Daniel himself, perhaps, had his own private difficulties connected with that baffling bit of translation; he looked like a student for whom grammars are blank and dictionaries dumb.

Moore himself, perhaps, had his own private difficulties connected with that baffling bit of translation; he looked like a student for whom grammars are blank and dictionaries dumb.


Mr. Sympson had been out, to while away an anxious hour in the society of his friends at De Walden Hall.


He returned a little sooner than was expected.


His family and Miss Keeldar were assembled in the oak parlour.


Addressing the latter, he requested her to step with him into another room.


He wished to have with her a "_strictly_ private interview."

Miss Keeldar's presence for a "strictly private interview."


She rose, asking no questions and professing no surprise.


"Very well, sir," she said, in the tone of a determined person who is informed that the dentist is come to extract that large double tooth of his, from which he has suffered such a purgatory this month past.


She left her sewing and her thimble in the window-seat, and followed her uncle where he led.


Shut into the drawing-room, the pair took seats, each in an arm-chair, placed opposite, a few yards between them.

into the drawing room like a person about to undergo an extraction at the dentist.


"I have been to De Walden Hall," said Mr. Sympson.


Miss Keeldar's eyes were on the pretty white-and-green carpet.


_That_ information required no response.


"I have learned," he went on slowly--"I have learned a circumstance which surprises me."

"I have learned," he went on, "a circumstance which surprises me.


Resting her cheek on her forefinger, she waited to be told _what_ circumstance.


"It seems that Nunnely Priory is shut up--that the family are gone back to their place in ----shire.

It seems that Nunnely Priory is shut up - that the family have left the county.


It seems that the baronet--that the baronet--that Sir Philip himself has accompanied his mother and sisters."

It seems that Sir Philip himself has accompanied his mother and sisters."


"May I ask if you share the amazement with which I received this news?"


"I mean--I mean," pursued Mr. Sympson, now fidgeting in his chair, quitting his hitherto brief and tolerably clear phraseology, and returning to his customary wordy, confused, irritable style--"I mean to have a _thorough_ explanation.

Mr. Sympson fidgeted in his chair. "I mean to have a thorough explanation.


I--I--shall _insist_ on being heard, and on--on having my own way.


I will have clear, satisfactory replies.


"It is a strange and an extraordinary thing--a very singular--a most odd thing!

"It is an extraordinary thing - very singular - most odd!"


I thought all was right, knew no other; and there--the family are gone!"


"I suppose, sir, they had a right to go."

he expostulated.
"I suppose, sir, the family had a right to go."


"_Sir Philip is gone!_" (with emphasis).


"This will not do; this must be altered, ma'am."


He drew his chair forward; he pushed it back; he looked perfectly incensed, and perfectly helpless.


"Come, come now, uncle," expostulated Shirley, "do not begin to fret and fume, or we shall make no sense of the business.

"Come now, uncle," said Shirley, "do not fret and fume.


I am as willing to come to an explanation as you.


"I want--I demand to know, Miss Keeldar, whether Sir Philip has made you an offer?"

"I demand to know, Miss Keeldar, whether Sir Philip has made you an offer?"


"He made you an offer that night we dined at the priory?"


"He proposed in the recess--in the room that used to be a picture-gallery--that Sir Monckton converted into it saloon?"


My sagacity was not at fault--it never is.


Subsequently you received a letter from him.


On what subject--of what nature were the contents?"


"Ma'am, is that the way in which you speak to me?"


Shirley's foot tapped quick on the carpet.


"There you sit, silent and sullen--_you_ who promised truthful replies."

"There you sit, silent and sullen - you promised truthful replies."


"I _must_ and _shall_, ma'am; I am your guardian."

"I must and shall, ma'am; I am your guardian."


"Having ceased to be a ward, I have no guardian."


"Once more, uncle, have the kindness to keep to the point.


For my part, I do not wish to get into a passion; but, you know, once drive me beyond certain bounds, I care little what I say--I am not then soon checked.


You have asked me whether Sir Philip made me an offer.


"I desire to know whether you accepted or refused him, and know it I will."


You--_you_, Shirley Keeldar, _refused_ Sir Philip Nunnely?"

You - you, Shirley Keeldar, refused Sir Philip Nunnely?"


The poor gentleman bounced from his chair, and first rushed and then trotted through the room.

The poor gentleman bounced from his chair.


"Sincerely speaking, I am sorry, uncle, you are so disappointed."

"I am sincerely sorry, uncle, that you are so disappointed."


Concession, contrition, never do any good with some people.

Concession and contrition never do any good with some people.


Instead of softening and conciliating, they but embolden and harden them.


You would insinuate, perhaps, that I have motives?"


"Most people have motives of some sort for their actions."

"Most people have motives for their actions."


I, that have been a parent to her, she charges with bad motives!"


"And now you prevaricate; you have no principles!"


What are your intentions, Miss Keeldar?"


"To be quiet, and to do just as I please."


The words are to the last degree indecorous."


"Mr. Sympson, I advise you not to become insulting.


Your mind is poisoned with French novels.


"The ground you are treading now returns a mighty hollow sound under your feet.

"You are now treading on dangerous ground, sir.


"It will end in infamy, sooner or later.


"Do you assert, sir, that something in which _I_ am concerned will end in infamy?"

"Do you assert, sir, that something in which I am concerned will end in infamy?"


You said just now you would act as you please.


You acknowledge no rules--no limitations."

You acknowledge no rules - no limitations."


"Regardless of decorum, you are prepared to fly in the face of propriety."


"What, madam--_what_ could be your reasons for refusing Sir Philip?"

"What, madam, could be your reasons for refusing Sir Philip?"


"At last there is another sensible question; I shall be glad to reply to it.

"At last there is a sensible question; I shall be glad to reply.


All his relations--his mother especially--would be annoyed if he married me.

All his relations would be annoyed if he married me.


Such a step would embroil him with them.


I am not his equal in the world's estimation."

I am not his equal in the world's view."


"Why, a more amiable gentleman never breathed."


"He is very amiable--very excellent--truly estimable; but _not my master_--not in one point.

He is very amiable; but not my master in any point.


I could not trust myself with his happiness.


I would not undertake the keeping of it for thousands.


I will accept no hand which cannot hold me in check."


"I thought you liked to do as you please.


"When I promise to obey, it shall be under the conviction that I can keep that promise.

"When I promise to obey, it shall be in the belief that I can keep that promise.


I could not obey a youth like Sir Philip.


He would expect me always to rule--to guide--and I have no taste whatever for the office."

He would expect me always to rule, and I have no taste for that."


"_You_ no taste for swaggering, and subduing, and ordering, and ruling?"

"You no taste for swaggering, and ordering, and ruling?"


"There _is_ a slight difference--that is certain.


And I know full well any man who wishes to live in decent comfort with me as a husband must be able to control me."

Any man who wishes to live in decent comfort with me as a husband must be able to control me."


"A tyrant would not hold me for a day, not for an hour.


I would rebel--break from him--defy him."


"Are you not enough to bewilder one's brain with your self-contradiction?"

"You bewilder one's brain with your self-contradiction!"


"My husband must be thirty, with the sense of forty."


"You had better pick out some old man--some white-headed or bald-headed swain."


"You could lead some doting fool; you might pin him to your apron."

find some doting fool," said Mr. Sympson; "you might pin him to your apron."


"I might do that with a boy; but it is not my vocation.


Did I not say I prefer a _master_--one in whose presence I shall feel obliged and disposed to be good; one whose control my impatient temper must acknowledge; a man whose approbation can reward, whose displeasure punish me; a man I shall feel it impossible not to love, and very possible to fear?"

did I not say I prefer a master? One who can control my impatient temper; a man whose approval can reward, whose displeasure can punish me; a man I shall feel it impossible not to love, and very possible to fear."


"What is there to hinder you from doing all this with Sir Philip?


He is a baronet--a man of rank, property, connections far above yours.


If you talk of intellect, he is a poet--he writes verses; which you, I take it, cannot do, with all your cleverness."


"Neither his title, wealth, pedigree, nor poetry avail to invest him with the power I describe.


These are feather-weights; they want ballast.


A measure of sound, solid, practical sense would have stood him in better stead with me."


You used to catch fire like tinder on the subject when you were a girl."


"O uncle, there is nothing really valuable in this world, there is nothing glorious in the world to come that is not poetry!"


"Madam, you are wandering from the point."


"Indeed, uncle, I wanted to do so, and I shall be glad to lead you away with me.


Do not let us get out of temper with each other; it is not worth while."


I should be glad to know who is out of temper."


"If you mean to insinuate that _I_ am, I consider that you are guilty of impertinence."

"If you mean that I am, you are guilty of impertinence."


"You will be soon, if you go on at that rate."


With your pert tongue you would try the patience of a Job."


It is an affair I am resolved to probe thoroughly, convinced that there is mischief at the bottom.

I am convinced that there is mischief here.


You described just now, with far too much freedom for your years and sex, the sort of individual you would prefer as a husband.


Shirley opened her lips, but instead of speaking she only glowed rose-red.


"I shall have an answer to that question," affirmed Mr. Sympson, assuming vast courage and consequence on the strength of this symptom of confusion.


"It was an historical picture, uncle, from several originals."


"Don't ring the bell, uncle; you will alarm my aunt."


"Your poor dear aunt, what a niece has she!"


"I admired Themistocles, Leonidas, Epaminondas."


"To pass over a few centuries, Washington was a plain man, but I liked him; but to speak of the actual present----"

"To pass over a few centuries, Washington was a plain man, but I liked him; but to speak of the present-"


"To quit crude schoolgirl fancies, and come to realities."

"To quit crude schoolgirl fancies, and come to realities-"


That is the test to which you shall be brought, ma'am."


"To avow before what altar I now kneel--to reveal the present idol of my soul----"

"To reveal the present idol of my soul-"


"You will make haste about it, if you please.


It is near luncheon time, and confess _you shall_."


I only wish you were Mr. Helstone instead of Mr. Sympson; you would sympathize with me better."

I only wish you were Mr. Helstone; you would sympathize with me better."


"Madam, it is a question of common sense and common prudence, not of sympathy and sentiment, and so on.


"Not precisely, but as near as may be; they are rather alike."


"I will know the name; I will have particulars."


Their very faces are not dissimilar--a pair of human falcons--and dry, direct, decided both.

Their very faces are similar - a pair of hawks - dry, direct, decided.


His mind has the clearness of the deep sea, the patience of its rocks, the force of its billows."


"I dare say he can be harsh as a saw-edge and gruff as a hungry raven."


