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

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


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

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


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


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

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


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


He was an old man, so lately exultant in the full strength of manhood.


The utter loneliness of his life was insupportable to think about.

and the utter loneliness of his life was insupportable to think about.


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

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


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

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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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

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


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


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


She thanked Mr. Lennox very courteously for his trouble; all the more courteously and graciously because she was conscious that, by her behaviour, he might probably be led to imagine that he had given her needless pain.

, and thanked Mr. Lennox very courteously for his trouble.


Yet it was pain she would not have been without.


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

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


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

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


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


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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


"Well, then, prove your gratitude by keeping those fountains of yours dry for the next two days.

'Well, then, prove your gratitude by keeping those fountains of yours dry for the next two days


If you don't, I shall feel queer myself about the lachrymal ducts, and I don't like that."


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

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


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

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


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

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


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


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

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


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

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


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


He was deeply interested in all her father said.


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


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

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


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

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


Mr. Thornton said very little; but every sentence he uttered added to Mr. Hale's reliance and regard for him.

Mr. Thornton said very little; but every sentence he uttered added to Mr. Hale's regard for him.


Was it that he paused in the expression of some remembered agony, Mr. Thornton's two or three words would complete the sentence, and show how deeply its meaning was entered into.

If he paused in the expression of some remembered agony, Mr. Thornton's two or three words would complete the sentence, and show how deeply he understood.


Was it a doubt--a fear--a wandering uncertainty seeking rest, but finding none--so tear-blinded were its eyes--Mr. Thornton, instead of being shocked, seemed to have passed through that very stage of thought himself, and could suggest where the exact ray of light was to be found, which should make the dark places plain.

Mr. Thornton, instead of being shocked by any doubts, seemed to have passed through that very stage of thought himself, and could suggest where to find the ray of light which should make the dark places plain.


Man of action as he was, busy in the world's great battle, there was a deeper religion binding him to God in his heart, in spite of his strong wilfulness, through all his mistakes, than Mr. Hale had ever dreamed.

Busy man of action though he was, there was a deep religion binding him to God in his heart, through all his mistakes.


They never spoke of such things again, as it happened; but this one conversation made them peculiar people to each other; knit them together, in a way which no loose indiscriminate talking about sacred things can ever accomplish.

They never spoke of such things again, as it happened; but this one conversation knit them together.


When all are admitted, how can there be a Holy of Holies?


And all this while, Margaret lay as still and white as death on the study floor!


It had been heavy in weight and long carried; and she had been very meek and patient, till all at once her faith had given way, and she had groped in vain for help!

had been heavy and long carried; and she had been very meek and patient under it, till all at once her faith had given way, and she had groped in vain for help.


There was a pitiful contraction of suffering upon her beautiful brows, although there was no other sign of consciousness remaining.


The mouth--a little while ago, so sullenly projected in defiance--was relaxed and livid.


"E par che de la sua labbia si mova Uno spirto soave e pien d'amore, Chi va dicendo a l'anima: sospira!"


The first symptom of returning life was a quivering about the lips--a little mute soundless attempt at speech; but the eyes were still closed; and the quivering sank into stillness.

The first symptom of returning life was a quivering about the lips - a mute attempt at speech, that sank into stillness.


Then, feebly leaning on her arms for an instant to steady herself, Margaret gathered herself up, and rose.

Then, feebly leaning on her arms to steady herself, Margaret gathered herself up, and rose.


Her comb had fallen out of her hair; and with an intuitive desire to efface the traces of weakness, and bring herself into order again, she sought for it, although from time to time, in the course of the search, she had to sit down and recover strength.

Her comb had fallen out of her hair; and with an intuitive desire to remove the traces of weakness, she sought for it, although in the course of the search, she had to sit down and recover strength.


Her head drooped forwards--her hands meekly laid one upon the other--she tried to recall the force of her temptation, by endeavouring to remember the details which had thrown her into such deadly fright; but she could not.

She tried to remember the details which had thrown her into such deadly fright; but she could not.


She only understood two facts--that Frederick had been in danger of being pursued and detected in London, as not only guilty of manslaughter, but as the more unpardonable leader of the mutiny, and that she had lied to save him.

She only understood two facts - that Frederick had been in danger of being pursued and detected in London, and that she had lied to save him.


There was one comfort; her lie had saved him, if only by gaining some additional time.

There was one comfort; her lie had gained him time.


If the inspector came again to-morrow, after she had received the letter she longed for to assure her of her brother's safety, she would brave shame, and stand in her bitter penance--she the lofty Margaret--acknowledging before a crowded justice-room, if need were, that she had been as "a dog, and done this thing."

If the inspector came again tomorrow, after she had received a letter assuring her of her brother's safety, she would brave shame, and acknowledge before a crowded courtroom that she had withheld the truth.


But if he came before she heard from Frederick; if he returned, as he had half threatened, in a few hours, why!

But if the inspector came before she heard from Frederick, why!


she would tell that lie again; though how the words would come out, after all this terrible pause for reflection and self-reproach, without betraying her falsehood, she did not know, she could not tell.

she would tell that lie again; though how the words would come out without betraying her falsehood, she did not know.


But her repetition of it would gain time--time for Frederick.


She was roused by Dixon's entrance into the room; she had just been letting out Mr. Thornton.

She was roused by Dixon's entrance into the room; she had just let out Mr. Thornton.


He had hardly gone ten steps in the street, before a passing omnibus stopped close by him, and a man got down, and came up to him, touching his hat as he did so.

He had hardly gone ten steps in the street, before a man came up to him, touching his hat.


Mr. Thornton had obtained for him his first situation in the police, and had heard from time to time of the progress of his protg, but they had not often met, and at first Mr. Thornton did not remember him.

Mr. Thornton had obtained for him his first situation in the police, and had heard from time to time of his progress, but they had not often met. At first Mr. Thornton did not remember him.


"My name is Watson--George Watson, sir, that you got----"

'My name is Watson - George Watson, sir-'


Why you are getting on famously, I hear."


But it is on a little matter of business I made so bold as to speak to you now.

But it is on a little matter of business I make so bold as to speak to you now.


I believe you were the magistrate who attended to take down the deposition of a poor man who died in the Infirmary last night."

I believe you were the magistrate who attended to take down the deposition of a poor man who died in the Infirmary last night.'


"I went and heard some kind of a rambling statement, which the clerk said was of no great use.

'I went and heard some kind of a rambling statement, which the clerk said was of no great use.


I'm afraid he was but a drunken fellow, though there is no doubt he came to his death by violence at last.

I'm afraid he was a drunken fellow, though he came to his death by violence at last.


One of my mother's servants was engaged to him, I believe, and she is in great distress to-day.

One of my mother's servants was engaged to him, I believe, and she is in great distress.


"Why, sir, his death is oddly mixed up with somebody in the house I saw you coming out of just now; it was a Mr. Hales's I believe."

'Why, sir, his death is oddly mixed up with somebody in the house I saw you coming out of just now; Mr. Hale's, I believe.'


said Mr. Thornton, turning sharp round and looking into the inspector's face with sudden interest.

said Mr. Thornton, looking into the inspector's face with sudden interest.


"Why, sir, it seems to me that I have got a pretty distinct chain of evidence, inculpating a gentleman who was walking with Miss Hale that night at the Outwood station, as the man who struck or pushed Leonards off the platform and so caused his death.

'Why, sir, I have got a pretty distinct chain of evidence, inculpating a gentleman who was walking with Miss Hale that night at the Outwood station, as the man who struck or pushed Leonards off the platform.


But the young lady denies that she was there at the time."

But the young lady denies that she was there at the time.'


repeated Mr. Thornton in an altered voice.

repeated Mr. Thornton, in an altered voice.


"About six o'clock, on the evening of Thursday, the twenty-sixth."

'About six o'clock, on the evening of Thursday, the twenty-sixth.'


They walked on, side by side, in silence for a minute or two.


"You see, sir, there is like to be a coroner's inquest; and I've got a young man who is pretty positive,--at least he was at first;--since he has heard of the young lady's denial, he says he should not like to swear; but still he's pretty positive that he saw Miss Hale at the station, walking about with a gentleman, not five minutes before the time, when one of the porters saw a scuffle, which he set down to some of Leonards' impudence--but which led to the fall which caused his death.

'You see, sir, there is like to be a coroner's inquest; and I've got a young man who is pretty sure that he saw Miss Hale at the station, walking about with a gentleman, not five minutes before one of the porters saw a scuffle, which he set down to some of Leonards' impudence - but which led to the fall which caused his death.


And seeing you come out of the very house, sir, I thought I might make bold to ask if--you see, it's always awkward having to do with cases of disputed identity, and one doesn't like to doubt the word of a respectable young woman unless one has strong proof to the contrary."

And seeing you come out of the very house, sir, I thought I might make bold to ask - you see, it's awkward, and one doesn't like to doubt the word of a respectable young woman unless one has strong proof to the contrary.'


"And she denied having been at the station that evening!"

'And she denied having been at the station that evening!'


repeated Mr. Thornton, in a low, brooding tone.


"Yes, sir, twice over, as distinct as could be.


I told her I should call again, but seeing you just as I was on my way back from questioning the young man who said it was her, I thought I would ask your advice, both as the magistrate who saw Leonards on his death-bed, and as the gentleman who got me my berth in the force."

