下载辰思小说免费APP
"Simplythis，"answeredRichard。"ThatIknewofwhathadhappenedinNewYork，andwhenImethimthismorningIcowhidedhim。Ugh！"
"Well，thatwon’tdo，Dick。You’vegottotellallaboutit。Yourmotherwon’tunderstand。"
"Thenyouwritewhatyouplease，andreadittome。Itmakesmesicktothinkofit。"Richardclosedhiseyes，andMarywrote:
"DEARMOTHERKENTON，——IamsittingbyRichard，writingathisrequest，aboutwhathehasdone。HereceivedaletterfromNewYorktellinghimoftheBittridges’performancesthere，andhowthatwretchhadinsultedandabusedyouall。Heboughtacowhide；
meaningtogoovertoBallardsville，anduseitonhimthere，butB。
cameoverontheAccommodationthismorning，andRichardmethimatthestation。Hedidnotattempttoresist，forRichardtookhimquitebysurprise。Now，MotherKenton，youknowthatRicharddoesn’tapproveofviolence，andthedear，sweetsoulisperfectlybroken-downbywhathehadtodo。Buthehadtodoit，andhewishesyoutoknowat，oncethathedidit。HedreadstheeffectuponEllen，andwemustleaveittoyourjudgmentabouttellingher。
Ofcourse，soonerorlatershemustfinditout。YouneednotbealarmedaboutRichard。Heisjustnauseatedalittle，andhewillbeallrightassoonashisstomachissettled。Hethinksyououghttohavethisletterbeforeyousail，andwithaffectionategood-byestoall，inwhichDickjoins，"Yourlovingdaughter，"MaryKENTON。"
"There！Willthatdo？"
"Yes，thatiseverythingthatcanbesaid，"answeredRichard，andMarykissedhimgratefullybeforesealingherletter。
"Iwillputaspecialdeliveryonit，"shesaid，andherprecautionavailedtohavetheletterdeliveredtoMrs。Kentontheeveningthefamilyleftthehotel，whenitwastoolatetomakeanychangeintheirplans，butintimetogiveherabadnightonthesteamer，inherdoubtwhethersheoughttoletthefamilygo，withthistroublebehindthem。
Butshewouldhavehadabadnightonthesteamerinanycase，withtheheat，andnoise，andsmellofthedocks；andthesteamersailedwithheratsixo’clockthenextmorningwiththedoubtstillopeninhermind。
Thejudgehadnotbeenoftheleastusetoherinhelpingsolveit，andshehadnotbeenabletobringherselftoattackLottieforwritingtoRichard。SheknewitwasLottiewhohadmadethemischief，butshecouldnotbesurethatitwasmischieftillsheknewitseffectuponEllen。
ThegirlhadbeencarriedinthearmsofoneofthestewardsfromthecarriagetoherberthinLottie’sroom，andthereshehadlainthroughthenight，speechlessandsleepless。
IX。
Ellendidnotmoveormanifestanyconsciousnesswhenthesteamerleftherdockandmovedoutintothestream，ortakeanynoteofthetumultthatalwaysattendsagreatliner’sdeparture。Atbreakfast-timehermothercametoherfromoneofthebriefabsencesshemade，inthehopethatateachturnsheshouldfindherinadifferentmood，andaskedifshewouldnothavesomethingtoeat。
"I’mnothungry，"sheanswered。"Whenwillitsail？"
"Why，Ellen！Wesailedtwohoursago，andthepilothasjustleftus。"
Ellenliftedherselfonherelbowandstaredather。"Andyouletme！"
shesaid，cruelly。
"Ellen！Iwillnothavethis！"criedhermother，franticatthereproach。"Whatdoyoumeanbymylettingyou？Youknewthatweweregoingtosail，didn’tyou？Whatelsedidyousupposewehadcometothesteamerfor？"
"Isupposedyouwouldletmestay，ifIwantedto:Butgoaway，momma，goaway！You’reallagainstme——you，andpoppa，andLottie，andBoyne。Oh，dear！oh，dear！"Shethrewherselfdowninherberthandcoveredherfacewiththesheet，sobbing，whilehermotherstoodbyinananguishofpityandanger。Shewantedtobeatthegirl，shewantedtothrowherselfuponher，andweepwithherinthemiserywhichshesharedwithher。
Lottiecametothedoorofthestate-roomwithanarm-loadoflong-
stemmedroses，thegiftoftheyoungMr。Plumpton，whohadnothadsomuchtobeentreatedtocomedowntothesteamerandseeheroffasBoynehadpretended。"Momma，"shesaid，"Ihavegottoleavetheserosesinhere，whetherEllenlikesitornot。Boynewon’thavetheminhisroom，becausehesaysthemanthat’swithhimwouldhavearighttoobject；andthisishalfmyroom，anyway。"
Mrs。Kentonfrownedandshookherhead，butEllenansweredfromunderthesheet，"Idon’tmindtheroses，Lottie。Iwishyou’dstaywithmealittlewhile。"
Lottiehesitated，havinginmindthebreakfastforwhichthehornhadjustsounded。Butapparentlyshefeltthatonegoodturndeservedanother，andsheanswered:"Allright；Iwill，Nell。Momma，youtellBoynetohurry，andcometoEllenassoonashe’sdone，andthenIwillgo。Don’tletanybodytakemyplace。"
"Iwish，"saidEllen，stillfromunderthesheet，"thatmommawouldhaveyourbreakfastsenthere。Idon’twantBoyne。"
Womenapparentlydonotrequireanyexplanationoftheseswiftvicissitudesinoneanother，eachknowingprobablyinherselfthenervesfromwhichtheyproceed。Mrs。Kentonpromptlyassented，inspiteofthesulkyreluctancewhichLottie’sblueeyeslookedather；shemotionedherviolentlytosilence，andsaid:"Yes，Iwill，Ellen。Iwillsendbreakfastforbothofyou。"
Whenshewasgone，EllenuncoveredherfaceandaskedLottietodipatowelinwaterandgiveittoher。Asshebathedhereyesshesaid，"Youdon’tcare，doyou，Lottie？"
"Notverymuch，"saidLottie，unsparingly。Icangotolunch，I
suppose。"
"MaybeI’llgotolunchwithyou，"Ellensuggested，asifshewerespeakingofsomeoneelse。
Lottiewastedneithersympathynorsurpriseonthequestion。"Well，maybethatwouldbethebestthing。Whydon’tyoucometobreakfast？"
"No，Iwon’tgotobreakfast。Butyougo。"
WhenLottiejoinedherfamilyinthedining-saloonshecarelesslyexplainedthatEllenhadsaidshewantedtobealone。Beforetheyoungman，whowastheonlyotherpersonbesidestheKentonsattheirtable，hermothercouldnotquestionherwithanyhopethatthebadwouldnotbemadeworse，andsosheremainedsilent。JudgeKentonsatwithhiseyesfixedonhisplate，whereasyetthestewardhadputnobreakfastforhim；Boynewassupportingthedignityofthefamilyinoneofthosemomentsofmajestyfromwhichhewassoapttolapseintochildishdependence。Lottieofferedhimanotheralternativebyabsentlylayingholdofhisnapkinonthetable。
"That’smine，"hesaid，withhuskygloom。
