Nearthevergeofaboldpromontorystandsthehotel，andlookssoutheastwardoverasweepofseaunbrokentothehorizon。Behinditstretchesthevastforest，whichaftertwohundredyearshasresumedthesterilecoastwrestedfromitbythefirstPilgrims，andhasbeguntoeffacetheevidencesoftheinroadmadeinrecentyearsbytheboldspeculatorforwhomJocelyn’sisnamed。TheyoungbirchesandsprucesarebreasthighinthedrivesandavenuesatJocelyn’s；thelowblackberryvinesandthesweetferncoverthecarefully-gradedsidewalks，andobscurethedivisionsofthelots；thechildrenoftheboardershavefoundsquawberriesinthepublicsquareonthespotwheretheband-standwastohavebeen。Thenotionofasea-sideresortatthispointwascourageouslyconceived，andtoacertainextentitwasgenerouslyrealized。Exceptforitsremotenessfromtherailroad，adrawbackwhichfutureenterprisemightbeexpectedtoremedyinsomeway，theplacehasmanynaturaladvantages。Thebroadplateauiscooledbyabreezefromthevastforestsbehindit，whichcomesladenwithhealthandfreshnessfromtheyoungpines；theseaatitsfeetiswarmedbytheGulfStreamtoatemperaturedeliciousforbathing。Therearecertainlymosquitoesfromthewoods；buttherearemosquitoeseverywhere，andthereportthatpeoplehavebeendrivenawaybythemismanifestlyuntrue，forwhoevercomestoJocelyn’sremains。Thebeachatthefootofthebluffisalmostamileatitscurve，anditissosmoothandhardthatitglistenslikepolishedmarblewhennewlywashedbythetide。Itistruethatyoureachitfromthetopbyaflightofeightysteps，butitwasintendedtohaveanelevator，likethoseneartheWhirlpoolatNiagara。Inthemeantimeitiseasyenoughtogodown，andtheladiesgodowneveryday，takingtheirnovelsortheirneedle-workwiththem。Theyhavevariousnotionsofabath：someconceivethatitisbathingtositintheedgeofthewater，andemitshrieksasthesurgesweepsagainstthem；othersrunboldlyin，andafteramomentofpoignanthesitationjumpupanddownhalf-a-dozentimes，andrunout；yetothersimagineitbettertoremainimmersedtothechinforagivenspace，lookingtowardtheshorewithlipstightlyshutandthebreathheld。Butafterthebaththeyareallofonemind；theylaytheirshawlsonthewarmsand，and，spreadingouttheirhairtodry，theydozeinthesun，insuchcoilsandmassesastheunconsciousfigurelendsitselfto。Whentheyrisefromtheirbeds，theysitintheshelterofthecliffandknitorsew，whileoneofthemreadsaloud，andanotherstandswatchtoannouncethecomingoftheseals，whichfrequentareefneartheshoreingreatnumbers。Ithasbeensaidatrivalpointsonthecoastthattheladieslingerthereindespairofeverbeingabletoremounttothehotel。Ayoungmanwhoclamberedalongtheshorefromoneofthosepointsreportedfindingdayafterdaythesameyoungladystretchedoutonthesameshawl，dryingthesameyellowhair，whohadapparentlynevergoneupstairssincetheseasonbegan。Buttherecurrenceofthisphenomenoninthisspotattheverymomentwhentheyoungmancamebymighthavebeenaccountedforuponothertheories。
Jocelyn’swassosecludedthatshecouldnothaveexpectedanyonetofindhertheretwice，andifshehadexpectedthisshewouldnothavepermittedit。Probablyhesawadifferentyoungladyeachtime。
Manyofthesameboarderscomeyearafteryear，andthesetrembleatthesuggestionofachangeforthebetterinJocelyn’s。ThelandlordhasalwaysbelievedthatJocelyn’swouldcomeup，someday，whentimesgotbetter。Hebelievesthatthenarrow-gaugerailroadfromNewLeyden——
arrestedonpaperatthedisastrousmomentwhenthefortunesofJocelyn’sfeltthegeneralcrash——willbepushedthroughyet；andeverysummerhepromisesthatnextsummertheyaregoingtohaveasteam-launchrunningtwiceadayfromLeydenHarbor。Butatpresenthishouseisvisitedonceadaybyabarge，astheNewEnglandcoast-folkscallthevehicleinwhichtheyconveycityboarderstoandfromthestation，andtheoldfrequentersoftheplacehopethatthestationwillneverbenearerJocelyn’sthanatpresent。Someofthemarerichenoughtoaffordasojournatmorefashionableresorts；butmostofthemarenot，thoughtheyareoftenpeopleofpolitetastesandofaestheticemployments。
Theytalkwithslightofthelargewatering-places，andprobablytheywouldnotlikethem，thoughitisreallyeconomythatinspirestheirpassionforJocelyn’swithmostofthem，andtheyknowofthesplendid。
wearinessofNewportmostlybyhearsay。Newarrivalsarenotfavored，buttherearenotoftennewarrivalsatJocelyn’s。Thechiefbusinessofthebargeistobringfreshmeatforthetableandthegauntbagwhichcontainsthemail；forinthefirstflushoftheenterprisetheplacewasmadeapost-office，andthelandlordispostmaster；hehasthehelpofthelady-boardersinhisofficialduties。
Scatteredaboutamongtheyoungbirchesthereareseveralofthosepineframesknownasshells，withineasywalkofthehotel，wheretheirinmatesboard。Theyarepicturesqueinteriors，andareoninformaltermswiththepublicastomanydomesticdetails。Theladyofthehouse，doingherbackhairatherdressing-roomglass，isdividedfromherhusband，smokingattheparlorfire-place，onlybyapartitionofunlathedstudding。Thearrestofdevelopmentintheseshellsischaracteristicofeverythingabouttheplace。NoneoftheimprovementsinventedsincethehardtimesbeganhavebeenaddedtoJocelyn’s；
lawntennisisstillunknownthere；butthereisacroquet-groundbeforethehotel，wheretheshort，toughgrassiskeptintolerableorder。Thewicketsareprettyrusty，anditisusuallythechildrenwhoplay；buttowardthecloseofacertain，afternoonayoungladywaspushingtheballsaboutthere。Sheseemedtobegoingoveragamejustplayed，andtryingtotracethecauseofherfailure。Shemadebadshots，andlaughedatherblunders。Anotheryoungladydroopedlanguidlyonabenchatthesideofthecroquet-ground，andfollowedhermovementswithindifference。
\"Idon’tseehowyoudidit，Louise，\"pantedtheplayer；\"it’sastonishinghowyoubeatme。\"
Theladyonthebenchmadeasiftoanswer，butendedbycoughinghoarsely。
\"Oh，dearchild！\"criedthefirst，droppinghermallet，andrunningtoher。\"Yououghttohaveputonyourshawl！\"Sheliftedtheknitshawllyingbesideheronthebench，andlaiditacrosstheother’sshoulders，anddrewitcloseaboutherneck。
