Contents：
MaurineAllRoadsthatLeadtoGodareGoodDust—sealed\"Advice\"
OvertheBanistersThePastSecretsApplauseTheStoryLeanDownLifeTheChristian’sNewYearPrayerIntheNightGod’sMeasureAMarchSnowPhilosophy\"Carlos\"
TheTwoGlassesLaMortd’AmourLove’sSleepTrueCultureTheVoluptuaryTheCoquetteIfLove’sBurialLippo\"LoveisEnough\"
LifeisLoveMAURINE
PARTI
Isatandsewed，andsangsometendertune，Oh，beauteouswasthatmorninearlyJune!
Mellowwithsunlight，andwithblossomsfair：
Theclimbingrose—treegrewaboutmethere，AndcheckedwithshadethesunnyporticoWhere，mornslikethis，Icametoread，orsew。
Iheardthegateclick，andafirm，quicktreadUponthewalk。Noneedtoturnmyhead；
Iwouldmistake，anddoubtmyownvoicesounding，Beforehisstepuponthegravelbounding。
Inanunstudiedattitudeofgrace，Hestretchedhiscomelyform；andfromhisfaceHetossedthedark，dampcurls；andatmyknees，Withhisbroadhathefannedthelazybreeze，Andturnedhishead，andliftedhislargeeyes，Ofthatstrangehueweseeinoceandyes，Andcallitbluesometimesandsometimesgreen，Andsaveinpoeteyes，notelsewhereseen。
\"LestIshouldmeetwithmyfairlady’sscorning，Forcallingquitesoearlyinthemorning，I’vebroughtapassportthatcanneverfail，\"
Hesaid，and，laughing，laidthemorningmailUponmylap。\"I’mwelcome？soIthought!
I’llfigurebythelettersthatIbroughtHowgladyouaretoseeme。Onlyone？
Andthatonefromalady？I’mundone!
That，lightlyskimmed，you’llthinkmeSUCHabore，AndwonderwhyIdidnotbringyoufour。
It’severthus：awomancannotgetSomanylettersthatshewillnotfretO’eronethatdidnotcome。\"
\"I’llproveyouwrong，\"
Iansweredgaily，\"hereuponthespot!
Thislittleletter，preciousifnotlong，Isjusttheone，ofallyoumighthavebrought，Topleaseme。Youhaveheardmespeak，I’msure，OfHelenTrevor：shewritesheretosayShe’scomingouttoseeme；andwillstayTillAutumn，maybe。Sheis，likehernote，Petiteanddainty，tender，loving，pure。
You’dknowherbyaletterthatshewrote，Forasweettintedthing。’Tisalwaysso：—
Lettersallblots，thoughfinelywritten，showAslovenlyperson。LettersstiffandwhiteBespeakanaturehonest，plain，upright。
Andtissuey，tinted，perfumednotes，likethis，Tellofacreatureformedtopetandkiss。\"
Mylistenerheardmewithaslow，oddsmile；
Stretchedinabandonatmyfeet，thewhile，Hefannedmeidlywithhisbroad—brimmedhat。
\"Thenallyoungladiesmustbeformedforthat!\"
Helaughed，andsaid。
\"Theirlettersread，andlook，Aslikeastwentycopiesofonebook。
They’rewritteninadainty，spiderscrawl，To’darling，preciousKate，’or’Fan，’or’Moll。’
The’dearest，sweetest’friendtheyeverhad。
Theysaythey’wanttoseeyou，oh，sobad!’
Vowthey’ll’forgetyou，never，NEVER，oh!’
Andthentheytellaboutasplendidbeau—
Alovelyhat——acharmingdress，andsendAlittlescrapofthistoeveryfriend。
Andthentoclose，forlackofsomethingbetter，Theybegyou’ll’readandburnthishorridletter。’\"
Hewatchedme，smiling。HewaspronetovexAndhectormewithflingsuponmysex。
Heliked，hesaid，tohavemeflashandfrown，Sohecouldteaseme，andthenlaughmedown。
Mystormsofwrathamusedhimverymuch：
Helikedtoseemegooffatatouch；
Angerbecameme——mademycolourrise，Andgaveanaddedlustretomyeyes。
Sohewouldtalk——andsohewatchedmenow，Toseethehotflushmantlecheekandbrow。
Instead，Iansweredcoolly，withasmile，Fellingaseamwithutmostcare，meanwhile。
\"ThecaustictongueofVivianDangerfieldIsbarbedasever，formysex，thismorn。
Stillunconvinced，nosmallestpointIyield。
WomanIlove，andtrust，despiteyourscorn。
Thereissometruthinwhatyousay？Well，yes!
Yourstatementsusuallyholdmoreorless。
Somewomenwriteweakletters——（somemendo；）
Somemakeprofessions，knowingthemuntrue。
Andwoman’sfriendship，inthetimeofneed，Iown，toooftenprovesabrokenreed。
ButIbelieve，andeverwillcontend，Womancanbeasisterwoman’sfriend，Givingfromoutherlargeheart’sbounteousstoreAlivinglove——claimingtodonomoreThan，throughandbythatlove，sheknowsshecan：
Andlivingbyherprofessions，LIKEAMAN。
Andsuchatie，truefriendship’ssilkentether，BindsHelenTrevor’sheartandminetogether。
Iloveherforherbeauty，meekness，grace；
Forherwhitelilysoulandangelface。
Shelovesme，formygreaterstrength，maybe；
Loves——andwouldgiveherheart’sbestbloodforme。
AndI，tosaveherfromapain，orcross，Wouldsufferanysacrificeorloss。
Suchcanbewoman’sfriendshipforanother。
Couldmangivemore，oraskmorefromabrother？\"
Ipaused：andVivianleanedhismassiveheadAgainstthepillaroftheportico，Smiledhisslow，scepticsmile，thenlaughed，andsaid：
\"Nay，surelynot——ifwhatyousaybeso。
You’vemadeastatement，butnoproof’sathand。
Wait——donotflashyoureyesso!UnderstandIthinkyouquitesincereinwhatyousay：
Youloveyourfriend，andshelovesyou，to—day；
ButfriendshipisnotfriendshipatthebestTillcircumstancesputittothetest。
Man’s，lessdemonstrative，standsstrainandtear，Whilewoman’s，halfprofession，failstowear。
Twowomenloveeachotherpassingwell—
SayHelenTrevorandMaurineLaPelle，Justforexample。
LetthemdailymeetAtballandconcert，inthechurchandstreet，Theykissandcoo，theyvisit，chat，caress；
Theirloveincreases，ratherthangrowsless；
Andallgoeswell，till’Helendear’discoversThat’Maurinedarling’winstoomanylovers。
Andthenher’preciousfriend，’her’pet，’her’sweet，’
Becomesa’minx，’a’creaturealldeceit。’
LetHelensmiletoooftonMaurine’sbeaux，Orwearmorestylishorbecomingclothes，Orsportahatthathasalongerfeather—
Andlo!thestrainhasbroken’friendship’stether。’
Maurine’ssweetsmilebecomesafrownorpout；
’She’sjustbeguntofindthatHelenout。’
Thebreachgrowswider——angerfillseachheart；
Theydriftasunder，whom’butdeathcouldpart。’
Youshakeyourhead？Oh，well，we’llneverknow!
ItisnotlikelyFatewilltestyouso。
You’lllive，andlove；and，meetingtwiceayear，Whilelifeshalllast，you’llholdeachotherdear。
Iprayitmaybeso；itwerenotbestToshakeyourfaithinwomanbythetest。
Keepyourbelief，andnurseitwhileyoucan。
I’vefaithinwoman’sfriendshiptoo——forman!
