第8章

"Oh，thatwasprobablybychance。"

"No，suh！"shecried，vehemently。"An’demgelmunwouldn’playt’-night，noway；mos’on`emgoin’widyouto-morreran’deysayin’goodbytode’rfolksdisevenin’，notgamblin’！MizTanberry’llbeinastateermineontelshehyuhf’umme，an’Igoin’hurryback。Youwon’comedah，suh？

Ikintellherdatyousayyousutneyain’comin’nighourneighborhooddisnight？"

"Ihadnotdreamedofcoming，tellher，please。ProbablyIshallnotgooutatallthisevening。Butitwaskindofyoutocome。Good-night。"

Hestoodwithacandletolightherdownthestairs，butaftershehadgonehedidnotreturntotheoffice。Instead，hewentslowlyuptohisownroom，glancingfirstintoCrailey’s——thedoorsofneitherwereoftenlocked——tobeholdachaosofdisorderandunfinishedpacking。Inhisownchamberitonlyremainedforhimtoclosethelidsofafewbigboxes，andtopackasmalltrunkwhichhemeanttotakewithhimtothecampoftheStatetroops，andhewouldbereadyfordeparture。Hesetaboutthistask，arid，concludingthattherewasnonecessitytowearhisuniformonthesteamboat，decidedtoplaceitinthetrunk，andwenttothebedwherehehadfoldedandleftit。Itwasnotthere。Nordidathoroughsearchrevealitanywhereintheroom。Yetnoonecouldhavestolenit，forwhenhehadgonedowntotheofficeCraileyhadremainedonthisfloor。MamiehadcomewithinafewminutesafterCraileywentout，andduringhisconversationwithhertheoffice-doorhadbeenopen；noonecouldhavepassedwithoutbeingseen。Also，athiefwouldhavetakenotherthingsaswellastheuniform；andsurelyCraileymusthaveheard；Craileywould——

Crailey——！

ThenTomrememberedthefigureinthelongcloakandthemilitarycap，and，withasickheart，begantounderstand。HehadreadtheJournal，andheknewwhyCraileymightwishtomasqueradeinamajor’suniformthatnight。IfMissCarewereadittoo，andastrangewonderroseinhermind，thisandawordwouldconvinceher。Tomconsidereditimprobablethatthewonderwouldrise，forcircumstanceshadtoowellestablishedherinamistake，trivialandordinaryenoughatfirst，merelytheconfusingoftwonamesbyagirlnewtothetown，butsostrengthenedbyeveryconfirmationCrailey’switcouldcompassthatshewould，nodoubt，onlysetCummings’sparagraphasideasanewspapererror。Still，Craileyhadwishedtobeonthesafeside！

Tomsighedratherbitterly。Hewasconvincedthattheharlequinwouldcomehomesoon，replacetheuniform（whichwasprobablyextremelybecomingtohim，astheywereofaheightandfiguremuchthesame），andafterward，inhisordinarydress，wouldsallyforthtospendhislasteveningwithFanchon。TomwonderedhowCraileywouldfeelandwhathewouldthinkabouthimselfwhilehewaschanginghisclothes，butherememberedhispartner’sextraordinarypowersofmentaladjustment——andforthefirsttimeinhislifeVanrevelmadenoallowancefortheother’stemperament，andtherecametohimamomentwhenhefeltthathecouldalmostdislikeCraileyGrayAtallevents，hewouldgooutuntilCraileyhadcomeandleftagain，forhehadnodesiretobeholdthemasquerader’sreturn。Soheexchangedhisdressing-gownforacoat，fastenedhiscollar，andhadbeguntoarrangehiscravatatthemirror，when，suddenly，thevoiceoftheoldnegressseemedtosoundclosebesidehimintheroom"He’ssettin’dah——waitin’！"

Thecravatwasnevertied；Tom’shandsdropped，tohissidesashestartedbackfromthestaringfaceinthemirror。RobertCarewewaswaiting——andCrailey——AllatoncetherewasbutonevitalnecessityintheworldforTomVanrevel，thatwastofindCrailey；hemustgotoCrailey——eveninCarewe’sownhouse——hemustgotoCrailey！

Hedasheddownthestairsandintothestreet。Thepeopleweremakingagreatuproarinfrontofthehotel，explodingbombs，firingmusketsintheair，sendinguprockets；andrapidlycrossingtheoutskirtsofthecrowd，hepassedintoCareweStreet，unnoticed。Herethedetonationswerenotsodeafening，thoughthelittlesteamboatatthewharfwascontributingtotheconfusionwithallinherpower，screechingsimultaneouslyapprovalofthecelebrationandherlastsignalsofdeparture。

AtthefirstcornerTomhadnomorethanleftthesidewalkwhenhecamewithinafootofbeingriddendownbytwohorsemenwhorodeatsodes-

perateagallopthat（thesoundoftheirhoof-beatsbeinglostintheuproarfromMainStreet）theywereuponhimbeforehewasawareofthem。

Heleapedbackwithanangryshouttoknowwhotheywerethattheyrodesowildly。Atthesametimeasharpexplosionatthefootofthestreetsentaredflareoverthescene，aflash，gonewithsuchincredibleswiftnessintoreneweddarknessthathesawtheflyinghorsemenalmostasequestrianstatuesilluminedbyaflickeroflightning，buthesawthemwiththesamedistinctnessthatlightninggives，andrecognizedtheforemostasRobertCarewe。Andintheinstantofthatrecognition，TomknewwhathadhappenedtoCraileyGray，forhesawthetruthintheghastlyfaceofhisenemy。

