Sylvia's Lovers — Volume 3 by Gaskell, Elizabeth Cleghorn, 1810-1865

8/14/2019 Sylvia's Lovers Volume 3 by Gaskell, Elizabeth Cleghorn, 1810-1865

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[Editor'sNote:--Thechapternumberingforvolume2&3waschangedfromtheoriginalinordertohaveuniquechapternumbersforthecompleteversion,sovolume2startswithchapterXVandvolume3startswithchapterXXX.]

SYLVIA'SLOVERS.

BY

ELIZABETHGASKELL

Ohforthyvoicetosootheandbless!Whathopeofanswer,orredress?Behindtheveil!Behindtheveil!--Tennyson

INTHREEVOLUMES.

VOL.III.

LONDON:

M.DCCC.LXIII.

CHAPTERXXX

HAPPYDAYS

AndnowPhilipseemedasprosperousashisheartcoulddesire.Thebusinessflourished,andmoneybeyondhismoderatewantscamein.Asforhimselfherequiredverylittle;buthehadalwayslookedforwardtoplacinghisidolinabefittingshrine;andmeansforthiswerenowfurnishedtohim.Thedress,thecomforts,thepositionhehaddesiredforSylviawereallhers.Shedidnotneedtodoastrokeofhouseholdworkifshepreferredto'sitinher

parlourandsewupaseam'.IndeedPhoeberesentedanyinterferenceinthedomesticlabour,whichshehadperformedsolong,thatshelookeduponthekitchenasaprivateempireofherown.'MrsHepburn'(asSylviawasnowtermed)hadagooddarksilkgown-pieceinherdrawers,aswellasthepoordove-coloured,againstthedaywhenshechosetoleaveoffmourning;andstuffforeithergrayorscarletcloakswashersatherbidding.

Whatshecaredforfarmorewerethecomfortswithwhichitwasinherpowertosurroundhermother.InthisPhilipviedwithher;for


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besideshisoldlove,andnewpityforhisauntBell,heneverforgothowshehadwelcomedhimtoHaytersbank,andfavouredhislovetoSylvia,intheyearningdayswhenhelittlehopedheshouldeverwinhiscousintobehiswife.Butevenifhehadnothadthesegratefulandaffectionatefeelingstowardsthepoorwoman,hewouldhavedonemuchforherifonlytogainthesweet,raresmileswhichhiswifeneverbestoweduponhimsofreelyaswhenshesawhimattendingto'mother,'forsobothofthemnowcalledBell.Forhercreaturecomforts,hersilkgowns,andherhumbleluxury,Sylviadidnotcare;Philipwasalmostannoyedattheindifferencesheoftenmanifestedtoallhiseffortstosurroundherwithsuchthings.Itwasevenahardshiptohertoleaveoffhercountrydress,heruncoveredhair,herlinseypetticoat,andloosebed-gown,andtodonastiffandstatelygownforhermorningdress.Sittinginthedarkparlouratthebackoftheshop,anddoing'whitework,'wasmuchmorewearyingtoherthanrunningoutintothefieldstobringupthecows,orspinningwool,ormakingupbutter.Shesometimesthoughttoherselfthatitwasastrangekindoflifewheretherewerenoout-dooranimalstolookafter;the'oxandtheass'hadhithertocomeintoallherideasofhumanity;andhercareandgentlenesshadmadethedumbcreaturesroundherfather'shomeintomutefriendswithlovingeyes,lookingatherasifwistfultospeakinwordsthegratefulregardthatshecouldreadwithoutthepoorexpressionoflanguage.

Shemissedthefreeopenair,thegreatdomeofskyabovethefields;sherebelledagainstthenecessityof'dressing'(asshecalledit)togoout,althoughsheacknowledgedthatitwasanecessitywherethefirststepbeyondthethresholdmustbeintoapopulousstreet.

ItispossiblethatPhilipwasrightatonetimewhenhehadthoughttowinherbymaterialadvantages;buttheoldvanitieshadbeenburntoutofherbythehotironofacutesuffering.Agreatdealofpassionatefeelingstillexisted,concealedandlatent;butatthisperioditappearedasthoughshewereindifferenttomostthings,andhadlostthepowerofeitherhopingorfearingmuch.Shewas

stunnedintoasortoftemporarynumbnessonmostpoints;thoseonwhichshewassensitivebeingsuchasreferredtotheinjusticeandoppressionofherfather'sdeath,oranythingthatconcernedhermother.

ShewasquieteventopassivenessinallherdealingswithPhilip;hewouldhavegivennotalittleforsomeoftheoldburstsofimpatience,theoldpettishness,which,naughtyastheywere,hadgonetoformhisideaoftheformerSylvia.Onceortwicehewasalmostvexedwithherforherdocility;hewantedhersomuchtohaveawillofherown,ifonlythathemightknowhowtorousehertopleasurebygratifyingit.Indeedheseldomfellasleepatnightswithouthislastthoughtsbeingdevotedtosomelittleplanforthe

morrow,thathefanciedshewouldlike;andwhenhewakenedintheearlydawnhelookedtoseeifshewereindeedsleepingbyhisside,orwhetheritwasnotalladreamthathecalledSylvia'wife.'

Hewasawarethatheraffectionforhimwasnottobespokenofinthesamewayashisforher,buthefoundmuchhappinessinonlybeingallowedtoloveandcherishher;andwiththepatientperseverancethatwasoneremarkablefeatureinhischaracter,hewentonstrivingtodeepenandincreaseherlovewhenmostothermenwouldhavegivenuptheendeavour,madethemselvescontentwithhalf


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aheart,andturnedtosomeotherobjectofattainment.AllthistimePhilipwastroubledbyadreamthatrecurredwheneverhewasover-fatigued,orotherwisenotinperfecthealth.Overandoveragaininthisfirstyearofmarriedlifehedreamtthisdream;perhapsasmanyaseightorninetimes,anditnevervaried.ItwasalwaysofKinraid'sreturn;KinraidwasfulloflifeinPhilip'sdream,thoughinhiswakinghourshecouldanddidconvincehimselfbyallthelawsofprobabilitythathisrivalwasdead.Heneverrememberedtheexactsequenceofeventsinthatterribledreamafterhehadrousedhimself,withafightandastruggle,fromhisfeverishslumbers.Hewasgenerallysittingupinbedwhenhefoundhimselfconscious,hisheartbeatingwildly,withaconvictionofKinraid'slivingpresencesomewherenearhiminthedarkness.OccasionallySylviawasdisturbedbyhisagitation,andwouldquestionhimabouthisdreams,having,likemostofherclassatthattime,greatfaithintheirpropheticinterpretation;butPhilipnevergaveheranytruthinhisreply.

Afterall,andthoughhedidnotacknowledgeiteventohimself,thelong-desiredhappinesswasnotsodeliciousandperfectashehadanticipated.Manyhavefeltthesameintheirfirstyearofmarriedlife;butthefaithful,patientnaturethatstillworkson,strivingtogainlove,andcapableitselfofsteadyloveallthewhile,isagiftnotgiventoall.

Formanyweeksaftertheirwedding,Kesternevercamenearthem:achancewordortwofromSylviashowedPhilipthatshehadnoticedthisandregrettedit;and,accordingly,hemadeithisbusinessatthenextleisureopportunitytogotoHaytersbank(neversayingawordtohiswifeofhispurpose),andseekoutKester.

Allthewholeplacewasaltered!Itwasnewwhite-washed,newthatched:thepatchesofcolourinthesurroundinggroundwerechangedwithalteredtillage;thegreatgeraniumsweregonefromthewindow,andinstead,wasasmartknittedblind.Childrenplayedbeforethehouse-door;adoglyingonthestepflewatPhilip;allwassostrange,thatitwaseventhestrangestthingofallfor

Kestertoappearwhereeverythingelsewassoaltered!

PhiliphadtoputupwithagooddealofcrabbedbehaviouronthepartofthelatterbeforehecouldinduceKestertopromisetocomedownintothetownandseeSylviainhernewhome.

Somehow,thevisitwhenpaidwasbutafailure;atleast,itseemedsoatthetime,thoughprobablyitbroketheiceofrestraintwhichwasformingoverthefamiliarintercoursebetweenKesterandSylvia.TheoldservantwasdauntedbyseeingSylviainastrangeplace,andstood,sleekinghishairdown,andfurtivelylookingabouthim,insteadofseatinghimselfonthechairSylviahadsoeagerlybroughtforwardforhim.

Thenhissenseoftheestrangementcausedbytheirnewpositionsinfectedher,andshebegantocrypitifully,saying,--

'Oh,Kester!Kester!tellmeaboutHaytersbank!Isitjustasitusedtobeinfeyther'sdays?'

'Well,acannotsayasitis,'saidKester,thankfultohaveasubjectstarted.'They'npleughedupt'oudpasture-field,andaresettin'itfor'taters.They'renotformuchcattle,isn't


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Higginses.They'llbeforcornint'nextyear,areckon,andthey'lljustha'theirpainsfortheirpayment.Butthey'reallayssopig-headed,isfolkfra'adistance.'

SotheywentondiscoursingonHaytersbankandtheolddays,tillBellRobson,havingfinishedherafternoonnap,cameslowlydown-stairstojointhem;andafterthattheconversationbecamesobrokenup,fromthedesireoftheothertwotoattendandreplyasbesttheycouldtoherfragmentaryanddisjointedtalk,thatKestertookhisleavebeforelong;falling,ashedidso,intotheformalandunnaturallyrespectfulmannerwhichhehadadoptedonfirstcomingin.

ButSylviaranafterhim,andbroughthimbackfromthedoor.

'Tothinkofthygoingaway,Kester,withouteitherbitordrink;nay,comebackwi'thee,andtastewineandcake.'

Kesterstoodatthedoor,halfshy,halfpleased,whileSylvia,inalltheglowandhurryofayounghousekeeper'shospitality,soughtforthedecanterofwine,andawine-glassinthecornercupboard,andhastilycutanimmensewedgeofcake,whichshecrammedintohishandinspiteofhisremonstrances;andthenshepouredhimoutanoverflowingglassofwine,whichKesterwouldfarratherhavegone

without,asheknewmannerstoowelltosupposethathemighttasteitwithouthavinggonethroughthepreliminaryceremonyofwishingthedonorhealthandhappiness.Hestoodredandhalfsmiling,withhiscakeinonehand,hiswineintheother,andthenbegan,--

'Longmayyelive,Happymayyehe,Andblestwithanum'rousPro-ge-ny.'

'Theere,that'spo'tryforyo'asIlarnti'myyouth.Butthere'sadealtobesaidascannotbeputint'po'try,an'yetacannotsayit,somehow.It'dtaxaparsont'saya'asa'vegetteni'mymind.

It'slikeaheapo'woo'justaftershearin'time;it'sworthadeal,butittak'savasto'combin',an'cardin',an'spinnin'aforeitcanbemadeuseon.Ifawereuptot'useo'words,acouldsayamightydeal;butsomehowa'mtongue-teedwhenacometowantmywordsmost,soa'llonlyjustmak'boldt'sayasathinkyo'vedoneprettywellforyo'rsel',gettenahouse-fullo'furniture'(lookingaroundhimashesaidthis),'an'vittlean'clothin'fort'axing,belike,an'ahomefort'missusinhertimeo'need;an'mebbenotsuchabadhusbandasaoncethoughtyonman'udmak';a'mnotabovesayin'ashe's,mebbe,betternoratookhimfor;--sohere'stoyeboth,andwishin'yehealthandhappiness,ay,andmoneytobuyyo'another,ascountryfolksay.'