They’retrueassteel，asmothers，friends，andwives：
Andthat’senoughtoblessusallourlives。
Thatman’saselfishfellow，andabore，Whoisunsatisfiedandasksformore。\"
\"Butthereisneedofmore!\"Iherebrokein。
\"Iholdthatwomanguiltyofasin，Whowouldnotclingto，anddefendanother，Asnoblyasshewouldstandbyabrother。
Whowouldnotsufferforasister’ssake，And，werethereneedtoproveherfriendship，make’Mostanysacrifice，norcountthecost。
WhowouldnotdothisforafriendislostToeverynoblerprinciple。\"
\"Shame，shame!\"
CriedVivian，laughing，\"foryounowdefameThewholesweetsex；sincethere’snotonewoulddoThethingyouname，norwouldIwantherto。
Ilovethesex。Mymotherwasawoman—
Ihopemywifewillbe，andwhollyhuman。
Andifshewantstomakesomesacrifice，I’llthinkherfarmoresensibleandwiseToletherhusbandreapthebenefit，Insteadofsomeoldmaidorsenselesschit。
Selfish？Ofcourse!Iholdallloveisso：
AndIshalllovemywiferightwell，Iknow。
Nowthere’sapointregardingselfishlove，Youthirsttoarguewithme，anddisprove。
Butsincethesecosyhourswillsoonbegone，Andallourmeetingsbrokeninupon，NomoreoftheseraremomentsmustbespentInvaindiscussions，orinargument。
IwishMissTrevorwasin——Jericho!
（Youseetheselfishnessbeginstoshow。）
Shewantstoseeyou？——SodoI：butsheWillgainherwish，bytakingyoufromme。
’Comeallthesame？’thatmeansI’llbeallowedTorealizethat’threecanmakeacrowd。’
Idonotliketofeelmyselfdetrop。
WithtwogirlcronieswouldInotbeso？
Myringwouldinterruptsomeprivatechat。
You’daskmeinandtakemycaneandhat，Andspeakaboutthelovelysummerday，Andthink——’Thelout!Iwishhe’dkeptaway。’
MissTrevor’dsmile，butjusttohideapoutAndcountthemomentstillIwasshownout。
And，whileItwirledmythumbs，IwouldsitwishingThatIhadgoneoffhuntingbirds，orfishing，No，thanks，Maurine!TheironhandofFate，（OrotherwiseMissTrevor’sdaintyfingers，）
WillbarmyentranceintoEden’sgate；
AndIshallbelikesomepoorsoulthatlingersAtheaven’sportal，payingthepriceofsin，Yethopingtobepardonedandletin。\"
Helookedsomelancholysittingthere，Ilaughedoutright。\"Howwellyouactapart；
Youlooktheverypictureofdespair!
You’vemissedyourcalling，sir!supposeyoustartUponastarringtour，andcarveyournameWithBooth’sandBarrett’sontheheightsofFameButnow，tabooingnonsense，IshallsendForyoutohelpmeentertainmyfriend，Unlessyoucomewithoutit。’Cronies？’True，Wantingour’privatechats’ascroniesdo。
Andwe’lltakethose，whileyouarereadingGreek，Orwriting’LinestoDora’sbrow’or’cheek。’
Butwhenyouhaveanhourortwoofleisure，Callasyounowdo，andaffordlikepleasure。
Forneveryetdidheaven’ssunshineon，Orstarsdiscover，thatphenomenon，Inanycountry，orinanyclime：
Twomaidssobound，bytiesofmindandheart，TheydidnotfeeltheheavyweightoftimeInweeksofsceneswhereinnomantookpart。
Godmadethesexestoassociate：
Norlawofman，norsterndecreeofFate，CaneverundowhatHishandhasdone，And，quitealone，makehappyeitherone。
MyHelenisanonlychild：—apetOflovingparents：andsheneveryetHasbeendeniedoneboonforwhichshepleaded。
Afragilething，herlightestwishwasheeded。
Wouldshepluckroses？Theymustfirstbeshorn，Bycarefulhands，ofeveryhatefulthorn，AndlovingeyesmustscanthepathwaywhereHerfeetmaytread，toseenostonesarethere。
She’llgrowdullhere，inthissecludednook，UnlessyouaidmeinthepleasanttaskOfentertaining。Dropinwithyourbook—
Read，talk，singforhersometimes。WhatIask，Doonce，topleaseme：thenthere’llbenoneedFormetostatethecaseagain，orplead。
There’snothinglikeawoman’sgraceandbeautyTowakenmankindtoasenseofduty。\"
\"Ibowbeforethemandateofmyqueen：
Yourslightestwishislaw，MaBelleMaurine，\"
Heanswered，smiling，\"I’matyourcommand；
Pointbutonelilyfinger，oryourwand，Andyouwillfindawillingslaveobeying。
Theregoesmydinnerbell!IhearitsayingI’vespenttwohourshere，lyingatyourfeet，Notprofitable，maybe——surelysweet。
Alltimeismoney；nowwereItomeasureThetimeIspendherebyitssolidpleasure，Andthatwerecoinedindollars，thenI’velaidEachdayafortuneatyourfeet，fairmaid。
Theregoesthatbellagain!I’llsaygood—bye，Orcloudswillshadowmydomesticsky。
I’llcomeagain，asyouwouldhavemedo，Andseeyourfriend，whilesheisseeingyou。
That’slikebyproxybeingatafeast；
Unsatisfactory，tosaytheleast。\"
Hedrewhisfineshapeup，andtrodthelandWithkinglygrace。Passingthegate，hishandHelightlyplacedthegardenwallupon，Leapedoverlikealeopard，andwasgone。
And，going，tookthebrightnessfromtheplace，YetlefttheJunedaywithasweetergrace，Andmyyoungsoul，sosteepedinhappydreams，Heavenitselfseemedshowntomeingleams。
Thereisatimewithlovers，whentheheartFirstslowlyrousesfromitsdreamlesssleep，Toallthetumultofapassionlife，Ereyethavewakenedjealousyandstrife。
Justasayoung，untutoredchildwillstartOutofalonghour’sslumber，soundanddeep，Andlieandsmilewithrosylipsandcheeks，Inasweet，restfultrance，beforeitspeaks。
Atimewhenyetnowordthespellhasbroken，Savewhattheheartuntothesoulhasspoken，Inquickenedthrobs，andsighsbuthalfsuppressedAtimewhenthatsweettruth，allunconfessed，Givesaddedfragrancetothesummerflowers，Agoldenglorytothepassinghours，Ahopefulbeautytotheplainestface，Andlendstolifeanewandtendergrace。
Whenthefullhearthasclimbedtheheightsofbliss，And，smiling，looksbacko’erthegoldenpast，IthinkitfindsnosweeterhourthanthisInalllove—life。For，later，whenthelastTranslucentdropo’erflowsthecupofjoy，Andlove，moremightythantheheart’scontrol，Surgesinwordsofpassionfromthesoul，Andvowsareaskedandgiven，shadowsriseLikemistsbeforethesuninnoondayskies，Vaguefears，thatprovethebrimmingcup’salloy；
Adreadofchange——thecrowningmoment’scurse，Sincewhatisperfect，changebutrendersworse：
AvaindesiretocrippleTime，whogoesBearingourjoysaway，andbringingwoes。
Andlater，doubtsandjealousiesawaken，Andplightedheartsaretempest—tossedandshaken。
