Allherhelpfulnesswassoontobeneeded。Thedisease，whichhadlingeredmorethanusualintheearlystages，suddenlyapproachedacrisis。ThatnightMrs。MaynardgrewsomuchworsethatGracesentLibbyatdaybreakforDr。Mulbridge；andtheyoungman，afterleadingouthisownmaretoseeifherlamenesshadabated，ruefullyputherbackinthestable，andsetofftoCorbitantwiththesplay-footatarateofspeedunparalleled，probably，intheanimal’srecollectionofalongandusefullife。Inthetwoanxiousdaysthatfollowed，LibbyandGracewereassociatedinthefreedomofacommoninterestoutsideofthemselves；
shewenttohimforhelpandsuggestion，andhegavethem，asifnothinghadpassedtorestrictorembarrasstheirrelations。Therewasthat，infact，intheaweofthetimeandaninvoluntarydisoccupationofhersthatthrewthemtogetherevenmoreconstantlythanbefore。Dr。Mulbridgeremainedwithhispatientwellintotheforenoon；intheafternoonhecameagain，andthatnighthedidnotgoaway。HesupersededGraceasanursenolesscompletelythanhehaddisplacedherasaphysician。Heletherrelievehimwhenheflunghimselfdownforafewminutes’sleep，orwhenhewentoutforthehugemealswhichhedevoured，preferringtheunwholesomethingswithadepravityshockingtothetenderphysicalconsciencesoftheladieswholookedon；butwhenhereturnedtohischarge，heshowedhimselfjealousofallthatGracehaddoneinvolvingtheexerciseofmorethanaservilediscretion。Whensheaskedhimonceiftherewerenothingelsethatshecoulddo，hesaid，\"fires，keepthosewomenandchildrenquiet，\"inatonethatclassedherwithboth。ShelongedtoaskhimwhathethoughtofMrs。Maynard’scondition；butshehadnotthecouragetoinvoketheintelligencethatignoredhersocompletely，andshestruggledinsilencewithsuchdishearteningauguriesashertheoreticalscienceenabledhertomake。
ThenextdaywasaSunday，andtheSabbathhushwhichalwayshungoverJocelyn’swasintensifiedtothesenseofthosewhoachedbetweenhopeandfearforthelifethatseemedtowaverandflickerinthatstillair。
Dr。Mulbridgewatchedbesidehispatient，notingeverychangewithawaryintelligencewhichnofactescapedandnoanxietyclouded；alert，gentle，prompt；sufferingnoquestion，andabsolutelysilentastoallimpressions。HeallowedGracetoremainwithhimwhensheliked，andletherdohisbiddinginminormatters；butwhenfromtimetotimesheescapedfromtheintolerabletensioninwhichhisreticenceandherownfearheldher，hedidnotseemtoseewhethershewentorcame。TowardnightfallshemethimcomingoutofMrs。Maynard’sroom，asshedrewnearinthenarrowcorridor。
\"Whereisyourfriend——theyoungman——theonewhosmokes？\"heasked，asifnothingunusualhadoccupiedhim。\"Iwanthimtogivemeacigar。\"
\"Dr。Mulbridge，\"shesaid，\"Iwillnotbearthisanylonger。Imustknowtheworst——youhavenorighttotreatmeinthisway。Tellmenow——tellmeinstantly：willshelive？\"
Helookedatherwithanimaginableapprehensionofhysterics，butasshecontinuedfirm，andplacedherselfresolutelyinhisway，herelaxedhisscrutiny，andsaid，withasmile，\"Oh，Ithinkso。Whatmadeyouthinkshewouldn’t？\"
Shedrewherselfaside，andmadewayfarhim。
\"Go！\"shecried。Shewouldhavesaidmore，butherindignationchokedher。
Hedidnotpassatonce，andhedidnotseemtroubledatheranger。\"Dr。
Breen，\"hesaid，\"Isawagooddealofpneumoniainthearmy，andIdon’trememberasinglecasethatwassavedbytheanxietyofthesurgeon。\"
Hewentnow，aspeopledowhentheyfancythemselvestohavemadeagoodpoint；andsheheardhimaskingBarlowforLibby，outside，andthenwalkingoverthegraveltowardthestable。AtthatmomentshedoubtedandhatedhimsomuchthatsheworldhavebeengladtokeepLibbyfromtalkingorevensmokingwithhim。Butsherelentedalittletowardhimafterwards，whenhereturnedandresumedthechargeofhispatientwiththegentle，vigilantcheerfulnesswhichshehadadmiredinhimfromthefirst，omittingnocareandbetrayingnone。HeappearedtotakeitforgrantedthatGracesawanimprovement，butherecognizeditbynothingexplicittillheroseandsaid，\"IthinkIwillleaveMrs。Maynardwithyouto-night，Dr。Breen。\"
Thesickwoman’seyesturnedtohimimploringlyfromherpillow，andGracespoketheterrorofbothwhenshefalteredinreturn，\"Areyou——youarenotgoinghome？\"
\"Ishallsleepinthehouse。\"
\"Oh，thankyou！\"shecriedfervently。
\"Andyoucancallmeifyouwish。Buttherewon’tbeanyoccasion。Mrs。
Maynardisverymuchbetter。\"Hewaitedtogive，inasortofabsent-
mindedway，certaindirections。Thenhewentout，andGracesankbackintothechairfromwhichshehadstartedathisrising，andweptlongandsilentlywithahiddenface。Whenshetookawayherhandsanddriedhertears，shesawMrs。Maynardbeckoningtoher。Shewenttothebedside。
\"Whatisit，dear？\"sheaskedtenderly。
\"Stoopdown，\"whisperedtheother；andasGracebowedherearMrs。
Maynardtouchedhercheekwithherdrylips。Inthiskissdoubtlesssheforgavethewrongwhichshehadhoardedinherheart，andtherepervertedintoadeadlyinjury。Buttheybothknewuponwhattermsthepardonwasaccorded，andthatifMrs。Maynardhaddied，shewouldhavediedholdingGraceanswerableforherundoing。
IX。
InthemorningDr。MulbridgedrovebacktoCorbitant，andintheeveningLibbycameoverfromNewLeydenwithMaynard，inahiredwagon。Hewasadaylaterthanhiswifehadcomputed，butassheappearedtohavereflected，shehadlefttheinterveningSundayoutofhercalculation；
thiswasoneofthefewthingsshetaxedherselftosay。Fortherest，sheseemedtobehoardingherstrengthagainsthiscoming。
Gracemethimatalittledistancefromthehouse，whithershehadwalkedwithBella，forabreathofthefreshairafterherlongdayinthesick-
room，anddidnotfindhimtheboisterousandjovialHoosiershehadimaginedhim。Itwas，infact，hardlythemomentfortheexpressionofWesternhumor。Hearrivedasleep-broken，travel-creasedfigure，withmorethantheWesternman’susualindifferencetodress；withsad，dulleyes，andanuntrimmedbeardthathunginpointsandtags，andthinlyhidthecornersofalargemouth。Hetookherhandlaxlyinhis，andbowingoverherfromhislankheightlistenedtoherreportofhiswife’sstate，whileheheldhislittlegirlonhisleftarm，andthechildfondlypressedhercheekagainsthisbeardedface，towhichhehadquietlyliftedherassoonashealightedfromLibby’sbuggy。
LibbyintroducedGraceasDr。Breen，anddroveon，andMaynardgaveherthetitlewheneverheaddressedher，withaperfecteffectofsingle-
mindednessinhisgravity，asifitwereanevery-daythingwithhimtomeetyoungladieswhowerephysicians。Hehadacertainneighborlymannerofhavingknownheralongtime，andofbeingongoodtermswithher；andsomewherethereresidedinhislooselyknitorganismapowerfulenergy。Shehadalmosttoruninkeepingathisside，ashewalkedontothehouse，carryinghislittlegirlonhisarm，andglancingabouthim；