"Miss Keeldar, does the person reside in Briarfield?


"Uncle, I am going to tell you; his name is trembling on my tongue."


England has howled savagely against this man, uncle, and she will one day roar exultingly over him.


He has been unscared by the howl, and he will be unelated by the shout."


"This country will change and change again in her demeanour to him; he will never change in his duty to her.

This country will change in her demeanour to him; he will never change in his duty to her.


Come, cease to chafe, uncle, I'll tell you his name."


He bounced out of the room, but immediately bounced back again, shut the door, and resumed his seat.


Will your principles permit you to marry a man without money--a man below you?"

Will your principles permit you to marry a man without money - a man below you?"


"Will you, Miss Keeldar, marry a poor man?"


"What right have you, Mr. Sympson, to ask me?"


"My family respectability shall not be compromised."


"Impossible, sir, since I form no part of your family."


"Not Mr. Sam Wynne, because I scorn him; not Sir Philip Nunnely, because I _only_ esteem him."

"Not Mr. Sam Wynne, because I scorn him; not Sir Philip Nunnely, because I only esteem him."


"Such obstinacy could not be unless you were under improper influence."


There are certain phrases potent to make my blood boil.


"I am a thousand times better: I am an honest woman, and as such I will be treated."


"Do you know" (leaning mysteriously forward, and speaking with ghastly solemnity)--"do you know the whole neighbourhood teems with rumours respecting you and a bankrupt tenant of yours, the foreigner Moore?"

"Do you know" (leaning mysteriously forward, and speaking with ghastly solemnity) - "do you know the whole neighbourhood teems with rumours respecting you and a bankrupt tenant of yours, the foreigner Moore?"


"It honours the lips it crosses, and I wish to the gods it may purify them."


"Is it _that_ person who has power to influence you?"


"Beyond any whose cause you have advocated."


"He is handsome, and manly, and commanding."


"He is talented, and venturous, and resolute.


Prince is on his brow, and ruler in his bearing."


"When we speak the name of Moore, shame should be forgotten and fear discarded.


The Moores know only honour and courage."


"You have taunted me till my blood is up; you have worried me till I turn again."


"That Moore is the brother of my son's tutor.


Would you let the usher call you sister?"


Bright and broad shone Shirley's eye as she fixed it on her questioner now.


"No, no; not for a province of possession, not for a century of life."


"You cannot separate the husband from his family."


"But Mr. Louis Moore's sister you will be."


"Mr. Sympson, I am sick at heart with all this weak trash; I will bear no more.


Your thoughts are not my thoughts, your aims are not my aims, your gods are not my gods.

Your thoughts are not my thoughts, your gods are not my gods.


We do not view things in the same light; we do not measure them by the same standard; we hardly speak in the same tongue.


"It is not," she resumed, much excited--"it is not that I hate you; you are a good sort of man.

It is not that I hate you; you are a good sort of man.


But we cannot suit; we are ever at variance.


You annoy me with small meddling, with petty tyranny; you exasperate my temper, and make and keep me passionate.

You annoy me with small meddling, with petty tyranny; you exasperate my temper.


As to your small maxims, your narrow rules, your little prejudices, aversions, dogmas, bundle them off.

As to your narrow rules, your little prejudices, bundle them off,


Mr. Sympson, go, offer them a sacrifice to the deity you worship; I'll none of them.


I walk by another creed, light, faith, and hope than you."

I walk by another creed and faith than you."


"An infidel to _your_ religion, an atheist to _your_ god."

"An infidel to your religion, an atheist to your god."


In my eyes you too, if not an infidel, are an idolater.


I conceive that you ignorantly worship; in all things you appear to me too superstitious.


Sir, your god, your great Bel, your fish-tailed Dagon, rises before me as a demon.

Sir, your god, your fish-tailed Dagon, rises before me as a demon.


You, and such as you, have raised him to a throne, put on him a crown, given him a sceptre.

You have raised him to a throne and given him a sceptre.


See him busied at the work he likes best--making marriages.

See him busied at the work he likes best - making marriages.


He binds the young to the old, the strong to the imbecile.


He stretches out the arm of Mezentius, and fetters the dead to the living.


In his realm there is hatred--secret hatred; there is disgust--unspoken disgust; there is treachery--family treachery; there is vice--deep, deadly domestic vice.

In his realm there is secret hatred; there is unspoken disgust; there is treachery and vice.


In his dominions children grow unloving between parents who have never loved; infants are nursed on deception from their very birth; they are reared in an atmosphere corrupt with lies.

In his dominions children grow unloving between parents who have never loved; infants are nursed on deception from their very birth; they are reared amongst lies.


Your god rules at the bridal of kings; look at your royal dynasties!


Your deity is the deity of foreign aristocracies; analyze the blue blood of Spain!


Your god is the Hymen of France; what is French domestic life?


All that surrounds him hastens to decay; all declines and degenerates under his sceptre.


My daughters and you must associate no longer, Miss Keeldar; there is danger in such companionship.

My daughters and you must associate no longer, Miss Keeldar.


Had I known you a little earlier--but, extraordinary as I thought you, I could not have believed----"


"Now, sir, do you begin to be aware that it is useless to scheme for me; that in doing so you but sow the wind to reap the whirlwind?


I sweep your cobweb projects from my path, that I may pass on unsullied.


I am anchored on a resolve you cannot shake."


My heart, my conscience shall dispose of my hand--_they only_.


Mr. Sympson was becoming a little bewildered.


he muttered again and again; "never was so addressed in my life--never was so used!"

he muttered; "Never was so addressed in my life!"


"We must leave this place; they must pack up at once."


"Do not hurry my aunt and cousins; give them time."


"No more intercourse; she's not proper."


He dropped his snuff-box, leaving the contents scattered on the carpet; he stumbled out.

; dropped his snuff-box, leaving the contents scattered on the carpet; and stumbled out


Tartar lay outside across the mat; Mr. Sympson almost fell over him.


In the climax of his exasperation he hurled an oath at the dog and a coarse epithet at his mistress.

In his exasperation he hurled an oath at the dog and a coarse epithet at his mistress.


he is both feeble and vulgar," said Shirley to herself.


"My head aches, and I am tired," she added; and leaning her head upon a cushion, she softly subsided from excitement to repose.

"My head aches, and I am tired," she added; and leant her head upon a cushion.


One, entering the room a quarter of an hour afterwards, found her asleep.

An intruder entering the room a quarter of an hour afterwards found her asleep.


When Shirley had been agitated, she generally took this natural refreshment; it would come at her call.


The intruder paused in her unconscious presence, and said, "Miss Keeldar."


Perhaps his voice harmonized with some dream into which she was passing.

Perhaps his voice harmonized with her dream.


It did not startle, it hardly roused her.


Without opening her eyes, she but turned her head a little, so that her cheek and profile, before hidden by her arm, became visible.

Without opening her eyes, she turned her head a little, so that her face became visible


She looked rosy, happy, half smiling, but her eyelashes were wet.

: rosy, happy, half smiling, but her eyelashes were wet.


She had wept in slumber; or perhaps, before dropping asleep, a few natural tears had fallen after she had heard that epithet.


No man--no woman--is always strong, always able to bear up against the unjust opinion, the vilifying word.


Calumny, even from the mouth of a fool, will sometimes cut into unguarded feelings.


Shirley looked like a child that had been naughty and punished, but was now forgiven and at rest.


She looked up, and saw at her side Louis Moore--not close at her side, but standing, with arrested step, two or three yards from her.

She looked up, and saw Louis Moore standing two or three yards away.


"I was afraid it was my uncle again: he and I have quarrelled."


"Mr. Sympson should let you alone," was the reply.


"Can he not see that you are as yet far from strong?"

"Can he not see that you are still far from strong?"


"He is about to evacuate Fieldhead--so he says.

"He is about to leave Fieldhead - so he says.


He has been in the schoolroom issuing commands in a manner which, I suppose, was a continuation of that with which he has harassed you."


"I believe, as far as Henry is concerned, that was the tenor of his scarcely intelligible directions; but he may change all to-morrow.

"I believe, as far as Henry is concerned, that was the gist of his scarcely intelligible orders; but he may change tomorrow.


He is just in that mood when you cannot depend on his consistency for two consecutive hours.


I doubt whether he will leave you for weeks yet.


To myself he addressed some words which will require a little attention and comment by-and-by, when I have time to bestow on them.

To myself he addressed some words which will require a little attention and comment by-and-by, when I have time to think about them.


At the moment he came in I was busied with a note I had got from Mr. Yorke--so fully busied that I cut short the interview with him somewhat abruptly.

At the moment he came in I was busied with a note I had got from Mr. Yorke - I cut short the interview with Mr. Sympson somewhat abruptly.


Mr. Yorke went yesterday to Stilbro' to meet him."


He is now at Briarmains, and I am going to see him."


"If you turn so pale I shall be sorry I have spoken.


It briefly signified that last night Robert Moore had been shot at from behind the wall of Milldean plantation, at the foot of the Brow; that he was wounded severely, but it was hoped not fatally.

Miss Keeldar read that last night Robert Moore had been shot at from behind the wall of Milldean plantation; that he was wounded severely, but it was hoped not fatally.


Of the assassin, or assassins, nothing was known; they had escaped.


"No doubt," Mr. Yorke observed, "it was done in revenge.

"No doubt," Mr. Yorke wrote, "it was done in revenge.'


It was a pity ill-will had ever been raised; but that could not be helped now."


"He is my only brother," said Louis, as Shirley returned the note.


"I cannot hear unmoved that ruffians have laid in wait for him, and shot him down, like some wild beast from behind a wall."

"Shot like some wild beast from behind a wall."


Shirley, solicitous to soothe, held her hand over Mr. Moore's as it lay on the arm of the chair.


She just touched it lightly, scarce palpably.


"It will be for the first time; it is in a moment of calamity.


Awaiting neither consent nor refusal, he took what he asked.

Awaiting neither consent nor refusal, he took it.


"I am going to Briarmains now," he went on.


"I want you to step over to the rectory and tell Caroline Helstone what has happened.

"Will you step over to the rectory and tell Caroline Helstone what has happened?


"Immediately," said Shirley, with docile promptitude.


"Ought I to say that there is no danger?"


"You will come back soon, and let me know more?"


I will communicate with your sister too; but doubtless she is already with Robert?"


Shirley's fingers were obliged to withdraw from the tutor's.


Louis was obliged to relinquish that hand folded, clasped, hidden in his own.

Louis was obliged to relinquish the hand folded in his own.