Carewerodestiffly，likeamanfrozenuponhishorse，andhisfacewaslikethatofafrozenman；hiseyesglassyandnotfixeduponhiscourse，sothatitwasadeathlythingtosee。Once，longago，Tomhadseenamanridingforhislife，andheworethissamelook。TheanimalboundedandswervedunderVanrevel’senemyinthemadrushdownthestreet，buthesatrigid，boltuprightinthesaddle，hisfacesettothatlookofcoldness。

ThesecondriderwasoldNelson，whorodewithbodycrouchedforward，hiseyeballslikeshiningporcelainsetinebony，andhisarmlikeaflail，cruellylashinghisownhorseandhismaster’swithaheavywhip。"Desteamboat！"beshouted，hoarsely，bringingdownthelashononeandthenontheother。"Desteamboat，desteamboat——fo’God’ssake，honey，desteamboat！"

TheysweptintoMainStreet，Nelsonleaningfaracrosstotheother’sbridle，andturningbothhorsestowardtheriver，butbeforetheyhadmadethecorner，TomVanrevelwasrunningwithallthespeedthatwasinhimtowardhisenemy’shouse。Theoneblockbetweenhimandthatforbiddengroundseemedtohimmileslong，andhefeltthathewasrunningasamaninadream，and，atthehighestpitchofagonizedexertion，coveringnospace，butonlyworkingtheairinoneplace，likeatreadmill。Allthatwasinhismind，heart，andsoulwastoreachCrailey。HehadknownbytherevelationofCarewe’sfaceinwhatcasehewouldfindhisfriend；butasheranheputtheknowledgefromhimwithagreatshudder，andresolveduponincredulityinspiteofhiscertainty。Allhelethimselffeelwastheneedtorun，torununtilhefoundCrailey，whowassomewhereinthedarknessofthetreesaboutthelong，lowhouseonthecorner。Whenhereachedtheborderinghedge，hedidnotstayforgateorpath，but，withaloudshout，hurledhimselfhalfover，halfthrough，thehedge，likeaboltfromacatapult。

Lightsshonefromonlyoneroominthehouse，thelibrary；butasherantowardtheporchacandleflickeredinthehall，andtherecamethesoundofavoiceweepingwithterror。

Atthathecalledmoredesperatelyuponhisincredulitytoaidhim，forthevoicewasMrs。Tan-berry’s。Ifithadbeenanyotherthanshe，whosobbedsohopelessly——shewhowasalwayssteadyandstrong！Ifhecould，hewouldhavestoppedtopray，now，beforehefacedherandthetruth；buthisflyingfeetcarriedhimon。

"Whoisit？"shegasped，brokenly，fromthehall。"Mamie？Haveyoubroughthim？"

"It’sI，"hecried，asheplungedthroughthedoorway。"It’sVanrevel。"

Mrs。Tanberrysettheironcandlestickdownuponthetablewithacrash。

"You’vecometoolate！"shesobbed。"Anothermanhastakenyourdeathonhimself。"

Hereeledbackagainstthewall。"Oh，God！"hesaid。"Oh，God，God，God！

Crailey！"

"Yes，"sheanswered。"It’sthepoorvagabondthatyoulovedsowell。"

Togethertheyranthroughthehalltothelibrary。Craileywaslyingonthelongsofa，hiseyesclosed，hisheadlikeapieceofcarvenmarble，thegayuniform，inwhichhehadtrickedhimselfoutsogallantly，openatthethroat，andhiswhitelinenstainedwithafewlittlesplotchesofred。

BesidehimkneltMissBetty，holdingherlacehandkerchiefuponhisbreast；shewasaswhiteashe，andasmotionless；sothat，asshekneltthere，immovablebesidehim，herarmlikealabasteracrosshisbreast，theymighthavebeenasculptor’sgroup。Thehandkerchiefwasstainedalittle，likethelinen，andlikeit，too，stainedbutalittle。Nearby，onthefloor，stoodaflaskofbrandyandapitcherofwater。

"You！"MissBetty’sfaceshowednochange，norevenafaintsurprise，ashereyesfelluponTomVanrevel，butherlipssoundlesslyframedtheword。

"You！"

Tomflunghimselfonhiskneesbesideher。

"Crailey！"hecried，inasharpvoicethathadaterribleshakeinit。

"Crailey！Crailey，Iwantyoutohearme！"Hetookoneofthelimphandsinhisandbegantochafeit，whileMrs。Tanberrygraspedtheother。

"There’sstillamovementinthepulse，"shefaltered。 ……

"Still！"echoedTom，roughly。"You’remad！YoumademethinkCraileywasdead！DoyouthinkCraileyGrayisgoingtodie？Hecouldn’t，Itellyou——hecouldn’t；youdon’tknowhim！Who’sgoneforthedoctor？"Hedashedsomebrandyuponhishandkerchiefandsetittothewhitelips。

"Mamie。Shewashereintheroomwithmewhenithappened。"

"`Happened’！`Happened’！"hemockedher，furiously。"`Happened’isabeautifulword！"