I told her I should call again, and I was just on my way there after talking to the witness again when I saw you. I thought I would ask your advice, both as the magistrate who saw Leonards on his death-bed, and as the gentleman who got me my berth in the force.'


"You were quite right," said Mr. Thornton.

'You were quite right,' said Mr. Thornton.


"Don't take any steps till you have seen me again."

'Don't take any steps till you have seen me again.'


"The young lady will expect me to call, from what I said."

'The young lady will expect me to call.'


Mr. Thornton hurried to his warehouse, and, sternly forbidding his clerks to allow any one to interrupt him, he went his way to his own private room, and locked the door.

Mr. Thornton hurried to his warehouse, and, sternly forbidding his clerks to allow anyone to interrupt him, he went to his private room, and locked the door.


Then he indulged himself in the torture of thinking it all over, and realising every detail.

Then he indulged himself in the torture of thinking it all over.


How could he have lulled himself into the unsuspicious calm in which her tearful image had mirrored itself not two hours before, till he had weakly pitied her and yearned towards her, and forgotten the savage, distrustful jealousy with which the sight of her--and that unknown to him--at such an hour--in such a place--had inspired him!

How could he have lulled himself into pity by her tearful image, and have forgotten the savage, distrustful jealousy with which the sight of her and another man - at such an hour - in such a place - had filled him!


How could one so pure have stooped from her decorous and noble manner of bearing!


He hated himself for the idea that forced itself upon him, just for an instant--no more--and yet, while it was present, thrilled him with its old potency of attraction towards her image.

He hated himself for the idea that forced itself upon him, just for an instant, and yet thrilled him with its old potency of attraction towards her image.


And then this falsehood--how terrible must be some dread of shame to be revealed--for, after all, the provocation given by such a man as Leonards was, when excited by drinking, might, in all probability, be more than enough to justify any one who came forward to state the circumstances openly and without reserve!

And then this falsehood - how terrible her dread must be of some shame to be revealed. After all, the provocation given by such a man as Leonards might be more than enough to justify anyone stating the circumstances openly!


How creeping and deadly that fear which could bow down the truthful Margaret to falsehood!


She could not have considered all she was entering upon; if there was an inquest and the young man came forward.

She could not have considered; if there was an inquest and the young man came forward-


He would take the responsibility of preventing the inquest, the issue of which, from the uncertainty of the medical testimony (which he had vaguely heard the night before, from the surgeon in attendance), could be but doubtful; the doctors had discovered an internal disease far advanced, and sure to prove fatal; they had stated that death might have been accelerated by the fall, or by the subsequent drinking and exposure to cold.

He would take the responsibility of preventing the inquest. He had heard the medical testimony from the surgeon the night before, and it was doubtful; the doctors had discovered an internal disease far advanced, and sure to prove fatal. They had stated that death might have been accelerated by the fall, or by the subsequent drinking and exposure to cold.


If he had but known how Margaret would have become involved in the affair--if he had but foreseen that he would have stained her whiteness by a falsehood, he could have saved her by a word; for the question, of inquest or no inquest, had hung trembling in the balance only the night before.

If he had only known how Margaret would have become involved in the affair - if he had foreseen that she would have stained her whiteness by a falsehood, he could have saved her by a word; for the necessity of an inquest had hung in the balance only the night before.


Miss Hale might love another--was indifferent and contemptuous to him--but he would yet do her faithful acts of service of which she should never know.

Miss Hale might love another - was indifferent and contemptuous to him - but he would yet do her faithful acts of service of which she should never know.


He might despise her, but the woman whom he had once loved should be kept from shame; and shame it would be to pledge herself to a lie in a public court, or otherwise to stand and acknowledge her reason for desiring darkness rather than light.

He might despise her, but the woman whom he had once loved should be kept from shame; and shame it would be to lie in a public court.


Very gray and stern did Mr. Thornton look, as he passed out through his wondering clerks.

Very grey and stern did Mr. Thornton look, as he passed out through his wondering clerks.


He was away about half an hour; and scarcely less stern did he look when he returned, although his errand had been successful.


He wrote two lines on a slip of paper, put it in an envelope, and sealed it up.


This he gave to one of the clerks, saying:--


"I appointed Watson--he who was a packer in the warehouse, and who went into the police--to call on me at four o'clock.

'I asked Watson - he who was a packer in the warehouse, and who went into the police - to call on me at four o'clock.


I have just met a gentleman from Liverpool who wishes to see me before he leaves town.

But I need to see a gentleman from Liverpool before he leaves town.


Take care to give this note to Watson when he calls."

Give this note to Watson when he calls.'


Medical evidence not sufficient to justify it.


I have not seen the coroner; but I will take the responsibility."

I have not seen the coroner; but I will take the responsibility.'


"Well," thought Watson, "it relieves me from an awkward job.

'Well,' thought Watson, 'it relieves me from an awkward job.


None of my witnesses seemed certain of anything except the young woman.


She was clear and distinct enough; the porter at the railroad had seen a scuffle!


or when he found it was likely to bring him in as a witness, then it might not have been a scuffle, only a little larking, and Leonards might have jumped off the platform himself;--he would not stick firm to anything.

but when he found it was likely to bring him in as a witness, then it might not have been a scuffle, only a little larking, and Leonards might have jumped off the platform - he would not stick to anything.


And Jennings, the grocer's shopman,--well, he was not quite so bad, but I doubt if I could have got him up to an oath after he heard that Miss Hale flatly denied it.

And Jennings, the shopman - well, I doubt if I could have got him up to an oath after he heard that Miss Hale denied it.


It would have been a troublesome job and no satisfaction.


And now I must go and tell them they won't be wanted."

And now I must go and tell them they won't be wanted.'


He accordingly presented himself again at Mr. Hale's that evening.

He accordingly went to Mr. Hale's that evening.


Her father and Dixon would fain have persuaded Margaret to go to bed; but they, neither of them, knew the reason for her low continued refusals to do so.

Her father and Dixon had tried to persuade Margaret to go to bed; but neither of them knew the reason for her continued refusals to do so.


Dixon had learnt part of the truth--but only part.

Dixon had learnt only part of the truth.


Margaret would not tell any human being of what she had said, and she did not reveal the fatal termination to Leonards' fall from the platform.

Margaret would not tell any human being of what she had said, and she did not reveal the fatal end to Leonards' fall.


So Dixon's curiosity combined with her allegiance to urge Margaret to go to rest, which her appearance, as she lay on the sofa, showed but too clearly that she required.


She did not speak except when spoken to; she tried to smile back in reply to her father's anxious looks and words of tender inquiry; but, instead of a smile, the wan lips resolved themselves into a sigh.


He was so miserably uneasy that, at last, she consented to go into her own room, and prepare for going to bed.

Mr. Hale was so miserably uneasy at her wan appearance that, at last, she consented to prepare for bed.


She was indeed inclined to give up the idea that the inspector would call again that night, as it was already past nine o'clock.

She thought the inspector would not call again that night, as it was already past nine o'clock.


She stood by her father, holding on to the back of his chair.


"You will go to bed soon, papa, won't you?

'You will go to bed soon, papa, won't you?


What his answer was she did not hear; the words were lost in the far smaller sound that magnified itself to her fears, and filled her brain.


for there was a low ring at the door-bell.


She kissed her father and glided down stairs, with a rapidity of motion of which no one would have thought her capable, who had seen her the minute before.

She kissed her father and glided rapidly downstairs.


'Don't come, Dixon; I will open the door.


I know it is him--I can--I must manage it all myself."

I know it is him - I must manage it myself.'


said Dixon, testily; but in a moment afterwards, she added, "But you're not fit for it.


said Margaret, turning round and showing her eyes all aglow with strange fire, her cheeks flushed, though her lips were baked and livid still.

said Margaret. Her eyes were aglow, and her cheeks flushed, though her lips were livid still.


She opened the door to the Inspector, and preceded him into the study.

She opened the door to the Inspector, and led him into the study.


She placed the candle on the table, and snuffed it carefully, before she turned round and faced him.


"I am sorry to have given any unnecessary trouble, ma'am; for, after all, they've given up all thoughts of holding an inquest.

'I'm sorry to have given any unnecessary trouble, ma'am. After all, they've given up all thoughts of holding an inquest.


I have had other work to do and other people to see, or I should have been here before now."

I have had people to see, or I should have been here before now.'


"I believe I've got Mr. Thornton's note about me," said the Inspector, fumbling in his pocket-book.

'I believe I've got Mr. Thornton's note about me,' said the Inspector, fumbling in his pocket-book.


She could not see to read it--no, not although she was close to the candle.


But she held it in her hand, and looked at it as if she were intently studying it.

But she held it, and looked at it as if she were intently studying it.


"I'm sure, ma'am, it's a great weight off my mind; for the evidence was so uncertain, you see, that the man had received any blow at all, and if any question of identity came in, it so complicated the case, as I told Mr. Thornton----"

'I'm sure, ma'am, it's a great weight off my mind; for the evidence was so uncertain, you see.


"I met him this morning, just as he was coming out of this house, and, as he's an old friend of mine, besides being the magistrate who saw Leonards last night, I made bold to tell him of my difficulty."