Doubtsendsatest，thatgoesasteptoofar，Awoundismade，that，healing，leavesascar，Oroneheart，fullwithlove’ssweetsatisfaction，Thinkstruthoncespokenalwaysunderstood，WhileoneispiningforthetenderactionAndwhisperedwordbywhich，ofold，’twaswooed。
Butthisblesthour，inlove’sglad，goldenday，Islikethedawning，eretheradiantrayOfglowingSolhasburstupontheeye，Butyetisheraldedinearthandsky，Warmwithitsfervour，mellowwithitslight，WhileCarestillslumbersinthearmsofnight。
ButHope，awake，hearshappybirdlingssing，Andthinksofallasummerdaymaybring。
Inthissweetcalm，myyoungheartlayatrest，Filledwithablissfulsenseofpeace；norguessedThatsullencloudsweregatheringintheskiesTohidetheglorioussun，ereitshouldrise。
PARTII
TolittlebirdsthatnevertireofhummingAboutthegardeninthesummerweather，AuntRuthcomparedus，afterHelen’scoming，Aswetworoamed，orsatandtalkedtogether。
Twelvemonthsapart，wehadsomuchtosayOfschooldaysgone——andtimesincepassedaway；
Ofthatoldfriend，andthis；ofwhatwe’ddone；
Ofhowourseparatepathsinlifehadrun；
Ofwhatwewoulddo，inthecomingyears；
Ofplansandcastles，hopesanddreamsandfears。
Allthese，andmore，assoonaswefoundspeech，Wetouchedupon，andskimmedfromthistothat。
Butatthefirsteachonlygazedoneach，And，dumbwithjoy，thatdidnotneedavoiceLikelesserjoys，tosay，\"Lo!Irejoice，\"
WithsmilingeyesandclaspinghandswesatWrappedinthatpeace，feltbutwiththosedear，Contentedjusttoknoweachothernear。
ButwhenthissilenteloquencegaveplaceTowords，’twasliketherisingofafloodAboveadam。Wesatthere，facetoface，Andletourtalkglideonwhere’eritwould，Speechneverhaltinginitsspeedorzest，Savewhenourripplinglaughterletitrest；
JustasastreamwillsometimespauseandplayAboutabubblingspring，thendashaway。
Nowonder，then，thethirdday’ssunwasnighUptothezenithwhenmyfriendandI
Openedoureyesfromslumberlonganddeep：
NaturedemandingrecompenseforhoursSpentintheportico，amongtheflowers，Halvesoftwonightsweshouldhavespentinsleep。
Sothisthirdday，webreakfastedatone：
Thenwalkedaboutthegardeninthesun，Hearingthethrushesandtherobinssing，Andlookingtoseewhatbudswereopening。
Theclockchimedthree，andweyetstrayedatwillAbouttheyardinmorningdishabille，WhenAuntRuthcame，withaprono’erherhead，Holdingaletterinherhand，andsaid，\"Hereisanote，fromVivianIopine；
Atleasthisservantbroughtit。Andnow，girls，Youmaythinkthisisnoconcernofmine，ButinmydayyoungladiesdidnotgoTillalmostbed—timeroamingtoandfroInmorningwrappers，andwithtangledcurls，Theverypicturesofforlorndistress。
’Tisthreeo’clock，andtimeforyoutodress。
Come!readyournoteandhurryin，Maurine，Andmakeyourselffitobjecttobeseen。\"
Helenwasbendingo’eranalmondbush，AndereshelookedupIhadreadthenote，Andcalmedmyheart，that，bounding，sentaflushTobrowandcheek，atsightofaughtHEwrote。
\"MaBelleMaurine：\"（soVivian’sbilletran，）
\"IsitnottimeIsawyourcherishedguest？
’Pitythesorrowsofapooryoungman，’
Banishedfromallthatmakesexistenceblest。
I’mdyingtosee——yourfriend；andIwillcomeAndpayrespects，hopingyou’llbeathomeTo—nightateight。Expectantly，V。D。\"
InsidemybeltIslippedthebillet，saying，\"Helen，gomakeyourselfmostfairtosee：
Quick!hurrynow!notimeformoredelaying!
Injustfivehoursacallerwillbehere，Andyoumustlookyourprettiest，mydear!
Beginyourtoiletrightaway。IknowHowlongittakesyoutoarrangeeachbow—
Totwisteachcurl，andloopyourskirtsaright。
Andyoumustproveyouareaufaitto—night，Andmakeaperfecttoilet：forourcallerIsman，andcritic，poet，artist，scholar，Andviewswitheyesofall。\"
\"Oh，oh!Maurine，\"
CriedHelenwithawell—feignedlookoffear，\"You’vefrightenedmesoIshallnotappear：
I’llhideaway，refusingtobeseenBysuchanogre。Woeisme!bereftOfallmyfriends，mypeacefulhomeI’veleft，AndstrayedawayintothedreadfulwoodTomeetthefateofpoorRedRidingHood。
No，Maurine，no!you’vegivenmesuchafright，I’llnotgonearyouruglywolfto—night。\"
Meantimewe’dleftthegarden；andIstoodInHelen’sroom，whereshehadthrownherselfUponacouch，andlay，awinsomeelf，Poutingandsmiling，cheekuponherarm，Notintheleastaportraitofalarm。
\"Now，sweet!\"Icoaxed，andkneltbyher，\"begood!
Gocurlyourhair；andpleaseyourownMaurine，Byputtingonthatlovelygrenadine。
Notwolf，norogre，neitherCaliban，NorMephistopheles，you’llmeetto—night，Butwhattheladiescall’aniceyoungman’!
Yetoneworthknowing——strongwithhealthandmightOfperfectmanhood；gifted，noble，wise；
Movingamonghiskindwithlovingeyes，Andhelpfulhand；progressive，brave，refined，AftertheimageofhisMaker’smind。\"
\"Now，now，Maurine!\"criedHelen，\"IbelieveItisyourlovercomingherethiseve。
Whyhaveyouneverwrittenofhim，pray？
Isthedayset？——andwhen？Say，Maurine，say!\"
HadIbetrayedbysometooferventwordThesecretlovethatallmybeingstirred？
Mylover？Ay!Myheartproclaimedhimso；
ButfirstHISlipsmustwinthesweetconfession，EreevenHelenbeallowedtoknow。
ImuststraightwayerasetheslightimpressionMadebythewordsjustuttered。
\"Foolishchild!\"
Igailycried，\"yourfancy’sstrayingwild。
JustletagirlofeighteenhearthenameOfmaidandyouthutteredaboutonetime，Andoffherfancygoes，atbreak—neckpace，Defyingcircumstances，reason，space—
AndstraightwaybuildsromancessosublimeTheyputallShakespeare’sdramastotheshame。
ThisVivianDangerfieldisneighbour，friend，Andkindcompanion；bringingbooksandflowers。
And，byhisthoughtfulactionswithoutend，Helpingmepasssomeotherwiselonghours；
Buthehasneverbreathedawordoflove。
Ifyoustilldoubtme，listenwhileIproveMystatementbytheletterthathewrote。
’Dyingtomeet——myfriend!’（shecouldnotseeThedashbetweenthatmeantsomuchtome）。
’Willcomethiseve，ateight，andhopeswemayBeintogreethim。’NowIthinkyou’llsay’Tisnotmuchlikealover’stendernote。\"
Welaugh，wejest，notmeaningwhatwesay；
Wehideourthoughts，bylightwordslightlyspoken，Andpassonheedless，tillwefindonedayThey’vebruisedourhearts，orleftsomeotherbroken。
Isoughtmyroom，andtrillingsomeblitheair，Openedmywardrobe，wonderingwhattowear。
Momentousquestion!femininelyhuman!
