Ashestoodinthedoorway，thepooroldcarewornwaywornwomanburstintotears，andclaspedherhands，asifinaveryagonysheprayedtohim。
\'AsI\'vetoldyou，Master，I\'vethebestoffriends。ThisletterwillshowhowtrueIspoke，andtheywillbethankfulforme。\'
TheDeputyLockopenedtheletterwithagraveface，whichunderwentnochangeasheeyeditscontents。Butitmighthavedone，ifhecouldhavereadthem。
\'Whatamountofsmallchange，Missis，\'hesaid，withanabstractedair，afteralittlemeditation，\'mightyoucallamorselofmoney?\'
Hurriedlyemptyingherpocket，oldBettylaiddownonthetable，ashilling，andtwosixpennypieces，andafewpence。
\'IfIwastoletyougoinsteadofhandingyouoversafetotheParish，\'saidtheDeputy，countingthemoneywithhiseyes，\'mightitbeyourownfreewishtoleavethattherebehindyou?\'
\'Takeit，Master，takeit，andwelcomeandthankful！\'
\'I\'maman，\'saidtheDeputy，givingherbacktheletter，andpocketingthecoins，onebyone，\'asearnshislivingbythesweatofhisbrow；\'herehedrewhissleeveacrosshisforehead，asifthisparticularportionofhishumblegainsweretheresultofsheerhardlabourandvirtuousindustry；\'andIwon\'tstandinyourway。Gowhereyoulike。\'
ShewasgoneoutoftheLock-houseassoonashegaveherthispermission，andhertotteringstepswereontheroadagain。But，afraidtogobackandafraidtogoforward；seeingwhatshefledfrom，inthesky-glareofthelightsofthelittletownbeforeher，andleavingaconfusedhorrorofiteverywherebehindher，asifshehadescapeditineverystoneofeverymarket-place；shestruckoffbysideways，amongwhichshegotbewilderedandlost。ThatnightshetookrefugefromtheSamaritaninhislatestaccreditedform，underafarmer\'srick；andif——worththinkingof，perhaps，myfellow-Christians——theSamaritanhadinthelonelynight，\'passedbyontheotherside\'，shewouldhavemostdevoutlythankedHighHeavenforherescapefromhim。
Themorningfoundherafootagain，butfastdecliningastotheclearnessofherthoughts，thoughnotastothesteadinessofherpurpose。Comprehendingthatherstrengthwasquittingher，andthatthestruggleofherlifewasalmostended，shecouldneitherreasonoutthemeansofgettingbacktoherprotectors，norevenformtheidea。Theovermasteringdread，andtheproudstubbornresolutionitengenderedinhertodieundegraded，werethetwodistinctimpressionsleftinherfailingmind。Supportedonlybyasensethatshewasbentonconqueringinherlife-longfight，shewenton。
Thetimewascome，now，whenthewantsofthislittlelifewerepassingawayfromher。Shecouldnothaveswallowedfood，thoughatablehadbeenspreadforherinthenextfield。Thedaywascoldandwet，butshescarcelyknewit。Shecrepton，poorsoul，likeacriminalafraidofbeingtaken，andfeltlittlebeyondtheterroroffallingdownwhileitwasyetdaylight，andbeingfoundalive。Shehadnofearthatshewouldlivethroughanothernight。
Sewninthebreastofhergown，themoneytopayforherburialwasstillintact。Ifshecouldwearthroughtheday，andthenliedowntodieundercoverofthedarkness，shewoulddieindependent。Ifshewerecapturedpreviously，themoneywouldbetakenfromherasapauperwhohadnorighttoit，andshewouldbecarriedtotheaccursedworkhouse。Gainingherend，theletterwouldbefoundinherbreast，alongwiththemoney，andthegentlefolkswouldsaywhenitwasgivenbacktothem，\'Sheprizedit，didoldBettyHigden；shewastruetoit；andwhileshelived，shewouldneverletitbedisgracedbyfallingintothehandsofthosethatsheheldinhorror。\'Mostillogical，inconsequential，andlight-
headed，this；buttravellersinthevalleyoftheshadowofdeathareapttobelight-headed；andworn-outoldpeopleoflowestatehaveatrickofreasoningasindifferentlyastheylive，anddoubtlesswouldappreciateourPoorLawmorephilosophicallyonanincomeoftenthousandayear。
So，keepingtobyways，andshunninghumanapproach，thistroublesomeoldwomanhidherself，andfaredonallthroughthedrearyday。Yetsounlikewasshetovagranthidersingeneral，thatsometimes，asthedayadvanced，therewasabrightfireinhereyes，andaquickerbeatingatherfeebleheart，asthoughshesaidexultingly，\'TheLordwillseemethroughit！\'
BywhatvisionaryhandsshewasledalonguponthatjourneyofescapefromtheSamaritan；bywhatvoices，hushedinthegrave，sheseemedtobeaddressed；howshefanciedthedeadchildinherarmsagain，andtimesinnumerableadjustedhershawltokeepitwarm；whatinfinitevarietyofformsoftowerandroofandsteeplethetreestook；howmanyfurioushorsemenrodeather，crying，\'Thereshegoes！Stop！Stop，BettyHigden！\'andmeltedawayastheycameclose；bethesethingsleftuntold。Faringonandhiding，hidingandfaringon，thepoorharmlesscreature，asthoughshewereaMurderessandthewholecountrywereupafterher，woreouttheday，andgainedthenight。
\'Water-meadows，orsuchlike，\'shehadsometimesmurmured，ontheday\'spilgrimage，whenshehadraisedherheadandtakenanynoteoftherealobjectsabouther。Therenowaroseinthedarkness，agreatbuilding，fulloflightedwindows。Smokewasissuingfromahighchimneyintherearofit，andtherewasthesoundofawater-wheelattheside。Betweenherandthebuilding，layapieceofwater，inwhichthelightedwindowswerereflected，andonitsnearestmarginwasaplantationoftrees。\'IhumblythankthePowerandtheGlory，\'saidBettyHigden，holdingupherwitheredhands，\'thatIhavecometomyjourney\'send！\'
Shecreptamongthetreestothetrunkofatreewhenceshecouldsee，beyondsomeinterveningtreesandbranches，thelightedwindows，bothintheirrealityandtheirreflectioninthewater。Sheplacedherorderlylittlebasketatherside，andsankupontheground，supportingherselfagainstthetree。ItbroughttohermindthefootoftheCross，andshecommittedherselftoHimwhodieduponit。Herstrengthheldouttoenablehertoarrangetheletterinherbreast，soasthatitcouldbeseenthatshehadapaperthere。Ithadheldoutforthis，anditdepartedwhenthiswasdone。
\'Iamsafehere，\'washerlastbenumbedthought。\'WhenIamfounddeadatthefootoftheCross，itwillbebysomeofmyownsort；someoftheworkingpeoplewhoworkamongthelightsyonder。Icannotseethelightedwindowsnow，buttheyarethere。
Iamthankfulforall！\'
Thedarknessgone，andafacebendingdown。
\'Itcannotbethebooferlady?\'
\'Idon\'tunderstandwhatyousay。Letmewetyourlipsagainwiththisbrandy。Ihavebeenawaytofetchit。DidyouthinkthatIwaslonggone?\'
Itisasthefaceofawoman，shadedbyaquantityofrichdarkhair。
Itistheearnestfaceofawomanwhoisyoungandhandsome。Butallisoverwithmeonearth，andthismustbeanAngel。
\'HaveIbeenlongdead?\'
\'Idon\'tunderstandwhatyousay。Letmewetyourlipsagain。I
hurriedallIcould，andbroughtnoonebackwithme，lestyoushoulddieoftheshockofstrangers。\'
\'AmInotdead?\'
\'Icannotunderstandwhatyousay。YourvoiceissolowandbrokenthatIcannothearyou。Doyouhearme?\'
\'Yes。\'
\'DoyoumeanYes?\'
\'Yes。\'
\'Iwascomingfrommyworkjustnow，alongthepathoutsideI
wasupwiththenight-handslastnight，andIheardagroan，andfoundyoulyinghere。\'
\'Whatwork，deary?\'
\'Didyouaskwhatwork?Atthepaper-mill。\'
\'Whereisit?\'
\'Yourfaceisturneduptothesky，andyoucan\'tseeit。Itiscloseby。Youcanseemyface，here，betweenyouandthesky?\'
\'Yes。\'
\'DareIliftyou?\'
\'Notyet。\'
\'Notevenliftyourheadtogetitonmyarm?Iwilldoitbyverygentledegrees。Youshallhardlyfeelit。\'
\'Notyet。Paper。Letter。\'
\'Thispaperinyourbreast?\'
\'Blessye！\'
\'Letmewetyourlipsagain。AmItoopenit?Toreadit?\'
\'Blessye！\'
Shereadsitwithsurprise，andlooksdownwithanewexpressionandanaddedinterestonthemotionlessfaceshekneelsbeside。
\'Iknowthesenames。Ihaveheardthemoften。\'
\'Willyousendit，mydear?\'
