Therewasagooddinnerintheflatthatevening，owingtothe，mereliftingoftheterriblestrain。Hurstwoodwentoutfora，shave，andreturnedwithafair-sizedsirloinsteak。
“Now，to-morrow，“hethought，“I’lllookaroundmyself，“andwith，renewedhopeheliftedhiseyesfromtheground。
OnthemorrowCarriereportedpromptlyandwasgivenaplacein，theline。Shesawalarge，empty，shadowyplay-house，still，redolentoftheperfumesandblazonryofthenight，andnotable，foritsrich，orientalappearance。Thewonderofitawedand，delightedher。Blessedbeitswondrousreality。Howhardshe，wouldtrytobeworthyofit。Itwasabovethecommonmass，aboveidleness，abovewant，aboveinsignificance。Peoplecameto，itinfineryandcarriagestosee。Itwaseveracentreoflight，andmirth。Andhereshewasofit。Oh，ifshecouldonly，remain，howhappywouldbeherdays！
“Whatisyourname？”saidthemanager，whowasconductingthe，drill。
“Madenda，“shereplied，instantlymindfulofthenameDrouethad，selectedinChicago。”CarrieMadenda。”
“Well，now，MissMadenda，“hesaid，veryaffably，asCarrie，thought，“yougooverthere。”
Thenhecalledtoayoungwomanwhowasalreadyofthecompany：
“MissClark，youpairwithMissMadenda。”
Thisyoungladysteppedforward，sothatCarriesawwheretogo，andtherehearsalbegan。
Carriesoonfoundthatwhilethisdrillinghadsomeslight，resemblancetotherehearsalsasconductedatAveryHall，the，attitudeofthemanagerwasmuchmorepronounced。Shehad，marvelledattheinsistenceandsuperiorairsofMr。Millice，but，theindividualconductingherehadthesameinsistence，coupled，withalmostbrutalroughness。Asthedrillingproceeded，he，seemedtowaxexceedinglywrothovertrifles，andtoincreasehis，lungpowerinproportion。Itwasveryevidentthathehada，greatcontemptforanyassumptionofdignityorinnocenceonthe，partoftheseyoungwomen。
“Clark，“hewouldcall——meaning，ofcourse，MissClark——“why，don’tyoucatchstepthere？”
“Byfours，right！Right，Isaid，right！Forheaven’ssake，geton，toyourself！Right！”andinsayingthishewouldliftthelast，soundsintoavehementroar。
“Maitland！Maitland！”hecalledonce。
Anervous，comely-dressedlittlegirlsteppedout。Carrie，trembledforheroutofthefulnessofherownsympathiesand，fear。
“Yes，sir，“saidMissMaitland。
“Isthereanythingthematterwithyourears？”
“No，sir。”
“Doyouknowwhat’columnleft’means？”
“Yes，sir。”
“Well，whatareyoustumblingaroundtherightfor？Wanttobreak，uptheline？”
“Iwasjust“
“Nevermindwhatyouwerejust。Keepyourearsopen。”
Carriepitied，andtrembledforherturn。
Yetanothersufferedthepainofpersonalrebuke。
“Holdonaminute，“criedthemanager，throwinguphishands，as，ifindespair。Hisdemeanourwasfierce。
“Elvers，“heshouted，“whathaveyougotinyourmouth？”
“Nothing，“saidMissElvers，whilesomesmiledandstood，nervouslyby。
“Well，areyoutalking？”
“No，sir。”
“Well，keepyourmouthstillthen。Now，alltogetheragain。”
AtlastCarrie’sturncame。Itwasbecauseofherextreme，anxietytodoallthatwasrequiredthatbroughtonthetrouble。
Sheheardsomeonecalled。
“Mason，“saidthevoice。”MissMason。”
Shelookedaroundtoseewhoitcouldbe。Agirlbehindshoved，heralittle，butshedidnotunderstand。
“You，you！”saidthemanager。”Can’tyouhear？”
“Oh，“saidCarrie，collapsing，andblushingfiercely。
“Isn’tyournameMason？”askedthemanager。
“No，sir，“saidCarrie，“it’sMadenda。”
“Well，what’sthematterwithyourfeet？Can’tyoudance？”
“Yes，sir，“saidCarrie，whohadlongsincelearnedthisart。
“Whydon’tyoudoitthen？Don’tgoshufflingalongasifyou，weredead。I’vegottohavepeoplewithlifeinthem。”
Carrie’scheekburnedwithacrimsonheat。Herlipstrembleda，little。
“Yes，sir，“shesaid。
Itwasthisconstanturging，coupledwithirascibilityand，energy，forthreelonghours。Carriecameawaywornenoughin，body，buttooexcitedinmindtonoticeit。Shemeanttogohome，andpractiseherevolutionsasprescribed。Shewouldnoterrin，anyway，ifshecouldhelpit。
WhenshereachedtheflatHurstwoodwasnotthere。Forawonder，hewasoutlookingforwork，asshesupposed。Shetookonlya，mouthfultoeatandthenpractisedon，sustainedbyvisionsof，freedomfromfinancialdistress——“Thesoundofgloryringingin，herears。”
WhenHurstwoodreturnedhewasnotsoelatedaswhenhewent，away，andnowshewasobligedtodroppracticeandgetdinner。
Herewasanearlyirritation。Shewouldhaveherworkandthis。
Wasshegoingtoactandkeephouse？
“I’llnotdoit，“shesaid，“afterIgetstarted。Hecantake，hismealsout。”
Eachdaythereafterbroughtitscares。Shefounditwasnotsuch，awonderfulthingtobeinthechorus，andshealsolearnedthat，hersalarywouldbetwelvedollarsaweek。Afterafewdaysshe，hadherfirstsightofthosehighandmighties——theleading，ladiesandgentlemen。Shesawthattheywereprivilegedand，deferredto。Shewasnothing——absolutelynothingatall。
AthomewasHurstwood，dailygivinghercauseforthought。He，seemedtogetnothingtodo，andyethemadeboldtoinquirehow，shewasgettingalong。Theregularitywithwhichhedidthis，smackedofsomeonewhowaswaitingtoliveuponherlabour。Now，thatshehadavisiblemeansofsupport，thisirritatedher。He，seemedtobedependinguponherlittletwelvedollars。
“Howareyougettingalong？”hewouldblandlyinquire。
“Oh，allright，“shewouldreply。
“Finditeasy？”
“ItwillbeallrightwhenIgetusedtoit。”
Hispaperwouldthenengrosshisthoughts。
“Igotsomelard，“hewouldadd，asanafterthought。”Ithought，maybeyoumightwanttomakesomebiscuit。”
Thecalmsuggestionofthemanastonishedheralittle，especiallyinthelightofrecentdevelopments。Herdawning，independencegavehermorecouragetoobserve，andshefeltasif，shewantedtosaythings。Stillshecouldnottalktohimasshe，hadtoDrouet。Therewassomethingintheman’smannerofwhich，shehadalwaysstoodinawe。Heseemedtohavesomeinvisible，strengthinreserve。
Oneday，afterherfirstweek’srehearsal，whatsheexpectedcame，openlytothesurface。
“We’llhavetoberathersaving，“hesaid，layingdownsomemeat，hehadpurchased。”Youwon’tgetanymoneyforaweekorso，yet。”
“No，“saidCarrie，whowasstirringapanatthestove。
“I’veonlygottherentandthirteendollarsmore，“headded。
“That’sit，“shesaidtoherself。”I’mtousemymoneynow。”
Instantlysherememberedthatshehadhopedtobuyafewthings，forherself。Sheneededclothes。Herhatwasnotnice。
“Whatwilltwelvedollarsdotowardskeepingupthisflat？”she，thought。”Ican’tdoit。Whydoesn’thegetsomethingtodo？”