I met Mr. Thornton this morning, just as he was coming out of this house, and, as he's an old friend of mine, besides being the magistrate who saw Leonards last night, I made bold to tell him of my difficulty.'


She did not want to hear any more; she was afraid alike of what she had heard, and of what she might hear.


she continued, suddenly interpreting the meaning of the hand held out to receive it.


He was putting it up, when she said, "I think it is a cramped, dazzling sort of writing.

As he held out his hand for the note, she continued, 'It is a cramped sort of writing.


I could not read it; will you just read it to me?"

I could not read it; will you just read it to me?'


You told Mr. Thornton that I was not there?"

You told Mr. Thornton that I was not there?'


I'm sorry now that I acted upon information, which seems to have been so erroneous.

I'm sorry now that I acted upon information which seems to have been erroneous.


At first the young man was so positive; and now he says that he doubted all along, and hopes that his mistake won't have occasioned you such annoyance as to lose their shop your custom.

At first the young shop-man was so positive; and now he says that he doubted all along, and hopes that his mistake won't have annoyed you so as to lose your custom.


She rang the bell for Dixon to show him out.

She rang the bell for Dixon, who showed him out.


As Dixon returned up the passage Margaret passed her swiftly.


said she, without looking at Dixon; and before the woman could follow her with further questions she had sped upstairs, and entered her bed-chamber, and bolted her door.

said Margaret to Dixon; and then sped upstairs, entered her bedchamber, and bolted her door.


She threw herself, dressed as she was, upon her bed.


Half-an-hour or more elapsed before the cramped nature of her position, and the chilliness, supervening upon great fatigue, had the power to rouse her numbed faculties.

Half an hour or more elapsed before her cramped position, and the chilliness, roused her.


Then she began to recall, to combine, to wonder.


The first idea that presented itself to her was, that all this sickening alarm on Frederick's behalf was over; that the strain was past.

Her first thought was that all this sickening alarm was over; that the strain was past.


The next was a wish to remember every word of the Inspector's which related to Mr. Thornton.


And until she could recollect, even to the placing or omitting an article, the very expressions which he had used in the note, her mind refused to go on with its progress.

Until she could recollect the exact words of his note, her mind refused to go on.


But the next conviction she came to was clear enough;--Mr. Thornton had seen her close to Outwood station on the fatal Thursday night, and had been told of her denial that she was there.

But the next conviction she came to was clear enough; Mr. Thornton had seen her close to Outwood station on the fatal night, and had been told of her denial that she was there.


But she had no thought of penitence before God; nothing but chaos and night surrounded the one lurid fact that, in Mr. Thornton's eyes, she was degraded.

She had no thought of penitence before God; nothing but chaos and night surrounded the one lurid fact that, in Mr. Thornton's eyes, she was degraded.


She cared not to think, even to herself, of how much of excuse she might plead.


That had nothing to do with Mr. Thornton; she never dreamed that he, or any one else, could find cause for suspicion in what was so natural as her accompanying her brother; but what was really false and wrong was known to him, and he had a right to judge her.

She never dreamed that Mr. Thornton, or anyone, might find cause for suspicion in her accompanying her brother. It was the lie that shamed her. Her false, wrong act was known to him, and he had a right to judge her.


she cried, "what have I not sacrificed for you!"

she cried, 'what have I not sacrificed for you!'


Even when she fell asleep her thoughts were compelled to travel the same circle, only with exaggerated and monstrous circumstances of pain.


When she awoke a new idea flashed upon her with all the brightness of the morning.

When she awoke a new idea flashed upon her.


Mr. Thornton had learnt her falsehood before he went to the coroner; that suggested the thought, that he had possibly been influenced so to do with a view of sparing her the repetition of her denial.

Mr. Thornton had learnt her falsehood before he went to the coroner; so he had possibly done so in order to spare her the repetition of her denial.


But she pushed this notion on one side with the sick wilfulness of a child.

But she pushed this notion aside with the sick wilfulness of a child.


If it were so, she felt no gratitude to him, as it only showed her how keenly he must have seen that she was disgraced already, before he took such unwonted pains to spare her any further trial of truthfulness, which had already failed so signally.

If it were so, she felt no gratitude to him, as it only showed her how keenly he must have seen that she was disgraced already.


She would have gone through the whole--she would have perjured herself to save Frederick, rather--far rather--than Mr. Thornton should have had the knowledge that prompted him to interfere to save her.

She would have gone through the whole - she would have perjured herself again to save Frederick, rather than Mr. Thornton should have had the knowledge that prompted him to save her.


What ill-fate brought him in contact with the Inspector?


What made him be the very magistrate sent for to receive Leonards' deposition?

What made him be the very magistrate who received Leonards' deposition?


How much of it was intelligible to Mr. Thornton, who might already, for aught she knew, be aware of the old accusation against Frederick, through their mutual friend, Mr. Bell?

For all she knew, Mr. Thornton might already be aware of the accusation against Frederick, through Mr. Bell.


If so, he had striven to save the son, who came in defiance of the law to attend his mother's death-bed.

If so, he had striven to save the son who came to attend his mother's death-bed.


And under this idea she could feel grateful--not yet, if ever she should, if his interference had been prompted by contempt.

And under this idea she could feel grateful - but not if his interference had been prompted by contempt.


had any one just cause to feel contempt for her?

had anyone such just cause to feel contempt for her?


Mr. Thornton, above all people, on whom she had looked down from her imaginary heights till now!


She suddenly found herself at his feet, and was strangely distressed at her fall.


She shrank from following out the premises to their conclusion, and so acknowledging to herself how much she valued his respect and good opinion.

She shrank from admitting to herself how much she valued his respect and good opinion.


Whenever this idea presented itself to her at the end of a long avenue of thoughts, she turned away from following that path--she would not believe in it.

Whenever this idea presented itself to her at the end of a long avenue of thoughts, she turned away from it.


It was later than she fancied, for in the agitation of the previous night, she had forgotten to wind up her watch; and Mr. Hale had given especial orders that she was not to be disturbed by the usual awakening.

Mr. Hale had given orders that she was not to be disturbed;


By and by the door opened cautiously, and Dixon put her head in.

but by and by the door opened cautiously, and Dixon put her head in.


Perceiving that Margaret was awake, she came forwards with a letter.

Seeing that Margaret was awake, she came forwards with a letter.


She spoke very languidly, and suffered Dixon to lay it on the counterpane before her, without putting out a hand to take it.

She spoke very languidly, and let Dixon lay it on the counterpane before her.


Master has got the tray all ready, I know."


Margaret did not reply; she let her go; she felt that she must be alone before she could open that letter.

Margaret did not reply; she let Dixon go; she felt that she must be alone before she could open that letter.


The first thing that caught her eye was the date two days earlier than she received it.

The first thing that caught her eye was the date: two days


He had then written when he had promised, and their alarm might have been spared.

previously, so he had written when he had promised.


It was hasty enough, but perfectly satisfactory.

It was hastily written, but perfectly satisfactory.


He had seen Henry Lennox, who knew enough of the case to shake his head over it, in the first instance, and tell him he had done a very daring thing in returning to England, with such an accusation, backed by such powerful influence, hanging over him.

He had seen Henry Lennox, who knew enough of the case to shake his head over it, and tell him he had done a very daring thing in returning to England, with such an accusation hanging over him.


But when they had come to talk it over, Mr. Lennox had acknowledged that there might be some chance of his acquittal, if he could but prove his statements by credible witnesses--that in such case it might be worth while to stand his trial, otherwise it would be a great risk.

But when they had talked it over, Mr. Lennox had acknowledged that there might be some chance of acquittal, if he could find credible witnesses. Otherwise it would be a great risk to stand trial.


He would examine--he would take every pains.


"It struck me," said Frederick, "that your introduction, little sister of mine, went a long way.

'It struck me,' wrote Frederick, 'that your introduction, little sister of mine, went a long way.


He made so many inquiries, I can assure you.

He made many inquiries, I can assure you.


He seemed a sharp, intelligent fellow, and in good practice too, to judge from the signs of business and the number of clerks about him.

He seemed a sharp, intelligent fellow, and in a good practice too.


I have just caught a packet on the point of sailing--I am off in five minutes.

I have just caught a packet on the point of sailing - I am off in five minutes.


I may have to come back to England again on this business, so keep my visit secret.


I shall send my father some rare old sherry, such as you cannot buy in England,--(such stuff as I've got in the bottle before me)!


He needs something of the kind--my dear love to him--God bless him.


Take care you don't breathe of my having been--not even to the Shaws."


Margaret turned to the envelope: it was marked "Too late."

Margaret turned to the envelope; it was marked 'Too late.'


The letter had probably been trusted to some careless waiter, who had forgotten to post it.


what slight cobwebs of chances stand between us and Temptation!

what slight cobwebs of chance stand between us and Temptation!


Frederick had been safe, and out of England twenty, nay, thirty hours ago; and it was only about seventeen hours since she had told a falsehood to baffle pursuit, which even then would have been vain.

Frederick had been safely out of England twenty, nay, thirty hours ago; and it was only seventeen hours since she had told a falsehood to baffle pursuit - which would have been in vain.


Where now was her proud motto, "Fais ce que dois, advienne que pourra?"


If she had but dared to bravely tell the truth as regarded herself, defying them to find out what she refused to tell concerning another, how light of heart she would now have felt!

