Sheputherhandforwardanddraggeditaway，triedagain，andstartedbackwithacry。Hefrowned。
“Why，I’dlethertakecornfrommyface，“saidPaul，“onlyshebumpsabit。She’seversoneat。Ifshewasn’t，look，howmuchgroundshe’dpeckupeveryday。”
Hewaitedgrimly，andwatched。AtlastMiriamletthebird，peckfromherhand。Shegavealittlecry——fear，andpainbecause，offear——ratherpathetic。Butshehaddoneit，andshediditagain。
“There，yousee，“saidtheboy。”Itdoesn’thurt，doesit？”
Shelookedathimwithdilateddarkeyes。
“No，“shelaughed，trembling。
Thensheroseandwentindoors。Sheseemedtobeinsomeway，resentfuloftheboy。
“HethinksI’monlyacommongirl，“shethought，andshewanted，toproveshewasagrandpersonlikethe“LadyoftheLake“。
Paulfoundhismotherreadytogohome。Shesmiledonherson。
Hetookthegreatbunchofflowers。Mr。andMrs。Leiverswalked，downthefieldswiththem。Thehillsweregoldenwithevening;
deepinthewoodsshowedthedarkeningpurpleofbluebells。
Itwaseverywhereperfectlystiff，savefortherustlingofleaves，andbirds。
“Butitisabeautifulplace，“saidMrs。Morel。
“Yes，“answeredMr。Leivers;“it’sanicelittleplace，ifonly，itweren’tfortherabbits。Thepasture’sbittendowntonothing。
IdunnoifeverIs’llgettherentoffit。”
Heclappedhishands，andthefieldbrokeintomotionnear，thewoods，brownrabbitshoppingeverywhere。
“Wouldyoubelieveit！”exclaimedMrs。Morel。
SheandPaulwentonalonetogether。
“Wasn’titlovely，mother？”hesaidquietly。
Athinmoonwascomingout。Hisheartwasfullofhappiness，tillithurt。Hismotherhadtochatter，becauseshe，too，wantedtocrywithhappiness。
“NowWOULDN’TIhelpthatman！”shesaid。”WOULDN’TIsee，tothefowlsandtheyoungstock！，AndI’Dlearntomilk，andI’D
talkwithhim，andI’Dplanwithhim。Myword，ifIwerehiswife，thefarmwouldberun，Iknow！，Butthere，shehasn’tthestrength——she，simplyhasn’tthestrength。Sheoughtnevertohavebeenburdened，likeit，youknow。I’msorryforher，andI’msorryforhimtoo。
Myword，ifI’Dhadhim，Ishouldn’thavethoughthimabadhusband！
Notthatshedoeseither;andshe’sverylovable。”
WilliamcamehomeagainwithhissweetheartattheWhitsuntide。
Hehadoneweekofhisholidaysthen。Itwasbeautifulweather。
Asarule，WilliamandLilyandPaulwentoutinthemorningtogether，forawalk。Williamdidnottalktohisbelovedmuch，excepttotell，herthingsfromhisboyhood。Paultalkedendlesslytobothofthem。
Theylaydown，allthree，inameadowbyMintonChurch。Ononeside，bytheCastleFarm，wasabeautifulquiveringscreenofpoplars。
Hawthornwasdroppingfromthehedges;pennydaisiesandragged，robinwereinthefield，likelaughter。William，abigfellow，oftwenty-three，thinnernowandevenabitgaunt，layback，inthesunshineanddreamed，whileshefingeredwithhishair。
Paulwentgatheringthebigdaisies。Shehadtakenoffherhat;
herhairwasblackasahorse’smane。Paulcamebackandthreaded，daisiesinherjet-blackhair——bigspanglesofwhiteandyellow，andjust，apinktouchofraggedrobin。
“Nowyoulooklikeayoungwitch-woman，“theboysaidtoher。
“Doesn’tshe，William？”
Lilylaughed。Williamopenedhiseyesandlookedather。
Inhisgazewasacertainbaffledlookofmiseryandfierceappreciation。
“Hashemadeasightofme？”sheasked，laughingdownon，herlover。
“Thathehas！”saidWilliam，smiling。
Helookedather。Herbeautyseemedtohurthim。Heglanced，atherflower-deckedheadandfrowned。
“Youlookniceenough，ifthat’swhatyouwanttoknow，“
hesaid。
Andshewalkedwithoutherhat。InalittlewhileWilliam，recovered，andwasrathertendertoher。Comingtoabridge，hecarvedherinitialsandhisinaheart。
L。L。W。
W。M。
Shewatchedhisstrong，nervoushand，withitsglistening，hairsandfreckles，ashecarved，andsheseemedfascinatedbyit。
Allthetimetherewasafeelingofsadnessandwarmth，andacertaintendernessinthehouse，whilstWilliamandLily，wereathome。Butoftenhegotirritable。Shehadbrought，foraneight-days’stay，fivedressesandsixblouses。
“Oh，wouldyoumind，“shesaidtoAnnie，“washingmethese，twoblouses，andthesethings？”
AndAnniestoodwashingwhenWilliamandLilywentoutthe，nextmorning。Mrs。Morelwasfurious。Andsometimestheyoungman，catchingaglimpseofhissweetheart’sattitudetowardshissister，hatedher。
OnSundaymorningshelookedverybeautifulinadress，offoulard，silkyandsweeping，andblueasajay-bird’sfeather，andinalargecreamhatcoveredwithmanyroses，mostlycrimson。
Nobodycouldadmireherenough。Butintheevening，whenshewas，goingout，sheaskedagain：
“Chubby，haveyougotmygloves？”
“Which？”askedWilliam。
“MynewblackSUEDE。”
“No。”
Therewasahunt。Shehadlostthem。
“Lookhere，mother，“saidWilliam，“that’sthefourthpair，she’slostsinceChristmas——atfiveshillingsapair！”
“YouonlygavemeTWOofthem，“sheremonstrated。
Andintheevening，aftersupper，hestoodonthehearthrug，whilstshesatonthesofa，andheseemedtohateher。Inthe，afternoonhehadleftherwhilsthewenttoseesomeoldfriend。
Shehadsatlookingatabook。AftersupperWilliamwantedtowrite，aletter。
“Hereisyourbook，Lily，“saidMrs。Morel。”Wouldyoucare，togoonwithitforafewminutes？”
“No，thankyou，“saidthegirl。”Iwillsitstill。”
“Butitissodull。”
Williamscribbledirritablyatagreatrate。Ashesealed，theenvelopehesaid：
“Readabook！，Why，she’sneverreadabookinherlife。”
“Oh，goalong！”saidMrs。Morel，crosswiththeexaggeration，“It’strue，mother——shehasn’t，“hecried，jumpingupandtaking，hisoldpositiononthehearthrug。”She’sneverreadabookinherlife。”
“’Er’slikeme，“chimedinMorel。”’Ercannaseewhatthere，isi’books，tersitborin’yournosein’emfor，normorecanI。”
“Butyoushouldn’tsaythesethings，“saidMrs。Moreltoherson。
“Butit’strue，mother——sheCAN’Tread。Whatdidyougiveher？”
“Well，IgaveheralittlethingofAnnieSwan’s。Nobodywants，toreaddrystuffonSundayafternoon。”
“Well，I’llbetshedidn’treadtenlinesofit。”
“Youaremistaken，“saidhismother。
AllthetimeLilysatmiserablyonthesofa。Heturned，toherswiftly。
“DIDyoureadyany？”heasked。
“Yes，Idid，“shereplied。
“Howmuch？”
“ldon’tknowhowmanypages。”
“TellmeONETHINGyouread。”
Shecouldnot。
Shenevergotbeyondthesecondpage。Hereadagreatdeal，andhadaquick，activeintelligence。Shecouldunderstandnothingbut，love-makingandchatter。Hewasaccustomedtohavingallhisthoughts，siftedthroughhismother’smind;so，whenhewantedcompanionship，andwasaskedinreplytobethebillingandtwitteringlover，hehatedhisbetrothed。