Theimportantnightofthefirstrealperformancecame。Shedid，notsuggesttoHurstwoodthathecomeandsee。Hedidnotthink，ofgoing。Itwouldonlybemoneywasted。Shehadsuchasmall，part。
Theadvertisementswerealreadyinthepapers;thepostersupon，thebill-boards。Theleadingladyandmanymemberswerecited。
Carriewasnothing。
AsinChicago，shewasseizedwithstagefrightastheveryfirst，entranceoftheballetapproached，butlatersherecovered。The，apparentandpainfulinsignificanceoftheparttookfearaway，fromher。Shefeltthatshewassoobscureitdidnotmatter。
Fortunately，shedidnothavetoweartights。Agroupoftwelve，wereassignedprettygolden-huedskirtswhichcameonlytoaline，aboutaninchabovetheknee。Carriehappenedtobeoneofthe，twelve。
Instandingaboutthestage，marching，andoccasionallylifting，uphervoiceinthegeneralchorus，shehadachancetoobserve，theaudienceandtoseetheinaugurationofagreathit。There，wasplentyofapplause，butshecouldnothelpnotinghowpoorly，someofthewomenofallegedabilitydid。
“Icoulddobetterthanthat，“Carrieventuredtoherself，in，severalinstances。Todoherjustice，shewasright。
Afteritwasovershedressedquickly，andasthemanagerhad，scoldedsomeothersandpassedher，sheimaginedshemusthave，provedsatisfactory。Shewantedtogetoutquickly，becauseshe，knewbutfew，andthestarsweregossiping。Outsidewere，carriagesandsomecorrectyouthsinattractiveclothing，waiting。Carriesawthatshewasscannedclosely。Theflutter，ofaneyelashwouldhavebroughtheracompanion。Thatshedid，notgive。
Oneexperiencedyouthvolunteered，anyhow。
“Notgoinghomealone，areyou？”hesaid。
CarriemerelyhastenedherstepsandtooktheSixthAvenuecar。
Herheadwassofullofthewonderofitthatshehadtimefor，nothingelse。
“Didyouhearanymorefromthebrewery？”sheaskedattheendof，theweek，hopingbythequestiontostirhimontoaction。
“No，“heanswered，“they’renotquitereadyyet。Ithink，somethingwillcomeofthat，though。”
Shesaidnothingmorethen，objectingtogivingupherownmoney，andyetfeelingthatsuchwouldhavetobethecase。Hurstwood，feltthecrisis，andartfullydecidedtoappealtoCarrie。He，hadlongsincerealisedhowgood-naturedshewas，howmuchshe，wouldstand。Therewassomelittleshameinhimatthethought，ofdoingso，buthejustifiedhimselfwiththethoughtthathe，reallywouldgetsomething。Rentdaygavehimhisopportunity。
“Well，“hesaid，ashecounteditout，“that’saboutthelastof，mymoney。I’llhavetogetsomethingprettysoon。”
Carrielookedathimaskance，half-suspiciousofanappeal。
“IfIcouldonlyholdoutalittlelongerIthinkIcouldget，something。DrakeissuretoopenahotelhereinSeptember。”
“Ishe？”saidCarrie，thinkingoftheshortmonththatstill，remaineduntilthattime。
“Wouldyoumindhelpingmeoutuntilthen？”hesaidappealingly。
“IthinkI’llbeallrightafterthattime。”
“No，“saidCarrie，feelingsadlyhandicappedbyfate。
“Wecangetalongifweeconomise。I’llpayyoubackallright。”
“Oh，I’llhelpyou，“saidCarrie，feelingquitehardheartedat，thusforcinghimtohumblyappeal，andyetherdesireforthe，benefitofherearningswrungafaintprotestfromher。
“Whydon’tyoutakeanything，George，temporarily？”shesaid。
“Whatdifferencedoesitmake？Maybe，afterawhile，you’llget，somethingbetter。”
“Iwilltakeanything，“hesaid，relieved，andwincingunder，reproof。”I’djustasleavedigonthestreets。Nobodyknowsme，here。”
“Oh，youneedn’tdothat，“saidCarrie，hurtbythepityofit。
“Buttheremustbeotherthings。”
“I’llgetsomething！”hesaid，assumingdetermination。
Thenhewentbacktohispaper。
ChapterXXXIX
OFLIGHTSANDOFSHADOWS——THEPARTINGOFWORLDS
WhatHurstwoodgotastheresultofthisdeterminationwasmore，self-assurancethateachparticulardaywasnottheday。Atthe，sametime，Carriepassedthroughthirtydaysofmentaldistress。
Herneedofclothes——tosaynothingofherdesireforornaments——
grewrapidlyasthefactdevelopedthatforallherworkshewas，nottohavethem。ThesympathyshefeltforHurstwood，atthe，timeheaskedhertotidehimover，vanishedwiththesenewer，urgingsofdecency。Hewasnotalwaysrenewinghisrequest，but，thisloveofgoodappearancewas。Itinsisted，andCarriewished，tosatisfyit，wishedmoreandmorethatHurstwoodwasnotinthe，way。
Hurstwoodreasoned，whenhenearedthelasttendollars，thathe，hadbetterkeepalittlepocketchangeandnotbecomewholly，dependentforcar-fare，shaves，andthelike;sowhenthissum，wasstillinhishandheannouncedhimselfaspenniless。
“I’mclearout，“hesaidtoCarrieoneafternoon。”Ipaidfor，somecoalthismorning，andthattookallbuttenorfifteen，cents。”
“I’vegotsomemoneythereinmypurse。”
Hurstwoodwenttogetit，startingforacanoftomatoes。Carrie，scarcelynoticedthatthiswasthebeginningoftheneworder。
Hetookoutfifteencentsandboughtthecanwithit。Thereafter，itwasdribsanddrabsofthissort，untilonemorningCarrie，suddenlyrememberedthatshewouldnotbebackuntilcloseto，dinnertime。
“We’realloutofflour，“shesaid;“you’dbettergetsomethis，afternoon。Wehaven’tanymeat，either。Howwoulditdoifwe，hadliverandbacon？”
“Suitsme，“saidHurstwood。
“Bettergetahalforthree-quartersofapoundofthat。”
“Half’llbeenough，“volunteeredHurstwood。
Sheopenedherpurseandlaiddownahalfdollar。Hepretended，nottonoticeit。
Hurstwoodboughttheflour——whichallgrocerssoldin31/2-pound，packages——forthirteencentsandpaidfifteencentsforahalf-
poundofliverandbacon。Heleftthepackages，togetherwith，thebalanceoftwenty-twocents，uponthekitchentable，where，Carriefoundit。Itdidnotescapeherthatthechangewas，accurate。Therewassomethingsadinrealisingthat，afterall，allthathewantedofherwassomethingtoeat。Shefeltasif，hardthoughtswereunjust。Maybehewouldgetsomethingyet。He，hadnovices。
Thatveryevening，however，ongoingintothetheatre，oneofthe，chorusgirlspassedherallnewlyarrayedinaprettymottled，tweedsuit，whichtookCarrie’seye。Theyoungwomanworeafine，bunchofvioletsandseemedinhighspirits。Shesmiledat，Carriegood-naturedlyasshepassed，showingpretty，eventeeth，andCarriesmiledback。
“Shecanaffordtodresswell，“thoughtCarrie，“andsocouldI，ifIcouldonlykeepmymoney。Ihaven’tadecenttieofany，kindtowear。”
Sheputoutherfootandlookedathershoereflectively。
“I’llgetapairofshoesSaturday，anyhow;Idon’tcarewhat，happens。”