"Godforgiveme！"sobbedMrs。Tanberry。"Iwassittinginthelibrary，andMamiehadjustcomefromyou，whenweheardMr。Careweshoutfromthecupolaroom：`Standawayfrommydaughter，Vanrevel，andtakethislikeadog！’Onlythat；——andMamieandIrantothewindow，andwesawthroughtheduskamaninuniformleapbackfromMissBetty——theywereinthatlittleopenspacenearthehedge。Hecalledoutsomethingandwavedhishand，buttheshotcameatthesametime，andhefell。EventhenIwassure，inspiteofwhatMamiehadsaid，IwasassureasRobertCarewewas，thatitwasyou。Hecameandtookonelook——andsaw——andthenNelsonbroughtthehorsesandmadehimmountandgo。Mamieranforthedoctor，andBettyandIcarriedCraileyin。Itwashardwork。"

MissBetty’shandhadfallenfromCrailey’sbreastwhereTom’stookitsplace。Sheroseunsteadilytoherfeetandpushedbackthehairfromherforehead，shiveringconvulsivelyasshelookeddownatthemotionlessfigureonthesofa。

"Crailey！"saidTom，inthesameangry，shakingvoice。"Crailey，you’vegottorouseyourself！Thiswon’tdo；you’vegottobeaman！Crailey！"

Hewastryingtoforcethebrandythroughthetightlyclenchedteeth。"

Crailey！"

"Crailey！"whisperedMissBetty，leaning。heavilyonthebackofachair。

"Crailey？"ShelookedatMrs。Tanberrywithvagueinterrogation，butMrs。

Tanberrydidnotunderstand。

"Crailey！"

ItwasthenthatCrailey’seyelidsflutteredandslowlyopened；andhiswanderingglance，dullatfirst，slowlygrewclearandtwinklingasitrestedontheashy，strickenfaceofhisbestfriend。

"Tom，"hesaid，feebly，"itwasworththeprice，towearyourclothesjustonce！"

Andthen，atlast，MissBettysawandunderstood。Fornotthehonestgentleman，whomeveryoneexceptRobertCareweheldinesteemandaf-

fection，notherfather’senemy，Vanrevel，laybeforeherwiththedeath-

woundinhisbreastforhersake，butthatother——CraileyGray，thene’er-

do-weelandlight-o’-love，CraileyGray，wit，poet，andscapegrace，thewell-belovedtownscamp。

Hesawthatsheknew，and，ashisbrighteningeyeswandereduptoher，hesmiledfaintly。"Evenabaddoglikestohavehisday，"hewhispered。

CHAPTERXIX

TheFlagGoesMarchingByWillCummingshadabandonedthepenforthesworduntilsuchtimeasSantaAnnashouldcryforquarter，andhadlefttheofficeinchargeofanimportedsubstitute；butlatethatnighthecametohisdeskoncemore，towritethestoryoftheaccidenttoCorporalGray；andthetalethathewrotehadbeenalreadyputintowritingbyTomVanrevelasitfellfromCrailey’slips，afterthedoctorhad，come，sothatnonemightdoubtit。

Noonediddoubtit。WhatreasonhadMr。CarewetoinjureCraileyGray？

OnlyfiveinRouenknewthetruth；forNelsonhadgonewithhismaster，and，exceptMamie，theotherservantsoftheCarewehouseholdhadbeenamongthecrowdinfrontoftheRouenHousewhentheshotwasfired。

Sothestorywentoverthetown：howCraileyhadcalledtosaygood-bytoMrs。Tanberry；howMr。Carewehappenedtobeexaminingthemuskethisfatherhadcarriedin1812，whentheweaponwasaccidentallydischarged，theballenteringCrailey’sbreast；howMr。Carewe，strickenwithremorseandhorroroverthisfrightfulmisfortune，andsufferingtoosevereanguishofmindtoremainuponthescene，ofthetragedywhichhiscarelessnesshadmade，hadfled，attendedbyhisservant；andhowtheyhadleapedaboardtheeveningboatasitwaspullingout，andwerenowontheirwaydowntheriver。

Andthiswasthestory，too，thatTomtoldFanchon；foritwashewhobroughthertoCrailey。ThroughthelongnightshekneltatCrailey’sside，hishandalwayspressedtoherbreastorcheek，hereyesalwaysupward，andherlipsmovingwithherprayers，notforCraileytobespared，butthattheFatherwouldtakegoodcareofhiminheaventillshecame。"Ihadalreadygivenhimup，"shesaidtoTom，meekly，inasmallvoice。"Iknewitwastocome，andperhapsthiswayisbetterthanthat——

Ithoughtitwouldbefarawayfromme。NowIcanbewithhim，andperhapsIshallhavehimalittlelonger，forhewastohavegoneawaybeforenoon。"

Themorningsunroseuponafairworld，gaywithbird-chatteringsfromthebigtreesoftheCareweplace，andpleasantwiththeodorsofMissBetty’sgarden，andCrailey，lyinguponthebedofthemanwhohadshothim，hearkenedandsmiledgood-bytothesummerheloved；and，whenthedaybroke，askedthatthebedbemovedsothathemightlieclosebythewindow。ItwasTomwhohadbornehimtothatroom。"Ihavecarriedhimbeforethis，"hesaid，wavingtheothersaside。

Notlongaftersunrise，whenthebedhadbeenmovednearthewindow，CraileybeggedFanchontobringhimaminiatureofhismotherwhichhehadgivenher，andurgedhertogoforitherself；hewantednohandsbutherstotouchit，hesaid。AndwhenshehadgoneheaskedtobeleftalonewithTom。