Morethanallothers，vexingmindofwoman，Sincethatsadday，wheninherdiscontent，Tosearchforleaves，ourfairfirstmotherwent。
AllundecidedwhatIshouldputon，AtlengthImadeselectionofalawn—
White，withatinypinkvineoverrun：—
Mysimplestrobe，butVivian’sfavouriteone。
Andplacingasingleflowretinmyhair，IcrossedthehalltoHelen’schamber，whereIfoundherwithherfairlocksallletdown，Brushingthekinksout，withaprettyfrown。
’Twaslikeapicture，orapleasingplay，Towatchhermakehertoilet。Shewouldstand，Andturnherheadfirstthis，andthenthatway，Tryingeffectofribbon，boworband。
Thenshewouldpickupsomethingelse，andcurveHerlovelyneck，withcunning，bird—likegrace，Andwatchthemirrorwhilesheputiton，Withsuchasweetlygraveandthoughtfulface；
AndthentoviewitallwouldswayandswerveHerlitheyoungbody，likeagracefulswan。
Helenwasovermediumheight，andslenderEventofrailty。Hergreat，wistfuleyesWerelikethedeepblueofautumnalskies；
Andthroughthemlookedhersoul，large，loving，tender。
Herlong，lighthairwaslustreless，exceptUpontheends，whereburnishedsunbeamsslept，Andontheearlocks；andsheloopedthecurlsBackwithashellcomb，studdedthickwithpearls，Costlyyetsimple。Herpaleloveliness，Thatnight，washeightenedbyherrich，blackdress，Thattrailedbehindher，leavinghalfinsightHertaperarms，andshouldersmarblewhite。
IwasnottallasHelen，andmyfaceWasshapedandcolouredlikemygrandsire’srace；
Forthroughhisveinsmyownreceivedthewarm，RedbloodofSouthernFrance，whichcurvedmyform，Andgloweduponmycheekincrimsondyes，Andbronzedmyhair，anddarkledinmyeyes。
Andasthemorningtrailstheskirtsofnight，Andduskynightputsonthegarbofmorn，Andwalktogetherwhenthedayisborn，Sowetwoglideddownthehallandstair，Armclaspingarm，intotheparlour，whereSatVivian，bathedinsunset’sgorgeouslight。
Herosetogreetus。Oh!hisformwasgrand；
Andhepossessedthatpower，strange，occult，Calledmagnetism，lackingbetterword，Whichmovestheworld，achievinggreatresultWheregeniusfailscompletely。Touchhishand，Itthrilledthroughallyourbeing——meethiseye，Andyouweremoved，yetknewnothow，orwhy。
Lethimbutrise，youfelttheairwasstirredByanelectriccurrent。
ThisstrangeforceIsmightierthangenius。Rightlyused，Itleadstograndachievements；allthingsyieldBeforeitsmysticpresence，anditsfieldIsbroadasearthandheaven。Butabused，Itsweepslikeapoisonsimoononitscourse，Bearingmiasmainitsscorchingbreath，Andleavingallittouchesstruckwithdeath。
Far—reachingscienceshallyettearawayThemysticgarbthathidesitfromtheday，Anddragitforthandbinditwithitslaws，Andmakeitservethepurposesofmen，Guidedbycommon—senseandreason。ThenWe’llhearnomoreofseance，table—rapping，Andallthattrash，o’erwhichtheworldisgaping，Lostineffect，whilescienceseeksthecause。
Vivianwasnotconsciousofhispower：
Or，ifhewas，knewnotitsfullextent。
Heknewhisglancewouldmakeawildbeastcower，AndyetheknewnotthathislargeeyessentIntotheheartofwomanthesamethrillThatmadethelionservantofhiswill。
Andevenstrongmenfeltit。
Hearose，Reachedforthhishand，andinitclaspedmyown，WhileIheldHelen’s；andhespokesomewordOfpleasantgreetinginhislow，roundtone，UnlikeallothervoicesIhaveheard。
Justasthewhitecloud，atthesunrise，glowsWithroseatecolours，sothepallidhueOfHelen’scheek，liketintedsea—shellsgrew。
Throughmine，hishandcausedherstotremble；suchWastheall—mast’ringmagicofhistouch。
Thenwesatdown，andtalkedabouttheweather，Theneighbourhood——someauthor’slastnewbook。
But，whenIcould，IleftthetwotogetherTomakeacquaintance，sayingImustlookAfterthechickens——myespecialcare；
Andranawayandleftthem，laughing，there。
Knee—deep，throughclover，tothepoplargrove，Iwaded，wheremypetswerewonttorove：
AndthereIfoundthefoolishmotherhenBroodingherchickensunderneathatree，Aneasypreyforfoxes。\"Chick—a—dee，\"
QuothI，whilereachingforthedownythingsThat，chirping，peepedfromoutthemother—wings，\"Howveryhumanisyourfolly!WhenTherewaitsahaven，pleasant，bright，andwarm，AndonetoleadyouthitherfromthestormAndlurkingdangers，yetyouturnaway，And，thinkingtobeyourownprotector，strayIntotheopenjawsofdeath：for，see!
AnowlissittinginthisverytreeYouthoughtsafeshelter。Gonowtoyourpen。\"
And，followedbytheclucking，clamoroushen，Solikethehumanmotherhereagain，Moaningbecauseastrong，protectingarmWouldshieldherlittleonesfromcoldandharm，IcarriedbackmygardenhatbrimfulOfchirpingchickens，likewhiteballsofwoolAndsnuglyhousedthem。
AndjustthenIheardAsoundlikegentlewindsamongthetrees，Orpleasantwatersinthesummer，stirredAndsetinmotionbyapassingbreeze。
’TwasHelensinging：and，asIdrewnear，Anothervoice，atenorfullandclear，Mingledwithhers，asmurmuringstreamsunite，Andflowonstrongerintheirweddedmight。
ItwasawayofHelen’s，nottosingThesongsthatotherpeoplesang。ShetookSometimesanextractfromanancientbook；
Againsomefloating，fragmentarything。
Andsuchshefittedtooldmelodies，Orelsecomposedthemusic。OneoftheseShesangthatnight；andViviancaughtthestrain，Andjoinedherinthechorus，orrefrain，SONG。
Ohthou，mineother，strongerpart!
WhomyetIcannothear，orsee，Comethou，andtakethislovingheart，Thatlongstoyielditsalltothee，Icallmineown——oh，cometome!
Love，answerback，Icometothee，Icometothee。
Thishungryheart，sowarm，solarge，Isfartoogreatacareforme。
IhavegrownwearyofthechargeIkeepsosacredlyforthee。
Comethou，andtakemyheartfromme。
Love，answerback，Icometothee，Icometothee。
Iama—weary，waitinghereForonewhotarrieslongfromme。
Oh!artthoufar，orartthounear？
AndmustIstillbesadforthee？
Orwiltthoustraightwaycometome？
Love，answer，Iamneartothee，Icometothee。
Themelody，sofullofplaintivechords，Sobbedintosilence——echoingdownthestringsLikevoiceofonewhowalksfromus，andsings。
VivianhadleanedupontheinstrumentThewhiletheysang。But，ashespokethosewords，\"Love，Iamneartothee，Icometothee，\"
Heturnedhisgrandheadslowlyround，andbentHislustrous，soulful，speakinggazeonme。
Andmyyoungheart，eagertoownitsking，Senttomyeyesagreat，glad，trustfullightOfloveandfaith，andhunguponmycheekHope’srose—huedflag。TherewasnoneedtospeakIcrossedtheroom，andkneltbyHelen。\"SingThatsongyousangafragmentofonenightOutontheporch，beginning，’Praisemenot，’\"
Iwhispered：andhersweetandplaintivetoneRose，lowandtender，asifshehadcaughtFromsomesadpassingbreeze，andmadeherown，Theechoofthewind—harp’ssighingstrain，Orthesoftmusicofthefallingrain。
SONG。
Opraisemenotwithyourlips，dearone!
