\'Letmethink，ma\'am，\'saidthedoctor；\'letmethink。\'
Mr。Losbernethrusthishandsintohispockets，andtookseveralturnsupanddowntheroom；oftenstopping，andbalancinghimselfonhistoes，andfrowningfrightfully。Aftervariousexclamationsof\'I\'vegotitnow\'and\'no，Ihaven\'t，\'andasmanyrenewalsofthewalkingandfrowning，heatlengthmadeadeadhalt，andspokeasfollows:
\'IthinkifyougivemeafullandunlimitedcommissiontobullyGiles，andthatlittleboy，Brittles，Icanmanageit。Gilesisafaithfulfellowandanoldservant，Iknow；butyoucanmakeituptohiminathousandways，andrewardhimforbeingsuchagoodshotbesides。Youdon\'tobjecttothat?\'
\'Unlessthereissomeotherwayofpreservingthechild，\'repliedMrs。Maylie。
\'Thereisnoother，\'saidthedoctor。\'Noother，takemywordforit。\'
\'Thenmyauntinvestsyouwithfullpower，\'saidRose，smilingthroughhertears；\'butpraydon\'tbeharderuponthepoorfellowsthanisindispensablynecessary。\'
\'Youseemtothink，\'retortedthedoctor，\'thateverybodyisdisposedtobehard-heartedto-day，exceptyourself，MissRose。
Ionlyhope，forthesakeoftherisingmalesexgenerally，thatyoumaybefoundinasvulnerableandsoft-heartedamoodbythefirsteligibleyoungfellowwhoappealstoyourcompassion；andI
wishIwereayoungfellow，thatImightavailmyself，onthespot，ofsuchafavourableopportunityfordoingso，asthepresent。\'
\'YouareasgreataboyaspoorBrittleshimself，\'returnedRose，blushing。
\'Well，\'saidthedoctor，laughingheartily，\'thatisnoverydifficultmatter。Buttoreturntothisboy。Thegreatpointofouragreementisyettocome。Hewillwakeinanhourorso，I
daresay；andalthoughIhavetoldthatthick-headedconstable-fellowdownstairsthathemusn\'tbemovedorspokento，onperilofhislife，Ithinkwemayconversewithhimwithoutdanger。NowImakethisstipulation——thatIshallexaminehiminyourpresence，andthat，if，fromwhathesays，wejudge，andI
canshowtothesatisfactionofyourcoolreason，thatheisarealandthoroughbadonewhichismorethanpossible，heshallbelefttohisfate，withoutanyfartherinterferenceonmypart，atallevents。\'
\'Ohno，aunt！\'entreatedRose。
\'Ohyes，aunt！\'saidthedoctor。\'Isisabargain?；
\'Hecannotbehardenedinvice，\'saidRose；\'Itisimpossible。\'
\'Verygood，\'retortedthedoctor；\'thensomuchthemorereasonforaccedingtomyproposition。\'
Finallythetreatywasenteredinto；andthepartiesthereuntosatdowntowait，withsomeimpatience，untilOlivershouldawake。
ThepatienceofthetwoladieswasdestinedtoundergoalongertrialthanMr。Losbernehadledthemtoexpect；forhourafterhourpassedon，andstillOliverslumberedheavily。Itwasevening，indeed，beforethekind-hearteddoctorbroughtthemtheintelligence，thathewasatlengthsufficientlyrestoredtobespokento。Theboywasveryill，hesaid，andweakfromthelossofblood；buthismindwassotroubledwithanxietytodisclosesomething，thathedeemeditbettertogivehimtheopportunity，thantoinsistuponhisremainingquietuntilnextmorning:
whichheshouldotherwisehavedone。
Theconferencewasalongone。Olivertoldthemallhissimplehistory，andwasoftencompelledtostop，bypainandwantofstrength。Itwasasolemnthing，tohear，inthedarkenedroom，thefeeblevoiceofthesickchildrecountingawearycatalogueofevilsandcalamitieswhichhardmenhadbroughtuponhim。Oh！
ifwhenweoppressandgrindourfellow-creatures，webestowedbutonethoughtonthedarkevidencesofhumanerror，which，likedenseandheavyclouds，arerising，slowlyitistrue，butnotlesssurely，toHeaven，topourtheirafter-vengeanceonourheads；ifweheardbutoneinstant，inimagination，thedeeptestimonyofdeadmen\'svoices，whichnopowercanstifle，andnoprideshutout；wherewouldbetheinjuryandinjustice，thesuffering，misery，cruelty，andwrong，thateachday\'slifebringswithit！
Oliver\'spillowwassmoothedbygentlehandsthatnight；andlovelinessandvirtuewatchedhimasheslept。Hefeltcalmandhappy，andcouldhavediedwithoutamurmur。
Themomentousinterviewwasnosoonerconcluded，andOlivercomposedtorestagain，thanthedoctor，afterwipinghiseyes，andcondemningthemforbeingweakallatonce，betookhimselfdownstairstoopenuponMr。Giles。Andfindingnobodyabouttheparlours，itoccurredtohim，thathecouldperhapsoriginatetheproceedingswithbettereffectinthekitchen；sointothekitchenhewent。
Therewereassembled，inthatlowerhouseofthedomesticparliament，thewomen-servants，Mr。Brittles，Mr。Giles，thetinkerwhohadreceivedaspecialinvitationtoregalehimselffortheremainderoftheday，inconsiderationofhisservices，andtheconstable。Thelattergentlemanhadalargestaff，alargehead，largefeatures，andlargehalf-boots；andhelookedasifhehadbeentakingaproportionateallowanceofale——asindeedhehad。
Theadventuresofthepreviousnightwerestillunderdiscussion；
forMr。Gileswasexpatiatinguponhispresenceofmind，whenthedoctorentered；Mr。Brittles，withamugofaleinhishand，wascorroboratingeverything，beforehissuperiorsaidit。
\'Sitstill！\'saidthedoctor，wavinghishand。
\'Thankyou，sir，saidMr。Giles。\'Misseswishedsomealetobegivenout，sir；andasIfeltnowaysinclinedformyownlittleroom，sir，andwasdisposedforcompany，Iamtakingmineamong\'emhere。\'
Brittlesheadedalowmurmur，bywhichtheladiesandgentlemengenerallywereunderstoodtoexpressthegratificationtheyderivedfromMr。Giles\'scondescension。Mr。Gileslookedroundwithapatronisingair，asmuchastosaythatsolongastheybehavedproperly，hewouldneverdesertthem。
\'Howisthepatientto-night，sir?\'askedGiles。
\'So-so\'；returnedthedoctor。\'Iamafraidyouhavegotyourselfintoascrapethere，Mr。Giles。\'
\'Ihopeyoudon\'tmeantosay，sir，\'saidMr。Giles，trembling，\'thathe\'sgoingtodie。IfIthoughtit，Ishouldneverbehappyagain。Iwouldn\'tcutaboyoff:no，notevenBrittleshere；notforalltheplateinthecounty，sir。\'
\'That\'snotthepoint，\'saidthedoctor，mysteriously。\'Mr。
Giles，areyouaProtestant?\'
\'Yes，sir，Ihopeso，\'falteredMr。Giles，whohadturnedverypale。
\'AndwhatareYOU，boy?\'saidthedoctor，turningsharplyuponBrittles。