"I thought I should have had to support her," he said, as he walked towards Briarmains, "and it is she who has made me strong.


No down was ever softer, no elixir more potent!


It lay like a snowflake; it thrilled like lightning.


A thousand times I have longed to possess that hand--to have it in mine.

A thousand times I have longed to possess that hand - to have it in mine.


I _have_ possessed it; for five minutes I held it.


Her fingers and mine can never be strangers more.

her fingers and mine can never be strangers more.


The next day Shirley expressed to Caroline how delighted she felt that the little party had gone off so well.

The next day Shirley told Caroline how delighted she felt that the little party had gone off so well.


"I rather like to entertain a circle of gentlemen," said she.


"It is amusing to observe how they enjoy a judiciously concocted repast.

"It is amusing to observe how they enjoy their meal.


For ourselves, you see, these choice wines and these scientific dishes are of no importance to us; but gentlemen seem to retain something of the _navet_ of children about food, and one likes to please them--that is, when they show the becoming, decent self-government of our admirable rectors.

They retain something of the navet of children about food, and one likes to please them - that is, when they show the decent restraint of our admirable rectors.


I watch Moore sometimes, to try and discover how he can be pleased; but he has not that child's simplicity about him.


Did you ever find out his accessible point, Caroline?


"It is not, at any rate, that of my uncle and Dr. Boultby," returned Caroline, smiling.

"It is not food, at any rate," returned Caroline, smiling.


She always felt a sort of shy pleasure in following Miss Keeldar's lead respecting the discussion of her cousin's character.

She always felt a shy pleasure in discussing her cousin's character.


Left to herself, she would never have touched on the subject; but when invited, the temptation of talking about him of whom she was ever thinking was irresistible.

Left to herself, she would never have touched on the subject; but when invited, the temptation of talking about him was irresistible.


"But," she added, "I really don't know what it is, for I never watched Robert in my life but my scrutiny was presently baffled by finding he was watching me."

"But," she added, "I really don't know what it is, for whenever I watched Robert, my scrutiny was baffled by finding he was watching me."


"You can't fix your eyes on him but his presently flash on you.


Even when he does not look at you, his thoughts seem to be busy amongst your own thoughts, tracing your words and actions to their source, contemplating your motives at his ease.

Even when he does not look at you, he seems to be busy tracing your words to their source, contemplating your motives.


I know that sort of character, or something in the same style.


This question was a specimen of one of Shirley's sharp, sudden turns.


Caroline used to be fluttered by them at first, but she had now got into the way of parrying these home-thrusts like a little Quakeress.

Caroline used to be flustered by them at first, but she had now got used to parrying them.


suddenly exclaimed Shirley, breaking off, starting up and running to the window.

exclaimed Shirley, breaking off and running to the window.


I never told you of a superb conquest I have made lately--made at those parties to which I can never persuade you to accompany me; and the thing has been done without effort or intention on my part--that I aver.

"I never told you of a superb conquest I have made lately, without any effort or intention on my part.


There is the bell--and, by all that's delicious!


Do they never hunt, then, except in couples?


You may have one, Lina, and you may take your choice.

You may have one, Lina; take your choice.


The black-muzzled, tawny dog, a glimpse of which was seen in the chapter which first introduced its mistress to the reader, here gave tongue in the hall, amidst whose hollow space the deep bark resounded formidably.

Her black-muzzled dog here gave tongue in the hall, where its deep bark echoed formidably.


A growl more terrible than the bark, menacing as muttered thunder, succeeded.

A growl as menacing as muttered thunder followed.


"You would think that the prelude to a bloody onslaught.


They are not aware his uproars are all sound and fury, signifying nothing!"

His uproars are all sound and fury, signifying nothing!"


exclaimed a high-toned, imperious voice, and then came a crack of a cane or whip.

exclaimed a high-toned, imperious voice, and then came a crack of a cane.


Immediately there was a yell--a scutter--a run--a positive tumult.

Immediately there was a yell - a scutter - a run - a positive tumult.


A blow is what he is not used to, and will not take."


A gentleman was fleeing up the oak staircase, making for refuge in the gallery or chambers in hot haste; another was backing fast to the stairfoot, wildly flourishing a knotty stick, at the same time reiterating, "Down!

A gentleman was fleeing up the oak staircase, making for refuge upstairs; another was backing to the stairfoot, wildly flourishing a knotty stick, crying, "Down!


while the tawny dog bayed, bellowed, howled at him, and a group of servants came bundling from the kitchen.

while the dog bayed and howled at him, and a group of servants came bundling from the kitchen.


The dog made a spring; the second gentleman turned tail and rushed after his comrade.


The first was already safe in a bedroom; he held the door against his fellow--nothing so merciless as terror.

The first was already safe in a bedroom; he held the door closed against his fellow - nothing so merciless as terror.


But the other fugitive struggled hard; the door was about to yield to his strength.


"Gentlemen," was uttered in Miss Keeldar's silvery but vibrating tones, "spare my locks, if you please.

"Gentlemen," said Miss Keeldar's silvery but vibrating tones, "


He lay crouched at her feet, his fore paws stretched out, his tail still in threatening agitation, his nostrils snorting, his bulldog eyes conscious of a dull fire.

He lay crouched at her feet, his fore paws stretched out, snorting, his bulldog eyes holding a dull fire.


He was an honest, phlegmatic, stupid, but stubborn canine character.

His was an honest, phlegmatic, stubborn canine character.


He loved his mistress and John--the man who fed him--but was mostly indifferent to the rest of the world.

He loved his mistress and John - the man who fed him - but was indifferent to the rest of the world.


Quiet enough he was, unless struck or threatened with a stick, and that put a demon into him at once.

He was quiet enough, unless struck or threatened, and that put a demon into him.


continued Shirley, lifting up her mirth-lit face to the gallery.


"That is not the way to the oak parlour; that is Mrs. Pryor's apartment.


Request your friend Mr. Donne to evacuate.

Request your friend Mr. Donne to come out.


I shall have the greatest pleasure in receiving him in a lower room."


cried Malone, in hollow laughter, quitting the door, and leaning over the massive balustrade.

cried Malone, leaning over the balustrade.


He is a little timid," he proceeded, stiffening himself, and walking trimly to the stairhead.


"I thought it better to follow, in order to reassure him."


Well, come down, if you please.--John" (turning to her manservant), "go upstairs and liberate Mr. Donne.--Take care, Mr. Malone; the stairs are slippery."

"Well, come down, if you please. John" (turning to her manservant), "go upstairs and liberate Mr. Donne. Take care, Mr. Malone; the stairs are slippery."


In truth they were, being of polished oak.


The caution came a little late for Malone.


He had slipped already in his stately descent, and was only saved from falling by a clutch at the banisters, which made the whole structure creak again.

He had slipped already in his stately descent, and was only saved from falling by a clutch at the banisters, which made the whole structure creak.


Tartar seemed to think the visitor's descent effected with unwarranted _clat_, and accordingly he growled once more.


The spring of the dog had taken him by surprise, but he passed him now in suppressed fury rather than fear.

The dog had taken him by surprise, but he passed him now in suppressed fury rather than fear.


If a look could have strangled Tartar, he would have breathed no more.


Forgetting politeness in his sullen rage, Malone pushed into the parlour before Miss Keeldar.

Forgetting politeness, Malone pushed into the parlour before Miss Keeldar.


He glanced at Miss Helstone; he could scarcely bring himself to bend to her.

He glanced at Miss Helstone; he could scarcely bring himself to bow to her.


He looked as if, had either of them been his wife, he would have made a glorious husband at the moment.


In each hand he seemed as if he would have liked to clutch one and gripe her to death.

as if he would have liked to clutch one in each hand and throttle them.


She ceased to laugh; and Caroline was too true a lady to smile even at any one under mortification.

and ceased to laugh; and Caroline was too true a lady to smile.


Tartar was dismissed; Peter Augustus was soothed--for Shirley had looks and tones that might soothe a very bull.

Tartar was dismissed; Peter Augustus was soothed by Shirley's tones.


He had sense to feel that, since he could not challenge the owner of the dog, he had better be civil.

He had the sense to feel that he had better be civil,


And civil he tried to be; and his attempts being well received, he grew presently _very_ civil and quite himself again.


He had come, indeed, for the express purpose of making himself charming and fascinating.

He had come, indeed, for the express purpose of making himself fascinating.


Rough portents had met him on his first admission to Fieldhead; but that passage got over, charming and fascinating he resolved to be.


Like March, having come in like a lion, he purposed to go out like a lamb.


For the sake of air, as it appeared, or perhaps for that of ready exit in case of some new emergency arising, he took his seat,--not on the sofa, where Miss Keeldar offered him enthronization, nor yet near the fireside, to which Caroline, by a friendly sign, gently invited him, but on a chair close to the door.

Perhaps to allow an easy exit, he took his seat on a chair close to the door.


Being no longer sullen or furious, he grew, after his fashion, constrained and embarrassed.

No longer sullen or furious, he grew constrained and embarrassed.


He talked to the ladies by fits and starts, choosing for topics whatever was most intensely commonplace.

He talked to the ladies by fits and starts, on the most commonplace topics.


He sighed deeply, significantly, at the close of every sentence; he sighed in each pause; he sighed ere he opened his mouth.

He sighed deeply, significantly, after every sentence; he sighed in each pause; he sighed before he spoke.


At last, finding it desirable to add ease to his other charms, he drew forth to aid him an ample silk pocket-handkerchief.

At last, aiming to add ease to his other charms, he drew forth an ample silk pocket-handkerchief.


This was to be the graceful toy with which his unoccupied hands were to trifle.


He folded the red-and-yellow square cornerwise; he whipped it open with a waft; again he folded it in narrower compass; he made of it a handsome band.

He folded the red-and-yellow square cornerwise; he whipped it open; again he folded it more narrowly; he made of it a handsome band.


To what purpose would he proceed to apply the ligature?


Would he wrap it about his throat--his head?

Would he wrap it about his throat - his head?


Peter Augustus had an inventive, an original genius.


He was about to show the ladies graces of action possessing at least the charm of novelty.


He sat on the chair with his athletic Irish legs crossed, and these legs, in that attitude, he circled with the bandana and bound firmly together.

He sat on the chair with his athletic Irish legs crossed, and these legs he circled with the bandana and bound firmly together.


It was evident he felt this device to be worth an encore; he repeated it more than once.


The second performance sent Shirley to the window, to laugh her silent but irrepressible laugh unseen; it turned Caroline's head aside, that her long curls might screen the smile mantling on her features.

