第4章
Butshehadbetterbecareful，"saidthedoctor。"Iwillhavenotreasoninmyhouse。"
"Isuspectshewillbecareful；forsheisatbottomverymuchafraidofyou。"
"Theyarebothafraidofme，harmlessasIam，"thedoctoranswered。
"AnditisonthatthatIbuild-onthesalutaryterrorIinspire。"
CHAPTER14。
HEWROTEhisfranklettertoMrs。Montgomery，whopunctuallyansweredit，mentioninganhouratwhichhemightpresenthimselfintheSecondAvenue。Shelivedinaneatlittlehouseofredbrick，whichhadbeenfreshlypainted，withtheedgesofthebricksverysharplymarkedoutinwhite。Ithasnowdisappeared，withitscompanions，tomakeroomforarowofstructuresmoremajestic。
Thereweregreenshuttersuponthewindows，withoutslats，butpiercedwithlittleholes，arrangedingroups；andbeforethehousewasadiminutive"yard，"ornamentedwithabushofmysteriouscharacter，andsurroundedbyalowwoodenpaling，paintedinthesamegreenastheshutters。Theplacelookedlikeamagnifiedbaby-house，andmighthavebeentakendownfromashelfinatoyshop。DoctorSloper，whenhewenttocall，saidtohimself，asheglancedattheobjectsIhaveenumerated，thatMrs。Montgomerywasevidentlyathriftyandself-respectinglittleperson-themodestproportionsofherdwellingseemedtoindicatethatshewasofsmallstature-whotookavirtuoussatisfactioninkeepingherselftidy，andhadresolvedthat，sinceshemightnotbesplendid，shewouldatleastbeimmaculate。Shereceivedhiminalittleparlor，whichwaspreciselytheparlorhehadexpected：asmallunspeckledbower，ornamentedwithadesultoryfoliageoftissuepaper，andwithclustersofglassdrops，amidstwhich-tocarryouttheanalogy-thetemperatureoftheleafyseasonwasmaintainedbymeansofacast-ironstove，emittingadryblueflame，andsmellingstronglyofvarnish。Thewallswereembellishedwithengravingsswathedinpinkgauze，andthetablesornamentedwithvolumesofextractsfromthepoets，usuallyboundinblackclothstampedwithfloriddesignsinjaundicedgilt。Thedoctorhadtimetotakecognizanceofthesedetails；forMrs。
Montgomery，whoseconducthepronouncedunderthecircumstancesinexcusable，kepthimwaitingsometenminutesbeforesheappeared。Atlast，however，sherustledin，smoothingdownastiffpoplindress，withalittlefrightenedflushinagracefullyroundedcheek。
Shewasasmall，plump，fairwoman，withabright，cleareye，andanextraordinaryairofneatnessandbriskness。Butthesequalitieswereevidentlycombinedwithanunaffectedhumility，andthedoctorgaveherhisesteemassoonashehadlookedather。Abravelittleperson，withlivelyperceptions，andyetadisbeliefinherowntalentforsocial，asdistinguishedfrompractical，affairs-thiswashisrapidmentalresumeofMrs。Montgomery；who，ashesaw，wasflatteredbywhatsheregardedasthehonorofhisvisit。Mrs。
Montgomery，inherlittleredhouseintheSecondAvenue，wasapersonforwhomDr。Sloperwasoneofthegreatmen-oneofthefinegentlemenofNewYork；andwhileshefixedheragitatedeyesuponhim，whilesheclaspedhermittenedhandstogetherinherglossypoplinlap，shehadtheappearanceofsayingtoherselfthathequiteansweredherideaofwhatadistinguishedguestwouldnaturallybe。
Sheapologizedforbeinglate；butheinterruptedher。
"Itdoesn"tmatter，"hesaid，"forwhileIsathereIhadtimetothinkoverwhatIwishtosaytoyou，andtomakeupmymindhowtobegin。"
"Oh，dobegin！"murmuredMrs。Montgomery。
"Itisnotsoeasy，"saidthedoctor，smiling。"YouwillhavegatheredfrommyletterthatIwishtoaskyouafewquestions，andyoumaynotfinditverycomfortabletoanswerthem。"
"Yes；IhavethoughtwhatIshouldsay。Itisnotveryeasy。"
"Butyoumustunderstandmysituation-mystateofmind。Yourbrotherwishestomarrymydaughter，andIwishtofindoutwhatsortofayoungmanheis。Agoodwaytodososeemedtobetocomeandaskyou，whichIhaveproceededtodo。"
Mrs。Montgomeryevidentlytookthesituationveryseriously；shewasinastateofextrememoralconcentration。Shekeptherprettyeyes，whichwereilluminedbyasortofbrilliantmodesty，attachedtohisowncountenance，andevidentlypaidthemostearnestattentiontoeachofhiswords。Herexpressionindicatedthatshethoughthisideaofcomingtoseeheraverysuperiorconception，butthatshewasreallyafraidtohaveopinionsonstrangesubjects。
"Iamextremelygladtoseeyou，"shesaid，inatonewhichseemedtoadmit，atthesametime，thatthishadnothingtodowiththequestion。
Thedoctortookadvantageofthisadmission。"Ididn"tcometoseeyouforyourpleasure；Icametomakeyousaydisagreeablethings-andyoucan"tlikethat。Whatsortofagentlemanisyourbrother？"
Mrs。Montgomery"silluminatedgazegrewvague，andbegantowander。Shesmiledalittle，andforsometimemadenoanswer，sothatthedoctoratlastbecameimpatient。Andheranswer，whenitcame，wasnotsatisfactory。"Itisdifficulttotalkaboutone"sbrother。"
"Notwhenoneisfondofhim，andwhenonehasplentyofgoodtosay。"
"Yes，eventhen，whenagooddealdependsonit，"saidMrs。
