He still stood brooding in silence, when a gentleman in black came up--a clergyman, it might be seen at once, but neither Helstone, nor Malone, nor Donne, nor Sweeting.

He stood brooding in silence, when a gentleman in black came up - a clergyman, but not one we have met before.


He might be forty years old; he was plain-looking, dark-complexioned, and already rather gray-haired.

He was about forty years old; plain-looking, and rather grey-haired.


His countenance, as he came on, wore an abstracted and somewhat doleful air; but in approaching Farren he looked up, and then a hearty expression illuminated the preoccupied, serious face.

He wore an abstracted and somewhat doleful air; but on approaching Farren he looked up with a hearty expression.


Mr. Hall, whose name the reader has seen mentioned before (and who, indeed, was vicar of Nunnely, of which parish Farren was a native, and from whence he had removed but three years ago to reside in Briarfield, for the convenience of being near Hollow's Mill, where he had obtained work), entered the cottage, and having greeted the good-wife and the children, sat down.

Mr. Hall was vicar of Nunnely, from which parish Farren originally came, before he had moved to Briarfield to work in the mill. He entered the cottage, and having greeted the wife and children, sat down.


He proceeded to talk very cheerfully about the length of time that had elapsed since the family quitted his parish, the changes which had occurred since; he answered questions touching his sister Margaret, who was inquired after with much interest; he asked questions in his turn, and at last, glancing hastily and anxiously round through his spectacles (he wore spectacles, for he was short-sighted) at the bare room, and at the meagre and wan faces of the circle about him--for the children had come round his knee, and the father and mother stood before him--he said abruptly,--

He talked very cheerfully about events in his parish since the family had left; he answered questions about his sister Margaret; he asked questions in his turn, and at last, glancing anxiously round at the bare room, and at the faces of the children by his knee, he said abruptly:


Mr. Hall, be it remarked, though an accomplished scholar, not only spoke with a strong northern accent, but, on occasion, used freely north-country expressions.


"We get on poorly," said William; "we're all out of work.


I've selled most o' t' household stuff, as ye may see; and what we're to do next, God knows."


"He has turned us off; and I've sich an opinion of him now that I think if he'd tak me on again to-morrow I wouldn't work for him."

"He has turned us off; and if he'd tak me on again tomorrow I wouldn't work for him."


"It is not like you to say so, William."


"I know it isn't; but I'm getting different to mysel'; I feel I am changing.


I wadn't heed if t' bairns and t' wife had enough to live on; but they're pinched--they're pined----"

T' bairns and t' wife are that pinched-"


"Well, my lad, and so are you; I see you are.


These are grievous times; I see suffering wherever I turn.


And in order the better to talk it over, Mr. Hall lifted the least of the children on to his knee, and placed his hand on the head of the next least; but when the small things began to chatter to him he bade them "Whisht!"

Mr. Hall lifted the smallest child on to his knee, and placed his hand on the head of the next smallest.


and fixing his eyes on the grate, he regarded the handful of embers which burned there very gravely.


"Sad times," he said, "and they last long.


"You've no money, William, and you've nothing you could sell to raise a small sum?"

"You've no money, William, and you've nothing you could sell to raise any?"


I've selled t' chest o' drawers, and t' clock, and t' bit of a mahogany stand, and t' wife's bonny tea-tray and set o' cheeney 'at she brought for a portion when we were wed."

I've selled t' chest o' drawers, and t' clock, and a mahogany stand, and t' wife's bonny tea-tray and set o' wedding chiney."


"And if somebody lent you a pound or two, could you make any good use of it?

"If somebody lent you a pound or two, could you make any good use of it?


Could you get into a new way of doing something?"


Farren did not answer, but his wife said quickly, "Ay, I'm sure he could, sir.


He's a very contriving chap is our William.

He's a very contriving chap, is our William.


If he'd two or three pounds he could begin selling stuff."


"Please God," returned William deliberately, "I could buy groceries, and bits o' tapes, and thread, and what I thought would sell, and I could begin hawking at first."

"Please God," returned William deliberately, "I could buy groceries, and bits o' tapes, and thread, and I could begin hawking at first."


"And you know, sir," interposed Grace, "you're sure William would neither drink, nor idle, nor waste, in any way.

"And you know, sir," interposed Grace, "William would neither drink, nor idle, nor waste, in any way.


He's my husband, and I shouldn't praise him; but I _will_ say there's not a soberer, honester man i' England nor he is."

He's my husband, and I shouldn't praise him; but I will say there's not a soberer, honester man i' England."


"Well, I'll speak to one or two friends, and I think I can promise to let him have 5 in a day or two--as a loan, ye mind, not a gift.

"Well, I'll speak to one or two friends, and I think I can promise to let him have five pounds in a day or two - as a loan, mind, not a gift.


"Meantime, there's a few shillings for you, Grace, just to keep the pot boiling till custom comes.--Now, bairns, stand up in a row and say your catechism, while your mother goes and buys some dinner; for you've not had much to-day, I'll be bound.--You begin, Ben.

"Meantime, there's a few shillings for you, Grace, just to keep the pot boiling. - Now, bairns, stand in a row and say your catechism, while your mother goes and buys some dinner; for you've not had much today, I'll be bound. You begin, Ben."


Mr. Hall stayed till Grace came back; then he hastily took his leave, shaking hands with both Farren and his wife.

Mr. Hall stayed till Grace came back; then he took his leave, shaking hands with both Farren and his wife


Just at the door he said to them a few brief but very earnest words of religious consolation and exhortation.

, and saying a few brief but very earnest words of religious consolation.


"Of course, I know he will marry Shirley," were her first words when she rose in the morning.

Chapter 14: SHIRLEY SEEKS TO BE SAVED BY WORKS


"But I shall be forgotten when they _are_ married," was the cruel succeeding thought.


I shall be wholly forgotten when they are married!


And what--_what_ shall I do when Robert is taken quite from me?

And what shall I do when Robert is quite taken from me?


But I am poverty and incapacity; Shirley is wealth and power.

But I am poverty; Shirley is wealth and power, and


She loves him--not with inferior feelings.


She loves, or _will_ love, as he must feel proud to be loved.


But afterwards I shall be nothing to him.


As for being his sister, and all that stuff, I despise it.


I will either be all or nothing to a man like Robert; no feeble shuffling or false cant is endurable.

I will be all or nothing to a man like Robert.


Once let that pair be united, and I will certainly leave them.

Once that pair is united, I will certainly leave them.


As for lingering about, playing the hypocrite, and pretending to calm sentiments of friendship, when my soul will be wrung with other feelings, I shall not descend to such degradation.


As little could I fill the place of their mutual friend as that of their deadly foe; as little could I stand between them as trample over them.

As little could I fill the place of their mutual friend as that of their deadly foe.


I _have_ loved, _do_ love, and _must___ love him.


I would be his wife if I could; as I cannot, I must go where I shall never see him.


There is but one alternative--to cleave to him as if I were a part of him, or to be sundered from him wide as the two poles of a sphere.--Sunder me then, Providence.


Some such aspirations as these were again working in her mind late in the afternoon, when the apparition of one of the personages haunting her thoughts passed the parlour window.

Late in the afternoon, the apparition of one of the people haunting her thoughts passed the parlour window.


Miss Keeldar sauntered slowly by, her gait, her countenance, wearing that mixture of wistfulness and carelessness which, when quiescent, was the wonted cast of her look and character of her bearing.

Miss Keeldar sauntered slowly by with her usual mixture of wistfulness and carelessness.


When animated, the carelessness quite vanished, the wistfulness became blent with a genial gaiety, seasoning the laugh, the smile, the glance, with a unique flavour of sentiment, so that mirth from her never resembled "the crackling of thorns under a pot."


"What do you mean by not coming to see me this afternoon, as you promised?"


was her address to Caroline as she entered the room.


"I was not in the humour," replied Miss Helstone, very truly.

"I was not in the humour," replied Miss Helstone truthfully.


Shirley had already fixed on her a penetrating eye.


"No," she said; "I see you are not in the humour for loving me.


You are in one of your sunless, inclement moods, when one feels a fellow-creature's presence is not welcome to you.

You are in one of your sunless, inclement moods, when a fellow-creature's presence is not welcome to you.


I am come to have my tea, and must have it before I go.

I am come for tea, and must have it before I go.


I shall take the liberty, then, of removing my bonnet, without being asked."

I shall take the liberty of removing my bonnet without being asked."


And this she did, and then stood on the rug with her hands behind her.


"A pretty expression you have in your countenance," she went on, still gazing keenly, though not inimically--rather indeed pityingly--at Caroline.

"A pretty expression you have on your face," she went on, still gazing keenly and rather pityingly at Caroline.


"Wonderfully self-supported you look, you solitude-seeking, wounded deer.


Are you afraid Shirley will worry you if she discovers that you are hurt, and that you bleed?"

Are you afraid Shirley will bother you if she discovers that you are hurt?"


"But sometimes you dislike her; often you avoid her.


Shirley can feel when she is slighted and shunned.


If you had not walked home in the company you did last night, you would have been a different girl to-day.

If you had not walked home in the company you did last night, you would have been a different girl today.


You took three-quarters of an hour to walk a mile.


"_He_ talked nonsense--that I doubt not; or he looked it, which is a thousand times worse.


I see the reflection of his eyes on your forehead at this moment.


I feel disposed to call him out, if I could only get a trustworthy second.


I felt so last night, and have felt it all day."


"You don't ask me why," she proceeded, after a pause, "you little silent, over-modest thing; and you don't deserve that I should pour out my secrets into your lap without an invitation.

"You don't ask me why," she went on, after a pause, "you little silent, over-modest thing; and you don't deserve that I should pour out my secrets into your lap.


Upon my word, I could have found it in my heart to have dogged Moore yesterday evening with dire intent.

Upon my word, I could have duelled with Moore yesterday.


Which would you have shot--me or Robert?"

Which would you have shot - me or Robert?"


Perhaps myself--more likely a bat or a tree-bough.


He is a puppy, your cousin--a quiet, serious, sensible, judicious, ambitious puppy.

He is a puppy, your cousin - a quiet, serious, ambitious puppy.


I see him standing before me, talking his half-stern, half-gentle talk, bearing me down (as I am very conscious he does) with his fixity of purpose, etc.; and then--I have no patience with him!"

