dinner，consideringtheprice。NexttotheprovincialInnsofFrance，withthegreatchurch—towerrisingabovethecourtyard，thehorse—bellsjinglingmerrilyupanddownthestreetbeyond，andtheclocksofalldescriptionsinalltherooms，whichareneverright，unlesstakenatthepreciseminutewhen，bygettingexactlytwelvehourstoofastortooslow，theyunintentionallybecomeso。AwayI
went，next，tothelesserroadsideInnsofItaly；whereallthedirtyclothesinthehouse（notinwear）arealwayslyinginyouranteroom；wherethemosquitoesmakearaisinpuddingofyourfaceinsummer，andthecoldbitesitblueinwinter；whereyougetwhatyoucan，andforgetwhatyoucan’t：whereIshouldagainliketobeboilingmyteainapocket—handkerchiefdumpling，forwantofateapot。SototheoldpalaceInnsandoldmonasteryInns，intownsandcitiesofthesamebrightcountry；withtheirmassivequadrangularstaircases，whenceyoumaylookfromamongclusteringpillarshighintothebluevaultofheaven；withtheirstatelybanqueting—rooms，andvastrefectories；withtheirlabyrinthsofghostlybedchambers，andtheirglimpsesintogorgeousstreetsthathavenoappearanceofrealityorpossibility。SotothecloselittleInnsoftheMalariadistricts，withtheirpaleattendants，andtheirpeculiarsmellofneverlettingintheair。SototheimmensefantasticInnsofVenice，withthecryofthegondolierbelow，asheskimsthecorner；thegripofthewateryodoursononeparticularlittlebitofthebridgeofyournose（whichisneverreleasedwhileyoustaythere）；andthegreatbellofSt。Mark’sCathedraltollingmidnight。NextIputupforaminuteattherestlessInnsupontheRhine，whereyourgoingtobed，nomatteratwhathour，appearstobethetocsinforeverybodyelse’sgettingup；
andwhere，inthetable—d’hoteroomattheendofthelongtable（withseveralTowersofBabelonitattheotherend，allmadeofwhiteplates），oneknotofstoutishmen，entirelydressedinjewelsanddirt，andhavingnothingelseuponthem，willremainallnight，clinkingglasses，andsingingabouttheriverthatflows，andthegrapethatgrows，andRhinewinethatbeguiles，andRhinewomanthatsmilesandhidrinkdrinkmyfriendandhodrinkdrinkmybrother，andalltherestofit。Idepartedthence，asamatterofcourse，tootherGermanInns，wherealltheeatablesaresoddeneddowntothesameflavour，andwherethemindisdisturbedbytheapparitionofhotpuddings，andboiledcherries，sweetandslab，atawfullyunexpectedperiodsoftherepast。Afteradraughtofsparklingbeerfromafoamingglassjug，andaglanceofrecognitionthroughthewindowsofthestudentbeer—housesatHeidelbergandelsewhere，I
putouttoseafortheInnsofAmerica，withtheirfourhundredbedsapiece，andtheireightorninehundredladiesandgentlemenatdinnereveryday。AgainIstoodinthebar—roomsthereof，takingmyeveningcobbler，julep，sling，orcocktail。AgainIlistenedtomyfriendtheGeneral，——whomIhadknownforfiveminutes，inthecourseofwhichperiodhehadmademeintimateforlifewithtwoMajors，whoagainhadmademeintimateforlifewiththreeColonels，whoagainhadmademebrothertotwenty—twocivilians，——again，I
say，IlistenedtomyfriendtheGeneral，leisurelyexpoundingtheresourcesoftheestablishment，astogentlemen’smorning—room，sir；
ladies’morning—room，sir；gentlemen’sevening—room，sir；ladies’
evening—room，sir；ladies’andgentlemen’seveningreuniting—room，sir；music—room，sir；reading—room，sir；overfourhundredsleeping—
rooms，sir；andtheentireplannedandfinitedwithintwelvecalendarmonthsfromthefirstclearingoffoftheoldencumbrancesontheplot，atacostoffivehundredthousanddollars，sir。AgainIfound，astomyindividualwayofthinking，thatthegreater，themoregorgeous，andthemoredollaroustheestablishmentwas，thelessdesirableitwas。Nevertheless，againIdrankmycobbler，julep，sling，orcocktail，inallgood—will，tomyfriendtheGeneral，andmyfriendstheMajors，Colonels，andciviliansall；
fullwellknowingthat，whateverlittlemotesmybeamyeyesmayhavedescriedintheirs，theybelongtoakind，generous，large—hearted，andgreatpeople。