The second performance sent Shirley to the window, to laugh silently and unseen; it turned Caroline's head aside, that her long curls might screen her smile.


Miss Helstone, indeed, was amused by more than one point in Peter's demeanour.

Miss Helstone, indeed, was amused by Peter's


She was edified at the complete though abrupt diversion of his homage from herself to the heiress.


The 5,000 he supposed her likely one day to inherit were not to be weighed in the balance against Miss Keeldar's estate and hall.

The 5,000 he supposed her likely one day to inherit had no weight against Miss Keeldar's estate and hall.


He took no pains to conceal his calculations and tactics.

He took no pains to conceal his tactics.


He pretended to no gradual change of views; he wheeled about at once.


The pursuit of the lesser fortune was openly relinquished for that of the greater.

, to pursue the greater fortune of the two.


On what grounds he expected to succeed in his chase himself best knew; certainly not by skilful management.

On what grounds he expected to succeed in his chase, only he knew.


From the length of time that elapsed, it appeared that John had some difficulty in persuading Mr. Donne to descend.

It appeared to be some time before Mr. Donne could be persuaded to descend the stairs.


At length, however, that gentleman appeared; nor, as he presented himself at the oak-parlour door, did he seem in the slightest degree ashamed or confused--not a whit.

At length, however, he appeared, seeming not at all ashamed.


Donne, indeed, was of that coldly phlegmatic, immovably complacent, densely self-satisfied nature which is insensible to shame.

Donne, indeed, was of that immovably complacent, densely self-satisfied nature which feels no shame.


He had never blushed in his life; no humiliation could abash him; his nerves were not capable of sensation enough to stir his life and make colour mount to his cheek; he had no fire in his blood and no modesty in his soul; he was a frontless, arrogant, decorous slip of the commonplace--conceited, inane, insipid; and this gentleman had a notion of wooing Miss Keeldar!

He had never blushed in his life; no humiliation could abash him; he had no modesty; he was arrogant, conceited and inane; and this gentleman had a notion of wooing Miss Keeldar!


He knew no more, however, how to set about the business than if he had been an image carved in wood.

He knew no more, however, how to set about it than if he had been an image carved in wood.


He had no idea of a taste to be pleased, a heart to be reached in courtship.


His notion was, when he should have formally visited her a few times, to write a letter proposing marriage.

His notion was, after visiting her a few times, to write a letter proposing marriage.


Then he calculated she would accept him for love of his office; then they would be married; then he should be master of Fieldhead; and he should live very comfortably, have servants at his command, eat and drink of the best, and be a great man.

She would accept him for love of his position; they would be married, and he should be master of Fieldhead; he should live very comfortably, have servants at his command, eat and drink of the best, and be a great man.


You would not have suspected his intentions when he addressed his intended bride in an impertinent, injured tone--"A very dangerous dog that, Miss Keeldar.

You would not have suspected his intentions when he addressed his intended bride in an injured tone: "A very dangerous dog that, Miss Keeldar.


I wonder you should keep such an animal."


Perhaps you will wonder more when I tell you I am very fond of him."


"I should say you are not serious in the assertion.


Can't fancy a lady fond of that brute--'tis so ugly--a mere carter's dog.

A lady fond of that ugly brute - a mere carter's dog!


"And purchase in his stead some sweetly pooty pug or poodle--something appropriate to the fair sex.

"And purchase instead some pug or poodle.


"Tartar frightened you terribly, Mr. Donne.


He gave me a turn I shall not soon forget.


When I _sor_ him" (such was Mr. Donne's pronunciation) "about to spring, I thought I should have fainted."

When I saw him about to spring, I thought I should have fainted."


"Perhaps you did faint in the bedroom; you were a long time there."


"No; I bore up that I might hold the door fast.


I was determined not to let any one enter.


I thought I would keep a barrier between me and the enemy."


"But what if your friend Mr. Malone had been worried?"


Your man persuaded me to come out at last by saying the dog was chained up in his kennel.


If I had not been assured of this, I would have remained all day in the chamber.


And indeed Tartar walked past the glass door opening to the garden, stiff, tawny, and black-muzzled as ever.

And indeed Tartar walked past the garden door.


He was growling again, and whistling a half-strangled whistle, being an inheritance from the bulldog side of his ancestry.


"There are other visitors coming," observed Shirley, with that provoking coolness which the owners of formidable-looking dogs are apt to show while their animals are all bristle and bay.

"There are other visitors coming," observed Shirley, with the provoking coolness which the owners of formidable-looking dogs tend to show while their animals are all bristle and bay.


Tartar sprang down the pavement towards the gate, bellowing _avec explosion_.

Tartar sprang towards the gate, bellowing.


His mistress quietly opened the glass door, and stepped out chirruping to him.

His mistress quietly opened the glass door, and stepped out to him.


His bellow was already silenced, and he was lifting up his huge, blunt, stupid head to the new callers to be patted.

His bellow was already silenced, and he was lifting up his huge, blunt head to the new callers to be patted.


said a cheery, rather boyish voice, "don't you know us?


And little Mr. Sweeting, whose conscious good nature made him comparatively fearless of man, woman, child, or brute, came through the gate, caressing the guardian.

And little Mr. Sweeting, who was fearless of man, woman or brute, came through the gate, caressing the dog.


He had no fear of Tartar either, and Tartar had no ill-will to him.


He snuffed both the gentlemen round, and then, as if concluding that they were harmless, and might be allowed to pass, he withdrew to the sunny front of the hall, leaving the archway free.

Tartar snuffed both the gentlemen, and then, as if concluding that they were harmless, he withdrew to the sunny front of the hall.


Mr. Sweeting followed, and would have played with him; but Tartar took no notice of his caresses.


It was only his mistress's hand whose touch gave him pleasure; to all others he showed himself obstinately insensible.


Shirley advanced to meet Messrs. Hall and Sweeting, shaking hands with them cordially.

Shirley advanced to greet Messrs. Hall and Sweeting cordially.


They were come to tell her of certain successes they had achieved that morning in applications for subscriptions to the fund.

They were come to tell her of successes they had achieved that morning in asking for subscriptions to the fund.


Mr. Hall's eyes beamed benignantly through his spectacles, his plain face looked positively handsome with goodness; and when Caroline, seeing who was come, ran out to meet him, and put both her hands into his, he gazed down on her with a gentle, serene, affectionate expression that gave him the aspect of a smiling Melanchthon.

Mr. Hall's eyes beamed, his plain face positively handsome with goodness; and when Caroline ran out to meet him, and put both her hands into his, he gazed on her with gentle affection.


Instead of re-entering the house, they strayed through the garden, the ladies walking one on each side of Mr. Hall.


It was a breezy sunny day; the air freshened the girls' cheeks and gracefully dishevelled their ringlets.

It was a breezy, sunny day; the air freshened the girls' cheeks and gracefully dishevelled their ringlets.


Mr. Hall spoke oftenest to his brilliant companion, looked most frequently at the quiet one.

Mr. Hall spoke oftenest to his brilliant companion, and looked most frequently at the quiet one.


Miss Keeldar gathered handfuls of the profusely blooming flowers whose perfume filled the enclosure.

Miss Keeldar gathered handfuls of flowers


She gave some to Caroline, telling her to choose a nosegay for Mr. Hall; and with her lap filled with delicate and splendid blossoms, Caroline sat down on the steps of a summer-house.

and gave some to Caroline, telling her to choose a nosegay for Mr. Hall; and with her lap filled with delicate blossoms, Caroline sat down on the steps of the summer-house.


The vicar stood near her, leaning on his cane.


Shirley, who could not be inhospitable, now called out the neglected pair in the oak parlour.

Shirley now called out the neglected pair in the oak parlour.


She convoyed Donne past his dread enemy Tartar, who, with his nose on his fore paws, lay snoring under the meridian sun.

She led Donne past his dread enemy Tartar, who, with his nose on his paws, lay snoring under the noon sun.


Donne was not grateful--he never _was_ grateful for kindness and attention--but he was glad of the safeguard.

Donne was not grateful, but he was glad of the safeguard.


Miss Keeldar, desirous of being impartial, offered the curates flowers.

Miss Keeldar, wishing to be impartial, offered the curates flowers.


They accepted them with native awkwardness.


Malone seemed specially at a loss, when a bouquet filled one hand, while his shillelah occupied the other.

awkwardly; Malone seemed specially at a loss, with a bouquet filling one hand, and his shillelagh in the other.


It was the most fatuous and arrogant of sounds, implying that he considered this offering a homage to his merits, and an attempt on the part of the heiress to ingratiate herself into his priceless affections.

implied that he considered this offering a homage to his merits, and an attempt by the heiress to ingratiate herself into his priceless affections.


Sweeting alone received the posy like a smart, sensible little man, as he was, putting it gallantly and nattily into his buttonhole.

Sweeting alone received the posy like the sensible little man he was, putting it gallantly into his buttonhole.


As a reward for his good manners, Miss Keeldar, beckoning him apart, gave him some commission, which made his eyes sparkle with glee.

As a reward, Miss Keeldar gave him an errand which made his eyes sparkle with glee.


Away he flew, round by the courtyard to the kitchen.


No need to give him directions; he was always at home everywhere.


Ere long he reappeared, carrying a round table, which he placed under the cedar; then he collected six garden-chairs from various nooks and bowers in the grounds, and placed them in a circle.

Ere long he reappeared, carrying a round table, which he placed under the cedar; then he collected six garden-chairs from various nooks, and placed them in a circle.


The parlour-maid--Miss Keeldar kept no footman--came out, bearing a napkin-covered tray.


Sweeting's nimble fingers aided in disposing glasses, plates, knives, and forks; he assisted her too in setting forth a neat luncheon, consisting of cold chicken, ham, and tarts.

and Sweeting aided her in setting out plates, knives, and forks, and a neat luncheon of cold chicken, ham, and tarts.


This sort of impromptu regale it was Shirley's delight to offer any chance guests; and nothing pleased her better than to have an alert, obliging little friend, like Sweeting, to run about her hand, cheerily receive and briskly execute her hospitable hints.


David and she were on the best terms in the world; and his devotion to the heiress was quite disinterested, since it prejudiced in nothing his faithful allegiance to the magnificent Dora Sykes.

were on the best terms in the world; and his devotion to the heiress was quite disinterested, for it did not affect his faithful allegiance to the magnificent Dora Sykes.


Donne and Malone, indeed, contributed but little to its vivacity, the chief part they played in it being what concerned the knife, fork, and wine-glass; but where four such natures as Mr. Hall, David Sweeting, Shirley, and Caroline were assembled in health and amity, on a green lawn, under a sunny sky, amidst a wilderness of flowers, there could not be ungenial dullness.