\'Icannotunderstandyou。Letmewetyourlipsagain，andyourforehead。There。Opoorthing，poorthing！\'Thesewordsthroughherfast-droppingtears。\'Whatwasitthatyouaskedme?WaittillIbringmyearquiteclose。\'
\'Willyousendit，mydear?\'
\'WillIsendittothewriters?Isthatyourwish?Yes，certainly。\'
\'You\'llnotgiveituptoanyonebutthem?\'
\'No。\'
\'Asyoumustgrowoldintime，andcometoyourdyinghour，mydear，you\'llnotgiveituptoanyonebutthem?\'
\'No。Mostsolemnly。\'
\'NevertotheParish！\'withaconvulsedstruggle。
\'No。Mostsolemnly。\'
\'NorlettheParishtouchme，notyetsomuchaslookatme！\'withanotherstruggle。
\'No。Faithfully。\'
Alookofthankfulnessandtriumphlightsthewornoldface。
Theeyes，whichhavebeendarklyfixeduponthesky，turnwithmeaninginthemtowardsthecompassionatefacefromwhichthetearsaredropping，andasmileisontheagedlipsastheyask:
\'Whatisyourname，mydear?\'
\'MynameisLizzieHexam。\'
\'Imustbesoredisfigured。Areyouafraidtokissme?\'
Theansweris，thereadypressureofherlipsuponthecoldbutsmilingmouth。
\'Blessye！NOWliftme，mylove。\'
LizzieHexamverysoftlyraisedtheweather-stainedgreyhead，andliftedherashighasHeaven。
Chapter9
SOMEBODYBECOMESTHESUBJECTOFAPREDICTION
\'“Wegivetheeheartythanksforthatithathpleasedtheetodeliverthisoursisteroutofthemiseriesofthissinfulworld。”\'
SoreadtheReverendFrankMilveyinanotuntroubledvoice，forhisheartmisgavehimthatallwasnotquiterightbetweenusandoursister——orsayoursisterinLaw——PoorLaw——andthatwesometimesreadthesewordsinanawfulmanner，overourSisterandourBrothertoo。
AndSloppy——onwhomthebravedeceasedhadneverturnedherbackuntilsheranawayfromhim，knowingthatotherwisehewouldnotbeseparatedfromher——Sloppycouldnotinhisconscienceasyetfindtheheartythanksrequiredofit。SelfishinSloppy，andyetexcusable，itmaybehumblyhoped，becauseoursisterhadbeenmorethanhismother。
ThewordswerereadabovetheashesofBettyHigden，inacornerofachurchyardneartheriver；inachurchyardsoobscurethattherewasnothinginitbutgrass-mounds，notsomuchasonesingletombstone。Itmightnotbetodoanunreasonablygreatdealforthediggersandhewers，inaregisteringage，ifweticketedtheirgravesatthecommoncharge；sothatanewgenerationmightknowwhichwaswhich:sothatthesoldier，sailor，emigrant，cominghome，shouldbeabletoidentifytheresting-placeoffather，mother，playmate，orbetrothed。For，weturnupoureyesandsaythatweareallalikeindeath，andwemightturnthemdownandworkthesayingoutinthisworld，sofar。Itwouldbesentimental，perhaps?Buthowsayye，mylordsandgentlemanandhonourableboards，shallwenotfindgoodstanding-roomleftforalittlesentiment，ifwelookintoourcrowds?
NearuntotheReverendFrankMilveyasheread，stoodhislittlewife，JohnRokesmiththeSecretary，andBellaWilfer。These，overandaboveSloppy，werethemournersatthelowlygrave。Notapennyhadbeenaddedtothemoneysewninherdress:whatherhonestspirithadsolongprojected，wasfulfilled。
\'I\'vetookitinmyhead，\'saidSloppy，layingit，inconsolable，againstthechurchdoor，whenallwasdone:I\'vetookitinmywretchedheadthatImighthavesometimesturnedalittleharderforher，anditcutsmedeeptothinksonow。\'
TheReverendFrankMilvey，comfortingSloppy，expoundedtohimhowthebestofusweremoreorlessremissinourturningsatourrespectiveMangles——someofusverymuchso——andhowwewereallahalting，failing，feeble，andinconstantcrew。
\'SHEwarn\'t，sir，\'saidSloppy，takingthisghostlycounselratherill，inbehalfofhislatebenefactress。\'Letusspeakforourselves，sir。
Shewentthroughwithwhateverdutyshehadtodo。Shewentthroughwithme，shewentthroughwiththeMinders，shewentthroughwithherself，shewentthroughwitheverythink。OMrsHigden，MrsHigden，youwasawomanandamotherandamanglerinamillionmillion！\'
Withthoseheartfeltwords，Sloppyremovedhisdejectedheadfromthechurchdoor，andtookitbacktothegraveinthecomer，andlaiditdownthere，andweptalone。\'Notaverypoorgrave，\'saidtheReverendFrankMilvey，brushinghishandacrosshiseyes，\'whenithasthathomelyfigureonit。Richer，Ithink，thanitcouldbemadebymostofthesculptureinWestminsterAbbey！\'
Theylefthimundisturbed，andpassedoutatthewicket-gate。Thewater-wheelofthepaper-millwasaudiblethere，andseemedtohaveasofteninginfluenceonthebrightwintryscene。Theyhadarrivedbutalittlewhilebefore，andLizzieHexamnowtoldthemthelittleshecouldaddtotheletterinwhichshehadenclosedMrRokesmith\'sletterandhadaskedfortheirinstructions。Thiswasmerelyhowshehadheardthegroan，andwhathadafterwardspassed，andhowshehadobtainedleavefortheremainstobeplacedinthatsweet，fresh，emptystore-roomofthemillfromwhichtheyhadjustaccompaniedthemtothechurchyard，andhowthelastrequestshadbeenreligiouslyobserved。
\'Icouldnothavedoneitall，ornearlyall，ofmyself，\'saidLizzie。\'I
shouldnothavewantedthewill；butIshouldnothavehadthepower，withoutourmanagingpartner。\'
\'SurelynottheJewwhoreceivedus?\'saidMrsMilvey。
\'Mydear，\'observedherhusbandinparenthesis，\'whynot?\'
\'ThegentlemancertainlyisaJew，\'saidLizzie，\'andthelady，hiswife，isaJewess，andIwasfirstbroughttotheirnoticebyaJew。
ButIthinktherecannotbekinderpeopleintheworld。\'
\'Butsupposetheytrytoconvertyou！\'suggestedMrsMilvey，bristlinginhergoodlittleway，asaclergyman\'swife。
\'Todowhat，ma\'am?\'askedLizzie，withamodestsmile。
\'Tomakeyouchangeyourreligion，\'saidMrsMilvey。
Lizzieshookherhead，stillsmiling。\'Theyhaveneveraskedmewhatmyreligionis。Theyaskedmewhatmystorywas，andItoldthem。Theyaskedmetobeindustriousandfaithful，andI
promisedtobeso。Theymostwillinglyandcheerfullydotheirdutytoallofuswhoareemployedhere，andwetrytodoourstothem。Indeedtheydomuchmorethantheirdutytous，fortheyarewonderfullymindfulofusinmanyways。
\'Itiseasytoseeyou\'reafavourite，mydear，\'saidlittleMrsMilvey，notquitepleased。
\'ItwouldbeveryungratefulinmetosayIamnot，\'returnedLizzie，\'forIhavebeenalreadyraisedtoaplaceofconfidencehere。Butthatmakesnodifferenceintheirfollowingtheirownreligionandleavingallofustoours。Theynevertalkoftheirstous，andtheynevertalkofourstous。IfIwasthelastinthemill，itwouldbejustthesame。Theyneveraskedmewhatreligionthatpoorthinghadfollowed。\'
\'Mydear，\'saidMrsMilvey，asidetotheReverendFrank，\'Iwishyouwouldtalktoher。\'
\'Mydear，\'saidtheReverendFrankasidetohisgoodlittlewife，\'I
thinkIwillleaveittosomebodyelse。Thecircumstancesarehardlyfavourable。Thereareplentyoftalkersgoingabout，mylove，andshewillsoonfindone。\'
Whilethisdiscoursewasinterchanging，bothBellaandtheSecretaryobservedLizzieHexamwithgreatattention。Broughtfacetofaceforthefirsttimewiththedaughterofhissupposedmurderer，itwasnaturalthatJohnHarmonshouldhavehisownsecretreasonsforacarefulscrutinyofhercountenanceandmanner。BellaknewthatLizzie\'sfatherhadbeenfalselyaccusedofthecrimewhichhadhadsogreataninfluenceonherownlifeandfortunes；andherinterest，thoughithadnosecretsprings，likethatoftheSecretary，wasequallynatural。BothhadexpectedtoseesomethingverydifferentfromtherealLizzieHexam，andthusitfelloutthatshebecametheunconsciousmeansofbringingthemtogether。
For，whentheyhadwalkedonwithhertothelittlehouseinthecleanvillagebythepaper-mill，whereLizziehadalodgingwithanelderlycoupleemployedintheestablishment，andwhenMrsMilveyandBellahadbeenuptoseeherroomandhadcomedown，themillbellrang。ThiscalledLizzieawayforthetime，andlefttheSecretaryandBellastandingratherawkwardlyinthesmallstreet；