I see him standing before me, talking his half-stern, half-gentle talk, bearing me down with his set purpose; and then - I have no patience with him!"


Miss Keeldar started off on a rapid walk through the room, repeating energetically that she had no patience with men in general, and with her tenant in particular.

Miss Keeldar started off on a rapid walk through the room.


"You are mistaken," urged Caroline, in some anxiety.

"You are mistaken," urged Caroline anxiously.


"Robert is no puppy or male flirt; I can vouch for that."

"Robert is no puppy or flirt; I can vouch for that."


Do you think I'll take your word on the subject?


There is no one's testimony I would not credit sooner than yours.


To advance Moore's fortune you would cut off your right hand."


And if I speak the truth, I must assure you that he was just civil to me last night--that was all."

And I assure you that he was just civil to me last night - that was all."


I saw him from the window take your hand in his long fingers, just as he went out at my gate."

I saw him from the window take your hand."


I am an old acquaintance, and his cousin."


"I feel indignant, and that is the long and short of the matter," responded Miss Keeldar.


"All my comfort," she added presently, "is broken up by his manuvres.

"All my comfort is broken up by his manuvres.


Without him we should be good friends; but that six feet of puppyhood makes a perpetually-recurring eclipse of our friendship.

Without him we should be good friends; but that six feet of puppyhood perpetually eclipses our friendship.


Again and again he crosses and obscures the disc I want always to see clear; ever and anon he renders me to you a mere bore and nuisance."

He makes me seem to you a mere bore and a nuisance."


You did not want my society this afternoon, and I feel it hard.


You are naturally somewhat reserved, but I am a social personage, who cannot live alone.

You are naturally somewhat reserved, but I am a sociable person.


If we were but left unmolested, I have that regard for you that I could bear you in my presence for ever, and not for the fraction of a second do I ever wish to be rid of you.

I have such regard for you that I could have you with me always, and not for a second do I ever wish to be rid of you.


"You will wish me at Jericho to-morrow, Lina."


I am every day growing more accustomed to--fonder of you.


You know I am too English to get up a vehement friendship all at once; but you are so much better than common--you are so different to every-day young ladies--I esteem you, I value you; you are never a burden to me--never.

You know I am too English to get up a vehement friendship all at once; but you are so different to everyday young ladies. I esteem you, I value you; you are never a burden to me.


"Partly," replied Miss Keeldar, smiling rather incredulously; "but you are a peculiar personage.


Quiet as you look, there is both a force and a depth somewhere within not easily reached or appreciated.

quiet as you look, you have hidden depths.


I mean rather that unhappy people are often preoccupied, and not in the mood for discoursing with companions of my nature.

unhappy people are often preoccupied, and not in the mood for companionship.


Moreover, there is a sort of unhappiness which not only depresses, but corrodes; and that, I fear, is your portion.


If it will, take some from Shirley; she offers largely, and warrants the article genuine."

If it will, take some from Shirley; it is genuine."


"Shirley, I never had a sister--you never had a sister; but it flashes on me at this moment how sisters feel towards each other--affection twined with their life, which no shocks of feeling can uproot, which little quarrels only trample an instant, that it may spring more freshly when the pressure is removed; affection that no passion can ultimately outrival, with which even love itself cannot do more than compete in force and truth.

"Shirley, I never had a sister; but it flashes on me how sisters feel towards each other - affection which no shocks can uproot, which little quarrels only trample for an instant; affection that no passion can outrival, with which even love itself cannot do more than compete.


It is so tormenting, so racking, and it burns away our strength with its flame.


In affection is no pain and no fire, only sustenance and balm.

Affection brings no pain and fire, only sustenance and balm.


I am supported and soothed when you--that is, _you only_--are near, Shirley.

I am supported and soothed when you are near, Shirley.


"I am always easy of belief when the creed pleases me.


We really are friends, then, Lina, in spite of the black eclipse?"


"We really are," returned the other, drawing Shirley towards her, and making her sit down, "chance what may."


"Come, then; we will talk of something else than the Troubler."

"Come, then; we will talk of something else."


But at this moment the rector came in, and the "something else" of which Miss Keeldar was about to talk was not again alluded to till the moment of her departure.

But at this moment the rector came in, and the "something else" was not again alluded to till the moment of Shirley's departure.


She then delayed a few minutes in the passage to say, "Caroline, I wish to tell you that I have a great weight on my mind; my conscience is quite uneasy as if I had committed, or was going to commit, a crime.

She delayed a few minutes in the passage to say:
"Caroline, I wish to tell you that I have a great weight on my mind; my conscience is uneasy.


It is not my _private_ conscience, you must understand, but my landed-proprietor and lord-of-the-manor conscience.

Not my private conscience, you must understand, but my lord-of-the-manor conscience.


I have got into the clutch of an eagle with iron talons.


I have fallen under a stern influence, which I scarcely approve, but cannot resist.

I have fallen under a stern influence, which I cannot resist.


Something will be done ere long, I fear, which it by no means pleases me to think of.

Something will be done soon, I fear, which it does not please me to think of.


To ease my mind, and to prevent harm as far as I can, I mean to enter on a series of good works.

To ease my mind, I mean to enter on good works.


Don't be surprised, therefore, if you see me all at once turn outrageously charitable.


I have no idea how to begin, but you must give me some advice.


We will talk more on the subject to-morrow; and just ask that excellent person, Miss Ainley, to step up to Fieldhead.

We will talk more on the subject tomorrow; and just ask that excellent Miss Ainley to step up to Fieldhead.


I have some notion of putting myself under her tuition."


Drop a hint to her, Lina, that, though a well-meaning, I am rather a neglected character, and then she will feel less scandalized at my ignorance about clothing societies and such things."


On the morrow Caroline found Shirley sitting gravely at her desk, with an account-book, a bundle of banknotes, and a well-filled purse before her.


She was looking mighty serious, but a little puzzled.


She said she had been "casting an eye" over the weekly expenditure in housekeeping at the hall, trying to find out where she could retrench; that she had also just given audience to Mrs. Gill, the cook, and had sent that person away with a notion that her (Shirley's) brain was certainly crazed.

She said she had been "casting an eye" over the weekly expenditure in housekeeping at the hall, trying to find out where she could retrench; that she had also just seen Mrs. Gill, the cook, and had sent that person away with a notion that her mistress was crazed.


"I have lectured her on the duty of being careful," said she, "in a way quite new to her.


So eloquent was I on the text of economy that I surprised myself; for, you see, it is altogether a fresh idea.


I never thought, much less spoke, on the subject till lately.

I never thought about the subject of economy till lately.


But it is all theory; for when I came to the practical part I could retrench nothing.

But it is all theory; for when I came to the practical part, I could


I had not firmness to take off a single pound of butter, or to prosecute to any clear result an inquest into the destiny of either dripping, lard, bread, cold meat, or other kitchen perquisite whatever.

not take off a single pound of butter, lard, bread, cold meat, or other kitchen item whatever.


I know we never get up illuminations at Fieldhead, but I could not ask the meaning of sundry quite unaccountable pounds of candles.

And I could not ask the meaning of unaccountable pounds of candles.


We do not wash for the parish, yet I viewed in silence items of soap and bleaching-powder calculated to satisfy the solicitude of the most anxious inquirer after our position in reference to those articles.

We do not wash for the parish, yet I viewed in silence bills for enough soap and bleaching-powder to run a laundry.


Carnivorous I am not, nor is Mrs. Pryor, nor is Mrs. Gill herself, yet I only hemmed and opened my eyes a little wide when I saw butchers' bills whose figures seemed to prove that fact--falsehood, I mean.

Carnivorous I am not, nor is Mrs. Pryor, yet I only opened my eyes a little wider when I saw the vast butchers' bills.


Caroline, you may laugh at me, but you can't change me.


I am a poltroon on certain points; I feel it.


There is a base alloy of moral cowardice in my composition.


I blushed and hung my head before Mrs. Gill, when she ought to have been faltering confessions to me.


I found it impossible to get up the spirit even to hint, much less to prove, to her that she was a cheat.

I found it impossible even to hint, much less to prove, that she was a cheat.


I have no calm dignity, no true courage about me."


"Shirley, what fit of self-injustice is this?


My uncle, who is not given to speak well of women, says there are not ten thousand men in England as genuinely fearless as you."

"Shirley, my uncle says there are not ten thousand men in England as genuinely fearless as you."


"I am fearless, physically; I am never nervous about danger.


I was not startled from self-possession when Mr. Wynne's great red bull rose with a bellow before my face, as I was crossing the cowslip lea alone, stooped his begrimed, sullen head, and made a run at me; but I was afraid of seeing Mrs. Gill brought to shame and confusion of face.

I was not afraid when Mr. Wynne's great bull bellowed and made a run at me, as I was crossing the lea; but I was afraid of seeing Mrs. Gill brought to shame.


You have twice--ten times--my strength of mind on certain subjects, Caroline.

You have ten times my strength of mind on certain subjects, Caroline.


You, whom no persuasion can induce to pass a bull, however quiet he looks, would have firmly shown my housekeeper she had done wrong; then you would have gently and wisely admonished her; and at last, I dare say, provided she had seemed penitent, you would have very sweetly forgiven her.

You, whom nothing can induce to pass a bull, however quiet he looks, would have firmly shown my housekeeper she had done wrong; then you would have gently and wisely admonished her; and at last, I dare say, you would have sweetly forgiven her.


However, in spite of exaggerated imposition, I still find we live within our means.

However, I find we live within our means.


I have money in hand, and I really must do some good with it.


The Briarfield poor are badly off; they must be helped.


Had I not better distribute the cash at once?"


"No, indeed, Shirley; you will not manage properly.


I have often noticed that your only notion of charity is to give shillings and half-crowns in a careless, free-handed sort of way, which is liable to continual abuse.

I have often noticed that your only notion of charity is to give shillings and half-crowns in a careless, free-handed sort of way.


You must have a prime minister, or you will get yourself into a series of scrapes.


You suggested Miss Ainley yourself; to Miss Ainley I will apply.

You suggested Miss Ainley; to Miss Ainley I will apply.


And, meantime, promise to keep quiet, and not begin throwing away your money.

And, meantime, promise to not begin throwing away your money!"


It is not an immense sum, but I feel responsible for its disposal; and really this responsibility weighs on my mind more heavily than I could have expected.

