第3章

ThelittlegirlcameoutfrombehindtheChristmastree，herstocking，nowbuthalffilled，inherhand。"HereIam，"shesaid。"Don\'tyouwanttogivemeaChristmashug，CaptainCephas？Youandme\'stheonlyonesthathasn\'thadany。"

TheChristmasdinnerwasastrulyandperfectlyasailor-

cookedmealaseverwasservedonboardashiporoffit。

CaptainCephashadsaidthat，andwhenhehadsospokentherewasnoneedoffurtherwords。

Itwasnearlydarkthatafternoon，andtheywereallsittingaroundthekitchenfire，thethreeseafaringmensmoking，andMrs。Trimmergreatlyenjoyingit。Therecouldbenoobjectiontothesmelloftobaccointhishousesolongasitsfuturemistressenjoyedit。ThelittlegirlsatonthefloornursingaChineseidolwhichhadbeenoneofherpresents。

"Afterall，"saidCaptainEli，meditatively，"thiswholebusinesscomeoutofmysleepin\'withmybestearup。FerifI\'dsleptwithmyhard-o\'-hearin\'earup——"Mrs。Trimmerputonefingeronhislips。"Allright，"saidCaptainEli，"Iwon\'tsaynomore。Butitwouldhavebeendifferent。"

Evennow，severalyearsafterthatChristmas，whenthereisnoMrs。Trimmer，andthelittlegirl，whohasbeenregularlyadoptedbyCaptainEliandhiswife，isstudyinggeography，andknowsmoreaboutlatitudeandlongitudethanherteacheratschool，CaptainElihasstillaslightsuperstitiousdreadofsleepingwithhisbestearuppermost。

"Ofcourseit\'sthemostall-firednonsense，"hesaystohimselfoverandoveragain。Nevertheless，hefeelssaferwhenitishis"hard-o\'-hearin\'ear"thatisnotuponthepillow。

LOVEBEFOREBREAKFAST

IwasstillayoungmanwhenIcameintothepossessionofanexcellentestate。Thisconsistedofalargecountryhouse，surroundedbylawns，groves，andgardens，andsituatednotfarfromtheflourishinglittletownofBoynton。Beinganorphanwithnobrothersorsisters，Isetuphereabachelor\'shall，inwhich，fortwoyears，Ilivedwithgreatsatisfactionandcomfort，improvingmygroundsandfurnishingmyhouse。WhenI

hadmadealltheimprovementswhichwerereallyneeded，andfeelingthatInowhadamostdelightfulhometocomebackto，I

thoughtitwouldbeanexcellentthingtotakeatriptoEurope，givemymindaruninfreshfields，andpickupalotofbric-a-

bracandideasfortheadornmentandadvantageofmyhouseandmind。

Itwasthecustomoftheresidentsinmyneighborhoodwhoownedhousesandtravelledinthesummertolettheirhousesduringtheirabsence，andmybusinessagentandmyselfagreedthatthiswouldbeanexcellentthingformetodo。Ifthehousewerelettoasuitablefamilyitwouldyieldmeaconsiderableincome，andtheplacewouldnotpresentonmyreturnthatairofretrogressionanddesolationwhichImightexpectifitwereleftunoccupiedandinchargeofacaretaker。

MyagentassuredmethatIwouldhavenotroublewhateverinlettingmyplace，foritofferedmanyadvantagesandIexpectedbutareasonablerent。Idesiredtoleaveeverythingjustasitstood，house，furniture，books，horses，cows，andpoultry，takingwithmeonlymyclothesandpersonalrequisites，andIdesiredtenantswhowouldcomeinbringingonlytheirclothesandpersonalrequisites，whichtheycouldquietlytakeawaywiththemwhentheirleaseshouldexpireandIshouldreturnhome。

Inspite，however，oftheassurancesoftheagent，itwasnoteasytoletmyplace。Thehousewastoolargeforsomepeople，toosmallforothers，andwhilesomeapplicantshadmorehorsesthanIhadstallsinmystable，othersdidnotwanteventhehorsesIwouldleave。Ihadengagedmysteamerpassage，andthedayformydeparturedrewnear，andyetnosuitabletenantshadpresentedthemselves。Ihadalmostcometotheconclusionthatthewholematterwouldhavetobeleftinthehandsofmyagent，forIhadnointentionwhateverofgivingupmyprojectedtravels，whenearlyoneafternoonsomepeoplecametolookatthehouse。FortunatelyIwasathome，andIgavemyselfthepleasureofpersonallyconductingthemaboutthepremises。Itwasapleasure，becauseassoonasIcomprehendedthefactthattheseapplicantsdesiredtorentmyhouseIwishedthemtohaveit。

Thefamilyconsistedofanelderlygentlemanandhiswife，withadaughteroftwentyorthereabout。Thiswasafamilythatsuitedmeexactly。Threeinnumber，nochildren，peopleofintelligenceandposition，fondofthecountry，andanxiousforjustsuchaplaceasIofferedthem——whatcouldbebetter？

ThemoreIwalkedaboutandtalkedwiththesegoodpeopleandshowedthemmypossessions，themoreIdesiredthattheyoungladyshouldtakemyhouse。Ofcourseherparentswereincludedinthiswish，butitwasforherearsthatallmyremarkswereintended，althoughsometimesaddressedtotheothers，andshewasthetenantIlaboredtoobtain。Isay"labored"advisedly，becauseIrackedmybraintothinkofinducementswhichmightbringthemtoaspeedyandfavorabledecision。

Apartfromtheobviousadvantagesofthearrangement，itwouldbeapositivedelighttomeduringmysummerwanderingsinEuropetothinkthatthatbeautifulgirlwouldbestrollingthroughmygrounds，enjoyingmyflowers，andsittingwithherbookintheshadynooksIhadmadesopleasant，lyinginmyhammocks，spendinghereveninghoursinmystudy，readingmybooks，writingatmydesk，andperhapsmusinginmyeasy-chair。

Beforetheseapplicantsappearedithadsometimespainedmetoimaginestrangersinmyhome；butnosuchthoughtcrossedmymindinregardtothisyounglady，who，ifcharminginthehouseandonthelawn，grewpositivelyentrancingwhenshesawmyJerseycowsandmytwohorses，regardingthemwithanadmirationwhichevensurpassedmyown。

LongbeforewehadcompletedthetourofinspectionIhadmadeupmymindthatthisyoungladyshouldcometoliveinmyhouse。Ifobstaclesshouldshowthemselvestheyshouldberemoved。Iwouldteardown，Iwouldbuild，Iwouldpaperandpaint，Iwouldputinallsortsofelectricbells，Iwouldreducetherentuntilitsuitedtheirnotionsexactly，Iwouldhavemyhorses\'tailsbangedifshelikedthatkindoftailsbetterthanlongones——Iwoulddoanythingtomakethemdefinitelydecidetotaketheplacebeforetheyleftme。Itrembledtothinkofhergoingelsewhereandgivingotherhouseholdersachancetotempther。Shehadlookedatagoodmanycountryhouses，butitwasquiteplainthatnoneofthemhadpleasedhersowellasmine。

Ilefttheminmylibrarytotalkthematteroverbythemselves，andinlessthantenminutestheyoungladyherselfcameoutonthelawntotellmethatherfatherandmotherhaddecidedtotaketheplaceandwouldliketospeakwithme。

"Iamsoglad，"shesaidaswewentin。"IamsureIshallenjoyeveryhourofourstayhere。Itissodifferentfromanythingwehaveyetseen。"

WheneverythinghadbeensettledIwantedtotakethemagainovertheplaceandpointoutalotofthingsIhadomitted。I

particularlywantedtoshowthemsomelovelywalksinthewoods。

Buttherewasnotime，fortheyhadtocatchatrain。

HernamewasVincent——CoraVincent，asIdiscoveredfromhermother\'sremarks。

AssoonastheydepartedIhadmymaresaddledandrodeintotowntoseemyagent。Iwentintohisofficeexultant。

"I\'veletmyhouse，"Isaid，"andIwantyoutomakeouttheleaseandhaveeverythingfixedandsettledassoonaspossible。

Thisistheaddressofmytenants。"

Theagentaskedmeagoodmanyquestions，beingparticularlyanxioustoknowwhatrenthadbeenagreedupon。

"Heavens！"heexclaimed，whenImentionedthesum，"thatiseversomuchlessthanItoldyouyoucouldget。IamincommunicationnowwithapartywhomIknowwouldpayyouconsiderablymorethanthesepeople。Haveyoudefinitelysettledwiththem？Perhapsitisnottoolatetowithdraw。"