Havingendedhisoration,muchtohisownsatisfaction,Kestertossedoffhisglassofwine,smackedhislips,wipedhismouthwiththebackofhishand,pocketedhiscake,andmadeoff.

ThatnightSylviaspokeofhisvisittoherhusband.Philipneversaidhowhehimselfhadbroughtittopass,nordidhenamethefactthathehadheardtheoldmancomeinjustashehimselfhadintendedgoingintotheparlourfortea,buthadkeptaway,ashethoughtSylviaandKesterwouldmostenjoytheirinterviewundisturbed.AndSylviafeltasifherhusband'ssilencewas


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unsympathizing,andshutupthefeelingsthatwerejustbeginningtoexpandtowardshim.Shesankagainintothelistlessstateofindifferencefromwhichnothingbutsomereferencetoformerdays,orpresentconsiderationforhermother,couldrouseher.

HesterwasalmostsurprisedatSylvia'sevidentlikingforher.ByslowdegreesHesterwaslearningtolovethewoman,whosepositionasPhilip'swifeshewouldhaveenviedsokeenlyhadshenotbeensotrulygoodandpious.ButSylviaseemedasthoughshehadgivenHesterherwholeaffectionallatonce.Hestercouldnotunderstandthis,whileshewastouchedandmeltedbythetrustitimplied.ForonethingSylviarememberedandregretted--herharshtreatmentofHestertherainy,stormynightonwhichthelatterhadcometoHaytersbanktoseekherandhermother,andbringthemintoMonkshaventoseetheimprisonedfatherandhusband.SylviahadbeenstruckwithHester'spatientenduranceofherrudeness,arudenesswhichshewasconsciousthatsheherselfshouldhaveimmediatelyandvehementlyresented.Sylviadidnotunderstandhowatotallydifferentcharacterfromhersmightimmediatelyforgivetheangershecouldnotforget;andbecauseHesterhadbeensomeekatthetime,Sylvia,whoknewhowpassingandtransitorywasherownanger,thoughtthatallwasforgotten;whileHesterbelievedthatthewords,whichsheherselfcouldnothaveutteredexceptunderdeepprovocation,meantmuchmorethantheydid,andadmiredandwondered

atSylviaforhavingsoentirelyconqueredherangeragainsther.

Again,thetwodifferentwomenweredivergentlyaffectedbytheextremefondnesswhichBellhadshowntowardsHestereversinceSylvia'swedding-day.Sylvia,whohadalwaysreceivedmorelovefromothersthansheknewwhattodowith,hadthemostentirefaithinherownsupremacyinhermother'sheart,thoughattimesHesterwoulddocertainthingsmoretothepooroldwoman'ssatisfaction.Hester,whohadcravedfortheaffectionwhichhadbeenwithheldfromher,andhadfromthatonecircumstancebecomedistrustfulofherownpowerofinspiringregard,whilesheexaggeratedthedelightofbeingbeloved,fearedlestSylviashouldbecomejealousofhermother'sopendisplayofgreatattachmentandoccasionalpreference

forHester.ButsuchathoughtneverenteredSylvia'smind.Shewasmorethankfulthansheknewhowtoexpresstowardsanyonewhomadehermotherhappy;ashasbeenalreadysaid,thecontributingtoBellRobson'spleasuresearnedPhilipmoreofhiswife'ssmilesthananythingelse.AndSylviathrewherwholeheartintothewordsandcaressesshelavishedonHesterwheneverpoorMrs.Robsonspokeofthegoodnessandkindnessofthelatter.Hesterattributedmorevirtuetothesesweetwordsanddeedsofgratitudethantheydeserved;theydidnotimplyinSylviaanyvictoryovereviltemptation,astheywouldhavedoneinHester.

ItseemedtobeSylvia'sfatetocaptivatemorepeoplethanshecaredtolikebackagain.SheturnedtheheadsofJohnandJeremiah

Foster,whocouldhardlycongratulatePhilipenoughonhischoiceofawife.

TheyhadbeenpreparedtobecriticalononewhohadinterferedwiththeirfavouriteprojectofamarriagebetweenPhilipandHester;and,thoughfullofcompassionforthecrueltyofDanielRobson'sfate,theyweretoocompletelymenofbusinessnottohavesomeapprehensionthattheconnectionofPhilipHepburnwiththedaughterofamanwhowashanged,mightinjuretheshopoverwhichbothhisandtheirnameappeared.Butallthepossibleproprietiesdemanded


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thattheyshouldpayattentiontothebrideoftheirformershopmanandpresentsuccessor;andtheveryfirstvisitorswhomSylviahadreceivedafterhermarriagehadbeenJohnandJeremiahFoster,intheirsabbath-dayclothes.Theyfoundherintheparlour(sofamiliartobothofthem!)clear-starchinghermother'scaps,whichhadtobegotupinsomeparticularfashionthatSylviawasafraidofdictatingtoPhoebe.

Shewasalittledisturbedathervisitorsdiscoveringheratthisemployment;butshewasonherownground,andthatgaveherself-possession;andshewelcomedthetwooldmensosweetlyandmodestly,andlookedsoprettyandfeminine,and,besides,sonotableinherhandiwork,thatsheconqueredalltheirprejudicesatoneblow;andtheirfirstthoughtonleavingtheshopwashowtodoherhonour,byinvitinghertoasupperpartyatJeremiahFoster'shouse.

Sylviawasdismayedwhenshewasbiddentothisweddingfeast,andPhiliphadtouseallhisauthority,thoughtenderly,tomakeherconsenttogoatall.ShehadbeentomerrycountrypartiesliketheCorneys',andtobrighthaymakingrompsintheopenair;butnevertoasetstatelypartyatafriend'shouse.

Shewouldfainhavemadeattendanceonhermotheranexcuse;but

Philipknewhemustnotlistentoanysuchplea,andappliedtoHesterinthedilemma,askinghertoremainwithMrs.RobsonwhileheandSylviawentoutvisiting;andHesterhadwillingly,nay,eagerlyconsented--itwasmuchmoretohertastethangoingout.

SoPhilipandSylviasetout,arm-in-arm,downBridgeStreet,acrossthebridge,andthenclamberedupthehill.Onthewayhegaveherthedirectionssheaskedforaboutherbehaviourasbrideandmosthonouredguest;andaltogethersucceeded,againsthisintentionandwill,infrighteninghersocompletelyastothegrandeurandimportanceoftheoccasion,andthenecessityofrememberingcertainsetrules,andmakingcertainsetspeechesandattendingtothemwhentherighttimecame,that,ifanyonesonaturallygraceful

couldhavebeenawkward,Sylviawouldhavebeensothatnight.

Asitwas,shesate,paleandweary-looking,ontheveryedgeofherchair;sheutteredtheformalwordswhichPhiliphadtoldherwereappropriatetotheoccasion,andsheheartilywishedherselfsafeathomeandinbed.Yetsheleftbutoneunanimousimpressiononthecompanywhenshewentaway,namely,thatshewastheprettiestandbest-behavedwomantheyhadeverseen,andthatPhilipHepburnhaddonewellinchoosingher,felon'sdaughterthoughshemightbe.

BoththehostshadfollowedherintothelobbytohelpPhilipincloakingher,andputtingonherpattens.Theywerefullofold-fashionedcomplimentsandgoodwishes;onespeechoftheirscame

uptohermemoryinfutureyears:--

'Now,SylviaHepburn,'saidJeremiah,'I'veknownthyhusbandlong,andIdon'tsaybutwhatthouhastdonewellinchoosinghim;butifheeverneglectsorill-usesthee,cometome,andI'llgivehimasoundlectureonhisconduct.Mind,I'mthyfriendfromthisdayforrards,andreadytotakethypartagainsthim!'

Philipsmiledasifthedaywouldnevercomewhenheshouldneglectorill-usehisdarling;Sylviasmiledalittle,withoutmuch


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attendingto,orcaringfor,thewordsthatweredetainingher,tiredasshewas;JohnandJeremiahchuckledoverthejoke;butthewordscameupagaininafterdays,aswordsidlyspokensometimesdo.

Beforetheendofthatfirstyear,Philiphadlearnttobejealousofhiswife'snewloveforHester.Tothelatter,SylviagavethefreeconfidenceonmanythingswhichPhilipfanciedshewithheldfromhim.Asuspicioncrossedhismind,fromtimetotime,thatSylviamightspeakofherformerlovertoHester.Itwouldbenotunnatural,hethought,ifshedidso,believinghimtobedead;buttheideairritatedhim.

Hewasentirelymistaken,however;Sylvia,withallherapparentfrankness,keptherdeepsorrowstoherself.Shenevermentionedherfather'sname,thoughhewascontinuallypresenttohermind.NordidshespeakofKinraidtohumanbeing,though,forhissake,hervoicesoftenedwhen,bychance,shespoketoapassingsailor;andforhissakehereyeslingeredonsuchmenlongerthanonothers,tryingtodiscoverinthemsomethingoftheoldfamiliargait;andpartlyforhisdeadsake,andpartlybecauseofthefreedomoftheoutlookandthefreshnessoftheair,shewasgladoccasionallytoescapefromthecomfortableimprisonmentofher'parlour',andtheclosestreetsaroundthemarket-place,andtomountthecliffsand

sitontheturf,gazingabroadoverthewidestillexpanseoftheopensea;for,atthatheight,evenbreakingwavesonlylookedlikebrokenlinesofwhitefoamonthebluewateryplain.

Shedidnotwantanycompanionontheserambles,whichhadsomewhatofthedelightofstolenpleasures;foralltheotherrespectablematronsandtown-dwellerswhomsheknewwerecontenttohavealwaysabusinessobjectfortheirwalk,orelsetostopathomeintheirownhouseholds;andSylviawasratherashamedofherownyearningsforsolitudeandopenair,andthesightandsoundofthemother-likesea.Sheusedtotakeoffherhat,andsitthere,herhandsclaspingherknees,thesaltairliftingherbrightcurls,gazingatthedistanthorizonoverthesea,inasaddreaminessof

thought;ifshehadbeenaskedonwhatshemeditated,shecouldnothavetoldyou.

But,by-and-by,thetimecamewhenshewasaprisonerinthehouse;aprisonerinherroom,lyinginbedwithalittlebabybyherside--herchild,Philip'schild.Hispride,hisdelightknewnobounds;thiswasanewfasttiebetweenthem;thiswouldreconcilehertothekindoflifethat,withallitsrespectabilityandcomfort,wassodifferentfromwhatshehadlivedbefore,andwhichPhiliphadoftenperceivedthatshefelttobedullandrestraining.Healreadybegantotraceinthelittlegirl,onlyafewdaysold,thelovelycurvesthatheknewsowellbyheartinthemother'sface.Sylvia,too,pale,still,andweak,wasveryhappy;yes,

reallyhappyforthefirsttimesinceherirrevocablemarriage.Foritsirrevocablenesshadweighedmuchuponherwithasenseofdullhopelessness;shefeltallPhilip'skindness,shewasgratefultohimforhistenderregardtowardshermother,shewaslearningtolovehimaswellastolikeandrespecthim.Shedidnotknowwhatelseshecouldhavedonebutmarrysotrueafriend,andsheandhermothersofriendless;but,atthesametime,itwaslikeleadonhermorningspiritswhensheawokeandrememberedthatthedecisionwasmade,thedeadwasdone,thechoicetakenwhichcomestomostpeoplebutonceintheirlives.Nowthelittlebabycameinuponthisstate


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ofmindlikearayofsunlightintoagloomyroom.