"It is not an immense sum, but I feel responsible for its disposal; and really this responsibility weighs heavily on my mind.


They say that there are some families almost starving to death in Briarfield.

They say that there are some families starving in Briarfield.


Some of my own cottagers are in wretched circumstances.


"Some people say we shouldn't give alms to the poor, Shirley."


For those who are not hungry, it is easy to palaver about the degradation of charity, and so on: but they forget the brevity of life, as well as its bitterness.


Let us help each other through seasons of want and woe as well as we can, without heeding in the least the scruples of vain philosophy."

We should help each other through seasons of want and woe as well as we can."


I must give more, or, I tell you, my brother's blood will some day be crying to Heaven against me.


For, after all, if political incendiaries come here to kindle conflagration in the neighbourhood, and my property is attacked, I shall defend it like a tigress--I know I shall.


Let me listen to Mercy as long as she is near me.


Her voice once drowned by the shout of ruffian defiance, and I shall be full of impulses to resist and quell.

After all, if my property is attacked, I shall defend it like a tigress.


If once the poor gather and rise in the form of the mob, I shall turn against them as an aristocrat; if they bully me, I must defy: if they attack, I must resist, and I will."

If the poor rise in the form of the mob, I shall turn against them; I must resist them, and I will."


Let them meddle with Robert, or Robert's mill, or Robert's interests, and I shall hate them.

Let them meddle with Robert, or Robert's mill, and I shall hate them.


At present I am no patrician, nor do I regard the poor around me as plebeians; but if once they violently wrong me or mine, and then presume to dictate to us, I shall quite forget pity for their wretchedness and respect for their poverty, in scorn of their ignorance and wrath at their insolence."

If once they violently wrong me or mine, I shall quite forget pity for their wretchedness."


Would you, any more than me, let Robert be borne down by numbers?"

Would you let Robert be borne down by a mob?"


"If I had your power to aid Robert, I would use it as you mean to use it.


If I could be such a friend to him as you can be, I would stand by him, as you mean to stand by him, till death."

If I could be such a friend to him as you can be, I would stand by him, as you mean to do, till death."


"And now, Lina, though your eyes don't flash, they glow.


You drop your lids; but I saw a kindled spark.


However, it is not yet come to fighting.


What I want to do is to _prevent_ mischief.


I cannot forget, either day or night, that these embittered feelings of the poor against the rich have been generated in suffering: they would neither hate nor envy us if they did not deem us so much happier than themselves.

I cannot forget that these embittered feelings of the poor have their origin in suffering.


To allay this suffering, and thereby lessen this hate, let me, out of my abundance, give abundantly; and that the donation may go farther, let it be made wisely.

To allay this suffering, and thereby lessen their hate, I will give; and I must give wisely.


To that intent, we must introduce some clear, calm, practical sense into our councils.

We must introduce some clear, calm, practical sense into our councils.


Without another word Caroline put on her bonnet and departed.


It may, perhaps, appear strange that neither she nor Shirley thought of consulting Mrs. Pryor on their scheme; but they were wise in abstaining.

It may, perhaps, appear strange that neither she nor Shirley thought of consulting Mrs. Pryor; but they were wise in abstaining.


To have consulted her--and this they knew by instinct--would only have been to involve her in painful embarrassment.

To have consulted her would only have caused her painful embarrassment.


She was far better informed, better read, a deeper thinker than Miss Ainley, but of administrative energy, of executive activity, she had none.

She was better read and a deeper thinker than Miss Ainley, but of administrative energy she had none.


She would subscribe her own modest mite to a charitable object willingly--secret almsgiving suited her; but in public plans, on a large scale, she could take no part; as to originating them, that was out of the question.

She would give her own modest mite to charity; but as to forming plans on a large scale, that was out of the question.


This Shirley knew, and therefore she did not trouble Mrs. Pryor by unavailing conferences, which could only remind her of her own deficiencies, and do no good.


It was a bright day for Miss Ainley when she was summoned to Fieldhead to deliberate on projects so congenial to her; when she was seated with all honour and deference at a table with paper, pen, ink, and--what was best of all--cash before her, and requested to draw up a regular plan for administering relief to the destitute poor of Briarfield.

It was a bright day for Miss Ainley when she was summoned to Fieldhead; when she was seated with all honour and deference at a table with paper, pen and - best of all - cash before her, and requested to draw up a plan for bringing relief to the destitute poor of Briarfield.


She, who knew them all, had studied their wants, had again and again felt in what way they might best be succoured, could the means of succour only be found, was fully competent to the undertaking, and a meek exultation gladdened her kind heart as she felt herself able to answer clearly and promptly the eager questions put by the two young girls, as she showed them in her answers how much and what serviceable knowledge she had acquired of the condition of her fellow-creatures around her.

She, who knew them all, had studied their wants, who had again and again felt how they might best be helped, was fully competent for the task, and a meek exultation gladdened her kind heart as she answered the eager questions put by the two girls.


Shirley placed at her disposal 300, and at sight of the money Miss Ainley's eyes filled with joyful tears; for she already saw the hungry fed, the naked clothed, the sick comforted thereby.

Shirley placed at her disposal 300, at which Miss Ainley's eyes filled with joyful tears.


She quickly drew up a simple, sensible plan for its expenditure; and she assured them brighter times would now come round, for she doubted not the lady of Fieldhead's example would be followed by others.

She quickly drew up a simple, sensible plan for its expenditure; and she doubted not that the lady of Fieldhead's example would be followed by others.


She should try to get additional subscriptions, and to form a fund; but first she must consult the clergy.


Mr. Helstone, Dr. Boultby, Mr. Hall, _must_ be consulted (for not only must Briarfield be relieved, but Whinbury and Nunnely).

Yes, Mr. Helstone, Dr. Boultby and Mr. Hall must be consulted (for not only must Briarfield be relieved, but Whinbury and Nunnely).


It would, she averred, be presumption in her to take a single step unauthorized by them.

She would not take a single step unauthorized by them.


The clergy were sacred beings in Miss Ainley's eyes; no matter what might be the insignificance of the individual, his station made him holy.

The clergy were sacred beings in Miss Ainley's eyes; no matter how insignificant the individual, his station made him holy.


The very curates--who, in their trivial arrogance, were hardly worthy to tie her patten-strings, or carry her cotton umbrella, or check woollen shawl--she, in her pure, sincere enthusiasm, looked upon as sucking saints.

The very curates - who, in their trivial arrogance, were hardly worthy to carry her umbrella - were regarded by her as infant saints.


No matter how clearly their little vices and enormous absurdities were pointed out to her, she could not see them; she was blind to ecclesiastical defects; the white surplice covered a multitude of sins.

If their little vices and enormous absurdities were pointed out to her, she could not see them; the white surplice covered a multitude of sins.


Shirley, knowing this harmless infatuation on the part of her recently-chosen prime minister, stipulated expressly that the curates were to have no voice in the disposal of the money, that their meddling fingers were not to be inserted into the pie.

Shirley, knowing of this harmless infatuation, stipulated that the curates were to have no voice in the disposal of the money; their meddling fingers were not to be inserted into the pie.


The rectors, of course, must be paramount, and they might be trusted.

The rectors, of course, might be trusted.


They had some experience, some sagacity, and Mr. Hall, at least, had sympathy and loving-kindness for his fellow-men; but as for the youth under them, they must be set aside, kept down, and taught that subordination and silence best became their years and capacity.

They had experience and sagacity, and Mr. Hall, at least, had sympathy for his fellow-men; but the youth under them must be kept down in subordination and silence.


It was with some horror Miss Ainley heard this language.

It was with some horror that Miss Ainley heard this language.


Caroline, however, interposing with a mild word or two in praise of Mr Sweeting, calmed her again.

Caroline, however, putting in a mild word or two in praise of Mr Sweeting, calmed her again.


Sweeting was, indeed, her own favourite.

Sweeting was, indeed, Miss Ainley's own favourite.


She endeavoured to respect Messrs. Malone and Donne, but the slices of sponge-cake and glasses of cowslip or primrose wine she had at different times administered to Sweeting, when he came to see her in her little cottage, were ever offered with sentiments of truly motherly regard.

She had at times offered him sponge-cake and glasses of cowslip wine, when he came to see her in her little cottage, with truly motherly regard.


The same innocuous collation she had once presented to Malone; but that personage evinced such open scorn of the offering, she had never ventured to renew it.

The same offerings she had once presented to Malone; but he showed such open scorn that she had never repeated it.


To Donne she always served the treat, and was happy to see his approbation of it proved beyond a doubt by the fact of his usually eating two pieces of cake, and putting a third in his pocket.

To Donne she always served the treat, and was happy to see his approbation proved by his eating two pieces of cake, and putting a third in his pocket.


Indefatigable in her exertions where good was to be done, Miss Ainley would immediately have set out on a walk of ten miles round to the three rectors, in order to show her plan, and humbly solicit their approval; but Miss Keeldar interdicted this, and proposed, as an amendment, to collect the clergy in a small select reunion that evening at Fieldhead.

Miss Keeldar proposed to collect the clergy together that evening at Fieldhead.


Miss Ainley was to meet them, and the plan was to be discussed in full privy council.

Miss Ainley was to meet them, and the plan was to be discussed.


Shirley managed to get the senior priesthood together accordingly, and before the old maid's arrival, she had, further, talked all the gentlemen into the most charming mood imaginable.

Shirley managed to get the senior priesthood together accordingly, and before the old maid's arrival, she had talked all the gentlemen into the most charming mood imaginable.


She herself had taken in hand Dr. Boultby and Mr. Helstone.


The first was a stubborn old Welshman, hot, opinionated, and obstinate, but withal a man who did a great deal of good, though not without making some noise about it.

The first was a stubborn old Welshman, opinionated and obstinate, yet a man who did a great deal of good, though not without making some noise about it.


She had rather a friendly feeling for both, especially for old Helstone; and it cost her no trouble to be quite delightful to them.


She took them round the garden; she gathered them flowers; she was like a kind daughter to them.

She took them round the garden, and gathered them flowers, like a kind daughter.


Mr. Hall she left to Caroline--or rather, it was to Caroline's care Mr. Hall consigned himself.

Mr. Hall she left to Caroline - or rather, to Caroline Mr. Hall consigned himself.


He generally sought Caroline in every party where she and he happened to be.