Shetosseditbacktohimwithpromptdisdainandadeeplyeye-lashedglanceatanapkinonherright。Theyoungmanwhosatnextitsaid，withasmile，"Perhapsthat’syours-unlessI’vetakenmyneighbor’s。"
Lottiegavehimastare，andwhenshehadsufficientlypunishedhimforhistemeritysaid，rathersweetly，"Oh，thankyou，"andtookthenapkin。
"Ihopeweshallallhaveuseforthembeforelong，"theyoungmanventuredagain。
"Well，Ishouldthinkasmuch，"returnedthegirl，andthiswasthebeginningofaconversationwhichtheyoungmansharedsuccessivelywiththejudgeandMrs。Kentonasopportunityoffered。Hegavethejudgehiscardacrossthetable，andwhenthejudgehadreadonit，"Rev。HughBreckon，"hesaidthathisnamewasKenton，andheintroducedtheyoungmanformallytohisfamily。Mr。Breckonhadaclean-shavenface，withanhabitualsmilecurvingintothecheeksfromunderalong，straightnose；
hischinhadaslightwhopper-jawtwistthatwascharming；hisgayeyeswereblue，andafullveincamedownhisforeheadbetweenthemfromhissmoothhair。Whenhelaughed，whichwasoften，hiscolorbrightened。
Boynewasnamedlast，andthenMr。Breckonsaid，withasmilethatshowedallhiswhiteteeth，"Ohyes，Mr。BoyneandIarefriendsalready——eversincewefoundourselvesroom-mates，"andbutforus，asLottieafterwardsnoted，theymightneverhaveknownBoynewasroomingwithhim，andcouldeasilyhavemadeallsortsofinsultingremarksaboutMr。
Breckonintheirignorance。
ThepossibilityseemedtodelightMr。Breckon；heinvitedhertomakealltheinsultingremarksshecouldthinkof，anyway，andprofessedhimselfaloser，sofarasherrealopinionwaswithheldfromhimbyreasonofhisrashnessingivingthefactsaway。Intheelectricalprogressoftheiracquaintanceshehadbegunwalkingupanddownthepromenadewithhimaftertheycameupfrombreakfast；hermotherhadgonetoEllen；thejudgehadbeenmadecomfortableinhissteamer-chair，andBoynehadbeensentabouthisbusiness。
"Iwilltrytothinksomeup，"shepromisedhim，"assoonasIHAVEanyrealopinionofyou，"andheaskedherifhemightconsiderthatabeginning。
Shelookedathimoutofherindomitableblueeyes，andsaid，"Ifithadn’tbeenforyourcard，andtheReverendonit，Ishouldhavesaidyouwereanactor。"
"Well，well，"saidMr。Breckon，withalaugh，perhapsIam，inaway。
Ioughtn’ttobe，ofcourse，butifaministereverforceshimself，I
supposehe’sacting。"
"Idon’tsee，"saidLottie，instantlyavailingherselfoftheopening，"howyoucangetupandpray，SundayafterSunday，whetheryoufeellikeitornot。"
Theyoungmansaid，withanotherlaugh，butnotsogay，"Well，thecasehasitsdifficulties。"
"Orperhapsyoujustreadprayers，"Lottiesharplyconjectured。
"No，"hereturned，"Ihaven’tthatadvantage——ifyouthinkitone。
I’masortofaUnitarian。Veryadvanced，too，I’mafraid。"
"IsthatakindofUniversalist？"
"Not——notexactly。There’sanoldjoke——I’mnotsureit’sverygood——
whichdistinguishesbetweenthesects。It’ssaidthattheUniversaliststhinkGodistoogoodtodamnthem，andtheUnitariansthinktheyaretoogoodtobedamned。"Lottieshrankalittlefromhim。"Ah！"hecried，"youthinkitsoundswicked。Well，I’msorry。I’mnotclericalenoughtojokeaboutseriousthings。"
Helookedintoherfacewithapretendedanxiety。"Oh，Idon’tknow，"
shesaid，withalittlescorn。"Iguessifyoucanstandit，Ican。"
"I’mnotsurethatIcan。I’mafraidit’smoreinkeepingwithanactor’sprofessionthanmyown。Why，"headded，asiftomakeadiversion，"shouldyouhavethoughtIwasanactor？"
"Isupposebecauseyouwereclean-shaved；andyourpronunciation。SoEnglishy。"
"Isit？PerhapsIoughttobeproud。ButI’mnotanEnglishman。IamaplainrepublicanAmerican。MayIaskifyouareEnglish？"
"Oh！"saidLottie。"Asifyouthoughtsuchathing。We’refromOhio。"
Mr。Breckonsaid，"Ah！"Lottiecouldnotmakeoutinjustwhatsense。
Bythistimetheywereleaningontherailofthepromenade，lookingoveratwhatlittlewasleftofLongIsland，andshesaid，abruptly:"IthinkIwillgoandseehowmyfatherisgettingalong。"
"Oh，dotakemewithyou，MissKenton！"Mr:Breckonentreated。"Iamfeelingverybadlyaboutthatpooroldjoke。Iknowyoudon’tthinkwellofmeforit，andIwishtoreportwhatI’vebeensayingtoyourfather，andlethimjudgeme。I’veheardthatit’shardtoliveuptoOhiopeoplewhenyou’reatyourbest，andIdohopeyou’llbelieveIhavenotbeenquiteatmybest。Willyouletmecomewithyou？"
Lottiedidnotknowwhetherhewasmakingfunofherornot，butshesaid，"Oh，it’safreecountry，"andallowedhimtogowithher。
Hisprefacemadethejudgelookrathergrave；butwhenhecametothejoke，Kentonlaughedandsaiditwasnotbad。
"Oh，butthatisn’tquitethepoint，"saidMr。Breckon。"ThequestioniswhetherIamgoodinrepeatingittoayoungladywhowasseekingseriousinstructiononapointoftheology。"
"Idon’tknowwhatshewouldhavedonewiththeinstructionifshehadgotit，"saidthejudge，dryly，andtheyoungmanventuredinherbehalf:
"Itwouldbedifficultforanyonetomanage，perhaps。"
"Perhaps，"Kentonassented，andLottiecouldseethathewasthinkingEllenwouldknowwhattodowithit。
Sheresentedthat，andshewasintheoffencethatgirlsfeelwhentheireldersmakethemthesubjectofcommentwiththeircontemporaries。
"Well，I’llleaveyoutodiscussitalone。I’mgoingtoEllen，"shesaid，theyoungmanvainlyfollowingherafewpaces，withapologeticgurglesoflaughter。
"That’sright，"herfatherconsented，andthenheseizedtheopeningtospeakaboutEllen。"Myeldestdaughterissomethingofaninvalid，butI
hopeweshallhaveherondeckbeforethevoyageisover。Sheismoreinterestedinthosemattersthanhersister。"
"Oh！"Mr。Breckoninterpolated，inanoteofsympatheticinterest。Hecouldnotwelldomore。
ItwasenoughforJudgeKenton，wholaunchedhimselfuponthecelebrationofEllen’sgiftsandqualitieswithasimple-heartedeagernesswhichheafterwardsdeniedwhenhiswifeaccusedhimofit，butjustifiedaswhollysafeinviewofMr。Breckon’scallingandhisobviousdelicacyofmind。Itwassomethingthatsuchapersonwouldunderstand，andKentonwassurethathehadnotundulypraisedthegirl。Alessbesottedparentmighthavesuspectedthathehadnotdeeplyinterestedhislistener，whoseemedgladofthediversionoperatedbyBoyne’scomingtogrowluponhisfather，"Mother’sbringingEllenup。"
