Minnalistened。Afriendofoneofthemaidshadsuddenlythrownupherposition，leavinghermadameinwhatwouldappeartohavebeendeservedembarrassment。
Oh，saidMinna，breakingin，andlyingwithsuddenunwontedfluency，Iamanurse-girl。Iamoutofaplace。DoyouthinkIcouldgetthatone？
Thegroupturnedandfixedher——soevidentlyacountrygirl——withasuperciliousindifference。
Well，youmighttry，saidoneofthem。Gotgoodreferences？
References？repeatedMinnablankly。Shedidnotknowwhatthismeant。
Oh，Mrs。Fieldain’tthekindtostickaboutreferences，spokeuptheother，she’sthatsoft。Why，anybodycouldworkher。
I’llgothere，saidMinna。Haveyoutheaddress？Itwastoldtoher。
Lorin，shemurmured。Isthatoutoftown？
Well，it’sacrosstheBay。
AcrosstheBay。
Um。You’refromthecountry，ain’tyou？
Yes。How——howdoIgetthere？Isitfar？
Well，youtaketheferryatthefootofMarketStreet，andthenthetrainontheotherside。No，itain’tveryfar。Justaskanyonedownthere。They’lltellyou。
Itwasachance。butMinna，afterwalkingdowntotheferryslips，foundthattheroundtripwouldcosthertwentycents。Ifthejourneyprovedfruitless，onlyadimewouldstandbetweenherandtheendofeverything。Butitwasachance。theonlyonethathad，asyet，presenteditself。Shemadethetrip。
Anduponthestreet-railwaycars，upontheferryboats，onthelocomotivesandway-coachesofthelocaltrains，shewasremindedofherfather’sdeath，andofthegiantpowerthathadreducedhertoherpresentstraits，bytheletters，P。andS。W。R。R。
Tohermind，theyoccurredeverywhere。Sheseemedtoseethemineverydirection。Shefanciedherselfsurroundeduponeveryhandbythelongarmsofthemonster。
Minuteafterminute，herhungergnawedather。Shecouldnotkeephermindfromit。Asshesatontheboat，shefoundherselfcuriouslyscanningthefacesofthepassengers，wonderinghowlongsincesuchaonehadbreakfasted，howlongbeforethisothershouldsitdowntolunch。
WhenMinnadescendedfromthetrain，atLorinontheothersideoftheBay，shefoundthattheplacewasoneofthosesuburbantowns，notyetbecomefashionable，suchasmaybeseenbeyondtheoutskirtsofanylargeAmericancity。Allalongthelineoftherailroadthereabouts，houses，smallvillas——contractors’
ventures——werescattered，theadvantagesofsuburbanlotsandsitesforhomesbeingproclaimedinseven-footlettersuponmammothbill-boardsclosetotherightofway。
Withoutmuchtrouble，Minnafoundthehousetowhichshehadbeendirected，aprettylittlecottage，setbackfromthestreetandshadedbypalms，liveoaks，andtheinevitableeucalyptus。Herheartwarmedatthesightofit。Oh，tofindalittlenicheforherselfhere，ahome，arefugefromthosehorriblecitystreets，fromtheratoffamine，withitsrelentlesstooth。Howshewouldwork，howstrenuouslyshewouldendeavourtoplease，howpatientofrebukeshewouldbe，howfaithful，howconscientious。Norwereherpretensionsaltogetherfalse。uponher，whileathome，haddevolvedalmostcontinuallythecareofthebabyHilda，herlittlesister。Sheknewthewantsandneedsofchildren。
Herheartbeating，herbreathfailing，sherangthebellsetsquarelyinthemiddleofthefrontdoor。
Theladyofthehouseherself，anelderlylady，withpleasant，kindlyface，openedthedoor。Minnastatedhererrand。
ButIhavealreadyengagedagirl，shesaid。
Oh，murmuredMinna，strivingwithallhermighttomaintainappearances。Oh——Ithoughtperhaps——Sheturnedaway。
I’msorry，saidthelady。Thensheadded，Wouldyoucaretolookaftersomanyasthreelittlechildren，andhelparoundinlighthouseworkbetweenwhiles？
Yes，ma’am。
Becausemysister——shelivesinNorthBerkeley，abovehere——
she’slookingfaragirl。Haveyouhadlotsofexperience？Gotgoodreferences？
Yes，ma’am。
Well，I’llgiveyoutheaddress。ShelivesupinNorthBerkeley。
Sheturnedbackintothehouseamoment，andreturned，handingMinnaacard。
That’swhereshelives——carefulnottoBLOTit，child，theink’swetyet——youhadbetterseeher。
Isitfar？CouldIwalkthere？
My，no。youbettertaketheelectriccars，aboutsixblocksabovehere。
WhenMinnaarrivedinNorthBerkeley，shehadnomoneyleft。Byacruelmistake，shehadtakenacargoinginthewrongdirection，andthoughhererrorwasrectifiedeasilyenough，ithadcostherherlastfive-centpiece。Shewasnowtotryherlasthope。Promptlyitcrumbledaway。Liketheformer，thisplacehadbeenalreadyfilled，andMinnaleftthedoorofthehousewiththecertaintythatherchancehadcometonaught，andthatnowsheenteredintothelaststrugglewithlife——thedeathstruggle——shornofherlastpitifuldefence，herlastsafeguard，herlastpenny。
Assheoncemoreresumedherinterminablewalk，sherealisedshewasweak，faint。andsheknewthatitwastheweaknessofcompleteexhaustion，andthefaintnessofapproachingstarvation。
Wasthistheendcomingon？Terrorofdeatharousedher。
IMUST，IMUSTdosomething，oh，anything。Imusthavesomethingtoeat。
Atthislatehour，theideaofpawningherlittlejacketoccurredtoher，butnowshewasfarawayfromthecityanditspawnshops，andtherewasnogettingback。
Shewalkedon。Anhourpassed。Shelosthersenseofdirection，becameconfused，knewnotwhereshewasgoing，turnedcornersandwentupby-streetswithoutknowingwhy，anythingtokeepmoving，forshefanciedthatsosoonasshestoodstill，theratinthepitofherstomachgnawedmoreeagerly。
Atlast，sheenteredwhatseemedtobe，ifnotapark，atleastsomesortofpublicenclosure。Thereweremanytrees。theplacewasbeautiful。well-keptroadsandwalksledsinuouslyandinvitinglyunderneaththeshade。Throughthetreesupontheothersideofawideexpanseofturf，brownandsearunderthesummersun，shecaughtaglimpseoftallbuildingsandaflagstaff。Thewholeplacehadavaguelypublic，educationalappearance，andMinnaguessed，fromcertainnoticesaffixedtothetrees，warningthepublicagainstthepickingofflowers，thatshehadfoundherwayintothegroundsoftheStateUniversity。Shewentonalittlefurther。Thepathshewasfollowingledher，atlength，intoagroveofgiganticliveoaks，whoselowerbranchesallbutswepttheground。Herethegrasswasgreen，thefewflowersinbloom，theshadeverythick。A
morelovelyspotshehadseldomseen。Nearathandwasabench，builtaroundthetrunkofthelargestliveoak，andhere，atlength，weakfromhunger，exhaustedtothelimitsofherendurance，despairing，abandoned，MinnaHoovensatdowntoenquireofherselfwhatnextshecoulddo。
Butonceseated，thedemandsoftheanimal——soshecouldbelieve——
becamemoreclamorous，moreinsistent。Toeat，torest，tobesafelyhousedagainstanothernight，aboveallelse，thesewerethethingsshecraved。andthecravingwithinhergrewsomightythatshecrispedherpoor，starvedhandsintolittlefists，inanagonyofdesire，whilethetearsranfromhereyes，andthesobsrosethickfromherbreastandstruggledandstrangledinherachingthroat。
