I’veapatientnearthere。\"Hesmileduponherwithfrankcuriosity，andseemedwillingtodetainher，butatalosshowtodoso。\"IfIhadn’tbeenstupidfrommynapIshouldhaveinferredascientifictrainingfromyourstatementofyourfriend’scase。\"Shestillbelievedthathewaslaughingather，andthatthiswasamockbutshewasstillhelplesstoresentit，exceptbyanassumptionofyetcolderstate。ThishadapparentlynoeffectuponDr。Mulbridge。Hecontinuedtolookatherwithhardlyconcealedamusement，andvisiblytogrowmoreandmoreconsciousofhereleganceandstyle，nowthatshestoodbeforehim。
Therehadbeenatimewhen，inplanninghercareer，shehadimaginedherselfstudyingamasculinesimplicityanddirectnessofaddress；buttheover-successofsomeyoungwomen，herfellowsattheschool，inthisdirectionhaddisgustedherwithit，andshehadperceivedthatafterallthereisnothingbetterforagirl，evenagirlwhoisadoctorofmedicine，thanaladylikemanner。Now，however，shewishedthatshecoulddoorsaysomethingaggressivelymannish，forshefeltherselfdwindlingawaytothemerestfemininity，underascrutinywhichhaditsfascination，whetheragreeableordisagreeable。\"Youmust，\"hesaid，withreallyunwarrantablepatronage，\"havefoundthatthestudyofmedicinehasitsdifficulties，——youmusthavebeenverystronglydrawntoit。\"
\"Ohno，notatall；Ihadratheranaversionatfirst，\"shereplied，withtheinstantsuperiorityofawomanwherethemansuffersanytopictobecomepersonal。\"WhydidyouthinkIwasdrawntoit？\"
\"Idon’tknow——Idon’tknowthatIthoughtso，\"hestammered。\"IbelieveIintendedtoask，\"headdedbluntly；butshehadthesatisfactionofseeinghimredden，andshedidnotvolunteeranythinginhisrelief。
Shedivinedthatitwouldleavehimwithanawkwardsenseofdefeatifhequittedthesubjectthere；andinfacthehaddeterminedthathewouldnot。\"Someofourladiestakeupthestudyabroad，\"hesaid；andhewentontospeak，witharealdeference，oftheeminentwomanwhodidtheAmericannamehonorbythedistinctionsheachievedintheschoolsofParis。
\"Ihaveneverbeenabroad，\"saidGrace。
\"No？\"heexclaimed。\"IthoughtallAmericanladieshadbeenabroad\"；andnowhesaid，witheasyrecognitionofherresolutionnottohelphimout，\"IsupposeyouhaveyourdiplomafromthePhiladelphiaschool。\"
\"No，\"shereturned，\"fromtheNewYorkschool，——thehomoeopathicschoolofNewYork。\"
Dr。Mulbridgeinstantlysobered，andeventurnedalittlepale，buthedidnotsayanything。Heremainedlookingatherasifshehadsuddenlychangedfromapiquantmysterytoaterribledilemma。
Shemovedtowardthedoor。\"ThenImayexpectyou，\"shesaid，\"aboutthemiddleoftheafternoon。\"
Hedidnotreply；hestumbleduponthechairsinfollowingherapaceortwo，withafaceofacutedistress。Thenhebrokeoutwith\"Ican’tcome！Ican’tconsultwithyou！\"
Sheturnedandlookedathimwithastonishment，whichhedidhisbesttomeet。Herastonishmentcongealedintohauteur，andthendissolvedintothehelplessnessofaladywhohasbeenofferedarudeness；butstillshedidnotspeak。Shemerelylookedathim，whilehehaltedandstammeredon。
\"Personally，I——I——shouldbe——obliged——Ishouldfeelhonored——I——I——Ithasnothingtodowithyour——your——beinga——a——a——womanlady。Ishouldnotcareforthat。No。Butsurelyyoumustknowthereasons——theobstacles——whichdeterme？\"
\"No，Idon’t，\"shesaid，calmwiththeadvantageofhisperturbation。
\"Butifyourefuse，thatissufficient。Iwillnotinquireyourreasons。
Iwillsimplywithdrawmyrequest。\"
\"Thankyou。ButIbegyoutounderstandthattheyhavenoreferencewhatevertoyouin——yourown——capacity——character——individualquality。
Theyarepurelyprofessional——thatis，technical——Ishouldsaydisciplinary，——entirelydisciplinary。Yes，disciplinary。\"ThewordseemedtoaffordDr。Mulbridgethedegreeofreliefwhichcancomeonlyfromanexactlysignificantandluminouslyexegeticword。
\"Idon’tatallknowwhatyoumean，\"saidGrace。\"ButitisnotnecessarythatIshouldknow。Willyouallowme？\"sheasked，forDr。
Mulbridgehadgotbetweenherandthedoor，andstoodwithhishandonthelatch。
Hisfaceflushed，anddropsstoodonhisforehead。\"Surely，Miss——I
meanDoctor——Breen，youmustknowwhyIcan’tconsultwithyou！Webelongtotwodiametricallyoppositeschools——theories——ofmedicine。Itwouldbeimpracticable——impossibleforustoconsult。Wecouldfindnocommonground。Haveyouneverheardthatthe——ahregularpracticecannotmeethomoeopathistsinthisway？Ifyouhadtoldme——ifIhadknown——youwereahomoeopathist，Icouldn’thaveconsideredthematteratall。I
can’tnowexpressanyopinionastoyourmanagementofthecase，butI
havenodoubtthatyouwillknowwhattodo——fromyourpointofview——andthatyouwillprefertocallinsomeoneofyourown——persuasion。Ihopethatyoudon’tholdmepersonallyresponsibleforthisresult！\"
\"Oh，no！\"repliedthegirl，withacertaindreamyabstraction。\"Ihadheardthatyoumadesomesuchdistinction——Iremember，now。ButIcouldn’trealizeanythingsoridiculous。\"
Dr。Mulbridgecolored。\"Excuseme，\"hesaid，\"if，evenunderthecircumstances，Ican’tagreewithyouthatthepositiontakenbytheregularpracticeisridiculous。\"
Shedidnotmakeanydirectreply。\"ButIsupposedthatyouonlymadethisdistinction，asyoucallit，incaseswherethereisnoimmediatedanger；thatinamatteroflifeanddeathyouwouldwaiveit。Mrs。
Maynardisreally——\"
\"TherearenoconditionsunderwhichIcouldnotconscientiouslyrefusetowaiveit。\"