"Oh，then，Imustn’tkeepyourchair，"saidtheminister，andherosepromptlyfromtheplacehehadtakenbesidethejudge，andgothimselfawaytotheothersideoftheshipbeforethejudgecouldframeafittingrequestforhimtostay。
"Ifyouhad，"Mrs。Kentondeclared，whenheregrettedthistoher，"Idon’tknowwhatIwouldhavedone。It’sbadenoughforhimtohearyoubraggingaboutthechildwithoutbeingkepttohelptakecareofher，orkeepheramused，asyoucallit。IwillseethatElleniskeptamusedwithoutcallinguponstrangers。"SheintimatedthatifKentondidnotactwithmoreself-restraintsheshoulddolittlelessthantakeEllenashore，andabandonhimtothevoyagealone。UndertheintimidationhepromisednottospeakofEllenagain。
Atluncheon，whereMr。BreckonagaindevotedhimselftoLottie，heandEllenviedinignoringeachotheraftertheirintroduction，asfaraswordswent。Thegirlsmiledonceortwiceatwhathewassayingtohersister，andhisglancekindledwhenitdetectedhersmile。Hemightbesupposedtospareherhisconversationinherowninterest，shelookedsolittleabletocopewiththeexigenciesofthetalkhekeptgoing。
Whenheaddressedhersheansweredasifshehadnotbeenlistening，andheturnedbacktoLottie。Afterluncheonhewalkedwithher，andtheiracquaintancemadesuchaswiftadvancethatshewasabletoaskhimifhelaughedthatwaywitheverybody。
Helaughed，andthenhebeggedherpardonifhehadbeenrude。
"Well，Idon’tseewhatthereistolaughatsomuch。WhenyouaskmeathingItellyoujustwhatIthink，anditseemstosetyouoffinaperfectgale。Don’tyouexpectpeopletosaywhattheythink？"
"Ithinkit’sbeautiful，"saidtheyoungman，goingintothegale，andI’vegottoexpectingitofyou，atanyrate。But——butit’salwayssosurprising！Itisn’twhatyouexpectofpeoplegenerally，isit？"
"Idon’texpectitofyou，"saidLottie。
"No？"askedMr。Breckon，inanothergale。"AmIsouncandid？"
"Idon’tknowaboutuncandid。ButIshouldsayyouwereslippery。"
Atthisextraordinarycriticismtheyoungmanlookedgraverthanhehadyetbeenabletodosincethebeginningoftheiracquaintance。Hesaid，presently，"Iwishyouwouldexplainwhatyoumeanbyslippery。"
"You’reascloseasatrap！"
"Really？"
"Itmakesmetired。"
"Ifyou’renottootirednowIwishyouwouldsayhow。"
"Oh，youunderstandwellenough。You’vegotmetosaywhatIthinkaboutallsortsofthings，andyouhaven’texpressedyouropiniononasingle，solitarypoint？"
Lottielookedfiercelyouttosea，turningherfacesoastokeephimfrompeeringaroundintoitinthewayhehad。Forthatreason，perhaps，hedidnottrytodoso。Heanswered，seriously:"Ibelieveyouarepartlyright。I’mafraidIhaven’tseemedquitefair。Couldn’tyouattributemyclosenesstosomethingbesidesmyslipperiness？"Hebegantolaughagain。"Can’tyouimaginemybeinginterestedinyouropinionssomuchmorethanmyownthatIdidn’tcaretoexpressmine？"
Lottiesaid，impatiently，"Oh，pshaw！"Shehadhesitatedwhethertosay，"Rats！"
"Butnow，"hepursued，"ifyouwillsuggestsomepointonwhichIcangiveyouanopinion，Ipromisesolemnlytodoso，"buthewasnotverysolemnashespoke。
"Well，then，Iwill，"shesaid。"Don’tyonthinkit’sverystrange，tosaytheleast，foraministertobealwayslaughingsomuch？"
Mr。Breckongaveapealofdelight，andanswered，"Yes，Icertainlydo。"
Hecontrolledhimselfsofarastosay:"NowIthinkI’vebeenprettyopenwithyou，andIwishyou’danswermeaquestion。Willyou？"
"Well，Iwill——one，"saidLottie。
"Itmaybetwoorthree；butI’llbeginwithone。Whydoyouthinkaministeroughttobemoreseriousthanothermen？"
"Why？Well，Ishouldthinkyou’dknow。Youwouldn’tlaughatafuneral，wouldyou？"
"I’vebeenatsomefuneralswhereitwouldhavebeenarelieftolaugh，andI’vewantedtocryatsomeweddings。Butyouthinkitwouldn’tdo？"
"Ofcourseitwouldn’t。Ishouldthinkyou’dknowasmuchasthat，"saidLottie，outofpatiencewithhim。
"Butaministerisn’talwaysmarryingorburyingpeople；andinthe，intervals，whyshouldn’thebesettingthemanexampleofharmlesscheerfulness？"
"Heoughttobethinkingmoreabouttheotherworld，Ishouldsay。"
"Well，ifhebelievesthereisanotherworld——"
"Why！Don’tyou？"shebrokeoutonhim。
Mr。Breckonruledhimselfandcontinued——"asstrenuouslyandunquestionablyasheought，hehasgreaterreasonthanothermenforgayetythroughhisfaithinahappierstateofbeingthanthis。That’soneofthereasonsIuseagainstmyselfwhenIthinkofleavingofflaughing。Now，MissKenton，"heconcluded，"forsuchacloseandslipperynature，IthinkI’vebeenprettyfrank，"andhelookedroundanddownintoherfacewithaburstoflaughterthatcouldbeheardantheothersideoftheship。Herefusedtotakeupanyserioustopicafterthat，andhereturnedtohisformeramusementofmakinghergiveherselfaway。
ThatnightLottiecametoherroomwithanexpressionsodecisiveinherfacethatEllen，followingitwithvague，darkeyesasitshoweditselfintheglassatwhichhersisterstoodtakingoutthefirstdismantlinghairpinsbeforegoingtobed，couldnotfailofsomethingportentousinit。
"Well，"saidLottie，withseverefinality，"Ihaven’tgotanyuseforTHATyoungmanfromthistimeout。Ofallthetiresomepeople，hecertainlytakesthecake。Youcanhavehim，Ellen，ifyouwanthim。"
"What’sthematterwithhim？"askedEllen，withavoiceinsympathywiththeslowmovementofherlargeeyesasshelayinherberth，staringatLottie。
"There’severythingthematter，thatoughtn’ttobe。He’stootrivialforanything:Ilikeamanthat’sseriousaboutonethingintheuniverse，atleast，andthat’sjustwhatMr。Breckonisn’t。"Shewentatsuchlengthintohisdisabilitiesthatbythetimeshereturnedtotheclimaxwithwhichshestartedshewasreadytoclamberintotheupperberth；andasshesnappedtheelectricbuttonatitsheadsherepeated，"He’strivial。"
"Isn’titgettingrough？"askedEllen。"Theshipseemstobetipping。"
"Yes，itis，"saidLottie，crossly。"Good-night。"
