CHAPTERI—MASTERHUMPHREY，FROMHISCLOCK—SIDEINTHECHIMNEY
CORNER
THEreadermustnotexpecttoknowwhereIlive。Atpresent，itistrue，myabodemaybeaquestionoflittleornoimporttoanybody;
butifIshouldcarrymyreaderswithme，asIhopetodo，andthereshouldspringupbetweenthemandmefeelingsofhomelyaffectionandregardattachingsomethingofinteresttomatterseversoslightlyconnectedwithmyfortunesormyspeculations，evenmyplaceofresidencemightonedayhaveakindofcharmforthem。Bearingthispossiblecontingencyinmind，Iwishthemtounderstand，intheoutset，thattheymustneverexpecttoknowit。
Iamnotachurlisholdman。FriendlessIcanneverbe，forallmankindaremykindred，andIamonilltermswithnoonememberofmygreatfamily。ButformanyyearsIhaveledalonely，solitarylife;—whatwoundIsoughttoheal，whatsorrowtoforget，originally，mattersnotnow;itissufficientthatretirementhasbecomeahabitwithme，andthatIamunwillingtobreakthespellwhichforsolongatimehassheditsquietinfluenceuponmyhomeandheart。
IliveinavenerablesuburbofLondon，inanoldhousewhichinbygonedayswasafamousresortformerryroysterersandpeerlessladies，longsincedeparted。Itisasilent，shadyplace，withapavedcourtyardsofullofechoes，thatsometimesIamtemptedtobelievethatfaintresponsestothenoisesofoldtimeslingerthereyet，andthattheseghostsofsoundhauntmyfootstepsasI
paceitupanddown。Iamthemoreconfirmedinthisbelief，because，oflateyears，theechoesthatattendmywalkshavebeenlessloudandmarkedthantheywerewonttobe;anditispleasantertoimagineinthemtherustlingofsilkbrocade，andthelightstepofsomelovelygirl，thantorecogniseintheiralterednotethefailingtreadofanoldman。
Thosewholiketoreadofbrilliantroomsandgorgeousfurniturewouldderivebutlittlepleasurefromaminutedescriptionofmysimpledwelling。Itisdeartomeforthesamereasonthattheywouldholditinslightregard。Itsworm—eatendoors，andlowceilingscrossedbyclumsybeams;itswallsofwainscot，darkstairs，andgapingclosets;itssmallchambers，communicatingwitheachotherbywindingpassagesornarrowsteps;itsmanynooks，scarcelargerthanitscorner—cupboards;itsverydustanddulness，arealldeartome。Themothandspideraremyconstanttenants;
forinmyhousetheonebasksinhislongsleep，andtheotherplieshisbusyloomsecureandundisturbed。Ihaveapleasureinthinkingonasummer’sdayhowmanybutterflieshavesprungforthefirsttimeintolightandsunshinefromsomedarkcorneroftheseoldwalls。
WhenIfirstcametolivehere，whichwasmanyyearsago，theneighbourswerecurioustoknowwhoIwas，andwhenceIcame，andwhyIlivedsomuchalone。Astimewenton，andtheystillremainedunsatisfiedonthesepoints，Ibecamethecentreofapopularferment，extendingforhalfamileround，andinonedirectionforafullmile。Variousrumourswerecirculatedtomyprejudice。Iwasaspy，aninfidel，aconjurer，akidnapperofchildren，arefugee，apriest，amonster。MotherscaughtuptheirinfantsandranintotheirhousesasIpassed;meneyedmespitefully，andmutteredthreatsandcurses。Iwastheobjectofsuspicionanddistrust—ay，ofdownrighthatredtoo。
ButwhenincourseoftimetheyfoundIdidnoharm，but，onthecontrary，inclinedtowardsthemdespitetheirunjustusage，theybegantorelent。Ifoundmyfootstepsnolongerdogged，astheyhadoftenbeenbefore，andobservedthatthewomenandchildrennolongerretreated，butwouldstandandgazeatmeasIpassedtheirdoors。Itookthisforagoodomen，andwaitedpatientlyforbettertimes。BydegreesIbegantomakefriendsamongthesehumblefolks;andthoughtheywereyetshyofspeaking，wouldgivethem’goodday，’andsopasson。Inalittletime，thosewhomI
hadthusaccostedwouldmakeapointofcomingtotheirdoorsandwindowsattheusualhour，andnodorcourtesytome;children，too，cametimidlywithinmyreach，andranawayquitescaredwhenI
pattedtheirheadsandbadethembegoodatschool。Theselittlepeoplesoongrewmorefamiliar。Fromexchangingmerewordsofcoursewithmyolderneighbours，Igraduallybecametheirfriendandadviser，thedepositaryoftheircaresandsorrows，andsometimes，itmaybe，thereliever，inmysmallway，oftheirdistresses。AndnowIneverwalkabroadbutpleasantrecognitionsandsmilingfaceswaitonMasterHumphrey。
Itwasawhimofmine，perhapsasawhettothecuriosityofmyneighbours，andakindofretaliationuponthemfortheirsuspicions—itwas，Isay，awhimofmine，whenIfirsttookupmyabodeinthisplace，toacknowledgenoothernamethanHumphrey。
Withmydetractors，IwasUglyHumphrey。WhenIbegantoconvertthemintofriends，IwasMr。HumphreyandOldMr。Humphrey。AtlengthIsettleddownintoplainMasterHumphrey，whichwasunderstoodtobethetitlemostpleasanttomyear;andsocompletelyamatterofcoursehasitbecome，thatsometimeswhenI
amtakingmymorningwalkinmylittlecourtyard，Ioverhearmybarber—whohasaprofoundrespectforme，andwouldnot，Iamsure，abridgemyhonoursfortheworld—holdingforthontheothersideofthewall，touchingthestateof’MasterHumphrey’s’health，andcommunicatingtosomefriendthesubstanceoftheconversationthatheandMasterHumphreyhavehadtogetherinthecourseoftheshavingwhichhehasjustconcluded。
ThatImaynotmakeacquaintancewithmyreadersunderfalsepretences，orgivethemcausetocomplainhereafterthatIhavewithheldanymatterwhichitwasessentialforthemtohavelearntatfirst，Iwishthemtoknow—andIsmilesorrowfullytothinkthatthetimehasbeenwhentheconfessionwouldhavegivenmepain—thatIamamisshapen，deformedoldman。
Ihaveneverbeenmadeamisanthropebythiscause。Ihaveneverbeenstungbyanyinsult，norwoundedbyanyjestuponmycrookedfigure。AsachildIwasmelancholyandtimid，butthatwasbecausethegentleconsiderationpaidtomymisfortunesunkdeepintomyspiritandmademesad，eveninthoseearlydays。Iwasbutaveryyoungcreaturewhenmypoormotherdied，andyetI
rememberthatoftenwhenIhungaroundherneck，andoftenerstillwhenIplayedabouttheroombeforeher，shewouldcatchmetoherbosom，andburstingintotears，wouldsoothemewitheverytermoffondnessandaffection。GodknowsIwasahappychildatthosetimes，—happytonestleinherbreast，—happytoweepwhenshedid，—happyinnotknowingwhy。
Theseoccasionsaresostronglyimpresseduponmymemory，thattheyseemtohaveoccupiedwholeyears。Ihadnumberedvery，veryfewwhentheyceasedforever，butbeforethentheirmeaninghadbeenrevealedtome。
Idonotknowwhetherallchildrenareimbuedwithaquickperceptionofchildishgraceandbeauty，andastrongloveforit，butIwas。IhadnothoughtthatIremember，eitherthatI
possesseditmyselforthatIlackedit，butIadmireditwithanintensitythatIcannotdescribe。Alittleknotofplaymates—
theymusthavebeenbeautiful，forIseethemnow—wereclusteredonedayroundmymother’skneeineageradmirationofsomepicturerepresentingagroupofinfantangels，whichsheheldinherhand。
Whosethepicturewas，whetheritwasfamiliartomeorotherwise，orhowallthechildrencametobethere，Iforget;Ihavesomedimthoughtitwasmybirthday，butthebeginningofmyrecollectionisthatwewerealltogetherinagarden，anditwassummerweather，—
Iamsureofthat，foroneofthelittlegirlshadrosesinhersash。Thereweremanylovelyangelsinthispicture，andI
rememberthefancycominguponmetopointoutwhichofthemrepresentedeachchildthere，andthatwhenIhadgonethroughmycompanions，Istoppedandhesitated，wonderingwhichwasmostlikeme。Irememberthechildrenlookingateachother，andmyturningredandhot，andtheircrowdingroundtokissme，sayingthattheylovedmeallthesame;andthen，andwhentheoldsorrowcameintomydearmother’smildandtenderlook，thetruthbrokeuponmeforthefirsttime，andIknew，whilewatchingmyawkwardandungainlysports，howkeenlyshehadfeltforherpoorcrippledboy。
Iusedfrequentlytodreamofitafterwards，andnowmyheartachesforthatchildasifIhadneverbeenhe，whenIthinkhowoftenheawokefromsomefairychangetohisownoldform，andsobbedhimselftosleepagain。
Well，well，—allthesesorrowsarepast。Myglancingatthemmaynotbewithoutitsuse，foritmayhelpinsomemeasuretoexplainwhyIhaveallmylifebeenattachedtotheinanimateobjectsthatpeoplemychamber，andhowIhavecometolookuponthemratherinthelightofoldandconstantfriends，thanasmerechairsandtableswhichalittlemoneycouldreplaceatwill。
