“Allright，“saidCarrie。
Shesatdowninoneoftherocking-chairs，whileHurstwoodwaited，fortheboy，whosoonknocked。
“Soap，towels，andapitcherofice-water。”
“Yes，sir。”
“I’llgonow，“hesaidtoCarrie，comingtowardherandholding，outhishands，butshedidnotmovetotakethem。
“You’renotmadatme，areyou？”heaskedsoftly。
“Oh，no！”sheanswered，ratherindifferently。
“Don’tyoucareformeatall？”
Shemadenoanswer，butlookedsteadilytowardthewindow。
“Don’tyouthinkyoucouldlovemealittle？”hepleaded，taking，oneofherhands，whichsheendeavouredtodrawaway。”Youonce，saidyoudid。”
“Whatmadeyoudeceivemeso？”askedCarrie。
“Icouldn’thelpit，“hesaid，“Iwantedyoutoomuch。”
“Youdidn’thaveanyrighttowantme，“sheanswered，striking，cleanlyhome。
“Oh，well，Carrie，“heanswered，“hereIam。It’stoolatenow。
Won’tyoutryandcareformealittle？”
Helookedratherworstedinthoughtashestoodbeforeher。
Sheshookherheadnegatively。
“Letmestartalloveragain。Bemywifefromto-dayon。”
Carrieroseupasiftostepaway，heholdingherhand。Nowhe，slippedhisarmaboutherandshestruggled，butinvain。He，heldherquiteclose。Instantlythereflamedupinhisbodythe，allcompellingdesire。Hisaffectiontookanardentform。
“Letmego，“saidCarrie，whowasfoldedclosetohim。
“Won’tyouloveme？”hesaid。”Won’tyoubeminefromnowon？”
Carriehadneverbeenill-disposedtowardhim。Onlyamoment，beforeshehadbeenlisteningwithsomecomplacency，remembering，heroldaffectionforhim。Hewassohandsome，sodaring！
Now，however，thisfeelinghadchangedtooneofopposition，whichrosefeebly。Itmasteredherforamoment，andthen，held，closeasshewas，begantowane。Somethingelseinherspoke。
Thisman，towhosebosomshewasbeingpressed，wasstrong;he，waspassionate，helovedher，andshewasalone。Ifshedidnot，turntohim——acceptofhislove——whereelsemightshego？Her，resistancehalfdissolvedinthefloodofhisstrongfeeling。
Shefoundhimliftingherheadandlookingintohereyes。What，magnetismtherewasshecouldneverknow。Hismanysins，however，wereforthemomentallforgotten。
Hepressedhercloserandkissedher，andshefeltthatfurther，oppositionwasuseless。
“Willyoumarryme？”sheasked，forgettinghow。
“Thisveryday，“hesaid，withalldelight。
Nowthehall-boypoundedonthedoorandhereleasedhishold，uponherregretfully。
“Yougetreadynow，willyou，“hesaid，“atonce？”
“Yes，“sheanswered。
“I’llbebackinthree-quartersofanhour。”
Carrie，flushedandexcited，movedawayasheadmittedtheboy。
Belowstairs，hehaltedinthelobbytolookforabarbershop。
Forthemoment，hewasinfinefeather。Hisrecentvictoryover，Carrieseemedtoatoneformuchhehadenduredduringthelast，fewdays。Lifeseemedworthfightingfor。Thiseastwardflight，fromallthingscustomaryandattachedseemedasifitmighthave，happinessinstore。Thestormshowedarainbowattheendof，whichmightbeapotofgold。
Hewasabouttocrosstoalittlered-and-whitestripedbarwhich，wasfastenedupbesideadoorwhenavoicegreetedhim，familiarly。Instantlyhisheartsank。
“Why，hello，George，oldman！”saidthevoice。”Whatareyou，doingdownhere？”
Hurstwoodwasalreadyconfronted，andrecognisedhisfriend，Kenny，thestock-broker。
“Justattendingtoalittleprivatematter，“heanswered，his，mindworkinglikeakey-boardofatelephonestation。Thisman，evidentlydidnotknow——hehadnotreadthepapers。
“Well，itseemsstrangetoseeyouwayuphere，“saidMr。Kenny，genially。”Stoppinghere？”
“Yes，“saidHurstwooduneasily，thinkingofhishandwritingon，theregister。
“Goingtobeintownlong？”
“No，onlyadayorso。”
“Isthatso？Hadyourbreakfast？”
“Yes，“saidHurstwood，lyingblandly。”I’mjustgoingfora，shave。”
“Won’tyoucomehaveadrink？”
“Notuntilafterwards，“saidtheex-manager。”I’llseeyou，later。Areyoustoppinghere？”
“Yes，“saidMr。Kenny，andthen，turningthewordagainadded：
“HowarethingsoutinChicago？”
“Aboutthesameasusual，“saidHurstwood，smilinggenially。
“Wifewithyou？”
“No。”
“Well，Imustseemoreofyouto-day。I’mjustgoinginherefor，breakfast。Comeinwhenyou’rethrough。”
“Iwill，“saidHurstwood，movingaway。Thewholeconversation，wasatrialtohim。Itseemedtoaddcomplicationswithvery，word。Thismancalledupathousandmemories。Herepresented，everythinghehadleft。Chicago，hiswife，theelegantresort——
allthesewereinhisgreetingandinquiries。Andherehewasin，thissamehotelexpectingtoconferwithhim，unquestionably，waitingtohaveagoodtimewithhim。AllatoncetheChicago，paperswouldarrive。Thelocalpaperswouldhaveaccountsin，themthisveryday。HeforgothistriumphwithCarrieinthe，possibilityofsoonbeingknownforwhathewas，inthisman’s，eyes，asafe-breaker。Hecouldhavegroanedashewentintothe，barbershop。Hedecidedtoescapeandseekamoresecluded，hotel。
Accordingly，whenhecameouthewasgladtoseethelobbyclear，andhastenedtowardthestairs。HewouldgetCarrieandgoout，bytheladies’entrance。Theywouldhavebreakfastinsomemore，inconspicuousplace。
Acrossthelobby，however，anotherindividualwassurveyinghim。
HewasofacommonplaceIrishtype，smallofstature，cheaply，dressed，andwithaheadthatseemedasmallereditionofsome，hugewardpolitician’s。Thisindividualhadbeenevidently，talkingwiththeclerk，butnowhesurveyedtheex-manager，keenly。
Hurstwoodfeltthelong-rangeexaminationandrecognisedthe，type。Instinctivelyhefeltthatthemanwasadetective——that，hewasbeingwatched。Hehurriedacross，pretendingnotto，notice，butinhismindwasaworldofthoughts。Whatwould，happennow？Whatcouldthesepeopledo？Hebegantotrouble，concerningtheextraditionlaws。Hedidnotunderstandthem，absolutely。Perhapshecouldbearrested。Oh，ifCarrieshould，findout！Montrealwastoowarmforhim。Hebegantolongtobe，outofit。
Carriehadbathedandwaswaitingwhenhearrived。Shelooked，refreshed——moredelightfulthanever，butreserved。Sincehehad，goneshehadresumedsomewhatofhercoldattitudetowardshim。
Lovewasnotblazinginherheart。Hefeltit，andhistroubles，seemedincreased。Hecouldnottakeherinhisarms;hedidnot，eventry。Somethingaboutherforbadeit。Inparthisopinion，wastheresultofhisownexperiencesandreflectionsbelow，stairs。
“You’reready，areyou？”hesaidkindly。
“Yes，“sheanswered。
“We’llgooutforbreakfast。Thisplacedownheredoesn’tappeal，tomeverymuch。”
“Allright，“saidCarrie。
Theywentout，andatthecornerthecommonplaceIrishindividual，wasstanding，eyeinghim。Hurstwoodcouldscarcelyrefrainfrom，showingthatheknewofthischap’spresence。Theinsolencein，thefellow’seyewasgalling。Stilltheypassed，andhe，explainedtoCarrieconcerningthecity。Anotherrestaurantwas，notlonginshowingitself，andheretheyentered。
“Whataqueertownthisis，“saidCarrie，whomarvelledatit，solelybecauseitwasnotlikeChicago。
“ItIsn’taslivelyasChicago，“saidHurstwood。”Don’tyoulike，it？”
“No，“saidCarrie，whosefeelingswerealreadylocalisedinthe，greatWesterncity。
“Well，itisn’tasinteresting，“saidHurstwood。
“What’shere？”askedCarrie，wonderingathischoosingtovisit，thistown。
“Nothingmuch，“returnedHurstwood。”It’squitearesort。
There’ssomeprettysceneryabouthere。”
Carrielistened，butwithafeelingofunrest。Therewasmuch，abouthersituationwhichdestroyedthepossibilityof，appreciation。
“Wewon’tstayherelong，“saidHurstwood，whowasnowreally，gladtonoteherdissatisfaction。”Youpickoutyourclothesas，soonasbreakfastisoverandwe’llrundowntoNewYorksoon。
You’lllikethat。It’salotmorelikeacitythananyplace，outsideChicago。”
Hewasreallyplanningtoslipoutandaway。Hewouldseewhat，thesedetectiveswoulddo——whatmovehisemployersatChicago，wouldmake——thenhewouldslipaway——downtoNewYork，whereit，waseasytohide。Heknewenoughaboutthatcitytoknowthat，itsmysteriesandpossibilitiesofmystificationwereinfinite。
