"I wanted to see the place where Margaret grew to what she is, even at the worst time of all, when I had no hope of ever calling her mine.

'I wanted to see the place where Margaret grew to what she is, even at the worst time of all, when I had no hope of ever calling her mine.


"You must give them to me," she said, trying to take them out of his hand with gentle violence.

'You must give them to me,' she said, trying to take them out of his hand with gentle violence.


she whispered, after some time of delicious silence.


I owe it to her - but what will she say?'


Her first exclamation will be, 'That man!'"

Her first exclamation will be, "That man!"'


said Margaret, "or I shall try and show you your mother's indignant tones as she says, 'That woman!'"

said Margaret, 'or I shall try and show you your mother's indignant tones as she says, "That woman!"'


I ne'er have shown, thou ne'er hast known, How dear thou art to me."


The elements of the dinner-parties which Mrs. Lennox gave, were these; her friends contributed the beauty, Captain Lennox the easy knowledge of the subjects of the day; and Mr. Henry Lennox, and the sprinkling of rising men who were received as his friends, brought the wit, the cleverness, the keen and extensive knowledge of which they knew well enough how to avail themselves without seeming pedantic, or burdening the rapid flow of conversation.

The elements of Mrs. Lennox's dinner-parties were these; her friends contributed the beauty, Captain Lennox the easy knowledge of the subjects of the day, and Mr. Henry Lennox and his friends brought the wit and cleverness to the conversation.


These dinners were delightful; but even here Margaret's dissatisfaction found her out.

These dinners were delightful; but even here Margaret felt dissatisfied.


Every talent, every feeling, every acquirement; nay, even every tendency towards virtue, was used up as materials for fireworks; the hidden, sacred fire, exhausted itself in sparkle and crackle.

Every talent, every feeling, even every tendency towards virtue was used as materials for fireworks; the hidden, sacred fire exhausted itself in sparkle and crackle.


They talked about art in a merely sensuous way, dwelling on outside effects, instead of allowing themselves to learn what it has to teach.

They talked about art in a merely sensuous way, dwelling on effects, instead of allowing themselves to learn what it has to teach.


They lashed themselves up into an enthusiasm about high subjects in company, and never thought about them when they were alone; they squandered their capabilities of appreciation into a mere flow of appropriate words.

They lashed themselves up into enthusiasm about high subjects in company, and never thought about them when they were alone; they squandered their capabilities of appreciation into a mere flow of appropriate words.


One day, after the gentlemen had come up into the drawing-room, Mr. Lennox drew near to Margaret, and addressed her in almost the first voluntary words he had spoken to her since she had returned to live in Harley Street.

One day, after the gentlemen had come into the drawing-room, Mr. Lennox drew near to Margaret.


"You did not look pleased at what Shirley was saying at dinner."

'You did not look pleased at what Shirley was saying at dinner.'


My face must be very expressive," replied Margaret.

My face must be very expressive,' replied Margaret.


It has not lost the trick of being eloquent."


"I did not like," said Margaret, hastily, "his way of advocating what he knew to be wrong--so glaringly wrong--even in jest."

'I did not like,' said Margaret, hastily, 'his way of advocating what he knew to be wrong, even in jest.'


"And despise them, you would like to add.

'And you despise them, you would like to add.


Pray don't scruple, though he is my friend."

Pray don't scruple, though he is my friend.'


that is the exact tone in you, that"--she stopped short.

that is the exact tone in you, that-' She stopped short.


He listened for a moment to see if she would finish her sentence; but she only reddened, and turned away; before she did so, however, she heard him say, in a very low, clear voice,--

He waited to see if she would finish her sentence; but she only reddened, and turned away. He said in a very low, clear voice:


"If my tones, or modes of thought, are what you dislike, will you do me the justice to tell me so, and so give me the chance of learning to please you."

'If my tones, or modes of thought, are what you dislike, will you tell me so, and give me the chance of learning to please you?'


All these weeks there was no intelligence of Mr. Bell's going to Milton.

All these weeks there was no news of Mr. Bell's going to Milton.


He had spoken of it at Helstone as of a journey which he might have to take in a very short time from then; but he must have transacted his business by writing.

He must have transacted his business there by writing, Margaret thought.


Margaret thought, ere now, and she knew that if he could, he would avoid going to a place which he disliked, and moreover would little understand the secret importance which she affixed to the explanation that could only be given by word of mouth.

She knew that if he could, he would avoid going to a place which he disliked, and would not understand the secret importance which she affixed to the explanation being given by word of mouth.


She knew that he would feel that it was necessary that it should be done; but whether in summer, autumn, or winter, it would signify very little.


It was now August, and there had been no mention of the Spanish journey to which he had alluded to Edith, and Margaret tried to reconcile herself to the fading away of this illusion.

It was now August, and he had not mentioned the Spanish journey; so Margaret tried to reconcile herself to the fading away of this illusion.


But one morning she received a letter, saying that next week he meant to come up to town; he wanted to see her about a plan which he had in his head; and, moreover, he intended to treat himself to a little doctoring, as he had begun to come round to her opinion, that it would be pleasanter to think that his health was more in fault than he, when he found himself irritable and cross.

But one morning she received a letter, saying that next week he meant to come up to town; he wanted to see her about a plan which he had; and to treat himself to a little doctoring, as he had begun to think that perhaps his health was more in fault than he, when he found himself irritable and cross.


There was altogether a tone of forced cheerfulness in the letter, as Margaret noticed afterwards; but at the time her attention was taken up by Edith's exclamations.

There was a tone of forced cheerfulness in the letter, as Margaret noticed afterwards; but at the time her attention was taken up by Edith's exclamations.


and I am so worn out by the heat that I don't believe I have strength enough in me for another dinner.

and I am so worn out by the heat that I don't believe I have strength for another dinner.


Besides, everybody has left but our dear stupid selves, who can't settle where to go to.


"I'm sure he would much rather come and dine with us quite alone than with the most agreeable strangers you could pick up.

'I'm sure Mr. Bell would much rather dine with us alone than with the most agreeable strangers


Besides, if he is not well he won't wish for invitations.


I was sure he was ill from the whole tone of his letters, and yet he would not answer me when I asked him, and I had no third person to whom I could apply for news."

I was sure he was ill, and yet he would not answer me when I asked him.'


he is not very ill, or he would not think of Spain."

he is not very ill, or he would not think of Spain.'


but his plan that is to be proposed evidently relates to that.


But would you really go in such weather as this?"


I am only afraid I have thought and wished too much--in that absorbing wilful way which is sure to be disappointed--or else gratified, to the letter, while in the spirit it gives no pleasure."


"But that's superstitious, I'm sure, Margaret."


Only it ought to warn me, and check me from giving way to such passionate wishes.


It is a sort of 'Give me children, or else I die.'


I'm afraid my cry is, 'Let me go to Cadiz, or else I die.'"


You'll be persuaded to stay there; and then what shall I do?


I wish I could find somebody for you to marry here, that I could be sure of you!"

I wish I could find somebody for you to marry here!'


Why, as Sholto says, you're such an attraction to the house, that he knows ever so many men who will be glad to visit here next year for your sake."

Why, Cosmo says that he knows ever so many men who will be glad to visit here for your sake.'


"Do you know, Edith, I sometimes think your Corfu life has taught you----"

'Do you know, Edith, I sometimes think your Corfu life has taught you


Edith began to sob so bitterly, and to declare so vehemently that Margaret had lost all love for her, and no longer looked upon her as a friend, that Margaret came to think that she had expressed too harsh an opinion for the relief of her own wounded pride, and ended by being Edith's slave for the rest of the day; while that little lady, overcome by wounded feeling, lay like a victim on the sofa, heaving occasionally a profound sigh, till at last she fell asleep.

Edith began to sob so bitterly, and to declare so vehemently that Margaret had lost all love for her, that Margaret came to think that she had been too harsh in relieving her own wounded pride; and ended by being Edith's slave for the rest of the day, while that little lady lay like a victim on the sofa.


Mr. Bell did not make his appearance even on the day to which he had for a second time deferred his visit.


The next morning there came a letter from Wallis, his servant, stating that his master had not been feeling well for some time, which had been the true reason of his putting off his journey; and that at the very time when he should have set out for London, he had been seized with an apoplectic fit; it was, indeed, Wallis added, the opinion of the medical men--that he could not survive the night; and more than probable, that by the time Miss Hale received this letter his poor master would be no more.

There came a letter from Wallis, his servant, stating that his master had not been feeling well for some time, so had put off his journey; and that at the very time when he should have set out for London, he had been seized with an apoplectic fit. Wallis added the opinion of the medical men - that Mr. Bell could not survive the night; and that probably by the time Miss Hale received this letter his poor master would be no more.


Margaret received this letter at breakfast-time, and turned very pale as she read it; then, silently putting into Edith's hands, she left the room.

Margaret received the letter at breakfast-time, and turned very pale as she read it. Silently putting it into Edith's hands, she left the room.


Edith was terribly shocked as she read it, and cried in a sobbing, frightened, childish way, much to her husband's distress.

Edith was terribly shocked, and cried in a sobbing, frightened, childish way, much to her husband's distress.


Mrs. Shaw was breakfasting in her own room, and upon him devolved the task of reconciling his wife to the near contact into which she seemed to be brought with death, for the first time that she could remember in her life.

It was the first time his wife had been brought into near contact with death.


Here was a man who was to have dined with them to-day lying dead or dying instead!

Here was a man who was to have dined with them today, lying dead or dying!


It was some time before she could think of Margaret.

It was some time before Edith could think of Margaret.


Then she started up, and followed her upstairs into her room.


Dixon was packing up a few toilette articles, and Margaret was hastily putting on her bonnet, shedding tears all the time, and her hands trembling so that she could hardly tie the strings.

Dixon was packing, and Margaret was hastily putting on her bonnet, her hands trembling so that she could hardly tie the strings.


Sholto would telegraph or do anything you like."

Cosmo would telegraph or do anything you like.'


Dixon has offered to go with me, but I could have gone by myself.


