第7章

"Youcandonothing，"saidHepzibah，controllingheragitationaswellasshecould。"IdevotemyselftoClifford。Hehaseverycomfortwhichhissituationadmitsof。"

"Butallowmetosuggest，dearcousin，"rejoinedtheJudge，"youerr，——inallaffectionandkindness，nodoubt，andwiththeverybestintentions，——butyoudoerr，nevertheless，inkeepingyourbrothersosecluded。Whyinsulatehimthusfromallsympathyandkindness？Clifford，alas！hashadtoomuchofsolitude。Nowlethimtrysociety，——thesociety，thatistosay，ofkindredandoldfriends。Letme，forinstance，butseeClifford，andIwillanswerforthegoodeffectoftheinterview。"

"Youcannotseehim，"answeredHepzibah。"Cliffordhaskepthisbedsinceyesterday。"

"What！How！Isheill？"exclaimedJudgePyncheon，startingwithwhatseemedtobeangryalarm；fortheveryfrownoftheoldPuritandarkenedthroughtheroomashespoke。"Nay，then，I

mustandwillseehim！Whatifheshoulddie？"

"Heisinnodangerofdeath，"saidHepzibah，——andadded，withbitternessthatshecouldrepressnolonger，"none；unlessheshallbepersecutedtodeath，now，bythesamemanwholongagoattemptedit！"

"CousinHepzibah，"saidtheJudge，withanimpressiveearnestnessofmanner，whichgreweventotearfulpathosasheproceeded，"isitpossiblethatyoudonotperceivehowunjust，howunkind，howunchristian，isthisconstant，thislong-continuedbitternessagainstme，forapartwhichIwasconstrainedbydutyandconscience，bytheforceoflaw，andatmyownperil，toact？WhatdidIdo，indetrimenttoClifford，whichitwaspossibletoleaveundone？

Howcouldyou，hissister，——if，foryournever-endingsorrow，asithasbeenformine，youhadknownwhatIdid，——have，showngreatertenderness？Anddoyouthink，cousin，thatithascostmenopang？——

thatithasleftnoanguishinmybosom，fromthatdaytothis，amidstalltheprosperitywithwhichHeavenhasblessedme？——orthatIdonotnowrejoice，whenitisdeemedconsistentwiththeduesofpublicjusticeandthewelfareofsocietythatthisdearkinsman，thisearlyfriend，thisnaturesodelicatelyandbeautifullyconstituted，——sounfortunate，letuspronouncehim，andforbeartosay，soguilty，——thatourownClifford，infine，shouldbegivenbacktolife，anditspossibilitiesofenjoyment？Ah，youlittleknowme，CousinHepzibah！Youlittleknowthisheart！Itnowthrobsatthethoughtofmeetinghim！Therelivesnotthehumanbeing(exceptyourself，——andyounotmorethanI)whohasshedsomanytearsforClifford’scalamity。Youbeholdsomeofthemnow。

Thereisnonewhowouldsodelighttopromotehishappiness！

Tryme，Hepzibah！——tryme，cousin！——trythemanwhomyouhavetreatedasyourenemyandClifford’s！——tryJaffreyPyncheon，andyoushallfindhimtrue，totheheart’score！"

"InthenameofHeaven，"criedHepzibah，provokedonlytointenserindignationbythisoutgushoftheinestimabletendernessofasternnature，——"inGod’sname，whomyouinsult，andwhosepowerIcouldalmostquestion，sincehehearsyouuttersomanyfalsewordswithoutpalsyingyourtongue，——giveover，Ibeseechyou，thisloathsomepretenceofaffectionforyourvictim！Youhatehim！Sayso，likeaman！Youcherish，atthismoment，someblackpurposeagainsthiminyourheart！Speakitout，atonce！——or，ifyouhopesotopromoteitbetter，hideittillyoucantriumphinitssuccess！Butneverspeakagainofyourloveformypoorbrother。Icannotbearit！Itwilldrivemebeyondawoman’sdecency！Itwilldrivememad！Forbear。Notanotherword！

Itwillmakemespurnyou！"

Foronce，Hepzibah’swrathhadgivenhercourage。Shehadspoken。

But，afterall，wasthisunconquerabledistrustofJudgePyncheon’sintegrity，andthisutterdenial，apparently，ofhisclaimtostandintheringofhumansympathies，——weretheyfoundedinanyjustperceptionofhischaracter，ormerelytheoffspringofawoman’sunreasonableprejudice，deducedfromnothing？

TheJudge，beyondallquestion，wasamanofeminentrespectability。

Thechurchacknowledgedit；thestateacknowledgedit。Itwasdeniedbynobody。Inalltheveryextensivesphereofthosewhoknewhim，whetherinhispublicorprivatecapacities，therewasnotanindividual——exceptHepzibah，andsomelawlessmystic，likethedaguerreotypist，and，possibly，afewpoliticalopponents——whowouldhavedreamedofseriouslydisputinghisclaimtoahighandhonorableplaceintheworld’sregard。Nor(wemustdohimthefurtherjusticetosay)didJudgePyncheonhimself，probably，entertainmanyorveryfrequentdoubts，thathisenviablereputationaccordedwithhisdeserts。Hisconscience，therefore，usuallyconsideredthesurestwitnesstoaman’sintegrity，——hisconscience，unlessitmightbeforthelittlespaceoffiveminutesinthetwenty-fourhours，or，nowandthen，someblackdayinthewholeyear’scircle，——hisconscienceboreanaccordanttestimonywiththeworld’slaudatoryvoice。Andyet，strongasthisevidencemayseemtobe，weshouldhesitatetoperilourownconscienceontheassertion，thattheJudgeandtheconsentingworldwereright，andthatpoorHepzibahwithhersolitaryprejudicewaswrong。Hiddenfrommankind，——forgottenbyhimself，orburiedsodeeplyunderasculpturedandornamentedpileofostentatiousdeedsthathisdailylifecouldtakenonoteofit，——theremayhavelurkedsomeevilandunsightlything。Nay，wecouldalmostventuretosay，further，thatadailyguiltmighthavebeenactedbyhim，continuallyrenewed，andreddeningforthafresh，likethemiraculousblood-stainofamurder，withouthisnecessarilyandateverymomentbeingawareofit。

Menofstrongminds，greatforceofcharacter，andahardtextureofthesensibilities，areverycapableoffallingintomistakesofthiskind。Theyareordinarilymentowhomformsareofparamountimportance。Theirfieldofactionliesamongtheexternalphenomenaoflife。Theypossessvastabilityingrasping，andarranging，andappropriatingtothemselves，thebig，heavy，solidunrealities，suchasgold，landedestate，officesoftrustandemolument，andpublichonors。Withthesematerials，andwithdeedsofgoodlyaspect，doneinthepubliceye，anindividualofthisclassbuildsup，asitwere，atallandstatelyedifice，which，intheviewofotherpeople，andultimatelyinhisownview，isnootherthantheman’scharacter，orthemanhimself。Behold，therefore，apalace！Itssplendidhallsandsuitesofspaciousapartmentsareflooredwithamosaic-workofcostlymarbles；itswindows，thewholeheightofeachroom，admitthesunshinethroughthemosttransparentofplate-glass；itshighcornicesaregilded，anditsceilingsgorgeouslypainted；andaloftydome——throughwhich，fromthecentralpavement，youmaygazeuptothesky，aswithnoobstructingmediumbetween——surmountsthewhole。Withwhatfairerandnobleremblemcouldanymandesiretoshadowforthhischaracter？Ah！butinsomelowandobscurenook，——somenarrowclosetontheground-floor，shut，lockedandbolted，andthekeyflungaway，——orbeneaththemarblepavement，inastagnantwater-puddle，withtherichestpatternofmosaic-workabove，——maylieacorpse，halfdecayed，andstilldecaying，anddiffusingitsdeath-scentallthroughthepalace！Theinhabitantwillnotbeconsciousofit，forithaslongbeenhisdailybreath！

Neitherwillthevisitors，fortheysmellonlytherichodorswhichthemastersedulouslyscattersthroughthepalace，andtheincensewhichtheybring，anddelighttoburnbeforehim！Nowandthen，perchance，comesinaseer，beforewhosesadlygiftedeyethewholestructuremeltsintothinair，leavingonlythehiddennook，theboltedcloset，withthecobwebsfestoonedoveritsforgottendoor，orthedeadlyholeunderthepavement，andthedecayingcorpsewithin。Here，then，wearetoseekthetrueemblemoftheman’scharacter，andofthedeedthatgiveswhateverrealityitpossessestohislife。And，beneaththeshowofamarblepalace，thatpoolofstagnantwater，foulwithmanyimpurities，and，perhaps，tingedwithblood，——thatsecretabomination，abovewhich，possibly，hemaysayhisprayers，withoutrememberingit，——isthisman’smiserablesoul！

