第6章

OldMatthewMaule，especially，wasknowntohaveaslittlehesitationordifficultyinrisingoutofhisgraveasanordinarymaningettingoutofbed，andwasasoftenseenatmidnightaslivingpeopleatnoonday。Thispestilentwizard(inwhomhisjustpunishmentseemedtohavewroughtnomannerofamendment)hadaninveteratehabitofhauntingacertainmansion，styledtheHouseoftheSevenGables，againsttheownerofwhichhepretendedtoholdanunsettledclaimforground-rent。Theghost，itappears，——withthepertinacitywhichwasoneofhisdistinguishingcharacteristicswhilealive，——insistedthathewastherightfulproprietorofthesiteuponwhichthehousestood。Histermswere，thateithertheaforesaidground-rent，fromthedaywhenthecellarbegantobedug，shouldbepaiddown，orthemansionitselfgivenup；elsehe，theghostlycreditor，wouldhavehisfingerinalltheaffairsofthePyncheons，andmakeeverythinggowrongwiththem，thoughitshouldbeathousandyearsafterhisdeath。Itwasawildstory，perhaps，butseemednotaltogethersoincredibletothosewhocouldrememberwhataninflexiblyobstinateoldfellowthiswizardMaulehadbeen。

Now，thewizard’sgrandson，theyoungMatthewMauleofourstory，waspopularlysupposedtohaveinheritedsomeofhisancestor’squestionabletraits。Itiswonderfulhowmanyabsurditieswerepromulgatedinreferencetotheyoungman。Hewasfabled，forexample，tohaveastrangepowerofgettingintopeople’sdreams，andregulatingmattersthereaccordingtohisownfancy，prettymuchlikethestage-managerofatheatre。Therewasagreatdealoftalkamongtheneighbors，particularlythepetticoatedones，aboutwhattheycalledthewitchcraftofMaule’seye。Somesaidthathecouldlookintopeople’sminds；others，that，bythemarvellouspowerofthiseye，hecoulddrawpeopleintohisownmind，orsendthem，ifhepleased，todoerrandstohisgrandfather，inthespiritualworld；

others，again，thatitwaswhatistermedanEvilEye，andpossessedthevaluablefacultyofblightingcorn，anddryingchildrenintomummieswiththeheartburn。But，afterall，whatworkedmosttotheyoungcarpenter’sdisadvantagewas，first，thereserveandsternnessofhisnaturaldisposition，andnext，thefactofhisnotbeingachurch-communicant，andthesuspicionofhisholdinghereticaltenetsinmattersofreligionandpolity。

AfterreceivingMr。Pyncheon’smessage，thecarpentermerelytarriedtofinishasmalljob，whichhehappenedtohaveinhand，andthentookhiswaytowardstheHouseoftheSevenGables。

Thisnotededifice，thoughitsstylemightbegettingalittleoutoffashion，wasstillasrespectableafamilyresidenceasthatofanygentlemanintown。Thepresentowner，GervaysePyncheon，wassaidtohavecontractedadisliketothehouse，inconsequenceofashocktohissensibility，inearlychildhood，fromthesuddendeathofhisgrandfather。IntheveryactofrunningtoclimbColonelPyncheon’sknee，theboyhaddiscoveredtheoldPuritantobeacorpse。Onarrivingatmanhood，Mr。PyncheonhadvisitedEngland，wherehemarriedaladyoffortune，andhadsubsequentlyspentmanyyears，partlyinthemothercountry，andpartlyinvariouscitiesonthecontinentofEurope。Duringthisperiod，thefamilymansionhadbeenconsignedtothechargeofakinsman，whowasallowedtomakeithishomeforthetimebeing，inconsiderationofkeepingthepremisesinthoroughrepair。Sofaithfullyhadthiscontractbeenfulfilled，thatnow，asthecarpenterapproachedthehouse，hispractisedeyecoulddetectnothingtocriticiseinitscondition。Thepeaksofthesevengablesroseupsharply；theshingledrooflookedthoroughlywater-tight；andtheglitteringplaster-workentirelycoveredtheexteriorwalls，andsparkledintheOctobersun，asifithadbeennewonlyaweekago。

Thehousehadthatpleasantaspectoflifewhichislikethecheeryexpressionofcomfortableactivityinthehumancountenance。

Youcouldsee，atonce，thattherewasthestirofalargefamilywithinit。Ahugeloadofoak-woodwaspassingthroughthegateway，towardstheoutbuildingsintherear；thefatcook——orprobablyitmightbethehousekeeper——stoodatthesidedoor，bargainingforsometurkeysandpoultrywhichacountrymanhadbroughtforsale。

Nowandthenamaid-servant，neatlydressed，andnowtheshiningsablefaceofaslave，mightbeseenbustlingacrossthewindows，inthelowerpartofthehouse。Atanopenwindowofaroominthesecondstory，hangingoversomepotsofbeautifulanddelicateflowers，——exotics，butwhichhadneverknownamoregenialsunshinethanthatoftheNewEnglandautumn，——wasthefigureofayounglady，anexotic，liketheflowers，andbeautifulanddelicateasthey。Herpresenceimpartedanindescribablegraceandfaintwitcherytothewholeedifice。Inotherrespects，itwasasubstantial，jolly-lookingmansion，andseemedfittobetheresidenceofapatriarch，whomightestablishhisownheadquartersinthefrontgableandassignoneoftheremaindertoeachofhissixchildren，whilethegreatchimneyinthecentreshouldsymbolizetheoldfellow’shospitableheart，whichkeptthemallwarm，andmadeagreatwholeofthesevensmallerones。

Therewasaverticalsundialonthefrontgable；andasthecarpenterpassedbeneathit，helookedupandnotedthehour。

"Threeo’clock！"saidhetohimself。"MyfathertoldmethatdialwasputuponlyanhourbeforetheoldColonel’sdeath。Howtrulyithaskepttimetheseseven-and-thirtyyearspast！Theshadowcreepsandcreeps，andisalwayslookingovertheshoulderofthesunshine！"

Itmighthavebefittedacraftsman，likeMatthewMaule，onbeingsentfortoagentleman’shouse，togotothebackdoor，whereservantsandwork-peoplewereusuallyadmitted；oratleasttothesideentrance，wherethebetterclassoftradesmenmadeapplication。Butthecarpenterhadagreatdealofprideandstiffnessinhisnature；and，atthismoment，moreover，hisheartwasbitterwiththesenseofhereditarywrong，becauseheconsideredthegreatPyncheonHousetobestandingonsoilwhichshouldhavebeenhisown。Onthisverysite，besideaspringofdeliciouswater，hisgrandfatherhadfelledthepine-treesandbuiltacottage，inwhichchildrenhadbeenborntohim；anditwasonlyfromadeadman’sstiffenedfingersthatColonelPyncheonhadwrestedawaythetitle-deeds。SoyoungMaulewentstraighttotheprincipalentrance，beneathaportalofcarvedoak，andgavesuchapealoftheironknockerthatyouwouldhaveimaginedthesternoldwizardhimselftobestandingatthethreshold。

BlackScipioansweredthesummonsinaprodigious，hurry；butshowedthewhitesofhiseyesinamazementonbeholdingonlythecarpenter。

"Lord-a-mercy！whatagreatmanhebe，thiscarpenterfellow。"

mumbledScipio，downinhisthroat。"Anybodythinkhebeatonthedoorwithhisbiggesthammer！"

"HereIam！"saidMaulesternly。"Showmethewaytoyourmaster’sparlor。"

Ashesteptintothehouse，anoteofsweetandmelancholymusicthrilledandvibratedalongthepassage-way，proceedingfromoneoftheroomsabovestairs。ItwastheharpsichordwhichAlicePyncheonhadbroughtwithherfrombeyondthesea。ThefairAlicebestowedmostofhermaidenleisurebetweenflowersandmusic，althoughtheformerwereapttodroop，andthemelodieswereoftensad。Shewasofforeigneducation，andcouldnottakekindlytotheNewEnglandmodesoflife，inwhichnothingbeautifulhadeverbeendeveloped。

AsMr。PyncheonhadbeenimpatientlyawaitingMaule’sarrival，blackScipio，ofcourse，lostnotimeinusheringthecarpenterintohismaster’spresence。Theroominwhichthisgentlemansatwasaparlorofmoderatesize，lookingoutuponthegardenofthehouse，andhavingitswindowspartlyshadowedbythefoliageoffruit-trees。ItwasMr。Pyncheon’speculiarapartment，andwasprovidedwithfurniture，inanelegantandcostlystyle，principallyfromParis；thefloor(whichwasunusualatthatday)

beingcoveredwithacarpet，soskilfullyandrichlywroughtthatitseemedtoglowaswithlivingflowers。Inonecornerstoodamarblewoman，towhomherownbeautywasthesoleandsufficientgarment。Somepictures——thatlookedold，andhadamellowtingediffusedthroughalltheirartfulsplendor——hungonthewalls。Nearthefireplacewasalargeandverybeautifulcabinetofebony，inlaidwithivory；apieceofantiquefurniture，whichMr。PyncheonhadboughtinVenice，andwhichheusedasthetreasure-placeformedals，ancientcoins，andwhateversmallandvaluablecuriositieshehadpickeduponhistravels。