Ihadbeengoingonlatelyataquickpacetokeepmysolitudeoutofmymind；buthereIbrokedownforgood，andgaveupthesubject。
WhatwasItodo？Whatwastobecomeofme？IntowhatextremitywasIsubmissivelytosink？Supposingthat，likeBaronTrenck，I
lookedoutforamouseorspider，andfoundone，andbeguiledmyimprisonmentbytrainingit？Eventhatmightbedangerouswithaviewtothefuture。Imightbesofargonewhentheroaddidcometobecutthroughthesnow，that，onmywayforth，Imightburstintotears，andbeseech，liketheprisonerwhowasreleasedinhisoldagefromtheBastille，tobetakenbackagaintothefivewindows，thetencurtains，andthesinuousdrapery。
Adesperateideacameintomyhead。UnderanyothercircumstancesI
shouldhaverejectedit；but，inthestraitatwhichIwas，Ihelditfast。CouldIsofarovercometheinherentbashfulnesswhichwithheldmefromthelandlord’stableandthecompanyImightfindthere，astocalluptheBoots，andaskhimtotakeachair，——andsomethinginaliquidform，——andtalktome？Icould，Iwould，I
did。
SECONDBRANCH——THEBOOTS
Wherehadhebeeninhistime？herepeated，whenIaskedhimthequestion。Lord，hehadbeeneverywhere！Andwhathadhebeen？
Blessyou，hehadbeeneverythingyoucouldmentiona’most！
Seenagooddeal？Why，ofcoursehehad。Ishouldsayso，hecouldassureme，ifIonlyknewaboutatwentiethpartofwhathadcomeinhisway。Why，itwouldbeeasierforhim，heexpected，totellwhathehadn’tseenthanwhathehad。Ah！Adeal，itwould。
Whatwasthecuriousestthinghehadseen？Well！Hedidn’tknow。
Hecouldn’tmomentlynamewhatwasthecuriousestthinghehadseen—
—unlessitwasaUnicorn，andheseehimonceataFair。Butsupposingayounggentlemannoteightyearoldwastorunawaywithafineyoungwomanofseven，mightIthinkthataqueerstart？
Certainly。Thenthatwasastartashehimselfhadhadhisblessedeyeson，andhehadcleanedtheshoestheyrunawayin——andtheywassolittlethathecouldn’tgethishandinto’em。
MasterHarryWalmers’father，yousee，helivedattheElmses，downawaybyShooter’sHillthere，sixorsevenmilesfromLunnon。Hewasagentlemanofspirit，andgood—looking，andheldhisheadupwhenhewalked，andhadwhatyoumaycallFireabouthim。Hewrotepoetry，andherode，andheran，andhecricketed，andhedanced，andheacted，andhedoneitallequallybeautiful。HewasuncommonproudofMasterHarryaswashisonlychild；buthedidn’tspoilhimneither。Hewasagentlemanthathadawillofhisownandaeyeofhisown，andthatwouldbeminded。Consequently，thoughhemadequiteacompanionofthefinebrightboy，andwasdelightedtoseehimsofondofreadinghisfairybooks，andwasnevertiredofhearinghimsaymynameisNorval，orhearinghimsinghissongsaboutYoungMayMoonsisbeaminglove，andWhenheasadorestheehasleftbutthename，andthat；stillhekeptthecommandoverthechild，andthechildwasachild，andit’stobewishedmoreof’emwas！
HowdidBootshappentoknowallthis？Why，throughbeingunder—
gardener。Ofcoursehecouldn’tbeunder—gardener，andbealwaysabout，inthesummer—time，nearthewindowsonthelawn，amowing，andsweeping，andweeding，andpruning，andthisandthat，withoutgettingacquaintedwiththewaysofthefamily。EvensupposingMasterHarryhadn’tcometohimonemorningearly，andsaid，\"Cobbs，howshouldyouspellNorah，ifyouwasasked？\"andthenbegancuttingitinprintalloverthefence。
Hecouldn’tsayhehadtakenparticularnoticeofchildrenbeforethat；butreallyitwasprettytoseethemtwomitesagoingabouttheplacetogether，deepinlove。Andthecourageoftheboy！
Blessyoursoul，he’dhavethrowedoffhislittlehat，andtuckeduphislittlesleeves，andgoneinataLion，hewould，iftheyhadhappenedtomeetone，andshehadbeenfrightenedofhim。Onedayhestops，alongwithher，whereBootswashoeingweedsinthegravel，andsays，speakingup，\"Cobbs，\"hesays，\"Ilikeyou。\"\"Doyou，sir？I’mproudtohearit。\"\"Yes，Ido，Cobbs。WhydoIlikeyou，doyouthink，Cobbs？\"\"Don’tknow，MasterHarry，Iamsure。\"