ButinafewmomentsMinnawasawarethatawoman，apparentlyofsomethirtyyearsofage，hadtwicepassedalongthewalkinfrontofthebenchwhereshesat，andnow，asshetookmorenoticeofher，sherememberedthatshehadseenherontheferry-
boatcomingoverfromthecity。
Thewomanwasgownedinsilk，tightlycorseted，andworeahatofratherostentatioussmartness。Minnabecameconvincedthatthepersonwaswatchingher，butbeforeshehadachancetoactuponthisconvictionshewassurprisedoutofallcountenancebythestrangercominguptowhereshesatandspeakingtoher。
Hereisacoincidence，exclaimedthenew-comer，asshesatdown。surelyyouaretheyounggirlwhosatoppositemeontheboat。StrangeIshouldcomeacrossyouagain。I’vehadyouinmindeversince。
OnthisnearerviewMinnaobservedthatthewoman’sfaceborerathermorethanatraceofenamelandthattheatmosphereaboutwasimpregnatedwithsachet。Shewasnototherwiseconspicuous，buttherewasacertainhardnessabouthermouthandacertaindroopoffatigueinhereyelidswhich，combinedwithanindefiniteself-confidenceofmanner，heldMinna’sattention。
Doyouknow，continuedthewoman，Ibelieveyouareintrouble。IthoughtsowhenIsawyouontheboat，andIthinksonow。Areyou？Areyouintrouble？You’refromthecountry，ain’tyou？
Minna，gladtofindasympathiser，eveninthischanceacquaintance，admittedthatshewasindistress。thatshehadbecomeseparatedfromhermother，andthatshewasindeedfromthecountry。
I’vebeentryingtofindasituation，shehazardedinconclusion，butIdon’tseemtosucceed。I’veneverbeeninacitybefore，exceptBonneville。
Well，itISacoincidence，saidtheother。IknowIwasn’tdrawntoyoufornothing。Iamlookingforjustsuchayounggirlasyou。Yousee，IlivealoneagooddealandI’vebeenwantingtofindanice，bright，sociablegirlwhowillbeasortofCOMPANIONtome。Understand？Andthere’ssomethingaboutyouthatIlike。ItooktoyouthemomentIsawyouontheboat。
Nowshallwetalkthisover？
Towardstheendoftheweek，oneafternoon，asPresleywasreturningfromhisclub，hecamesuddenlyfacetofacewithMinnauponastreetcorner。
Ah，hecried，comingtowardherjoyfully。Uponmyword，Ihadalmostgivenyouup。I’vebeenlookingeverywhereforyou。I
wasafraidyoumightnotbegettingalong，andIwantedtoseeiftherewasanythingIcoulddo。HowareyourmotherandHilda？
Whereareyoustopping？Haveyougotagoodplace？
Idon’tknowwheremammais，answeredMinna。Wegotseparated，andIneverhavebeenabletofindheragain。
Meanwhile，PresleyhadbeentakinginwithaquickeyethedetailsofMinna’ssilkdress，withitsgarnitureoflace，itsedgingofvelvet，itssilverbelt-buckle。Herhairwasarrangedinanewwayandonherheadwasawidehatwithaflaretooneside，setoffwithagiltbuckleandapuffofbrightblueplush。
Heglancedathersharply。
Well，but——buthowareyougettingon？hedemanded。
Minnalaughedscornfully。
I？shecried。Oh，I’VEgonetohell。Itwaseitherthatorstarvation。
Presleyregainedhisroomattheclub，whiteandtrembling。
Worsethantheworsthehadfearedhadhappened。Hehadnotbeensoonenoughtohelp。Hehadfailedagain。Asuperstitiousfearassailedhimthathewas，inamanner，marked。thathewasforedoomedtofail。Minnahadcome——hadbeendriventothis。andhe，actingtoolateuponhistardyresolve，hadnotbeenabletopreventit。Werethehorrors，then，nevertoend？Wasthegrislyspectreofconsequencetoforeverdanceinhisvision？
Weretheresults，thefar-reachingresultsofthatbattleattheirrigatingditchtocrosshispathforever？Whenwouldtheaffairbeterminated，theincidentclosed？Wherewasthatspottowhichthetentacleofthemonstercouldnotreach？
Bynow，hewassickwiththedreadofitall。Hewantedtogetaway，tobefreefromthatendlessmisery，sothathemightnotseewhathecouldnolongerhelp。Cowardlyhenowknewhimselftobe。Hethoughtofhimselfonlywithloathing。
Bitterlyself-contemptuousthathecouldbringhimselftoaparticipationinsuchtrivialities，hebegantodresstokeephisengagementtodinewiththeCedarquists。
Hearrivedatthehousenearlyhalfanhourlate，butbeforehecouldtakeoffhisovercoat，Mrs。Cedarquistappearedinthedoorwayofthedrawing-roomattheendofthehall。Shewasdressedasiftogoout。
MyDEARPresley，sheexclaimed，herstout，over-dressedbodybustlingtowardhimwithagreatrustleofsilk。Ineverwassoglad。Youpoor，dearpoet，youarethinasaghost。YouneedabetterdinnerthanIcangiveyou，andthatisjustwhatyouaretohave。
HaveIblundered？Presleyhastenedtoexclaim。DidnotMr。
CedarquistmentionFridayevening？
No，no，no，shecried。itwashewhoblundered。YOU
blunderinginasocialamenity！Preposterous！No。Mr。
Cedarquistforgotthatwewerediningoutourselvesto-night，andwhenhetoldmehehadaskedyouhereforthesameevening，I
fellupontheman，mydear，Ididactually，toothandnail。ButIwouldn’thearofhiswiringyou。Ijustdroppedanotetoourhostess，askingifIcouldnotbringyou，andwhenItoldherwhoyouWERE，shereceivedtheideawith，oh，empressement。So，thereitis，allsettled。Cedarquistandthegirlsaregoneonahead，andyouaretotaketheoldladylikeadear，dearpoet。
IbelieveIhearthecarriage。Allons！Envoiture！
Oncesettledinthecoolgloomofthecoupe，odorousofleatherandupholstery，Mrs。Cedarquistexclaimed：
AndI’venevertoldyouwhoyouweretodinewith。oh，apersonage，really。Fancy，youwillbeinthecampofyourdearestfoes。YouaretodinewiththeGerardpeople，oneoftheVice-Presidentsofyourbetenoir，theP。andS。W。Railroad。
Presleystarted，hisfistsclenchingsoabruptlyastoallbutsplithiswhitegloves。Hewasnotconsciousofwhathesaidinreply，andMrs。Cedarquistwassotakenupwithherownendlessstreamoftalkthatshedidnotobservehisconfusion。
TheirdaughterHonoraisgoingtoEuropenextweek。hermotheristotakeher，andMrs。Gerardistohavejustafewpeopletodinner——veryinformal，youknow——ourselves，youand，oh，Idon’tknow，twoorthreeothers。HaveyoueverseenHonora？Theprettiestlittlething，andwillsheberich？Millions，Iwouldnotdaresayhowmany。Tiens。Nousvoici。
Thecoupedrewuptothecurb，andPresleyfollowedMrs。
Cedarquistupthestepstothemassivedoorsofthegreathouse。
Inaconfuseddaze，heallowedoneofthefootmentorelievehimofhishatandcoat。inadazeherejoinedMrs。Cedarquistinaroomwithaglassroof，hungwithpictures，theartgallery，nodoubt，andinadazeheardtheirnamesannouncedattheentranceofanotherroom，thedoorsofwhichwerehungwiththick，bluecurtains。
Heentered，collectinghiswitsfortheintroductionsandpresentationsthatheforesawimpended。