Throughallthisvarietyofdecoration，however，theroomshoweditsoriginalcharacteristics；itslowstud，itscross-beam，itschimney-piece，withtheold-fashionedDutchtiles；sothatitwastheemblemofamindindustriouslystoredwithforeignideas，andelaboratedintoartificialrefinement，butneitherlarger，nor，initsproperself，moreelegantthanbefore。

Thereweretwoobjectsthatappearedratheroutofplaceinthisveryhandsomelyfurnishedroom。Onewasalargemap，orsurveyor’splan，ofatractofland，whichlookedasifithadbeendrawnagoodmanyyearsago，andwasnowdingywithsmoke，andsoiled，hereandthere，withthetouchoffingers。Theotherwasaportraitofasternoldman，inaPuritangarb，paintedroughly，butwithaboldeffect，andaremarkablystrongexpressionofcharacter。

Atasmalltable，beforeafireofEnglishsea-coal，satMr。

Pyncheon，sippingcoffee，whichhadgrowntobeaveryfavoritebeveragewithhiminFrance。Hewasamiddle-agedandreallyhandsomeman，withawigflowingdownuponhisshoulders；hiscoatwasofbluevelvet，withlaceonthebordersandatthebutton-holes；

andthefirelightglistenedonthespaciousbreadthofhiswaistcoat，whichwasfloweredalloverwithgold。OntheentranceofScipio，usheringinthecarpenter，Mr。Pyncheonturnedpartlyround，butresumedhisformerposition，andproceededdeliberatelytofinishhiscupofcoffee，withoutimmediatenoticeoftheguestwhomhehadsummonedtohispresence。Itwasnotthatheintendedanyrudenessorimproperneglect，——which，indeed，hewouldhaveblushedtobeguiltyof，——butitneveroccurredtohimthatapersoninMaule’sstationhadaclaimonhiscourtesy，orwouldtroublehimselfaboutitonewayortheother。

Thecarpenter，however，steppedatoncetothehearth，andturnedhimselfabout，soastolookMr。Pyncheonintheface。

"Yousentforme，"saidhe。"Bepleasedtoexplainyourbusiness，thatImaygobacktomyownaffairs。"

"Ah！excuseme，"saidMr。Pyncheonquietly。"Ididnotmeantotaxyourtimewithoutarecompense。Yourname，Ithink，isMaule，——ThomasorMatthewMaule，——asonorgrandsonofthebuilderofthishouse？"

"MatthewMaule，"repliedthecarpenter，——"sonofhimwhobuiltthehouse，——grandsonoftherightfulproprietorofthesoil。"

"Iknowthedisputetowhichyouallude，"observedMr。Pyncheonwithundisturbedequanimity。"Iamwellawarethatmygrandfatherwascompelledtoresorttoasuitatlaw，inordertoestablishhisclaimtothefoundation-siteofthisedifice。Wewillnot，ifyouplease，renewthediscussion。Thematterwassettledatthetime，andbythecompetentauthorities，——equitably，itistobepresumed，——and，atallevents，irrevocably。Yet，singularlyenough，thereisanincidentalreferencetothisverysubjectinwhatIamnowabouttosaytoyou。Andthissameinveterategrudge，——excuseme，Imeannooffence，——thisirritability，whichyouhavejustshown，isnotentirelyasidefromthematter。"

"Ifyoucanfindanythingforyourpurpose，Mr。Pyncheon，"saidthecarpenter，"inaman’snaturalresentmentforthewrongsdonetohisblood，youarewelcometoit。"

"Itakeyouatyourword，GoodmanMaule，"saidtheowneroftheSevenGables，withasmile，"andwillproceedtosuggestamodeinwhichyourhereditaryresentments——justifiableorotherwise——mayhavehadabearingonmyaffairs。Youhaveheard，Isuppose，thatthePyncheonfamily，eversincemygrandfather’sdays，havebeenprosecutingastillunsettledclaimtoaverylargeextentofterritoryattheEastward？"

"Often，"repliedMaule，——anditissaidthatasmilecameoverhisface，——"veryoften，——frommyfather！"

"Thisclaim，"continuedMr。Pyncheon，afterpausingamoment，asiftoconsiderwhatthecarpenter’ssmilemightmean，"appearedtobeontheveryvergeofasettlementandfullallowance，attheperiodofmygrandfather’sdecease。Itwaswellknown，tothoseinhisconfidence，thatheanticipatedneitherdifficultynordelay。Now，ColonelPyncheon，Ineedhardlysay，wasapracticalman，wellacquaintedwithpublicandprivatebusiness，andnotatallthepersontocherishill-foundedhopes，ortoattemptthefollowingoutofanimpracticablescheme。Itisobvioustoconclude，therefore，thathehadgrounds，notapparenttohisheirs，forhisconfidentanticipationofsuccessinthematterofthisEasternclaim。Inaword，Ibelieve，——andmylegaladviserscoincideinthebelief，which，moreover，isauthorized，toacertainextent，bythefamilytraditions，——thatmygrandfatherwasinpossessionofsomedeed，orotherdocument，essentialtothisclaim，butwhichhassincedisappeared。"

"Verylikely，"saidMatthewMaule，——andagain，itissaid，therewasadarksmileonhisface，——"butwhatcanapoorcarpenterhavetodowiththegrandaffairsofthePyncheonfamily？"

"Perhapsnothing，"returnedMr。Pyncheon，"possiblymuch！"

HereensuedagreatmanywordsbetweenMatthewMauleandtheproprietoroftheSevenGables，onthesubjectwhichthelatterhadthusbroached。Itseems(althoughMr。Pyncheonhadsomehesitationinreferringtostoriessoexceedinglyabsurdintheiraspect)thatthepopularbeliefpointedtosomemysteriousconnectionanddependence，existingbetweenthefamilyoftheMaulesandthesevastunrealizedpossessionsofthePyncheons。

Itwasanordinarysayingthattheoldwizard，hangedthoughhewas，hadobtainedthebestendofthebargaininhiscontestwithColonelPyncheon；inasmuchashehadgotpossessionofthegreatEasternclaim，inexchangeforanacreortwoofgarden-ground。

Averyagedwoman，recentlydead，hadoftenusedthemetaphoricalexpression，inherfiresidetalk，thatmilesandmilesofthePyncheonlandshadbeenshovelledintoMaule’sgrave；which，bythebye，wasbutaveryshallownook，betweentworocks，nearthesummitofGallowsHill。Again，whenthelawyersweremakinginquiryforthemissingdocument，itwasaby-wordthatitwouldneverbefound，unlessinthewizard’sskeletonhand。Somuchweighthadtheshrewdlawyersassignedtothesefables，that(butMr。Pyncheondidnotseefittoinformthecarpenterofthefact)

theyhadsecretlycausedthewizard’sgravetobesearched。Nothingwasdiscovered，however，exceptthat，unaccountably，therighthandoftheskeletonwasgone。

Now，whatwasunquestionablyimportant，aportionofthesepopularrumorscouldbetraced，thoughratherdoubtfullyandindistinctly，tochancewordsandobscurehintsoftheexecutedwizard’sson，andthefatherofthispresentMatthewMaule。AndhereMr。Pyncheoncouldbringanitemofhisownpersonalevidenceintoplay。Thoughbutachildatthetime，heeitherrememberedorfanciedthatMatthew’sfatherhadhadsomejobtoperformonthedaybefore，orpossiblytheverymorningoftheColonel’sdecease，intheprivateroomwhereheandthecarpenterwereatthismomenttalking。CertainpapersbelongingtoColonelPyncheon，ashisgrandsondistinctlyrecollected，hadbeenspreadoutonthetable。

MatthewMauleunderstoodtheinsinuatedsuspicion。

"Myfather，"hesaid，——butstilltherewasthatdarksmile，makingariddleofhiscountenance，——"myfatherwasanhonestermanthanthebloodyoldColonel！Nottogethisrightsbackagainwouldhehavecarriedoffoneofthosepapers！"

"Ishallnotbandywordswithyou，"observedtheforeign-bredMr。Pyncheon，withhaughtycomposure。"Norwillitbecomemetoresentanyrudenesstowardseithermygrandfatherormyself。

Agentleman，beforeseekingintercoursewithapersonofyourstationandhabits，willfirstconsiderwhethertheurgencyoftheendmaycompensateforthedisagreeablenessofthemeans。

Itdoessointhepresentinstance。"

Hethenrenewedtheconversation，andmadegreatpecuniaryofferstothecarpenter，incasethelattershouldgiveinformationleadingtothediscoveryofthelostdocument，andtheconsequentsuccessoftheEasternclaim。ForalongtimeMatthewMauleissaidtohaveturnedacoldeartothesepropositions。Atlast，however，withastrangekindoflaugh，heinquiredwhetherMr。

Pyncheonwouldmakeovertohimtheoldwizard’shomestead-ground，togetherwiththeHouseoftheSevenGables，nowstandingonit，inrequitalofthedocumentaryevidencesourgentlyrequired。

