“Itain’tnofun，isit？”heinquired，wishingvainlyfora，cheeryreply。
“Notmuch，“answeredHurstwood。
“I’dtacklehimnow，“volunteeredtheyouth。”Hemaygo’way。”
Hurstwooddidso。
“Isn’ttheresomeplaceIcanstayaroundhereto-night？”he，inquired。”IfIhavetogobacktoNewYork，I’mafraidIwon’t“
“There’resomecotsupstairs，“interruptedtheman，“ifyouwant，oneofthem。”
“That’lldo，“heassented。
Hemeanttoaskforamealticket，buttheseeminglyproper，momentnevercame，andhedecidedtopayhimselfthatnight。
“I’llaskhiminthemorning。”
Heateinacheaprestaurantinthevicinity，and，beingcoldand，lonely，wentstraightofftoseektheloftinquestion。The，companywasnotattemptingtoruncarsafternightfall。Itwas，soadvisedbythepolice。
Theroomseemedtohavebeenaloungingplacefornightworkers。
Thereweresomeninecotsintheplace，twoorthreewooden，chairs，asoapbox，andasmall，round-belliedstove，inwhicha，firewasblazing。Earlyashewas，anothermanwastherebefore，him。Thelatterwassittingbesidethestovewarminghishands。
Hurstwoodapproachedandheldouthisowntowardthefire。He，wassickofthebarenessandprivationofallthingsconnected，withhisventure，butwassteelinghimselftoholdout。He，fanciedhecouldforawhile。
“Cold，isn’tit？”saidtheearlyguest。
“Rather。”
Alongsilence。
“Notmuchofaplacetosleepin，isit？”saidtheman。
“Betterthannothing，“repliedHurstwood。
Anothersilence。
“IbelieveI’llturnin，“saidtheman。
Rising，hewenttooneofthecotsandstretchedhimself，removingonlyhisshoes，andpullingtheoneblanketanddirty，oldcomforteroverhiminasortofbundle。Thesightdisgusted，Hurstwood，buthedidnotdwellonit，choosingtogazeintothe，stoveandthinkofsomethingelse。Presentlyhedecidedto，retire，andpickedacot，alsoremovinghisshoes。
Whilehewasdoingso，theyouthwhohadadvisedhimtocomehere，entered，and，seeingHurstwood，triedtobegenial。
“Better’nnothin’，“heobserved，lookingaround。
Hurstwooddidnottakethistohimself。Hethoughtittobean，expressionofindividualsatisfaction，andsodidnotanswer。
Theyouthimaginedhewasoutofsorts，andsettowhistling，softly。Seeinganothermanasleep，hequitthatandlapsedinto，silence。
Hurstwoodmadethebestofabadlotbykeepingonhisclothes，andpushingawaythedirtycoveringfromhishead，butatlasthe，dozedinsheerweariness。Thecoveringbecamemoreandmore，comfortable，itscharacterwasforgotten，andhepulleditabout，hisneckandslept。
Inthemorninghewasarousedoutofapleasantdreambyseveral，menstirringaboutinthecold，cheerlessroom。Hehadbeenback，inChicagoinfancy，inhisowncomfortablehome。Jessicahad，beenarrangingtogosomewhere，andhehadbeentalkingwithher，aboutit。Thiswassoclearinhismind，thathewasstartled，nowbythecontrastofthisroom。Heraisedhishead，andthe，cold，bitterrealityjarredhimintowakefulness。
“GuessI’dbettergetup，“hesaid。
Therewasnowateronthisfloor。Heputonhisshoesinthe，coldandstoodup，shakinghimselfinhisstiffness。Hisclothes，feltdisagreeable，hishairbad。
“Hell！”hemuttered，asheputonhishat。
Downstairsthingswerestirringagain。
Hefoundahydrant，withatroughwhichhadoncebeenusedfor，horses，buttherewasnotowelhere，andhishandkerchiefwas，soiledfromyesterday。Hecontentedhimselfwithwettinghis，eyeswiththeice-coldwater。Thenhesoughttheforeman，who，wasalreadyontheground。
“Hadyourbreakfastyet？”inquiredthatworthy。
“No，“saidHurstwood。
“Bettergetit，then;yourcarwon’tbereadyforalittle，while。”
Hurstwoodhesitated。
“Couldyouletmehaveamealticket？”heaskedwithaneffort。
“Hereyouare，“saidtheman，handinghimone。
Hebreakfastedaspoorlyasthenightbeforeonsomefriedsteak，andbadcoffee。Thenhewentback。
“Here，“saidtheforeman，motioninghim，whenhecamein。”You，takethiscaroutinafewminutes。”
Hurstwoodclimbedupontheplatforminthegloomybarnand，waitedforasignal。Hewasnervous，andyetthethingwasa，relief。Anythingwasbetterthanthebarn。
Onthisthefourthdayofthestrike，thesituationhadtakena，turnfortheworse。Thestrikers，followingthecounseloftheir，leadersandthenewspapers，hadstruggledpeaceablyenough。
Therehadbeennogreatviolencedone。Carshadbeenstopped，it，istrue，andthemenarguedwith。Somecrewshadbeenwonover，andledaway，somewindowsbroken，somejeeringandyellingdone;
butinnomorethanfiveorsixinstanceshadmenbeenseriously，injured。Thesebycrowdswhoseactstheleadersdisclaimed。
Idleness，however，andthesightofthecompany，backedbythe，police，triumphing，angeredthemen。Theysawthateachdaymore，carsweregoingon，eachdaymoredeclarationswerebeingmadeby，thecompanyofficialsthattheeffectiveoppositionofthe，strikerswasbroken。Thisputdesperatethoughtsinthemindsof，themen。Peacefulmethodsmeant，theysaw，thatthecompanies，wouldsoonrunalltheircarsandthosewhohadcomplainedwould，beforgotten。Therewasnothingsohelpfultothecompaniesas，peacefulmethods。
Allatoncetheyblazedforth，andforaweektherewasstormand，stress。Carswereassailed，menattacked，policemenstruggled，with，trackstornup，andshotsfired，untilatlaststreet，fightsandmobmovementsbecamefrequent，andthecitywas，investedwithmilitia。
Hurstwoodknewnothingofthechangeoftemper。
“Runyourcarout，“calledtheforeman，wavingavigoroushandat，him。Agreenconductorjumpedupbehindandrangthebelltwice，asasignaltostart。Hurstwoodturnedtheleverandranthecar，outthroughthedoorintothestreetinfrontofthebarn。Here，twobrawnypolicemengotupbesidehimontheplatform——oneon，eitherhand。
Atthesoundofagongnearthebarndoor，twobellsweregiven，bytheconductorandHurstwoodopenedhislever。
Thetwopolicemenlookedaboutthemcalmly。
“’Tiscold，allright，thismorning，“saidtheoneontheleft，whopossessedarichbrogue。
“Ihadenoughofityesterday，“saidtheother。”Iwouldn’twant，asteadyjobofthis。”
“NorI。”
NeitherpaidtheslightestattentiontoHurstwood，whostood，facingthecoldwind，whichwaschillinghimcompletely，and，thinkingofhisorders。
“Keepasteadygait，“theforemanhadsaid。”Don’tstopforany，onewhodoesn’tlooklikearealpassenger。Whateveryoudo，don’tstopforacrowd。”
Thetwoofficerskeptsilentforafewmoments。
“Thelastmanmusthavegonethroughallright，“saidtheofficer，ontheleft。”Idon’tseehiscaranywhere。”
“Who’sonthere？”askedthesecondofficer，referring，ofcourse，toitscomplementofpolicemen。
“SchaefferandRyan。”