\"Oh，don’t！\"saidtheother。\"Itchokesmetobebundledupsotight。\"
Sheshruggedtheshawldowntohershoulderswithaprettypetulance。
\"Ifmychest’sprotected，that’sallthat’snecessary。\"Butshemadenomotiontodrapetheoutlinewhichherneatly-fitteddressdisplayed，andshedidnotmovefromherplace，orlookupatheranxiousfriend。
\"Oh，butdon’tsithere，Louise，\"thelatterpleaded，lingeringnearher。
\"Iwaswrongtoletyousitdownatallafteryouhadgotheated。\"
\"Well，Grace，Ihadto，\"saidshewhowascalledLouise。\"Iwassotiredout。I’mnotgoingtotakemorecold。IcanalwaystellwhenIam。
I’llputontheshawlinhalfaminute；orelseI’llgoin。
I’msurethere’snothingtokeepmeout。That’stheworstoftheselonelyplaces：mymindpreysuponitself。That’swhatDr。Nixonalwayssaid：hesaiditwasnouseinairsolongasmymindpreyeduponitself。
HesaidthatIoughttodivertmymindallIcould，andkeepitfrompreyinguponitself；thatitwasworthallthemedicineintheworld。\"
\"That’sperfectlytrue。\"
\"Thenyououghtn’ttokeepremindingmeallthetimethatI’msick。
That’swhatstartsmymindtopreyinguponitself；andwhenitgetsgoingonceIcan’tstopit。Ioughttotreatmyselfjustlikeawellperson；
that’swhatthedoctorsaid。\"
Theotherstoodlookingatthespeakerinfrowningperplexity。Shewasaserious-facedgirl，andnowwhenshefrownedherblackbrowsmetsternlyabovehergrayeyes。Butshecontrolledanyimpulseshehadtoseverity，andaskedgently，\"ShallIsendBellatoyou？\"
\"Oh，no！Ican’tmakesocietyoutofachildthewholetime。I’lljustsitheretillthebargecomesin。Isupposeitwillbeasemptyasagourd，asusual。\"Sheadded，withasickandwearynegligence，\"Idon’tevenknowwhereBellais。She’srunoff，somewhere。\"
\"It’squitetimesheshouldbelookedup，fortea。I’llwanderoutthatwayandlookforher。\"Sheindicatedthewildernessgenerally。
\"Thanks，\"saidLouise。Shenowgratefullydrewhershawlupoverhershoulders，andfacedaboutonthebenchsoastocommandaneasyviewofthearrivingbarge。Theothermetitonherwaytotheplaceinthewoodswherethechildrenusuallyplayed，andfounditasemptyasherfriendhadforeboded。Butthedriverstoppedhishorses，andleanedoutofthesideofthewagonwithalittlepackageinhishand。Hereadthesuperscription，andthenglancedconsciouslyatthegirl。\"You’reMissBreen，ain’tyou？\"
\"Yes，\"shesaid，withlady-likesweetnessandasortofbusiness-likealertness。
\"Well，\"suggestedthedriver，\"thisisforMissGraceBreen，M。D。\"
\"Forme，thankyou，\"saidtheyounglady。\"I’mDr。Breen。\"SheputoutherhandforthelittlepackagefromthehomoeopathicpharmacyinBoston；
andthedriveryieldeditwithablushthatreddenedhimtohishair。
\"Well，\"hesaidslowly，staringatthehandsomegirl，whodidnotvisiblysharehisembarrassment，\"theytoldmeyouwastheone；butIcouldn’tseemtogetitthroughme。Ithoughtitmustbetheoldlady。\"
\"MymotherisMrs。Breen，\"theyoungladybrieflyexplained，andwalkedrapidlyaway，leavingthedriverstuckintheheavysandofSea-GlimpseAvenue。
\"Why，getup！\"heshoutedtohishorses。\"Goin’tostayhereallday？\"
Hecranedhisneckroundthesideofthewagonforasightofher。
\"Well，dumm’fIdon’twishIwassick！Stepsalong，\"hemused，watchingtheswirlandrippleofherskirt，\"like——Idunnowhat。\"
WithherfaceturnedfromhimDr。Breenblushed，too；shewasnotyetsousedtoherqualityofphysicianthatshecouldcoldlybeartheconfusiontowhichherbeingadoctorputmen。Shelaughedalittletoherselfatthehelplessnessofthedriver，confrontedprobablyforthefirsttimewithagraduateoftheNewYorkhomoeopathicschool；butshebelievedthatshehadreasonsfortakingherselfseriouslyineveryway，andshehadnotentereduponthiscareerwithoutdefinitepurposes。Whenshewasnotyetoutofherteens，shehadanunhappyloveaffair，whichwasalwaysdarklyreferredtoasadisappointmentbypeoplewhoknewofitatthetime。Thoughtheparticularsofthecasedonotdirectlyconcernthisstory，itmaybestatedthattherecreantloverafterwardsmarriedherdearestgirl-friend，whomhehadfirstmetinhercompany。Itwascruelenough，andthehurtwentdeep；butitneithercrushednorhardenedher。Itbenumbedherforatime；shesankoutofsight；butwhenshereturnedtotheknowledgeoftheworldsheshowednomarkoftheblowexceptwhatwasthoughtastrangeeccentricityinagirlsuchasshehadbeen。Theworldwhichhadknownher——itwasthatofaninlandNewEnglandcity——heardofherdefinitelyafterseveralyearsasastudentofmedicineinNewYork。Thosewhohadmoreofherintimacyunderstoodthatshehadchosenthisworkwiththeintentionofgivingherlifetoit，inthespiritinwhichotherwomenenterconvents，orgoouttoheathenlands；butprobablythisconceptionhaditsexaggerations。Whatwascertainwasthatshewasrichenoughtohavenoneedofherprofessionasameansofsupport，andthatitsstudyhadcosthermorethantheusualsufferingthatitbringstopersonsofsensitivenerves。Somedetailswerealmostinsuperablyrepugnant；butinschoolingherselftothemshebelievedthatshewaspreparingtoencounteranythingintheapplicationofherscience。
Herfirstintentionhadbeentogobacktoherowntownafterhergraduation，andbeginthepracticeofherprofessionamongthosewhohadalwaysknownher，andwhosescrutinyandcriticismwouldbehardesttobear，andtherefore，asshefancied，themostusefultoherintheformationofcharacter。Butafterwardssherelinquishedherpurposeinfavorofadesignwhichshethoughtwouldbemoreusefultoothers：sheplannedgoingtooneofthegreatfactorytowns，andbeginningpracticethere，incompanywithanolderphysician，amongthechildrenoftheoperatives。Pendingthecompletionofthisarrangement，whichwaswaitinguponthedecisionoftheotherlady，shehadcometoJocelyn’swithhermother，andwithMrs。Maynard，whohadarrivedfromtheWest，aimlesslysickandunfriended，justastheywereaboutleavinghome。
Therewasnoresourcebuttoinviteherwiththem，andDr。Breenwasfindingherfirstpatientinthisunexpectedguest。Shedidnotwhollyregrettheaccident；this，too，wasusefulwork，thoughnotthatshewouldhavechosen；buthermother，afterafortnight，openlyrepined，andcouldnotmentionMrs。Maynardwithoutsomerebelliousmurmur。Shewasanoldlady，whohadoncekeptaveryvigilantconscienceforherself；