Donne and Malone contributed little to its vivacity, being busy with fork and wine-glass; but with four such natures as Mr. Hall, David Sweeting, Shirley and Caroline assembled on a green lawn, under a sunny sky, amidst a wilderness of flowers, there could not be dullness.


In the course of conversation Mr. Hall reminded the ladies that Whitsuntide was approaching, when the grand united Sunday-school tea-drinking and procession of the three parishes of Briarfield, Whinbury, and Nunnely were to take place.


Caroline, he knew, would be at her post as teacher, he said, and he hoped Miss Keeldar would not be wanting.

Caroline, he knew, would be at her post as teacher, and he hoped Miss Keeldar


He hoped she would make her first public appearance amongst them at that time.


Shirley was not the person to miss an occasion of this sort.


She liked festive excitement, a gathering of happiness, a concentration and combination of pleasant details, a throng of glad faces, a muster of elated hearts.

She liked festive gatherings, a throng of glad faces, and


She told Mr. Hall they might count on her with security.


She did not know what she would have to do, but they might dispose of her as they pleased.

She did not know what she would have to do, but they might order her as they pleased.


"And," said Caroline, "you will promise to come to my table, and to sit near me, Mr. Hall?"

"And," said Caroline, "you will promise to sit at my table, Mr. Hall?"


"I shall not fail, _Deo volente_," said he.--"I have occupied the place on her right hand at these monster tea-drinkings for the last six years," he proceeded, turning to Miss Keeldar.

"I shall not fail, " said he. "I have sat at her right hand at these monster tea-drinkings for the last six years," he continued, turning to Miss Keeldar.


"They made her a Sunday-school teacher when she was a little girl of twelve.


She is not particularly self-confident by nature, as you may have observed; and the first time she had to 'take a tray,' as the phrase is, and make tea in public, there was some piteous trembling and flushing.

The first time she had to make tea in public, there was some piteous trembling and flushing.


I observed the speechless panic, the cups shaking in the little hand, and the overflowing teapot filled too full from the urn.

I observed the speechless panic, the cups shaking in the little hand, and the overflowing teapot.


I came to her aid, took a seat near her, managed the urn and the slop-basin, and in fact made the tea for her like any old woman."

I came to her aid, managed the urn, and in fact made the tea for her like any old woman."


"I was very grateful to you," interposed Caroline.


You told me so with an earnest sincerity that repaid me well, inasmuch as it was not like the majority of little ladies of twelve, whom you may help and caress for ever without their evincing any quicker sense of the kindness done and meant than if they were made of wax and wood instead of flesh and nerves.--She kept close to me, Miss Keeldar, the rest of the evening, walking with me over the grounds where the children were playing; she followed me into the vestry when all were summoned into church; she would, I believe, have mounted with me to the pulpit, had I not taken the previous precaution of conducting her to the rectory pew."

"You told me so with an earnest sincerity that repaid me well, for it was not like the manner of most little ladies of twelve. She kept close to me, Miss Keeldar, the rest of the evening, walking with me over the grounds where the children were playing; she followed me into the vestry when all were summoned into church; she would, I believe, have mounted with me to the pulpit, had I not taken the precaution of conducting her to her pew."


"And he has been my friend ever since," said Caroline.


"And always sat at her table, near her tray, and handed the cups--that is the extent of my services.

"And always sat at her table, and handed the cups.


The next thing I do for her will be to marry her some day to some curate or mill-owner.--But mind, Caroline, I shall inquire about the bridegroom's character; and if he is not a gentleman likely to render happy the little girl who walked with me hand in hand over Nunnely Common, I will not officiate.

The next thing I do for her will be to marry her one day to some curate or mill-owner. - But mind, Caroline, I shall inquire about the bridegroom's character; and if he is not a gentleman likely to make you happy, I will not officiate.


I shall live single, like your sister Margaret, Mr. Hall."


She has her books for a pleasure, and her brother for a care, and is content.


If ever you want a home, if the day should come when Briarfield rectory is yours no longer, come to Nunnely vicarage.


Should the old maid and bachelor be still living, they will make you tenderly welcome."


Now," said Caroline, who had kept the nosegay she had selected for him till this moment, "_you_ don't care for a bouquet, but you must give it to Margaret; only--to be sentimental for once--keep that little forget-me-not, which is a wild flower I gathered from the grass; and--to be still more sentimental--let me take two or three of the blue blossoms and put them in my souvenir."

Now," said Caroline, "you don't care for a bouquet, but you must give it to Margaret; only, to be sentimental for a moment, keep that little wild forget-me-not, and to be still more sentimental - let me take two or three of the blue blossoms and put them in my souvenir book."


And she took out a small book with enamelled cover and silver clasp, wherein, having opened it, she inserted the flowers, writing round them in pencil, "To be kept for the sake of the Rev. Cyril Hall, my friend.

And she took out a small book with a silver clasp, wherein she inserted the flowers, writing round them in pencil, "To be kept for the sake of the Rev. Cyril Hall, my friend.


The Rev. Cyril Hall, on his part, also placed a sprig in safety between the leaves of a pocket Testament.

The Rev. Cyril Hall, on his part, placed a sprig in safety between the leaves of a pocket Testament.


He only wrote on the margin, "Caroline."


"Now," said he, smiling, "I trust we are romantic enough.


Miss Keeldar," he continued (the curates, by-the-bye, during this conversation, were too much occupied with their own jokes to notice what passed at the other end of the table), "I hope you are laughing at this trait of '_exaltation_' in the old gray-headed vicar; but the fact is, I am so used to comply with the requests of this young friend of yours, I don't know how to refuse her when she tells me to do anything.

Miss Keeldar, I hope you are laughing at this; but the fact is, I am so used to comply with the requests of this young friend, I don't know how to refuse her.


You would say it is not much in my way to traffic with flowers and forget-me-nots; but, you see, when requested to be sentimental, I am obedient."

When requested to be sentimental, I obey."


"He is naturally rather sentimental," remarked Caroline.

"Margaret told me he is naturally sentimental," remarked Caroline


"Margaret told me so, and I know what pleases him."


Yes; that is one of my greatest pleasures.


May God long preserve to you the blessings of peace and innocence!


By which phrase I mean _comparative_ innocence; for in His sight, I am well aware, _none_ are pure.

I mean comparative innocence; for in His sight, I am well aware, none are pure.


What to our human perceptions looks spotless as we fancy angels, is to Him but frailty, needing the blood of His Son to cleanse, and the strength of His Spirit to sustain.

All have faults and frailty, needing the strength of His Spirit.


Let us each and all cherish humility--I, as you, my young friends; and we may well do it when we look into our own hearts, and see there temptations, inconsistencies, propensities, even we blush to recognize.

Let us all cherish humility, when we look into our own hearts, and see there temptations which we blush to recognize.


And it is not youth, nor good looks, nor grace, nor any gentle outside charm which makes either beauty or goodness in God's eyes.--Young ladies, when your mirror or men's tongues flatter you, remember that, in the sight of her Maker, Mary Ann Ainley--a woman whom neither glass nor lips have ever panegyrized--is fairer and better than either of you.

It is not youth, nor good looks, nor any outer charm which makes beauty or goodness in God's eyes. In the sight of her Maker, Mary Ann Ainley is fairer and better than either of


She is indeed," he added, after a pause--"she is indeed.


You young things, wrapt up in yourselves and in earthly hopes, scarcely live as Christ lived.

you young things, wrapt up in yourselves and in earthly hopes.


Perhaps you cannot do it yet, while existence is so sweet and earth so smiling to you; it would be too much to expect.


She, with meek heart and due reverence, treads close in her Redeemer's steps."

She, with meekness and reverence, treads close in her Redeemer's steps."


Here the harsh voice of Donne broke in on the mild tones of Mr. Hall.


he began, clearing his throat evidently for a speech of some importance--"ahem!

he began, clearing his throat importantly. "Ahem!


Miss Keeldar, your attention an instant, if you please."


"Well," said Shirley nonchalantly, "what is it?


"I hope part of you is hand also," returned Donne, in his vulgarly presumptuous and familiar style, "and part purse.

"I hope part of you is hand also," returned Donne, "and part purse.


It is to the hand and purse I propose to appeal.


I came here this morning with a view to beg of you----"


"You should have gone to Mrs. Gill; she is my almoner."


"To beg of you a subscription to a school.

to beg of you a subscription to a school.


I and Dr. Boultby intend to erect one in the hamlet of Ecclefigg, which is under our vicarage of Whinbury.

I and Dr. Boultby intend to erect one in the hamlet of Ecclefigg.


They have a chapel there, and we want to dispute the ground."


"But I have nothing to do with Ecclefigg.


Then aloud, "I am a churchwoman, certainly."


"Then you can't refuse to contribute in this case.


The population of Ecclefigg are a parcel of brutes; we want to civilize them."


"You won't fail through lack of sympathy with your flock."


"I hope not--I expect success; but we must have money.

"I expect success; but we must have money.


When asked for money, Shirley rarely held back.


After the 300 she had lately given, and the many smaller sums she was giving constantly, it was as much as she could at present afford.


Donne looked at it, declared the subscription "shabby," and clamorously demanded more.

Donne looked at it, declared the amount "shabby," and loudly demanded more.


Miss Keeldar flushed up with some indignation and more astonishment.

Miss Keeldar flushed up with indignation and astonishment.


"At present I shall give no more," said she.


Why, I expected you to head the list with a cool hundred.

Why, with your property, I expected you to head the list with a cool hundred.


With your property, you should never put down a signature for less."


"In the south," went on Donne, "a lady with a thousand a year would be ashamed to give five pounds for a public object."


Shirley, so rarely haughty, looked so now.


Her slight frame became nerved; her distinguished face quickened with scorn.

Her slight frame tensed; her face quickened with scorn.


"Reproach in return for bounty is misplaced."


"I do; and bounty which, had I not given it to Dr. Boultby's intended school, of the erection of which I approve, and in no sort to his curate, who seems ill-advised in his manner of applying for, or rather extorting, subscriptions--bounty, I repeat, which, but for this consideration, I should instantly reclaim."

"I do. If I had not given it to Dr. Boultby's intended school, the building of which I approve, and in no way to his ill-mannered curate - but for this, I should instantly reclaim it."


He did not feel all or half that the tone, air, glance of the speaker expressed.


"Wretched place this Yorkshire," he went on.

"Wretched place, this Yorkshire," he went on.


"I could never have formed an idea_r_ of the country had I not seen it.