\"Then，\"criedGrace，\"Iwithdrawtheword！Itisnotridiculous。Itismonstrous，atrocious，inhuman！\"
AlightofhumorousironyglimmeredinDr。Mulbridge’seye。\"Imustsubmittoyourcondemnation。\"
\"Oh，itisn’tapersonalcondemnation！\"sheretorted。\"Ihavenodoubtthatpersonallyyouarenotresponsible。Wecanlayasideourdistinctionsasallopathistandhomoeopathist，andyoucanadvisewithme\"——
\"It’squiteimpossible，\"saidDr。Mulbridge。\"IfIadvisedwithyou，Imightbe——AlittlewhileagooneofourschoolinConnecticutwasexpelledfromtheStateMedicalAssociationforconsultingwith\"——hebegantohesitate，asifhehadnothituponafortunateorappropriateillustration，buthepushedon——\"withhisownwife，whowasaphysicianofyourschool。\"
Shehaughtilyignoredhisembarrassment。\"Icanappreciateyourdifficulty，andpityanyliberal-mindedpersonwhoisplacedasyouare，anddisapprovesofsuchwretchedbigotry。\"
\"Iamobligedtotellyou，\"saidDr。Mulbridge，\"thatIdon’tdisapproveofit。\"
\"Iamdetainingyou，\"saidGrace。\"Ibegyourpardon。Iwascurioustoknowhowfarsuperstitionandpersecutioncangoinourday。\"Iftheepithetswerenotveryaccurate，sheusedthemwithawoman’seffectiveness，andherintentionmadethemdescriptive。\"Good-day，\"sheadded，andshemadeamovementtowardthedoor，fromwhichDr。Mulbridgeretired。Butshedidnotopenthedoor。Instead，shesankintothechairwhichstoodinthecorner，andpassedherhandoverherforehead，asifsheweregiddy。
Dr。Mulbridge’sfingerwasinstantlyonherwrist。\"Areyoufaint？\"
\"No，no！\"shegasped，pullingherhandaway。\"Iamperfectlywell。\"
Thenshewassilentforatimebeforesheaddedbyasupremeeffort，\"I
havenorighttoendangeranother’slife，throughanymiserablepride，andIneverwill。Mrs。Maynardneedsgreaterexperiencethanmine，andshemusthaveit。Ican’tjustifymyselfinthedelayanduncertaintyofsendingtoBoston。Irelinquishthecase。Igiveittoyou。AndIwillnurseherunderyourdirection，obediently，conscientiously。Oh！\"shecried，athisfailuretomakeanyimmediateresponse，\"surelyyouwon’trefusetotakethecase！\"
\"Iwon’trefuse，\"hesaid，withaneffectofdifficultconcession。
\"Iwillcome。Iwilldriveoveratonce，afterdinner。\"
Sherosenow，andputherhandonthedoor-latch。\"Doyouobjecttomynursingyourpatient？Sheisanoldschoolfriend。ButIcouldyieldthatpointtoo，if\"——
\"Oh，no，no！Ishallbeonlytoogladofyourhelp，andyour\"——hewasgoingtosayadvice，buthestoppedhimself，andrepeated——\"help。\"
Theystoodinconclusivelyamoment，asiftheywouldbothbegladofsomethingmoretosay。Thenshesaidtentatively，\"Good-morning，\"andberespondedexperimentally，\"Good-morning\"；andwiththattheyinvoluntarilyparted，andshewentoutofthedoor，whichhestoodholdingopenevenaftershehadgotoutofthegate。
Hismothercamedownthestairs。\"Whatintheworldwereyouquarrellingwiththatgirlabout，Rufus？\"
\"Wewerenotquarrelling，mother。\"
\"Well，itsoundedlikeit。Whowasshe？
\"Who？\"repeatedhersonabsently。\"Dr。Breen。\"
\"DoctorBreen？Thatgirladoctor？\"
\"Yes。\"
\"Ithoughtshewassomesaucything。Well，uponmyword！\"exclaimedMrs。
Mulbridge。\"Sothatisafemaledoctor，isit？Wasshesick？\"
\"No，\"saidherson，withwhatsheknewtobeprofessionalfinality。\"
Mother，ifyoucanhurrydinneralittle，Ishallbeglad。IhavetodriveovertoJocelyn’s，andIshouldliketostartassoonaspossible。\"
\"Whowastheyoungmanwithher？Herbeau，Iguess。\"
\"Wasthereayoungmanwithher？\"askedDr。Mulbridge。
Hismotherwentoutwithout’speaking。Shecouldbeunsatisfactory，too。
VI。
NoonebutMrs。Breenknewofherdaughter’serrand，andwhenGracecamebackshealightedfromMr。Libby’sbuggywithanexpressionofthanksthatgavenoclewastothedirectionorpurposeofit。Hetouchedhishattoherwithequalsuccinctness，anddroveaway，includingalltheladiesonthepiazzainacursoryobeisance。
\"Wemustaskyou，MissGleason，\"saidMrs。Alger。\"YouradmirationofDr。Breenclothesyouwithauthorityandresponsibility。\"
\"Ican’tunderstanditatall，\"MissGleasonconfessed。\"ButI’msurethere’snothinginit。Heisn’therequal。Shewouldfeelthatitwasn’tright——underthecircumstances。\"
\"ButifMrs。Maynardwaswellitwouldbeafairgame，youmean，\"saidMrs。Alger。
\"No，\"returnedMissGleason，withthegreatestairofcandor，\"Ican’tadmitthatImeantthat。\"
\"Well，\"saidtheelderlady，\"thepresumptionisagainstthem。Everyyoungcoupleseentogethermustbeconsideredinlovetilltheyprovethecontrary。\"
\"Ilikeitinher，\"saidMrs。Frost。\"Itshowsthatsheishuman，afterall。Itshowsthatsheislikeothergirls。It’sarelief。\"
\"Sheisn’tlikeothergirls，\"contendedMissGleasondarkly。
\"IwouldratherhaveMr。Libby’sopinion，\"saidMrs。Merritt。
GracewenttoMrs。Maynard’sroom，andtoldherthatDr。Mulbridgewascomingdirectlyafterdinner。
\"Iknewyouwoulddoit！\"criedMrs。Maynard，throwingherrightarmroundGrace’sneck，whilethelatterbentovertofeelthepulseinherleft。\"IknewwhereyouhadgoneassoonasyourmothertoldmeyouhaddrivenoffwithWalterLibby。I’msogladthatyou’vegotsomebodytoconsult！YourtheoriesareperfectlyrightandI’msurethatDr。
Mulbridgewilljusttellyoutokeeponasyou’vebeendoing。\"
Gracewithdrewfromhercaress。\"Dr。Mulbridgeisnotcomingforaconsultation。Herefusedtoconsultwithme。\"
\"Refusedtoconsult？Why，howperfectlyungentlemanly！Whydidherefuse？\"
\"BecauseheisanallopathistandIamahomoeopathist。\"
\"Then，whatishecomingfor，Ishouldliketoknow！\"
