第4章

Acataractfellinasinglesheetintothepool;thepoolboiledandbubbledatthebaseofthefall，butthroughthegreaterpartofitsextent，laycalm，deep，andblack，asifthecataracthadplungedthroughittoanunimaginabledepth，withoutdisturbingitseternalrepose。Attheoppositeextremityofthepool，therocksalmostmetattheirsummits，thetreesoftheoppositebanksintermingledtheirleaves，andanothercataractplungedfromthepoolintoachasm，onwhichthesunbeamsnevergleamed。Highabove，onbothsides，thesteepwoodyslopesofthedinglesoaredintothesky;andfromafissureintherock，onwhichthelittlepathterminated，asinglegnarledandtwistedoakstretcheditselfoverthepool，formingaforkwithitsboughsatashortdistancefromtherock。MissSusannahoftensatontherock，withherfeetrestingonthistree;intime，shemadeherseatonthetreeitself，withherfeethangingovertheabyss;andatlength，sheaccustomedherselftoliealonguponitstrunk，withhersideonthemossyboleofthefork，andanarmroundoneofthebranches。 Fromthispositionaportionoftheskyandthewoodswasreflectedinthepool，which，fromitsbank，wasbutamassofdarkness。Thefirsttimeshereclinedinthismanner，herheartbeataudibly;intimeshelaydownascalmlyasonthemountainheather;theperceptionofthesublimewasprobablyheightenedbyanintermingledsenseofdanger;andperhapsthatindifferencetolife，whichearlydisappointmentforcesuponsensitiveminds，wasnecessarytothefirstexperiment。Therewas，inthenoveltyandstrangenessoftheposition，anexcitementwhichneverwhollypassedaway，butwhichbecamegraduallysubordinatetotheinfluence，atoncetranquillisingandelevating，ofthemingledeternityofmotion，sound，andsolitude。 Onesultrynoon，shedescendedintothisretreatwithamindmorethanusuallydisturbedbyreflectionsonthepast。Shelayinherfavouriteposition，sometimesgazingonthecataract;lookingsometimesupthesteepsylvanacclivities，intothenarrowspaceofthecloudlessether;sometimesdownintotheabyssofthepool，andthedeepbright-bluereflectionsthatopenedanotherimmensitybelowher。Thedistressingrecollectionsofthemorning，theworldandallitslittlenesses，fadedfromherthoughtslikeadream;butherwoundedandweariedspiritdrankintoodeeplythetranquillisingpoweroftheplace，andshedroppedasleepuponthetreelikeaship-boyonthemast。 AtthismomentMr。Chainmailemergedintodaylight，onaprojectionoftheoppositerock，havingstruckdownthroughthewoodsinsearchofunsophisticatedscenery。Thescenehediscoveredfilledhimwithdelight：heseatedhimselfontherock，andfellintooneofhisromanticreveries;whensuddenlythesemblanceofablackhatandfeathercaughthiseyeamongthefoliageoftheprojectingoak。Hestartedup，shiftedhisposition，andgotaglimpseofabluegown。Itwashisladyofthelake，hisenchantressoftheruinedcastle，dividedfromhimbyabarrierwhich，atafewyardsbelow，hecouldalmostoverleap，yetunapproachablebutbyacircuitperhapsofmanyhours。Hewatchedwithintenseanxiety。 Tolistenifshebreathedwasoutofthequestion：thenosesofadeanandchapterwouldhavebeensoundlessintheroarofthetorrent。Fromherextremestillness，sheappearedtosleep：yetwhatcreature，notdesperate，wouldgowilfullytosleepinsuchaplace？Wassheasleep，then？Nay，wasshealive？Shewasasmotionlessasdeath。Hadshebeenmurdered，thrownfromabove，andcaughtinthetree？Shelaytooregularlyandtoocomposedlyforsuchasupposition。Shewasasleep，then，and，inallprobability，herwakingwouldbefatal。Heshiftedhisposition。Belowthepooltwobeetle-browedrocksnearlyoverarchedthechasm，leavingjustsuchaspaceatthesummitaswaswithinthepossibilityofaleap;thetorrentroaredbelowinafearfulgulf。Hepausedsometimeonthebrink，measuringthepracticabilityandthedanger，andcastingeverynowandthenananxiousglancetohissleepingbeauty。Inoneoftheseglanceshesawaslightmovementofthebluegown，and，inamomentafter，theblackhatandfeatherdroppedintothepool。Reflectionwaslostforamoment，and，byasuddenimpulse，heboundedoverthechasm。 Hestoodabovetheprojectingoak;theunknownbeautylaylikethenymphofthescene;herlongblackhair，whichthefallofherhathaddisengagedfromitsfastenings，droopingthroughtheboughs： hesawthatthefirstthingtobedone，wastopreventherthrowingherfeetoffthetrunk，inthefirstmovementsofwaking。Hesatdownontherock，andplacedhisfeetonthestem，securingheranklesbetweenhisown：oneofherarmswasroundabranchofthefork，theotherlaylooselyonherside。Thehandofthisarmheendeavouredtoreach，byleaningforwardfromhisseat;heapproximated，butcouldnottouchit：afterseveraltantalisingefforts，hegaveupthepointindespair。Hedidnotattempttowakeher，becausehefeareditmighthavebadconsequences，andheresignedhimselftoexpectthemomentofhernaturalwaking，determinednottostirfromhispost，ifsheshouldsleeptillmidnight。 Inthisperiodofforcedinaction，hecouldcontemplateatleisurethefeaturesandformofhischarmer。Shewasnotoneoftheslenderbeautiesofromance;shewasasplumpasapartridge;hercheeksweretworoses，notabsolutelydamask，yetvergingthereupon;herlipstwin-cherries，ofequalsize;hernoseregular，andalmostGrecian;herforeheadhigh，anddelicatelyfair;hereyebrowssymmetricallyarched;hereyelashes，long，black，andsilky，fitlycorrespondingwiththebeautifultressesthathungamongtheleavesoftheoak，likeclustersofwanderinggrapes。 Hereyeswereyettobeseen;buthowcouldhedoubtthattheiropeningwouldbetherisingofthesun，whenallthatsurroundedtheirfringyportalswasradiantas\"theforeheadofthemorningsky？\" CHAPTERXV：THEFARM Daydyw’rgwaith，rhaidd’we’ydygwir，ArfryniauSirMeirionydd; Golwgoero’rgwaelagawnMaehiettoynllawnllawenydd。 ThoughMeirion’srocks，andhillsofheath，Repelthedistantsight，Yetwhere，thanthosebleakhillsbeneath，Isfoundmoretruedelight？ Atlengththeyoungladyawoke。Shewasstartledatthesuddensightofthestranger，andsomewhatterrifiedatthefirstperceptionofherposition。Butshesoonrecoveredherself- possession，and，extendingherhandtotheofferedhandofMr。 Chainmail，sheraisedherselfuponthetree，andsteppedontherockybank。 Mr。Chainmailsolicitedpermissiontoattendhertoherhome，whichtheyoungladygraciouslyconceded。