Evenhermotherwasrejoicedandproud;evenwithhercrazedbrainandbrokenheart,thesightofsweet,peacefulinfancybroughtlighttoher.Alltheoldwaysofholdingababy,ofhushingittosleep,oftenderlyguardingitslittlelimbsfrominjury,cameback,likethehabitsofheryouth,toBell;andshewasneversohappyorsoeasyinhermind,orsosensibleandconnectedinherideas,aswhenshehadSylvia'sbabyinherarms.

Itwasaprettysighttosee,howeverfamiliartoallofussuchthingsmaybe--thepale,wornoldwoman,inherquaint,old-fashionedcountrydress,holdingthelittleinfantonherknees,lookingatitsopen,unspeculativeeyes,andtalkingthelittlelanguagetoitasthoughitcouldunderstand;thefatheronhisknees,keptprisonerbyasmall,smallfingercurledroundhisstrongandsinewyone,andgazingatthetinycreaturewithwonderingidolatry;theyoungmother,fair,pale,andsmiling,proppeduponpillowsinorderthatshe,too,mightseethewonderfulbabe;itwasastonishinghowthedoctorcouldcomeandgowithoutbeingdrawnintotheadmiringvortex,andlookatthisbabyjustasifbabiescameintotheworldeveryday.

'Philip,'saidSylvia,onenight,ashesateasstillasamousein

herroom,imagininghertobeasleep.Hewasbyherbed-sideinamoment.

'I'vebeenthinkingwhatshe'stobecalled.Isabella,aftermother;andwhatwereyo'rmother'sname?'

'Margaret,'saidhe.

'MargaretIsabella;IsabellaMargaret.Mother'scalledBell.ShemightbecalledBella.'

'Icouldha'wishedhertobecalledafterthee.'

Shemadealittleimpatientmovement.

'Nay;Sylvia'snotaluckyname.Bestbecalledafterthymotherandmine.AndIwantfortoaskHestertobegodmother.'

'Anythingthoulikes,sweetheart.ShallwecallherRose,afterHesterRose?'

'No,no!'saidSylvia;'shemunbecalledaftermymother,orthine,orboth.IshouldlikehertobecalledBella,aftermother,becauseshe'ssofondofbaby.'

'Anythingtopleasethee,darling.'

'Don'tsaythatasifitdidn'tsignify;there'sadealinhavingaprettyname,'saidSylvia,alittleannoyed.'Iha'allayshatedbeingcalledSylvia.Itwereafterfather'smother,SylviaSteele.'

'Iniverthoughtanynameina'theworldsosweetandprettyasSylvia,'saidPhilip,fondly;butshewastoomuchabsorbedinherownthoughtstonoticeeitherhismannerorhiswords.

'There,yo'llnotmindifitisBella,becauseyo'seemymotheris


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alivetobepleasedbyitsbeingnamedafterher,andHestermaybegodmother,andI'llha't'dove-colouredsilkasyo'gavemeaforeweweremarriedmadeupintoacloakforittogotochurchin.'

'Igotitforthee,'saidPhilip,alittledisappointed.'It'llbetoogoodforthebaby.'

'Eh!butI'msocareless,Ishouldbespillingsomethingonit?ButifthougotitformeIcannotfindi'myheartfort'wearitonbaby,andI'llhaveitmadeintoachristeninggownformysel'.ButI'llniverfeelatmyeaseinit,forfearofspoilingit.'

'Well!an'ifthoudoesspoilit,love,I'llgettheeanother.Imakeaccountofrichesonlyforthee;thatImaybeabletogettheewhativerthou'safancyfor,foreitherthysel',orthymother.'

Sheliftedherpalefacefromherpillow,andputupherlipstokisshimforthesewords.

PerhapsonthatdayPhilipreachedthezenithofhislife'shappiness.

CHAPTERXXXI

EVILOMENS

ThefirststepinPhilip'sdeclensionhappenedinthisway.Sylviahadmaderapidprogressinherrecovery;butnowsheseemedata

stationarypointofweakness;wakefulnightssucceedingtolanguiddays.Occasionallyshecaughtalittlesleepintheafternoons,butsheusuallyawokestartledandfeverish.

OneafternoonPhiliphadstolenupstairstolookatherandhischild;buttheeffortshemadeatcarefulnoiselessnessmadethedoorcreakonitshingesasheopened.it.Thewomanemployedtonurseherhadtakenthebabyintoanotherroomthatnosoundmightrouseherfromherslumber;andPhilipwouldprobablyhavebeenwarnedagainstenteringthechamberwherehiswifelaysleepinghadhebeenperceivedbythenurse.Asitwas,heopenedthedoor,madeanoise,andSylviastartedup,herfacealloneflush,hereyeswildanduncertain;shelookedaboutherasifshedidnotknow

whereshewas;pushedthehairoffherhotforehead;allwhichactionsPhilipsaw,dismayedandregretful.Buthekeptstill,hopingthatshewouldliedownandcomposeherself.Insteadshestretchedoutherarmsimploringly,andsaid,inavoicefullofyearningandtears,--

'Oh!Charley!cometome--cometome!'andthenasshemorefullybecameawareoftheplacewhereshewas,heractualsituation,shesankbackandfeeblybegantocry.Philip'sheartboiledwithinhim;anyman'swouldunderthecircumstances,buthehadthesenseof


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guiltyconcealmenttoaggravatetheintensityofhisfeelings.Herweakcryafteranotherman,too,irritatedhim,partlythroughhisanxiouslove,whichmadehimwisetoknowhowmuchphysicalharmshewasdoingherself.Atthismomenthestirred,orunintentionallymadesomesound:shestartedupafresh,andcalledout,--

'Oh,who'stheere?Do,forGod'ssake,tellmewhoyo'are!'

'It'sme,'saidPhilip,comingforwards,strivingtokeepdownthemiserablecomplicationofloveandjealousy,andremorseandanger,thatmadehisheartbeatsowildly,andalmosttookhimoutofhimself.Indeed,hemusthavebeenquitebesidehimselfforthetime,orhecouldneverhavegoneontouttertheunwise,cruelwordshedid.Butshespokefirst,inadistressedandplaintivetoneofvoice.

'Oh,Philip,I'vebeenasleep,andyetIthinkIwasawake!AndIsawCharleyKinraidasplainasiverIseetheenow,andhewasn'tdrownedatall.I'msurehe'salivesomewheere;heweresoclearandlife-like.Oh!whatshallIdo?whatshallIdo?'

Shewrungherhandsinfeverishdistress.Urgedbypassionatefeelingsofvariouskinds,andalsobyhisdesiretoquenchtheagitationwhichwasdoingherharm,Philipspoke,hardlyknowing

whathesaid.

'Kinraid'sdead,Itellyo',Sylvie!Andwhatkindofawomanareyo'togodreamingofanothermani'thisway,andtakingonsoabouthim,whenyo'reaweddedwife,withachildasyo'vebornetoanotherman?'

Inamomenthecouldhavebittenouthistongue.Shelookedathimwiththemutereproachwhichsomeofussee(Godhelpus!)intheeyesofthedead,astheycomebeforeoursadmemoriesinthenight-season;lookedathimwithsuchasolemn,searchinglook,neversayingawordofreplyordefence.Thenshelaydown,motionlessandsilent.Hehadbeeninstantlystungwithremorsefor

hisspeech;thewordswerenotbeyondhislipswhenanagonyhadenteredhisheart;buthersteady,dilatedeyeshadkepthimdumbandmotionlessasifbyaspell.

Nowherushedtothebedonwhichshelay,andhalfknelt,halfthrewhimselfuponit,imploringhertoforgivehim;regardlessforthetimeofanyevilconsequencestoher,itseemedasifhemusthaveherpardon--herrelenting--atanyprice,eveniftheybothdiedintheactofreconciliation.Butshelayspeechless,and,asfarasshecouldbe,motionless,thebedtremblingunderherwiththequiveringshecouldnotstill.

Philip'swildtonescaughtthenurse'sears,andsheenteredfullof

thedignifiedindignationofwisdom.

'Areyo'forkillingyo'rwife,measter?'sheasked.'She'snoanesostrongasshecanbearflytin'andscoldin',norwillshebeformanyaweektocome.Godownwi'ye,andleaveheri'peaceifyo'reamanascanbecalledaman!'

HerangerwasrisingasshecaughtsightofSylvia'savertedface.Itwasflushedcrimson,hereyesfullofintenseemotionofsomekind,herlipscompressed;butaninvoluntarytwitching


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overmasteringherresolutestillnessfromtimetotime.Philip,whodidnotseetheavertedface,norunderstandtherealdangerinwhichhewasplacinghiswife,feltasthoughhemusthaveoneword,oneresponsivetouchofthehandwhichlaypassiveinhis,whichwasnotevendrawnawayfromthekisseswithwhichhecoveredit,anymorethanifithadbeenanimpassivestone.Thenursehadfairlytotakehimbytheshoulders,andturnhimoutoftheroom.

Inhalfanhourthedoctorhadtobesummoned.Ofcourse,thenursegavehimherversionoftheeventsoftheafternoon,withmuch_animus_againstPhilip;andthedoctorthoughtithisdutytohavesomeveryseriousconversationwithhim.

'Idoassureyou,Mr.Hepburn,that,inthestateyourwifehasbeeninforsomedays,itwaslittlelessthanmadnessonyourparttospeaktoheraboutanythingthatcouldgiverisetostrongemotion.'

'Itwasmadness,sir!'repliedPhilip,inalow,miserabletoneofvoice.Thedoctor'sheartwastouched,inspiteofthenurse'saccusationsagainstthescoldinghusband.Yetthedangerwasnowtooseriousforhimtomincematters.

'ImusttellyouthatIcannotanswerforherlife,unlessthegreatestprecautionsaretakenonyourpart,andunlessthemeasures

IshallusehavetheeffectIwishforinthenexttwenty-fourhours.Sheisonthevergeofabrainfever.Anyallusiontothesubjectwhichhasbeenthefinalcauseofthestateinwhichshenowismustbemostcautiouslyavoided,eventoachancewordwhichmaybringittohermemory.'

Andsoon;butPhilipseemedtohearonlythis:thenhemightnotexpresscontrition,orsueforpardon,hemustgoonunforgiventhroughallthisstressofanxiety;andevenifsherecoveredthedoctorwarnedhimoftheundesirablenessofrecurringtowhathadpassed!

Heavymiserabletimesofenduranceandwaitinghavetobepassed

throughbyallduringthecourseoftheirlives;andPhiliphadhadhisshareofsuchseasons,whentheheart,andthewill,andthespeech,andthelimbs,mustbebounddownwithstrongresolutiontopatience.

Formanydays,nay,forweeks,hewasforbiddentoseeSylvia,astheverysoundofhisfootstepbroughtonarecurrenceofthefeverandconvulsivemovement.Yetsheseemed,fromquestionsshefeeblyaskedthenurse,tohaveforgottenallthathadhappenedonthedayofherattackfromthetimewhenshedroppedofftosleep.Buthowmuchsherememberedofafteroccurrencesnoonecouldascertain.Shewasquietenoughwhen,atlength,Philipwasallowedtoseeher.Buthewashalfjealousofhischild,whenhewatchedhowshecould

smileatit,whilesheneverchangedamuscleofherfaceatallhecoulddoorsay.