\"Ihavegivenupthecasetohim，\"saidGracewearily。
\"Verywell，then！\"criedMrs。Maynard，\"Iwon’tbegivenup。Iwillsimplydie！Notapill，notapowder，ofhiswillItouch！Ifhethinkshimselftoogoodtoconsultwithanotherdoctor，andaladyatthat，merelybecauseshedoesn’thappentobeallopathist，hecangoalong！
Ineverheardofanythingsoconceited，sodisgustinglymean，inmylife。
No，Grace！Why，it’shorrid！\"Shewassilent，andthen，\"Why，ofcourse，\"sheadded，\"ifhecomes，Ishallhavetoseehim。Ilooklikeafright，Isuppose。\"
\"Iwilldoyourhair，\"saidGrace，withindifferencetothesevowsandprotests；andwithoutdeigningfurtherexplanationorargumentshemadetheinvalid’stoiletforher。Ifgiventime，Mrs。Maynardwouldtalkherselfintoanynecessaryframeofmind，andGracemerelysuppliedthemonosyllabicpromptingsrequisiteforhertransitionfrommoodtomood。
ItwasherfinalresolutionthatwhenDr。Mulbridgedidcomesheshouldgivehimapieceofhermind；andshereceivedhimwithanxioussubmissiveness，andhunguponallhislooksandwordswithquakingandwithaninclinationtoattributeherunfavorablesymptomstothetreatmentofherformerphysician。Shedidnotsparehimcertainapologiesforthedisorderlyappearanceofherpersonandherroom。
Gracesatbyandwatchedhimwithperfectlyquiescentobservance。Thelarge，somewhatuncouthmangaveevidencetoherintelligencethathewasallphysician——thathehadnotchosenhisprofessionfromanytheoryormotive，howevergood，buthadbeenasmuchchosenbyitasifhehadbeenbornaPhysician。Hewasincrediblygentleandsoftinallhismovements，andperfectlykind，withoutbeingatanymomentunprofitablysympathetic。Heknewwhentolistenandwhennottolisten，——tolearneverythingfromthequiveringbundleofnervesbeforehimwithoutseemingtohavelearntanythingalarming；hesmiledwhenitwoulddohergoodtobelaughedat，andtreatedherwithsuchgraverespectthatshecouldnotfeelherselftrifledwith，norrememberafterwardsanypointofneglect。
Whenheroseandleftsomemedicines，withdirectionstoGraceforgivingthemandinstructionsforcontingencies，shefollowedhimfromtheroom。
\"Well？\"shesaidanxiously。
\"Mrs。Maynardisthreatenedwithpneumonia。Or，Idon’tknowwhyI
shouldsaythreatened，\"headded；\"shehaspneumonia。\"
\"Isupposed——Iwasafraidso，\"falteredthegirl。
\"Yes。\"Helookedintohereyeswithevenmoreseriousnessthanhespoke。
\"Hasshefriendshere？\"heasked。
\"No；herhusbandisinCheyenne，outontheplains。\"
\"Heoughttoknow，\"saidDr。Mulbridge。\"Agreatdealwilldependuponhernursing——Miss——ah——Dr。Breen。\"
\"Youneedn’tcallmeDr。Breen，\"saidGrace。\"Atpresent，IamMrs。
Maynard’snurse。\"
Heignoredthisashehadignoredeverypointconnectedwiththeinterviewofthemorning。Herepeatedthedirectionshehadalreadygivenwithstillgreaterdistinctness，and，sayingthatheshouldcomeinthemorning，droveaway。ShewentbacktoLouise：inquisitionforinquisition，itwaseasiertomeetthatofherlatepatientthanthatofhermother，andforoncethegirlsparedherself。
\"IknowhethoughtIwasverybad，\"whimperedMrs。Maynard，forabeginning。\"Whatisthematterwithme？\"
\"Yourcoldhastakenanacuteform；youwillhavetogotobed。\"
\"ThenI’mgoingtobedownsick！IknewIwas！Iknewit！AndwhatamIgoingtodo，offinsuchaplaceasthis？Noonetonurseme，orlookafterBella！Ishouldthinkyouwouldbesatisfiednow，Grace，withtheresultofyourconscientiousness：youweresoverysurethatMr。Libbywaswantingtoflirtwithmethatyoudroveustoourdeath，becauseyouthoughthefeltguiltyandwastryingtofiboutofit。\"
\"Willyouletmehelptoundressyou？\"askedGracegently。\"Bellashallbewelltakencareof，andIamgoingtonurseyoumyself，underDr。
Mulbridge’sdirection。Andonceforall，Louise，IwishtosaythatI
holdmyselftoblameforall\"——
\"Oh，yes！Muchgoodthatdoesnow！\"Beinggotintobed，withthesheetsmoothedunderherchin，shesaid，withtheeffectofdrawingastrictlylogicalconclusionfromthepremises，\"Well，IshouldthinkGeorgeMaynardwouldwanttobewithhisfamily！\"
Spentwiththisordeal，Graceleftheratlast，andwentoutonthepiazza，whereshefoundLibbyreturned。Infact，hehad，uponsecondthoughts，drivenback，andputuphishorseatJocelyn’s，thathemightbeofservicethereincasehewereneeded。Theladies，withwhomhehadbeenmakingfriends，discreetlylefthimtoGrace，whensheappeared，andshefranklywalkedapartwithhim，andaskedhimifhecouldgoovertoNewLeyden，andtelegraphtoMr。Maynard。
\"Hassheaskedforhim？\"heinquired，laughing。\"Iknewitwouldcometothat。\"
\"Shehasnotasked；shehassaidthatshethoughtheoughttobewithhisfamily，\"repeatedGracefaithfully。
\"Oh，Iknowhowshesaidit：asifhehadgoneawaywilfully，andkeptawayagainstherwishesandalltheclaimsofhonorandduty。Itwouldn’ttakeherlongtogetroundtothatifshethoughtshewasverysick。Isshesobad？\"heinquired，withlightscepticism。
\"She’sthreatenedwithpneumonia。Wecan’ttellhowbadshemaybe。\"
\"Why，ofcourseI’lltelegraph。ButIdon’tthinkanythingseriouscanbethematterwithMrs。Maynard。\"
\"Dr。MulbridgesaidthatMr。Maynardoughttoknow。\"
\"Isthatso？\"askedLibby，inquiteadifferenttone。Ifsherecognizedthedifference，shewasmeeklyfarfromresentingit；he，however，musthavewishedtorepairhisblunder。\"Ithinkyouneedn’thavegivenupthecasetohim。Ithinkyou’retooconscientiousaboutit。\"
\"Pleasedon’tspeakofthatnow，\"sheinterposed。
\"Well，Iwon’t，\"heconsented。\"CanIbeofanyusehereto-night？\"