Theyemergedfromthewoodydingle，traversedanopenheath，woundalongamountainroadbytheshoreofalake，descendedtothedeepbedofanotherstream，crosseditbyaseriesofstepping-stones，ascendedtosomeheightontheoppositeside，andfollowedupwardsthelineofthestream，tillthebanksopenedintoaspaciousamphitheatre，wherestood，initsfieldsandmeadows，thefarmhouseofAp-Llymry。 Duringthiswalk，theyhadkeptupaprettyanimatedconversation。 Theladyhadlostherhat，and，assheturnedtowardsMr。 Chainmail，inspeakingtohim，therewasnoenviousprojectionofbrimtointerceptthebeamsofthoseradianteyeshehadbeensoanxioustoseeunclosed。Therewasinthemamixtureofsoftnessandbrilliancy，theperfectionofthebeautyoffemaleeyes，suchassomemenhavepassedthroughlifewithoutseeing，andsuchasnomaneversaw，inanypairofeyes，butonce;suchascanneverbeseenandforgotten。YoungCrotchethadseenit;hehadnotforgottenit;buthehadtrampledonitsmemory，astherenegadetramplesontheemblemsofafaithwhichhisinterestonly，andnothisheartorhisreason，hasrejected。 Herhairstreamedoverhershoulders;thelossoftheblackfeatherhadleftnothingbuttherusticcostume，thebluegown，theblackstockings，andtheribbon-tiedshoes。Hervoicehadthatfullsoftvolumeofmelodywhichgivestocommonspeechthefascinationofmusic。Mr。Chainmailcouldnotreconcilethedressofthedamselwithherconversationandmanners。Hethrewoutaremotequestionortwo，withthehopeofsolvingtheriddle，but，receivingnoreply，hebecamesatisfiedthatshewasnotdisposedtobecommunicativerespectingherself，and，fearingtooffendher，felluponothertopics。Theytalkedofthescenesofthemountains，ofthedingle，theruinedcastle，thesolitarylake。Shetoldhim，thatlakelayunderthemountainsbehindherhome，andthecoracleandthepassattheextremity，savedalongcircuittothenearestvillage，whithershesometimeswenttoinquireforletters。 Mr。Chainmailfeltcurioustoknowfromwhomtheselettersmightbe;andheagainthrewouttwoorthreefishingquestions，towhich，asbefore，heobtainednoanswer。 TheonlylivingbipedtheymetintheirwalkwastheunfortunateHarryAp-Heather，withwhomtheyfellinbythestepping-stones，who，seeingthegirlofhishearthangingonanotherman’sarm，and，concludingatoncethattheywere\"keepingcompany，\"fixedonheramingledlookofsurprise，reproach，andtribulation;and，unabletocontrolhisfeelingsunderthesuddenshock，burstintoafloodoftears，andblubberedtilltherocksre-echoed。 Theylefthimminglinghistearswiththestream，andhislamentationswithitsmurmurs。Mr。Chainmailinquiredwhothatstrangecreaturemightbe，andwhatwasthematterwithhim。Theyoungladyanswered，thathewasaveryworthyyoungman，towhomshehadbeentheinnocentcauseofmuchunhappiness。 \"Ipityhimsincerely，\"saidMr。Chainmailand，nevertheless，hecouldscarcelyrestrainhislaughterattheexceedinglyoriginalfigurewhichtheunfortunaterusticloverhadpresentedbythestepping-stones。 ThechildrenranouttomeettheirdearMissSusan，jumpedallroundher，andaskedwhatwasbecomeofherhat。Ap-Llymrycameoutingreathaste，andinvitedMr。Chainmailtowalkinanddine： Mr。Chainmaildidnotwaittobeaskedtwice。Inafewminutesthewholeparty，MissSusanandMr。Chainmail，Mr。andMrs。Ap-Llymry，andprogeny，wereseatedoveracleanhomespuntablecloth，ornamentedwithfowlsandbacon，apyramidofpotatoes，anotherofcabbage，whichAp-Llymrysaid\"waspoiledwiththepacon，andascootasmarrow，\"abowlofmilkforthechildren，andanimmensebrownjugoffoamingale，withwhichAp-Llymryseemedtodelightinfillingthehornofhisnewguest。 Shallwedescribethespaciousapartment，whichwasatoncekitchen，hall，anddining-room，——thelargedarkrafters，thependentbaconandonions，thestrongoldoakenfurniture，thebrightandtrimly-arrangedutensils？ShallwedescribethecutofAp-Llymry’scoat，thecolourandtieofhisneckcloth，thenumberofbuttonsathisknees，——thestructureofMrs。Ap-Llymry’scap，havinglappetsovertheears，whichwereunitedunderthechin，settingforthespeciallywhetherthebondofunionwereapinoraribbon？Weshallleavethistemptingfieldofinterestingexpatiationtothosewhosebrainsarehigh-pressuresteam-enginesforspinningprosebythefurlong，tobetrumpetedinpaid-forparagraphsinthequack’scornerofnewspapers：modernliteraturehavingattainedthehonourabledistinctionofsharing，withblackingandMacassaroil，thespacewhichusedtobemonopolisedbyrazor-stropsandthelottery;wherebythatveryenlightenedcommunity，thereadingpublic，istrickedintotheperusalofmuchexemplarynonsense;thoughthefewwhoseethroughthetrickeryhavenoreasontocomplain，sinceas\"goodwineneedsnobush，\"so，exvioppositi，thesebushesofvenalpanegyricpointoutveryclearlythatthethingstheycelebratearenotworthreading。 Thepartydinedverycomfortablyinacornermostremotefromthefire：andMr。Chainmailverysoonfoundhisheadswimmingwithtwoorthreehornsofale，ofapotencytowhichevenhewasunaccustomed。AfterdinnerAp-Llymrymadehimfinishabottleofmead，whichhewillinglyaccepted，bothasanexcusetoremainandasadrinkofthedarkages，whichhehadnodoubtwasagenuinebrewagefromuncorruptedtradition。 Inthemeantime，assoonastheclothwasremoved，thechildrenhadbroughtoutMissSusannah’sharp。Shebegan，withoutaffectation，toplayandsingtothechildren，aswashercustomofanafternoon，firstintheirownlanguage，andtheirnationalmelodies，theninEnglish;butshewassooninterruptedbyageneralcalloflittlevoicesfor\"Ouf！digiorno。\"Shecompliedwiththerequest，andsangtheballadfromPaer’sCamilla：\"Undicarcoilmulinaro。\"Thechildrenwereveryfamiliarwitheverysyllableofthisballad，whichhadbeenoftenfullyexplainedtothem。Theydancedinacirclewiththeburdenofeveryverse，shoutingoutthechoruswithgoodarticulationandjoyousenergy; andattheendofthesecondstanza，wherethetravellerhashisnosepinchedbyhisgrandmother’sghost，everynoseinthepartywasnippedbyapairoflittlefingers。Mr。Chainmail，whowasnotpreparedfortheprocess，cameinforaveryenergetictweakfromachubbygirlthatsprangsuddenlyonhiskneesforthepurpose，andmadetheroofringwithherlaughter。 Sopassedthetimetillevening，whenMr。Chainmailmovedtodepart。Butitturnedoutoninquirythathewassomemilesfromhisinn，thatthewaywasintricate，andthathemustnotmakeanydifficultyaboutacceptingthefarmer’shospitalitytillmorning。 Theeveningsetinwithrain：thefirewasfoundagreeable;theydrewaroundit。