MrsMilveybeingengagedinpursuingthevillagechildren，andherinvestigationswhethertheywereindangerofbecomingchildrenofIsrael；andtheReverendFrankbeingengaged——tosaythetruth——inevadingthatbranchofhisspiritualfunctions，andgettingoutofsightsurreptitiously。
Bellaatlengthsaid:
\'Hadn\'twebettertalkaboutthecommissionwehaveundertaken，MrRokesmith?\'
\'Byallmeans，\'saidtheSecretary。
\'Isuppose，\'falteredBella，\'thatweAREbothcommissioned，orweshouldn\'tbothbehere?\'
\'Isupposeso，\'wastheSecretary\'sanswer。
\'WhenIproposedtocomewithMrandMrsMilvey，\'saidBella，\'MrsBoffinurgedmetodoso，inorderthatImightgivehermysmallreport——it\'snotworthanything，MrRokesmith，exceptforit\'sbeingawoman\'s——whichindeedwithyoumaybeafreshreasonforit\'sbeingworthnothing——ofLizzieHexam。\'
\'MrBoffin，\'saidtheSecretary，\'directedmetocomeforthesamepurpose。\'
Astheyspoketheywereleavingthelittlestreetandemergingonthewoodedlandscapebytheriver。
\'Youthinkwellofher，MrRokesmith?\'pursuedBella，consciousofmakingalltheadvances。
\'Ithinkhighlyofher。\'
\'Iamsogladofthat！Somethingquiterefinedinherbeauty，istherenot?\'
\'Herappearanceisverystriking。\'
\'Thereisashadeofsadnessuponherthatisquitetouching。AtleastI——Iamnotsettingupmyownpooropinion，youknow，MrRokesmith，\'saidBella，excusingandexplainingherselfinaprettyshyway；\'Iamconsultingyou。\'
\'Inoticedthatsadness。Ihopeitmaynot，\'saidtheSecretaryinalowervoice，\'betheresultofthefalseaccusationwhichhasbeenretracted。\'
Whentheyhadpassedonalittlefurtherwithoutspeaking，Bella，afterstealingaglanceortwoattheSecretary，suddenlysaid:
\'Oh，MrRokesmith，don\'tbehardwithme，don\'tbesternwithme；
bemagnanimous！Iwanttotalkwithyouonequalterms。\'
TheSecretaryassuddenlybrightened，andreturned:\'UponmyhonourIhadnothoughtbutforyou。Iforcedmyselftobeconstrained，lestyoumightmisinterpretmybeingmorenatural。
There。It\'sgone。\'
\'Thankyou，\'saidBella，holdingoutherlittlehand。\'Forgiveme。\'
\'No！\'criedtheSecretary，eagerly。\'ForgiveME！\'Forthereweretearsinhereyes，andtheywereprettierinhissightthoughtheysmotehimontheheartratherreproachfullytoothananyotherglitterintheworld。
Whentheyhadwalkedalittlefurther:
\'Youweregoingtospeaktome，\'saidtheSecretary，withtheshadowsolongonhimquitethrownoffandcastaway，\'aboutLizzieHexam。SowasIgoingtospeaktoyou，ifIcouldhavebegun。\'
\'NowthatyouCANbegin，sir，\'returnedBella，withalookasifsheitalicizedthewordbyputtingoneofherdimplesunderit，\'whatwereyougoingtosay?\'
\'Youremember，ofcourse，thatinhershortlettertoMrsBoffin——
short，butcontainingeverythingtothepurpose——shestipulatedthateitherhername，orelseherplaceofresidence，mustbekeptstrictlyasecretamongus。\'
BellanoddedYes。
\'Itismydutytofindoutwhyshemadethatstipulation。IhaveitinchargefromMrBoffintodiscover，andIamverydesirousformyselftodiscover，whetherthatretractedaccusationstillleavesanystainuponher。Imeanwhetheritplacesheratanydisadvantagetowardsanyone，eventowardsherself。\'
\'Yes，\'saidBella，noddingthoughtfully；\'Iunderstand。Thatseemswise，andconsiderate。\'
\'Youmaynothavenoticed，MissWilfer，thatshehasthesamekindofinterestinyou，thatyouhaveinher。Justasyouareattractedbyherbeaut——byherappearanceandmanner，sheisattractedbyyours。\'
\'IcertainlyhaveNOTnoticedit，\'returnedBella，againitalicizingwiththedimple，\'andIshouldhavegivenhercreditfor——\'
TheSecretarywithasmilehelduphishand，soplainlyinterposing\'notforbettertaste\'，thatBella\'scolourdeepenedoverthelittlepieceofcoquetryshewascheckedin。
\'Andso，\'resumedtheSecretary，\'ifyouwouldspeakwithheralonebeforewegoawayfromhere，Ifeelquitesurethatanaturalandeasyconfidencewouldarisebetweenyou。Ofcourseyouwouldnotbeaskedtobetrayit；andofcourseyouwouldnot，ifyouwere。
Butifyoudonotobjecttoputthisquestiontoher——toascertainforusherownfeelinginthisonematter——youcandosoatafargreateradvantagethanIoranyelsecould。MrBoffinisanxiousonthesubject。AndIam，\'addedtheSecretaryafteramoment，\'foraspecialreason，veryanxious。\'
\'Ishallbehappy，MrRokesmith，\'returnedBella，\'tobeoftheleastuse；forIfeel，aftertheserioussceneofto-day，thatIamuselessenoughinthisworld。\'
\'Don\'tsaythat，\'urgedtheSecretary。
\'Oh，butImeanthat，\'saidBella，raisinghereyebrows。
\'Nooneisuselessinthisworld，\'retortedtheSecretary，\'wholightenstheburdenofitforanyoneelse。\'
\'ButIassureyouIDON\'T，MrRokesmith，\'saidBella。half-crying。
\'Notforyourfather?\'
\'Dear，loving，self-forgetting，easily-satisfiedPa！Oh，yes！Hethinksso。\'
\'Itisenoughifheonlythinksso，\'saidtheSecretary。\'Excusetheinterruption:Idon\'tliketohearyoudepreciateyourself。\'
\'ButYOUoncedepreciatedME，sir，\'thoughtBella，pouting，\'andI
hopeyoumaybesatisfiedwiththeconsequencesyoubroughtuponyourhead！\'However，shesaidnothingtothatpurpose；sheevensaidsomethingtoadifferentpurpose。
\'MrRokesmith，itseemssolongsincewespoketogethernaturally，thatIamembarrassedinapproachinganothersubject。MrBoffin。
YouknowIamverygratefultohim；don\'tyou?YouknowIfeelatruerespectforhim，andamboundtohimbythestrongtiesofhisowngenerosity；nowdon\'tyou?\'
\'Unquestionably。Andalsothatyouarehisfavouritecompanion。\'
\'Thatmakesit，\'saidBella，\'soverydifficulttospeakofhim。But。
Doeshetreatyouwell?\'
\'Youseehowhetreatsme，\'theSecretaryanswered，withapatientandyetproudair。
\'Yes，andIseeitwithpain，\'saidBella，veryenergetically。
TheSecretarygavehersucharadiantlook，thatifhehadthankedherahundredtimes，hecouldnothavesaidasmuchasthelooksaid。
\'Iseeitwithpain，\'repeatedBella，\'anditoftenmakesmemiserable。Miserable，becauseIcannotbeartobesupposedtoapproveofit，orhaveanyindirectshareinit。Miserable，becauseI
cannotbeartobeforcedtoadmittomyselfthatFortuneisspoilingMrBoffin。\'
\'MissWilfer，\'saidtheSecretary，withabeamingface，\'ifyoucouldknowwithwhatdelightImakethediscoverythatFortuneisn\'tspoilingYOU，youwouldknowthatitmorethancompensatesmeforanyslightatanyotherhands。\'
\'Oh，don\'tspeakofME，\'saidBella，givingherselfanimpatientlittleslapwithherglove。\'Youdon\'tknowmeaswellas——\'
\'Asyouknowyourself?\'suggestedtheSecretary，findingthatshestopped。\'DOyouknowyourself?\'
\'Iknowquiteenoughofmyself，\'saidBella，withacharmingairofbeinginclinedtogiveherselfupasabadjob，\'andIdon\'timproveuponacquaintance。ButMrBoffin。\'
\'ThatMrBoffin\'smannertome，orconsiderationforme，isnotwhatitusedtobe，\'observedtheSecretary，\'mustbeadmitted。Itistooplaintobedenied。\'
\'Areyoudisposedtodenyit，MrRokesmith?\'askedBella，withalookofwonder。
\'OughtInottobegladtodoso，ifIcould:thoughitwereonlyformyownsake?\'
\'Truly，\'returnedBella，\'itmusttryyouverymuch，and——youmustpleasepromisemethatyouwon\'ttakeillwhatIamgoingtoadd，MrRokesmith?\'
\'Ipromiseitwithallmyheart。\'
\'——Anditmustsometimes，Ishouldthink，\'saidBella，hesitating，\'alittleloweryouinyourownestimation?\'
Assentingwithamovementofhishead，thoughnotatalllookingasifitdid，theSecretaryreplied:
\'Ihaveverystrongreasons，MissWilfer，forbearingwiththedrawbacksofmypositioninthehousewebothinhabit。Believethattheyarenotallmercenary，althoughIhave，throughaseriesofstrangefatalities，fadedoutofmyplaceinlife。Ifwhatyouseewithsuchagraciousandgoodsympathyiscalculatedtorousemypride，thereareotherconsiderationsandthoseyoudonotsee
urgingmetoquietendurance。Thelatterarebyfarthestronger。\'
