第9章

\'Letmethink，ma\'am，\'saidthedoctor；\'letmethink。\'

Mr。Losbernethrusthishandsintohispockets，andtookseveralturnsupanddowntheroom；oftenstopping，andbalancinghimselfonhistoes，andfrowningfrightfully。Aftervariousexclamationsof\'I\'vegotitnow\'and\'no，Ihaven\'t，\'andasmanyrenewalsofthewalkingandfrowning，heatlengthmadeadeadhalt，andspokeasfollows:

\'IthinkifyougivemeafullandunlimitedcommissiontobullyGiles，andthatlittleboy，Brittles，Icanmanageit。Gilesisafaithfulfellowandanoldservant，Iknow；butyoucanmakeituptohiminathousandways，andrewardhimforbeingsuchagoodshotbesides。Youdon\'tobjecttothat?\'

\'Unlessthereissomeotherwayofpreservingthechild，\'repliedMrs。Maylie。

\'Thereisnoother，\'saidthedoctor。\'Noother，takemywordforit。\'

\'Thenmyauntinvestsyouwithfullpower，\'saidRose，smilingthroughhertears；\'butpraydon\'tbeharderuponthepoorfellowsthanisindispensablynecessary。\'

\'Youseemtothink，\'retortedthedoctor，\'thateverybodyisdisposedtobehard-heartedto-day，exceptyourself，MissRose。

Ionlyhope，forthesakeoftherisingmalesexgenerally，thatyoumaybefoundinasvulnerableandsoft-heartedamoodbythefirsteligibleyoungfellowwhoappealstoyourcompassion；andI

wishIwereayoungfellow，thatImightavailmyself，onthespot，ofsuchafavourableopportunityfordoingso，asthepresent。\'

\'YouareasgreataboyaspoorBrittleshimself，\'returnedRose，blushing。

\'Well，\'saidthedoctor，laughingheartily，\'thatisnoverydifficultmatter。Buttoreturntothisboy。Thegreatpointofouragreementisyettocome。Hewillwakeinanhourorso，I

daresay；andalthoughIhavetoldthatthick-headedconstable-fellowdownstairsthathemusn\'tbemovedorspokento，onperilofhislife，Ithinkwemayconversewithhimwithoutdanger。NowImakethisstipulation——thatIshallexaminehiminyourpresence，andthat，if，fromwhathesays，wejudge，andI

canshowtothesatisfactionofyourcoolreason，thatheisarealandthoroughbadone(whichismorethanpossible)，heshallbelefttohisfate，withoutanyfartherinterferenceonmypart，atallevents。\'

\'Ohno，aunt！\'entreatedRose。

\'Ohyes，aunt！\'saidthedoctor。\'Isisabargain?；

\'Hecannotbehardenedinvice，\'saidRose；\'Itisimpossible。\'

\'Verygood，\'retortedthedoctor；\'thensomuchthemorereasonforaccedingtomyproposition。\'

Finallythetreatywasenteredinto；andthepartiesthereuntosatdowntowait，withsomeimpatience，untilOlivershouldawake。

ThepatienceofthetwoladieswasdestinedtoundergoalongertrialthanMr。Losbernehadledthemtoexpect；forhourafterhourpassedon，andstillOliverslumberedheavily。Itwasevening，indeed，beforethekind-hearteddoctorbroughtthemtheintelligence，thathewasatlengthsufficientlyrestoredtobespokento。Theboywasveryill，hesaid，andweakfromthelossofblood；buthismindwassotroubledwithanxietytodisclosesomething，thathedeemeditbettertogivehimtheopportunity，thantoinsistuponhisremainingquietuntilnextmorning:

whichheshouldotherwisehavedone。

Theconferencewasalongone。Olivertoldthemallhissimplehistory，andwasoftencompelledtostop，bypainandwantofstrength。Itwasasolemnthing，tohear，inthedarkenedroom，thefeeblevoiceofthesickchildrecountingawearycatalogueofevilsandcalamitieswhichhardmenhadbroughtuponhim。Oh！

ifwhenweoppressandgrindourfellow-creatures，webestowedbutonethoughtonthedarkevidencesofhumanerror，which，likedenseandheavyclouds，arerising，slowlyitistrue，butnotlesssurely，toHeaven，topourtheirafter-vengeanceonourheads；ifweheardbutoneinstant，inimagination，thedeeptestimonyofdeadmen\'svoices，whichnopowercanstifle，andnoprideshutout；wherewouldbetheinjuryandinjustice，thesuffering，misery，cruelty，andwrong，thateachday\'slifebringswithit！

Oliver\'spillowwassmoothedbygentlehandsthatnight；andlovelinessandvirtuewatchedhimasheslept。Hefeltcalmandhappy，andcouldhavediedwithoutamurmur。

Themomentousinterviewwasnosoonerconcluded，andOlivercomposedtorestagain，thanthedoctor，afterwipinghiseyes，andcondemningthemforbeingweakallatonce，betookhimselfdownstairstoopenuponMr。Giles。Andfindingnobodyabouttheparlours，itoccurredtohim，thathecouldperhapsoriginatetheproceedingswithbettereffectinthekitchen；sointothekitchenhewent。

Therewereassembled，inthatlowerhouseofthedomesticparliament，thewomen-servants，Mr。Brittles，Mr。Giles，thetinker(whohadreceivedaspecialinvitationtoregalehimselffortheremainderoftheday，inconsiderationofhisservices)，andtheconstable。Thelattergentlemanhadalargestaff，alargehead，largefeatures，andlargehalf-boots；andhelookedasifhehadbeentakingaproportionateallowanceofale——asindeedhehad。

Theadventuresofthepreviousnightwerestillunderdiscussion；

forMr。Gileswasexpatiatinguponhispresenceofmind，whenthedoctorentered；Mr。Brittles，withamugofaleinhishand，wascorroboratingeverything，beforehissuperiorsaidit。

\'Sitstill！\'saidthedoctor，wavinghishand。

\'Thankyou，sir，saidMr。Giles。\'Misseswishedsomealetobegivenout，sir；andasIfeltnowaysinclinedformyownlittleroom，sir，andwasdisposedforcompany，Iamtakingmineamong\'emhere。\'

Brittlesheadedalowmurmur，bywhichtheladiesandgentlemengenerallywereunderstoodtoexpressthegratificationtheyderivedfromMr。Giles\'scondescension。Mr。Gileslookedroundwithapatronisingair，asmuchastosaythatsolongastheybehavedproperly，hewouldneverdesertthem。

\'Howisthepatientto-night，sir?\'askedGiles。

\'So-so\'；returnedthedoctor。\'Iamafraidyouhavegotyourselfintoascrapethere，Mr。Giles。\'

\'Ihopeyoudon\'tmeantosay，sir，\'saidMr。Giles，trembling，\'thathe\'sgoingtodie。IfIthoughtit，Ishouldneverbehappyagain。Iwouldn\'tcutaboyoff:no，notevenBrittleshere；notforalltheplateinthecounty，sir。\'

\'That\'snotthepoint，\'saidthedoctor，mysteriously。\'Mr。

Giles，areyouaProtestant?\'

\'Yes，sir，Ihopeso，\'falteredMr。Giles，whohadturnedverypale。

\'AndwhatareYOU，boy?\'saidthedoctor，turningsharplyuponBrittles。

\'Lordblessme，sir！\'repliedBrittles，startingviolently；\'I\'mthesameasMr。Giles，sir。\'

\'Thentellmethis，\'saidthedoctor，\'bothofyou，bothofyou！

Areyougoingtotakeuponyourselvestoswear，thatthatboyupstairsistheboythatwasputthroughthelittlewindowlastnight?Outwithit！Come！Wearepreparedforyou！\'

Thedoctor，whowasuniversallyconsideredoneofthebest-temperedcreaturesonearth，madethisdemandinsuchadreadfultoneofanger，thatGilesandBrittles，whowereconsiderablymuddledbyaleandexcitement，staredateachotherinastateofstupefaction。

\'Payattentiontothereply，constable，willyou?\'saidthedoctor，shakinghisforefingerwithgreatsolemnityofmanner，andtappingthebridgeofhisnosewithit，tobespeaktheexerciseofthatworthy\'sutmostacuteness。\'Somethingmaycomeofthisbeforelong。\'