"Givemeyourhand，Tom，"hesaid，faintly。"I’dliketokeepholdofitaminuteorso。Icouldn’thavesaidthatyesterday，couldI，withoutcausingusbothhorribleembarrassment？ButIfancyIcannow，becauseI’mdonefor。That’stoobad，isn’tit？I’mveryyoung，afterall。DoyourememberwhatpoorAndreCheniersaidashewentuptobeguillotined？——’Therewerethingsinthisheadofmine！’ButIwanttotellyouwhat’sbeenthematterwithme。Itwasjustmybeingabadsortofpoet。IsupposethatI’veneverlovedanyone；yetI’vecaredmoredeeplythanothermenforeverylovelythingIeversaw，andthere’ssolittlethathasn’tlovelinessinit。I’dbeashamednottohavecaredforthebeautyinallthewomenI’vemadeloveto——butaboutthisone——themostbeautifulofall——I————————"

"Shewillunderstand！"saidTom，quickly。

"Shewill——yes——she’swiseandgood。IfFanchonknew，therewouldn’tbeevenamemorylefttoher——andIdon’tthinkshe’dlive。Anddoyouknow，IbelieveI’vedoneafavorforMissBettyingettingmyselfshot；Carewewillnevercomeback。Tom，waseveraman’sknaverysoexactlythearchitectofhisowndestructionasmine？Andforwhatgain？Justtheexcitementofthecomedyfromdaytoday！——forshewassuretodespisemeassoonassheknew——andthedesiretohearhervoicesayanotherkindlythingtome——andtheeverlastingperhapsineverywoman，andthisonetheHeart’sDesireofalltheworld！Ah，well！Tellme——Iwanttohearitfromyou——howmanyhoursdoesthedoctorsay？"

"Hours，Crailey？"Tom’shandtwitchedpitifullyintheother’sfeeblegrasp。

"Iknowit’sonlyafew。"

"They’reallfools，doctors！"exclaimedVanrevel，fiercely。

"No，no。AndIknowthatnothingcanbedone。Youallseeit，andyouwantmetogoeasily——oryouwouldn’tletmehavemyownwaysomuch！Itfrightensme，Iownup，tothinkthatsosoonI’llbewiserthanthewisestintheworld。YetIalwayswantedtoknow。I’vesoughtandI’vesought——butnowtogooutaloneonthesearch——itmustbethesearch，fortheHolyGrail——I————"

"Pleasedon’ttalk，"beggedTom，inabrokenwhisper。"Formercy’ssake，lad。Itwearsonyouso。"

Craileylaughedweakly。"DoyouthinkIcoulddiepeacefullywithouttalkingagreatdeal？There’sonethingIwant，Tom。Iwanttoseeallofthemoncemore，alltheoldfriendsthataregoingdowntheriveratnoon。Whatharmcoulditdo？Iwantthemtocomebyhereontheirwaytotheboat，withthebandandthenewflag。ButIwantthebandtoplaycheerfully！Ask`emtoplay`RosintheBow，’willyou？I’veneverbe-

lievedinmournfulness，andIdon’twanttoseeanyofitnow。It’stherankestimpietyofall！Andbesides，Iwanttoseethemasthey’llbewhentheycomemarchinghome——theymustlookgay！"

"Ah，don’t，lad，don’t！"Tomflungonearmabouttheother’sshoulderandCraileywassilent，butrestedhishandgentlyonhisfriend’shead。InthatattitudeFanchonfoundthemwhenshecame。

Thevolunteersgatheredatthecourt-housetwohoursbeforenoon。Theymeteachotherdismally，speakinginundertonesastheyformedinlinesoffour，whiletheirdispiritedfacesshowedthattheheartwasoutofthem。

Notsowiththecrowdsofcountryfolkandtownspeoplewholinedthestreetstoseethelastofthem。Forthese，whenthebandcamemarchingdownthestreetandtookitsplace，setuparoyalcheeringthatgrewlouderasJeffersonBareaud，thecolor-bearer，carriedtheflagtotheheadoftheprocession。Withtherecruitsmarchedtheveteransof1812

andtheIndianwars，theone-leggedcobblerstumpingalongbesideGeneralTrumble，wholookedverydejectedandold。Thelinesstoodinsilence，andrespondedtothecheeringbyquietlyremovingtheirhats；sothatthepeoplewhisperedthatitwasmorelikeanOddFellows’Sundayfuneralthanthedepartureofenthusiasticpatriotsfortheseatofwar。GeneralTrumble’swasnottheonlysadfaceintheranks；allweredowncastandnervous，eventhoseoftheladsfromthecountry，whohadnotknownthecomradetheyweretoleavebehind。

Jeffersonunfurledtheflag；Marshgavethewordofcommand，thebandbegantoplayaquick-step，andtheprocessionmovedforwarddownthecheeringlaneofpeople，whowavedlittleflagsandhandkerchiefsandthrewtheirhatsintheairastheyshouted。But，contrarytoexpectation，theparadewasnotdirectlyalongMainStreettotheriver。

"Rightwheel！March！"commandedTappingham，hoarsely，wavinghissword，andJeffersonledthewayintoCareweStreet。

"ForGod’ssake，don’tcrynow！"andTappingham，withalargedropstreakingdownhisowncheek，turnedsavagelyuponLieutenantCummings。

"Thatisn’twhathewants。Hewantstoseeuslookingcheeryandsmiling。

Wecandoitforhimthisonce，Iguess！Ineversawhimanyotherway。"