And the people--rich and poor--what a set!


Shirley leaned forwards on the table, her nostrils dilating a little, her taper fingers interlaced and compressing each other hard.

Shirley leaned forwards on the table, her fingers interlaced and compressing each other hard.


"The rich," pursued the infatuated and unconscious Donne, "are a parcel of misers, never living as persons with their incomes ought to live.

"The rich," pursued the unconscious Donne, "are a parcel of misers.


You scarsley"--(you must excuse Mr. Donne's pronunciation, reader; it was very choice; he considered it genteel, and prided himself on his southern accent; northern ears received with singular sensations his utterance of certain words)--"you scarsley ever see a fam'ly where a propa carriage or a reg'la butla is kep; and as to the poor--just look at them when they come crowding about the church doors on the occasion of a marriage or a funeral, clattering in clogs; the men in their shirt-sleeves and wool-combers' aprons, the women in mob-caps and bed-gowns.

You scarcely ever see a family where a proper carriage or butler is kept; and as to the poor - clattering in clogs; the men in their shirt-sleeves, the women in mob-caps and bed-gowns.


They positively deserve that one should turn a mad cow in amongst them to rout their rabble-ranks.

They positively deserve that one should turn a mad cow amongst them to rout them.


you have reached the climax," said Shirley quietly.


"You have reached the climax," she repeated, turning her glowing glance towards him.


"You cannot go beyond it, and," she added with emphasis, "you _shall_ not, in my house."

"You cannot go beyond it, and," she added with emphasis, "you shall not, in my house."


Up she rose--nobody could control her now, for she was exasperated--straight she walked to her garden gates, wide she flung them open.

Up she rose, walked to her garden gates, and flung them wide open.


"Walk through," she said austerely, "and pretty quickly, and set foot on this pavement no more."

"Walk through quickly," she said austerely, "and set foot on this pavement no more."


He had thought all the time he was showing himself off to high advantage, as a lofty-souled person of the first "ton;" he imagined he was producing a crushing impression.

He had thought he was showing himself off to high advantage, as a lofty-souled person of the first "ton"; he imagined he was producing a crushing impression.


Had he not expressed disdain of everything in Yorkshire?


What more conclusive proof could be given that he was better than anything there?


And yet here was he about to be turned like a dog out of a Yorkshire garden!

And yet here was he about to be turned out like a dog out of a garden!


Where, under such circumstances, was the "concatenation accordingly"?


Were you an archbishop you have proved yourself no gentleman, and must go.

Were you an archbishop you have proved yourself no gentleman, and you must go.


Besides, Tartar was again rising; he perceived symptoms of a commotion; he manifested a disposition to join in.

Besides, Tartar was again rising; he perceived symptoms of a commotion.


There was evidently nothing for it but to go, and Donne made his exodus, the heiress sweeping him a deep curtsy as she closed the gates on him.

There was nothing for it but to go, and Donne made his exit, the heiress sweeping him a deep curtsy as she closed the gates on him.


"How dare the pompous priest abuse his flock!


How dare the lisping cockney revile Yorkshire!"


was her sole observation on the circumstance, as she returned to the table.

was her sole observation, as she returned to the table.


Ere long the little party broke up; Miss Keeldar's ruffled and darkened brow, curled lip, and incensed eye gave no invitation to further social enjoyment.

Before long the little party broke up; Miss Keeldar's ruffled and darkened brow, curled lip, and incensed eye gave no invitation to further social enjoyment.


In Shirley's nature prevailed at times an easy indolence.

Shirley enjoyed at times an easy indolence.

Chapter 13: FURTHER COMMUNICATIONS ON BUSINESS


There were periods when she took delight in perfect vacancy of hand and eye--moments when her thoughts, her simple existence, the fact of the world being around and heaven above her, seemed to yield her such fullness of happiness that she did not need to lift a finger to increase the joy.

There were periods when she took delight in thinking and doing nothing - moments when her simple existence, with the world around and heaven above her, seemed to give her such happiness that she did not need to lift a finger to increase the joy.


Often, after an active morning, she would spend a sunny afternoon in lying stirless on the turf, at the foot of some tree of friendly umbrage.

Often, after an active morning, she would spend a sunny afternoon lying on the turf, in the shade of a tree.


No society did she need but that of Caroline, and it sufficed if she were within call; no spectacle did she ask but that of the deep blue sky, and such cloudlets as sailed afar and aloft across its span; no sound but that of the bee's hum, the leaf's whisper.

No society did she need but Caroline's; no spectacle did she ask but the deep blue sky, and such cloudlets as sailed across it; no sound but the bee's hum, the leaf's whisper.


Her sole book in such hours was the dim chronicle of memory or the sibyl page of anticipation.

Her sole book in such hours was the dim chronicle of memory, or the page of blissful anticipation


From her young eyes fell on each volume a glorious light to read by; round her lips at moments played a smile which revealed glimpses of the tale or prophecy.


Fate had been benign to the blissful dreamer, and promised to favour her yet again.


In her past were sweet passages, in her future rosy hopes.


Yet one day when Caroline drew near to rouse her, thinking she had lain long enough, behold, as she looked down, Shirley's cheek was wet as if with dew; those fine eyes of hers shone humid and brimming.

Yet one such day when Caroline looked down at her, Shirley's cheek was wet.


asked Caroline, involuntarily laying stress on _you_.


Miss Keeldar smiled, and turned her picturesque head towards the questioner.

Miss Keeldar smiled, and turned her picturesque head.


"Because it pleases me mightily to cry," she said.


But why, you good, patient child--why do you not bear me company?

But you good, patient child - why do you not cry too?


I only weep tears, delightful and soon wiped away; you might weep gall, if you choose."

I only weep tears; you might weep gall, if you choose."


"And are not you too mateless, Shirley?"


But Shirley only laughed gaily at this question, and alertly started up.

But Shirley only laughed gaily at this question, and started up.


"I have dreamed," she said, "a mere day-dream--certainly bright, probably baseless!"

"I have dreamed a mere day-dream, bright and baseless!"


Miss Helstone was by this time free enough from illusions: she took a sufficiently grave view of the future, and fancied she knew pretty well how her own destiny and that of some others were tending.

Miss Helstone was by this time free from illusions: she fancied she knew pretty well where her own destiny and that of some others were leading.


Yet old associations retained their influence over her, and it was these and the power of habit which still frequently drew her of an evening to the field-style and the old thorn overlooking the Hollow.

Yet she was still frequently drawn of an evening to the field-stile overlooking the Hollow.


One night, the night after the incident of the note, she had been at her usual post, watching for her beacon--watching vainly: that evening no lamp was lit.

On the night after the incident of the note, she had been there, watching for her beacon - watching vainly: no lamp was lit.


She waited till the rising of certain constellations warned her of lateness and signed her away.


In passing Fieldhead, on her return, its moonlight beauty attracted her glance, and stayed her step an instant.

turned for home; in passing Fieldhead, its moonlight beauty attracted her glance.


Tree and hall rose peaceful under the night sky and clear full orb; pearly paleness gilded the building; mellow brown gloom bosomed it round; shadows of deep green brooded above its oak-wreathed roof.

Tree and hall rose peaceful under the moon; pearly paleness gilded the building.


The broad pavement in front shone pale also; it gleamed as if some spell had transformed the dark granite to glistering Parian.

The broad pavement in front shone pale also, gleaming as if some spell had transformed the dark granite to marble.


On the silvery space slept two sable shadows, thrown sharply defined from two human figures.

On the silvery space were two human figures,


These figures when first seen were motionless and mute; presently they moved in harmonious step, and spoke low in harmonious key.

at first motionless and mute; presently they moved in step, and spoke low.


Earnest was the gaze that scrutinized them as they emerged from behind the trunk of the cedar.


Who else has a shape so lithe, and proud, and graceful?


And her face, too, is visible--her countenance careless and pensive, and musing and mirthful, and mocking and tender.

And her face, too, is visible - careless and pensive, mocking and tender.


Not fearing the dew, she has not covered her head; her curls are free--they veil her neck and caress her shoulder with their tendril rings.

Her curls caress her shoulder with their tendril rings.


An ornament of gold gleams through the half-closed folds of the scarf she has wrapped across her bust, and a large bright gem glitters on the white hand which confines it.


Her companion then is, of course, Mrs. Pryor?


Yes, if Mrs. Pryor owns six feet of stature, and if she has changed her decent widow's weeds for masculine disguise.

Yes, if Mrs. Pryor is six feet tall, and is wearing men's clothes.


The figure walking at Miss Keeldar's side is a man--a tall, young, stately man; it is her tenant, Robert Moore.

The figure walking at Miss Keeldar's side is a tall young man; it is her tenant, Robert Moore.


The pair speak softly; their words are not distinguishable.

The pair speak softly - Caroline cannot hear them.


To remain a moment to gaze is not to be an eavesdropper; and as the moon shines so clearly and their countenances are so distinctly apparent, who can resist the attraction of such interest?


Caroline, it seems, cannot, for she lingers.


There was a time when, on summer nights, Moore had been wont to walk with his cousin, as he was now walking with the heiress.

There was a time when, on summer nights, Moore used to walk with his cousin


Often had she gone up the Hollow with him after sunset, to scent the freshness of the earth, where a growth of fragrant herbage carpeted a certain narrow terrace, edging a deep ravine, from whose rifted gloom was heard a sound like the spirit of the lonely watercourse, moaning amongst its wet stones, and between its weedy banks, and under its dark bower of alders.


"But I used to be closer to him," thought Caroline.


"He felt no obligation to treat me with homage; I needed only kindness.


He used to hold my hand; he does not touch hers.

he used to hold my hand," thought Caroline; "he does not touch hers.


And yet Shirley is not proud where she loves.


There is no haughtiness in her aspect now, only a little in her port--what is natural to and inseparable from her, what she retains in her most careless as in her most guarded moments.


Robert must think, as I think, that he is at this instant looking down on a fine face; and he must think it with a man's brain, not with mine.


She has such generous yet soft fire in her eyes.

she has such generous yet soft fire in her eyes.


She smiles--what makes her smile so sweet?

She smiles - what makes her smile so sweet?


I saw that Robert felt its beauty, and he must have felt it with his man's heart, not with my dim woman's perceptions.


They look to me like two great happy spirits.


Yonder silvered pavement reminds me of that white shore we believe to be beyond the death-flood.

on a silver shore, beyond the death-flood.


They have reached it; they walk there united.


And what am I, standing here in shadow, shrinking into concealment, my mind darker than my hiding-place?

