第9章

Hilda\'sdespondency，nevertheless，whileitdulledherperceptionsinonerespect，haddeepenedtheminanother；shesawbeautylessvividly，butfelttruth，orthelackofit，moreprofoundly。Shebegantosuspectthatsome，atleast，ofherveneratedpainters，hadleftaninevitablehollownessintheirworks，because，inthemostrenownedofthem，theyessayedtoexpresstotheworldwhattheyhadnotintheirownsouls。TheydeifiedtheirlightandWanderingaffections，andwerecontinuallyplayingoffthetremendousjest，alludedtoabove，ofofferingthefeaturesofsomevenalbeautytobeenshrinedintheholiestplaces。AdeficiencyofearnestnessandabsolutetruthisgenerallydiscoverableinItalianpictures，afterthearthadbecomeconsummate。Whenyoudemandwhatisdeepest，thesepaintershavenotwherewithaltorespond。Theysubstitutedakeenintellectualperception，andamarvellousknackofexternalarrangement，insteadofthelivesympathyandsentimentwhichshouldhavebeentheirinspiration。Andhenceithappens，thatshallowandworldlymenareamongthebestcriticsoftheirworks；atasteforpictorialartisoftennomorethanapolishuponthehardenamelofanartificialcharacter。Hildahadlavishedherwholeheartuponit，andfound(justasifshehadlavishedituponahumanidol)thatthegreaterpartwasthrownaway。

Forsomeoftheearlierpainters，however，shestillretainedmuchofherformerreverence。FraAngelico，shefelt，musthavebreathedahumbleaspirationbetweeneverytwotouchesofhisbrush，inordertohavemadethefinishedpicturesuchavisibleprayeraswebeholdit，intheguiseofaprimangel，orasaintwithoutthehumannature。

Throughalltheseduskycenturies，hisworksmaystillhelpastrugglinghearttopray。Peruginowasevidentlyadevoutman；andtheVirgin，therefore，revealedherselftohiminloftierandsweeterfacesofcelestialwomanhood，andyetwithakindofhomelinessintheirhumanmould，thaneventhegeniusofRaphaelcouldimagine。

Sodoma，beyondaquestion，bothprayedandwept，whilepaintinghisfresco，atSiena，ofChristboundtoapillar。

Inherpresentneedandhungerforaspiritualrevelation，Hildafeltavastandwearylongingtoseethislast-mentionedpictureonceagain。

Itisinexpressiblytouching。SowearyistheSaviourandutterlywornoutwithagony，thathislipshavefallenapartfrommereexhaustion；hiseyesseemtobeset；hetriestoleanhisheadagainstthepillar，butiskeptfromsinkingdownuponthegroundonlybythecordsthatbindhim。Oneofthemoststrikingeffectsproducedisthesenseofloneliness。YoubeholdChristdesertedbothinheavenandearth；thatdespairisinhimwhichwrungforththesaddestutterancemanevermade，"WhyhastThouforsakenme？"Eveninthisextremity，however，heisstilldivine。ThegreatandreverentpainterhasnotsufferedtheSonofGodtobemerelyanobjectofpity，thoughdepictinghiminastatesoprofoundlypitiful。Heisrescuedfromit，weknownothow，——bynothinglessthanmiracle，——byacelestialmajestyandbeauty，andsomequalityofwhichthesearetheoutwardgarniture。Heisasmuch，andasvisibly，ourRedeemer，therebound，therefainting，andbleedingfromthescourge，withthecrossinview，asifhesatonhisthroneofgloryintheheavens！Sodoma，inthismatchlesspicture，hasdonemoretowardsreconcilingtheincongruityofDivineOmnipotenceandoutraged，sufferingHumanity，combinedinoneperson，thanthetheologianseverdid。

Thishallowedworkofgeniusshowswhatpictorialart，devoutlyexercised，mighteffectinbehalfofreligioustruth；involving，asitdoes，deepermysteriesofrevelation，andbringingthemclosertoman\'sheart，andmakinghimtenderertobeimpressedbythem，thanthemosteloquentwordsofpreacherorprophet)

Itisnotofpicturesliketheabovethatgalleries，inRomeorelsewhere，aremadeup，butofproductionsimmeasurablybelowthem，andrequiringtobeappreciatedbyaverydifferentframeofmind。

Fewamateursareendowedwithatendersusceptibilitytothesentimentofapicture；theyarenotwonfromanevillife，noranywisemorallyimprovedbyit。Theloveofart，therefore，differswidelyinitsinfluencefromtheloveofnature；whereas，ifarthadnotstrayedawayfromitslegitimatepathsandaims，itoughttosoftenandsweetenthelivesofitsworshippers，inevenamoreexquisitedegreethanthecontemplationofnaturalobjects。But，ofitsownpotency，ithasnosucheffect；anditfails，likewise，inthatothertestofitsmoralvaluewhichpoorHildawasnowinvoluntarilytryinguponit。

Itcannotcomforttheheartinaffliction；itgrowsdimwhentheshadowisuponus。

Sothemelancholygirlwanderedthroughthoselonggalleries，andoverthemosaicpavementsofvast，solitarysaloons，wonderingwhathadbecomeofthesplendorthatusedtobeamuponherfromthewalls。Shegrewsadlycritical，andcondemnedalmosteverythingthatshewaswonttoadmire。Heretofore，hersympathywentdeeplyintoapicture，yetseemedtoleaveadepthwhichitwasinadequatetosound；now，onthecontrary，herperceptivefacultypenetratedthecanvaslikeasteelprobe，andfoundbutacrustofpaintoveranemptiness。Notthatshegaveupallartasworthless；onlyithadlostitsconsecration。Onepictureintenthousand，perhaps，oughttoliveintheapplauseofmankind，fromgenerationtogeneration，untilthecolorsfadeandblackenoutofsight，orthecanvasrotentirelyaway。Fortherest，letthembepiledingarrets，justasthetolerablepoetsareshelved，whentheirlittledayisover。Isapaintermoresacredthanapoet？

AndasforthesegalleriesofRomanpalaces，theyweretoHilda，——thoughshestilltrodthemwiththeforlornhopeofgettingbackhersympathies，——theyweredrearierthanthewhitewashedwallsofaprisoncorridor。Ifamagnificentpalacewerefounded，aswasgenerallythecase，onhardenedguiltandastonyconscience，——iftheprinceorcardinalwhostolethemarbleofhisvastmansionfromtheColiseum，orsomeRomantemple，hadperpetratedstilldeadliercrimes，asprobablyhedid，——therecouldbenofitterpunishmentforhisghostthantowander，perpetuallythroughtheselongsuitesofrooms，overthecoldmarbleormosaicofthefloors，growingchillerateveryeternalfootstep。FancytheprogenitoroftheDoriasthushauntingthoseheavyhallswherehisposterityreside！Norwoulditassuagehismonotonousmisery，butincreaseitmanifold，tobecompelledtoscrutinizethosemasterpiecesofart，whichhecollectedwithsomuchcostandcare，andgazingatthemunintelligently，stillleaveafurtherportionofhisvitalwarmthateveryone。

Such，orofasimilarkind，isthetormentofthosewhoseektoenjoypicturesinanuncongenialmood。Everyhaunterofpicturegalleries，weshouldimagine，musthaveexperiencedit，ingreaterorlessdegree；

Hildanevertillnow，butnowmostbitterly。

Andnow，forthefirsttimeinherlengthenedabsence，comprisingsomanyyearsofheryounglife，shebegantobeacquaintedwiththeexile\'spain。Herpictorialimaginationbroughtupvividscenesofhernativevillage，withitsgreatoldelm-trees；andtheneat，comfortablehouses，scatteredalongthewide，grassymarginofitsstreet，andthewhitemeeting-house，andhermother\'sverydoor，andthestreamofgoldbrownwater，whichhertasteforcolorhadkeptflowing，allthiswhile，throughherremembrance。Odrearystreets，palaces，churches，andimperialsepulchresofhotanddustyRome，withthemuddyTibereddyingthroughthemidst，insteadofthegold-brownrivulet！Howshepinedunderthiscrumblymagnificence，asifitwerepiledalluponherhumanheart！Howsheyearnedforthatnativehomeliness，thosefamiliarsights，thosefaceswhichshehadknownalways，thosedaysthatneverbroughtanystrangeevent；thatlifeofsoberweek-days，andasolemnsabbathattheclose！Thepeculiarfragranceofaflower-bed，whichHildausedtocultivate，camefreshlytohermemory，acrossthewindysea，andthroughthelongyearssincetheflowershadwithered。Herheartgrewfaintatthehundredreminiscencesthatwereawakenedbythatrememberedsmellofdeadblossoms；itwaslikeopeningadrawer，wheremanythingswerelaidaway，andeveryoneofthemscentedwithlavenderanddriedrose-leaves。

WeoughtnottobetrayHilda\'ssecret；butitisthetruth，thatbeingsosad，andsoutterlyalone，andinsuchgreatneedofsympathy，herthoughtssometimesrecurredtothesculptor。Hadshemethimnow，herheart，indeed，mightnothavebeenwon，butherconfidencewouldhaveflowntohimlikeabirdtoitsnest。Onesummerafternoon，especially，Hildaleaneduponthebattlementsofhertower，andlookedoverRometowardsthedistantmountains，whitherKenyonhadtoldherthathewasgoing。

"Othathewerehere！"shesighed；"Iperishunderthisterriblesecret；andhemighthelpmetoendureit。Othathewerehere！"

Thatveryafternoon，asthereadermayremember，KenyonfeltHilda\'shandpullingatthesilkencordthatwasconnectedwithhisheart-strings，ashestoodlookingtowardsRomefromthebattlementsofMonteBeni。

CHAPTERXXXVIII

ALTARSANDINCENSE

Romehasacertainspeciesofconsolationreadierathand，forallthenecessitous，thananyotherspotunderthesun；andHilda\'sdespondentstatemadeherpeculiarlyliabletotheperil，ifperilitcanjustlybetermed，ofseeking，orconsenting，tobethusconsoled。

