第3章

Thebedchamber，Nodoubt，wasachamberofverygreatandvariedexperience，asasceneofhumanlife:thejoyofbridalnightshadthrobbeditselfawayhere；newimmortalshadfirstdrawnearthlybreathhere；andhereoldpeoplehaddied。But——whetheritwerethewhiteroses，orwhateverthesubtileinfluencemightbe——apersonofdelicateinstinctwouldhaveknownatoncethatitwasnowamaiden’sbedchamber，andhadbeenpurifiedofallformerevilandsorrowbyhersweetbreathandhappythoughts。

Herdreamsofthepastnight，beingsuchcheerfulones，hadexorcisedthegloom，andnowhauntedthechamberinitsstead。

Afterarrangingmatterstohersatisfaction，Phoebeemergedfromherchamber，withapurposetodescendagainintothegarden。

Besidestherosebush，shehadobservedseveralotherspeciesofflowersgrowingthereinawildernessofneglect，andobstructingoneanother’sdevelopment(asisoftentheparallelcaseinhumansociety)bytheiruneducatedentanglementandconfusion。Attheheadofthestairs，however，shemetHepzibah，who，itbeingstillearly，invitedherintoaroomwhichshewouldprobablyhavecalledherboudoir，hadhereducationembracedanysuchFrenchphrase。

Itwasstrewnaboutwithafewoldbooks，andawork-basket，andadustywriting-desk；andhad，ononeside，alargeblackarticleoffurniture，ofverystrangeappearance，whichtheoldgentlewomantoldPhoebewasaharpsichord。Itlookedmorelikeacoffinthananythingelse；and，indeed，——nothavingbeenplayedupon，oropened，foryears，——theremusthavebeenavastdealofdeadmusicinit，stifledforwantofair。HumanfingerwashardlyknowntohavetoucheditschordssincethedaysofAlicePyncheon，whohadlearnedthesweetaccomplishmentofmelodyinEurope。

Hepzibahbadeheryoungguestsitdown，and，herselftakingachairnearby，lookedasearnestlyatPhoebe’strimlittlefigureasifsheexpectedtoseerightintoitsspringsandmotivesecrets。

"CousinPhoebe，"saidshe，atlast，"Ireallycan’tseemywaycleartokeepyouwithme。"

Thesewords，however，hadnottheinhospitablebluntnesswithwhichtheymaystrikethereader；forthetworelatives，inatalkbeforebedtime，hadarrivedatacertaindegreeofmutualunderstanding。Hepzibahknewenoughtoenablehertoappreciatethecircumstances(resultingfromthesecondmarriageofthegirl’smother)whichmadeitdesirableforPhoebetoestablishherselfinanotherhome。NordidshemisinterpretPhoebe’scharacter，andthegenialactivitypervadingit，——oneofthemostvaluabletraitsofthetrueNewEnglandwoman，——whichhadimpelledherforth，asmightbesaid，toseekherfortune，butwithaself-respectingpurposetoconferasmuchbenefitasshecouldanywisereceive。Asoneofhernearestkindred，shehadnaturallybetakenherselftoHepzibah，withnoideaofforcingherselfonhercousin’sprotection，butonlyforavisitofaweekortwo，whichmightbeindefinitelyextended，shoulditproveforthehappinessofboth。

ToHepzibah’sbluntobservation，therefore，Phoeberepliedasfrankly，andmorecheerfully。

"Dearcousin，Icannottellhowitwillbe，"saidshe。"ButIreallythinkwemaysuitoneanothermuchbetterthanyousuppose。"

"Youareanicegirl，——Iseeitplainly，"continuedHepzibah；"anditisnotanyquestionastothatpointwhichmakesmehesitate。

But，Phoebe，thishouseofmineisbutamelancholyplaceforayoungpersontobein。Itletsinthewindandrain，andtheSnow，too，inthegarretandupperchambers，inwinter-time，butitneverletsinthesunshine。Andasformyself，youseewhatIam，——adismalandlonesomeoldwoman(forIbegintocallmyselfold，Phoebe)，whosetemper，Iamafraid，isnoneofthebest，andwhosespiritsareasbadascanbeIcannotmakeyourlifepleasant，CousinPhoebe，neithercanIsomuchasgiveyoubreadtoeat。"

"Youwillfindmeacheerfullittle，body"answeredPhoebe，smiling，andyetwithakindofgentledignity。"andImeantoearnmybread。

YouknowIhavenotbeenbroughtupaPyncheon。AgirllearnsmanythingsinaNewEnglandvillage。"

"Ah！Phoebe，"saidHepzibah，sighing，"yourknowledgewoulddobutlittleforyouhere！Andthenitisawretchedthoughtthatyoushouldflingawayyouryoungdaysinaplacelikethis。

Thosecheekswouldnotbesorosyafteramonthortwo。Lookatmyface！"and，indeed，thecontrastwasverystriking，——"youseehowpaleIam！Itismyideathatthedustandcontinualdecayoftheseoldhousesareunwholesomeforthelungs。"

"Thereisthegarden，——theflowerstobetakencareof，"observedPhoebe。"Ishouldkeepmyselfhealthywithexerciseintheopenair。"

"And，afterall，child，"exclaimedHepzibah，suddenlyrising，asiftodismissthesubject，"itisnotformetosaywhoshallbeaguestorinhabitantoftheoldPyncheonHouse。Itsmasteriscoming。"

"DoyoumeanJudgePyncheon？"askedPhoebeinsurprise。

"JudgePyncheon！"answeredhercousinangrily。"HewillhardlycrossthethresholdwhileIlive！No，no！But，Phoebe，youshallseethefaceofhimIspeakof。"

Shewentinquestoftheminiaturealreadydescribed，andreturnedwithitinherhand。GivingittoPhoebe，shewatchedherfeaturesnarrowly，andwithacertainjealousyastothemodeinwhichthegirlwouldshowherselfaffectedbythepicture。

"Howdoyouliketheface？"askedHepzibah。

"Itishandsome！——itisverybeautiful！"saidPhoebeadmiringly。

"Itisassweetafaceasaman’scanbe，oroughttobe。Ithassomethingofachild’sexpression，——andyetnotchildish，——onlyonefeelssoverykindlytowardshim！Heoughtnevertosufferanything。Onewouldbearmuchforthesakeofsparinghimtoilorsorrow。Whoisit，CousinHepzibah？"

"Didyouneverhear，"whisperedhercousin，bendingtowardsher，"ofCliffordPyncheon？"

"Never。IthoughttherewerenoPyncheonsleft，exceptyourselfandourcousinJaffrey，"answeredPhoebe。"AndyetIseemtohaveheardthenameofCliffordPyncheon。Yes！——frommyfatherormymother。buthashenotbeenalongwhiledead？"

"Well，well，child，perhapshehas！"saidHepzibahwithasad，hollowlaugh；"but，inoldhouseslikethis，youknow，deadpeopleareveryapttocomebackagain！Weshallsee。And，CousinPhoebe，since，afterallthatIhavesaid，yourcouragedoesnotfailyou，wewillnotpartsosoon。Youarewelcome，mychild，forthepresent，tosuchahomeasyourkinswomancanofferyou。"

Withthismeasured，butnotexactlycoldassuranceofahospitablepurpose，Hepzibahkissedhercheek。

Theynowwentbelowstairs，wherePhoebe——notsomuchassumingtheofficeasattractingittoherself，bythemagnetismofinnatefitness——tookthemostactivepartinpreparingbreakfast。

Themistressofthehouse，meanwhile，asisusualwithpersonsofherstiffandunmalleablecast，stoodmostlyaside；willingtolendheraid，yetconsciousthathernaturalinaptitudewouldbelikelytoimpedethebusinessinhand。Phoebeandthefirethatboiledtheteakettlewereequallybright，cheerful，andefficient，intheirrespectiveoffices。Hepzibahgazedforthfromherhabitualsluggishness，thenecessaryresultoflongsolitude，asfromanothersphere。Shecouldnothelpbeinginterested，however，andevenamused，atthereadinesswithwhichhernewinmateadaptedherselftothecircumstances，andbroughtthehouse，moreover，andallitsrustyoldappliances，intoasuitablenessforherpurposes。Whatevershedid，too，wasdonewithoutconsciouseffort，andwithfrequentoutbreaksofsong，whichwereexceedinglypleasanttotheear。ThisnaturaltunefulnessmadePhoebeseemlikeabirdinashadowytree；

orconveyedtheideathatthestreamoflifewarbledthroughherheartasabrooksometimeswarblesthroughapleasantlittledell。

Itbetokenedthecheerinessofanactivetemperament，findingjoyinitsactivity，and，therefore，renderingitbeautiful；itwasaNewEnglandtrait，——thesternoldstuffofPuritanismwithagoldthreadintheweb。

HepzibahbroughtoutSomeoldsilverspoonswiththefamilycrestuponthem，andachinatea-setpaintedoverwithgrotesquefiguresofman，bird，andbeast，inasgrotesquealandscape。

Thesepicturedpeoplewereoddhumorists，inaworldoftheirown，——aworldofvividbrilliancy，sofarascolorwent，andstillunfaded，althoughtheteapotandsmallcupswereasancientasthecustomitselfoftea-drinking。

