the proceedings they had begun to talk about on the inquest were stopped.

the proceedings for the inquest were stopped.


He was a magistrate, and he found out that it was not the fall that had caused the death.


She suddenly covered her face with her hands, as if wishing to hide herself from the presence of the recollection.

She suddenly covered her face with her hands, as if wishing to hide herself from the recollection.


Did you ever tell him the strong, instinctive motive?"


"The instinctive want of faith, and clutching at a sin to keep myself from sinking," said she bitterly.


To put myself to rights in his good opinion, was I to tell him the secrets of our family, involving, as they seemed to do, the chances of poor Frederick's entire exculpation?

To regain his good opinion, was I to tell him our family secrets?


Fred's last words had been to enjoin me to keep his visit a secret from all.


I could bear the shame--I thought I could at least.

I could bear the shame - I thought I could at least.


Mr. Thornton has never respected me since."

Mr. Thornton has never respected me since.'


"He respects you, I am sure," said Mr. Bell.

'He respects you, I am sure,' said Mr. Bell.


"To be sure it accounts a little for----.


But he always speaks of you with regard and esteem, though now I understand certain reservations in his manner."

- But he always speaks of you with regard and esteem, though now I understand certain reservations in his manner.'


Margaret did not speak; did not attend to what Mr. Bell had to say; lost all sense of it.


"Will you tell me what you refer to about 'reservations' in his manner of speaking to me?"

'Will you tell me what you mean by "reservations" ?'


simply he has annoyed me by not joining in my praises of you.


Like an old fool, I thought that every one would have the same opinion as I had; and he evidently could not agree with me.

Like an old fool, I thought that everyone would agree with me, and he evidently could not agree.


But he must be perplexed, if the affair has never been in the least explained.


There was first your walking out with a young man in the dark----"

First, your walking out with a young man in the dark-'


I never thought anything of that kind," said Margaret, reddening, and looking hurt and offended.

I never thought of anything of that kind,' said Margaret, reddening.


"And perhaps he never would, but for the lie,--which, under the circumstances, I maintain, was necessary."

'And perhaps he never would, but for the lie - which I think was necessary.'


"I am not likely ever to see Mr. Thornton again,"--and there she stopped.

'I am not likely ever to see Mr. Thornton again.'


"There are many things more unlikely, I should say," replied Mr. Bell.

'There are many things more unlikely, I should say,' replied Mr. Bell.


Still, somehow one does not like to have sunk so low in--in a friend's opinion as I have done in his."

Still, somehow one does not like to have sunk so low in - in a friend's opinion as I have done in his.'


Her eyes were full of tears, but her voice was steady, and Mr. Bell was not looking at her.

Her eyes were full of tears, but her voice was steady.


"And now that Frederick has given up all hope, and almost all wish of ever clearing himself, and returning to England, it would be only doing myself justice to have all this explained.

'And now that Frederick has given up all hope, and cannot return to England, it would be only doing myself justice to have all this explained.


If you please, and if you can, if there is a good opportunity, (don't force an explanation upon him, pray,) but if you can, will you tell him the whole circumstances, and tell him also that I gave you leave to do so, because I felt that for poor papa's sake I should not like to lose his respect, though we may never be likely to meet again?"

Please, if you can, if there is a good opportunity, will you tell him the whole circumstances, and tell him also that I gave you leave to do so, because I felt that for papa's sake I should not like to lose his respect, though we may never be likely to meet again?'


I do not like you to rest even under a shadow of an impropriety; he would not know what to think of seeing you alone with a young man."

I do not like you to rest even under the shadow of an impropriety; he would not know what to think of seeing you alone with a young man.'


"As for that," said Margaret, rather haughtily, "I hold it is 'Honi soit qui mal y pense,' Yet still I should choose to have it explained, if any natural opportunity for easy explanation occurs.

'As for that,' said Margaret, rather haughtily,


But it is not to clear myself of any suspicion of improper conduct that I wish to have him told--if I thought that he had suspected me, I should not care for his good opinion--no!

'It is not to clear myself of any suspicion of improper conduct that I wish to have him told - if I thought that he had suspected me, I should not care for his good opinion.


it is that he may learn how I was tempted, and how I fell into the snare; why I told that falsehood, in short."

It is so that he may learn how I was tempted, and why I told that falsehood.'


It is no partiality of mine, I assure you."


"What other people may think of the rightness or wrongness is nothing in comparison to my own deep knowledge, my innate conviction that it was wrong.


But we will not talk of that any more, if you please.

'We will not talk of that any more, if you please.


I have now to put it behind me, and be truthful for evermore, if I can."

I have now to put it behind me, and be truthful for evermore, if I can.'


If you like to be uncomfortable and morbid, be so.


I always keep my conscience as tight shut up as a jack-in-a-box, for when it jumps into existence it surprises me by its size.


So I coax it down again, as the fisherman coaxed the genii.


'Wonderful,' says I, 'to think that you have been concealed so long, and in so small a compass, that I really did not know of your existence.

"Wonderful," say I, "to think that you have been concealed so long.


Pray, sir, instead of growing larger and larger every instant, and bewildering me with your misty outlines, would you once more compress yourself into your former dimensions?'

Pray, sir, instead of growing larger every instant, would you once more compress yourself into your former dimensions?"


And when I've got him down, don't I clap the seal on the vase, and take good care how I open it again, and how I go against Solomon, wisest of men, who confined him there."

And when I've got him down, don't I clap the seal on him!'


But it was no smiling matter to Margaret.


She hardly attended to what Mr. Bell was saying.


Her thoughts ran upon the idea, before entertained, but which now had assumed the strength of a conviction, that Mr. Thornton no longer held his former good opinion of her--that he was disappointed in her.

Her thoughts ran upon her conviction that Mr. Thornton was disappointed in her.


She did not feel as if any explanation could ever reinstate her--not in his love, for that and any return on her part she had resolved never to dwell upon, and she kept rigidly to her resolution--but in the respect and high regard which she had hoped would have ever made him willing, in the spirit of Gerald Griffin's beautiful lines,

She did not feel as if any explanation could ever reinstate her - not in his love, for she had resolved never to dwell upon that, and she kept rigidly to her resolution - but in his respect and high regard.


"To turn and look back when thou hearest The sound of my name."


She kept choking and swallowing all the time that she thought about it.


She tried to comfort herself with the idea, that what he imagined her to be, did not alter the fact of what she was.

She tried to comfort herself with the idea that what he imagined her to be, did not alter the fact of what she was.


But it was a truism, a phantom, and broke down under the weight of her regret.

But it was a truism, and broke down under the weight of her regret.


She had twenty questions on the tip of her tongue to ask Mr. Bell, but not one of them did she utter.


Mr. Bell thought that she was tired, and sent her early to her room, where she sate long hours by the open window, gazing out on the purple dome above, where the stars arose, and twinkled and disappeared behind the great umbrageous trees before she went to bed.

Mr. Bell thought that she was tired, and sent her early to her room. Before she went to bed, she sat long by the open window, gazing out at the stars that arose, twinkled and disappeared behind the great shadows of the trees.


All night long too, there burnt a little light on earth; a candle in her old bedroom, which was the nursery with the present inhabitants of the parsonage, until the new one was built.

She could see a candle burning in her old bedroom, which was now the nursery.


A sense of change, of individual nothingness, of perplexity and disappointment, overpowered Margaret.

A sense of change, of individual nothingness, over-powered her.


Nothing had been the same; and this slight, all-pervading instability, had given her greater pain than if all had been too entirely changed for her to recognise it.

Nothing had been the same; and this slight, all-pervading instability had given her greater pain than if all had been changed entirely.


"I begin to understand now what heaven must be--and, oh!

'I begin to understand now what heaven must be - and, oh!


the grandeur and repose of the words--'The same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.'

the grandeur and repose of the words - "The same yesterday, today, and for ever."


'From everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God.'

"From everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God."


That beautiful sky above me looks as though it could not change, and yet it will.


I am so tired--so tired of being whirled on through all these phases of my life, in which nothing abides by me, no creature, no place; it is like the circle in which the victims of earthly passion eddy continually.

I am so tired - so tired of being whirled on through all these phases of my life, in which nothing abides by me, no creature, no place; it is like the circle in which the victims of earthly passion eddy continually.


I am in the mood in which women of another religion take the veil.


I seek heavenly steadfastness in earthly monotony.


If I were a Roman Catholic and could deaden my heart, stun it with some great blow, I might become a nun.

If I were a Roman Catholic and could deaden my heart, I might become a nun.


But I should pine after my kind; no, not my kind, for love for my species could never fill my heart to the utter exclusion of love for individuals.

But I should pine after my kind; no, not my kind, so much as individuals.


Perhaps it ought to be so, perhaps not; I cannot decide to-night."

Perhaps it ought to be so, perhaps not. I cannot decide tonight.'


Wearily she went to bed, wearily she arose in four or five hours' time.


But with the morning came hope, and a brighter view of things.


"After all it is right," said she, hearing the voices of children at play while she was dressing.

'After all it is right,' said she, hearing the voices of children at play while she was dressing.


"If the world stood still, it would retrograde and become corrupt, if that is not Irish.

'If the world stood still, it would become corrupt.


Looking out of myself and my own painful sense of change, the progress of all around me is right and necessary.

The progress all around me is right and necessary.


I must not think so much of how circumstances affect me myself, but how they affect others, if I wish to have a right judgment, or a hopeful trustful heart."

I must not think so much of how circumstances affect me myself, but how they affect others, if I wish to have a right judgment, or a hopeful trustful heart.'


And with a smile ready in her eyes to quiver down to her lips, she went into the parlour and greeted Mr. Bell.

And with a smile ready, she went into the parlour and greeted Mr. Bell.


you were up late last night, and so you're late this morning.


Now I've got a little piece of news for you.


What do you think of an invitation to dinner?


a morning call, literally in the dewy morning.


Why, I've had the Vicar here already, on his way to the school.

I've had the Vicar here already, in the dewy morning, on his way to the school


How much the desire of giving our hostess a teetotal lecture for the benefit of the hay-makers, had to do with his earliness, I don't know; but here he was, when I came down just before nine; and we are asked to dine there to-day."