Therewasanothersilence，inwhichthecarransmoothlyalong。
Therewerenotsomanyhousesalongthispartoftheway。
Hurstwooddidnotseemanypeopleeither。Thesituationwasnot，whollydisagreeabletohim。Ifhewerenotsocold，hethought，hewoulddowellenough。
Hewasbroughtoutofthisfeelingbythesuddenappearanceofa，curveahead，whichhehadnotexpected。Heshutoffthecurrent，anddidanenergeticturnatthebrake，butnotintimetoavoid，anunnaturallyquickturn。Itshookhimupandmadehimfeel，likemakingsomeapologeticremarks，butherefrained。
“Youwanttolookoutforthemthings，“saidtheofficeronthe，left，condescendingly。
“That’sright，“agreedHurstwood，shamefacedly。
“There’slotsofthemonthisline，“saidtheofficeronthe，right。
Aroundthecorneramorepopulatedwayappeared。Oneortwo，pedestrianswereinviewahead。Aboycomingoutofagatewith，atinmilkbucketgaveHurstwoodhisfirstobjectionable，greeting。
“Scab！”heyelled。”Scab！”
Hurstwoodheardit，buttriedtomakenocomment，evento，himself。Heknewhewouldgetthat，andmuchmoreofthesame，sort，probably。
Atacornerfartherupamanstoodbythetrackandsignalledthe，cartostop。
“Nevermindhim，“saidoneoftheofficers。”He’suptosome，game。”
Hurstwoodobeyed。Atthecornerhesawthewisdomofit。No，soonerdidthemanperceivetheintentiontoignorehim，thanhe，shookhisfist。
“Ah，youbloodycoward！”heyelled。
Somehalfdozenmen，standingonthecorner，flungtauntsand，jeersafterthespeedingcar。
Hurstwoodwincedtheleastbit。Therealthingwasslightly，worsethanthethoughtsofithadbeen。
Nowcameinsight，threeorfourblocksfartheron，aheapof，somethingonthetrack。
“They’vebeenatwork，here，allright，“saidoneofthe，policemen。
“We’llhaveanargument，maybe，“saidtheother。
Hurstwoodranthecarcloseandstopped。Hehadnotdoneso，wholly，however，beforeacrowdgatheredabout。Itwascomposed，ofex-motormenandconductorsinpart，withasprinklingof，friendsandsympathisers。
“Comeoffthecar，pardner，“saidoneofthemeninavoicemeant，tobeconciliatory。”Youdon’twanttotakethebreadoutof，anotherman’smouth，doyou？”
Hurstwoodheldtohisbrakeandlever，paleandveryuncertain，whattodo。
“Standback，“yelledoneoftheofficers，leaningoverthe，platformrailing。”Clearoutofthis，now。Givethemana，chancetodohiswork。”
“Listen，pardner，“saidtheleader，ignoringthepolicemanand，addressingHurstwood。”We’reallworkingmen，likeyourself。If，youwerearegularmotorman，andhadbeentreatedaswe’vebeen，youwouldn’twantanyonetocomeinandtakeyourplace，would，you？Youwouldn’twantanyonetodoyououtofyourchanceto，getyourrights，wouldyou？”
“Shutheroff！shutheroff！”urgedtheotherofthepolicemen，roughly。”Getoutofthis，now，“andhejumpedtherailingand，landedbeforethecrowdandbeganshoving。Instantlytheother，officerwasdownbesidehim。
“Standback，now，“theyyelled。”Getoutofthis。Whatthehell，doyoumean？Out，now。”
Itwaslikeasmallswarmofbees。
“Don’tshoveme，“saidoneofthestrikers，determinedly。”I’m，notdoinganything。”
“Getoutofthis！”criedtheofficer，swinginghisclub。”I’ll，giveyeabatonthesconce。Back，now。”
“Whatthehell！”criedanotherofthestrikers，pushingtheother，way，addingatthesametimesomelustyoaths。
Crackcameanofficer’sclubonhisforehead。Heblinkedhis，eyesblindlyafewtimes，wabbledonhislegs，threwuphis，hands，andstaggeredback。Inreturn，aswiftfistlandedonthe，officer’sneck。
Infuriatedbythis，thelatterplungedleftandright，laying，aboutmadlywithhisclub。Hewasablyassistedbyhisbrother，oftheblue，whopouredponderousoathsuponthetroubledwaters。
Noseveredamagewasdone，owingtotheagilityofthestrikers，inkeepingoutofreach。Theystoodaboutthesidewalknowand，jeered。
“Whereistheconductor？”yelledoneoftheofficers，gettinghis，eyeonthatindividual，whohadcomenervouslyforwardtostand，byHurstwood。Thelatterhadstoodgazinguponthescenewith，moreastonishmentthanfear。
“Whydon’tyoucomedownhereandgetthesestonesoffthe，track？”inquiredtheofficer。”Whatyoustandingtherefor？Do，youwanttostayhereallday？Getdown。”
Hurstwoodbreathedheavilyinexcitementandjumpeddownwiththe，nervousconductorasifhehadbeencalled。
“Hurryup，now，“saidtheotherpoliceman。
Coldasitwas，theseofficerswerehotandmad。Hurstwood，workedwiththeconductor，liftingstoneafterstoneandwarming，himselfbythework。
“Ah，youscab，you！”yelledthecrowd。”Youcoward！Steala，man’sjob，willyou？Robthepoor，willyou，youthief？We’llget，youyet，now。Wait。”
Notallofthiswasdeliveredbyoneman。Itcamefromhereand，there，incorporatedwithmuchmoreofthesamesortandcurses。
“Work，youblackguards，“yelledavoice。”Dothedirtywork。
You’rethesuckersthatkeepthepoorpeopledown！”
“MayGodstarveyeyet，“yelledanoldIrishwoman，whonowthrew，openanearbywindowandstuckoutherhead。
“Yes，andyou，“sheadded，catchingtheeyeofoneofthe，policemen。”Youbloody，murtherin’thafe！Crackmysonoverthe，head，willyou，youhardhearted，murtherin’divil？Ah，ye——“
Buttheofficerturnedadeafear。
“Gotothedevil，youoldhag，“hehalfmutteredashestared，rounduponthescatteredcompany。
Nowthestoneswereoff，andHurstwoodtookhisplaceagainamid，acontinuedchorusofepithets。Bothofficersgotupbesidehim，andtheconductorrangthebell，when，bang！bang！throughwindow，anddoorcamerocksandstones。OnenarrowlygrazedHurstwood’s，head。Anothershatteredthewindowbehind。
“Throwopenyourlever，“yelledoneoftheofficers，grabbingat，thehandlehimself。
Hurstwoodcompliedandthecarshotaway，followedbyarattleof，stonesandarainofcurses。
“That——hitmeintheneck，“saidoneofthe，officers。”Igavehimagoodcrackforit，though。”
“IthinkImusthaveleftspotsonsomeofthem，“saidtheother。
“Iknowthatbigguythatcalledusa——“saidthe，first。”I’llgethimyetforthat。”
“Ithoughtwewereinforitsure，oncethere，“saidthesecond。
Hurstwood，warmedandexcited，gazedsteadilyahead。Itwasan，astonishingexperienceforhim。Hehadreadofthesethings，but，therealityseemedsomethingaltogethernew。Hewasnocowardin，spirit。Thefactthathehadsufferedthismuchnowrather，operatedtoarouseastoliddeterminationtostickitout。He，didnotrecurinthoughttoNewYorkortheflat。Thisonetrip，seemedaconsumingthing。
TheynowranintothebusinessheartofBrooklynuninterrupted。
PeoplegazedatthebrokenwindowsofthecarandatHurstwoodin，hisplainclothes。Voicescalled“scab“nowandthen，aswellas，otherepithets，butnocrowdattackedthecar。Atthedowntown，endoftheline，oneoftheofficerswenttocalluphisstation，andreportthetrouble。