"Yourgreat-great-great-great-grandmotherhadthesecups，whenshewasmarried，"saidHepzibahtoPhoebe。"ShewasaDavenport，ofagoodfamily。Theywerealmostthefirstteacupseverseeninthecolony；andifoneofthemweretobebroken，myheartwouldbreakwithit。ButitisNonsensetospeaksoaboutabrittleteacup，whenIrememberwhatmyhearthasgonethroughwithoutbreaking。"

Thecups——nothavingbeenused，perhaps，sinceHepzibah’syouth——hadcontractednosmallburdenofdust，whichPhoebewashedawaywithsomuchcareanddelicacyastosatisfyeventheproprietorofthisinvaluablechina。

"Whatanicelittlehousewifeyou。are"exclaimedthelatter，smiling，andattheSametimefrowningsoprodigiouslythatthesmilewassunshineunderathunder-cloud。"Doyoudootherthingsaswell？Areyouasgoodatyourbookasyouareatwashingteacups？"

"Notquite，Iamafraid，"saidPhoebe，laughingattheformofHepzibah’squestion。"ButIwasschoolmistressforthelittlechildreninourdistrictlastsummer，andmighthavebeensostill。"

"Ah！’tisallverywell！"observedthemaidenlady，drawingherselfup。"Butthesethingsmusthavecometoyouwithyourmother’sblood。IneverknewaPyncheonthathadanyturnforthem。"

Itisveryqueer，butnotthelesstrue，thatpeoplearegenerallyquiteasvain，orevenmoreso，oftheirdeficienciesthanoftheiravailablegifts；aswasHepzibahofthisnativeinapplicability，sotospeak，ofthePyncheonstoanyusefulpurpose。Sheregardeditasanhereditarytrait；andso，perhaps，itwas，butunfortunatelyamorbidone，suchasisoftengeneratedinfamiliesthatremainlongabovethesurfaceofsociety。

Beforetheyleftthebreakfast-table，theshop-bellrangsharply，andHepzibahsetdowntheremnantofherfinalcupoftea，withalookofsallowdespairthatwastrulypiteoustobehold。Incasesofdistastefuloccupation，theseconddayisgenerallyworsethanthefirst。wereturntotherackwithallthesorenessoftheprecedingtortureinourlimbs。Atallevents，Hepzibahhadfullysatisfiedherselfoftheimpossibilityofeverbecomingwontedtothispeevishlyobstreperouslittlebell。Ringasoftenasitmight，thesoundalwayssmoteuponhernervoussystemrudelyandsuddenly。

Andespeciallynow，while，withhercrestedteaspoonsandantiquechina，shewasflatteringherselfwithideasofgentility，shefeltanunspeakabledisinclinationtoconfrontacustomer。

"Donottroubleyourself，dearcousin！"criedPhoebe，startinglightlyup。"Iamshop-keepertoday。"

"You，child！"exclaimedHepzibah。"Whatcanalittlecountrygirlknowofsuchmatters？"

"Oh，Ihavedonealltheshoppingforthefamilyatourvillagestore，"saidPhoebe。"AndIhavehadatableatafancyfair，andmadebettersalesthananybody。Thesethingsarenottobelearnt；

theydependuponaknackthatcomes，Isuppose，"addedshe，smiling，"withone’smother’sblood。YoushallseethatIamasnicealittlesaleswomanasIamahousewife！"

TheoldgentlewomanstolebehindPhoebe，andpeepedfromthepassagewayintotheshop，tonotehowshewouldmanageherundertaking。Itwasacaseofsomeintricacy。Averyancientwoman，inawhiteshortgownandagreenpetticoat，withastringofgoldbeadsaboutherneck，andwhatlookedlikeanightcaponherhead，hadbroughtaquantityofyarntobarterforthecommoditiesoftheshop。Shewasprobablytheverylastpersonintownwhostillkeptthetime-honoredspinning-wheelinconstantrevolution。Itwasworthwhiletohearthecroakingandhollowtonesoftheoldlady，andthepleasantvoiceofPhoebe，minglinginonetwistedthreadoftalk；andstillbettertocontrasttheirfigures，——solightandbloomy，——sodecrepitanddusky，——withonlythecounterbetwixtthem，inonesense，butmorethanthreescoreyears，inanother。Asforthebargain，itwaswrinkledslynessandcraftpittedagainstnativetruthandsagacity。

"Wasnotthatwelldone？"askedPhoebe，laughing，whenthecustomerwasgone。

"Nicelydone，indeed，child！"answeredHepzibah。"Icouldnothavegonethroughwithitnearlysowell。Asyousay，itmustbeaknackthatbelongstoyouonthemother’sside。"

Itisaverygenuineadmiration，thatwithwhichpersonstooshyortooawkwardtotakeaduepartinthebustlingworldregardtherealactorsinlife’sstirringscenes；sogenuine，infact，thattheformerareusuallyfaintomakeitpalatabletotheirself-love，byassumingthattheseactiveandforciblequalitiesareincompatiblewithothers，whichtheychoosetodeemhigherandmoreimportant。Thus，HepzibahwaswellcontenttoacknowledgePhoebe’svastlysuperiorgiftsasashop-keeper’——shelistened，withcompliantear，tohersuggestionofvariousmethodswherebytheinfluxoftrademightbeincreased，andrenderedprofitable，withoutahazardousoutlayofcapital。Sheconsentedthatthevillagemaidenshouldmanufactureyeast，bothliquidandincakes；

andshouldbrewacertainkindofbeer，nectareoustothepalate，andofrarestomachicvirtues；and，moreover，shouldbakeandexhibitforsalesomelittlespice-cakes，whichwhosoevertastedwouldlonginglydesiretotasteagain。Allsuchproofsofareadymindandskilfulhandiworkwerehighlyacceptabletothearistocratichucksteress，solongasshecouldmurmurtoherselfwithagrimsmile，andahalf-naturalsigh，andasentimentofmixedwonder，pity，andgrowingaffection，——

"Whatanicelittlebodysheis！Ifsheonlycouldbealady；

too——butthat’simpossible！PhoebeisnoPyncheon。Shetakeseverythingfromhermother。"

AstoPhoebe’snotbeingalady，orwhethershewerealadyorno，itwasapoint，perhaps，difficulttodecide，butwhichcouldhardlyhavecomeupforjudgmentatallinanyfairandhealthymind。OutofNewEngland，itwouldbeimpossibletomeetwithapersoncombiningsomanyladylikeattributeswithsomanyothersthatformnonecessary(ifcompatible)partofthecharacter。Sheshockednocanonoftaste；shewasadmirablyinkeepingwithherself，andneverjarredagainstsurroundingcircumstances。Herfigure，tobesure，——sosmallastobealmostchildlike，andsoelasticthatmotionseemedaseasyoreasiertoitthanrest，wouldhardlyhavesuitedone’sideaofacountess。

Neitherdidherface——withthebrownringletsoneitherside，andtheslightlypiquantnose，andthewholesomebloom，andtheclearshadeoftan，andthehalfdozenfreckles，friendlyremembrancesoftheAprilsunandbreeze——preciselygiveusarighttocallherbeautiful。Buttherewasbothlustreanddepthinhereyes。Shewasverypretty；asgracefulasabird，andgracefulmuchinthesameway；aspleasantaboutthehouseasagleamofsunshinefallingonthefloorthroughashadowoftwinklingleaves，orasarayoffirelightthatdancesonthewallwhileeveningisdrawingnigh。Insteadofdiscussingherclaimtorankamongladies，itwouldbepreferabletoregardPhoebeastheexampleoffemininegraceandavailabilitycombined，inastateofsociety，iftherewereanysuch，whereladiesdidnotexist。Thereitshouldbewoman’sofficetomoveinthemidstofpracticalaffairs，andtogildthemall，theveryhomeliest，——wereiteventhescouringofpotsandkettles，——withanatmosphereoflovelinessandjoy。

SuchwasthesphereofPhoebe。Tofindthebornandeducatedlady，ontheotherhand，weneedlooknofartherthanHepzibah，ourforlornoldmaid，inherrustlingandrustysilks，withherdeeplycherishedandridiculousconsciousnessoflongdescent，hershadowyclaimstoprincelyterritory，and，inthewayofaccomplishment，herrecollections，itmaybe，ofhavingformerlythrummedonaharpsichord，andwalkedaminuet，andworkedanantiquetapestry-stitchonhersampler。ItwasafairparallelbetweennewPlebeianismandoldGentility。

ItreallyseemedasifthebatteredvisageoftheHouseoftheSevenGables，blackandheavy-browedasitstillcertainlylooked，musthaveshownakindofcheerfulnessglimmeringthroughitsduskywindowsasPhoebepassedtoandfrointheinterior。

Otherwise，itisimpossibletoexplainhowthepeopleoftheneighborhoodsosoonbecameawareofthegirl’spresence。Therewasagreatrunofcustom，settingsteadilyin，fromaboutteno’

clockuntiltowardsnoon，——relaxing，somewhat，atdinner-time，butrecommencingintheafternoon，and，finally，dyingawayahalfanhourorsobeforethelongday’ssunset。OneofthestanchestpatronswaslittleNedHiggins，thedevourerofJimCrowandtheelephant，whoto-daysignalizedhisomnivorousprowessbyswallowingtwodromedariesandalocomotive。Phoebelaughed，asshesummedupheraggregateofsalesupontheslate；whileHepzibah，firstdrawingonapairofsilkgloves，reckonedoverthesordidaccumulationofcoppercoin，notwithoutsilverintermixed，thathadjingledintothetill。

