I will not gratify you--I will not flatter.'


"'I don't know half enough; my heart craves to be fed.


If you knew how hungry and ferocious it is, you would hasten to stay it with a kind word or two.'


said she, touching and patting my hand--'poor fellow, stalwart friend, Shirley's pet and favourite, lie down!'

said she, patting my hand; 'poor fellow, stalwart friend, Shirley's favourite, lie down!'


"'But I will not lie down till I am fed with one sweet word.'

"'I will not lie down till I am fed with one sweet word.'


"'Dear Louis, be faithful to me; never leave me.


I don't care for life unless I may pass it at your side.'


"She gave me a change; it was not her way to offer the same dish twice.


"'Sir,' she said, starting up, 'at your peril you ever again name such sordid things as money, or poverty, or inequality.

'Sir,' she said, 'never again name such sordid things as money, or poverty, or inequality.


It will be absolutely dangerous to torment me with these maddening scruples.'


I did once more wish I were not so poor or she were not so rich.


She saw the transient misery; and then, indeed, she caressed me.

She saw the misery; and then, indeed, she caressed me.


Blent with torment, I experienced rapture.

Along with torment, I experienced rapture.


Moore,' said she, looking up with a sweet, open, earnest countenance, 'teach me and help me to be good.

Moore,' said she, looking up with a sweet, open face, 'teach me and help me to be good.


I do not ask you to take off my shoulders all the cares and duties of property, but I ask you to share the burden, and to show me how to sustain my part well.

I do not ask you to take off my shoulders all the cares and duties of property, but I ask you to share the burden, and to show me how to do it well.


Your judgment is well balanced, your heart is kind, your principles are sound.

Your judgment is good, your heart is kind, your principles are sound.


I know you are wise; I feel you are benevolent; I believe you are conscientious.


Be my companion through life; be my guide where I am ignorant; be my master where I am faulty; be my friend always!'


Yet again a passage from the blank book if you like, reader; if you don't like it, pass it over:--

Yet again a passage from the notebook, reader; if you don't like it, pass it over.


"The Sympsons are gone, but not before discovery and explanation.

"The Sympsons are gone, but not before discovery.


My manner must have betrayed something, or my looks.


I was quiet, but I forgot to be guarded sometimes.


I stayed longer in the room than usual; I could not bear to be out of her presence; I returned to it, and basked in it, like Tartar in the sun.

I stayed longer with her than usual; I could not bear to be out of her presence.


If she left the oak parlour, instinctively I rose and left it too. She chid me for this procedure more than once. I did it with a vague, blundering idea of getting a word with her in the hall or elsewhere.

If she left the parlour, instinctively I rose and left it too, with a vague idea of getting a word with her in the hall.


Yesterday towards dusk I had her to myself for five minutes by the hall fire.


We stood side by side; she was railing at me, and I was enjoying the sound of her voice.


The young ladies passed, and looked at us; we did not separate.


Ere long they repassed, and again looked.

Before long they repassed, and again looked.


Mr. Sympson opened the dining-room door.


Shirley flashed him back full payment for his spying gaze. She curled her lip and tossed her tresses. The glance she gave was at once explanatory and defiant.

Shirley curled her lip and tossed her tresses at him: the glance she gave was at once explanatory and defiant.


It said: 'I like Mr. Moore's society, and I dare you to find fault with my taste.'


"I asked, 'Do you mean him to understand how matters are?'


"'I do,' said she; 'but I leave the development to chance.


I neither invite it nor fear it; only, you must be present, for I am inexpressibly tired of facing him solus.

I neither invite it nor fear it; only, you must be present, for I am inexpressibly tired of facing him alone.


He then puts off all his fine proprieties and conventional disguises, and the real human being below is what you would call _commun, plat, bas--vilain et un peu mchant_.

He then puts off all his fine proprieties and shows the crudity below.


His ideas are not clean, Mr. Moore; they want scouring with soft soap and fuller's earth. I think, if he could add his imagination to the contents of Mrs. Gill's bucking-basket, and let her boil it in her copper, with rain-water and bleaching-powder (I hope you think me a tolerable laundress), it would do him incalculable good.'

His ideas are not clean, Mr. Moore; I think, if he could put his imagination in Mrs. Gill's laundry-basket, for boiling and bleaching, it would do him incalculable good.'


"This morning, fancying I heard her descend somewhat early, I was down instantly. I had not been deceived. There she was, busy at work in the breakfast-parlour, of which the housemaid was completing the arrangement and dusting. She had risen betimes to finish some little keepsake she intended for Henry.

"This morning I was down early, and found her sewing in the breakfast-parlour, busy finishing some little keepsake for Henry.


I got only a cool reception, which I accepted till the girl was gone, taking my book to the window-seat very quietly.

I got only a cool reception, which I accepted till the maid was gone, taking my book to the window-seat.


Even when we were alone I was slow to disturb her.


To sit with her in sight was happiness, and the proper happiness, for early morning--serene, incomplete, but progressive.


Had I been obtrusive, I knew I should have encountered rebuff.

Had I been obtrusive, I knew she would have rebuffed me.


'Not at home to suitors' was written on her brow.


Therefore I read on, stole now and then a look, watched her countenance soften and open as she felt I respected her mood, and enjoyed the gentle content of the moment.

Therefore I read on, stole now and then a look at her, watched her countenance soften as she felt I respected her mood, and enjoyed the gentle content of the moment.


"The distance between us shrank, and the light hoar-frost thawed insensibly.


Ere an hour elapsed I was at her side, watching her sew, gathering her sweet smiles and her merry words, which fell for me abundantly.

Soon I was at her side, watching her sew, listening to her merry words.


We sat, as we had a right to sit, side by side; my arm rested on her chair; I was near enough to count the stitches of her work, and to discern the eye of her needle.

We sat side by side; my arm rested on her chair.


"I believe, if I had just then started from her, she would have despised me.

"I believe, if I had started from her, she would have despised me.


Thanks to the phlegm of my nature, I rarely start. When I am well-off, _bien_, comfortable, I am not soon stirred. _Bien_ I was--_trs bien_--consequently immutable. No muscle moved.

Thanks to the steadiness of my nature, I did not move a muscle.


"'Good-morning, uncle,' said she, addressing that personage, who paused on the threshold in a state of petrifaction.

"'Good-morning, uncle,' said she, addressing the person who paused on the threshold in a state of petrifaction.


"'Have you been long downstairs, Miss Keeldar, and alone with Mr. Moore?'


We both came down early; it was scarcely light.'


"'It was at first, I was rather cross, and not civil; but you will perceive that we are now friends.'

"'I was rather cross at first, and not civil; but you will perceive that we are now friends.'


"'I perceive more than you would wish me to perceive.'


"'Hardly, sir,' said I; 'we have no disguises.


Will you permit me to intimate that any further observations you have to make may as well be addressed to me?

If you have any further observations to make, they may as well be addressed to me.


Henceforward I stand between Miss Keeldar and all annoyance.'


"'_You!_ What have _you_ to do with Miss Keeldar?'

"'You! What have you to do with Miss Keeldar?'


"'Not one word of insult, sir,' interposed she; 'not one syllable of disrespect to Mr. Moore in this house.'


"She turned to me with a sudden fond movement, which I met by circling her with my arm.


was the cry from the morning-gown standing quivering at the door.


_Ged_, I think, must be the cognomen of Mr. Sympson's Lares.


When hard pressed he always invokes this idol.


"'Come forward, uncle; you shall hear all.--Tell him all, Louis.'

"'Come, uncle; you shall hear all. - Tell him, Louis.'


the vile, insinuating, infamous menial!--Stand apart from my niece, sir.

the vile, insinuating servant! Stand apart from my niece, sir.


'I am near my future husband,' she said.


"'A while ago you wanted much to know whom I meant to marry.


My intention was then formed, but not mature for communication.


Take the crimson peach--take Louis Moore!'


"'But' (savagely) 'you _shall not_ have him; he _shall not_ have you.'

But' (savagely) 'you shall not have him; he shall not have you.'


"'I would die before I would have another.'


"He uttered words with which this page shall never be polluted.

"Mr. Sympson uttered words with which this page shall never be polluted.


"She turned white as death; she shook all over; she lost her strength.


I laid her down on the sofa; just looked to ascertain that she had not fainted--of which, with a divine smile, she assured me. I kissed her; and then, if I were to perish, I cannot give a clear account of what happened in the course of the next five minutes.

I laid her down on the sofa; just looked to make sure that she had not fainted - kissed her - and then - I cannot give a clear account of what happened in the course of the next five minutes.


She has since--through tears, laughter, and trembling--told me that I turned terrible, and gave myself to the demon.

She has since, through tears and laughter, told me that I turned terrible, and gave myself to the demon.


She says I left her, made one bound across the room; that Mr. Sympson vanished through the door as if shot from a cannon.

She says I made one bound across the room; that Mr. Sympson vanished through the door as if shot from a cannon.


I also vanished, and she heard Mrs. Gill scream.


"Mrs. Gill was still screaming when I came to my senses.


I was then in another apartment--the oak parlour, I think.


I held Sympson before me crushed into a chair, and my hand was on his cravat.


His eyes rolled in his head; I was strangling him, I think. The housekeeper stood wringing her hands, entreating me to desist.

His eyes rolled in his head; the housekeeper stood wringing her hands, begging me to stop.


I desisted that moment, and felt at once as cool as stone.

I did stop, feeling at once as cool as stone.


But I told Mrs. Gill to fetch the Red-House Inn chaise instantly, and informed Mr. Sympson he must depart from Fieldhead the instant it came.

I told Mrs. Gill to fetch the chaise instantly, and informed Mr. Sympson he must depart from Fieldhead forthwith.


Though half frightened out of his wits, he declared he would not.


Repeating the former order, I added a commission to fetch a constable.


I said, 'You _shall_ go, by fair means or foul.'


"He threatened prosecution; I cared for nothing.

"He threatened prosecution; but I cared for nothing.


I had stood over him once before, not quite so fiercely as now, but full as austerely.


It was one night when burglars attempted the house at Sympson Grove, and in his wretched cowardice he would have given a vain alarm, without daring to offer defence.


I had then been obliged to protect his family and his abode by mastering himself--and I had succeeded.


I now remained with him till the chaise came.

I remained with him till the chaise came.


I marshalled him to it, he scolding all the way.


He was terribly bewildered, as well as enraged.


He would have resisted me, but knew not how.


He called for his wife and daughters to come. I said they should follow him as soon as they could prepare.