, and we are asked to dine there today.'


"But Edith expects me back--I cannot go," said Margaret, thankful to have so good an excuse.

'But Edith expects me back - I cannot go,' said Margaret, thankful to have so good an excuse.


Still it is open, if you would like it."

Still it is open, if you would like it.'


It is very good and kind of them; but indeed I could not go."

It is very good and kind of them; but indeed I could not go.'


Don't fidget yourself, and I'll arrange it all."


Before they left, Margaret stole round to the back of the Vicarage garden, and gathered a little straggling piece of honeysuckle.

But before they left, she stole round to the back of the Vicarage garden, and gathered a little straggling piece of honeysuckle.


She would not take a flower the day before, for fear of being observed, and her motives and feelings commented upon.


But as she returned across the common, the place was reinvested with the old enchanting atmosphere.

As she returned across the common, the place was reinvested with the old enchanting atmosphere.


The common sounds of life were more musical there than anywhere else in the whole world, the light more golden, the life more tranquil and full of dreamy delight.

The sounds of life were more musical than anywhere else in the whole world, the light more golden, the life more tranquil and full of dreamy delight.


As Margaret remembered her feelings yesterday, she said to herself:


"And I too change perpetually--now this, now that--now disappointment and peevish because all is not exactly as I had pictured it, and now suddenly discovering that the reality is far more beautiful than I had imagined it.

'And I too change perpetually - now disappointed and peevish, and now suddenly discovering the real beauty of the place.


A few days afterwards, she had found her level, and decided that she was very glad to have been there, and that she had seen it again, and that to her it would always be the prettiest spot in the world, but that it was so full of associations with former days, and especially with her father and mother, that if it were all to come over again, she should shrink back from such another visit as that which she had paid with Mr. Bell.

A few days afterwards, she had found her level, and decided that she was very glad to have seen it again, and that to her it would always be the prettiest spot in the world; but so full of associations that she would shrink back from such another visit as that which she had paid with Mr. Bell.


"Cast me upon some naked shore, Where I may tracke Only the print of some sad wracke, If thou be there though the seas roare, I shall no gentler calm implore."


No more deep blue skies or crimson and amber tints.


Margaret went up to dress for the early tea, finding Dixon in a pretty temper from the interruption which a visitor had naturally occasioned on a busy day.


She showed it by brushing away viciously at Margaret's hair, under pretence of being in a great hurry to go to Mrs. Hale.


Yet, after all, Margaret had to wait a long time in the drawing-room before her mother came down.

As she waited in the drawing-room for her mother to come down,


She sat by herself at the fire, with unlighted candles on the table behind her, thinking over the day, the happy walk, happy sketching, cheerful pleasant dinner, and the uncomfortable, miserable walk in the garden.

she sat thinking over the day, the happy walk, the happy sketching, the cheerful pleasant dinner, and the uncomfortable, miserable walk in the garden.


Here was she disturbed and unhappy, because her instinct had made anything but a refusal impossible; while he, not many minutes after he had met with a rejection of what ought to have been the deepest, holiest proposal of his life, could speak as if briefs, success, and all its superficial consequences of a good house, clever and agreeable society, were the sole avowed objects of his desires.

Here was she disturbed and unhappy, because her instinct had made her refuse him; while he, not many minutes after a rejection of what ought to have been the holiest proposal of his life, could speak as if law briefs, success, and agreeable society were the sole objects of his desires.


how she could have loved him if he had but been different, with a difference which she felt, on reflection, to be one that went low--deep down.

how she could have loved him if he had only been different.


Then she took it into her head that, after all, his lightness might be but assumed, to cover a bitterness of disappointment which would have been stamped on her own heart if she had loved and been rejected.

Then she thought that, after all, his lightness might have been assumed to cover the bitter disappointment which would have been stamped on her own heart if she had loved and been rejected.


Her mother came into the room before this whirl of thoughts was adjusted into anything like order.

Her mother came in before this whirl of thoughts was adjusted into anything like order.


Margaret had to shake off the recollections of what had been done and said through the day, and turn a sympathising listener to the account of how Dixon had complained that the ironing-blanket had been burnt again; and how Susan Lightfoot had been seen with artificial flowers in her bonnet, thereby giving evidence of a vain and giddy character.

Margaret had to shake off her recollections, and listen sympathetically to the account of Dixon's complaints about the ironing, and how Susan Lightfoot had been seen with artificial flowers in her bonnet.


Mr. Hale sipped his tea in abstracted silence; Margaret had the responses all to herself.


She wondered how her father and mother could be so forgetful, so regardless of their companion through the day, as never to mention his name.

She wondered how her father and mother could be so regardless of Mr. Lennox's visit as never to mention his name.


She forgot that he had not made them an offer.


After tea Mr. Hale got up, and stood with his elbow on the chimney-piece, leaning his head on his hand, musing over something, and from time to time sighing deeply.

After tea Mr. Hale got up and stood by the chimney-piece, leaning his head on his hand, and from time to time sighing deeply.


Mrs. Hale went out to consult with Dixon about some winter clothing for the poor.

Mrs. Hale went out to consult with Dixon.


Margaret was preparing her mother's worsted work, and rather shrinking from the thought of the long evening, and wishing bed-time were come that she might go over the events of the day again.

Margaret was preparing her mother's wool-work, and rather shrinking from the thought of the long evening, and wishing bedtime were come.


said Mr. Hale, at last, in a sort of sudden desperate way, that made her start.

said Mr. Hale in a sudden desperate way, that made her start.


"Is that tapestry thing of immediate consequence?

'Is that tapestry thing of immediate consequence?


I mean, can you leave it and come into my study?

Can you leave it and come into my study?


I want to speak to you about something very serious to us all."

I want to speak to you about something very serious.'


Mr. Lennox had never had the opportunity of having any private conversation with her father after her refusal, or else that would indeed be a very serious affair.


In the first place, Margaret felt guilty and ashamed of having grown so much into a woman as to be thought of in marriage; and secondly, she did not know if her father might not be displeased that she had taken upon herself to decline Mr. Lennox's proposal.

Margaret immediately thought of Mr. Lennox, and felt guilty and ashamed of having grown so much into a woman as to be thought of in marriage.


But she soon felt it was not about anything, which having only lately and suddenly occurred, could have given rise to any complicated thoughts, that her father wished to speak to her.

But she soon felt it was not about the day's events that her father wished to speak to her.


He made her take a chair by him; he stirred the fire, snuffed the candles, and sighed once or twice before he could make up his mind to say--and it came out with a jerk after all--"Margaret!

He made her take a chair; he stirred the fire, snuffed the candles, and sighed once or twice before saying, with a jerk-
'Margaret!


Mr. Hale did not answer for a minute or two.


He played with some papers on the table in a nervous and confused manner, opening his lips to speak several times, but closing them again without having the courage to utter a word.

Nervous and confused, he opened his lips to speak several times, but closed them again without having the courage to utter a word.


Margaret could not bear the sight of the suspense, which was even more distressing to her father than to herself.


He looked up at her suddenly, and then said with a slow and enforced calmness,

He looked up at her suddenly, and then said with enforced calmness:


"Because I must no longer be a minister in the Church of England."

'Because I must no longer be a minister in the Church of England.'


Margaret had imagined nothing less than that some of the preferments which her mother had so much desired had befallen her father at last--something that would force him to leave beautiful, beloved Helstone, and perhaps compel him to go and live in some of the stately and silent Closes which Margaret had seen from time to time in Cathedral towns.

Margaret had imagined that the preferment which her mother so much desired had befallen her father at last - and would force him to leave beloved Helstone, to perhaps go and live in a stately Cathedral Close.


They were grand and imposing places, but if, to go there, it was necessary to leave Helstone as a home for ever, that would have been a sad, long, lingering pain.


But nothing to the shock she received from Mr. Hale's last speech.

; but nothing to the shock she received from Mr. Hale's last speech.


It was all the worse for being so mysterious.


The aspect of piteous distress on his face, almost imploring a merciful and kind judgment from his child, gave her a sudden sickening.

The distress on his face gave her a sudden sickening.


Could he have become implicated in anything Frederick had done?


Had her father, out of a natural love for his son, connived at any--

Had her father, out of love for his son, connived at any-


Surely, if the bishop were told all we know about Frederick, and the hard unjust--"

Surely, if the bishop were told all we know about Frederick-'


"It is nothing about Frederick; the bishop would have nothing to do with that.


I will answer any questions this once, but after to-night let us never speak of it again.

, and answer any questions this once, but after tonight let us never speak of it again.


I can meet the consequences of my painful, miserable doubts; but it is an effort beyond me to speak of what has caused me so much suffering."

I can meet the consequences of my painful, miserable doubts; but it is an effort beyond me to speak of what has caused me so much suffering.'


not doubts as to religion; not the slightest injury to that."


Margaret sighed, as if standing on the verge of some new horror.


He began again, speaking rapidly, as if to get over a set task:

and then began again, speaking rapidly, as if to get over a task:


"You could not understand it all, if I told you--my anxiety, for years past, to know whether I had any right to hold my living--my efforts to quench my smouldering doubts by the authority of the Church.

'You could not understand it all, if I told you - my anxiety, for years, to know whether I had any right to hold my living - my efforts to quench my smouldering doubts by the authority of the Church.


Margaret, how I love the holy Church from which I am to be shut out!"

Margaret, how I love the holy Church from which I am to be shut out!'


Margaret could not tell what to say; it seemed to her as terribly mysterious as if her father were about to turn Mahometan.

It seemed to Margaret as terribly mysterious as if her father were about to turn Mahometan.


"I have been reading to-day of the two thousand who were ejected from their churches,"--continued Mr. Hale, smiling faintly,--"trying to steal some of their bravery; but it is of no use--no use--I cannot help feeling it acutely."

'I have been reading today of the two thousand who were ejected from their churches,' continued Mr. Hale, smiling faintly, 'trying to steal some of their bravery; but I cannot help feeling it acutely.'


it seems so terrible, so shocking," said Margaret, suddenly bursting into tears.

it seems so terrible, so shocking,' said Margaret, suddenly bursting into tears.