\'IthinkIhavenoticed，MrRokesmith，\'saidBella，lookingathimwithcuriosity，asnotquitemakinghimout，\'thatyourepressyourself，andforceyourself，toactapassivepart。\'
\'Youareright。Irepressmyselfandforcemyselftoactapart。ItisnotintamenessofspiritthatIsubmit。Ihaveasettledpurpose。\'
\'Andagoodone，Ihope，\'saidBella。
\'Andagoodone，Ihope，\'heanswered，lookingsteadilyather。
\'SometimesIhavefancied，sir，\'saidBella，turningawayhereyes，\'thatyourgreatregardforMrsBoffinisaverypowerfulmotivewithyou。\'
\'Youarerightagain；itis。Iwoulddoanythingforher，bearanythingforher。TherearenowordstoexpresshowIesteemthatgood，goodwoman。\'
\'AsIdotoo！MayIaskyouonethingmore，MrRokesmith?\'
\'Anythingmore。\'
\'Ofcourseyouseethatshereallysuffers，whenMrBoffinshowshowheischanging?\'
\'Iseeit，everyday，asyouseeit，andamgrievedtogiveherpain。\'
\'Togiveherpain?\'saidBella，repeatingthephrasequickly，withhereyebrowsraised。
\'Iamgenerallytheunfortunatecauseofit。\'
\'Perhapsshesaystoyou，assheoftensaystome，thatheisthebestofmen，inspiteofall。\'
\'Ioftenoverhearher，inherhonestandbeautifuldevotiontohim，sayingsotoyou，\'returnedtheSecretary，withthesamesteadylook，\'butIcannotassertthatsheeversayssotome。\'
Bellametthesteadylookforamomentwithawistful，musinglittlelookofherown，andthen，noddingherprettyheadseveraltimes，likeadimpledphilosopheroftheverybestschoolwhowasmoralizingonLife，heavedalittlesigh，andgaveupthingsingeneralforabadjob，asshehadpreviouslybeeninclinedtogiveupherself。
But，forallthat，theyhadaverypleasantwalk。Thetreeswerebareofleaves，andtheriverwasbareofwater-lilies；buttheskywasnotbareofitsbeautifulblue，andthewaterreflectedit，andadeliciouswindranwiththestream，touchingthesurfacecrisply。
Perhapstheoldmirrorwasneveryetmadebyhumanhands，which，ifalltheimagesithasinitstimereflectedcouldpassacrossitssurfaceagain，wouldfailtorevealsomesceneofhorrorordistress。Butthegreatserenemirroroftheriverseemedasifitmighthavereproducedallithadeverreflectedbetweenthoseplacidbanks，andbroughtnothingtothelightsavewhatwaspeaceful，pastoral，andblooming。
So，theywalked，speakingofthenewlyfilled-upgrave，andofJohnny，andofmanythings。So，ontheirreturn，theymetbriskMrsMilveycomingtoseekthem，withtheagreeableintelligencethattherewasnofearforthevillagechildren，therebeingaChristianschoolinthevillage，andnoworseJudaicalinterferencewithitthantoplantitsgarden。So，theygotbacktothevillageasLizzieHexamwascomingfromthepaper-mill，andBelladetachedherselftospeakwithherinherownhome。
\'Iamafraiditisapoorroomforyou，\'saidLizzie，withasmileofwelcome，assheofferedthepostofhonourbythefireside。
\'Notsopoorasyouthink，mydear，\'returnedBella，\'ifyouknewall。\'Indeed，thoughattainedbysomewonderfulwindingnarrowstairs，whichseemedtohavebeenerectedinapurewhitechimney，andthoughverylowintheceiling，andveryruggedinthefloor，andratherblinkingastotheproportionsofitslatticewindow，itwasapleasanterroomthanthatdespisedchamberonceathome，inwhichBellahadfirstbemoanedthemiseriesoftakinglodgers。
Thedaywasclosingasthetwogirlslookedatoneanotherbythefireside。Theduskyroomwaslightedbythefire。Thegratemighthavebeentheoldbrazier，andtheglowmighthavebeentheoldhollowdownbytheflare。
\'It\'squitenewtome，\'saidLizzie，\'tobevisitedbyaladysonearlyofmyownage，andsopretty，asyou。It\'sapleasuretometolookatyou。\'
\'Ihavenothinglefttobeginwith，\'returnedBella，blushing，\'becauseIwasgoingtosaythatitwasapleasuretometolookatyou，Lizzie。Butwecanbeginwithoutabeginning，can\'twe?\'
Lizzietooktheprettylittlehandthatwasheldoutinasprettyalittlefrankness。
\'Now，dear，\'saidBella，drawingherchairalittlenearer，andtakingLizzie\'sarmasiftheyweregoingoutforawalk，\'Iamcommissionedwithsomethingtosay，andIdaresayIshallsayitwrong，butIwon\'tifIcanhelpit。ItisinreferencetoyourlettertoMrandMrsBoffin，andthisiswhatitis。Letmesee。Ohyes！
Thisiswhatitis。\'
Withthisexordium，BellasetforththatrequestofLizzie\'stouchingsecrecy，anddelicatelyspokeofthatfalseaccusationanditsretraction，andaskedmightshebegtobeinformedwhetherithadanybearing，nearorremote，onsuchrequest。\'Ifeel，mydear，\'saidBella，quiteamazingherselfbythebusiness-likemannerinwhichshewasgettingon，\'thatthesubjectmustbeapainfulonetoyou，butIammixedupinitalso；for——Idon\'tknowwhetheryoumayknowitorsuspectit——Iamthewilled-awaygirlwhowastohavebeenmarriedtotheunfortunategentleman，ifhehadbeenpleasedtoapproveofme。SoIwasdraggedintothesubjectwithoutmyconsent，andyouweredraggedintoitwithoutyourconsent，andthereisverylittletochoosebetweenus。\'
\'Ihadnodoubt，\'saidLizzie，\'thatyouweretheMissWilferIhaveoftenheardnamed。Canyoutellmewhomyunknownfriendis?\'
\'Unknownfriend，mydear?\'saidBella。
\'Whocausedthechargeagainstpoorfathertobecontradicted，andsentmethewrittenpaper。\'
Bellahadneverheardofhim。Hadnonotionwhohewas。
\'Ishouldhavebeengladtothankhim，\'returnedLizzie。\'Hehasdoneagreatdealforme。Imusthopethathewillletmethankhimsomeday。Youaskedmehasitanythingtodo——\'
\'Itortheaccusationitself，\'Bellaputin。
\'Yes。Haseitheranythingtodowithmywishingtolivequitesecretandretiredhere?No。\'
AsLizzieHexamshookherheadingivingthisreplyandasherglancesoughtthefire，therewasaquietresolutioninherfoldedhands，notlostonBella\'sbrighteyes。
\'Haveyoulivedmuchalone?\'askedBella。
\'Yes。It\'snothingnewtome。Iusedtobealwaysalonemanyhourstogether，inthedayandinthenight，whenpoorfatherwasalive。\'
\'Youhaveabrother，Ihavebeentold?\'
\'Ihaveabrother，butheisnotfriendlywithme。Heisaverygoodboythough，andhasraisedhimselfbyhisindustry。Idon\'tcomplainofhim。\'
Asshesaidit，withhereyesuponthefire-glow，therewasaninstantaneousescapeofdistressintoherface。Bellaseizedthemomenttotouchherhand。
\'Lizzie，Iwishyouwouldtellmewhetheryouhaveanyfriendofyourownsexandage。\'
\'Ihavelivedthatlonelykindoflife，thatIhaveneverhadone，\'wastheanswer。
\'NorIneither，\'saidBella。\'Notthatmylifehasbeenlonely，forI
couldhavesometimeswisheditlonelier，insteadofhavingMagoingonliketheTragicMusewithaface-acheinmajesticcorners，andLavvybeingspiteful——thoughofcourseIamveryfondofthemboth。Iwishyoucouldmakeafriendofme，Lizzie。Doyouthinkyoucould?Ihavenomoreofwhattheycallcharacter，mydear，thanacanary-bird，butIknowIamtrustworthy。\'
Thewayward，playful，affectionatenature，giddyforwantoftheweightofsomesustainingpurpose，andcapriciousbecauseitwasalwaysflutteringamonglittlethings，wasyetacaptivatingone。ToLizzieitwassonew，sopretty，atoncesowomanlyandsochildish，thatitwonhercompletely。AndwhenBellasaidagain，\'Doyouthinkyoucould，Lizzie?\'withhereyebrowsraised，herheadinquiringlyononeside，andanodddoubtaboutitinherownbosom，Lizzieshowedbeyondallquestionthatshethoughtshecould。
\'Tellme，mydear，\'saidBella，\'whatisthematter，andwhyyoulivelikethis。\'
Lizziepresentlybegan，bywayofprelude，\'Youmusthavemanylovers——\'whenBellacheckedherwithalittlescreamofastonishment。
\'Mydear，Ihaven\'tone！\'
\'Notone?\'
\'Well！Perhapsone，\'saidBella。\'IamsureIdon\'tknow。IHAD
one，butwhathemaythinkaboutitatthepresenttimeIcan\'tsay。
PerhapsIhavehalfaoneofcourseIdon\'tcountthatIdiot，GeorgeSampson。However，nevermindme。Iwanttohearaboutyou。\'