andshewasnotsureatlastthatshehadsucceededinmakinghimunderstandhowseriousthecasehadbeen。
\"Idon’tknowwhetherIoughttoletyougoin，\"shesaid，\"withoutpreparingher。\"
\"She’sbeenexpectingme，hasn’tshe？\"heasked。
\"Yes，but\"——
\"Andshe’sawake？\"
\"ThenI’lljustgoinandpreparehermyself。I’maprettygoodhandatpreparingpeopletomeetme。You’veabeautifullocationhere，Dr。
Breen；andyourtownhasachancetogrow。Iliketoseeatownhavesomechance，\"headded，withasadnesspasttearsinhismelancholyeyes。
\"Bellacanshowmethewaytotheroom，Ireckon，\"hesaid，settingthelittleonedownonthepiazza，andfollowingherindoors；andwhenGraceventured，later，toknockatthedoor，Maynard’svoicebadehercomein。
Hesatbesidehiswife’spillow，withherhandinhisleft；onhisrightarmperchedthelittlegirl，andrestedherheadonhisshoulder。Theydidnotseemtohavebeentalking，andtheydidnotmovewhenGraceenteredtheroom。But，apparently，Mrs。MaynardhadknownhowtobehavetoGeorgeMaynard，andpeacewasvisiblybetweenthem。
\"Now，youtellmeaboutthemedicines，Dr。Breen，andthenyougoandgetsomerest，\"saidMaynardinhismild，soothingvoice。\"IusedtounderstandMrs。Maynard’swaysprettywell，andIcantakecareofher。
Libbytoldmeallaboutyouandyourdoings，andIknowyoumustfeelaspaleasyoulook。\"
\"Butyoucan’thavehadanysleepontheway，\"Gracebegan。
\"Sleep？\"Maynardrepeated，lookingwanlyather。\"Ineversleep。I’dassoonthinkofdigesting。\"
Aftershehadgivenhimtheneededinstructionsherosefromtherocking-
chairin-whichhehadbeensoftlyswingingtoandfro，andfollowedheroutintothecorridor，caressingwithhislargehandthechildthatlayonhisshoulder。\"Ofcourse，\"shesaid，\"Mrs。Maynardisstillverysick，andneedsthegreatestcareandattention。\"
\"Yes，Iunderstandthat。ButIreckonitwillcomeoutallrightintheend，\"hesaid，withtheoptimisticfatalismwhichistherealreligionofourorientalizingWest。\"Good-night，doctor。\"
Shewentaway，feelingsuddenlyaloneinthisexclusionfromthecaresthathadabsorbedher。Therewasnooneonthepiazza，whichthemoonlightprintedwiththeshadowsofthepostsandthefancifuljigsawworkofthearchesbetweenthem。Sheheardasteponthesandywalkroundthecorner，andwaitedwistfully。
ItwasBarlowwhocameinsight，assheknewatonce，butsheasked，\"Mr。
Barlow？\"
\"Yes’m，\"saidBarlow。\"WhatcanIdoforyou？\"
\"Nothing。IthoughtitmightbeMr。Libbyatfirst。Doyouknowwhereheis？\"
\"Well，Iknowwhereheain’t，\"saidBarlow；andhavingineffectuallywaitedtobequestionedfurther，headded，\"Heain’there，foroneplace。
He’sgonebacktoLeyden。Hehadtotakethathorseback。\"
\"Oh！\"shesaid。
\"N’Iguesshe’sgoin’tostay。\"
\"Tostay？Where？\"
\"Well，thereyou’vegotmeagain。AllIknowisI’vegottodrivethatmareofhis’noverto-morrow，ifIcangitoff，andnextdayifIcan’t。
Didn’tyouknowhewasgoin’？\"askedBarlow，willingtorecompensehimselffortheinformationhehadgiven。
\"Well！\"headdedsympathetically，atalittlehesitationofhers：
Thenshesaid，\"Iknewhemustgo。Good-night，Mr。Barlow，\"andwentindoors。SherememberedthathehadsaidhewouldgoassoonasMaynardcame，andthatshehadconsentedthatthiswouldbebest。Buthisgoingnowseemedabrupt，thoughsheapprovedit。Shethoughtthatshehadsomethingmoretosaytohim，whichmightconsolehimorreconcilehim；
shecouldnotthinkwhatthiswas，butitleftanindefinitelonging，anunsatisfiedpurposeinherheart；andtherewassomewhereatremuloussenseofsupportwithdrawn。PerhapsthiswasamechanicaleffectofthecessationofheranxietyforMrs。Maynard，whichhadbeenasupportaswellasaburden。Thehousewasstrangelyquiet，asifsomegreatnoisehadjustbeenhushed，anditseemedempty。Shefelttimidinherroom，butshedreadedthenextdaymorethanthedark。Herlifewaschanged，andthefuture，whichshehadonceplannedsoclearly，andhadfeltsostrongtoencounter，hadfallentoaruin，inwhichshevainlyendeavoredtofindsomeclewormotiveofthepast。Shefeltremandedtotheconditionsofthegirlhoodthatshefanciedshehadaltogetheroutlived；
sheturnedherfaceuponherpillowinagriefofbewilderedaspirationandbrokenpride，andshedtearsscarcelypredicableofadoctorofmedicine。
Butthereisnolapseoraberrationofcharacterwhichcanbehalfsosurprisingtoothersasitistoone’sself。ShehadresentedLibby’streatingheruponatheory，butshetreatedherselfuponatheory，andwealltreatourselvesuponatheory。Weproceedeachofusuponthetheorythatheisverybrave，orgenerous，orgentle，orliberal，ortruthful，orloyal，orjust。Wemayhavethedefectsofourvirtues，butnothingismorecertainthanthatwehaveourvirtues，tilltherecomesafataljuncture，notatalllikethejunctureinwhichwehadoftenimaginedourselvestriumphingagainsttemptation。Itpasses，andtheherofinds，tohisdismayandhorror，thathehasrunaway；thegenerousmanhasbeenniggard；thegentlemanhasbehavedlikearuffian，andtheliberallikeabigot；thechampionoftruthhasfoolishlyandvainlylied；thesteadfastfriendhasbetrayedhisneighbor，thejustpersonhasoppressedhim。
Thisisthefruitfulmoment，apparentlysosterile，inwhichcharactermayspringandfloweranew；butthemoodofabjecthumilityinwhichthetheoristofhisowncharacterisplungedandstrugglesforhislostself-
respectisfullofdeceitforothers。Itcannotlast：itmayendindisowningandretrievingtheerror，oritmayendinjustifyingit，andbuildingitintothereconstructedcharacter，assomethinguponthewholeunexpectedlyfine；butitmustend，forafterallitisonlyamood。Insuchamood，intheanguishofherdisappointmentatherself，awomanclingstowhateversupportoffers，anditisathisownriskthatthemanwhochancestobethissupportacceptstheweightwithwhichshecastsherselfuponhimasthemeasureofherdependence，thoughhemaymakehimselfnecessarytoher，ifhehasthegraceorstrengthtodoit。
Withoutbeingabletounderstandfullythecausesofthedejectioninwhichthisgirlseemedtoappealtohim，Mulbridgemightwellhavebelievedhimselfthemantoturnitinhisfavor。Ifhedidnotsympathizewithherdistress，orevenclearlydivineit，stillhisboldgeneralizations，hefound，alwayshadtheireffectwithwomen，whosenaturesareoftentothemselvessuchunknownterritorythatamanwhoassumestoknowthemhasgonefartomasterthem。Hesawthatarudemoralforcealoneseemedtohaveacharmwithhisladypatients，——womenwhohadbeenbredtoeaseandwealth，andwhohadcultivated，ifnotverydisciplined，minds。Theirintellectualdissipationhadapparentlymadethemadifferentracefromthesimpler-heartedwomenkindofhisneighbors，apttojudgemeninasharpignoranceofwhatisfascinatinginheroes；anditwouldnotbestrangeifheincludedGraceinthesortofcontemptuousamusementwithwhichheregardedthese-flatteringlydependentandsubmissiveinvalids。Heatleastdidnotconceiveofherassheconceivedofherself；butthismaybeimpossibletoanymanwithregardtoanywoman。