\"No，weshallneednothingmore。Thedoctorwillbehereagaininthemorning。\"
\"Libbydidnotcomeinthemorningtillafterthedoctorhadgone，andthenheexplainedthathehadwaitedtohearinreplytohistelegram，sothattheymighttellMrs。Maynardherhusbandhadstarted；andhehadonlyjustnowheard。
\"Andhashestarted？\"Graceasked。
\"Iheardfromhispartner。Maynardwasattheranch。Hispartnerhadgoneforhim。\"
\"Thenhewillsoonbehere，\"shesaid。
\"Hewill，iftelegraphingcanbringhim。Isatuphalfthenightwiththeoperator。Shewasveryobligingwhensheunderstoodthecase。\"
\"She？\"reputedGrace，withaslightfrown。
\"Theoperatorsarenearlyallwomeninthecountry。\"
\"Oh！\"Shelookedgrave。\"Cantheytrustyounggirlswithsuchimportantduties？\"
\"Theydidn’tinthisinstance，\"reliedLibby。\"Shewasaprettyoldgirl。Whatmadeyouthinkshewasyoung？\"
\"Idon’tknow。Ithoughtyousaidshewasyoung。\"Sheblushed，andseemedabouttosaymore，butshedidnot。
Hewaited，andthenhesaid，\"YoucantellMrs。MaynardthatI
telegraphedonmyownresponsibility，ifyouthinkit’sgoingtoalarmher。\"
\"Well，\"saidGrace，withahelplesssigh。
\"Youdon’tliketotellherthat，\"hesuggested，afteramoment，inwhichhehadwatchedher。
\"Howdoyouknow？\"
\"Oh，Iknow。AndsomedayIwilltellyouhow——ifyouwillletme。\"
Itseemedaquestion；andshedidnotknowwhatitwasthatkepther——
silentandbreathlessandhotinthethroat。\"Idon’tliketodoit，\"
shesaidatlast。\"IhatemyselfwheneverIhavetofeignanything。I
knewperfectlywellthatyoudidn’tsayshewasyoung，\"shebrokeoutdesperately。
\"SayMrs。Maynardwasyoung？\"heaskedstupidly。
\"No！\"shecried。Sherosehastilyfromthebenchwhereshehadbeensittingwithhim。\"Imustgobacktohernow。\"
Hemountedtohisbuggy，anddrovethoughtfullyawayatawalk。
Theladies，whoseexcitedsympathiesforMrs。Maynardhadkeptthemfromthebeachtillnow，watchedhimquiteoutofsightbeforetheybegantotalkofGrace。
\"IhopeDr。Breen’snewpatientwillbemoretractable，\"saidMrs。
Merritt。\"Itwouldbeapityifshehadtogivehimup，too，toDr。
Mulbridge。\"
Mrs。Scottfailedofthepoint。\"Why，isMr。Libbysick？\"
\"Notvery，\"answeredMrs。Merritt，withatitterofself-applause。
\"Ishouldbesorry，\"interposedMrs。Algerauthoritatively，\"ifwehadsaidanythingtoinfluencethepoorthinginwhatshehasdone。\"
\"Oh，Idon’tthinkweneeddistressourselvesaboutundueinfluence！\"
Mrs。Merrittexclaimed。
Mrs。Algerchosetoignorethesuggestion。\"Shehadaverydifficultpart；andIthinkshehasactedcourageously。Ialwaysfeelsorryforgirlswhoattemptanythingofthatkind。It’safearfulordeal。\"
\"ButtheysayMissBreenwasn’tobligedtodoitforaliving，\"Mrs。
Scottsuggested。
\"Somuchtheworse，\"saidMrs。Merritt。
\"No，somuchthebetter，\"returnedMrs。Alger。
Mrs。Merritt，sittingontheedgeofthepiazza，stoopedoverwithdifficultyandpluckedaglass-straw，whichshebitasshelookedrebelliouslyaway。
Mrs。FrosthadinstalledherselfasfavoritesinceMrs。Algerhadpraisedherhair。Shenowcameforward，and，droppingfondlyatherknee，lookeduptoherforinstruction。\"Don’tyouthinkthatsheshowedhersenseingivingupattheverybeginning，ifshefoundshewasn’tequaltoit？\"
Shegaveherheadalittlemovementfromsidetoside，andputthemassofherbackhairmoreonshow。
\"Perhaps，\"saidMrs。Alger，lookingatthefavoritenotveryfavorably。
\"Oh，Idon’tthinkshe’sgivenup，\"MissGleasoninterposed，inherbreathlessmanner。Shewaitedtobeaskedwhy，andthensheadded，\"Ithinkshe’sactinginconsultationwithDr。Mulbridge。Hemayhaveacertaininfluenceoverher，——Ithinkhehas；butIknowtheyareactinginunison。\"
Mrs。Merrittflunghergrass-strawaway。\"PerhapsitistobeDr。
Mulbridge，afterall，andnotMr。Libby。\"
\"Ihavethoughtofthat，\"MissGleasonassentedcandidly。\"Yes，Ihavethoughtofthat。Ihavethoughtoftheirbeingconstantlythrowntogether，inthisway。Itwouldnotdiscourageme。Shecouldbequiteastruetohervocationasifsheremainedsingle。Truer。\"
\"Talkingoftrue，\"saidMrs。Scott，\"alwaysdoesmakemethinkofblue。
Theysaythatyellowwillbewornoneverythingthiswinter。\"
\"Oldgold？\"askedMrs。Frost。Yes，morethanever。\"
\"Dear！\"criedtheotherlady。\"Idon’tknowwhatIshalldo。Itperfectlykillsmyhair。\"
\"Oh，MissGleason！\"exclaimedtheyounggirl。
\"Doyoubelieveincharactercomingoutincolor？\"
\"Yes，certainly。Ihavealwaysbelievedthat。\"
\"Well，I’vegotafriend，andshewouldn’thaveanythingtodowithagirlthatworemagentamorethanshewouldfly。\"
\"Ishouldsuppose，\"explainedMissGleason，\"thatallthoseanilinedyesimpliedsomethingcoarseinpeople。\"
\"Isn’titcurious，\"askedMrs。Frost，\"howred-hairedpeoplehavecomeinfashion？Icanrecollect，whenIwasalittlegirl，thateverybodylaughedatredhair。TherewasonegirlatthefirstschoolIeverwentto，——theboysusedtopretendtoburntheirfingersatherhair。\"
\"IthinkDr。Breen’shairisaveryprettyshadeofbrown，\"saidtheyounggirl。
Mrs。Merrittrosefromtheedgeofthepiazza。\"Ithinkthatifshehasn’tgivenuptohimentirelyshe’sthemostsubmissiveconsultingphysicianIeversaw，\"shesaid，andwalkedoutoverthegrasstowardsthecliff。
Theladieslookedafterher。\"IsMrs。Merrittmorepudgywhenshe’ssittingdownorwhenshe’sstandingup？\"askedMrs。Scott。
MissGleasonseizedherfirstchanceofspeakingwithGracealone。
\"Oh，doyouknowhowmuchyouaredoingforusall？\"