Montgomery。
"Nothingdependsonitforyou。"
"Imeanfor-for-"andshehesitated。
"Foryourbrotherhimself。Isee。"
"ImeanforMissSloper，"saidMrs。Montgomery。
Thedoctorlikedthis；ithadtheaccentofsincerity。"Exactly；
that"sthepoint。Ifmypoorgirlshouldmarryyourbrother，everything-asregardsherhappiness-woulddependonhisbeingagoodfellow。Sheisthebestcreatureintheworld，andshecouldneverdohimagrainofinjury。He，ontheotherhand，ifheshouldnotbeallthatwedesire，mightmakeherverymiserable。ThatiswhyI
wantyoutothrowsomelightuponhischaracter，youknow。Ofcourse，youarenotboundtodoit。Mydaughter，whomyouhaveneverseen，isnothingtoyou；andI，possibly，amonlyanindiscreetandimpertinentoldman。Itisperfectlyopentoyoutotellmethatmyvisitisinverybadtaste，andthatIhadbettergoaboutmybusiness。ButIdon"tthinkyouwilldothis；becauseIthinkweshallinterestyou-mypoorgirlandI。IamsurethatifyouweretoseeCatherineshewouldinterestyouverymuch。Idon"tmeanbecausesheisinterestingintheusualsenseoftheword，butbecauseyouwouldfeelsorryforher。Sheissosoft，sosimpleminded，shewouldbesuchaneasyvictim！Abadhusbandwouldhaveremarkablefacilitiesformakinghermiserable；forshewouldhaveneithertheintelligencenortheresolutiontogetthebetterofhim，andyetshewouldhaveanexaggeratedpowerofsuffering。Isee，"addedthedoctor，withhismostinsinuating，hismostprofessionallaugh，"youarealreadyinterested。"
"Ihavebeeninterestedfromthemomenthetoldmehewasengaged，"saidMrs。Montgomery。
"Ah，hesaysthat-hecallsitanengagement？"
"Oh，hehastoldmeyoudidn"tlikeit。"
"DidhetellyouthatIdon"tlikehim？"
"Yes，hetoldmethattoo。IsaidIcouldn"thelpit，"addedMrs。
Montgomery。
"Ofcourseyoucan"t。ButwhatyoucandoistotellmeIamright-togivemeanattestation，asitwere。"Andthedoctoraccompaniedthisremarkwithanotherprofessionalsmile。
Mrs。Montgomery，however，smilednotatall；itwasobviousthatshecouldnottakethehumorousviewofhisappeal。"Thatisagooddealtoask，"shesaid，atlast。
"Therecanbenodoubtofthat；andImust，inconscience，remindyouoftheadvantagesayoungmanmarryingmydaughterwouldenjoy。
Shehasanincomeoftenthousanddollarsinherownright，leftherbyhermother；ifshemarriesahusbandIapprove，shewillcomeintoalmosttwiceasmuchmoreatmydeath。"
Mrs。Montgomerylistenedingreatearnestnesstothissplendidfinancialstatement；shehadneverheardthousandsofdollarssofamiliarlytalkedabout。Sheflushedalittlewithexcitement。"Yourdaughterwillbeimmenselyrich，"shesaid，softly。
"Precisely-that"sthebotherofit。"
"AndifMorrisshouldmarryher，he-he-"Andshehesitated，timidly。
"Hewouldbemasterofallthatmoney？Bynomeans。Hewouldbemasterofthetenthousandayearthatshehasfromhermother；butIshouldleaveeverypennyofmyownfortune，earnedinthelaboriousexerciseofmyprofession，tomynephewsandnieces。"
Mrs。Montgomerydroppedhereyesatthis，andsatforsometimegazingatthestrawmattingwhichcoveredherfloor。
"Isupposeitseemstoyou，"saidthedoctor，laughing，"thatinsodoingIshouldplayyourbrotheraveryshabbytrick。"
"Notatall。Thatistoomuchmoneytogetpossessionofsoeasilybymarrying。Idon"tthinkitwouldberight。"
"It"srighttogetallonecan。Butinthiscaseyourbrotherwouldn"tbeable。IfCatherinemarrieswithoutmyconsent，shedoesn"tgetapennyfrommyownpocket。"
"Isthatcertain？"askedMrs。Montgomery，lookingup。
"AscertainasthatIsithere。"
"Evenifsheshouldpineaway？"
"Evenifsheshouldpinetoashadow，whichisn"tprobable。"
"DoesMorrisknowthis？"
"Ishallbemosthappytoinformhim，"thedoctorexclaimed。
Mrs。Montgomeryresumedhermeditations；andhervisitor，whowaspreparedtogivetimetotheaffair，askedhimselfwhether，inspiteofherlittleconscientiousair，shewasnotplayingintoherbrother"shands。Atthesametimehewashalfashamedoftheordealtowhichhehadsubjectedher，andwastouchedbythegentlenesswithwhichsheboreit。"Ifshewereahumbug，"hesaid，"shewouldgetangry，unlessshebeverydeepindeed。Itisnotprobablethatsheisasdeepasthat。"
"WhatmakesyoudislikeMorrissomuch？"shepresentlyasked，emergingfromherreflections。
"Idon"tdislikehimintheleastasafriend，asacompanion。Heseemstomeacharmingfellow，andIshouldthinkhewouldbeexcellentcompany。Idislikehimexclusivelyasason-in-law。Iftheonlyofficeofason-in-lawweretodineatthepaternaltable，I
shouldsetahighvalueuponyourbrother：Hedinescapitally。Butthatisasmallpartofhisfunction，which，ingeneral，istobeaprotectorandcaretakerofmychild，whoissingularlyill-adaptedtotakecareofherself。Itistherethathedoesn"tsatisfyme。I
confessIhavenothingbutmyimpressiontogoby；butIaminthehabitoftrustingmyimpression。Ofcourseyouareatlibertytocontradictitflat。Hestrikesmeasselfishandshallow。"