HadtheJesuitsknownthesituationofthistroubledheart，herinheritanceofNewEnglandPuritanismwouldhardlyhaveprotectedthepoorgirlfromthepiousstrategyofthosegoodfathers。Knowing，astheydo，howtoworkeachproperengine，itwouldhavebeenultimatelyimpossibleforHildatoresisttheattractionsofafaith，whichsomarvellouslyadaptsitselftoeveryhumanneed。Not，indeed，thatitcansatisfythesoul\'scravings，but，atleast，itcansometimeshelpthesoultowardsahighersatisfactionthanthefaithcontainswithinitself。Itsuppliesamultitudeofexternalforms，inwhichthespiritualmaybeclothedandmanifested；ithasmanypaintedwindows，asitwere，throughwhichthecelestialsunshine，elsedisregarded，maymakeitselfgloriouslyperceptibleinvisionsofbeautyandsplendor。ThereisnoonewantorweaknessofhumannatureforwhichCatholicismwillownitselfwithoutaremedy；cordials，certainly，itpossessesinabundance，andsedativesininexhaustiblevariety，andwhatmayoncehavebeengenuinemedicaments，thoughalittletheworseforlongkeeping。

Todoitjustice，Catholicismissuchamiracleoffitnessforitsownends，manyofwhichmightseemtobeadmirableones，thatitisdifficulttoimagineitacontrivanceofmereman。Itsmightymachinerywasforgedandputtogether，notonmiddleearth，buteitheraboveorbelow。Iftherewerebutangelstoworkit，insteadoftheverydifferentclassofengineerswhonowmanageitscranksandsafetyvalves，thesystemwouldsoonvindicatethedignityandholinessofitsorigin。

HildahadheretoforemademanypilgrimagesamongthechurchesofRome，forthesakeofwonderingattheirgorgeousness。Withoutaglimpseatthesepalacesofworship，itisimpossibletoimaginethemagnificenceofthereligionthatrearedthem。Manyofthemshinewithburnishedgold。Theyglowwithpictures。Theirwalls，columns，andarchesseemaquarryofpreciousstones，sobeautifulandcostlyarethemarbleswithwhichtheyareinlaid。Theirpavementsareoftenamosaic，ofrareworkmanship。Aroundtheirloftycorniceshoverflightsofsculpturedangels；andwithinthevaultoftheceilingandtheswellinginteriorofthedome，therearefrescosofsuchbrilliancy，andwroughtwithsoartfulaperspective，thatthesky，peopledwithsaintedforms，appearstobeopenedonlyalittlewayabovethespectator。Thentherearechapels，openingfromthesideaislesandtransepts，decoratedbyprincesfortheirownburialplaces，andasshrinesfortheirespecialsaints。Inthese，thesplendoroftheentireedificeisintensifiedandgatheredtoafocus。Unlesswordsweregems，thatwouldflamewithmany-coloredlightuponthepage，andthrowthenceatremulousglimmerintothereader\'seyes，itwerewaintoattemptadescriptionofaprincelychapel。

Restlesswithhertrouble，Hildanowentereduponanotherpilgrimageamongthesealtarsandshrines。SheclimbedthehundredstepsoftheAraCoeli；shetrodthebroad，silentnaveofSt。JohnLateran；shestoodinthePantheon，undertheroundopeninginthedome，throughwhichthebluesunnyskystillgazesdown，asitusedtogazewhentherewereRomandeitiesintheantiqueniches。Shewentintoeverychurchthatrosebeforeher，butnotnowtowonderatitsmagnificence，whenshehardlynoticedmorethanifithadbeenthepine-builtinteriorofaNewEnglandmeeting-house。

Shewent——anditwasadangerouserrand——toobservehowcloselyandcomfortinglythepopishfaithapplieditselftoallhumanoccasions。

Itwasimpossibletodoubtthatmultitudesofpeoplefoundtheirspiritualadvantageinit，whowouldfindnoneatallinourownformlessmodeofworship；which，besides，sofarasthesympathyofprayerfulsoulsisconcerned，canbeenjoyedonlyatstatedandtoounfrequentperiods。Buthere，wheneverthehungerfordivinenutrimentcameuponthesoul，itcouldontheinstantbeappeased。Atoneoranotheraltar，theincensewasforeverascending；themassalwaysbeingperformed，andcarryingupwardwithitthedevotionofsuchashadnotwordsfortheirownprayer。Andyet，iftheworshipperhadhisindividualpetitiontooffer，hisownheart-secrettowhisperbelowhisbreath，thereweredivineauditorseverreadytoreceiveitfromhislips；andwhatencouragedhimstillmore，theseauditorshadnotalwaysbeendivine，butkept，withintheirheavenlymemories，thetenderhumilityofahumanexperience。Nowasaintinheaven，butonceamanonearth。

Hildasawpeasants，citizens，soldiers，nobles，womenwithbareheads，ladiesintheirsilks，enteringthechurchesindividually，kneelingformomentsorforhours，anddirectingtheirinaudibledevotionstotheshrineofsomesaintoftheirownchoice。Inhishallowedperson，theyfeltthemselvespossessedofanownfriendinheaven。TheyweretoohumbletoapproachtheDeitydirectly。Consciousoftheirunworthiness，theyaskedthemediationoftheirsympathizingpatron，who，onthescoreofhisancientmartyrdom，andaftermanyagesofcelestiallife，mightventuretotalkwiththeDivinePresence，almostasfriendwithfriend。ThoughdumbbeforeitsJudge，evendespaircouldspeak，andpouroutthemiseryofitssoullikewater，toanadvocatesowisetocomprehendthecase，andeloquenttopleadit，andpowerfultowinpardonwhateverweretheguilt。Hildawitnessedwhatshedeemedtobeanexampleofthisspeciesofconfidencebetweenayoungmanandhissaint。Hestoodbeforeashrine，writhing，wringinghishands，contortinghiswholeframeinanagonyofremorsefulrecollection，butfinallykneltdowntoweepandpray。IfthisyouthhadbeenaProtestant，hewouldhavekeptallthattorturepentupinhisheart，andletitburntheretillitsearedhimintoindifference。

Oftenandlong，HildalingeredbeforetheshrinesandchapelsoftheVirgin，anddepartedfromthemwithreluctantsteps。Here，perhaps，strangeasitmayseem，herdelicateappreciationofartstoodheringoodstead，andlostCatholicismaconvert。IfthepainterhadrepresentedMarywithaheavenlyface，poorHildawasnowintheverymoodtoworshipher，andadoptthefaithinwhichsheheldsoelevatedaposition。Butshesawthatitwasmerelytheflatteredportraitofanearthlybeauty；thewife，atbest，oftheartist；or，itmightbe，apeasantgirloftheCampagna，orsomeRomanprincess，towhomhedesiredtopayhiscourt。Forlove，orsomeevenlessjustifiablemotive，theoldpainterhadapotheosizedthesewomen；hethusgainedforthem，asfarashisskillwouldgo，notonlythemeedofimmortality，buttheprivilegeofpresidingoverChristianaltars，andofbeingworshippedwithfarholierfervorsthanwhiletheydweltonearth。Hilda\'sfinesenseofthefitanddecorouscouldnotbebetrayedintokneelingatsuchashrine。

Sheneverfoundjustthevirginmotherwhomsheneeded。Hereitwasanearthlymother，worshippingtheearthlybabyinherlap，asanyandeverymotherdoes，fromEve\'stimedownward。Inanotherpicture，therewasadimsense，showninthemother\'sface，ofsomedivinequalityinthechild。Inathird，theartistseemedtohavehadahigherperception，andhadstrivenhardtoshadowouttheVirgin\'sjoyatbringingtheSaviourintotheworld，andheraweandlove，inextricablymingled，ofthelittleformwhichshepressedagainstherbosom。Sofarwasgood。Butstill，Hildalookedforsomethingmore；

afaceofcelestialbeauty，buthumanaswellasheavenly，andwiththeshadowofpastgriefuponit；brightwithimmortalyouth，yetmatronlyandmotherly；andendowedwithaqueenlydignity，butinfinitelytender，asthehighestanddeepestattributeofherdivinity。

"Ah，"thoughtHildatoherself，"whyshouldnottherebeawomantolistentotheprayersofwomen？Amotherinheavenforallmotherlessgirlslikeme？InallGod\'sthoughtandcareforus，canhehavewithheldthisboon，whichourweaknesssomuchneeds？"

Oftenerthantotheotherchurches，shewanderedintoSt。Peter\'s。

Withinitsvastlimits，shethought，andbeneaththesweepofitsgreatdome，thereshouldbespaceforallformsofChristiantruth；

roombothforthefaithfulandtheheretictokneel；duehelpforeverycreature\'sspiritualwant。

Hildahadnotalwaysbeenadequatelyimpressedbythegrandeurofthismightycathedral。Whenshefirstliftedtheheavyleatherncurtain，atoneofthedoors，ashadowyedificeinherimaginationhadbeendazzledoutofsightbythereality。HerpreconceptionofSt。Peter\'swasastructureofnodefiniteoutline，mistyinitsarchitecture，dimandgrayandhuge，stretchingintoaninterminableperspective，andoverarchedbyadomelikethecloudyfirmament。Beneaththatvastbreadthandheight，asshehadfanciedthem，thepersonalmanmightfeelhislittleness，andthesoultriumphinitsimmensity。So，inherearliervisits，whenthecompassedsplendorOftheactualinteriorglowedbeforehereyes，shehadprofanelycalleditagreatprettiness；

agaypieceofcabinetwork，onaTitanicscale；ajewelcasket，marvellouslymagnified。

Thislatterimagebestpleasedherfancy；acasket，allinlaidintheinsidewithpreciousstonesofvarioushue，sothatthereShouldnotbeahair\'s-breadthofthesmallinteriorunadornedwithitsresplendentgem。Then，conceivethisminutewonderofamosaicbox，increasedtothemagnitudeofacathedral，withoutlosingtheintenselustreofitslittleness，butallitspettyglorystrivingtobesublime。Themagictransformationfromtheminutetothevasthasnotbeensocunninglyeffectedbutthattherichadornmentstillcounteractstheimpressionofspaceandloftiness。Thespectatorismoresensibleofitslimitsthanofitsextent。

Untilaftermanyvisits，Hildacontinuedtomournforthatdim，illimitableinterior，whichwithhereyesshutshehadseenfromchildhood，butwhichvanishedatherfirstglimpsethroughtheactualdoor。HerchildishvisionseemedpreferabletothecathedralwhichMichaelAngelo，andallthegreatarchitects，hadbuilt；because，ofthedreamedifice，shehadsaid，"Howvastitis！"whileoftherealSt。Peter\'sshecouldonlysay，"Afterall，itisnotsoimmense！"

Besides，suchasthechurchis，itcannowherebemadevisibleatoneglance。Itstandsinitsownway。Youseeanaisle，oratransept；

youseethenave，orthetribune；but，onaccountofitsponderouspiersandotherobstructions，itisonlybythisfragmentaryprocessthatyougetanideaofthecathedral。