I said his wife and daughters should follow him as soon as they could prepare.


The smoke, the fume, the fret of his demeanour was inexpressible, but it was a fury incapable of producing a deed.

He fumed and fretted, but he could do nothing.


That man, properly handled, must ever remain impotent.


I know he will never touch me with the law.


I know his wife, over whom he tyrannizes in trifles, guides him in matters of importance. I have long since earned her undying mother's gratitude by my devotion to her boy.

His wife, over whom he tyrannizes in trifles, guides him in matters of importance; and I have long since earned her undying gratitude by my devotion to her boy.


In some of Henry's ailments I have nursed him--better, she said, than any woman could nurse.

In Henry's ailments I have nursed him better, she said, than any woman could nurse.


She and her daughters quitted me to-day, in mute wrath and consternation; but she respects me.

"She and her daughters quitted me today, in mute consternation; but she respects me.


When Henry clung to my neck as I lifted him into the carriage and placed him by her side, when I arranged her own wrapping to make her warm, though she turned her head from me, I saw the tears start to her eyes.

When Henry clung to my neck as I lifted him into the carriage, when I arranged Mrs. Sympson's wrappings to make her warm, though she turned her head from me, I saw the tears start to her eyes.


She will but the more zealously advocate my cause because she has left me in anger.


I am glad of this--not for my own sake, but for that of my life and idol--my Shirley."

I am glad of this - not for my own sake, but for that of my life and idol - my Shirley."


Once again he writes, a week after:--"I am now at Stilbro'.

Once again he writes, a week after:
"I am now at Stilbro'.


I have taken up my temporary abode with a friend--a professional man, in whose business I can be useful.

I have taken up my temporary abode with a friend - a professional man, in whose business I can be useful.


How long will it be before I can call that place my home, and its mistress mine?


I am not easy, not tranquil; I am tantalized, sometimes tortured.

I am not tranquil; I am tantalized, sometimes tortured.


To see her now, one would think she had never pressed her cheek to my shoulder, or clung to me with tenderness or trust.


I feel unsafe; she renders me miserable.


I am shunned when I visit her; she withdraws from my reach.


Once this day I lifted her face, resolved to get a full look down her deep, dark eyes.

"Today I lifted her face, resolved to get a full look into her deep, dark eyes.


Difficult to describe what I read there!


She gnaws her chain; I see the white teeth working at the steel! She has dreams of her wild woods and pinings after virgin freedom.

She gnaws her chain; she dreams of her wild woods and pines after virgin freedom.


I wish Sympson would come again, and oblige her again to entwine her arms about me.


I wish there was danger she should lose me, as there is risk I shall lose her.


No; final loss I do not fear, but long delay----


I have spent the afternoon and evening at Fieldhead.


Some hours ago she passed me, coming down the oak staircase to the hall. She did not know I was standing in the twilight, near the staircase window, looking at the frost-bright constellations. How closely she glided against the banisters! How shyly shone her large eyes upon me!

As she came down the oak staircase to the hall, how shyly shone her large eyes upon me!


How evanescent, fugitive, fitful she looked--slim and swift as a northern streamer!

How fugitive she looked - slim and swift as a northern aurora!


Mrs. Pryor and Caroline Helstone were both there; she has summoned them to bear her company awhile.

Mrs. Pryor and Caroline Helstone were there.


In her white evening dress, with her long hair flowing full and wavy, with her noiseless step, her pale cheek, her eye full of night and lightning, she looked, I thought, spirit-like--a thing made of an element, the child of a breeze and a flame, the daughter of ray and raindrop--a thing never to be overtaken, arrested, fixed.

In her white evening dress, with her long hair flowing full, with her noiseless step, her eye full of night and lightning, Shirley looked, I thought, spirit-like - the child of a breeze and a flame, the daughter of ray and raindrop - a thing never to be arrested, fixed.


I wished I could avoid following her with my gaze as she moved here and there, but it was impossible.


I talked with the other ladies as well as I could, but still I looked at her.


She was very silent; I think she never spoke to me--not even when she offered me tea.

She was very silent; she never spoke to me.


It happened that she was called out a minute by Mrs. Gill. I passed into the moonlit hall, with the design of getting a word as she returned; nor in this did I fail.

"When she was called out for a minute by Mrs. Gill, I went into the moonlit hall, with the aim of getting a word as she returned.


"'Miss Keeldar, stay one instant,' said I, meeting her.

"'Miss Keeldar, stay one instant,' said I.


"'It is not cold for me; at my side it should not be cold for you.'


"'I may well fear what looks like a great dark goblin meeting me in the moonlight.'


It is three days since I spoke to you alone.


"'I have no wish to be cruel,' she responded, softly enough. Indeed there was softness in her whole deportment--in her face, in her voice; but there was also reserve, and an air fleeting, evanishing, intangible.

"'I have no wish to be cruel,' she responded, softly enough; but there was also reserve in her manner.


'It is hardly a week since you called me your future husband and treated me as such.

'It is hardly a week since you called me your future husband.


Now I am once more the tutor for you. I am addressed as Mr. Moore and sir.

Now I am once more the tutor, addressed as Mr. Moore and sir.


It is an easy, liquid name--not soon forgotten.'


"'Be cordial to Louis, then; approach him--let him approach.'

"'Be cordial to Louis, then; let him approach.'


"'I _am_ cordial,' said she, hovering aloof like a white shadow.

"'I am cordial,' said she, hovering aloof like a white shadow.


"'Your voice is very sweet and very low,' I answered, quietly advancing.


"'You seem subdued, but still startled.'


"'No--quite calm, and afraid of nothing,' she assured me.

"'No - quite calm, and afraid of nothing,' she assured me.


"I bent a knee to the flags at her feet.


"'You see I am in a new world, Mr. Moore.


When you do so I feel troubled and disturbed.'


"I obeyed. It would not have suited me to retain that attitude long. I courted serenity and confidence for her, and not vainly.

"I obeyed, and put on serenity and confidence for her.


"'Now, Shirley,' I said, 'you can conceive I am far from happy in my present uncertain, unsettled state.'

"'Now, Shirley,' I said, 'you can conceive I am far from happy in my present uncertain state.'


"'Happy or not, I cannot bear to go on so much longer.


"'Like me no longer, then; love me instead.


Fix our marriage day; think of it to-night, and decide.'

Fix our marriage day; think of it tonight, and decide.'


"She breathed a murmur, inarticulate yet expressive; darted, or melted, from my arms--and I lost her."

"She breathed an inarticulate murmur; darted, or melted, from my arms - and I lost her."


Everybody said it was high time for Mr. Moore to return home.

Everybody said it was high time for Mr. Robert Moore to return home.


All Briarfield wondered at his strange absence, and Whinbury and Nunnely brought each its separate contribution of amazement.


Was it known why he stayed away? Yes. It was known twenty--forty times over, there being at least forty plausible reasons adduced to account for the unaccountable circumstance. Business it was not--_that_ the gossips agreed.

The gossips agreed that it was not business that kept him away.


He had achieved the business on which he departed long ago.


His four ringleaders he had soon scented out and run down. He had attended their trial, heard their conviction and sentence, and seen them safely shipped prior to transportation.

He had soon run down his four ringleaders; he had attended their trial, heard their conviction and sentence, and seen them safely shipped prior to transportation.


The _Stilbro' Courier_ had given every particular, with amplifications.


None applauded his perseverance or hailed his success, though the mill-owners were glad of it, trusting that the terrors of law vindicated would henceforward paralyze the sinister valour of disaffection.

None hailed his success, though the mill-owners were glad of it, trusting that the terrors of the law would from now on paralyse the disaffected.


Disaffection, however, was still heard muttering to himself.

Disaffection, however, was still heard muttering to himself in alehouses.


He swore ominous oaths over the drugged beer of alehouses, and drank strange toasts in fiery British gin.


One report affirmed that Moore _dared_ not come to Yorkshire; he knew his life was not worth an hour's purchase if he did.

One report affirmed that Moore dared not come to Yorkshire; he knew his life was forfeit if he did.


"I'll tell him that," said Mr. Yorke, when his foreman mentioned the rumour; "and if _that_ does not bring him home full gallop, nothing will."

"I'll tell him that," said Mr. Yorke, when his foreman mentioned the rumour; "and if that does not bring him home full gallop, nothing will."


Either that or some other motive prevailed at last to recall him.

Either that or some other motive at last recalled him.


He announced to Joe Scott the day he should arrive at Stilbro', desiring his hackney to be sent to the George for his accommodation; and Joe Scott having informed Mr. Yorke, that gentleman made it in his way to meet him.

He wrote to Joe Scott naming the day he should arrive at Stilbro', and Joe Scott having informed Mr. Yorke, that gentleman went to meet him.


Moore arrived in time to take his usual place at the market dinner. As something of a stranger, and as a man of note and action, the assembled manufacturers received him with a certain distinction. Some, who in public would scarcely have dared to acknowledge his acquaintance, lest a little of the hate and vengeance laid up in store for him should perchance have fallen on them, in private hailed him as in some sort their champion.

Moore arrived in time to take his usual place at the market dinner, where the assembled manufacturers received him with distinction, daring in private to do what they would not do in public - hailing him as their champion.


When the wine had circulated, their respect would have kindled to enthusiasm had not Moore's unshaken nonchalance held it in a damp, low, smouldering state.

Moore's unshaken nonchalance dampened their enthusiasm and held it in a low, smouldering state.


Mr. Yorke, the permanent president of these dinners, witnessed his young friend's bearing with exceeding complacency.

Mr. Yorke, the president of these dinners, witnessed his young friend's bearing complacently.


If one thing could stir his temper or excite his contempt more than another, it was to see a man befooled by flattery or elate with popularity.

He despised men who were fooled by flattery or popularity.


If one thing smoothed, soothed, and charmed him especially, it was the spectacle of a public character incapable of relishing his publicity--_incapable_, I say.


Disdain would but have incensed; it was indifference that appeased his rough spirit.


Robert, leaning back in his chair, quiet and almost surly, while the clothiers and blanket-makers vaunted his prowess and rehearsed his deeds--many of them interspersing their flatteries with coarse invectives against the operative class--was a delectable sight for Mr. Yorke.

Robert, leaning back in his chair, quiet and almost surly, while the clothiers and blanket-makers praised him, was a delectable sight for Mr. Yorke.


His heart tingled with the pleasing conviction that these gross eulogiums shamed Moore deeply, and made him half scorn himself and his work.