"Wemustrenewourstock，CousinHepzibah！"criedthelittlesaleswoman。"Thegingerbreadfiguresareallgone，andsoarethoseDutchwoodenmilkmaids，andmostofourotherplaythings。

Therehasbeenconstantinquiryforcheapraisins，andagreatcryforwhistles，andtrumpets，andjew’s-harps；andatleastadozenlittleboyshaveaskedformolasses-candy。Andwemustcontrivetogetapeckofrussetapples，lateintheseasonasitis。But，dearcousin，whatanenormousheapofcopper！

Positivelyacoppermountain！"

"Welldone！welldone！welldone！"quothUncleVenner，whohadtakenoccasiontoshuffleinandoutoftheshopseveraltimesinthecourseoftheday。"Here’sagirlthatwillneverendherdaysatmyfarm！Blessmyeyes，whatabrisklittlesoul！"

"Yes，Phoebeisanicegirl！"saidHepzibah，withascowlofaustereapprobation。"But，UncleVenner，youhaveknownthefamilyagreatmanyyears。CanyoutellmewhetherthereeverwasaPyncheonwhomshetakesafter？"

"Idon’tbelievethereeverwas，"answeredthevenerableman。

"Atanyrate，itneverwasmylucktoseeherlikeamongthem，nor，forthatmatter，anywhereelse。I’veseenagreatdealoftheworld，notonlyinpeople’skitchensandback-yardsbutatthestreet-corners，andonthewharves，andinotherplaceswheremybusinesscallsme；andI’mfreetosay，MissHepzibah，thatIneverknewahumancreaturedoherworksomuchlikeoneofGod’sangelsasthischildPhoebedoes！"

UncleVenner’seulogium，ifitappearrathertoohigh-strainedforthepersonandoccasion，had，nevertheless，asenseinwhichitwasbothsubtileandtrue。TherewasaspiritualqualityinPhoebe’sactivity。Thelifeofthelongandbusyday——spentinoccupationsthatmightsoeasilyhavetakenasqualidanduglyaspect——hadbeenmadepleasant，andevenlovely，bythespontaneousgracewithwhichthesehomelydutiesseemedtobloomoutofhercharacter；sothatlabor，whileshedealtwithit，hadtheeasyandflexiblecharmofplay。Angelsdonottoil，butlettheirgoodworksgrowoutofthem；andsodidPhoebe。

Thetworelatives——theyoungmaidandtheoldone——foundtimebeforenightfall，intheintervalsoftrade，tomakerapidadvancestowardsaffectionandconfidence。Arecluse，likeHepzibah，usuallydisplaysremarkablefrankness，andatleasttemporaryaffability，onbeingabsolutelycornered，andbroughttothepointofpersonalintercourse；liketheangelwhomJacobwrestledwith，sheisreadytoblessyouwhenonceovercome。

TheoldgentlewomantookadrearyandproudsatisfactioninleadingPhoebefromroomtoroomofthehouse，andrecountingthetraditionswithwhich，aswemaysay，thewallswerelugubriouslyfrescoed。Sheshowedtheindentationsmadebythelieutenant-governor’ssword-hiltinthedoor-panelsoftheapartmentwhereoldColonelPyncheon，adeadhost，hadreceivedhisaffrightedvisitorswithanawfulfrown。Theduskyterrorofthatfrown，Hepzibahobserved，wasthoughttobelingeringeversinceinthepassageway。ShebadePhoebestepintooneofthetallchairs，andinspecttheancientmapofthePyncheonterritoryattheeastward。Inatractoflandonwhichshelaidherfinger，thereexistedasilvermine，thelocalityofwhichwaspreciselypointedoutinsomememorandaofColonelPyncheonhimself，butonlytobemadeknownwhenthefamilyclaimshouldberecognizedbygovernment。ThusitwasfortheinterestofallNewEnglandthatthePyncheonsshouldhavejusticedonethem。Shetold，too，howthattherewasundoubtedlyanimmensetreasureofEnglishguineashiddensomewhereaboutthehouse，orinthecellar，orpossiblyinthegarden。

"Ifyoushouldhappentofindit，Phoebe，"saidHepzibah，glancingasideatherwithagrimyetkindlysmile，"wewilltieuptheshop-bellforgoodandall！"

"Yes，dearcousin，"answeredPhoebe；"but，inthemeantime，Ihearsomebodyringingit！"

Whenthecustomerwasgone，Hepzibahtalkedrathervaguely，andatgreatlength，aboutacertainAlicePyncheon，whohadbeenexceedinglybeautifulandaccomplishedinherlifetime，ahundredyearsago。Thefragranceofherrichanddelightfulcharacterstilllingeredabouttheplacewhereshehadlived，asadriedrosebudscentsthedrawerwhereithaswitheredandperished。ThislovelyAlicehadmetwithsomegreatandmysteriouscalamity，andhadgrownthinandwhite，andgraduallyfadedoutoftheworld。But，evennow，shewassupposedtohaunttheHouseoftheSevenGables，and，agreatmanytimes，——especiallywhenoneofthePyncheonswastodie，——shehadbeenheardplayingsadlyandbeautifullyontheharpsichord。

Oneofthesetunes，justasithadsoundedfromherspiritualtouch，hadbeenwrittendownbyanamateurofmusic；itwassoexquisitelymournfulthatnobody，tothisday，couldbeartohearitplayed，unlesswhenagreatsorrowhadmadethemknowthestillprofoundersweetnessofit。

"Wasitthesameharpsichordthatyoushowedme？"inquiredPhoebe。

"Theverysame，"saidHepzibah。"ItwasAlicePyncheon’sharpsichord。WhenIwaslearningmusic，myfatherwouldneverletmeopenit。So，asIcouldonlyplayonmyteacher’sinstrument，Ihaveforgottenallmymusiclongago。"

Leavingtheseantiquethemes，theoldladybegantotalkaboutthedaguerreotypist，whom，asheseemedtobeawell-meaningandorderlyyoungman，andinnarrowcircumstances，shehadpermittedtotakeuphisresidenceinoneofthesevengables。

But，onseeingmoreofMr。Holgrave，shehardlyknewwhattomakeofhim。Hehadthestrangestcompanionsimaginable；menwithlongbeards，anddressedinlinenblouses，andothersuchnew-fangledandill-fittinggarments；reformers，temperancelecturers，andallmannerofcross-lookingphilanthropists；

community-men，andcome-outers，asHepzibahbelieved，whoacknowledgednolaw，andatenosolidfood，butlivedonthescentofotherpeople’scookery，andturneduptheirnosesatthefare。Asforthedaguerreotypist，shehadreadaparagraphinapennypaper，theotherday，accusinghimofmakingaspeechfullofwildanddisorganizingmatter，atameetingofhisbanditti-likeassociates。Forherownpart，shehadreasontobelievethathepractisedanimalmagnetism，and，ifsuchthingswereinfashionnowadays，shouldbeapttosuspecthimofstudyingtheBlackArtupthereinhislonesomechamber。

"But，dearcousin，"saidPhoebe，"iftheyoungmanissodangerous，whydoyoulethimstay？Ifhedoesnothingworse，hemaysetthehouseonfire！"

"Why，sometimes，"answeredHepzibah，"Ihaveseriouslymadeitaquestion，whetherIoughtnottosendhimaway。But，withallhisoddities，heisaquietkindofaperson，andhassuchawayoftakingholdofone’smind，that，withoutexactlylikinghim(forIdon’tknowenoughoftheyoungman)，Ishouldbesorrytolosesightofhimentirely。AwomanclingstoslightacquaintanceswhenshelivessomuchaloneasIdo。"

"ButifMr。Holgraveisalawlessperson！"remonstratedPhoebe，apartofwhoseessenceitwastokeepwithinthelimitsoflaw。

"Oh！"saidHepzibahcarelessly，——for，formalasshewas，still，inherlife’sexperience，shehadgnashedherteethagainsthumanlaw，——"Isupposehehasalawofhisown！"

VIMAULE’SWELL

AFTERanearlytea，thelittlecountry-girlstrayedintothegarden。Theenclosurehadformerlybeenveryextensive，butwasnowcontractedwithinsmallcompass，andhemmedabout，partlybyhighwoodenfences，andpartlybytheoutbuildingsofhousesthatstoodonanotherstreet。Initscentrewasagrass-plat，surroundingaruinouslittlestructure，whichshowedjustenoughofitsoriginaldesigntoindicatethatithadoncebeenasummer-house。Ahop-vine，springingfromlastyear’sroot，wasbeginningtoclamberoverit，butwouldbelongincoveringtheroofwithitsgreenmantle。Threeofthesevengableseitherfrontedorlookedsideways，withadarksolemnityofaspect，downintothegarden。

Theblack，richsoilhadfeditselfwiththedecayofalongperiodoftime；suchasfallenleaves，thepetalsofflowers，andthestalksandseed——vesselsofvagrantandlawlessplants，moreusefulaftertheirdeaththaneverwhileflauntinginthesun。