\'Lordblessme，sir！\'repliedBrittles，startingviolently；\'I\'mthesameasMr。Giles，sir。\'
\'Thentellmethis，\'saidthedoctor，\'bothofyou，bothofyou！
Areyougoingtotakeuponyourselvestoswear，thatthatboyupstairsistheboythatwasputthroughthelittlewindowlastnight?Outwithit！Come！Wearepreparedforyou！\'
Thedoctor，whowasuniversallyconsideredoneofthebest-temperedcreaturesonearth，madethisdemandinsuchadreadfultoneofanger，thatGilesandBrittles，whowereconsiderablymuddledbyaleandexcitement，staredateachotherinastateofstupefaction。
\'Payattentiontothereply，constable，willyou?\'saidthedoctor，shakinghisforefingerwithgreatsolemnityofmanner，andtappingthebridgeofhisnosewithit，tobespeaktheexerciseofthatworthy\'sutmostacuteness。\'Somethingmaycomeofthisbeforelong。\'
Theconstablelookedaswiseashecould，andtookuphisstaffofoffice:whichhadbeenreclingindolentlyinthechimney-corner。
\'It\'sasimplequestionofidentity，youwillobserve，\'saidthedoctor。
\'That\'swhatitis，sir，\'repliedtheconstable，coughingwithgreatviolence；forhehadfinishedhisaleinahurry，andsomeofithadgonethewrongway。
\'Here\'sthehousebrokeninto，\'saidthedoctor，\'andacoupleofmencatchonemoment\'sglimpseofaboy，inthemidstofgunpowdersmoke，andinallthedistractionofalarmanddarkness。Here\'saboycomestothatverysamehouse，nextmorning，andbecausehehappenstohavehisarmtiedup，thesemenlayviolenthandsuponhim——bydoingwhich，theyplacehislifeingreatdanger——andswearheisthethief。Now，thequestionis，whetherthesemenarejustifiedbythefact；ifnot，inwhatsituationdotheyplacethemselves?\'
Theconstablenoddedprofoundly。Hesaid，ifthatwasn\'tlaw，hewouldbegladtoknowwhatwas。
\'Iaskyouagain，\'thunderedthedoctor，\'areyou，onyoursolemnoaths，abletoidentifythatboy?\'
BrittleslookeddoubtfullyatMr。Giles；Mr。GileslookeddoubtfullyatBrittles；theconstableputhishandbehindhisear，tocatchthereply；thetwowomenandthetinkerleanedforwardtolisten；thedoctorglancedkeenlyround；whenaringwasheardatthegate，andatthesamemoment，thesoundofwheels。
\'It\'stherunners！\'criedBrittles，toallappearancemuchrelieved。
\'Thewhat?\'exclaimedthedoctor，aghastinhisturn。
\'TheBowStreetofficers，sir，\'repliedBrittles，takingupacandle；\'meandMr。Gilessentfor\'emthismorning。\'
\'What?\'criedthedoctor。
\'Yes，\'repliedBrittles；\'Isentamessageupbythecoachman，andIonlywondertheyweren\'therebefore，sir。\'
\'Youdid，didyou?Thenconfoundyour——slowcoachesdownhere；
that\'sall，\'saidthedoctor，walkingaway。
CHAPTERXXXI
INVOLVESACRITICALPOSITION
\'Who\'sthat?\'inquiredBrittles，openingthedooralittleway，withthechainup，andpeepingout，shadingthecandlewithhishand。
\'Openthedoor，\'repliedamanoutside；\'it\'stheofficersfromBowStreet，aswassenttoto-day。\'
Muchcomfortedbythisassurance，Brittlesopenedthedoortoitsfullwidth，andconfrontedaportlymaninagreat-coat；whowalkedin，withoutsayinganythingmore，andwipedhisshoesonthemat，ascoollyasifhelivedthere。
\'Justsendsomebodyouttorelievemymate，willyou，youngman?\'
saidtheofficer；\'he\'sinthegig，a-mindingtheprad。Haveyougotacoach\'ushere，thatyoucouldputitupin，forfiveortenminutes?\'
Brittlesreplyingintheaffirmative，andpointingoutthebuilding，theportlymansteppedbacktothegarden-gate，andhelpedhiscompaniontoputupthegig:whileBrittleslightedthem，inastateofgreatadmiration。Thisdone，theyreturnedtothehouse，and，beingshownintoaparlour，tookofftheirgreat-coatsandhats，andshowedlikewhattheywere。
Themanwhohadknockedatthedoor，wasastoutpersonageofmiddleheight，agedaboutfifty:withshinyblackhair，croppedprettyclose；half-whiskers，aroundface，andsharpeyes。Theotherwasared-headed，bonyman，intop-boots；witharatherill-favouredcountenance，andaturned-upsinister-lookingnose。
\'TellyourgovernorthatBlathersandDuffishere，willyou?\'
saidthestouterman，smoothingdownhishair，andlayingapairofhandcuffsonthetable。\'Oh！Good-evening，master。CanI
haveawordortwowithyouinprivate，ifyouplease?\'
ThiswasaddressedtoMr。Losberne，whonowmadehisappearance；
thatgentleman，motioningBrittlestoretire，broughtinthetwoladies，andshutthedoor。
\'Thisistheladyofthehouse，\'saidMr。Losberne，motioningtowardsMrs。Maylie。
Mr。Blathersmadeabow。Beingdesiredtositdown，heputhishatonthefloor，andtakingachair，motionedtoDufftodothesame。Thelattergentleman，whodidnotappearquitesomuchaccustomedtogoodsociety，orquitesomuchathiseaseinit——oneofthetwo——seatedhimself，afterundergoingseveralmuscularaffectionsofthelimbs，andtheheadofhisstickintohismouth，withsomeembarrassment。
\'Now，withregardtothishererobbery，master，\'saidBlathers。
\'Whatarethecircumstances?\'
Mr。Losberne，whoappeareddesirousofgainingtime，recountedthematgreatlength，andwithmuchcircumlocution。Messrs。
BlathersandDufflookedveryknowingmeanwhile，andoccasionallyexchangedanod。
\'Ican\'tsay，forcertain，tillIseethework，ofcourse，\'saidBlathers；\'butmyopinionatonceis，——Idon\'tmindcommittingmyselftothatextent，——thatthiswasn\'tdonebyayokel；eh，Duff?\'
\'Certainlynot，\'repliedDuff。
\'And，translatingthewordyokelforthebenefitoftheladies，I
apprehendyourmeaningtobe，thatthisattemptwasnotmadebyacountryman?\'saidMr。Losberne，withasmile。
\'That\'sit，master，\'repliedBlathers。\'Thisisallabouttherobbery，isit?\'
\'All，\'repliedthedoctor。
\'Now，whatisthis，aboutthishereboythattheservantsarea-talkingon?\'saidBlathers。
\'Nothingatall，\'repliedthedoctor。\'Oneofthefrightenedservantschosetotakeitintohishead，thathehadsomethingtodowiththisattempttobreakintothehouse；butit\'snonsense:
sheerabsurdity。\'
\'Weryeasydisposedof，ifitis，\'remarkedDuff。
\'Whathesaysisquitecorrect，\'observedBlathers，noddinghisheadinaconfirmatoryway，andplayingcarelesslywiththehandcuffs，asiftheywereapairofcastanets。\'Whoistheboy?
Whataccountdoeshegiveofhimself?Wheredidhecomefrom?