\"Doingforyou，all？Howdoing？\"falteredGrace，whomshehadwhisperinglyhaltedinacornerofthehallleadingfromthedining-room。
\"Byactinginunison，——bysolvingthemostperplexingprobleminwomen’spractisingyourprofession。Shepassedtheedgeofherfanoverherlipsbeforelettingitfallfurleduponherlefthand，andlookedluminouslyintoGrace’seyes。
\"Idon’tatallknowwhatyoumean，MissGleason，\"saidtheother。
MissGleasonkickedouttheskirtofherdress，soastoleaveherselfperfectlyfreefortheexplanation。\"Practisinginharmonywithaphysicianoftheothersex。Ihavealwaysfeltthattherewasthegreatdifficulty，——howtobringthatabout。IhavealwaysfeltthattheTRUE
physicianmustbeDUAL，——haveboththewoman’snatureandtheman’s；thewoman’stendertouch，theman’sfirmgrasp。Youhaveshownhowthemedicaleducationofwomencanmeetthiswant。Thephysiciancanactuallybedual，——betwo，infact。Hereafter，Ihavenodoubtweshallalwayscallaphysicianofeachsex。Butit’swonderfulhowyoucouldeverbringitabout，thoughyoucandoanything！Hasn’titwornuponyou？\"MissGleasondartedouthersentencesinquick，shortbreaths，fixingGracewithhereyes，andateachclausenervouslytappingherchestwithherreopenedfan。
\"Ifyousuppose，\"saidGrace，\"thatDr。MulbridgeandIareactingprofessionallyinunison，asyoucallit，youaremistaken。Hehasentirechargeofthecase；Igaveituptohim，andIammerelynursingMrs。Maynardunderhisdirection。\"
\"Howsplendid！\"MissGleasonexclaimed。\"DoyouknowthatIadmireyouforgivingup，——forknowingwhentogiveup？Sofewwomendothat！
Isn’themagnificent？\"
\"Magnificent？\"
\"Imeanpsychically。HeiswhatIshouldcallastrongsoulYoumusthavefelthismasterfulness；youmusthaveenjoyedit！Don’tyouliketobedominated？\"
\"No，\"saidGrace，\"Ishouldn’tatalllikeit。\"
\"Oh，Ido！Iliketomeetoneofthoseforcefulmasculinenaturesthatsimplybidyouobey。It’sdelicious。Suchasenseofself-surrender，\"
MissGleasonexplained。\"Itisn’tbecausetheyaremen，\"sheadded。
\"Ihavefeltthesameinfluencefromsomewomen。Ifeltit，inacertaindegree，onfirstmeetingyou。\"
\"Iamverysorry，\"saidGracecoldly。\"Ishoulddislikebeingcontrolledmyself，andIshoulddislikestillmoretocontrolothers。\"
\"You’redoingitnow！\"criedMissGleason，withdelight。\"Icouldnotdoathingtoresistyourputtingmedown！Ofcourseyoudon’tknowthatyou’redoingit；it’spurelyinvoluntary。Andyouwouldn’tknowthathewasdominatingyou。Andhewouldn’t。\"
VeryprobablyDr。Mulbridgewouldnothaverecognizedhimselfinthecharacterofall-compellinglady’s-novelhero，whichMissGleasonimaginedforhim。Lifepresenteditselfrathersimplytohim，asitdoestomostmen，andheeasilydismisseditssubtlerproblemsfromamindpreoccupiedwithactivecares。AsfarasGracewasconcerned，shehadcertainlyrousedinhimanunusualcuriosity；nothinglessthanherhomoeopathywouldhavemadehimwithdrawhisconsenttoaconsultationwithher，andhisfearhadbeenthatinhisrefusalsheshouldescapefromhisdesiretoknowmoreabouther，hermotives，herpurposes。Hehadacceptedwithoutscruplethesacrificeofprideshehadmadetohim；
buthehadknownhowtoappreciateherscientifictraining，whichhefoundasrespectableasthatofanyclever，youngmanoftheirprofession。Hepraised，inhisway，theperfectionwithwhichsheinterpretedhisactionsandintentionsinregardtothepatient。
\"Ifthereweresuchnursesasyou，MissBreen，therewouldbeverylittleneedofdoctors，\"hesaid，withasortofinterogativefashionoflaughingpeculiartohim。
\"Ithoughtofbeinganurseonce；\"sheanswered。\"PerhapsImaystillbeone。Thescientifictrainingwon’tbelost。\"
\"Oh，no？It’sapitythatmoreofthemhaven’tit。ButIsupposetheythinknursingisrathertoohumbleanambition。\"
\"Idon’tthinkitso，\"saidGracebriefly。
\"Thenyoudidn’tcareformedicaldistinction。\"
\"No。\"
Helookedatherquizzically，asifthisweremuchdrollerthanifshehadcared。\"Idon’tunderstandwhyyoushouldhavegoneintoit。
Youtoldme，Ithink，thatitwasrepugnanttoyou；andit’shardworkforawoman，andveryuncertainworkforanyone。Youmusthavehadatremendousdesiretobenefityourrace。\"
Hischaracterizationofhermotivewassodistastefulthatshemadenoreply，andlefthimtohisconjectures，inwhichhedidnotappearunhappy。\"HowdoyoufindMrs。Maynardto-day？\"sheasked。
Helookedatherwithaninstantcoldness，asifhedidnotlikeherasking，andwerehesitatingwhethertoanswer。Buthesaidatlast，\"Sheisnobetter。Shewillbeworsebeforesheisbetter。Yousee，\"headded，\"thatIhaven’tbeenabletoarrestthedisorderinitsfirststage。Wemusthopeforwhatcanbedonenow，inthesecond。\"
ShehadgatheredfromthehalfjocoseeasewithwhichhehadlistenedtoMrs。Maynard’saccountofherself，andtoherownreport，anencouragementwhichnowfelltotheground\"Yes，\"sheassented，inherdespair，\"thatistheonlyhope。\"
Hesatbesidethetableinthehotelparlor，wheretheyfoundthemselvesaloneforthemoment，anddrubbeduponitwithanabsentlook。\"Haveyousentforherhusband？\"heinquired，returningtohimself。
\"Yes；Mr。Libbytelegraphedtheeveningwesawyou。\"
\"That’sgood，\"saidDr。Mulbridge，withcomfortableapproval；andherosetogoaway。
Graceimpulsivelydetainedhim。\"I——won’t——askyouwhetheryouconsiderMrs。Maynard’scaseaseriousone，ifyouobjecttomydoingso。\"
\"Idon’tknowthatIobject，\"hesaidslowly，withateasingsmile，suchasonemightusewithapersistentchildwhomonechosetobaffleinthatway。
Shedisdainedtoavailherselfoftheimpliedpermission。\"WhatImean——