Mrs。Montgomery"seyesexpandedalittle，andthedoctorfanciedhesawthelightofadmirationinthem。"Iwonderyouhavediscoveredheisselfish，"sheexclaimed。
"Doyouthinkhehidesitsowell？"
"Verywellindeed，"saidMrs。Montgomery。"AndIthinkweareallratherselfish，"sheadded，quickly。
"Ithinksotoo；butIhaveseenpeoplehideitbetterthanhe。
YouseeIamhelpedbyahabitIhaveofdividingpeopleintoclasses，intotypes。Imayeasilybemistakenaboutyourbrotherasanindividual，buthistypeiswrittenonhiswholeperson。"
"Heisverygood-looking，"saidMrs。Montgomery。
Thedoctoreyedheramoment。"Youwomenareallthesame！Butthetypetowhichyourbrotherbelongswasmadetobetheruinofyou，andyouweremadetobeitshandmaidsandvictims。Thesignofthetypeinquestionisthedetermination-sometimesterribleinitsquietintensity-toacceptnothingoflifebutitspleasures，andtosecurethesepleasureschieflybytheaidofyourcomplaisantsex。
Youngmenofthisclassneverdoanythingforthemselvesthattheycangetotherpeopletodoforthem，anditistheinfatuation，thedevotion，thesuperstitionofothersthatkeepsthemgoing。Theseothers，inninety-ninecasesoutofahundred，arewomen。Whatouryoungfriendschieflyinsistuponisthatsomeoneelseshallsufferforthem；andwomendothatsortofthing，asyoumustknow，wonderfullywell。"Thedoctorpausedamoment，andthenheadded，abruptly，"Youhavesufferedimmenselyforyourbrother！"
Thisexclamationwasabrupt，asIsay，butitwasalsoperfectlycalculated。ThedoctorhadbeenratherdisappointedatnotfindinghiscompactandcomfortablelittlehostesssurroundedinamorevisibledegreebytheravagesofMorrisTownsend"simmorality；buthehadsaidtohimselfthatthiswasnotbecausetheyoungmanhadsparedher，butbecauseshehadcontrivedtoplasterupherwounds。Theywereachingtherebehindthevarnishedstove，thefestoonedengravings，beneathherownneatlittlepoplinbosom；andifhecouldonlytouchthetenderspot，shewouldmakeamovementthatwouldbetrayher。ThewordsIhavejustquotedwereanattempttoputhisfingersuddenlyupontheplace，andtheyhadsomeofthesuccessthathelookedfor。
ThetearssprungforamomenttoMrs。Montgomery"seyes，andsheindulgedinaproudlittlejerkofthehead。
"Idon"tknowhowyouhavefoundthatout！"sheexclaimed。
"Byaphilosophictrick-bywhattheycallinduction。Youknowyouhavealwaysyouroptionofcontradictingme。Butkindlyanswermeaquestion：Don"tyougiveyourbrothermoney？Ithinkyououghttoanswerthat。"
"Yes，Ihavegivenhimmoney，"saidMrs。Montgomery。
"Andyouhavenothadmuchtogivehim？"
Shewassilentamoment。"Ifyouaskmeforaconfessionofpoverty，thatiseasilymade。Iamverypoor。"
"Onewouldneversupposeitfromyour-yourcharminghouse，"saidthedoctor。"Ilearnedfrommysisterthatyourincomewasmoderate，andyourfamilynumerous。"
"Ihavefivechildren，"Mrs。Montgomeryobserved，"butIamhappytosayIcanbringthemupdecently。"
"Ofcourseyoucan-accomplishedanddevotedasyouare。Butyourbrotherhascountedthemover，Isuppose？"
"Countedthemover？"
"Heknowstherearefive，Imean。Hetellsmeitishethatbringsthemup。"
Mrs。Montgomerystaredamoment，andthenquickly-"Ohyes；heteachesthem-Spanish。"
Thedoctorlaughedout。"Thatmusttakeagreatdealoffyourhands！
Yourbrotheralsoknows，ofcourse，thatyouhaveverylittlemoney？"
"Ihaveoftentoldhimso，"Mrs。Montgomeryexclaimed，moreunreservedlythanshehadyetspoken。Shewasapparentlytakingsomecomfortinthedoctor"sclairvoyance。
"Whichmeansthatyouhaveoftenoccasionto，andthatheoftenspongesonyou。Excusethecrudityofmylanguage；Isimplyexpressafact。Idon"taskyouhowmuchofyourmoneyhehashad，itisnoneofmybusiness。IhaveascertainedwhatIsuspected-whatI
wished。"Andthedoctorgotup，gentlysmoothinghishat。"Yourbrotherlivesonyou，"hesaid，ashestoodthere。
Mrs。Montgomeryquicklyrosefromherchair，followinghervisitor"smovementswithalookoffascination。Butthen，withacertaininconsequence，"Ihavenevercomplainedofhim，"shesaid。
"Youneedn"tprotest-youhavenotbetrayedhim。ButIadviseyounottogivehimanymoremoney。"
"Don"tyouseeitisinmyinterestthatheshouldmarryarichperson？"sheasked。"If，asyousay，helivesonme，Icanonlywishtogetridofhim；andtoputobstaclesinthewayofhismarryingistoincreasemyowndifficulties。"
"Iwishverymuchyouwouldcometomewithyourdifficulties，"saidthedoctor。"Certainly，ifIthrowhimbackonyourhands，theleastI
candoistohelpyoutobeartheburden。Ifyouwillallowmetosayso，then，Ishalltakethelibertyofplacinginyourhands，forthepresent，acertainfundforyourbrother"ssupport。"
Mrs。Montgomerystared；sheevidentlythoughthewasjesting；butshepresentlysawthathewasnot，andthecomplicationofherfeelingsbecamepainful。"ItseemstomethatIoughttobeverymuchoffendedwithyou，"shemurmured。
"BecauseIhaveofferedyoumoney？That"sasuperstition，"saidthedoctor。"Youmustletmecomeandseeyouagain，andwewilltalkaboutthesethings。Isupposethatsomeofyourchildrenaregirls？"
