byCharlesDickens
I。
Mostofusseesomeromancesinlife。InmycapacityasChiefManagerofaLifeAssuranceOffice，IthinkIhavewithinthelastthirtyyearsseenmoreromancesthanthegeneralityofmen，howeverunpromisingtheopportunitymay，atfirstsight，seem。
AsIhaveretired，andliveatmyease，IpossessthemeansthatI
usedtowant，ofconsideringwhatIhaveseen，atleisure。Myexperienceshaveamoreremarkableaspect，soreviewed，thantheyhadwhentheywereinprogress。IhavecomehomefromthePlaynow，andcanrecallthescenesoftheDramauponwhichthecurtainhasfallen，freefromtheglare，bewilderment，andbustleoftheTheatre。
LetmerecalloneoftheseRomancesoftherealworld。
Thereisnothingtruerthanphysiognomy，takeninconnectionwithmanner。TheartofreadingthatbookofwhichEternalWisdomobligeseveryhumancreaturetopresenthisorherownpagewiththeindividualcharacterwrittenonit，isadifficultone，perhaps，andislittlestudied。Itmayrequiresomenaturalaptitude，anditmustrequire（foreverythingdoes）somepatienceandsomepains。Thatthesearenotusuallygiventoit，—thatnumbersofpeopleacceptafewstockcommonplaceexpressionsofthefaceasthewholelistofcharacteristics，andneitherseeknorknowtherefinementsthataretruest，—thatYou，forinstance，giveagreatdealoftimeandattentiontothereadingofmusic，Greek，Latin，French，Italian，Hebrew，ifyouplease，anddonotqualifyyourselftoreadthefaceofthemasterormistresslookingoveryourshoulderteachingittoyou，—Iassumetobefivehundredtimesmoreprobablethanimprobable。Perhapsalittleself—sufficiencymaybeatthebottomofthis；facialexpressionrequiresnostudyfromyou，youthink；itcomesbynaturetoyoutoknowenoughaboutit，andyouarenottobetakenin。
Iconfess，formypart，thatIHAVEbeentakenin，overandoveragain。Ihavebeentakeninbyacquaintances，andIhavebeentakenin（ofcourse）byfriends；faroftenerbyfriendsthanbyanyotherclassofpersons。HowcameItobesodeceived？HadIquitemisreadtheirfaces？
No。Believeme，myfirstimpressionofthosepeople，foundedonfaceandmanneralone，wasinvariablytrue。Mymistakewasinsufferingthemtocomenearertomeandexplainthemselvesaway。
II。
ThepartitionwhichseparatedmyownofficefromourgeneralouterofficeintheCitywasofthickplate—glass。Icouldseethroughitwhatpassedintheouteroffice，withouthearingaword。Ihaditputupinplaceofawallthathadbeenthereforyears，—eversincethehousewasbuilt。ItisnomatterwhetherIdidordidnotmakethechangeinorderthatImightderivemyfirstimpressionofstrangers，whocametousonbusiness，fromtheirfacesalone，withoutbeinginfluencedbyanythingtheysaid。
EnoughtomentionthatIturnedmyglasspartitiontothataccount，andthataLifeAssuranceOfficeisatalltimesexposedtobepractiseduponbythemostcraftyandcruelofthehumanrace。
ItwasthroughmyglasspartitionthatIfirstsawthegentlemanwhosestoryIamgoingtotell。
Hehadcomeinwithoutmyobservingit，andhadputhishatandumbrellaonthebroadcounter，andwasbendingoverittotakesomepapersfromoneoftheclerks。Hewasaboutfortyorso，dark，exceedinglywelldressedinblack，—beinginmourning，—andthehandheextendedwithapoliteair，hadaparticularlywell—fittingblack—kidgloveuponit。Hishair，whichwaselaboratelybrushedandoiled，waspartedstraightupthemiddle；andhepresentedthispartingtotheclerk，exactly（tomythinking）asifhehadsaid，insomanywords:’Youmusttakeme，ifyouplease，myfriend，justasIshowmyself。Comestraightuphere，followthegravelpath，keepoffthegrass，Iallownotrespassing。’
IconceivedaverygreataversiontothatmanthemomentIthussawhim。
Hehadaskedforsomeofourprintedforms，andtheclerkwasgivingthemtohimandexplainingthem。Anobligedandagreeablesmilewasonhisface，andhiseyesmetthoseoftheclerkwithasprightlylook。（Ihaveknownavastquantityofnonsensetalkedaboutbadmennotlookingyouintheface。Don’ttrustthatconventionalidea。Dishonestywillstarehonestyoutofcountenance，anydayintheweek，ifthereisanythingtobegotbyit。）
Isaw，inthecornerofhiseyelash，thathebecameawareofmylookingathim。Immediatelyheturnedthepartinginhishairtowardtheglasspartition，asifhesaidtomewithasweetsmile，’Straightuphere，ifyouplease。Offthegrass！’
Inafewmomentshehadputonhishatandtakenuphisumbrella，andwasgone。
Ibeckonedtheclerkintomyroom，andasked，’Whowasthat？’
Hehadthegentleman’scardinhishand。’Mr。JuliusSlinkton，MiddleTemple。’
’Abarrister，Mr。Adams？’
’Ithinknot，sir。’
’Ishouldhavethoughthimaclergyman，butforhishavingnoReverendhere，’saidI。
’Probably，fromhisappearance，’Mr。Adamsreplied，’heisreadingfororders。’
Ishouldmentionthatheworeadaintywhitecravat，anddaintylinenaltogether。
’Whatdidhewant，Mr。Adams？’
’Merelyaformofproposal，sir，andformofreference。’
’Recommendedhere？Didhesay？’
’Yes，hesaidhewasrecommendedherebyafriendofyours。Henoticedyou，butsaidthatashehadnotthepleasureofyourpersonalacquaintancehewouldnottroubleyou。’
’Didheknowmyname？’
’Oyes，sir！Hesaid，\"ThereISMr。Sampson，Isee！\"’
’Awell—spokengentleman，apparently？’
’Remarkablyso，sir。’
’Insinuatingmanners，apparently？’
’Verymuchso，indeed，sir。’
’Hah！’saidI。’Iwantnothingatpresent，Mr。Adams。’
