Adream！Adream！Butithasquitehiddenthefourstonewalls\"
Thenhisfacedarkened，asiftheshadowofacavernoradungeonhadcomeoverit；therewasnomorelightinitsexpressionthanmighthavecomethroughtheirongratesofaprisonwindow-stilllessening，too，asifheweresinkingfartherintothedepths。Phoebe(beingofthatquicknessandactivityoftemperamentthatsheseldomlongrefrainedfromtakingapart，andgenerallyagoodone，inwhatwasgoingforward)nowfeltherselfmovedtoaddressthestranger。
\"Hereisanewkindofrose，whichIfoundthismorninginthegarden，\"saidshe，choosingasmallcrimsononefromamongtheflowersinthevase。\"Therewillbebutfiveorsixonthebushthisseason。Thisisthemostperfectofthemall；notaspeckofblightormildewinit。Andhowsweetitis！——sweetlikenootherrose！Onecanneverforgetthatscent！\"
\"Ah！——letmesee！——letmeholdit！\"criedtheguest，eagerlyseizingtheflower，which，bythespellpeculiartorememberedodors，broughtinnumerableassociationsalongwiththefragrancethatitexhaled。\"Thankyou！Thishasdonemegood。IrememberhowIusedtoprizethisflower，——longago，Isuppose，verylongago！——orwasitonlyyesterday？Itmakesmefeelyoungagain！
AmIyoung？Eitherthisremembranceissingularlydistinct，orthisconsciousnessstrangelydim！Buthowkindofthefairyounggirl！Thankyou！Thankyou！\"
ThefavorableexcitementderivedfromthislittlecrimsonroseaffordedCliffordthebrightestmomentwhichheenjoyedatthebreakfast-table。Itmighthavelastedlonger，butthathiseyeshappened，soonafterwards，torestonthefaceoftheoldPuritan，who，outofhisdingyframeandlustrelesscanvas，waslookingdownonthescenelikeaghost，andamostill-temperedandungenialone。Theguestmadeanimpatientgestureofthehand，andaddressedHepzibahwithwhatmighteasilyberecognizedasthelicensedirritabilityofapettedmemberofthefamily。
\"Hepzibah！——Hepzibah！\"criedhewithnolittleforceanddistinctness，\"whydoyoukeepthatodiouspictureonthewall？
Yes，yes！——thatispreciselyyourtaste！Ihavetoldyou，athousandtimes，thatitwastheevilgeniusofthehouse！——myevilgeniusparticularly！Takeitdown，atonce！\"
\"DearClifford，\"saidHepzibahsadly，\"youknowitcannotbe！\"
\"Then，atallevents，\"continuedhe，stillspeakingwithsomeenergy，\"praycoveritwithacrimsoncurtain，broadenoughtohanginfolds，andwithagoldenborderandtassels。Icannotbearit！Itmustnotstaremeintheface！\"
\"Yes，dearClifford，thepictureshallbecovered，\"saidHepzibahsoothingly。\"Thereisacrimsoncurtaininatrunkabovestairs，——alittlefadedandmoth-eaten，I’mafraid，——butPhoebeandIwilldowonderswithit。\"
\"Thisveryday，remember\"saidhe；andthenadded，inalow，self-communingvoice，\"Whyshouldweliveinthisdismalhouseatall？WhynotgototheSouthofFrance？——toItaly？——Paris，Naples，Venice，Rome？Hepzibahwillsaywehavenotthemeans。Adrollideathat！\"
Hesmiledtohimself，andthrewaglanceoffinesarcasticmeaningtowardsHepzibah。
Buttheseveralmoodsoffeeling，faintlyastheyweremarked，throughwhichhehadpassed，occurringinsobriefanintervaloftime，hadevidentlyweariedthestranger。Hewasprobablyaccustomedtoasadmonotonyoflife，notsomuchflowinginastream，howeversluggish，asstagnatinginapoolaroundhisfeet。
Aslumberousveildiffuseditselfoverhiscountenance，andhadaneffect，morallyspeaking，onitsnaturallydelicateandelegantoutline，likethatwhichabroodingmist，withnosunshineinit，throwsoverthefeaturesofalandscape。Heappearedtobecomegrosser，——almostcloddish。Ifaughtofinterestorbeauty——evenruinedbeauty——hadheretoforebeenvisibleinthisman，thebeholdermightnowbegintodoubtit，andtoaccusehisownimaginationofdeludinghimwithwhatevergracehadflickeredoverthatvisage，andwhateverexquisitelustrehadgleamedinthosefilmyeyes。
Beforehehadquitesunkenaway，however，thesharpandpeevishtinkleoftheshop-bellmadeitselfaudible。StrikingmostdisagreeablyonClifford’sauditoryorgansandthecharacteristicsensibilityofhisnerves，itcausedhimtostartuprightoutofhischair。
\"Goodheavens，Hepzibah！whathorribledisturbancehavewenowinthehouse？\"criedhe，wreakinghisresentfulimpatience——asamatterofcourse，andacustomofold——ontheonepersonintheworldthatlovedhim。\"Ihaveneverheardsuchahatefulclamor！Whydoyoupermitit？Inthenameofalldissonance，whatcanitbe？\"
Itwasveryremarkableintowhatprominentrelief——evenasifadimpictureshouldleapsuddenlyfromitscanvas——Clifford’scharacterwasthrownbythisapparentlytriflingannoyance。
Thesecretwas，thatanindividualofhistempercanalwaysbeprickedmoreacutelythroughhissenseofthebeautifulandharmoniousthanthroughhisheart。Itisevenpossible——forsimilarcaseshaveoftenhappened——thatifClifford，inhisforegoinglife，hadenjoyedthemeansofcultivatinghistastetoitsutmostperfectibility，thatsubtileattributemight，beforethisperiod，havecompletelyeatenoutorfiledawayhisaffections。Shallweventuretopronounce，therefore，thathislongandblackcalamitymaynothavehadaredeemingdropofmercyatthebottom？
\"DearClifford，IwishIcouldkeepthesoundfromyourears，\"
saidHepzibah，patiently，butreddeningwithapainfulsuffusionofshame。\"Itisverydisagreeableeventome。But，doyouknow，Clifford，Ihavesomethingtotellyou？Thisuglynoise，——prayrun，Phoebe，andseewhoisthere！——thisnaughtylittletinkleisnothingbutourshop-bell！\"
\"Shop-bell！\"repeatedClifford，withabewilderedstare。
\"Yes，ourshop-bell，\"saidHepzibah，acertainnaturaldignity，mingledwithdeepemotion，nowassertingitselfinhermanner。
\"Foryoumustknow，dearestClifford，thatweareverypoor。
Andtherewasnootherresource，buteithertoacceptassistancefromahandthatIwouldpushaside(andsowouldyou！)wereittoofferbreadwhenweweredyingforit，——nohelp，savefromhim，orelsetoearnoursubsistencewithmyownhands！Alone，Imighthavebeencontenttostarve。Butyouweretobegivenbacktome！Doyouthink，then，dearClifford，\"addedshe，withawretchedsmile，\"thatIhavebroughtanirretrievabledisgraceontheoldhouse，byopeningalittleshopinthefrontgable？
Ourgreat-great-grandfatherdidthesame，whentherewasfarlessneed！Areyouashamedofme？\"
\"Shame！Disgrace！Doyouspeakthesewordstome，Hepzibah？\"
saidClifford，——notangrily，however；forwhenaman’sspirithasbeenthoroughlycrushed，hemaybepeevishatsmalloffences，butneverresentfulofgreatones。Sohespokewithonlyagrievedemotion。\"Itwasnotkindtosayso，Hepzibah！Whatshamecanbefallmenow？\"
Andthentheunnervedman——hethathadbeenbornforenjoyment，buthadmetadoomsoverywretched——burstintoawoman’spassionoftears。Itwasbutofbriefcontinuance，however；soonleavinghiminaquiescent，and，tojudgebyhiscountenance，notanuncomfortablestate。Fromthismood，too，hepartiallyralliedforaninstant，andlookedatHepzibahwithasmile，thekeen，half-derisorypurportofwhichwasapuzzletoher。
\"Arewesoverypoor，Hepzibah？\"saidhe。
Finally，hischairbeingdeepandsoftlycushioned，Cliffordfellasleep。Hearingthemoreregularriseandfallofhisbreath(which，however，eventhen，insteadofbeingstrongandfull，hadafeeblekindoftremor，correspondingwiththelackofvigorinhischaracter)，——hearingthesetokensofsettledslumber，Hepzibahseizedtheopportunitytoperusehisfacemoreattentivelythanshehadyetdaredtodo。Herheartmeltedawayintears；herprofoundestspiritsentforthamoaningvoice，low，gentle，butinexpressiblysad。Inthisdepthofgriefandpityshefeltthattherewasnoirreverenceingazingathisaltered，aged，faded，ruinedface。Butnosoonerwasshealittlerelievedthanherconsciencesmoteherforgazingcuriouslyathim，nowthathewassochanged；and，turninghastilyaway，Hepzibahletdownthecurtainoverthesunnywindow，andleftCliffordtoslumberthere。
VIIIThePyncheonofTo-dayPHOEBE，onenteringtheshop，beheldtherethealreadyfamiliarfaceofthelittledevourer——ifwecanreckonhismightydeedsaright——ofJimCrow，theelephant，thecamel，thedromedaries，andthelocomotive。Havingexpendedhisprivatefortune，onthetwoprecedingdays，inthepurchaseoftheaboveunheard-ofluxuries，theyounggentleman’spresenterrandwasonthepartofhismother，inquestofthreeeggsandhalfapoundofraisins。
ThesearticlesPhoebeaccordinglysupplied，and，asamarkofgratitudeforhispreviouspatronage，andaslightsuper-addedmorselafterbreakfast，putlikewiseintohishandawhale！Thegreatfish，reversinghisexperiencewiththeprophetofNineveh，immediatelybeganhisprogressdownthesameredpathwayoffatewhithersovariedacaravanhadprecededhim。Thisremarkableurchin，intruth，wastheveryemblemofoldFatherTime，bothinrespectofhisall-devouringappetiteformenandthings，andbecausehe，aswellasTime，afteringulfingthusmuchofcreation，lookedalmostasyouthfulasifhehadbeenjustthatmomentmade。