And what am I, standing here in shadow and concealment, my mind darker than my hiding-place?


I am one of this world, no spirit--a poor doomed mortal, who asks, in ignorance and hopelessness, wherefore she was born, to what end she lives; whose mind for ever runs on the question, how she shall at last encounter, and by whom be sustained through death.

I am one of this world - a poor doomed mortal, who asks hopelessly why she was born, why she lives.


"This is the worst passage I have come to yet; still I was quite prepared for it.

"This is the worst time I have come to yet; still I am prepared for it.


I gave Robert up, and gave him up to Shirley, the first day I heard she was come, the first moment I saw her--rich, youthful, and lovely.

I gave Robert up to Shirley, the first moment I saw her - rich, youthful, and lovely.


She will be far more his darling yet when they are married.


The more Robert knows of Shirley the more his soul will cleave to her.


They will both be happy, and I do not grudge them their bliss; but I groan under my own misery.

, they will both be happy, and I do not grudge them their bliss; but I groan under my own acute misery.


Truly I ought not to have been born; they should have smothered me at the first cry."


Here, Shirley stepping aside to gather a dewy flower, she and her companion turned into a path that lay nearer the gate.

Here, Shirley and her companion turned toward the gate,


Some of their conversation became audible.

and some of their conversation became audible.


She passed away noiselessly, and the moonlight kissed the wall which her shadow had dimmed.


The reader is privileged to remain, and try what he can make of the discourse.

The reader, however, may remain and hear.


"I cannot conceive why nature did not give you a bulldog's head, for you have all a bulldog's tenacity," said Shirley.

"I cannot imagine why nature did not give you a bulldog's head, for you have a bulldog's tenacity," said Shirley.


"And something also you have of the same animal's silent ways of going about its work.

"And also you have the bulldog's silent way of


You give no warning; you come noiselessly behind, seize fast, and hold on."

coming up noiselessly behind, to seize fast, and hold on."


You have witnessed no such feat on my part.


In your presence I have been no bulldog."


How little you talk in general, yet how deeply you scheme!

How little you talk, yet how deeply you scheme!"


You are far-seeing; you are calculating."


I have gathered information of their intentions.


My note last night informed you that Barraclough's trial had ended in his conviction and sentence to transportation.


I shall lay my plans so as to counteract or at least be prepared for theirs--that is all.

I shall lay my plans: I shall be prepared - that is all.


Having now given you as clear an explanation as I can, am I to understand that for what I propose doing I have your approbation?"


"I shall stand by you so long as you remain on the defensive.

"I shall stand by you so long as you are defending yourself."


Without any aid--even opposed or disapproved by you--I believe I should have acted precisely as I now intend to act, but in another spirit.

said Moore. "Even if you disapproved, I believe I should act the same way; but


You relish the work which lies before you still better than you would relish the execution of a government order for army-cloth."


It is true there is a shade of difference in your motives--many shades, perhaps.


Your judgment, Miss Keeldar, will guide you accurately.


I could rely on it myself in a more difficult crisis.


But I should inform you Mr. Helstone is somewhat prejudiced against me at present."

But I should inform you that Mr. Helstone is somewhat prejudiced against me."


"I am aware--I have heard all about your differences.

"I have heard all about your differences.


He cannot resist the temptation of an alliance under present circumstances."


"I should be glad to have him; he is of true metal."


"An old blade, and rusty somewhat, but the edge and temper still excellent."

An old blade, and rusty somewhat, but the edge still excellent."


"Well, you shall have him, Mr. Moore--that is, if I can win him."

"Well, you shall have him, Mr. Moore, if I can win him.


"Perhaps not the rector; but I will make the effort."


It will cost me several cups of tea, some toast and cake, and an ample measure of remonstrances, expostulations, and persuasions.

It will cost me several cups of tea, toast and cake, and an ample measure of persuasion.


Yet it is so calm--I even feel it warm--and society such as yours is a pleasure to me so rare.

Yet it is so calm - I even feel warm - and society such as yours is a rare pleasure to me.


If you were wrapped in a thicker shawl----"

If you were wrapped in a thicker shawl-"


"I might stay longer, and forget how late it is, which would chagrin Mrs. Pryor.

"I might stay longer, and forget how late it is, which would dismay Mrs. Pryor.


We keep early and regular hours at Fieldhead, Mr. Moore; and so, I am sure, does your sister at the cottage."

We keep early hours at Fieldhead, Mr. Moore; and so, I am sure, does your sister at the cottage."


"Yes; but Hortense and I have an understanding the most convenient in the world, that we shall each do as we please."

"Yes; but Hortense and I have an understanding that we shall each do as we please.


"Three nights in the week I sleep in the mill--but I require little rest--and when it is moonlight and mild I often haunt the Hollow till daybreak."

Three nights a week I sleep in the mill; when it is moonlight and mild, I often haunt the Hollow till daybreak."


"When I was a very little girl, Mr. Moore, my nurse used to tell me tales of fairies being seen in that Hollow.


That was before my father built the mill, when it was a perfectly solitary ravine.


"I fear it is done," said Moore, in a low voice.


"But there are worse things than fairies to be guarded against," pursued Miss Keeldar.


For instance, how would you like to meet Michael Hartley, that mad Calvinist and Jacobin weaver?


They say he is addicted to poaching, and often goes abroad at night with his gun."

They say he is a poacher, and often goes abroad at night with his gun."


"I have already had the luck to meet him.


We held a long argument together one night.


A strange little incident it was; I liked it."


"In the deepest, shadiest spot in the glen, where the water runs low, under brushwood.

"In the deepest spot in the glen," said Moore.


It was moonlight, but clouded, and very windy.


I think the moon was at the full, and Michael was as near crazed as possible.


He uttered strange blasphemy in his Antinomian fashion."


"Excuse me, but I think you must have been nearly as mad as he, to sit listening to him."


"There is a wild interest in his ravings.

there was a wild interest in his ravings.


The man would be half a poet, if he were not wholly a maniac; and perhaps a prophet, if he were not a profligate.

The man would be half a poet, if he were not wholly a maniac.


He solemnly informed me that hell was foreordained my inevitable portion; that he read the mark of the beast on my brow; that I had been an outcast from the beginning.

He solemnly informed me that hell was waiting for me, and that he read the mark of the beast on my brow.


God's vengeance, he said, was preparing for me, and affirmed that in a vision of the night he had beheld the manner and the instrument of my doom.

He said he had beheld the manner of my doom, and


I wanted to know further, but he left me with these words, 'The end is not yet.'"


"About a month afterwards, in returning from market, I encountered him and Moses Barraclough, both in an advanced stage of inebriation.

"About a month afterwards, in returning from market, I met him and Moses Barraclough, both drunk.


They were praying in frantic sort at the roadside.


They accosted me as Satan, bid me avaunt, and clamoured to be delivered from temptation.

They accosted me as Satan, and bid me flee.


Again, but a few days ago, Michael took the trouble of appearing at the counting-house door, hatless, in his shirt-sleeves--his coat and castor having been detained at the public-house in pledge.

Then just a few days ago, Michael appeared at my counting-house door, in his shirt-sleeves.


He delivered himself of the comfortable message that he could wish Mr. Moore to set his house in order, as his soul was likely shortly to be required of him."

He delivered the comforting message that he wished Mr. Moore to set his house in order, as his soul was likely shortly to be required."


"The poor man had been drinking for weeks, and was in a state bordering on delirium tremens."


He is the more likely to attempt the fulfilment of his own prophecies."

he is the more likely to try to fulfil his own prophecies.


"It would not do to permit incidents of this sort to affect one's nerves."


"Pass straight down the fields, not round by the lade and plantations."


Will you promise me not to wander in the Hollow to-night?"

Will you promise me not to wander in the Hollow tonight?"


May I ask whether you consider life valueless?"


On the contrary, of late I regard my life as invaluable."

"On the contrary, of late I regard my life as invaluable.


"Existence is neither aimless nor hopeless to me now, and it was both three months ago.

Existence is neither aimless nor hopeless to me now," said Moore, "and it was both three months ago.


I was then drowning, and rather wished the operation over.


All at once a hand was stretched to me--such a delicate hand I scarcely dared trust it; its strength, however, has rescued me from ruin."

All at once a hand was stretched to me - such a delicate hand I scarcely dared trust it; its strength, however, has rescued me from ruin."


Your assistance has given me another chance."


Don't offer yourself as a target to Michael Hartley; and good-night!"


Miss Helstone was under a promise to spend the evening of the next day at Fieldhead.

Caroline had promised to spend the next evening at Fieldhead.


Some gloomy hours had she spent in the interval.


Most of the time had been passed shut up in her own apartment, only issuing from it, indeed, to join her uncle at meals, and anticipating inquiries from Fanny by telling her that she was busy altering a dress, and preferred sewing upstairs, to avoid interruption.

shut up in her own apartment, only leaving it to join her uncle at meals, and avoiding inquiries from Fanny by telling her that she was busy altering a dress.


She plied her needle continuously, ceaselessly, but her brain worked faster than her fingers.

She plied her needle ceaselessly, but her brain worked faster than her fingers.


Again, and more intensely than ever, she desired a fixed occupation, no matter how onerous, how irksome.

More intensely than ever, she desired a fixed occupation.


Her uncle must be once more entreated, but first she would consult Mrs. Pryor.


Her head laboured to frame projects as diligently as her hands to plait and stitch the thin texture of the muslin summer dress spread on the little white couch at the foot of which she sat.


Now and then, while thus doubly occupied, a tear would fill her eyes and fall on her busy hands; but this sign of emotion was rare and quickly effaced.

make plans: now and then, a tear would fall on her busy hands; but this sign of emotion was rare and quickly effaced.


The sharp pang passed; the dimness cleared from her vision.


She would re-thread her needle, rearrange tuck and trimming, and work on.

She would re-thread her needle, and work on.


Late in the afternoon she dressed herself.


She reached Fieldhead, and appeared in the oak parlour just as tea was brought in.

she reached Fieldhead, and appeared in the oak parlour just as tea was brought in.


"Because I have been making my dress," said she.

"Because I have been making my summer dress," said she.


"These fine sunny days began to make me ashamed of my winter merino, so I have furbished up a lighter garment."


"In which you look as I like to see you," said Shirley.

"In which I will like to see you," said Shirley.


"You are a lady-like little person, Caroline.--Is she not, Mrs. Pryor?"

"You are a lady-like little person, Caroline. Is she not, Mrs. Pryor?"


Mrs. Pryor never paid compliments, and seldom indulged in remarks, favourable or otherwise, on personal appearance.