Andofapiecewiththisextremequietudeandreservewasherbehaviourtohimwhenatlengthshehadfullyrecovered,andwasabletogoaboutthehouseagain.Philipthoughtmanyatimeofthewordsshehadusedlongbefore--beforetheirmarriage.Ominouswordstheywere.

'It'snotinmetoforgive;Isometimesthinkit'snotinmeto


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forget.'

Philipwastendereventohumilityinhisconducttowardsher.Butnothingstirredherfromherfortressofreserve.Andheknewshewassodifferent;heknewhowloving,nay,passionate,washernature--vehement,demonstrative--oh!howcouldhestirheroncemoreintoexpression,evenifthefirstshoworspeechshemadewasofanger?Thenhetriedbeingangrywithherhimself;hewassometimesunjusttoherconsciouslyandofapurpose,inordertoprovokeherintodefendingherself,andappealingagainsthisunkindness.Heonlyseemedtodriveherloveawaystillmore.

Ifanyonehadknownallthatwaspassinginthathousehold,whileyetthestoryofitwasnotended,nor,indeed,cometoitscrisis,theirheartswouldhavebeensorryforthemanwholingeredlongatthedooroftheroominwhichhiswifesatecooingandtalkingtoherbaby,andsometimeslaughingbacktoit,orwhowassoothingthequerulousnessoffailingagewitheverypossiblepatienceoflove;sorryforthepoorlistenerwhowashungeringfortheprofusionoftendernessthusscatteredonthesenselessair,yetonlybystealthcaughttheechoesofwhatoughttohavebeenhis.

Itwassodifficulttocomplain,too;impossible,infact.Everythingthatawifecoulddofromdutyshedid;butthelove

seemedtohavefled,and,insuchcases,noreproachesorcomplaintscanavailtobringitback.Soreasonoutsiders,andareconvincedoftheresultbeforetheexperimentismade.ButPhilipcouldnotreason,orcouldnotyieldtoreason;andsohecomplainedandreproached.Shedidnotmuchanswerhim;buthethoughtthathereyesexpressedtheoldwords,-

'It'snotinmetoforgive;Isometimesthinkit'snotinmetoforget.'

However,itisanoldstory,anascertainedfact,that,eveninthemosttenderandstablemasculinenatures,atthesupremestseasonoftheirlives,thereisroomforotherthoughtsandpassionsthansuch

asareconnectedwithlove.Evenwiththemostdomesticandaffectionatemen,theiremotionsseemtobekeptinacelldistinctandawayfromtheiractuallives.Philiphadotherthoughtsandotheroccupationsthanthoseconnectedwithhiswifeduringallthistime.

Anuncleofhismother's,aCumberland'statesman',ofwhoseexistencehewasbarelyconscious,diedaboutthistime,leavingtohisunknowngreat-nephewfourorfivehundredpounds,whichputhimatonceinadifferentpositionwithregardtohisbusiness.Henceforwardhisambitionwasroused,--suchhumbleambitionasbefittedashop-keeperinacountrytownsixtyorseventyyearsago.Toberespectedbythemenaroundhimhadalwaysbeenanobjectwith

him,andwas,perhaps,becomingmoresothanevernow,asasortofrefugefromhisdeep,sorrowfulmortificationinotherdirections.Hewasgreatlypleasedatbeingmadeasidesman;and,inpreparationforthefurtherhonourofbeingchurchwarden,hewentregularlytwiceadaytochurchonSundays.Therewasenoughreligiousfeelinginhimtomakehimdisguisetheworldlyreasonforsuchconductfromhimself.Hebelievedthathewentbecausehethoughtitrighttoattendpublicworshipintheparishchurchwheneveritwasofferedup;butitmaybequestionedofhim,asofmanyothers,howfarhewouldhavebeenasregularinattendanceinaplacewherehewasnot


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known.Withthis,however,wehavenothingtodo.Thefactwasthathewentregularlytochurch,andhewishedhiswifetoaccompanyhimtothepew,newlypainted,withhisnameonthedoor,wherehesateinfullsightoftheclergymanandcongregation.

Sylviahadneverbeeninthehabitofsuchregularchurch-going,andshefeltitasahardship,andslippedoutofthedutyasoftenasevershecould.Inherunmarrieddays,sheandherparentshadgoneannuallytothemother-churchoftheparishinwhichHaytersbankwassituated:ontheMondaysucceedingtheSundaynextaftertheRomishSaint'sDay,towhomthechurchwasdedicated,therewasagreatfeastorwakeheld;and,ontheSunday,alltheparishionerscametochurchfromfarandnear.Frequently,too,inthecourseoftheyear,SylviawouldaccompanyoneorotherofherparentstoScarbyMoorsideafternoonservice,--whenthehaywasgotin,andthecornnotreadyforcutting,orthecowsweredryandtherewasnoafternoonmilking.Manyclergymenwerelanguidinthosedays,anddidnottoocuriouslyinquireintothereasonswhichgavethemsuchsmallcongregationsincountryparishes.

Nowshewasmarried,thisweeklychurch-goingwhichPhilipseemedtoexpectfromher,becameatieandasmallhardship,whichconnecteditselfwithherlifeofrespectabilityandprosperity.'Acrustofbreadandliberty'wasmuchmoreaccordanttoSylvia'snaturethan

plentyofcreaturecomfortsandmanyrestraints.AnotherwishofPhilip's,againstwhichshesaidnoword,butconstantlyrebelledinthoughtanddeed,washisdesirethattheservanthehadengagedduringthetimeofherillnesstotakechargeofthebaby,shouldalwayscarryitwheneveritwastakenoutforawalk.Sylviaoftenfelt,nowshewasstrong,asifshewouldfarratherhavebeenwithouttheresponsibilityofhavingthisnursemaid,ofwhomshewas,inreality,ratherafraid.Thegoodsideofitwasthatitsetheratlibertytoattendtohermotherattimeswhenshewouldhavebeenotherwiseoccupiedwithherbaby;butBellrequiredverylittlefromanyone:shewaseasilypleased,unexacting,andmethodicaleveninherdotage;preservingthequiet,undemonstrativehabitsofherearlierlifenowthatthefacultyofreason,whichhadbeenat

thebasisoftheformationofsuchhabits,wasgone.Shetookgreatdelightinwatchingthebaby,andwaspleasedtohaveitinhercareforashorttime;butshedozedsomuchthatitpreventedherhavinganystrongwishonthesubject.

SoSylviacontrivedtogetherbabyasmuchaspossibletoherself,inspiteofthenursemaid;and,aboveall,shewouldcarryitout,softlycradledinherarms,warmpillowedonherbreast,andbearittothefreedomandsolitudeofthesea-shoreonthewestsideofthetownwherethecliffswerenotsohigh,andtherewasagoodspaceofsandandshingleatalllowtides.

Oncehere,shewasashappyassheeverexpectedtobeinthis

world.Thefreshsea-breezerestoredsomethingofthecolourofformerdaystohercheeks,theoldbuoyancytoherspirits;hereshemighttalkherheart-fulloflovingnonsensetoherbaby;hereitwasallherown;nofathertoshareinit,nonursemaidtodisputethewisdomofanythingshedidwithit.Shesangtoit,shetossedit;itcrowedanditlaughedbackagain,tillbothwereweary;andthenshewouldsitdownonabrokenpieceofrock,andfalltogazingontheadvancingwavescatchingthesunlightontheircrests,advancing,receding,foreverandforever,astheyhaddoneallherlifelong--astheydidwhenshehadwalkedwiththemthatonceby


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thesideofKinraid;thosecruelwavesthat,forgetfulofthehappylovers'talkbythesideoftheirwaters,hadcarriedoneaway,anddrownedhimdeeptillhewasdead.Everytimeshesatedowntolookatthesea,thisprocessofthoughtwasgonethroughuptothispoint;thenextstepwould,sheknew,bringhertothequestionshedarednot,mustnotask.Hewasdead;hemustbedead;forwasshenotPhilip'swife?ThencameuptherecollectionofPhilip'sspeech,neverforgotten,onlyburiedoutofsight:'Whatkindofawomanareyo'togoondreamingofanotherman,andyo'aweddedwife?'Sheusedtoshudderasifcoldsteelhadbeenplungedintoherwarm,livingbodyassherememberedthesewords;cruelwords,harmlesslyprovoked.Theyweretoomuchassociatedwithphysicalpainstobedweltupon;onlytheirmemorywasalwaysthere.Shepaidforthesehappyrambleswithherbabybythedepressionwhichawaitedheronherre-entranceintothedark,confinedhousethatwasherhome;itsveryfulnessofcomfortwasanoppression.Then,whenherhusbandsawherpaleandfatigued,hewasannoyed,andsometimesupbraidedherfordoingwhatwassounnecessaryastoloadherselfwithherchild.Sheknewfullwellitwasnotthatthatcausedherweariness.By-and-by,whenheinquiredanddiscoveredthatallthesewalksweretakeninonedirection,outtowardsthesea,hegrewjealousofherlovefortheinanimateocean.WasitconnectedinhermindwiththethoughtofKinraid?Whydidshesoperseveringly,inwindorcold,goouttothesea-shore;thewesternside,too,where,ifshewent

butfarenough,shewouldcomeuponthemouthoftheHaytersbankgully,thepointatwhichshehadlastseenKinraid?SuchfancieshauntedPhilip'smindforhoursaftershehadacknowledgedthedirectionofherwalks.Butheneversaidawordthatcoulddistinctlytellherhedislikedhergoingtothesea,otherwiseshewouldhaveobeyedhiminthis,asineverythingelse;forabsoluteobediencetoherhusbandseemedtobeherruleoflifeatthisperiod--obediencetohimwhowouldsogladlyhaveobeyedhersmallestwishhadshebutexpressedit!SheneverknewthatPhiliphadanypainfulassociationwiththeparticularpointonthesea-shorethatsheinstinctivelyavoided,bothfromaconsciousnessofwifelyduty,andalsobecausethesightofitbroughtupsomuchsharppain.

Philipusedtowonderifthedreamthatprecededherillnesswasthesuggestivecausethatdrewhersooftentotheshore.Herillnessconsequentuponthatdreamhadfilledhismind,sothatformanymonthshehimselfhadhadnohauntingvisionofKinraidtodisturbhisslumbers.ButnowtheolddreamofKinraid'sactualpresencebyPhilip'sbedsidebegantoreturnwithfearfulvividness.Nightafternightitrecurred;eachtimewithsomenewtouchofreality,andcloseapproach;tillitwasasifthefatethatovertakesallmenwerethen,eventhen,knockingathisdoor.

InhisbusinessPhilipprospered.Menpraisedhimbecausehedidwelltohimself.Hehadtheperseverance,thecapabilityfor

head-workandcalculation,thesteadinessandgeneralforethoughtwhichmighthavemadehimagreatmerchantifhehadlivedinalargecity.Withoutanyeffortofhisown,almost,too,withoutCoulson'sbeingawareofit,Philipwasnowinthepositionofsuperiorpartner;theonetosuggestandarrange,whileCoulsononlycarriedouttheplansthatemanatedfromPhilip.Thewholeworkoflifewassuitedtotheman:hedidnotaspiretoanydifferentposition,onlytothefulldevelopmentofthecapabilitiesofthatwhichhealreadyheld.Hehadoriginatedseveralfreshschemeswithregardtothetrafficoftheshop;andhisoldmasters,withall


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theirloveoftriedways,anddistrustofeverythingnew,hadbeencandidenoughtoconfessthattheirsuccessors'planshadresultedinsuccess.'Theirsuccessors.'Philipwascontentwithhavingthepowerwhentheexerciseofitwasrequired,andnevernamedhisownimportantshareinthenewimprovements.Possibly,ifhehad,Coulson'svanitymighthavetakenthealarm,andhemightnothavebeensoacquiescentforthefuture.Asitwas,heforgothisownsubordinateshare,andalwaysusedtheimperial'we','wethought','itstruckus,'&c.