“There’sagangoutthere，“hesaid，“layingforusyet。Better，sendsomeoneoverthereandcleanthemout。”
Thecarranbackmorequietly——hooted，watched，flungat，butnot，attacked。Hurstwoodbreathedfreelywhenhesawthebarns。
“Well，“heobservedtohimself，“Icameoutofthatallright。”
Thecarwasturnedinandhewasallowedtoloafawhile，but，laterhewasagaincalled。Thistimeanewteamofofficerswas，aboard。Slightlymoreconfident，hespedthecaralongthe，commonplacestreetsandfeltsomewhatlessfearful。Ononeside，however，hesufferedintensely。Thedaywasraw，witha，sprinklingofsnowandagustywind，madeallthemore，intolerablebythespeedofthecar。Hisclothingwasnot，intendedforthissortofwork。Heshivered，stampedhisfeet，andbeathisarmsashehadseenothermotormendointhepast，butsaidnothing。Thenoveltyanddangerofthesituation，modifiedinawayhisdisgustanddistressatbeingcompelledto，behere，butnotenoughtopreventhimfromfeelinggrimand，sour。Thiswasadog’slife，hethought。Itwasatoughthing，tohavetocometo。
Theonethoughtthatstrengthenedhimwastheinsultofferedby，Carrie。Hewasnotdownsolowastotakeallthat，hethought。
Hecoulddosomething——this，even——forawhile。Itwouldget，better。Hewouldsavealittle。
Aboythrewaclodofmudwhilehewasthusreflectingandhit，himuponthearm。Ithurtsharplyandangeredhimmorethanhe，hadbeenanytimesincemorning。
“Thelittlecur！”hemuttered。
“Hurtyou？”askedoneofthepolicemen。
“No，“heanswered。
Atoneofthecorners，wherethecarslowedupbecauseofaturn，anex-motorman，standingonthesidewalk，calledtohim：
“Won’tyoucomeout，pardner，andbeaman？Rememberwe’re，fightingfordecentday’swages，that’sall。We’vegotfamilies，tosupport。”Themanseemedmostpeaceablyinclined。
Hurstwoodpretendednottoseehim。Hekepthiseyesstraighton，beforeandopenedtheleverwide。Thevoicehadsomething，appealinginit。
Allmorningthiswentonandlongintotheafternoon。Hemade，threesuchtrips。Thedinnerhehadwasnostayforsuchwork，andthecoldwastellingonhim。Ateachendofthelinehe，stoppedtothawout，buthecouldhavegroanedattheanguishof，it。Oneofthebarnmen，outofpity，loanedhimaheavycapand，apairofsheepskingloves，andforoncehewasextremely，thankful。
Onthesecondtripoftheafternoonheranintoacrowdabout，halfwayalongtheline，thathadblockedthecar’sprogresswith，anoldtelegraphpole。
“Getthatthingoffthetrack，“shoutedthetwopolicemen。
“Yah，yah，yah！”yelledthecrowd。”Getitoffyourself。”
ThetwopolicemengotdownandHurstwoodstartedtofollow。
“Youstaythere，“onecalled。”Someonewillrunawaywithyour，car。”
Amidthebabelofvoices，Hurstwoodheardoneclosebesidehim。
“Comedown，pardner，andbeaman。Don’tfightthepoor。Leave，thattothecorporations。”
Hesawthesamefellowwhohadcalledtohimfromthecorner。
Now，asbefore，hepretendednottohearhim。
“Comedown，“themanrepeatedgently。”Youdon’twanttofight，poormen。Don’tfightatall。”Itwasamostphilosophicand，jesuiticalmotorman。
Athirdpolicemanjoinedtheothertwofromsomewhereandsome，onerantotelephoneformoreofficers。Hurstwoodgazedabout，determinedbutfearful。
Amangrabbedhimbythecoat。
“Comeoffofthat，“heexclaimed，jerkingathimandtryingto，pullhimovertherailing。
“Letgo，“saidHurstwood，savagely。
“I’llshowyou——youscab！”criedayoungIrishman，jumpingupon，thecarandaimingablowatHurstwood。Thelatterduckedand，caughtitontheshoulderinsteadofthejaw。
“Awayfromhere，“shoutedanofficer，hasteningtotherescue，andadding，ofcourse，theusualoaths。
Hurstwoodrecoveredhimself，paleandtrembling。Itwasbecoming，seriouswithhimnow。Peoplewerelookingupandjeeringathim。
Onegirlwasmakingfaces。
Hebegantowaverinhisresolution，whenapatrolwagonrolled，upandmoreofficersdismounted。Nowthetrackwasquickly，clearedandthereleaseeffected。
“Lethergonow，quick，“saidtheofficer，andagainhewasoff。
Theendcamewitharealmob，whichmetthecaronitsreturn，tripamileortwofromthebarns。Itwasanexceedinglypoor-
lookingneighbourhood。Hewantedtorunfastthroughit，but，againthetrackwasblocked。Hesawmencarryingsomethingout，toitwhenhewasyetahalf-dozenblocksaway。
“Theretheyareagain！”exclaimedonepoliceman。
“I’llgivethemsomethingthistime，“saidthesecondofficer，whosepatiencewasbecomingworn。Hurstwoodsufferedaqualmof，bodyasthecarrolledup。Asbefore，thecrowdbeganhooting，butnow，ratherthancomenear，theythrewthings。Oneortwo，windowsweresmashedandHurstwooddodgedastone。
Bothpolicemenranouttowardthecrowd，butthelatterreplied，byrunningtowardthecar。Awoman——ameregirlinappearance——
wasamongthese，bearingaroughstick。Shewasexceedingly，wrathfulandstruckatHurstwood，whododged。Thereupon，her，companions，dulyencouraged，jumpedonthecarandpulled，Hurstwoodover。Hehadhardlytimetospeakorshoutbeforehe，fell。
“Letgoofme，“hesaid，fallingonhisside。
“Ah，yousucker，“heheardsomeonesay。Kicksandblowsrained，onhim。Heseemedtobesuffocating。Thentwomenseemedtobe，dragginghimoffandhewrestledforfreedom。
“Letup，“saidavoice，“you’reallright。Standup。”
Hewasletlooseandrecoveredhimself。Nowherecognisedtwo，officers。Hefeltasifhewouldfaintfromexhaustion。
Somethingwaswetonhischin。Heputuphishandandfelt，then，looked。Itwasred。
“Theycutme，“hesaid，foolishly，fishingforhishandkerchief。
“Now，now，“saidoneoftheofficers。”It’sonlyascratch。”
Hissensesbecameclearednowandhelookedaround。Hewas，standinginalittlestore，wheretheylefthimforthemoment。
Outside，hecouldsee，ashestoodwipinghischin，thecarand，theexcitedcrowd。Apatrolwagonwasthere，andanother。
Hewalkedoverandlookedout。Itwasanambulance，backingin。
Hesawsomeenergeticchargingbythepoliceandarrestsbeing，made。
“Comeon，now，ifyouwanttotakeyourcar，“saidanofficer，openingthedoorandlookingin。
Hewalkedout，feelingratheruncertainofhimself。Hewasvery，coldandfrightened。
“Where’stheconductor？”heasked。
“Oh，he’snotherenow，“saidthepoliceman。
Hurstwoodwenttowardthecarandsteppednervouslyon。Ashe，didsotherewasapistolshot。Somethingstunghisshoulder。
“Whofiredthat？”heheardanofficerexclaim。”ByGod！whodid，that？”Bothlefthim，runningtowardacertainbuilding。He，pausedamomentandthengotdown。