"Withdraw！"Icried。"Never！TheyaretheonlytenantsI

want。Iwasdeterminedtogetthem，andIthinkImusthaveloweredtherentfourorfivetimesinthecourseoftheafternoon。ItookabigsliceoutofitbeforeImentionedthesumatall。Yousee，"saidI，veryimpressively，"theseVincentsexactlysuitme。"AndthenIwentontostatefullytheadvantagesofthearrangement，omitting，however，anyreferencestomyvisionsofMissVincentswinginginmyhammocksormusinginmystudy-chair。

ItwasnowMay15，andmysteamerwouldsailonthetwenty-

first。TheinterveningdaysIemployed，notinpreparingformytravels，butinmakingeverypossiblearrangementforthecomfortandconvenienceofmyincomingtenants。TheVincentsdidnotwishtotakepossessionuntilJune1，andIwassorrytheyhadnotappliedbeforeIhadengagedmypassage，forinthatcaseI

wouldhaveselectedalaterdate。AverygoodsteamersailedonJune3，anditwouldhavesuitedmejustaswell。

HappeningtobeinNewYorkoneday，IwenttotheVincents\'

cityresidencetoconsultwiththeminregardtosomeawningswhichIproposedputtingupatthebackofthehouse。Ifoundnooneathomebuttheoldgentleman，anditmadenodifferencetohimwhethertheawningswereblackandbrownorredandyellow。IcordiallyinvitedhimtocomeoutbeforeIleft，andbringhisfamily，thattheymightlookabouttheplacetoseeiftherewasanythingtheywouldliketohavedonewhichhadnotalreadybeenattendedto。Itwassomuchbetter，Itoldhim，totalkoverthesematterspersonallywiththeownerthanwithanagentinhisabsence。Agentswereoftenveryunwillingtomakechanges。Mr。Vincentwasaveryquietandexceedinglypleasantelderlygentleman，andthankedmeverymuchformyinvitation，butsaidhedidnotseehowhecouldfindthetimetogetouttomyhousebeforeIsailed。Ididnotliketosaythatitwasnotatallnecessaryforhimtoneglecthisaffairsinordertoaccompanyhisfamilytomyplace，butIassuredhimthatifanyofthemwishedtogooutatanytimebeforetheytookpossessiontheymustfeelatperfectlibertytodoso。

Imentionedthismattertomyagent，suggestingthatifhehappenedtobeinNewYorkhemightcallontheVincentsandrepeatmyinvitation。Itwasnotlikelythattheoldgentlemanwouldremembertomentionittohiswifeanddaughter，anditwasreallyimportantthateverythingshouldbemadesatisfactorybeforeIleft。

"Itseemstome，"hesaid，smilingalittlegrimly，"thattheVincentshadbetterbekeptawayfromyourhouseuntilyouhavegone。Ifyoudoanythingmoretoityoumayfindoutthatitwouldhavebeenmoreprofitabletohaveshutitupwhileyouareaway。"

Hedidcall，however，partlybecauseIwishedhimtoandpartlybecausehewascurioustoseethepeopleIwassoanxioustoinstallinmyhome，andtowhomhewastobemylegalrepresentative。HereportedthenextdaythathehadfoundnooneathomebutMissVincent，andthatshehadsaidthatsheandhermotherwouldbeverygladtocomeoutthenextweekandgoovertheplacebeforetheytookpossession。

"Nextweek！"Iexclaimed。"Ishallbegonethen！"

"ButIshallbehere，"saidMr。Barker，"andI\'llshowthemaboutandtaketheirsuggestions。"

Thisdidnotsuitmeatall。ItannoyedmeverymuchtothinkofBarkershowingMissVincentaboutmyplace。Hewasagood-lookingyoungmanandnotatallbackwardinhismanners。

"Afterall，"saidI，"Isupposethateverythingthatoughttobedonehasbeendone。Ihopeyoutoldherthat。"

"Ofcoursenot，"saidhe。"Thatwouldhavebeenrunningdeadagainstyourorders。Besides，it\'smybusinesstoshowpeopleaboutplaces。Idon\'tmindit。"

Thisgavemeanunpleasantanduneasyfeeling。IwonderedifMr。BarkerweretheagentIoughttohave，andifamiddle-agedmanwithafamilyandmoreexperiencemightnotbebetterabletomanagemyaffairs。

"Barker，"saidI，alittlelater，"therewillbenouseofyourgoingeverymonthtotheVincentstocollecttheirrent。I

shallwritetoMr。Vincenttopayashepleases。Hecansendacheckmonthlyorattheendoftheseason，asitmaybeconvenient。Heisperfectlyresponsible，andIwouldmuchprefertohavethemoneyinalumpwhenIcomeback。"

Barkergrinned。"Allright，"saidhe，"butthat\'snotthewaytodobusiness，youknow。"

Imayhavebeenmistaken，butIfanciedthatIsawinmyagent\'sfaceanexpressionwhichindicatedthatheintendedtocallonthefirstdayofeachmonth，onthepretextoftellingVincentthatitwasnotnecessarytopaytherentatanyparticulartime，andthathealsoproposedtomakemanyotherinterveningvisitstoinquireifrepairswereneeded。Thismighthavebeenagooddealtogetoutofhisexpression，butIthinkI

couldhavegotmoreifIhadthoughtlonger。

OnthedaybeforethatonwhichIwastosail，mymindwasinsuchadisturbedconditionthatIcouldnotattendtomypackingoranythingelse。ItalmostenragedmetothinkthatIwasdeliberatelyleavingthecountrytendaysbeforemytenantswouldcometomyhouse。TherewasnoreasonwhyIshoulddothis。

ThereweremanyreasonswhyIshouldnot。TherewasBarker。I

wasnowoftheopinionthathewouldpersonallysuperintendtheremovaloftheVincentsandtheirestablishmenttomyhome。I

rememberedthattheonlysuggestionhehadmadeabouttheimprovementoftheplacehadbeentheconstructionofatennis-

court。Iknewthathewasachampionplayer。Confoundit！WhatadreadfulmistakeIhadmadeinselectingsuchamanformyhouse-agent。Withmymind\'seyeIcouldalreadyseeMissVincentandBarkerselectingaspotfortennisandplanningthearrangementsofthecourt。

ItookthefirsttraintoNewYorkandwentdirectlytothesteamboatoffice。Itisastonishinghowmanyobstaclescanberemovedfromaman\'spathifhewillmakeuphismindtogivethemagoodkick。Ifoundthatmysteamerwascrowded。Theapplicationsforpassageexceededtheaccommodations，andtheagentwasdelightedtotransfermetothesteamerthatsailedonJune3。Iwenthomeexultant。Barkerdroveoverintheeveningtotakehislastinstructions，andablanklookcameoverhisfacewhenItoldhimthatbusinesshaddelayedmydeparture，andthatIshouldnotsailthenextday。IfIhadtoldhimthatpartofthatbusinesswasthelayingoutofatennis-courthemighthavelookedblanker。

OfcoursethedateofmydeparturedidnotconcerntheVincents，providedthehousewasvacatedbyJune1，andIdidnotinformthemofthechangeinmyplans，butwhenthemotheranddaughtercameoutthenextweektheyweremuchsurprisedtofindmewaitingtoreceivetheminsteadofBarker。Ihopethattheywerealsopleased，andIamsurethattheyhadeveryreasontobeso。Mrs。Vincent，havingdiscoveredthatIwasamostcomplacentlandlord，accommodatedherselfeasilytomydispositionandmadeanumberofminorrequirements，allofwhichIgrantedwithouttheslightesthesitation。Iwasdelightedatlasttoputherintothechargeofmyhousekeeper，andwhenthetwohadbetakenthemselvestothebedroomsIinvitedMissVincenttocomeoutwithmetoselectaspotforatennis-court。Theinvitationwasacceptedwithalacrity，fortennis，shedeclared，wasapassionwithher。

Theselectionofthattennis-courttooknearlyanhour，fortherewereseveralgoodplacesforoneanditwashardtomakeaselection；besides，IcouldnotlosetheopportunityoftakingMissVincentintothewoodsandshowingherthewalksIhadmadeandtherusticseatsIhadplacedinpleasantnooks。Ofcourseshewouldhavediscoveredthese，butitwasagreatdealbetterforhertoknowallaboutthembeforeshecame。AtlastMrs。Vincentsentamaidtotellherdaughterthatitwastimetogoforthetrain，andthecourthadnotbeendefinitelyplanned。