Besides, he may be better, and want some care.


I should not mind if he had a house of his own; but in his Fellow's rooms!


Come to mamma, and do ask her before you go.


In the suddenness of the event, Mrs. Shaw became bewildered and hysterical, and so the precious time slipped by.

Mrs. Shaw became bewildered and hysterical, and precious time slipped by.


But there was another train in a couple of hours; and after various discussions on propriety and impropriety, it was decided that Captain Lennox should accompany Margaret, as the one thing to which she was constant was her resolution to go, alone or otherwise, by the next train, whatever might be said of the propriety or impropriety of the step.

But there was another train in a couple of hours; and after various discussions on propriety, it was decided that Captain Lennox should accompany Margaret by the next train.


Her father's friend, her own friend, was lying at the point of death; and the thought of this came upon her with such vividness, that she was surprised herself at the firmness with which she asserted something of her right to independence of action; and five minutes before the time of starting, she found herself sitting in a railway carriage opposite to Captain Lennox.

Her father's friend, her own friend, was lying at the point of death; and this thought made her assert firmly her right to independence of action.


It was always a comfort to her to think that she had gone, though it was only to hear that he had died in the night.


She saw the rooms that he had occupied, and associated them ever after most fondly in her memory with the idea of her father, and his one cherished and faithful friend.

She saw the rooms that he had occupied, and associated them ever after most fondly in her memory with the idea of her father, and his cherished and faithful friend.


They had promised Edith before starting, that if all had ended as they feared, they would return to dinner; so that long, lingering look around the room in which her father had died, had to be interrupted, and a quiet farewell taken of the kind old face that had so often come out with pleasant words, and merry quips and cranks.

They had promised Edith that if all had ended as they feared, they would return to dinner; so that Margaret's lingering look around the room, in which her father had died, had to be interrupted, and a quiet farewell taken of the kind old face.


Captain Lennox fell asleep on their journey home; and Margaret could cry at leisure, and bethink her of this fatal year, and all the woes it had brought to her.

Captain Lennox fell asleep on their journey home; and Margaret could cry at leisure, and bethink her of this fatal year, and all its woes.


No sooner was she fully aware of one loss than another came--not to supersede her grief for the one before, but to re-open wounds and feelings scarcely healed.

One grief had come after another, re-opening wounds and feelings scarcely healed.


But at the sound of the tender voices of her aunt and Edith, of merry little Sholto's glee at her arrival, and at the sight of the well-lighted rooms, with their mistress, pretty in her paleness and her eager sorrowful interest, Margaret roused herself from her heavy trance of almost superstitious hopelessness, and began to feel that even around her joy and gladness might gather.

But at the sound of the tender voices of her aunt and Edith, and merry little Sholto's glee at her arrival, Margaret roused herself from her heavy trance.


She had Edith's place on the sofa; Sholto was taught to carry Aunt Margaret's cup of tea very carefully to her; and by the time she went up to dress, she could thank God for having spared her dear old friend a long or a painful illness.

She had Edith's place on the sofa; Sholto was taught to carry aunt Margaret's cup of tea very carefully to her; and by the time she went up to dress, she could thank God for having spared her dear old friend a long or painful illness.


But when night came-solemn night, and all the house was quiet, Margaret still sate watching the beauty of a London sky at such an hour, on such a summer evening; the faint pink reflection of earthly lights on the soft clouds that float tranquilly into the white moonlight, out of the warm gloom which lies motionless around the horizon.

When solemn night came, and all the house was quiet, Margaret still sat watching the beauty of a London sky on such a summer evening; the faint pink reflection of earthly lights on the soft clouds that float into the white moonlight.


Margaret's room had been the day nursery of her childhood, just when it merged into girlhood, and when the feelings and conscience had been first awakened into full activity.

This room had been the nursery of her childhood, just when her feelings and conscience had been awakened into full activity.


On some such night as this she remembered promising to herself to live as brave and noble a life as any heroine she ever read or heard of in romance, a life sans peur et sans reproche; it had seemed to her then that she had only to will, and such a life would be accomplished.

On some such night as this she remembered promising to herself to live as brave and noble a life as any heroine; it had seemed to her then that she had only to will, and such a life would be accomplished.


And now she had learnt that not only to will, but also to pray, was a necessary condition in the truly heroic.


It was a just consequence of her sin, that all excuses for it, all temptation to it, should remain for ever unknown to the person in whose opinion it had sunk her lowest.

It was only just that all excuses for her sin should remain for ever unknown to the person in whose opinion it had sunk her lowest.


She stood face to face at last with her sin.


She knew it for what it was; Mr. Bell's kindly sophistry that nearly all men were guilty of equivocal actions, and that the motive ennobled the evil, had never had much real weight with her.

She knew her sin for what it was; Mr. Bell's kindly sophistry that nearly all men were guilty of such sins had never had much weight with her.


Her own first thought of how, if she had known all, she might have fearlessly told the truth, seemed low and poor.


Nay, even now, her anxiety to have her character for truth partially excused in Mr. Thornton's eyes, as Mr. Bell had promised to do, was a very small and petty consideration, now that she was afresh taught by death what life should be.

Her anxiety to have her character excused in Mr. Thornton's eyes, as Mr. Bell had promised to do, was a very small and petty consideration, now that she was afresh taught by death what life should be.


If all the world spoke, acted, or kept silence with intent to deceive,-if dearest interests were at stake, and dearest lives in peril,-if no one should ever know of her truth or her falsehood to measure out their honour or contempt for her by, straight alone where she stood, in the presence of God, she prayed that she might have strength to speak and act the truth for evermore.

She stood alone, in the presence of God, and prayed that she might have strength to speak and act the truth for evermore.


"Here we go up, up, up; And here we go down, down, downee!"


Meanwhile at Milton the chimneys smoked, the ceaseless roar and mighty beat and dazzling whirr of machinery struggled and strove perpetually.

Meanwhile at Milton, the chimneys smoked, the ceaseless roar and mighty beat and whirl of machinery strove perpetually.


Senseless and purposeless were wood and iron and steam in their endless labours; but the persistence of their monotonous work was rivalled in tireless endurance by the strong crowds, who, with sense and with purpose, were busy and restless in seeking after--What?

Senseless and purposeless were wood and iron and steam in their endless labours; but they were rivalled in tireless endurance by the strong crowds, who, with sense and with purpose, were restlessly seeking after - what?


In the streets there were few loiterers,--none walking for mere pleasure; every man's face was set in lines of eagerness or anxiety; news was sought for with fierce avidity; and men jostled each other aside in the Mart and in the Exchange, as they did in life, in the deep selfishness of competition.

In the streets there were few loiterers - none walking for mere pleasure. Men sought news with fierce avidity; and jostled each other aside in the Exchange, as they did in life, in the deep selfishness of competition.


Few came to buy, and those who did were looked at suspiciously by the sellers; for credit was insecure, and the most stable might have their fortunes affected by the sweep in the great neighbouring port among the shipping houses.


Hitherto there had been no failures in Milton; but from the immense speculations that had come to light in making a bad end in America, and yet nearer home, it was known that some Milton houses of business must suffer so severely that every day men's faces asked, if their tongues did not, "What news?

Hitherto there had been no failures in Milton; but, from the immense speculations that had made a bad end in America, and nearer home, it was known that some Milton houses of business must suffer severely.


And if two or three spoke together, they dwelt rather on the names of those who were safe than dared to hint at those likely, in their opinion, to go: for idle breath may, at such times, cause the downfall of some who might otherwise weather the storm; and one going down drags many after.

When men spoke together, they dwelt rather on the names of those who were safe than those who were likely to go under; for at such times idle rumour may bring down some who might otherwise weather the storm; and one going down drags many after.


"His business is large--extending every year; but such a head as he has, and so prudent with all his daring!"

'His business is large - extending every year; but he's prudent for all his daring.'


Then one man draws another aside, and walks a little apart, and with head inclined into his neighbour's ear, he says, "Thornton's business is large; but he has spent his profits in extending it; he has no capital laid by; his machinery is new within these two years, and has cost him--we won't say what!--a word to the wise!"

Then one man draws another aside, and says quietly, 'Thornton's business is large; but he has spent his profits in extending it and buying new machinery; he has no capital laid by.'


But that Mr. Harrison was a croaker,--a man who had succeeded to his father's trade-made fortune, which he had feared to lose by altering his mode of business to any having a larger scope; yet he grudged every penny made by others more daring and far-sighted.


But the truth was, Mr. Thornton was hard pressed.

The truth was, Mr. Thornton was hard pressed.


He felt it acutely in his vulnerable point--his pride in the commercial character which he had established for himself.

He felt it acutely. It wounded his pride in the commercial character which he had established for himself.


Architect of his own fortunes, he attributed this to no special merit or qualities of his own, but to the power, which he believed that commerce gave to every brave, honest, and persevering man, to raise himself to a level from which he might see and read the great game of worldly success, and honestly, by such far-sightedness, command more power and influence than in any other mode of life.

He attributed this to no special merit of his own, but to the power which he believed that commerce gave to every honest and persevering man to raise himself to a position of influence.


Far away, in the East and in the West, where his person would never be known, his name was to be regarded, and his wishes to be fulfilled, and his word pass like gold.

Far away, East and West, his name was to be regarded, and his wishes to be fulfilled, and his word pass like gold.


That was the idea of merchant-life with which Mr. Thornton had started.


"Her merchants be like princes," said his mother, reading the text aloud, as if it were a trumpet-call to invite her boy to the struggle.


He was but like many others--men, women, and children--alive to distant, and dead to near things.

He was like many others - alive to distant, and dead to near things.


He sought to possess the influence of a name in foreign countries and far-away seas,--to become the head of a firm that should be known for generations; and it had taken him long silent years to come even to a glimmering of what he might be now, to-day, here in his own town, his own factory, among his own people.

He sought to become the head of a firm that should be known abroad for generations; and it had taken him long silent years to come even to a glimmering of what he might be, even in his own town, among his own people.


He and they had led parallel lives--very close, but never touching--till the accident (or so it seemed) of his acquaintance with Higgins.

