Scarlet Stockings (Louisa May Alcott)

Chapter 1 I. HOW THEY WALKED INTO LENNOX'S LIFE. "COME out for a drive, Harry?" " oo cold!" "Have a ga"e of #illiards?" " oo tired!" "$o and call on t%e &airc%ilds?" "Having an unfortunate 're(udice against country girls, ) res'ectfully decline!" "*%at +ill you do t%en?" ",ot%ing, t%ank you!" And settling %i"self "ore lu-uriously u'on t%e couc%, Lenno- closed %is eyes, and a''eared to slu"#er tran.uilly! /ate s%ook %er %ead, and stood regarding %er #rot%er, des'ondently, till a sudden idea "ade %er turn to+ard t%e +indo+, e-clai"ing a#ru'tly, "Scarlet stockings, Harry0" "*%ere?" and, as if t%e +ords +ere a s'ell to #reak t%e dee'est day1drea", Lenno- %urried to t%e +indo+, +it% an unusual e-'ression of interest in %is listless face! ") t%oug%t t%at +ould succeed0 S%e isn2t t%ere, #ut )2ve got you u', and you are not to go do+n again," laug%ed /ate, taking 'ossession of t%e sofa! ",ot a #ad "anoeuvre! ) don2t "ind3 it2s a#out ti"e for t%e one interesting event of t%e day to occur, so )2ll +atc% for "yself, t%ank you," and Lenno- took t%e easy c%air #y t%e +indo+ +it% a s%rug and a ya+n! ")2" glad any t%ing does interest you," said /ate, 'etulantly, "t%oug% ) don2t t%ink it a"ounts to "uc%, for, t%oug% you 'erc% yourself at t%e +indo+ every day to see t%at girl 'ass, you don2t care enoug% a#out it to ask %er na"e!" ")2ve #een +aiting to #e told!" ")t2s 4elle Morgan, t%e 5octor2s daug%ter, and "y dearest friend!"

" %en, of course, s%e is a #lue1#elle?" "5on2t try to #e +itty or sarcastic +it% %er, for s%e +ill #eat you at t%at!" ",ot a du"#1#elle t%en?" "6uite t%e reverse3 s%e talks a good deal, and very +ell too, +%en s%e likes!" "S%e is very 'retty3 %as any#ody t%e rig%t to call %er 2Ma #elle2?" "Many +ould #e glad to do so, #ut s%e +on2t %ave any t%ing to say to t%e"!" "A Canter#ury #elle in every sense of t%e +ord t%en?" "S%e "ig%t #e, for all Canter#ury loves %er, #ut s%e isn2t fas%iona#le, and %as "ore friends a"ong t%e 'oor t%an a"ong t%e ric%!" "A%, ) see, a diving1#ell, +%o kno+s %o+ to go do+n into a sea of trou#les, and #ring u' t%e 'earls +ort% %aving!" ")2ll tell %er t%at, it +ill 'lease %er! 7ou are really +aking u', Harry," and /ate s"iled a''rovingly u'on %i"! " %is 'age of 24elle2s Life2 is rat%er a"using, so read a+ay," said Lenno-, glancing u' t%e street, as if %e a+aited t%e a''earance of t%e ne-t edition +it% 'leasure! " %ere isn2t "uc% to tell3 s%e is a nice, #rig%t, energetic, +ar"1%earted dear3 t%e 'ride of t%e 5octor2s %eart, and a favorite +it% every one, t%oug% s%e is odd! "Ho+ odd?" "5oes and says +%at s%e likes, is very #lunt and %onest, %as ideas and 'rinci'les of %er o+n, goes to 'arties in %ig% dresses, +on2t dance round dances, and +ears red stockings, t%oug% Mrs! 8lantagenet says it2s fast!" "9at%er a (olly little 'erson, ) fancy! *%y %aven2t +e "et %er at so"e of t%e tea1 fig%ts and "uffin1+orries +e2ve #een to lately?" ")t "ay "ake you angry, #ut it +ill do you good, so )2ll tell! S%e didn2t care enoug% a#out seeing t%e distinguis%ed stranger to co"e3 t%at2s t%e trut%!" "Sensi#le girl, to s'are %erself %ours of "ortal dulness, gossi', and dys'e'sia," +as t%e 'lacid re'ly!

"S%e %as seen you, t%oug%, at c%urc% and da+dling a#out to+n, and s%e called you 2Sir C%arles Coldstrea"2 on t%e s'ot! Ho+ does t%at suit?" asked /ate, "aliciously! ",ot #ad, ) rat%er like t%at! *is% s%e2d call so"e day, and stir us u'!" "S%e +on2t3 ) asked %er, #ut s%e said s%e +as very #usy, and told :essy udor, s%e +asn2t fond of 'eacocks!" ") don2t e-actly see t%e connection!" "Stu'id #oy0 s%e "eant you, of course!" "O%, )2" 'eacocks, a" )?" ") don2t +is% to #e rude, #ut ) really do t%ink you are vain of your good looks, elegant acco"'lis%"ents, and t%e i"'ression you "ake +%erever you go! *%en it2s +ort% +%ile you e-ert yourself, and are altoget%er fascinating, #ut t%e 2) co"e 11 see 11 and 11 con.uer2 air you 'ut on, s'oils it all for sensi#le 'eo'le!" ")t strikes "e t%at Miss Morgan %as slig%tly infected you +it% %er oddity as far as #luntness goes! &ire a+ay, it2s rat%er a"using to #e a#used +%en one is dying of ennui!" " %at2s grateful and co"'li"entary to "e, +%en ) %ave devoted "yself to you ever since you ca"e! 4ut every t%ing #ores you, and t%e only sign of interest you2ve s%o+n is in t%ose a#surd red %ose! ) s%ould like to kno+ +%at t%e c%ar" is," said /ate, s%ar'ly! ")"'ossi#le to say3 acce't t%e fact cal"ly as ) do, and #e grateful t%at t%ere is one gli"'se of color, life, and s'irit in t%is aristocratic to"# of a to+n!" "7ou are not o#liged to stay in it0" fiercely! "4egging your 'ardon, "y dove, #ut ) a"! ) 'ro"ised to give you "y enlivening society for a "ont%, and a Lenno- kee's %is +ord, even at t%e cost of %is life!" ")2" sorry ) asked suc% a sacrifice3 #ut ) innocently t%oug%t t%at after #eing a+ay for five long years, you "ig%t care to see your or'%an sister," and t%e dove 'roduced %er %andkerc%ief +it% a 'laintive sniff! ",o+, "y dear creature, don2t #e "elodra"atic, ) #eg of you," cried %er #rot%er, i"'loringly! ") +is%ed to co"e, ) 'ined to e"#race you, and ) give you "y +ord, ) don2t #la"e you for t%e stu'idity of t%is confounded 'lace!" ")t never +as so gay as since you ca"e, for every one %as tried to "ake it 'leasant for you," cried /ate, ruffled at %is indifference to t%e %os'ita#le efforts