WithinafortnightofthatdayIwenttodinewithafriendofmine，amerchant，amanoftaste，whobuyspicturesandbooks，andthefirstmanIsawamongthecompanywasMr。JuliusSlinkton。
Therehewas，standingbeforethefire，withgoodlargeeyesandanopenexpressionofface；butstill（Ithought）requiringeverybodytocomeathimbythepreparedwayheoffered，andbynoother。
InoticedhimaskmyfriendtointroducehimtoMr。Sampson，andmyfrienddidso。Mr。Slinktonwasveryhappytoseeme。Nottoohappy；therewasnoover—doingofthematter；happyinathoroughlywell—bred，perfectlyunmeaningway。
’Ithoughtyouhadmet，’ourhostobserved。
’No，’saidMr。Slinkton。’IdidlookinatMr。Sampson’soffice，onyourrecommendation；butIreallydidnotfeeljustifiedintroublingMr。Sampsonhimself，onapointintheeveryday，routineofanordinaryclerk。’
IsaidIshouldhavebeengladtoshowhimanyattentiononourfriend’sintroduction。
’Iamsureofthat，’saidhe，’andammuchobliged。Atanothertime，perhaps，Imaybelessdelicate。Only，however，ifIhaverealbusiness；forIknow，Mr。Sampson，howpreciousbusinesstimeis，andwhatavastnumberofimpertinentpeoplethereareintheworld。’
Iacknowledgedhisconsiderationwithaslightbow。’Youwerethinking，’saidI，’ofeffectingapolicyonyourlife。’
’Odearno！IamafraidIamnotsoprudentasyoupaymethecomplimentofsupposingmetobe，Mr。Sampson。Imerelyinquiredforafriend。Butyouknowwhatfriendsareinsuchmatters。
Nothingmayevercomeofit。Ihavethegreatestreluctancetotroublemenofbusinesswithinquiriesforfriends，knowingtheprobabilitiestobeathousandtoonethatthefriendswillneverfollowthemup。Peoplearesofickle，soselfish，soinconsiderate。Don’tyou，inyourbusiness，findthemsoeveryday，Mr。Sampson？’
Iwasgoingtogiveaqualifiedanswer；butheturnedhissmooth，whitepartingonmewithits’Straightuphere，ifyouplease！’andIanswered’Yes。’
’Ihear，Mr。Sampson，’heresumedpresently，forourfriendhadanewcook，anddinnerwasnotsopunctualasusual，’thatyourprofessionhasrecentlysufferedagreatloss。’
’Inmoney？’saidI。
Helaughedatmyreadyassociationoflosswithmoney，andreplied，’No，intalentandvigour。’
Notatoncefollowingouthisallusion，Iconsideredforamoment。
’HASitsustainedalossofthatkind？’saidI。’Iwasnotawareofit。’
’Understandme，Mr。Sampson。Idon’timaginethatyouhaveretired。Itisnotsobadasthat。ButMr。Meltham—’
’O，tobesure！’saidI。’Yes！Mr。Meltham，theyoungactuaryofthe\"Inestimable。\"’
’Justso，’hereturnedinaconsolingway。
’Heisagreatloss。Hewasatoncethemostprofound，themostoriginal，andthemostenergeticmanIhaveeverknownconnectedwithLifeAssurance。’
Ispokestrongly；forIhadahighesteemandadmirationforMeltham；andmygentlemanhadindefinitelyconveyedtomesomesuspicionthathewantedtosneerathim。Herecalledmetomyguardbypresentingthattrimpathwayuphishead，withitsinternal’Notonthegrass，ifyouplease—thegravel。’
’Youknewhim，Mr。Slinkton。’
’Onlybyreputation。Tohaveknownhimasanacquaintanceorasafriend，isanhonourIshouldhavesoughtifhehadremainedinsociety，thoughImightneverhavehadthegoodfortunetoattainit，beingamanoffarinferiormark。Hewasscarcelyabovethirty，Isuppose？’
’Aboutthirty。’
’Ah！’hesighedinhisformerconsolingway。’Whatcreaturesweare！Tobreakup，Mr。Sampson，andbecomeincapableofbusinessatthattimeoflife！—Anyreasonassignedforthemelancholyfact？’
（’Humph！’thoughtI，asIlookedathim。’ButIWON’Tgoupthetrack，andIWILLgoonthegrass。’）
’Whatreasonhaveyouheardassigned，Mr。Slinkton？’Iasked，point—blank。
’Mostlikelyafalseone。YouknowwhatRumouris，Mr。Sampson。I
neverrepeatwhatIhear；itistheonlywayofparingthenailsandshavingtheheadofRumour。ButwhenYOUaskmewhatreasonI
haveheardassignedforMr。Meltham’spassingawayfromamongmen，itisanotherthing。Iamnotgratifyingidlegossipthen。Iwastold，Mr。Sampson，thatMr。Melthamhadrelinquishedallhisavocationsandallhisprospects，becausehewas，infact，broken—
hearted。AdisappointedattachmentIheard，—thoughithardlyseemsprobable，inthecaseofamansodistinguishedandsoattractive。’
’Attractionsanddistinctionsarenoarmouragainstdeath，’saidI。
’O，shedied？Praypardonme。Ididnothearthat。That，indeed，makesitvery，verysad。PoorMr。Meltham！Shedied？Ah，dearme！Lamentable，lamentable！’
Istillthoughthispitywasnotquitegenuine，andIstillsuspectedanunaccountablesneerunderallthis，untilhesaid，aswewereparted，liketheotherknotsoftalkers，bytheannouncementofdinner:
’Mr。Sampson，youaresurprisedtoseemesomovedonbehalfofamanwhomIhaveneverknown。Iamnotsodisinterestedasyoumaysuppose。Ihavesuffered，andrecentlytoo，fromdeathmyself。I
havelostoneoftwocharmingnieces，whoweremyconstantcompanions。Shediedyoung—barelythree—and—twenty；andevenherremainingsisterisfarfromstrong。Theworldisagrave！’
Hesaidthiswithdeepfeeling，andIfeltreproachedforthecoldnessofmymanner。Coldnessanddistrusthadbeenengenderedinme，Iknew，bymybadexperiences；theywerenotnaturaltome；
andIoftenthoughthowmuchIhadlostinlife，losingtrustfulness，andhowlittleIhadgained，gaininghardcaution。