butaftermakingherlifeunhappywithitforsomethreescoreyears，shenowapplieditentirelytotheexasperationandcondemnationofothers。
SheespeciallydevotedittofrettingaNewEnglandgirl’snaturallymorbidsenseofdutyinherdaughter，andkeepingitintheirritationofperpetualself-question。Shehadneveractivelyopposedherstudyingmedicine；thatambitionhadharmonizedverywellwithcertainradicaltendenciesofherown，anditwasatleastnotmarriage，whichshehadfoundtolerableonlyinitsmodifiedformofwidowhood；butateverystepafterthedecisivestepwastakenshewasbesetwithmisgivingslestGracewasnotfullyalivetothegraveresponsibilitiesofheroffice，whichsheaccumulateduponthegirlinproportionassheflungoffallresponsibilitiesofherown。ShewasdoubtlessdeceivedbythatshowofcalmwhichsometimesdeceivedGraceherself，who，intutoringhersoultobearwhatithadtobear，mistookhertenseeffortforspiritualrepose，andscarcelyrealizedthroughhertinglingnervesthestrainshewasundergoing。Inspiteofthebitterexperienceofherlife，shewasstillveryardentinherhopesofusefulness，veryscornfulofdistressordiscomforttoherself，andalittleinclinedtoexacttheheroismshewasreadytoshow。Shehadachild’sseveremorality，andshehadhardlylearnedtounderstandthatthereismuchevilintheworldthatdoesnotcharacterizetheperpetrators：sheheldherselfasstrictlytoaccountforeverywordanddeedassheheldothers，andshehadanalmostpassionatedesiretomeettheconsequenceofhererrors；tillthatwasfelt，anintolerabledoomhungoverher。Shetriednottobeimpulsive；
thatwascriminalinoneofhercalling；andshestruggledforpatiencewithanendeavorthatwaslargelysuccessful。
Astotheeffectofhercareeroutsideofherself，andofthosewhomherskillwastobenefit，shetriedtothinkneitherarrogantlynormeanly。
Shewouldnotentertainthevanitythatshewasservingwhatiscalledthecauseofwoman，andshewouldnotassumeanydutiesorresponsibilitiestowardit。Shethoughtmenwereasgoodaswomen；
atleastonemanhadbeennoworsethanonewoman；anditwasinnorepresentativeorexemplarycharacterthatshehadchosenhercourse。
Atthesametimethatsheheldthesesaneopinions，shebelievedthatshehadputawaythehopeswiththepleasuresthatmightoncehavetakenherasayounggirl。Inregardtowhathadchangedthecurrentofherlife，shementallyassertedhermerenullity，herabsolutenon-existence。Thethoughtofitnolongerrankled，andthatinterestcouldneverbehersagain。Ifithadnotbeensomuchlikeaffectation，andsocountertoherstrongaestheticinstinct，shemighthavemadeherdresssomehowsignificantofhercompleteabeyanceinsuchmatters；butasitwassheonlystudiedsimplicity，andaswehaveseenfromtheimpressionofthebarge-drivershedidnotfinallyescapedistinctionindressandmanner。
Infact，shecouldnothaveescapedthateffectifshewould；anditwasoneoftheindomitablecontradictionsofhernaturethatshewouldnot。
Whenshecamebacktothecroquet-ground，leadingthelittlegirlbythehand，shefoundMrs。Maynardnolongeraloneandnolongersad。Shewaschattingandlaughingwithaslimyoungfellow，whosegayblueeyeslookedoutofasunburntface，andwhosestrawhat，carriedinhishand，exposedacloselyshavenhead。Heworeasuitofgrayflannel，andMrs。
MaynardexplainedthathewascampingonthebeachatBirkman’sCove，andhadcomeoverinthesteamerwithherwhenshereturnedfromEurope。SheintroducedhimasMr。Libby，andsaid，\"Oh，Bella，youdirtylittlething！\"
Mr。LibbybowedanxiouslytoGrace，andturnedforrefugetothelittlegirl。\"Hello，Bella！\"\"Hello！\"saidthechild。\"Rememberme？\"ThechildputherlefthandonthatofGraceholdingherright，andprettilypressedherheadagainstthegirl’sarminbashfulsilence。Gracesaidsomecoldlycivilwordstotheyoungman：withoutlookingatMrs。
Maynard，andpassedonintothehouse。
\"Youdon’tmeanthat’syourdoctor？\"hescarcelymorethanwhispered。
\"Yes，Ido，\"answeredMrs。Maynard。\"Isn’tshetoolovely？Andshe’sjustasgood！Sheusedtostandupatschoolforme，whenallthegirlsweredownonmebecauseIwasWestern。AndwhenIcameEast，thistime，Ijustwentrightstraighttoherhouse。Iknewshecouldtellmeexactlywhattodo。Andthat’sthereasonI’mhere。Ishallalwaysrecommendthisairtoanybodywithlungdifficulties。It’sthegreatestthing！I’malmostanotherperson。Oh，youneedn’tlookafterher，Mr。Libby！There’snothingflirtatiousaboutGrace，\"saidMrs。Maynard。
TheyoungmanrecoveredhimselffromhisabsentmindedstareinthedirectionGracehadtaken，withafranklaugh。\"Somuchthebetterforafellow，Ishouldsay！\"
Gracehandedthelittlegirlovertohernurse，andwenttoherownroom，whereshefoundhermotherwaitingtogodowntotea。
\"WhereisMrs。Maynard？\"askedMrs。Breen。
\"Outonthecroquet-ground，\"answeredthedaughter。
\"Ishouldthinkitwouldbedamp，\"suggestedMrs。Green。
\"Shewillcomeinwhenthetea-bellrings。Shewouldn’tcomeinnow，ifItoldher。\"
\"Well，\"saidtheelderlady，\"forapersonwholetsherdoctorpayherboard，Ithink’she’sveryindependent。\"
\"Iwishyouwouldn’tspeakofthat，mother，\"saidthegirl。
\"Ican’thelpit，Grace。It’sridiculous，——that’swhatitis；it’sridiculous。\"
\"Idon’tseeanythingridiculousinit。Aphysicianneednotchargeanythingunlesshechooses，orshe；andifIchoosetomakeLouisemyguesthereit’squitethesameasifsheweremyguestathome。\"
\"Idon’tlikeyoutohavesuchaguest，\"saidMrs。Green。\"Idon’tseewhatclaimshehasuponyourhospitality。\"
\"Shehasadoubleclaimuponit，\"Graceanswered，withaflush。\"Sheisinsicknessandintrouble。Idon’tseehowshecouldhaveabetterclaim。EvenifshewerequitewellIshouldconsiderthewayshehadbeentreatedbyherhusbandsufficient，andIshouldwanttodoeverythingIcouldforher。\"
\"Ishouldwanthertobehaveherself，\"saidMrs。Breendryly。
\"Howbehaveherself？Whatdoyoumean？\"demandedGrace，withguiltyheat。
\"YouknowwhatImean，Grace。Awomaninherpositionoughttobemorecircumspectthananyotherwoman，ifshewantspeopletobelievethatherhusbandtreatedherbadly。\"
\"Weoughtn’ttoblameherfortryingtoforgethertroubles。It’sessentialtoherrecoveryforhertobeascheerfulasshecanbe。I