Theconstablelookedaswiseashecould，andtookuphisstaffofoffice:whichhadbeenreclingindolentlyinthechimney-corner。

\'It\'sasimplequestionofidentity，youwillobserve，\'saidthedoctor。

\'That\'swhatitis，sir，\'repliedtheconstable，coughingwithgreatviolence；forhehadfinishedhisaleinahurry，andsomeofithadgonethewrongway。

\'Here\'sthehousebrokeninto，\'saidthedoctor，\'andacoupleofmencatchonemoment\'sglimpseofaboy，inthemidstofgunpowdersmoke，andinallthedistractionofalarmanddarkness。Here\'saboycomestothatverysamehouse，nextmorning，andbecausehehappenstohavehisarmtiedup，thesemenlayviolenthandsuponhim——bydoingwhich，theyplacehislifeingreatdanger——andswearheisthethief。Now，thequestionis，whetherthesemenarejustifiedbythefact；ifnot，inwhatsituationdotheyplacethemselves?\'

Theconstablenoddedprofoundly。Hesaid，ifthatwasn\'tlaw，hewouldbegladtoknowwhatwas。

\'Iaskyouagain，\'thunderedthedoctor，\'areyou，onyoursolemnoaths，abletoidentifythatboy?\'

BrittleslookeddoubtfullyatMr。Giles；Mr。GileslookeddoubtfullyatBrittles；theconstableputhishandbehindhisear，tocatchthereply；thetwowomenandthetinkerleanedforwardtolisten；thedoctorglancedkeenlyround；whenaringwasheardatthegate，andatthesamemoment，thesoundofwheels。

\'It\'stherunners！\'criedBrittles，toallappearancemuchrelieved。

\'Thewhat?\'exclaimedthedoctor，aghastinhisturn。

\'TheBowStreetofficers，sir，\'repliedBrittles，takingupacandle；\'meandMr。Gilessentfor\'emthismorning。\'

\'What?\'criedthedoctor。

\'Yes，\'repliedBrittles；\'Isentamessageupbythecoachman，andIonlywondertheyweren\'therebefore，sir。\'

\'Youdid，didyou?Thenconfoundyour——slowcoachesdownhere；

that\'sall，\'saidthedoctor，walkingaway。

CHAPTERXXXI

INVOLVESACRITICALPOSITION

\'Who\'sthat?\'inquiredBrittles，openingthedooralittleway，withthechainup，andpeepingout，shadingthecandlewithhishand。

\'Openthedoor，\'repliedamanoutside；\'it\'stheofficersfromBowStreet，aswassenttoto-day。\'

Muchcomfortedbythisassurance，Brittlesopenedthedoortoitsfullwidth，andconfrontedaportlymaninagreat-coat；whowalkedin，withoutsayinganythingmore，andwipedhisshoesonthemat，ascoollyasifhelivedthere。

\'Justsendsomebodyouttorelievemymate，willyou，youngman?\'

saidtheofficer；\'he\'sinthegig，a-mindingtheprad。Haveyougotacoach\'ushere，thatyoucouldputitupin，forfiveortenminutes?\'

Brittlesreplyingintheaffirmative，andpointingoutthebuilding，theportlymansteppedbacktothegarden-gate，andhelpedhiscompaniontoputupthegig:whileBrittleslightedthem，inastateofgreatadmiration。Thisdone，theyreturnedtothehouse，and，beingshownintoaparlour，tookofftheirgreat-coatsandhats，andshowedlikewhattheywere。

Themanwhohadknockedatthedoor，wasastoutpersonageofmiddleheight，agedaboutfifty:withshinyblackhair，croppedprettyclose；half-whiskers，aroundface，andsharpeyes。Theotherwasared-headed，bonyman，intop-boots；witharatherill-favouredcountenance，andaturned-upsinister-lookingnose。

\'TellyourgovernorthatBlathersandDuffishere，willyou?\'

saidthestouterman，smoothingdownhishair，andlayingapairofhandcuffsonthetable。\'Oh！Good-evening，master。CanI

haveawordortwowithyouinprivate，ifyouplease?\'

ThiswasaddressedtoMr。Losberne，whonowmadehisappearance；

thatgentleman，motioningBrittlestoretire，broughtinthetwoladies，andshutthedoor。

\'Thisistheladyofthehouse，\'saidMr。Losberne，motioningtowardsMrs。Maylie。

Mr。Blathersmadeabow。Beingdesiredtositdown，heputhishatonthefloor，andtakingachair，motionedtoDufftodothesame。Thelattergentleman，whodidnotappearquitesomuchaccustomedtogoodsociety，orquitesomuchathiseaseinit——oneofthetwo——seatedhimself，afterundergoingseveralmuscularaffectionsofthelimbs，andtheheadofhisstickintohismouth，withsomeembarrassment。

\'Now，withregardtothishererobbery，master，\'saidBlathers。

\'Whatarethecircumstances?\'

Mr。Losberne，whoappeareddesirousofgainingtime，recountedthematgreatlength，andwithmuchcircumlocution。Messrs。

BlathersandDufflookedveryknowingmeanwhile，andoccasionallyexchangedanod。

\'Ican\'tsay，forcertain，tillIseethework，ofcourse，\'saidBlathers；\'butmyopinionatonceis，——Idon\'tmindcommittingmyselftothatextent，——thatthiswasn\'tdonebyayokel；eh，Duff?\'

\'Certainlynot，\'repliedDuff。

\'And，translatingthewordyokelforthebenefitoftheladies，I

apprehendyourmeaningtobe，thatthisattemptwasnotmadebyacountryman?\'saidMr。Losberne，withasmile。

\'That\'sit，master，\'repliedBlathers。\'Thisisallabouttherobbery，isit?\'

\'All，\'repliedthedoctor。

\'Now，whatisthis，aboutthishereboythattheservantsarea-talkingon?\'saidBlathers。

\'Nothingatall，\'repliedthedoctor。\'Oneofthefrightenedservantschosetotakeitintohishead，thathehadsomethingtodowiththisattempttobreakintothehouse；butit\'snonsense:

sheerabsurdity。\'

\'Weryeasydisposedof，ifitis，\'remarkedDuff。

\'Whathesaysisquitecorrect，\'observedBlathers，noddinghisheadinaconfirmatoryway，andplayingcarelesslywiththehandcuffs，asiftheywereapairofcastanets。\'Whoistheboy?

Whataccountdoeshegiveofhimself?Wheredidhecomefrom?

Hedidn\'tdropoutoftheclouds，didhe，master?\'

\'Ofcoursenot，\'repliedthedoctor，withanervousglanceatthetwoladies。\'Iknowhiswholehistory:butwecantalkaboutthatpresently。Youwouldlike，first，toseetheplacewherethethievesmadetheirattempt，Isuppose?\'

\'Certainly，\'rejoinedMr。Blathers。\'Wehadbetterinspectthepremisesfirst，andexaminetheservantsafterwards。That\'stheusualwayofdoingbusiness。\'

Lightswerethenprocured；andMessrs。BlathersandDuff，attendedbythenativeconstable，Brittles，Giles，andeverybodyelseinshort，wentintothelittleroomattheendofthepassageandlookedoutatthewindow；andafterwardswentroundbywayofthelawn，andlookedinatthewindow；andafterthat，hadacandlehandedouttoinspecttheshutterwith；andafterthat，alanterntotracethefootstepswith；andafterthat，apitchforktopokethebusheswith。Thisdone，amidstthebreathlessinterestofallbeholders，theycameinagain；andMr。

GilesandBrittleswereputthroughamelodramaticrepresentationoftheirshareinthepreviousnight\'sadventures:whichtheyperformedsomesixtimesover:contradictioneachother，innotmorethanoneimportantrespect，thefirsttime，andinnotmorethanadozenthelast。Thisconsummationbeingarrivedat，BlathersandDuffclearedtheroom，andheldalongcounciltogether，comparedwithwhich，forsecrecyandsolemnity，aconsultationofgreatdoctorsontheknottiestpointinmedicine，wouldbemerechild\'splay。

Meanwhile，thedoctorwalkedupanddownthenextroominaveryuneasystate；andMrs。MaylieandRoselookedon，withanxiousfaces。

\'Uponmyword，\'hesaid，makingahalt，afteragreatnumberofveryrapidturns，\'Ihardlyknowwhattodo。\'