\'Thereisacertainman，\'saidLizzie，\'apassionateandangryman，whosayshelovesme，andwhoImustbelievedoesloveme。Heisthefriendofmybrother。Ishrankfromhimwithinmyselfwhenmybrotherfirstbroughthimtome；butthelasttimeIsawhimheterrifiedmemorethanIcansay。\'Thereshestopped。
\'Didyoucomeheretoescapefromhim，Lizzie?\'
\'Icamehereimmediatelyafterhesoalarmedme。\'
\'Areyouafraidofhimhere?\'
\'Iamnottimidgenerally，butIamalwaysafraidofhim。Iamafraidtoseeanewspaper，ortohearawordspokenofwhatisdoneinLondon，lestheshouldhavedonesomeviolence。\'
\'Thenyouarenotafraidofhimforyourself，dear?\'saidBella，afterponderingonthewords。
\'Ishouldbeeventhat，ifImethimabouthere。Ilookroundforhimalways，asIpasstoandfroatnight。\'
\'AreyouafraidofanythinghemaydotohimselfinLondon，mydear?\'
\'No。Hemightbefierceenougheventodosomeviolencetohimself，butIdon\'tthinkofthat。\'
\'Thenitwouldalmostseem，dear，\'saidBellaquaintly，\'asiftheremustbesomebodyelse?\'
Lizzieputherhandsbeforeherfaceforamomentbeforereplying:
\'Thewordsarealwaysinmyears，andtheblowhestruckuponastonewallashesaidthemisalwaysbeforemyeyes。Ihavetriedhardtothinkitnotworthremembering，butIcannotmakesolittleofit。Hishandwastricklingdownwithbloodashesaidtome，“ThenIhopethatImayneverkillhim！“
Ratherstartled，BellamadeandclaspedagirdleofherarmsroundLizzie\'swaist，andthenaskedquietly，inasoftvoice，astheybothlookedatthefire:
\'Killhim！Isthismansojealous，then?\'
\'Ofagentleman，\'saidLizzie。\'——Ihardlyknowhowtotellyou——ofagentlemanfarabovemeandmywayoflife，whobrokefather\'sdeathtome，andhasshownaninterestinmesince。\'
\'Doesheloveyou?\'
Lizzieshookherhead。
\'Doesheadmireyou?\'
Lizzieceasedtoshakeherhead，andpressedherhanduponherlivinggirdle。
\'Isitthroughhisinfluencethatyoucamehere?\'
\'Ono！AndofalltheworldIwouldn\'thavehimknowthatIamhere，orgettheleastcluewheretofindme。\'
\'Lizzie，dear！Why?\'askedBella，inamazementatthisburst。Butthenquicklyadded，readingLizzie\'sface:\'No。Don\'tsaywhy。
Thatwasafoolishquestionofmine。Isee，Isee。\'
Therewassilencebetweenthem。Lizzie，withadroopinghead，glanceddownattheglowinthefirewhereherfirstfancieshadbeennursed，andherfirstescapemadefromthegrimlifeoutofwhichshehadpluckedherbrother，foreseeingherreward。
\'Youknowallnow，\'shesaid，raisinghereyestoBella\'s。\'Thereisnothingleftout。Thisismyreasonforlivingsecrethere，withtheaidofagoodoldmanwhoismytruefriend。Forashortpartofmylifeathomewithfather，Iknewofthings——don\'taskmewhat——
thatIsetmyfaceagainst，andtriedtobetter。Idon\'tthinkIcouldhavedonemore，then，withoutlettingmyholdonfathergo；buttheysometimeslieheavyonmymind。Bydoingallforthebest，I
hopeImaywearthemout。\'
\'Andwearouttoo，\'saidBellasoothingly，\'thisweakness，Lizzie，infavourofonewhoisnotworthyofit。\'
\'No。Idon\'twanttowearthatout，\'wastheflushedreply，\'nordoI
wanttobelieve，nordoIbelieve，thatheisnotworthyofit。WhatshouldIgainbythat，andhowmuchshouldIlose！\'
Bella\'sexpressivelittleeyebrowsremonstratedwiththefireforsomeshorttimebeforesherejoined:
\'Don\'tthinkthatIpressyou，Lizzie；butwouldn\'tyougaininpeace，andhope，andeveninfreedom?Wouldn\'titbebetternottoliveasecretlifeinhiding，andnottobeshutoutfromyournaturalandwholesomeprospects?Forgivemyaskingyou，wouldthatbenogain?\'
\'Doesawoman\'sheartthat——thathasthatweaknessinitwhichyouhavespokenof，\'returnedLizzie，\'seektogainanything?\'
ThequestionwassodirectlyatvariancewithBella\'sviewsinlife，assetforthtoherfather，thatshesaidinternally，\'There，youlittlemercenarywretch！Doyouhearthat?Ain\'tyouashamedofyourself?\'andunclaspedthegirdleofherarms，expresslytogiveherselfapenitentialpokeintheside。
\'Butyousaid，Lizzie，\'observedBella，returningtohersubjectwhenshehadadministeredthischastisement，\'thatyouwouldlose，besides。Wouldyoumindtellingmewhatyouwouldlose，Lizzie?\'
\'Ishouldlosesomeofthebestrecollections，bestencouragements，andbestobjects，thatIcarrythroughmydailylife。IshouldlosemybeliefthatifIhadbeenhisequal，andhehadlovedme，I
shouldhavetriedwithallmymighttomakehimbetterandhappier，ashewouldhavemademe。IshouldlosealmostallthevaluethatIputuponthelittlelearningIhave，whichisallowingtohim，andwhichIconqueredthedifficultiesof，thathemightnotthinkitthrownawayuponme。Ishouldloseakindofpictureofhim——orofwhathemighthavebeen，ifIhadbeenalady，andhehadlovedme——whichisalwayswithme，andwhichIsomehowfeelthatIcouldnotdoameanorawrongthingbefore。IshouldleaveoffprizingtheremembrancethathehasdonemenothingbutgoodsinceIhaveknownhim，andthathehasmadeachangewithinme，like——likethechangeinthegrainofthesehands，whichwerecoarse，andcracked，andhard，andbrownwhenIrowedontheriverwithfather，andaresoftenedandmadesupplebythisnewworkasyouseethemnow。\'
Theytrembled，butwithnoweakness，assheshowedthem。
\'Understandme，mydear；\'thusshewenton。IhaveneverdreamedofthepossibilityofhisbeinganythingtomeonthisearthbutthekindpicturethatIknowIcouldnotmakeyouunderstand，iftheunderstandingwasnotinyourownbreastalready。IhavenomoredreamedofthepossibilityofMYbeinghiswife，thanheeverhas——
andwordscouldnotbestrongerthanthat。AndyetIlovehim。I
lovehimsomuch，andsodearly，thatwhenIsometimesthinkmylifemaybebutawearyone，Iamproudofitandgladofit。Iamproudandgladtosuffersomethingforhim，eventhoughitisofnoservicetohim，andhewillneverknowofitorcareforit。\'
Bellasatenchainedbythedeep，unselfishpassionofthisgirlorwomanofherownage，courageouslyrevealingitselfintheconfidenceofhersympatheticperceptionofitstruth。Andyetshehadneverexperiencedanythinglikeit，orthoughtoftheexistenceofanythinglikeit。
\'Itwaslateuponawretchednight，\'saidLizzie，\'whenhiseyesfirstlookedatmeinmyoldriver-sidehome，verydifferentfromthis。
Hiseyesmayneverlookatmeagain。Iwouldratherthattheyneverdid；Ihopethattheynevermay。ButIwouldnothavethelightofthemtakenoutofmylife，foranythingmylifecangiveme。
Ihavetoldyoueverythingnow，mydear。Ifitcomesalittlestrangetometohavepartedwithit，Iamnotsorry。Ihadnothoughtofeverpartingwithasinglewordofit，amomentbeforeyoucamein；butyoucamein，andmymindchanged。\'
Bellakissedheronthecheek，andthankedherwarmlyforherconfidence。\'Ionlywish，\'saidBella，\'Iwasmoredeservingofit。\'
\'Moredeservingofit?\'repeatedLizzie，withanincreduloussmile。
\'Idon\'tmeaninrespectofkeepingit，\'saidBella，\'becauseanyoneshouldtearmetobitsbeforegettingatasyllableofit——thoughthere\'snomeritinthat，forIamnaturallyasobstinateasaPig。
WhatImeanis，Lizzie，thatIamamereimpertinentpieceofconceit，andyoushameme。\'
Lizzieputuptheprettybrownhairthatcametumblingdown，owingtotheenergywithwhichBellashookherhead；andsheremonstratedwhilethusengaged，\'Mydear！\'
\'Oh，it\'sallverywelltocallmeyourdear，\'saidBella，withapettishwhimper，\'andIamgladtobecalledso，thoughIhaveslightenoughclaimtobe。ButIAMsuchanastylittlething！\'
\'Mydear！\'urgedLizzieagain。
\'Suchashallow，cold，worldly，Limitedlittlebrute！\'saidBella，bringingoutherlastadjectivewithculminatingforce。
\'Doyouthink，\'inquiredLizziewithherquietsmile，thehairbeingnowsecured，\'thatIdon\'tknowbetter?\'
\'DOyouknowbetterthough?\'saidBella。\'Doyoureallybelieveyouknowbetter?Oh，Ishouldbesogladifyoudidknowbetter，butIamsoverymuchafraidthatImustknowbest！\'
Lizzieaskedher，laughingoutright，whethersheeversawherownfaceorheardherownvoice?