Afterpartlyclosingthedoor，thechildturnedback，andmumbledsomethingtoPhoebe，which，asthewhalewasbuthalfdisposedof，shecouldnotperfectlyunderstand。
\"Whatdidyousay，mylittlefellow？\"askedshe。
\"Motherwantstoknow\"repeatedNedHigginsmoredistinctly，\"howOldMaidPyncheon’sbrotherdoes？Folkssayhehasgothome。\"
\"MycousinHepzibah’sbrother？\"exclaimedPhoebe，surprisedatthissuddenexplanationoftherelationshipbetweenHepzibahandherguest。\"Herbrother！Andwherecanhehavebeen？\"
Thelittleboyonlyputhisthumbtohisbroadsnub-nose，withthatlookofshrewdnesswhichachild，spendingmuchofhistimeinthestreet。sosoonlearnstothrowoverhisfeatures，howeverunintelligentinthemselves。ThenasPhoebecontinuedtogazeathim，withoutansweringhismother’smessage，hetookhisdeparture。
Asthechildwentdownthesteps，agentlemanascendedthem，andmadehisentranceintotheshop。Itwastheportly，and，haditpossessedtheadvantageofalittlemoreheight，wouldhavebeenthestatelyfigureofamanconsiderablyinthedeclineoflife，dressedinablacksuitofsomethinstuff，resemblingbroadclothascloselyaspossible。Agold-headedcane，ofrareOrientalwood，addedmateriallytothehighrespectabilityofhisaspect，asdidalsoaneckclothoftheutmostsnowypurity，andtheconscientiouspolishofhisboots。Hisdark，squarecountenance，withitsalmostshaggydepthofeyebrows，wasnaturallyimpressive，andwould，perhaps，havebeenratherstern，hadnotthegentlemanconsideratelytakenuponhimselftomitigatetheharsheffectbyalookofexceedinggood-humorandbenevolence。Owing，however，toasomewhatmassiveaccumulationofanimalsubstanceaboutthelowerregionofhisface，thelookwas，perhaps，unctuousratherthanspiritual，andhad，sotospeak，akindoffleshlyeffulgence，notaltogethersosatisfactoryashedoubtlessintendedittobe。Asusceptibleobserver，atanyrate，mighthaveregardeditasaffordingverylittleevidenceofthegeneralbenignityofsoulwhereofitpurportedtobetheoutwardreflection。Andiftheobserverchancedtobeill-natured，aswellasacuteandsusceptible，hewouldprobablysuspectthatthesmileonthegentleman’sfacewasagooddealakintotheshineonhisboots，andthateachmusthavecosthimandhisboot-black，respectively，agooddealofhardlabortobringoutandpreservethem。
Asthestrangerenteredthelittleshop，wheretheprojectionofthesecondstoryandthethickfoliageoftheelm-tree，aswellasthecommoditiesatthewindow，createdasortofgraymedium，hissmilegrewasintenseasifhehadsethisheartoncounteractingthewholegloomoftheatmosphere(besidesanymoralgloompertainingtoHepzibahandherinmates)bytheunassistedlightofhiscountenance。
Onperceivingayoungrose-budofagirl，insteadofthegauntpresenceoftheoldmaid，alookofsurprisewasmanifest。Heatfirstknithisbrows；thensmiledwithmoreunctuousbenignitythanever。
\"Ah，Iseehowitis！\"saidheinadeepvoice，——avoicewhich，haditcomefromthethroatofanuncultivatedman，wouldhavebeengruff，but，bydintofcarefultraining，wasnowsufficientlyagreeable，——\"IwasnotawarethatMissHepzibahPyncheonhadcommencedbusinessundersuchfavorableauspices。Youareherassistant，Isuppose？\"
\"Icertainlyam，\"answeredPhoebe，andadded，withalittleairoflady-likeassumption(for，civilasthegentlemanwas，heevidentlytookhertobeayoungpersonservingforwages)，\"IamacousinofMissHepzibah，onavisittoher。\"
\"Hercousin？——andfromthecountry？Praypardonme，then，\"saidthegentleman，bowingandsmiling，asPhoebeneverhadbeenbowedtonorsmiledonbefore；\"inthatcase，wemustbebetteracquainted；for，unlessIamsadlymistaken，youaremyownlittlekinswomanlikewise！Letmesee，——Mary？——Dolly？——Phoebe？——
yes，Phoebeisthename！IsitpossiblethatyouarePhoebePyncheon，onlychildofmydearcousinandclassmate，Arthur？
Ah，Iseeyourfathernow，aboutyourmouth！Yes，yes！wemustbebetteracquainted！Iamyourkinsman，mydear。SurelyyoumusthaveheardofJudgePyncheon？\"
AsPhoebecurtsiedinreply，theJudgebentforward，withthepardonableandevenpraiseworthypurpose——consideringthenearnessofbloodandthedifferenceofage——ofbestowingonhisyoungrelativeakissofacknowledgedkindredandnaturalaffection。Unfortunately(withoutdesign，oronlywithsuchinstinctivedesignasgivesnoaccountofitselftotheintellect)
Phoebe，justatthecriticalmoment，drewback；sothatherhighlyrespectablekinsman，withhisbodybentoverthecounterandhislipsprotruded，wasbetrayedintotheratherabsurdpredicamentofkissingtheemptyair。ItwasamodernparalleltothecaseofIxionembracingacloud，andwassomuchthemoreridiculousastheJudgepridedhimselfoneschewingallairymatter，andnevermistakingashadowforasubstance。Thetruthwas，——anditisPhoebe’sonlyexcuse，——that，althoughJudgePyncheon’sglowingbenignitymightnotbeabsolutelyunpleasanttothefemininebeholder，withthewidthofastreet，orevenanordinary-sizedroom，interposedbetween，yetitbecamequitetoointense，whenthisdark，full-fedphysiognomy(soroughlybearded，too，thatnorazorcouldevermakeitsmooth)soughttobringitselfintoactualcontactwiththeobjectofitsregards。
Theman，thesex，somehoworother，wasentirelytooprominentintheJudge’sdemonstrationsofthatsort。Phoebe’seyessank，and，withoutknowingwhy，shefeltherselfblushingdeeplyunderhislook。Yetshehadbeenkissedbefore，andwithoutanyparticularsqueamishness，byperhapshalfadozendifferentcousins，youngeraswellasolderthanthisdark-browned，grisly-bearded，white-neck-clothed，andunctuously-benevolentJudge！Then，whynotbyhim？
Onraisinghereyes，PhoebewasstartledbythechangeinJudgePyncheon’sface。Itwasquiteasstriking，allowingforthedifferenceofscale，asthatbetwixtalandscapeunderabroadsunshineandjustbeforeathunder-storm；notthatithadthepassionateintensityofthelatteraspect，butwascold，hard，immitigable，likeaday-longbroodingcloud。
\"Dearme！whatistobedonenow？\"thoughtthecountry-girltoherself。\"Helooksasiftherewerenothingsofterinhimthanarock，normilderthantheeastwind！Imeantnoharm！Sinceheisreallymycousin，Iwouldhavelethimkissme，ifIcould！\"
Then，allatonce，itstruckPhoebethatthisveryJudgePyncheonwastheoriginaloftheminiaturewhichthedaguerreotypisthadshownherinthegarden，andthatthehard，stern，relentlesslook，nowonhisface，wasthesamethatthesunhadsoinflexiblypersistedinbringingout。Wasit，therefore，nomomentarymood，but，howeverskilfullyconcealed，thesettledtemperofhislife？
Andnotmerelyso，butwasithereditaryinhim，andtransmitteddown，asapreciousheirloom，fromthatbeardedancestor，inwhosepictureboththeexpressionand，toasingulardegree，thefeaturesofthemodernJudgewereshownasbyakindofprophecy？
AdeeperphilosopherthanPhoebemighthavefoundsomethingveryterribleinthisidea。Itimpliedthattheweaknessesanddefects，thebadpassions，themeantendencies，andthemoraldiseaseswhichleadtocrimearehandeddownfromonegenerationtoanother，byafarsurerprocessoftransmissionthanhumanlawhasbeenabletoestablishinrespecttotherichesandhonorswhichitseekstoentailuponposterity。
But，asithappened，scarcelyhadPhoebe’seyesrestedagainontheJudge’scountenancethanallitsuglysternnessvanished；andshefoundherselfquiteoverpoweredbythesultry，dog-dayheat，asitwere，ofbenevolence，whichthisexcellentmandiffusedoutofhisgreatheartintothesurroundingatmosphere，——verymuchlikeaserpent，which，asapreliminarytofascination，issaidtofilltheairwithhispeculiarodor。
\"Ilikethat，CousinPhoebe！\"criedhe，withanemphaticnodofapprobation。\"Ilikeitmuch，mylittlecousin！Youareagoodchild，andknowhowtotakecareofyourself。Ayounggirl——especiallyifshebeaveryprettyone——canneverbetoocharyofherlips。\"
\"Indeed，sir，\"saidPhoebe，tryingtolaughthematteroff，\"Ididnotmeantobeunkind。\"
Nevertheless，whetherornoitwereentirelyowingtotheinauspiciouscommencementoftheiracquaintance，shestillactedunderacertainreserve，whichwasbynomeanscustomarytoherfrankandgenialnature。Thefantasywouldnotquither，thattheoriginalPuritan，ofwhomshehadheardsomanysombretraditions，——theprogenitorofthewholeraceofNewEnglandPyncheons，thefounderoftheHouseoftheSevenGables，andwhohaddiedsostrangelyinit，——hadnowsteptintotheshop。Inthesedaysofoff-handequipment，thematterwaseasilyenougharranged。Onhisarrivalfromtheotherworld，hehadmerelyfounditnecessarytospendaquarterofanhouratabarber’s，whohadtrimmeddownthePuritan’sfullbeardintoapairofgrizzledwhiskers，then，patronizingaready-madeclothingestablishment，hehadexchangedhisvelvetdoubletandsablecloak，withtherichlyworkedbandunderhischin，forawhitecollarandcravat，coat，vest，andpantaloons；andlastly，puttingasidehissteel-hiltedbroadswordtotakeupagold-headedcane，theColonelPyncheonoftwocenturiesagostepsforwardastheJudgeofthepassingmoment！