Themorehethought，however，themorewretchedhissituation，became。Hesawthatgettingheredidnotexactlyclearupthe，ground。Thefirmwouldprobablyemploydetectivestowatchhim——
PinkertonmenoragentsofMooneyandBoland。Theymightarrest，himthemomenthetriedtoleaveCanada。Sohemightbe，compelledtoremainheremonths，andinwhatastate！
BackatthehotelHurstwoodwasanxiousandyetfearfultosee，themorningpapers。Hewantedtoknowhowfarthenewsofhis，criminaldeedhadspread。SohetoldCarriehewouldbeupina，fewmoments，andwenttosecureandscanthedailies。No，familiarorsuspiciousfaceswereabout，andyethedidnotlike，readinginthelobby，sohesoughtthemainparlouronthefloor，aboveand，seatedbyawindowthere，lookedthemover。Very，littlewasgiventohiscrime，butitwasthere，several“sticks“
inall，amongalltheriffraffoftelegraphedmurders，accidents，marriages，andothernews。Hewished，halfsadly，thathecould，undoitall。Everymomentofhistimeinthisfar-offabodeof，safetybutaddedtohisfeelingthathehadmadeagreatmistake。
Therecouldhavebeenaneasierwayoutifhehadonlyknown。
Heleftthepapersbeforegoingtotheroom，thinkingthusto，keepthemoutofthehandsofCarrie。
“Well，howareyoufeeling？”heaskedofher。Shewasengagedin，lookingoutofthewindow。
“Oh，allright，“sheanswered。
Hecameover，andwasabouttobeginaconversationwithher，whenaknockcameattheirdoor。
“Maybeit’soneofmyparcels，“saidCarrie。
Hurstwoodopenedthedoor，outsideofwhichstoodtheindividual，whomhehadsothoroughlysuspected。
“You’reMr。Hurstwood，areyou？”saidthelatter，withavolume，ofaffectedshrewdnessandassurance。
“Yes，“saidHurstwoodcalmly。Heknewthetypesothoroughly，thatsomeofhisoldfamiliarindifferencetoitreturned。Such，menasthesewereoftheloweststratumwelcomedattheresort。
Hesteppedoutandclosedthedoor。
“Well，youknowwhatIamherefor，don’tyou？”saidtheman，confidentially。
“Icanguess，“saidHurstwoodsoftly。
“Well，doyouintendtotryandkeepthemoney？”
“That’smyaffair，“saidHurstwoodgrimly。
“Youcan’tdoit，youknow，“saidthedetective，eyeinghim，coolly。
“Lookhere，myman，“saidHurstwoodauthoritatively，“youdon’t，understandanythingaboutthiscase，andIcan’texplaintoyou。
WhateverIintendtodoI’lldowithoutadvicefromtheoutside。
You’llhavetoexcuseme。”
“Well，now，there’snouseofyourtalkingthatway，“saidthe，man，“whenyou’reinthehandsofthepolice。Wecanmakealot，oftroubleforyouifwewantto。You’renotregisteredrightin，thishouse，youhaven’tgotyourwifewithyou，andthe，newspapersdon’tknowyou’rehereyet。Youmightaswellbe，reasonable。”
“Whatdoyouwanttoknow？”askedHurstwood。
“Whetheryou’regoingtosendbackthatmoneyornot。”
Hurstwoodpausedandstudiedthefloor。
“There’snouseexplainingtoyouaboutthis，“hesaidatlast。
“There’snouseofyouraskingme。I’mnofool，youknow。I
knowjustwhatyoucandoandwhatyoucan’t。Youcancreatea，lotoftroubleifyouwantto。Iknowthatallright，butit，won’thelpyoutogetthemoney。Now，I’vemadeupmymindwhat，todo。I’vealreadywrittenFitzgeraldandMoy，sothere’s，nothingIcansay。Youwaituntilyouhearmorefromthem。”
Allthetimehehadbeentalkinghehadbeenmovingawayfromthe，door，downthecorridor，outofthehearingofCarrie。Theywere，nowneartheendwherethecorridoropenedintothelargegeneral，parlour。
“Youwon’tgiveitup？”saidtheman。
ThewordsirritatedHurstwoodgreatly。Hotbloodpouredintohis，brain。Manythoughtsformulatedthemselves。Hewasnothief。
Hedidn’twantthemoney。IfhecouldonlyexplaintoFitzgerald，andMoy，maybeitwouldbeallrightagain。
“Seehere，“hesaid，“there’snousemytalkingaboutthisat，all。Irespectyourpowerallright，butI’llhavetodealwith，thepeoplewhoknow。”
“Well，youcan’tgetoutofCanadawithit，“saidtheman。
“Idon’twanttogetout，“saidHurstwood。”WhenIgetready，there’llbenothingtostopmefor。”
Heturnedback，andthedetectivewatchedhimclosely。Itseemed，anintolerablething。Stillhewentonandintotheroom。
“Whowasit？”askedCarrie。
“AfriendofminefromChicago。”
Thewholeofthisconversationwassuchashockthat，comingas，itdidafteralltheotherworryofthepastweek，itsufficedto，induceadeepgloomandmoralrevulsioninHurstwood。Whathurt，himmostwasthefactthathewasbeingpursuedasathief。He，begantoseethenatureofthatsocialinjusticewhichseesbut，oneside——oftenbutasinglepointinalongtragedy。Allthe，newspapersnotedbutonething，histakingthemoney。Howand，whereforewerebutindifferentlydealtwith。Allthe，complicationswhichleduptoitwereunknown。Hewasaccused，withoutbeingunderstood。
SittinginhisroomwithCarriethesameday，hedecidedtosend，themoneyback。HewouldwriteFitzgeraldandMoy，explainall，andthensenditbyexpress。Maybetheywouldforgivehim。
Perhapstheywouldaskhimback。Hewouldmakegoodthefalse，statementhehadmadeaboutwritingthem。Thenhewouldleave，thispeculiartown。
Foranhourhethoughtoverthisplausiblestatementofthe，tangle。Hewantedtotellthemabouthiswife，butcouldn’t。He，finallynarroweditdowntoanassertionthathewaslight-headed，fromentertainingfriends，hadfoundthesafeopen，andhaving，gonesofarastotakethemoneyout，hadaccidentallyclosedit。
Thisactheregrettedverymuch。Hewassorryhehadputthemto，somuchtrouble。Hewouldundowhathecouldbysendingthe，moneyback——themajorportionofit。Theremainderhewouldpay，upassoonashecould。Wasthereanypossibilityofhisbeing，restored？Thisheonlyhintedat。
Thetroubledstateoftheman’smindmaybejudgedbythevery，constructionofthisletter。Forthenonceheforgotwhata，painfulthingitwouldbetoresumehisoldplace，evenifit，weregivenhim。Heforgotthathehadseveredhimselffromthe，pastasbyasword，andthatifhedidmanagetoinsomeway，reunitehimselfwithit，thejaggedlineofseparationand，reunionwouldalwaysshow。Hewasalwaysforgettingsomething——
hiswife，Carrie，hisneedofmoney，presentsituation，or，something——andsodidnotreasonclearly。Nevertheless，hesent，theletter，waitingareplybeforesendingthemoney。
Meanwhile，heacceptedhispresentsituationwithCarrie，getting，whatjoyoutofithecould。
Outcamethesunbynoon，andpouredagoldenfloodthroughtheir，openwindows。Sparrowsweretwittering。Therewerelaughterand，songintheair。HurstwoodcouldnotkeephiseyesfromCarrie。
Sheseemedtheonerayofsunshineinallhistrouble。Oh，if，shewouldonlylovehimwholly——onlythrowherarmsaroundhimin，theblissfulspiritinwhichhehadseenherinthelittlepark，inChicago——howhappyhewouldbe！Itwouldrepayhim;itwould，showhimthathehadnotlostall。Hewouldnotcare。
“Carrie，“hesaid，gettinguponceandcomingovertoher，“are，yougoingtostaywithmefromnowon？”
Shelookedathimquizzically，butmeltedwithsympathyasthe，valueofthelookuponhisfaceforceditselfuponher。Itwas，lovenow，keenandstrong——loveenhancedbydifficultyandworry。
Shecouldnothelpsmiling。
“Letmebeeverythingtoyoufromnowon，“hesaid。”Don’tmake，meworryanymore。I’llbetruetoyou。We’llgotoNewYork，andgetaniceflat。I’llgointobusinessagain，andwe’llbe，happy。Won’tyoubemine？”
Carrielistenedquitesolemnly。Therewasnogreatpassionin，her，butthedriftofthingsandthisman’sproximitycreateda，semblanceofaffection。Shefeltrathersorryforhim——asorrow，bornofwhathadonlyrecentlybeenagreatadmiration。True，loveshehadneverfeltforhim。Shewouldhaveknownasmuchif，shecouldhaveanalysedherfeelings，butthisthingwhichshe，nowfeltarousedbyhisgreatfeelingbrokedownthebarriers，betweenthem。
“You’llstaywithme，won’tyou？”heasked。
“Yes，“shesaid，noddingherhead。
Hegatheredhertohimself，imprintingkissesuponherlipsand，cheeks。
“Youmustmarryme，though，“shesaid。
“I’llgetalicenseto-day，“heanswered。
“How？”sheasked。
“Underanewname，“heanswered。”I’lltakeanewnameandlive，anewlife。FromnowonI’mMurdock。”
“Oh，don’ttakethatname，“saidCarrie。
“Whynot？”hesaid。
“Idon’tlikeit。”