Theroomwasverylarge，andofexcessiveloftiness。Flat，rectagonalpillarsofarose-tinted，variegatedmarble，rosefromtheflooralmostflushwiththewalls，finishingoffatthetopwithgildedcapitalsofaCorinthiandesign，whichsupportedtheceiling。Theceilingitself，insteadofjoiningthewallsatrightangles，curvedtomeetthem，adevicethatproducedasortofdome-likeeffect。Thisceilingwasamazeofgoldeninvolutionsinveryhighrelief，thatadjustedthemselvestoformamassiveframingforagreatpicture，nymphsandgoddesses，whitedoves，goldenchariotsandthelike，allwreathedaboutwithcloudsandgarlandsofroses。Betweenthepillarsaroundthesidesoftheroomwerehangingsofsilk，thedesign——ofaLouisQuinzetype——ofbeautifulsimplicityandfaultlesstaste。
Thefireplacewasamarvel。Itreachedfromfloortoceiling。
thelowerparts，blackmarble，carvedintocrouchingAtlases，withgreatmusclesthatupborethesuperstructure。Thedesignofthislatter，ofakindofpurplemarble，shotthroughwithwhiteveinings，wasinthesamestyleasthedesignofthesilkhangings。Initsmidstwasabronzeescutcheon，bearinganundecipherablemonogramandaLatinmotto。Andironsofbrass，nearlysixfeethigh，flankedthehearthstone。
Thewindowsoftheroomwereheavilydrapedinsombrebrocadeandecrulace，inwhichtheinitialsofthefamilywereverybeautifullyworked。Butdirectlyoppositethefireplace，anextrawindow，lightedfromtheadjoiningconservatory，threwawonderful，richlightintotheapartment。ItwasaGothicwindowofstainedglass，verylarge，thecentrefiguresbeingarmedwarriors，ParsifalandLohengrin。theonewithabanner，theotherwithaswan。Theeffectwasexquisite，thewindowaveritablemasterpiece，glowing，flaming，andburningwithahundredtintsandcolours——opalescent，purple，wine-red，cloudedpinks，royalblues，saffrons，violetssodarkastobealmostblack。
Underfoot，thecarpethadallthesoftnessoftextureofgrass。
skinsoneofthemofanenormouspolarbearandrugsofsilkvelvetwerespreaduponthefloor。ARenaissancecabinetofebony，manyfeettallerthanPresley’shead，andinlaidwithivoryandsilver，occupiedonecorneroftheroom，whileinitscentrestoodavasttableofFlemishoak，black，heavyasiron，massive。Afaintodourofsandalwoodpervadedtheair。Fromtheconservatorynear-by，camethesplashingofafountain。Arowofelectricbulbsletintothefriezeofthewallsbetweenthegoldencapitals，andburningdimlybehindhemispheresofcloudedglass，threwasubduedlightoverthewholescene。
Mrs。Gerardcameforward。
ThisisMr。Presley，ofcourse，ournewpoetofwhomweareallsoproud。Iwassoafraidyouwouldbeunabletocome。Youhavegivenmearealpleasureinallowingmetowelcomeyouhere。
Thefootmanappearedatherelbow。
Dinnerisserved，madame，heannounced。
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WhenMrs。Hoovenhadlefttheboarding-houseonCastroStreet，shehadtakenupapositiononaneighbouringcorner，towaitforMinna’sreappearance。LittleHilda，atthistimehardlymorethansixyearsofage，waswithher，holdingtoherhand。
Mrs。Hoovenwasbynomeansanoldwoman，buthardworkhadagedher。Shenolongerhadanyclaimtogoodlooks。Shenolongertookmuchinterestinherpersonalappearance。AtthetimeofherevictionfromtheCastroStreetboarding-house，sheworeafadedblackbonnet，garnishedwithfadedartificialflowersofdirtypink。Aplaidshawlwasabouthershoulders。ButthisdayofmisfortunehadsetMrs。Hoovenadriftinevenworseconditionthanherdaughter。Herpurse，containingamiserablehandfulofdimesandnickels，wasinhertrunk，andhertrunkwasinthehandsofthelandlady。Minnahadbeenallowedsuchreprieveasherthirty-fivecentswouldpurchase。ThedestitutionofMrs。
Hoovenandherlittlegirlhadbegunfromtheverymomentofhereviction。
WhileshewaitedforMinna，watchingeverystreetcarandeveryapproachingpedestrian，apolicemanappeared，askedwhatshedid，and，receivingnosatisfactoryreply，promptlymovedheron。
Minnahadhadlittleassuranceinfacingthelifestruggleofthecity。Mrs。Hoovenhadabsolutelynone。Inher，grief，distress，thepinchofpoverty，and，aboveall，thenamelessfearoftheturbulent，fiercelifeofthestreets，hadproducedanumbness，anembruted，sodden，silent，speechlessconditionofdazedmind，andclogged，unintelligentspeech。Shewasdumb，bewildered，stupid，animatedbutbyasingleimpulse。Sheclungtolife，andtothelifeofherlittledaughterHilda，withtheblindtenacityofpurposeofadrowningcat。
Thus，whenorderedtomoveonbytheofficer，shehadsilentlyobeyed，notevenattemptingtoexplainhersituation。Shewalkedawaytothenextstreet-crossing。Then，inafewmomentsreturned，takingupherplaceonthecornerneartheboarding-
house，spyingupontheapproachingcablecars，peepinganxiouslydownthelengthofthesidewalks。
Oncemore，theofficerorderedheraway，andoncemore，unprotesting，shecomplied。Butwhenforthethirdtimethepolicemanfoundherontheforbiddenspot，hehadlosthistemper。ThistimewhenMrs。Hoovendeparted，hehadfollowedher，andwhen，bewildered，persistent，shehadattemptedtoturnback，hecaughtherbytheshoulder。
Doyouwanttogetarrested，hey？hedemanded。Doyouwantmetolockyouup？Say，doyou，speakup？
TheominouswordsatlengthreachedMrs。Hooven’scomprehension。
Arrested！Shewastobearrested。Thecountrywoman’sfearoftheJailnippedandbiteagerlyatherunwillingheels。Shehurriedoff，thinkingtoreturntoherpostafterthepolicemanshouldhavegoneaway。Butwhen，atlength，turningback，shetriedtofindtheboarding-house，shesuddenlydiscoveredthatshewasonanunfamiliarstreet。Unwittingly，nodoubt，shehadturnedacorner。Shecouldnotretracehersteps。SheandHildawerelost。
Mammy，I’mtired，Hildacomplained。
Hermotherpickedherup。
Mammy，where’rewegowun，mammy？
Where，indeed？Stupefied，Mrs。Hoovenlookedaboutherattheendlessblocksofbuildings，theendlessprocessionofvehiclesinthestreets，theendlessmarchofpedestriansonthesidewalks。WherewasMinna。wherewassheandherbabytosleepthatnight？HowwasHildatobefed？
Shecouldnotstandstill。Therewasnoplacetositdown。butonethingwasleft，walk。
Ah，thatviadolorosaofthedestitute，thatchemindelacroixofthehomeless。Ah，themileaftermileofgranitepavementthatMUSTbe，MUSTbetraversed。Walktheymust。Move，theymust。onward，forward，whithertheycannottell。why，theydonotknow。Walk，walk，walkwithbleedingfeetandsmartingjoints。