On abuse, on reproach, on calumny, it is easy to smile; but painful indeed is the panegyric of those we contemn.


Often had Moore gazed with a brilliant countenance over howling crowds from a hostile hustings. He had breasted the storm of unpopularity with gallant bearing and soul elate; but he drooped his head under the half-bred tradesmen's praise, and shrank chagrined before their congratulations.

Moore drooped his head, and shrank before the tradesmen's congratulations.


Yorke could not help asking him how he liked his supporters, and whether he did not think they did honour to his cause.


"But it is a pity, lad," he added, "that you did not hang these four samples of the unwashed.


If you had managed _that_ feat, the gentry here would have riven the horses out of the coach, yoked to a score of asses, and drawn you into Stilbro' like a conquering general."


Moore soon forsook the wine, broke from the party, and took the road.

He soon forsook the wine and took to the road.


In less than five minutes Mr. Yorke followed him. They rode out of Stilbro' together.

Mr. Yorke followed him, and they rode out of Stilbro' together.


It was early to go home, but yet it was late in the day.


The last ray of the sun had already faded from the cloud-edges, and the October night was casting over the moorlands the shadow of her approach.

The sun's last ray had already faded from the cloud-edges, and the October night was casting her shadow over the moorlands.


Mr. Yorke, moderately exhilarated with his moderate libations, and not displeased to see young Moore again in Yorkshire, and to have him for his comrade during the long ride home, took the discourse much to himself.

Mr. Yorke, moderately exhilarated with drink, and pleased to have young Moore as a comrade, did much of the talking.


He touched briefly, but scoffingly, on the trials and the conviction; he passed thence to the gossip of the neighbourhood, and ere long he attacked Moore on his own personal concerns.

He touched briefly on the trials and conviction; he passed thence to the gossip of the neighbourhood, and before long he attacked Moore on his personal concerns.


"Bob, I believe you are worsted, and you deserve it.


Fortune had fallen in love with you. She had decreed you the first prize in her wheel--twenty thousand pounds; she only required that you should hold your hand out and take it.

Fortune offered you twenty thousand pounds; you only had to hold out your hand and take it.


You called for a horse and rode a-hunting to Warwickshire.

You called for a horse and rode to Warwickshire.


Your sweetheart--Fortune, I mean--was perfectly indulgent. She said, 'I'll excuse him; he's young.' She waited, like 'Patience on a monument,' till the chase was over and the vermin-prey run down.


She expected you would come back then, and be a good lad.


You might still have had her first prize.


"It capped her beyond expression, and me too, to find that, instead of thundering home in a breakneck gallop and laying your assize laurels at her feet, you coolly took coach up to London.

"Then, instead of thundering home in a breakneck gallop and laying your laurels at her feet, you coolly went to London.


What you have done there Satan knows; nothing in this world, I believe, but sat and sulked.

What you have done there Satan knows; nothing, I believe, but sat and sulked."


Your face was never lily fair, but it is olive green now.


"And who is to have this prize you talk so much about?"


I have not a doubt in my own mind you've lost her.


She will be Lady Nunnely before Christmas."


"By every token--by the light of her eyes, the red of her cheeks. Red they grew when your name was mentioned, though of custom they are pale."

"By every sign - by the light of her eyes; her cheeks grew red when your name was mentioned."


And then he writes verses, they say--tags rhymes.


_You_ are above that, Bob, at all events."


"Would you advise me to propose, late as it is, Mr. Yorke--at the eleventh hour?"

"Would you advise me to propose, late as it is, Mr. Yorke?"


"You can but make the experiment, Robert.


If she has a fancy for you--and, on my conscience, I believe she has or had--she will forgive much.

If she has a fancy for you, she will forgive much.


You had better grin at your own perverseness.


I see, however, you laugh at the wrong side of your mouth.


You have as sour a look at this moment as one need wish to see."


"I have so quarrelled with myself, Yorke.


I have so kicked against the pricks, and struggled in a strait waistcoat, and dislocated my wrists with wrenching them in handcuffs, and battered my hard head by driving it against a harder wall."

I have battered my head by driving it against a wall."


I hope it has done you good--ta'en some of the self-conceit out of you?"


Self-respect, self-tolerance even, what are they?


They would find in me a liberal chapman.


I would part with my last guinea this minute to buy."


"The machinery of all my nature; the whole enginery of this human mill; the boiler, which I take to be the heart, is fit to burst."

"The machinery of all my nature; the whole engine of this human mill; the boiler, which I take to be the heart, is fit to burst."


"That suld be putten i' print; it's striking.


Ye'll be jingling into poetry just e'now. If the afflatus comes, give way, Robert.

"Ye'll be jingling into poetry, Robert."


Never heed me; I'll bear it this whet [time]."


You may commit in a moment what you will rue for years--what life cannot cancel."

You may commit in a moment what you will rue for years.


The moor is before us now, and there is no life for many a mile round."


There is a sort of wild cat in my breast, and I choose that you shall hear how it can yell."


When Louis sings--tones off like a soft, deep bell--I've felt myself tremble again.


It is just leaning down to you, like a black priest to a blacker penitent.


Be candid as a convicted, justified, sanctified Methody at an experience meeting.


Yorke, if I got off horseback and laid myself down across the road, would you have the goodness to gallop over me, backwards and forwards, about twenty times?"

Yorke, if I got off horseback and laid myself down in the road, would you have the goodness to gallop over me, backwards and forwards, about twenty times?"


"Wi' all the pleasure in life, if there were no such thing as a coroner's inquest."


"Hiram Yorke, I certainly believed she loved me.


I have seen her eyes sparkle radiantly when she has found me out in a crowd; she has flushed up crimson when she has offered me her hand, and said, 'How do you do, Mr. Moore?'

I have seen her eyes sparkle radiantly when she saw me in a crowd; she has flushed up crimson when she has offered me her hand, and said, 'How do you do, Mr. Moore?'


"My name had a magical influence over her.

"My name had a magical influence over her," continued Moore.


When others uttered it she changed countenance--I know she did.


She pronounced it herself in the most musical of her many musical tones.

She pronounced it in her most musical tone.


She was cordial to me; she took an interest in me; she was anxious about me; she wished me well; she sought, she seized every opportunity to benefit me.

She took an interest in me; she was anxious about me; she wished me well; she sought to benefit me.


I considered, paused, watched, weighed, wondered.


I could come to but one conclusion--this is love.

I could come to but one conclusion - this is love.


"I looked at her, Yorke. I saw in her youth and a species of beauty.

"Yorke, in her I saw youth and beauty; and power.


Her wealth offered me the redemption of my honour and my standing.

Her wealth offered me the redemption of my honour.


She had aided me substantially and effectually by a loan of five thousand pounds.

She had aided me substantially by a loan of five thousand pounds.


Could I hear wisdom urge me to marry her, and disregard every dear advantage, disbelieve every flattering suggestion, disdain every well-weighed counsel, turn and leave her?


Young, graceful, gracious--my benefactress, attached to me, enamoured of me.


I used to say so to myself; dwell on the word; mouth it over and over again; swell over it with a pleasant, pompous complacency, with an admiration dedicated entirely to myself, and unimpaired even by esteem for her; indeed I smiled in deep secrecy at her _navet_ and simplicity in being the first to love, and to show it.

Indeed I smiled at her navet and simplicity in showing her love.


That whip of yours seems to have a good heavy handle, Yorke; you can swing it about your head and knock me out of the saddle, if you choose.

That whip of yours seems to have a good heavy handle, Yorke; swing it about your head and knock me out of the saddle, if you please."


I should rather relish a loundering whack."


"Tak patience, Robert, till the moon rises and I can see you.

"Patience, Robert, till the moon rises and I can see you.


Speak plain out--did you love her or not?


"Sir--sir--I say--she is very pretty, in her own style, and very attractive.


She has a look, at times, of a thing made out of fire and air, at which I stand and marvel, without a thought of clasping and kissing it.

She has a look of a thing made out of fire and air, at which I stand and marvel, without a thought of clasping it.


I felt in her a powerful magnet to my interest and vanity.


I never felt as if nature meant her to be my other and better self.


When a question on that head rushed upon me, I flung it off, saying brutally I should be rich with her and ruined without her--vowing I would be practical, and not romantic."

When that question came to me, I flung it off, saying brutally that I should be rich with her and ruined without her - vowing I would be practical, and not romantic."


"A very sensible resolve," said Mr. Yorke.


"With this sensible resolve I walked up to Fieldhead one night last August. It was the very eve of my departure for Birmingham; for, you see, I wanted to secure Fortune's splendid prize.

"With this sensible resolve I walked up to Fieldhead one night last August, the eve of my departure.


I had previously dispatched a note requesting a private interview. I found her at home, and alone.

I had sent a note, and I found her at home, and alone.


"She received me without embarrassment, for she thought I came on business.


_I_ was embarrassed enough, but determined.

I was embarrassed enough, but determined.


I hardly know how I got the operation over; but I went to work in a hard, firm fashion--frightful enough, I dare say.

I hardly know how I got the operation over.


I sternly offered myself--my fine person--with my debts, of course, as a settlement.

I sternly offered myself - my fine person - with my debts, of course, as a settlement.


"It vexed me, it kindled my ire, to find that she neither blushed, trembled, nor looked down.

"It vexed me to find that she neither blushed, trembled, nor looked down.


She responded, 'I doubt whether I have understood you, Mr. Moore.'


"And I had to go over the whole proposal twice, and word it as plainly as A B C, before she would fully take it in.

"And I had to go over the whole proposal twice, before she would fully take it in.


Instead of faltering a sweet Yes, or maintaining a soft, confused silence (which would have been as good), she started up, walked twice fast through the room, in the way that _she_ only does, and no other woman, and ejaculated, 'God bless me!'

Instead of faltering a sweet Yes, or maintaining a soft, confused silence, she started up, walked twice fast through the room, and exclaimed, 'God bless me!'


"Yorke, I stood on the hearth, backed by the mantelpiece; against it I leaned, and prepared for anything--everything. I knew my doom, and I knew myself.

"Yorke, I stood on the hearth, and I knew my doom.


There was no misunderstanding her aspect and voice.


she piteously repeated, in that shocked, indignant, yet saddened accent.

she repeated, in that shocked, indignant, yet saddened tone.


'You have made a strange proposal--strange from _you_; and if you knew how strangely you worded it and looked it, you would be startled at yourself.