“Well，whatshallItake？”heasked。
“Oh，anything，onlydon’ttakethat。”
Hethoughtawhile，stillkeepinghisarmsabouther，andthen，said：
“HowwouldWheelerdo？”
“That’sallright，“saidCarrie。
“Well，then，Wheeler，“hesaid。”I’llgetthelicensethis，afternoon。”
TheyweremarriedbyaBaptistminister，thefirstdivinethey，foundconvenient。
AtlasttheChicagofirmanswered。ItwasbyMr。Moy’s，dictation。HewasastonishedthatHurstwoodhaddonethis;very，sorrythatithadcomeaboutasithad。Ifthemoneywere，returned，theywouldnottroubletoprosecutehim，astheyreally，borehimnoill-will。Asforhisreturning，ortheirrestoring，himtohisformerposition，theyhadnotquitedecidedwhatthe，effectofitwouldbe。Theywouldthinkitoverandcorrespond，withhimlater，possibly，afteralittletime，andsoon。
Thesumandsubstanceofitwasthattherewasnohope，andthey，wantedthemoneywiththeleasttroublepossible。Hurstwoodread，hisdoom。Hedecidedtopay$9，500totheagentwhomtheysaid，theywouldsend，keeping$1，300forhisownuse。Hetelegraphed，hisacquiescence，explainedtotherepresentativewhocalledat，thehotelthesameday，tookacertificateofpayment，andtold，Carrietopackhertrunk。Hewasslightlydepressedoverthis，newestmoveatthetimehebegantomakeit，buteventually，restoredhimself。Hefearedthatevenyethemightbeseizedand，takenback，sohetriedtoconcealhismovements，butitwas，scarcelypossible。HeorderedCarrie’strunksenttothedepot，wherehehaditsentbyexpresstoNewYork。Nooneseemedtobe，observinghim，butheleftatnight。Hewasgreatlyagitated，lestatthefirststationacrosstheborderoratthedepotin，NewYorkthereshouldbewaitingforhimanofficerofthelaw。
Carrie，ignorantofhistheftandhisfears，enjoyedtheentry，intothelattercityinthemorning。Theroundgreenhills，sentinellingthebroad，expansivebosomoftheHudsonheldher，attentionbytheirbeautyasthetrainfollowedthelineofthe，stream。ShehadheardoftheHudsonRiver，thegreatcityofNew，York，andnowshelookedout，fillinghermindwiththewonderof，it。
AsthetrainturnedeastatSpuytenDuyvilandfollowedtheeast，bankoftheHarlemRiver，Hurstwoodnervouslycalledher，attentiontothefactthattheywereontheedgeofthecity。
AfterherexperiencewithChicago，sheexpectedlonglinesof，cars——agreathighwayoftracks——andnotedthedifference。The，sightofafewboatsintheHarlemandmoreintheEastRiver，tickledheryoungheart。Itwasthefirstsignofthegreatsea。
Nextcameaplainstreetwithfive-storybrickflats，andthen，thetrainplungedintothetunnel。
“GrandCentralStation！”calledthetrainman，as，afterafew，minutesofdarknessandsmoke，daylightreappeared。Hurstwood，aroseandgathereduphissmallgrip。Hewasscreweduptothe，highesttension。WithCarriehewaitedatthedoorandthen，dismounted。Nooneapproachedhim，butheglancedfurtivelyto，andfroashemadeforthestreetentrance。Soexcitedwashe，thatheforgotallaboutCarrie，whofellbehind，wonderingat，hisself-absorption。Ashepassedthroughthedepotproperthe，strainreacheditsclimaxandbegantowane。Allatoncehewas，onthesidewalk，andnonebutcabmenhailedhim。Heheaveda，greatbreathandturned，rememberingCarrie。
“Ithoughtyouweregoingtorunoffandleaveme，“shesaid。
“IwastryingtorememberwhichcartakesustotheGilsey，“he，answered。
Carriehardlyheardhim，sointerestedwassheinthebusyscene。
“HowlargeisNewYork？”sheasked。
“Ohamillionormore，“saidHurstwood。
Helookedaroundandhailedacab，buthedidsoinachanged，way。
Forthefirsttimeinyearsthethoughtthathemustcountthese，littleexpensesflashedthroughhismind。Itwasadisagreeable，thing。
Hedecidedhewouldlosenotimelivinginhotelsbutwouldrent，aflat。AccordinglyhetoldCarrie，andsheagreed。
“We’lllookto-day，ifyouwantto，“shesaid。
SuddenlyhethoughtofhisexperienceinMontreal。Atthemore，importanthotelshewouldbecertaintomeetChicagoanswhomhe，knew。Hestoodupandspoketothedriver。
“TakemetotheBelford，“hesaid，knowingittobeless，frequentedbythosewhomheknew。Thenhesatdown。
“Whereistheresidencepart？”askedCarrie，whodidnottakethe，tallfive-storywallsoneitherhandtobetheabodesof，families。
“Everywhere，“saidHurstwood，whoknewthecityfairlywell。
“TherearenolawnsinNewYork。Allthesearehouses。”
“Well，then，Idon’tlikeit，“saidCarrie，whowascomingto，haveafewopinionsofherown。
ChapterXXX
THEKINGDOMOFGREATNESS——THEPILGRIMADREAM
WhateveramanlikeHurstwoodcouldbeinChicago，itisvery，evidentthathewouldbebutaninconspicuousdropinanocean，likeNewYork。InChicago，whosepopulationstillrangedabout，500，000，millionaireswerenotnumerous。Therichhadnotbecome，soconspicuouslyrichastodrownallmoderateincomesin，obscurity。Theattentionoftheinhabitantswasnotso，distractedbylocalcelebritiesinthedramatic，artistic，social，andreligiousfieldsastoshutthewell-positionedman，fromview。InChicagothetworoadstodistinctionwerepolitics，andtrade。InNewYorktheroadswereanyoneofahalf-hundred，andeachhadbeendiligentlypursuedbyhundreds，sothat，celebritieswerenumerous。Theseawasalreadyfullofwhales。
Acommonfishmustneedsdisappearwhollyfromview——remain，unseen。Inotherwords，Hurstwoodwasnothing。
Thereisamoresubtleresultofsuchasituationasthis，which，thoughnotalwaystakenintoaccount，producesthetragediesof，theworld。Thegreatcreateanatmospherewhichreactsbadly，uponthesmall。Thisatmosphereiseasilyandquicklyfelt。
Walkamongthemagnificentresidences，thesplendidequipages，thegildedshops，restaurants，resortsofallkinds;scentthe，flowers，thesilks，thewines;drinkofthelaughterspringing，fromthesoulofluxuriouscontent，oftheglanceswhichgleam，likelightfromdefiantspears;feelthequalityofthesmiles，whichcutlikeglisteningswordsandofstridesbornofplace，andyoushallknowofwhatistheatmosphereofthehighand，mighty。Littleusetoarguethatofsuchisnotthekingdomof，greatness，butsolongastheworldisattractedbythisandthe，humanheartviewsthisastheonedesirablerealmwhichitmust，attain，solong，tothatheart，willthisremaintherealmof，greatness。Solong，also，willtheatmosphereofthisrealmwork，itsdesperateresultsinthesoulofman。Itislikeachemical，reagent。Onedayofit，likeonedropoftheother，willso，affectanddiscolourtheviews，theaims，thedesireofthemind，thatitwillthereafterremainforeverdyed。Adayofittothe，untriedmindislikeopiumtotheuntriedbody。Acravingisset，upwhich，ifgratified，shalleternallyresultindreamsand，death。Aye！dreamsunfulfilled——gnawing，luring，idlephantoms，whichbeckonandlead，beckonandlead，untildeathand，dissolutiondissolvetheirpowerandrestoreusblindtonature’s，heart。
AmanofHurstwood’sageandtemperamentisnotsubjecttothe，illusionsandburningdesiresofyouth，butneitherhashethe，strengthofhopewhichgushesasafountainintheheartof，youth。Suchanatmospherecouldnotinciteinhimthecravings，ofaboyofeighteen，butinsofarastheywereexcited，the，lackofhopemadethemproportionatelybitter。Hecouldnotfail，tonoticethesignsofaffluenceandluxuryoneveryhand。He，hadbeentoNewYorkbeforeandknewtheresourcesofitsfolly。
Inpartitwasanawesomeplacetohim，forheregatheredall，thathemostrespectedonthisearth——wealth，place，andfame。
Themajorityofthecelebritieswithwhomhehadtippedglasses，inhisdayasmanagerhailedfromthisself-centredandpopulous，spot。Themostinvitingstoriesofpleasureandluxuryhadbeen，toldofplacesandindividualshere。Heknewittobetruethat，unconsciouslyhewasbrushingelbowswithfortunethelivelong，day;thatahundredorfivehundredthousandgavenoonethe，privilegeoflivingmorethancomfortablyinsowealthyaplace。