Withhisexperienceofotherwomen’sexplicitandeveneagerobedience，theresistancewhichhehadatfirstencounteredinGracegavezesttoherfinalsubmission。Sincehehaddemolishedthepositionshehadattemptedtoholdagainsthim，helikedherforhavingimaginedshecouldholdit；andshehadcontinuedtopiqueandinteresthim。Herelishedallherscruplesandmisgivings，andtheremorseshehadtriedtoconfidetohim；andifhisenjoymentofthesefoiblesofherstooktoolittleaccountofherpain，itwasneverhischaracteristictobetenderofpeopleingoodhealth。Hewas，indeed，asalientoherPuritanspiritasifhehadbeenborninNaplesinsteadofCorbitant。HecameofoneofthosefamilieswhichonefindsinnearlyeveryNewEnglandcommunity，asthoroughlyNewEnglandinraceastherest，butflourishinginahardyscepticismandcontemptofthegeneralsense。WhateverrelationsuchpeopleheldtotheoldPuritancommonwealthwhenPuritanismwasabsolute，theymustlaterhavetakenanactivepartinitsdisintegration，andwereprobablyalwaysadestructiveforceatitsheart。
Mulbridge’sgrandfatherwasoneofthelastcaptainswhosailedaslaverfromCorbitant。Whenthiscommercebecameprecarious，heretiredfromtheseas，tookayoungwifeinsecondmarriage，andpassedhisdecliningdaysinrobustinebriety。HelivedtocastadyingvoteforGeneralJackson，andhisson，thefirstDr。Mulbridge，survivedtoillustratethemagnanimityofhisfellow-townsmenduringthefirstyearofthecivilwar，asatoleratedCopperhead。Thenhedied，andhisson，whowasintheWest，lookingupalocationforpractice，wasknowntohavegoneoutassurgeonwithoneoftheregimentsthere。Itwasnotsupposedthathewentfrompatriotism；butwhenhecameback，ayearbeforetheendofthestruggle，andsettledinhisnativeplace，hisserviceinthearmywasacceptedamonghisoldneighborsasevidenceofabetterdispositionofsomesortthanhadhithertobeenattributabletoanyofhisname。
Infact，thelazy，good-naturedboy，whomtheychieflyrememberedbeforehiscollegedays，hadalwaysbeenwellenoughlikedamongthosewhohadsincegrowntobefirstmatesandshipcaptainsinthelittleportwherehewasbornandgrewup。Theyhadnowallretiredfromthesea，and，havingsurviveditsmanifoldperils，werepatientlywaitingtobedrownedinsail-boatsonthebay。Theywereofthesecondgenerationofships’
captainsstilllivinginCorbitant；buttheywouldbethelast。Thecommerceofthelittleporthadchangedintothewhalingtradeintheirtime；thishadceasedinturn，andthewharveshadrottedaway。Dr。
Mulbridgefoundlittlepracticeamongthem；whileattendingtheirappointedfate，theyweresothoroughlysaltedagainstdecayastopreserveeventheirfamilies。Buthegraduallygatheredintohishands，fromtheclairvoyantandtheIndiandoctor，thebusinesswhichtheyhadsharedbetweenthemsincehisfather’sdeath。Therewashereandthereatragicalcaseofconsumptionamongthefarmingfamiliesalongthecoast，andnowandthenafrightfulaccidentamongthefishermen；thespring，andautumnbroughttheirtyphoid；thecitypeoplewhocamedowntotheneighboringhotelsweremostlysick，orfellsick；andwiththesmallpropertyhisfatherhadleft，heandhismothercontrivedtolive。
Theydweltveryharmoniouslytogether；forhismother，whohadpassedmorethanaquarterofacenturyinstrongresistancetoherhusband’swill，hadsuccumbed，asnotuncommonlyhappenswithsuchwomen，totheauthorityofherson，whomshehadnoparticularpleasureoradvantageinthwarting。Inthephraseandbeliefofhisneighbors，hetookafterher，ratherthanhisfather；buttherewassomethingironicalandbafflinginhim，whichthelocalexpertscouldnottracetoeithertheMulbridgesortheGardiners。Theyhadaquiet，indifferentfaithinhisabilitytomakehimselfapositionandnameanywhere；buttheywerenotsurprisedthathehadcomebacktoliveinCorbitant，whichwassomanifestlythebestplaceintheworld，andwhich，ifsomewhatlackinginopportunity，wasampleintheleisuretheybelievedmorecongenialtohimthansuccess。Someofhisladypatientsatthehotels，whofeltattimesthattheycouldnotlivewithouthim，wouldhavecarriedhimbacktothecitywiththembyagentleviolence；buttherewasnothinginanythinghesaidordidthatbetrayedambitiononhispart。Helikedtohearthemtalk，especiallyoftheirideasofprogress，astheycalledthem，atwhich，withthereadyadaptabilityoftheirsex，theyjoinedhiminlaughingwhentheyfoundthathecouldnottakethemseriously。Thesocial，theemotionalexpressionofthenewscientificcivilizationstruckhimasdroll，particularlyinrespecttotheemancipationofwomen；andhesometimesgavetheseladiestheimpressionthathedidnotvaluewoman’sintellectatitstrueworth。Hewasfarfromlighttreatmentofthem，hewasconsiderateofthedistancesthatshouldbeguarded；butheconveyedthesenseofhisscepticismastotheirfitnessforsomethingstowhichtheboldestofthemaspired。
Hismotherwouldhavebeenwillingtohavehimgotothecityifhewished，butshewastooignorantoftheworldoutsideofCorbitanttoguessathispossibilitiesinit，andsuchpeopleasshehadseenfromithadnotpleasedherwithit。Thosesummer-boardingladypatientswhocametoseehimweresometimessufferedtowaitwithhertillhecamein，andtheyusedtotellherhowhappyshemustbetokeepsuchasonwithher，andtwitteredtheirpatronageofherandherniceold-fashionedparlor，andtheirpraisesofhisskillinsuchwiseagainstherecholesssilencethatsheconceivedastrongrepugnanceforalltheirtribe，inwhichshenaturallyincludedGracewhensheappeared。Shehaddecidedthegirltobeparticularlyforth-putting，fromsomethingpromptandself-reliantinhermannerthatday；andsheviewedwithtacitdisgustherson’stolerationofahandsomeyoungwomanwhohadtakenupaman’sprofession。Theywerenotpeoplewhogossipedtogether，orconfidedineachother，andshewouldhaveknownnothingandaskednothingfromhimabouther，furtherthanshehadseenforherself。ButBarlowhadfolks，ashecalledthem，atCorbitant；andwithoutherownconnivanceshehadheardfromthemofallthatwaspassingatJocelyn’s。
Itwasherfashiontoapproachanysubjectuponwhichshewishedhersontotalkasiftheyhadalreadytalkedofit，andheacceptedthisconventionwithaperfectunderstandingthatshethusexpressedatonceherdeferencetohimandherresolutiontospeakwhetherhelikeditornot。ShehadnotaskedhimaboutMrs。Maynard’ssickness，orshownanyinterestinit；butaftershelearnedfromtheBarlowsthatshewasnolongerindanger，shesaidtohersononemorning，beforehedroveawayuponhisdailyvisit，\"Isherhusbandgoingtostaywithher，orishegoingback？\"