ChiefandfirstamongalltheseismyClock，—myold，cheerful，companionableClock。HowcanIeverconveytoothersanideaofthecomfortandconsolationthatthisoldClockhasbeenforyearstome！
Itisassociatedwithmyearliestrecollections。Itstooduponthestaircaseathome（Icallithomestillmechanically），nighsixtyyearsago。Ilikeitforthat;butitisnotonthataccount，norbecauseitisaquaintoldthinginahugeoakencasecuriouslyandrichlycarved，thatIprizeitasIdo。Iinclinetoitasifitwerealive，andcouldunderstandandgivemebacktheloveIbearit。
Andwhatotherthingthathasnotlifecouldcheermeasitdoes？
whatotherthingthathasnotlife（Iwillnotsayhowfewthingsthathave）couldhaveprovedthesamepatient，true，untiringfriend？HowoftenhaveIsatinthelongwintereveningsfeelingsuchsocietyinitscricket—voice，thatraisingmyeyesfrommybookandlookinggratefullytowardsit，thefacereddenedbytheglowoftheshiningfirehasseemedtorelaxfromitsstaidexpressionandtoregardmekindly！howofteninthesummertwilight，whenmythoughtshavewanderedbacktoamelancholypast，haveitsregularwhisperingsrecalledthemtothecalmandpeacefulpresent！howofteninthedeadtranquillityofnighthasitsbellbrokentheoppressivesilence，andseemedtogivemeassurancethattheoldclockwasstillafaithfulwatcheratmychamber—door！Myeasy—chair，mydesk，myancientfurniture，myverybooks，Icanscarcelybringmyselftoloveeventheselastlikemyoldclock。
Itstandsinasnugcorner，midwaybetweenthefiresideandalowarcheddoorleadingtomybedroom。Itsfameisdiffusedsoextensivelythroughouttheneighbourhood，thatIhaveoftenthesatisfactionofhearingthepublican，orthebaker，andsometimeseventheparish—clerk，petitioningmyhousekeeper（ofwhomIshallhavemuchtosayby—and—by）toinformhimtheexacttimebyMasterHumphrey’sclock。Mybarber，towhomIhavereferred，wouldsoonerbelieveitthanthesun。Noraretheseitsonlydistinctions。Ithasacquired，Iamhappytosay，another，inseparablyconnectingitnotonlywithmyenjoymentsandreflections，butwiththoseofothermen;asIshallnowrelate。
Ilivedalonehereforalongtimewithoutanyfriendoracquaintance。Inthecourseofmywanderingsbynightandday，atallhoursandseasons，incitystreetsandquietcountryparts，I
cametobefamiliarwithcertainfaces，andtotakeittoheartasquiteaheavydisappointmentiftheyfailedtopresentthemselveseachatitsaccustomedspot。ButtheseweretheonlyfriendsI
knew，andbeyondthemIhadnone。
Ithappened，however，whenIhadgoneonthusforalongtime，thatIformedanacquaintancewithadeafgentleman，whichripenedintointimacyandclosecompanionship。Tothishour，Iamignorantofhisname。Itishishumourtoconcealit，orhehasareasonandpurposeforsodoing。Ineithercase，Ifeelthathehasarighttorequireareturnofthetrusthehasreposed;andashehasneversoughttodiscovermysecret，Ihaveneversoughttopenetratehis。Theremayhavebeensomethinginthistacitconfidenceineachotherflatteringandpleasanttousboth，anditmayhaveimpartedinthebeginninganadditionalzest，perhaps，toourfriendship。Bethisasitmay，wehavegrowntobelikebrothers，andstillIonlyknowhimasthedeafgentleman。
Ihavesaidthatretirementhasbecomeahabitwithme。WhenI
add，thatthedeafgentlemanandIhavetwofriends，Icommunicatenothingwhichisinconsistentwiththatdeclaration。Ispendmanyhoursofeverydayinsolitudeandstudy，havenofriendsorchangeoffriendsbutthese，onlyseethematstatedperiods，andamsupposedtobeofaretiredspiritbytheverynatureandobjectofourassociation。
Wearemenofsecludedhabits，withsomethingofaclouduponourearlyfortunes，whoseenthusiasm，nevertheless，hasnotcooledwithage，whosespiritofromanceisnotyetquenched，whoarecontenttoramblethroughtheworldinapleasantdream，ratherthaneverwakenagaintoitsharshrealities。Wearealchemistswhowouldextracttheessenceofperpetualyouthfromdustandashes，temptcoyTruthinmanylightandairyformsfromthebottomofherwell，anddiscoveronecrumbofcomfortoronegrainofgoodinthecommonestandleast—regardedmatterthatpassesthroughourcrucible。Spiritsofpasttimes，creaturesofimagination，andpeopleofto—dayarealiketheobjectsofourseeking，and，unliketheobjectsofsearchwithmostphilosophers，wecaninsuretheircomingatourcommand。
ThedeafgentlemanandIfirstbegantobeguileourdayswiththesefancies，andournightsincommunicatingthemtoeachother。Wearenowfour。Butinmyroomtherearesixoldchairs，andwehavedecidedthatthetwoemptyseatsshallalwaysbeplacedatourtablewhenwemeet，toremindusthatwemayyetincreaseourcompanybythatnumber，ifweshouldfindtwomentoourmind。
Whenoneamongusdies，hischairwillalwaysbesetinitsusualplace，butneveroccupiedagain;andIhavecausedmywilltobesodrawnout，thatwhenwearealldeadthehouseshallbeshutup，andthevacantchairsstillleftintheiraccustomedplaces。Itispleasanttothinkthateventhenourshadesmay，perhaps，assembletogetherasofyorewedid，andjoininghostlyconverse。
Onenightineveryweek，astheclockstrikesten，wemeet。Atthesecondstrokeoftwo，Iamalone。
AndnowshallItellhowthatmyoldservant，besidesgivingusnoteoftime，andtickingcheerfulencouragementofourproceedings，lendsitsnametooursociety，whichforitspunctualityandmyloveischristened’MasterHumphrey’sClock’？
NowshallItellhowthatinthebottomoftheolddarkcloset，wherethesteadypendulumthrobsandbeatswithhealthyaction，thoughthepulseofhimwhomadeitstoodstilllongago，andnevermovedagain，therearepilesofdustypapersconstantlyplacedtherebyourhands，thatwemaylinkourenjoymentswithmyoldfriend，anddrawmeanstobeguiletimefromtheheartoftimeitself？ShallI，orcanI，tellwithwhatasecretprideIopenthisrepositorywhenwemeetatnight，andstillfindnewstoreofpleasureinmydearoldClock？
Friendandcompanionofmysolitude！mineisnotaselfishlove;I
wouldnotkeepyourmeritstomyself，butdispersesomethingofpleasantassociationwithyourimagethroughthewholewideworld;
Iwouldhavemencouplewithyournamecheerfulandhealthythoughts;Iwouldhavethembelievethatyoukeeptrueandhonesttime;andhowitwouldgladdenmetoknowthattheyrecognisedsomeheartyEnglishworkinMasterHumphrey’sclock！
THECLOCK—CASE
Itismyintentionconstantlytoaddressmyreadersfromthechimney—corner，andIwouldfainhopethatsuchaccountsasIshallgivethemofourhistoriesandproceedings，ourquietspeculationsormorebusyadventures，willneverbeunwelcome。Lest，however，I
shouldgrowprolixintheoutsetbylingeringtoolonguponourlittleassociation，confoundingtheenthusiasmwithwhichIregardthischiefhappinessofmylifewiththatminordegreeofinterestwhichthosetowhomIaddressmyselfmaybesupposedtofeelforit，Ihavedeemeditexpedienttobreakoffastheyhaveseen。
But，stillclingingtomyoldfriend，andnaturallydesirousthatallitsmeritsshouldbeknown，Iamtemptedtoopen（somewhatirregularlyandagainstourlaws，Imustadmit）theclock—case。
ThefirstrollofpaperonwhichIlaymyhandisinthewritingofthedeafgentleman。Ishallhavetospeakofhiminmynextpaper;
andhowcanIbetterapproachthatwelcometaskthanbyprefacingitwithaproductionofhisownpen，consignedtothesafekeepingofmyhonestClockbyhisownhand？
ThemanuscriptrunsthusINTRODUCTIONTOTHEGIANTCHRONICLES
Onceuponatime，thatistosay，inthisourtime，—theexactyear，month，anddayareofnomatter，—theredweltinthecityofLondonasubstantialcitizen，whounitedinhissinglepersonthedignitiesofwholesalefruiterer，alderman，common—councilman，andmemberoftheworshipfulCompanyofPatten—makers;whohadsuperaddedtotheseextraordinarydistinctionstheimportantpostandtitleofSheriff，andwhoatlength，andtocrownall，stoodnextinrotationforthehighandhonourableofficeofLordMayor。
Hewasaverysubstantialcitizenindeed。Hisfacewaslikethefullmooninafog，withtwolittleholespunchedoutforhiseyes，averyripepearstuckonforhisnose，andawidegashtoserveforamouth。Thegirthofhiswaistcoatwashungupandletteredinhistailor’sshopasanextraordinarycuriosity。Hebreathedlikeaheavysnorer，andhisvoiceinspeakingcamethicklyforth，asifitwereoppressedandstifledbyfeather—beds。Hetrodthegroundlikeanelephant，andeatanddranklike—likenothingbutanalderman，ashewas。