Oneofthesweetestandmostsympatheticlittlechorusgirlsin，thecompanymadefriendswithherbecauseinCarrieshefound，nothingtofrightenheraway。ShewasagaylittleManon，unwittingofsociety’sfierceconceptionofmorality，but，nevertheless，goodtoherneighbourandcharitable。Little，licensewasallowedthechorusinthematterofconversation，but，nevertheless，somewasindulgedin。
“It’swarmto-night，isn’tit？”saidthisgirl，arrayedinpink，fleshingsandanimitationgoldenhelmet。Shealsocarrieda，shiningshield。
“Yes;itis，“saidCarrie，pleasedthatsomeoneshouldtalkto，her。
“I’malmostroasting，“saidthegirl。
Carrielookedintoherprettyface，withitslargeblueeyes，and，sawlittlebeadsofmoisture。
“There’smoremarchinginthisoperathaneverIdidbefore，“
addedthegirl。
“Haveyoubeeninothers？”askedCarrie，surprisedather，experience。
“Lotsofthem，“saidthegirl;“haven’tyou？”
“Thisismyfirstexperience。”
“Oh，isit？IthoughtIsawyouthetimetheyran’TheQueen’s，Mate’here。”
“No，“saidCarrie，shakingherhead;“notme。”
Thisconversationwasinterruptedbytheblareoftheorchestra，andthesputteringofthecalciumlightsinthewingsastheline，wascalledtoformforanewentrance。Nofurtheropportunity，forconversationoccurred，butthenextevening，whentheywere，gettingreadyforthestage，thisgirlappearedanewatherside。
“Theysaythisshowisgoingontheroadnextmonth。”
“Isit？”saidCarrie。
“Yes;doyouthinkyou’llgo？”
“Idon’tknow;Iguessso，ifthey’lltakeme。”
“Oh，they’lltakeyou。Iwouldn’tgo。Theywon’tgiveyouany，more，anditwillcostyoueverythingyoumaketolive。Inever，leaveNewYork。Therearetoomanyshowsgoingonhere。”
“Canyoualwaysgetinanothershow？”
“Ialwayshave。There’sonegoingonupattheBroadwaythis，month。I’mgoingtotryandgetinthatifthisonereally，goes。”
Carrieheardthiswitharousedintelligence。Evidentlyitwasn’t，soverydifficulttogeton。Maybeshealsocouldgetaplaceif，thisshowwentaway。
“Dotheyallpayaboutthesame？”sheasked。
“Yes。Sometimesyougetalittlemore。Thisshowdoesn’tpay，verymuch。”
“Igettwelve，“saidCarrie。
“Doyou？”saidthegirl。”Theypaymefifteen，andyoudomore，workthanIdo。Iwouldn’tstanditifIwereyou。They’rejust，givingyoulessbecausetheythinkyoudon’tknow。Yououghtto，bemakingfifteen。”
“Well，I’mnot，“saidCarrie。
“Well，you’llgetmoreatthenextplaceifyouwantit，“wenton，thegirl，whoadmiredCarrieverymuch。”Youdofine，andthe，managerknowsit。”
Tosaythetruth，Carriedidunconsciouslymoveaboutwithanair，pleasingandsomewhatdistinctive。Itwasduewhollytoher，naturalmannerandtotallackofself-consciousness。
“DoyousupposeIcouldgetmoreupattheBroadway？”
“Ofcourseyoucan，“answeredthegirl。”YoucomewithmewhenI
go。I’lldothetalking。”
Carrieheardthis，flushingwiththankfulness。Shelikedthis，littlegaslightsoldier。Sheseemedsoexperiencedandself-
reliantinhertinselhelmetandmilitaryaccoutrements。
“MyfuturemustbeassuredifIcanalwaysgetworkthisway，“
thoughtCarrie。
Still，inthemorning，whenherhouseholddutieswouldinfringe，uponherandHurstwoodsatthere，aperfectloadtocontemplate，herfateseemeddismalandunrelieved。Itdidnottakesovery，muchtofeedthemunderHurstwood’sclose-measuredbuying，and，therewouldpossiblybeenoughforrent，butitleftnothing，else。Carrieboughttheshoesandsomeotherthings，which，complicatedtherentproblemveryseriously。Suddenly，aweek，fromthefatalday，Carrierealisedthattheyweregoingtorun，short。
“Idon’tbelieve，“sheexclaimed，lookingintoherpurseat，breakfast，“thatI’llhaveenoughtopaytherent。”
“Howmuchhaveyou？”inquiredHurstwood。
“Well，I’vegottwenty-twodollars，butthere’severythingtobe，paidforthisweekyet，andifIuseallIgetSaturdaytopay，this，therewon’tbeanyleftfornextweek。Doyouthinkyour，hotelmanwillopenhishotelthismonth？”
“Ithinkso，“returnedHurstwood。”Hesaidhewould。”
Afterawhile，Hurstwoodsaid：
“Don’tworryaboutit。Maybethegrocerwillwait。Hecando，that。We’vetradedtherelongenoughtomakehimtrustusfora，weekortwo。”
“Doyouthinkhewill？”sheasked。
“Ithinkso。”
Onthisaccount，Hurstwood，thisveryday，lookedgrocerOeslogge，clearlyintheeyeasheorderedapoundofcoffee，andsaid：
“Doyoumindcarryingmyaccountuntiltheendofeveryweek？”
“No，no，Mr。Wheeler，“saidMr。Oeslogge。”Datissallright。”
Hurstwood，stilltactfulindistress，addednothingtothis。It，seemedaneasything。Helookedoutofthedoor，andthen，gathereduphiscoffeewhenreadyandcameaway。Thegameofa，desperatemanhadbegun。
Rentwaspaid，andnowcamethegrocer。Hurstwoodmanagedby，payingoutofhisowntenandcollectingfromCarrieattheend，oftheweek。Thenhedelayedadaynexttimesettlingwiththe，grocer，andsosoonhadhistenback，withOesloggegettinghis，payonthisThursdayorFridayforlastSaturday’sbill。
ThisentanglementmadeCarrieanxiousforachangeofsomesort。
Hurstwooddidnotseemtorealisethatshehadarightto，anything。Heschemedtomakewhatsheearnedcoverallexpenses，butseemednottotroubleoveraddinganythinghimself。
“Hetalksaboutworrying，“thoughtCarrie。”Ifheworriedenough，hecouldn’tsitthereandwaitforme。He’dgetsomethingtodo。
Nomancouldgosevenmonthswithoutfindingsomethingifhe，tried。”
Thesightofhimalwaysaroundinhisuntidyclothesandgloomy，appearancedroveCarrietoseekreliefinotherplaces。Twicea，weektherewerematinees，andthenHurstwoodateacoldsnack，whichhepreparedhimself。Twootherdaystherewererehearsals，beginningatteninthemorningandlastingusuallyuntilone。
Now，tothisCarrieaddedafewvisitstooneortwochorus，girls，includingtheblue-eyedsoldierofthegoldenhelmet。She，diditbecauseitwaspleasantandarelieffromdulnessofthe，homeoverwhichherhusbandbrooded。
Theblue-eyedsoldier’snamewasOsborne——LolaOsborne。Herroom，wasinNineteenthStreetnearFourthAvenue，ablocknowgivenup，whollytoofficebuildings。Hereshehadacomfortableback，room，lookingoveracollectionofbackyardsinwhichgrewa，numberofshadetreespleasanttosee。
“Isn’tyourhomeinNewYork？”sheaskedofLolaoneday。
“Yes;butIcan’tgetalongwithmypeople。Theyalwayswantme，todowhattheywant。Doyoulivehere？”
“Yes，“saidCarrie。
“Withyourfamily？”
Carriewasashamedtosaythatshewasmarried。Shehadtalked，somuchaboutgettingmoresalaryandconfessedtosomuch，anxietyaboutherfuture，thatnow，whenthedirectquestionof，factwaswaiting，shecouldnottellthisgirl。