If she had only dared to bravely tell the truth about herself, if not him, how light of heart she would now have felt!


Not humbled before God, as having failed in trust towards Him; not degraded and abased in Mr. Thornton's sight.

Not humbled before God; not degraded and abased in Mr. Thornton's sight.


She caught herself up at this with a miserable tremor; here was she classing his low opinion of her alongside with the displeasure of God.

She caught herself up at this: here she was classing Mr. Thornton's low opinion alongside the displeasure of God.


How was it that he haunted her imagination so persistently?


Why did she care for what he thought, in spite of all her pride; in spite of herself?

Why did she care what he thought in spite of all her pride?


She believed that she could have borne the sense of Almighty displeasure, because He knew all, and could read her penitence, and hear her cries for help in time to come.

She believed that she could have borne the sense of Almighty displeasure, because He knew all, and could read her penitence.


But Mr. Thornton--why did she tremble, and hide her face in the pillow?

But Mr. Thornton - why did she tremble, and hide her face in the pillow?


What strong feeling had overtaken her at last?


She sprang out of bed and prayed long and earnestly.


It soothed and comforted her so to open her heart.

It soothed and comforted her to open her heart.


But as soon as she reviewed her position she found the sting was still there; that she was not good enough, nor pure enough to be indifferent to the lowered opinion of a fellow creature: that the thought of how he must be looking upon her with contempt, stood between her and her sense of wrong-doing.

But as soon as she reviewed her position she found the sting was still there; that she was not good enough, nor pure enough to be indifferent to his low opinion; that the thought of his contempt stood between her and her sense of wrong-doing.


She took her letter in to her father as soon as she was drest.

She took her letter to her father as soon as she was dressed.


There was so slight an allusion to their alarm at the railroad station, that Mr. Hale passed over it without paying any attention to it.

There was so slight an allusion to their alarm at the station, that Mr. Hale did not pay it any attention.


Indeed, beyond the mere fact of Frederick having sailed undiscovered and unsuspected, he did not gather much from the letter at the time, he was so uneasy about Margaret's pallid looks.

Indeed, beyond the mere fact of Frederick having sailed undiscovered, he did not gather much from the letter, because he was so uneasy about Margaret's pallid looks.


She seemed continually on the point of weeping.


He made her lie down on the sofa, and went for a shawl to cover her with.


His tenderness released her tears; and she cried bitterly.


said he, looking fondly at her, as she lay with her face to the wall, shaking with her sobs.

said he fondly, as she lay with her face to the wall, shaking with sobs.


After a while they ceased, and she began to wonder whether she durst give herself the relief of telling her father of all her trouble.

After a while they ceased, and she began to wonder whether she dared tell her father of her trouble.


But there were more reasons against it than for it.


The only one for it was the relief to herself; and against it was the thought that it would add materially to her father's nervousness, if it were indeed necessary for Frederick to come to England again; that he would dwell on the circumstance of his son's having caused the death of a man, however unwittingly and unwillingly; that this knowledge would perpetually recur to trouble him, in various shapes of exaggeration and distortion from the simple truth.

The only reason for it was the relief to herself; and against it was the thought that it would add greatly to her father's nervousness. He would be troubled by his son's having caused the death of a man, however unwittingly; and


And about her own great fault--he would be distressed beyond measure at her want of courage and faith, yet perpetually troubled to make excuses for her.

he would be distressed beyond measure at her own great fault - her lack of courage and faith - yet would feel the need to make excuses for her.


Formerly Margaret would have come to him as priest as well as father, to tell him of her temptation and her sin; but latterly they had not spoken much on such subjects; and she knew not how, in his change of opinions, he would reply if the depth of her soul called unto his.


No; she would keep her secret, and bear the burden alone.


Alone she would go before God, and cry for His absolution.

Alone she would ask for God's absolution.


Alone she would endure her disgraced position in the opinion of Mr. Thornton.

Alone she would endure her disgrace in Mr. Thornton's opinion.


She was unspeakably touched by the tender efforts of her father to think of cheerful subjects on which to talk, and so to take her thoughts away from dwelling on all that had happened of late.

She was unspeakably touched by her father's tender efforts to talk of cheerful subjects.


It was some months since he had been so talkative as he was this day.

It was some months since he had been so talkative.


He would not let her sit up, and offended Dixon desperately by insisting on waiting upon her himself.


At last she smiled; a poor, weak little smile; but it gave him the truest pleasure.

At last she smiled; a poor, weak smile; but it gave him the truest pleasure.


"It seems strange to think, that what gives us most hope for the future should be called Dolores," said Margaret.

'It seems strange to think that what gives us most hope for the future should be called Dolores, which means sorrows,' said Margaret.


The remark was more in character with her father than with her usual self; but to-day they seemed to have changed natures.


"Her mother was a Spaniard, I believe: that accounts for her religion.

'Her mother was a Spaniard, I believe: that accounts for her religion.


Her father was a stiff Presbyterian when I knew him.


"How young she is!--younger by fourteen months than I am.


Just the age that Edith was when she was engaged to Captain Lennox.


Papa, we will go and see them in Spain."

Papa, we will go and see them in Spain.'


It would seem unfair--unkind to your mother, who always, I'm afraid, disliked Milton so much, if we left it now she is lying here, and cannot go with us.

It would seem unfair to your mother, who disliked Milton so much, and cannot go with us.


No, dear; you shall go and see them, and bring me back a report of my Spanish daughter."

No, dear; you shall go and see them, and bring me back a report of my Spanish daughter.'


Who is to take care of you when I am gone?"

Who will take care of you when I am gone?'


"I should like to know which of us is taking care of the other.

'I should like to know which of us is taking care of the other.


But if you went, I should persuade Mr. Thornton to let me give him double lessons.


You might go on, and see Edith at Corfu, if you liked."

You might go on and see Edith at Corfu, if you liked.'


Then she said rather gravely: "Thank you, papa.

Then she said gravely: 'Thank you, papa.


We will hope that Mr. Lennox will manage so well, that Frederick may bring Dolores to see us when they are married.

We will hope that Mr. Lennox will manage so well that Frederick may bring Dolores to see us when they are married.


And as for Edith, the regiment won't remain much longer in Corfu.

As for Edith, the regiment won't remain much longer in Corfu.'


Perhaps we shall see both of them here before another year is out."


Mr. Hale's cheerful subjects had come to an end.


Some painful recollections had stolen across his mind, and driven him into silence.


"Papa--did you see Nicholas Higgins at the funeral?

'Papa - did you see Nicholas Higgins at the funeral?


He has a good warm heart under his bluff abrupt ways."

He has a good warm heart under his abrupt ways.'


"I saw it all along, even while you tried to persuade me that he was all sorts of bad things.


We will go and see them to-morrow, if you are strong enough to walk so far."

'We will go and see them tomorrow, if you are strong enough.'


We did not pay Mary--or rather she refused to take it, Dixon says.

We did not pay Mary - or rather, she refused to take any money, Dixon says.


We will go so as to catch him just after his dinner, and before he goes to his work."

We will go so as to catch him just after his dinner, and before he goes to his work.'


"I half expected Mr. Thornton would have called.

'I half expected Mr. Thornton would have called.


He spoke of a book yesterday which he had, and which I wanted to see.

Yesterday he spoke of bringing a book which I wanted to see.'


He said he would try and bring it to-day."


He would be too delicate to run the chance of meeting her, while her shame must be so fresh in his memory.


The very mention of his name renewed her trouble, and produced a relapse into the feeling of depressed, pre-occupied exhaustion.

The very mention of his name produced a relapse of her depressed, pre-occupied exhaustion.


Suddenly it struck her that this was a strange manner to show her patience, or to reward her father for his watchful care of her all through the day.

Suddenly it struck her that this was a strange way to reward her father for his watchful care of her all day.


His eyes were failing, and he gladly accepted her proposal.


She read well: she gave the due emphasis; but had any one asked her, when she had ended, the meaning of what she had been reading, she could not have told.

She read well: but had anyone asked her afterwards what she had been reading, she could not have said.


She was smitten with a feeling of ingratitude to Mr. Thornton, inasmuch as, in the morning, she had refused to accept the kindness he had shown her in making further inquiry from the medical men, so as to obviate any inquest being held.

She was smitten with a feeling of ingratitude to Mr. Thornton; earlier, she had refused to admit the kindness he had shown her in consulting the medical men further, so as to make an inquest unnecessary.


She had been cowardly and false, and had shown her cowardliness and falsehood in action that could not be recalled; but she was not ungrateful.

She had been cowardly and false, and could not alter those actions now; but she was not ungrateful.


It sent a glow to her heart, to know she could feel towards one who had reason to despise her.

It sent a glow to her heart, to know how she could feel towards one who had reason to despise her.


His cause for contempt was so just, that she should have respected him less if she had thought he did not feel contempt.

His cause for contempt was so just, that she should have respected him less if he had not felt contempt for her.


It was a pleasure to feel how thoroughly she respected him.


He could not prevent her doing that; it was the one comfort in all this misery.


Late in the evening, the expected book arrived, "with Mr. Thornton's kind regards, and wishes to know how Mr. Hale is."

Late in the evening, the expected book was delivered, 'with Mr. Thornton's kind regards, and wishes to know how Mr. Hale is.'