Ofcourse，Phoebewasfartoosensibleagirltoentertainthisideainanyotherwaythanasmatterforasmile。Possibly，also，couldthetwopersonageshavestoodtogetherbeforehereye，manypointsofdifferencewouldhavebeenperceptible，andperhapsonlyageneralresemblance。Thelonglapseofinterveningyears，inaclimatesounlikethatwhichhadfosteredtheancestralEnglishman，mustinevitablyhavewroughtimportantchangesinthephysicalsystemofhisdescendant。TheJudge’svolumeofmusclecouldhardlybethesameastheColonel’s；therewasundoubtedlylessbeefinhim。Thoughlookeduponasaweightymanamonghiscontemporariesinrespectofanimalsubstance，andasfavoredwitharemarkabledegreeoffundamentaldevelopment，welladaptinghimforthejudicialbench，weconceivethatthemodernJudgePyncheon，ifweighedinthesamebalancewithhisancestor，wouldhaverequiredatleastanold-fashionedfifty-sixtokeepthescaleinequilibrio。ThentheJudge’sfacehadlosttheruddyEnglishhuethatshoweditswarmththroughalltheduskinessoftheColonel’sweather-beatencheek，andhadtakenasallowshade，theestablishedcomplexionofhiscountrymen。
Ifwemistakenot，moreover，acertainqualityofnervousnesshadbecomemoreorlessmanifest，eveninsosolidaspecimenofPuritandescentasthegentlemannowunderdiscussion。
Asoneofitseffects，itbestowedonhiscountenanceaquickermobilitythantheoldEnglishman’shadpossessed，andkeenervivacity，butattheexpenseofasturdiersomething，onwhichtheseacuteendowmentsseemedtoactlikedissolvingacids。
Thisprocess，foraughtweknow，maybelongtothegreatsystemofhumanprogress，which，witheveryascendingfootstep，asitdiminishesthenecessityforanimalforce，maybedestinedgraduallytospiritualizeus，byrefiningawayourgrosserattributesofbody。Ifso，JudgePyncheoncouldendureacenturyortwomoreofsuchrefinementaswellasmostothermen。
Thesimilarity，intellectualandmoral，betweentheJudgeandhisancestorappearstohavebeenatleastasstrongastheresemblanceofmienandfeaturewouldaffordreasontoanticipate。
InoldColonelPyncheon’sfuneraldiscoursetheclergymanabsolutelycanonizedhisdeceasedparishioner，andopening，asitwere，avistathroughtheroofofthechurch，andthencethroughthefirmamentabove，showedhimseated，harpinhand，amongthecrownedchoristersofthespiritualworld。Onhistombstone，too，therecordishighlyeulogistic；nordoeshistory，sofarasheholdsaplaceuponitspage，assailtheconsistencyanduprightnessofhischaracter。Soalso，asregardstheJudgePyncheonofto-day，neitherclergyman，norlegalcritic，norinscriberoftombstones，norhistorianofgeneralorlocalpolitics，wouldventureawordagainstthiseminentperson’ssincerityasaChristian，orrespectabilityasaman，orintegrityasajudge，orcourageandfaithfulnessastheoften-triedrepresentativeofhispoliticalparty。But，besidesthesecold，formal，andemptywordsofthechiselthatinscribes，thevoicethatspeaks，andthepenthatwrites，forthepubliceyeandfordistanttime，——andwhichinevitablylosemuchoftheirtruthandfreedombythefatalconsciousnessofsodoing，——thereweretraditionsabouttheancestor，andprivatediurnalgossipabouttheJudge，remarkablyaccordantintheirtestimony。
Itisofteninstructivetotakethewoman’s，theprivateanddomestic，viewofapublicman；norcananythingbemorecuriousthanthevastdiscrepancybetweenportraitsintendedforengravingandthepencil-sketchesthatpassfromhandtohandbehindtheoriginal’sback。
Forexample:traditionaffirmedthatthePuritanhadbeengreedyofwealth；theJudge，too，withalltheshowofliberalexpenditure，wassaidtobeasclose-fistedasifhisgripewereofiron。Theancestorhadclothedhimselfinagrimassumptionofkindliness，aroughheartinessofwordandmanner，whichmostpeopletooktobethegenuinewarmthofnature，makingitswaythroughthethickandinflexiblehideofamanlycharacter。Hisdescendant，incompliancewiththerequirementsofanicerage，hadetherealizedthisrudebenevolenceintothatbroadbenignityofsmilewherewithheshonelikeanoondaysunalongthestreets，orglowedlikeahouseholdfireinthedrawing-roomsofhisprivateacquaintance。ThePuritan——ifnotbeliedbysomesingularstories，murmured，evenatthisday，underthenarrator’sbreath——hadfallenintocertaintransgressionstowhichmenofhisgreatanimaldevelopment，whatevertheirfaithorprinciples，mustcontinueliable，untiltheyputoffimpurity，alongwiththegrossearthlysubstancethatinvolvesit。Wemustnotstainourpagewithanycontemporaryscandal，toasimilarpurport，thatmayhavebeenwhisperedagainsttheJudge。ThePuritan，again，anautocratinhisownhousehold，hadwornoutthreewives，and，merelybytheremorselessweightandhardnessofhischaracterintheconjugalrelation，hadsentthem，oneafteranother，broken-hearted，totheirgraves。
Heretheparallel，insomesort，fails。TheJudgehadweddedbutasinglewife，andlostherinthethirdorfourthyearoftheirmarriage。Therewasafable，however，——forsuchwechoosetoconsiderit，though，notimpossibly，typicalofJudgePyncheon’smaritaldeportment，——thattheladygotherdeath-blowinthehoneymoon，andneversmiledagain，becauseherhusbandcompelledhertoservehimwithcoffeeeverymorningathisbedside，intokenoffealtytoherliege-lordandmaster。
Butitistoofruitfulasubject，thisofhereditaryresemblances，——thefrequentrecurrenceofwhich，inadirectline，istrulyunaccountable，whenweconsiderhowlargeanaccumulationofancestryliesbehindeverymanatthedistanceofoneortwocenturies。Weshallonlyadd，therefore，thatthePuritan——so，atleast，sayschimney-cornertradition，whichoftenpreservestraitsofcharacterwithmarvellousfidelity——wasbold，imperious，relentless，crafty；layinghispurposesdeep，andfollowingthemoutwithaninveteracyofpursuitthatknewneitherrestnorconscience；tramplingontheweak，and，whenessentialtohisends，doinghisutmosttobeatdownthestrong。WhethertheJudgeinanydegreeresembledhim，thefurtherprogressofournarrativemayshow。
Scarcelyanyoftheitemsintheabove-drawnparalleloccurredtoPhoebe，whosecountrybirthandresidence，intruth，hadleftherpitifullyignorantofmostofthefamilytraditions，whichlingered，likecobwebsandincrustationsofsmoke，abouttheroomsandchimney-cornersoftheHouseoftheSevenGables。Yettherewasacircumstance，verytriflinginitself，whichimpressedherwithanodddegreeofhorror。ShehadheardoftheanathemaflungbyMaule，theexecutedwizard，againstColonelPyncheonandhisposterity，——thatGodwouldgivethembloodtodrink，——andlikewiseofthepopularnotion，thatthismiraculousbloodmightnowandthenbeheardgurglingintheirthroats。Thelatterscandal——asbecameapersonofsense，and，moreespecially，amemberofthePyncheonfamily——Phoebehadsetdownfortheabsurditywhichitunquestionablywas。Butancientsuperstitions，afterbeingsteepedinhumanheartsandembodiedinhumanbreath，andpassingfromliptoearinmanifoldrepetition，throughaseriesofgenerations，becomeimbuedwithaneffectofhomelytruth。
Thesmokeofthedomestichearthhasscentedthemthroughandthrough。Bylongtransmissionamonghouseholdfacts，theygrowtolooklikethem，andhavesuchafamiliarwayofmakingthemselvesathomethattheirinfluenceisusuallygreaterthanwesuspect。
Thusithappened，thatwhenPhoebeheardacertainnoiseinJudgePyncheon’sthroat，——ratherhabitualwithhim，notaltogethervoluntary，yetindicativeofnothing，unlessitwereaslightbronchialcomplaint，or，assomepeoplehinted，anapoplecticsymptom，——whenthegirlheardthisqueerandawkwardingurgitation(whichthewriterneverdidhear，andthereforecannotdescribe)，sheveryfoolishlystarted，andclaspedherhands。
Ofcourse，itwasexceedinglyridiculousinPhoebetobediscomposedbysuchatrifle，andstillmoreunpardonabletoshowherdiscomposuretotheindividualmostconcernedinit。
ButtheincidentchimedinsooddlywithherpreviousfanciesabouttheColonelandtheJudge，that，forthemoment，itseemedquitetomingletheiridentity。
\"Whatisthematterwithyou，youngwoman？\"saidJudgePyncheon，givingheroneofhisharshlooks。\"Areyouafraidofanything？\"
\"Oh，nothing\"sir——nothingintheworld！\"answeredPhoebe，withalittlelaughofvexationatherself。\"ButperhapsyouwishtospeakwithmycousinHepzibah。ShallIcallher？\"
\"Stayamoment，ifyouplease，\"saidtheJudge，againbeamingsunshineoutofhisface。\"Youseemtobealittlenervousthismorning。Thetownair，CousinPhoebe，doesnotagreewithyourgood，wholesomecountryhabits。Orhasanythinghappenedtodisturbyou？——anythingremarkableinCousinHepzibah’sfamily？——