Thewild，chimney-cornerlegend(which，withoutcopyingallitsextravagances，mynarrativeessentiallyfollows)heregivesanaccountofsomeverystrangebehavioronthepartofColonelPyncheon’sportrait。Thispicture，itmustbeunderstood，wassupposedtobesointimatelyconnectedwiththefateofthehouse，andsomagicallybuiltintoitswalls，that，ifonceitshouldberemoved，thatveryinstantthewholeedificewouldcomethunderingdowninaheapofdustyruin。AllthroughtheforegoingconversationbetweenMr。Pyncheonandthecarpenter，theportraithadbeenfrowning，clenchingitsfist，andgivingmanysuchproofsofexcessivediscomposure，butwithoutattractingthenoticeofeitherofthetwocolloquists。Andfinally，atMatthewMaule’saudacioussuggestionofatransferoftheseven-gabledstructure，theghostlyportraitisaverredtohavelostallpatience，andtohaveshownitselfonthepointofdescendingbodilyfromitsframe。Butsuchincredibleincidentsaremerelytobementionedaside。

"Giveupthishouse！"exclaimedMr。Pyncheon，inamazementattheproposal。"WereItodoso，mygrandfatherwouldnotrestquietinhisgrave！"

"Heneverhas，ifallstoriesaretrue，"remarkedthecarpentercomposedly。"ButthatmatterconcernshisgrandsonmorethanitdoesMatthewMaule。Ihavenoothertermstopropose。"

ImpossibleasheatfirstthoughtittocomplywithMaule’sconditions，still，onasecondglance，Mr。Pyncheonwasofopinionthattheymightatleastbemadematterofdiscussion。

Hehimselfhadnopersonalattachmentforthehouse，noranypleasantassociationsconnectedwithhischildishresidenceinit。

Onthecontrary，afterseven-and-thirtyyears，thepresenceofhisdeadgrandfatherseemedstilltopervadeit，asonthatmorningwhentheaffrightedboyhadbeheldhim，withsoghastlyanaspect，stiffeninginhischair。Hislongabodeinforeignparts，moreover，andfamiliaritywithmanyofthecastlesandancestralhallsofEngland，andthemarblepalacesofItaly，hadcausedhimtolookcontemptuouslyattheHouseoftheSevenGables，whetherinpointofsplendororconvenience。ItwasamansionexceedinglyinadequatetothestyleoflivingwhichitwouldbeincumbentonMr。Pyncheontosupport，afterrealizinghisterritorialrights。Hisstewardmightdeigntooccupyit，butnever，certainly，thegreatlandedproprietorhimself。Intheeventofsuccess，indeed，itwashispurposetoreturntoEngland；nor，tosaythetruth，wouldherecentlyhavequittedthatmorecongenialhome，hadnothisownfortune，aswellashisdeceasedwife’s，beguntogivesymptomsofexhaustion。TheEasternclaimoncefairlysettled，andputuponthefirmbasisofactualpossession，Mr。Pyncheon’sproperty——tobemeasuredbymiles，notacres——wouldbeworthanearldom，andwouldreasonablyentitlehimtosolicit，orenablehimtopurchase，thatelevateddignityfromtheBritishmonarch。LordPyncheon！——ortheEarlofWaldo！——howcouldsuchamagnatebeexpectedtocontracthisgrandeurwithinthepitifulcompassofsevenshingledgables？

Inshort，onanenlargedviewofthebusiness，thecarpenter’stermsappearedsoridiculouslyeasythatMr。Pyncheoncouldscarcelyforbearlaughinginhisface。Hewasquiteashamed，aftertheforegoingreflections，toproposeanydiminutionofsomoderatearecompensefortheimmenseservicetoberendered。

"Iconsenttoyourproposition，Maule，"criedhe。"Putmeinpossessionofthedocumentessentialtoestablishmyrights，andtheHouseoftheSevenGablesisyourown！"

Accordingtosomeversionsofthestory，aregularcontracttotheaboveeffectwasdrawnupbyalawyer，andsignedandsealedinthepresenceofwitnesses。OtherssaythatMatthewMaulewascontentedwithaprivatewrittenagreement，inwhichMr。Pyncheonpledgedhishonorandintegritytothefulfillmentofthetermsconcludedupon。Thegentlemanthenorderedwine，whichheandthecarpenterdranktogether，inconfirmationoftheirbargain。

Duringthewholeprecedingdiscussionandsubsequentformalities，theoldPuritan’sportraitseemstohavepersistedinitsshadowygesturesofdisapproval；butwithouteffect，exceptthat，asMr。

Pyncheonsetdowntheemptiedglass，hethoughtbebeheldhisgrandfatherfrown。

"Thissherryistoopotentawineforme；ithasaffectedmybrainalready，"heobserved，afterasomewhatstartledlookatthepicture。

"OnreturningtoEurope，IshallconfinemyselftothemoredelicatevintagesofItalyandFrance，thebestofwhichwillnotbeartransportation。"

"MyLordPyncheonmaydrinkwhatwinehewill，andwhereverhepleases，"repliedthecarpenter，asifhehadbeenprivytoMr。

Pyncheon’sambitiousprojects。"Butfirst，sir，ifyoudesiretidingsofthislostdocument，ImustcravethefavorofalittletalkwithyourfairdaughterAlice。"

"Youaremad，Maule！"exclaimedMr。Pyncheonhaughtily；andnow，atlast，therewasangermixedupwithhispride。"Whatcanmydaughterhavetodowithabusinesslikethis？"

Indeed，atthisnewdemandonthecarpenter’spart，theproprietoroftheSevenGableswasevenmorethunder-struckthanatthecoolpropositiontosurrenderhishouse。Therewas，atleast，anassignablemotiveforthefirststipulation；thereappearedtobenonewhateverforthelast。Nevertheless，MatthewMaulesturdilyinsistedontheyoungladybeingsummoned，andevengaveherfathertounderstand，inamysteriouskindofexplanation，——whichmadethematterconsiderablydarkerthanitlookedbefore，——thattheonlychanceofacquiringtherequisiteknowledgewasthroughtheclear，crystalmediumofapureandvirginintelligence，likethatofthefairAlice。NottoencumberourstorywithMr。Pyncheon’sscruples，whetherofconscience，pride，orfatherlyaffection，heatlengthorderedhisdaughtertobecalled。Hewellknewthatshewasinherchamber，andengagedinnooccupationthatcouldnotreadilybelaidaside；for，asithappened，eversinceAlice’snamehadbeenspoken，bothherfatherandthecarpenterhadheardthesadandsweetmusicofherharpsichord，andtheairiermelancholyofheraccompanyingvoice。

SoAlicePyncheonwassummoned，andappeared。Aportraitofthisyounglady，paintedbyaVenetianartist，andleftbyherfatherinEngland，issaidtohavefallenintothehandsofthepresentDukeofDevonshire，andtobenowpreservedatChatsworth；notonaccountofanyassociationswiththeoriginal，butforitsvalueasapicture，andthehighcharacterofbeautyinthecountenance。

Ifevertherewasaladyborn，andsetapartfromtheworld’svulgarmassbyacertaingentleandcoldstateliness，itwasthisveryAlicePyncheon。Yettherewasthewomanlymixtureinher；thetenderness，or，atleast，thetendercapabilities。Forthesakeofthatredeemingquality，amanofgenerousnaturewouldhaveforgivenallherpride，andhavebeencontent，almost，toliedowninherpath，andletAlicesetherslenderfootuponhisheart。Allthathewouldhaverequiredwassimplytheacknowledgmentthathewasindeedaman，andafellow-being，mouldedofthesameelementsasshe。

AsAlicecameintotheroom，hereyesfelluponthecarpenter，whowasstandingnearitscentre，cladingreenwoollenjacket，apairofloosebreeches，openattheknees，andwithalongpocketforhisrule，theendofwhichprotruded；itwasasproperamarkoftheartisan’scallingasMr。Pyncheon’sfull-dressswordofthatgentleman’saristocraticpretensions。AglowofartisticapprovalbrightenedoverAlicePyncheon’sface；shewasstruckwithadmiration——whichshemadenoattempttoconceal——oftheremarkablecomeliness，strength，andenergyofMaule’sfigure。

Butthatadmiringglance(whichmostothermen，perhaps，wouldhavecherishedasasweetrecollectionallthroughlife)thecarpenterneverforgave。ItmusthavebeenthedevilhimselfthatmadeMaulesosubtileinhispreception。

"DoesthegirllookatmeasifIwereabrutebeast？"thoughthe，settinghisteeth。"SheshallknowwhetherIhaveahumanspirit；

andtheworseforher，ifitprovestrongerthanherown！"

"Myfather，yousentforme，"saidAlice，inhersweetandharp-likevoice。"But，ifyouhavebusinesswiththisyoungman，prayletmegoagain。YouknowIdonotlovethisroom，inspiteofthatClaude，withwhichyoutrytobringbacksunnyrecollections。"

"Stayamoment，younglady，ifyouplease！"saidMatthewMaule。

"Mybusinesswithyourfatherisover。Withyourself，itisnowtobegin！"

Alicelookedtowardsherfather，insurpriseandinquiry。

"Yes，Alice，"saidMr。Pyncheon，withsomedisturbanceandconfusion。"Thisyoungman——hisnameisMatthewMaule——professes，sofarasIcanunderstandhim，tobeabletodiscover，throughyourmeans，acertainpaperorparchment，whichwasmissinglongbeforeyourbirth。Theimportanceofthedocumentinquestionrendersitadvisabletoneglectnopossible，evenifimprobable，methodofregainingit。Youwillthereforeobligeme，mydearAlice，byansweringthisperson’sinquiries，andcomplyingwithhislawfulandreasonablerequests，sofarastheymayappeartohavetheaforesaidobjectinview。AsIshallremainintheroom，youneedapprehendnorudenorunbecomingdeportment，ontheyoungman’spart；and，atyourslightestwish，ofcourse，theinvestigation，orwhateverwemaycallit，shallimmediatelybebrokenoff。"