Thisstateofmindbeinghabitualtome，ItroubledmyselfmoreaboutthisconversationthanImighthavetroubledmyselfaboutagreatermatter。Ilistenedtohistalkatdinner，andobservedhowreadilyothermenrespondedtoit，andwithwhatagracefulinstinctheadaptedhissubjectstotheknowledgeandhabitsofthosehetalkedwith。As，intalkingwithme，hehadeasilystartedthesubjectImightbesupposedtounderstandbest，andtobethemostinterestedin，so，intalkingwithothers，heguidedhimselfbythesamerule。Thecompanywasofavariedcharacter；
buthewasnotatfault，thatIcoulddiscover，withanymemberofit。Heknewjustasmuchofeachman’spursuitasmadehimagreeabletothatmaninreferencetoit，andjustaslittleasmadeitnaturalinhimtoseekmodestlyforinformationwhenthethemewasbroached。
Ashetalkedandtalked—butreallynottoomuch，fortherestofusseemedtoforceituponhim—Ibecamequiteangrywithmyself。
Itookhisfacetopiecesinmymind，likeawatch，andexamineditindetail。Icouldnotsaymuchagainstanyofhisfeaturesseparately；Icouldsayevenlessagainstthemwhentheywereputtogether。’Thenisitnotmonstrous，’Iaskedmyself，’thatbecauseamanhappenstoparthishairstraightupthemiddleofhishead，Ishouldpermitmyselftosuspect，andeventodetesthim？’
（Imaystoptoremarkthatthiswasnoproofofmysense。Anobserverofmenwhofindshimselfsteadilyrepelledbysomeapparentlytriflingthinginastrangerisrighttogiveitgreatweight。Itmaybethecluetothewholemystery。Ahairortwowillshowwherealionishidden。Averylittlekeywillopenaveryheavydoor。）
Itookmypartintheconversationwithhimafteratime，andwegotonremarkablywell。Inthedrawing—roomIaskedthehosthowlonghehadknownMr。Slinkton。Heanswered，notmanymonths；hehadmethimatthehouseofacelebratedpainterthenpresent，whohadknownhimwellwhenhewastravellingwithhisniecesinItalyfortheirhealth。Hisplansinlifebeingbrokenbythedeathofoneofthem，hewasreadingwiththeintentionofgoingbacktocollegeasamatterofform，takinghisdegree，andgoingintoorders。IcouldnotbutarguewithmyselfthatherewasthetrueexplanationofhisinterestinpoorMeltham，andthatIhadbeenalmostbrutalinmydistrustonthatsimplehead。
III。
OntheverynextdaybutoneIwassittingbehindmyglasspartition，asbefore，whenhecameintotheouteroffice，asbefore。ThemomentIsawhimagainwithouthearinghim，Ihatedhimworsethanever。
ItwasonlyforamomentthatIhadthisopportunity；forhewavedhistight—fittingblackglovetheinstantIlookedathim，andcamestraightin。
’Mr。Sampson，good—day！Ipresume，yousee，uponyourkindpermissiontointrudeuponyou。Idon’tkeepmywordinbeingjustifiedbybusiness，formybusinesshere—ifImaysoabusetheword—isoftheslightestnature。’
Iasked，wasitanythingIcouldassisthimin？
’Ithankyou，no。Imerelycalledtoinquireoutsidewhethermydilatoryfriendhadbeensofalsetohimselfastobepracticalandsensible。But，ofcourse，hehasdonenothing。Igavehimyourpaperswithmyownhand，andhewashotupontheintention，butofcoursehehasdonenothing。Apartfromthegeneralhumandisinclinationtodoanythingthatoughttobedone，Idaresaythereisaspeciallyaboutassuringone’slife。Youfinditlikewill—making。Peoplearesosuperstitious，andtakeitforgrantedtheywilldiesoonafterwards。’
’Uphere，ifyouplease；straightuphere，Mr。Sampson。Neithertotherightnortotheleft。’IalmostfanciedIcouldhearhimbreathethewordsashesatsmilingatme，withthatintolerablepartingexactlyoppositethebridgeofmynose。
’Thereissuchafeelingsometimes，nodoubt，’Ireplied；’butI
don’tthinkitobtainstoanygreatextent。’
’Well，’saidhe，withashrugandasmile，’Iwishsomegoodangelwouldinfluencemyfriendintherightdirection。IrashlypromisedhismotherandsisterinNorfolktoseeitdone，andhepromisedthemthathewoulddoit。ButIsupposeheneverwill。’
Hespokeforaminuteortwoonindifferenttopics，andwentaway。
Ihadscarcelyunlockedthedrawersofmywriting—tablenextmorning，whenhereappeared。Inoticedthathecamestraighttothedoorintheglasspartition，anddidnotpauseasinglemomentoutside。
’Canyousparemetwominutes，mydearMr。Sampson？’
’Byallmeans。’
’Muchobliged，’layinghishatandumbrellaonthetable；’Icameearly，nottointerruptyou。Thefactis，Iamtakenbysurpriseinreferencetothisproposalmyfriendhasmade。’
’Hashemadeone？’saidI。
’Ye—es，’heanswered，deliberatelylookingatme；andthenabrightideaseemedtostrikehim—’orheonlytellsmehehas。Perhapsthatmaybeanewwayofevadingthematter。ByJupiter，Ineverthoughtofthat！’
Mr。Adamswasopeningthemorning’slettersintheouteroffice。
’Whatisthename，Mr。Slinkton？’Iasked。
’Beckwith。’
IlookedoutatthedoorandrequestedMr。Adams，iftherewereaproposalinthatname，tobringitin。Hehadalreadylaiditoutofhishandonthecounter。Itwaseasilyselectedfromtherest，andhegaveitme。AlfredBeckwith。Proposaltoeffectapolicywithusfortwothousandpounds。Datedyesterday。
’FromtheMiddleTemple，Isee，Mr。Slinkton。’
’Yes。Helivesonthesamestaircasewithme；hisdoorisopposite。Ineverthoughthewouldmakemehisreferencethough。’
’Itseemsnaturalenoughthatheshould。’
’Quiteso，Mr。Sampson；butIneverthoughtofit。Letmesee。’
Hetooktheprintedpaperfromhispocket。’HowamItoanswerallthesequestions？’
’Accordingtothetruth，ofcourse，’saidI。
’O，ofcourse！’heanswered，lookingupfromthepaperwithasmile；’Imeanttheyweresomany。Butyoudorighttobeparticular。Itstandstoreasonthatyoumustbeparticular。Willyouallowmetouseyourpenandink？’
’Certainly。’
’Andyourdesk？’
’Certainly。’