He and they had led parallel lives - close, but never touching - till his acquaintance with Higgins.


Once brought face to face, man to man, with an individual of the masses around him, and (take notice) out of the character of master and workman, in the first instance, they had each begun to recognise that "we have all of us one human heart."

Once brought face to face, master and workman had begun to recognise that 'we have all of us one human heart.'


It was the fine point of the wedge; and until now, when the apprehension of losing his connection with two or three of the workmen whom he had so lately begun to know as men,--of having a plan or two, which were experiments lying very close to his heart, roughly nipped off without trial,--gave a new poignancy to the subtle fear that came over him from time to time; until now, he had never recognised how much and how deep was the interest he had grown of late to feel in his position of manufacturer, simply because it led him into such close contact, and gave him the opportunity of so much power, among a race of people strange, shrewd, ignorant; but, above all, full of character and strong human feeling.

It was the fine point of the wedge. Now, the apprehension of losing some of the workmen whom he had so lately begun to know - and of having plans, very close to his heart, roughly nipped off without trial - gave a new poignancy to the subtle fear that came over him from time to time. Until now, he had never recognised how deep was the interest he had lately grown to feel in his position as manufacturer, simply because it led him into such close contact, and gave him so much power, among a race of people strange, shrewd, ignorant; but full of character and strong human feeling.


He reviewed his position as a Milton manufacturer.


The strike a year and a half ago,--or more, for it was now untimely wintry weather, in a late spring,--that strike, when he was young, and he now was old--had prevented his completing some of the large orders he had then on hand.

The strike more than a year and a half ago, when he was young, had prevented his completing some of the large orders he had then on hand.


He had locked up a good deal of his capital in new and expensive machinery, and he had also bought cotton largely, for the fulfilment of these orders, taken under contract.

He had locked up a good deal of his capital in new and expensive machinery, and he had also bought cotton for the fulfilment of these orders.


That he had not been able to complete them, was owing in some degree to the utter want of skill on the part of the Irish hands whom he had imported; much of their work was damaged and unfit to be sent forth by a house which prided itself on turning out nothing but first-rate articles.

He had not been able to complete them partly due to the utter lack of skill of the imported Irish hands, whose work was unfit to be sent forth by a house which prided itself on turning out only first-rate articles.


For many months, the embarrassment caused by the strike had been an obstacle in Mr. Thornton's way; and often, when his eye fell on Higgins, he could have spoken angrily to him without any present cause, just from feeling how serious was the injury that had arisen from this affair in which he was implicated.

For many months, the embarrassment caused by the strike had been an obstacle in Mr. Thornton's way; and when he saw Higgins, he could have spoken angrily to him just because of this sense of injury.


But when he became conscious of this sudden, quick resentment, he resolved to curb it.

But when he became conscious of this resentment, he resolved to curb it.


It would not satisfy him to avoid Higgins; he must convince himself that he was master over his own anger, by being particularly careful to allow Higgins access to him, whenever the strict rules of business, or Mr. Thornton's leisure permitted.

He must convince himself that he was master over his own anger, by being particularly careful to allow Higgins access to him whenever business permitted.


And by-and-bye, he lost all sense of resentment in wonder how it was, or could be, that two men like himself and Higgins, living by the same trade, working in their different ways at the same object, could look upon each other's position and duties in so strangely different a way.

And by-and-bye, he lost all sense of resentment in wonder how it was that two men like himself and Higgins, living by the same trade, working at the same object, could look upon each other's position and duties in so strangely different a way.


And thence arose that intercourse, which, though it might not have the effect of preventing all future clash of opinion and action, when the occasion arose, would, at any rate, enable both master and man to look upon each other with far more charity and sympathy, and bear with each other more patiently and kindly.

Their meetings did not prevent all future clash of opinion, but they enabled both master and man to treat each other with far more sympathy and patience.


Besides this improvement of feeling, both Mr. Thornton and his workmen found out their ignorance as to positive matters of fact, known heretofore to one side, but not to the other.

In addition, both Mr. Thornton and his workmen discovered their ignorance about facts known to one side, but not to the other.


But now had come one of those periods of bad trade, when the market falling brought down the value of all large stocks; Mr. Thornton's fell to nearly half.

But now had come one of those periods of bad trade, when the falling market brought down the value of all large stocks. Mr. Thornton's fell to nearly half.


No orders were coming in; so he lost the interest of the capital he had locked up in machinery; indeed, it was difficult to get payment for the orders completed; yet there was the constant drain of expenses for working the business.

No orders were coming in, so he lost the interest of the capital he had locked up in machinery; indeed, it was difficult to get payment for the orders he completed; yet there was the constant drain of expenses.


Then the bills became due for the cotton he had purchased; and money being scarce, he could only borrow at exorbitant interest, and yet he could not realise any of his property.

Then the bills became due for the cotton he had purchased; and money being scarce, he could only borrow at exorbitant interest.


But he did not despair; he exerted himself day and night to foresee and to provide for all emergencies; he was as calm and gentle to the women in his home as ever; to the workmen in his mill he spoke not many words, but they knew him by this time; and many a curt, decided answer was received by them rather with sympathy for the care they saw pressing upon him, than with the suppressed antagonism which had formerly been smouldering, and ready for hard words and hard judgments on all occasions.

He did not despair. He exerted himself day and night to foresee and provide for all emergencies. He was as calm and gentle to the women in his home as ever; to the workmen in his mill he spoke little, but they knew him by this time; and many a curt answer was received by them with sympathy for the care they saw pressing upon him, rather than their previous antagonism.


"Th' measter's a deal to potter him," said Higgins, one day, as he heard Mr. Thornton's short, sharp inquiry, why such a command had not been obeyed; and caught the sound of the suppressed sigh which he heaved in going past the room where some of the men were working.

'Th' measter's a deal to potter him,' said Higgins one day, as he heard Mr. Thornton's sharp inquiry as to why a command had not been obeyed; and caught the sound of his suppressed sigh.


Higgins and another man stopped over-hours that night, unknown to any one, to get the neglected piece of work done; and Mr. Thornton never knew but that the overlooker, to whom he had given the command in the first instance, had done it himself.

Higgins and another man stopped over-hours that night, unknown to anyone, to get the neglected piece of work done; and Mr. Thornton assumed that the overlooker, to whom he had given the command, had done it himself.


I reckon I know who'd ha' been sorry for to see our measter sitting so like a piece o' grey calico!


Th' oud parson would ha' fretted his woman's heart out, if he'd seen the woeful looks I have seen on our measter's face," thought Higgins, one day, as he was approaching Mr. Thornton in Marlborough Street.

Th' oud parson would ha' fretted his heart out, if he'd seen the measter so woeful,' thought Higgins, one day, as he was approaching Mr. Thornton in Marlborough Street.


"Measter," said he, stopping his employer in his quick resolved walk, and causing that gentleman to look up with a sudden annoyed start, as if his thoughts had been far away.

'Measter,' said he, causing that gentleman to look up with a sudden annoyed start, as if his thoughts had been far away.


"Have yo' heerd aught of Miss Marget lately?"

'Have yo' heerd aught of Miss Marget lately?'


"Miss Marget--Miss Hale--th' oud parson's daughter--yo' known who I mean well enough--if yo'll only think a bit--" (there was nothing disrespectful in the tone in which this was said).

'Miss Hale - th' oud parson's daughter - yo' known who I mean, if yo'll only think a bit.' (There was nothing disrespectful in his tone.)


and suddenly the wintry frost-bound look of care had left Mr. Thornton's face, as if some soft summer gale had blown all anxiety away from his mind; and though his mouth was as much compressed as before, his eyes smiled out benignly on his questioner.

and suddenly, the wintry frost-bound look of care left Mr. Thornton's face, as if some soft summer gale had blown anxiety away from his mind.


"She's my landlord now, you know, Higgins.

'She's my landlord now, you know, Higgins.


I hear of her through her agent here, every now and then.

I hear of her through her agent, every now and then.


She's well and among friends--thank you, Higgins."

She's well and among friends - thank you, Higgins.'


That "thank you" lingered after the other words, and yet came with so much warmth of feeling, let in a new light to the acute Higgins.

That lingering 'thank you', which came with so much warmth of feeling, let in a new light to the acute Higgins.


It might be but a will-o'-th'-wisp, but he thought he would follow it and ascertain whither it would lead him.

It might be but a will-o'-th'-wisp, but he thought he would follow it and see where it led him.


"And she's not getten married, measter?"

'And she's not getten married, measter?'


"There is some talk of it, as I understand, with a connection of the family."

'There is some talk of it, as I understand.'


"Then she'll not be for coming to Milton again, I reckon."

'Then she'll not be coming to Milton again, I reckon.'


Then going up confidentially close, he said, "Is th' young gentleman cleared?"

Going up confidentially close, he said, 'Is th' young gentleman cleared?'


He enforced the depth of his intelligence by a wink of the eye, which only made things more mysterious to Mr. Thornton.

and winked his eye, which only made things more mysterious to Mr. Thornton.


"Th' young gentleman, I mean--Master Frederick, they ca'ed him--her brother as was over here, yo' known."

'Th' young gentleman - Master Frederick - her brother as was over here, yo' known.'


Yo' need na be feared of my telling; for Mary and me, we knowed it all along, only we held our peace, for we got it through Mary working in th' house."

Yo' need na be feared of my telling; for Mary and me, we knowed it all along, from Mary working in th' house.'


"Sure enough, and I reckoned yo' knowed it, or I'd never ha' let on.

'Sure enough. I reckoned yo' knowed it or I'd never ha' let on.


I've maybe getten them into mischief already, for they kept it very close.

I've maybe getten them into mischief already.


I nobbut wanted to know if they'd getten him cleared?"

I nobbut wanted to know if they'd getten him cleared?'


I only hear of Miss Hale, now, as my landlord, and through her lawyer."

I only hear of Miss Hale now as my landlord, and through her lawyer.'


He broke off from Higgins, to follow the business on which he had been bent when the latter first accosted him; leaving Higgins baffled in his endeavour.