"MistressAlicePyncheon，"remarkedMatthewMaule，withtheutmostdeference，butyetahalf-hiddensarcasminhislookandtone，"willnodoubtfeelherselfquitesafeinherfather’spresence，andunderhisall-sufficientprotection。"

"Icertainlyshallentertainnomannerofapprehension，withmyfatherathand，"saidAlicewithmaidenlydignity。"NeitherdoI

conceivethatalady，whiletruetoherself，canhaveaughttofearfromwhomsoever，orinanycircumstances！"

PoorAlice！Bywhatunhappyimpulsedidshethusputherselfatonceontermsofdefianceagainstastrengthwhichshecouldnotestimate？

"Then，MistressAlice，"saidMatthewMaule，handingachair，——gracefullyenough，foracraftsman，"willitpleaseyouonlytositdown，anddomethefavor(thoughaltogetherbeyondapoorcarpenter’sdeserts)tofixyoureyesonmine！"

Alicecomplied，Shewasveryproud。Settingasidealladvantagesofrank，thisfairgirldeemedherselfconsciousofapower——combinedofbeauty，high，unsulliedpurity，andthepreservativeforceofwomanhood——thatcouldmakehersphereimpenetrable，unlessbetrayedbytreacherywithin。Sheinstinctivelyknew，itmaybe，thatsomesinisterorevilpotencywasnowstrivingtopassherbarriers；norwouldshedeclinethecontest。SoAliceputwoman’smightagainstman’smight；amatchnotoftenequalonthepartofwoman。

Herfathermeanwhilehadturnedaway，andseemedabsorbedinthecontemplationofalandscapebyClaude，whereashadowyandsun-streakedvistapenetratedsoremotelyintoanancientwood，thatitwouldhavebeennowonderifhisfancyhadlostitselfinthepicture’sbewilderingdepths。But，intruth，thepicturewasnomoretohimatthatmomentthantheblankwallagainstwhichithung。Hismindwashauntedwiththemanyandstrangetaleswhichhehadheard，attributingmysteriousifnotsupernaturalendowmentstotheseMaules，aswellthegrandsonherepresentashistwoimmediateancestors。Mr。Pyncheon’slongresidenceabroad，andintercoursewithmenofwitandfashion，——courtiers，worldings，andfree-thinkers，——haddonemuchtowardsobliteratingthegrimPuritansuperstitions，whichnomanofNewEnglandbirthatthatearlyperiodcouldentirelyescape。But，ontheotherhand，hadnotawholeCommunitybelievedMaule’sgrandfathertobeawizard？Hadnotthecrimebeenproved？Hadnotthewizarddiedforit？HadhenotbequeathedalegacyofhatredagainstthePyncheonstothisonlygrandson，who，asitappeared，wasnowabouttoexerciseasubtleinfluenceoverthedaughterofhisenemy’shouse？Mightnotthisinfluencebethesamethatwascalledwitchcraft？

Turninghalfaround，hecaughtaglimpseofMaule’sfigureinthelooking-glass。AtsomepacesfromAlice，withhisarmsupliftedintheair，thecarpentermadeagestureasifdirectingdownwardaslow，ponderous，andinvisibleweightuponthemaiden。

"Stay，Maule！"exclaimedMr。Pyncheon，steppingforward。"Iforbidyourproceedingfurther！"

"Pray，mydearfather，donotinterrupttheyoungman，"saidAlice，withoutchangingherposition。"Hisefforts，Iassureyou，willproveveryharmless。"

AgainMr。PyncheonturnedhiseyestowardstheClaude。Itwasthenhisdaughter’swill，inoppositiontohisown，thattheexperimentshouldbefullytried。Henceforth，therefore，hedidbutconsent，noturgeit。Andwasitnotforhersakefarmorethanforhisownthathedesireditssuccess？Thatlostparchmentoncerestored，thebeautifulAlicePyncheon，withtherichdowrywhichhecouldthenbestow，mightwedanEnglishdukeoraGermanreigning-prince，insteadofsomeNewEnglandclergymanorlawyer！Atthethought，theambitiousfatheralmostconsented，inhisheart，that，ifthedevil’spowerwereneededtotheaccomplishmentofthisgreatobject，Maulemightevokehim。Alice’sownpuritywouldbehersafeguard。

Withhismindfullofimaginarymagnificence，Mr。Pyncheonheardahalf-utteredexclamationfromhisdaughter。Itwasveryfaintandlow；soindistinctthatthereseemedbuthalfawilltoshapeoutthewords，andtooundefinedapurporttobeintelligible。

Yetitwasacallforhelp！——hisconscienceneverdoubtedit；——and，littlemorethanawhispertohisear，itwasadismalshriek，andlongreechoedso，intheregionroundhisheart！Butthistimethefatherdidnotturn。

Afterafurtherinterval，Maulespoke。

"Beholdyourdaughter。"saidhe。

Mr。Pyncheoncamehastilyforward。ThecarpenterwasstandingerectinfrontofAlice’schair，andpointinghisfingertowardsthemaidenwithanexpressionoftriumphantpower，thelimitsofwhichcouldnotbedefined，as，indeed，itsscopestretchedvaguelytowardstheunseenandtheinfinite。Alicesatinanattitudeofprofoundrepose，withthelongbrownlashesdroopingoverhereyes。

"Theresheis！"saidthecarpenter。"Speaktoher！"

"Alice！Mydaughter！"exclaimedMr。Pyncheon。"MyownAlice！"

Shedidnotstir。

"Louder！"saidMaule，smiling。

"Alice！Awake！"criedherfather。"Ittroublesmetoseeyouthus！Awake！"

Hespokeloudly，withterrorinhisvoice，andclosetothatdelicateearwhichhadalwaysbeensosensitivetoeverydiscord。

Butthesoundevidentlyreachedhernot。Itisindescribablewhatasenseofremote，dim，unattainabledistancebetwixthimselfandAlicewasimpressedonthefatherbythisimpossibilityofreachingherwithhisvoice。

"Besttouchher"saidMatthewMaule"Shakethegirl，androughly，too！Myhandsarehardenedwithtoomuchuseofaxe，saw，andplane，——elseImighthelpyou！"

Mr。Pyncheontookherhand，andpresseditwiththeearnestnessofstartledemotion。Hekissedher，withsogreataheart-throbinthekiss，thathethoughtshemustneedsfeelit。Then，inagustofangeratherinsensibility，heshookhermaidenformwithaviolencewhich，thenextmoment，itaffrightedhimtoremember。Hewithdrewhisencirclingarms，andAlice——whosefigure，thoughflexible，hadbeenwhollyimpassive——relapsedintothesameattitudeasbeforetheseattemptstoarouseher。Maulehavingshiftedhisposition，herfacewasturnedtowardshimslightly，butwithwhatseemedtobeareferenceofherveryslumbertohisguidance。

Thenitwasastrangesighttobeholdhowthemanofconventionalitiesshookthepowderoutofhisperiwig；howthereservedandstatelygentlemanforgothisdignity；howthegold-embroideredwaistcoatflickeredandglistenedinthefirelightwiththeconvulsionofrage，terror，andsorrowinthehumanheartthatwasbeatingunderit。

"Villain！"criedMr。Pyncheon，shakinghisclenchedfistatMaule。

"Youandthefiendtogetherhaverobbedmeofmydaughter。Giveherback，spawnoftheoldwizard，oryoushallclimbGallowsHillinyourgrandfather’sfootsteps！"

"Softly，Mr。Pyncheon！"saidthecarpenterwithscornfulcomposure。"Softly，anitpleaseyourworship，elseyouwillspoilthoserichlacerufflesatyourwrists！Isitmycrimeifyouhavesoldyourdaughterforthemerehopeofgettingasheetofyellowparchmentintoyourclutch？TheresitsMistressAlicequietlyasleep。NowletMatthewMauletrywhethershebeasproudasthecarpenterfoundherawhilesince。"

Hespoke，andAliceresponded，withasoft，subdued，inwardacquiescence，andabendingofherformtowardshim，liketheflameofatorchwhenitindicatesagentledraughtofair。

Hebeckonedwithhishand，and，risingfromherchair，——blindly，butundoubtingly，astendingtohersureandinevitablecentre，——theproudAliceapproachedhim。Hewavedherback，and，retreating，Alicesankagainintoherseat。

"Sheismine！"saidMatthewMaule。"Mine，bytherightofthestrongestspirit！"

Inthefurtherprogressofthelegend，thereisalong，grotesque，andoccasionallyawe-strikingaccountofthecarpenter’sincantations(ifsotheyaretobecalled)，withaviewofdiscoveringthelostdocument。ItappearstohavebeenhisobjecttoconvertthemindofAliceintoakindoftelescopicmedium，throughwhichMr。Pyncheonandhimselfmightobtainaglimpseintothespiritualworld。

Hesucceeded，accordingly，inholdinganimperfectsortofintercourse，atoneremove，withthedepartedpersonagesinwhosecustodythesomuchvaluedsecrethadbeencarriedbeyondtheprecinctsofearth。