Fashionandpomprequiredmoreamplesums，sothatthepoorman，wasnowhere。Allthisherealised，nowquitesharply，ashe，facedthecity，cutofffromhisfriends，despoiledofhismodest，fortune，andevenhisname，andforcedtobeginthebattlefor，placeandcomfortalloveragain。Hewasnotold，buthewasnot，sodullbutthathecouldfeelhesoonwouldbe。Ofasudden，then，thisshowoffineclothes，place，andpowertookon，peculiarsignificance。Itwasemphasisedbycontrastwithhis，owndistressingstate。
Anditwasdistressing。Hesoonfoundthatfreedomfromfearof，arrestwasnotthesinequanonofhisexistence。Thatdanger，dissolved，thenextnecessitybecamethegrievousthing。The，paltrysumofthirteenhundredandsomeodddollarssetagainst，theneedofrent，clothing，food，andpleasureforyearstocome，wasaspectaclelittlecalculatedtoinducepeaceofmindinone，whohadbeenaccustomedtospendfivetimesthatsuminthe，courseofayear。Hethoughtuponthesubjectratheractively，thefirstfewdayshewasinNewYork，anddecidedthathemust，actquickly。Asaconsequence，heconsultedthebusiness，opportunitiesadvertisedinthemorningpapersandbegan，investigationsonhisownaccount。
Thatwasnotbeforehehadbecomesettled，however。Carrieand，hewentlookingforaflat，asarranged，andfoundonein，Seventy-eighthStreetnearAmsterdamAvenue。Itwasafive-story，building，andtheirflatwasonthethirdfloor。Owingtothe，factthatthestreetwasnotyetbuiltupsolidly，itwas，possibletoseeeasttothegreentopsofthetreesinCentral，ParkandwesttothebroadwatersoftheHudson，aglimpseof，whichwastobehadoutofthewestwindows。Fortheprivilege，ofsixroomsandabath，runninginastraightline，theywere，compelledtopaythirty-fivedollarsamonth——anaverage，andyet，exorbitant，rentforahomeatthetime。Carrienoticedthe，differencebetweenthesizeoftheroomshereandinChicagoand，mentionedit。
“You’llnotfindanythingbetter，dear，“saidHurstwood，“unless，yougointooneoftheold-fashionedhouses，andthenyouwon’t，haveanyoftheseconveniences。”
Carriepickedoutthenewabodebecauseofitsnewnessandbright，wood-work。Itwasoneoftheverynewonessuppliedwithsteam，heat，whichwasagreatadvantage。Thestationaryrange，hotand，coldwater，dumb-waiter，speakingtubes，andcall-bellforthe，janitorpleasedherverymuch。Shehadenoughoftheinstincts，ofahousewifetotakegreatsatisfactioninthesethings。
Hurstwoodmadearrangementswithoneoftheinstalmenthouses，wherebytheyfurnishedtheflatcompleteandacceptedfifty，dollarsdownandtendollarsamonth。Hethenhadalittle，plate，bearingthenameG。W。Wheeler，made，whichheplacedon，hisletter-boxinthehall。ItsoundedexceedinglyoddtoCarrie，tobecalledMrs。Wheelerbythejanitor，butintimeshebecame，usedtoitandlookeduponthenameasherown。
Thesehousedetailssettled，Hurstwoodvisitedsomeofthe，advertisedopportunitiestopurchaseaninterestinsome，flourishingdown-townbar。AfterthepalatialresortinAdams，Street，hecouldnotstomachthecommonplacesaloonswhichhe，foundadvertised。Helostanumberofdayslookinguptheseand，findingthemdisagreeable。Hedid，however，gainconsiderable，knowledgebytalking，forhediscoveredtheinfluenceofTammany，Hallandthevalueofstandinginwiththepolice。Themost，profitableandflourishingplaceshefoundtobethosewhich，conductedanythingbutalegitimatebusiness，suchasthat，controlledbyFitzgeraldandMoy。Elegantbackroomsandprivate，drinkingboothsonthesecondfloorwereusuallyadjunctsofvery，profitableplaces。Hesawbyportlykeepers，whoseshirtfronts，shonewithlargediamonds，andwhoseclotheswereproperlycut，thattheliquorbusinesshere，aselsewhere，yieldedthesame，goldenprofit。
AtlasthefoundanindividualwhohadaresortinWarrenStreet，whichseemedanexcellentventure。Itwasfairlywell-appearing，andsusceptibleofimprovement。Theownerclaimedthebusiness，tobeexcellent，anditcertainlylookedso。
“Wedealwithaverygoodclassofpeople，“hetoldHurstwood。
“Merchants，salesmen，andprofessionals。It’sawell-dressed，class。Nobums。Wedon’tallow’emintheplace。”
Hurstwoodlistenedtothecash-registerring，andwatchedthe，tradeforawhile。
“It’sprofitableenoughfortwo，isit？”heasked。
“Youcanseeforyourselfifyou’reanyjudgeoftheliquor，trade，“saidtheowner。”ThisisonlyoneofthetwoplacesI
have。TheotherisdowninNassauStreet。Ican’ttendtothem，bothalone。IfIhadsomeonewhoknewthebusinessthoroughlyI
wouldn’tmindsharingwithhiminthisoneandlettinghimmanage，it。”
“I’vehadexperienceenough，“saidHurstwoodblandly，buthefelt，alittlediffidentaboutreferringtoFitzgeraldandMoy。
“Well，youcansuityourself，Mr。Wheeler，“saidtheproprietor。
Heonlyofferedathirdinterestinthestock，fixtures，and，good-will，andthisinreturnforathousanddollarsand，managerialabilityonthepartoftheonewhoshouldcomein。
Therewasnopropertyinvolved，becausetheownerofthesaloon，merelyrentedfromanestate。
Theofferwasgenuineenough，butitwasaquestionwith，Hurstwoodwhetherathirdinterestinthatlocalitycouldbemade，toyieldonehundredandfiftydollarsamonth，whichhefigured，hemusthaveinordertomeettheordinaryfamilyexpensesandbe，comfortable。Itwasnotthetime，however，aftermanyfailures，tofindwhathewanted，tohesitate。Itlookedasthoughathird，wouldpayahundredamonthnow。Byjudiciousmanagementand，improvement，itmightbemadetopaymore。Accordinglyheagreed，toenterintopartnership，andmadeoverhisthousanddollars，preparingtoenterthenextday。
Hisfirstinclinationwastobeelated，andheconfidedtoCarrie，thathethoughthehadmadeanexcellentarrangement。Time，however，introducedfoodforreflection。Hefoundhispartnerto，beverydisagreeable。Frequentlyhewastheworseforliquor，whichmadehimsurly。ThiswasthelastthingwhichHurstwood，wasusedtoinbusiness。Besides，thebusinessvaried。Itwas，nothingliketheclassofpatronagewhichhehadenjoyedin，Chicago。Hefoundthatitwouldtakealongtimetomake，friends。Thesepeoplehurriedinandoutwithoutseekingthe，pleasuresoffriendship。Itwasnogatheringorloungingplace。
Wholedaysandweekspassedwithoutonesuchheartygreetingas，hehadbeenwonttoenjoyeverydayinChicago。
Foranotherthing，Hurstwoodmissedthecelebrities——thosewell-
dressed，eliteindividualswholendgracetotheaveragebarsand，bringnewsfromfar-offandexclusivecircles。Hedidnotsee，onesuchinamonth。Evenings，whenstillathispost，hewould，occasionallyreadintheeveningpapersincidentsconcerning，celebritieswhomheknew——whomhehaddrunkaglasswithmanya，time。TheywouldvisitabarlikeFitzgeraldandMoy’sin，Chicago，ortheHoffmanHouse，uptown，butheknewthathewould，neverseethemdownhere。
Again，thebusinessdidnotpayaswellashethought。It，increasedalittle，buthefoundhewouldhavetowatchhis，householdexpenses，whichwashumiliating。
Intheverybeginningitwasadelighttogohomelateatnight，ashedid，andfindCarrie。Hemanagedtorunupandtakedinner，withherbetweensixandseven，andtoremainhomeuntilnine，o’clockinthemorning，butthenoveltyofthiswanedaftera，time，andhebegantofeelthedragofhisduties。
ThefirstmonthhadscarcelypassedbeforeCarriesaidinavery，naturalway：“IthinkI’llgodownthisweekandbuyadress。’
“Whatkind？”saidHurstwood。
“Oh，somethingforstreetwear。”
“Allright，“heanswered，smiling，althoughhenotedmentally，thatitwouldbemoreagreeabletohisfinancesifshedidn’t。
Nothingwassaidaboutitthenextday，butthefollowingmorning，heasked：
“Haveyoudoneanythingaboutyourdress？”
“Notyet，“saidCarrie。
Hepausedafewmoments，asifinthought，andthensaid：
“Wouldyoumindputtingitoffafewdays？”
“No，“repliedCarrie，whodidnotcatchthedriftofhisremarks。
Shehadneverthoughtofhiminconnectionwithmoneytroubles，before。”Why？”
“Well，I’lltellyou，“saidHurstwood。”Thisinvestmentofmine，istakingalotofmoneyjustnow。Iexpecttogetitallback，shortly，butjustatpresentIamrunningclose。”
“Oh！”answeredCarrie。”Why，certainly，dear。Whydidn’tyou，tellmebefore？”
“Itwasn’tnecessary，“saidHurstwood。