“Withsomerelatives，“sheanswered。
MissOsbornetookitforgrantedthat，likeherself，Carrie’s，timewasherown。Sheinvariablyaskedhertostay，proposing，littleoutingsandotherthingsofthatsortuntilCarriebegan，neglectingherdinnerhours。Hurstwoodnoticedit，butfeltin，nopositiontoquarrelwithher。Severaltimesshecamesolate，asscarcelytohaveanhourinwhichtopatchupamealandstart，forthetheatre。
“Doyourehearseintheafternoons？”Hurstwoodonceasked，concealingalmostcompletelythecynicalprotestandregretwhich，promptedit。
“No;Iwaslookingaroundforanotherplace，“saidCarrie。
Asamatteroffactshewas，butonlyinsuchawayasfurnished，theleaststrawofanexcuse。MissOsborneandshehadgoneto，theofficeofthemanagerwhowastoproducethenewoperaatthe，Broadwayandreturnedstraighttotheformer’sroom，wherethey，hadbeensincethreeo’clock。
Carriefeltthisquestiontobeaninfringementonherliberty。
Shedidnottakeintoaccounthowmuchlibertyshewassecuring。
Onlythelateststep，thenewestfreedom，mustnotbequestioned。
Hurstwoodsawitallclearlyenough。Hewasshrewdafterhis，kind，andyettherewasenoughdecencyinthemantostophim，frommakinganyeffectualprotest。Inhisalmostinexplicable，apathyhewascontenttodroopsupinelywhileCarriedriftedout，ofhislife，justashewaswillingsupinelytoseeopportunity，passbeyondhiscontrol。Hecouldnothelpclingingand，protestinginamild，irritating，andineffectualway，however——a，waythatsimplywidenedthebreachbyslowdegrees。
Afurtherenlargementofthischasmbetweenthemcamewhenthe，manager，lookingbetweenthewingsuponthebrightlylighted，stagewherethechoruswasgoingthroughsomeofitsglittering，evolutions，saidtothemasteroftheballet：
“Whoisthatfourthgirlthereontheright——theonecominground，attheendnow？”
“Oh，“saidtheballet-master，“that’sMissMadenda。”
“She’sgoodlooking。Whydon’tyouletherheadthatline？”
“Iwill，“saidtheman。
“Justdothat。She’lllookbettertherethanthewomanyou’ve，got。”
“Allright。Iwilldothat，“saidthemaster。
ThenexteveningCarriewascalledout，muchasifforanerror。
“Youleadyourcompanytonight，“saidthemaster。
“Yes，sir，“saidCarrie。
“Putsnapintoit，“headded。”Wemusthavesnap。”
“Yes，sir，“repliedCarrie。
Astonishedatthischange，shethoughtthattheheretoforeleader，mustbeill;butwhenshesawherintheline，withadistinct，expressionofsomethingunfavourableinhereye，shebeganto，thinkthatperhapsitwasmerit。
Shehadachicwayoftossingherheadtooneside，andholding，herarmsasifforaction——notlistlessly。Infrontoftheline，thisshowedupevenmoreeffectually。
“Thatgirlknowshowtocarryherself，“saidthemanager，another，evening。Hebegantothinkthatheshouldliketotalkwithher。
Ifhehadn’tmadeitaruletohavenothingtodowiththe，membersofthechorus，hewouldhaveapproachedhermost，unbendingly。
“Putthatgirlattheheadofthewhitecolumn，“hesuggestedto，themaninchargeoftheballet。
Thiswhitecolumnconsistedofsometwentygirls，allinsnow-
whiteflanneltrimmedwithsilverandblue。Itsleaderwasmost，stunninglyarrayedinthesamecolours，elaborated，however，with，epauletsandabeltofsilver，withashortsworddanglingatone，side。Carriewasfittedforthiscostume，andafewdayslater，appeared，proudofhernewlaurels。Shewasespeciallygratified，tofindthathersalarywasnoweighteeninsteadoftwelve。
Hurstwoodheardnothingaboutthis。
“I’llnotgivehimtherestofmymoney，“saidCarrie。”Ido，enough。Iamgoingtogetmesomethingtowear。”
Asamatteroffact，duringthissecondmonthshehadbeenbuying，forherselfasrecklesslyasshedared，regardlessofthe，consequences。Therewereimpendingmorecomplicationsrentday，andmoreextensionofthecreditsystemintheneighbourhood。
Now，however，sheproposedtodobetterbyherself。
Herfirstmovewastobuyashirtwaist，andinstudyingthese，shefoundhowlittlehermoneywouldbuy——howmuch，ifshecould，onlyuseall。Sheforgotthatifshewerealoneshewouldhave，topayforaroomandboard，andimaginedthateverycentofher，eighteencouldbespentforclothesandthingsthatsheliked。
Atlastshepickeduponsomething，whichnotonlyusedupallher，surplusabovetwelve，butinvadedthatsum。Sheknewshewas，goingtoofar，butherfeminineloveoffineryprevailed。The，nextdayHurstwoodsaid：
“Weowethegrocerfivedollarsandfortycentsthisweek。”
“Dowe？”saidCarrie，frowningalittle。
Shelookedinherpursetoleaveit。
“I’veonlygoteightdollarsandtwentycentsaltogether。”
“Weowethemilkmansixtycents，“addedHurstwood。
“Yes，andthere’sthecoalman，“saidCarrie。
Hurstwoodsaidnothing。Hehadseenthenewthingsshewas，buying;thewayshewasneglectinghouseholdduties;the，readinesswithwhichshewasslippingoutafternoonsandstaying。
Hefeltthatsomethingwasgoingtohappen。Allatonceshe，spoke：
“Idon’tknow，“shesaid;“Ican’tdoitall。Idon’tearn，enough。”
Thiswasadirectchallenge。Hurstwoodhadtotakeitup。He，triedtobecalm。
“Idon’twantyoutodoitall，“hesaid。”Ionlywantalittle，helpuntilIcangetsomethingtodo。”
“Oh，yes，“answeredCarrie。”That’salwaystheway。Ittakes，morethanIcanearntopayforthings。Idon’tseewhatI’m，goingtodo。
“Well，I’vetriedtogetsomething，“heexclaimed。Whatdoyou，wantmetodo？”
“Youcouldn’thavetriedsoveryhard，“saidCarrie。”Igot，something。”
“Well，Idid，“hesaid，angeredalmosttoharshwords。”You，needn’tthrowupyoursuccesstome。AllIaskedwasalittle，helpuntilIcouldgetsomething。I’mnotdownyet。I’llcome，upallright。”
Hetriedtospeaksteadily，buthisvoicetrembledalittle。
Carrie’sangermeltedontheinstant。Shefeltashamed。
“Well，“shesaid，“here’sthemoney，“andemptieditoutonthe，table。”Ihaven’tgotquiteenoughtopayitall。Iftheycan，waituntilSaturday，though，I’llhavesomemore。”
“Youkeepit，“saidHurstwoodsadly。”Ionlywantenoughtopay，thegrocer。”
Sheputitback，andproceededtogetdinnerearlyandingood，time。Herlittlebravadomadeherfeelasifsheoughttomake，amends。
Inalittlewhiletheiroldthoughtsreturnedtoboth。
“She’smakingmorethanshesays，“thoughtHurstwood。”Shesays，she’smakingtwelve，butthatwouldn’tbuyallthosethings。I
don’tcare。Letherkeephermoney。I’llgetsomethingagain，oneofthesedays。Thenshecangotothedeuce。”