"Youlookdamnsmilingyourself！"snuffledWill。

"Iwillwhenweturninatthegates，"retortedhisCaptain。"Onmysoul，IswearI’llkilleverysnifflingidiotthatdoesn’t！——Inline，there！"bestormedferociouslyatabigrecruit。

ThelivelystrainsofthebandandtheshoutingofthepeoplegrewlouderandlouderintheroomwhereCraileylay。Hiseyesglistenedasheheard，andhesmiled，nottheoldsmileoftheworldlyprelate，butmerrily，likeachildwhenmusicisheard。Theroomwasdarkened，saveforthelightoftheonewindowwhichfellsoftlyuponhisheadandbreastanduponanotherfairheadclosetohis，whereFanchonknelt。IntheshadowsatoneendoftheroomwereMissBettyandMrs。TanberryandMrs。Bareaudandthewhite-

haireddoctorwhohadsaid，"Lethimhavehisownwayinallheasks。"

Tomstoodalone，closebytheheadofthecouch。

"Hailtotheband！"Craileychuckled，softly。"Howtherogueskeepthetime！It’s`RosintheBow，’allright！Ah，thatisasitshouldbe。

Mrs。Tanberry，youandIhaveonethingincommon，ifyou’llletmeflattermyselfsofar：we’vealwaysbelievedingoodcheerinspiteofthedevilandall，youandI，eh？Thebestofthings，evenifthingsarebad，dearlady，eh？"

"Youdarlingvagabond！"Mrs。Tanberrymurmured，tryingtosmilebacktohim。

"Harkto`em！"saidCrailey。"They’reverynear！Onlyhearthepeoplecheerthem！They’ll`marchawaysogaily，’won’tthey？——andhowrightthatis！"Thevanguardappearedinthestreet，andoverthehedgegleamedtheoncomingbanner，thefreshcolorsflyingoutonastrongbreeze。

Craileygreeteditwithabreathlesscry。"There’stheflag——look，Fanchon，yourflag！——。wavingabovethehedge；andit’sJeffwhocarriesit。Doesn’titalwaysmakeyouwanttodance！Bravo，bravo！"

Theprocessionhaltedforamomentinthestreetandthemusicceased。

Then，withajubilantflourishofbrassandtherollofdrums，thebandstruckup"TheStarSpangledBanner，"andJeffersonBareaudproudlyledthewaythroughthegatesanddownthedriveway，thebrightsilkstreamingoverhead。Behindhimbrisklymarchedthevolunteers，withheadserectandcheerfulfaces，astheyknewCorporalGraywishedtoseethem，theirCaptainflourishinghisswordintheair。

"Heretheycome！Doyousee，Fanchon？"criedCrailey，excitedly。"Theyareallthere，JeffandTappingham，andthetwoMadrillonsandWill，thedearoldfellow——he’llneverwriteadecentparagraphaslongashelives，Godblesshim！——andyoungFrank——whatdeviltriesI’veledtheboyinto！——

andthere’stheoldGeneral，forgettingallthetiffswe’vehad。Godblessthemallandgrantthemallasafereturn！Whatoneartharetheytakingofftheirhatsfor？——Ah，good-by，boys，good-by！"

Theysawthewhitefaceatthewindow，andtheslenderhandflutteringitsfarewell，andTappinghamhaltedhismen。

"ThreetimesthreeforCorporalGray！"heshouted，managing，somehow，tokeepthesmileuponhislips。"Threetimesthree，andmayherejoinhiscompanybeforeweentertheMexicancapital！"

Hebeatthetimeforthethunderouscheersthattheygave；theprocessiondescribedacircleonthelawn，andthen，withthebandplayingandcolorsflying，passedoutofthegatesandtookupthemarchtothewharf。

"theflag，theflag！"whisperedCrailey，followingitwithhiseyes。"Itshowsthatyouhelpedmakeit，Fanchon，it’ssobeautiful。Ah，Tom，they’vesaidweabusedit，sometimes——itwasonlythatweloveditsowellwedidn’tliketoseeanyonemakeitlooksillyormean。But，afterall，nomancandothat——no，nornogroupofmen，norparty！Hisvoicegrewlouderasthelaststrainsofthemusiccamemorefaintlyfromthestreet。

"They’lltakeyourbanneracrosstheRioGrande，Fanchon，butthatisnotall——somedayitsstarsmustspreadovertheworld！Don’tyouallseethattheywill？"

Afteralittlewhile，heclosedhiseyeswithasigh；thedoctorbentoverhimquickly，andMissBettystartedforwardunconsciouslyandcriedout。

Butthebrighteyesopenedagainandfixedthemselvesuponherwithalltheirold，gayinscrutability。

"Notyet，"saidCrailey。"MissCarewe，mayItellyouthatIamsorryI

couldnothaveknownyousooner？PerhapsyoumighthavelikedmeforFanchon’ssake——Iknowyoucareforher。"

"Ido——Ido！"shefaltered。"Iloveher，and——ah！——Idolikeyou，Mr。

Gray，forIknowyou，thoughInever——metyouuntil——lastnight。Godblessyou——Godblessyou！"