knowthatshe’simpulsive，andshe’sfreeinhermannerswithstrangers；
butIsupposethat’sherWesternism。She’salmostdistracted。Shewascryinghalfthenight，withhertroubles，andkeptBellaandmebothawake。\"
\"IsBellawithhernow？\"
\"No，\"Graceadmitted。\"Jane’sgettingherreadytogodownwithus。
Louiseistalkingwithagentlemanwhocameoveronthesteamerwithher；
he’scampingonthebeachnearhere。Ididn’twaittohearparticulars。\"
Whenthenursebroughtthelittlegirltotheirdoor，Mrs。GreentookonehandandGracetheother，andtheyledherdowntotea。Mrs。Maynardwasalreadyattable，andtoldthemallaboutmeetingMr。Libbyabroad。
UntilthepresenttimesheandGracehadnotseeneachothersincetheywereatschooltogetherinSouthington，wherethegirlusedtohearsomuchtothedisadvantageofhernativesectionthatshewouldhardlyhaveownedtoitifheraccenthadnotfoundherout。Itwouldhavebeenpleasantertobefriendanotherperson，butthelittleWesternersufferedaveritablepersecution，andthatwasenoughtomakeGraceherfriend。
Shortlyaftershereturnedhomefromschoolshemarried，inthatcasualandtentativefashioninwhichsomanymarriagesseemmade。GracehadheardofherastravellinginEuropewithherhusband，fromwhomshewasnowseparated。ShereportedthathehadknownMr。Libbyinhisbachelordays，andthatMr。Libbyhadtravelledwiththem。Mr。MaynardappearedtohavelefttoMr。Libbythearrangementofhiswife’spleasures，thesupervisionofhershopping，andthedirectionoftheircommonjourneysandsojourns；anditseemedtohavebeenindifferenttohimwhetherhisfriendwassmokingandtellingstorieswithhim，orgoingwithhiswifetotheopera，oruponsuchexcursionsashehadnotastefor。Shegavethedetailsofthetriangularintimacywithafrankunconsciousness；andafternineo’clockshereturnedfromamoonlightwalkonthebeachwithMr。Libby。
Gracesatwaitingforheratthelittleone’sbedside，forBellahadbeenafraidtogotosleepalone。
\"Howgoodyouare！\"criedLouise，inagratefulunder-tone，asshecamein。ShekissedGrace，andchokeddownacoughwithherhandoverhermouth。
\"Louise，\"saidGracesternly，\"thisisshameful！Youforgetthatyouaremarried，andill，too。\"
\"Oh，I’meversomuchbetter，to-night。Theair’sjustasdry！Andyouneedn’tmindMr。Libby。He’ssuchanoldfriend！Besides，I’msuretogainthecase。\"
\"No，matter。Evenasadivorcedwoman，yououghtn’ttogooninthisway。\"
\"Well，Iwouldn’t，witheveryone。Butit’squitedifferentwithMr。
Libby。And，besides，Ihavetokeepmymindfrompreyingonitselfsomehow。\"
II。
Mrs。Maynardsatinthesunontheseaward-lookingpiazzaofthehotel，andcoughedinthewarmair。Shetoldtheladies，astheycameoutfrombreakfast，thatshewaseversomuchbettergenerally，butthatsheseemedtohavemoreofthatticklinginherthroat。Eachofthemadvisedherforgood，andsuggestedthisspecificandthat；andtheyallaskedherwhatMissBreenwasdoingforhercough。Mrs。Maynardreplied，betweentheparoxysms，thatshedidnotknow：itwassomekindofpowders。Thentheysaidtheywouldthinkshewouldwanttotrysomethingactive；eventhoseamongthemwhowerehomoeopathistsinsinuatedafinedistrustofaphysicianoftheirownsex。\"Oh，it’snothingserious，\"
Mrs。Maynardexplained。\"It’sjustbronchial。Theairwilldomemoregoodthananything。I’mkeepingoutinitallIcan。\"
Aftertheyweregone，aqueer，gauntmancameandglancedfromthedoorwayather。Hehadoneeyeinunnaturalfixity，andtheothersetatthatabnormalslantwhichissaidtoqualifytheownerforlookingroundacornerbeforehegetstoit。Adrolltwistofhismouthseemedpartlyphysical，but：thereisnodoubtthathehadoftenahumorousintention。
ItwasBarlow，theman-of-all-work，whokilledandpluckedthepoultry，peeledthepotatoesandpickedthepeas，pulledthesweet-cornandthetomatoes，kindledthekitchenfire，harnessedtheoldsplayfootedmare，——safeforladiesandchildren，andintolerableforallothers，whichformedtheentirestudoftheJocelynHousestables，——dugtheclams，rowedandsailedtheboat，lookedafterthebath-houses，andcameincontactwiththeguestsatsomanypointsthathewasoneasytermswiththemall。Thiseasetendedtoanintimacywhichhewashimselfpowerlesstorepress，andwhich，fromtimetotime，requiredtheirintervention。
Henowworeasimplecostumeofshirtandtrousers，thelatterterminatedbyapairofbrokenshoes，andsustainedbywhathecalledasinglegallows；hisbroad-brimmedstrawhatscoopeddownuponhisshouldersbehind，andinfrontaddedtohiscongenitaldifficultyofgettingpeopleinfocus。\"Howdoyoudo，thismorning，Mrs。Maynard？\"hesaid。
\"Oh，I’mfirst-rate，Mr。Barlow。Whatsortofdaydoyouthinkit’sgoingtobeforasail？\"
Barlowcameouttotheedgeofthepiazza，andlookedattheseaandsky。
\"First-rate。Fog’smostburntawaynow。Youdon’toftenseeafogatJocelyn’safterteno’clockinthemornin’。\"
HelookedforapprovaltoMrs。Maynard，whosaid，\"That’sso。Theair’sjustsplendid。It’sdoingeverythingforme。\"
\"It’sthesepinewoods，backo’here。Everybreathon’emdoesyegood。
It’sthebalsaminit。D’youevertry，\"heasked，stretchinghishandasfarupthepiazza-postasbecould，andswingingintoaconversationalposture，——\"d’youevertrywhiskey——goododdBourbonwhiskey——withwhite-
pinechipsinit？\"
Mrs。Maynardlookedupwithinterest，but，shakingherhead，coughedforno。
\"Well，Ishouldliketohaveyoutrythat。\"
\"Whatdoesitdo？\"shegasped，whenshecouldgetherbreath。
\"Well，it’ssoothin’t’thecough，anditbuildsyeup，everyways。Why，mybrother，\"continuedthefactotum，\"hediedofconsumptionwhenIwasaboy，——reg’laroldNewEnglandconsumption。Don’thardlyeverhearofitanymore，roundhere。Well，Idon’tsupposethere’sbeenacaseofreg’laroldNewEnglandconsumption——well，nottheoldNewEnglandkind——sincethesewoodsgrowedup。Heusedtotakewhiskeywithwhite-pinechipsinit；andIcanrememberhearin’emsaythatitdonehimmoregoodthanallthedoctor’sstuff。He’dbeenouttoDemarary，andeverywheres，andhecomehomeinthelaststages，andtookupwiththiswhiskeywithwhitepinechipsinit。Well，it’sjustlikethis，Ipresumeit’sthebalsaminthechips。Itdon’tmakeanydifferencehowyougitthebalsamintoyoursystem，so’s’tyougititthere。Ishouldliketohaveyoutrywhiskeywithwhite-pinechipsinit。\"