whatIwishtotellyouis——thatIfeelmyselfresponsibleforhersickness，andthatifshedies，Ishallbeguiltyofherdeath。\"
\"Ah？\"saidDr。Mulbridge，withmoreinterest，butthesamesmile。
\"Whatdoyoumean？\"
\"Shedidn’twishtogothatdaywhenshewascaughtinthestorm。ButI
insisted；Iforcedhertogo。\"Shestoodpantingwiththeintensityofthefeelingwhichhadimpelledherutterance。
\"Whatdoyoumeanbyforcinghertogo？\"
\"Idon’tknow。I——I——persuadedher。\"
Dr。Mulbridgesmiled，asifheperceivedherintentionnottotellhimsomethingshewishedtotellhim。Helookeddownintohishat，whichhecarriedinhishand。
\"Didyoubelievethestormwascoming？\"
\"No！\"
\"Andyoudidn’tmakeitcome？\"
\"Ofcoursenot！\"
Helookedatherandlaughed。
\"Oh，youdon’tatallunderstand！\"shecried。
\"I’mnotadoctorofdivinity，\"hesaid。\"Goodmorning。\"
\"Wait，wait！\"sheimplored，\"I’mafraid——Idon’tknow——Perhapsmybeingnearherisinjurioustoher；perhapsIoughttoletsomeoneelsenurseher。Iwishedtoaskyouthis\"——Shestoppedbreathlessly。
\"Idon’tthinkyouhavedoneheranyharmasyet，\"heansweredlightly。
\"However，\"hesaid，afteramoment’sconsideration，\"whydon’tyoutakeaholiday？Someoftheotherladiesmightlookafterherawhile。\"
\"Doyoureallythink，\"shepalpitated，\"thatImight？DoyouthinkI
ought？I’mafraidIoughtn’t\"——
\"Notifyourdevotionishurtfultoher？\"heasked。\"Sendsomeoneelsetoherforawhile。Anyonecantakecareofherforafewhours。\"
\"Icouldn’tleaveher——feelingasIdoabouther。\"
\"Idon’tknowhowyoufeelabouther，\"saidDr。Mulbridge。\"Butyoucan’tgoonatthisrate。Ishallwantyourhelpbyandby，andMrs。
Maynarddoesn’tneedyounow。Don’tgobacktoher。\"
\"ButifsheshouldgetworsewhileIamaway\"——
\"Youthinkyourstayingandfeelingbadwouldmakeherbetter？Don’tgoback，\"herepeated；andhewentouttohisuglyrawbonedhorse，and，mountinghisshabbywagon，rattledaway。Shelingered，indescribablyputtoshamebythebrutalcommonsensewhichshecouldnotimpeach，butwhichshestillfeltwasnomeasureofthecase。Itwastruethatshehadnottoldhimeverything，andshecouldnotcomplainthathehadmockedherappealforsympathyifshehadtrifledwithhimbyapartialconfession。Butsheindignantlydeniedtoherselfthatshehadwishedtoappealtohimforsympathy。
Shewanderedoutonthepiazza，whichshefoundempty，andstoodgazingattheseainareveryofpassionatehumiliation。Shewasinthatmood，familiartousall，whenwelongtobeconsoledandevenflatteredforhavingbeensilly。Inawomanthismoodisneartotears；atatouchofkindnessthetearscome，andmomentousquestionsaredecided。Whatwasperhapsuppermostinthegirl’sheartwasadetestationofthemantowhomshehadseemedasimpleton；herthoughtspursuedhim，anddivinedthecontemptwithwhichhemustbethinkingofherandherpretensions。
Sheheardstepsonthesand，andLibbycameroundthecornerofthehousefromthestable。
VII。
Libby’sfriendshadbrokenuptheircamponthebeach，andhadgonetoalakeintheheartofthewoodsforthefishing。HehadtakenaroomattheLongBeachHouse，buthespentmostofhistimeatJocelyn’s，wherehekepthismareforuseingoinguponerrandsforMrs。Maynard。Gracesawhimconstantly，andhewasalwaysdoinglittlethingsforherwithadivinationofherunexpresseddesireswhichwomenfindtoorarelyinmen。
Hebroughtherflowers，which，afterrefusingthemforMrs。Maynardthefirsttime，sheacceptedforherself。Hesometimesbroughtherbooks，thelightsortwhichformthesentimentalcurrencyofyoungpeople，andshelentthemroundamongtheotherladies，whowereinsatiableofthem。
Shetookapleasureintheseattentions，asiftheyhadbeenforsomeoneelse。Inthisaliensenseshelikedtobefollowedupwithachairtothepointwhereshewishedtosit；tohaveherhatfetched，orhershawl；
todropherworkorherhandkerchief，securethatitwouldbepickedupforher。
Itallinterestedher，anditwasarelieffromthecircumstancesthatwouldhaveforbiddenhertorecognizeitasgallantry，evenifherownmindhadnotbeensofarfromallthoughtofthat。Hiskindnessfollowedoftenuponsomeapplicationofhersforhisadviceorhelp，forshehadfallenintothehabitofgoingtohimwithdifficulties。Hehadapromptcommonsensethatmadehimveryusefulinemergencies，andasympathyoraninsightthatwasquickinsuggestionsandexpedients。Perhapssheoverratedotherqualitiesofhisinheradmirationofthepracticalreadinesswhichkepthisamiabilityfromseemingweak。Butthepracticalhadsooftenbeentheunattainablewithherthatitwasnotstrangesheshouldoverrateit，andthatsheshouldrestuponitinhimwithatrustthatincludedallhechosetodoinherbehalf。
\"Whatisthematter，Mr。Libby？\"sheasked，ashecametowardher。
\"Isanythingthematter？\"hedemandedinturn。
\"Yes；youarelookingdowncast，\"shecriedreproachfully。
\"Ididn’tknowthatImustn’tlookdowncast。Ididn’tsupposeitwouldbeverypolite，underthecircumstances，togoroundlookingasbobbishasIfeel。\"
\"It’sthebestthingyoucouldpossiblydo。Butyou’renotfeelingverybobbishnow。\"Awomanrespectsthewordamanuses，notbecauseshewouldhavechosenit，butbecauseshethinksthathehasanexactintentioninit，whichcouldnotbereconveyedinamorefemininephrase。
Inthiswayslangarises。\"Isn’tittimeforMr。Maynardtobehere？\"
\"Yes，\"heanswered。Then，\"HowdidyouknowIwasthinkingofthat？\"
\"Ididn’t。Ionlyhappenedtothinkitwastime。Whatareyoukeepingback，Mr。Libby？\"shepursuedtremulously。