Hehadbeenhoveringaboutbetweenhishatandhisumbrellaforaplacetowriteon。Henowsatdowninmychair，atmyblotting—
paperandinkstand，withthelongwalkuphisheadinaccurateperspectivebeforeme，asIstoodwithmybacktothefire。
Beforeansweringeachquestionheranoveritaloud，anddiscussedit。HowlonghadheknownMr。AlfredBeckwith？Thathehadtocalculatebyyearsuponhisfingers。Whatwerehishabits？Nodifficultyaboutthem；temperateinthelastdegree，andtookalittletoomuchexercise，ifanything。Alltheanswersweresatisfactory。Whenhehadwrittenthemall，helookedthemover，andfinallysignedtheminaveryprettyhand。Hesupposedhehadnowdonewiththebusiness。Itoldhimhewasnotlikelytobetroubledanyfarther。Shouldheleavethepapersthere？Ifhepleased。Muchobliged。Good—morning。
Ihadhadoneothervisitorbeforehim；notattheoffice，butatmyownhouse。Thatvisitorhadcometomybedsidewhenitwasnotyetdaylight，andhadbeenseenbynooneelsebutbymyfaithfulconfidentialservant。
Asecondreferencepaper（forwerequiredalwaystwo）wassentdownintoNorfolk，andwasdulyreceivedbackbypost。This，likewise，wassatisfactorilyansweredineveryrespect。Ourformswereallcompliedwith；weacceptedtheproposal，andthepremiumforoneyearwaspaid。
IV。
ForsixorsevenmonthsIsawnomoreofMr。Slinkton。Hecalledonceatmyhouse，butIwasnotathome；andheonceaskedmetodinewithhimintheTemple，butIwasengaged。Hisfriend’sassurancewaseffectedinMarch。LateinSeptemberorearlyinOctoberIwasdownatScarboroughforabreathofsea—air，whereI
methimonthebeach。Itwasahotevening；hecametowardmewithhishatinhishand；andtherewasthewalkIhadfeltsostronglydisinclinedtotakeinperfectorderagain，exactlyinfrontofthebridgeofmynose。
Hewasnotalone，buthadayoungladyonhisarm。
Shewasdressedinmourning，andIlookedatherwithgreatinterest。Shehadtheappearanceofbeingextremelydelicate，andherfacewasremarkablypaleandmelancholy；butshewasverypretty。Heintroducedherashisniece，MissNiner。
’Areyoustrolling，Mr。Sampson？Isitpossibleyoucanbeidle？’
ItWASpossible，andIWASstrolling。
’Shallwestrolltogether？’
’Withpleasure。’
Theyoungladywalkedbetweenus，andwewalkedonthecoolseasand，inthedirectionofFiley。
’Therehavebeenwheelshere，’saidMr。Slinkton。’AndnowIlookagain，thewheelsofahand—carriage！Margaret，mylove，yourshadowwithoutdoubt！’
’MissNiner’sshadow？’Irepeated，lookingdownatitonthesand。
’Notthatone，’Mr。Slinktonreturned，laughing。’Margaret，mydear，tellMr。Sampson。’
’Indeed，’saidtheyounglady，turningtome，’thereisnothingtotell—exceptthatIconstantlyseethesameinvalidoldgentlemanatalltimes，whereverIgo。Ihavementionedittomyuncle，andhecallsthegentlemanmyshadow。’
’DoesheliveinScarborough？’Iasked。
’Heisstayinghere。’
’DoyouliveinScarborough？’
’No，Iamstayinghere。Myunclehasplacedmewithafamilyhere，formyhealth。’
’Andyourshadow？’saidI，smiling。
’Myshadow，’sheanswered，smilingtoo，’is—likemyself—notveryrobust，Ifear；forIlosemyshadowsometimes，asmyshadowlosesmeatothertimes。Webothseemliabletoconfinementtothehouse。Ihavenotseenmyshadowfordaysanddays；butitdoesoddlyhappen，occasionally，thatwhereverIgo，formanydaystogether，thisgentlemangoes。Wehavecometogetherinthemostunfrequentednooksonthisshore。’
’Isthishe？’saidI，pointingbeforeus。
Thewheelshadsweptdowntothewater’sedge，anddescribedagreatlooponthesandinturning。Bringingtheloopbacktowardsus，andspinningitoutasitcame，wasahand—carriage，drawnbyaman。
’Yes，’saidMissNiner，’thisreallyismyshadow，uncle。’
Asthecarriageapproachedusandweapproachedthecarriage，Isawwithinitanoldman，whoseheadwassunkonhisbreast，andwhowasenvelopedinavarietyofwrappers。Hewasdrawnbyaveryquietbutverykeen—lookingman，withiron—grayhair，whowasslightlylame。Theyhadpassedus，whenthecarriagestopped，andtheoldgentlemanwithin，puttingouthisarm，calledtomebymyname。Iwentback，andwasabsentfromMr。Slinktonandhisnieceforaboutfiveminutes。
WhenIrejoinedthem，Mr。Slinktonwasthefirsttospeak。Indeed，hesaidtomeinaraisedvoicebeforeIcameupwithhim:
’Itiswellyouhavenotbeenlonger，ormyniecemighthavediedofcuriositytoknowwhohershadowis，Mr。Sampson。’
’AnoldEastIndiaDirector，’saidI。’Anintimatefriendofourfriend’s，atwhosehouseIfirsthadthepleasureofmeetingyou。
AcertainMajorBanks。Youhaveheardofhim？’
’Never。’
’Veryrich，MissNiner；butveryold，andverycrippled。Anamiableman，sensible—muchinterestedinyou。Hehasjustbeenexpatiatingontheaffectionthathehasobservedtoexistbetweenyouandyouruncle。’
Mr。Slinktonwasholdinghishatagain，andhepassedhishandupthestraightwalk，asifhehimselfwentupitserenely，afterme。
’Mr。Sampson，’hesaid，tenderlypressinghisniece’sarminhis，’ouraffectionwasalwaysastrongone，forwehavehadbutfewnearties。Wehavestillfewernow。Wehaveassociationstobringustogether，thatarenotofthisworld，Margaret。’
’Dearuncle！’murmuredtheyounglady，andturnedherfaceasidetohidehertears。
’MynieceandIhavesuchremembrancesandregretsincommon，Mr。
Sampson，’hefeelinglypursued，’thatitwouldbestrangeindeediftherelationsbetweenuswerecoldorindifferent。IfIrememberaconversationweoncehadtogether，youwillunderstandthereferenceImake。Cheerup，dearMargaret。Don’tdroop，don’tdroop。MyMargaret！Icannotbeartoseeyoudroop！’
