第7章

"IfMr。Vanrevelhasmetmydaughter，"hesaid，inathickvoice，stretchingoutbothhandsinastrange，menacinggesturetowardthetownthatlaydarklinginthegrowingdusk，"ifhehasaddressedonewordtoher，orsomuchasallowedhiseyestorestonheroverlong，lethimtakecareofhimself！"

"Oh，Robert，Robert，"Mrs。Tanberrycried，inafrightenedwhispertoherself，"allthefunandbrightnesswentoutoftheworldwhenyoucamehome！"

For，intruth，thegayetyandlight-heartednesswhich，duringthegreatlady’stoobriefreign，hadseemedavitaladjunctofthehousetomaketheplaceresoundwithmusicandlaughter，werenowdeparted。NomoredidMrs。TanberryextemporizeDanTuckers，mazourkas，orquadrillesintheball-room，norBlind-Man’sBuffinthelibrary；nomoredidserenadersnightlyseekthegardenwithinstrumentalplunkingsandvocalgiftsofharmony。EventhegreenbronzeboyofthefountainseemedtosharethetimidityoftheotheryouthsofthetownwhereMr。Carewewasconcerned，forthegobletheheldaloftnolongersentalivelystreamleapingintothesunshineintranslucentgambols，butdribbledanddrippeduponhimlikeamorbidautumnrain。Thedepressionoftheplacewaslikeadrapeofmourningpurple；butnotthathousealonelayglum，andtherewereotherreasonsthanthereturnofRobertCarewewhyRouenhadlostthejoyandmirththatbelongedtoit。Nay，themerrytownhadchangedbeyondallcredence；itwashushedlikeasick-room，anddolefullymurmurouswithforebodingsoffarewellandsorrow。

ForalltheveryflowerofRouen’syouthhadpromisedtofollowTomVanrevelonthelongandarduousjourneytoMexico，tomarchburningmilesunderthetropicalsun，tofacestrangefeversandthegunsofSantaAnna。

Fewwerethehousesofthemorepretentioussortthatdidnotmourn，inprospect，thegoingofson，orbrother，orclosefriend；mothersalreadyweptnotinsecret，fatherstalkedwithhuskybravado；andeveryonewasverykindtothosewhoweretogo，speakingtothemgentlyandbringingthemlittlefoolishpresents。Norcouldtheheartsofgirlsnowlongermaskasblocksoficetotheprospectiveconquistadores；EugeneMadrillon’syoungbrother，Jean，afteratwoyears’Beatrice-and-BenedictwooingofTrixieChenoweth（thatnotablespitfire）announcedhisengagementuponthedayafterhisenlistment，andrecountedtoallwhowouldlistenhowhistermagantfelluponhisneckintearswhensheheardthenews。"Andnowshecriesaboutmeallthetime，"finishedthefrankJeanblithely。

Buttherewaslittlespiritfortheoldmerriments：therewerenomorecarpet-dancesattheBareauds’，nomasqueradesattheMadrillons’，nopicnicsinthewoodsnorexcursionsontheriver；andnomoredidlightfeetbearlightheartsthroughthe"mazesoftheintricateschottische，thesubtlemazourka，orthestatelyquadrille，"asWillCummingsremarkedintheJournal。Fanchon，Virginia，andfiveorsixothers，spenttheirafternoonsmournfully，andyetproudly，sewingandcuttinglargepiecesofcoloredsilk，fashioningagreatflagfortheirsweetheartsandbrotherstobearsouthwardandplantwherestoodthepalaceoftheMontezumas。

ThatwassadworkforFanchon，thoughitwasnotforherbrother’ssakethatshewept，since，aseveryoneknew，JeffersonwasalreadysofullofmalariaandquininethatthefeversoftheSouthandMexicomustfindhiminvulnerable，andevenhismotherbelievedhewouldonlythriveandgrowheartyonhissoldiering。ButaboutCrailey，Fanchonhadapresentimentmorevividthananybornofthenaturalfearsforhissafety；itcametoheragainandagain，reappearinginherdreams；sheshiveredandstartedoftenassheworkedontheflag，thenbentherfairheadlowoverthegaysilks，whiletheothersglancedathersympathetically。ShehadcometofeelquitesurethatCraileywastobeshot。

"ButI’vedreamedit——dreameditsix！"shecried，whenhelaughed，atherandtriedtocheerher。"Anditcomestomeintheday-timeasthoughI

sawitwithmyeyes：thepictureofyouinanofficer’suniform，lyingonthefresh，greengrass，andaredstainjustbelowthethroat。"

"Thatshowswhatdreamsaremadeof，dearlady，"hesmiled。"We’llfindlittlegreengrassinMexico，andI’monlyacorporal；sowhere’stheofficer’suniform？"

ThenFanchonweptthemore，andputherarmsabouthim，whileitseemedtoherthatshemustclingtohimsoforeverandthuswithholdhimfromfulfillinghervision，andthatthegentlepressureofherarmsmustsomehowpreservehimtolifeandtoher。"Ah，youcan’tgo，darling，"shesobbed，whilehepettedherandtriedtosootheher。"Youcan’tleaveme！

Youbelongtome！Theycan’t，can’t，can’ttakeyouawayfromme！"

Andwhentheflagwascompleted，saveforsewingthestarsupontheblueground，shetookitawayfromtheothersandinsisteduponfinishingtheworkherself。Toherownroomshecarriedit，andeachofthewhitestarsthattheyoungmenofRouenweretofollowinthestrugglethatwouldaddsomanyotherstotheconstellation，wasjewelledwithhertearsandkissedbyherlipsasittookitsplacewithitsbrothers。Neverwereneaterstitchestaken，for，witheveryatomofherbodyyearningtoreceivetheshotthatwasdestinedforCrailey，thisquietsewingwasallthatshecoulddo！Shewouldhavefollowedhim，toholdaparasoloverhimunderthedangeroussun，tocookhismealsproperly，towatchoverhimwithmedicinesandblanketsandafan；shewouldhavefollowedbarefootandbareheaded，andyet，herheartbreakingwiththecrucialyearningtomotherhimandprotecthim，thiswasallthatshecouldforhim，thissmallstitchingattheflaghehadpromisedtofollow。