Forallheracquiescence，therewassomethingabouttheway，HurstwoodspokewhichremindedCarrieofDrouetandhislittle，dealwhichhewasalwaysabouttoputthrough。Itwasonlythe，thoughtofasecond，butitwasabeginning。Itwassomething，newinherthinkingofHurstwood。
Otherthingsfollowedfromtimetotime，littlethingsofthe，samesort，whichintheircumulativeeffectwereeventuallyequal，toafullrevelation。Carriewasnotdullbyanymeans。Two，personscannotlongdwelltogetherwithoutcomingtoan，understandingofoneanother。Thementaldifficultiesofan，individualrevealthemselveswhetherhevoluntarilyconfesses，themornot。Troublegetsintheairandcontributesgloom，whichspeaksforitself。Hurstwooddressedasnicelyasusual，buttheywerethesameclotheshehadinCanada。Carrienoticed，thathedidnotinstallalargewardrobe，thoughhisownwas，anythingbutlarge。Shenoticed，also，thathedidnotsuggest，manyamusements，saidnothingaboutthefood，seemedconcerned，abouthisbusiness。ThiswasnottheeasyHurstwoodofChicago——
nottheliberal，opulentHurstwoodshehadknown。Thechangewas，tooobvioustoescapedetection。
Intimeshebegantofeelthatachangehadcomeabout，andthat，shewasnotinhisconfidence。Hewasevidentlysecretiveand，kepthisowncounsel。Shefoundherselfaskinghimquestions，aboutlittlethings。Thisisadisagreeablestatetoawoman。
Greatlovemakesitseemreasonable，sometimesplausible，but，neversatisfactory。Wheregreatloveisnot，amoredefiniteand，lesssatisfactoryconclusionisreached。
AsforHurstwood，hewasmakingagreatfightagainstthe，difficultiesofachangedcondition。Hewastooshrewdnotto，realisethetremendousmistakehehadmade，andappreciatethat，hehaddonewellingettingwherehewas，andyethecouldnot，helpcontrastinghispresentstatewithhisformer，hourafter，hour，anddayafterday。
Besides，hehadthedisagreeablefearofmeetingold-time，friends，eversinceonesuchencounterwhichhemadeshortly，afterhisarrivalinthecity。ItwasinBroadwaythathesawa，manapproachinghimwhomheknew。Therewasnotimefor，simulatingnon-recognition。Theexchangeofglanceshadbeentoo，sharp，theknowledgeofeachothertooapparent。Sothefriend，abuyerforoneoftheChicagowholesalehouses，felt，perforce，thenecessityofstopping。
“Howareyou？”hesaid，extendinghishandwithanevident，mixtureoffeelingandalackofplausibleinterest。
“Verywell，“saidHurstwood，equallyembarrassed。”Howisit，withyou？”
“Allright;I’mdownheredoingalittlebuying。Areyoulocated，herenow？”
“Yes，“saidHurstwood，“IhaveaplacedowninWarrenStreet。”
“Isthatso？”saidthefriend。”Gladtohearit。I’llcomedown，andseeyou。”
“Do，“saidHurstwood。
“Solong，“saidtheother，smilingaffablyandgoingon。
“Heneveraskedformynumber，“thoughtHurstwood;“hewouldn’t，thinkofcoming。”Hewipedhisforehead，whichhadgrowndamp，andhopedsincerelyhewouldmeetnooneelse。
Thesethingstolduponhisgood-nature，suchasitwas。Hisone，hopewasthatthingswouldchangeforthebetterinamoneyway。
HehadCarrie。Hisfurniturewasbeingpaidfor。Hewas，maintaininghisposition。AsforCarrie，theamusementshecould，giveherwouldhavetodoforthepresent。Hecouldprobably，keepuphispretensionssufficientlylongwithoutexposureto，makegood，andthenallwouldbewell。Hefailedthereintotake，accountofthefrailtiesofhumannature——thedifficultiesof，matrimoniallife。Carriewasyoung。Withhimandwithher，varyingmentalstateswerecommon。Atanymomenttheextremesof，feelingmightbeanti-polarisedatthedinnertable。Thisoften，happensinthebestregulatedfamilies。Littlethingsbrought，outonsuchoccasionsneedgreatlovetoobliteratethem，afterward。Wherethatisnot，bothpartiescounttwoandtwoand，makeaproblemafterawhile。
ChapterXXXI
APETOFGOODFORTUNE——BROADWAYFLAUNTSITSJOYS
TheeffectofthecityandhisownsituationonHurstwoodwas，paralleledinthecaseofCarrie，whoacceptedthethingswhich，fortuneprovidedwiththemostgenialgood-nature。NewYork，despiteherfirstexpressionofdisapproval，sooninterestedher，exceedingly。Itsclearatmosphere，morepopulousthoroughfares，andpeculiarindifferencestruckherforcibly。Shehadnever，seensuchalittleflatashers，andyetitsoonenlistedher，affection。Thenewfurnituremadeanexcellentshowing，the，sideboardwhichHurstwoodhimselfarrangedgleamedbrightly。The，furnitureforeachroomwasappropriate，andintheso-called，parlour，orfrontroom，wasinstalledapiano，becauseCarrie，saidshewouldliketolearntoplay。Shekeptaservantand，developedrapidlyinhouseholdtacticsandinformation。Forthe，firsttimeinherlifeshefeltsettled，andsomewhatjustified，intheeyesofsocietyassheconceivedofit。Herthoughtswere，merryandinnocentenough。Foralongwhilesheconcerned，herselfoverthearrangementofNewYorkflats，andwonderedat，tenfamilieslivinginonebuildingandallremainingstrangeand，indifferenttoeachother。Shealsomarvelledatthewhistlesof，thehundredsofvesselsintheharbour——thelong，lowcriesof，theSoundsteamersandferry-boatswhenfogwason。Themere，factthatthesethingsspokefromtheseamadethemwonderful。
ShelookedmuchatwhatshecouldseeoftheHudsonfromherwest，windowsandofthegreatcitybuildinguprapidlyoneitherhand。
Itwasmuchtoponderover，andsufficedtoentertainherfor，morethanayearwithoutbecomingstale。
Foranotherthing，Hurstwoodwasexceedinglyinterestinginhis，affectionforher。Troubledashewas，heneverexposedhis，difficultiestoher。Hecarriedhimselfwiththesameself-
importantair，tookhisnewstatewitheasyfamiliarity，and，rejoicedinCarrie’sproclivitiesandsuccesses。Eacheveninghe，arrivedpromptlytodinner，andfoundthelittledining-rooma，mostinvitingspectacle。Inaway，thesmallnessoftheroom，addedtoitsluxury。Itlookedfullandreplete。Thewhite-
coveredtablewasarrayedwithprettydishesandlightedwitha，four-armedcandelabra，eachlightofwhichwastoppedwithared，shade。BetweenCarrieandthegirlthesteaksandchopscameout，allright，andcannedgoodsdidtherestforawhile。Carrie，studiedtheartofmakingbiscuit，andsoonreachedthestage，whereshecouldshowaplateoflight，palatablemorselsforher，labour。
Inthismannerthesecond，third，andfourthmonthspassed。
Wintercame，andwithitafeelingthatindoorswasbest，sothat，theattendingoftheatreswasnotmuchtalkedof。Hurstwoodmade，greateffortstomeetallexpenditureswithoutashowoffeeling，onewayortheother。Hepretendedthathewasreinvestinghis，moneyinstrengtheningthebusinessforgreaterendsinthe，future。Hecontentedhimselfwithaverymoderateallowanceof，personalapparel，andrarelysuggestedanythingforCarrie。Thus，thefirstwinterpassed。
Inthesecondyear，thebusinesswhichHurstwoodmanageddid，increasesomewhat。Hegotoutofitregularlythe$150permonth，whichhehadanticipated。Unfortunately，bythistimeCarriehad，reachedcertainconclusions，andhehadscrapedupafew，acquaintances。
Beingofapassiveandreceptiveratherthananactiveand，aggressivenature，Carrieacceptedthesituation。Herstate，seemedsatisfactoryenough。Onceinawhiletheywouldgotoa，theatretogether，occasionallyinseasontothebeachesand，differentpointsaboutthecity，buttheypickedupno，acquaintances。Hurstwoodnaturallyabandonedhisshowoffine，mannerswithherandmodifiedhisattitudetooneofeasy，familiarity。Therewerenomisunderstandings，noapparent，differencesofopinion。Infact，withoutmoneyorvisiting，friends，heledalifewhichcouldneitherarousejealousynor，comment。Carrierathersympathisedwithhiseffortsandthought，nothinguponherlackofentertainmentsuchasshehadenjoyedin，Chicago。NewYorkasacorporateentityandherflattemporarily，seemedsufficient。