ThenextdayIwenttoMissVincent\'shousewithaplanofthegrounds，andsheandItalkeditoveruntilthematterwassettled。Itwasnecessarytobepromptaboutthis，Iexplained，astherewouldbeagreatdealoflevellingandrollingtobedone。

Ialsohadatalkwiththeoldgentlemanaboutbooks。TherewereseverallargeboxesofmybooksinNewYorkwhichIhadneversentouttomycountryhouse。ManyoftheseIthoughtmightbeinterestingtohim，andIofferedtohavethemtakenoutandleftathisdisposal。Whenheheardthetitlesofsomeofthebooksinthecollectionhewasmuchinterested，butinsistedthatbeforehemadeuseofthemtheyshouldbecatalogued，asweretherestofmyeffects。Ihesitatedamoment，wonderingifIcouldinduceBarkertocometoNewYorkandcataloguefourbigboxesofbooks，when，tomysurprise，MissVincentincidentallyremarkedthatiftheywereinanyplacewhereshecouldgetatthemshewouldbepleasedtohelpcataloguethem；thatsortofthingwasagreatpleasuretoher。InstantlyIproposedthatI

shouldsendthebookstotheVincenthouse，thattheyshouldtherebetakenoutsothatMr。Vincentcouldselectthosehemightcaretoreadduringthesummer，thatIwouldmakealistofthese，andifVincentwouldassistmeIwouldbegratefulforthekindness，andthosethatwerenotdesiredcouldbereturnedtothestorehouse。

Whatagrandideawasthis！IhadbeeninternallygroaningbecauseIcouldthinkofnopossiblepretence，forfurtherinterviewswithMissVincent，andherewassomethingbetterthanIcouldhaveimagined。Herfatherdeclaredthathecouldnotputmetosomuchtrouble，butIwouldlistentononeofhiswords，andthenextmorningmybookswerespreadoverhislibraryfloor。

Theselectionandcataloguingofthevolumesdesiredoccupiedthemorningsofthreedays。Theoldgentleman\'spartwassoondone，butthereweremanythingsinthebookswhichwerefarmoreinterestingtomethantheirtitles，andtowhichIdesiredtodrawMissVincent\'sattention。Allthisgreatlyprotractedourlabors。Shewasnotonlyabeautifulgirl，butherintelligenceandintellectualgraspwerewonderful。Icouldnothelptellingherwhatagreatpleasureitwouldbetometothink，whilewanderinginforeignlands，thatsuchanappreciativefamilywouldbeenjoyingmybooksandmyplace。

"Youaresofondofyourhouseandeverythingyouhave，"saidshe，"thatweshallalmostfeelasifweweredeprivingyouofyourrights。ButIsupposethatItalianlakesandtheAlpswillmakeyouforgetforatimeevenyourbeautifulhome。"

"Notifyouareinit，"Ilongedtosay，butIrestrainedmyself。IdidnotbelievethatitwaspossibleformetobemoreinlovewiththisgirlthanIwasatthatmoment，but，ofcourse，itwouldbetherankeststupiditytotellherso。ToherIwassimplyherfather\'slandlord。

Iwenttothathousethenextdaytoseethattheboxeswereproperlyrepacked，andIactuallywentthenextdaytoseeiftherightboxeshadgoneintothecountry，andtheothersbacktothestorehouse。ThefirstdayIsawonlythefather。Theseconddayitwasthemotherwhoassuredmethateverythinghadbeenproperlyattendedto。IbegantofeelthatifIdidnotwishadecidedrebuffIwouldbetternotmakeanymorepretencesofbusinessattheVincenthouse。

Therewereaffairsofmyownwhichshouldhavebeenattendedto，andIoughttohavegonehomeandattendedtothem，butI

couldnotbeartodoso。TherewasnoreasontosupposeshewouldgoouttherebeforethefirstofJune。

Thinkingoverthemattermanytimes，IcametotheconclusionthatifIcouldseeheroncemoreIwouldbesatisfied。ThenI

wouldgoaway，andcarryherimagewithmeintoeveryart-

gallery，overeveryglacier，andundereverylovelyskythatI

shouldenjoyabroad，hopingallthetimethat，takingmyplace，asitwere，inmyhome，andmakingmypossessions，inameasure，herown，shewouldindirectlybecomesowellacquaintedwithmethatwhenIreturnedImightspeaktoherwithoutshockingher。

Toobtainthisfinalinterviewtherewasbutoneway。IhadleftmyhouseonSaturday，theVincentswouldcomeonthefollowingMonday，andIwouldsailonWednesday。IwouldgoonTuesdaytoinquireiftheyfoundeverythingtotheirsatisfaction。Thiswouldbeaveryproperattentionfromalandlordabouttoleavethecountry。

WhenIreachedBoyntonIdeterminedtowalktomyhouse，forIdidnotwishtoencumbermyselfwithahiredvehicle。I

mightbeaskedtostaytoluncheon。AverystrangefeelingcameovermeasIenteredmygrounds。Theywerenotmine。Forthetimebeingtheybelongedtosomebodyelse。IwasmerelyavisitororatrespasseriftheVincentsthoughtpropersotoconsiderme。IftheydidnotlikepeopletowalkonthegrassI

hadnorighttodoit。

Noneofmyservantshadbeenleftontheplace，andthemaidwhocametothedoorinformedmethatMr。VincenthadgonetoNewYorkthatmorning，andthatMrs。Vincentandherdaughterwereoutdriving。Iventuredtoaskifshethoughttheywouldsoonreturn，andsheansweredthatshedidnotthinktheywould，astheyhadgonetoRockLake，which，fromthewaytheytalkedaboutit，mustbealongwayoff。

RockLake！WhenIhaddrivenovertherewithmyfriends，wehadtakenluncheonattheinnandreturnedintheafternoon。AndwhatdidtheyknowofRockLake？Whohadtoldthemofit？ThatofficiousBarker，ofcourse。

"Willyouleaveamessage，sir？"saidthemaid，who，ofcourse，didnotknowme。

"No，"saidI，andasIstillstoodgazingatthepiazzafloor，sheremarkedthatifIwishedtocallagainshewouldgooutandspeaktothecoachmanandaskhimifanythinghadbeensaidtohimaboutthetimeoftheparty\'sreturn。

Worseandworse！Theircoachmanhadnotdriventhem！Someonewhoknewthecountryhadbeentheircompanion。Theywerenotacquaintedintheneighborhood，andtherecouldnotbeashadowofadoubtthatitwasthatobtrusiveBarkerwhohadindecentlythrusthimselfuponthemontheverynextdayaftertheirarrival，andhadthussnatchedfrommethislastinterviewuponwhichIhadcountedsoearnestly。

Ihadnorighttoaskanymorequestions。Ileftnomessagenoranyname，andIhadnoexcuseforsayingIwouldcallagain。

IgotbacktomyhotelwithouthavingmetanyonewhomI

knew，andthatnightIreceivedanotefromBarker，statingthathehadfullyintendedcomingtothesteamertoseemeoff，butthatanengagementwouldpreventhim。Hesent，however，hisbestgoodwishesformysafepassage，andassuredmethathewouldkeepmefullyinformedofthestateofmyaffairsonthisside。

"Engagement！"Iexclaimed。"Ishegoingtodrivewithheragainto-morrow？"

Mysteamersailedattwoo\'clockthenextday，andafteranearlybreakfastIwenttothecompany\'sofficetoseeifIcoulddisposeofmyticket。Ithadbecomeimpossible，Itoldtheagent，formetoleaveAmericaatpresent。Hesaiditwasaverylatehourtosellmyticket，butthathewoulddowhathecould，andifanapplicantturneduphewouldgivehimmyroomandrefundthemoney。Hewantedmetochangetoanotherdate，butI

declinedtodothis。IwasnotabletosaywhenIshouldsail。

Inowhadnoplanofaction。AllIknewwasthatIcouldnotleaveAmericawithoutfindingoutsomethingdefiniteaboutthisBarkerbusiness。Thatistosay，ifitshouldbemadeknowntomethatinsteadofattendingtomybusiness，sendingacarpentertomakerepairs，ifsuchwerenecessary，orgoingpersonallytotheplumbertomakesurethatthaterraticpersonagewouldgivehisattentiontoanypipesinregardtowhichMr。Vincentmighthavewritten，Barkershouldmingleinsociablerelationswithmytenants，anddriveorplaytenniswiththeyoungladyofthehouse，thenwouldIimmediatelyhavedonewithhim。IwouldwithdrawmybusinessfromhishandsandplaceitinthoseofoldMr。Poindexter。Morethanthat，itmightbemydutytowarnMissVincent\'sparentsagainstBarker。Ididnotdoubtthathewasaverygoodhouseandland-agent，butinselectinghimassuchI

hadnoideaofintroducinghimtotheVincentsinasocialway。

Infact，themoreIthoughtaboutitthemoreIbecameconvincedthatifeverImentionedBarkertomytenantsitwouldbetowarnthemagainsthim。Fromcertainpointsofviewhewasactuallyadangerousman。