Heonlysaidthisinhisanger，butitprefiguredapossible，courseofactionandattitudewellenough。
“Idon’tcare，“thoughtCarrie。”Heoughttobetoldtogetout，anddosomething。Itisn’trightthatIshouldsupporthim。”
InthesedaysCarriewasintroducedtoseveralyouths，friendsof，MissOsborne，whowereofthekindmostaptlydescribedasgay，andfestive。TheycalledoncetogetMissOsborneforan，afternoondrive。Carriewaswithheratthetime。
“Comeandgoalong，“saidLola。
“No，Ican’t，“saidCarrie。
“Oh，yes，comeandgo。Whathaveyougottodo？”
“Ihavetobehomebyfive，“saidCarrie。
“Whatfor？”
“Oh，dinner。”
“They’lltakeustodinner，“saidLola。
“Oh，no，“saidCarrie。”Iwon’tgo。Ican’t。”
“Oh，docome。They’reawfulniceboys。We’llgetyoubackin，time。We’reonlygoingforadriveinCentralPark。”
Carriethoughtawhile，andatlastyielded。
“Now，Imustbebackbyhalf-pastfour，“shesaid。
TheinformationwentinoneearofLolaandouttheother。
AfterDrouetandHurstwood，therewastheleasttouchofcynicism，inherattitudetowardyoungmen——especiallyofthegayand，frivoloussort。Shefeltalittleolderthanthey。Someof，theirprettycomplimentsseemedsilly。Still，shewasyoungin，heartandbodyandyouthappealedtoher。
“Oh，we’llberightback，MissMadenda，“saidoneofthechaps，bowing。”Youwouldn’tthinkwe’dkeepyouovertime，now，would，you？”
“Well，Idon’tknow，“saidCarrie，smiling。
Theywereoffforadrive——she，lookingaboutandnoticingfine，clothing，theyoungmenvoicingthosesillypleasantriesandweak，quipswhichpassforhumourincoycircles。Carriesawthegreat，parkparadeofcarriages，beginningattheFifty-ninthStreet，entranceandwindingpasttheMuseumofArttotheexitatOne，HundredandTenthStreetandSeventhAvenue。Hereyewasonce，moretakenbytheshowofwealth——theelaboratecostumes，elegant，harnesses，spiritedhorses，and，aboveall，thebeauty。Once，moretheplagueofpovertygalledher，butnowsheforgotina，measureherowntroublessofarastoforgetHurstwood。He，waiteduntilfour，five，andevensix。Itwasgettingdarkwhen，hegotupoutofhischair。
“Iguesssheisn’tcominghome，“hesaid，grimly。
“That’stheway，“hethought。”She’sgettingastartnow。I’m，outofit。”
Carriehadreallydiscoveredherneglect，butonlyataquarter，afterfive，andtheopencarriagewasnowfarupSeventhAvenue，neartheHarlemRiver。
“Whattimeisit？”sheinquired。”Imustbegettingback。”
“Aquarterafterfive，“saidhercompanion，consultingan，elegant，open-facedwatch。
“Oh，dearme！”exclaimedCarrie。Thenshesettledbackwitha，sigh。”There’snousecryingoverspiltmilk，“shesaid。”It’s，toolate。”
“Ofcourseitis，“saidtheyouth，whosawvisionsofafine，dinnernow，andsuchinvigoratingtalkaswouldresultina，reunionaftertheshow。HewasgreatlytakenwithCarrie。
“We’lldrivedowntoDelmonico’snowandhavesomethingthere，won’twe，Orrin？”
“Tobesure，“repliedOrrin，gaily。
CarriethoughtofHurstwood。Neverbeforehadsheneglected，dinnerwithoutanexcuse。
Theydroveback，andat6。15satdowntodine。ItwastheSherry，incidentoveragain，theremembranceofwhichcamepainfullyback，toCarrie。SherememberedMrs。Vance，whohadnevercalledagain，afterHurstwood’sreception，andAmes。
Atthisfigurehermindhalted。Itwasastrong，cleanvision。
Helikedbetterbooksthansheread，betterpeoplethanshe，associatedwith。Hisidealsburnedinherheart。
“It’sfinetobeagoodactress，“camedistinctlyback。
Whatsortofanactresswasshe？
“Whatareyouthinkingabout，MissMadenda？”inquiredhermerry，companion。”Come，now，let’sseeifIcanguess。”
“Oh，no，“saidCarrie。”Don’ttry。”
Sheshookitoffandate。Sheforgot，inpart，andwasmerry。
Whenitcametotheafter-theatreproposition，however，sheshook，herhead。
“No，“shesaid，“Ican’t。Ihaveapreviousengagement。”
“Oh，now，MissMadenda，“pleadedtheyouth。
“No，“saidCarrie，“Ican’t。You’vebeensokind，butyou’ll，havetoexcuseme。”
Theyouthlookedexceedinglycrestfallen。
“Cheerup，oldman，“whisperedhiscompanion。”We’llgoaround，anyhow。Shemaychangehermind。”
ChapterXL
APUBLICDISSENSION——AFINALAPPEAL
Therewasnoafter-theatrelark，however，sofarasCarriewas，concerned。Shemadeherwayhomeward，thinkingabouther，absence。Hurstwoodwasasleep，butrouseduptolookasshe，passedthroughtoherownbed。
“Isthatyou？”hesaid。
“Yes，“sheanswered。
Thenextmorningatbreakfastshefeltlikeapologising。
“Icouldn’tgethomelastevening，“shesaid。
“Ah，Carrie，“heanswered，“what’stheusesayingthat？Idon’t，care。Youneedn’ttellmethat，though。”
“Icouldn’t，“saidCarrie，hercolourrising。Then，seeingthat，helookedasifhesaid“Iknow，“sheexclaimed：“Oh，allright。
Idon’tcare。”
Fromnowon，herindifferencetotheflatwasevengreater。
Thereseemednocommongroundonwhichtheycouldtalktoone，another。Sheletherselfbeaskedforexpenses。Itbecameso，withhimthathehatedtodoit。Hepreferredstandingoffthe，butcherandbaker。Heranupagrocerybillofsixteendollars，withOeslogge，layinginasupplyofstaplearticles，sothat，theywouldnothavetobuyanyofthosethingsforsometimeto，come。Thenhechangedhisgrocery。Itwasthesamewiththe，butcherandseveralothers。Carrieneverheardanythingofthis，directlyfromhim。
Heaskedforsuchashecouldexpect，driftingfartherand，fartherintoasituationwhichcouldhavebutoneending。
Inthisfashion，Septemberwentby。
“Isn’tMr。Drakegoingtoopenhishotel？”Carrieaskedseveral，times。
“Yes。Hewon’tdoitbeforeOctober，though，now。”
Carriebecamedisgusted。”Suchaman，“shesaidtoherself，frequently。Moreandmoreshevisited。Sheputmostofher，sparemoneyinclothes，which，afterall，wasnotanastonishing，amount。Atlasttheoperashewaswithannounceditsdeparture，withinfourweeks。”LasttwoweeksoftheGreatComicOpera，success——The——，“etc。wasuponallbillboardsandin，thenewspapers，beforesheacted。
“I’mnotgoingoutontheroad，“saidMissOsborne。
Carriewentwithhertoapplytoanothermanager。
“Everhadanyexperience？”wasoneofhisquestions。
“I’mwiththecompanyattheCasinonow。”
“Oh，youare？”hesaid。
Theendofthiswasanotherengagementattwentyperweek。
Carriewasdelighted。Shebegantofeelthatshehadaplacein，theworld。Peoplerecognisedability。
Sochangedwasherstatethatthehomeatmospherebecame，intolerable。Itwasallpovertyandtroublethere，orseemedto，be，becauseitwasaloadtobear。Itbecameaplacetokeep，awayfrom。Stillshesleptthere，anddidafairamountofwork，keepingitinorder。ItwasasittingplaceforHurstwood。He，satandrocked，rockedandread，envelopedinthegloomofhis，ownfate。Octoberwentby，andNovember。Itwasthedeadof，winteralmostbeforeheknewit，andtherehesat。