“George！”exclaimedHurstwood，weakly，“thisistoomuchforme。”
Hewalkednervouslytothecornerandhurrieddownasidestreet。
“Whew！”hesaid，drawinginhisbreath。
Ahalfblockaway，asmallgirlgazedathim。
“You’dbettersneak，“shecalled。
Hewalkedhomewardinablindingsnowstorm，reachingtheferryby，dusk。Thecabinswerefilledwithcomfortablesouls，whostudied，himcuriously。Hisheadwasstillinsuchawhirlthathefelt，confused。Allthewonderofthetwinklinglightsoftheriverin，awhitestormpassedfornothing。Hetrudgeddoggedlyonuntil，hereachedtheflat。Thereheenteredandfoundtheroomwarm。
Carriewasgone。Acoupleofeveningpaperswerelyingonthe，tablewheresheleftthem。Helitthegasandsatdown。Thenhe，gotupandstrippedtoexaminehisshoulder。Itwasamere，scratch。Hewashedhishandsandface，stillinabrownstudy，apparently，andcombedhishair。Thenhelookedforsomethingto，eat，andfinally，hishungergone，satdowninhiscomfortable，rocking-chair。Itwasawonderfulrelief。
Heputhishandtohischin，forgetting，forthemoment，the，papers。
“Well，“hesaid，afteratime，hisnaturerecoveringitself，“that’saprettytoughgameoverthere。”
Thenheturnedandsawthepapers。Withhalfasighhepickedup，the“World。”
“StrikeSpreadinginBrooklyn，“heread。”RiotingBreaksOutin，allPartsoftheCity。”
Headjustedhispaperverycomfortablyandcontinued。Itwasthe，onethinghereadwithabsorbinginterest。
ChapterXLII
ATOUCHOFSPRING——THEEMPTYSHELL
ThosewholookuponHurstwood’sBrooklynventureasanerrorof，judgmentwillnonethelessrealisethenegativeinfluenceonhim，ofthefactthathehadtriedandfailed。Carriegotawrong，ideaofit。Hesaidsolittlethatsheimaginedhehad，encounterednothingworsethantheordinaryroughness——quitting，sosooninthefaceofthisseemedtrifling。Hedidnotwantto，work。
Shewasnowoneofagroupoforientalbeautieswho，inthe，secondactofthecomicopera，wereparadedbythevizierbefore，thenewpotentateasthetreasuresofhisharem。Therewasno，wordassignedtoanyofthem，butontheeveningwhenHurstwood，washousinghimselfintheloftofthestreet-carbarn，the，leadingcomedianandstar，feelingexceedinglyfacetious，saidin，aprofoundvoice，whichcreatedarippleoflaughter：
“Well，whoareyou？”
ItmerelyhappenedtobeCarriewhowascourtesyingbeforehim。
Itmightaswellhavebeenanyoftheothers，sofarashewas，concerned。Heexpectednoanswerandadullonewouldhavebeen，reproved。ButCarrie，whoseexperienceandbeliefinherself，gaveherdaring，courtesiedsweetlyagainandanswered：
“Iamyourstruly。”
Itwasatrivialthingtosay，andyetsomethinginthewayshe，diditcaughttheaudience，whichlaughedheartilyatthemock-
fiercepotentatetoweringbeforetheyoungwoman。Thecomedian，alsolikedit，hearingthelaughter。
“IthoughtyournamewasSmith，“hereturned，endeavouringtoget，thelastlaugh。
Carriealmosttrembledforherdaringaftershehadsaidthis。
Allmembersofthecompanyhadbeenwarnedthattointerpolate，linesor“business“meantafineorworse。Shedidnotknowwhat，tothink。
Asshewasstandinginherproperpositioninthewings，awaiting，anotherentry，thegreatcomedianmadehisexitpastherand，pausedinrecognition。
“Youcanjustleavethatinhereafter，“heremarked，seeinghow，intelligentsheappeared。”Don’taddanymore，though。”
“Thankyou，“saidCarrie，humbly。Whenhewentonshefound，herselftremblingviolently。
“Well，you’reinluck，“remarkedanothermemberofthechorus。
“Thereisn’tanotheroneofushasgotaline。”
Therewasnogainsayingthevalueofthis。Everybodyinthe，companyrealisedthatshehadgotastart。Carriehuggedherself，whennexteveningthelinesgotthesameapplause。Shewenthome，rejoicing，knowingthatsoonsomethingmustcomeofit。Itwas，Hurstwoodwho，byhispresence，causedhermerrythoughtstoflee，andreplacedthemwithsharplongingsforanendofdistress。
Thenextdaysheaskedhimabouthisventure。
“They’renottryingtorunanycarsexceptwithpolice。They，don’twantanybodyjustnow——notbeforenextweek。”
Nextweekcame，butCarriesawnochange。Hurstwoodseemedmore，apatheticthanever。Hesawheroffmorningstorehearsalsand，thelikewiththeutmostcalm。Hereadandread。Severaltimes，hefoundhimselfstaringatanitem，butthinkingofsomething，else。Thefirstoftheselapsesthathesharplynoticed，concernedahilariouspartyhehadonceattendedatadriving，club，ofwhichhehadbeenamember。Hesat，gazingdownward，andgraduallythoughtheheardtheoldvoicesandtheclinkof，glasses。
“You’readandy，Hurstwood，“hisfriendWalkersaid。Hewas，standingagainwelldressed，smiling，good-natured，therecipient，ofencoresforagoodstory。
Allatoncehelookedup。Theroomwassostillitseemed，ghostlike。Heheardtheclocktickingaudiblyandhalfsuspected，thathehadbeendozing。Thepaperwassostraightinhishands，however，andtheitemshehadbeenreadingsodirectlybefore，him，thatheridhimselfofthedozeidea。Still，itseemed，peculiar。Whenitoccurredasecondtime，however，itdidnot，seemquitesostrange。
Butcherandgroceryman，bakerandcoalman——notthegroupwith，whomhewasthendealing，butthosewhohadtrustedhimtothe，limit——called。Hemetthemallblandly，becomingdeftinexcuse。
Atlasthebecamebold，pretendedtobeout，orwavedthemoff。
“Theycan’tgetbloodoutofaturnip，“hesaid。”ifIhadit，I’dpaythem。”
Carrie’slittlesoldierfriend，MissOsborne，seeingher，succeeding，hadbecomeasortofsatellite。LittleOsbornecould，neverofherselfamounttoanything。Sheseemedtorealiseitin，asortofpussy-likewayandinstinctivelyconcludedtocling，withhersoftlittleclawstoCarrie。
“Oh，you’llgetup，“shekepttellingCarriewithadmiration。
“You’resogood。”
TimidasCarriewas，shewasstrongincapability。Thereliance，ofothersmadeherfeelasifshemust，andwhenshemustshe，dared。Experienceoftheworldandofnecessitywasinher，favour。Nolongerthelightestwordofamanmadeherhead，dizzy。Shehadlearnedthatmencouldchangeandfail。Flattery，initsmostpalpableformhadlostitsforcewithher。It，requiredsuperiority——kindlysuperiority——tomoveher——the，superiorityofageniuslikeAmes。
“Idon’tliketheactorsinourcompany，“shetoldLolaoneday。
“They’reallsostruckonthemselves。”
“Don’tyouthinkMr。Barclay’sprettynice？”inquiredLola，who，hadreceivedacondescendingsmileortwofromthatquarter。
“Oh，he’sniceenough，“answeredCarrie;“butheisn’tsincere。
Heassumessuchanair。”
LolafeltforherfirstholduponCarrieinthefollowingmanner：
“Areyoupayingroom-rentwhereyouare？”