This，however，IwouldnotdountilIfoundmyagentwasreallyculpable。TodiscoverwhatBarkerhaddone，whathewasdoing，andwhatheintendedtodo，wasnowmyonlybusinessinlife。UntilIhadsatisfiedmyselfonthesepointsIcouldnotthinkofstartingoutuponmytravels。

NowthatIhaddeterminedIwouldnotstartforEuropeuntilIhadsatisfiedmyselfthatMr。Barkerwascontentinghimselfwithattendingtomybusiness，andnotendeavoringtoforcehimselfintosocialrelationswithmytenants，Iwasanxiousthatthepostponementofmyjourneyshouldbeunknowntomyfriendsandacquaintances，andIwas，therefore，verygladtoseeinanewspaper，publishedontheafternoonofthedayofmyintendeddeparture，mynameamongthelistofpassengerswhohadsailedupontheMnemonic。ForthefirsttimeIcommendedthesuper-enterpriseofareporterwhogavemoreattentiontothetimelinessofhisnewsthantoitsaccuracy。

IwasstoppingataNewYorkhotel，butIdidnotwishtostaythere。UntilIfeltmyselfreadytostartonmytravelstheneighborhoodofBoyntonwouldsuitmebetterthananywhereelse。

Ididnotwishtogotothetownitself，forBarkerlivedthere，andIknewmanyofthetownspeople；buttherewerefarmhousesnotfarawaywhereImightspendaweek。Afterconsideringthematter，Ithoughtofsomethingthatmightsuitme。Aboutthreemilesfrommyhouse，onanunfrequentedroad，wasamillwhichstoodattheendofanextensivesheetofwater，inrealityamill-pond，butcommonlycalledalake。Themiller，anoldman，hadrecentlydied，andhishousenearbywasoccupiedbyanewcomerwhomIhadneverseen。IfIcouldgetaccommodationsthereitwouldsuitmeexactly。IleftthetraintwostationsbelowBoyntonandwalkedovertothemill。

Thecountry-folkinmyneighborhoodarealwayspleasedtotakesummerboardersiftheycangetthem，andthemillerandhiswifeweregladtogivemearoom，notimaginingthatIwastheownerofagoodhousenotfaraway。Theplacesuitedmyrequirementsverywell。Itwasnearher，andImightlivehereforatimeunnoticed，butwhatIwasgoingtodowithmyopportunityIdidnotknow。SeveraltimestheconvictionforceditselfuponmethatIshouldgetupatonceandgotoEuropebythefirststeamer，andsoshowmyselfthatIwasamanofsense。

Thisconvictionwasbanishedonthesecondafternoonofmystayatthemill。Iwassittingunderatreeintheorchardnearthehouse，thinkingandsmokingmypipe，whenalongtheroadwhichranbythesideofthelakecameMr。VincentonmyblackhorseGeneralandhisdaughteronmymareSappho。InstinctivelyIpulledmystrawhatovermyeyes，butthisprecautionwasnotnecessary。Theywerelookingatthebeautifullake，withitshillsandoverhangingtrees，andsawmenot！

WhentheverytipofSappho\'stailhadmeltedintothefoliageoftheroad，Iarosetomyfeetandtookadeepbreathofthehappyair。Ihadseenher，anditwaswithherfathershewasriding。

IdonotbelieveIsleptaminutethatnightthroughthinkingofher，andfeelinggladthatIwasnearher，andthatshehadbeenridingwithherfather。

Whentheearlydawnbegantobreakanideabrighterthanthedawnbrokeuponme：Iwouldgetupandgonearertoher。Itisamazinghowmuchwelosebynotgettingupearlyonthelongsummerdays。HowbeautifulthemorningmightbeonthisearthI

neverknewuntilIfoundmyselfwanderingbytheedgeofmywoodsandovermylawnwiththetendergray-blueskyabovemeandallthefreshnessofthegrassandflowersandtreesaboutme，thebirdssingingamongthebranches，andshesleepingsweetlysomewherewithinthathousewithitssoftlydefinedlightsandshadows。HowIwishedIknewwhatroomsheoccupied！

Thebeautiesandjoysofthathourwerelosttoeverypersonontheplace，whowereall，nodoubt，intheirsoundestsleep。I

didnotevenseeadog。Quietlyandstealthilysteppingfrombushtohedge，Iwentaroundthehouse，andasIdrewnearthebarnIfanciedIcouldhearfromalittleroomadjoiningitthesnoresofthecoachman。Thelazyrascalwouldprobablynotawakenfortwoorthreehoursyet，butIwouldrannorisks，andinhalfanhourIhadspedaway。

NowIknewexactlywhyIwasstayingatthehouseofthemiller。IwasdoingsoinorderthatImightgoearlyinthemorningstomyownhome，inwhichthegirlIlovedlaydreaming，andthatfortherestofthedayandmuchofthenightImightthinkofher。

"WhatplaceinEurope，"Isaidtomyself，"couldbesobeautiful，socharming，andsohelpfultoreflectionasthissequesteredlake，thesenobletrees，thesestretchesofundulatingmeadow？"

EvenifIshouldcaretogoabroad，amonthortwolaterwouldanswerallmypurposes。WhyhadIeverthoughtofspendingfivemonthsaway？

Therewasaprettystreamwhichranfromthelakeandwendeditswaythroughagreenandshadedvalley，andhere，witharod，Iwanderedandfishedandthought。Themillerhadboats，andinoneoftheseIrowedfarupthelakewhereitnarrowedintoacreek，andbetweenthehighhillswhichshutmeoutfromtheworldIwouldfloatandthink。

Everymorning，soonafterbreakofday，Iwenttomyhomeandwanderedaboutmygrounds。IfitrainedIdidnotmindthat。I

likeasummerrain。

DaybydayIgrewbolder。Nobodyinthathouseholdthoughtofgettingupuntilseveno\'clock。Fortwohours，atleast，I

couldrambleundisturbedthroughmygrounds，andmuchasIhadonceenjoyedthesegrounds，theyneveraffordedmethepleasuretheygavemenow。InthesehappymorningsIfeltallthelifeandspiritsofaboy。Iwentintomylittlefieldandstrokedthesleeksidesofmycowsastheynibbledthedewygrass。IevenpeepedthroughthebarredwindowofSappho\'sboxandfedher，asIhadbeenusedtodoing，withbunchesofclover。

Isawthattheyoungchickenswereflourishing。Iwentintothegardenandnotedthegrowthofthevegetables，feelinggladthatshewouldhavesomanyfinestrawberriesandtenderpeas。

Ihadnottheslightestdoubtthatshewasfondofflowers，andforhersakenow，asIusedtodoformyownsake，Ivisitedtheflowerbedsandborders。Notfarfromthehousetherewasaclusterofold-fashionedpinkswhichIwassurewerenotdoingverywell。Theyhadbeentheretoolong，perhaps，andtheylookedstuntedandweak。Inthemiller\'sgardenIhadnoticedgreatbedsofthesepinks，andIaskedhiswifeifImighthavesome，andshe，consideringthemasmerewildflowers，saidI

mighthaveasmanyasIliked。ShemighthavethoughtIwantedsimplytheblossoms，butthenextmorningIwentovertomyhousewithabasketfilledwithgreatmattedmassesoftheplantstakenupwiththerootsandplentyofeartharoundthem，andaftertwentyminutes\'workinmyownbedofpinks，Ihadtakenoutalltheoldplantsandfilledtheirplaceswithfresh，luxuriantmassesofbudsandleavesandblossoms。Howgladshewouldbewhenshesawthefreshlifethathadcometothatflower-bed！

WithlightfootstepsIwentaway，notfeelingtheweightofthebasketfilledwiththeoldplantsandroots。