Thepooryoungladywasverymuchaffected，butcontrolledherself。
Hisfeelings，too，wereveryacute。Inaword，hefoundhimselfundersuchgreatneedofarestorative，thathepresentlywentaway，totakeabathofsea—water，leavingtheyoungladyandmesittingbyapointofrock，andprobablypresuming—butthatyouwillsaywasapardonableindulgenceinaluxury—thatshewouldpraisehimwithallherheart。
Shedid，poorthing！Withallherconfidingheart，shepraisedhimtome，forhiscareofherdeadsister，andforhisuntiringdevotioninherlastillness。Thesisterhadwastedawayveryslowly，andwildandterriblefantasieshadcomeoverhertowardtheend，buthehadneverbeenimpatientwithher，orataloss；
hadalwaysbeengentle，watchful，andself—possessed。Thesisterhadknownhim，asshehadknownhim，tobethebestofmen，thekindestofmen，andyetamanofsuchadmirablestrengthofcharacter，astobeaverytowerforthesupportoftheirweaknatureswhiletheirpoorlivesendured。
’Ishallleavehim，Mr。Sampson，verysoon，’saidtheyounglady；
’Iknowmylifeisdrawingtoanend；andwhenIamgone，Ihopehewillmarryandbehappy。Iamsurehehaslivedsinglesolong，onlyformysake，andformypoor，poorsister’s。’
Thelittlehand—carriagehadmadeanothergreatlooponthedampsand，andwascomingbackagain，graduallyspinningoutaslimfigureofeight，halfamilelong。
’Younglady，’saidI，lookingaround，layingmyhanduponherarm，andspeakinginalowvoice，’timepresses。Youhearthegentlemurmurofthatsea？’
Shelookedatmewiththeutmostwonderandalarm，saying，’Yes！’
’Andyouknowwhatavoiceisinitwhenthestormcomes？’
’Yes！’
’Youseehowquietandpeacefulitliesbeforeus，andyouknowwhatanawfulsightofpowerwithoutpityitmightbe，thisverynight！’
’Yes！’
’Butifyouhadneverheardorseenit，orheardofitinitscruelty，couldyoubelievethatitbeatseveryinanimatethinginitswaytopieces，withoutmercy，anddestroyslifewithoutremorse？’
’Youterrifyme，sir，bythesequestions！’
’Tosaveyou，younglady，tosaveyou！ForGod’ssake，collectyourstrengthandcollectyourfirmness！Ifyouwereherealone，andhemmedinbytherisingtideontheflowtofiftyfeetaboveyourhead，youcouldnotbeingreaterdangerthanthedangeryouarenowtobesavedfrom。’
Thefigureonthesandwasspunout，andstraggledoffintoacrookedlittlejerkthatendedatthecliffverynearus。
’AsIam，beforeHeavenandtheJudgeofallmankind，yourfriend，andyourdeadsister’sfriend，Isolemnlyentreatyou，MissNiner，withoutonemoment’slossoftime，tocometothisgentlemanwithme！’
Ifthelittlecarriagehadbeenlessneartous，IdoubtifIcouldhavegotheraway；butitwassonearthatweweretherebeforeshehadrecoveredthehurryofbeingurgedfromtherock。Ididnotremaintherewithhertwominutes。Certainlywithinfive，Ihadtheinexpressiblesatisfactionofseeingher—fromthepointwehadsaton，andtowhichIhadreturned—halfsupportedandhalfcarriedupsomerudestepsnotchedinthecliff，bythefigureofanactiveman。Withthatfigurebesideher，Iknewshewassafeanywhere。
Isataloneontherock，awaitingMr。Slinkton’sreturn。Thetwilightwasdeepeningandtheshadowswereheavy，whenhecameroundthepoint，withhishathangingathisbutton—hole，smoothinghiswethairwithoneofhishands，andpickingouttheoldpathwiththeotherandapocket—comb。
’Myniecenothere，Mr。Sampson？’hesaid，lookingabout。
’MissNinerseemedtofeelachillintheairafterthesunwasdown，andhasgonehome。’
Helookedsurprised，asthoughshewerenotaccustomedtodoanythingwithouthim；eventooriginatesoslightaproceeding。
’IpersuadedMissNiner，’Iexplained。
’Ah！’saidhe。’Sheiseasilypersuaded—forhergood。Thankyou，Mr。Sampson；sheisbetterwithindoors。Thebathing—placewasfartherthanIthought，tosaythetruth。’
’MissNinerisverydelicate，’Iobserved。
Heshookhisheadanddrewadeepsigh。’Very，very，very。Youmayrecollectmysayingso。Thetimethathassinceintervenedhasnotstrengthenedher。Thegloomyshadowthatfelluponhersistersoearlyinlifeseems，inmyanxiouseyes，togatheroverher，everdarker，everdarker。DearMargaret，dearMargaret！Butwemusthope。’
Thehand—carriagewasspinningawaybeforeusatamostindecorouspaceforaninvalidvehicle，andwasmakingmostirregularcurvesuponthesand。Mr。Slinkton，noticingitafterhehadputhishandkerchieftohiseyes，said；
’IfImayjudgefromappearances，yourfriendwillbeupset，Mr。
Sampson。’
’Itlooksprobable，certainly，’saidI。
’Theservantmustbedrunk。’
’Theservantsofoldgentlemenwillgetdrunksometimes，’saidI。
’Themajordrawsverylight，Mr。Sampson。’
’Themajordoesdrawlight，’saidI。
Bythistimethecarriage，muchtomyrelief，waslostinthedarkness。Wewalkedonforalittle，sidebysideoverthesand，insilence。Afterashortwhilehesaid，inavoicestillaffectedbytheemotionthathisniece’sstateofhealthhadawakenedinhim，’Doyoustayherelong，Mr。Sampson？’
’Why，no。Iamgoingawayto—night。’
’Sosoon？Butbusinessalwaysholdsyouinrequest。MenlikeMr。
Sampsonaretooimportanttoothers，tobesparedtotheirownneedofrelaxationandenjoyment。’
’Idon’tknowaboutthat，’saidI。’However，Iamgoingback。’
’ToLondon？’
’ToLondon。’
’Ishallbetheretoo，soonafteryou。’
Iknewthataswellashedid。ButIdidnottellhimso。AnymorethanItoldhimwhatdefensiveweaponmyrighthandrestedoninmypocket，asIwalkedbyhisside。AnymorethanItoldhimwhyIdidnotwalkontheseasideofhimwiththenightclosingin。