The one staid foundation of her home, of her idea of her beloved father, seemed reeling and rocking.

The staid foundation of her home, of her idea of her beloved father, seemed reeling and rocking.


The sight of her distress made Mr. Hale nerve himself, in order to try and comfort her.

Her distress made Mr. Hale nerve himself.


He swallowed down the dry choking sobs which had been heaving up from his heart hitherto, and going to his bookcase he took down a volume, which he had often been reading lately, and from which he thought he had derived strength to enter upon the course in which he was now embarked.

He swallowed down the dry sobs which had been heaving up from his heart, and going to his bookcase, took down a volume which had lately given him strength.


"Listen, dear Margaret," said he, putting one arm round her waist.

'Listen, dear Margaret,' said he, putting one arm round her waist.


She took his hand in hers and grasped it tight, but she could not lift up her head; nor indeed could she attend to what he read, so great was her internal agitation.

She grasped his hand, but she could not lift up her head; nor indeed could she attend to what he read, so great was her agitation.


"This is the soliloquy of one who was once a clergyman in a country parish, like me; it was written by Mr. Oldfield, minister of Carsington, in Derbyshire, a hundred and sixty years ago, or more.

'This is written by one who was once a clergyman in a country parish, like me; a Mr. Oldfield, a minister in Derbyshire, a hundred and sixty years ago.


These last two sentences he spoke low, as if to himself.


"When thou canst no longer continue in thy work without dishonour to God, discredit to religion, foregoing thy integrity, wounding conscience, spoiling thy peace, and hazarding the loss of thy salvation; in a word, when the conditions upon which thou must continue (if thou wilt continue) in thy employments are sinful, and unwarranted by the word of God, thou mayest, yea, thou must believe that God will turn thy very silence, suspension, deprivation, and laying aside, to His glory, and the advancement of the Gospel's interest.

'"When thou canst no longer continue in thy work without dishonour to God, discredit to religion, foregoing thy integrity, wounding conscience, spoiling thy peace, and risking thy salvation; then thou must believe that God will turn thy very silence, deprivation, and laying aside, to His glory, and the advancement of the Gospel's interest.


When God will not use thee in one kind, yet He will in another.


A soul that desires to serve and honour Him shall never want opportunity to do it; nor must thou so limit the Holy One of Israel, as to think He hath but one way in which He can glorify Himself by thee.

A soul that desires to serve and honour Him shall never lack opportunity to do it; nor think He hath but one way in which He can glorify Himself by thee.


He can do it by thy silence as well as by thy preaching; the laying aside as well as thy continuance in thy work.


It is not pretence of doing God the greatest service, or performing the weightiest duty, that will excuse the least sin, though that sin capacitated or gave us the opportunity for doing that duty.


Thou wilt have little thanks, O my soul!


if, when thou art charged with corrupting God's worship, falsifying thy vows, thou pretendest a necessity for it in order to a continuance in the ministry."

if, when thou art charged with corrupting God's worship, falsifying thy vows, thou pretendest a necessity for it in order to continue in the ministry."'


As he read this, and glanced at much more which he did not read, he gained resolution for himself, and felt as if he too could be brave and firm in doing what he believed to be right; but as he ceased he heard Margaret's low convulsive sob; and his courage sank down under the keen sense of suffering.

As he read this, he felt as if he too could be brave and firm in doing what he believed to be right; but as he ceased he heard Margaret's low convulsive sob; and his courage sank.


said he, drawing her closer, "think of the early martyrs; think of the thousands who have suffered."


"But, father," said she, suddenly lifting up her flushed, tear-wet face, "the early martyrs suffered for the truth, while you--oh!

'But, father,' said she, lifting up her flushed, tear-wet face, 'the early martyrs suffered for the truth, while you - oh!


"I suffer for conscience' sake, my child," said he, with a dignity that was only tremulous from the acute sensitiveness of his character; "I must do what my conscience bids.

'I suffer for conscience' sake, my child,' said he, with tremulous dignity. 'I must do what my conscience bids.


I have borne long with self-reproach that would have roused any mind less torpid and cowardly than mine."


"Your poor mother's fond wish, gratified at last in the mocking way in which over-fond wishes are too often fulfilled--Sodom apples as they are--has brought on this crisis, for which I ought to be, and I hope I am thankful.

Your poor mother's fond wish has brought on this crisis, for which I hope I am thankful.


It is not a month since the bishop offered me another living; if I had accepted it, I should have had to make a fresh declaration of conformity to the Liturgy at my institution.

A month ago the bishop offered me another living; if I had accepted it, I should have had to make a fresh declaration of conformity to the Liturgy.


Margaret, I tried to do it; I tried to content myself with simply refusing the additional preferment, and stopping quietly here,--strangling my conscience now, as I had strained it before.

Margaret, I tried to do it; I tried to content myself with simply refusing the preferment, and staying quietly here - strangling my conscience.


He rose and walked up and down the room, speaking low words of self-reproach and humiliation, of which Margaret was thankful to hear but few.

He rose and walked up and down the room.


"Margaret, I return to the old sad burden: we must leave Helstone."


"I have written to the bishop--I dare say I have told you so, but I forget things just now," said Mr. Hale, collapsing into his depressed manner as soon as he came to talk of hard matter-of-fact details, "informing him of my intention to resign this vicarage.

'I have written to the bishop,' said Mr. Hale, collapsing into his depressed manner as soon as he came to talk of hard matter-of-fact details, 'informing him of my intention to resign this vicarage.


He has been most kind; he has used arguments and expostulations, all in vain--in vain.

He has been most kind; he has argued with me in vain.


They are but what I have tried upon myself, without avail.


I shall have to take my deed of resignation, and wait upon the bishop myself, to bid him farewell.

I shall have to take my resignation to him in person.


But worse, far worse, will be the parting from my dear people.

, but far worse will be the parting from my dear people.


There is a curate appointed to read prayers--a Mr. Brown.

There is a curate appointed to read prayers.


Next Sunday I preach my farewell sermon."

Next Sunday I preach my farewell sermon.'


thought Margaret; and yet perhaps it was as well.


Lingering would only add stings to the pain; it was better to be stunned into numbness by hearing of all these arrangements, which seemed to be nearly completed before she had been told.

Lingering would only add stings to the pain.


To her surprise, her father began to walk about again before he answered.

Her father began to walk about again before he answered.


"Margaret, I am a poor coward after all.

'Margaret, I am a poor coward after all.


I know so well your mother's married life has not been all she hoped--all she had a right to expect--and this will be such a blow to her, that I have never had the heart, the power to tell her.

I know your mother's married life has not been all she hoped - and this will be such a blow to her, that I have not had the heart to tell her.


She must be told though, now," said he, looking wistfully at his daughter.

She must be told though, now,' said he, looking wistfully at his daughter.


Margaret was almost overpowered with the idea that her mother knew nothing of it all, and yet the affair was so far advanced!

Margaret was almost overpowered with the idea that her mother knew nothing of it.


"Perhaps, after all, she may not--Oh yes!


she will, she must be shocked"--as the force of the blow returned upon herself in trying to realise how another would take it.


said she at last, struck with a fresh wonder as to their future plans, if plans indeed her father had.

said she, struck with fresh wonder as to their future plans.


"To Milton-Northern," he answered, with a dull indifference, for he had perceived that, although his daughter's love had made her cling to him, and for a moment strive to soothe him with her love, yet the keenness of the pain was as fresh as ever in her mind.

'To Milton-Northern,' he answered, with a dull indifference, perceiving his daughter's pain.


"Yes," said he, in the same despondent, indifferent way.


"Because there I can earn bread for my family.

'Because there I can earn bread for my family.


Because I know no one there, and no one knows Helstone, or can ever talk to me about it."

Because I know no one there, and no one knows Helstone, or can ever talk to me about it.'


I thought you and mamma had"--and then she stopped, checking her natural interest regarding their future life, as she saw the gathering gloom on her father's brow.

I thought you and mamma had-' She stopped as she saw the gathering gloom on her father's brow.


But he, with his quick intuitive sympathy, read in her face, as in a mirror, the reflections of his own moody depression, and turned it off with an effort.


I think I could do anything but that: the idea of her distress turns me sick with dread.

The idea of her distress turns me sick with dread.


If I tell you all, perhaps you could break it to her to-morrow.

Perhaps you could break it to her tomorrow.


I am going out for the day, to bid farmer Dobson and the poor people on Bracy Common good-bye.

I will be going out for the day, to bid people good-bye.


Would you dislike breaking it to her very much, Margaret?"

Would you dislike breaking it to her very much?'


Margaret did dislike it, did shrink from it more than from anything she had ever had to do in her life before.


Her father said, "You dislike it very much don't you, Margaret?"


Then she conquered herself, and said, with a bright strong look on her face:


"It is a painful thing, but it must be done, and I will do it as well as ever I can.

'It is a painful thing, but it must be done, and I will do it as well as I can.


You must have many painful things to do."

You must have many painful things to do.'


Mr. Hale shook his head despondingly: he pressed her hand in token of gratitude.

Mr. Hale shook his head: he pressed her hand in gratitude.


Margaret was nearly upset again into a burst of crying.


To turn her thoughts, she said: "Now tell me, papa, what our plans are.

To turn her thoughts, she said: 'Now tell me, papa, what our plans are.


You and mamma have some money, independent of the income from the living, have you not?

You and mamma have some money of your own, have you not?'


I suppose we have about a hundred and twenty pounds a year of our own.

I suppose we have about a hundred and seventy pounds a year.


Seventy of that has always gone to Frederick, since he has been abroad.


I don't know if he wants it all," he continued in a hesitating manner.


"He must have some pay for serving with the Spanish army."

He must have some pay for serving with the Spanish army.'


"Frederick must not suffer," said Margaret, decidedly; "in a foreign country; so unjustly treated by his own.

'Frederick must not suffer,' said Margaret decidedly, 'in a foreign country; so unjustly treated by his own.