\"Idon’tknow，really，\"heanswered，glancingatherwhereshesaterectacrossthetablefromhim，withherhandonthelidofthecoffee-pot，andhereyesdowncast；itwasthefaceofsilentdeterminationnottobeputoff，whichheknew。\"Idon’tsupposeyoucare，mother，\"headdedpleasantly。
\"She’snothingtome，\"sheassented。\"What’sthatfriendofhersgoingtodo？\"
\"Whichfriend？\"
\"Youknow。Theonethatcameafteryou。\"
\"Oh！Dr。Breen。Yes。Whatdidyouthinkofher？\"
\"Idon’tseewhyyoucallherdoctor。\"
\"Oh，Idoitoutofpoliteness。Besides，sheisonesortofdoctor。
Littlepills，\"headded，withanenjoymentofhismother’sgrimnessonthispoint。
\"Ishouldliketoseeadaughterofminepretendingtobeadoctor，\"saidMrs。Mulbridge。
\"Thenyouwouldn’tlikeDr。Breenforadaughter，\"returnedherson，inthesametoneasbefore。
\"Shewouldn’tlikemeforamother，\"Mrs。Mulbridgeretorted。
Hersonlaughed，andhelpedhimselftomorebakedbeansandafreshsliceofrye-and-Indian。Hehadthehomelytastesandthestrongdigestionofthepeoplefromwhomhesprung；andbehandedhiscuptobefilledwithhismother’sstrongcoffeeineasydefianceofconsequences。Ashetookitbackfromherhesaid，\"IshouldliketoseeyouandMrs。Breentogether。Youwouldmakeastrongteam。\"Hebutteredhisbread，withanotherlaughinappreciationofhisconceit。\"Ifyouhappenedtopullthesameway。Ifyoudidn’t，somethingwouldbreak。Mrs。Breenisaladyofpowerfulconvictions。Shethinksyououghttobegood，andyououghttobeverysorryforit，butnotsosorryasyououghttobeforbeinghappy。Idon’tthinkshehasgivenherdaughteranyreasontocomplainonthelastscore。\"Hebrokeintohislaughagain，andwatchedhismother’sfrownwithinterest。\"Isuspectthatshedoesn’tlikemeverywell。Youcouldmeetoncommongroundthere：youdon’tlikeherdaughter。\"
\"Theymustbeapairofthem，\"saidMrs。Mulbridgeimmovably。\"Didhermotherlikeherstudyingforadoctor？\"
\"Yes，Iunderstandso。Hermotherisprogressiveshebelievesintheadvancementofwomen；shethinksthemenwouldoppressthemiftheygotachance。\"
\"Ifonehalftheboldthingsthatarerunningaboutthecountryhadmastersitwouldbethebestthing，\"saidMrs。Mulbridge，openingthelidofthecoffee-pot，andclappingittowithforce，afteraglanceinside。
\"That’swhereMrs。Greenwouldn’tagreewithyou。Perhapsbecauseitwouldmaketheboldthingshappytohavemasters，thoughshedoesn’tsayso。Probablyshewantsthewomentohavewomendoctorssotheywon’tbesowell，andcanhavemoretimetothinkwhethertheyhavebeengoodornot。Yououghttohearsomeoftheladiesovertheretalk，mother。\"
\"Ihaveheardenoughoftheirtalk。\"
\"Well，yououghttohearMissGleason。ThereareveryfewthingsthatMissGleasondoesn’tthinkcanbedonewithcutflowers，fromaweddingtoafuneral。\"
Mrs。MulbridgeperceivedthathersonwasspeakingfigurativelyofMissGleason’ssentimentality，butshewasnotverypatientwiththesketchhe，enjoyedgivingofher。\"IssheafriendofthatBreengirl’s？\"sheinterruptedtoask。
\"She’sanhumblefriend，anadmirer，aworshipper。TheBreengirlisheridealwoman。ShethinkstheBreengirlissosuperiortoanymanlivingthatshewouldliketomakeamatchforher。\"Hismotherglancedsharplyathim，buthewentoninthetoneofeasygeneralization，andwithacertainpleasureintheprojectionofthesestrangefiguresagainstherdistortingimagination：\"Yousee，mother，thatthemostadvancedthinkersamongthoseladiesarenotsoverydifferent，afterall，fromyouold-
fashionedpeople。Whentheytrytothinkofthegreatestgoodfortunethatcanbefallanidealwoman，itistohavehermarried。Theonlytroubleistofindamangoodenough；andiftheycan’tfindone，they’reapttoinventone。Theyhavestrongimaginations。\"
\"Ishouldthinktheywouldmakeyousick，amongstthem，\"saidhismother。
\"Areyougoingtohaveanythingmoretoeat？\"sheasked，withahousekeeper’slatentimpatiencetogethertableclearedaway。
\"Yes，\"saidDr。Mulbridge；\"Ihaven’tfinishedyet。AndI’minnohurrythismorning。Sitstill，mother；IwantyoutohearsomethingmoreaboutmyladyfriendsatJocelyn’s。Dr。Breen’smotherandMissGleasondon’tfeelalikeabouther。HermotherthinksshewasweakingivingupMrs。
Maynard’scasetome；butMissGleasontoldmeabouttheirdiscussion，andshethinksitisthegreatheroicactofDr。Breen’slife。\"
\"Itshowedsomesense，atleast，\"Mrs。Mulbridgereplied。Shehadtacitlyofferedtoreleasehersonfromtellingheranythingwhenshehadmadehermotiontorise；ifhechosetogoonnow，itwashisownaffair。
Shehandedhimtheplateofbiscuit，andhetookone。
\"Itshowedinspiration，MissGleasonsays。Thetearscameintohereyes；
Iunderstoodhertosayitwasgodlike。’Andonlytothink，doctor，’\"hecontinued，withaclumsy，butunmistakablesuggestionofMissGleason’sperfervidmanner，\"’thatsuchagirlshouldbedraggeddownbyherownmothertothelevelofpetty，every-daycaresandduties，andshouldbeblamedforthemostbeautifulactofself-sacrifice！Isn’tittoobad？’\"
\"Rufus，Rufus！\"criedhismother，\"Ican’tstun’it！Stop！\"
\"Oh，Dr。Breenisn’tsobad——nothalfsodivineasMissGleasonthinksher。AndMrs。Maynarddoesn’tconsiderhersurrenderingthecaseanactofself-sacrificeatall。\"
\"Ishouldhopenot！\"saidMrs。Mulbridge。\"Iguessshewouldn’thavebeenalivetotellthetale，ifithadn’tbeenforyou。\"
\"Oh，youcan’tbesureofthat。Youmustn’tbelievetoomuchindoctors，mother。Mrs。Maynardisprettytough。Andshe’shadwonderfullygoodnursing。You’veonlyheardtheBarlowsideofthematter，\"saidhersun，betrayingnowforthefirsttimethathehadbeenawareofanyknowledgeofitonherpart。Thatwastheirway：thoughtheyseldomtoldeachotheranything，andwentonasiftheyknewnothingofeachother’saffairs，yetwhentheyrecognizedthisknowledgeitwaswithoutsurpriseoneitherside。\"Icouldtellyouadifferentstory。
She’saveryfinegirl，mother；coolandcarefulunderinstruction，andperfectlytractableandintelligent。She’sasdifferentfromthoseotherwomenyou’veseenasyouare。Youwouldlikeher！\"Hehadsuddenlygrownearnest，andcrushingthecrustofabiscuitinthestronglefthandwhichherestedonthetable，hegazedkeenlyatherundemonstrativeface。\"She’snobaby，either。She’sgotawillandatemperofherown。
She’stheonlyoneofthemIeversawthatwasworthhersalt。\"
\"Ithoughtyoudidn’tlikeself-willedwomen，\"saidhismotherimpassively。
\"Sheknowswhentogiveup，\"heanswered，withunrelaxedscrutiny。
Hismotherdidnotlifthereyes，yet。\"Howlongshallyouhavetovisitoverthere？\"
\"I’vemademylastprofessionalvisit。\"
\"Whereareyougoingthismorning？\"
\"ToJocelyn’s。\"
