town striking afore I'd leave my work.


yon Thornton's good enough for to fight wi', but too good for to be cheated.

yon Thornton's good enough to fight wi', but too good to be cheated.


It were you as getten me the place, and I thank yo' for it.


Thornton's is not a bad mill, as times go.


Stand down, lad, and say yo'r pretty hymn to Miss Marget.

Stand down, lad, and say your pretty hymn to Miss Margaret.


That's right; steady on thy legs, and right arm out as straight as a skewer.


One to stop, two to stay, three mak' ready, and four away!"

One to stop, two to stay, three mak' ready, and four away!'


The little fellow repeated a Methodist hymn, far above his comprehension in point of language, but of which the swinging rhythm had caught his ear, and which he repeated with all the developed cadence of a member of parliament.

The little fellow repeated a Methodist hymn, whose swinging rhythm had caught his ear.


When Margaret had duly applauded, Nicholas called for another, and yet another, much to her surprise, as she found him thus oddly and unconsciously led to take an interest in the sacred things which he had formerly scouted.

When Margaret had duly applauded, Nicholas called for another, to her surprise, as she found him taking an interest in the sacred things which he had formerly scorned.


It was past the usual tea-time when she reached home; but she had the comfort of feeling that no one had been kept waiting for her; and of thinking her own thoughts while she rested, instead of anxiously watching another person to learn whether to be grave or gay.

It was past the usual tea-time when she reached home; but she had the comfort of feeling that no one had been kept waiting for her.


After tea she resolved to examine a large packet of letters, and pick out those that were to be destroyed.


Among them she came to four or five of Mr. Henry Lennox's, relating to Frederick's affairs; and she carefully read them over again, with the sole intention, when she began, to ascertain exactly on how fine a chance the justification of her brother hung.

Among them were four or five of Mr. Henry Lennox's, relating to Frederick's affairs; and she carefully read them over again, in order to judge exactly her brother's chances.


But when she had finished the last, and weighed the pros and cons, the little personal revelation of character contained in them forced itself on her notice.

But the little personal revelation of character contained in them forced itself on her notice.


It was evident enough, from the stiffness of the wording, that Mr. Lennox had never forgotten his relation to her in any interest he might feel in the subject of the correspondence.

It was evident, from the stiff wording, that Mr. Lennox had never forgotten his proposal to her.


They were clever letters; Margaret saw that in a twinkling; but she missed out of them all hearty and genial atmosphere.

They were clever letters; but they contained nothing hearty or genial.


They were to be preserved, however, as valuable; so she laid them carefully on one side.

They were to be kept, however; so she laid them carefully on one side.


When this little piece of business was ended, she fell into a reverie; and the thought of her absent father ran strangely in Margaret's head that night.

Then she fell into a reverie; and the thought of her father ran strangely in her head that night.


She almost blamed herself for having felt her solitude (and consequently his absence) as a relief; but these two days had set her up afresh, with new strength and brighter hope.

She almost blamed herself for having felt his absence as a relief; but these two days had set her up afresh, with new strength and brighter hope.


Plans which had lately appeared to her in the guise of tasks, now appeared like pleasures.


The morbid scales had fallen from her eyes, and she saw her position and her work more truly.


If only Mr. Thornton would restore her the lost friendship,--nay, if he would only come from time to time to cheer her father as in former days,--though she should never see him, she felt as if the course of her future life, though not brilliant in prospect, might lie clear and even before her.

If only Mr. Thornton would restore her the lost friendship - or only come from time to time to cheer her father - though she should never see him, she felt as if the course of her future life, though not brilliant in prospect, might lie clear and even before her.


In spite of the "One step's enough for me,"--in spite of the one plain duty of devotion to her father,--there lay at her heart an anxiety and a pang of sorrow.

In spite of the plain duty of devotion to her father, there lay at her heart a pang of sorrow.


And Mr. Hale thought of Margaret, that April evening, just as strangely and as persistently as she was thinking of him.


He had been fatigued by going about among his old friends and old familiar places.

He had been fatigued by going about among his old friends and familiar places.


He had had exaggerated ideas of the change which his altered opinions might make in his friends' reception of him; but although some of them might have felt shocked or grieved, or indignant at his falling off in the abstract, as soon as they saw the face of the man whom they had once loved, they forgot his opinions in himself; or only remembered them enough to give an additional tender gravity to their manner.

He had worried about his friends' reception of his altered opinions; but as soon as they saw the face of the man whom they had once loved, they forgot his views; or only remembered them enough to give an additional tender gravity to their manner.


For Mr. Hale had not been known to many; he had belonged to one of the smaller colleges, and had always been shy and reserved; but those who in youth had cared to penetrate to the delicacy of thought and feeling that lay below his silence and indecision, took him to their hearts, with something of the protecting kindness which they would have shown to a woman.

Mr. Hale had always been shy and reserved; but those who in youth had cared to penetrate to his delicacy of thought and feeling took him to their hearts.


And the renewal of this kindliness, after the lapse of years, and an interval of so much change, overpowered him more than any roughness or expression of disapproval could have done.

And the renewal of this kindliness, after so much time and change, overpowered him more than any disapproval could have done.


"I'm afraid we've done too much," said Mr. Bell.

'I'm afraid we've done too much,' said Mr. Bell.


"You're suffering now from having lived so long in that Milton air."

'You're suffering now from having lived so long in that Milton air.'


I'm fifty-five years of age, and that little fact of itself accounts for any loss of strength."


I'm upwards of sixty, and feel no loss of strength, either bodily or mental.

I'm upwards of sixty, and feel no loss of strength.


But after a minute's pause, he raised himself from his half recumbent position, in one of Mr. Bell's luxurious easy-chairs, and said with a kind of trembling earnestness:

But after a pause, he said with trembling earnestness:


you're not to think, that if I could have foreseen all that would come of my change of opinion, and my resignation of my living--no! not even if I could have known how _she_ would have suffered,--that I would undo it--the act of open acknowledgment that I no longer held the same faith as the church in which I was a priest.

if I could have foreseen all that would come of my change of opinion - even if I could have known how she would have suffered - I would not undo my acknowledgment that I no longer held the same faith as my church.


As I think now, even if I could have foreseen that cruellest martyrdom of suffering, through the sufferings of one whom I loved, I would have done just the same as far as that step of openly leaving the church went.

I would have done just the same as far as leaving the church goes.


I might have done differently, and acted more wisely, in all that I subsequently did for my family.

I might have acted more wisely, in all that I subsequently did for my family.


But I don't think God endued me with over-much wisdom or strength," he added, falling back into his old position.

But I don't think God endued me with over-much wisdom or strength,' he added, falling back into his chair.


Mr. Bell blew his nose ostentatiously before answering.


"He gave you strength to do what your conscience told you was right; and I don't see that we need any higher or holier strength than that; or wisdom either.

'He gave you strength to do what your conscience told you was right,' said Mr. Bell; 'and I don't see that we need any higher or holier strength than that; or wisdom either.'


I know I have not that much; and yet men set me down in their fool's books as a wise man; an independent character; strong-minded, and all that cant.


The veriest idiot who obeys his own simple law of right, if it be but in wiping his shoes on a door-mat, is wiser and stronger than I.


Mr. Hale spoke first, in continuation of his thought:
"About Margaret."


"What will become of her--I often think?

'What will become of her - I often think?


I suppose the Lennoxes will ask her to live with them.


Her Aunt Shaw loved her very well in her own quiet way; but she forgets to love the absent."

Her aunt Shaw loved her well in her own quiet way; but she forgets to love the absent.'


Margaret loves her with all her heart, and Edith with as much of her heart as she can spare."


"Now, Hale; you know that girl of yours has got pretty nearly all my heart.

'Now, Hale; you know that girl of yours has got pretty nearly all my heart.


Of course, as your daughter, as my god-daughter, I took great interest in her before I saw her the last time.


But this visit that I paid to you at Milton made me her slave.

That visit that I paid to you at Milton made me her slave.


I went, a willing old victim, following the car of the conqueror.


For, indeed, she looks as grand and serene as one who has struggled, and may be struggling, and yet has the victory secure in sight.

For, indeed, she looks as grand and serene as one who has struggled, and yet has the victory secure in sight.


Yes, in spite of all her present anxieties, that was the look on her face.


And so, all I have is at her service, if she needs it; and will be hers, whether she will or no, when I die.

All I have is at her service, if she needs it; and will be hers when I die.