Could not you, and I, and mamma live on a hundred a year in some very cheap--very quiet part of England?

Could not we live on a hundred a year in some very quiet part of England?'


I must make myself busy, to keep off morbid thoughts.


Besides, in a country parish I should be so painfully reminded of Helstone, and my duties here.

But in a country parish I should be so painfully reminded of Helstone,


And a hundred a year would go a very little way, after the necessary wants of housekeeping are met, towards providing your mother with all the comforts she has been accustomed to, and ought to have.

And a hundred a year would not go far towards providing your mother with all the comforts she ought to have.


I can always decide better by myself, and not influenced by those whom I love," said he, as a half apology for having arranged so much before he had told any one of his family of his intentions.

I can always decide better by myself,' said he, as a half apology for having arranged it already.


After all, what did it signify where they went, compared to the one terrible change?


Mr. Hale continued: "A few months ago, when my misery of doubt became more than I could bear without speaking, I wrote to Mr. Bell--you remember Mr. Bell, Margaret?"

Mr. Hale continued: 'A few months ago, when my misery of doubt became more than I could bear, I wrote to Mr. Bell - you remember Mr. Bell, Margaret?'


Frederick's godfather--your old tutor at Oxford, don't you mean?"

Frederick's godfather - your old tutor at Oxford, don't you mean?'


He is a Fellow of Plymouth College there.


He is a native of Milton-Northern, I believe.


At any rate he has property there, which has very much increased in value since Milton has become such a large manufacturing town.


Well; I had reason to suspect--to imagine--I had better say nothing about it, however.


But I felt sure of sympathy from Mr. Bell.


I don't know that he gave me much strength.


He has lived an easy life in his college all his days.

; he has always lived an easy life in his college.


And it is owing to him we are going to Milton."


"Why he has tenants, and houses, and mills there; so, though he dislikes the place--too bustling for one of his habits--he is obliged to keep up some sort of connection; and he tells me that he hears there is a good opening for a private tutor there."

He has tenants and houses there; so, though the place is too bustling for him, he keeps up the connection; and he tells me that there is a good opening for a private tutor.'


said Margaret, looking scornful: "What in the world do manufacturers want with the classics, or literature, or the accomplishments of a gentleman?"

said Margaret scornfully. 'What do manufacturers want with the classics, or literature, or the accomplishments of a gentleman?'


"Oh," said her father, "some of them really seem to be fine fellows, conscious of their own deficiencies, which is more than many a man at Oxford is.

'Oh,' said her father, 'some of them seem to be fine fellows, conscious of their own deficiencies, which is more than many a man at Oxford is.


Some want resolutely to learn, though they have come to man's estate.


Some want their children to be better instructed than they themselves have been.

themselves; some want their children to be better instructed than they themselves have been.


At any rate, there is an opening, as I have said, for a private tutor.


Mr. Bell has recommended me to a Mr. Thornton, a tenant of his, and a very intelligent man, as far as I can judge from his letters.


And in Milton, Margaret, I shall find a busy life, if not a happy one, and people and scenes so different that I shall never be reminded of Helstone."

And in Milton, Margaret, I shall find a busy life, if not a happy one, and I shall never be reminded of Helstone.'


There was the secret motive, as Margaret knew from her own feelings.


Discordant as it was--with almost a detestation for all she had ever heard of the North of England, the manufacturers, the people, the wild and bleak country--there was this one recommendation--it would be different to Helstone, and could never remind them of that beloved place.

Although she almost detested all she had ever heard of the North of England - the manufacturers, the people, the wild, bleak country - there was this one recommendation: it would be different from Helstone, and could never remind them of that beloved place.


You see, your mother knows nothing about it yet: but I think, in a fortnight;--after my deed of resignation is sent in, I shall have no right to remain."

'In a fortnight; after my resignation is sent in, I shall have no right to remain.'


Nothing is fixed," said her father, with anxious hesitation, as he noticed the filmy sorrow that came over her eyes, and the sudden change in her complexion.

'Nothing is fixed,' said her father anxiously.


"Yes, papa, it had better be fixed soon and decidedly, as you say.

'Yes, papa, it had better be fixed soon.


It is that that is the great perplexity."


Oh, if I were not married--if I were but myself in the world, how easy it would be!


As it is--Margaret, I dare not tell her!"


"No," said Margaret, sadly, "I will do it.

'No,' said Margaret, sadly. 'I will do it.


Give me till to-morrow evening to choose my time.

Give me till tomorrow evening to choose my time.


Oh, papa," cried she with sudden passionate entreaty, "say--tell me it is a nightmare--a horrid dream--not the real waking truth!

Oh, papa,' cried she, with sudden passionate entreaty, 'say it is a nightmare - not the waking truth!


You cannot mean that you are really going to leave the Church--to give up Helstone--to be for ever separate from me, from mamma--led away by some delusion--some temptation!

You cannot mean that you are really going to leave the Church - to give up Helstone - led away by some delusion!'


Mr. Hale sat in rigid stillness while she spoke.


Then he looked her in the face, and said in a slow, hoarse, measured way--"I do mean it, Margaret.

Then he said in a slow, hoarse, measured way:
'I do mean it, Margaret.


You must not deceive yourself in doubting the reality of my words--my fixed intention and resolve."

Do not doubt the reality of my words and my resolve.'


He looked at her in the same steady, stony manner, for some moments after he had done speaking.

He looked at her in a steady, stony manner.


She, too, gazed back with pleading eyes before she would believe it was irrevocable.

She gazed back with pleading eyes before she would believe that it was irrevocable.


Then she arose and went, without another word or look, towards the door.

Then she arose and went, without another word, towards the door.


As her fingers were on the handle he called her back.


He was standing by the fireplace, shrunk and stooping; but as she came near he drew himself up to his full height, and, placing his hands on her head, he said, solemnly:

He was standing by the fireplace, shrunk and stooping; but as she came near he drew himself up to his full height, and, placing his hands on her head, he said solemnly:


"The blessing of God be upon thee, my child!"

'The blessing of God be upon thee, my child!'


"And may He restore you to His Church," responded she, out of the fulness of her heart.

'And may He restore you to His Church,' responded she.


The next moment she feared lest this answer to his blessing might be irreverent, wrong--might hurt him as coming from his daughter, and she threw her arms round his neck.

The next moment she feared lest this answer might hurt him, and she threw her arms round his neck.


She heard him murmur to himself, "The martyrs and confessors had even more pain to bear--I will not shrink."

She heard him murmur to himself, 'The martyrs and confessors had more pain to bear - I will not shrink.'


They were startled by hearing Mrs. Hale inquiring for her daughter.


They started asunder in the full consciousness of all that was before them.


Mr. Hale hurriedly said "Go, Margaret, go.

Mr. Hale hurriedly said:
'Go, Margaret, go.


Before night you will have told your mother."

Before night you will have told your mother.'


"Yes," she replied, and she returned to the drawing-room in a stunned and dizzy state.

'Yes,' she replied, and returned to the drawing-room in a stunned and dizzy state.


Though thy bark be tempest-driven, Though each plank be rent and riven, Truth will bear thee on for ever!"


The "bearing up better than likely" was a terrible strain upon Margaret.

The 'bearing up better than likely' was a terrible strain upon Margaret.


Sometimes she thought she must give way, and cry out with pain, as the sudden sharp thought came across her, even during her apparently cheerful conversations with her father, that she had no longer a mother.

Sometimes she thought she must give way, and cry out with pain, as the sudden sharp thought came across her, even during her apparently cheerful conversations with her father, that she no longer had a mother.


About Frederick, too, there was great uneasiness.


The Sunday post intervened, and interfered with their London letters; and on Tuesday Margaret was surprised and disheartened to find that there was still no letter.

By Tuesday Margaret was surprised and disheartened to find that there was still no letter.


She was quite in the dark as to his plans, and her father was miserable at all this uncertainty.


It broke in upon his lately acquired habit of sitting still in one easy chair for half a day together.


He kept pacing up and down the room; then out of it; and she heard him upon the landing opening and shutting the bed-room doors, without any apparent object.


She tried to tranquillise him by reading aloud; but it was evident he could not listen for long together.

She tried to tranquillise him by reading aloud; but he could not listen for long.


How thankful she was then, that she had kept to herself the additional cause for anxiety produced by their encounter with Leonards.

She was glad that she had not told him about their encounter with Leonards.


She was thankful to hear Mr. Thornton announced.


His visit would force her father's thoughts into another channel.


He came up straight to her father, whose hands he took and wrung without a word--holding them in his for a minute or two, during which time his face, his eyes, his look, told of more sympathy than could be put into words.

He came straight up to her father, whose hands he took silently - holding them in his for a minute or two, while his look told of more sympathy than could be put into words.


Her stately beauty was dimmed with much watching and with many tears.


The expression on her countenance was of gentle patient sadness--nay of positive present suffering.

The expression on her face was of gentle patient sadness, nay, of positive suffering.


He had not meant to greet her otherwise than with his late studied coldness of demeanour; but he could not help going up to her, as she stood a little aside, rendered timid by the uncertainty of his manner of late, and saying the few necessary common-place words in so tender a voice, that her eyes filled with tears, and she turned away to hide her emotion.

He had meant to greet her coldly; but he could not help going up to her, and saying the few necessary commonplace words in so tender a voice, that her eyes filled with tears, and she turned away to hide her emotion.


She took her work and sate down very quiet and silent.

She took her needlework and sat down very quiet.


Mr. Thornton's heart beat quick and strong, and for the time he utterly forgot the Outwood lane.


He tried to talk to Mr. Hale: and--his presence always a certain kind of pleasure to Mr. Hale, as his power and decision made him, and his opinions, a safe, sure port--was unusually agreeable to her father, as Margaret saw.

He tried to talk to Mr. Hale: and his presence gave her father pleasure, Margaret saw.


Presently Dixon came to the door and said, "Miss Hale, you are wanted."

Presently Dixon came to the door and said, 'Miss Hale, you are wanted.'


Dixon's manner was so flurried that Margaret turned sick at heart.