of %erself and friends! "4ut you don2t care for any of our si"'le a"use"ents, #ecause you are s'oilt #y t%e flattery, gayety, and nonsense of foreign society! )f ) didn2t kno+ it +as %alf affectation, ) s%ould #e in des'air, you are so #lase and a#surd! )t2s al+ays t%e +ay +it% "en, if one %a''ens to #e %andso"e, acco"'lis%ed, and talented, %e 'uts on as "any airs, and is as vain as any silly girl!" "5on2t you t%ink if you took #reat%, you2d get on faster, "y dear?" asked t%e i"'ertur#a#le gentle"an, as /ate 'aused +it% a gas'! ") kno+ it2s useless for "e to talk, as you don2t care a stra+ +%at ) say, #ut it2s true, and so"e day you2ll +is% you %ad done so"et%ing +ort% doing all t%ese years! ) +as so 'roud of you, so fond of you, t%at ) can2t %el' #eing disa''ointed, to find you +it% no "ore a"#ition t%an to kill ti"e co"forta#ly, no interest in any t%ing #ut your o+n 'leasures, and only energy enoug% to a"use yourself +it% a 'air of scarlet stockings!" 8at%etic as 'oor /ate2s face and voice +ere, it +as i"'ossi#le to %el' laug%ing at t%e co"ical conclusion of %er la"ent! Lenno- tried to %ide t%e s"ile on %is li's #y affecting to curl %is "oustac%e +it% care, and to ga;e 'ensively out as if touc%ed #y %er a''eal! 4ut %e +asn2t, o%, #less you, no0 s%e +as only %is sister, and, t%oug% s%e "ig%t %ave talked +it% t%e +isdo" of Solo"on, and t%e elo.uence of 5e"ost%enes, it +ouldn2t %ave done a 'article of good! Sisters do very +ell to +ork for one, to 'et one, and 'lay confidante +%en one2s love affairs need fe"inine +it to conduct t%e", #ut +%en t%ey #egin to re'rove, or criticise or "orali;e, it +on2t do, and can2t #e allo+ed, of course! Lenno- never snu##ed any#ody, #ut #landly e-tinguis%ed t%e" #y a 'olite ac.uiescence in all t%eir affir"ations, for t%e ti"e #eing, and t%en +ent on in %is o+n +ay as if not%ing %ad #een said! ") dare say you are rig%t3 )2ll go and t%ink over your very sensi#le advice," and, as if roused to un+onted e-ertion #y t%e stings of an accusing conscience, %e left t%e roo" a#ru'tly! ") do #elieve )2ve "ade an i"'ression at last0 He2s actually gone out to t%ink over +%at )2ve said! 5ear Harry, ) +as sure %e %ad a %eart, if one only kne+ %o+ to get at it0" and +it% a sig% of satisfaction /ate +ent to t%e +indo+ to #e%old t%e "dear Harry" going #riskly do+n t%e street after a 'air of scarlet stockings! A s'ark of anger kindled in %er eyes as s%e +atc%ed %i", and +%en %e vanis%ed, s%e still stood knitting %er #ro+s in dee' t%oug%t, for a grand idea +as da+ning u'on %er! )t +as a dull to+n3 no one could deny t%at, for every#ody +as so intensely 'ro'er and +ell1#orn, t%at no#ody dared to #e (olly! All t%e %ouses +ere s.uare, aristocratic "ansions +it% 9evolutionary el"s in front and s'acious coac%1 %ouses #e%ind! %e knockers %ad a su'ercilious 'erk to t%eir #ron;e or #rass noses, t%e dandelions on t%e la+ns %ad a %ig%ly connected air, and t%e very 'igs

+ere evidently descended fro" "our first fa"ilies!" Stately dinner1'arties, decorous dances, "oral 'icnics, and "uc% tea1'ot gossi'ing +ere t%e social resources of t%e 'lace! Of course, t%e young 'eo'le flirted, for t%at diversion is a''arently irradica#le even in t%e "#est society," #ut it +as done +it% a 'ro'riety +%ic% +as edifying to #e%old! One can easily i"agine t%at suc% a starc%ed state of t%ings +ould not #e 'articularly attractive to a travelled young gentle"an like Lenno-, +%o, as /ate very truly said, %ad #een s'oilt #y t%e flattery, lu-ury, and gayety of foreign society! He did %is #est, #ut #y t%e end of t%e first +eek ennui clai"ed %i" for its o+n, and 'assive endurance +as all t%at +as left %i"! &ro" 'erfect des'air %e +as rescued #y t%e scarlet stockings, +%ic% +ent tri''ing #y one day as %e stood at t%e +indo+, 'lanning so"e "eans of esca'e! A #risk, #lit%e1faced girl 'assed in a grey +alking suit +it% a distracting 'air of %ig%1%eeled #oots and gli"'ses of scarlet at t%e ankle! Modest, 'erfectly so, ) assure you, +ere t%e gli"'ses, #ut t%e feet +ere so decidedly 'retty t%at one forgot to look at t%e face a''ertaining t%ereunto! )t +asn2t a re"arka#ly lovely face, #ut it +as a %a''y, +%oleso"e one, +it% all sorts of good little di"'les in c%eek and c%in, suns%iny t+inkles in t%e #lack eyes, and a decided, yet lova#le look a#out t%e "out% t%at +as .uite satisfactory! A #usy, #ustling little #ody s%e see"ed to #e, for sack1'ockets and "uff +ere full of #undles, and t%e tri" #oots tri''ed #riskly over t%e ground, as if t%e girl2s %eart +ere as lig%t as %er %eels! So"e%o+ t%is active, 'leasant figure see"ed to +ake u' t%e +%ole street, and leave a streak of suns%ine #e%ind it, for every one nodded as it 'assed, and t%e 'ri""est faces rela-ed into s"iles, +%ic% lingered +%en t%e girl %ad gone! "<nco""only 'retty feet 11 s%e +alks +ell, +%ic% A"erican girls seldo" do 11 all +addle or 'rance 11 nice face, #ut t%e #oots are &renc%, and it does "y %eart good to see 2e"!" Lenno- "ade t%ese o#servations to %i"self as t%e young lady a''roac%ed, nodded to /ate at anot%er +indo+, gave a .uick #ut co"'re%ensive glance at %i"self and trotted round t%e corner, leaving t%e i"'ression on %is "ind t%at a +%iff of fres% s'ring air %ad #lo+n t%roug% t%e street in s'ite of t%e 5ece"#er sno+! He didn2t trou#le %i"self to ask +%o it +as, #ut fell into t%e +ay of lounging in t%e #ay1+indo+ at a#out t%ree 8! M!, and +atc%ing t%e grey and scarlet figure 'ass +it% its #loo"ing c%eeks, #rig%t eyes, and elastic ste'! Having not%ing else to do, %e took to 'etting t%is ne+ +%i", and .uite de'ended on t%e daily stirring1u' +%ic% t%e sig%t of t%e energetic da"sel gave %i"! /ate sa+ it all, #ut took no notice till t%e day of t%e little tiff a#ove recorded3 after t%at s%e +as as soft as a su""er sea, and #y so"e clever stroke %ad 4elle Morgan to tea t%at very +eek! Lenno- +as one of t%e #est te"'ered fello+s in t%e +orld, #ut t%e "'eacocks" did rat%er nettle %i" #ecause t%ere +as so"e trut% in t%e insinuation3 so %e took care to 'ut on no airs or try to #e fascinating in t%e 'resence of Miss 4elle!