He generally sought Caroline in every gathering where they both happened to be.


He was not in general a lady's man, though all ladies liked him; something of a book-worm he was, near-sighted, spectacled, now and then abstracted.

He was not a lady's man, though all ladies liked him; he was something of a book-worm.


To men of every occupation and grade he was acceptable.


The truth, simplicity, frankness of his manners, the nobleness of his integrity, the reality and elevation of his piety, won him friends in every grade.

His frankness, integrity and piety won him friends at every level.


His poor clerk and sexton delighted in him; the noble patron of his living esteemed him highly.


It was only with young, handsome, fashionable, and stylish ladies he felt a little shy.

It was only with young, fashionable ladies he felt a little shy.


Being himself a plain man--plain in aspect, plain in manners, plain in speech--he seemed to fear their dash, elegance, and airs.

Being himself a plain man - plain in appearance, manners and speech - he seemed to fear their dash, elegance, and airs.


But Miss Helstone had neither dash nor airs, and her native elegance was of a very quiet order--quiet as the beauty of a ground-loving hedge-flower.

But Miss Helstone had neither dash nor airs, and her elegance was of a very quiet order.


He was a fluent, cheerful, agreeable talker.


Caroline could talk too in a _tte--tte_.


She liked Mr. Hall to come and take the seat next her in a party, and thus secure her from Peter Augustus Malone, Joseph Donne, or John Sykes; and Mr. Hall never failed to avail himself of this privilege when he possibly could.

and Caroline liked him to sit next to her in a party, and thus keep her safe from Peter Malone, Joseph Donne, or John Sykes; and Mr. Hall availed himself of this privilege whenever he could.


Such preference shown by a single gentleman to a single lady would certainly, in ordinary cases, have set in motion the tongues of the gossips; but Cyril Hall was forty-five years old, slightly bald, and slightly gray, and nobody ever said or thought he was likely to be married to Miss Helstone.

Such preference shown by a single gentleman to a single lady would normally have set the gossips talking; but as Cyril Hall was forty-five, slightly bald, and slightly grey, nobody ever thought he was likely to marry Miss Helstone.


He was wedded already to his books and his parish.


His kind sister Margaret, spectacled and learned like himself, made him happy in his single state; he considered it too late to change.


Besides, he had known Caroline as a pretty little girl.

Besides, he had known Caroline as a little girl


She had sat on his knee many a time; he had bought her toys and given her books; he felt that her friendship for him was mixed with a sort of filial respect; he could not have brought himself to attempt to give another colour to her sentiments, and his serene mind could glass a fair image without feeling its depths troubled by the reflection.

; he had bought her toys, and felt that her friendship for him held a daughterly respect.


When Miss Ainley arrived, she was made kindly welcome by every one.

When Miss Ainley arrived, she was welcomed kindly by everyone.


Mrs. Pryor and Margaret Hall made room for her on the sofa between them; and when the three were seated, they formed a trio which the gay and thoughtless would have scorned, indeed, as quite worthless and unattractive--a middle-aged widow and two plain, spectacled old maids--yet which had its own quiet value, as many a suffering and friendless human being knew.

Mrs. Pryor and Margaret Hall made room for her on the sofa; they formed a trio which the gay and thoughtless would have scorned as quite worthless and unattractive - yet which had its own quiet value, as many a suffering and friendless human knew.


Shirley opened the business and showed the plan.


"I know the hand which drew up that," said Mr. Hall, glancing at Miss Ainley, and smiling benignantly.

"I know the hand which drew that up," said Mr. Hall, glancing at Miss Ainley, and smiling.


Boultby heard and deliberated with bent brow and protruded under lip.

Boultby heard and deliberated with protruded under lip.


His consent he considered too weighty to be given in a hurry.


Helstone glanced sharply round with an alert, suspicious expression, as if he apprehended that female craft was at work, and that something in petticoats was somehow trying underhand to acquire too much influence, and make itself of too much importance.

Helstone glanced sharply round with an alert, suspicious expression, as if he felt that something in petticoats was somehow trying underhand to acquire too much influence, and make itself important.


Shirley caught and comprehended the expression.


"This scheme is nothing," said she carelessly.


"It is only an outline--a mere suggestion.

"It is only an outline - a mere suggestion.


You, gentlemen, are requested to draw up rules of your own."

You, gentlemen, are requested to draw up your own rules."


And she directly fetched her writing-case, smiling queerly to herself as she bent over the table where it stood.

And she fetched her writing-case, smiling queerly to herself.


She produced a sheet of paper, a new pen, drew an arm-chair to the table, and presenting her hand to old Helstone, begged permission to install him in it.

She produced paper and pen, drew an arm-chair to the table, and begged Helstone to sit there.


For a minute he was a little stiff, and stood wrinkling his copper-coloured forehead strangely.

For a minute he was a little stiff, wrinkling his forehead strangely.


At last he muttered, "Well, you are neither my wife nor my daughter, so I'll be led for once; but mind--I know I _am_ led.

At last he muttered, "Well, you are neither my wife nor my daughter, so I'll be led for once; but mind - I know I am led.


Your little female manuvres don't blind me."


said Shirley, dipping the pen in the ink, and putting it into his hand, "you must regard me as Captain Keeldar to-day.

said Shirley, putting the pen into his hand, "you must regard me as Captain Keeldar today.


This is quite a gentleman's affair--yours and mine entirely, doctor" (so she had dubbed the rector).

This is quite a gentleman's affair - yours and mine entirely.


"The ladies there are only to be our aides-de-camp, and at their peril they speak, till we have settled the whole business."

The ladies there are only our aides-de-camp."


He smiled a little grimly, and began to write.


He soon interrupted himself to ask questions, and consult his brethren, disdainfully lifting his glance over the curly heads of the two girls and the demure caps of the elder ladies, to meet the winking glasses and gray pates of the priests.

He asked questions, and consulted his brethren, disdainfully lifting his glance over the curly heads of the two girls and the demure caps of the elder ladies.


In the discussion which ensued, all three gentlemen, to their infinite credit, showed a thorough acquaintance with the poor of their parishes--an even minute knowledge of their separate wants.

In the discussion all three gentlemen, to their credit, showed they knew the poor of their parishes, and their separate wants.


Each rector knew where clothing was needed, where food would be most acceptable, where money could be bestowed with a probability of it being judiciously laid out.

Each rector knew where clothing was needed, where food would be most acceptable, where money could be safely bestowed.


Wherever their memories fell short, Miss Ainley or Miss Hall, if applied to, could help them out; but both ladies took care not to speak unless spoken to.

Wherever their memories fell short, Miss Ainley or Miss Hall could help them out; but both ladies took care not to speak unless spoken to.


Neither of them wanted to be foremost, but each sincerely desired to be useful; and useful the clergy consented to make them--with which boon they were content.


Shirley stood behind the rectors, leaning over their shoulders now and then to glance at the rules drawn up and the list of cases making out, listening to all they said, and still at intervals smiling her queer smile--a smile not ill-natured, but significant--too significant to be generally thought amiable.

Shirley stood behind the rectors, leaning over their shoulders now and then to glance at the rules drawn up and the list of cases, listening, and at intervals smiling her queer smile - a smile not ill-natured, but significant.


Men rarely like such of their fellows as read their inward nature too clearly and truly.

Men rarely like people who read their inward nature too clearly.


It is good for women, especially, to be endowed with a soft blindness; to have mild, dim eyes, that never penetrate below the surface of things--that take all for what it seems.

It is good for women, especially, to have mild, dim eyes, that never penetrate below the surface of things.


Thousands, knowing this, keep their eyelids drooped on system; but the most downcast glance has its loophole, through which it can, on occasion, take its sentinel-survey of life.

Thousands, knowing this, keep their eyelids drooped; but the most downcast glance can, on occasion, take its survey of life.


I remember once seeing a pair of blue eyes, that were usually thought sleepy, secretly on the alert, and I knew by their expression--an expression which chilled my blood, it was in that quarter so wondrously unexpected--that for years they had been accustomed to silent soul-reading.


The world called the owner of these blue eyes _bonne petite femme_ (she was not an Englishwoman).


I learned her nature afterwards--got it off by heart--studied it in its farthest, most hidden recesses.


She was the finest, deepest, subtlest schemer in Europe.


When all was at length settled to Miss Keeldar's mind, and the clergy had entered so fully into the spirit of her plans as to head the subscription-list with their signatures for 50 each, she ordered supper to be served, having previously directed Mrs. Gill to exercise her utmost skill in the preparation of this repast.

When all was settled to Miss Keeldar's liking, and the clergy had entered so fully into the spirit of her plans as to promise 50 each, as the first subscriptions to the fund, she ordered supper to be served. She had previously directed Mrs. Gill to exercise her utmost skill.


Mr. Hall was no _bon vivant_--he was naturally an abstemious man, indifferent to luxury; but Boultby and Helstone both liked good cookery.

Mr. Hall was an abstemious man, indifferent to luxury; but Boultby and Helstone both liked good cookery.


The _recherch_ supper consequently put them into excellent humour.

The supper put them into excellent humour.


They did justice to it, though in a gentlemanly way--not in the mode Mr. Donne would have done had he been present.


A glass of fine wine was likewise tasted, with discerning though most decorous relish.


Captain Keeldar was complimented on his taste; the compliment charmed him.

and Captain Keeldar was complimented on his taste.


It had been his aim to gratify and satisfy his priestly guests.

He had succeeded in gratifying his priestly guests


He had succeeded, and was radiant with glee.


The two girls met no living soul on their way back to the rectory.

The two girls met nobody on their way back to the rectory.


They let themselves in noiselessly; they stole upstairs unheard--the breaking morning gave them what light they needed.

They let themselves in noiselessly, and stole upstairs by the early dawn light.


Shirley sought her couch immediately; and though the room was strange--for she had never slept at the rectory before--and though the recent scene was one unparalleled for excitement and terror by any it had hitherto been her lot to witness, yet scarce was her head laid on the pillow ere a deep, refreshing sleep closed her eyes and calmed her senses.

Shirley sought her bed; and though the room was strange, and though the recent scene had been unparalleled for excitement and terror by any she had yet witnessed, yet scarce was her head laid on the pillow before deep sleep closed her eyes.


Perfect health was Shirley's enviable portion.