It was well that her father and Mr. Thornton were so much occupied by their conversation.

It was well that her father and Mr. Thornton were busy talking.


asked Margaret, the moment she had shut the drawing-room door.

asked Margaret, after shutting the drawing-room door.


"Come this way, miss," said Dixon, opening the door of what had been Mrs. Hale's bed-chamber, now Margaret's, for her father refused to sleep there again after his wife's death.


"It's nothing, miss," said Dixon, choking a little.

'It's nothing, miss,' said Dixon, choking a little.


But I dare say, it's about nothing at all."

But I dare say, it's about nothing at all.'


"Did he name--" asked Margaret, almost inaudibly.

'Did he name-' asked Margaret, almost inaudibly.


He only asked if you lived here, and if he could speak to you.


Martha went to the door, and let him in; she has shown him into master's study.

Martha let him in; she has shown him into master's study.'


I went to him myself, to try if that would do; but no--it's you, miss, he wants."


Margaret did not speak again till her hand was on the lock of the study door.

Margaret did not speak again till her hand was on the study door.


Here she turned round and said, "Take care papa does not come down.

Then she turned and said, 'Take care papa does not come down.


The inspector was almost daunted by the haughtiness of her manner as she entered.


There was something of indignation expressed in her countenance, but so kept down and controlled, that it gave her a superb air of disdain.

There was a controlled indignation in her face that gave her a superb air of disdain.


She stood awaiting the opening of his business there.


"I beg your pardon, ma'am, but my duty obliges me to ask you a few plain questions.

'I beg your pardon, ma'am, but my duty obliges me to ask you a few plain questions.


A man has died at the Infirmary, in consequence of a fall, received at Outwood station, between the hours of five and six on Thursday evening, the twenty-sixth instant.

A man has died at the Infirmary, in consequence of a fall received at Outwood station, between the hours of five and six on Thursday evening.


At the time, this fall did not seem of much consequence; but it was rendered fatal, the doctors say, by the presence of some internal complaint, and the man's own habit of drinking."

At the time, this fall did not seem of much consequence; but it was rendered fatal, the doctors say, by the presence of some internal complaint, and the man's own habit of drinking.'


The large dark eyes, gazing straight into the inspector's face, dilated a little.


Otherwise there was no motion perceptible to his experienced observation.


Her lips swelled out into a richer curve than ordinary, owing to the enforced tension of the muscles, but he did not know what was their usual appearance, so as to recognise the unwonted sullen defiance of the firm sweeping lines.


Now--as he paused before going on, she said, almost as if she would encourage him in telling his tale--"Well--go on!"

Now, as he paused, she said, 'Well - go on!'


"It is supposed that an inquest will have to be held; there is some slight evidence to prove that the blow, or push, or scuffle that caused the fall, was provoked by this poor fellow's half-tipsy impertinence to a young lady, walking with the man who pushed the deceased over the edge of the platform.

'An inquest will have to be held; there is some slight evidence that the blow, or push, or scuffle that caused the fall, was provoked by this poor fellow's tipsy impertinence to a young lady, walking with a man who pushed the deceased over the edge of the platform.


This much was observed by some one on the platform, who, however, thought no more about the matter, as the blow seemed of slight consequence.

This much was observed by someone on the platform, who, however, thought no more about the matter, as the blow seemed of slight consequence.


There is also some reason to identify the lady with yourself; in which case--"

There is some reason to identify the lady with yourself; in which case-'


"I was not there," said Margaret, still keeping her expressionless eyes fixed on his face, with the unconscious look of a sleep-walker.

'I was not there,' said Margaret, still keeping her expressionless eyes fixed on his face.


The lady standing before him showed no emotion, no fluttering fear, no anxiety, no desire to end the interview.

The lady before him showed no emotion, no fluttering fear, no desire to end the interview.


The information he had received was very vague; one of the porters, rushing out to be in readiness for the train, had seen a scuffle, at the other end of the platform, between Leonards and a gentleman accompanied by a lady, but heard no noise; and before the train had got to its full speed after starting, he had been almost knocked down by the headlong run of the enraged half-intoxicated Leonards, swearing and cursing awfully.

The information he had received was very vague; one of the porters had seen a scuffle at the other end of the platform, between Leonards and a gentleman with a lady, but heard no noise; and soon after the train had started, he had been almost knocked down by the headlong run of the enraged Leonards, who was cursing awfully.


He had not thought any more about it, till his evidence was routed out by the inspector, who, on making some farther inquiry at the railroad station, had heard from the station-master that a young lady and gentleman had been there about that hour--the lady remarkably handsome--and said, by some grocer's assistant present at the time, to be a Miss Hale, living at Crampton, whose family dealt at his shop.

The station-master had told the inspector that a young lady and gentleman had been there about that hour - the lady remarkably handsome, and said by a grocer's assistant who was there to be a Miss Hale of Crampton.


There was no certainty that the one lady and gentleman were identical with the other pair, but there was great probability.


Leonards himself had gone, half-mad with rage and pain, to the nearest gin-palace for comfort; and his tipsy words had not been attended to by the busy waiters there; they, however, remembered his starting up and cursing himself for not having sooner thought of the electric telegraph, for some purpose unknown; and they believed that he left with the idea of going there.

Leonards himself, half-mad with rage and pain, had gone to the nearest gin-palace, where the busy waiters did not attend much to his tipsy words. However, they remembered his starting up and cursing himself for not having thought of the electric telegraph, for some purpose unknown.


On his way, overcome by pain or drink, he had lain down in the road, where the police had found him and taken him to the Infirmary: there he had never recovered sufficient consciousness to give any distinct account of his fall, although once or twice he had had glimmerings of sense sufficient to make the authorities send for the nearest magistrate, in hopes that he might be able to take down the dying man's deposition of the cause of his death.

They believed that he was going to telegraph when, overcome by pain or drink, he had lain down in the road, where the police had found him and taken him to the Infirmary.
There he had never recovered full consciousness, although a magistrate was fetched in case he


But when the magistrate had come, he was rambling about being at sea, and mixing up names of captains and lieutenants in an indistinct manner with those of his fellow porters at the railway; and his last words were a curse on the "Cornish trick" which had, he said, made him a hundred pounds poorer than he ought to have been.

spoke; but he was rambling about being at sea, and mixing up names of captains and lieutenants in an indistinct manner with those of his fellow porters. His last words were a curse on the 'Cornish trick' which had, he said, made him a hundred pounds poorer than he ought to have been.


The inspector ran all this over in his mind--the vagueness of the evidence to prove that Margaret had been at the station--the unflinching, calm denial which she gave to such a supposition.

The inspector ran over all this in his mind while Margaret


She stood awaiting his next word with a composure that appeared supreme.

stood awaiting his next words with supreme composure.


"Then, madam, I have your denial that you were the lady accompanying the gentleman who struck the blow, or gave the push, which caused the death of this poor man?"

'Then, madam, I have your denial that you were the lady accompanying the gentleman who struck the blow, or gave the push, which caused the death of this poor man?'


A quick, sharp pain went through Margaret's brain.


A deep observer of human countenances might have seen the momentary agony shoot out of her great gloomy eyes, like the torture of some creature brought to bay.


But the inspector though a very keen, was not a very deep observer.


He was a little struck, notwithstanding, by the form of the answer, which sounded like a mechanical repetition of her first reply--not changed and modified in shape so as to meet his last question.

was a little struck by the form of her answer, which sounded like a mechanical repetition of her first reply.


"I was not there," said she, slowly and heavily.

'I was not there,' said she, slowly and heavily


And all this time she never closed her eyes, or ceased from that glassy, dream-like stare.

, never ceasing from that glassy, dream-like stare.


His quick suspicions were aroused by this dull echo of her former denial.


It was as if she had forced herself to one untruth, and had been stunned out of all power of varying it.


He put up his book of notes in a very deliberate manner.

He put away his notebook in a very deliberate manner.


Then he looked up; she had not moved any more than if she had been some great Egyptian statue.


"I hope you will not think me impertinent when I say, that I may have to call on you again.

'Miss Hale, I may have to call on you again.


I may have to summon you to appear on the inquest, and prove an alibi, if my witnesses" (it was but one who had recognised her) "persist in deposing to your presence at the unfortunate event."

I may have to summon you to appear at the inquest, and prove an alibi, if my witnesses persist in deposing to your presence at the unfortunate event.'


She was still perfectly quiet--no change of colour, or darker shadow of guilt, on her proud face.

She was still perfectly quiet, with no change of colour,


He thought to have seen her wince: he did not know Margaret Hale.


He was a little abashed by her real composure.

and he was a little abashed by her regal composure.


It must have been a mistake of identity.

His one witness must have mistaken her identity.


"It is very unlikely, ma'am, that I shall have to do anything of the kind.

'It is very unlikely, ma'am, that I shall have to do anything of the kind.


I hope you will excuse me for doing what is only my duty, although it may appear impertinent."

I hope you will excuse me for doing what is only my duty.'


Margaret bowed her head as he went towards the door.


She could not speak even the common words of farewell.


But suddenly she walked forwards, and opened the study door, and preceded him to the door of the house, which she threw wide open for his exit.

But she walked before him to the door of the house, which she threw wide for his exit.


She kept her eyes upon him in the same dull, fixed manner, until he was fairly out of the house.


She shut the door, and went half-way into the study; then turned back, as if moved by some passionate impulse, and locked the door inside.


Then she went into the study, paused--tottered forward--paused again--swayed for an instant where she stood, and fell prone on the floor in a dead swoon.

Then she went into the study, paused - tottered forward - swayed for an instant, and fell on the floor in a dead swoon.


"I have found that holy place of rest Still changeless."


When Mr. Thornton had left the house that morning he was almost blinded by his baffled passion.

When Mr. Thornton had left the Hales' house that morning he was almost blinded by his baffled passion.


He was as dizzy as if Margaret, instead of looking, and speaking, and moving like a tender graceful woman, had been a sturdy fish-wife, and given him a sound blow with her fists.

He was as dizzy as if Margaret, instead of speaking like a tender graceful woman, had been a sturdy fish-wife, and given him a sound blow with her fists.