)n trut% %e soon forgot %i"self entirely, and en(oyed %er oddities +it% a relis%, after t%e 'ri" 'ro'rieties of t%e ot%er young ladies +%o %ad si"'ered and sig%ed #efore %i"! &or t%e first ti"e in %is life, t%e "Crus%er," as %is "ale friends called %i", got crus%ed3 for 4elle, +it% t%e su#tle skill of a .uick1+itted, keen1sig%ted girl, soon sa+ and conde"ned t%e elegant affectations +%ic% ot%ers called foreign 'olis%! A look, a +ord, a gesture fro" a 'retty +o"an is often "ore elo.uent and i"'ressive t%an "oral essays or se"i1occasional t+inges of conscience, and in t%e 'resence of one satirical little 'erson, Sir C%arles Coldstrea" soon ceased to deserve t%e na"e! 4elle see"ed to get over %er %urry and to find ti"e for occasional rela-ation, #ut one never kne+ in +%at "ood %e "ig%t find %er, for t%e +eat%ercock +as not "ore c%angea#le t%an s%e! Lenno- liked t%at, and found t%e "uffin1+orries .uite endura#le +it% t%is sauce 'i.uante to relieve t%eir insi'idity! 8resently %e discovered t%at %e +as suffering for e-ercise, and for"ed t%e +%oleso"e %a#it of 'ro"enading t%e to+n a#out t%ree 8! M!3 /ate said, to follo+ t%e scarlet stockings! Chapter 2 II. WHERE THEY LED HIM. "*H) HE9 a+ay, Miss Morgan?" asked Lenno-, as %e overtook %er one #itter cold day! ")2" taking "y constitutional!" "So a" )!" "*it% a difference," and 4elle glanced at t%e #lue1nosed, "uffled1u' gentle"an strolling along #eside %er +it% an occasional s%iver and s%rug! "After a +inter in t%e sout% of &rance one don2t find arctic +eat%er like t%is easy to #ear," %e said, +it% a disgusted air! ") like it, and do "y five or si- "iles a day, +%ic% kee's "e in +%at fine ladies call 2rude %ealt%,2 ans+ered 4elle, +alking %i" on at a 'ace +%ic% soon "ade %is furs a #urden! S%e +as a fa"ous 'edestrian, and a little 'roud of %er 'o+ers, #ut s%e outdid all for"er feats t%at day, and got over t%e ground in gallant style! So"et%ing in %er "anner 'ut %er escort on %is "ettle, and %is usual lounge +as turned into a #risk "arc% +%ic% set %is #lood dancing, face glo+ing, and s'irits effervescing as t%ey %ad not done for "any a day!

" %ere0 you look "ore like your real self no+," said 4elle, +it% t%e first sign of a''roval s%e %ad ever vouc%safed %i", as %e re(oined %er after a race to recover %er veil, +%ic% t%e +ind +%isked a+ay over %edge and ditc%! "Are you sure you kno+ +%at "y real self is?" %e asked, +it% a touc% of t%e "con.uering %ero" air! ",ot a dou#t of it! ) al+ays kno+ a soldier +%en ) see one," returned 4elle, decidedly! "A soldier0 t%at2s t%e last t%ing ) s%ould e-'ect to #e accused of," and Lennolooked #ot% sur'rised and gratified! " %ere2s a flas% in your eye and a ring to your voice, occasionally, +%ic% "ade "e sus'ect t%at you %ad fire and energy enoug% if you only c%ose to s%o+ it, and t%e s'irit +it% +%ic% you %ave (ust e-ecuted t%e 2Morgan 6uick ste'2 'roves t%at ) +as rig%t," returned 4elle, laug%ing! " %en ) a" not altoget%er a 2'eacock?2" said Lenno-, significantly, for during t%e c%at, +%ic% %ad #een as #risk as t%e +alk, 4elle %ad given %is #esetting sins several sly %its, and %e couldn2t resist one return s%ot, "uc% as %er une-'ected co"'li"ent 'leased %i"! 8oor 4elle #lus%ed u' to %er fore%ead, tried to look as if s%e did not understand, and gladly %id %er confusion #e%ind t%e recovered veil +it%out a +ord! %ere +as a decided dis'lay #ot% of t%e "flas%" and t%e "ring," as Lenno- looked at t%e suddenly su#dued young lady, and, .uite satisfied +it% %is retaliation, gave t%e order 11 "&or+ard, "arc%0" +%ic% #roug%t t%e" to t%e garden1gate #reat%less, #ut #etter friends t%an #efore! %e ne-t ti"e t%e young 'eo'le "et, 4elle +as in suc% a %urry t%at s%e +ent round t%e corner +it% an a#stracted e-'ression +%ic% +as .uite a triu"'% of art! :ust t%en, off tu"#led t%e lid of t%e #asket s%e carried, and Lenno-, rescuing it fro" a 'uddle, o#ligingly %el'ed read(ust it over a funny collection of #ottles, dis%es, and tidy little rolls of all sorts! ")t2s very %eavy, "ayn2t ) carry it for you?" %e asked, in an insinuating "anner! ",o, t%ank you," +as on 4elle2s li's, #ut o#serving t%at %e +as got u' +it% unusual elegance to 'ay calls, s%e couldn2t resist t%e te"'tation of "aking a #east of #urden of %i", and took %i" at %is +ord! "7ou "ay, if you like! )2ve got "ore #undles to take fro" t%e store, and anot%er 'air of %ands +on2t co"e a"iss!"

Lenno- lifted %is eye#ro+s, also t%e #asket, and t%ey +ent on again, 4elle very "uc% a#sor#ed in %er #usiness, and %er escort +ondering +%ere t%e dickens s%e +as going +it% all t%at ru##is%! &illing %is unoccu'ied %and +it% sundry #ro+n 'a'er 'arcels, "uc% to t%e detri"ent of t%e lig%t kid t%at covered it, 4elle 'araded %i" do+n t%e "ain street #efore t%e +indo+s of t%e "ost aristocratic "ansions, and t%en dived into a dirty #ack1lane, +%ere t%e +ant and "isery of t%e to+n +as decorously ke't out of sig%t! "7ou don2t "ind scarlet fever, ) su''ose?" o#served 4elle, as t%ey a''roac%ed t%e unsavory residence of 4iddy O24rien! "*ell, )2" not e-actly 'artial to it," said Lenno-, rat%er taken a#ack! "7ou needn2t go in if you are afraid, or s'eak to "e after+ards, so no %ar" +ill #e done 11 e-ce't to your gloves!" "*%y do you co"e %ere, if ) "ay ask? )t isn2t t%e sort of a"use"ent ) s%ould reco""end," %e #egan, evidently disa''roving of t%e ste'! "O%, )2" used to it, and like to 'lay nurse +%ere fat%er 'lays doctor! )2" fond of c%ildren, and Mrs! O24rien2s are little dears," returned 4elle, #riskly, t%reading %er +ay #et+een as%1%ea's and "ud1'uddles as if #ound to a festive scene! ":udging fro" t%e ro+ in t%ere, ) s%ould infer t%at Mrs! O24rien %ad .uite a %erd of little dears!" "Only nine!" "And all sick?" "More or less!" "4y :ove0 it2s 'erfectly %eroic in you to visit t%is %ole in s'ite of dirt, noise, fragrance, and infection," cried Lenno-, +%o devoutly +is%ed t%at t%e sense of s"ell if not of %earing +ere te"'orarily denied %i"! "4less you, it2s t%e sort of t%ing ) en(oy, for t%ere2s no nonsense %ere3 t%e +ork you do is 'leasant if you do it %eartily, and t%e t%anks you get are +ort% %aving, ) assure you!" S%e 'ut out %er %and to relieve %i" of t%e #asket, #ut %e gave it an a''roving little s%ake, and said #riefly 11 ",ot yet, )2" co"ing in!" )t2s all very +ell to r%a'sodi;e a#out t%e e-.uisite 'leasure of doing good, to give carelessly of one2s a#undance, and en(oy t%e delusion of %aving