Hedidn\'tdropoutoftheclouds，didhe，master?\'
\'Ofcoursenot，\'repliedthedoctor，withanervousglanceatthetwoladies。\'Iknowhiswholehistory:butwecantalkaboutthatpresently。Youwouldlike，first，toseetheplacewherethethievesmadetheirattempt，Isuppose?\'
\'Certainly，\'rejoinedMr。Blathers。\'Wehadbetterinspectthepremisesfirst，andexaminetheservantsafterwards。That\'stheusualwayofdoingbusiness。\'
Lightswerethenprocured；andMessrs。BlathersandDuff，attendedbythenativeconstable，Brittles，Giles，andeverybodyelseinshort，wentintothelittleroomattheendofthepassageandlookedoutatthewindow；andafterwardswentroundbywayofthelawn，andlookedinatthewindow；andafterthat，hadacandlehandedouttoinspecttheshutterwith；andafterthat，alanterntotracethefootstepswith；andafterthat，apitchforktopokethebusheswith。Thisdone，amidstthebreathlessinterestofallbeholders，theycameinagain；andMr。
GilesandBrittleswereputthroughamelodramaticrepresentationoftheirshareinthepreviousnight\'sadventures:whichtheyperformedsomesixtimesover:contradictioneachother，innotmorethanoneimportantrespect，thefirsttime，andinnotmorethanadozenthelast。Thisconsummationbeingarrivedat，BlathersandDuffclearedtheroom，andheldalongcounciltogether，comparedwithwhich，forsecrecyandsolemnity，aconsultationofgreatdoctorsontheknottiestpointinmedicine，wouldbemerechild\'splay。
Meanwhile，thedoctorwalkedupanddownthenextroominaveryuneasystate；andMrs。MaylieandRoselookedon，withanxiousfaces。
\'Uponmyword，\'hesaid，makingahalt，afteragreatnumberofveryrapidturns，\'Ihardlyknowwhattodo。\'
\'Surely，\'saidRose，\'thepoorchild\'sstory，faithfullyrepeatedtothesemen，willbesufficienttoexoneratehim。\'
\'Idoubtit，mydearyounglady，\'saidthedoctor，shakinghishead。\'Idon\'tthinkitwouldexoneratehim，eitherwiththem，orwithlegalfunctionariesofahighergrade。Whatishe，afterall，theywouldsay?Arunaway。Judgedbymereworldlyconsiderationsandprobabilities，hisstoryisaverydoubtfulone。\'
\'Youbelieveit，surely?\'interruptedRose。
\'_I_believeit，strangeasitis；andperhapsImaybeanoldfoolfordoingso，\'rejoinedthedoctor；\'butIdon\'tthinkitisexactlythetaleforapracticalpolice-officer，nevertheless。\'
\'Whynot?\'demandedRose。
\'Because，myprettycross-examiner，\'repliedthedoctor:
\'because，viewedwiththeireyes，therearemanyuglypointsaboutit；hecanonlyprovethepartsthatlookill，andnoneofthosethatlookwell。Confoundthefellows，theyWILLhavethewayandthewherefore，andwilltakenothingforgranted。Onhisownshowing，yousee，hehasbeenthecompanionofthievesforsometimepast；hehasbeencarriedtoapolice-officer，onachargeofpickingagentleman\'spocket；hehasbeentakenaway，forcibly，fromthatgentleman\'shouse，toaplacewhichhecannotdescribeorpointout，andofthesituationofwhichhehasnottheremotestidea。HeisbroughtdowntoChertsey，bymenwhoseemtohavetakenaviolentfancytohim，whetherhewillorno；
andisputthroughawindowtorobahouse；andthen，justattheverymomentwhenheisgoingtoalarmtheinmates，andsodotheverythingthatwouldsethimalltorights，thererushesintotheway，ablunderingdogofahalf-bredbutler，andshootshim！
Asifonpurposetopreventhisdoinganygoodforhimself！
Don\'tyouseeallthis?\'
\'Iseeit，ofcourse，\'repliedRose，smilingatthedoctor\'simpetuosity；\'butstillIdonotseeanythinginit，tocriminatethepoorchild。\'
\'No，\'repliedthedoctor；\'ofcoursenot！Blessthebrighteyesofyoursex！Theyneversee，whetherforgoodorbad，morethanonesideofanyquestion；andthatis，always，theonewhichfirstpresentsitselftothem。\'
Havinggivenventtothisresultofexperience，thedoctorputhishandsintohispockets，andwalkedupanddowntheroomwithevengreaterrapiditythanbefore。
\'ThemoreIthinkofit，\'saidthedoctor，\'themoreIseethatitwilloccasionendlesstroubleanddifficultyifweputthesemeninpossessionoftheboy\'srealstory。Iamcertainitwillnotbebelieved；andeveniftheycandonothingtohimintheend，stillthedraggingitforward，andgivingpublicitytoallthedoubtsthatwillbecastuponit，mustinterfere，materially，withyourbenevolentplanofrescuinghimfrommisery。\'
\'Oh！whatistobedone?\'criedRose。\'Dear，dear！whyddidtheysendforthesepeople?\'
\'Why，indeed！\'exclaimedMrs。Maylie。\'Iwouldnothavehadthemhere，fortheworld。\'
\'AllIknowis，\'saidMr。Losberne，atlast:sittingdownwithakindofdesperatecalmness，\'thatwemusttryandcarryitoffwithaboldface。Theobjectisagoodone，andthatmustbeourexcuse。Theboyhasstrongsymptomsoffeveruponhim，andisinnoconditiontobetalkedtoanymore；that\'sonecomfort。Wemustmakethebestofit；andifbadbethebest，itisnofaultofours。Comein！\'
\'Well，master，\'saidBlathers，enteringtheroomfollowedbyhiscolleague，andmakingthedoorfast，beforehesaidanymore。
\'Thiswarn\'taput-upthing。\'
\'Andwhatthedevil\'saput-upthing?\'demandedthedoctor，impatiently。
\'Wecallitaput-uprobbery，ladies，\'saidBlathers，turningtothem，asifhepitiedtheirignorance，buthadacontemptforthedoctor\'s，\'whentheservantsisinit。\'
\'Nobodysuspectedthem，inthiscase，\'saidMrs。Maylie。
\'Werylikelynot，ma\'am，\'repliedBlathers；\'buttheymighthavebeeninit，forallthat。\'
\'Morelikelyonthatweryaccount，\'saidDuff。
\'Wefinditwasatownhand，\'saidBlathers，continuinghisreport；\'forthestyleofworkisfirst-rate。\'
\'Weryprettyindeeditis，\'remarkedDuff，inanundertone。
\'Therewastwoof\'eminit，\'continuedBlathers；\'andtheyhadaboywith\'em；that\'splainfromthesizeofthewindow。That\'salltobesaidatpresent。We\'llseethisladthatyou\'vegotupstairsatonce，ifyouplease。\'
\'Perhapstheywilltakesomethingtodrinkfirst，Mrs。Maylie?\'
saidthedoctor:hisfacebrightening，asifsomenewthoughthadoccurredtohim。
\'Oh！tobesure！\'exclaimedRose，eagerly。\'Youshallhaveitimmediately，ifyouwill。\'
\'Why，thankyou，miss！\'saidBlathers，drawinghiscoat-sleeveacrosshismouth；\'it\'sdrywork，thissortofduty。Anythinkthat\'shandy，miss；don\'tputyourselfoutoftheway，onouraccounts。\'
\'Whatshallitbe?\'askedthedoctor，followingtheyoungladytothesideboard。
\'Alittledropofspirits，master，ifit\'sallthesame，\'repliedBlathers。\'It\'sacoldridefromLondon，ma\'am；andIalwaysfindthatspiritscomeshomewarmertothefeelings。\'
ThisinterestingcommunicationwasaddressedtoMrs。Maylie，whoreceiveditverygraciously。Whileitwasbeingconveyedtoher，thedoctorslippedoutoftheroom。
\'Ah！\'saidMr。Blathers:notholdinghiswine-glassbythestem，butgraspingthebottombetweenthethumbandforefingerofhislefthand:andplacingitinfrontofhischest；\'Ihaveseenagoodmanypiecesofbusinesslikethis，inmytime，ladies。\'
\'ThatcrackdowninthebacklaneatEdmonton，Blathers，\'saidMr。Duff，assistinghiscolleague\'smemory。
\'Thatwassomethinginthisway，warn\'tit?\'rejoinedMr。
Blathers；\'thatwasdonebyConkeyChickweed，thatwas。\'
\'Youalwaysgavethattohim\'repliedDuff。\'ItwastheFamilyPet，Itellyou。Conkeyhadn\'tanymoretodowithitthanI
had。\'
\'Getout！\'retortedMr。Blathers；\'Iknowbetter。DoyoumindthattimewhenConkeywasrobbedofhismoney，though?Whatastartthatwas！Betterthananynovel-book_I_eversee！\'
\'Whatwasthat?\'inquiredRose:anxioustoencourageanysymptomsofgood-humourintheunwelcomevisitors。
\'Itwasarobbery，miss，thathardlyanybodywouldhavebeendownupon，\'saidBlathers。\'ThishereConkeyChickweed——\'