He had positive bodily pain--a violent headache, and a throbbing intermittent pulse.

He had a violent headache, and a throbbing pulse.


He could not bear the noise, the garish light, the continued rumble and movement of the street.

He could not bear the noise, the garish light, the rumble and movement of the street.


He called himself a fool for suffering so; and yet he could not, at the moment, recollect the cause of his suffering, and whether it was adequate to the consequences it had produced.


It would have been a relief to him, if he could have sat down and cried on a door-step by a little child, who was raging and storming, through his passionate tears, at some injury he had received.

it would have been a relief if he could have sat down and cried on a door-step beside a little child who was raging and storming there.


He said to himself, that he hated Margaret, but a wild, sharp sensation of love cleft his dull, thunderous feeling like lightning, even as he shaped the words expressive of hatred.

He said to himself that he hated Margaret - but a wild, sharp sensation of love cleft his thunderous feeling like lightning, even as he shaped the words.


His greatest comfort was in hugging his torment and in feeling, as he had indeed said to her, that though she might despise him, contemn him, treat him with her proud sovereign indifference, he did not change one whit.

His greatest comfort was in thinking that though she might despise him and treat him with proud indifference, he did not change one whit.


He loved her, and would love her; and defy her, and this miserable bodily pain.

He loved her, and would love her; and defy her, and this miserable pain.


He stood still for a moment, to make this resolution firm and clear.


There was an omnibus passing--going into the country; the conductor thought he was wishing for a place, and stopped near the pavement.

There was an omnibus passing; the conductor thought he wished to get on, and stopped.


It was too much trouble to apologise and explain; so he mounted upon it, and was borne away--past long rows of houses--then past detached villas with trim gardens, till they came to real country hedge-rows, and, by-and-by, to a small country town.

It was too much trouble to apologise and explain, so he mounted upon it, and was borne away - past long rows of houses - then past detached villas with trim gardens, till they came to real country hedge-rows, and a small country town.


Then everybody got down; and so did Mr. Thornton, and because they walked away he did so too.


He went into the fields, walking briskly, because the sharp motion relieved his mind.

He went into the fields, walking briskly to relieve his mind.


He could remember all about it now; the pitiful figure he must have cut; the absurd way in which he had gone and done the very thing he had so often agreed with himself in thinking would be the most foolish thing in the world; and had met with exactly the consequences which, in these wise moods, he had always foretold were certain to follow, if he ever did make such a fool of himself.

He remembered the pitiful figure he must have cut; the absurd way in which he had gone and done the very thing he had told himself would be the most foolish thing in the world; and had met with exactly the result which he might have expected.


Was he bewitched by those beautiful eyes, that soft, half-open, sighing mouth which lay so close upon his shoulder only yesterday?


He could not even shake off the recollection that she had been there; that her arms had been round him, once--if never again.

He could not even shake off the recollection that she had been there; that her arms had been round him, once - if never again.


He only caught glimpses of her; he did not understand her altogether.

He only caught glimpses of her nature; he did not understand her altogether.


At one time she was so brave, and at another so timid; now so tender, and then so haughty and regal proud.

At one time she was so brave, and at another so timid; now so tender, and then so haughty.


And then he thought over every time he had ever seen her once again, by way of finally forgetting her.

And then he thought over every time he had ever seen her, by way of finally forgetting her.


He saw her in every dress, in every mood, and did not know which became her best.


Even this morning how magnificent she had looked--her eyes flashing out upon him at the idea that, because she had shared his danger yesterday, she had cared for him the least!

Even this morning, how magnificent she had looked - her eyes flashing at the idea that she cared for him!


If Mr. Thornton was a fool in the morning, as he assured himself at least twenty times he was, he did not grow much wiser in the afternoon.

If Mr. Thornton was a fool in the morning, as he told himself twenty times, he did not grow much wiser in the afternoon.


All that he gained for his sixpenny omnibus ride, was a more vivid conviction that there never was, never could be, any one like Margaret; that she did not love him and never would; but that she--no!

All that he gained in return for his omnibus ride was a conviction that there never could be anyone like Margaret; that she did not love him; but that she


nor the whole world--should never hinder him from loving her.

should never prevent him from loving her.


And so he returned to the little market-place, and remounted the omnibus to return to Milton.

And so he returned to the little market-place, and remounted the omnibus to Milton.


It was late in the afternoon when he was set down, near his warehouse.

It was late in the afternoon when he was set down near his warehouse.


The accustomed places brought back the accustomed habits and trains of thought.


He knew how much he had to do--more than his usual work, owing to the commotion of the day before.

He knew he had much work to do, after the commotion of the day before.


He had to see his brother magistrates; he had to complete the arrangements, only half made in the morning, for the comfort and safety of his newly imported Irish hands; he had to secure them from all chance of communication with the discontented workpeople of Milton.

He had to see his brother magistrates; he had to complete arrangements for the safety of his new Irish hands; he had to ensure they could not communicate with the discontented work-people of Milton.


Last of all, he had to go home and encounter his mother.

Last of all, he had to go home and meet his mother.


Mrs. Thornton had sat in the dining-room all day, every moment expecting the news of her son's acceptance by Miss Hale.


She had braced herself up many and many a time, at some sudden noise in the house; had caught up the half-dropped work, and begun to ply her needle diligently, though through dimmed spectacles, and with an unsteady hand!

She had braced herself up many a time, at some sudden noise; had caught up the half-dropped work, and begun to ply her needle diligently, though unsteadily.


and many times had the door opened, and some indifferent person entered on some insignificant errand.

Many times had the door opened, and somebody entered on some insignificant errand.


Then her rigid face unstiffened from its gray frost-bound expression, and the features dropped into the relaxed look of despondency, so unusual to their sternness.

Then her rigid face had relaxed into despondency.


She wrenched herself away from the contemplation of all the dreary changes that would be brought about to herself by her son's marriage; she forced her thoughts into the accustomed household grooves.

She wrenched herself away from contemplating all the dreary changes that her son's marriage would bring; she forced her thoughts into the accustomed household grooves.


The newly-married couple-to-be would need fresh household stocks of linen: and Mrs. Thornton had clothes-basket upon clothes-basket, full of table-cloths and napkins, brought in, and began to reckon up the store.

The newly-married couple-to-be would need fresh stocks of linen; so Mrs. Thornton had clothes-baskets full of table-cloths and napkins brought in, and began to reckon up the store.


There was some confusion between what was hers, and consequently marked G. H. T. (for George and Hannah Thornton), and what was her son's--bought with his money, marked with his initials.

Some were hers, and marked G. H. T. (for George and Hannah Thornton), and some were her son's, marked with his initials.


Some of those marked G. H. T. were Dutch damask of the old kind, exquisitely fine; none were like them now.

Her own were old Dutch damask, exquisitely fine;


Mrs. Thornton stood looking at them long,--they had been her pride when she was first married.


Then she knit her brows, and pinched and compressed her lips tight, and carefully unpicked the G.H.

Mrs. Thornton knit her brows, and pinched her lips tight, and carefully unpicked the G. H.


She went so far as to search for the Turkey-red marking-thread to put in the new initials; but it was all used,--and she had no heart to send for any more just yet.


So she looked fixedly at vacancy; a series of visions passing before her, in all of which her son was the principal, the sole object,--her son, her pride, her property.


The new love was displacing her already from her place as first in his heart.

The new love was displacing her already.


A terrible pain--a pang of vain jealousy--shot through her: she hardly knew whether it was more physical or mental; but it forced her to sit down.

A terrible pang of vain jealousy shot through her, forcing her to sit down; but


In a moment, she was up again as straight as ever,--a grim smile upon her face for the first time that day, ready for the door opening, and the rejoicing triumphant one, who should never know the sore regret his mother felt at his marriage.

in a moment, she was up again as straight as ever - a grim smile upon her face, ready for the door opening. Her triumphant son should never know the sore regret his mother felt at his marriage.


In all this, there was little thought enough of the future daughter-in-law as an individual.

In all this, there was little thought of the future daughter-in-law as an individual.


To take Mrs. Thornton's place as mistress of the house, was only one of the rich consequences which decked out the supreme glory: all household plenty and comfort, all purple and fine linen, honour, love, obedience, troops of friends, would all come as naturally as jewels on a king's robe, and be as little thought of for their separate value.

She would take Mrs. Thornton's place as mistress of the house; all household plenty and comfort, all purple and fine linen, honour, love, obedience, troops of friends, would come as naturally as jewels on a king's robe.


To be chosen by John, would separate a kitchen-wench from the rest of the world.

To be chosen by John would separate a kitchen-wench from the rest of the world.


If she had been a Milton lass, Mrs. Thornton would have positively liked her.


She was pungent, and had taste, and spirit, and flavour in her.


True, she was sadly prejudiced, and very ignorant; but that was to be expected from her southern breeding.


A strange sort of mortified comparison of Fanny with her, went on in Mrs. Thornton's mind; and for once she spoke harshly to her daughter; abused her roundly; and then, by way of penance, she took up Henry's Commentaries, and tried to fix her attention on it, instead of pursuing the employment she took pride in, and continuing her inspection of the table-linen.

A strange sort of mortified comparison of Fanny with her, went on in Mrs. Thornton's mind; and for once she spoke harshly to her daughter. Then, by way of penance, she took up Henry's Bible Commentaries, and tried to fix her attention on it.


She heard him, even while she thought she was finishing a sentence; while her eye did pass over it, and her memory could mechanically have repeated it word for word, she heard him come in at the hall-door.


Her quickened sense could interpret every sound of motion: now he was at the hat-stand--now at the very room-door.

Her quickened sense could interpret every sound: now he was at the hat-stand - now at the very room-door.


Yet her head was down over the book; she did not look up.

Yet her head was still down over the book.


He came close to the table, and stood still there, waiting till she should have finished the paragraph which apparently absorbed her.

He came close to the table, and stood there, waiting till she should have finished her paragraph.


He longed to reply with a jest; the bitterness of his heart could have uttered one, but his mother deserved better of him.