CHAPTERXXXII

RESCUEDFROMTHEWAVES

MeanwhileHestercameandwentasusual;insoquietandmethodical

away,withsoevenandundisturbedatemper,thatshewasalmostforgottenwheneverythingwentwellintheshoporhousehold.Shewasastar,thebrightnessofwhichwasonlyrecognizedintimesofdarkness.SheherselfwasalmostsurprisedatherownincreasingregardforSylvia.ShehadnotthoughtsheshouldeverbeabletolovethewomanwhohadbeensuchalaggardinacknowledgingPhilip'smerits;andfromallshehadeverheardofSylviabeforeshecametoknowher,fromtheangrywordswithwhichSylviahadreceivedherwhenshehadfirstgonetoHaytersbankFarm,Hesterhadintendedtoremainonfriendlyterms,buttoavoidintimacy.ButherkindnesstoBellRobsonhadwonboththemother'sanddaughter'shearts;andinspiteofherself,certainlyagainstherownmother'sadvice,shehadbecomethefamiliarfriendandwelcomeguestofthehousehold.

NowtheverychangeinSylvia'swholemannerandways,whichgrievedandvexedPhilip,madehiswifethemoreattractivetoHester.BroughtupamongQuakers,althoughnotoneherself,sheadmiredandrespectedthestaidnessandoutwardpeacefulnesscommonamongsttheyoungwomenofthatsect.Sylvia,whomshehadexpectedtofindvolatile,talkative,vain,andwilful,wasquietandstill,asifshehadbeenbornaFriend:sheseemedtohavenowillofherown;sheservedhermotherandchildforlove;sheobeyedherhusbandinallthings,andneverappearedtopineaftergaietyorpleasure.AndyetattimesHesterthought,orratheraflashcameacrosshermind,asifallthingswerenotasrightastheyseemed.Philiplookedolder,morecare-worn;nay,evenHesterwasobligedtoallowto

herselfthatshehadheardhimspeaktohiswifeinsharp,aggrievedtones.InnocentHester!shecouldnotunderstandhowtheveryqualitiesshesoadmiredinSylviawerejustwhatweresoforeigntohernaturethatthehusband,whohadknownherfromachild,feltwhatanunnaturalrestraintshewasputtinguponherself,andwouldhavehailedpetulantwordsorwilfulactionswithanunspeakablethankfulnessforrelief.

Oneday--itwasinthespringof1798--HesterwasengagedtostaytoteawiththeHepburns,inorderthatafterthatearlymealshemight


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settoagaininhelpingPhilipandCoulsontopackawaythewinterclothsandflannels,forwhichtherewasnolongeranyuse.Thetea-timewashalf-pastfour;aboutfouro'clockaheavyAprilshowercameon,thehailpatteringagainstthewindow-panessoastoawakenMrs.Robsonfromherafternoon'snap.Shecamedownthecorkscrewstairs,andfoundPhoebeintheparlourarrangingthetea-things.

PhoebeandMrs.RobsonwerebetterfriendsthanPhoebeandheryoungmistress;andsotheybegantotalkalittletogetherinacomfortable,familiarway.OnceortwicePhiliplookedin,asifhewouldbegladtoseethetea-tableinreadiness;andthenPhoebewouldputonaspurtofbusybustle,whichceasedalmostassoonashisbackwasturned,soeagerwasshetoobtainMrs.Robson'ssympathyinsomelittledisputethathadoccurredbetweenherandthenurse-maid.Thelatterhadmisappropriatedsomehotwater,preparedandrequiredbyPhoebe,tothewashingofthebaby'sclothes;itwasalongstory,andwouldhavetiredthepatienceofanyoneinfullpossessionoftheirsenses;butthedetailswerejustwithinpoorBell'scomprehension,andshewaslisteningwiththegreatestsympathy.Boththewomenwereunawareofthelapseoftime;butitwasofconsequencetoPhilip,astheextralabourwasnottobebegununtilaftertea,andthedaylighthourswereprecious.

AtaquartertofiveHesterandhecamein,andthenPhoebebegantohurry.HesterwentuptositbyBellandtalktoher.PhilipspoketoPhoebeinthefamiliarwordsofcountry-folk.Indeed,untilhismarriage,PhoebehadalwayscalledhimbyhisChristianname,andhadfounditverydifficulttochangeitinto'master.'

'Where'sSylvie?'saidhe.

'Goneoutwi't'babby,'repliedPhoebe.

'Whycan'tNancycarryitout?'askedPhilip.

Itwastouchingontheoldgrievance:hewastired,andhespoke

withsharpannoyance.Phoebemighteasilyhavetoldhimtherealstateofthecase;Nancywasbusyatherwashing,whichwouldhavebeenreasonenough.Butthenursemaidhadvexedher,andshedidnotlikePhilip'ssharpness,sosheonlysaid,--

'It'snoaneo'mybusiness;it'syo't'lookafteryo'rownwifeandchild;butyo'rbutaladaftera'.'

Thiswasnotconciliatoryspeech,andjustputthelaststroketoPhilip'sfitofill-temper.

'I'mnotformyteato-night,'saidhe,toHester,whenallwasready.'Sylvie'snothere,andnothingisnice,orasitshouldbe.

I'llgoandsettoont'stock-taking.Don'tyo'hurry,Hester;stopandchatabitwithth'oldlady.'

'Nay,Philip,'saidHester,'thou'ssadlytired;justtakethiscupo'tea;Sylvia'llbegrievedifyo'haven'tsomething.'

'Sylviadoesn'tcarewhetherI'mfullorfasting,'repliedhe,impatientlyputtingasidethecup.'Ifshedidshe'dha'takencaretobein,andha'seentothingsbeingasIlikethem.'


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NowingeneralPhilipwastheleastparticularofmenaboutmeals;andtodoSylviajustice,shewasscrupulouslyattentivetoeveryhouseholddutyinwhicholdPhoebewouldallowhertomeddle,andalwayscarefultoseeafterherhusband'scomforts.ButPhilipwastoovexedatherabsencetoperceivetheinjusticeofwhathewassaying,norwasheawarehowBellRobsonhadbeenattendingtowhathesaid.Butshewassadlydiscomfitedbyit,understandingjustenoughofthegrievanceinhandtothinkthatherdaughterwasneglectfulofthosedutieswhichsheherselfhadalwaysregardedasparamounttoallothers;norcouldHesterconvinceherthatPhiliphadnotmeantwhathesaid;neithercouldsheturnthepooroldwoman'sthoughtsfromthewordswhichhadcausedherdistress.

PresentlySylviacamein,brightandcheerful,althoughbreathlesswithhurry.

'Oh,'saidshe,takingoffherwetshawl,'we'vehadtoshelterfromsuchastormofrain,babyandme--butsee!she'snonetheworseforit,asbonnyasiver,blessher.'

HesterbegansomespeechofadmirationforthechildinordertopreventBellfromdeliveringthelectureshefeltsurewascomingdownontheunsuspectingSylvia;butallinvain.

'Philip'sbeencomplainingonthee,Sylvie,'saidBell,inthewayinwhichshehadspokentoherdaughterwhenshewasalittlechild;graveandsevereintoneandlook,morethaninwords.'Iforgetjustlywhatabout,buthespokeonthyneglectinghimcontinual.It'snotright,mylass,it'snotright;awomanshould--butmyhead'sverytired,andallIcanthinkontosayis,it'snotright.'

'Philipbeencomplainingofme,andtomother!'saidSylvia,readytoburstintotears,sogrievedandangrywasshe.

'No!'saidHester,'thymotherhastakenitalittletoostrong;hewerevexedlikeathisteanotbeingready.'

Sylviasaidnomore,butthebrightcolourfadedfromhercheek,andthecontractionofcarereturnedtoherbrow.Sheoccupiedherselfwithtakingoffherbaby'swalkingthings.Hesterlingered,anxioustosootheandmakepeace;shewaslookingsorrowfullyatSylvia,whenshesawtearsdroppingonthebaby'scloak,andthenitseemedasifshemustspeakawordofcomfortbeforegoingtotheshop-work,wheresheknewshewasexpectedbybothPhilipandCoulson.Shepouredoutacupoftea,andcomingcloseuptoSylvia,andkneelingdownbyher,shewhispered,--

'Justtakehimthisintot'ware-room;it'llputalltorightsifthou'lltakeittohimwi'thyownhands.'

Sylvialookedup,andHesterthenmorefullysawhowshehadbeencrying.Shewhisperedinreply,forfearofdisturbinghermother,--

'Idon'tmindanythingbuthisspeakingillonmetomother.IknowI'mforivertryingandtryingtobeagoodwifetohim,an'it'sverydullwork;harderthanyo'thinkon,Hester,--an'Iwouldha'beenhomeforteato-nightonlyIwasafearedofbabygettingwetwi't'stormo'hailaswehaddownont'shore;andweshelteredunderarock.It'sawearycominghometothisdarkplace,andto


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findmyownmothersetagainstme.'

'Takehimhistea,likeagoodlassie.I'llanswerforithe'llbeallright.Amantakesithardlywhenhecomesintired,a-thinkinghiswife'11betheretocheerhimupabit,tofindheroff,andniverknownoughtoft'reasonwhy.'

'I'mgladenoughI'vegettenababy,'saidSylvia,'butforaughtelseIwishI'dniverbeenmarried,Ido!'

'Hushthee,lass!'saidHester,risingupindignant;'nowthatisasin.Eh!ifthouonlyknewtheloto'somefolk.Butlet'stalknomoreonthat,thatcannotbehelped;go,takehimhistea,forit'sasadthingtothinkonhimfastingallthistime.'

Hester'svoicewasraisedbythesimplefactofherchangeofposition;andthewordfastingcaughtMrs.Robson'sear,asshesateatherknittingbythechimney-corner.

'Fasting?hesaidthoudidn'tcareifhewerefullorfasting.Lassie!it'snotrightinthee,Isay;go,takehimhisteaatonce.'

Sylviarose,andgaveupthebaby,whichshehadbeensuckling,to

Nancy,whohavingdoneherwashing,hadcomeforhercharge,toputittobed.Sylviakisseditfondly,makingalittlemoanofsad,passionatetendernessasshedidso.Thenshetookthecupoftea;butshesaid,ratherdefiantly,toHester,--

'I'llgotohimwithit,becausemotherbidsme,andit'lleasehermind.'

Thenloudertohermother,sheadded,--

'Mother,I'lltakehimhistea,thoughIcouldn'thelpthebeingout.'

Iftheactitselfwasconciliatory,thespiritinwhichshewasgoingtodoitwasthereverse.Hesterfollowedherslowlyintotheware-room,withintentionaldelay,thinkingthatherpresencemightbeanobstacletotheirmutuallyunderstandingoneanother.SylviaheldthecupandplateofbreadandbutterouttoPhilip,butavoidedmeetinghiseye,andsaidnotawordofexplanation,orregret,orself-justification.Ifshehadspoken,thougheversocrossly,Philipwouldhavebeenrelieved,andwouldhavepreferredittohersilence.Hewantedtoprovokehertospeech,butdidnotknowhowtobegin.