\'ConkeymeansNosey，ma\'am，\'interposedDuff。
\'Ofcoursetheladyknowsthat，don\'tshe?\'demandedMr。
Blathers。\'Alwaysinterrupting，youare，partner！ThishereConkeyChickweed，miss，keptapublic-houseoverBattlebridgeway，andhehadacellar，whereagoodmanyyounglordswenttoseecock-fighting，andbadger-drawing，andthat；andaweryintellecturalmannerthesportswasconductedin，forI\'veseen\'emoff\'en。Hewarn\'toneofthefamily，atthattime；andonenighthewasrobbedofthreehundredandtwenty-sevenguineasinacanvasbag，thatwasstoleoutofhisbedrrominthedeadofnight，byatallmanwithablackpatchoverhiseye，whohadconcealedhimselfunderthebed，andaftercommittingtherobbery，jumpedslapoutofwindow:whichwasonlyastoryhigh。
Hewasweryquickaboutit。ButConkeywasquick，too；forhefiredablunderbussarterhim，androusedtheneighbourhood。Theysetupahue-and-cry，directly，andwhentheycametolookabout\'em，foundthatConkeyhadhittherobber；fortherewastracesofblood，allthewaytosomepalingsagooddistanceoff；andtheretheylost\'em。However，hehadmadeoffwiththeblunt；
and，consequently，thenameofMr。Chickweed，licensedwitler，appearedintheGazetteamongtheotherbankrupts；andallmannerofbenefitsandsubscriptions，andIdon\'tknowwhatall，wasgotupforthepoorman，whowasinawerylowstateofmindabouthisloss，andwentupanddownthestreets，forthreeorfourdays，apullinghishairoffinsuchadesperatemannerthatmanypeoplewasafraidhemightbegoingtomakeawaywithhimself。
Onedayhecameuptotheoffice，allinahurry，andhadaprivateinterviewwiththemagistrate，who，afteradealoftalk，ringsthebell，andordersJemSpyersinJemwasaactiveofficer，andtellshimtogoandassistMr。Chickweedinapprehendingthemanasrobbedhishouse。“Iseehim，Spyers，“
saidChickweed，“passmyhouseyesterdaymorning，““Whydidn\'tyouup，andcollarhim！“saysSpyers。“Iwassostruckallofaheap，thatyoumighthavefracturedmyskullwithatoothpick，“
saysthepoorman；“butwe\'resuretohavehim；forbetweentenandeleveno\'clockatnighthepassedagain。”Spyersnosoonerheardthis，thanheputsomecleanlinenandacomb，inhispocket，incaseheshouldhavetostopadayortwo；andawayhegoes，andsetshimselfdownatoneofthepublic-housewindowsbehindthelittleredcurtain，withhishaton，allreadytoboltout，atamoment\'snotice。Hewassmokinghispipehere，lateatnight，whenallofasuddenChickweedroarsout，“Hereheis！
Stopthief！Murder！“JemSpyersdashesout；andthereheseesChickweed，a-tearingdownthestreetfullcry。AwaygoesSpyers；
ongoesChickweed；roundturnsthepeople；everybodyroarsout，“Thieves！“andChickweedhimselfkeepsonshouting，allthetime，likemad。Spyerslosessightofhimaminuteasheturnsacorner；shootsround；seesalittlecrowd；divesin；“Whichistheman?““D——me！“saysChickweed，“I\'velosthimagain！“Itwasaremarkableoccurrence，buthewarn\'ttobeseennowhere，sotheywentbacktothepublic-house。Nextmorning，Spyerstookhisoldplace，andlookedout，frombehindthecurtain，foratallmanwithablackpatchoverhiseye，tillhisowntwoeyesachedagain。Atlast，hecouldn\'thelpshutting\'em，toease\'emaminute；andtheverymomenthedidso，hehearsChickweeda-roaringout，“Hereheis！“Offhestartsoncemore，withChickweedhalf-waydownthestreetaheadofhim；andaftertwiceaslongarunastheyesterday\'sone，theman\'slostagain！Thiswasdone，onceortwicemore，tillone-halftheneighboursgaveoutthatMr。Chickweedhadbeenrobbedbythedevil，whowasplayingtrickswithhimarterwards；andtheotherhalf，thatpoorMr。Chickweedhadgonemadwithgrief。\'
\'WhatdidJemSpyerssay?\'inquiredthedoctor；whohadreturnedtotheroomshortlyafterthecommencementofthestory。
\'JemSpyers，\'resumedtheofficer，\'foralongtimesaidnothingatall，andlistenedtoeverythingwithoutseemingto，whichshowedheunderstoodhisbusiness。But，onemorning，hewalkedintothebar，andtakingouthissnuffbox，says“Chickweed，I\'vefoundoutwhodonethishererobbery。”“Haveyou?“saidChickweed。“Oh，mydearSpyers，onlyletmehavewengeance，andIshalldiecontented！Oh，mydearSpyers，whereisthevillain！““Come！“saidSpyers，offeringhimapinchofsnuff，“noneofthatgammon！Youdidityourself。”Sohehad；andagoodbitofmoneyhehadmadebyit，too；andnobodywouldneverhavefounditout，ifhehadn\'tbeensopreciousanxioustokeepupappearances！\'saidMr。Blathers，puttingdownhiswine-glass，andclinkingthehandcuffstogether。
\'Verycurious，indeed，\'observedthedoctor。\'Now，ifyouplease，youcanwalkupstairs。\'
\'IfYOUplease，sir，\'returnedMr。Blathers。CloselyfollowingMr。Losberne，thetwoofficersascendedtoOliver\'sbedroom；Mr。
Gilesprecedingtheparty，withalightedcandle。
Oliverhadbeendozing；butlookedworse，andwasmorefeverishthanhehadappearedyet。Beingassistedbythedoctor，hemanagedtositupinbedforaminuteorso；andlookedatthestrangerswithoutatallunderstandingwhatwasgoingforward——infact，withoutseemingtorecollectwherehewas，orwhathadbeenpassing。
\'This，\'saidMr。Losberne，speakingsoftly，butwithgreatvehemencenotwithstanding，\'thisisthelad，who，beingaccidentlywoundedbyaspring-guninsomeboyishtrespassonMr。
What-d\'ye-call-him\'sgrounds，atthebackhere，comestothehouseforassistancethismorning，andisimmediatelylaidholdofandmaltreated，bythatingeniousgentlemanwiththecandleinhishand:whohasplacedhislifeinconsiderabledanger，asI
canprofessionallycertify。\'
Messrs。BlathersandDufflookedatMr。Giles，ashewasthusrecommendedtotheirnotice。ThebewilderedbutlergazedfromthemtowardsOliver，andfromOlivertowardsMr。Losberne，withamostludicrousmixtureoffearandperplexity。
\'Youdon\'tmeantodenythat，Isuppose?\'saidthedoctor，layingOlivergentlydownagain。
\'Itwasalldoneforthe——forthebest，sir，\'answeredGiles。\'I
amsureIthoughtitwastheboy，orIwouldn\'thavemeddledwithhim。Iamnotofaninhumandisposition，sir。\'
\'Thoughtitwaswhatboy?\'inquiredtheseniorofficer。
\'Thehousebreaker\'sboy，sir！\'repliedGiles。\'They——theycertainlyhadaboy。\'
\'Well?Doyouthinksonow?\'inquiredBlathers。
\'Thinkwhat，now?\'repliedGiles，lookingvacantlyathisquestioner。
\'Thinkit\'sthesameboy，Stupid-head?\'rejoinedBlathers，impatiently。
\'Idon\'tknow；Ireallydon\'tknow，\'saidGiles，witharuefulcountenance。\'Icouldn\'tsweartohim。\'
\'Whatdoyouthink?\'askedMr。Blathers。
\'Idon\'tknowwhattothink，\'repliedpoorGiles。\'Idon\'tthinkitistheboy；indeed，I\'malmostcertainthatitisn\'t。Youknowitcan\'tbe。\'
\'Hasthismanbeena-drinking，sir?\'inquiredBlathers，turningtothedoctor。
\'Whatapreciousmuddle-headedchapyouare！\'saidDuff，addressingMr。Giles，withsupremecontempt。
Mr。Losbernehadbeenfeelingthepatient\'spulseduringthisshortdialogue；buthenowrosefromthechairbythebedside，andremarked，thatiftheofficershadanydoubtsuponthesubject，theywouldperhapsliketostepintothenextroom，andhaveBrittlesbeforethem。
Actinguponthissuggestion，theyadjournedtoaneighbouringapartment，whereMr。Brittles，beingcalledin，involvedhimselfandhisrespectedsuperiorinsuchawonderfulmazeoffreshcontradictionsandimpossibilities，astendedtothrownoparticularlightonanything，butthefactofhisownstrongmystification；except，indeed，hisdeclarationsthatheshouldn\'tknowtherealboy，ifhewereputbeforehimthatinstant；thathehadonlytakenOlivertobehe，becauseMr。Gileshadsaidhewas；andthatMr。Gileshad，fiveminutespreviously，admittedinthekitchen，thathebegaintobeverymuchafraidhehadbeenalittletoohasty。