He broke away to go on his business, leaving Higgins baffled in his endeavour.


"It was her brother," said Mr. Thornton to himself.

'It was her brother,' said Mr. Thornton to himself.


I may never see her again; but it is a comfort--a relief--to know that much.

I may never see her again; but it is a comfort - a relief - to know that much.


I knew she could not be unmaidenly; and yet I yearned for conviction.


It was a little golden thread running through the dark web of his present fortunes; which were growing ever gloomier and more gloomy.

It was a little golden thread running through the dark web of his present fortunes, which were growing ever gloomier.


His agent had largely trusted a house in the American trade, which went down, along with several others, just at this time, like a pack of cards, the fall of one compelling other failures.

His agent had trusted a firm in the American trade, which had just gone down along with several others like a pack of cards.


Night after night he took books and papers into his own private room, and sate up there long after the family were gone to bed.

Night after night he took papers into his private room, and sat up long after the family were gone to bed.


He thought no one knew of this occupation of the hours he should have spent in sleep.


One morning, when daylight was stealing in through the crevices of his shutters, and he had never been in bed, and, in hopeless indifference of mind, was thinking that he could do without the hour or two of rest, which was all that he should be able to take before the stir of daily labour began again, the door of his room opened, and his mother stood there, dressed as she had been the day before.

But one morning, when daylight was stealing in through the crevices of his shutters, and he, in hopeless indifference, was thinking that he could do without the hour or two of rest which was all that was possible - the door opened, and his mother stood there, dressed as she had been the day before.


She had never laid herself down to slumber any more than he.

She had not lain down to sleep any more than he.


Their faces were cold and rigid, and wan, from long watching.

Their faces were cold and rigid, and wan.


"Son John," said she, "do you think I can sleep with an easy mind, while you keep awake full of care?

'Son John,' said she, 'do you think I can sleep with an easy mind, while you keep awake full of care?


You have not told me what your trouble is; but sore trouble you have had these many days past."

You have not told me what your trouble is; but sore trouble you have had these many days past.'


"I dread nothing," replied he, drawing up his head, and holding it erect.

'I dread nothing,' replied he, lifting his head.


'I know now that no man will suffer by me.


her steady voice trembling in an unwonted manner.


I must give up business, but I pay all men.

I must give up business, but I can pay all men.


I might redeem myself--I am sorely tempted--"

I might redeem myself - I am sorely tempted-'


keep up your name--try all risks for that.


"By a speculation offered to me, but full of risk; but, if successful, placing me high above water-mark, so that no one need ever know the strait I am in.

'By a speculation offered to me, full of risk. If successful, no one need ever know the strait I am in.


"And if it fails," said she, advancing, and laying her hand on his arm, her eyes full of eager light.


She held her breath to hear the end of his speech.


"Honest men are ruined by a rogue," said he gloomily.

'Honest men are ruined by a rogue,' said he gloomily.


"As I stand now, my creditors' money is safe--every farthing of it; but I don't know where to find my own--it may be all gone, and I penniless at this moment.

'As I stand now, my creditors' money is safe; but I don't know where to find my own - I may be penniless.


Therefore, it is my creditors' money that I should risk."

Therefore, it is my creditors' money that I would be risking.'


"But if it succeeded, they need never know.

'But if it succeeded, they need never know.


I am sure it is not, or you would never have thought of it.


"I should be a rich man, and my peace of conscience would be gone!"


"No; but I should have run the risk of ruining many for my own paltry aggrandisement.

'No; but I should have run the risk of ruining many for my own selfish ends.


You won't much grieve over our leaving this house, shall you, dear mother?"

You won't much grieve over our leaving this house, shall you, dear mother?'


but to have you other than what you are will break my heart.


"Be always the same John Thornton in whatever circumstances; endeavouring to do right, and making great blunders; and then trying to be brave in setting to afresh.

'Be always the same John Thornton in whatever circumstances; endeavouring to do right, and making great blunders; and then trying to be brave in setting to afresh.


I have discovered new powers in my situation too late--and now all is over.

, and I have discovered new powers too late - now all is over.


I am too old to begin again with the same heart.


He turned away from her, and covered his face with his hands.

He turned away from her, and covered his face.


"I can't think," said she, with gloomy defiance in her tone, "how it comes about.

'I can't think,' said she, with gloomy defiance in her tone, 'how it comes about.


Here is my boy--good son, just man, tender heart--and he fails in all he sets his mind upon: he finds a woman to love, and she cares no more for his affection than if he had been a common man; he labours, and his labour comes to nought.

Here is a good, just, tender heart - and he fails in all he sets his mind upon: he finds a woman to love, and she cares nothing for his affection; he labours, and his labour comes to nought.


Other people grow rich, and hold their paltry names high and dry above shame."

Other people prosper and grow rich, and hold their paltry names high and dry above shame.'


"Shame never touched me," said he, in a low tone: but she went on.

'Shame never touched me,' said he, in a low tone: but she went on.


"I sometimes have wondered where justice was gone to, and now I don't believe there is such a thing in the world--now you are come to this; you, my own John Thornton, though you and I may be beggars together--my own dear son!"

'I don't believe there is such a thing as justice in the world, now you are come to this; my own John Thornton, though you and I may be beggars together - my own dear son!'


She fell upon his neck, and kissed him through her tears.


said he, holding her gently in his arms, "who has sent me my lot in life, both of good and evil?"

'Mother!' said he, holding her gently in his arms, 'who has sent me my lot in life?'


She would have nothing to do with religion just then.


"Mother," he went on, seeing that she would not speak.

Seeing that she would not speak, he went on.


"I, too, have been rebellious; but I'm striving to be so no longer.

'I, too, have been rebellious; but I am striving to be so no longer.


Help me, as you helped me when I was a child.


Then you said many good words--when my father died, and we were sometimes sorely short of comforts--which we shall never be now; you said brave, noble, trustful words then, mother, which I have never forgotten, though they may have lain dormant.

Then, when my father died, and we were sorely short of comforts, you said brave, noble, trustful words, mother, which I have never forgotten.


Speak to me again in the old way, mother.


Do not let us have to think that the world has too much hardened our hearts.

Do not let us think that the world has too much hardened our hearts.


If you would say the old good words, it would make me feel something of the pious simplicity of my childhood.


I say them to myself, but they would come differently from you, remembering all the cares and trials you have had to bear."

to myself, but they would come differently from you, remembering all your cares and trials.'


"I have had a many," said she, sobbing, "but none so sore as this.

'I have had many,' said she, sobbing, 'but none so sore as this.


To see you cast down from your rightful place!


I could say it for myself, John, but not for you.

I could say it for myself, John, but not for you!


God has seen fit to be very hard on you, very."

God has seen fit to be very hard on you, very.'


She shook with the sobs that come so convulsively when an old person weeps.


The silence around her struck her at last; and she quieted herself to listen.


Her son sate by the table, his arms thrown half across it, his head bent face downwards.

Her son sat by the table, his arms thrown half across it, his head face downwards.


Such a strange, pallid look of gloom was on it, that for a moment it struck her that this look was the forerunner of death; but as the rigidity melted out of the countenance and the natural colour returned, and she saw that he was himself once again, all worldly mortification sank to nothing before the consciousness of the great blessing that he himself, by his simple existence was to her.

Such a strange look of gloom was on it, that for a moment it struck her that this look was the forerunner of death; but, as the rigidity melted out of his face and his colour returned, she saw that he was himself once again, and she was conscious only of the great blessing of his existence.


She thanked God for this, and this alone, with a fervour that swept away all rebellious feelings from her mind.

She thanked God for this, with a fervour that swept away all rebellious feelings.


He did not speak readily; but he went and opened the shutters, and let the ruddy light of dawn flood the room.

He went and opened the shutters, and let the light of dawn flood the room.


But the wind was in the east; the weather was piercing cold, as it had been for weeks; there would be no demand for light summer goods this year.

The wind was in the east; the weather was piercing cold, as it had been for weeks; there would be no demand for light summer goods this year.


That hope for the revival of trade must utterly be given up.


It was a great comfort to have had this conversation with his mother; and to feel sure that, however they might henceforward keep silence on all these anxieties, they yet understood each other's feelings, and were, if not in harmony, at least in discord with each other, in their way of viewing them.

It was a great comfort to have had this conversation with his mother; and to feel sure that they understood each other's feelings, and were, if not in harmony, at least not in discord with each other.


Fanny's husband was vexed at Thornton's refusal to take any share in the speculation which he had offered to him, and withdrew from any possibility of being supposed able to assist him with the ready money, which indeed the speculator needed for his own venture.

Fanny's husband Mr. Watson was vexed at Thornton's refusal to take any share in the speculation which he had offered him, and which he himself had taken up.


There was nothing for it at last, but that which Mr. Thornton had dreaded for many weeks; he had to give up the business in which he had been so long engaged with so much honour and success; and look out for a subordinate situation.

There was nothing for it at last, but that which Mr. Thornton had dreaded for many weeks. He had to give up the business in which he had been so long engaged with so much honour and success; and look out for a subordinate situation.


Marlborough Mills and the adjacent dwelling were held under a long lease; they must if possible be relet.

Marlborough Mills and the house must be, if possible, re-let.


There was an immediate choice of situations offered to Mr. Thornton.


Mr. Hamper would have been only too glad to have secured him as a steady and experienced partner for his son, whom he was setting up with a large capital in a neighbouring town; but the young man was half-educated as regarded information, and wholly uneducated as regarded any other responsibility than that of getting money, and brutalised both as to his pleasures and his pains.

Mr. Hamper would have been glad to have secured him as a steady and experienced partner for his son, whom he was setting up in a neighbouring town; but the young man was uneducated about any other responsibility than that of getting money, and brutalised in both his pleasures and his pains.


Mr. Thornton declined having any share in a partnership, which would frustrate what few plans he had that survived the wreck of his fortunes.

Mr. Thornton declined having any share in the partnership.