"Say that I am much better, Dixon, but that Miss Hale--"

'Say that I am much better, Dixon, but that Miss Hale-'


"No, papa," said Margaret, eagerly--"don't say anything about me.

'No, papa,' said Margaret, eagerly, 'don't say anything about me.


said her father, a few minutes afterwards.


Margaret did not refuse to go, though she was loth to leave her father alone.


She needed the relief of solitude after a day of busy thinking, and busier repenting.


But she seemed much as usual the next day; the lingering gravity and sadness, and the occasional absence of mind, were not unnatural symptoms in the early days of grief.

But she seemed much as usual the next day; her gravity and sadness, and occasional absence of mind, were not unnatural symptoms in the early days of grief.


And almost in proportion to her re-establishment in health, was her father's relapse into his abstracted musings upon the wife he had lost, and the past era in his life that was closed to him for ever.

Meanwhile her father relapsed into his abstracted musing upon the wife he had lost, and the past that was closed to him for ever.


"And it's hame, hame, hame, Hame fain wad I be."


It needed the pretty light papering of the rooms to reconcile them to Milton.

It needed more than the pretty papering of the rooms to reconcile them to Milton.


It needed more--more that could not be had.


The thick yellow November fogs had come on; and the view of the plain in the valley, made by the sweeping bend of the river was all shut out when Mrs. Hale arrived at her new home.

The thick yellow November fogs had come on; and the view of the river was shut out when Mrs. Hale arrived at her new home.


Margaret and Dixon had been at work two days, unpacking and arranging, but everything inside the house still looked in disorder; and outside a thick fog crept up to the very windows, and was driven in to every open door in choking white wreaths of unwholsome mist.

Margaret and Dixon had been at work for two days, unpacking and arranging, but everything still looked in disorder. Outside, fog crept up to the windows, and was driven in to every open door in choking, unwholesome white wreaths.


Margaret's heart echoed the dreariness of the tone in which this question was put.

Margaret, dreary at heart, made herself say,


She could scarcely command herself enough to say, "Oh, the fogs in London are sometimes far worse!"

'Oh, the fogs in London are sometimes far worse!'


"But then you knew that London itself, and friends lay behind it.

'But in London you knew that friends lay behind it.


"Indeed, ma'am, I'm sure it will be your death before long, and then I know who'll--stay!

'Indeed, ma'am, I'm sure it will be your death before long!


Miss Hale, that's far too heavy for you to lift."

Miss Hale, that's far too heavy for you to lift.'


"Not at all, thank you, Dixon," replied Margaret coldly.

'Not at all, thank you, Dixon,' replied Margaret coldly.


"The best thing we can do for mamma is to get her room quite ready for her to go to bed, while I go and bring her a cup of coffee."

'The best thing we can do for mamma is to get her room ready for her to go to bed, while I bring her a cup of coffee.'


Mr. Hale was equally out of spirits, and equally came upon Margaret for sympathy.

Mr. Hale was equally out of spirits, and equally came to Margaret for sympathy.


"Margaret, I do believe this is an unhealthy place.

'Margaret, I do believe this is an unhealthy place.


Only suppose that your mother's health or yours should suffer.


I wish I had gone into some country place in Wales; this is really terrible," said he, going up to the window.

I wish I had gone to Wales; this is really terrible,' said he.


They were settled in Milton, and must endure smoke and fogs for a season; indeed, all other life seemed shut out from them by as thick a fog of circumstance.

They were settled in Milton, and must endure smoke and fogs; indeed, all other life seemed shut out from them by as thick a fog of circumstance.


Only the day before, Mr. Hale had been reckoning up with dismay how much their removal and fortnight at Heston had cost, and he found it had absorbed nearly all his little stock of ready money.

Only the day before, Mr. Hale had been reckoning up with dismay how much their removal and fortnight at Heston had cost, and he found it had absorbed nearly all his ready money.


here they were, and here they must remain.


At night when Margaret realised this, she felt inclined to sit down in a stupor of despair.

At night, Margaret felt inclined to sit down in a stupor of despair.


The heavy smoky air hung about her bedroom, which occupied the long narrow projection at the back of the house.

The heavy smoky air hung about her bedroom, which occupied a long narrow projection at the back of the house.


The window, placed at the side of the oblong, looked at the blank wall of a similar projection, not above ten feet distant.

The window looked onto the blank wall of a similar projection, only ten feet distant.


It loomed through the fog like a great barrier to hope.


Inside the room everything was in confusion.


All their efforts had been directed to make her mother's room comfortable.


Margaret sat down on a box, the direction card upon which struck her as having been written at Helstone--beautiful, beloved Helstone!

Margaret sat down on a box which had been labelled at Helstone - beautiful Helstone!


She lost herself in dismal thought: but at last she determined to take her mind away from the present; and suddenly remembered that she had a letter from Edith which she had only half read in the bustle of the morning.

She lost herself in dismal thought: but at last she remembered that she had a letter from Edith which she had only half read in the bustle.


It was to tell of their arrival at Corfu; their voyage along the Mediterranean--their music, and dancing on board ship; the gay new life opening upon her; her house with its trellised balcony, and its views over white cliffs and deep blue sea.

It told of their arrival at Corfu; their voyage along the Mediterranean - the music and dancing on board ship; her gay new life; her house with its trellised balcony, and its views over white cliffs and deep blue sea.


Edith wrote fluently and well, if not graphically.


She could not only seize the salient and characteristic points of a scene, but she could enumerate enough of indiscriminate particular for Margaret to make it out for herself.


Captain Lennox and another lately married officer shared a villa, high up on the beautiful precipitous rocks overhanging the sea.

Captain Lennox and another lately married officer shared a villa, high up on the beautiful cliffs.


Their days, late as it was in the year, seemed spent in boating or land-picnics; all out-of-doors, pleasure-seeking and glad, Edith's life seemed like the deep vault of blue sky above her, free--utterly free from fleck or cloud.

Their days seemed spent in boating and picnics, utterly free from any cloud.


Her husband had to attend drill, and she, the most musical officer's wife there, had to copy the new and popular tunes out of the most recent English music, for the benefit of the bandmaster; those seemed their most severe and arduous duties.

Edith's husband had to attend drill, and she had to copy out the newest English tunes for the benefit of the bandmaster; those were their most arduous duties.


She expressed an affectionate hope that, if the regiment stopped another year at Corfu, Margaret might come out and pay her a long visit.

She expressed an affectionate hope that Margaret might come out and pay her a long visit.


She asked Margaret if she remembered the day twelve-month on which she, Edith, wrote--how it rained all day long in Harley Street; and how she would not put on her new gown to go to a stupid dinner, and get it all wet and splashed in going to the carriage; and how at that very dinner they had first met Captain Lennox.

She asked if Margaret remembered the day a year ago when it rained in Harley Street; and how Edith would not put on her new gown to go to a stupid dinner, and get it all wet; and how at that very dinner they had first met Captain Lennox.


Margaret had joined the party in the evening.


The recollection of the plentiful luxury of all arrangements, the stately handsomeness of the furniture, the size of the house, the peaceful, untroubled ease of the visitors--all came vividly before her, in strange contrast to the present time.

The recollection of the handsome luxury of the house, the peaceful, untroubled ease there, came vividly before her, in strange contrast to the present.


The smooth sea of that old life closed up, without a mark left to tell where they had all been.

The smooth sea of that old life closed up, without a mark left to tell where it had been.


The habitual dinners, the calls, the dancing evenings, were all going on, going on for ever, though her Aunt Shaw and Edith were no longer there; and she, of course, was even less missed.

The dinners, the shopping, the dancing, were all going on for ever, though her Aunt Shaw and Edith were no longer there; and she, of course, was even less missed.


She doubted if any one of that old set ever thought of her, except Henry Lennox.

She doubted if any of that old set ever thought of her, except Henry Lennox.


He too, she knew, would strive to forget her, because of the pain she had caused him.

He too would strive to forget her, because of the pain she had caused him.


She had heard him often boast of his power of putting any disagreeable thought far away from him.


Then she penetrated farther into what might have been.


If she had cared for him as a lover, and had accepted him, and this change in her father's opinions and consequent station had taken place, she could not doubt but that it would have been impatiently received by Mr. Lennox.

If she had accepted him, and this change in her father's opinions and station had taken place, she knew it would have been impatiently received by Mr. Lennox.


It was a bitter mortification to her in one sense; but she could bear it patiently, because she knew her father's purity of purpose, and that strengthened her to endure his errors, grave and serious though in her estimation they were.

She could bear the change, because she knew her father's purity of purpose, and that strengthened her to endure his errors, grave and serious though she thought they were.


But the fact of the world esteeming her father degraded, in its rough wholesale judgment, would have oppressed and irritated Mr. Lennox.

But it would have oppressed and irritated Mr. Lennox.


As she realised what might have been, she grew to be thankful for what was.

As she realised what might have been, she grew thankful for what was.


They were at the lowest now; they could not be worse.


Edith's astonishment and her Aunt Shaw's dismay would have to be met bravely, when their letters came.

Edith's astonishment and her aunt Shaw's dismay would have to be met bravely, when their letters came.


So Margaret rose up and began slowly to undress herself, feeling the full luxury of acting leisurely, late as it was, after all the past hurry of the day.