Mrs。Mulbridgenowlookedup，andmetherson’seye。\"Whatmakesyouthinkshe’llhaveyou？\"
Hedidnotshrinkathercomingstraighttothepointthemomentthewaywasclear。Hehadintendedit，andhelikedit……Buthefrownedalittleashesaid，\"BecauseIwanthertohaveme，foronething。\"Hisjawclosedheavily，buthisfacelostacertainbrutallookalmostasquicklyasithadassumedit。\"Iguess，\"hesaid，withasmile，\"thatit’stheonlyreasonI’vegot。\"
\"Younoneedtosaythat，\"saidhismother，resentingtheimplicationthatanywomanwouldnothavehim。
\"Oh，I’mnotprettytolookat，mother，andI’mnotparticularlyyoung；
andforawhileIthoughttheremightbesomeone，else。\"
\"Who？\"
\"Theyoungfellowthatcamewithher，thatday。\"
\"Thatwhipper-snapper？\"
Dr。Mulbridgeassentedbyhissilence。\"ButIguessIwasmistaken。I
guesshe’striedandmissedit。Thefieldis’clear，forallIcansee。
Andshe’smadeafailureinoneway，andthenyouknowawomanisinthehumortotryitinanother。Shewantsagoodexcuseforgivingup。
That’swhatIthink。\"
\"Well，\"saidhismother，\"Ipresumeyouknowwhatyou’reabout，Rufus！\"
Shetookupthecoffee-potonthelidofwhichshehadbeenkeepingherhand，andwentintothekitchenwithit。Sheremovedthedishes，andlefthimsittingbeforetheemptytable-cloth。Whenshecameforthat，hetookholdofherhand，andlookedupintoherface，overwhichascarcelydiscernibletremorpassed。\"Well，mother？\"
\"It’swhatIalwaysknewIhadgottocometo，firstorlast。AndI
supposeIoughttofeelgladenoughIdidn’thavetocometoitatfirst。\"
\"No！\"saidherson。\"I’mnotastriplinganylonger。\"Helaughed，keepinghismother’shand。
Shefreeditandtakingupthetable-clothfoldeditlengthwiseandthenacross，andlaiditneatlyawayinthecupboard。\"Isha’n’tinterferewithyou，noranywomanthatyoubringheretobeyourwife。I’vehadmyday，andI’mnotoneoftheoldfoolsthatthinkthey’regoingtohaveandtoholdforever。You’vealwaysbeenagoodboytome，andIguessyouhain’teverhadtocomplain’ofyourmotherstan’in’inyourway。I
sha’n’tnow。ButIdidthink\"
Shestoppedandshutherlipsfirmly。\"Speakup，mother！\"hecried。
\"IguessIbetternot，\"sheanswered，settingherchairbackagainstthewall。
\"Iknowwhatyoumean。Youmeanaboutmylaughingatwomenthattrytotakemen’splacesintheworld。Well，Ididlaughatthem。They’reridiculous。Idon’twanttomarrythisgirlbecauseshe’sadoctor。
Thatwastheprincipaldrawback，inmymind。Butitdoesn’tmakeanydifference，andwouldn’tnow，ifshewasadozendoctors。\"
Hismotherletdowntheleavesofthetable，andpusheditagainstthewall，andherosefromthechairinwhichhewasleftsittinginthemiddleoftheroom。\"Ipresume，\"shesaid，withherbacktowardhim，asshestraightenedthetableaccuratelyagainstthemopboard，\"thatyoucanletmehavethelittlehouseatGrant’sCorner。\"
\"Why，mother！\"hecried。\"Youdon’tsupposeIshouldeverletyoubeturnedoutofhouseandhome？Youcanstayhereaslongasyoulive。
Butithasn’tcometothat，yet。Idon’tknowthatshecaresanythingaboutme。Buttherearechances，andtherearesigns。Thechancesarethatshewon’thavethecouragetotakeupherplanoflifeagain，andthatshe’llconsideranyotherthat’spressedhomeuponher。AndItakeitforagoodsignthatshe’ssentthatfellowadrift。Ifhermindhadn’tbeensetonsomeoneelse，she’dhavetakenhim，inthisbroken-upstateofhers。Besides，shehasformedthehabitofdoingwhatIsay，andthere’sagreatdealinmerecontinuityofhabit。Itwillbeeasierforhertosayyesthantosayno；itwouldbeveryhardforhertosayno。\"
Whileheeagerlypressedtheseargumentshismotherlistenedstonily，withoutapparentinterestorsympathy。Butattheendsheasked，\"Howareyougoingtosupportawife？Yourpracticeherewon’tdoit。Hasshegotanything？\"
\"Shehasproperty，Ibelieve，\"repliedherson。\"Sheseemstohavebeenbroughtupinthatway。\"
\"Shewon’twanttocomeandlivehere，then。She’llhavenotionsofherown。Ifshe’sliketherestofthem，she’llneverhaveyou。\"
\"Ifshewereliketherestofthem，I’dneverhaveher。Butsheisn’t。
AsfarasI’mconcerned，it’snothingagainstherthatshe’sstudiedmedicine。Shedidn’tdoitfromvanity，orambition，oranyabnormalloveofit。Shedidit，sofarsoIcanfindout，becauseshewishedtodogoodthatway。She’sbeenalittlenotional，she’shadherheadaddledbywomen’stalk，andshe’sinaqueerfreak；butit’sonlyagirl’sfreakafterall：youcan’tsayanythingworseofher。She’sasplendidwoman，andherproperty’sneitherherenorthere。Icouldsupporther。\"
\"Ipresume，\"repliedhismother，\"thatshe’sbeenusedtowaysthatain’tlikeourways。I’vealwaysstuckupforyou，Rufus，stiffenough，Iguess；butIain’tagoin’todenythatyou’recountrybornandbred。
Icanseethat，andshecanseeit，too。Itmakesagreatdifferencewithgirls。Idon’tknowasshe’dcallyouwhattheycallagentleman。\"
Dr。Mulbridgeflushedangrily。EveryAmerican，ofwhateverstandingorbreeding，thinksofhimselfasagentleman，andnothingcangallhimmorethantheinsinuationthatheisless。\"Whatdoyoumean，mother？\"
\"Youhain’teverbeeninsuchladies’societyashersinthesameway。
Iknowthattheyallthinktheworldofyou，andflatteryouup，andthey’reasbiddableasyoupleasewhenyou’redoctorin’’em；butIguessitwouldbedifferentifyouwastosetupforoneoftheirownkindamongst’em。\"
\"Thereisn’toneofthem，\"heretorted，\"thatIdon’tbelieveIcouldhavefortheturnofmyhand，especiallyifitwasdoubledintoafist。
Theylikeforce。\"
\"Oh，you’veonlyseenthesickmarriedones。Iguessyou’llfindawellgirlisanotherthing。\"
\"They’reallalike。AndIthinkIshouldbesomethingofareliefifI
wasn’tlikewhatshe’sbeenusedtohearingcalledagentleman；she’dprefermeonthataccount。Butifyoucometoblood，IguesstheMulbridgesandGardiner，canholduptheirheadswiththebest，anywhere。\"
\"Yes，liketheCamfersandRafllins。\"Thesewerepeopleofancestralconsequenceandlocalhistory，whohadgoneuptoBostonfromCorbitant，andhadsucceededseverallyasgreen-grocersandretaildry-goodsmen，withthenaturallyattendantsocialdistinction。
\"Pshaw！\"criedherson。\"Ifshecaresformeatall，shewon’tcareforthecutofmyclothes，ormytablemanners。\"
\"Yes，that’sso。’Tain’tonmyaccountthatIwantyoushouldmakesureshedooscare。\"
Helookedhardatherimmovableface，withitsfalleneyes，andthenwentoutoftheroom。Heneverquarrelledwithhismother，becausehisanger，likeherown，wasdumb，andsilencedhimasitmounted。Hermisgivingshadstunghimdeeply，andatthebottomofhisindolenceandindifferencewasafierypride，noteasilykindled，butunquenchable。Heflungtheharnessuponhisoldunkempthorse，andtackledhimtothemud-encrustedbuggy，forwhoseshabbinesshehadnevercaredbefore。Hewastemptedtogobackintothehouse，andchangehisuncouthCanadahomespuncoatforthebroadclothfrockwhichheworewhenhewenttoBoston；buthescornfullyresistedit，anddroveoffinhisaccustomedfigure。