Thereisnoansweringsuchobjections。Thegreatchurchsmilescalmlyuponitscritics，and，forallresponse，says，"Lookatme！"andifyoustillmurmurforthelossofyourshadowyperspective，therecomesnoreply，save，"Lookatme！"inendlessrepetition，astheonethingtobesaid。And，afterlookingmanytimes，withlongintervalsbetween，youdiscoverthatthecathedralhasgraduallyextendeditselfoverthewholecompassofyouridea；itcoversallthesiteofyourvisionarytemple，andhasroomforitscloudypinnaclesbeneaththedome。

Oneafternoon，asHildaenteredSt。Peter\'sinsombremood，itsinteriorbeameduponherwithalltheeffectofanewcreation。Itseemedanembodimentofwhatevertheimaginationcouldconceive，ortheheartdesire，asamagnificent，comprehensive，majesticsymbolofreligiousfaith。Allsplendorwasincludedwithinitsverge，andtherewasspaceforall。Shegazedwithdelightevenatthemultiplicityofornament。Shewasgladatthecherubimthatfluttereduponthepilasters，andofthemarbledoves，hoveringunexpectedly，withgreenolive-branchesofpreciousstones。Shecouldsparenothing，now，ofthemanifoldmagnificencethathadbeenlavished，inahundredplaces，richlyenoughtohavemadeworld-famousshrinesinanyotherchurch，butwhichheremeltedawayintothevastsunnybreadth，andwereofnoseparateaccount。Yeteachcontributeditslittlealltowardsthegrandeurofthewhole。

Shewouldnothavebanishedoneofthosegrimpopes，whositeachoverhisowntomb，scatteringcoldbenedictionsoutoftheirmarblehands；

norasinglefrozensisteroftheAllegoricfamily，towhom——as，likehiredmournersatanEnglishfuneral，itcoststhemnowearandtearofheart——isassignedtheofficeofweepingforthedead。Ifyouchoosetoseethesethings，theypresentthemselves；ifyoudeemthemunsuitableandoutofplace，theyvanish，individually，butleavetheirlifeuponthewalls。

Thepavement！itstretchedoutillimitably，aplainofmany-coloredmarble，wherethousandsofworshippersmightkneeltogether，andshadowlessangelstreadamongthemwithoutbrushingtheirheavenlygarmentsagainstthoseearthlyones。Theroof！thedome！Rich，gorgeous，filledwithsunshine，cheerfullysublime，andfadelessaftercenturies，thoseloftydepthsseemedtotranslatetheheavenstomortalcomprehension，andhelpthespiritupwardtoayethigherandwidersphere。Mustnotthefaith，thatbuiltthismatchlessedifice，andwarmed，illuminated，andoverflowedfromit，includewhatevercansatisfyhumanaspirationsattheloftiest，orministertohumannecessityatthesorest？IfReligionhadamaterialhome，wasitnothere？

AsthescenewhichwebutfaintlysuggestshonecalmlybeforetheNewEnglandmaidenatherentrance，shemoved，asifbyveryinstinct，tooneofthevasesofholywater，upborneagainstacolumnbytwomightycherubs。Hildadippedherfingers，andhadalmostsignedthecrossuponherbreast，butforbore，andtrembled，whileshakingthewaterfromherfinger-tips。Shefeltasifhermother\'sspirit，somewherewithinthedome，werelookingdownuponherchild，thedaughterofPuritanforefathers，andweepingtobeholdherensnaredbythesegaudysuperstitions。Soshestrayedsadlyonward，upthenave，andtowardsthehundredgoldenlightsthatswarmbeforethehighaltar。Seeingawoman；apriest，andasoldierkneeltokissthetoeofthebrazenSt。

Peter，whoprotrudesitbeyondhispedestalforthepurpose，polishedbrightwithformersalutations，whileachildstoodontiptoetodothesame，thegloryofthechurchwasdarkenedbeforeHilda\'seyes。

Butagainshewentonwardintoremoterregions。Sheturnedintotherighttransept，andthencefoundherwaytoashrine，intheextremecorneroftheedifice，whichisadornedwithamosaiccopyofGuido\'sbeautifulArchangel，treadingontheprostratefiend。

Thiswasoneofthefewpictures，which，inthesedrearydays，hadnotfadednordeterioratedinHilda\'sestimation；notthatitwasbetterthanmanyinwhichshenolongertookaninterest；butthesubtiledelicacyofthepainter\'sgeniuswaspeculiarlyadaptedtohercharacter。Shefelt，whilegazingatit，thattheartisthaddoneagreatthing，notmerelyfortheChurchofRome，butforthecauseofGood。Themoralofthepicture，theimmortalyouthandlovelinessofvirtue，anditsirresistiblesmightagainstuglyEvil，appealedasmuchtoPuritansasCatholics。

Suddenly，andasifitweredoneinadream，Hildafoundherselfkneelingbeforetheshrine，undertheever-burninglampthatthrowsitsraysupontheArchangel\'sface。Shelaidherforeheadonthemarblestepsbeforethealtar，andsobbedoutaprayer；shehardlyknewtowhom，whetherMichael，theVirgin，ortheFather；shehardlyknewforwhat，saveonlyavaguelonging，thatthustheburdenofherspiritmightbelightenedalittle。

Inaninstantshesnatchedherselfup，asitwere，fromherknees，alla-throbwiththeemotionswhichwerestrugglingtoforcetheirwayoutofherheartbytheavenuethathadsonearlybeenopenedforthem。

Yettherewasastrangesenseofreliefwonbythatmomentary，passionateprayer；astrangejoy，moreover，whetherfromwhatshehaddone，orforwhatshehadescapeddoing，Hildacouldnottell。Butshefeltasonehalfstifled，whohasstolenabreathofair。

Nexttotheshrinewhereshehadkneltthereisanother，adornedwithapicturebyGuercino，representingamaiden\'sbodyinthejawsofthesepulchre，andherloverweepingoverit；whileherbeatifiedspiritlooksdownuponthescene，inthesocietyoftheSaviourandathrongofsaints。Hildawonderedifitwerenotpossible，bysomemiracleoffaith，sotoriseaboveherpresentdespondencythatshemightlookdownuponwhatshewas，justasPetronillainthepicturelookedatherowncorpse。Ahope，bornofhysterictrouble，flutteredinherheart。Apresentiment，orwhatshefanciedsuch，whisperedher，that，beforeshehadfinishedthecircuitofthecathedral，reliefwouldcome。

Theunhappyarecontinuallytantalizedbysimilardelusionsofsuccornearathand；atleast，thedespairisverydarkthathasnosuchwill-o\'-the-wisptoglimmerinit。

CHAPTERXXXIX

THEWORLD\'SCATHEDRAL

Stillglidingonward，Hildanowlookedupintothedome，wherethesunshinecamethroughthewesternwindows，andthrewacrosslongshaftsoflight。Theyresteduponthemosaicfiguresoftwoevangelistsabovethecornice。Thesegreatbeamsofradiance，traversingwhatseemedtheemptyspace，weremadevisibleinmistyglory，bytheholycloudofincense，elseunseen，whichhadrisenintothemiddledome。ItwastoHildaasifshebeheldtheworshipofthepriestandpeopleascendingheavenward，purifiedfromitsalloyofearth，andacquiringcelestialsubstanceinthegoldenatmospheretowhichitaspired，Shewonderedifangelsdidnotsometimeshoverwithinthedome，andshowthemselves，inbriefglimpses，floatingamidthesunshineandtheglorifiedvapor，tothosewhodevoutlyworshippedonthepavement。

Shehadnowcomeintothesoutherntransept。Aroundthisportionofthechurcharerangedanumberofconfessionals。Theyaresmalltabernaclesofcarvedwood，withaclosetforthepriestinthecentre；

and，oneitherside，aspaceforapenitenttokneel，andbreathehisconfessionthroughaperforatedauricleintothegoodfather\'sear。

Observingthisarrangement，thoughalreadyfamiliartoher，ourpoorHildawasanewimpressedwiththeinfiniteconvenience——ifwemayusesopooraphrase——oftheCatholicreligiontoitsdevoutbelievers。

Who，intruth，thatconsidersthematter，canresistasimilarimpression！Inthehottestfever-fitoflife，theycanalwaysfind，readyfortheirneed，acool，quiet，beautifulplaceofworship。Theymayenteritssacredprecinctsatanyhour，leavingthefretandtroubleoftheworldbehindthem，andpurifyingthemselveswithatouchofholywateratthethreshold。Inthecalminterior，fragrantofrichandsoothingincense，theymayholdconversewithsomesaint，theirawful，kindlyfriend。And，mostpreciousprivilegeofall，whateverperplexity，sorrow，guilt，mayweighupontheirsouls，theycanflingdownthedarkburdenatthefootofthecross，andgoforth——tosinnomore，norbeanylongerdisquieted；buttoliveagaininthefreshnessandelasticityofinnocence。

"Donottheseinestimableadvantages，"thoughtHilda，"orsomeofthematleast，belongtoChristianityitself？Aretheynotapartoftheblessingswhichthesystemwasmeanttobestowuponmankind？CanthefaithinwhichIwasbornandbredbeperfect，ifitleaveaweakgirllikemetowander，desolate，withthisgreattroublecrushingmedown？"

Apoignantanguishthrilledwithinherbreast；itwaslikeathingthathadlife，andwasstrugglingtogetout。

"Ohelp！Ohelp！"criedHilda；"Icannot，cannotbearit！"

Onlybythereverberationsthatfollowed——archechoingthesoundtoarch，andapopeofbronzerepeatingittoapopeofmarble，aseachsatenthronedoverhistomb——didHildabecomeawarethatshehadreallyspokenaboveherbreath。But，inthatgreatspace，thereisnoneedtohushuptheheartwithinone\'sownbosom，socarefullyaselsewhere；andifthecryreachedanydistantauditor，itcamebrokenintomanyfragments，andfromvariousquartersofthechurch。

Approachingoneoftheconfessionals，shesawawomankneelingwithin。

JustasHildadrewnear，thepenitentrose，cameforth，andkissedthehandofthepriest，whoregardedherwithalookofpaternalbenignity，andappearedtobegivinghersomespiritualcounsel，inalowvoice。Shethenknelttoreceivehisblessing，whichwasferventlybestowed。Hildawassostruckwiththepeaceandjoyinthewoman\'sface，that，asthelatterretired，shecouldnothelpspeakingtoher。

"Youlookveryhappy！"saidshe。"Isitsosweet，then，togototheconfessional？"

"O，verysweet，mydearsignorina！"answeredthewoman，withmoistenedeyesandanaffectionatesmile；forshewassothoroughlysoftenedwithwhatshehadbeendoing，thatshefeltasifHildawereheryoungersister。"Myheartisatrestnow。ThanksbetotheSaviour，andtheBlessedVirginandthesaints，andthisgoodfather，thereisnomoretroubleforpoorTeresa！"