\"Nothing，uponmyhonor。Ialmostwishthereweresomethingtokeepback。Butthereisn’tanything。Therehaven’tbeenanyaccidentsreported。AndIshouldn’tkeepanythingbackfromyou。\"
\"Why？\"
\"Becauseyouwouldbeequaltoit，whateveritwas。\"
\"Idon’tseewhyyousaythat。\"Sheweaklyfoundcomfortinthepraisewhichshemightoncehaveresentedaspatronage。
\"Idon’tseewhyIshouldn’t，\"heretorted：
\"BecauseIamnotfittobetrustedatall。\"
\"Doyoumean\"——
\"Oh，Ihaven’tthestrength，tomeananything，\"shesaid。\"ButIthankyou，thankyouverymuch，\"sheadded。Sheturnedherheadaway。
\"ConfoundMaynard！\"criedtheyoungman。\"Idon’tseewhyhedoesn’tcome。Hemusthavestartedfourdaysago。Heoughttohave’hadsenseenoughtotelegraphwhenhedidstart。Ididn’ttellhispartnertoaskhim。Youcan’tthinkofeverything。I’vebeentryingtofindoutsomething。I’mgoingovertoLeyden，now，totrytowakeupsomebodyinCheyennewhoknowsMaynard。\"HelookedruefullyatGrace，wholistenedwithanxiousunintelligence。\"You’regettingwornout，MissBreen，\"hesaid。\"IwishIcouldaskyoutogowithmetoLeyden。Itwoulddoyougood。Butmymare’sfallenlame；I’vejustbeentoseeher。IsthereanythingIcandoforyouoverthere？\"
\"Why，howareyougoing？\"sheasked。
\"Inmyboat，\"heansweredconsciously。
\"Thesameboat？\"
\"Yes。I’vehadherputtorights。Shewasn’tmuchdamaged。\"
Shewassilentamoment，whilehestoodlookingdownatherinthechairintowhichshehadsunk。\"Doesittakeyoulong？\"
\"Oh，no。It’sshorterthanitisbyland。Ishallhavethetidewithmebothways。Icanmaketherunthereandbackinacoupleofhours。\"
\"Twohours？\"
\"Yes。\"
Asuddenimpulse，unreasonedandunreasonable，inwhichthereseemedhopeofsomesuchatonement，orexpiation，asthesameasceticnaturewouldoncehavefoundinfastingorthescourge，prevailedwithher。Sherose。
\"Mr。Libby，\"shepanted，\"ifyouwillletme，Ishouldliketogowithyouinyourboat。Doyouthinkitwillberough？\"
\"No，it’salightbreeze；justright。Youneedn’tbeafraid。\"
\"I’mnotafraid。Ishouldnotcareifitwererough！Ishouldnotcareifitstormed！Ihopeit——IwillaskmothertostaywithMrs。Maynard。\"
Mrs。BreenhadnotbeenpleasedtohaveherdaughterinchargeofMrs。
Maynard’scase，butshehadnotlikedhergivingitup。ShehadsaidmorethanoncethatshehadnofaithinDr。Mulbridge。ShewillinglyconsentedtoGrace’sprayer，andwentdownintoMrs。Maynard’sroom，andinsinuatedmisgivingsinwhichthesickwomanfoundsomuchreasonthattheybeganforthefirsttimetorecognizeeachother’sgoodqualities。
Theydecidedthatthetreatmentwasnotsufficientlyactive，andthatsheshouldeitherhavesomethingthatwouldbemorelooseningtothecough，orsomeapplication——likemustardplasters——toherfeet，soastotakeawaythatstuffedfeelingaboutthehead。
Atthathouroftheafternoon，whenmostoftheladieswerelyingdownintheirrooms，GracemetnooneonthebeachbutMissGleasonandMrs。
Alger，whorosefromtheirbedsofsandunderthecliffatherpassagewithMr。Libbytohisdory。
\"Don’tyouwanttogotoLeyden？\"heaskedjocoselyoverhisshoulder。
\"Youdon’tmeantosayyou’regoing？\"MissGleasondemandedofGrace。
\"Yes，certainly。Whynot？\"
\"Well，youarebrave！\"
Sheshuthernoveluponherthumb，thatshemighthavenothingtodobutadmireGrace’scourage，asthegirlwalkedaway。
\"Itwilldohergood，poorthing，\"saidtheelderwoman。\"Shelookswretchedly。\"
\"Icanunderstandjustwhyshedoesit，\"murmuredMissGleasoninadoringrapture。
\"Ihopeshedoesitforpleasure，\"saidMrs。Alger。
\"Itisn’tthat，\"returnedMissGleasonmysteriously。
\"Atanyrate，Mr。Libbyseemedpleased。\"
\"Oh，shewouldnevermarryHIM！\"saidMissGleason。
Theotherlaughed，andatthatmomentGracealsolaughed。Thestrong~currentofherpurpose，thesenseofescapefromthebitterservitudeofthepastweek，andthewildhopeoffinalexpiationthroughthechancesshewastemptinggaveherabuoyancylongunfelt。Shelaughedingayetyofheartasshehelpedtheyoungmandrawhisdorydownthesand，andthentookherplaceatoneendwhilehegaveitthelastpushandthenleapedinattheother。Hepulledouttowheretheboatlaytiltingatanchor，andheldthedoryalongsidebythegunwalethatshemightstepaboard。Butafterrisingshefaltered，lookingintentlyattheboatasifshemissedsomethingthere。
\"Ithoughtyouhadamantosailyourboat\"
\"Ihad。ButIlethimgolastweek。PerhapsIoughttohavetoldyou，\"
hesaid，lookingupatheraslant。\"Areyouafraidtotrustmyseamanship？Adamswasamereform。Hebehavedlikeafoolthatday。\"
\"Oh，I’mnotafraid，\"saidGrace。Shesteppedfromthedoryintotheboat，andheflungoutthedory’sanchorandfollowed。Thesailwentupwithapleasantcluckingofthetackle，andthelightwindfilledit。
Libbymadethesheetfast，and，sittingdowninthesternontheotherside，tookthetillerandheadedtheboattowardthetownthatshimmeredinthedistance。Thewaterhissedatthebow，andseethedandsparkledfromthestern；thelandbreezethatbenttheirsailblewcooluponhercheekandfresheneditwithatingeofcolor。
\"Thiswilldoyougood，\"hesaid，lookingintoherswithhiskind，gayeyes。
Thecolorinhercheeksdeepenedalittle。\"Oh，IambetterthanIlook。
Ididn’tcomefor\"——
\"Formedicinalpurposes。Well，Iamgladofit。We’veagoodhourbetweenusandnewsornonewsfromMaynard，andIshouldliketothinkwewereoutforpleasure。Youdon’tobject？\"
\"No。Youcanevensmoke，ifthatwillheightentheillusion。\"
\"Itwillmakeitreality。Butyoudon’tmeanit？\"
\"Yes；whynot？\"
\"Idon’tknow。ButIcouldn’thavedreamtofsmokinginyourpresence。