Carriewasdoingbetter，thatheknew。Herclotheswereimproved，now，evenfine。Hesawhercomingandgoing，sometimespicturing，tohimselfherrise。Littleeatinghadthinnedhimsomewhat。He，hadnoappetite。Hisclothes，too，wereapoorman’sclothes。
Talkaboutgettingsomethinghadbecomeeventoothreadbareand，ridiculousforhim。Sohefoldedhishandsandwaited——forwhat，hecouldnotanticipate。
Atlast，however，troublesbecametoothick。Thehoundingof，creditors，theindifferenceofCarrie，thesilenceoftheflat，andpresenceofwinter，alljoinedtoproduceaclimax。Itwas，effectedbythearrivalofOeslogge，personally，whenCarriewas，there。
“Icallaboutmybill，“saidMr。Oeslogge。
Carriewasonlyfaintlysurprised。
“Howmuchisit？”sheasked。
“Sixteendollars，“hereplied。
“Oh，thatmuch？”saidCarrie。”Isthisright？”sheasked，turningtoHurstwood。
“Yes，“hesaid。
“Well，Ineverheardanythingaboutit。”
Shelookedasifshethoughthehadbeencontractingsome，needlessexpense。
“Well，wehaditallright，“heanswered。Thenhewenttothe，door。”Ican’tpayyouanythingonthatto-day，“hesaid，mildly。
“Well，whencanyou？”saidthegrocer。
“NotbeforeSaturday，anyhow，“saidHurstwood。
“Huh！”returnedthegrocer。”Thisisfine。Imusthavethat。I
needthemoney。”
Carriewasstandingfartherbackintheroom，hearingitall。
Shewasgreatlydistressed。Itwassobadandcommonplace。
Hurstwoodwasannoyedalso。
“Well，“hesaid，“there’snousetalkingaboutitnow。Ifyou’ll，comeinSaturday，I’llpayyousomethingonit。”
Thegrocerymanwentaway。
“Howarewegoingtopayit？”askedCarrie，astonishedbythe，bill。”Ican’tdoit。”
“Well，youdon’thaveto，“hesaid。”Hecan’tgetwhathecan’t，get。He’llhavetowait。”
“Idon’tseehowweranupsuchabillasthat，“saidCarrie。
“Well，weateit，“saidHurstwood。
“It’sfunny，“shereplied，stilldoubting。
“What’stheuseofyourstandingthereandtalkinglikethat，now？”heasked。”DoyouthinkI’vehaditalone？Youtalkasif，I’dtakensomething。”
“Well，it’stoomuch，anyhow，“saidCarrie。”Ioughtn’ttobe，madetopayforit。I’vegotmorethanIcanpayfornow。”
“Allright，“repliedHurstwood，sittingdowninsilence。Hewas，sickofthegrindofthisthing。
Carriewentoutandtherehesat，determiningtodosomething。
Therehadbeenappearinginthepapersaboutthistimerumours，andnoticesofanapproachingstrikeonthetrolleylinesin，Brooklyn。Therewasgeneraldissatisfactionastothehoursof，labourrequiredandthewagespaid。Asusual——andforsome，inexplicablereason——themenchosethewinterfortheforcingof，thehandoftheiremployersandthesettlementoftheir，difficulties。
Hurstwoodhadbeenreadingofthisthing，andwondering，concerningthehugetie-upwhichwouldfollow。Adayortwo，beforethistroublewithCarrie，itcame。Onacoldafternoon，wheneverythingwasgreyanditthreatenedtosnow，thepapers，announcedthatthemenhadbeencalledoutonallthelines。
Beingsoutterlyidle，andhismindfilledwiththenumerous，predictionswhichhadbeenmadeconcerningthescarcityoflabour，thiswinterandthepanickystateofthefinancialmarket，Hurstwoodreadthiswithinterest。Henotedtheclaimsofthe，strikingmotormenandconductors，whosaidthattheyhadbeen，wonttoreceivetwodollarsadayintimespast，butthatfora，yearormore“trippers“hadbeenintroduced，whichcutdowntheir，chanceoflivelihoodone-half，andincreasedtheirhoursof，servitudefromtentotwelve，andevenfourteen。These，“trippers“weremenputonduringthebusyandrushhours，to，takeacaroutforonetrip。Thecompensationpaidforsucha，tripwasonlytwenty-fivecents。Whentherushorbusyhours，wereover，theywerelaidoff。Worstofall，nomanmightknow，whenhewasgoingtogetacar。Hemustcometothebarnsinthe，morningandwaitaroundinfairandfoulweatheruntilsuchtime，ashewasneeded。Twotripswereanaveragerewardforsomuch，waiting——alittleoverthreehours’workforfiftycents。The，workofwaitingwasnotcounted。
Themencomplainedthatthissystemwasextending，andthatthe，timewasnotfaroffwhenbutafewoutof7，000employeeswould，haveregulartwo-dollar-a-dayworkatall。Theydemandedthat，thesystembeabolished，andthattenhoursbeconsideredaday’s，work，barringunavoidabledelays，with$2。25pay。Theydemanded，immediateacceptanceoftheseterms，whichthevarioustrolley，companiesrefused。
Hurstwoodatfirstsympathisedwiththedemandsofthesemen——
indeed，itisaquestionwhetherhedidnotalwayssympathise，withthemtotheend，beliehimashisactionsmight。Reading，nearlyallthenews，hewasattractedfirstbythescare-heads，withwhichthetroublewasnotedinthe“World。”Hereadit，fully——thenamesofthesevencompaniesinvolved，thenumberof，men。
“They’refoolishtostrikeinthissortofweather，“hethought，tohimself。”Let’emwiniftheycan，though。”
Thenextdaytherewasevenalargernoticeofit。”Brooklynites，Walk，“saidthe“World。”“KnightsofLabourTieuptheTrolley，LinesAcrosstheBridge。”“AboutSevenThousandMenOut。”
Hurstwoodreadthis，formulatingtohimselfhisownideaofwhat，wouldbetheoutcome。Hewasagreatbelieverinthestrengthof，corporations。
“Theycan’twin，“hesaid，concerningthemen。”Theyhaven’tany，money。Thepolicewillprotectthecompanies。They’vegotto。
Thepublichastohaveitscars。”
Hedidn’tsympathisewiththecorporations，butstrengthwaswith，them。Sowaspropertyandpublicutility。
“Thosefellowscan’twin，“hethought。
Amongotherthings，henoticedacircularissuedbyoneofthe，companies，whichread：
ATLANTICAVENUERAILROAD
SPECIALNOTICE
Themotormenandconductorsandotheremployeesofthiscompany，havingabruptlyleftitsservice，anopportunityisnowgivento，allloyalmenwhohavestruckagainsttheirwilltobe，reinstated，providingtheywillmaketheirapplicationsbytwelve，o’clocknoononWednesday，January16th。Suchmenwillbegiven，employmentwithguaranteedprotectionintheorderinwhich，suchapplicationsarereceived，andrunsandpositionsassigned，themaccordingly。Otherwise，theywillbeconsidereddischarged，andeveryvacancywillbefilledbyanewmanassoonashis，servicescanbesecured。
Signed
BenjaminNorton，President，Healsonotedamongthewantads。onewhichread：
WANTED——50skilledmotormen，accustomedtoWestinghousesystem，torunU。S。mailcarsonly，intheCityofBrooklyn;protection，guaranteed。