"Iamgladforyoursake，"saidHilda，sighingforherown。"Iamapoorheretic，butahumansister；andIrejoiceforyou！"

Shewentfromonetoanotheroftheconfessionals，and，lookingateach，perceivedthattheywereinscribedwithgiltletters：onone，ProItalicaLingua；onanother，ProFlandricaLingua；onathird，ProPolonicaLingua；onafourth，ProIllyricaLingua；onafifth，ProHispanicaLingua。Inthisvastandhospitablecathedral，worthytobethereligiousheartofthewholeworld，therewasroomforallnations；

therewasaccesstotheDivineGraceforeveryChristiansoul；therewasanearforwhattheoverburdenedheartmighthavetomurmur，speakinwhatnativetongueitwould。

WhenHildahadalmostcompletedthecircuitofthetransept，shecametoaconfessional——thecentralpartwasclosed，butamysticroomprotrudedfromit，indicatingthepresenceofapriestwithin——onwhichwasinscribed，ProAnglicaLingua。

Itwasthewordinseason！Ifshehadheardhermother\'svoicefromwithinthetabernacle，callingher，inherownmother-tongue，tocomeandlayherpoorheadinherlap，andsoboutallhertroubles，Hildacouldnothaverespondedwithamoreinevitableobedience。Shedidnotthink；sheonlyfelt。Withinherheartwasagreatneed。Closeathand，withintheveiloftheconfessional，wastherelief。Sheflungherselfdowninthepenitent\'splace；and，tremulously，passionately，withsobs，tears，andtheturbulentoverflowofemotiontoolongrepressed，shepouredoutthedarkstorywhichhadinfuseditspoisonintoherinnocentlife。

Hildahadnotseen，norcouldshenowsee，thevisageofthepriest。

But，atintervals，inthepausesofthatstrangeconfession，halfchokedbythestruggleofherfeelingstowardanoutlet，sheheardamild，calmvoice，somewhatmellowedbyage。Itspokesoothingly；itencouragedher；itledheronbyappositequestionsthatseemedtobesuggestedbyagreatandtenderinterest，andactedlikemagnetisminattractingthegirl\'sconfidencetothisunseenfriend。Thepriest\'sshareintheinterview，indeed，resembledthatofonewhoremovesthestones，clusteredbranches，orwhateverentanglementsimpedethecurrentofaswollenstream。Hildacouldhaveimagined——somuchtothepurposewerehisinquiries——thathewasalreadyacquaintedwithsomeoutlineofwhatshestrovetotellhim。

Thusassisted，sherevealedthewholeofherterriblesecret！Thewhole，exceptthatnonameescapedherlips。

And，ah，whatarelief！Whenthehystericgasp，thestrifebetweenwordsandsobs，hadsubsided，whatatorturehadpassedawayfromhersoul！Itwasallgone；herbosomwasaspurenowasinherchildhood。

Shewasagirlagain；shewasHildaofthedove-cote；notthatdoubtfulcreaturewhomherowndoveshadhardlyrecognizedastheirmistressandplaymate，byreasonofthedeath-scentthatclungtohergarments！

Aftershehadceasedtospeak，Hildaheardthepriestbestirhimselfwithanoldman\'sreluctantmovement。Hesteppedoutoftheconfessional；andasthegirlwasstillkneelinginthepenitentialcorner，hesummonedherforth。

"Standup，mydaughter，"saidthemildvoiceoftheconfessor；"whatwehavefurthertosaymustbespokenfacetoface。"

Hildadidhisbidding，andstoodbeforehimwithadowncastvisage，whichflushedandgrewpaleagain。Butithadthewonderfulbeautywhichwemayoftenobserveinthosewhohaverecentlygonethroughagreatstruggle，andwonthepeacethatliesjustontheotherside。

Weseeitinanewmother\'sface；weseeitinthefacesofthedead；

andinHilda\'scountenance——whichhadalwaysararenaturalcharmforherfriends——thisgloryofpeacemadeheraslovelyasanangel。

Onherpart，Hildabeheldavenerablefigurewithhairaswhiteassnow，andafacestrikinglycharacterizedbybenevolence。Itboremarksofthought，however，andpenetrativeinsight；althoughthekeenglancesoftheeyeswerenowsomewhatbedimmedwithtears，whichtheagedshed，oralmostshed，onlighterstressofemotionthanwouldelicitthemfromyoungermen。

"Ithasnotescapedmyobservation，daughter，"saidthepriest，"thatthisisyourfirstacquaintancewiththeconfessional。Howisthis？"

"Father，"repliedHilda，raisinghereyes，andagainlettingthemfall，"IamofNewEnglandbirth，andwasbredaswhatyoucallaheretic。"

"FromNewEngland！"exclaimedthepriest。"Itwasmyownbirthplace，likewise；norhavefiftyyearsofabsencemademeceasetoloveit。

Butaheretic！AndareyoureconciledtotheChurch？"

"Never，father，"saidHilda。

"And，thatbeingthecase，"demandedtheoldman，"onwhatground，mydaughter，haveyousoughttoavailyourselfoftheseblessedprivileges，confinedexclusivelytomembersoftheonetrueChurch，ofconfessionandabsolution？"

"Absolution，father？"exclaimedHilda，shrinkingback。"Ono，no！I

neverdreamedofthat！OnlyourHeavenlyFathercanforgivemysins；

anditisonlybysincererepentanceofwhateverwrongImayhavedone，andbymyownbesteffortstowardsahigherlife，thatIcanhopeforhisforgiveness！GodforbidthatIshouldaskabsolutionfrommortalman！"

"Thenwherefore，"rejoinedthepriest，withsomewhatlessmildnessinhistone，——"wherefore，Iaskagain，haveyoutakenpossession，asI

maytermit，ofthisholyordinance；beingaheretic，andneitherseekingtoshare，norhavingfaithin，theunspeakableadvantageswhichtheChurchofferstoitspenitents？"

"Father，"answeredHilda，tryingtotelltheoldmanthesimpletruth，"Iamamotherlessgirl，andastrangerhereinItaly。IhadonlyGodtotakecareofme，andbemyclosestfriend；andtheterrible，terriblecrime，whichIhaverevealedtoyou，thrustitselfbetweenhimandme；sothatIgropedforhiminthedarkness，asitwere，andfoundhimnot，——foundnothingbutadreadfulsolitude，andthiscrimeinthemidstofit！Icouldnotbearit。ItseemedasifImadetheawfulguiltmyown，bykeepingithiddeninmyheart。Igrewafearfulthingtomyself。Iwasgoingmad！"

"Itwasagrievoustrial，mypoorchild！"observedtheconfessor。

"Yourrelief，Itrust，willprovetobegreaterthanyouyetknow！"

"Ifeelalreadyhowimmenseitis！"saidHilda，lookinggratefullyinhisface。"Surely，father，itwasthehandofProvidencethatledmehither，andmademefeelthatthisvasttempleofChristianity，thisgreathomeofreligion，mustneedscontainsomecure，someease，atleast，formyunutterableanguish。Andithasprovedso。Ihavetoldthehideoussecret；tolditunderthesacredsealoftheconfessional；

andnowitwillburnmypoorheartnomore！"

"But，daughter，"answeredthevenerablepriest，notunmovedbywhatHildasaid，"youforget！youmistake！——youclaimaprivilegetowhichyouhavenotentitledyourself！Thesealoftheconfessional，doyousay？Godforbidthatitshouldeverbebrokenwhereithasbeenfairlyimpressed；butitappliesonlytomattersthathavebeenconfidedtoitskeepinginacertainprescribedmethod，andbypersons，moreover，whohavefaithinthesanctityoftheordinance。Iholdmyself，andanylearnedcasuistoftheChurchwouldholdme，asfreetodisclosealltheparticularsofwhatyoutermyourconfession，asiftheyhadcometomyknowledgeinasecularway。"

"Thisisnotright，father！"saidHilda，fixinghereyesontheoldman\'s。

"Donotyousee，child，"herejoined，withsomelittleheat，"withallyournicetyofconscience，cannotyourecognizeitasmydutytomakethestoryknowntotheproperauthorities；agreatcrimeagainstpublicjusticebeinginvolved，andfurtherevilconsequenceslikelytoensue？"

"No，father，no！"answeredHilda，courageously，hercheeksflushingandhereyesbrighteningasshespoke。"Trustagirl\'ssimpleheartsoonerthananycasuistofyourChurch，howeverlearnedhemaybe。

Trustyourownheart，too！Icametoyourconfessional，father，asI

devoutlybelieve，bythedirectimpulseofHeaven，whichalsobroughtyouhitherto-day，initsmercyandlove，torelievemeofatorturethatIcouldnolongerbear。ItrustedinthepledgewhichyourChurchhasalwaysheldsacredbetweenthepriestandthehumansoul，which，throughhismedium，isstrugglingtowardsitsFatherabove。

WhatIhaveconfidedtoyouliessacredlybetweenGodandyourself。

Letitrestthere，father；forthisisright，andifyoudootherwise，youwillperpetrateagreatwrong，bothasapriestandaman！Andbelieveme，noquestion，notorture，shalleverforcemylipstoutterwhatwouldbenecessary，inordertomakemyconfessionavailabletowardsthepunishmentoftheguiltyones。LeaveProvidencetodealwiththem！"

"Myquietlittlecountrywoman，"saidthepriest，withhalfasmileonhiskindlyoldface，"youcanpluckupaspirit，Iperceive，whenyoufancyanoccasionforone。"

"IhavespiritonlytodowhatIthinkright，"repliedHildasimply。

"InotherrespectsIamtimorous。"

"Butyouconfuseyourselfbetweenrightfeelingsandveryfoolishinferences，"continuedthepriest，"asisthewontofwomen，——somuchIhavelearntbylongexperienceintheconfessional，——betheyyoungorold。However，tosetyourheartatrest，thereisnoprobableneedformetorevealthematter。Whatyouhavetold，ifImistakenot，andperhapsmore，isalreadyknowninthequarterwhichitmostconcerns。"

"Known！"exclaimedHilda。"KnowntotheauthoritiesofRome！Andwhatwillbetheconsequence？"

"Hush！"answeredtheconfessor，layinghisfingeronhislips。"I

tellyoumysupposition——mind，itisnoassertionofthefact——inorderthatyoumaygothemorecheerfullyonyourway，notdeemingyourselfburdenedwithanyresponsibilityasconcernsthisdarkdeed。