Weleftthebeach，andourwaysdiverged。Weexchangedgoodnight，andhadpartedindeed，whenhesaid，returning，’Mr。Sampson，MAYIask？PoorMeltham，whomwespokeof，—deadyet？’
’NotwhenIlastheardofhim；buttoobrokenamantolivelong，andhopelesslylosttohisoldcalling。’
’Dear，dear，dear！’saidhe，withgreatfeeling。’Sad，sad，sad！
Theworldisagrave！’Andsowenthisway。
Itwasnothisfaultiftheworldwerenotagrave；butIdidnotcallthatobservationafterhim，anymorethanIhadmentionedthoseotherthingsjustnowenumerated。Hewenthisway，andI
wentminewithallexpedition。Thishappened，asIhavesaid，eitherattheendofSeptemberorbeginningofOctober。ThenexttimeIsawhim，andthelasttime，waslateinNovember。
V。
IhadaveryparticularengagementtobreakfastintheTemple。Itwasabitternorth—easterlymorning，andthesleetandslushlayinchesdeepinthestreets。Icouldgetnoconveyance，andwassoonwettotheknees；butIshouldhavebeentruetothatappointment，thoughIhadtowadetoituptomyneckinthesameimpediments。
TheappointmenttookmetosomechambersintheTemple。Theywereatthetopofalonelycornerhouseoverlookingtheriver。Thename，MR。ALFREDBECKWITH，waspaintedontheouterdoor。Onthedooropposite，onthesamelanding，thenameMR。JULIUSSLINKTON。
Thedoorsofbothsetsofchambersstoodopen，sothatanythingsaidaloudinonesetcouldbeheardintheother。
Ihadneverbeeninthosechambersbefore。Theyweredismal，close，unwholesome，andoppressive；thefurniture，originallygood，andnotyetold，wasfadedanddirty，—theroomswereingreatdisorder；therewasastrongprevailingsmellofopium，brandy，andtobacco；thegrateandfire—ironsweresplashedalloverwithunsightlyblotchesofrust；andonasofabythefire，intheroomwherebreakfasthadbeenprepared，laythehost，Mr。Beckwith，amanwithalltheappearancesoftheworstkindofdrunkard，veryfaradvanceduponhisshamefulwaytodeath。
’Slinktonisnotcomeyet，’saidthiscreature，staggeringupwhenIwentin；’I’llcallhim。—Halloa！JuliusCaesar！Comeanddrink！’Ashehoarselyroaredthisout，hebeatthepokerandtongstogetherinamadway，asifthatwerehisusualmannerofsummoninghisassociate。
ThevoiceofMr。Slinktonwasheardthroughtheclatterfromtheoppositesideofthestaircase，andhecamein。Hehadnotexpectedthepleasureofmeetingme。Ihaveseenseveralartfulmenbroughttoastand，butIneversawamansoaghastashewaswhenhiseyesrestedonmine。
’JuliusCaesar，’criedBeckwith，staggeringbetweenus，’Mist’
Sampson！Mist’Sampson，JuliusCaesar！Julius，Mist’Sampson，isthefriendofmysoul。Juliuskeepsmepliedwithliquor，morning，noon，andnight。Juliusisarealbenefactor。JuliusthrewtheteaandcoffeeoutofwindowwhenIusedtohaveany。Juliusemptiesallthewater—jugsoftheircontents，andfills’emwithspirits。
Juliuswindsmeupandkeepsmegoing。—Boilthebrandy，Julius！’
Therewasarustyandfurredsaucepanintheashes，—theasheslookedliketheaccumulationofweeks，—andBeckwith，rollingandstaggeringbetweenusasifheweregoingtoplungeheadlongintothefire，gotthesaucepanout，andtriedtoforceitintoSlinkton’shand。
’Boilthebrandy，JuliusCaesar！Come！Doyourusualoffice。
Boilthebrandy！’
Hebecamesofierceinhisgesticulationswiththesaucepan，thatI
expectedtoseehimlayopenSlinkton’sheadwithit。Ithereforeputoutmyhandtocheckhim。Hereeledbacktothesofa，andsattherepanting，shaking，andred—eyed，inhisragsofdressing—gown，lookingatusboth。Inoticedthenthattherewasnothingtodrinkonthetablebutbrandy，andnothingtoeatbutsaltedherrings，andahot，sickly，highly—pepperedstew。
’Atallevents，Mr。Sampson，’saidSlinkton，offeringmethesmoothgravelpathforthelasttime，’Ithankyouforinterferingbetweenmeandthisunfortunateman’sviolence。Howeveryoucamehere，Mr。
Sampson，orwithwhatevermotiveyoucamehere，atleastIthankyouforthat。’
’Boilthebrandy，’mutteredBeckwith。
WithoutgratifyinghisdesiretoknowhowIcamethere，Isaid，quietly，’Howisyourniece，Mr。Slinkton？’
Helookedhardatme，andIlookedhardathim。
’Iamsorrytosay，Mr。Sampson，thatmyniecehasprovedtreacherousandungratefultoherbestfriend。Sheleftmewithoutawordofnoticeorexplanation。Shewasmisled，nodoubt，bysomedesigningrascal。Perhapsyoumayhaveheardofit。’
’Ididhearthatshewasmisledbyadesigningrascal。Infact，I
haveproofofit。’
’Areyousureofthat？’saidhe。
’Quite。’
’Boilthebrandy，’mutteredBeckwith。’Companytobreakfast，JuliusCaesar。Doyourusualoffice，—providetheusualbreakfast，dinner，tea，andsupper。Boilthebrandy！’
TheeyesofSlinktonlookedfromhimtome，andhesaid，afteramoment’sconsideration，’Mr。Sampson，youareamanoftheworld，andsoamI。Iwillbeplainwithyou。’
’Ono，youwon’t，’saidI，shakingmyhead。
’Itellyou，sir，Iwillbeplainwithyou。’
’AndItellyouyouwillnot，’saidI。’Iknowallaboutyou。YOU
plainwithanyone？Nonsense，nonsense！’
’Iplainlytellyou，Mr。Sampson，’hewenton，withamanneralmostcomposed，’thatIunderstandyourobject。Youwanttosaveyourfunds，andescapefromyourliabilities；theseareoldtricksoftradewithyouOffice—gentlemen。Butyouwillnotdoit，sir；youwillnotsucceed。Youhavenotaneasyadversarytoplayagainst，whenyouplayagainstme。Weshallhavetoinquire，induetime，whenandhowMr。Beckwithfellintohispresenthabits。Withthatremark，sir，Iputthispoorcreature，andhisincoherentwanderingsofspeech，aside，andwishyouagoodmorningandabettercasenexttime。’