Moreover, I myself, will be her preux chevalier, sixty and gouty though I be.

Moreover, I myself will be her chevalier, sixty and gouty though I be.


Seriously, old friend, your daughter shall be my principal charge in life, and all the help that either my wit or my wisdom or my willing heart can give, shall be hers.

Seriously, old friend, your daughter shall be my principal charge in life, and all the help that I can give shall be hers.


I don't choose her out as a subject for fretting.


Something, I know of old, you must have to worry yourself about, or you wouldn't be happy.


But you're going to outlive me by many a long year.


You, spare, thin men are always tempting and always cheating Death!

You spare, thin men are always cheating Death!


It's the stout, florid fellows like me, that always go off first."

It's the stout, florid fellows like me that go off first.'


If Mr. Bell had had a prophetic eye he might have seen the torch all but inverted, and the angel with the grave and composed face standing very nigh, beckoning to his friend.

If Mr. Bell had had a prophetic eye he might have seen the angel with the grave and composed face standing very nigh, beckoning to his friend.


That night Mr. Hale laid his head down upon the pillow on which it never more should stir with life.

That night Mr. Hale laid his head down on the pillow on which it never more should stir with life.


The servant who entered his room in the morning, received no answer to his speech; drew near the bed, and saw the calm, beautiful face lying white and cold under the ineffaceable seal of death.

The servant who entered his room in the morning received no answer to his speech; drew near the bed, and saw the calm, beautiful face lying white and cold.


The attitude was exquisitely easy; there had been no pain--no struggle.


The action of the heart must have ceased as he lay down.

His heart must have stopped as he lay down.


Mr. Bell was stunned by the shock; and only recovered when the time came for being angry at every suggestion of his man's.


Dr. Forbes says it is just the natural end of a heart complaint. Poor old Hale!

'Poor old Hale! Dr. Forbes says it is the natural end of a heart complaint.


You wore out that tender heart of yours before its time.


how he talked of his---- Wallis, pack up a carpet-bag for me in five minutes.


The bag was packed, the cab ordered, the railway reached, in twenty minutes from the time of this decision.

The bag was packed, the cab ordered, the railway reached in twenty minutes.


The London train whizzed by, drew back some yards, and in Mr. Bell was hurried by the impatient guard.

The London train arrived, and Mr. Bell was hurried in by the impatient guard.


He threw himself back in his seat, to try, with closed eyes, to understand how one in life yesterday could be dead to-day; and shortly tears stole out between his grizzled eye-lashes, at the feeling of which he opened his keen eyes, and looked as severely cheerful as his set determination could make him.

He threw himself back in his seat, trying, with closed eyes, to understand how one alive yesterday could be dead today; and shortly tears stole out between his grizzled eye-lashes. On feeling them he opened his keen eyes, and looked as severely cheerful as he could.


He was not going to blubber before a set of strangers.


There was no set of strangers, only one sitting far from him on the same side.


By-and-by Mr. Bell peered at him, to discover what manner of man it was that might have been observing his emotion; and behind the great sheet of the outspread "Times," he recognized Mr. Thornton.

Mr. Bell peered at him; and behind the great sheet of the outspread Times, he recognised Mr. Thornton.


said he, removing hastily to a closer proximity.


He shook Mr. Thornton vehemently by the hand, until the gripe ended in a sudden relaxation, for the hand was wanted to wipe away tears.

He shook Mr. Thornton vehemently by the hand, until his own hand was needed to wipe away tears.


He had last seen Mr. Thornton in his friend Hale's company.

He had last seen Mr. Thornton in his friend's company.


"I'm going to Milton, bound on a melancholy errand.

'I'm going to Milton on a melancholy errand.


Going to break to Hale's daughter the news of his sudden death!"

Going to break to Hale's daughter the news of his sudden death!'


"Ay; I keep saying it to myself, 'Hale is dead!'

'Ay; I keep saying it to myself, "Hale is dead!"


but it doesn't make it any the more real.


He went to bed well, to all appearance, last night, and was quite cold this morning when my servant went to call him."

He went to bed well, to all appearance, last night, and was quite cold this morning when my servant went to call him.'


He came to stay with me: hadn't been in Oxford this seventeen years--and this is the end of it."


Not one word was spoken for above a quarter of an hour.


how full his thoughts were of her all last night!


But I take Margaret as my child for his sake.'


I said last night I would take her for her own sake.


Mr. Thornton made one or two fruitless attempts to speak, before he could get out the words:


"I rather fancy there will be two people waiting for her: myself for one.

'I rather fancy there will be two people waiting for her: myself for one.


I would take a live dragon into my house to live, if by hiring such a chaperon, and setting up an establishment of my own, I could make my old age happy with having Margaret for a daughter.

I would take a live dragon into my house, if, by hiring such a chaperone, I could make my old age happy with having Margaret for a daughter.


asked Mr. Thornton with trembling interest.


"Oh, smart London people, who very likely will think that they've the best right to her.

'Oh, smart London people, who very likely will think they've the best right to her.


Captain Lennox married her cousin--the girl she was brought up with.

Captain Lennox married her cousin - the girl she was brought up with.


There might be a way open, perhaps, by my offering to marry that worthy lady!


"No, no; a clever Lennox (the captain's a fool, you must understand); a young barrister, who will be setting his cap at Margaret.

'A clever Lennox, a young barrister, who will be setting his cap at Margaret.


I know he has had her in his mind these five years or more; one of his chums told me as much; and he was only kept back by want of fortune.

I know he has had her in his mind this five years or more: one of his chums told me as much; and he was only kept back by her want of fortune.


asked Mr. Thornton, too earnestly curious to be aware of the impertinence of his question.


And if this Henry Lennox is half good enough for her, and she likes him--well!

And if this Henry Lennox is half good enough for her, and she likes him - well!'


I might find another way of getting a home through a marriage.


I'm dreadfully afraid of being tempted, at an unguarded moment, by her aunt."


Neither Mr. Bell nor Mr. Thornton was in a laughing humour; so the oddity of any of the speeches which the former made was unnoticed by them.


Mr. Bell whistled, without emitting any sound beyond a long hissing breath; changed his seat, without finding comfort or rest; while Mr. Thornton sat immovably still, his eyes fixed on one spot in the newspaper, which he had taken up in order to give himself leisure to think.

Mr. Bell whistled, and changed his seat, without finding comfort or rest. Mr. Thornton sat immoveable, his eyes fixed on one spot in the newspaper.


Trying to detect the secret of the great rise in the price of cotton."

Trying to detect the secret of the great rise in the price of cotton.'


Cotton, and speculations, and smoke, well-cleansed and well-cared-for machinery, and unwashed and neglected hands.


If you could have known the change which it was to him from Helstone.


"Then you can fancy the difference between it and Milton.

'Then you can fancy the difference between it and Milton.


a little picturesque village, like some in the Odenwald?


It was a great change to leave it and come to Milton."

It was a great change for them to leave it and come to Milton.'


He took up his newspaper with a determined air, as if resolved to avoid further conversation; and Mr. Bell was fain to resort to his former occupation of trying to find out how he could best break the news to Margaret.

He took up his newspaper with a determined air, as if to avoid further conversation; and Mr. Bell went back to wondering how to break the news to Margaret.


She was at an upstairs window; she saw him alight; she guessed the truth with an instinctive flash.

She was at an upstairs window; she saw him arrive, and guessed the truth with an instinctive flash.


She stood in the middle of the drawing-room, as if arrested in her first impulse to rush downstairs, and as if by the same restraining thought she had been turned to stone; so white and immovable was she.

She stood in the middle of the drawing-room as if turned to stone, so white and still was she.


You would have sent--you would not have left him--if he were alive!

You would not have left him - if he were alive!


"Thought fights with thought; out springs a spark of truth From the collision of the sword and shield."


"Margaret," said her father, the next day, "we must return Mrs. Thornton's call.

'Margaret,' said her father, the next day, 'we must return Mrs. Thornton's call.


Your mother is not very well, and thinks she cannot walk so far; but you and I will go this afternoon."

Your mother is not very well, and thinks she cannot walk so far; but you and I will go this afternoon.'


As they went, Mr. Hale began about his wife's health, with a kind of veiled anxiety, which Margaret was glad to see awakened at last.

As they went, Mr. Hale began talking about his wife's health, with an anxiety which Margaret was glad to see awakened at last.