Thesummergrewandstrengthened，andthesunroseearlier，butasthathadnoeffectupontherisingofthepresentinhabitantsofmyplace，itgavememoretimeformymorningpursuits。GraduallyIconstitutedmyselftheregularflower-

gardenerofthepremises。Howdelightfultheworkwas，andhowfoolishIthoughtIhadbeennevertothinkofdoingthisthingformyself！butnodoubtitwasbecauseIwasdoingitforherthatIfounditsopleasant。

OnceagainIhadseenMissVincent。Itwasintheafternoon，andIhadrowedmyselftotheupperpartofthelake，where，withthehighhillsandthetreesoneachsideofme，IfeltasifI

werealoneintheworld。Floating，idlyalong，withmythoughtsaboutthreemilesaway，Iheardthesoundofoars，andlookingoutontheopenpartofthelake，Isawaboatapproaching。Themillerwasrowing，andinthesternsatanelderlygentlemanandayounglady。Iknewtheminaninstant：theywereMr。andMissVincent。

WithafewvigorousstrokesIshotmyselfintotheshadows，androwedupthestreamintothenarrowstretchesamongthelily-

pads，underabridge，andaroundalittlewoodedpoint，whereI

rantheboatashoreandspranguponthegrassybank。AlthoughI

didnotbelievethemillerwouldbringthemasfarasthis，I

wentuptoahigherspotandwatchedforhalfanhour；butIdidnotseethemagain。HowrelievedIwas！Itwouldhavebeenterriblyembarrassinghadtheydiscoveredme。AndhowdisappointedIwasthatthemillerturnedbacksosoon！

Inowextendedthesupervisionofmygrounds。Iwalkedthroughthewoods，andsawhowbeautifultheywereintheearlydawn。Ithrewasidethefallentwigsandcutawayencroachingsaplings，whichwerebeginningtoencumberthepathsIhadmade，andifIfoundaboughwhichhungtoolowIcutitoff。

Therewasagreatbeech-tree，betweenwhichandadogwoodIhadtheyearbeforesuspendedahammock。Inpassingthis，onemorning，IwasamazedtoseeahammockswingingfromthehooksI

hadputinthetwotrees。ThiswasaretreatwhichIhadsupposednooneelsewouldfancyoreventhinkof！Inthehammockwasafan——acommonJapanesefan。ForfifteenminutesI

stoodlookingatthathammock，everynervea-tingle。ThenI

glancedaround。Thespothadbeenalmostunfrequentedsincelastsummer。Littlebushes，weeds，andvineshadsprunguphereandtherebetweenthetwotrees。Thereweredeadtwigsandlimbslyingabout，andtheshortpathtothemainwalkwasmuchovergrown。

Ilookedatmywatch。Itwasaquartertosix。Ihadyetagoodhourforwork，andwithnothingbutmypocket-knifeandmyhandsIbegantoclearawaythespaceaboutthathammock。WhenI

leftit，itlookedasitusedtolookwhenitwasmypleasuretoliethereandswingandreadandreflect。

Toapproachthisspotitwasnotnecessarytogothroughmygrounds，formybitofwoodsadjoinedaconsiderablestretchofforest-land，andinmymorningwalksfromthemillIoftenusedapaththroughthesewoods。ThenextmorningwhenItookthispathIwaslatebecauseIhadunfortunatelyoversleptmyself。WhenI

reachedthehammockitwantedfifteenminutestoseveno\'clock。

Itwastoolateformetodoanything，butIwasgladtobeabletostaythereevenforafewminutes，tobreathethatair，tostandonthatground，totouchthathammock。Ididmorethanthat。Whyshouldn\'tI？Igotintoit。ItwasabetteronethanthatIhadhungthere。Itwasdelightfullycomfortable。Atthismoment，gentlyswinginginthatwoodlandsolitude，withthesweetodorsofthemorningallaboutme，IfeltmyselfnearertoherthanIhadeverbeenbefore。

ButIknewImustnotrevelinthisplacetoolong。IwasonthepointofrisingtoleavewhenIheardapproachingfootsteps。

Mybreathstopped。WasIatlasttobediscovered？Thiswaswhatcameofmyrecklesssecurity。Butperhapstheperson，someworkmanmostlikely，wouldpasswithoutnoticingme。Toremainquietseemedthebestcourse，andIlaymotionless。

Butthepersonapproachingturnedintothelittlepathway。

Thefootstepscamenearer。Isprangfromthehammock。BeforemewasMissVincent！

WhatwasmyaspectIknownot，butIhavenodoubtIturnedfieryred。Shestoppedsuddenly，butshedidnotturnred。

"Oh，Mr。Ripley，"sheexclaimed，"goodmorning！Youmustexcuseme。Ididnotknow——"

Thatsheshouldhavehadsufficientself-possessiontosaygoodmorningamazedme。Herwholeappearance，infact，amazedme。Thereseemedtobesomethingwantinginhermanner。I

endeavoredtogetmyselfintocondition。

"Youmustbesurprised，"Isaid，"toseemehere。YousupposedIwasinEurope，but——"

AsIspokeImadeacoupleofstepstowardher，butsuddenlystopped。Oneofmycoatbuttonshadcaughtinthemeshesofthehammock。Itwasconfoundedlyawkward。Itriedtoloosenthebutton，butitwasbadlyentangled。ThenIdesperatelypulledatittotearitoff。

"Oh，don\'tdothat，"shesaid。"Letmeunfastenitforyou。"

Andtakingthethreadsofthehammockinoneofherlittlehandsandthebuttonintheother，shequicklyseparatedthem。"I

shouldthinkbuttonswouldbeveryinconvenientthings——atleast，inhammocks，"shesaidsmiling。"Yousee，girlsdon\'thaveanysuchtrouble。"

Icouldnotunderstandhermanner。Sheseemedtotakemybeingthereasamatterofcourse。

"Imustbegathousandpardonsforthis——thistrespass，"I

said。

"Trespass！"saidshe，withasmile。"Peopledon\'ttrespassontheirownland——"

"Butitisnotmyland，"saidI。"Itisyourfather\'sforthetimebeing。Ihavenorightherewhatever。Idonotknowhowtoexplain，butyoumustthinkitverystrangetofindmeherewhenyousupposedIhadstartedforEurope。"

"Oh！IknewyouhadnotstartedforEurope，"saidshe，"becauseIhaveseenyouworkinginthegrounds——"

"Seenme！"Iinterrupted。"Isitpossible？"

"Oh，yes，"saidshe。"Idon\'tknowhowlongyouhadbeencomingwhenIfirstsawyou，butwhenIfoundthatfreshbedofpinksalltransplantedfromsomewhere，andjustaslovelyastheycouldbe，insteadoftheoldones，Ispoketotheman；buthedidnotknowanythingaboutit，andsaidhehadnothadtimetodoanythingtotheflowers，whereasIhadbeengivinghimcreditforeversomuchweedingandcleaningup。ThenIsupposedthatMr。

Barker，whoisjustaskindandattentiveashecanbe，haddoneit；butIcouldhardlybelievehewasthesortofmantocomeearlyinthemorningandworkoutofdoors，"——("Oh，howI

wishhehadcome！"Ithought。"IfIhadcaughthimhereworkingamongtheflowers！")，——"andwhenhecamethatafternoontoplaytennisIfoundthathehadbeenawayfortwodays，andcouldnothaveplantedthepinks。SoIsimplygotupearlyonemorningandlookedout，andthereIsawyou，withyourcoatoff，workingjustashardaseveryoucould。"

Isteppedback，mymindforamomentaperfectblank。

"Whatcouldyouhavethoughtofme？"Iexclaimedpresently。

"Really，atfirstIdidnotknowwhattothink，"saidshe。"OfcourseIdidnotknowwhathaddetainedyouinthiscountry，butIrememberedthatIhadheardthatyouwereaveryparticularpersonaboutyourflowersandshrubsandgrounds，andthatmostlikelyyouthoughttheywouldbebettertakencareofifyoukeptaneyeonthem，andthatwhenyoufoundtherewassomuchtodoyoujustwenttoworkanddidit。Ididnotspeakofthistoanybody，becauseifyoudidnotwishittobeknownthatyouweretakingcareofthegroundsitwasnotmybusinesstotellpeopleaboutit。Butyesterday，whenIfoundthisplacewhereIhadhungmyhammocksobeautifullyclearedupandmadesoniceandcleanandpleasantineveryway，IthoughtImustcomedowntotellyouhowmuchobligedIam，andalsothatyououghtnottotakesomuchtroubleforus。Ifyouthinkthegroundsneedmoreattention，Iwillpersuademyfathertohireanotherman，nowandthen，toworkabouttheplace。Really，Mr。Ripley，yououghtnottohaveto——"