\'Surely，\'saidRose，\'thepoorchild\'sstory，faithfullyrepeatedtothesemen，willbesufficienttoexoneratehim。\'

\'Idoubtit，mydearyounglady，\'saidthedoctor，shakinghishead。\'Idon\'tthinkitwouldexoneratehim，eitherwiththem，orwithlegalfunctionariesofahighergrade。Whatishe，afterall，theywouldsay?Arunaway。Judgedbymereworldlyconsiderationsandprobabilities，hisstoryisaverydoubtfulone。\'

\'Youbelieveit，surely?\'interruptedRose。

\'_I_believeit，strangeasitis；andperhapsImaybeanoldfoolfordoingso，\'rejoinedthedoctor；\'butIdon\'tthinkitisexactlythetaleforapracticalpolice-officer，nevertheless。\'

\'Whynot?\'demandedRose。

\'Because，myprettycross-examiner，\'repliedthedoctor:

\'because，viewedwiththeireyes，therearemanyuglypointsaboutit；hecanonlyprovethepartsthatlookill，andnoneofthosethatlookwell。Confoundthefellows，theyWILLhavethewayandthewherefore，andwilltakenothingforgranted。Onhisownshowing，yousee，hehasbeenthecompanionofthievesforsometimepast；hehasbeencarriedtoapolice-officer，onachargeofpickingagentleman\'spocket；hehasbeentakenaway，forcibly，fromthatgentleman\'shouse，toaplacewhichhecannotdescribeorpointout，andofthesituationofwhichhehasnottheremotestidea。HeisbroughtdowntoChertsey，bymenwhoseemtohavetakenaviolentfancytohim，whetherhewillorno；

andisputthroughawindowtorobahouse；andthen，justattheverymomentwhenheisgoingtoalarmtheinmates，andsodotheverythingthatwouldsethimalltorights，thererushesintotheway，ablunderingdogofahalf-bredbutler，andshootshim！

Asifonpurposetopreventhisdoinganygoodforhimself！

Don\'tyouseeallthis?\'

\'Iseeit，ofcourse，\'repliedRose，smilingatthedoctor\'simpetuosity；\'butstillIdonotseeanythinginit，tocriminatethepoorchild。\'

\'No，\'repliedthedoctor；\'ofcoursenot！Blessthebrighteyesofyoursex！Theyneversee，whetherforgoodorbad，morethanonesideofanyquestion；andthatis，always，theonewhichfirstpresentsitselftothem。\'

Havinggivenventtothisresultofexperience，thedoctorputhishandsintohispockets，andwalkedupanddowntheroomwithevengreaterrapiditythanbefore。

\'ThemoreIthinkofit，\'saidthedoctor，\'themoreIseethatitwilloccasionendlesstroubleanddifficultyifweputthesemeninpossessionoftheboy\'srealstory。Iamcertainitwillnotbebelieved；andeveniftheycandonothingtohimintheend，stillthedraggingitforward，andgivingpublicitytoallthedoubtsthatwillbecastuponit，mustinterfere，materially，withyourbenevolentplanofrescuinghimfrommisery。\'

\'Oh！whatistobedone?\'criedRose。\'Dear，dear！whyddidtheysendforthesepeople?\'

\'Why，indeed！\'exclaimedMrs。Maylie。\'Iwouldnothavehadthemhere，fortheworld。\'

\'AllIknowis，\'saidMr。Losberne，atlast:sittingdownwithakindofdesperatecalmness，\'thatwemusttryandcarryitoffwithaboldface。Theobjectisagoodone，andthatmustbeourexcuse。Theboyhasstrongsymptomsoffeveruponhim，andisinnoconditiontobetalkedtoanymore；that\'sonecomfort。Wemustmakethebestofit；andifbadbethebest，itisnofaultofours。Comein！\'

\'Well，master，\'saidBlathers，enteringtheroomfollowedbyhiscolleague，andmakingthedoorfast，beforehesaidanymore。

\'Thiswarn\'taput-upthing。\'

\'Andwhatthedevil\'saput-upthing?\'demandedthedoctor，impatiently。

\'Wecallitaput-uprobbery，ladies，\'saidBlathers，turningtothem，asifhepitiedtheirignorance，buthadacontemptforthedoctor\'s，\'whentheservantsisinit。\'

\'Nobodysuspectedthem，inthiscase，\'saidMrs。Maylie。

\'Werylikelynot，ma\'am，\'repliedBlathers；\'buttheymighthavebeeninit，forallthat。\'

\'Morelikelyonthatweryaccount，\'saidDuff。

\'Wefinditwasatownhand，\'saidBlathers，continuinghisreport；\'forthestyleofworkisfirst-rate。\'

\'Weryprettyindeeditis，\'remarkedDuff，inanundertone。

\'Therewastwoof\'eminit，\'continuedBlathers；\'andtheyhadaboywith\'em；that\'splainfromthesizeofthewindow。That\'salltobesaidatpresent。We\'llseethisladthatyou\'vegotupstairsatonce，ifyouplease。\'

\'Perhapstheywilltakesomethingtodrinkfirst，Mrs。Maylie?\'

saidthedoctor:hisfacebrightening，asifsomenewthoughthadoccurredtohim。

\'Oh！tobesure！\'exclaimedRose，eagerly。\'Youshallhaveitimmediately，ifyouwill。\'

\'Why，thankyou，miss！\'saidBlathers，drawinghiscoat-sleeveacrosshismouth；\'it\'sdrywork，thissortofduty。Anythinkthat\'shandy，miss；don\'tputyourselfoutoftheway，onouraccounts。\'

\'Whatshallitbe?\'askedthedoctor，followingtheyoungladytothesideboard。

\'Alittledropofspirits，master，ifit\'sallthesame，\'repliedBlathers。\'It\'sacoldridefromLondon，ma\'am；andIalwaysfindthatspiritscomeshomewarmertothefeelings。\'

ThisinterestingcommunicationwasaddressedtoMrs。Maylie，whoreceiveditverygraciously。Whileitwasbeingconveyedtoher，thedoctorslippedoutoftheroom。

\'Ah！\'saidMr。Blathers:notholdinghiswine-glassbythestem，butgraspingthebottombetweenthethumbandforefingerofhislefthand:andplacingitinfrontofhischest；\'Ihaveseenagoodmanypiecesofbusinesslikethis，inmytime，ladies。\'

\'ThatcrackdowninthebacklaneatEdmonton，Blathers，\'saidMr。Duff，assistinghiscolleague\'smemory。

\'Thatwassomethinginthisway，warn\'tit?\'rejoinedMr。

Blathers；\'thatwasdonebyConkeyChickweed，thatwas。\'

\'Youalwaysgavethattohim\'repliedDuff。\'ItwastheFamilyPet，Itellyou。Conkeyhadn\'tanymoretodowithitthanI

had。\'

\'Getout！\'retortedMr。Blathers；\'Iknowbetter。DoyoumindthattimewhenConkeywasrobbedofhismoney，though?Whatastartthatwas！Betterthananynovel-book_I_eversee！\'

\'Whatwasthat?\'inquiredRose:anxioustoencourageanysymptomsofgood-humourintheunwelcomevisitors。

\'Itwasarobbery，miss，thathardlyanybodywouldhavebeendownupon，\'saidBlathers。\'ThishereConkeyChickweed——\'

\'ConkeymeansNosey，ma\'am，\'interposedDuff。

\'Ofcoursetheladyknowsthat，don\'tshe?\'demandedMr。

Blathers。\'Alwaysinterrupting，youare，partner！ThishereConkeyChickweed，miss，keptapublic-houseoverBattlebridgeway，andhehadacellar，whereagoodmanyyounglordswenttoseecock-fighting，andbadger-drawing，andthat；andaweryintellecturalmannerthesportswasconductedin，forI\'veseen\'emoff\'en。Hewarn\'toneofthefamily，atthattime；andonenighthewasrobbedofthreehundredandtwenty-sevenguineasinacanvasbag，thatwasstoleoutofhisbedrrominthedeadofnight，byatallmanwithablackpatchoverhiseye，whohadconcealedhimselfunderthebed，andaftercommittingtherobbery，jumpedslapoutofwindow:whichwasonlyastoryhigh。