walkwithachingbackandtremblingknees。walk，thoughthesensesgrowgiddywithfatigue，thoughtheeyesdroopwithsleep，thougheverynerve，demandingrest，setsinmotionitstinyalarmofpain。Deathisattheendofthatdevious，windingmazeofpaths，crossedandre-crossedandcrossedagain。Thereisbutonegoaltotheviadolorosa。thereisnoescapefromthecentralchamberofthatlabyrinth。Fateguidesthefeetofthemthataresettherein。Doubleontheirstepsthoughtheymay，weaveinandoutofthemyriadcornersofthecity’sstreets，return，goforward，back，fromsidetoside，here，there，anywhere，dodge，twist，wind，thecentralchamberwhereDeathsitsisreachedinexorablyattheend。
SometimesleadingandsometimescarryingHilda，Mrs。Hoovensetoffuponherobjectlessjourney。Blockafterblockshewalked，streetafterstreet。Shewasafraidtostop，becauseofthepolicemen。Asoftenasshesomuchasslackenedherpace，shewassuretoseeoneoftheseterriblefiguresinthedistance，watchingher，soitseemedtoher，waitingforhertohaltforthefractionofasecond，inorderthathemighthaveanexcusetoarresther。
Hildafrettedincessantly。
Mammy，where’rewegowun？Mammy，I’mtired。Then，atlast，forthefirsttime，thatplaintthatstabbedthemother’sheart：
Mammy，I’mhungry。
Bequi-ut，den，saidMrs。Hooven。Brettysoonwe’llhevdersubber。
Passers-byonthesidewalk，menandwomeninthegreatsixo’clockhomewardmarch，jostledthemastheywentalong。Withdumb，dullcuriousness，shelookedintooneafteranotherofthelimitlessstreamoffaces，andshefanciedshesawinthemeveryemotionbutpity。Thefacesweregay，wereanxious，weresorrowful，weremirthful，werelinedwiththought，orweremerelyflatandexpressionless，butnotonewasturnedtowardherincompassion。Theexpressionsofthefacesmightbevarious，butanunderlyingcallousnesswasdiscoverablebeneatheverymask。
Thepeopleseemedremovedfromherimmeasurably。theywereinfinitelyaboveher。Whatwasshetothem，sheandherbaby，thecrippledoutcastsofthehumanherd，theunfit，notabletosurvive，thrustoutontheheathtoperish？
Tobegfromthesepeopledidnotyetoccurtoher。Therewasnopride，however，inthematter。Shewouldhaveasreadilyaskedalmsofsomanysphinxes。
Shewenton。Withoutwillingit，herfeetcarriedherinawidecircle。Soonshebegantorecognisethehouses。shehadbeeninthatstreetbefore。Somehow，thiswasdistastefultoher。so，strikingoffatrightangles，shewalkedstraightbeforeherforoveradozenblocks。Bynow，itwasgrowingdarker。Thesunhadset。Thehandsofaclockonthepower-houseofacablelinepointedtoseven。Nodoubt，Minnahadcomelongbeforethistime，hadfoundhermothergone，andhad——justwhathadshedone，justwhatCOULDshedo？Wherewasherdaughternow？Walkingthestreetsherself，nodoubt。WhatwastobecomeofMinna，prettygirlthatshewas，lost，houselessandfriendlessinthemazeofthesestreets？Mrs。Hooven，rousedfromherlethargy，couldnotrepressanexclamationofanguish。Herewasmisfortuneindeed。
herewascalamity。Shebestirredherself，andrememberedtheaddressoftheboarding-house。Shemightinquireherwaybackthither。Nodoubt，bynowthepolicemanwouldbegonehomeforthenight。Shelookedabout。Shewasinthedistrictofmodestresidences，andayoungmanwascomingtowardher，carryinganewgardenhoseloopedaroundhisshoulder。
Say，Meest’r。say，blease——
Theyoungmangaveheraquicklookandpassedon，hitchingthecoilofhoseoverhisshoulder。Butafewpacesdistant，heslackenedinhiswalkandfumbledinhisvestpocketwithhisfingers。ThenhecamebacktoMrs。Hoovenandputaquarterintoherhand。
Mrs。Hoovenstaredatthecoinstupefied。Theyoungmandisappeared。Hethought，then，thatshewasbegging。Ithadcometothat。she，independentallherlife，whosehusbandhadheldfivehundredacresofwheatland，hadbeentakenforabeggar。Aflushofshameshottoherface。Shewasabouttothrowthemoneyafteritsgiver。Butatthemoment，Hildaagainexclaimed：
Mammy，I’mhungry。
Withamovementofinfinitelassitudeandresignedacceptanceofthesituation，Mrs。Hoovenputthecoininherpocket。Shehadnorighttobeproudanylonger。Hildamusthavefood。
Thatevening，sheandherchildhadsupperatacheaprestaurantinapoorquarterofthetown，andpassedthenightonthebenchesofalittleuptownpark。
Unusedtothewaysofthetown，ignorantastothecustomsandpossibilitiesofeating-houses，shespentthewholeofherquarteruponsupperforherselfandHilda，andhadnothingleftwherewithtobuyalodging。
Thenightwasdreadful。Hildasobbedherselftosleeponhermother’sshoulder，wakingthereafterfromhourtohour，toprotest，thoughwrappedinhermother’sshawl，thatshewascold，andtoenquirewhytheydidnotgotobed。Drunkenmensnoredandsprawlednearathand。Towardsmorning，aloafer，reekingofalcohol，satdownbesideher，andindulgedinanincoherentsoliloquy，punctuatedwithoathsandobscenities。Itwasnottillfaralongtowardsdaylightthatshefellasleep。
Sheawoketofinditbroadday。Hilda——mercifully——slept。Hermother’slimbswerestiffandlamewithcoldanddamp。herheadthrobbed。Shemovedtoanotherbenchwhichstoodintheraysofthesun，andforalongtwohourssatthereinthethinwarmth，tillthemoistureofthenightthatclungtoherclotheswasevaporated。
Apolicemancameintoview。ShewokeHilda，andcarryingherinherarms，tookherselfaway。
Mammy，beganHildaassoonasshewaswellawake。Mammy，I’mhungry。Iwantmeinbreakfest。
Sure，sure，soonnow，leedletochter。
Sheherselfwashungry，butshehadbutlittlethoughtofthat。
HowwasHildatobefed？Sherememberedherexperienceofthepreviousday，whentheyoungmanwiththehosehadgivenhermoney。Wasitsoeasy，then，tobeg？Couldcharitybehadfortheasking？Soitseemed。butallthatwasleftofhersturdyindependencerevoltedatthethought。SHEbeg！SHEholdoutthehandtostrangers！
Mammy，I’mhungry。
Therewasnootherway。Itmustcometothatintheend。Whytemporise，whyputofftheinevitable？Shesoughtoutafrequentedstreetwheremenandwomenwereontheirwaytowork。
Oneafteranother，sheletthemgoby，searchingtheirfaces，deterredattheverylastmomentbysometriflingvariationofexpression，afirmsetmouth，aserious，leveleyebrow，anadvancingchin。Then，twice，whenshehadmadeachoice，andbroughtherresolutiontothepointofspeech，shequailed，shrinking，herearstingling，herwholebeingprotestingagainstthedegradation。Everyonemustbelookingather。Hershamewasnodoubttheobjectofanhundredeyes。
Mammy，I’mhungry，protestedHildaagain。
Shemadeuphermind。What，though，wasshetosay？Inwhatwordsdidbeggarsaskforassistance？
ShetriedtorememberhowtrampswhohadappearedatherbackdooronLosMuertoshadaddressedher。howandwithwhatformulacertainmendicantsofBonnevillehadappealedtoher。Then，havingsettleduponaphrase，sheapproachedawhiskeredgentlemanwithalargestomach，walkingbrisklyinthedirectionofthetown。