ToapplythistrainofremarksomewhatmorecloselytoJudgePyncheon。Wemightsay(withoutintheleastimputingcrimetoapersonageofhiseminentrespectability)thattherewasenoughofsplendidrubbishinhislifetocoverupandparalyzeamoreactiveandsubtileconsciencethantheJudgewasevertroubledwith。Thepurityofhisjudicialcharacter，whileonthebench；

thefaithfulnessofhispublicserviceinsubsequentcapacities；

hisdevotednesstohisparty，andtherigidconsistencywithwhichhehadadheredtoitsprinciples，or，atallevents，keptpacewithitsorganizedmovements；hisremarkablezealaspresidentofaBiblesociety；hisunimpeachableintegrityastreasurerofawidow’sandorphan’sfund；hisbenefitstohorticulture，byproducingtwomuchesteemedvarietiesofthepearandtoagriculture，throughtheagencyofthefamousPyncheonbull；thecleanlinessofhismoraldeportment，foragreatmanyyearspast；theseveritywithwhichhehadfrownedupon，andfinallycastoff，anexpensiveanddissipatedson，delayingforgivenessuntilwithinthefinalquarterofanhouroftheyoungman’slife；hisprayersatmorningandeventide，andgracesatmeal-time；hiseffortsinfurtheranceofthetemperancecause；hisconfininghimself，sincethelastattackofthegout，tofivediurnalglassesofoldsherrywine；thesnowywhitenessofhislinen，thepolishofhisboots，thehandsomenessofhisgold-headedcane，thesquareandroomyfashionofhiscoat，andthefinenessofitsmaterial，and，ingeneral，thestudiedproprietyofhisdressandequipment；thescrupulousnesswithwhichhepaidpublicnotice，inthestreet，byabow，aliftingofthehat，anod，oramotionofthehand，toallandsundryofhisacquaintances，richorpoor；thesmileofbroadbenevolencewherewithhemadeitapointtogladdenthewholeworld，——whatroomcouldpossiblybefoundfordarkertraitsinaportraitmadeupoflineamentslikethese？Thisproperfacewaswhathebeheldinthelooking-glass。Thisadmirablyarrangedlifewaswhathewasconsciousofintheprogressofeveryday。

Thenmightnotheclaimtobeitsresultandsum，andsaytohimselfandthecommunity，"BeholdJudgePyncheonthere"？

Andallowingthat，many，manyyearsago，inhisearlyandrecklessyouth，hehadcommittedsomeonewrongact，——orthat，evennow，theinevitableforceofcircumstancesshouldoccasionallymakehimdoonequestionabledeedamongathousandpraiseworthy，or，atleast，blamelessones，——wouldyoucharacterizetheJudgebythatonenecessarydeed，andthathalf-forgottenact，andletitovershadowthefairaspectofalifetime？Whatistheresoponderousinevil，thatathumb’sbignessofitshouldoutweighthemassofthingsnotevilwhichwereheapedintotheotherscale！ThisscaleandbalancesystemisafavoriteonewithpeopleofJudgePyncheon’sbrotherhood。

Ahard，coldman，thusunfortunatelysituated，seldomorneverlookinginward，andresolutelytakinghisideaofhimselffromwhatpurportstobehisimageasreflectedinthemirrorofpublicopinion，canscarcelyarriveattrueself-knowledge，exceptthroughlossofpropertyandreputation。Sicknesswillnotalwayshelphimdoit；notalwaysthedeath-hour！

ButouraffairnowiswithJudgePyncheonashestoodconfrontingthefierceoutbreakofHepzibah’swrath。Withoutpremeditation，toherownsurprise，andindeedterror，shehadgivenvent，foronce，totheinveteracyofherresentment，cherishedagainstthiskinsmanforthirtyyears。

ThusfartheJudge’scountenancehadexpressedmildforbearance，——graveandalmostgentledeprecationofhiscousin’sunbecomingviolence，——freeandChristian-likeforgivenessofthewronginflictedbyherwords。Butwhenthosewordswereirrevocablyspoken，hislookassumedsternness，thesenseofpower，andimmitigableresolve；andthiswithsonaturalandimperceptibleachange，thatitseemedasiftheironmanhadstoodtherefromthefirst，andthemeekmannotatall。Theeffectwasaswhenthelight，vaporyclouds，withtheirsoftcoloring，suddenlyvanishfromthestonybrowofaprecipitousmountain，andleavetherethefrownwhichyouatoncefeeltobeeternal。HepzibahalmostadoptedtheinsanebeliefthatitwasheroldPuritanancestor，andnotthemodernJudge，onwhomshehadjustbeenwreakingthebitternessofherheart。NeverdidamanshowstrongerproofofthelineageattributedtohimthanJudgePyncheon，atthiscrisis，byhisunmistakableresemblancetothepictureintheinnerroom。

"CousinHepzibah，"saidheverycalmly，"itistimetohavedonewiththis。"

"Withallmyheart！"answeredshe。"Then，whydoyoupersecuteusanylonger？LeavepoorCliffordandmeinpeace。Neitherofusdesiresanythingbetter！"

"ItismypurposetoseeCliffordbeforeIleavethishouse，"

continuedtheJudge。"Donotactlikeamadwoman，Hepzibah！Iamhisonlyfriend，andanall-powerfulone。Hasitneveroccurredtoyou，——areyousoblindasnottohaveseen，——that，withoutnotmerelymyconsent，butmyefforts，myrepresentations，theexertionofmywholeinfluence，political，official，personal，Cliffordwouldneverhavebeenwhatyoucallfree？Didyouthinkhisreleaseatriumphoverme？Notso，mygoodcousin；notso，byanymeans！

Thefurthestpossiblefromthat！No；butitwastheaccomplishmentofapurposelongentertainedonmypart。Isethimfree！"

"You！"answeredHepzibah。"Ineverwillbelieveit！Heowedhisdungeontoyou；hisfreedomtoGod’sprovidence！"

"Isethimfree！"reaffirmedJudgePyncheon，withthecalmestcomposure。"AndIcamehithernowtodecidewhetherheshallretainhisfreedom。Itwilldependuponhimself。Forthispurpose，Imustseehim。"

"Never！——itwoulddrivehimmad！"exclaimedHepzibah，butwithanirresolutenesssufficientlyperceptibletothekeeneyeoftheJudge；

for，withouttheslightestfaithinhisgoodintentions，sheknewnotwhethertherewasmosttodreadinyieldingorresistance。"Andwhyshouldyouwishtoseethiswretched，brokenman，whoretainshardlyafractionofhisintellect，andwillhideeventhatfromaneyewhichhasnoloveinit？"

"Heshallseeloveenoughinmine，ifthatbeall！"saidtheJudge，withwell-groundedconfidenceinthebenignityofhisaspect。

"But，CousinHepzibah，youconfessagreatdeal，andverymuchtothepurpose。Now，listen，andIwillfranklyexplainmyreasonsforinsistingonthisinterview。Atthedeath，thirtyyearssince，ofouruncleJaffrey，itwasfound，——Iknownotwhetherthecircumstanceeverattractedmuchofyourattention，amongthesadderintereststhatclusteredroundthatevent，——butitwasfoundthathisvisibleestate，ofeverykind，fellfarshortofanyestimateevermadeofit。Hewassupposedtobeimmenselyrich。

Nobodydoubtedthathestoodamongtheweightiestmenofhisday。

Itwasoneofhiseccentricities，however，——andnotaltogetherafolly，neither，——toconcealtheamountofhispropertybymakingdistantandforeigninvestments，perhapsunderothernamesthanhisown，andbyvariousmeans，familiarenoughtocapitalists，butunnecessaryheretobespecified。ByUncleJaffrey’slastwillandtestament，asyouareaware，hisentirepropertywasbequeathedtome，withthesingleexceptionofalifeinteresttoyourselfinthisoldfamilymansion，andthestripofpatrimonialestateremainingattachedtoit。"

"Anddoyouseektodepriveusofthat？"askedHepzibah，unabletorestrainherbittercontempt。"IsthisyourpriceforceasingtopersecutepoorClifford？"

"Certainlynot，mydearcousin！"answeredtheJudge，smilingbenevolently。"Onthecontrary，asyoumustdomethejusticetoown，Ihaveconstantlyexpressedmyreadinesstodoubleortrebleyourresources，wheneveryoushouldmakeupyourmindtoacceptanykindnessofthatnatureatthehandsofyourkinsman。No，no！

Buthereliesthegistofthematter。Ofmyuncle’sunquestionablygreatestate，asIhavesaid，notthehalf——no，notonethird，asI

amfullyconvinced——wasapparentafterhisdeath。Now，IhavethebestpossiblereasonsforbelievingthatyourbrotherCliffordcangivemeaclewtotherecoveryoftheremainder。"

"Clifford！——Cliffordknowofanyhiddenwealth？Cliffordhaveitinhispowertomakeyourich？"criedtheoldgentlewoman，affectedwithasenseofsomethinglikeridiculeattheidea。"Impossible！

Youdeceiveyourself！Itisreallyathingtolaughat！"

"ItisascertainasthatIstandhere！"saidJudgePyncheon，strikinghisgold-headedcaneonthefloor，andatthesametimestampinghisfoot，asiftoexpresshisconvictionthemoreforciblybythewholeemphasisofhissubstantialperson。"Cliffordtoldmesohimself！"

"No，no！"exclaimedHepzibahincredulously。"Youaredreaming，CousinJaffrey。"

"Idonotbelongtothedreamingclassofmen，"saidtheJudgequietly。"Somemonthsbeforemyuncle’sdeath，Cliffordboastedtomeofthepossessionofthesecretofincalculablewealth。Hispurposewastotauntme，andexcitemycuriosity。Iknowitwell。

But，fromaprettydistinctrecollectionoftheparticularsofourconversation，Iamthoroughlyconvincedthattherewastruthinwhathesaid。Clifford，atthismoment，ifhechooses，——andchoosehemust！——caninformmewheretofindtheschedule，thedocuments，theevidences，inwhatevershapetheyexist，ofthevastamountofUncleJaffrey’smissingproperty。Hehasthesecret。Hisboastwasnoidleword。Ithadadirectness，anemphasis，aparticularity，thatshowedabackboneofsolidmeaningwithinthemysteryofhisexpression。"