“Youknow，mother，“hesaid，whenhewasalonewithheratnight，“she’snoideaofmoney，she’ssowessel-brained。Whenshe’spaid，she’llsuddenlybuysuchrotasmarronsglaces，andthenIhave，tobuyherseasonticket，andherextras，evenherunderclothing。
Andshewantstogetmarried，andIthinkmyselfwemightaswellget，marriednextyear。Butatthisrate——“
“Afinemessofamarriageitwouldbe，“repliedhismother。
“Ishouldconsideritagain，myboy。”
“Oh，well，I’vegonetoofartobreakoffnow，“hesaid，“andsoIshallgetmarriedassoonasIcan。”
“Verywell，myboy。Ifyouwill，youwill，andthere’sno，stoppingyou;butItellyou，Ican’tsleepwhenIthinkaboutit。”
“Oh，she’llbeallright，mother。Weshallmanage。”
“Andsheletsyoubuyherunderclothing？”askedthemother。
“Well，“hebeganapologetically，“shedidn’taskme;butone，morning——anditWAScold——Ifoundheronthestationshivering，notable，tokeepstill;soIaskedherifshewaswellwrappedup。Shesaid：
’Ithinkso。’，SoIsaid：，’Haveyougotwarmunderthingson？’
Andshesaid：，’No，theywerecotton。’，Iaskedherwhyonearthshe，hadn’tgotsomethingthickeroninweatherlikethat，andshesaid，becausesheHADnothing。Andtheresheis——abronchialsubject！
IHADtotakeherandgetsomewarmthings。Well，mother，Ishouldn’t，mindthemoneyifwehadany。And，youknow，sheOUGHTtokeepenough，topayforherseason-ticket;butno，shecomestomeaboutthat，andIhavetofindthemoney。”
“It’sapoorlookout，“saidMrs。Morelbitterly。
Hewaspale，andhisruggedface，thatusedtobesoperfectly，carelessandlaughing，wasstampedwithconflictanddespair。
“ButIcan’tgiveherupnow;it’sgonetoofar，“hesaid。
“And，besides，forSOMEthingsIcouldn’tdowithouther。”
“Myboy，rememberyou’retakingyourlifeinyourhands，“
saidMrs。Morel。”NOTHINGisasbadasamarriagethat’s，ahopelessfailure。Minewasbadenough，Godknows，andought，toteachyousomething;butitmighthavebeenworsebyalongchalk。”
Heleanedwithhisbackagainstthesideofthechimney-piece，hishandsinhispockets。Hewasabig，raw-bonedman，wholooked，asifhewouldgototheworld’sendifhewantedto。Butshesaw，thedespaironhisface。
“Icouldn’tgiveherupnow，“hesaid。
“Well，“shesaid，“rememberthereareworsewrongsthanbreaking，offanengagement。”
“Ican’tgiveherupNOW，“hesaid。
Theclocktickedon;motherandsonremainedinsilence，aconflictbetweenthem;buthewouldsaynomore。Atlastshesaid：
“Well，gotobed，myson。You’llfeelbetterinthemorning，andperhapsyou’llknowbetter。”
Hekissedher，andwent。Sherakedthefire。Herheart，washeavynowasithadneverbeen。Before，withherhusband，thingshadseemedtobebreakingdowninher，buttheydidnot，destroyherpowertolive。Nowhersoulfeltlamedinitself。
Itwasherhopethatwasstruck。
AndsooftenWilliammanifestedthesamehatredtowards，hisbetrothed。Onthelasteveningathomehewasrailingagainsther。
“Well，“hesaid，“ifyoudon’tbelieveme，whatshe’slike，wouldyoubelieveshehasbeenconfirmedthreetimes？”
“Nonsense！”laughedMrs。Morel。
“Nonsenseornot，sheHAS！，That’swhatconfirmationmeans，forher——abitofatheatricalshowwhereshecancutafigure。”
“Ihaven’t，Mrs。Morel！”criedthegirl——“Ihaven’t！it，isnottrue！”
“What！”hecried，flashingroundonher。”OnceinBromley，onceinBeckenham，andoncesomewhereelse。”
“Nowhereelse！”shesaid，intears——“nowhereelse！”
“ItWAS！，Andifitwasn’twhywereyouconfirmedTWICE？”
“OnceIwasonlyfourteen，Mrs。Morel，“shepleaded，tearsinhereyes。
“Yes，“saidMrs。Morel;“Icanquiteunderstandit，child。Takeno，noticeofhim。Yououghttobeashamed，William，sayingsuchthings。”
“Butit’strue。She’sreligious——shehadbluevelvet，Prayer-Books——andshe’snotasmuchreligion，oranythingelse，inherthanthattable-leg。Getsconfirmedthreetimesforshow，toshowherselfoff，andthat’showsheisinEVERYTHING——
EVERYTHING！”
Thegirlsatonthesofa，crying。Shewasnotstrong。
“AsforLOVE！”hecried，“youmightaswellaskaflytoloveyou！
It’lllovesettlingonyou——“
“Now，saynomore，“commandedMrs。Morel。”Ifyouwant，tosaythesethings，youmustfindanotherplacethanthis。
Iamashamedofyou，William！，Whydon’tyoubemoremanly。
Todonothingbutfindfaultwithagirl，andthenpretendyou’re，engagedtoher！“
Mrs。Morelsubsidedinwrathandindignation。
Williamwassilent，andlaterherepented，kissedandcomforted，thegirl。Yetitwastrue，whathehadsaid。Hehatedher。
Whentheyweregoingaway，Mrs。Morelaccompaniedthemasfar，asNottingham。ItwasalongwaytoKestonstation。
“Youknow，mother，“hesaidtoher，“Gyp’sshallow。
Nothinggoesdeepwithher。”
“William，IWISHyouwouldn’tsaythesethings，“saidMrs。Morel，veryuncomfortableforthegirlwhowalkedbesideher。
“Butitdoesn’t，mother。She’sverymuchinlovewithmenow，butifIdiedshe’dhaveforgottenmeinthreemonths。”
Mrs。Morelwasafraid。Herheartbeatfuriously，hearingthe，quietbitternessofherson’slastspeech。
“Howdoyouknow？”shereplied。”YouDON’Tknow，andtherefore，you’venorighttosaysuchathing。”
“He’salwayssayingthesethings！”criedthegirl。
“InthreemonthsafterIwasburiedyou’dhavesomebodyelse，andIshouldbeforgotten，“hesaid。”Andthat’syourlove！”
Mrs。MorelsawthemintothetraininNottingham，thenshe，returnedhome。
“There’sonecomfort，“shesaidtoPaul——“he’llneverhaveany，moneytomarryon，thatIAMsureof。Andsoshe’llsavehimthatway。”
Soshetookcheer。Matterswerenotyetverydesperate。
ShefirmlybelievedWilliamwouldnevermarryhisGipsy。Shewaited，andshekeptPaulneartoher。
AllsummerlongWilliam’slettershadafeverishtone;heseemed，unnaturalandintense。Sometimeshewasexaggeratedlyjolly，usuallyhewasflatandbitterinhisletter。
“Ah，“hismothersaid，“I’mafraidhe’sruininghimself，againstthatcreature，whoisn’tworthyofhislove——no，nomore，thanaragdoll。”
Hewantedtocomehome。Themidsummerholidaywasgone;
itwasalongwhiletoChristmas。Hewroteinwildexcitement，sayinghecouldcomeforSaturdayandSundayatGooseFair，thefirst，weekinOctober。
“Youarenotwell，myboy，“saidhismother，whenshesawhim。
Shewasalmostintearsathavinghimtoherselfagain。
“No，I’venotbeenwell，“hesaid。”I’veseemedtohave，adraggingcoldallthelastmonth，butit’sgoing，Ithink。”
ItwassunnyOctoberweather。Heseemedwildwithjoy，likeaschoolboyescaped;thenagainhewassilentandreserved。