So Margaret rose up and began slowly to undress herself.


She fell asleep, hoping for some brightness, either internal or external.

She fell asleep hoping for some brightness, either internal or external.


But if she had known how long it would be before the brightness came, her heart would have sunk low down.

But if she had known how long it would be before the brightness came, her heart would have sunk low.


The time of the year was most unpropitious to health as well as to spirits.

The time of year was harmful to health as well as spirits.


Her mother caught a severe cold, and Dixon herself was evidently not well, although Margaret could not insult her more than by trying to save her, or by taking any care of her.

Her mother caught a severe cold, and Dixon was not well, although she would not allow Margaret to try and take care of her.


They could hear of no girl to assist her; all were at work in the factories; at least, those who applied were well scolded by Dixon, for thinking that such as they could ever be trusted to work in a gentleman's house.

They could find no servant girl to assist her; all were at work in the factories; or at least, Dixon did not approve of any who applied.


So they had to keep a charwoman in almost constant employ.


Margaret longed to send for Charlotte; but besides the objection of her being a better servant than they now could afford to keep, the distance was too great.


Mr. Hale met with several pupils, recommended to him by Mr. Bell, or by the more immediate influence of Mr. Thornton.

Mr. Hale met with several pupils, recommended to him by Mr. Bell or Mr. Thornton.


They were mostly of the age when many boys would be still at school, but, according to the prevalent, and, apparently well-founded notions of Milton, to make a lad into a good tradesman he must be caught young, and acclimated to the life of the mill, or office, or warehouse.

They were mostly of the age when many boys would be still at school; but according to the prevalent notions of Milton, to make a lad into a good tradesman he must be caught young, and acclimatised to the life of the mill, or office, or warehouse.


If he were sent to even the Scotch Universities, he came back unsettled for commercial pursuits: how much more so if he went to Oxford or Cambridge, where he could not be entered till he was eighteen?

If he were sent to even the Scotch Universities, he came back unsettled for commerce; how much more so if he went to Oxford or Cambridge, where he could not be entered till he was eighteen?


So most of the manufacturers placed their sons in situations at from fourteen or fifteen years of age, unsparingly cutting away all off-shoots in the direction of literature or high mental cultivation, in hopes of throwing the whole strength and vigour of the plant into commerce.

So most of the manufacturers placed their sons in work at fourteen or fifteen, unsparingly cutting away all off-shoots in the direction of literature or mental cultivation, in hopes of throwing the whole vigour of the plant into commerce.


Still there were some wiser parents; and some who had sense enough to perceive their own deficiencies, and strive to remedy them.

Still there were some wiser parents; and some young men who saw their own deficiencies, and tried to remedy them.


Nay, there were a few no longer youths, but men in the prime of life, who had the stern wisdom to acknowledge their own ignorance, and to learn late what they should have learnt early.

There were even some men in the prime of life, who had the stern wisdom to acknowledge their own ignorance, and to learn late what they should have learnt early.


Mr. Thornton was perhaps the oldest of Mr. Hale's pupils.


Mr. Hale got into the habit of quoting his opinions so frequently, and with such regard, that it became a little domestic joke to wonder what time, during the hour appointed for instruction, could be given to absolute learning, so much of it appeared to have been spent in conversation.

Mr. Hale got into the habit of quoting his opinions so frequently that it became a little domestic joke to wonder how much time in his lessons could have been be devoted to learning, so much of it appeared to have been spent in conversation.


Margaret rather encouraged this light, merry way of viewing her father's acquaintance with Mr. Thornton, because she felt that her mother was inclined to look upon this new friendship of her husband's with jealous eyes.

Margaret encouraged this merry way of viewing her father's acquaintance with Mr. Thornton, because she felt that her mother was inclined to be jealous of it.


As long as his time had been solely occupied with his books and his parishioners, as at Helstone, she had appeared to care little whether she saw much of him or not; but now that he looked eagerly forward to each renewal of his intercourse with Mr. Thornton, she seemed hurt and annoyed, as if he were slighting her companionship for the first time.

When his time had been solely occupied with his books and his parishioners, she had appeared to care little whether she saw much of him or not; but now that he looked eagerly forward to meeting Mr. Thornton, she seemed hurt and annoyed.


Mr. Hale's over-praise had the usual effect of over-praise upon his auditors; they were a little inclined to rebel against Aristides being always called the Just.


After a quiet life in a country parsonage for more than twenty years, there was something dazzling to Mr. Hale in the energy which conquered immense difficulties with ease; the power of the machinery of Milton, the power of the men of Milton, impressed him with a sense of grandeur, which he yielded to without caring to inquire into the details of its exercise.

After his quiet life in a country parsonage, Mr. Hale was somewhat dazzled by the energy which conquered immense difficulties with ease; the power of Milton's machinery, and the power of its men, impressed him with a sense of grandeur.


But Margaret went less abroad, among machinery and men; saw less of power in its public effect, and, as it happened, she was thrown with one or two of those who, in all measures affecting masses of people, must be acute sufferers for the good of many.

But Margaret went less abroad among machinery and men; saw less of power in its public effect, and, as it happened, she was thrown together with one or two of those who must be acute sufferers for the good of many.


The question always is, has everything been done to make the sufferings of these exceptions as small as possible?


or, in the triumph of the crowded procession, have the helpless been trampled on, instead of being gently lifted aside out of the roadway of the conqueror, whom they have no power to accompany on his march?

Or, in the triumph of the procession, have the helpless been trampled on, instead of being gently lifted aside out of the way of the conqueror, whom they have no power to accompany on his march?


It fell to Margaret's share to have to look out for a servant to assist Dixon, who had at first undertaken to find just the person she wanted to do all the rough work of the house.

Margaret had to look for a servant to help Dixon, who had at first undertaken to find one herself.


But Dixon's ideas of helpful girls were founded on the recollection of tidy elder scholars at Helstone school, who were only too proud to be allowed to come to the parsonage on a busy day, and treated Mrs. Dixon with all the respect, and a good deal more of fright, which they paid to Mr. and Mrs. Hale.

But Dixon's ideas of helpful girls were founded on the recollection of tidy elder scholars at Helstone school, who treated her with respect, and even fright.


Dixon was not unconscious of this awed reverence which was given to her; nor did she dislike it: it flattered her much as Louis the Fourteenth was flattered by his courtiers shading their eyes from the dazzling light of his presence.


But nothing short of her faithful love for Mrs. Hale could have made her endure the rough independent way in which all the Milton girls, who made application for the servant's place, replied to her inquiries respecting their qualifications.

could not endure the rough independent way in which the Milton girls who applied for the servant's place answered her inquiries.


They even went the length of questioning her back again; having doubts and fears of their own, as to the solvency of a family who lived in a house of thirty pounds a-year, and yet gave themselves airs, and kept two servants, one of them so very high and mighty.

They even questioned her back again; having doubts of their own about the solvency of a family who lived in a house at thirty pounds a-year, and yet gave themselves airs, and kept such a high and mighty ladies' maid.


Mr. Hale was no longer looked upon as Vicar of Helstone, but as a man who only spent at a certain rate.


Margaret was weary and impatient of the accounts which Dixon perpetually brought to Mrs. Hale of the behaviour of these would-be servants.

Margaret was weary of Dixon's accounts of the behaviour of these would-be servants.


Not but what Margaret was repelled by the rough uncourteous manners of these people; not but what she shrunk with fastidious pride from their hail-fellow accost, and severely resented their unconcealed curiosity as to the means and position of any family who lived in Milton, and yet were not engaged in trade of some kind.

True, she herself was repelled by the rough uncourteous manners of these people; she shrunk with fastidious pride from their hail-fellow accost, and resented their unconcealed curiosity as to the income of any family who lived in Milton without being engaged in trade.


But the more Margaret felt impertinence, the more likely she was to be silent on the subject; and, at any rate, if she took upon herself to make inquiry for a servant, she could spare her mother the recital of all her disappointments and fancied or real insults.

But if Margaret took it on herself to find a servant, she could spare her mother the recital of Dixon's disappointments and insults.


Margaret accordingly went up and down to butchers and grocers, seeking for a nonpareil of a girl; and lowering her hopes and expectations every week, as she found the difficulty of meeting with any one in a manufacturing town who did not prefer the better wages and greater independence of working in a mill.

So Margaret went to butchers and grocers, seeking for a suitable girl; and lowered her hopes every week, with the difficulty of finding anyone who did not prefer the better wages and greater independence of working in a mill.


It was something of a trial to Margaret to go out by herself in this busy bustling place.


Mrs. Shaw's ideas of propriety and her own helpless dependence on others, had always made her insist that a footman should accompany Edith and Margaret, if they went beyond Harley Street or the immediate neighbourhood.

Mrs. Shaw had always insisted that a footman should accompany her, if she went beyond Harley Street, and Margaret


The limits by which this rule of her aunt's had circumscribed Margaret's independence had been silently rebelled against at the time: and she had doubly enjoyed the free walks and rambles of her forest life from the contrast which they presented.

had silently rebelled: she had doubly enjoyed the free rambles of her forest life, from the contrast.