'You have made a strange proposal; and if you knew how strangely you worded it and looked it, you would be startled at yourself.


You spoke like a brigand who demanded my purse rather than like a lover who asked my heart.'


And I knew, as she uttered it, it was true as queer.

"I knew, as she uttered it, it was true.


Her words were a mirror in which I saw myself.


"'Grard Moore, you know you don't love Shirley Keeldar.'

"'Grard Moore, you know you don't love Shirley Keeldar,' she said.


I might have broken out into false swearing--vowed that I did love her; but I could not lie in her pure face.

I might have broken out into false swearing - vowed that I did love her; but I could not lie in her face.


I could not perjure myself in her truthful presence.


Besides, such hollow oaths would have been vain as void. She would no more have believed me than she would have believed the ghost of Judas, had he broken from the night and stood before her.

Besides, she would not have believed me.


Her female heart had finer perceptions than to be cheated into mistaking my half-coarse, half-cold admiration for true-throbbing, manly love.

She would never have mistaken my half-coarse, half-cold admiration for true manly love.


"What next happened? you will say, Mr. Yorke.
"Why, she sat down in the window-seat and cried. She cried passionately.

"Next, she sat down in the window-seat and cried passionately.


Her eyes not only rained but lightened. They flashed, open, large, dark, haughty, upon me. They said, 'You have pained me; you have outraged me; you have deceived me.'

Her eyes were haughty, pained; saying, you have outraged me.


"'I _did_ respect--I _did_ admire--I _did_ like you,' she said--'yes, as much as if you were my brother; and _you--you_ want to make a speculation of me.

"'I did respect - I did like you,' she said, 'Yes, as much as if you were my brother; and you - you want to make a speculation of me, for that mill!'


You would immolate me to that mill, your Moloch!'


"I had the common sense to abstain from any word of excuse, any attempt at palliation.


"Sold to the devil for the time being, I was certainly infatuated.


When I did speak, what do you think I said?


"'Whatever my own feelings were, I was persuaded _you_ loved _me_, Miss Keeldar.'

'Whatever my own feelings were, I was persuaded you loved me, Miss Keeldar.'


"'Do you mean,' she asked aloud--'do you mean you thought I loved you as we love those we wish to marry?'

'Do you mean,' she asked aloud, 'you thought I loved as we love those we wish to marry?


"'You conceived an idea obnoxious to a woman's feelings,' was her answer.


'You have announced it in a fashion revolting to a woman's soul.


You insinuate that all the frank kindness I have shown you has been a complicated, a bold, and an immodest manuvre to ensnare a husband.

You insinuate that all the frank kindness I have shown you has been a complicated, bold, and immodest manuvre to ensnare a husband.


You imply that at last you come here out of pity to offer me your hand, because I have courted you.


Let me say this: Your sight is jaundiced; you have seen wrong.


Your mind is warped; you have judged wrong.


Your tongue betrays you; you now speak wrong.


My heart is as pure of passion for you as yours is barren of affection for me.'


"'I seem to be a blind, besotted sort of person,' was my remark.

"'I seem to be blind and besotted,' was my remark.


'Why, I have been as frank with you as a sister--never shunned you, never feared you.

'Why, I have been as frank with you as a sister - never shunned you, never feared you.


You cannot,' she affirmed triumphantly--'you cannot make me tremble with your coming, nor accelerate my pulse by your influence.'

Your presence cannot make me tremble, nor quicken my pulse.'


"I alleged that often, when she spoke to me, she blushed, and that the sound of my name moved her.

"I alleged that the sound of my name moved her; it made her blush.


I urged explanation, but could get none.


"'When I sat beside you at the school feast, did you think I loved you then?


When I stopped you in Maythorn Lane, did you think I loved you then?


When I called on you in the counting-house, when I walked with you on the pavement, did you think I loved you then?'


"So she questioned me; and I said I did.


Yorke, she rose, she grew tall, she expanded and refined almost to flame.

Yorke, she rose, she grew tall, she expanded almost to flame.


There was a trembling all through her, as in live coal when its vivid vermilion is hottest.


"'That is to say that you have the worst opinion of me; that you deny me the possession of all I value most.


That is to say that I am a traitor to all my sisters; that I have acted as no woman can act without degrading herself and her sex; that I have sought where the incorrupt of my kind naturally scorn and abhor to seek.'

"'Then you say that I have acted as no woman can act without degrading herself.


She and I were silent for many a minute.


'Lucifer, Star of the Morning,' she went on, 'thou art fallen!


You, once high in my esteem, are hurled down; you, once intimate in my friendship, are cast out.

You were once high in my esteem, but are now hurled down; you, once intimate in my friendship, are cast out.


I had heard her voice tremble, seen her lip quiver.


I knew another storm of tears would fall, and then I believed some calm and some sunshine must come, and I would wait for it.

I knew another storm of tears would fall, and then I believed some calm must follow, and I would wait for it.


"As fast, but more quietly than before, the warm rain streamed down.


There was another sound in her weeping--a softer, more regretful sound.


While I watched, her eyes lifted to me a gaze more reproachful than haughty, more mournful than incensed.

Her eyes lifted to me a gaze more reproachful than haughty, more mournful than incensed.


"I relieved myself by what should have been a sigh, but it became a groan.


A sense of Cain-like desolation made my breast ache.


"'There has been error in what I have done,' I said, 'and it has won me bitter wages, which I will go and spend far from her who gave them.'

"'I have done wrong,' I said, 'and I will go.'


All the time I could not have borne to depart so, and I believed she would not let me.

Yet I believed she would not let me depart.


Nor would she but for the mortal pang I had given her pride, that cowed her compassion and kept her silent.


"I was obliged to turn back of my own accord when I reached the door, to approach her, and to say, 'Forgive me.'

I was obliged to turn back of my own accord when I reached the door, and to say, 'Forgive me.'


"'I could, if there was not myself to forgive too,' was her reply; 'but to mislead a sagacious man so far I must have done wrong.'

"'I could, if there was not myself to forgive too,' was her reply; 'but to mislead an intelligent man I must have done wrong.'


"I broke out suddenly with some declamation I do not remember.


I know that it was sincere, and that my wish and aim were to absolve her to herself.

I know that I sincerely wished to absolve her.


In fact, in her case self-accusation was a chimera.


For the first time I wished to take her in my arms and kiss her.


"'Some day we shall be friends again,' she said, 'when you have had time to read my actions and motives in a true light, and not so horribly to misinterpret them.

"'Some day we shall be friends again,' she said, 'when you have had time to read my actions in a true light, and not so horribly to misinterpret them.


Time may give you the right key to all.'


Then, perhaps, you will comprehend me, and then we shall be reconciled.'


"Farewell drops rolled slow down her cheeks.


"'I am sorry for what has happened--deeply sorry,' she sobbed.

"'I am deeply sorry for what has happened,' she sobbed.


"I'll do it no more," vowed his companion; "never more will I mention marriage to a woman unless I feel love.


Henceforth credit and commerce may take care of themselves.

Credit and commerce may take care of themselves.


I have done with slavish fear of disaster.


I mean to work diligently, wait patiently, bear steadily.

I mean to work diligently, and wait patiently.


Let the worst come, I will take my axe and an emigrant's berth, and go out with Louis to the West; he and I have settled it.

If the worst comes, I will take an emigrant's berth, and go out with Louis to America.


No woman shall ever again look at me as Miss Keeldar looked, ever again feel towards me as Miss Keeldar felt.

No woman shall ever again feel towards me as Miss Keeldar felt.


In no woman's presence will I ever again stand at once such a fool and such a knave, such a brute and such a puppy."

In no woman's presence will I ever again stand such a fool and a knave, such a brute and a puppy."


said the imperturbable Yorke, "you make too much of it; but still, I say, I am capped.

said the imperturbable Yorke, "you make too much of it.


Firstly, that she did not love you; and secondly, that you did not love her.

Still, I am surprised that she did not love you; and that you did not love her.


You are both young; you are both handsome; you are both well enough for wit and even for temper--take you on the right side.

You are both young; you are both handsome, and have wit enough.


What ailed you that you could not agree?"


"We never _have_ been, never _could_ be _at home_ with each other, Yorke.

"We never could be at home with each other, Yorke.


Admire each other as we might at a distance, still we jarred when we came very near.


I have sat at one side of a room and observed her at the other, perhaps in an excited, genial moment, when she had some of her favourites round her--her old beaux, for instance, yourself and Helstone, with whom she is so playful, pleasant, and eloquent. I have watched her when she was most natural, most lively, and most lovely; my judgment has pronounced her beautiful.

I have sat at one side of a room and observed her when she was most natural and lively.


Beautiful she is at times, when her mood and her array partake of the splendid.


I have drawn a little nearer, feeling that our terms of acquaintance gave me the right of approach. I have joined the circle round her seat, caught her eye, and mastered her attention; then we have conversed; and others, thinking me, perhaps, peculiarly privileged, have withdrawn by degrees, and left us alone.

I have drawn a little nearer, have joined the circle round her seat, and been left alone with her.


Always a feeling of constraint came over me; always I was disposed to be stern and strange.

Always a feeling of constraint came over me; I became stern and strange.


No soft sense of domestic intimacy ever opened our hearts, or thawed our language and made it flow easy and limpid.


If we had confidences, they were confidences of the counting-house, not of the heart.


Nothing in her cherished affection in me, made me better, gentler; she only stirred my brain and whetted my acuteness.


She never crept into my heart or influenced its pulse; and for this good reason, no doubt, because I had not the secret of making her love me."


I might laugh at thee, and reckon to despise thy refinements; but as it is dark night and we are by ourselves, I don't mind telling thee that thy talk brings back a glimpse of my own past life.


Twenty-five years ago I tried to persuade a beautiful woman to love me, and she would not.


I had not the key to her nature; she was a stone wall to me, doorless and windowless."


"But you loved _her_, Yorke; you worshipped Mary Cave.

"But you loved her, Yorke; you worshipped Mary Cave.


Your conduct, after all, was that of a man--never of a fortune-hunter."


"Ay, I _did_ love her; but then she was beautiful as the moon we do _not_ see to-night.

"Ay, I did love her; but then she was beautiful as the moon.


Miss Helstone, maybe, has a look of her, but nobody else."


"That black-coated tyrant's niece--that quiet, delicate Miss Helstone.


Many a time I have put on my spectacles to look at the lassie in church, because she has gentle blue een, wi' long lashes; and when she sits in shadow, and is very still and very pale, and is, happen, about to fall asleep wi' the length of the sermon and the heat of the biggin', she is as like one of Canova's marbles as aught else."