"No, papa, you spoke of his coming to see me.


But if I only knew of some good doctor, I would go this afternoon, and ask him to come, for I am sure mamma is seriously indisposed."

'No, papa; but if I only knew of some good doctor, I would ask him to come, for I am sure mamma is seriously indisposed.'


She put the truth thus plainly and strongly because her father had so completely shut his mind against the idea, when she had last named her fears.

She put the truth thus plainly and strongly because her father had so completely shut his mind against the idea before.


But now the case was changed. He answered in a despondent tone:


"Do you think she has any hidden complaint?


I am haunted by the fear that our coming to Milton has killed her.


don't imagine such things," said Margaret, shocked.

don't imagine such things,' said Margaret, shocked.


Many a one is not well for a time; and with good advice gets better and stronger than ever."


"But has Dixon said anything about her?"


You know Dixon enjoys making a mystery out of trifles; and she has been a little mysterious about mamma's health, which has alarmed me rather, that is all.'


You know, papa, you said the other day I was getting fanciful."


I like you to be fanciful about your mother's health!


Don't be afraid of telling me your fancies.


I like to hear them, though I dare say, I spoke as if I was annoyed.


But we will ask Mrs. Thornton if she can tell us of a good doctor.

'We will ask Mrs. Thornton if she can tell us of a good doctor.


We won't throw away our money on any but some one first-rate.


The street did not look as if it could contain any house large enough for Mrs. Thornton's habitation.

The street did not look as if it could contain any house large enough to be Mrs. Thornton's.


Her son's presence never gave any impression as to the kind of house he lived in; but, unconsciously, Margaret had imagined that tall, massive, handsomely dressed Mrs. Thornton must live in a house of the same character as herself.

Margaret had imagined that tall, handsomely dressed Mrs. Thornton must live in a house of the same character as herself.


Now Marlborough Street consisted of long rows of small houses, with a blank wall here and there; at least that was all they could see from the point at which they entered it.

Marlborough Street consisted of long rows of small houses, with a blank wall here and there.


"He told me he lived in Marlborough Street, I'm sure," said Mr. Hale, with a much perplexed air.

'It is this street, I'm sure,' said Mr. Hale, perplexed.


"Perhaps it is one of the economies he still practises, to live in a very small house.


But here are plenty of people about; let me ask."

'There are plenty of people about. Let me ask.'


She accordingly inquired of a passer-by, and was informed that Mr. Thornton lived close to the mill, and had the factory lodge-door pointed out to her, at the end of the long dead wall they had noticed.

She accordingly inquired of a passer-by, and was informed that Mr. Thornton lived close to the mill; and had the factory lodge-door pointed out to her, at the end of a long wall.


The lodge-door was like a common garden-door; on one side of it were great closed gates for the ingress and egress of lorries and wagons.

Beside the lodge-door were great closed gates for the ingress and egress of lorries and wagons.


The lodge-keeper admitted them into a great oblong yard, on one side of which were offices for the transaction of business; on the opposite, an immense many-windowed mill, whence proceeded the continual clank of machinery and the long groaning roar of the steam-engine, enough to deafen those who lived within the enclosure.

The lodge-keeper admitted them into a large oblong yard; on one side of it were offices, and on the other, an immense many-windowed mill, from which came the continual clank of machinery and the long groaning roar of the steam-engine, enough to deafen those who lived nearby.


Opposite to the wall, along which the street ran, on one of the narrow sides of the oblong, was a handsome stone-coped house,--blackened, to be sure, by the smoke, but with paint, windows, and steps kept scrupulously clean.

Opposite the street was a handsome stone-coped house - blackened by smoke, to be sure, but with paint, windows and steps kept scrupulously clean.


It was evidently a house which had been built some fifty or sixty years. The stone facings--the long, narrow windows, and the number of them--the flights of steps up to the front door, ascending from either side, and guarded by railing--all witnessed to its age.

It appeared to have been built some fifty or sixty years before, with the stone facings and long, narrow windows of that time.


Margaret only wondered why people who could afford to live in so good a house, and keep it in such perfect order, did not prefer a much smaller dwelling in the country, or even some suburb; not in the continual whirl and din of the factory.

Margaret wondered why people who could afford to live in so good a house did not prefer a dwelling in the country, or even some suburb; not in the continual whirl and din of the factory.


Her unaccustomed ears could hardly catch her father's voice, as they stood on the steps awaiting the opening of the door.

She could hardly hear her father's voice, as they stood on the steps awaiting the opening of the door.


The yard, too, with the great doors in the dead wall as a boundary, was but a dismal look-out for the sitting-rooms of the house--as Margaret found when they had mounted the old-fashioned stairs, and been ushered into the drawing-room, the three windows of which went over the front door and the room on the right-hand side of the entrance.

The yard, too, made but a dismal view for the windows - as Margaret found when they had mounted the old-fashioned stairs, and been ushered into the drawing-room.


It seemed as though no one had been in it since the day when the furniture was bagged up with as much care as if the house was to be overwhelmed with lava, and discovered a thousand years hence.


The walls were pink and gold; the pattern on the carpet represented bunches of flowers on a light ground, but it was carefully covered up in the centre by a linen drugget, glazed and colourless.

The walls were pink and gold; the pattern on the carpet represented bunches of flowers, but it was carefully covered up by a colourless linen drugget.


The window-curtains were lace; each chair and sofa had its own particular veil of netting or knitting.

The window-curtains were lace; each chair and sofa had its own veil of netting.


Great alabaster groups occupied every flat surface, safe from dust under their glass shades.


In the middle of the room, right under the bagged-up chandelier, was a large circular table, with smartly-bound books arranged at regular intervals round the circumference of its polished surface, like gaily coloured spokes of a wheel.

In the middle of the room, under the bagged-up chandelier, was a large circular table, with smartly-bound books arranged at regular intervals round its polished surface, like gaily-coloured spokes of a wheel.


Everything reflected light, nothing absorbed it.


The whole room had a painfully spotted, spangled, speckled look about it, which impressed Margaret so unpleasantly that she was hardly conscious of the peculiar cleanliness required to keep everything so white and pure in such an atmosphere, or of the trouble that must be willingly expended to secure that effect of icy, snowy discomfort.

The whole room had a painfully spangled, speckled look, which impressed Margaret so unpleasantly that she was hardly conscious of the peculiar cleanliness required to keep everything so white and pure in such an atmosphere.


Wherever she looked there was evidence of care and labour, but not care and labour to procure ease, to help on habits of tranquil home employment; solely to ornament and then to preserve ornament from dirt or destruction.


They had leisure to observe, and to speak to each other in low voices, before Mrs. Thornton appeared.

They had time to look around, and to speak to each other in low voices, before Mrs. Thornton appeared.


They were talking of what all the world might hear; but it is a common effect of such a room as this to make people speak low, as if unwilling to awaken the unused echoes.

They were talking of what all the world might hear; but in such a room people speak low, as if unwilling to awaken the unused echoes.


At last Mrs. Thornton came in, rustling in handsome black silk, as was her wont; her muslins and laces rivalling, not excelling, the pure whiteness of the muslins and netting of the room.

At last Mrs. Thornton came in, rustling in handsome black silk.


Margaret explained how it was that her mother could not accompany them to return Mrs. Thornton's call; but in her anxiety not to bring back her father's fears too vividly, she gave but a bungling account, and left the impression on Mrs. Thornton's mind that Mrs. Hale's was some temporary or fanciful fine-ladyish indisposition, which might have been put aside had there been a strong enough motive; or that if it was too severe to allow her to come out that day, the call might have been deferred.

Margaret explained why her mother was not with them; but in her anxiety not to alarm her father, she gave a bungling account, and left the impression on Mrs. Thornton's mind that Mrs. Hale's was some fanciful fine-ladyish illness, which might have been put aside had she really wished.


Remembering, too, the horses to her carriage, hired for her own visit to the Hales, and how Fanny had been ordered to go by Mr. Thornton, in order to pay every respect to them, Mrs. Thornton drew up slightly offended, and gave Margaret no sympathy--indeed, hardly any credit for the statement of her mother's indisposition.

Mrs. Thornton drew up slightly offended, and gave Margaret no sympathy.


"I was afraid he was not well, from his hurried note yesterday."

'I was afraid he was not well, from his hurried note yesterday.'


"My son is rarely ill; and when he is, he never speaks about it, or makes it an excuse for not doing anything.