Whentheworkwasquitefinished，shewentalloveritagainwithdoublethread，notfacingthesuperstitionofhermotive，whichwastosafeguardherlover：thebulletthatwasdestinedforCraileymight，inthemyriadchances，striketheflagfirstandbedeflected，thoughneversoslightly，byoneoftheselaststitches，andCrailey’sheartthusmissedbythesamemargin。Itwasatthisjuncture，whentheweepingofwomenwasplentiful，whenoldmenpulledlongfaces，andtheveryurchinsofthestreetobservedperiodsofgravityandevensilence，thatanotionenteredtheheadofMrs。Tanberry——youngJanieTanberry——totheeffectthatsuchthingswereallwrong。Shedeclaredenergeticallythatthiswasnodecentfashionoffarewell；thatafterthesoldierswentawaytherewouldbetimeenoughtoenactthegirlstheyhadleftbehindthem；andthat，untilthen，thetownshouldbemadeenlivening。Soshewentaboutpreachingarevivalofcheerfulness，wavingherjewelledhandmerrilyfromtheCarewecarriagetothevolunteersshesawuponthestreet，callingouttothemwithlaughterandinspiringquip；everywherescoldingthemournersviciouslyinherhuskyvoice，andleavingsomuchofhearteningvivacityinherwakethatnonecouldfailtobeconvincedthatshewasawisewoman。

Norwashervigorspentinvain。ItwasdecidedthataballshouldbegiventothevolunteersofRouentwonightsbeforetheirdeparturefortheStaterendezvous，anditshouldbemadethenoblestfestivalinRouen’shistory；thesubscriberstooktheiroathtoit。Theyrentedthebigdining-roomattheRouenHouse，coveredthefloorwithsmoothcloth，andhungthewallssolidlywithbannersandroses，forJunehadcome。More，theyranaredcarpetacrossthesidewalk（whichwasperfectlydryandclean）almosttotheothersideofthestreet；theyimportedtwoextrafiddlesandaclarionettoenlargetheorchestra；andtheycommandedasuppersuchasahungrymanbeholdsinadream。

MissBettylaidoutherprettiestdressthatevening，andMrs。Tanberrycameinandworshippeditasitrested，likefoamoflavenderandwhiteandgray，uponthebed，besidethesnowygloveswiththeirtiny，stifflacegauntlets，whiletwosmallwhitesandal-slippers，withjeweledbuckleswherethestrapscrossedeachother，werebeingfasteneduponMissBetty’ssilkenfeetbythevainandgloatingMamie。

"It’sawickedcruelty，Princess！"exclaimedMrs。Tanberry。"Wewantcheerthepoorfellowsandhelpthemtobegay，andheredoyoudeliberatelyplantomakethemsickatthethoughtofleavingtheplacethatholdsyou！Orhaveyoudiscoveredthatthere’sonepoorvagabondofthebandgettingoffwithouthavinghisheartbroken，andmadeupyourmindtodoitforhimtonight？"

"Isfathertogowithus？"askedBetty。ItwasthroughMrs。TanberrythatshenowderivedallinformationconcerningMr。Carewe，ashehadnotdirectlyaddressedhersincetheafternoonwhenhediscoveredherreadingtheJournal’sextra。

"No，wearetomeethim’there。Heseemsratherpleasanterthanusualthisevening，"remarkedMrs。Tanberry，hopefully，assheretired。

"Denwemus’gitreadytosharebigtroubletomorrer！"commentedthekneelingMamie，withagiggle。

Alas！pooradoringservitress，shereceivedashareuntoherselfthatveryevening，forheryoungmistress，usuallyasamiableasafairsummersky，fidgetted，grumbled，foundnothingwelldone，andwasnevertwominutesinthesamemind。Afterdonningtheselecteddress，shedeclareditafright，triedtwoothers，abusedeachroundly，dismissedheralmostweepinghandmaidenabruptly，andagainputonthefirst。Sittingdowntothemirror，shespentafullhouroverthearrangementofherhair，lookingattentivelyatherimage，sometimeswiththebeginningofdoubtfulapproval，oftenangrily，and，nowandthen，beseechingly，imploringittobelovely。

WhenMrs。TanberrycameintotellherthatNelsonwasattheblockwiththecarriage，MissBettydidnotturn，andtheelderladystoppedonthethresholdandgaveaquick，asthmaticgaspofdelight。Forthepictureshesawwas，withoutadoubtintheworld，whatsheproclaimedit，amomentlater，ravishinglypretty：thegirlishlittlepinkandwhiteroomwithallitsdaintysettingsforabackground，litbythedozencandlesintheirsconcesandhalfasmanyslendersilvercandlesticks，and，seatedbeforethetwinklingmirror，thebeautifulMissCarewe，inhergownoflaceandflouncesthatwerecrisp，yetsoft，herropeofpearls，herwhitesandals，andallthegloryofheryouth。Shehadwoundawreathofwhiterosesintoherhair，hercheekswereflushed，andhereyeswarmandglowing，yetinscrutableintheirlonggazeintothemirror。

"Oh，"saidMrs。Tanberry，"youmakemewanttobeaman！I’dpickyouupandruntotheNorthPole，wherenoonecouldeverfollow。AndIcantellyouthatithurtsnottothrowmyarmsroundyouandkissyou；butyou’resoexquisiteIdon’twanttotouchyou！"

Inanswer，MissBettyrantoherandkissedherrapturouslyonbothcheeks。"AmI——afterall？"shecried。"AmI？Isit？Willtherosesdo？"Andwithoutheedinghercompanion’sstaccatoesofapprovalshewentrapidlytotheopenbureau，snatchedupadoublehandfulofribbonsandfurbelows，anddashedoutoftheroominsearchofthedisgracedMamie。

Shefoundherseatedonthekitchendoor-stepinlonelylamentation，andshoweredthegiftsintoherlap，whilethevainoneshriekedinimitablywithprideinthesuddenvisionofhermistressandjoyoftheincrediblepossessions。

"Here，andhere，andhere！"saidMissBettyinabreath，hurlingthefineriesuponher。"I’manevil-tonguedshrew，Mamie，andthesearen’ttomakeupforthepainIgaveyou，butjusttoshowthatI’dliketoifI

knewhow！Good-by！"AndshewasofflikeanAprilbreeze。

"Dancewidthehan’somdest，"screamedMamie，pursuinguproariouslytoseethelastofherasshejumpedintothecarriage，"bowtodewittriest，an’

kissdeoneyoulovedebes’！"

"Thatwillbeyou！"saidMissBettytoMrs。Tanberry，andkissedthegoodladyagain。

CHAPTERXVI

"ThoseEndearingYoungCharms"