Iwashumbled，abashed。Shehadseenmeatmymorningdevotions，andthiswasthewaysheinterpretedthem。Sheconsideredmeanovernicefellowwhowassodesperatelyafraidhisplacewouldbeinjuredthathecamesneakingaroundeverymorningtoseeifanydamagehadbeendoneandtoputthingstorights。

Shestoodforamomentasifexpectingmetospeak，brushedabuzzingflyfromhersleeve，andthen，lookingatmewithagentlesmile，sheturnedalittleasifshewereabouttoleave。

Icouldnotlethergowithouttellinghersomething。Herpresentopinionofmemustnotrestinhermindanotherminute。

Andyet，whatstorycouldIdevise？How，indeed，couldIdeviseanythingwithwhichtodeceiveagirlwhospokeandlookedatmeasthisgirldid？Icouldnotdoit。Imustrushawayspeechlessandneverseeheragain，orImusttellherall。I

camealittlenearertoher。

"MissVincent，"saidI，"youdonotunderstandatallwhyI

amhere——whyIhavebeenheresomuch——whyIdidnotgotoEurope。Thetruthis，Icouldnotleave。Idonotwishtobeaway；Iwanttocomehereandliveherealways——"

"Oh，dear！"sheinterrupted，"ofcourseitisnaturalthatyoushouldnotwanttotearyourselfawayfromyourlovelyhome。

Itwouldbeveryhardforustogoawaynow，especiallyforfatherandme，forwehavegrowntolovethisplacesomuch。Butifyouwantustoleave，Idaresay——"

"Iwantyoutoleave！"Iexclaimed。"Never！WhenIsaythatIwanttoliveheremyself，thatmyheartwillnotletmegoanywhereelse，ImeanthatIwantyoutoliveheretoo——you，yourmotherandfather——thatIwant——"

"Oh，thatwouldbeperfectlysplendid！"shesaid。"Ihaveeversooftenthoughtthatitwasashamethatyoushouldbedeprivedofthepleasuresyousomuchenjoy，whichIseeyoucanfindhereandnowhereelse。Now，IhaveaplanwhichIthinkwillworksplendidly。Weareaverysmallfamily。Whyshouldn\'tyoucomehereandlivewithus？Thereisplentyofroom，andI

knowfatherandmotherwouldbeveryglad，andyoucanpayyourboard，ifthatwouldpleaseyoubetter。Youcanhavetheroomatthetopofthetowerforyourstudyandyoursmokingden，andtheroomunderitcanbeyourbedroom，soyoucanbejustasindependentasyoupleaseoftherestofus，andyoucanbelivingonyourownplacewithoutinterferingwithusintheleast。Infact，itwouldbeeversonice，especiallyasIaminthehabitofgoingawaytothesea-shorewithmyaunteverysummerforsixweeks，andIwasthinkinghowlonelyitwouldbethisyearforfatherandmothertostayhereallbythemselves。"

Thetowerandtheroomunderit！Forme！Whatacontemptiblylittle-mindedandinsignificantpersonshemustthinkme。ThewordswithwhichIstrovetotellherthatIwishedtolivehereaslord，withherasmyqueen，wouldnotcome。ShelookedatmeforamomentasIstoodonthebrinkofsayingsomethingbutnotsayingit，andthensheturnedsuddenlytowardthehammock。

"DidyouseeanythingofafanIlefthere？"shesaid。"I

knowIleftithere，butwhenIcameyesterdayitwasgone。

Perhapsyoumayhavenoticeditsomewhere——"

Now，themorningbefore，Ihadtakenthatfanhomewithme。

Itwasanawkwardthingtocarry，butIhadconcealeditundermycoat。Itwasacontemptibletrick，butthefanhadherinitialsonit，andasitwastheonlythingbelongingtoherofwhichI

couldpossessmyself，thetemptationhadbeentoogreattoresist。Asshestoodwaitingformyanswertherewasalightinhereyewhichilluminatedmyperceptions。

"Didyouseemetakethatfan？"Iasked。

"Idid，"saidshe。

"Thenyouknow，"Iexclaimed，steppingnearertoher，"whyitisIdidnotleavethiscountryasIintended，whyitwasimpossibleformetotearmyselfawayfromthishouse，whyitisthatIhavebeenhereeverymorning，hoveringaroundanddoingthethingsIhavebeendoing？"

Shelookedupatme，andwithhereyesshesaid，"HowcouldI

helpknowing？"Shemighthaveintendedtosaysomethingwithherlips，butItookmyanswerfromhereyes，andwiththequickimpulseofaloverIstoppedherspeech。

"Youhavestrangeways，"shesaidpresently，blushingandgentlypressingbackmyarm。"Ihaven\'ttoldyouathing。"

"Letustelleachothereverythingnow，"Icried，andweseatedourselvesinthehammock。

Itwasaquarterofanhourlaterandwewerestillsittingtogetherinthehammock。

"Youmaythink，"saidshe，"that，knowingwhatIdid，itwasveryqueerformetocomeouttoyouthismorning，butI

couldnothelpit。Youweregettingdreadfullycareless，andwerestayingsolateanddoingthingswhichpeoplewouldhavebeenboundtonotice，especiallyasfatherisalwaystalkingaboutourenjoyingthefreshhoursofthemorning，thatIfeltI

couldnotletyougoonanylonger。AndwhenitcametothatfanbusinessIsawplainlythatyoumusteitherimmediatelystartforEuropeor——"

"Orwhat？"Iinterrupted。

"Orgotomyfatherandregularlyengageyourselfasa——"

Idonotknowwhethershewasgoingtosay"gardener"ornot，butitdidnotmatter。Istoppedher。

Itwasperhapstwentyminuteslater，andwewerestandingtogetherattheedgeofthewoods。Shewantedmetocometothehousetotakebreakfastwiththem。

"Oh，Icouldnotdothat！"Isaid。"Theywouldbesosurprised。IshouldhavesomuchtoexplainbeforeIcouldevenbegintostatemycase。"

"Well，then，explain，"saidshe。"Youwillfindfatheronthefrontpiazza。Heisalwaystherebeforebreakfast，andthereisplentyoftime。Afterallthathasbeensaidhere，Icannotgotobreakfastandlookcommonplacewhileyourunaway。"

"Butsupposeyourfatherobjects？"saidI。

"Well，thenyouwillhavetogobackandtakebreakfastwithyourmiller，"saidshe。

IneversawafamilysolittleaffectedbysurprisesasthoseVincents。WhenIappearedonthefrontpiazzatheoldgentlemandidnotjump。Heshookhandswithmeandaskedmetositdown，andwhenItoldhimeverythinghedidnotevenejaculate，butsimplyfoldedhishandstogetherandlookedoutovertherailing。

"ItseemedstrangetoMrs。Vincentandmyself，"hesaid，"whenwefirstnoticedyourextraordinaryattachmentforourdaughter，but，afterall，itwasnaturalenough。"

"Noticedit！"Iexclaimed。"Whendidyoudothat？"

"Verysoon，"hesaid。"WhenyouandCorawerecataloguingthebooksatmyhouseintownInoticeditandspoketoMrs。

Vincent，butshesaiditwasnothingnewtoher，foritwasplainenoughonthedaywhenwefirstmetyouherethatyouwerelettingthehousetoCora，andthatshehadnotspokenofittomebecauseshewasafraidImightthinkitwrongtoacceptthefavorableandunusualarrangementsyouweremakingwithusifI

suspectedthereasonforthem。Wetalkedoverthematter，but，ofcourse，wecoulddonothing，becausetherewasnothingtodo，andMrs。VincentwasquitesureyouwouldwritetousfromEurope。ButwhenmymanAmbrosetoldmehehadseensomeoneworkingabouttheplaceintheveryearlymorning，andthat，asitwasagentleman，hesupposeditmustbethelandlord，fornobodyelsewouldbedoingsuchthings，Mrs。VincentandIlookedoutofthewindowthenextday，andwhenwefounditwasindeedyouwhowerecominghereeveryday，wefeltthatthematterwasseriousandwereagooddealtroubled。Wefound，however，thatyouwereconductingaffairsinaveryhonorableway，——thatyouwerenotendeavoringtoseeCora，andthatyoudidnottrytohaveanysecretcorrespondencewithher，——andaswehadnorighttopreventyoufromcomingonyourgrounds，weconcludedtoremainquietuntilyoushouldtakesomestepwhichwewouldbeauthorizedtonotice。Later，whenMr。BarkercameandtoldmethatyouhadnotgonetoEurope，andwerelivingwithamillernotfarfromhere——"