\"BecauseNorahlikesyou，Cobbs。\"\"Indeed，sir？That’sverygratifying。\"\"Gratifying，Cobbs？It’sbetterthanmillionsofthebrightestdiamondstobelikedbyNorah。\"\"Certainly，sir。\"
\"You’regoingaway，ain’tyou，Cobbs？\"\"Yes，sir。\"\"Wouldyoulikeanothersituation，Cobbs？\"\"Well，sir，Ishouldn’tobject，ifitwasagoodInn。\"\"Then，Cobbs，\"sayshe，\"youshallbeourHeadGardenerwhenwearemarried。\"Andhetucksher，inherlittlesky—
bluemantle，underhisarm，andwalksaway。
Bootscouldassuremethatitwasbetterthanapicter，andequaltoaplay，toseethembabies，withtheirlong，bright，curlinghair，theirsparklingeyes，andtheirbeautifullighttread，aramblingaboutthegarden，deepinlove。Bootswasofopinionthatthebirdsbelievedtheywasbirds，andkeptupwith’em，singingtoplease’em。SometimestheywouldcreepundertheTulip—tree，andwouldsittherewiththeirarmsroundoneanother’snecks，andtheirsoftcheekstouching，areadingaboutthePrinceandtheDragon，andthegoodandbadenchanters，andtheking’sfairdaughter。Sometimeshewouldhearthemplanningabouthavingahouseinaforest，keepingbeesandacow，andlivingentirelyonmilkandhoney。Oncehecameuponthembythepond，andheardMasterHarrysay，\"AdorableNorah，kissme，andsayyoulovemetodistraction，orI’lljumpinhead—
foremost。\"AndBootsmadenoquestionhewouldhavedoneitifshehadn’tcomplied。Onthewhole，Bootssaidithadatendencytomakehimfeelasifhewasinlovehimself——onlyhedidn’texactlyknowwhowith。
\"Cobbs，\"saidMasterHarry，oneevening，whenCobbswaswateringtheflowers，\"Iamgoingonavisit，thispresentMidsummer，tomygrandmamma’satYork。\"
\"Areyouindeed，sir？Ihopeyou’llhaveapleasanttime。IamgoingintoYorkshire，myself，whenIleavehere。\"
\"Areyougoingtoyourgrandmamma’s，Cobbs？\"
\"No，sir。Ihaven’tgotsuchathing。\"
\"Notasagrandmamma，Cobbs？\"
\"No，sir。\"
Theboylookedonatthewateringoftheflowersforalittlewhile，andthensaid，\"Ishallbeverygladindeedtogo，Cobbs，——Norah’sgoing。\"
\"You’llbeallrightthen，sir，\"saysCobbs，\"withyourbeautifulsweetheartbyyourside。\"
\"Cobbs，\"returnedtheboy，flushing，\"Ineverletanybodyjokeaboutit，whenIcanpreventthem。\"
\"Itwasn’tajoke，sir，\"saysCobbs，withhumility，——\"wasn’tsomeant。\"
\"Iamgladofthat，Cobbs，becauseIlikeyou，youknow，andyou’regoingtolivewithus。——Cobbs！\"
\"Sir。\"
\"WhatdoyouthinkmygrandmammagivesmewhenIgodownthere？\"
\"Icouldn’tsomuchasmakeaguess，sir。\"
\"ABankofEnglandfive—poundnote，Cobbs。\"
\"Whew！\"saysCobbs，\"that’saspankingsumofmoney，MasterHarry。\"
\"Apersoncoulddoagooddealwithsuchasumofmoneyasthat，——
couldn’taperson，Cobbs？\"
\"Ibelieveyou，sir！\"
\"Cobbs，\"saidtheboy，\"I’lltellyouasecret。AtNorah’shouse，theyhavebeenjokingheraboutme，andpretendingtolaughatourbeingengaged，——pretendingtomakegameofit，Cobbs！\"
\"Such，sir，\"saysCobbs，\"isthedepravityofhumannatur。\"
Theboy，lookingexactlylikehisfather，stoodforafewminuteswithhisglowingfacetowardsthesunset，andthendepartedwith，\"Good—night，Cobbs。I’mgoingin。\"
IfIwastoaskBootshowithappenedthathewasa—goingtoleavethatplacejustatthatpresenttime，well，hecouldn’trightlyanswerme。Hedidsupposehemighthavestayedtheretillnowifhehadbeenanywaysinclined。But，yousee，hewasyoungerthen，andhewantedchange。That’swhathewanted，——change。Mr。Walmers，hesaidtohimwhenhegavehimnoticeofhisintentionstoleave，\"Cobbs，\"hesays，\"haveyouanythinktocomplainof？ImaketheinquirybecauseifIfindthatanyofmypeoplereallyhasanythinktocomplainof，IwishtomakeitrightifIcan。\"\"No，sir。\"saysCobbs；\"thankingyou，sir，IfindmyselfaswellsitiwatedhereasI
couldhopetobeanywheres。Thetruthis，sir，thatI’ma—goingtoseekmyfortun’。\"\"O，indeed，Cobbs！\"hesays；\"Ihopeyoumayfindit。\"AndBootscouldassureme——whichhedid，touchinghishairwithhisbootjack，asasaluteinthewayofhispresentcalling——