Though warm-hearted and sympathetic, she was not nervous; powerful emotions could rouse and sway without exhausting her spirit.

Though warm-hearted and sympathetic, she was not nervous; powerful emotions could sway without exhausting her spirit.


The tempest troubled and shook her while it lasted, but it left her elasticity unbent, and her freshness quite unblighted.

The tempest troubled her while it lasted, but it left her freshness quite unblighted.


As every day brought her stimulating emotion, so every night yielded her recreating rest.


Caroline now watched her sleeping, and read the serenity of her mind in the beauty of her happy countenance.

Caroline now watched her serenely sleeping.


For herself, being of a different temperament, she could not sleep.


The commonplace excitement of the tea-drinking and school-gathering would alone have sufficed to make her restless all night; the effect of the terrible drama which had just been enacted before her eyes was not likely to quit her for days.

The commonplace excitement of the school-gathering would alone have sufficed to make her restless; the effect of the terrible drama she had seen was not likely to quit her for days.


It was vain even to try to retain a recumbent posture; she sat up by Shirley's side, counting the slow minutes, and watching the June sun mount the heavens.

It was vain even to lie down; she sat up by Shirley's side, watching the sun mount the heavens.


Life wastes fast in such vigils as Caroline had of late but too often kept--vigils during which the mind, having no pleasant food to nourish it, no manna of hope, no hived-honey of joyous memories, tries to live on the meagre diet of wishes, and failing to derive thence either delight or support, and feeling itself ready to perish with craving want, turns to philosophy, to resolution, to resignation; calls on all these gods for aid, calls vainly--is unheard, unhelped, and languishes.

Life wastes fast in such vigils as Caroline had lately too often kept - vigils during which the mind, with no hope or joyous memories to feed on, tries to live on the meagre diet of wishes; and feeling itself ready to perish with craving, turns to philosophy, to resolution, to resignation; calls on all these for aid, calls vainly - is unheard, and unhelped.


Caroline was a Christian; therefore in trouble she framed many a prayer after the Christian creed, preferred it with deep earnestness, begged for patience, strength, relief.

Caroline was a Christian; therefore in trouble she prayed often, begging for patience, strength, relief.


This world, however, we all know, is the scene of trial and probation; and, for any favourable result her petitions had yet wrought, it seemed to her that they were unheard and unaccepted.

However, it seemed that her prayers were unheard and unaccepted.


She believed, sometimes, that God had turned His face from her.


At moments she was a Calvinist, and, sinking into the gulf of religious despair, she saw darkening over her the doom of reprobation.


Most people have had a period or periods in their lives when they have felt thus forsaken--when, having long hoped against hope, and still seen the day of fruition deferred, their hearts have truly sickened within them.

Most people have had a period in their lives when they have felt thus forsaken - when, having long hoped against hope, their hearts have truly sickened within them.


This is a terrible hour, but it is often that darkest point which precedes the rise of day--that turn of the year when the icy January wind carries over the waste at once the dirge of departing winter and the prophecy of coming spring.

This is a terrible hour, but it is often that darkest point which precedes the rise of day - that turn of the year when the icy January wind carries both the dirge of departing winter and the prophecy of coming spring.


The perishing birds, however, cannot thus understand the blast before which they shiver; and as little can the suffering soul recognize, in the climax of its affliction, the dawn of its deliverance.

The perishing birds, however, cannot understand this as they shiver; and nor can the suffering soul recognize the dawn of its deliverance.


Yet, let whoever grieves still cling fast to love and faith in God.


God will never deceive, never finally desert him.


These words are true, and should not be forgotten.


The household was astir at last; the servants were up; the shutters were opened below.


Caroline, as she quitted the couch, which had been but a thorny one to her, felt that revival of spirits which the return of day, of action, gives to all but the wholly despairing or actually dying.

Caroline, as she rose, felt that revival of spirits which the return of day gives to all but the wholly despairing or actually dying.


She dressed herself, as usual, carefully, trying so to arrange her hair and attire that nothing of the forlornness she felt at heart should be visible externally.

She dressed carefully, so that none of the forlornness she felt should be visible externally.


She looked as fresh as Shirley when both were dressed, only that Miss Keeldar's eyes were lively, and Miss Helstone's languid.

She looked as fresh as Shirley when both were dressed; only Miss Keeldar's eyes were lively, and Miss Helstone's languid.


"To-day I shall have much to say to Moore," were Shirley's first words; and you could see in her face that life was full of interest, expectation, and occupation for her.

"Today I shall have much to say to Moore," were Shirley's first words; and you could see that life was full of interest and expectation for her.


"He will have to undergo cross-examination," she added.


"I dare say he thinks he has outwitted me cleverly.

"I dare say he thinks he has outwitted me.


And this is the way men deal with women--still concealing danger from them--thinking, I suppose, to spare them pain.

This is the way men deal with women - concealing danger from them - thinking, I suppose, to spare them pain.


They imagined we little knew where they were to-night.


We _know_ they little conjectured where we were.


Men, I believe, fancy women's minds something like those of children.


This was said as she stood at the glass, training her naturally waved hair into curls, by twining it round her fingers.

This was said as she stood at the mirror, training her hair into curls by twining it round her fingers.


She took up the theme again five minutes after, as Caroline fastened her dress and clasped her girdle.

As Caroline fastened her dress, she continued:


"If men could see us as we really are, they would be a little amazed; but the cleverest, the acutest men are often under an illusion about women.

"If men could see us as we really are, they would be amazed; but the cleverest men are often under an illusion about women.


They do not read them in a true light; they misapprehend them, both for good and evil.

They misapprehend them, both for good and evil.


Their good woman is a queer thing, half doll, half angel; their bad woman almost always a fiend.


Then to hear them fall into ecstasies with each other's creations--worshipping the heroine of such a poem, novel, drama--thinking it fine, divine!

Then to hear them fall into ecstasies with each other's creations - worshipping the heroine of such a poem or novel - thinking it fine, divine!


Fine and divine it may be, but often quite artificial--false as the rose in my best bonnet there.

Fine and divine it may be, but often quite artificial - false as the rose in my bonnet."


If I spoke all I think on this point, if I gave my real opinion of some first-rate female characters in first-rate works, where should I be?


Dead under a cairn of avenging stones in half an hour."


"Shirley, you chatter so, I can't fasten you.


And, after all, authors' heroines are almost as good as authoresses' heroes."


Women read men more truly than men read women.


I'll prove that in a magazine paper some day when I've time; only it will never be inserted.

I'll prove that in a magazine article some day when I've time; only it will never be published.


It will be 'declined with thanks,' and left for me at the publisher's."


"God knows I can't contradict you, Cary; I'm as ignorant as a stone.

"I can't contradict you, Cary; I'm as ignorant as a stone.


There's one comfort, however: you are not much better."


"I wonder how Mrs. Pryor and Hortense Moore have passed the night," said Caroline, as she made the coffee.


"Selfish being that I am, I never thought of either of them till just now.


They will have heard all the tumult, Fieldhead and the cottage are so near; and Hortense is timid in such matters--so, no doubt, is Mrs. Pryor."

They will have heard all the tumult; and Hortense is timid."


"Take my word for it, Lina, Moore will have contrived to get his sister out of the way.


He will have quartered her there for the night.

He will have quartered her with Miss Mann for the night.


As to Mrs. Pryor, I own I am uneasy about her; but in another half-hour we will be with her."

As to Mrs. Pryor, I confess I am uneasy about her; but in another half-hour we will be with her."


By this time the news of what had happened at the Hollow was spread all over the neighbourhood.


Fanny, who had been to Fieldhead to fetch the milk, returned in panting haste with tidings that there had been a battle in the night at Mr. Moore's mill, and that some said twenty men were killed.

Fanny, who had been to Fieldhead to fetch the milk, returned in panting haste with news that there had been a battle in the night at Mr. Moore's mill, and that some said twenty men were killed.


Eliza, during Fanny's absence, had been apprised by the butcher's boy that the mill was burnt to the ground.

Eliza had been informed by the butcher's boy that the mill was burnt to the ground.


Both women rushed into the parlour to announce these terrible facts to the ladies, terminating their clear and accurate narrative by the assertion that they were sure master must have been in it all.

Both women rushed into the parlour to announce these terrible facts to the ladies, saying that they were sure master must have been in it all


He and Thomas, the clerk, they were confident, must have gone last night to join Mr. Moore and the soldiers.


Mr. Malone, too, had not been heard of at his lodgings since yesterday afternoon; and Joe Scott's wife and family were in the greatest distress, wondering what had become of their head.


Scarcely was this information imparted when a knock at the kitchen door announced the Fieldhead errand-boy, arrived in hot haste, bearing a billet from Mrs. Pryor.

A knock at the kitchen door announced the Fieldhead errand-boy, with a note from Mrs. Pryor.


It was hurriedly written, and urged Miss Keeldar to return directly, as the neighbourhood and the house seemed likely to be all in confusion, and orders would have to be given which the mistress of the hall alone could regulate.

It was hurriedly written, and urged Miss Keeldar to return directly, as the neighbourhood was all in confusion, and orders would have to be given by the mistress of the hall.


In a postscript it was entreated that Miss Helstone might not be left alone at the rectory.


She had better, it was suggested, accompany Miss Keeldar.

, but had better accompany Miss Keeldar.


"There are not two opinions on that head," said Shirley, as she tied on her own bonnet, and then ran to fetch Caroline's.

"I agree," said Shirley, as she tied on her bonnet, and ran to fetch Caroline's.


"Your uncle will not return yet; he has other fish to fry.


He will be galloping backwards and forwards from Briarfield to Stilbro' all day, rousing the magistrates in the court-house and the officers at the barracks; and Fanny and Eliza can have in Joe Scott's and the clerk's wives to bear them company.

"Your uncle will not return yet; he will be galloping backwards and forwards from Briarfield to Stilbro' all day, rousing the magistrates in the court-house and the officers at the barracks; and Fanny and Eliza can have Joe Scott's and the clerk's wives in to keep them company.


Besides, of course, there is no real danger to be apprehended now.


Weeks will elapse before the rioters can again rally, or plan any other attempt; and I am much mistaken if Moore and Mr. Helstone will not take advantage of last night's outbreak to quell them altogether.

Weeks will elapse before the rioters can again rally; and I expect Moore and Mr. Helstone will take advantage of last night's outbreak to quell them altogether.