"Barker！"Icried。"Thescoundrel！"

"Youaremistaken，sir，"saidMr。Vincent。"Hespokewiththegreatestkindnessofyou，andsaidthatasitwasevidentyouhadyourownreasonsforwishingtostayintheneighborhood，anddidnotwishthefacttobeknown，hehadspokenofittonoonebutme，andhewouldnothavedonethishadhenotthoughtitwouldpreventembarrassmentincaseweshouldmeet。"

WouldthateverlastingBarkereverceasemeddlinginmyaffairs？

"Doyousuppose，"Iasked，"thatheimaginedthereasonformystayinghere？"

"Idonotknow，"saidtheoldgentleman，"butafterthequestionsIputtohimIhavenodoubthesuspectedit。Imademanyinquiriesofhimregardingyou，yourfamily，habits，anddisposition，forthiswasaveryvitalmattertome，sir，andI

amhappytoinformyouthathesaidnothingofyouthatwasnotgood，soIurgedhimtokeepthemattertohimself。I

determined，however，thatifyoucontinuedyourmorningvisitsI

shouldtakeanearlyopportunityofaccostingyouandaskinganexplanation。"

"Andyounevermentionedanythingofthistoyourdaughter？"

saidI。

"Oh，no，"heanswered。"Wecarefullykepteverythingfromher。"

"But，mydearsir，"saidI，rising，"youhavegivenmenoanswer。

Youhavenottoldmewhetherornotyouwillacceptmeasason-in-law。"

Hesmiled。"Truly，"hesaid，"Ihavenotansweredyou；butthefactis，Mrs。VincentandIhaveconsideredthemattersolong，andhavingcometotheconclusionthatifyoumadeanhonorableandstraightforwardproposition，andifCorawerewillingtoacceptyou，wecouldseenoreasontoobjectto——"

AtthismomentthefrontdooropenedandCoraappeared。

"Areyougoingtostaytobreakfast？"sheasked。"Because，ifyouare，itisready。"

Istayedtobreakfast。

Iamnowlivinginmyownhouse，notinthetwotowerrooms，butinthewholemansion，ofwhichmyformertenant，Cora，isnowmistresssupreme。Mr。andMrs。Vincentexpecttospendthenextsummerhereandtakecareofthehousewhilewearetravelling。

Mr。Barker，anexcellentfellowandamostthoroughbusinessman，stillmanagesmyaffairs，andthereisnothingontheplacethatflourishessovigorouslyasthebedofpinkswhichIgotfromthemiller\'swife。

Bytheway，whenIwentbacktomylodgingonthateventfulday，themiller\'swifemetmeatthedoor。

"Ikeptyourbreakfastwaitin\'foryouforagoodwhile，"

saidshe，"butasyoudidn\'tcome，Isupposedyouweretakin\'

breakfastinyourownhouse，andIcleareditaway。"

"DoyouknowwhoIam？"Iexclaimed。

"Oh，yes，sir，"shesaid。"Wedidnotatfirst，butwheneverybodybegantotalkaboutitwecouldn\'thelpknowin\'it。"

"Everybody！"Igasped。"AndmayIaskwhatyouandeverybodysaidaboutme？"

"Ithinkitwasthegeneralopinion，sir，"saidshe，"thatyouweresuspiciousofthemtenantsofyours，andnobodywonderedatit，forwhencitypeoplegetsintothecountryandonotherpeople\'sproperty，there\'snotrustin\'themoutofyoursightforaminute。"

Icouldnotletthegoodwomanholdthisopinionofmytenants，andIbrieflytoldherthetruth。Shelookedatmewithmoistadmirationinhereyes。

"Iamgladtohearthat，sir，"saidshe。"Ilikeitverymuch。ButifIwasyouIwouldn\'tbeinahurrytotellmyhusbandandthepeopleintheneighborhoodaboutit。Theymightbealittledisappointedatfirst，fortheyhadamightyhighopinionofyouwhentheythoughtthatyouwaslayin\'lowheretokeepaneyeonthemtenantsofyours。"

THESTAYINGPOWEROF

SIRROHAN

DuringthewinterinwhichIreachedmytwentyfifthyearIlivedwithmymother\'sbrother，Dr。AlfredMorris，inWarburton，asmallcountrytown，andIwastherebeginningthepracticeofmedicine。Ihadbeengraduatedinthespring，andmyuncleearnestlyadvisedmetocometohimandactashisassistant，whichadvice，consideringthefactthathewasanelderlyman，andthatImighthopetosucceedhiminhisexcellentpractice，wasconsideredgoodadvicebymyselfandmyfamily。

AtthistimeIpractisedverylittle，butlearnedagreatdeal，forasIoftenaccompaniedmyuncleonhisprofessionalvisits，Icouldnothavetakenabetterpostgraduatecourse。

IhadaninvitationtospendtheChristmasofthatyearwiththeCollingwoods，whohadopenedtheircountryhouse，abouttwelvemilesfromWarburton，fortheentertainmentofaholidayhouseparty。Ihadgladlyacceptedtheinvitation，andonthedaybeforeChristmasIwenttotheliverystableinthevillagetohireahorseandsleighforthetrip。AtthestableImetUncleBeamish，whohadalsocometohireaconveyance。

"UncleBeamish，"ashewasgenerallycalledinthevillage，althoughIamsurehehadnonephewsorniecesintheplace，wasanelderlymanwhohadretiredfromsomebusiness，Iknownotwhat，andwasapparentlyquiteabletoliveuponwhateverincomehehad。Hewasagoodman，ratherilliterate，butveryshrewd。

Generousingoodworks，Idonotthinkhewasfondofgivingawaymoney，buthisserviceswereatthecallofallwhoneededthem。

IlikedUncleBeamishverymuch，forhewasnotonlyagoodstory-teller，buthewaswillingtolistentomystories，andwhenIfoundhewantedtohireahorseandsleightogotothehouseofhismarriedsister，withwhomheintendedtospendChristmas，andthathissisterlivedonUpperHillturnpike，onwhichroadtheCollingwoodhousewassituated，Iproposedthatweshouldhireasleightogether。

"Thatwillsuitme，"saidUncleBeamish。"Therecouldn\'thavebeenabetterfitifIhadbeenmeasuredforit。Lessthanhalfamileafteryouturnintotheturnpike，youpassmysister\'shouse。ThenyoucandropmeandgoontotheCollingwoods\'，whichIshouldsayisn\'tmorethanthreemilesfurther。"

Thearrangementwasmade，ahorseandsleighordered，andearlyintheafternoonwestartedfromWarburton。

Thesleighingwasgood，butthesamecouldnotbesaidofthehorse。Hewasabigroan，powerfulandsteady，butentirelytoodeliberateinaction。UncleBeamish，however，wasquitesatisfiedwithhim。

"Whatyouwantwhenyouaregoin\'totakeajourneywithahorse，"saidhe，"isstayin\'power。Yourfasttrotterisallverywellforamileortwo，butifIhavegottogointothecountryinwinter，givemeahorselikethis。"

Ididnotagreewithhim，butwejoggedalongquitepleasantlyuntiltheafternoongrewprematurelydarkanditbegantosnow。

"Now，"saidI，givingtheroanauselesscut，"whatweoughttohaveisafasthorse，sothatwemaygettherebeforethereisastorm。"

"No，doctor，you\'rewrong，"saidUncleBeamish。"Whatwewantisastronghorsethatwilltakeustherewhetheritstormsornot，andwehavegothim。Andwhocaresforalittlesnowthatwon\'thurtnobody？"

Ididnotcareforsnow，andweturnedupourcollarsandwentasmerrilyaspeoplecangotothemusicofslowlyjinglingsleigh-bells。

Thesnowbegantofallrapidly，and，whatwasworse，thewindblewdirectlyinourfaces，sothatsometimesmyeyesweresoplasteredupwithsnowflakesthatIcouldscarcelyseehowtodrive。Ineverknewsnowtofallwithsuchviolence。Theroadwayinfrontofus，asfarasIcouldseeit，wassoononeunbrokenstretchofwhitefromfencetofence。

"Thisisthebigstormoftheseason，"saidUncleBeamish，"anditisagoodthingwestartedintime，forifthewindkeepsblowin\'，thisroadwillbeprettyhardtotravelinacoupleofhours。"