He came round behind her, so that she could not see his looks, and, bending back her gray, stony face, he kissed it, murmuring:

He came round behind her, so that she could not see his looks, and, bending back her grey, stony face, he kissed it, murmuring:


"No one loves me,--no one cares for me, but you, mother."

'No one loves me - no one cares for me, but you, mother.'


He turned away and stood leaning his head against the mantelpiece, tears forcing themselves into his manly eyes.

He turned away and stood leaning his head against the mantel-piece, tears forcing themselves into his manly eyes.


For the first time in her life, the strong woman tottered.


She put her hands on his shoulders; she was a tall woman.


She looked into his face: she made him look at her.

and looked into his face; she made him look at her.


A girl's love is like a puff of smoke,--it changes with every wind.

A girl's love is like a puff of smoke - it changes with every wind.


And she would not have you, my own lad, would not she?"

And she would not have you, my own lad, would not she?'


She set her teeth; she showed them like a dog for the whole length of her mouth.

She set her teeth, showing them like a dog.


"I am not fit for her, mother; I knew I was not."

'I am not fit for her, mother; I knew I was not.'


She ground out words between her closed teeth.


He could not hear what she said; but the look in her eyes interpreted it to be a curse,--if not as coarsely worded, as fell in intent as ever was uttered.


And yet her heart leapt up light, to know he was her own again.
'Mother!'


said he, hurriedly, "I cannot hear a word against her.

said he. 'I cannot hear a word against her.


I am very weak in my sore heart;--I love her yet; I love her more than ever."

Spare my sore heart - I love her yet; I love her more than ever.'


"And I hate her," said Mrs. Thornton, in a low fierce voice.

'And I hate her,' said Mrs. Thornton, in a low fierce voice.


"I tried not to hate her, when she stood between you and me, because,--I said to myself,--she will make him happy; and I would give my heart's blood to do that.

'I tried not to hate her, because - I said to myself - she will make him happy.


But now, I hate her for your misery's sake.


Yes, John, it's no use hiding up your aching heart from me.


I am the mother that bore you, and your sorrow is my agony; and if you don't hate her, I do."

I am the mother that bore you, and your sorrow is my agony; and if you don't hate her, I do.'


"Then, mother, you make me love her more.

'Then, mother, you make me love her more.


She is unjustly treated by you, and I must make the balance even.


She does not care for me, and that is enough, too much.

She does not care for me, and that is enough - too much.


It is the only thing you can do for me in the matter.


I only wish that she, and all belonging to her, were swept back to the place they came from."

I only wish that she, and all belonging to her, were swept back to the place they came from.'


He stood still, gazing into the fire for a minute or two longer.


Her dry dim eyes filled with unwonted tears as she looked at him; but she seemed just as grim and quiet as usual when he next spoke.

Her dim eyes filled with unwonted tears as she looked at him; but she seemed just as grim as usual when he next spoke.


"Warrants are out against three men for conspiracy, mother.

'Warrants are out against three men for conspiracy, mother.


The riot yesterday helped to knock up the strike."

The riot yesterday helped to knock up the strike.'


And Margaret's name was no more mentioned between Mrs. Thornton and her son.

And Margaret's name was no more mentioned.


They fell back into their usual mode of talk,--about facts, not opinions, far less feelings.

They fell back into their usual mode of talk - about facts, not opinions or feelings.


Their voices and tones were calm and cold; a stranger might have gone away and thought that he had never seen such frigid indifference of demeanour between such near relations.

Their voices were calm and cold; a stranger might have thought that he had never seen such frigid indifference between such near relations.


"Trust in that veiled hand, which leads None by the path that he would go; And always be for change prepared, For the world's law is ebb and flow."


The next afternoon Dr. Donaldson came to pay his first visit to Mrs. Hale.

The next afternoon Dr. Donaldson came to visit Mrs. Hale.


The mystery that Margaret hoped their late habits of intimacy had broken through was resumed.


She was excluded from the room, while Dixon was admitted.

was excluded from the room, though Dixon was admitted.


Margaret was not a ready lover, but where she loved she loved passionately, and with no small degree of jealousy.


She went into her mother's bed-room, just behind the drawing-room, and paced it up and down, while awaiting the doctor's coming out.

She paced up and down in the next room, awaiting the doctor's coming out.


Every now and then she stopped to listen; she fancied she heard a moan.

Every now and then she fancied she heard a moan.


She clenched her hands tight, and held her breath.


Then all was still for a few minutes more; and then there was the moving of chairs, the raised voices, all the little disturbances of leave-taking.

All was still for a few minutes more; and then there was the moving of chairs, and the raised voices of leave-taking.


When she heard the door open, she went quickly out of the bedroom.

When she heard the door open, she went quickly to meet him.


"My father is from home, Dr. Donaldson; he has to attend a pupil at this hour.

'My father is out with a pupil, Dr. Donaldson.


May I trouble you to come into his room downstairs?"

May I trouble you to come into his room downstairs?'


She saw, and triumphed over all the obstacles which Dixon threw in her way; assuming her rightful position as daughter of the house in something of the spirit of the Elder Brother, which quelled the old servant's officiousness very effectually.

She saw and triumphed over all the obstacles which Dixon threw in her way; assuming her position as daughter of the house


Margaret's conscious assumption of this unusual dignity of demeanour towards Dixon, gave her an instant's amusement in the midst of her anxiety.

with a conscious dignity, which gave her an instant's amusement in the midst of her anxiety.


She knew, from the surprised expression on Dixon's face, how ridiculously grand she herself must be looking; and the idea carried her downstairs into the room; it gave her that length of oblivion from the keen sharpness of the recollection of the actual business in hand.

She knew, from the surprised expression on Dixon's face, how ridiculously grand she must be looking; and the idea carried her downstairs into the room. But then recollection of the actual business in hand


Now, that came back, and seemed to take away her breath.


It was a moment or two before she could utter a word.

It was a moment or two before she could speak.


But she spoke with an air of command, as she asked--


You will oblige me by telling the simple truth."


Then, seeing a slight hesitation on the doctor's part, she added--


"I am the only child she has--here, I mean.


My father is not sufficiently alarmed, I fear: and, therefore, if there is any serious apprehension, it must be broken to him gently.

My father is not alarmed, and if there is any serious cause for fear, it must be broken to him gently.


Pray, speak, sir; to see your face, and not be able to read it, gives me a worse dread than I trust any words of yours will justify."


"My dear young lady, your mother seems to have a most attentive and efficient servant, who is more like her friend----"


"But when I tell you she expressly desired that you might not be told----"

expressly desired that you might not be told.'


"I am not good or patient enough to submit to the prohibition.


Besides, I am sure, you are too wise--too experienced to have promised to keep the secret."

'I am sure you are too wise - too experienced to have promised to keep the secret.'


"Well," said he, half-smiling, though sadly enough, "there you are right.

'Well,' said he, half-smiling, though sadly, 'there you are right.


In fact, I fear, the secret will be known soon enough without my revealing it."

In fact, I fear the secret will be known soon enough without my revealing it.'


Margaret then went very white, and compressed her lips a little more.


With the quick insight into character, without which no medical man can rise to the eminence of Dr. Donaldson, he saw that she would exact the full truth; that she would know if one iota was withheld; and that the withholding would be torture more acute than the knowledge of it.

Dr. Donaldson saw that she would know if one iota of the truth was withheld; and that the withholding would be worse torture than the knowledge.


He spoke two short sentences in a low voice, watching her all the time; for the pupils of her eyes dilated into a black horror, and the whiteness of her complexion became livid.

He spoke two short sentences in a low voice, watching her pupils dilate into a black horror.


He waited for that look to go off,--for her gasping breath to come.


"I thank you most truly, sir, for your confidence.

'I thank you most truly, sir, for your confidence.


That dread has haunted me for many weeks.


Her lips now began to quiver, and he let her have the relief of tears, sure of her power of self-control to check them.

Her lips began to quiver, and he let her have the relief of tears.


A few tears--those were all she shed, before she recollected the many questions she longed to ask.

She shed only a few, before she recollected the many questions she longed to ask.


It depends on constitution; on a thousand things.


But the late discoveries of medical science have given us large power of alleviation."

But the discoveries of medical science have given us large power of alleviating pain.'


But I should say, bear on, with the knowledge you have forced me to give you so abruptly, till the fact which I could not withhold has become in some degree familiar to you, so that you may without too great an effort, be able to give what comfort you can to your father.

But I should say, wait until the fact has become more familiar to you, so that you may be able to comfort your father.


Before then,--my visits, which of course, I shall repeat from time to time, although I fear I can do nothing but alleviate,--a thousand little circumstances will have occurred to awaken his alarm, to deepen it--so that he will be all the better prepared.--Nay, my dear young lady--nay, my dear--I saw Mr. Thornton, and I honour your father for the sacrifice he has made, however mistaken I may believe him to be.--Well, this once, if it will please you, my dear.

I will visit, although I fear I can do nothing but alleviate; and some symptoms will have awakened his alarm, so that he will be better prepared. My dear - I saw Mr. Thornton, and I honour your father for the sacrifice he has made.


Only remember, when I come again, I come as a friend.

Remember, when I come again, I come as a friend.


And you must learn to look upon me as such, because seeing each other--getting to know each other at such times as these, is worth years of morning calls."

And you must learn to look upon me as such, because getting to know each other at such times as these, is worth years of morning calls.'


Margaret could not speak for crying; but she wrang his hand at parting.

Margaret could not speak for crying: but she wrung his hand at parting.


thought Dr. Donaldson, when he was seated in his carriage, and had time to examine his ringed hand, which had slightly suffered from her pressure.

thought Dr. Donaldson, when he was in his carriage.


"Who would have thought that little hand could have given such a squeeze?


But the bones were well put together, and that gives immense power.


With her head thrown back at first, to force me into speaking the truth; and then bent so eagerly forward to listen.


I must see she does not overstrain herself.


Though it's astonishing how much these thorough-bred creatures can do and suffer.


Another, who had gone that deadly colour, could never have come round without either fainting or hysterics.


And the very force of her will brought her round.