Many a time I have looked at the lassie in church, when she sits in shadow, and is very still and very pale, like a marble statue."


"Far grander!--less lass-like and flesh-like.


You wondered why she hadn't wings and a crown.


She was a stately, peaceful angel was my Mary."

She was a stately, peaceful angel, was my Mary."


"And you could not persuade her to love you?"


"Not with all I could do, though I prayed Heaven many a time, on my bended knees, to help me."


"Mary Cave was not what you think her, Yorke.


She is no angel, but a fair, regular-featured, taciturn-looking woman--rather too white and lifeless for my taste.

She is no angel, but a fair, regular-featured woman - rather too lifeless for my taste.


But, supposing she had been something better than she was----"


"Robert," interrupted Yorke, "I could fell you off your horse at this moment.

"Robert," interrupted Yorke, "I could fell you off your horse this moment.


Reason tells me you are right and I am wrong.


I know well enough that the passion I still have is only the remnant of an illusion.


If Miss Cave had possessed either feeling or sense, she could not have been so perfectly impassible to my regard as she showed herself; she must have preferred me to that copper-faced despot."

If Miss Cave had possessed either feeling or sense, she would have preferred me to that copper-faced despot."


"Supposing, Yorke, she had been educated (no women were educated in those days); supposing she had possessed a thoughtful, original mind, a love of knowledge, a wish for information, which she took an artless delight in receiving from your lips, and having measured out to her by your hand; supposing her conversation, when she sat at your side, was fertile, varied, imbued with a picturesque grace and genial interest, quiet flowing but clear and bounteous; supposing that when you stood near her by chance, or when you sat near her by design, comfort at once became your atmosphere, and content your element; supposing that whenever her face was under your gaze, or her idea filled your thoughts, you gradually ceased to be hard and anxious, and pure affection, love of home, thirst for sweet discourse, unselfish longing to protect and cherish, replaced the sordid, cankering calculations of your trade; supposing, with all this, that many a time, when you had been so happy as to possess your Mary's little hand, you had felt it tremble as you held it, just as a warm little bird trembles when you take it from its nest; supposing you had noticed her shrink into the background on your entrance into a room, yet if you sought her in her retreat she welcomed you with the sweetest smile that ever lit a fair virgin face, and only turned her eyes from the encounter of your own lest their clearness should reveal too much; supposing, in short, your Mary had been not cold, but modest; not vacant, but reflective; not obtuse, but sensitive; not inane, but innocent; not prudish, but pure,--would you have left her to court another woman for her wealth?"

"Supposing, Yorke, she had been educated (no women were educated in those days); supposing she had possessed a thoughtful, original mind, a love of knowledge, which she took an artless delight in receiving from your lips; supposing her conversation was varied and graceful; supposing that when you were near her, you were at once comforted and contented; supposing that whenever you looked at her or thought of her, you ceased to be hard and calculating, and felt an unselfish longing to protect and cherish; supposing that when you took your Mary's little hand, you felt it tremble just as a warm little bird trembles when you take it from its nest; supposing you had noticed her shrink into the background on your entrance into a room, yet if you sought her out she welcomed you with the sweetest smile, and only turned her eyes away lest they should reveal too much; supposing, in short, your Mary had been modest, sensitive and pure - would you have left her, to court another woman for her wealth?"


Mr. Yorke raised his hat, wiped his forehead with his handkerchief.

Mr. Yorke raised his hat, and wiped his forehead with his handkerchief.


"The moon is up," was his first not quite relevant remark, pointing with his whip across the moor.


"There she is, rising into the haze, staring at us wi' a strange red glower.


She is no more silver than old Helstone's brow is ivory.


What does she mean by leaning her cheek on Rushedge i' that way, and looking at us wi' a scowl and a menace?"


"Yorke, if Mary had loved you silently yet faithfully, chastely yet fervently, as you would wish your wife to love, would you have left her?"

"Yorke, if Mary had loved you silently yet faithfully, chastely yet fervently, would you have left her?"


--he lifted his arm, he held it suspended, and paused--"Robert!


this is a queer world, and men are made of the queerest dregs that Chaos churned up in her ferment.


I might swear sounding oaths--oaths that would make the poachers think there was a bittern booming in Bilberry Moss--that, in the case you put, death only should have parted me from Mary.

I might swear thunderous oaths that, in the case you put, death only should have parted me from Mary.


But I have lived in the world fifty-five years; I have been forced to study human nature; and, to speak a dark truth, the odds are, if Mary had loved and not scorned me, if I had been secure of her affection, certain of her constancy, been irritated by no doubts, stung by no humiliations--the odds are" (he let his hand fall heavy on the saddle)--"the odds are I should have left her!"

But I have lived in the world fifty-five years; I have been forced to study human nature; and, to speak a dark truth, if Mary had loved me, if I had been secure of her affection, the odds are" (he let his hand fall heavy on the saddle) - "the odds are I should have left her!"


Ere either spoke again they were on the other side of Rushedge.

Before either spoke again they were on the other side of Rushedge.


Briarfield lights starred the purple skirt of the moor.

Briarfield's lights starred the purple skirt of the moor.


Robert, being the youngest, and having less of the past to absorb him than his comrade, recommenced first.


"I believe--I daily find it proved--that we can get nothing in this world worth keeping, not so much as a principle or a conviction, except out of purifying flame or through strengthening peril.

"I believe that we can get nothing in this world worth keeping, except through struggle or peril.


We err, we fall, we are humbled; then we walk more carefully.


We greedily eat and drink poison out of the gilded cup of vice or from the beggar's wallet of avarice.


We are sickened, degraded; everything good in us rebels against us; our souls rise bitterly indignant against our bodies; there is a period of civil war; if the soul has strength, it conquers and rules thereafter."

If the soul has strength, it conquers and rules thereafter."


"For my private plans, I'll keep them to myself--which is very easy, as at present I have none.

"For my private plans, I'll keep them to myself - which is very easy, as at present I have none.


No private life is permitted a man in my position--a man in debt.


For my public plans, my views are a little altered.

As for my public plans, my views are a little altered.


While I was in Birmingham I looked a little into reality, considered closely and at their source the causes of the present troubles of this country.

While I was in Birmingham and London I looked a little into reality, considered closely and at their source the causes of the troubles of this country.


Unknown, I could go where I pleased, mix with whom I would.


I went where there was want of food, of fuel, of clothing; where there was no occupation and no hope.

I went where there was want of food, of fuel, of clothing; where there was no work and no hope.


I saw some, with naturally elevated tendencies and good feelings, kept down amongst sordid privations and harassing griefs.


I saw many originally low, and to whom lack of education left scarcely anything but animal wants, disappointed in those wants, ahungered, athirst, and desperate as famished animals.


I saw what taught my brain a new lesson, and filled my breast with fresh feelings.

I saw what taught me a new lesson, and filled me with fresh feelings.


I have no intention to profess more softness or sentiment than I have hitherto professed; mutiny and ambition I regard as I have always regarded them.

I have no more softness or sentiment than previously; mutiny and ambition I regard as I have always regarded them.


I should resist a riotous mob just as heretofore; I should open on the scent of a runaway ringleader as eagerly as ever, and run him down as relentlessly, and follow him up to condign punishment as rigorously; but I should do it now chiefly for the sake and the security of those he misled.

I should resist a riotous mob just as before; I should hunt a ringleader as eagerly as ever; but I should do it now chiefly for the sake of those he misled.


Something there is to look to, Yorke, beyond a man's personal interest, beyond the advancement of well-laid schemes, beyond even the discharge of dishonouring debts.

Something there is to look to, Yorke, beyond a man's personal interest.


To respect himself, a man must believe he renders justice to his fellow-men.

To respect himself, a man must believe he is just to his fellow-men.


Unless I am more considerate to ignorance, more forbearing to suffering, than I have hitherto been, I shall scorn myself as grossly unjust.--What now?"

Unless I am more considerate to ignorance, more forbearing to suffering, than I have been, I shall scorn myself as grossly unjust. - What now?"


he said, addressing his horse, which, hearing the ripple of water, and feeling thirsty, turned to a wayside trough, where the moonbeam was playing in a crystal eddy.

he said, addressing his horse, which had turned to a wayside trough.


"Yorke," pursued Moore, "ride on; I must let him drink."


Yorke accordingly rode slowly forwards, occupying himself as he advanced in discriminating, amongst the many lights now spangling the distance, those of Briarmains.


Stilbro' Moor was left behind; plantations rose dusk on either hand; they were descending the hill; below them lay the valley with its populous parish: they felt already at home.

Stilbro' Moor was left behind; plantations rose shadowy on either hand; they were descending the hill; they were almost home.


Surrounded no longer by heath, it was not startling to Mr. Yorke to see a hat rise, and to hear a voice speak behind the wall.

This close to the village, Mr. Yorke was not startled to hear a voice speak behind the wall.


"When the wicked perisheth there is shouting," it said; and added, "As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more" (with a deeper growl): "terrors take hold of him as waters; hell is naked before him.

"When the wicked perisheth there is shouting," it said; "As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more" (with a deeper growl): "Terrors take hold of him as waters; hell is naked before him.


A fierce flash and sharp crack violated the calm of night.

A fierce flash and sharp gunshot violated the calm of night.


Yorke, ere he turned, knew the four convicts of Birmingham were avenged.

Yorke, even before he turned, knew the four convicts of Birmingham were avenged.


By dint of Miss Keeldar's example, the three rectors' vigorous exertions, and the efficient though quiet aid of their spinster and spectacled lieutenants, Mary Ann Ainley and Margaret Hall, a handsome sum was raised; and this being judiciously managed, served for the present greatly to alleviate the distress of the unemployed poor.

By dint of Miss Keeldar's example, the three rectors' exertions, and the efficient though quiet aid of Mary Ann Ainley and Margaret Hall, a handsome sum was raised, which greatly alleviated the distress of the unemployed poor.


The neighbourhood seemed to grow calmer.


For a fortnight past no cloth had been destroyed; no outrage on mill or mansion had been committed in the three parishes.


Shirley was sanguine that the evil she wished to avert was almost escaped, that the threatened storm was passing over.

Shirley believed that the evil she wished to avert was almost escaped, that the storm was passing over.


With the approach of summer she felt certain that trade would improve--it always did; and then this weary war could not last for ever; peace must return one day.

With the approach of summer, trade would improve - it always did; and this weary war could not last for ever.