\'Isupposeso，\'returnedBella；\'Ilookintheglassoftenenough，andIchatterlikeaMagpie。\'
\'Ihaveseenyourface，andheardyourvoice，atanyrate，\'saidLizzie，\'andtheyhavetemptedmetosaytoyou——withacertaintyofnotgoingwrong——whatIthoughtIshouldneversaytoanyone。
Doesthatlookill?\'
\'No，Ihopeitdoesn\'t，\'poutedBella，stoppingherselfinsomethingbetweenahumouredlaughandahumouredsob。
\'Iusedoncetoseepicturesinthefire，\'saidLizzieplayfully，\'topleasemybrother。ShallItellyouwhatIseedowntherewherethefireisglowing?\'
Theyhadrisen，andwerestandingonthehearth，thetimebeingcomeforseparating；eachhaddrawnanarmaroundtheothertotakeleave。
\'ShallItellyou，\'askedLizzie，\'whatIseedownthere?\'
\'Limitedlittleb?\'suggestedBellawithhereyebrowsraised。
\'Aheartwellworthwinning，andwellwon。Aheartthat，oncewon，goesthroughfireandwaterforthewinner，andneverchanges，andisneverdaunted。\'
\'Girl\'sheart?\'askedBella，withaccompanyingeyebrows。Lizzienodded。\'Andthefiguretowhichitbelongs——\'
Isyours，\'suggestedBella。
\'No。Mostclearlyanddistinctlyyours。\'
Sotheinterviewterminatedwithpleasantwordsonbothsides，andwithmanyremindersonthepartofBellathattheywerefriends，andpledgesthatshewouldsooncomedownintothatpartofthecountryagain。TherewithLizziereturnedtoheroccupation，andBellaranovertothelittleinntorejoinhercompany。
\'Youlookratherserious，MissWilfer，\'wastheSecretary\'sfirstremark。
\'Ifeelratherserious，\'returnedMissWilfer。
ShehadnothingelsetotellhimbutthatLizzieHexam\'ssecrethadnoreferencewhatevertothecruelcharge，oritswithdrawal。Ohyesthough！saidBella；shemightaswellmentiononeotherthing；
Lizziewasverydesiroustothankherunknownfriendwhohadsentherthewrittenretractation。Wasshe，indeed?observedtheSecretary。Ah！Bellaaskedhim，hadheanynotionwhothatunknownfriendmightbe?Hehadnonotionwhatever。
TheywereonthebordersofOxfordshire，sofarhadpooroldBettyHigdenstrayed。Theyweretoreturnbythetrainpresently，and，thestationbeingnearathand，theReverendFrankandMrsFrank，andSloppyandBellaandtheSecretary，setouttowalktoit。Fewrusticpathsarewideenoughforfive，andBellaandtheSecretarydroppedbehind。
\'Canyoubelieve，MrRokesmith，\'saidBella，\'thatIfeelasifwholeyearshadpassedsinceIwentintoLizzieHexam\'scottage?\'
\'Wehavecrowdedagooddealintotheday，\'hereturned，\'andyouweremuchaffectedinthechurchyard。Youareover-tired。\'
\'No，Iamnotatalltired。IhavenotquiteexpressedwhatImean。
Idon\'tmeanthatIfeelasifagreatspaceoftimehadgoneby，butthatIfeelasifmuchhadhappened——tomyself，youknow。\'
\'Forgood，Ihope?\'
\'Ihopeso，\'saidBella。
\'Youarecold；Ifeltyoutremble。Prayletmeputthiswrapperofmineaboutyou。MayIfolditoverthisshoulderwithoutinjuringyourdress?Now，itwillbetooheavyandtoolong。Letmecarrythisendovermyarm，asyouhavenoarmtogiveme。\'
Yesshehadthough。Howshegotitout，inhermuffledstate，Heavenknows；butshegotitoutsomehow——thereitwas——andslippeditthroughtheSecretary\'s。
\'IhavehadalongandinterestingtalkwithLizzie，MrRokesmith，andshegavemeherfullconfidence。\'
\'Shecouldnotwithholdit，\'saidtheSecretary。
\'Iwonderhowyoucome，\'saidBella，stoppingshortassheglancedathim，\'tosaytomejustwhatshesaidaboutit！\'
\'IinferthatitmustbebecauseIfeeljustasshefeltaboutit。\'
\'Andhowwasthat，doyoumeantosay，sir?\'askedBella，movingagain。
\'Thatifyouwereinclinedtowinherconfidence——anybody\'sconfidence——youweresuretodoit。\'
Therailway，atthispoint，knowinglyshuttingagreeneyeandopeningaredone，theyhadtorunforit。AsBellacouldnotruneasilysowrappedup，theSecretaryhadtohelpher。Whenshetookheroppositeplaceinthecarriagecorner，thebrightnessinherfacewassocharmingtobehold，thatonherexclaiming，\'Whatbeautifulstarsandwhatagloriousnight！\'theSecretarysaid\'Yes，\'
butseemedtoprefertoseethenightandthestarsinthelightofherlovelylittlecountenance，tolookingoutofwindow。
Obooferlady，fascinatingbooferlady！IfIwerebutlegallyexecutorofJohnny\'swill！IfIhadbuttherighttopayyourlegacyandtotakeyourreceipt！——Somethingtothispurposesurelymingledwiththeblastofthetrainasitclearedthestations，allknowinglyshuttinguptheirgreeneyesandopeningtheirredoneswhentheypreparedtoletthebooferladypass。
Chapter10
SCOUTSOUT
\'Andso，MissWren，\'saidMrEugeneWrayburn，\'Icannotpersuadeyoutodressmeadoll?\'
\'No，\'repliedMissWrensnappishly；\'ifyouwantone，goandbuyoneattheshop。\'
\'Andmycharmingyounggoddaughter，\'saidMrWrayburnplaintively，\'downinHertfordshire——\'
\'Humbugshireyoumean，Ithink，\'interposedMissWren。
\'——istobeputuponthecoldfootingofthegeneralpublic，andistoderivenoadvantagefrommyprivateacquaintancewiththeCourtDressmaker?\'
\'Ifit\'sanyadvantagetoyourcharminggodchild——andoh，apreciousgodfathershehasgot！\'——repliedMissWren，prickingathimintheairwithherneedle，\'tobeinformedthattheCourtDressmakerknowsyourtricksandyourmanners，youmaytellhersobypost，withmycompliments。\'
MissWrenwasbusyatherworkbycandle-light，andMrWrayburn，halfamusedandhalfvexed，andallidleandshiftless，stoodbyherbenchlookingon。MissWren\'stroublesomechildwasinthecornerindeepdisgrace，andexhibitinggreatwretchednessintheshiveringstageofprostrationfromdrink。
\'Ugh，youdisgracefulboy！\'exclaimedMissWren，attractedbythesoundofhischatteringteeth，\'Iwishthey\'dalldropdownyourthroatandplayatdiceinyourstomach！Boh，wickedchild！Bee-
baa，blacksheep！\'
Onheraccompanyingeachofthesereproacheswithathreateningstampofthefoot，thewretchedcreatureprotestedwithawhine。
\'Payfiveshillingsforyouindeed！\'MissWrenproceeded；\'howmanyhoursdoyousupposeitcostsmetoearnfiveshillings，youimfamousboy?——Don\'tcrylikethat，orI\'llthrowadollatyou。Payfiveshillingsfineforyouindeed。Fineinmorewaysthanone，I
think！I\'dgivethedustmanfiveshillings，tocarryyouoffinthedustcart。\'
\'No，no，\'pleadedtheabsurdcreature。\'Please！\'
\'He\'senoughtobreakhismother\'sheart，isthisboy，\'saidMissWren，halfappealingtoEugene。\'IwishIhadneverbroughthimup。He\'dbesharperthanaserpent\'stooth，ifhewasn\'tasdullasditchwater。Lookathim。There\'saprettyobjectforaparent\'seyes！\'
Assuredly，inhisworsethanswinishstateforswineatleastfattenontheirguzzling，andmakethemselvesgoodtoeat，hewasaprettyobjectforanyeyes。
\'Amuddlingandaswipeyoldchild，\'saidMissWren，ratinghimwithgreatseverity，\'fitfornothingbuttobepreservedintheliquorthatdestroyshim，andputinagreatglassbottleasasightforotherswipeychildrenofhisownpattern，——ifhehasnoconsiderationforhisliver，hashenoneforhismother?\'
\'Yes。Deration，ohdon\'t！\'criedthesubjectoftheseangryremarks。
\'Ohdon\'tandohdon\'t，\'pursuedMissWren。\'It\'sohdoandohdo。
Andwhydoyou?\'
\'Won\'tdosoanymore。Won\'tindeed。Pray！\'
\'There！\'saidMissWren，coveringhereyeswithherhand。\'Ican\'tbeartolookatyou。Goupstairsandgetmemybonnetandshawl。
Makeyourselfusefulinsomeway，badboy，andletmehaveyourroominsteadofyourcompany，foronehalfminute。\'
Obeyingher，heshambledout，andEugeneWrayburnsawthetearsexudefrombetweenthelittlecreature\'sfingersasshekeptherhandbeforehereyes。Hewassorry，buthissympathydidnotmovehiscarelessnesstodoanythingbutfeelsorry。
\'I\'mgoingtotheItalianOperatotryon，\'saidMissWren，takingawayherhandafteralittlewhile，andlaughingsatiricallytohidethatshehadbeencrying；\'ImustseeyourbackbeforeIgo，MrWrayburn。Letmefirsttellyou，onceforall，thatit\'sofnouseyourpayingvisitstome。Youwouldn\'tgetwhatyouwant，ofme，no，notifyoubroughtpincerswithyoutotearitout。\'