She went along there with a boundless fearless step, that occasionally broke out into a run, if she were in a hurry, and occasionally was stilled into perfect repose, as she stood listening to, or watching any of the wild creatures who sang in the leafy courts, or glanced out with their keen bright eyes from the low brushwood or tangled furze.

There, she walked with a bounding fearless step, and occasionally broke out into a run, or halted, listening to and watching the wild creatures who sang in the leafy courts, or glanced out with keen eyes from the low brushwood or tangled furze.


It was a trial to come down from such motion or such stillness, only guided by her own sweet will, to the even and decorous pace necessary in streets.

It was a trial to come down from this to the decorous pace necessary in the streets.


But she could have laughed at herself for minding this change, if it had not been accompanied by what was a more serious annoyance.


The side of the town on which Crampton lay was especially a thoroughfare for the factory people.


In the back streets around them there were many mills, out of which poured streams of men and women two or three times a day.

In the streets around Crampton there were many mills, out of which poured streams of men and women two or three times a day.


Until Margaret had learnt the times of their ingress and egress, she was very unfortunate in constantly falling in with them.


They came rushing along, with bold, fearless faces, and loud laughs and jests, particularly aimed at all those who appeared to be above them in rank or station.

They came rushing along, with bold, fearless faces, and loud laughs and jests, aimed at all those above them in rank.


The tones of their unrestrained voices, and their carelessness of all common rules of street politeness, frightened Margaret a little at first.

Their unrestrained voices, and their carelessness of all common rules of politeness, frightened Margaret a little at first.


The girls, with their rough, but not unfriendly freedom, would comment on her dress, even touch her shawl or gown to ascertain the exact material; nay, once or twice she was asked questions relative to some article which they particularly admired.

The girls, with their rough, but not unfriendly freedom, would comment on her dress, and even touch her shawl or gown to check the exact material; once or twice they asked her about some article which they admired.


There was such a simple reliance on her womanly sympathy with their love of dress, and on her kindliness, that she gladly replied to these inquiries, as soon as she understood them; and half smiled back at their remarks.

There was such a simple reliance on her womanly sympathy with their love of dress, that she gladly replied to these inquiries, as soon as she understood them; and half-smiled back.


She did not mind meeting any number of girls, loud spoken and boisterous though they might be.


But she alternately dreaded and fired up against the workmen, who commented not on her dress, but on her looks, in the same open, fearless manner.

But she dreaded and fired up against the workmen, who commented not on her dress, but on her looks, in the same open fearless manner.


She, who had hitherto felt that even the most refined remark on her personal appearance was an impertinence, had to endure undisguised admiration from these outspoken men.

She had always felt that any remark on her personal appearance was an impertinence; now she had to endure undisguised admiration from these outspoken men.


But the very outspokenness marked their innocence of any intention to hurt her delicacy, as she would have perceived if she had been less frightened by the disorderly tumult.

Their very out-spokenness showed their innocence of any intention to hurt her, as she would have perceived if she had been less frightened.


Out of her fright came a flash of indignation which made her face scarlet, and her dark eyes gather flame, as she heard some of their speeches.


Yet there were other sayings of theirs, which, when she reached the quiet safety of home, amused her even while they irritated her.

Yet there were other sayings of theirs, which, once back home, amused her.


For instance, one day, after she had passed a number of men, several of whom had paid her the not unusual compliment of wishing she was their sweetheart, one of the lingerers added, "Your bonny face, my lass, makes the day look brighter."

For instance, one day she passed several men who paid her the not unusual compliment of wishing she was their sweetheart. One of them added, 'Your bonny face, my lass, makes the day look brighter.'


And another day, as she was unconsciously smiling at some passing thought, she was addressed by a poorly-dressed, middle-aged workman, with, "You may well smile, my lass; many a one would smile to have such a bonny face."

And another day, as she was unconsciously smiling at some thought, she was addressed by a poorly-dressed, middle-aged workman, with: 'You may well smile, my lass; many a one would smile to have such a bonny face.'


This man looked so careworn that Margaret could not help giving him an answering smile, glad to think that her looks, such as they were, should have had the power to call up a pleasant thought.


He seemed to understand her acknowledging glance, and a silent recognition was established between them whenever the chances of the day brought them across each other's paths.

He seemed to understand her acknowledging glance, and a silent recognition was established between them whenever their paths crossed.


They had never exchanged a word; nothing had been said but that first compliment; yet somehow Margaret looked upon this man with more interest than upon any one else in Milton.

They never exchanged a word beyond that first compliment; yet somehow Margaret looked upon this man with more interest than upon anyone else in Milton.


Once or twice, on Sundays, she saw him walking with a girl, evidently his daughter, and, if possible, still more unhealthy than he was himself.


One day Margaret and her father had been as far as the fields that lay around the town; it was early spring, and she had gathered some of the hedge and ditch flowers, dog-violets, lesser celandines, and the like, with an unspoken lament in her heart for the sweet profusion of the South.

One day Margaret and her father had been as far as the fields that lay around the town. It was now early spring, and she had gathered some of the hedge flowers, dog-violets, celandines, and the like, with an unspoken lament in her heart for the sweet profusion of the South.


Her father had left her to go into Milton upon some business; and on the road home she met her humble friends.

Her father left her to go into Milton upon business; and on the road home she met her humble friends.


The girl looked wistfully at the flowers, and, acting on a sudden impulse, Margaret offered them to her.


Her pale blue eyes lightened up as she took them, and her father spoke for her.

Her pale blue eyes lightened up as she took them, and her father spoke.


Bessy'll think a deal o' them flowers; that hoo will; and I shall think a deal o' yor kindness.

Bessy'll think a deal o' them flowers; that hoo will; and I shall think a deal o' your kindness.


"I come from the South--from Hampshire," she continued, a little afraid of wounding his consciousness of ignorance, if she used a name which he did not understand.

'I come from the South - from Hampshire,' she continued, a little afraid of using a name which he did not understand.


And I come fro' Burnleyways, and forty miles to th' North.

And I come fro' Burnley-ways, forty mile to th' North.


And yet, yo see, North and South has both met and made kind o' friends in this big smoky place."

And yet, yo see, North and South has both met and made kind o' friends in this big smoky place.'


Margaret had slackened her pace to a walk alongside of the man and his daughter, whose steps were regulated by the feebleness of the latter.

Margaret had slackened her pace to walk alongside the man, whose steps were slowed by the feebleness of his daughter.


She now spoke to the girl, and there was a sound of tender pity in the tone of her voice as she did so that went right to the heart of the father.

She now spoke to the girl, with a tender pity that went right to the father's heart.


"No," said the girl, "nor never will be."

'No,' said the girl, 'nor never will be.'


"Spring is coming," said Margaret, as if to suggest pleasant, hopeful thoughts.

'Spring is coming,' said Margaret, as if to suggest hopeful thoughts.


"Spring nor summer will do me good," said the girl quietly.

'Spring nor summer will do me good,' said the girl quietly.


Margaret looked up at the man, almost expecting some contradiction from him, or at least some remark that would modify his daughter's utter hopelessness.

Margaret looked up at the man, expecting some contradiction from him.


I'm afeared hoo's too far gone in a waste."


"I shall have a spring where I am boun' to, and flowers, and amaranths, and shining robes besides."

'I shall have a spring where I'm bound to, and flowers, and amaranths, and shining robes besides,' said his daughter.


"I'm none so sure o' that; but it's a comfort to thee, poor lass, poor lass.

'I'm none so sure o' that; but it's a comfort to thee, poor lass


Margaret was shocked by his words--shocked but not repelled; rather attracted and interested.

Margaret was shocked, but not repelled; rather, interested.


I think we must be neighbours, we meet so often on this road."

I think we must be neighbours, we meet so often.'


"We put up at nine Frances Street, second turn to th' left at after yo've past th' Goulden Dragon."

'We're at nine Frances Street, second to th' left after yo've past th' Goulden Dragon.'


Margaret was surprised at this last question, for at Helstone it would have been an understood thing, after the enquiries she had made, that she intended to come and call upon any poor neighbour whose name and habitation she had asked for.

Margaret was surprised at this last question, for at Helstone it would have been an understood thing that she intended to call upon any poor neighbour whose name and address she had asked for.


"I thought--I meant to come and see you."

'I thought - I meant to come and see you.'


She suddenly felt rather shy of offering the visit, without having any reason to give for her wish to make it, beyond a kindly interest in a stranger.

She suddenly felt rather shy of offering the visit, without having any reason for it beyond kindly interest.


It seemed all at once to take the shape of an impertinence on her part; she read this meaning too in the man's eyes.

It seemed to be an impertinence; she read this too in the man's eyes.


"I'm none so fond of having strange folk in my house."

'I'm none so fond of having strange folk in my house.'


But then relenting, as he saw her heightened colour, he added "Yo're a foreigner, as one may say, and maybe don't know many folk here, and yo've given my wench here flowers out of yo'r own hand;--yo may come if yo like."

But then, as he saw her heightened colour, he added, 'Yo're a foreigner, and maybe don't know many folk here, and yo've given my wench here flowers; - yo may come if yo like.'


Margaret was half amused, half-nettled at this answer.

Margaret was half-amused, half-nettled at this answer.


She was not sure if she would go where permission was given so like a favour conferred.

She was not sure if she would go after all.