Say，den，bleasehellupaboorwomun。
Thegentlemanpassedon。
Perhapshedoandhearme，shemurmured。
Twowell-dressedwomenadvanced，chatteringgayly。
Say，say，den，bleasehellupaboorwomun。
Oneofthewomenpaused，murmuringtohercompanion，andfromherpurseextractedayellowticketwhichshegavetoMrs。Hoovenwithvolubleexplanations。ButMrs。Hoovenwasconfused，shedidnotunderstand。Whatcouldtheticketmean？Thewomenwentontheirway。
Thenextpersontowhomsheappliedwasayounggirlofabouteighteen，veryprettilydressed。
Say，say，den，bleasehellupaboorwomun。
Inevidentembarrassment，theyounggirlpausedandsearchedinherlittlepocketbook。
IthinkIhave——Ithink——Ihavejusttencentsheresomewhere，
shemurmuredagainandagain。
Intheend，shefoundadime，anddroppeditintoMrs。Hooven’spalm。
Thatwasthebeginning。Thefirststeponcetaken，theothersbecameeasy。Alldaylong，Mrs。HoovenandHildafollowedthestreets，begging，begging。Hereitwasanickel，thereadime，hereanickelagain。Butshewasnotexpertintheart，nordidsheknowwheretobuyfoodthecheapest。andtheentireday’sworkresultedonlyinbarelyenoughfortwomealsofbread，milk，andawretchedlycookedstew。Tuesdaynightfoundthepaironcemoreshelterless。
Oncemore，Mrs。Hoovenandherbabypassedthenightontheparkbenches。ButearlyonWednesdaymorning，Mrs。Hoovenfoundherselfassailedbysharppainsandcrampsinherstomach。Whatwasthecauseshecouldnotsay。butasthedaywenton，thepainsincreased，alternatingwithhotflushesoverallherbody，andacertainweaknessandfaintness。Asthedaywenton，thepainandtheweaknessincreased。Whenshetriedtowalk，shefoundshecoulddosoonlywiththegreatestdifficulty。Herewasfreshmisfortune。Tobeg，shemustwalk。Draggingherselfforwardahalf-blockatatime，sheregainedthestreetoncemore。Shesucceededinbeggingacoupleofnickels，boughtabagofapplesfromavender，and，returningtothepark，sankexhausteduponabench。
Heresheremainedalldayuntilevening，Hildaalternatelywhimperingforherbreadandmilk，orplayinglanguidlyinthegravelwalkatherfeet。Intheevening，shestartedoutagain。
Thistime，itwasbitterhard。Nobodyseemedinclinedtogive。
Twiceshewasmovedonbypolicemen。Twohours’beggingelicitedbutasingledime。Withthis，sheboughtHilda’sbreadandmilk，andrefusingherselftoeat，returnedtothebench——theonlyhomesheknew——andspentthenightshiveringwithcold，burningwithfever。
FromWednesdaymorningtillFridayevening，withtheexceptionofthefewapplesshehadbought，andaquarterofaloafofhardbreadthatshefoundinagreasynewspaper——scrapsofaworkman’sdinner——Mrs。Hoovenhadnothingtoeat。Inherweakenedcondition，beggingbecamehourlymoredifficult，andsuchlittlemoneyaswasgivenher，sheresolutelyspentonHilda’sbreadandmilkinthemorningandevening。
ByFridayafternoon，shewasveryweak，indeed。Hereyestroubledher。Shecouldnolongerseedistinctly，andattimesthereappearedtohercuriousfigures，hugecrystalgobletsofthemostgracefulshapes，floatingandswayingintheairinfrontofher，almostwithinarm’sreach。Vasesofelegantforms，madeofshimmeringglass，bowedandcourtesiedtowardher。Glassbulbstookgracefulandvaryingshapesbeforehervision，nowroundingintoglobes，nowevolvingintohour-glasses，nowtwistingintopretzel-shapedconvolutions。
Mammy，I’mhungry，insistedHilda，passingherhandsoverherface。Mrs。Hoovenstartedandwoke。ItwasFridayevening。
Alreadythestreetlampswerebeinglit。
Gome，den，leedlegirl，shesaid，risingandtakingHilda’shand。Gome，den，wegovindsubber，hey？
Sheissuedfromtheparkandtookacrossstreet，directlyawayfromthelocalitywhereshehadbeggedthepreviousdays。Shehadhadnosuccessthereoflate。Shewouldtrysomeotherquarterofthetown。Afterawearywalk，shecameoutuponVanNessAvenue，nearitsjunctionwithMarketStreet。Sheturnedintotheavenue，andwentontowardtheBay，painfullytraversingblockafterblock，beggingofallwhomshemetforshenolongermadeanydistinctionamongthepassers-by。
Say，say，den，bleasehellupaboorwomun。
Mammy，mammy，I’mhungry。
ItwasFridaynight，betweensevenandeight。Thegreatdesertedavenuewasalreadydark。Aseafogwasscuddingoverhead，andbydegreesdescendinglower。Thewarmthwasofthemeagerest，andthestreetlamps，birdsoffireincagesofglass，flutteredanddancedintheprolongedgustsofthetradewindthatthreshedandwelteredinthecitystreetsfromofftheocean。
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Presleyenteredthedining-roomoftheGerardmansionwithlittleMissGerardonhisarm。Theotherguestshadprecededthem——
CedarquistwithMrs。Gerard。apale-faced，languidyoungmanintroducedtoPresleyasJulianLambertwithPresley’scousinBeatrice，oneofthetwindaughtersofMr。andMrs。Cedarquist。
hisbrotherStephen，whosehairwasstraightasanIndian’s，butofapallidstrawcolor，withBeatrice’ssister。Gerardhimself，taciturn，bearded，rotund，loudofbreath，escortedMrs。
Cedarquist。Besidesthese，therewereoneortwoothercouples，whosenamesPresleydidnotremember。
Thedining-roomwassuperbinitsappointments。Onthreesidesoftheroom，totheheightofsometenfeet，ranacontinuouspicture，anoilpainting，dividedintolongsectionsbynarrowpanelsofblackoak。ThepaintingrepresentedthepersonagesintheRomauntdelaRose，andwasconceivedinanatmosphereofthemostdelicate，mostephemeralallegory。Onesawyoungchevaliers，blue-eyed，ofelementalbeautyandpurity。womenwithcrowns，goldgirdles，andcloudywimples。younggirls，entrancingintheirloveliness，wearingsnow-whitekerchiefs，theirgoldenhairunboundandflowing，dressedinwhitesamite，bearingarmfulsofflowers。thewholeprocessiondefilingagainstabackgroundofforestglades，venerableoaks，half-hiddenfountains，andfieldsofasphodelandroses。
Otherwise，theroomwassimple。Againstthesideofthewallunoccupiedbythepicturestoodasideboardofgiganticsize，thatoncehadadornedthebanquethallofanItalianpalaceofthelateRenaissance。Itwasblackwithage，andagainstitssombresurfacesglitteredanarrayofheavysilverdishesandheaviercut-glassbowlsandgoblets。
ThecompanysatdowntothefirstcourseofrawBluePointoysters，serveduponlittlepyramidsofshavedice，andthetwobutlersatoncebeganfillingtheglassesoftheguestswithcoolHautSauterne。
Mrs。Gerard，whowasveryproudofherdinners，andneverabletoresistthetemptationofcommentinguponthemtoherguests，leanedacrosstoPresleyandMrs。Cedarquist，murmuring，Mr。