Anarrival，eh？Ithoughtso！Nowonderyouareoutofsorts，mylittlecousin。Tobeaninmatewithsuchaguestmaywellstartleaninnocentyounggirl！\"
\"Youquitepuzzleme，sir，\"repliedPhoebe，gazinginquiringlyattheJudge。\"Thereisnofrightfulguestinthehouse，butonlyapoor，gentle，childlikeman，whomIbelievetobeCousinHepzibah’sbrother。Iamafraid(butyou，sir，willknowbetterthanI)thatheisnotquiteinhissoundsenses；butsomildandquietheseemstobe，thatamothermighttrustherbabywithhim；andIthinkhewouldplaywiththebabyasifhewereonlyafewyearsolderthanitself。Hestartleme！——Oh，noindeed！\"
\"IrejoicetohearsofavorableandsoingenuousanaccountofmycousinClifford，\"saidthebenevolentJudge。\"Manyyearsago，whenwewereboysandyoungmentogether，Ihadagreataffectionforhim，andstillfeelatenderinterestinallhisconcerns。
Yousay，CousinPhoebe，heappearstobeweakminded。Heavengranthimatleastenoughofintellecttorepentofhispastsins！\"
\"Nobody，Ifancy，\"observedPhoebe，\"canhavefewertorepentof。\"
\"Andisitpossible，mydear\"rejoinedtheJudge，withacommiseratinglook，\"thatyouhaveneverheardofCliffordPyncheon？——thatyouknownothingofhishistory？Well，itisallright；andyourmotherhasshownaveryproperregardforthegoodnameofthefamilywithwhichsheconnectedherself。Believethebestyoucanofthisunfortunateperson，andhopethebest！
ItisarulewhichChristiansshouldalwaysfollow，intheirjudgmentsofoneanother；andespeciallyisitrightandwiseamongnearrelatives，whosecharactershavenecessarilyadegreeofmutualdependence。ButisCliffordintheparlor？Iwilljuststepinandsee。\"
\"Perhaps，sir，IhadbettercallmycousinHepzibah，\"saidPhoebe；
hardlyknowing，however，whethersheoughttoobstructtheentranceofsoaffectionateakinsmanintotheprivateregionsofthehouse。
\"Herbrotherseemedtobejustfallingasleepafterbreakfast；andIamsureshewouldnotlikehimtobedisturbed。Pray，sir，letmegivehernotice！\"
ButtheJudgeshowedasingulardeterminationtoenterunannounced；
andasPhoebe，withthevivacityofapersonwhosemovementsunconsciouslyanswertoherthoughts，hadsteppedtowardsthedoor，heusedlittleornoceremonyinputtingheraside。
\"No，no，MissPhoebe！\"saidJudgePyncheoninavoiceasdeepasathunder-growl，andwithafrownasblackasthecloudwhenceitissues。\"Stayyouhere！Iknowthehouse，andknowmycousinHepzibah，andknowherbrotherCliffordlikewise——norneedmylittlecountrycousinputherselftothetroubleofannouncingme！\"——intheselatterwords，bythebye，thereweresymptomsofachangefromhissuddenharshnessintohispreviousbenignityofmanner。\"Iamathomehere，Phoebe，youmustrecollect，andyouarethestranger。Iwilljuststepin，therefore，andseeformyselfhowCliffordis，andassurehimandHepzibahofmykindlyfeelingsandbestwishes。Itisright，atthisjuncture，thattheyshouldbothhearfrommyownlipshowmuchIdesiretoservethem。Ha！hereisHepzibahherself！\"
Suchwasthecase。ThevibrationsoftheJudge’svoicehadreachedtheoldgentlewomanintheparlor，whereshesat，withfaceaverted，waitingonherbrother’sslumber。Shenowissuedforth，aswouldappear，todefendtheentrance，looking，wemustneedssay，amazinglylikethedragonwhich，infairytales，iswonttobetheguardianoveranenchantedbeauty。Thehabitualscowlofherbrowwasundeniablytoofierce，atthismoment，topassitselfoffontheinnocentscoreofnear-sightedness；anditwasbentonJudgePyncheoninawaythatseemedtoconfound，ifnotalarmhim，soinadequatelyhadheestimatedthemoralforceofadeeplygroundedantipathy。Shemadearepellinggesturewithherhand，andstoodaperfectpictureofprohibition，atfulllength，inthedarkframeofthedoorway。ButwemustbetrayHepzibah’ssecret，andconfessthatthenativetimorousnessofhercharacterevennowdevelopeditselfinaquicktremor，which，toherownperception，seteachofherjointsatvariancewithitsfellows。
Possibly，theJudgewasawarehowlittletruehardihoodlaybehindHepzibah’sformidablefront。Atanyrate，beingagentlemanofsteadynerves，hesoonrecoveredhimself，andfailednottoapproachhiscousinwithoutstretchedhand；adoptingthesensibleprecaution，however，tocoverhisadvancewithasmile，sobroadandsultry，that，haditbeenonlyhalfaswarmasitlooked，atrellisofgrapesmightatoncehaveturnedpurpleunderitssummer-likeexposure。Itmayhavebeenhispurpose，indeed，tomeltpoorHepzibahonthespot，asifshewereafigureofyellowwax。
\"Hepzibah，mybelovedcousin，Iamrejoiced！\"exclaimedtheJudgemostemphatically。\"Now，atlength，youhavesomethingtolivefor。
Yes，andallofus，letmesay，yourfriendsandkindred，havemoretoliveforthanwehadyesterday。IhavelostnotimeinhasteningtoofferanyassistanceinmypowertowardsmakingCliffordcomfortable。
Hebelongstousall。Iknowhowmuchherequires，——howmuchheusedtorequire，——withhisdelicatetaste，andhisloveofthebeautiful。
Anythinginmyhouse，——pictures，books，wine，luxuriesofthetable，——hemaycommandthemall！Itwouldaffordmemostheartfeltgratificationtoseehim！ShallIstepin，thismoment？\"
\"No，\"repliedHepzibah，hervoicequiveringtoopainfullytoallowofmanywords。\"Hecannotseevisitors！\"
\"Avisitor，mydearcousin！——doyoucallmeso？\"criedtheJudge，whosesensibility，itseems，washurtbythecoldnessofthephrase。
\"Nay，then，letmebeClifford’shost，andyourownlikewise。
Comeatoncetomyhouse。Thecountryair，andalltheconveniences，——Imaysayluxuries，——thatIhavegatheredaboutme，willdowondersforhim。AndyouandI，dearHepzibah，willconsulttogether，andwatchtogether，andlabortogether，tomakeourdearCliffordhappy。Come！whyshouldwemakemorewordsaboutwhatisbothadutyandapleasureonmypart？Cometomeatonce！\"
Onhearingthesesohospitableoffers，andsuchgenerousrecognitionoftheclaimsofkindred，PhoebefeltverymuchinthemoodofrunninguptoJudgePyncheon，andgivinghim，ofherownaccord，thekissfromwhichshehadsorecentlyshrunkaway。ItwasquiteotherwisewithHepzibah；theJudge’ssmileseemedtooperateonheracerbityofheartlikesunshineuponvinegar，makingittentimessourerthanever。
\"Clifford，\"saidshe，——stilltooagitatedtouttermorethananabruptsentence，——\"Cliffordhasahomehere！\"
\"MayHeavenforgiveyou，Hepzibah，\"saidJudgePyncheon，——reverentlyliftinghiseyestowardsthathighcourtofequitytowhichheappealed，——\"ifyousufferanyancientprejudiceoranimositytoweighwithyouinthismatter。Istandherewithanopenheart，willingandanxioustoreceiveyourselfandCliffordintoit。Donotrefusemygoodoffices，——myearnestpropositionsforyourwelfare！Theyaresuch，inallrespects，asitbehoovesyournearestkinsmantomake。Itwillbeaheavyresponsibility，cousin，ifyouconfineyourbrothertothisdismalhouseandstifledair，whenthedelightfulfreedomofmycountry-seatisathiscommand。\"
\"ItwouldneversuitClifford，\"saidHepzibah，asbrieflyasbefore。
\"Woman！\"brokeforththeJudge，givingwaytohisresentment，\"whatisthemeaningofallthis？Haveyouotherresources？Nay，Isuspectedasmuch！Takecare，Hepzibah，takecare！Cliffordisonthebrinkofasblackaruinaseverbefellhimyet！ButwhydoItalkwithyou，womanasyouare？Makeway！——ImustseeClifford！\"
Hepzibahspreadouthergauntfigureacrossthedoor，andseemedreallytoincreaseinbulk；lookingthemoreterrible，also，becausetherewassomuchterrorandagitationinherheart。ButJudgePyncheon’sevidentpurposeofforcingapassagewasinterruptedbyavoicefromtheinnerroom；aweak，tremulous，wailingvoice，indicatinghelplessalarm，withnomoreenergyforself-defencethanbelongstoafrightenedinfant。
\"Hepzibah，Hepzibah！\"criedthevoice；\"godownonyourkneestohim！Kisshisfeet！Entreathimnottocomein！Oh，lethimhavemercyonme！Mercy！mercy！\"
Fortheinstant，itappeareddoubtfulwhetheritwerenottheJudge’sresolutepurposetosetHepzibahaside，andstepacrossthethresholdintotheparlor，whenceissuedthatbrokenandmiserablemurmurofentreaty。Itwasnotpitythatrestrainedhim，for，atthefirstsoundoftheenfeebledvoice，aredfirekindledinhiseyes，andhemadeaquickpaceforward，withsomethinginexpressiblyfierceandgrimdarkeningforth，asitwere，outofthewholeman。ToknowJudgePyncheonwastoseehimatthatmoment。
Aftersucharevelation，lethimsmilewithwhatsultrinesshewould，hecouldmuchsoonerturngrapespurple，orpumpkinsyellow，thanmelttheiron-brandedimpressionoutofthebeholder’smemory。Anditrenderedhisaspectnottheless，butmorefrightful，thatitseemednottoexpresswrathorhatred，butacertainhotfellnessofpurpose，whichannihilatedeverythingbutitself。
Yet，afterall，arewenotslanderinganexcellentandamiableman？