Duringhertrance，Alicedescribedthreefiguresasbeingpresenttoherspiritualizedperception。Onewasanaged，dignified，stern-lookinggentleman，cladasforasolemnfestivalingraveandcostlyattire，butwithagreatbloodstainonhisrichlywroughtband；thesecond，anagedman，meanlydressed，withadarkandmaligncountenance，andabrokenhalterabouthisneck；

thethird，apersonnotsoadvancedinlifeastheformertwo，butbeyondthemiddleage，wearingacoarsewoollentunicandleatherbreeches，andwithacarpenter’srulestickingoutofhissidepocket。Thesethreevisionarycharacterspossessedamutualknowledgeofthemissingdocument。Oneofthem，intruth，——itwashewiththeblood-stainonhisband，——seemed，unlesshisgesturesweremisunderstood，toholdtheparchmentinhisimmediatekeeping，butwaspreventedbyhistwopartnersinthemysteryfromdisburdeninghimselfofthetrust。Finally，whenheshowedapurposeofshoutingforththesecretloudlyenoughtobeheardfromhisownsphereintothatofmortals，hiscompanionsstruggledwithhim，andpressedtheirhandsoverhismouth；andforthwith——whetherthathewerechokedbyit，orthatthesecretitselfwasofacrimsonhue——therewasafreshflowofblooduponhisband。

Uponthis，thetwomeanlydressedfiguresmockedandjeeredatthemuch-abashedolddignitary，andpointedtheirfingersatthestain。

Atthisjuncture，MauleturnedtoMr。Pyncheon。

"Itwillneverbeallowed，"saidhe。"Thecustodyofthissecret，thatwouldsoenrichhisheirs，makespartofyourgrandfather’sretribution。Hemustchokewithituntilitisnolongerofanyvalue。AndkeepyoutheHouseoftheSevenGables！Itistoodearboughtaninheritance，andtooheavywiththecurseuponit，tobeshiftedyetawhilefromtheColonel’sposterity。"

Mr。Pyncheontriedtospeak，but——whatwithfearandpassion——couldmakeonlyagurglingmurmurinhisthroat。Thecarpentersmiled。

"Aha，worshipfulsir！——soyouhaveoldMaule’sbloodtodrink！"

saidhejeeringly。

"Fiendinman’sshape！whydostthoukeepdominionovermychild？"

criedMr。Pyncheon，whenhischokedutterancecouldmakeway。"Givemebackmydaughter。Thengothyways；andmaywenevermeetagain！"

"Yourdaughter！"saidMatthewMaule。"Why，sheisfairlymine！

Nevertheless，nottobetoohardwithfairMistressAlice，Iwillleaveherinyourkeeping；butIdonotwarrantyouthatsheshallneverhaveoccasiontorememberMaule，thecarpenter。"

Hewavedhishandswithanupwardmotion；and，afterafewrepetitionsofsimilargestures，thebeautifulAlicePyncheonawokefromherstrangetrance。Sheawokewithouttheslightestrecollectionofhervisionaryexperience；butasonelosingherselfinamomentaryreverie，andreturningtotheconsciousnessofactuallife，inalmostasbriefanintervalasthedown-sinkingflameofthehearthshouldquiveragainupthechimney。OnrecognizingMatthewMaule，sheassumedanairofsomewhatcoldbutgentledignity，therather，astherewasacertainpeculiarsmileonthecarpenter’svisagethatstirredthenativeprideofthefairAlice。Soended，forthattime，thequestforthelosttitle-deedofthePyncheonterritoryattheEastward；nor，thoughoftensubsequentlyrenewed，hasiteveryetbefallenaPyncheontosethiseyeuponthatparchment。

But，alasforthebeautiful，thegentle，yettoohaughtyAlice！

Apowerthatshelittledreamedofhadlaiditsgraspuponhermaidensoul。Awill，mostunlikeherown，constrainedhertodoitsgrotesqueandfantasticbidding。Herfatherasitproved，hadmartyredhispoorchildtoaninordinatedesireformeasuringhislandbymilesinsteadofacres。And，therefore，whileAlicePyncheonlived，shewasMaule’sslave，inabondagemorehumiliating，athousand-fold，thanthatwhichbindsitschainaroundthebody。

Seatedbyhishumblefireside，Maulehadbuttowavehishand；and，wherevertheproudladychancedtobe，——whetherinherchamber，orentertainingherfather’sstatelyguests，orworshippingatchurch，——whateverherplaceoroccupation，herspiritpassedfrombeneathherowncontrol，andboweditselftoMaule。"Alice，laugh！"——thecarpenter，besidehishearth，wouldsay；orperhapsintenselywillit，withoutaspokenword。And，evenwereitprayer-time，oratafuneral，Alicemustbreakintowildlaughter。"Alice，besad！"——and，attheinstant，downwouldcomehertears，quenchingallthemirthofthosearoundherlikesuddenrainuponabonfire。"Alice，dance。"——

anddanceshewould，notinsuchcourt-likemeasuresasshehadlearnedabroad，butSomehigh-pacedjig，orhop-skiprigadoon，befittingthebrisklassesatarusticmerry-making。ItseemedtobeMaule’simpulse，nottoruinAlice，nortovisitherwithanyblackorgiganticmischief，whichwouldhavecrownedhersorrowswiththegraceoftragedy，buttowreakalow，ungenerousscornuponher。Thusallthedignityoflifewaslost。Shefeltherselftoomuchabased，andlongedtochangenatureswithsomeworm！

Oneevening，atabridalparty(butnotherown；for，solostfromself-control，shewouldhavedeemeditsintomarry)，poorAlicewasbeckonedforthbyherunseendespot，andconstrained，inhergossamerwhitedressandsatinslippers，tohastenalongthestreettothemeandwellingofalaboring-man。Therewaslaughterandgoodcheerwithin；forMatthewMaule，thatnight，wastowedthelaborer’sdaughter，andhadsummonedproudAlicePyncheontowaituponhisbride。Andsoshedid；andwhenthetwainwereone，Aliceawokeoutofherenchantedsleep。Yet，nolongerproud，——humbly，andwithasmileallsteepedinsadness，——shekissedMaule’swife，andwentherway。Itwasaninclementnight；thesoutheastwinddrovethemingledsnowandrainintoherthinlyshelteredbosom；hersatinslipperswerewetthroughandthrough，asshetrodthemuddysidewalks。Thenextdayacold；soon，asettledcough；anon，ahecticcheek，awastedform，thatsatbesidetheharpsichord，andfilledthehousewithmusic！

Musicinwhichastrainoftheheavenlychoristerswasechoed！Oh；

joyForAlicehadborneherlasthumiliation！Oh，greaterjoy！ForAlicewaspenitentofheroneearthlysin，andproudnomore！

ThePyncheonsmadeagreatfuneralforAlice。Thekithandkinwerethere，andthewholerespectabilityofthetownbesides。

But，lastintheprocession，cameMatthewMaule，gnashinghisteeth，asifhewouldhavebittenhisownheartintwain，——thedarkestandwofullestmanthateverwalkedbehindacorpse！HemeanttohumbleAlice，nottokillher；buthehadtakenawoman’sdelicatesoulintohisrudegripe，toplaywith——andshewasdead！

XIVPhoebe’sGood-ByHOLGRAVE，plungingintohistalewiththeenergyandabsorptionnaturaltoayoungauthor，hadgivenagooddealofactiontothepartscapableofbeingdevelopedandexemplifiedinthatmanner。Henowobservedthatacertainremarkabledrowsiness(whollyunlikethatwithwhichthereaderpossiblyfeelshimselfaffected)hadbeenflungoverthesensesofhisauditress。

Itwastheeffect，unquestionably，ofthemysticgesticulationsbywhichhehadsoughttobringbodilybeforePhoebe’sperceptionthefigureofthemesmerizingcarpenter。Withthelidsdroopingoverhereyes，——nowliftedforaninstant，anddrawndownagainaswithleadenweights，——sheleanedslightlytowardshim，andseemedalmosttoregulateherbreathbyhis。Holgravegazedather，asherolleduphismanuscript，andrecognizedanincipientstageofthatcuriouspsychologicalconditionwhich，ashehadhimselftoldPhoebe，hepossessedmorethananordinaryfacultyofproducing。Aveilwasbeginningtobemuffledabouther，inwhichshecouldbeholdonlyhim，andliveonlyinhisthoughtsandemotions。Hisglance，ashefasteneditontheyounggirl，grewinvoluntarilymoreconcentrated；inhisattitudetherewastheconsciousnessofpower，investinghishardlymaturefigurewithadignitythatdidnotbelongtoitsphysicalmanifestation。

Itwasevident，that，withbutonewaveofhishandandacorrespondingeffortofhiswill，hecouldcompletehismasteryoverPhoebe’syetfreeandvirginspirit:hecouldestablishaninfluenceoverthisgood，pure，andsimplechild，asdangerous，andperhapsasdisastrous，asthatwhichthecarpenterofhislegendhadacquiredandexercisedovertheill-fatedAlice。