re"e"#ered t%e 'oor! 4ut it is a c%ea' c%arity, and never #rings t%e genuine satisfaction +%ic% t%ose kno+ +%o give t%eir "ite +it% %eart as +ell as %and, and truly love t%eir neig%#or as t%e"selves! Lenno- %ad seen "uc% fas%iona#le #enevolence, and laug%ed at it even +%ile %e i"itated it, giving generously +%en it +asn2t inconvenient! 4ut t%is +as a ne+ sort of t%ing entirely, and in s'ite of t%e dirt, t%e noise, and t%e s"ells, %e forgot t%e fever, and +as glad %e ca"e +%en 'oor Mrs! O24rien turned fro" %er sick #a#ies, e-clai"ing, +it% )ris% fervor at sig%t of 4elle, " %e Lord love ye, darlin, for re"i"#erin us +%en ivery one, #arrin2 t%e doctor, and t%e 'raste, turns t%e co+ld s%ouldt%er in our t%rou#le0" ",o+ if you really +ant to %el', (ust kee' t%is c%ild .uiet +%ile ) see to t%e sickest ones," said 4elle, du"'ing a stout infant on to %is knee, t%rusting an orange into %is %and, and leaving %i" ag%ast, +%ile s%e un'acked %er little "esses, and co"forted t%e "aternal #ird! *it% t%e cal"ness of des'eration, %er aid1de1ca"' 'ut do+n %is #est #eaver on t%e ric% soil +%ic% covered t%e floor, 'ocketed %is 8aris kids, and "aking a #i# of %is ca"#ric %andkerc%ief, gagged young 8at deliciously +it% #its of orange +%enever %e o'ened %is "out% to roar! At %er first leisure "o"ent, 4elle glanced at %i" to see %o+ %e +as getting on, and found %i" so sole"nly a#sor#ed in %is task t%at s%e +ent off into a #urst of suc% infectious "erri"ent t%at t%e O24riens, sick and +ell, (oined in it to a "an! "$ood fun, isn2t it?" s%e asked, turning do+n %er cuffs +%en t%e last s'oonful of gruel +as ad"inistered! ")2ve no dou#t of it, +%en one is used to t%e t%ing! )t co"es a little %ard at first, you kno+," returned Lenno-, +i'ing %is fore%ead, +it% a long #reat%, and sei;ing %is %at as if .uite ready to tear %i"self a+ay! "7ou2ve done very +ell for a #eginner3 so kiss t%e #a#y and co"e %o"e," said 4elle a''rovingly! ",o, t%ank you," "uttered Lenno-, trying to detac% t%e #edau#ed innocent! 4ut little 8at %ad a grateful %eart, and falling u'on %is ne+ nurse2s neck +it% a ra'turous cro+ clung t%ere like a #urr! " ake %i" off0 Let "e out of t%is0 He2s one too "any for "e0" cried t%e +retc%ed young "an in co"ic des'air! 4eing freed +it% "uc% laug%ter, %e turned and fled, follo+ed #y a s%o+er of #lessings, fro" Mrs! O24rien! As t%ey ca"e u' again into t%e 'leasant %ig%+ays, Lenno- said, a+k+ardly for %i",

" %e t%anks of t%e 'oor are e-cellent t%ings to %ave, #ut ) t%ink )2d rat%er receive t%e" #y 'ro-y! *ill you kindly s'end t%is for "e in "aking t%at 'oor soul co"forta#le?" 4ut 4elle +ouldn2t take +%at %e offered %er, s%e 'ut it #ack, saying earnestly, "$ive it yourself3 one can2t #uy #lessings, t%ey "ust #e earned or t%ey are not +ort% %aving! ry it, 'lease, and if you find it a failure, t%en )2ll gladly #e your al"oner!" %ere +as a significance in %er +ords +%ic% %e could not fail to understand! He neit%er s%rugged, dra+led, nor sauntered no+, #ut gave %er a look in +%ic% res'ect and self1re'roac% +ere "ingled, and left %er, si"'ly saying, ")2ll try it, Miss Morgan!" ",o+ isn2t s%e odd?" +%is'ered /ate to %er #rot%er, as 4elle a''eared at a little dance at Mrs! 8lantagenet2s in a %ig%1necked dress, knitting a+ay on an ar"y1 sock, as s%e greeted t%e friends +%o cro+ded round %er! "C%ar"ingly so! *%y don2t you do t%at sort of t%ing +%en you can?" ans+ered %er #rot%er, glancing at %er t%in, #are s%oulders and %ands, rendered nearly useless #y t%e tig%tness of t%e gloves! "$racious, no0 )t2s natural to %er to do so, and s%e carries it off +ell3 ) couldn2t, t%erefore ) don2t try, t%oug% ) ad"ire it in %er! $o and ask %er to dance, #efore s%e is engaged!" "S%e doesn2t dance round dances you kno+!" "S%e is dreadfully 'ri" a#out so"e t%ings and so free and easy a#out ot%ers, ) can2t understand it, do you?" "*ell, yes, ) t%ink ) do! Here2s &or#es co"ing for you, )2ll go and entertain 4elle #y a .uarrel!" He found %er in a recess out of t%e +ay of t%e rus%ing and ro"'ing, #usy +it% %er +ork, yet evidently glad to #e a"used! ") ad"ire your ad%erence to 'rinci'les, Miss 4elle, #ut don2t you find it a little %ard to sit still +%ile your friends are en(oying t%e"selves?" %e asked, sinking lu-uriously into t%e lounging c%air #eside %er! "7es, very," ans+ered 4elle +it% c%aracteristic candor! "4ut fat%er don2t a''rove of t%at sort of e-ercise, so ) console "yself +it% so"et%ing useful till "y c%ance co"es!"

"7our +ork can2t e-actly #e called orna"ental," said Lenno-, looking at t%e #ig sock! "5on2t laug% at it, sir, it is for t%e foot of t%e #rave fello+ +%o is going to fig%t for "e and %is country!" "Ha''y fello+0 May ) ask +%o %e is?" and Lenno- sat u' +it% an air of interest! "My su#stitute3 ) don2t kno+ %is na"e, for fat%er %as not got %i" yet, #ut )2" "aking socks, and to+els, and a co"fort1#ag for %i", so t%at +%en found %e "ay #e off at once!" "7ou really "ean it?" cried Lenno-! "O course ) do3 ) can2t go "yself, #ut ) can #uy a 'air of strong ar"s to fig%t for "e, and ) intend to do it! ) only %o'e %e2ll %ave t%e rig%t sort of courage and #e a credit to "e!" "*%at do you call t%e rig%t sort of courage?" asked Lenno-, so#erly! " %at +%ic% "akes a "an ready and glad to live or die for a 'rinci'le! %ere2s a c%ance for %eroes no+, if t%ere ever +as! *%en do you (oin your regi"ent?" s%e added a#ru'tly! "Haven2t t%e least idea," and Lenno- su#sided again! "4ut you intend to do so, of course?" "*%y s%ould )?" 4elle dro''ed %er +ork! "*%y s%ould you? *%at a .uestion0 4ecause you %ave %ealt%, and strengt%, and courage, and "oney to %el' on t%e good cause, and every "an s%ould give %is #est, and not dare to stay at %o"e +%en %e is needed!" "7ou forget t%at ) a" an Englis%"an, and +e rat%er 'refer to #e strictly neutral (ust no+!" "7ou are only %alf Englis%, and for your "ot%er2s sake you s%ould #e 'roud and glad to fig%t for t%e ,ort%," cried 4elle +ar"ly! ") don2t re"e"#er "y "ot%er 11 " " %at2s evident0"