IftheRev。Mr。BreckonwasmakinganearlybreakfastinthehopeofsoonermeetingLottie，whohaddismissedhimthenightbeforewithoutencouraginghimtobelievethatshewishedevertoseehimagain，hewasdestinedtodisappointment。Thedeputationsenttobreakfastbytheparadoxicalfamilywhoseacquaintancehehadmadeontermsofeachforbiddingintimacy，didnotincludethegirlwhohadfranklyprovokedhisconfidenceandseverelysnubbedit。Hehadleftherbrotherverysea-sickintheirstate-room，andhermotherwasreportedbyherfathertobefeelingthemotiontoomuchtoventureout。Thejudgewas，infact，theonlypersonattablewhenBreckonsatdown；butwhenhehadaccountedforhiswife’sabsence，andconfessedthathedidnotbelieveeitherofhisdaughterswascoming，Ellengainsaidhimbyappearingandadvancingquitesteadilyalongthesaloontotheplacebesidehim。Ithadnotgonesofarasthisinthejudge’sexperienceofaneuroticinvalidwithouthislearningtoaskhernoquestionsaboutherself。Hehadalwaysahardtaskinrefraining，buthehadgrownabletorefrain，andnowhemerelylookedunobtrusivelygladtoseeher，andaskedherwhereLottiewas。
"Oh，shedoesn’twantanybreakfast，shesays。Ismommasick，too？
Where’sBoyne？"
Thejudgereportedastohermother，andMr。Breckon，aftertheexchangeofasilentsalutationwiththegirl，hadagleefulmomentindescribingBoyne’srevoltatthesteward’snotionofgruel。"I’mgladtoseeyousowell，MissKenton，"heconcluded。
"IsupposeIwillbesick，too，ifitgetsrougher，"shesaid，andsheturnedfromhimtogivearathercompendiousordertothetablesteward。
"Well，you’vegotanappetite，Ellen，"herfatherventured。
"Idon’tbelieveIwilleatanything，"shecheckedhim，withafallingface。
Breckoncametotheaidofthejudge。"Ifyou’renotsicknow，I
prophesyyouwon’tbe，MissKenton。Itcan’tgetmuchrougher，withoutdoingsomethinguncommon。"
"Isitastorm？"sheasked，indifferently。
"It’swhattheycallhalfagale，Ibelieve。Idon’tknowhowtheymeasureit。"
Shesmiledwarilyinresponsetohislaugh，andsaidtoherfather，"Areyougoingupafterbreakfast，poppa？"
"Why，ifyouwanttogo，Ellen——"
"Oh，Iwasn’taskingforthat；IamgoingbacktoLottie。ButIshouldthinkyouwouldliketheair。Won’titdoyougood？"
"I’mallright，"saidthejudge，cheeredbyhershowofconcernforsomeoneelse。"Isupposeit’sratherwetondeck？"hereferredhimselftoBreckon。
"Well，notvery，ifyoukeeptotheleeward。Shedoesn’tseemaverywetboat。"
"Whatisawetboat"Ellenasked，withoutliftinghersadeyes。
"Well，really，I’mafraidit’slargelyasuperstition。Passengersliketobelievethatsomeboatsarelessliabletoshipseas——torunintowaves——thanothers；butIfancythat’stogivethemselvestheairofoldtravellers。"
Sheletthematterlapsesoentirelythathesupposedshehadforgottenitinallitsbearings，whensheasked，"Haveyoubeenacrossmanytimes？"
"Notmany-fourorfive。"
"Thisisourfirsttime，"shevolunteered。
"Ihopeitwon’tbeyourlast。Iknowyouwillenjoyit。"Shefelllistlessagain，andBreckonimaginedhehadmadeabreak。"Not，"headded，withanendeavorforlightness，"thatIsupposeyou’regoingforpleasurealtogether。Women，nowadays，areabovethat，Iunderstand。
Theygoabroadforart’ssake，andtostudypoliticaleconomy，andhistory，andliterature——"
"Mydaughter，"thejudgeinterposed，"willnotdomuchinthatway，I
hope。"
Thegirlbentherheadoverherplateandfrowned。
"Oh，then，"saidBreckon，"Iwillbelievethatshe’sgoingforpurelyselfishenjoyment。Ishouldliketobejustifiedinmakingthatmyobjectbyagoodexample。"
Ellenlookedupandgavehimalookthatcuthimshortinhisgladnote。
Theliftingofhereyelidswasliketheriseofthecurtainuponsomesceneoftragedywhichwasallthemoreimpressivebecauseitseemedsomehowmixedwithshame。Thispoorgirl，whomhehadpitiedasaninvalid，wasasuffererfromsomespiritualblightmorepatheticthanbrokenhealth。Hepulledhismindawayfromtheconjecturethattempteditandwenton:"Oneoftheadvantagesofgoingoverthefourthorfifthtimeisthatyou’rerelievedfromadiscoverer’sdutiestoEurope。I’vegotabsolutelynothingbeforemenow，butatfirstIhadtoexamineeveryobjectofinterestontheContinent，andformanopinionaboutthousandsofobjectsthathadnointerestforme。IhopeMissKentonwilltakewarningfromme。"
HehadnotaddressedEllendirectly，andherfatheranswered:"Wehavenodefiniteplansasyet，butwedon’tmeantooverworkourselvesevenifwe’vecomeforarest。Idon’tknow，"headded，"butwehadbetterspendoursummerinEngland。It’seasiergettingaboutwhereyouknowthelanguage。
ThejudgeseemedtoreferhisideastoBreckonforcriticism，andtheyoungmanfeltauthorizedtosay，"Oh，somanyofthemknowthelanguageeverywherenow，thatit’seasygettingaboutinanycountry。"
"Yes，Isupposeso，"thejudgevaguelydeferred。
"Which，"Ellendemandedoftheyoungmanwithanervoussuddenness，"doyouthinkisthemostinterestingcountry？"
Hefoundhimselfansweringwithequalpromptness，"Oh，Italy，ofcourse。"
"CanwegotoItaly，poppa？"askedthegirl。
"Ishouldn’tadviseyoutogothereatonce"Breckonintervened，smiling。
"You’dfinditPrettyhottherenow。Florence，orRome，orNaples"——youcan’tthinkofthem。"
"WehaveitprettyhotinCentralOhio，"saidthejudge，withlatentprideinhishomeclimate，"WhatsortofplaceisHolland？"
"Oh，delightful！AndtheboatgoesrightontoRotterdam，youknow。"
"Yes。WehadarrangedtoleaveitatBoulogne，"butwecouldchange。
DoyouthinkyourmotherwouldlikeHolland？"Thejudgeturnedtohisdaughter。
"IthinkshewouldlikeItalybetter。She’sreadmoreaboutit，"saidthegirl。
"RiseoftheDutchRepublic，"herfathersuggested。
"Yea，Iknow。Butshe’sreadmoreaboutItaly！"
"Oh，well，"Breckonyielded，"theItalianlakeswouldn’tbeimpossible。
AndyoumightfindVenicefairlycomfortable。"
"WecouldgotoItaly，then，"saidthejudgetohisdaughter，"ifyourmotherprefers。"
Breckonfoundthesimplicityofthischarming，andhetastedayetfinerpleasureintheduplicity；forhedivinedthatthefatherwasseekingonlytolethisdaughterhaveherwayinpretendingtoyieldtohermother’spreference。
Itwasplainthatthefamily’slifecentred，asitought，aboutthissad，sickgirl，theheartofwhosemysteryheperceived，onreflection，hehadnotthewishtopluckout。Hemightcometoknowit，buthewouldnottrytoknowit；ifitoffereditselfhemighteventrynottoknowit。
Hehadsometimesfounditmorehelpfulwithtroubletobeignorantofitscause。