Shewaveredamoment，likealilyinthewind，andputoutahandblindly。

"Notyou！"shesaidsharply，asTomVanrevelstartedtowardher。Mrs。

Tanberrycamequicklyandputanarmabouther，andtogethertheywentoutoftheroom。

"Youmustbegoodtoher，Tom，"saidCraileythen，inaverylowvoice。

"I！"answeredTom，gently。"Therewasneverachanceofthat，lad。"

"Listen，"whisperedCrailey。"Leandown——no——closer。"HecastaquickglanceatFanchon，kneelingattheothersideofthebed，hergoldenheadonthewhitecoverlet，heroutstretchedhandclutchinghis；andhespokesoclosetoTom’searandinsolowatonethatonlyTomcouldhear。"Shenevercaredforme。Shefeltthatsheoughtto——butthatwasonlybecauseImasqueradedinyourhistory。ShewantedtotellmebeforeIwentawaythattherewasnochanceforme。Shewastellingmethat，whenhecalledfromthewindow。Itwasatthedance，thenightbefore，thatsheknew。I

thinktherehasbeensomeoneelsefromthefirst——Godsendit’syou！Didyouspeaktoherthatnightorshetoyou？"

"Ah，no，"saidTomVanrevel。"Alltheothers。"

Mrs。TanberryandBettyandMr。Bareaudwaitedinthelibrary，thetwowomenhuddledtogetheronasofa，withtheirarmsroundeachother，andallthehousewasverystill。Byandby，theyheardaprolonged，far-awaycheeringandthesteamer’swhistle，andknewthattheboatwasoff。Halfanhourlater，WillCummingscamebackalone，enteredtheroomontip-toe，andsilentlysankintoachairnearMr。Bareaud，withhisfaceawayfromMissBetty。HewastoremaininRouenanotherweek，andjoinhisregimentwithTom。Noneofthethreeappearedtonoticehiscomingmorethandimly，andhesatwithhisfacebowedinhishands，anddidnotmove。

Thusperhapsanhourpassed，withonlyasoundoffootstepsonthegravelofthedriveway，nowandthen，andalowmurmurofvoicesintherearofthehousewherepeoplecametoaskafterCrailey；andwhenthedooroftheroomwherehelaywasopened，thefourwatchersstartedasataloudexplosion。ItwasMrs。Bareaudandtheolddoctor，andtheyclosedthedooragain，softly，andcameintotheothers。TheyhadleftCraileyalonewithFanchonandTomVanrevel，thetwowholovedhimbest。

ThewarmdaybeyondthewindowsbecamelikeSunday，novoicessoundedfromwithoutinthenoonhush，thoughsometimesalittlegroupofpeoplewouldgatheracrossthestreettoeyethehousecuriouslyandnodandwhisper。

Thestrong，blueshadowsoftheverandapillarsstoleslowlyacrossthewhiteflooroftheporchinalesseningslant，andfinallylayallinaline，asthetallclockinacornerofthelibraryasthmaticallycoughedthehourofnoon。InthisjarringdiscordancetherewassomethingfrightfultoMissBetty。Sheroseabruptly，and，imperiouslywavingbackMrs。Tanberry，whowouldhavedetainedher——fortherewasinherfaceandmannertheincipientwildnessofcontroloverstrainedtothebreaking-

point——shewenthurriedlyoutoftheroomandoutofthehouse，totheoldbenchinthegarden。Thereshesankdown，herfacehiddeninherarms；

thereonthespotwhereshehadfirstseenCraileyGray。

>Fromthere，too，hadrisentheserenadeofthemanshehadspurnedandinsulted；andthereshehadcometoworshipthestarswhenCraileybadeherlooktothem。Andnowthestrangeyoungteacherwaspayingthebitterpriceforhisfooleries——andwhocoulddoubtthatthepricewasabitterone？Tohavethespiritsosuddenly，cruellyrivenfromthesprightlybodythatwas，butafewhoursago，haleandalert，obedienttoevery，pettywish，coulddance，run，andleap；tobeforcedwithsuchhideousprecipitationtoleavethewarmbreathofJuneandundergothelonelychange，mergingwiththeshadow；tobeflungfromtheexquisiteandcommonplacedayofsunshineintotheappallingadventurethatshouldnothavebeenhisforyears——andhurledintoitbywhathand！——ah，bitter，bitterpriceforaharlequinade！And，alas，alas！forthebraveharlequin！

Agentletouchfelluponhershoulder，andMissBettysprangtoherfeetandscreamed。ItwasNelsonwhostoodbeforeher，hatinhand，hisheaddeeplybowed。

"Ishewithyou？"shecried，clutchingatthebenchforsupport。

"No’m，"answeredtheoldman，humbly。"Ireckonweallain’goin’seedatmannomo`。"

"Whereishe？"

"Ondeway，honey，ondeway。"

"Theway——toRouen！"shegasped。

"No’m；hegoin’crossdebigwater。"Hestretchedouthishandandpointedsolemnlytotheeast。"Himan’mewecotchdeboat，an’yo’pamek`emtakendehossesonbode。DenwegitoffatLeeville，fivemile’

downderivuh，an’yo’pahol’deboatwhilesIridbackalonean’gitdenews，an’whatdetaleisyouallistole，f’umoleMist’Chen’eth；an’

Mist’Chen’eth，heridbackwidmean’seeyo’paatLeeville，an’deytalkindeshedbydelandin’，an’yo’patellMist’Chen’ethwhat`rangementshegoin’makewiddeproprety。`Denhegitondeboatag’inan’deysto’theragoin’；an’heain’wavenogood-by，nersaynomo’

wu’ds。Mist’Chen’ethridbackwhensdelightcome；butIres’dehossesan’comebackslow，`caseIponduhondeworl’，an’Imightysorryferyo’

pa，Missy。Heam’comin’backnomo’，honey，an’MizTanberryan’mean’