ToadispositionlikeHolgrave’s，atoncespeculativeandactive，thereisnotemptationsogreatastheopportunityofacquiringempireoverthehumanspirit；noranyideamoreseductivetoayoungmanthantobecomethearbiterofayounggirl’sdestiny。Letus，therefore，——whateverhisdefectsofnatureandeducation，andinspiteofhisscornforcreedsandinstitutions，——concedetothedaguerreotypisttherareandhighqualityofreverenceforanother’sindividuality。Letusallowhimintegrity，also，foreveraftertobeconfidedin；sinceheforbadehimselftotwinethatonelinkmorewhichmighthaverenderedhisspelloverPhoebeindissoluble。

Hemadeaslightgestureupwardwithhishand。

"Youreallymortifyme，mydearMissPhoebe！"heexclaimed，smilinghalf-sarcasticallyather。"Mypoorstory，itisbuttooevident，willneverdoforGodeyorGraham！OnlythinkofyourfallingasleepatwhatIhopedthenewspapercriticswouldpronounceamostbrilliant，powerful，imaginative，pathetic，andoriginalwindingup！Well，themanuscriptmustservetolightlampswith；——if，indeed，beingsoimbuedwithmygentledulness，itisanylongercapableofflame！"

"Measleep！Howcanyousayso？"answeredPhoebe，asunconsciousofthecrisisthroughwhichshehadpassedasaninfantoftheprecipicetothevergeofwhichithasrolled。"No，no！Iconsidermyselfashavingbeenveryattentive；and，thoughIdon’tremembertheincidentsquitedistinctly，yetIhaveanimpressionofavastdealoftroubleandcalamity，——so，nodoubt，thestorywillproveexceedinglyattractive。"

Bythistimethesunhadgonedown，andwastintingthecloudstowardsthezenithwiththosebrighthueswhicharenotseenthereuntilsometimeaftersunset，andwhenthehorizonhasquitelostitsricherbrilliancy。Themoon，too，whichhadlongbeenclimbingoverhead，andunobtrusivelymeltingitsdiskintotheazure，——likeanambitiousdemagogue，whohideshisaspiringpurposebyassumingtheprevalenthueofpopularsentiment，——nowbegantoshineout，broadandoval，initsmiddlepathway。Thesesilverybeamswerealreadypowerfulenoughtochangethecharacterofthelingeringdaylight。Theysoftenedandembellishedtheaspectoftheoldhouse；althoughtheshadowsfelldeeperintotheanglesofitsmanygables，andlaybroodingundertheprojectingstory，andwithinthehalf-opendoor。Withthelapseofeverymoment，thegardengrewmorepicturesque；thefruit-trees，shrubbery，andflower-busheshadadarkobscurityamongthem。Thecommonplacecharacteristics——which，atnoontide，itseemedtohavetakenacenturyofsordidlifetoaccumulate——werenowtransfiguredbyacharmofromance。Ahundredmysteriousyearswerewhisperingamongtheleaves，whenevertheslightsea-breezefounditswaythitherandstirredthem。Throughthefoliagethatroofedthelittlesummer-housethemoonlightflickeredtoandfro，andfellsilverywhiteonthedarkfloor，thetable，andthecircularbench，withacontinualshiftandplay，accordingasthechinksandwaywardcrevicesamongthetwigsadmittedorshutouttheglimmer。

Sosweetlycoolwastheatmosphere，afterallthefeverishday，thatthesummerevemightbefanciedassprinklingdewsandliquidmoonlight，withadashoficytemperinthem，outofasilvervase。Hereandthere，afewdropsofthisfreshnesswerescatteredonahumanheart，andgaveityouthagain，andsympathywiththeeternalyouthofnature。Theartistchancedtobeoneonwhomtherevivinginfluencefell。Itmadehimfeel——whathesometimesalmostforgot，thrustsoearlyashehadbeenintotherudestruggleofmanwithman——howyouthfulhestillwas。

"Itseemstome，"heobserved，"thatIneverwatchedthecomingofsobeautifulaneve，andneverfeltanythingsoverymuchlikehappinessasatthismoment。Afterall，whatagoodworldwelivein！Howgood，andbeautiful！Howyoungitis，too，withnothingreallyrottenorage-worninit！Thisoldhouse，forexample，whichsometimeshaspositivelyoppressedmybreathwithitssmellofdecayingtimber！Andthisgarden，wheretheblackmouldalwaysclingstomyspade，asifIwereasextondelvinginagraveyard！CouldIkeepthefeelingthatnowpossessesme，thegardenwouldeverydaybevirginsoil，withtheearth’sfirstfreshnessintheflavorofitsbeansandsquashes；

andthehouse！——itwouldbelikeabowerinEden，blossomingwiththeearliestrosesthatGodevermade。Moonlight，andthesentimentinman’sheartresponsivetoit，arethegreatestofrenovatorsandreformers。Andallotherreformandrenovation，Isuppose，willprovetobenobetterthanmoonshine！"

"IhavebeenhappierthanIamnow；atleast，muchgayer，"saidPhoebethoughtfully。"YetIamsensibleofagreatcharminthisbrighteningmoonlight；andIlovetowatchhowtheday，tiredasitis，lagsawayreluctantly，andhatestobecalledyesterdaysosoon。Inevercaredmuchaboutmoonlightbefore。Whatisthere，Iwonder，sobeautifulinit，to-night？"

"Andyouhaveneverfeltitbefore？"inquiredtheartist，lookingearnestlyatthegirlthroughthetwilight。

"Never，"answeredPhoebe；"andlifedoesnotlookthesame，nowthatIhavefeltitso。ItseemsasifIhadlookedateverything，hitherto，inbroaddaylight，orelseintheruddylightofacheerfulfire，glimmeringanddancingthrougharoom。Ah，poorme！"sheadded，withahalf-melancholylaugh。"IshallneverbesomerryasbeforeIknewCousinHepzibahandpoorCousinClifford。Ihavegrownagreatdealolder，inthislittletime。

Older，and，Ihope，wiser，and，——notexactlysadder，——but，certainly，withnothalfsomuchlightnessinmyspirits！Ihavegiventhemmysunshine，andhavebeengladtogiveit；but，ofcourse，I

cannotbothgiveandkeepit。Theyarewelcome，notwithstanding！"

"Youhavelostnothing，Phoebe，worthkeeping，norwhichitwaspossibletokeep，"saidHolgraveafterapause。"Ourfirstyouthisofnovalue；forweareneverconsciousofituntilafteritisgone。Butsometimes——always，Isuspect，unlessoneisexceedinglyunfortunate——therecomesasenseofsecondyouth，gushingoutoftheheart’sjoyatbeinginlove；or，possibly，itmaycometocrownsomeothergrandfestivalinlife，ifanyothersuchtherebe。Thisbemoaningofone’sself(asyoudonow)overthefirst，careless，shallowgayetyofyouthdeparted，andthisprofoundhappinessatyouthregained，——somuchdeeperandricherthanthatwelost，——areessentialtothesoul’sdevelopment。Insomecases，thetwostatescomealmostsimultaneously，andminglethesadnessandtheraptureinonemysteriousemotion。"

"IhardlythinkIunderstandyou，"saidPhoebe。

"Nowonder，"repliedHolgrave，smiling；"forIhavetoldyouasecretwhichIhardlybegantoknowbeforeIfoundmyselfgivingitutterance。rememberit，however；andwhenthetruthbecomescleartoyou，thenthinkofthismoonlightscene！"

"Itisentirelymoonlightnow，exceptonlyalittleflushoffaintcrimson，upwardfromthewest，betweenthosebuildings，"

remarkedPhoebe。"Imustgoin。CousinHepzibahisnotquickatfigures，andwillgiveherselfaheadacheovertheday’saccounts，unlessIhelpher。"

ButHolgravedetainedheralittlelonger。

"MissHepzibahtellsme，"observedhe，"thatyoureturntothecountryinafewdays。"

"Yes，butonlyforalittlewhile，"answeredPhoebe；"forIlookuponthisasmypresenthome。Igotomakeafewarrangements，andtotakeamoredeliberateleaveofmymotherandfriends。

Itispleasanttolivewhereoneismuchdesiredandveryuseful；

andIthinkImayhavethesatisfactionoffeelingmyselfsohere。"

"Yousurelymay，andmorethanyouimagine，"saidtheartist。

"Whateverhealth，comfort，andnaturallifeexistsinthehouseisembodiedinyourperson。Theseblessingscamealongwithyou，andwillvanishwhenyouleavethethreshold。MissHepzibah，bysecludingherselffromsociety，haslostalltruerelationwithit，andis，infact，dead；althoughshegalvanizesherselfintoasemblanceoflife，andstandsbehindhercounter，afflictingtheworldwithagreatly-to-be-deprecatedscowl。YourpoorcousinCliffordisanotherdeadandlong-buriedperson，onwhomthegovernorandcouncilhavewroughtanecromanticmiracle。

Ishouldnotwonderifheweretocrumbleaway，somemorning，afteryouaregone，andnothingbeseenofhimmore，exceptaheapofdust。MissHepzibah，atanyrate，willlosewhatlittleflexibilityshehas。Theybothexistbyyou。"

"Ishouldbeverysorrytothinkso，"answeredPhoebegravely。

"Butitistruethatmysmallabilitieswerepreciselywhattheyneeded；andIhavearealinterestintheirwelfare，——anoddkindofmotherlysentiment，——whichIwishyouwouldnotlaughat！

Andletmetellyoufrankly，Mr。Holgrave，Iamsometimespuzzledtoknowwhetheryouwishthemwellorill。"