Presley，doyoufindthatSauternetoocold？IalwaysbelieveitissobourgeoistokeepsuchadelicatewineasSauterneontheice，andtoiceBordeauxorBurgundy——oh，itisnothingshortofacrime。
Thisisfromyourownvineyard，isitnot？askedJulianLambert。IthinkIrecognisethebouquet。
Hestrovetomaintainanattitudeoffingourmet，unabletorefrainfromcommentuponthecoursesastheysucceededoneanother。
LittleHonoraGerardturnedtoPresley：
Youknow，sheexplained，PapahashisownvineyardsinsouthernFrance。Heissoparticularabouthiswines。turnsuphisnoseatCaliforniawines。AndIamtogotherenextsummer。
Ferrieresisthenameoftheplacewhereourvineyardsare，thedearestvillage！
Shewasabeautifullittlegirlofadaintyporcelaintype，hercolouringlowintone。Sheworenojewels，butherlittle，undevelopedneckandshoulders，ofanexquisiteimmaturity，rosefromthetullebodiceofherfirstdecolletegown。
Yes，shecontinued。I’mtogotoEuropeforthefirsttime。
Won’titbegay？AndIamtohavemyownbonne，andMammaandI
aretotravel——somanyplaces，Baden，Homburg，Spa，theTyrol。
Won’titbegay？
Presleyassentedinmeaninglesswords。Hesippedhiswinemechanically，lookingaboutthatmarvellousroom，withitssubduedsaffronlights，itsglitterofglassandsilver，itsbeautifulwomenintheirelaboratetoilets，itsdeft，correctservants。itsarrayoftableware——cutglass，chasedsilver，andDresdencrockery。ItwasWealth，inallitsoutwardandvisibleforms，thesignsofanopulencesogreatthatitneedneverbehusbanded。ItwasthehomeofarailwayMagnate，aRailroadKing。Forthis，then，thefarmerspaid。ItwasforthisthatS。
Behrmanturnedthescrew，tightenedthevise。ItwasforthisthatDykehadbeendriventooutlawryandajail。ItwasforthisthatLymanDerrickhadbeenbought，theGovernorruinedandbroken，Annixtershotdown，Hoovenkilled。
Thesoup，pureealaDerby，wasserved，andatthesametime，ashorsd’oeuvres，ortolanpatties，togetherwithatinysandwichmadeofbrownedtoastandthinslicesofham，sprinkledoverwithParmesancheese。Thewine，soMrs。Gerardcausedittobeunderstood，wasXeres，ofthe1815vintage。
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Mrs。Hoovencrossedtheavenue。Itwasgrowinglate。Withoutknowingit，shehadcometoapartofthecitythatexperiencedbeggarsshunned。Therewasnobodyabout。Blockafterblockofresidencesstretchedawayoneitherhand，lighted，fullofpeople。Butthesidewalksweredeserted。
Mammy，whimperedHilda。I’mtired，carryme。
Usingallherstrength，Mrs。Hoovenpickedherupandmovedonaimlessly。
Thenagainthatterriblecry，thecryofthehungrychildappealingtothehelplessmother：
Mammy，I’mhungry。
Ach，Gott，leedlegirl，exclaimedMrs。Hooven，holdingherclosetohershoulder，thetearsstartingfromhereyes。Ach，leedletochter。Doand，doand，doand。Youpraikmyhairt。I
cen’tvindanysubber。Wegotnoddingstoeat，noddings，noddings。
Whendowehavethosebread’nmilkagain，Mammy？
To-morrow——soon——py-and-py，Hilda。Idoandknowwhatpecomeoafusnow，whatpecomeoafmyleedlebabby。
Shewenton，holdingHildaagainsthershoulderwithonearmasbestshemight，onehandsteadyingherselfagainstthefencerailingsalongthesidewalk。Atlast，asolitarypedestriancameintoview，ayoungmaninatophatandovercoat，walkingrapidly。Mrs。Hoovenheldoutaquiveringhandashepassedher。
Say，say，den，Meest’r，bleasehellupaboorwomun。
Theotherhurriedon。
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Thefishcoursewasgrenadinsofbassandsmallsalmon，thelatterstuffed，andcookedinwhitewineandmushroomliquor。
Ihavereadyourpoem，ofcourse，Mr。Presley，observedMrs。
Gerard。’TheToilers，’Imean。Whatasermonyoureadus，youdreadfulyoungman。IfeltthatIoughtatonceto’sellallthatIhaveandgivetothepoor。’Positively，itdidstirmeup。
Youmaycongratulateyourselfuponmakingatleastoneconvert。
JustbecauseofthatpoemMrs。CedarquistandIhavestartedamovementtosendawholeshiploadofwheattothestarvingpeopleinIndia。Now，youhorridreactionnaire，areyousatisfied？
Iamveryglad，murmuredPresley。
ButIamafraid，observedMrs。Cedarquist，thatwemaybetoolate。Theyaredyingsofast，thosepoorpeople。BythetimeourshipreachesIndiathefaminemaybeallover。
Oneneedneverbeafraidofbeing’toolate’inthematterofhelpingthedestitute，answeredPresley。Unfortunately，theyarealwaysafixedquantity。’Thepooryehavealwayswithyou。’
Howverycleverthatis，saidMrs。Gerard。
Mrs。Cedarquisttappedthetablewithherfaninmildapplause。
Brilliant，brilliant，shemurmured，epigrammatical。
Honora，saidMrs。Gerard，turningtoherdaughter，atthatmomentinconversationwiththelanguidLambert，Honora，entends-tu，macherie，l’espritdenotrejeuneLamartine。
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Mrs。Hoovenwenton，stumblingfromstreettostreet，holdingHildatoherbreast。Faminegnawedincessantlyatherstomach。
walkthoughshemight，turnuponhertracksupanddownthestreets，backtotheavenueagain，incessantlyandrelentlesslythetorturedugintohervitals。Shewashungry，hungry，andifthewantoffoodharassedandrendedher，full-grownwomanthatshewas，whatmustitbeinthepoor，starvedstomachofherlittlegirl？Oh，forsomehelpinghandnow，oh，foronelittlemouthful，onelittlenibble！Food，food，allherwreckedbodyclamouredfornourishment。anythingtonumbthosegnawingteeth——
anabandonedloaf，hard，mouldered。ahalf-eatenfruit，yes，eventherefuseofthegutter，eventhegarbageoftheashheap。Onshewent，peeringintodarkcorners，intotheareaways，anywhere，everywhere，watchingthesilentprowlingofcats，theintentrovingsofstraydogs。Butshewasgrowingweaker。thepainsandcrampsinherstomachreturned。Hilda’sweightborehertothepavement。Morethanonceagreatgiddiness，acertainwheelingfaintnessallbutovercameher。Hilda，however，wasasleep。Towakeherwouldonlymeantorevivehertotheconsciousnessofhunger。yethowtocarryherfurther？Mrs。Hoovenbegantofearthatshewouldfallwithherchildinherarms。Theterrorofacollapseuponthosecoldpavementsglisteningwithfog-damprousedher。shemustmakeanefforttogetthroughthenight。
Sheralliedallherstrength，andpausingamomenttoshifttheweightofherbabytotheotherarm，oncemoresetoffthroughthenight。Alittlewhilelatershefoundontheedgeofthesidewalkthepeelingofabanana。Ithadbeentroddenuponanditwasmuddy，butjoyfullyshecaughtitup。
Hilda，shecried，wakeoop，leedlegirl。See，loogden，dere’ssomedingstoeat。Lookden，hey？Dat’sgoot，ain’tit？
Zumbunaner。
Butitcouldnotbeeaten。Decayed，dirty，allbutrotting，thestomachturnedfromtherefuse，nauseated。