Henotedparticularlyineachthe“protectionguaranteed。”It，signifiedtohimtheunassailablepowerofthecompanies。
“They’vegotthemilitiaontheirside，“hethought。”There，isn’tanythingthosemencando。”
Whilethiswasstillinhismind，theincidentwithOesloggeand，Carrieoccurred。Therehadbeenagooddealtoirritatehim，but，thisseemedmuchtheworst。Neverbeforehadsheaccusedhimof，stealing——orverynearthat。Shedoubtedthenaturalnessofso，largeabill。Andhehadworkedsohardtomakeexpensesseem，light。Hehadbeen“doing“butcherandbakerinordernotto，callonher。Hehadeatenverylittle——almostnothing。
“Damnitall！”hesaid。”Icangetsomething。I’mnotdown，yet。”
Hethoughtthathereallymustdosomethingnow。Itwastoo，cheaptositaroundaftersuchaninsinuationasthis。Why，afteralittle，hewouldbestandinganything。
Hegotupandlookedoutthewindowintothechillystreet。It，camegraduallyintohismind，ashestoodthere，togoto，Brooklyn。
“Whynot？”hismindsaid。”Anyonecangetworkoverthere。
You’llgettwoaday。”
“Howaboutaccidents？”saidavoice。”Youmightgethurt。”
“Oh，therewon’tbemuchofthat，“heanswered。”They’vecalled，outthepolice。Anyonewhowantstorunacarwillbeprotected，allright。”
“Youdon’tknowhowtorunacar，“rejoinedthevoice。
“Iwon’tapplyasamotorman，“heanswered。”Icanringupfares，allright。”
“They’llwantmotormen，mostly。”
“They’lltakeanybody;thatIknow。”
Forseveralhourshearguedproandconwiththismental，counsellor，feelingnoneedtoactatonceinamattersosureof，profit。
Inthemorningheputonhisbestclothes，whichwerepoor，enough，andbeganstirringabout，puttingsomebreadandmeat，intoapageofanewspaper。Carriewatchedhim，interestedin，thisnewmove。
“Whereareyougoing？”sheasked。
“OvertoBrooklyn，“heanswered。Then，seeingherstill，inquisitive，headded：“IthinkIcangetonoverthere。”
“Onthetrolleylines？”saidCarrie，astonished。
“Yes，“herejoined。
“Aren’tyouafraid？”sheasked。
“Whatof？”heanswered。”Thepoliceareprotectingthem。”
“Thepapersaidfourmenwerehurtyesterday。”
“Yes，“hereturned;“butyoucan’tgobywhatthepaperssay。
They’llrunthecarsallright。”
Helookedratherdeterminednow，inadesolatesortofway，and，Carriefeltverysorry。SomethingoftheoldHurstwoodwashere——
theleastshadowofwhatwasonceshrewdandpleasantstrength。
Outside，itwascloudyandblowingafewflakesofsnow。
“Whatadaytogooverthere，“thoughtCarrie。
Nowheleftbeforeshedid，whichwasaremarkablething，and，trampedeastwardtoFourteenthStreetandSixthAvenue，wherehe，tookthecar。Hehadreadthatscoresofapplicantswere，applyingattheofficeoftheBrooklynCityRailroadbuildingand，werebeingreceived。Hemadehiswaytherebyhorse-carand，ferry——adark，silentman——totheofficesinquestion。Itwasa，longway，fornocarswererunning，andthedaywascold;buthe，trudgedalonggrimly。OnceinBrooklyn，hecouldclearlyseeand，feelthatastrikewason。Peopleshoweditintheirmanner。
Alongtheroutesofcertaintracksnotacarwasrunning。About，certaincornersandnearbysaloonssmallgroupsofmenwere，lounging。Severalspringwagonspassedhim，equippedwithplain，woodenchairs，andlabelled“Flatbush“or“ProspectPark。Fare，TenCents。”Henoticedcoldandevengloomyfaces。Labourwas，havingitslittlewar。
Whenhecameneartheofficeinquestion，hesawafewmen，standingabout，andsomepolicemen。Onthefarcornerswere，othermen——whomhetooktobestrikers——watching。Allthehouses，weresmallandwooden，thestreetspoorlypaved。AfterNewYork，Brooklynlookedactuallypoorandhard-up。
Hemadehiswayintotheheartofthesmallgroup，eyedby，policemenandthemenalreadythere。Oneoftheofficers，addressedhim。
“Whatareyoulookingfor？”
“IwanttoseeifIcangetaplace。”
“Theofficesareupthosesteps，“saidthebluecoat。Hisface，wasaveryneutralthingtocontemplate。Inhisheartofhearts，hesympathisedwiththestrikersandhatedthis“scab。”Inhis，heartofhearts，also，hefeltthedignityanduseofthepolice，force，whichcommandedorder。Ofitstruesocialsignificance，heneveroncedreamed。Hiswasnotthemindforthat。Thetwo，feelingsblendedinhim——neutralisedoneanotherandhim。He，wouldhavefoughtforthismanasdeterminedlyasforhimself，andyetonlysofarascommanded。Striphimofhisuniform，and，hewouldhavesoonpickedhisside。
Hurstwoodascendedadustyflightofstepsandenteredasmall，dust-colouredoffice，inwhichwerearailing，alongdesk，and，severalclerks。
“Well，sir？”saidamiddle-agedman，lookingupathimfromthe，longdesk。
“Doyouwanttohireanymen？”inquiredHurstwood。
“Whatareyou——amotorman？”
“No;I’mnotanything，“saidHurstwood。
Hewasnotatallabashedbyhisposition。Heknewthesepeople，neededmen。Ifonedidn’ttakehim，anotherwould。Thisman，couldtakehimorleavehim，justashechose。
“Well，wepreferexperiencedmen，ofcourse，“saidtheman。He，paused，whileHurstwoodsmiledindifferently。Thenheadded：
“Still，Iguessyoucanlearn。Whatisyourname？”
“Wheeler，“saidHurstwood。
Themanwroteanorderonasmallcard。”Takethattoour，barns，“hesaid，“andgiveittotheforeman。He’llshowyou，whattodo。”
Hurstwoodwentdownandout。Hewalkedstraightawayinthe，directionindicated，whilethepolicemenlookedafter。
“There’sanotherwantstotryit，“saidOfficerKielytoOfficer，Macey。
“Ihavemymindhe’llgethisfill，“returnedthelatter，quietly。Theyhadbeeninstrikesbefore。
ChapterXLI
THESTRIKE
ThebarnatwhichHurstwoodappliedwasexceedinglyshort-handed，andwasbeingoperatedpracticallybythreemenasdirectors。
Therewerealotofgreenhandsaround——queer，hungry-looking，men，wholookedasifwanthaddriventhemtodesperatemeans。
Theytriedtobelivelyandwilling，buttherewasanairof，hang-dogdiffidenceabouttheplace。
Hurstwoodwentbackthroughthebarnsandoutintoalarge，enclosedlot，wherewereaseriesoftracksandloops。Ahalf-
dozencarswerethere，mannedbyinstructors，eachwithapupil，atthelever。Morepupilswerewaitingatoneofthereardoors，ofthebarn。
InsilenceHurstwoodviewedthisscene，andwaited。His，companionstookhiseyeforawhile，thoughtheydidnotinterest，himmuchmorethanthecars。Theywereanuncomfortable-looking，gang，however。Oneortwowereverythinandlean。Severalwere，quitestout。Severalotherswererawbonedandsallow，asifthey，hadbeenbeatenuponbyallsortsofroughweather。