Mamie，wegoin’takekeereryou。Yo’pagonebackdahtodeF’enchmun，whuhhe`uzayoungman。Hemightysick，an’hescairt，honey；an’heain’goin’gitovahdat，neider。`Peahtome，Missy，likehedonehadavizhumerheownsoul，whenhecomean’lookdownatdatyoungmanlayin’

ondegrass，las’night！"

Theoldfellowbenthisbackbeforeherinasolemnbow，asafeudalretainerinallegiancetotheheir，butmoreindeferencetothesorrowwrittenuponher，andrespectingitsmagnitude。Withnowordsofcomfort，forheknewshewantedonlytobealone，hemovedaway，withinfirmstepsandshakinghead，towardtherearofthehouse。

MissBettythrewherselfuponthebenchagain，facedownwardinherarms。

Andstillthehouselayinsilenceunderthesunshine。

Anhourhadpassed，andtheshadowsslantedstronglytotheeast，whenthestillnesswasbrokenbyasound，lowandsmallatfirst，thenrisingfearfully，along，quaveringwailofsupremeanguish，thatclutchedandshookthelistener’sheart。NoonecouldhaverecognizedthevoiceasFanchon’s，yeteveryonewhohearditknewthatitwashers；andthatthesoulofCraileyGrayhadgoneoutuponthequestfortheHolyGrail。

MissBetty’shandsclenchedconvulsivelyroundthearmofthebenchandafitofshudderingseizedherasifwiththegripofaviolentchill，thoughhereyesweredry。Thenshelayquiet。

Alongtimeafterward，shebecameawareofastepthatpacedthegardenpathbehindher，andturnedherfaceuponherarmsothatshesaw，butmadenoothermotion。ItwasTomVanrevel，walkingslowlyupanddown，hishandsbehindhisbackandhishatpulledfardownoverhiseyes。Hehadnotseenher。

Sheroseandspokehisname。

Heturnedandcametoher。"Almostattheverylast，"hesaid，"Craileywhisperedtomethatbeknewyouthoughthimagreatscamp，buttotellyoutobesuretorememberthatitwasalltrueaboutthestars。"

CHAPTERXX

"Goodby"

Itwasbetweentwilightandcandlelight，thegentlehalf-hourwhenthekindoldSandManstealsupthestairsofhouseswherechildrenare；whenrusticloversstrollwithslowandquietstepsdowncountrylanes，andoldbachelorsareloneliestanddreamofthethingsthatmighthavebeen。

ThroughthesilenceoftheclearduskcamethewhistleoftheeveningboatthatwastobearTomVanrevelthroughthefirststageofhislongjourneytothefrontofwar，andthesoundfellcheerlesslyuponMissBetty’sear，asshestoodleaningagainstthesun-dialamongthelilacbushes。Herattitudewasnotoneofreverie；yetshestoodverystill，sostillthat，inthewanshimmerofthefadedafterglow，onemighthavepassedclosebyherandnothaveseenher。Thelong，darkfoldsofhergownshowedfaintlyagainstthegraystone，andherarms，barefromtheelbow，layacrossthefaceofthedialwithunrelaxedfingersclenchingthecornice；

herheaddrooping，notlanguidlybutwithtension，hereyeshalf-closed，showingthelashesagainstapalecheek；andthus，motionless，leaningonthestoneinthedusk，shemighthavebeenSorrow’sself。

Shedidnotmove，therewasnotevenaflickeroftheeyelashes，whenastepsoundedonthegravelofthedriveway，andVanrevelcameslowlyfromthehouse。Hestoppedatalittledistancefromher，hatinhand。Hewasverythin，wornandold-looking，andinthefailinglightmighthavebeentakenforatall，gentleghost；yethisshouldersweresquaredandheheldhimselfasstraightashehadthefirsttimeshehadeverseenhim。

"Mrs。TanberrytoldmeIshouldfindyouhere，"hesaid，hesitatingly。"I

havecometosaygood-by。"

Shedidnotturntowardhim，nordidmorethanherlipsmoveassheanswered，"Good-by，"andhertonewasneitherkindnorcold，butheldnomeaningwhatever，notevenindifference。

Therewasanintervalofsilence；then，withoutsurprise，hewalkedsadlytothegate，paused，wheeledaboutsuddenly，andreturnedwithaquick，firmstep。

"IwillnotgountilIknowthatIdonotmisunderstandyou，"hesaid，"notevenifthereisonlytheslightestchancethatIdo。Iwanttosaysomethingtoyou，ifyouwillletme，thoughnaturallyIrememberyouonceaskedmenevertospeaktoyouagain。ItisonlythatIhavethoughtyoudidthatunderamisconception，orelseIshouldstillobeyyou。Ifyou——"

"Whatisitthatyouwishtosay？"Hertonewasunchanged。

"OnlythatIthinkthehardesttimeforyouhaspassed，andthat——"

"Doyou？"sheinterrupted。

"Yes，"hereturned，"thesaddestofyourlife。Ithinkithasgoneforever。AndIthinkthatwhatwillcometoyouwillbeallyouwishfor。

Therewillbealittletimeofwaiting——"