"4ut ) +as a#out to add, )2ve no o#(ection to lend a %and if it isn2t too "uc% trou#le to get off," said Lenno- indifferently, for %e liked to see 4elle2s color rise, and %er eyes kindle +%ile %e 'rovoked %er! "5o you e-'ect to go Sout% in a #and#o-? 7ou2d #etter (oin one of t%e kid1glove regi"ents, t%ey say t%e dandies fig%t +ell +%en t%e ti"e co"es!" ")2ve #een a+ay so long, t%e 'atriotic fever %asn2t sei;ed "e yet, and as t%e .uarrel is none of "ine, ) t%ink, 'er%a's )2d #etter take care of /ate, and let you fig%t it out a"ong yourselves! Here2s t%e Lancers, "ay ) %ave t%e %onor?" 4ut 4elle, #eing very angry at t%is luke+ar"ness, ans+ered in %er #luntest "anner! "Having re"inded "e t%at you are a 2strictly neutral2 Englis%"an, you "ust e-cuse "e if ) decline3 ) dance only +it% loyal A"ericans," and rolling u' %er +ork +it% a defiant flouris%, s%e +alked a+ay, leaving %i" to la"ent %is loss and +onder %o+ %e could retrieve it! S%e did not s'eak to %i" again till %e stood in t%e %all +aiting for /ate, t%en 4elle ca"e do+n in t%e c%ar"ing little red %ood, and going straig%t u' to %i" +it% %er %and out, a re'entant look, and a friendly s"ile, said frankly 11 ") +as very rude3 ) +ant to #eg 'ardon of t%e Englis%, and s%ake %ands +it% t%e A"erican %alf!" So 'eace +as declared, and lasted un#roken for t%e re"aining +eek of %is stay, +%en %e 'ro'osed to take /ate to t%e city for a little gayety! Miss Morgan o'enly a''roved t%e 'lan, #ut secretly felt as if t%e to+n +as a#out to #e de'o'ulated, and tried to %ide %er "elanc%oly in %er su#stitute2s socks! %ey +ere not large enoug%, %o+ever, to a#sor# it all, and +%en Lenno- +ent to "ake %is adieu, it +as 'erfectly evident t%at t%e 5octor2s 4elle +as out of tune! %e young gentle"an #asely e-ulted over t%is, till s%e gave %i" so"et%ing else to t%ink a#out #y saying gravely, "4efore you go, ) feel as if ) oug%t to tell you so"et%ing, since /ate +on2t! )f you are offended a#out it 'lease don2t #la"e %er3 s%e "eant it kindly and so did )!" 4elle 'aused as if it +as not an easy t%ing to tell, and t%en +ent on .uickly, +it% %er eyes u'on %er +ork! " %ree +eeks ago /ate asked "e to %el' %er in a little 'lot, and ) consented, for t%e fun of t%e t%ing! S%e +anted so"et%ing to a"use and stir you u', and finding t%at "y .ueer +ays diverted you, s%e #egged "e to #e neig%#orly and let you do +%at you liked! ) didn2t care 'articularly a#out a"using you, #ut ) did t%ink you needed rousing, so for %er sake ) tried to do it, and you very good1 naturedly #ore "y lecturing! ) don2t like deceit of any kind, so ) confess, #ut ) can2t say )2" sorry, for ) really t%ink you are none t%e +orse for t%e teasing and teac%ing you2ve %ad!"

4elle didn2t see %i" flus% and fro+n as s%e "ade %er confession, and +%en s%e looked u' %e only said, %alf gratefully, %alf re'roac%fully, ")2" a good deal t%e #etter for it, ) dare say, and oug%t to #e very t%ankful for your friendly e-ertions! 4ut t+o against one +as %ardly fair, no+ +as it?" ",o, it +as sly and sinful in t%e %ig%est degree, #ut +e did it for your good, so ) kno+ you2ll forgive us, and as a 'roof of it sing one or t+o of "y favorites for t%e last ti"e!" "7ou don2t deserve any favor, #ut )2ll do it to s%o+ you %o+ "uc% "ore "agnani"ous "en are t%an +o"en!" ,ot at all lot% to i"'rove %is advantages, Lenno- +ar#led %is "ost "elting lays con a"ore, +atc%ing, as %e sung, for any sign of senti"ent in t%e girlis% face o''osite! 4ut 4elle +ouldn2t #e senti"ental3 and sat rattling %er knitting1needles industriously, t%oug% " %e Har#or 4ar +as Moaning," dolefully, t%oug% "5ouglas" +as touc%ingly "tender and true," and t%e "*ind of t%e Su""er ,ig%t" sig%ed ro"antically t%roug% t%e sitting1roo"! "Muc% o#liged! Must you go?" s%e said, +it%out a sign of soft confusion as %e rose! ") "ust, #ut ) s%all co"e again #efore ) leave t%e country! May )?" %e asked, %olding %er %and! ")f you co"e in a unifor"!" "$ood nig%t, 4elle," tenderly! "$ood1#ye, Sir C%arles," +it% a +icked t+inkle of t%e eye, +%ic% lasted till %e closed t%e %all1door, gro+ling irefully, ") t%oug%t )2d %ad so"e e-'erience, #ut one never can understand t%ese +o"en!" Canter#ury did #eco"e a desert to 4elle after %er dear friend %ad gone3 (of course t%e dear friend2s #rot%er %ad not%ing to do +it% t%e desolation), and as t%e +eeks dragged slo+ly, 4elle took to reading 'oetry, 'racticing 'laintive #allads, and da+dling over %er +ork at a certain +indo+ +%ic% co""anded a vie+ of t%e rail+ay station and %otel! "7ou2re dull, "y dear, run u' to to+n +it% "e to1"orro+, and see your young "an off," said t%e 5octor, one evening as 4elle sat "using +it% a %alf1"ended red stocking in %er %and! "My young "an?" s%e e(aculated, turning +it% a start and a #lus%!