Hewasweryquickaboutit。ButConkeywasquick，too；forhefiredablunderbussarterhim，androusedtheneighbourhood。Theysetupahue-and-cry，directly，andwhentheycametolookabout\'em，foundthatConkeyhadhittherobber；fortherewastracesofblood，allthewaytosomepalingsagooddistanceoff；andtheretheylost\'em。However，hehadmadeoffwiththeblunt；

and，consequently，thenameofMr。Chickweed，licensedwitler，appearedintheGazetteamongtheotherbankrupts；andallmannerofbenefitsandsubscriptions，andIdon\'tknowwhatall，wasgotupforthepoorman，whowasinawerylowstateofmindabouthisloss，andwentupanddownthestreets，forthreeorfourdays，apullinghishairoffinsuchadesperatemannerthatmanypeoplewasafraidhemightbegoingtomakeawaywithhimself。

Onedayhecameuptotheoffice，allinahurry，andhadaprivateinterviewwiththemagistrate，who，afteradealoftalk，ringsthebell，andordersJemSpyersin(Jemwasaactiveofficer)，andtellshimtogoandassistMr。Chickweedinapprehendingthemanasrobbedhishouse。“Iseehim，Spyers，“

saidChickweed，“passmyhouseyesterdaymorning，““Whydidn\'tyouup，andcollarhim！“saysSpyers。“Iwassostruckallofaheap，thatyoumighthavefracturedmyskullwithatoothpick，“

saysthepoorman；“butwe\'resuretohavehim；forbetweentenandeleveno\'clockatnighthepassedagain。”Spyersnosoonerheardthis，thanheputsomecleanlinenandacomb，inhispocket，incaseheshouldhavetostopadayortwo；andawayhegoes，andsetshimselfdownatoneofthepublic-housewindowsbehindthelittleredcurtain，withhishaton，allreadytoboltout，atamoment\'snotice。Hewassmokinghispipehere，lateatnight，whenallofasuddenChickweedroarsout，“Hereheis！

Stopthief！Murder！“JemSpyersdashesout；andthereheseesChickweed，a-tearingdownthestreetfullcry。AwaygoesSpyers；

ongoesChickweed；roundturnsthepeople；everybodyroarsout，“Thieves！“andChickweedhimselfkeepsonshouting，allthetime，likemad。Spyerslosessightofhimaminuteasheturnsacorner；shootsround；seesalittlecrowd；divesin；“Whichistheman?““D——me！“saysChickweed，“I\'velosthimagain！“Itwasaremarkableoccurrence，buthewarn\'ttobeseennowhere，sotheywentbacktothepublic-house。Nextmorning，Spyerstookhisoldplace，andlookedout，frombehindthecurtain，foratallmanwithablackpatchoverhiseye，tillhisowntwoeyesachedagain。Atlast，hecouldn\'thelpshutting\'em，toease\'emaminute；andtheverymomenthedidso，hehearsChickweeda-roaringout，“Hereheis！“Offhestartsoncemore，withChickweedhalf-waydownthestreetaheadofhim；andaftertwiceaslongarunastheyesterday\'sone，theman\'slostagain！Thiswasdone，onceortwicemore，tillone-halftheneighboursgaveoutthatMr。Chickweedhadbeenrobbedbythedevil，whowasplayingtrickswithhimarterwards；andtheotherhalf，thatpoorMr。Chickweedhadgonemadwithgrief。\'

\'WhatdidJemSpyerssay?\'inquiredthedoctor；whohadreturnedtotheroomshortlyafterthecommencementofthestory。

\'JemSpyers，\'resumedtheofficer，\'foralongtimesaidnothingatall，andlistenedtoeverythingwithoutseemingto，whichshowedheunderstoodhisbusiness。But，onemorning，hewalkedintothebar，andtakingouthissnuffbox，says“Chickweed，I\'vefoundoutwhodonethishererobbery。”“Haveyou?“saidChickweed。“Oh，mydearSpyers，onlyletmehavewengeance，andIshalldiecontented！Oh，mydearSpyers，whereisthevillain！““Come！“saidSpyers，offeringhimapinchofsnuff，“noneofthatgammon！Youdidityourself。”Sohehad；andagoodbitofmoneyhehadmadebyit，too；andnobodywouldneverhavefounditout，ifhehadn\'tbeensopreciousanxioustokeepupappearances！\'saidMr。Blathers，puttingdownhiswine-glass，andclinkingthehandcuffstogether。

\'Verycurious，indeed，\'observedthedoctor。\'Now，ifyouplease，youcanwalkupstairs。\'

\'IfYOUplease，sir，\'returnedMr。Blathers。CloselyfollowingMr。Losberne，thetwoofficersascendedtoOliver\'sbedroom；Mr。

Gilesprecedingtheparty，withalightedcandle。

Oliverhadbeendozing；butlookedworse，andwasmorefeverishthanhehadappearedyet。Beingassistedbythedoctor，hemanagedtositupinbedforaminuteorso；andlookedatthestrangerswithoutatallunderstandingwhatwasgoingforward——infact，withoutseemingtorecollectwherehewas，orwhathadbeenpassing。

\'This，\'saidMr。Losberne，speakingsoftly，butwithgreatvehemencenotwithstanding，\'thisisthelad，who，beingaccidentlywoundedbyaspring-guninsomeboyishtrespassonMr。

What-d\'ye-call-him\'sgrounds，atthebackhere，comestothehouseforassistancethismorning，andisimmediatelylaidholdofandmaltreated，bythatingeniousgentlemanwiththecandleinhishand:whohasplacedhislifeinconsiderabledanger，asI

canprofessionallycertify。\'

Messrs。BlathersandDufflookedatMr。Giles，ashewasthusrecommendedtotheirnotice。ThebewilderedbutlergazedfromthemtowardsOliver，andfromOlivertowardsMr。Losberne，withamostludicrousmixtureoffearandperplexity。

\'Youdon\'tmeantodenythat，Isuppose?\'saidthedoctor，layingOlivergentlydownagain。

\'Itwasalldoneforthe——forthebest，sir，\'answeredGiles。\'I

amsureIthoughtitwastheboy，orIwouldn\'thavemeddledwithhim。Iamnotofaninhumandisposition，sir。\'

\'Thoughtitwaswhatboy?\'inquiredtheseniorofficer。

\'Thehousebreaker\'sboy，sir！\'repliedGiles。\'They——theycertainlyhadaboy。\'

\'Well?Doyouthinksonow?\'inquiredBlathers。

\'Thinkwhat，now?\'repliedGiles，lookingvacantlyathisquestioner。

\'Thinkit\'sthesameboy，Stupid-head?\'rejoinedBlathers，impatiently。

\'Idon\'tknow；Ireallydon\'tknow，\'saidGiles，witharuefulcountenance。\'Icouldn\'tsweartohim。\'

\'Whatdoyouthink?\'askedMr。Blathers。

\'Idon\'tknowwhattothink，\'repliedpoorGiles。\'Idon\'tthinkitistheboy；indeed，I\'malmostcertainthatitisn\'t。Youknowitcan\'tbe。\'

\'Hasthismanbeena-drinking，sir?\'inquiredBlathers，turningtothedoctor。

\'Whatapreciousmuddle-headedchapyouare！\'saidDuff，addressingMr。Giles，withsupremecontempt。

Mr。Losbernehadbeenfeelingthepatient\'spulseduringthisshortdialogue；buthenowrosefromthechairbythebedside，andremarked，thatiftheofficershadanydoubtsuponthesubject，theywouldperhapsliketostepintothenextroom，andhaveBrittlesbeforethem。

Actinguponthissuggestion，theyadjournedtoaneighbouringapartment，whereMr。Brittles，beingcalledin，involvedhimselfandhisrespectedsuperiorinsuchawonderfulmazeoffreshcontradictionsandimpossibilities，astendedtothrownoparticularlightonanything，butthefactofhisownstrongmystification；except，indeed，hisdeclarationsthatheshouldn\'tknowtherealboy，ifhewereputbeforehimthatinstant；thathehadonlytakenOlivertobehe，becauseMr。Gileshadsaidhewas；andthatMr。Gileshad，fiveminutespreviously，admittedinthekitchen，thathebegaintobeverymuchafraidhehadbeenalittletoohasty。