thathehadn’tfoundityet。
Well，sir！BootslefttheElmseswhenhistimewasup，andMasterHarry，hewentdowntotheoldlady’satYork，whicholdladywouldhavegiventhatchildtheteethoutofherhead（ifshehadhadany），shewassowrappedupinhim。WhatdoesthatInfantdo，——forInfantyoumaycallhimandbewithinthemark，——butcutawayfromthatoldlady’swithhisNorah，onaexpeditiontogotoGretnaGreenandbemarried！
Sir，BootswasatthisidenticalHolly—TreeInn（havingleftitseveraltimessincetobetterhimself，butalwayscomebackthroughonethingoranother），when，onesummerafternoon，thecoachdrivesup，andoutofthecoachgetsthemtwochildren。TheGuardsaystoourGovernor，\"Idon’tquitemakeouttheselittlepassengers，buttheyounggentleman’swordswas，thattheywastobebroughthere。\"
Theyounggentlemangetsout；handshisladyout；givestheGuardsomethingforhimself；saystoourGovernor，\"We’retostophereto—
night，please。Sitting—roomandtwobedroomswillberequired。
Chopsandcherry—puddingfortwo！\"andtucksher，inhersky—bluemantle，underhisarm，andwalksintothehousemuchbolderthanBrass。
Bootsleavesmetojudgewhattheamazementofthatestablishmentwas，whenthesetwotinycreaturesallalonebythemselveswasmarchedintotheAngel，——muchmoreso，whenhe，whohadseenthemwithouttheirseeinghim，givetheGovernorhisviewsoftheexpeditiontheywasupon。\"Cobbs，\"saystheGovernor，\"ifthisisso，ImustsetoffmyselftoYork，andquiettheirfriends’minds。
Inwhichcaseyoumustkeepyoureyeupon’em，andhumour’em，tillIcomeback。ButbeforeItakethesemeasures，Cobbs，Ishouldwishyoutofindfromthemselveswhetheryouropinioniscorrect。\"\"Sir，toyou，\"saysCobbs，\"thatshallbedonedirectly。\"
SoBootsgoesup—stairstotheAngel，andtherehefindsMasterHarryonae—normoussofa，——immenseatanytime，butlookingliketheGreatBedofWare，comparedwithhim，——adryingtheeyesofMissNorahwithhispocket—hankecher。Theirlittlelegswasentirelyofftheground，ofcourse，anditreallyisnotpossibleforBootstoexpresstomehowsmallthemchildrenlooked。
\"It’sCobbs！It’sCobbs！\"criesMasterHarry，andcomesrunningtohim，andcatchingholdofhishand。MissNorahcomesrunningtohimont’othersideandcatchingholdofhist’otherhand，andtheybothjumpforjoy。
\"Iseeyouagettingout，sir，\"saysCobbs。\"Ithoughtitwasyou。
IthoughtIcouldn’tbemistakeninyourheightandfigure。What’stheobjectofyourjourney，sir？——Matrimonial？\"
\"Wearegoingtobemarried，Cobbs，atGretnaGreen，\"returnedtheboy。\"Wehaverunawayonpurpose。Norahhasbeeninratherlowspirits，Cobbs；butshe’llbehappy，nowwehavefoundyoutobeourfriend。\"
\"Thankyou，sir，andthankyou，miss，\"saysCobbs，\"foryourgoodopinion。Didyoubringanyluggagewithyou，sir？\"
IfIwillbelieveBootswhenhegivesmehiswordandhonouruponit，theladyhadgotaparasol，asmelling—bottle，aroundandahalfofcoldbutteredtoast，eightpeppermintdrops，andahair—
brush，——seeminglyadoll’s。Thegentlemanhadgotabouthalfadozenyardsofstring，aknife，threeorfoursheetsofwriting—
paperfoldedupsurprisingsmall，aorange，andaChaneymugwithhisnameuponit。
\"Whatmaybetheexactnaturofyourplans，sir？\"saysCobbs。
\"Togoon，\"repliedtheboy，——whichthecourageofthatboywassomethingwonderful！——\"inthemorning，andbemarriedto—morrow。\"
\"Justso，sir，\"saysCobbs。\"Woulditmeetyourviews，sir，ifI
wastoaccompanyyou？\"
WhenCobbssaidthis，theybothjumpedforjoyagain，andcriedout，\"Oh，yes，yes，Cobbs！Yes！\"
\"Well，sir，\"saysCobbs。\"Ifyouwillexcusemyhavingthefreedomtogiveanopinion，whatIshouldrecommendwouldbethis。I’macquaintedwithapony，sir，which，putinapheaytonthatIcouldborrow，wouldtakeyouandMrs。HarryWalmers，Junior，（myselfdriving，ifyouapproved，）totheendofyourjourneyinaveryshortspaceoftime。Iamnotaltogethersure，sir，thatthisponywillbeatlibertyto—morrow，butevenifyouhadtowaitoverto—