"7our su#stitute, c%ild! Ste'%ens attended to t%e #usiness for "e, and %e2s off to1"orro+! ) #egan to tell you a#out t%e fello+ last +eek, #ut you +ere +ool1 gat%ering, so ) sto''ed!" "7es, ) re"e"#er, it +as all very nice! $oes to1"orro+, does %e? )2d like to see %i", #ut do you t%ink +e can #ot% leave %o"e at once? So"e one "ig%t co"e you kno+, and ) fancy it2s going to sno+," said 4elle, 'utting %er face #e%ind t%e curtain to ins'ect t%e +eat%er! "7ou2d #etter go, t%e tri' +ill do you good, you can take your t%ings to o" :ones, and see /ate on t%e +ay3 s%e2s got #ack fro" 8%iladel'%ia!" "Has s%e0 )2ll go, t%en3 it +ill 'lease %er, and ) do need c%ange! 7ou are an old dear, to t%ink of it3" and giving %er fat%er a %asty gli"'se of a suddenly e-cited countenance, 4elle sli''ed out of t%e roo" to 're'are %er #est array +it% a "ost reckless disregard of t%e i"'ending stor"! )t didn2t sno+ on t%e "orro+, and u' t%ey +ent to see t%e 11 t% regi"ent off! 4elle did not see "%er young "an," %o+ever, for +%ile %er fat%er +ent to carry %i" %er co"forts and a 'atriotic nosegay of red and +%ite flo+ers, tied u' +it% a s"art #lue ri##on, s%e called on /ate! 4ut Miss Lenno- +as engaged, and sent an urgent re.uest t%at %er friend +ould call in t%e afternoon! Muc% disa''ointed and a little %urt, 4elle t%en devoted %erself to t%e de'arting regi"ent, +is%ing s%e +as going +it% it, for s%e felt in a +ar1like "ood! )t +as 'ast noon +%en a #urst of "artial "usic, t%e "easured tra"' of "any feet, and ent%usiastic c%eers announced t%at "t%e #oys" +ere co"ing! &ro" t%e #alcony +%ere s%e stood +it% %er fat%er, 4elle looked do+n u'on t%e living strea" t%at flo+ed #y like a #road river +it% a steely glitter a#ove t%e #lue! All %er 'etty trou#les vanis%ed at t%e sig%t, %er %eart #eat %ig%, %er face glo+ed, %er eyes filled, and s%e +aved %er %at as ;ealously as if s%e %ad a do;en friends and lovers in t%e ranks #elo+! "Here co"es your "an3 ) told %i" to stick t%e 'osy +%ere it +ould catc% "y eye, so ) could 'oint %i" out to you! Look, it2s t%e tall fello+ at t%e end of t%e front line," said t%e 5octor in an e-cited tone, as %e 'ointed and #eckoned! 4elle looked and gave a little cry, for t%ere, in a 'rivate2s unifor", +it% %er nosegay at %is #utton%ole, and on %is face a s"ile s%e never forgot, +as Lenno-0 &or an instant s%e stood staring at %i" as 'ale and startled as if %e +ere a g%ost, t%en t%e color rus%ed into %er face, s%e kissed #ot% %ands to %i", and cried #ravely, "$ood1#ye, good1#ye, $od #less you, Harry0" and i""ediately laid %er %ead on %er fat%er2s s%oulder, so##ing as if %er %eart +as #roken! *%en s%e looked u', %er su#stitute +as lost in t%e undulating "ass #elo+, and for %er t%e s'ectacle +as over!

"*as it really %e? *%y +asn2t ) told? *%at does it all "ean?" s%e de"anded, looking #e+ildered, grieved, and as%a"ed! "He2s really gone, "y dear! )t2s a sur'rise of %is, and ) +as #ound over to silence! Here, t%is +ill e-'lain t%e (oke, ) su''ose," and t%e 5octor %anded %er a cocked1%at note, done u' like a "ilitary order! "A 9oland for your Oliver, Made"oiselle0 ) ca"e %o"e for t%e e-'ress 'ur'ose of enlisting, and only delayed a "ont% on /ate2s account! )f ) ever return, ) +ill receive "y #ounty at your %ands! ill t%en 'lease co"fort /ate, t%ink as kindly as you can of 2Sir C%arles,2 and so"eti"es 'ray a little 'rayer for "7our un+ort%y "Su#stitute!" 4elle looked very 'ale and "eek +%en s%e 'ut %er note in %er 'ocket, #ut s%e only said, ") "ust go and co"fort /ate," and t%e 5octor gladly o#eyed, feeling t%at t%e (oke +as "ore serious t%an %e %ad i"agined! %e "o"ent %er friend a''eared, Miss Lenno- turned on %er tears, and "'layed a+ay" 'ouring fort% la"entations, re'roac%es, and regrets in a steady strea"! ") %o'e you are satisfied no+, you cruel girl0" s%e #egan, refusing to #e kissed! "7ou2ve sent %i" off +it% a #roken %eart to rus% into danger and #e s%ot, or get %is ar"s and legs s'oilt! 7ou kno+ %e loved you and +anted to tell you so, #ut you +ouldn2t let %i", and no+ you2ve driven %i" a+ay, and %e2s gone as an insignificant 'rivate +it% %is %ead s%aved, and a %eavy kna'sack #reaking %is #ack, and a %orrid gun t%at +ill #e sure to e-'lode, and %e +ould +ear t%ose i""ense #lue socks you sent, for %e adores you, and you only teased and laug%ed at %i", "y 'oor deluded, deserted #rot%er0" And .uite over+%el"ed #y t%e afflicting 'icture, /ate lifted u' %er voice and +e't again! ") a" satisfied3 for %e2s done +%at ) %o'ed %e +ould, and %e2s none t%e less a gentle"an #ecause %e2s a 'rivate and +ears "y socks! ) 'ray t%ey +ill kee' %i" safe and #ring %i" %o"e to us +%en %e %as done %is duty like a "an, as ) kno+ %e +ill! )2" 'roud of "y #rave su#stitute, and )2ll try to #e +ort%y of %i"," cried 4elle, kindling #eautifully as s%e looked out into t%e +intry suns%ine +it% a ne+ softness in t%e eyes t%at still see"ed +atc%ing t%at #lue1coated figure "arc%ing a+ay to danger, 'er%a's deat%! ")t2s ill 'laying +it% edged tools3 +e "eant to a"use %i" and +e "ay %ave sent %i" to destruction! )2ll never forgive you for your 'art, never0" said /ate, +it% t%e c%ar"ing inconsistency of %er se-! 4ut 4elle turned a+ay %er +rat% #y a soft ans+er, as s%e +%is'ered, +it% a tender c%oke in %er voice,