However，asHurstwood’sbusinessincreased，he，asstated，began，topickupacquaintances。Healsobegantoallowhimselfmore，clothes。Heconvincedhimselfthathishomelifewasvery，precioustohim，butallowedthathecouldoccasionallystayaway，fromdinner。Thefirsttimehedidthishesentamessagesaying，thathewouldbedetained。Carrieatealone，andwishedthatit，mightnothappenagain。Thesecondtime，also，hesentword，but，atthelastmoment。Thethirdtimeheforgotentirelyand，explainedafterwards。Theseeventsweremonthsapart，each。
“Wherewereyou，George？”askedCarrie，afterthefirstabsence。
“Tiedupattheoffice，“hesaidgenially。”Thereweresome，accountsIhadtostraighten。”
“I’msorryyoucouldn’tgethome，“shesaidkindly。”Iwas，fixingtohavesuchanicedinner。”
Thesecondtimehegaveasimilarexcuse，butthethirdtimethe，feelingaboutitinCarrie’smindwasalittlebitoutofthe，ordinary。
“Icouldn’tgethome，“hesaid，whenhecameinlaterinthe，evening，“Iwassobusy。”
“Couldn’tyouhavesentmeword？”askedCarrie。
“Imeantto，“hesaid，“butyouknowIforgotituntilitwastoo，latetodoanygood。”
“AndIhadsuchagooddinner！”saidCarrie。
Now，itsohappenedthatfromhisobservationsofCarriehebegan，toimaginethatshewasofthethoroughlydomestictypeofmind。
Hereallythought，afterayear，thatherchiefexpressionin，lifewasfindingitsnaturalchannelinhouseholdduties。
NotwithstandingthefactthathehadobservedheractinChicago，andthatduringthepastyearhehadonlyseenherlimitedinher，relationstoherflatandhimbyconditionswhichhemade，and，thatshehadnotgainedanyfriendsorassociates，hedrewthis，peculiarconclusion。Withitcameafeelingofsatisfactionin，havingawifewhocouldthusbecontent，andthissatisfaction，workeditsnaturalresult。Thatis，sinceheimaginedhesawher，satisfied，hefeltcalledupontogiveonlythatwhich，contributedtosuchsatisfaction。Hesuppliedthefurniture，the，decorations，thefood，andthenecessaryclothing。Thoughtsof，entertainingher，leadingheroutintotheshineandshowof，life，grewlessandless。Hefeltattractedtotheouterworld，butdidnotthinkshewouldcaretogoalong。Oncehewentto，thetheatrealone。Anothertimehejoinedacoupleofhisnew，friendsataneveninggameofpoker。Sincehismoney-feathers，werebeginningtogrowagainhefeltlikesprucingabout。All，this，however，inamuchlessimposingwaythanhadbeenhiswont，inChicago。Heavoidedthegayplaceswherehewouldbeaptto，meetthosewhohadknownhim。
Now，Carriebegantofeelthisinvarioussensoryways。Shewas，notthekindtobeseriouslydisturbedbyhisactions。Not，lovinghimgreatly，shecouldnotbejealousinadisturbingway。
Infact，shewasnotjealousatall。Hurstwoodwaspleasedwith，herplacidmanner，whenheshouldhavedulyconsideredit。When，hedidnotcomehomeitdidnotseemanythinglikeaterrible，thingtoher。Shegavehimcreditforhavingtheusual，allurementsofmen——peopletotalkto，placestostop，friendsto，consultwith。Shewasperfectlywillingthatheshouldenjoy，himselfinhisway，butshedidnotcaretobeneglectedherself。
Herstatestillseemedfairlyreasonable，however。Allshedid，observewasthatHurstwoodwassomewhatdifferent。
SometimeinthesecondyearoftheirresidenceinSeventy-eighth，StreettheflatacrossthehallfromCarriebecamevacant，and，intoitmovedaveryhandsomeyoungwomanandherhusband，with，bothofwhomCarrieafterwardsbecameacquainted。Thiswas，broughtaboutsolelybythearrangementoftheflats，whichwere，unitedinoneplace，asitwere，bythedumb-waiter。Thisuseful，elevator，bywhichfuel，groceries，andthelikeweresentup，fromthebasement，andgarbageandwastesentdown，wasusedby，bothresidentsofonefloor;thatis，asmalldooropenedintoit，fromeachflat。
Iftheoccupantsofbothflatsansweredtothewhistleofthe，janitoratthesametime，theywouldstandfacetofacewhenthey，openedthedumb-waiterdoors。Onemorning，whenCarriewentto，removeherpaper，thenewcomer，ahandsomebrunetteofperhaps，twenty-threeyearsofage，wasthereforalikepurpose。Shewas，inanight-robeanddressing-gown，withherhairverymuch，tousled，butshelookedsoprettyandgood-naturedthatCarrie，instantlyconceivedalikingforher。Thenewcomerdidnomore，thansmileshamefacedly，butitwassufficient。Carriefeltthat，shewouldliketoknowher，andasimilarfeelingstirredinthe，mindoftheother，whoadmiredCarrie’sinnocentface。
“That’sarealprettywomanwhohasmovedinnextdoor，“said，CarrietoHurstwoodatthebreakfasttable。
“Whoarethey？”askedHurstwood。
“Idon’tknow，“saidCarrie。”ThenameonthebellisVance。
Someoneoverthereplaysbeautifully。Iguessitmustbeshe。”
“Well，younevercantellwhatsortofpeopleyou’relivingnext，tointhistown，canyou？”saidHurstwood，expressingthe，customaryNewYorkopinionaboutneighbours。
“Justthink，“saidCarrie，“Ihavebeeninthishousewithnine，otherfamiliesforoverayearandIdon’tknowasoul。These，peoplehavebeenhereoveramonthandIhaven’tseenanyone，beforethismorning。”
“It’sjustaswell，“saidHurstwood。’Youneverknowwhoyou’re，goingtogetinwith。Someofthesepeopleareprettybad，company。”
“Iexpectso，“saidCarrie，agreeably。
Theconversationturnedtootherthings，andCarriethoughtno，moreuponthesubjectuntiladayortwolater，when，goingout，tomarket，sheencounteredMrs。Vancecomingin。Thelatter，recognisedherandnodded，forwhichCarriereturnedasmile。
Thissettledtheprobabilityofacquaintanceship。Iftherehad，beennofaintrecognitiononthisoccasion，therewouldhavebeen，nofutureassociation。
CarriesawnomoreofMrs。Vanceforseveralweeks，butsheheard，herplaythroughthethinwallswhichdividedthefrontroomsof，theflats，andwaspleasedbythemerryselectionofpiecesand，thebrillianceoftheirrendition。Shecouldplayonly，moderatelyherself，andsuchvarietyasMrs。Vanceexercised，bordered，forCarrie，uponthevergeofgreatart。Everything，shehadseenandheardthusfar——themerestscrapsandshadows——
indicatedthatthesepeoplewere，inameasure，refinedandin，comfortablecircumstances。SoCarriewasreadyforanyextension，ofthefriendshipwhichmightfollow。
OnedayCarrie’sbellrangandtheservant，whowasinthe，kitchen，pressedthebuttonwhichcausedthefrontdoorofthe，generalentranceonthegroundfloortobeelectrically，unlatched。WhenCarriewaitedatherowndooronthethirdfloor，toseewhoitmightbecominguptocallonher，Mrs。Vance，appeared。
“Ihopeyou’llexcuseme，“shesaid。”Iwentoutawhileagoand，forgotmyoutsidekey，soIthoughtI’dringyourbell。”
Thiswasacommontrickofotherresidentsofthebuilding，whenevertheyhadforgottentheiroutsidekeys。Theydidnot，apologiseforit，however。
“Certainly，“saidCarrie。”I’mgladyoudid。Idothesame，thingsometimes。”
“Isn’titjustdelightfulweather？”saidMrs。Vance，pausingfor，amoment。
Thus，afterafewmorepreliminaries，thisvisitingacquaintance，waswelllaunched，andintheyoungMrs。VanceCarriefoundan，agreeablecompanion。
OnseveraloccasionsCarrievisitedherandwasvisited。Both，flatsweregoodtolookupon，thoughthatoftheVancestended，somewhatmoretotheluxurious。
“Iwantyoutocomeoverthiseveningandmeetmyhusband，“said，Mrs。Vance，notlongaftertheirintimacybegan。”Hewantsto，meetyou。Youplaycards，don’tyou？”
“Alittle，“saidCarrie。
“Well，we’llhaveagameofcards。Ifyourhusbandcomeshome，bringhimover。”
“He’snotcomingtodinnerto-night，“saidCarrie。
“Well，whenhedoescomewe’llcallhimin。”
Carrieacquiesced，andthateveningmettheportlyVance，an，individualafewyearsyoungerthanHurstwood，andwhoowedhis，seeminglycomfortablematrimonialstatemuchmoretohismoney，thantohisgoodlooks。HethoughtwellofCarrieuponthefirst，glanceandlaidhimselfouttobegenial，teachingheranewgame，ofcardsandtalkingtoheraboutNewYorkanditspleasures。
Mrs。Vanceplayedsomeuponthepiano，andatlastHurstwood，came。
“Iamverygladtomeetyou，“hesaidtoMrs。VancewhenCarrie，introducedhim，showingmuchoftheoldgracewhichhad，captivatedCarrie。
“Didyouthinkyourwifehadrunaway？”saidMr。Vance，extending，hishanduponintroduction。