HelookedconvincinglyatMrs。Maynard，whosaidsheshouldliketotryit。\"It’sjustbronchialwithme，youknow。ButIshouldliketotryit。Iknowitwouldbesoothing；andI’vealwaysheardthatwhiskeywastheverythingtobuildyouup。But，\"sheadded，lapsingfromthisvisionofrecovery，\"Icouldn’ttakeitunlessGracesaidso。She’dbesuretofinditout。\"
\"Why，lookhere，\"saidBarlow。\"Asfarforthasthatgoes，youcouldkeepthebottleinmyroom。NotbutwhatIbelieveingoingbyyourdoctor’sdirections，itdon’tmatterwhoyourdoctoris。Iain’tsayin’
nothin’againstMissBreen，youunderstand？\"
\"Oh，no！\"criedMrs。Maynard。
\"Ineverseemuchnicerladiesthanherandhermotherinthehouse。
Butyoujusttellheraboutthewhiskeywiththewhite-pinechipsinit。
Maybesheneverheardofit。Well，shehain’thadagreatdealofexperienceyet。\"
\"No，\"saidMrs。Maynard。\"AndIthinkshe’llbegladtohearofit。
YoumaybesureI’lltellher，Mr。Barlow。Graceiseverythingforthebalsamicpropertiesoftheair，downhere。That’swhatshesaid；andasyousay，itdoesn’tmatterhowyougetthebalsamintoyoursystem，soyougetitthere。\"
\"No，\"saidthefactotum，inatoneofmisgiving，asiftherepetitionofthewordspresentedthetheoryinanewlighttohim。
\"WhatIthinkis，andwhatI’malwaystellingGrace，\"pursuedMrs。
Maynard，inthatconfidentialspiritinwhichshehelplesslyspokeofherfriendsbytheirfirstnamestoeveryone，\"thatifIcouldoncegetmydigestionallright，thenthecoughwouldstopofitself。Thedoctorsaid——Dr。Nixon，thatis——thatitwasmorethanhalfthedigestionanyway。ButjustassoonasIeatanything——orifIover-eatalittle——thenthatticklinginmythroatbegins，andthenIcommencecoughing；andI’mbackjustwhereIwas。It’sthedigestion。Ioughtn’ttohaveeatenthatmincepie，yesterday。\"
\"No，\"admittedBarlow。Thenhesaid，inindirectdefenceofthekitchen，\"Ithinkyouhadn’toughttobeoutinthenightair，——well，notagreatdeal。\"
\"Well，Idon’tsupposeitdoesdomemuchgood，\"Mrs。Maynardsaid，turninghereyesseaward。
Barlowlethishanddropfromthepiazzapost，andslouchedin-doors；buthecameoutagainasifprickedbyconsciencetoreturn。
\"Afterall，youknow，itdidn’tcurehim。\"
\"Whatcurehim？\"askedMrs。Maynard。
\"Thewhiskeywiththewhite-pinechipsinit。\"
\"Curewho？\"
\"Mybrother。\"
\"Oh！Oh，yes！Butmine’sonlybronchial。Ithinkitmightdomegood。
IshalltellGraceaboutit。\"
Barlowlookedtroubled，asifhissuccessinthesuggestionofthisremedywerenotfinallyapleasure；butasMrs。Maynardkepthereyespersistentlyturnedfromhim，andwasevidentlytired，hehadnothingforitbuttogoin-doorsagain。HemetGrace，andmadewayforheronthethresholdtopassout。
AsshejoinedMrs。Maynard，\"Well，Grace，\"saidthelatter，\"Idobelieveyouareright。Ihavetakensomemorecold。Butthatshowsthatitdoesn’tgetworseofitself，andIthinkweoughttobeencouragedbythat。
I’mgoingtobemorecarefulofthenightairafterthis。\"
\"Idon’tthinkthenightairwastheworstthingaboutit，Louise，\"saidGracebluntly。
\"Youmeanthedampfromthesand？Iputonmyrubbers。\"
\"Idon’tmeanthedampsand，\"saidGrace，beginningtopulloversomesewingwhichshehadinherlap，andlookingdownatit。
Mrs。Maynardwatchedherawhileinexpectationthatshewouldsaymore，butshedidnotspeak。\"Oh，——well！\"shewasforcedtocontinueherself，\"ifyou’regoingtogoonwiththat！\"
\"Thequestionis，\"saidGrace，gettingthethreadshewanted，\"whetheryouaregoingonwithit。\"
\"Why，Ican’tseeanypossibleharminit，\"protestedMrs。Maynard。
\"Isupposeyoudon’texactlylikemygoingwithMr。Libby，andIknowthatundersomecircumstancesitwouldn’tbequitethething。Butdidn’tItellyoulastnighthowhelivedwithusinEurope？AndwhenwewereallcomingoveronthesteamertogetherMr。LibbyandMr。Maynardweretogetherthewholetime，smokingandtellingstories。Theywerethegreatestfriends！Why，itisn’tasifhewasastranger，oranenemyofMr。Maynard’s。\"
Gracedroppedhersewingintoherlap。\"Really，Louise，you’reincredible！\"Shelookedsternlyattheinvalid；butbrokeintoalaugh，onwhichMrs。Maynardwaitedwithapuzzledface。AsGracesaidnothingmore，shehelplesslyresumed：——
\"Wedidn’texpecttogodownthecliffwhenhefirstcalledintheevening。Buthesaidhewouldhelpmeupagain，and——hedid，nicely。
Iwasn’texhaustedabit；andhowItookmorecoldIcan’tunderstand；
Iwaswrappedupwarmly。IthinkItookthecoldwhenIwassittingthereafterourgameofcroquet，withmyshawloff。Don’tyouthinkso？\"
shewheedled。
\"Perhaps，\"saidGrace。
\"Hedidnothingbuttalkaboutyou，Grace，\"saidMrs。Maynard，withaslylookattheother。\"He’sawfullyafraidofyou，andhekeptaskingaboutyou。\"
\"Louise，\"saidtheother，gravelyignoringthesefacts，\"Ineverundertookthecareofyousocially，andIobjectverymuchtolecturingyou。YouarenearlyasoldasIam，andyouhavehadagreatdealmoreexperienceoflifethanIhave。\"Mrs。Maynardsigheddeeplyinassent。
\"Butitdoesn’tseemtohavetaughtyouthatifyouwillprovokepeopletotalkofyou，youmustexpectcriticism。Oneafteranotheryou’vetoldnearlyeverywomaninthehouseyouraffairs，andtheyhaveallsympathizedwithyouandpitiedyou。Ishallhavetobeplain，andtellyouthatIcan’thavethemsneeringandlaughingatanyonewhoismyguest。Ican’tletyoudefypublicopinionhere。\"
\"Why，Grace，\"saidMrs。Maynard，buoyedaboveoffenceatherfriend’swordsbyherconsciousnessofthepointshewasabouttomake，\"youdefypublicopinionyourselfagooddealmorethanIdo，everyminute。\"
\"I？HowdoIdefyit？\"demandedGraceindignantly。
\"Bybeingadoctor。\"
Graceopenedherlipstospeak，butshewasnotareadyperson，andshefeltthethrust。BeforeshecouldsayanythingMrs。Maynardwenton：
\"Thereisn’toneofthemthatdoesn’tthinkyou’remuchmorescandalousthanifyouwerethegreatestflirtalive。But，Idon’tmindthem，andwhyshouldyou？\"
TheseriousgirlwhomsheaddressedwasinthathelplesssubjectiontothetruthinwhichsomanyNewEnglandwomenpasstheirlives。Shecouldnotdenythetruthwhichlurkedintheexaggerationofthesewords，anditunnervedher，asthefactthatshewasdoingwhatthevastmajorityofwomenconsideredunwomanlyalwaysunnervedherwhenshesufferedherselftothinkofit。\"Youareright，Louise，\"shesaidmeeklyandsadly。