Andnow，daughter，whathaveyoutogiveinreturnforanoldman\'skindnessandsympathy？"

"Mygratefulremembrance，"saidHilda，fervently，"aslongasIlive！"

"Andnothingmore？"thepriestinquired，withapersuasivesmile。

"Willyounotrewardhimwithagreatjoy；oneofthelastjoysthathemayknowonearth，andafitonetotakewithhimintothebetterworld？Inaword，willyounotallowmetobringyouasastraylambintothetruefold？YouhaveexperiencedsomelittletasteofthereliefandcomfortwhichtheChurchkeepsabundantlyinstoreforallitsfaithfulchildren。Comehome，dearchild，——poorwanderer，whohastcaughtaglimpseoftheheavenlylight，——comehome，andbeatrest。"

"Father，"saidHilda，muchmovedbyhiskindlyearnestness，inwhich，however，genuineasitwas，theremightstillbealeavenofprofessionalcraft，"IdarenotcomeastepfartherthanProvidenceshallguideme。Donotletitgrieveyou，therefore，ifIneverreturntotheconfessional；neverdipmyfingersinholywater；neversignmybosomwiththecross。IamadaughterofthePuritans。But，inspiteofmyheresy，"sheaddedwithasweet，tearfulsmile，"youmayonedayseethepoorgirl，towhomyouhavedonethisgreatChristiankindness，comingtoremindyouofit，andthankyouforit，intheBetterLand。"

Theoldpriestshookhishead。But，ashestretchedouthishandsatthesamemoment，intheactofbenediction，HildakneltdownandreceivedtheblessingwithasdevoutasimplicityasanyCatholicofthemall。

CHAPTERXL

HILDAANDAFRIEND

WhenHildaknelttoreceivethepriest\'sbenediction，theactwaswitnessedbyapersonwhostoodleaningagainstthemarblebalustradethatsurroundsthehundredgoldenlights，beforethehighaltar。Hehadstoodthere，indeed，fromthemomentofthegirl\'sentranceintotheconfessional。Hisstartofsurprise，atfirstbeholdingher，andtheanxiousgloomthatafterwardssettledonhisface，sufficientlybetokenedthathefeltadeepandsadinterestinwhatwasgoingforward。

AfterHildahadbiddenthepriestfarewell，shecameslowlytowardsthehighaltar。Theindividualtowhomwehavealludedseemedirresolutewhethertoadvanceorretire。Hishesitationlastedsolongthatthemaiden，strayingthroughahappyreverie，hadcrossedthewideextentofthepavementbetweentheconfessionalandthealtar，beforehehaddecidedwhethertomeether。Atlast，whenwithinapaceortwo，sheraisedhereyesandrecognizedKenyon。

"Itisyou！"sheexclaimed，withjoyfulsurprise。"Iamsohappy。"

Intruth，thesculptorhadneverbeforeseen，norhardlyimagined，suchafigureofpeacefulbeatitudeasHildanowpresented。Whilecomingtowardshiminthesolemnradiancewhich，atthatperiodoftheday，isdiffusedthroughthetransept，andshowereddownbeneaththedome，sheseemedofthesamesubstanceastheatmospherethatenvelopedher。Hecouldscarcelytellwhethershewasimbuedwithsunshine，orwhetheritwasaglowofhappinessthatshoneoutofher。

Atallevents，itwasamarvellouschangefromthesadgirl，whohadenteredtheconfessionalbewilderedwithanguish，tothisbright，yetsoftenedimageofreligiousconsolationthatemergedfromit。Itwasasifoneofthethrongofangelicpeople，whomightbehoveringinthesunnydepthsofthedome，hadalightedonthepavement。Indeed，thiscapabilityoftransfiguration，whichweoftenseewroughtbyinwarddelightonpersonsfarlesscapableofitthanHilda，suggestshowangelscomebytheirbeauty，itgrowsoutoftheirhappiness，andlastsforeveronlybecausethatisimmortal。

Sheheldoutherhand，andKenyonwasgladtotakeitinhisown，ifonlytoassurehimselfthatshewasmadeofearthlymaterial。

"Yes，Hilda，Iseethatyouareveryhappy，"herepliedgloomily，andwithdrawinghishandafterasinglepressure。"Forme，Ineverwaslesssothanatthismoment。"

"Hasanymisfortunebefallenyou？"askedHildawithearnestness。

"Praytellme，andyoushallhavemysympathy，thoughImuststillbeveryhappy。NowIknowhowitisthatthesaintsabovearetouchedbythesorrowsofdistressedpeopleonearth，andyetarenevermadewretchedbythem。NotthatIprofesstobeasaint，youknow，"sheadded，smilingradiantly。"Buttheheartgrowssolarge，andsorich，andsovariouslyendowed，whenithasagreatsenseofbliss，thatitcangivesmilestosome，andtearstoothers，withequalsincerity，andenjoyitsownpeacethroughoutall。"

"Donotsayyouarenosaint！"answeredKenyonwithasmile，thoughhefeltthatthetearsstoodinhiseves。"YouwillstillbeSaintHilda，whateverchurchmaycanonizeyou。"

"Ah！youwouldnothavesaidso，hadyouseenmebutanhourago！"

murmuredshe。"Iwassowretched，thatthereseemedagrievoussininit。"

"Andwhathasmadeyousosuddenlyhappy？"inquiredthesculptor。

"Butfirst，Hilda，willyounottellmewhyyouweresowretched？"

"HadImetyouyesterday，Imighthavetoldyouthat，"shereplied。

"To-day，thereisnoneed。"

"Yourhappiness，then？"saidthesculptor，assadlyasbefore。

"Whencecomesit？"

"Agreatburdenhasbeenliftedfrommyheart——frommyconscience，I

hadalmostsaid"——answeredHilda，withoutshunningtheglancethathefixeduponher。"Iamanewcreature，sincethismorning，Heavenbepraisedforit！Itwasablessedhour——ablessedimpulse——thatbroughtmetothisbeautifulandgloriouscathedral。IshallholditinlovingremembrancewhileIlive，asthespotwhereIfoundinfinitepeaceafterinfinitetrouble。"

Herheartseemedsofull，thatitspiltitsnewgushofhappiness，asitwere，likerichandsunnywineoutofanover-brimminggoblet。

Kenyonsawthatshewasinoneofthosemoodsofelevatedfeeling，whenthesoulisupheldbyastrangetranquility，whichisreallymorepassionateandlesscontrollablethanemotionsfarexceedingitinviolence。Hefeltthattherewouldbeindelicacy，ifheoughtnotrathertocallitimpiety，inhisstealinguponHilda，whileshewasthusbeyondherownguardianship，andsurprisingheroutofsecretswhichshemightafterwardsbitterlyregretbetrayingtohim。

Therefore，thoughyearningtoknowwhathadhappened，heresolvedtoforbearfurtherquestion。

Simpleandearnestpeople，however，beingaccustomedtospeakfromtheirgenuineimpulses，cannoteasily，ascraftiermendo，avoidthesubjectwhichtheyhaveatheart。Asoftenasthesculptorunclosedhislips，suchwordsasthesewerereadytoburstout：——"Hilda，haveyouflungyourangelicpurityintothatmassofunspeakablecorruption，theRomanChurch？"

"Whatwereyousaying？"sheasked，asKenyonforcedbackanalmostutteredexclamationofthiskind。

"Iwasthinkingofwhatyouhavejustremarkedaboutthecathedral，"

saidhe，lookingupintothemightyhollowofthedome。"Itisindeedamagnificentstructure，andanadequateexpressionoftheFaithwhichbuiltit。WhenIbeholditinapropermood，——thatistosay，whenI

bringmymindintoafairrelationwiththemindsandpurposesofitsspiritualandmaterialarchitects，——Iseebutoneortwocriticismstomake。Oneis，thatitneedspaintedwindows。"

"O，no！"saidHilda。"Theywouldbequiteinconsistentwithsomuchrichnessofcolorintheinteriorofthechurch。Besides，itisaGothicornament，andonlysuitedtothatstyleofarchitecture，whichrequiresagorgeousdimness。"

"Nevertheless，"continuedthesculptor，"yondersquareapertures，filledwithordinarypanesofglass，arequiteoutofkeepingwiththesuperabundantsplendorofeverythingaboutthem。TheyremindmeofthatportionofAladdin\'spalacewhichheleftunfinished，inorderthathisroyalfather-in-lawmightputthefinishingtouch。Daylight，initsnaturalstate，oughtnottobeadmittedhere。Itshouldstreamthroughabrilliantillusionofsaintsandhierarchies，andoldscripturalimages，andsymbolizeddogmas，purple，blue，golden，andabroadflameofscarlet。Then，itwouldbejustsuchanilluminationastheCatholicfaithallowstoitsbelievers。But，giveme——toliveanddiein——thepure，whitelightofheaven！"

"Whydoyoulooksosorrowfullyatme？"askedHilda，quietlymeetinghisdisturbedgaze。"Whatwouldyousaytome？Ilovethewhitelighttoo！"

"Ifanciedso，"answeredKenyon。"Forgiveme，Hilda；butImustneedsspeak。Youseemedtomeararemixtureofimpressibility，sympathy，sensitivenesstomanyinfluences，withacertainqualityofcommonsense；——no，notthat，butahigherandfinerattribute，forwhichI

findnobetterword。Howevertremulouslyyoumightvibrate，thisquality，Isupposed，wouldalwaysbringyoubacktotheequipoise。

Youwereacreatureofimagination，andyetastrulyaNewEnglandgirlasanywithwhomyougrewupinyournativevillage。Iftherewereonepersonintheworldwhosenativerectitudeofthought，andsomethingdeeper，morereliable，thanthought，Iwouldhavetrustedagainstalltheartsofapriesthood，——whosetastealone，soexquisiteandsincerethatitrosetobeamoralvirtue，Iwouldhaveresteduponasasufficientsafeguard，——itwasyourself！"

"Iamconsciousofnosuchhighanddelicatequalitiesasyouallowme，"

answeredHilda。"ButwhathaveIdonethatagirlofNewEnglandbirthandculture，withtherightsensethathermothertaughther，andtheconsciencethatshedevelopedinher，shouldnotdo？"

"Hilda，Isawyouattheconfessional！"saidKenyon。

"Ahwell，mydearfriend，"repliedHilda，castingdownhereyes，andlookingsomewhatconfused，yetnotashamed，"youmusttrytoforgivemeforthat，~ifyoudeemitwrong，becauseithassavedmyreason，andmademeveryhappy。Hadyoubeenhereyesterday，Iwouldhaveconfessedtoyou。"