“Certainly，“answeredCarrie。”Why？”
“IknowwhereIcouldgettheloveliestroomandbath，cheap。
It’stoobigforme，butitwouldbejustrightfortwo，andthe，rentisonlysixdollarsaweekforboth。”
“Where？”saidCarrie。
“InSeventeenthStreet。”
“Well，Idon’tknowasI’dcaretochange，“saidCarrie，whowas，alreadyturningoverthethree-dollarrateinhermind。Shewas，thinkingifshehadonlyherselftosupportthiswouldleaveher，seventeenforherself。
NothingcameofthisuntilaftertheBrooklynadventureof，Hurstwood’sandhersuccesswiththespeakingpart。Thenshe，begantofeelasifshemustbefree。Shethoughtofleaving，Hurstwoodandthusmakinghimactforhimself，buthehad，developedsuchpeculiartraitsshefearedhemightresistany，efforttothrowhimoff。Hemighthuntheroutattheshowand，houndherinthatway。Shedidnotwhollybelievethathewould，buthemight。This，sheknew，wouldbeanembarrassingthingif，hemadehimselfconspicuousinanyway。Ittroubledhergreatly。
Thingswereprecipitatedbytheofferofabetterpart。Oneof，theactressesplayingthepartofamodestsweetheartgavenotice，ofleavingandCarriewasselected。
“Howmuchareyougoingtoget？”askedMissOsborne，onhearing，thegoodnews。
“Ididn’taskhim，“saidCarrie。
“Well，findout。Goodness，you’llnevergetanythingifyou，don’task。Tellthemyoumusthavefortydollars，anyhow。”
“Oh，no，“saidCarrie。
“Certainly！”exclaimedLola。”Ask’em，anyway。”
Carriesuccumbedtothisprompting，waiting，however，untilthe，managergavehernoticeofwhatclothingshemusthavetofitthe，part。
“HowmuchdoIget？”sheinquired。
“Thirty-fivedollars，“hereplied。
Carriewastoomuchastonishedanddelightedtothinkof，mentioningforty。Shewasnearlybesideherself，andalmost，huggedLola，whoclungtoheratthenews。
“Itisn’tasmuchasyououghttoget，“saidthelatter，“especiallywhenyou’vegottobuyclothes。”
Carrierememberedthiswithastart。Wheretogetthemoney？She，hadnonelaidupforsuchanemergency。Rentdaywasdrawing，near。
“I’llnotdoit，“shesaid，rememberinghernecessity。”Idon’t，usetheflat。I’mnotgoingtogiveupmymoneythistime。I’ll，move。”
FittingintothiscameanotherappealfromMissOsborne，more，urgentthanever。
“Comelivewithme，won’tyou？”shepleaded。”Wecanhavethe，loveliestroom。Itwon’tcostyouhardlyanythingthatway。”
“I’dliketo，“saidCarrie，frankly。
“Oh，do，“saidLola。”We’llhavesuchagoodtime。”
Carriethoughtawhile。
“IbelieveIwill，“shesaid，andthenadded：“I’llhavetosee，first，though。”
Withtheideathusgrounded，rentdayapproaching，andclothes，callingforinstantpurchase，shesoonfoundexcusein，Hurstwood’slassitude。Hesaidlessanddroopedmorethanever。
Asrentdayapproached，anideagrewinhim。Itwasfosteredby，thedemandsofcreditorsandtheimpossibilityofholdingupmany，more。Twenty-eightdollarswastoomuchforrent。”It’shardon，her，“hethought。”Wecouldgetacheaperplace。”
Stirredwiththisidea，hespokeatthebreakfasttable。
“Don’tyouthinkwepaytoomuchrenthere？”heasked。
“IndeedIdo，“saidCarrie，notcatchinghisdrift。
“Ishouldthinkwecouldgetasmallerplace，“hesuggested。”We，don’tneedfourrooms。”
Hercountenance，hadhebeenscrutinisingher，wouldhave，exhibitedthedisturbanceshefeltatthisevidenceofhis，determinationtostaybyher。Hesawnothingremarkablein，askinghertocomedownlower。
“Oh，Idon’tknow，“sheanswered，growingwary。
“Theremustbeplacesaroundherewherewecouldgetacoupleof，rooms，whichwoulddojustaswell。”
Herheartrevolted。”Never！”shethought。Whowouldfurnishthe，moneytomove？Tothinkofbeingintworoomswithhim！She，resolvedtospendhermoneyforclothesquickly，beforesomething，terriblehappened。Thatverydayshedidit。Havingdoneso，therewasbutoneotherthingtodo。
“Lola，“shesaid，visitingherfriend，“IthinkI’llcome。”
“Oh，jolly！”criedthelatter。
“Canwegetitrightaway？”sheasked，meaningtheroom。
“Certainly，“criedLola。
Theywenttolookatit。Carriehadsavedtendollarsfromher，expenditures——enoughforthisandherboardbeside。Herenlarged，salarywouldnotbeginfortendaysyet——wouldnotreachherfor，seventeen。Shepaidhalfofthesixdollarswithherfriend。
“Now，I’vejustenoughtogetontotheendoftheweek，“she，confided。
“Oh，I’vegotsome，“saidLola。”I’vegottwenty-fivedollars，ifyouneedit。”
“No，“saidCarrie。”IguessI’llgetalong。”
TheydecidedtomoveFriday，whichwastwodaysaway。Nowthat，thethingwassettled，Carrie’sheartmisgaveher。Shefeltvery，muchlikeacriminalinthematter。Eachdaylookingat，Hurstwood，shehadrealisedthat，alongwiththedisagreeableness，ofhisattitude，therewassomethingpathetic。
Shelookedathimthesameeveningshehadmadeuphermindto，go，andnowheseemednotsoshiftlessandworthless，butrun，downandbeatenuponbychance。Hiseyeswerenotkeen，hisface，marked，hishandsflabby。Shethoughthishairhadatouchof，grey。Allunconsciousofhisdoom，herockedandreadhispaper，whilesheglancedathim。
Knowingthattheendwassonear，shebecamerathersolicitous。
“Willyougooverandgetsomecannedpeaches？”sheasked，Hurstwood，layingdownatwo-dollarbill。
“Certainly，“hesaid，lookinginwonderatthemoney。
“Seeifyoucangetsomeniceasparagus，“sheadded。”I’llcook，itfordinner。”
Hurstwoodroseandtookthemoney，slippingonhisovercoatand，gettinghishat。Carrienoticedthatbothofthesearticlesof，apparelwereoldandpoorlookinginappearance。Itwasplain，enoughbefore，butnowitcamehomewithpeculiarforce。Perhaps，hecouldn’thelpit，afterall。HehaddonewellinChicago。
Sherememberedhisfineappearancethedayshehadmetherinthe，park。Thenhewassosprightly，soclean。Haditbeenallhis，fault？
Hecamebackandlaidthechangedownwiththefood。
“You’dbetterkeepit，“sheobserved。”We’llneedotherthings。”
“No，“hesaid，withasortofpride;“youkeepit。”
“Oh，goonandkeepit，“shereplied，ratherunnerved。”There’ll，beotherthings。”
Hewonderedatthis，notknowingthepatheticfigurehehad，becomeinhereyes。Sherestrainedherselfwithdifficultyfrom，showingaquaverinhervoice。
Tosaytruly，thiswouldhavebeenCarrie’sattitudeinanycase。
ShehadlookedbackattimesuponherpartingfromDrouetandhad，regrettedthatshehadservedhimsobadly。Shehopedshewould，nevermeethimagain，butshewasashamedofherconduct。Not，thatshehadanychoiceinthefinalseparation。Shehadgone，willinglytoseekhim，withsympathyinherheart，whenHurstwood，hadreportedhimill。Therewassomethingcruelsomewhere，and，notbeingabletotrackitmentallytoitslogicallair，she，concludedwithfeelingthathewouldneverunderstandwhat，Hurstwoodhaddoneandwouldseehard-hearteddecisioninher，deed;hencehershame。Notthatshecaredforhim。Shedidnot，wanttomakeanyonewhohadbeengoodtoherfeelbadly。