InthemeantimehehadseenthattheseKentonsweresweet，goodpeople，ashephrasedtheirqualitytohimself。HehadcometotermsofimpersonalconfidencethenightbeforewithBoyne，whohadconsultedhimuponmanymoreproblemsandpredicamentsoflifethancouldhaveyetbesetanyboy’sexperience，probablywiththewishtomakeprovisionforanypossiblecontingencyofthefuture。TheadmirableprincipleswhichBoyneevolvedforhisguidancefromtheirconversationwereformulatedwithagravitywhichBreckoncouldoutwardlyrespectonlybystiflinghislaughterinhispillow。HeratherlikedthewayLottiehadtriedtoweighhiminherbalanceandfoundhim，asitwere，ofanimponderablelevity。Withhissenseofbeingreallyverylightatmosttimes，andwithmostpeople，hewasawareofhavingbeenparticularlylightwithLottie，ofhavingbeenslippery，ofhaving，sofarasrespondingtoherfranknesswasconcerned，beenclose。Herelishedtheunsparinghonestywithwhichshehaddenouncedhim，andthoughhedidnotyetknowhisoutcastconditionwithrelationtoher，hecouldnotthinkofherwithoutasmileofwhollydisinterestedliking。Hedidnotknow，asa，manofearlierdatewouldhaveknown，allthatthelittlebuttoninthejudge’slapelmeant；butheknewthatitmeantserviceinthecivilwar，astrugglewhichhevaguelyandimpersonallyrevered，thoughitsdetailswereofmuchthesamedimnessforhimasthoseoftheRevolutionandtheWarof1812。Themodestdistrustwhichhadgrownupontheboldself-
confidenceofKenton’searliermanhoodcouldnothavebeenmoretenderlyandreverentlyimagined；andBreckon’sconjectureofthingssufferedforlove’ssakeagainstsenseandconvictioninhimwerehisfurthertributetoacharacterwhichexisted，ofcourse，mainlyinthisconjecture。ItappearedtohimthatKentonwasheldnotonlyinthesubjectiontohiswife’s，judgment，whichbefalls，anddoubtlessbecomes，amanaftermanyyearsofmarriage，butthathewasintheactualperformanceofmorethancommonrenunciationofhisjudgmentindeferencetothegoodwoman。Sheinturn，tobesure，offeredherselfasacrificetothewhimsofthesickgirl，whoseworstwhimwashavingnowishthatcouldbeascertained，andwhonow，aftertwodaysofhermother’sdevotion，wascastuponherownresourcesbytheinconstantbarometer。IthadbecomeapparentthatMissKentonwasherfather’sfavoriteinaspecialsense，andthathispartialaffectionforherwasofmucholderdatethanhermother’s。Notlesscharmingthanherfondnessforherfatherwastheopennesswithwhichshedisabledhiswisdombecauseofhispartialitytoher。
X
Whentheyleftthebreakfasttablethefirstmorningoftheroughweather，BreckonofferedtogoondeckwithMissKenton，andputherwhereshecouldseethewaves。Thathadbeenhershapelessambition，dreamilyexpressedwithreferencetosometime，astheyrose。Breckonasked，"Whynotnow？"andhepromisedtoplaceherchairondeckwhereshecouldenjoythespectaclesafefromanyseastheboatmightship。
Thensherecoiled，andsherecoiledthefurtheruponherfather’surgence。Atthefootofthegangwayshelookedwistfullyupthereelingstairs，andsaidthatshesawhershawlandLottie’samongtheotherssolemnlyswayingfromthetoprailing。"Oh，then，"Breckonpressedher，"youcouldbemadecomfortablewithouttheleasttrouble。"
"IoughttogoandseehowLottieisgettingalong，"shemurmured。
Herfathersaidhewouldseeforher，andonthissheexplicitlyrenouncedherambitionofgoingup。"Youcouldn’tdoanything，"shesaid，coldly。
"IfMissLottieisverysea-sickshe’sbeyondallearthlyaid，"Breckonventured。"She’dbetterbelefttothevainministrationsofthestewardess。"
Ellenlookedathiminapparentdistrustofhispiety，ifnotofhiswisdom。"Idon’tbelieveIcouldgetupthestairs，"shesaid。
"Well，"headmitted，"they’renotassteadyasland——goingstairs。"Herfatherdiscreetlykeptsilence，and，asnooneofferedtohelpher，shebegantoclimbthecrazysteps，withBreckonclosebehindherinlatentreadinessforherfall。
Fromthetopshecalleddowntothejudge，"TellmommaIwillonlystayaminute。"Butlater，tuckedintoherchairontheleeofthebulkhead，withBreckonbracinghimselfagainstitbesideher，sheshowednoimpatiencetoreturn。"Aretheyneverhigherthanthat"sherequiredofhim，withherwaneyescriticallyontheinfiniteprocessionofthesurges。
"Theymustbe，"Breckonanswered，"ifthere’sanytruthincommonreport。
I’veheardoftheirrunningmountainshigh。Perhapstheyusedratherlowmountainstomeasurethemby。Orthemeasurementsmaynothavebeenveryexact。Butcommonreportneverleavesmuchtotheimagination。"
"ThatwasthewayatNiagara，"thegirlassented；andBreckonobliginglyregrettedthathehadneverbeenthere。Hethoughtitingoodtastethatsheshouldnottellhimheoughttogo。Shemerelysaid，"Iwasthereoncewithpoppa，"anddidnotpressheradvantage。"Dotheythink，"sheasked，"thatit’sgoingtobeaverylongvoyage？"
"Ihaven’tbeentothesmoking-room——that’swheremostofthethinkingisdoneonsuchpoints；theship’sofficersneverseemtoknowaboutit——
sincetheweatherchanged。Shouldyouminditgreatly？"
"Iwouldn’tcareifitneverended，"saidthegirl，withsuchanoteofdiresinceritythatBreckoninstantlychangedhisfirstmindastoherwordsimplyingapose。Shetookanydeeperimplicationfromtheminadding，"Ididn’tknowIshouldlikebeingatsea。"
"Well，ifyou’renotsea-sick，"beassented，"therearenotmanypleasanterthingsinlife。"
Shesuggested，"IsupposeI’mnotwellenoughtobesea-sick。"Thensheseemedtobecomeawareofsomethingprovisionalinhisattendance，andshesaid，"Youmustn’tstayonmyaccount。IcangetdownwhenIwantto。"
"Doletmestay，"heentreated，"unlessyou’dreallyrathernot，"andastherewasnochairimmediatelyattainable，hecrouchedonthedeckbesidehers。
"Itmakesmethink，"shesaid，andheperceivedthatshemeantthesea，"ofthecold-white，heavyplungingfoamin’TheDreamofFairWomen。’
Thewordsalwaysseemeddrenched！"
"Ah，Tennyson，yes，"saidBreckon，withadispositiontosmileatthesimple-heartednessoftheliteraryallusion。"DoyoungladiesreadpoetrymuchinOhio？"
"Idon’tbelievetheydo，"sheanswered。"Dotheyanywhere？"
"That’soneofthethingsIshouldliketoknow。IsTennysonyourfavoritepoet？"