Theevilofthesedepartedyearswouldnaturallyhavesprungupagain，insuchrankweeds(symbolicofthetransmittedvicesofsociety)asarealwayspronetorootthemselvesabouthumandwellings。PhoebeSaw，however，thattheirgrowthmusthavebeencheckedbyadegreeofcarefullabor，bestoweddailyandsystematicallyonthegarden。Thewhitedoublerose-bushhadevidentlybeenproppedupanewagainstthehousesincethecommencementoftheseason；andapear-treeandthreedamson-trees，which，exceptarowofcurrant-bushes，constitutedtheonlyvarietiesoffruit，boremarksoftherecentamputationofseveralsuperfluousordefectivelimbs。Therewerealsoafewspeciesofantiqueandhereditaryflowers，innoveryflourishingcondition，butscrupulouslyweeded；asifsomeperson，eitheroutofloveorcuriosity，hadbeenanxioustobringthemtosuchperfectionastheywerecapableofattaining。Theremainderofthegardenpresentedawell-selectedassortmentofesculentvegetables，inapraiseworthystateofadvancement。Summersquashesalmostintheirgoldenblossom；cucumbers，nowevincingatendencytospreadawayfromthemainstock，andramblefarandwide；twoorthreerowsofstring-beansandasmanymorethatwereabouttofestoonthemselvesonpoles；tomatoes，occupyingasitesoshelteredandsunnythattheplantswerealreadygigantic，andpromisedanearlyandabundantharvest。

Phoebewonderedwhosecareandtoilitcouldhavebeenthathadplantedthesevegetables，andkeptthesoilsocleanandorderly。

NotsurelyhercousinHepzibah’s，whohadnotastenorspiritsforthelady-likeemploymentofcultivatingflowers，and——withherreclusehabits，andtendencytoshelterherselfwithinthedismalshadowofthehouse——wouldhardlyhavecomeforthunderthespeckofopenskytoweedandhoeamongthefraternityofbeansandsquashes。

Itbeingherfirstdayofcompleteestrangementfromruralobjects，Phoebefoundanunexpectedcharminthislittlenookofgrass，andfoliage，andaristocraticflowers，andplebeianvegetables。TheeyeofHeavenseemedtolookdownintoitpleasantly，andwithapeculiarsmile，asifgladtoperceivethatnature，elsewhereoverwhelmed，anddrivenoutofthedustytown，hadherebeenabletoretainabreathing-place。Thespotacquiredasomewhatwildergrace，andyetaverygentleone，fromthefactthatapairofrobinshadbuilttheirnestinthepear-tree，andweremakingthemselvesexceedinglybusyandhappyinthedarkintricacyofitsboughs。Bees，too，——strangetosay，——hadthoughtitworththeirwhiletocomehither，possiblyfromtherangeofhivesbesidesomefarm-housemilesaway。Howmanyaerialvoyagesmighttheyhavemade，inquestofhoney，orhoney-laden，betwixtdawnandsunset！Yet，lateasitnowwas，therestillaroseapleasanthumoutofoneortwoofthesquash-blossoms，inthedepthsofwichthesebeeswereplyingtheirgoldenlabor。TherewasoneotherobjectinthegardenwhichNaturemightfairlyclaimasherinalienableproperty，inspiteofwhatevermancoulddotorenderithisown。Thiswasafountain，setroundwitharimofoldmossystones，andpaved，initsbed，withwhatappearedtobeasortofmosaic-workofvariouslycoloredpebbles。Theplayandslightagitationofthewater，initsupwardgush，wroughtmagicallywiththesevariegatedpebbles，andmadeacontinuallyshiftingapparitionofquaintfigures，vanishingtoosuddenlytobedefinable。Thence，swellingovertherimofmoss-grownstones，thewaterstoleawayunderthefence，throughwhatweregrettocallagutter，ratherthanachannel。Normustweforgettomentionahen-coopofveryreverendantiquitythatstoodinthefarthercornerofthegarden，notagreatwayfromthefountain。ItnowcontainedonlyChanticleer，histwowives，andasolitarychicken。AllofthemwerepurespecimensofabreedwhichhadbeentransmitteddownasanheirloominthePyncheonfamily，andweresaid，whileintheirprime，tohaveattainedalmostthesizeofturkeys，and，onthescoreofdelicateflesh，tobefitforaprince’stable。Inproofoftheauthenticityofthislegendaryrenown，Hepzibahcouldhaveexhibitedtheshellofagreategg，whichanostrichneedhardlyhavebeenashamedof。Bethatasitmight，thehenswerenowscarcelylargerthanpigeons，andhadaqueer，rusty，witheredaspect，andagoutykindofmovement，andasleepyandmelancholytonethroughoutallthevariationsoftheircluckingandcackling。

Itwasevidentthattheracehaddegenerated，likemanyanobleracebesides，inconsequenceoftoostrictawatchfulnesstokeepitpure。Thesefeatheredpeoplehadexistedtoolongintheirdistinctvariety；afactofwhichthepresentrepresentatives，judgingbytheirlugubriousdeportment，seemedtobeaware。

Theykeptthemselvesalive，unquestionably，andlaidnowandthenanegg，andhatchedachicken；notforanypleasureoftheirown，butthattheworldmightnotabsolutelylosewhathadoncebeensoadmirableabreedoffowls。Thedistinguishingmarkofthehenswasacrestoflamentablyscantygrowth，intheselatterdays，butsooddlyandwickedlyanalogoustoHepzibah’sturban，thatPhoebe——tothepoignantdistressofherconscience，butinevitably——wasledtofancyageneralresemblancebetwixttheseforlornbipedsandherrespectablerelative。

Thegirlranintothehousetogetsomecrumbsofbread，coldpotatoes，andothersuchscrapsasweresuitabletotheaccommodatingappetiteoffowls。Returning，shegaveapeculiarcall，whichtheyseemedtorecognize。Thechickencreptthroughthepalesofthecoopandran，withsomeshowofliveliness，toherfeet；whileChanticleerandtheladiesofhishouseholdregardedherwithqueer，sidelongglances，andthencroakedonetoanother，asifcommunicatingtheirsageopinionsofhercharacter。Sowise，aswellasantique，wastheiraspect，astogivecolortotheidea，notmerelythattheywerethedescendantsofatime-honoredrace，butthattheyhadexisted，intheirindividualcapacity，eversincetheHouseoftheSevenGableswasfounded，andweresomehowmixedupwithitsdestiny。Theywereaspeciesoftutelarysprite，orBanshee；althoughwingedandfeathereddifferentlyfrommostotherguardianangels。

"Here，youoddlittlechicken！"saidPhoebe；"herearesomenicecrumbsforyou！"

Thechicken，hereupon，thoughalmostasvenerableinappearanceasits，mother——possessing，indeed，thewholeantiquityofitsprogenitorsinminiature，——musteredvivacityenoughtoflutterupwardandalightonPhoebe’sshoulder。

"Thatlittlefowlpaysyouahighcompliment！"saidavoicebehindPhoebe。

Turningquickly，shewassurprisedatsightofayoungman，whohadfoundaccessintothegardenbyadooropeningoutofanothergablethanthatwhenceshehademerged。Heheldahoeinhishand，and，whilePhoebewasgoneinquestofthecrumbs，hadbeguntobusyhimselfwithdrawingupfreshearthabouttherootsofthetomatoes。

"Thechickenreallytreatsyoulikeanoldacquaintance，"

continuedheinaquietway，whileasmilemadehisfacepleasanterthanPhoebeatfirstfanciedit。"Thosevenerablepersonagesinthecoop，too，seemveryaffablydisposed。Youareluckytobeintheirgoodgracessosoon！Theyhaveknownmemuchlonger，butneverhonormewithanyfamiliarity，thoughhardlyadaypasseswithoutmybringingthemfood。MissHepzibah，Isuppose，willinterweavethefactwithherothertraditions，andsetitdownthatthefowlsknowyoutobeaPyncheon！"

"Thesecretis，"saidPhoebe，smiling，"thatIhavelearnedhowtotalkwithhensandchickens。"

"Ah，butthesehens，"answeredtheyoungman，——"thesehensofaristocraticlineagewouldscorntounderstandthevulgarlanguageofabarn-yardfowl。Iprefertothink——andsowouldMissHepzibah——thattheyrecognizethefamilytone。ForyouareaPyncheon？"

"MynameisPhoebePyncheon，"saidthegirl，withamannerofsomereserve；forshewasawarethathernewacquaintancecouldbenootherthanthedaguerreotypist，ofwhoselawlesspropensitiestheoldmaidhadgivenheradisagreeableidea。"IdidnotknowthatmycousinHepzibah’sgardenwasunderanotherperson’scare。"

"Yes，"saidHolgrave，"Idig，andhoe，andweed，inthisblackoldearth，forthesakeofrefreshingmyselfwithwhatlittlenatureandsimplicitymaybeleftinit，aftermenhavesolongsownandreapedhere。Iturnuptheearthbywayofpastime。

Mysoberoccupation，sofarasIhaveany，iswithalightermaterial。Inshort，Imakepicturesoutofsunshine；and，nottobetoomuchdazzledwithmyowntrade，IhaveprevailedwithMissHepzibahtoletmelodgeinoneoftheseduskygables。Itislikeabandageoverone’seyes，tocomeintoit。Butwouldyouliketoseeaspecimenofmyproductions？"