“Ididn’tknowbutwhatshemighthavefoundabetterhusband，“
saidHurstwood。
HenowturnedhisattentiontoMrs。Vance，andinaflashCarrie，sawagainwhatsheforsometimehadsubconsciouslymissedin，Hurstwood——theadroitnessandflatteryofwhichhewascapable。
Shealsosawthatshewasnotwelldressed——notnearlyaswell，dressed——asMrs。Vance。Thesewerenotvagueideasanylonger。
Hersituationwasclearedupforher。Shefeltthatherlifewas，becomingstale，andthereinshefeltcauseforgloom。Theold，helpful，urgingmelancholywasrestored。ThedesirousCarriewas，whisperedtoconcerningherpossibilities。
Therewerenoimmediateresultstothisawakening，forCarriehad，littlepowerofinitiative;but，nevertheless，sheseemedever，capableofgettingherselfintothetideofchangewhereshe，wouldbeeasilybornealong。Hurstwoodnoticednothing。Hehad，beenunconsciousofthemarkedcontrastswhichCarriehad，observed。
Hedidnotevendetecttheshadeofmelancholywhichsettledin，hereyes。Worstofall，shenowbegantofeelthelonelinessof，theflatandseekthecompanyofMrs。Vance，wholikedher，exceedingly。
“Let’sgotothematineethisafternoon，“saidMrs。Vance，who，hadsteppedacrossintoCarrie’sflatonemorning，stillarrayed，inasoftpinkdressing-gown，whichshehaddonneduponrising。
HurstwoodandVancehadgonetheirseparatewaysnearlyanhour，before。
“Allright，“saidCarrie，noticingtheairofthepettedand，well-groomedwomaninMrs。Vance’sgeneralappearance。She，lookedasthoughshewasdearlylovedandhereverywish，gratified。”Whatshallwesee？”
“Oh，IdowanttoseeNatGoodwin，“saidMrs。Vance。”Idothink，heisthejolliestactor。Thepaperssaythisissuchagood，play。”
“Whattimewillwehavetostart？”askedCarrie。
“Let’sgoatonceandwalkdownBroadwayfromThirty-fourth，Street，“saidMrs。Vance。”It’ssuchaninterestingwalk。He’s，attheMadisonSquare。”
“I’llbegladtogo，“saidCarrie。”Howmuchwillwehavetopay，forseats？”
“Notmorethanadollar，“saidMrs。Vance。
Thelatterdeparted，andatoneo’clockreappeared，stunningly，arrayedinadark-bluewalkingdress，withanobbyhattomatch。
Carriehadgottenherselfupcharminglyenough，butthiswoman，painedherbycontrast。Sheseemedtohavesomanydaintylittle，thingswhichCarriehadnot。Thereweretrinketsofgold，an，elegantgreenleatherpursesetwithherinitials，afancy，handkerchief，exceedinglyrichindesign，andthelike。Carrie，feltthatsheneededmoreandbetterclothestocomparewiththis，woman，andthatanyonelookingatthetwowouldpickMrs。Vance，forherraimentalone。Itwasatrying，thoughratherunjust，thought，forCarriehadnowdevelopedanequallypleasingfigure，andhadgrownincomelinessuntilshewasathoroughlyattractive，typeofhercolourofbeauty。Therewassomedifferenceinthe，clothingofthetwo，bothofqualityandage，butthisdifference，wasnotespeciallynoticeable。Itserved，however，toaugment，Carrie’sdissatisfactionwithherstate。
ThewalkdownBroadway，thenasnow，wasoneoftheremarkable，featuresofthecity。Theregathered，beforethematineeand，afterwards，notonlyalltheprettywomenwholoveashowy，parade，butthemenwholovetogazeuponandadmirethem。It，wasaveryimposingprocessionofprettyfacesandfineclothes。
Womenappearedintheirverybesthats，shoes，andgloves，and，walkedarminarmontheirwaytothefineshopsortheatres，strungalongfromFourteenthtoThirty-fourthStreets。Equally，themenparadedwiththeverylatesttheycouldafford。Atailor，mighthavesecuredhintsonsuitmeasurements，ashoemakeron，properlastsandcolours，ahatteronhats。Itwasliterally，truethatifaloveroffineclothessecuredanewsuit，itwas，suretohaveitsfirstairingonBroadway。Sotrueandwell，understoodwasthisfact，thatseveralyearslaterapopular，song，detailingthisandotherfactsconcerningtheafternoon，paradeonmatineedays，andentitled“WhatRightHasHeon，Broadway？”waspublished，andhadquiteavogueaboutthemusic-
hallsofthecity。
Inallherstayinthecity，Carriehadneverheardofthisshowy，parade;hadneverevenbeenonBroadwaywhenitwastakingplace。
Ontheotherhand，itwasafamiliarthingtoMrs。Vance，whonot，onlyknewofitasanentity，buthadoftenbeeninit，going，purposelytoseeandbeseen，tocreateastirwithherbeauty，anddispelanytendencytofallshortindressinessby，contrastingherselfwiththebeautyandfashionofthetown。
Carriesteppedalongeasilyenoughaftertheygotoutofthecar，atThirty-fourthStreet，butsoonfixedhereyesuponthelovely，companywhichswarmedbyandwiththemastheyproceeded。She，noticedsuddenlythatMrs。Vance’smannerhadratherstiffened，underthegazeofhandsomemenandelegantlydressedladies，whoseglanceswerenotmodifiedbyanyrulesofpropriety。To，stareseemedtheproperandnaturalthing。Carriefoundherself，staredatandogled。Meninflawlesstop-coats，highhats，and，silver-headedwalkingstickselbowednearandlookedtoooften，intoconsciouseyes。Ladiesrustledbyindressesofstiff，cloth，sheddingaffectedsmilesandperfume。Carrienoticed，amongthemthesprinklingofgoodnessandtheheavypercentageof，vice。Therougedandpowderedcheeksandlips，thescentedhair，thelarge，misty，andlanguorouseye，werecommonenough。Witha，startsheawoketofindthatshewasinfashion’scrowd，on，paradeinashowplace——andsuchashowplace！Jewellers’windows，gleamedalongthepathwithremarkablefrequency。Floristshops，furriers，haberdashers，confectioners——allfollowedinrapid，succession。Thestreetwasfullofcoaches。Pompousdoormenin，immensecoats，shinybrassbeltsandbuttons，waitedinfrontof，expensivesalesrooms。Coachmenintanboots，whitetights，and，bluejacketswaitedobsequiouslyforthemistressesofcarriages，whowereshoppinginside。Thewholestreetboretheflavourof，richesandshow，andCarriefeltthatshewasnotofit。She，couldnot，forthelifeofher，assumetheattitudeandsmartness，ofMrs。Vance，who，inherbeauty，wasallassurance。Shecould，onlyimaginethatitmustbeevidenttomanythatshewasthe，lesshandsomelydressedofthetwo。Itcuthertothequick，and，sheresolvedthatshewouldnotcomehereagainuntilshelooked，better。Atthesametimeshelongedtofeelthedelightof，paradinghereasanequal。Ah，thenshewouldbehappy！
ChapterXXXII
THEFEASTOFBELSHAZZAR——ASEERTOTRANSLATE
SuchfeelingsasweregeneratedinCarriebythiswalkputherin，anexceedinglyreceptivemoodforthepathoswhichfollowedin，theplay。Theactorwhomtheyhadgonetoseehadachievedhis，popularitybypresentingamellowtypeofcomedy，inwhich，sufficientsorrowwasintroducedtolendcontrastandreliefto，humour。ForCarrie，aswewellknow，thestagehadagreat，attraction。Shehadneverforgottenheronehistrionic，achievementinChicago。Itdweltinhermindandoccupiedher，consciousnessduringmanylongafternoonsinwhichherrocking-
chairandherlatestnovelcontributedtheonlypleasuresofher，state。Nevercouldshewitnessaplaywithouthavingherown，abilityvividlybroughttoconsciousness。Somescenesmadeher，longtobeapartofthem——togiveexpressiontothefeelings，whichshe，intheplaceofthecharacterrepresented，wouldfeel。
Almostinvariablyshewouldcarrythevividimaginationsaway，withherandbroodoverthemthenextdayalone。Shelivedas，muchinthesethingsasintherealitieswhichmadeupherdaily，life。
Itwasnotoftenthatshecametotheplaystirredtoherheart’s，corebyactualities。To-dayalowsongoflonginghadbeenset，singinginherheartbythefinery，themerriment，thebeautyshe，hadseen。Oh，thesewomenwhohadpassedherby，hundredsand，hundredsstrong，whowerethey？Whencecametherich，elegant，dresses，theastonishinglycolouredbuttons，theknick-knacksof，silverandgold？Whereweretheselovelycreatureshoused？Amid，whateleganciesofcarvedfurniture，decoratedwalls，elaborate，tapestriesdidtheymove？Whereweretheirrichapartments，loadedwithallthatmoneycouldprovide？Inwhatstableschamped，thesesleek，nervoushorsesandrestedthegorgeouscarriages？