Theyoungladymadetea;andafterwards，fromtimetotime，atMr。Chainmail’sspecialrequest，delightedhisearwithpassagesofancientmusic。Thencameasupperoflaketrout，friedonthespot，andthrown，smokinghot，fromthepantotheplate。 Thencameabrewage，whichthefarmercalledhisnightcap，ofwhichheinsistedonMr。Chainmail’stakinghisfullshare。Afterwhichthegentlemanrememberednothingtillheawoke，thenextmorning，tothepleasantconsciousnessthathewasunderthesameroofwithoneofthemostfascinatingcreaturesunderthecanopyofheaven。 CHAPTERXVI：THENEWSPAPER [Greektext] Sprungfromwhatline，adornsthemaidThese，valleysdeepinmountain-shade？ PIND。Pyth。IX Mr。ChainmailforgottheCaptainandtherouteofGiraldusdeBarri。Hebecamesuddenlysatisfiedthattheruinedcastleinhispresentneighbourhoodwasthebestpossiblespecimenofitsclass，andthatitwasneedlesstocarryhisresearchesfurther。 Hevisitedthefarmdaily：foundhimselfalwayswelcome;flatteredhimselfthattheyoungladysawhimwithpleasure，anddraggedaheavierchainateverynewpartingfromMissSusan，asthechildrencalledhisnymphofthemountains。Whatmightbehersecondname，hehadvainlyendeavouredtodiscover。 Mr。Chainmailwasinlove：butthedeterminationhehadlongbeforeformedandfixedinhismind，tomarryonlyaladyofgentleblood，withoutablotinherescutcheon，repressedthedeclarationsofpassionwhichwereoftenrisingtohislips。Inthemeantimeheleftnomeansuntriedtopluckouttheheartofhermystery。 Theyoungladysoondivinedhispassion，andpenetratedhisprejudices。Shebegantolookonhimwithfavourableeyes;butshefearedhernameandparentagewouldpresentaninsuperablebarriertohisfeudalpride。 ThingswereinthisstatewhentheCaptainreturned，andunpackedhismapsandbooksintheparlouroftheinn。 MR。CHAINMAIL。Really，Captain，Ifindsomanyobjectsofattractioninthisneighbourhood，thatIwouldgladlypostponeourpurpose。 CAPTAINFITZCHROME。Undoubtedlythisneighbourhoodhasmanyattractions;butthereissomethingveryinvitingintheschemeyoulaiddown。 MR。CHAINMAIL。NodoubtthereissomethingverytemptingintherouteofGiraldusdeBarri。Buttherearebetterthingsinthisvicinityeventhanthat。Totellyouthetruth，Captain，Ihavefalleninlove。 CAPTAINFITZCHROME。What！whileIhavebeenaway？ MR。CHAINMAIL。Evenso。 CAPTAINFITZCHROME。Theplungemusthavebeenverysudden，ifyouarealreadyoverheadandears。 MR。CHAINMAIL。AsdeepasLlyn-y-dreiddiad-vrawd。 CAPTAINFITZCHROME。Andwhatmaythatbe？ MR。CHAINMAIL。Apoolnotfaroff：aresting-placeofamountainstreamwhichissaidtohavenobottom。Thereisatraditionconnectedwithit;andhereisaballadonit，atyourservice。 LLYN-Y-DREIDDIAD-VRAWD。 THEPOOLOFTHEDIVINGFRIAR。 Gwenwynwynwithdrewfromthefeastsofhishall： Hesleptverylittle，heprayednotatall： Hepondered，andwandered，andstudiedalone; Andsought，nightandday，thephilosopher’sstone。 Hefounditatlength，andhemadeitsfirstproofByturningtogoldalltheleadofhisroof： Thenheboughtsomemagnanimousheroes，allfire，Wholivedbuttosmiteandbesmittenforhire。 Withtheseontheplainslikeatorrenthebroke; Hefilledthewholecountrywithflameandwithsmoke; Hekilledalltheswine，andhebroachedallthewine; Hedroveoffthesheep，andthebeeves，andthekine; Hetookcastlesandtowns;hecutshortlimbsandlives; Hemadeorphansandwidowsofchildrenandwives： Thiscoursemanyyearshetriumphantlyran，Anddidmischiefenoughtobecalledagreatman。 When，atlast，hehadgainedallforwhichheheldstriven，Hebethoughthimofbuyingapassporttoheaven; Goodandgreatashewas，yethedidnotwellknow，Howsoon，orwhichway，hisgreatspiritmightgo。 Hesoughtthegreyfriars，whobesideawildstream，Refectedtheirframesonaprimitivescheme; ThegravestandwisestGwenwynwynfoundout，Alllonelyandghostly，andanglingfortrout。 Belowthewhitedashofamightycascade，Whereapoolofthestreamadeepresting-placemade，Androck-rootedoaksstretchedtheirbranchesonhigh，Thefriarstoodmusing，andthrowinghisfly。 TohimsaidGwenwynwyn，\"Hold，father，here’sstore，Forthegoodofthechurch，andthegoodofthepoor;\" Thenhegavehimthestone;but，eremorehecouldspeak，Wrathcameonthefriar，soholyandmeek。 Hehadstretchedforthhishandtoreceivetheredgold，AndhethoughthimselfmockedbyGwenwynwyntheBold; Andinscornofthegift，andinrageatthegiver，Hejerkeditimmediatelyintotheriver。 Gwenwynwyn，aghast，notasyllablespake; Thephilosopher’sstonemadeaduckandadrake; Twosystemsofcirclesamomentwereseen，Andthestreamsmoothedthemoff，astheyneverhadbeen。 Gwenwynwynregained，andupliftedhisvoice，\"Ohfriar，greyfriar，fullrashwasthychoice; Thestone，thegoodstone，whichawaythouhastthrown，Wasthestoneofallstones，thephilosopher’sstone。\" Thefriarlookedpale，whenhiserrorheknew; Thefriarlookedred，andthefriarlookedblue; Andheelsoverhead，fromthepointofarock，Heplunged，withoutstoppingtopulloffhisfrock。 Hedivedverydeep，buthedivedallinvain，Theprizehehadslightedhefoundnotagain; Manytimesdidthefriarhisdivingrenew，Anddeeperanddeepertheriverstillgrew。 Gwenwynwyngazedlong，ofhissensesindoubt，Toseethegreyfriaradiversostout; Thensadlyandslowlyhiscastlehesought，Andleftthefriardiving，likedabchickdistraught。 Gwenwynwynfellsickwithalarmanddespite，Died，andwenttothedevil，theverysamenight; ThemagnanimousheroesheheldinhispaySackedhiscastle，andmarchedwiththeplunderaway。 NoknellonthesilenceofmidnightwasrolledFortheflightofthesoulofGwenwynwyntheBold。 Thebrethren，unfeed，letthemightyghostpass，Withoutprayingaprayer，orintoningamass。 Thefriarhauntedeverbesidethedarkstream; Thephilosopher’sstonewashisthoughtandhisdream： Anddayafterday，everheadunderheelsHedivedallthetimehecouldsparefromhismeals。 Hedived，andhedived，totheendofhisdays，Asthepeasantsoftwitnessedwithfearandamaze。 Themadfriar’sdiving-placelongwastheirtheme，Andnoplummetcanfathomthatpoolofthestream。 Andstill，whenlightcloudsonthemidnightwindsride，Ifbymoonlightyoustrayontheloneriver-side，Theghostofthefriarmaybeseendivingthere，Withheadinthewater，andheelsintheair。 CAPTAINFITZCHROME。Well，yourballadisverypleasant：youshallshowmethescene，andIwillsketchit;butjustnowIammoreinterestedaboutyourlove。