'My son is rarely ill; and when he is, he never makes it an excuse for not doing anything.


He told me he could not get leisure to read with you last night, sir.

He told me he had no time to read with you last night, sir.


He regretted it, I am sure; he values the hours spent with you."

He regretted it, I am sure; he values the hours spent with you.'


"I am sure they are equally agreeable to me," said Mr. Hale.

'They are equally agreeable to me,' said Mr. Hale.


"It makes me feel young again to see his enjoyment and appreciation of all that is fine in classical literature."

'It makes me feel young again to see his appreciation of fine classical literature.'


"I have no doubt that classics are very desirable for people who have leisure.

'I have no doubt the classics are very desirable for people who have leisure.


But I confess, it was against my judgment that my son renewed his study of them.

But it was against my judgment that my son renewed his study of them.


The time and place in which he lives, seem to me to require all his energy and attention.


Classics may do very well for men who loiter away their lives in the country or in colleges; but Milton men ought to have their thoughts and powers absorbed in the work of to-day.

Classics may do very well for men who loiter away their lives in the country or in colleges; but Milton men ought to have their thoughts and powers absorbed in the work of today.


This last clause she gave out with "the pride that apes humility."


"But, surely, if the mind is too long directed to one object only, it will get stiff and rigid, and unable to take in many interests," said Margaret.

'But, surely, if the mind is too long directed to one object only, it will get stiff and rigid, and unable to take in many interests,' said Margaret.


"I do not quite understand what you mean by a mind getting stiff and rigid.

'I do not quite understand what you mean.


Nor do I admire those whirligig characters that are full of this thing to-day, to be utterly forgetful of it in their new interest to-morrow.

Nor do I admire those whirligig characters that are full of one thing today, only to forget it in their new interest tomorrow.


Having many interests does not suit the life of a Milton manufacturer.


It is or ought to be enough for him to have one great desire, and to bring all the purposes of his life to bear on the fulfilment of that."

It ought to be enough for him to have one great desire, and to concentrate on that.'


Her sallow cheek flushed, and her eye lightened, as she answered:


"To hold and maintain a high, honourable place among the merchants of his country--the men of his town.

'To hold a high, honourable place among the merchants of his country.


Such a place my son has earned for himself.


Go where you will--I don't say in England only, but in Europe--the name of John Thornton of Milton is known and respected amongst all men of business.

Go where you will - not only in England, but in Europe - the name of John Thornton of Milton is respected amongst all men of business.


Of course, it is unknown in the fashionable circles," she continued scornfully.

Of course, it is unknown in fashionable circles,' she continued scornfully.


"Idle gentlemen and ladies are not likely to know much of a Milton manufacturer, unless he gets into parliament, or marries a lord's daughter."

'Idle gentlemen and ladies are not likely to know much of a Milton manufacturer.'


Both Mr. Hale and Margaret had an uneasy, ludicrous consciousness that they had never heard of this great name, until Mr. Bell had written them word that Mr. Thornton would be a good friend to have in Milton.

Both Mr. Hale and Margaret had an uneasy, ludicrous consciousness that they had never heard of this great name, until Mr. Bell had written to them about Mr. Thornton.


The proud mother's world was not their world of Harley street gentilities on the one hand, or country clergymen and Hampshire squires on the other.


Margaret's face, in spite of all her endeavours to keep it simply listening in its expression, told the sensitive Mrs. Thornton this feeling of hers.

Margaret's face, in spite of all her endeavours to keep it straight, told the sensitive Mrs. Thornton this feeling.


"You think you never heard of this wonderful son of mine, Miss Hale.

'You think you never heard of this wonderful son of mine, Miss Hale.


You think I'm an old woman whose ideas are hounded by Milton, and whose own crow is the whitest ever seen."

You think I'm an old woman whose ideas are bounded by Milton.'


"It may be true that I was thinking I had hardly heard Mr. Thornton's name before I came to Milton.

'It may be true that I had hardly heard Mr. Thornton's name before I came here.


But since I have come here, I have heard enough to make me respect and admire him, and to feel how much justice and truth there is in what you have said of him."

But since I have come, I have heard enough to make me respect and admire him, and to feel there is much in what you have said.'


asked Mrs. Thornton, a little mollified, yet jealous lest any one else's words should not have done him full justice.

asked Mrs. Thornton, a little mollified, yet jealous lest anyone else's words should not have done him full justice.


Margaret hesitated before she replied. She did not like this authoritative questioning.

Margaret hesitated; she did not like this authoritative questioning.


Mr. Hale came in, as he thought, to the rescue.


"It was what Mr. Thornton said himself, that made us know the kind of man he was.

'It was what Mr. Thornton said himself, that made us know the kind of man he was.'


Mrs. Thornton drew herself up, and said--
"My son is not the one to tell of his own doings.

Mrs. Thornton drew herself up, and said, 'My son is not one to tell of his own doings.


May I again ask you, Miss Hale, from whose account you formed your favourable opinion of him?

May I again ask you, Miss Hale, who told you of him?'


A mother is curious and greedy of commendation of her children, you know."


Margaret replied, "It was as much from what Mr. Thornton withheld of that which we had been told of his previous life by Mr. Bell,--it was more that than what he said, that made us all feel what reason you have to be proud of him."

Margaret replied, 'It was what Mr. Thornton withheld of that which we had been told of his previous life by Mr. Bell - it was more that than what he said, that made us feel what reason you have to be proud of him.'


He, living a lazy life in a drowsy college.


Many a missy young lady would have shrunk from giving an old woman the pleasure of hearing that her son was well spoken of."

Many a missy young lady would have shrunk from giving an old woman the pleasure of hearing that her son was well spoken of.'


asked Margaret, looking straight at Mrs. Thornton, in bewilderment.


because I suppose they might have consciences that told them how surely they were making the old mother into an advocate for them, in case they had any plans on the son's heart."

because I suppose they might have felt bashful, in case they had any plans on the son's heart.'


She smiled a grim smile, for she had been pleased by Margaret's frankness; and perhaps she felt that she had been asking questions too much as if she had a right to catechise.

She smiled a grim smile, for she had been pleased by Margaret's frankness.


Margaret laughed outright at the notion presented to her; laughed so merrily that it grated on Mrs. Thornton's ear, as if the words that called forth that laugh, must have been utterly and entirely ludicrous.

But Margaret laughed merrily at this notion.


Margaret stopped her merriment as soon as she saw Mrs. Thornton's annoyed look.

She stopped as soon as she saw Mrs. Thornton's annoyed look.


But I really am very much obliged to you for exonerating me from making any plans on Mr. Thornton's heart."

But I am very much obliged to you for exonerating me from making any plans on Mr. Thornton's heart.'


"Young ladies have, before now," said Mrs. Thornton, stiffly.

'Young ladies have, before now,' said Mrs. Thornton stiffly.


"I hope Miss Thornton is well," put in Mr. Hale, desirous of changing the current of the conversation.

'I hope Miss Thornton is well,' put in Mr. Hale, to change the subject.


She is not strong," replied Mrs. Thornton, shortly.

She is not strong,' replied Mrs. Thornton, shortly.


I suppose I may hope to see him on Thursday?"


"I cannot answer for my son's engagements.

'I cannot answer for my son's engagements.


There is some uncomfortable work going on in the town; a threatening of a strike.

There is some uncomfortable work going on; a threatening of a strike.


If so, his experience and judgment will make him much consulted by his friends.


But I should think he could come on Thursday.'


At any rate, I am sure he will let you know if he cannot."


"For the mastership and ownership of other people's property," said Mrs. Thornton, with a fierce snort.

'For the mastership and ownership of other people's property,' said Mrs. Thornton, with a fierce snort.


If my son's work-people strike, I will only say they are a pack of ungrateful hounds.

If my son's work-people strike, they are a pack of ungrateful hounds.


"They are wanting higher wages, I suppose?"


But the truth is, they want to be masters, and make the masters into slaves on their own ground.

But the truth is, they want to be masters, and make the masters into slaves.


They are always trying at it; they always have it in their minds; and every five or six years, there comes a struggle between masters and men.

They are always trying it; every five or six years, there comes a struggle between masters and men.


They'll find themselves mistaken this time, I fancy,--a little out of their reckoning. If they turn out, they mayn't find it so easy to go in again.

But this time, if they turn out, they mayn't find it so easy to go in again.


I believe, the masters have a thing or two in their heads which will teach the men not to strike again in a hurry, if they try it this time."