LookattheJudgenow！Heisapparentlyconsciousofhavingerred，intooenergeticallypressinghisdeedsofloving-kindnessonpersonsunabletoappreciatethem。Hewillawaittheirbettermood，andholdhimselfasreadytoassistthemthenasatthismoment。Ashedrawsbackfromthedoor，anall-comprehensivebenignityblazesfromhisvisage，indicatingthathegathersHepzibah，littlePhoebe，andtheinvisibleClifford，allthree，togetherwiththewholeworldbesides，intohisimmenseheart，andgivesthemawarmbathinitsfloodofaffection。
\"Youdomegreatwrong，dearCousinHepzibah！\"saidhe，firstkindlyofferingherhishand，andthendrawingonhisglovepreparatorytodeparture。\"Verygreatwrong！ButIforgiveit，andwillstudytomakeyouthinkbetterofme。Ofcourse，ourpoorCliffordbeinginsounhappyastateofmind，Icannotthinkofurginganinterviewatpresent。ButIshallwatchoverhiswelfareasifheweremyownbelovedbrother；nordoIatalldespair，mydearcousin，ofconstrainingbothhimandyoutoacknowledgeyourinjustice。Whenthatshallhappen，Idesirenootherrevengethanyouracceptanceofthebestofficesinmypowertodoyou。\"
WithabowtoHepzibah，andadegreeofpaternalbenevolenceinhispartingnodtoPhoebe，theJudgelefttheshop，andwentsmilingalongthestreet。Asiscustomarywiththerich，whentheyaimatthehonorsofarepublic，heapologized，asitwere，tothepeople，forhiswealth，prosperity，andelevatedstation，byafreeandheartymannertowardsthosewhoknewhim；puttingoffthemoreofhisdignityindueproportionwiththehumblenessofthemanwhomhesaluted，andtherebyprovingahaughtyconsciousnessofhisadvantagesasirrefragablyasifhehadmarchedforthprecededbyatroopoflackeystocleartheway。
Onthisparticularforenoon，soexcessivewasthewarmthofJudgePyncheon’skindlyaspect，that(such，atleast，wastherumorabouttown)anextrapassageofthewater-cartswasfoundessential，inordertolaythedustoccasionedbysomuchextrasunshine！
NosoonerhadhedisappearedthanHepzibahgrewdeadlywhite，and，staggeringtowardsPhoebe，letherheadfallontheyounggirl’sshoulder。
\"OPhoebe！\"murmuredshe，\"thatmanhasbeenthehorrorofmylife！ShallInever，neverhavethecourage，——willmyvoiceneverceasefromtremblinglongenoughtoletmetellhimwhatheis？\"
\"Ishesoverywicked？\"askedPhoebe。\"Yethisoffersweresurelykind！\"
\"Donotspeakofthem，——hehasaheartofiron！\"rejoinedHepzibah。
\"Go，now，andtalktoClifford！Amuseandkeephimquiet！ItwoulddisturbhimwretchedlytoseemesoagitatedasIam。There，go，dearchild，andIwilltrytolookaftertheshop。\"
Phoebewentaccordingly，butperplexedherself，meanwhile，withqueriesastothepurportofthescenewhichshehadjustwitnessed，andalsowhetherjudges，clergymen，andothercharactersofthateminentstampandrespectability，couldreally，inanysingleinstance，beotherwisethanjustanduprightmen。Adoubtofthisnaturehasamostdisturbinginfluence，and，ifshowntobeafact，comeswithfearfulandstartlingeffectonmindsofthetrim，orderly，andlimit-lovingclass，inwhichwefindourlittlecountry-girl。
Dispositionsmoreboldlyspeculativemayderiveasternenjoymentfromthediscovery，sincetheremustbeevilintheworld，thatahighmanisaslikelytograsphisshareofitasalowone。Awiderscopeofview，andadeeperinsight，mayseerank，dignity，andstation，allprovedillusory，sofarasregardstheirclaimtohumanreverence，andyetnotfeelasiftheuniverseweretherebytumbledheadlongintochaos。ButPhoebe，inordertokeeptheuniverseinitsoldplace，wasfaintosmother，insomedegree，herownintuitionsastoJudgePyncheon’scharacter。Andasforhercousin’stestimonyindisparagementofit，sheconcludedthatHepzibah’sjudgmentwasembitteredbyoneofthosefamilyfeudswhichrenderhatredthemoredeadlybythedeadandcorruptedlovethattheyinterminglewithitsnativepoison。
IXCliffordandPhoebeTRULYwastheresomethinghigh，generous，andnobleinthenativecompositionofourpooroldHepzibah！Orelse，——anditwasquiteasprobablythecase，——shehadbeenenrichedbypoverty，developedbysorrow，elevatedbythestrongandsolitaryaffectionofherlife，andthusendowedwithheroism，whichnevercouldhavecharacterizedherinwhatarecalledhappiercircumstances。ThroughdrearyyearsHepzibahhadlookedforward——forthemostpartdespairingly，neverwithanyconfidenceofhope，butalwayswiththefeelingthatitwasherbrightestpossibility——totheverypositioninwhichshenowfoundherself。Inherownbehalf，shehadaskednothingofProvidencebuttheopportunityofdevotingherselftothisbrother，whomshehadsoloved，——soadmiredforwhathewas，ormighthavebeen，——andtowhomshehadkeptherfaith，aloneofalltheworld，wholly，unfalteringly，ateveryinstant，andthroughoutlife。
Andhere，inhislatedecline，thelostonehadcomebackoutofhislongandstrangemisfortune，andwasthrownonhersympathy，asitseemed，notmerelyforthebreadofhisphysicalexistence，butforeverythingthatshouldkeephimmorallyalive。Shehadrespondedtothecall。Shehadcomeforward，——ourpoor，gauntHepzibah，inherrustysilks，withherrigidjoints，andthesadperversityofherscowl，——readytodoherutmost；andwithaffectionenough，ifthatwereall，todoahundredtimesasmuch！
Therecouldbefewmoretearfulsights，——andHeavenforgiveusifasmileinsistonminglingwithourconceptionofit！——fewsightswithtruerpathosinthem，thanHepzibahpresentedonthatfirstafternoon。
HowpatientlydidsheendeavortowrapCliffordupinhergreat，warmlove，andmakeitalltheworldtohim，sothatheshouldretainnotorturingsenseofthecoldnessanddrearinesswithout！
Herlittleeffortstoamusehim！Howpitiful，yetmagnanimous，theywere！
Rememberinghisearlyloveofpoetryandfiction，sheunlockedabookcase，andtookdownseveralbooksthathadbeenexcellentreadingintheirday。TherewasavolumeofPope，withtheRapeoftheLockinit，andanotheroftheTatler，andanoddoneofDryden’sMiscellanies，allwithtarnishedgildingontheircovers，andthoughtsoftarnishedbrilliancyinside。TheyhadnosuccesswithClifford。These，andallsuchwritersofsociety，whosenewworksglowliketherichtextureofajust-wovencarpet，mustbecontenttorelinquishtheircharm，foreveryreader，afteranageortwo，andcouldhardlybesupposedtoretainanyportionofitforamindthathadutterlylostitsestimateofmodesandmanners。HepzibahthentookupRasselas，andbegantoreadoftheHappyValley，withavagueideathatsomesecretofacontentedlifehadtherebeenelaborated，whichmightatleastserveCliffordandherselfforthisoneday。ButtheHappyValleyhadacloudoverit。Hepzibahtroubledherauditor，moreover，byinnumerablesinsofemphasis，whichheseemedtodetect，withoutanyreferencetothemeaning；nor，infact，didheappeartotakemuchnoteofthesenseofwhatsheread，butevidentlyfeltthetediumofthelecture，withoutharvestingitsprofit。Hissister’svoice，too，naturallyharsh，had，inthecourseofhersorrowfullifetime，contractedakindofcroak，which，whenitoncegetsintothehumanthroat，isasineradicableassin。Inbothsexes，occasionally，thislifelongcroak，accompanyingeachwordofjoyorsorrow，isoneofthesymptomsofasettledmelancholy；andwhereveritoccurs，thewholehistoryofmisfortuneisconveyedinitsslightestaccent。Theeffectisasifthevoicehadbeendyedblack；or，——ifwemustuseamoremoderatesimile，——thismiserablecroak，runningthroughallthevariationsofthevoice，islikeablacksilkenthread，onwhichthecrystalbeadsofspeecharestrung，andwhencetheytaketheirhue。Suchvoiceshaveputonmourningfordeadhopes；andtheyoughttodieandbeburiedalongwiththem！
DiscerningthatCliffordwasnotgladdenedbyherefforts，Hepzibahsearchedaboutthehouseforthemeansofmoreexhilaratingpastime。Atonetime，hereyeschancedtorestonAlicePyncheon’sharpsichord。Itwasamomentofgreatperil；for，——despitethetraditionaryawethathadgatheredoverthisinstrumentofmusic，andthedirgeswhichspiritualfingersweresaidtoplayonit，——thedevotedsisterhadsolemnthoughtsofthrummingonitschordsforClifford’sbenefit，andaccompanyingtheperformancewithhervoice。
PoorClifford！PoorHepzibah！Poorharpsichord！Allthreewouldhavebeenmiserabletogether。Bysomegoodagency，——possibly，bytheunrecognizedinterpositionofthelong-buriedAliceherself，——thethreateningcalamitywasaverted。
Buttheworstofall——thehardeststrokeoffateforHepzibahtoendure，andperhapsforClifford，toowashisinvincibledistasteforherappearance。Herfeatures，neverthemostagreeable，andnowharshwithageandgrief，andresentmentagainsttheworldforhissake；herdress，andespeciallyherturban；thequeerandquaintmanners，whichhadunconsciouslygrownuponherinsolitude，——suchbeingthepoorgentlewoman’soutwardcharacteristics，itisnogreatmarvel，althoughthemournfullestofpities，thattheinstinctiveloveroftheBeautifulwasfaintoturnawayhiseyes。Therewasnohelpforit。Itwouldbethelatestimpulsetodiewithinhim。Inhislastextremity，theexpiringbreathstealingfaintlythroughClifford’slips，hewoulddoubtlesspressHepzibah’shand，inferventrecognitionofallherlavishedlove，andclosehiseyes，——butnotsomuchtodie，astobeconstrainedtolooknolongeronherface！PoorHepzibah！Shetookcounselwithherselfwhatmightbedone，andthoughtofputtingribbonsonherturban；but，bytheinstantrushofseveralguardianangels，waswithheldfromanexperimentthatcouldhardlyhaveprovedlessthanfataltothebelovedobjectofheranxiety。