Hewasmoregauntthanever，andtherewasahaggardlookinhiseyes。
“Youaredoingtoomuch，“saidhismothertohim。
Hewasdoingextrawork，tryingtomakesomemoneytomarryon，hesaid。HeonlytalkedtohismotheronceontheSaturdaynight;
thenhewassadandtenderabouthisbeloved。
“Andyet，youknow，mother，forallthat，ifIdiedshe’dbe，broken-heartedfortwomonths，andthenshe’dstarttoforgetme。
You’dsee，she’dnevercomehomeheretolookatmygrave，notevenonce。”
“Why，William，“saidhismother，“you’renotgoingtodie，sowhytalkaboutit？”
“Butwhetherornot——“hereplied。
“Andshecan’thelpit。Sheislikethat，andifyouchoose，her——well，youcan’tgrumble，“saidhismother。
OntheSundaymorning，ashewasputtinghiscollaron：
“Look，“hesaidtohismother，holdinguphischin，“whata，rashmycollar’smadeundermychin！”
Justatthejunctionofchinandthroatwasabigredinflammation。
“Itoughtnottodothat，“saidhismother。”Here，putabit，ofthissoothingointmenton。Youshouldweardifferentcollars。”
HewentawayonSundaymidnight，seemingbetterandmoresolid，forhistwodaysathome。
OnTuesdaymorningcameatelegramfromLondonthathewasill。
Mrs。Morelgotoffherkneesfromwashingthefloor，readthetelegram，calledaneighbour，wenttoherlandladyandborrowedasovereign，putonherthings，andsetoff。ShehurriedtoKeston，caughtan，expressforLondoninNottingham。ShehadtowaitinNottingham，nearlyanhour。Asmallfigureinherblackbonnet，shewas，anxiouslyaskingtheportersiftheyknewhowtogettoElmersEnd。
Thejourneywasthreehours。Shesatinhercornerinakindofstupor，nevermoving。AtKing’sCrossstillnoonecouldtellherhow，togettoElmersEnd。Carryingherstringbag，thatcontained，hernightdress，acombandbrush，shewentfrompersontoperson。
AtlasttheysentherundergroundtoCannonStreet。
Itwassixo’clockwhenshearrivedatWilliam’slodging。
Theblindswerenotdown。
“Howishe？”sheasked。
“Nobetter，“saidthelandlady。
Shefollowedthewomanupstairs。Williamlayonthebed，withbloodshoteyes，hisfaceratherdiscoloured。Theclotheswere，tossedabout，therewasnofireintheroom，aglassofmilkstood，onthestandathisbedside。Noonehadbeenwithhim。
“Why，myson！”saidthemotherbravely。
Hedidnotanswer。Helookedather，butdidnotseeher。
Thenhebegantosay，inadullvoice，asifrepeatingaletter，fromdictation：，“Owingtoaleakageintheholdofthisvessel，thesugarhadset，andbecomeconvertedintorock。Itneededhacking——“
Hewasquiteunconscious。Ithadbeenhisbusinesstoexamine，somesuchcargoofsugarinthePortofLondon。
“Howlonghashebeenlikethis？”themotheraskedthelandlady。
“Hegothomeatsixo’clockonMondaymorning，andheseemed，tosleepallday;theninthenightweheardhimtalking，andthis，morningheaskedforyou。SoIwired，andwefetchedthedoctor。”
“Willyouhaveafiremade？”
Mrs。Moreltriedtosootheherson，tokeephimstill。
Thedoctorcame。Itwaspneumonia，and，hesaid，apeculiar，erysipelas，whichhadstartedunderthechinwherethecollarchafed，andwasspreadingovertheface。Hehopeditwouldnotgettothebrain。
Mrs。Morelsettleddowntonurse。SheprayedforWilliam，prayedthathewouldrecogniseher。Buttheyoungman’sfacegrew，morediscoloured。Inthenightshestruggledwithhim。Heraved，andraved，andwouldnotcometoconsciousness。Attwoo’clock，inadreadfulparoxysm，hedied。
Mrs。Morelsatperfectlystillforanhourinthelodgingbedroom;
thensherousedthehousehold。
Atsixo’clock，withtheaidofthecharwoman，shelaidhimout;
thenshewentroundthedrearyLondonvillagetotheregistrar，andthedoctor。
Atnineo’clocktothecottageonScargillStreetcame，anotherwire：
“Williamdiedlastnight。Letfathercome，bringmoney。”
Annie，Paul，andArthurwereathome;Mr。Morelwasgone，towork。Thethreechildrensaidnotaword。Anniebegantowhimper，withfear;Paulsetoffforhisfather。
Itwasabeautifulday。AtBrinsleypitthewhitesteammelted，slowlyinthesunshineofasoftbluesky;thewheelsoftheheadstocks，twinkledhighup;thescreen，shufflingitscoalintothetrucks，madeabusynoise。
“Iwantmyfather;he’sgottogotoLondon，“saidtheboy，tothefirstmanhemetonthebank。
“ThawantsWalterMorel？，Gointheeran’tellJoeWard。”
Paulwentintothelittletopoffice。
“Iwantmyfather;he’sgottogotoLondon。”
“Thyfeyther？，Ishedown？，What’shisname？”
“Mr。Morel。”
“What，Walter？，Isowtamiss？”
“He’sgottogotoLondon。”
Themanwenttothetelephoneandrangupthebottomoffice。
“WalterMorel’swanted，number42，Hard。Summat’samiss;
there’shisladhere。”
ThenheturnedroundtoPaul。
“He’llbeupinafewminutes，“hesaid。
Paulwanderedouttothepit-top。Hewatchedthechaircomeup，withitswagonofcoal。Thegreatironcagesankbackonitsrest，afullcarflewashauledoff，anemptytramrunontothechair，abellting’edsomewhere，thechairheaved，thendroppedlike，astone。
PauldidnotrealiseWilliamwasdead;itwasimpossible，withsuchabustlegoingon。Thepuller-offswungthesmalltruck，ontotheturn-table，anothermanranwithitalongthebankdown，thecurvinglines。
“AndWilliamisdead，andmymother’sinLondon，andwhatwill，shebedoing？”theboyaskedhimself，asifitwereaconundrum。
Hewatchedchairafterchaircomeup，andstillnofather。
Atlast，standingbesideawagon，aman’sform！thechairsankon，itsrests，Morelsteppedoff。Hewasslightlylamefromanaccident。
“Isitthee，Paul？，Is’eworse？”
“You’vegottogotoLondon。”
Thetwowalkedoffthepit-bank，wheremenwerewatchingcuriously。
Astheycameoutandwentalongtherailway，withthe，sunnyautumnfieldononesideandawalloftrucks，ontheother，Morelsaidinafrightenedvoice：
“’E’snivergone，child？”
“Yes。”
“Whenwor’t？”
“Lastnight。Wehadatelegramfrommymother。”
Morelwalkedonafewstrides，thenleanedupagainst，atruck-side，hishandoverhiseyes。Hewasnotcrying。
Paulstoodlookinground，waiting。Ontheweighing，machineatrucktrundledslowly。Paulsaweverything，excepthisfatherleaningagainstthetruckasifheweretired。
MorelhadonlyoncebeforebeentoLondon。Hesetoff，scaredandpeaked，tohelphiswife。ThatwasonTuesday。
Thechildrenwereleftaloneinthehouse。Paulwenttowork，Arthurwenttoschool，andAnniehadinafriendtobewithher。
OnSaturdaynight，asPaulwasturningthecorner，cominghome，fromKeston，hesawhismotherandfather，whohadcometoSethley，BridgeStation。Theywerewalkinginsilenceinthedark，tired，stragglingapart。Theboywaited。