Shedidnotrealisewhatshewasdoingbyallowingthesefeelings，topossessher。Hurstwood，noticingthekindness，conceived，betterofher。”Carrie’sgood-natured，anyhow，“hethought。
GoingtoMissOsborne’sthatafternoon，shefoundthatlittle，ladypackingandsinging。
“Whydon’tyoucomeoverwithmetoday？”sheasked。
“Oh，Ican’t，“saidCarrie。”I’llbethereFriday。Wouldyou，mindlendingmethetwenty-fivedollarsyouspokeof？”
“Why，no，“saidLola，goingforherpurse。
“Iwanttogetsomeotherthings，“saidCarrie。
“Oh，that’sallright，“answeredthelittlegirl，good-naturedly，gladtobeofservice。
IthadbeendayssinceHurstwoodhaddonemorethangotothe，groceryortothenews-stand。Nowthewearinessofindoorswas，uponhim——hadbeenfortwodays——butchill，greyweatherhadheld，himback。Fridaybrokefairandwarm。Itwasoneofthose，lovelyharbingersofspring，givenasasignindrearywinter，thatearthisnotforsakenofwarmthandbeauty。Theblue，heaven，holdingitsonegoldenorb，poureddownacrystalwashof，warmlight。Itwasplain，fromthevoiceofthesparrows，that，allwashalcyonoutside。Carrieraisedthefrontwindows，and，feltthesouthwindblowing。
“It’slovelyoutto-day，“sheremarked。
“Isit？”saidHurstwood。
Afterbreakfast，heimmediatelygothisotherclothes。
“Willyoubebackforlunch？”askedCarrienervously。
“No，“hesaid。
Hewentoutintothestreetsandtrampednorth，alongSeventh，Avenue，idlyfixingupontheHarlemRiverasanobjectivepoint。
Hehadseensomeshipsupthere，thetimehehadcalleduponthe，brewers。Hewonderedhowtheterritorythereaboutswasgrowing。
PassingFifty-ninthStreet，hetookthewestsideofCentral，Park，whichhefollowedtoSeventy-eighthStreet。Thenhe，rememberedtheneighbourhoodandturnedovertolookatthemass，ofbuildingserected。Itwasverymuchimproved。Thegreatopen，spaceswerefillingup。Comingback，hekepttotheParkuntil，110thStreet，andthenturnedintoSeventhAvenueagain，reaching，theprettyriverbyoneo’clock。
Thereitranwindingbeforehisgaze，shiningbrightlyinthe，clearlight，betweentheundulatingbanksontherightandthe，tall，tree-coveredheightsontheleft。Thespring-like，atmospherewokehimtoasenseofitsloveliness，andforafew，momentshestoodlookingatit，foldinghishandsbehindhis，back。Thenheturnedandfollowedittowardtheeastside，idly，seekingtheshipshehadseen。Itwasfouro’clockbeforethe，waningday，withitssuggestionofacoolerevening，causedhim，toreturn。Hewashungryandwouldenjoyeatinginthewarm，room。
Whenhereachedtheflatbyhalf-pastfive，itwasstilldark。
HeknewthatCarriewasnotthere，notonlybecausetherewasno，lightshowingthroughthetransom，butbecausetheeveningpapers，werestuckbetweentheoutsideknobandthedoor。Heopenedwith，hiskeyandwentin。Everythingwasstilldark。Lightingthe，gas，hesatdown，preparingtowaitalittlewhile。Evenif，Carriedidcomenow，dinnerwouldbelate。Hereaduntilsix，thengotuptofixsomethingforhimself。
Ashedidso，henoticedthattheroomseemedalittlequeer。
Whatwasit？Helookedaround，asifhemissedsomething，and，thensawanenvelopenearwherehehadbeensitting。Itspoke，foritself，almostwithoutfurtheractiononhispart。
Reachingover，hetookit，asortofchillsettlinguponhimeven，whilehereached。Thecrackleoftheenvelopeinhishandswas，loud。Greenpapermoneylaysoftwithinthenote。
“DearGeorge，“heread，crunchingthemoneyinonehand，“I’m，goingaway。I’mnotcomingbackanymore。It’snousetryingto，keepuptheflat;Ican’tdoit。Iwouldn’tmindhelpingyou，if，Icould，butIcan’tsupportusboth，andpaytherent。Ineed，whatlittleImaketopayformyclothes。I’mleavingtwenty，dollars。It’sallIhavejustnow。Youcandowhateveryoulike，withthefurniture。Iwon’twantit——CARRIE。
Hedroppedthenoteandlookedquietlyround。Nowheknewwhat，hemissed。Itwasthelittleornamentalclock，whichwashers。
Ithadgonefromthemantelpiece。Hewentintothefrontroom，hisbedroom，theparlour，lightingthegasashewent。Fromthe，chiffonierhadgonetheknick-knacksofsilverandplate。From，thetable-top，thelacecoverings。Heopenedthewardrobe——no，clothesofhers。Heopenedthedrawers——nothingofhers。Her，trunkwasgonefromitsaccustomedplace。Backinhisownroom，hunghisoldclothes，justashehadleftthem。Nothingelsewas，gone。
Hesteppedintotheparlourandstoodforafewmomentslooking，vacantlyatthefloor。Thesilencegrewoppressive。Thelittle，flatseemedwonderfullydeserted。Hewhollyforgotthathewas，hungry，thatitwasonlydinner-time。Itseemedlaterinthe，night。
Suddenly，hefoundthatthemoneywasstillinhishands。There，weretwentydollarsinall，asshehadsaid。Nowhewalkedback，leavingthelightsablaze，andfeelingasiftheflatwereempty。
“I’llgetoutofthis，“hesaidtohimself。
Thenthesheerlonelinessofhissituationrusheduponhimin，full。
“Leftme！”hemuttered，andrepeated，“leftme！”
Theplacethathadbeensocomfortable，wherehehadspentso，manydaysofwarmth，wasnowamemory。Somethingcolderand，chillierconfrontedhim。Hesankdowninhischair，restinghis，chininhishand——meresensation，withoutthought，holdinghim。
Thensomethinglikeabereavedaffectionandself-pitysweptover，him。
“Sheneedn’thavegoneaway，“hesaid。”I’dhavegotsomething。”
Hesatalongwhilewithoutrocking，andaddedquiteclearly，out，loud：
“Itried，didn’tI？”
Atmidnighthewasstillrocking，staringatthefloor。
ChapterXLIII
THEWORLDTURNSFLATTERER——ANEYEINTHEDARK
Installedinhercomfortableroom，CarriewonderedhowHurstwood，hadtakenherdeparture。Shearrangedafewthingshastilyand，thenleftforthetheatre，halfexpectingtoencounterhimatthe，door。Notfindinghim，herdreadlifted，andshefeltmore，kindlytowardhim。Shequiteforgothimuntilabouttocomeout，aftertheshow，whenthechanceofhisbeingtherefrightened，her。Asdayafterdaypassedandsheheardnothingatall，the，thoughtofbeingbotheredbyhimpassed。Inalittlewhileshe，was，exceptforoccasionalthoughts，whollyfreeofthegloom，withwhichherlifehadbeenweighedintheflat。
Itiscurioustonotehowquicklyaprofessionabsorbsone。