Tobebrief，besidesHepzibah’sdisadvantagesofperson，therewasanuncouthnesspervadingallherdeeds；aclumsysomething，thatcouldbutilladaptitselfforuse，andnotatallforornament。
ShewasagrieftoClifford，andsheknewit。Inthisextremity，theantiquatedvirginturnedtoPhoebe。Nogrovellingjealousywasinherheart。HaditpleasedHeaventocrowntheheroicfidelityofherlifebymakingherpersonallythemediumofClifford’shappiness，itwouldhaverewardedherforallthepast，byajoywithnobrighttints，indeed，butdeepandtrue，andworthathousandgayerecstasies。Thiscouldnotbe。ShethereforeturnedtoPhoebe，andresignedthetaskintotheyounggirl’shands。Thelattertookitupcheerfully，asshedideverything，butwithnosenseofamissiontoperform，andsucceedingallthebetterforthatsamesimplicity。
Bytheinvoluntaryeffectofagenialtemperament，Phoebesoongrewtobeabsolutelyessentialtothedailycomfort，ifnotthedailylife，ofhertwoforlorncompanions。ThegrimeandsordidnessoftheHouseoftheSevenGablesseemedtohavevanishedsinceherappearancethere；thegnawingtoothofthedry-rotwasstayedamongtheoldtimbersofitsskeletonframe；
thedusthadceasedtosettledownsodensely，fromtheantiqueceilings，uponthefloorsandfurnitureoftheroomsbelow，——or，atanyrate，therewasalittlehousewife，aslight-footedasthebreezethatsweepsagardenwalk，glidinghitherandthithertobrushitallaway。Theshadowsofgloomyeventsthathauntedtheelselonelyanddesolateapartments；theheavy，breathlessscentwhichdeathhadleftinmorethanoneofthebedchambers，eversincehisvisitsoflongago，——thesewerelesspowerfulthanthepurifyinginfluencescatteredthroughouttheatmosphereofthehouseholdbythepresenceofoneyouthful，fresh，andthoroughlywholesomeheart。TherewasnomorbidnessinPhoebe；iftherehadbeen，theoldPyncheonHousewastheverylocalitytoripenitintoincurabledisease。Butnowherspiritresembled，initspotency，aminutequantityofottarofroseinoneofHepzibah’shuge，iron-boundtrunks，diffusingitsfragrancethroughthevariousarticlesoflinenandwrought-lace，kerchiefs，caps，stockings，foldeddresses，gloves，andwhateverelsewastreasuredthere。Aseveryarticleinthegreattrunkwasthesweeterfortherose-scent，sodidallthethoughtsandemotionsofHepzibahandClifford，sombreastheymightseem，acquireasubtleattributeofhappinessfromPhoebe’sintermixturewiththem。Heractivityofbody，intellect，andheartimpelledhercontinuallytoperformtheordinarylittletoilsthatofferedthemselvesaroundher，andtothinkthethoughtproperforthemoment，andtosympathize，——nowwiththetwitteringgayetyoftherobinsinthepear-tree，andnowtosuchadepthasshecouldwithHepzibah’sdarkanxiety，orthevaguemoanofherbrother。Thisfacileadaptationwasatoncethesymptomofperfecthealthanditsbestpreservative。
AnaturelikePhoebe’shasinvariablyitsdueinfluence，butisseldomregardedwithduehonor。Itsspiritualforce，however，maybepartiallyestimatedbythefactofherhavingfoundaplaceforherself，amidcircumstancessosternasthosewhichsurroundedthemistressofthehouse；andalsobytheeffectwhichsheproducedonacharacterofsomuchmoremassthanherown。Forthegaunt，bonyframeandlimbsofHepzibah，ascomparedwiththetinylightsomenessofPhoebe’sfigure，wereperhapsinsomefitproportionwiththemoralweightandsubstance，respectively，ofthewomanandthegirl。
Totheguest，——toHepzibah’sbrother，——orCousinClifford，asPhoebenowbegantocallhim，——shewasespeciallynecessary。
Notthathecouldeverbesaidtoconversewithher，oroftenmanifest，inanyotherverydefinitemode，hissenseofacharminhersociety。Butifshewerealongwhileabsenthebecamepettishandnervouslyrestless，pacingtheroomtoandfrowiththeuncertaintythatcharacterizedallhismovements；orelsewouldsitbroodinglyinhisgreatchair，restinghisheadonhishands，andevincinglifeonlybyanelectricsparkleofill-humor，wheneverHepzibahendeavoredtoarousehim。Phoebe’spresence，andthecontiguityofherfreshlifetohisblightedone，wasusuallyallthatherequired。Indeed，suchwasthenativegushandplayofherspirit，thatshewasseldomperfectlyquietandundemonstrative，anymorethanafountaineverceasestodimpleandwarblewithitsflow。Shepossessedthegiftofsong，andthat，too，sonaturally，thatyouwouldaslittlethinkofinquiringwhenceshehadcaughtit，orwhatmasterhadtaughther，asofaskingthesamequestionsaboutabird，inwhosesmallstrainofmusicwerecognizethevoiceoftheCreatorasdistinctlyasintheloudestaccentsofhisthunder。SolongasPhoebesang，shemightstrayatherownwillaboutthehouse。Cliffordwascontent，whetherthesweet，airyhomelinessofhertonescamedownfromtheupperchambers，oralongthepassagewayfromtheshop，orwassprinkledthroughthefoliageofthepear-tree，inwardfromthegarden，withthetwinklingsunbeams。Hewouldsitquietly，withagentlepleasuregleamingoverhisface，brighternow，andnowalittledimmer，asthesonghappenedtofloatnearhim，orwasmoreremotelyheard。Itpleasedhimbest，however，whenshesatonalowfootstoolathisknee。
Itisperhapsremarkable，consideringhertemperament，thatPhoebeoftenerchoseastrainofpathosthanofgayety。Buttheyoungandhappyarenotillpleasedtotempertheirlifewithatransparentshadow。ThedeepestpathosofPhoebe’svoiceandsong，moreover，camesiftedthroughthegoldentextureofacheeryspirit，andwassomehowsointerfusedwiththequalitythenceacquired，thatone’sheartfeltallthelighterforhavingweptatit。Broadmirth，inthesacredpresenceofdarkmisfortune，wouldhavejarredharshlyandirreverentlywiththesolemnsymphonythatrolleditsundertonethroughHepzibah’sandherbrother’slife。Therefore，itwaswellthatPhoebesooftenchosesadthemes，andnotamissthattheyceasedtobesosadwhileshewassingingthem。
Becominghabituatedtohercompanionship，Cliffordreadilyshowedhowcapableofimbibingpleasanttintsandgleamsofcheerfullightfromallquartershisnaturemustoriginallyhavebeen。Hegrewyouthfulwhileshesatbyhim。Abeauty，——notpreciselyreal，eveninitsutmostmanifestation，andwhichapainterwouldhavewatchedlongtoseizeandfixuponhiscanvas，and，afterall，invain，——beauty，nevertheless，thatwasnotameredream，wouldsometimesplayuponandilluminatehisface。
Itdidmorethantoilluminate；ittransfiguredhimwithanexpressionthatcouldonlybeinterpretedastheglowofanexquisiteandhappyspirit。Thatgrayhair，andthosefurrows，——withtheirrecordofinfinitesorrowsodeeplywrittenacrosshisbrow，andsocompressed，aswithafutileefforttocrowdinallthetale，thatthewholeinscriptionwasmadeillegible，——these，forthemoment，vanished。Aneyeatoncetenderandacutemighthavebeheldinthemansomeshadowofwhathewasmeanttobe。Anon，asagecamestealing，likeasadtwilight，backoverhisfigure，youwouldhavefelttemptedtoholdanargumentwithDestiny，andaffirm，thateitherthisbeingshouldnothavebeenmademortal，ormortalexistenceshouldhavebeentemperedtohisqualities。Thereseemednonecessityforhishavingdrawnbreathatall；theworldneverwantedhim；
but，ashehadbreathed，itoughtalwaystohavebeenthebalmiestofsummerair。ThesameperplexitywillinvariablyhauntuswithregardtonaturesthattendtofeedexclusivelyupontheBeautiful，lettheirearthlyfatebeaslenientasitmay。
Phoebe，itisprobable，hadbutaveryimperfectcomprehensionofthecharacteroverwhichshehadthrownsobeneficentaspell。