'Thou'sbeenoutagainwanderingonthatsea-shore!'saidhe.Shedidnotanswerhim.'Icannotthinkwhat'salwaystakingtheethere,

whenonewouldha'thoughtawalkuptoEsdalewouldbefarmoresheltered,bothfortheeandbabyinsuchweatherasthis.Thou'llbehavingthatbabyillsomeofthesedays.'

Atthis,shelookedupathim,andherlipsmovedasthoughsheweregoingtosaysomething.Oh,howhewishedshewould,thattheymightcometoawholesomequarrel,andamakingfriendsagain,andatenderkissing,inwhichhemightwhisperpenitenceforallhishastywords,orunreasonablevexation.Butshehadcomeresolvednottospeak,forfearofshowingtoomuchpassion,toomuchemotion.


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Onlyasshewasgoingawaysheturnedandsaid,--

'Philip,motherhasn'tmanymoreyearstolive;dunnotgrieveher,andsetheragain'mebyfindingfaultwi'meaforeher.Ourbeingwedwereagreatmistake;butbeforet'pooroldwidowwomanletusmakeasifwewerehappy.'

'Sylvie!Sylvie!'hecalledafterher.Shemusthaveheard,butshedidnotturn.Hewentafterher,andseizedherbythearmratherroughly;shehadstunghimtotheheartwithhercalmwords,whichseemedtorevealalong-formedconviction.

'Sylvie!'saidhe,almostfiercely,'whatdoyo'meanbywhatyou'vesaid?Speak!Iwillhaveananswer.'

Healmostshookher:shewashalffrightenedbyhisvehemenceofbehaviour,whichshetookforpureanger,whileitwastheoutburstofagonizedandunrequitedlove.

'Letmego!Oh,Philip,yo'hurtme!'

JustatthismomentHestercameup;Philipwasashamedofhispassionatewaysinherserenepresence,andloosenedhisgraspofhiswife,andsheranaway;ranintohermother'semptyroom,asto

asolitaryplace,andthereburstintothatsobbing,miserablecryingwhichweinstinctivelyknowistoosurelylesseningthelengthofourdaysonearthtobeindulgedinoften.

Whenshehadexhaustedthatfirstburstandlayweakandquietforatime,shelistenedindreadingexpectationofthesoundofhisfootstepcominginsearchofhertomakefriends.Buthewasdetainedbelowonbusiness,andnevercame.Instead,hermothercameclamberingupthestairs;shewasnowinthehabitofgoingtobedbetweensevenandeight,andto-nightshewasretiringatevenanearlierhour.

Sylviasprangupanddrewdownthewindow-blind,andmadeherface

andmannerascomposedaspossible,inordertosootheandcomforthermother'slastwakinghours.Shehelpedhertobedwithgentlepatience;therestraintimposeduponherbyhertenderfiliallovewasgoodforher,thoughallthetimeshewaslongingtobealonetohaveanotherwildoutburst.Whenhermotherwasgoingofftosleep,Sylviawenttolookatherbaby,alsoinasoftsleep.Thenshegazedoutattheeveningsky,highabovethetiledroofsoftheoppositehouses,andthelongingtobeoutunderthepeacefulheavenstookpossessionofheroncemore.

'It'smyonlycomfort,'saidshetoherself;'andthere'snoearthlyharminit.Iwouldha'beenathometohistea,ifIcould;butwhenhedoesn'twantme,andmotherdoesn'twantme,andbabyis

eitherinmyarmsorasleep;why,I'llgoanycrymyfilloutunderyongreatquietsky.Icannotstayint'housetobechokedupwi'mytears,noryettohavehimcomingaboutmeeitherforscoldingorpeace-making.'

Sosheputonherthingsandwentoutagain;thistimealongtheHighStreet,andupthelongflightsofstepstowardstheparishchurch,andthereshestoodandthoughtthathereshehadfirstmetKinraid,atDarley'sburying,andshetriedtorecalltheverylookofallthesad,earnestfacesroundtheopengrave--thewholescene,


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infact;andletherselfgivewaytothemiserableregretsshehadsooftentriedtocontrol.Thenshewalkedon,cryingbitterly,almostunawarestoherself;onthroughthehigh,bleakfieldsatthesummitofthecliffs;fieldsboundedbyloosestonefences,andfarfromallsightofthehabitationofman.But,below,thesearoseandraged;itwashighwateratthehighesttide,andthewindblewgustilyfromtheland,vainlycombatingthegreatwavesthatcameinvinciblyupwitharoarandanimpotentfuriousdashagainstthebaseofthecliffsbelow.

Sylviaheardthesoundofthepassionaterushandreboundofmanywaters,liketheshockofmightyguns,whenevertheothersoundoftheblusteringgustywindwaslulledforaninstant.Shewasmorequietedbythistempestoftheelementsthanshewouldhavebeenhadallnatureseemedasstillasshehadimaginedittobewhileshewasyetin-doorsandonlysawapartoftheserenesky.

Shefixedonacertainpoint,inherownmind,whichshewouldreach,andthenturnbackagain.Itwaswheretheoutlineofthelandcurvedinwards,dippingintoalittlebay.Herethefield-pathshehadhithertofolloweddescendedsomewhatabruptlytoaclusteroffishermen'scottages,hardlylargeenoughtobecalledavillage;andthenthenarrowroadwaywounduptherisinggroundtillitagainreachedthesummitofthecliffsthatstretchedalongthecoastfor

manyandmanyamile.

Sylviasaidtoherselfthatshewouldturnhomewardswhenshecamewithinsightofthiscove,--HeadlingtonCove,theycalledit.Allthewayalongshehadmetnoonesinceshehadleftthetown,butjustasshehadgotoverthelaststile,orladderofstepping-stones,intothefieldfromwhichthepathdescended,shecameuponanumberofpeople--quiteacrowd,infact;menmovingforwardinasteadyline,haulingatarope,achain,orsomethingofthatkind;boys,children,andwomenholdingbabiesintheirarms,asifallwerefaintocomeoutandpartakeinsomegeneralinterest.

Theykeptwithinacertaindistancefromtheedgeofthecliff,andSylvia,advancingalittle,nowsawthereasonwhy.Thegreatcablethemenheldwasattachedtosomepartofasmack,whichcouldnowbeseenbyherinthewatersbelow,halfdismantled,andallbutawreck,yetwithherdeckcoveredwithlivingmen,asfarasthewaninglightwouldallowhertosee.Thevesselstrainedtogetfreeofthestrongguidingcable;thetidewasturning,thewindwasblowingoffshore,andSylviaknewwithoutbeingtold,thatalmostparalleltothiswasalineofsunkenrocksthathadbeenfataltomanyashipbeforenow,ifshehadtriedtotaketheinnerchannelinsteadofkeepingouttoseaformiles,andthensteeringinstraightforMonkshavenport.Andtheshipsthathadbeenthuslosthadbeeningoodplightandordercomparedtothisvessel,which

seemednothingbutahullwithoutmastorsail.

Bythistime,thecrowd--thefishermenfromthehamletdownbelow,withtheirwivesandchildren--allhadcomebutthebedridden--hadreachedtheplacewhereSylviastood.Thewomen,inastateofwildexcitement,rushedon,encouragingtheirhusbandsandsonsbywords,evenwhiletheyhinderedthembyactions;and,fromtimetotime,oneofthemwouldruntotheedgeofthecliffandshoutoutsomebravewordsofhopeinhershrillvoicetothecrewonthedeckbelow.Whethertheselatterhearditornot,noonecouldtell;but


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itseemedasifallhumanvoicemustbelostinthetempestuousstunandtumultofwindandwave.Itwasgenerallyawomanwithachildinherarmswhosoemployedherself.Asthestrainuponthecablebecamegreater,andthegroundonwhichtheystrovemoreuneven,everyhandwasneededtoholdandpush,andallthosewomenwhowereunencumberedheldbythedearropeonwhichsomanylivesweredepending.Ontheycame,alonglineofhumanbeings,blackagainsttheruddysunsetsky.AstheycamenearSylvia,awomancriedout,--

'Dunnotstandidle,lass,buthoudonwi'us;there'smanyabonnylifeatstake,andmanyamother'shearta-hangin'onthisbito'hemp.Tak'houd,lass,andgiveafirmgrip,andGodremembertheei'thyneed.'

Sylvianeedednosecondword;aplacewasmadeforher,andinaninstantmoretheropewaspullingagainstherhandstillitseemedasthoughshewasholdingfireinherbarepalms.Neveraoneofthemthoughtoflettinggoforaninstant,thoughwhenallwasovermanyoftheirhandswererawandbleeding.Somestrong,experiencedfishermenpassedawordalongthelinefromtimetotime,givingdirectionsastohowitshouldbeheldaccordingtovaryingoccasions;butfewamongtheresthadbreathorstrengthenoughtospeak.Thewomenandchildrenthataccompaniedthemranonbefore,breakingdowntheloosestonefences,soastoobviatedelayor

hindrance;theytalkedcontinually,exhorting,encouraging,explaining.Fromtheirmanywordsandfragmentarysentences,SylvialearntthatthevesselwassupposedtobeaNewcastlesmacksailingfromLondon,thathadtakenthedangerousinnerchanneltosavetime,andhadbeencaughtinthestorm,whichshewastoocrazytowithstand;andthatifbysomedaringcontrivanceofthefishermenwhohadfirstseenherthecablehadnotbeengotashore,shewouldhavebeencastupontherocksbeforethis,and'allonboardperished'.

'Itweredayleetthen,'quothonewoman;'acouldseetheirfaces,theyweresonear.Theywereaspaleasdeadmen,an'onewasprayin'downonhisknees.Therewasaking'sofficeraboard,forI

sawt'gowdabouthim.'

'He'dmaybecomefromthesehom'ardparts,andbecomin'toseehisownfolk;elseit'snocommonforking'sofficerstosailinaughtbutking'sships.'

'Eh!butit'sgettin'dark!Seethere'st'leeghtsint'housesint'NewTown!T'grassiscrispin'wi't'whitefrostunderoutfeet.It'llbeahardtugroundt'point,andthenshe'llbegettin'intostillwaters.'

Onemoregreatpushandmightystrain,andthedangerwaspast;thevessel--orwhatremainedofher--wasintheharbour,amongthe

lightsandcheerfulsoundsofsafety.Thefishermensprangdowntheclifftothequay-side,anxioustoseethemenwhoselivestheyhadsaved;thewomen,wearyandover-excited,begantocry.NotSylvia,however;herfountoftearshadbeenexhaustedearlierintheday:herprincipalfeelingwasofgladnessandhighrejoicingthattheyweresavedwhohadbeensoneartodeathnothalfanhourbefore.

Shewouldhavelikedtohaveseenthemen,andshakenhandswiththemallround.Butinsteadshemustgohome,andwellwoulditbewithherifshewasintimeforherhusband'ssupper,andescaped


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anynoticeofherabsence.Sosheseparatedherselffromthegroupsofwomenwhosateonthegrassinthechurchyard,awaitingthereturnofsuchoftheirhusbandsascouldresistthefascinationsoftheMonkshavenpublichouses.AsSylviawentdownthechurchsteps,shecameupononeofthefishermenwhohadhelpedtotowthevesselintoport.

'Therewasseventeenmenandboysaboardher,andanavy-lieutenantashadcomedaspassenger.Itwereagoodjobaswecouldmanageher.Good-neettothee,thou'llsleepallt'sounderforhavin'lentahand.'