Amongotheringenioussurmises，thequestionwasthenraised，whetherMr。Gileshadreallyhitanybody；anduponexaminationofthefellowpistoltothatwhichhehadfired，itturnedouttohavenomoredestructiveloadingthangunpowderandbrownpaper:
adiscoverywhichmadeaconsiderableimpressiononeverybodybutthedoctor，whohaddrawntheballabouttenminutesbefore。
Uponnoone，however，diditmakeagreaterimpressionthanonMr。Gileshimself；who，afterlabouring，forsomehours，underthefearofhavingmortallywoundedafellow-creature，eagerlycaughtatthisnewidea，andfavouredittotheutmost。Finally，theofficers，withouttroublingthemselvesverymuchaboutOliver，lefttheChertseyconstableinthehouse，andtookuptheirrestforthatnightinthetown；promisingtoreturnthenextmorning。
Withthenextmorning，therecamearumour，thattwomenandaboywereinthecageatKingston，whohadbeenapprehendedovernightundersuspiciouscircumstances；andtoKingstonMessrs。
BlathersandDuffjourneyedaccordingly。Thesuspiciouscircumstances，however，resolvingthemselves，oninvestigation，intotheonefact，thattheyhadbeendiscoveredsleepingunderahaystack；which，althoughagreatcrime，isonlypunishablebyimprisonment，andis，inthemercifuleyeoftheEnglishlaw，anditscomprehensiveloveofalltheKing\'ssubjects，heldtobenosatisfactoryproof，intheabsenceofallotherevidence，thatthesleeper，orsleepers，havecommittedburglaryaccompaniedwithviolence，andhavethereforerenderedthemselvesliabletothepunishmentofdeath；Messrs。BlathersandDuffcamebackagain，aswiseastheywent。
Inshort，aftersomemoreexamination，andagreatdealmoreconversation，aneighbouringmagistratewasreadilyinducedtotakethejointbailofMrs。MaylieandMr。LosberneforOliver\'sappearanceifheshouldeverbecalledupon；andBlathersandDuff，beingrewardedwithacoupleofguineas，returnedtotownwithdividedopinionsonthesubjectoftheirexpedition:thelattergentlemanonamatureconsiderationofallthecircumstances，incliningtothebeliefthattheburglariousattempthadoriginatedwiththeFamilyPet；andtheformerbeingequallydisposedtoconcedethefullmeritofittothegreatMr。
ConkeyChickweed。
Meanwhile，OlivergraduallythroveandprosperedundertheunitedcareofMrs。Maylie，Rose，andthekind-heartedMr。Losberne。Ifferventprayers，gushingfromheartsoverchargedwithgratitude，beheardinheaven——andiftheybenot，whatprayersare！——theblessingswhichtheorphanchildcalleddownuponthem，sunkintotheirsouls，diffusingpeaceandhappiness。
CHAPTERXXXII
OFTHEHAPPYLIFEOLIVERBEGANTOLEADWITHHISKINDFRIENDS
Oliver\'sailingswereneitherslightnorfew。Inadditiontothepainanddelayattendantonabrokenlimb，hisexposuretothewetandcoldhadbroughtonfeverandague:whichhungabouthimformanyweeks，andreducedhimsadly。But，atlength，hebegan，byslowdegrees，togetbetter，andtobeabletosaysometimes，inafewtearfulwords，howdeeplyhefeltthegoodnessofthetwosweetladies，andhowardentlyhehopedthatwhenhegrewstrongandwellagain，hecoulddosomethingtoshowhisgratitude；onlysomething，whichwouldletthemseetheloveanddutywithwhichhisbreastwasfull；something，howeverslight，whichwouldprovetothemthattheirgentlekindnesshadnotbeencastaway；butthatthepoorboywhomtheircharityhadrescuedfrommisery，ordeath，waseagertoservethemwithhiswholeheartandsoul。
\'Poorfellow！\'saidRose，whenOliverhadbeenonedayfeeblyendeavouringtoutterthewordsofthankfulnessthatrosetohispalelips；\'youshallhavemanyopportunitiesofservingus，ifyouwill。Wearegoingintothecountry，andmyauntintendsthatyoushallaccompanyus。Thequietplace，thepureair，andallthepleasureandbeautiesofspring，willrestoreyouinafewdays。Wewillemployyouinahundredways，whenyoucanbearthetrouble。\'
\'Thetrouble！\'criedOliver。\'Oh！dearlady，ifIcouldbutworkforyou；ifIcouldonlygiveyoupleasurebywateringyourflowers，orwatchingyourbirds，orrunningupanddownthewholedaylong，tomakeyouhappy；whatwouldIgivetodoit！\'
\'Youshallgivenothingatall，\'saidMissMaylie，smiling；\'for，asItoldyoubefore，weshallemployyouinahundredways；andifyouonlytakehalfthetroubletopleaseus，thatyoupromisenow，youwillmakemeveryhappyindeed。\'
\'Happy，ma\'am！\'criedOliver；\'howkindofyoutosayso！\'
\'YouwillmakemehappierthanIcantellyou，\'repliedtheyounglady。\'Tothinkthatmydeargoodauntshouldhavebeenthemeansofrescuinganyonefromsuchsadmiseryasyouhavedescribedtous，wouldbeanunspeakablepleasuretome；buttoknowthattheobjectofhergoodnessandcompassionwassincerelygratefulandattached，inconsequence，woulddelightme，morethanyoucanwellimagine。Doyouunderstandme?\'sheinquired，watchingOliver\'sthoughtfulface。
\'Ohyes，ma\'am，yes！\'repliedOlivereagerly；\'butIwasthinkingthatIamungratefulnow。\'
\'Towhom?\'inquiredtheyounglady。
\'Tothekindgentleman，andthedearoldnurse，whotooksomuchcareofmebefore，\'rejoinedOliver。\'IftheyknewhowhappyI
am，theywouldbepleased，Iamsure。\'
\'Iamsuretheywould，\'rejoinedOliver\'sbenefactress；\'andMr。
Losbernehasalreadybeenkindenoughtopromisethatwhenyouarewellenoughtobearthejourney，hewillcarryyoutoseethem。\'
\'Hashe，ma\'am?\'criedOliver，hisfacebrighteningwithpleasure。\'Idon\'tknowwhatIshalldoforjoywhenIseetheirkindfacesonceagain！\'
InashorttimeOliverwassufficientlyrecoveredtoundergothefatigueofthisexpedition。OnemorningheandMr。Losbernesetout，accordingly，inalittlecarriagewhichbelongedtoMrs。
Maylie。WhentheycametoChertseyBridge，Oliverturnedverypale，andutteredaloudexclamation。
\'What\'sthematterwiththeboy?\'criedthedoctor，asusual，allinabustle。\'Doyouseeanything——hearanything——feelanything——eh?\'
\'That，sir，\'criedOliver，pointingoutofthecarriagewindow。
\'Thathouse！\'
\'Yes；well，whatofit?Stopcoachman。Pulluphere，\'criedthedoctor。\'Whatofthehouse，myman；eh?\'
\'Thethieves——thehousetheytookmeto！\'whisperedOliver。
\'Thedevilitis！\'criedthedoctor。\'Hallo，there！letmeout！\'
But，beforethecoachmancoulddismountfromhisbox，hehadtumbledoutofthecoach，bysomemeansorother；and，runningdowntothedesertedtenement，begankickingatthedoorlikeamadman。
\'Halloa?\'saidalittleuglyhump-backedman:openingthedoorsosuddenly，thatthedoctor，fromtheveryimpetusofhislastkick，nearlyfellforwardintothepassage。\'What\'sthematterhere?\'
\'Matter！\'exclaimedtheother，collaringhim，withoutamoment\'sreflection。\'Agooddeal。Robberyisthematter。\'
\'There\'llbeMurderthematter，too，\'repliedthehump-backedman，coolly，\'ifyoudon\'ttakeyourhandsoff。Doyouhearme?\'
\'Ihearyou，\'saidthedoctor，givinghiscaptiveaheartyshake。
\'Where\'s——confoundthefellow，what\'shisrascallyname——Sikes；
that\'sit。Where\'sSikes，youthief?\'
Thehump-backedmanstared，asifinexcessofamazementandindignation；then，twistinghimself，dexterously，fromthedoctor\'sgrasp，growledforthavolleyofhorridoaths，andretiredintothehouse。Beforehecouldshutthedoor，however，thedoctorhadpassedintotheparlour，withoutawordofparley。
Helookedanxiouslyround；notanarticleoffurniture；notavestigeofanything，animateorinanimate；noteventhepositionofthecupboards；answeredOliver\'sdescription！
\'Now！\'saidthehump-backedman，whohadwatchedhimkeenly，\'whatdoyoumeanbycomingintomyhouse，inthisviolentway?