morrowforhim，itmightbeworthyourwhile。Astothesmallaccounthere，sir，incaseyouwastofindyourselfrunningatallshort，thatdon’tsignify；becauseI’mapartproprietorofthisinn，anditcouldstandover。\"
Bootsassuresmethatwhentheyclappedtheirhands，andjumpedforjoyagain，andcalledhim\"GoodCobbs！\"and\"DearCobbs！\"andbentacrosshimtokissoneanotherinthedelightoftheirconfidinghearts，hefelthimselfthemeanestrascalfordeceiving’emthateverwasborn。
\"Isthereanythingyouwantjustatpresent，sir？\"saysCobbs，mortallyashamedofhimself。
\"Weshouldlikesomecakesafterdinner，\"answeredMasterHarry，foldinghisarms，puttingoutoneleg，andlookingstraightathim，\"andtwoapples，——andjam。Withdinnerweshouldliketohavetoast—and—water。ButNorahhasalwaysbeenaccustomedtohalfaglassofcurrantwineatdessert。AndsohaveI。\"
\"Itshallbeorderedatthebar，sir，\"saysCobbs；andawayhewent。
Bootshasthefeelingasfreshuponhimatthisminuteofspeakingashehadthen，thathewouldfarratherhavehaditoutinhalf—a—
dozenroundswiththeGovernorthanhavecombinedwithhim；andthathewishedwithallhishearttherewasanyimpossibleplacewherethosetwobabiescouldmakeanimpossiblemarriage，andliveimpossiblyhappyeverafterwards。However，asitcouldn’tbe，hewentintotheGovernor’splans，andtheGovernorsetoffforYorkinhalfanhour。
Thewayinwhichthewomenofthathouse——withoutexception——everyoneof’em——marriedandsingle——tooktothatboywhentheyheardthestory，Bootsconsiderssurprising。Itwasasmuchashecoulddotokeep’emfromdashingintotheroomandkissinghim。Theyclimbedupallsortsofplaces，attheriskoftheirlives，tolookathimthroughapaneofglass。Theywassevendeepatthekeyhole。Theywasoutoftheirmindsabouthimandhisboldspirit。
Intheevening，Bootswentintotheroomtoseehowtherunawaycouplewasgettingon。Thegentlemanwasonthewindow—seat，supportingtheladyinhisarms。Shehadtearsuponherface，andwaslying，verytiredandhalfasleep，withherheaduponhisshoulder。
\"Mrs。HarryWalmers，Junior，fatigued，sir？\"saysCobbs。
\"Yes，sheistired，Cobbs；butsheisnotusedtobeawayfromhome，andshehasbeeninlowspiritsagain。Cobbs，doyouthinkyoucouldbringabiffin，please？\"
\"Iaskyourpardon，sir，\"saysCobbs。\"Whatwasityou——？\"
\"IthinkaNorfolkbiffinwouldrouseher，Cobbs。Sheisveryfondofthem。\"
Bootswithdrewinsearchoftherequiredrestorative，andwhenhebroughtitin，thegentlemanhandedittothelady，andfedherwithaspoon，andtookalittlehimself；theladybeingheavywithsleep，andrathercross。\"Whatshouldyouthink，sir，\"saysCobbs，\"ofachambercandlestick？\"Thegentlemanapproved；thechambermaidwentfirst，upthegreatstaircase；thelady，inhersky—bluemantle，followed，gallantlyescortedbythegentleman；thegentlemanembracedheratherdoor，andretiredtohisownapartment，whereBootssoftlylockedhimup。
Bootscouldn’tbutfeelwithincreasedacutenesswhatabasedeceiverhewas，whentheyconsultedhimatbreakfast（theyhadorderedsweetmilk—and—water，andtoastandcurrantjelly，over—
night）aboutthepony。Itreallywasasmuchashecoulddo，hedon’tmindconfessingtome，tolookthemtwoyoungthingsintheface，andthinkwhatawickedoldfatheroflieshehadgrownuptobe。Howsomever，hewentonalyinglikeaTrojanaboutthepony。
Hetold’emthatitdidsounfortunatelyhappenthattheponywashalfclipped，yousee，andthathecouldn’tbetakenoutinthatstate，forfearitshouldstriketohisinside。Butthathe’dbefinishedclippinginthecourseoftheday，andthatto—morrowmorningateighto’clockthepheaytonwouldbeready。Boots’sviewofthewholecase，lookingbackonitinmyroom，is，thatMrs。
HarryWalmers，Junior，wasbeginningtogivein。Shehadn’thadherhaircurledwhenshewenttobed，andshedidn’tseemquiteuptobrushingitherself，anditsgettinginhereyesputherout。ButnothingputoutMasterHarry。Hesatbehindhisbreakfast—cup，atearingawayatthejelly，asifhehadbeenhisownfather。
Afterbreakfast，Bootsisinclinedtoconsiderthattheydrawedsoldiers，——atleast，heknowsthatmanysuchwasfoundinthefire—