Thisworthycitizenhadrisentohisgreateminencefromsmallbeginnings。Hehadoncebeenaverylean，weazenlittleboy，neverdreamingofcarryingsuchaweightoffleshuponhisbonesorofmoneyinhispockets，andgladenoughtotakehisdinneratabaker’sdoor，andhisteaatapump。Buthehadlongagoforgottenallthis，asitwasproperthatawholesalefruiterer，alderman，common—councilman，memberoftheworshipfulCompanyofPatten—
makers，pastsheriff，and，aboveall，aLordMayorthatwastobe，should;andheneverforgotitmorecompletelyinallhislifethanontheeighthofNovemberintheyearofhiselectiontothegreatgoldencivicchair，whichwasthedaybeforehisgranddinneratGuildhall。
Ithappenedthatashesatthateveningallaloneinhiscounting—
house，lookingoverthebilloffarefornextday，andcheckingoffthefatcaponsinfifties，andtheturtle—soupbythehundredquarts，forhisprivateamusement，—ithappenedthatashesataloneoccupiedinthesepleasantcalculations，astrangemancameinandaskedhimhowhedid，adding，’IfIamhalfasmuchchangedasyou，sir，youhavenorecollectionofme，Iamsure。’
Thestrangemanwasnotoverandabovewelldressed，andwasveryfarfrombeingfatorrich—lookinginanysenseoftheword，yethespokewithakindofmodestconfidence，andassumedaneasy，gentlemanlysortofanair，towhichnobodybutarichmancanlawfullypresume。Besidesthis，heinterruptedthegoodcitizenjustashehadreckonedthreehundredandseventy—twofatcapons，andwascarryingthemovertothenextcolumn;andasifthatwerenotaggravationenough，thelearnedrecorderforthecityofLondonhadonlytenminutespreviouslygoneoutatthatverysamedoor，andhadturnedroundandsaid，’Goodnight，mylord。’Yes，hehadsaid，’mylord;’—he，amanofbirthandeducation，oftheHonourableSocietyoftheMiddleTemple，Barrister—at—Law，—hewhohadanuncleintheHouseofCommons，andanauntalmostbutnotquiteintheHouseofLords（forshehadmarriedafeeblepeer，andmadehimvoteassheliked），—he，thisman，thislearnedrecorder，hadsaid，’mylord。’’I’llnotwaittillto—morrowtogiveyouyourtitle，myLordMayor，’sayshe，withabowandasmile;’youareLordMayorDEFACTO，ifnotDEJURE。Goodnight，mylord。’
TheLordMayorelectthoughtofthis，andturningtothestranger，andsternlybiddinghim’gooutofhisprivatecounting—house，’
broughtforwardthethreehundredandseventy—twofatcapons，andwentonwithhisaccount。
’Doyouremember，’saidtheother，steppingforward，—’DOyourememberlittleJoeToddyhigh？’
Theportwinefledforamomentfromthefruiterer’snoseashemuttered，’JoeToddyhigh！WhataboutJoeToddyhigh？’
’IamJoeToddyhigh，’criedthevisitor。’Lookatme，lookhardatme，—harder，harder。Youknowmenow？YouknowlittleJoeagain？
Whatahappinesstousboth，tomeettheverynightbeforeyourgrandeur！O！givemeyourhand，Jack，—bothhands，—both，forthesakeofoldtimes。’
’Youpinchme，sir。You’rea—hurtingofme，’saidtheLordMayorelectpettishly。’Don’t，—supposeanybodyshouldcome，—Mr。
Toddyhigh，sir。’
’Mr。Toddyhigh！’repeatedtheotherruefully。
’O，don’tbother，’saidtheLordMayorelect，scratchinghishead。
’Dearme！Why，Ithoughtyouwasdead。Whatafellowyouare！’
Indeed，itwasaprettystateofthings，andworthythetoneofvexationanddisappointmentinwhichtheLordMayorspoke。JoeToddyhighhadbeenapoorboywithhimatHull，andhadoftentimesdividedhislastpennyandpartedhislastcrusttorelievehiswants;forthoughJoewasadestitutechildinthosetimes，hewasasfaithfulandaffectionateinhisfriendshipasevermanofmightcouldbe。Theypartedonedaytoseektheirfortunesindifferentdirections。Joewenttosea，andthenowwealthycitizenbeggedhiswaytoLondon，Theyseparatedwithmanytears，likefoolishfellowsastheywere，andagreedtoremainfastfriends，andiftheylived，soontocommunicateagain。
Whenhewasanerrand—boy，andevenintheearlydaysofhisapprenticeship，thecitizenhadmanyatimetrudgedtothePost—
officetoaskiftherewereanyletterfrompoorlittleJoe，andhadgonehomeagainwithtearsinhiseyes，whenhefoundnonewsofhisonlyfriend。Theworldisawideplace，anditwasalongtimebeforethelettercame;whenitdid，thewriterwasforgotten。
ItturnedfromwhitetoyellowfromlyinginthePost—officewithnobodytoclaimit，andincourseoftimewastornupwithfivehundredothers，andsoldforwaste—paper。Andnowatlast，andwhenitmightleasthavebeenexpected，herewasthisJoeToddyhighturningupandclaimingacquaintancewithagreatpubliccharacter，whoonthemorrowwouldbecrackingjokeswiththePrimeMinisterofEngland，andwhohadonly，atanytimeduringthenexttwelvemonths，tosaytheword，andhecouldshutupTempleBar，andmakeitnothoroughfareforthekinghimself！
’IamsureIdon’tknowwhattosay，Mr。Toddyhigh，’saidtheLordMayorelect;’Ireallydon’t。It’sveryinconvenient。I’dsoonerhavegiventwentypound，—it’sveryinconvenient，really。’—A
thoughthadcomeintohismind，thatperhapshisoldfriendmightsaysomethingpassionatewhichwouldgivehimanexcuseforbeingangryhimself。Nosuchthing。Joelookedathimsteadily，butverymildly，anddidnotopenhislips。
’OfcourseIshallpayyouwhatIoweyou，’saidtheLordMayorelect，fidgetinginhischair。’Youlentme—Ithinkitwasashillingorsomesmallcoin—whenwepartedcompany，andthatofcourseIshallpaywithgoodinterest。Icanpaymywaywithanyman，andalwayshavedone。IfyoulookintotheMansionHousethedayafterto—morrow，—sometimeafterdusk，—andaskformyprivateclerk，you’llfindhehasadraftforyou。Ihaven’tgottimetosayanythingmorejustnow，unless，’—hehesitated，for，coupledwithastrongdesiretoglitterforonceinallhisgloryintheeyesofhisformercompanion，wasadistrustofhisappearance，whichmightbemoreshabbythanhecouldtellbythatfeeblelight，—’unlessyou’dliketocometothedinnerto—morrow。
Idon’tmindyourhavingthisticket，ifyouliketotakeit。A
greatmanypeoplewouldgivetheirearsforit，Icantellyou。’
Hisoldfriendtookthecardwithoutspeakingaword，andinstantlydeparted。Hissunburntfaceandgrayhairwerepresenttothecitizen’smindforamoment;butbythetimehereachedthreehundredandeighty—onefatcapons，hehadquiteforgottenhim。
JoeToddyhighhadneverbeeninthecapitalofEuropebefore，andhewanderedupanddownthestreetsthatnightamazedatthenumberofchurchesandotherpublicbuildings，thesplendouroftheshops，therichesthatwereheapeduponeveryside，theglareoflightinwhichtheyweredisplayed，andtheconcourseofpeoplewhohurriedtoandfro，indifferent，apparently，toallthewondersthatsurroundedthem。Butinallthelongstreetsandbroadsquares，therewerenonebutstrangers;itwasquitearelieftoturndownaby—wayandhearhisownfootstepsonthepavement。Hewenthometohisinn，thoughtthatLondonwasadreary，desolateplace，andfeltdisposedtodoubttheexistenceofonetrue—heartedmaninthewholeworshipfulCompanyofPatten—makers。Finally，hewenttobed，anddreamedthatheandtheLordMayorelectwereboysagain。
Hewentnextdaytothedinner;andwheninaburstoflightandmusic，andinthemidstofsplendiddecorationsandsurroundedbybrilliantcompany，hisformerfriendappearedattheheadoftheHall，andwashailedwithshoutsandcheering，hecheeredandshoutedwiththebest，andforthemomentcouldhavecried。Thenextmomenthecursedhisweaknessinbehalfofamansochangedandselfish，andquitehatedajolly—lookingoldgentlemanoppositefordeclaringhimselfintheprideofhisheartaPatten—maker。
Asthebanquetproceeded，hetookmoreandmoretohearttherichcitizen’sunkindness;andthat，notfromanyenvy，butbecausehefeltthatamanofhisstateandfortunecouldallthebetteraffordtorecogniseanoldfriend，evenifhewerepoorandobscure。Themorehethoughtofthis，themorelonelyandsadhefelt。Whenthecompanydispersedandadjournedtotheball—room，hepacedthehallandpassagesalone，ruminatinginaverymelancholyconditionuponthedisappointmenthehadexperienced。
Itchanced，whilehewasloungingaboutinthismoodystate，thathestumbleduponaflightofstairs，dark，steep，andnarrow，whichheascendedwithoutanythoughtaboutthematter，andsocameintoalittlemusic—gallery，emptyanddeserted。Fromthiselevatedpost，whichcommandedthewholehall，heamusedhimselfinlookingdownupontheattendantswhowereclearingawaythefragmentsofthefeastverylazily，anddrinkingoutofallthebottlesandglasseswithmostcommendableperseverance。
Hisattentiongraduallyrelaxed，andhefellfastasleep。