Doyouwanttorobme，ortomurderme?Whichisit?\'
\'Didyoueverknowamancomeouttodoeither，inachariotandapair，youridiculousoldvampire?\'saidtheirritabledoctor。
\'Whatdoyouwant，then?\'demandedthehunchback。\'Willyoutakeyourselfoff，beforeIdoyouamischief?Curseyou！\'
\'AssoonasIthinkproper，\'saidMr。Losberne，lookingintotheotherparlour；which，likethefirst，borenoresemblancewhatevertoOliver\'saccountofit。\'Ishallfindyouout，someday，myfriend。\'
\'Willyou?\'sneeredtheill-favouredcripple。\'Ifyoueverwantme，I\'mhere。Ihaven\'tlivedheremadandallalone，forfive-and-twentyyears，tobescaredbyyou。Youshallpayforthis；youshallpayforthis。\'Andsosaying，themis-shapenlittledemonsetupayell，anddancedupontheground，asifwildwithrage。
\'Stupidenough，this，\'mutteredthedoctortohimself；\'theboymusthavemadeamistake。Here！Putthatinyourpocket，andshutyourselfupagain。\'Withthesewordsheflungthehunchbackapieceofmoney，andreturnedtothecarriage。
Themanfollowedtothechariotdoor，utteringthewildestimprecationsandcursesalltheway；butasMr。Losberneturnedtospeaktothedriver，helookedintothecarriage，andeyedOliverforaninstantwithaglancesosharpandfierceandatthesametimesofuriousandvindictive，that，wakingorsleeping，hecouldnotforgetitformonthsafterwards。Hecontinuedtoutterthemostfearfulimprecations，untilthedriverhadresumedhisseat；andwhentheywereoncemoreontheirway，theycouldseehimsomedistancebehind:beatinghisfeetupontheground，andtearinghishair，intransportsofrealorpretendedrage。
\'Iamanass！\'saidthedoctor，afteralongsilence。\'Didyouknowthatbefore，Oliver?\'
\'No，sir。\'
\'Thendon\'tforgetitanothertime。\'
\'Anass，\'saidthedoctoragain，afterafurthersilenceofsomeminutes。\'Evenifithadbeentherightplace，andtherightfellowshadbeenthere，whatcouldIhavedone，single-handed?
AndifIhadhadassistance，IseenogoodthatIshouldhavedone，exceptleadingtomyownexposure，andanunavoidablestatementofthemannerinwhichIhavehushedupthisbusiness。
Thatwouldhaveservedmeright，though。Iamalwaysinvolvingmyselfinsomescrapeorother，byactingonimpulse。Itmighthavedonemegood。\'
Now，thefactwasthattheexcellentdoctorhadneveracteduponanythingbutimpulseallthroughhislife，andifwasnobadcomplimenttothenatureoftheimpulseswhichgovernedhim，thatsofarfrombeinginvolvedinanypeculiartroublesormisfortunes，hehadthewarmestrespectandesteemofallwhoknewhim。Ifthetruthmustbetold，hewasalittleoutoftemper，foraminuteortwo，atbeingdisappointedinprocuringcorroborativeevidenceofOliver\'sstoryontheveryfirstoccasiononwhichhehadachanceofobtainingany。Hesooncameroundagain，however；andfindingthatOliver\'srepliestohisquestions，werestillasstraightforwardandconsistent，andstilldeliveredwithasmuchapparentsincerityandtruth，astheyhadeverbeen，hemadeuphismindtoattachfullcredencetothem，fromthattimeforth。
AsOliverknewthenameofthestreetinwhichMr。Brownlowresided，theywereenabledtodrivestraightthither。Whenthecoachturnedintoit，hisheartbeatsoviolently，thathecouldscarcelydrawhisbreath。
\'Now，myboy，whichhouseisit?\'inquiredMr。Losberne。
\'That！That！\'repliedOliver，pointingeagerlyoutofthewindow。\'Thewhitehouse。Oh！makehaste！Praymakehaste！I
feelasifIshoulddie:itmakesmetrembleso。\'
\'Come，come！\'saidthegooddoctor，pattinghimontheshoulder。
\'Youwillseethemdirectly，andtheywillbeoverjoyedtofindyousafeandwell。\'
\'Oh！Ihopeso！\'criedOliver。\'Theyweresogoodtome；sovery，verygoodtome。\'
Thecoachrolledon。Itstopped。No；thatwasthewronghouse；
thenextdoor。Itwentonafewpaces，andstoppedagain。
Oliverlookedupatthewindows，withtearsofhappyexpectationcoursingdownhisface。
Alas！thewhitehousewasempty，andtherewasabillinthewindow。\'ToLet。\'
\'Knockatthenextdoor，\'criedMr。Losberne，takingOliver\'sarminhis。\'WhathasbecomeofMr。Brownlow，whousedtoliveintheadjoininghouse，doyouknow?\'
Theservantdidnotknow；butwouldgoandinquire。Shepresentlyreturned，andsaid，thatMr。Brownlowhadsoldoffhisgoods，andgonetotheWestIndies，sixweeksbefore。Oliverclaspedhishands，andsankfeeblybackward。
\'Hashishousekeepergonetoo?\'inquiredMr。Losberne，afteramoment\'spause。
\'Yes，sir\'；repliedtheservant。\'Theoldgentleman，thehousekeeper，andagentlemanwhowasafriendofMr。Brownlow\'s，allwenttogether。
\'Thenturntowardshomeagain，\'saidMr。Losbernetothedriver；
\'anddon\'tstoptobaitthehorses，tillyougetoutofthisconfoundedLondon！\'
\'Thebook-stallkeeper，sir?\'saidOliver。\'Iknowthewaythere。Seehim，pray，sir！Doseehim！\'
\'Mypoorboy，thisisdisappointmentenoughforoneday，\'saidthedoctor。\'Quiteenoughforbothofus。Ifwegotothebook-stallkeeper\'s，weshallcertainlyfindthatheisdead，orhassethishouseonfire，orrunaway。No；homeagainstraight！\'Andinobediencetothedoctor\'simpulse，hometheywent。
ThisbitterdisappointmentcausedOlivermuchsorrowandgrief，eveninthemidstofhishappiness；forhehadpleasedhimself，manytimesduringhisillness，withthinkingofallthatMr。
BrownlowandMrs。Bedwinwouldsaytohim:andwhatdelightitwouldbetotellthemhowmanylongdaysandnightshehadpassedinreflectingonwhattheyhaddoneforhim，andinbewailinghiscruelseparationfromthem。Thehopeofeventuallyclearinghimselfwiththem，too，andexplaininghowhehadbeenforcedaway，hadbuoyedhimup，andsustainedhim，undermanyofhisrecenttrials；andnow，theideathattheyshouldhavegonesofar，andcarriedwiththemthebeliefthatthewasanimpostorandarobber——abeliefwhichmightremainuncontradictedtohisdyingday——wasalmostmorethanhecouldbear。
Thecircumstanceoccasionednoalteration，however，inthebehaviourofhisbenefactors。Afteranotherfortnight，whenthefinewarmweatherhadfairlybegun，andeverytreeandflowerwasputtingforthitsyoungleavesandrichblossoms，theymadepreparationsforquittingthehouseatChertsey，forsomemonths。
Sendingtheplate，whichhadsoexcitedFagin\'scupidity，tothebanker\'s；andleavingGilesandanotherservantincareofthehouse，theydepartedtoacottageatsomedistanceinthecountry，andtookOliverwiththem。
Whocandescribethepleasureanddelight，thepeaceofmindandsofttranquillity，thesicklyboyfeltinthebalmyair，andamongthegreenhillsandrichwoods，ofaninlandvillage！Whocantellhowscenesofpeaceandquietudesinkintothemindsofpain-worndwellersincloseandnoisyplaces，andcarrytheirownfreshness，deepintotheirjadedhearts！Menwhohavelivedincrowded，pent-upstreets，throughlivesoftoil，andwhohaveneverwishedforchange；men，towhomcustomhasindeedbeensecondnature，andwhohavecomealmosttoloveeachbrickandstonethatformedthenarrowboundariesoftheirdailywalks；