place，allonhorseback。Inthecourseofthemorning，MasterHarryrangthebell，——itwassurprisinghowthatthereboydidcarryon，——
andsaid，inasprightlyway，\"Cobbs，isthereanygoodwalksinthisneighbourhood？\"
\"Yes，sir，\"saysCobbs。\"There’sLoveLane。\"
\"Getoutwithyou，Cobbs！\"——thatwasthatthereboy’sexpression，——
\"you’rejoking。\"
\"Beggingyourpardon，sir，\"saysCobbs，\"therereallyisLoveLane。
Andapleasantwalkitis，andproudshallIbetoshowittoyourselfandMrs。HarryWalmers，Junior。\"
\"Norah，dear，\"saidMasterHarry，\"thisiscurious。WereallyoughttoseeLoveLane。Putonyourbonnet，mysweetestdarling，andwewillgotherewithCobbs。\"
BootsleavesmetojudgewhataBeasthefelthimselftobe，whenthatyoungpairtoldhim，astheyallthreejoggedalongtogether，thattheyhadmadeuptheirmindstogivehimtwothousandguineasayearashead—gardener，onaccountsofhisbeingsotrueafriendto’em。Bootscouldhavewishedatthemomentthattheearthwouldhaveopenedandswallowedhimup，hefeltsomean，withtheirbeamingeyesalookingathim，andbelievinghim。Well，sir，heturnedtheconversationaswellashecould，andhetook’emdownLoveLanetothewater—meadows，andthereMasterHarrywouldhavedrownedhimselfinhalfamomentmore，agettingoutawater—lilyforher，——butnothingdauntedthatboy。Well，sir，theywastiredout。Allbeingsonewandstrangeto’em，theywastiredastiredcouldbe。Andtheylaiddownonabankofdaisies，likethechildreninthewood，leastwaysmeadows，andfellasleep。
Bootsdon’tknow——perhapsIdo，——butnevermind，itdon’tsignifyeitherway——whyitmadeamanfittomakeafoolofhimselftoseethemtwoprettybabiesalyingthereintheclearstillsunnyday，notdreaminghalfsohardwhentheywasasleepastheydonewhentheywasawake。But，Lord！whenyoucometothinkofyourself，youknow，andwhatagameyouhavebeenuptoeversinceyouwasinyourowncradle，andwhatapoorsortofachapyouare，andhowit’salwayseitherYesterdaywithyou，orelseTo—morrow，andneverTo—
day，that’swhereitis！
Well，sir，theywokeupatlast，andthenonethingwasgettingprettycleartoBoots，namely，thatMrs。HarryWalmerses，Junior’s，temperwasonthemove。WhenMasterHarrytookherroundthewaist，shesaidhe\"teasedherso；\"andwhenhesays，\"Norah，myyoungMayMoon，yourHarryteaseyou？\"shetellshim，\"Yes；andIwanttogohome！\"
Abiledfowl，andbakedbread—and—butterpudding，broughtMrs。
Walmersupalittle；butBootscouldhavewished，hemustprivatelyowntome，tohaveseenhermoresensibleofthewoiceoflove，andlessabandoningofherselftocurrants。However，MasterHarry，hekeptup，andhisnobleheartwasasfondasever。Mrs。Walmersturnedverysleepyaboutdusk，andbegantocry。Therefore，Mrs。
Walmerswentofftobedasperyesterday；andMasterHarrydittorepeated。
AboutelevenortwelveatnightcomesbacktheGovernorinachaise，alongwithMr。Walmersandaelderlylady。Mr。Walmerslooksamusedandveryserious，bothatonce，andsaystoourmissis，\"Wearemuchindebtedtoyou，ma’am，foryourkindcareofourlittlechildren，whichwecanneversufficientlyacknowledge。Pray，ma’am，whereismyboy？\"Ourmississays，\"Cobbshasthedearchildincharge，sir。
Cobbs，showForty！\"ThenhesaystoCobbs，\"Ah，Cobbs，Iamgladtoseeyou！Iunderstoodyouwashere！\"AndCobbssays，\"Yes，sir。
Yourmostobedient，sir。\"
ImaybesurprisedtohearBootssayit，perhaps；butBootsassuresmethathisheartbeatlikeahammer，goingup—stairs。\"Ibegyourpardon，sir，\"sayshe，whileunlockingthedoor；\"IhopeyouarenotangrywithMasterHarry。ForMasterHarryisafineboy，sir，andwilldoyoucreditandhonour。\"AndBootssignifiestome，that，ifthefineboy’sfatherhadcontradictedhiminthedaringstateofmindinwhichhethenwas，hethinksheshouldhave\"fetchedhimacrack，\"andtakentheconsequences。
ButMr。Walmersonlysays，\"No，Cobbs。No，mygoodfellow。Thankyou！\"And，thedoorbeingopened，goesin。