\'Areyousoobstinateonthesubjectofadoll\'sdressformygodchild?\'
\'Ah！\'returnedMissWrenwithahitchofherchin，\'Iamsoobstinate。Andofcourseit\'sonthesubjectofadoll\'sdress——orADdress——whicheveryoulike。Getalongandgiveitup！\'
Herdegradedchargehadcomeback，andwasstandingbehindherwiththebonnetandshawl。
\'Give\'emtomeandgetbackintoyourcorner，younaughtyoldthing！\'saidMissWren，assheturnedandespiedhim。\'No，no，I
won\'thaveyourhelp。Gointoyourcorner，thisminute！\'
Themiserableman，feeblyrubbingthebackofhisfalteringhandsdownwardfromthewrists，shuffledontohispostofdisgrace；butnotwithoutacuriousglanceatEugeneinpassinghim，accompaniedwithwhatseemedasifitmighthavebeenanactionofhiselbow，ifanyactionofanylimborjointhehad，wouldhaveansweredtrulytohiswill。Takingnomoreparticularnoticeofhimthaninstinctivelyfallingawayfromthedisagreeablecontact，Eugene，withalazycomplimentorsotoMissWren，beggedleavetolighthiscigar，anddeparted。
\'Nowyouprodigaloldson，\'saidJenny，shakingherheadandheremphaticlittleforefingeratherburden，\'yousittheretillIcomeback。YoudaretomoveoutofyourcornerforasingleinstantwhileI\'mgone，andI\'llknowthereasonwhy。\'
Withthisadmonition，sheblewherworkcandlesout，leavinghimtothelightofthefire，and，takingherbigdoor-keyinherpocketandhercrutch-stickinherhand，marchedoff。
EugeneloungedslowlytowardstheTemple，smokinghiscigar，butsawnomoreofthedolls\'dressmaker，throughtheaccidentoftheirtakingoppositesidesofthestreet。Heloungedalongmoodily，andstoppedatCharingCrosstolookabouthim，withaslittleinterestinthecrowdasanymanmighttake，andwasloungingonagain，whenamostunexpectedobjectcaughthiseyes。
NolessanobjectthanJennyWren\'sbadboytryingtomakeuphismindtocrosstheroad。
Amoreridiculousandfeeblespectaclethanthistotteringwretchmakingunsteadysalliesintotheroadway，andasoftenstaggeringbackagain，oppressedbyterrorsofvehiclesthatwerealongwayofforwerenowhere，thestreetscouldnothaveshown。Overandoveragain，whenthecoursewasperfectlyclear，hesetout，gothalfway，describedaloop，turned，andwentbackagain；whenhemighthavecrossedandre-crossedhalfadozentimes。Then，hewouldstandshiveringontheedgeofthepavement，lookingupthestreetandlookingdown，whilescoresofpeoplejostledhim，andcrossed，andwenton。Stimulatedincourseoftimebythesightofsomanysuccesses，hewouldmakeanothersally，makeanotherloop，wouldallbuthavehisfootontheoppositepavement，wouldseeorimaginesomethingcoming，andwouldstaggerbackagain。
There，hewouldstandmakingspasmodicpreparationsasifforagreatleap，andatlastwoulddecideonastartatpreciselythewrongmoment，andwouldberoaredatbydrivers，andwouldshrinkbackoncemore，andstandintheoldspotshivering，withthewholeoftheproceedingstogothroughagain。
\'Itstrikesme，\'remarkedEugenecoolly，afterwatchinghimforsomeminutes，\'thatmyfriendislikelytoberatherbehindtimeifhehasanyappointmentonhand。\'Withwhichremarkhestrolledon，andtooknofurtherthoughtofhim。
LightwoodwasathomewhenhegottotheChambers，andhaddinedalonethere。Eugenedrewachairtothefirebywhichhewashavinghiswineandreadingtheeveningpaper，andbroughtaglass，andfilleditforgoodfellowship\'ssake。
\'MydearMortimer，youaretheexpresspictureofcontentedindustry，reposingoncreditafterthevirtuouslaboursoftheday。\'
\'MydearEugene，youaretheexpresspictureofdiscontentedidlenessnotreposingatall。Wherehaveyoubeen?\'
\'Ihavebeen，\'repliedWrayburn，\'——abouttown。Ihaveturnedupatthepresentjuncture，withtheintentionofconsultingmyhighlyintelligentandrespectedsolicitoronthepositionofmyaffairs。\'
\'Yourhighlyintelligentandrespectsolicitorisofopinionthatyouraffairsareinabadway，Eugene。\'
\'Thoughwhether，\'saidEugenethoughtfully，\'thatcanbeintelligentlysaid，now，oftheaffairsofaclientwhohasnothingtoloseandwhocannotpossiblybemadetopay，maybeopentoquestion。\'
\'YouhavefallenintothehandsoftheJews，Eugene。\'
\'Mydearboy，\'returnedthedebtor，verycomposedlytakinguphisglass，\'havingpreviouslyfallenintothehandsofsomeoftheChristians，Icanbearitwithphilosophy。\'
\'Ihavehadaninterviewto-day，Eugene，withaJew，whoseemsdeterminedtopressushard。QuiteaShylock，andquiteaPatriarch。Apicturesquegrey-headedandgrey-beardedoldJew，inashovel-hatandgaberdine。\'
\'Not，\'saidEugene，pausinginsettingdownhisglass，\'surelynotmyworthyfriendMrAaron?\'
\'HecallshimselfMrRiah。\'
\'By-the-by，\'saidEugene，\'itcomesintomymindthat——nodoubtwithaninstinctivedesiretoreceivehimintothebosomofourChurch——IgavehimthenameofAaron！\'
\'Eugene，Eugene，\'returnedLightwood，\'youaremoreridiculousthanusual。Saywhatyoumean。\'
\'Merely，mydearfellow，thatIhavethehonourandpleasureofaspeakingacquaintancewithsuchaPatriarchasyoudescribe，andthatIaddresshimasMrAaron，becauseitappearstomeHebraic，expressive，appropriate，andcomplimentary。Notwithstandingwhichstrongreasonsforitsbeinghisname，itmaynotbehisname。\'
\'Ibelieveyouaretheabsurdestmanonthefaceoftheearth，\'saidLightwood，laughing。
\'Notatall，Iassureyou。Didhementionthatheknewme?\'
\'Hedidnot。Heonlysaidofyouthatheexpectedtobepaidbyyou。\'
\'Whichlooks，\'remarkedEugenewithmuchgravity，\'likeNOT
knowingme。IhopeitmaynotbemyworthyfriendMrAaron，for，totellyouthetruth，Mortimer，Idoubthemayhaveaprepossessionagainstme。IstronglysuspecthimofhavinghadahandinspiritingawayLizzie。\'
\'Everything，\'returnedLightwoodimpatiently，\'seems，byafatality，tobringusroundtoLizzie。“Abouttown“meantaboutLizzie，justnow，Eugene。\'
\'Mysolicitor，doyouknow，\'observedEugene，turningroundtothefurniture，\'isamanofinfinitediscernment！\'
\'Diditnot，Eugene?\'
\'Yesitdid，Mortimer。\'
\'Andyet，Eugene，youknowyoudonotreallycareforher。\'
EugeneWrayburnrose，andputhishandsinhispockets，andstoodwithafootonthefender，indolentlyrockinghisbodyandlookingatthefire。Afteraprolongedpause，hereplied:\'Idon\'tknowthat。
Imustaskyounottosaythat，asifwetookitforgranted。\'
\'Butifyoudocareforher，somuchthemoreshouldyouleavehertoherself。\'
Havingagainpausedasbefore，Eugenesaid:\'Idon\'tknowthat，either。Buttellme。Didyoueverseemetakesomuchtroubleaboutanything，asaboutthisdisappearanceofhers?Iask，forinformation。\'
\'MydearEugene，IwishIeverhad！\'
\'Thenyouhavenot?Justso。Youconfirmmyownimpression。
DoesthatlookasifIcaredforher?Iask，forinformation。\'
\'IaskedYOUforinformation，Eugene，\'saidMortimerreproachfully。
\'Dearboy，Iknowit，butIcan\'tgiveit。Ithirstforinformation。
WhatdoImean?IfmytakingsomuchtroubletorecoverherdoesnotmeanthatIcareforher，whatdoesitmean?“IfPeterPiperpickedapeckofpickledpepper，where\'sthepeck，“&c。?\'
Thoughhesaidthisgaily，hesaiditwithaperplexedandinquisitiveface，asifheactuallydidnotknowwhattomakeofhimself。\'Lookontotheend——\'Lightwoodwasbeginningtoremonstrate，whenhecaughtatthewords:
\'Ah！Seenow！That\'sexactlywhatIamincapableofdoing。Howveryacuteyouare，Mortimer，infindingmyweakplace！Whenwewereatschooltogether，Igotupmylessonsatthelastmoment，daybydayandbitbybit；nowweareoutinlifetogether，Igetupmylessonsinthesameway。InthepresenttaskIhavenotgotbeyondthis:——IambentonfindingLizzie，andImeantofindher，andIwilltakeanymeansoffindingherthatofferthemselves。Fairmeansorfoulmeans，areallaliketome。Iaskyou——forinformation——whatdoesthatmean?WhenIhavefoundherImayaskyou——alsoforinformation——whatdoImeannow?Butitwouldbeprematureinthisstage，andit\'snotthecharacterofmymind。\'