"Adaguerreotypelikeness，doyoumean？"askedPhoebewithlessreserve；

for，inspiteofprejudice，herownyouthfulnesssprangforwardtomeethis。"Idon’tmuchlikepicturesofthatsort，——theyaresohardandstern；besidesdodgingawayfromtheeye，andtryingtoescapealtogether。

Theyareconsciousoflookingveryunamiable，Isuppose，andthereforehatetobeseen。"

"Ifyouwouldpermitme，"saidtheartist，lookingatPhoebe，"Ishouldliketotrywhetherthedaguerreotypecanbringoutdisagreeabletraitsonaperfectlyamiableface。Buttherecertainlyistruthinwhatyouhavesaid。Mostofmylikenessesdolookunamiable；buttheverysufficientreason，Ifancy，is，becausetheoriginalsareso。ThereisawonderfulinsightinHeaven’sbroadandsimplesunshine。Whilewegiveitcreditonlyfordepictingthemerestsurface，itactuallybringsoutthesecretcharacterwithatruththatnopainterwouldeverventureupon，evencouldhedetectit。Thereis，atleast，noflatteryinmyhumblelineofart。Now，hereisalikenesswhichIhavetakenoverandoveragain，andstillwithnobetterresult。Yettheoriginalwears，tocommoneyes，averydifferentexpression。

Itwouldgratifymetohaveyourjudgmentonthischaracter。"

Heexhibitedadaguerreotypeminiatureinamoroccocase。

Phoebemerelyglancedatit，andgaveitback。

"Iknowtheface，"shereplied；"foritssterneyehasbeenfollowingmeaboutallday。ItismyPuritanancestor，whohangsyonderintheparlor。Tobesure，youhavefoundsomewayofcopyingtheportraitwithoutitsblackvelvetcapandgraybeard，andhavegivenhimamoderncoatandsatincravat，insteadofhiscloakandband。Idon’tthinkhimimprovedbyyouralterations。"

"Youwouldhaveseenotherdifferenceshadyoulookedalittlelonger，"saidHolgrave，laughing，yetapparentlymuchstruck。

"Icanassureyouthatthisisamodernface，andonewhichyouwillveryprobablymeet。Now，theremarkablepointis，thattheoriginalwears，totheworld’seye，——and，foraughtIknow，tohismostintimatefriends，——anexceedinglypleasantcountenance，indicativeofbenevolence，opennessofheart，sunnygood-humor，andotherpraiseworthyqualitiesofthatcast。Thesun，asyousee，tellsquiteanotherstory，andwillnotbecoaxedoutofit，afterhalfadozenpatientattemptsonmypart。Herewehavetheman，sly，subtle，hard，imperious，and，withal，coldasice。Lookatthateye！Wouldyouliketobeatitsmercy？Atthatmouth！Coulditeversmile？Andyet，ifyoucouldonlyseethebenignsmileoftheoriginal！ItissomuchtheMoreunfortunate，asheisapubliccharacterofsomeeminence，andthelikenesswasintendedtobeengraved。"

"Well，Idon’twishtoseeitanymore，"observedPhoebe，turningawayhereyes。"Itiscertainlyveryliketheoldportrait。ButmycousinHepzibahhasanotherpicture，——aminiature。Iftheoriginalisstillintheworld，Ithinkhemightdefythesuntomakehimlooksternandhard。"

"Youhaveseenthatpicture，then！"exclaimedtheartist，withanexpressionofmuchinterest。"Ineverdid，buthaveagreatcuriositytodoso。Andyoujudgefavorablyoftheface？"

"Thereneverwasasweeterone，"saidPhoebe。"Itisalmosttoosoftandgentleforaman’s。"

"Istherenothingwildintheeye？"continuedHolgrave，soearnestlythatitembarrassedPhoebe，asdidalsothequietfreedomwithwhichhepresumedontheirsorecentacquaintance。"Istherenothingdarkorsinisteranywhere？Couldyounotconceivetheoriginaltohavebeenguiltyofagreatcrime？"

"Itisnonsense，"saidPhoebealittleimpatiently，"forustotalkaboutapicturewhichyouhaveneverseen。Youmistakeitforsomeother。Acrime，indeed！SinceyouareafriendofmycousinHepzibah’s，youshouldaskhertoshowyouthepicture。"

"Itwillsuitmypurposestillbettertoseetheoriginal，"repliedthedaguerreotypistcoolly。"Astohischaracter，weneednotdiscussitspoints；theyhavealreadybeensettledbyacompetenttribunal，oronewhichcalleditselfcompetent。But，stay！Donotgoyet，ifyouplease！Ihaveapropositiontomakeyou。"

Phoebewasonthepointofretreating，butturnedback，withsomehesitation；forshedidnotexactlycomprehendhismanner，although，onbetterobservation，itsfeatureseemedrathertobelackofceremonythananyapproachtooffensiverudeness。Therewasanoddkindofauthority，too，inwhathenowproceededtosay，ratherasifthegardenwerehisownthanaplacetowhichhewasadmittedmerelybyHepzibah’scourtesy。

"Ifagreeabletoyou，"heobserved，"itwouldgivemepleasuretoturnovertheseflowers，andthoseancientandrespectablefowls，toyourcare。Comingfreshfromcountryairandoccupations，youwillsoonfeeltheneedofsomesuchout-of-dooremployment。

Myownspheredoesnotsomuchlieamongflowers。Youcantrimandtendthem，therefore，asyouplease；andIwillaskonlytheleasttrifleofablossom，nowandthen，inexchangeforallthegood，honestkitchenvegetableswithwhichIproposetoenrichMissHepzibah’stable。Sowewillbefellow-laborers，somewhatonthecommunitysystem。"

Silently，andrathersurprisedatherowncompliance，Phoebeaccordinglybetookherselftoweedingaflower-bed，butbusiedherselfstillmorewithcogitationsrespectingthisyoungman，withwhomshesounexpectedlyfoundherselfontermsapproachingtofamiliarity。Shedidnotaltogetherlikehim。Hischaracterperplexedthelittlecountry-girl，asitmightamorepractisedobserver；for，whilethetoneofhisconversationhadgenerallybeenplayful，theimpressionleftonhermindwasthatofgravity，and，exceptashisyouthmodifiedit，almoststernness。Sherebelled，asitwere，againstacertainmagneticelementintheartist’snature，whichheexercisedtowardsher，possiblywithoutbeingconsciousofit。

Afteralittlewhile，thetwilight，deepenedbytheshadowsofthefruit-treesandthesurroundingbuildings，threwanobscurityoverthegarden。

"There，"saidHolgrave，"itistimetogiveoverwork！Thatlaststrokeofthehoehascutoffabeanstalk。Good-night，MissPhoebePyncheon！Anybrightday，ifyouwillputoneofthoserosebudsinyourhair，andcometomyroomsinCentralStreet，Iwillseizethepurestrayofsunshine，andmakeapictureofthefloweranditswearer。"Heretiredtowardshisownsolitarygable，butturnedhishead，onreachingthedoor，andcalledtoPhoebe，withatonewhichcertainlyhadlaughterinit，yetwhichseemedtobemorethanhalfinearnest。

"BecarefulnottodrinkatMaule’swell！"saidhe。"Neitherdrinknorbatheyourfaceinit！"

"Maule’swell！"answeredPhoebe。"Isthatitwiththerimofmossystones？Ihavenothoughtofdrinkingthere，——butwhynot？"

"Oh，"rejoinedthedaguerreotypist，"because，likeanoldlady’scupoftea，itiswaterbewitched！"

Hevanished；andPhoebe，lingeringamoment，sawaglimmeringlight，andthenthesteadybeamofalamp，inachamberofthegable。OnreturningintoHepzibah’sapartmentofthehouse，shefoundthelow-studdedparlorsodimandduskythathereyescouldnotpenetratetheinterior。Shewasindistinctlyaware，however，thatthegauntfigureoftheoldgentlewomanwassittinginoneofthestraight-backedchairs，alittlewithdrawnfromthewindow，thefaintgleamofwhichshowedtheblanchedpalenessofhercheek，turnedsidewaystowardsacorner。

"ShallIlightalamp，CousinHepzibah？"sheasked。

"Do，ifyouplease，mydearchild，"answeredHepzibah。"Butputitonthetableinthecornerofthepassage。Myeyesareweak；

andIcanseldombearthelamplightonthem。"

Whataninstrumentisthehumanvoice！Howwonderfullyresponsivetoeveryemotionofthehumansoul！InHepzibah’stone，atthatmoment，therewasacertainrichdepthandmoisture，asifthewords，commonplaceastheywere，hadbeensteepedinthewarmthofherheart。Again，whilelightingthelampinthekitchen，Phoebefanciedthathercousinspoketoher。

"Inamoment，cousin！"answeredthegirl。"Thesematchesjustglimmer，andgoout。"

But，insteadofaresponsefromHepzibah，sheseemedtohearthemurmurofanunknownvoice。Itwasstrangelyindistinct，however，andlesslikearticulatewordsthananunshapedsound，suchaswouldbetheutteranceoffeelingandsympathy，ratherthanoftheintellect。