Whatheroineofthetwelfthcenturyhasrisenfromtheruinsoftheoldcastle，andlookeddownonyoufromtheiviedbattlements？ MR。CHAINMAIL。Youarenearerthemarkthanyousuppose。Evenfromthosebattlementsaheroineofthetwelfthcenturyhaslookeddownonme。 CAPTAINFITZCHROME。Oh！somevisionofanidealbeauty。Isupposethewholewillendinanothertraditionandaballad。 MR。CHAINMAIL。Genuinefleshandblood;asgenuineasLadyClarinda。Iwilltellyouthestory。 Mr。Chainmailnarratedhisadventures。 CAPTAINFITZCHROME。Thenyouseemtohavefoundwhatyouwished。 Chancehasthrowninyourwaywhatnoneofthegodswouldhaveventuredtopromiseyou。 MR。CHAINMAIL。Yes，butIknownothingofherbirthandparentage。 Shetellsmenothingofherself，andIhavenorighttoquestionherdirectly。 CAPTAINFITZCHROME。Sheappearstobeexpresslydestinedforthelightofyourbaronialhall。Introducemeinthiscase，twoheadsarebetterthanone。 MR。CHAINMAIL。No，Ithankyou。Leavemetomanagemychanceofaprize，andkeepyoutoyourownchanceofa- CAPTAINFITZCHROME。Blank。Asyouplease。Well，Iwillpitchmytenthere，tillIhavefilledmyportfolio，andshallbegladofasmuchofyourcompanyasyoucansparefrommoreattractivesociety。 Matterswentonprettysmoothlyforseveraldays，whenanunluckynewspaperthrewallintoconfusion。Mr。Chainmailreceivednewspapersbythepost，whichcameinthreetimesaweek。Onemorning，overtheirhalf-finishedbreakfast，theCaptainhadreadhalfanewspaperverycomplacently，whensuddenlyhestartedupinafrenzy，hurledoverthebreakfasttable，and，bouncingfromtheapartment，knockeddownHarryApHeather，whowascominginatthedoortochallengehissupposedrivaltoaboxing-match。 Harrysprangup，inadoublerage，andinterceptedMr。Chainmail’spursuitoftheCaptain，placinghimselfinthedoorway，inapugilisticattitude。Mr。Chainmail，notbeingdisposedforthismodeofcombat，steppedbackintotheparlour，tookthepokerinhisrighthand，anddisplacingtheloosebottomofalargeelbowchair，threwitoverhisleftarmasashield。Harry，notlikingtheaspectoftheenemyinthisimposingattitude，retreatedwithbackwardstepsintothekitchen，andtumbledoveracur，whichimmediatelyfastenedonhisrear。 Mr。Chainmail，half-laughing，half-vexed，anxioustoovertaketheCaptain，andcurioustoknowwhatwasthematterwithhim，pocketedthenewspaper，andsalliedforth，leavingHarryroaringforadoctorandtailor，torepairthelacerationsofhisoutwardman。 Mr。ChainmailcouldfindnotraceoftheCaptain。Indeed，hesoughthimbutinonedirection，whichwasthatleadingtothefarm;wherehearrivedinduetime，andfoundMissSusanalone。Helaidthenewspaperonthetable，aswashiscustom，andproceededtoconversewiththeyounglady：aconversationofmanypauses，asmuchofsignsasofwords。Theyoungladytookupthepaper，andturneditoverandover，whileshelistenedtoMr。Chainmail，whomshefoundeverydaymoreandmoreagreeable，whensuddenlyhereyeglancedonsomethingwhichmadeherchangecolour，anddroppingthepaperontheground，sherosefromherseat，exclaiming： \"Miserablemustshebewhotrustsanyofyourfaithlesssex！never，never，never，willIenduresuchmiserytwice。\"Andshevanishedupthestairs。Mr。Chainmailwaspetrified。Atlength，hecriedaloud：\"CorneliusAgrippamusthavelaidaspellonthisaccursednewspaper;\"andwasturningitover，tolookforthesourceofthemischief，whenMrs。ApLlymrymadeherappearance。 MRS。APLLYMRY。WhathaveyoudonetopoordearMissSusan？sheiscryingreadytobreakherheart。 MR。CHAINMAIL。SohelpmethememoryofRichardCoeur-de-Lion，I havenotthemostdistantnotionofwhatisthematter。 MRS。APLLYMRY。Oh，don’ttellme，sir;youmusthaveill-usedher。Iknowhowitis。Youhavebeenkeepingcompanywithher，asifyouwantedtomarryher;andnow，allatonce，youhavebeeninsultingher。Ihaveseensuchtricksmorethanonce，andyououghttobeashamedofyourself。 MR。CHAINMAIL。Mydearmadam，youwrongmeutterly。Ihavenonebutthekindestfeelingsandthemosthonourablepurposestowardsher。Shehasbeendisturbedbysomethingshehasseeninthisrascallypaper。 MRS。APLLYMRY。Why，then，thebestthingyoucandoistogoaway，andcomeagaintomorrow。 MR。CHAINMAIL。NotI，indeed，madam。OutofthishouseIstirnot，tillIhaveseentheyounglady，andobtainedafullexplanation。 MRS。APLLYMRY。IwilltellMissSusanwhatyousay。Perhapsshewillcomedown。 Mr。Chainmailsatwithasmuchpatienceashecouldcommand，runningoverthepaper，fromcolumntocolumn。AtlengthhelightedonanannouncementoftheapproachingmarriageofLadyClarindaBossnowlwithMr。Crotchettheyounger。ThisexplainedtheCaptain’sdiscomposure，butthecauseofMissSusan’swasstilltobesought：hecouldnotknowthatitwasoneandthesame。 Presently，thesoundofthelonged-forstepwasheardonthestairs;theyoungladyreappeared，andresumedherseat：hereyesshowedthatshehadbeenweeping。Thegentlemanwasnowexceedinglypuzzledhowtobegin，buttheyoungladyrelievedhimbyasking，withgreatsimplicity：\"Whatdoyouwishtohaveexplained，sir？\" MR。CHAINMAIL。Iwish，ifImaybepermitted，toexplainmyselftoyou。YetcouldIfirstwishtoknowwhatitwasthatdisturbedyouinthisunluckypaper。HappyshouldIbeifIcouldremovethecauseofyourinquietude！ MISSSUSANNAH。Thecauseisalreadyremoved。Isawsomethingthatexcitedpainfulrecollections;nothingthatIcouldnowwishotherwisethanasitis。 MR。CHAINMAIL。Yet，mayIaskwhyitisthatIfindonesoaccomplishedlivinginthisobscurity，andpassingonlybythenameofMissSusan？ MISSSUSANNAH。Theworldandmynamearenotfriends。Ihavelefttheworld，andwishtoremainforeverastrangertoallwhomI onceknewinit。 MR。CHAINMAIL。Youcanhavedonenothingtodishonouryourname。 MISSSUSANNAH。No，sir。Myfatherhasdonethatofwhichtheworlddisapproves，inmattersofwhichIpretendnottojudge。I havesufferedforitasIwillneversufferagain。Mynameismyownsecret：Ihavenoother，andthatisonenotworthknowing。 YouseewhatIam，andallIam。Iliveaccordingtotheconditionofmypresentfortune，andhere，soliving，Ihavefoundtranquillity。 MR。CHAINMAIL。Yet，Ientreatyou，tellmeyourname。 MISSSUSANNAH。Why，sir？ MR。CHAINMAIL。Why，buttothrowmyhand，myheart，myfortune，atyourfeet，if。 MISSSUSANNAH。Ifmynamebeworthyofthem。 MR。CHAINMAIL。Nay，nay，notso;ifyourhandandheartarefree。 MISSSUSANNAH。Myhandandheartarefree;buttheymustbesoughtfrommyself，andnotfrommyname。 Shefixedhereyesonhim，withamingledexpressionofmistrust，ofkindness，andoffixedresolution，whichthefar-goneinamoratofoundirresistible。 