"*e #ot% loved %i", dear3 let2s co"fort one anot%er!" Chapter 3 III. WHAT BECAME OF THEM. 89)=A E Lenno- certainly %ad c%osen 'retty %ard +ork, for t%e 11 t% +as not a "kid1glove" regi"ent #y any "eans3 fig%ting in "id1+inter +as not e-actly festive, and ca"'s do not a#ound in #eds of roses even at t%e #est of ti"es! 4ut 4elle +as rig%t in saying s%e kne+ a soldier +%en s%e sa+ %i", for no+ t%at %e +as t%oroug%ly +aked u', %e 'roved t%at t%ere +as 'lenty of courage, energy, and endurance in %i"! )t2s "y 'rivate o'inion t%at %e "ig%t no+ and t%en %ave slig%tly regretted t%e ste' %e %ad taken, %ad it not #een for certain recollections of a sarcastic tongue and a 'air of keen eyes, not to "ention t%e influence of one of t%e "ost 'otent rulers of t%e %u"an %eart, na"ely, t%e desire to 'rove %i"self +ort%y of t%e res'ect, if not%ing "ore, of so"e#ody at %o"e! 4elle2s socks did see" to kee' %i" safe, and lead %i" straig%t in t%e narro+ 'at% of duty! 4elle2s co"fort1#ag +as suc% in very trut%, for not one of t%e stout needles on t%e tricolored cus%ion #ut +%at see"ed to +ink its eye a''rovingly at %i"3 not one of t%e tidy #alls of t%read t%at did not re"ind %i" of t%e little %and %e coveted, and t%e i"'ractica#le scissors, +ere c%eris%ed as a good o"en, t%oug% %e felt t%at t%e s%ar'est steel t%at ever ca"e fro" S%effield couldn2t cut %is love in t+ain! And 4elle2s lessons, s%ort as t%ey %ad #een, +ere not forgotten, #ut see"ed to %ave #een taken u' #y a sterner "istress, +%ose re+ards +ere greater if not so s+eet as t%ose t%e girl could give! %ere +as 'lenty of e-ercise no+1a1days of %ard +ork t%at left "any a tired %ead aslee' forever under t%e sno+! %ere +ere "any o''ortunities for diving "into t%e de't%s and #ringing u' 'earls +ort% %aving" #y acts of kindness a"ong t%e +eak, t%e +icked, and t%e suffering all a#out %i"! He learned no+ %o+ to earn, not #uy, t%e t%anks of t%e 'oor, and unconsciously 'roved in t%e truest +ay t%at a 'rivate could #e a gentle"an! 4ut #est of all +as t%e steadfast 'ur'ose "to live and die for a 'rinci'le," +%ic% gre+ and strengt%ened +it% eac% "ont% of #itter %ards%i', #loody strife, and dearly1 #oug%t success! Life gre+ earnest to %i", ti"e see"ed 'recious, self +as forgotten, and all t%at +as #est and #ravest rallied round t%e flag on +%ic% %is %eart inscri#ed t%e "otto, "Love and Li#erty!" 8raise and %onor %e could not fail to +in, and %ad %e never gone #ack to clai" %is #ounty %e +ould %ave earned t%e great "*ell done," for %e ke't %is oat% loyally, did %is duty "anfully, and loved %is lady fait%fully, like a knig%t of t%e c%ivalrous ti"es! He kne+ not%ing of %er secret, #ut +ore %er #lue ri##on like an order, never +ent into #attle +it%out first, like "any anot%er 'oor fello+, kissing so"et%ing +%ic% %e carried ne-t %is %eart, and +it% eac% day of a#sence felt %i"self a #etter "an, and #raver soldier, for t%e fondly foolis% ro"ance %e %ad +oven a#out t%e scarlet stockings!

4elle and /ate did co"fort one anot%er, not only +it% tears and kisses, #ut +it% +o"anly +ork +%ic% ke't %earts %a''y and %ands #usy! Ho+ 4elle #ri#ed %er to silence +ill al+ays re"ain t%e nint% +onder of t%e +orld, #ut t%oug% rea"s of 'a'er 'assed #et+een #rot%er and sister during t%ose t+elve "ont%s not a %int +as dro''ed on one side in re'ly to artful in.uiries fro" t%e ot%er! 4elle never told %er love in +ords, #ut s%e sto+ed a+ay an unli"ited .uantity of t%e article in t%e #ig #o-es t%at +ent to gladden t%e eyes and 11 alas for ro"ance0 11 t%e sto"ac% of 8rivate Lenno-! )f 'ickles could ty'ify 'assion, cigars 'rove constancy, and ginger#read reveal t%e longings of t%e soul, t%en +ould t%e a#ove1"entioned gentle"an %ave #een t%e %a''iest of lovers! 4ut ca"'1life %ad dou#tless dulled %is finer intuitions, for %e failed to understand t%e ne+ language of love, and gave a+ay t%ese tender tokens +it% lavis% 'rodigality! Conceal"ent 'reyed a trifle on 4elle2s da"ask c%eek it "ust #e confessed, and t%e keen eyes gre+ softer +it% t%e secret tears t%at so"eti"es di""ed t%e"3 t%e s%ar' tongue seldo" did "isc%ief no+, #ut uttered kindly +ords to every one as if doing 'enance for t%e 'ast, and a s+eet seriousness toned do+n t%e lively s'irit +%ic% +as learning "any t%ings in t%e slee'less nig%ts t%at follo+ed +%en t%e "little 'rayer" for t%e #eloved su#stitute +as done! ")2ll +ait and see if %e is all ) %o'e %e +ill #e, #efore ) let %i" kno+! ) s%all read t%e trut% t%e instant ) see %i", and if %e %as stood t%e test )2ll run into %is ar"s and tell %i" everyt%ing," s%e said to %erself +it% delicious t%rills at t%e idea3 #ut you "ay #e sure s%e did not%ing of t%e sort +%en t%e ti"e ca"e! A ru"or fle+ t%roug% t%e to+n one day t%at Lenno- %ad arrived3 u'on recei't of +%ic% (oyful tidings 4elle %ad a 'anic and %id %erself in t%e garret! 4ut +%en s%e %ad .uaked, and cried, and 'ee'ed, and listened for an %our or t+o, finding t%at no one ca"e to %unt %er u', s%e co"'osed %er nerves and descended to 'ass t%e afternoon in t%e 'arlor and a %ig% state of dignity! All sorts of re'orts reac%ed %er 11 %e +as "ortally +ounded, %e %ad #een "ade a "a(or or a colonel, or a general, no one kne+ e-actly +%ic%3 %e +as dead, +as going to #e "arried, and %adn2t co"e at all! 4elle fully e-'iated all %er s"all sins #y t%e agonies of sus'ense s%e suffered t%at day, and +%en at last a note ca"e fro" /ate #egging %er "to dro' over to see Harry," s%e 'ut %er 'ride in %er 'ocket and +ent at once! %e dra+ing1roo" +as e"'ty and in confusion, t%ere +as a "ur"ur of voices u'1stairs, a s"ell of ca"'%or in t%e air, and an e"'ty +ine1glass on t%e ta#le +%ere a "ilitary ca' +as lying! 4elle2s %eart sunk, and s%e covertly kissed t%e faded #lue coat as s%e stood +aiting #reat%lessly, +ondering if Harry %ad any ar"s for %er to run into! S%e %eard t%e c%uckling 4iddy lu"#er u' and announce %er, t%en a laug% and a %alf fond, %alf e-ulting 11 "A%, %a, ) t%oug%t s%e2d co"e0" %at s'oilt it all3 4elle took out %er 'ride instanter, set %er teet%, ru##ed a .uick color into %er +%ite c%eeks, and snatc%ing u' a ne+s'a'er, sat %erself do+n +it% as e-'ressionless a face as it +as 'ossi#le for an e-cited young +o"an to