Sovaguewasit，thatitsimpressionorechoinPhoebe’smindwasthatofunreality。Sheconcludedthatshemusthavemistakensomeothersoundforthatofthehumanvoice；orelsethatitwasaltogetherinherfancy。

Shesetthelightedlampinthepassage，andagainenteredtheparlor。Hepzibah’sform，thoughitssableoutlinemingledwiththedusk，wasnowlessimperfectlyvisible。Intheremoterpartsoftheroom，however，itswallsbeingsoilladaptedtoreflectlight，therewasnearlythesameobscurityasbefore。

"Cousin，"saidPhoebe，"didyouspeaktomejustnow？"

"No，child！"repliedHepzibah。

Fewerwordsthanbefore，butwiththesamemysteriousmusicinthem！Mellow，melancholy，yetnotmournful，thetoneseemedtogushupoutofthedeepwellofHepzibah’sheart，allsteepedinitsprofoundestemotion。Therewasatremorinit，too，that——asallstrongfeelingiselectric——partlycommunicateditselftoPhoebe。Thegirlsatsilentlyforamoment。Butsoon，hersensesbeingveryacute，shebecameconsciousofanirregularrespirationinanobscurecorneroftheroom。Herphysicalorganization，moreover，beingatoncedelicateandhealthy，gaveheraperception，operatingwithalmosttheeffectofaspiritualmedium，thatsomebodywasnearathand。

"Mydearcousin，"askedshe，overcominganindefinablereluctance，"istherenotsomeoneintheroomwithus？"

"Phoebe，mydearlittlegirl，"saidHepzibah，afteramoment’spause，"youwereupbetimes，andhavebeenbusyallday。Praygotobed；forIamsureyoumustneedrest。Iwillsitintheparlorawhile，andcollectmythoughts。Ithasbeenmycustomformoreyears，child，thanyouhavelived！"Whilethusdismissingher，themaidenladysteptforward，kissedPhoebe，andpressedhertoherheart，whichbeatagainstthegirl’sbosomwithastrong，high，andtumultuousswell。Howcametheretobesomuchloveinthisdesolateoldheart，thatitcouldaffordtowelloverthusabundantly？

"Goodnight，cousin，"saidPhoebe，strangelyaffectedbyHepzibah’smanner。"Ifyoubegintoloveme，Iamglad！"

Sheretiredtoherchamber，butdidnotsoonfallasleep，northenveryprofoundly。Atsomeuncertainperiodinthedepthsofnight，and，asitwere，throughthethinveilofadream，shewasconsciousofafootstepmountingthestairsheavily，butnotwithforceanddecision。ThevoiceofHepzibah，withahushthroughit，wasgoingupalongwiththefootsteps；and，again，responsivetohercousin’svoice，Phoebeheardthatstrange，vaguemurmur，whichmightbelikenedtoanindistinctshadowofhumanutterance。

VIITheGuestWHENPhoebeawoke，——whichshedidwiththeearlytwitteringoftheconjugalcoupleofrobinsinthepear-tree，——sheheardmovementsbelowstairs，and，hasteningdown，foundHepzibahalreadyinthekitchen。Shestoodbyawindow，holdingabookinclosecontiguitytohernose，asifwiththehopeofgaininganolfactoryacquaintancewithitscontents，sinceherimperfectvisionmadeitnotveryeasytoreadthem。Ifanyvolumecouldhavemanifesteditsessentialwisdominthemodesuggested，itwouldcertainlyhavebeentheonenowinHepzibah’shand；

andthekitchen，insuchanevent，wouldforthwithhavestreamedwiththefragranceofvenison，turkeys，capons，lardedpartridges，puddings，cakes，andChristmaspies，inallmannerofelaboratemixtureandconcoction。Itwasacookerybook，fullofinnumerableoldfashionsofEnglishdishes，andillustratedwithengravings，whichrepresentedthearrangementsofthetableatsuchbanquetsasitmighthavebefittedanoblemantogiveinthegreathallofhiscastle。And，amidtheserichandpotentdevicesoftheculinaryart(notoneofwhich，probably，hadbeentested，withinthememoryofanyman’sgrandfather)，poorHepzibahwasseekingforsomenimblelittletitbit，which，withwhatskillshehad，andsuchmaterialsaswereathand，shemighttossupforbreakfast。

Soon，withadeepsigh，sheputasidethesavoryvolume，andinquiredofPhoebewhetheroldSpeckle，asshecalledoneofthehens，hadlaidaneggtheprecedingday。Phoeberantosee，butreturnedwithouttheexpectedtreasureinherhand。Atthatinstant，however，theblastofafish-dealer’sconchwasheard，announcinghisapproachalongthestreet。Withenergeticrapsattheshop-window，Hepzibahsummonedthemanin，andmadepurchaseofwhathewarrantedasthefinestmackerelinhiscart，andasfataoneaseverhefeltwithhisfingersoearlyintheseason。

RequestingPhoebetoroastsomecoffee，——whichshecasuallyobservedwastherealMocha，andsolongkeptthateachofthesmallberriesoughttobeworthitsweightingold，——themaidenladyheapedfuelintothevastreceptacleoftheancientfireplaceinsuchquantityassoontodrivethelingeringduskoutofthekitchen。Thecountry-girl，willingtogiveherutmostassistance，proposedtomakeanIndiancake，afterhermother’speculiarmethod，ofeasymanufacture，andwhichshecouldvouchforaspossessingarichness，and，ifrightlyprepared，adelicacy，unequalledbyanyothermodeofbreakfast-cake。

Hepzibahgladlyassenting，thekitchenwassoonthesceneofsavorypreparation。Perchance，amidtheirproperelementofsmoke，whicheddiedforthfromtheill-constructedchimney，theghostsofdepartedcook-maidslookedwonderinglyon，orpeepeddownthegreatbreadthoftheflue，despisingthesimplicityoftheprojectedmeal，yetineffectuallypiningtothrusttheirshadowyhandsintoeachinchoatedish。Thehalf-starvedrats，atanyrate，stolevisiblyoutoftheirhiding-places，andsatontheirhind-legs，snuffingthefumyatmosphere，andwistfullyawaitinganopportunitytonibble。

Hepzibahhadnonaturalturnforcookery，and，tosaythetruth，hadfairlyincurredherpresentmeagrenessbyoftenchoosingtogowithoutherdinnerratherthanbeattendantontherotationofthespit，orebullitionofthepot。Herzealoverthefire，therefore，wasquiteanheroictestofsentiment。Itwastouching，andpositivelyworthyoftears(ifPhoebe，theonlyspectator，excepttheratsandghostsaforesaid，hadnotbeenbetteremployedthaninsheddingthem)，toseeherrakeoutabedoffreshandglowingcoals，andproceedtobroilthemackerel。Herusuallypalecheekswereallablazewithheatandhurry。Shewatchedthefishwithasmuchtendercareandminutenessofattentionasif，——weknownothowtoexpressitotherwise，——asifherownheartwereonthegridiron，andherimmortalhappinesswereinvolvedinitsbeingdonepreciselytoaturn！

Life，withindoors，hasfewpleasanterprospectsthananeatlyarrangedandwell-provisionedbreakfast-table。Wecometoitfreshly，inthedewyyouthoftheday，andwhenourspiritualandsensualelementsareinbetteraccordthanatalaterperiod；

sothatthematerialdelightsofthemorningmealarecapableofbeingfullyenjoyed，withoutanyverygrievousreproaches，whethergastricorconscientious，foryieldingevenatrifleovermuchtotheanimaldepartmentofournature。Thethoughts，too，thatrunaroundtheringoffamiliarguestshaveapiquancyandmirthfulness，andoftentimesavividtruth，whichmorerarelyfindtheirwayintotheelaborateintercourseofdinner。Hepzibah’ssmallandancienttable，supportedonitsslenderandgracefullegs，andcoveredwithaclothoftherichestdamask，lookedworthytobethesceneandcentreofoneofthecheerfullestofparties。Thevaporofthebroiledfisharoselikeincensefromtheshrineofabarbarianidol，whilethefragranceoftheMochamighthavegratifiedthenostrilsofatutelaryLar，orwhateverpowerhasscopeoveramodernbreakfast-table。

Phoebe’sIndiancakeswerethesweetestofferingofall，——intheirhuebefittingtherusticaltarsoftheinnocentandgoldenage，——or，sobrightlyyellowwerethey，resemblingsomeofthebreadwhichwaschangedtoglisteninggoldwhenMidastriedtoeatit。Thebuttermustnotbeforgotten，——butterwhichPhoebeherselfhadchurned，inherownruralhome，andbroughtittohercousinasapropitiatorygift，——smellingofclover-blossoms，anddiffusingthecharmofpastoralscenerythroughthedark-panelledparlor。Allthis，withthequaintgorgeousnessoftheoldchinacupsandsaucers，andthecrestedspoons，andasilvercream-jug(Hepzibah’sonlyotherarticleofplate，andshapedliketherudestporringer)，setoutaboardatwhichthestateliestofoldColonelPyncheon’sguestsneednothavescornedtotakehisplace。ButthePuritan’sfacescowleddownoutofthepicture，asifnothingonthetablepleasedhisappetite。

Bywayofcontributingwhatgraceshecould，Phoebegatheredsomerosesandafewotherflowers，possessingeitherscentorbeauty，andarrangedtheminaglasspitcher，which，havinglongagolostitshandle，wassomuchthefitterforaflower-vase。