No，no，criedHilda，that’snotgood。Ican’teatit。Oh，Mammy，pleasegifmethosebread’nmilk。
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BynowtheguestsofMrs。Gerardhadcometotheentrees——
Londonderrypheasants，escallopsofduck，andrissolettesalapompadour。ThewinewasChateauLatour。
Allaroundthetableconversationsweregoingforwardgayly。Thegoodwineshadbrokenuptheslightrestraintoftheearlypartoftheeveningandaspiritofgoodhumourandgoodfellowshipprevailed。YoungLambertandMr。Gerardweredeepinreminiscencesofcertainmutualduck-shootingexpeditions。Mrs。
GerardandMrs。Cedarquistdiscussedanovel——astrangeminglingofpsychology，degeneracy，andanalysisoferoticconditions——
whichhadjustbeentranslatedfromtheItalian。StephenLambertandBeatricedisputedoverthemeritsofaScotchcolliejustgiventotheyounglady。Thescenewasgay，theelectricbulbssparkled，thewineflashingbackthelight。Theentiretablewasavagueglowofwhitenapery，delicatechina，andglassasbrilliantascrystal。Behindthegueststheserving-mencameandwent，fillingtheglassescontinually，changingthecovers，servingtheentrees，managingthedinnerwithoutinterruption，confusion，ortheslightestunnecessarynoise。
ButPresleycouldfindnoenjoymentintheoccasion。Fromthatpictureoffeasting，thatsceneofluxury，thatatmosphereofdecorous，well-bredrefinement，histhoughtswentbacktoLosMuertosandQuienSabeandtheirrigatingditchatHooven’s。Hesawthemfall，onebyone，Harran，Annixter，Osterman，Broderson，Hooven。Theclinkofthewineglasseswasdrownedintheexplosionofrevolvers。TheRailroadmightindeedbeaforceonly，whichnomancouldcontrolandforwhichnomanwasresponsible，buthisfriendshadbeenkilled，butyearsofextortionandoppressionhadwrungmoneyfromalltheSanJoaquin，moneythathadmadepossiblethisverysceneinwhichhefoundhimself。BecauseMagnushadbeenbeggared，GerardhadbecomeRailroadKing。becausethefarmersofthevalleywerepoor，thesemenwererich。
Thefancygrewbiginhismind，distorted，caricatured，terrible。
Becausethefarmershadbeenkilledattheirrigationditch，theseothers，Gerardandhisfamily，fedfull。TheyfattenedonthebloodofthePeople，onthebloodofthemenwhohadbeenkilledattheditch。Itwasahalf-ludicrous，half-horribledogeatdog，anunspeakablecannibalism。Harran，Annixter，andHoovenwerebeingdevouredthereunderhiseyes。Thesedaintywomen，hiscousinBeatriceandlittleMissGerard，frail，delicate。allthesefineladieswiththeirsmallfingersandslendernecks，suddenlyweretransfiguredinhistorturedmindintoharpiestearinghumanflesh。Hisheadswamwiththehorrorofit，theterrorofit。Yes，thePeopleWOULDturnsomeday，andturning，rendthosewhonowpreyeduponthem。Itwouldbedogeatdogagain，withpositionsreversed，andhesawforoneinstantoftimethatsplendidhousesackedtoitsfoundations，thetablesoverturned，thepicturestorn，thehangingsblazing，andLiberty，thered-handedManintheStreet，grimedwithpowdersmoke，foulwiththegutter，rushyelling，torchinhand，througheverydoor。
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Atteno’clockMrs。Hoovenfell。
LuckilyshewasleadingHildabythehandatthetimeandthelittlegirlwasnothurt。InvainhadMrs。Hooven，hourafterhour，walkedthestreets。Afterawhileshenolongermadeanyattempttobeg。nobodywasstirring，nordidsheeventrytohuntforfoodwiththestraydogsandcats。Shehadmadeuphermindtoreturntotheparkinordertosituponthebenchesthere，butshehadmistakenthedirection，andfollowingupSacramentoStreet，hadcomeoutatlength，notuponthepark，butuponagreatvacantlotattheverytopoftheClayStreethill。Thegroundwasunfencedandroseabovehertoformthecapofthehill，allovergrownwithbushesandafewstuntedliveoaks。Itwasintryingtocrossthispieceofgroundthatshefell。Shegotuponherfeetagain。
Ach，Mammy，didyouhurtyourself？askedHilda。
No，no。
Isthathousewherewegetthosebread’nmilk？
Hildapointedtoasingleramblingbuildingjustvisibleinthenight，thatstoodisolateduponthesummitofthehillinagroveoftrees。
No，no，dereaindtnobraidendmiluk，leedletochter。
Hildaoncemorebegantosob。
Ach，Mammy，please，PLEASE，Iwantit。I’mhungry。
Thejanglednervessnappedatlastunderthetension，andMrs。
Hooven，suddenlyshakingHildaroughly，criedout：
Stop，stop。Doandsayutegen，you。MyGott，youkillmeyet。
Butquickuponthiscamethereaction。Themothercaughtherlittlegirltoher，sinkingdownuponherknees，puttingherarmsaroundher，holdingherclose。
No，no，gryallsomudgeesyouwant。Saydotyouarehongry。
Sayutegen，sayutalldedime，oferendoferegen。Sayut，poor，starfing，leedlebabby。Oh，meinpoor，leedletochter。MyGott，oh，Igocrazybrettysoon，Iguess。Icen’thellupyou。
Icen’tgedyounoddingstoeat，noddings，noddings。Hilda，wegowuntodietogedder。Putderarmsroundtme，soh，tighd，leedlebabby。Wegowuntodie，wegowuntovindPopper。Weaindtgowuntobehongryenymore。
Vairwegonow？demandedHilda。
Noplaces。Mommer’ssohtiredt。Westopheir，leedlewhile，endrest。
Underneathalargebushthataffordedalittleshelterfromthewind，Mrs。Hoovenlaydown，takingHildainherarmsandwrappinghershawlabouther。Theinfinite，vastnightexpandedgiganticallaroundthem。Atthiselevationtheywerefarabovethecity。
Itwasstill。Closeoverheadwhirledthechariotsofthefog，gallopinglandward，smotheringlights，blurringoutlines。Soonallsightofthetownwasshutout。eventhesolitaryhouseonthehilltopvanished。Therewasnothingleftbutgrey，wheelingfog，andthemotherandchild，alone，shiveringinalittlestripofdampground，anislanddriftingaimlesslyinemptyspace。
Hilda’sfingerstouchedaleaffromthebushandinstinctivelycloseduponitandcarriedittohermouth。
Mammy，shesaid，I’meatingthoseleaf。Isthosegood？
Hermotherdidnotreply。
Yougoingtosleep，Mammy？inquiredHilda，touchingherface。
Mrs。Hoovenrousedherselfalittle。
Hey？Vatyousay？Asleep？Yais，IguessIwassasleep。
Hervoicetrailedunintelligiblytosilenceagain。Shewasnot，however，asleep。Hereyeswereopen。Agratefulnumbnesshadbeguntocreepoverher，apleasingsemi-insensibility。Shenolongerfeltthepainandcrampsofherstomach，eventhehungerwasceasingtobite。
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Thesestuffedartichokesaredelicious，Mrs。Gerard，murmuredyoungLambert，wipinghislipswithacornerofhisnapkin。
Pardonmeformentioningit，butyourdinnermustbemyexcuse。
Andthisasparagus——sinceMr。Lamberthassetthebadexample，
observedMrs。Cedarquist，sodelicate，suchanexquisiteflavour。Howdoyoumanage？