ItisamatternotofnotorietybutofthehappiestcelebritythatMrs。

Tanberrydancedthatnight，andnotonlythatshedanced，butthatshewaltzed。TothelotofTappinghamMarsh（whomshepronouncedthemostwheedlmgvagabond，nexttoCraileyGray，ofheracquaintance）itfelltopersuadeher；and，afteraquadrillewiththeelderChenoweth，shewaswithTappingham。Moreextraordinarytorelate，shedanceddownbothherpartnerandmusic。ThereupondidMr。Bareaud，stungwithenvy，dareemulationandessayaschottischewithMissTrixieChenoweth，performingmarvelouslywellformanydelectableturnsbeforeheunfortunatelyfelldown。Itwasanightwhenasculpturedgodwouldhavedancedonhispedestal：June，butnotover-warm，balmintheairandroseleavesonthebreeze；andevenMinerva’sgreatheelsmighthavemarkedthetimethatorchestrakept。Besuretheywaltzedagainto"ThoseEndearingYoungCharms"：

"Oh，theheartthathastrulylovedneverforgets，Butastrulylovesontotheclose：

asthesunflowerturnsonhergodwhenhesets，Thesamelookthatshegavewhenherose。"

Threeofthevolunteerswereresplendentintheirregimentals：Mr。Marsh（whohadbeenelectedcaptainofthenewcompanytosucceedVanrevel），andWillCummingsandJeanMadrillon，thelieutenants。Thisglorywasconfinedtotheofficers，whohadorderedtheiruniformsathome，fortheprivatesandnon-commissionedofficersweretoreceivetheirsattheStaterendezvous。However，althoughthisgalaadornmentwaslimitedtothethreegentlemenmentioned，theirappearanceadded"anindescribableairofsplendorandpathostotheoccasion，"toquoteMr。Cummingsoncemore。A

fourthcitizenofthetownwhomighthaveseizeduponthisopportunitytodisplayhimselfasasoldierneglectedtotakeadvantageofitandstoleinquietly，towardthelast，inhisordinaryattire，leavinghismajor’suniformfoldedonachairinhisownroom。Theflagwastobepresentedtothevolunteersatthecloseoftheevening，andTomcameforthat——soheclaimedtohisaccusingsoul。

Heenteredunobservedandmadehisway，keepingclosetothewall，towhereMrs。Bareaudsat，takingachairatherside；butRobertCarewe，glancingthitherbychance，sawhim，andchangedcountenanceforaninstant。Mr。Carewecomposedhisfeaturesswiftly，excusedhimselfwithelaboratecourtesyfromMissChenoweth，withwhomhewastalking，andcrossedtheroomtoacornernearhisenemy。Presently，asthemusicceased，thevolunteerswerebiddentocomeforward，whereuponTomleftMrs。Bareaudandbegantoworkhiswaydowntheroom。Groupswereformingandbreakingupinthegeneralmovementofthecrowd，andthedissolvingofonebroughthimfacetofacewithElizabethCarewe，whowasmovingslowlyintheoppositedirection，asmallflockofsuitorsinhertrain。

Theconfrontationcamesosuddenlyandsounexpectedlythat，beforeeitherwasaware，theylookedsquarelyintoeachother’seyes，fullandstraight，andbothstoppedinstantlyasthoughtransfixed，MissBettyleavingasentenceforeverhalf-complete。Therewasafierce，shortvocalsoundfromthecrowdbehindVanrevel；butnoonenoticedMr。Carewe；andthenTombowedgravely，asinapologyforblockingtheway，andpassedon。

MissBettybegantotalkagain，muchatrandom，withavivacitytoogreatlyexaggeratedtobegenuine，whilethehighcolorwentfromhercheeksandleftherpale。Nothingcouldhaveenragedhermorewithherselfthantheconsciousness，nowsuddenlystrongwithinher，thattheencounterhadaperceptibleeffectuponher。Whatpowerhadthismantomakehermannerstrainedandmechanical？Whatrighthadhiseyesalwaystostirherastheydid？Itwasnotheforwhomshehadspentanhouroverherhair；notheforwhomshehaddrivenherpoorhandmaidenawayintears：thatwasforonewhohadnotcome，onegreatinheartandgoodness，oneofapureand。sacrificiallifewhodeservedallshecouldgive，andforwhosesakeshehadhonoredherselfintryingtolookasprettyasshecould。Hehadnotcome；andthathurtheralittle，butshefelthisgen-

erosity，believingthathismotivewastospareher，sinceshecouldnotspeaktohiminMrCarewe’spresencewithoutopenandpublicrupturewithherfather。Well，shewasalmostreadyforthat，seeinghowlittleofafatherherswas！Ah！thatothershouldhavecome，ifonlytostandbetweenherandthistallhypocritewhosedarkglancehadsuchstrengthtodisturbher。Whatliesthatgazecontained，allintheoneflash！——thestrangepretenceofcomprehendinghergentlybutcompletely，asadcompassion，too，andwithitalookoffarewell，seemingtosay："OncemoreIhavecomeforthis——andjust，`Good-by！"Forsheknewthathewasgoingwiththeothers，goingperhapsforever，onlythedayaftertomorrow-

——thenshewouldseehimnomoreandbefreeofhim。Letthedayaftertomorrowcomesoon！MissBettyhatedherselfforunderstandingtheadieu，andhatedherselfmorebecauseshecouldnotbesurethat，inthestartledmomentofmeetingbeforeshecollectedherself，shehadletitgounanswered。

Shehaddonemorethanthat：withoutknowingitshehadbentherheadtohisbow，andMr。Carewehadseenboththesalutationandthelook。

Theyoungmenweregatheredneartheorchestra，and，tothehilariousstrainsof"YankeeDoodle，"theflagtheyweretoreceivefortheirregimentwasbornedowntheroombythesistersandsweetheartswhohadmadeit，allofwhomwerethere，exceptFanchonBareaud。Craileyhadpersuadedhertosurrendertheflagforthesakeofspendingthisevening——

nexttohislastinRouen——athomealonewithhim。

TheelderChenowethmadethespeechofpresentation，thatis，hemadepartofitbeforehebrokedown，forhissonstoodintheranksofthedevotedband。Untilthisincidentoccurred，allhadgonetrippingly，foreveryonehadtriedtoputthedayafterto-morrowfromhismind。Perhapstheremightnothavebeensomanytearsevennow，iftheyoungmenhadnotstoodtogethersosmilinglytoreceivetheirgift；itwasseeingthemsogayandconfident，sostrongintheiryouthandsounselfishofpurpose；itwasthis，andthefeelingthatallofthemmustsufferandsomeofthemdiebeforetheycameback。SothatwhenMr。Chenoweth，chokinginhisloftiestflight，cametoafullstop，andwithoutdisguiseburiedhisfaceinhishandkerchief，Mrs。Tanberry，theapostleofgayety，openlysobbed。