MR。CHAINMAIL。ThenfromyourselfaloneIseekthem。 MISSSUSANNAH。Reflect。Youhaveprejudicesonthescoreofparentage。Ihavenotconversedwithyousooftenwithoutknowingwhattheyare。Choosebetweenthemandme。Itoohavemyownprejudicesonthescoreofpersonalpride。 MR。CHAINMAIL。Iwouldchooseyoufromalltheworld，wereyoueventhedaughteroftheexecuteurdeshautesoeuvres，astheheroineofaromanticstoryIoncereadturnedouttobe。 MISSSUSANNAH。Iamsatisfied。Youhavenowarighttoknowmyhistory，andifyourepent，Iabsolveyoufromallobligations。 Shetoldhimherhistory;buthewasoutofthereachofrepentance。\"Itistrue，\"asatasubsequentperiodhesaidtothecaptain，\"sheisthedaughterofamoney-changer：onewho，inthedaysofRichardtheFirst，wouldhavebeenpluckedbythebeardinthestreets：butsheis，accordingtomodernnotions，aladyofgentleblood。Astoherfather’srunningaway，thatisaminorconsideration：Ihavealwaysunderstood，fromMr。MacQuedy，whoisagreatoracleinthisway，thatpromisestopayoughtnottobekept;theessenceofasafeandeconomicalcurrencybeinganinterminableseriesofbrokenpromises。Thereseemstobeadifferenceamongthelearnedastothewayinwhichthepromisesoughttobebroken;butIamnotdeepenoughinthiscasuistrytoenterintosuchnicedistinctions。\" Inafewdaystherewasawedding，apatheticleave-takingofthefarmer’sfamily，ahundredkissesfromthebridetothechildren，andpromisestwentytimesreclaimedandrenewed，tovisitthemintheensuingyear。 CHAPTERXVII：THEINVITATION Acupofwine，that’sbriskandfine，Anddrinkuntothelemonmine。 MasterSilence。 ThisveridicoushistorybeganinMay，andtheoccurrencesalreadynarratedhavecarrieditontothemiddleofautumn。SteppingovertheintervaltoChristmas，wefindourselvesinourfirstlocality，amongthechalkhillsoftheThames;andwediscoverouroldfriend，Mr。Crotchet，intheactofacceptinganinvitation，forhimself，andanyfriendswhomightbewithhim，topasstheirChristmasDayatChainmailHall，afterthefashionofthetwelfthcentury。Mr。Crochethadassembledabouthim，forhisownChristmasfestivities，nearlythesamepartywhichwasintroducedtothereaderinthespring。Threeofthatpartywerewanting。 Dr。Morbific，byinoculatinghimselfoncetoooftenwithnon- contagiousmatter，hadexplainedhimselfoutoftheworld。Mr。 Henbanehadalsodeparted，onthewingsofaninfallibleantidote。 Mr。Eavesdrop，havingprintedinamagazinesomeoftheafter- dinnerconversationsofthecastle，hadhadsentenceofexclusionpasseduponhim，onthemotionoftheReverendDoctorFolliott，asaflagitiousviolatoroftheconfidencesofprivatelife。 MissCrotchethadbecomeLadyBossnowl，butLadyClarindahadnotyetchangedhernametoCrotchet。Shehad，ononepretenceandanother，procrastinatedthehappyevent，andthegentlemanhadnotbeenverypressing;shehad，however，accompaniedherbrotherandsister-in-law，topassChristmasatCrotchetCastle。Withthese，Mr。MacQuedy，Mr。Philpot，Mr。Trillo，Mr。Skionar，Mr。Toogood，andMr。Firedampweresittingatbreakfast，whentheReverendDoctorFolliottenteredandtookhisseatatthetable。 REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Well，Mr。MacQuedy，itisnowsomeweekssincewehavemet：howgoesonthemarchofmind？ MR。MACQUEDY。Nay，sir;Ithinkyoumayseethatwithyourowneyes。 REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Sir，Ihaveseenit，muchtomydiscomfiture。 Ithasmarchedintomyrickyard，andsetmystacksonfire，withchemicalmaterials，mostscientificallycompounded。Ithasmarcheduptothedoorofmyvicarage，ahundredandfiftystrong;orderedmetosurrenderhalfmytithes;consumedalltheprovisionsIhadprovidedformyauditfeast，anddrunkupmyoldOctober。Ithasmarchedinthroughmyback-parlourshutters，andoutagainwithmysilverspoons，inthedeadofthenight。Thepolicemanwhohasbeendowntoexaminesaysmyhousehasbeenbrokenopenonthemostscientificprinciples。Allthiscomesofeducation。 MR。MACQUEDY。Iratherthinkitcomesofpoverty。 REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。No，sir。Robbery，perhaps，comesofpoverty，butscientificprinciplesofrobberycomeofeducation。Isupposethelearnedfriendhaswrittenasixpennytreatiseonmechanics，andtherascalswhorobbedmehavebeenreadingit。 MR。CROTCHET。Yourhousewouldhavebeenverysafe，Doctor，iftheyhadhadnobettersciencethanthelearnedfriend’stoworkwith。 REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Well，sir，thatmaybe。Excellentpottedchar。 TheLorddelivermefromthelearnedfriend。 MR。CROTCHET。Well，Doctor，foryourcomfort，hereisadeclarationofthelearnedfriend’sthathewillnevertakeoffice。 REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Then，sir，hewillbeinofficenextweek。 Peacebewithhim。Sugarandcream。 MR。CROTCHET。But，Doctor，areyouforChainmailHallonChristmasDay？ REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。ThatamI，fortherewillbeanexcellentdinner，though，peradventure，grotesquelyserved。 MR。CROTCHET。Ihavenotseenmyneighboursinceheleftusonthecanal。 REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Hehasmarriedawife，andbroughtherhome。 LADYCLARINDA。Indeed！Ifshesuitshim，shemustbeanoddity： itwillbeamusingtoseethemtogether。 LORDBOSSNOWL。Veryamusing。He！He！Mr。Firedamp。IsthereanywateraboutChainmailHall？ REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Anoldmoat。 MR。FIREDAMP。Ishalldieofmalaria。 MR。TRILLO。Shallwehaveanymusic？ REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Anoldharper。 MR。TRILLO。Thosefellowsarealwayshorridlyoutoftune。Whatwillheplay？ REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Oldsongsandmarches。 MR。SKIONAR。Amongsomanyoldthings，IhopeweshallfindOldPhilosophy。 REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Anoldwoman。 MR。PHILPOT。Perhapsanoldmapoftheriverinthetwelfthcentury。 REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Nodoubt。 MR。MACQUEDY。Howmanymoreoldthings？ REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Oldhospitality;oldwine;oldale;alltheimagesofoldEngland;anoldbutler。 MR。TOOGOOD。Shallweallbewelcome？ REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Heartily;youwillbeslappedontheshoulder，andcalledOldBoy。 