"Undoubtedly，"saidthedaguerreotypist，"Idofeelaninterestinthisantiquated，poverty-strickenoldmaidenlady，andthisdegradedandshatteredgentleman，——thisabortiveloverofthebeautiful。Akindlyinterest，too，helplessoldchildrenthattheyare！Butyouhavenoconceptionwhatadifferentkindofheartmineisfromyourown。Itisnotmyimpulse，asregardsthesetwoindividuals，eithertohelporhinder；buttolookon，toanalyze，toexplainmatterstomyself，andtocomprehendthedramawhich，foralmosttwohundredyears，hasbeendraggingitsslowlengthoverthegroundwhereyouandInowtread。Ifpermittedtowitnesstheclose，Idoubtnottoderiveamoralsatisfactionfromit，gomattershowtheymay。Thereisaconvictionwithinmethattheenddrawsnigh。But，thoughProvidencesentyouhithertohelp，andsendsmeonlyasaprivilegedandmeetspectator，IpledgemyselftolendtheseunfortunatebeingswhateveraidIcan！"

"Iwishyouwouldspeakmoreplainly，"criedPhoebe，perplexedanddispleased；"and，aboveall，thatyouwouldfeelmorelikeaChristianandahumanbeing！Howisitpossibletoseepeopleindistresswithoutdesiring，morethananythingelse，tohelpandcomfortthem？Youtalkasifthisoldhousewereatheatre；

andyouseemtolookatHepzibah’sandClifford’smisfortunes，andthoseofgenerationsbeforethem，asatragedy，suchasI

haveseenactedinthehallofacountryhotel，onlythepresentoneappearstobeplayedexclusivelyforyouramusement。Idonotlikethis。Theplaycoststheperformerstoomuch，andtheaudienceistoocold-hearted。"

"Youaresevere，"saidHolgrave，compelledtorecognizeadegreeoftruthinthepiquantsketchofhisownmood。

"Andthen，"continuedPhoebe，"whatcanyoumeanbyyourconviction，whichyoutellmeof，thattheendisdrawingnear？

Doyouknowofanynewtroublehangingovermypoorrelatives？Ifso，tellmeatonce，andIwillnotleavethem！"

"Forgiveme，Phoebe！"saidthedaguerreotypist，holdingouthishand，towhichthegirlwasconstrainedtoyieldherown。"Iamsomewhatofamystic，itmustbeconfessed。Thetendencyisinmyblood，togetherwiththefacultyofmesmerism，whichmighthavebroughtmetoGallowsHill，inthegoodoldtimesofwitchcraft。

Believeme，ifIwerereallyawareofanysecret，thedisclosureofwhichwouldbenefityourfriends，——whoaremyownfriends，likewise，——youshouldlearnitbeforewepart。ButIhavenosuchknowledge。"

"Youholdsomethingback！"saidPhoebe。

"Nothing，——nosecretsbutmyown，"answeredHolgrave。"Icanperceive，indeed，thatJudgePyncheonstillkeepshiseyeonClifford，inwhoseruinhehadsolargeashare。Hismotivesandintentions，howeverareamysterytome。Heisadeterminedandrelentlessman，withthegenuinecharacterofaninquisitor；

andhadheanyobjecttogainbyputtingCliffordtotherack，Iverilybelievethathewouldwrenchhisjointsfromtheirsockets，inordertoaccomplishit。But，sowealthyandeminentasheis，——sopowerfulinhisownstrength，andinthesupportofsocietyonallsides，——whatcanJudgePyncheonhavetohopeorfearfromtheimbecile，branded，half-torpidClifford？"

"Yet，"urgedPhoebe，"youdidspeakasifmisfortunewereimpending！"

"Oh，thatwasbecauseIammorbid！"repliedtheartist。"Mymindhasatwistaside，likealmosteverybody’smind，exceptyourown。

Moreover，itissostrangetofindmyselfaninmateofthisoldPyncheonHouse，andsittinginthisoldgarden——(hark，howMaule’swellismurmuring！)——that，wereitonlyforthisonecircumstance，IcannothelpfancyingthatDestinyisarrangingitsfifthactforacatastrophe。"

"There。"criedPhoebewithrenewedvexation；forshewasbynatureashostiletomysteryasthesunshinetoadarkcorner。

"Youpuzzlememorethanever！"

"Thenletuspartfriends！"saidHolgrave，pressingherhand。"Or，ifnotfriends，letuspartbeforeyouentirelyhateme。You，wholoveeverybodyelseintheworld！"

"Good-by，then，"saidPhoebefrankly。"Idonotmeantobeangryagreatwhile，andshouldbesorrytohaveyouthinkso。TherehasCousinHepzibahbeenstandingintheshadowofthedoorway，thisquarterofanhourpast！ShethinksIstaytoolonginthedampgarden。So，good-night，andgood-by。"

Onthesecondmorningthereafter，Phoebemighthavebeenseen，inherstrawbonnet，withashawlononearmandalittlecarpet-bagontheother，biddingadieutoHepzibahandCousinClifford。Shewastotakeaseatinthenexttrainofcars，whichwouldtransporthertowithinhalfadozenmilesofhercountryvillage。

ThetearswereinPhoebe’seyes；asmile，dewywithaffectionateregret，wasglimmeringaroundherpleasantmouth。Shewonderedhowitcametopass，thatherlifeofafewweeks，hereinthisheavy-heartedoldmansion，hadtakensuchholdofher，andsomeltedintoherassociations，asnowtoseemamoreimportantcentre-pointofremembrancethanallwhichhadgonebefore。

HowhadHepzibah——grim，silent，andirresponsivetoheroverflowofcordialsentiment——contrivedtowinsomuchlove？AndClifford，——inhisabortivedecay，withthemysteryoffearfulcrimeuponhim，andthecloseprison-atmosphereyetlurkinginhisbreath，——howhadhetransformedhimselfintothesimplestchild，whomPhoebefeltboundtowatchover，andbe，asitwere，theprovidenceofhisunconsideredhours！Everything，atthatinstantoffarewell，stoodoutprominentlytoherview。Lookwhereshewould，layherhandonwhatshemight，theobjectrespondedtoherconsciousness，asifamoisthumanheartwereinit。

Shepeepedfromthewindowintothegarden，andfeltherselfmoreregretfulatleavingthisspotofblackearth，vitiatedwithsuchanage-longgrowthofweeds，thanjoyfulattheideaofagainscentingherpineforestsandfreshclover-fields。ShecalledChanticleer，histwowives，andthevenerablechicken，andthrewthemsomecrumbsofbreadfromthebreakfast-table。Thesebeinghastilygobbledup，thechickenspreaditswings，andalightedclosebyPhoebeonthewindow-sill，whereitlookedgravelyintoherfaceandventeditsemotionsinacroak。Phoebebadeitbeagoodoldchickenduringherabsence，andpromisedtobringitalittlebagofbuckwheat。

"Ah，Phoebe！"remarkedHepzibah，"youdonotsmilesonaturallyaswhenyoucametous！Then，thesmilechosetoshineout；now，youchooseitshould。Itiswellthatyouaregoingback，foralittlewhile，intoyournativeair。Therehasbeentoomuchweightonyourspirits。Thehouseistoogloomyandlonesome；

theshopisfullofvexations；andasforme，Ihavenofacultyofmakingthingslookbrighterthantheyare。DearCliffordhasbeenyouronlycomfort！"

"Comehither，Phoebe，"suddenlycriedhercousinClifford，whohadsaidverylittleallthemorning。"Close！——closer！——andlookmeintheface！"

Phoebeputoneofhersmallhandsoneachelbowofhischair，andleanedherfacetowardshim，sothathemightperuseitascarefullyashewould。Itisprobablethatthelatentemotionsofthispartinghourhadrevived，insomedegree，hisbedimmedandenfeebledfaculties。

Atanyrate，Phoebesoonfeltthat，ifnottheprofoundinsightofaseer，yetamorethanfemininedelicacyofappreciation，wasmakingherheartthesubjectofitsregard。Amomentbefore，shehadknownnothingwhichshewouldhavesoughttohide。Now，asifsomesecretwerehintedtoherownconsciousnessthroughthemediumofanother’sperception，shewasfaintolethereyelidsdroopbeneathClifford’sgaze。Ablush，too，——theredder，becauseshestrovehardtokeepitdown，——ascendedbiggerandhigher，inatideoffitfulprogress，untilevenherbrowwasallsuffusedwithit。

"Itisenough，Phoebe，"saidClifford，withamelancholysmile。

"WhenIfirstsawyou，youweretheprettiestlittlemaidenintheworld；andnowyouhavedeepenedintobeauty。Girlhoodhaspassedintowomanhood；thebudisabloom！Go，now——IfeellonelierthanIdid。"