Chenoweth，withoutmoreado，carriedtheflagovertoTappinghamMarsh，whomVanreveldirectedtoreceiveit，andTappinghamthankedthedonorswithoutmanywords，becausetherewerenotthenmanyathiscommand。 。

MissCarewebadbeenchosentosing"TheStarSpangledBanner，"andshesteppedoutalittlefromthecrowdtofacetheyoungmenastheorchestrasoundedthefirstchord。Shesanginafull，clearvoice，butwhenthevolunteerssawthat，asshesang，thetearswerestreamingdownhercheeksinspiteofthebravevoice，theybegantochokewiththeothers。IfMissBettyfoundthemworthweepingfor，theycouldaffordtocryalittleforthemselves。Yettheyjoinedthechorusnobly，andraisedtheroofwiththeringingsong，sendingtheflamboyant，proudoldwordsthunderouslytoheaven。

Thatwasnotthelastsongofthenight。GeneralTrumbleandMr。

Chenowethhadinvitedtheiryoungfriendstoattend，aftertheball，acollationwhichtheychosetocallasupper，butwhich，toaccordwiththehour，mightmoreaptlyhavebeendesignatedabreakfast。Toaffordaprivateretreatforthesceneofthiscelebration，theyhadborrowedtheofficesofGrayandVanrevel，andCraileyhospitablyannouncedthatanyguestwaswelcometostayforayearortwo，since，probably，neitherofthefirmwouldhaveneedofanofficeforatleastthatlengthoftime。

NinemengatheredaboutthetablewhichreplacedTom’swork-a-dayolddesk：thetwoChenoweths，EugeneMadrillon，Marsh，JeffersonBareaud，thestoutGeneral，TomVanrevel，Crailey，andWillCummings，theeditorcominginalittlelate，butrubbinghishandscheerfullyoverwhathedeclaredwastobethelastcolumnfromhispentorearitslengthontheJournal’sfrontpageformanyalongday——adescriptionofthepresentationoftheflag，abitofprosewhichheconsideredalmostequaltohisreportofthewarehousefire。

Thisconvivialpartymademerryandtriedtoforgetthatmostofthemhad"beenmightyteary，"asMarshsaid，anhourearlier；whileMr。Chenowethsatwithhishandonhisson’sshoulder，unconsciouslymostofthetime，apologeticallyremoving，itwhenheobservedit。Manywerethewitticismsconcerningthedifferenceinrankhenceforthtobeobservedbetweentheyoungmen，asTomwasnowamajor，Marshacaptain，WillCummingsasecondlieutenant，andtherestmereprivates，exceptCrailey，whowasacorporal。Nevertheless，thoughtheboardwasfestive，itwassomewhatsubduedandabsentuntiltheycametothetoasts。

ItwasTappinghamwhoproposedMissBettyCarewe。"IknowTomVanrevelwillunderstand——nay，Iknowhe’smanenoughtojoinus，"saidMarshasherose。"Whyshouldn’tIsaythatwemayhailourselvesaspatriots，indeed，sinceatthecallofourcountrywedepartfromthetownwhichisthislady’shome，andatthetrumpet’ssoundresignthegraciousblessingofseeingherdaybyday，andwhyshouldn’tweadmitloyallyandopenlythatitisherimagealonewhichshinesintheheartsofmostofushere？"

Andnomanarosetocontradictthatspeech，whichappearstohaverungtrue，seeingthatfourofthosepresenthadproposedtoher（again）thatsameevening。"SoIgiveyou，"criedTappingham，gallantly，"thehealthofMissBettyCarewe，theloveliestroseofourbouquet！Maysherememberuswhenwecomehome！"

Theyroseanddrankitwithashout。ButTomVanrevel，notsettingdownhiscup，wenttothewindowandthrewwidetheshutters，lettinginaruddyshaftofthemorningsun，sothatashestoodinthestrongglowhelookedlikeamancarvedoutofredgold。Heliftedhisglass，nottowardthetableandhiscompanions，whiletheystaredathim，surprised，buttowardthelocustsofCareweStreet。

"ToMissBettyCarewe，"hesaid，"thefinestflowerofthemall！Maysherememberthosewhonevercomehome！"

And，withoutpausing，heliftedhisrichbaritoneinanoldsongthathadbeenvastlypopularwiththeyoungmenofRoueneversincethenightofMissBetty’sdebut；theyhadhummeditastheywentabouttheirdailywork，theyhadwhistleditonthestreets；theyhaddrifted，intodreamsatnightwiththesoundofitstillchimingintheirears；andnow，withoneaccord，astheystoodgatheredtogetherforthelasttimeinRouen，theyjoinedTomVanrevelandsangitagain。AndtheeyesofCraileyGrayrestedverygentlyuponhisbestfriendastheysang：

"Believeme，Ifallthoseendearingyoungcharms，WhichIgazeonsofondlyto-day，Weretochangebyto-morrowandfleetfrommyarms，Likefairygiftsfadingaway，Thouwouldststillbeadoredasthismomentthouart：

Letthylovelinessfadeasitwill，Andaroundthedearruin，eachwishofmyheartWouldentwineitselfverdantlystill。"

CHAPTERXVII

ThePriceofSilenceItwasthemisfortuneofMr。Cummings’sfirstliteraryofferingtoannoyoneoftheeditor’sfriends。TheJournalwasbroughttothecorporalatnoon，whilehewasconsideringwhetherheshouldrisefromhiscouchorsleepanotherhour。Recliningamonghispillows，heglancedthroughCummings’sdescriptionwiththesubduedgigglehealwayshadforthegoodWilliam’sstylebutashiseyefellupononeparagraphhestartedsatupright，andproceededtoreadthepassageseveraltimeswithanxiousattention。

"Onlytwoorthreesourcesofregretoccurredtomarthedelight（inwhichyoungandoldparticipated）ofthatfestalanddazzlingscene。OnewastheabsenceofMissFanchonBareaud，onethedonors；another，thatofCorporalGray；athirdwastheexcessivemodestyofMajorVanrevel，althoughpresentatthetime，refusedtoreceivetheladies’sumptuousofferingandinsistedthatCaptainMarshwastheproperpersontodothehonors，towhichthelatterreluctantly，thoughgracefullyconsented。