"Idon’tbelieveIhaveany，"saidEllen。"IusedtolikeWhither，andEmerson；aidLongfellow，too。"
"Usedto！Don’tyounow？"
"Idon’treadthemsomuchnow，"andshemadeapause，behindwhichhefanciedhersecretlurked。Butheshrankfromknowingitifhemight。
"You’reallgreatreadersinyourfamily，"hesuggested，asapolitediversion。
"Lottieisn’t，"sheanswered，dreamily。"Shehatesit。"
"Ah，Ireferredmoreparticularlytotheothers，"saidBreckon，andhebegantolaugh，andthencheckedhimself。"Yourmother，andthejudge——
andyourbrother——"
"Boynereadsaboutinsects，"sheadmitted。
"Hetoldmeofhiscollectionofcocoons。Heseemstobeafraidithassufferedinhisabsence。"
"I’mafraidithas，"saidEllen，andthenremainedsilent。
"There！"theyoungmanbrokeout，pointingseaward。"That’sratherafineone。Doesn’tthatrealizeyourideaofsomethingmountainshigh？
UnlessyourmountainsareveryhighinOhio！"
"Itisgrand。Andthegulfbetween！Butwehaven’tanyinourpart。
It’salllevel。Doyoubelievethetenthwaveislargerthantherest？"
"Why，thedifficultyistoknowwhichthetenthwaveis，orwhentobegincounting。"
"Yes，"saidthegirl，andsheadded，vaguely:"Isupposeit’slikeeverythingelseinthat。Wehavetomake-believebeforewecanbelieveanything。"
"Somethinglikeanhypothesiscertainlyseemsnecessary，"Breckonassented，withasmileforthegravityoftheirdiscourse。"Weshouldn’thavetheatomictheorywithoutit。"Shedidnotsayanything，andhedecidedthattheatomictheorywasbeyondtherangeofherreading。
Hetriedtobemoreconcrete。"Wehavetomake-believeinourselvesbeforewecanbelieve，don’twe？Andthenwesometimesfindwearewrong！"Helaughed，butsheasked，withtragicalseriousness:
"Andwhatoughtyoutodowhenyoufindoutyouaremistakeninyourself？"
"That’swhatI’mtryingtodecide，"hereplied。"SometimesIfeellikerenouncingmyselfaltogether；butusuallyIgivemyselfanotherchance。
IdaresayifIhadn’tbeensoforbearingImighthaveagreedwithyoursisteraboutmyunfitnessfortheministry。"
"WithLottie？"
"ShethinksIlaughtoomuch！"
"Idon’tseewhyaministershouldn’tlaughifhefeelslikeit。Andifthere’ssomethingtolaughat。"
"Ah，that’sjustthepoint！Isthereeveranythingtolaughat？Ifwelookedcloselyenoughatthings，oughtn’twerathertocry？"Helaughedinretreatfromtheseriousproposition。"Butitwouldn’tdototrymakingeachothercryinsteadoflaugh，wouldit？Isupposeyoursisterwouldratherhavemecry。"
"Idon’tbelieveLottiethoughtmuchaboutit，"saidEllen；andatthispointMr。Breckonyieldedtoanimpulse。
"IshouldthinkIhadreallybeenofsomeuseifIhadmadeyoulaugh，MissKenton。"
"Me？"
"Youlookasifyoulaughedwithyourwholeheartwhenyoudidlaugh。"
Sheglancedabout，andBreckondecidedthatshehadfoundhimtoopersonal。"IwonderifIcouldwalk，withtheshiptippingso？"sheasked。
"Well，notfar，"saidBreckon，withaprovisionalsmile，andthenhewasfrightenedfromhisironybyherflingingasideherwrapsandstartingtoherfeet。Beforehecouldscrambletohisown，shehadsliddownthereelingpromenadehalftotheguard，overwhichsheseemedabouttoplunge。Hehurledhimselfafterher；hecouldnothavedoneotherwise；
anditwasasmuchinawildclutchforsupportasinapurposetosaveherthathecaughtherinhisarmsandbracedhimselfagainsttheship’sslant。"Whereareyougoing？Whatareyoutryingtodo？"heshouted。
"Iwantedtogodown-stairs，"sheprotested，clingingtohim。
"Youwerenearergoingoverboard，"heretorted。"Youshouldn’thavetried。"Hehadnotfullyformulatedhisreproachwhentheshiprightedherselfwithacounter-rollandplunge，andtheywereswungstaggeringbacktogetheragainstthebulkhead。Thedoorofthegangwaywaswithinreach，andBreckonlaidholdoftherailbesideitandputthegirlwithin。"Areyouhurt？"heasked。
"No，no；I’mnothurt，"shepanted，sinkingonthecushionedbenchingwhereusuallyrowsofsemi-sea-sickpeoplewerelying。
"Ithoughtyoumighthavebeenbruisedagainstthebulkhead，"hesaid。
"Areyousureyou’renothurtthatIcan’tgetyouanything？Fromthesteward，Imean？"
"Onlyhelpmedown-stairs，"sheanswered。"I’mperfectlywell，"andBreckonwassowillingonthesetermstoclosetheincidentthathewasnotawareofthebruiseonhisownarm，whichafterwardsdeclareditselfinseveralprimitivecolors。"Don’ttellthem，"sheadded。"Iwanttocomeupagain。"
"Why，certainlynot，"heconsented；butBoyneKenton，whohadbeenaninvoluntarywitnessofthefactfromapointontheforwardpromenade，wherehehadstationedhimselftostudythehabitsofthestormypetrelatamomentsofavorabletotheacquaintanceofthepetrel(havingleftaseasickbedforthepurpose)，wasofanothermind。Hehadbeenalarmed，and，asitappearedintheprivateinterviewwhichhedemandedofhismother，hehadbeenscandalized。
"ItisbadenoughthewayLottieisalwaysgoingonwithfellows。Andnow，ifEllenisgoingtobegin！"
"But，Boyne，child，"Mrs。Kentonargued，inanequilibriumbetweenthewishtolaughathersonandthewishtoboxhisears，"howcouldshehelphiscatchingherifhewastosaveherfrompitchingoverboard？"
"That’sjustit！Hewillalwaysthinkthatshediditjustsohewouldhavetocatchher。"
"Idon’tbelieveanyonewouldthinkthatofEllen，"saidMrs。Kenton，gravely。
"Momma！Youdon’tknowwhattheseEasternfellowsare。Therearesofewofthemthatthey’reusedtohavinggirlsthrowthemselvesatthem，andtheywillthinkanything，ministersandall。YououghttotalktoEllen，andcautionher。Ofcourse，sheisn’tlikeLottie；butifLottie’sbeenbehavingherwaywithMr。Breckon，hemustsupposetherestofthefamilyislikeher。"
"Boyne，"saidhismother，provisionally，"whatsortofpersonisMr。
Breckon？"
"Well，Ithinkhe’skindoffrivolous。"
"Doyou，Boyne？"
"Idon’tsupposehemeansanyharmbyit，butIdon’tliketoseeaministerlaughsomuch。Ican’thardlygethimtotalkseriouslyaboutanything。AndIjustknowhemakesfunofLottie。Idon’tmeanthathealwaysmakesfunwithme。Hedidn’tthatnightatthevaudeville，whereIfirstsawhim。"
"Whatdoyoumean？"
"Don’tyouremember？Itoldyouaboutitlastwinter。"
"AndwasMr。Breckonthatgentleman？"
"Yes；buthedidn’tknowwhoIwaswhenwemethere。"