Phoebetookleaveofthedesolatecouple，andpassedthroughtheshop，twinklinghereyelidstoshakeoffadew-drop；for——consideringhowbriefherabsencewastobe，andthereforethefollyofbeingcastdownaboutit——shewouldnotsofaracknowledgehertearsastodrythemwithherhandkerchief。Onthedoorstep，shemetthelittleurchinwhosemarvellousfeatsofgastronomyhavebeenrecordedintheearlierpagesofournarrative。Shetookfromthewindowsomespecimenorotherofnaturalhistory，——hereyesbeingtoodimwithmoisturetoinformheraccuratelywhetheritwasarabbitorahippopotamus，——putitintothechild’shandasapartinggift，andwentherway。OldUncleVennerwasjustcomingoutofhisdoor，withawood-horseandsawonhisshoulder；and，trudgingalongthestreet，hescruplednottokeepcompanywithPhoebe，sofarastheirpathslaytogether；nor，inspiteofhispatchedcoatandrustybeaver，andthecuriousfashionofhistow-clothtrousers，couldshefinditinherhearttooutwalkhim。

"Weshallmissyou，nextSabbathafternoon，"observedthestreetphilosopher。"Itisunaccountablehowlittlewhileittakessomefolkstogrowjustasnaturaltoamanashisownbreath；and，beggingyourpardon，MissPhoebe(thoughtherecanbenooffenceinanoldman’ssayingit)，that’sjustwhatyou’vegrowntome！

Myyearshavebeenagreatmany，andyourlifeisbutjustbeginning；andyet，youaresomehowasfamiliartomeasifI

hadfoundyouatmymother’sdoor，andyouhadblossomed，likearunningvine，allalongmypathwaysince。Comebacksoon，orIshallbegonetomyfarm；forIbegintofindthesewood-sawingjobsalittletootoughformyback-ache。"

"Verysoon，UncleVenner，"repliedPhoebe。

"Andletitbeallthesooner，Phoebe，forthesakeofthosepoorsoulsyonder，"continuedhercompanion。"Theycanneverdowithoutyou，now，——never，Phoebe；never——nomorethanifoneofGod’sangelshadbeenlivingwiththem，andmakingtheirdismalhousepleasantandcomfortable！Don’titseemtoyouthey’dbeinasadcase，if，somepleasantsummermorninglikethis，theangelshouldspreadhiswings，andflytotheplacehecamefrom？Well，justsotheyfeel，nowthatyou’regoinghomebytherailroad！

Theycan’tbearit，MissPhoebe；sobesuretocomeback！"

"Iamnoangel，UncleVenner，"saidPhoebe，smiling，assheofferedhimherhandatthestreet-corner。"But，Isuppose，peopleneverfeelsomuchlikeangelsaswhentheyaredoingwhatlittlegoodtheymay。SoIshallcertainlycomeback！"

Thuspartedtheoldmanandtherosygirl；andPhoebetookthewingsofthemorning，andwassoonflittingalmostasrapidlyawayasifendowedwiththeaeriallocomotionoftheangelstowhomUncleVennerhadsograciouslycomparedher。

XVTheScowlandSmileSEVERALdayspassedovertheSevenGables，heavilyanddrearilyenough。Infact(nottoattributethewholegloomofskyandearthtotheoneinauspiciouscircumstanceofPhoebe’sdeparture)，aneasterlystormhadsetin，andindefatigablyapplyitselftothetaskofmakingtheblackroofandwallsoftheoldhouselookmorecheerlessthaneverbefore。Yetwastheoutsidenothalfsocheerlessastheinterior。PoorCliffordwascutoff，atonce，fromallhisscantyresourcesofenjoyment。Phoebewasnotthere；

nordidthesunshinefalluponthefloor。Thegarden，withitsmuddywalks，andthechill，drippingfoliageofitssummer-house，wasanimagetobeshudderedat。Nothingflourishedinthecold，moist，pitilessatmosphere，driftingwiththebrackishscudofsea-breezes，exceptthemossalongthejointsoftheshingle-roof，andthegreatbunchofweeds，thathadlatelybeensufferingfromdrought，intheanglebetweenthetwofrontgables。

AsforHepzibah，sheseemednotmerelypossessedwiththeeastwind，buttobe，inherveryperson，onlyanotherphaseofthisgrayandsullenspellofweather；theeastwinditself，grimanddisconsolate，inarustyblacksilkgown，andwithaturbanofcloud-wreathsonitshead。Thecustomoftheshopfelloff，becauseastorygotabroadthatshesouredhersmallbeerandotherdamageablecommodities，byscowlingonthem。Itis，perhaps，truethatthepublichadsomethingreasonablytocomplainofinherdeportment；buttowardsCliffordshewasneitherill-temperednorunkind，norfeltlesswarmthofheartthanalways，haditbeenpossibletomakeitreachhim。Theinutilityofherbestefforts，however，palsiedthepooroldgentlewoman。Shecoulddolittleelsethansitsilentlyinacorneroftheroom，whenthewetpear-treebranches，sweepingacrossthesmallwindows，createdanoon-daydusk，whichHepzibahunconsciouslydarkenedwithherwoe-begoneaspect。ItwasnofaultofHepzibah’s。Everything——eventheoldchairsandtables，thathadknownwhatweatherwasforthreeorfoursuchlifetimesasherown——lookedasdampandchillasifthepresentweretheirworstexperience。ThepictureofthePuritanColonelshiveredonthewall。Thehouseitselfshivered，fromeveryatticofitssevengablesdowntothegreatkitchenfireplace，whichservedallthebetterasanemblemofthemansion’sheart，because，thoughbuiltforwarmth，itwasnowsocomfortlessandempty。

Hepzibahattemptedtoenlivenmattersbyafireintheparlor。

Butthestormdemonkeptwatchabove，and，wheneveraflamewaskindled，drovethesmokebackagain，chokingthechimney’ssootythroatwithitsownbreath。Nevertheless，duringfourdaysofthismiserablestorm，Cliffordwrapthimselfinanoldcloak，andoccupiedhiscustomarychair。Onthemorningofthefifth，whensummonedtobreakfast，herespondedonlybyabroken-heartedmurmur，expressiveofadeterminationnottoleavehisbed。Hissistermadenoattempttochangehispurpose。Infact，entirelyasshelovedhim，Hepzibahcouldhardlyhaveborneanylongerthewretchedduty——soimpracticablebyherfewandrigidfaculties——ofseekingpastimeforastillsensitive，butruinedmind，criticalandfastidious，withoutforceorvolition。Itwasatleastsomethingshortofpositivedespair，thatto-dayshemightsitshiveringalone，andnotsuffercontinuallyanewgrief，andunreasonablepangofremorse，ateveryfitfulsighofherfellowsufferer。

ButClifford，itseemed，thoughhedidnotmakehisappearancebelowstairs，had，afterall，bestirredhimselfinquestofamusement。Inthecourseoftheforenoon，Hepzibahheardanoteofmusic，which(therebeingnoothertunefulcontrivanceintheHouseoftheSevenGables)sheknewmustproceedfromAlicePyncheon’sharpsichord。ShewasawarethatClifford，inhisyouth，hadpossessedacultivatedtasteformusic，andaconsiderabledegreeofskillinitspractice。Itwasdifficult，however，toconceiveofhisretaininganaccomplishmenttowhichdailyexerciseissoessential，inthemeasureindicatedbythesweet，airy，anddelicate，thoughmostmelancholystrain，thatnowstoleuponherear。Norwasitlessmarvellousthatthelong-silentinstrumentshouldbecapableofsomuchmelody。

Hepzibahinvoluntarilythoughtoftheghostlyharmonies，prelusiveofdeathinthefamily，whichwereattributedtothelegendaryAlice。Butitwas，perhaps，proofoftheagencyofotherthanspiritualfingers，that，afterafewtouches，thechordsseemedtosnapasunderwiththeirownvibrations，andthemusicceased。

Butaharshersoundsucceededtothemysteriousnotes；norwastheeasterlydayfatedtopasswithoutaneventsufficientinitselftopoison，forHepzibahandClifford，thebalmiestairthateverbroughtthehumming-birdsalongwithit。ThefinalechoesofAlicePyncheon’sperformance(orClifford’s，ifhiswemustconsiderit)weredrivenawaybynolessvulgaradissonancethantheringingoftheshop-bell。Afootwasheardscrapingitselfonthethreshold，andthencesomewhatponderouslysteppingonthefloor。Hepzibahdelayedamoment，whilemufflingherselfinafadedshawl，whichhadbeenherdefensivearmorinafortyyears’warfareagainsttheeastwind。Acharacteristicsound，however，——neitheracoughnorahem，butakindofrumblingandreverberatingspasminsomebody’scapaciousdepthofchest；——

impelledhertohurryforward，withthataspectoffiercefaint-heartednesssocommontowomenincasesofperilousemergency。Fewofhersex，onsuchoccasions，haveeverlookedsoterribleasourpoorscowlingHepzibah。Butthevisitorquietlyclosedtheshop-doorbehindhim，stooduphisumbrellaagainstthecounter，andturnedavisageofcomposedbenignity，tomeetthealarmandangerwhichhisappearancehadexcited。

Hepzibah’spresentimenthadnotdeceivedher。ItwasnootherthanJudgePyncheon，who，afterinvaintryingthefrontdoor，hadnoweffectedhisentranceintotheshop。

"Howdoyoudo，CousinHepzibah？——andhowdoesthismostinclementweatheraffectourpoorClifford？"begantheJudge；andwonderfulitseemed，indeed，thattheeasterlystormwasnotputtoshame，or，atanyrate，alittlemollified，bythegenialbenevolenceofhissmile。"Icouldnotrestwithoutcallingtoask，oncemore，whetherIcaninanymannerpromotehiscomfort，oryourown。"