They will frighten the authorities of Stilbro' into energetic measures.


I only hope they will not be too severe--not pursue the discomfited too relentlessly."

I only hope they will not be too severe."


"But he will be hard," retorted Shirley; "and so will your uncle."


As they hurried along the meadow and plantation path to Fieldhead, they saw the distant highway already alive with an unwonted flow of equestrians and pedestrians, tending in the direction of the usually solitary Hollow.

As they hurried along the meadow path to Fieldhead, they saw the distant highway already alive with horsemen and pedestrians, heading towards the Hollow.


On reaching the hall, they found the backyard gates open, and the court and kitchen seemed crowded with excited milk-fetchers--men, women, and children--whom Mrs. Gill, the housekeeper, appeared vainly persuading to take their milk-cans and depart.

On reaching the hall, they found the backyard gates open, and the court and kitchen crowded with excited milk-fetchers


(It _is_, or _was_, by-the-bye, the custom in the north of England for the cottagers on a country squire's estate to receive their supplies of milk and butter from the dairy of the manor house, on whose pastures a herd of milch kine was usually fed for the convenience of the neighbourhood.

- waiting to receive their supplies from the dairy, as was the custom - whom Mrs. Gill, the housekeeper, was vainly trying to persuade to take their milk-cans and depart.


Miss Keeldar owned such a herd--all deep-dewlapped, Craven cows, reared on the sweet herbage and clear waters of bonny Airedale; and very proud she was of their sleek aspect and high condition.)


Seeing now the state of matters, and that it was desirable to effect a clearance of the premises, Shirley stepped in amongst the gossiping groups.

Seeing the state of matters, Shirley stepped in amongst the gossiping groups.


She bade them good-morning with a certain frank, tranquil ease--the natural characteristic of her manner when she addressed numbers, especially if those numbers belonged to the working-class; she was cooler amongst her equals, and rather proud to those above her.

She bade them good-morning with a frank, tranquil ease, and


She then asked them if they had all got their milk measured out; and understanding that they had, she further observed that she "wondered what they were waiting for, then."

asked if they had all got their milk measured out; and understanding that they had, she observed that she "wondered what they were waiting for, then."


"We're just talking a bit over this battle there has been at your mill, mistress," replied a man.

"We're just talking a bit over this battle at your mill, mistress," replied a man.


"It is a queer thing all the world is so fond of _talking_ over events.

"It is a queer thing all the world is so fond of talking over events.


You _talk_ if anybody dies suddenly; you _talk_ if a fire breaks out; you _talk_ if a mill-owner fails; you _talk_ if he's murdered.


There is nothing the lower orders like better than a little downright good-humoured rating.


Flattery they scorn very much; honest abuse they enjoy.


They call it speaking plainly, and take a sincere delight in being the objects thereof.


The homely harshness of Miss Keeldar's salutation won her the ear of the whole throng in a second.


"We're no war nor some 'at is aboon us, are we?"


You that should be models of industry are just as gossip-loving as the idle.

You working people should be models of industry, but you are just as gossip-loving as the idle.


Fine, rich people that have nothing to do may be partly excused for trifling their time away; you who have to earn your bread with the sweat of your brow are quite inexcusable."

Fine, rich people that have nothing to do may be excused for trifling their time away; but not you."


Suld we never have a holiday because we work hard?"

"Should we never have a holiday because we work hard?" asked a man, smiling.


"_Never_," was the prompt answer; "unless," added the "mistress," with a smile that half belied the severity of her speech--"unless you knew how to make a better use of it than to get together over rum and tea if you are women, or over beer and pipes if you are men, and _talk_ scandal at your neighbours' expense.

"Never," was the prompt answer; "unless you make a better use of it than to talk scandal at your neighbours' expense.


Come, friends," she added, changing at once from bluntness to courtesy, "oblige me by taking your cans and going home.


I expect several persons to call to-day, and it will be inconvenient to have the avenues to the house crowded."

I expect several persons to call today, and it will be inconvenient to have the avenues to the house crowded."


Yorkshire people are as yielding to persuasion as they are stubborn against compulsion.


"Thank you, and good-bye to you, friends," said Shirley, as she closed the gates on a quiet court.

"Thank you, and good-bye, friends," said Shirley, as she closed the gates.


Now, let me hear the most refined of cockneys presume to find fault with Yorkshire manners.


Taken as they ought to be, the majority of the lads and lasses of the West Riding are gentlemen and ladies, every inch of them.


It is only against the weak affectation and futile pomposity of a would-be aristocrat they turn mutinous.


Entering by the back way, the young ladies passed through the kitchen (or _house_, as the inner kitchen is called) to the hall.

Entering by the back way, the young ladies passed through the kitchen to the hall.


Mrs. Pryor came running down the oak staircase to meet them.

Mrs. Pryor came running down the staircase to meet them.


She was all unnerved; her naturally sanguine complexion was pale; her usually placid, though timid, blue eye was wandering, unsettled, alarmed.

She was unnerved and pale, and looked alarmed.


She did not, however, break out into any exclamations, or hurried narrative of what had happened.


Her predominant feeling had been in the course of the night, and was now this morning, a sense of dissatisfaction with herself that she could not feel firmer, cooler, more equal to the demands of the occasion.

She felt, more than anything, dissatisfied with herself because she was not more equal to the demands of the occasion.


"You are aware," she began with a trembling voice, and yet the most conscientious anxiety to avoid exaggeration in what she was about to say, "that a body of rioters has attacked Mr. Moore's mill to-night.

"You are aware," she began with a trembling voice, and yet anxious to avoid exaggeration, "that rioters have attacked Mr. Moore's mill.


We heard the firing and confusion very plainly here; we none of us slept.


The house has been in great bustle all the morning with people coming and going.

The house has been in great bustle all the morning.


The servants have applied to me for orders and directions, which I really did not feel warranted in giving.

The servants have applied to me for directions, which I really did not feel warranted in giving.


Mr. Moore has, I believe, sent up for refreshments for the soldiers and others engaged in the defence, for some conveniences also for the wounded.

Mr. Moore has, I believe, sent up for refreshments for the soldiers and aid for the wounded.


I could not undertake the responsibility of giving orders or taking measures.

I could not undertake the responsibility of giving orders.


I fear delay may have been injurious in some instances; but this is not my house.

I fear delay may have been harmful; but this is not my house.


asked Shirley, while her countenance, hitherto so clear, propitious, and quiet, even while she was rating the milk-fetchers, suddenly turned dark and warm.

asked Shirley, while her countenance suddenly turned dark and warm.


"And nothing for the wounded--no linen, no wine, no bedding?"

"And nothing for the wounded - no linen, no wine, no bedding?"


I cannot tell what Mrs. Gill did; but it seemed impossible to me, at the moment, to venture to dispose of your property by sending supplies to soldiers.

I cannot tell what Mrs. Gill did; but it seemed impossible to me to venture to dispose of your property by sending supplies to soldiers.


Provisions for a company of soldiers sounds formidable.


How many there are I did not ask; but I could not think of allowing them to pillage the house, as it were.


I intended to do what was right, yet I did not see the case quite clearly, I own."

I intended to do what was right, yet I did not see the case quite clearly, I admit."


"It lies in a nutshell, notwithstanding.


These soldiers have risked their lives in defence of my property: I suppose they have a right to my gratitude.

"These soldiers have risked their lives in defence of my property: they have a right to my gratitude.


The wounded are our fellow-creatures: I suppose we should aid them.--Mrs.

The wounded are our fellow-creatures: we should aid them.


She turned, and called in a voice more clear than soft.

- Mrs. Gill!"
She called in a clear, penetrating voice


It rang through the thick oak of the hall and kitchen doors more effectually than a bell's summons.


Mrs. Gill, who was deep in bread-making, came with hands and apron in culinary case, not having dared to stop to rub the dough from the one or to shake the flour from the other.

Mrs. Gill, who was deep in bread-making in the kitchen, came at once, not daring even to rub the dough from her hands or shake the flour from her apron.


Her mistress had never called a servant in that voice save once before, and that was when she had seen from the window Tartar in full tug with two carriers' dogs, each of them a match for him in size, if not in courage, and their masters standing by, encouraging their animals, while hers was unbefriended.

Her mistress had never called a servant in that voice save once before, when Tartar had been fighting with two large carriers' dogs, encouraged by their masters.


Then indeed she had summoned John as if the Day of Judgment were at hand.

Then Miss Keeldar had summoned John as if the Day of Judgment were at hand.


Nor had she waited for the said John's coming, but had walked out into the lane bonnetless, and after informing the carriers that she held them far less of men than the three brutes whirling and worrying in the dust before them, had put her hands round the thick neck of the largest of the curs, and given her whole strength to the essay of choking it from Tartar's torn and bleeding eye, just above and below which organ the vengeful fangs were inserted.

Without waiting for him, she had walked out into the lane, put her hands round the thick neck of the largest cur, and used all her strength to pull it from Tartar's torn and bleeding head.


Five or six men were presently on the spot to help her, but she never thanked one of them.


"They might have come before if their will had been good," she said.


She had not a word for anybody during the rest of the day, but sat near the hall fire till evening watching and tending Tartar, who lay all gory, stiff, and swelled on a mat at her feet.

She had not said a word to anybody during the rest of the day, but sat till evening tending Tartar.


She wept furtively over him sometimes, and murmured the softest words of pity and endearment, in tones whose music the old, scarred, canine warrior acknowledged by licking her hand or her sandal alternately with his own red wounds.

She wept furtively over him sometimes, and murmured the softest words of pity and endearment, which the old, scarred, canine warrior acknowledged by licking her hand.


As to John, his lady turned a cold shoulder on him for a week afterwards.


Mrs. Gill, remembering this little episode, came "all of a tremble," as she said herself.

Mrs. Gill, remembering this little episode, came promptly.


In a firm, brief voice Miss Keeldar proceeded to put questions and give orders.


That at such a time Fieldhead should have evinced the inhospitality of a miser's hovel stung her haughty spirit to the quick; and the revolt of its pride was seen in the heaving of her heart, stirred stormily under the lace and silk which veiled it.

That at such a time Fieldhead should have been inhospitable stung Shirley's haughty spirit to the quick.


"How long is it since that message came from the mill?" she demanded.


"Not an hour yet, ma'am," answered the housekeeper soothingly.