Norwasitnecessary。Thefireuponthehearthcangladdenawholesemicircleoffacesroundaboutit，butneednotknowtheindividualityofoneamongthemall。Indeed，therewassomethingtoofineanddelicateinClifford’straitstobeperfectlyappreciatedbyonewhosespherelaysomuchintheActualasPhoebe’sdid。ForClifford，however，thereality，andsimplicity，andthoroughhomelinessofthegirl’snaturewereaspowerfulacharmasanythatshepossessed。Beauty，itistrue，andbeautyalmostperfectinitsownstyle，wasindispensable。HadPhoebebeencoarseinfeature，shapedclumsily，ofaharshvoice，anduncouthlymannered，shemighthavebeenrichwithallgoodgifts，beneaththisunfortunateexterior，andstill，solongassheworetheguiseofwoman，shewouldhaveshockedClifford，anddepressedhimbyherlackofbeauty。Butnothingmorebeautiful——nothingprettier，atleast——wasevermadethanPhoebe。And，therefore，tothisman，——whosewholepoorandimpalpableenjoymentofexistenceheretofore，anduntilbothhisheartandfancydiedwithinhim，hadbeenadream，——whoseimagesofwomenhadmoreandmorelosttheirwarmthandsubstance，andbeenfrozen，likethepicturesofsecludedartists，intothechillestideality，——tohim，thislittlefigureofthecheeriesthouseholdlifewasjustwhatherequiredtobringhimbackintothebreathingworld。Personswhohavewandered，orbeenexpelled，outofthecommontrackofthings，evenwereitforabettersystem，desirenothingsomuchastobeledback。Theyshiverintheirloneliness，beitonamountain-toporinadungeon。Now，Phoebe’spresencemadeahomeabouther，——thatveryspherewhichtheoutcast，theprisoner，thepotentate，——thewretchbeneathmankind，thewretchasidefromit，orthewretchaboveit，——instinctivelypinesafter，——ahome！Shewasreal！Holdingherhand，youfeltsomething；atendersomething；
asubstance，andawarmone:andsolongasyoushouldfeelitsgrasp，softasitwas，youmightbecertainthatyourplacewasgoodinthewholesympatheticchainofhumannature。Theworldwasnolongeradelusion。
Bylookingalittlefurtherinthisdirection，wemightsuggestanexplanationofanoften-suggestedmystery。Whyarepoetssoapttochoosetheirmates，notforanysimilarityofpoeticendowment，butforqualitieswhichmightmakethehappinessoftherudesthandicraftsmanaswellasthatoftheidealcraftsmanofthespirit？
Because，probably，athishighestelevation，thepoetneedsnohumanintercourse；buthefindsitdrearytodescend，andbeastranger。
Therewassomethingverybeautifulintherelationthatgrewupbetweenthispair，socloselyandconstantlylinkedtogether，yetwithsuchawasteofgloomyandmysteriousyearsfromhisbirthdaytohers。OnClifford’spartitwasthefeelingofamannaturallyendowedwiththeliveliestsensibilitytofeminineinfluence，butwhohadneverquaffedthecupofpassionatelove，andknewthatitwasnowtoolate。Heknewit，withtheinstinctivedelicacythathadsurvivedhisintellectualdecay。Thus，hissentimentforPhoebe，withoutbeingpaternal，wasnotlesschastethanifshehadbeenhisdaughter。Hewasaman，itistrue，andrecognizedherasawoman。Shewashisonlyrepresentativeofwomankind。Hetookunfailingnoteofeverycharmthatappertainedtohersex，andsawtheripenessofherlips，andthevirginaldevelopmentofherbosom。Allherlittlewomanlyways，buddingoutofherlikeblossomsonayoungfruit-tree，hadtheireffectonhim，andsometimescausedhisveryhearttotinglewiththekeenestthrillsofpleasure。Atsuchmoments，——fortheeffectwasseldommorethanmomentary，——thehalf-torpidmanwouldbefullofharmoniouslife，justasalong-silentharpisfullofsound，whenthemusician’sfingerssweepacrossit。But，afterall，itseemedratheraperception，orasympathy，thanasentimentbelongingtohimselfasanindividual。HereadPhoebeashewouldasweetandsimplestory；helistenedtoherasifshewereaverseofhouseholdpoetry，whichGod，inrequitalofhisbleakanddismallot，hadpermittedsomeangel，thatmostpitiedhim，towarblethroughthehouse。Shewasnotanactualfactforhim，buttheinterpretationofallthathelackedonearthbroughtwarmlyhometohisconception；
sothatthismeresymbol，orlife-likepicture，hadalmostthecomfortofreality。
Butwestriveinvaintoputtheideaintowords。Noadequateexpressionofthebeautyandprofoundpathoswithwhichitimpressesusisattainable。Thisbeing，madeonlyforhappiness，andheretoforesomiserablyfailingtobehappy，——histendenciessohideouslythwarted，that，someunknowntimeago，thedelicatespringsofhischaracter，nevermorallyorintellectuallystrong，hadgivenway，andhewasnowimbecile，——thispoor，forlornvoyagerfromtheIslandsoftheBlest，inafrailbark，onatempestuoussea，hadbeenflung，bythelastmountain-waveofhisshipwreck，intoaquietharbor。There，ashelaymorethanhalflifelessonthestrand，thefragranceofanearthlyrose-budhadcometohisnostrils，and，asodorswill，hadsummonedupreminiscencesorvisionsofallthelivingandbreathingbeautyamidwhichheshouldhavehadhishome。Withhisnativesusceptibilityofhappyinfluences，heinhalestheslight，etherealraptureintohissoul，andexpires！
AndhowdidPhoeberegardClifford？Thegirl’swasnotoneofthosenatureswhicharemostattractedbywhatisstrangeandexceptionalinhumancharacter。Thepathwhichwouldbesthavesuitedherwasthewell-worntrackofordinarylife；thecompanionsinwhomshewouldmosthavedelightedweresuchasoneencountersateveryturn。ThemysterywhichenvelopedClifford，sofarasitaffectedheratall，wasanannoyance，ratherthanthepiquantcharmwhichmanywomenmighthavefoundinit。Still，hernativekindlinesswasbroughtstronglyintoplay，notbywhatwasdarklypicturesqueinhissituation，norsomuch，even，bythefinergracesofhischaracter，asbythesimpleappealofaheartsoforlornashistoonesofullofgenuinesympathyashers。Shegavehimanaffectionateregard，becauseheneededsomuchlove，andseemedtohavereceivedsolittle。
Withareadytact，theresultofever-activeandwholesomesensibility，shediscernedwhatwasgoodforhim，anddidit。
Whateverwasmorbidinhismindandexperiencesheignored；
andtherebykepttheirintercoursehealthy，bytheincautious，but，asitwere，heaven-directedfreedomofherwholeconduct。
Thesickinmind，and，perhaps，inbody，arerenderedmoredarklyandhopelesslysobythemanifoldreflectionoftheirdisease，mirroredbackfromallquartersinthedeportmentofthoseaboutthem；theyarecompelledtoinhalethepoisonoftheirownbreath，ininfiniterepetition。ButPhoebeaffordedherpoorpatientasupplyofpurerair。Sheimpregnatedit，too，notwithawild-flowerscent，——forwildnesswasnotraitofhers，——butwiththeperfumeofgarden-roses，pinks，andotherblossomsofmuchsweetness，whichnatureandmanhaveconsentedtogetherinmakinggrowfromsummertosummer，andfromcenturytocentury。SuchaflowerwasPhoebeinherrelationwithClifford，andsuchthedelightthatheinhaledfromher。
Yet，itmustbesaid，herpetalssometimesdroopedalittle，inconsequenceoftheheavyatmosphereabouther。Shegrewmorethoughtfulthanheretofore。LookingasideatClifford’sface，andseeingthedim，unsatisfactoryeleganceandtheintellectalmostquenched，shewouldtrytoinquirewhathadbeenhislife。
Washealwaysthus？Hadthisveilbeenoverhimfromhisbirth？——
thisveil，underwhichfarmoreofhisspiritwashiddenthanrevealed，andthroughwhichhesoimperfectlydiscernedtheactualworld，——orwasitsgraytexturewovenofsomedarkcalamity？
Phoebelovednoriddles，andwouldhavebeengladtoescapetheperplexityofthisone。Nevertheless，therewassofaragoodresultofhermeditationsonClifford’scharacter，that，whenherinvoluntaryconjectures，togetherwiththetendencyofeverystrangecircumstancetotellitsownstory，hadgraduallytaughtherthefact，ithadnoterribleeffectuponher。Lettheworldhavedonehimwhatvastwrongitmight，sheknewCousinCliffordtoowell——orfanciedso——evertoshudderatthetouchofhisthin，delicatefingers。
Withinafewdaysaftertheappearanceofthisremarkableinmate，theroutineoflifehadestablisheditselfwithagooddealofuniformityintheoldhouseofournarrative。Inthemorning，veryshortlyafterbreakfast，itwasClifford’scustomtofallasleepinhischair；nor，unlessaccidentallydisturbed，wouldheemergefromadensecloudofslumberorthethinnermiststhatflittedtoandfro，untilwelltowardsnoonday。Thesehoursofdrowsiheadweretheseasonoftheoldgentlewoman’sattendanceonherbrother，whilePhoebetookchargeoftheshop；anarrangementwhichthepublicspeedilyunderstood，andevincedtheirdecidedpreferenceoftheyoungershopwomanbythemultiplicityoftheircallsduringheradministrationofaffairs。Dinnerover，Hepzibahtookherknitting-work，——alongstockingofgrayyarn，forherbrother’swinterwear，——andwithasigh，andascowlofaffectionatefarewelltoClifford，andagestureenjoiningwatchfulnessonPhoebe，wenttotakeherseatbehindthecounter。Itwasnowtheyounggirl’sturntobethenurse，——theguardian，theplaymate，——orwhateveristhefitterphrase，——ofthegray-hairedman。
XThePyncheonGardenCLIFFORD，exceptforPhoebe’sMoreactiveinstigationwouldordinarilyhaveyieldedtothetorporwhichhadcreptthroughallhismodesofbeing，andwhichsluggishlycounselledhimtositinhismorningchairtilleventide。Butthegirlseldomfailedtoproposearemovaltothegarden，whereUncleVennerandthedaguerreotypisthadmadesuchrepairsontheroofoftheruinousarbor，orsummer-house，thatitwasnowasufficientshelterfromsunshineandcasualshowers。Thehop-vine，too，hadbeguntogrowluxuriantlyoverthesidesofthelittleedifice，andmadeaninteriorofverdantseclusion，withinnumerablepeepsandglimpsesintothewidersolitudeofthegarden。