"ButwhatcouldhavebeenClifford’sobject，"askedHepzibah，"inconcealingitsolong？"

"Itwasoneofthebadimpulsesofourfallennature，"repliedtheJudge，turninguphiseyes。"Helookeduponmeashisenemy。

Heconsideredmeasthecauseofhisoverwhelmingdisgrace，hisimminentperilofdeath，hisirretrievableruin。Therewasnogreatprobability，therefore，ofhisvolunteeringinformation，outofhisdungeon，thatshouldelevatemestillhigherontheladderofprosperity。Butthemomenthasnowcomewhenhemustgiveuphissecret。"

"Andwhatifheshouldrefuse？"inquiredHepzibah。"Or，——asI

steadfastlybelieve，——whatifhehasnoknowledgeofthiswealth？"

"Mydearcousin，"saidJudgePyncheon，withaquietudewhichhehadthepowerofmakingmoreformidablethananyviolence，"sinceyourbrother’sreturn，Ihavetakentheprecaution(ahighlyproperoneinthenearkinsmanandnaturalguardianofanindividualsosituated)tohavehisdeportmentandhabitsconstantlyandcarefullyoverlooked。Yourneighborshavebeeneye-witnessestowhateverhaspassedinthegarden。Thebutcher，thebaker，thefish-monger，someofthecustomersofyourshop，andmanyapryingoldwoman，havetoldmeseveralofthesecretsofyourinterior。Astilllargercircle——Imyself，amongtherest——cantestifytohisextravagancesatthearchedwindow。

Thousandsbeheldhim，aweekortwoago，onthepointoffinginghimselfthenceintothestreet。Fromallthistestimony，Iamledtoapprehend——reluctantly，andwithdeepgrief——thatClifford’smisfortuneshavesoaffectedhisintellect，neververystrong，thathecannotsafelyremainatlarge。Thealternative，youmustbeaware，——anditsadoptionwilldependentirelyonthedecisionwhichIamnowabouttomake，——thealternativeishisconfinement，probablyfortheremainderofhislife，inapublicasylumforpersonsinhisunfortunatestateofmind。"

"Youcannotmeanit！"shriekedHepzibah。

"ShouldmycousinClifford，"continuedJudgePyncheon，whollyundisturbed，"frommeremalice，andhatredofonewhoseinterestsoughtnaturallytobedeartohim，——amodeofpassionthat，asoftenasanyother，indicatesmentaldisease，——shouldherefusemetheinformationsoimportanttomyself，andwhichheassuredlypossesses，Ishallconsiderittheoneneededjotofevidencetosatisfymymindofhisinsanity。And，oncesureofthecoursepointedoutbyconscience，youknowmetoowell，CousinHepzibah，toentertainadoubtthatIshallpursueit。"

"OJaffrey，——CousinJaffrey。"criedHepzibahmournfully，notpassionately，"itisyouthatarediseasedinmind，notClifford！

Youhaveforgottenthatawomanwasyourmother！——thatyouhavehadsisters，brothers，childrenofyourown！——orthatthereeverwasaffectionbetweenmanandman，orpityfromonemantoanother，inthismiserableworld！Else，howcouldyouhavedreamedofthis？Youarenotyoung，CousinJaffrey！——no，normiddle-aged，——butalreadyanoldman！Thehairiswhiteuponyourhead！Howmanyyearshaveyoutolive？Areyounotrichenoughforthatlittletime？Shallyoubehungry，——shallyoulackclothes，orarooftoshelteryou，——betweenthispointandthegrave？No！but，withthehalfofwhatyounowpossess，youcouldrevelincostlyfoodandwines，andbuildahousetwiceassplendidasyounowinhabit，andmakeafargreatershowtotheworld，——andyetleaverichestoyouronlyson，tomakehimblessthehourofyourdeath！Then，whyshouldyoudothiscruel，cruelthing？——somadathing，thatIknownotwhethertocallitwicked！Alas，CousinJaffrey，thishardandgraspingspirithasruninourbloodthesetwohundredyears。Youarebutdoingoveragain，inanothershape，whatyourancestorbeforeyoudid，andsendingdowntoyourposteritythecurseinheritedfromhim！"

"Talksense，Hepzibah，forHeaven’ssake！"exclaimedtheJudge，withtheimpatiencenaturaltoareasonableman，onhearinganythingsoutterlyabsurdastheabove，inadiscussionaboutmattersofbusiness。"Ihavetoldyoumydetermination。Iamnotapttochange。Cliffordmustgiveuphissecret，ortaketheconsequences。Andlethimdecidequickly；forIhaveseveralaffairstoattendtothismorning，andanimportantdinnerengagementwithsomepoliticalfriends。"

"Cliffordhasnosecret！"answeredHepzibah。"AndGodwillnotletyoudothethingyoumeditate！"

"Weshallsee，"saidtheunmovedJudge。"Meanwhile，choosewhetheryouwillsummonClifford，andallowthisbusinesstobeamicablysettledbyaninterviewbetweentwokinsmen，ordrivemetoharshermeasures，whichIshouldbemosthappytofeelmyselfjustifiedinavoiding。Theresponsibilityisaltogetheronyourpart。"

"YouarestrongerthanI，"saidHepzibah，afterabriefconsideration；"andyouhavenopityinyourstrength！Cliffordisnotnowinsane；buttheinterviewwhichyouinsistuponmaygofartomakehimso。Nevertheless，knowingyouasIdo，Ibelieveittobemybestcoursetoallowyoutojudgeforyourselfastotheimprobabilityofhispossessinganyvaluablesecret。IwillcallClifford。Bemercifulinyourdealingswithhim！——befarmoremercifulthanyourheartbidsyoube！——forGodislookingatyou，JaffreyPyncheon！"

TheJudgefollowedhiscousinfromtheshop，wheretheforegoingconversationhadpassed，intotheparlor，andflunghimselfheavilyintothegreatancestralchair。ManyaformerPyncheonhadfoundreposeinitscapaciousarms:rosychildren，aftertheirsports；youngmen，dreamywithlove；grownmen，wearywithcares；oldmen，burdenedwithwinters，——theyhadmused，andslumbered，anddepartedtoayetprofoundersleep。

Ithadbeenalongtradition，thoughadoubtfulone，thatthiswastheverychair，seatedinwhichtheearliestoftheJudge’sNewEnglandforefathers——hewhosepicturestillhunguponthewall——hadgivenadeadman’ssilentandsternreceptiontothethrongofdistinguishedguests。Fromthathourofevilomenuntilthepresent，itmaybe，——thoughweknownotthesecretofhisheart，——butitmaybethatnowearierandsaddermanhadeversunkintothechairthanthissameJudgePyncheon，whomwehavejustbeheldsoimmitigablyhardandresolute。

Surely，itmusthavebeenatnoslightcostthathehadthusfortifiedhissoulwithiron。Suchcalmnessisamightiereffortthantheviolenceofweakermen。Andtherewasyetaheavytaskforhimtodo。Wasitalittlematter——atrifletobepreparedforinasinglemoment，andtoberestedfrominanothermoment，——thathemustnow，afterthirtyyears，encounterakinsmanrisenfromalivingtomb，andwrenchasecretfromhim，orelseconsignhimtoalivingtombagain？

"Didyouspeak？"askedHepzibah，lookinginfromthethresholdoftheparlor；forsheimaginedthattheJudgehadutteredsomesoundwhichshewasanxioustointerpretasarelentingimpulse。

"Ithoughtyoucalledmeback。"

"No，no"grufflyansweredJudgePyncheonwithaharshfrown，whilehisbrowgrewalmostablackpurple，intheshadowoftheroom。"WhyshouldIcallyouback？Timeflies！BidCliffordcometome！"

TheJudgehadtakenhiswatchfromhisvestpocketandnowhelditinhishand，measuringtheintervalwhichwastoensuebeforetheappearanceofClifford。

XVIClifford’sChamberNEVERhadtheoldhouseappearedsodismaltopoorHepzibahaswhenshedepartedonthatwretchederrand。Therewasastrangeaspectinit。Asshetrodealongthefoot-wornpassages，andopenedonecrazydoorafteranother，andascendedthecreakingstaircase，shegazedwistfullyandfearfullyaround。

Itwouldhavebeennomarvel，toherexcitedmind，if，behindorbesideher，therehadbeentherustleofdeadpeople’sgarments，orpalevisagesawaitingheronthelanding-placeabove。

Hernervesweresetallajarbythesceneofpassionandterrorthroughwhichshehadjuststruggled。HercolloquywithJudgePyncheon，whosoperfectlyrepresentedthepersonandattributesofthefounderofthefamily，hadcalledbackthedrearypast。

Itweigheduponherheart。Whatevershehadheard，fromlegendaryauntsandgrandmothers，concerningthegoodorevilfortunesofthePyncheons，——storieswhichhadheretoforebeenkeptwarminherremembrancebythechimney-cornerglowthatwasassociatedwiththem，——nowrecurredtoher，sombre，ghastly，cold，likemostpassagesoffamilyhistory，whenbroodedoverinmelancholymood。Thewholeseemedlittleelsebutaseriesofcalamity，reproducingitselfinsuccessivegenerations，withonegeneralhue，andvaryinginlittle，savetheoutline。ButHepzibahnowfeltasiftheJudge，andClifford，andherself，——theythreetogether，——wereonthepointofaddinganotherincidenttotheannalsofthehouse，withabolderreliefofwrongandsorrow，whichwouldcauseittostandoutfromalltherest。Thusitisthatthegriefofthepassingmomenttakesuponitselfanindividuality，andacharacterofclimax，whichitisdestinedtoloseafterawhile，andtofadeintothedarkgraytissuecommontothegraveorgladeventsofmanyyearsago。Itisbutforamoment，comparatively，thatanythinglooksstrangeorstartling，——atruththathasthebitterandthesweetinit。