WegetallourasparagusfromthesouthernpartoftheState，fromoneparticularranch，explainedMrs。Gerard。Weorderitbywireandgetitonlytwentyhoursaftercutting。Myhusbandseestoitthatitisputonaspecialtrain。Itstopsatthisranchjusttotakeonourasparagus。Extravagant，isn’tit，butIsimplycannoteatasparagusthathasbeencutmorethanaday。
NorI，exclaimedJulianLambert，whoposedasanepicure。I
cantelltoanhourjusthowlongasparagushasbeenpicked。
Fancyeatingordinarymarketasparagus，saidMrs。Gerard，thathasbeenfingeredbyHeavenknowshowmanyhands。
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Mammy，mammy，wakeup，criedHilda，tryingtopushopenMrs。
Hooven’seyelids，atlastclosed。Mammy，don’t。You’rejusttryingtofrightenme。
FeeblyHildashookherbytheshoulder。AtlastMrs。Hooven’slipsstirred。Puttingherheaddown，Hildadistinguishedthewhisperedwords：
I’msick。Gotoschleep……Sick……Noddingstoeat。
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Thedessertwasawonderfulpreparationofalternatelayersofbiscuitglaces，icecream，andcandiedchestnuts。
Delicious，isitnot？observedJulianLambert，partlytohimself，partlytoMissCedarquist。ThisMoscovitefouette——
uponmyword，Ihavenevertasteditsequal。
Andyoushouldknow，shouldn’tyou？returnedtheyounglady。
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Mammy，mammy，wakeup，criedHilda。Don’tsleepso。I’mfrightenedt。
Repeatedlysheshookher。repeatedlyshetriedtoraisetheinerteyelidswiththepointofherfinger。Buthermothernolongerstirred。Thegaunt，leanbody，withitsbonyfaceandsunkeneye-sockets，layback，proneupontheground，thefeetupturnedandshowingtheragged，wornsolesoftheshoes，theforeheadandgreyhairbeadedwithfog，thepoor，fadedbonnetawry，thepoor，fadeddresssoiledandtorn。
Hildadrewclosetohermother，kissingherface，twiningherarmsaroundherneck。Foralongtime，shelaythatway，alternatelysobbingandsleeping。Then，afteralongtime，therewasastir。Shewokefromadozetofindapoliceofficerandtwoorthreeothermenbendingoverher。Someonecarriedalantern。Terrified，smittendumb，shewasunabletoanswerthequestionsputtoher。Thenawoman，evidentlyamistressofthehouseonthetopofthehill，arrivedandtookHildainherarmsandcriedoverher。
I’lltakethelittlegirl，shesaidtothepoliceofficer。
Butthemother，canyousaveher？Isshetoofargone？
I’vesentforadoctor，repliedtheother。
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Justbeforetheladiesleftthetable，youngLambertraisedhisglassofMadeira。TurningtowardsthewifeoftheRailroadKing，hesaid：
Mybestcomplimentsforadelightfuldinner。
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ThedoctorwhohadbeenbendingoverMrs。Hooven，rose。
It’snouse，hesaid。shehasbeendeadsometime——exhaustionfromstarvation。
ChapterIX
OnDivisionNumberThreeoftheLosMuertosranchthewheathadalreadybeencut，andS。BehrmanonacertainmorninginthefirstweekofAugustdroveacrosstheopenexpanseofstubbletowardthesouthwest，hiseyessearchingthehorizonforthefeatherofsmokethatwouldmarkthelocationofthesteamharvester。However，hesawnothing。Thestubbleextendedonwardapparentlytotheverymarginoftheworld。
Atlength，S。Behrmanhaltedhisbuggyandbroughtouthisfieldglassesfrombeneaththeseat。Hestoodupinhisplaceand，adjustingthelenses，swepttheprospecttothesouthandwest。
Itwasthesameasthoughtheseaoflandwere，inreality，theocean，andhe，lostinanopenboat，werescanningthewastethroughhisglasses，lookingforthesmokeofasteamer，hulldown，belowthehorizon。Wonder，hemuttered，ifthey’reworkingonFourthismorning？
Atlength，hemurmuredanAhofsatisfaction。Fartothesouthintothewhitesheenofsky，immediatelyoverthehorizon，hemadeoutafaintsmudge——theharvesterbeyonddoubt。
ThitherS。Behrmanturnedhishorse’shead。Itwasallofanhour’sdriveovertheunevengroundandthroughthecracklingstubble，butatlengthhereachedtheharvester。Hefound，however，thatithadbeenhalted。Thesacksewers，togetherwiththeheader-man，werestretchedonthegroundintheshadeofthemachine，whiletheengineerandseparator-manwerepotteringaboutaportionoftheworks。
What’sthematter，Billy？demandedS。Behrmanreiningup。
Theengineerturnedabout。
Thegrainisheavyinhere。Wethoughtwe’dbetterincreasethespeedofthecup-carrier，andpulleduptoputinasmallersprocket。
S。Behrmannoddedtosaythatwasallright，andaddedaquestion。
Howisshegoing？
Anywheresfromtwenty-fivetothirtysackstotheacrerightalonghere。nothingthematterwithTHATIguess。
Nothingintheworld，Bill。
Oneofthesacksewersinterposed：
Forthelasthalfhourwe’vebeenthrowingoffthreebagstotheminute。
That’sgood，that’sgood。
Itwasmorethangood。itwasbonanza，andallthatdivisionofthegreatranchwasthickwithjustsuchwonderfulwheat。
NeverhadLosMuertosbeenmoregenerous，neveraseasonmoresuccessful。S。Behrmandrewalongbreathofsatisfaction。Heknewjusthowgreatwashisshareinthelandswhichhadjustbeenabsorbedbythecorporationheserved，justhowmanythousandsofbushelsofthismarvellouscropwerehisproperty。
Throughalltheseyearsofconfusion，bickerings，openhostilityand，atlast，actualwarfarehehadwaited，nursinghispatience，calmwiththefirmassuranceofultimatesuccess。Theend，atlength，hadcome。hehadenteredintohisrewardandsawhimselfatlastinstalledintheplacehehadsolong，sosilentlycoveted。sawhimselfchiefofaprincipality，theMasteroftheWheat。
Thesprocketadjusted，theengineercalledupthegangandthementooktheirplaces。Thefiremanstokedvigorously，thetwosacksewersresumedtheirpostsonthesackingplatform，puttingonthegogglesthatkeptthechafffromtheireyes。Theseparator-manandheader-mangrippedtheirlevers。
Theharvester，shootingacolumnofthicksmokestraightupward，vibratingtothetopofthestack，hissed，clanked，andlurchedforward。Instantly，motionsprangtolifeinallitscomponentparts。theheaderknives，cuttingathirty-sixfootswath，gnashedliketeeth。beltingsslidandmovedlikesmoothflowingstreams。theseparatorwhirred，theagitatorjarredandcrashed。
cylinders，augers，fans，seedersandelevators，drapersandchaff-carriersclattered，rumbled，buzzed，andclanged。Thesteamhissedandrasped。thegroundreverberatedahollownote，andthethousandsuponthousandsofwheatstalksslicedandslashedintheclashingshearsoftheheader，rattledlikedryrushesinahurricane，astheyfellinward，andwerecaughtupbyanendlessbelt，todisappearintothebowelsofthevastbrutethatdevouredthem。