eventhey，withthehandofdeathuponthem，havebeenknowntoyearnatlastforoneshortglimpseofNature\'sface；and，carriedfarfromthescenesoftheiroldpainsandpleasures，haveseemedtopassatonceintoanewstateofbeing。Crawlingforth，fromdaytoday，tosomegreensunnyspot，theyhavehadsuchmemorieswakenedupwithinthembythesightofthesky，andhillandplain，andglisteningwater，thataforetasteofheavenitselfhassoothedtheirquickdecline，andtheyhavesunkintotheirtombs，aspeacefullyasthesunwhosesettingtheywatchedfromtheirlonelychamberwindowbutafewhoursbefore，fadedfromtheirdimandfeeblesight！Thememorieswhichpeacefulcountryscenescallup，arenotofthisworld，norofitsthoughtsandhopes。Theirgentleinfluencemayteachushowtoweavefreshgarlandsforthegravesofthoseweloved:maypurifyourthoughts，andbeardownbeforeitoldenmityandhatred；butbeneathallthis，therelingers，intheleastreflectivemind，avagueandhalf-formedconsciousnessofhavingheldsuchfeelingslongbefore，insomeremoteanddistanttime，whichcallsupsolemnthoughtsofdistanttimestocome，andbendsdownprideandworldlinessbeneathit。
Itwasalovelyspottowhichtheyrepaired。Oliver，whosedayshadbeenspentamongsqualidcrowds，andinthemidstofnoiseandbrawling，seemedtoenteronanewexistencethere。Theroseandhoneysuckleclungtothecottagewalls；theivycreptroundthetrunksofthetrees；andthegarden-flowersperfumedtheairwithdeliciousodours。Hardby，wasalittlechurchyard；notcrowdedwithtallunsightlygravestones，butfullofhumblemounds，coveredwithfreshturfandmoss:beneathwhich，theoldpeopleofthevillagelayatrest。Oliveroftenwanderedhere；
and，thinkingofthewretchedgraveinwhichhismotherlay，wouldsometimessithimdownandsobunseen；but，whenheraisedhiseyestothedeepskyoverhead，hewouldceasetothinkofheraslyingintheground，andwouldweepforher，sadly，butwithoutpain。
Itwasahappytime。Thedayswerepeacefulandserene；thenightsbroughtwiththemneitherfearnorcare；nolanguishinginawretchedprison，orassociatingwithwretchedmen；nothingbutpleasantandhappythoughts。Everymorninghewenttoawhite-headedoldgentleman，wholivednearthelittlechurch:
whotaughthimtoreadbetter，andtowrite:andwhospokesokindly，andtooksuchpains，thatOlivercouldnevertryenoughtopleasehim。Then，hewouldwalkwithMrs。MaylieandRose，andhearthemtalkofbooks；orperhapssitnearthem，insomeshadyplace，andlistenwhilsttheyoungladyread:whichhecouldhavedone，untilitgrewtoodarktoseetheletters。
Then，hehadhisownlessonforthenextdaytoprepare；andatthis，hewouldworkhard，inalittleroomwhichlookedintothegarden，tilleveningcameslowlyon，whentheladieswouldwalkoutagain，andhewiththem:listeningwithsuchpleasuretoalltheysaid:andsohappyiftheywantedaflowerthathecouldclimbtoreach，orhadforgottenanythinghecouldruntofetch:
thathecouldneverbequickenoughtaboutit。Whenitbecamequitedark，andtheyreturnedhome，theyoungladywouldsitdowntothepiano，andplaysomepleasantair，orsing，inalowandgentlevoice，someoldsongwhichitpleasedheraunttohear。
Therewouldbenocandleslightedatsuchtimesasthese；andOliverwouldsitbyoneofthewindows，listeningtothesweetmusic，inaperfectrapture。
AndwhenSundaycame，howdifferentlythedaywasspent，fromanywayinwhichhehadeverspentityet！andhowhappilytoo；likealltheotherdaysinthatmosthappytime！Therewasthelittlechurch，inthemorning，withthegreenleavesflutteringatthewindows:thebirdssingingwithout:andthesweet-smellingairstealinginatthelowporch，andfillingthehomelybuildingwithitsfragrance。Thepoorpeopleweresoneatandclean，andkneltsoreverentlyinprayer，thatitseemedapleasure，notatediousduty，theirassemblingtheretogether；andthoughthesingingmightberude，itwasreal，andsoundedmoremusicaltoOliver\'searsatleastthananyhehadeverheardinchurchbefore。Then，therewerethewalksasusual，andmanycallsatthecleanhousesofthelabouringmen；andatnight，OliverreadachapterortwofromtheBible，whichhehadbeenstudyingalltheweek，andintheperformanceofwhichdutyhefeltmoreproudandpleased，thanifhehadbeentheclergymanhimself。
Inthemorning，Oliverwouldbea-footbysixo\'clock，roamingthefields，andplunderingthehedges，farandwide，fornosegaysofwildflowers，withwhichhewouldreturnladen，home；andwhichittookgreatcareandconsiderationtoarrange，tothebestadvantage，fortheembellishmentofthebreakfast-table。
Therewasfreshgroundsel，too，forMissMaylie\'sbirds，withwhichOliver，whohadbeenstudyingthesubjectundertheabletuitionofthevillageclerk，woulddecoratethecages，inthemostapprovedtaste。Whenthebirdsweremadeallspruceandsmartfortheday，therewasusuallysomelittlecommissionofcharitytoexecuteinthevillage；or，failingthat，therewasrarecricket-playing，sometimes，onthegreen；or，failingthat，therewasalwayssomethingtodointhegarden，orabouttheplants，towhichOliverwhohadstudiedthissciencealso，underthesamemaster，whowasagardenerbytrade，appliedhimselfwithheartygood-will，untilMissRosemadeherappearance:whentherewereathousandcommendationstobebestowedonallhehaddone。
Sothreemonthsglidedaway；threemonthswhich，inthelifeofthemostblessedandfavouredofmortals，mighthavebeenunmingledhappiness，andwhich，inOliver\'sweretruefelicity。
Withthepurestandmostamiablegenerousityononeside；andthetruest，warmest，soul-feltgratitudeontheother；itisnowonderthat，bytheendofthatshorttime，OliverTwisthadbecomecompletelydomesticatedwiththeoldladyandherniece，andthattheferventattachmentofhisyoungandsensitiveheart，wasrepaidbytheirpridein，andattachmentto，himself。
CHAPTERXXXIII
WHEREINTHEHAPPINESSOFOLIVERANDHISFRIENDS，EXPERIENCESA
SUDDENCHECK
Springflewswiftlyby，andsummercame。Ifthevillagehadbeenbeautifulatfirstitwasnowinthefullglowandluxurianceofitsrichness。Thegreattrees，whichhadlookedshrunkenandbareintheearliermonths，hadnowburstintostronglifeandhealth；andstretchingforththeirgreenarmsoverthethirstyground，convertedopenandnakedspotsintochoicenooks，wherewasadeepandpleasantshadefromwhichtolookuponthewideprospect，steepedinsunshine，whichlaystretchedbeyond。Theearthhaddonnedhermantleofbrightestgreen；andshedherrichestperfumesabroad。Itwastheprimeandvigouroftheyear；allthingsweregladandflourishing。
Still，thesamequietlifewentonatthelittlecottage，andthesamecheerfulserenityprevailedamongitsinmates。Oliverhadlongsincegrownstoutandhealthy；buthealthorsicknessmadenodifferenceinhiswarmfeelingsofagreatmanypeople。Hewasstillthesamegentle，attached，affectionatecreaturethathehadbeenwhenpainandsufferinghadwastedhisstrength，andwhenhewasdependentforeveryslightattention，andcomfortonthosewhotendedhim。