LORDBOSSNOWL。Ithinkweshouldallgoinouroldclothes。He！ He！ REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Youwillsitonoldchairs，roundanoldtable，bythelightofoldlamps，suspendedfrompointedarches，which，Mr。Chainmailsays，firstcameintouseinthetwelfthcentury，witholdarmouronthepillarsandoldbannersintheroof。 LADYCLARINDA。Andwhatcuriouspieceofantiquityistheladyofthemansion？ REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Noantiquitythere;none。 LADYCLARINDA。Whowasshe？ REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。ThatIknownot。 LADYCLARINDA。Haveyouseenher？ REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Ihave。 LADYCLARINDA。Isshepretty？ REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。More，——beautiful。AsubjectforthepenofNonnusorthepencilofZeuxis。Featuresofallloveliness，radiantwithallvirtueandintelligence。AfaceforAntigone。A formatonceplumpandsymmetrical，that，ifitbedecoroustodivineitbyexternals，wouldhavebeenamodelfortheVenusofCnidos。Neverwasanythingsogoodlytolookon，thepresentcompanyexcepted;andpoordearMrs。Folliott。Shereadsmoralphilosophy，Mr。MacQuedy，whichindeedshemightaswellletalone;shereadsItalianpoetry，Mr。Skionar;shesingsItalianmusic，Mr。Trillo;but，withallthis，shehasthegreatestoffemalevirtues，forshesuperintendsthehouseholdandlooksafterherhusband’sdinner。Ibelieveshewasamountaineer：[Greektext]{1}asNonnussweetlysings。 CHAPTERXVIII：CHAINMAILHALL Vousautresdictesqueignoranceestmeredetousmaulx，etdictesvray：maistoutesfoysvousnelabannissezmyedevosentendemens，etvivezenelle，avecqueselle，etparelle。C’estpourquoytantdemaulxvousmeshaignentdejourenjour。——RABELIAS，1。5。c。7。 ThepartywhichwasassembledonChristmasDayinChainmailHallcomprisedalltheguestsofCrotchetCastle，someofMr。 Chainmail’sotherneighbours，allhistenantsanddomestics，andCaptainFitzchrome。Thehallwasspaciousandlofty;andwithitstallflutedpillarsandpointedarches，itswindowsofstainedglass，itsdisplayofarmsandbannersintermingledwithhollyandmistletoe，itsblazingcressetsandtorches，andastupendousfireinthecentre，onwhichblocksofpinewereflamingandcrackling，hadastrikingeffectoneyesunaccustomedtosuchadining-room。 Thefirewasopenonallsides，andthesmokewascaughtandcarriedbackunderafunnel-formedcanopyintoahollowcentralpillar。Thisfirewasthelineofdemarcationbetweengentleandsimpleondaysofhighfestival。Tablesextendedfromitontwosidestonearlytheendofthehall。 Mrs。Chainmailwasintroducedtothecompany。YoungCrotchetfeltsomerevulsionoffeelingattheunexpectedsightofonewhomhehadforsaken，butnotforgotten，inaconditionapparentlysomuchhappierthanhisown。Theladyheldoutherhandtohimwithacordiallookofmorethanforgiveness;itseemedtosaythatshehadmuchtothankhimfor。Shewasthepictureofahappybride，rayonnantedejoieetd’amour。 Mr。CrotchettoldtheReverendDoctorFolliottthenewsofthemorning。\"Asyoupredicted，\"hesaid，\"yourfriend，thelearnedfriend，isinoffice;hehasalsoatitle;heisnowSirGuydeVaux。\" REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Thankheavenforthat！heisdisarmedfromfurthermischief。Itissomething，atanyrate，tohavethathollowandwind-shakenreedrootedupforeverfromthefieldofpublicdelusion。 MR。CROTCHET。Isuppose，Doctor，youdonotliketoseeagreatreformerinoffice;youareafraidforyourvestedinterests。 REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。NotI，indeed，sir;myvestedinterestsareverysafefromallsuchreformersasthelearnedfriend。I vaticinatewhatwillbetheupshotofallhisschemesofreform。 Hewillmakeaspeechofsevenhours’duration，andthiswillbeitsquintessence：that，seeingtheexceedingdifficultyofputtingsaltonthebird’stail，itwillbeexpedienttoconsiderthebestmethodofthrowingdustinthebird’seyes。Alltherestwillbe[Greektextinverse] asAristophaneshasit;andsoIleavehim，inNephelococcygia。 Mr。MacQuedycameuptothedivineasMr。Crotchetlefthim，andsaid：\"Thereisonepieceofnewswhichtheoldgentlemanhasnottoldyou。ThegreatfirmofCatchflatandCompany，inwhichyoungCrotchetisapartner，hasstoppedpayment。\" REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Blessme！thataccountsfortheyounggentleman’smelancholy。Ithoughttheywouldoverreachthemselveswiththeirowntricks。Thedayofreckoning，Mr。MacQuedy，isthepointwhichyourpaper-moneysciencealwaysleavesoutofview。 MR。MACQUEDY。Idonotsee，sir，thatthefailureofCatchflatandCompanyhasanythingtodowithmyscience。 REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Ithasthistodowithit，sir，thatyouwouldturnthewholenationintoagreatpaper-moneyshop，andtakenothoughtofthedayofreckoning。Butthedinneriscoming。I thinkyou，whoaresofondofpaperpromises，shoulddineonthebilloffare。 Theharperattheheadofthehallstruckupanancientmarch，andthedisheswerebroughtin，ingrandprocession。 Theboar’shead，garnishedwithrosemary，withacitroninitsmouth，ledthevan。Thencametureensofplum-porridge;thenaseriesofturkeys，andinthemidstofthemanenormoussausage，whichitrequiredtwomentocarry。Thencamegeeseandcapons，tonguesandhams，theancientgloryoftheChristmaspie，agiganticplumpudding，apyramidofmincepies，andabaronofbeefbringinguptherear。 \"Itissomethingnewunderthesun，\"saidthedivine，ashesatdown，\"toseeagreatdinnerwithoutfish。\" MR。CHAINMAIL。Fishwasforfastsinthetwelfthcentury。 REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Well，sir，Ipreferourreformedsystemofputtingfastsandfeaststogether。Notbuthereisampleindemnity。 Aleandwineflowedinabundance。Thedinnerpassedoffmerrily： theoldharperplayingallthewhiletheoldestmusicinhisrepertory。Thetablesbeingcleared，heindemnifiedhimselfforlosttimeatthelowerendofthehall，incompanywiththeoldbutlerandtheotherdomestics，whoseattendanceonthebanquethadbeenindispensable。 TheschemeofChristmasgambols，whichMr。Chainmailhadlaidfortheevening，wasinterruptedbyatremendousclamourwithout。 REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Whathavewehere？Mummers？ MR。CHAINMAIL。Nay，Iknownot。Iexpectnone。 \"Whoisthere？\"headded，approachingthedoorofthehall。 \"Whoisthere？\"vociferatedthedivine，withthevoiceofStentor。 \"CaptainSwing，\"repliedachorusofdiscordantvoices。 REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Ho，ho！hereisapieceofthedarkageswedidnotbargainfor。HereistheJacquerie。Hereisthemarchofmindwithawitness。 MR。MACQUEDY。Doyounotseethatyouhavebroughtdisparatestogether？theJacquerieandthemarchofmind。 REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Notatall，sir。Theyarethesamething，underdifferentnames。[Greektext]。WhatwasJacquerieinthedarkagesisthemarchofmindinthisveryenlightenedone——veryenlightenedone。 MR。CHAINMAIL。Thecauseisthesameinboth;povertyindespair。 MR。MACQUEDY。Verylikely;buttheeffectisextremelydisagreeable。 REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Itisthenaturalresult，Mr。MacQuedy，ofthatsystemofstateseamanshipwhichyourscienceupholds。 Puttingthecrewonshortallowance，anddoublingtherationsoftheofficers，isthesurewaytomakeamutinyonboardashipindistress，Mr。MacQuedy。 MR。MACQUEDY。Eh！sir，Iupholdnosuchsystemasthat。Ishallsetyourightastocauseandeffect。Discontentariseswiththeincreaseofinformation。Thatisall。 REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Isaiditwasthemarchofmind。Butwehavenottimefordiscussingcauseandeffectnow。Letusgetridoftheenemy。 Andhevociferatedatthetopofhisvoice，\"Whatdoyouwanthere？\"\"Arms，arms，\"repliedahundredvoices，\"Giveusthearms。\" REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Yousee，Mr。Chainmail，thisistheinconvenienceofkeepinganarmourynotfortifiedwithsandbags，greenbags，andoldbagsofallkinds。 MR。MACQUEDY。Justgivethemtheoldspitsandtoastingirons，andtheywillgoawayquietly。 MR。CHAINMAIL。Myspearsandswords！notwithoutmylife。Theseassailantsareallalienstomylandandhouse。Mymenwillfightforme，oneandall。Thisisthefortressofbeefandale。 MR。MACQUEDY。Eh！sir，whentherabbleisup，itisveryindiscriminating。Youaree’ensufferingforthesinsofSirSimonSteeltrapandthelike，whohavepushedtheprincipleofaccumulationalittletoofar。 MR。CHAINMAIL。Thewaytokeepthepeopledowniskindandliberalusage。 MR。MACQUEDY。Thatisverywell（whereitcanbeafforded）inthewayofprevention;butinthewayofcuretheoperationmustbemoredrastic。（Takingdownabattle-axe。）Iwouldfainhaveagoodblunderbusschargedwithslugs。 MR。CHAINMAIL。WhenIsuspendedthesearmsforornament，Ineverdreamedoftheirbeingcalledintouse。 MR。SKIONAR。Letmeaddressthem。Ineverfailedtoconvinceanaudiencethatthebestthingtheycoulddowastogoaway。 MR。MACQUEDY。Eh！sir，Icanbringthemtothatconclusioninlesstimethanyou。 MR。CROTCHET。Ihavenofancyforfighting。Itisaveryhardcaseuponaguest，whenthelatterendofafeastisthebeginningofafray。 MR。MACQUEDY。Givethemtheoldiron。 REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Givethemtheweapons！Pessimo，mediusfidius，exemplo。ForbiditthespiritofFrereJeandesEntommeures！No！ letusseewhatthechurchmilitant，inthearmourofthetwelfthcentury，willdoagainstthemarchofmind。Followmewhowill，andstaywholist。Heregoes：Proarisetfocis！thatis，fortithepigsandfirestoroastthem。 Heclappedahelmetonhishead，seizedalonglance，threwopenthegates，andtiltedoutontherabble，sidebysidewithMr。 Chainmail，followedbythegreaterportionofthemaleinmatesofthehall，whohadarmedthemselvesatrandom。 Therabble-rout，beingunpreparedforsuchasortie，fledinalldirections，overhedgeandditch。 Mr。Trillostayedinthehall，playingamarchontheharp，toinspirittheresttosallyout。Thewater-lovingMr。Philpothaddilutedhimselfwithsomuchwineastobequitehorsdecombat。 Mr。Toogood，intendingtoequiphimselfinpurelydefensivearmour，contrivedtoslipaponderouscoatofmailoverhisshoulders，whichpinionedhisarmstohissides;andinthiscondition，likeachickentrussedforroasting，hewasthrowndownbehindapillarinthefirstrushofthesortie。Mr。Crotchetseizedtheoccurrenceasapretextforstayingwithhim，andpassedthewholetimeoftheactioninpickinghimoutofhisshell。 \"Phew！\"saidthedivine，returning;\"aningloriousvictory;butitdeservesadevilandabowlofpunch。\" MR。CHAINMAIL。Awassail-bowl。 REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。No，sir。Nomoreofthetwelfthcenturyforme。 MR。CHAINMAIL。Nay，Doctor。Thetwelfthcenturyhasbackedyouwell。Itsmannersandhabits，itscommunityofkindfeelingsbetweenmasterandman，arethetrueremedyfortheseebullitions。 MR。TOOGOOD。Somethinglikeit：improvedbymydiagram：artsforarms。 REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Nowassail-bowlforme。Givemeanunsophisticatedbowlofpunch，whichbelongstothatblissfulmiddleperiod，aftertheJacqueriewasdown，andbeforethemarchofmindwasup。But，see，whoisflounderinginthewater？ Proceedingtotheedgeofthemoat，theyfishedupMr。Firedamp，whohadmissedhiswayback，andtumbledin。Hewasdrawnout，exclaiming，\"thathehadtakenhislastdoseofmalariainthisworld。\" REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Tut，man;dryclothes，aturkey’slegandrump，welldevilled，andaquartofstrongpunch，willsetalltorights。 \"Woodembers，\"saidMr。Firedamp，whenhehadbeenaccommodatedwithachangeofclothes，\"thereisnoantidotetomalarialikethesmokeofwoodembers;pineembers。\"Andheplacedhimself，withhismouthopen，closebythefire。 REV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Punch，sir，punch：thereisnoantidotelikepunch。 MR。CHAINMAIL。Well，Doctor，youshallbeindulged。ButIshallhavemywassail-bowl，nevertheless。 Animmensebowlofspicedwine，withroastedappleshissingonitssurface，wasborneintothehallbyfourmen，followedbyanemptybowlofthesamedimensions，withallthematerialsofarrackpunch，forthedivine’sespecialbrewage。Heaccingedhimselftothetaskwithhisusualheroism，andhavingfinishedittohisentiresatisfaction，remindedhishosttoorderinthedevilREV。DR。FOLLIOTT。Ithink，Mr。Chainmail，wecanamuseourselvesverywellhereallnight。Theenemymaybestillexcubant：andwehadbetternotdispersetilldaylight。Iamperfectlysatisfiedwithmyquarters。Lettheyoungfolkgoonwiththeirgambols;letthemdancetoyouroldharper’sminstrelsy;andiftheypleasetokissunderthemistletoe，whereofIespyagoodlybunchsuspendedattheendofthehall，letthosewholikeitnotleaveittothosewhodo。