Hismother’slastwordsrepeatedthemselvestohim，andinthatdialogue，inwhichhecontinuedtodramatizetheirdifferentfeelings，hekeptreplying，\"Well，thewaytofindoutwhethershecaresistoaskher。\"
X。
DuringherconvalescenceMrs。MaynardhadthetimeandinclinationtogiveGracesomegoodadvice。Shesaidthatshehadthoughtagreatdealaboutitthroughouthersickness，andshehadcometotheconclusionthatGracewasthrowingawayherlife。
\"You’renotfittobeadoctor，Grace，\"shesaid。\"You’retoonervous，andyou’retooconscientious。Itisn’tmerelyyourwantofexperience。
Nomatterhowmuchexperienceyouhad，ifyousawacasegoingwronginyourhands，you’dwanttocallinsomeoneelsetosetitright。DoyousupposeDr。Mulbridgewouldhavegivenmeuptoanotherdoctorbecausehewasafraidhecouldn’tcureme？No，indeed！He’dhaveletmediefirst，andIshouldn’thaveblamedhim。OfcourseIknowwhatpressureI
broughttobearuponyou，butyouhadnobusinesstomindme。Yououghtn’ttohavemindedmytalkanymorethanthebuzzingofamosquito，andnorealdoctorwould。Ifhewantstobeasuccess，hemustbehard-
hearted；ashard-heartedas\"——shepausedforacomparison，andfailinganyotheradded——\"asallpossessed。\"Tothelikelarge-mindedandimpartialeffect，she，ranonatgreatlength。\"No，Grace，\"sheconcluded，\"whatyouwanttodoistogetmarried。Youwouldbeagoodwife，andyouwouldbeagoodmother。TheonlytroubleisthatIdon’tknowanymanworthyofyou，orhalfworthy。No，Idon’t！\"
Nowthatherrecoverywasassured，Mrs。Maynardwasveryforgivingandsweetandkindwitheveryone。Theladieswhocameintotalkwithhersaidthatshewasachangedcreature；shegavethemallthebestadvice，andshehadabsolutelynoshamewhateverfortheinconsistencyinvolvedbyherreconciliationwithherhusband。Sheratherflauntedthehappinessofherreunioninthefaceofthepublic，andshevouchsafedanexplanationtonoone。Therehadneverbeenanythingdefiniteinherchargesagainsthim，eventoGrace，andhertacitwithdrawalofthemsucceededperfectlywell。Theladies，aftersomecynicaltittering，forgotthem，andrejoicedinthespectacleofconjugalharmonyaffordedthem：womenaregenerouscreatures，andthereishardlyanyoffencewhichtheyarenotwillinganotherwomanshouldforgiveherhusband，whenoncetheyhavesaidthattheydonotseehowshecouldeverforgivehim。
Mrs。Maynard’ssilenceseemedinsufficienttononebutMrs。Breenandherownhusband。TheformervigorouslydenounceditswantoflogictoGraceasallbutcriminal，thoughshehadnoobjectiontoMr。Maynard。He，infact，treatedherwithafilialrespectwhichwentfartoeffaceherpreconceptions；andhedidwhathecouldtoretrievehimselffromthedisgraceofaseparationinGrace’seyes。Perhapshethoughtthatthelatesituationwasknowntoheralone，whenhecasuallysuggested，oneday，thatMrs。Maynardwaspeculiar。
\"Yes，\"saidGracemercifully；\"butshehasbeenoutofhealthsolong。
Thatmakesagreatdifference。She’sgoingtobebetternow。\"
\"Oh，it’sgoingtocomeoutallrightintheend，\"hesaid，withhisunbuoyanthopefulness，\"andIreckonI’vegottohelpitalong。Why，I
supposeeveryman’satrialattimes，doctor？\"
\"Idaresay。Iknowthateverywomanis，\"saidthegirl。
\"Isthatso？Well，maybeyou’repartlyright。Butyoudon’tsupposebutwhatamangenerallybeginsit，doyou？TherewasAdam，youknow。
Hedidn’tpulltheapple；buthefelloffintothatsleep，andwokeupwithoneofhisribsdislocated，andthat’swhatreallycommencedthetrouble。Ifithadn’tbeenforAdam，therewouldn’thavebeenanywoman，youknow；andyoucouldn’tblameherforwhathappenedaftershegotgoing？\"Therevasnogleamofinsinuationinhismelancholyeye，andGracelistenedwithoutquiteknowingwhattomakeofitall。\"AndthenI
supposehewasn’tpunctualatmeals，andstoodroundtalkingpoliticsatnight，whenheoughttohavebeenathomewithhisfamily？\"
\"Who？\"askedGrace。
\"Adam，\"repliedMr。Maynardlifelessly。\"Well，theygotalongprettywelloutside，\"hecontinued。\"Someofthechildrendidn’tturnoutjustwhatyoumighthaveexpected；butraisingchildrenismightyuncertainbusiness。Yes，theygotalong。\"Heendedhisparablewithasortofwearysigh，asifoppressedbyexperience。Gracelookedathisslovenlyfigure，hissmokycomplexion，andtheshaggyoutlinemadebyhisuntrimmedhairandbeard，andshewonderedhowLouisecouldmarryhim；
butshelikedhim，andshewaswillingtoacceptforallreasonthecauseofunhappinessatwhichhefurtherhinted。\"Yousee，doctor，anincompatibilityisaprettyhardthingtomanage。Youcan’tforgiveitlikearealgrievance。Youhavetotryotherthings，andfindoutthatthereareworsethings，andthenyoucomebacktoitandstandit。We’retalkingWyomingandcattlerange，now，andMrs。Maynardisallforthenewdeal；it’sgoingtomakeushealthy，wealthy，andwise。Well，I
supposetheairwillbegoodforher，outthere。Youdoctorsaresendinglotsofyourpatientsourway，now。\"ThegravitywithwhichhealwaysassumedthatGracewasaphysicianinfullandregularpracticewouldhavehaditsedgeofsatire，comingfromanother；butfromhim，ifitwasironical，itwasalsocaressing，andshedidnotresentit。\"I’vehadsometalkwithyourcolleague，here，Dr。Mulbridge，andheseemstothinkitwillbethebestthingforher。Isupposeyouagreewithhim？\"
\"Oh，yes，\"saidGrace，\"hisopinionwouldbeofgreatvalue。Itwouldn’tbeatallessentialthatIshouldagreewithhim：’
\"Well，Idon’tknowaboutthat，\"saidMaynard。\"Ireckonhethinksagooddealofyouragreeingwithhim。I’vebeentalkingwithhimaboutsettlingoutourway。We’vegotamagnificentcountry，andthere’sboundtobeplentyofsicknessthere，soonerorlater。Why，doctor，itwouldbeagoodopeningforyou！It’sjusttheplaceforyou。You’reoffhereinacorner，inNewEngland，andyouhaven’tgotanysortofscope；
butatCheyenneyou’dhavethewholefieldtoyourself；thereisn’tanotherladydoctorinCheyenne。Now，youcomeoutwithus。Bringyourmotherwithyou，andgrowupwiththecountry。Yourmotherwouldlikeit。There’senoughmoralobliquityinCheyennetokeepherconscienceinastateofhealthfulactivityallthetime。Yes，you’dgetalongoutthere。\"