“Mother！”hesaid，inthedarkness。
Mrs。Morel’ssmallfigureseemednottoobserve。Hespokeagain。
“Paul！”shesaid，uninterestedly。
Shelethimkissher，butsheseemedunawareofhim。
Inthehouseshewasthesame——small，white，andmute。
Shenoticednothing，shesaidnothing，only：
“Thecoffinwillbehereto-night，Walter。You’dbettersee，aboutsomehelp。”，Then，turningtothechildren：，“We’rebringing，himhome。”
Thensherelapsedintothesamemutelookingintospace，herhandsfoldedonherlap。Paul，lookingather，felthecould，notbreathe。Thehousewasdeadsilent。
“Iwenttowork，mother，“hesaidplaintively。
“Didyou？”sheanswered，dully。
AfterhalfanhourMorel，troubledandbewildered，cameinagain。
“Wheers’llweha’ehimwhenheDOEScome？”heaskedhiswife。
“Inthefront-room。”
“ThenI’dbettershiftth’table？”
“Yes。”
“An’ha’ehimacrossth’chairs？”
“Youknowthere——Yes，Isupposeso。”
MorelandPaulwent，withacandle，intotheparlour。
Therewasnogasthere。Thefatherunscrewedthetopofthebig，mahoganyovaltable，andclearedthemiddleoftheroom;thenhe，arrangedsixchairsoppositeeachother，sothatthecoffincould，standontheirbeds。
“Youniverseedsuchalengthasheis！”saidtheminer，andwatchinganxiouslyasheworked。
Paulwenttothebaywindowandlookedout。Theash-tree，stoodmonstrousandblackinfrontofthewidedarkness。
Itwasafaintlyluminousnight。Paulwentbacktohismother。
Atteno’clockMorelcalled：
“He’shere！”
Everyonestarted。Therewasanoiseofunbarringandunlocking，thefrontdoor，whichopenedstraightfromthenightintotheroom。
“Bringanothercandle，“calledMorel。
AnnieandArthurwent。Paulfollowedwithhismother。
Hestoodwithhisarmroundherwaistintheinnerdoorway。
Downthemiddleoftheclearedroomwaitedsixchairs，facetoface。
Inthewindow，againstthelacecurtains，Arthurhelduponecandle，andbytheopendoor，againstthenight，Anniestoodleaningforward，herbrasscandlestickglittering。
Therewasthenoiseofwheels。Outsideinthedarknessofthe，streetbelowPaulcouldseehorsesandablackvehicle，onelamp，andafewpalefaces;thensomemen，miners，allintheirshirt-sleeves，seemedtostruggleintheobscurity。Presentlytwomenappeared，bowedbeneathagreatweight。ItwasMorelandhisneighbour。
“Steady！”calledMorel，outofbreath。
Heandhisfellowmountedthesteepgardenstep，heavedinto，thecandlelightwiththeirgleamingcoffin-end。Limbsofothermen，wereseenstrugglingbehind。MorelandBurns，infront，staggered;
thegreatdarkweightswayed。
“Steady，steady！”criedMorel，asifinpain。
Allthesixbearerswereupinthesmallgarden，holdingthe，greatcoffinaloft。Therewerethreemorestepstothedoor。
Theyellowlampofthecarriageshonealone，downtheblackroad。
“Nowthen！”saidMorel。
Thecoffinswayed，themenbegantomountthethreesteps，withtheirload。Annie’scandleflickered，andshewhimpered，asthefirstmenappeared，andthelimbsandbowedheadsofsix，menstruggledtoclimbintotheroom，bearingthecoffinthatrode，likesorrowontheirlivingflesh。
“Oh，myson——myson！”Mrs。Morelsangsoftly，andeachtime，thecoffinswungtotheunequalclimbingofthemen：，“Oh，myson——my，son——myson！”
“Mother！”Paulwhimpered，hishandroundherwaist。
Shedidnothear。
“Oh，myson——myson！”sherepeated。
Paulsawdropsofsweatfallfromhisfather’sbrow。
Sixmenwereintheroom——sixcoatlessmen，withyielding，strugglinglimbs，fillingtheroomandknockingagainstthefurniture。
Thecoffinveered，andwasgentlyloweredontothechairs。
ThesweatfellfromMorel’sfaceonitsboards。
“Myword，he’saweight！”saidaman，andthefiveminerssighed，bowed，and，tremblingwiththestruggle，descendedthestepsagain，closingthedoorbehindthem。
Thefamilywasaloneintheparlourwiththegreatpolishedbox。
William，whenlaidout，wassixfeetfourincheslong。Likeamonument，laythebrightbrown，ponderouscoffin。Paulthoughtitwouldnever，begotoutoftheroomagain。Hismotherwasstrokingthepolishedwood。
TheyburiedhimontheMondayinthelittlecemeteryonthe，hillsidethatlooksoverthefieldsatthebigchurchandthehouses。
Itwassunny，andthewhitechrysanthemumsfrilledthemselves，inthewarmth。
Mrs。Morelcouldnotbepersuaded，afterthis，totalkand，takeheroldbrightinterestinlife。Sheremainedshutoff。
Allthewayhomeinthetrainshehadsaidtoherself：“Ifonlyit，couldhavebeenme！“
WhenPaulcamehomeatnighthefoundhismothersitting，herday’sworkdone，withhandsfoldedinherlapuponher，coarseapron。Shealwaysusedtohavechangedherdressandput，onablackapron，before。NowAnniesethissupper，andhismother，satlookingblanklyinfrontofher，hermouthshuttight。
Thenhebeathisbrainsfornewstotellher。
“Mother，MissJordanwasdownto-day，andshesaidmysketch，ofacollieryatworkwasbeautiful。”
ButMrs。Moreltooknonotice。Nightafternightheforced，himselftotellherthings，althoughshedidnotlisten。Itdrove，himalmostinsanetohaveherthus。Atlast：
“What’sa-matter，mother？”heasked。
Shedidnothear。
“What’sa-matter？”hepersisted。”Mother，what’sa-matter？”
“Youknowwhat’sthematter，“shesaidirritably，turningaway。
Thelad——hewassixteenyearsold——wenttobeddrearily。
HewascutoffandwretchedthroughOctober，NovemberandDecember。
Hismothertried，butshecouldnotrouseherself。Shecouldonly，broodonherdeadson;hehadbeenlettodiesocruelly。
Atlast，onDecember23，withhisfiveshillingsChristmas-box，inhispocket，Paulwanderedblindlyhome。Hismotherlookedathim，andherheartstoodstill。
“What’sthematter？”sheasked。
“I’mbadly，mother！”hereplied。”Mr。Jordangavemefive，shillingsforaChristmas-box！”
Hehandedittoherwithtremblinghands。Sheputitonthetable。
“Youaren’tglad！”hereproachedher;buthetrembledviolently。
“Wherehurtsyou？”shesaid，unbuttoninghisovercoat。
Itwastheoldquestion。
“Ifeelbadly，mother。”
Sheundressedhimandputhimtobed。Hehadpneumoniadangerously，thedoctorsaid。
“MightheneverhavehaditifI’dkepthimathome，notlet，himgotoNottingham？”wasoneofthefirstthingssheasked。
“Hemightnothavebeensobad，“saidthedoctor。
Mrs。Morelstoodcondemnedonherownground。
“Ishouldhavewatchedtheliving，notthedead，“shetoldherself。
Paulwasveryill。Hismotherlayinbedatnightswithhim;
theycouldnotaffordanurse。Hegrewworse，andthecrisisapproached。