"Well，uponmyword，Boyne，Ithinkyoumighthavetoldusbefore，"saidhismother，innotverydefinitevexation。"Goalong，now！"
Boynestoodtalkingtohismother，withhishands，whichhehadnotgrownto，largelyplantedonthejambsofherstate-roomdoor。Shewaskeepingherberth，notsomuchbecauseshewassea-sickasbecauseitwasthesafestplaceintheunsteadyshiptobein。"DoyouwantmetosendEllentoyou！"
"IwillattendtoEllen，Boyne，"hismothersnubbedhim。"HowisLottie？"
"Ican’ttellwhethershe’ssickornot。Iwenttoseeaboutherandshemotionedmeaway，andfairlyscreamedwhenItoldhersheoughttokeepoutintheair。Well，Imustbegoingupagainmyself，or——"
Beforelunch，Boynehadexperiencedthealternativewhichhedidnotexpress，althoughhistheoryandpracticeofkeepingintheopenairoughttohaverenderedhimimmune。Breckonsawhisshockofhair，andhislargeeyes，likeEllen’sintheirpresentgloom，lookingoutofitonthepillowoftheupperberth，whenhewenttotheirroomtofreshenhimselffortheluncheon，andfoundBoyneaverseeventoseriousconversation:Hewenttolunchwithouthim。NoneoftheKentonswereattable，andhehadmadeuphismindtolunchalonewhenEllenappeared，andcamewaveringdowntheaisletothetable。Hestooduptohelpher，butseeinghowsecurelyshestayedherselffromchairtochairhesankdownagain。
"Poppyissick，too，now，"shereplied，asiftoaccountforbeingalone。
"Andyou’renonetheworseforyourlittlepromenade？"ThestewardcametoBreckon’sleftshoulderwithadish，andafteranefforttoservehimselffromithesaid，withaslightgasp，"Theotherside，please。"
Ellenlookedathim，butdidnotspeak，andhemadehastetosay:"Thedoctorgoessofarastoadmitthatitshalfagale。Idon’tknowjustwhatmeasurethefirstofficerwouldhaveforit。ButIcongratulateyouonaverytypicallittlestorm，MissKenton；perfectlysafe，butverydecided。AgreatmanypeoplecrosstheAtlanticwithoutanythinghalfassatisfactory。Thereiseithertoomuchortoolittleofthissortofthing。"Hewentontalkingabouttheweather，andhadgotsuchadistancefromthepointofbeginningthathehadcausetorepentbeingbroughtbacktoitwhensheasked:
"Didthedoctorthink，youwerehurt？"
"Well，perhapsIoughttobemoreashamedthanIam，"saidBreckon。
"ButIthoughtIhadbettermakesure。Andit’sonlyabruise——"
"Won’tyouletMEhelpyou！"sheasked，asanotherdishintervenedathisright。"Ihurtyou。"
Breckonlaughedathersolemnfaceandvoice。"Ifyou’llexonerateyourselffirst，"heanswered:"Icouldn’ttouchamorselthatconveyedconfessionoftheleastculpabilityonyourpart。Doyouconsent？
Otherwise，Ipassthisdish。AndreallyIwantsome！"
"Well，"shesadlyconsented，andheallowedhertoservehisplate。
"Moreyet，please，"hesaid。"Alot！"
"Isthatenough？"
"Well，forthefirsthelping。Anddon’toffertocutitupforme！Myproudspiritdrawsthelineatcuttingup。Besides，aforkwilldotheworkwithgoulash。"
"Isthatwhatitis？"sheasked，butnotapparentlybecauseshecaredtoknow。
"Unlessyouprefertonaturalizeitasstew。ItseemstohavecomeinwiththeHungarianbands。Isupposeyouhavethemin——"
"Tuskingum？No，itistoosmall。ButIheardthematarestaurantinNewYorkwheremybrothertookus。"
"Inthespiritofscientificinvestigation？It’sstrangehowacommonprincipleseemstopervadeboththeHungarianmusicandcooking——thesamewanderingairsandflavors——wild，vague，lawlessharmoniesinboth。Didyounoticeit？"
Ellenshookherhead。ThelookofgloomwhichseemedtoBreckonhabitualinitcamebackintoherface，andhehadafantastictemptationtoseehowfarhecouldgowithhersadconsciousnessbeforesheshouldbeawarethathewasexperimentinguponit。Heputthistemptationfromhim，andwasintheenjoymentofacomfortableself-righteousnesswhenitreturnedintwofoldpoweruponhimwiththecomingofsomecutletswhichcapriciouslyvariedtherepast。
"Ah，now，MissKenton，ifyouweretotakepityonmyhelplessness！"
"Why，certainly！"Shepossessedherselfofhisplate，andbegantocutupthemeatforhim。"AmImakingthebitestoosmall？"sheasked，withanupwardglanceathim。
"Well，Idon’tknow。Shouldyouthinkso？"hereturned，withasmilethatout-measuredthemorselsontheplatebeforeher。
Shemethislaughingeyeswitheyesthatquestionedhishonesty，atfirstsadly，andthenindignantly。Shedroppedtheknifeandforkupontheplateandrose。
"Oh，MissKenton！"hepenitentlyentreated。
Butshewasdowntheslantingaisleandoutofthereelingdoorbeforehecoulddecidewhattodo。
XI。
ItseemedtoBreckonthathehadpassedthroughoneofthoseaccessionsoftemperament，oneofthosecrisesofnaturalman，toputitinthetermsofanoldertheologythanheprofessed，thatmightjustifyhiminrecurringtohisoriginalsenseofhisunfitnessforhissacredcalling，ashewouldhardlyhamcalledit:Hehadallowedhislevitytogetthebetterofhissympathy，andhisloveofteasingtooverpowerthatloveofhelpingwhichseemedtohimhischiefrightandreasonforbeingaminister:Toplayasortofpoorpracticaljokeuponthatmelancholygirl(whowasalsosoattractive)wasnotmerelyunbecomingtohimasaminister；itwascruel；itwasvulgar；itwasungentlemanly。Hecouldnotsaylessthanungentlemanly，forthatseemedtogivehimtheonlypangthatdidhimanygood。Herabsolutesincerityhadmadehersuchaneasypreythatheoughttohaveshrunkfromtheshabbytemptationinabhorrence。
Itistheprivilegeofawoman，whethershewillsitornot，toputamanwhoisinthewrongconcerninghermuchfurtherinthewrongthanhecouldbefromhisoffence。Breckondidnotknowwhetherhewassufferingmoreorlessbecausehewassufferingquitehopelessly，buthewassurethathewassufferingjustly，andhewasratherglad，ifanything，thathemustgoonsuffering。HisfirstimpulsehadbeentogoatoncetoJudgeKentonandownhiswrong，andtaketheconsequences——infact，invitethem。ButBreckonforborefortworeasons:one，thathehadalreadyappearedbeforethejudgewiththeconfessionofhavingpossiblymadeanunclericaljoketohisyoungerdaughter；theother，thatthejudgemightnotconsiderlevitytowardstheeldersovenial；andthoughBreckonwishedtobebothpunishedandpardoned，inthefinalanalysis，perhaps，hemostwishedtobepardoned。Withoutpardonhecouldseenowaytorepairthewronghehaddone。Perhapshewishedeventoretrievehimselfinthegirl’seyes，orwishedforthechanceoftrying。