Gracelaughed，andshookherhead。ItwaspartofthejokewhichlifeseemedtobewithMr。MaynardthattheinhabitantsofNewEnglandwerealleagertoescapefromtheirnativesection，andthattheyoughttobepitiedandabettedinthisdesire。Assoonashiswife’sconvalescencereleasedhimfromconstantattendanceuponher，hebegananinspectionoftheregionfromthecompassionatepointofview；thesmall，frugalhusbandryappealedtohiscommiseration，andheprofessedtohavefoundtheuseofcanvascapsuponthehaycocksintolerablypathetic。\"Why，I’mtold，\"hesaid，\"thattheyhavetoblankettheapple-treeswhilethefruitissetting；andtheykilloffourColoradobugsbyturningthemloose，oneatatime，onthepotato-patches：thebugstarvestodeathinforty-eighthours。Butyou’vegotplentyofschoolhouses，doctor；itdoesbeatall，abouttheschoolhouses。Andit’sanawfulpitythattherearenochildrentogotoschoolinthem。Why，ofcoursethepeoplegoWestasfastastheycan，buttheyoughttobehelped；theGovernmentoughttodosomething。They’regoodpeople；makefirst-ratecitizenswhenyougetthemwakedup，outthere。Buttheyoughtalltobegotaway，andletsomebodyrunNewEngland’asasummerresort。It’spretty，andit’scoolandpleasant，andthefishingisexcellent；milk，eggs，andallkindsofberriesandhistoricalassociationsonthepremises；anditcouldbemadeveryattractivethreemonthsoftheyear；butmygoodness！
yououghtn’ttoaskanybodytolivehere。Youcomeoutwithus，doctor，andseethatcountry，andyou’llknowwhatImean。\"
Hisboastswerealwaysutteredwithawan，lack-lustreirony，asifhewereburlesquingtheconventionalWesternbragandenjoyingthemystificationsofhislistener，whosefeeblesenseofhumoroftenfailedtoseizehisintention，andtowhomanydepreciationofNewEnglandwasnaturallyunintelligible。Shehadnotcometoherfinallikingforhimwithoutaseasonofseriousmisgiving，butafterthatsherestedinpeaceuponwhateveryoneknowinghimfelttobehisessentialneighborliness。
HerwonderhadthencometobehowhecouldmarryLouise，whentheysattogetherontheseawardpiazza，andhepouredouthiseasytalk，unweariedandunwearying，while，withonelong，lanklegcrossedupontheother，heswunghisunblacked，thin-soledboottoandfro。
\"Well，hewasthiskindofafellow：WhenwewereinSwitzerland，hewasalwaysclimbingsomemountainorother。Theycouldn’thavehiredmetoclimboneoftheirmountainsifthey’dgivenmealltheirscenery，andthrowntheirgoitresin。Iusedtotellhimthatthesideofahousewasgoodenoughforme。Butnothingbutthetallestmountainswoulddohim；
andonedaywhenhewasupthereonthecomboftheroofsomewhere，tiedwitharoperoundhiswaisttotheguideandaFrenchman，theguide’sfootslipped，andhecommencedgoingdown。TheFrenchmanwasjustgoingtocuttheropeandlettheguideplayitalone；butheknockedtheknifeoutofhishandwithhislong-handledaxe，andwhenthejerkcamehewasontheothersideofthecomb，wherehecouldbracehimself，andbroughtthembothupstanding。Well，he’sgotmuscleslikebunchesofsteelwire。Didn’theevertellyouaboutit？\"
\"No，\"saidGracesadly。
\"Well，somebodyoughttoexposeLibby。Idon’tsupposeIshouldeverhaveknownaboutitmyself，ifIhadn’thappenedtoseetheguide’sfriendsandrelationscryingoverhimnextdayasifhewastheguide’sfuneral。Hello！There’sthedoctor。\"Heunlimberedhislanklegs，androsewithaneffectofopeninghispersonlikeapocket-knife。\"AsI
understandit，thisisanunprofessionalvisit，andthedoctorishereamongusasaguest。Idon’tknowexactlywhattodounderthecircumstances，whetherweoughttotalkaboutMrs。Maynard’shealthortheopera；butIreckonifweshowourgoodintentionsitwillcomeoutallrightintheend。\"
Hewentforwardtomeetthedoctor，whocameuptoshakehandswithGrace，andthenfollowedhimin-doorstoseeMrs。Maynard。Graceremainedinherplace，andshewasstillsittingtherewhenDr。Mulbridgereturnedwithouthim。Hecamedirectlytoher，andsaid，\"Iwanttospeakwithyou，MissBreen。CanIseeyoualone？\"
\"Is——isMrs。Maynardworse？\"sheasked，risinginalittletrepidation。
\"No；ithasnothingtodowithher。She’spracticallywellnow；Icanremandthecasetoyou。Iwishtoseeyou——aboutyourself。\"Shehesitatedatthispeculiarsummons，butsomepressurewasuponhertoobeyDr。Mulbridge，astherewasuponmostpeoplewherehewishedtoobeyhim。\"Iwanttotalkwithyou，\"headded，\"aboutwhatyouaregoingtodo，——aboutyourfuture。Willyoucome？\"
\"Oh，yes，\"sheanswered；andshesufferedhimtoleadthewaydownfromthepiazza，andoutupononeofthesandyavenuestowardthewoods，inwhichitpresentlylostitself。\"Buttherewillbeverylittletotalkabout，\"shecontinued，astheymovedaway，\"ifyouconfineyourselftomyfuture。Ihavenone。\"
\"Idon’tseehowyou’vegotridofit，\"herejoined。\"You’vegotafutureasmuchasyouhaveapast，andthere’sthisadvantage，——thatyoucandosomethingwithyourfuture。\"
\"Doyouthinkso？\"sheasked，withalittlebitterness。\"Thathasn’tbeenmyexperience。\"
\"It’sbeenmine，\"hesaid，\"andyoucanmakeityours。Come，Iwanttotalkwithyouaboutyourfuture，becauseIhavebeenthinkingveryseriouslyaboutmyown。Iwanttoaskyouradviceandtogiveyoumine。
I’llcommencebyaskingyours。Whatdoyouthinkofmeasaphysician？
Iknowyouareabletojudge。\"
Shewasflattered，inspiteofherself。Therewerelongarrearsofcoolindifferencetoherownclaimsinthatdirection，whichshemightverywellhaveresented；butshedidnot。Therewasthatflatteryinhisquestionwhichthejuniorinanyvocationfeelsintheappealofhissenior；andtherewastheflatterywhichanywomanfeelsinaman’srecoursetoherjudgment。Still，shecontrivedtoparryitwithalittlethrust。\"Idon’tsupposetheopinionofamerehomoeopathistcanbeofanyvaluetoaregularpractitioner。\"
Helaughed。\"Youhavebeenaregularpractitioneryourselfforthelastthreeweeks。Whatdoyouthinkofmymanagementofthecase？\"
\"Ihaveneverabandonedmyprinciples，\"shebegan。
\"Oh，Iknowallaboutthat？Whatdoyouthinkofmeasadoctor？\"hepersisted。
\"OfcourseIadmireyou。Whydoyouaskmethat？\"
\"BecauseIwishedtoknow。AndbecauseIwishedtoaskyousomethingelse。Youhavebeenbroughtupinacity，andIhavealwayslivedhereinthecountry，exceptthetwoyearsIwasoutwiththearmy。DoyouthinkIshouldsucceedifIpulleduphere，andsettledinBoston？\"
\"IhavenotlivedinBoston，\"sheanswered。\"Myopinionwouldn’tbeworthmuchonthatpoint。\"
\"Yes，itwould。Youknowcitypeople，andwhattheyare。Ihaveseenagooddealoftheminmypracticeatthehotelsabouthere，andsomeoftheladies——whentheyhappenedtofeelmorecomfortable——haveadvisedmetocometoBoston。\"Hisderisionseemedtothrowcontemptonallhersex；butheturnedtoher，andaskedagainearnestly，\"Whatdoyouthink？
Someoftheprofessionknowmethere。WhenIlefttheschool，someofthefacultyurgedmetotrymychanceinthecity。\"
Shewaitedamomentbeforesheanswered。\"YouknowthatImustrespectyourskill，andIbelievethatyoucouldsucceedanywhere。Ijudgeyourfitnessbymyowndeficiency。ThefirsttimeIsawyouwithMrs。
Maynard，IsawthatyouhadeverythingthatIhadn’t。IsawthatIwasafailure，andwhy，andthatitwouldbefoolishformetokeepupthestruggle。\"
\"Doyoumeanthatyouhavegivenitup？\"hedemanded，withatriumphinwhichtherewasnosympathy。