Whilehewassayingthis，Beckwithhadfilledahalf—pintglasswithbrandy。Atthismoment，hethrewthebrandyathisface，andthrewtheglassafterit。Slinktonputhishandsup，halfblindedwiththespirit，andcutwiththeglassacrosstheforehead。Atthesoundofthebreakage，afourthpersoncameintotheroom，closedthedoor，andstoodatit；hewasaveryquietbutverykeen—lookingman，withiron—grayhair，andslightlylame。
Slinktonpulledouthishandkerchief，assuagedthepaininhissmartingeyes，anddabbledthebloodonhisforehead。Hewasalongtimeaboutit，andIsawthatinthedoingofit，atremendouschangecameoverhim，occasionedbythechangeinBeckwith，—whoceasedtopantandtremble，satupright，andnevertookhiseyesoffhim。IneverinmylifesawafaceinwhichabhorrenceanddeterminationweresoforciblypaintedasinBeckwith’sthen。
’Lookatme，youvillain，’saidBeckwith，’andseemeasIreallyam。Itooktheserooms，tomakethematrapforyou。Icameintothemasadrunkard，tobaitthetrapforyou。Youfellintothetrap，andyouwillneverleaveitalive。OnthemorningwhenyoulastwenttoMr。Sampson’soffice，Ihadseenhimfirst。Yourplothasbeenknowntobothofus，allalong，andyouhavebeencounter—
plottedallalong。What？Havingbeencajoledintoputtingthatprizeoftwothousandpoundsinyourpower，Iwastobedonetodeathwithbrandy，and，brandynotprovingquickenough，withsomethingquicker？HaveIneverseenyou，whenyouthoughtmysensesgone，pouringfromyourlittlebottleintomyglass？Why，youMurdererandForger，aloneherewithyouinthedeadofnight，asIhavesooftenbeen，Ihavehadmyhanduponthetriggerofapistol，twentytimes，toblowyourbrainsout！’
Thissuddenstartingupofthethingthathehadsupposedtobehisimbecilevictimintoadeterminedman，withasettledresolutiontohunthimdownandbethedeathofhim，mercilesslyexpressedfromheadtofoot，was，inthefirstshock，toomuchforhim。Withoutanyfigureofspeech，hestaggeredunderit。Butthereisnogreatermistakethantosupposethatamanwhoisacalculatingcriminal，is，inanyphaseofhisguilt，otherwisethantruetohimself，andperfectlyconsistentwithhiswholecharacter。Suchamancommitsmurder，andmurderisthenaturalculminationofhiscourse；suchamanhastooutfacemurder，andwilldoitwithhardihoodandeffrontery。Itisasortoffashiontoexpresssurprisethatanynotoriouscriminal，havingsuchcrimeuponhisconscience，cansobraveitout。Doyouthinkthatifhehaditonhisconscienceatall，orhadaconsciencetohaveitupon，hewouldeverhavecommittedthecrime？
Perfectlyconsistentwithhimself，asIbelieveallsuchmonsterstobe，thisSlinktonrecoveredhimself，andshowedadefiancethatwassufficientlycoldandquiet。Hewaswhite，hewashaggard，hewaschanged；butonlyasasharperwhohadplayedforagreatstakeandhadbeenoutwittedandhadlostthegame。
’Listentome，youvillain，’saidBeckwith，’andleteverywordyouhearmesaybeastabinyourwickedheart。WhenItooktheserooms，tothrowmyselfinyourwayandleadyouontotheschemethatIknewmyappearanceandsupposedcharacterandhabitswouldsuggesttosuchadevil，howdidIknowthat？Becauseyouwerenostrangertome。Iknewyouwell。AndIknewyoutobethecruelwretchwho，forsomuchmoney，hadkilledoneinnocentgirlwhileshetrustedhimimplicitly，andwhowasbyincheskillinganother。’
Slinktontookoutasnuff—box，tookapinchofsnuff，andlaughed。
’Butseehere，’saidBeckwith，neverlookingaway，neverraisinghisvoice，neverrelaxinghisface，neverunclenchinghishand。
’Seewhatadullwolfyouhavebeen，afterall！Theinfatuateddrunkardwhoneverdrankafiftiethpartoftheliquoryoupliedhimwith，butpoureditaway，here，there，everywhere—almostbeforeyoureyes；whoboughtoverthefellowyousettowatchhimandtoplyhim，byoutbiddingyouinhisbribe，beforehehadbeenathisworkthreedays—withwhomyouhaveobservednocaution，yetwhowassobentonriddingtheearthofyouasawildbeast，thathewouldhavedefeatedyouifyouhadbeeneversoprudent—
thatdrunkardwhomyouhave，manyatime，leftonthefloorofthisroom，andwhohasevenletyougooutofit，aliveandundeceived，whenyouhaveturnedhimoverwithyourfoot—has，almostasoften，onthesamenight，withinanhour，withinafewminutes，watchedyouawake，hadhishandatyourpillowwhenyouwereasleep，turnedoveryourpapers，takensamplesfromyourbottlesandpacketsofpowder，changedtheircontents，rifledeverysecretofyourlife！’
Hehadhadanotherpinchofsnuffinhishand，buthadgraduallyletitdropfrombetweenhisfingerstothefloor；wherehenowsmootheditoutwithhisfoot，lookingdownatitthewhile。
’Thatdrunkard，’saidBeckwith，’whohadfreeaccesstoyourroomsatalltimes，thathemightdrinkthestrongdrinksthatyouleftinhiswayandbethesoonerended，holdingnomoretermswithyouthanhewouldholdwithatiger，hashadhismaster—keyforallyourlocks，histestforallyourpoisons，hiscluetoyourcipher—
writing。Hecantellyou，aswellasyoucantellhim，howlongittooktocompletethatdeed，whatdosestherewere，whatintervals，whatsignsofgradualdecayuponmindandbody；whatdistemperedfancieswereproduced，whatobservablechanges，whatphysicalpain。
Hecantellyou，aswellasyoucantellhim，thatallthiswasrecordeddaybyday，asalessonofexperienceforfutureservice。