ThoughyourtenderwordsIprize。
ButdearerbyfaristhesoulfulgazeOfyoureyes，yourbeautifuleyes，Yourtender，lovingeyes。
Ochidemenotwithyourlips，dearone!
ThoughIcauseyourbosomsighs。
YoucanmakerepentancedeeperfarByyoursad，reprovingeyes，Yoursorrowful，troubledeyes。
Words，atthebest，arebuthollowsounds；
Above，inthebeamingskies，Theconstantstarssayneveraword，Butonlysmilewiththeireyes—
Smileonwiththeirlustrouseyes。
Thenbreathenovowwithyourlips，dearone；
Onthewingedwindspeechflies。
ButIreadthetruthofyournobleheartInyoursoulful，speakingeyes—
Inyourdeepandbeautifuleyes。
Thetwilightdarkened，roundus，intheroom，WhileHelensang；and，inthegatheringgloom，Vivianreachedout，andtookmyhandinhis，Andhelditso；whileHelenmadetheairLanguidwithmusic。Thenastepdrewnear，AndvoiceofAuntRuthbrokethespell：
\"Dear!dear!
Why，Maurie，Helen，children!howisthis？
Ihearyou，butyouhavenolightinthere。
YourroomisdarkasEgypt。WhatawayForfolkstovisit!Maurie，go，Ipray，Andorderlamps。\"
Andsotherecamealight，AndallthesweetdreamshoveringaroundThetwilightshadowsflittedinaffright：
Ande’enthemusichadaharshersound。
Inpleasantconversepassedanhouraway：
AndVivianplannedapicnicfornextday—
Adrivethenext，andrambleswithoutend，Thathemighthelpmeentertainmyfriend。
Andthenherose，bowedlow，andpassedfromsight，Likesomegreatstarthatdropsoutfromthenight；
AndHelenwatchedhimthroughtheshadowsgo，Andturnedandsaid，hervoicesubduedandlow，\"Howtallheis!inallmylife，Maurine，AgrandermanIneveryethaveseen。\"
PARTIII
Onegoldentwelfth—partofacheckeredyear；
Onesummermonth，ofsunlight，moonlight，mirth，Withnotahintofshadowslurkingnear，Orstorm—cloudsbrewing。
’Twasaroyalday：
VoluptuousJulyheldherlover，Earth，Withherwarmarms，uponherglowingbreast，Andtwinedherselfabouthim，ashelaySmilingandpantinginhisdream—stirredrest。
Sheboundhimwithherlimbsofperfectgrace，Andhidhimwithhertrailingrobeofgreen，Andwoundhiminherlonghair’sshimmeringsheen，Andrainedherardentkissesonhisface。
ThroughthegladgloryofthesummerlandHelenandIwentwandering，handinhand。
Inwindingpaths，hardbytheripewheat—field，Whitewiththepromiseofabounteousyield，Acrossthelateshornmeadow——downthehill，Redwiththetiger—lilyblossoms，tillWestooduponthebordersofthelake，Thatlikeapretty，placidinfant，sleptLowatitsbase：andlittleripplescreptAlongitssurface，justasdimpleschaseEachothero’eraninfant’ssleepingface。
HeleninidlehourshadlearnedtomakeAthousandpretty，feminineknick—knacks：
Forbrackets，ottomans，andtoiletstands—
Labourjustsuitedtoherdaintyhands。
Thatmorningshehadbeenatworkinwax，Mouldingawreathofflowersformyroom，—
Takingherpatternsfromthelivingblows，Inalltheirdewybeautyandsweetbloom，Freshfrommygarden。Fuchsia，tulip，rose，Andtrailingivy，grewbeneathhertouch，ResemblingthelivingplantsasmuchAslifeiscopiedintheformofdeath：
Theselackingbuttheperfume，andthat，breath。
Andnowthewreathwasallcompleted，saveThemermaidblossomofallflowerdom，Awater—lily，drippingfromthewave。
And’twasinsearchofitthatwehadcomeDowntothelake，andwanderedonthebeach，Toseeifanyliliesgrewinreach。
Somebrokenstalks，whereflowerslatehadbeen；
Somebuds，withalltheirbeautiesfoldedin，Wefound，butnotthetreasurethatwesought。
AndthenweturnedourfootstepstothespotWhere，allimpatientofitschain，myboat，TheSwan，rocked，askingtobesetafloat。
Itwasadaintyrow—boat——strong，yetlight；
Eachsideaswanwaspaintedsnowywhite：
Apresentfrommyuncle，justbeforeHesailed，withDeath，tothatmysteriousstrand，Wherefreightedshipsgosailingevermore，Butnonereturntotellusoftheland。
IfreedtheSwan，andslowlyrowedabout，Whereversea—weeds，grass，orgreenleavesliftedTheirtipsabovethewater。Sowedrifted，WhileHelen，opposite，leanedidlyoutAndwatchedforliliesinthewavesbelow，Andsoftlycroonedsomesweetanddreamyair，Thatsoothedmelikeamother’slullabies。
Idroppedtheoars，andclosedmysun—kissedeyes，Andlettheboatgodriftinghereandthere。
Oh，happyday!thelastofthatbrieftimeOfthoughtlessyouth，whenalltheworldseemsbright，ErethatdisguisedangelmencallWoeLeadsthesadheartthroughvalleysdarkasnight，Uptotheheightsexaltedandsublime。
Oneachblest，happymoment，IamfainTolingerlong，ereIpassontopainAndsorrowthatsucceeded。
Fromday—dreams，Asgoldenasthesummernoontide’sbeams，Iwasawakenedbyavoicethatcried：
\"Strangeship，ahoy!Fairfrigate，whitherbound？\"
And，startingup，Icastmygazearound，Andsawasail—boato’erthewaterglideClosetotheSwan，likesomelivethingofgrace；
Andfromitlookedtheglowing，handsomefaceOfVivian。
\"Beauteoussirensofthesea，Comesailacrosstheragingmainwithme!\"
Helaughed；andleaning，drewourdriftingboatBesidehisown。\"There，now!stepin!\"hesaid；
\"I’lllandyouanywhereyouwanttogo—
Myboatissaferfarthanyours，Iknow：
Andmuchmorepleasantwithitssailsallspread。
TheSwan？We’lltaketheoars，andletitfloatAshoreatleisure。You，Maurine，sitthere—
MissHelenhere。Yegodsandlittlefishes!