Ellenwentawaytoherstate-roomandsatdownonthesofaoppositeLottie，andshelostherselfinamuseinwhichshewasfoundbythevoiceofthesuffererintheberth。
"Ifyouhaven’tgotanythingbettertodothancomeinhereandstareatme，Iwishyouwouldgosomewhereelseandstare。Icantellyouitisn’tanyjoke。"
"Ididn’tknowIwasstaringatyou，"saidEllen，humbly。
"Itwouldbeenoughtohaveyourisingandsinkingthere，withoutyourstaringatall:Ifyou’regoingtostay，Iwishyou’dliedown。Idon’tseewhyyou’resowell，anyway，aftergettingusalltocomeonthiswild-goosechase。"
"Iknow，Iknow，"Ellenstrickenlydeprecated。"ButI’mnotgoingtostay。Ijestcameformythings。"
"Isthatgigglingsimpletonsick？Ihopeheis！"
"Mr。Breckon？"Ellenasked，thoughsheknewwhomLottiemeant。"No，heisn’tsick。Hewasatlunch。"
"Waspoppa？"
"Hewasatbreakfast。"
"Andmomma？"
"SheandBoynearebothinbed。Idon’tknowwhetherthey’reverysick。"
"Well，then，I’lljusttellyouwhat，EllenKenton！"Lottiesatupinaccusal。"Youwerestaringatsomethinghesaid；andthefirstthingweallknowitwillbeanothercaseofBittridge！"Ellenwinced，butLottiehadnopity。"Youdon’tknowit，becauseyoudon’tknowanything，andI’mnotblamingyou；butifyouletthatsimpleton——Idon’tcareifheisaminister！——go’roundwithyouwhenyourfamilyareallsickabed，you’llbehavingthewholeshiptolookafteryou。"
"Bestill，Lottie！"criedEllen。"Youareawful，"and，withaflamingface，sheescapedfromthestate-room。
Shedidnotknowwhereelsetogo，andshebeatalongthesidesofthecorridorasfarasthedining-saloon。Shehadadimnotionoftryingtogoupintothemusic-roomabove，butaglanceatthereelingsteepofthestairsforbade。Withherwrapsonherarmandhersea-capinherhand，shestoodclingingtotherail-post。
Breckoncameoutofthesaloon。"Oh，MissKenton，"hehumblyentreated，"don’ttrytogoondeck！It’srougherthanever。"
"Iwasgoingtothemusic-room，"shefaltered。
"Letmehelpyou，then，"hesaidagain。Theymountedthegangway-steps，butthistimewithhishandunderherelbow，andhisarmalertasbeforeinasuspendedembraceagainstherfalling。
Shehadlosttheinitiativeofherearlieradventure；shecouldonlysubmitherselftohisguidance。Buthealmostoutdidherinmeekness，whenhegothersafelyplacedinacornerwhenceshecouldnotbeeasilyflunguponthefloor。"Youmusthavefounditverystuffybelow；but，indeed，you’dbetternottrygoingout。"
"Doyouthinkitisn’tsafehere？"sheasked。
"Ohyes。Aslongasyoukeepquiet。MayIgetyousomethingtoread？
Theyseemtohaveaprettygoodlittlelibrary。"
Theybothglancedatthecaseofbooks；fromwhichthesteward-librarianwassettingthemtheexampleofreadingavolume。
"No，Idon’twanttoread。Youmusn’tletmekeepyoufromit。"
"Well，onecanreadanytime。Butonehasn’talwaysthechancetosaythatoneisashamed。Don’tpretendyoudon’tunderstand，MissKenton！
Ididn’treallymeananything。Thetemptationtoletyouexaggeratemydisabilitywastoomuchforme。Saythatyoudespiseme！Itwouldbesuchacomfort。"
"Weren’tyouhurt？"
"Alittle——alittlemorethanalittle，butnothalfsomuchasI
deserved——nottothepointofnotbeingabletocutupmymeat。AmI
forgiven？I’llpromisetocutupallyourmeatforyouatdinner！Ah，I’mmakingitworse！"
"Ohno。Pleasedon’tspeakofit"
"Couldyouforbidmythinkingofit，too？"Hedidnotwaitforhertoanswer。"Thenheregoes！One，two，three，andthethoughtisbanishedforever。Nowwhatshallwespeakof，orthinkof？Wefinisheduptheweatherprettythoroughlythismorning。Andifyouhavenottheweatherandtheship’srunwhenyou’reatsea，why，youareatsea。Don’tyouthinkitwouldbeagoodplan，whentheystickthoselittleflagsintothechart，toshowhowfarwe’vecomeinthelasttwenty-fourhours，ifthey’dsupplyatopicfortheday？Theymighthavetopicsinscribedontheflags-standardtopics，thatwouldserveforanyvoyage。WemightleaveportwithHistory——say，personalhistory；thatwouldpavethewaytoageneralacquaintanceamongthepassengers。ThenGeography，andiftheworldisreallyround，andwhatkeepstheseafromspilling。ThenPolitics，andthecomparativeadvantagesofmonarchicalandrepublicangovernments，forinternationaldiscussion。ThenPathology，andwhetheryou’reusuallysea-sick，andifthereisanyreliableremedy。Then——forthosewhoarestillup——PoetryandFiction；whetherwomenreallylikeKipling，andwhatkindofnovelsyouprefer。Thereoughttobeabouttentopics。Theseboatsaresometimesveryslow。Can’tyousuggestsomething，MissKenton？Thereisnohurry！We’vegotfourtotalkover，forwemustbringupthearrears，youknow。Andnowwe’llbeginwithpersonalhistory。Yoursisterdoesn’tapproveofme，doesshe？"
"Mysister？"Ellenfaltered，and，betweentheconsciencetoownthefactandthekindnesstodenyit，shestoppedaltogether。
"Ineedn’thaveasked。Shetoldmesoherself，inalmostasmanywords。
ShesaidIwasslippery，andascloseasatrap。MissKenton！IhavethegreatestwishtoknowwhetherIaffectyouasbothslipperyandclose！"
"Idon’talwaysknowwhatLottiemeans。"
"Shemeanswhatshesays；andIfeelthatIamundercondemnationtillI
reform。Idon’tknowhowtostopbeingslippery，butI’mdeterminedtostopbeingclose。Willyoutellherthatforme？Willyoutellherthatyounevermetanopener，frankerperson？——ofcourse，exceptherself！——andthatsofarfrombeinglightIseemedtoyouparticularlyheavy？SaythatIdidnothingbuttalkaboutmyself，andthatwhenyouwantedtotalkaboutyourselfyoucouldn’tgetinawordedgewise。Dotry，now，MissKenton，andseeifyoucan！Idon’twantyoutoinventacharacterforme，quite。"
"Why，there’snothingtosayaboutme，"shebeganincompliancewithhisgayety，andthenshefellhelplessfromit。
"Well，then，aboutTuskingum。IshouldliketohearaboutTuskingum，somuch！"
"Isupposewelikeitbecausewe’vealwayslivedthere。Youhaven’tbeenmuchintheWest，haveyou？"
"NotasmuchasIhopetobe。"HehadfoundthatWesternpeopleweresometimessensitiveconcerningtheirsectionandwerepreparedtoresentcomplacentignoranceofit。"I’vealwaysthoughtitmustbeveryinteresting。"