I believe the masters have an idea or two which will teach the men not to strike again in a hurry.'


But surely you are not a coward, are you?


I have known the time when I have had to thread my way through a crowd of white, angry men, all swearing they would have Makinson's blood as soon as he ventured to show his nose out of his factory; and he, knowing nothing of it, some one had to go and tell him, or he was a dead man; and it needed to be a woman,--so I went.

I have known the time when I have had to thread my way through a crowd of angry men, all swearing they would have Makinson's blood as soon as he ventured out of his factory; someone had to go and warn him, and it needed to be a woman - so I went.


And when I had got in, I could not get out.


So I went up to the roof, where there were stones piled ready to drop on the heads of the crowd, if they tried to force the factory doors.


And I would have lifted those heavy stones, and dropped them with as good an aim as the best man there, but that I fainted with the heat I had gone through.

And I would have lifted those stones and dropped them, had I not fainted with the heat.


If you live in Milton, you must learn to have a brave heart, Miss Hale."

If you live in Milton, you must have a brave heart, Miss Hale.'


"I would do my best," said Margaret rather pale. "I do not know whether I am brave or not till I am tried; but I am afraid I should be a coward."

'I would do my best,' said Margaret, rather pale, 'though I am afraid I should be a coward.'


"South country people are often frightened by what our Darkshire men and women only call living and struggling.

'South country people are often frightened here.


But when you've been ten years among a people who are always owing their betters a grudge, and only waiting for an opportunity to pay it off, you'll know whether you are a coward or not, take my word for it."

But when you've been ten years among a people who always have a grudge against their betters, and are only waiting for an opportunity to pay it off, you'll know whether you are a coward or not, take my word for it.'


Mr. Thornton came that evening to Mr. Hale's.


He was shown up into the drawing-room, where Mr. Hale was reading aloud to his wife and daughter.


"I am come partly to bring you a note from my mother, and partly to apologise for not keeping to my time yesterday.

'I am come partly to bring you a note from my mother, and partly to apologise for not keeping to my time yesterday.


The note contains the address you asked for; Dr. Donaldson."

The note contains the address you asked for; Dr. Donaldson.'


said Margaret, hastily, holding out her hand to take the note, for she did not wish her mother to hear that they had been making any inquiry about a doctor.

said Margaret, hastily, holding out her hand to take the note, for she did not wish her mother to hear.


She was pleased that Mr. Thornton seemed immediately to understand her feeling; he gave her the note without another word of explanation.

She was pleased that Mr. Thornton seemed immediately to understand; he gave her the note without another word.


Mr. Hale began to talk about the strike.


Mr. Thornton's face assumed a likeness to his mother's worst expression, which immediately repelled the watching Margaret.

Mr. Thornton's face assumed a likeness to his mother's worst expression, which immediately repelled Margaret.


They think trade is flourishing as it was last year.


We see the storm on the horizon and draw in our sails.


But because we don't explain our reasons, they won't believe we're acting reasonably.


We must give them line and letter for the way we choose to spend or save our money.


Henderson tried a dodge with his men, out at Ashley, and failed.


He rather wanted a strike; it would have suited his book well enough. So when the men came to ask for the five per cent. they are claiming, he told 'em he'd think about it, and give them his answer on the pay day; knowing all the while what his answer would be, of course, but thinking he'd strengthen their conceit of their own way.

He rather wanted a strike; so when the men came to ask for five per cent more, he told 'em he'd think about it, and give them his answer on pay day; knowing all the while what his answer would be.


However, they were too deep for him, and heard something about the bad prospects of trade. So in they came on the Friday, and drew back their claim, and now he's obliged to go on working.

However, they heard something about the bad prospects of trade, so they withdrew their claim, and now he's obliged to go on working.


But we Milton masters have to-day sent in our decision. We won't advance a penny.

But we Milton masters have decided we won't advance a penny.


We tell them we may have to lower wages; but can't afford to raise.


So here we stand, waiting for their next attack."

So here we stand, waiting for their next attack.'


You will see Milton without smoke in a few days, I imagine, Miss Hale."


"But why," asked she, "could you not explain what good reason you had for expecting a bad trade?

'But why could you not explain what good reason you have for expecting bad trade?' asked Margaret.


I don't know whether I use the right words, but you will understand what I mean."


"Do you give your servants reasons for your expenditure, or your economy in the use of your own money?

'Do you give your servants reasons for your expenditure?


We, the owners of capital, have a right to choose what we will do with it."

We have a right to choose what we do with our own money.'


"A human right," said Margaret, very low.

'A human right,' said Margaret, very low.


"I beg your pardon, I did not hear what you said."

'I beg your pardon, I did not hear what you said.'


"I would rather not repeat it," said she; "it related to a feeling which I do not think you would share."

'I would rather not repeat it,' said she; 'it related to a feeling which I do not think you would share.'


pleaded he; his thoughts suddenly bent upon learning what she had said.


She was displeased with his pertinacity, but did not choose to affix too much importance to her words.


I meant that there seemed no reason but religious ones, why you should not do what you like with your own."

However, there may be religious reasons why you should not do what you like with your own.'


"I know we differ in our religious opinions; but don't you give me credit for having some, though not the same as yours?"

'I know we differ in our religious opinions; but don't you give me credit for having some?'


He was speaking in a subdued voice, as if to her alone.


She did not wish to be so exclusively addressed. She replied out in her usual tone:

She did not wish to be so exclusively addressed, and replied in her usual tone:


"I do not think that I have any occasion to consider your special religious opinions in the affair.

'I do not mean to consider your special religious opinions in the affair.


All I meant to say is, that there is no human law to prevent the employers from utterly wasting or throwing away all their money, if they choose; but that there are passages in the Bible which would rather imply--to me at least--that they neglected their duties as stewards if they did so.

All I meant to say is, that there is no human law to prevent employers from utterly wasting their money, if they choose; but that there are passages in the Bible which would imply - to me at least - that they neglected their duty as stewards if they did so.


However, I know so little about strikes and rate of wages, and capital, and labour, that I had better not talk to a political economist like you."

However, I know so little about strikes, and capital, and labour, that I had better not talk to a political economist like you.'


"Nay, the more reason," said he eagerly.

'Nay, the more reason,' said he, eagerly.


"I shall only be too glad to explain to you all that may seem anomalous or mysterious to a stranger; especially at a time like this, when our doings are sure to be canvassed by every scribbler who can hold a pen."

'I shall only be too glad to explain to you all that may seem mysterious.'


"Of course, I shall apply to my father in the first instance for any information he can give me, if I get puzzled with living here amongst this strange society."

'Of course, I shall apply to my father first for information, if I get puzzled with living amongst this strange society.'


"I don't know--I suppose because, on the very face of it, I see two classes dependent on each other in every possible way, yet each evidently regarding the interests of the other as opposed to their own: I never lived in a place before where there were two sets of people always running each other down."

'I don't know - I suppose because I see two classes dependent on each other, yet each thinking the interests of the other are opposed to their own. I never lived in a place before where there were two sets of people always running each other down.'


"Who have you heard running the masters down?

'Who have you heard running the masters down?


I don't ask who you have heard abusing the men; for I see you persist in misunderstanding what I said the other day.


But who have you heard abusing the masters?"

But who have you heard abusing the masters?'


Margaret reddened; then smiled as she said,


Besides, it has nothing to do with the fact.


You must take my word for it, that I have heard some people, or, it may be, only some one of the workpeople speak as though it were the interest of the employers to keep them from acquiring money--that it would make them too independent if they had a sum in the savings' bank."

You must take my word for it, that I have heard one of the workpeople speak as though it were in the interest of the employers to keep them from acquiring money - that it would make them too independent if they had savings.'


"I dare say it was that man Higgins who told you all this," said Mrs. Hale.

'I dare say it was that man Higgins,' said Mrs. Hale.


Mr. Thornton did not appear to hear what Margaret evidently did not wish him to know.

Mr. Thornton pretended not to hear what Margaret evidently did not wish him to know.


"I heard, moreover, that it was considered to the advantage of the masters to have ignorant workmen--not hedge-lawyers, as Captain Lennox used to call those men in his company who questioned and would know the reason for every order."

'I heard, moreover,' said Margaret, ' that it was considered to the advantage of the masters to have ignorant workmen - not hedge-lawyers, as Captain Lennox used to call those men who questioned the reason for every order.'