I’vereachedtheheightofpleasure，andmywishes。
Adieudespondency!farewelltocare!\"
’Twasdonesoquickly：thatwasVivian’sway。
Hedidnotwaitforeitheryeaornay。
Hegavecommands，andleftyouwithnochoiceButjusttodothebiddingofhisvoice。
Hisrare，kindsmile，lowtones，andmanlyfaceLenttohisquickimperiousnessagraceAndwinningcharm，completelystrippingitOfwhatmightotherwisehaveseemedunfit。
Leavingnotraceoftyranny，butjustThatnamelessforcethatseemedtosay，\"Youmust。\"
SuitingitsprettytitleoftheDawn，（Sonamed，hesaid，thatitmightrhymewithSwan），Vivian’ssail—boatwascarpetedwithblue，Whileallitssailswereofapalerosehue。
Thedaintiestcraftthatflirtedwiththebreeze；
Apoet’sfancyinanhourofease。
WhateverVivianhadwasofthebest。
HisroomwaslikesomeSultan’sintheEast。
Hisboardwasalwaysspreadasforafeast，Whereat，eachmeal，hewasbothhostandguest。
Hewouldgohungrysoonerthanhe’ddineAthisowntableif’twereillyset。
Hesolovedthingsartisticindesign—
Orderandbeauty，allabouthim。YetSokindhewas，ifitbefellhislotTodinewithinthehumblepeasant’scot，Hemadeitseemhisnativesoiltobe，Andthusdisplayedthetruegentility。
UndertherosybannersoftheDawn，Aroundthelakewedriftedon，andon。
Itwasatimefordreams，andnotforspeech。
Andsowefloatedoninsilence，eachWeavingthefanciessuitingsuchaday。
Helenleanedidlyo’erthesail—boat’sside，Anddippedherrosyfingersinthetide；
AndIamongthecushionshalfreclined，Halfsat，andwatchedthefleecycloudsatplay，WhileVivianwithhisblank—book，opposite，Inwhichheseemedtoeithersketchorwrite，Waslostininspirationofsomekind。
Notime，nochange，noscene，cane’ereffaceMymind’simpressionofthathourandplace；
Itstandsoutlikeapicture。O’ertheyears，Blackwiththeirrobesofsorrow——veiledwithtears，Lyingwithalltheirlengthenedshapesbetween，Untouched，undimmed，Istillbeholdthatscene。
JustasthelastofIndian—summerdays，Repletewithsunlight，crownedwithamberhaze，FollowedbydarkanddesolateDecember，Throughallthemonthsofwinterweremember。
Thesunslippedwestward。ThatpeculiarchangeWhichcreepsintotheair，andspeaksofnightWhileyetthedayisfullofgoldenlight，Wefeltstealo’erus。
VivianbrokethespellOfdream—fraughtsilence，throwingdownhisbook：
\"Youngladies，pleaseallowmetoarrangeThesewrapsaboutyourshoulders。IknowwellTheficklenatureofouratmosphere，—
Hersmileswiftfollowedbyafrownortear，—
Andgopreparedforchanges。Nowyoulook，Like——like——oh，where’saprettysimile？
Hadyouapocketmirrorhereyou’dseeHowwellmynativetalentisdisplayedInshawlingyou。Redonthebrunettemaid；
Blueontheblonde——andquitewithoutdesign（Oh，whereISthatcomparisonofmine？）
Well——likeaJuneroseandavioletblueInonebouquet!Ifancythatwilldo。
AndnowIcraveyourpatienceandaboon，Whichistolisten，whileIreadmyrhyme，Afloatingfancyofthesummertime。
’Tisneitherwitty，wonderful，norwise，Solistenkindly——butdon’tcriticiseMymaideneffortoftheafternoon：
\"IfalltheshipsIhaveatseaShouldcomea—sailinghometome，Ah，well!theharbourcouldnotholdSomanysailsastherewouldbeIfallmyshipscameinfromsea。
\"Ifhalfmyshipscamehomefromsea，Andbroughttheirpreciousfreighttome，Ah，well!IshouldhavewealthasgreatAsanykingwhositsinstate—
SorichthetreasuresthatwouldbeInhalfmyshipsnowoutatsea。
\"IfjustoneshipIhaveatseaShouldcomea—sailinghometome，Ah，well!thestorm—cloudsthenmightfrown：
ForiftheothersallwentdownStillrichandproudandgladI’dbe，Ifthatoneshipcamebacktome。
\"Ifthatoneshipwentdownatsea，Andalltheotherscametome，Weigheddownwithgemsandwealthuntold，Withglory，honour，riches，gold，ThepoorestsoulonearthI’dbeIfthatoneshipcamenottome。
\"Oskiesbecalm!Owindsblowfree—
Blowallmyshipssafehometome。
Butifthousendestsomea—wrackTonevermorecomesailingback，Sendany——allthatskimthesea，Butbringmylove—shiphometome。\"
Helenwasleaningbyme，andherheadRestedagainstmyshoulder：asheread，Istrokedherhair，andwatchedthefleecyskies，Andwhenhefinished，didnotturnmyeyes。
IfelttoohappyandtooshytomeetHisgazejustthen。Isaid，\"’Tisverysweet，Andsuitstheday；doesitnot，Helen，dear？\"
ButHelen，voiceless，didnotseemtohear。
\"’Tisstrange，\"Iadded，\"howyoupoetssingSofeelinglyabouttheverythingYoucarenotfor!anddressupanidealSowell，itlooksaliving，breathingreal!
Now，toalistener，yourlovesongseemedAheart’sout—pouring；yetI’veheardyousayAlmosttheopposite；orthatyoudeemedPosition，honour，glory，power，fame，Gainedwithoutlossofconscienceorgoodname，Thethingstolivefor。\"
\"Haveyou？Well，youmay，\"
LaughedVivian，\"but’twasyears——ormonths’ago!
AndSolomonsayswisemenchange，youknow!
Inowspeaktruth!ifsheIholdmostdearSlippedfrommylife，andnoleasthopewereleft，MyheartwouldfindtheyearsmorelonelyhereThanifIwereofwealth，fame，friends，bereft，Andsent，anexile，toaforeignland。\"
Hisvoicewaslow，andmeasured：ashespoke，New，unknownchordsofmelodyawokeWithinmysoul。IfeltmyheartexpandWiththatsweetfulnessbornoflove。IturnedTohidetheblushesonmycheekthatburned，AndleaningoverHelen，breathedhername。
ShelaysomotionlessIthoughtsheslept：
But，asIspoke，Isawhereyesunclose，Ando’erherfaceasuddengloryswept，Andaslighttremorthrilledallthroughherframe。
\"Sweetfriend，\"Isaid，\"yourfaceisfulloflightWhatwerethedreamsthatmadeyoureyessobright？\"
Sheonlysmiledforanswer，andaroseFromherrecliningpostureatmyside，Threwbacktheclust’ringringletsfromherfaceWithaquickgesture，fullofeasygrace，And，turning，spoketoVivian。\"WillyouguideTheboatupnearthatlittleclumpofgreenOfftotheright？There’swheretheliliesgrow。
Wequiteforgotourerrandhere，Maurine，Andourfewmomentshavegrownintohours。
WhatwillAuntRuththinkofourling’ringso？
There——thatwilldo——nowIcanreachtheflowers。\"
\"Hark!justhearthat!\"andVivianbrokeforthsinging，\"’Row，brothers，row。’Thesixo’clockbell’sringing!
WhoeverknewthreehourstogosofastInalltheannalsoftheworld，before？
Icouldhaveswornnotoveronehadpassed。
Youngladies，Iamforcedtogoashore!
Ithankyouforthepleasureyouhavegiven；
Thisafternoonhasbeenaglimpseofheaven。
Good—night——sweetdreams!andbyyourgraciousleave，I’llpaymycomplimentsto—morroweve。\"
Asmile，abow，andhehadgonehisway：
And，inthewaninggloryoftheday，Downcool，greenlanes，andthroughthelength’ningshadows，Silent，wewanderedbackacrossthemeadows。
Thewreathwasfinished，andadornedmyroom；
Longafterward，thelilies’copiedbloomWaslikeahorridspectreinmysight，Staringuponmemorning，noon，andnight。
Thesunwentdown。Thesadnewmoonroseup，Andpassedbeforemelikeanemptycup，TheGreatUnseenbrimsfullofpainorbliss，AndgivesHischildren，saying，\"Drinkofthis。\"
Alightwind，fromtheopencasement，fannedMybrowandHelen’s，aswe，handinhand，Satlookingoutuponthetwilightscene，Indreamysilence。Helen’sdark—blueeyes，LiketwoloststarsthatwanderedfromtheskiesSomenightadownthemeteor’sshiningtrack，Andalwayshadbeengrievingtogoback，Nowgazedup，wistfully，atheaven’sdome，Andseemedtorecogniseandlongforhome。
Hersweetvoicebrokethesilence：\"Wish，Maurine，Beforeyouspeak!youknowthemoonisnew，AndanythingyouwishforwillcometrueBeforeitwanes。Idobelievethesign!