"Ihavetwolittlegirls，"saidMrs。Montgomery。
"Well，whentheygrowup，andbegintothinkoftakinghusbands，youwillseehowanxiousyouwillbeaboutthemoralcharacterofthesehusbands。Thenyouwillunderstandthisvisitofmine。"
"Ah，youarenottobelievethatMorris"smoralcharacterisbad。"
Thedoctorlookedatheralittle，withfoldedarms。"ThereissomethingIshouldgreatlylike，asamoralsatisfaction。Ishouldliketohearyousay，"Heisabominablyselfish。""
Thewordscameoutwiththegravedistinctnessofhisvoice，andtheyseemedforaninstanttocreate，topoorMrs。Montgomery"stroubledvision，amaterialimage。Shegazedatitaninstant，andthensheturnedaway。"Youdistressme，sir！"sheexclaimed。"Heis，afterall，mybrother；andhistalents，histalents-"Ontheselastwordshervoicequavered，andbeforeheknewitshehadburstintotears。
"Histalentsarefirst-rate，"saidthedoctor。"Wemustfindtheproperfieldforthem。"Andheassuredhermostrespectfullyofhisregretathavingsogreatlydiscomposedher。"It"sallformypoorCatherine，"hewenton。"Youmustknowher，andyouwillsee。"
Mrs。Montgomerybrushedawayhertears，andblushedathavingshedthem。"Ishouldliketoknowyourdaughter，"sheanswered；andthen，inaninstant，"Don"tlethermarryhim！"
DoctorSloperwentawaywiththewordsgentlyhumminginhisears：
"Don"tlethermarryhim！"Theygavehimthemoralsatisfactionofwhichhehadjustspoken，andtheirvaluewasthegreaterthattheyhadevidentlycostapangtopoorlittleMrs。Montgomery"sfamilypride。
CHAPTER15。
HEHADBEENPUZZLEDbythewaythatCatherinecarriedherself；herattitudeatthissentimentalcrisisseemedtohimunnaturallypassive。
Shehadnotspokentohimagainafterthatsceneinthelibrary，thedaybeforehisinterviewwithMorris；andaweekhadelapsedwithoutmakinganychangeinhermanner。Therewasnothinginitthatappealedforpity，andhewasevenalittledisappointedathernotgivinghimanopportunitytomakeupforhisharshnessbysomemanifestationofliberalitywhichshouldoperateasacompensation。HethoughtalittleofofferingtotakeherforatourinEurope；buthewasdeterminedtodothisonlyincasesheshouldseemmutelytoreproachhim。Hehadanideathatshewoulddisplayatalentformutereproaches，andhewassurprisedatnotfindinghimselfexposedtothesesilentbatteries。Shesaidnothing，eithertacitlyorexplicitly，andasshewasneververytalkative，therewasnownoespecialeloquenceinherreserve。AndpoorCatherinewasnotsulky-astyleofbehaviorforwhichshehadtoolittlehistrionictalent-
shewassimplyverypatient。Ofcourseshewasthinkingoverhersituation，andshewasapparentlydoingsoinadeliberateandunimpassionedmanner，withaviewofmakingthebestofit。
"ShewilldoasIhavebiddenher，"saidthedoctor；andhemadethefurtherreflectionthathisdaughterwasnotawomanofagreatspirit。
Iknownotwhetherhehadhopedforalittlemoreresistanceforthesakeofalittlemoreentertainment；buthesaidtohimself，ashehadsaidbefore，thatthoughitmighthaveitsmomentaryalarms，paternitywas，afterall，notanexcitingvocation。
Catherinemeanwhilehadmadeadiscoveryofaverydifferentsort；
ithadbecomevividtoherthattherewasagreatexcitementintryingtobeagooddaughter。Shehadanentirelynewfeeling，whichmaybedescribedasastateofexpectantsuspenseaboutherownactions。
Shewatchedherselfasshewouldhavewatchedanotherperson，andwonderedwhatshewoulddo。Itwasasifthisotherperson，whowasbothherselfandnotherself，hadsuddenlysprungintobeing，inspiringherwithanaturalcuriosityastotheperformanceofuntestedfunctions。
"IamgladIhavesuchagooddaughter，"saidherfather，kissingher，afterthelapseofseveraldays。
"Iamtryingtobegood，"sheanswered，turningaway，withaconsciencenotaltogetherclear。
"Ifthereisanythingyouwouldliketosaytome，youknowyoumustnothesitate。Youneedn"tfeelobligedtobesoquiet。Ishouldn"tcarethatMr。Townsendshouldbeafrequenttopicofconversation，butwheneveryouhaveanythingparticulartosayabouthimIshallbeverygladtohearit。"
"Thankyou，"saidCatherine，"Ihavenothingparticularatpresent。"
HeneveraskedherwhethershehadseenMorrisagain，becausehewassurethatifthishadbeenthecaseshewouldtellhim。Shehad，infact，notseenhim；shehadonlywrittenhimalongletter。Theletter，atleast，waslongforher；and，itmaybeadded，thatitwaslongforMorris；itconsistedoffivepages，inaremarkablyneatandhandsomehand。Catherine"shandwritingwasbeautiful，andshewasevenalittleproudofit：Shewasextremelyfondofcopying，andpossessedvolumesofextractswhichtestifiedtothisaccomplishment；volumeswhichshehadexhibitedonedaytoherlover，whentheblissoffeelingthatshewasimportantinhiseyeswasexceptionallykeen。ShetoldMorris，inwriting，thatherfatherhadexpressedthewishthatsheshouldnotseehimagain，andthatshebeggedhewouldnotcometothehouseuntilsheshouldhave"madeuphermind。"