This latter part of her sentence she addressed rather to her father than to Mr. Thornton.


asked Mr. Thornton of himself, with a strange kind of displeasure, that prevented him for the moment from replying to her!

asked Mr. Thornton of himself, with a strange displeasure.


"You never were fond of schools, Margaret, or you would have seen and known before this how much is being done for education in Milton."

'You never were fond of schools, Margaret, or you would have seen and known how much is being done for education in Milton.'


"I know I do not care enough about schools.

'I know I do not care enough about schools.


But the knowledge and the ignorance of which I was speaking did not relate to reading and writing,--the teaching or information one can give to a child. I am sure, that what was meant was ignorance of the wisdom that shall guide men and women.

But the knowledge and the ignorance of which I was speaking, did not relate to the teaching of children, but rather to ignorance of the wisdom that shall guide men and women.


But he--that is my informant--spoke as if the masters would like their hands to be merely tall, large children--living in the present moment--with a blind unreasoning kind of obedience."

But my informant spoke as if the masters would like their workers to be merely large children - living in the present moment, with blind obedience.'


"In short, Miss Hale, it is very evident that your informant found a pretty ready listener to all the slander he chose to utter against the masters," said Mr. Thornton, in an offended tone.

'In short, Miss Hale, your informant found a ready listener to all the slander he chose to utter against the masters,' said Mr. Thornton, in an offended tone.


Margaret did not reply. She was displeased at the personal character Mr. Thornton affixed to what she had said.

Margaret, displeased, did not reply, but left the room.


Mr. Hale spoke next:
"I must confess that, although I have not become so intimately acquainted with any workmen as Margaret has, I am very much struck by the antagonism between the employer and the employed, on the very surface of things.

'I must confess,' said Mr. Hale, 'that I am very much struck by the apparent antagonism between the employer and the employed.


I even gather this impression from what you yourself have from time to time said."

I even gather this impression from what you yourself have said.'


Mr. Thornton paused awhile before he spoke.


Margaret had just left the room, and he was vexed at the state of feeling between himself and her.


However, the little annoyance, by making him cooler and more thoughtful, gave a greater dignity to what he said:

The little annoyance between him and Margaret made him more thoughtful, and gave a greater dignity to his reply:


"My theory is, that my interests are identical with those of my workpeople, and vice-versa.

'My theory is, that my interests are identical with those of my workpeople and vice-versa.


Miss Hale, I know, does not like to hear men called 'hands,' so I won't use that word, though it comes most readily to my lips as the technical term, whose origin, whatever it was, dates before my time.

Miss Hale, I know, does not like to hear men called "hands," so I won't use that word, though it is the usual term.


On some future day--in some millennium--in Utopia, this unity may be brought into practice--just as I can fancy a republic the most perfect form of government."

On some future day - in some Utopia - this unity may come about - just as I can fancy a republic the most perfect form of government.'


"We will read Plato's Republic as soon as we have finished Homer."

'We will read Plato's Republic as soon as we have finished Homer.'


"Well, in the Platonic year, it may fall out that we are all--men, women, and children--fit for a republic; but give me a constitutional monarchy in our present state of morals and intelligence.

'Well, in the future, we may be fit for a republic: but give me a constitutional monarchy in our present state.


In our infancy we require a wise despotism to govern us.


Indeed, long past infancy, children and young people are the happiest under the unfailing laws of a discreet firm authority.

Indeed, long past infancy, children and young people are happiest under the laws of a discreet, firm authority.


I agree with Miss Hale so far as to consider our people in the condition of children, while I deny that we, the masters, have anything to do with the making or keeping them so.

As Miss Hale says, I consider our people to be in the condition of children, but it is not the masters who keep them so.


I maintain that despotism is the best kind of government for them; so that in the hours in which I come in contact with them I must necessarily be an autocrat.

I maintain that despotism is the best kind of government for them; so that in the factory I must be an autocrat.


I will use my best discretion--from no humbug or philanthropic feeling, of which we have had rather too much in the North--to make wise laws and come to just decisions in the conduct of my business--laws and decisions which work for my own good in the first instance--for theirs in the second; but I will neither be forced to give my reasons, nor flinch from what I have once declared to be my resolution.

I will try to make wise laws and just decisions, which work for my own good in the first instance, and for theirs in the second; but I will neither be forced to give them my reasons, nor flinch from my resolution.


I shall suffer as well as they: but in the end they will find I have not bated nor altered one jot."

I shall suffer as well as they: but at the end they will find I have not given way one jot.'


Margaret had re-entered the room and was sitting at her work; but she did not speak.

Margaret had re-entered the room and was sitting sewing; but she did not speak.


"I dare say I am talking in great ignorance; but from the little I know, I should say that the masses were already passing rapidly into the troublesome stage which intervenes between childhood and manhood, in the life of the multitude as well as that of the individual.

'I dare say I am talking in great ignorance; but I should say that the masses were already passing rapidly into a troublesome adolescence, in the life of the multitude as well as the individual.


Now, the error which many parents commit in the treatment of the individual at this time is, insisting on the same unreasoning obedience as when all he had to do in the way of duty was, to obey the simple laws of 'Come when you're called,' and 'Do as you're bid!'

Now, the error which many parents commit at this time is insisting on the same unreasoning obedience as earlier, when the child's only duty was to obey the simple laws of "Come when you're called" and "Do as you're told!"


But a wise parent humours the desire for independent action, so as to become the friend and adviser when his absolute rule shall cease.

But a wise parent allows independent action, so as to become a friend and adviser when his rule shall cease.'


If I get wrong in my reasoning, recollect, it is you who adopted the analogy."


"Very lately," said Margaret, "I heard a story of what happened in Nuremberg only three or four years ago. A rich man there lived alone in one of the immense mansions which were formerly both dwellings and warehouses.

Margaret said, 'I heard a story of a rich man in Nuremberg only three or four years ago. He lived alone in an immense mansion.


It was reported that he had a child, but no one knew of it for certain.


For forty years this rumour kept rising and falling--never utterly dying away.


After his death it was found to be true.


He had a son--an overgrown man, with the unexercised intellect of a child, whom he had kept up in that strange way, in order to save him from temptation and error.

He had a son - an overgrown man with the unexercised intellect of a child, whom he had brought up in that strange way, to save him from temptation and error.


But, of course, when this great old child was turned loose in the world, every bad counsellor had power over him. He did not know good from evil.

But, of course, when this great child was turned loose into the world, he did not know good from evil.


His father had made the blunder of bringing him up in ignorance and taking it for innocence; and after fourteen months of riotous living, the city authorities had to take charge of him, in order to save him from starvation.

His father had made the blunder of confusing ignorance with innocence; and after fourteen months of riotous living, the city authorities had to take charge of him, to save him from starvation.'


He could not even use words effectively enough to be a successful beggar."


"I used the comparison (suggested by Miss Hale) of the position of the master to that of a parent, so I ought not to complain of your turning the simile into a weapon against me.


But, Mr. Hale, when you were setting up a wise parent as a model for us, you said he humoured his children in their desire for independent action.

'Mr. Hale, you said a wise man would allow independent action.


Now certainly, the time is not come for the hands to have any independent action during business hours; I hardly know what you would mean by it then.

Now certainly, the time is not come for the hands to have any independent action during business hours; so I hardly know what you would mean.


And I say, that the masters would be trenching on the independence of their hands, in a way that I, for one, should not feel justified in doing, if we interfered too much with the life they lead out of the mills.

And I say that the masters would not be justified in interfering too much with the life the hands lead outside the mills.


Because they labour ten hours a-day for us, I do not see that we have any right to impose leading-strings upon them for the rest of their time.

Because they labour ten hours a day for us, I do not see that we have any right to impose leading-strings upon them for the rest of their time.


I value my own independence so highly that I can fancy no degradation greater than that of having another man perpetually directing and advising and lecturing me, or even planning too closely in any way about my actions.

I value my own independence so highly that I would not care to have another man perpetually advising and lecturing me.


He might be the wisest of men or the most powerful--I should equally rebel and resent his interference.

He might be the wisest of men, but I should rebel and resent his interference.


I imagine this is a stronger feeling in the North of England than in the South."

I imagine this is a stronger feeling in the North of England than in the South.'


"I beg your pardon, but is not that because there has been none of the equality of friendship between the adviser and advised classes?

'Is not that because there has been no equality of friendship between the adviser and advised classes?