Here，sometimes，inthisgreenplay-placeofflickeringlight，PhoebereadtoClifford。Heracquaintance，theartist，whoappearedtohavealiteraryturn，hadsuppliedherwithworksoffiction，inpamphletform，——andafewvolumesofpoetry，inaltogetheradifferentstyleandtastefromthosewhichHepzibahselectedforhisamusement。Smallthankswereduetothebooks，however，ifthegirl’sreadingswereinanydegreemoresuccessfulthanherelderlycousin’s。Phoebe’svoicehadalwaysaprettymusicinit，andcouldeitherenlivenCliffordbyitssparkleandgayetyoftone，orsoothehimbyacontinuedflowofpebblyandbrook-likecadences。Butthefictions——inwhichthecountry-girl，unusedtoworksofthatnature，oftenbecamedeeplyabsorbed——interestedherstrangeauditorverylittle，ornotatall。Picturesoflife，scenesofpassionorsentiment，wit，humor，andpathos，wereallthrownaway，orworsethanthrownaway，onClifford；eitherbecausehelackedanexperiencebywhichtotesttheirtruth，orbecausehisowngriefswereatouch-stoneofrealitythatfewfeignedemotionscouldwithstand。
WhenPhoebebrokeintoapealofmerrylaughteratwhatsheread，hewouldnowandthenlaughforsympathy，butoftenerrespondwithatroubled，questioninglook。Ifatear——amaiden’ssunshinytearoverimaginarywoe——droppeduponsomemelancholypage，Cliffordeithertookitasatokenofactualcalamity，orelsegrewpeevish，andangrilymotionedhertoclosethevolume。Andwiselytoo！Isnottheworldsadenough，ingenuineearnest，withoutmakingapastimeofmocksorrows？
Withpoetryitwasratherbetter。Hedelightedintheswellandsubsidenceoftherhythm，andthehappilyrecurringrhyme。NorwasCliffordincapableoffeelingthesentimentofpoetry，——not，perhaps，whereitwashighestordeepest，butwhereitwasmostflittingandethereal。Itwasimpossibletoforetellinwhatexquisiteversetheawakeningspellmightlurk；but，onraisinghereyesfromthepagetoClifford’sface，Phoebewouldbemadeaware，bythelightbreakingthroughit，thatamoredelicateintelligencethanherownhadcaughtalambentflamefromwhatsheread。Oneglowofthiskind，however，wasoftentheprecursorofgloomformanyhoursafterward；because，whentheglowlefthim，heseemedconsciousofamissingsenseandpower，andgropedaboutforthem，asifablindmanshouldgoseekinghislosteyesight。
Itpleasedhimmore，andwasbetterforhisinwardwelfare，thatPhoebeshouldtalk，andmakepassingoccurrencesvividtohismindbyheraccompanyingdescriptionandremarks。ThelifeofthegardenofferedtopicsenoughforsuchdiscourseassuitedCliffordbest。Heneverfailedtoinquirewhatflowershadbloomedsinceyesterday。Hisfeelingforflowerswasveryexquisite，andseemednotsomuchatasteasanemotion；hewasfondofsittingwithoneinhishand，intentlyobservingit，andlookingfromitspetalsintoPhoebe’sface，asifthegardenflowerwerethesisterofthehouseholdmaiden。Notmerelywasthereadelightintheflower’sperfume，orpleasureinitsbeautifulform，andthedelicacyorbrightnessofitshue；butClifford’senjoymentwasaccompaniedwithaperceptionoflife，character，andindividuality，thatmadehimlovetheseblossomsofthegarden，asiftheywereendowedwithsentimentandintelligence。
Thisaffectionandsympathyforflowersisalmostexclusivelyawoman’strait。Men，ifendowedwithitbynature，soonlose，forget，andlearntodespiseit，intheircontactwithcoarserthingsthanflowers。Clifford，too，hadlongforgottenit；butfounditagainnow，asheslowlyrevivedfromthechilltorporofhislife。
Itiswonderfulhowmanypleasantincidentscontinuallycametopassinthatsecludedgarden-spotwhenoncePhoebehadsetherselftolookforthem。Shehadseenorheardabeethere，onthefirstdayofheracquaintancewiththeplace。Andoften，——almostcontinually，indeed，——sincethen，thebeeskeptcomingthither，Heavenknowswhy，orbywhatpertinaciousdesire，forfar-fetchedsweets，when，nodoubt，therewerebroadclover-fields，andallkindsofgardengrowth，muchnearerhomethanthis。Thitherthebeescame，however，andplungedintothesquash-blossoms，asiftherewerenoothersquash-vineswithinalongday’sflight，orasifthesoilofHepzibah’sgardengaveitsproductionsjusttheveryqualitywhichtheselaboriouslittlewizardswanted，inordertoimparttheHymettusodortotheirwholehiveofNewEnglandhoney。
WhenCliffordheardtheirsunny，buzzingmurmur，intheheartofthegreatyellowblossoms，helookedabouthimwithajoyfulsenseofwarmth，andbluesky，andgreengrass，andofGod’sfreeairinthewholeheightfromearthtoheaven。Afterall，thereneedbenoquestionwhythebeescametothatonegreennookinthedustytown。GodsentthemthithertogladdenourpoorClifford。Theybroughttherichsummerwiththem，inrequitalofalittlehoney。
Whenthebean-vinesbegantofloweronthepoles，therewasoneparticularvarietywhichboreavividscarletblossom。
Thedaguerreotypisthadfoundthesebeansinagarret，overoneofthesevengables，treasuredupinanoldchestofdrawersbysomehorticulturalPyncheonofdaysgoneby，whodoubtlessmeanttosowthemthenextsummer，butwashimselffirstsowninDeath’sgarden-ground。Bywayoftestingwhethertherewerestillalivinggerminsuchancientseeds，Holgravehadplantedsomeofthem；andtheresultofhisexperimentwasasplendidrowofbean-vines，clambering，early，tothefullheightofthepoles，andarrayingthem，fromtoptobottom，inaspiralprofusionofredblossoms。And，eversincetheunfoldingofthefirstbud，amultitudeofhumming-birdshadbeenattractedthither。Attimes，itseemedasifforeveryoneofthehundredblossomstherewasoneofthesetiniestfowlsoftheair，——athumb’sbignessofburnishedplumage，hoveringandvibratingaboutthebean-poles。Itwaswithindescribableinterest，andevenmorethanchildishdelight，thatCliffordwatchedthehumming-birds。Heusedtothrusthisheadsoftlyoutofthearbortoseethemthebetter；allthewhile，too，motioningPhoebetobequiet，andsnatchingglimpsesofthesmileuponherface，soastoheaphisenjoymentupthehigherwithhersympathy。
Hehadnotmerelygrownyoung；——hewasachildagain。
Hepzibah，whenevershehappenedtowitnessoneofthesefitsofminiatureenthusiasm，wouldshakeherhead，withastrangeminglingofthemotherandsister，andofpleasureandsadness，inheraspect。ShesaidthatithadalwaysbeenthuswithCliffordwhenthehumming-birdscame，——always，fromhisbabyhood，——andthathisdelightinthemhadbeenoneoftheearliesttokensbywhichheshowedhisloveforbeautifulthings。Anditwasawonderfulcoincidence，thegoodladythought，thattheartistshouldhaveplantedthesescarlet-floweringbeans——whichthehumming-birdssoughtfarandwide，andwhichhadnotgrowninthePyncheongardenbeforeforfortyyears——ontheverysummerofClifford’sreturn。
ThenwouldthetearsstandinpoorHepzibah’seyes，oroverflowthemwithatooabundantgush，sothatshewasfaintobetakeherselfintosomecorner，lestCliffordshouldespyheragitation。
Indeed，alltheenjoymentsofthisperiodwereprovocativeoftears。Comingsolateasitdid，itwasakindofIndiansummer，withamistinitsbalmiestsunshine，anddecayanddeathinitsgaudiestdelight。ThemoreCliffordseemedtotastethehappinessofachild，thesadderwasthedifferencetoberecognized。WithamysteriousandterriblePast，whichhadannihilatedhismemory，andablankFuturebeforehim，hehadonlythisvisionaryandimpalpableNow，which，ifyouoncelookcloselyatit，isnothing。
Hehimself，aswasperceptiblebymanysymptoms，laydarklybehindhispleasure，andknewittobeababy-play，whichhewastotoyandtriflewith，insteadofthoroughlybelieving。Cliffordsaw，itmaybe，inthemirrorofhisdeeperconsciousness，thathewasanexampleandrepresentativeofthatgreatclassofpeoplewhomaninexplicableProvidenceiscontinuallyputtingatcross-purposeswiththeworld:breakingwhatseemsitsownpromiseintheirnature；withholdingtheirproperfood，andsettingpoisonbeforethemforabanquet；andthus——whenitmightsoeasily，asonewouldthink，havebeenadjustedotherwise——makingtheirexistenceastrangeness，asolitude，andtorment。Allhislifelong，hehadbeenlearninghowtobewretched，asonelearnsaforeigntongue；andnow，withthelessonthoroughlybyheart，hecouldwithdifficultycomprehendhislittleairyhappiness。Frequentlytherewasadimshadowofdoubtinhiseyes。\"Takemyhand，Phoebe，\"hewouldsay，\"andpinchithardwithyourlittlefingers！Givemearose，thatImaypressitsthorns，andprovemyselfawakebythesharptouchofpain！\"Evidently，hedesiredthisprickofatriflinganguish，inordertoassurehimself，bythatqualitywhichhebestknewtobereal，thatthegarden，andthesevenweather-beatengables，andHepzibah’sscowl，andPhoebe’ssmile，werereallikewise。Withoutthissignetinhisflesh，hecouldhaveattributednomoresubstancetothemthantotheemptyconfusionofimaginarysceneswithwhichhehadfedhisspirit，untileventhatpoorsustenancewasexhausted。