'ossess! Lenno- ca"e running do+n 11 " %ank %eaven, %is legs are safe0" sig%ed 4elle, +it% %er eyes glued to t%e 'rice of #eef! He entered +it% #ot% %ands e-tended, +%ic% relieved %er "ind u'on anot%er 'oint, and %e #ea"ed u'on %er, looking so vigorous, "anly, and "artial t%at s%e cried +it%in %erself, "My #eautiful #ro+n soldier0" even +%ile s%e greeted %i" +it% an unnecessarily #rief "Ho+ do you do, Mr! Lenno-?" %e sudden ecli'se +%ic% 'assed over %is (oyful countenance +ould %ave #een ludicrous if it %adn2t #een 'at%etic3 #ut %e +as used to %ard knocks no+, and #ore t%is, %is %ardest, like a "an! He s%ook %ands %eartily, and as 4elle sat do+n again (not to #etray t%at s%e +as tre"#ling a good deal), %e stood at ease #efore %er, talking in a +ay +%ic% soon satisfied %er t%at %e %ad #orne t%e test, and t%at #liss +as +aiting for %er round t%e corner! 4ut s%e %ad "ade it suc% a very s%ar' corner s%e couldn2t turn it gracefully, and +%ile s%e 'ondered %o+ to do so %e %el'ed %er +it% a coug%! S%e looked u' .uickly, discovering all at once t%at %e +as very t%in, rat%er 'ale in s'ite of t%e nice tan, and #reat%ed %urriedly as %e stood +it% one %and in %is #reast! "Are you ill, +ounded, in 'ain?" s%e asked, forgetting %erself entirely! "7es, all t%ree," %e ans+ered, after a curious look at %er c%anging color and an-ious eyes! "Sit do+n 11 tell "e a#out it 11 can ) do any t%ing?" and 4elle #egan to 'lu"' u' t%e 'illo+s on t%e couc% +it% nervous eagerness! " %ank you, )2" 'ast %el'," +as t%e "ournful re'ly, acco"'anied #y a %ollo+ coug% +%ic% "ade %er s%iver! "O%, don2t say so0 Let "e #ring fat%er3 %e is very skilful! S%all ) call /ate?" "He can do not%ing3 /ate doesn2t kno+ t%is, and ) #eg you +on2t tell %er! ) got a s%ot in t%e #reast and "ade lig%t of it, #ut it +ill finis% "e sooner or later! ) don2t "ind telling you, for you are one of t%e strong, cool sort, you kno+, and are not affected #y suc% t%ings! 4ut /ate is so fond of "e, ) don2t +ant to s%ock and trou#le %er yet a+%ile! Let %er en(oy "y little visit, and after )2" gone you can tell %er t%e trut%!" 4elle %ad sat like a statue +%ile %e s'oke +it% fre.uent 'auses and an involuntary clutc% or t+o at t%e suffering #reast! As %e sto''ed and 'assed %is %and over %is eyes, s%e said slo+ly, as if %er +%ite li's +ere stiff, "$one0 +%ere?" "4ack to "y 'lace! )2d rat%er die fig%ting t%an fussed and +ailed over #y a 'arcel of +o"en! ) e-'ected to stay a +eek or so, #ut a #attle is co"ing off sooner t%an +e i"agined, so )2" a+ay again to1"orro+! As )2" not likely ever to co"e

#ack, ) (ust +anted to ask you to stand #y 'oor /ate +%en )2" finis%ed, and to say good1#ye to you, 4elle, #efore ) go!" He 'ut out %is %and, #ut %olding it fast in #ot% %er o+n, s%e laid %er tearful face do+n on it, +%is'ering i"'loringly, "O%, Harry, stay0" ,ever "ind +%at %a''ened for t%e ne-t ten "inutes3 suffice it to say t%at t%e ene"y %aving surrendered, t%e victor took 'ossession +it% great (u#ilation and s%o+ed no .uarter! "4ang t%e field 'iece, toot t%e fife, and #eat t%e rolling dru", for ruse nu"#er t%ree %as succeeded0 Co"e do+n, /ate, and give us your #lessing," called Lenno-, taking 'ity on %is sister, +%o +as an-iously a+aiting t%e denoue"ent on t%e stairs! )n s%e rus%ed, and t%e young ladies laug%ed and cried, kissed and talked tu"ultuously, +%ile t%eir idol #enignantly looked on, vainly endeavoring to re'ress all vestiges of un"anly e"otion! "And you are not dying, really, truly?" cried 4elle, +%en fair +eat%er set in after t%e flurry! "4less your dear %eart, no0 )2" as sound as a nut, and %aven2t a +ound to #oast of, e-ce't t%is ugly slas% on t%e %ead!" ")t2s a s'lendid +ound, and )2" 'roud of it," and 4elle set a rosy little seal on t%e scar +%ic% .uite reconciled %er lover to t%e disfigure"ent of %is %andso"e fore%ead! "7ou2ve learned to fi# in t%e ar"y, and )2" disa''ointed in you," s%e added, trying to look re'roac%ful and failing entirely! ",o, only t%e art of strategy! 7ou .uenc%ed "e #y your frosty rece'tion, and ) t%oug%t it +as all u' till you 'ut t%e idea of 'laying invalid into "y %ead! )t succeeded so +ell t%at ) 'iled on t%e agony, resolving to fig%t it out on t%at line, and if ) failed again to "ake a "asterly retreat! 7ou gave "e a lesson in deceit once, so don2t co"'lain if ) turned t%e ta#les and "ade your %eart ac%e for a "inute, as you2ve "ade "ine for a year!" 4elle2s s'irit +as ra'idly co"ing #ack, so s%e gave %i" a ca'ital i"itation of %is &renc% s%rug, and dra+led out in %is old +ay 11 ") %ave "y dou#ts a#out t%at, "on a"i!" "*%at do you say to t%is 11 and t%is 11 and t%is?" %e retorted, 'ulling out and laying #efore %er +it% a triu"'%ant flouris%, a faded #lue ri##on, a fat 'incus%ion +it% a %ole t%roug% it, and a dainty1'ainted little 'icture of a 'retty girl in scarlet stockings!

" %ere, )2ve carried t%ose treasures in "y #reast1'ocket for a year, and )2" fir"ly convinced t%at t%ey %ave all done t%eir 'art to+ard kee'ing "e safe! %e #lue ri##on #ound "e fast to you, 4elle3 t%e funny cus%ion caug%t t%e #ullet t%at ot%er+ise "ig%t %ave finis%ed "e, and t%e #lessed little 'icture +as "y co"fort during t%ose dreadful "arc%es, "y co"'anion on 'icket1duty +it% treac%ery and danger all a#out "e, and "y ins'iration +%en t%e +ord 2C%arge02 +ent do+n t%e line, for in t%e t%ickest of t%e fig%t ) al+ays sa+ t%e little grey figure #eckoning "e on to "y duty!" "O%, Harry, you +on2t go #ack to all t%ose %orrors, +ill you? )2" sure you2ve done enoug%, and "ay rest no+ and en(oy your re+ard," said /ate, trying not to feel t%at "t+o is co"'any and t%ree is none!" ")2ve enlisted for t%e +ar, and s%all not rest till eit%er it or ) co"e to an end! As for "y re+ard, ) %ad it +%en 4elle kissed "e!" "7ou are rig%t, )2ll +ait for you, and love you all t%e #etter for t%e sacrifice," +%is'ered 4elle! ") only +is% ) could s%are your %ards%i's, dear, for +%ile you fig%t and suffer ) can only love and 'ray!" "*aiting is %arder t%an +orking to suc% as you, so #e contented +it% your s%are, for t%e t%oug%t of you +ill glorify t%e +orld generally for "e! )2ll tell you +%at you can do +%ile )2" a+ay3 it2s #ot% useful and a"using, so it +ill occu'y and c%eer you ca'itally! :ust knit lots of red %ose, #ecause ) don2t intend you to +ear any ot%ers %ereafter, Mrs! Lenno-!" "Mine are not +orn out yet," laug%ed 4elle, getting "erry at t%e t%oug%t! ",o "atter for t%at, t%ose are sacred articles, and %encefort% "ust #e treasured as "e"orials of our love! &ra"e and %ang 2e" u'3 or, if t%e 're(udices of society for#id t%at flig%t of ro"ance, lay t%e" carefully a+ay +%ere "ot%s can2t devour nor t%ieves steal 2e", so t%at years %ence, +%en "y descendants 'raise "e for any virtues ) "ay 'ossess, any good ) "ay %ave done, or any %onor ) "ay %ave earned, ) can 'oint to t%ose 'recious relics and say 'roudly, "My c%ildren, for all t%at ) a", or %o'e to #e, you "ust t%ank your %onored "ot%er2s scarlet stockings!"