Because every man has had to stand in an unchristian and isolated position, apart from and jealous of his brother-man: constantly afraid of his rights being trenched upon?"

Because every man has had to stand in an unchristian and isolated position, apart from and jealous of his brother-man?'


I am sorry to say, I have an appointment at eight o'clock, and I must just take facts as I find them to-night, without trying to account for them; which, indeed, would make no difference in determining how to act as things stand--the facts must be granted."

I am sorry to say I have an appointment at eight o'clock, and I must just take facts as I find them tonight.'


"But," said Margaret in a low voice, "it seems to me that it makes all the difference in the world--."

'But,' said Margaret in a low voice, 'it seems to me that it makes all the difference in the world-'


Her father made a sign to her to be silent, and allow Mr. Thornton to finish what he had to say.

Her father made a sign to her to be silent.


He was already standing up and preparing to go.

Mr. Thornton was already standing up and preparing to go, saying,


Given a strong feeling of independence in every Darkshire man, have I any right to obtrude my views, of the manner in which he shall act, upon another (hating it as I should do most vehemently myself), merely because he has labour to sell and I capital to buy?"

Given a strong feeling of independence in every Darkshire man, have I any right to impose my views of how other men shall act, merely because they have labour to sell and I capital to buy?'


"Not in the least," said Margaret, determined to say just this one thing; "not in the least because of your labour and capital positions, whatever they are, but because you are a man, dealing with a set of men over whom you have, whether you reject the use of it or not, immense power, just because your lives and your welfare are so constantly and intimately interwoven.

'Not in the least,' said Margaret, determined just to say this one thing; 'not in the least because of your labour and capital positions, whatever they are, but because you are a man, dealing with a set of men over whom you have immense power, with your lives and welfare constantly interwoven.


God has made us so that we must be mutually dependent.


We may ignore our own dependence, or refuse to acknowledge that others depend upon us in more respects than the payment of weekly wages; but the thing must be, nevertheless.

We may ignore this, or refuse to acknowledge it; but the thing must be, nevertheless.


Neither you nor any other master can help yourselves.


The most proudly independent man depends on those around him for their insensible influence on his character--his life.

The most proudly independent man depends on those around him for their influence on his character - his life.


And the most isolated of all your Darkshire Egos has dependants clinging to him on all sides; he cannot shake them off, any more than the great rock he resembles can shake off--"

And the most isolated of all your Darkshire Egos has dependants clinging to him on all sides; he cannot shake them off, any more than the great rock he resembles can shake off-'


"Pray don't go into similes, Margaret; you have led us off once already," said her father, smiling, yet uneasy at the thought that they were detaining Mr. Thornton against his will, which was a mistake; for he rather liked it, as long as Margaret would talk, although what she said only irritated him.

'Pray don't go into any more similes, Margaret,' said her father, smiling, yet uneasy. However, Mr. Thornton did not mind being detained; he rather liked hearing Margaret talk, although what she said irritated him.


"Just tell me, Miss Hale, are you yourself ever influenced--no, that is not a fair way of putting it;--but if you are ever conscious of being influenced by others, and not by circumstances, have those others been working directly or indirectly?

'Just tell me, Miss Hale - if you are ever conscious of being influenced by others, have those others been working directly or indirectly?


Have they been labouring to exhort, to enjoin, to act rightly for the sake of example, or have they been simple, true men, taking up their duty, and doing it unflinchingly, without a thought of how their actions were to make this man industrious, that man saving?

Have they exhorted you to act rightly, or have they been simply doing their duty unflinchingly?


Why, if I were a workman, I should be twenty times more impressed by the knowledge that my master was honest, punctual, quick, resolute in all his doings (and hands are keener spies even than valets), than by any amount of interference, however kindly meant, with my ways of going on out of work-hours.

Why, if I were a workman, I should be twenty times more impressed by knowing that my master was honest, punctual, and resolute, than by any amount of interference, however kindly meant.


I do not choose to think too closely on what I am myself; but, I believe, I rely on the straightforward honesty of my hands, and the open nature of their opposition, in contra-distinction to the way in which the turn-out will be managed in some mills, just because they know I scorn to take a single dishonourable advantage, or do an underhand thing myself.

I rely on the straightforward honesty of my hands, and the open nature of their opposition, in contrast to the way in which the turnout will be managed in some mills - because they know I will not take a dishonourable advantage, or do an underhand thing myself.


It goes farther than a whole course of lectures on 'Honesty is the Best Policy'--life diluted into words.

It goes farther than a whole course of lectures on "Honesty is the Best Policy" - life diluted into words.


What the master is, that will the men be, without over-much taking thought on his part."

What the master is, that will the men be.'


"That is a great admission," said Margaret, laughing.

'That is a great admission,' said Margaret, laughing.


"When I see men violent and obstinate, in pursuit of their rights, I may safely infer that the master is the same; that he is a little ignorant of that spirit which suffereth long, and is kind, and seeketh not her own."

'When I see men violent and obstinate in pursuit of their rights, I may safely infer that the master is the same: that he is a little ignorant of that spirit which suffereth long, and is kind and selfless.'


"You are just like all strangers who don't understand the working of our system, Miss Hale," said he, hastily.

'You are just like all strangers who don't understand the working of our system, Miss Hale,' said he, hastily.


"You suppose that our men are puppets of dough, ready to be moulded into any amiable form we please.

'You suppose that our men are puppets of dough, ready to be moulded into any form we please.


You forget we have only to do with them for less than a third of their lives; and you seem not to perceive that the duties of a manufacturer are far larger and wider than those merely of an employer of labour: we have a wide commercial character to maintain, which makes us into the great pioneers of civilisation."

You forget we have only to do with them for less than a third of their lives; and you seem not to perceive that the duties of a manufacturer are far larger than those merely of an employer of labour. We have commerce to maintain, which makes us into the great pioneers of civilisation.'


"It strikes me," said Mr. Hale, smiling, "that you might pioneer a little at home.

'It strikes me,' said Mr. Hale, smiling, 'that you might pioneer a little at home.


They are a rough, heathenish set of fellows, these Milton men of yours."

They are a rough, heathenish set of fellows, these Milton men of yours.'


'Cromwell would have made a capital mill-owner, Miss Hale.


I wish we had him to put down this strike for us."

I wish we had him to put down this strike for us.'


"Cromwell is no hero of mine," she said, coldly.

'Cromwell is no hero of mine,' said she, coldly.


"But I am trying to reconcile your admiration of despotism with your respect for other men's independence of character."

'But I am trying to reconcile your admiration of despotism with your respect for other men's independence of character.'


"I choose to be the unquestioned and irresponsible master of my hands, during the hours they labour for me.

'I choose to be the unquestioned master of my hands, during the hours that they labour for me.


But those hours past, our relation ceases; and then comes in the same respect for their independence that I myself exact."

But after those hours, I respect their independence.'


He did not speak again for a minute, he was too much vexed.

Vexed, he did not speak again for a minute.


But he shook it off, and bade Mr. and Mrs. Hale good night.


Then, drawing near to Margaret, he said in a lower voice--
"I spoke hastily to you once this evening, and I am afraid, rather rudely.

To Margaret he said in a lower voice, 'I spoke hastily to you, and I am afraid, rather rudely.


But you know I am but an uncouth Milton manufacturer; will you forgive me?"

But you know I am only an uncouth Milton manufacturer; will you forgive me?'


"Certainly," said she, smiling up in his face, the expression of which was somewhat anxious and oppressed, and hardly cleared away as he met her sweet sunny countenance, out of which all the north-wind effect of their discussion had entirely vanished.

'Certainly,' said she, smiling. His anxious expression hardly cleared as he met her sweet sunny countenance.


But she did not put out her hand to him, and again he felt the omission, and set it down to pride.


"Where are the sounds that swam along The buoyant air when I was young; The last vibration now is o'er, And they who listened are no more; Ah!


The idea of Helstone had been suggested to Mr. Bell's waking mind by his conversation with Mr. Lennox, and all night long it ran riot through his dreams.

The idea of Helstone had been suggested to Mr. Bell by this conversation, and all night long it ran riot through his dreams.


He was again the tutor in the college where he now held the rank of Fellow; it was again a long vacation, and he was staying with his newly-married friend, the proud husband, and happy Vicar of Helstone.

He dreamt he was again the tutor at his college; it was again a long vacation, and he was staying with his newly married friend, the proud and happy Vicar of Helstone.