Morrisrepliedwithapassionateepistle，inwhichheaskedtowhat，inheaven"sname，shewishedtomakeuphermind。Hadnothermindbeenmadeuptwoweeksbefore，andcoulditbepossiblethatsheentertainedtheideaofthrowinghimoff？Didshemeantobreakdownattheverybeginningoftheirordeal，afterallthepromisesoffidelityshehadbothgivenandextracted？Andhegaveanaccountofhisowninterviewwithherfather-anaccountnotidenticalatallpointswiththatofferedinthesepages。"Hewasterriblyviolent，"Morriswrote，"butyouknowmyself-control。IhaveneedofitallwhenIrememberthatIhaveitinmypowertobreakinuponyourcruelcaptivity。"Catherinesenthim，inanswertothis，anoteofthreelines。"Iamingreattrouble；donotdoubtofmyaffection，butletmewaitalittleandthink。"Theideaofastrugglewithherfather，ofsettingupherwillagainsthisown，washeavyonhersoul，anditkeptherquiet，asagreatphysicalweightkeepsusmotionless。Itneverenteredintohermindtothrowherloveroff；butfromthefirstshetriedtoassureherselfthattherewouldbeapeacefulwayoutoftheirdifficulty。Theassurancewasvague，foritcontainednoelementofpositiveconvictionthatherfatherwouldchangehismind。Sheonlyhadanideathatifsheshouldbeverygood，thesituationwouldinsomemysteriousmannerimprove。Tobegoodshemustbepatient，outwardlysubmissive，abstainfromjudgingherfathertooharshly，andfromcommittinganyactofopendefiance。Hewasperhapsright，afterall，tothinkashedid；bywhichCatherinemeantnotintheleastthathisjudgmentofMorris"smotivesinseekingtomarryherwasperhapsajustone，butthatitwasprobablynaturalandproperthatconscientiousparentsshouldbesuspiciousandevenunjust。TherewereprobablypeopleintheworldasbadasherfathersupposedMorristobe，andifthereweretheslightestchanceofMorrisbeingoneofthesesinisterpersons，thedoctorwasrightintakingitintoaccount。Ofcoursehecouldnotknowwhatsheknew-howthepurestloveandtruthwereseatedintheyoungman"seyes；butheaven，initstime，mightappointawayofbringinghimtosuchknowledge。Catherineexpectedagooddealofheaven，andreferredtotheskiestheinitiative，astheFrenchsay，indealingwithherdilemma。Shecouldnotimagineherselfimpartinganykindofknowledgetoherfather；therewassomethingsuperioreveninhisinjustice，andabsoluteinhismistakes。Butshecouldatleastbegood，andifshewereonlygoodenough，heavenwouldinventsomewayofreconcilingallthings-thedignityofherfather"serrorsandthesweetnessofherownconfidence，thestrictperformanceofherfilialduties，andtheenjoymentofMorrisTownsend"saffection。
PoorCatherinewouldhavebeengladtoregardMrs。Pennimanasanilluminatingagent，apartwhichthisladyherself，indeed，wasbutimperfectlypreparedtoplay。Mrs。Pennimantooktoomuchsatisfactioninthesentimentalshadowsofthislittledramatohave，forthemoment，anygreatinterestindissipatingthem。Shewishedtheplottothicken，andtheadvicethatshegaveherniecetended，inherownimagination，toproducethisresult。Itwasratherincoherentcounsel，andfromonedaytoanotheritcontradicteditself；butitwaspervadedbyanearnestdesirethatCatherineshoulddosomethingstriking。"Youmustact，mydear；inyoursituationthegreatthingistoact，"saidMrs。Penniman，whofoundherniecealtogetherbeneathheropportunities。Mrs。Penniman"srealhopewasthatthegirlwouldmakeasecretmarriage，atwhichsheshouldofficiateasbrideswomanorduenna。Shehadavisionofthisceremonybeingperformedinsomesubterraneanchapel-subterraneanchapelsinNewYorkwerenotfrequent，butMrs。Penniman"simaginationwasnotchilledbytrifles-andoftheguiltycouple-shelikedtothinkofpoorCatherineandhersuitorastheguiltycouple-beingshuffledawayinafast-whirlingvehicletosomeobscurelodginginthesuburbs，whereshewouldpaythem（inathickveil）clandestinevisits；wheretheywouldendureaperiodofromanticprivation；andwhenultimately，aftersheshouldhavebeentheirearthlyprovidence，theirintercessor，theiradvocate，andtheirmediumofcommunicationwiththeworld，theywouldbereconciledtoherbrotherinanartistictableau，inwhichsheherselfshouldbesomehowthecentralfigure。
ShehesitatedasyettorecommendthiscoursetoCatherine，butsheattemptedtodrawanattractivepictureofittoMorrisTownsend。
Shewasindailycommunicationwiththeyoungman，whomshekeptinformedbylettersofthestateofaffairsinWashingtonSquare。Ashehadbeenbanished，asshesaid，fromthehouse，shenolongersawhim；butsheendedbywritingtohimthatshelongedforaninterview。