Whenheawoke，hethoughttheremustbesomethingthematterwithhiseyes;but，rubbingthemalittle，hesoonfoundthatthemoonlightwasreallystreamingthroughtheeastwindow，thatthelampswereallextinguished，andthathewasalone。Helistened，butnodistantmurmurintheechoingpassages，noteventheshuttingofadoor，brokethedeepsilence;hegropedhiswaydownthestairs，andfoundthatthedooratthebottomwaslockedontheotherside。Hebegannowtocomprehendthathemusthavesleptalongtime，thathehadbeenoverlooked，andwasshutupthereforthenight。
Hisfirstsensation，perhaps，wasnotaltogetheracomfortableone，foritwasadark，chilly，earthy—smellingplace，andsomethingtoolarge，foramansosituated，tofeelathomein。However，whenthemomentaryconsternationofhissurprisewasover，hemadelightoftheaccident，andresolvedtofeelhiswayupthestairsagain，andmakehimselfascomfortableashecouldinthegalleryuntilmorning。Asheturnedtoexecutethispurpose，heheardtheclocksstrikethree。
Anysuchinvasionofadeadstillnessasthestrikingofdistantclocks，causesittoappearthemoreintenseandinsupportablewhenthesoundhasceased。Helistenedwithstrainedattentioninthehopethatsomeclock，laggingbehinditsfellows，hadyettostrike，—lookingallthetimeintotheprofounddarknessbeforehim，untilitseemedtoweaveitselfintoablacktissue，patternedwithahundredreflectionsofhisowneyes。Butthebellshadallpealedouttheirwarningforthatonce，andthegustofwindthatmoanedthroughtheplaceseemedcoldandheavywiththeirironbreath。
Thetimeandcircumstanceswerefavourabletoreflection。Hetriedtokeephisthoughtstothecurrent，unpleasantthoughitwas，inwhichtheyhadmovedallday，andtothinkwithwhataromanticfeelinghehadlookedforwardtoshakinghisoldfriendbythehandbeforehedied，andwhatawideandcrueldifferencetherewasbetweenthemeetingtheyhadhad，andthatwhichhehadsooftenandsolonganticipated。Still，hewasdisorderedbywakingtosuchsuddenloneliness，andcouldnotpreventhismindfromrunninguponoddtalesofpeopleofundoubtedcourage，who，beingshutupbynightinvaultsorchurches，orotherdismalplaces，hadscaledgreatheightstogetout，andfledfromsilenceastheyhadneverdonefromdanger。Thisbroughttohismindthemoonlightthroughthewindow，andbethinkinghimselfofit，hegropedhiswaybackupthecrookedstairs，—butverystealthily，asthoughhewerefearfulofbeingoverheard。
Hewasverymuchastonishedwhenheapproachedthegalleryagain，toseealightinthebuilding：stillmoreso，onadvancinghastilyandlookinground，toobservenovisiblesourcefromwhichitcouldproceed。Buthowmuchgreateryetwashisastonishmentatthespectaclewhichthislightrevealed。
Thestatuesofthetwogiants，GogandMagog，eachabovefourteenfeetinheight，thosewhichsucceededtostillolderandmorebarbarousfigures，aftertheGreatFireofLondon，andwhichstandintheGuildhalltothisday，wereendowedwithlifeandmotion。
TheseguardiangeniioftheCityhadquittedtheirpedestals，andreclinedineasyattitudesinthegreatstainedglasswindow。
Betweenthemwasanancientcask，whichseemedtobefullofwine;
fortheyoungerGiant，clappinghishugehanduponit，andthrowinguphismightyleg，burstintoanexultinglaugh，whichreverberatedthroughthehalllikethunder。
JoeToddyhighinstinctivelystoopeddown，and，moredeadthanalive，felthishairstandonend，hiskneesknocktogether，andacolddampbreakoutuponhisforehead。Butevenatthatminutecuriosityprevailedovereveryotherfeeling，andsomewhatreassuredbythegood—humouroftheGiantsandtheirapparentunconsciousnessofhispresence，hecrouchedinacornerofthegallery，inassmallaspaceashecould，and，peepingbetweentherails，observedthemclosely。
ItwasthenthattheelderGiant，whohadaflowinggraybeard，raisedhisthoughtfuleyestohiscompanion’sface，andinagraveandsolemnvoiceaddressedhimthus：
FIRSTNIGHTOFTHEGIANTCHRONICLES
TurningtowardshiscompaniontheelderGiantutteredthesewordsinagrave，majestictone：
’Magog，doesboisterousmirthbeseemtheGiantWarderofthisancientcity？Isthisbecomingdemeanourforawatchfulspiritoverwhosebodilessheadsomanyyearshaverolled，somanychangessweptlikeemptyair—inwhoseimpalpablenostrilsthescentofbloodandcrime，pestilence，cruelty，andhorror，hasbeenfamiliarasbreathtomortals—inwhosesightTimehasgatheredintheharvestofcenturies，andgarneredsomanycropsofhumanpride，affections，hopes，andsorrows？Bethinkyouofourcompact。Thenightwanes;feasting，revelry，andmusichaveencroacheduponourusualhoursofsolitude，andmorningwillbehereapace。Erewearestrickenmuteagain，bethinkyouofourcompact。’
Pronouncingtheselatterwordswithmoreofimpatiencethanquiteaccordedwithhisapparentageandgravity，theGiantraisedalongpole（whichhestillbearsinhishand）andtappedhisbrotherGiantrathersmartlyonthehead;indeed，theblowwassosmartlyadministered，thatthelatterquicklywithdrewhislipsfromthecask，towhichtheyhadbeenapplied，and，catchinguphisshieldandhalberd，assumedanattitudeofdefence。Hisirritationwasbutmomentary，forhelaidtheseweaponsasideashastilyashehadassumedthem，andsaidashedidso：
’Youknow，Gog，oldfriend，thatwhenweanimatetheseshapeswhichtheLondonersofoldassigned（andnotunworthily）totheguardiangeniioftheircity，wearesusceptibleofsomeofthesensationswhichbelongtohumankind。ThuswhenItastewine，Ifeelblows;
whenIrelishtheone，Idisrelishtheother。Therefore，Gog，themoreespeciallyasyourarmisnoneofthelightest，keepyourgoodstaffbyyourside，elsewemaychancetodiffer。Peacebebetweenus！’
’Amen！’saidtheother，leaninghisstaffinthewindow—corner。
’Whydidyoulaughjustnow？’
’Tothink，’repliedtheGiantMagog，layinghishanduponthecask，’ofhimwhoownedthiswine，andkeptitinacellarhoardedfromthelightofday，forthirtyyears，—\"tillitshouldbefittodrink，\"quothhe。Hewastwoscoreandtenyearsoldwhenheburieditbeneathhishouse，andyetneverthoughtthathemightbescarcely\"fittodrink\"whenthewinebecameso。Iwonderitneveroccurredtohimtomakehimselfunfittobeeaten。Thereisverylittleofhimleftbythistime。’
’Thenightiswaning，’saidGogmournfully。
’Iknowit，’repliedhiscompanion，’andIseeyouareimpatient。
Butlook。Throughtheeasternwindow—placedoppositetous，thatthefirstbeamsoftherisingsunmayeverymorninggildourgiantfaces—themoon—raysfalluponthepavementinastreamoflightthattomyfancysinksthroughthecoldstoneandgushesintotheoldcryptbelow。Thenightisscarcelypastitsnoon，andourgreatchargeissleepingheavily。’
Theyceasedtospeak，andlookedupwardatthemoon。Thesightoftheirlarge，black，rollingeyesfilledJoeToddyhighwithsuchhorrorthathecouldscarcelydrawhisbreath。Stilltheytooknonoteofhim，andappearedtobelievethemselvesquitealone。
’Ourcompact，’saidMagogafterapause，’is，ifIunderstandit，that，insteadofwatchinghereinsilencethroughthedrearynights，weentertaineachotherwithstoriesofourpastexperience;withtalesofthepast，thepresent，andthefuture;
withlegendsofLondonandhersturdycitizensfromtheoldsimpletimes。Thateverynightatmidnight，whenSt。Paul’sbelltollsoutone，andwemaymoveandspeak，wethusdiscourse，norleavesuchthemestillthefirstgraygleamofdayshallstrikeusdumb。
Isthatourbargain，brother？’
’Yes，’saidtheGiantGog，’thatistheleaguebetweenuswhoguardthiscity，bydayinspirit，andbynightinbodyalso;andneveronancientholidayshaveitsconduitsrunwinemoremerrilythanwewillpourforthourlegendarylore。Weareoldchroniclersfromthistimehence。Thecrumbledwallsencircleusoncemore，thepostern—gatesareclosed，thedrawbridgeisup，andpentinitsnarrowdenbeneath，thewaterfoamsandstruggleswiththesunkenstarlings。Jerkinsandquarter—stavesareinthestreetsagain，thenightlywatchisset，therebel，sadandlonelyinhisTowerdungeon，triestosleepandweepsforhomeandchildren。Aloftuponthegatesandwallsarenobleheadsglaringfiercelydownuponthedreamingcity，andvexingthehungrydogsthatscentthemintheair，andtearthegroundbeneathwithdismalhowlings。Theaxe，theblock，therack，intheirdarkchambersgivesignsofrecentuse。TheThames，floatingpastlonglinesofcheerfulwindowswhencecomeaburstofmusicandastreamoflight，bearssuddenlytothePalacewallthelastredstainbroughtonthetidefromTraitor’sGate。Butyourpardon，brother。Thenightwears，andIamtalkingidly。’