You might almost as well have said not a day.


They will have applied elsewhere by this time.


Send a man instantly down to tell them that everything this house contains is at Mr. Moore's, Mr. Helstone's, and the soldiers' service.


While the order was being executed, Shirley moved away from her friends, and stood at the hall-window, silent, unapproachable.

While the order was being executed, Shirley moved away and stood at the hall-window, silent, unapproachable.


The purple flush which painful excitement kindles on a pale cheek glowed on hers; the spark which displeasure lights in a dark eye fired her glance.

, with a flushed cheek and a spark of displeasure firing her glance.


"Let the contents of the larder and the wine-cellar be brought up, put into the hay-carts, and driven down to the Hollow.


If there does not happen to be much bread or much meat in the house, go to the butcher and baker, and desire them to send what they have.

If we have not much bread or meat in the house, go to the butcher and baker, and desire them to send what they have.


"All will be right soon; she will get over it in an hour," whispered Caroline to Mrs. Pryor.

"She will get over it in an hour," whispered Caroline to Mrs. Pryor.


"Go upstairs, dear madam," she added affectionately, "and try to be as calm and easy as you can.

"Go upstairs, dear madam," she added affectionately, "and try to be as calm as you can.


The truth is, Shirley will blame herself more than you before the day is over."


By dint of a few more gentle assurances and persuasions, Miss Helstone contrived to soothe the agitated lady.

With a few more gentle assurances, Miss Helstone managed to soothe the agitated lady.


Having accompanied her to her apartment, and promised to rejoin her there when things were settled, Caroline left her to see, as she said, "if she could be useful."

Having taken her to her apartment, Caroline left her to see if she could be useful.


She presently found that she could be very useful; for the retinue of servants at Fieldhead was by no means numerous, and just now their mistress found plenty of occupation for all the hands at her command, and for her own also.

She found that she could be very useful; for Fieldhead had not many servants, and just now their mistress found plenty of occupation for all the hands at her command, and for her own also.


The delicate good-nature and dexterous activity which Caroline brought to the aid of the housekeeper and maids--all somewhat scared by their lady's unwonted mood--did a world of good at once; it helped the assistants and appeased the directress.

The good-natured help which Caroline gave the housekeeper and maids - all somewhat scared by their lady's mood - did a world of good; and it appeased Shirley herself.


A chance glance and smile from Caroline moved Shirley to an answering smile directly.


The former was carrying a heavy basket up the cellar stairs.

, who was carrying a heavy basket up the cellar stairs.


She took it from her, and herself bore it out into the yard.

," she cried; took it from her, and bore it out into the yard.


The cloud of temper was dispelled when she came back; the flash in her eye was melted; the shade on her forehead vanished.

The cloud of temper was dispelled; the flash in her eye was melted.


She resumed her usual cheerful and cordial manner to those about her, tempering her revived spirits with a little of the softness of shame at her previous unjust anger.

She resumed her usual cheerful and cordial manner to those about her.


She was still superintending the lading of the cart, when a gentleman entered the yard and approached her ere she was aware of his presence.

Shirley was still superintending the loading of the cart, when a gentleman entered the yard.


"I hope I see Miss Keeldar well this morning?"


he said, examining with rather significant scrutiny her still flushed face.


She gave him a look, and then again bent to her employment without reply.


A pleasant enough smile played on her lips, but she hid it.


The gentleman repeated his salutation, stooping, that it might reach her ear with more facility.


"Well enough, if she be good enough," was the answer; "and so is Mr. Moore too, I dare say.

"Well enough," was the answer; "and so is Mr. Moore too, I dare say." For the gentleman was he.


To speak truth, I am not anxious about him; some slight mischance would be only his just due.

"To speak truth, I am not anxious about him; some slight mischance would be only deserved.


His conduct has been--we will say _strange_ just now, till we have time to characterize it by a more exact epithet.

His conduct has been - let us say strange.


Meantime, may I ask what brings him here?"


"Mr. Helstone and I have just received your message that everything at Fieldhead was at our service.


We judged, by the unlimited wording of the gracious intimation, that you would be giving yourself too much trouble.

We judged that you would be giving yourself too much trouble


We are not a regiment, remember--only about half a dozen soldiers and as many civilians.

We are not a regiment, remember - only about half a dozen soldiers and as many civilians."


Allow me to retrench something from these too abundant supplies."


Miss Keeldar blushed, while she laughed at her own over-eager generosity and most disproportionate calculations.

Miss Keeldar blushed, while she laughed at her own over-eager generosity.


Moore laughed too, very quietly though; and as quietly he ordered basket after basket to be taken from the cart, and remanded vessel after vessel to the cellar.

Moore laughed too, though quietly; and ordered baskets to be removed from the cart, and vessels returned to the cellar.


"The rector must hear of this," he said; "he will make a good story of it.


What an excellent army contractor Miss Keeldar would have been!"


Again he laughed, adding, "It is precisely as I conjectured."


"You ought to be thankful," said Shirley, "and not mock me.


How could I gauge your appetites or number your band?


For aught I knew, there might have been fifty of you at least to victual.

For aught I knew, there might have been fifty of you.


You told me nothing; and then an application to provision soldiers naturally suggests large ideas."

You told me nothing; and an application to provision soldiers naturally suggests large numbers."


"It appears so," remarked Moore, levelling another of his keen, quiet glances at the discomfited Shirley.--"Now," he continued, addressing the carter, "I think you may take what remains to the Hollow.

"It appears so," remarked Moore, levelling another of his keen, quiet glances at the discomfited Shirley. - "Now," he continued


Your load will be somewhat lighter than the one Miss Keeldar destined you to carry."

to the carter, "Your load is somewhat lighter. Take it to the Hollow."


As the vehicle rumbled out of the yard, Shirley, rallying her spirits, demanded what had become of the wounded.

As the vehicle rumbled out of the yard, Shirley demanded what had become of the wounded.


"There was not a single man hurt on our side," was the answer.


"You were hurt yourself, on the temples," interposed a quick, low voice--that of Caroline, who, having withdrawn within the shade of the door, and behind the large person of Mrs. Gill, had till now escaped Moore's notice.

"You were hurt yourself, on the head," interposed a quick, low voice - that of Caroline, in the doorway, who had till now escaped Moore's notice.


When she spoke, his eye searched the obscurity of her retreat.


"As you might scratch your finger with a needle in sewing."


He took his hat off, and did as he was bid, disclosing only a narrow slip of court-plaster.

He took his hat off, disclosing a narrow slip of plaster.


Caroline indicated, by a slight movement of the head, that she was satisfied, and disappeared within the clear obscure of the interior.

Caroline nodded slightly to show that she was satisfied, and disappeared inside.


But it is too good in her to trouble herself about you.

But it is too good of her to trouble herself about you.


For my part, it was of your victims I was thinking when I inquired after the wounded.

For my part, it was your victims I was thinking of.


What damage have your opponents sustained?"


"One of the rioters, or victims as you call them, was killed, and six were hurt."


Medical aid was procured immediately; and as soon as we can get a couple of covered wagons and some clean straw, they will be removed to Stilbro'."

Medical aid was fetched immediately; and as soon as we can get a couple of covered wagons and some clean straw, they will be removed to Stilbro'."


I will send my wagon directly, properly furnished; and Mr. Yorke, I am sure, will send his."

I will send my wagon directly; and Mr. Yorke, I am sure, will send his."


"You guess correctly; he has volunteered already.


And Mrs. Yorke--who, like you, seems disposed to regard the rioters as martyrs, and me, and especially Mr. Helstone, as murderers--is at this moment, I believe, most assiduously engaged in fitting it up with feather-beds, pillows, bolsters, blankets, etc.

And Mrs. Yorke - who, like you, seems to regard the rioters as martyrs, and me and Mr. Helstone as murderers - is at this moment, I believe, fitting it up with feather-beds, pillows and blankets.


The _victims_ lack no attentions, I promise you.

The victims lack no attentions, I promise you.


Mr. Hall, your favourite parson, has been with them ever since six o'clock, exhorting them, praying with them, and even waiting on them like any nurse; and Caroline's good friend, Miss Ainley, that _very_ plain old maid, sent in a stock of lint and linen, something in the proportion of another lady's allowance of beef and wine."

Mr. Hall, your favourite parson, has been with them since six o'clock, waiting on them like any nurse; and Caroline's good friend, Miss Ainley, sent in a vast stock of lint and linen."


I had her securely domiciled with Miss Mann.


This very morning the two set out for Wormwood Wells [a noted watering-place], and will stay there some weeks."

This morning the two set out for the resort of Wormwood Wells, and will stay there some weeks."


"So Mr. Helstone domiciled me at the rectory!


"Mighty clever you gentlemen think you are!


I make you heartily welcome to the idea, and hope its savour, as you chew the cud of reflection upon it, gives you pleasure.


Acute and astute, why are you not also omniscient?


How is it that events transpire, under your very noses, of which you have no suspicion?

How is it that events occur, under your very noses, of which you have no suspicion?


It should be so, otherwise the exquisite gratification of outmanoeuvring you would be unknown.


Ah, friend, you may search my countenance, but you cannot read it."


Moore, indeed, looked as if he could not.


"You think me a dangerous specimen of my sex.


"And knowing her, I assert that she is neither eccentric nor difficult of control.

She is neither eccentric nor difficult of control.


"However, there is nothing masculine about _her_?"


Do you consider her a contrast, in that respect, to yourself?"


"You do, no doubt; but that does not signify.


Caroline is neither masculine, nor of what they call the spirited order of women."

She is not what they call a spirited woman."


"I have seen her flash out," said Moore.


It was a short, vivid, trembling glow, that shot up, shone, vanished----"

It was a short, vivid, trembling glow, that shot up, shone, vanished-"


"The point I wish to establish is, that Miss Helstone, though gentle, tractable, and candid enough, is still perfectly capable of defying even Mr. Moore's penetration."

"The point I wish to make is, that Miss Helstone, though gentle and tractable, is still perfectly capable of defying even Mr. Moore's penetration."


"If you are hungry, Mrs. Gill will give you something to eat here.

Mrs. Gill will give you something to eat.


Step into the oak parlour, and ring the bell."


You will be served as if at an inn; or, if you like better, go back to the Hollow."


"The alternative is not open to me; I _must_ go back.