InabouthalfanhourthewindlulledalittleandIcouldgetabetterviewofoursurroundings，althoughIcouldnotseeveryfarthroughtheswiftlydescendingsnow。

"Iwasthinkin\'，"saidUncleBeamish，"thatitmightbeagoodidee，whenwegettoCrocker\'splace，tostopalittle，andletyouwarmyourfingersandnose。Crocker\'sisruthermorethanhalf-waytothepike。"

"Oh，Idonotwanttostopanywhere，"Irepliedquickly。"I

amallright。"

Nothingwassaidforsometime，andthenUncleBeamishremarked：

"Idon\'twanttostopanymorethanyoudo，butitdoesseemstrangethatweain\'tpassedCrocker\'syit。Wecouldhardlymisshishouse，itissoclosetotheroad。Thishorseisslow，butI

tellyouonething，doctor，he\'simprovin\'。Heisgoin\'betterthanhedid。That\'sthewaywiththiskind。Ittakesthemagoodwhiletogetwarmedup，buttheykeepongettin\'fresherinsteadoftireder。"

Thebigroanwasgoingbetter，butstillwedidnotreachCrocker\'s，whichdisappointedUncleBeamish，whowantedtobeassuredthatthegreaterpartofhisjourneywasover。

"Wemusthavepassedit，"hesaid，"whenthesnowwassoblindin\'。"

IdidnotwishtodiscouragehimbysayingthatIdidnotthinkwehadyetreachedCrocker\'s，butIbelievedIhadamuchbetterappreciationofourhorse\'sslownessthanhehad。

Againthewindbegantoblowinourfaces，andthesnowfellfaster，buttheviolenceofthestormseemedtoencourageourhorse，forhispacewasnowgreatlyincreased。

"That\'sthesortofbeasttohave，"exclaimedUncleBeamish，splutteringasthesnowblewinhismouth。"Heisgettin\'hisspiritsupjustwhentheyaremostwanted。WemusthavepassedCrocker\'sagoodwhileago，anditcan\'tbelongbeforewegettothepike。Andit\'stimewewasthere，forit\'sdarkenin\'。"

Onandonwewent，butstillwedidnotreachthepike。

Wehadlostagreatdealoftimeduringthefirstpartofthejourney，andalthoughthehorsewastravellingsomuchbetternow，hispacewasbelowtheaverageofgoodroadsters。

"Whenwegettothepike，"saidUncleBeamish，"youcan\'tmissit，forthisroaddoesn\'tcrossit。Allyou\'vegottodoistoturntotheleft，andintenminutesyouwillseethelightsinmysister\'shouse。AndI\'lltellyou，doctor，ifyouwouldliketostopthereforthenight，she\'dbemightygladtohaveyou。"

"Muchobliged，"repliedI，"butIshallgoon。It\'snotlateyet，andIcanreachtheCollingwoods\'ingoodtime。"

Wenowdroveoninsilence，ourhorseactuallyarchinghisneckashethumpedthroughthesnow。Driftshadbeguntoformacrosstheroad，butthroughthesehebravelyplunged。

"Stayin\'poweriswhatwewant，doctor！"exclaimedUncleBeamish。"Wherewouldyourfasttrotterbeindriftslikethese，I\'dliketoknow？Wegottherighthorsewhenwegotthisone，butIwishwehadbeengoin\'thisfastallthetime。"

Itgrewdarkeranddarker，butatlastwesaw，notfarinfrontofus，alight。

"Thatbeatsme，"saidUncleBeamish。"Idon\'tremembernootherhousesoneartheroad。Itcan\'tbeweain\'tpassedCrocker\'syit！Ifweain\'tgotnofurtherthanthat，I\'minfavorofstoppin\'。I\'mnotafraidofasnow-storm，butIain\'tafoolnuther，andifwehaven\'tgotfurtherthanCrocker\'sitwillbefoolhardytotrytopushonthroughthedarkandthesebigdrifts，whichwillbegettin\'bigger。"

Ididnotgiveitupsoeasily。Igreatlywishedto`

reachmydestinationthatnight。Buttherewerethreewillsintheparty，andoneofthembelongedtothehorse。BeforeIhadanyideaofsuchathing，theanimalmadeasuddenturn，——toosuddenforsafety，——passedthroughawidegateway，andafterafewrapidboundswhich，tomysurprise，Icouldnotrestrain，hestoppedsuddenly。

"Hello！"exclaimedUncleBeamish，peeringforward，"here\'sabarndoor。"Andheimmediatelybegantothrowoffthefarrobethatcoveredourknees。

"Whatareyougoingtodo？"Iasked。

"I\'mgoin\'toopenthebarndoorandletthehorsegoin，"

saidhe。"Heseemstowantto。Idon\'tknowwhetherthisisCrocker\'sbarnornot。Itdon\'tlooklikeit，butImaybemistaken。Anyway，wewillletthehorsein，andthengotothehouse。Thisain\'tnonighttobetravellin\'anyfurther，doctor，andthatisthelongandtheshortofit。Ifthepeoplehereain\'tCrockers，IguesstheyareChristians！"

Ihadnotmuchtimetoconsiderthesituation，forwhilehehadbeenspeaking，UncleBeamishhadwadedthroughthesnow，andfindingthebarndoorunfastened，hadslidittooneside。

Instantlythehorseenteredthedarkbarn，fortunatelyfindingnothinginhisway。

"Now，"saidUncleBeamish，"ifwecangetsomethin\'totiehimwith，sothathedon\'tdonomischief，wecanleavehimhereandgouptothehouse。"Icarriedapocketlantern，andquicklylightedit。"ByGeorge！"saidUncleBeamish，asIheldupthelantern，"thisain\'tmuchofabarn——it\'snomorethanawagon-

house。Itain\'tCrocker\'s——butnomatter；we\'llgouptothehouse。Hereisahitchin\'-rope。"

Wefastenedthehorse，threwarobeoverhim，shutthebarndoorbehindus，andslowlymadeourwaytothebackofthehouse，inwhichtherewasalightedwindow。Mountingalittleportico，wereachedadoor，andwereabouttoknockwhenitwasopenedforus。Awoman，plainlyaservant，stoodinakitchen，lightandwarm。

"Comerightin，"shesaid。"Iheardyourbells。Didyouputyourhorseinthebarn？"

"Yes，"saidUncleBeamish，"andnowwewouldliketosee——"

"Allright，"interruptedthewoman，movingtowardaninnerdoor。"Justwaithereforaminute。I\'mgoinguptotellher。"

"Idon\'tknowthisplace，"saidUncleBeamish，aswestoodbythekitchenstove，"butIexpectitbelongstoawidowwoman。"

"Whatmakesyouthinkthat？"Iasked。

"\'Causeshesaidshewasgoin\'totellHER。Iftherehadbeenamaninthehouse，shewouldhavegonetotellHIM。"

Inafewmomentsthewomanreturned。

"Shesaysyouaretotakeoffyourwetthingsandthengointothesitting-room。She\'llbedowninaminute。"

IlookedatUncleBeamish，thinkingitwashisrighttomakeexplanations，but，givingmealittlewink，hebegantotakeoffhisovercoat。ItwasplaintoperceivethatUncleBeamishdesiredtoassumethataplaceofrefugewouldbeofferedus。

"It\'sanawfulbadnight，"hesaidtothewoman，ashesatdowntotakeoffhisarcticovershoes。

"It\'sallthat，"saidshe。"Youmayhangyourcoatsoverthemchairs。Itwon\'tmatteriftheydodriponthisbarefloor。

Now，then，comerightintothesitting-room。"

Inspiteofmydisappointment，Iwasgladtobeinawarmhouse，andhopedwemightbeabletostaythere。Icouldhearthestormbeatingfuriouslyagainstthewindow-panesbehindthedrawnshades。Therewasastoveinthesitting-room，andalargelamp。

"Sitdown，"saidthewoman。"Shewillbehereinaminute。"

"Itstrikesme，"saidUncleBeamish，whenwewereleftalone，"thatsomebodyisexpectedinthishouse，mostlikelytospendChristmas，andthatwearemistookforthem，whoevertheyare。"

"Ihavethesameidea，"Ireplied，"andwemustexplainassoonaspossible。"

"Ofcoursewewilldothat，"saidhe，"butIcantellyouonething：whoeverisexpectedain\'tcomin\'，forhecan\'tgethere。