\"Ithasgivenmeup。Ineverlikedit，——Itoldyouthatbefore，——andI
nevertookitupfromanyambitiousmotive。Itseemedashameformetobeofnouseintheworld；andIhopedthatImightdosomethinginawaythatseemednaturalforwomen。AndIdon’tgiveupbecauseI’munfitasawoman。Imightbeaman，andstillbeimpulsiveandtimidandnervous，andeverythingthatIthoughtIwasnot。\"
\"Yes，youmightbeallthat，andbeaman；butyou’dbeanexceptionalman，andIdon’tthinkyou’reanexceptionalwoman。Ifyou’vefailed，itisn’tyourtemperamentthat’stoblame。\"
\"Ithinkitis。Thewrongissomewhereinmeindividually。Iknowitis。\"
Dr。Mulbridge，walkingbesideher，withhishandsclaspedbehindhim，threwuphisheadandlaughed。\"Well，haveityourownway，MissBreen。
OnlyIdon’tagreewithyou。Whyshouldyouwishtospareyoursexatyourownexpense？Butthat’sthewaywithsomeladies，I’venoticed。
Theyapproveofwhatwomenattemptbecausewomenattemptit，andtheybelievetheattemptreflectshonoronthem。It’stremendoustothinkwhatmencouldaccomplishfortheirsex，iftheyonlyhungtogetheraswomendo。Buttheycan’t。Theyhaven’tthegenerosity。\"
\"Ithinkyoudon’tunderstandme，\"saidGrace，withaseveritythatamusedhim。\"Iwishedtoregardmyself，intakingupthisprofession，entirelyasIbelievedamanwouldhaveregardedhimself。\"
\"Andwereyouabletodoit？\"
\"No，\"sheunintentionallyrepliedtothisunexpectedquestion。
\"Haw，haw，haw！\"laughedDr。Mulbridgeatherhelplesscandor。\"Andareyousurethatyougiveitupasamanwould？\"
\"Idon’tknowhowyoumean，\"shesaid，vexedandbewildered。
\"Doyoudoitfairlyandsquarelybecauseyoubelievethatyou’reafailure，orbecauseyoupartlyfeelthatyouhaven’tbeenfairlydealtwith？\"
\"IbelievethatifMrs。MaynardhadhadthesameconfidenceinmethatshewouldhavehadinanymanIshouldnothavefailed。ButeverywomanphysicianhasadoubledisadvantagethatIhadn’tthestrengthtoovercome，——herowninexperienceandthedistrustofotherwomen。\"
\"Well，whosefaultisthat？\"
\"Notthemen’s。Itisthemenalonewhogivewomenanychance。Theyarekindandgenerousandliberal-minded。Ihavenoblameforthem，andI
havenopatiencewithwomenwhowanttotreatthemastheenemiesofwomen’sadvancement。Womencan’tmoveastepforwardswithouttheirsufferanceandhelp。Dr。Mulbridge，\"shecried，\"IwishtoapologizeforthehastyandsillywordsIusedtoyouthedayIcametoaskyoutoconsultwithme。Ioughttohavebeengratefultoyouforconsentingatfirst，andwhenyoutookbackyourconsentIoughttohaveconsideredyourposition。Youwereentirelyright。Wehadnocommongroundtomeeton，andIbehavedlikeapetulant，foolish，vulgargirl！\"
\"No，no，\"heprotested，laughinginrecollectionofthescene。\"Youwereallright，andIwasinafix；andifyourownfearshadn’tcometotherescue，Idon’tknowhowIshouldhavegotoutofit。Itwouldhavebeendisgraceful，wouldn’tit，torefusealady’s。request。Youdon’tknowhownearIwastogivingway。Icantellyou，nowthatit’sallover。I
hadneverseenaladyofourprofessionbefore，\"headdedhastily，\"andmycuriositywasup。Ialwayshadmydoubtsaboutthethoroughnessofwomen’sstudy，andIshouldhavelikedtoseewhereyourtrainingfailed。
ImustsayIfounditverygood，——I’vetoldyouthat。Youwouldn’tfailindividually：youwouldfailbecauseyouareawoman。\"
\"Idon’tbelievethat，\"saidGrace。
\"Well，then，becauseyourpatientsarewomen。It’sallone。Whatwillyoudo？\"
\"Ishallnotdoanything。Ishallgiveitallup。\"
\"Butwhatshallyoudothen？\"
\"I-don’tknow。\"
\"Whatareyougoingtobe？Afashionablewoman？OrareyougoingtoEurope，andsettledowntherewiththeotherAmericanfailures？I’veheardaboutthem，——inRomeandFlorenceandParis。Areyougoingtothrowawaythestudyyou’veputintothisprofession？Youtookitupbecauseyouwantedtodogood。Don’tyouwanttodogoodanymore？Hasthehumanraceturnedoutunworthy？\"
Shecoweredatthisarraignment，inwhichshecouldnotseparatethemockingfromthejustice。\"Whatdoyouadvisemetodo？DoyouthinkI
couldeversucceed？\"
\"Youcouldneversucceedalone。\"
\"Yes，Iknowthat；Ifeltthatfromthefirst。ButIhaveplannedtounitewithawomanphysicianolderthanmyself。\"
\"Anddoubleyourdeficiency。Sitdownhere，\"hesaid；\"Iwishtotalkbusiness。\"TheyhadenteredtheborderofthewoodsencompassingJocelyn’s，andhepaintedtoastump，besidewhichlaythefallentree。
Sheobeyedmechanically，andheremainedstandingnearher，withonefootliftedtothelog；heleanedforwardoverher，andseemedtoseizeaphysicaladvantageintheposture。\"Fromyourownpointofview，youwouldhavenorighttogiveupyourundertakingiftherewasachanceofsuccessinit。Youwouldhavenomorerighttogiveupthanawomanwhohadgoneoutasamissionary。\"
\"Idon’tpretendtocomparemyselfwithsuchawoman；butIshouldhavenomorerighttogiveup，\"sheanswered，helplessagainstthelogicofherfate，whichhehadsomehowdivined。
\"Well，then，listentome。Icangiveyouthischance。AreyousatisfiedthatwithmyadviceyoucouldhavesucceededinMrs。Maynard’scase？\"
\"Yes，Ithinkso。Butwhat\"——
\"Ithinkso，too。Don’trise！\"
Hiswillovercametheimpulsethathadbetrayeditself，andshesankbacktoherseat。\"Iofferyoumyadvicefromthistimeforward；Iofferyoumyhelp。\"
\"Thatisverygoodofyou，\"shemurmured；\"andIappreciateyourgenerositymorethanIcansay。Iknowtheprejudiceyoumusthavehadtoovercomeinregardtowomenphysiciansbeforeyoucouldbringyourselftodothis；andIknowhowyoumusthavedespisedmeforfailinginmyattempt，andgivingmyselfuptomyfeebletemperament。But\"——
\"Oh，wewon’tspeakofallthat，\"heinterrupted。\"OfcourseIfelttheprejudiceagainstwomenenteringtheprofessionwhichweallfeel；itwasridiculousanddisgustingtometillIsawyou。Iwon’turgeyoufromanypersonalmotivetoacceptmyoffer。ButIknowthatifyoudoyoucanrealizeallyourhopesofusefulness；andIaskyoutoconsiderthatcertainly。Butyouknowtheonlywayitcouldbedone。\"
Shelookedhimintheeyes，withdismayinhergrowingintelligence。
\"What——whatdoyoumean？\"
\"ImeanthatIaskyoutoletmehelpyoucarryoutyourplanoflife，andtosaveallyouhavedone，andallyouhavehoped，fromwaste——asyourhusband。Think\"——
Shestruggledtoherfeetasifhewereopposingapalpableresistance，sostronglyshefeltthepressureofhiswill。\"Itcan’tbe，Dr。
Mulbridge。Oh，itcan’t，indeed！Letusgoback；Iwishtogoback！\"
Buthehadplantedhimselfinherway，andblockedheradvance，unlessshechosetomakeitaflight。
\"Iexpectedthis，\"hesaid，withasmile，asifherwildtrepidationinterestedhimasananticipatedsymptom。\"Thewholeideaisnewandstartlingtoyou。ButIknowyouwon’tdismissitabruptly，andIwon’tbediscouraged。\"
\"Yes，yes，youmust！Iwillnotthinkofit！Ican’t！Idodismissitatonce。Letmego！\"