Lightwoodwasshakinghisheadovertheairwithwhichhisfriendheldforththus——anairsowhimsicallyopenandargumentativeasalmosttodeprivewhathesaidoftheappearanceofevasion——whenashufflingwasheardattheouterdoor，andthenanundecidedknock，asthoughsomehandweregropingfortheknocker。\'Thefrolicsomeyouthoftheneighbourhood，\'saidEugene，\'whomI
shouldbedelightedtopitchfromthiselevationintothechurchyardbelow，withoutanyintermediateceremonies，haveprobablyturnedthelampout。Iamondutyto-night，andwillseetothedoor。\'
Hisfriendhadbarelyhadtimetorecalltheunprecedentedgleamofdeterminationwithwhichhehadspokenoffindingthisgirl，andwhichhadfadedoutofhimwiththebreathofthespokenwords，whenEugenecameback，usheringinamostdisgracefulshadowofaman，shakingfromheadtofoot，andclothedinshabbygreaseandsmear。
\'Thisinterestinggentleman，\'saidEugene，\'istheson——theoccasionallyrathertryingson，forhehashisfailings——ofaladyofmyacquaintance。MydearMortimer——MrDolls。\'Eugenehadnoideawhathisnamewas，knowingthelittledressmaker\'stobeassumed，butpresentedhimwitheasyconfidenceunderthefirstappellationthathisassociationssuggested。
\'Igather，mydearMortimer，\'pursuedEugene，asLightwoodstaredattheobscenevisitor，\'fromthemannerofMrDolls——whichisoccasionallycomplicated——thathedesirestomakesomecommunicationtome。IhavementionedtoMrDollsthatyouandIareontermsofconfidence，andhaverequestedMrDollstodevelophisviewshere。\'
Thewretchedobjectbeingmuchembarrassedbyholdingwhatremainedofhishat，Eugeneairilytossedittothedoor，andputhimdowninachair。
\'Itwillbenecessary，Ithink，\'heobserved，\'towindupMrDolls，beforeanythingtoanymortalpurposecanbegotoutofhim。
Brandy，MrDolls，or——?\'
\'Threepenn\'orthRum，\'saidMrDolls。
Ajudiciouslysmallquantityofthespiritwasgivenhiminawine-
glass，andhebegantoconveyittohismouth，withallkindsoffalteringsandgyrationsontheroad。
\'ThenervesofMrDolls，\'remarkedEugenetoLightwood，\'areconsiderablyunstrung。AndIdeemitonthewholeexpedienttofumigateMrDolls。\'
Hetooktheshovelfromthegrate，sprinkledafewliveashesonit，andfromaboxonthechimney-piecetookafewpastiles，whichhesetuponthem；then，withgreatcomposurebeganplacidlywavingtheshovelinfrontofMrDolls，tocuthimofffromhiscompany。
\'Lordblessmysoul，Eugene！\'criedLightwood，laughingagain，\'whatamadfellowyouare！Whydoesthiscreaturecometoseeyou?\'
\'Weshallhear，\'saidWrayburn，veryobservantofhisfacewithal。
\'Nowthen。Speakout。Don\'tbeafraid。Stateyourbusiness，Dolls。\'
\'MistWrayburn！\'saidthevisitor，thicklyandhuskily。\'——\'TISMistWrayburn，ain\'t?\'Withastupidstare。
\'Ofcourseitis。Lookatme。Whatdoyouwant?\'
MrDollscollapsedinhischair，andfaintlysaid\'Threepenn\'orthRum。\'
\'Willyoudomethefavour，mydearMortimer，towindupMrDollsagain?\'saidEugene。\'Iamoccupiedwiththefumigation。\'
Asimilarquantitywaspouredintohisglass，andhegotittohislipsbysimilarcircuitousways。Havingdrunkit，MrDolls，withanevidentfearofrunningdownagainunlesshemadehaste，proceededtobusiness。
\'MistWrayburn。Triedtonudgeyou，butyouwouldn\'t。Youwantthatdrection。Youwantt\'knowwhereshelives。DOyouMistWrayburn?\'
Withaglanceathisfriend，Eugenerepliedtothequestionsternly，\'Ido。\'
\'Iamerman，\'saidMrDolls，tryingtosmitehimselfonthebreast，butbringinghishandtobearuponthevicinityofhiseye，\'erdoit。
Iamermanerdoit。\'
\'Whatareyouthemantodo?\'demandedEugene，stillsternly。
\'Ergiveupthatdrection。\'
\'Haveyougotit?\'
Withamostlaboriousattemptatprideanddignity，MrDollsrolledhisheadforsometime，awakeningthehighestexpectations，andthenanswered，asifitwerethehappiestpointthatcouldpossiblybeexpectedofhim:\'No。\'
\'Whatdoyoumeanthen?\'
MrDolls，collapsinginthedrowsiestmannerafterhislateintellectualtriumph，replied:\'Threepenn\'orthRum。\'
\'Windhimupagain，mydearMortimer，\'saidWrayburn；\'windhimupagain。\'
\'Eugene，Eugene，\'urgedLightwoodinalowvoice，ashecomplied，\'canyoustooptotheuseofsuchaninstrumentasthis?\'
\'Isaid，\'wasthereply，madewiththatformergleamofdetermination，\'thatIwouldfindheroutbyanymeans，fairorfoul。
Thesearefoul，andI\'lltakethem——ifIamnotfirsttemptedtobreaktheheadofMrDollswiththefumigator。Canyougetthedirection?Doyoumeanthat?Speak！Ifthat\'swhatyouhavecomefor，sayhowmuchyouwant。\'
\'Tenshillings——Threepenn\'orthsRum，\'saidMrDolls。
\'Youshallhaveit。\'
\'Fifteenshillings——Threepenn\'orthsRum，\'saidMrDolls，makinganattempttostiffenhimself。
\'Youshallhaveit。Stopatthat。Howwillyougetthedirectionyoutalkof?\'
\'Iamerman，\'saidMrDolls，withmajesty，\'ergetit，sir。\'
\'Howwillyougetit，Iaskyou?\'
\'Iamill-usedvidual，\'saidMrDolls。\'Blownupmorningt\'night。
Callednames。ShemakesMintmoney，sir，andneverstandsThreepenn\'orthRum。\'
\'Geton，\'rejoinedEugene，tappinghispalsiedheadwiththefire-
shovel，asitsankonhisbreast。\'Whatcomesnext?\'
Makingadignifiedattempttogatherhimselftogether，but，asitwere，droppinghalfadozenpiecesofhimselfwhilehetriedinvaintopickupone，MrDolls，swayinghisheadfromsidetoside，regardedhisquestionerwithwhathesupposedtobeahaughtysmileandascornfulglance。
\'Shelooksuponmeasmerechild，sir。IamNOTmerechild，sir。
Man。Mantalent。Lerrerspassbetwixt\'em。Postmanlerrers。
Easyformantalentergetdrection，asgethisowndrection。\'
\'Getitthen，\'saidEugene；addingveryheartilyunderhisbreath，\'——YouBrute！Getit，andbringitheretome，andearnthemoneyforsixtythreepenn\'orthsofrum，anddrinkthemall，oneatopofanother，anddrinkyourselfdeadwithallpossibleexpedition。\'Thelatterclausesofthesespecialinstructionsheaddressedtothefire，ashegaveitbacktheasheshehadtakenfromit，andreplacedtheshovel。
MrDollsnowstruckoutthehighlyunexpecteddiscoverythathehadbeeninsultedbyLightwood，andstatedhisdesireto\'haveitoutwithhim\'onthespot，anddefiedhimtocomeon，upontheliberaltermsofasovereigntoahalfpenny。MrDollsthenfellacrying，andthenexhibitedatendencytofallasleep。Thislastmanifestationasbyfarthemostalarming，byreasonofitsthreateninghisprolongedstayonthepremises，necessitatedvigorousmeasures。Eugenepickeduphisworn-outhatwiththetongs，clappeditonhishead，and，takinghimbythecollar——allthisatarm\'slength——conductedhimdownstairsandoutoftheprecinctsintoFleetStreet。There，heturnedhisfacewestward，andlefthim。
Whenhegotback，Lightwoodwasstandingoverthefire，broodinginasufficientlylow-spiritedmanner。
\'I\'llwashmyhandsofMrDollsphysically——\'saidEugene，\'andbewithyouagaindirectly，Mortimer。\'
\'Iwouldmuchprefer，\'retortedMortimer，\'yourwashingyourhandsofMrDolls，morally，Eugene。\'
\'SowouldI，\'saidEugene；\'butyousee，dearboy，Ican\'tdowithouthim。\'
Inaminuteortwoheresumedhischair，asperfectlyunconcernedasusual，andralliedhisfriendonhavingsonarrowlyescapedtheprowessoftheirmuscularvisitor。
\'Ican\'tbeamusedonthistheme，\'saidMortimer，restlessly。\'Youcanmakealmostanythemeamusingtome，Eugene，butnotthis。\'
\'Well！\'criedEugene，\'Iamalittleashamedofitmyself，andthereforeletuschangethesubject。\'
\'Itissodeplorablyunderhanded，\'saidMortimer。\'Itissounworthyofyou，thissettingonofsuchashamefulscout。\'
\'Wehavechangedthesubject！\'exclaimedEugene，airily。\'Wehavefoundanewoneinthatword，scout。Don\'tbelikePatienceonamantelpiecefrowningatDolls，butsitdown，andI\'lltellyousomethingthatyoureallywillfindamusing。Takeacigar。Lookatthisofmine。Ilightit——drawonepuff——breathethesmokeout——
thereitgoes——it\'sDolls！——it\'sgone——andbeinggoneyouareamanagain。\'