Amongotheringenioussurmises，thequestionwasthenraised，whetherMr。Gileshadreallyhitanybody；anduponexaminationofthefellowpistoltothatwhichhehadfired，itturnedouttohavenomoredestructiveloadingthangunpowderandbrownpaper:

adiscoverywhichmadeaconsiderableimpressiononeverybodybutthedoctor，whohaddrawntheballabouttenminutesbefore。

Uponnoone，however，diditmakeagreaterimpressionthanonMr。Gileshimself；who，afterlabouring，forsomehours，underthefearofhavingmortallywoundedafellow-creature，eagerlycaughtatthisnewidea，andfavouredittotheutmost。Finally，theofficers，withouttroublingthemselvesverymuchaboutOliver，lefttheChertseyconstableinthehouse，andtookuptheirrestforthatnightinthetown；promisingtoreturnthenextmorning。

Withthenextmorning，therecamearumour，thattwomenandaboywereinthecageatKingston，whohadbeenapprehendedovernightundersuspiciouscircumstances；andtoKingstonMessrs。

BlathersandDuffjourneyedaccordingly。Thesuspiciouscircumstances，however，resolvingthemselves，oninvestigation，intotheonefact，thattheyhadbeendiscoveredsleepingunderahaystack；which，althoughagreatcrime，isonlypunishablebyimprisonment，andis，inthemercifuleyeoftheEnglishlaw，anditscomprehensiveloveofalltheKing\'ssubjects，heldtobenosatisfactoryproof，intheabsenceofallotherevidence，thatthesleeper，orsleepers，havecommittedburglaryaccompaniedwithviolence，andhavethereforerenderedthemselvesliabletothepunishmentofdeath；Messrs。BlathersandDuffcamebackagain，aswiseastheywent。

Inshort，aftersomemoreexamination，andagreatdealmoreconversation，aneighbouringmagistratewasreadilyinducedtotakethejointbailofMrs。MaylieandMr。LosberneforOliver\'sappearanceifheshouldeverbecalledupon；andBlathersandDuff，beingrewardedwithacoupleofguineas，returnedtotownwithdividedopinionsonthesubjectoftheirexpedition:thelattergentlemanonamatureconsiderationofallthecircumstances，incliningtothebeliefthattheburglariousattempthadoriginatedwiththeFamilyPet；andtheformerbeingequallydisposedtoconcedethefullmeritofittothegreatMr。

ConkeyChickweed。

Meanwhile，OlivergraduallythroveandprosperedundertheunitedcareofMrs。Maylie，Rose，andthekind-heartedMr。Losberne。Ifferventprayers，gushingfromheartsoverchargedwithgratitude，beheardinheaven——andiftheybenot，whatprayersare！——theblessingswhichtheorphanchildcalleddownuponthem，sunkintotheirsouls，diffusingpeaceandhappiness。

CHAPTERXXXII

OFTHEHAPPYLIFEOLIVERBEGANTOLEADWITHHISKINDFRIENDS

Oliver\'sailingswereneitherslightnorfew。Inadditiontothepainanddelayattendantonabrokenlimb，hisexposuretothewetandcoldhadbroughtonfeverandague:whichhungabouthimformanyweeks，andreducedhimsadly。But，atlength，hebegan，byslowdegrees，togetbetter，andtobeabletosaysometimes，inafewtearfulwords，howdeeplyhefeltthegoodnessofthetwosweetladies，andhowardentlyhehopedthatwhenhegrewstrongandwellagain，hecoulddosomethingtoshowhisgratitude；onlysomething，whichwouldletthemseetheloveanddutywithwhichhisbreastwasfull；something，howeverslight，whichwouldprovetothemthattheirgentlekindnesshadnotbeencastaway；butthatthepoorboywhomtheircharityhadrescuedfrommisery，ordeath，waseagertoservethemwithhiswholeheartandsoul。

\'Poorfellow！\'saidRose，whenOliverhadbeenonedayfeeblyendeavouringtoutterthewordsofthankfulnessthatrosetohispalelips；\'youshallhavemanyopportunitiesofservingus，ifyouwill。Wearegoingintothecountry，andmyauntintendsthatyoushallaccompanyus。Thequietplace，thepureair，andallthepleasureandbeautiesofspring，willrestoreyouinafewdays。Wewillemployyouinahundredways，whenyoucanbearthetrouble。\'

\'Thetrouble！\'criedOliver。\'Oh！dearlady，ifIcouldbutworkforyou；ifIcouldonlygiveyoupleasurebywateringyourflowers，orwatchingyourbirds，orrunningupanddownthewholedaylong，tomakeyouhappy；whatwouldIgivetodoit！\'

\'Youshallgivenothingatall，\'saidMissMaylie，smiling；\'for，asItoldyoubefore，weshallemployyouinahundredways；andifyouonlytakehalfthetroubletopleaseus，thatyoupromisenow，youwillmakemeveryhappyindeed。\'

\'Happy，ma\'am！\'criedOliver；\'howkindofyoutosayso！\'

\'YouwillmakemehappierthanIcantellyou，\'repliedtheyounglady。\'Tothinkthatmydeargoodauntshouldhavebeenthemeansofrescuinganyonefromsuchsadmiseryasyouhavedescribedtous，wouldbeanunspeakablepleasuretome；buttoknowthattheobjectofhergoodnessandcompassionwassincerelygratefulandattached，inconsequence，woulddelightme，morethanyoucanwellimagine。Doyouunderstandme?\'sheinquired，watchingOliver\'sthoughtfulface。

\'Ohyes，ma\'am，yes！\'repliedOlivereagerly；\'butIwasthinkingthatIamungratefulnow。\'

\'Towhom?\'inquiredtheyounglady。

\'Tothekindgentleman，andthedearoldnurse，whotooksomuchcareofmebefore，\'rejoinedOliver。\'IftheyknewhowhappyI

am，theywouldbepleased，Iamsure。\'

\'Iamsuretheywould，\'rejoinedOliver\'sbenefactress；\'andMr。

Losbernehasalreadybeenkindenoughtopromisethatwhenyouarewellenoughtobearthejourney，hewillcarryyoutoseethem。\'

\'Hashe，ma\'am?\'criedOliver，hisfacebrighteningwithpleasure。\'Idon\'tknowwhatIshalldoforjoywhenIseetheirkindfacesonceagain！\'

InashorttimeOliverwassufficientlyrecoveredtoundergothefatigueofthisexpedition。OnemorningheandMr。Losbernesetout，accordingly，inalittlecarriagewhichbelongedtoMrs。

Maylie。WhentheycametoChertseyBridge，Oliverturnedverypale，andutteredaloudexclamation。

\'What\'sthematterwiththeboy?\'criedthedoctor，asusual，allinabustle。\'Doyouseeanything——hearanything——feelanything——eh?\'

\'That，sir，\'criedOliver，pointingoutofthecarriagewindow。

\'Thathouse！\'

\'Yes；well，whatofit?Stopcoachman。Pulluphere，\'criedthedoctor。\'Whatofthehouse，myman；eh?\'

\'Thethieves——thehousetheytookmeto！\'whisperedOliver。

\'Thedevilitis！\'criedthedoctor。\'Hallo，there！letmeout！\'

But，beforethecoachmancoulddismountfromhisbox，hehadtumbledoutofthecoach，bysomemeansorother；and，runningdowntothedesertedtenement，begankickingatthedoorlikeamadman。

\'Halloa?\'saidalittleuglyhump-backedman:openingthedoorsosuddenly，thatthedoctor，fromtheveryimpetusofhislastkick，nearlyfellforwardintothepassage。\'What\'sthematterhere?\'

\'Matter！\'exclaimedtheother，collaringhim，withoutamoment\'sreflection。\'Agooddeal。Robberyisthematter。\'

\'There\'llbeMurderthematter，too，\'repliedthehump-backedman，coolly，\'ifyoudon\'ttakeyourhandsoff。Doyouhearme?\'

\'Ihearyou，\'saidthedoctor，givinghiscaptiveaheartyshake。

\'Where\'s——confoundthefellow，what\'shisrascallyname——Sikes；

that\'sit。Where\'sSikes，youthief?\'

Thehump-backedmanstared，asifinexcessofamazementandindignation；then，twistinghimself，dexterously，fromthedoctor\'sgrasp，growledforthavolleyofhorridoaths，andretiredintothehouse。Beforehecouldshutthedoor，however，thedoctorhadpassedintotheparlour，withoutawordofparley。

Helookedanxiouslyround；notanarticleoffurniture；notavestigeofanything，animateorinanimate；noteventhepositionofthecupboards；answeredOliver\'sdescription！

\'Now！\'saidthehump-backedman，whohadwatchedhimkeenly，\'whatdoyoumeanbycomingintomyhouse，inthisviolentway?