TheotherGiantappearedtobeentirelyofthisopinion，forduringtheforegoingrhapsodyofhisfellow—sentinelhehadbeenscratchinghisheadwithanairofcomicaluneasiness，orratherwithanairthatwouldhavebeenverycomicalifhehadbeenadwarforanordinary—sizedman。Hewinkedtoo，andthoughitcouldnotbedoubtedforamomentthathewinkedtohimself，stillhecertainlycockedhisenormouseyetowardsthegallerywherethelistenerwasconcealed。Norwasthisall，forhegaped;andwhenhegaped，Joewashorriblyremindedofthepopularprejudiceonthesubjectofgiants，andoftheirfabledpowerofsmellingoutEnglishmen，howevercloselyconcealed。
Hisalarmwassuchthathenearlyswooned，anditwassomelittletimebeforehispowerofsightorhearingwasrestored。WhenherecoveredhefoundthattheelderGiantwaspressingtheyoungertocommencetheChronicles，andthatthelatterwasendeavouringtoexcusehimselfonthegroundthatthenightwasfarspent，anditwouldbebettertowaituntilthenext。Wellassuredbythisthathewascertainlyabouttobegindirectly，thelistenercollectedhisfacultiesbyagreateffort，anddistinctlyheardMagogexpresshimselftothefollowingeffect：
InthesixteenthcenturyandinthereignofQueenElizabethofgloriousmemory（albeithergoldendaysaresadlyrustedwithblood），therelivedinthecityofLondonaboldyoung’prenticewholovedhismaster’sdaughter。Therewerenodoubtwithinthewallsagreatmany’prenticesinthiscondition，butIspeakofonlyone，andhisnamewasHughGraham。
ThisHughwasapprenticedtoanhonestBowyerwhodweltinthewardofCheype，andwasrumouredtopossessgreatwealth。Rumourwasquiteasinfallibleinthosedaysasatthepresenttime，butithappenedthenasnowtobesometimesrightbyaccident。ItstumbleduponthetruthwhenitgavetheoldBowyeramintofmoney。HistradehadbeenaprofitableoneinthetimeofKingHenrytheEighth，whoencouragedEnglisharcherytotheutmost，andhehadbeenprudentanddiscreet。ThusitcametopassthatMistressAlice，hisonlydaughter，wastherichestheiressinallhiswealthyward。YoungHughhadoftenmaintainedwithstaffandcudgelthatshewasthehandsomest。Todohimjustice，Ibelieveshewas。
IfhecouldhavegainedtheheartofprettyMistressAlicebyknockingthisconvictionintostubbornpeople’sheads，Hughwouldhavehadnocausetofear。ButthoughtheBowyer’sdaughtersmiledinsecrettohearofhisdoughtydeedsforhersake，andthoughherlittlewaiting—womanreportedallhersmiles（andmanymore）toHugh，andthoughhewasatavastexpenseinkissesandsmallcointorecompenseherfidelity，hemadenoprogressinhislove。HedurstnotwhisperittoMistressAlicesaveonsureencouragement，andthatshenevergavehim。Aglanceofherdarkeyeasshesatatthedooronasummer’seveningafterprayer—time，whileheandtheneighbouring’prenticesexercisedthemselvesinthestreetwithbluntedswordandbuckler，wouldfireHugh’sbloodsothatnonecouldstandbeforehim;butthensheglancedatothersquiteaskindlyasonhim，andwherewastheuseofcrackingcrownsifMistressAlicesmileduponthecrackedaswellasonthecracker？
StillHughwenton，andlovedhermoreandmore。Hethoughtofherallday，anddreamedofherallnightlong。Hetreasureduphereverywordandgesture，andhadapalpitationoftheheartwheneverheheardherfootsteponthestairsorhervoiceinanadjoiningroom。Tohim，theoldBowyer’shousewashauntedbyanangel;
therewasenchantmentintheairandspaceinwhichshemoved。ItwouldhavebeennomiracletoHughifflowershadsprungfromtherush—strewnfloorsbeneaththetreadoflovelyMistressAlice。
Neverdid’prenticelongtodistinguishhimselfintheeyesofhislady—lovesoardentlyasHugh。Sometimeshepicturedtohimselfthehousetakingfirebynight，andhe，whenalldrewbackinfear，rushingthroughflameandsmoke，andbearingherfromtheruinsinhisarms。Atothertimeshethoughtofarisingoffiercerebels，anattackuponthecity，astrongassaultupontheBowyer’shouseinparticular，andhefallingonthethresholdpiercedwithnumberlesswoundsindefenceofMistressAlice。Ifhecouldonlyenactsomeprodigyofvalour，dosomewonderfuldeed，andletherknowthatshehadinspiredit，hethoughthecoulddiecontented。
SometimestheBowyerandhisdaughterwouldgoouttosupperwithaworthycitizenatthefashionablehourofsixo’clock，andonsuchoccasionsHugh，wearinghisblue’prenticecloakasgallantlyas’prenticemight，wouldattendwithalanternandhistrustyclubtoescortthemhome。Thesewerethebrightestmomentsofhislife。
ToholdthelightwhileMistressAlicepickedhersteps，totouchherhandashehelpedheroverbrokenways，tohaveherleaningonhisarm，—itsometimesevencametothat，—thiswashappinessindeed！
Whenthenightswerefair，Hughfollowedintherear，hiseyesrivetedonthegracefulfigureoftheBowyer’sdaughterassheandtheoldmanmovedonbeforehim。Sotheythreadedthenarrowwindingstreetsofthecity，nowpassingbeneaththeoverhanginggablesofoldwoodenhouseswhencecreakingsignsprojectedintothestreet，andnowemergingfromsomedarkandfrowninggatewayintotheclearmoonlight。Atsuchtimes，orwhentheshoutsofstragglingbrawlersmetherear，theBowyer’sdaughterwouldlooktimidlybackatHugh，beseechinghimtodrawnearer;andthenhowhegraspedhisclubandlongedtodobattlewithadozenrufflers，fortheloveofMistressAlice！
TheoldBowyerwasinthehabitoflendingmoneyoninteresttothegallantsoftheCourt，andthusithappenedthatmanyarichly—
dressedgentlemandismountedathisdoor。Morewavingplumesandgallantsteeds，indeed，wereseenattheBowyer’shouse，andmoreembroideredsilksandvelvetssparkledinhisdarkshopanddarkerprivatecloset，thanatanymerchantsinthecity。Inthosetimesnolessthaninthepresentitwouldseemthattherichest—lookingcavaliersoftenwantedmoneythemost。
Oftheseglitteringclientstherewasonewhoalwayscamealone。
Hewasnoblymounted，and，havingnoattendant，gavehishorseinchargetoHughwhileheandtheBowyerwereclosetedwithin。OnceashesprungintothesaddleMistressAlicewasseatedatanupperwindow，andbeforeshecouldwithdrawhehaddoffedhisjewelledcapandkissedhishand。Hughwatchedhimcaracolingdownthestreet，andburntwithindignation。Buthowmuchdeeperwastheglowthatreddenedinhischeekswhen，raisinghiseyestothecasement，hesawthatAlicewatchedthestrangertoo！
Hecameagainandoften，eachtimearrayedmoregailythanbefore，andstillthelittlecasementshowedhimMistressAlice。Atlengthoneheavyday，shefledfromhome。Ithadcostherahardstruggle，forallheroldfather’sgiftswerestrewnaboutherchamberasifshehadpartedfromthemonebyone，andknewthatthetimemustcomewhenthesetokensofhislovewouldwringherheart，—yetshewasgone。
SheleftalettercommandingherpoorfathertothecareofHugh，andwishinghemightbehappierthaneverhecouldhavebeenwithher，forhedeservedtheloveofabetterandapurerheartthanshehadtobestow。Theoldman’sforgiveness（shesaid）shehadnopowertoask，butsheprayedGodtoblesshim，—andsoendedwithablotuponthepaperwherehertearshadfallen。
Atfirsttheoldman’swrathwaskindled，andhecarriedhiswrongtotheQueen’sthroneitself;buttherewasnoredresshelearntatCourt，forhisdaughterhadbeenconveyedabroad。Thisafterwardsappearedtobethetruth，astherecamefromFrance，afteranintervalofseveralyears，aletterinherhand。Itwaswrittenintremblingcharacters，andalmostillegible。Littlecouldbemadeoutsavethatsheoftenthoughtofhomeandherolddearpleasantroom，—andthatshehaddreamtherfatherwasdeadandhadnotblessedher，—andthatherheartwasbreaking。
ThepooroldBowyerlingeredon，neversufferingHughtoquithissight，forheknewnowthathehadlovedhisdaughter，andthatwastheonlylinkthatboundhimtoearth。Itbrokeatlengthandhedied，—bequeathinghisold’prenticehistradeandallhiswealth，andsolemnlycharginghimwithhislastbreathtorevengehischildifeverhewhohadworkedhermiserycrossedhispathinlifeagain。
FromthetimeofAlice’sflight，thetilting—ground，thefields，thefencing—school，thesummer—eveningsports，knewHughnomore。
Hisspiritwasdeadwithinhim。Herosetogreateminenceandreputeamongthecitizens，butwasseldomseentosmile，andnevermingledintheirrevelriesorrejoicings。Brave，humane，andgenerous，hewasbelovedbyall。Hewaspitiedtoobythosewhoknewhisstory，andtheseweresomanythatwhenhewalkedalongthestreetsaloneatdusk，eventherudecommonpeopledoffedtheircapsandmingledaroughairofsympathywiththeirrespect。