With peace, what an impulse would be given to commerce!


Such was the usual tenor of her observations to her tenant, Grard Moore, whenever she met him where they could converse; and Moore would listen very quietly--too quietly to satisfy her.

Such was the usual tenor of her observations to her tenant, Grard Moore, when they met; and Moore would listen very quietly - too quietly to satisfy her.


She would then by her impatient glance demand something more from him--some explanation, or at least some additional remark.

She would impatiently demand his opinion.


Smiling in his way, with that expression which gave a remarkable cast of sweetness to his mouth, while his brow remained grave, he would answer to the effect that himself too trusted in the finite nature of the war; that it was indeed on that ground the anchor of his hopes was fixed; thereon his speculations depended.

Smiling with that expression which gave a remarkable sweetness to his mouth, while his brow remained grave, he would answer that he too trusted that the war would end; on that ground his hopes were fixed.


"For you are aware," he would continue, "that I now work Hollow's Mill entirely on speculation.


I sell nothing; there is no market for my goods.


I manufacture for a future day. I make myself ready to take advantage of the first opening that shall occur.

I manufacture for the future, and am ready to take advantage of the first opening that shall occur.


Three months ago this was impossible to me; I had exhausted both credit and capital.

Three months ago this was impossible to me; I had no money.


You well know who came to my rescue, from what hand I received the loan which saved me.

You well know who came to my rescue, from whom I received the loan which saved me.


It is on the strength of that loan I am enabled to continue the bold game which, a while since, I feared I should never play more.


Total ruin I know will follow loss, and I am aware that gain is doubtful; but I am quite cheerful.


So long as I can be active, so long as I can strive, so long, in short, as my hands are not tied, it is impossible for me to be depressed.

So long as I can be active, it is impossible for me to be depressed.


One year--nay, but six months--of the reign of the olive, and I am safe; for, as you say, peace will give an impulse to commerce. In this you are right; but as to the restored tranquillity of the neighbourhood, as to the permanent good effect of your charitable fund, I doubt.

As you say, peace will give an impulse to commerce; but as to the permanent good effect of your charitable fund, I doubt.


Eleemosynary relief never yet tranquillized the working-classes--it never made them grateful; it is not in human nature that it should.

Relief never yet made the working-classes grateful; it is not in human nature that it should.


I suppose, were all things ordered aright, they ought not to be in a position to need that humiliating relief; and this they feel.

They ought not to be in a position to need that humiliating relief; and this they feel.


Besides, to whom should they be grateful?


To you, to the clergy perhaps, but not to us mill-owners. They hate us worse than ever.

They hate us mill-owners worse than ever.


Then the disaffected here are in correspondence with the disaffected elsewhere. Nottingham is one of their headquarters, Manchester another, Birmingham a third.

They hear from the disaffected in Nottingham and Manchester and elsewhere.


The subalterns receive orders from their chiefs; they are in a good state of discipline; no blow is struck without mature deliberation.


In sultry weather you have seen the sky threaten thunder day by day, and yet night after night the clouds have cleared, and the sun has set quietly; but the danger was not gone--it was only delayed.

The danger is not gone - it is only delayed.


The long-threatening storm is sure to break at last."


There is analogy between the moral and physical atmosphere."


"Well, Mr. Moore" (so these conferences always ended), "take care of yourself."


If you think that I have ever done you any good, reward me by promising to take care of yourself."


"I do; I will take close and watchful care.


The future opens like Eden before me; and still, when I look deep into the shades of my paradise, I see a vision that I like better than seraph or cherub glide across remote vistas."

The future opens like Eden before me; and still, when I look deep into the shades of my paradise, I see a vision glide across remote vistas."


The maid came bustling in with the tea-things.


The early part of that May, as we have seen, was fine; the middle was wet; but in the last week, at change of moon, it cleared again.

In the last week of May, the weather cleared.


A fresh wind swept off the silver-white, deep-piled rain-clouds, bearing them, mass on mass, to the eastern horizon, on whose verge they dwindled, and behind whose rim they disappeared, leaving the vault behind all pure blue space, ready for the reign of the summer sun.

A fresh wind swept off the deep-piled rain-clouds, bearing them, mass on mass, to the eastern horizon, leaving the vault behind all pure blue space, ready for the reign of the summer sun.


The gathering of the schools was signalized by splendid weather.

Whit-Tuesday was the great day of the gathering of the schools.


Whit-Tuesday was the great day, in preparation for which the two large schoolrooms of Briarfield, built by the present rector, chiefly at his own expense, were cleaned out, whitewashed, repainted, and decorated with flowers and evergreens--some from the rectory garden, two cartloads from Fieldhead, and a wheel-barrowful from the more stingy domain of De Walden, the residence of Mr. Wynne.

In preparation, the two large schoolrooms of Briarfield were cleaned, whitewashed, and decorated with flowers and evergreens - some from the rectory garden, and two cartloads from Fieldhead.


In these schoolrooms twenty tables, each calculated to accommodate twenty guests, were laid out, surrounded with benches, and covered with white cloths.

In these schoolrooms twenty tables, each calculated to seat twenty guests, were laid out, surrounded with benches, and covered with white cloths.


Above them were suspended at least some twenty cages, containing as many canaries, according to a fancy of the district, specially cherished by Mr. Helstone's clerk, who delighted in the piercing song of these birds, and knew that amidst confusion of tongues they always carolled loudest.

Above them were suspended some twenty cages containing canaries, according to a fancy of the district.


These tables, be it understood, were not spread for the twelve hundred scholars to be assembled from the three parishes, but only for the patrons and teachers of the schools.

These tables were not spread for the twelve hundred scholars of the three parishes, but only for the patrons and teachers.


The children's feast was to be spread in the open air.


At one o'clock the troops were to come in; at two they were to be marshalled; till four they were to parade the parish; then came the feast, and afterwards the meeting, with music and speechifying in the church.

At one o'clock the troops were to come in; at two they were to be marshalled; till four they were to parade through the parish; then came the feast, and afterwards the meeting with music and speeches in the church.


Why Briarfield was chosen for the point of rendezvous--the scene of the _fte_--should be explained. It was not because it was the largest or most populous parish--Whinbury far outdid it in that respect; nor because it was the oldest, antique as were the hoary church and rectory--Nunnely's low-roofed temple and mossy parsonage, buried both in coeval oaks, outstanding sentinels of Nunnwood, were older still. It was simply because Mr. Helstone willed it so, and Mr. Helstone's will was stronger than that of Boultby or Hall; the former _could_ not, the latter _would_ not, dispute a point of precedence with their resolute and imperious brother.

Briarfield was chosen for the rendezvous, not because it was the largest or oldest parish, but simply because Mr. Helstone willed it, and Mr. Helstone's will was stronger than that of Boultby or Hall.


This notable anniversary had always hitherto been a trying day to Caroline Helstone, because it dragged her perforce into public, compelling her to face all that was wealthy, respectable, influential in the neighbourhood; in whose presence, but for the kind countenance of Mr. Hall, she would have appeared unsupported.

This occasion had always been a trying day to Caroline, because it dragged her into public, compelling her to face the wealthy, respectable society of the neighbourhood.


Obliged to be conspicuous; obliged to walk at the head of her regiment as the rector's niece, and first teacher of the first class; obliged to make tea at the first table for a mixed multitude of ladies and gentlemen, and to do all this without the countenance of mother, aunt, or other chaperon--she, meantime, being a nervous person, who mortally feared publicity--it will be comprehended that, under these circumstances, she trembled at the approach of Whitsuntide.

Obliged to be conspicuous; obliged to walk at the head of the first class; obliged to make tea at the first table for a mixed multitude of ladies and gentlemen, and to do all this without the presence of mother, aunt, or other chaperon - she being a nervous person, who mortally feared publicity - it will be comprehended that she trembled at the approach of Whitsuntide.


But this year Shirley was to be with her, and that changed the aspect of the trial singularly--it changed it utterly.

But this year Shirley was to be with her, and that utterly changed the aspect of the trial.


It was a trial no longer--it was almost an enjoyment.

It was a trial no longer - it was almost an enjoyment.


Miss Keeldar was better in her single self than a host of ordinary friends.

Miss Keeldar was better than a host of ordinary friends.


Quite self-possessed, and always spirited and easy; conscious of her social importance, yet never presuming upon it--it would be enough to give one courage only to look at her.

Self-possessed, always spirited and easy; conscious of her social importance, yet never presuming upon it - it gave Caroline courage to look at her.


The only fear was lest the heiress should not be punctual to tryst.

The only fear was lest the heiress should not be punctual.


She often had a careless way of lingering behind time, and Caroline knew her uncle would not wait a second for any one.

Caroline knew her uncle would not wait a second for anyone.


At the moment of the church clock tolling two, the bells would clash out and the march begin.

The moment the church clock tolled two, the march would begin.


She must look after Shirley, then, in this matter, or her expected companion would fail her.
Whit-Tuesday saw her rise almost with the sun.

Whit-Tuesday saw Caroline rise almost with the sun.


She, Fanny, and Eliza were busy the whole morning arranging the rectory parlours in first-rate company order, and setting out a collation of cooling refreshments--wine, fruit, cakes--on the dining-room sideboard.

She, Fanny, and Eliza were busy the whole morning arranging the rectory parlours, and setting out refreshments - wine, fruit, cakes - on the dining-room sideboard.


Then she had to dress in her freshest and fairest attire of white muslin: the perfect fineness of the day and the solemnity of the occasion warranted, and even exacted, such costume.

Then she had to dress in her freshest white muslin, as befitted the solemn occasion.


Her new sash--a birthday present from Margaret Hall, which she had reason to believe Cyril himself had bought, and in return for which she had indeed given him a set of cambric bands in a handsome case--was tied by the dexterous fingers of Fanny, who took no little pleasure in arraying her fair young mistress for the occasion.

Her new sash - a birthday present from Margaret Hall, which she had reason to believe Cyril himself had bought - was tied by Fanny, who took pleasure in arraying her fair young mistress for the occasion.


Her simple bonnet had been trimmed to correspond with her sash; her pretty but inexpensive scarf of white crape suited her dress.

Caroline's simple bonnet had been trimmed to match her sash.


When ready she formed a picture, not bright enough to dazzle, but fair enough to interest; not brilliantly striking, but very delicately pleasing--a picture in which sweetness of tint, purity of air, and grace of mien atoned for the absence of rich colouring and magnificent contour.