Doyouwanttorobme，ortomurderme?Whichisit?\'

\'Didyoueverknowamancomeouttodoeither，inachariotandapair，youridiculousoldvampire?\'saidtheirritabledoctor。

\'Whatdoyouwant，then?\'demandedthehunchback。\'Willyoutakeyourselfoff，beforeIdoyouamischief?Curseyou！\'

\'AssoonasIthinkproper，\'saidMr。Losberne，lookingintotheotherparlour；which，likethefirst，borenoresemblancewhatevertoOliver\'saccountofit。\'Ishallfindyouout，someday，myfriend。\'

\'Willyou?\'sneeredtheill-favouredcripple。\'Ifyoueverwantme，I\'mhere。Ihaven\'tlivedheremadandallalone，forfive-and-twentyyears，tobescaredbyyou。Youshallpayforthis；youshallpayforthis。\'Andsosaying，themis-shapenlittledemonsetupayell，anddancedupontheground，asifwildwithrage。

\'Stupidenough，this，\'mutteredthedoctortohimself；\'theboymusthavemadeamistake。Here！Putthatinyourpocket，andshutyourselfupagain。\'Withthesewordsheflungthehunchbackapieceofmoney，andreturnedtothecarriage。

Themanfollowedtothechariotdoor，utteringthewildestimprecationsandcursesalltheway；butasMr。Losberneturnedtospeaktothedriver，helookedintothecarriage，andeyedOliverforaninstantwithaglancesosharpandfierceandatthesametimesofuriousandvindictive，that，wakingorsleeping，hecouldnotforgetitformonthsafterwards。Hecontinuedtoutterthemostfearfulimprecations，untilthedriverhadresumedhisseat；andwhentheywereoncemoreontheirway，theycouldseehimsomedistancebehind:beatinghisfeetupontheground，andtearinghishair，intransportsofrealorpretendedrage。

\'Iamanass！\'saidthedoctor，afteralongsilence。\'Didyouknowthatbefore，Oliver?\'

\'No，sir。\'

\'Thendon\'tforgetitanothertime。\'

\'Anass，\'saidthedoctoragain，afterafurthersilenceofsomeminutes。\'Evenifithadbeentherightplace，andtherightfellowshadbeenthere，whatcouldIhavedone，single-handed?

AndifIhadhadassistance，IseenogoodthatIshouldhavedone，exceptleadingtomyownexposure，andanunavoidablestatementofthemannerinwhichIhavehushedupthisbusiness。

Thatwouldhaveservedmeright，though。Iamalwaysinvolvingmyselfinsomescrapeorother，byactingonimpulse。Itmighthavedonemegood。\'

Now，thefactwasthattheexcellentdoctorhadneveracteduponanythingbutimpulseallthroughhislife，andifwasnobadcomplimenttothenatureoftheimpulseswhichgovernedhim，thatsofarfrombeinginvolvedinanypeculiartroublesormisfortunes，hehadthewarmestrespectandesteemofallwhoknewhim。Ifthetruthmustbetold，hewasalittleoutoftemper，foraminuteortwo，atbeingdisappointedinprocuringcorroborativeevidenceofOliver\'sstoryontheveryfirstoccasiononwhichhehadachanceofobtainingany。Hesooncameroundagain，however；andfindingthatOliver\'srepliestohisquestions，werestillasstraightforwardandconsistent，andstilldeliveredwithasmuchapparentsincerityandtruth，astheyhadeverbeen，hemadeuphismindtoattachfullcredencetothem，fromthattimeforth。

AsOliverknewthenameofthestreetinwhichMr。Brownlowresided，theywereenabledtodrivestraightthither。Whenthecoachturnedintoit，hisheartbeatsoviolently，thathecouldscarcelydrawhisbreath。

\'Now，myboy，whichhouseisit?\'inquiredMr。Losberne。

\'That！That！\'repliedOliver，pointingeagerlyoutofthewindow。\'Thewhitehouse。Oh！makehaste！Praymakehaste！I

feelasifIshoulddie:itmakesmetrembleso。\'

\'Come，come！\'saidthegooddoctor，pattinghimontheshoulder。

\'Youwillseethemdirectly，andtheywillbeoverjoyedtofindyousafeandwell。\'

\'Oh！Ihopeso！\'criedOliver。\'Theyweresogoodtome；sovery，verygoodtome。\'

Thecoachrolledon。Itstopped。No；thatwasthewronghouse；

thenextdoor。Itwentonafewpaces，andstoppedagain。

Oliverlookedupatthewindows，withtearsofhappyexpectationcoursingdownhisface。

Alas！thewhitehousewasempty，andtherewasabillinthewindow。\'ToLet。\'

\'Knockatthenextdoor，\'criedMr。Losberne，takingOliver\'sarminhis。\'WhathasbecomeofMr。Brownlow，whousedtoliveintheadjoininghouse，doyouknow?\'

Theservantdidnotknow；butwouldgoandinquire。Shepresentlyreturned，andsaid，thatMr。Brownlowhadsoldoffhisgoods，andgonetotheWestIndies，sixweeksbefore。Oliverclaspedhishands，andsankfeeblybackward。

\'Hashishousekeepergonetoo?\'inquiredMr。Losberne，afteramoment\'spause。

\'Yes，sir\'；repliedtheservant。\'Theoldgentleman，thehousekeeper，andagentlemanwhowasafriendofMr。Brownlow\'s，allwenttogether。

\'Thenturntowardshomeagain，\'saidMr。Losbernetothedriver；

\'anddon\'tstoptobaitthehorses，tillyougetoutofthisconfoundedLondon！\'

\'Thebook-stallkeeper，sir?\'saidOliver。\'Iknowthewaythere。Seehim，pray，sir！Doseehim！\'

\'Mypoorboy，thisisdisappointmentenoughforoneday，\'saidthedoctor。\'Quiteenoughforbothofus。Ifwegotothebook-stallkeeper\'s，weshallcertainlyfindthatheisdead，orhassethishouseonfire，orrunaway。No；homeagainstraight！\'Andinobediencetothedoctor\'simpulse，hometheywent。

ThisbitterdisappointmentcausedOlivermuchsorrowandgrief，eveninthemidstofhishappiness；forhehadpleasedhimself，manytimesduringhisillness，withthinkingofallthatMr。

BrownlowandMrs。Bedwinwouldsaytohim:andwhatdelightitwouldbetotellthemhowmanylongdaysandnightshehadpassedinreflectingonwhattheyhaddoneforhim，andinbewailinghiscruelseparationfromthem。Thehopeofeventuallyclearinghimselfwiththem，too，andexplaininghowhehadbeenforcedaway，hadbuoyedhimup，andsustainedhim，undermanyofhisrecenttrials；andnow，theideathattheyshouldhavegonesofar，andcarriedwiththemthebeliefthatthewasanimpostorandarobber——abeliefwhichmightremainuncontradictedtohisdyingday——wasalmostmorethanhecouldbear。

Thecircumstanceoccasionednoalteration，however，inthebehaviourofhisbenefactors。Afteranotherfortnight，whenthefinewarmweatherhadfairlybegun，andeverytreeandflowerwasputtingforthitsyoungleavesandrichblossoms，theymadepreparationsforquittingthehouseatChertsey，forsomemonths。

Sendingtheplate，whichhadsoexcitedFagin\'scupidity，tothebanker\'s；andleavingGilesandanotherservantincareofthehouse，theydepartedtoacottageatsomedistanceinthecountry，andtookOliverwiththem。