ButHepzibahcouldnotridherselfofthesenseofsomethingunprecedentedatthatinstantpassingandsoontobeaccomplished。

Hernerveswereinashake。Instinctivelyshepausedbeforethearchedwindow，andlookedoutuponthestreet，inordertoseizeitspermanentobjectswithhermentalgrasp，andthustosteadyherselffromthereelandvibrationwhichaffectedhermoreimmediatesphere。Itbroughtherup，aswemaysay，withakindofshock，whenshebeheldeverythingunderthesameappearanceasthedaybefore，andnumberlessprecedingdays，exceptforthedifferencebetweensunshineandsullenstorm。Hereyestravelledalongthestreet，fromdoorsteptodoorstep，notingthewetsidewalks，withhereandthereapuddleinhollowsthathadbeenimperceptibleuntilfilledwithwater。Shescrewedherdimopticstotheiracutestpoint，inthehopeofmakingout，withgreaterdistinctness，acertainwindow，whereshehalfsaw，halfguessed，thatatailor’sseamstresswassittingatherwork。Hepzibahflungherselfuponthatunknownwoman’scompanionship，eventhusfaroff。Thenshewasattractedbyachaiserapidlypassing，andwatcheditsmoistandglisteningtop，anditssplashingwheels，untilithadturnedthecorner，andrefusedtocarryanyfurtherheridlytrifling，becauseappalledandoverburdened，mind。

Whenthevehiclehaddisappeared，sheallowedherselfstillanotherloiteringmoment；forthepatchedfigureofgoodUncleVennerwasnowvisible，comingslowlyfromtheheadofthestreetdownward，witharheumaticlimp，becausetheeastwindhadgotintohisjoints。Hepzibahwishedthathewouldpassyetmoreslowly，andbefriendhershiveringsolitudealittlelonger。

Anythingthatwouldtakeheroutofthegrievouspresent，andinterposehumanbeingsbetwixtherselfandwhatwasnearesttoher，——whateverwoulddeferforaninstanttheinevitableerrandonwhichshewasbound，——allsuchimpedimentswerewelcome。Nexttothelightestheart，theheaviestisapttobemostplayful。

Hepzibahhadlittlehardihoodforherownproperpain，andfarlessforwhatshemustinflictonClifford。Ofsoslightanature，andsoshatteredbyhispreviouscalamities，itcouldnotwellbeshortofutterruintobringhimfacetofacewiththehard，relentlessmanwhohadbeenhisevildestinythroughlife。Evenhadtherebeennobitterrecollections，noranyhostileinterestnowatstakebetweenthem，themerenaturalrepugnanceofthemoresensitivesystemtothemassive，weighty，andunimpressibleone，must，initself，havebeendisastroustotheformer。Itwouldbelikeflingingaporcelainvase，withalreadyacrackinit，againstagranitecolumn。NeverbeforehadHepzibahsoadequatelyestimatedthepowerfulcharacterofhercousinJaffrey，——powerfulbyintellect，energyofwill，thelonghabitofactingamongmen，and，asshebelieved，byhisunscrupulouspursuitofselfishendsthroughevilmeans。ItdidbutincreasethedifficultythatJudgePyncheonwasunderadelusionastothesecretwhichhesupposedCliffordtopossess。Menofhisstrengthofpurposeandcustomarysagacity，iftheychancetoadoptamistakenopinioninpracticalmatters，sowedgeitandfastenitamongthingsknowntobetrue，thattowrenchitoutoftheirmindsishardlylessdifficultthanpullingupanoak。Thus，astheJudgerequiredanimpossibilityofClifford，thelatter，ashecouldnotperformit，mustneedsperish。

Forwhat，inthegraspofamanlikethis，wastobecomeofClifford’ssoftpoeticnature，thatnevershouldhavehadataskmorestubbornthantosetalifeofbeautifulenjoymenttotheflowandrhythmofmusicalcadences！Indeed，whathadbecomeofitalready？Broken！

Blighted！Allbutannihilated！Soontobewhollyso！

Foramoment，thethoughtcrossedHepzibah’smind，whetherCliffordmightnotreallyhavesuchknowledgeoftheirdeceaseduncle’svanishedestateastheJudgeimputedtohim。Sherememberedsomevagueintimations，onherbrother’spart，which——ifthesuppositionwerenotessentiallypreposterous——mighthavebeensointerpreted。Therehadbeenschemesoftravelandresidenceabroad，day-dreamsofbrilliantlifeathome，andsplendidcastlesintheair，whichitwouldhaverequiredboundlesswealthtobuildandrealize。Hadthiswealthbeeninherpower，howgladlywouldHepzibahhavebestoweditalluponheriron-heartedkinsman，tobuyforCliffordthefreedomandseclusionofthedesolateoldhouse！

Butshebelievedthatherbrother’sschemeswereasdestituteofactualsubstanceandpurposeasachild’spicturesofitsfuturelife，whilesittinginalittlechairbyitsmother’sknee。Cliffordhadnonebutshadowygoldathiscommand；anditwasnotthestufftosatisfyJudgePyncheon！

Wastherenohelpintheirextremity？Itseemedstrangethatthereshouldbenone，withacityroundabouther。Itwouldbesoeasytothrowupthewindow，andsendforthashriek，atthestrangeagonyofwhicheverybodywouldcomehasteningtotherescue，wellunderstandingittobethecryofahumansoul，atsomedreadfulcrisis！Buthowwild，howalmostlaughable，thefatality，——andyethowcontinuallyitcomestopass，thoughtHepzibah，inthisdulldeliriumofaworld，——thatwhosoever，andwithhoweverkindlyapurpose，shouldcometohelp，theywouldbesuretohelpthestrongestside！Mightandwrongcombined，likeironmagnetized，areendowedwithirresistibleattraction。TherewouldbeJudgePyncheon，——apersoneminentinthepublicview，ofhighstationandgreatwealth，aphilanthropist，amemberofCongressandofthechurch，andintimatelyassociatedwithwhateverelsebestowsgoodname，——soimposing，intheseadvantageouslights，thatHepzibahherselfcouldhardlyhelpshrinkingfromherownconclusionsastohishollowintegrity。TheJudge，ononeside！Andwho，ontheother？TheguiltyClifford！Onceabyword！Now，anindistinctlyrememberedignominy！

Nevertheless，inspiteofthisperceptionthattheJudgewoulddrawallhumanaidtohisownbehalf，Hepzibahwassounaccustomedtoactforherself，thattheleastwordofcounselwouldhaveswayedhertoanymodeofaction。LittlePhoebePyncheonwouldatoncehavelightedupthewholescene，ifnotbyanyavailablesuggestion，yetsimplybythewarmvivacityofhercharacter。TheideaoftheartistoccurredtoHepzibah。

Youngandunknown，merevagrantadventurerashewas，shehadbeenconsciousofaforceinHolgravewhichmightwelladapthimtobethechampionofacrisis。Withthisthoughtinhermind，sheunboltedadoor，cobwebbedandlongdisused，butwhichhadservedasaformermediumofcommunicationbetweenherownpartofthehouseandthegablewherethewanderingdaguerreotypisthadnowestablishedhistemporaryhome。Hewasnotthere。Abook，facedownward，onthetable，arollofmanuscript，ahalf-writtensheet，anewspaper，sometoolsofhispresentoccupation，andseveralrejecteddaguerreotypes，conveyedanimpressionasifhewerecloseathand。But，atthisperiodoftheday，asHepzibahmighthaveanticipated，theartistwasathispublicrooms。Withanimpulseofidlecuriosity，thatflickeredamongherheavythoughts，shelookedatoneofthedaguerreotypes，andbeheldJudgePyncheonfrowningather。Fatestaredherintheface。Sheturnedbackfromherfruitlessquest，withaheartsinkingsenseofdisappointment。

Inallheryearsofseclusion，shehadneverfelt，asnow，whatitwastobealone。Itseemedasifthehousestoodinadesert，or，bysomespell，wasmadeinvisibletothosewhodweltaround，orpassedbesideit；sothatanymodeofmisfortune，miserableaccident，orcrimemighthappeninitwithoutthepossibilityofaid。Inhergriefandwoundedpride，Hepzibahhadspentherlifeindivestingherselfoffriends；shehadwilfullycastoffthesupportwhichGodhasordainedhiscreaturestoneedfromoneanother；anditwasnowherpunishment，thatCliffordandherselfwouldfalltheeasiervictimstotheirkindredenemy。

Returningtothearchedwindow，sheliftedhereyes，——scowling，poor，dim-sightedHepzibah，inthefaceofHeaven！——andstrovehardtosendupaprayerthroughthedensegraypavementofclouds。

Thosemistshadgathered，asiftosymbolizeagreat，broodingmassofhumantrouble，doubt，confusion，andchillindifference，betweenearthandthebetterregions。Herfaithwastooweak；theprayertooheavytobethusuplifted。Itfellback，alumpoflead，uponherheart。ItsmoteherwiththewretchedconvictionthatProvidenceintermeddlednotinthesepettywrongsofoneindividualtohisfellow，norhadanybalmfortheselittleagoniesofasolitarysoul；butsheditsjustice，anditsmercy，inabroad，sunlikesweep，overhalftheuniverseatonce。Itsvastnessmadeitnothing。