Theearlysunshine——asfreshasthatwhichpeepedintoEve’sbowerwhilesheandAdamsatatbreakfastthere——cametwinklingthroughthebranchesofthepear-tree，andfellquiteacrossthetable。

Allwasnowready。Therewerechairsandplatesforthree。

AchairandplateforHepzibah，——thesameforPhoebe，——butwhatotherguestdidhercousinlookfor？

ThroughoutthispreparationtherehadbeenaconstanttremorinHepzibah’sframe；anagitationsopowerfulthatPhoebecouldseethequiveringofhergauntshadow，asthrownbythefirelightonthekitchenwall，orbythesunshineontheparlorfloor。Itsmanifestationsweresovarious，andagreedsolittlewithoneanother，thatthegirlknewnotwhattomakeofit。Sometimesitseemedanecstasyofdelightandhappiness。Atsuchmoments，Hepzibahwouldflingoutherarms，andinfoldPhoebeinthem，andkisshercheekastenderlyaseverhermotherhad；sheappearedtodosobyaninevitableimpulse，andasifherbosomwereoppressedwithtenderness，ofwhichshemustneedspouroutalittle，inordertogainbreathing-room。Thenextmoment，withoutanyvisiblecauseforthechange，herunwontedjoyshrankback，appalled，asitwere，andclotheditselfinmourning；

oritranandhiditself，sotospeak，inthedungeonofherheart，whereithadlonglainchained，whileacold，spectralsorrowtooktheplaceoftheimprisonedjoy，thatwasafraidtobeenfranchised，——asorrowasblackasthatwasbright。Sheoftenbrokeintoalittle，nervous，hystericlaugh，moretouchingthananytearscouldbe；

andforthwith，asiftotrywhichwasthemosttouching，agushoftearswouldfollow；orperhapsthelaughterandtearscamebothatonce，andsurroundedourpoorHepzibah，inamoralsense，withakindofpale，dimrainbow。TowardsPhoebe，aswehavesaid，shewasaffectionate，——fartendererthaneverbefore，intheirbriefacquaintance，exceptforthatonekissontheprecedingnight，——yetwithaContinuallyrecurringpettishnessandirritability。Shewouldspeaksharplytoher；

then，throwingasideallthestarchedreserveofherordinarymanner，askpardon，andthenextinstantrenewthejust-forgiveninjury。

Atlast，whentheirmutuallaborwasallfinished，shetookPhoebe’shandinherowntremblingone。

"Bearwithme，mydearchild，"shecried；"fortrulymyheartisfulltothebrim！Bearwithme；forIloveyou，Phoebe，thoughIspeaksoroughly。Thinknothingofit，dearestchild！Byandby，Ishallbekind，andonlykind！"

"Mydearestcousin，cannotyoutellmewhathashappened？"askedPhoebe，withasunnyandtearfulsympathy。"Whatisitthatmovesyouso？"

"Hush！hush！Heiscoming！"whisperedHepzibah，hastilywipinghereyes。"Lethimseeyoufirst，Phoebe；foryouareyoungandrosy，andcannothelplettingasmilebreakoutwhetherorno。Healwayslikedbrightfaces！Andmineisoldnow，andthetearsarehardlydryonit。Henevercouldabidetears。There；drawthecurtainalittle，sothattheshadowmayfallacrosshissideofthetable！Butlettherebeagooddealofsunshine，too；forheneverwasfondofgloom，assomepeopleare。Hehashadbutlittlesunshineinhislife，——poorClifford，——and，oh，whatablackshadow。Poor，poorClifford！"

Thusmurmuringinanundertone，asifspeakingrathertoherownheartthantoPhoebe，theoldgentlewomansteppedontiptoeabouttheroom，makingsucharrangementsassuggestedthemselvesatthecrisis。

Meanwhiletherewasastepinthepassage-way，abovestairs。

Phoeberecognizeditasthesamewhichhadpassedupward，asthroughherdream，inthenight-time。Theapproachingguest，whoeveritmightbe，appearedtopauseattheheadofthestaircase；

hepausedtwiceorthriceinthedescent；hepausedagainatthefoot。

Eachtime，thedelayseemedtobewithoutpurpose，butratherfromaforgetfulnessofthepurposewhichhadsethiminmotion，orasiftheperson’sfeetcameinvoluntarilytoastand-stillbecausethemotive-powerwastoofeebletosustainhisprogress。Finally，hemadealongpauseatthethresholdoftheparlor。Hetookholdoftheknobofthedoor；thenloosenedhisgraspwithoutopeningit。

Hepzibah，herhandsconvulsivelyclasped，stoodgazingattheentrance。

"DearCousinHepzibah，praydon’tlookso！"saidPhoebe，trembling；

forhercousin’semotion，andthismysteriouslyreluctantstep，madeherfeelasifaghostwerecomingintotheroom。"Youreallyfrightenme！Issomethingawfulgoingtohappen？"

"Hush！"whisperedHepzibah。"Becheerful！whatevermayhappen，benothingbutcheerful！"

Thefinalpauseatthethresholdprovedsolong，thatHepzibah，unabletoendurethesuspense，rushedforward，threwopenthedoor，andledinthestrangerbythehand。Atthefirstglance，Phoebesawanelderlypersonage，inanold-fashioneddressing-gownoffadeddamask，andwearinghisgrayoralmostwhitehairofanunusuallength。Itquiteovershadowedhisforehead，exceptwhenhethrustitback，andstaredvaguelyabouttheroom。Afteraverybriefinspectionofhisface，itwaseasytoconceivethathisfootstepmustnecessarilybesuchanoneasthatwhich，slowlyandwithasindefiniteanaimasachild’sfirstjourneyacrossafloor，hadjustbroughthimhitherward。Yettherewerenotokensthathisphysicalstrengthmightnothavesufficedforafreeanddeterminedgait。Itwasthespiritofthemanthatcouldnotwalk。Theexpressionofhiscountenance——while，notwithstandingithadthelightofreasoninit——seemedtowaver，andglimmer，andnearlytodieaway，andfeeblytorecoveritselfagain。Itwaslikeaflamewhichweseetwinklingamonghalf-extinguishedembers；wegazeatitmoreintentlythanifitwereapositiveblaze，gushingvividlyupward，——moreintently，butwithacertainimpatience，asifitoughteithertokindleitselfintosatisfactorysplendor，orbeatonceextinguished。

Foraninstantafterenteringtheroom，thegueststoodstill，retainingHepzibah’shandinstinctively，asachilddoesthatofthegrownpersonwhoguidesit。HesawPhoebe，however，andcaughtanilluminationfromheryouthfulandpleasantaspect，which，indeed，threwacheerfulnessabouttheparlor，likethecircleofreflectedbrilliancyaroundtheglassvaseofflowersthatwasstandinginthesunshine。Hemadeasalutation，or，tospeaknearerthetruth，anill-defined，abortiveattemptatcurtsy。Imperfectasitwas，however，itconveyedanidea，or，atleast，gaveahint，ofindescribablegrace，suchasnopractisedartofexternalmannerscouldhaveattained。Itwastooslighttoseizeuponattheinstant；yet，asrecollectedafterwards，seemedtotransfigurethewholeman。

"DearClifford，"saidHepzibah，inthetonewithwhichonesoothesawaywardinfant，"thisisourcousinPhoebe，——littlePhoebePyncheon，——Arthur’sonlychild，youknow。Shehascomefromthecountrytostaywithusawhile；forouroldhousehasgrowntobeverylonelynow。"

"Phoebe——PhoebePyncheon？——Phoebe？"repeatedtheguest，withastrange，sluggish，ill-definedutterance。"Arthur’schild！Ah，Iforget！Nomatter。Sheisverywelcome！"

"Come，dearClifford，takethischair，"saidHepzibah，leadinghimtohisplace。"Pray，Phoebe，lowerthecurtainaverylittlemore。

Nowletusbeginbreakfast。"

Theguestseatedhimselfintheplaceassignedhim，andlookedstrangelyaround。Hewasevidentlytryingtograpplewiththepresentscene，andbringithometohismindwithamoresatisfactorydistinctness。Hedesiredtobecertain，atleast，thathewashere，inthelow-studded，cross-beamed，oaken-panelledparlor，andnotinsomeotherspot，whichhadstereotypeditselfintohissenses。Buttheeffortwastoogreattobesustainedwithmorethanafragmentarysuccess。Continually，aswemayexpressit，hefadedawayoutofhisplace；or，inotherwords，hismindandconsciousnesstooktheirdeparture，leavinghiswasted，gray，andmelancholyfigure——asubstantialemptiness，amaterialghost——tooccupyhisseatattable。Again，afterablankmoment，therewouldbeaflickeringtaper-gleaminhiseyeballs。Itbetokenedthathisspiritualparthadreturned，andwasdoingitsbesttokindletheheart’shouseholdfire，andlightupintellectuallampsinthedarkandruinousmansion，whereitwasdoomedtobeaforlorninhabitant。