Nowtellmeyourwish，andI’lltellyoumine。\"
Iturnedandlookedupattheslimyoungmoon；
And，withanalmostsuperstitiousheart，Isighed，\"Oh，newmoon!helpme，bythineart，Togrowallgraceandgoodness，andtobeWorthytheloveatrueheartproffersme。\"
Thensmilingdown，Isaid，\"Dearone!myboon，Ifear，isquitetoosillyortoosweetFormyrepeating：sowe’llletitstayBetweenthemoonandme。ButifImayI’lllistennowtoyourwish。Tellme，please!\"
Allsuddenlyshenestledatmyfeet，Andhidherblushingfaceuponmyknees。
Thendrewmyhandagainstherglowingcheek，And，leaningonmybreast，begantospeak，HalfsighingoutthewordsmytorturedearReacheddowntocatch，whilestrivingnottohear。
\"Canyounotguesswho’twasabout，Maurine？
Oh，mysweetfriend!youmusterethishaveseenTheloveItriedtocoverfromalleyesAndfrommyself。Ah，foolishlittleheart!
AswellitmightgoseekingforsomeartWherebytohidethesuninnoondayskies。
WhenfirstthestrangesoundofhisvoiceIheard，Lookedonhisnobleface，and，touchedhishand，Myslumb’ringheartthrilledthroughandthroughandstirredAsiftosay，’Ihear，andunderstand。’
AnddaybydaymineeyeswereblestbeholdingTheinnerbeautyofhislife，unfoldingIncountlesswordsandactionsthatportrayedThenoblestuffofwhichhissoulwasmade。
AndmoreandmoreIfeltmyheartupreachingTowardthetruth，drawngentlybyhisteaching，Asflowersaredrawnbysunlight。AndtheregrewAstrange，shysomethinginitsdepths，IknewAtlengthwaslove，becauseitwassosadAndyetsosweet，andmademyheartsoglad，Yetseemedtopainme。Then，forveryshame，Lestallshouldreadmysecretanditsname，Istrovetohideitinmybreastaway，WhereGodcouldseeitonly。ButeachdayItseemedtogrowwithinme，andwouldrise，Likemyownsoul，andlookforthfrommyeyes，Defyingbondsofsilence；andwouldspeak，Initsred—letteredlanguage，onmycheek，Ifbuthisnamewasuttered。Youwerekind，MyownMaurine!asyoualonecouldbe，Solongthesharerofmyheartandmind，Whileyetyousaw，inseemingnottosee。
Inalltheyearswehavebeenfriends，myown，Andlovedaswomenveryrarelydo，MyheartnosorrowandnojoyhasknownIthasnotsharedatonce，infull，withyou。
AndIsolongedtospeaktoyouofthis，WhenfirstIfeltitsmingledpainandbliss；
Yetdarednot，lestyou，knowinghim，shouldsay，Inpityformyfolly——’Lack—a—day!
Youareundone：becausenomortalartCanwintheloveofsuchaloftyheart。’
AndsoIwaited，silentandinpain，TillIcouldknowIdidnotloveinvain。
AndnowIknow，beyondadoubtorfear。
Didhenotsay，’IfsheIholdmostdearSlippedfrommylife，andnoleasthopewereleft，MyheartwouldfindtheyearsmorelonelyhereThanifIwereofwealth，fame，friends，bereft，Andsent，anexile，toaforeignland’？
Oh，darling，youmustLOVE，tounderstandThejoythatthrilledallthroughmeatthosewords。
ItwasasifathousandsingingbirdsWithinmyheartbrokeforthinnotesofpraise。
Ididnotlookup，butIknewhisgazeWasonmyface，andthathiseyesmustseeThejoyIfeltalmosttransfiguredme。
Helovesme——lovesme!sothebirdskeptsinging，Andallmysoulwiththatsweetstrainisringing。
Iftherewereaddedbutonedropofbliss，Nomoremycupwouldhold：andso，thiseve，ImadeawishthatImightfeelhiskissUponmylips，ereyonpalemoonshouldleaveThestarsalllonely，havingwanedaway，Toooldandweakandbowedwithcaretostay。\"
Hervoicesighedinsilence。WhileshespokeMyheartwrithedinme，prayingshewouldcease—
EachwordsheutteredfallinglikeastrokeOnmybaresoul。Andnowahushlikedeath，Savethat’twasbrokenbyaquick—drawnbreath，Fell’roundme，butbroughtnotthehoped—forpeace。
Forwhenthelashnolongerleavesitsblows，Thefleshstillquivers，andthebloodstillflows。
Shenestledonmybosomlikeachild，And’neathherheadmytorturedheartthrobbedwildWithpainandpity。Shehadtoldhertale—
Herself—deceivingstorytotheend。
HowcouldIlookdownonherasshelaySofair，andsweet，andlily—like，andfrail—
Atenderblossomonmybreast，andsay，\"Nay，youarewrong——youdomistake，dearfriend!
’TisIamloved，notyou\"？Yetthatweretruth，Andshemustknowitlater。
ShouldIspeak，Andspreadaghastlypalloro’erthecheekFlushednowwithjoy？AndwhileI，doubtingpondered，Shespokeagain。\"Maurine!IofthavewonderedWhyyouandVivianwerenotlovers。HeIsallaheartcouldaskitskingtobe；
Andyouhavebeauty，intellectandyouth。
Ithinkitstrangeyouhavenotlovedeachother—
StrangehowhecouldpassbyyouforanotherNothalfsofairorworthy。YetIknowAlovingFatherpre—arrangeditso。
Ithinkmyhearthasknownhimalltheseyears，Andwaitedforhim。AndifwhenhecameIthadbeenasaloverofmyfriend，Ishouldhaverecognisedhim，allthesame，Asmysoul—mate，andlovedhimtotheend，Hidingmygrief，andforcingbackmytearsTillonmyheart，slowdropping，daybyday，Unseentheyfell，andworeitallaway。
AndsoatenderFatherkepthimfree，Withallthelargenessofhislove，forme—
Forme，unworthysuchapreciousgift!
YetIwillbendeacheffortofmylifeTogrowingraceandgoodness，andtoliftMysoulandspirittohisloftyheight，Sotodeservethatholyname，hiswife。
Sweetfriend，itfillsmywholeheartwithdelightTobreatheitslonghidsecretinyourear。
Speak，myMaurine，andsayyoulovetohear!\"
Thewhileshespoke，myactivebraingaveriseToonegreatthoughtofmightysacrificeAndself—denial。Oh!itblanchedmycheek，Andwrungmysoul；andfrommyheartitdroveAlllifeandfeeling。Coward—like，IstroveTosenditfromme；butIfeltitclingAndholdfastonmymindlikesomelivething；
AndalltheSelfwithinmefeltitstouchAndcried，\"No，no!Icannotdosomuch—
Iamnotstrongenough——thereisnocall。\"
AndthenthevoiceofHelenbademespeak，Andwithacalmnessbornofnerve，Isaid，ScarceknowingwhatIuttered，\"Sweetheart，allYourjoysandsorrowsarewithmineownwed。
Ithankyouforyourconfidence，andprayImaydeserveitalways。But，dearone，Something——perhapsourboat—rideinthesun—
Hassetmyheadtoaching。ImustgoTobeddirectly；andyouwill，Iknow，Grantmeyourpardon，andanotherdayWe’lltalkofthistogether。Nowgood—night，Andangelsguardyouwiththeirwingsoflight。\"
Ikissedherlips，andheldheronmyheart，AndviewedherasIne’erhaddonebefore。
Igazeduponherfeatureso’erando’er；
Markedherwhite，tenderface——herfragileform，Likesomefrailplantthatwithersinthestorm；
Sawshewasfairerinhernew—foundjoyThane’erbefore；andthought，\"CanIdestroyGod’shandiwork，orleaveitatthebestAbrokenharp，whileIcloseclaspmybliss？\"
Ibentmyheadandgaveheronelastkiss，Andsoughtmyroom，andfoundtheresuchreliefAssadheartsfeelwhenfirstalonewithgrief。
Themoonwentdown，slowsailingfrommysight，Andleftthestarstowatchawaythenight。
Ostars，sweetstars，sochangelessandserene!