ButHepzibahdidnotseethat，justastherecomesawarmsunbeamintoeverycottagewindow，socomesalovebeamofGod’scareandpityforeveryseparateneed。

Atlast，findingnootherpretextfordeferringthetorturethatshewastoinflictonClifford，——herreluctancetowhichwasthetruecauseofherloiteringatthewindow，hersearchfortheartist，andevenherabortiveprayer，——dreading，also，tohearthesternvoiceofJudgePyncheonfrombelowstairs，chidingherdelay，——shecreptslowly，apale，grief-strickenfigure，adismalshapeofwoman，withalmosttorpidlimbs，slowlytoherbrother’sdoor，andknocked！

Therewasnoreply。

Andhowshouldtherehavebeen？Herhand，tremulouswiththeshrinkingpurposewhichdirectedit，hadsmittensofeeblyagainstthedoorthatthesoundcouldhardlyhavegoneinward。Sheknockedagain。Stillnoresponse！Norwasittobewonderedat。Shehadstruckwiththeentireforceofherheart’svibration，communicating，bysomesubtilemagnetism，herownterrortothesummons。Cliffordwouldturnhisfacetothepillow，andcoverhisheadbeneaththebedclothes，likeastartledchildatmidnight。Sheknockedathirdtime，threeregularstrokes，gentle，butperfectlydistinct，andwithmeaninginthem；for，modulateitwithwhatcautiousartwewill，thehandcannothelpplayingsometuneofwhatwefeeluponthesenselesswood。

Cliffordreturnednoanswer。

"Clifford！dearbrother。"saidHepzibah。"ShallIcomein？"

Asilence。

Twoorthreetimes，andmore，Hepzibahrepeatedhisname，withoutresult；till，thinkingherbrother’ssleepunwontedlyprofound，sheundidthedoor，andentering，foundthechambervacant。Howcouldhehavecomeforth，andwhen，withoutherknowledge？Wasitpossiblethat，inspiteofthestormyday，andwornoutwiththeirksomenesswithindoorshehadbetakenhimselftohiscustomaryhauntinthegarden，andwasnowshiveringunderthecheerlessshelterofthesummer-house？Shehastilythrewupawindow，thrustforthherturbanedheadandthehalfofhergauntfigure，andsearchedthewholegardenthrough，ascompletelyasherdimvisionwouldallow。Shecouldseetheinteriorofthesummer-house，anditscircularseat，keptmoistbythedroppingsoftheroof。Ithadnooccupant。Cliffordwasnotthereabouts；unless，indeed，hehadcreptforconcealment(as，foramoment，Hepzibahfanciedmightbethecase)intoagreat，wetmassoftangledandbroad-leavedshadow，wherethesquash-vineswereclamberingtumultuouslyuponanoldwoodenframework，setcasuallyaslantagainstthefence。Thiscouldnotbe，however；hewasnotthere；for，whileHepzibahwaslooking，astrangegrimalkinstoleforthfromtheveryspot，andpickedhiswayacrossthegarden。Twicehepausedtosnufftheair，andthenanewdirectedhiscoursetowardstheparlorwindow。

Whetheritwasonlyonaccountofthestealthy，pryingmannercommontotherace，orthatthiscatseemedtohavemorethanordinarymischiefinhisthoughts，theoldgentlewoman，inspiteofhermuchperplexity，feltanimpulsetodrivetheanimalaway，andaccordinglyflungdownawindowstick。Thecatstaredupather，likeadetectedthieformurderer，and，thenextinstant，tooktoflight。Nootherlivingcreaturewasvisibleinthegarden。

Chanticleerandhisfamilyhadeithernotlefttheirroost，disheartenedbytheinterminablerain，orhaddonethenextwisestthing，byseasonablyreturningtoit。Hepzibahclosedthewindow。

ButwherewasClifford？Coulditbethat，awareofthepresenceofhisEvilDestiny，hehadcreptsilentlydownthestaircase，whiletheJudgeandHepzibahstoodtalkingintheshop，andhadsoftlyundonethefasteningsoftheouterdoor，andmadehisescapeintothestreet？Withthatthought，sheseemedtobeholdhisgray，wrinkled，yetchildlikeaspect，intheold-fashionedgarmentswhichheworeaboutthehouse；afiguresuchasonesometimesimagineshimselftobe，withtheworld’seyeuponhim，inatroubleddream。Thisfigureofherwretchedbrotherwouldgowanderingthroughthecity，attractingalleyes，andeverybody’swonderandrepugnance，likeaghost，themoretobeshudderedatbecausevisibleatnoontide。Toincurtheridiculeoftheyoungercrowd，thatknewhimnot，——theharsherscornandindignationofafewoldmen，whomightrecallhisoncefamiliarfeatures！Tobethesportofboys，who，whenoldenoughtorunaboutthestreets，havenomorereverenceforwhatisbeautifulandholy，norpityforwhatissad，——nomoresenseofsacredmisery，sanctifyingthehumanshapeinwhichitembodiesitself，——thanifSatanwerethefatherofthemall！Goadedbytheirtaunts，theirloud，shrillcries，andcruellaughter，——insultedbythefilthofthepublicways，whichtheywouldflinguponhim，——or，asitmightwellbe，distractedbythemerestrangenessofhissituation，thoughnobodyshouldafflicthimwithsomuchasathoughtlessword，——whatwonderifCliffordweretobreakintosomewildextravagancewhichwascertaintobeinterpretedaslunacy？ThusJudgePyncheon’sfiendishschemewouldbereadyaccomplishedtohishands！

ThenHepzibahreflectedthatthetownwasalmostcompletelywater-girdled。Thewharvesstretchedouttowardsthecentreoftheharbor，and，inthisinclementweather，weredesertedbytheordinarythrongofmerchants，laborers，andsea-faringmen；eachwharfasolitude，withthevesselsmooredstemandstern，alongitsmistylength。Shouldherbrother’saimlessfootstepsstraythitherward，andhebutbend，onemoment，overthedeep，blacktide，wouldhenotbethinkhimselfthatherewasthesurerefugewithinhisreach，andthat，withasinglestep，ortheslightestoverbalanceofhisbody，hemightbeforeverbeyondhiskinsman’sgripe？Oh，thetemptation！Tomakeofhisponderoussorrowasecurity！Tosink，withitsleadenweightuponhim，andneverriseagain！

ThehorrorofthislastconceptionwastoomuchforHepzibah。

EvenJaffreyPyncheonmusthelphernowShehasteneddownthestaircase，shriekingasshewent。

"Cliffordisgone！"shecried。"Icannotfindmybrother。

Help，JaffreyPyncheon！Someharmwillhappentohim！"

Shethrewopentheparlor-door。But，whatwiththeshadeofbranchesacrossthewindows，andthesmoke-blackenedceiling，andthedarkoak-panellingofthewalls，therewashardlysomuchdaylightintheroomthatHepzibah’simperfectsightcouldaccuratelydistinguishtheJudge’sfigure。Shewascertain，however，thatshesawhimsittingintheancestralarmchair，nearthecentreofthefloor，withhisfacesomewhataverted，andlookingtowardsawindow。SofirmandquietisthenervoussystemofsuchmenasJudgePyncheon，thathehadperhapsstirrednotmorethanoncesinceherdeparture，but，inthehardcomposureofhistemperament，retainedthepositionintowhichaccidenthadthrownhim。

"Itellyou，Jaffrey，"criedHepzibahimpatiently，assheturnedfromtheparlor-doortosearchotherrooms，"mybrotherisnotinhischamber！Youmusthelpmeseekhim！"

ButJudgePyncheonwasnotthemantolethimselfbestartledfromaneasy-chairwithhasteill-befittingeitherthedignityofhischaracterorhisbroadpersonalbasis，bythealarmofanhystericwoman。Yet，consideringhisowninterestinthematter，hemighthavebestirredhimselfwithalittlemorealacrity。

"Doyouhearme，JaffreyPyncheon？"screamedHepzibah，assheagainapproachedtheparlor-door，afteranineffectualsearchelsewhere。"Cliffordisgone。"

Atthisinstant，onthethresholdoftheparlor，emergingfromwithin，appearedCliffordhimself！Hisfacewaspreternaturallypale；sodeadlywhite，indeed，that，throughalltheglimmeringindistinctnessofthepassageway，Hepzibahcoulddiscernhisfeatures，asifalightfellonthemalone。Theirvividandwildexpressionseemedlikewisesufficienttoilluminatethem；itwasanexpressionofscornandmockery，coincidingwiththeemotionsindicatedbyhisgesture。AsCliffordstoodonthethreshold，partlyturningback，hepointedhisfingerwithintheparlor，andshookitslowlyasthoughhewouldhavesummoned，notHepzibahalone，butthewholeworld，togazeatsomeobjectinconceivablyridiculous。Thisaction，soill-timedandextravagant，——accompanied，too，withalookthatshowedmorelikejoythananyotherkindofexcitement，——compelledHepzibahtodreadthathersternkinsman’sominousvisithaddrivenherpoorbrothertoabsoluteinsanity。

NorcouldsheotherwiseaccountfortheJudge’squiescentmoodthanbysupposinghimcraftilyonthewatch，whileClifforddevelopedthesesymptomsofadistractedmind。

"Bequiet，Clifford！"whisperedhissister，raisingherhandtoimpresscaution。"Oh，forHeaven’ssake，bequiet！"