He would sooner consent to be only a manager, where he could have a certain degree of power beyond the mere money-getting part, than have to fall in with the tyrannical humours of a moneyed partner with whom he felt sure that he should quarrel in a few months.

He would sooner consent to be only a manager, than have to fall in with the tyrannical humours of a partner with whom he felt sure that he should quarrel.


So he waited, and stood on one side with profound humility, as the news swept through the Exchange of the enormous fortune which his brother-in-law had made by his daring speculation.

So he waited with profound humility, as the news swept through the Exchange of the enormous fortune which his brother-in-law had made by his daring speculation.


Success brought with it its worldly consequence of extreme admiration.


No one was considered so wise and far-seeing as Mr. Watson.


"Then proudly, proudly up she rose, Tho' the tear was in her e'e, Whate'er ye say, think what ye may, Ye's get na word frae me!"


It was not merely that Margaret was known to Mr. Thornton to have spoken falsely,--though she imagined that for this reason only was she so turned in his opinion,--but that this falsehood of hers bore a distinct reference in his mind to some other lover.

It was not merely that Margaret was known to Mr. Thornton to have spoken falsely - though this was the only reason she imagined - but that her falsehood was linked in his mind to some other lover.


He could not forget the fond and earnest look that had passed between her and some other man--the attitude of familiar confidence, if not of positive endearment.

He could not forget the fond and earnest look that had passed between her and the other man - the attitude of familiar confidence.


The thought of this perpetually stung him; it was a picture before his eyes, wherever he went and whatever he was doing.


In addition to this (and he ground his teeth as he remembered it), was the hour, dusky twilight; the place, so far away from home, and comparatively unfrequented.

In addition (and he ground his teeth as he remembered it) was the hour, dusky twilight; the place, so far away from home, and lonely.


His nobler self had said at first, that all this last might be accidental, innocent, justifiable; but once allow her right to love and be beloved (and had he any reason to deny her right?--had not her words been severely explicit when she cast his love away from her?

His nobler self had said at first that all this might be accidental and innocent; but once allow her the right to love and be beloved (and had he any reason to deny that right?)


), she might easily have been beguiled into a longer walk, on to a later hour than she had anticipated.

- she might easily have been beguiled into a longer walk, to a later hour than she had anticipated.


which showed a fatal consciousness of something wrong, and to be concealed, which was unlike her.


He did her that justice, though all the time it would have been a relief to believe her utterly unworthy of his esteem.

He did her that much justice, though it would have been a relief to believe her utterly unworthy of his esteem.


It was this that made the misery--that he passionately loved her, and thought her, even with all her faults, more lovely and more excellent than any other woman; yet he deemed her so attached to some other man, so led away by her affection for him, as to violate her truthful nature.

It was this that made the misery - that he passionately loved her, and thought her, even with all her faults, more lovely and more excellent than any other woman; yet he believed her so attached to some other man that she would violate her truthful nature.


The very falsehood that stained her, was a proof how blindly she loved another--this dark, slight, elegant, handsome man--while he himself was rough, and stern, and strongly made.

The falsehood was proof of how blindly she loved another - this dark, slight, handsome man - while he himself was rough, and stern, and strongly made.


He lashed himself into an agony of fierce jealousy.


He thought of that look, that attitude!--how he would have laid his life at her feet for such tender glances, such fond detention!

He thought of that look, that attitude! He would have laid his life at her feet for such tender glances!


He mocked at himself, for having valued the mechanical way in which she had protected him from the fury of the mob; now he had seen how soft and bewitching she looked when with a man she really loved.

He mocked himself, for having valued the mechanical way in which she had protected him from the fury of the mob; now he had seen how soft and bewitching she looked when with a man she really loved.


He remembered, point by point, the sharpness of her words--"There was not a man in all that crowd for whom she would not have done as much, far more readily than for him."


He shared with the mob, in her desire of averting bloodshed from them; but this man, this hidden lover, shared with nobody; he had looks, words, hand-cleavings, lies, concealment, all to himself.

This man, this hidden lover, had her looks, words, hand-cleavings, lies, concealment, all to himself.


Mr. Thornton was conscious that he had never been so irritable as he was now, in all his life long; he felt inclined to give a short abrupt answer, more like a bark than a speech, to every one that asked him a question; and this consciousness hurt his pride: he had always piqued himself on his self-control, and control himself he would.

Mr. Thornton was conscious that he had never been so irritable in his life as he was now. He felt inclined to give a short abrupt answer, like a bark, to every question; and this hurt his pride, for he had always piqued himself on his self-control.


So the manner was subdued to a quiet deliberation, but the matter was even harder and sterner than common.

So he subdued his manner, but it was a hard task.


He was more than usually silent at home; employing his evenings in a continual pace backwards and forwards, which would have annoyed his mother exceedingly if it had been practised by any one else; and did not tend to promote any forbearance on her part even to this beloved son.

He was more than usually silent at home; spending his evenings pacing backwards and forwards, which would have annoyed his mother exceedingly if it had been done by anyone else; and was tiresome even in this beloved son.


"Can you stop--can you sit down for a moment?


I have something to say to you, if you would give up that everlasting walk, walk, walk."

I have something to say to you, if you would give up that everlasting walk, walk, walk.'


He sat down instantly, on a chair against the wall.


She says she must leave us; that her lover's death has so affected her spirits she can't give her heart to her work."

She says she must leave us; that her lover's death has so affected her spirits she can't work.'


I suppose other cooks are to be met with."


It's not merely the cooking, it is that she knows all the ways of the house.


Besides, she tells me something about your friend Miss Hale."

Besides, she tells me something about your friend Miss Hale.'


"I am glad to hear you say so, for if she had been your friend, what Betsy says would have annoyed you."

'I am glad to hear you say so, for if she had been your friend, what Betsy says would have annoyed you.'


"Let me hear it," said he, with the extreme quietness of manner he had been assuming for the last few days.

'Let me hear it,' said he, with the extreme quietness of manner he had been assuming for the last few days.


"Betsy says, that the night on which her lover--I forget his name--for she always calls him 'he'----"

'Betsy says, that the night on which her lover - I forget his name-'


"The night on which Leonards was last seen at the station--when he was last seen on duty, in fact--Miss Hale was there, walking about with a young man who, Bessy believes, killed Leonards by some blow or push."

'The night on which Leonards was last seen at the station - Miss Hale was there, walking with a young man who, Betsy believes, killed Leonards by some blow or push.'


"Leonards was not killed by any blow or push."

'Leonards was not killed by any blow or push.'


"Because I distinctly put the question to the surgeon of the Infirmary.

'Because I distinctly put the question to the surgeon of the Infirmary.


He told me there was an internal disease of long standing, caused by Leonards' habit of drinking to excess; that the fact of his becoming rapidly worse while in a state of intoxication, settled the question as to whether the last fatal attack was caused by excess of drinking, or the fall."

He told me there was a long-standing disease, caused by Leonards' habit of drinking to excess; that his last fatal attack was caused by drinking, not the fall.'


"Caused by the blow or push of which Betsy speaks."

'Caused by the blow or push of which Betsy speaks.'


"As there was no inquest, in consequence of the doctor's opinion I cannot tell you."

'As there was no inquest, I cannot tell you.'


At last he said: "I tell you, mother, that there was no inquest--no inquiry.

At last he said: 'I tell you, mother, that there was no judicial inquiry.'


"Betsy says that Woolmer (some man she knows, who is in a grocer's shop out at Crampton) can swear that Miss Hale was at the station at that hour, walking backwards and forwards with a young man."

'Betsy says that some man who is in a grocer's shop at Crampton can swear that Miss Hale was at the station, walking with a young man.'


"I don't see what we have to do with that.

'I don't see what we have to do with that.


Miss Hale is at liberty to please herself."

Miss Hale is at liberty to please herself.'


"I'm glad to hear you say so," says Mrs. Thornton, eagerly.

'I'm glad to hear you say so,' said Mrs. Thornton, eagerly.


"It certainly signifies very little to us--not at all to you, after what has passed!

'It certainly means nothing to you, after what has passed!


but I--I made a promise to Mrs. Hale, that I would not allow her daughter to go wrong without advising and remonstrating with her.

but I promised Mrs. Hale that I would not allow her daughter to go wrong without advising her.


I shall certainly let her know my opinion of such conduct."

I shall certainly let her know my opinion of such conduct.'


"I do not see any harm in what she did that evening," said Mr. Thornton, getting up, and coming near to his mother; he stood by the chimney-piece with his face turned away from the room.

'I do not see any harm in what she did that evening,' said Mr. Thornton, getting up, and standing by the chimney-piece with his face turned away from the room.


"You would not have approved of Fanny's being seen out, after dark, in rather a lonely place, walking about with a young man.

'You would not have approved of Fanny's being seen out, after dark, in a lonely place, with a young man.


I say nothing of the taste which could choose the time, when her mother lay unburied, for such a promenade.

I say nothing of the choice of time, when her mother lay unburied, for such a promenade.


Should you have liked your sister to have been noticed by a grocer's assistant for doing so?"

Should you have liked your sister to have been noticed by a grocer's assistant for doing so?'


"In the first place, as it is not many years since I myself was a draper's assistant, the mere circumstance of a grocer's assistant noticing any act does not alter the character of the act to me.

'In the first place, as it is not many years since I myself was a draper's assistant, that circumstance does not alter the nature of the act to me.


And in the next place, I see a great deal of difference between Miss Hale and Fanny.


I can imagine that the one may have weighty reasons, which may and ought to make her overlook any seeming impropriety in her conduct.

I can imagine that the one may have weighty reasons, which might make her overlook any seeming impropriety in her conduct.


I never knew Fanny have weighty reasons for anything.'


I believe Miss Hale is a guardian to herself."


"A pretty character of your sister, indeed!

'A pretty character of your sister, indeed!


Really, John, one would have thought Miss Hale had done enough to make you clear-sighted.


She drew you on to an offer, by a bold display of pretended regard for you,--to play you off against this very young man, I've no doubt.

She drew you on to an offer, by a bold display of pretended regard - to play you off against this very young man, I've no doubt.