Also，weweresorrythattheMajorappearedincitizen’sdress，asallwereanxioustowitnesshiminhisuniform。However，inourhumblejudgment，hewillbecompelledbyetiquettetodonitthisafternoon，toreceivetheofficersoftheregulararmy，whowillarrivebythestageaboutfiveo’clock，itisexpected，toinspectthecompanyandswearthemintotheserviceoftheFederalGovernmentattheCourtHouse。We，forone，havelittledoubtthat，owingtotheMajor’swell-knowntalentinmattersofapparel，hisappearancewillfareclipseinbrilliancythatofhisfellow-officers。"

Craileydressedslowly，returningtothepaper，nowandthen，withaperturbedcountenance。HowwouldMissBettyexplainthisparagraphtoherself，andhowaccountforthefactthatshehadnotseenCrailey，howforthefactthatshehadseenTom？Itseemedunlikelythatshecouldhaveoverlookedthelatter——Tomwasoneofthosewhomeverybodysaw，whereverhewent。Andwhatinquirieswouldshemake？ForCraileyhadnomeansofknowingthatshewouldnotseetheJournal。Tomorrowhewouldbegone，itwouldbeallover，buthewantedthislastdaytorunsmoothly。

Whatwildhopeshehadofthingsthatshouldhappenwhentheyallcamemarchinghome，noonecansay；evenifitwerenottobedoubtedthatCraileyeverentertainedhopesofanykindwhatever，sincetohopeistobestowthoughtuponthefuture。

But，howeveraffairsranwithhimsofarashopewasconcerned，heseldomlackedanidea；andonecametohimpresently，anotionthatputthefrowntoroutandbroughttheoldsmiletohislips，hissmileoftheworld-wornandtolerantprelate。Heflickedthepaperlightlyfromhim，anditspedacrosstheroomlikeabigbirdinawkwardflight。Forheknewhowtopreservehislastdayashewished，andtomakeallsmooth。

Hefinishedhistoiletwithparticularcare，tookaflowerfromavaseonhistable，placeditinhiscoat，andwentdowntothedustystreet，whereeverythingwaswarmandbrightwithsummer。Itwasjoytobealive；therewaswineenoughintheair；andCraileymadeuphismindnottotakeadrinkthatday——thelastday！Thelastday！Thethreewordskeptringingthroughhisheadlikeaminorphrasefromasong。Tomorrow，atnoon，theywouldbechurningdowntheriver；andthiswasthelastday——thelastday！

"Stillnottoolatetomakeanotherfriendathome，"hesaid，stoppingtopattheheadofamangystreetcurthatcamecrouchingandwobblingtowardhimlikeastavelesslittlekegworriedbyscurriesofwind。DogsandchildrenalwaysfellinlovewithCraileyatfirstsight，andheneverfailedtoreceivetheminthespiritoftheirapproach。Nowthemongrel，athistouch，immediatelyturnedhimselfoverandlayuponthepavementwithallpawsinair，tosay："Greatlord，magnificentinthegraciousnesswhichdeignstocastaglimpseuponthisabjectclusterofribs，I

perceivethatyourheartistoogentletokickmeinmypresenthelplessness；yetdowithmeasyouwill。"

"Idoubtifyou’vebreakfasted，brother，"Craileyrespondedaloud，rubbingthedog’sheadsoftlywiththetipofhisboot。"Willyousharethemeagrefareofonewhoisapoet，shouldbealawyer，butisabouttobecomeasoldier？Eh，butacorporal！Rise，myfriend。Up！andbeinyourownsmallselfawholeCorporal’sGuard！AndifyourCorporaldoesn’tcomehomefromthewars，perhapsyou’llrememberhimkindly？

Think？"

Hemadeavivaciousgesture，thesmallanimalsprangintotheair，convolutedwithgratitudeandnewlove，whileCrailey，laughingsoftly，ledthewaytothehotel。There，whileheatesparselyhimself，heprovidedmunificentlyforhisnewacquaintance，andrecommendedhim，withanaccompanimentofsilver，tothegoodofficesoftheRouenHousekitchen。Afterthat，outintothesunshineagainhewent，withelasticstep，andamerrywordandalaughforeveryonehemet。AttheoldEnglishgardener’sheboughtfourorfivebouquets，andcarriedthemonaroundofvisitsoffarewelltoasmanyoldladieswhohadbeenkindtohim。Thisdone，leavinghislaughterandhisflowersbehindhim，hewenttoFanchonandspentpartoftheafternoonbringingforthcunningar-

gumentscheerily，toprovetoherthatGeneralTaylorwouldbeintheMexicancapitalbeforethevolunteersreachedNewOrleans，andurginguponherhisbeliefthattheywouldallbebackinRouenbeforethesummerwasgone。

ButFanchoncouldonlysobandwhisper，"Hush，hush！"inthedimroomwheretheysat，thewindowsdarkenedsothat，afterhehadgone，heshouldnotrememberhowredhereyeswere，andthepurpledepthsunderthem，andthusforgethowprettyshehadbeenatherbest。Afteratime，findingthatthemorehetriedtocheerher，themorebrokenlyshewept，hegrewsilent，onlystrokingherhead，whilethesummersoundscameinthroughthewindow：themill-whiroflocusts，thesmallmonotoneofdistantfarm-

bells，thelaughterofchildreninthestreet，andthegayariasofamocking-birdsingingintheopenwindowofthenexthouse。Sotheysattogetherthroughthelong，stillafternoonofthelastday。

NooneinRouenfoundthatafternoonparticularlyenlivening。EvenMrs。

Tanberrygavewaytothecommondepression，and，oncemore，herdoctrineofcheerfulnessrelegatedtotheghostlyranksofthepurelytheoretical，shebowedundertheburdenofherwoesofarastosing"MethoughtIMetaDamselFair"（heroftheburstingsighs）atthepiano。Wheneversadnesslayuponhersoulshehadacquiredthehabitofresortingtothisunhappyballad；todayshesangitfourtimes。Mr。Carewewasnotathome，andhadannouncedthatthoughheintendedtohonortheeveningmealbyhisattendance，heshouldbeawayfortheeveningitself；ascommentuponwhichstatementMrs。Tanberryhadofferedambiguouslytheoneword，"Amen！"Hewasstungtonoreply，andshehadnotedthecircumstanceasunusual，andalsothathehadappearedtolaborwiththesuppressionofakeenexcitement，whichmadehimanxioustoescapefromhersharplittleeyes；anagitationforwhichsheeasilyaccountedwhensherecalledthathehadseenVanrevelonthepreviousevening。Mr。Carewehadkepthispromisetopreservethepeace，ashealwayskeptitwhenthetwometonneutralground，butshehadobservedthathisfaceshowedakindofhard-

leashedviolencewheneverhehadbeenforcedtobreathetheairofthesameroomwithhisenemy，andthatthethinggrewonhim。