OnenightinMay—itwasherbirthnight，andtwentyyearssinceshehadleftherhome—HughGrahamsatintheroomshehadhallowedinhisboyishdays。Hewasnowagray—hairedman，thoughstillintheprimeoflife。Oldthoughtshadbornehimcompanyformanyhours，andthechamberhadgraduallygrownquitedark，whenhewasrousedbyalowknockingattheouterdoor。
Hehasteneddown，andopeningitsawbythelightofalampwhichhehadseizedupontheway，afemalefigurecrouchingintheportal。Ithurriedswiftlypasthimandglidedupthestairs。Helookedforpursuers。Therewerenoneinsight。No，notone。
Hewasinclinedtothinkitavisionofhisownbrain，whensuddenlyavaguesuspicionofthetruthflasheduponhismind。Hebarredthedoor，andhastenedwildlyback。Yes，thereshewas，—
there，inthechamberhehadquitted，—thereinheroldinnocent，happyhome，sochangedthatnonebuthecouldtraceonegleamofwhatshehadbeen，—thereuponherknees，—withherhandsclaspedinagonyandshamebeforeherburningface。
’MyGod，myGod！’shecried，’nowstrikemedead！ThoughIhavebroughtdeathandshameandsorrowonthisroof，O，letmedieathomeinmercy！’
Therewasnotearuponherfacethen，butshetrembledandglancedroundthechamber。Everythingwasinitsoldplace。Herbedlookedasifshehadrisenfromitbutthatmorning。Thesightofthesefamiliarobjects，markingthedearremembranceinwhichshehadbeenheld，andtheblightshehadbroughtuponherself，wasmorethanthewoman’sbetternaturethathadcarriedhertherecouldbear。Sheweptandfellupontheground。
Arumourwasspreadabout，inafewdays’time，thattheBowyer’scrueldaughterhadcomehome，andthatMasterGrahamhadgivenherlodginginhishouse。Itwasrumouredtoothathehadresignedherfortune，inorderthatshemightbestowitinactsofcharity，andthathehadvowedtoguardherinhersolitude，butthattheywerenevertoseeeachothermore。Theserumoursgreatlyincensedallvirtuouswivesanddaughtersintheward，especiallywhentheyappearedtoreceivesomecorroborationfromthecircumstanceofMasterGrahamtakinguphisabodeinanothertenementhardby。Theestimationinwhichhewasheld，however，forbadeanyquestioningonthesubject;andastheBowyer’shousewascloseshutup，andnobodycameforthwhenpublicshowsandfestivitieswereinprogress，ortoflauntinthepublicwalks，ortobuynewfashionsatthemercers’booths，allthewell—conductedfemalesagreedamongthemselvesthattherecouldbenowomanthere。
Thesereportshadscarcelydiedawaywhenthewonderofeverygoodcitizen，maleandfemale，wasutterlyabsorbedandswallowedupbyaRoyalProclamation，inwhichherMajesty，stronglycensuringthepracticeofwearinglongSpanishrapiersofpreposterouslength（asbeingabullyingandswaggeringcustom，tendingtobloodshedandpublicdisorder），commandedthatonaparticulardaythereinnamed，certaingravecitizensshouldrepairtothecitygates，andthere，inpublic，breakallrapierswornorcarriedbypersonsclaimingadmission，thatexceeded，thoughitwereonlybyaquarterofaninch，threestandardfeetinlength。
RoyalProclamationsusuallytaketheircourse，letthepublicwonderneversomuch。Ontheappointeddaytwocitizensofhighreputetookuptheirstationsateachofthegates，attendedbyapartyofthecityguard，themainbodytoenforcetheQueen’swill，andtakecustodyofallsuchrebels（ifany）asmighthavethetemeritytodisputeit：andafewtobearthestandardmeasuresandinstrumentsforreducingallunlawfulsword—bladestotheprescribeddimensions。Inpursuanceofthesearrangements，MasterGrahamandanotherwerepostedatLudGate，onthehillbeforeSt。
Paul’s。
Aprettynumerouscompanyweregatheredtogetheratthisspot，for，besidestheofficersinattendancetoenforcetheproclamation，therewasamotleycrowdoflookers—onofvariousdegrees，whoraisedfromtimetotimesuchshoutsandcriesasthecircumstancescalledforth。Aspruceyoungcourtierwasthefirstwhoapproached：heunsheathedaweaponofburnishedsteelthatshoneandglistenedinthesun，andhandeditwiththenewestairtotheofficer，who，findingitexactlythreefeetlong，returneditwithabow。Thereuponthegallantraisedhishatandcrying，’GodsavetheQueen！’passedonamidsttheplauditsofthemob。Thencameanother—abettercourtierstill—whoworeabladebuttwofeetlong，whereatthepeoplelaughed，muchtothedisparagementofhishonour’sdignity。Thencameathird，asturdyoldofficerofthearmy，girdedwitharapieratleastafootandahalfbeyondherMajesty’spleasure;athimtheyraisedagreatshout，andmostofthespectators（butespeciallythosewhowerearmourersorcutlers）
laughedveryheartilyatthebreakagewhichwouldensue。Buttheyweredisappointed;fortheoldcampaigner，coollyunbucklinghisswordandbiddinghisservantcarryithomeagain，passedthroughunarmed，tothegreatindignationofallthebeholders。Theyrelievedthemselvesinsomedegreebyhootingatallblusteringfellowwithaprodigiousweapon，whostoppedshortoncominginsightofthepreparations，andafteralittleconsiderationturnedbackagain。Butallthistimenorapierhadbeenbroken，althoughitwashighnoon，andallcavaliersofanyqualityorappearanceweretakingtheirwaytowardsSaintPaul’schurchyard。
Duringtheseproceedings，MasterGrahamhadstoodapart，strictlyconfininghimselftothedutyimposeduponhim，andtakinglittleheedofanythingbeyond。Hesteppedforwardnowasarichly—
dressedgentlemanonfoot，followedbyasingleattendant，wasseenadvancingupthehill。
Asthispersondrewnearer，thecrowdstoppedtheirclamour，andbentforwardwitheagerlooks。MasterGrahamstandingaloneinthegateway，andthestrangercomingslowlytowardshim，theyseemed，asitwere，setfacetoface。Thenobleman（forhelookedone）hadahaughtyanddisdainfulair，whichbespoketheslightestimationinwhichheheldthecitizen。Thecitizen，ontheotherhand，preservedtheresolutebearingofonewhowasnottobefrowneddownordaunted，andwhocaredverylittleforanynobilitybutthatofworthandmanhood。Itwasperhapssomeconsciousnessonthepartofeach，ofthesefeelingsintheother，thatinfusedamoresternexpressionintotheirregardsastheycameclosertogether。
’Yourrapier，worthysir！’
AttheinstantthathepronouncedthesewordsGrahamstarted，andfallingbacksomepaces，laidhishanduponthedaggerinhisbelt。
’YouarethemanwhosehorseIusedtoholdbeforetheBowyer’sdoor？Youarethatman？Speak！’
’Out，you’prenticehound！’saidtheother。
’Youarehe！Iknowyouwellnow！’criedGraham。’Letnomanstepbetweenustwo，orIshallbehismurderer。’Withthathedrewhisdagger，andrushedinuponhim。
Thestrangerhaddrawnhisweaponfromthescabbardreadyforthescrutiny，beforeawordwasspoken。Hemadeathrustathisassailant，butthedaggerwhichGrahamclutchedinhislefthandbeingthedirkinuseatthattimeforparryingsuchblows，promptlyturnedthepointaside。Theyclosed。Thedaggerfellrattlingontheground，andGraham，wrestinghisadversary’sswordfromhisgrasp，plungeditthroughhisheart。Ashedrewitoutitsnappedintwo，leavingafragmentinthedeadman’sbody。
Allthispassedsoswiftlythatthebystanderslookedonwithoutanefforttointerfere;butthemanwasnosoonerdownthananuproarbrokeforthwhichrenttheair。Theattendantrushingthroughthegateproclaimedthathismaster，anobleman，hadbeensetuponandslainbyacitizen;thewordquicklyspreadfrommouthtomouth;
SaintPaul’sCathedral，andeverybook—shop，ordinary，andsmoking—
houseinthechurchyardpouredoutitsstreamofcavaliersandtheirfollowers，whominglingtogetherinadensetumultuousbody，struggled，swordinhand，towardsthespot。
Withequalimpetuosity，andstimulatingeachotherbyloudcriesandshouts，thecitizensandcommonpeopletookupthequarrelontheirside，andencirclingMasterGrahamahundreddeep，forcedhimfromthegate。Invainhewavedthebrokenswordabovehishead，cryingthathewoulddieonLondon’sthresholdfortheirsacredhomes。Theyborehimon，andeverkeepinghiminthemidst，sothatnomancouldattackhim，foughttheirwayintothecity。
Theclashofswordsandroarofvoices，thedustandheatandpressure，thetramplingunderfootofmen，thedistractedlooksandshrieksofwomenatthewindowsaboveastheyrecognisedtheirrelativesorloversinthecrowd，therapidtollingofalarm—bells，thefuriousrageandpassionofthescene，werefearful。Thosewho，beingontheoutskirtsofeachcrowd，couldusetheirweaponswitheffect，foughtdesperately，whilethosebehind，maddenedwithbaffledrage，struckateachotherovertheheadsofthosebeforethem，andcrushedtheirownfellows。Whereverthebrokenswordwasseenabovethepeople’sheads，towardsthatspotthecavaliersmadeanewrush。Everyoneofthesechargeswasmarkedbysuddengapsinthethrongwheremenweretroddendown，butasfastastheyweremade，thetidesweptoverthem，andstillthemultitudepressedonagain，aconfusedmassofswords，clubs，staves，brokenplumes，fragmentsofrichcloaksanddoublets，andangry，bleedingfaces，allmixeduptogetherininextricabledisorder。