Mrs. Pryor never paid compliments on personal appearance.


On the present occasion she only swept Caroline's curls from her cheek as she took a seat near her, caressed the oval outline, and observed, "You get somewhat thin, my love, and somewhat pale.

On this occasion she only swept Caroline's curls from her cheek, and observed, "You get somewhat thin, my love, and somewhat pale.


"I sometimes dream melancholy dreams," answered Caroline; "and if I lie awake for an hour or two in the night, I am continually thinking of the rectory as a dreary old place.

"I sometimes dream melancholy dreams," answered Caroline; "and if I lie awake at night, the rectory seems a dreary old place.


You know it is very near the churchyard.


The back part of the house is extremely ancient, and it is said that the out-kitchens there were once enclosed in the churchyard, and that there are graves under them.

, and it is said that there are graves underneath the out-kitchens.


"My dear, you are surely not superstitious?"


"No, Mrs. Pryor; but I think I grow what is called nervous.


I see things under a darker aspect than I used to do.


I have fears I never used to have--not of ghosts, but of omens and disastrous events; and I have an inexpressible weight on my mind which I would give the world to shake off, and I cannot do it."

I have fears I never used to have; and I have an inexpressible weight on my mind which I would give the world to shake off, and I cannot do it."


"Fine weather, pleasant days, pleasant scenes, are powerless to give me pleasure," continued Caroline.

"Fine weather and pleasant scenes give me no pleasure," continued Caroline.


Moonlight, which I used to think mild, now only looks mournful.


Is this weakness of mind, Mrs. Pryor, or what is it?


I reason; but reason and effort make no difference."


"You should take more exercise," said Mrs. Pryor.


"My dear, you should go away from home."


"Mrs. Pryor, I should like to go from home, but not on any purposeless excursion or visit.


I wish to be a governess, as you have been.


It would oblige me greatly if you would speak to my uncle on the subject."


Why should you dream of such a painful step?"


"My dear," said Mrs. Pryor, "you are very young to be a governess, and not sufficiently robust.


The duties a governess undertakes are often severe."


"And I believe I want severe duties to occupy me."

"I believe I want severe duties to occupy me."


I never saw a more industrious girl than you.


Come," she continued--"come and sit by my side, and take some tea to refresh you.

Come, sit by my side, and take some tea.


You don't care much for my friendship, then, that you wish to leave me?"

Don't you care for my friendship, then, that you wish to leave me?"


"Indeed I do, Shirley; and I don't wish to leave you.


I shall never find another friend so dear."


At which words Miss Keeldar put her hand into Caroline's with an impulsively affectionate movement, which was well seconded by the expression of her face.

Miss Keeldar put her hand into Caroline's with impulsive affection.


"If you think so, you had better make much of me," she said, "and not run away from me.

"If you think so, you had better make much of me," she said, "and not run away.


I hate to part with those to whom I am become attached.


Mrs. Pryor there sometimes talks of leaving me, and says I might make a more advantageous connection than herself.

Mrs. Pryor there sometimes talks of leaving me, and says I might find someone more advantageous


I should as soon think of exchanging an old-fashioned mother for something modish and stylish.

, but I should as soon think of exchanging an old-fashioned mother for something modish.


As for you--why, I began to flatter myself we were thoroughly friends; that you liked Shirley almost as well as Shirley likes you, and she does not stint her regard."

As for you - why, I began to flatter myself we were thoroughly friends; that you liked Shirley almost as well as Shirley likes you."


But that does not make me strong or happy."


"And would it make you strong or happy to go and live as a dependent amongst utter strangers?


And the experiment must not be tried; I tell you it would fail.


It is not in your nature to bear the desolate life governesses generally lead; you would fall ill.


And Miss Keeldar paused, having uttered this prohibition very decidedly.

And Miss Keeldar paused, having said this very decidedly.


Soon she recommenced, still looking somewhat _courrouce_, "Why, it is my daily pleasure now to look out for the little cottage bonnet and the silk scarf glancing through the trees in the lane, and to know that my quiet, shrewd, thoughtful companion and monitress is coming back to me; that I shall have her sitting in the room to look at, to talk to or to let alone, as she and I please.

Soon she went on, "Why, it is my daily pleasure now to look out for you, to know that my quiet, shrewd companion and monitress is coming; that I shall have her sitting in the room to look at or to talk to, as we please.


This may be a selfish sort of language--I know it is--but it is the language which naturally rises to my lips, therefore I utter it."


Laugh and be cheerful, and stay at home."


Miss Helstone shook her head and sighed.


She felt what difficulty she would have to persuade any one to assist or sanction her in making that change in her life which she believed desirable.

She felt how difficult it would be to persuade anyone to help her make the change which she believed desirable.


Might she only follow her own judgment, she thought she should be able to find perhaps a harsh but an effectual cure for her sufferings.


But this judgment, founded on circumstances she could fully explain to none, least of all to Shirley, seemed, in all eyes but her own, incomprehensible and fantastic, and was opposed accordingly.

But this cure for circumstances which she could fully explain to none, least of all to Shirley, seemed, in all eyes but her own, incomprehensible.


There really was no present pecuniary need for her to leave a comfortable home and "take a situation;" and there was every probability that her uncle might, in some way, permanently provide for her.

There really was no financial need for her to leave a comfortable home and "take a situation."


So her friends thought, and, as far as their lights enabled them to see, they reasoned correctly; but of Caroline's strange sufferings, which she desired so eagerly to overcome or escape, they had no idea, of her racked nights and dismal days no suspicion.

So her friends thought; but of Caroline's strange sufferings, which she desired so eagerly to escape, they had no idea.


It was at once impossible and hopeless to explain; to wait and endure was her only plan.

It was both impossible and hopeless to explain; to wait and endure was her only plan.


Many that want food and clothing have cheerier lives and brighter prospects than she had; many, harassed by poverty, are in a strait less afflictive.


"I shall not leave it against the approbation of my friends," was the reply; "but I think in time they will be obliged to think as I do."

"I shall not leave it against the approval of my friends," was the reply; "but I think in time they will be obliged to think as I do."


During this conversation Mrs. Pryor looked far from easy.

During this conversation Mrs. Pryor looked uneasy.


Her extreme habitual reserve would rarely permit her to talk freely or to interrogate others closely.

Her extreme habitual reserve would rarely permit her to interrogate others.


She could think a multitude of questions she never ventured to put, give advice in her mind which her tongue never delivered.

She had a multitude of questions she never ventured to put.


Had she been alone with Caroline, she might possibly have said something to the point: Miss Keeldar's presence, accustomed as she was to it, sealed her lips.

Had she been alone with Caroline, she might have spoken: but Miss Keeldar's presence sealed her lips,


Now, as on a thousand other occasions, inexplicable nervous scruples kept her back from interfering.

and nervous scruples kept her from interfering.


She merely showed her concern for Miss Helstone in an indirect way, by asking her if the fire made her too warm, placing a screen between her chair and the hearth, closing a window whence she imagined a draught proceeded, and often and restlessly glancing at her.

She merely showed her concern for Miss Helstone indirectly, by asking her if the fire made her too warm, closing a window whence she imagined a draught blew, and often glancing at her.


Shirley resumed: "Having destroyed your plan," she said, "which I hope I have done, I shall construct a new one of my own.

Shirley resumed. "Having destroyed your plan," she said, "which I hope I have done, I shall construct a new one of my own.


This season I propose spending two months either at the Scotch lochs or the English lakes--that is, I shall go there provided you consent to accompany me.

This season I propose spending two months either at the Scotch lochs or the English lakes - that is, I shall go provided you consent to accompany me.


If you refuse, I shall not stir a foot."


"I would be very good if you would let me.


It is my misfortune and habit, I know, to think of myself paramount to anybody else; but who is not like me in that respect?

I know I think of myself more than anybody else; but who does not?


However, when Captain Keeldar is made comfortable, accommodated with all he wants, including a sensible, genial comrade, it gives him a thorough pleasure to devote his spare efforts to making that comrade happy.

However, when Captain Keeldar is made comfortable, and has a sensible, congenial comrade, it gives him a thorough pleasure to make that comrade happy.


And should we not be happy, Caroline, in the Highlands?

Should we not be happy, Caroline, in the Highlands?


We will, if you can bear a sea-voyage, go to the Isles--the Hebrides, the Shetland, the Orkney Islands.

Or if you can bear a sea-voyage, we can go to the Isles - the Hebrides, Shetland, the Orkney Islands.


Her face is all sunshine at the bare mention of it."

Your face is all sunshine at the mention of it."


"I should like it much," returned Caroline, to whom, indeed, the notion of such a tour was not only pleasant, but gloriously reviving.

"I should like it very much," returned Caroline, to whom, indeed, the notion of such a tour was gloriously reviving.


"Come; I can bestow a benefit," she exclaimed.


I can do a good deed with my cash," she exclaimed.


My thousand a year is not merely a matter of dirty bank-notes and jaundiced guineas (let me speak respectfully of both, though, for I adore them), but, it may be, health to the drooping, strength to the weak, consolation to the sad.

"My thousand a year can bring health to the drooping, and consolation to the sad.


I was determined to make something of it better than a fine old house to live in, than satin gowns to wear, better than deference from acquaintance and homage from the poor.


This summer, Caroline, Mrs. Pryor and I go out into the North Atlantic, beyond the Shetland, perhaps to the Faroe Isles.

This summer, we shall go out into the North Atlantic, beyond the Shetlands, perhaps to the Faroe Isles.


We will see seals in Suderoe, and, doubtless, mermaids in Stromoe.--Caroline is laughing, Mrs. Pryor.

We will see seals and mermaids. Caroline is laughing, Mrs. Pryor.


_I_ made her laugh; _I_ have done her good."


"I shall like to go, Shirley," again said Miss Helstone.

"I shall like to go, Shirley," said Miss Helstone.


"I long to hear the sound of waves--ocean-waves--and to see them as I have imagined them in dreams, like tossing banks of green light, strewed with vanishing and reappearing wreaths of foam, whiter than lilies.

"I long to hear the ocean-waves, and to see them as I have imagined them in dreams, like tossing banks of green light, strewed with vanishing and reappearing wreaths of foam.


I shall delight to pass the shores of those lone rock-islets where the sea-birds live and breed unmolested.

I shall delight to see those lone rock-islets where the sea-birds live unmolested.


We shall be on the track of the old Scandinavians--of the Norsemen.


We shall almost see the shores of Norway.

Vikings; we shall almost see the shores of Norway."


This is a very vague delight that I feel, communicated by your proposal, but it _is_ a delight."