Thestreetairfelthotandcloseafterthesharpkeenatmosphereoftheheightsabove;thedecentshopsandhouseshadalltheirshuttersputup,andwerepreparingfortheirearlybed-time.Alreadylightsshonehereandthereintheupperchambers,andSylviascarcelymetanyone.

Shewentroundupthepassagefromthequay-side,andinbytheprivatedoor.Allwasstill;thebasinsofbreadandmilkthatsheandherhusbandwereinthehabitofhavingforsupperstoodinthefenderbeforethefire,eachwithaplateuponthem.Nancyhadgonetobed,Phoebedozedinthekitchen;Philipwasstillintheware-room,arranginggoodsandtakingstockalongwithCoulson,for

Hesterhadgonehometohermother.

SylviawasnotwillingtogoandseekoutPhilip,afterthemannerinwhichtheyhadparted.Allthedespondencyofherlifebecamepresenttoheragainasshesatedownwithinherhome.Shehadforgottenitinherinterestandexcitement,butnowitcamebackagain.

Stillshewashungry,andyouthful,andtired.Shetookherbasinup,andwaseatinghersupperwhensheheardacryofherbabyupstairs,andranawaytoattendtoit.Whenithadbeenfedandhushedawaytosleep,shewentintoseehermother,attractedbysomeunusualnoiseinherroom.

ShefoundMrs.Robsonawake,andrestless,andailing;dwellingmuchonwhatPhiliphadsaidinhisangeragainstSylvia.Itwasreallynecessaryforherdaughtertoremainwithher;soSylviastoleout,andwentquicklydown-stairstoPhilip--nowsittingtiredandwornout,andeatinghissupperwithlittleornoappetite--andtoldhimshemeanttopassthenightwithhermother.

Hisanswerofacquiescencewassoshortandcareless,orsoitseemedtoher,thatshedidnottellhimanymoreofwhatshehaddoneorseenthatevening,orevendwelluponanydetailsofhermother'sindisposition.

Assoonasshehadlefttheroom,Philipsetdownhishalf-finishedbasinofbreadandmilk,andsatelong,hisfacehiddeninhisfoldedarms.Thewickofthecandlegrewlongandblack,andfell,andsputtered,andguttered;hesateon,unheedingeitheritorthepalegrayfirethatwasdyingout--deadatlast.


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CHAPTERXXXIII

ANAPPARITION

Mrs.Robsonwasverypoorlyallnightlong.Uneasythoughtsseemedtohauntandperplexherbrain,andsheneithersleptnorwoke,butwasrestlessanduneasyinhertalkandmovements.

Sylvialaydownbyher,butgotsolittlesleep,thatatlengthshepreferredsittingintheeasy-chairbythebedside.Hereshedroppedofftoslumberinspiteofherself;thesceneoftheeveningbeforeseemedtoberepeated;thecriesofthemanypeople,theheavyroaranddashofthethreateningwaves,wererepeatedinherears;andsomethingwassaidtoherthroughalltheconflictingnoises,--whatitwasshecouldnotcatch,thoughshestrainedtohearthehoarsemurmurthat,inherdream,shebelievedtoconveyameaningoftheutmostimportancetoher.

Thisdream,thatmysterious,onlyhalf-intelligiblesound,recurred

whenevershedozed,andherinabilitytohearthewordsuttereddistressedhersomuch,thatatlengthshesateboltupright,resolvedtosleepnomore.Hermotherwastalkinginahalf-consciousway;Philip'sspeechoftheeveningbeforewasevidentlyrunninginhermind.

'Sylvie,ifthou'renotagoodwifetohim,it'lljustbreakmyheartoutright.Awomanshouldobeyherhusband,andnotgoherowngait.Ineverleavethehousewi'outtellingfather,andgettinghisleave.'

Andthenshebegantocrypitifully,andtosayunconnectedthings,tillSylvia,tosootheher,tookherhand,andpromisedneverto

leavethehousewithoutaskingherhusband'spermission,thoughinmakingthispromise,shefeltasifsheweresacrificingherlastpleasuretohermother'swish;forsheknewwellenoughthatPhilipwouldalwaysraiseobjectionstotherambleswhichremindedherofheroldfreeopen-airlife.

Buttocomfortandcherishhermothershewouldhavedoneanything;yetthisverymorningthatwasdawning,shemustgoandaskhispermissionforasimpleerrand,orbreakherword.

Sheknewfromexperiencethatnothingquietedhermothersowellasbalm-tea;itmightbethattheherbreallypossessedsomesedativepower;itmightbeonlyearlyfaith,andoftenrepeatedexperience,

butithadalwayshadatranquillizingeffect;andmorethanonce,duringtherestlesshoursofthenight,Mrs.Robsonhadaskedforit;butSylvia'sstockoflastyear'sdeadleaveswasexhausted.StillsheknewwhereaplantofbalmgrewintheshelteredcornerofHaytersbankFarmgarden;sheknewthatthetenantswhohadsucceededthemintheoccupationofthefarmhadhadtoleaveitinconsequenceofadeath,andthattheplacewasunoccupied;andinthedarknessshehadplannedthatifshecouldleavehermotherafterthedawncame,andshehadattendedtoherbaby,shewouldwalkquicklytotheoldgarden,andgatherthetendersprigswhich


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shewassuretofindthere.

NowshemustgoandaskPhilip;andtillsheheldherbabytoherbreast,shebitterlywishedthatshewerefreefromthedutiesandchainsofmatrimony.Butthetouchofitswaxenfingers,theholdofitslittlemouth,madeherrelaxintodocilityandgentleness.ShegaveitbacktoNancytobedressed,andsoftlyopenedthedoorofPhilip'sbed-room.

'Philip!'saidshe,gently.'Philip!'

Hestartedupfromdreamsofher;ofher,angry.Hesawherthere,ratherpalewithhernight'swatchandanxiety,butlookingmeek,andalittlebeseeching.

'Motherhashadsuchabadnight!shefanciedonceassomebalm-teawoulddohergood--itallaysusedto:butmydriedbalmisallgone,andIthoughtthere'dbesuretobesomeint'oldgardenatHaytersbank.Feytherplantedabushjustformother,wheereitallayscameupearly,night'oldelder-tree;andifyo'dnotmind,Icouldruntheerewhileshesleeps,andbebackagaininanhour,andit'snotsevennow.'

'Thou'snotwearthyselfoutwithrunning,Sylvie,'saidPhilip,

eagerly;'I'llgetupandgomyself,or,perhaps,'continuedhe,catchingtheshadowthatwascomingoverherface,'thou'drathergothyself:it'sonlythatI'msoafraidofthytiringthyself.'

'It'llnottireme,'saidSylvia.'AforeIwasmarried,Iwasoutoftenfarfartherthanthat,afieldtofetchupt'kine,beforemybreakfast.'

'Well,goifthouwill,'saidPhilip.'Butgetsomewhattoeatfirst,anddon'thurry;there'snoneedforthat.'

Shehadgotherhatandshawl,andwasoffbeforehehadfinishedhislastwords.

ThelongHighStreetwasalmostemptyofpeopleatthatearlyhour;onesidewasentirelycoveredbythecoolmorningshadowwhichlayonthepavement,andcreptuptheoppositehousestillonlythetopmoststorycaughttherosysunlight.Upthehill-road,throughthegapinthestonewall,acrossthedewyfields,Sylviawentbytheveryshortestpathsheknew.

ShehadonlyoncebeenatHaytersbanksinceherwedding-day.Onthatoccasiontheplacehadseemedstrangelyanddissonantlychangedbythenumerouschildrenwhoweredivertingthemselvesbeforetheopendoor,andwhoseplaythingsandclothesstrewedthehouse-place,andmadeitonebusysceneofconfusionanduntidiness,morelikethe

Corneys'kitcheninformertimes,thanhermother'sorderlyandquietabode.Thoselittlechildrenwerefatherlessnow;andthehousewasshutup,awaitingtheentryofsomenewtenant.Therewerenoshutterstoshut;thelonglowwindowwasblinkingintheraysofthemorningsun;thehouseandcow-housedoorswereclosed,andnopoultrywanderedaboutthefieldinsearchofstraygrainsofcorn,orearlyworms.Itwasastrangeandunfamiliarsilence,andstrucksolemnlyonSylvia'smind.Onlyathrushintheoldorcharddowninthehollow,outofsight,whistledandgurgledwithcontinualshrillmelody.


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Sylviawentslowlypastthehouseanddownthepathleadingtothewild,desertedbitofgarden.Shesawthatthelasttenantshadhadapumpsunkforthem,andresentedtheinnovation,asthoughthewellshewaspassingcouldfeeltheinsult.Overitgrewtwohawthorntrees;onthebenttrunkofoneofthemsheusedtosit,longago:thecharmofthepositionbeingenhancedbythepossibledangeroffallingintothewellandbeingdrowned.Therustyunusedchainwaswoundroundthewindlass;thebucketwasfallingtopiecesfromdryness.Aleancatcamefromsomeouthouse,andmewedpitifullywithhunger;accompanyingSylviatothegarden,asifgladofsomehumancompanionship,yetrefusingtoallowitselftobetouched.Primrosesgrewintheshelteredplaces,justastheyformerlydid;andmadetheuncultivatedgroundseemlessdesertedthanthegarden,wherethelastyear'sweedswererottingaway,andcumberingtheground.

Sylviaforcedherwaythroughtheberrybushestotheherb-plot,andpluckedthetenderleavesshehadcometoseek;sighingalittleallthetime.Thensheretracedhersteps;pausedsoftlybeforethehouse-door,andenteredtheporchandkissedthesenselesswood.

Shetriedtotemptthepoorgauntcatintoherarms,meaningtocarryithomeandbefriendit;butitwasscaredbyherendeavour

andranbacktoitshomeintheouthouse,makingagreenpathacrossthewhitedewofthemeadow.ThenSylviabegantohastenhome,thinking,andremembering--atthestilethatledintotheroadshewasbroughtshortup.

Someonestoodinthelanejustontheothersideofthegap;hisbackwastothemorningsun;allshesawatfirstwastheuniformofanavalofficer,sowellknowninMonkshaveninthosedays.

Sylviawenthurryingpasthim,notlookingagain,althoughherclothesalmostbrushedhis,ashestoodtherestill.Shehadnotgoneayard--no,nothalfayard--whenherheartleapedupandfellagaindeadwithinher,asifshehadbeenshot.

'Sylvia!'hesaid,inavoicetremulouswithjoyandpassionatelove.'Sylvia!'

Shelookedround;hehadturnedalittle,sothatthelightfellstraightonhisface.Itwasbronzed,andthelineswerestrengthened;butitwasthesamefaceshehadlastseeninHaytersbankGullythreelongyearsago,andhadneverthoughttoseeinlifeagain.

Hewasclosetoherandheldouthisfondarms;shewentflutteringtowardstheirembrace,asifdrawnbytheoldfascination;butwhenshefeltthemcloseroundher,shestartedaway,andcriedoutwith

agreatpitifulshriek,andputherhandsuptoherforeheadasiftryingtoclearawaysomebewilderingmist.

Thenshelookedathimoncemore,aterriblestoryinhereyes,ifhecouldbuthavereadit.

Twicesheopenedherstifflipstospeak,andtwicethewordswereoverwhelmedbythesurgesofhermisery,whichborethembackintothedepthsofherheart.


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'Sylvia!onewouldthinkyouweren'tgladtoseemebackagainatlength.Ionlycameinlatelastnight,andmyfirstthoughtonwakeningwasofyou;ithasbeeneversinceIleftyou.'