ThedesignofthepeoplewastoforceMasterGrahamtotakerefugeinhisdwelling，andtodefendituntiltheauthoritiescouldinterfere，ortheycouldgaintimeforparley。Buteitherfromignoranceorintheconfusionofthemomenttheystoppedathisoldhouse，whichwascloselyshut。Sometimewaslostinbeatingthedoorsopenandpassinghimtothefront。Aboutascoreoftheboldestoftheotherpartythrewthemselvesintothetorrentwhilethiswasbeingdone，andreachingthedooratthesamemomentwithhimselfcuthimofffromhisdefenders。
’Ineverwillturninsucharighteouscause，sohelpmeHeaven！’
criedGraham，inavoicethatatlastmadeitselfheard，andconfrontingthemashespoke。’LeastofallwillIturnuponthisthresholdwhichowesitsdesolationtosuchmenasye。Igivenoquarter，andIwillhavenone！Strike！’
Foramomenttheystoodatbay。Atthatmomentashotfromanunseenhand，apparentlyfiredbysomepersonwhohadgainedaccesstooneoftheoppositehouses，struckGrahaminthebrain，andhefelldead。Alowwailwasheardintheair，—manypeopleintheconcoursecriedthattheyhadseenaspiritglideacrossthelittlecasementwindowoftheBowyer’shouse—
Adeadsilencesucceeded。Afterashorttimesomeoftheflushedandheatedthronglaiddowntheirarmsandsoftlycarriedthebodywithindoors。Othersfellofforslunkawayinknotsoftwoorthree，otherswhisperedtogetheringroups，andbeforeanumerousguardwhichthenrodeupcouldmusterinthestreet，itwasnearlyempty。
ThosewhocarriedMasterGrahamtothebedup—stairswereshockedtoseeawomanlyingbeneaththewindowwithherhandsclaspedtogether。Aftertryingtorecoverherinvain，theylaidhernearthecitizen，whostillretained，tightlygraspedinhisrighthand，thefirstandlastswordthatwasbrokenthatdayatLudGate。
TheGiantutteredtheseconcludingwordswithsuddenprecipitation;
andontheinstantthestrangelightwhichhadfilledthehallfadedaway。JoeToddyhighglancedinvoluntarilyattheeasternwindow，andsawthefirstpalegleamofmorning。HeturnedhisheadagaintowardstheotherwindowinwhichtheGiantshadbeenseated。Itwasempty。Thecaskofwinewasgone，andhecoulddimlymakeoutthatthetwogreatfiguresstoodmuteandmotionlessupontheirpedestals。
Afterrubbinghiseyesandwonderingforfullhalfanhour，duringwhichtimeheobservedmorningcomecreepingonapace，heyieldedtothedrowsinesswhichoverpoweredhimandfellintoarefreshingslumber。Whenheawokeitwasbroadday;thebuildingwasopen，andworkmenwerebusilyengagedinremovingthevestigesoflastnight’sfeast。
Stealinggentlydownthelittlestairs，andassumingtheairofsomeearlyloungerwhohaddroppedinfromthestreet，hewalkeduptothefootofeachpedestalinturn，andattentivelyexaminedthefigureitsupported。Therecouldbenodoubtaboutthefeaturesofeither;herecollectedtheexactexpressiontheyhadwornatdifferentpassagesoftheirconversation，andrecognisedineverylineandlineamenttheGiantsofthenight。Assuredthatitwasnovision，butthathehadheardandseenwithhisownpropersenses，hewalkedforth，determiningatallhazardstoconcealhimselfintheGuildhallagainthatevening。Hefurtherresolvedtosleepallday，sothathemightbeverywakefulandvigilant，andaboveallthathemighttakenoticeofthefiguresattheprecisemomentoftheirbecominganimatedandsubsidingintotheiroldstate，whichhegreatlyreproachedhimselffornothavingdonealready。
CORRESPONDENCETOMASTERHUMPHREY
’SIR，—Beforeyouproceedanyfurtherinyouraccountofyourfriendsandwhatyousayanddowhenyoumeettogether，excusemeifIproffermyclaimtobeelectedtooneofthevacantchairsinthatoldroomofyours。Don’trejectmewithoutfullconsideration;forifyoudo，youwillbesorryforitafterwards—
youwill，uponmylife。
’Ienclosemycard，sir，inthisletter。Ineverwasashamedofmyname，andInevershallbe。Iamconsideredadevilishgentlemanlyfellow，andIactuptothecharacter。Ifyouwantareference，askanyofthemenatourclub。Askanyfellowwhogoestheretowritehisletters，whatsortofconversationmineis。AskhimifhethinksIhavethesortofvoicethatwillsuityourdeaffriendandmakehimhear，ifhecanhearanythingatall。Asktheservantswhattheythinkofme。There’snotarascalamong’em，sir，butwilltrembletohearmyname。Thatremindsme—don’tyousaytoomuchaboutthathousekeeperofyours;it’salowsubject，damnedlow。
’Itellyouwhat，sir。Ifyouvotemeintooneofthoseemptychairs，you’llhaveamongyouamanwithafundofgentlemanlyinformationthat’llratherastonishyou。Icanletyouintoafewanecdotesaboutsomefinewomenoftitle，thatarequitehighlife，sir—thetiptopsortofthing。Iknowthenameofeverymanwhohasbeenoutonanaffairofhonourwithinthelastfive—and—twentyyears;Iknowtheprivateparticularsofeverycrossandsquabblethathastakenplaceupontheturf，atthegaming—table，orelsewhere，duringthewholeofthattime。Ihavebeencalledthegentlemanlychronicle。Youmayconsideryourselfaluckydog;uponmysoul，youmaycongratulateyourself，thoughIsayso。
’It’sanuncommongoodnotionthatofyours，notlettinganybodyknowwhereyoulive。Ihavetriedit，buttherehasalwaysbeenananxietyrespectingme，whichhasfoundmeout。Yourdeaffriendisacunningfellowtokeephisnamesoclose。Ihavetriedthattoo，buthavealwaysfailed。Ishallbeproudtomakehisacquaintance—tellhimso，withmycompliments。
’Youmusthavebeenaqueerfellowwhenyouwereachild，confoundedqueer。It’sodd，allthataboutthepictureinyourfirstpaper—prosy，buttoldinadevilishgentlemanlysortofway。InplaceslikethatIcouldcomeinwithgreateffectwithatouchoflife—don’tyoufeelthat？
’Iamanxiouslywaitingforyournextpapertoknowwhetheryourfriendsliveuponthepremises，andatyourexpense，whichItakeitforgrantedisthecase。IfIamrightinthisimpression，I
knowacharmingfellow（anexcellentcompanionandmostdelightfulcompany）whowillbeproudtojoinyou。Someyearsagohesecondedagreatmanyprize—fighters，andoncefoughtanamateurmatchhimself;sincethenhehasdrivenseveralmails，brokenatdifferentperiodsallthelampsontheright—handsideofOxford—
street，andsixtimescarriedawayeverybell—handleinBloomsbury—
square，besidesturningoffthegasinvariousthoroughfares。Inpointofgentlemanlinessheisunrivalled，andIshouldsaythatnexttomyselfheisofallmenthebestsuitedtoyourpurpose。
’Expectingyourreply，’Iam，’&c。&c。’
MasterHumphreyinformsthisgentlemanthathisapplication，bothasitconcernshimselfandhisfriend，isrejected。
CHAPTERII—MASTERHUMPHREY，FROMHISCLOCK—SIDEINTHECHIMNEY—
CORNER
MYoldcompaniontellsmeitismidnight。Thefireglowsbrightly，cracklingwithasharpandcheerfulsound，asifitlovedtoburn。
Themerrycricketonthehearth（myconstantvisitor），thisruddyblaze，myclock，andI，seemtosharetheworldamongus，andtobetheonlythingsawake。Thewind，highandboisterousbutnow，hasdiedawayandhoarselymuttersinitssleep。Ilovealltimesandseasonseachinitsturn，andamapt，perhaps，tothinkthepresentonethebest;butpastorcomingIalwayslovethispeacefultimeofnight，whenlong—buriedthoughts，favouredbythegloomandsilence，stealfromtheirgraves，andhauntthescenesoffadedhappinessandhope。
Thepopularfaithinghostshasaremarkableaffinitywiththewholecurrentofourthoughtsatsuchanhourasthis，andseemstobetheirnecessaryandnaturalconsequence。Forwhocanwonderthatmanshouldfeelavaguebeliefintalesofdisembodiedspiritswanderingthroughthoseplaceswhichtheyoncedearlyaffected，whenhehimself，scarcelylessseparatedfromhisoldworldthanthey，isforeverlingeringuponpastemotionsandbygonetimes，andhovering，theghostofhisformerself，abouttheplacesandpeoplethatwarmedhisheartofold？ItisthusthatatthisquiethourIhauntthehousewhereIwasborn，theroomsIusedtotread，thescenesofmyinfancy，myboyhood，andmyyouth;itisthusthatIprowlaroundmyburiedtreasure（thoughnotofgoldorsilver），andmournmyloss;itisthusthatIrevisittheashesofextinguishedfires，andtakemysilentstandatoldbedsides。Ifmyspiritshouldeverglidebacktothischamberwhenmybodyismingledwiththedust，itwillbutfollowthecourseitoftentookintheoldman’slifetime，andaddbutonemorechangetothesubjectsofitscontemplation。