Onenighthetossedintoconsciousnessintheghastly，sicklyfeeling，ofdissolution，whenallthecellsinthebodyseeminintense，irritabilitytobebreakingdown，andconsciousnessmakesalast，flareofstruggle，likemadness。
“Is’lldie，mother！”becried，heavingforbreathonthepillow。
Sheliftedhimup，cryinginasmallvoice：
“Oh，myson——myson！”
Thatbroughthimto。Herealisedher。Hiswholewillrose，upandarrestedhim。Heputhisheadonherbreast，andtookease，ofherforlove。
“Forsomethings，“saidhisaunt，“itwasagoodthingPaul，wasillthatChristmas。Ibelieveitsavedhismother。”
Paulwasinbedforsevenweeks。Hegotupwhiteandfragile。
Hisfatherhadboughthimapotofscarletandgoldtulips。
TheyusedtoflameinthewindowintheMarchsunshineashesat，onthesofachatteringtohismother。Thetwoknittedtogetherin，perfectintimacy。Mrs。Morel’slifenowrooteditselfinPaul。
Williamhadbeenaprophet。Mrs。Morelhadalittlepresent，andaletterfromLilyatChristmas。Mrs。Morel’ssisterhad，aletterattheNewYear。
“Iwasataballlastnight。Somedelightfulpeoplewerethere，andIenjoyedmyselfthoroughly，“saidtheletter。”Ihadevery，dance——didnotsitoutone。”
Mrs。Morelneverheardanymoreofher。
Morelandhiswifeweregentlewitheachotherforsometime，afterthedeathoftheirson。Hewouldgointoakindofdaze，staringwide-eyedandblankacrosstheroom。Thenhegotupsuddenly，andhurriedouttotheThreeSpots，returninginhisnormalstate。
ButneverinhislifewouldhegoforawalkupShepstone，pasttheofficewherehissonhadworked，andhealwaysavoided，thecemetery。
PARTTWO
CHAPTERVII
LAD-AND-GIRLLOVE
PAULhadbeenmanytimesuptoWilleyFarmduringtheautumn。
Hewasfriendswiththetwoyoungestboys。Edgartheeldest，wouldnot，condescendatfirst。AndMiriamalsorefusedtobeapproached。
Shewasafraidofbeingsetatnought，asbyherownbrothers。
Thegirlwasromanticinhersoul。EverywherewasaWalterScott，heroinebeinglovedbymenwithhelmetsorwithplumesintheircaps。
Sheherselfwassomethingofaprincessturnedintoaswine-girl，inherownimagination。Andshewasafraidlestthisboy，who，nevertheless，lookedsomethinglikeaWalterScotthero，whocouldpaintandspeakFrench，andknewwhatalgebrameant，andwhowentbytraintoNottinghameveryday，mightconsiderher，simplyastheswine-girl，unabletoperceivetheprincessbeneath;
sosheheldaloof。
Hergreatcompanionwashermother。Theywerebothbrown-eyed，andinclinedtobemystical，suchwomenastreasurereligion，insidethem，breatheitintheirnostrils，andseethewholeoflife，inamistthereof。SotoMiriam，ChristandGodmadeonegreatfigure，whichshelovedtremblinglyandpassionatelywhenatremendoussunset，burnedoutthewesternsky，andEdiths，andLucys，andRowenas，Briande，BoisGuilberts，RobRoys，andGuyMannerings，rustledthesunnyleaves，inthemorning，orsatinherbedroomaloft，alone，whenitsnowed。
Thatwaslifetoher。Fortherest，shedrudgedinthehouse，whichworkshewouldnothavemindedhadnothercleanredfloorbeen，muckedupimmediatelybythetramplingfarm-bootsofherbrothers。
Shemadlywantedherlittlebrotheroffourtoletherswathe，himandstiflehiminherlove;shewenttochurchreverently，withbowedhead，andquiveredinanguishfromthevulgarityofthe，otherchoir-girlsandfromthecommon-soundingvoiceofthecurate;
shefoughtwithherbrothers，whomsheconsideredbrutallouts;
andsheheldnotherfatherintoohighesteembecausehedidnot，carryanymysticalidealscherishedinhisheart，butonlywanted，tohaveaseasyatimeashecould，andhismealswhenhewasready，forthem。
Shehatedherpositionasswine-girl。Shewantedtobeconsidered。
Shewantedtolearn，thinkingthatifshecouldread，asPaulsaid，hecouldread，“Colomba“orthe“VoyageautourdemaChambre“the，worldwouldhaveadifferentfaceforherandadeepenedrespect。
Shecouldnotbeprincessbywealthorstanding。Soshewasmad，tohavelearningwhereontoprideherself。Forshewasdifferent，fromotherfolk，andmustnotbescoopedupamongthecommonfry。
Learningwastheonlydistinctiontowhichshethoughttoaspire。
Herbeauty——thatofashy，wild，quiveringlysensitive，thing——seemednothingtoher。Evenhersoul，sostrongforrhapsody，wasnotenough。Shemusthavesomethingtoreinforceherpride，becauseshefeltdifferentfromotherpeople。Paulsheeyed，ratherwistfully。Onthewhole，shescornedthemalesex。
Butherewasanewspecimen，quick，light，graceful，whocould，begentleandwhocouldbesad，andwhowasclever，andwhoknew，alot，andwhohadadeathinthefamily。Theboy’spoor，morseloflearningexaltedhimalmostsky-highinheresteem。
Yetshetriedhardtoscornhim，becausehewouldnotseeinher，theprincessbutonlytheswine-girl。Andhescarcelyobservedher。
Thenhewassoill，andshefelthewouldbeweak。Thenshe，wouldbestrongerthanhe。Thenshecouldlovehim。Ifshecould，bemistressofhiminhisweakness，takecareofhim，ifhecould，dependonher，ifshecould，asitwere，havehiminherarms，howshewouldlovehim！
Assoonastheskiesbrightenedandplum-blossomwasout，Pauldroveoffinthemilkman’sheavyfloatuptoWilleyFarm。
Mr。Leiversshoutedinakindlyfashionattheboy，thenclicked，tothehorseastheyclimbedthehillslowly，inthefreshness，ofthemorning。Whitecloudswentontheirway，crowdingtothe，backofthehillsthatwererousinginthespringtime。Thewater，ofNethermerelaybelow，veryblueagainstthesearedmeadowsand，thethorn-trees。
Itwasfourandahalfmiles’drive。Tinybudsonthehedges，vividascopper-green，wereopeningintorosettes;andthrushescalled，andblackbirdsshriekedandscolded。Itwasanew，glamorousworld。
Miriam，peepingthroughthekitchenwindow，sawthehorsewalk，throughthebigwhitegateintothefarmyardthatwasbackedbythe，oak-wood，stillbare。Thenayouthinaheavyovercoatclimbeddown。
Heputuphishandsforthewhipandtherugthatthegood-looking，ruddyfarmerhandeddowntohim。
Miriamappearedinthedoorway。Shewasnearlysixteen，verybeautiful，withherwarmcolouring，hergravity，hereyes，dilatingsuddenlylikeanecstasy。
“Isay，“saidPaul，turningshylyaside，“yourdaffodils，arenearlyout。Isn’titearly？，Butdon’ttheylookcold？”
“Cold！”saidMiriam，inhermusical，caressingvoice。
“Thegreenontheirbuds——“andhefalteredintosilencetimidly。
“Letmetaketherug，“saidMiriamover-gently。
“Icancarryit，“heanswered，ratherinjured。Butheyielded，ittoher。
ThenMrs。Leiversappeared。
“I’msureyou’retiredandcold，“shesaid。”Letmetake，yourcoat。ItISheavy。Youmustn’twalkfarinit。”