Hecantellyou，betterthanyoucantellhim，wherethatjournalisatthismoment。’
Slinktonstoppedtheactionofhisfoot，andlookedatBeckwith。
’No，’saidthelatter，asifansweringaquestionfromhim。’Notinthedrawerofthewriting—deskthatopenswithaspring；itisnotthere，anditneverwillbethereagain。’
’Thenyouareathief！’saidSlinkton。
Withoutanychangewhateverintheinflexiblepurpose，whichitwasquiteterrificeventometocontemplate，andfromthepowerofwhichIhadalwaysfeltconvinceditwasimpossibleforthiswretchtoescape，Beckwithreturned，’AndIamyourniece’sshadow，too。’
WithanimprecationSlinktonputhishandtohishead，toreoutsomehair，andflungittotheground。Itwastheendofthesmoothwalk；hedestroyeditintheaction，anditwillsoonbeseenthathisuseforitwaspast。
Beckwithwenton:’Wheneveryoulefthere，Ilefthere。AlthoughI
understoodthatyoufounditnecessarytopauseinthecompletionofthatpurpose，toavertsuspicion，stillIwatchedyouclose，withthepoorconfidinggirl。WhenIhadthediary，andcouldreaditwordbyword，—itwasonlyaboutthenightbeforeyourlastvisittoScarborough，—yourememberthenight？yousleptwithasmallflatvialtiedtoyourwrist，—IsenttoMr。Sampson，whowaskeptoutofview。ThisisMr。Sampson’strustyservantstandingbythedoor。Wethreesavedyournieceamongus。’
Slinktonlookedatusall，tookanuncertainsteportwofromtheplacewherehehadstood，returnedtoit，andglancedabouthiminaverycuriousway，—asoneofthemeanerreptilesmight，lookingforaholetohidein。Inoticedatthesametime，thatasingularchangetookplaceinthefigureoftheman，—asifitcollapsedwithinhisclothes，andtheyconsequentlybecameill—shapenandill—fitting。
’Youshallknow，’saidBeckwith，’forIhopetheknowledgewillbebitterandterribletoyou，whyyouhavebeenpursuedbyoneman，andwhy，whenthewholeinterestthatMr。Sampsonrepresentswouldhaveexpendedanymoneyinhuntingyoudown，youhavebeentrackedtodeathatasingleindividual’scharge。IhearyouhavehadthenameofMelthamonyourlipssometimes？’
Isaw，inadditiontothoseotherchanges，asuddenstoppagecomeuponhisbreathing。
’Whenyousentthesweetgirlwhomyoumurdered（youknowwithwhatartfullymade—outsurroundingsandprobabilitiesyousenther）toMeltham’soffice，beforetakingherabroadtooriginatethetransactionthatdoomedhertothegrave，itfelltoMeltham’slottoseeherandtospeakwithher。Itdidnotfalltohislottosaveher，thoughIknowhewouldfreelygivehisownlifetohavedoneit。Headmiredher；—Iwouldsayhelovedherdeeply，ifI
thoughtitpossiblethatyoucouldunderstandtheword。Whenshewassacrificed，hewasthoroughlyassuredofyourguilt。Havinglosther，hehadbutoneobjectleftinlife，andthatwastoavengeheranddestroyyou。’
Isawthevillain’snostrilsriseandfallconvulsively；butIsawnomovingathismouth。
’ThatmanMeltham，’Beckwithsteadilypursued，’wasasabsolutelycertainthatyoucouldnevereludehiminthisworld，ifhedevotedhimselftoyourdestructionwithhisutmostfidelityandearnestness，andifhedividedthesacreddutywithnootherdutyinlife，ashewascertainthatinachievingithewouldbeapoorinstrumentinthehandsofProvidence，andwoulddowellbeforeHeaveninstrikingyououtfromamonglivingmen。Iamthatman，andIthankGodthatIhavedonemywork！’
IfSlinktonhadbeenrunningforhislifefromswift—footedsavages，adozenmiles，hecouldnothaveshownmoreemphaticsignsofbeingoppressedatheartandlabouringforbreath，thanheshowednow，whenhelookedatthepursuerwhohadsorelentlesslyhuntedhimdown。
’Youneversawmeundermyrightnamebefore；youseemeundermyrightnamenow。Youshallseemeonceagaininthebody，whenyouaretriedforyourlife。Youshallseemeonceagaininthespirit，whenthecordisroundyourneck，andthecrowdarecryingagainstyou！’
WhenMelthamhadspokentheselastwords，themiscreantsuddenlyturnedawayhisface，andseemedtostrikehismouthwithhisopenhand。Atthesameinstant，theroomwasfilledwithanewandpowerfulodour，and，almostatthesameinstant，hebrokeintoacrookedrun，leap，start，—Ihavenonameforthespasm，—andfell，withadullweightthatshooktheheavyolddoorsandwindowsintheirframes。
Thatwasthefittingendofhim。
Whenwesawthathewasdead，wedrewawayfromtheroom，andMeltham，givingmehishand，said，withawearyair，’Ihavenomoreworkonearth，myfriend。ButIshallseeheragainelsewhere。’
ItwasinvainthatItriedtorallyhim。Hemighthavesavedher，hesaid；hehadnotsavedher，andhereproachedhimself；hehadlosther，andhewasbroken—hearted。
’Thepurposethatsustainedmeisover，Sampson，andthereisnothingnowtoholdmetolife。Iamnotfitforlife；Iamweakandspiritless；Ihavenohopeandnoobject；mydayisdone。’
Intruth，Icouldhardlyhavebelievedthatthebrokenmanwhothenspoketomewasthemanwhohadsostronglyandsodifferentlyimpressedmewhenhispurposewasbeforehim。Iusedsuchentreatieswithhim，asIcould；buthestillsaid，andalwayssaid，inapatient，undemonstrativeway，—nothingcouldavailhim，—hewasbroken—hearted。
Hediedearlyinthenextspring。Hewasburiedbythesideofthepooryoungladyforwhomhehadcherishedthosetenderandunhappyregrets；andheleftallhehadtohersister。Shelivedtobeahappywifeandmother；shemarriedmysister’sson，whosucceededpoorMeltham；sheislivingnow，andherchildrenrideaboutthegardenonmywalking—stickwhenIgotoseeher。