"WouldtoHeavenIhad！"ejaculatedKenyon。

"Ithink，"Hildaresumed，"Ishallnevergototheconfessionalagain；

fortherecanscarcelycomesuchasoretrialtwiceinmylife。IfI

hadbeenawisergirl，astronger，andamoresensible，verylikelyI

mightnothavegonetotheconfessionalatall。Itwasthesinofothersthatdrovemethither；notmyown，thoughitalmostseemedso。

BeingwhatIam，Imusteitherhavedonewhatyousawmedoing，orhavegonemad。Wouldthathavebeenbetter？"

"ThenyouarenotaCatholic？"askedthesculptorearnestly。

"Really，IdonotquiteknowwhatIam，"repliedHilda，encounteringhiseyeswithafrankandsimplegaze。"Ihaveagreatdealoffaith，andCatholicismseemstohaveagreatdealofgood。WhyshouldnotI

beaCatholic，ifIfindtherewhatIneed，andwhatIcannotfindelsewhere？ThemoreIseeofthisworship，themoreIwonderattheexuberancewithwhichitadaptsitselftoallthedemandsofhumaninfirmity。Ifitsministerswerebutalittlemorethanhuman，aboveallerror，purefromalliniquity，whatareligionwoulditbe！"

"IneednotfearyourconversiontotheCatholicfaith，"remarkedKenyon，"ifyouareatallawareofthebittersarcasmimpliedinyourlastobservation。Itisveryjust。Onlytheexceedingingenuityofthesystemstampsitasthecontrivanceofman，orsomeworseauthor；

notanemanationofthebroadandsimplewisdomfromonhigh。"

"Itmaybeso，"saidHilda；"butImeantnosarcasm。"

Thusconversing，thetwofriendswenttogetherdownthegrandextentofthenave。Beforeleavingthechurch，theyturnedtoadmireagainitsmightybreadth，theremotenessoftheglorybehindthealtar，andtheeffectofvisionarysplendorandmagnificenceimpartedbythelongbarsofsmokysunshine，whichtravelledsofarbeforearrivingataplaceofrest。

"ThankHeavenforhavingbroughtmehither！"saidHildafervently。

Kenyon\'smindwasdeeplydisturbedbyhisideaofherCatholicpropensities；andnowwhathedeemedherdisproportionateandmisappliedvenerationforthesublimeedificestunghimintoirreverence。

"ThebestthingIknowofSt。Peter\'s，"observedhe，"isitsequabletemperature"Wearenowenjoyingthecoolnessoflastwinter，which，afewmonthshence，willbethewarmthofthepresentsummer。Ithasnocure，Isuspect，inallitslengthandbreadth，forasicksoul，butitwouldmakeanadmirableatmospherichospitalforsickbodies。WhatadelightfulshelterwoulditbefortheinvalidswhothrongtoRome，wherethesiroccostealsawaytheirstrength，andthetramontanastabsthemthroughandthrough，likecoldsteelwithapoisonedpoint！Butwithinthesewalls，thethermometernevervaries。Winterandsummeraremarriedatthehighaltar，anddwelltogetherinperfectharmony。"

"Yes，"saidHilda；"andIhavealwaysfeltthissoft，unchangingclimateofSt。Peter\'stobeanothermanifestationofitssanctity。"

"Thatisnotpreciselymyidea，"repliedKenyon。"Butwhatadeliciouslifeitwouldbe，ifacolonyofpeoplewithdelicatelungsormerelywithdelicatefancies——couldtakeuptheirabodeinthisever-mildandtranquilair。Thesearchitecturaltombsofthepopesmightservefordwellings，andeachbrazensepulchraldoorwaywouldbecomeadomesticthreshold。Thenthelover，ifhedared，mightsaytohismistress，\'Willyousharemytombwithme？\'and，winninghersoftconsent，hewouldleadhertothealtar，andthencetoyondersepulchreofPopeGregory，whichshouldbetheirnuptialhome。Whatalifewouldbetheirs，Hilda，intheirmarbleEden！"

"Itisnotkind，norlikeyourself，"saidHildagently，"tothrowridiculeonemotionswhicharegenuine。Ireverethisgloriouschurchforitselfanditspurposes；andloveit，moreover，becausehereI

havefoundsweetpeace，after\'agreatanguish。"

"Forgiveme，"answeredthesculptor，"andIwilldosonomore。MyheartisnotsoirreverentasmyWords。"

TheywentthroughthepiazzaofSt。Peter\'sandtheadjacentstreets，silentlyatfirst；but，beforereachingthebridgeofSt。Angelo，Hilda\'sflowofspiritsbegantobubbleforth，likethegushofastreamletthathasbeenshutupbyfrost，orbyaheavystoneoveritssource。Kenyonhadneverfoundhersodelightfulasnow；sosoftenedoutofthechillnessofhervirginpride；sofulloffreshthoughts，atwhichhewasoftenmovedtosmile，although，onturningthemoveralittlemore，hesometimesdiscoveredthattheylookedfancifulonlybecausesoabsolutelytrue。

But，indeed，shewasnotquiteinanormalstate。Emergingfromgloomintosuddencheerfulness，theeffectuponHildawasasifshewerejustnowcreated。Afterlongtorpor，receivingbackherintellectualactivity，shederivedanexquisitepleasurefromtheuseofherfaculties，whichweresetinmotionbycausesthatseemedinadequate。

ShecontinuallybroughttoKenyon\'smindtheimageofachild，makingitsplaythingofeveryobject，butsportingingoodfaith，andwithakindofseriousness。Lookingup，forexample，atthestatueofSt。

Michael，onthetopofHadrian\'scastellatedtomb，HildafanciedaninterviewbetweentheArchangelandtheoldemperor\'sghost，whowasnaturallydispleasedatfindinghismausoleum，whichhehadordainedforthestatelyandsolemnreposeofhisashes，convertedtoitspresentpurposes。

"ButSt。Michael，nodoubt，"shethoughtfullyremarked，"wouldfinallyconvincetheEmperorHadrianthatwhereawarlikedespotissownastheseed，afortressandaprisonaretheonlypossiblecrop。"

TheystoppedonthebridgetolookintotheswifteddyingflowoftheyellowTiber，amudpuddleinstrenuousmotion；andHildawonderedwhethertheseven-branchedgoldencandlestick，——theholycandlestickoftheJews，whichwaslostatthePonteMolle，inConstantine\'stime，hadyetbeensweptasfardowntheriverasthis。

"Itprobablystuckwhereitfell，"saidthesculptor；"and，bythistime，isimbeddedthirtyfeetdeepinthemudoftheTiber。Nothingwilleverbringittolightagain。"

"Ifancyyouaremistaken，"repliedHilda，smiling。"Therewasameaningandpurposeineachofitssevenbranches，andsuchacandlestickcannotbelostforever。Whenitisfoundagain，andsevenlightsarekindledandburninginit，thewholeworldwillgaintheilluminationwhichitneeds。Wouldnotthisbeanadmirableideaforamysticstoryorparable，orseven-branchedallegory，fullofpoetry，art，philosophy，andreligion？Itshallbecalled\'TheRecoveryoftheSacredCandlestick。\'Aseachbranchislighted，itshallhaveadifferentlycoloredlustrefromtheothersix；andwhenallthesevenarekindled，theirradianceshallcombineintotheintensewhitelightoftruth。"

"Positively，Hilda，thisisamagnificentconception，"criedKenyon。

"ThemoreIlookatit，thebrighteritburns。"

"Ithinksotoo，"saidHilda，enjoyingachildlikepleasureinherownidea。"Thethemeisbettersuitedforversethanprose；andwhenIgohometoAmerica，Iwillsuggestittooneofourpoets。Orsevenpoetsmightwritethepoemtogether，eachlightingaseparatebranchoftheSacredCandlestick。"

"Thenyouthinkofgoinghome？"Kenyonasked。

"Onlyyesterday，"shereplied，"Ilongedtofleeaway。Now，allischanged，and，beinghappyagain，IshouldfeeldeepregretatleavingthePictorialLand。ButIcannottell。InRome，thereissomethingdrearyandawful，whichwecanneverquiteescape。Atleast，I

thoughtsoyesterday。"

WhentheyreachedtheViaPortoghese，andapproachedHilda\'stower，thedoves，whowerewaitingaloft，flungthemselvesupontheair，andcamefloatingdownaboutherhead。Thegirlcaressedthem，andrespondedtotheircooingswithsimilarsoundsfromherownlips，andwithwordsofendearment；andtheirjoyfulflutteringsandairylittleflights，evidentlyimpelledbypureexuberanceofspirits，seemedtoshowthatthedoveshadarealsympathywiththeirmistress\'sstateofmind。Forpeacehaddescendeduponherlikeadove。

Biddingthesculptorfarewell，Hildaclimbedhertower，andcameforthuponitssummittotrimtheVirgin\'slamp。Thedoves，wellknowinghercustom，hadflownupthithertomeether，andagainhoveredaboutherhead；andverylovelywasheraspect，intheeveningSunlight，whichhadlittlefurthertodowiththeworldjustthen，savetoflingagoldengloryonHilda\'shair，andvanish。

Turninghereyesdownintotheduskystreetwhichshehadjustquitted，Hildasawthesculptorstillthere，andwavedherhandtohim。

"Howsadanddimhelooks，downthereinthatdrearystreet！"shesaidtoherself。"Somethingweighsuponhisspirits。WouldIcouldcomforthim！"

"Howlikeaspiritshelooks，aloftthere，withtheeveninggloryroundherhead，andthosewingedcreaturesclaimingherasakintothem！"thoughtKenyon，onhispart。"Howfaraboveme！howunattainable！Ah，ifIcouldliftmyselftoherregion！Or——ifitbenotasintowishit——wouldthatImightdrawherdowntoanearthlyfireside！"

Whatasweetreverenceisthat，whenayoungmandeemshismistressalittlemorethanmortal，andalmostchideshimselfforlongingtobringherclosetohisheart！Atriflingcircumstance，butsuchasloversmakemuchof，gavehimhope。Oneofthedoves，whichhadbeenrestingonHilda\'sshoulder，suddenlyflewdownward，asifrecognizinghimasitsmistress\'sdearfriend；and，perhapscommissionedwithanerrandofregard，brushedhisupturnedfacewithitswings，andagainsoaredaloft。