\"Theythinkaswellofyouastheydoofme。\"
\"Yes，that’sjustwhatIsaid！\"criedMrs。Maynard，gladofhersuccessfulargument。
Buthoweverdisabled，herfriendresumed：\"Theonlysafewayforyouistotakethegroundthatsolongasyouwearyourhusband’snameyoumusthonorit，nomatterhowcruelandindifferenttoyouhehasbeen。\"
\"Yes，\"assentedMrs。Maynardruefully，\"ofcourse。\"
\"Imeanthatyoumustn’tevenhavetheappearanceoflikingadmiration，orwhatyoucallattentions。It’swicked。\"
\"Isupposeso，\"murmuredtheculprit。
\"YouhavebeenbroughtuptohavesuchdifferentideasofdivorcefromwhatIhave，\"continuedGrace，\"thatIdon’tfeelasifIhadanyrighttoadviseyouaboutwhatyouaretodoafteryougainyoursuit。\"
\"Ishallnotwanttogetmarriedagainforonewhile；Iknowthatmuch，\"
Mrs。Maynardinterpolatedself-righteously。
\"Buttillyoudogainit，yououghtnottoregarditasemancipatingyouintheslightestdegree。\"
\"No，\"cameinsadassentfromthevictimofthelaw’sdelays。
\"AndIwantyoutopromisemethatyouwon’tgowalkingwithMr。Libbyanymore；andthatyouwon’tevenseehimalone，afterthis。\"
\"Why，butGrace！\"criedMrs。Maynard，asmuchinamazementasinannoyance。\"Youdon’tseemtounderstand！Haven’tItoldyouhewasafriendofthefamily？He’squiteasmuchMr。Maynard’sfriendasheismine。I’msure，\"sheadded，\"ifIaskedMr。Libby，Ishouldneverthinkofgettingdivorced。He’sallforGeorge；andit’sasmuchasIcandotoputupwithhim。\"
\"Nomatter。Thatdoesn’taltertheappearancetopeoplehere。Idon’twishyoutogowithhimaloneanymore。\"
\"Well，Grace，Iwon’t，\"saidMrs。Maynardearnestly。\"Iwon’t，indeed。
Andthatmakesmethink：hewantedyoutogoalongthismorning。\"
\"Togoalong？Wantedme——Whatareyoutalkingabout？\"
\"Why，Isupposethat’shisboat，outthere，now。\"Mrs。Maynardpointedtoalittlecraftjustcomingtoanchorinsidethereef。\"Hesaidhewantedmetotakeasailwithhim，thismorning；andhesaidhewouldcomeupandaskyou，too。Idohopeyou’llgo，Grace。It’sjustascalm；andhealwayshasamanwithhimtohelpsailtheboat，sothereisn’ttheleastdanger。\"Gracelookedatherinsilentsorrow，andMrs。
Maynardwentonwithsympatheticseriousness：\"Oh！there’sonethingI
wanttoaskyouabout，Grace：Idon’tliketohaveanyconcealmentsfromyou。\"Gracedidnotspeak，butshepermittedMrs。Maynardtoproceed：
\"Barlowrecommendedit，andhe’slivedhereagreatwhile。Hisbrothertookit，andhehadtheregularoldNewEnglandconsumption。IthoughtI
shouldn’tliketotryitwithoutyourknowingit。\"
\"Tryit？Whatareyoutalkingabout，Louise？\"
\"Why，whiskeywithwhite-pinechipsinit。\"
Gracerose，andmovedtowardsthedoor，withthethingsdroppingfromherlap。Oneofthesewasaspool，thatrolleddownthestepsandoutuponthesandyroad。Sheturnedtopursueit，andrecovereditatthecostofdroppingherscissorsandthimbleoutofoppositesidesofherskirt，whichshehadgatheredupapronwisetoholdherwork。Whensherosefromthecomplicateddifficulty，inwhichMrs。Maynardhadamiablylentheraid，sheconfrontedMr。Libby，whowascomingtowardsthemfromthecliff。Shegavehimastiffnod，andattemptedtomoveaway；butinturningroundandaboutshehadspunherselfintothefoldsofastoutlinenthreadescapingfromitsspool。Thesegyvesnotonlyboundherskirtsbutinvolvedherfeetinanextraordinarymesh，whichtightenedatthefirststepandbroughthertoastandstill。
Mrs。Maynardbegantolaughandcough，asMr。Libbycametoherfriend’shelp。Hegotthespoolinhishand，andwalkedaroundherintheendeavortofreeher；butinvain。Sheextendedhimthescissorswiththesternpassivityofafate。\"Cutit，\"shecommanded，andMr。Libbykneltbeforeherandobeyed。\"Thanks，\"shesaid，takingbackthescissors；andnowshesatdownagain，andbegandeliberatelytoputupherworkinherhandkerchief。
\"I’llgooutandgetmythings。Iwon’tbegonehalfaminute，Mr。
Libby，\"saidMrs。Maynard，withherfirstbreath，asshevanishedindoors。
Mr。LibbyleanedagainstthepostlatelyoccupiedbythefactotuminhistalkwithMrs。Maynard，andlookeddownatGraceasshebentoverherwork。Ifhewishedtospeaktoher，andwaswaveringastotheappropriatestyleofaddressforahandsomegirl，whowasatonceayoungladyandaphysician，shesparedhimtheagonyofadecisionbylookingupathimsuddenly。
\"Ihope，\"hefaltered，\"thatyoufeellikeasail，thismorning？
DidMrs。Maynard——\"
\"Ishallhavetoexcusemyself，\"answeredGrace，withaconscienceagainstsayingshewassorry。\"Iamaverybadsailor。\"
\"Well，soamI，forthatmatter，\"saidMr。Libby。\"Butit’ssmoothasapond，to-day。\"
Giicemadenodirectresponse，andhegrewvisiblyuncomfortableunderthecoldabstractionofthegazewithwhichsheseemedtolookthroughhim。\"Mrs。MaynardtellsmeyoucameoverwithherfromEurope。\"
’Ohyes！\"criedtheyoungman，thelightofpleasantrecollectionkindlinginhisgayeyes。\"Wehadagoodtime。Maynardwasalong：he’safirst-ratefellow。Iwishhewerehere。\"
\"Yes，\"saidGrace，\"Iwishso，too。\"Shedidnotknowwhattomakeofthisfranknessoftheyoungman’s，andshedidnotknowwhethertoconsiderhimverydepravedorveryinnocent。Inherquestionshecontinuedtostareathim，withoutbeingawareoftheembarrassmenttowhichshewasputtinghim。
IheardofMrs。Maynard’sbeinghere，andIthoughtIshouldfindhim，too。Icameoveryesterdaytogethimtogointothewoodswithus。\"
Gracedecidedthatthiswasmereeffrontery。\"Itisapitythatheisnothere，\"shesaid；andthoughitoughttohavebeenpossibleforhertogoonandrebuketheyoungfellowforbestowinguponMrs。Maynardthecomradeshipintendedforherhusband，itwasnotso。Shecouldonlylookseverelyathim，andtrustthathemightconceivetheintentionwhichshecouldnotexpress。Sherebelledagainsttheconventionandagainstherownweakness，whichwouldnotletherboldlyinterfereinwhatshebelievedawrong；shehaddefiedsociety，inthemass，buthere，withthisman，whomasanatomofthemassshewouldhavedespised，shewaspowerless。
\"Haveyoueverseenhim？\"Libbyasked，perhapsclingingtoMaynardbecausehewasatopicofconversationindefaultofwhichtheremightbenothingtosay。
\"No，\"answeredGrace。
\"He’sfunny。He’sgotlotsofthatWesternhumor，andhetellsastorybetterthananymanIeversaw。Therewasonestoryofhis\"——