InallmyidlespeculationsIamgreatlyassistedbyvariouslegendsconnectedwithmyvenerablehouse，whicharecurrentintheneighbourhood，andaresonumerousthatthereisscarceacupboardorcornerthathasnotsomedismalstoryofitsown。WhenIfirstentertainedthoughtsofbecomingitstenant，Iwasassuredthatitwashauntedfromrooftocellar，andIbelievethatthebadopinioninwhichmyneighboursonceheldme，haditsriseinmynotbeingtorntopieces，oratleastdistractedwithterror，onthenightI
tookpossession;ineitherofwhichcasesIshoulddoubtlesshavearrivedbyashortcutattheverysummitofpopularity。
Buttraditionsandrumoursalltakenintoaccount，whosoabetsmeineveryfancyandchimeswithmyeverythought，asmydeardeaffriend？andhowoftenhaveIcausetoblessthedaythatbroughtustwotogether！OfalldaysintheyearIrejoicetothinkthatitshouldhavebeenChristmasDay，withwhichfromchildhoodweassociatesomethingfriendly，hearty，andsincere。
Ihadwalkedouttocheermyselfwiththehappinessofothers，and，inthelittletokensoffestivityandrejoicing，ofwhichthestreetsandhousespresentsomanyuponthatday，hadlostsomehours。NowIstoppedtolookatamerrypartyhurryingthroughthesnowonfoottotheirplaceofmeeting，andnowturnedbacktoseeawholecoachfulofchildrensafelydepositedatthewelcomehouse。
Atonetime，Iadmiredhowcarefullytheworkingmancarriedthebabyinitsgaudyhatandfeathers，andhowhiswife，trudgingpatientlyonbehind，forgotevenhercareofhergayclothes，inexchanginggreetingwiththechildasitcrowedandlaughedoverthefather’sshoulder;atanother，Ipleasedmyselfwithsomepassingsceneofgallantryorcourtship，andwasgladtobelievethatforaseasonhalftheworldofpovertywasgay。
Asthedayclosedin，Istillrambledthroughthestreets，feelingacompanionshipinthebrightfiresthatcasttheirwarmreflectiononthewindowsasIpassed，andlosingallsenseofmyownlonelinessinimaginingthesocialityandkind—fellowshipthateverywhereprevailed。AtlengthIhappenedtostopbeforeaTavern，and，encounteringaBillofFareinthewindow，itallatoncebroughtitintomyheadtowonderwhatkindofpeopledinedaloneinTavernsuponChristmasDay。
Solitarymenareaccustomed，Isuppose，unconsciouslytolookuponsolitudeastheirownpeculiarproperty。Ihadsataloneinmyroomonmany，manyanniversariesofthisgreatholiday，andhadneverregardeditbutasoneofuniversalassemblageandrejoicing。
Ihadexcepted，andwithanachingheart，acrowdofprisonersandbeggars;butTHESEwerenotthemenforwhomtheTaverndoorswereopen。Hadtheyanycustomers，orwasitamereform？—aform，nodoubt。
Tryingtofeelquitesureofthis，Iwalkedaway;butbeforeIhadgonemanypaces，Istoppedandlookedback。TherewasaprovokingairofbusinessinthelampabovethedoorwhichIcouldnotovercome。Ibegantobeafraidtheremightbemanycustomers—
youngmen，perhaps，strugglingwiththeworld，utterstrangersinthisgreatplace，whosefriendslivedatalongdistanceoff，andwhosemeansweretooslendertoenablethemtomakethejourney。
Thesuppositiongaverisetosomanydistressinglittlepictures，thatinpreferencetocarryingthemhomewithme，Ideterminedtoencountertherealities。SoIturnedandwalkedin。
Iwasatoncegladandsorrytofindthattherewasonlyonepersoninthedining—room;gladtoknowthattherewerenotmore，andsorrythatheshouldbetherebyhimself。HedidnotlooksooldasI，butlikemehewasadvancedinlife，andhishairwasnearlywhite。ThoughImademorenoiseinenteringandseatingmyselfthanwasquitenecessary，withtheviewofattractinghisattentionandsalutinghiminthegoodoldformofthattimeofyear，hedidnotraisehishead，butsatwithitrestingonhishand，musingoverhishalf—finishedmeal。
Icalledforsomethingwhichwouldgivemeanexcuseforremainingintheroom（Ihaddinedearly，asmyhousekeeperwasengagedatnighttopartakeofsomefriend’sgoodcheer），andsatwhereI
couldobservewithoutintrudingonhim。Afteratimehelookedup。
Hewasawarethatsomebodyhadentered，butcouldseeverylittleofme，asIsatintheshadeandheinthelight。Hewassadandthoughtful，andIforboretotroublehimbyspeaking。
Letmebelieveitwassomethingbetterthancuriositywhichrivetedmyattentionandimpelledmestronglytowardsthisgentleman。I
neversawsopatientandkindaface。Heshouldhavebeensurroundedbyfriends，andyetherehesatdejectedandalonewhenallmenhadtheirfriendsaboutthem。Asoftenasherousedhimselffromhisreveriehewouldfallintoitagain，anditwasplainthat，whateverwerethesubjectofhisthoughts，theywereofamelancholykind，andwouldnotbecontrolled。
Hewasnotusedtosolitude。Iwassureofthat;forIknowbymyselfthatifhehadbeen，hismannerwouldhavebeendifferent，andhewouldhavetakensomeslightinterestinthearrivalofanother。Icouldnotfailtomarkthathehadnoappetite;thathetriedtoeatinvain;thattimeaftertimetheplatewaspushedaway，andherelapsedintohisformerposture。
HismindwaswanderingamongoldChristmasdays，Ithought。Manyofthemsprunguptogether，notwithalonggapbetweeneach，butinunbrokensuccessionlikedaysoftheweek。Itwasagreatchangetofindhimselfforthefirsttime（IquitesettledthatitWASthefirst）inanemptysilentroomwithnosoultocarefor。I
couldnothelpfollowinghiminimaginationthroughcrowdsofpleasantfaces，andthencomingbacktothatdullplacewithitsboughofmistletoesickeninginthegas，andsprigsofhollyparchedupalreadybyaSimoomofroastandboiled。Theverywaiterhadgonehome;andhisrepresentative，apoor，lean，hungryman，waskeepingChristmasinhisjacket。
Igrewstillmoreinterestedinmyfriend。Hisdinnerdone，adecanterofwinewasplacedbeforehim。Itremaineduntouchedforalongtime，butatlengthwithaquiveringhandhefilledaglassandraisedittohislips。Sometenderwishtowhichhehadbeenaccustomedtogiveutteranceonthatday，orsomebelovednamethathehadbeenusedtopledge，trembleduponthematthemoment。Heputitdownveryhastily—tookituponcemore—againputitdown—pressedhishanduponhisface—yes—andtearsstoledownhischeeks，Iamcertain。
WithoutpausingtoconsiderwhetherIdidrightorwrong，Isteppedacrosstheroom，andsittingdownbesidehimlaidmyhandgentlyonhisarm。
’Myfriend，’Isaid，’forgivemeifIbeseechyoutotakecomfortandconsolationfromthelipsofanoldman。IwillnotpreachtoyouwhatIhavenotpractised，indeed。Whateverbeyourgrief，beofagoodheart—beofagoodheart，pray！’
’Iseethatyouspeakearnestly，’hereplied，’andkindlyIamverysure，but—’
InoddedmyheadtoshowthatIunderstoodwhathewouldsay;forI
hadalreadygathered，fromacertainfixedexpressioninhisface，andfromtheattentionwithwhichhewatchedmewhileIspoke，thathissenseofhearingwasdestroyed。’Thereshouldbeafreemasonrybetweenus，’saidI，pointingfromhimselftometoexplainmymeaning;’ifnotinourgrayhairs，atleastinourmisfortunes。
YouseethatIambutapoorcripple。’
Ineverfeltsohappyundermyafflictionsincethetryingmomentofmyfirstbecomingconsciousofit，aswhenhetookmyhandinhiswithasmilethathaslightedmypathinlifefromthatday，andwesatdownsidebyside。
Thiswasthebeginningofmyfriendshipwiththedeafgentleman;
andwhenwasevertheslightandeasyserviceofakindwordinseasonrepaidbysuchattachmentanddevotionashehasshowntome！
Heproducedalittlesetoftabletsandapenciltofacilitateourconversation，onthatourfirstacquaintance;andIwellrememberhowawkwardandconstrainedIwasinwritingdownmyshareofthedialogue，andhoweasilyheguessedmymeaningbeforeIhadwrittenhalfofwhatIhadtosay。Hetoldmeinafalteringvoicethathehadnotbeenaccustomedtobealoneonthatday—thatithadalwaysbeenalittlefestivalwithhim;andseeingthatIglancedathisdressintheexpectationthatheworemourning，headdedhastilythatitwasnotthat;ifithadbeenhethoughthecouldhaveborneitbetter。Fromthattimetothepresentwehavenevertoucheduponthistheme。Uponeveryreturnofthesamedaywehavebeentogether;andalthoughwemakeitourannualcustomtodrinktoeachotherhandinhandafterdinner，andtorecallwithaffectionategarrulityeverycircumstanceofourfirstmeeting，wealwaysavoidthisoneasifbymutualconsent。