Thesculptorwatchedthebird\'sreturn，andsawHildagreetitwithasmile。

CHAPTERXLI

SNOWDROPSANDMAIDENLYDELIGHTS

ItbeingstillconsiderablyearlierthantheperiodatwhichartistsandtouristsareaccustomedtoassembleinRome，thesculptorandHildafoundthemselvescomparativelyalonethere。ThedensemassofnativeRomanlife，inthemidstofwhichtheywere，servedtopressthemnearoneanother。Itwasasiftheyhadbeenthrowntogetheronadesertisland。Ortheyseemedtohavewandered，bysomestrangechance，outofthecommonworld，andencounteredeachotherinadepopulatedcity，wheretherewerestreetsoflonelypalaces，andunreckonabletreasuresofbeautifulandadmirablethings，ofwhichtheytwobecamethesoleinheritors。

Insuchcircumstances，Hilda\'sgentlereservemusthavebeenstrongerthanherkindlydispositionpermitted，ifthefriendshipbetweenKenyonandherselfhadnotgrownaswarmasamaiden\'sfriendshipcaneverbe，withoutabsolutelyandavowedlybloomingintolove。Onthesculptor\'sside，theamaranthineflowerwasalreadyinfullblow。Butitisverybeautiful，thoughthelover\'sheartmaygrowchillattheperception，toseehowthesnowwillsometimeslingerinavirgin\'sbreast，evenafterthespringiswelladvanced。Insuchalpinesoils，thesummerwillnotbeanticipated；weseekvainlyforpassionateflowers，andblossomsoffervidhueandspicyfragrance，findingonlysnowdropsandsunlessviolets，whenitisalmostthefullseasonforthecrimsonrose。

WithsomuchtendernessasHildahadinhernature，itwasstrangethatshesoreluctantlyadmittedtheideaoflove；especiallyas，inthesculptor，shefoundbothcongenialityandvarietyoftaste，andlikenessesanddifferencesofcharacter；thesebeingasessentialasthosetoanypoignancyofmutualemotion。

SoHilda，asfarasKenyoncoulddiscern，stilldidnotlovehim，thoughsheadmittedhimwithinthequietcircleofheraffectionsasadearfriendandtrustycounsellor。Ifweknewwhatisbestforus，orcouldbecontentwithwhatisreasonablygood，thesculptormightwellhavebeensatisfied，foraseason，withthiscalmintimacy，whichsosweetlykepthimastrangerinherheart，andaceremoniousguest；andyetallowedhimthefreeenjoymentofallbutitsdeeperrecesses。

Theflowersthatgrowoutsideofthoseminorsanctitieshaveawild，hastycharm，whichitiswelltoprove；theremaybesweeteroneswithinthesacredprecinct，butnonethatwilldiewhileyouarehandlingthem，andbequeathyouadeliciouslegacy，asthesedo，intheperceptionoftheirevanescenceandunreality。

Andthismaybethereason，afterall，whyHilda，likesomanyothermaidens，lingeredonthehithersideofpassion；herfinerinstinctandkeenersensibilitymadeherenjoythosepaledelightsinadegreeofwhichmenareincapable。Shehesitatedtograsparicherhappiness，aspossessingalreadysuchmeasureofitasherheartcouldhold，andofaqualitymostagreeabletohervirgintastes。

Certainly，theybothwereveryhappy。Kenyon\'sgenius，unconsciouslywroughtuponbyHilda\'sinfluence，tookamoredelicatecharacterthanheretofore。Hemodelled，amongotherthings，abeautifullittlestatueofmaidenhoodgatheringasnowdrop。Itwasneverputintomarble，however，becausethesculptorsoonrecognizeditasoneofthosefragilecreationswhicharetrueonlytothemomentthatproducesthem，andarewrongedifwetrytoimprisontheirairyexcellenceinapermanentmaterial。

Onherpart，HildareturnedtohercustomaryOccupationswithafreshloveforthem，andyetwithadeeperlookintotheheartofthings；

suchasthosenecessarilyacquirewhohavepassedfrompicturegalleriesintodungeongloom，andthencecomebacktothepicturegalleryagain。Itisquestionablewhethershewaseversoperfectacopyistthenceforth。Shecouldnotyieldherselfuptothepaintersounreservedlyasintimespast；hercharacterhaddevelopedasturdierquality，whichmadeherlesspliabletotheinfluenceofotherminds。

Shesawintothepictureasprofoundlyasever，andperhapsmoreso，butnotwiththedevoutsympathythathadformerlygivenherentirepossessionoftheoldmaster\'sidea。Shehadknownsuchareality，thatittaughthertodistinguishinevitablythelargeportionthatisunreal，ineveryworkofart。Instructedbysorrow，shefeltthatthereissomethingbeyondalmostallwhichpictorialgeniushasproduced；andsheneverforgotthosesadwanderingsfromgallerytogallery，andfromchurchtochurch，whereshehadvainlysoughtatypeoftheVirginMother，ortheSaviour，orsaint，ormartyr，whichasoulinextremeneedmightrecognizeastheadequateone。

How，indeed，shouldshehavefoundsuch？Howcouldholinessberevealedtotheartistofanagewhenthegreatestofthemputgeniusandimaginationintheplaceofspiritualinsight，andwhen，fromthepopedownward，allChristendomwascorrupt？

Meanwhile，monthsworeaway，andRomereceivedbackthatlargeportionofitslife-bloodwhichrunsintheveinsofitsforeignandtemporarypopulation。Englishvisitorsestablishedthemselvesinthehotels，andinallthesunnysuitesofapartments，inthestreetsconvenienttothePiazzadiSpagna；theEnglishtonguewasheardfamiliarlyalongtheCorso，andEnglishchildrensportedinthePincianGardens。

ThenativeRomans，ontheotherhand，likethebutterfliesandgrasshoppers，resignedthemselvestotheshort，sharpmiserywhichwinterbringstoapeoplewhosearrangementsaremadealmostexclusivelywithaviewtosummer。Keepingnofirewithin-doors，exceptpossiblyasparkortwointhekitchen，theycreptoutoftheircheerlesshousesintothenarrow，sunless，sepulchralstreets，bringingtheirfiresidesalongwiththem，intheshapeoflittleearthenpots，vases，orpipkins，fulloflightedcharcoalandwarmashes，overwhichtheyheldtheirtinglingfinger-ends。Eveninthishalf-torpidwretchedness，theystillseemedtodreadapestilenceinthesunshine，andkeptontheshadysideofthepiazzas，asscrupulouslyasinsummer。Throughtheopendoorwayswnoneedtoshutthemwhentheweatherwithinwasbleakerthanwithout——aglimpseintotheinterioroftheirdwellingsshowedtheuncarpetedbrickfloors，asdismalasthepavementofatomb。

Theydrewtheiroldcloaksaboutthem，nevertheless，andthrewthecornersovertheirshoulders，withthedignityofattitudeandactionthathavecomedowntothesemoderncitizens，astheirsoleinheritancefromthetogatednation。Somehoworother，theymanagedtokeepuptheirpoor，frost-bittenheartsagainstthepitilessatmospherewithaquietanduncomplainingendurancethatreallyseemsthemostrespectablepointinthepresentRomancharacter。ForinNewEngland，orinRussia，orscarcelyinahutoftheEsquimaux，thereisnosuchdiscomforttobeborneasbyRomansinwintryweather，whentheorange-treesbearicyfruitinthegardens；andwhentherimsofallthefountainsareshaggywithicicles，andtheFountainofTreviskimmedalmostacrosswithaglassysurface；andwhenthereisaslideinthepiazzaofSt。Peter\'s，andafringeofbrown，frozenfoamalongtheeasternshoreoftheTiber，andsometimesafallofgreatsnowflakesintothedrearylanesandalleysofthemiserablecity。

Coldblasts，thatbringdeathwiththem，nowblowupontheshiveringinvalids，whocamehitherinthehopeofbreathingbalmyairs。

Whereverwepassoursummers，mayallourinclementmonths，fromNovembertoApril，henceforthbespentinsomecountrythatrecognizeswinterasanintegralportionofitsyear！

Now，too，therewasespecialdiscomfortinthestatelypicturegalleries，wherenobody，indeed，——nottheprincelyorpriestlyfounders，noranywhohaveinheritedtheircheerlessmagnificence，——everdreamedofsuchanimpossibilityasfiresidewarmth，sincethosegreatpalaceswerebuilt。Hilda，therefore，findingherfingerssomuchbenumbedthatthespiritualinfluencecouldnotbetransmittedtothem，waspersuadedtoleavehereaselbeforeapicture，ononeofthesewintrydays，andpayavisittoKenyon\'sstudio。Butneitherwasthestudioanythingbetterthanadismalden，withitsmarbleshapesshiveringaroundthewalls，coldasthesnowimageswhichthesculptorusedtomodelinhisboyhood，andsadlybeholdthemweepthemselvesawayatthefirstthaw。

Kenyon\'sRomanartisans，allthiswhile，hadbeenatworkontheCleopatra。ThefierceEgyptianqueenhadnowstruggledalmostoutoftheimprisoningstone；or，rather，theworkmenhadfoundherwithinthemassofmarble，imprisonedtherebymagic，butstillfervidtothetouchwithfierylife，thefossilwomanofanagethatproducedstatelier，stronger，andmorepassionatecreaturesthanourown。Youalreadyfelthercompressedheat，andwereawareofatiger-likecharactereveninherrepose。IfOctaviusshouldmakehisappearance，thoughthemarblestillheldherwithinitsembrace，itwasevidentthatshewouldtearherselfforthinatwinkling，eithertospringenragedathisthroat，or，sinkingintohisarms，tomakeonemoreproofofherrichblandishments，or，fallinglowlyathisfeet，totrytheefficacyofawoman\'stears。

"IamashamedtotellyouhowmuchIadmirethisstatue，"saidHilda。

"Noothersculptorcouldhavedoneit。"

"Thisisverysweetformetohear，"repliedKenyon；"andsinceyourreservekeepsyoufromsayingmore，Ishallimagineyouexpressingeverythingthatanartistwouldwishtohearsaidabouthiswork。"

"Youwillnoteasilygobeyondmygenuineopinion，"answeredHilda，withasmile。

"Ah，yourkindwordmakesmeveryhappy，"saidthesculptor，"andI

needit，justnow，onbehalfofmyCleopatra。Thatinevitableperiodhascome，——forIhavefounditinevitable，inregardtoallmyworks，——whenIlookatwhatIfanciedtobeastatue，lackingonlybreathtomakeitlive，andfinditamerelumpofsenselessstone，intowhichI

havenotreallysucceededinmouldingthespiritualpartofmyidea。

Ishouldlike，now，——onlyitwouldbesuchshamefultreatmentforadiscrownedqueen，andmyownoffspringtoo，——IshouldliketohitpoorCleopatraabitterblowonherEgyptiannosewiththismallet。"