Shehelpedhimoffwithhiscoat。Hewasquiteunused，tosuchattention。Shewasalmostsmotheredunderitsweight。
“Why，mother，“laughedthefarmerashepassedthroughthekitchen，swingingthegreatmilk-churns，“you’vegotalmostmorethanyou，canmanagethere。”
Shebeatupthesofacushionsfortheyouth。
Thekitchenwasverysmallandirregular。Thefarmhadbeen，originallyalabourer’scottage。Andthefurniturewasoldandbattered。
ButPaullovedit——lovedthesack-bagthatformedthehearthrug，andthefunnylittlecornerunderthestairs，andthesmallwindow，deepinthecorner，throughwhich，bendingalittle，becouldsee，theplumtreesinthebackgardenandthelovelyroundhillsbeyond。
“Won’tyouliedown？”saidMrs。Leivers。
“Ohno;I’mnottired，“hesaid。”Isn’titlovelycomingout，don’tyouthink？，Isawasloe-bushinblossomandalotofcelandines。
I’mgladit’ssunny。”
“CanIgiveyouanythingtoeatortodrink？”
“No，thankyou。”
“How’syourmother？”
“Ithinkshe’stirednow。Ithinkshe’shadtoomuchtodo。
Perhapsinalittlewhileshe’llgotoSkegnesswithme。Thenshe’ll，beabletorest。Is’llbegladifshecan。”
“Yes，“repliedMrs。Leivers。”It’sawondersheisn’t，illherself。”
Miriamwasmovingaboutpreparingdinner。Paulwatched，everythingthathappened。Hisfacewaspaleandthin，buthiseyes，werequickandbrightwithlifeasever。Hewatchedthestrange，almostrhapsodicwayinwhichthegirlmovedabout，carryingagreat，stew-jartotheoven，orlookinginthesaucepan。Theatmosphere，wasdifferentfromthatofhisownhome，whereeverythingseemed，soordinary。WhenMr。Leiverscalledloudlyoutsidetothehorse，thatwasreachingovertofeedontherose-bushesinthegarden，thegirlstarted，lookedroundwithdarkeyes，asifsomethinghad，comebreakinginonherworld。Therewasasenseofsilenceinside，thehouseandout。Miriamseemedasinsomedreamytale，amaiden，inbondage，herspiritdreaminginalandfarawayandmagical。
Andherdiscoloured，oldbluefrockandherbrokenbootsseemed，onlyliketheromanticragsofKingCophetua’sbeggar-maid。
Shesuddenlybecameawareofhiskeenblueeyesuponher，takingherallin。Instantlyherbrokenbootsandherfrayedold，frockhurther。Sheresentedhisseeingeverything。Evenheknew，thatherstockingwasnotpulledup。Shewentintothescullery，blushingdeeply。Andafterwardsherhandstrembledslightlyat，herwork。Shenearlydroppedallshehandled。Whenherinside，dreamwasshaken，herbodyquiveredwithtrepidation。Sheresented，thathesawsomuch。
Mrs。Leiverssatforsometimetalkingtotheboy，althoughshe，wasneededatherwork。Shewastoopolitetoleavehim。
Presentlysheexcusedherselfandrose。Afterawhileshelooked，intothetinsaucepan。
“OhDEAR，Miriam，“shecried，“thesepotatoeshaveboileddry！”
Miriamstartedasifshehadbeenstung。
“HAVEthey，mother？”shecried。
“Ishouldn’tcare，Miriam，“saidthemother，“ifIhadn’t，trustedthemtoyou。”，Shepeeredintothepan。
Thegirlstiffenedasiffromablow。Herdarkeyesdilated;
sheremainedstandinginthesamespot。
“Well，“sheanswered，grippedtightinself-consciousshame，“I’msureIlookedatthemfiveminutessince。”
“Yes，“saidthemother，“Iknowit’seasilydone。”
“They’renotmuchburned，“saidPaul。”Itdoesn’tmatter，doesit？”
Mrs。Leiverslookedattheyouthwithherbrown，hurteyes。
“Itwouldn’tmatterbutfortheboys，“shesaidtohim。
“OnlyMiriamknowswhatatroubletheymakeifthepotatoesare，’caught’。”
“Then，“thoughtPaultohimself，“youshouldn’tletthemmake，atrouble。”
AfterawhileEdgarcamein。Heworeleggings，andhisboots，werecoveredwithearth。Hewasrathersmall，ratherformal，forafarmer。HeglancedatPaul，noddedtohimdistantly，andsaid：
“Dinnerready？”
“Nearly，Edgar，“repliedthemotherapologetically。
“I’mreadyformine，“saidtheyoungman，takingupthenewspaper，andreading。Presentlytherestofthefamilytroopedin。
Dinnerwasserved。Themealwentratherbrutally。Theover-gentleness，andapologetictoneofthemotherbroughtoutallthebrutality，ofmannersinthesons。Edgartastedthepotatoes，movedhismouth，quicklylikearabbit，lookedindignantlyathismother，andsaid：
“Thesepotatoesareburnt，mother。”
“Yes，Edgar。Iforgotthemforaminute。Perhapsyou’ll，havebreadifyoucan’teatthem。”
EdgarlookedinangeracrossatMiriam。
“WhatwasMiriamdoingthatshecouldn’tattendtothem？”
hesaid。
Miriamlookedup。Hermouthopened，herdarkeyesblazed，andwinced，butshesaidnothing。Sheswallowedheranger，andhershame，bowingherdarkhead。
“I’msureshewastryinghard，“saidthemother。
“Shehasn’tgotsenseeventoboilthepotatoes，“saidEdgar。
“Whatisshekeptathomefor？”
“On’yforeatingeverythingthat’sleftinth’pantry，“saidMaurice。
“Theydon’tforgetthatpotato-pieagainstourMiriam，“
laughedthefather。
Shewasutterlyhumiliated。Themothersatinsilence，suffering，likesomesaintoutofplaceatthebrutalboard。
ItpuzzledPaul。Hewonderedvaguelywhyallthisintensefeeling，wentrunningbecauseofafewburntpotatoes。Themotherexalted，everything——evenabitofhousework——totheplaneofareligioustrust。
Thesonsresentedthis;theyfeltthemselvescutawayunderneath，and，theyansweredwithbrutalityandalsowithasneeringsuperciliousness。
Paulwasjustopeningoutfromchildhoodintomanhood。
Thisatmosphere，whereeverythingtookareligiousvalue，camewith，asubtlefascinationtohim。Therewassomethingintheair。
Hisownmotherwaslogical。Heretherewassomethingdifferent，somethingheloved，somethingthatattimeshehated。
Miriamquarrelledwithherbrothersfiercely。Laterin，theafternoon，whentheyhadgoneawayagain，hermothersaid：
“Youdisappointedmeatdinner-time，Miriam。”
Thegirldroppedherhead。
“TheyaresuchBRUTES！”shesuddenlycried，lookingup，withflashingeyes。
“Buthadn’tyoupromisednottoanswerthem？”saidthemother。
“AndIbelievedinyou。ICAN’Tstanditwhenyouwrangle。”
“Butthey’resohateful！”criedMiriam，“and——andLOW。”
“Yes，dear。ButhowoftenhaveIaskedyounottoanswer，Edgarback？，Can’tyoulethimsaywhathelikes？”
“Butwhyshouldhesaywhathelikes？”
“Aren’tyoustrongenoughtobearit，Miriam，ifevenformysake？
Areyousoweakthatyoumustwranglewiththem？”
Mrs。Leiversstuckunflinchinglytothisdoctrineof“theother，cheek“。Shecouldnotinstilitatallintotheboys。Withthe，girlsshesucceededbetter，andMiriamwasthechildofherheart。