When ready she formed a picture, not dazzling, but delicately pleasing.


What her brown eye and clear forehead showed of her mind was in keeping with her dress and face--modest, gentle, and, though pensive, harmonious.

Her expression, like her dress, was modest, gentle, and, though pensive, harmonious.


It appeared that neither lamb nor dove need fear her, but would welcome rather, in her look of simplicity and softness, a sympathy with their own natures, or with the natures we ascribe to them.


After all, she was an imperfect, faulty human being, fair enough of form, hue, and array, but, as Cyril Hall said, neither so good nor so great as the withered Miss Ainley, now putting on her best black gown and Quaker drab shawl and bonnet in her own narrow cottage chamber.

After all, she was an imperfect, faulty human being, fair enough of form, but, as Cyril Hall said, neither so good nor so great as the withered Miss Ainley, now putting on her best black gown and drab shawl and bonnet in her own narrow cottage.


Away Caroline went, across some very sequestered fields and through some quite hidden lanes, to Fieldhead.

Away Caroline went, across quiet fields and through hidden lanes, to Fieldhead.


She glided quickly under the green hedges and across the greener leas.


There was no dust, no moisture, to soil the hem of her stainless garment, or to damp her slender sandal.


After the late rains all was clean, and under the present glowing sun all was dry.

Underfoot, all was clean and dry under the glowing sun.


She walked fearlessly, then, on daisy and turf, and through thick plantations; she reached Fieldhead, and penetrated to Miss Keeldar's dressing-room.

She walked on daisy and turf to Fieldhead, and went to Miss Keeldar's dressing-room.


It was well she had come, or Shirley would have been too late.

It was well she had come, or Shirley would have been late.


Instead of making ready with all speed, she lay stretched on a couch, absorbed in reading.

Instead of making ready, she lay stretched on a couch, absorbed in reading.


Mrs. Pryor stood near, vainly urging her to rise and dress.


She immediately took the book from her, and with her own hands commenced the business of disrobing and rerobing her.

She immediately took the book from Shirley, and with her own hands commenced to disrobe and rerobe her.


Shirley, indolent with the heat, and gay with her youth and pleasurable nature, wanted to talk, laugh, and linger; but Caroline, intent on being in time, persevered in dressing her as fast as fingers could fasten strings or insert pins.

Shirley, indolent with the heat, and gay with her youth and nature, wanted to talk, laugh, and linger; but Caroline persevered in dressing her as fast as fingers could manage.


At length, as she united a final row of hooks and eyes, she found leisure to chide her, saying she was very naughty to be so unpunctual, that she looked even now the picture of incorrigible carelessness; and so Shirley did, but a very lovely picture of that tiresome quality.

At length, as she united a final row of hooks and eyes, she chided her, saying she was very naughty to be so unpunctual, that she looked the picture of carelessness; and so Shirley did, but a very lovely picture of that tiresome quality.


She presented quite a contrast to Caroline.


There was style in every fold of her dress and every line of her figure.


The rich silk suited her better than a simpler costume; the deep embroidered scarf became her.

The rich silk suited her better than a simpler costume; the embroidered scarf became her.


The wreath on her bonnet crowned her well.


The attention to fashion, the tasteful appliance of ornament in each portion of her dress, were quite in place with her.


All this suited her, like the frank light in her eyes, the rallying smile about her lips, like her shaft-straight carriage and lightsome step. Caroline took her hand when she was dressed, hurried her downstairs, out of doors; and thus they sped through the fields, laughing as they went, and looking very much like a snow-white dove and gem-tinted bird of paradise joined in social flight.

There was a frank light in her eyes, a rallying smile about her lips, as Caroline took her hand and hurried her out of doors; and thus they sped through the fields, laughing as they went, and looking very much like a snow-white dove and gem-tinted bird of paradise joined in flight.


Thanks to Miss Helstone's promptitude, they arrived in good time.

Thanks to Miss Helstone, they arrived in good time.


While yet trees hid the church, they heard the bell tolling a measured but urgent summons for all to assemble.

They heard the bell tolling a summons for all to assemble.


The trooping in of numbers, the trampling of many steps and murmuring of many voices, were likewise audible.

The trampling of many steps and murmuring of many voices were audible.


From a rising ground, they presently saw, on the Whinbury road, the Whinbury school approaching. It numbered five hundred souls.

Soon they saw the Whinbury school approaching, numbering five hundred souls.


The rector and curate, Boultby and Donne, headed it--the former looming large in full canonicals, walking as became a beneficed priest, under the canopy of a shovel-hat, with the dignity of an ample corporation, the embellishment of the squarest and vastest of black coats, and the support of the stoutest of gold-headed canes.

Boultby and Donne headed it - the former walking under the canopy of a shovel-hat, with the squarest and vastest of black coats, and the stoutest of gold-headed canes.


As the doctor walked, he now and then slightly flourished his cane, and inclined his shovel-hat with a dogmatical wag towards his aide-de-camp.


That aide-de-camp--Donne, to wit--narrow as the line of his shape was, compared to the broad bulk of his principal, contrived, notwithstanding, to look every inch a curate. All about him was pragmatical and self-complacent, from his turned-up nose and elevated chin to his clerical black gaiters, his somewhat short, strapless trousers, and his square-toed shoes.

Donne looked every inch a curate, from his turned-up nose and complacent, lifted chin to his clerical black gaiters, his somewhat short trousers, and his square-toed shoes.


Whether the white and purple figures watching you from yonder hill think so is another question.


These figures come running down when the regiment has marched by.


The churchyard is full of children and teachers, all in their very best holiday attire; and, distressed as is the district, bad as are the times, it is wonderful to see how respectably, how handsomely even, they have contrived to clothe themselves.

The churchyard is full of children and teachers, all in their best holiday attire; and, bad as are the times, it is wonderful to see how respectably they have managed to clothe themselves.


That British love of decency will work miracles.


The poverty which reduces an Irish girl to rags is impotent to rob the English girl of the neat wardrobe she knows necessary to her self-respect.


Besides, the lady of the manor--that Shirley, now gazing with pleasure on this well-dressed and happy-looking crowd--has really done them good.

The lady of the manor - Shirley, gazing with pleasure on this happy-looking crowd - has really done them good.


Her seasonable bounty consoled many a poor family against the coming holiday, and supplied many a child with a new frock or bonnet for the occasion.

Her timely bounty has supplied many a child with a new frock or bonnet.


She knows it, and is elate with the consciousness--glad that her money, example, and influence have really, substantially, benefited those around her.

She knows it, and is glad that her money has benefited those around her.


She cannot be charitable like Miss Ainley: it is not in her nature.


It relieves her to feel that there is another way of being charitable, practicable for other characters, and under other circumstances.


Caroline, too, is pleased, for she also has done good in her small way--robbed herself of more than one dress, ribbon, or collar she could ill spare, to aid in fitting out the scholars of her class; and as she could not give money, she has followed Miss Ainley's example in giving her time and her industry to sew for the children.

Caroline, too, is pleased, for she also has done good in her small way - robbed herself of more than one dress or ribbon she could ill spare, to aid in fitting out the scholars of her class; and as she could not give money, she has followed Miss Ainley's example in giving her time to sew for the children.


Not only is the churchyard full, but the rectory garden is also thronged.

Not only is the churchyard full, but the rectory garden is thronged.


Pairs and parties of ladies and gentlemen are seen walking amongst the waving lilacs and laburnums.

Groups of ladies and gentlemen are walking amongst the lilacs and laburnums.


The house also is occupied: at the wide-open parlour windows gay groups are standing. These are the patrons and teachers, who are to swell the procession.

The house also is occupied: at the wide-open parlour windows stand the patrons and teachers.


In the parson's croft, behind the rectory, are the musicians of the three parish bands, with their instruments.


Fanny and Eliza, in the smartest of caps and gowns, and the whitest of aprons, move amongst them, serving out quarts of ale, whereof a stock was brewed very sound and strong some weeks since by the rector's orders, and under his special superintendence.

Fanny and Eliza, in their smartest caps and gowns, move amongst them, serving out quarts of ale, specially brewed by the rector's orders.


Whatever he had a hand in must be managed handsomely.


"Shabby doings" of any description were not endured under his sanction.


From the erection of a public building, a church, school, or court-house, to the cooking of a dinner, he still advocated the lordly, liberal, and effective.


Miss Keeldar was like him in this respect, and they mutually approved each other's arrangements.


Caroline and Shirley were soon in the midst of the company.


The former met them very easily for her.


Instead of sitting down in a retired corner, or stealing away to her own room till the procession should be marshalled, according to her wont, she moved through the three parlours, conversed and smiled, absolutely spoke once or twice ere she was spoken to, and, in short, seemed a new creature.

Instead of sitting down in a retired corner, or stealing away to her own room, she moved through the three parlours, conversed and smiled, even spoke once or twice before she was spoken to, and, in short, seemed a new creature.


It was Shirley's presence which thus transformed her; the view of Miss Keeldar's air and manner did her a world of good.

It was Shirley's presence which thus transformed her.


Shirley had no fear of her kind, no tendency to shrink from, to avoid it. All human beings--men, women, or children--whom low breeding or coarse presumption did not render positively offensive, were welcome enough to her--some much more so than others, of course; but, generally speaking, till a man had indisputably proved himself bad and a nuisance, Shirley was willing to think him good and an acquisition, and to treat him accordingly. This disposition made her a general favourite, for it robbed her very raillery of its sting, and gave her serious or smiling conversation a happy charm; nor did it diminish the value of her intimate friendship, which was a distinct thing from this social benevolence--depending, indeed, on quite a different part of her character.

Shirley had no fear of humanity, no tendency to shrink from it, and since she thought well of all people until they might prove otherwise, she was a general favourite.


Miss Helstone was the choice of her affection and intellect; the Misses Pearson, Sykes, Wynne, etc., etc., only the profiteers by her good-nature and vivacity.


Donne happened to come into the drawing-room while Shirley, sitting on the sofa, formed the centre of a tolerably wide circle.

Donne happened to come into the drawing-room while Shirley, sitting on the sofa, formed the centre of a wide circle.


She had already forgotten her exasperation against him, and she bowed and smiled good-humouredly.


The disposition of the man was then seen.


He knew neither how to decline the advance with dignity, as one whose just pride has been wounded, nor how to meet it with frankness, as one who is glad to forget and forgive.

He knew neither how to decline her greeting with dignity, as one whose just pride has been wounded, nor how to meet it with frankness, as one who is glad to forget and forgive.