"Lethimbequiet！Whatcanhedobetter？"answeredClifford，withastillwildergesture，pointingintotheroomwhichhehadjustquitted。"Asforus，Hepzibah，wecandancenow！——wecansing，laugh，play，dowhatwewill！Theweightisgone，Hepzibah！

Itisgoneoffthiswearyoldworld，andwemaybeaslight-heartedaslittlePhoebeherself。"

And，inaccordancewithhiswords，hebegantolaugh，stillpointinghisfingerattheobject，invisibletoHepzibah，withintheparlor。Shewasseizedwithasuddenintuitionofsomehorriblething。ShethrustherselfpastClifford，anddisappearedintotheroom；butalmostimmediatelyreturned，withacrychokinginherthroat。Gazingatherbrotherwithanaffrightedglanceofinquiry，shebeheldhimallinatremorandaquake，fromheadtofoot，while，amidthesecommotedelementsofpassionoralarm，stillflickeredhisgustymirth。

"MyGod！whatistobecomeofus？"gaspedHepzibah。

"Come！"saidCliffordinatoneofbriefdecision，mostunlikewhatwasusualwithhim。"Westayheretoolong！LetusleavetheoldhousetoourcousinJaffrey！Hewilltakegoodcareofit！"

HepzibahnownoticedthatCliffordhadonacloak，——agarmentoflongago，——inwhichhehadconstantlymuffledhimselfduringthesedaysofeasterlystorm。Hebeckonedwithhishand，andintimated，sofarasshecouldcomprehendhim，hispurposethattheyshouldgotogetherfromthehouse。Therearechaotic，blind，ordrunkenmoments，inthelivesofpersonswholackrealforceofcharacter，——momentsoftest，inwhichcouragewouldmostassertitself，——butwheretheseindividuals，iflefttothemselves，staggeraimlesslyalong，orfollowimplicitlywhateverguidancemaybefallthem，evenifitbeachild’s。Nomatterhowpreposterousorinsane，apurposeisaGodsendtothem。Hepzibahhadreachedthispoint。Unaccustomedtoactionorresponsibility，——fullofhorroratwhatshehadseen，andafraidtoinquire，oralmosttoimagine，howithadcometopass，——affrightedatthefatalitywhichseemedtopursueherbrother，——stupefiedbythedim，thick，stiflingatmosphereofdreadwhichfilledthehouseaswithadeath-smell，andobliteratedalldefinitenessofthought，——sheyieldedwithoutaquestion，andontheinstant，tothewillwhichCliffordexpressed。

Forherself，shewaslikeapersoninadream，whenthewillalwayssleeps。Clifford，ordinarilysodestituteofthisfaculty，hadfounditinthetensionofthecrisis。

"Whydoyoudelayso？"criedhesharply。"Putonyourcloakandhood，orwhateveritpleasesyoutowear！Nomatterwhat；

youcannotlookbeautifulnorbrilliant，mypoorHepzibah！Takeyourpurse，withmoneyinit，andcomealong！"

Hepzibahobeyedtheseinstructions，asifnothingelseweretobedoneorthoughtof。Shebegantowonder，itistrue，whyshedidnotwakeup，andatwhatstillmoreintolerablepitchofdizzytroubleherspiritwouldstruggleoutofthemaze，andmakeherconsciousthatnothingofallthishadactuallyhappened。Ofcourseitwasnotreal；nosuchblack，easterlydayasthishadyetbeguntobe；JudgePyncheonhadnottalkedwith，her。Cliffordhadnotlaughed，pointed，beckonedherawaywithhim；butshehadmerelybeenafflicted——aslonelysleepersoftenare——withagreatdealofunreasonablemisery，inamorningdream！

"Now——now——Ishallcertainlyawake！"thoughtHepzibah，asshewenttoandfro，makingherlittlepreparations。"IcanbearitnolongerImustwakeupnow！"

Butitcamenot，thatawakeningmoment！Itcamenot，evenwhen，justbeforetheyleftthehouse，Cliffordstoletotheparlor-door，andmadeapartingobeisancetothesoleoccupantoftheroom。

"Whatanabsurdfiguretheoldfellowcutsnow！"whisperedhetoHepzibah。"Justwhenhefanciedhehadmecompletelyunderhisthumb！Come，come；makehaste！orhewillstartup，likeGiantDespairinpursuitofChristianandHopeful，andcatchusyet！"

Astheypassedintothestreet，ClifforddirectedHepzibah’sattentiontosomethingononeofthepostsofthefrontdoor。

Itwasmerelytheinitialsofhisownname，which，withsomewhatofhischaracteristicgraceabouttheformsoftheletters，hehadcuttherewhenaboy。Thebrotherandsisterdeparted，andleftJudgePyncheonsittingintheoldhomeofhisforefathers，allbyhimself；soheavyandlumpishthatwecanlikenhimtonothingbetterthanadefunctnightmare，whichhadperishedinthemidstofitswickedness，andleftitsflabbycorpseonthebreastofthetormentedone，tobegottenridofasitmight！

XVIITheFlightofTwoOwlsSUMMERasitwas，theeastwindsetpoorHepzibah’sfewremainingteethchatteringinherhead，assheandCliffordfacedit，ontheirwayupPyncheonStreet，andtowardsthecentreofthetown。Notmerelywasittheshiverwhichthispitilessblastbroughttoherframe(althoughherfeetandhands，especially，hadneverseemedsodeath-a-coldasnow)，buttherewasamoralsensation，minglingitselfwiththephysicalchill，andcausinghertoshakemoreinspiritthaninbody。Theworld’sbroad，bleakatmospherewasallsocomfortless！Such，indeed，istheimpressionwhichitmakesoneverynewadventurer，evenifheplungeintoitwhilethewarmesttideoflifeisbubblingthroughhisveins。What，then，mustithavebeentoHepzibahandClifford，——sotime-strickenastheywere，yetsolikechildrenintheirinexperience，——astheyleftthedoorstep，andpassedfrombeneaththewideshelterofthePyncheonElm！Theywerewanderingallabroad，onpreciselysuchapilgrimageasachildoftenmeditates，totheworld’send，withperhapsasixpenceandabiscuitinhispocket。InHepzibah’smind，therewasthewretchedconsciousnessofbeingadrift。Shehadlostthefacultyofself-guidance；but，inviewofthedifficultiesaroundher，feltithardlyworthanefforttoregainit，andwas，moreover，incapableofmakingone。

Astheyproceededontheirstrangeexpedition，shenowandthencastalooksidelongatClifford，andcouldnotbutobservethathewaspossessedandswayedbyapowerfulexcitement。Itwasthis，indeed，thatgavehimthecontrolwhichhehadatonce，andsoirresistibly，establishedoverhismovements。Itnotalittleresembledtheexhilarationofwine。Or，itmightmorefancifullybecomparedtoajoyouspieceofmusic，playedwithwildvivacity，butuponadisorderedinstrument。Asthecrackedjarringnotemightalwaysbeheard，andasitjarredloudestamidsttheloftiestexultationofthemelody，sowasthereacontinualquakethroughClifford，causinghimmosttoquiverwhileheworeatriumphantsmile，andseemedalmostunderanecessitytoskipinhisgait。

Theymetfewpeopleabroad，evenonpassingfromtheretiredneighborhoodoftheHouseoftheSevenGablesintowhatwasordinarilythemorethrongedandbusierportionofthetown。

Glisteningsidewalks，withlittlepoolsofrain，hereandthere，alongtheirunequalsurface；umbrellasdisplayedostentatiouslyintheshop-windows，asifthelifeoftradehadconcentrateditselfinthatonearticle；wetleavesofthe，horse-chestnutorelm-trees，tornoffuntimelybytheblastandscatteredalongthepublicway；

anunsightly，accumulationofmudinthemiddleofthestreet，whichperverselygrewthemoreuncleanforitslongandlaboriouswashing，——thesewerethemoredefinablepointsofaverysombrepicture。Inthewayofmovementandhumanlife，therewasthehastyrattleofacaborcoach，itsdriverprotectedbyawaterproofcapoverhisheadandshoulders；theforlornfigureofanoldman，whoseemedtohavecreptoutofsomesubterraneansewer，andwasstoopingalongthekennel，andpokingthewetrubbishwithastick，inquestofrustynails；amerchantortwo，atthedoorofthepost-office，togetherwithaneditorandamiscellaneouspolitician，awaitingadilatorymail；afewvisagesofretiredsea-captainsatthewindowofaninsuranceoffice，lookingoutvacantlyatthevacantstreet，blasphemingattheweather，andfrettingatthedearthaswellofpublicnewsaslocalgossip。Whatatreasure-trovetothesevenerablequidnuncs，couldtheyhaveguessedthesecretwhichHepzibahandCliffordwerecarryingalongwiththem！Buttheirtwofiguresattractedhardlysomuchnoticeasthatofayounggirl，whopassedatthesameinstant，andhappenedtoraiseherskirtatrifletoohighaboveherankles。Haditbeenasunnyandcheerfulday，theycouldhardlyhavegonethroughthestreetswithoutmakingthemselvesobnoxioustoremark。Now，probably，theywerefelttobeinkeepingwiththedismalandbitterweather，andthereforedidnotstandoutinstrongrelief，asifthesunwereshiningonthem，butmeltedintothegraygloomandwereforgottenassoonasgone。

PoorHepzibah！Couldshehaveunderstoodthisfact，itwouldhavebroughthersomelittlecomfort；for，toallherothertroubles，——strangetosay！——therewasaddedthewomanishandold-maiden-likemiseryarisingfromasenseofunseemlinessinherattire。Thus，shewasfaintoshrinkdeeperintoherself，asitwere，asifinthehopeofmakingpeoplesupposethatherewasonlyacloakandhood，threadbareandwoefullyfaded，takinganairinginthemidstofthestorm，withoutanywearer！