Bootsgoesintoo，holdingthelight，andheseesMr。Walmersgouptothebedside，bendgentlydown，andkissthelittlesleepingface。
Thenhestandslookingatitforaminute，lookingwonderfullylikeit（theydosayheranawaywithMrs。Walmers）；andthenhegentlyshakesthelittleshoulder。
\"Harry，mydearboy！Harry！\"
MasterHarrystartsupandlooksathim。LooksatCobbstoo。Suchisthehonourofthatmite，thathelooksatCobbs，toseewhetherhehasbroughthimintotrouble。
\"Iamnotangry，mychild。Ionlywantyoutodressyourselfandcomehome。\"
\"Yes，pa。\"
MasterHarrydresseshimselfquickly。Hisbreastbeginstoswellwhenhehasnearlyfinished，anditswellsmoreandmoreashestands，atlast，alookingathisfather：hisfatherstandingalookingathim，thequietimageofhim。
\"PleasemayI\"——thespiritofthatlittlecreatur，andthewayhekepthisrisingtearsdown！——\"please，dearpa——mayI——kissNorahbeforeIgo？\"
\"Youmay，mychild。\"
SohetakesMasterHarryinhishand，andBootsleadsthewaywiththecandle，andtheycometothatotherbedroom，wheretheelderlyladyisseatedbythebed，andpoorlittleMrs。HarryWalmers，Junior，isfastasleep。Therethefatherliftsthechilduptothepillow，andhelayshislittlefacedownforaninstantbythelittlewarmfaceofpoorunconsciouslittleMrs。HarryWalmers，Junior，andgentlydrawsittohim，——asightsotouchingtothechambermaidswhoarepeepingthroughthedoor，thatoneofthemcallsout，\"It’sashametopart’em！\"Butthischambermaidwasalways，asBootsinformsme，asoft—heartedone。Notthattherewasanyharminthatgirl。Farfromit。
Finally，Bootssays，that’sallaboutit。Mr。Walmersdroveawayinthechaise，havingholdofMasterHarry’shand。TheelderlyladyandMrs。HarryWalmers，Junior，thatwasnevertobe（shemarriedaCaptainlongafterwards，anddiedinIndia），wentoffnextday。Inconclusion，BootsputittomewhetherIholdwithhimintwoopinions：firstly，thattherearenotmanycouplesontheirwaytobemarriedwhoarehalfasinnocentofguileasthosetwochildren；
secondly，thatitwouldbeajollygoodthingforagreatmanycouplesontheirwaytobemarried，iftheycouldonlybestoppedintime，andbroughtbackseparately。
THIRDBRANCH——THEBILL
Ihadbeensnowedupawholeweek。Thetimehadhungsolightlyonmyhands，thatIshouldhavebeeningreatdoubtofthefactbutforapieceofdocumentaryevidencethatlayuponmytable。
Theroadhadbeendugoutofthesnowonthepreviousday，andthedocumentinquestionwasmybill。Ittestifiedemphaticallytomyhavingeatenanddrunk，andwarmedmyself，andsleptamongtheshelteringbranchesoftheHolly—Tree，sevendaysandnights。
Ihadyesterdayallowedtheroadtwenty—fourhourstoimproveitself，findingthatIrequiredthatadditionalmarginoftimeforthecompletionofmytask。IhadorderedmyBilltobeuponthetable，andachaisetobeatthedoor，\"ateighto’clockto—morrowevening。\"Itwaseighto’clockto—morroweveningwhenIbuckledupmytravellingwriting—deskinitsleathercase，paidmyBill，andgotonmywarmcoatsandwrappers。Ofcourse，notimenowremainedformytravellingontoaddafrozenteartotheicicleswhichweredoubtlesshangingplentifullyaboutthefarmhousewhereIhadfirstseenAngela。WhatIhadtodowastogetacrosstoLiverpoolbytheshortestopenroad，theretomeetmyheavybaggageandembark。Itwasquiteenoughtodo，andIhadnotanhourtoomuchtimetodoitin。
IhadtakenleaveofallmyHolly—Treefriends——almost，forthetimebeing，ofmybashfulnesstoo——andwasstandingforhalfaminuteattheInndoorwatchingtheostlerashetookanotherturnatthecordwhichtiedmyportmanteauonthechaise，whenIsawlampscomingdowntowardstheHolly—Tree。Theroadwassopaddedwithsnowthatnowheelswereaudible；butallofuswhowerestandingattheInndoorsawlampscomingon，andatalivelyratetoo，betweenthewallsofsnowthathadbeenheapeduponeithersideofthetrack。
Thechambermaidinstantlydivinedhowthecasestood，andcalledtotheostler，\"Tom，thisisaGretnajob！\"Theostler，knowingthathersexinstinctivelyscentedamarriage，oranythinginthatdirection，rusheduptheyardbawling，\"Nextfourout！\"andinamomentthewholeestablishmentwasthrownintocommotion。