Whocandescribethepleasureanddelight，thepeaceofmindandsofttranquillity，thesicklyboyfeltinthebalmyair，andamongthegreenhillsandrichwoods，ofaninlandvillage！Whocantellhowscenesofpeaceandquietudesinkintothemindsofpain-worndwellersincloseandnoisyplaces，andcarrytheirownfreshness，deepintotheirjadedhearts！Menwhohavelivedincrowded，pent-upstreets，throughlivesoftoil，andwhohaveneverwishedforchange；men，towhomcustomhasindeedbeensecondnature，andwhohavecomealmosttoloveeachbrickandstonethatformedthenarrowboundariesoftheirdailywalks；

eventhey，withthehandofdeathuponthem，havebeenknowntoyearnatlastforoneshortglimpseofNature\'sface；and，carriedfarfromthescenesoftheiroldpainsandpleasures，haveseemedtopassatonceintoanewstateofbeing。Crawlingforth，fromdaytoday，tosomegreensunnyspot，theyhavehadsuchmemorieswakenedupwithinthembythesightofthesky，andhillandplain，andglisteningwater，thataforetasteofheavenitselfhassoothedtheirquickdecline，andtheyhavesunkintotheirtombs，aspeacefullyasthesunwhosesettingtheywatchedfromtheirlonelychamberwindowbutafewhoursbefore，fadedfromtheirdimandfeeblesight！Thememorieswhichpeacefulcountryscenescallup，arenotofthisworld，norofitsthoughtsandhopes。Theirgentleinfluencemayteachushowtoweavefreshgarlandsforthegravesofthoseweloved:maypurifyourthoughts，andbeardownbeforeitoldenmityandhatred；butbeneathallthis，therelingers，intheleastreflectivemind，avagueandhalf-formedconsciousnessofhavingheldsuchfeelingslongbefore，insomeremoteanddistanttime，whichcallsupsolemnthoughtsofdistanttimestocome，andbendsdownprideandworldlinessbeneathit。

Itwasalovelyspottowhichtheyrepaired。Oliver，whosedayshadbeenspentamongsqualidcrowds，andinthemidstofnoiseandbrawling，seemedtoenteronanewexistencethere。Theroseandhoneysuckleclungtothecottagewalls；theivycreptroundthetrunksofthetrees；andthegarden-flowersperfumedtheairwithdeliciousodours。Hardby，wasalittlechurchyard；notcrowdedwithtallunsightlygravestones，butfullofhumblemounds，coveredwithfreshturfandmoss:beneathwhich，theoldpeopleofthevillagelayatrest。Oliveroftenwanderedhere；

and，thinkingofthewretchedgraveinwhichhismotherlay，wouldsometimessithimdownandsobunseen；but，whenheraisedhiseyestothedeepskyoverhead，hewouldceasetothinkofheraslyingintheground，andwouldweepforher，sadly，butwithoutpain。

Itwasahappytime。Thedayswerepeacefulandserene；thenightsbroughtwiththemneitherfearnorcare；nolanguishinginawretchedprison，orassociatingwithwretchedmen；nothingbutpleasantandhappythoughts。Everymorninghewenttoawhite-headedoldgentleman，wholivednearthelittlechurch:

whotaughthimtoreadbetter，andtowrite:andwhospokesokindly，andtooksuchpains，thatOlivercouldnevertryenoughtopleasehim。Then，hewouldwalkwithMrs。MaylieandRose，andhearthemtalkofbooks；orperhapssitnearthem，insomeshadyplace，andlistenwhilsttheyoungladyread:whichhecouldhavedone，untilitgrewtoodarktoseetheletters。

Then，hehadhisownlessonforthenextdaytoprepare；andatthis，hewouldworkhard，inalittleroomwhichlookedintothegarden，tilleveningcameslowlyon，whentheladieswouldwalkoutagain，andhewiththem:listeningwithsuchpleasuretoalltheysaid:andsohappyiftheywantedaflowerthathecouldclimbtoreach，orhadforgottenanythinghecouldruntofetch:

thathecouldneverbequickenoughtaboutit。Whenitbecamequitedark，andtheyreturnedhome，theyoungladywouldsitdowntothepiano，andplaysomepleasantair，orsing，inalowandgentlevoice，someoldsongwhichitpleasedheraunttohear。

Therewouldbenocandleslightedatsuchtimesasthese；andOliverwouldsitbyoneofthewindows，listeningtothesweetmusic，inaperfectrapture。

AndwhenSundaycame，howdifferentlythedaywasspent，fromanywayinwhichhehadeverspentityet！andhowhappilytoo；likealltheotherdaysinthatmosthappytime！Therewasthelittlechurch，inthemorning，withthegreenleavesflutteringatthewindows:thebirdssingingwithout:andthesweet-smellingairstealinginatthelowporch，andfillingthehomelybuildingwithitsfragrance。Thepoorpeopleweresoneatandclean，andkneltsoreverentlyinprayer，thatitseemedapleasure，notatediousduty，theirassemblingtheretogether；andthoughthesingingmightberude，itwasreal，andsoundedmoremusical(toOliver\'searsatleast)thananyhehadeverheardinchurchbefore。Then，therewerethewalksasusual，andmanycallsatthecleanhousesofthelabouringmen；andatnight，OliverreadachapterortwofromtheBible，whichhehadbeenstudyingalltheweek，andintheperformanceofwhichdutyhefeltmoreproudandpleased，thanifhehadbeentheclergymanhimself。

Inthemorning，Oliverwouldbea-footbysixo\'clock，roamingthefields，andplunderingthehedges，farandwide，fornosegaysofwildflowers，withwhichhewouldreturnladen，home；andwhichittookgreatcareandconsiderationtoarrange，tothebestadvantage，fortheembellishmentofthebreakfast-table。

Therewasfreshgroundsel，too，forMissMaylie\'sbirds，withwhichOliver，whohadbeenstudyingthesubjectundertheabletuitionofthevillageclerk，woulddecoratethecages，inthemostapprovedtaste。Whenthebirdsweremadeallspruceandsmartfortheday，therewasusuallysomelittlecommissionofcharitytoexecuteinthevillage；or，failingthat，therewasrarecricket-playing，sometimes，onthegreen；or，failingthat，therewasalwayssomethingtodointhegarden，orabouttheplants，towhichOliver(whohadstudiedthissciencealso，underthesamemaster，whowasagardenerbytrade，)appliedhimselfwithheartygood-will，untilMissRosemadeherappearance:whentherewereathousandcommendationstobebestowedonallhehaddone。

Sothreemonthsglidedaway；threemonthswhich，inthelifeofthemostblessedandfavouredofmortals，mighthavebeenunmingledhappiness，andwhich，inOliver\'sweretruefelicity。

Withthepurestandmostamiablegenerousityononeside；andthetruest，warmest，soul-feltgratitudeontheother；itisnowonderthat，bytheendofthatshorttime，OliverTwisthadbecomecompletelydomesticatedwiththeoldladyandherniece，andthattheferventattachmentofhisyoungandsensitiveheart，wasrepaidbytheirpridein，andattachmentto，himself。

CHAPTERXXXIII

WHEREINTHEHAPPINESSOFOLIVERANDHISFRIENDS，EXPERIENCESA

SUDDENCHECK

Springflewswiftlyby，andsummercame。Ifthevillagehadbeenbeautifulatfirstitwasnowinthefullglowandluxurianceofitsrichness。Thegreattrees，whichhadlookedshrunkenandbareintheearliermonths，hadnowburstintostronglifeandhealth；andstretchingforththeirgreenarmsoverthethirstyground，convertedopenandnakedspotsintochoicenooks，wherewasadeepandpleasantshadefromwhichtolookuponthewideprospect，steepedinsunshine，whichlaystretchedbeyond。Theearthhaddonnedhermantleofbrightestgreen；andshedherrichestperfumesabroad。Itwastheprimeandvigouroftheyear；allthingsweregladandflourishing。

Still，thesamequietlifewentonatthelittlecottage，andthesamecheerfulserenityprevailedamongitsinmates。Oliverhadlongsincegrownstoutandhealthy；buthealthorsicknessmadenodifferenceinhiswarmfeelingsofagreatmanypeople。Hewasstillthesamegentle，attached，affectionatecreaturethathehadbeenwhenpainandsufferinghadwastedhisstrength，andwhenhewasdependentforeveryslightattention，andcomfortonthosewhotendedhim。