Carriebecamewiseintheatricallore，hearingthegossipof，littleLola。Shelearnedwhatthetheatricalpaperswere，which，onespublisheditemsaboutactressesandthelike。Shebeganto，readthenewspapernotices，notonlyoftheoperainwhichshe，hadsosmallapart，butofothers。Graduallythedesirefor，noticetookholdofher。Shelongedtoberenownedlikeothers，andreadwithavidityallthecomplimentaryorcriticalcomments，madeconcerningothershighinherprofession。Theshowyworld，inwhichherinterestlaycompletelyabsorbedher。
Itwasaboutthistimethatthenewspapersandmagazineswere，beginningtopaythatillustrativeattentiontothebeautiesof，thestagewhichhassincebecomefervid。Thenewspapers，and，particularlytheSundaynewspapers，indulgedinlargedecorative，theatricalpages，inwhichthefacesandformsofwell-known，theatricalcelebritiesappeared，enclosedwithartisticscrolls。
Themagazinesalsooratleastoneortwoofthenewerones——
publishedoccasionalportraitsofprettystars，andnowandagain，photosofscenesfromvariousplays。Carriewatchedthesewith，growinginterest。Whenwouldascenefromheroperaappear？When，wouldsomepaperthinkherphotoworthwhile？
TheSundaybeforetakinghernewpartshescannedthetheatrical，pagesforsomelittlenotice。Itwouldhaveaccordedwithher，expectationsifnothinghadbeensaid，butthereinthesquibs，tailingoffseveralmoresubstantialitems，wasaweenotice。
Carriereaditwithatinglingbody：
“ThepartofKatisha，thecountrymaid，in’TheWivesofAbdul’
attheBroadway，heretoforeplayedbyInezCarew，willbe，hereafterfilledbyCarrieMadenda，oneofthecleverestmembers，ofthechorus。”
Carriehuggedherselfwithdelight。Oh，wasn’titjustfine！At，last！Thefirst，thelong-hopedfor，thedelightfulnotice！And，theycalledherclever。Shecouldhardlyrestrainherselffrom，laughingloudly。HadLolaseenit？
“They’vegotanoticehereofthepartI’mgoingtoplayto-
morrownight，“saidCarrietoherfriend。
“Oh，jolly！Havethey？”criedLola，runningtoher。”That’sall，right，“shesaid，looking。”You’llgetmorenow，ifyoudowell。
Ihadmypictureinthe’World’once。”
“Didyou？”askedCarrie。
“DidI？Well，Ishouldsay，“returnedthelittlegirl。”Theyhad，aframearoundit。”
Carrielaughed。
“They’veneverpublishedmypicture。”
“Buttheywill，“saidLola。”You’llsee。Youdobetterthan，mostthatgettheirsinnow。”
Carriefeltdeeplygratefulforthis。ShealmostlovedLolafor，thesympathyandpraisesheextended。Itwassohelpfultoher——
soalmostnecessary。
Fulfillingherpartcapablybroughtanothernoticeinthepapers，thatshewasdoingherworkacceptably。Thispleasedher，immensely。Shebegantothinktheworldwastakingnoteofher。
Thefirstweekshegotherthirty-fivedollars，itseemedan，enormoussum。Payingonlythreedollarsforroomrentseemed，ridiculous。AftergivingLolahertwenty-five，shestillhad，sevendollarsleft。Withfourleftoverfrompreviousearnings，shehadeleven。Fiveofthiswenttopaytheregularinstallment，ontheclothesshehadtobuy。Thenextweekshewasevenin，greaterfeather。Now，onlythreedollarsneedbepaidforroom，rentandfiveonherclothes。Therestshehadforfoodandher，ownwhims。
“You’dbettersavealittleforsummer，“cautionedLola。”We’ll，probablycloseinMay。”
“Iintendto，“saidCarrie。
Theregularentranceofthirty-fivedollarsaweektoonewhohas，enduredscantallowancesforseveralyearsisademoralising，thing。Carriefoundherpurseburstingwithgoodgreenbillsof，comfortabledenominations。Havingnoonedependentuponher，she，begantobuyprettyclothesandpleasingtrinkets，toeatwell，andtoornamentherroom。Friendswerenotlongingathering，about。ShemetafewyoungmenwhobelongedtoLola’sstaff。
Themembersoftheoperacompanymadeheracquaintancewithout，theformalityofintroduction。Oneofthesediscoveredafancy，forher。Onseveraloccasionshestrolledhomewithher。
“Let’sstopinandhaveararebit，“hesuggestedonemidnight。
“Verywell，“saidCarrie。
Intherosyrestaurant，filledwiththemerryloversoflate，hours，shefoundherselfcriticisingthisman。Hewastoo，stilted，tooself-opinionated。Hedidnottalkofanythingthat，liftedherabovethecommonrunofclothesandmaterialsuccess。
Whenitwasallover，hesmiledmostgraciously。
“Gottogostraighthome，haveyou？”hesaid。
“Yes，“sheanswered，withanairofquietunderstanding。
“She’snotsoinexperiencedasshelooks，“hethought，and，thereafterhisrespectandardourwereincreased。
ShecouldnothelpsharinginLola’sloveforagoodtime。There，weredayswhentheywentcarriageriding，nightswhenafterthe，showtheydined，afternoonswhentheystrolledalongBroadway，tastefullydressed。Shewasgettinginthemetropolitanwhirlof，pleasure。
Atlastherpictureappearedinoneoftheweeklies。Shehadnot，knownofit，andittookherbreath。”MissCarrieMadenda，“it，waslabelled。”Oneofthefavouritesof’TheWivesofAbdul’
company。”AtLola’sadviceshehadhadsomepicturestakenby，Sarony。Theyhadgotonethere。Shethoughtofgoingdownand，buyingafewcopiesofthepaper，butrememberedthattherewas，noonesheknewwellenoughtosendthemto。OnlyLola，apparently，inalltheworldwasinterested。
Themetropolisisacoldplacesocially，andCarriesoonfound，thatalittlemoneybroughthernothing。Theworldofwealthand，distinctionwasquiteasfarawayasever。Shecouldfeelthat，therewasnowarm，sympatheticfriendshipbackoftheeasy，merrimentwithwhichmanyapproachedher。Allseemedtobe，seekingtheirownamusement，regardlessofthepossiblesad，consequencetoothers。SomuchforthelessonsofHurstwoodand，Drouet。
InAprilshelearnedthattheoperawouldprobablylastuntilthe，middleortheendofMay，accordingtothesizeoftheaudiences。
Nextseasonitwouldgoontheroad。Shewonderedifshewould，bewithit。Asusual，MissOsborne，owingtohermoderate，salary，wasforsecuringahomeengagement。
“They’reputtingonasummerplayattheCasino，“sheannounced，afterfigurativelyputtinghereartotheground。”Let’stryand，getinthat。”
“I’mwilling，“saidCarrie。
Theytriedintimeandwereapprisedoftheproperdatetoapply，again。ThatwasMay16th。MeanwhiletheirownshowclosedMay，5th。
“Thosethatwanttogowiththeshownextseason，“saidthe，manager，“willhavetosignthisweek。”
“Don’tyousign，“advisedLola。”Iwouldn’tgo。”
“Iknow，“saidCarrie，“butmaybeIcan’tgetanythingelse。”
“Well，Iwon’t，“saidthelittlegirl，whohadaresourceinher，admirers。”IwentonceandIdidn’thaveanythingattheendof，theseason。”
Carriethoughtthisover。Shehadneverbeenontheroad。
“Wecangetalong，“addedLola。”Ialwayshave。”
Carriedidnotsign。