Andwetakethelibertytodreamverystrangethings。\"
\"Yes，\"shesaid，\"it’sshockingwhatthingswedodreamofpeople。ButamIsoforbidding？\"sheasked，alittlesadly。
\"Notnow，\"saidLibby。Hegotoutapouchoftobaccoandsomecigarettepapers，andputtingthetillerunderhisarm，hemadehimselfacigarette。
\"Youseeminterested，\"hesaid，asheliftedhiseyesfromhiswork，onwhichhefoundherintent，andstruckhisfusee。
\"Iwasadmiringyourskill，\"sheanswered。
\"DoyouthinkitwasworthavoyagetoSouthAmerica？\"
\"Ishouldn’thavethoughtthevoyagewasnecessary。\"
\"Oh，perhapsyouthinkyoucandoit，\"hesaid，handingherthetobaccoandpapers。Shetookthemandmadeacigarette。\"Ittookmeawholedaytolearntomakebadones，andthis，isbeautiful。ButIwillneversmokeit。Iwillkeepthisalways。\"
\"Youhadbettersmokeit，ifyouwantmore，\"shesaid。
\"Willyoumakesomemore？Ican’tsmokethefirstone！\"
\"Thensmokethelast，\"shesaid，offeringhimthethingsback。
\"No，goon。I’llsmokeit。\"
Shelentherselftotheidlehumorofthetime，andwentonmakingcigarettestilltherewerenomorepapers。Fromtimetotimeshelookedupfromthislabor，andscannedthebeautifulbay，whichtheyhadalmostwhollytothemselves。Theypassedacollierlagginginthedeepchannel，andsignallingforapilottotakeheruptothetown。Ayacht，trimandswift，cutacrosstheircourse；theladiesonboardwavedasalutationwiththeirhandkerchiefs，andLibbyresponded。
\"Doyouknowthem？\"askedGrace。
\"No！\"helaughed。\"Butladiesliketotaketheselibertiesatasafedistance。\"
\"Yes，that’saspecimenofwoman’sdaring，\"shesaid，withaself-
scornfulcurlofthelip，whichpresentlysoftenedintoawistfulsmile。
\"Howlovelyitallis！\"shesighed。
\"Yes，there’snothingbetterinalltheworldthanasail。Itisalltheworldwhileitlasts。Aboat’slikeyourownfiresideforsnugness。\"
Adreamierlightcameintohereye，whichwandered，withaturnoftheheadgivinghimthetendercurveofhercheek，overthelevelsofthebay，roughenedeverywherebythebreeze，butyellowishgreeninthechannelsanddarkwiththethickgrowthofeel-grassintheshallows；
thensheliftedherfacetothepaleblueheavensinaneffortthatslantedtowardshimthesoftroundofherchin，andshowedherfullthroat。
\"Thisisthekindofafternoon，\"shesaid，stilllookingatthesky，\"thatyouthinkwillneverend。\"
\"Iwishitwouldn’t，\"heanswered。
Sheloweredhereyestohis，andasked：\"Doyouhavetimeswhenyouaresorrythatyouevertriedtodoanything——whenitseemsfoolishtohavetried？\"
\"Ihavetheotherkindoftimes，——whenIwishthatIhadtriedtodosomething。\"
\"Ohyes，Ihavethose，too。It’swholesometobeashamedofnothavingtriedtodoanything；buttobeashamedofhavingtried——it’slikedeath。
Thereseemsnorecoveryfromthat。\"
Hedidnottakeadvantageofherconfession，ortrytotempthertofurtherconfidence；andwomenlikemenwhohavethiswisdom，orthisinstinctivegenerosity，andtrustthemfurther。
\"Andtheworstofitisthatyoucan’tgobackandbelikethosethathavenevertriedatall。Ifyoucould，thatwouldbesomeconsolationforhavingfailed。Thereisnothingleftofyoubutyourmistake。\"
\"Well，\"hesaid，\"somepeoplearenotevenmistakes。Isupposethatalmostanysortofsuccesslooksagooddeallikefailurefromtheinside。Itmustbeapoorcreaturethatcomesuptohisownmark。Thebestwayisnottohaveanymark，andthenyou’reinnodangerofnotcominguptoit。\"Helaughed，butshesmiledsadly。
\"Youdon’tbelieveinthinkingaboutyourself，\"shesaid。
\"Oh，Itryalittleintrospection，nowandthen。ButIsoongetthrough：
thereisn’tmuchofmetothinkabout。\"
\"No，don’ttalkinthatway，\"shepleaded，andshewasverycharminginherearnestness：itwastherethathercharmlay。\"Iwantyoutobeseriouswithme，andtellme——tellmehowmenfeelwhen。\"——
Asuddensplashingstartledher，andlookingroundshesawamultitudeofcurious，great-eyed，blackheads，somethingliketheheadsofboys，andsomethingliketheheadsofdogs，thrustingfromthewater，andflashingunderitagainatsightofthemwithaswishthatsentthesprayintotheair。Shesprangtoherfeet。\"Oh，lookatthosethings！Lookatthem！
Lookatthem！\"Shelaidvehementhandsupontheyoungman，andpushedhiminthedirectioninwhichshewishedhimtolook，atsomeriskofpushinghimoverboard，whilehelaughedatherecstasy。
\"They’reseals。Thebay’sfullofthem。DidyouneverseethemonthereefatJocelyn’s？\"
\"Ineversawthembefore！\"shecried。\"Howwonderfultheyare！Oh！\"sheshouted；asoneofthemglancedsadlyatheroveritsshoulder，andthenvanishedwithawhirlofthehead。\"TheBeatriceCenciattitude！\"
\"They’realwaystryingthat，\"saidLibby。\"Lookyonder。\"Hepointedtoabankofmudwhichthetidehadnotyetcovered，andwhereaherdofsealslaybaskinginthesun。Theystartedathisvoice，andwrigglingandtwistingandbumpingthemselvesovertheearthtothewater’sedge，theyplungedin。\"Theirwalkisn’tsogracefulastheirswim。Wouldyoulikeoneforapet，MissBreen？That’sallthey’regoodforsincekerosenecamein。Theycan’tcompetewiththat，andthey’renotthekindthatwearthecloaks。\"
Shewasstandingwithherhandpressedharduponhisshoulder。
\"Didtheyeverkillthem？\"
\"Theyusedtotakethatprecaution。\"
\"Withthoseeyes？Itwasmurder！\"Shewithdrewherhandandsatdown。
\"Well，theyonlycatchthem，now。Itrieditmyselfonce。Isetoutatlowtide，aboutteno’clock，onenight，andgotbetweenthewaterandthebiggestsealonthebank。Wefoughtitoutonthatlinetilldaylight。\"
\"Anddidyougetit？\"shedemanded，absurdlyinterested。