The first leisure I have I will see you again."

The first leisure I have, I will see you again."


She had native strength in her girl's heart, and she used it.

She had strength in her girl's heart; and


Men and women never struggle so hard as when they struggle alone, without witness, counsellor, or confidant, unencouraged, unadvised, and unpitied.

men and women never struggle so hard as when they struggle alone, unadvised and unpitied.


Her sufferings were her only spur, and being very real and sharp, they roused her spirit keenly.

Caroline's sufferings were her only spur, and being very real and sharp, they roused her spirit keenly.


Bent on victory over a mortal pain, she did her best to quell it.


Never had she been seen so busy, so studious, and, above all, so active.

Never had she been so busy, so studious, and, above all, so active.


She took walks in all weathers, long walks in solitary directions.


Day by day she came back in the evening, pale and wearied-looking, yet seemingly not fatigued; for still, as soon as she had thrown off her bonnet and shawl, she would, instead of resting, begin to pace her apartment.

Day by day she came back in the evening, pale and weary-looking, yet seemingly not fatigued; for as soon as she had thrown off her bonnet and shawl, she would, instead of resting, begin to pace her apartment.


Sometimes she would not sit down till she was literally faint.


She said she did this to tire herself well, that she might sleep soundly at night.

She said she did this to tire herself well, so that she might sleep soundly at night.


But if that was her aim it was unattained; for at night, when others slumbered, she was tossing on her pillow, or sitting at the foot of her couch in the darkness, forgetful, apparently, of the necessity of seeking repose.

But if that was her aim it was unattained; for at night, when others slumbered, she was tossing on her pillow, or sitting at the foot of her bed in the darkness.


she was crying--crying in a sort of intolerable despair, which, when it rushed over her, smote down her strength, and reduced her to childlike helplessness.

she was crying in a sort of intolerable despair, which smote down her strength, and reduced her to childlike helplessness.


When thus prostrate, temptations besieged her.


Weak suggestions whispered in her weary heart to write to Robert, and say that she was unhappy because she was forbidden to see him and Hortense, and that she feared he would withdraw his friendship (not love) from her, and forget her entirely, and begging him to remember her, and sometimes to write to her.

Weak suggestions whispered in her weary heart to write to Robert, and say that she was unhappy because she was forbidden to see him and Hortense, and beg him to remember her.


One or two such letters she actually indited, but she never sent them: shame and good sense forbade.

One or two such letters she actually wrote, but she never sent them: shame and good sense stopped her.


At last the life she led reached the point when it seemed she could bear it no longer, that she must seek and find a change somehow, or her heart and head would fail under the pressure which strained them.

At last she reached the point when it seemed she could bear her life no longer, that she must find a change somehow, or her heart and head would fail under the pressure.


She longed to leave Briarfield, to go to some very distant place.


She longed for something else--the deep, secret, anxious yearning to discover and know her mother strengthened daily; but with the desire was coupled a doubt, a dread--if she knew her, could she love her?

She longed for something else too: the deep, secret, anxious yearning to find and know her mother strengthened daily; but with the desire came doubt - if she knew her mother, would she love her?


There was cause for hesitation, for apprehension on this point.


Never in her life had she heard that mother praised; whoever mentioned her mentioned her coolly.

She had never heard that mother praised.


Her uncle seemed to regard his sister-in-law with a sort of tacit antipathy; an old servant, who had lived with Mrs. James Helstone for a short time after her marriage, whenever she referred to her former mistress, spoke with chilling reserve--sometimes she called her "queer," sometimes she said she did not understand her.

Her uncle seemed to regard her with antipathy; an old servant, who had lived with Mrs. James Helstone for a short time after her marriage, spoke of her with chilling reserve, and said she did not understand her.


These expressions were ice to the daughter's heart; they suggested the conclusion that it was perhaps better never to know her parent than to know her and not like her.

These expressions were ice to the daughter's heart.


But one project could she frame whose execution seemed likely to bring her a hope of relief: it was to take a situation, to be a governess; she could do nothing else.

But one plan seemed likely to bring her hope of relief. It was to take a situation as a governess; she could do nothing else.


A little incident brought her to the point, when she found courage to break her design to her uncle.

Eventually she found courage to speak of it to her uncle.


Her long and late walks lay always, as has been said, on lonely roads; but in whatever direction she had rambled--whether along the drear skirts of Stilbro' Moor or over the sunny stretch of Nunnely Common--her homeward path was still so contrived as to lead her near the Hollow.

Her long walks lay on lonely roads; but in whatever direction she had rambled, her homeward path always led her near the Hollow.


She rarely descended the den, but she visited its brink at twilight almost as regularly as the stars rose over the hillcrests.

She regularly visited its brink at twilight,


Her resting-place was at a certain stile under a certain old thorn.


Thence she could look down on the cottage, the mill, the dewy garden-ground, the still, deep dam; thence was visible the well-known counting-house window, from whose panes at a fixed hour shot, suddenly bright, the ray of the well-known lamp.

From there she could look down on the cottage, the mill, the dewy garden: from there was visible the counting-house window, from whose panes at a fixed hour shone the ray of the lamp.


Her errand was to watch for this ray, her reward to catch it, sometimes sparkling bright in clear air, sometimes shimmering dim through mist, and anon flashing broken between slant lines of rain--for she came in all weathers.

Her errand was to watch for this ray, her reward to catch it.


There were nights when it failed to appear.


She knew then that Robert was from home, and went away doubly sad; whereas its kindling rendered her elate, as though she saw in it the promise of some indefinite hope.

She knew then that Robert was from home, and went away doubly sad; whereas its kindling elated her, like the promise of some indefinite hope.


If, while she gazed, a shadow bent between the light and lattice, her heart leaped.

If, while she gazed, a shadow appeared before the light, her heart leaped.


That eclipse was Robert; she had seen him.


She would return home comforted, carrying in her mind a clearer vision of his aspect, a distincter recollection of his voice, his smile, his bearing; and blent with these impressions was often a sweet persuasion that, if she could get near him, his heart might welcome her presence yet, that at this moment he might be willing to extend his hand and draw her to him, and shelter her at his side as he used to do.

She would return home comforted, and persuaded that, if she could get near him, he might welcome her yet, he might extend his hand and draw her to him, as he used to do.


That night, though she might weep as usual, she would fancy her tears less scalding; the pillow they watered seemed a little softer; the temples pressed to that pillow ached less.

That night, though she might weep, she would fancy her tears less scalding; her head ached less.


The shortest path from the Hollow to the rectory wound near a certain mansion, the same under whose lone walls Malone passed on that night-journey mentioned in an early chapter of this work--the old and tenantless dwelling yclept Fieldhead.

The shortest path from the Hollow to the rectory passed a certain mansion: the old and tenantless dwelling called Fieldhead.


Tenantless by the proprietor it had been for ten years, but it was no ruin.

Tenantless it had been for ten years, but it was no ruin.


Mr. Yorke had seen it kept in good repair, and an old gardener and his wife had lived in it, cultivated the grounds, and maintained the house in habitable condition.

Mr. Yorke had kept it in good repair, and an old gardener and his wife had lived in it, cultivated the grounds, and maintained the house.


If Fieldhead had few other merits as a building, it might at least be termed picturesque.


Its regular architecture, and the gray and mossy colouring communicated by time, gave it a just claim to this epithet.


The old latticed windows, the stone porch, the walls, the roof, the chimney-stacks, were rich in crayon touches and sepia lights and shades.

: the old latticed windows, the stone porch, the walls, the chimney-stacks, were rich in sepia lights and shades.


The trees behind were fine, bold, and spreading; the cedar on the lawn in front was grand; and the granite urns on the garden wall, the fretted arch of the gateway, were, for an artist, as the very desire of the eye.

The trees behind were fine and spreading; the cedar on the front lawn was grand; and the granite urns over the arch of the gateway were pleasing to the eye.


One mild May evening Caroline, passing near about moonrise, and feeling, though weary, unwilling yet to go home, where there was only the bed of thorns and the night of grief to anticipate, sat down on the mossy ground near the gate, and gazed through towards cedar and mansion.

One mild May evening Caroline, passing near about moonrise, and unwilling yet to go home, sat down on the mossy ground near the gate of Fieldhead, and gazed through it towards the cedar and the mansion.


It was a still night--calm, dewy, cloudless; the gables, turned to the west, reflected the clear amber of the horizon they faced; the oaks behind were black; the cedar was blacker.

It was a still, cloudless night; the gables, facing west, reflected the clear amber of the horizon; the cedar was black.


Under its dense, raven boughs a glimpse of sky opened gravely blue.


It was full of the moon, which looked solemnly and mildly down on Caroline from beneath that sombre canopy.

It was full of the moon, which looked solemnly down on Caroline.


She felt this night and prospect mournfully lovely.

She felt the view was mournfully lovely.


She wished she could be happy; she wished she could know inward peace; she wondered Providence had no pity on her, and would not help or console her.

She wished she could be happy and have peace.


Recollections of happy trysts of lovers, commemorated in old ballads, returned on her mind; she thought such tryst in such scene would be blissful.


Not at the Hollow; she had watched for his lamp long, and had not seen it.

Not at the Hollow; she had watched for his lamp, and had not seen it.


She questioned within herself whether she and Moore were ever destined to meet and speak again.


Suddenly the door within the stone porch of the hall opened, and two men came out--one elderly and white-headed, the other young, dark-haired, and tall.

Suddenly the door within the stone porch of the hall opened, and two men came out - one elderly and white-headed, the other young, dark-haired, and tall.


They passed across the lawn, out through a portal in the garden wall.

They walked across the lawn and through a gate in the garden wall.


Caroline saw them cross the road, pass the stile, descend the fields; she saw them disappear.

Caroline saw them pass the stile, descend the fields and disappear.


Robert Moore had passed before her with his friend Mr. Yorke.


The apparition had been transient--scarce seen ere gone; but its electric passage left her veins kindled, her soul insurgent.

The apparition was fleeting; but at its electric passage her veins kindled, her soul surged.


It found her despairing, it left her desperate--two different states.


He would have shown some token of affection.


In his eye, on his lips, I should have read comfort; but the chance is lost.


The wind, the cloud's shadow, does not pass more silently, more emptily than he.


I have been mocked, and Heaven is cruel!"


Thus, in the utter sickness of longing and disappointment, she went home.