But when they came to the turn into Frances Street, the girl stopped a minute, and said,

But when they came to Frances Street, the girl stopped, and said,


"Yo'll not forget yo're to come and see us."

'Yo'll not forget yo're to come and see us.'


"Aye, aye," said the father, impatiently, "hoo'll come.

'Aye, aye,' said the father, impatiently, 'hoo'll come.


Hoo's a bit set up now, because hoo thinks I might ha' spoken more civilly; but hoo'll think better on it, and come.


I can read her proud bonny face like a book.


Come along, Bess; there's the mill bell ringing."

Come along, Bess; there's the mill bell ringing.'


Margaret went home, wondering at her new friends, and smiling at the man's insight into what had been passing in her mind.


From that day Milton became a brighter place to her.


It was not the long, bleak sunny days of spring, nor yet was it that time was reconciling her to the town of her habitation.

It was not the long, bleak sunny days of spring that reconciled her to the town.


It was that in it she had found a human interest.


"For joy or grief, for hope or fear, For all hereafter, as for here, In peace or strife, in storm or shine."


Edith went about on tip-toe, and checked Sholto in all loud speaking that next morning, as if any sudden noise would interrupt the conference that was taking place in the drawing-room.

Edith went about on tip-toe, and quietened Sholto that next morning, as if any sudden noise would interrupt the conference that was taking place in the drawing-room.


Two o'clock came; and they still sate there with closed doors.

Two o'clock came; and they still sat there with closed doors.


Then there was a man's footstep running down stairs; and Edith peeped out of the drawing-room.

Then there was a man's footstep running downstairs; and Edith peeped out of her room.


It never will be settled, if the 'it' is what I conjecture you mean.

It never will be settled, if the "it" is what I think you mean.


That will never be, Edith, so give up thinking about it."

That will never be, Edith, so give up thinking about it.'


"But it would be so nice for us all," pleaded Edith.

'But it would be so nice for us all,' pleaded Edith.


"I should always feel comfortable about the children, if I had Margaret settled down near to me.

'I should always feel comfortable about the children, if I had Margaret settled near me.


As it is, I am always afraid of her going off to Cadiz."


"I will try, when I marry, to look out for a young lady who has a knowledge of the management of children.

'I will try, when I marry, to look out for a young lady who has knowledge of the management of children.


"Then what have you been talking about?"

'Then what have you been talking about?'


"A thousand things you would not understand: Investments, and leases, and value of land."

'A thousand things you would not understand: investments, and leases, and value of land.'


You and she will be unbearably stupid, if you've been talking all this time about such weary things."


I'm coming again to-morrow, and bringing Mr. Thornton with me, to have some more talk with Miss Hale."

I'm coming again tomorrow, and bringing Mr. Thornton with me, to have some more talk with Miss Hale.'


"He is Miss Hale's tenant," said Mr. Lennox, turning away.

'He is Miss Hale's tenant,' said Mr. Lennox, turning away.


I can't understand details, so don't give them me."

I can't understand details, so don't give them me.'


"The only detail I want you to understand is, to let us have the back drawing-room undisturbed, as it was to-day.

'The only detail I want you to understand is, to let us have the back drawing-room undisturbed, as it was today, with nobody coming in or out.


In general, the children and servants are so in and out, that I can never get any business satisfactorily explained; and the arrangements we have to make to-morrow are of importance."

The arrangements we have to make tomorrow are important.'


No one ever knew why Mr. Lennox did not keep to his appointment on the following day.

No one ever knew why Mr. Lennox did not keep his appointment on the following day.


Mr. Thornton came true to his time; and after keeping him waiting for nearly an hour, Margaret came in looking very white and anxious.

Mr. Thornton came true to his time; and, after keeping him waiting for nearly an hour, Margaret came in looking very white and anxious.


"I am so sorry Mr. Lennox is not here,--he could have done it so much better than I can.

'I am so sorry Mr. Lennox is not here - he could have done it so much better than I can.


"I am sorry that I came, if it troubles you.

'I am sorry that I came, if it troubles you.


Shall I go to Mr. Lennox's chambers and try and find him?"

Shall I go to Mr. Lennox's chambers and try and find him?'


I wanted to tell you, how grieved I was to find that I am to lose you as a tenant.

I wanted to tell you how grieved I was to find that I am to lose you as a tenant.


But, Mr. Lennox says, things are sure to brighten"----

But, Mr. Lennox says, things are sure to brighten-'


"Mr. Lennox knows little about it," said Mr. Thornton quietly.

'Mr. Lennox knows little about it,' said Mr. Thornton quietly.


"Happy and fortunate in all a man cares for, he does not understand what it is to find oneself no longer young--yet thrown back to the starting-point which requires the hopeful energy of youth--to feel one half of life gone, and nothing done--nothing remaining of wasted opportunity, but the bitter recollection that it has been.

'Happy and fortunate as he is, he does not understand what it is to find oneself no longer young - yet thrown back to the starting-point which requires the hopeful energy of youth; to feel half of life gone, and nothing done - nothing remaining of wasted opportunity, but the bitter recollection that it has passed.


Miss Hale, would rather not hear Mr. Lennox's opinion of my affairs.

Miss Hale, I would rather not hear Mr. Lennox's opinion of my affairs.


Those who are happy and successful themselves are too apt to make light of the misfortunes of others."

Those who are happy and successful themselves are too apt to make light of the misfortunes of others.'


"You are unjust," said Margaret, gently.

'You are unjust,' said Margaret, gently.


"Mr. Lennox has only spoken of the great probability which he believes there to be of your redeeming--your more than redeeming what you have lost--don't speak till I have ended--pray don't."

'Mr. Lennox has only spoken of the great probability which he believes there to be of your redeeming - your more than redeeming what you have lost - pray don't speak till I have ended!'


And collecting herself once more, she went on rapidly turning over some law papers, and statement of accounts in a trembling hurried manner.

Collecting herself, she went on rapidly turning over some law papers and accounts in a trembling hurried manner.


and--he drew me out a proposal--I wish he was here to explain it--showing that if you would take some money of mine, eighteen hundred and fifty-seven pounds, lying just at this moment unused in the bank, and bringing me in only two and a half per cent.--you could pay me much better interest, and might go on working Marlborough Mills."

He drew me out a proposal - I wish he was here to explain it - showing that if you would take some money of mine, eighteen thousand and fifty-seven pounds, lying just at this moment unused in the bank, and bringing me in only two and a half per cent - you could pay me much better interest, and might go on working Marlborough Mills.'


Her voice had cleared itself and become more steady.


Mr. Thornton did not speak, and she went on looking for some paper on which were written down the proposals for security; for she was most anxious to have it all looked upon in the light of a mere business arrangement, in which the principal advantage would be on her side.

Mr. Thornton did not speak, and she went on looking for a paper on which were written down the proposals for security; for she was most anxious to have it all looked upon in the light of a mere business arrangement, in which the principal advantage would be on her side.


While she sought for this paper, her very heart-pulse was arrested by the tone in which Mr. Thornton spoke.


His voice was hoarse, and trembling with tender passion, as he said:--

His voice was hoarse, and trembling with tender passion, as he said-


For an instant she looked up; and then sought to veil her luminous eyes by dropping her forehead on her hands.


Again, stepping nearer, he besought her with another tremulous eager call upon her name.

Again, stepping nearer, he besought her with another tremulous eager call.


Still lower went the head; more closely hidden was the face, almost resting on the table before her.

Still lower went the head; more closely hidden was the face, bending almost to the table.


He knelt by her side, to bring his face to a level with her ear; and whispered--panted out the words:--

He knelt by her side, to bring his face to a level with her ear; and whispered:


"Take care.--If you do not speak--I shall claim you as my own in some strange presumptuous way.--Send me away at once, if I must go;--Margaret!--"

'Take care. - If you do not speak - I shall claim you as my own in some strange presumptuous way. - Send me away at once, if I must go. - Margaret!'


At that third call she turned her face, still covered with her small white hands, towards him, and laid it on his shoulder, even hiding it there; and it was too delicious to feel her soft cheek against his, for him to wish to see either deep blushes or loving eyes.

At that third call she turned her face, still covered with her small white hands, towards him, and laid it on his shoulder, hiding it even there; and it was too delicious to feel her soft cheek against his, for him to wish to see either deep blushes or loving eyes.


At length she murmured in a broken voice:


"Oh, Mr. Thornton, I am not good enough!"

'Oh, Mr. Thornton, I am not good enough!'


Don't mock my own deep feeling of unworthiness."

Don't mock my own deep feeling of unworthiness.'


After a minute or two he gently disengaged her hands from her face, and laid her arms as they had once before been placed to protect him from the rioters.

After a minute or two, he gently disengaged her hands from her face, and laid her arms as they had once before been placed to protect him from the rioters.


"And how I requited you with my insolence the next day?"

'And how I requited you with my insolence the next day?'


"I remember how wrongly I spoke to you,--that is all."

'I remember how wrongly I spoke to you - that is all.'


She slowly faced him, glowing with beautiful shame.


he said, drawing out his pocket-book, in which were treasured up some dead flowers.


You may have worn sister roses very probably."

You may have worn sister roses very probably.'


She looked at them, wondering for a minute, then she smiled a little as she said--

She looked at them, wondering; then smiled as she said,


I know the deep indentations round the leaves.