“Didyouseebythepapertheyaregoingtocalloutthe，militia？”Hurstwoodheardoneofthemremark。
“Oh，they’lldothat，“returnedtheother。”Theyalwaysdo。”
“Thinkwe’reliabletohavemuchtrouble？”saidanother，whom，Hurstwooddidnotsee。
“Notvery。”
“ThatScotchmanthatwentoutonthelastcar，“putinavoice，“toldmethattheyhithimintheearwithacinder。”
Asmall，nervouslaughaccompaniedthis。
“OneofthosefellowsontheFifthAvenuelinemusthavehada，hellofatime，accordingtothepapers，“drawledanother。”They，brokehiscarwindowsandpulledhimoffintothestreet’fore，thepolicecouldstop’em。”
“Yes;buttherearemorepolicearoundto-day，“wasaddedby，another。
Hurstwoodhearkenedwithoutmuchmentalcomment。Thesetalkers，seemedscaredtohim。Theirgabblingwasfeverish——thingssaid，toquiettheirownminds。Helookedoutintotheyardand，waited。
Twoofthemengotaroundquitenearhim，butbehindhisback。
Theywererathersocial，andhelistenedtowhattheysaid。
“Areyouarailroadman？”saidone。
“Me？No。I’vealwaysworkedinapaperfactory。”
“IhadajobinNewarkuntillastOctober，“returnedtheother，withreciprocalfeeling。
Thereweresomewordswhichpassedtoolowtohear。Thenthe，conversationbecamestrongagain。
“Idon’tblamethesefellersforstriking，“saidone。”They’ve，gottherightofit，allright，butIhadtogetsomethingto，do。”
“Samehere，“saidtheother。”IfIhadanyjobinNewarkI
wouldn’tbeoverheretakin’chanceslikethese。”
“It’shellthesedays，ain’tit？”saidtheman。”Apoorman，ain’tnowhere。Youcouldstarve，byGod，rightinthestreets，andthereain’tmostnoonewouldhelpyou。”
“Rightyouare，“saidtheother。”ThejobIhadIlost’cause，theyshutdown。Theyrunallsummerandlayupabigstock，and，thenshutdown。”
Hurstwoodpaidsomelittleattentiontothis。Somehow，hefelta，littlesuperiortothesetwo——alittlebetteroff。Tohimthese，wereignorantandcommonplace，poorsheepinadriver’shand。
“Poordevils，“hethought，speakingoutofthethoughtsand，feelingsofabygoneperiodofsuccess。
“Next，“saidoneoftheinstructors。
“You’renext，“saidaneighbour，touchinghim。
Hewentoutandclimbedontheplatform。Theinstructortookit，forgrantedthatnopreliminarieswereneeded。
“Youseethishandle，“hesaid，reachinguptoanelectriccut-
off，whichwasfastenedtotheroof。”Thisthrowsthecurrent，offoron。Ifyouwanttoreversethecaryouturnitoverhere。
Ifyouwanttosenditforward，youputitoverhere。Ifyou，wanttocutoffthepower，youkeepitinthemiddle。”
Hurstwoodsmiledatthesimpleinformation。
“Now，thishandlehereregulatesyourspeed。Tohere，“hesaid，pointingwithhisfinger，“givesyouaboutfourmilesanhour。
Thisiseight。Whenit’sfullon，youmakeaboutfourteenmiles，anhour。”
Hurstwoodwatchedhimcalmly。Hehadseenmotormenworkbefore。
Heknewjustabouthowtheydidit，andwassurehecoulddoas，well，withaverylittlepractice。
Theinstructorexplainedafewmoredetails，andthensaid：
“Now，we’llbackherup。”
Hurstwoodstoodplacidlyby，whilethecarrolledbackintothe，yard。
“Onethingyouwanttobecarefulabout，andthatistostart，easy。Giveonedegreetimetoactbeforeyoustartanother。The，onefaultofmostmenisthattheyalwayswanttothrowherwide，open。That’sbad。It’sdangerous，too。Wearsoutthemotor。
Youdon’twanttodothat。”
“Isee，“saidHurstwood。
Hewaitedandwaited，whilethemantalkedon。
“Nowyoutakeit，“hesaid，finally。
Theex-managerlaidhandtotheleverandpusheditgently，ashe，thought。Itworkedmucheasierthanheimagined，however，with，theresultthatthecarjerkedquicklyforward，throwinghimback，againstthedoor。Hestraightenedupsheepishly，whilethe，instructorstoppedthecarwiththebrake。
“Youwanttobecarefulaboutthat，“wasallhesaid。
Hurstwoodfound，however，thathandlingabrakeandregulating，speedwerenotsoinstantlymasteredashehadimagined。Onceor，twicehewouldhaveploughedthroughtherearfenceifithadnot，beenforthehandandwordofhiscompanion。Thelatterwas，ratherpatientwithhim，butheneversmiled。
“You’vegottogettheknackofworkingbotharmsatonce，“he，said。”Ittakesalittlepractice。”
Oneo’clockcamewhilehewasstillonthecarpractising，andhe，begantofeelhungry。Thedaysetinsnowing，andhewascold。
Hegrewwearyofrunningtoandfroontheshorttrack。
Theyranthecartotheendandbothgotoff。Hurstwoodwent，intothebarnandsoughtacarstep，pullingouthispaper-
wrappedlunchfromhispocket。Therewasnowaterandthebread，wasdry，butheenjoyedit。Therewasnoceremonyaboutdining。
Heswallowedandlookedabout，contemplatingthedull，homely，labourofthething。Itwasdisagreeable——miserably，disagreeable——inallitsphases。Notbecauseitwasbitter，but，becauseitwashard。Itwouldbehardtoanyone，hethought。
Aftereating，hestoodaboutasbefore，waitinguntilhisturn，came。
Theintentionwastogivehimanafternoonofpractice，butthe，greaterpartofthetimewasspentinwaitingabout。
Atlasteveningcame，andwithithungerandadebatewith，himselfastohowheshouldspendthenight。Itwashalf-past，five。Hemustsooneat。Ifhetriedtogohome，itwouldtake，himtwohoursandahalfofcoldwalkingandriding。Besideshe，hadorderstoreportatseventhenextmorning，andgoinghome，wouldnecessitatehisrisingatanunholyanddisagreeablehour。
HehadonlysomethinglikeadollarandfifteencentsofCarrie’s，money，withwhichhehadintendedtopaythetwoweeks’coalbill，beforethepresentideastruckhim。
“Theymusthavesomeplacearoundhere，“hethought。”Wheredoes，thatfellowfromNewarkstay？”
Finallyhedecidedtoask。Therewasayoungfellowstanding，nearoneofthedoorsinthecold，waitingalastturn。Hewasa，mereboyinyears——twenty-oneabout——butwithabodylankand，long，becauseofprivation。Alittlegoodlivingwouldhavemade，thisyouthplumpandswaggering。
“Howdotheyarrangethis，ifamanhasn’tanymoney？”inquired，Hurstwood，discreetly。
Thefellowturnedakeen，watchfulfaceontheinquirer。
“Youmeaneat？”hereplied。
“Yes，andsleep。Ican’tgobacktoNewYorkto-night。”
“Theforeman’llfixthatifyouaskhim，Iguess。Hedidme。”
“Thatso？”
“Yes。IjusttoldhimIdidn’thaveanything。Gee，Icouldn’t，gohome。IlivewayoverinHoboken。”
Hurstwoodonlyclearedhisthroatbywayofacknowledgment。
“They’vegotaplaceupstairshere，Iunderstand。Idon’tknow，whatsortofathingitis。Purtytough，Iguess。Hegavemea，mealticketthisnoon。Iknowthatwasn’tmuch。”
Hurstwoodsmiledgrimly，andtheboylaughed。