ThemanagerwhowasputtingonthesummerskitattheCasinohad，neverheardofCarrie，buttheseveralnoticesshehadreceived，herpublishedpicture，andtheprogrammebearinghernamehad，somelittleweightwithhim。Hegaveherasilentpartatthirty，dollarsaweek。
“Didn’tItellyou？”saidLola。”Itdoesn’tdoyouanygoodto，goawayfromNewYork。Theyforgetallaboutyouifyoudo。”
Now，becauseCarriewaspretty，thegentlemenwhomadeupthe，advanceillustrationsofshowsabouttoappearfortheSunday，papersselectedCarrie’sphotoalongwithotherstoillustrate，theannouncement。Becauseshewasverypretty，theygaveit，excellentspaceanddrewscrollsaboutit。Carriewasdelighted。
Still，themanagementdidnotseemtohaveseenanythingofit。
Atleast，nomoreattentionwaspaidtoherthanbefore。Atthe，sametimethereseemedverylittleinherpart。Itconsistedof，standingaroundinallsortsofscenes，asilentlittle，Quakeress。Theauthoroftheskithadfanciedthatagreatdeal，couldbemadeofsuchapart，giventotherightactress，but，now，sinceithadbeendoledouttoCarrie，hewouldasleave，havehaditcutout。
“Don’tkick，oldman，“remarkedthemanager。”Ifitdon’tgothe，firstweekwewillcutitout。”
Carriehadnowarningofthishalcyonintention。Shepractised，herpartruefully，feelingthatshewaseffectuallyshelved。At，thedressrehearsalshewasdisconsolate。
“Thatisn’tsobad，“saidtheauthor，themanagernotingthe，curiouseffectwhichCarrie’sblueshaduponthepart。”Tellher，tofrownalittlemorewhenSparksdances。”
Carriedidnotknowit，buttherewastheleastshowofwrinkles，betweenhereyesandhermouthwaspuckeredquaintly。
“Frownalittlemore，MissMadenda，“saidthestagemanager。
Carrieinstantlybrightenedup，thinkinghehadmeantitasa，rebuke。
“No;frown，“hesaid。”Frownasyoudidbefore。”
Carrielookedathiminastonishment。
“Imeanit，“hesaid。”FrownhardwhenMr。Sparksdances。I
wanttoseehowitlooks。”
Itwaseasyenoughtodo。Carriescowled。Theeffectwas，somethingsoquaintanddrollitcaughteventhemanager。
“Thatisgood，“hesaid。”Ifshe’lldothatallthrough，Ithink，itwilltake。”
GoingovertoCarrie，hesaid：
“Supposeyoutryfrowningallthrough。Doithard。Lookmad。
It’llmakethepartreallyfunny。”
OntheopeningnightitlookedtoCarrieasiftherewerenothing，toherpart，afterall。Thehappy，swelteringaudiencedidnot，seemtoseeherinthefirstact。Shefrownedandfrowned，but，tonoeffect。Eyeswereriveteduponthemoreelaborateefforts，ofthestars。
Inthesecondact，thecrowd，weariedbyadullconversation，rovedwithitseyesaboutthestageandsightedher。Thereshe，was，grey-suited，sweet-faced，demure，butscowling。Atfirst，thegeneralideawasthatshewastemporarilyirritated，thatthe，lookwasgenuineandnotfunatall。Asshewentonfrowning，lookingnowatoneprincipalandnowattheother，theaudience，begantosmile。Theportlygentlemeninthefrontrowsbeganto，feelthatshewasadeliciouslittlemorsel。Itwasthekindof，frowntheywouldhavelovedtoforceawaywithkisses。Allthe，gentlemenyearnedtowardher。Shewascapital。
Atlast，thechiefcomedian，singinginthecentreofthestage，noticedagigglewhereitwasnotexpected。Thenanotherand，another。Whentheplacecameforloudapplauseitwasonly，moderate。Whatcouldbethetrouble？Herealisedthatsomething，wasup。
Allatonce，afteranexit，hecaughtsightofCarrie。Shewas，frowningaloneonthestageandtheaudiencewasgigglingand，laughing。
“ByGeorge，Iwon’tstandthat！”thoughtthethespian。”I’mnot，goingtohavemyworkcutupbysomeoneelse。Eithershequits，thatwhenIdomyturnorIquit。”
“Why，that’sallright，“saidthemanager，whenthekickcame。
“That’swhatshe’ssupposedtodo。Youneedn’tpayanyattention，tothat。”
“Butsheruinsmywork。”
“No，shedon’t，“returnedtheformer，soothingly。”It’sonlya，littlefunontheside。”
“Itis，eh？”exclaimedthebigcomedian。”Shekilledmyhandall，right。I’mnotgoingtostandthat。”
“Well，waituntilaftertheshow。Waituntilto-morrow。We’ll，seewhatwecando。”
Thenextact，however，settledwhatwastobedone。Carriewas，thechieffeatureoftheplay。Theaudience，themoreitstudied，her，themoreitindicateditsdelight。Everyotherfeature，paledbesidethequaint，teasing，delightfulatmospherewhich，Carriecontributedwhileonthestage。Managerandcompany，realisedshehadmadeahit。
Thecriticsofthedailypaperscompletedhertriumph。There，werelongnoticesinpraiseofthequalityoftheburlesque，touchedwithrecurrentreferencestoCarrie。Thecontagious，mirthofthethingwasrepeatedlyemphasised。
“MissMadendapresentsoneofthemostdelightfulbitsof，characterworkeverseenontheCasinostage，“observedthestage，criticofthe“Sun。”，“Itisabitofquiet，unassumingdrollery，whichwarmslikegoodwine。Evidentlythepartwasnotintended，totakeprecedence，asMissMadendaisnotoftenonthestage，buttheaudience，withthecharacteristicperversityofsuch，bodies，selectedforitself。ThelittleQuakeresswasmarkedfor，afavouritethemomentsheappeared，andthereaftereasilyheld，attentionandapplause。Thevagariesoffortuneareindeed，curious。”
Thecriticofthe“EveningWorld，“seekingasusualtoestablish，acatchphrasewhichshould“go“withthetown，woundupby，advising：“Ifyouwishtobemerry，seeCarriefrown。”
TheresultwasmiraculoussofarasCarrie’sfortunewas，concerned。Evenduringthemorningshereceivedacongratulatory，messagefromthemanager。
“Youseemtohavetakenthetownbystorm，“hewrote。”Thisis，delightful。Iamasgladforyoursakeasformyown。”
Theauthoralsosentword。
Thateveningwhensheenteredthetheatrethemanagerhadamost，pleasantgreetingforher。
“Mr。Stevens，“hesaid，referringtotheauthor，“ispreparinga，littlesong，whichhewouldlikeyoutosingnextweek。”
“Oh，Ican’tsing，“returnedCarrie。
“Itisn’tanythingdifficult。’It’ssomethingthatisvery，simple，’hesays，’andwouldsuityouexactly。’“
“Ofcourse，Iwouldn’tmindtrying，“saidCarrie，archly。
“Wouldyoumindcomingtothebox-officeafewmomentsbeforeyou，dress？”observedthemanager，inaddition。”There’salittle，matterIwanttospeaktoyouabout。”
“Certainly，“repliedCarrie。
Inthatlatterplacethemanagerproducedapaper。
“Now，ofcourse，“hesaid，“wewanttobefairwithyouinthe，matterofsalary。Yourcontracthereonlycallsforthirty，dollarsaweekforthenextthreemonths。Howwoulditdoto，makeit，say，onehundredandfiftyaweekandextenditfor，twelvemonths？”
“Oh，verywell，“saidCarrie，scarcelybelievingherears。
“Supposing，then，youjustsignthis。”