You believe he is her lover, I suppose--you agree to that."

You believe he is her lover, I suppose?'


He turned round to his mother; his face was very gray and grim.

He turned round to his mother; his face was very grey and grim.


When he had spoken, he turned round again; he writhed himself about, like one in bodily pain.


Then before she could speak, he turned sharp again:


He is her lover, whoever he is; but she may need help and womanly counsel;--there may be difficulties or temptations which I don't know.

He is her lover; but she may need help and womanly counsel; there may be difficulties or temptations which I don't know.


I don't want to know what they are; but as you have ever been a good--ay!

I don't want to know what they are; but as you have always been a good


and a tender mother to me, go to her, and gain her confidence, and tell her what is best to be done.

and tender mother to me, go to her, and gain her confidence, and tell her what is best to be done.


I know that something is wrong; some dread, which must be a terrible torture to her."

I know that something is wrong; and it must be a terrible torture to her.'


said his mother, now really shocked, "what do you mean?

said his mother, now really shocked, 'what do you mean?


I don't know what I shan't think unless you speak.

I don't know what to think unless you speak.


You have no right to say what you have done against her."


you have no right to say what you have done, unless you say more.


These half-expressions are what ruin a woman's character."

These half-expressions are what ruin a woman's character.'


Mother, you do not dare--" he faced about, and looked into her face with his flaming eyes.

Mother, you do not dare-' He looked her in the face with flaming eyes.


Then, drawing himself up into determined composure and dignity, he said, "I will not say any more than this, which is neither more nor less than the simple truth, and I am sure you believe me,--I have good reason to believe, that Miss Hale is in some strait and difficulty connected with an attachment which, of itself, from my knowledge of Miss Hale's character, is perfectly innocent and right.

Then, drawing himself up with determined composure, he said, 'I will not say any more than this: that I have good reason to believe that Miss Hale is in some difficulty connected with an attachment which of itself, from my knowledge of Miss Hale's character, is perfectly innocent and right.


But never let me hear any one say a word against her, implying any more serious imputation than that she now needs the counsel of some kind and gentle woman.

But never let me hear anyone say a word against her, implying anything more serious than that she now needs the counsel of some kind and gentle woman.


You promised Mrs. Hale to be that woman!"

You promised Mrs. Hale to be that woman!'


"I am happy to say, I did not promise kindness and gentleness, for I felt at the time that it might be out of my power to render these to one of Miss Hale's character and disposition.

'I am happy to say, I did not promise kindness and gentleness, for I felt that it might be out of my power to offer these to one of Miss Hale's character.


I promised counsel and advice, such as I would give to my own daughter; I shall speak to her as I would do to Fanny, if she had gone gallivanting with a young man in the dusk.

I promised counsel and advice, such as I would give to my own daughter. I shall speak to her as I would do to Fanny, if she had gone gallivanting with a young man in the dusk.


I shall speak with relation to the circumstances I know, without being influenced either one way or another by the 'strong reasons' which you will not confide to me.


Then I shall have fulfilled my promise, and done my duty.'


"She will never bear it," said he passionately.

'She will never bear it,' said he passionately.


"She will have to bear it, if I speak in her dead mother's name."

'She will have to bear it, if I speak in her dead mother's name.'


said he, breaking away, "don't tell me any more about it.

said he, breaking away, 'don't tell me any more about it.


It will be better that you should speak to her any way, than that she should not be spoken to at all.--Oh!


continued he, between his teeth, as he bolted himself into his own private room.

As he shut himself into his private room, he continued. 'Oh!


"And that cursed lie; which showed some terrible shame in the background, to be kept from the light in which I thought she lived perpetually!

that look of love! And that cursed lie; which showed some terrible shame to be kept dark!


I am but uncouth and hard, but I would never have led you into any falsehood for me."

I am uncouth and hard, but I would never have led you into any falsehood for me.'


The more Mrs. Thornton thought over what her son had said, in pleading for a merciful judgment for Margaret's indiscretion, the more bitterly she felt inclined towards her.

The more Mrs. Thornton thought over what her son had said, in pleading for a merciful judgment on Margaret, the more bitter she felt towards her.


She took a savage pleasure in the idea of "speaking her mind" to her, in the guise of fulfilment of a duty.

She took a savage pleasure in the idea of 'speaking her mind' to her, in the guise of fulfilling her duty.


She enjoyed the thought of showing herself untouched by the "glamour," which she was well aware Margaret had the power of throwing over many people.

She enjoyed the thought of showing herself untouched by the enchantment which she felt Margaret had thrown over many people.


She snorted scornfully over the picture of the beauty of her victim; her jet black hair, her clear smooth skin, her lucid eyes would not help to save her one word of the just and stern reproach which Mrs. Thornton spent half the night in preparing to her mind.

She snorted scornfully over her victim's beauty; her jet black hair, her smooth skin, her lucid eyes would not save her one word of the just and stern reproach which Mrs. Thornton spent half the night preparing in her mind.


She knew she was, for she had seen her at the window, and she had her feet inside the little hall before Martha had half answered the question.

She knew she was, for she had seen her at the window, and she had her feet inside the little hall before Martha had answered.


Margaret was sitting alone, writing to Edith, and giving her many particulars of her mother's last days.

Margaret was sitting alone, writing to Edith about her mother's last days.


It was a softening employment, and she had to brush away the unbidden tears as Mrs. Thornton was announced.

She had to brush away unbidden tears as Mrs. Thornton was announced.


She was so gentle and ladylike in her mode of reception that her visitor was somewhat daunted; and it became impossible to utter the speech, so easy of arrangement with no one to address it to.

She was so gentle and ladylike that her visitor was somewhat daunted; and it became impossible to utter the speech, so easy to prepare with no one to address it to.


Margaret's low rich voice was softer than usual; her manner more gracious, because in her heart she was feeling very grateful to Mrs. Thornton for the courteous attention of her call.

Margaret's low rich voice was softer than usual; her manner more gracious, because she was feeling very grateful to Mrs. Thornton for the courteous attention of her call.


She exerted herself to find subjects of interest for conversation; praised Martha, the servant whom Mrs. Thornton had found for them: had asked Edith for a little Greek air, about which she had spoken to Miss Thornton.

She exerted herself to make conversation; and praised Martha, the servant whom Mrs. Thornton had found for them.


Her sharp Damascus blade seemed out of place, and useless among rose-leaves.

Her sharp blade seemed out of place, and useless among rose-leaves.


She was silent because she was trying to task herself up to her duty.

She was silent until she stung herself into performing her duty by reflecting that all this sweetness was probably put on just to propitiate her.


At last she stung herself into its performance by a suspicion which, in spite of all probability, she allowed to cross her mind, that all this sweetness was put on with a view of propitiating Mr. Thornton; that, somehow, the other attachment had fallen through, and that it suited Miss Hale's purpose to recall her rejected lover.

She suspected that the other attachment had fallen through, and Miss Hale hoped to recall her rejected lover.


there was perhaps so much truth in the suspicion as this; that Mrs. Thornton was the mother of one whose regard she valued, and feared to have lost; and this thought unconsciously added to her natural desire of pleasing one who was showing her kindness by her visit.

It was true that Mrs. Thornton was the mother of one whose regard she valued, and feared to have lost; and this thought unconsciously added to her natural desire of pleasing her.


Mrs. Thornton stood up to go, but yet she seemed to have something more to say.


I promised your poor mother that, as far as my poor judgment went, I would not allow you to act in any way wrongly, or (she softened her speech down a little here) inadvertently, without remonstrating; at least without offering advice, whether you took it or not."

I promised your poor mother that I would not allow you to act in any way wrongly, or (she softened her speech a little here) inadvertently, without remonstrating; at least, without offering advice, whether you took it or not.'


Margaret stood before her, blushing like any culprit, with her eyes dilating as she gazed at Mrs. Thornton.

Margaret stood blushing, with her eyes dilating.


She thought she had come to speak to her about the falsehood she had told--that Mr. Thornton had employed her to explain the danger she had exposed herself to, of being confuted in full court!

She thought Mrs. Thornton had come to speak to her about the falsehood she had told - that Mr. Thornton had employed her to explain the danger she had exposed herself to, of being confuted in court.


and although her heart sank to think he had not rather chosen to come himself, and upbraid her, and receive her penitence, and restore her again to his good opinion, yet she was too much humbled not to bear any blame on this subject patiently and meekly.

Although her heart sank to think he had not chosen to come himself, yet she was too much humbled not to listen patiently and meekly.


"At first, when I heard from one of my servants, that you had been seen walking about with a gentleman, so far from home as the Outwood station, at such a time of the evening, I could hardly believe it.

'At first, when I heard from one of my servants, that you had been seen walking about with a gentleman, at the Outwood station, late in the evening, I could hardly believe it.


But my son, I am sorry to say, confirmed her story.


It was indiscreet, to say the least; many a young woman has lost her character before now----"

It was indiscreet, to say the least; many a young woman has lost her character before now-'


This was a new idea--this was too insulting.

This was a new idea - this was insulting.


If Mrs. Thornton had spoken to her about the lie she had told, well and good--she would have owned it, and humiliated herself.

If Mrs. Thornton had spoken to her about the lie, well and good - she would have owned up to it.


But to interfere with her conduct--to speak of her character!


she--Mrs. Thornton, a mere stranger--it was too impertinent!

Mrs. Thornton, a mere stranger - it was too impertinent!


She would not answer her - not one word.


Mrs. Thornton saw the battle-spirit in Margaret's eyes, and it called up her combativeness also.


"For your mother's sake, I have thought it right to warn you against such improprieties; they must degrade you in the long run in the estimation of the world, even if in fact they do not lead you to positive harm."

'For your mother's sake, I thought it right to warn you against such improprieties; they must degrade you in the long run in the world's eyes, even if they do not lead you to positive harm.'


"For my mother's sake," said Margaret, in a tearful voice, "I will bear much; but I cannot bear everything.

'For my mother's sake,' said Margaret tearfully, 'I will bear much; but


She never meant me to be exposed to insult, I am sure."

she never meant me to be exposed to insult, I am sure.'