Thisinterviewcouldtakeplaceonlyonneutralground，andshebethoughtherselfgreatlybeforeselectingaplaceofmeeting。ShehadaninclinationforGreenwoodCemetery，butshegaveitupastoodistant；shecouldnotabsentherselfforsolong，asshesaid，withoutexcitingsuspicion。ThenshethoughtoftheBattery，butthatwasrathercoldandwindy，besidesone"sbeingexposedtointrusionfromtheIrishimmigrantswhoatthispointalight，withlargeappetites，intheNewWorld；andatlastshefixeduponanoystersaloonintheSeventhAvenue，keptbyaNegro-anestablishmentofwhichsheknewnothingsavethatshehadnoticeditinpassing。ShemadeanappointmentwithMorrisTownsendtomeethimthere，andshewenttothetrystatdusk，envelopedinanimpenetrableveil。Hekeptherwaitingforhalfanhour-hehadalmostthewholewidthofthecitytotraverse-butshelikedtowait，itseemed，tointensifythesituation。Sheorderedacupoftea，whichprovedexcessivelybad，andthisgaveherasensethatshewassufferinginaromanticcause。WhenMorrisatlastarrived，theysattogetherforhalfanhourintheduskiestcornerofthebackshop；anditishardlytoomuchtosaythatthiswasthehappiesthalfhourthatMrs。Pennimanhadknownforyears。Thesituationwasreallythrilling，anditscarcelyseemedtoherafalsenotewhenhercompanionaskedforanoysterstew，andproceededtoconsumeitbeforehereyes。Morris，indeed，neededallthesatisfactionthatstewedoysterscouldgivehim，foritmaybeintimatedtothereaderthatheregardedMrs。Pennimaninthelightofafifthwheeltohiscoach。Hewasinastateofirritationnaturaltoagentlemanoffinepartswhohadbeensnubbedinabenevolentattempttoconferadistinctionuponayoungwomanofinferiorcharacteristics，andtheinsinuatingsympathyofthissomewhatdesiccatedmatronappearedtoofferhimnopracticalrelief。Hethoughtherahumbug，andhejudgedofhumbugswithagooddealofconfidence。Hehadlistenedandmadehimselfagreeabletoheratfirst，inordertogetafootinginWashingtonSquare；andatpresentheneededallhisself-commandtobedecentlycivil。Itwouldhavegratifiedhimtotellherthatshewasafantasticoldwoman，andthathewouldliketoputherintoanomnibusandsendherhome。Weknow，however，thatMorrispossessedthevirtueofself-control，andhehadmoreovertheconstanthabitofseekingtobeagreeable；sothat，althoughMrs。Penniman"sdemeanoronlyexasperatedhisalreadyunquietnerves，helistenedtoherwithasomberdeferenceinwhichshefoundmuchtoadmire。
CHAPTER16。
THEYHADOfCourseimmediatelyspokenofCatherine。"Didshesendamessage，or-oranything？"Morrisasked。Heappearedtothinkthatshemighthavesenthimatrinketoralockofherhair。
Mrs。Pennimanwasslightlyembarrassed，forshehadnottoldhernieceofherintendedexpedition。"Notexactlyamessage，"shesaid。
"Ididn"taskherforone，becauseIwasafraidto-toexciteher。"
"Iamafraidsheisnotveryexcitable。"AndMorrisgaveasmileofsomebitterness。
"Sheisbetterthanthat-sheissteadfast，sheistrue。"
"Doyouthinkshewillholdfast，then？"
"Tothedeath！"
"Oh，Ihopeitwon"tcometothat，"saidMorris。
"Wemustbepreparedfortheworst，andthatiswhatIwishtospeaktoyouabout。"
"Whatdoyoucalltheworst？"
"Well，"saidMrs。Penniman，"mybrother"shard，intellectualnature。"
"Oh，thedevil！"
"Heisimpervioustopity，"Mrs。Pennimanadded，bywayofexplanation。
"Doyoumeanthathewon"tcomeround？"
"Hewillneverbevanquishedbyargument。Ihavestudiedhim。Hewillbevanquishedonlybytheaccomplishedfact。"
"Theaccomplishedfact？"
"Hewillcomeroundafterward，"saidMrs。Penniman，withextremesignificance。"Hecaresfornothingbutfacts-hemustbemetbyfacts。"
"Well，"rejoinedMorris，"itisafactthatIwishtomarryhisdaughter。Imethimwiththattheotherday，buthewasnotatallvanquished。"
Mrs。Pennimanwassilentalittle，andhersmilebeneaththeshadowofhercapaciousbonnet，ontheedgeofwhichherblackveilwasarrangedcurtainwise，fixeditselfuponMorris"sfacewithastillmoretenderbrilliancy。"MarryCatherinefirst，andmeethimafterward！"sheexclaimed。
"Doyourecommendthat？"askedtheyoungman，frowningheavily。
Shewasalittlefrightened，butshewentonwithconsiderableboldness。"ThatisthewayIseeit：aprivatemarriage-aprivatemarriage。"Sherepeatedthephrasebecauseshelikedit。
"DoyoumeanthatIshouldcarryCatherineoff？Whatdotheycallit-elopewithher？"
"Itisnotacrimewhenyouaredriventoit，"saidMrs。Penniman。
"Myhusband，asIhavetoldyou，wasadistinguishedclergyman-oneofthemosteloquentmenofhisday。Heoncemarriedayoungcouplethathadfledfromthehouseoftheyounglady"sfather；hewassointerestedintheirstory。Hehadnohesitation，andeverythingcameoutbeautifully。Thefatherwasafterwardreconciled，andthoughteverythingoftheyoungman。Mr。Pennimanmarriedthemintheevening，aboutseveno"clock。Thechurchwassodarkyoucouldscarcelysee，andMr。Pennimanwasintenselyagitated-hewassosympathetic。I
don"tbelievehecouldhavedoneitagain。"
"Unfortunately，CatherineandIhavenotMr。Pennimantomarryus，"saidMorris。
"No，butyouhaveme！"rejoinedMrs。Penniman，expressively。"I
can"tperformtheceremony，butIcanhelpyou；Icanwatch！"
"Thewoman"sanidiot！"thoughtMorris，buthewasobligedtosaysomethingdifferent。Itwasnot，however，materiallymorecivil。
"WasitinordertotellmethisthatyourequestedIwouldmeetyouhere？"