Over babbling brooks they took impossible leaps, which seemed to keep them whole days suspended in the air.


Time and space were not, though all other things seemed real.

Time and space did not exist, though all other things seemed real.


Every event was measured by the emotions of the mind, not by its actual existence, for existence it had none.


But the trees were gorgeous in their autumnal leafiness--the warm odours of flower and herb came sweet upon the sense--the young wife moved about the house with just that mixture of annoyance at her position, as regarded wealth, with pride in her handsome and devoted husband, which Mr. Bell had noticed in real life a quarter of a century ago.

But the trees were gorgeous in their autumnal leafiness - the warm odours of flower and herb were sweet. The young wife moved about her house with that mixture of annoyance at her lowered position, and pride in her devoted husband, which Mr. Bell remembered from a quarter of a century ago.


The dream was so like life that, when he awoke, his present life seemed a dream.

The dream was so like life that, when he awoke, the present seemed like a dream.


In the close, handsomely furnished room of a London hotel!


Where were those who spoke to him, moved around him, touched him, not an instant ago?

Where were those who spoke to him, touched him, not an instant ago?


lost for evermore, as far as earth's for evermore would extend.


He was an old man, so lately exultant in the full strength of manhood. The utter loneliness of his life was insupportable to think about.

He was an old man, and the utter loneliness of his life was insupportable to think about.


He got up hastily, and tried to forget what never more might be, in a hurried dressing for the breakfast in Harley Street.

He got up hastily, and tried to forget it, hurriedly dressing for the breakfast in Harley Street.


He could not attend to all the lawyer's details, which, as he saw, made Margaret's eyes dilate, and her lips grow pale, as one by one fate decreed, or so it seemed, every morsel of evidence which would exonerate Frederick, should fall from beneath her feet and disappear.

He could not attend to all the lawyer's details, which, as he saw, made Margaret's eyes dilate, and her lips grow pale, as every morsel of evidence which would exonerate Frederick seemed to disappear.


Even Mr. Lennox's well-regulated professional voice took a softer, tenderer tone, as he drew near to the extinction of the last hope.

Even Mr. Lennox's professional voice took a softer tone as he drew near to the extinction of the last hope.


It was not that Margaret had not been perfectly aware of the result before.


It was only that the details of each successive disappointment came with such relentless minuteness to quench all hope, that she at last fairly gave way to tears. Mr. Lennox stopped reading.

When she gave way to tears, Mr. Lennox stopped reading.


"I had better not go on," said he, in a concerned voice.


Lieutenant Hale," and even this giving him the title of the service from which he had so harshly been expelled, was soothing to Margaret.


"Lieutenant Hale is happy now; more secure in fortune and future prospects than he could ever have been in the navy; and has, doubtless, adopted his wife's country as his own."

Lieutenant Hale is happy now; more secure in future prospects than he could ever have been in the navy; and has, doubtless, adopted his wife's country as his own.'


"It seems so selfish in me to regret it," trying to smile, "and yet he is lost to me, and I am so lonely."

'It seems so selfish of me to regret it,' trying to smile, 'and yet he is lost to me, and I am so lonely.'


Mr. Lennox turned over his papers, and wished that he were as rich and prosperous as he believed he should be some day.


Mr. Bell blew his nose, but, otherwise, he also kept silence; and Margaret, in a minute or two, had apparently recovered her usual composure. She thanked Mr. Lennox very courteously for his trouble; all the more courteously and graciously because she was conscious that, by her behaviour, he might probably be led to imagine that he had given her needless pain.

Mr. Bell blew his nose, but, otherwise, he also kept silence; and Margaret, in a minute or two, had apparently recovered her usual composure, and thanked Mr. Lennox very courteously for his trouble.


Yet it was pain she would not have been without.


said he, as he fumbled with his gloves, "I am going down to Helstone to-morrow, to look at the old place.

said Mr. Bell, as he fumbled with his gloves. 'I am going down to Helstone tomorrow, to look at the old place.


"Oh, Mr. Bell," said she--and could say no more.

'Oh, Mr. Bell,' said she - and could say no more.


But she took his old gouty hand, and kissed it.


"Come, come; that's enough," said he, reddening with awkwardness.


"I suppose your aunt Shaw will trust you with me.

'I suppose your aunt Shaw will trust you with me.


We'll go to-morrow morning, and we shall get there about two o'clock, I fancy.

We'll go tomorrow morning, and we shall get there about two o'clock, I fancy.


We'll take a snack, and order dinner at the little inn--the Lennard Arms, it used to be--and go and get an appetite in the forest.

We'll take a snack, and order dinner at the little inn - the Lennard Arms.


It will be a trial, I know, to both of us, but it will be a pleasure to me, at least.


And there we'll dine--it will be but doe-venison, if we can get it at all--and then I'll take my nap, while you go out and see old friends.

And we'll dine on doe-venison - and then I'll take my nap while you go and see old friends.


I'll give you back safe and sound, barring railway accidents, and I'll insure your life for a thousand pounds before starting, which may be some comfort to your relations; but otherwise, I'll bring you back to Mrs. Shaw by lunch time on Friday.

I'll bring you back safe and sound to Mrs. Shaw by lunch-time on Friday.


So, if you say yes, I'll just go upstairs and propose it."

So, if you say yes, I'll just go upstairs and propose it.'


"It's no use my trying to say how much I shall like it," said Margaret, through her tears.

'I shall like it,' said Margaret, through her tears.


"Well, then, prove your gratitude by keeping those fountains of yours dry for the next two days. If you don't, I shall feel queer myself about the lachrymal ducts, and I don't like that."

'Well, then, prove your gratitude by keeping those fountains of yours dry for the next two days, or you will set me off too.'


"I won't cry a drop," said Margaret, winking her eyes to shake the tears off her eyelashes, and forcing a smile.

'I won't cry a drop,' said Margaret, forcing a smile.


Then we'll go upstairs and settle it all."

Then we'll go upstairs and settle it all.'


Margaret was in a state of almost trembling eagerness, while Mr. Bell discussed his plan with her aunt Shaw, who was first startled, then doubtful and perplexed, and in the end, yielding rather to the rough force of Mr. Bell's words than to her own conviction; for to the last, whether it was right or wrong, proper or improper, she could not settle to her own satisfaction, till Margaret's safe return, the happy fulfilment of the project, gave her decision enough to say, "she was sure it had been a very kind thought of Mr. Bell's, and just what she herself had been wishing for Margaret, as giving her the very change which she required, after all the anxious time she had had."

Aunt Shaw was first startled, then doubtful and perplexed, but in the end, yielded to Mr. Bell. 'She was sure it had been a very kind thought of Mr. Bell's, and just what she herself had been wishing for Margaret, as giving her the very change which she required.'


"There's nought so finely spun But it cometh to the sun."


He felt that his company gave pleasure to Mr. Hale; and was touched by the half-spoken wishful entreaty that he would remain a little longer--the plaintive "Don't go yet," which his poor friend put forth from time to time.

He felt that his company gave pleasure to Mr. Hale; and was touched by the plaintive entreaty 'Don't go yet,' which his poor friend begged from time to time.


He wondered Margaret did not return; but it was with no view of seeing her that he lingered.

He wondered that Margaret did not return; but it was with no view of seeing her that he lingered.


For the hour--and in the presence of one who was so thoroughly feeling the nothingness of earth--he was reasonable and self-controlled.


He was deeply interested in all her father said.


"Of death, and of the heavy lull, And of the brain that has grown dull."


It was curious how the presence of Mr. Thornton had power over Mr. Hale to make him unlock the secret thoughts which he kept shut up even from Margaret.

It was curious how Mr. Thornton's presence could unlock the secret thoughts which Mr. Hale kept shut up even from Margaret.


Whether it was that her sympathy would be so keen, and show itself in so lively a manner, that he was afraid of the reaction upon himself, or whether it was that to his speculative mind all kinds of doubts presented themselves at such a time, pleading and crying aloud to be resolved into certainties, and that he knew she would have shrunk from the expression of any such doubts--nay, from him himself as capable of conceiving them--whatever was the reason, he could unburden himself better to Mr. Thornton than to her of all the thoughts and fancies and fears that had been frost-bound in his brain till now.

Whether he was afraid of his own reaction to her keen sympathy, or whether he felt she would have shrunk from his doubts and fears at such a time - whatever the reason, he could unburden himself better to Mr. Thornton than to her.