Sylviatookherhandsawayfromherface;itwasgrayasthefaceofdeath;herawfuleyeswerepassionlessinherdespair.

'Wherehaveyo'been?'sheasked,inslow,hoarsetones,asifhervoicewerehalfstrangledwithinher.

'Been!'saidhe,aredlightcomingintohiseyes,ashebenthislooksuponher;now,indeed,atrueandnotanassumedsuspicionenteringhismind.

'Been!'herepeated;then,comingastepnearertoher,andtakingherhand,nottenderlythistime,butwitharesolutiontobesatisfied.

'Didnotyourcousin--Hepburn,Imean--didnothetellyou?--hesawthepress-gangseizeme,--Igavehimamessagetoyou--IbadeyoukeeptruetomeasIwouldbetoyou.'

Betweeneveryclauseofthisspeechhepausedandgaspedforher

answer;butnonecame.Hereyesdilatedandheldhissteadygazeprisoneraswithamagicalcharm--neithercouldlookawayfromtheother'swild,searchinggaze.Whenhehadended,shewassilentforamoment,thenshecriedout,shrillandfierce,--

'Philip!'Noanswer.

Wilderandshrillerstill,'Philip!'shecried.

Hewasinthedistantware-roomcompletingthelastnight'sworkbeforetheregularshophoursbegan;beforebreakfast,also,thathiswifemightnotfindhimwaitingandimpatient.

Heheardhercry;itcutthroughdoors,andstillair,andgreatbalesofwoollenstuff;hethoughtthatshehadhurtherself,thathermotherwasworse,thatherbabywasill,andhehastenedtothespotwhencethecryproceeded.

Onopeningthedoorthatseparatedtheshopfromthesitting-room,hesawthebackofanavalofficer,andhiswifeontheground,huddledupinaheap;whensheperceivedhimcomein,shedraggedherselfupbymeansofachair,gropinglikeablindperson,andcameandstoodfacinghim.

Theofficerturnedfiercelyround,andwouldhavecometowardsPhilip,whowassobewilderedbythescenethatevenyethedidnot

understandwhothestrangerwas,didnotperceiveforaninstantthathesawtherealizationofhisgreatestdread.

ButSylvialaidherhandonKinraid'sarm,andassumedtoherselftherightofspeech.Philipdidnotknowhervoice,itwassochanged.

'Philip,'shesaid,'thisisKinraidcomebackagaintowedme.Heisalive;hehasniverbeendead,onlytakenbyt'press-gang.Andhesaysyo'sawit,andknewitallt'time.Speak,wasitso?'


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Philipknewnotwhattosay,whithertoturn,underwhatrefugeofwordsoractstoshelter.

Sylvia'sinfluencewaskeepingKinraidsilent,buthewasrapidlypassingbeyondit.

'Speak!'hecried,looseninghimselffromSylvia'slightgrasp,andcomingtowardsPhilip,withathreateninggesture.'DidInotbidyoutellherhowitwas?DidInotbidyousayhowIwouldbefaithfultoher,andshewastobefaithfultome?Oh!youdamnedscoundrel!haveyoukeptitfromherallthattime,andletherthinkmedead,orfalse?Takethat!'

Hisclosedfistwasuptostriketheman,whohunghisheadwithbitterestshameandmiserableself-reproach;butSylviacameswiftbetweentheblowanditsvictim.

'Charley,thoushan'tstrikehim,'shesaid.'Heisadamnedscoundrel'(thiswassaidinthehardest,quietesttone)'butheismyhusband.'

'Oh!thoufalseheart!'exclaimedKinraid,turningsharponher.'IfeverItrustedwoman,Itrustedyou,SylviaRobson.'

Hemadeasthoughthrowingherfromhim,withagestureofcontemptthatstunghertolife.

'Oh,Charley!'shecried,springingtohim,'dunnotcutmetothequick;havepityonme,thoughhehadnone.Ididsolovethee;itwasmyveryheart-stringsasgavewaywhentheytoldmethouwasdrowned--feyther,andth'Corneys,andall,iverybody.Thyhatandt'bito'ribbonIgavetheewerefounddrenchedanddrippingwi'sea-water;andIwentmourningfortheeallthedaylong--dunnotturnawayfromme;onlyhearkenthisonce,andthenkillmedead,andI'llblessyo',--andhaveniverbeenmysel'since;niverceasedtofeelt'sungrowdarkandth'airchillanddrearywhenIthought

ont'timewhenthouwasalive.Idid,myCharley,myownlove!AndIthoughtthouwasdeadforiver,andIwishedIwerelyingbesidethee.Oh,Charley!Philip,theere,wherehestands,couldtellyo'thiswastrue.Philip,wasn'titso?'

'WouldGodIweredead!'moanedforththeunhappy,guiltyman.ButshehadturnedtoKinraid,andwasspeakingagaintohim,andneitherofthemheardorheededhim--theyweredrawingcloserandclosertogether--she,withhercheeksandeyesaflame,talkingeagerly.

'Andfeytherwastakenup,andallforsettingsomefreeast'press-ganghadgottenbyafoultrick;andhewereputi'York

prison,andtried,andhung!--hung!Charley!--goodkindfeytherwashungonagallows;andmotherlosthersenseandgrewsillyingrief,andwewereliketobeturnedoutont'wideworld,andpoormotherdateless--andIthoughtyo'weredead--oh!Ithoughtyo'weredead,Idid--oh,Charley,Charley!'

Bythistimetheywereineachother'sarms,shewithherheadonhisshoulder,cryingasifherheartwouldbreak.

Philipcameforwardsandtookholdofhertopullheraway;but


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Charleyheldhertight,mutelydefyingPhilip.UnconsciouslyshewasPhilip'sprotection,inthathourofdanger,fromablowwhichmighthavebeenhisdeathifstrongwillcouldhaveaidedittokill.

'Sylvie!'saidhe,graspinghertight.'Listentome.Hedidn'tloveyo'asIdid.Hehadlovedotherwomen.I,yo'--yo'alone.Helovedothergirlsbeforeyo',andhadleftoffloving'em.I--IwishGodwouldfreemyheartfromthepang;butitwillgoontillIdie,whetheryo'lovemeornot.Andthen--wherewasI?Oh!thatverynightthathewastaken,Iwasa-thinkingonyo'andonhim;andImightha'givenyo'hismessage,butIheardthemspeakingofhimasknewhimwell;talkingofhisfalsefickleways.HowwasItoknowhewouldkeeptruetothee?Itmightbeasininme,Icannotsay;myheartandmysensearegonedeadwithinme.Iknowthis,I'velovedyo'asnomanbutmeeverlovedbefore.Havesomepityandforgivenessonme,ifit'sonlybecauseI'vebeensotormentedwithmylove.'

Helookedatherwithfeverisheagerwistfulness;itfadedawayintodespairasshemadenosignofhavingevenheardhiswords.Heletgohisholdofher,andhisarmfelllooselybyhisside.

'Imaydie,'hesaid,'formylifeisended!'

'Sylvia!'spokeoutKinraid,boldandfervent,'yourmarriageisnomarriage.Youweretrickedintoit.Youaremywife,nothis.Iamyourhusband;weplightedeachotherourtroth.See!hereismyhalfofthesixpence.'

Hepulleditoutfromhisbosom,tiedbyablackribbonroundhisneck.

'Whentheystrippedmeandsearchedmeinth'Frenchprison,Imanagedtokeepthis.Noliescanbreaktheoathwesworetoeachother.Icangetyourpretenceofamarriagesetaside.I'minfavourwithmyadmiral,andhe'lldoadealforme,andbackmeout.Comewithme;yourmarriageshallbesetaside,andwe'llbemarried

again,allsquareandabove-board.Comeaway.Leavethatdamnedfellowtorepentofthetrickheplayedanhonestsailor;we'llbetrue,whateverhascomeandgone.Come,Sylvia.'

Hisarmwasroundherwaist,andhewasdrawinghertowardsthedoor,hisfaceallcrimsonwitheagernessandhope.Justthenthebabycried.

'Hark!'saidshe,startingawayfromKinraid,'baby'scryingforme.Hischild--yes,itishischild--I'dforgottenthat--forgottenall.I'llmakemyvownow,lestIlosemysel'again.I'llneverforgiveyonman,norlivewithhimashiswifeagain.Allthat'sdoneandended.He'sspoiltmylife,--he'sspoiltitforaslongasiverI

liveonthisearth;butneitheryo'norhimshallspoilmysoul.Itgoeshardwi'me,Charley,itdoesindeed.I'lljustgiveyo'onekiss--onelittlekiss--andthen,sohelpmeGod,I'llniverseenorheartill--no,notthat,notthatisneeded--I'llniversee--surethat'senough--I'llneverseeyo'againonthissideheaven,sohelpmeGod!I'mboundandtied,butI'veswornmyoathtohimaswellasyo':there'sthingsIwilldo,andthere'sthingsIwon't.Kissmeoncemore.Godhelpme,he'sgone!'


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CHAPTERXXXIV

ARECKLESSRECRUIT

Shelayacrossachair,herarmshelplesslystretchedout,herfaceunseen.Everynowandthenathrillranthroughherbody:shewastalkingtoherselfallthetimewithincessantlowincontinenceofwords.

Philipstoodnearher,motionless:hedidnotknowwhethershewasconsciousofhispresence;infact,heknewnothingbutthatheandsheweresunderedforever;hecouldonlytakeinthatoneidea,anditnumbedallotherthought.

Oncemoreherbabycriedforthecomfortshealonecouldgive.

Sherosetoherfeet,butstaggeredwhenshetriedtowalk;herglazedeyesfelluponPhilipasheinstinctivelymadeasteptoholdhersteady.Nolightcameintohereyesanymorethanifshehadlookeduponaperfectstranger;notevenwastherethecontractionofdislike.Someotherfigurefilledhermind,andshesawhimnomorethanshesawtheinanimatetable.Thatwayoflookingathimwitheredhimupmorethananysignofaversionwouldhavedone.

Hewatchedherlaboriouslyclimbthestairs,andvanishoutofsight;andsatdownwithasuddenfeelingofextremebodilyweakness.

Thedoorofcommunicationbetweentheparlourandtheshopwas

opened.ThatwasthefirsteventofwhichPhiliptooknote;butPhoebehadcomeinunawarestohim,withtheintentionofremovingthebreakfastthingsonherreturnfrommarket,andseeingthemunused,andknowingthatSylviahadsateupallnightwithhermother,shehadgonebacktothekitchen.Philiphadneitherseennorheardher.

NowCoulsoncamein,amazedatHepburn'snon-appearanceintheshop.

'Why!Philip,what'sado?Howillyo'look,man!'exclaimedhe,thoroughlyalarmedbyPhilip'sghastlyappearance.'What'sthematter?'

'I!'saidPhilip,slowlygatheringhisthoughts.'Whyshouldtherebeanythingthematter?'

Hisinstinct,quickertoactthanhisreason,madehimshrinkfromhismiserybeingnoticed,muchmoremadeanysubjectforexplanationorsympathy.

'Theremaybenothingthematterwi'thee,'saidCoulson,'butthou'sthelookofacorpseonthyface.Iwasafearedsomethingwaswrong,forit'shalf-pastnine,andtheesopunctual!'


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HealmostguardedPhilipintotheshop,andkeptfurtivelywatchinghim,andperplexinghimselfwithPhilip'sodd,strangeways.

Hester,

Documents

Sylvia's Lovers — Volume 3 by Gaskell, Elizabeth Cleghorn, 1810-1865