Whatdepthsofwoeyourpityingeyeshaveseen!
Theproudsunsets，andleavesuswithoursorrow，Togropealoneindarknesstillthemorrow。
Thelanguidmoon，e’enifshedeignstorise，Soonseekshercouch，grownwearyofoursighs；
ButfromtheearlygloamingtillthedaySendsgolden—liveriedheraldsforthtosayHecomesinmight；thepatientstarsshineon，Steadfastandfaithful，fromtwilighttodawn。
And，astheyshoneuponGethsemane，AndwatchedthestruggleofaGod—likesoul，Nowfromthesamefarheighttheyshoneonme，Andsawthewavesofanguisho’ermeroll。
Thestormhadcomeuponmeallunseen：
Nosoundofthunderfelluponmyear；
Nocloudarosetotellmeitwasnear；
Butunderskiesallsunlit，andserene，Ifloatedwiththecurrentofthestream，Andthoughtlifeallonegolden—haloeddream。
Whenlo!ahurricane，withawfulforce，Sweptswiftuponitsdevastatingcourse，Wreckedmyfrailbark，andcastmeonthewaveWhereallmyhopeshadfoundasuddengrave。
Lovemakesusblindandselfish；otherwiseIhadseenHelen’ssecretinhereyes；
SousedIwastoreadingeverylookInhersweetface，asIwouldreadabook。
Butnow，madesightlessbylove’sblindingrays，Ihadgoneonunseeing，totheendWherePaindispelledthemistofgoldenhazeThatwalledmein，andlo!IfoundmyfriendWhojourneyedwithme——atmyveryside—
Hadbeensorewoundedtotheheart，whileI，Bothdeafandblind，sawnot，norheardhercry。
AndthenIsobbed，\"OGod!IwouldhavediedTosaveherthis。\"AndasIcriedinpain，Thereleapedforthfromthestill，whiterealmofThoughtWhereConsciencedwells，thatunimpassionedspotAswidelydifferentfromtheheart’sdomainAsnorthfromsouth——theimpulsefeltbefore，Andputaway；butnowitroseoncemore，Ingreaterstrength，andsaid，\"Heart，wouldstthouproveWhatlipshaveuttered？Thengo，laythyloveOnFriendship’saltar，asthyoffering。\"
\"Nay!\"criedmyheart，\"askanyotherthing—
Asklifeitself——’twereeasiersacrifice。
Butasknotlove，forthatIcannotgive。\"
\"But，\"spokethevoice，\"themeanestinsectdies，Andisnohero!heroesdaretoliveWhenallthatmakeslifesweetissnatchedaway。\"
Sowithmyheart，inconverse，tilltheday，Ingoldandcrimsonbillows，roseandbroke，ThevoiceofConscience，allunwearied，spoke。
LovewarredwithFriendship，heartwithConsciencefought，Hoursrolledaway，andyettheendwasnot。
AndwilySelf，trickedoutliketenderness，Sighed，\"Thinkhowone，whoselifethouwerttobless，Willbecastdown，andgropeindoubtandfear!
Wouldstthouwoundhim，togivethyfriendrelief？
Canwrongmakeright？\"
\"Nay!\"Consciencesaid，\"butPrideAndTimecanhealthesaddesthurtsofLove。
WhileFriendship’swoundsgapewideandyetmorewide，Andbitterfountainsofthespiritprove。\"
Atlength，exhaustedwiththewearingstrife，Icastthenew—foundburdenofmylifeOnGod’sbroadbreast，andsoughtthatdeepreposeThatonlyhewhowatchedwithsorrowknows。
PARTIV
\"Maurine，Maurine，’tisteno’clock!arise，Myprettysluggard，openthosedarkeyesAndseewhereyondersunis!DoyouknowImademytoiletjustfourhoursago？\"
’TwasHelen’svoice：andHelen’sgentlekissFellonmycheek。Asfromadeepabyss，IdrewmywearyselffromthatstrangesleepThatrestsnotnorrefreshes。ScarceawakeOrconscious，yetthereseemedaheavyweightBoundonmybreast，asbyacruelFate。
Iknewnotwhy，andyetIlongedtoweep。
Somedarkcloudseemedtohangupontheday；
And，foramoment，inthattranceIlay，Whensuddenlythetruthdido’ermebreak，Likesomegreatwaveuponahelplesschild。
Thedullpaininmybreastgrewlikeaknife—
Theheavythrobbingofmyheartgrewwild，AndGodgavebacktheburdenofthelifeHekeptwhattimeIslumbered。
\"Youareill，\"
CriedHelen，\"withthatblindingheadachestill!
Youlooksopaleandweary。NowletmePlaynurse，Maurine，andcareforyouto—day!
AndfirstI’llsuitsomedaintytoyourtaste，Andbringittoyou，withacupoftea。\"
Andoffsheran，notwaitingmyreply。
But，wantingmostthesunshineandthelight，Ileftmycouch，andclothedmyselfinhaste，And，kneeling，senttoGodanearnestcryForhelpandguidance。
\"ShowThoumetheway，Wheredutyleads，forIamblind!mysightObscuredbyself。Oh，leadmystepsaright!
Helpmeseethepath：andifitmay，Letthiscuppass：—andyet，ThouheavenlyOne，Thywillinallthings，notmineown，bedone。\"
Rising，Iwentuponmyway，receivingThestrengthprayergivesalwaytoheartsbelieving。
Ifeltthatunseenhandswereleadingme，Andknewtheendwaspeace。
\"What!areyouup？\"
CriedHelen，comingwithatray，andcup，Oftendertoastandfragrant，smokingtea。
\"Younaughtygirl!youshouldhavestayedinbedUntilyouateyourbreakfast，andwerebetter；
I’vesomethinghiddenforyouhere——aletter。
Butdrinkyourteabeforeyoureadit，dear!
’Tisfromsomedistantcousin，auntiesaid，Andsoyouneednothurry。Nowbegood，AndmindyourHelen。\"
So，inpassivemood，Ilaidthestillunopenedletternear，AndloiteredatmybreakfastmoretopleaseMynurse，thananyhungertoappease。
ThenlistlesslyIbrokethesealandreadThefewlineswritteninaboldfreehand：
\"NewLondon，Canada。DearCoz。Maurine!
（InspiteofgenerationsstretchedbetweenOurnaturalrighttothatmosthandyclaimOfcousinship，we’lluseitallthesame）
I’mcomingtoseeyou!honestly，intruth!
I’vethreatenedoften——nowImeantoact；
You’llfindmycomingisastubbornfact。
Keepquiet，though，anddonottellAuntRuth。
Iwonderifshe’llknowherpettedboyInspiteofchanges？LookformeuntilYouseemecoming。AsofoldI’mstillYourfaithfulfriend，andlovingcousin，Roy。\"
SoRoywascoming!HeandIhadplayedAsboyandgirl，andlater，youthandmaid，Fullhalfourlivestogether。Hehadbeen，Likeme，anorphan；andtheroofofkinGavebothkindshelter。SwiftyearsspedawayErechangewasfelt：andthenonesummerdayAlong—lostunclesailedfromIndia’sshore—
MadeRoyhisheir，andhewasoursnomore。