"Waitingforwhat？"

Hedrewastepnearer，andhisvoicebecameverygentle。"CummingsandI

reachourregimenttomorrownight；andthereinthecampisagroupofmenonthewaytothewar，andtheyallgothemorebravelybecauseeachoneofthemhasyouinhisheart；——notonebutwillbeabettersoldierbecauseofyou。Iwantyoutobelievethatifallofthemdon’tcomeback，yettheonewhosesafetyyouthinkofandfearforwillreturn。

For，yousee，Craileytoldmewhatyousaidtohimwhen——whenhemetyouherethelasttime。Ihavenowaytoknowwhichofthemyoumeant；but——

hewillcomebacktoyou！Iamsureofit，becauseIbelieveyouaretobehappy。Ah，you’vehadyourallotmentofpain！Afterall，thereissolittletoregret：thetownseemsemptywithoutitsyoungmen，yetyoumayrejoice，rememberinghowbravelytheywentandhowgaily！TheywillsinghalfthewaytoVeraCruz！YouthinkitstrangeIshouldsaythereissolittletoregret，whenI’vejustlaidawaymybestfriend。Itwashisowndoctrine，andtheselfishpersonalgriefandsorenessgrowslesswhenI

thinkofthegallantendhemade，foritwashewhowentawaymostbravelyandjauntilyofall。Craileywasnofailure，unlessIletwhathetaughtmegotonoeffect。AndbesurehewouldhavetoldyouwhatItellyounow，thatalliswellwithallintheworld。"

"Please！"shecried，withaquickintakeofbreaththroughclosedteeth。

"Iwilldoanythingintheworldtopleaseyou，"heanswered，sorrowfully。

"Doyoumeanthat——"

Sheturnedatlastandfacedhim，butwithoutliftinghereyes。"Whydidyoucometosaygood-bytome？"

"Idon’tunderstand。"

"Ithinkyoudo。"Hervoicewascoldandsteady，butitwassuddenlygiventohimtoperceivethatshewastremblingfromheadtoheel。

Anexclamationofremorsebrokefromhim。

"Ah！Youcameheretobealone。I——"

"Stop，"shesaid。"Yousaidgood-bytomeoncebefore。Didyoucometosee——whatyousawthen？"

Hefellbackinutteramazement，butsheadvanceduponhimswiftly。"Wasitthat？"shecried。

Theunfortunateyoungmancouldmakenoreply，andremainedunabletodefendhimselffromherinexplicableattack。

"Youhavenotforgotten，"shewenton，impetuously。"Itwasinthecrowd，justbeforetheygaveyoutheflag。Yousaw——Iknowyousaw——anditkilledmewiththeshameofit！Nowyoucometometolookatthesamethingagain——andtheboatwaitingforyou！IsitinrevengeforthatnightattheBareauds’？Perhapsthissoundswildtoyou——Ican’thelpthat——butwhyshouldyoutrytomakeitharderforme？"

>Fromtheporchcameastrongvoice："Vanrevel！"

"GodknowsIhaven’tmeantto，"saidTom，inbitterpain。"Idon’tunderstand。It’sCummingscallingforme；I’llgoatonce。I’dhoped，stupidlyenough，thatyouwouldtellmewhomitwasyoumeantwhenyouspoketoCrailey，sothatIcouldhelptomakeitsurerthathe’dcomebacktoyou。ButI’veonlyannoyedyou。Andyouwerehere——awayfromthehouse————avoidingme，andfearingthatI——"

"Vanrevel！"shoutedWilliam。（Mrs。TanberryhadnottoldLieutenantCummingswheretofindMissBetty。）

"Fearing？Yes？"

"FearingthatImightdiscoveryou。"Helethiseyesrestonherlovelinessoncemore，andashesawthatshestilltrembled，heextendedhishandtowardherinagestureofinfinitegentleness，likeablessing，heavedonegreatsigh，and，withheaderectandbodystraight，sethisfacemanfullytowardthehouse。

Hehadtakenthreestrideswhenhisheartstoppedbeatingatanineffabletouchonhissleeve。For，withasharpcry，shesprangtohim；andthen，oncemore，amongthelilacbusheswherehehadcaughtthewhitekitten，hishandwasseizedandheldbetweentwosmallpalms，andtheeyesofMissBettyCarewelookedintotheverysoulofhim。

"No！"shecried。"No！Fearingwithasickheartthatyoumightnotcome！"

Herpaleface，mistywithsweetness，waveredbeforehiminthedusk，andheliftedhisshakinghandtohisforehead；herownwentwithit，andthetouchofthatsteadiedhim。

"Youmean，"hewhispered，brokenly，"youmeanthatyou——"

"Yes，always，"sheanswered，rushingthroughthewords，halfintears。

"TherewasalittletimewhenIlovedwhatyourlifehadbeenmorethanyou。Ah，itwasyouthatIsawinhim。Yetitwasnotwhatyouhaddoneafterall，butjustyou！Iknewtherecouldnotbeanyoneelse——thoughI

thoughtitcouldneverbeyou——thatnight，justbeforetheygavetheflag。"

"We’velittletime，Vanrevel！"calledthevoicefromtheporch。

Tom’seyesfilledslowly。Heraisedthemandlookedatthenewlycomestars。"Crailey，Crailey！"hemurmured。

Hergazefollowedhis。"Ah，it’she——andthey——thatmakemeknowyouwillcomebacktome！"shesaid。