Astheywenton，thefeelingofindistinctnessandunrealitykeptdimlyhoveringroundabouther，andsodiffusingitselfintohersystemthatoneofherhandswashardlypalpabletothetouchoftheother。Anycertaintywouldhavebeenpreferabletothis。Shewhisperedtoherself，againandagain，"AmIawake？——AmIawake？"

andsometimesexposedherfacetothechillspatterofthewind，forthesakeofitsrudeassurancethatshewas。WhetheritwasClifford’spurpose，oronlychance，hadledthemthither，theynowfoundthemselvespassingbeneaththearchedentranceofalargestructureofgraystone。Within，therewasaspaciousbreadth，andanairyheightfromfloortoroof，nowpartiallyfilledwithsmokeandsteam，whicheddiedvoluminouslyupwardandformedamimiccloud-regionovertheirheads。Atrainofcarswasjustreadyforastart；thelocomotivewasfrettingandfuming，likeasteedimpatientforaheadlongrush；andthebellrangoutitshastypeal，sowellexpressingthebriefsummonswhichlifevouchsafestousinitshurriedcareer。Withoutquestionordelay，——withtheirresistibledecision，ifnotrathertobecalledrecklessness，whichhadsostrangelytakenpossessionofhim，andthroughhimofHepzibah，——Cliffordimpelledhertowardsthecars，andassistedhertoenter。Thesignalwasgiven；

theenginepuffedforthitsshort，quickbreaths；thetrainbeganitsmovement；and，alongwithahundredotherpassengers，thesetwounwontedtravellersspedonwardlikethewind。

Atlast，therefore，andaftersolongestrangementfromeverythingthattheworldactedorenjoyed，theyhadbeendrawnintothegreatcurrentofhumanlife，andweresweptawaywithit，asbythesuctionoffateitself。

Stillhauntedwiththeideathatnotoneofthepastincidents，inclusiveofJudgePyncheon’svisit，couldbereal，therecluseoftheSevenGablesmurmuredinherbrother’sear，——

"Clifford！Clifford！Isnotthisadream？"

"Adream，Hepzibah！"repeatedhe，almostlaughinginherface。

"Onthecontrary，Ihaveneverbeenawakebefore！"

Meanwhile，lookingfromthewindow，theycouldseetheworldracingpastthem。Atonemoment，theywererattlingthroughasolitude；thenext，avillagehadgrownuparoundthem；afewbreathsmore，andithadvanished，asifswallowedbyanearthquake。

Thespiresofmeeting-housesseemedsetadriftfromtheirfoundations；

thebroad-basedhillsglidedaway。Everythingwasunfixedfromitsage-longrest，andmovingatwhirlwindspeedinadirectionoppositetotheirown。

Withinthecartherewastheusualinteriorlifeoftherailroad，offeringlittletotheobservationofotherpassengers，butfullofnoveltyforthispairofstrangelyenfranchisedprisoners。

Itwasnoveltyenough，indeed，thattherewerefiftyhumanbeingsincloserelationwiththem，underonelongandnarrowroof，anddrawnonwardbythesamemightyinfluencethathadtakentheirtwoselvesintoitsgrasp。Itseemedmarvelloushowallthesepeoplecouldremainsoquietlyintheirseats，whilesomuchnoisystrengthwasatworkintheirbehalf。Some，withticketsintheirhats(longtravellersthese，beforewhomlayahundredmilesofrailroad)，hadplungedintotheEnglishsceneryandadventuresofpamphletnovels，andwerekeepingcompanywithdukesandearls。Others，whosebrieferspanforbadetheirdevotingthemselvestostudiessoabstruse，beguiledthelittletediumofthewaywithpenny-papers。Apartyofgirls，andoneyoungman，onoppositesidesofthecar，foundhugeamusementinagameofball。Theytossedittoandfro，withpealsoflaughterthatmightbemeasuredbymile-lengths；for，fasterthanthenimbleballcouldfly，themerryplayersfledunconsciouslyalong，leavingthetrailoftheirmirthafarbehind，andendingtheirgameunderanotherskythanhadwitnesseditscommencement。

Boys，withapples，cakes，candy，androllsofvariouslytincturedlozenges，——merchandisethatremindedHepzibahofherdesertedshop，——appearedateachmomentarystopping-place，doinguptheirbusinessinahurry，orbreakingitshortoff，lestthemarketshouldravishthemawaywithit。Newpeoplecontinuallyentered。

Oldacquaintances——forsuchtheysoongrewtobe，inthisrapidcurrentofaffairs——continuallydeparted。Hereandthere，amidtherumbleandthetumult，satoneasleep。Sleep；sport；business；

graverorlighterstudy；andthecommonandinevitablemovementonward！Itwaslifeitself！

Clifford’snaturallypoignantsympathieswereallaroused。

Hecaughtthecolorofwhatwaspassingabouthim，andthrewitbackmorevividlythanhereceivedit，butmixed，nevertheless，withaluridandportentoushue。Hepzibah，ontheotherhand，feltherselfmoreapartfromhumankindthanevenintheseclusionwhichshehadjustquitted。

"Youarenothappy，Hepzibah！"saidCliffordapart，inatoneofaproach。"Youarethinkingofthatdismaloldhouse，andofCousin，Jaffrey"——herecamethequakethroughhim，——"andofCousinJaffreysittingthere，allbyhimself！Takemyadvice，——followmyexample，——andletsuchthingsslipaside。Hereweare，intheworld，Hepzibah！——inthemidstoflife！——inthethrongofourfellowbeings！LetyouandIbehappy！Ashappyasthatyouthandthoseprettygirls，attheirgameofball！"

"Happy——"thoughtHepzibah，bitterlyconscious，attheword，ofherdullandheavyheart，withthefrozenpaininit，——"happy。

Heismadalready；and，ifIcouldoncefeelmyselfbroadawake，Ishouldgomadtoo！"

Ifafixedideabemadness，shewasperhapsnotremotefromit。

Fastandfarastheyhadrattledandclatteredalongtheirontrack，theymightjustaswell，asregardedHepzibah’smentalimages，havebeenpassingupanddownPyncheonStreet。Withmilesandmilesofvariedscenerybetween，therewasnosceneforhersavethesevenoldgable-peaks，withtheirmoss，andthetuftofweedsinoneoftheangles，andtheshop-window，andacustomershakingthedoor，andcompellingthelittlebelltojinglefiercely，butwithoutdisturbingJudgePyncheon！Thisoneoldhousewaseverywhere！Ittransporteditsgreat，lumberingbulkwithmorethanrailroadspeed，andsetitselfphlegmaticallydownonwhateverspotsheglancedat。ThequalityofHepzibah’smindwastoounmalleabletotakenewimpressionssoreadilyasClifford’s。

Hehadawingednature；shewasratherofthevegetablekind，andcouldhardlybekeptlongalive，ifdrawnupbytheroots。

Thusithappenedthattherelationheretoforeexistingbetweenherbrotherandherselfwaschanged。Athome，shewashisguardian；

here，Cliffordhadbecomehers，andseemedtocomprehendwhateverbelongedtotheirnewpositionwithasingularrapidityofintelligence。Hehadbeenstartledintomanhoodandintellectualvigor；or，atleast，intoaconditionthatresembledthem，thoughitmightbebothdiseasedandtransitory。

Theconductornowappliedfortheirtickets；andClifford，whohadmadehimselfthepurse-bearer，putabank-noteintohishand，ashehadobservedothersdo。

"Fortheladyandyourself？"askedtheconductor。"Andhowfar？"

"Asfarasthatwillcarryus，"saidClifford。"Itisnogreatmatter。Weareridingforpleasuremerely。"

"Youchooseastrangedayforit，sir！"remarkedagimlet-eyedoldgentlemanontheothersideofthecar，lookingatCliffordandhiscompanion，asifcurioustomakethemout。"Thebestchanceofpleasure，inaneasterlyrain，Itakeit，isinaman’sownhouse，withanicelittlefireinthechimney。"

"Icannotpreciselyagreewithyou，"saidClifford，courteouslybowingtotheoldgentleman，andatoncetakinguptheclewofconversationwhichthelatterhadproffered。"Ithadjustoccurredtome，onthecontrary，thatthisadmirableinventionoftherailroad——withthevastandinevitableimprovementstobelookedfor，bothastospeedandconvenience——isdestinedtodoawaywiththosestaleideasofhomeandfireside，andsubstitutesomethingbetter。"

"Inthenameofcommon-sense，"askedtheoldgentlemanrathertestily，"whatcanbebetterforamanthanhisownparlorandchimney-corner？"