\"Ihavenosenseofhumor，\"interruptedGraceimpatiently。\"Mr。Libby，\"
shebrokeout，\"I’msorrythatyou’veaskedMrs。Maynardtotakeasailwithyou。Theseaair\"——shereddenedwiththeshameofnotbeingabletoproceedwithoutthiswretchedsubterfuge——\"won’tdoheranygood。\"
\"Then，\"saidtheyoungman，\"youmustn’tlethergo。\"
\"Idon’tchoosetoforbidher，\"Gracebegan。
\"Ibegyourpardon，\"hebrokein。\"I’llbebackinamoment。\"
Heturned，andrantotheedgeofthecliff，overwhichhevanished，andhedidnotreappeartillMrs。MaynardhadrejoinedGraceonthepiazza。
\"Ihopeyouwon’tminditsbeingalittlerough，Mrs。Maynard，\"hesaid，breathingquickly。\"Adamsthinkswe’regoingtohaveitprettyfreshbeforewegetback。\"
\"Indeed，Idon’twanttogo，then！\"criedMrs。Maynard，inpetulantdisappointment，lettingherwrapsfalluponachair。
Mr。LibbylookedatGrace，whohaughtilyrejectedapartintheconspiracy。\"Iwishyoutogo，Louise，\"shedeclaredindignantly。
\"Iwilltaketheriskofalltheharmthatcomestoyoufromthebadweather。\"Shepickeduptheshawls，andhandedthemtoMr。Libby，onwhomhereyesblazedtheircontemptandwonder。ItcostagreatdealofpersuasionandinsistencenowtomakeMrs。Maynardgo，andheleftallthistoGrace，notutteringawordtillhegaveMrs。Maynardhishandtohelpherdownthesteps。Thenhesaid，\"Well，IwonderwhatMissBreendoeswant。\"
\"I’msureIdon’tknow，\"saidtheother。\"Atfirstshedidn’twantmetogo，thismorning，andnowshemakesme。Idohopeitisn’tgoingtobeastorm。\"
\"Idon’tbelieveitis。Alittlefresh，perhaps。Ithoughtyoumightbeseasick。\"
\"Don’tyouremember？I’mneverseasick！That’soneoftheworstsigns。\"
\"Oh，yes。\"
\"IfIcouldbethoroughlyseasickonce，itwouldbethebestthingI
coulddo。\"
\"Isshecapricious？\"askedMr。Libby。
\"Grace？\"criedMrs。Maynard，releasingherhandhalf-waydownthesteps，inordertoenjoyherastonishmentwithoutlimitationofanysort。
\"Gracecapricious！\"
\"Yes，\"saidMr。Libby，\"that’swhatIthought。Bettertakemyhandagain，\"andhesecuredthatofMrs。Maynard，whocontinuedherdescent。
\"IsupposeIdon’tunderstandherexactly。Perhapsshedidn’tlikemynotcallingherDoctor。Ididn’tcallheranything。IsupposeshethoughtIwasdodgingit。Iwas。IshouldhavehadtocallherMissBreen，ifIcalledheranything。\"
\"Shewouldn’thavecared。Sheisn’tadoctorforthenameofit。\"
\"Isupposeyouthinkit’sapity？\"heasked。
\"What？\"
\"Herbeingadoctor。\"
\"I’lltellheryousayso。\"
\"No，don’t。Butdon’tyou？\"
\"Well，Iwouldn’twanttobeone，\"saidMrs。Maywardcandidly。
\"Isupposeit’sallright，ifshedoesitfromasenseofduty，asyousay，\"hesuggested。
\"Oh，yes，she’sallright。Andshe’sjustasmuchofagirlasanybody；
thoughshedon’tknowit，\"Mrs。Maynardaddedastutely。\"Whywouldn’tshecomewithus？Wereyouafraidtoaskher？\"
\"Shesaidshewasn’tagoodsailor。Perhapsshethoughtweweretooyoung。Shemustbeolderthanyou。\"
\"Yes，andyou，too！\"criedMrs。Maynard，withgood-naturedderision。
\"Shedoesn’tlookold，\"returnedMr。Libby。
\"She’stwenty-eight。Howoldareyou？\"
\"Ipromisedthecensus-takernottotelltillhisreportcameout。\"
\"Whatisthecolorofherhair？\"
\"Brown。\"
\"Andhereyes？\"
\"Idon’tknow！\"
\"Youhadbetterlookout，Mr。Libby！\"saidMrs。Maynard，puttingherfootonthegroundatlast。
Theywalkedacrossthebeachtowherehisdorylay，andGracesawhimpullingouttothesailboatbeforeshewentinfromthepiazza。Thenshewenttohermother’sroom。Theelderlyladywaskeepingindoors，uponatheorythatthedewwason，andthatitwasnotwholesometogoouttillitwasoff。Sheasked，accordingtoherhabitwhenshemetherdaughteralone，\"WhereisMrs。Maynard？\"
\"Whydoyoualwaysaskthat，mother？\"retortedGrace，withhergrowingirritationinregardtoherpatientintensifiedbytherecentinterview。
\"Ican’tbewithherthewholetime。\"
\"Iwishyoucould，\"saidMrs。Breen，withnoncommittalsuggestion。
Gracecouldnotkeepherselffromdemanding，\"Why？\"ashermotherexpected，thoughsheknewwhytoowell。
\"Becauseshewouldn’tbeinmischiefthen，\"returnedMrs。Breen。
\"She’sinmischiefnow！\"criedthegirlvehemently；\"andit’smyfault！
Ididit。IsentherofftosailwiththatridiculousMr。Libby！\"
\"Why？\"askedMrs。Breen，inherturn，withunbrokentranquillity。
\"BecauseIama，fool，andIcouldn’thelphimlieoutofhisengagementwithher。\"
\"Didn’thewanttogo？\"
\"Idon’tknow。Yes。Theybothwantedmetogowiththem。Simpletons！
Andwhileshehadgoneup-stairsforherwrapsImanagedtomakehimunderstandthatIdidn’twishhertogo，either；andherandowntohisboat，andcamebackwithastoryaboutitsgoingtoberough，andlookedatmeperfectlydelighted，asifIshouldbepleased。Ofcourse，then，I
madehimtakeher。\"
\"Andisn’titgoingtoberough？\"askedMrs。Green。
\"Why，mother，thesea’slikeglass。\"
Mrs。Breenturnedthesubject。\"Youwouldhavedonebetter，Grace，tobeginasyouhadplanned。YourgoingtoFallRiver，andbeginningpracticethereamongthosefactorychildren，wastheonlythingthatI
everentirelylikedinyourtakingupmedicine。Therewassenseinthat。
Youhadstudiedspeciallyforit。Youcouldhavedonegoodthere。\"
\"Oh，yes，\"sighedthegirl，\"Iknow。ButwhatwasItodo，whenshecametous，sickandpoor？Icouldn’tturnmybackonher，especiallyafteralwaysbefriendingher，asIusedto，atschool，andgettinghertodependonme。\"
\"Idon’tseehowyoueverlikedher，\"saidMrs。Breen。
\"Ineverdidlikeher。Ipitiedher。Ialwaysthoughtherapoor，flimsylittlething。Butthatoughtn’ttomakeanydifference，ifshewasintrouble。\"
\"No，\"Mrs。Breenconceded，andincompensationGraceadmittedsomethingmoreonherside：\"She’sworsethansheusedtobe，——sillier。Idon’tsupposeshehasawrongthought；butshe’saslightasfoam。\"
\"Oh，itisn’tthewickedpeoplewho，dotheharm，\"saidMrs。Green。
\"Iwassurethatthisairwouldbeeverythingforher；andsoitwould，withanyordinarycase。Butachildwouldtakebettercareofitself。
Ihavetowatchhereveryminute，likeachild；andIneverknowwhatshewilldonext。\"
\"Yes；it’saburden，\"saidMrs。Breen，withasympathywhichshehadnotexpressedbefore。\"Andyou’reagoodgirl，Grace，\"sheaddedinveryunwontedrecognition。