"Yes, madam," said Margaret more steadily, "it is insult.

'Yes, madam,' said Margaret more steadily, 'it is insult.


What do you know of me that should lead you to suspect--Oh!"

What do you know of me that should lead you to suspect - Oh!'


said she, breaking down, and covering her face with her hands--"I know now, Mr. Thornton has told you----"

said she, breaking down, and covering her face with her hands - 'I know now, Mr. Thornton has told you-'


"No, Miss Hale," said Mrs. Thornton, her truthfulness causing her to arrest the confession Margaret was on the point of making, though her curiosity was itching to hear it.

'No, Miss Hale,' said Mrs. Thornton, her truthfulness causing her to break in.


Listen, young lady, that you may understand, if you can, what sort of a man you rejected.

Listen, young lady, and understand, if you can, what sort of a man you rejected.


This Milton manufacturer, his great tender heart scorned as it was scorned, said to me only last night, 'Go to her.


I have good reason to know that she is in some strait arising out of some attachment; and she needs womanly counsel.'

I have good reason to know that she is in some difficulty, arising out of an attachment; and she needs womanly counsel."


Farther than that--beyond admitting the fact of your being at the Outwood station with a gentleman, on the evening of the twenty-sixth--he has said nothing--not one word against you.

Beyond that - and your being at the station with a gentleman - he has said not one word against you.


If he has knowledge of anything which should make you sob so, he keeps it to himself."

If he has knowledge of anything which should make you sob so, he keeps it to himself.'


Margaret's face was still hidden in her hands, the fingers of which were wet with tears.

Margaret's face was still hidden in her hands.


There may be circumstances, I'll allow, that, if explained, may take off from the seeming impropriety."

There may be circumstances, I'll allow, that, if explained, may lessen the impropriety.'


Margaret was considering what to say; she wished to stand well with Mrs. Thornton; and yet she could not, might not, give any explanation.

Margaret was considering what to say; she wished to stand well with Mrs. Thornton; and yet she could not explain.


"I shall be sorry to break off an acquaintance; but for Fanny's sake--as I told my son, if Fanny had done so we should consider it a great disgrace--and Fanny might be led away----"

'I shall be sorry to break off an acquaintance; but for Fanny's sake-'


"I can give you no explanation," said Margaret, in a low voice.

'I can give you no explanation,' said Margaret, in a low voice.


"I have done wrong, but not in the way you think or know about.

'I have done wrong, but not in the way you think.


I think Mr. Thornton judges me more mercifully than you;"--she had hard work to keep herself from choking with her tears--"but, I believe, madam, you mean to do rightly."

Mr. Thornton judges me more mercifully than you;' - she had hard work to keep herself from choking with her tears - 'but, I believe, madam, you mean to do rightly.'


"Thank you," said Mrs. Thornton, drawing herself up; "I was not aware that my meaning was doubted.

'Thank you,' said Mrs. Thornton, drawing herself up; 'I was not aware that my meaning was doubted.


I was unwilling to consent to do it, when your mother asked me.


I had not approved of my son's attachment to you, while I only suspected it.

I did not approve of my son's attachment to you.


But when you compromised yourself as you did at the time of the riot, and exposed yourself to the comments of servants and workpeople, I felt it was no longer right to set myself against my son's wish of proposing to you--a wish, by the way, which he had always denied entertaining until the day of the riot."

But when you compromised yourself at the time of the riot, and exposed yourself to the comments of servants and workpeople, I felt it was no longer right to set myself against my son's wish of proposing to you - a wish, by the way, which he had always denied having until the day of the riot.'


Margaret winced, and drew in her breath with a long, hissing sound; of which, however, Mrs. Thornton took no notice.

Margaret winced, and drew in her breath. Mrs. Thornton went on.


"He came; you had apparently changed your mind.

'He came; you had apparently changed your mind.


I told my son yesterday, that I thought it possible, short as was the interval, you might have heard or learnt something of this other lover----"

I told my son yesterday, that I thought it possible, short as was the interval, you might have learnt something of this other lover-'


asked Margaret, throwing her head back with proud disdain, till her throat curved outwards like a swan's.

asked Margaret, throwing her head back with proud disdain.


"You can say nothing more, Mrs. Thornton.

'You can say nothing more, Mrs. Thornton.


I decline every attempt to justify myself for anything.

I decline every attempt to justify myself.


And she swept out of it with the noiseless grace of an offended princess.


Mrs. Thornton had quite enough of natural humour to make her feel the ludricrousness of the position in which she was left.

Mrs. Thornton had enough natural humour to make her feel the ludicrousness of the position in which she was left.


There was nothing for it but to show herself out.


She was not particularly annoyed at Margaret's way of behaving.


She did not care enough for her for that.

; she did not care enough about Margaret for that.


She had taken Mrs. Thornton's remonstrance to the full as keenly to heart as that lady expected; and Margaret's passion at once mollified her visitor, far more than any silence or reserve could have done.

Margaret's passion had mollified her visitor, far more than any silence could have done.


"My young lady," thought Mrs. Thornton to herself; "you've a pretty good temper of your own.

'My young lady,' thought Mrs. Thornton, 'you've a pretty good temper of your own.


If John and you had come together, he would have had to keep a tight hand over you, to make you know your place.

If John and you had come together, he would have had to keep a tight hand over you.


But I don't think you will go a-walking again with your beau, at such an hour of the day, in a hurry.

But I don't think you will go a-walking again with your beau, at such an hour.


You've too much pride and spirit in you for that.


I like to see a girl fly out at the notion of being talked about.


It shows they're neither giddy, nor bold by nature.

It shows they're neither giddy, nor bold.


As for that girl, she might be bold, but she'd never be giddy.


Now as to Fanny, she'd be giddy, and not bold.

Now as for Fanny, she'd be giddy, and not bold.


Mr. Thornton was not spending the morning so satisfactorily as his mother.


She, at any rate, was fulfilling her determined purpose.


He was trying to understand where he stood; what damage the strike had done him.

He was trying to understand what damage the strike had done him.


A good deal of his capital was locked up in new and expensive machinery; and he had also bought cotton largely, with a view to some great orders which he had in hand.

A good deal of his capital was locked up in new and expensive machinery; and he had also bought in cotton with a view to some large orders.


The strike had thrown him terribly behindhand, as to the completion of these orders.

The strike had thrown him terribly behindhand in the completion of these orders.


Even with his own accustomed and skilled workpeople, he would have had some difficulty in fulfilling his engagements; as it was, the incompetence of the Irish hands, who had to be trained to their work, at a time requiring unusual activity, was a daily annoyance.

Even with his own skilled workpeople, he would have had some difficulty in fulfilling them; as it was, the incompetence of the Irish hands, who had to be trained, was an annoyance.


It was not a favourable hour for Higgins to make his request.


But he had promised Margaret to do it at any cost.


So, though every moment added to his repugnance, his pride, and his sullenness of temper, he stood leaning against the dead wall, hour after hour, first on one leg, then on the other.

So, though every moment added to his repugnance, pride and sullenness, he stood leaning against the wall, hour after hour, first on one leg, then on the other.


At last the latch was sharply lifted, and out came Mr. Thornton.


"Well, sir, I reckon I can wait till yo' come back."

'Well, sir, I reckon I can wait till yo' come back.'


Mr. Thornton was half way down the street.


To catch him in the street, was his only chance of seeing "the measter!"

To catch him in the street was his only chance of seeing 'the measter


if he had rung the lodge bell or even gone up to the house to ask for him, he would have been referred to the overlooker.

;' if he had rung the lodge bell, he would have been referred to the overlooker.


So he stood still again, vouchsafing no answer, but a short nod of recognition to the few men who knew and spoke to him, as the crowd drove out the millyard at dinner-time, and scowling with all his might at the Irish "knobsticks" who had just been imported.

So he stood still again as the crowd drove out of the millyard at dinner-time, scowling at the imported Irish 'knobsticks'.


Stay, we'll go across the yard; the men are not come back, and we shall have it to ourselves.

'We'll go across the yard; the men are not come back, and we shall have it to ourselves.'


These good people, I see, are at dinner;" said he, closing the door of the porter's lodge.


"I suppose you know, sir, that that man is Higgins, one of the leaders of the Union; he that made that speech in Hurstfield."

'I suppose you know, sir, that that man is Higgins, one of the leaders of the Union.'


"No, I didn't," said Mr. Thornton, looking round sharply at his follower.

'No, I didn't,' said Mr. Thornton, looking round sharply.


Higgins was known to him by name as a turbulent spirit.


"Come along," said he, and his tone was rougher than before.

'Come along,' said he, more roughly than before.


"It is men such as this," thought he, "who interrupt commerce and injure the very town they live in: mere demagogues, lovers of power at whatever cost to others."

'It is men such as this,' he thought, 'who interrupt commerce and injure the very town they live in: mere demagogues, lovers of power, at whatever cost to others.'


said Mr. Thornton, facing round at him, as soon as they were in the counting-house of the mill.

he said, as soon as they were in the counting-house.


You're a pretty chap to come asking me for work.


You don't want impudence, that's very clear."

You don't lack impudence, that's very clear.'


"I've getten enemies and backbiters, like my betters; but I ne'er heerd o' ony of them calling me o'er-modest," said Higgins.

'I've getten enemies, like my betters; but I ne'er heerd o' ony of them calling me o'er-modest,' said Higgins.


His blood was a little roused by Mr. Thornton's manner, more than by his words.

His blood was a little roused by Mr. Thornton's manner.


Mr. Thornton saw a letter addressed to himself on the table.

Mr. Thornton took up a letter from the table


At the end, he looked up and said, "What are you waiting for?"

At the end, he looked up and said, 'What are you waiting for?'


"Yo' made a remark, sir, on my impudence' but I were taught that it was manners to say either 'yes' or 'no,' when I were axed a civil question.

'Yo' made a remark, sir, on my impudence: but I were taught that it was manners to say either "yes" or "no," when axed a civil question.