The very force of her will brought her round.


Such a girl as that would win my heart, if I were thirty years younger.


So out he jumped, with thought, wisdom, experience, sympathy, and ready to attend to any of the calls made upon them by this family, just as if there were none other in the world.

So out he jumped, ready to attend fully to this next family, as if there were none other in the world.


Meanwhile, Margaret had returned into her father's study for a moment, to recover strength before going upstairs into her mother's presence.

Meanwhile, Margaret had returned to her father's study to recover strength before going up to her mother.


Oh, mamma, mamma, I wish I had never gone to aunt Shaw's, and been all those precious years away from you!

Oh, mamma, I wish I had never been all those precious years away from you!


Oh, pray thee, my God, that her sufferings may not be too acute, too dreadful.

Oh, I pray thee, my God, that her sufferings may not be too dreadful.


He must not be told yet; not all at once.


But I won't lose another moment of my own dear, precious mother."

But I won't lose another moment of my own dear, precious mother.'


Mrs. Hale lay back in an easy chair, with a soft white shawl wrapped around her, and a becoming cap put on, in expectation of the doctor's visit.

Mrs. Hale lay back in an easy chair, with a soft white shawl wrapped around her.


Her face had a little faint colour in it, and the very exhaustion after the examination gave it a peaceful look.

Her face had a little faint colour in it, and her very exhaustion gave it a peaceful look.


Margaret was surprised to see her look so calm.

Margaret was surprised to see her so calm.


And then, as the idea stole into her mind of what was indeed the real state of the case, she added, as if a little displeased: "you have not been seeing Dr. Donaldson, and asking him any questions--have you child?"

And then she added, as if a little displeased, 'You have not been seeing Dr. Donaldson, and asking him any questions, have you, child?'


Margaret did not reply--only looked wistfully towards her.

Margaret did not reply; only looked wistful.


"He would not surely break his word to me, and"--

'He would not, surely, break his word to me!'


She knelt down by her mother's side, and caught her hand--she would not let it go, though Mrs. Hale tried to pull it away.

She knelt down by her mother's side, and caught her hand. She would not let it go, though Mrs. Hale tried to pull it away.


She kept kissing it, and the hot tears she shed bathed it.

She kept kissing it, and shed hot tears.


But, as if tired with the contest, she left her hand in Margaret's clasp, and by-and-by she returned the pressure faintly.

But she left her hand in Margaret's clasp.


I will learn anything Dixon can teach me.'


But you know I am your child, and I do think I have a right to do everything for you."


"You don't know what you are asking," said Mrs. Hale, with a shudder.

'You don't know what you are asking,' said Mrs. Hale, with a shudder.


I know a great deal more than you are aware of.


No one has ever, shall ever try so hard as I will do.


Do you know, Margaret, Dixon and I thought you would quite shrink from me if you knew--"

Do you know, Margaret, Dixon and I thought you would quite shrink from me if you knew-'


"Dixon could not give me credit for enough true love--for as much as herself!

'Dixon could not give me credit for as much love as herself!


She thought, I suppose, that I was one of those poor sickly women who like to lie on rose leaves, and be fanned all day.

She thought, I suppose, that I was one of those poor women who like to lie on rose leaves, and be fanned all day.


Don't let Dixon's fancies come any more between you and me, mamma.

Don't let Dixon's fancies come any more between you and me, mamma!'


"Don't be angry with Dixon," said Mrs. Hale, anxiously.

'Don't be angry with Dixon,' said Mrs. Hale anxiously.


I will try and be humble, and learn her ways, if you will only let me do all I can for you.

I will try and learn her ways, if you will only let me do all I can for you.


Let me be in the first place, mother--I am greedy of that.


I used to fancy you would forget me while I was away at aunt Shaw's, and cry myself to sleep at nights with that notion in my head."

I used to fancy you would forget me while I was away at aunt Shaw's, and cry myself to sleep at nights.'


"And I used to think, how will Margaret bear our make-shift poverty after the thorough comfort and luxury in Harley Street, till I have many a time been more ashamed of your seeing our contrivances at Helstone than of any stranger finding them out."

'And I used to think, how will Margaret bear our poverty after the luxury in Harley Street? - till I have been more ashamed of your seeing our contrivances at Helstone than of any stranger finding them out.'


They were so much more amusing than all the jog-trot Harley Street ways.


The wardrobe shelf with handles that served as a supper-tray on grand occasions!

The wardrobe shelf with handles, that served as a supper-tray on grand occasions!


And the old tea-chests stuffed and covered for ottomans!


I think what you call the make-shift contrivances at dear Helstone were a charming part of the life there."

I think the contrivances at dear Helstone were charming.'


"I shall never see Helstone again, Margaret," said Mrs. Hale, the tears welling up into her eyes.

'I shall never see Helstone again, Margaret,' said Mrs. Hale, the tears welling up into her eyes.


"While I was there, I was for ever wanting to leave it.

'While I was there, I was for ever wanting to leave.


"You must not talk so," said Margaret impatiently.


At the mention of that one word, she suddenly cried out loud, as in some sharp agony.

She suddenly cried out loud, as in some sharp agony


It seemed as if the thought of him upset all her composure, destroyed the calm, overcame the exhaustion.

; the thought of him upset all her calm composure.


Wild passionate cry succeeded to cry--"Frederick!

There came wild passionate cry after cry - 'Frederick!


Little first-born child, come to me once again!"

Little first-born child, come to me once again!'


Margaret went and called Dixon in terror.

In terror, Margaret went and called Dixon


Dixon came in a huff, and accused Margaret of having over-excited her mother.

, who came in a huff, and accused Margaret of over-exciting her mother.


Margaret bore all meekly, only trusting that her father might not return.


In spite of her alarm, which was even greater than the occasion warranted, she obeyed all Dixon's directions promptly and well without a word of self-justification.

and obeyed Dixon's directions promptly and well, without a word of self-justification.


They put her mother to bed, and Margaret sate by her till she fell asleep, and afterwards till Dixon beckoned her out of the room, and, with a sour face, as if doing something against the grain, she bade her drink a cup of coffee which she had prepared for her in the drawing-room, and stood over her in a commanding attitude as she did so.

They put her mother to bed, and Margaret sat by her till she fell asleep. Then Dixon beckoned her out of the room, and with a sour face bade her drink a cup of coffee in the drawing-room, standing over her as she did so.


"You shouldn't have been so curious, Miss, and then you wouldn't have needed to fret before your time.

'You shouldn't have been so curious, Miss, and then you wouldn't have needed to fret.


And now, I suppose, you'll tell master, and a pretty household I shall have of you!"

And now, I suppose, you'll tell master, and a pretty household I shall have!'


"No, Dixon," said Margaret, sorrowfully, "I will not tell papa.

'No, Dixon,' said Margaret sorrowfully, 'I will not tell papa.


And by way of proving how well she bore it, she burst into tears.

And to prove how well she bore it, she burst into tears.


Now you'll waken your mamma, just after she's gone to sleep so quietly.


Miss Margaret my dear, I've had to keep it down this many a week: and though I don't pretend I can love her as you do, yet I loved her better than any other man, woman, or child--no one but Master Frederick ever came near her in my mind.

Miss Margaret, my dear, I've had to keep it down this many a week; and though I don't pretend I can love her as you do, yet I've loved her better than any other but Master Frederick.


Ever since Lady Beresford's maid first took me in to see her dressed out in white crape, and corn-ears, and scarlet poppies, and I ran a needle down into my finger, and broke it in, and she tore up her worked pocket-handkerchief, after they'd cut it out, and came in to wet the bandages again with lotion when she returned from the ball--where she'd been the prettiest young lady of all--I've never loved any one like her.

Ever since Lady Beresford's maid first took me in to see her, and I ran a needle into my finger, and she tore up her pocket-handkerchief for bandages, I've never loved anyone like her.


I little thought then that I should live to see her brought so low.


Many a one calls you pretty and handsome, and what not.


Even in this smoky place, enough to blind one's eyes, the owls can see that.


But you'll never be like your mother for beauty--never; not if you live to be a hundred."

but you'll never be like your mother for beauty, not if you live to be a hundred.'


"Now don't ye set off again, or I shall give way at last" (whimpering).


"You'll never stand master's coming home, and questioning, at this rate.


Go out and take a walk, and come in something like.


Many's the time I've longed to walk it off--the thought of what was the matter with her, and how it must all end."

Many's the time I've longed to walk it off - the thought of her illness, and how it must all end.'


said Margaret, "how often I've been cross with you, not knowing what a terrible secret you had to bear!"

said Margaret, 'how often I've been cross with you, not knowing what a terrible secret you had to bear!


I like to see you showing a bit of a spirit.


Why, the last Sir John but two shot his steward down, there where he stood, for just telling him that he racked the tenants, and he'd racked the tenants till he could get no more money off them than he could get skin off a flint."


"Well, Dixon, I won't shoot you, and I'll try not to be cross again."


If I've said it at times, it has always been to myself, just in private, by way of making a little agreeable conversation, for there's no one here fit to talk to.


And when you fire up you're the very image of Master Frederick.

'Yet when you fire up, you're the very image of Master Frederick.


I could find in my heart to put you in a passion any day just to see his stormy look coming like a great cloud over your face.

I'd put you in a passion any day, just to see his stormy look coming like a great cloud over your face.


I'll watch over Missus; and as for master, his books are company enough for him, if he should come in."


She hung about Dixon for a minute or so, as if afraid and irresolute; then, suddenly kissing her, she went quickly out of the room.

She hung about for a minute, irresolute; then suddenly kissing Dixon, she went quickly out of the room.


There are three people I love; its Missus, Master Frederick, and her.

'There are three people I love: missus, Master Frederick, and her.


The rest be hanged, for I don't know what they're in the world for.

The rest be hanged - I don't know what they're in the world for.


Master was born, I suppose, for to marry missus.


If I thought he loved her properly, I might get to love him in time.


But he should ha' made a deal more on her, and not been always reading, reading, thinking, thinking.

should ha' made more of her, and not been always reading, reading, thinking, thinking.