Thegratefultearsstoleintothedaughter’seyes，butshekeptafirmface，evenaftertheybegantofollowoneanotherdownhercheeks。\"AndifLouisehadn’tcome，youknow，mother，thatIwasanxioustohavesomeolderpersonwithmewhenIwenttoFallRiver。Iwasgladtohavethisrespite；itgivesmeachancetothink。Ifeltalittletimidaboutbeginningalone。\"
\"Amanwouldn’t，\"Mrs。Breenremarked。
\"No。Iamnotaman。Ihaveacceptedthat；withalltherest。Idon’trebelagainstbeingawoman。IfIhadbeenaman，Ishouldn’thavestudiedmedicine。Youknowthat。IwishedtobeaphysicianbecauseI
wasawoman，andbecause——because——Ihadfailedwhere——otherwomen’shopesare。\"Shesaiditoutfirmly，andhermothersoftenedtoherinproportiontothegirl’sownstrength。\"Imighthavebeenjustanurse。
YouknowIshouldhavebeenwillingtobethat，butIthoughtIcouldbesomethingmore。Butit’snousetalking。\"Sheadded，afteraninterval，inwhichhermotherrockedtoandfrowithagentlemotionthatsearchedthejointsofherchair，andbroughtoutitsmostplaintivesqueakinpatheticiteration，andwatchedGrace，asshesatlookingseawardthroughtheopenwindow，\"Ithinkit’sratherhard，mother，thatyoushouldbealwaystalkingasifIwishedtotakemycallingmannishly。AllthatI
intendisnottotakeitwomanishly；butasfornotbeingawomanaboutit，oraboutanything，that’ssimplyimpossible。Awomanisremindedofherinsufficiencytoherselfeveryhouroftheday。Andit’salwaysamanthatcomestoherhelp。Idroppedsomethingsoutofmylapdownthere，andbythetimeIhadgatheredthemupIwaswoundroundandroundwithlinenthreadsothatIcouldn’tmoveastep，andMr。Libbycutmeloose。Icouldhavedoneitmyself，butitseemedrightandnaturalthatheshoulddoit。Idaresayheplumedhimselfuponhisservicetome，——thatwouldbenatural，too。Ihavethingsenoughtokeepmemeek，mother！\"
ShedidnotlookroundatMrs。Breen，whosaid，\"Ithinkyouaremorbidaboutit。\"
\"Yes。AndIhavethesatisfactionofknowingthatwhateverpeoplethinkofLouise’sgiddiness，I’m，agreatdealmorescandaloustothemthansheissimplybecauseIwishtodosomegoodintheworld，inawaythatwomenhaven’tdoneit，usually。\"
\"Nowyouaremorbid。\"
\"Oh，yes！Talkaboutmenbeingobstacles！It’sotherwomen！Thereisn’tawomaninthehousethatwouldn’tsoonertrustherselfinthehandsofthestupidestboythatgothisdiplomawithmethanshewouldinmine。Louiseknowsit，andshefeelsthatshehasaclaimuponmeinbeingmypatient。AndI’venoinfluencewithheraboutherconductbecausesheunderstandsperfectlywellthattheyallconsidermemuchworse。Shepridesherselfondoingmejustice。Shepatronizesme。ShetellsmethatI’mjustasniceas，ifIhadn’t’beenthroughallthat。’\"
Gracerose，andalaugh，whichwashalfasob，brokefromher。
Mrs。Breencouldnotfeelthehumorofthepredicament。\"Sheputsyouinafalseposition。\"
\"Imustgoandseewherethatpoorlittlewretchofachildis，\"saidGrace，goingoutoftheroom。Shereturnedinanhour，andaskedhermotherforthearnica。\"Bellahashadabump，\"sheexplained。
\"Why，haveyoubeenallthistimelookingforher？
\"No，Icouldn’tfindher，andI’vebeenreading。Barlowhasjustbroughtherin。HEcouldfindher。Shefelloutofatree，andshe’sfrightfullybruised。\"
Shewasmakingsearchonaclosetshelfasshetalked。Whenshereappearedwiththebottleinherhand，hermotherasked，\"Isn’titveryhotandclose？\"
\"Very，\"saidGrace。
\"Ishouldcertainlythinktheywouldperish，\"saidMrs。Breen，hazardingthepronoun，withawoman’sconfidencethatherinterlocutorwouldapplyitcorrectly。
WhenGracehadseenBellaproperlybathedandbrown-papered，andinthewaytoforgetfulnessofherwoundsinsleep，shecamedowntothepiazza，andstoodlookingouttosea。Theladiesappearedonebyoneovertheedgeofthecliff，andcameup，languidlystringingtheirshawlsafterthem，orclaspingtheirnovelstotheirbosoms。
\"Thereisn’tabreathdownthere，\"theysaid，oneafteranother。Thelastoneadded，\"Barlowsaysit’sthehottestdayhe’severseenhere。\"
InaminuteBarlowhimselfappearedattheheadofthestepswiththeladies’remainingwraps，andconfirmedtheirreportinperson。\"Itellyou，\"hesaid，wipinghisforehead，\"it’saripper。\"
\"Itmustbeanawfuldayintown，\"saidoneoftheladies，fanningherselfwithanewspaper。
\"Isthatto-day’sAdvertiser，Mrs。Alger？\"askedanother。
\"Oh，dear，no！yesterday’s。Wesha’n’thavetoday’stillthisafternoon。
Itshowswhatanewarrivalyouare，Mrs。Scott——yourasking。\"
\"Tobesure。Butit’ssuchacomfortbeingwhereyoucanseetheAdvertiserthesamemorning。IalwayslookattheWeatherReportthefirstthing。Iliketoknowwhattheweatherisgoingtobe。\"
\"Youcan’tatJocelyn’s。Youcanonlyknowwhatit’sbeen。\"
\"Well，\"Barlowinterposed，jealousforJocelyn’s，\"youcanmostal’aystellbythelooko’things。\"
\"Yes，\"saidoneoftheladies；\"butI’drathertrusttheWeatherReport。
It’swonderfulhowitcomestrue。Idon’tthinkthere’sanythingthatyoumissmoreinEuropethanourAmericanWeatherReport。\"
\"I’msureyoumisstheoysters，\"saidanother。
\"Yes，\"thefirstadmitted，\"youdomisstheoysters。ItwasthelastoftheRmonthswhenwelandedinNewYork；anddoyouknowwhatwedidthefirstthing——？WedrovetoFultonMarket，andhadoneofthoseFultonMarketbroils！MyhusbandsaidweshouldhavehaditifithadbeenJuly。HeusedtodreamoftheAmericanoysterswhenwewereinEurope。
Gentlemenaresofondofthem。\"
Barlow，fromscanningtheheavens，turnedroundandfacedthecompany，whichhaddroopedinseveralattitudesofexhaustiononthebenchingofthepiazza。\"Well，Icanmostal’aystellaboutJocelyn’sasgoodastheWeatherReport。ItoldMrs。Maynardherethismornin’thatthefogwasgoin’toburnoff。\"
\"Burnoff？\"criedMrs。Alger。\"Ishouldthinkithad！\"Theotherladieslaughed。
\"Andyou’llsee，\"addedBarlow，\"thatthewind’llchangeatnoon，andwe’llhaveitcooler。\"
\"Ifit’sashotonthewaterasitishere，\"saidMrs。Scott，\"Ishouldthinkthosepeoplewouldgetasunstroke。\"
\"Well，soshouldI，Mrs。Scott，\"cordiallyexclaimedalittlefatlady，asifhereatlastwereanopinioninwhichallmightrejoicetosympathize。
\"It’sneversohotonthewater，Mrs。Merritt，\"saidMrs。Alger，withtheinstructivenessofanoldhabitude。