Onebeautifulnight，whentheyhadtakenalongerwalkthanwascustomarywiththem:forthedayhadbeenunusuallywarm，andtherewasabrilliantmoon，andalightwindhadsprungup，whichwasunusuallyrefreshing。Rosehadbeeninhighspirits，too，andtheyhadwalkedon，inmerryconversation，untiltheyhadfarexceededtheirordinarybounds。Mrs。Mayliebeingfatigued，theyreturnedmoreslowlyhome。Theyoungladymerelythrowingoffhersimplebonnet，satdowntothepianoasusual。Afterrunningabstractedlyoverthekeysforafewminutes，shefellintoalowandverysolemnair；andassheplayedit，theyheardasoundasifshewereweeping。

\'Rose，mydear！\'saidtheelderlady。

Rosemadenoreply，butplayedalittlequicker，asthoughthewordshadrousedherfromsomepainfulthoughts。

\'Rose，mylove！\'criedMrs。Maylie，risinghastily，andbendingoverher。\'Whatisthis?Intears！Mydearchild，whatdistressesyou?\'

\'Nothing，aunt；nothing，\'repliedtheyounglady。\'Idon\'tknowwhatitis；Ican\'tdescribeit；butIfeel——\'

\'Notill，mylove?\'interposedMrs。Maylie。

\'No，no！Oh，notill！\'repliedRose:shudderingasthoughsomedeadlychillnesswerepassingoverher，whileshespoke；\'Ishallbebetterpresently。Closethewindow，pray！\'

Oliverhastenedtocomplywithherrequest。Theyounglady，makinganefforttorecoverhercheerfulness，strovetoplaysomeliveliertune；butherfingersdroppedpowerlessoverthekeys。

Coveringherfacewithherhands，shesankuponasofa，andgaveventtothetearswhichshewasnowunabletorepress。

\'Mychild！\'saidtheelderlylady，foldingherarmsabouther，\'I

neversawyousobefore。\'

\'IwouldnotalarmyouifIcouldavoidit，\'rejoinedRose；\'butindeedIhavetriedveryhard，andcannothelpthis。IfearIAM

ill，aunt。\'

Shewas，indeed；for，whencandleswerebrought，theysawthatintheveryshorttimewhichhadelapsedsincetheirreturnhome，thehueofhercountenancehadchangedtoamarblewhiteness。

Itsexpressionhadlostnothingofitsbeauty；butitwaschanged；andtherewasananxioushaggardlookaboutthegentleface，whichithadneverwornbefore。Anotherminute，anditwassuffusedwithacrimsonflush:andaheavywildnesscameoverthesoftblueeye。Againthisdisappeared，liketheshadowthrownbyapassingcloud；andshewasoncemoredeadlypale。

Oliver，whowatchedtheoldladyanxiously，observedthatshewasalarmedbytheseappearances；andsointruth，washe；butseeingthatsheaffectedtomakelightofthem，heendeavouredtodothesame，andtheysofarsucceeded，thatwhenRosewaspersuadedbyheraunttoretireforthenight，shewasinbetterspirits；andappearedeveninbetterhealth:assuringthemthatshefeltcertainsheshouldriseinthemorning，quitewell。

\'Ihope，\'saidOliver，whenMrs。Mayliereturned，\'thatnothingisthematter?Shedon\'tlookwellto-night，but——\'

Theoldladymotionedtohimnottospeak；andsittingherselfdowninadarkcorneroftheroom，remainedsilentforsometime。

Atlength，shesaid，inatremblingvoice:

\'Ihopenot，Oliver。Ihavebeenveryhappywithherforsomeyears:toohappy，perhaps。ItmaybetimethatIshouldmeetwithsomemisfortune；butIhopeitisnotthis。\'

\'What?\'inquiredOliver。

\'Theheavyblow，\'saidtheoldlady，\'oflosingthedeargirlwhohassolongbeenmycomfortandhappiness。\'

\'Oh！Godforbid！\'exclaimedOliver，hastily。

\'Amentothat，mychild！\'saidtheoldlady，wringingherhands。

\'Surelythereisnodangerofanythingsodreadful?\'saidOliver。

\'Twohoursago，shewasquitewell。\'

\'Sheisveryillnow，\'rejoinedMrs。Maylies；\'andwillbeworse，Iamsure。Mydear，dearRose！Oh，whatshallIdowithouther！\'

Shegavewaytosuchgreatgrief，thatOliver，suppressinghisownemotion，venturedtoremonstratewithher；andtobeg，earnestly，that，forthesakeofthedearyoungladyherself，shewouldbemorecalm。

\'Andconsider，ma\'am，\'saidOliver，asthetearsforcedthemselvesintohiseyes，despiteofhiseffortstothecontrary。

\'Oh！considerhowyoungandgoodsheis，andwhatpleasureandcomfortshegivestoallabouther。Iamsure——certain——quitecertain——that，foryoursake，whoaresogoodyourself；andforherown；andforthesakeofallshemakessohappy；shewillnotdie。Heavenwillneverletherdiesoyoung。\'

\'Hush！\'saidMrs。Maylie，layingherhandonOliver\'shead。\'Youthinklikeachild，poorboy。Butyouteachmemyduty，notwithstanding。Ihadforgottenitforamoment，Oliver，butI

hopeImaybepardoned，forIamold，andhaveseenenoughofillnessanddeathtoknowtheagonyofseparationfromtheobjectsofourlove。Ihaveseenenough，too，toknowthatitisnotalwaystheyoungestandbestwhoaresparedtothosethatlovethem；butthisshouldgiveuscomfortinoursorrow；forHeavenisjust；andsuchthingsteachus，impressively，thatthereisabrighterworldthanthis；andthatthepassagetoitisspeedy。God\'swillbedone！Iloveher；andHeknowhowwell！\'

OliverwassurprisedtoseethatasMrs。Mayliesaidthesewords，shecheckedherlamentationsasthoughbyoneeffort；anddrawingherselfupasshespoke，becamecomposedandfirm。Hewasstillmoreastonishedtofindthatthisfirmnesslasted；andthat，underallthecareandwatchingwhichensued，Mrs。Mayliewaseveryreadyandcollected:performingallthedutieswhichhaddevolveduponher，steadily，and，toallexternalappearances，evencheerfully。Buthewasyoung，anddidnotknowwhatstrongmindsarecapableof，undertryingcircumstances。Howshouldhe，whentheirpossessorssoseldomknowthemselves?

Ananxiousnightensued。Whenmorningcame，Mrs。Maylie\'spredictionswerebuttoowellverified。Rosewasinthefirststageofahighanddangerousfever。

\'Wemustbeactive，Oliver，andnotgivewaytouselessgrief，\'

saidMrs。Maylie，layingherfingeronherlip，asshelookedsteadilyintohisface；\'thislettermustbesent，withallpossibleexpedition，toMr。Losberne。Itmustbecarriedtothemarket-town:whichisnotmorethanfourmilesoff，bythefootpathacrossthefield:andthencedispatched，byanexpressonhorseback，straighttoChertsey。Thepeopleattheinnwillundertaketodothis:andIcantrusttoyoutoseeitdone，I

know。\'

Olivercouldmakenoreply，butlookedhisanxietytobegoneatonce。

\'Hereisanotherletter，\'saidMrs。Maylie，pausingtoreflect；

\'butwhethertosenditnow，orwaituntilIseehowRosegoeson，Iscarcelyknow。Iwouldnotforwardit，unlessIfearedtheworst。\'

\'IsitforChertsey，too，ma\'am?\'inquiredOliver；impatienttoexecutehiscommission，andholdingouthistremblinghandfortheletter。

\'No，\'repliedtheoldlady，givingittohimmechanically。

Oliverglancedatit，andsawthatitwasdirectedtoHarryMaylie，Esquire，atsomegreatlord\'shouseinthecountry；

where，hecouldnotmakeout。

\'Shallitgo，ma\'am?\'askedOliver，lookingup，impatiently。

\'Ithinknot，\'repliedMrs。Maylie，takingitback。\'Iwillwaituntilto-morrow。\'

Withthesewords，shegaveOliverherpurse，andhestartedoff，withoutmoredelay，atthegreatestspeedhecouldmuster。

Swiftlyheranacrossthefields，anddownthelittlelaneswhichsometimesdividedthem:nowalmosthiddenbythehighcornoneitherside，andnowemergingonanopenfield，wherethemowersandhaymakerswerebusyattheirwork:nordidhestoponce，savenowandthen，forafewseconds，torecoverbreath，untilhecame，inagreatheat，andcoveredwithdust，onthelittlemarket-placeofthemarket-town。