MissBettyexhibitednotpreciselyaburninginterestintheadventureoftheDamselFair，wanderingoutoftheroomduringthesecondrendition，wanderingbackagain，andoncemoreaway。Shehadmovedaboutthehouseinthisfashionsinceearlymorning，wearingwhatMamiedescribedasa"peak-edlook。"White-facedandrestless，withdistressedeyes，towhichnosleephadcomeinthenight，shecouldnotread；shecouldnomorethantouchherharp；shecouldnotsleep；shecouldnotremainquietforthreeminutestogether。Oftenshesankintoachairwithanairoflanguorandweariness，onlytostartimmediatelyoutofitandseeksomeotherpartofthehouse，ortogoandpacethegarden。Here，intheairheavywithrosesandtremulouswithJune，asshewalkedrapidlyupanddown，lateintheafternoon，atthetimewhenthefarawayfarm-bellswerecallingmenfromthefieldstosupper，theclimaxofherrestlessnesscame。Thatanguishanddesperation，sooldinhersex，therebellionagainstthelawthatinactionmustbeherpart，hadfallenuponherforthefirsttime。

Shecametoanabruptstopandstruckherhandstogetherdespairingly，andspokealoud。

"WhatshallIdo！WhatshallIdo！"

"Ma’am？"askedasurprisedvoice，justbehindher。

Shewheeledquicklyabout，tobeholdashock-headedurchinofteninthepathnearthelittleclearing。Hewasragged，tanned，dusty，neithershoesnorcoattrammellinghisindependence；andbehadevidentlyenteredthegardenthroughthegapinthehedge。

"Ithoughtyouspoketome？"hesaid，inquiringly。

"Ididn’tseeyou，"shereturned。"Whatisit？"

"YouMissCarewe？"heasked；butbeforeshecouldanswerhesaid，reassuringly，"Why，ofcourseyouare！Irememberyouperfect，nowIgitthelightonyou，sotospeak。Don’tyourememberme？"

"No，Idon’tthinkIdo。"

"Lord！"heresponded，wonderingly。"Iwasoneoftheboyswithyouonthemboxesthenightofyourpa’sfire！"Mingledwiththesurpriseinhistonewasarespectfulunctionwhichintimatedhowgreatlyhehonoredherfatherforhavingbeentheownerofsosatisfactoryaconflagration。

"Wereyou？PerhapsI’llrememberyouifyougivemetime。"

Butatthispointtheyouthrecalledthefactthathehadanerrandtodischarge，and，assuminganexpressionofbusinesslikehastetoopressingtopermitfartherparley，soughtinhispocketandproducedasealedenvelope，withwhichheadvanceduponher。

"Here。There’sananswer。Hetoldmenottotellnobodywhosentit，andnottogiveittonobodyonearthbutyou，andhowtoslipinthroughthehedgeandtryandfindyouinthegardenwhennobodywaslookin’，andhegiveapencilforyoutoansweronthebackofit，andadollar。"

MissBettytookthenote，glancingonceoverhershoulderatthehouse，butMrs。TanberrywasstilloccupiedwiththeMaiden，andnoonewasinsight。Shereadthemessagehastily。

"Ihaveobeyedyou，andshallalways。Youhavenotsentforme。Perhapsthatwasbecausetherewasnotimewhenyouthoughtitsafe。Perhapsyouhavestillfelttherewouldbealossofdignity。Doesthatweighwithyouagainstgood-by？Tellme，ifyoucan，thatyouhaveitinyourhearttoletmegowithoutseeingyouoncemore，withoutgood-by——forthelasttime。Orwasituntruethatyouwrotemewhatyoudid？Wasthatdearletterbutalittlefairydreamofmine？Ah，willyouseemeagain，thisonce——thisonce——letmelookatyou，letmetalkwithyou，hearyourvoice？Thelasttime！"

Therewasnosignature。

MissBettyquicklywrotefourlinesuponthesamesheet："Yes——yes！I

mustseeyou，musttalkwithyoubeforeyougo。Comeatdusk。Thegarden——nearthegapinthehedge。Itwillbesafeforalittlewhile。

Hewillnotbehere。"Shereplacedthepaperinitsenvelope，drewalinethroughherownnameontheletter，andwrote"Mr。Vanrevel"underneath。

"Doyouknowthegentlemanwhosentyou？"sheasked。

"No’m；buthe’llbewaitin’athisoffice，`GrayandVanrevel，’onMainStreet，fortheanswer。"

"Thenhurry！"saidBetty。

Heneedednosecondbidding，but，withwingsonhisbareheels，madeoffthroughthegapinthehedge。Atthecornerofthestreetheencounteredanadventure，agentleman’slegsandaheavyhandatthesametime。Thehandfellonhisshoulder，arrestinghisscamperwithaviciousjerk；andtheboywastooawedtoattemptanescape，forheknewhiscaptorwellbysight，althoughneverbeforehadhefoundhimselfsodirectlyinthecompanyofRouen’srichestcitizen。Thenotedroppedfromthesmalltremblingfingers，yetthosefingersdidnotshakeasdidtheman’swhen，likeaflash，Careweseizeduponthemissivewithhisdisengagedhandandsawwhattwonameswereontheenvelope。

"Youwerestealing，wereyou！"hecried，savagely。"Isawyousneakthroughmyhedge！"

"Ididn’t，either！"

Mr。Carewegroundhisteeth，"Whatwereyoudoingthere？"

"Nothing！"

"Nothing！"mockedCarewe。"Nothing！

Youdidn’tcarrythistotheyoungladyinthereandgetheranswer？"

"No，sir！"answeredthecaptive，earnestly。

"CrossmyheartIdidn’t。Ifoundit！"

Slowlythecorrugationsofangerwerelevelledfromthemagnate’sface，thewhiteheatcooled，andtheprisonermarvelledtofindhimselfinthepresenceofanurbanegentlemanwhoseplaciditymadethesceneofamomentagoappearsometrickofdistortedvision。Andyet，curioustobehold，Mr。Carewe’sfingersshookevenmoreviolentlythanbefore，ashereleasedtheboy’sshoulderandgavehimafriendlytaponthehead，atthesametimesmilingbenevolently。