Ihadamelancholyinterestinseeingthehappymanwholovedandwasbeloved；andtherefore，insteadofdrivingoffatonce，I
remainedattheInndoorwhenthefugitivesdroveup。Abright—eyedfellow，muffledinamantle，jumpedoutsobrisklythathealmostoverthrewme。Heturnedtoapologise，and，byheaven，itwasEdwin！
\"Charley！\"saidhe，recoiling。\"Graciouspowers，whatdoyoudohere？\"
\"Edwin，\"saidI，recoiling，\"graciouspowers，whatdoyoudohere？\"
IstruckmyforeheadasIsaidit，andaninsupportableblazeoflightseemedtoshootbeforemyeyes。
Hehurriedmeintothelittleparlour（alwayskeptwithaslowfireinitandnopoker），wherepostingcompanywaitedwhiletheirhorseswereputtingto，and，shuttingthedoor，said：
\"Charley，forgiveme！\"
\"Edwin！\"Ireturned。\"Wasthiswell？WhenIlovedhersodearly！
WhenIhadgarneredupmyheartsolong！\"Icouldsaynomore。
HewasshockedwhenhesawhowmovedIwas，andmadethecruelobservation，thathehadnotthoughtIshouldhavetakenitsomuchtoheart。
Ilookedathim。Ireproachedhimnomore。ButIlookedathim。
\"Mydear，dearCharley，\"saidhe，\"don’tthinkillofme，Ibeseechyou！Iknowyouhavearighttomyutmostconfidence，and，believeme，youhaveeverhadituntilnow。Iabhorsecrecy。Itsmeannessisintolerabletome。ButIandmydeargirlhaveobserveditforyoursake。\"
Heandhisdeargirl！Itsteeledme。
\"Youhaveobserveditformysake，sir？\"saidI，wonderinghowhisfrankfacecouldfaceitoutso。
\"Yes！——andAngela’s，\"saidhe。
Ifoundtheroomreelingroundinanuncertainway，likealabouring，humming—top。\"Explainyourself，\"saidI，holdingonbyonehandtoanarm—chair。
\"DearolddarlingCharley！\"returnedEdwin，inhiscordialmanner，\"consider！WhenyouweregoingonsohappilywithAngela，whyshouldIcompromiseyouwiththeoldgentlemanbymakingyouapartytoourengagement，and（afterhehaddeclinedmyproposals）tooursecretintention？Surelyitwasbetterthatyoushouldbeablehonourablytosay，’Henevertookcounselwithme，nevertoldme，neverbreathedawordofit。’IfAngelasuspectedit，andshowedmeallthefavourandsupportshecould——Godblessherforapreciouscreatureandapricelesswife！——Icouldn’thelpthat。NeitherInorEmmelineevertoldher，anymorethanwetoldyou。Andforthesamegoodreason，Charley；trustme，forthesamegoodreason，andnootheruponearth！\"
EmmelinewasAngela’scousin。Livedwithher。Hadbeenbroughtupwithher。Washerfather’sward。Hadproperty。
\"Emmelineisinthechaise，mydearEdwin！\"saidI，embracinghimwiththegreatestaffection。
\"Mygoodfellow！\"saidhe，\"doyousupposeIshouldbegoingtoGretnaGreenwithouther？\"
IranoutwithEdwin，Iopenedthechaisedoor，ItookEmmelineinmyarms，Ifoldedhertomyheart。Shewaswrappedinsoftwhitefur，likethesnowylandscape：butwaswarm，andyoung，andlovely。
Iputtheirleaderstowithmyownhands，Igavetheboysafive—
poundnoteapiece，Icheeredthemastheydroveaway，IdrovetheotherwaymyselfashardasIcouldpelt。
IneverwenttoLiverpool，IneverwenttoAmerica，IwentstraightbacktoLondon，andImarriedAngela。Ihaveneveruntilthistime，eventoher，disclosedthesecretofmycharacter，andthemistrustandthemistakenjourneyintowhichitledme。Whenshe，andthey，andoureightchildrenandtheirseven——ImeanEdwinandEmmeline’s，whoseoldestgirlisoldenoughnowtowearwhiteforherself，andtolookverylikehermotherinit——cometoreadthesepages，asofcoursetheywill，Ishallhardlyfailtobefoundoutatlast。
Nevermind！Icanbearit。IbeganattheHolly—Tree，byidleaccident，toassociatetheChristmastimeofyearwithhumaninterest，andwithsomeinquiryinto，andsomecarefor，thelivesofthosebywhomIfindmyselfsurrounded。IhopethatIamnonetheworseforit，andthatnoonenearmeorafaroffistheworseforit。AndIsay，MaythegreenHolly—Treeflourish，strikingitsrootsdeepintoourEnglishground，andhavingitsgerminatingqualitiescarriedbythebirdsofHeavenallovertheworld！