Whereloungedtherichlygroomedfootmen？Oh，themansions，the，lights，theperfume，theloadedboudoirsandtables！NewYork，mustbefilledwithsuchbowers，orthebeautiful，insolent，superciliouscreaturescouldnotbe。Somehothousesheldthem。
Itachedhertoknowthatshewasnotoneofthem——that，alas，shehaddreamedadreamandithadnotcometrue。Shewondered，atherownsolitudethesetwoyearspast——herindifferencetothe，factthatshehadneverachievedwhatshehadexpected。
Theplaywasoneofthosedrawing-roomconcoctionsinwhich，charminglyoverdressedladiesandgentlemensufferthepangsof，loveandjealousyamidgildedsurroundings。Suchbon-motsare，everenticingtothosewhohavealltheirdayslongedforsuch，materialsurroundingsandhaveneverhadthemgratified。They，havethecharmofshowingsufferingunderidealconditions。Who，wouldnotgrieveuponagildedchair？Whowouldnotsufferamid，perfumedtapestries，cushionedfurniture，andliveriedservants？
Griefundersuchcircumstancesbecomesanenticingthing。Carrie，longedtobeofit。Shewantedtotakehersufferings，whatever，theywere，insuchaworld，orfailingthat，atleasttosimulate，themundersuchcharmingconditionsuponthestage。Soaffected，washermindbywhatshehadseen，thattheplaynowseemedan，extraordinarilybeautifulthing。Shewassoonlostintheworld，itrepresented，andwishedthatshemightneverreturn。Between，theactsshestudiedthegalaxyofmatineeattendantsinfront，rowsandboxes，andconceivedanewideaofthepossibilitiesof，NewYork。Shewassureshehadnotseenitall——thatthecity，wasonewhirlofpleasureanddelight。
Goingout，thesameBroadwaytaughtherasharperlesson。The，sceneshehadwitnessedcomingdownwasnowaugmentedandatits，height。Suchacrushoffineryandfollyshehadneverseen。It，clinchedherconvictionsconcerningherstate。Shehadnot，lived，couldnotlayclaimtohavinglived，untilsomethingof，thishadcomeintoherownlife。Womenwerespendingmoneylike，water;shecouldseethatineveryelegantshopshepassed。
Flowers，candy，jewelry，seemedtheprincipalthingsinwhichthe，elegantdameswereinterested。Andshe——shehadscarcelyenough，pinmoneytoindulgeinsuchoutingsasthisafewtimesamonth。
Thatnighttheprettylittleflatseemedacommonplacething。It，wasnotwhattherestoftheworldwasenjoying。Shesawthe，servantworkingatdinnerwithanindifferenteye。Inhermind，wererunningscenesoftheplay。Particularlysherememberedone，beautifulactress——thesweetheartwhohadbeenwooedandwon。
ThegraceofthiswomanhadwonCarrie’sheart。Herdresseshad，beenallthatartcouldsuggest，hersufferingshadbeensoreal。
TheanguishwhichshehadportrayedCarriecouldfeel。Itwas，doneasshewassureshecoulddoit。Therewereplacesinwhich，shecouldevendobetter。Hencesherepeatedthelinesto，herself。Oh，ifshecouldonlyhavesuchapart，howbroadwould，beherlife！She，too，couldactappealingly。
WhenHurstwoodcame，Carriewasmoody。Shewassitting，rocking，andthinking，anddidnotcaretohaveherenticingimaginations，brokeninupon;soshesaidlittleornothing。
“What’sthematter，Carrie？”saidHurstwoodafteratime，noticingherquiet，almostmoodystate。
“Nothing，“saidCarrie。”Idon’tfeelverywelltonight。”
“Notsick，areyou？”heasked，approachingveryclose。
“Oh，no，“shesaid，almostpettishly，“Ijustdon’tfeelvery，good。”
“That’stoobad，“hesaid，steppingawayandadjustinghisvest，afterhisslightbendingover。”Iwasthinkingwemightgotoa，showto-night。”
“Idon’twanttogo，“saidCarrie，annoyedthatherfinevisions，shouldhavethusbeenbrokenintoanddrivenoutofhermind。
“I’vebeentothematineethisafternoon。”
“Oh，youhave？”saidHurstwood。”Whatwasit？”
“AGoldMine。”
“Howwasit？”
“Prettygood，“saidCarrie。
“Andyoudon’twanttogoagaintonight？”
“Idon’tthinkIdo，“shesaid。
Nevertheless，wakenedoutofhermelancholiaandcalledtothe，dinnertable，shechangedhermind。Alittlefoodinthestomach，doeswonders。Shewentagain，andinsodoingtemporarily，recoveredherequanimity。Thegreatawakeningblowhad，however，beendelivered。Asoftenasshemightrecoverfromthese，discontentedthoughtsnow，theywouldoccuragain。Timeand，repetition——ah，thewonderofit！Thedroppingwaterandthe，solidstone——howutterlyityieldsatlast！
Notlongafterthismatineeexperience——perhapsamonth——Mrs。
VanceinvitedCarrietoaneveningatthetheatrewiththem。She，heardCarriesaythatHurstwoodwasnotcominghometodinner。
“Whydon’tyoucomewithus？Don’tgetdinnerforyourself。
We’regoingdowntoSherry’sfordinnerandthenovertothe，Lyceum。Comealongwithus。”
“IthinkIwill，“answeredCarrie。
Shebegantodressatthreeo’clockforherdepartureathalf-
pastfiveforthenoteddining-roomwhichwasthencrowding，Delmonico’sforpositioninsociety。InthisdressingCarrie，showedtheinfluenceofherassociationwiththedashingMrs。
Vance。Shehadconstantlyhadherattentioncalledbythelatter，tonoveltiesineverythingwhichpertainstoawoman’sapparel。
“Areyougoingtogetsuchandsuchahat？”or，“Haveyouseen，thenewgloveswiththeovalpearlbuttons？”werebutsample，phrasesoutofalargeselection。
“Thenexttimeyougetapairofshoes，dearie，“saidMrs。Vance，“getbutton，withthicksolesandpatent-leathertips。They’re，alltheragethisfall。”
“Iwill，“saidCarrie。
“Oh，dear，haveyouseenthenewshirtwaistsatAltman’s？They，havesomeoftheloveliestpatterns。IsawonetherethatIknow，wouldlookstunningonyou。IsaidsowhenIsawit。”
Carrielistenedtothesethingswithconsiderableinterest，for，theyweresuggestedwithmoreoffriendlinessthanisusually，commonbetweenprettywomen。Mrs。VancelikedCarrie’sstable，good-naturesowellthatshereallytookpleasureinsuggesting，toherthelatestthings。
“Whydon’tyougetyourselfoneofthosenicesergeskirts，they’resellingatLord&Taylor’s？”shesaidoneday。”They’re，thecircularstyle，andthey’regoingtobewornfromnowon。A
darkblueonewouldlooksoniceonyou。”
Carrielistenedwitheagerears。Thesethingsnevercameup，betweenherandHurstwood。Nevertheless，shebegantosuggest，onethingandanother，whichHurstwoodagreedtowithoutany，expressionofopinion。HenoticedthenewtendencyonCarrie’s，part，andfinally，hearingmuchofMrs。Vanceandherdelightful，ways，suspectedwhencethechangecame。Hewasnotinclinedto，offertheslightestobjectionsosoon，buthefeltthatCarrie’s，wantswereexpanding。Thisdidnotappealtohimexactly，buthe，caredforherinhisownway，andsothethingstood。Still，therewassomethinginthedetailsofthetransactionswhich，causedCarrietofeelthatherrequestswerenotadelightto，him。Hedidnotenthuseoverthepurchases。Thisledherto，believethatneglectwascreepingin，andsoanothersmallwedge，wasentered。
Nevertheless，oneoftheresultsofMrs。Vance’ssuggestionswas，thefactthatonthisoccasionCarriewasdressedsomewhattoher，ownsatisfaction。Shehadonherbest，buttherewascomfortin，thethoughtthatifshemustconfineherselftoabest，itwas，neatandfitting。Shelookedthewell-groomedwomanoftwenty-
one，andMrs。Vancepraisedher，whichbroughtcolourtoher，plumpcheeksandanoticeablebrightnessintoherlargeeyes。It，wasthreateningrain，andMr。Vance，athiswife’srequest，had，calledacoach。
“Yourhusbandisn’tcoming？”suggestedMr。Vance，ashemet，Carrieinhislittleparlour。
“No;hesaidhewouldn’tbehomefordinner。”
“Betterleavealittlenoteforhim，tellinghimwhereweare。
Hemightturnup。”
“Iwill，“saidCarrie，whohadnotthoughtofitbefore。
“Tellhimwe’llbeatSherry’suntileighto’clock。Heknows，thoughIguess。”
Carriecrossedthehallwithrustlingskirts，andscrawledthe，note，gloveson。WhenshereturnedanewcomerwasintheVance，flat。
“Mrs。Wheeler，letmeintroduceMr。Ames，acousinofmine，“said，Mrs。Vance。”He’sgoingalongwithus，aren’tyou，Bob？”
“I’mverygladtomeetyou，“saidAmes，bowingpolitelyto，Carrie。