Onebeautifulnight，whentheyhadtakenalongerwalkthanwascustomarywiththem:forthedayhadbeenunusuallywarm，andtherewasabrilliantmoon，andalightwindhadsprungup，whichwasunusuallyrefreshing。Rosehadbeeninhighspirits，too，andtheyhadwalkedon，inmerryconversation，untiltheyhadfarexceededtheirordinarybounds。Mrs。Mayliebeingfatigued，theyreturnedmoreslowlyhome。Theyoungladymerelythrowingoffhersimplebonnet，satdowntothepianoasusual。Afterrunningabstractedlyoverthekeysforafewminutes，shefellintoalowandverysolemnair；andassheplayedit，theyheardasoundasifshewereweeping。
\'Rose，mydear！\'saidtheelderlady。
Rosemadenoreply，butplayedalittlequicker，asthoughthewordshadrousedherfromsomepainfulthoughts。
\'Rose，mylove！\'criedMrs。Maylie，risinghastily，andbendingoverher。\'Whatisthis?Intears！Mydearchild，whatdistressesyou?\'
\'Nothing，aunt；nothing，\'repliedtheyounglady。\'Idon\'tknowwhatitis；Ican\'tdescribeit；butIfeel——\'
\'Notill，mylove?\'interposedMrs。Maylie。
\'No，no！Oh，notill！\'repliedRose:shudderingasthoughsomedeadlychillnesswerepassingoverher，whileshespoke；\'Ishallbebetterpresently。Closethewindow，pray！\'
Oliverhastenedtocomplywithherrequest。Theyounglady，makinganefforttorecoverhercheerfulness，strovetoplaysomeliveliertune；butherfingersdroppedpowerlessoverthekeys。
Coveringherfacewithherhands，shesankuponasofa，andgaveventtothetearswhichshewasnowunabletorepress。
\'Mychild！\'saidtheelderlylady，foldingherarmsabouther，\'I
neversawyousobefore。\'
\'IwouldnotalarmyouifIcouldavoidit，\'rejoinedRose；\'butindeedIhavetriedveryhard，andcannothelpthis。IfearIAM
ill，aunt。\'
Shewas，indeed；for，whencandleswerebrought，theysawthatintheveryshorttimewhichhadelapsedsincetheirreturnhome，thehueofhercountenancehadchangedtoamarblewhiteness。
Itsexpressionhadlostnothingofitsbeauty；butitwaschanged；andtherewasananxioushaggardlookaboutthegentleface，whichithadneverwornbefore。Anotherminute，anditwassuffusedwithacrimsonflush:andaheavywildnesscameoverthesoftblueeye。Againthisdisappeared，liketheshadowthrownbyapassingcloud；andshewasoncemoredeadlypale。
Oliver，whowatchedtheoldladyanxiously，observedthatshewasalarmedbytheseappearances；andsointruth，washe；butseeingthatsheaffectedtomakelightofthem，heendeavouredtodothesame，andtheysofarsucceeded，thatwhenRosewaspersuadedbyheraunttoretireforthenight，shewasinbetterspirits；andappearedeveninbetterhealth:assuringthemthatshefeltcertainsheshouldriseinthemorning，quitewell。
\'Ihope，\'saidOliver，whenMrs。Mayliereturned，\'thatnothingisthematter?Shedon\'tlookwellto-night，but——\'
Theoldladymotionedtohimnottospeak；andsittingherselfdowninadarkcorneroftheroom，remainedsilentforsometime。
Atlength，shesaid，inatremblingvoice:
\'Ihopenot，Oliver。Ihavebeenveryhappywithherforsomeyears:toohappy，perhaps。ItmaybetimethatIshouldmeetwithsomemisfortune；butIhopeitisnotthis。\'
\'What?\'inquiredOliver。
\'Theheavyblow，\'saidtheoldlady，\'oflosingthedeargirlwhohassolongbeenmycomfortandhappiness。\'
\'Oh！Godforbid！\'exclaimedOliver，hastily。
\'Amentothat，mychild！\'saidtheoldlady，wringingherhands。
\'Surelythereisnodangerofanythingsodreadful?\'saidOliver。
\'Twohoursago，shewasquitewell。\'
\'Sheisveryillnow，\'rejoinedMrs。Maylies；\'andwillbeworse，Iamsure。Mydear，dearRose！Oh，whatshallIdowithouther！\'
Shegavewaytosuchgreatgrief，thatOliver，suppressinghisownemotion，venturedtoremonstratewithher；andtobeg，earnestly，that，forthesakeofthedearyoungladyherself，shewouldbemorecalm。
\'Andconsider，ma\'am，\'saidOliver，asthetearsforcedthemselvesintohiseyes，despiteofhiseffortstothecontrary。
\'Oh！considerhowyoungandgoodsheis，andwhatpleasureandcomfortshegivestoallabouther。Iamsure——certain——quitecertain——that，foryoursake，whoaresogoodyourself；andforherown；andforthesakeofallshemakessohappy；shewillnotdie。Heavenwillneverletherdiesoyoung。\'
\'Hush！\'saidMrs。Maylie，layingherhandonOliver\'shead。\'Youthinklikeachild，poorboy。Butyouteachmemyduty，notwithstanding。Ihadforgottenitforamoment，Oliver，butI
hopeImaybepardoned，forIamold，andhaveseenenoughofillnessanddeathtoknowtheagonyofseparationfromtheobjectsofourlove。Ihaveseenenough，too，toknowthatitisnotalwaystheyoungestandbestwhoaresparedtothosethatlovethem；butthisshouldgiveuscomfortinoursorrow；forHeavenisjust；andsuchthingsteachus，impressively，thatthereisabrighterworldthanthis；andthatthepassagetoitisspeedy。God\'swillbedone！Iloveher；andHeknowhowwell！\'
OliverwassurprisedtoseethatasMrs。Mayliesaidthesewords，shecheckedherlamentationsasthoughbyoneeffort；anddrawingherselfupasshespoke，becamecomposedandfirm。Hewasstillmoreastonishedtofindthatthisfirmnesslasted；andthat，underallthecareandwatchingwhichensued，Mrs。Mayliewaseveryreadyandcollected:performingallthedutieswhichhaddevolveduponher，steadily，and，toallexternalappearances，evencheerfully。Buthewasyoung，anddidnotknowwhatstrongmindsarecapableof，undertryingcircumstances。Howshouldhe，whentheirpossessorssoseldomknowthemselves?
Ananxiousnightensued。Whenmorningcame，Mrs。Maylie\'spredictionswerebuttoowellverified。Rosewasinthefirststageofahighanddangerousfever。
\'Wemustbeactive，Oliver，andnotgivewaytouselessgrief，\'
saidMrs。Maylie，layingherfingeronherlip，asshelookedsteadilyintohisface；\'thislettermustbesent，withallpossibleexpedition，toMr。Losberne。Itmustbecarriedtothemarket-town:whichisnotmorethanfourmilesoff，bythefootpathacrossthefield:andthencedispatched，byanexpressonhorseback，straighttoChertsey。Thepeopleattheinnwillundertaketodothis:andIcantrusttoyoutoseeitdone，I
know。\'
Olivercouldmakenoreply，butlookedhisanxietytobegoneatonce。
\'Hereisanotherletter，\'saidMrs。Maylie，pausingtoreflect；
\'butwhethertosenditnow，orwaituntilIseehowRosegoeson，Iscarcelyknow。Iwouldnotforwardit，unlessIfearedtheworst。\'
\'IsitforChertsey，too，ma\'am?\'inquiredOliver；impatienttoexecutehiscommission，andholdingouthistremblinghandfortheletter。
\'No，\'repliedtheoldlady，givingittohimmechanically。
Oliverglancedatit，andsawthatitwasdirectedtoHarryMaylie，Esquire，atsomegreatlord\'shouseinthecountry；
where，hecouldnotmakeout。
\'Shallitgo，ma\'am?\'askedOliver，lookingup，impatiently。
\'Ithinknot，\'repliedMrs。Maylie，takingitback。\'Iwillwaituntilto-morrow。\'
Withthesewords，shegaveOliverherpurse，andhestartedoff，withoutmoredelay，atthegreatestspeedhecouldmuster。
Swiftlyheranacrossthefields，anddownthelittlelaneswhichsometimesdividedthem:nowalmosthiddenbythehighcornoneitherside，andnowemergingonanopenfield，wherethemowersandhaymakerswerebusyattheirwork:nordidhestoponce，savenowandthen，forafewseconds，torecoverbreath，untilhecame，inagreatheat，andcoveredwithdust，onthelittlemarket-placeofthemarket-town。