Atoneofthesemomentsoflesstorpid，yetstillimperfectanimation，Phoebebecameconvincedofwhatshehadatfirstrejectedastooextravagantandstartlinganidea。ShesawthatthepersonbeforehermusthavebeentheoriginalofthebeautifulminiatureinhercousinHepzibah’spossession。Indeed，withafeminineeyeforcostume，shehadatonceidentifiedthedamaskdressing-gown，whichenvelopedhim，asthesameinfigure，material，andfashion，withthatsoelaboratelyrepresentedinthepicture。

Thisold，fadedgarment，withallitspristinebrilliancyextinct，seemed，insomeindescribableway，totranslatethewearer’suntoldmisfortune，andmakeitperceptibletothebeholder’seye。Itwasthebettertobediscerned，bythisexteriortype，howwornandoldwerethesoul’smoreimmediategarments；thatformandcountenance，thebeautyandgraceofwhichhadalmosttranscendedtheskillofthemostexquisiteofartists。Itcouldthemoreadequatelybeknownthatthesoulofthemanmusthavesufferedsomemiserablewrong，fromitsearthlyexperience。Thereheseemedtosit，withadimveilofdecayandruinbetwixthimandtheworld，butthroughwhich，atflittingintervals，mightbecaughtthesameexpression，sorefined，sosoftlyimaginative，whichMalbone——venturingahappytouch，withsuspendedbreath——hadimpartedtotheminiature！Therehadbeensomethingsoinnatelycharacteristicinthislook，thatalltheduskyyears，andtheburdenofunfitcalamitywhichhadfallenuponhim，didnotsufficeutterlytodestroyit。

Hepzibahhadnowpouredoutacupofdeliciouslyfragrantcoffee，andpresentedittoherguest。Ashiseyesmethers，heseemedbewilderedanddisquieted。

"Isthisyou，Hepzibah？"hemurmuredsadly。then，moreapart，andperhapsunconsciousthathewasoverheard，"Howchanged！

howchanged！Andissheangrywithme？Whydoesshebendherbrowso？"

PoorHepzibah！Itwasthatwretchedscowlwhichtimeandhernear-sightedness，andthefretofinwarddiscomfort，hadrenderedsohabitualthatanyvehemenceofmoodinvariablyevokedit。Butattheindistinctmurmurofhiswordsherwholefacegrewtender，andevenlovely，withsorrowfulaffection；theharshnessofherfeaturesdisappeared，asitwere，behindthewarmandmistyglow。

"Angry！sherepeated；"angrywithyou，Clifford！"

Hertone，assheutteredtheexclamation，hadaplaintiveandreallyexquisitemelodythrillingthroughit，yetwithoutsubduingacertainsomethingwhichanobtuseauditormightstillhavemistakenforasperity。

Itwasasifsometranscendentmusicianshoulddrawasoul-thrillingsweetnessoutofacrackedinstrument，whichmakesitsphysicalimperfectionheardinthemidstofetherealharmony，——sodeepwasthesensibilitythatfoundanorganinHepzibah’svoice！

"Thereisnothingbutlove，here，Clifford，"sheadded，——"nothingbutlove！Youareathome！"

Theguestrespondedtohertonebyasmile，whichdidnothalflightuphisface。Feebleasitwas，however，andgoneinamoment，ithadacharmofwonderfulbeauty。Itwasfollowedbyacoarserexpression；oronethathadtheeffectofcoarsenessonthefinemouldandoutlineofhiscountenance，becausetherewasnothingintellectualtotemperit。Itwasalookofappetite。

Heatefoodwithwhatmightalmostbetermedvoracity；andseemedtoforgethimself，Hepzibah，theyounggirl，andeverythingelsearoundhim，inthesensualenjoymentwhichthebountifullyspreadtableafforded。Inhisnaturalsystem，thoughhigh-wroughtanddelicatelyrefined，asensibilitytothedelightsofthepalatewasprobablyinherent。Itwouldhavebeenkeptincheck，however，andevenconvertedintoanaccomplishment，andoneofthethousandmodesofintellectualculture，hadhismoreetherealcharacteristicsretainedtheirvigor。Butasitexistednow，theeffectwaspainfulandmadePhoebedroophereyes。

Inalittlewhiletheguestbecamesensibleofthefragranceoftheyetuntastedcoffee。Hequaffediteagerly。Thesubtleessenceactedonhimlikeacharmeddraught，andcausedtheopaquesubstanceofhisanimalbeingtogrowtransparent，or，atleast，translucent；sothataspiritualgleamwastransmittedthroughit，withaclearerlustrethanhitherto。

"More，more！"hecried，withnervoushasteinhisutterance，asifanxioustoretainhisgraspofwhatsoughttoescapehim。"ThisiswhatIneed！Givememore！"

Underthisdelicateandpowerfulinfluencehesatmoreerect，andlookedoutfromhiseyeswithaglancethattooknoteofwhatitrestedon。Itwasnotsomuchthathisexpressiongrewmoreintellectual；this，thoughithaditsshare，wasnotthemostpeculiareffect。Neitherwaswhatwecallthemoralnaturesoforciblyawakenedastopresentitselfinremarkableprominence。

Butacertainfinetemperofbeingwasnownotbroughtoutinfullrelief，butchangeablyandimperfectlybetrayed，ofwhichitwasthefunctiontodealwithallbeautifulandenjoyablethings。

Inacharacterwhereitshouldexistasthechiefattribute，itwouldbestowonitspossessoranexquisitetaste，andanenviablesusceptibilityofhappiness。Beautywouldbehislife；hisaspirationswouldalltendtowardit；and，allowinghisframeandphysicalorganstobeinconsonance，hisowndevelopmentswouldlikewisebebeautiful。Suchamanshouldhavenothingtodowithsorrow；nothingwithstrife；nothingwiththemartyrdomwhich，inaninfinitevarietyofshapes，awaitsthosewhohavetheheart，andwill，andconscience，tofightabattlewiththeworld。

Totheseheroictempers，suchmartyrdomistherichestmeedintheworld’sgift。Totheindividualbeforeus，itcouldonlybeagrief，intenseindueproportionwiththeseverityoftheinfliction。Hehadnorighttobeamartyr；and，beholdinghimsofittobehappyandsofeebleforallotherpurposes，agenerous，strong，andnoblespiritwould，methinks，havebeenreadytosacrificewhatlittleenjoymentitmighthaveplannedforitself，——itwouldhaveflungdownthehopes，sopaltryinitsregard，——iftherebythewintryblastsofourrudespheremightcometemperedtosuchaman。

Nottospeakitharshlyorscornfully，itseemedClifford’snaturetobeaSybarite。Itwasperceptible，eventhere，inthedarkoldparlor，intheinevitablepolaritywithwhichhiseyeswereattractedtowardsthequiveringplayofsunbeamsthroughtheshadowyfoliage。Itwasseeninhisappreciatingnoticeofthevaseofflowers，thescentofwhichheinhaledwithazestalmostpeculiartoaphysicalorganizationsorefinedthatspiritualingredientsaremouldedinwithit。ItwasbetrayedintheunconscioussmilewithwhichheregardedPhoebe，whosefreshandmaidenlyfigurewasbothsunshineandflowers，——theiressence，inaprettierandmoreagreeablemodeofmanifestation。NotlessevidentwasthisloveandnecessityfortheBeautiful，intheinstinctivecautionwithwhich，evensosoon，hiseyesturnedawayfromhishostess，andwanderedtoanyquarterratherthancomeback。ItwasHepzibah’smisfortune，——notClifford’sfault。

Howcouldhe，——soyellowasshewas，sowrinkled，sosadofmien，withthatodduncouthnessofaturbanonherhead，andthatmostperverseofscowlscontortingherbrow，——howcouldhelovetogazeather？But，didheowehernoaffectionforsomuchasshehadsilentlygiven？Heowedhernothing。AnaturelikeClifford’scancontractnodebtsofthatkind。Itis——wesayitwithoutcensure，norindiminutionoftheclaimwhichitindefeasiblypossessesonbeingsofanothermould——itisalwaysselfishinitsessence；andwemustgiveitleavetobeso，andheapupourheroicanddisinterestedloveuponitsomuchthemore，withoutarecompense。PoorHepzibahknewthistruth，or，atleast，actedontheinstinctofit。SolongestrangedfromwhatwaslovelyasCliffordhadbeen，sherejoiced——rejoiced，thoughwithapresentsigh，andasecretpurposetoshedtearsinherownchamberthathehadbrighterobjectsnowbeforehiseyesthanheragedanduncomelyfeatures。Theyneverpossessedacharm；andiftheyhad，thecankerofhergriefforhimwouldlongsincehavedestroyedit。

Theguestleanedbackinhischair。Mingledinhiscountenancewithadreamydelight，therewasatroubledlookofeffortandunrest。Hewasseekingtomakehimselfmorefullysensibleofthescenearoundhim；or，perhaps，dreadingittobeadream，oraplayofimagination，wasvexingthefairmomentwithastruggleforsomeaddedbrilliancyandmoredurableillusion。

"Howpleasant！——Howdelightful！"hemurmured，butnotasifaddressinganyone。"Willitlast？Howbalmytheatmospherethroughthatopenwindow！Anopenwindow！Howbeautifulthatplayofsunshine！Thoseflowers，howveryfragrant！Thatyounggirl’sface，howcheerful，howblooming！——aflowerwiththedewonit，andsunbeamsinthedew-drops！Ah！thismustbealladream！