Theboysloathedtheothercheekwhenitwaspresentedtothem。
Miriamwasoftensufficientlyloftytoturnit。Thentheyspat，onherandhatedher。Butshewalkedinherproudhumility，livingwithinherself。
Therewasalwaysthisfeelingofjangleanddiscordinthe，Leiversfamily。Althoughtheboysresentedsobitterlythiseternal，appealtotheirdeeperfeelingsofresignationandproudhumility，yetithaditseffectonthem。Theycouldnotestablishbetweenthemselves，andanoutsiderjusttheordinaryhumanfeelingandunexaggerated，friendship;theywerealwaysrestlessforthesomethingdeeper。
Ordinaryfolkseemedshallowtothem，trivialandinconsiderable。
Andsotheywereunaccustomed，painfullyuncouthinthesimplest，socialintercourse，suffering，andyetinsolentintheirsuperiority。
Thenbeneathwastheyearningforthesoul-intimacytowhichtheycould，notattainbecausetheyweretoodumb，andeveryapproachtoclose，connectionwasblockedbytheirclumsycontemptofotherpeople。
Theywantedgenuineintimacy，buttheycouldnotgetevennormally，neartoanyone，becausetheyscornedtotakethefirststeps，theyscornedthetrivialitywhichformscommonhumanintercourse。
PaulfellunderMrs。Leivers’sspell。Everythinghad，areligiousandintensifiedmeaningwhenhewaswithher。
Hissoul，hurt，highlydeveloped，soughtherasiffornourishment。
Togethertheyseemedtosiftthevitalfactfromanexperience。
Miriamwashermother’sdaughter。Inthesunshineofthe，afternoonmotheranddaughterwentdownthefieldswithhim。
Theylookedfornests。Therewasajennywren’sinthehedge，bytheorchard。
“IDOwantyoutoseethis，“saidMrs。Leivers。
Hecroucheddownandcarefullyputhisfingerthroughthe，thornsintotherounddoorofthenest。
“It’salmostasifyouwerefeelinginsidethelivebody，ofthebird，“hesaid，“it’ssowarm。Theysayabirdmakes，itsnestroundlikeacupwithpressingitsbreastonit。
Thenhowdiditmaketheceilinground，Iwonder？”
Thenestseemedtostartintolifeforthetwowomen。
Afterthat，Miriamcametoseeiteveryday。Itseemedsoclose，toher。Again，goingdownthehedgesidewiththegirl，henoticed，thecelandines，scallopedsplashesofgold，onthesideoftheditch。
“Ilikethem，“hesaid，“whentheirpetalsgoflatbackwith，thesunshine。Theyseemedtobepressingthemselvesatthesun。”
Andthenthecelandineseverafterdrewherwithalittlespell。
Anthropomorphicasshewas，shestimulatedhimintoappreciating，thingsthus，andthentheylivedforher。Sheseemedtoneedthings，kindlinginherimaginationorinhersoulbeforeshefeltshe，hadthem。Andshewascutofffromordinarylifebyherreligious，intensitywhichmadetheworldforhereitheranunnerygarden，oraparadise，wheresinandknowledgewerenot，orelseanugly，cruelthing。
Soitwasinthisatmosphereofsubtleintimacy，thismeeting，intheircommonfeelingforsomethinginNature，thattheirlovestarted。
Personally，hewasalongtimebeforeherealizedher。
Fortenmonthshehadtostayathomeafterhisillness。Fora，whilehewenttoSkegnesswithhismother，andwasperfectlyhappy。
ButevenfromtheseasidehewrotelongletterstoMrs。Leivers，abouttheshoreandthesea。Andhebroughtbackhisbeloved，sketchesoftheflatLincolncoast，anxiousforthemtosee。
AlmosttheywouldinteresttheLeiversmorethantheyinterested，hismother。ItwasnothisartMrs。Morelcaredabout;itwashimself，andhisachievement。ButMrs。Leiversandherchildrenwerealmost，hisdisciples。Theykindledhimandmadehimglowtohiswork，whereashismother’sinfluencewastomakehimquietlydetermined，patient，dogged，unwearied。
Hesoonwasfriendswiththeboys，whoserudenesswas，onlysuperficial。Theyhadall，whentheycouldtrustthemselves，astrangegentlenessandlovableness。
“Willyoucomewithmeontothefallow？”askedEdgar，ratherhesitatingly。
Paulwentjoyfully，andspenttheafternoonhelpingtohoeorto，singleturnipswithhisfriend。Heusedtoliewiththethreebrothers，inthehaypiledupinthebarnandtellthemaboutNottinghamand，aboutJordan’s。Inreturn，theytaughthimtomilk，andlethimdo，littlejobs——choppinghayorpulpingturnips——justasmuchasheliked。
Atmidsummerheworkedallthroughhay-harvestwiththem，andthen，helovedthem。Thefamilywassocutofffromtheworldactually。
Theyseemed，somehow，like“lesderniersfilsd’uneraceepuisee“。
Thoughtheladswerestrongandhealthy，yettheyhadallthat，over-sensitivenessandhanging-backwhichmadethemsolonely，yetalsosuchclose，delicatefriendsoncetheirintimacywaswon。
Paullovedthemdearly，andtheyhim。
Miriamcamelater。Buthehadcomeintoherlifebeforeshe，madeanymarkonhis。Onedullafternoon，whenthemenwereon，thelandandtherestatschool，onlyMiriamandhermother，athome，thegirlsaidtohim，afterhavinghesitatedforsometime：
“Haveyouseentheswing？”
“No，“heanswered。”Where？”
“Inthecowshed，“shereplied。
Shealwayshesitatedtoofferortoshowhimanything。
Menhavesuchdifferentstandardsofworthfromwomen，andherdear，things——thevaluablethingstoher——herbrothershadsooftenmocked，orflouted。
“Comeon，then，“hereplied，jumpingup。
Thereweretwocowsheds，oneoneithersideofthebarn。
Inthelower，darkershedtherewasstandingforfourcows。
Hensflewscoldingoverthemanger-wallastheyouthandgirlwent，forwardforthegreatthickropewhichhungfromthebeaminthe，darknessoverhead，andwaspushedbackoverapeginthewall。
“It’ssomethinglikearope！”heexclaimedappreciatively;
andhesatdownonit，anxioustotryit。Thenimmediatelyherose。
“Comeon，then，andhavefirstgo，“hesaidtothegirl。
“See，“sheanswered，goingintothebarn，“weputsomebags，ontheseat“;andshemadetheswingcomfortableforhim。
Thatgaveherpleasure。Heheldtherope。
“Comeon，then，“hesaidtoher。
“No，Iwon’tgofirst，“sheanswered。
Shestoodasideinherstill，alooffashion。
“Why？”
“Yougo，“shepleaded。
Almostforthefirsttimeinherlifeshehadthepleasure，ofgivinguptoaman，ofspoilinghim。Paullookedather。
“Allright，“hesaid，sittingdown。”Mindout！”
Hesetoffwithaspring，andinamomentwasflyingthrough，theair，almostoutofthedooroftheshed，theupperhalfofwhich，wasopen，showingoutsidethedrizzlingrain，thefilthyyard，thecattlestandingdisconsolateagainsttheblackcartshed，andat，thebackofallthegrey-greenwallofthewood。Shestoodbelow，inhercrimsontam-o’-shanterandwatched。Helookeddownather，andshesawhisblueeyessparkling。