His punishment had impressed him with no sense of shame, and he did not experience that feeling on encountering his chastiser.


He was not vigorous enough in evil to be actively malignant--he merely passed by sheepishly with a rated, scowling look.

So he merely passed by sheepishly with a scowl.


Nothing could ever again reconcile him to his enemy; while no passion of resentment, for even sharper and more ignominious inflictions, could his lymphatic nature know.


To revenge on poor Donne his silly spite at Yorkshire is something like crushing a gnat for attacking the hide of a rhinoceros.

To take revenge on poor Donne's silly spite about Yorkshire is like crushing a gnat for attacking the hide of a rhinoceros.


Had I been a gentleman, I believe I should have helped him off the premises by dint of physical force.

Had I been a gentleman, I believe I should have forcibly helped him off the premises.


I am glad now I only employed the moral weapon.


There is not even amusement to be had out of him.


It seemed as if Malone wished to justify the preference, for the words were scarcely out of the speaker's mouth when Peter Augustus came up, all in _grande tenue_, gloved and scented, with his hair oiled and brushed to perfection, and bearing in one hand a huge bunch of cabbage-roses, five or six in full blow.

The words were scarcely out of her mouth when Peter Augustus Malone came up, gloved and scented, with his hair oiled, and bearing in one hand a huge bunch of cabbage-roses.


These he presented to the heiress with a grace to which the most cunning pencil could do but defective justice.


And who, after this, could dare to say that Peter was not a lady's man?

Who, after this, could dare to say that Peter was not a lady's man?


He had gathered and he had given flowers; he had offered a sentimental, a poetic tribute at the shrine of Love or Mammon.

He had given flowers; he had offered a sentimental tribute at the shrine of Love.


Hercules holding the distaff was but a faint type of Peter bearing the roses.


He must have thought this himself, for he seemed amazed at what he had done.


He backed without a word; he was going away with a husky chuckle of self-satisfaction; then he bethought himself to stop and turn, to ascertain by ocular testimony that he really had presented a bouquet.

Backing off without a word, he was going away with a husky chuckle of self-satisfaction; then he bethought himself to stop and look back.


Yes, there were the six red cabbages on the purple satin lap, a very white hand, with some gold rings on the fingers, slightly holding them together, and streaming ringlets, half hiding a laughing face, drooped over them.

There were the six red cabbages on the purple satin lap, a white hand holding them; and over them, ringlets, half hiding a laughing face.


Peter saw the laugh; it was unmistakable.


He was made a joke of; his gallantry, his chivalry, were the subject of a jest for a petticoat--for two petticoats: Miss Helstone too was smiling.

He was made a joke of; his chivalry was the subject of a jest for a petticoat - for two petticoats: Miss Helstone too was smiling.


Moreover, he felt he was seen through, and Peter grew black as a thunder-cloud.


When Shirley looked up, a fell eye was fastened on her.


Malone, at least, had energy enough in hate.


"Peter _is_ worth a scene, and shall have it, if he likes, one day," she whispered to her friend.

"Peter is worth a scene, and shall have it, if he likes, one day," she whispered to her friend.


And now--solemn and sombre as to their colour, though bland enough as to their faces--appeared at the dining-room door the three rectors.

And now the three rectors appeared at the dining-room door.


They had hitherto been busy in the church, and were now coming to take some little refreshment for the body, ere the march commenced.

They had been busy in the church, and were coming to take some refreshment before the march began.


The large morocco-covered easy-chair had been left vacant for Dr. Boultby.

The large easy-chair had been left vacant for Dr. Boultby.


He was put into it, and Caroline, obeying the instigations of Shirley, who told her now was the time to play the hostess, hastened to hand to her uncle's vast, revered, and, on the whole, worthy friend, a glass of wine and a plate of macaroons.

He was put into it, and Caroline hastened to hand him a glass of wine and a plate of macaroons.


Boultby's churchwardens, patrons of the Sunday school both, as he insisted on their being, were already beside him; Mrs. Sykes and the other ladies of his congregation were on his right hand and on his left, expressing their hopes that he was not fatigued, their fears that the day would be too warm for him.

Boultby's churchwardens were already beside him, as were Mrs. Sykes and the other ladies of his congregation, expressing their hopes that he was not fatigued.


Mrs. Boultby, who held an opinion that when her lord dropped asleep after a good dinner his face became as the face of an angel, was bending over him, tenderly wiping some perspiration, real or imaginary, from his brow.

Mrs. Boultby was bending over him, tenderly wiping some perspiration, real or imaginary, from his brow.


Boultby, in short, was in his glory, and in a round, sound _voix de poitrine_ he rumbled out thanks for attentions and assurances of his tolerable health.


Of Caroline he took no manner of notice as she came near, save to accept what she offered.

Of Caroline he took no notice, save to accept what she offered.


He did not see her--he never did see her; he hardly knew that such a person existed.

He did not see her - he never did see her; he hardly knew that such a person existed.


He saw the macaroons, however, and being fond of sweets, possessed himself of a small handful thereof.


The wine Mrs. Boultby insisted on mingling with hot water, and qualifying with sugar and nutmeg.


Mr. Hall stood near an open window, breathing the fresh air and scent of flowers, and talking like a brother to Miss Ainley.

Mr. Hall stood near an open window, talking like a brother to Miss Ainley.


To him Caroline turned her attention with pleasure.


He must not help himself--he must be served by her."


And she provided herself with a little salver, that she might offer him variety.

She provided herself with a little plate, so that she might offer him variety.


Margaret Hall joined them; so did Miss Keeldar.


The four ladies stood round their favourite pastor.


They also had an idea that they looked on the face of an earthly angel.


Cyril Hall was their pope, infallible to them as Dr. Thomas Boultby to his admirers.


A throng, too, enclosed the rector of Briarfield--twenty or more pressed round him; and no parson was ever more potent in a circle than old Helstone.

A throng, too, of twenty or more enclosed old Helstone.


The curates, herding together after their manner, made a constellation of three lesser planets.

The curates, herding together, made a constellation of three lesser planets.


Divers young ladies watched them afar off, but ventured not nigh.

Various young ladies watched them afar off, but ventured not nigh.


"Ten minutes to two," he announced aloud.


He seized his shovel-hat and marched away.


The twelve hundred children were drawn up in three bodies of four hundred souls each; in the rear of each regiment was stationed a band; between every twenty there was an interval, wherein Helstone posted the teachers in pairs.

The twelve hundred children were drawn up in three bodies of four hundred souls each; in the rear of each regiment was a band; between every twenty there was a pair of teachers.


To the front of the armies Mr. Helstone summoned-


"Grace Boultby and Mary Sykes lead out Whinbury.


"Margaret Hall and Mary Ann Ainley conduct Nunnely.


"Caroline Helstone and Shirley Keeldar head Briarfield."


"Mr. Donne to Whinbury; Mr. Sweeting to Nunnely; Mr. Malone to Briarfield."


And these gentlemen stepped up before the lady-generals.


The rectors passed to the full front; the parish clerks fell to the extreme rear. Helstone lifted his shovel-hat.

The rectors advanced to the very front; Helstone lifted his shovel-hat.


In an instant out clashed the eight bells in the tower, loud swelled the sounding bands, flute spoke and clarion answered, deep rolled the drums, and away they marched.

Out clashed the bells in the tower, loud swelled the bands, deep rolled the drums, and away they marched.


The broad white road unrolled before the long procession, the sun and sky surveyed it cloudless, the wind tossed the tree boughs above it, and the twelve hundred children and one hundred and forty adults of which it was composed trod on in time and tune, with gay faces and glad hearts.

The broad white road unrolled before the long procession; the twelve hundred children and one hundred and forty adults trod on, with gay faces and glad hearts.


It was a joyous scene, and a scene to do good. It was a day of happiness for rich and poor--the work, first of God, and then of the clergy.

It was a joyous scene, a day of happiness for rich and poor.


They are a faulty set in some respects, being only of common flesh and blood like us all; but the land would be badly off without them.

They are a faulty set in some respects, being only flesh and blood like us all; but the land would be badly off without them.


Britain would miss her church, if that church fell.


Sir Philip Nunnely knew it; Shirley knew it; Mr. Sympson knew it.


That evening, when all the Fieldhead family dined at Nunnely Priory, decided the business.

That evening, when the Fieldhead family dined at Nunnely Priory, decided the business.


Two or three things conduced to bring the baronet to a point.

Two or three things combined to bring the baronet to a point.


He had observed that Miss Keeldar looked pensive and delicate.


This new phase in her demeanour smote him on his weak or poetic side.


A spontaneous sonnet brewed in his brain; and while it was still working there, one of his sisters persuaded his lady-love to sit down to the piano and sing a ballad--one of Sir Philip's own ballads.

A spontaneous sonnet brewed in his brain; and while it was working there, one of his sisters persuaded his lady-love to sit down to the piano and sing one of his own ballads.


It was the least elaborate, the least affected--out of all comparison the best of his numerous efforts.


It chanced that Shirley, the moment before, had been gazing from a window down on the park.

It chanced that Shirley, the moment before, had been gazing from a window.


She had seen that stormy moonlight which "le Professeur Louis" was perhaps at the same instant contemplating from her own oak-parlour lattice; she had seen the isolated trees of the domain--broad, strong, spreading oaks, and high-towering heroic beeches--wrestling with the gale. Her ear had caught the full roar of the forest lower down; the swift rushing of clouds, the moon, to the eye, hasting swifter still, had crossed her vision.

She had seen that stormy moonlight which Louis Moore was at the same instant contemplating from her own oak-parlour window; she had seen the trees wrestling with the gale, and heard the roar of the forest.


She turned from sight and sound--touched, if not rapt; wakened, if not inspired.


There was much about love in the ballad--faithful love that refused to abandon its object; love that disaster could not shake; love that in calamity waxed fonder, in poverty clung closer.

There was much about love in the ballad - faithful love that disaster could not shake; that in poverty clung closer.


The words were set to a fine old air; in themselves they were simple and sweet. Perhaps, when read, they wanted force; when _well_ sung, they wanted nothing. Shirley sang them well. She breathed into the feeling softness; she poured round the passion force.

The words were set to a fine old air, and Shirley sang them well, with feeling and passion.


Her voice was fine that evening, its expression dramatic.


On leaving the instrument she went to the fire, and sat down on a seat--semi-stool, semi-cushion.

On leaving the instrument she sat down by the fire.


The ladies were round her; none of them spoke.