"There，there，"hesaid，bestowingawinkupontheyoungster。"It’sallright；itdoesn’tmatter——onlyIthinkIseethechanceofajestinthis。

Youwait，whileIreadthislittlenote，thismessagethatyoufound！"Heendedbywinkingagainwiththefriendliestdrollery。

Heturnedhisbacktotheboy，andopenedthenote；continuingtostandinthatpositionwhilehereadthetwomessages。Itstruckthemessengerthat，afterthis，thereneedbenogreatshameinhisownlackofthismuch-vauntedartofreading，sinceittooksofamousamanasMr。Carewesuchlengthoftimetoperusealittlenote。Butperhapsthegreatgentlemanwasill，foritappearedtotheboythathelurchedseveraltimes，oncesofarthathewouldhavegoneoverifhehadnotsavedhimselfbyaluckystagger。Andonce，exceptforthefactthatthefacethathadturnedawayhadwornanexpressionofsuchgenialhumor，theboywouldhavebelievedthatfromitissuedasoundlikethegnashingofteeth。

Butwhenitwasturnedtohimagain，itborethesameamiablejocosityofmouthandeye，andnothingseemedtobethematter，exceptthatthosefingersstillshooksowildly，toowildly，indeed，torestorethenotetoitsenvelope。

"There，"saidMr。Carewe，"putitback，laddie，putitbackyourself。

Takeittothegentlemanwhosentyou。Iseehe’sevendisguisedhishandatrifle-ha！ha！——andIsupposehemaynothaveexpectedtheyoungladytowritehisnamequitesoboldlyontheenvelope！Whatdoyousuppose？"

"Id’know，"returnedtheboy。"IreckonIdon’thardlyunderstand。"

"No，ofcoursenot，"saidMr。Carewe，laughingrathermadly。"Ha，ha，ha！

Ofcourseyouwouldn’t。Andhowmuchdidhegiveyou？"

"Yay！"criedtheother，joyously。"Didn’thegoandhandmeadollar！"

"HowmuchwillyoutakenottotellhimthatIstoppedyouandreadit；

howmuchnottospeakofmeatall？"

"What？"

"It’safoolishkindofjoke，nothingmore。I’llgiveyoufivedollarsnevertotellanyonethatyousawmetoday。"

"Don’tshoot，Colonel，"exclaimedtheyouth，withariotousflingofbarefeetintheair，"I’llcomedown！"

"You’lldoit？"

"Five！"heshouted，dancingupontheboards。"Five！I’llcrossmyhearttodieIneverheartellofyou，oreverknewtheywassichamanintheworld！"

Carewebentoverhim。"No！Say：`GodstrikemedeadandcondemnmeeternallytotheeverlastingflamesofhellifIevertell！"

Thisentailedquicksobriety，thoughonlybenevolencewasinthefaceabovehim。Thejig-stepstopped，andtheboypondered，frightened。

"HaveIgottosaythat？"

Mr。Careweproducedabank-billaboutwhichtheboybeheldahalo。

Clearlythiswashisday；heavenshoweditsapprovalofhisconductbyanoutpouringofimperishableriches。Andyettheoathmislikedhim；therewasasavorofthedemoniacalcontract；stillthatwastobeborneandtheplungetaken，forthereflutteredthehugesumbeforehisdazzledeyes。

Hetookadeepbreath。"`Godstrikemedead’"——hebegan，slowly——"`ifI

ever`——"

"No。`Andcondemnmetotheeverlastingflamesofhell`——"

"HaveIgotto？"

"Yes。"

——"`Andcondemnmeto——totheeverlastingflamesof——ofhell，ifIevertell！’"

Heranoff，palewiththefearthathemightgrowup，taketodrinkandsomedaytellinhiscups，butsoresolvednottocoquetwithtemptationthathewentroundablocktoavoidthedooroftheRouenHousebar。

Nevertheless，thenotewasinhishandandthefortuneinhispocketAndMr。Carewewassafe。Heknewthattheboywouldnevertell，andheknewanotherthing，forhehadreadtheJournal，thoughitcamenomoretohishouse：heknewthatTomVanrevelworehisuniformthatevening，andthat，eveninthedusk，thebrassbuttonsonanofficer’sbreastmakeagoodmarkforagunsteadiedalongtheledgeofawindow。Asheenteredthegatesandwenttowardthehouseheglancedupatthewindowwhichoverlookedhisgardenfromthecupola。

CHAPTERXVIII

TheUniformCraileywasnottheonlymaninRouenwhohadbeensayingtohimselfalldaythateachaccustomedthinghedidwasdoneforthelasttime。Manyofhiscomradeswentaboutwith"Farewell，oldfriend，"intheirhearts，notonlyforthepeople，butfortheusualthingsoflifeandtheactionsofhabit，nowbecomeunexpectedlydearandsweettoknowortoperform。SoTomVanrevel，relievedofhishotuniform，looseastocollar，wearingabigdressing-gown，andstretchedinachair，watchedthesunsetfromthewesternwindowofthedustyoffice，wherehehaddreamedthroughmanysun-

setsinsummerspast，andnowtookhisleaveofthisoldhabitofhisinsilence，withalongcigar，consideringthechanceslargelyagainsthiseverseeingthesungodownbehindthelongwoodenbridgeatthefootofMainStreetagain。

Theruinsofthewarehouseshadbeenremoved，andtheriverwaslaidcleartohissight；itranbetweenbrownbankslikeariverofrubies，and，atthewharf，thesmalleveningsteamboat，uglyandgrimenoughtobeholdfromnearby，laypinkandlovelyinthatbroadglow，tootingimminentdeparture，althoughanhourmightelapsebeforeitwouldbackintothecurrent。Thesunwidened，clungbrieflytothehorizon，anddroppedbehindthelowhillsbeyondthebottomlands；thestreamgrewpurple，thentookonalustreofpearlasthestarscameout，whilerosydistanceschangedtomistyblue；thechatterofthebirdsintheMainStreetmaplesbecamequieter，and，throughlesseninglittlechorusesoftwittering，fellgraduallytosilence。Andnowtheblueduskcreptonthetown，andthecornerdrug-storewindow-lightsthrewmottledcolorsonthepavement。