Mrs。Pennimanhadbeenconsciousofacertainvaguenessinhererrand，andofnotbeingabletoofferhimanyverytangiblerewardforhislongwalk。"IthoughtperhapsyouwouldliketoseeonewhoissoneartoCatherine，"sheobserved，withconsiderablemajesty，"andalso，"sheadded，"thatyouwouldvalueanopportunityofsendinghersomething。"
Morrisextendedhisemptyhandswithamelancholysmile。"Iamgreatlyobligedtoyou，butIhavenothingtosend。"
"Haven"tyouaword？"askedhiscompanion，withhersuggestivesmilecomingback。
Morrisfrownedagain。
"Tellhertoholdfast，"hesaid，rathercurtly。
"Thatisagoodword-anobleword：Itwillmakeherhappyformanydays。Sheisverytouching，verybrave，"Mrs。Pennimanwenton，arranginghermantleandpreparingtodepart。Whileshewassoengagedshehadaninspiration；shefoundthephrasethatshecouldboldlyofferasavindicationofthestepshehadtaken。"IfyoumarryCatherineatallrisks，"shesaid，"youwillgivemybrotheraproofofyourbeingwhathepretendstodoubt。"
"Whathepretendstodoubt？"
"Don"tyouknowwhatthatis？"Mrs。Pennimanasked，almostplayfully。
"Itdoesnotconcernmetoknow，"saidMorris，grandly。
"Ofcourseitmakesyouangry。"
"Idespiseit，"Morrisdeclared。
"Ah，youknowwhatitis，then？"saidMrs。Penniman，shakingherfingerathim。"Hepretendsthatyoulike-youlikethemoney。"
Morrishesitatedamoment；andthen，asifhespokeadvisedly，"Idolikethemoney！"
"Ah，butnot-butnotashemeansit。Youdon"tlikeitmorethanCatherine？"
Heleanedhiselbowsonthetableandburiedhisheadinhishands。"Youtortureme！"hemurmured。And，indeed，thiswasalmosttheeffectofthepoorlady"stooimportunateinterestinhissituation。
Butsheinsistedinmakingherpoint。"Ifyoumarryherinspiteofhim，hewilltakeforgrantedthatyouexpectnothingofhim，andarepreparedtodowithoutit；andsohewillseethatyouaredisinterested。"
Morrisraisedhisheadalittle，followingthisargument。"AndwhatshallIgainbythat？"
"Why，thathewillseethathehasbeenwronginthinkingthatyouwishedtogethismoney。"
"AndseeingthatIwishhewouldgotothedeucewithit，hewillleaveittoahospital。Isthatwhatyoumean？"askedMorris。
"No，Idon"tmeanthat，thoughthatwouldbeverygrand，"Mrs。
Pennimanquicklyadded。"Imeanthat，havingdoneyousuchaninjustice，hewillthinkithisduty，attheend，tomakesomeamends。"
Morrisshookhishead，thoughitmustbeconfessedhewasalittlestruckwiththisidea。"Doyouthinkheissosentimental？"
"Heisnotsentimental，"saidMrs。Penniman，"but，tobeperfectlyfairtohim，Ithinkhehas，inhisownnarrowway，acertainsenseofduty。"
TherepassedthroughMorrisTownsend"smindarapidwonderastowhathemight，evenunderaremotecontingency，beindebtedtofromtheactionofthisprincipleinDoctorSloper"sbreast，andtheinquiryexhausteditselfinhissenseoftheludicrous。"Yourbrotherhasnodutiestome，"hesaidpresently，"andInonetohim。"
"Ah，buthehasdutiestoCatherine。"
"Yes；butyousee，onthatprincipleCatherinehasdutiestohimaswell。"
Mrs。Pennimangotupwithamelancholysigh，asifshethoughthimveryunimaginative。"Shehasalwaysperformedthemfaithfully；andnowdoyouthinkshehasnodutiestoyou？"Mrs。Pennimanalways，eveninconversation，italicizedherpersonalpronouns。
"Itwouldsoundharshtosayso。Iamsogratefulforherlove，"
Morrisadded。
"Iwilltellheryousaidthat。Andnow，rememberthatifyouneedmeIamthere。"AndMrs。Penniman，whocouldthinkofnothingmoretosay，noddedvaguelyinthedirectionofWashingtonSquare。
Morrislookedsomemomentsatthesandedflooroftheshop；heseemedtobedisposedtolingeramoment。Atlast，lookingupwithacertainabruptness，"Itisyourbeliefthatifshemarriesmehewillcutheroff？"heasked。
Mrs。Pennimanstaredalittle，andsmiled。"Why，IhaveexplainedtoyouwhatIthinkwouldhappen-thatintheenditwouldbethebestthingtodo。"
"Youmeanthat，whatevershedoes，inthelongrunshewillgetthemoney？"
"Itdoesn"tdependuponher，butuponyou。Venturetoappearasdisinterestedasyouare，"saidMrs。Penniman，ingeniously。Morrisdroppedhiseyesonthesandedflooragain，ponderingthis，andshepursued："Mr。PennimanandIhadnothing，andwewereveryhappy。
Catherine，moreover，hashermother"sfortune，which，atthetimemysister-in-lawmarried，wasconsideredaveryhandsomeone。"
"Oh，don"tspeakofthat！"saidMorris；andindeeditwasquitesuperfluous，forhehadcontemplatedthefactinallitslights。
"Austinmarriedawifewithmoney-whyshouldn"tyou？"
"Ah，butyourbrotherwasadoctor，"Morrisobjected。
"Well，allyoungmencan"tbedoctors。"
"Ishouldthinkitanextremelyloathsomeprofession，"saidMorris，withanairofintellectualindependence；then，inamoment，hewentonratherinconsequently，"DoyousupposethereisawillalreadymadeinCatherine"sfavor？"
"Isupposesoevendoctorsmustdie；andperhapsalittleinmine，"Mrs。Pennimanfranklyadded。
"Andyoubelievehewouldcertainlychangeit-asregardsCatherine？"