"Thatisablowwhichallstatuesseemdoomedtoreceive，soonerorlater，thoughseldomfromthehandthatsculpturedthem，"saidHilda，laughing。"Butyoumustnotletyourselfbetoomuchdisheartenedbythedecayofyourfaithinwhatyouproduce。Ihaveheardapoetexpresssimilardistasteforhisownmostexquisitepoem，andIamafraidthatthisfinaldespair，andsenseofshort-coming，mustalwaysbetherewardandpunishmentofthosewhotrytograpplewithagreatorbeautifulidea。Itonlyprovesthatyouhavebeenabletoimaginethingstoohighformortalfacultiestoexecute。Theidealeavesyouanimperfectimageofitself，whichyouatfirstmistakefortheetherealreality，butsoonfindthatthelatterhasescapedoutofyourclosestembrace。"

"Andtheonlyconsolationis，"remarkedKenyon，"thattheblurredandimperfectimagemaystillmakeaveryrespectableappearanceintheeyesofthosewhohavenotseentheoriginal。"

"Morethanthat，"rejoinedHilda；"forthereisaclassofspectatorswhosesympathywillhelpthemtoseetheperfectthroughamistofimperfection。Nobody，Ithink，oughttoreadpoetry，orlookatpicturesorstatues，whocannotfindagreatdealmoreinthemthanthepoetorartisthasactuallyexpressed。Theirhighestmeritissuggestiveness。"

"You，Hilda，areyourselftheonlycriticinwhomIhavemuchfaith，"

saidKenyon。"HadyoucondemnedCleopatra，nothingshouldhavesavedher。"

"Youinvestmewithsuchanawfulresponsibility，"shereplied，"thatIshallnotdaretosayasinglewordaboutyourotherworks。"

"Atleast，"saidthesculptor，"tellmewhetheryourecognizethisbust？"

HepointedtoabustofDonatello。ItwasnottheonewhichKenyonhadbeguntomodelatMonteBeni，butareminiscenceoftheCount\'sface，wroughtundertheinfluenceofallthesculptor\'sknowledgeofhishistory，andofhispersonalandhereditarycharacter。Itstoodonawoodenpedestal，notnearlyfinished，butwithfinewhitedustandsmallchipsofmarblescatteredaboutit，anditselfincrustedallroundwiththewhite，shapelesssubstanceoftheblock。Inthemidstappearedthefeatures，lackingsharpness，andverymuchresemblingafossilcountenance，——butwehavealreadyusedthissimile，inreferencetoCleopatra，withtheaccumulationsoflong-pastagesclingingtoit。

Andyet，strangetosay，thefacehadanexpression，andamorerecognizableonethanKenyonhadsucceededinputtingintotheclaymodelatMonteBeni。ThereaderisprobablyacquaintedwithThorwaldsen\'sthree-foldanalogy，——theclaymodel，theLife；theplastercast，theDeath；andthesculpturedmarble，theResurrection，——anditseemedtobemadegoodbythespiritthatwaskindlinguptheseimperfectfeatures，likealambentflame。

"Iwasnotquitesure，atfirstglance，thatIknewtheface，"

observedHilda；"thelikenesssurelyisnotastrikingone。Thereisagooddealofexternalresemblance，still，tothefeaturesoftheFaunofPraxiteles，betweenwhomandDonatello，youknow，weonceinsistedthattherewasaperfecttwin-brotherhood。Buttheexpressionisnowsoverydifferent！"

"Whatdoyoutakeittobe？"askedthesculptor。

"Ihardlyknowhowtodefineit，"sheanswered。"ButithasaneffectasifIcouldseethiscountenancegraduallybrighteningwhileIlookatit。Itgivestheimpressionofagrowingintellectualpowerandmoralsense。Donatello\'sfaceusedtoevincelittlemorethanagenial，pleasurablesortofvivacity，andcapabilityofenjoyment。

Buthere，asoulisbeingbreathedintohim；itistheFaun，butadvancingtowardsastateofhigherdevelopment。"

"Hilda，doyouseeallthis？"exclaimedKenyon，inconsiderablesurprise。"Imayhavehadsuchanideainmymind，butwasquiteunawarethatIhadsucceededinconveyingitintothemarble。"

"Forgiveme，"saidHilda，"butIquestionwhetherthisstrikingeffecthasbeenbroughtaboutbyanyskillorpurposeonthesculptor\'spart。

Isitnot，perhaps，thechanceresultofthebustbeingjustsofarshapedout，inthemarble，astheprocessofmoralgrowthhadadvancedintheoriginal？Afewmorestrokesofthechiselmightchangethewholeexpression，andsospoilitforwhatitisnowworth。"

"Ibelieveyouareright，"answeredKenyon，thoughtfullyexamininghiswork；"and，strangelyenough，itwastheveryexpressionthatItriedunsuccessfullytoproduceintheclaymodel。Well；notanotherchipshallbestruckfromthemarble。"

And，accordingly，Donatello\'sbust(likethatrude，roughmassoftheheadofBrutus，byMichaelAngelo，atFlorence)haseversinceremainedinanunfinishedstate。MostspectatorsmistakeitforanunsuccessfulattempttowardscopyingthefeaturesoftheFaunofPraxiteles。Oneobserverinathousandisconsciousofsomethingmore，andlingerslongoverthismysteriousface，departingfromitreluctantly，andwithmanyaglancethrownbackward。Whatperplexeshimistheriddlethatheseespropoundedthere；theriddleofthesoul\'sgrowth，takingitsfirstimpulseamidremorseandpain，andstrugglingthroughtheincrustationsofthesenses。ItwasthecontemplationofthisimperfectportraitofDonatellothatoriginallyinterestedusinhishistory，andimpelledustoelicitfromKenyonwhatheknewofhisfriend\'sadventures。

CHAPTERXLII

REMINISCENCESOFMIRIAM

WhenHildaandhimselfturnedawayfromtheunfinishedbust，thesculptor\'smindstilldweltuponthereminiscenceswhichitsuggested。

"YouhavenotseenDonatellorecently，"heremarked，"andthereforecannotbeawarehowsadlyheischanged。"

"Nowonder！"exclaimedHilda，growingpale。

Theterriblescenewhichshehadwitnessed，whenDonatello\'sfacegleamedoutinsofiercealight，camebackuponhermemory，almostforthefirsttimesinceshekneltattheconfessional。Hilda，asissometimesthecasewithpersonswhosedelicateorganizationrequiresapeculiarsafeguard，hadanelasticfacultyofthrowingoffsuchrecollectionsaswouldbetoopainfulforendurance。ThefirstshockofDonatello\'sandMiriam\'scrimehad，indeed，brokenthroughthefraildefenceofthisvoluntaryforgetfulness；but，onceenabledtorelieveherselfoftheponderousanguishoverwhichshehadsolongbrooded，shehadpractisedasubtilewatchfulnessinpreventingitsreturn。

"Nowonder，doyousay？"repeatedthesculptor，lookingatherwithinterest，butnotexactlywithsurprise；forhehadlongsuspectedthatHildahadapainfulknowledgeofeventswhichhehimselflittlemorethansurmised。"Thenyouknow！——youhaveheard！Butwhatcanyoupossiblyhaveheard，andthroughwhatchannel？"

"Nothing！"repliedHildafaintly。"Notonewordhasreachedmyearsfromthelipsofanyhumanbeing。Letusneverspeakofitagain！No，no！neveragain！"

"AndMiriam！"saidKenyon，withirrepressibleinterest。"Isitalsoforbiddentospeakofher？"

"Hush！donotevenutterhername！Trynottothinkofit！"Hildawhispered。"Itmaybringterribleconsequences！"

"MydearHilda！"exclaimedKenyon，regardingherwithwonderanddeepsympathy。"Mysweetfriend，haveyouhadthissecrethiddeninyourdelicate，maidenlyheart，throughallthesemanymonths！Nowonderthatyourlifewaswitheringoutofyou。"

"Itwasso，indeed！"saidHilda，shuddering。"Evennow，Isickenattherecollection。"

"Andhowcouldithavecometoyourknowledge？"continuedthesculptor。

"Butnomatter！Donottortureyourselfwithreferringtothesubject。Only，ifatanytimeitshouldbearelieftoyou，rememberthatwecanspeakfreelytogether，forMiriamhasherselfsuggestedaconfidencebetweenus。"

"Miriamhassuggestedthis！"exclaimedHilda。"Yes，Iremember，now，heradvisingthatthesecretshouldbesharedwithyou。ButIhavesurvivedthedeathstrugglethatitcostme，andneedmakenofurtherrevelations。AndMiriamhasspokentoyou！Whatmannerofwomancanshebe，who，aftersharinginsuchadeed，canmakeitatopicofconversationwithherfriends？"

"Ah，Hilda，"repliedKenyon，"youdonotknow，foryoucouldneverlearnitfromyourownheart，whichisallpurityandrectitude，whatamixtureofgoodtheremaybeinthingsevil；andhowthegreatestcriminal，ifyoulookathisconductfromhisownpointofview，orfromanysidepoint，mayseemnotsounquestionablyguilty，afterall。

SowithMiriam；sowithDonatello。Theyare，perhaps，partnersinwhatwemustcallawfulguilt；andyet，Iwillowntoyou，——whenI

thinkoftheoriginalcause，themotives，thefeelings，thesuddenconcurrenceofcircumstancesthrustingthemonward，theurgencyofthemoment，andthesublimeunselfishnessoneitherpart，——Iknownotwellhowtodistinguishitfrommuchthattheworldcallsheroism。Mightwenotrendersomesuchverdictasthis？——\'WorthyofDeath，butnotunworthyofLove！\'"

"Never！"answeredHilda，lookingatthematterthroughtheclearcrystalmediumofherownintegrity。"Thisthing，asregardsitscauses，isallamysterytome，andmustremainso。Butthereis，I

believe，onlyonerightandonewrong；andIdonotunderstand，andmayGodkeepmefromeverunderstanding，howtwothingssototallyunlikecanbemistakenforoneanother；norhowtwomortalfoes，asRightandWrongsurelyare，canworktogetherinthesamedeed。Thisismyfaith；andIshouldbeledastray，ifyoucouldpersuademetogiveitup。"

"Alasforpoorhumannature，then！"saidKenyonsadly，andyethalfsmilingatHilda\'sunworldlyandimpracticabletheory。"Ialwaysfeltyou，mydearfriend，aterriblyseverejudge，andhavebeenperplexedtoconceivehowsuchtendersympathycouldcoexistwiththeremorselessnessofasteelblade。Youneednomercy，andthereforeknownothowtoshowany。"