>Fromthehall，outsidetheclosedoffice-door，camethesoundofquick，lightfootsteps；itwasCraileygoingout；butTomonlysighedtohimself，anddidnothailhim。SotheselightfootstepsofCraileyGrayechoedbutamomentinthestairwayandwereheardnomore。

Afewmomentslateratallfigure，dressedfromnecktoheelsinagraycloakcrossedthemottledlights，anddisappearedintoCareweStreet。

Thiscloakedpersonworeonhisheadasoldier’scap，andTom，notrecognizinghimsurely，vaguelywonderedwhyTappinghamMarshchosetomufflehimselfsowarmlyonaevening。Henotedthequick，alerttreadaslikeMarsh’susualgait，butnosuspicioncrossedhismindthatthefiguremightbethatofpartner。

ArocketwentupfromtheRouenHouse，thenanother，followedbyasalvoofanvilsandracketydischargeofsmall-arms；thebeginninganobledisplayoffireworksincelebrationofprospectivevictoriesoftheUnitedStatesandutterdiscomfitureoftheMexicanswhentheRouenVolunteersshouldreachtheseatofwar，anExhibitionofpatriotismwhichbroughtlittlepleasuretoMr。Vanrevel。

Butoverthenoiseofthestreetheheardhisownnameshoutedfromthestairway，andalmostinstantlyaviolentknockingassailedthedoor。Be-

forehecouldbidthevisitorenter，thedoorwasflungopenbyastoutandexcitedcoloredwoman，who，atsightofhim，threwupherhandsintremulousthanksgiving。ItwasthevainMamie。

Shesankintoachair，androckedherselftoandfro，gaspingtoregainherlostbreath。"BlessdegoodGod`Imightyyouam’goneout！"shepanted。"Irunan’Irun，an’Icomesofas’Igotstitchesindesidef’umheadtoheel！"

Tombroughtheraglassofwater，whichshedrankbetweengasps。

"Inevahrunsobefo’enduin’mylivin’days，"sheasserted。"Youknowsme，whoIaman’whumIcumf’um，nigh’swell’sIknowswhoyouis，I

reckon，Maje’Vanrevel？"

"Yes，yes，Iknow。Willyoutellmewhosentyou？"

"MizTanberry，suh，datwhosendedme，an’inavenomoushurryshedonedesame！"

"Yes。Why？Doesshewantme？"

Mamieemittedascreech。"`Deedshemos’everlas’in’lydoesnot！Datdeve’yexackindes’livin’t’ingshedoesnotwant！"

"Thenwhatisit，Mamie？"

"Lemmegitmybref，suh，an’youholeyo’newhilesItellyou！Shesaytome，shesay：`Isyou`quaintedMaje’Vanrevel，Mamie？’s’she，an’I

up’n’ansuh，`Nottospeakwid，butdeyain；noneon`emIdon’knowsbysight，an’nonebettererdanhim，’Isay。Denshesay，shesay：`Yourunalldewayan’fin’datyoungman，’shesay，s’she，`an’ifyoudon’gitdahfo’heleave，erdon’stophimondeway，denGod`imightyfergiveyou！’shesay。`Butyoutellhimf’umJaneTanberrynottocomenighdishouseordisgyahdendisnight！TellhimdatJaneTanberrywarnhimhemus’keepouterCarewe’swayontelhesafeondeboatto-morrer。TellhimJaneTanberrybeghimtostayinheownroomdisnight，an’datshebegitonherbentedknees！’An’disshesaytomewhenItoleherwhatNelsonseeindathousedisevenin’。An’hyuhIis，an’hyuhyewis，an’deblessedJesusbethank’，youirhyuh！"

Tomregardedherwithagraveattention。"WhatmadeMrs。TanberrythinkI

mightbecomingthereto-night？"

"Dey’scur’ousgoin’s-onindathouse，suh！Deyoungladysheain’likeherself；alldedaylongshewanduhupan’downan’roun’about。MizTanberryareamightyguessifyingwoman，an’deminuteItellherwhatNelsesee，shes’pec’youa-comin’an’datdebossmos’pintedlypreparin’

fo’it！"

"Canyoumakeitalittleclearerforme，Mamie？I’mafraidIdon’tunderstand。"

"Well，suh，youknowdatolemanNelson，heallaystellmeev’yt’ingheknow，an’ev’yt’inghethinkheknow，jassdesame，suh。An’datoleNelse，hemos’`sessfulcull’dmanindeworl’tocroperoun’dehousean’

pickupdegossipan’gitde`fo’an’behineerwhat’sgoin’on。So`twasdatheseedeboss，whenhecomeinto’desevenin’，tekdatheavymusketoffn’deracksan’loadan’cleanher，an’hedoitwidamightybadlook`boutdemouf。Denhegoneuptodecupolyan’lef’itdah，an’dencomedownag’in。Whilesdeyalliseatin’，he`nounceth’eetime’dathegoin’

be`wayendu’in’deevenin’。Denhegoneoutdefrontdo’，an’outdegates，an’downdestreet。Den，su，den，suh，`tain’tnomo’nahalf-’n-

’ourago，Nelsecometomean’saydatheseedebosscomeroun’destable，keepin’closeinbydeshrubbery，an’cropeindeball-roomwin-

der，w’ichisclosetodegroun’，suh。Nelse`uzacleanin’deharnessindebackyo’dan’heletonnottoseehim，like。MissBetty，shewalkin’

inhergyahdenan’MizTanberryfan’ondepo’ch。Nelse，heslipdehousewhuhdelightsain’lit，an’stan’an’listenlongtimeindeliberryatdefooterdemsta’hs；an’hehyuhdatmanmove，suh！DenNelseknowdathedonecropeuptodecupolyrooman’——an’dathesettin’dah，waitin’！

Sozehecomean’toleme，an’IbegMizTanberrycomeindekitchen，an’I

shetdedo’an’Itoleher。An’shesendedmehyuhtoyou，suh。An’ifyou`uza-goin’，degoodGod`lmightymus’erkep’youontelIgothyuh！"

"No；Iwasn’tgoing。"Tomsmileduponhersadly。"Idaresaythere’sasimplerexplanation。Don’tyousupposethatifNelsonwasrightandMr。

Carewereallydidcomeback，itwasbecausehedidnotwishhisdaughterandMrs。Tanberrytoknowthat——thatheexpectedapartyoffriends，possibly，tojoinhimtherelater？"

"Whathedoin’widdatgun，suh？Nobodygoin’playcyahdsnerfrowdicewidagun，isdey？"askedMamie，assheroseandwalkedtowardthedoor。