I should be thankfu' to yo' if yo'd give me work.


Hamper will speak to my being a good hand."

Hamper will speak to my being a good hand.'


"I've a notion you'd better not send me to Hamper to ask for a character, my man.

'You'd better not send me to Hamper to ask for a character, my man.


Worst they could say of me is, that I did what I thought best, even to my own wrong."

Worst they could say of me is, that I did what I thought best, even to my own wrong.'


"You'd better go and try them, then, and see whether they'll give you work.

'You'd better go and try them, then, and see whether they'll give you work.


I've turned off upwards of a hundred of my best hands, for no other fault than following you and such as you; and d'ye think I'll take you on?

I've turned off a hundred of my best hands, for no other fault than following such as you. D'ye think I'll take you on?


I might as well put a fire-brand into the midst of the cotton-waste."

I might as well put a firebrand into the midst of the cotton-waste.'


Higgins turned away: then the recollection of Boucher came over him, and he faced round with the greatest concession he could persuade himself to make.

Higgins turned away; then he remembered Boucher, and tried once more.


"I'd promise yo', measter, I'd not speak a word as could do harm, if so be yo' did right by us; and I'd promise more: I'd promise that when I seed yo' going wrong, and acting unfair, I'd speak to yo' in private first; and that would be a fair warning.

'I'd promise yo', measter, I'd not speak a word as could do harm, if yo' did right by us; and I'd promise more: I'd promise that when I seed yo' going wrong, and acting unfair, I'd speak to yo' in private first; and that would be a fair warning.


If yo' and I did na agree in our opinion o' your conduct, yo' might turn me off at an hour's notice."

If yo' and I did na agree in our opinion, yo' might turn me off at an hour's notice.'


"Upon my word, you don't think small beer of yourself!

'Upon my word, you don't think small beer of yourself!


How came he to let you and your wisdom go?"

How came he to let you and your wisdom go?'


"Well, we parted wi' mutual dissatisfaction.

'Well, we parted wi' mutual dissatisfaction.


I wouldn't gi'e the pledge they were asking; and they wouldn't have me at no rate.

I wouldn't agree to their pledge; and they wouldn't have me.


So I'm free to make another engagement; and as I said before, though I should na' say it, I'm a good hand, measter, and a steady man--specially when I can keep fro' drink; and that I shall do now, if I ne'er did afore."

But I'm a good hand, measter, and a steady man - specially when I can keep fro' drink; and that I shall do now, if I ne'er did afore.'


"That you may have more money laid up for another strike, I suppose?"

'So that you may save money for another strike, I suppose?'


I'd be thankful if I was free to do that; it's for to keep th' widow and childer of a man who was drove mad by them knobsticks o' yourn; put out of his place by a Paddy that did na know weft fro' warp."

It's for to keep th' widow and childer of a man who was drove mad by them knobsticks o' yourn; put out of his place by a Paddy that did na know weft fro' warp.'


you'd better turn to something else, if you've any such good intention in your head.


I shouldn't advise you to stay in Milton: you're too well known here."


"If it were summer," said Higgins, "I'd take to Paddy's work, and go as a navvy, or haymaking, or summat, and ne'er see Milton again.

'If it were summer,' said Higgins, 'I'd do Paddy's work, and go as a navvy, or haymaking, or summut.


But it's winter, and th' childer will clem."

But it's winter, and th' childer will clem.'


why you couldn't do half a day's work at digging against an Irishman."

why, you couldn't do half a day's digging against an Irishman.'


"I'd only charge half-a-day for th' twelve hours, if I could only do half-a-day's work in th' time.

'I'd only charge half-a-day for twelve hours, if I could only do half-a-day's work in th' time.


Yo're not knowing of any place, where they could gi' me a trial, away fro' the mills, if I'm such a firebrand?

Yo're not knowing of any place, where they could gi' me a trial?


I'd take any wage they thought I was worth, for the sake of those childer."

I'd take any wage they thought I was worth, for the sake of those childer.'


You'd be taking less wages than the other labourers--all for the sake of another man's children.

You'd be taking less wages than the other labourers - all for the sake of another man's children.


Think how you'd abuse any poor fellow who was willing to take what he could get to keep his own children.

Think how you'd abuse any poor fellow who was willing to take what he could get.


You and your Union would soon be down upon him.


if it's only for the recollection of the way in which you've used the poor knobsticks before now, I say No!

if only because of the way in which you've used the poor knobsticks before now, I say No!


I won't say, I don't believe your pretext for coming and asking for work; I know nothing about it.

As for your pretext for coming and asking for work,


It's a very unlikely story, at any rate.


I would na ha' troubled you', but that I were bid to come, by one as seemed to think yo'd getten some place in your heart.

I would na ha' troubled yo', but that I were bid to come, by one as seemed to think yo'd getten some soft place in your heart.


But I'm not the first man as is misled by a woman."

But I'm not the first man as is misled by a woman.'


"Tell her to mind her own business the next time, instead of taking up your time and mine too.

'Tell her to mind her own business the next time.


I believe women are at the bottom of every plague in this world.


"I'm obleeged to you for a' yo'r kindness, measter, and most of a' for yo'r civil way o' saying good-bye."

'I'm obleeged to yo' for your kindness, measter, and for your civil way o' saying good-bye.'


But, looking out of the window a minute later, he was struck with the lean, bent figure going out of the yard; the heavy walk was in strange contrast with the resolute, clear determination of the man to speak to him.

But, looking out of the window a minute after, he was struck with the lean, bent figure going out of the yard: the heavy walk was in strange contrast with the resolute determination of the man to speak to him.


"How long has that man Higgins been waiting to speak to me?"

'How long has that man Higgins been waiting to speak to me?'


"He was outside the gate before eight o'clock, sir.

'He was outside the gate before eight o'clock, sir.'


"Five hours," thought Mr. Thornton; "it's a long time for a man to wait, doing nothing but first hoping and then fearing."

'Five hours,' thought Mr. Thornton; 'it's a long time for a man to wait, doing nothing but hoping and fearing.'


Denounced--dragged, it may be, in chains."


All the next day they sate together--they three.

All the next day they sat together - they three.


Mr. Hale hardly ever spoke but when his children asked him questions, and forced him, as it were, into the present.

Mr. Hale hardly spoke except when his children asked him questions, and forced him, as it were, into the present.


Frederick's grief was no more to be seen or heard; the first paroxysm had passed over, and now he was ashamed of having been so battered down by emotion; and though his sorrow for the loss of his mother was a deep real feeling, and would last out his life, it was never to be spoken of again.

Frederick's grief was no more to be seen or heard; for now he was ashamed of having been so battered down by emotion; and though his sorrow was deep and real, and would last out his life, it was never to be spoken of again.


Margaret, not so passionate at first, was more suffering now.

Margaret, not so passionate at first, was suffering more now.


At times she cried a good deal; and her manner, even when speaking on different things, had a mournful tenderness about it, which was deepened whenever her looks fell upon Frederick, and she thought of his rapidly approaching departure.

At times she cried a good deal; and her mournful tenderness was deepened whenever she looked at Frederick, and thought of his rapidly approaching departure.


She was glad he was going, on her father's account, however much she might grieve over it on her own.

She was glad he was going, however, on her father's account.


The anxious terror in which Mr. Hale lived lest his son should be detected and captured, far outweighed the pleasure he derived from his presence.

The anxious terror in which Mr. Hale lived lest his son should be detected far out-weighed the pleasure he took from his presence.


The nervousness had increased since Mrs. Hale's death, probably because he dwelt upon it more exclusively.


He started at every unusual sound, and was never comfortable unless Frederick sate out of the immediate view of any one entering the room.

He started at every unusual sound; and was not comfortable unless Frederick sat out of view of anyone entering the room.


"You will go with Frederick to the station, Margaret?

'You will go with Frederick to the station, Margaret?


You will bring me word that he is clear of Milton, at any rate?"


"I shall like it, if you won't be lonely without me, papa."


I should always be fancying some one had known him, and that he had been stopped, unless you could tell me you had seen him off.

I shall want to know he is safely off - I should be fancying someone had recognised him, and stopped him, unless you could tell me you had seen him off.


It is quite as near, and not so many people about.


"Ten minutes past six; very nearly dark.

'Ten minutes past six; very nearly dark.'


It is a well-lighted road all the way home, if it should be dark.

'But it is a well-lit road all the way home,' said Margaret.


Margaret was thankful when the parting was over--the parting from the dead mother and the living father.

Margaret was thankful when Frederick's parting with his father was over.


She hurried Frederick into the cab, in order to shorten a scene which she saw was so bitterly painful to her father, who would accompany his son as he took his last look at his mother.

She hurried Frederick into the cab, in order to shorten a scene which she saw was bitterly painful to her father.


Partly in consequence of this, and partly owing to one of the very common mistakes in the "Railway Guide" as to the times when trains arrive at the smaller stations, they found, on reaching Outwood, that they had nearly twenty minutes to spare.

In consequence they found, on reaching Outwood, that they had nearly twenty minutes to spare.


The booking-office was not open, so they could not even take the ticket.

The booking-office was not open, so they could not even buy the ticket.


They accordingly went down the flight of steps that led to the level of the ground below the railway.

So they went down the flight of steps below the railway


There was a broad cinder-path diagonally crossing a field which lay alongside of the carriage-road, and they went there to walk backwards and forwards for the few minutes they had to spare.

, where there was a path crossing a field alongside the road, and walked backwards and forwards for a few minutes.


I am going to consult Mr. Lennox as to the chance of exculpating myself so that I may return to England whenever I choose, more for your sake than for the sake of anyone else.

I will consult Mr. Lennox as to the chance of exculpating myself, so that I may return to England whenever I choose.


I can't bear to think of your lonely position if any thing should happen to my father.

I can't bear to think of your lonely position if anything should happen to my father.


He looks sadly changed--terribly shaken.

He looks sadly changed - terribly shaken.


I wish you could get him to think of the Cadiz plan, for many reasons.

I wish you could get him to think of the Cadiz plan.


What could you do if he were taken away?