"Thesethingshavenotthemeritwhichmanygoodpeopleattributetothem，"repliedClifford。"Theymaybesaid，infewandpithywords，tohaveillservedapoorpurpose。Myimpressionis，thatourwonderfullyincreasedandstillincreasingfacilitiesoflocomotionaredestinedtobringusaroundagaintothenomadicstate。Youareaware，mydearsir，——youmusthaveobserveditinyourownexperience，——thatallhumanprogressisinacircle；or，touseamoreaccurateandbeautifulfigure，inanascendingspiralcurve。Whilewefancyourselvesgoingstraightforward，andattaining，ateverystep，anentirelynewpositionofaffairs，wedoactuallyreturntosomethinglongagotriedandabandoned，butwhichwenowfindetherealized，refined，andperfectedtoitsideal。Thepastisbutacoarseandsensualprophecyofthepresentandthefuture。Toapplythistruthtothetopicnowunderdiscussion。Intheearlyepochsofourrace，mendweltintemporaryhuts，ofbowersofbranches，aseasilyconstructedasabird’s-nest，andwhichtheybuilt，——ifitshouldbecalledbuilding，whensuchsweethomesofasummersolsticerathergrewthanweremadewithhands，——whichNature，wewillsay，assistedthemtorearwherefruitabounded，wherefishandgamewereplentiful，or，mostespecially，wherethesenseofbeautywastobegratifiedbyaloveliershadethanelsewhere，andamoreexquisitearrangementoflake，wood，andhill。Thislifepossessedacharmwhich，eversincemanquittedit，hasvanishedfromexistence。Andittypifiedsomethingbetterthanitself。Ithaditsdrawbacks；suchashungerandthirst，inclementweather，hotsunshine，andwearyandfoot-blisteringmarchesoverbarrenanduglytracts，thatlaybetweenthesitesdesirablefortheirfertilityandbeauty。Butinourascendingspiral，weescapeallthis。Theserailroads——couldbutthewhistlebemademusical，andtherumbleandthejargotridof——arepositivelythegreatestblessingthattheageshavewroughtoutforus。Theygiveuswings；

theyannihilatethetoilanddustofpilgrimage；theyspiritualizetravel！Transitionbeingsofacile，whatcanbeanyman’sinducementtotarryinonespot？Why，therefore，shouldhebuildamorecumbroushabitationthancanreadilybecarriedoffwithhim？Whyshouldhemakehimselfaprisonerforlifeinbrick，andstone，andoldworm-eatentimber，whenhemayjustaseasilydwell，inonesense，nowhere，——inabettersense，whereverthefitandbeautifulshallofferhimahome？"

Clifford’scountenanceglowed，ashedivulgedthistheory；ayouthfulcharactershoneoutfromwithin，convertingthewrinklesandpallidduskinessofageintoanalmosttransparentmask。Themerrygirlslettheirballdropuponthefloor，andgazedathim。Theysaidtothemselves，perhaps，that，beforehishairwasgrayandthecrow’s-feettrackedhistemples，thisnowdecayingmanmusthavestampedtheimpressofhisfeaturesonmanyawoman’sheart。But，alas！nowoman’seyehadseenhisfacewhileitwasbeautiful。

"Ishouldscarcelycallitanimprovedstateofthings，"observedClifford’snewacquaintance，"toliveeverywhereandnowhere！"

"Wouldyounot？"exclaimedClifford，withsingularenergy。"Itisascleartomeassunshine，——werethereanyinthesky，——thatthegreatestpossiblestumbling-blocksinthepathofhumanhappinessandimprovementaretheseheapsofbricksandstones，consolidatedwithmortar，orhewntimber，fastenedtogetherwithspike-nails，whichmenpainfullycontrivefortheirowntorment，andcallthemhouseandhome！Thesoulneedsair；awidesweepandfrequentchangeofit。Morbidinfluences，inathousand-foldvariety，gatherabouthearths，andpollutethelifeofhouseholds。

Thereisnosuchunwholesomeatmosphereasthatofanoldhome，renderedpoisonousbyone’sdefunctforefathersandrelatives。I

speakofwhatIknow。Thereisacertainhousewithinmyfamiliarrecollection，——oneofthosepeaked-gable(therearesevenofthem)，projecting-storiededifices，suchasyouoccasionallyseeinouroldertowns，——arusty，crazy，creaky，dry-rotted，dingy，dark，andmiserableolddungeon，withanarchedwindowovertheporch，andalittleshop-doorononeside，andagreat，melancholyelmbeforeit！

Now，sir，whenevermythoughtsrecurtothisseven-gabledmansion(thefactissoverycuriousthatImustneedsmentionit)，immediatelyIhaveavisionorimageofanelderlyman，ofremarkablysterncountenance，sittinginanoakenelbow-chair，dead，stone-dead，withanuglyflowofblooduponhisshirt-bosom！Dead，butwithopeneyes！Hetaintsthewholehouse，asIrememberit。Icouldneverflourishthere，norbehappy，nordonorenjoywhatGodmeantmetodoandenjoy。"

Hisfacedarkened，andseemedtocontract，andshrivelitselfup，andwitherintoage。

"Never，sir"herepeated。"Icouldneverdrawcheerfulbreaththere！"

"Ishouldthinknot，"saidtheoldgentleman，eyeingCliffordearnestly，andratherapprehensively。"Ishouldconceivenot，sir，withthatnotioninyourhead！"

"Surelynot，"continuedClifford；"anditwerearelieftomeifthathousecouldbetorndown，orburntup，andsotheearthberidofit，andgrassbesownabundantlyoveritsfoundation。NotthatIshouldevervisititssiteagain！for，sir，thefartherI

getawayfromit，themoredoesthejoy，thelightsomefreshness，theheart-leap，theintellectualdance，theyouth，inshort，——yes，myyouth，myyouth！——themoredoesitcomebacktome。Nolongeragothanthismorning，Iwasold。Irememberlookingintheglass，andwonderingatmyowngrayhair，andthewrinkles，manyanddeep，rightacrossmybrow，andthefurrowsdownmycheeks，andtheprodigioustramplingofcrow’s-feetaboutmytemples！Itwastoosoon！Icouldnotbearit！Agehadnorighttocome！Ihadnotlived！

ButnowdoIlookold？Ifso，myaspectbeliesmestrangely；for——agreatweightbeingoffmymind——Ifeelintheveryheydayofmyyouth，withtheworldandmybestdaysbeforeme！"

"Itrustyoumayfinditso，"saidtheoldgentleman，whoseemedratherembarrassed，anddesirousofavoidingtheobservationwhichClifford’swildtalkdrewonthemboth。"Youhavemybestwishesforit。"

"ForHeaven’ssake，dearClifford，bequiet！"whisperedhissister。

"Theythinkyoumad。"

"Bequietyourself，Hepzibah！"returnedherbrother。"Nomatterwhattheythink！Iamnotmad。Forthefirsttimeinthirtyyearsmythoughtsgushupandfindwordsreadyforthem。Imusttalk，andIwill！"

Heturnedagaintowardstheoldgentleman，andrenewedtheconversation。

"Yes，mydearsir，"saidhe，"itismyfirmbeliefandhopethatthesetermsofroofandhearth-stone，whichhavesolongbeenheldtoembodysomethingsacred，aresoontopassoutofmen’sdailyuse，andbeforgotten。Justimagine，foramoment，howmuchofhumanevilwillcrumbleaway，withthisonechange！Whatwecallrealestate——thesolidgroundtobuildahouseon——isthebroadfoundationonwhichnearlyalltheguiltofthisworldrests。

Amanwillcommitalmostanywrong，——hewillheapupanimmensepileofwickedness，ashardasgranite，andwhichwillweighasheavilyuponhissoul，toeternalages，——onlytobuildagreat，gloomy，dark-chamberedmansion，forhimselftodiein，andforhisposteritytobemiserablein。Helayshisowndeadcorpsebeneaththeunderpinning，asonemaysay，andhangshisfrowningpictureonthewall，and，afterthusconvertinghimselfintoanevildestiny，expectshisremotestgreat-grandchildrentobehappythere。Idonotspeakwildly。Ihavejustsuchahouseinmymind’seye！"

"Then，sir，"saidtheoldgentleman，gettinganxioustodropthesubject，"youarenottoblameforleavingit。"

"Withinthelifetimeofthechildalreadyborn，"Cliffordwenton，"allthiswillbedoneaway。Theworldisgrowingtooetherealandspiritualtobeartheseenormitiesagreatwhilelonger。Tome，though，foraconsiderableperiodoftime，Ihavelivedchieflyinretirement，andknowlessofsuchthingsthanmostmen，——eventome，theharbingersofabettereraareunmistakable。Mesmerism，now！Willthateffectnothing，thinkyou，towardspurgingawaythegrossnessoutofhumanlife？"

"Allahumbug！"growledtheoldgentleman。"

Theserappingspirits，thatlittlePhoebetoldusof，theotherday，"

saidClifford，——"whatarethesebutthemessengersofthespiritualworld，knockingatthedoorofsubstance？Anditshallbeflungwideopen！"

"Ahumbug，again！"criedtheoldgentleman，growingmoreandmoretestyattheseglimpsesofClifford’smetaphysics。"Ishouldliketorapwithagoodstickontheemptypatesofthedoltswhocirculatesuchnonsense！"

"Thenthereiselectricity，——thedemon，theangel，themightyphysicalpower，theall-pervadingintelligence！"exclaimedClifford。

"Isthatahumbug，too？Isitafact——orhaveIdreamtit——that，bymeansofelectricity，theworldofmatterhasbecomeagreatnerve，vibratingthousandsofmilesinabreathlesspointoftime？Rather，theroundglobeisavasthead，abrain，instinctwithintelligence！

Or，shallwesay，itisitselfathought，nothingbutthought，andnolongerthesubstancewhichwedeemedit！"

"Ifyoumeanthetelegraph，"saidtheoldgentleman，glancinghiseyetowarditswire，alongsidetherail-track，"itisanexcellentthing，——thatis，ofcourse，ifthespeculatorsincottonandpoliticsdon’tgetpossessionofit。Agreatthing，indeed，sir，particularlyasregardsthedetectionofbank-robbersandmurderers。"

"Idon’tquitelikeit，inthatpointofview，"repliedClifford。