"Yes；andthenchangeitbackagain。"
"Ah，butonecan"tdependonthat，"saidMorris。
"Doyouwanttodependonit？"Mrs。Pennimanasked。
Morrisblushedalittle。"Well，IamcertainlyafraidofbeingthecauseofaninjurytoCatherine。"
"Ah，youmustnotbeafraid。Beafraidofnothing，andeverythingwillgowell。"
AndthenMrs。Pennimanpaidforhercupoftea，andMorrispaidforhisoysterstew，andtheywentouttogetherintothedimlylightedwildernessoftheSeventhAvenue。Theduskhadclosedincompletely，andthestreetlampswereseparatedbywideintervalsofapavementinwhichcavitiesandfissuresplayedadisproportionatepart。Anomnibus，emblazonedwithstrangepictures，wenttumblingoverthedislocatedcobblestones。
"Howwillyougohome？"Morrisasked，followingthisvehiclewithaninterestedeye。Mrs。Pennimanhadtakenhisarm。
Shehesitatedamoment。"Ithinkthismannerwouldbepleasant，"shesaid；andshecontinuedtolethimfeelthevalueofhissupport。
Sohewalkedwithherthroughthedeviouswaysofthewestsideofthetown，andthroughthebustleofgatheringnightfallinpopulousstreets，tothequietprecinctofWashingtonSquare。TheylingeredamomentatthefootofDoctorSloper"swhitemarblesteps，abovewhichaspotlesswhitedoor，adornedwithaglitteringsilverplate，seemedtofigureforMorristheclosedportalofhappiness；andthenMrs。Penniman"scompanionrestedamelancholyeyeuponalightedwindowintheupperpartofthehouse。
"Thatismyroom-mydearlittleroom！"Mrs。Pennimanremarked。
Morrisstarted。"ThenIneedn"tcomewalkingroundtheSquaretogazeatit。"
"That"sasyouplease。ButCatherine"sisbehind；twonoblewindowsonthesecondfloor。Ithinkyoucanseethemfromtheotherstreet。"
"Idon"twanttoseethem，ma"am。"AndMorristurnedhisbacktothehouse。
"Iwilltellheryouhavebeenhere，atanyrate，"saidMrs。
Penniman，pointingtothespotwheretheystood，"andIwillgiveheryourmessage-thatsheistoholdfast。"
"Ohyes；ofcourse。YouknowIwriteherallthat。"
"Itseemstosaymorewhenitisspoken。Andremember，ifyouneedme，thatIamhere，"andMrs。Pennimanglancedatthethirdfloor。
Onthistheyseparated，andMorris，lefttohimself，stoodlookingatthehouseamoment；afterwhichheturnedaway，andtookagloomywalkroundtheSquare，ontheoppositeside，closetothewoodenfence。Thenhecameback，andpausedforaminuteinfrontofDoctorSloper"sdwelling。Hiseyestraveledoverit；theyevenrestedontheruddywindowsofMrs。Penniman"sapartment。Hethoughtitadevilishcomfortablehouse。
CHAPTER17。
MRS。PENNIMANtoldCatherinethatevening-thetwoladiesweresittinginthebackparlor-thatshehadhadaninterviewwithMorrisTownsend；andonreceivingthisnewsthegirlstartedwithasenseofpain。Shefeltangryforthemoment；itwasalmostthefirsttimeshehadeverfeltangry。Itseemedtoherthatherauntwasmeddlesome；andfromthiscameavagueapprehensionthatshewouldspoilsomething。
"Idon"tseewhyyoushouldhaveseenhim。Idon"tthinkitwasright，"Catherinesaid。
"Iwassosorryforhim-itseemedtomesomeoneoughttoseehim。"
"NoonebutI，"saidCatherine，whofeltasifsheweremakingthemostpresumptuousspeechofherlife，andyetatthesametimehadaninstinctthatshewasrightindoingso。
"Butyouwouldn"t，mydear，"AuntLaviniarejoined，"andIdidn"tknowwhatmighthavebecomeofhim。"
"Ihavenotseenhimbecausemyfatherhasforbiddenit，"
Catherinesaid，verysimply。
Therewasasimplicityinthis，indeed，whichfairlyvexedMrs。
Penniman。"Ifyourfatherforbadeyoutogotosleep，Isupposeyouwouldkeepawake！"shecommented。
Catherinelookedather。"Idon"tunderstandyou。Youseemtomeverystrange。"
"Well，mydear，youwillunderstandmesomeday！"AndMrs。
Penniman，whowasreadingtheeveningpaper，whichsheperuseddailyfromthefirstlinetothelast，resumedheroccupation。Shewrappedherselfinsilence；shewasdeterminedCatherineshouldaskherforanaccountofherinterviewwithMorris。ButCatherinewassilentforsolongthatshealmostlostpatience；andshewasonthepointofremarkingtoherthatshewasveryheartless，whenthegirlatlastspoke。
"Whatdidhesay？"sheasked。
"Hesaidheisreadytomarryyouanyday，inspiteofeverything。"
Catherinemadenoanswertothis，andMrs。Pennimanalmostlostpatienceagain；owingtowhichsheatlastvolunteeredtheinformationthatMorrislookedveryhandsome，butterriblyhaggard。
"Didheseemsad？"askedherniece。
"Hewasdarkundertheeyes，"saidMrs。Penniman。"SodifferentfromwhenIfirstsawhim；thoughIamnotsurethatifIhadseenhiminthisconditionthefirsttime，Ishouldnothavebeenevenmorestruckwithhim。Thereissomethingbrilliantinhisverymisery。"
Thiswas，toCatherine"ssense，avividpicture，andthoughshedisapproved，shefeltherselfgazingatit。"Wheredidyouseehim？"
sheasked，presently。
"In-intheBowery；ataconfectioner"s，"saidMrs。Penniman，whohadageneralideathatsheoughttodissemblealittle。
"Whereaboutsistheplace？"Catherineinquired，afteranotherpause。