Moreover，ifamongthemoresedateportionoftheassembly，which，Iforesee，willkeepmecompany，therewereanytorevivethegoodoldcustomofsingingaftersupper，sotofilluptheintervalsofthedances，thestepsofnightwouldmovemorelightly。 MR。CHAINMAIL。MySusanwillsettheexample，aftershehassetthatofjoiningintherusticdance，accordingtogoodcustomslongdeparted。 Afterthefirstdance，inwhichallclassesofthecompanymingled，theyoungladyofthemansiontookherharp，andfollowingthereverendgentleman’ssuggestion，sangasongofthetwelfthcentury。 FLORENCEANDBLANCHFLOR。 FlorenceandBlanchflor，loveliestmaids，Withinasummergrove，Amidtheflower-enamelledshadesTogethertalkedoflove。 AclerksweetBlanchflor’shearthadgain’d; FairFlorencelovedaknight： AndeachwithardentvoicemaintainedShelovedtheworthiestwight。 SweetBlanchflorpraisedherscholardear，Ascourteous，kind，andtrue！ FairFlorencesaidherchevalierCouldeveryfoesubdue。 AndFlorencescornedthebookwormvain，Whoswordnorspearcouldraise; AndBlanchflorscornedtheunletteredbrainCouldsingnolady’spraise。 Fromdearestlove，themaidensbrightTodeadlyhatredfell，Eachturnedtoshuntheother’ssight，Andneithersaidfarewell。 Thekingofbirds，whoheldhiscourtWithinthatflowerygrove，Sangloudly：\"’TwillberaredisportTojudgethissuitoflove。\" Beforehimcamethemaidensbright，Withallhisbirdsaround，Tojudgethecause，ifclerkorknightInlovebeworthiestfound。 Thefalconandthesparrow-hawkStoodforwardforthefight： Readytodo，andnottotalk，Theyvotedfortheknight。 AndBlanchflor’sheartbegantofail，Tillrosethestrong-voicedlark，And，afterhim，thenightingale，Andpleadedfortheclerk。 Thenightingaleprevailedatlength，Herpleadinghadsuchcharms; Soeloquencecanconquerstrength，Andartscanconquerarms。 ThelovelyFlorencetoreherhair，Anddiedupontheplace; AndallthebirdsassembledthereBewailedthemournfulcase。 TheypiledupleavesandfloweretsrareAbovethemaidenbright，Andsang：\"FarewelltoFlorencefair，Whotoowelllovedherknight。\" Severalothersofthepartysangintheintervalsofthedances。 Mr。ChainmailhandedtoMr。Trilloanotherballadofthetwelfthcentury，ofamerriercharacterthantheformer。Mr。Trilloreadilyaccommodateditwithanair，andsang： THEPRIESTANDTHEMULBERRYTREE。 Didyouhearofthecuratewhomountedhismare，Andmerrilytrottedalongtothefair？ Ofcreaturemoretractablenoneeverheard; Intheheightofherspeedshewouldstopataword，Andagainwithaword，whenthecuratesaidHey，Sheputforthhermettle，andgallopedaway。 Asneartothegatesofthecityherode，WhilethesunofSeptemberallbrilliantlyglowed，Thegoodpriestdiscovered，witheyesofdesire，Amulberrytreeinahedgeofwildbriar，Onboughslongandlofty，inmanyagreenshoot，Hunglarge，black，andglossy，thebeautifulfruit。 Thecuratewashungry，andthirstytoboot; Heshrunkfromthethorns，thoughhelongedforthefruit; Withawordhearrestedhiscourser’skeenspeed，Andhestooduperectonthebackofhissteed; Onthesaddlehestood，whilethecreaturestoodstill，Andhegatheredthefruit，tillhetookhisgoodfill。 \"Surenever，\"hethought，\"wasacreaturesorare，Sodocile，sotrue，asmyexcellentmare。 Lo，here，howIstand\"（andhegazedallaround），\"Assafeandassteadyasifontheground，Yethowhaditbeen，ifsometravellerthisway，Had，dreamingnomischief，butchancedtocryHey？\" Hestoodwithhisheadinthemulberrytree，Andhespokeoutaloudinhisfondreverie。 Atthesoundoftheword，thegoodmaremadeapush，Anddownwentthepriestinthewild-briarbush。 Herememberedtoolate，onhisthornygreenbed，Muchthatwellmaybethoughtcannotwiselybesaid。 LadyClarinda，beingprevailedontotaketheharpinherturn，sangthefollowingstanzas。 Inthedaysofold，Loversfelttruepassion，DeemingyearsofsorrowByasmilerepaid。 Nowthecharmsofgold，Spellsofprideandfashion，BidthemsaygoodmorrowTothebest-lovedmaid。 Throughtheforestswild，O’erthemountainslonely，TheywereneverwearyHonourtopursue。 IfthedamselsmiledOnceinsevenyearsonly，AlltheirwanderingsdrearyAmpleguerdonknew。 Nowoneday’scapriceWeighsdownyearsofsmiling，Youthfulheartsarerovers，Loveisboughtandsold： Fortune’sgiftsmaycease，Loveislessbeguiling; WisestweretheloversInthedaysofold。 Theglancewhichshethrewatthecaptain，asshesangthelastverse，awakenedhisdormanthopes。Lookingroundforhisrival，hesawthathewasnotinthehall;and，approachingtheladyofhisheart，hereceivedoneofthesweetestsmilesoftheirearlierdays。 Afteratime，theladies，andallthefemalesoftheparty，retired。Themalesremainedondutywithpunchandwassail，anddroppedoffonebyoneintosweetforgetfulness;sothatwhentherisingsunofDecemberlookedthroughthepaintedwindowsonmoulderingembersandflickeringlamps，thevaultedroofwasechoingtoamellifluousconcertofnoses，fromtheclarionetofthewaiting-boyatoneendofthehall，tothedoublebassoftheReverendDoctor，ringingovertheemptypunch-bowl，attheother。 CONCLUSION Fromthiseventfulnight，youngCrotchetwasseennomoreonEnglishmould。WhitherhehadvanishedwasaquestionthatcouldnomorebeansweredinhiscasethaninthatofKingArthurafterthebattleofCamlan。ThegreatfirmofCatchflatandCompanyfiguredintheGazette，andpaidsixpenceinthepound;anditwasclearthathehadshrunkfromexhibitinghimselfonthesceneofhisformergreatness，shornofthebeamsofhispaperprosperity。 Somesupposedhimtobesleepingamongtheundiscoverablesecretsofsomebarbel-poolintheThames;butthosewhoknewhimbestweremoreinclinedtotheopinionthathehadgoneacrosstheAtlantic，withhispocketsfullofsurpluscapital，tojoinhisoldacquaintance，Mr。Touchandgo，inthebankofDotandcarryonetown。 LadyClarindawasmoresorryforherfather’sdisappointmentthanherown;butshehadtoomuchpridetoallowherselftobeputupasecondtimeinthemoney-market;andwhentheCaptainrenewedhisassiduities，heroldpartialityforhim，combiningwithasenseofgratitudeforadegreeofconstancywhichsheknewshescarcelydeserved，inducedher，withLordFoolincourt’shard-wrungconsent，tosharewithhimamorehumble，butlessprecariousfortune，thanthattowhichshehadbeendestinedasthepriceofarottenborough。 Footnotes： {1}Amountain-wanderingmaid，Twin-nourishedwiththesolitarywood。