“It’satreatofaswing，“hesaid。
“Yes。”
Hewasswingingthroughtheair，everybitofhimswinging，likeabirdthatswoopsforjoyofmovement。Andhelookeddown，ather。Hercrimsoncaphungoverherdarkcurls，herbeautiful，warmface，sostillinakindofbrooding，wasliftedtowardshim。
Itwasdarkandrathercoldintheshed。Suddenlyaswallowcame，downfromthehighroofanddartedoutofthedoor。
“Ididn’tknowabirdwaswatching，“hecalled。
Heswungnegligently。Shecouldfeelhimfallingandlifting，throughtheair，asifhewerelyingonsomeforce。
“NowI’lldie，“hesaid，inadetached，dreamyvoice，asthough，hewerethedyingmotionoftheswing。Shewatchedhim，fascinated。
Suddenlyheputonthebrakeandjumpedout。
“I’vehadalongturn，“hesaid。”Butit’satreat，ofaswing——it’sarealtreatofaswing！”
Miriamwasamusedthathetookaswingsoseriouslyandfelt，sowarmlyoverit。
“No;yougoon，“shesaid。
“Why，don’tyouwantone？”heasked，astonished。
“Well，notmuch。I’llhavejustalittle。”
Shesatdown，whilsthekeptthebagsinplaceforher。
“It’ssoripping！”hesaid，settingherinmotion。”Keepyour，heelsup，orthey’llbangthemangerwall。”
Shefelttheaccuracywithwhichhecaughther，exactlyatthe，rightmoment，andtheexactlyproportionatestrengthofhisthrust，andshewasafraid。Downtoherbowelswentthehotwaveoffear。
Shewasinhishands。Again，firmandinevitablecamethethrustat，therightmoment。Shegrippedtherope，almostswooning。
“Ha！”shelaughedinfear。”Nohigher！”
“Butyou’renotaBIThigh，“heremonstrated。
“Butnohigher。”
Heheardthefearinhervoice，anddesisted。Herheartmelted，inhotpainwhenthemomentcameforhimtothrustherforwardagain。
Butheleftheralone。Shebegantobreathe。
“Won’tyoureallygoanyfarther？”heasked。”ShouldIkeep，youthere？”
“No;letmegobymyself，“sheanswered。
Hemovedasideandwatchedher。
“Why，you’rescarcelymoving，“hesaid。
Shelaughedslightlywithshame，andinamomentgotdown。
“Theysayifyoucanswingyouwon’tbesea-sick，“hesaid，ashemountedagain。”Idon’tbelieveIshouldeverbesea-sick。”
Awayhewent。Therewassomethingfascinatingtoherinhim。
Forthemomenthewasnothingbutapieceofswingingstuff;
notaparticleofhimthatdidnotswing。Shecouldneverlose，herselfso，norcouldherbrothers。Itrousedawarmthinher。
Itwasalmostasifhewereaflamethathadlitawarmthinher，whilstheswunginthemiddleair。
Andgraduallytheintimacywiththefamilyconcentrated，forPaulonthreepersons——themother，Edgar，andMiriam。
Tothemotherhewentforthatsympathyandthatappealwhichseemed，todrawhimout。Edgarwashisveryclosefriend。AndtoMiriam，hemoreorlesscondescended，becausesheseemedsohumble。
Butthegirlgraduallysoughthimout。Ifhebroughtuphis，sketch-book，itwasshewhoponderedlongestoverthelastpicture。
Thenshewouldlookupathim。Suddenly，herdarkeyesalightlike，waterthatshakeswithastreamofgoldinthedark，shewouldask：
“WhydoIlikethisso？”
Alwayssomethinginhisbreastshrankfromtheseclose，intimate，dazzledlooksofhers。
“WhyDOyou？”heasked。
“Idon’tknow。Itseemssotrue。”
“It’sbecause——it’sbecausethereisscarcelyanyshadowinit;
it’smoreshimmery，asifI’dpaintedtheshimmeringprotoplasm，intheleavesandeverywhere，andnotthestiffnessoftheshape。
Thatseemsdeadtome。Onlythisshimmerinessistherealliving。
Theshapeisadeadcrust。Theshimmerisinsidereally。”
Andshe，withherlittlefingerinhermouth，wouldponder，thesesayings。Theygaveherafeelingoflifeagain，andvivified，thingswhichhadmeantnothingtoher。Shemanagedtofindsome，meaninginhisstruggling，abstractspeeches。Andtheywere，themediumthroughwhichshecamedistinctlyatherbelovedobjects。
Anotherdayshesatatsunsetwhilsthewaspaintingsome，pine-treeswhichcaughttheredglarefromthewest。Hehadbeenquiet。
“Thereyouare！”hesaidsuddenly。”Iwantedthat。Now，lookat，themandtellme，aretheypinetrunksoraretheyredcoals，standing-uppiecesoffireinthatdarkness？，There’sGod’sburning，bushforyou，thatburnednotaway。”
Miriamlooked，andwasfrightened。Butthepinetrunkswere，wonderfultoher，anddistinct。Hepackedhisboxandrose。
Suddenlyhelookedather。
“Whyareyoualwayssad？”heaskedher。
“Sad！”sheexclaimed，lookingupathimwithstartled，wonderfulbrowneyes。
“Yes，“hereplied。”Youarealwayssad。”
“Iamnot——oh，notabit！”shecried。
“Butevenyourjoyislikeaflamecomingoffofsadness，“
hepersisted。”You’reneverjolly，orevenjustallright。”
“No，“shepondered。”Iwonder——why？”
“Becauseyou’renot;becauseyou’redifferentinside，likeapine-tree，andthenyouflareup;butyou’renotjust，likeanordinarytree，withfidgetyleavesandjolly——“
Hegottangledupinhisownspeech;butshebroodedonit，andhehadastrange，rousedsensation，asifhisfeelingswerenew。
Shegotsonearhim。Itwasastrangestimulant。
Thensometimeshehatedher。Heryoungestbrotherwasonlyfive。
Hewasafraillad，withimmensebrowneyesinhisquaintfragile，face——oneofReynolds’s“ChoirofAngels“withatouchofelf。
OftenMiriamkneeledtothechildanddrewhimtoher。
“Eh，myHubert！”shesang，inavoiceheavyandsurcharged，withlove。”Eh，myHubert！”
And，foldinghiminherarms，sheswayedslightlyfromside，tosidewithlove，herfacehalflifted，hereyeshalfclosed，hervoicedrenchedwithlove。
“Don’t！”saidthechild，uneasy——“don’t，Miriam！”
“Yes;youloveme，don’tyou？”shemurmureddeepinherthroat，almostasifshewereinatrance，andswayingalsoasifshewere，swoonedinanecstasyoflove。
“Don’t！”repeatedthechild，afrownonhisclearbrow。
“Youloveme，don’tyou？”shemurmured。
“WhatdoyoumakesuchaFUSSfor？”criedPaul，allinsuffering，becauseofherextremeemotion。”Whycan’tyoubeordinarywithhim？”
Sheletthechildgo，androse，andsaidnothing。Herintensity，whichwouldleavenoemotiononanormalplane，irritatedtheyouth，intoafrenzy。Andthisfearful，nakedcontactofheronsmall，occasionsshockedhim。Hewasusedtohismother’sreserve。
Andonsuchoccasionshewasthankfulinhisheartandsoulthathe，hadhismother，sosaneandwholesome。
AllthelifeofMiriam’sbodywasinhereyes，whichwereusually，darkasadarkchurch，butcouldflamewithlightlikeaconflagration。
Herfacescarcelyeveralteredfromitslookofbrooding。
ShemighthavebeenoneofthewomenwhowentwithMarywhenJesus，wasdead。Herbodywasnotflexibleandliving。Shewalked，withaswing，ratherheavily，herheadbowedforward，pondering。
